Why I Report for ELi

As per usual, I always have issues coming up with a great lede. This time is no exception as I ponder the many wonderful reasons why I write for ELI.

Well, here goes nothing: I write for ELI because I care about the community and the city I live in.

How’s that? Need further explanation?

You see, my relationship with ELi goes back to its early days, when I was a young punk-hippie looking to party and see as much music live as possible. Having grown up and lived in DeWitt, music nerds such as myself saw East Lansing and MSU as a mythical utopia and land of opportunity where plenty of basement concerts and parties were taking place.

As I got older, my days and nights were spent at (long gone) cafes, such as Caffe Latte, or bars like the Small Planet and Bilbo’s. I saw a very young Weezer at the Planet, and I remember seeing Ohio-based jam band Ekoostik Hookah in the alley behind the Peanut Barrel, another haunt I still frequent today.

While the parties are different – and so is the music – there’s still a vibe. It’s a different vibe, and it’s been mostly silent these past couple years due to the pandemic, but it’s still there.

The music, different cultures, arts and entertainment, will always be a part of East Lansing. Whether it’s at the Orchard Street Pump House, or at the Ten Pound Fiddle, or even at The Landshark- live music is slowly making a comeback.

The magic is still capable of happening, and it often does. There are plenty of artists and bands who swing through East Lansing who deserve praise, and ELi gives them a voice. ELi allows me to use my voice, and to help amplify (see what I did there?) their voices.

This is why I write for ELi.

Music aside, I care about my community and my neighbors. I care about East Lansing’s future because I know someday, East Lansing will one day be a magical place for my toddler son.

Please consider donating to ELi today.