Pzazz: An Afternoon of Poetry & Jazz

“Pzazz” Brings the Magic to Old Town

  “Pzazz, an afternoon of poetry & jazz” will once again prove itself irresistible to all who gather at UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St. in Old Town Lansing, on Sunday, October 11, 4-6pm. The event promises a rich mix of high-voltage word art from two of Michigan's finest poets—Robert Fanning and Will Langford—and superb jazz artistry from Benjamin Hall, lead vocalist & harmonicist for The Further Adventures of Fatboy and Jive Turkey and Jim Alfredson, known for his soulful virtuosity on the Hammond organ.  

 Jim Alfredson is an internationally recognized American organist, keyboardist, and composer. Based in Michigan, Jim’s musicianship blends deep tradition with forward-thinking innovation, crafting a formidable reputation as both a bandleader and an elite collaborator. As a frontman and solo artist, Jim is best known as the driving force behind the critically acclaimed jazz trio organissimo, whose forward-thinking take on the organ trio tradition has garnered widespread praise from critics and fans alike.

 Robert Fanning is the author of five full-length poetry collections: All We Are Given We Cannot Hold, Severance, Our Sudden Museum, American Prophet and The Seed Thieves, and four chapbooks: The Good Sea, Prince of the Air, Sheet Music and Old Bright Wheel. He is a Professor of English at Central Michigan University, where he is an awardee of the CMU Faculty Distinguished Service Award, as well as a two-time winner of the CMU Excellence in Teaching Award. He is also the founder, facilitator and host of the Wellspring Literary Series, a vibrant community event featuring Michigan poets in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

 Benjamin Hall has lived in Lansing, Michigan, for most of his life. His interest in music was sparked during his time at Everett High School, where he developed a deep appreciation for jazz. Although he is a musical jack-of-all-trades, moving effortlessly from funk and heavy metal to blues and opera, he feels especially at home in jazz. More than two decades ago, Benjamin began playing with his current band, The Further Adventures of Fatboy and JiveTurkey. He continues to perform with the group throughout Michigan.

 Will Langford (PhD) is a poet, educator, and visual artist who hails from the Motor City. His book of poetry and art, Detroit: Workers, Teachers, Lovers—focused on the themes of resilience and unity—is the Winner of the 2025 College for Creative Studies Creative Publishing Award. As a performance artist, Langford’s poetry has garnered Motown Mic Spoken Word Artist of the Year and “Best of Show” in the American Advertising Awards. He is the author of the “Spartans Will” Poetry Series, and an MSU alum.

 Lois Mummaw, the past president and a founding member of the Jazz Alliance of Mid- Michigan, will host the event, along with Ruelaine Stokes, Lansing Poet Laureate Emerita.

 Pzazz is underwritten by Gregg Hill and Cold Plunge Records, with support from Terry Terry and UrbanBeat.

 For more information, contact: Lois Mummaw, 517-242-1126, or [email protected]

or Ruelaine Stokes, 517-881-7562, or [email protected]          

Tickets: $10 General Admission. $5 Students
Doors open at 3. Show starts at 4. 

Dinner and drink menus are available.