Photo Coverage: 'Other Folks Songs' Michael Lanning

By: Aug. 30, 2010
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On Sunday, August 29, Michael Lanning performed his "Other Folks Songs" concert with Jeremy Schonfeld, Jessica Grove and Dan Cooney in New York City.  BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the concert and brings you photo coverage below. 

Michael was one of the stars of the original Broadway cast of Frank Wildhorn's "The Civil War". He began performing in theater at the age of 9. With an extensive background and education in music and theater, Michael has been a featured performer in many theater companies, including Civic Light Opera in So. California, The Pasadena Playhouse, The La Jolla Playhouse, the legendary Junior University in the Inland Empire under one of his most beloved mentors, composer, arranger and pianist, William R. Dixon. From the time Michael was 9 to 17, he cut his theatrical teeth working with the likes of Darren McGavin, Milo O' Shea, Ruta Lee, Billy Barty, renowned Stage directors Laurence Kasha, Jack Bunch, Michael Dixon, and lead understudies for the hit Broadway musicals, The Sound Of Music and The Music Man.

Michael has recorded and/or toured with many greats, including Fleetwood Mac, Donovan, Rockpile, Frank Wildhorn, Mike Post, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Larry Gatlin of Gatlin Bros. fame and George Harrison. His band, Jiva, was the first American act to be signed by the Harrison label, Dark Horse Records, where Harrison served as their executive producer. Jiva was also signed with Polydor records and released their second major label debut within 3 years, "Still Life".

A songwriter and a music publisher, "Lanningsongs" have been recorded by producer/roots rock/guitar legend Dave Edmunds, The Stray Cats, French recording star Sylvie Vartan and many others.

Michael's distinctive yet versatile style has made him a top session vocalist for national television and radio commercials for over a decade. Commercial jingles include the national spots "Heartbeat Of America, Chevy truck"," Snickers, There's A Hunger Inside You", "We Build Excitement, Pontiac", "Honda, Come Ride", just to name a few.

As an actor and singer his credits include Steven Bochco's "Coprock", "ER", "Thunder in Paradise", and "Baywatch" and many independent films, some we just won't mention here.

For 6 years, from 2000 to 2005, Michael was a premier featured vocalist for The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, singing "Christmas Dreams" on the 2004 release of the third album in the Christmas trilogy, "The Lost Christmas Eve".

Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter Keddy



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