MUSIC MASS

E 4

Matter of Time from page 37

c 4.4

YOTSUBA

(.%

Producer/musician/songwriter Mike Posner makes all his music via

instruments interacting with complicated music software.

— has always had a strong commit-
ment to the Jewish community. The
musician's grandfather, Dr. Irving
Posner, a prominent pediatrician in
Metro Detroit, was president of Fresh
Air Society and a camp physician at
Tamarack Camps for many years.
Posner's family has been involved
in the Workmen's Circle Arbeter Ring,
a Secular Humanistic congregation in
Oak Park. His Jewish roots instilled in
him a sense of obligation to both com-
munity and education.
"I grew up in a family with a strong
commitment to the community and
bringing people together;' says Posner.
"This is precisely what I intend to
achieve with my music and my shows:
to form a community of people from
different backgrounds who can find
enjoyment together in my music; I
enjoy being that facilitator."
Jon Posner believes his son's ability
to interact with a wide range of people
is an important skill. "I encouraged
my children to be friends with people
of many different backgrounds; hav-
ing respect for everyone is an impor-
tant value he says.
While attending Birmingham Public
Schools, Mike Posner never confined
himself to one social group; he always
had a diverse group of friends. His
accepting disposition has helped him
navigate the music industry, where he
easily converses with a wide variety of
people. A spirit of diversity is further
reflected in his music, as he strives to
create a sound that can reach across
many genres, ages and backgrounds.
"It would be unnatural for my music
not to cross boundaries:' he says, cred-
iting his childhood in southeastern
Michigan. "I wouldn't trade where
I grew up for anything. We were so

lucky to go to the schools we went to
because we were exposed to every-
thing. Though growing up in Michigan
was incredibly privileged, I think I still
got a firm grasp on reality. To be able
to be friends with kids across a wide
spectrum was priceless for me."
Posner's family's values aided his
decision when, during his junior year
in college, he found himself at a cross-
roads.
After signing with J Records, Posner
had to make a decision whether to
complete his senior year for his under-
graduate degree or focus entirely on
his exploding music career.
Some in the music industry advised
him to drop out of school. But Posner
remained firmly committed to com-
pleting his education, a value his fam-
ily strongly believes in.
"I know that my education is a
privilege Posner says.
Though he was on tour every
weekend of his senior year, he still
completed his degree in December,
a semester early (and just took time
out from touring to attend graduation
ceremonies this May). Posner felt that
to abandon his education would be
"a slap in the face to people who don't
have the opportunity to attend a school
like Duke:"
With classes and homework behind
him, Posner has had more time to tour
college campuses and clubs across the
country.

iir •

Monday-Thursday

Matter of Time on page 40

WEST
BLOOMFIELD
7365 Orchard Lake Rd

03n% OFF

/La U TOTAL FOOD BILL

(Northwestern Sc Orchard Like Rd.)

With this coupon. Not valid with any other offer
or discount. Expires 7/15/10,

(248) 737-8282
www.yotsuba-restaurant.com

"Grape Leaves have brought
much neighborhood
satisfaction"
-Danny Raskin

Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner

GRAPEILEAVES

MIDDLE-EASTERN CUISINE & RAW JUICES

Exquisite Lebanese Cuisine •Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner
Cony Out • Catering

r

NM

I Buy one lunch or dinner and get
I the second lunch or dinner liSt off

I
I

Not good with any other offers or specials
Cannot be combined with any other coupons
Of equal or lesser value

I

expires 7/15/10

Southfield

Oak Park

Troy

248-359-0000

248-968-0008

29181 Northwestern Hwy.

24700 Gteentield Rd S.E.
corner of 10 mile rd.

248-816-2000

2850 West Maple

at 72 Mile

In

Franklin Flow

www,gropeleavesrestourant.com

NOW
ACCEPTING

VISA

A Family Diner

Serving Brealcfrist, Lunch & Dinner

Getting Discovered
The students at the concert in Indiana
claim that this particular Friday night
is the coldest of winter so far, but by
8 p.m. the line of about 750 people is

Japanese Restaurant & Bar

(248) 682-3400

4170 Orchard Lake Rd.
(near Pontiac Trail)
Orchard Lake, MI 48323
Sun. - Thurs.-6:30am - lOpm
.. 6:30arn .- lam
Fri. & Sat

MasterCard

DISCI V

NETWORK

1589960

June 3 • 2010

39

