'I've achieved longevity': Marshall Crenshaw looks forward to Brighton show

BRIGHTON — Marshall Crenshaw is returning to his home state of Michigan, and he’s bringing his classic rock 'n' roll hits with him.

Crenshaw will perform in Brighton on Thursday, March 21, at Mount Brighton's Ski Hill Grill, 4141 Bauer Road. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 online and $45 at the door. They can be purchased via eventbrite.com.

Crenshaw will also perform March 22 in St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, in Grand Rapids. The shows are being organized by 2 Stones Events, with information available at 2stonesevents.com.

The gigs are part of Crenshaw’s “40+ Years in Showbiz Tour." Crenshaw was born in Detroit and grew up in Berkley. He fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll at a young age. His parents bought him a piano for his ninth birthday.

Crenshaw said, while his parents supported his love for music, they didn’t understand the concept of making music for a career. But he didn't want to do anything else.

“They got the message eventually,” Crenshaw told The Daily, with a laugh. “That was the only thing I was interested in doing. Getting (my parents’) support was really crucial for me.”

Crenshaw’s success hit in New York City. He released his self-titled debut album in 1982, which included hit singles like “Someday, Someway,” “Cynical Girl” and “There She Goes Again.” “Someday, Someway,” peaked at No. 36 on the Top 40 Chart.

“Our gigs were jammed to the wall every place we played. ... That whole period was like a dream,” Crenshaw said. “It was just fantastic. I enjoy thinking back to those days.”

Crenshaw has also experimented with acting. He played John Lennon in the musical “Beatlemania" and portrayed Buddy Holly in the 1987 film “La Bamba.”

“I’m grateful for the life that I’ve had,” he said.

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In his newest tour, Crenshaw is joined by a backing band with Mark Ortmann of The Bottle Rockets on drums, Fernando Perdomo on guitar and Derrick Anderson on bass.

“The band is really great,” Crenshaw said. “We just get in the room and put some good energy in there and make some beautiful sounds.”

Crenshaw said the show will mark his first visit to Brighton. He said attendees can expect a good balance of classic hits and more recent tunes.

“It really makes me happy that I’m still walking the Earth and the stuff I did back in the beginning has achieved longevity — that means I’ve achieved longevity," he said. "I’ve always been on a forward-going path, though. I don’t accept the idea of being defined by any one record I've done.”

Crenshaw recently issued anniversary editions of his self-titled debut album and his 1983 record “Field Day.” He's also served as a guest vocalist for The Smithereens. Learn more at marshallcrenshaw.com.

— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: 'I've achieved longevity': Marshall Crenshaw looks forward to Brighton show