Mike Luusua and the Amazing Invisible Orchestra to perform at Scottville band shell tonight.

By Kate Krieger. Senior Correspondent.

SCOTTVILLE – This week’s Tuesday night Scottville Clown Band Shell Concert Series will feature Mike Luusua and the Amazing Invisible Orchestra. Formerly from Ludington, now Bay City, Mike has been playing music across the country and is excited for this special performance at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 9. I met up with Mike to discuss his musical journey thus far and where he hopes to go in the future.

MCP: Who is in the band? How did the band get its start and where did the name come from?
MIKE: “Well, the only one you can see is me. All the other instruments are part of The Amazing Invisible Orchestra, which are all tracks that I have recorded in my studio over the years. I began using MIDI, the language that allows me to input all the notes via keyboard and computer, way back in the mid 80s. Technology has advanced so that the voicings of all the instruments are actual recordings, or samples of the real things. You can’t see them…so, that’s where the name came from!”

MCP: What style of music do you consider yourself? Any musical influences that are present in your music? And do you write your own music?
MIKE: “It’s impossible to categorize my genre of music. You’ll hear everything from jazz and swing, to classic rock, country, comedy, beach grooves, and classical orchestral arrangements. Something for everyone. Personal influences would be Keith Emerson, Elton John, Billy Joel and 70s Progressive Rock. I have written a few million-sellers that have yet to be published!”

MCP: How often do you play out and where can people check you out at besides this Tuesday’s show at the Scottville Clown Band Shell?
KATE: “During the summer, I am constantly busy providing sound and lighting for festivals and concerts, so the opportunity to actually perform is very limited. That’s why I’m so grateful for the Tuesday night concert series! I will be performing with some dear friends, The All Star Jam Band, at Ludrock later this month, and also in October at Shagway Arts Barn.”

MCP: How did the Scottville gig come to you and what should people look forward to when they come out to hear you play?

KATE: “I have had the opportunity over the last 30 years, to play the shell several times. My good friends and collaborators, Jeremy Verstrate and Jeff Claveau of IOS Entertainment asked me to perform last season, and this year as well.
What is in store for the audience? Wow, there is no script! A lot of fun music, some really corny jokes, and a whole bunch of talented invisible musicians!”

MCP: In your spare time, when not playing music, what are you doing?
KATE: “Sailing. Gardening. Recovering from Sailing and Gardening.”

MCP: Where can people find you online and what is your contact info for bookings?
KATE: “My schedule can be found at https://www.reverbnation.com/amazinginvisibleorchestra , and you can also hear some of my stuff there. Or find me (us) on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AmazingInvisibleOrchestra”

*Writer’s note: Concerts will be held at the South Main Tavern in downtown Scottville if raining.