Lou Musa & Craig Avery

*Archived content will be available following the scheduled date and time of the livestream.*

WSCC Performing Arts Living Room Series featuring
A West Michigan Musical Evening With Guitarist Lou Musa & Pianist Craig Avery 

About Lou Musa

Lou “Luigi” Musa was born and raised in Rockford I’ll. At the age of five he began playing the guitar and was taught by his father, an accomplished guitar and accordion player from Ferentino, Italy. Lou began taking formal lessons at age seven and studied classical guitar for over 11 years. By 17, he was teaching private lessons during the week while performing live in Chicago and other cities in the region on weekends. Lou has been credited on many albums and projects as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. He also has a wide range of musical styles, from country to jazz, blues to progressive rock, plus the ability to play other instrument’s such as, mandolin, banjo, and keyboards. He also writes, performs, and produces music for movies and commercials. Lou relocated to Grand Rapids, MI in 1997, and currently performs and tours as lead guitarist and backing vocalist for the band; “The Verve Pipe”. Outside of his busy touring schedule, he continues to teach guitar and bass part time, plus performs locally at clubs and churches.

About Craig Avery

Craig Avery was born in San Diego, California on September 16th, 1984. He took an interest in music at an early age, playing melodies on his toy xylophone and waking up early to watch music videos on MTV. He started taking piano lessons at the age of four and taught himself how to play the guitar and drums by the time he got to high school. Craig moved to Scottville, Michigan his freshman year and it was there that his love for music really took off. Accompanying the choir, playing piano in jazz band, and performing with the pit orchestra for musical theater productions. He went on to pursue his Associate’s Degree at West Shore Community College where he performed with the Collegiates Show Choir and WSCC Jazz Band. 

Craig continued his college education at Grand Valley State University and received a Bachelor’s of Arts in music. It was there he studied classical, jazz, and contemporary music, and performed with almost all of the ensembles available. He had the privilege to perform with the GVSU New Music Ensemble in New York City for the highly acclaimed “Bang on a Can Festival” in 2007, and recorded albums that were recognized on NPR and affiliated podcasts. 

Craig performs frequently with Grand Rapids based party band, Brena. They play on average 175 events a year ranging from beach side bars, weddings, formal galas, music festivals, sporting events, and summer concert series. Craig also accompanies the East Kentwood choir program, performs with the praise band at church, and can be heard on countless recordings of local musicians and bands.