John Latini

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I saw Latini perform about five times before I was able to write about him — I was having way too much fun. But my favorite performance, I think, was at TC's Speakeasy in Ypsilanti, where he played as part of the Embassy Hotel Records music collective. The whole night went like this: Band A played. Everyone danced, partied, laughed, and sang. As band B was introduced, people jumped onto and off the stage, as audience member became guitarist and drummer switched to keyboards. Those folks swapped places more than square dancers.

Music success on this scale is about connectivity, community — knowing you belong. And Latini does: when he performs, the place fills quickly with friends, family, fans, and sleek, well-groomed music industry types who needle the band with cool taunts like "Too many notes!"

Latini does a mournful steel guitar, but he also plays electric and acoustic with knees bent and hips a-wagging. His music is full — symphonic, even. It moves easily from old-school street-corner doo-wop to calypso-tinged blues to sweet waltzes with rich background harmonies.