“Whatever else is unsure in this stinking dunghill of a world, a mother’s love is not,” wrote Irish Modernist James Joyce, and The New Vic’s Spring Cabaret is a wonderful reminder of his sentiment in casual song and witty banter straight from four multitalented mothers themselves.

It had been five years since this world renowned group of jazz masters had gone on tour together before playing to a full house last Saturday night in Kalamazoo.

Anyone who loves dance knows there’s a special alchemy that transforms dancers’ expressivity when they perform with live music. There’s a heightened musicality, yes, but also potential for greater aliveness and responsiveness.

When you get older, it’s hard to remember what it was like to be a teen. Meanwhile, teenagers can’t even imagine what it’s like to be a full-grown adult. Sometimes you just have to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.