He has a radio program on WXOU out of Oakland University
Wild At Heart
It is a bit early but then again it's Labor Day and I might not be able to get to a computer on Monday so while I am down here at the casino, I thought I would get a head start and give a preview of events to take up your time this Monday which looks to be nice. Before that, in case you are curious, a bejeweled white glove Michael Jackson tossed to an Australian fan more than a decade ago sold at auction Sunday for $48,400 to one Warwick Stone, a buyer for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Just remember, you can wear the glove but no touching;)
There are four events this Monday worthy of being noted so here is a run down of them and three reasons why you should go to each. Let's start with the Jazzfest. I have been down here all three days so far and have experienced some wonderful jazz music from the likes of Hank Jones (still going strong at 91 and he was the piano player when Marilyn Monroe sang "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy), Chick Corea (doing a Return To Forever tribute with Stanley Clark and Lenny White), Brian Augur's Oblivion Express (Brian has played or toured with Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Rod Stewart), Irma Thomas (the Soul Queen of New Orleans who wrote "Break-a-Way" which was covered by Tracey Ullman and "Time Is on My Side" as you might recognize by the Rolling Stones) and Booker T (of the MG's). The three reasons to go to Jassfest are 1) Jazz on the river on a nice sunny day is an incredible experience esp at night when the lights of Windsor make the water sparkle, 2) drummer and bandleader T.S. Monk pays tribute to his legendary father Thelonious who had a unique improvisational style and is often regarded as a founder of bebop & 3) the beautiful voice of Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, a Grammy Award-nominated American gospel recording artist who started singing at the age of 6 right here in Detroit. (her mom is also playing afterwards with the Clark Sisters).
The second event is Arts, Beats And Eats in downtown Pontiac. I haven't been down there this year but it has nothing to do with the $2 cover this year but with the fact that I have seen 95% of the headliners (most in the past 2 years and Joan Jett 3 times) and for me the festivals is about discovering new music. The three reasons to go to Arts, Beats and Eats this year include 1) the festival usually gets a high quality of art exhibitors every year so get ahead on your Christmas shopping, 2) that $2 cover goes to helping out various charities which have been hit hard by the current economy & 3) great local talent on the smaller stages including Free Dirt Band, Reefermen, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Jesse Palter and don't forget Beatlemania Live.
Third is the Michigan State Fair which has been seeing in my general observation a lower attendance rate than previous years. Talking around, the Fair might survive past this year but might transfer to Lansing which would be a shame for Detroiters but may be good overall since it can draw from other parts of the state with better drive times for the West Coasters. I have been to the fair four times so far checking out the shows and just taking it in. Last Wednesday, I ran into Aretha Franklin at the fair playing one of the basketball shooting games surrounded by 2 security guards and three carts of family. She did miss all her shots so don't expect her on the Detroit Shock anytime soon. There is also discounted parking today Three reasons to attend the fair on what might be it's last day in Detroit include 1) a lovely outdoor activities area where the kids (and adults) can fish, shoot bb guns and do practice shooting with a bow in a nice setting amid the flowers and afterwards you can get you picture taken with a kangaroo, lion cub or fenric fox, 2) for the kids there is Mr. Fish who happens to be a long-time circus performer who puts on daily demonstrations of the Super Scientific Circus who shows basic scientific principles in a fun way including putting a needle through a balloon and how to make your own boomerangs and 3) Billy Squier who is known for his rock hits "Everybody Wants You" and "the Stroke".
Lastly is the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival (also known as the Polish Festival) which I have also never been to but might try and peek my head in tomorrow for a bit. Famous Hamtramck residents include Mitch Ryder of The Detroit Wheels and actor Tom Tyler who is known for his portrayal of superhero Captain Marvel in the acclaimed 1941 movie serial "The Adventures of Captain Marvel". Reasons to go to the festival include 1) wonderful ethnic food featuring the tastes of Poland, Bangladesh, Bosnia and the Middle East, 2) Polka Floyd playing the hits of Pink Floyd in a polka style and 3) Hamtramck’s Polish Day Parade at 1:30PM.
Excitement on the court as the Detroit Shock clinch a spot in the playoffs which begin Wednesday, September 16 with game dates and times still to be determined. We had a struggle this year so get out and support the women. They have won 7 of the last eight games to get in this position and you still have one regular home game to get out to on Thursday, Sept 10 as they face the New York Liberty.
Those looking for celebrities should head over to the Bonaventure Skating Cente in Farmington Hills, MI as Drew Barrymore will be in town to promote her directoral debut "Whip It" about the exciting world of roller derby. The film stars Drew as well as Juliette Lewis, Marcia Gay Harden and the local roller derby girls (who will also be on site). The free skating event is open to the public between 3pm-6pm. Doors open at 3:00p.m.(close at 3:30 p.m.) and the first 955 in line get in! People are encouraged to bring their own skates, or they can rent them for a small fee but make sure to get their early so you don't miss out.
Tickets have gone on sale for a special tribute to Michael Jackson on October 4th at the Detroit Opera House. The event stars Tito jackson and others and will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jackson 5 and the 50th Anniversary of Motown. If you have been caught up in the hype, get tickets early before they sell out.
Fans of both Rock Band and the Beatles should be excited as this Tues, Sept 8th sees the relase of "The Beatles: Rock Band" hits stores. The Blockbuster in Royal Oak (corner of Woodward & Catalpa) will have the game avaialable for play prior to it going on sale as well as live entertainment by the Beatles cover band, The BackBeats, who will perform three different eras of The Beatles music dressed in period costumes. At the event, you will also get the chance of winning free software and other memorbilia and you can play The Beatles Trivial Pursuit game. The list of songs, coming in at 45, for the game is pretty impressive including such songs as "And Your Bird Can Sing", "Boys", "Dear Prudence", "Hey Bulldog", "Octopus's Garden", "Paperback Writer" and other well known and lesser known but cool songs. Paul and Ringo helped put this together and the track list is awesome. I still can't play these games to save my life but the soundtrack is cool.
Also, I mentioned the new Tyler Perry movie last week and your chance to enter a singing contest. Well for those that prefer to just listen, you can do so as Lionsgate is presenting the I Can Do Bad All by Myself Lunchtime Gospel Concert Series in Detroit. The film illustrates how music has the power to draw communities together, and this event is aiming to bring the people of Detroit together with a performance by the Perfecting Church Choir from noon to 1PM on Wednesday, September 9th at the Renaissance Center in the Wintergarden. You are encouraged to bring your lunch and admission is free. If the weather stays nice (and it looks as though it will), you can just see the concert and then take a walk along the river.
For those who like to get a head start on things, the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival is starting to accept submissions as of Sept 1st do get you film in early. You have until April 9th, 2010.
Race fans might also want to know that the Michigan International Speedway has extended its fan appreciation program by lowering ticket prices in every grandstand seat for 2010 during the renewal and deposit period. Act now and get good savings. I feel like such a capitalist! If I'm still around next year, I'll have to look into going to a race out there.
That seems to sum everything up though I will try and do a proper concert calendar and movie reviews on Tuesday. Speaking of Tuesday (09/08), try Apoptygma Berzerk at the Crofoot. Enjoy your Monday.
