He has a radio program on WXOU out of Oakland University
Wild At Heart
Hope everyone had as good a weekend as I did. This weekend overflowed with wonderful music all over the city of Detroit. In particular, I was very impressed by the line-up of this year’s Concert Of Colors which remains the premiere attraction of diverse musical genres, esp since the Detroit Festival Of Arts has disappeared along with Tastefest (or whatever it is called). Two years ago, the DFOA seemed to be going strong but was downgraded to smaller shows throughout the summer (much like what the happened to Tastefest this year) and now has disappeared. However, that hasn’t prevented the Concert Of Colors staff from slacking off. This year’s line-up at first glance didn’t seem overly special but an opening night with the DSO and Mexican folk artists Tlen-Huicani combined with a few look at the “Through African Eyes” exhibit and a screening of the Spanish version of “Dracula” really set the tone. Over the next 2 nights at the Max M Fisher, the Don Was Super Sessions brought together some wonderful acts including 92 year old Alberta Adams, Fortune records star Andre Williams, funk brothers guitarist Dennis Coffey and the underused Motown artist Kim Weston along with newer acts like the Electric Lion Sound Wave Experiment, Outrageous Cherry, Ingray and the lovely new voice of Mayaeni. The only thing wrong with this is that most of these acts leave you wanting more than time allows. This was a very impressive set of Detroit talent. I also don’t want to forget Native American folk artist Bill Miller, inspirational steel guitarist Calvin Cooke, the stellar sounding Mavis Staples (who perhaps has one of the richest singing voices I have ever heard live) and my band of the week, the Asian influenced October Babies led by the bubbly vocal talents of Japanese singer Toko and bassist Erik Santos.
The main thing one notices about this band is their refusal to stand still when singing/playing. Toko spent most of the show flying around the stage like a woman possessed even dancing around the dance floor during the last song. The songs are upbeat and infectious and I might dare say they are my new favorite band in the Detroit area. What do you think?
Not sure if this is news or just depressing but 16-year-old pop star Justin Bieber’s “Baby” video passed Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” video to take the all-time lead with over 246 million views. Bieber was found on YouTube so he is probably going crazy and having massive soda pop parties to celebrate this but can I just show my disappointment in the talents of both artists esp when there are so many more deserving artists (and better videos) that don’t get this same opportunity.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet has been one of my favorite film directors for awhile, esp after the bizarre black comedy “Delecatessen” and the lighthearted romance “Amelie” so when I heard he had a new film out, I was very excited and wondering what visual treats he will bring to the table. The new film is called “Micmacs à tire-larigot ('Non-stop shenanigans')”. The film starts with a young Bazil who was orphaned as a youngster when his soldier father was killed by a land mine. 30 years later, he is working in a video store when he is hit by a stray bullet in a freak drive-by shooting incident. He leaves the hospital to find out he is jobless and penniless when he runs into an ex-con by the name of Slammer. He introduces Bazil to a group misfits (like only Jeunet and either Burton or Gilliam can) who live in a scrap dump and fix up other people’s discarded trash. On a scrap run, Bazil runs across the offices of the manufacturers who build the mine that killed his father and the bullet which is lodged in his in the head. With the help of this ragtag bunch, he plots a scheme of revenge on the two owners. The film is very visually stunning and the characters are very unique, including Calculator (a mousy math expert and statistician), Buster (a record-holder in human cannonball feats), Tiny Pete (an artistic craftsman of automatons) and Elastic Girl, a sassy contortionist who can fit her body into suitcases and other items. Jeunet’s films tend to have more substance thatn “Micmacs” but the film is so visually entertaining, it makes you overlook those lapses when they happen. If movies like “Big Fish” or “Brazil” appeal to your palette, you really need to expose yourself to the worlds of Jeunet and this is not a bad place to start. One of the most fun films of the summer. My grade is a B+.
Every once in a while, I hear about the death of someone who I found fascinating in life that not many other people seem to recognize and last week saw the passing of comic artist Harvey Pekar who is best known for his autobiographical work on the comic series “American Splendor” which was made into a wonderful film starring Paul Giamatti. I remember him from the 80’s when he used to be a guest on David Letterman until his confrontational style and overt on-air criticism of General Electric (which owned NBC) led to the show banning him as a guest until the early 1990s. He was also a noted music critic who shared a love of jazz with artist Robert Crumb. He was a worthy talent who did things his way even if he caused himself as much grief as happiness. I highly recommend looking up his comic work as well as the movie. Also, quickly, RIP to reggae singer Sugar Minott, gospel singer Walter Hawkins and Big Star musician Andy Hummel.
Rapping up, here is a listing of shows not to be missed this week:
Tuesday (7/20) - The Paul Green School of Rock "Allstars" @ Ritz Carlton State Theater, G Love and the Special Sauce opens for Jack Johnson @ Pine Knob, Meatloaf @ WFCU Center (Windsor), We Are Scientists @ Blind Pig
Wednesday (7/21) – Lilith Fair hits Detroit (with Suzanne Vega, Kate Nash and the wonderful Lights) @ Pine Knob
Thursday (7/22) – Meatloaf comes across the border @ Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, Huey Lewis and the News @ Pine Knob, Langhorne Slim and Ha Ha Tonka @ Magic Stick, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers @ Palace Of Auburn Hills
Friday (7/23) – Heartless Bastards @ Magic Stick, Ringo Starr and His All-star Band @ Caesar’s Windsor, Candlebox w/ Critical Bill @ St Clair’s Riverfest, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies @ Campus Martius Park
Saturday (7/24) – Avett Brothers w/ OneEskimo @ the Fillmore, Suicide Machines @ St Andrews Hall
Sunday (7/25) – Pink Floyd’s Laser Experience @ Pine Knob
Have a great week and I’ll probably be back sometime during the midweek.