2/19/11
PHOTOS: Enrique Iglesias @ Caesars Windsor 2/16/2011
Second generation heart throb Enrique Iglesias, currently on his Euphoria Tour, played to 5000 (mostly female) fans at Ceasars Windsor this past week. MCB photographer Gene Schilling was there. Check out other upcoming gigs at Caesars, including recently announced co-headlining show with Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae, here.
2/18/11
Laurie Anderson Lecture at DFT: Had I paid for tickets, I woulda been pissed!
The FRIENDS OF MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ART, a part of the Detroit Institute of Arts, has been sponsoring a series of lectures with the theme of SPACE in relationship to art. On Wednesday, February 16th, they hosted Laurie Anderson at the DIA Film Theater, famed singer/multi-media artist, and had her speak on her time as NASA's first ever (and only, might I add) 'Artist-in-Residence'.
From 2002 to 2004, Laurie Anderson participated in NASA’s first artist-in-residence program, which allowed her access to space telescopes, the Johnson Space Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Seeing nebulae, Anderson was literally, “Watching stars being born in outer space.” Scale and time, as observed from NASA’s technological perspective, became paramount to her experience of the universe’s vastness. At the DIA Anderson reconsiders her NASA residency in lecture format.
Well shit, this sounds cool! I've always been familiar with her music and artwork, knew of her marriage to Lou Reed, her cool-hippie-chick factor, and general weirdness in relationship to all things 'ART', so I figured I would go hear this lecture to get a better idea of who she is, what makes her tic, and see if the hype is legit, all in an intimate setting.
What did I learn? Well, Laurie Anderson draws in quite the eclectic crowd, a majority of which are older women who have really, REALLY short haircuts. Sitting directly next to these ladies are other ladies who felt deeply compelled to discuss, RATHER LOUDLY, their latest coup in nailing down a ridiculously large grant for the Tyree Guyton Heidelburg site and that "...I shouldn't really be saying this, but he has this AMAZING installation project set up for the abandoned Brewster Projects buildings...think Cristo meets Guyton...hahaha...". A rather strange woman, with long brown ratty hair, stood rocking back and forth in front of the stage, seeming to be in her own world, sketching in a very small sketchbook. From what I could see, for the 15 minutes she did not move, it looked as if she was coloring in a black rectangle in the middle of the page. It was like clown porn...I was transfixed and couldnt stop watching. Then, as if awoken from a trance, she turned around and walked back up the aisle. When I caught a glimpse of her face thru the hair, "HOLY CRAP! YOU'RE A DUDE!" I screamed I my head! I literally jumped in my seat. My point being in all this...it was quite the eclectic crowd.
The lecture itself was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! I still can't believe what I heard. For all the time she spent at NASA, for all the things she was given access to, and for the $20,000.00 that she was given to be the first ever NASA Artist-in-Residence, Laurie Anderson created... wait for it... wait for it... almost there... here... we... go... a poem. A poem. No paintings. No photographs. No multi-media installations based on Hubble telescope images. Nothing. She created words. And to top it off...this is the best part... she didn't even read it to us. Nothing. Really? Where's the hidden camera's, cuz this has to be some sick and twisted joke. Are you kidding me? WTF? And then, to add insult to injury, the lecture continued. About what, you ask? Gardens. Yep, soak it in ladies and gents. Gardens. She regailed us in abstract terminology and descriptions with hand-drawn images in slide show format of her Garden installation in Japan, or was it China... I don't recall, the detail is so minute and unimportant in relationship to the rest of the debacle of a lecture that I really dont feel bad for not recalling that part. Then, to top it all off, because she was under time constraints from the DIA, she had to wrap everything up in a nice little bow, and offered a Q and A session with the captivated (minus one) audience. That's it, I'm done. I'm officially zoned out and completely uninterested. But, because I was brilliant, I chose to sit in the middle of the row and didn't want to be a DB and walk out. So, I sat there listening to the brave few who felt the need to give oral pleasure at the mic to Laurie prior to their question, to which her responses were random wanderings and ramblings, just barely resembling an answer to the original question.
A waste of a warm Detroit evening, in a beautiful theater, brought upon by the brilliantly false advertising of the FMCA. Luckily, there was no charge for the lecture, just a need to register at their website. Had i paid for tickets, i wuld have been pissed! I should have just gone shooting in the streets of Detroit and got something actually accomplished.
-LAWRENCEcreative
Dr Sketchy Motor City Division: Leland Hotel - Sat 2/19 5pm
Hello Art Monkeys!
Its that time again to Get out your sketch books!
The next session will be held at the historical Leland hotel; the conference room is located upstairs to the left of the the main concierge. Sketching is still $5 and there is a parking lot as well as street parking.
About the Model:
Annie Thinge - raised on a steady diet of pop culture via tabloids and behind the music specials, her fashion sense honed to a keen edge by Galliano, Gaultier, Westwood, McQueen, and Devine, and her dreams influenced by icons such as Dolly Parton, Lady Bunny, Tina Turner, Joan Crawford, David Bowie, Nina Hagen, Winter Steele, and Grace Jones.
She got her start in the barking business in 2005 after a leg injury kept her from competing in Ann Arbor’s Annual Burly Girly Mud Wrestling Competition. Forced to stay on the side lines, she volunteered to announce instead, and found her real calling on the other side of the bullhorn.
She is thrilled to be Mistress of Ceremonies (with her charming co-host Leonard G. String, of course) and Stage Director for the lovely ladies and gentlemen of The Tickled Fancy.
If you are very lucky, or never miss a show, you might even catch her doing an act of her own!
Dr Sketchy MCD
If you are very lucky, or never miss a show, you might even catch her doing an act of her own!
Dr Sketchy MCD
Saturday 2/19
5pm-9pm
BLACK HOLE: Book Discussion at HATCH - Fri 2/18
**Graphic Novel Discussion Group**
Friday, February 18 from 7-9pm
Leopold's Books
Friday, February 18 from 7-9pm
Leopold's Books
15 E. Kirby Street (Park Shelton) Suite 114,
Detroit, MI 48202
February's selection is "Black Hole" by Charles Burns.
Detroit, MI 48202
February's selection is "Black Hole" by Charles Burns.
Read the book and come ready to discuss!
ALSO FROM HATCH**Diverse(SOUP)city
Sunday, February 20 from 6-9pm
Maria's Comida, 11411 Jos. Campau, Hamtramck**
Diverse(SOUP)city is a monthly dinner group that listens to various
community proposals presented at each event and votes on which
proposal to award the money raised by that night's $7 entrance fee.
Diverse(soup)city is modeled after a similar venture called Detroit
Soup. All proposals benefit the City of Hamtramck. Hatch will be
presenting, so come show your support and enjoy a good meal!
HAFLIFE - Stonehouse Bar Detroit - Saturday 2/19
Looking for a little fun on a balmy winter weekend?
Head on down to The Stonehouse Bar for an up close and personal
show from MCB favs HAFLIFE
Will have a couple of birthdays happening so bring your party favors
and couple of bucks for the coldest brews in town
HAFLIFE LIVE!Saturday Feb 19th 2011
Stonehouse Bar and Grill
19803 Ralston St
Dietroit MI
Stonehouse Bar and Grill
19803 Ralston St
Dietroit MI
(just south of old fairgrounds)
GHOST LAND | DETROIT opening Saturday @ Art Room
ghost land detroit
Snapshots of Detroit are a trendy fascination at the moment. Actually any photographs are fascinating, for a while at least. But images from a ruined city fascinate because in their graphic directness they strike a primordial chord that seems held on sustain throughout the current news cycle. Like pictures of car accidents, they are effective communication. They hook. With the advent of digital cameras and scanners, gritty images of struggling Detroit artists are now seen as a new form of urban porn. And by a lot of people.
No surprises, you would think with the Internet.
This new series by Jef Bourgeau peels away at these layered stereotypes to the extent that, well, the images are just brighter and more poetic. They are pushed and tinkered toward art, but not at all dragging their feet. One is still looking at hard core snapshots of a forgotten city, but perhaps this time in their proper context: without the usual hype and with the lights turned on.
And yes, this work has been thrown back into the very public display that these times seem to crave for such invasive acts. Maybe there is little difference between an artist showing images of city life in a staged death throe and the actual thing. We seem to be living in an age of exhibitionism, driven by a compulsion to be "bad" and to display all that makes us peculiarly so to an unsuspecting, but insatiable, public.
GHOST LAND DETROIT
New work by Jef Bourgeau
@ the Art Room
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 19th from 6 to 9pm
Located at 7 North Saginaw St., Suite A – ground floor, Pontiac.
This new series by Jef Bourgeau peels away at these layered stereotypes to the extent that, well, the images are just brighter and more poetic. They are pushed and tinkered toward art, but not at all dragging their feet. One is still looking at hard core snapshots of a forgotten city, but perhaps this time in their proper context: without the usual hype and with the lights turned on.
And yes, this work has been thrown back into the very public display that these times seem to crave for such invasive acts. Maybe there is little difference between an artist showing images of city life in a staged death throe and the actual thing. We seem to be living in an age of exhibitionism, driven by a compulsion to be "bad" and to display all that makes us peculiarly so to an unsuspecting, but insatiable, public.
GHOST LAND DETROIT
New work by Jef Bourgeau
@ the Art Room
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 19th from 6 to 9pm
Located at 7 North Saginaw St., Suite A – ground floor, Pontiac.
FREE TICKETS: XYLOS - Magic Stick Detroit - March 11th 2011
MCB has a few pairs of tickets to toss around for a great upcoming show
XYLOS is heading to Dietroit on 3/11
email motorcityblog@earthlink.net for your shot a pair of tix
XYLOS
Friday, March 11 2011
Magic Stick Dietroit
The quintet’s self-titled debut album, recorded by Yeasayer and Chairlift producer Britt Myers will be released April 5, 2011 on the band’s 1000x Records imprint as well as through all digital platforms. Xylos’ sophisticated-yet-playful songs weave together lush harmonies, electronic production and soaring vocal melodies that draw on influences ranging from Cocteau Twins, Kate Bush, Eurythmics and Steve Reich.
XYLOS writes timeless electro-pop, full of ethereal vocals, yearning, wistful choruses and lyrics that explore the expectations of love. Named a “Band to Watch in 2011” by New York Post PopWrap Blog, the band has been receiving airplay on tastemaker stations KEXP, KCRW and MPR’s The Current, Sirius/XM OutQ and more, gathering fans and praise for their lush, ‘80s-inspired pop and singer/multi-instrumentalist Monika Heidemann’s intoxicating, otherworldly vocals.
The quintet’s self-titled debut album, recorded by Yeasayer and Chairlift producer Britt Myers will be released April 5, 2011 on the band’s 1000x Records imprint as well as through all digital platforms. Xylos’ sophisticated-yet-playful songs weave together lush harmonies, electronic production and soaring vocal melodies that draw on influences ranging from Cocteau Twins, Kate Bush, Eurythmics and Steve Reich.
XYLOS writes timeless electro-pop, full of ethereal vocals, yearning, wistful choruses and lyrics that explore the expectations of love. Named a “Band to Watch in 2011” by New York Post PopWrap Blog, the band has been receiving airplay on tastemaker stations KEXP, KCRW and MPR’s The Current, Sirius/XM OutQ and more, gathering fans and praise for their lush, ‘80s-inspired pop and singer/multi-instrumentalist Monika Heidemann’s intoxicating, otherworldly vocals.
Download their second single, “Darling Dearest,” here:
http://www.spinner.com/2011/02/14/xylos-darling-dearest-free-mp3-download/
They’ll be joining multi-platinum Johannesburg band The Parlotones, South Africa’s biggest pop/rock band, for 2 weeks of US dates this March, as well as making their debut appearances at SxSW.
They’ll be joining multi-platinum Johannesburg band The Parlotones, South Africa’s biggest pop/rock band, for 2 weeks of US dates this March, as well as making their debut appearances at SxSW.
Additional updates and tour info: http://www.xylosmusic.net/
XYLOS Tour Dates:
*with the Parlotones
FR March 4 - North Star Bar, Philadelphia, PA
SA March 5 - Red Palace, Washington, DC*
SU March 6 - Great Scott, Boston, MA*
TU March 8 - Mercury Lounge, New York, NY*
WE March 9 - TBA, Rochester, NY
FR March 11 - Magic Stick, Detroit, MI*
SA March 12 - Schubas, Chicago, IL*
SU March 13 - The Record Bar, Kansas City, MO*
WE March 16 - SXSW (Beatles Complete on Ukulele), Austin, TX
TH March 17 - SXSW (TBA), Austin, TX
FR March 18 - SXSW (official showcase), Austin, TX
SA March 19 - SXSW (Go Girls showcase), Austin, TX
TU March 22 - Big Top, New Orleans, LA
WE March 23 - Bottletree, Birmingham, AL
TH March 24 - Rudyard Kipling, Louisville, KY
*more dates to be announced soon
http://www.facebook.com/xylosmusic
http://www.myspace.com/xylos
XYLOS Tour Dates:
*with the Parlotones
FR March 4 - North Star Bar, Philadelphia, PA
SA March 5 - Red Palace, Washington, DC*
SU March 6 - Great Scott, Boston, MA*
TU March 8 - Mercury Lounge, New York, NY*
WE March 9 - TBA, Rochester, NY
FR March 11 - Magic Stick, Detroit, MI*
SA March 12 - Schubas, Chicago, IL*
SU March 13 - The Record Bar, Kansas City, MO*
WE March 16 - SXSW (Beatles Complete on Ukulele), Austin, TX
TH March 17 - SXSW (TBA), Austin, TX
FR March 18 - SXSW (official showcase), Austin, TX
SA March 19 - SXSW (Go Girls showcase), Austin, TX
TU March 22 - Big Top, New Orleans, LA
WE March 23 - Bottletree, Birmingham, AL
TH March 24 - Rudyard Kipling, Louisville, KY
*more dates to be announced soon
http://www.facebook.com/xylosmusic
http://www.myspace.com/xylos
2/17/11
The Dirty Show Closing Celebration Saturday, February 26th
Due to the overwhelming response and a quickly sold out first weekend, with the second weekend quickly following suit, The Dirty Show will be extended to a third week – ONE DAY ONLY, Saturday, February 26th for what has become the biggest Winter Art/Party/Spectacle in Detroit’s closing celebration at Bert’s Warehouse in Eastern Market.
The Dirty Show has historically run the two weeks surrounding Valentines Day, but due to the overwhelming turn out and early sell outs) of the first weekend, the organizers felt that a third week would help give everyone a chance to attend the art and social event of the year.
The Dirty Show has historically run the two weeks surrounding Valentines Day, but due to the overwhelming turn out and early sell outs) of the first weekend, the organizers felt that a third week would help give everyone a chance to attend the art and social event of the year.
With a tightened up performance art roster which included an off the hook rendition of Pagliacci by Satori Circus, a more confident "Stripper Theatre" and amazing visual art that runs the gamut from smut-to the sublime, The Dirty Show is now arguably Detroit's number one art event without peer.
Many works sold during the first weekend, but with nearly 400 original works exhibited and even more affordable prints and multiples available, there will a great deal of items still for sale ranging from $10 to $10,000.
Saturday, February 26 ~ 7PM to 2AM
18 and over
Tickets $20 Advance or $25 at the Door
Advance tickets online at http://dirtyshow.org/and at local outlets
Bert's Warehouse Theatre * 2739 Russell Street * Detroit
Tickets $20 Advance or $25 at the Door
Advance tickets online at http://dirtyshow.org/and at local outlets
Bert's Warehouse Theatre * 2739 Russell Street * Detroit
(313) 393-3233
FREE DInner and a Show from Hard Rock Cafe Detroit & DELUKA - Wed 3/2
Well - after being out all week it sure will be nice to get back to good ol Dietroit because they dont mess around down where I was hanging...so lets give away a real meal and some fun which is something I havent had in a while
email motorcityblog@earthlink.net to enter to win Dinner/Drinks/Dancing for 2 at Hard Rock Cafe Detroit
DELUKA KICK-OFF U.S. TOUR & DEBUT NEW VIDEO FOR “OMFG”!
Deluka kicked-off an eleven-city U.S. tour last night in Pittsburgh, PA. In conjunction with the tour, the band has unveiled their new video for “OMFG.” Premiering this past Friday on USMagazine.com, the video was directed by John Christopher Pina from the SKINNY directing team (Devendra Banhart, Nico Vega, Ke$ha, Cee Lo).
Coined the “Girls Who Rock Tour,” Deluka and co-headliner Fefe Dobson will roll through various Hard Rock Café’s throughout the country. The shows are free, with a suggested donation of $5 to benefit City of Hope, one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Hailing from Brooklyn via Birmingham UK, Deluka generates a perfect storm of fluid electronic beats, hailing rock riffs, pulsating bass and breathtaking vocals. With electric and fearless front woman Ellie Innocenti at the helm, Deluka released their debut album You Are The Night, at the end of 2010 on Vel / RED Records. Enthusiastically embraced stateside as one of the year’s most exciting debuts, Deluka catapulted onto dance floors with their lead single “Cascade” which spent nine weeks on the Top 100 Alternative chart.
Deluka tour dates in full:
2/15/11 Columbus, OH @ CD101 Big Room
2/16/11 Chicago, IL @ Hard Rock
2/17/11 Indianapolis, IN @ Hard Rock
2/20/11 St. Louis, MO @ NACA
2/22/11 Nashville, TN @ Hard Rock
2/27/11 Baltimore, MD @ Hard Rock
2/28/11 Philadelphia, PA @ Hard Rock
3/2/11 Detroit, MI @ Hard Rock
3/5/11 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
3/6/11 Albany, NY @ Jillian’s
www.deluka.com
email motorcityblog@earthlink.net to enter to win Dinner/Drinks/Dancing for 2 at Hard Rock Cafe Detroit
DELUKA KICK-OFF U.S. TOUR & DEBUT NEW VIDEO FOR “OMFG”!
Deluka kicked-off an eleven-city U.S. tour last night in Pittsburgh, PA. In conjunction with the tour, the band has unveiled their new video for “OMFG.” Premiering this past Friday on USMagazine.com, the video was directed by John Christopher Pina from the SKINNY directing team (Devendra Banhart, Nico Vega, Ke$ha, Cee Lo).
Coined the “Girls Who Rock Tour,” Deluka and co-headliner Fefe Dobson will roll through various Hard Rock Café’s throughout the country. The shows are free, with a suggested donation of $5 to benefit City of Hope, one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Hailing from Brooklyn via Birmingham UK, Deluka generates a perfect storm of fluid electronic beats, hailing rock riffs, pulsating bass and breathtaking vocals. With electric and fearless front woman Ellie Innocenti at the helm, Deluka released their debut album You Are The Night, at the end of 2010 on Vel / RED Records. Enthusiastically embraced stateside as one of the year’s most exciting debuts, Deluka catapulted onto dance floors with their lead single “Cascade” which spent nine weeks on the Top 100 Alternative chart.
Deluka tour dates in full:
2/15/11 Columbus, OH @ CD101 Big Room
2/16/11 Chicago, IL @ Hard Rock
2/17/11 Indianapolis, IN @ Hard Rock
2/20/11 St. Louis, MO @ NACA
2/22/11 Nashville, TN @ Hard Rock
2/27/11 Baltimore, MD @ Hard Rock
2/28/11 Philadelphia, PA @ Hard Rock
3/2/11 Detroit, MI @ Hard Rock
3/5/11 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
3/6/11 Albany, NY @ Jillian’s
www.deluka.com
WIN TIX: Cinematic Titanic, 26 Feb
Featuring the Original Cast of
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Saturday, February 26
Doors open at 6pm
Two Shows!
7pm & 10:30pm
All Ages Welcome
One Show $35
Double Feature $50
I'm a big fan of all these comedians, and Professional Movie Riffer is the career path I would have taken had my dream job at MOTORCITYBLOG not come to pass. (Don't even ask about the on-the-job training I had to go through.)
PHOTOS & REVIEW: Umphrey’s McGee & Macpodz by Andrew Bender
Saturday night February 5th saw the return of Chicago’s pre-eminent jam band Umphrey’s McGee to Southeast Michigan. MCB’s Andrew Bender was on hand photographing the show and taking in the scene. Read on for Drew’s take on the evening and his photos from the show and the Macpodz afterparty at the Magic Stick.
Making their debut perforamance at Detroit’s Fillmore Theater, Umphrey’s McGee brought some serious heat to downtown Detroit, melting much of the snow and ice around the theater into some nasty, funked out slush. I happen to work down the road in a basement lab at Wayne State University, and had already braved the afternoon’s onslaught of snow to get home before the show – by the time the worst had passed and I’d cleared the snow from outside my house, I knew I wasn’t going to make the opening act. In fact, I was starting to sweat it just a bit, despite outside temperatures in the low 20s. After braving I-75 with few problems, I circled the blocks behind the theater in search of a parking spot. I trudged through the half-frozen, quickly browning muck to the theater’s box office. There, I quickly secured my ticket and photo pass from will-call, got carded, patted down, greeted by friends, sent to two different lines, and was inside. Once past security, I moved like mercury from a broken thermometer, flowing around objects, into the theater, around the sections of seats, and down to the front photo pit. Bare seconds later the band walked out on stage and unleashed a wave of music that by the end of the night I had a newfound appreciation for Umphrey’s McGee.
Umphrey’s McGee – Fillmore Theater, Detroit
Not being an ardent fan, it’s difficult to compare and evaluate the more subtle aspects of the night’s performance – song choice or ordering in the set list, as well as how the performance rates in comparison to shows from the current tour. That said, having now seen Umphrey’s more than just a handful of times the band has definitely grown on me – as they combine progressive rock reminiscent of Yes with occasionally Phishy improvisational jams blending with pop and rock. The band was definitely grateful for the enthusiastic audience that packed the main floor of the former State Theater, knowing full well that the crazy weather might stop some from making the trek to downtown. I spoke with folks in the audience who’d come from Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, K-zoo, and even Chicago and Indianapolis. Beyond the friendly Detroit-Chicago sports rivalries, the Detroit area is almost a second home to the band, who played their first gig here at the Berkeley front over ten years ago.
As guitarists Jake Cinnigger and Brendan Bayliss alternate on rhythm/lead duties, I was struck not just by some of their more blistering solos and fretwork, but also by the fact that if the guitar effects were made just a bit more distorted and chunky it would sound more like the fast metal sounds of fellow Chicagoans Disturbed than most of Umphrey’s jam band brethren. As the set progressed from more proggy tunes like Wellwishers to more pop-inspired tunes like Susanah and into 15-minute plus long numbers like The Bottom Half, Hurt Bird Death, and 1348, the crowd of twenty- and thirty-something suburbanites danced up quite the storm. Umphrey’s spectacular light show also contributed substantially to the vibe as colored beams of light penetrated the fog which also covered up the audience’s other penchants common to the scene. After the second set, I made my way to the exit just as the band came back for their encore, starting with a great cover of Bob Seger’s Night Moves that definitely showed the love these Chicago phenoms have for the D.
Click here to listen to a recording of the whole show on the Live Music Archive.
After leaving the Fillmore, I headed up the street to the Majestic Complex and the Magic Stick where Ann Arbor’s premier party band the Macpodz were hosting the official after party for the Umphrey’s show. As the band went on, the room was quickly filling in with Umphrey’s fans not yet wanting for the night to end. Umphrey’s McGee guitarist Jake Cinninger joined the ‘podz on drums for a song while drummer Griffin Bastian joined percussionist/flutist Nick Ayers on his kit. Ultimately, the long day caught up with me and I ended up bailing while the Macpodz were still raging it and the audience was having a blast.
Check out some photos from their hot set below:
Macpodz – Magic Stick, Detroit
WERD!!
-drew
Making their debut perforamance at Detroit’s Fillmore Theater, Umphrey’s McGee brought some serious heat to downtown Detroit, melting much of the snow and ice around the theater into some nasty, funked out slush. I happen to work down the road in a basement lab at Wayne State University, and had already braved the afternoon’s onslaught of snow to get home before the show – by the time the worst had passed and I’d cleared the snow from outside my house, I knew I wasn’t going to make the opening act. In fact, I was starting to sweat it just a bit, despite outside temperatures in the low 20s. After braving I-75 with few problems, I circled the blocks behind the theater in search of a parking spot. I trudged through the half-frozen, quickly browning muck to the theater’s box office. There, I quickly secured my ticket and photo pass from will-call, got carded, patted down, greeted by friends, sent to two different lines, and was inside. Once past security, I moved like mercury from a broken thermometer, flowing around objects, into the theater, around the sections of seats, and down to the front photo pit. Bare seconds later the band walked out on stage and unleashed a wave of music that by the end of the night I had a newfound appreciation for Umphrey’s McGee.
Umphrey’s McGee – Fillmore Theater, Detroit
Not being an ardent fan, it’s difficult to compare and evaluate the more subtle aspects of the night’s performance – song choice or ordering in the set list, as well as how the performance rates in comparison to shows from the current tour. That said, having now seen Umphrey’s more than just a handful of times the band has definitely grown on me – as they combine progressive rock reminiscent of Yes with occasionally Phishy improvisational jams blending with pop and rock. The band was definitely grateful for the enthusiastic audience that packed the main floor of the former State Theater, knowing full well that the crazy weather might stop some from making the trek to downtown. I spoke with folks in the audience who’d come from Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, K-zoo, and even Chicago and Indianapolis. Beyond the friendly Detroit-Chicago sports rivalries, the Detroit area is almost a second home to the band, who played their first gig here at the Berkeley front over ten years ago.
As guitarists Jake Cinnigger and Brendan Bayliss alternate on rhythm/lead duties, I was struck not just by some of their more blistering solos and fretwork, but also by the fact that if the guitar effects were made just a bit more distorted and chunky it would sound more like the fast metal sounds of fellow Chicagoans Disturbed than most of Umphrey’s jam band brethren. As the set progressed from more proggy tunes like Wellwishers to more pop-inspired tunes like Susanah and into 15-minute plus long numbers like The Bottom Half, Hurt Bird Death, and 1348, the crowd of twenty- and thirty-something suburbanites danced up quite the storm. Umphrey’s spectacular light show also contributed substantially to the vibe as colored beams of light penetrated the fog which also covered up the audience’s other penchants common to the scene. After the second set, I made my way to the exit just as the band came back for their encore, starting with a great cover of Bob Seger’s Night Moves that definitely showed the love these Chicago phenoms have for the D.
Click here to listen to a recording of the whole show on the Live Music Archive.
After leaving the Fillmore, I headed up the street to the Majestic Complex and the Magic Stick where Ann Arbor’s premier party band the Macpodz were hosting the official after party for the Umphrey’s show. As the band went on, the room was quickly filling in with Umphrey’s fans not yet wanting for the night to end. Umphrey’s McGee guitarist Jake Cinninger joined the ‘podz on drums for a song while drummer Griffin Bastian joined percussionist/flutist Nick Ayers on his kit. Ultimately, the long day caught up with me and I ended up bailing while the Macpodz were still raging it and the audience was having a blast.
Check out some photos from their hot set below:
Macpodz – Magic Stick, Detroit
WERD!!
-drew
2/16/11
2/15/11
SHOW OPENING: Print Invitational, 3 March
 |
| Art School, intaglio etching by Lidice Fabat |
2011 Oak Park Print Invitational
Hosted by the Oak Park Library
14200 Oak Park Blvd.
Oak Park, MI 48237
(248) 691-7155
Hosted by the Oak Park Library
14200 Oak Park Blvd.
Oak Park, MI 48237
(248) 691-7155
Thursday, March 3, 2011, 6:30-8:30pm: Opening Reception
Print Show Contact: Jada Bowden, (617) 372-4433
The Oak Park Library invites you to attend its upcoming Print Invitational which will run through the month of March, 2011.
An eclectic showing of local and national artists can be seen at the Oak Park Print Invitational hosted by the Oak Park Library. Mezzotints, lithographs, screen prints, etchings and block prints are all represented in the show. The show features the work of printmakers and artists working in print, including:
Chad Andrews
Jada Bowden
Kelly Boyle
Maxine Donlon
Frank DuLin
Lidice Fabat
Katie Herzog
Nancy Jardin
Karen Olson
Amanda Thatch
Leonid Tikh
 |
| Sing to Me, 3/5 hand pulled color lithograph by Chad Andrews |
The Oak Park Public Library takes pride in providing Oak Park’s diverse community with materials, services and information to meet their educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs. The library offers quality public programming for residents throughout the year including an adult book discussion, weekly story times, summer reading programs, lecture series, and special programming in the arts and humanities. Learn more about the Oak Park Public Library by visiting us at 14200 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237 or on the web at http://www.oakpark-mi.com/Library/.
UPCOMING: Pretty Things Peepshow, 26 Feb.
Saturday February 26, 2011
Doors open at 8:00 show starts at 10:00
Painted Lady Lounge
2930 Jacob Street
Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 874-2991
Doors open at 8:00 show starts at 10:00
Painted Lady Lounge
2930 Jacob Street
Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 874-2991
Price: $10
Discount available for roller derby members go to our website to sign up!
Get ready to have your hearts broken and your minds blown. The Pretty Things Peepshow is coming to town! In This nonstop thrill ride of a show no two acts are the same and each one is more amazing then the next. See sword swallowing, human blockhead, classic burlesque, whip cracking, singing, dancing, The Chinese Execution Blade box, midgets dancing on glass and more. The common thread in this tempting tapestry of a show is that each an every act is performed by one of the worlds most splendiferous specimens of the female form. When talent and tantalizing temptresses collide you’ve got The Pretty Things Peepshow.
OUR PERFORMERS/ACTS:
Miss Heather Holliday: Sword swallowing, knife throwing, glass eating, bed of nails
Donny Vomit "The Dapper Dan of Danger": Host, human blockhead, whip cracking, animal traps, fire eating, juggling and more.
Go-go Amy: Vintage Burlesque and Chinese execution blade box.
Lil' Miss Firefly "The Midget of Mischief": Glass walking, straightjacket escape, balloon swallow and burlesque. Firefly is also the smallest performer in the world standing only 27" tall!
The girls of The Pretty Things Peepshow have put over 300 shows under their sparkly little belts in the last 2 years and they have performed with Motley Crue, Rob Halford and Ozzy Osborne on OZZFEST 2010, Harley Davidson’s Thunder in the Rockies Festival with Foreigner and The Reaperbahn Festival in Hamburg Germany. They will be heading to Australia in June 2011 to headline the Wintersun Rockabilly festival. As individual performers some of their more notable accomplishments are the Vans Warped Tour 2007, OZZFest 2007 The West Coast Riot/Metal Town Music festivals in Sweden 2008, Freaks on the Vegas strip at O’Shea’s casino, Fright Dome at Circus Circus in Las Vegas, The Christina Aguilera Stripped Tour, The Coney Island Circus Sideshow and Ripeley’s Believe it or not in Time Square. They have also been seen in music videos for The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tommy Stinston (Guns and Roses), 50 Cent and Rick Ross. Appeared in Televisions shows such as Miami Ink, The Girls Next Door, The Colbert Report and many more. The Pretty Things Peepshow offers you not only an amazing night of entertainment but also the professionalism that can only come from a cast of seasoned performers.
2/14/11
Wild At Heart
For someone who loves music as much as I do, it still amazes me that most year’s I totally forget about the Grammy’s. Maybe it’s because I see average records by big name artists get nominated over wonderful albums by unknowns. The only good thing I really get out of the Grammy’s is looking at some of the lesser known musical categories (bluegrass, folk, blues, world) for potential new artists to listen to. I do like the Lifetime Achievement Award which could give a few pointers to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame selection committee. It seems weird to see the Kingston Trio and the Ramones given the same award (not to mention Julie Andrews). I always look over the winners’ categories to look for surprises and this year I was amazed that Esperanza Spalding beat out Drake and Bieber (thankfully) for best new artist. I do like
Also, while Cyndi didn’t win for best Blues album, it was nice seeing Pinetop Perkins & Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith win. They played a blues and boogie woogie festival in
This is a pretty slow week for music though you can’t go wrong with Zydeco, Bland or Rasputina. Here are my picks for the week:
Tuesday (2/15) – Buckwheat Zydeco @ the
Thursday (2/17) – RATT lead singer Stephen Pearcy @ Token Lounge
Friday (2/18) – Rick Springfield @ Motorcity Casino
Saturday (2/19) – Motor City Blues Festival featuring the Manhattans and the legendary Bobby "Blue" Bland @ Detroit Opera House
Sunday (2/20) – Goo Goo Dolls @ Caesar’s Casino, Rasputina @ Magic Stick
Not much else is going on as I started a new job today. So thankfully, I’m off the unemployment and back to work at a job where I get benefits. And to think I was looking for fulltime work for about 2 years in
UPCOMING: Bob Saget, 2 April
 |
| Oh Bob, you play on my furry weakness, you beast... |
Bob Saget
*18 + Only*
Saturday, 2 April 2011 8:00PM
Royal Oak Music Theatre
*18 + Only*
Saturday, 2 April 2011 8:00PM
Royal Oak Music Theatre
Tix Here
If all you know of Bob Saget is what you've seen on his happysappy family teevee programs, you don't know Bob Saget. In his natural state as a standup, he's riotously... adult.
Nnnnnnnnnnnnnot even a little safe for work:
If all you know of Bob Saget is what you've seen on his happysappy family teevee programs, you don't know Bob Saget. In his natural state as a standup, he's riotously... adult.
Nnnnnnnnnnnnnot even a little safe for work:
UPCOMING: Peter Murphy, 9 April
I have possibly seen Peter Murphy more times than any other single performer over the years, and I have to say, his voice has been absolutely perfectly crystalline every time, no matter the year.
8 p.m. Saturday April 9
UPCOMING: Finnish Metal Tour Part II 2011, 20 Feb.
Finnish Metal Tour 2011
with Rotten Sound
Finntroll
Ensiferum
and Barren Earth
Sunday Feb. 20
Someone out there is REALLY excited to see this listing. For the rest of you who haven't heard of these bands, do yourself the favor of watching the following videos.
To everyone: You're welcome.
Rotten Sound
Finntroll
Ensiferum
Barren Earth
UPCOMING: Iggy and the Stooges WSG Rollins, 19 April
Iggy and the Stooges
Ron Asheton Tribute Concert
featuring Henry Rollins
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Ron Asheton Tribute Concert Planned April 19th, Tickets Available February 18th
Iggy and the Stooges will return to Ann Arbor to play the Michigan Theater in a special concert tribute to the late Ron Asheton. The concert is set for Tuesday, April 19th, and will benefit the Ron Asheton Foundation and the Humane Society of Huron Valley. On drums will be Ron’s brother, Scott Asheton, with Ann Arbor native Deniz Tek joining on guitar. Henry Rollins will emcee the evening and also will perform.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, February 18th at Ticketmaster and all Ticketmaster locations. The event, which has been in the works for some time, will bring the Stooges to their old stomping grounds of Ann Arbor, site of the band’s founding more than 40 years ago. Stay tuned to IggyandtheStoogesMusic.com for additional announcements.
2/13/11
PHOTOS: Slash @ The Palace Feb 12, 2011
Slash performed at the Palace Saturday night. MCB Photog Dan Sultana was there to shoot the first three songs
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