Show Preview: Fitz and the Tantrums @ Saint Andrews Hall June 20th, 2013.

THE SAINT ANDREWS HALL SHOW
IS SOLD OUT ONLINE!

TICKETS MAY STILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE.

Brimming with imagination, energy, and genre-smashing scope, Fitz & The Tantrums defied the odds to become an indisputable phenomenon, a chart-topping, show-stopping modern pop combo unlike any other.  Now, with their spectacular Elektra Records debut, More Than Just A Dream, the Los Angeles-based sextet have ramped up the timeless songcraft and soul sonic force that made them a worldwide sensation to fashion a kaleidoscopic milestone that delivers on the promise of their 2010 breakthrough, Pickin’ Up The Pieces.  Songs like the impossibly catchy first single, “Out Of My League” are positively brazen with verve and vivacity, demonstrating all the drama and passion of the band’s famed live shows.  From the charged back-and-forth between co-lead vocalists Fitz and Noelle Scaggs to the incontrovertible power of The Tantrums in full flight, More Than Just A Dream is the sound of a great band taking it right to the edge.

The Nolan Factor - April 9th 2009

Jeff Nolan - one of MCB's longtime contributors will be dropping a few posts from time to time about music / art / state of the economy / women / food / car repair / laundry tips

"The Nolan Factor"

FRIDAY April 3, 2009
Speck Mountain with Bloodbird @ The Berkley Front

I didn't bring a pen or a pad of paper to the show, so I borrowed a 005 Micron pen from a girl in front of the stage after buying two draft beers downstairs from the 40+ taps at the Berkley Front. I collected napkins as the group Bloodbird began their set. On the edge of the platform they had placed a large stick of incense and a small table lamp. The bass player feverishly chewed gum while rubbing out slow moving lines. Reverberating guitar chords and clean melodies were reminiscent of Sonic Youth's Murray Street album. The raspy vocals and occasionally lonely themes were provided by a bearded man with a shaved head.

After their set the singer and guitarist gave me a limited edition 12”

of their upcoming album, released only to vinyl.

By this point in the night the two people running the sound were drunk and having difficulties of all kinds setting up for the headlining band Speck Mountain. A few broken cables later, a spilled beer all over the singer's electrical devices, and a monitor that wouldn't stop screaming in my ear, Speck Mountain was finally ready to play.

They sounded like Ella Fitzgerald on LSD with an electric guitar.

Thick tribal drum beats supported ringing guitar chords and filagrees. A phasing keyboard w/operatic backing vocals set the tone and rhythms. Bluesy, soul inspired vocals were delivered by a dark haired girl who would fit more in her element at Woodstock than at the Berkley Front. During the set I kept thinking to myself that Speck Mountain would have been cutting edge in San Francisco the mid sixties if the entire audience were on mind altering substances.

SUNDAY April 5, 2009
Motorcity Rock Review @ The Magic Stick

The Friendly Foes, a band consisting of a doctor, a lawyer, and an indian chief, were performing when I arrived at the Stick. If you can imagine what that would sound like you probably have a fairly accurate idea of what their music is like.

After a few minutes mingling at the bar and scribbling on my new Motorcityblog notebook, the Silent Years took the main stage. Employing a strange mix of instruments for the rock music they produce drew my attention immediately. I hadn't witnessed the Silent Years for a year or two and evidently forgotten how tight they play, or maybe they weren't that good before. A female cellist and a bassist held down the deep low end, with a pop rock drummer keeping everything moving. The vocalist sang passionately through both a regular mic and a telephone receiver taped to a mic stand, running through a vocoder which provided am etherial mix of echoes and delays to the dynamic sound of the band. Over-driven low-pass filtered guitars and a penchant for Modest Mouse like pop melodies with a tough edge filled out the rest of their set. Very energetic and entertaining onstage with a constantly changing mix of sounds and instrumentation.

It won't likely be as long before I see them again.

The longtime Detroit band the Hentchmen were next up on a side-stage which had been erected in front of the soundboards. It was about the size of a kitchen, with just enough room for the band to stand while surrounded by their equipment. If you haven't heard the Hentchmen by now, you have seriously missed the boat when it comes to Detroit music, in fact you are at the wrong port, or more like no where near the water. It was strange to see two girls under the age of ten clamoring at the front of the stage to see the Hentchmen, strange enough just to see children in the Magic Stick. The keys were played to an amazing degree of skill through a red “Compact” Farfisa organ, embellished with a Polish design that looks like it was found in the Hamtramck Flea Market, held together with green clamps. With the keys on his right hand, the key/bass/singer has his left hand free to play the punk-inspired bass lines on a miniature Honer Bass-3 keyboard, which ran through a gigantic bass cabinet that looked as if it were a prop from Citizen Kane.

Any fears I may have had about the Hentchmen loosing some of their energy or grit in their old age were quickly squashed after they ran through a set of two minute tracks that blended from one to the next with no time to slow down. The small stage led to an unique stage act of stumbling over moniters, stretching and bending over the Farfisa, eventually reduced to stretching their legs on top of one another's gear.

I was distracted by the indian chief from the Friendly Foes during The Pop Project's set, but from what I gathered from the other side of the venue was that they had a sound somewhere between the Electric Light Orchestra and Neil Young.

They even played the theme from Step by Step...

The crowd was a weird mix all night. It consisted of men nearing senior citizen status, children here and there, underage short boys with their even shorter female counterparts, the occasional sophisto who looked lost, and about fifty 20-somethings who all looked like Hamtramck.

Deastro (pronounced: De as in deck, and stro as in Stroh's ice cream) capped the evening on the main stage. He took the stage with a pair of extremely oversized yellow sunglasses with blue lenses. A small card table covered in electrical devices, computer equipment, and blinking do-dads linked together with brightly colored cables adorned the center of the stage, flanked by sandwich boards covered in a disarray of magazine cutouts. His band consists of a guitarist, a bassist, and a drummer, all dressed like suburban kids in polo shirts.

His set was made out of his usual mix of Eurotrash dance beats, rock and roll guitar chords, and electronic noise. Spastic dance antics and an extremely energetic delivery. A tired and thinning crowd was encouraged to beat “Mark,” the man blamed for the lethargy of the audience at this point. After pleading with the audience

“Do you want to dance or do you want to be afraid?”

Deastro began another spaz-rock song and flung his parka of technicolor
felt balls into the rear of the dancers.

“I will never be afraid again because I am a Tiger!”

He next stole a red hat from a member of the crowd in the front and continued to dance like a man possessed before taunting the crowd

“You guys are pathetic.”

"tnf IS DETROIT"
Check out more MCB-VIDEOs here

MP3 Mondays on MCB - (yes - we know its friday and now we can leave this up all weekend leaving more time for beer detard)

MP3 Mondays on MOTORCITYBLOG
Photo by Paul Hitz

take a look / listen

German Electro-Rock 7-piece Outfit, SUPER 700

Introduces “Lovebites” to the U.S.

You can download Super 700’s

“Someone Stole My Car” mp3 here

If there is one band that truly knows their sound and how to capitalize it, Super 700 might just be it. With eerie and epic rock noises flowing in every direction throughout the bands new album, “Lovebites”, Super 700 is sure to spread its viral bites of love across the ocean from Germany to the American cult-fans of bands like M83 and Goldfrapp.

The MuseBox is proud to have the opportunity to introduce this German electro-rock band and their brand new album (out TODAY!) to the tastemakers and early adaptor fans of American indie-rock culture for the first time.

The number 700 is a sacred number.

The hidden temple has 700 entries, there are 700 sins, 700 famous mountains and the legend of the 700 spices of Alu Ben-Grachier and then there is the “Super 700”. 7 musicians female and male (discounting future ballet ensembles and symphony orchestras), 7 very special talents, 7 maniacs, 7 fine tuned guardians of good taste. Super 700 is not just another band, they are a team. Super 700 are out of this world.

What makes Super 700 so special?

Their artful musicianship, their search for the extraordinary and their determination to be complex is fuelled by the same fire, that fuels all impulsive and hotheaded incarnations of Rock N Roll.

Super 700 are wild and smart, gorgeous and dishevelled, progressive and totally focused, very normal and extremely cool. Only the best can be heroes.

What the first worldwide download “Tango” promised, they delivered with their second album “Lovebites”: 13 tracks that that will wreck royal palaces, illuminate the darkest forests and makes the time disappear while listening on your iPod or your home stereo. “Lovebites” is infectious and addictive, but remains mysterious. Take “S.T.T.S.M.C” (abbreviated for “Somebody Tried To Steal My Car”), a sweet elegant late summer rain pop song or the dangerous and unconventional, “Second In Line” with oriental strings and forceful percussion breaks.

In the song “Rosebud” lead singer Ibadet Ramadani is only being backed up by a guitar and the background vocals of her sisters Albana and Ilirjana, a jazz ballad, like liquid glass. The title track “Lovebites” is inspired by late night horror movies culminating into a bombastic torch song, dangerous and majestic. Guitar and organ entwined like lovers. Like a slipknot around your neck. “Every honey bee is an angel of death” sings Ibadet in “Spring (The Old Pretender)”

Needless to say that Ibadet Ramadani has one of the most exciting, impressive, alluringly and hauntingly wonderful voices with attitude in modern music. The rest of the band: Albana and Ilirjana Ramadani are singing the harmonies, Johannes Saal on guitar, Simon Rauterberg on keyboard, Michael Haves on Bass and Sebastian Schmidt on the drums.

After Super 700 emerged as Berlin’s number one underground darlings, they released their debut self titled album in May 2006 on Motor Music. They created waves on their consequent tour that also took them to Los Angeles and Vancouver.

They played the Viper Room and The Key Club and performed in the studio of the radio station KCRW, as a guest of the world famous show “Morning Becomes Eclectic” – after DJ Nic Harcourt personally invited them, after he saw one of their shows. The songs for Lovebites were written by Ibadet and Bassplayer Michael early 2008 in France. The album is produced by Irishman Rob Kirwan (U2, Depeche Mode) and was recorded and brilliantly completed in the Planet Rock studios in Berlin.

If you still doubt the heroic qualities of the Berlin 7 piece, just listen to this record! All doubters should list as well. Super 700 is on its way. They left their Lovebites on our necks.

http://www.myspace.com/super700

DEASTRO

(Detroit, MI)

Ghostly International

Listen to "Parallelogram"

Motorcity's DEASTRO has been playing to packed houses here in the DIEtroit for a few years now and is making another trip to SXSW - his next single to be released will be on the newest Detroit based record label called Five Three Dial Tone as its virgin release.

From our friends of at These United States:

Hey Kirk,
Here's a link to the new track we're circulating from Crimes,

download ~ "Honor Amongst Thieves."

THESE UNITED STATES:MID-BY-MOUNTAIN-WEST TOUR
Will debut songs from upcoming third album at SXSW

Reawakening from third-album-induced hibernation, These United States knock the snow off their boots and continue their tireless quest to trace every line on the U.S. map in March and April. After a special acoustic show with Plants & Animals in Charlottesville, TUS kicks off the full-band romp in earnest in Louisville, veers north and then south again, camps out in Austin for a week of official SXSW showcases and day parties -- including the notorious Hot Freaks bash -- and carries on with their 33-day 34-show circle through the Mountain states and the Midwest, with stops in Denver, Omaha, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and just about everywhere in between.

After releasing 2 albums and playing 200 shows in 2008, the DC-Kentucky- psych-folk-lit-pop rockers are rumbling surely towards the next benchmarks in a long string of critical acclaim, including several Best of 2008 mentions for Crimes and A Picture of the Three of Us..., and features on NPR's "All Things Considered," Paste, Filter, Village Voice, Brooklyn Vegan,Daytrotter, My Old Kentucky Blog, The Onion, Jambase, KEXP, WOXY, and KCRW.

At SXSW, the band will debut songs from the upcoming album,

its third in 16 months, slated for summer release.

TOUR:
Tue.Mar.03 ..... Charlottesville, VA ..... IS Venue ..... w/ Plants & Animals
Thu.Mar.12 ..... Louisville, KY ..... The Rudyard Kipling ..... w/ Chemic
Fri.Mar.13 ..... Ft. Wayne, IN ..... Bill's ..... w/ Prabir & the Substitutes, The Orange Opera
Sat.Mar.14 ..... St. Louis, MO ..... Cicero's ..... w/ The Silent Years, Deastro, Brave Citizens
Sun.Mar.15 ..... Little Rock, AR ..... Rev Room ..... w/ Chase Pagan, Johnny Rocket
Mon.Mar.16 ..... Shreveport, LA ..... minicine? ..... w/ The High Strung, The Peekers, Lover!
Wed.Mar.18 ..... Austin, TX (SXSW) ..... HypeMachine/BlogFreshRadio/TheMusicSlut Party
Wed.Mar.18 ..... Austin, TX (SXSW) ..... Friends Bar ..... DC Does TX Day Party
Thu.Mar.19 ..... Austin, TX (SXSW) ..... Club Primos ..... A Blog and A Band Day Party
Thu.Mar.19 ..... Austin, TX (SXSW) ..... Habana Calle 6 ..... Official SXSW Showcase
Fri.Mar.20 ..... Austin, TX (SXSW) ..... Mohawk ..... Hot Freaks Day Party
Sat.Mar.21 ..... Austin, TX (SXSW) ..... House Party ... website for details
Mon.Mar.23 ..... Denton, TX ..... Rubber Gloves ..... w/ TK Webb & the Visions, Appomattox
Tue.Mar.24 ..... Amarillo, TX ..... The Golden Light ..... w/ Cartright, The Shade
Wed.Mar.25 ..... Santa Fe, NM ..... The Sub ..... at the College of Santa Fe
Thu.Mar.26 ..... Boulder, CO ..... The Sundowner ..... w/ TBA
Fri.Mar.27 ..... Denver, CO ..... Hi-Dive ..... w/ the She-Bop She-Bops
Sat.Mar.28 ..... Nederland, CO ..... Venue TBA
Sun.Mar.29 ..... Manhattan, KS ..... The Dusty Bookshelf ..... w/ We Are Voices, McCoy
Mon.Mar.30 ..... Omaha, NE ..... Slowdown ..... w/ Oui Bandits
Tue.Mar.31 ..... Minneapolis, MN ..... Nomad World Pub ..... w/ Michael Morris
Thu.Apr.02 ..... Iowa City, IA ..... The Mill (Mission Creek Midwest Fest) ..... w/ Cartright
Fri.Apr.03 ..... Chicago, IL ..... The Hideout ..... w/ TBA
Sat.Apr.04 ..... Grand Rapids, MI ..... Founder's ..... w/ TBA
Sun.Apr.05 ..... Detroit, MI ..... PJ's Lager House (early!) .... w/ Great Lakes Myth Society
Sun.Apr.05 ..... Ann Arbor, MI ..... House Party (late!) ..... w/ Matt Jones, Wild Years
Mon.Apr.06 ..... Maumee, OH ..... The Village Idiot ..... w/ TBA
Thu.Apr.09 ..... Indianapolis, IN ..... Locals Only ..... presented by My Old Kentucky Blog
Fri.Apr.10 ..... Cincinnati, OH ..... Comet Bar ..... w/ M. Shelton's Picnic
Sat.Apr.11 ..... Lexington, KY ..... Transylvania University ..... afternoon show
Sat.Apr.11 ..... Lexington, KY ..... Al's Bar ..... evening show, w/ Coralee & the Townies

JAMES ZABIELA Renaissance

The Masters Series

Available Digitally / Physical March 31st

Click to download James Zabiela - Darkness.2

JZ returns to his spiritual compilation home to confirm the mounting buzz surrounding his first Masters Series…Ask anyone what their favourite compilations are and, invariably, James Zabiela’s ALiVE and Utilities will feature amongst them… Then, ask anyone what their favourite compilation series is and, invariably, Renaissance Masters Series will also crop-up… Put the two together and you have the recipe for one of the most eagerly anticipated dance compilations of 2009.“I’m delighted to step-up and join the ranks of The Masters Series,” says an ever-humble JZ, “It’s produced some incredible comps over the years and, albeit nervously (lol!), am relishing the opportunity of joining its ranks.”

“After recently completing the comp’ I can’t wait for it to hit the shelves. I haven’t done a solo compilation in over two years so I really went to town on it,” he adds.And he isn’t kidding… James has produced two incredible discs that differ, yet compliment each other perfectly. Disc One – Down is what James describes as an ‘audio travelogue’, an intricately produced collage of beautiful electronica over-laid with his own ‘field recordings’, a suite of ambient sounds and spoken word that represent both his journeys on the road and in the air, and time and thoughts between gigs.

The result is one of the most beautiful, unique mixes to emerge in recent years.

In 2006 James was awarded the People's Choice accolade as 'Best International DJ' at the Australian Dance Music Awards. In 2007 he was awarded the Best British DJ at the DJ Mag Best British DJ Awards.

For More on James Zabiela:

www.myspace.com/jameszabiela

http://www.jameszabiela.com/

DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE HERE

The true story of the "Best Friends" hit squad finally revealed!

Taking place over the course of two decades, the story of the Best Friends organized crime syndicate—a notorious Detroit-based, all-black mafia dedicated to contract killings and the wholesale cocaine drug trade—major dealers with shipments directly from Columbian drug cartels. The Feds identified the gang as the first to monopolize the I-75 corridor: the distribution route that moved Colombian drugs from Miami to Detroit.

Later, their sophisticated McDonald's-esque retail franchise model allowed them to expand drug trafficking operations outside of Detroit to over fifty major cities. Their unwavering taste for violence left a wake of over a hundred known murder-for-hire hits and an unrivaled reputation. Their multi-million dollar flamboyant lifestyle allowed them to socialize with the celebrated likes of Mike Tyson to Mary J. Blige.

The organization's extensive social connections also fostered a last minute aborted hit on now-famous former target – Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.Some times its OK to walk the other way when you love your friends and you know that the road they have chosen is the wrong road. Brian ''Champtown'' Harmon tours the world with Kid Rock, deejays for Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Radio, and runs his own Straight Jacket record label. He also teaches and is the artists and industry coordinator at the Institute of Production and Recording, a media-intensive private college in Minneapolis, MN.

The love of hip hop saved his life. Champ says he owes it all to LL Cool J, Whodini, Run DMC, The Fat Boys, and the business mind of Russel Simmons, all for being such positive influences and keeping him focused on something to live for, a goal to shoot for.

"I played in the sandbox with members of the Best Friends," says Harmon,

"so it was very easy for me to join that gang.

But I didn't."

Quotes by Federal Authorities Note:

QUOTES CONFIRMED IN AN UPCOMING HISTORY CHANNEL

DOCUMENTARY ON THE BEST FRIENDS GANG

The Best Friends sold more kilos per month than GM sold cars

The Best Friends had more enemies than Tiger Stadium could hold

The Best Friends were responsible for the most contract murders in the city of Detroit since Al "Scarface" Capone's Detroit-based hit squad The Purple Gang • The Best Friends single-handedly turned Detroit into the Murder Capital of the United States

The Best Friends Gangland episodes airs March 2 on the History Channel, 8:00 p.m. central time ~ Watch Champtown put it down in celebration of taking the right path.

Download his album for free at

www.FreechamptownLP.com

As somebody who grew up with and around criminals yet turned his back on crime, he knows what it's like for at-risk kids and is more than willing to help any way he can—from appearances at schools and community centers to interviews with any and all broadcast, print, and electronic media outlets. For more information, refer to the contact info at the top of this release.

Beast
Release Date: March 3, 2009
A lot of great artists have come out of Montreal, a city that recently has given the world such celebrated bands as Arcade Fire and The Stills. Out of this vibrant music scene comes Beast, a new collaboration between Jean-Phi Goncalves, leader of his own cutting edge electro band Plaster and also an established platinum level producer (Ariane Moffat, Pierre Lapointe, Daniel Bélanger, Lauryn Hill), and acclaimed singer Betty Bonifassi (DJ Champion, The Triplets of Belleville soundtrack).

On the strength of its richly panoramic debut album and recent arrival as a galvanizing live band, Beast is off and running. The album is due for a March 3 release on Verve Forecast, but the song “Mr. Hurricane” was offered November 4, 2008 as iTunes Single of the Week. Not just in Canada, but wherever this important new bellwether is featured around the world.
The dynamic duo met in Montreal, but both are from France. Growing up in Angouleme (a town northeast of Bordeaux), Goncalves started at music conservatory when he was seven years old. He picked up drums at 10, and opted to continue his studies in Canada for college. Betty, who was born to a Czechoslovakian mother and Italian father in the French town of Nice, is more self taught, learning from singing along to many of the great jazz and soul singers. She also dug into the work of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin as well as horn players like John Coltrane and Chet Baker. “With Chet, all the singing was a continuation of his playing,” she explains. “I love that about listening and learning horn solos or guitar solos.” The result is a big voice that recalls the texture and sass of Shirley Bassey and Grace Jones and the dark subtlety of modern day singers like Beth Orton and Portishead’s Beth Gibbons.

After Plaster and DJ Champion shared some bills together, Goncalves, who plays drums in Plaster and Beast, invited the singer to come into the studio to add vocals to some unpolished pieces he was working on. Something immediately clicked, and that first session yielded “Devil,” the opening track. “I came in with text that I wrote, and the song came in an hour,” Betty recalls. “It was just obvious that there was something there.”

That something is a vibe and sound that inhabits a place where the cinematic grandeur of Portishead meets the immediacy of Rage Against the Machine. With help from lyricist Simon Wilcox, Betty strikes a balance between telling vividly detailed stories and still adhering to the concise songwriting structure of pop. Soul, rap, electro, rock and jazz (complete with a Charles Mingus bass sample on “Satan”) collide in Beast. “Trip rock,” Betty calls it, the phrase invoking the way haunting choirs and glitchy electronic bits run underneath saw-toothed bass and grinding guitars.

While the recording process took two years, Beast took to the stage for the first time, at an industry showcase in Montreal in 2008. Both seasoned performers, which no doubt separates them from many of the technologically savvy bands who record these days, Beast conquered the crowd and have since made quick work of becoming one of the most talked-about live acts in the Canadian music scene. At an inaugural Toronto performance, and with only a handful of live shows under their belts, Beast scored a perfect 100% on their NXNE Report Card from ChartAttack.

It was an accolade that was well deserved with Jean-Phi and Betty augmented live by guitarist Serge Nakauchi-Pelletier and “keybassist” Jonathan Dauphinais.
Throughout conversations with Betty and Jean-Phi, there is talk of contrast and dynamics. Beast also toys with dynamics in the live setting, projecting a rawer version of the band that is decidedly different than the studio project. According to Jean-Phi, “I love both settings, the aspect that it lasts on the record and that live it does not. I never like to see a live show that is the same as the record. ”

This quest to keep things new and mixed seems to be the mission statement for the two. “Jean-Phi is very fresh,” Betty points out. “He can change the music around in just a day. He keeps the ideas from before, but takes them in a new direction. There were no boundaries, and I love that.” For his part, Jean-Phi adds, “She always sings like it’s the last time in her life, and to me that’s inspiring.”

It all adds up to a Janus-like live band and studio project. Compelling in different ways and full of surprises, Beast will be a band to watch beyond Canada as 2009 unfolds.
"Mr. Hurricane" MP3 Download

Single “The Way It Was” feat. Bionik Listen Here
Purchase “The Way It Was” and “The Lonely Ones” Here

ACEYALONE PREPS FOR RELEASE OF ACEYALONE & THE LONELY ONES
& pays tribute to the influential doo-wop genre.

The Los Angeles rapper and founding member of Freestyle Fellowship, Haiku D’Etat and Project Blowed, Aceyalone returns with Aceyalone & The Lonely Ones, which draws on Phil Spector, 60s girl groups, the J.B.s and a slew of raw, dirty funk for sonic inspiration.

For legendary emcee Aceyalone, being out of the norm has paradoxically always been the norm. After indulging his love of Jamaican music for 2007’s Lightning Strikes, the musically diverse emcee brings his admiration for doo-wop, blues and funk to the forefront. On the title track, finger snaps, falsetto choruses and Rickenbacker guitar dominate the production, a sound closer to Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound than today’s by-the-numbers beats. “What it Wuz” recalls the same era, but looks more towards Motown and Holland/Dozier/Holland production to emulate and update classic soul groups (think Martha & the Vandellas, Four Tops). “To the Top [Remix],” with its classic Bo Diddley beat, conjures up images of an early-20th century juke joint on Saturday night, while “Can’t Hold Back” is pure grimy funk, showcasing Aceyalone’s faux-bandleader personage as much as his emcee side. In true James Brown form, the emcee genially barks instructions to his band and engages the crowd in a rowdy call-and-response.

“I’m not from that era, but this is my ode to it,” says the emcee of the album’s feel. “I’m just putting myself into that character as a showman and bandleader. But I can still rhyme with the best of them. Artists are going to experiment and go different places and I love that whole era anyway.”

In stark contrast to the quantity-over-quality approach favored by so many emcees, Aceyalone has always prided himself on quality control. Aceyalone & The Lonely Ones is no exception. With Lonely Ones, Aceyalone along with producer Bionik, strikes down sonic boundaries and throwing the listener back to a time when music was pure, energetic, and fun. Aceyalone & The Lonely Ones isn’t just a collection of songs, but an album where every part is essential to its meaning.

In 1995, the emcee released his debut solo album All Balls Don’t Bounce, earning massive critical acclaim and Allmusic.com declaring Aceyalone “one of the greatest lyricists the West Coast has ever produced” and Bounce “a spectacular lyrical milestone.” Since then, the emcee has released eight more solo albums, with 2006 alone seeing the release of two albums. “You might say I’m prolific,” says Aceyalone, “but I’m still a work in progress. I’m just a conveyer of what’s already out there and people just don’t see it. I just interpret it.”

Aceyalone & The Lonely Ones represents another chapter in a consistently evolving career for the emcee. And after nine solo albums and countless more with others, there’s still a whole novel to go.

Aceyalone & The Lonely Ones will be in stores March 31, 2009.
www.myspace.com/aceyalone

61st Annual Meguiar's Detroit Autorama at COBO this weekend!

61st Annual Meguiar's Detroit Autorama at

COBO CENTER

Celebrates the 50th ANNIVERSARY

of the REVERED RIDLER AWARD

The most coveted award in Hot Rodding

 

Friday, March 8 - Noon to 10 p.m.

Saturday, March 9 - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 10 - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Show Begins With Outdoor "Cacklefest"

When Supercharged Dragsters Fire Up,

Thundering Throughout Downtown Detroit

 

The 61st Anniversary Meguiar's Detroit Autorama, March 8 - 10, at Cobo Center in Detroit will be one for the ages, when America's greatest hot rod show celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Ridler Award, the most coveted award in hot rodding. For 50 years the auspicious award has been presented to the most outstanding new custom car, shown for the first time anywhere. Named after the first promoter of Detroit Autorama, Don Ridler, the Ridler Award is the calling card of the Detroit event, attracting the finest custom car builders in North America to unveil their amazing vehicles for the first time at the famous show. Detroit Autorama is the largest and oldest show of customized cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles and hot rods in North America.

 

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Ridler Award, the Detroit Autorama organizers have invited all of the 50 past winners to bring their vehicles back to Autorama to show for this once in a lifetime occasion. This means that the most beautiful and creative custom cars in history will be gathered for one time only at Autorama on "Ridler's Row."

 

Adding excitement to the big anniversary, this year's Autorama will roll into Cobo with real thunder. Organizers plan an outdoor "cacklefest" for the opening. The "cacklefest" will be the live fire up of two super charged dragsters including legendary Al Bergler's famous "More Aggravation", the first Ridler Award winning vehicle and a second Bergler funny car aptly named "Motown Shaker." The "cacklefest" will take place at the corner of Washington Blvd. at Jefferson at noon in front of Cobo Center.

 

All of downtown Detroit will know that Autorama has arrived when the sound of the "cacklefest" rumbles and reverberates through the streets, sidewalks and skyscrapers of the city.

Detroit Autorama is the annual winter ritual that brings the most devout gear heads and just plain curious folks, up close and personal, with over 1,000 exhibits of chopped, channeled, dumped and decked hot rods, custom cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles of the past and present. It attracts visitors from across the country and the world.

 

Another exciting feature of this year's show will be the "Tribute to Batmobile" featuring three generations of the iconic Batmobile in person! Families will love to get a close look at these three fabulous vehicles from the famous Batman movies and original TV show and even get their picture taken with their favorite Batmobile!

 

Did you ever wonder how they actually "chop" an automobile to create a new super sleek custom hot rod? At this year's Autorama, Gene Winfield's Chop Shop will be right on site with the legendary custom car builder, himself, Gene Winfield, in person. He'll supervise the demonstration of a live "chopping" of a car. The Chop Shop is sponsored by Genuine Hot Rod Hardware.

 

Another headline collection at this year's show is WRIF's Kid Rock Collection, featuring four legendary vehicles owned by Detroit's own Kid Rock!

 

"For this year's celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Ridler Award, we are going all out," says Peter Toundas, Show Manager and President of Championship Auto Shows, Inc. producer of Detroit Autorama. "We are kicking off the big event with a stellar Friday night that we are calling the 'Ridler's Ball,' at Cobo Hall, presented by Chevrolet Performance. The roster of attendees include a who's who of the hot rod-custom car world across North America, and we will name the fifty most important car builders, owners, and designers who have contributed to the growth of the Rilder over its history. It's like our Oscars."

 

The first Detroit Autorama took place 61 years ago at the University of Detroit Field House as a fundraiser for Michigan Hot Rod Association's efforts to build the legendary Detroit Dragway. Over the years it moved to the Michigan State Fairground and the Detroit Artillery Armory before coming to Cobo Center as its first paid public show in 1961! In the years since, the show has grown and has earned a stellar reputation as the leading hot rod-custom car show in the nation.

 

Additional features of the 61st Annual Detroit Autorama include the Cavalcade of Customs; a 10 car exhibit of specially invited 50's customs, Ford's First Feather; a 10 car handpicked collection of beautiful two seat SS Thunderbirds from 1955 to 1957 and the Autorama Preservation Award Winner - a 1932 Ford 2 window Fordillac from the Genessee Gear Grinders, presented by Steele Rubber Products.

 

The entire lower level of Cobo Center features the popular Detroit Autorama Extreme featuring more than 200 traditional rods, customs and bobber bikes inspired by the 1950s. This successful addition to Autorama, now in its eighth year, is getting rave reviews. A show within a show, Autorama Extreme fills the entire 100,000 square feet of the lower level of Cobo's Michigan Hall.

 

Returning this year is the extremely popular Autorama Student Career Day, introduced seven years ago. This year more than 3,000 high school and trade school automotive students from nearly 50 Michigan schools will converge on Autorama on Friday, March 8 for morning presentations by key hot rod builders and industry leaders to learn about career opportunities in this growing field. After hearing from industry leaders, students will have the opportunity to visit the show and view the millions of dollars worth of show cars.

 

In addition to the Autorama Student Career day, Chrysler Group LLC announces the first Autorama High School Design Competition2013, to benefit the United Way of Southeastern Michigan and in cooperation with The College for Creative Studies. This special new program invites all students currently attending Detroit Public Schools to create their own design for a future luxury Chrylser brand vehicle, envisioned for the year 2030. A panel of judges from Chrysler, CCS and Detroit Autorama will select the winning entries from the Freshman-Junior Class and Senior Class and prizes will include a scholarship to The College for Creative Studies, summer design automotive classes at College for Creative Studies, I Pads, tours of the Chrysler Group's Product Design Office and free passes to Autorama.

 

The Motor City Mavens 2013 Auto Art Panel Jam and Charity Auction benefiting Leader Dogs for the Blind will be presented by WRIF. More than 200 of the most outrageous pinstripers from across the country will be in Detroit during all three days of Autorama to apply their artistry to items of every variety. They will demonstrate for the crowds and auction the items throughout the event with all proceeds going to Leader Dogs for the Blind. Demonstrations are ongoing. The auction times are Friday, March 8 at 5 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 9 at noon, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 10 at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

 

At the heart of Autorama are hundreds of sizzling striped souped up masterpieces of backyard car jockeys from across the country who flock to the motor city to show off their originals for the first time. These auto gems compete for awards and prizes in the Summit Racing Equipment Show Car Series. The series competition culminates in the awarding of a check for $1,000 each to the Pirelli Great 8. Finally one of the great eight is named winner of the prestigious Ridler Award for the best vehicle first time shown, sponsored by Chevrolet Performance. The winner receives $10,000 in cash plus a custom trophy and jacket.

Other features at this year's Autorama include the 19th Annual Toy-A-Rama. Additional features in Autorama Extreme include a video wall featuring vintage feature films, live performances by Rockabilly Bands and Vinsetta Garage's popular retro themed "Miss Autorama" Pinup Girl Calendar Contest on Saturday, March 9 at 5 p.m.

 

Appearances on the Celebrity Stages:

These special guest will meet and greet visitors and sign autographs:

"Sheamus", WWE Superstar, will appear Friday, March 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.

"Filthy Phil" (played by Christopher Douglas Reed) from the FX TV hit Sons of Anarchy will appear on Friday, March 8 from 4 to 9 p.m.

"Edge", (Adam Copeland) former WWE Superstar, will appear Saturday, March 9 from noon to 3 p.m.

Davis Cleveland who plays "Flynn Jones" on the Disney Channel's hit Shake It Up will appear on Saturday, March 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Stefanie Scott who plays "Lexi Reed" on Disney Channel's A.N.T. Farm will appear on Sunday, March 10 from noon to 5 p.m.

"Mountain Man" (Tim Guraedy) co-star of A&E TV show Duck Dynasty will appear Sunday, March 10 from noon to 5 p.m.

Spongebob Squarepants will appear Friday, March 8, from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 10 from noon to 5 p.m.

 

 

AUTORAMA AT COBO CENTER HOURS

Friday, March 8, Noon to 10 p.m.

Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

ADMISSION

At Gate: Adults - $18

Children 6 to 12 years - $5

Children 5 and under free

DISCOUNT TICKETS are available at O'REILLY AUTO PARTS

Discount tickets are: General Admission - $16, Children 6 - 12 - $4

Group tickets are also available

 

For more information call 248-373-1700

Go to www.autorama.com for up to the minute information and last mintue changes.

Autorama is produced by Championship Auto Shows, Inc.

and by Michigan Hot Rod Association

 

Baker's Keyboard Lounge 75th Anniversary

May 4th, 6:00PM

Salute the Original House Band at Baker's

$10 Reservations - - $5 general admission at the door.

At 75 years old, Detroit's Baker's Keyboard Lounge is the oldest running jazz club in the world. It's small stage has seen the likes of Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Cab Calloway, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald, to name a few. But just as the club is preparing to celebrate it's 75th anniversary, owner John Colbert has made it known that it's doors may soon be closing.

It all began in May, 1934, when Chris Baker opened a beer and sandwich restaurant. His son Clarence Baker began to work for him at the age of 15. Five years later, Clarence took over the management of Baker's following his father's stroke in 1939. Baker's was located at the end of the bus line in a rural neighborhood, on Livernois at 8 mile, where cornfields were more common than houses. At that time he nor anyone knew that seven decades later it would claim to be the longest running jazz club anywhere in the world.

In the late thirties, Clarence had installed himself as entertainment director, and began booking solo pianist into Baker's. Suddenly, there were lines outside the door. What began as a neighborhood spot serving steaks and chops, now, was a little jazz club.

The main attraction up until 1954 was local pianist Pat Flowers, who was so popular that Clarence no longer served food as the principal means of support, he provided entertainment nightly. The room was enlarged, and Pat had Clarence change the name to Baker's Keyboard Lounge. By the fifties Baker was booking jazz trios and quartets, such as Fats Waller, Meade Lux, Errol Garner, Art Tatum, Tommy Flanagan, and George Shearing.

During this period, Baker's Keyboard Lounge had become a main link in the American jazz circuit. As a result, the respectful and always swinging atmosphere was centered around the 7-foot Steinway piano that Art Tatum picked out in New York and had shipped to the club. Next he turned his little club into an acoustic jewel. He installed Italian tile which had the highest acoustic rating in the world, the walls were lined with flannel and artist Harry Carew painted murals around the walls. In 1957 the club's trademark was the piano shaped bar with mock piano keys swirling around its edges was installed.

The fifties thru the seventies proved to be the clubs golden era. Everyone who was anyone in the world of jazz; the young Dave Brubeck, the man who turned jazz upside down, John Coltrane; the era's premier pianist, Oscar Peterson. There was Krupa and Corea, Calloway and Betty Carter. There was Gerry Mulligan and Sonny Stitt and Kenny Burrell, Barry Harris, Donald Byrd, Earl Klugh, Pepper Adams. In short we had the finest musicians in the world.

The names goes on, especially the local musicians who symbolize the impressive array of extraordinary musicians who played at Baker's. Equally as exciting as the jam sessions, have been the unexpected surprises. Like the night Nat King Cole came to the club and sat in on the piano; or the time Ella Fitzgerald stopped in to see Tommy Flanagan and stayed to sing. Or the time when Liberace came in to see the famous keyboard shaped bar and rushed home to his Beverly Hills Mansion to install a piano-shaped pool in his back yard.

But nothing lasts forever; Clarence tried to get out of the business several times from 1973-1996 because of health problems. Then finally in 1996 he sold the club to John Colbert and Juanita Jackson. The club still maintains its intimate setting, great acoustic sound, and hipster vibe that have made it a favorite for jazz aficionados for 72 years. Baker's still takes an active interest in national and international artists as well as many Detroiters who make performing at baker's a rite of passage for eventually moving abroad.

John and Juanita attribute the keys to their success for continuing the great legacy of jazz at Baker's to the high performance standard made by the local jazz artists and the operation of the kitchen once again from an absence of more than fifty years.

So if you like traditional jazz, great atmosphere or if you enjoy just stepping into history, Baker's Keyboard Lounge is an experience you won't want to miss.

"MCB IS DETROIT"
Check out more MCB-VIDEOs here

The Nolan Factor - 2/4/2010

The Nolan Factor
The Real Jeff Nolan

Rewind like three months:

MCB management secured a few high end tickets to attend/cover
an art / fundraiser event in detroit a few months back

I arrived to the Art Serve conference/meet and greet at the Max Fisher Music Center with an artist friend on an icy November evening.

We were majorly outclassed from the get go, and while we did look dapper, we were no match to the dense crowd of three piece suits and shimmering dresses. As we began to chat with the affluent mob around us, I bought a $9 vodka tonic to occupy my hands.

A room filled with elaborately decorated tables opened up after about an hour of confusing conversations with a handful of museum curators and theater directors to reveal a glowing pink stage and podium. The fifty or more tables were equipped with plates of fruit, truffles, coffee and softly glowing candles which made for an elegant ambiance. We strategically positioned ourselves at the corner of a table (they were round) located on the perimeter of the room to avoid drawing more attention to the fact that we were conspicuous to say the least.

The event was organized to introduce the Art Serve program to the contributing art patrons of Michigan which is scheduled to be the newest extension of the program, already active in about a half a dozen states.

Fast-forward to recently:

A group of artists and musicians have seized control of the former Scrummage Insurance agency, a towering relic of 20th century prosperity in Detroit. You may have seen the hulk of a building, covered last fall with a gigantic 9-story technicolor mural as part of a community arts program.

On January 30th North End Studios, dubbed Sparklewood for the evening, hosted a huge fundraiser event with dork-rockers Kirtybird & the Boogeymen and the Tour Detroit DJs. The showed seemed to be a great success for the finically strapped space as it was packed from 10 PM until 5 AM.
The interior of the main floor was covered in artwork from dozens of local graffiti artists, painters, and sculptors, as well as larger-than-life airport decor for the night. Throughout the night there were strange video projections by Anthony Cholag of everything from vintage exercise videos to wild animals copulating. The fundraiser event was the kickoff of a regular schedule of events to be held on the first and third Saturdays of each month, with special events and openings in between the regular dates. Shows to be announced include Marco Polio & the New Vaccines, Macrame Tiger, The Carridines, and the High Strung, with coordinating acts including the likes of videographers, burlesque dancers, fashion shows, and Haute 2 Death in the works for future shows.

The vibe of the new space is really great, it seems to fill a void that I hadn't realized existed.

Let me explain why no one should ever under any circumstances buy anything from the Family Dollar in Hamtramck. Monday, February 1st, 8:52 PM: I walked up to the entrance to buy some candy, I had made it just in time, as when I called I was told that their hours of operation ceased at 9 PM...

Upon entering the store I was greeted by a mean-spirited, unkempt, and seemingly intoxicated employee who claimed to be the store manager.

"Get out! We're closed!"

She said pointing to the door behind me.
"But it is only 8:52..." I said checking the time on my cellular telephone.
"Well, I close ten minutes early, so unless its just one thing, get out!"

"Fuck you! You're not getting my money and you will never see me again."

Was my retort. I faintly heard her profane shouts in plain earshot of offended and confused customers as the door swung behind me. For your reference, the Family Dollar to avoid is the one on Conant, just North of Caniff.

Sweethead's Final Night of Residency at Spaceland

MCB's latest addition to the ranks is wonderfully talented Kelli Hayden

KHP is an old school pal of MCB's Moneypenny and

she will be chiming in every so often from Los Angeles

with her killer photos and bad ass attitude

*This should have been posted several days earlier, but I've been out with the flu and in with the drugs. I'm finally recovering and found enough strength to update. I've blocked the writer's block and cranked out this here review for y'all. Enjoy.

Last Monday, May 24th 2010, was Sweethead's final night of their month long residency at Spaceland....as well as the night in which I've been dubbed with the nickname, "Fabulous Wreck" by close pals. Well earned and much deserved might I add. I bought a lens online - a specialty lens referred to as the "nifty fifty" lens with an aperture down to F/1.8 for dark lighting situations. I ordered it express shipping so it would arrive before Monday so I'd have it on time for the show for some bad ass shots. After much anticipation, the lens didn't arrive and I would have to do my best with a lens not fit for dark venues. Strike one.

With Sweethead headlining their final night last Monday, special guests included Joshua Homme and wife, Brody Dalle, Joey Castillo and girlfriend, Pixie Acia, Dave Catching, and many other members of the fruitfully talented family. Eagles of Death Metal were said to be closing out the night with a "secret" performance but that was definitely no secret and unfortunately they had to pull off the bill a few nights prior to the show. Dave Catching sent out a text message with the bad news, but I totally predicted it would happen. Reasons were not advertised, but let's just say Spaceland couldn't house the expected turnout once word got out they'd be playing. Other talent on the bill included Mini Mansions with the likes of Michael Shuman aka Mikey Shoes (Queens of the Stone Age, Jubilee) on drums, guitar, and vocals...altogether. Aside from not being bad on the eyes (at all), Mr. Shoes is a fabulous multi-tasking musician. I arrived to the venue after they had already started playing and just walked in right as they finished what I was told was an excellent version of "Heart of Glass" by Blondie. Damn. Strike two.

After their set, the great and legendary Alain Johannes (Them Crooked Vultures, Queens of the Stone Age) graced the stage with his magical presence. His set was beautiful, ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. He ended his solo set with "Making A Cross" which isn't stranger to you if you're into the Desert Sessions, particularly Volumes 7 & 8. The only other time I have heard this song live was at the Natasha Schneider Benefit concert in August, 2008, after she had lost her battle with cancer. It is one of the most beautifully written and performed songs I have ever heard and to watch Mr. Johannes perform it nearly two years after his wife's death almost brought tears to my eyes.

After Johannes, a new group of apples that didn't fall too far from the tree were Hello=Fire. This gathering is the solo project of Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age, The Dead Weather). Their line-up for the night called other members of Queens of the Stone Age for duty; Troy van Leeuwen (also in Sweethead) on keys and Joey Castillo (also in Eagles of Death Metal) on drums, and also Brendan Benson (The Racontuers), and Michael Horrigan (Twilight Singers) - a stiff musical cocktail served straight up . They embarked on their very first live performance and rocked the hell out of everyone in attendance. I just do not know how these insanely talented people can juggle so many side and solo projects and never fail to keep them so uniquely bad ass and intensively alive, but that answers itself; they're insanely talented people. I cannot wait for future Hello=Fire shows, and more appropriate photos to capture the next immensely awesome set we're already eagerly awaiting. I couldn't capture anything "worthy" to my standards of Troy or Joey for their first performance. Strike three.

There's nothing to say about Sweethead that hasn't been said before other than they totally had the crowd they deserved all four Monday nights on this night. The venue was JAM PACKED for their final Spaceland set for the month of May. By this time, I don't remember what they opened with, or what they played, but I know they did close with the "The Great Distruptors" as usual. My memory got, uh, "foggy" at this point...and even foggier after that. Kelli, you're fired.




My night ended with a run-in with the LAPD who are notorious for police brutality so like a smart person I complied with their bullshit, which I have to now later contest or start kicking rocks in the hot sun. I'm not sure how I find myself in these messes (they find me?) but I've been dubbed "Fabulous Wreck" and the name fits perfectly. It's my new alleged lifestyle in which I must accept. At least it's not boring.

PS, my "nifty fifty" lens arrived on Tuesday mourning along with the flu.

Peace, love, and punk rock,
KHP

Ballet Folklorico De Mexico @ The Music Hall, Detroit ; 3/5 - 3/6

Back for the first time in 11 years!

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts Takes you on a marvelous tour of a many-splendored land - as dance, music, costume and song sweep you from tropical ports to rugged ranch towns, from lost civilizations to lakeside fiesta, with the legendary Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, for TWO performances, Friday March 5th and Saturday, March 6th at 8PM.

In 1952, Amalia Hernández, dancer and choreographer, founded the Ballet Folklórico of México, having embarked, at a very early age, on a never-ending quest to rescue the dancing traditions of Mexico. The vital search became a basic need to reflect not only in Mexico but the rest of the world, the beauty of the Universe in motion which started with the pre-Colombian civilizations and grew with the Hispanic influences of the Vice royal era up to the popular strength of the Revolutionary years. In 1954, Amalia started a series of presentations that credited her as the Cultural Representative of Mexico to the world at large.

"Passionate...impeccable...and unequaled point of entry to the riches of a fabulous culture!"
-Los Angeles Times

The present time fades before your eyes and thus commences our journey through the past. The Lords of Heaven and Earth come back to life, the Jaguars, the Gods born of human flesh, thirty different cultures that blossomed in centuries once, leaving behind a trail of color in which Amalia Hernández was inspired to create the Ballet Folklórico of México.

International success has been achieved during the first tours and has been maintained through the fifty years of incessant artistic endeavors. Starting from the sixties, Amalia Hernández and the Ballet Folklórico of México have developed the choreographies for 40 ballets, composed of 76 folk dancers. The music, technical perfection, sophisticated wardrobe and original choreographies, create this singular character of the Ballet. Amalia Hernández and the Ballet Folklórico of México have been distinguished with more than 200 awards in recognition to their artistic merits.

"...Amalia Hernández is an expert at putting together fast-paced entertaining shows that can make viewers want to rush right off to Mexico"
- New York Times

The Ballet was initiated by performing a weekly program on television, sponsored by the Mexican government. Since the year of 1959 it is being permanently presented at the Palace of Fine Arts, foremost stage for Art Mexico City. The institution has two main artistic companies called The First Company and the Resident Company: both alternate tours and performances in Mexico and abroad. They have already performed more than five thousand presentations. The music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore combined with the talent of their artists have achieved national and international success.


"It is something of a wonder when thousand-year-old faces carved in their country in stone seem to come alive on the stage."
- New York News Day- Dance Review

Tickets are $50 $40 and $30 ($3 Preservation Fee included) and available at Music Hall Box Office or ticketmaster.com.

Wild At Heart

Wild Bill Ketelhut provides the "blog" to this anti-blog

Wild At Heart

Getting ready to prepare a few interviews with drummer Gary peterson of the Guess Who and rockabilly sensation Jen Lenz. I also have some Burton Cummings pictures who was a huge hit song writer for the Guess Who so make sure to stay tuned for that.

Meanwhile, I did recently go to Lockport to see Burton and a few other bands. I also walked around the Erie Canal locks which were built in 1924-25 using a strong force of Irish and Scottish laborers. The building of the locks helped create the town which has been strong touristy in recent years if you love history. Here are some pictures of the locks I took prior to the show.

Before I share pictures of the bands at the show that opened for Burton Cummings, here are some upcoming shows that are I recommend:

Tuesday (7/12) - Owl City and Matt Kearney @ Fillmore, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience @ The Ark, "Weird Al" Yankovic @ Meadowbrook Theatre

Wednesday (7/13) - 311 @ Pine Knob, Toots & the Maytals @ Magic Bag, Larry Lee and the Back In The Day Band @ Wyandotte Street Art Fair

Thursday (7/14) - Ragbirds @ Liberty Plaza (Sonic Lunch)

Friday (7/15) - 60 Second Crush @ Blind Pig, Ludo @ Pike Room, Guess Who @ Renaissance Center (Rockin' On the Riverfront), Fur opens for Smiths Unlimited @ Magic Bag, Cheap Trick @ Motorcity Soundboard

Saturday (7/16) - Handgrenades w/ Fifty Amp Fuse and Carolyn Striho @ Wyandotte Street Art Fair, Annie Capps w/ Jo Serrapere and Billy Brandt @ Ypsilanti Crossroads Music Festival, Handgrenades and Citizen Smile @ Majectic Cafe, Dirtbombs @ Magic Stick, Frontier Ruckus @ Blind Pig, Sponge w/Verve Pipe and Rare Earth @ Quake On The Lake, Steely dan @ Fox Theatre, Detroit Cobras @ Wyandotte Street Art Fair, O'Jays and Dramatics @ Chene Park

Sunday (7/17) - Goo Goo Dolls and Parachute @ Meadowbrook Music, Randy Travis and Josh Turner @ Pine Knob

Monday (7/18) - Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele @ Magic Stick

My favorite Detroit Festival, the Concert Of Colors, is early this year and once again has an excellent line-up. I love this festival for the diversity of musical styles it encompasses and that they are very open to press. I'll miss covering the event this year now I am in NY so I'm counting on everyone else to pick up my slack. On Thursday, July 14th there are special showcases at the Scarab Club (where you can hear local poetry and the music of Audra Kubat and the Charles H Wright Museum for African, Cuban and hip hop and the excellent music of Amp Fiddler. On Friday, July 15th, you can go to the Detroit Institute of the Arts for boogie boogie and Latin jazz. Saturday, July, 16th and Sunday, July 17th are at the Max M Fisher. The festival is a great place to hear music that one would normally associate with Ann Arbor with various ska, Brazillian jazz, Arabic, Irish, East Indian jazz and reggae to name a few. I always recommend the Don Was Super Session which features Martha Reeves, Mitch Ryder, the Muggs, Brothers Groove, Jim McCarty and the Detroit Cobras to name a few which is on Saturday. Make sure you check out the local rock band with a Japanese twist in the October Babies (my favorite Detroit band). On Sunday, don't forget to check out Betty LaVette who has a beautiful voice. These should be a great line-up so check it out.

I never made it to the Windsor Blues Fest, but they always get pretty good talent. The music starts Friday, July 15th and ends Sunday, July 17th. The opening night has Smokin' Joe Kubek and a Pasman Supersession. You can also see actor Tim Robbins & the Rogues Gallery. Not sure what to expect there but he would be cool to meet. The big night is Saturday. I would love to go see Ten Years After and Stephen Page (of Bare Naked Ladies fame) though I do recommend Reverend Payton's Big Damn Band and Girls With Guitars (I'll have pics of Big Damn Band next week as they play Rochester this week and I had picture of Girls With Guitars when they played our Jazzfest. Those girls rocked. be ready to be impressed! Alto Reed (of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet fame) will be performing on Sunday. This is a year I wish I could go.

Getting back to the opening bands, let's start with Perpetual Road, a band from Youngstown, NY. I had just taken 1 picture as by the time I got there, they were finishing up and the were off stage before I got a second picture. I liked the song I heard but didn't hear enough to really get a true feel.

The second band was the Exit who played a nice rocking set. Nothing overly special but they had a nice sound.

Lastly, before Burton was country singer Amanda Nagurney, a 22 year old singer, songwriter and musician recently finished her new album "So Full of Country". She recently relocated to Nashville, TN to further her career in the Country Music Industry and has recently opened for Gretchen Wilson, The Band Perry, Bucky Covington and Travis Tritt. She works a crowd well and is very pleasant. Her music doesn't yet have that punch to separate her from the glut of female Country singers out there but the potential is there. You can check her stuff out at http://amandanagurney.com.

Hope you enjoyed these pictures. Make sure you check in this week for Burton Cumming pictures with Gary Peterson interview and this weekend for Jen Lenz pictures and interview. have a good week. Later!!