12/31/08

A few last minute NYE 2008 suggestions....Third Coast Kings // KIDDO // 323 East @ Goodnite Gracies // FREE FREE FREE PAY @ Northern Lights Lounge

Third Coast Kings funk up NYE 2008 at Corner Brewery located at 720 Norris in Ypsilanti
Another Free NYE Party!!
No better beer than Corner Brewery beer, no better band than Third Coast Kings.
This is the show that will be remembered all year long.
Bring your baby, your best get up, and your freak nasty boogie shoes,
because this New Year starts proper with the Funk!!



KIDDO play The Bang! or New Years Eve 2008


@ The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor MI

Check out the 323East party @ Goodnite Gracies in Royal Oak

for a killer mixup of 323East artwork

and rotating DJs spinning all your favorites all night long

Over at MCB favorite Northern Lights Lounge the management decided to to host an all is free evening tonight - no charge for entrance - free dancing - free food and FREE BOOZE!


Wait -back that up - Its called the FREE FREE FREE PAY NYE @ NLL for a reason and that means our mistake - you do have to pay for the booze BUT they are having specials all night long so go lounge around at Northern Lights tonight !!!

on

12/30/08

Wolfman Mac and Son of Froggy - Painted Lady - Tues Dec 30th




This Tuesday night, get out of the house for some New Year's Eve "Warm-Up Partying" at the Painted Lady in Hamtramck!

Son of Froggy and surprise Nightmare Sinema guest stars will be hosting a screening of the holiday classic, Silent Night, Deadly Night! It's rated "R," so anyone with delicate constitution is encouraged to have their medication handy.

Come on out and meet the gang and pick up on all the Nightmare Sinema merchandise that Santa forgot to bring ya!

The Painted Lady is in Hamtramck at 2930 Jacob St. Call them at (313) 874-2991‎.

And don't forget that tonight on Wolfman Mac's Nightmare Sinema, we have the 1960 stinker, The Amazing Transparent Man!
"THE PAINTED LADY IS DETROIT"
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"The Best of the Motor City" - Memphis Smoke TONIGHT!!!

Planet D @ Memphis Smoke / TONIGHT !

Happy Holidays from Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine
and
Memphis Smoke & RJ Spangler


The night before New Years Eve, Tuesday December 30th,
RJ Spangler & Big City Rhythm & Blues magazine
proudly premier their new series called


"The Best of The Motor City."


"This series will feature under the guidance of bandleader and producer RJ Spangler
some of the music that is at the root of Motown.


Come out for some holiday cheer and some Memphis Smoke!


The music starts at 8:30 pm.


Memphis Smoke

100 S Main St

Royal Oak, Michigan 48067


Justin Jozwiak / alto sax & cl,
Keith Kaminski / tenor sax & cl,
Joshua James / tenor & sap saxes,
Rick Steiger / bari , alto sax & cl,
John "T-Bone" Paxton / trombone & vox,
James O’Donnell / trumpet & vox, Jason Bohde / trumpet,
Dave Gadd / piano Ben Luttermoser / acoustic bass,
RJ Spangler / drums.


http://www.myspace.com/memphissmoke
http://www.myspace.com/planetdnonet


"MCB IS DETROIT"
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MCB going up in flames for NYE 2008


MCB's Alex Conley is throwing down for a last minute "Garage Party"

"I am tired of the get dressed up/$500 throw down for NYE" says the MOTORCITYBLOG shooter...."Detroit's known for the garage sound and that's what I am going to bring to the new year....GARAGE PARTY 2008!"

"The world is going down in flames; No better time to celebrate it than now!

With Beer Pong and Shopping Cart Jousting this IS the place to be for NYE 2008!

Join us in our 3,000 sq/ft garage as we blast into the New Year with utter insanity.

Located in Fraser, Michigan industrial district, no sound ordnance means the party never stops."

Searching for a DJ or Band willing play last min style.



"MCB IS DETROIT"
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TONIGHT // Boombox Tuesdays w/Dolce Moda & Local Readings & Performances @ 7 Brothers Bar Hamtramck

Hello Friends, hope your winter and new year are beginning well.

A chance to warm up tonight at Seven Brothers Bar in Hamtramck as I host our
monthly evening of music, readings and art starting around 9:00. Since March we
have had a steady flow of regional and local musicians, writers, readers, artists and
activists on the mic. It is an opportunity for collaboration and some good fruit has
come of our freedom of expression. All for free!

No cover and please feel free to bring what you have to share as well as your ears!

7 Brothers Bar
11821 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212

~PEACE


Head on over to Goodnite Gracie's in Royal Oak for another Tuesday Boombox
Spinning as usual is DJ Jenny La Femme
Sponsered by Dolce Moda in Royal Oak
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MCB UPDATE....

so we have a lot of photo and video coming probably tomorrow from the past week

Photos/Video Interview/Footage - My Dear Disco
Photos / Video Footage - Javelins / The Hard Lessons / Child Bite
Photos/Reviews -Smitten By Detroit
Photos / MITTENFEST 3
Photos /AlleyCat Detroit Blizzard Bike Race

Been busy today but...

we just got word that MOTORCITYBLOG was approved for Media Credentials at the 2009 North American International Auto Show next month! NICE!!!

MCB will be covering a few shows tomorrow night

Fillmore Detroit's Resolution Ball // Brett Lawrence
(if you won tickets enjoy the night on MCB! - all 50 of you!)

Blondies Detroit // Diana Price

Belmont for Gold Cash Gold & MoB // RiazK

Lager House with Beggars // Product of Detroit

Stone House w/ 60 Second Crush // Mrs Unknown

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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FELIX - Modern Exchange Southgate - Tue Dec 30th

FELIX
Tuesday December 30th 2008

The Modern Exchange
12219 Dix-Toledo
Southgate, Michigan 48129
Cost: $8

w/ The Wonder Years
Fireworks
Man Overboard
Take Notice
Transit
on

12/29/08

RIP - Robert Graham

Hall-of-Fame Sculptor Robert Graham Dies

The Joe Louis Fist in downtown Detroit is one of many sculptures by this hall of famer.

"Born in Mexico City in 1938, Graham was educated at San Jose State College and the San Francisco Art Institute.In addition to his well-known public works in Los Angeles and Washington, Graham created the Joe Louis Memorial in Detroit, honoring the boxer with a 24-foot bronze monument in the shape of a massive fist and forearm, suspended from a pyramid structure. Jazz giants Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker were memorialized with bigger-than-life sculptures in New York City and Kansas City, Mo., respectively."

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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MCB-VIDEO: PHOTOS: Electric Fire Babies @ Lager House Detroit Dec 2008


MCB favorite Electric Fire Babies played this past Friday at PJ's Lager House
Another great showing from EFB - so if you missed it - check the vid
If you want more from EFB - check the link
www.myspace.com/electricfirebabies



MCB's Jesse Welter was down for The Electric Fire Babies show @ PJ’s Lager House in Corktown and snapped these killer shots! See more from Jesse Welter:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotosessions

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=59671

"EFB IS DETROIT"
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NYE 2008 @ BLondies Detroit - Faster Pussycat / Saturnine Hello

NYE 2008 @ Blondies Detroit
FASTER PUSSYCAT
THROW THE FIGHT
RYAN HORIZON
VIC WAYNE
SATURNINE HELLO

Wednesday December 31, 2008
7:00pm - 1:00am

Blondies
2281 W. Fort St.
Detroit Michigan 48216

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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Beggars NYE BASH! - PJ's Lager House - Wed NYE 2008

BEGGARS NYE BASH!!!
Wednesday December 31st 2008

THEEEE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY for 2008
PJs Lager House in Corktown
1254 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

w/ Electric Lions, Octopus, and Los Vikings Del Muerto

"PJ's Lager House IS DETROIT"
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WHYyouJAM NYE 2008 - Magnetic Recordings Pontiac

This New Years Eve the place to be is at the http://www.whyyoujam.com/ party.

It’s a private party so we are not bound by bar time restrictions.
This party is going untill you can’t stand up anymore.

$30 cover includes: light food and drink, open bar and lots of music.

You must be on the guest list and prepaid to get in.
We are not taking money at the door.
We will be giving $3 from every ticket sold to:

HOPE Hospitality & Warming Center a non profit in Pontiac.

Also we will be doing a drive so bring: men's socks, men's underwear, extra hygiene products or a few bucks to donate. http://www.hopewarmingpontiac.org/

Doors at 8 pm.

Brando and Friends opening at 9pm.
Brandon Creasman is well known as a guitar and string virtuoso, who cut his teeth in Detroit Music Scene the critically acclaimed Electric Magi. His current band Brando and Friends plays all things Jerry Garcia, Allman Brothers, and Led Zeppelin mixed with the unique sound of Motown.

FlopHouse hits the stage at 10:15pm.
Flophouse is the true embodiment of the Detroit Funk Soul sound. These boys hail from the blue collar roots of the downriver area. When they hit the stage, they hit it hard.


Covert Operations at the stroke of Midnight.
These guys have been kicking it around the scene for years .
They have toured nationally and have been featured at some of the bigger Midwest summer festivals such as Hookahville, 10K Lakes and many of big festivals at Nelson Ledges. The sound of Covert Ops is contagious. They take a simple jam and just build layers and layers. Let’s not forget that they can play until the sun comes up.

The party will be held at Magnetic Recordings (formerly RKS) 17 West Lawrence Street Pontiac Michigan 48342

Food is being sponsored by Zumba Mexican Grill in Royal Oak

This event is hosted by WhyYouJam and Now More Than Ever Productions.


on

Double your Donation @ Gleaners Food Bank - TODAY ONLY!!!


Most of us at MCB have it pretty lucky ...
We are warm -- We have a home to live in -- We have enough to eat

BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT DO NOT HAVE IT SO GOOD HERE IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN - TODAY YOUR DONATION CAN HELP TWICE AS MUCH
HELP GLEANERS FOOD BANK FEED THE HUNGRY HERE IN THE MOTORCITY

Today is Double Your Donation Day at Gleaner's Foodbank.

http://www.gcfb.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage

There are more hungry people in southeast Michigan than ever before. Seeing this first-hand, some supporters of Gleaners, including National City Bank, have stepped forward to offer this special opportunity, giving you one last chance to make a tax-deductible donation in 2008.

Today only, December 29, every dollar you donate to Gleaners feeds one hungry person for two days, instead of one.

Tell your employer, workmates, friends, family...every dollar counts!

You can take advantage of this opportunity by making your donation online,
or by calling 1-866-GLEANER, ext. 155

Thank you for making a difference!



"GLEANERS IS DETROIT"
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NYE 2008 @ The Whitney Detroit



The Whitney Detroit is one of the most elegant places to party for NYE ....check out the deal above and check out the slideshow below how beautiful this old school detroit eatery/lounge is for yourself.


MCB's Kirk Allen shot this set of The Whitney that really show off this detroit gem.

"The Whitney IS DETROIT"
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FREE TICKETS: Final Giveaway for NYE Fillmore Detroit 2008

What are you doing for New Years Eve this year?
Want to party it up at The Fillmore Detroit on MCB???

MCB has been giving away tickets to the Resolution Ball at The Historic Fillmore Detroit for the past few weeks - we are down to the last 10 tickets and they will go fast so you better hurry!

The final giveaway for a free pair of tickets to the 6th-10th emailers
these tickets are totally gone - thanks to all the winners and remember to pick up your tickets at Showtime Clothing in Detroit
(THESE ARE WORTH $50 EACH)

Here are the details: or click here

8th Annual Resolution Ball
Capacity 1,750 Guests at this NYC~Chicago Inspired New Year's Event!
(Don't Be Fooled by Imitators & Copy Cat Parties)

LOCATION:
The Historic Fillmore Theatre in Detroit (Formerly the State Theatre)

ENTERTAINMENT:
Headliner Entertainment - Bands & DJ’s Until 4am
That 80's Band : DJ Tommy Holiday : DJ Sandman- Dance All Night!

LIVE BROADCAST:
Countdown with the Ball Drop in Times Square!

CROWD:
New Year's Nation Detroit will draw an upscale 20's & 30's Crowd from all corners of the Midwest. All guests must be 21+ and have photo id (Driver's License, State ID, Passport)

ATTIRE:
Evening Chic & More... Black Tie Optional is welcome but not required.

MIDNIGHT FESTIVITIES:
Champagne Toast, Party Favors & Balloon Drop, Confetti Storm, and Live Feed of the Ball Drop from Times Square. Deluxe Midnight Snack Buffet Stations of Pizza, Sliders & Coneys as well as Coffee Service and Gourmet Chocolate Buffet!

TICKETS: (free if you are an MCB winner)
See Packaging & Pricing Below.
Tickets for presale will be held at will-call for all customers.

GROUP RATES AVAILABLE - Call- 248-543-1000

Limited Booths with Bottle Service - Reserve Now!
Minimum group 10 VIP tickets

Tickets available at LiveNation

Ticket Info
PLENTIFUL NO-LINE BARS
PLENTIFUL SEATING
PLENTIFUL GOURMET CUISINE

New Year's Nation '09
VIP All-Access Pass - $100
7 HOUR Premium Open BAR
Private Mezzanine Level Access
Doors Open at 8:00pm
________________________
NYE Party Pass - $50
Premium Open BAR 8-9:30pm
Main Floor Access
Doors Open at 8:00pm
______________________
"Went to the Wrong Party"
Rock Star Late Nite Pass - $30
Premium CASH BAR 10p-3a
Main Floor Access
Entry after 10pm
____________________
7 Hour Premium Open Bar
8pm - 3am
Champagne Reception
Exclusive Mezzanine Access
Exquisite Hors D’oeuvres & Food Stations (Menu Below)
8pm-10:30pm
Hearty Buffet & Midnight Festivities Blowout (see above)
Korbel Champagne Toast
& Party Favors
Champagne Bottle Service Available
Valet Parking Available
Hotel Packages Available (See Below) with complimentary shuttle
Premium Open Bar 1.5 Hours 8pm - 9:30pm
Premium Cash Bar until 3am
Champagne Reception
Hearty Buffet & Midnight Festivities Blowout (above)
Korbel Champagne Toast
& Party Favors
Valet Parking Available
Hotel Packages Available (See Below) with complimentary shuttle

Premium Cash Bar
10pm - 3am
If you are the late night type or find you went to the wrong party you can arrive Fashionably Late and party like a *RockSTAR* until 4am
Hearty Buffet & Midnight Festivities Blowout (above)
Korbel Champagne Toast
& Party Favors
Valet Parking & Hotel Packages Available (TBA)

"FILLMORE DETROIT IS DETROIT"
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New Years Eve 2008 @ Lola's Detroit / Bakers Keyboard Lounge / Stone House Bar / Luna Lounge

Lola's is throwing a NYE bash - dress to impress and get down with your bad self.
1427 Randolph St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-0483



If hard rock is your bag consider heading over to the Stone House Bar just south of the Michigan State Fair Grounds for a FREE (yep FREE!) NYE Party with to of the detroit areas best bands playing the cozy back room - 60 Second Crush and Mound Road Engine! Party it up at Detroit's Oldest Operating Biker Bar!


Looking for a place to dance to the coolest throwback tunes? Head on over to another MCB favorite Luna Lounge where they have been kicking out the best NYE Dance Pary year after year after year....

on

WILD AT HEART - Holidays Dec 22nd + 29th 2008

Hey Kirk-I am out on vacation but still posting to MCB - Bill

Wild Bill Ketelhut provides the "blog" to this anti-blog
He has a radio program on WXOU out of Oakland University

Wild At Heart - December 22nd 2008
Sorry for the delay but like some flight delays, I am currently on vacation and just got around to getting near a computer. Speaking of flight delays, if you are flying this year, make sure to get to the airport on time. I left for Florida on Sunday and had a 2:30PM flight. I wanted to get to the airport at 10AM while my buddy who was nice enough to take me to the airport was asking why I wanted to get there that early and was asking about a 12:00PM arrive time at the airport.
When flying I rather get somewhere early than get delayed and risk missing a flight esp with all the security checks. Besides, I brought 9 books with me (I am starting the fourth today).

Well, luckily I convinced him to get me there early esp with the call for icy conditions the later it got. We arrived just before 11AM and they put me on an early flight leaving at 12. Later, after I arrived in Orlando, my parents told me that my 2:30PM flight got delayed due to icy conditions
to 5:50PM which means I would've been stuck in Atlanta overnight since I would have missed the last connecting flight to Orlando by that point. So if you are flying this holiday,get to the airport early since you never know when an opportunity will open up. If you have the time traveling through the Atlanta International Airport go to the Zimbabwe scupture display located on the tram level between terminals A and T. Here you will see around 20 large scuptures
by 12 artists from Zimbabwe (the name in the local Shona language actually means "stone houses" which relate to the giant rocks that rise up in the hills outside the capital of Harare). The sculptures relate heavily to the themes of family, the relationhip of man to nature and to
the countries spiritualaity. I esp liked the scupture of the Secretary Bird but all the works have a strong resonance that should be enjoyed if you have the time.

My first day was 61 degrees down here with temps going into the high 70's, low 80's for the rest of the week which is great relief from the cold temps of Detroit. That Friday snow storm really upset my plans though the WXOU party at the Crofoot did go on and the lovely people
from Rock N Rummage brought a lot of cool items for holiday shopping.

The music was great and it was a good time despite only 17 of 51 people showing up due to the weather. I also had to miss the premiere of The Spirit which I have been dying to see for months (and the fact the TV stations plays the trailer every hour or so). I did mange to do an
interview with Morris Chestnut which will air on my show the first Thursday of Jan (88.3FM or www.wxou.org) concerning his new movie Not Easily Broken (reviews of that and Doubt should be out next Monday's blog). I have a few favorite things to do in Florida and one includes hanging out and shopping at Downtown Disney (or Disney Village). I always take in the Art Of Disney store which contains the high end art of Disney including various paintings and scuptures. My favorite new pieces are the art deco styled posters for the Incredibles, Ratatouille and Wall-E and a couple of ceramic dragons (one inspired by Mulan and the other Pete's Dragons). My parents got me a statue of Jack from the Nightmare Before Christmas for Christmas.

The best part though was the new concept restaurant, T Rex Cafe. Basically think Rainforest Cafe but with a dinosaur theme. The outside has some cartoonish characters and some skeletal remains which is cool but inside is amazing. The bar area is set up like the sea with giant
jellyfish and hugh octopus over the bar. Next is the fire room with Pteradactyls and T Rex with a volcano theme. There is a foresty room with Triceratops, Apatosaurus and other dinosaurs. I sat in the Ice Cave which is guarded by a Wooly Mammoth. They even have a fake earthquake going on every so often. If you like dinosaurs, this is a cool restaurant to go to. It is pricey (this is Disney property after all) but the ribs are good and remember, you are going for the experience and not to save money. This area also contains the House of Blues, the Cirque du Soleil show
"La Nouba" (I went to this last year and my whole family enjoyed it), Bongo's Cuban Cafe (owned by Gloria Estefan), the LEGO Inagination Center, the Virgin Megastore (my favorite place to shop) and all the disney stuff you can buy. I hope everyone is having a safe and sound holiday week. Merry Christmas everyone and I'll be back next Monday where I'll talk about
SeaWorld and who knows what else.

Wild At Heart - December 29th 2008
I am now halfway through my vacation and it has been wonderful (81 degrees today). I hate to think what the temperature might be up there and I have a bit of time to not think about it (esp when I think about unburying my truck).

One of my favorite places down here is SeaWorld and I hope to have
someone from the park on my show come February to talk about some of their programs and new features like the new Manta rollercoaster currently being build. Everyone does Top Ten lists so in that spirit, here are my top 10 things about Seaworld.

10) The Waterfront At SeaWorld - a nice stretch of sidewalk covered
with shops. This area also has frequent sidewalk musicians and has a
good view of the fountain shows.

9) Manatee Rescue - a nice area which contains endangered manatees
which have been rescued from the waterways of Florida. Most have been
injured by boaters who didn't see them and probably didn't care. A nice
reminder of the good work SeaWorld does for conservation efforts.

8) Blue Horizons - this is the dolphin show which is getting kind of
old when we get to the divers and some of the other non-dolphin stuff
but when the dolphins are on stage, this show is amazing.

7) Wild Artic (Beluga Whales) - yes you have the Walrus and Polar
Bears and a movie which starts your journey (currently Polar Express),
but the underwater viewing area for the Beluga Whales is one of my
favorites. This gentle looking creatures are graceful underwater and
have almost human looks of playfulness. I always try to spend about a
1/2 hour here to watch them and if you are in a hurry they can hide for
a couple of minutes so be patient.

6) Shark Encounter - this amazing underwater walkway is a structural
marvel but it is the shark viewing that makes this fun as well as some
of the tanks full of Lionfish and Leafy Seadragons.

5) Pacific Point Perserve - I never thought a sea lion habitat would
be so engaging but they did a wonderful job putting this together. You
can watch sea lions and harbor seals frolic and feed them if you like.
The design gives you many good viewing areas and their are always a
couple looking for attention. If you do feed them, make sure to use a
strong arm or the birds will intercept.

4) Journey To Atlantis - a water ride which is guaranteed to get you
wet no matter where you sit on this flume ride. It has some nice set up
with mermaids and similar stuff but the first drop is cool and the end
twists are great fun. Make sure to stop in the gift shop on the way out
and check out the aquarium here which has luminous jellyfish and a nice
tank both about you and in the floor.

3) The Kraken - a smooth and exciting roller coaster set towards the
back of the park. It is a very good ride and worth checking out. Also,
after the ride, the Kraken eggs someimes contain electric eels inside
them. Look closely!

2) Underwater Dolphin Viewing Area - the best animal view area in the
park and lets you watch the playful antics of this exquisite species.
No where do you feel as close to the animals as you do here. I have
spent up to an hour in this area which has nonstop action.

1) Shamu Stadium - One year I was at the park by myself and watched 7
Shamu shows (most in the splash zone) in one day. Now I just go to
watch other people run away from the water coming at them from the
killer whales which are the most beautiful animals on the planet - IMHO.
This is the reason you come to SeaWorld. Nothing compares to seeing
these animals in action. When they jump in the air and come down
splashing, it takes your breath away.

OK, so these are the 10 places you need to go to if you ever make it
to SeaWorld in Olando. I suggest eating at Smoky Creek (great ribs) or
Hospitality Deli at the Anheuser Busch center (good turkey sandwhiches).
If you have the money, do the Dinner with Shamu which is a nice buffet
dinner.

In other news, I got a couple of movies to talk about. First, "Not Easily Broken" is a relationship movie starring Morris Chestnut and Taraji Henson as Dave and Claire Johnson. Hoping to be a professional athlete, Dave gets hurt his rookie season and is forced to take a job doing construction. His wife becomes a cutthroat real estate agent. He helps underprvaledged children by coaching a baseball which she wishes he would give up. Things are stressful but take a real trn when Claire gets involved in a car accident. Mom moves in and life gets miserable
with neither side truly understanding the other and an affair might be brewing as both sides question their marriage. Can they find themselves and reestablish themselves before the break apart forever? This movie really looks at what true happiness, as well as success and love, is.
The only failing is the young son of the woman Dave might have an affair with (a little too much that is not needed) but the movie is otherwise very good and should make a good date flick. Grade: B-.

Next is "Doubt", my favorite movie so far of 2008. Set in the 1960's Bronx at a Catholic School, Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) gets a report from one of her teachers (Amy Adams) that Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is spending a little too much time with the school's first
African American child. The Sister and Father go head-to-head over a situation which might be either a) child molestation or b) a priest just trying to be a good guy. The conflicts gets big and despite Sister Aloysius apparent victory, their is still the remains of doubt that come
into the forefront. That is what makes it suh a powerful piece. We don't know if he is quilty or not (actually playwright John Patrick Shanley only told Hoffman if his character commited the deed and left the rest of the cast not knowing) and we don't care because the script
is tight and the acting sublime. See this film. Grade: A+.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and make sure you have a fun and safe New Years. That goes double for Lions fans who lived through 0-16 this year. Time to start those resolutions.

See you next year!

on

12/26/08

Funk Night Detroit @ RIC // HardCore Night in Sarnia CA

Got this in the email today about a few bands playing just over the river in Canada including Michigan made Hot on the Streets...

Hot On The Streets
Saturday December 27th 2008 1

The Polish Hall
173 Exmouth St
Sarnia, Ontario CA

w/ The Fitzpatrick Incident, Jack London, Stick Together, Versus Hope
$10.00Hardcore in Canada...



Another Friday of Funk over at Russell Industrial Center tonight
Building #1 / 1st Floor

RIC is that large chunk of old warehouses on the east service drive of I-75 near Clay Ave exit
This event draws an average of over 300 people and is growing larger with every time

Get on over and dish out a few dollars to hear the funkiest funk of the year
www.myspace.com/funknightdetroit

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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MAZINGA / MEATMEN / CHAPSTICK - Smalls Bar Hamtramck - TONIGHT Fri Dec 26th

MEATMEN // Mazinga // Chapstick
Friday December 26th 2008

Smalls Bar
10339 Conant
Hamtramck MI

$12

THIS IS GOING TO BE A KILLER SHOW
MCB'S WETZEL TUCKER WILL BE SHOOTING TONIGHT

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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12/23/08

SMITTEN BY DETROIT - Tues Dec 23rd 2008

The newest addition to the MCB crew is Anna Hergot
AH will be providing "Smitten by Detroit" for your reading pleasure whenever the hell she feels like it. - Enjoy!



See more from MCB's AnnaHergot there

Tuesday December 23rd 2008

Kinetic Stereokids @ P.J’s Lager House 12.16.08

This is overDue: to the blizzard that pounded the city the last week, amongst other time consuming endeavors, ahem, work and finals for instance, I haven't been able to write this out till now. Sorry all. --- Now, here we go...

Lately, I've been on this listening trend of indulging in "slow-to chaotic- back to slow" musically arranged bands. Music and bands that are dubbed, "epic", "melodic", "ambient" or reign an atmosphere of haunting melodies and hint toward apocalyptic times. Said such examples of bands would be: God is an Astronaut, The Mercury Program, Boards of Canada, Mogwai, Godspeed you Emperor!, Explosions in the Sky and music produced by John Murphy.

So what does these dynamic sounding bands have to do with seeing the Kinetic StereoKids last Tuesday night at P.J's Lager House in Detroit? yes, what is the fucking correlation you ask...

I came and saw what I assumed to be another independent post-rock, experimental band but I was left with a flabbergasted, "DEER IN HEADLIGHTS" stare, mind fucked euphoria, numbness which can only be attributed to the fact, that yes, I felt a significant musical experience that night. Like Greek scholar Archimedes; reportedly proclaimed, "Eureka!" after discovering volume displacement; I too felt after listening to Kinetic StereoKids live I made my own little victorious discovery and more so, a resonating deep appreciation for their musical cause. AND THAT, my friends, is why I'm on this musical tangent of bands mentioned above. To sustain and enhance that musical glow of hearing the Kinetic Stereokids.

I've been writing this disarranged entry with the KSK's song, "cold and tired" on repeat on my iPod. This song permeates significance because last Tuesday when the snowstorm loomed over Detroit only a 2/5 members made it in for the show. Even so, with absent band members the quality and performance wasn't hindered in anyway. With the accomplice of co-member Lisa providing subtle percussion sounds with the morracas, singer, guitarist Justin and guitarist Matt proceeded to tailor out an intimate KSK set on the stage of P.J's Lager House.

There was only a handful or so of people watching from the crowd, due to the impending snowstorm outside, but even so the atmosphere was fulfilling and cozy. Justin, with his genuine and lulling voice and Matt with his captivating, repetitive guitar riffs serenaded the crowd into a "bedtime story" hypnotic mood. Remember those MTV unplugged acoustic set series on television back in the 90's?

Yeah, it was kinda like that. I was tempted at one point to bundle up and trek to my car to get out a blanket so I could sit more comfortably on the floor near the stage and look up at the band in my childlike curiosity.

Near the end of the set a member from the band, Teedo, that played just as magnificently before KSK, came over and said he felt KSK sounded a bit like the minimalist band "Low". I'd shook my head in "yes" couldn't agree more. KSK brought something true and honest to the stage that night while snowflakes dropped softly among this ruined city. KSK brought beauty and light. It was a tremendously delightful night!

Excerpts from an interview at the Lager House bar with Lisa, Justin and Matt from KSK for Anna's own personal blog as well as a collaboration for
http://www.motorcityblog.net/ :

Lisa Semerad: Back-up vocals, percusssion
Matthew Wolverton: Guitar, Bass, Syth
Justin Ford: Vocals, Samples, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Snacks
(?? lol, yes! the sound of masticating Cheetos!)
Members not in attendance:
2 playing footsie with the Abdominal Snowman (dave/tony)

MCB: So you guys started this band, when?

KSK: 1998

MCB: Give me three songs/albums/bands you're listening to in your life right now.

KSK:Justin: Who-Live @ Leeds
"Didn't I Blow your Mind?"-by: The Delfonics
Bruce Springsteen "Nebraska"
Matt: Godspeed You Black Emperor!
Bruce Springsteen "Nebraska" (followed suite with Justin)
Super Furry Animals

KSK: "What albums are you listening to now?"

MCB/me: "Anything by God is an Astronaut"

Justin: "God is an Ass?" (confusion)

me: (laughing) "could be, no no, God is an Astronaut"

MCB: "It's random but what shows do you miss most from Nickelodeon before it turned into this sit-com crap?"

KSK "Double Dare"!
"You Can't Do That on Television"
(at this point the interview derails, Justin makes reference to a house he burnt down at the age of 14, nights of driving back and forth from Grand Rapids, getting lost in St. John, MI)

KSK/Matt: (talks about smoking)"....Smoke all the time, I used to roll my own cigarettes-now just smoke camel lights-Hate the new blend, love the old blend from camel"

The interview turned into a discussion about board games and best albums of all time before KSK had to pack up and brave the cold temperatures back to Flint. As I accompanied them out to the parking lot a sudden urge to construct snow angels overcame us. This is what I leave you with. Everyone do a snow angel. Make your mark on the world. xoxo - Anna




Video of KSK found at my youtube page
Additional pictures found HERE

All random words/confusion/brain-farts and photography
expelled by: Anna Hergott

"SBD IS DETROIT"
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BIBS ANNUAL POINSETTIA SOIREE - Belle Isle Conservatory - Tuesday December 23rd 10-5pm


BIBS ANNUAL POINSETTIA SOIREE
Tuesday December 23, 2008
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
8109 E Jefferson Ave

Detroit, Michigan 48214

Hundreds of poinsettias will be on display in colors of stark white, hot pink, red and various combinations including the unique red & pink "Jingle Bells," pink & white "Marble," and the relatively new Winter Rose,' with curly bracts.


The spectacular 12' high poinsettia tree will be the centerpiece of the show house display.


The traditional 15' tall, live Christmas tree, supplied and decorated by the Belle Isle Botanical Society, will grace the vestibule entrance.
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Trash Brats Reunion Show - SMALLS BAR - Tue Dec 23rd


Didnt see this after cruising the detroit dished websites today - lots of talk about this show a few weeks ago but no reminders...here you go!

Trash Brats Reunion!

Tuesday December 23rd 2008

SMALLS BAR 10339 Conant, Hamtramck, Michigan 48212

$10 advance $12 @ Door

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12/22/08

Video Night @ Luna Lounge Returns - Tues Dec 23rd


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The Handgrenades - Simon's Bar - Tues Dec 23rd

Check out The Handgrenades @ Simon's Bar in Allen Park tomorrow with The Lessmores

Can't make the show tomorrow?? Well the boys are playing all over town over the next few months so get on out to see them real soon:

Dec 27 2008 9:00P
Simon’s Bar
Allen Park, Michigan

Jan 3 2009 8:00P
The Factory
Rochester, Michigan

Jan 9 2009 9:00P
The Belmont w/ The Buffalo Kids, and The Wall Clocks
Hamtramck, Michigan

Jan 16 2009 8:00P
The Modern Exchange
Southgate, Michigan

Feb 21 2009 9:00P
Corktown Tavern w/ The Sapiens

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Need last minute gifts ideas? Check out Exposure Detroit photography @ The Bean & Leaf Cafe in RO!!!

Last minute shoppers can buy professional photos at the Bean & Leaf Cafe's of Royal Oak and Rochester as well as the Garden City Hospital with a portion of the proceeds going to the Foundation.



We had a lot of fun hanging the Exposure.Detroit Gallery photos today at the Garden City Hospital

As the photos were going up, people would stop to look and comment about how impressed they were with the collection

"Exposure.Detroit is excited and pleased to announce a new exhibit venue. Exposure Detroit has been selected to create and provide a photo gallery for Garden City Hospital.

Purpose of the photo gallery: To involve patients and their families with a colorful, inspiring and stress-reducing experience. Artwork has been shown to reduce the anxiety associated with the hospital experience, stimulate conversations and bridge the gap between hospital and home.

Exposure Detroit's role: The photographers of Exposure Detroit will provide positive, uplifting, stimulating and fun photographic images. All photos will be for sale and all sales will be processed by the Garden City Hospital Foundation. A portion of the proceeds (15%) will go to benefit the Foundation. "

"This exhibit is something to be very proud of..."
get involved
Exposure.Detroit
discussions

Visit WWW.EXPOSUREDETROIT.NET for more information about Detroit's largest and most active photography group

"Exposure Detroit IS DETROIT"
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Woodman's 2nd Annual Holiday Show - Corktown Tavern - Fri Dec 26th


Woodman's 2nd Annual Holiday Show
Corktown Tavern

Friday December 26th 2008 10pm

wsg/ Kommie Kilpatrick and Jawbone
$5
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Sisters Lucas 7" Release Show - PJ's Lager House - Sat Dec 27th


Sisters Lucas 7" Release Show
w/Gardens, Aran Ruth

Saturday December 27th 2008 -10pm

The Sisters Lucas (that's twins Julie and Loretta Lucas) celebrate their first official 7" release on Bellyache Records this Saturday night!

These gals will steal your heart and your ears with their beautiful and captivating music. This is folk music for the modern era-- a true appreciation for simpler times past meets that odd Motor City glamor in a way that can only be pulled off by this pair.

The 7" is entitled "To What and What Of" and will be available for purchase at the show.

Gardens are Detroit's leading avant garde group. Lo-fi, distorted and immeasurably catchy, Gardens will blow you away with their energy and exponentially increasing popularity and artistry. It's like The Velvet Underground, The 13th Floor Elevators and The Sonics had a musical baby.

Aran Ruth is a local dreamer of unusual talent and thought. Ruth summons an impossible world into existence, then maps it out three minutes at a time. The world depicted in her songs feels distressingly unsafe. Everything is temporary in Ruth's songs; there's sunshine, but it casts tall shadows large enough to hide monsters. Voices murmur in dark cellars and there's safety in the clearing but black fuzz ogres lurk in the forest nearby.

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HELL CITY RECORDS presents: XMAS XTRAVAGANZA - Magic Stick Detroit - Tue Dec 23rd 8pm


HELL CITY RECORDS presents: XMAS XTRAVAGANZA
Magic Stick Detroit

Tuesday December 23rd 2008
8pm Doors
ALL AGES
$5

The Gepetto Files
The Amino Acids
NOMAN
ALMOST FREE
Devil Elvis

Don't miss the "Feel Good" show of the year!

"HELL CITY RECORDS IS DETROIT"
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Electric Fire Babies (EFB) - Lager House - Fri Dec 26th

Detroit's own The High Strung has returned from their fourth annual National Public Library tour and is stronger than ever! Their set will feature some new tunes, penned this year.

Same Sex Marriage is some familiar faces with a secret name... see if you can figure it out.. if you're better at riddles than I am (and you are, because I suck at them), then you know you should be at this show.

EFB features members from Carjack and Siddhartha. (Plus "Miss N" )

Battling Siki is the band that not many know about but everyone knows a member of. You may recognize such names as 'Eddie Baranek' (The Sights, The Drinking Problem, Shotgun Wedding) and accurately equate them with good time rock'n'roll and kickass stage presence. From foot-stomping grooves to shivering ballads, Battling Siki's performances are completely energetic.


MCB favorite Electric Fire Babies have a few shows coming up including a "Day After Christmas Show" that is sure to knock your stockings off the wall....

EFB is by far the best new band to come out in 2008 - check the video we snagged from earlier in the year up top and see all the details for the show down below....they will also have a CD release show sometime in Feb 2009

Electric Fire Babies
December 26th 2008

PJ's Lager House
Michigan Ave Corktown
Detroit MI

w/ SSM, High Strung & Battling Siki

WOW!

Friday Night.
The day after Christmas.
Tell your friends & get there early.
DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!!!

"EFB IS DETROIT"
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New Years Eve w/ Gold Cash Gold - The Belmont - Wed NYE 2008

Gold Cash Gold
Millions of Brazilians

Wednesday December 31st 2008

NYE @ The Belmont

The Return of GCG
Millions of Brazilians - Lightning Love! - Daniel - Grand Dad Crunk

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Pop, Lock & Hop Dance Party - Crofoot Complex -

POP, LOCK, AND HOP DANCE PARTY
Crofoot Complex
1 S Saginaw
Pontiac MI

MILLIONS OF BRAZILIANS
VICIOUS CYCLES
LIVE BOOTY HOPPING

FRIDAY DECEMBER 26
doors at 8PM, show at 8PM
tickets: $5 @ the door

323East & the Crofoot presents:
A night of high fashion, music, Bootyhopping courtesy of www.bootyhopping.com

Millions of Brazilians, Vicious Cycles, Peace Love Spandex Fashion show.
With tour detroit dj's: Erno the Inferno Joe Vargas Steven Robert and more...

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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FREE TICKETS: My Dear Disco / The Hard Lessons - St Andrews Hall Detroit - Sat Dec 27th






We already gave away from freebies on this one but since its the holidays and I finally got my car out of the snowbank we are going to give away a pair of tickets to the 3rd emailer - motorcityblog@earthlink.net
3rd Annual Post-Christmas Blowout @ St. Andrews Hall
Saturday December 27th 2008
8:00P
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PHOTOS: Goodwill Fashion Show to Fight Unemployment by Amy Palomar





This past Saturday MCB's Amy Palomar and new contributor Kirk Allen were in Ferndale for the "fashion show to fight unemployment" over at Via Nove - read more about it here and check Amy Palomar's flickr pages for more killer shots - www.flickr.com/picturepal

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12/21/08

MITTENFEST 3 / 2008 - Elbow Room YPSI - Friday Dec 26th - Sunday Dec 28th

Ypsilanti to host Mittenfest III
A 3-venue, 27-band holiday benefit music festival

An ode to the winter season, our hand-shaped peninsula, the local
music community, and non-profit youth writing center 826michigan, the
third-annual Mittenfest is set to fill the Elbow Room with
over 21 hours of music and holiday cheer.

Things get kicked-off on Friday, December 26, where the lineup is
anchored by cello-augemented indie-folk-pop juggernaut CANADA,
harmonic crowd-participation enthusiasts THE POP PROJECT, and local
son FRED THOMAS (Saturday Looks Good to Me, Flashpapr, City Center),
who returns from Brooklyn for a much-anticipated homecoming set.

Also hailing from the east coast, CREAKY BOARDS play Brian
Wilson-influenced pop songs but are best known for the international
notoriety they gained last summer after accusing Coldplay of stealing
one of their songs (via a popular viral video)

Rounding out the first night is electro wunderkind DEASTRO, indiepop
buzz band LIGHTNING LOVE, psych-shoegaze Lansingites FIELDS OF
INDUSTRY, antifolk jester and puppeteer PATRICK ELKINS, and young
Upper Peninsula duo THIS IS DEER COUNTRY. DUSTIN KRCATOVICH (Actual
Birds) spins hot tunes between sets.

The festivities continue on Saturday, December 27, with popular
accordion-cartography rockers GREAT LAKES MYTH SOCIETY topping a bill
that includes the Grand Rapids-based nautical sprawl of THE MIGHTY
NARWHALE and MATT JONES & THE RECONSTRUCTION, an amplified version of
a usually-intimate and intricate songwriter. Detroit faux fantasy duo
CHAMPIONS OF BREAKFAST return with cardboard instruments in hand,
one-man insanity CARJACK and the pop sounds of youngsters PRUSSIA, as
well as shoegaze-country veterans DABENPORT, the world-weary songs of
THAT'S HIM! THAT'S THE GUY!, and the debut of THE INTERRUPTED LOVERS,
featuring ex-Freer and Canada personnel. JEREMY PETERS (Quite
Scientific Records, Ghostly International) will DJ.

But wait, there's more! Sunday, December 28, things end on a folkier
note, with the epic Neutral Milk Hotel-meets-bluegrass sounds of
FRONTIER RUCKUS, the genius of local songwriting hero CHRIS BATHGATE,
and the twang of MISTY LYN & THE BIG BEAUTIFUL. The rural punk-stomp
of BLACK JAKE & THE CARNIES, Scott Sellwood (Saturday Looks Good to
Me) project DRUNKEN BARN DANCE, and the experimental sounds of HALOLOS
add to the bill's diversity. Solo sets by JOSEPH PATRICK SCOTT
(Canada) and TIMOTHY MONGER (Great Lakes Myth Society), as well as
returning Ann Arbor expat EMILY BATE fill-out the festival. DJ JEFF
OWENS (Ghostly International) will provide inter-set music.

All proceeds from the entry fees ($5 at the door each night, $12 3-day
wristband available at Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair, 115 E.
Liberty St., Ann Arbor) benefit 826michigan,
a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting
students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing
skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.
Their services are structured around a belief that great leaps in learning
can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills
are fundamental to future success.

For more information please visit:
http://mittenfest.wordpress.com/
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PHOTOS: Hope for the Holidays @ Crofoot Ballroom by RiazK



MCB's RiazK was down for the acoustic night last Thursday evening presented by On the Rocks PR - Read all about it here and see more from RiazK here

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MCB-Artist of the Month Spotlight - Josh Buckenberger



We decided to start featuring various artists on MOTORCITYBLOG once a month with the help of MCB's Derek Ecker - DE is a recent CCS Graduate who in addition to his own efforts out on the streets wanted to put the spotlight on detroit artists here on MCB.

Enjoy!

Detroit Featured Artist: Josh Buckenberger
Written By. Derek Ecker
Photography by Chelse Schneider
Illustration by Derek Ecker

Recently MCB hooked up with Detroit artist Josh Buckenberger at c-pop galleries cpopur2unity show where he had a few works of art on display and was kind enough to let us shoot him some questions.

MCB-Ok Josh, for those who don't know you let's hear the backstory. Where are you from, and
what would you say was your source of inspiration for getting into the arts.

Josh Buckenberger-I'm originally from the hospital, as are most children. I grew up in Wyandotte as a wee lad. When I was 19, I moved out of the ol' parental hut and have bounced around the Detroit area since. I've lived in Downriver, the Upper East side, Southwest, Midtown, Oak Park, and RO. It's a lot of places to live and requires quite a bit of moving (which I have become quite efficient at) but I haven't found my own place yet.
The initial spur for my artistic endeavors was brought upon by myself. As a child I had an innate talent for drawing. It was something enjoyable to do and brought about a sense of pride in knowing that I made something that I would want to look at. Following my childhood, art receded into the background for several years until later in my adolescence where I would pick it up again as a communicative tool to deal with my long-standing depression. Most of my work at the time dealt with plenty of dark brooding personal and relationship issues. I would look to other artists to get a sense of how they accomplished something similar and it gave me motivation to work on my own art.


MCB-Your work tends to be dark and mysterious, has it always had that errie feel to it or is it something you evolved over time?

Josh Buckenberger-I happen to think that my work is dark and eerie only because of circumstance and laziness. Others may disagree, but if I were more prolific, I'm sure you'd see some brighter and happier images emerge. Don't get me wrong, I love the dark side of the spectrum; I'm naturally a night person because of my light sensitivity. With my work, I love implementing the use of chiaroscuro and working from the dark to the light. Because of the way that I work, I've been told that I "come from the dark side".



MCB-Now I know your a huge fan of oils, are you ever going to step out of the dark ages and start using acrylics?

Josh Buckenberger-Acrylics aren't bad, I just don't prefer them. I do work rather fast when I get into my rhythm, so maybe I should use some acrylics once in awhile. I use oils because I happen to have a lot of them. I've been working with them much longer than acrylics. There is something about the delicious consistency of oils, not to mention the incredible strength of colors. I could go on and on about oils, but I'll spare you the technical junk this time.


MCB- Is it true that your beard is the real mastermind behind all of your works?

Josh Buckenberger-Just like Chuck Norris, I have another fist behind my beard. Except mine holds a brush


MCB-As an emerging artist what is you opionion of Detroit's current gallery scene, and where do you see it going in the future?

Josh Buckenberger-As far as the Detroit gallery scene is specifically concerned, I'm not too sure. I'm still at the very beginning of my artistic career. CPOPor2nity is my second show. Ask me again when I've been to a few more galleries.


MCB-Whats on the horizons for you? Any new projects in the works for Josh Buckenberger

Josh Buckenberger-I'm open to doing commission work for the time being. Take a look at my website @ http://www.artuo.us/ to get an idea of what it is that I do and for contact information regarding commissions.


"JOSH BUCKENBERGER IS DETROIT"
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