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3/31/09

CURSIVE: “FROM THE HIPS” // KASABIAN "VLAD THE IMAPLER" // Cage The Elephant- "No Rest for the Wicked"

Check this video from Cursive who are coming to Detroit to play a show at the magic stick with Man Man on May 6th - look for some free tickets and CDs soon from MCB

Download some free music from KASABIAN now through Friday

cool stuff

Keep your eye out for Cage the Elephant who are heading to Detroit

NEVER

how about some freebies?? we will work on it for you

Darling Imperial - Cadieux Cafe Detroit - Fri April 3rd


EP Release this Friday @ The Cadieux
3 Days of Free Downloads DI Myspace!!!

On Friday, April 3 at The Cadieux Cafe on Detroit's East Side,
see The Croff Family Band, Mega-Weedge, and Darling Imperial
$5.
Music starts at 10 pm

4300 Cadieux Rd
Detroit, Michigan 48224
www.cadieuxcafe.com


CD Release
Darling Imperial will be releasing, ‘I Know Everyone You Know’,
a six-song collection of jangly pop-rock songs with just a touch of the blues
that was produced, recorded, and mixed by Jonathan David Weier
(The Dead Bodies) on April 3 at the Cadieux Cafe Detroit.


Free EP Downloads
To celebrate the release, D.I. will have two free downloads from the album
each day over the next three days (Tuesday, March 31 – Friday, April 2).
Just head over to
http://www.myspace.com/darlingimperial

Today’s downloadable helpings:
Company You Keep (track 3) and Don’t Close Your Eyes (track 6)

Wednesday – Baton Rouge (track 1) and Sticks & Stones (track 5)
Thursday – Where Do You Go at Night? (track 2) and Emily (track 4)

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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FREE CD: the latest from GOMEZ out today ~ "A New Tide"

If you have been living under rock for the past 10 years then you may not have heard of GOMEZ....just to toss in a blog moment to this anti-blog this is a band that I have been jamming to for 10 years now. I can think of at least 5 insanity moments where the music of GOMEZ was part of the scene for me - the most memorable being near death and destruction w/ fast cars and fast women on bridges (chicken races ending up off the bridge - crazy) and one of the best damn kickball games ever played.

....never heard of gomez?
Want to check them out?
1st emailer to hit me up gets it
plus a bonus pack because of the blog moment

FREE CD & TICKETS: From Monument to Masses @ Eagle Theatre Pontiac - Monday April 13th 2009

MCB has a free pair of tickets to this show for the 1st emailer
We also have a free copy of the latest from FMTM for the 2nd
full name for will call / full shipping address for CD

On Little Known Frequencies
(March 10th; Dim Mak Records)

Post-rock trio From Monument to Masses are about to hit the road
with Dredg and Torche.
On their new album On Little Known Frequencies, produced by Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis, Minus The Bear), the band infuse their sound by with eclectic elements such as hip hop break beats, film score strings, and glitchy electronics.

In lieu of singing, FMTM use samples of politically-charged dialogue to convey a message without overtly preaching.

The politically charged rockers find inspiration in everything from glitchy electronic beats to the bristling energy of hardcore punk to hip hop break beats. They weave these eclectic influences into a danceable brand of post-rock that takes the genre and charges with it into the future

Check them out when they play Pontiac's Eagle Theatre April 13th 2009
Check out the track “Beyond God & Elvis”



Check out these other tour dates
3/31: Hollywood, CA @ Cinespace - Album Release Show
4/03: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater*
4/04: Bellingham, WA @ Nightlife Lounge*
4/05: Seattle, WA @ Neumos*
4/07: Salt Lake City, UT @ Avalon*
4/08: Denver, CO @ Marquis*
4/10: Minnesota, MN @ Varsity*
4/11: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews*
4/12: Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle*
4/13: Detroit, MI @ Eagle Theater* (get tickets)
4/15: Boston, MA @ Middle East*
4/16: Philadelphia, PA @ TLA*
4/17: Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon*
4/18: Baltimore, MD @ Sonar*
4/19: New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom*
4/21: Raleigh, NC @ Brewery*
4/22: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade*
4/24: Orlando, FL @ Social*
4/25: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Club*
4/26: Tampa. FL @ State Theater

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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MCB's RebeccaMich documents Ultra Music Festival 2009 Miami


MCB's RebeccaMich swiped the MCB AMX
and pulled the jetset move last weekend
down to Miami for Ultra Music Festival.

UMF is an outdoor electronic music event
held annually in Miami, Florida during the Winter Music Conference which occurs annually during the month of March.
It is a 2-day event that takes place across 12 different stages
featuring over 200 artists, DJs, producers and promoters.

DEMF better kick it up a notch as this festival will blow your wad!



"MCB IS DETROIT"
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Shrine Circus - Michigan State Fairgrounds - April 2 thru 5, 2009

MCB's Paul Hitz was invited out to document the Shrine Circus
look for his extensive behind the scenes photo set of the circus a few days after the event.

Michigan State Fair Coliseum
April 2 thru 5, 2009

Thursday, April 2
10:30am

Friday, April 3
10:30am, 4:00pm & 7:30pm

Saturday, April 4
10:00am, 2:00pm & 7:30pm

Sunday, April 5
1:00pm & 5:30pm

Ticket Prices $15, $20, $25, $30

All online purchases receive an automatic
$5 discount off regular ticket prices!
Click here to purchase tickets online!

Box Office Location
Michigan State Fair Coliseum
8 Mile & Woodward Avenue
(Use Woodward Avenue Gate)
Box Office Schedule - 11am - 7pm Daily
For additional information call 866-992-CIRCUS

3/30/09

FREE CD: Littl'ans "Primitive World"

3rd emailer who asks
gets a fresh off the press copy
of the latest from
When you’re Littl’ans,
you’re on a different level of poised edginess.
In the few chaotic years as a band, Littl’ans – an Indie Brit Rock ensemble from London - have been arrested alongside music collaborator Pete Doherty, suffered exploding gas canisters and a double booking cancellation with Echo and the Bunnymen, and played at Dior fashion designer Hedi Slimane’s birthday party where they blew out the candles with Mick Jagger.
The high jinks paid off.
Littl’ans have since toured twice with BabyShambles, composed the original soundtrack for Dior Homme’s Summer 2007 fashion show, and recently signed to Brooklyn label Revtone Records. Primitive World is a classic album that exhibits the dark yet strangely up-lifting melancholy that encapsulates the band’s busy adventure in the dapper world of indie music.
After trampling through a SXSW gig that earned Littl’ans a major SPIN.com handclap as one of the next big bands to watch out for, the band returns to Italy before finally coming to NYC for an April run at The Big Apple.
NYC concert dates:
4/17 – Brooklyn, NY @ Cameo at 8pm
4/23 – New York, NY @ Collective Hardware at 8pm w/ Inward Eye and Reckless Sons
4/24 – Brooklyn, NY @ Cameo at 8pm w/ Inward Eye

The Odd Worlds of Gwen Joy and Jason Smith - Majestic Cafe Detroit - Thursday April 2nd 7-12MN

The Odd Worlds of Gwen Joy and Jason Smith
Art Opening at Majestic Cafe Detroit
Thursday April 2nd 2009
7pm-12MN
Runs through April
Gwen describes the show this way:
"My work consists of women with moxy, animals, and made up creatures often fashioned after my toys, these are called joytoys which are usually half human half animal.
My work is primitive brut in style. The colors are often very bright. In this show I am paired with Jason Smith whose work is very trippy also.
I think it's a marvelous pairing."

"GWEN JOY IS DETROIT"

Wild At Heart - Monday March 30 2009

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

This coming Saturday April 4th @ 8:30am MCB's Kirk and Amy will be guests on "Wild at Heart" talking to Wild Bill about the anti-blog and a bunch of the events going on around town that MCB is helping to promote....also we will spinning a few new local records from Friends of Dennis Wilson and I,Crime so tune and check it out!

Wild At Heart

Win tickets for: Glasvegas who will be at the Magic Stick on Saturday, April 4th.

They are a Scottish alternative rock band whose self-titled debut album has given them a couple of top 20 UK hits with “Geraldine” and “Daddy’s Gone”. Q magazine ranked their album 5th best of 2008. Great band you should check out!

The first person to email me at doramu13@yahoo.com will win the tickets to Glasvegas!

Good luck!

Having been to a few shows where the opening acts have dropped out (Watson Twins for Ben Kweller, Nico Vega for Von Bondies, Alphabeat for Katy Perry) which I find a current trend possibly linked to the cost of touring in today’s climate, I was thinking here we go again when both Poison Arrow and the Cute Lepers failed to show for the Queers show last night. However, Joe (of the Queers) confided that a member of the Cute Lepers died of an OD when given drugs by one of the Poison Arrows. Apparently, the band member took too much (I was told that while a big drinker, he rarely did drugs) and passed away after their Cincinnati show. I had been hearing good things about the band whose future might now be up in the air. Our hearts go out to Travis Criscola who was said to be a really great guy and a talented guitarist.

For movie fans this week, I have a wonderful 3-D animated film, “Monsters Vs Aliens” which starts with lovely Susan getting hit by a meteorite on her wedding day and growing super-sized a la 50ft Womanish. The army captures her and takes her to a secret base and labels her a monster where she meets her fellow mates, BOB (a gelatinous mass), Dr Cockroach (think the Fly), Missing Link (similar to the Creature From The Black Lagoon) and Insectosaurus (a giant grub). Soon after, the Earth is attacked by the evil Gallaxhar who wants to take over the world and it is up to our monsters to save the world and get their freedom. While not quite as good as recent Pixar films, this is still very entertaining with some nice in-jokes for the sci-fi nerds and definitely is one of the few good DreamWorks animated films. This is a good film for the kids which adults should like also and the 3-D effects are pretty subtle after you get past the flashy opening.
My grade is a B-.

A new opera is in town with the production of Donizetti’s “The Elixir Of Love”. This version is updated from the small village to an American town circa 1950’s which brings me to think of the current Rockwell exhibit at the DIA. Nemorino is the local ice cream guy who loves the beautiful Adina though she hates him and is set to marry the local army sergeant. Desperate for any hope of gaining her love comes when a travelling sideshow man Dr Dulcamara selling miracle cures. Thinking to make a buck, the Dr sells Nemorino a bottle of wine which he tells them is a love potion and tells him to wait 24 hours for it to work (so the DR can be long gone). However, the drunken courage helps Nemorino not gush over Adina which peaks her interest. This leaves the following questions such as will Adina break off her marriage with the sergeant and marry Nemorino instead. Go down Apr 4th and find out. Go to www.motopera.com for more info. My grade is an A.

Tune into my show on Saturday when I will have Kirk/Amy on the show promoting some new bands and a live performance by Bayje between 8-10AM this Saturday.

You can listen to this soulful singer on www.wxou.org so make sure to check her out. You can also run into a few of the MCB folks who are exhibiting at the event and I at the movie industry networking event at the Crofoot starting at noon and running until 6PM. With new movie companies coming into Pontiac and downtown Detroit, this is the place to get a feel for what is happening whether an aspiring actor or someone looking to invest in a project. For more info, go to http://www.michiganmovienetwork.com or call Lew Smith at (586) 615-3504 or e-mail to lew@vanirent.com . Hope to see you there!

I am going to quickly rant about the uproar about Bill Ayers talk at OU last Tuesday, which unfortunately I missed. For those who don’t know, Bill Ayers was a member of the Weather Underground in the 1960’s which used some questionable tactics in their protest of the Vietnam War such as blowing up a statue with a bomb. Some people today can only think of him as a terrorist and I think that is short-sighted, esp when you look at the times. For example, why doesn’t anyone say the KK were terrorists when they were hanging young American black men for no reason except to inspire terror? Unlike most KKK members, Ayers has apologized for what he did and admits in hindsight they could have done things different. In the “Real Bill Ayers”, he states simply “The Weather Underground went on to take responsibility for placing several small bombs in empty offices.... We did carry out symbolic acts of extreme vandalism directed at monuments to war and racism, and the attacks on property, never on people, were meant to respect human life and convey outrage and determination to end the Vietnam War.”. His current work has seen him praised as a teacher and getting a Citizen of the Year award in Chicago in 1997 for a public school reform issue. It amazes me that there is backlash against the guy today where people will stop contributing to OU because of his lecture. Universities are about diversity and we all can’t like everybody. To me, not having the guts to book someone like Ayers is a sign of cowardice. If you don’t like Bill, then don’t go to his lecture but don’t stop contributing to a university you love because of this. What about the good things OU has done or doesn’t that mean anything? I am starting to get upset here so let’s talk music.

Here is a look at some upcoming shows of interest. Tues, Mar 31st has Morrissey returning to the Michigan Theatre (did you know he got his start in a punk rock group called the Nosebleeds). Wed, Apr 1st will have rockers Gaslight Anthem paying at St Andrews with the Cincinnati-based country garage rock of the Heartless Bastards. The South American band Bajofondo will be at the Majestic on Thurs, Apr 2nd (look for an interview on my show on Apr 4th between 8-10AM on www.wxou.org ). The Scottish alternative rock band Glasvegas will be at the Magic Stick on Sat, Apr 4th while jazz great Chick Corea will be in Ann Arbor at Hill Auditorium. The Magic Stick will host local rockers the Hentchmen on Sun, Apr 5th while legendary British Folk singer Graham Parker will be playing at Callahan’s.

If you are not interested in the NCAA tournament despite Michigan St making it to the Final Four along with U Conn, Villanova and N Carolina (I’m rooting for Villanova since I am from Big East territory), you can also check out some free NCAA related concerts by the Riverfront. One of my least favorite singers, Jesse McCartney, will be playing with funk/hip hop act N.E.R.D. on Friday while the Pussycat Dolls, Keith Sweat and Gavin DeGraw will provide tunes on Saturday. Sunday is the big day with Staind, Gym Class Heroes and Fergie. I hope the weather brightens up this weekend.

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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FREE TICKETS: Gogol Bordello - Royal Oak Music Theatre -

MCB has a free pair of tickets to the 10th emailer

Gogol Bordello
Live at the Royal Oak Music Theatre
Tuesday June 2nd 2009

AEG Live presents Gogol Bordello.
Come and witness the bizarre and fantastic theatrics of the ‘Gypsy Punks’ live at the Royal Oak Music Theatre Tuesday, June 2, 2009.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 3rd at 5pm.

Gogol Bordello is a multiethnic Gypsy punk band from the Lower East Side of New York City that formed in 1999 and is known for their theatrical stage shows. They are a band that looks, sounds, and generally acts over-the-top. However, front man Eugene Hutz is a truly great vocalist and one-of-a-kind showman, and his band creates such an indefinable, chaotic ball of noise even seasoned ears may feel a little disoriented. “The people in the band bounce energy off each other and that’s what we capture on the record,” Eugene Hutz said in a statement.

The band’s sound is described in its bio as “supercharged music based on a brutal gypsy two-step rhythm that sounds like an Eastern European cousin of ska augmented by punk, metal, rap, flamenco, roots reggae, Italian spaghetti, Western twang, dub and other sounds generated by gypsies and rebels from across the globe.”

Gogol Bordello released their first album Voi-La Intruder in 1999. The album reinforced the bands’ standing as an influential and inspirational force in music. Since their first release, the band has collaborated with powerhouse artists like Madonna, Primus, Flogging Molly, and Cake. They continue to take audiences captive and will soon arrive at Royal Oak Music Theatre.
For more information visit http://gogolbordello.com/


Tickets go on sale Friday April 3rd at 5pm.
Tickets can be purchased at the Royal Oak Music Theatre Box Office
or charge by phone at 800.919.6272.
For more info visit http://www.romtlive.com/

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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Von Bondies to play rooftop show @ Hockeytown Cafe kicking off Final Four - Fri April 3rd 2009

Hockeytown Cafe is ready to dance!

The University of Connecticut Huskies clinched the West Regional spot for the Final Four® and will be marching into the Motor City this weekend. Hockeytown Cafe is the Official West Regional Final Four Fan Gathering Headquarters for the 2009 Men’s NCAA® Tournament and will serve as the home base for all UConn fans whose student-athletes will be competing in the Final Four® at Ford Field.

Hockeytown Cafe is the place to be for fans to participate in Final Four® festivities!

This Friday, April 3, the City Theatre will host a free concert, headlined by the alternative rock band ...
The Von Bondies at 7:30 p.m.
Wristbands will be issued to the first 250 guests starting at 6 p.m. Ante M and Lightning Love will open the show. In addition, DJ’s will be on the Roof at Hockeytown Cafe throughout the weekend.

Whether you bleed blue or green, college hoop fans are invited to enjoy all of the buzzer beater shots and celebrate the shining moments at Hockeytown Cafe this weekend!

Don’t miss a minute of the action at Detroit’s premier sports bar. Named the No. 2 sports bar in the country by ESPN2 and Detroit’s Best Sports Bar by AOL City Guide. Located in the heart of Foxtown, across from Comerica Park, Hockeytown Cafe is known for its sports memorabilia. Hockeytown Cafe features numerous satellite sports packages so fans can catch almost any game on one of the 30-plasma screen TVs.


Fans also can enjoy more than 50 beers from around the world and a menu of classic favorites including burgers, wings and delicious Hockeytown Cafe deep-dish pizza on three levels, an outdoor rooftop deck and on the outdoor patio. Hockeytown Cafe is located at 2301 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. For information, contact (313) 965-9500.

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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FREE TICKETS: Wonderland @ Russell Industrial Center


MCB has a free pair of opening night passes
4th emailer gets them
MCB's Brett Lawrence will be onsite for this opening night
Theatre Bizarre will be putting on a modern retelling of the classic tale
Wonderland through music and burlesque
April 3rd 2009
Opening night $10
April 4th~10th/11th
$15
go check out the Theatre Bizarre page for no more infomation

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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Pillow Fight Day - Saturday April 4th 2009 Ann Arbor

Sometimes you just have the need to vent a little frustration - you know like when you wake up in the morning and go to get the paper....you walk out into the snow drenched yard and trip on some ice to look for the paper in that god forsaken spot the guy likes to throw it back behind the bushes ....only to discover that there is no paper to be found.....so you forget it and head to the office only to find out that there were like a thousand major events in the last 24 hrs here in Detroit that you didnt know about....then on top of that you think about all the shit you do for others and once in a while you would like to see the other guy do something for you

FORGET ABOUT IT!
where you can beat the shit out of the people around you
with a pillow and have fun doing it.
Time
Saturday April 4th
12:00 Noon

Location
Near the diag - intersection
State Street & University Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
231-580-1021

Motor City Rock Revue - Magic Stick/Lager House - Sun


1st emailer to hit us up for a free pair of tickets gets em

The Magic Stick and PJ's Lager House are joining forces to ensure that Sunday, April 5th is a day for all local music fans to remember. For the low price of $20, you can see an orgy of music as twelve of best Detroit's bands play non-stop over ten hours in two of Detroit's best local music venues.

For $20, you get a Golden Ticket valid for:
- admission to PJ's Lager House
- a beer at PJ's Lager House
- admission to the Motor City Rock Revue at the Magic Stick
- a beer at the Magic Stick
- transportation to and from the Magic Stick

Here are the respective line ups:

4:00 PM - PJ's Lager House
These United States
Great Lakes Myth Society
Lightning Love!
Big Mess


7:30 PM (doors open) - The Magic Stick
Deastro * The Muggs * The Pop Project * The Hentchmen
The Silent Years * Friendly Foes * Spitting Nickels * The Displays

PJ's Lager House
http://www.pjslagerhouse.com/
www.myspace.com/lagerhouse

The Magic Stick
www.majesticdetroit.com/stick.asp

The Motor City Rock Revue
http://www.motorcityrockrevue.com/

3/29/09

MCB-VIDEO: Von Bondies Interview / Footage ~ Detroit USA March 2009


MCB caught up to the Von Bondies
over at St Andrews Hall in Detroit MI USA
for a quick chat about the upcoming 2009 tour,
the new album and german hookers.

Jason and Don were super cool and along
with the girls put on a stellar show
go check out the show when they hit your town
www.VonBondies.com

Check out this badass set from MCB's Shane Glenn
of the Von Bondies (shot from the stage) and Millions of Brazilians


See more from Shane Glenn here

"MCB IS DETROIT"
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3/27/09

MP3 Mondays on MOTORCITYBLOG



THE WHIP TOUR NORTH AMERICA WITH LATE OF THE PIER AND
DEADMAU5; U.S. TELEVISION DEBUT ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE IN APRIL!

UK electro-rock act, The Whip, kick off their North American tour this week in support of their debut album, X MARKS DESTINATION. The band played multiple shows at SXSW and will perform at Winter Music Conference followed by a tour with Late of the Pier and DeadMau5. The Whip will also make their U.S. television debut on April 22nd on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!

It’s been quite a year for the Manchester band, touring non-stop at some of last summer’s biggest festivals like Glastonbury, and Reading as well as U.S. stops at SXSW and CMJ. Now The Whip bring their blend of dance-rock stateside with propulsive songs like “Trash” which Spin called “a killer single…can wreck a room” and the more ethereal “Dubsex,” which was recently featured on MTV’s, The City.

On their debut album, X MARKS DESTINATION, now available in the U.S. on Razor & Tie, The Whip aim to be the sound of your night out. Live, their music becomes the soundtrack to a hedonistic dance party, expertly capturing the exhilarating feeling of being at a festival and dancing till dawn.




Pansy Division: Life In A Gay Rock Band!



Undeniably one of the most important and influential gay music acts in the last twenty years, Pansy Division pioneered the “queercore” genre long before other gay musicians had the confidence to come out of the closet. With album titles like Undressed (Lookout! Records, 1993) and Deflowered (Lookout! Records, 1994), and song titles like "Bill & Ted's Homosexual Adventure," their bluntness and humor stood out amidst the '90s alterna-rock scene.Raised on 60s pop and 70s punk, Pansy Division wrote in-your-face lyrics with a sense of humor, defying stereotypes in both the rock scene and the gay community, and launching a queer punk movement that also included bands like Tribe 8, Team Dresch, God Is My Co-Pilot and Fifth Column.

The band released six albums in six years in the 1990s and toured extensively, sharing stages with other queercore bands as well as other punk bands. In 1994 label mates Green Day took Pansy Division on tour at the height of their breakthrough album Dookie, giving Pansy Division a chance to blow the minds of, and in many cases inspire, tens of thousands of high-school kids across America.Pansy Division‘s newest album, That’s So Gay -- the band’s eighth studio album (and their first new album in six years) -- is raucous and raunchy as well as being serious-minded. Featuring some of the band’s catchiest and most rocking songs ever, the album includes a duet with legendary punk icon Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) on “Average Men.”


The band is also releasing a DVD documentary, Pansy Division: Life in a Gay Rock Band, a fast-paced, intimate and humorous account of one of rock’s most fearless acts. Using original and archive footage and covering over fifteen years as a group, from their first days in San Francisco’s underground music scene to a full-fledged stadium tour with Green Day and beyond, the DVD features interviews and appearances by Lookout Records founder Larry Livermore, Jessie “Luscious” Townley (The Criminals, Alternative Tentacles), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys, Alternative Tentacles), Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day). With a bonus disc containing live concert footage, Pansy Division: Life in a Gay Rock Band provides an essential history of a genre of alternative music that is only now beginning to be appreciated.

LISTEN TO "CATERPILLAR" FROM THE RUSSIAN ROULETTE EP

The six incredible tracks found on UK songwriter Ed Harcourt's new EP, Russian Roulette, are as personal as they come. Each song recounts the many emotions and thoughts he's experienced, embracing both the high and low times one endures. The track "Caterpillar" points to a particularly intense and emotional moment in Harcourt’s life when earlier this year, his newborn daughter Roxy had been placed in an incubator, deeply worrying both Harcourt and his wife as they sat idle, waiting for their Roxy to recover. Describing the song and experience, Harcourt goes on to say, "It's the first song I've written about her. She was a little ill and we waited for her in the hospital for the chrysalis so we could take her home."

Children's debut thrash metal wailer Hard Times Hangin' At The End Of The World is out May 12th on Kemado Records. Formed through jam sessions by guitarists Skyler Spohn, Jonny Ollsin (formerly of Vancouver’s S.T.R.E.E.T.S.), and drummer Adam Bennati (of Early Man), the NYC trio laid waste to clubs in and around the city beginning in late 2006, releasing their "Death Tribe" 12" single in early 2008. Hard Times' six massive tracks marry intricate, narrative dual guitar work with a frenzied, wired demeanor.
The band has crafted a set of meticulous compositions, including several marathon-length tracks that stretch past the seven minute mark. Produced by Joe Blaney (whose hundreds of credits include the Clash's Combat Rock ), the band tracked the songs live at Applehead Studios in Woodstock, NY, on all analog gear and 2" tape for a truly thick, punishing and fluid sound.




Bells & Whistles
(June 9th; Esperanza Plantation)

Though he’s a twenty-something year-old from the small town of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Chase Pagan’s music sounds like it grew out of a man who has soaked in the spirit of a vast array of musical eras and subcultures.

His new album, Bells & Whistles, channels everything from honky-tonk theatricality to the stripped-down intimacy of a folk troubadour to the visceral nature of independent rock music. Ultimately, it’s Pagan’s unique and commanding voice that truly defines and distinguishes his music.Whether it’s a hushed croon, soaring falsetto, or another permutation, Pagan’s voice adapts as necessary to paint the pictures of his lyrics.
Similarly, as an accomplished multi-instrumentalist he has a rich platter of sounds to call upon at any given moment. Pagan, who co-produced the album, plays the vast majority of instruments including piano, drums, bass, guitar, accordion, and banjo. The juxtaposition of the first two tracks alone show off the album’s range.
On the opening number “The Lonely Life,” Pagan employs a ghostly coo over a two-step country groove to sing as a father communicating with his estranged son. “Life Garden” immediately follows with a contrasting palette of cabaret-like piano, marching band horns, and psychedelic guitar.
Throughout the album, Pagan has a chameleon-like ability to embody various characters. This is most evident on “John and Betty,” where he writes from the perspective of prostitute-turned wife-to-be, ‘Betty,’ as well as “Don’t Be Gay (Working Title)” – the tale of two parents and their contrasting reactions to their son’s burgeoning sexuality.
Whether he is singing with minimal accompaniment or engaging in vocal gymnastics over a large scope of sound, Pagan is perpetually earnest in his delivery.
It is this steadfast sincerity, his decision to convey every note and every lyric with equal fervor, that makes it a pleasure to go on the album-long journey with him.

Empty Arms - Double OO Pub Dearborn - Sat March 28th

EMPTY ARMS
Saturday Night March 28th 2009 8:30 PM
THE DOUBLE OO PUB
25044 Grand River
Redford MI
-18+
w/ Anti Social Degenerates
The Idiots
& Casanova Frankenstein

Release Party - Love Meets Lust - Luna Lounge Royal Oak - Fri March 27th

Detroit electro rockers Love Meets Lust
want you to download their new release
"In Disguise" for free---really all for free
and they are kicking off tonight over
at Luna Lounge in Royal Oak
Get on over to 12/main tonight
knock back some coneys at National
and then a few cold ones at Luna
while you catch 3 great dietroit bands kicking it out live




FREE CD: The Last Vegas - Harpos - Friday April 3rd

We got a FREE copy of the latest release "High Class Trash" from The Last Vegas ready roll to the 3rd emailer

Rock! Trash! Garage! Glam!

The Chicago based, The Last Vegas deliver hi-energy spectacles, with a deliciously trashy, roughed-up edge, eliciting the inner rock star in all of us. Armed with their unbridled, raw talent, The Last Vegas posses the ability to musically beat crowds into submission, leaving fans no choice but to beg for more. The band destroyed the competition as they outplayed close to 8,000 entrants for the Guitar Center On Stage contest, landing the chance to open for the world's most notorious rock band, Motley Crue, as well as record and management deals alongside the rock icons.With influences like Johnny Thunders, AC/DC, Black Flag, Misfits, Guns N' Roses and the Sex Pistols, The Last Vegas sought out rambunctious music to get their adolescent blood pumping.

The bands' first concerts include Cheap Trick, AC/DC and KISS, influencing them as they grew up in punk rock clubs throughout the local Chicago scene. Keeping the punk rock dream alive, Danny Smash was into the glam scene, Chad Cherry began playing in noise experimental bands, and brothers Adam and Nathan Arling started punk bands doing Johnny Thunders and Ramones covers while John Wator was growing up on a strong breed of metal and hard rock.



Living the small town life in Normal, IL (really), the members of The Last Vegas were anything but. Combining three of their favorite past times, Adam and Nathan began playing house parties throughout town, where they could also drink free beer and score girls. John was on the same path, and soon the three connected through blasting loud music late at night and jam sessions to irritate the neighbors. Creatively in sync, the three began writing their own material and made the decision to head to Chicago for some new action and more trouble. It was there that the three met their lead vocalist, Chad Cherry at a Roller Derby Girl event a year later. Chad then brought ex-band mate and childhood friend, Danny Smash into the line-up to stack the rhythm section.


When The Last Vegas woke up the morning of Monday, November 10th, they were one of six final unsigned bands, eagerly awaiting the chance to play in front their idols, Motley Crue, with everything on the line at the Guitar Center On Stage finals. After a demanding performance later that evening at the world famous Whisky A-Go-Go, The Last Vegas claimed victory over the "greatest prize in rock," which catapulted them into a dream sequence of writing, recording and producing their first single as a signed band and a gig opening for Motley at the Hollywood Palladium four days later. It was that night at the Palladium when the announcement was made the band would also be going on tour with Motley in 2009.

"The overall talent and energy of The Last Vegas surpassed our expectations," said Motley Crue's Vince Neil. "Motley Crue is excited to pass the torch on to these amazing musicians, just as Ozzy did for us over 25 years ago."A whirlwind musical journey shortly ensued for The Last Vegas. After they were hand picked as winners by the members of Motley Crue, the band immediately went into the studio with acclaimed producers Nikki Sixx, DJ Ashba and Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Mick Jagger and Buckcherry) to record their first single, "I'm Bad." The single was premiered exclusively on AOL just two weeks after the competition. At midnight the following day, iTunes became the exclusive digital single retailer and notified their email list of over 40 million people that The Last Vegas' new single was available for download.
"When artists talk about when they 'made it' they always say it 'happened overnight,' but it really has been an overnight phenomena for us," said The Last Vegas front man, Chad Cherry. "From opening for Motley at the Palladium just four days after they announced we had won the contest to releasing our first single "I'm Bad" - Motley Crue and Guitar Center On-Stage have changed our lives in an instant."


You can catch The Last Vegas next Friday April 3rd 2009

over at Harpos in Detroit located at 14328 Harper

call 313 824 - 1700 for more info or click on the logo below

Everything Burns Generation Goodwill Benefit Concert - Skateland West - Sat March 28th

Everything Burns is a non-profit that encourages people to get involved in their community; a non-profit to get others involved in other non-profits. You can find more information about it here: http://tour.everythingburns.org/.

The idea I had for my non-profit is to have a benefit show with all proceeds going towards Everything Burns and a new local charity (who partnered with Shirock when they came through Detroit in February), Generation Goodwill.

Generation Goodwill’s mission is “ We aim to inspire and enable Metro Detroit’s young people to make a positive and lasting impact on the region’s success through service, leadership and innovation. We hope to see the young people of Metro Detroit will develop effective leadership skills and appreciation for service as they become involved as advocates and leaders in supporting Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit’s efforts to help the region become trained, trusted and ready to work.”

Also, their objectives and goals are:
* To collectively engage young people in projects with Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit that are challenging, rewarding and educational.
* To expose, explain, and develop solutions for the unmet needs of the unemployed community.
* To promote among young people a greater understanding of the barriers facing the Metro Detroit community.
* To inspire and encourage a lifetime ethic of service among young people.

The concert will be held at Skateland West, in Westland, MI on March 28th. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Doors are at 6:45 p.m.

3/26/09

The Artisians - Static Age Romeo - Sat March 28th

a lo-fi rock band based in & around Flint
we heard the drummer is awesome
as well as the rest of the band
and they play out in Romeo Saturday
VENUE: Static Age
ADDRESS: 104 S Main Romeo MI
Doors @ 7pm
Cover $7

Hogan Says - Hard Rock Cafe Detroit - ALL AGES SHOW - Thursday March 26th 8:30pm

Hogan Says is a local detroit band, incorporating
prog-rock funkiness in their music.
They play tonight at Hard Rock Cafe, in Detroit.
Drs.@ 8pm

Call for Entries - Pecha Kucha Night Detroit


Twenty slides. Twenty seconds each.

Pecha Kucha Night crosses the corporate
PowerPoint presentation with speed dating.
Each presenter displays 20 slides for 20 seconds each;
you get six minutes and 40 seconds to perk interest.

The international phenomenon was developed in 2003 by two Tokyo-based architects.
The event provides a forum for creatives to meet, network and showcase their work.
Through word of mouth and the Internet, Pecha Kucha (which refers to the sound of conversation in Japanese and is pronounced “peh-chak-cha”) has spread virally to 132 cities worldwide.

Detroit jumped aboard last fall.

The quarterly event is organized by the Emerging Professionals Committee of the American Institute of Architects Detroit chapter and Detroit Synergy, a nonprofit group that organizes events to promote the city. Detroit Make it Here is the official media sponsor.

Anyone interested in sampling what is happening in Detroit’s creative scene is welcome to attend Pecha Kucha Night: Detroit Volume 4, on May 22 at
Detroit Institute of Arts.
Tickets are $8 for nonmembers.

Organizers will select 12 compelling presenters, usually from creative fields such as design, architecture, photography and art. The event normally attracts 250 guests.

Detroit Make it Here will post presentations and presenter profiles after every event.

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

Speck Mountain - Berkley Front - Fri April 3rd

Speck Mountain
Berkley Front
Friday April 3rd 2009
3087 W. 12 Mile Rd
Berkley, MI 48072
21+
Download ~ I Feel Eternal
A divine marriage between melody and drone that flirts with the smiling demons of old-school indulgence and the redemptive angels that stir in their wake, Speck Mountain plays Berkley Front on Friday, April 3, 2009 during their national tour.

Categorized as space-rock, dream-pop, even shoegaze, co-leaders Karl Briedrick (Guitar, Bass) and Marie-Claire Balabanian (Vocals, Guitar, Bass) like to call their music “ambient soul.” Releasing their sophomore album, Some Sweet Relief, nationally on March 17, 2009 through Carrot Top Records, the self-described “musical soul mates” write as a team, communicating in intuitive, womb-curled melody, exploded texture and spiky rhythm.


On the forthcoming album, the songs fill out the record’s canon with piano, organ, sax and vintage effects, the mixes booby-trapped all over with headphone-happy detail. Live, this new material projects a loose, narcotic swagger, taking off from atmospheric majesty into full-on hypnotic assault.

These United States return to Detroit - Lager House - Sun April 5th

These United States
Sunday April 5th 2009 4PM
P.J.’s Lager House
1254 Michigan Ave
Detroit, Michigan
w/ Great Lakes Myth Society, Lightning Love! Big Mess
MCB favorite These United States are returning to Detroit next Wednesday to play a show over at PJ's Lager House again and also have moved up to the next level in the real-life version of Rock Band, These United States have recently acquired a brand new (to them) 12-seater tour van - but it just wouldn't be the vehicle of fortune it's going to be without a proper christening.

TUS fans/YANP readers are invited to name this glorious van by leaving their suggestions, with their email addresses, in the comments section of You Ain't No Picasso:

The winner of the "VanTasy Prize Pack" will be announced at These United States’ show in Lexington Saturday April 11th at Al’s Bar.

Funk Night in the MOTORCITY

3rd annual Mug Club Brew-Off Competition - Grizzly Peak wants to taste your home brew!!!

GRIZZLY PEAK CALLS HOMEBREWERS TO COMPETE
FOR A COVETED SPOT ON THE ROTATING GUEST TAP

Grizzly Peak is hosting its 3rd annual Mug Club Brew-Off competition. Home brewers have a chance to submit handcrafted beers for a chance to be included on a rotating tap at the bar.

The Brew Off will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 in the Den at Grizzly Peak.

Participants must be Mug Club members to enter. Spectators are welcome.


To Enter:
Submit five 12-ounce bottles or three 22-ounce bottles of beer labeled by category number, subcategory letter, and an official entry form, to a manager or brewer. Entries must follow the Beer Judge Certification Program guidelines at www.bjcp.org/styles04.
Mead and Cider styles are not admissible.

One to two rounds of judging will be held, depending on the number of entries. Beer entries will be judged on accuracy of style, quality and drinkability.

First place winners will create a special rotating tap at Grizzly Peak that bears the brewer’s name, and take home a keggie full of the winning brew. Second place winners receive one keggie of any beer available.

Mug Club:
Mug Club members receive discounts during the event. A lifetime membership is $60. Members receive a Grizzly Peak Mug Club tee shirt, an engraved mug, and invitations to exclusive events. Club members can purchase 20-ounce beers for $3 any time. They also receive a 25 percent discount on all beer to-go and a 25 percent discount on all Grizzly Peak apparel.
for more information


Deadline:
Enter by Friday, May 8 for a chance to win.

Questions:
Call (734) 741-7325 for an official entry form.

Ride The Night Move this weeeeeekend!

MCB was the 1st to take a live run on The Night Move back in the day

Reason #44 to ride the Night Move:
To ride free on your birthday!
What's your favorite reason to Night Move?
MCB's favorite reason is "The Bus" itself!
"Well, hello there. ~ Bus here.
I'm doing well, thank you for asking. How are you?
While I have your attention, I'd like to let you in on a few little morsels to get you through the rest of the week.
First off: Tomorrow night, we've got Bookies' grand reopening party, from 7pm on, at their new location at Cass and Columbia. Stop in, say hello.
They'll be showing you some cool spots to watch games next weekend, and the tour begins at the brand new Bookies, so that can be your chance to check it out.Yet another one tomorrow night: Wings game, 7:30. Take the Night Move to the Greektown People Mover stop and the People Mover to the Joe. Grab a free one-way PM token from your Night Move driver. Isn't public transportation great? Now you can get drunk at hockey games without endangering other people on the road. You're welcome.
Earth Hour is this Saturday, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. We're asking that people turn off all non-essential lighting during that hour to join the community and other cities throughout the world, to demonstrate our commitment to finding climate change solutions. The Night Move will be holding an Earth Hour event, at the Emory in Ferndale, with dollar-off drink specials and lights out during the hour. See you there? Bring your hot friend.
The Night Move is the proud, unofficial transportation sponsor of the NCAA Final Four -- and booking is officially open on our website. In honor of all the excitement, we'll be running extended hours/days, from 6pm to 3am, Friday, April 3, through Monday, April 5.
Make sure to check out all the stuff going on at the riverfront in honor of the tournament, just four blocks from our Greektown stop.Speaking of sports, Opening Day seats on the bus are filling up rather quickly, so log into our booking page to grab a seat before they're gone. We'll be running from 7am to 3am.
Also: Check out our swag page for the latest in Night Move fashion. If these shirts can't get you some action, I don't know what will. Ideas for other swag items we should be selling? We'd love to hear your thoughts; just let us know!
Standard closing remarks:
Looking for more reasons to ride the bus?
For ideas, hit up:
As always, flash your Night Move ticket to take advantage of this stuff:
$2 off of well drinks at Mosaic on Fridays

No cover at Fifth Avenue, plus Night Move drink specials
20% off your fare in a Michigan Green Cab

And remember: if you work at Moosejaw, Quicken, Google or ePrize, use your coupon code for a discount. Work somewhere else, but want your company to get a discount? Let us know, and we'll work something out.

Cool. Kisses,
The Bus "

Creative Arts & Antiques Festival - RIC Detroit - Fri/Sat March 27-28th


MCB made a run over to the RIC last weekend to check out the spring festival and we ran into plenty of great vendors and artists including Detroit's own Gwen Joy who was kind enough to sell us one of her paintings...look for Gwen in one of our MCB Detroit Artist Spotlight very soon and get on down to the Russell Industrial Center this coming weekend and check it out for yourself.
Read more about the festival here
Photos by the one and only Paul Hitz

Russell Industrial Center's
Creative Arts & Antiques Festival
March 20-22, 27-28
www.ricdetroit.org

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

3/25/09

The Ray Vega Quintet at Jazz Café - Fri/Sat March 27/28th 8pm & 10pm

The Ray Vega Quintet at Jazz Café
Detroit Jazz CafĂ© proudly presents the innovative Trumpeter, percussionist and educator, Ray Vega and his Quintet in the New Yorker’s first ever Detroit performances, with 4 shows, Friday March 27th and Saturday, March 28th at 8:00 and 10:00 PM each night.
As an innovator of the New York Latin Jazz movement, Vega imbues his jazz with many spicy sound styles. Salsa and Afro-Caribbean rhythms permeate an almost, “World Music” sensibility without ever straying too far from straight ahead Jazz.
Born in the South Bronx, Ray Vega is a veteran of the bands of Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, Mario Bauza, Luis "Perico" Ortiz, Hector LaVoe, Johnny Pacheco, Larry Harlow, Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez and Louie Ramirez to name a few.
Ray has performed and/or recorded with Joe Henderson, Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, The Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, The Lincoln Center Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Paul Simon, Yomo Toro, Eddie Palmieri, and The Duke Ellington Orchestra among numerous others.
Ray currently works with the renowned contemporary Classical composer Osvaldo Golijov, performing first and solo trumpet in the critically acclaimed work; "La Pasion Segun San Marco".Vega’s 2004 album, “Squeeze, Squeeze”, garnered a 4 star review in Downbeat Magazine.
For his Jazz CafĂ© engagement, The Ray Vega Quintet is comprised of Vega on trumpet, Richie Morales on drums, Wilson “Chembo” Corniel on Latin percussion, Zaccai Curtis, piano and on bass, Andy Eulau.
Ray is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Vermont.
Visit Ray Vega’s website
Check out Ray Vega performing at the Bern Jazz Festival in 2007


Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door
and are available at Music Hall Box Office
(313) 887-8500 or through http://www.ticketmaster.com/
Jazz Café
350 Madison Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226
313 887-8532