Fri, Sep 12, 2014 08:00 PM
Please Note: All ages welcome. Doors open at 8pm.
6/25/14
COMING IN SEPT: Die Antwoord @ Fillmore 12 Sept
Every now and then, I find myself enamored with a band that I have no business liking, because it goes so contrary to every other sort of music I love. Last century, it was Pop Will Eat Itself. In this one, it's Die Antwoord. There's no explaining it...just dance your ass off.
KICKASS FUNDRAISER TONIGHT: Smut Game - solo exhibition by Ryan Michael Gardner - Rust Belt Market Ferndale - Wed 6/25/14
If you are looking to get over the hump tonight and raise some dough for a serious cause then hustle on over to check out "Smut Game", a solo exhibition by Detroit artist Ryan Michael Gardner.
Gardner will debut his often unsettling and controversial work at the Rust Belt Market in Ferndale on Wednesday, June 25th 2014 (tonight yo)
The creative black tie fundraiser will showcase Gardner's paintings, with 100 percent of ticket sales donated to the Michigan Humane Society.
Gardner has spent his life immersed in music culture, touring internationally with rockers such as Korn, Sevendust, In This Moment, Papa Roach, Shinedown, Nonpoint and Halestorm.
Gardner has spent his life immersed in music culture, touring internationally with rockers such as Korn, Sevendust, In This Moment, Papa Roach, Shinedown, Nonpoint and Halestorm.
Gardner literally helped set the stage for these bands' performances, creating stage props, set designs and performance art pieces, as well as filming tour footage.
Gardner's passion for animals led him to adopt two pit/lab rescues, as well as volunteer weekly at the Detroit Michigan Humane Society location. He says he has often felt a stronger connection with animals than people.
All of these influences shine through strongly in his work, which exhibits a juxtaposition of sex, death, wildlife and rock 'n' roll… think wild-eyed game heads perched atop suggestive human bodies in front of a prim damask-printed canvas.
A selection of Gardner's acrylic paintings in various sizes will be on display and for sale at this debut event, which will also feature complimentary wine and food, as well as a free print for all attendees.
Who: Detroit Artist Ryan Michael Gardner
What: Debut exhibition – creative black tie fundraiser
Where: Rust Belt Market, 22801 Woodward Ave, Ferndale
When: Wednesday, June 25; 7p-10p
Why: Showcase provocative creativity, raise money for the Michigan Humane Society
How: Tickets are $20; RSVP at http://www.ryanmichaelgardner.com/smut-game-solo-exhibition.html
What else: Free 8" x 10" art prints for attendees, live music, complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres
Gardner's passion for animals led him to adopt two pit/lab rescues, as well as volunteer weekly at the Detroit Michigan Humane Society location. He says he has often felt a stronger connection with animals than people.
All of these influences shine through strongly in his work, which exhibits a juxtaposition of sex, death, wildlife and rock 'n' roll… think wild-eyed game heads perched atop suggestive human bodies in front of a prim damask-printed canvas.
A selection of Gardner's acrylic paintings in various sizes will be on display and for sale at this debut event, which will also feature complimentary wine and food, as well as a free print for all attendees.
Who: Detroit Artist Ryan Michael Gardner
What: Debut exhibition – creative black tie fundraiser
Where: Rust Belt Market, 22801 Woodward Ave, Ferndale
When: Wednesday, June 25; 7p-10p
Why: Showcase provocative creativity, raise money for the Michigan Humane Society
How: Tickets are $20; RSVP at http://www.ryanmichaelgardner.com/smut-game-solo-exhibition.html
What else: Free 8" x 10" art prints for attendees, live music, complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres
MCB PICK OF THE WEEK: Mod Orange "DUSK" 1st of 4 Record Release Shows - Smalls Hamtramck - 6/27/14
Something cool is happening over at Small's Hamtramck this Friday!
Mod Orange is releasing their first record (1 in a series of 4 EPs).
June 27th, 2014
Mod Orange "Dusk" EP Release Party
Small's - 10339 Conant
Hamtramck MI 48212
Doors @ 8PM
Ages: 18-20 $8, 21+ $6
wsg: Old Empire, Pines, Anthony Retka
Free download of EP with admission
6/24/14
Complexions Contemporary Ballet this weekend at Music Hall Detroit
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Stephen Duren - Artist's Reception Saturday, June 28th 2014 @ Robert Kidd Gallery
Stephen Duren - New Paintings
Opening at Robert Kidd Gallery:
Stephen Duren's new collection of colorful canvases at Robert Kidd Gallery pair explorations in landscape genre painting alongside planar color-field abstractions that surprise. Dramatic perspective and structured compositions link the artist's bold directions in oil. Please join us for a reception to meet the artist on Saturday, June 28th – 5-8pm.
Stephen Duren
New Paintings
Artist's Reception:
Saturday, June 28th 5-8pm
SUNDAY: Time Travel @ Detroit's Palmer Park Log Cabin Day Celebration - Sunday, June 29, 1-5 pm
- What: Detroit Palmer Park Log Cabin Day Celebration, a free-of-charge family-friendly festival with free ice cream social (for first 500 attendees), music, beer tent, hat-making arts & crafts, Mad Hatter & Bonnet Contest/Parade, rare tour of the 1880's Log Cabin with guides in period attire, demos, exhibits, and much more
- When: Sunday, June 29, 1-5 pm
- Who: Presented People for Palmer Park, a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Detroit's Palmer Park. PFPP is the City of Detroit's 'Adopt-a-Park' community partner.
- Where: Palmer Park (around the Log Cabin), Merrill Plaisance, west of Woodward and just north of McNichols (Six Mile)
- Why: To showcase our history and encourage restoration of the Log Cabin and park to benefit current and future generations; and to be part of the statewide Log Cabin Day
Photos by © Barbara Barefield of 2013 Log Cabin Day
and photo courtesy of Rootstand (performers at Log Cabin Day)
Time Travel at Palmer Park:
Log Cabin Day Celebration
Sunday, June 29, 1-5 pm
Take a peek! Once a year, on Michigan Log Cabin Day, People for Palmer Park opens the doors of Palmer Park's 129-year-old Log Cabin — Detroit's only authentic log cabin — for a rare tour.
Visitors will also be treated to an old-fashioned ice cream social; live music with Rootstand; square dancing; blacksmithing; hat-making and parade/contest; a beer tent with Motor City Brewing Works locally-made beer; Civil War camp with the 102nd USCT Black History group; and an afternoon that will re-connect people of all ages to early Detroit memories and history, and aspirations for Detroit's continued revival.
Inside the cabin will be a surprise: in great need of restoration, the cabin is rustically covered on the exterior with trees harvested from the surrounding forest, with a Victorian-style interior designed by architects George Mason (who designed Masonic Temple) and Zachariah Rice (the two also designed Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel, the Detroit Yacht Club and many other notable buildings).
Imaginations will be activated with historians and actors dressed in period fashions who will guide visitors through the cabin to view the stained glass windows, stone fireplaces, old wooden beams, floors, pocket doors and stairway, antique stove, and a very early indoor 'water closet.'
- Free ice cream to the first 500 attendees from Guernsey Dairy Farms (descendants of one of the carpenters who helped to build the cabin in 1885!) and also from Calder Dairy — both locally-made in Michigan;
- The 102nd USCT Civil War Black History Group will set up camp;
- Square dancing (in full costume!) from students at the JR King Academy and students from Taylor and Royal Oak (JR King Principal Vivian Hughes-Norde; Square Dance Caller/Choreographer, Mr. Walter Zatorski; Square Dance Apparel: Ms. A. Simpson, Mrs. T. Zatorski);
- Wayne State University theatre students/alumni re-enacting the roles of Senator and Mrs. Palmer;
- Tours through the main floor of the Log Cabin with historians and period-attired guides
- Hat and bonnet-making arts & crafts to precede the Mad Hatter & Bonnet Parade/Contest;
- African-American quilting exhibit and demos with quilters from Detroit Unity Temple
- Native American painting exhibit and info from Nora Chapa Mendoza
- Music by Rootstand (acoustic country blues, bluegrass, Celtic roots, rock, and reggae band )
- Raffle for a Detroit Bike Co. bicycle
- Old-fashioned organic popcorn from Mystic Kettle Corn and organic mini-candied apples from Chewy's Gourmet Apples
- Blacksmithing from CJ Forge, demonstrating the ancient craft of blacksmithing and creating hand-forged works of art
- and much more!
This is a free community event presented by People for Palmer Park, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that is the official "Adopt-a-Park Partner" with the City of Detroit. Co-sponsors include: Palmer Park Apartments, AT&T, Senator Virgil Smith, Shelborne Development, Clark Hill Law Offices, Driker Family, Integrity Shows, Logo Copy Center in Ferndale, and many others who helped to clean the cabin, plant and donate flowers, and more.
PFPP has been working with the city and community to revitalize the park by creating programs, events, and recreational activities for all ages, and to beautify and improve the park. Learn more at www.peopleforpalmerpark.org
6/23/14
SHOW REVIEW- Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine at The Magic Stick in Detroit
Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine returned to Detroit
proper last Sunday to the Magic Stick and Motorcityblog was there to witness
it.
The place was well attended especially for a Sunday night. The need for
punk is indeed not dead. I consumed a few beers before Jello's set to loosen up
for what was surely going to be a high energy show. A big shout out to "Roadie
Pete" for purchasing me a celebratory drink for my birthday. Jello Biafra ended
up being the icing on the cake for the rest of the evening.
If your a fan of Jello Biafra and his previous work including his stint in
the Dead Kennedy's, his spoken word shows, and numerous other band
collaborations, and are on the fence about seeing Jello at 56 years old with a
new band, then you better get yourself straight because a live Jello show has
not changed much from the 70's. This is Jello's first proper band since the Dead
Kennedys and Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine will not let you
down.
The band formed in 2008 and has since released two full length albums as
well as two EP's. The 90 minute set for the night included a healthy dose of new
material from these albums including "Three Strikes", "Shock-U-Py!", and "The
Brown Lipstick Parade". Similar to the Dead Kennedys, the Guantanamo School of
Medicine material is often political in lyrics and loud, fast, and rhythmically
consistent musically. You can easily sing along to the new material and much of
the crowd did just that.
Between songs,and during extended intros to them, Jello gave us
some rebellious political angst fueled spoken word that he found a career in
after the breakup of his first band. Targets included Michigan governor Rick
Snyder, the city government of Benton Harbor, wealthy corporations, and local
school boards. Jello called to crowd to take action and his words were
completely genuine and passionate. Jello also strayed away from the political
spoken word to talk about his passion for Detroit local music including bands
that shaped his own musical path including the MC5 and The Stooges. Jello spoke
about the recent passings of Stooges Ron (in 2009) and Scott Asheton (in 2014).
He wondered out loud how his life would have been like if he had never heard the
Stooges. He couldn't imagine it.
Jello Biafra did not forgot his musically roots and played Dead Kennedys
material as well. Song's included "California Uber Alles", "Nazi Punks Fuck
Off", "Kill The Poor", and "Holiday In Cambodia".
Long time friend of Jello,
Karen "Queen Bee" Neal came out for a duet with him on the classic Dead
Kennedy's "Too Drunk On Fuck". The Dead Kennedy's material had the crowd in a
frenzy and stage diving ensued. Jello himself stage dived multiple times during
the set.
And I can't write a review of the show without mentioning Jello Biafra and
the Guantanamo School of Medicine's take on the Wesley Willis classic "Rock N' Roll McDonald's". Jello has released several Wesley Willis
albums on his label Alternative Tentacles and the performance was a Ode to an
artist he has great love for, and by the reaction of the crowd, many others do as
well.
Live footage from the show courtesy of Ambervillian Films.
Photos by Adrianne Johnston.
THIS WKEND: "The Vinegar Works" puppet performance @ DIA
Lecture Hall
This original staging is a toy theater production of Edward Gorey’s “three volumes of moral instruction,” The Gashlycrumb Tinies, The Insect God, and The West Wing, by Chicago’s own Blair Thomas & Company. Inspired by the same Victorian spirit from which Gorey drew, these miniature paper theater productions faithfully render the macabre delight of these tiny parables.
UPCOMING: Christmahanakwanza Summertime Variety Show Spectacular 11 July @ Tangent
featuring Lushes LaMoan and Satori Circus!!!
Friday, July 11
at 7:00pm
Tangent Gallery / Hastings Street Ballroom
Think Santa comes only once a year? Ho ho no!
Christmahanakwanza Summertime Variety Show Spectacular!!!
Whether you've been naughty or nice, come see a little Miracle on Milwaukee Street starring Lushes LaMoan, Satori Circus, SofÃa Syntaxx, Scott Dambacher, Bootsie La Fontaine and featuring Konrad Lee, Lounge singer Extraordinaire! This X-Mas X-Travaganza will be one festive night filled with amazing lip syncing, barely rehearsed skits, some vaudeville hijinks, a little actual singing and more! It's a merry cure for those summertime blues!
And for you aficionados of fine art, there will also be the Small Wonders exhibition of tiny holiday art! Come see the finest selection of ornamental art under 5 inches this side of the North Pole! And artists, the art call is still open at:
CALL FOR ART: Small Wonders 2 - An Exhibition of Tiny Art
https://www.facebook.com/events/376885332453533/
So polish those bells, fluff your Santa hats and dig out that mistletoe...it's going to be a Jingle Jamboree not to miss...or Yule be sorry!!!
6/21/14
REVIEW: "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" Exhibit at the Henry Ford (Part 1 of 5)
In 2012 I found myself on at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in
Cleveland on assignment from Motorcityblog. The museum was massive and contained
6 floors of exhibits. A music lovers dream come true.
A music lover trough and through, I jumped at the chance to cover the "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" touring exhibit brought to you by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and having it's final U.S. touring stop at the Henry Ford in Dearborn. A large collection of over 250 pieces of memorabilia from 70 women in rock and roll history.
There is so much to cover in regards to the exhibit that I plan on releasing my "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" review in five parts over the next few weeks.
Being greeted by a massive guitar outside of the exhibit entrance was not a bad way to start.
A music lover trough and through, I jumped at the chance to cover the "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" touring exhibit brought to you by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and having it's final U.S. touring stop at the Henry Ford in Dearborn. A large collection of over 250 pieces of memorabilia from 70 women in rock and roll history.
There is so much to cover in regards to the exhibit that I plan on releasing my "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" review in five parts over the next few weeks.
Being greeted by a massive guitar outside of the exhibit entrance was not a bad way to start.
Also outside of the entrance into exhibit entrance was a piano that was gifted to a young Lady Gaga in 1966. Childhood photos adorn the top of the piano.
A large image of Joan Jett greets you as you enter and the "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" exhibit is explained.
If you love iconic album cover attire this
exhibit has you covered.
Cyndi Lauper's dress from the 1984 "She's So Unusual" album cover and her shoes worn on the back cover are on display.
Meg White's (The White Stripes) "Pearly Queen”outfit from the Icky Thump
album cover. Next to her outfit is her Pearl Peppermint Bass Drum from the first White
Stripes Show in 1997.
Chrissie Hynde (the Pretenders) outfit from the "Pretenders" debut album cover as well as her Blue Fender
Telecaster Guitar from the 1986 "Get Close" album cover.
Joan Jett's Outfit from the cover of her "I Love Rock and Roll" 1981 album
which is next to a leather jacket she wore in the "I Love Rock and Roll" and
"Bad Reputation" music videos. It is adorned with pro choice
buttons.
**All photos by Adrianne Johnston**
The "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" exhibit runs till August 17,
2014 so be sure to stop by before it's engagement ends. You will not be
disappointed.
The "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" exhibit is FREE to view with regular Henry Ford admission ticket.
Admission Ticket prices are as follows:
MEMBERS- free of charge
NON-MEMBER SENIORS age 62 & up- $15
NON-MEMBER ADULTS age 13-61- $17
NON-MEMBER YOUTH age 5-12- $12.50
CHILDREN 4 & under- Free
Details: 313-982-6001 or The Henry Ford Website
Woodbridge Summer Fest line up run down- part 1
Cold Men Young
The High Strung
Deastro
Destroy This Place
Le Voyage
Palaces
Carjack
6/20/14
CALL FOR ART: Corpus Illuminata IV
August 8-9, 2014
Tangent Gallery
We are calling upon artists local and worldwide to submit their creations to our third year exhibition of anatomic interpretation.
All art must contain an anatomic/medical/biological element. Submissions for review must be JPGs and no larger than 500kb/75dpi/800px.
There no fees to submit, but all accepted artists will be required to pay a single $10 registration fee, regardless of the number of pieces selected.
Corpus Illuminata will retain a 30% commission on all gallery sales during the event (you receive 70%). Accepted artists may also place other prints and merchandise for sale within the Corpus Illuminata store.
The call deadline is July 01 2014.
FRI/SAT: Detroit Summer Beer Fest @ Campus Martius Park
Friday June 20 7p-11p
Saturday June 21 1p-5p
"The Celebration of Craft Beer"
In celebration of Craft Beer Month, Metro Times and Ultimate Fun Productions is pleased to announce the 3rd annual "Summer Beer Fest" will be held at Campus Martius on June 20th & June 21st. The 2014 event will be an amazing experience in taste and sound including hot music to compliment cool brews.
Over 60 breweries from around the world, across the state and down the street will showcase their unique libations. The focus of The Summer Beer Festival is the promotion of craft beers and the brewers that create them. This event is the perfect opportunity for beer aficionados, beer lovers and the casual beer drinker to speak to company representatives and brewers responsible for some of their favorite brews. And it's an opportunity to discover and taste new brews and special "limited release" beers and ales.
TONIGHT: Trash Talk FREE SHOW @ Majestic
FREE SHOW
Trash Talk
Friday 20 June 2014
Friday 20 June 2014
WSG Left Brain and more
6/19/14
The Godfather of Goth Returned to Detroit
Peter Murphy
wsg. Ringo Death Starr
I have been waiting to see Peter Murphy for what seems like forever. Everytime he would come to Detroit I always had something else going on. Finally, I can check him off my list...and I am so #$@%&! happy!
That baritone voice...the lyrics...the historical significance of this singular man. He is epic. He truly is the Godfather of Goth. And to be able to see him in the intimate setting of the Magic Stick in Detroit, literally 5-10 feet away from me at times...perfect.
Show opener, 'Hang Up'...
The Godfather himself...
The set list...
As for Ringo Death Starr, aside from the less-than-stellar audio quality of their lyrics, and not being able to understand a single word of their set, their sound reminded me of Smashing Pumpkins, so all was not completely lost. I'd love to hear them again with some good audio...
Blending Memories and Music with The Belle Brigade
The Belle Brigade are a brother/sister duo from LA that have been dubbed as “LA’s shining stars” by KCRW. Sister, Barbara Gruska, plays drums while brother Ethan plays guitar. They sing on most of their songs together, resulting in beautiful harmonies that have them compared to the ranks of Simon and Garfunkel. They are currently on tour with Ray LaMontagne where they are pulling double duty by opening and playing as part of Ray’s backup band. I saw them recently and was taken away with their uplifting and fun performance.
MCB: Who started playing an instrument first and what instrument?
Barbara: I am 6 1/2 years older than Ethan and I started taking group piano classes before he was born when I was 4 or 5. I started playing the drums at 10.
MCB: Since you come from a musical family, in your teens did you ever want to rebel and just want to become an accountant or something like that?
Barbara: Yes, I wanted to be anything but a musician when I was 14. I wanted to be an architect but I'm horrible at math. I wanted to be in the WNBA but I'm short and slow. Finally at 18 I gave in and all I wanted to do was to practice drums and be the best musician that I could be.
MCB: How long did it take for drumming and singing at the same time not to be awkward?
Barbara: I started singing a long time after I started playing drums so my coordination was already solid by the time I merged the two. I think it was weird at first but I started singing and playing at a time in my life when I was practicing at least 6 hours a day, so it felt natural quickly. It's just like anything else, once you get the hang of it you don't think about it.
MCB: Your new record Just Because has a fuller, more diverse sound than your debut. Is this a display of more confidence to try new things?
Barbara: Confidence and courage is a must for making music period. It took a lot of courage to make the decisions we made on the first record and same for the second. I would say the sound of "Just Because" came about mostly from a desire to experiment and from the freedom we granted ourselves to not cater our musical decisions to anyone but ourselves.
MCB: This is one long tour you are on and it’s just begun, how has it been going?
Ethan: It's been great! This is our first tour since the release of our record so we are really happy to be playing these songs live! Playing Ray's set is also so incredibly fun!
MCB: Is it tiring to open then play with Ray LaMontagne (or are you too excited to notice)?
Ethan: It actually feels really great to play so much every night and we both can feel our endurance getting much stronger both vocally and instrumentally.
MCB: Do you treat touring like a family vacation and take in some local sites while touring?
Ethan: It's amazing to tour with family because you always know you have a friend and someone who will always be there for you... We like to hang and explore the cities as much as we can while touring but it's still very much a job with a lot of different kinds of tasks, so I wouldn't call it a vacation... It's definitely one of the most fun jobs in the world though!
MCB: For a band with an intimate sound, you are playing some big halls now. Do you worry about losing your intimacy in a large hall or do try compensate in other ways?
Ethan: As an opening act, it's always important to be exciting and entertaining so sometimes you have to sacrifice a certain amount of intimacy to do that... Sometimes in some of these big outdoor sheds our ballads don't really come across correctly, but some of the indoor theaters that we are getting to play are perfect places to get a little bit quieter and more intimate. Every show is different and it's important to be flexible with the set list...
MCB: Is there a song from Just Because the crowd seems to really be latching onto live?
Ethan: It's hard to tell... Again, every show is different and as an opening band, it seems the more up tempo songs do a bit better and get the crowd more engaged... I guess if we had to choose, “Everything For a Stone” and “When Everything Was What It Was” seem to be going over pretty well.
Interview and pics by Mikel O.D. of MPAD Media
BRUCE WEBER @ the DIA: PHOTO PREVIEW
Condé Nast is partnering with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) to present an exhibition featuring portraits by acclaimed photographer Bruce Weber. Bringing together the people, places and sights of the Motor City, the exhibition showcases the resilient and vibrant spirit that characterizes Detroit.
MOTORCITYBLOG was there for you!
More photos to come, here's a few for now..
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