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11/30/10

UPCOMING: Gwen Joy's Holiday Art/Gift Shows


Number One Song from the HP

CONCERT: EASY ACTION @ SMALL'S 3,DEC 2010



3, December 2010
Easy Action
8:00pm
Small's - 10339 Conant St, Hamtramck 48212
313-873-1117


Shop ROCK AND RUMMAGE for the 2010 Holidays!


Feel free to skip the mall and find something truly special this year as
Holiday Shopping hits the Bar !

ROCK AND RUMMAGE

First Four THURSDAYS in December
at SAVOY
23 N. Washington - Ypsilanti

Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23


Before and during Hairy Karaoke !
Select dates with early performances from live bands !

For more info visit:
www.myspace.com/rockandrummage
www.facebook.com/rockandrummage

THIS WKEND: 5th Annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair


10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5
at the Fillmore Detroit
2115 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201

This is THE hand-made holiday shopping event — scratch that, it's THE holiday shopping event period. Every year, the DUCF gets bigger and more filled with awesome. See for yourself: visit their site and see a preview of all the local (and not-so-local) talent bringing hand-made cool to the city.

This year, the organizers are making it even easier, partnering with The Night Move to shuttle your bustle all day Saturday and Sunday. More on how to get there:

How much does it cost?
Admission is just a $1 and helps cover the cost of running the fair. Coming back for both days? Ask for a wristband at the entry table and get in free Sunday.

Where do I park?
Because the Fillmore is right across the street from Comerica Park, there is tons of parking — mostly in paid lots. We did a little digging and found that Saturday morning parking will be at a reduced rate ($2-3) until early afternoon, then event rates will go into effect, as The Fox Theatre has an event that afternoon.

On Sunday, there is a Lions Game in the afternoon, so we recommend carpooling to make parking more affordable. For another cheap option, you can try to snag some street parking or jump on The People Mover, which has a stop very close to the Fillmore (Grand Circus Park).

Take our free shuttle!
Want to skip the parking hunt? We are partnering with the Night Move to provide a FREE shuttle bus service all weekend during fair hours (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday) for our patrons!

We will be picking up and dropping off patrons at:

Slow’s BBQ
2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48216

and

City Bird
460 W. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201

The shuttle will run on a continuous loop from Slow’s to City Bird to DUCF (a 20-25 minute ride total for the entire loop).

UPCOMING: The Motor City Rah Rahs Christmas Party, 11 Dec



The Motor City Rah Rahs Christmas Party
with Circus Boy (including Margaret Dollrod) 
and the Meltdowns

Saturday, Dec 11 9:00p
at Mario's of Troy, Troy, MI
Price: FREE
Phone: (248) 588-6000


A Motor City Rock N Roll Christmas Party with the Motor City Rah Rahs & Friends - Circus Boy (with Margaret Doll Rod) performing garage punk classics & The Meltdowns (cool surf rock) for the benefit of Bob Baur's Marathon for Meals. Great time to join some friends & enjoy some rock-n-roll & benefit a good cause. 
Bring a can or any non-perishable item for $1 beer / drinks. 
No cover charge!

Stereo Boyz LIVE - Old Miami Detroit Friday Dec 3rd


Stereo Boyz live at Old Miami, Dec 3rd 2010

Stereoboyz & Stereogirlz,
come out to the Old Miami this Friday, Dec 3rd
to see us perform  at the BlueCollar Gentlemen event

BlueCollar Gentlemen....
FRIDAY DECEMBER 3RD

Michigan love edition!

STEREO BOYZ (Detroit)
DESERT EEZ (Kalamazoo)
DJ SNAKES w/ATP, King Smooth & M80
(Saginaw MI)

9:30pm - 2am
@ Old Miami
 3930 Cass Ave.
21+ $3

w
ww.StereoBoyz.com

11/29/10

Dirty Show 12 Submission Deadline Approacheth


DIRTY SHOW 12 - CALL FOR EROTIC ART

Painting • Illustration • Photography
Sculpture • Multi-Dimensional Art • Film/Video
Performance • Installations

Submission Deadline
December 15, 2010

Details at
www.dirtyshow.org

Wild At Heart

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

Wild At Heart


Just sitting here typing my blog and realizing that I don’t have much to say this week. Here in NY, we had a taste of snow on Thanksgiving but nothing too interesting. Just finished the last of the leftovers this morning. I believe leftover cold turkey sandwiches are one of the best meals one can find and it’s always sad when the last of the leftovers is gone. I also watched way too much football, esp considering most of my teams lost. I was really rooting for Boise St to get into the BCS Championship but they stumbled against Nevada while Auburn pulled it off over Alabama despite being down 24-0 at one point. I would love to see a non-conference team make the bowl so now it’s up to TCU. Also, I expected Detroit to lose but they looked good for 3 quarters and my Cowboys lost thanks to Williams not being to hang onto the ball (he came from Detroit so the curse must also affect former players).

I must also admit I was happy when the Palin chick lost “Dancing With The Stars”. I really thought Brandi was looking good in the competition and was pissed when she got voted off by the Palin supporters. That is what I hate about a lot of these voting shows, esp something like Dancing. Palin had the moves down but was unable to convey any emotion on her face during the dance routines. The only reason she was advancing was because of the political vote. Of course, I’m not sure why she is considered a celebrity since besides having her kid, I can’t think of anything to give her any stardom. I don’t recall her in any of her mother’s promotions for the show and it’s not like she has an album, a modeling career, a reality show or anything else that gives her a reason to be on the show. One might argue that the only thing making her a celebrity is appearing on the show. Anyway, I’m glad she lost and Jennifer (Dirty Dancing) Grey won. I thought she was second best and she put some great routines done despite her age and being injured.

If you are looking for some shows, not much is happening but here are a few ideas:

Tuesday (11/30) – Meg & Dia @ the Pike Room
Friday (12/03) – the Americana sounds of the Carolina Chocolate Drops @ Michigan Theatre, local Americana band Lac La Belle opens for Orpheum Bell @ the Ark

Saturday (12/04) – Crystal Method @ Vain Ultra Lounge, Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs @ Magic Stick, Trapt @ Harpo’s (hopefully an interview will follow)

Here’s a phot I took last week when I went to my favorite record shop and saw Chris Poland (of Megadeath fame) play a 2 hour set.
Chris Poland

Here is another car from the concours. The red convertible in the front is the car I rode in when I covered the Concours that year. They always have a parade through town and I was lucky enough to get an invite.

car from parade

This is a car with an actual propellor that was also in the parade.

flying car

That’s all for now and by the end of the week, I hope to have an interview with the band Trapt.

The Volebeats - MOCAD Detroit for Noel Night - Sat 12/4

Get to the MOCAD this coming Saturday night to catch
The Volebeats who have a new self titled album out
with plenty of special guests adding to the mix
Speaking of special guests - Danny Kroha will be adding his talents to the evening and the best part is its all free as part of Noel Night Detroit
NOEL NIGHT
Saturday, December 4th from 5PM to 9PM
The UCCA and MOCAD present the 38th Annual Noel Night
with music by The Volebeats
with special guest Danny Kroha
Admission: Free

Noel Night is an annual event presented by the UCCA, bringing together various cultural venues in the Midtown district for a night filled with craft activities, musical tidings and art, free for the whole family. On this very special evening MOCAD is proud to present music from two of Detroit’s finest musical institutions. The music begins at 6PM with former Gories and Demolition Dollrods member, Danny Kroha in a foot stompin’ solo performance.
At 7PM The Volebeats will perform a breezy set of easy-going, countrified pop rock.

NEW PHOTOS: Richie Hawtin @ Elysium 11.24.10 by LAWRENCEcreative

Richie Hawtin
Arkives Promo Bus Tour
Elysium Lounge, Detroit MI
11.24.10



To order a copy of Richie's new ARKIVES Box set, click HERE.

In keeping with the minimalist, Detroit-techno sound that Richie Hawtin creates, I offer up to you my minimalist shots from his performance at Elysium Lounge last Thursday on Thanksgiving Eve.  The locale, with its HUGE main room and side bars (with exceptionally hot barmaids!) was as dark as could possibly be imagined with a few smoke machines and laser lights, in addition to the ever-present and overly-marketed PAXAHAU logo being bounced on every wall available.  (I wasn't quite sure who was performing, PAXAHAU or Gaiser/Hawtin.  Thankfully, it was the latter.)  Unlike the other photogs at the show, I chose to not use my flash and completely blind all the DJ's on a regular basis.  My shots show you exactly what the venue looked like and the vibe felt like: dark, smoky, pulsating, sexxy and sweaty...just like a good Detroit (via Windsor) DJ set should be.  That being said,
Hawtin kicked ass!
The only thing missing was a location a little more befitting his dirty minimalistic style... maybe the Packard Plant (sound familiar?), or one of the many Russell Industrial spaces.  Elysium, for all its shine, was too vanilla. 

Hawtin is best served in a warehouse...and dirty.

FREE TICKETS and Lumps of Coal: Detroit Santarchy 2010 - Sat 12/18

Are you happy to be back at work today? I am. After nearly 2 weeks of non-stop birthday extravagance I am ready for a few days off but just to keep you on your toes we wanted to remind you that Detroit Santarchy is right around the corner and you know that means a saturday night packed with a punch of hot santa helpers and all kinds of xmas goodies....my first Detroit Santarchy experience was in 2003 before the demise of the 2500 Club and the event has grown fatter than santa's bowl full of jelly since then so if you havent taken part in this detroit original now is your chance .... Santa himself has provided MCB will a phat sack of goodies and inside are a few pair of passes to this years pub crawl....email us your favorite over indulging story from Santarchy's past and you score a set of tix....emails with photos of scantily clad Ms. Claus' will of course get priority

hit motorcityblog@earthlink.net to be entered

Read all the details at www.DetroitSantarchy.com

Re:View Contemporary special year end Noel Night Exhibit - Sat 12/4

Re:View Contemporary’s special end-of-year group exhibit showcasing the works of 22 Detroit area artists opens on Saturday, December 4th, 2011 from 6PM until 11PM. This exhibit is designed to offer the community an opportunity to view, and collect, works by the group of artists the gallery represents (plus a couple of especially invited artists).

Re:View Contemporary is one of Detroit’s shining examples of both the powerful and diverse creative talent, but also the vision of this nearly 3 year old gallery, helmed by owner/Director, Simone DeSousa, who recently was named one of 10 “Detroit Visionaries” by Fortune magazine in August 2011, Re:View Contemporary has offered both the established and talented newcomer artist with a superior forum and environment to exhibit work in.

This year’s works observe a size limit of 16” x 16” x 16” and include painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Participating artists include Adam Shirley, Andy Kem, Asha Vida, Brad Richards, Cal Navin, Cedric Tai, Chris Lujan, Coley McLean, Dennis Hayes IV, Dolores Slowinski, Donn Angel Perez, Emily Duke, Gilda Snowden, Ian Swanson, Jaclyn Schanes, Lisa Rigstad, Mark Dancey, Marcia Freedman, Megan Heeres, Robert Sestok, Simone DeSousa, and Susan Amstutz.

Re:Collect celebrates a year of amazing and challenging exhibits which featured breakout shows by multi-media artist, Joe Namy and Metal smith sculptor, Adam Shirley as well as painter/performance artist’s Jaclyn Schanes’ news making and innovative event, “Show Pony” and Cedric Tai’s explorations of creative fate in “Accepting Accidents”.

See a short video of Adam Shirley talking about his exhibit “False Flat” here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBByTvMPnJM&feature=related

See a short video of Jaclyn Schanes’ Show Pony
here: http://vimeo.com/14102620

Re:Collect will also feature Kresge Fellow, Gilda Snowden, and local legend, Robert Sestok, and Re:View Contemporary’s exclusive artists such as painters, Mark Dancey and Dennis Hayes IV and functional artists such as, Andy Kem and Coley McLean bring a diversity and design element to this well rounded group show.

View artist, Gilda Snowden’s video of last year’s Re:Collect 2009 here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eMLeK09pfE

Music will be provided by Djs DintheD and Mike M.E.D.O.W.
Plus a special cello performance by Diana Nucera at 7 p.m.

This event happens in conjunction with Midtown's "Noel Night".

Re:View Contemporary Gallery
444 W. Willis Street, Units 111 and 112
Detroit, MI 48201
Tel: 313.833.9000
www.reviewcontemporary.com

Gallery Hours:
Thursday, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, noon - 6 p.m.Or by appointment

Lac La Belle - The Ark Ann Arbor - Fri 12/3

DETROIT AMERICANA TRIO
LAC LA BELLE
PERFORM AT THE ARK
with ORPHEUM BELL
Friday Dec 3rd 2010
The Ark
316 S. Main
Ann Arbor MI
8pm
Lac La Belle is an intriguing acoustic trio from Detroit, Michigan that juxtaposes the early decades of recorded rural American music with decaying Rustbelt aesthetic. A tradition is re-imagined- or maybe just resumed- in the ‘future-rustic’ swirl of mandolin, banjo, resonator guitar and double-bass. The instrumentation echos another era, but is employed for a music of now.Lac La Belle began with its members learning a repertoire of old-time country and folk, but they soon added original material. The songs were honed during two sizable tours in 2009 and this creative flurry culminated in the first eponymous recording, released in November of that year. Recorded by Jim Diamond (The White Stripes, Detroit Cobras, The Dirt Bombs etc), the entire record was cut live in the studio, using only a few microphones. Its spare production captures the timeless quality of Lac La Belle’s sound.

The Northern Skies - Liberty Brewing Plymouth - Fri 12/3

THE NORTHERN SKIES
BRING THEIR “FOLK ROCK WITH TEETH” TO PLYMOUTH

Liberty Street Brewing Company
Friday December 3rd
9pm - 12am
149 W Liberty St
Plymouth MI USA
Whether they're at a brewery pub, a music festival, or on a street corner, Michigan-based band The Northern Skies play "acoustic, bluegrass-tinged folk that perks up your ears with an infectious, indie-rock sheen" (The Grand Rapids Free Press, Grand Rapids MI). Ask the band and they will tell you that their music is acoustic folk-rock with teeth!

The band is a culmination of members crossing not only through geographic and generational gaps but likewise through genres of music, drawing influences from indie rock groups as well as traditional roots/bluegrass outfits. The sound is created by front-man and multi-instrumentalist, Eric Engblade and rounded out by a dynamic rhythm section comprised of Emily Carlson on violin, Nic Cole on bass and Paul Wozniak on drums and percussion. Each musician is as talented as they are versatile; together with “Engblade’s clear, strong vocals [that] give power to his lyrics,” (Ludington Daily News, Ludington MI) their sets are rounded out with performances on mandolins, banjos, and more in any given set.
Hailed as a "beautiful", "up-north, front porch masterpiece" (Recoil Magazine, Grand Rapids MI) their fourth and most recent album, "Northern Skies," was recorded at River City Studios in Grand Rapids, MI. The 2009 album reflects each season of their home state of Michigan, a journey that begins in haunting January, and continues through a changing landscape "awash in Americana instrumentation and modern songwriting" (Recoil Magazine, Grand Rapids MI). The spirit of each month is captured with eclectic style and diverse instrumentation, an American sound with incorruptible independence
With ties to Grand Rapids and Detroit, the band (formerly known as "Drake") has performed under the Northern Skies of the Midwest at a pace of over 80 shows a year and they show no sign of stopping. In fall of 2007, they were selected to open for comedian Mike Birbiglia on his Comedy Central Tour at City Opera House in Traverse City Michigan. In the Fall of 2009, they were selected as finalists in the Great Lakes Song Writing Contest for their song "Mission Accomplished" (www.GreatLakesSongs.com).
In the Summer of 2010, they are slated to follow up their 2009 appearance at the Royal Oak Arts Beats and Eats Festival and are also appearing at the Wayfarer Roots and Bluegrass Festival (Detroit, MI) and the Hoxeyville Music Festival (Cadillac, MI).

FREE SIGNED CDs - TRAPT - Harpo's Detroit - 12/4

Email to win a signed copy of the latest from TRAPT
motorcityblog@earthlink.net



TRAPT's new album, "No Apologies", came out on October 12th and debuted in Billboard's Top 40 as well as the Top 10 on Top Independent Albums. Their single "Sound Off" is climbing up Billboard's rock singles charts and Trapt also recently completed a partnership with Rock the Vote designed to get young people out to participate in the recent elections.

TRAPT
Harpos Detroit
Saturday 12/4

“Holiday Celebrations in Glass”- Glass Academy West Dearborn 12/3 - 12/4

“Holiday Celebrations in Glass”
Local Michigan Art studio to open doors for show and sale.

December 4th & 5th weekend sale will feature
Michigan made glass products and live glassblowing demonstrations.

Artists at the Glass Academy open their studio doors in celebration of the Holidays, showcasing live glassblowing demonstrations and unique hand crafted glass for sale in Dearborn, MI. “Holiday Celebrations in Glass” takes place December 4th and 5th from 10-4pm. Admission is free for all ages with stocking stuffers start at $10 and many mid-range items from $50-$150.
The show takes place at the Glass Academy, www.GlassAcademy.com , located at 25331 Trowbridge, near Gulley Road and Michigan Avenue in West Dearborn.

“Visitors love watching the hot glass twist and turn into magnificent shapes,” comments Bailey Smith, a display specialist at the Glass Academy. “It’s so interesting to watch that it becomes addictive and you don’t want to leave!”

“Items for sale this year include well seasoned favorites like our signature ornaments, candy canes, and decorative bowls,” explains Chris Nordin, a designer for this year’s collection. “We have also added some new products that give back to the community. For example, we have a whole range of items in pink that are perfect gifts for Breast Cancer awareness. Or, individuals who buy our ‘Garpota’ flower pot, will find that we are donating a portion of the sales to the Greening of Detroit, one of our favorite charities here in Michigan.”

“This is one way we can introduce people to organizations that we feel make a difference in our lives and the communities we live in,” states Michelle Plucinsky, marketing manager for the Glass Academy.

A special preview party will be held on December 2nd from 6-8pm with hors d’oeuvres, first pick of new work, and free gift wrapping. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on-line or by phone. For more information about the show, “Holiday Celebrations in Glass”, visit www.GlassAcademy.com or call the studio at 313-561-4527

The Glass Academy is Michigans only state certified Proprietary Trade School teaching the glass arts with state-of-the-art glass equipment, a gallery, dining area, and free secure parking. It is also the working studio of Furnace Design Studio.

Atlantic /Pacific - Lager House Detroit - Sat 12/04

Atlantic/Pacific Hits Road in Support of Debut Album
Meet Your New Love released October 26th 2010

Atlantic/Pacific announce their first ever US tour. The band will hit the road this November in support of their debut album, Meet Your New Love – out October 26th on No Sleep Records. Featuring Garrett Klahn (Texas is the Reason) and John Herguth (House & Parish, The Love Scene) and a rotating cast of members – Atlantic/Pacific will kick off the dates with a record release performance in their home city of Brooklyn, NY at the Bell House on October 28th.

Formed in the summer of 2008, Atlantic/Pacific have been honing their sound ever since with performances in NY and Europe, sharing the stage with Mercury Rev, Neil Halstead, Chamberlain, and Walter Schreifels, including performances at the UK’s TRUCK Festival two years in a row. In the fall of 2009 they self-released their debut EP called Autumn Edition Volume 1. It was an introduction to their sound which is full of layered guitar work and pensive melodies ranging in influence from Fleet Foxes, Beach House, Washed Out and The Smiths.

Now signed to No Sleep Records, Atlantic/Pacific is set to release their debut album Meet Your New Love on October 26th and will be touring the US for the first time. Confirmed tour dates are below and there are a slew more on the horizon, so be sure to visit
www.myspace.com/atlanticpacifcband for the most up-to-date tour information and to check out “Patterns” and “Some Weary Valentine” – two new songs from the upcoming album.

Confirmed Tour Dates:
30th Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, ON
Dec. 1st Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH
2nd MTOR Pub Cincinnati, OH
3rd Schubas Chicago, IL
4th PJ’s Lager House Detroit, MI

11/28/10

PHOTOS: In This Moment and Nonpoint by Shane Glenn


The Magic Stick was pregnant with fans, all coming out to see In This Moment and Nonpoint. Maria Brink was steamy hot and Elias Soriano danced with his tresses. Nuff said.

11/24/10

Wild At Heart – Transfer interview

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

Wild At Heart



This morning, the Seattle based band Transfer arrived in Detroit after a three day road trip from San Diego which included going through snow storms in Wyoming and Nebraska. I talked to lead singer Matthew Molarius this morning who was starting to sound pumped up about the show tonight at the Royal Oak Music Theatre where they are opening up for Killers frontman Brandon Flowers.

Apparently, two members of the band, Shaun Cornell and Andy Ridley, had played with Louis XIV when they toured with the Killers awhile back. From that connection, Brandon heard about Transfer and invited them to tour with him through Europe and the US. Matt said, “we played in amazing theatres and historic places (like Bricktown Academy)” to sold out houses. The best part he states is the building anticipation of the audiences in Europe. These kids waiting would be for hours for the show to start and just flip out when the show starts. “People would come to the merch stand who never heard us before and what we really meant to them”. Now that Europe is done, they are here in the US.

Matt came from a small town out west where there wasn’t much of a music scene. He formed a friendship with fellow band mate Jason Cardenas and talked about swapping music. Both groups of parents were rock fans and they followed similar paths as seen by Jason trading Led Zeppelin albums to Matt who would give him Pink Floyd in return. In 7th grade, these kids had good taste in music which is something that they seem to emulate. Matt had a hard time defining his music but talks about the songs need to come together with a “a lot of dynamic (like the songs of Zeppelin such as “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”) and melody and harmony (as showcased by the Beatles)” which is a very lofty goal. He goes on to say you need to “find some sort of feeling and express it”.

When Matt and Jason first started doing music, he admits they “started writing terrible songs” but they took those first steps together. While in retrospect, he liked those early songs, he admits listening to them today that they don’t hold up. However, songwriters need to learn a few things, esp that when you record something it is forever. When he learned that, he also learned to take a little more time respecting the craft and take your time. He feels that this has come together after meeting up Shaun who besides playing bass, also does piano and produces which helps get there sound together. Transfer is the first really serious attempt and putting out music and Matt admits, so far it has been a good run with the new songs and the tour of Europe with Brandon.

The band has a single out which can be found online. He says it is just an introduction and their plan is to just work it and hopefully either release more singles or a full album. They are also planning on going back to England in Feb. If that works out, they will be opening for the Bravery. In the meantime, he is just focused on the show tonight and meeting the audiences in this part of the country. This is his first time out this way, so you can see him before your friends do.



Here is a video of their song “Losing Composure” for your viewing pleasure.



The bands website is http://www.transferband.com/ so check it out when you get the time and here are a few pictures of the band from there European tour.

Photobucket

Transfer B&W

Transfer dressing room

Richie Hawtin TONITE in the D!

RICHIE HAWTIN
(aka Plastikman)
Elysium Nightclub, Detroit
Tonite Doors at 9pm


Having kicked off his 2-week American Bus Tour on November 17th to promote the upcoming Minus100 release of 'Arkives', Windsor/Detroit's very own Richie Hawtin (aka Plastikman) will be playing Elysium Nightclub tonite, doors at 9pm.  Touring together with Gaiser, the Team will pass through 9 cities in Canada and North America, for this two week event.

LAWRENCEcreative wil be on hand for MOTORCITYBLOG to document this event and have pics posted soon...

Remaining venues:
11/24/2010 Detroit
Elysium Lounge

11/25/2010 Chicago
Spy Bar
11/26/2010 Milwaukee
Turner Hall Ballroom

11/27/2010 Miami
Mansion Miami

11/23/10

School of Seven Bells skips Detroit on tour with Interpol but sends FREE VINYLs to giveaway instead

We made our pals at Vagrant Records feel so bad about School of Seven Bells skipping Detroit on tour with Interpol that we made them offer up some free white vinyl records to giveaway
we have a few so stop fighting and start complaining about the par for the course detroit skip

Official video for the song "I L U" by School of Seven Bells,
directed by Toby Halbrooks and David Lowery.

Pick up a copy of the latest record here

myspace.com/​schoolofsevenbells

facebook.com/​schoolofsevenbells

twitter.com/​sviib

sviib.com

School of Seven Bells - I L U - Official Video from Vagrant Records on Vimeo.

PHOTOS: Paul Oakenfold with Chuckie at the Fillmore - 11/20 by RebeccaMich



Trance legend Paul Oakenfold rocked the house at the Fillmore this weekend. Joining him for this night of the "Face Lift" tour (changing the face of Electronic Music) were Chuckie and Nervo.

11/22/10

Wild At Heart

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

Wild At Heart



This seems to be rather a slow week with not much to say. I was looking at the concert schedule and with the exception of Friday, it gets pretty sparse this time of year.

Wednesday (11/24) – techno star Richie Hawtin @ Elysium Lounge, Ty Stone and the Truth @ St Andrews Hall, Taproot @ Machine Shop (Flint)

Friday (11/26) – Irish greats Great Big Sea @ Caesar’s Windsor, Alto Reed’s Thanksgiving Celebration featuring Mitch Ryder, Jill Jack, Jeff Daniels and more @ Fillmore, Patty Larkin @ DIA, Sponge @ Token Lounge, the Gories @ Magic Stick, Citizen Smile opens for The Bends @ Vernor’s Lounge (Pontiac)

Saturday (11/27) – Jeff Daniels and Friends @ Michigan Theatre, Johnny Mathis @ Caesar’s Windsor, Silverghost @ Magic Bag, Jackyl @ Machine Shop (Flint)

Sunday (11/28) – Tinsley Ellis @ Callahans

I have been keeping tabs on the Detroit Lions since I moved back to NY. I have been rooting for them to win some games though I’m sorry about last week. I was rooting for the Cowboys since they are “my team”, though I did feel bad since Kitna was our quarterback and that’s got to hurt a bit with his history here. Good luck versus New England this week though they are looking tough. At least you will have Kid Rock for your halftime entertainment. Did you know that Kid Rock and I share the same birthday? I’ll expect a special invite to your Ford Field show Kid!!

I have also been watching “Detroit 1-8-7” which I have found somewhat lackluster with the exception of James (NYPD Blue) McDaniel. I think the overall stories are just OK and most of the characters don’t grip me in the same way as superior shows like “The Closer” does. It is nice seeing familiar Detroit settings and trying to figure out where certain episodes are shot. It was even cool seeing a guy that worked with me on the Census appearing as a cop on one episode (I think it was episode 5) and he even had one line of dialogue! I’m hoping they can get some better character development going to make the show more enjoyable. I’m just having trouble getting into most of the characters, esp Michael Imperioli who I loved on “The Sopranos” and “Life On Mars” but doesn’t seem to have the same punch in gritty Detroit.

Speaking of TV, despite having basic TV channels now, which I haven’t had since the whole HD transition, I’m really not watching that much TV with the exception of football (both college and pro) and the occasional episodes of “Smallville” and “NCIS”. I have found out about 2 years ago that local libraries are starting to really get cool TV series in their collections and for those that don’t know it, you can borrow them for free. While in Detroit, my TV borrowing extended from everything from the first 5 seasons of “House”, 8 seasons of “NCIS”, 4 seasons of “Doctor Who”, 4 seaons of “Bones”, the complete series of “Sex In The City”, “Lost”, “Adventures of Brisco County Jr”, “Pushing Daisies”, “Dollhouse”, “Tru Calling”, “Stargate: Atlantis”, “Battlestar Galactica”, animated “Justice League Unlimited”, both US and UK versions of “Life On Mars” and seasons of “Torchwood”, “Primeval”, “Sarah Connor Chronicles” and many more. At the library right now, I getting ready to check out the complete series of “The Middle Men”, the first season of the original “HG Wells’ Invisible Man” and season 2 of a wonderful spy show called “Burn Notice”. Since I have been back, I have watched season 1 and 3 of “Burn Notice” as well as the complete 1960’s “UFO” series and the first two seasons of “Charmed”. Thanks to the libraries, I have been able to watch a number of series I would have missed due to work schedules, not having cable or just old series that don’t get rerun on TV any more. I used to watch a lot of movies but with the changing landscape (and the fact I have seen a lot of older movies), I’m finding myself watching a lot more TV shows than ever before. If you haven’t checked out the local libraries in recent memory, you might just want to take a look.

Lastly, here are a couple more photos to share from the 2008 Concours. I’m really glad I found these pics.

orange truck

light blue car

real flying car

I hope everyone has a great Thansgiving! Go Lions!

NEXT WEEK: Pop Up Detroit December 4th 2010 (next to Alvins on Cass)





Pop Up Detroit Art Exhibit
Saturday, December 4 at 5:00pm
5800 Cass Ave.
Detroit USA
www.popupdetroit.com

Pop Up Detroit is a collaborative effort of young residents of the city to make use of Detroit’s vacant spaces to show case the creative talent that resides in the city. Ultimately we hope that pop up Detroit will enhance the arts and culture of the city.

Pop Up Detroit will be hosting an art exhibit at 5800 Cass Avenue, next door to Alvins Bar. During Noel Night December 4th 2010.


Music Will be provided by:
Drew Pompa
Robert-David Jones
Lord Scrummage

DENDURA - Blondies Detroit Friday 11/26

Dendura
Friday November 26th, 5pm
Blondies in Detroit

Grand Rapids Prog band Dendura will be opening for Epica, Scar Symmetry and 3 other national touring acts the day after thanksgiving at Blondies Detroit
Get there early (5pm) and stay late (3am)

Punk, Paint, and Panties Show 2010 - Belmont Hamtramck - Wed 11/24


Wednesday, November 24th
Punk, Paint, and Panties Show

A celebration of women in art, music, and performance, the “Punk,
Paint, and Panties” show is celebrating its opening night with an
evening of art, music, and performance on Wednesday, November 24, 2010
at the Belmont Bar in Hamtramck.

The show will feature five diverse woman artists including Beth Amber,
Lulu, Missy Fetus,Bettie Bruises, DeEtta Harris. The artists will be
displaying their art, including paintings and photography, at the
Belmont Bar as part of their monthly “Exhibitionist” art display.

Live musical guests for the “Punk, Paint, and Panties”
show include hard hitting rock band
Telecollision and all female punk band The Clots.

The night will also feature a live burlesque performance
Lula la Rose and Jezebel Rae from Detroit Dizzy Dames
and special guest performance by Goldie Adore

Free Cover!
Plus Snacks and take home art
for sale by participating artists!

Where: The Belmont Bar, Hamtramck
When: Doors 7:00PM
Tix: Free admission, appetizers served, 18+
www.thebelmontbar.com

FREE TICKETS: Sam Adams - St Andrews Detroit - Tues 11/23

MCB has a pair of guest list spots for tomorrows Sam Adams show at St Andrews Detroit
email motorcityblog@earthlink.net to win!!

Sam Adams just released is his latest mixtape, Party Records, and is now available for free download. The mixtape, which is hosted by DJ Whoo kid and DJ Cash, features the tracks “Some Chords” and “Hold On” (Prod. Rusko).

11/23 – Sam Adams at Saint Andrews Hall in Detroit, MI Ticket buy link

Party Records, A Mixtape Free Download:
http://bostonsboy.bandcamp.com/

Sam Adams “Still I Rise” feat G. Curtis Music Video:
http://www.mtvu.com/music/video-premiere/sam-adams-ft-g-curtis-still-i-rise


11/20/10

PHOTOS: The Cult by Shane Glenn


Trekking through the Midwest, The Cult finally arrived in Detroit. Ian and fellow Cultists delivered their ass kicking rock and the fans put it in their pipes and smoked it. Oh, and they smoked Cannabis too. MCB LOVES DETROIT.

PHOTOS: Evening in Detroit by Shane Glenn


I had an hour to spare before The Cult show tonight, so I trucked down to Campus Martius for the tree lighting ceremony. It was chilly, but well worth the jaunt. Besides, MCB is hardcore.

11/19/10

TOMORROW: Detroit Derby Girls Season Opener



Motor City Disassembly Line vs. Killamazoo Derby Darlings
@ 6:30pm

Devil's Night Dames vs. D-Funk Allstars
@ 8:00pm

Saturday November 20, 2010
@ Cobo Arena

Doors open at 5:00pm
Tickets Here

FREE TICKETS: Murderdolls and newsflash my birthday orgie starts tonight

lets get the easy part out of the way
Murderdolls are coming to town and we got a set of tickets to giveaway late on a Friday afternoon
enter to win - email motorcityblog@earthlink.net


Now the fun begins for me as it does every year
....another birthday celebration lies ahead over the next 10 days
Those of you that know me are probably saying
"hey Detard - Your birthday isn't until Thanksgiving Day...
what the hell are you talking about?"
But then those of you who really know me KNOW that when your bday falls on a holiday it becomes a slaughterfest week of chaos...so its begins tonight with the Cult and will end Sunday November 28th with the Holy Toledo mack truck of hangovers and a credit card bill so massive it simply has to look at my checkbook in order for it start bouncing.
Look for a bunch of great photos all next week and MCB has a few new shooters in place to cover the Ann Arbor scene in the very near future.

TONIGHT: The Pin Up's - The Phoenix Cafe - Fri 11/19

The Pin Up's return for a reunion show
1st show in 3 years
Phoenix Cafe
24918 John R Rd
doors at 9pm
wsg/ Murder Mystery, The Hadituptoheres
Bring Your Own Booze/Beer/Babes

Wild At Heart movie review

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

Wild At Heart


Here today to talk about a new movie coming out entitled “Today’s Special” which was inspired by Aasif Mandvi's play, ‘Sakina's Restaurant’. Now I haven’t seen the play but after seeing the movie, I think I might have preferred to see this work itself out on stage than on the big screen. The movie is about Samir (Aasif Mandvi), a sous chef at an upscale New York restaurant, who becomes frustrated with his boss (the way underused Dean Winters) after he fails to get a promotion to run a new restaurant (almost reminds me of last weeks ‘Hell’s Kitchen’. Samir decides to quit his job and go to France to become an apprentice chef. He tries to tell his parents of his decision and his mother (Madhur Jaffrey) keeps trying to get him to settle down with a nice Indian girl and his father (Harish Patel) is convinced he will amount to nothing, esp after the death of his brother. What they both have in common is not letting their son truly speak to them about what he is feeling. His father suffers a heart attack soon after Samir tells him he is leaving and ends up putting his life on hold and he takes over running the families Indian restaurant, Tandoori Palace. Samir fights with the sloppy cook, who quits, leaving Samir being a chef of a restaurant in which he doesn’t know how to cook this style of food. He meets a cab driver, Akbar (Naseeruddin Shah) who is a bit larger than life and supposedly a top notch cook. Akbar (also the best character in the movie) helps Samir out with the restaurant and giving him cooking lessons. In the course of the movie, he also learns to understand his father and form a relationship with his co-worker, Carrie (Jess Weixler) which leads to his taking over the family business which is becoming the best Indian restaurant in the city.

The film is really trying to tell a story of a man at the crossroads of his career and tries to balance his traditional Indian life with that of a modern Indian in New York. The film should be about relationships, esp with his parents but they are not around enough to really make things take on real significance. I can see how this would work marvelously on the stage but the movie is too long and doesn’t take enough time to really bring a satisfying climax to his relations. I wanted a more magical moment with his girlfriend, some more angst ridden and touching moments with his parents. Things just seem to happen too fast for real emotional ties with the audience. I think this film would be a great TV movie but could have used something more to be a great cinema film. The dishes created for the restaurant needed heart and soul to be made, but I think the makers of this film used to much of their mind to tell a by the book movie and missed some of the magic. I much used theme of the film is “Trust Me” and I think the filmmakers just missed the boat hear. I give the film a C+.



Control: I'm Here (...at the Magic Stick) by DC-in-Detroit

DC is a longtime contributor to the MCB.
She can be reached at DC.in.Detroit [at] gmail.com

Nitzer Ebb
Magic Stick, Detroit
18 November 2010

Prepping for last night's show, I popped Industrial Complex into my sound-o-matic, and was transported into a glorious time warp. This being Nitzer Ebb's first studio album in 15 years, I didn't know what to expect. Bands change, sounds evolve; sometimes becoming something wholly (often unbearably) other, sometimes following a familiar path. I was happy to find that Industrial Complex is very Nitzer Ebb – instantly recognizable, while simultaneously updated and outside of time.

NE will always get a certain reaction out of me. For years, That Total Age was the go-to disc for gearing up for a night out. All it would take was the first few clanks of "Fitness to Purpose" to get me hopping. Glad to say, the new disc keeps with the tradition.

After putting on something shiny ("garbage bag coat"!), my +1 and I hit the road for the maiden Detroit voyage of the SS As-Yet-To-Be-Christened. Went without a hitch; I even backed into a parking space. (The tank, she is twice the length of my prior ride.) In the back way, through the bowling alley, up the stairs, name at the door, grab a drink, all right, let's get this started.

I love the space at the Magic Stick.

The first thing I always do is scan the crowd. Especially at these old-school shows, I expect to see many faces I've seen for years. There were surprisingly few of those last night. Maybe it was because of the secret height requirement at the door. Have you ever noticed that some shows are just... taller than others? Apparently, teutonic giants tend toward industrial music. I guess I got an exception at 5'5" (not to mention my friend, who is an inch or two shorter) because I'm The Media.

We missed the first opener, Dethlab, which I'm not sorry about. They were one of the openers for Gary Numan and that night, the crowd was completely unresponsive to them. That's all I'm going to say about that.

The second opener, //TENSE//, was adorable. I'm not sure your average leather-capped growling rockstar-in-the-making would appreciate that characterization, but I'm sticking with it. //TENSE// is an electro-industrial duo from Texas which sounded to me like how I imagine Nitzer Ebb version 0.5; similar sound, if smaller, with excellent energy. So much energy, in fact, the male half of the band injected himself directly into the crowd, seemingly irritated that everyone was too far away from the stage. We can't help it; we're midwesterners. Once ordered to "get in here! get closer!" we dutifully obeyed. (We're good like that.)

After their relatively short set, and a quick smoke break out on the Alley Deck (my friend is the smoker, I just like roofs; either way, time to bust out those heaters, guys!), the stage was set up for our headliner. During the sound check, some very familiar NE sounds sent a chill right up my spine. I'd seen them before in Detroit, once, looooong ago. I found myself wondering, how long ago? Frontman Douglas McCarthy answered that question himself during the set, telling us it was good to be back in Detroit since their last stop at St Andrews in 1989. 1989? For real? All right, they were actually here once since then, at the State in 1992 (according to their official site), but since this was only their third time ever playing Detroit, he's forgiven for misremembering the specifics. It was the St Andrews show I'd seen anyway, so that's what I had in my memory banks for comparison.

By day, mild-mannered reporter. By night...
(No, this is not DC.)

Like a lot of electro-based bands, Nitzer Ebb makes a lot of sound with minimal humans; in this case, the two original/founding members Douglas McCarthy and Bon Harris, plus on-again off-again percussionist Jason Payne. Even with only three people on stage, there's little doubt that this is the Douglas McCarthy show. And oh my heavens, is he cutting a different figure now than he was in 1989. As much as I still love the music, it's difficult to watch the old videos without laughing. I'd dare you to laugh at today's McCarthy. With close-cropped and seriously-styled hair, in a crisp white shirt, black tie and suit, mirrored aviators and a tendency toward crucifix-y poses, he was the absolute definition of prowling the stage. One of NE's defining characteristics has always been McCarthy's dominating growls and barking delivery – best "rrrruuh!" in music? maybe! – and he was every bit as powerful as ever. I was surprised, maybe unfairly, at just how flawless were the vocals. To such an extent, in fact, that due to some bad recent experiences, I was watching closely to see whether he was live or Memorex. It was real. Oh, it was so very real.

Sure, I'll join your cult!

In their hour set, they hit all the high marks from their discography, along with a good number of tunes from the new disc. And boy, was the crowd rowdy. It's hard to anticipate sometimes what kind of crowd you're going to get in Detroit, especially with some of the older acts. Last night got pretty rumbly, in a WE'RE SO HAPPY YOU'RE HERE!! sort of way, which was an awful lot of fun. As for me, well, it seems I still have a lot of muscle-memory left from all those Friday nights at City Club.

Signed CDs and... tote bags?

Just before the set ended, I predicted to my friend that they'd close the show with "Family Man." I was wrong – once again – as not only did they not close with that song, they never even played it. I would have picked that for the crowd-pleaser. What do I know? They did save my favorite for the encore, though, so I got my close-up and growly, not to mention crowd-thrashy, "I Give To You."

In an unexpected twist, when returning for the encore, McCarthy had an announcement for us. His son Felix was not only in the crowd, but his band, The Flaks, were scheduled for a show Sunday, November 28, at the Eagle in Pontiac. Coincidence? No, it turns out the Flaks are actually based right here in Detroit. How did THAT happen?

Whatta ya know, he really is a family man!

After an hour and a quarter of sweaty bliss – and I have to shout-out to my Ear Loves; now that I remember to wear them, shows sound so much better! – we were back on the road. Down the stairs, through the bowling alley, out the back way, and oh... where's my car? All I see is a giant bus! I turned to my friend: "Did they park us in? We may just have to go home with the band!" To which the (previously unnoticed) headsetted road manager off to my left chimed, "Okay!"

If it really was 1989, like in a lot of ways it certainly felt, we just may have.



11/18/10

FREE TICKETS: Foxy Shazam - The Shelter St Andrews Detroit - 12/16

So did you happen to catch the HOLE concert a few months back and catch the "less of a train wreck that we expected" Courtney Love?? If you did - you may remember the bad ass opening act called Foxy Shazam....MCB met up for a shortie interview before the show and to be honest we meet a lot of the talent coming into detroit...these guys were nice as pie and cool to hang with...no pretentious rock star attitudes in this bunch...so cool they hooked up some tickets to the upcoming show at The Shelter on December 16th

email to enter to win
motorcityblog@earthlink.net


UNSTOPPABLE (Official Video)


OH LORD (Official Video)


Get tickets here