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April 21, 2008 - Monday Detroit Music Awards this Friday, April 25th! I'm attending, getting my general admission tickets today. Some people were late paying for my DJ Service which then caused me to miss out on main floor tables. Arrrgghh! If you also want to attend this, tickets are general admission $20, up to $1,000 for VIP table, details on website including scheduled performers. It's at the Fillmore Detroit (formerly the State Theatre). Probably not doing the Tom Petty Ticket Giveaway. As it turns out, a for-profit promotional company wanted me to spend many hours working for them for free while they get all the credit and glory. Plus they wanted free advertising on several high profile pages of my website, and promote them through my e-mail lists. I gladly music slave for all of you but hustlers have to do their own work! (unless they make it worth my time). I now have "DJ Maestro presents Steve Jackson's Ballroom Hustle 101" cd by Metro Detroit's DJ Maestro. It features the popular "Turbo Hustle". Could have downloaded just the song but I wanted the whole CD. Turbo Hustle is like a blend of the Tootsie Roll, Cupid Shuffle and the Cha-Cha Slide. April 3, 2008 - Thursday Received two more CDs from Michigan Music Artists! Thank You's go to the K-Wild band and to Deep River featuring Kim Longworth! They are now proudly listed in my growing local music collection. Still blows my mind how incredibly talented the musicians are here in Michigan. K-Wild - an all original rock band from mid/western MI generously donated two of their "Paris Project" cds. This band has recorded some serious intense hard rock. By serious, I mean sound quality of their cd is great, their original tunes rival those of national names and they are already deserving of major radio air-play. Band is touring and seems ready for the big time. For hard rock fans, I recommend getting this cd which is available from their website. Kim Longworth donated a Deep River band cd titled "Iron Ponies". Kim is the lead singer, they are based northwest of Ann Arbor. When you think of smooth folk music, this is a perfect example. Her vocals are an easy pleasant treat for our ears. To get the cd, you will need to send an email to her requesting one, email link is provided with Deep River listing on local music collection page.
Party Crew Night last friday was a blast. Bar was packed early, some showed up but left because all seats were taken before 9pm, before the band's first set started! No Crew Night this weekend because on friday I'm attending a fundraiser to help out a friend's family, saturday I'm the DJ for a wedding reception, sunday all afternoon I'll be the DJ/announcement guy for a Relay For Life spaghetti dinner fundraiser in Dearborn. March 31, 2008 - Monday Detroit Tigers Opening Day - Go Tigers! March 26, 2008 - Wednesday Hey Everybody! Been awhile, too long for a blog. I'll explain why later but first let's get caught up. Was recently asked if I would be interested in using this website in a promotional giveaway of two tickets to an upcoming Tom Petty show at The Palace of Aurburn Hills. My answer: Let's Do It! stay tuned. This Friday - March 28 - Party Crew Night. It's also going to be a mini Warrendale Bar-Hoppers Reunion with all of us who survived Jimmy Jams, Walsh's On The Border, and other bars on the strip. It's happening at Razzles bar on Joy Rd west of Inkster and the entertainment is the Pan-Fried Mojo band. Everyone invited 21+, No Cover Charge, and you don't have to know us. For details, click Party Crew link at top of this page. Voting on nominations for Detroit Music Awards 2008 (DMA 2008) HAS STARTED. Since my previous post ... Behind the scenes DJ work has me running my tail off having meetings all over Metro Detroit with a lot of people considering hiring me for their weddings, class reunions and charity fundraisers. No complaints - this is a normal wonderful time of year. Also had to download current versions of iTunes, Napster, Norton Security, Adobe Reader and other computer programs meaning there was endless restarting of my computers. Willing to bet many of you had to go through the same thing. Add updating one third of this website (80+ pages), plus moving extra DJ equip from one storage area to another, and on and on ... but the good news is that things are now caught up and up-to-date. Back to Music Slavin' for You! March 8, 2008 - Saturday DISCOVERED WHAT SHOULD BE THE NEXT BAND TO MAKE IT NATIONAL AND HUGE. Their shows have an energy and stage presence that is riveting. No chance of boredom while watching or listening to this band. Nothing lame and their original music seriously jams! Think of blending the music of U2, The Killers, Goo Goo Dolls and Modern English and you have an idea of what this band can do. RECORD COMPANIES AND MAJOR RECORD LABELS - Don't screw up by letting your competition sign them first. NOVADA is a band with the perfect demographic and a mass marketing, polished sound. If this band stays together, they have the songwriting ability, addictive sound, look and potential to reach the levels of artists such as Matchbox Twenty and U2 in terms of national radio airplay, downloads and CD sales. You need to sign them asap. Go to their myspace page and listen. Here's a link to their EPK. FOR ALL OF US IN MICHIGAN Took a picture of the band last night performing at the New Dodge and will show it right here within a few days. Once again, to Novada, thank you for taking the time to autograph CDs and pose for pictures after your show. Just like The Muggs, these guys are also the ambassadors of cool, and ... THEY ROCK. - - - - - - -Metro Times Blowout 11 Continues - TONIGHT (sat) at 11pm I will be at the the Knights of Columbus Hall (on Conant south of Caniff) to see Scott Morgan and Powertrane with featured performer Mitch Ryder. If this show ends in time, might catch Broadzilla at the New Dodge since they're scheduled to start at 1am. If you see me at the Blowout, SAY HI. You can ask people at the door checking for Blowout wristbands - at any venue - to find out if I'm there. At least you've been warned where I'll be from 11pm till close. Boo-Yah ! March 7, 2008 - Friday Metro Times Blowout 11 wed-sat this week (March 5-8). TONIGHT - starting at the New Dodge lounge around 10pm. At 1am will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall to see The Detroit Cobras perform. In between, who knows? It's a bar hoppin', music slavin', picture takin', wicked good time! Last night The Muggs band (Danny, Tony, Matt) took the time after their show to personally autograph their self-titled "The Muggs" 2005 CD for me (I also got their "Live Underground Concert Series" DVD). Even after being on national TV, these guys are still the ambassadors of cool. And of course, THEY ROCK ! Also had the honor of meeting Pappa Toe www.myspace.com/pappatoe as we were both enjoying The Muggs show. He's very passionate about - and supports - all types of original local rock. Give this dude two thumbs up! If you see me at the Blowout, SAY HI. You can ask people at the door checking for Blowout wristbands - at any venue - to find out if I'm there. At least you've been warned where I'm starting and ending up. March 6, 2008 - Thursday It's the Metro Times Blowout 11 wed-sat this week (March 5-8). Attended the Launch Party last night at the Majestic Theatre Complex in Detroit, now it's time for real music slavin' doing venue hopping (bar hoppin') in Hamtramck these next three nights. It's all Michigan local bands and musicians, over 200 performances at 20 venues in Hamtramck which is located just north of Downtown Detroit. COST: One $20 wristband that gets you into each venue every night - think of it as a one-time cover charge for the whole 4 day event. When you see me there, SAY HI. Tonight I'm starting at Paycheck's Lounge around 9:30pm. At midnight I'll be at the Knights of Columbus Hall to see The Muggs perform. In between, who knows? It's a bar hoppin', music slavin', picture takin', wicked good time! February 29, 2008 - Friday It's Friday, it's snowing, time to shovel the driveway again. Looking forward to getting out tonight & sat. Just hanging out with friends at various places (bar hopping?) and catching a couple different bands but won't know which ones till just before heading out. No official party crew night this week. »» March 1st starts the Nominations Phase for this year's Detroit Music Awards being held on April 25th. Submissions Phase ended Feb 23rd. For details, click link above under blog heading. Get ready for the Metro Times Blowout 11 on March 5-8. I will be there all four nights. It's all Michigan local bands and musicians, over 200 performances at 20 venues in Hamtramck (except the Launch Party). Hamtramck is located just north of Downtown Detroit. COST: One $20 wristband that gets you into each venue, every night including the Launch Party. Party Crew will be invited to start those nights with me at a different location each night. To be notified by e-mail, see info at Party Crew link on top right of this page. February 27, 2008 - Wednesday Party Crew Night Follow-Up from last saturday coming soon. Been completely tied up with DSL trouble, helping my Dad with his computer after it crashed, and way too many things that all hit at the same time. Since bad luck wanted to pick on me for a while - hope everybody else was getting good luck! That DSL trouble has caused all kinds of problems with not being able to post on this blog, return e-mails, update my websites, and get information from other websites. I know many of you have gone through a lot worse which is a scary thought when much of your job depends on a good internet connection. I'll be dumping Earthlink because that can't fix the problem and switching to either Comcast or AT&T - which also happen to be known for their own problems. From the frying pan into the fire. What a choice. I'm back online, give me a few days to get caught up. Next Party Crew Night is still undecided. February 17, 2008 - Sunday Party Crew Night Follow-Up. Quick note about the Token Lounge... no waitresses! at least not last night - a saturday. My Party Crew Nights bounce from one type of music to another, to different types of venues to all areas within Metro Detroit. Music Tastes vary, so when I'm checking out bands/venues pick the nights that you enjoy then come and have fun with us. Coming Up This Saturday - a Retro 80's Night! It's time to check out the Mega 80's show band at the Magic Bag in Ferndale. For details, click Party Crew link on top right of this page. Caught up with Captain Mark (Midnight Mark), guitarist/singer formerly of the Midnight Run band and the Cherry Street Band. Though metal is not his first choice of music, he and his wife Lori showed up and hung out with the hard rock side of our party crew for more than half the night. Videotaping Killin Machine was Party Chuck formerly of Jimmy Jams, Student Body Lounge / Washes On The Border, First Edition, Chicks, a.k.a. one of the "Warrendale Bar Hopping Crew". Hadn't seen Chuck since my Longshots DJ gig and hadn't seen Mark since his Cherry Street Band performed at Razzle's bar around this time last year. Speaking of Jimmy Jams, Captain Mark and Party Chuck think it's time - THIS YEAR - to have a ... Remember Sugar Shorts, Boozy Suzy, K-Toe, Two Steppin Sandy, Shaunee, Sami, Joe & Jenny, Jimmy, Greg Walsh, Chuck G and his annual neighborhood party, and way too many awesome people to mention now? Think reunion is a good idea? If you went to any of those three bars (they don't exist now), send comments by e-mail »» click here February 13, 2008 - Wednesday PARTY CREW NEWS »» Benny of Benny and The Jets has offered free passes to all of our party crew for a combination Comedy Club/Vip After Bar/Benny and The Jets one night package. Let's get a few more people on our party crew e-mail list and take him up on his offer. Now I got another tune stuck in my head that won't go away till I pull out the CD and crank it LOUD. Tune is Dumb Girls by Benny and The Jets from Detroit. Hear the song for free on Benny's myspace page. Made it to the Detroit Music Awards / Motor City Music Foundation meeting last night. A lot of people couldn't make it because of the snow and what's up with that? Recently it seems that every time I try to schedule a party crew night, go to an important meeting, or want to check out musicians on a open jam night, it snows! Hope all of you are having better luck. Speaking of luck ... hope everybody gets lucky this Valentines week. Oh Yeah! February 12, 2008 - Tuesday Party Crew Night is set for saturday of this week. 4 bands, one place, one night. We are checking out the hard rock metal band Killin Machine featuring shredding guitarist Joey Jett, Lemon James (Hendix style rock/blues), Wildside and The Krumbz at the Token Lounge located on the south side of Joy Rd between Inkster & Middlebelt. Click Party Crew link on top right of this page for details. Tonight: Hoping to attend the Detroit Music Awards / Motor City Music Foundation general membership meeting at Specs Howard in Southfield. Great Music last Saturday at Memphis Smoke. The Alligators kicked off the first set then turned night into a jam session with many musicians and singers taking turns on stage. Will post a few pictures soon. February 9, 2008 - Saturday Been insanely busy all week. Hoping to attend tonight's Detroit Blues Society (DBS) meeting at Memphis Smoke bar in Oak Park. Yes, they hold meetings in bars with local live blues following. Is that cool or what? tonight - The Alligators. Music at the Detroit's Winter Blast is also going this weekend featuring many local bands on several stages. If you see me there, say HI! February 4, 2008 - Monday Party Crew Night Feb 2nd at Bumpers Bar in Westland: Cruizin' Jupiter band gets a big Thumbs Up! So does my waitress Rhonda and another waitress Heather - thanks for outstanding service. Band doesn't waste time between songs. High Energy Party Rock is what they're all about!    February 2, 2008 - Saturday Party Crew Night Tonight! Checking out the Cruizin' Jupiter band at Bumpers Bar in Westland. Click Party Crew link on top right of this page for details. Got two tunes currently stuck in my head that won't go away till I pull out the CD and crank it loud. A subconcious reaction to the Kilpatrick/Beatty fiasco? Tunes are ... Nobody In Detroit and Funky Daddy by the Howling Diablos from their "Howling Diablos Live" CD. They're a popular funk/rock band from Detroit. Amazing. Considering all the great music from national artists, most tunes that get stuck playing inside my head are from our outstanding local artists. Just received two CDs, one from Ed Palmer and another from Goatalion. Thank You! Will listen to both and post comments soon. January 31, 2008 - Thursday Was going to send out the first Party Crew Night e-mail yesterday letting people know what band and bar for this Friday night. Earlier in the week, forecast was for maybe 2 to 4 inches of snow on friday. Now they're predicting up to 10 inches?!!! What's up with that? Time for a change of plans. Will check out a band on Saturday if I'm not snowed in. Click Party Crew link on top right of this page for posted updates. Got another tune stuck in my head that won't go away till I pull out the CD and crank it loud. Tune is ... Mixed Drinks by J-Me! (Jaime) from her "The Girl Next Door" CD. She's a hip-hop artist from Caro, MI. January 29, 2008 - Tuesday Bands and Musicians page (link at top of page) was mentioned today in the Detroit Free Press newspaper (The Freep) on page 2A under the heading "Five Things About Unusual Music" (sub-heading "In Michigan"). To read the article online, click Free Press link. January 28, 2008 - Monday Received in the mail an autographed CD from Ron Gay. Thanks Ron! He is an acoustic folk singer/songwriter from Pontiac MI. Songs in the style of reflective easy-going music. Click name to see his myspace page. January 27, 2008 - Sunday (MIKE'S FIRST POST - THE INAUGURAL) Whenever possible, I check out all types local bands, musicians, entertainers. To find out when, where and who I'll be checking out, click Party Crew link at top of page. Everyone is welcome to stop by and say HI. Will spend the next several days deciding which band/bar to check out this coming weekend. To see my local music collection »» click here. Ever get a tune stuck in your head and it won't go away till you hear it? Stuck in my head right now is ... WOW. So many OUTSTANDING Musicians and cool things happening. I received the new Mark Farner (Mark Farner and Nr'G) CD "For The People". As you probably know, Mark Farner was with the world famous Grand Funk Railroad band from right here in Michigan. Mark Bowsher of Mark Farner Music sent the cd to me. Thank You! On this CD, Farner turns into "the Rock Patriot" and also kicks in some tunes about love. Music is in the style of classic rock (mainstream rock), CD sounds good. Guess who knows A LOT about current local music? Rachel May. She is hooked up big-time with local music in Metro Detroit and gladly shares her knowledge with us through her thursday column in the Detroit Free Press in the Play section. Column is titled Local Music Highlights, a must-read for us music lovin' party people. Check out her band Broadzilla (rock) then go out and watch her perform. If you want to be conveniently updated by e-mail about many Metro Detroit bands and bars, I recommend the Nightbeat News. Danny of the Yankeeville band puts it out once a month. To get on this e-mail list, just send an e-mail to Nightbeat News asking to be added »» click here. Over 14,000 people receive it, including me.
Feel free to browse my website. Several "In Michigan" Music links at top of page, even more at the bottom. |
