10.04.2017

THE DEACON OF ROCK BITES BACK!! STEVE HUNTER'S NEW CD!


Our dear friends Steve and Karen Ann Hunter have released a new album 
Guitar legend Steve Hunter's “Before The Lights Go Out”. We have our copy and just keep playing it over and over. Steve's unique guitar style is such gorgeous music. Thank you Steve and Karen!! xoK

Here is the official press release from Glass Onyon below:


The Deacon Of Rock Bites Back!

“Before The Lights Go Out” is long time Alice Cooper/Lou Reed Guitarist Steve Hunter’s latest solo album. The cover art and title make a statement about his failing eyesight, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a quiet wave goodbye. As soon as you put on the first track, you will know that this is more like a Blues Rock Declaration of Independence! There are sexy grooves, luscious guitar tones and melodies galore.

As with all Hunter’s releases, there is some diversity and sound imagery, not least of which is Tienes Mi Corazón where alongside his nylon string improvisation comes the sound of his own heart. And listen out for Joe Satriani adding his fire to the heat of “Mojo Man.”

Also joining Steve on a couple of tracks are two great Bass players: Erik Scott can be heard on “Mojo Man,” Erik is also an Alice Cooper alumni. On “Under The Bodhi Tree” is Andy Stoller. Steve and Andy toured together with Tracy Chapman during the “Telling Stories” album period, most recently Andy has been touring with Ann Wilson of Heart.


Says Steve, “This album was a real joy for me on many levels. A big part of the inspiration and motivation that kept me going; was from all the people out there who had faith in me and encouraged me through the entire process with their donations and comments. It was really a wonderful experience having you all be a part of it. It’s my deepest hope and desire that you all enjoy the music on this album as much as I enjoyed making it. Thank you and God bless!”

Watch the album sampler video: 



Steve Hunter is his own man; he has been around the block with a forty-five year career.

From his 1973 solos on Alice Cooper’s “Billion Dollar Babies” album, his legendary acoustic work on Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill,” his “Intro” to Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane” and his searing opening solos on Aerosmith’s version of “Train Kept A Rolling” Most recently he can be heard on Alice Cooper’s 2017 album “Paranormal” making this his ninth Cooper album appearance. The Deacon is not done yet but his life is evolving! He has challenges playing live now but his honed skill, tone, power and soul, is dished up on this hot plate of guitar driven instrumental tastiness.

Order your copy today!

Click link above or icon below 


Tracks:
1. On The Edge Of Uncertainty
2. Mojo Man
3. Summer’s Eve
4. Cinderblock
5. Softtail Deuce
6. Tienes Mi Corazón (You Have My Heart)
7. Ice Storm
8. Under The Bodhi Tree
9. The Other Side Of The Coin
10. Happy Trails (vocal Karen Hunter)

For more information:
http://www.stevehunter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/steve.hunter.54

8.26.2017

NOT OVER YET ANNOUNCE NEW LP 'AXIOMS OF LIFE' IN OCTOBER!


Featuring as guests on 'AXIOMS OF LIFE': Luca Princiotta – lead guitars (Doro Pesch), Chris Poland– lead guitars (OHM / Megadeth), Blaze Bayley - vocals (Blaze / Iron Maiden / Wolfsbane), Zak Stevens - vocals (TSO / Savatage / Circle II Circle), Dylan Rose - vocals (Archer Nation), Charlie Huhn - vocals (Foghat / Gary Moore / Ted Nugent / Victory) and Greg Izor - vocals.


Tracklist:

1. Will Power (feat. Dylan Rose, Luca Princiotta)
2. Crazy Tide (feat. Zak Stevens, Chris Poland, Luca Princiotta)
3. Boomshake (feat. Charlie Huhn, Luca Princiotta)
4. You And I (feat. Zak Stevens, Chris Poland)
5. Back to Square One (feat. Blaze Bayley, Luca Princiotta)
6. Some Blues (feat. Greg Izor, Luca Princiotta)
7. No Compromise (feat. Charlie Huhn, Luca Princiotta)
8. Breathe (feat. Dylan Rose, Luca Princiotta)
9. Let's Stay Together (feat. Greg Izor)


NOT OVER YET was formed in fall 2014 by the siblings Giulia Cerardi and Luca Cerardi (Merendine Atomiche / Merendine). 'AXIOMS OF LIFE' has been recorded in many different locations around the world. Drums, bass, vocals and rhythm guitars were recorded between June 2015 and March 2017 at New Sin Studios, Loria (Treviso, Italy). Blaze Bayley and Greg Izor both recorded their vocals at the same studio, in June 2015 and June 2016, respectively.

Charlie Huhn recorded his vocals in January 2017 at North Avenue Studios in DeLand, Florida (USA). Chris Poland recorded his lead guitar parts during the same month, at Glass House Studios in Los Angeles, California (USA). Dylan Rose recorded his vocal parts in October 2016 in Santa Cruz, California (USA), while Zak Stevens recorded his during the same month at MG Studios in Columbia, South Carolina (USA).

www.notoveryetband.com
www.facebook.com/NOTOVERYETband

HOWLING DIABLOS ROCK STAGE AT ART BEATS AND EATS


WISHBONE ASH LIVE AT CALLAHAN'S SEPT 19 2017


British classic rock legends Wishbone Ash will be performing at Callahan's in Auburn Hills, MI on Sept. 19, 2017!

Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, will offer their North American fans a dynamic concert experience on the 2017 “Tough & Tender” Tour. In addition to the high-powered, all-out rockers the band is known for delivering, the guys will turn down the volume (but not the intensity) and treat audiences to acoustic versions of some of their classic hits.


Wishbone Ash US Tour Dates:
Sept. 12 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall
Sept. 13 Minneapolis, MN Famous Dave's
Sept. 14 Davenport, IA River Music Experience
Sept. 15 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
Sept. 16 Edwardsville, IL Wildey Theatre
Sept. 17 Edwardsville IL Wildey Theatre
Sept. 19 Auburn Hills, MI Callahan's Music Hall
Sept. 22 Sherwood Park, AB Canada Festival Place
Sept. 25 Annapolis, MD Rams Head on Stage
Sept. 26 Richmond, VA Tin Pan
Sept. 27 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater
Sept. 28 Norfolk, CT Infinity Music Hall
Sept. 29 Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
Sept. 30 Bay Shore, NY Boulton Center
Oct. 1 Pawling, NY Daryl's House Club
Oct. 2 New York, NY BB King Blues Club & Grill
Oct. 5 Buffalo, NY Sportsmen's Tavern
Oct. 6 Akron, OH Tangier
Oct. 7 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theater
Oct. 8 Jim Thorpe, PA Mauch Chunk Opera House

There is no other rock band in history that has done more with the twin guitar concept than The Ash. Be sure to catch them on tour this September. Tour dates and more information can be found at www.wishboneash.com. Follow the band on Facebook @wishbone.ash.official, Twitter @wishboneash_com and Instagram.

DETROIT'S MADAM X SIGNS WITH EMP LABEL GROUP!


Legendary Detroit Hard Rockers MADAM X have signed a deal with EMP LABEL GROUP, who will release their long-awaited sophomore release MONSTROCITY on October 31st, (October 27th in EUROPE) on CD and Digital, with a limited edition vinyl release planned for November.

Produced by Madam X at Kevin Sharpe's Metro 37 Studios in Rochester Hills, MI, and Mixed by Michael Wagener (MEGADETH, METALLICA, SKID ROW, OZZY OSBOURNE), with additional mixing by Mark Slaughter, Monstrocity is a hard-hitting classic Metal/Rock record sure to serve as a proper return to form for Madam X, and a kick in the ass for fans old and new.


Formed in 1981 by sisters Roxy and Maxine Petrucci, Madam X recruited bassist Chris “Godzilla” Doliber and vocalist Bret Kaiser, who released their classic, Rick Derringer produced, Jet Records debut WE RESERVE THE RIGHT in 1984, spawning the hit Rock single “High in High School”. 4 years later, after Roxy departed to join future Arena Rock superstars VIXEN, and original vocalist Kaiser was briefly replaced by an unknown Canadian vocalist named Sebastian Bach, Madam X disbanded, and would remain mostly inactive until 2014, when the original lineup reunited at the Sweden Rock Festival.

Fast forward to 2017, when the Petrucci sisters collaborated with vocalist Mark Slaughter on a Lemmy Kilmister tribute track for their VIP AFTERSHOW project, Slaughter who introduced Roxy to EMP LABEL GROUP head of A&R Thom Hazaert, who released a 12” “KILMISTER” single for AFTERSHOW, and the conversation soon shifted to the upcoming MADAM X release.

Says Hazaert, “When I connected with Roxy and we were working on The Aftershow stuff, and she told me they were working on a new MADAM X record, I was extremely excited at the prospect of releasing it. After a brief courtship, we made the decision to put it out together, and I can honestly say I’m still excited. Madam X is such a kickass Rock band, I was always a huge fan of their first record, and to be able to release its follow up over 30 years later is just insane.”

Adds drummer Roxy Petrucci, "Hell may not be pretty but good things will find their way out ! It takes a huge pair of metal balls to sign a band like Madam X, David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert at EMP put their love of metal first, and crushed it by signing Madam X ! Raw and flawed, Monstrocity will be unleashed onto the world in fall 2017 ! Long live Rock n Roll but immortalized in Metal!".
The album features 12 hard-hitting slabs of Rock, including the pummeling title track “Monstrocity”, “Resurrection”, “Nitrous”, and an updated version of their 1984 hit “High In High School.”

www.facebook.com/MadamXofficial
www.madam-x.org

8.02.2017

FRIDAY IN THE MOTOR CITY - SUICIDE PREVENTION EVENT


POSTED BY MARQ SPECK

Sometimes we all need to step up, reach out and make a difference... and that's exactly what we're doing this Friday (8/4/17) at The Token Lounge in Westland.

Join members of Sweet Crystal as we help raise awareness and support for this painful and personal issue.

Brought into national focus by the deaths of Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) and Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), there is much the rest of us can do to help when someone is contemplating this path.

Here's a place to start.

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park
There are over 300 worldwide memorials.
Registered Linkin Park Memorial

Portion of ticket sales to benefit the

Advance tickets $8 & $10 at the door
18+ w/proper ID & All Ages w/parent

A Friday in the Motor City doesn't get any more important than this.

Marq Andrew Speck and Sweet Crystal Links of Interest:

https://www.facebook.com/marq.speck
http://www.sweetcrystal.com
https://www.facebook.com/SweetCrystalBand

7.24.2017

DETROIT ROCK RADIO LEGEND BOB BAUER HAS DIED


Detroit Rock Radio Legend Bob Bauer, whose voice was familiar to decades of Detroit rock listeners, has died at his home in Pinckney. He was 63.

Bauer, a 1979 graduate of the Specs Howard broadcast school, was best known for his tenure at Detroit stations WLLZ-FM ("Wheels"), WABX-FM, WCSX-FM and others. Most recently, he hosted a show that spotlighted local music at DetroitMusicStation.com high up in the Penobscot Building..


Justin Bauer Bob's son posted this yesterday on Facebook:

It is with a heavy heart that I am posting the news of my father's death. The memorial service will be this

Saturday July 29 from 2p to 5p
Harold W Vick funeral home 
140 S Main Street 
Mount Clemens MI 48043. 

Please reach out to Justin at 248-850-6121 if you have any help for the video montage they are putting together. My dad was a great man who loved his family friends and the City of Detroit.

Rest in rock heaven with your zillion friends Bob, you are already missed...xoK

7.17.2017

THE ROMANTICS' MIKE SKILL TO RELEASE SOLO SINGLE


The Romantics Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter Michael Skill To Release New Solo Single “67 Riot”

New song evokes time when Detroit burned during“Summer of Love”

Detroit - From the man who crafted such hit singles as “What I Like About You,” “Talking in Your Sleep,” and “One In A Million,” comes a new gritty blues-rock single about the riots that forever changed his hometown of Detroit in 1967. Michael Skill, who has played both bass and guitar for the power-pop rock 'n' roll band The Romantics, was a budding teenager in 1967 when five days of racially charged riots tore apart Detroit in July. When it was over, 43 people lay dead, 1,189 had been injured, more than 7,200 had been arrested and more than 2,000 buildings had been destroyed.

Skill lived on Detroit's East Side and says that although the violence took place several miles from his home, he nonetheless saw its effects up close. “I remember the National Guard right down the street from my house,” he says. “People watching the riots on TV were afraid that rioters would come into our neighborhood. People were freaked out.” The riots changed his beloved Motor City forever. “A lot of my friends' families took off for the suburbs after that,” he says, noting his family chose to stay in the city.



The riot's effects – and the fact that many of the issues they raised, from police brutality to economic decay – stayed with Skill, culminating in his desire to write “67 Riot.” Loud, powerful and evocative of tough tunes by such rockers as Link Wray, Jimi Hendrix and Skill's fellow Detroit rockers, The MC 5, “67 Riot” is both a haunting look at the past as well as a timely allusion to the present, in a world where racial and social tension still threaten to rend our nation in two.

“I wrote the song from a sense of frustration that people never came together after the riots to really address what happened, to look each other in the eye and say, 'How can we repair this? How can we move forward?'” The song's lyrics are written from this point of view. “4 AM/Down the street/Cops roll in/With all the heat/Blind pig roaring/Kickin' their heels/Soldiers home/Just gettin' real,” the song opens. “Rooftop sniper/Set the sight/Burning cocktails/Flash in flight/Broken city/Broken dreams/Things aren't always what they seem/67 Riot!”


Recorded in Skill's own studio, the song features him on guitar, bass and vocals, and also features drummer Russell Ayers, who engineered the tune. The co-producers sought to create an aural equivalent of what it was like to live through this violent time, Skill says, but he adds that he wanted the song to end on a note of hope because Detroit has rebounded in recent years.

“Try to warm your heart/Dream your dreams/Break the chain/Let's start clean,” he adds in his song, noting it’s time to break the chain of racism that has shackled generations before, during and after “67 Riot.”

The Romantics are still touring, still recording and currently feature 3 original band members on the front line up, Rich Cole, Wally Palmar and co-founder Michael Skill. Drummer Brad Elvis joined The Romantics in 2004 and has been the longest seated drummer with the band. Rich Cole rejoined the band in 2010, reviving the band's 3-part harmony allowing The Romantics to perform songs from their first two albums live for the first time since his departure.


Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/mike. skill
https://twitter.com/MikeSkill2 @mikeskill2
https://www.instagram.com/ mjskill/ @mjskill
https://www.facebook.com/ 67Riots/
https://www.facebook.com/ romanticsdetroit/

6.17.2017

MAKE MUSIC DETROIT JUNE 21: COMPLETE LIST OF VENUES AND ARTISTS


Make Music is a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 700 cities in 120 countries.


Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music is open to anyone who wants to take part. Every kind of musician — young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion — pours onto streets, parks, plazas, and porches to share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers. All of it is free and open to the public.

BOB SEGER MUSIC IS FINALLY AVAILABLE ONLINE


One of the few major streaming holdouts has folded. Bob Seger's music has just become available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Napster and Slacker Radio.

Up until now, his only songs on Spotify were the Christmas songs "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Sock It To Me Santa," but 13 of his albums are now there, including Ramblin' Gamblin' Man, Live Bullet, Night Moves and Against The Wind. He's also released 10 albums for digital download that weren't previously available. READ MORE ON ROLLINGSTONE PAGE

DRUM LEGEND CORKY LAING PLAYS MOUNTAIN AT THE TOKEN LOUNGE!


Corky Laing, the powerhouse drummer of the legendary bands Mountain and West, Bruce and Laing is performing the music of Mountain at the Token Lounge in Westland on July 7, 2017!

Corky Laing, the powerhouse drummer of the legendary bands Mountain and West, Bruce & Laing is taking Mountain’s music back on the road. Since 2015 Corky has infrequently played in Europe and the US as Corky Laing plays Mountain. The audiences’ response to Corky’s passion, energy and respect for the music has been enthusiastic and a momentum has been building. Spring and summer of 2017 see Corky embark on a World tour.

“… ‘Mississippi Queen’ was, of course, a highlight, but seldom have I seen a drummer dominate a set with such panache, and such deft use of the high hat and cowbell. There’s just not enough in rock these days. A true ‘giant of rock’.”


Corky Laing Plays Mountain Spring and Summer 2017 World Tour!

05/10 - Blue Notez, Dortmund, Germany
05/11 - De Pul, Uden, Netherlands
05/12 - KultBahnhof, Gifhorn, Germany
05/13 - Maria’s Ballroom, Hamburg, Germany
05/15 - Meisenfrei, Bremen, Germany
05/17 - Yard Club, Köln, Germany
05/18 - Beavers, Miltenberg, Germany
05/19 - Blues Club Chiemgau, Rimsting, Germany
05/20 - Rockjungfer, Arnstadt, Germany
06/02 - Beverly (N. Boston), MA - 9 Wallis
06/03 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
06/05 - Raleigh, NC - Kings
06/06 - Wilmington, NC - Reggies
06/08 - Atlanta, GA - Southern Comfort
06/09 - Hattiesburgh, MS - Thirsty Hippo
06/10 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia
06/11 - Houston, TX - White Oak
06/13 - San Antonio, TX - Sam’s Burger Joint
06/14 - Austin, TX - Barracuda
06/16 - Denver, CO - Electric Funeral Fest
06/17 - Santa Fe, NM - Boxcar
06/18 - Phoenix, AZ - Club Red
06/20 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
06/21 - Los Angeles, CA - Regent
06/23 - San Francisco, CA - Thee Parkside
06/24 - Sacramento, CA - Starlite
06/26 - Portland, OR - Dante’s
06/27 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
07/01 - Calgary, AB - Palomino
07/04 - Madison, WI - High Noon
07/05 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
07/06 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
07/07 - Detroit, MI - Token Lounge
07/08 - Toronto, ON - Garrison
07/09 - Pittsburgh, PA - Cattivo
8/11/2017 Underground, Stockholm, Sweden
8/12/2017 Underground, Stockholm, Sweden
(More dates to be announced.)

More on Corky
www.corkylaingworks.com
Corky on Facebook
www.facebook.com/corkylaing

6.08.2017

ARTIST AMBASSADORS FOR MAKE MUSIC DAY 2017 ANNOUNCED


A Two-Time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, a Legendary Composer and Pianist, a Jazz Virtuoso, a “Nashville” Star and Musician, Noted Composers/Percussionists, a Hollywood Actress-Turned-Rocker and a Grammy Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter Among Ambassadors

4,000+ Live, Free Outdoor Music-Making Events to be Held in More than 60 U.S. Cities on June 21

June 8, 2017 – Make Music Day, the annual global celebration of music occurring each June 21 and featuring over 4,000 free, outdoor concerts, music lessons and jam sessions in over 60 U.S. cities, today announced its lineup of artist ambassadors. The all-day musical celebration on the summer solstice brings people of all styles, ages and skill levels together to make music.

Make Music Day ambassadors include (in alphabetical order) Carmine and Vinny Appice, Brian Chase (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Peter Cincotti, Charles Esten (Nashville on CMT/Hulu), Philip Glass, Daniel Ho, Mandy Jiroux, Glenn Kotche (Wilco), Lenka, Christian McBride, Ian Mellencamp, Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless), Graham Nash, OK Go, Lee Oskar, Alex Skolnick, Tokyo Police Club, Us the Duo, Suzanne Vega, Vintage Trouble and Bernie Williams (former New York Yankees centerfielder and Latin Grammy nominated artist), along with many others to be found across the global celebration.

“What I love about Make Music Day is that it brings music out to the public with no barriers or boundaries,” said Christian McBride. “On June 21, you never know what you might hear – a jazz trio on a train platform, a funk band in a prison, or a string quartet on a porch. They’re celebrating every kind of music and bringing people together.”

“By uniting music makers from every walk of life, it reminds us that music is bigger than any one culture, viewpoint or experience and that we can revel in being humbled by it,” said Dave Monk of Tokyo Police Club.

“Why do we love Make Music Day?” asked OK Go. “Because for one day of the year music gets to run free in the streets in all of its most insane and mundane permutations.”

Us the Duo added that “Although music is constantly happening all around us, Make Music Day celebrates it in one glorious day of sound-making in the streets of a city or town near you.”

Charles Esten noted: “You think you're someone who ‘can't make music?’ I think you might just be someone who hasn't explored all the ways that you could. Spend a couple hours in a music store. Try instrument after instrument. Don't be self-conscious. Just have fun. You're not playing for anybody else. You're playing for yourself. So keep trying.”


The artist ambassadors will be sharing their love of music, and music making, with their fans and the public in the days leading up to Make Music Day.

Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music Day celebrates and promotes the natural music maker in all of us, regardless of ability. Every kind of musician – from bucket drummers to opera singers – pours onto streets, parks, plazas, porches, rooftops, gardens and other public spaces to share their music with friends, neighbors and strangers.

Make Music Day national highlights include Sousapaloozas that bring together hundreds of brass and wind musicians to play the music of John Philip Sousa, Street Studios that feature DJs and producers bringing gear and engaging passersby in the spontaneous, collaborative production of original music on the street, and more than 175 Mass Appeal events that bring together musicians of all levels and ages to make music in large, single-instrument groups led by experienced facilitators.

Cities hosting major celebrations include New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Fullerton, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Portland (OR), St. Louis, San Jose, Seattle and the entire states of Vermont and Rhode Island, with smaller festivities taking place in other communities nationwide.

Make Music Day, which began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, has since grown to more than 750 cities cross 120 countries, and is presented in the U.S. by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance.

All Make Music Day events are free and open to the public. For the full schedule of events in each city and to register to perform or host musical events, please visit makemusicday.org.


About Make Music Day
Held annually on June 21 to coincide with the summer solstice, Make Music Day is part of the international Fête de la Musique, taking place in more than 750 cities across 120 countries.

The daylong, musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms, encouraging people to band together and play in free public concerts. This year, more than 60 U.S. cities and the entire states of Vermont and Rhode Island are organizing Make Music celebrations, encompassing thousands of music making opportunities nationwide. Make Music Day is presented by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance. For more information, please visit www.makemusicday.org.


DETROIT JOINS THE RETURN OF MAKE MUSIC DAY JUNE 21!


DETROIT (June 8, 2017) – Detroit will again join cities in 120 countries to celebrate Make Music Day, the world’s largest global music event, on June 21, 2017. The second annual Make Music Detroit celebration will return with over 150 performances at more than 25 venues around the city. The all-day, summer solstice celebration offers workshops and concerts, free to the public and open to all ages. Make Music Detroit welcomes anyone who wants to perform, learn or teach music.



“Make Music Detroit is not just a festival, it is an ongoing movement to highlight the importance of music education during youth development,” said Larry King, Make Music Detroit president and founder. “Every child in our community deserves music education and we’re thrilled and honored to bring this event to our city again this year.”


Make Music Detroit’s mission is to bring attention to the importance of early music exposure for children and the vital role music plays in promoting better social, academic and spiritual engagement. Different from a typical music festival, Make Music Detroit encourages people of all ages to experience the pleasure of making music, whether amateur or professional, young or old.

Highlights for Make Music Detroit 2017 will include two stages and a workshop/storytelling tent on the Detroit Institute of Arts’ front lawn. Multiple other performance venues are situated in five walkable clusters including Eastern Market, Downtown, the North End, Corktown and near the DIA. The all-day celebration will feature free workshops including an open house at Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME).


The festival will showcase eclectic styles of the city through performances by some of its venerable music icons and rising stars. Aspiring musicians of any age, genre and skill-level are encouraged to participate. Those who register can teach a workshop, host musical events or perform.

Performances include Detroit Youth Volume, Tino G and the Dumpster Machine, Billy Davis, Charles “Buddy” Smith, Straight Gate Mass Church Choir, Audra Kubat, Mahogany Jones, Harmonica Shaw, Roschelle Laughhunn (of The Original Vandellas), Melvin Davis, Sean Blackman’s In Transit featuring Liz Larin, Psychotic Reaction, IS Evolution, Refuge Temple Cathedral Voices and nine-year-old harmonica sensation “Mighty” Michael Mendelson. Attend workshops and performances by Axis Music Academy, a Motown Sing-A-Long and Sousapalooza.

Returning to this year’s lineup RJ Spangler Quintet, Detroit’s Blues Queen Thornetta Davis, Phil Hale, Ali McManus, Emma Guzman, Ted Nagy, Crockett King, Free Jazz Ensemble Cosmic Music Collective.

A full schedule of events will be posted in early June at MakeMusicDetroit.org, as well as on the Make Music Day app, available at the iTunes Store and Google Play. Media sponsors include Fox 2 and WDET.

2016 Highlights
Last year marked the inaugural Make Music Detroit. Attendees enjoyed performances at venues including Detroit Institute of Arts, Assemble Sound, The Carr Center at Harmonie Park, Urban Bean Co., Northern Lights Lounge, Cass Cafe, Third Man Records, Jazz Cafe at Music Hall and sites along the Oakland Avenue Art Corridor, affectionately called O.N.E. Mile, to experience many of the city’s diverse music talents. Performances included Liz Larin, RJ Spangler Quintet featuring Larry Smith, PhilHarmonic Sextet with Thornetta Davis, Judy Adams, Kevin Reynolds, Nick Speed, Jennie Knaggs of Lac La Belle, The Mighty Funhouse, Sean Blackman, Ali McManus, Larry Fratangelo and Sophia Avocado.

About Make Music Day
Held annually on June 21, the first day of summer, Make Music Day is part of the international celebration Fête De La Musique, or World Music Day. Make Music Day takes place in 750 cities across 120 countries, including Morocco, China, Egypt, Brazil, Chile, Vietnam, Canada and, of course, France. This year, 50 U.S. cities and the entire states of Vermont and Rhode Island are organizing Make Music celebrations. Make Music Day is presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM Foundation) and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance. For more information, please visit www.makemusicday.org.

About Make Music Detroit
Make Music Detroit is more than a music event. Our purpose is to bring attention to the importance of early music exposure for kids and the benefits of music in people’s daily lives. Detroit became a fountain of reverence in culture and humanities, in part, because of how the availability of music and arts education enriched its citizens. Every Detroit child deserves a quality music education, and Make Music Detroit is dedicated to supporting this goal.

Make Music Detroit is a 501(c)(3) and part of the Make Music Alliance. For more information, please visit www.makemusicdetroit.org.



5.25.2017

★FREE★ PRE-VIEW OF UNTOLD STORY OF TUPAC SHAKUR BIO-PIC


DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 1st

LOCATION: EMAGINE THEATER - 200 N. MAIN STREET - ROYAL OAK, MI 48067

OPEN: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

ADMISSION: FREE

ABOUT ALL EYEZ ON ME:
All Eyez on Me, in theaters June 16, chronicles the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur, including his rise to superstardom as a hip-hop artist, actor, poet and activist, as well as his imprisonment and prolific, controversial time at Death Row Records. Against insurmountable odds, Shakur rose to become a cultural icon whose career and persona both continue to grow long after his passing.

All Eyez On Me, helmed by Director Benny Boom, and produced by LT Hutton (Morgan Creek Productions), stars Demetrius Shipp Jr., Danai Gurira, Kat Graham, Dominic L. Santana and Jamal Woolard. #ALLEYEZTOUR

RSVP:  FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

ll Eyez On Me, helmed by Director Benny Boom, and produced by LT Hutton (Morgan Creek Productions), stars Demetrius Shipp Jr., Danai Gurira, Kat Graham, Dominic L. Santana and Jamal Woolard. #ALLEYEZTOUR


5.21.2017

RADIO BIRDMAN: MY GANG DADDY-O! WRITTEN BY CHRIS KLONDIKE MASUAK


Chris Masuak May 21, 2017

Radio Birdman used to mean something...used to stand for something! The band attached concepts like “brotherhood”, “honour”, “loyalty”, and “integrity” to itself while slowly but surely disappearing into the kind of vanity driven and posturing black hole that we used to disdain.

I had just been instructed that I “was not invited to participate” in the upcoming tour to promote the band’s “definitive boxed set” and I was certainly not interested in facilitating the ongoing personal fantasy that the band’s history had been relegated to.


However, the filmmaker Jonathan Sequeira assured me that no one was calling the shots on this project except him! No one had the power of veto…there was no one (and the emphasis was on a particular “one”) running interference.



So, I thought sure…if I’m going to make an asshole of myself at least I’ll be in good company!

Jonathan was circumspect. He never let on what the other guys had to say. He was letting us all reveal ourselves for who we were despite ourselves. He was assiduously objective.

It was crazy timing! Like I said…I had only just “officially” fallen out of favour. It was inevitable and a long time coming and a relief when it finally did. In that culture you’re a bully or you’re a sycophant or you’re simply not in the gang.



I didn’t miss it.

But, it reminded me that it was great being in the gang in the old days. We were comrades, fighting a real and (we truly believed) noble fight. We were different and my new teachers and role models and heroes were patient and tolerant and kind to their young and naïve bandmate.

We were champions of a music that no one else knew about. I learned about all this stuff through the guys and because of my more formal musical training, I had something to give back.

I think that this documentary will capture a sense of that early unity and the genuine excitement that we felt for our music.

I know that the audience felt that, too! I had been in the audience and knew what it was like to be swept along on a tsunami of sound and energy.


In later years I would meet and play with some of the guys who we admired and who we helped introduce into the culture. Ron and Scott from The Stooges, Wayne and Dennis from the MC5. God, I even played in a band that blew Iggy and his band offstage night after night on his first tour of Australia!

I related to them like normal people. It felt like we were friends at the time.

I don’t know if they ever realised how much Radio Birdman did for them. Even before Birdman, Warwick, Ron, and Younger were playing their music in The Rats. I mean…who did that in those days?!

I didn’t really hear any of that stuff until I started hanging out with the guys, even though I’d seen the Raw Power ads and reviews in Time magazine and seen The New York Dolls album covers in record stores back in Canada.


Back at the Birdman “clubhouse” we were always listening to The Stooges, The MC5, The New York Dolls, Alice Cooper, The Velvet Underground, The Rolling Stones and surf music. The Blue Oyster Cult helped up the ante just that little bit!

It was a real education. We were filtering all that stuff through our collective hands and making new music in the process. Those were thrilling times!

And, we were a gang. No one else could join. Everyone wanted to.

We were a gang and an alchemical reaction. I think that the documentary will finally make that clear. I think everyone’s getting a bit tired of that tired lone gunman's attempts at re-imagining the band’s history.
Chris Masuak

5.19.2017

TOM GUERRA: TRAMPLING OUT THE VINTAGE


Detroit Music has influenced millions including East coast lead guitarist Tom Guerra (Mambo Sons). Chatted online with Tom last night and he released a new LP a few months back "Trampling Out the Vintage"...Click the links to listen to each track. We loved it! 


Popa Chubby with Tom Guerra

Creem Magazine was the bible that I grew up on, and some of my all time favorite guitarists are Jim McCarty and Steve Hunter (who both did time in Mitch Ryder's bands!). From a songwriting perspective, the great Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland who wrote many of Motown's greatest hits were huge influences. Tom Guerra




ABOUT THE ALBUM: “Trampling Out the Vintage” is the second solo album from Mambo Sons’ guitarist Tom Guerra. The title is from a line in “Battle Hymn of the Republic” aka “Glory Glory Hallelujah”), and refers to the old guitars and amps used in the recording process. Like “All of the Above” (Tom’s first solo disc), “Trampling…” is an old school rock and roll record, but one written for these times. Joining Tom in the studio this time was…

Kenny Aaronson and Tom Guerra

"Most recently, Tom has been busy writing new original music with world class bassist Kenny Aaronson (currently touring with The Yardbirds) for a future recording project. "

• Kenny Aaronson – Bass guitar
• Morgan Fisher and Matt Zeiner – Piano and Hammond
• Mike “Double Dog” Kosacek – Drums and percussion

Here’s a blurb about each track in Tom’s own words…

All Purpose Song – In the old days, we’d have to tune our radios to pull in a song, and then “static evolved into grace.” This is a sort of riff rocker about how music can mean so many different things to people.

Dr. Nick and Elvis – I had a dream that Elvis and his good friend Dr. Nick ran a church to help cure the type of ills detailed in the verses. While writing it, I heard Lemmy had passed, so I included a line in about “The Ace of Spades.”

Purchase Click the Icon Below


Tell the World – The conflict between being feeling guilty to be happy when the world is going to hell in a handbasket, set in a 2 minute 43 second pop song.



BYOB – I’ve read that the NYC rock scene had some great parties in the ‘70s, and this is how I imagined them to be...

Make Your Own Kind of Music – As a kid, I fell in love with Mama Cass’ version after seeing her sing this Mann/Weil pop ditty on the Sammy Davis Jr. show. It is re-imagined here as a rock and roll tune.

Love Will Forget You – The flip side of love, in a funk styled tune. Kenny’s bass sort of propels this song along.


Pay In Blood – My favorite guitarists have all covered Bob Dylan, so here’s my contribution to that list, re-arranged with a more “Stonesy” vibe in open G tuning.

Supermoon – I was thinking of David Bowie and his space themed songs when I wrote this, about a rare celestial happening (also called a blood moon) that according to legend is a sign of the End of Days. Side Note: The ’63 Strat I played on this was formerly owned by Howlin’ Wolf, and is now on loan to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame until 2018.

Grow On Your Own – I wrote this about a friend of mine who was afraid to be alone.

Hard to Love – A simple ballad I wrote on piano about a not-so-nice guy that leaves his bride at the altar and ultimately realizes he’s the problem.

TG with vintage Gibson Firebird

More About Tom:

Since the late 1970s, Guerra has been on the New England club circuit, playing blues, rock and roll and R&B acts. Influenced by Rory Gallagher, Paul Kossoff, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and Joe Walsh, Guerra first gained notoriety after being featured in Guitar Player (March 1991).

Over the years, Guerra has recorded or played with Rick Derringer, The Dirty Bones Blues Band', Max Weinberg, Mark Nomad, Sticky Fingers (for which he wrote and arranged original music for the group's debut CD), The Easton Brothers with Muddy Waters bassist Charles Calmese, Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson from The Allman Brothers Band, Second Son, Guitar Shorty, Adolph Jacobs of The Coasters, Kenny Aaronson, and The Delrays.

Since 1998, he has written for Vintage Guitar, and has endorsed Brian Moore Custom guitars, Colby and DST-Engineering amplifiers and a variety of guitar related effects.

Tom and Scott Lawson

In 1999, he formed Mambo Sons with singer Scott Lawson, based upon a songwriting partnership that dated back to the early 1980s. Their debut album, released in 1999, featured Rick Derringer. This twelve-song effort contained both new music as well as songs the two had originally written a decade before. Read Full Bio on WIKI

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