Baywatch Babes and Beach Bums

I put everything off until the last minute. I'm a procrastinator by nature, it's true. If you're like me, then you probably haven't hit up the Grand Haven Coastguard Festival yet, despite the fact that it's been in full force since last Friday.

This weekend is your last chance to make it out to the festival in what is officially distinguished as "Coast Guard City, USA" (thanks to an Act of Congress signed in 1998), and the city is pulling out all the stops for the festival's final weekend, (really this is just encouraging us procrastinators).

While the festival does continue into Sunday, Saturday's 80 degree weather is perfect for hitting the beach, the waterfront, or the quaint store fronts of downtown Grand Haven. There's a whole day's worth of coast guard-y activities for you to chose from (or be indecisive and do them all!).

Start early and catch the 11:45 a.m. Meijer Grand Parade at Escanaba Park, where more than 150 entries will salute the men and women of the Coast Guard. This tradition of honoring and celebrating those who have served and are serving in the U.S. Coast Guard hails back to 1924, when the Coast Guard Festival was no more than a personnel-only picnic and rowing competition. Now, the weekend of the festival will draw more than 350,000 guests, including top level Coast Guard dignitaries from Washington D.C.

Throughout the day you can also visit the Coast Guard Craft Show (open from 9 a.m.- 7 p.m.), tour a coast guard ship ( available 10 a.m.- noon), or hit up the carnival rides (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).

There's always time to relax on the beach and work on your tan since you'll probably want to stick around into the evening hours for the Patriotic All Star Salute at 7:30 p.m., featuring music by The Marlins, and capped off with a fireworks display at dusk over the waterfront.

All events are located in Downtown Grand Haven; start near Washington Ave and North Harbor Drive. For more information, check the official Coast Guard Festival Website.

Move on and Go Uptown, Girl

No, Billy Joel won't be in Grand Rapids this weekend. But if you're yearning for all your feel good favorites, the Chase Picnic Pops series will give you the next best thing this Friday and Saturday (July 30 and 31): Grand Rapid's Symphony presents The Music of Billy Joel, featuring the talents of Tony-nominated vocalist and star of the Broadway show "Movin' on", Michael Cavanaugh.

Cavanaugh was hand-picked by Joel to perform in the Broadway music spectacular that features his music. Backed by the Grand Rapids Symphony, favorites like "Uptown Girl", "It's still rock and roll to me", and "New York State of Mind" will get that full-band twist to them you won't hear anywhere else.

You can check out the whole array of rock n' roll anthems at the Cannonsburg Ski Arena in Kent.

Mid-Life Crisis opens the show at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the GR Symphony website event page, and are $22 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and $8 for kids aged 2-15.

Killswitch Engage Show

I was a little apprehensive about heading out to the Orbit room on a Monday night to see a metal band.

I had heard good things about Killswitch Engage and have played its song "My Curse" on the ever popular game Guitar Hero. As I walked in I was pleased to see the place was packed. I noticed all ages of people were there, but that was not what caught my eye. What did, though, were the numerous amounts of people wearing tuxedo T-shirts.

I was a little amused but thought I was missing something so I continued down to the stage. I was amazed when I saw the crowd for the opening bands – Job for a Cowboy and Whitechapel, which both gave stellar performances.

By the time Killswitch Engage hit the stage I was pumped. They opened the show with "Serenade" decked out in, you guessed it, tuxedo T-shirts. The crowd roared and sang along to awesome rock, heavy metal, and just all around great music. I was very impressed by the performance; I would say that Killswitch has gained a new fan.

Story and photo by Melinda Wilcox.

Lindsay's Listens: ILAD

Out this week is ILAD's creative funk/jazz venture, Here There.

Clifton McDaniel (vocals) and Gabe Churray (keyboard, electronicist) studied composition together in college and fused their talents together with a hot rhythm section, which includes Cameron Ralston (bass) and Scott Clark (drums). The quartet, which formed in 2004, continues to create music not expected from their Richmond, Virginia upbringing.

At first listen, ILAD's jazzy style sounds a bit like something you would hear at your neighborhood grocery store, such as on "Conservation," the second track. But McDaniel's vocals come in with a breathy, tortured appeal and turn the song into a haunting melody.

"I Just Stopped By" sounds like a track off of Air's Moon Safari (what indie space music sounded like before M83), while "Lou Dobbs'" title may induce laughter - but follows through with jazzy melodies and razor sharp vocals.

Grab this album for a relaxing night or background music at a hip Brooklyn - or Richmond - house party.

Everything's Better in Neon

This is why raves are so awesome-- flashing lights, neon glow sticks, the pumping, pulsing beat of your favorite house beats; what could be a better way to spend your Saturday night?

No need to find a shady warehouse rave this weekend; infamous local event guru Rob Bliss is hosting Grand Rapid's first Electronic Music Night out in the open and under the stars this Saturday(August 1) in Rosa Parks Circle.

The party starts at 7 p.m. and doesn't shut down until midnight.

An entire wall of speakers will be pushing out the bumpin' beats of 5 different DJs, complete with a flashy light show sure to enhance your senses.

The DJs will keep it fresh all night with a mind-blowing mix of sounds, from Steve Swift's house/ tech-house/ progressive selections to Get Physical's electro house/Indie Dance/Nu Disco/Chill vibe. (For a complete line up of DJs, check out the event page on facebook)

Glow sticks, t-shirts and water bottles will be on sale at this otherwise free event. With over three thousand confirmed guests on the event's facebook page, Rosa Parks Circle is almost guaranteed to be glowing neon Saturday night.

If all goes well, Bliss says next year he hopes for a several day festival vibe with multiple stages and even more DJs.

Rosa Parks Circle is located at 134 Monroe Center in downtown Grand Rapids.

Lindsay's Listens: The Yes Pleases

Is it possible to come from Seattle and not have a song that sounds like garage rock? I don't know the answer, but The Yes Pleases seem to fit the bill with "Weekend of Winning," a lo-fi rock jam off its upcoming album, From Whence It Came.

Don't let the band fool you with its first track, "Designer," which sounds like a TV on the Radio/The Ting Tings collaboration. The song is catchy, with electronic undertones and major hipster appeal.

The Yes Pleases tone it down a little with the title track, a dreamy ballad that disguises its Seattle roots with major Brit pop influence.

From Whence It Came is set to be released on August 25 and can be ordered through The Yes Pleases' MySpace.

Trashy Fashion at UICA

Picture bubbly, blonde Alicia Silverstone in Clueless some years back saying 'that is so trashion.' Her signature phrases 'as if' and 'whatever' are still used by the Jonas Brother-loving tweeners of today.

Lucky for us, trashion did not derive from Clueless and get clumped with dim-witted phrases. The word is a fashion term referring to art, jewelry, clothes and other accessories and objects made out of thrown-out, recycled and repurposed materials.

Now picture a black trash bag transformed into an elegant evening gown.

From here, we have the second NoshNight, the Recycled Runway, presented by the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. The nosh will be bringing together the creative minds of West Michgan; the ones who see breakthrough fashion in your grandmothers floral curtains. Held on Saturday, August 8 from 5 to 9 p.m., the NoshNight presents a one-of-a-kind fashion show, backed by eclectic music. The runway will emerge into the street from the UICA building.

The first NoshNight in June, dubbed the Slide Wars, had 20 artists showcase 20 slides of all types. Unlike the typical artshow, NoshNight is purposed to be a celebration. To celebrate creativity, passion, friendship and simple fun.

"The overall goal of NoshNights are just to bring the West Michigan creative community together. We are trying to recreate the college environment, where all the different creative mediums are intermixed, by inviting all creative fields to come together and then highlighting the different creative fields out there," Phil Meade of the UICA says.

The first event was a great success with over 300 people attending, Meade enthused. For round two, Meade is prepared for a great turn out as well. Along with the original wardrobe, music will be just as creative with African drumming for entertainment at the Carnival, and music from Djs Todd Ernst and SONNRIZE. Food will be all local, such restaurants as Bar Divani, Bistro Bella Vita, The Green Well, Rockwells and Republic, will contribute their delicacies to hungry mouths.

Rating the trashion is assigned to the viewers, offering them to pick the Peoples Choice Award winner of trashion.

If you are a great mind and don't think alike, go for a dig in that dumpster. Make your fashion statement out of recycled items, and wear it to the Recycled Runway to show off.

Admission is $5. For more information, check out uica.org.

Lindsay's Listens: Chris Crown

Recently released is Chris Crown's album, The Sun's Gonna Shine. Recorded at Mackinaw Harvest Studios and produced by Chris Andrus, the album is an acoustic journey through Crown's thoughts, emotions and blues influences.

Crown's blues staple - and favorite track on the album - "Blues Honeymoon" was inspired by Crown's own honeymoon.

"While most women dream of a honeymoon in the Bahamas or on a Caribbean cruise, I took my new bride on a blues honeymoon to the Mississippi Delta," Crown said. "We visited grave sites of 'old dead blues guys,' as she says."

The track is quick and upbeat, what one would expect from a blues song, and features Tomas Esparza on harmonica.

The Sun's Gonna Shine transitions from heavily influenced blues tracks to stripped-down acoustic melodies like in the sweetly honest "Doin' the Best I Can."

See Crown play his original tracks all summer long during the Holland Street Performer series every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. And be sure to stop by his CD release show on August 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Schuler Books & Music's downtown location.

Practice for St. Patty's Day

St. Patrick's Day only comes once a year, sadly. Shouldn't there really be more than one occasion a year to imbue large quantities of green beer and wear t-shirts that say "Kiss me I'm Irish"?

While this may not be the motive of the Michigan Irish Music Festival, they certainly are giving you a mid-year chance to revive your Irish pride this September.

Presented by Mercy Health Partners, the festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 18th and continues until 6 p.m. on Sunday night, all at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon.

The three day event will play host to three stages of live Irish and Celtic music to create that authentic Irish experience. Several favorites from last year's entertainment lineup are returning, such as Seamus Kennedy, Kennedy’s Kitchen, Switchback, Craic Wisely, Old Blind Dogs, Fonn Mor, and Blackthorn.

New acts making an appearance at this year’s festival are Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Solas, Slide, and The Makem & Spain Brothers.

With the continuous Irish music as background, festival-goers can also feast on the authentic Irish food and beverages provided by Bob and Bernie's Pub, including Guinness, Irish Cream, and Budweiser products.

The festival will also have an Irish Marketplace, a cultural tent, an acoustic tent for stripped down performances of your favorite artists, and children's activities. Saturday's activities include Feis, a competitive Irish dance contest.

An Irish Catholic mass and traditional Irish breakfast on Sunday morning cap off the weekend.

Ticket prices vary each day of the festival, but a 3-day pass can be purchased for $25. See individual prices here.

For more information and a complete entertainment schedule, visit www.michiganirish.org.

Calling All Film Addicts

No need to idly imagine attending the mecca of all film festivals in Cannes, or the stateside Sundance, because this fall you can satisfy that indie film fetish right here in West Michigan, with the first annual Grand Rapids Film Festival.

The festival will take place August 26-28 at Celebration Cinema North, and will include more than 100 films from across the U.S. , as well as faraway locales such as Korea, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom.

The idea for a film festival hosted in Grand Rapids has been in the works for a few years, according to Corey Niemchick, president of the festival.

"This year we finally decided to just do it. We said we needed to jump off this festival cliff and just commit to doing it or it will never happen. We’ll figure it out along the way, make some mistakes, learn from them, and get even better next year. So that’s what we did," Niemchick said.

The mission of the festival was to include challenging, inspiring, family-oriented and message-driven movies, but the organizers tried hard to stay away from the term "family-friendly", because of its conservative and political connotations.

"Family-oriented films are no longer just about, or for, kids anymore. Hollywood Box Office numbers have been trending steadily over the last 14 years to show that R-rated films are considerably down in profitability, down in attendance, and down in production output as compared to their PG-13 or better rated counterparts," he said.

Films will be shown in nine categories: feature, documentary, animation, PSA, student short film, student documentary, student music video, short narrative, and documentary short.

Glass trophies will be awarded to the top films in each category, as well as a $2,500 prize for Best of Show, and a $1,000 prize for Audience Choice Award.

Best of all, checking out a few of the films won't complete empty out your savings account; tickets can be bought individually to each film (or in a package for the whole weekend), and if you buy the ticket vouchers online by August 1st, they're only $5 per film.

A complete list of the films will be available on the festival's website two weeks before the festival begins.

For more information on the 1st Annual Grand Rapids Film Festival, check out their website.

The submission deadline for this year's festival has already past, but you can email info@grfilmfestival.com for info on contributing to next year's festival.

Hip Hop Battle like it's the 313 (but in the 616)

Pennies Music Video HQ - The Cool Kids from The Cool Kids on Vimeo.

Grand Rapids may sit a good 2.5 hours from the 'D, but that doesn't mean hip hop doesn't have a home here in Michigan's second largest city either.

Grand Rapids Hip Hop, a community geared toward bringing together hip hop fans and artists, is hosting a hip hop battle next month at the Intersection that is sure to be of epic proportions.

Self-proclaimed as the throw down of the year, GR Hip Hop is presenting The Cool Kids vs The Clipse in a live hip hop battle on August 25.

The Cool Kids are Mount Clemons-raised Chuck Inglish (born Evan Ingersol), and Chicago-native Mikey Rocks (real name Antoine Reed). They first started with the idea of mixing beats for other aritsts, but soon realized their own lyrics best fit their style and set off to record together.

The Cool Kids will face off against The Clipse, nationally-acclaimed Virginia-based hip hop duo of Malice (Gene Thorton) and Pusha T( Terrence Thorton). Together since 1991, the Clipse has had numerous Billboard hits, and worked with Timberland, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and Kanye West on their upcoming album, "Til the Coffin Drops".

Watch the battle ensue starting at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7).

Tickets are $20.50 in advance, or $25.00 at the door, and can be bought ahead of time at Ticketmaster, Vertigo, and the Intersection box office.

Sidewalk Sales for Winos

This weekend, the Tempo Vino Winery of Kalamazoo is hosting a sidewalk sale guaranteed to pique the interest of all our wine-loving readers.

Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a trip to the tents set up on the Kalamazoo Mall could get you up to fifty percent off on wine merchandise.
This includes wine racks, cork cages, bottle stoppers, and Vinturi aerators.

Plus, as an added bonus, stop into the winery for free wine tasting.

Could your weekend afternoon get any better?

For more info. call 269.344.0795 or visit www.central-city.net.

Lindsay's Listens: Killswitch Engage

Hardcore rock is not for everyone. That's an obvious statement. But there are certain bands that can carry a blend of thrashing guitars, screams, and harmonies (think The Used or Blindside). Though Killswitch Engage is a little harder and faster than those two bands, it has a nice balance of scream, thrash and sing.

Its latest self-titled album may rock a little too hard for many, but give it a few listens, and it jumps from the "noise" to "music" category.

The songs the perfect length for rocking out - the longest clocks in at 4:29 - and the album is only 38 minutes long, bringing new meaning to the term "power hour."

Unlike many hardcore/metal bands, Killswitch is heavy on guitar, but light on guitar solos. Each musicians showcase their talent equally, whether its the intro drum beats and paired guitar riffs on "The Forgotten," or Howard Jones' tortured vocal chords on "Never Again."

Bang your head, put up your rock fist and take care of those anger management issues via the mosh pit when Killswitch Engage makes its stop at The Orbit Room on July 27.

Like Woodstock, but for Bikes

Cyclists are hardcore enough to get their own Woodstock.

Next month, local cycling advocate Michael Tufflemire presents Bikestock 2009, a free festival of food, live music, giveaways and bike demonstrations-- all with the intent of spreading awareness and celebrating the growing cycling culture in Grand Rapids.

Vendors will have info for those interested in getting started in biking, as well as safety tips and a petition to encourage local leaders to make more laws protecting bike riders, especially on the roads.

The one day festival will take place on August 1st in Ab-Nab-Awen Park, located at 303 Pearl Street in Grand Rapids. Local vendors will selling food, and five local bands will take the stage throughout the day: Scatterdome, Absinthe, Shadez, Simien the Whale, and Invisible Mansion.

The event will also feature Alleycat games, prize giveaways from local bike-friendly businesses (like a $100 gift certificate to Eastside Tattoo), and mountain bike skills games during it's 12-6 p.m. run time.

Stressed? Allow only the MOST serene to comfort you.

The birth, life, and tragic death of cosmic galaxies find its life soundtrack in The Most Serene Republic's latest audiological conquest ...And The Ever Expanding Universe. Darker by nature and deeper in lyrical content, the fourth album to come from these creative Canadians ventures off its usual happy-go-lucky beaten path and into a new realm.

This band of indie rockers maintains its expansive instrumental orchestrations and lilting vocals, but fall short of the awesomeness inspired by their previous albums. As originally beautiful as each song is, none stick out with striking vocals or catchy lyrics. Despite that fact, they all strike with a fervor of percussion and soothe it away on dulcet streams of piano and guitar.

Evident in each song is a complexity that speaks to the amount of hard work and intense effort it took to create ...Universe. So, put your world on hold for less than 45 minutes and enjoy the latest The Most Serene Republic has to offer.

Lindsay's Listens: Baby Teeth

Baby Teeth sounds like so many artists and music styles that it's difficult to pinpoint them. It's rock, that's for certain, but picking out a style of rock is a little more difficult.

On "Big Schools," the first track off Baby Teeth's third album, Hustle Beach, the band sounds like Elvis Costello imitating The Hold Steady imitating Bruce Springsteen.

Got that? No?

Let's try "The Part You Play," the second track off the album. Abraham Levitan, the singer/songwriter/keyboardist, channels Elton John's vocals so well it's like glam rock and big sunglasses never needed a comeback.

But wait!

The third - and title - track is full of the '80s synth and slight cheese that everyone born before 1985 seems to relish and hate at the same time. Similar is "Shrine," a danceable tune that is so catchy, you'll be embarrassed to admit you like it - kind of like that secret Lady Gaga obsession you've been hiding.

Basically, Baby Teeth is the guilty pleasure that's OK to admit. It has all the elements of catchy rock/pop with the cool indie cred and attitude.

Indulge on August 22, when the Chicago-based band makes its way to Founders.

Staycation to the Gallery

If you're big into the hottest catch phrases of these economically troubling times, then you already know all about "staycations"-- a.k.a. the half-hearted attempts to convince yourself that a Michigan road trip is just as exciting as that European vacation you canceled because money was tight.

Regardless, here's another opportunity to slip that buzzword into everyday conversation: Blue Moon @ Blue Hour Gallery is hosting a new art exhibit next month that will give you the chance to have the most economical staycation yet-- a chance to see Michigan's landscapes without ever leaving the walls of the gallery.

The show features the work of four artists that comprise the Blue Moon Art Group, showcasing their artistic views of Michigan's own landscapes. The artists include Bev Tippman(whose work is featured in the picture above), Carol Hatfield, Susan Miller, and Vivian Schilling.

The exhibit runs from August 10 through September 8, but show up on August 15 between 5 and 7 p.m. for an opening reception that gives you the opportunity to meet with the artists themselves and enjoy light refreshments.

The Blue Hour Gallery is located in Marshall at 127 W. Michigan Avenue. Call 269-789-1902 for more details, or visit their website.

Portland to Portland (and everything in between)

Rock and Roll just got a whole new meaning.

Indie rocker Malcolm Rollick is two-wheeling it from coast to coast on an epic bike ride tour, stopping to rock out at various venues along the way. The multi-month adventure began March 7th in Portland, Oregon, and will wrap up in Portland, ME.

Carrying all of her belongings on an XtraCycle, Rollick is blogging along the way. You can check out her thoughts at www.slowkidonabike.blogspot.com.

Check out the music-maker on wheels yourself when she hits up three dates in Michigan next month:The Grand in Grand Haven on August 26, Lemonjello's in Holland on August 27, and Metrospace in Lansing on August 29.

Let your ears taste test her fresh sound that's chock full of personality and passion via the streaming mp3s on her website, www.malcomrollick.com, or her music myspace page.

The American Idol of Art comes to GR this fall

It's the American Idol of art. This fall, Grand Rapids plays host to Art Prize, an art contest that puts the job of judging the art work of both emerging and established artists into the hands of the general public.

Visit one of the hundred plus venues that are each hosting a selection of the artists in the competition and cast your vote. ArtPrize is giving back this kind of democracy to the art world in a bold mood that reboots the conversation about art.

Whether you're itching to to be the Simon for the competition and drop some knowledge on the artist's canvases, or simply dole out Paula-esque compliments to every artist( regardless of talent), you've got the opportunity to make your opinion count.

After the voting, which continues throughout the contest's run( September 23- October 10), the top 10 entries will receive prizes. The grand prize winner gets the whopping sum of $250 thousand dollars-- the largest sum awarded for an art contest in the world.

The venues hosting artists dot the cityscape, but you can see 15 of these world class artists right within the walls of the UICA, each showcasing one work of art.

For a full list of venues and artists, visit the ArtPrize website.

Pitchfork Pictures

A few of the 600+ pictures taken during the Pitchfork Festival.

Includes bands such as The Flaming Lips, The National, Beirut,

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, as well as several others.

Pitchfork Festival Highlights

One word comes to mind when speaking of the Pitchfork Music Festival: Discovery.

2009 was not lacking in that department. Whether eager indie music fans came to discover new music, rediscover their favorite bands of the past (The Jesus Lizard, Yo La Tengo, etc.), or multiple treasures from the wide-spanning vendors, everyone was guaranteed to walk away with something new in their media player, hands, or tummies.

Three stages were set up so there was always at least one band playing starting at 1 p.m. and going until 10 p.m. - when everyone had to leave Union Park. If one band wasn't doing tickling your fancy, there was the option to head over to another, browse the tables of record labels like Sub Pop and Polyvinyl, check out what local artists and craftspeople had to offer, or dine on some above par festival fare.

Unique to the festival was its Write the Night: Set Lists by Request. Bands including Yo La Tengo, Tortoise, Built to Spill, The Jesus Lizard and The Flaming Lips played sets voted by the fans.

Here are some highlights from the shows:

-F***ed Up Vocalist Damian Abraham tore apart beach balls with his mouth and put one over his head, prompting the handful of children at the Festival to follow suit while saying to their parents, "Look! He didn't die."

-The Universal Record Database challenged people to break existing records - or break their own. I set the record for the amount of elbow licks in 30 seconds (it was 45).

-Matt and Kim finalized its set with a killer rendition of Europe's "The Final Countdown."

-M83 won for biggest dance party of the weekend with its electropop set.

However, the set that made it to many people's "number one live band" spot - at least unanimously in my caravan - was The Flaming Lips. Of course, there was Wayne Coyne's Bubble, but also confetti showers, bedazzling lights, and a band entrance through a particular location on the female anatomy (we'll let you guess where) on a giant video screen.

Stay tuned for a picture slide show of performances and highlights.

Sunsets Set to Symphony

Going to a classical music concert doesn't have to put you to sleep, and it doesn't have to break the bank either.

West Michigan Symphony is setting out to prove both of these points next month with their free outdoor summer concert. One of the few professional regional orchestras in the area, WMS is presenting this free concert in efforts to bring classical music to more diverse audiences in West Michigan.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. , so the evening's sunset will be set to the sounds of famous composers such as Copland, Brahms and Tchaikovsky. Kid-friendly songs will also be woven into the mix, with choices like the "Harry Potter Symphonic Suite" and selections from the Phantom of the Opera to hold their attention.

This free concert will take place at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon on Saturday, August 29th, and pre-concert events (including the WMS Instrument Petting Zoo) will start at 5:30 p.m.

Not your ordinary garden vegetable

Every month the LDecore Gallery at 428 North Park NE in Grand Rapids chooses a featured artist to promote. For August, that artist is Karen Hundt-Brow, a gourd artist of local and state-wide acclaim.

Having worked with gourds for 13 years, both as an artist and a teacher, Hundt-Brown is a gradutate of Kendall College of Art and Design. She has also published a guide to gourd art entitled " Beyond Basics: Advanced Gourd Art", from Sterling Publishing.

Hunt-Brow began working with gourds after a day home sick from work inspired her to order gourd seeds along with her usual assortment of spring vegetables. This began a process of experimenting and researching how to work with the gourds, and eventually led to a discovery of a medium that Hunt-Brow finds artistically freeing, according to her website.

LDecore will feature an open house of her work August 29th from 5-8 p.m.

La Famiglia - GRAM on the GREEN

Block Party Madness

It's like a mini Warped Tour, except this time it's in Grand Rapids, and it's for a good cause.
The First Annual West Michigan Musician's Block Party is kicking off on Sunday, August 2nd from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m.

A solid eight hours of musical acts on two different stages-- an indoor venue at the Cottage Bar, and an outdoor stage at La Grave Avenue-- will host over 35 musicians, all for the benefit of local music ambassador Ralston Bowles. Bowles, a singer/songwriter from the area, is currently receiving treatment for colon cancer. The funds raised from the block party will help offset his medical expenses.

Cottage Bar and One Trick Pony Grill and Taproom are sponsoring the event, which will also feature a silent auction featuring locally-produced art and hand-painted guitars, among other items.

It's the plan of music coordinator Michael Packer and One Trick Pony/Cottage Bar owners Dan & Lisa Verhil to continue the tradition of a benefit block party after this year in support of other musicians with medical or financial struggles.

“Each year, it seems that more and more local musicians are dealing with these issues and we want to give back to artists that give so much quality of life to the community," Packer said.

Admission to the block party is a $15 donation (unless your under 12, then it's free).

Musical acts in the line up include 13^th Hour, Josh Rose, Rick Beerhorst, Chance Jones, Roger McNaughton, Ric Troll, Nobody’s Darlin’, Folk Brothers, Arganik, Mid Life Crisis, Jimmie Stagger, Creolization, Drew Nelson, Troll for Trout, The Concussions, La Famiglia, Fainting Generals, Organissimo and Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boy.

Neko Case photos

Just a couple quick photos from the Neko Case show tonight at Meijer Gardens:

Enjoy,
Anthony

History in the Making: New Band Debut

Nicholas James, one half of the locally played folk duo Blue Feather, is striking a solo flight in the music scene with his new musical venture, the Nicholas James Band. Their debut will set the scene at Founders Brewing Company on Saturday, July 26th.

The Nicholas James band is made up of bass player and producer Greg Baxter, violinist Andrea Napierkowski, drummer Kurt Schmiege, and Mark "Huggy Bear" Lavengood on the lap steel and dobro, all helping to create a folk-oriented mingling of country, bluegrass and rock and roll.

James always knew that once he and musical partner Liz Dieleman had completed the Blue Feather album he would want to make music on his own.

"Blue Feather is two individual singer songwriters. We always maintained our separate identity and both continued to write and perform without the other," he said.

The band will be heading into the studios at Academic Audio Studios in Grand Rapids once September hits to record their first album together.

The show at Founders will also feature U.P natives The Squeaky Clean Cretins. Cover is $5, and the show starts at 9:30 for those 21 and up.

High Kicks for St. Nick

Maybe it's only July, but that makes it the perfect time to abuse the "Christmas in July" motif and start thinking of red stocking caps, rosy cheeks and best of all-- high-kicking, sparkly-clad dancers.

Yes, the Rockettes are returning to Grand Rapids this holiday season for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Arena Tour and group tickets are on sale now. Individual tickets will be released in September.

After the success of last year's first arena tour, a travel-sized version of the Christmas Spectacular hosted at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, the tour has expanded to include 30 cities in the North, starting in Canada and weaving through Philadelphia, Columbus, Washington D.C., and Cincinnati, among others.

The Rockettes will be performing one night only at the Van Andel Arena, on Monday, November 23rd, showcasing fan favorites such as the "Parade of Wooden Soldiers" and the living nativity scene.

Regular ticket prices are $45.50 and $64.50 for adults and $35.50 and $49.50 for children ages 11 and under. Check www.radiocitychristmas.com for more details.

Detroit Son of a What??

Detroit rock musicians have a certain sound that can't be mistaken. Head bangers, such as Kid Rock, and the city itself influenced these Dirty Americans. The self-titled EP is five songs deep of raspy vocals and big sound.

What big sound do you ask? Just envision Kid Rock's "Cowboy" mixed with Buckcherry's "Crazy B***h." And what do you get: "Detroit Son of a B***h." The vintage rock works pretty well. The guitar solo's and rebel lyrics are step away from the pretty and polished rock music we all here on the radio most of the time.

These guys aren't afraid to drop the f-bomb or to play some real rock and roll. Although, The Dirty Americans want to stay away from the trendy rock, there is no escaping the Detroit ways. They are proud to say they are Detroit rockers. Let's see if they can bring the rock to the west side on July 31st at The Rosebud in Grand Haven.

Check out their tunes at myspace.com/dirtyamericans.

Division Day: not for emo-tional kids.

If album cover artwork said it all, Division Day's Visitation might be intimidating for some. With a girls face hidden in a black hood, black eyes, and their name printed on her forehead, this could be a vision from a horror movie.

With artwork like that, it's safe to assume that Division Day would be an intense scream-o band. And that couldn't be more wrong.

Trance, melodic and almost grim: all sufficient descriptions of Visitation. Listening a little closer, every song tells a story. Whether a visit from Satan himself or statues coming alive, the music is tragic sounding. There should be a warning label on the side, "If sad, do not listen."

The black music is clearly meant to be interesting. Meant to take the listener to a new level and not only hear the sound, but feel it. Compared to their debut album, Beartrap Island, the pop sound has gone and been replaced with rock. The song "Visitation" is four minute anthem of eerie vocals and experimental harmonies.

Result after 11 tracks: an unsettling feeling and an urge to learn more about the meanings and metaphors of this music. Having one of those days where there is a feeling there is more to life? Listen to Division Day. They might not give answers, but they certainly make life feel a little more profound.

Check them out at myspace.com/divisionday.

Story Tellers or Song Writers? Both.

Some bands are known for their womanizing ways, but The Dear Hunter is once again showing off their long-term relationship.

Enchanting and haunting, Act III – Life and Death eloquently continues The Dear Hunter’s six-chapter concept album project. The story began in 2006 with Act I: The Lake South, The River North and was continued in 2007 with Act II: The Meaning of, and All Things Regarding Ms. Leading. The band has developed their concept with each act better than the one before.

This album continues the story of “the boy” as he deals with love, loss, and maturing. With the story half over, the third album leaves listeners craving the fourth act.

The CD as a whole is a completely comprehensive album, depicting a story that every imagination should experience. The lyrics mix smoothly with the melodies, and the combination of instruments sets a mood to match. The album deserves a listen from start to finish, but if you don’t have time, the songs can stand alone just as well as they work together.

Want a listen? Here is In Cauda Venenum, the second song on the album.



Not enough? Make sure to check out The Dear Hunter’s Myspace to listen to more songs.

A very metal musical : Album Review

If The Who and Queen can have their own musicals based on their classic hits, why can't a standout band from the metal genre do the same?

While I don't think Broadway is knocking on their door just yet, Dream Theater's tenth and latest album release (and second release on Roadrunner Records), "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", lends itself to all kinds of theatrical analogies-- from their ephemeral name to the narrative-rich lyrics that even weave the occasional dialogue sequence into the songs.

The first track on "Black Clouds and Silver Linings" immediately throws you into the scene of "A Nightmare to Remember", one of six epic-length songs that complete the disc. But while some 15 minute tracks can make you squirm and reach for the 'next' button, Dream Theater even kept my attention with their story-telling skills and melodic chorus lines.

Think of their album as a metal-infused bed time story for adults.

Having been playing together for over 20 years, Dream Theater has perfected the right mix of progressive metal, narrative lyrical style, and enough melody to satisfy a non-metal fan (like myself). There's no doubt that they know how to rock, but they also know when to pull back and let lead singer James LaBrie's softer vocals carry you through to the harder rifts.

"Black Clouds and Silver Linings" is available now. Need to try before you buy? Check out their website or myspace for musical samples and live videos.

Don't delete your Myspace just yet

While I'll be the first to admit that Myspace is mostly useless these days, I wouldn't recommend trashing your profile just yet.

Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place are teaming up to help lucky listeners win concert tickets to their upcoming summer shindigs--all through Myspace and Facebook. The contests are conducted quarterly, which means every few months you've got another chance to win tix to the hottest shows to hit GR.

This quarter, up for grabs are tickets to the family-friendly Wiggles Live! Tour on August 13th, Journey's August 25th performance, and the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's presentation of "Over the Top" on September 24th.

All you have to do to qualify to win is comment on the "Summer Ticket Giveaway" note on either Facebook or Myspace with your most memorable concert of family show moment.

Three winners will be picked from both Facebook and Myspace, and the lucky chosen ones will be announced July 20th.

Visit www.facebook.com/VanAndelArenaFanPage, www.facebook.com/DeVosPlaceFanPage, www.myspace.com/vanandelarena, and www.myspace.com/devosplacegrandrapids for more information.

Have it your way

Zion Rock Godchaux seemed to be the more talkative one of the two. Maybe this stems from his role as the vocalist for Boombox, an Alabama-based band specializing in the seemingly bizarre marriage of sounds from the improv-friendly jazz era and pulsating beats of early 90’s techno house music.

Or maybe it has more to do with what Zion describes as a special connection he and music-making partner Russ Randolph have when it comes to music that allowed him to articulate both of their thoughts.

“We had a natural connection, Russ and I, we tend to kind of chill in the same brain. You can sense when we first met, we were looking at the same page,” Godchaux said.

Either way, it was with one brain that this dynamic duo of fresh sounds described the audience-centered, go-with-the-flow performances they have upcoming in West Michigan this month.

Despite having a basic bass line and some vocal hooks, Godchaux describes their tracks as mere cornerstones to build off of during their live performances, meaning all bets are off and their musical numbers can vary wildly from night to night. It’s that close connection between band mates that allows Randolph, DJ/Music Producer/drummer to match whatever is organically evolving with Godchaux, who picks up the vocals and guitar for the group.

With shows they describe as a mini utopia, audience members can expect a performance tailor made just for them. The duo assesses the vibe of the audience before starting each show, customizing their performances to fit whatever they think the crowd needs, and always trying to stay in sync with their emotions.

“That’s our goal going in to it, to give people a release and so that’s kind of the underlying theme of the whole show. Some sort of release,” Godchaux added.

This improv between the two is what gives their music the subtle aftertaste of a bygone era while still maintaining the flavor of catchy, danceable, techno beats. Godchaux describes their sound as a melting pot of American music that blends everything from reggae, electronica, R&B, 80’s hip-hop, jazz, and even disco.

“We’re not aiming to sound like a certain genre. It’s more of just all the different music we’ve been into all our lives one way or another rubbed off on us,” Godchaux said.

With a new album released in the spring (“Visions of Backbeat”), Boombox is touring around the Midwest this summer, and will be making two stops in west Michigan. July 20^th they will be hitting up the Intersection in Grand Rapids, and on July 21^st they’ll head to Kalamazoo to play at Papa Pete’s. Both shows cost $10, and since the duo promises a different show every night, it might even be worth it to check out both shows.

But Godchaux isn’t one to try to convince someone to come see their show.

“We’re not trying to sell anything on stage; it’s not really about us, it’s about the audience. Our shows are a real experience. If I were going to see a show, that’s what I would want; a band that’s going to give it to me real. I don’t want a band to have some pre-arranged idea of how to blow my mind,” he said.

But with Boombox, anything can happen (and it probably will).

It's a Genre-bending Musical Contradiction

They've got a name that makes more sense once you've seen them perform live.
But lucky for you, your chance to hear Greensky Bluegrass at the Riviera Theater has come.

This Friday, listeners have the opportunity to hear the jam-band infused bluegrass musical stylings of a band that more than lives up to it's contradictory name.

Playing traditional blue grass instruments, this five-piece band from Kalamazoo mixes classic bluegrass sounds into new musical landscapes, creating fresh, genre-bending hits. With a fan base that crosses over jam-band lovers as well as the Americana community, Greensky Bluegrass is growing in popularity due to their ability to mix it up in their live shows with epic-length improvisational takes on bluegrass songs, original numbers, and their own twists on covers of The Grateful Dead or Jimmi Hendrix.

Tickets to the July 10th show are $10 and can be purchased online or by calling the Riviera box office at 269.278.8068.

The Riviera theater is located in historic Three Rivers Michigan at 50 N. Main Street.

New album perfect for long drives

Middle West, the newest album from the Milwaukee/Chicago-based band, Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts, is a perfect soundtrack for driving through the Midwest landscape. This appropriately named album has that calm, rhythmic sound which matches so perfectly with the farmlands that make up the highway scenery.

The group is composed of Midwest natives Phalen (vocals, guitar), Andy Gulotta (guitar), Eric “Doc” Holiday (mandolin, banjo), Aaron Vold (drums), and Joe Ledger (bass) whose goal is to take the music of America’s past, and continue it into the future. Middle West does just that, as it combines the traditional folk sound with a slightly psychedelic backdrop.

The use of acoustic guitar, banjo, and harmonica gives Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts a sound that is reminiscent of folk-rock artists such as Neil Young and Tom Petty. However, the use of synthesizers in songs like I Can’t Run and Neptune Child give the band a more modern feel.

So next time you’re on a road trip, give this album a try. If possible, roll down the windows too, the open air will enhance the experience.

The release party for Middle West is scheduled for Friday, July 10 at Subterranean in Chicago. The event starts at 9:00 pm, and features Midwest openers Inchworm and Jonny Rumble. For more information about the band and concerts, visit www.willphalen.com.

Sunny Sipping

I have a new outdoor activity for you to add to your summer to-do list: drinking wine. With the Wine Loft's newly completed outdoor patio, this indoor pastime has just shuffled outside for some of that fresh air and vitamin D your mother's always bugging you to get more of.

The idea for a patio at the E. Michigan Avenue location has been in the works since the lease for the building was signed in 2008, and after waiting for the proper permits and consulting with local Grand Rapids architect Mark Tomasik, their outdoor patio vision has become a concrete reality.

Sitting out on the patio won't get you any bragging rights in the form of exclusive drink specials, but you still have the people-watching and sun-bathing market cornered over your indoor counterparts.

While the outdoor patio is now officially open (and will be until October, assuming we don't get any freak snow storms before then), a special celebratory/grand opening festivity is lined up for July 31st. Their "Summer White Party" will take place on this day, granting $2 off any drink special to customers wearing their best solid white outfits.

This $2 off deal continues for the whole month of July to white-garbed drinkers, so feel free to get some use out of those white leather jeans before the "never wear white after labor day" rule kicks in.

The patio can also be booked for private parties, business meetings, bachelorette shindigs and whatever other reason you may have for 35+ people to gather and enjoy a glass of wine.

The Wine Loft is located at 161 E. Michigan Ave in downtown Kalamazoo, and starts serving up their palatable plethora of wines at 4 p.m, nightly.

Augustana shows diversity in Tuesday's stop at The Intersection

Reactions are generally the same when I reveal my love for the San Diego-based band Augustana. What, a 24-year-old man can’t like adult contemporary?

Pegged as a somewhat of a soft rock group, the five-piece hasn’t done a lot to break the mold on that misconception by touring with such bands as the Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows and Snow Patrol.

Tuesday night at the Intersection, tweaks to their catalog along with a couple old school covers showed that there is a little more to this group than the couple songs that made it on MTV’s reality television show ‘The Hills’.

If Tuesday was an indicator, Augustana seems to be moving in to more of a bluesy, straight rock-and-roll style of music. This is not a far cry from what we have seen on their two albums ‘All The Stars and Boulevards’ and ‘Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt’, but it’s definitely a step up.

Taking their original song ‘Fire’ and speeding it up, lead singer Dan Layus, had no choice but to address the crowd and let them know why a lot of the tunes they’ve come to know and love sound so different.

“Sometimes we like to play some of these a little differently, just to keep ourselves entertained,” Layus told the crowd. “But the spirit of a song stays the same and we hope you see it that way.”

The group also transformed ‘Sweet ‘n Low’, their top single off ‘Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt’, in to more of a bluesy tune, at times speaking the words of the verse, while keeping the catchy chorus intact.

Augustana also threw a cover of ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You’ (Originally by Muddy Waters, later recorded by Etta James, The Grateful Dead, Foghat and others) at the crowd for good measure. Die-hard Augustana fans weren’t left wanting anything more as all the staples of the set list were present, including their breakout song ‘Boston’ which at one point reached No. 34 on the Billboard top 100. (Note: As a fan, I wanted to hear ‘Sunday Best’, so I guess one person was left wanting more.).

It’s pretty clear at this point that Augustana just wants to rock. If anyone thought any differently, Layus set the record straight.

“I’m sick of all the emo sh**,” Layus said. “We need some straight rock ‘n roll.”

free: GREAT WHITE tickets!

Don't miss your chance to see Great White and Firehouse in concert this Saturday at 8 p.m. Club 131 at the Deltaplex! You can sink your teeth into this rock show! Click on ROCK to enter for your chance to win free tickets!

Check out a music video to get in the head banging mood:

Join the Club

You know them for their big name national music acts, such as the upcoming Neko Case concert, or August's Kenny Rogers extravaganza.

But the Frederik Meijer Gardens' Amphitheater is keeping it nice and local every Tuesday in August with their Tuesday Evening Music Club.

In its seventh year running, this event, formally known as the Keller Music Series, kicks off with a new local pop/rock band every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

The concert series is free for members, and included in the general admission ticket to the gardens for non-members; meaning you can spend your day exploring the gardens and exhibits and your night rocking out to fresh Grand Rapids musical talent.

Meijer Gardens staff spend the year checking out the local music scene to get a feel for the best acts to bring in for this month long concert series. The lineup ranges from the melodic rock sounds of Papa Vegas (pictured above) to the experimental garage band blues of grrRoPolis.

Each evening is hosted by well-known local music extraordinaire Ralston Bowles, of the band Ralston & Friends.

First up on August 4th is a trio of sounds that includes: Karisa Wilson, The Lollipops, and The Icicles, an indie-rock band who's 2005 hit "Sugar Sweet" was featured in an ad campaign for Motorola.

For more information on the bands scheduled to play in the Tuesday Evening Music Club, check out the Frederik Meijer Gardens website.

Photos from Rothbury Sunday

But where did all the rapids go?

Grand Rapids--for nearly 200 thousand people, this is home. We live here, work here, play here; but do we know why our beloved city was given this moniker? And where are all of these alleged grand rapids at, anyway?

As it turns out, the rapids of the Grand River, for which this city was built around and named after, disappeared with the construction of the low-head dam and fish ladder that now occupy our river banks.

However, thanks to the 1969 creation of Alexander Calder's statue "La Grande Vitesse" (which is French for Grand Rapids, or the Great Swiftness), we have an artsy way of remembering the foundations GR was built on.

All this summer the Frederik Meijer Gardens are helping to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic symbol of the city with a special exhibit showcasing Calder's work relating to the statue, such as sketches and blue prints, as well as his other artistic works from 1969.

"La Grande Vitesse" was the first commissioned piece of work from the National Endowment of Works of Art in Public Places program. Painted in his signature "Calder red" color, the elegant and fluid-like sculpture measures fifty-four feet long, forty-three feet high, thirty feet wide, and weighs more than 42 tons. It has become one of the symbols of Grand Rapids, adorning street signs, buildings and letterheads.

The special 40th anniversary celebration of "La Grande Vitesse" will continue until September 7th at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. You can, of course, check out the sculpture itself year round at its location in Calder Plaza on Ottawa, near Michigan St.

Rothbury day 2 photos

After a delay caused by internet outage on the festival grounds we present photos from day 2 at Rothbury. Day 3 shortly...

The Veronicas Lose the Rock but not the Edge

Few of us remember The catchy punk rock-styled girls scooting onto the scene in 2005. With a punky clothes and pop-rock hooks, The Veronicas could have been easily dismissed as another Avril act.

But unlike Avril, The Veronicas sashayed into pop with ease. While Avril was inducing lobotomies with the tween-friendly "Girlfriend," The Veronicas took to a more mature - yet still easy listening - pop with their breakthrough, "Untouched," which just happened to find its way to The Hills and E! promos for awards season.

The Veronicas, which consist of Austrailian twins Lisa and Jessica Origliasso fused electronic and classical elements into their latest album Hook Me Up. The title track boasts the aforementioned infectious electronic beats to make for a quick dance-inducing track.

Much if the album is a throwback to the '80s - sticky pop fueled by synthesizers and technological sounds that you feel bad listening to. The most thought that went into the album is obviously how to make the best dance track, and these girls know it. They don't try to get too complicated with deep, thought-provoking lyrics. They keep it simple and keep it catchy.

Stop by The Intersection on July 12 to see these twin imports in action for their Revenge is Sweeter Tour. Tickets are $15. Doors at 5:30 p.m., show at 6:30.

Designed with art-loving bunnies in mind

Well, okay, so Kalamazoo's monthly Art Hop is more for humans than any carrot-loving creatures, but feel free to practice your best bunny hop from one air-conditioned splendor to the next, regardless.

And that, my friends, is the best reason to hit up the Art Hop this Friday, July 10th--air conditioning. Unlike art fairs, which, while they undoubtedly showcase a plethora of local artistic talent,usually charge a hidden fee of sweaty sunburns with a side of dehydration and blistered feet, the Art Hop gives you the same selection of homegrown art to feast your eyes (and wallet) on, without any of that outdoorsy stuff.

The participating galleries all host evening hours for the event, meaning you could even turn this free art-hopping extravaganza into a thrifty date, or a night out with your friends.

You could check out the "Midsummer's Night Dream" inspired glass collection at the West Michigan Glass Society and see demonstrations on the art of glass blowing while you're there. Or, go see what inspires the youth of today at the Annual Young Adult Show at the Black Arts and Cultural Center.

A full list of participating locations, gallery times, and the art shows they are hosting is available on the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo website.

...and More Rothbury

One phrase sums up Rothbury best: Hippie summercamp.

The "camp sites" are the closest things to communes, with trading posts making their biggest comeback since 1823. Another trend making a comeback from that particular year: moccasins. I have seen more moccasins here since the time my mom took me to see Pocahontas. But that's beside the point.

Poor fashion statements aside, hoardes of hippies - which were frequently mistaken for zombies by the members of my caravan - come here for one reason: the music.

Since Thursday evening, ears - among other things I won't mention - have been stimulated. There is a constant flow of music. Right now, as I sit in the media tent with my cool beverage, I hear every jam band's Johnny Cash: The String Cheese Incident.

Check out photos from Rothbury above by Revue photographer, Anthony Nowack.