Oh My God!

OMG. Oh My God is hitting the coast-to-coast tour circuit once again, playing a total of 40 dates. The Chicago band will be playing The Strutt this Friday at 10 p.m.

Oh My God features vocalist and bassist Billy O'Neill, organist and vocalist Ig, Zach Verdoorn on bass, guitar and vocals, and drummer Danny Yost.

The band is touring in support of their new release, The Night Undoes the Work of the Day (Split Red Records), which drops today.

The band plays with an upbeat tempo, rocking guitar riffs, and open, rich vocals. OMG's combination of organ and bass with soulful vocals creates a uniquely haunting yet infectious sound that will have the listener singing along before you even realize.

"We've pieced this album together from songs written and recorded during some hard times for our band and our families. The emotions in the songs are all over the place, yet they're coming out as joy once we hit the stage together-- these shows are like uncorking an overly pressurized bottle for us!" says Ig, which is short for The Iguana.

Check out tracks "My Own Adventure" and "Better Than That" on the band's Novo page.

To witness OMG at The Strutt, the cost is $5. Playing with Oh My God is Baby Teeth & Their Teeth Will Be Of Lions.

See how much the band rocks before the show by visiting their web site and MySpace.

October Cover: Jack the Ripper

Check out the cover of the October issue of REVUE West Michigan. This month, we're featuring the GR Ballet's Jack the Ripper, which has its world premiere on Halloween weekend. With music by Black Sabbath and a variety of other creepy classical tunes, it's bound to be the kind of show that REVUE readers will love. If you only go to one Ballet this year (this decade?), this is it. Be sure to pick up REVUE this month to read about it.

Founders' Harvest Party

Wet Hop Harvest Ale is being released on Oct. 10 and Founders is celebrating.

The brew, which is an IPA style, is on tap once a year. The hops are harvested, then added to the brew within 48 hours, which is where the name comes from, according to Mark Dorich, director of retail operations.

The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with live music by Who Hit John? starting around 9 p.m. Party goers receive a commemorative pint glass and their first Wet Hop Harvest Ale with the $8 admission.

Nineteen and "Fearless"

By Jamie Linari
Photo by Joseph Anthony Baker

While most 16-year-old girls fantasize of college boys and driver’s licenses, Taylor Swift was dreaming of a headlining tour. Now, three years later, that dream is a reality and she’s titled it Fearless.

Launching her career opening for such acts as Brad Paisley, George Strait and Tim McGraw, Swift had inspiration from some of country music’s most successful talent. As she heads out on her own tour, Swift is thrilled to see her diary of ideas finally end up on stage.

“When I was on tour opening up for other people I would always keep the set list and write down things that I would like to do [on my own tour],” Swift said. “I ended up with a whole list of things I would want to do if I ever got the chance to go out on my own. I’m really happy to see that all those ideas and all those crazy things I’ve ever wanted to do on stage are actually happening.”

Everything from the eight costume changes, a fairytale castle, video elements, playing a multitude of instruments and theatrics were designed and arranged by her.

“My favorite element to a concert is the element of surprise; showing you something, or experiencing something [the audience] weren’t expecting,” she said. “I love costume changes, I love theatrics, I love the dramatic elements of stage performances.”

In addition to dreaming up the many musical and theatric elements she will partake in, Swift also had her sights set on a specific opening element: Kellie Pickler. Close friends for the past few years, Swift knew she wanted no other than the former American Idol finalist as her opening act.

“[Kellie] is absolutely one of the coolest people ever,” Swift said. “It’s cool to have her come out and sing with [me] on the encore and have someone to hang out with after the show.”

Though elaborate costumes and whimsical stage sets make the show fun for her, it’s the basic elements of music that keep her going in this high-demand career and unify her with other 19 year-olds around the country.

“For me, songwriting is the reason why I love doing this so much,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine loving what I do as much if I weren’t telling my own stories. When I start out to write a song and I’m writing something that’s really personal, [I feel] like I was the only person to feel that. Hearing other people singing the same words makes me feel like I was not alone in writing that song, or feeling what I felt. Telling details of my personal life into my music is a way to feel not so alone.”

Taylor Swift will be bringing her sold-out Fearless Tour to Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids) on Oct. 2.

GR TV show goes national

A Michigan-produced TV show has finally made it to the big time. You've Got To Be Kidding Me, America, created and executively produced by Larry Barry, has been picked up by the ION Television Network.

The show is set to premiere Friday, September 25 at 11:30 p.m. The show will also run at its regularly scheduled time on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m.

Five & Dime Productions is hosting a premiere party at Brann's Steakhouse & Grille on Leonard Street in Grand Rapids and is also looking for extras and walk-ons through its sign-ups located all over GR. Five & Dime Productions is also looking for national and local sponsorships for the show.

Barry says, “Talent is so great in Michigan that we didn’t need to go to California.”

He also notes that the show is looking to the governor in hopes of incentives similar to those granted to films here in Michigan.

The show's goal is to be funnier than currently running Saturday Night Live or MadTV, and classic laugh-fest In Living Color. The cast plays a variety of hilarious characters in each episode, complete with spoofs, wigs, costumes, impressions, accents, and even cross-dressing.

Check out the show's hilarity in skits like "Inmate Top Model," "Not Really News," and the Soprano's spoof "Dat Show with Dos Guys" at yougot2be.com. Be sure to watch when the show airs tonight on ION.

Books and Music, Now Beer and Wine

Starting today, Schuler Books and Music's Chapbook Cafe will be serving beer and wine by the glass or bottle.

The application to acquire the liquor license for the downtown Grand Rapids location took almost a year to complete. New additions to the menu include a variety of local beers and wines, as well as appetizers such as personal pizzas, pretzels and cheese.

Schuler also features free live music and author talks. Check the Web site for schedule and times.

Blue Star Harvest Festival

Saugatuck Brewing Company and Sprout Media Group present the first Blue Star Harvest Festival, which is now mere hours away. Don't miss your opportunity to get tickets for $14 today. Tomorrow they'll be $20 at the door.

This festival to celebrate the change of seasons from summer to fall will be abundant with beer, food and music!

With live music from 2p-late, you can party well into the night. Featured bands include: Roosevelt Diggs, Spencer Mulder, Full Cord, The Mountain Men (roots, blues duo from France), local favorite The Last Call Band, International touring artists The Ragbirds and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band.

To buy your tickets ahead of time, http://brownpapertickets.com/event/76834.

Poor Boys Relief's new release

Poor Boys Relief has been all over the West Michigan map, touring with several local bands. Their new CD, Woodward, drops October 16.

The band features Brooks Robinson's vocals and guitar, bass stylings by John Bomoritto, Matt Church strumming the guitar, Chris Bemben's vocals and keyboard skills, and Scotty Hicks on drums. Known to some as PBR, the band has roots in Big Rapids.

Poor Boys Relief will be touring in Michigan through November 27. Its combination of rock and blues is sure to make you want to dance.

To learn more about the band and to check out a few of their songs, visit their Myspace.

Man Man's Billy Blaise Dufala's Toilet Tricycle Race

WHO: The Dufala Brothers’ Present The Toilet Tricycle Race

WHERE: LaFontsee Gallery (820 Monroe NW)

WHEN: September 25, 6:00 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Free

Billy Blaise Dufala of the Dufala Brothers (aka Chang Wang of Man Man) describes his entry for ArtPrize as, “Big Wheels, like you had when you were a kid.” Except instead of a bike seat, riders are perched upon a full-sized toilet, tank and all. Each of the bikes, of which Dufala has brought eight to Grand Rapids, is painted with a unique design and boasts a racing number.


“The front wheel is a unicycle chopped off at the seat,” Dufala said. “The only thing that was really purchased was some steel stock to make the frames, back wheels and the unicycles. The rest was all reclaimed and made from scrap. I found all the toilets, most of the bikes were bikes that had gotten locked up and left for months on end. I had a loop I was going by every month or couple weeks and eventually deemed it okay to hacksaw (the abandoned bikes) in half and take the top tubes and handle bars.”


The identities of the eight challengers remains yet unknown, but only the strong stand a chance. Each tricycle weighs approximately 150 lbs., meaning hills will be tough and momentum is a must. The racetrack intended for the race beings at LaFontsee Gallery, the venue hosting Dufala’s work, with laps around the park a definite option. The racers will be accompanied by a marching band drum line and color guard.


Dufala admits that his tricycles may not be the most practical form of transport, and that is part of his intent.


“There’s what should be private and then there’s what isn’t,” Dufala said. “When you take both of these things and throw them out there and then become mobile, there’s this idea of a hybrid culture – making things more convenient through technology, even though it’s primitive to just put things on wheels to make them mobile. It’s extremely inefficient, resulting in the most amount of work for the least amount of return. I think it probably has more to do with talking about issues that are taboo and making them a socially acceptable thing.”


While Dufala and his gang of racers may be riding toilets through the streets, Dufala says that whenever he leaves one of his bikes outside, he ends up regretting it, as people tend to confused them for actual toilet in the late hours of the night. On Tuesday, ArtPrize eve, a rogue gallery of suspects took to the streets to promote Friday’s race. The cast included artist and Meanwhile Bar/Friction Records proprietor Jeff VandenBerg, Commute’s Daniel Koert, Adam Foster, Jake Richardson, Mustache Gallery curator Josh Breuer, yours truly and Dufala. VandenBerg and I followed them cautiously from The Meanwhile to The Green Well to The Winchester. They were greeting with honks and inquiry, most of them supportive. A natural conversationalist, Dufala amicably greeted several people along the way. His enthusiasm and charisma proved infectious with many interested parties taking a flyer and pausing to take camera photos of his bikes.


The toilet tricycles are not the only bike-related sculptures the Dufala Brothers have made. Their tank bike is a large cardboard frame, simulating an army tank that can be set on a bicycle and paraded through the streets.


“I think that bikes are, in general, a theme (in our work) because of their accessibility – how they’re everywhere and you can get most parts for free,” Dufala said. “It’s really simple mechanics. (Bikes) don’t require a lot of money and can be fun and easy for everybody to wrap their heads around. ”


While not creating artwork with brother Steven, Dufala plays in the group Man Man, his many talents including the saxophone, keys, drums, flute, vibraphone, clarinet and even more than we’ll list. He also plays drums in Philly band Buffalo Stance.


“Man Man has definitely been an amazing vehicle in its own right,” Dufala said. “It’s allowed me to make a lot of art. You go (on tour) to work for two months straight and then you have the money you just worked for two months straight to have time off. It’s not financially amazing in any means; we were on tour forever, hitting the ground running. You just want to get back to the studio and explode and make all this stuff, and then you have the ability to do that and there’s nothing holding you back. It’s great. I never expected that to happen and it is totally awesome.”


Bring your handkerchiefs on Friday, September 25 to The LaFontsee Gallery (820 Monroe NW). The race begins at 6 p.m. See you there.
http://www.dufalabrothers.com/

Ninja Academy's new release

Ninjas are normally hard to find. Not so with Ninja Academy. The band will be releasing their first 7" vinyl record and playing a September 24 show at Founders Brewing Company.

The vinyl record features a Ninja Academy original track along with a cover of Radiohead's "Idioteque". Ninja Academy's show in celebration of the release will also feature Donkey Punch, a martial artist with mad nun-chuck skills. Band members include Indo-Ninja on bass and Outdo-Ninja on drums.

Outdo-Ninja says of the band, "Our live show is full of energy, with some laughs thrown in. We like to have a good time on stage and try to get people to have a good time with us."

The band completed its first national tour in April, playing 33 shows in 39 days all over the United States. Ninja Academy will also embark upon a second tour of 30 shows in 26 days.

The instrumental bass and drums rock duo hails from Los Angeles, California and expects to release a full length CD in January 2010, to be followed by another tour.

"Being a ninja on stage is amazing. I mean, we're always ninjas, but once we get on stage something takes over and it's pretty liberating. A whole different side of our personalities come out," said Outdo-Ninja.

Tickets to the show at Founders are $5. The show begins at 10 p.m. To learn more about the band, visit ninjaacademy.com or visit their MySpace.

Def Leppard and Cheap Trick

Get a double dose of classic rock in November.

Def Leppard and Cheap Trick are stopping by Van Andel Arena on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. The Grand Rapids stop is an extension on the band's successful summer tour.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. and are $35, $55, and $75.

Tell your tale at StoryCorps

Have a good story to tell? WGVU is giving area residents the opportunity to share their everyday stories by hosting StoryCorps. StoryCorps is a national initiative to document the stories of Americans across the United States and will be making a stop here in Grand Rapids September 24.

How does it work? The StoryCorps MobileBooth is an Airstream trailer outfitted with a recording studio. Those participants wishing to share their stories can make a reservation during the MobileBooth's month long stay here in Grand Rapids. Once a reservation has been made, show up and record your story in the booth!

The trailer recording studio will be parked outside of the Public Museum. Reservations can be made from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

StoryCorps is looking to compile 120 interviews while here in Grand Rapids. StoryCorps has collected over 27,000 stories from all over the United States so far. A select number of interviews from Grand Rapids will be aired on WGVU's radio station.

Add your tale to the bunch by registering at storycorps.org or by phone at 800-850-4406.

Tommy Emmanuel is certified to serenade

How do you become the best acoustic guitarist around?

Start playing at age 4. Check.

Unique playing style with an equally unique name like "finger style." Check.

Record and tour for over four decades. Check.

Tommy Emmanuel has succeeded in our checklist and will be conveniently playing at the Kalamazoo State Theater this Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. This certified guitarist has been rocking the scene since the '70s and '80s, touring with the best of them including Tina Turner. Here is a little taste of his magical skills:





For a chance to win tickets to see Tommy Emmanuel just click HERE!

Cherry Street Celebration

The business owners of Cherry Street want you to come celebrate with them during the month of October! The Celebration on Cherry, a month long celebration of art and music, kicks off October 1.

Local businesses Corez Wine Bar, David and Bathsheba, Hop Scotch, Making Thyme Kitchen, Muse, New Design Floral, Pink Blvd, The Conservatory, Yours Truly, and YT Galleria will host the artwork and music of the festival. Guests also will have the opportunity to purchase locally made art and gifts.

Located on Cherry Street between Diamond and Eastern, the kickoff party October 1 offers guests free food courtesy of Making Thyme Kitchen and wine from Corez Wine Bar. The event runs from 6-9 p.m.

BBQ courtesy of B93

Finally, a festival in honor of barbecue! Barbecue fiends, celebrate your passion for the grill at the first annual B93 Country Rib Jam.

Vote for Best Tasting ribs, chicken and other tasty grilled treats at the People's Choice event. The festival will also feature local bands Stolen Horses, Brian Lorete, Usual Suspects, Centerville, Backwoods Thunder, and others.

To be held at the Deltaplex Arena, this family friendly event offers a kids' play area and games, with Coors Light on tap for the parents or attendees of legal age.

Local establishments Sandmann’s Barbecue, Brann’s Restaurant, Schondelmayer BBQ, Dallas Deli, Delski’s Prime Meats, Big Moe’s Barbecue, Grillmaster’s BBQ and more will be doing the cooking.

Admission and parking are free. With barbecue, beer, and country music, what's not to love? For more information, contact Rich Berry at (616) 776-5471.

Attention bands: Radio for Indies offers airplay

Radio for Indies is offering indie bands the chance to be heard! Bands hailing from Southwest Michigan can now have their songs in rotation on the radio for a small fee.

Geno Hinton of Radio for Indies states, "We hope to bring attention to the music scene here in southwest Michigan. We hope that when people hear a song that they like that they will go out and buy the music."

Artists can submit their MP3 to be played for a fee of $20. Once submitted, the track will be played three times per day, seven days per week. The songs will be rotated so that each track has peak radio time.

To receive airplay, bands must be indie, be from southwest Michigan, and fall into the Rock, Metal, Alternative, Hip Hop, Rap, or R & B genres.

"We [Radio for Indies] see an opportunity to go after a resource of music that is untapped and under appreciated by local radio stations," said Henton.

For more information and to submit your music, contact Radio for Indies at radioforindies@gmail.com or preview Southwest Michigan's Indie Radio here. Check out Radio for Indies' Facebook.

Where's Revue? September 18-20

Weekend Warriors, find your escape from the work week by visiting the second edition of Revue's Top 9 To Do Events!

1) Local Threads Fashion Show @ Founders (September 18): See the latest styles by GR area designers! Proceeds go to support the Kids Food Basket food pantry, which provides school age children with an evening meal after school.

2) Sweet Japonic @ The Intersection (September 19): Got love for Sweet J? Show begins at 8 p.m. and also features Southpaw Players and Simien the Whale. Pre-ordered tickets are $8 or $10 at the door.

3) Michigan Irish Music Festival @ Heritage Landing in Muskegon (September 18-20): Dance a jig while enjoying your favorite Irish music and foods this weekend! With various irish bands, great food, Irish market, and Feis dance, this festival is definitely a don't miss.

4) Tulip City 2009 Gem & Mineral Show's Return of T-Rex @ Holland Civic Theater (September 18-20): See the skeleton of "Stan" the T-Rex and learn about minerals and gems.

5) Project Encore @ DeltaPlex (September 18): Round 3 of this battle of the bands sets off tonight at Club 131 at the DeltaPlex. The winner advances to the final in a couple of weeks.

6) Grand Haven Salmon Festival @ Downtown Grand Haven (September 18-20): This all day event pays homage to the salmon migration and honors the Great Lakes as one of our most valued natural resources. Features wine tasting, salmon cook-off, grape stomping competition, big king fishing contest, and kid zone!

7) Dance Mania Marathon 2009 @ The B.O.B. (September 18): Pop, lock & drop it from 6-2 a.m. Prizes will be awarded!

8) Live Mannequin Night @ Downtown Holland (September 19): The store owners in downtown Holland will be stiking poses from movies you know and love Saturday night. Cast your vote for most realistic mannequin- the winning store owner wins a prize!

9) Walking Tour of Downtown Grand Rapids @ Amway Grand Hotel (September 20): See all of the historical places in downtown G-Rap that you never knew existed. This FREE event is ongoing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

See you out there!

XOXO,

Revue's Minions

Hip Hop For Mental Health

Former Kent County Commissioner Paul Mayhue states, "Mental illness, like hip hop, has no boundaries...We need to get the word out about how health care includes mental health care."

And get the word out they will at Hip Hop for Mental Health, a rally and benefit concert to be held at Rosa Parks Circle. The concert will feature performances by AB from AB and Coconut Brown, The Seventh, MC, Flying Without Wings, and 61Six Technique, as well as additional performances by DJ Supreme, DJ Crooked Leg Craig, and DJ Snax.

The concert will also pay tribute to Baatin of Slum Village, a hip hop artist who suffered from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Hip Hop for Mental Health looks to raise awareness about mental illness and health care, specifically in young adults.

"Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young adults under the age of 24," states Mayhue.

Hip Hop for Mental Health will take place October 3 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event is open to all ages and will be free of charge.

Contact Paul Mayhue at paulm@ti-gr.com or Cyndy Viars at 616-734-3197 for more information.

Get in the Fall Mood at HopCat

Fall is a beer drinker's dream. It's the time of season where the brews and food perfectly align. Kick off the season with HopCat's Oktoberfest party on Saturday, Sept. 19.

"Chief Beer Geek," Steve is bringing in fall brews from Erdinger, Pauliner, Spatner, Hacker Pschorr, and Bell's. There will be a special German-themed menu featuring weiner schnitzel, housemade red cabbage, soft pretzel bites and Black Forest Chocolate Cake.

The party starts at 6 p.m. with a special Rouge Marzen Firkin, followed by hourly toasts by Steve.

Dreamy Dierks at Van Andel Arena

Country superstar (and eye candy) Dierks Bentley is scheduled to perform at the second annual B-93 Roofsit Concert for the Kids at Van Andel Arena on Nov. 1.

The event is a radio-thon to raise awareness and funds for child abuse counseling programs across West Michigan.

Ticket prices are $22.50, $32.50 and $42.50, and go on sale Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. through Van Andel Arena and DeVos Placebox offices, Ticketmaster ticket centers, by phone (800.745.3000), or ticketmaster.com.

Those about to rock: Project Encore's round three

The battle of the best bands in West Michigan continues at Club131 in the DeltaPlex Arena this Friday, September 19.

During this round, bands Encore as Clovis Point, Next 2 None, Read Like You, and Juleus compete for the chance to move on to the November 12 final. Bands are judged according to stage presence, songwriting, sound, and audience participation.

The winning band of the final will receive a six month booking contract, an opening slot at a Stage Light Entertainment event, a 3 song EP, 100 t-shirts, a $100 Forever Ink Tattoo gift card for each band member, and a fantastic review written by yours truly- Revue Magazine.

Project Encore is sponsored by us at Revue Magazine, Forever Ink Tattoo, Not Ur Mother's Music, Stage Light Entertainment, 101.3 The Fox, Integrity AVL, and the Spread the Music foundation.

Admission to Project Encore is free and begins at 6 p.m.

For more info, check out Stage Light Entertainment.

By the Throat: Ben Frost's latest

Remember Bjork? She's not the only Icelander making rocking music. Ben Frost is set to release By The Throat October 19. Frost sings as well as produces this album in conjunction with Valgeir Sigurðsson.

The album will be released on the Bedroom Community label, which Frost co-founded with Sigurðsson in 2006. The studio is located outside of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Ben Frost is a colleague of composer Nico Muhly, who is featured on the album. In December, he is also releasing Mortal Engine, an ARS Electronica Prize honorary mention and Helpmann Academy Award nominee, to the United States. The release will be held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Frost's 2007 LP, The Theory of Machines, was also critically acclaimed.

By The Throat features an eclectic mix of performance guests. The Arcade Fire's Jeremy Gara, Swedish metal rockers Crowpath, and the Icelandic string quartet Amiina all lend their skills to Frost's album.

The album's sound combines melody with unusual sound for a unique collaboration. Several tracks include animal sounds and sounds of breathing, which paint a clear picture in the listener's mind. "Killshot" features the growling and snarling of wolves and lions. "Through the Roof of Your Mouth" is accented by the clicks and screams of killer whales during a hunt.

Give "By the Throat" a listen here. Check out Ben Frost's Myspace.

Another Sea Creature to Invade Grand Rapids

Nessie isn't the only gigantic water creature coming to ArtPrize. Michigan native Shay Church plans to install a life-size gray whale at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology.

Made with wood and wet clay, the 40-foot installation will begin this Friday, Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. During a special workshop, students from WMCAT and Grand Rapids Public Schools students - in formal attire - will participate with Church and his 30-40 member crew from 3-5 p.m. on Friday.

Spencer Mulder CD Release Recap

Spencer Mulder is meant for big stages.

His CD release party at The Intersection on Sept. 13 was proof. The 19-year-old rocker had the stage set up with television sets turned on to show an array of white fuzz. The setup centers around his latest release, Rewind, a rock album at its core.

Mulder appeared on stage - right after Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire's tight set - through a cloud of smoke and beams of bright lights and went straight into the music. He played selections off Rewind and spoke to the audience with the attitude of a rock star, saying "I love you too; sincerely" to his fans.

If you missed this chance to pick up Mulder's new CD, stop by Billy's Lounge on Sept. 16 where he'll be playing with Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank for a 21+ show at 9 p.m. If you're not quite 21, check him out at the East Town Street Fair on Sept. 19.

Blue Star Fest provides fun for locals

Can you feel the changing season in the air? The leaves are changing color; autumn is just around the corner. This may be a sad time for some, no more beach or bikinis, but we think it's a time to celebrate.

What is their to celebrate, you ask? West Michigan music, seasonal beers and great food is what the Blue Star Harvest Festival will celebrate with on Saturday Sept. 26. Held at the Saugatuck Brewing Co., the festival will open at 3 p.m. in the Pub with free live music, featuring Roosevelt Diggs, Spencer Mulder and Full Cord. At 7 p.m., the music will move into the Bier Hall, featuring Last Call Band, Mountain Men, The Ragbirds and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band.

The Festival will also be environmentally-friendly with local businesses presenting green products and services, such as eco-conscious equipment for bands and musicians.

Tickets for the evening performances are $14 in advance and $20 at the door. Buy tickets online HERE.

To see how lucky you may be enter to win tickets HERE or become a fan of REVUE on the official Facebook page.

Stolen Sweets bring jazz to Bell's Brewery

Calling all Jazz fans: The Stolen Sweets will steal your hearts. The national touring jazz act will be in the area for the Western Michigan leg of its Great Lakes tour.

The Stolen Sweets have played shows with The Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Pink Martini, Wayne Hancock, and The Squirrel Nut Zippers. It also recently headlined the Boswell Centennial Festival.

The sound of the band mixes pre-war traditional jazz with Django-esque hot club jazz manouche, layered with the three part harmony of the Boswell sisters. The Stolen Sweets formed in 2005, in hopes of keeping the sound of the Boswell Sisters alive.

The band is fronted by vocalists Jen Bernard, Lara Michell & Erin Sutherland. Keith Brush plays bass, and Pete Krebs and David Langenes are the guitarists/singers. The Stolen Sweets have a good-natured happy sound, with a touch of humor that is sure to make the listener forget all worries.

Originating from Portland, Michigan, the band will be back in Michigan September 17 at Bell's Brewery and the Eclectic Cafe. Tickets are $5. Learn more about The Stolen Sweets from its Myspace and web site.

Ani Difranco wsg Nervous But Excited

There's no secrets this year. So, here's the latest:

Have you been waiting?

Have you been waiting for this moment all your life?

But its never been quite right?

Feel relief.

The Silversun Pickups will be stopping in Grand Rapids with special guests The Manchester Orchestra and Cage the Elephant Tuesday September 15 at the Orbit Room.

All will feel right again.

Especially if you win the pair of tickets that we're giving away. For your chance to win, email renee@revuewm.com by Monday, 5p.

You can tell me a joke, explain which superpower you'd most want to have, scrawl your favorite recipe or send a blank message. The tickets are here for anyone!

Ani DiFranco tickets still available!

Ani Difranco is not angry. As she told REVUE recently, she's pretty happy - and she'll bring her joyful girl self to Kalamazoo tonight.

Did we mention that great seats are still available?

Ani DiFranco makes her way to the Kalamazoo State Theatre this evening for another stunning performance. Doors will open at 7 pm, and the opener will begin at 8 pm when Nervous But Excited kicks off the show. Tickets can still be bought online through Ticketmaster until 4 pm, or you can get them in person at the State Theater (all fees are waived).

If you have any questions, you can call the Theatre at 269.345.6500 or visit their site, www.kazoostate.com.

Keep an eye out for REVUE staff. We'll be there.

Deal's Gone Bad: Ska is not dead

Ska is not dead! Contrary to the name of the Ska is Dead tour, Deal's Gone Bad is keeping ska alive. Chi-town band Deal's Gone Bad are in town September 19. The band will be making a stop at Founders Brewing Company before setting off on the Eastern U.S. part of the tour.

Over the past six months, the band has built a new studio in Chicago. It also released an album of dub versions of its newer release titled The Ramblers (Megalith & Jump Up! Records, March 2007).

Lead vocalist Todd Hembrook says of the band, "We're definitely all like brothers in the truest sense of the word. At the end of the day that's what matters- makes better art and music."

The band's sound combines ska, reggae, American soul, and rocksteady. Its Jamaican-inspired beat mixed with early 60's & 70's American soul produces upbeat tracks like "Movin' On" and "Messin' Around" that will surely crowd the dance floor.

"[Movin' On] is definitely an autobiographical song that I had been kicking around for a couple of years," said Hembrook, who penned the song. "Writing songs that people can relate to- we're lucky when people grasp onto songs they can relate to and sing them back to you. This is affecting people- they're interpreting it in some way."

Deal's Gone Bad has been playing together for fifteen years, sharing the stage with other ska-influenced acts like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Skatalites, and Celtic punk band Flogging Molly (just to name a few). It also played the 2006 Warped tour and is currently touring with The Toasters, The Voodoo Glowskulls, and Mustard Plug on the Ska Is Dead tour.

"I don't see the point of just sitting in your chair- we're definitely more of a dance band. People seem to have a lot of fun," says Hembrook.

Make it a rocksteady weekend and catch the band at Papa Pete's September 18 or at the Founders show the next night.

Matt Wixon, of Detroit, will be the opener for the Founders show. Wixon's acoustic ska style is mixed with a humorous honesty and has developed a growing fan base.

Get a taste of Deal's Gone Bad's sound by visiting their Myspace. View the band's video for "Movin' On" here.

Where's Revue? The top 9 places to find our Minions this weekend

Now there's no excuse to say, "There's nothing to do! I'm bored!" Revue's made it easy for you: Are you paying attention? Every Thursday we're going to give you 9 (count 'em- NINE) events happening here in West Michigan. Why nine? Why not?

1) Celebration on the Grand (September 10-13): An Emerson Drive Concert, fireworks, and showing of the film Madagascar- all happening at Rosa Parks Circle and Ab-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Best of all, everything's FREE!

2) Our Lady Peace @ the Orbit Room (September 12): Rock out with your 90's self to favorites like "Somewhere Out There" and "Innocent" as well as new hits from their new release, Burn Burn. Advanced tickets are $20, or $24 at the door.

3) Allegan County Fair @ Allegan County Fairgrounds (September 11-19): American Idol Fans- don't miss this! The fair features all fair essentials (like farm animal shows and funnel cakes), but also will host idols Kelly Clarkson and David Cook. Crack up watching Jeff Dunham! See AlleganCountyFair.net for ticket pricing.

4) G-Rap Kegger @ The B.O.B. (September 11, 12): It's a KEGGER!! No explanation necessary. If you're up for a fight, check out the Great Tomato War, too.

5) Away We Go @ The Little Theatre (September 11-13): See the adorably cute "Jim" from The Office (John Krasinski) and Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live) discover the meaning of home, courtesy of the Kalamazoo Film Society. Tickets are $5 general admission and $3 for students.

6) West Michigan White Caps 1st Home Playoff Game @ Fifth Third Field (September 10): Did someone say baseball + post game party + Jeremy Bonderman Bobbleheads? Tickets are $5 with college I.D., or $32 for a family four pack. Don't miss the $2 drinks, hot dogs & soft pretzels!

7) GVSU Football Home Opener vs. Saginaw Valley @ Lubbers Stadium (September 12): Who cares if GV always wins by a million points? It's an excuse to tailgate then head to the fireworks downtown! Tickets range from $6-$15. GVSU students are free with I.D.

8) Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival @ Centennial Park & Knickerbocker Theatre (September 12 & 13): Learn about Latino culture through music, art, dance, film, & food. Check out the Salsa Night concert, which features SalsaChicago Mambo All-Stars Orchestra!

9) Spencer Mulder @ The Intersection (September 13): Support our September cover boy! Tickets are $5.

See you out & about!

XOXO,

Revue's Minions

Local Fashion at Founders

Fashionistas, take note. The second annual Local Threads Fashion Show will once again be rocking the runway Sunday September 20. To see the latest in GR couture, head to Founders Brewing Company at 8 p.m.

Designs and lines from local designers Khristi Menardie of Bliss Clothing, The GR8, Lynn Ann Serulla, Nate Dorotiak, and Coat of Many Colors will be fiercely making their way down the runway. Biking gear from the Commute Bike Shop on Division Ave will also be on display. The models' hair is to be styled by Echo Salon.

Event organizer Lynn Ann Serulla says the event is "a great way for people to network with others, also to keep Grand Rapids looking fresh in the latest gear from local talent. But it’s the guests that make it what it is."

The Local Threads show will donate a portion of the proceeds to Kids Food Basket. Kids Food Basket provides evening meals to children at the end of the school day during the week, serving over 1500 sack meals per weekday.

Tickets to the show are $10 per person. DJ Spydre Murphy will be spinning the tunes while the local models strut in the latest trends. Come out and support local fashion and women's health!

For more information, click the link to view the event flier. To learn more about Kids Food Basket, click here.

GR Ballet's "Jack the Ripper" Tickets 50% off!

REVUE FANS:  Here's a special offer for you to buy one and get one free! and for once, someone isn't referring to shoes when they say this.  For a limited time and for REVUE fans only, today (9.9.09. sweet.) through Friday (9.11) the Grand Rapids Ballet has advanced tickets for sale for the world premiere of their harrowing play, "Jack the Ripper". For more info about the play, as well as dates, check out www.grballet.com.  If you buy one adult ticket, you can get one for your date for free. Follow this link and use the password, LONDON to take advantage of this limited time offer!  Click here to learn more about the show. 

Rockettes visit G-Rap

It wouldn't be the Christmas season without the Radio City Rockettes.

Due to the success of the inaugural tour, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has expanded its season to include 30 more stops. The famous legs will be flying when the show makes an appearance here in Grand Rapids at the Van Andel Arena November 23.

Tickets go on sale September 14 at 10 A.M. Tickets are $45.50 and $64.50 for adults, and $35.50 and $49.50 for children 11 and under. Purchase tickets at Van Andel Arena and Devos Place Box Offices or Ticketmaster.

Learn more about the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at radiocitychristmas.com.

Audrey drops debut EP

Newbies Audrey of Muskegon will release their debut EP, titled When We Were Young September 25, 2009. The 2009 Coast Guard Battle of the Bands winner calls Muskegon home, but also has ties to Lafayette, Indiana.

Audrey features Everett Parks' vocals, Shawn McMann on bass, John Tibbitts playing guitar, Corey M. Bickford on guitar and keyboard, and Michael Greenbank as the drummer.

Formed in early 2009, Audrey has spent its first year together playing mostly Michigan gigs as well as shows in Illinois and Indiana. The band has opened for regional touring acts as well as national acts. It will be opening for Mae October 31 at the Mixtape Venue in Grand Rapids.

Audrey has planned a two-part CD release party to celebrate the independently released When We Were Young. Part One of the party will be held at Lemonjello's in Holland. The show starts September 25 at 7 p.m. Part Two will rock out at McGraft Park Building in Muskegon September 26. Tickets cost $5.

To hear a sample of Audrey's music and to learn more about the band, check out their Myspace or their Sonicbid page.

The Story of The Dear Hunter

Casey Crescenzo is a songwriter who hates writing about himself.

"I've never really been a fan of just singing about myself in a totally transparent way," said the mind behind the indie/experimental rock band The Dear Hunter. "I always felt it was a little bit selfish, you know, and a little arrogant in assuming that you are important enough to talk about."

Crescenzo started out in playing in the Boston-based experimental, post-hardcore rock band, The Receiving End of Sirens, which broke up in May of 2008. The Dear Hunter was something Crescenzo created on the side.

"I started writing music that was really different from the band that I was in and there was no reason or way to bring it to the band because it probably would never be used."

The result became a six-part story about the birth, life and death of a male protagonist. The first album, Act I: The Lake South, The River North was released in 2006, the second, Act II: The Meaning of, & All Things Regarding Ms. Leading in May of 2007, and third - most recent - Act III: Life and Death was released this past June.

"I'm a fan of things that have an absolute end to them," Crescenzo said. "Not that [the series] wraps everything up nicely, but that you don't need to go back, it wraps it up enough...so there is some sense of fulfillment in the end and you can move on to something else."

By the time Crescenzo finishes the six-act story, he estimates that he would have spent eight years creating the final product.

Come see Casey Crescenzo and the rest of The Dear Hunter tell its story at Mac's Bar on September 24.

Bluegrass and comedy at the Riviera Theatre

The Riviera Theatre is the place to be for laughs and bluegrass coming this September 18 & 19.

The September 18 show features Greensky Bluegrass wish special guest Macpodz.

“Along with the tradition of bluegrass, we all have lots of different musical influences that we bring to the table”, says Dave Bruzza, who plays guitar for Greensky Bluegrass.

Greensky Bluegrass is blend of bluegrass with other musical influences. Songs from the Talking Heads, Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead or Bob Marley have all been turned bluegrass by the band, to the approval of bluegrass fans.

“It is nice to know that other people really dig it, too,” says Paul Hoffman, who plays mandolin.

Special guest Macpodz play in a jazz-rock style, citing a jam-band influence with touches of Frank Zappa and Miles Davis. The band's self-coined style of "disco-bebop" has developed a solid following of fans across the Midwest, originating in Ann Arbor. Macpodz's first live CD was released in April 2009.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre in Three Rivers, Michigan.

On September 19th, the theatre is pleased to present comedian Eric O'Shea at 8 pm. Best known for his "Songs from Commercials", the 2007 National College Comedian of the Year combines his love of broadcasting with comedy and mixes in stories from real life.

O'Shea says he's hooked on the comedy gig, liking the idea that he can "simply talk and make people laugh."

Tickets for both shows are only $15. For more information, visit trriviera.com. To purchase tickets online, click here. For more information about Greensky Bluegrass, visit the band's Web site. To learn more about Eric O'Shea, visit his Web site. Click on the Macpods Myspace page to listen.

Pick This Up: Unsigned II

On the streets now is GLOBE Design and Vision Presents: Unsigned II, a compilation of musicians connected to the lakeshore.

"We wanted to make this one more diverse," said Bob Schulze, owner of GLOBE Design & Vision in Holland.

Schulze described the first Unsigned as "folky" and used Unsigned II to throw in some of the more poppy and quirky artists such as Jes Kramer, Death By Dancing and We Know Jackson. However, there's still solid folk and acoustic tunes by The Press Delete and Josh Mogck thown into the mix.

"I know every [album] from here on out is going to get better," Schulze said.

Schulze is already getting ready for Unsigned III, which he would like to release in early 2010 and is looking for submissions from bands. The only requirement is the band must have a MySpace.

Bands that meet the requirements can contact Schulze through the Globe Unsigned MySpace at myspace.com/globeunsigned.

In the meantime, fans of local music can pick up Unsigned II at Vertigo, Lemonjello's, Full Circle, Bohemia Too and GLOBE Design & Vision.

Go "DAAC to School"

The DAAC is helping those scholarly types get in the back-to-school mood with DAAC to School.

The September 19 event, which is in its first year, is put on to support local businesses, musicians, artists, as well as welcome the fall and get people geared up to go back to school. Musicians include Crab-Claw, Jesse Stephanopoulos, Positive Noise and more. There will be a bake sale and pot luck that covers a wide spread of dietary preferences.

DAAC to School also features haircuts, glamour shots, monster caricatures, movies by Chad Vickery/Bloom Collective, and a raffle.

The event will start at 3 p.m. and end at 12 a.m. Currently, the cost is not determined, so the DAAC's Web site for more details.

Detroit Pistons to Play at Van Andel Arena

The Detroit Pistons are back in Grand Rapids for the seventh consecutive time. On October 13, the team with the most consecutive conference final appearances will take on the Washington Wizards at Van Andel Arena.

Ticket prices for the event range from $17-270 and go on sale Thursday, September 10 at 10 a.m.

Tell me, are you a Badfish [fan] too?

Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime is back and bringing Scotty Don't. The two bands will be playing a show at the Intersection Wednesday, September 16.

Following the passing of Sublime lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Brad Nowell in 1996, Badfish was formed in 2001. Since its beginning, Badfish has been carrying the torch for Sublime, ensuring that the original and eclectic spirit of the band lives on.

While Badfish is a tribute to Sublime, the band does not try to imitate the original- rather, it pays homage to Sublime by covering the beloved songs in their own unique way. The band rocks a fun show by combining the spirit of Sublime with a twist, brought out by the band's four talented musicians. "The attitude of Sublime cannot be faked, so Badfish doesn't try- its own tribute is one that works," says manager Mike Farley.

Badfish continues to be one of the biggest tribute acts around, selling out shows all across the country. The band has sold out shows at the Avalon, House of Blues venues, the Lincoln Theater, and many more.

Playing the September 16th show with Badfish is the band Scotty Don't. Scotty Don't is the brainchild of the veteran rockers of Badfish, displaying original material in support of the tribute band since 2006. The latest album of Scotty Don't, Songs From the Back Porch, is a blend of reggae and alternative rock that is quite catchy- one listen is never enough.

Over the past few years, Scotty Don't (and Badfish) have developed quite the following, playing for 150,000 fans and has sold 10,000 copies of their self-titled debut album. The band plans to support its second effort, Songs From the Back Porch, with a tour and college radio campaign. The members of Scotty Don't are in this for the long haul- the soul of music is in its blood. Scotty Don't and Badfish are road tested and Sublime fan approved.

Tickets to the show are $15 and are available in advance or at the door the day of the show.
To listen to their music and to learn more about the bands, click here to go to their Youtube Videos. Lovin' (for Badfish & Scotty Don't) is what I got September 16th- remember that.

Five Guys Going Crazy

The dudes of The Judgement of Paris are pretty pumped for September.

The band landed a big show at The Intersection opening for Alesana and The Bled, plus its working on new material and just recorded some acoustic tracks - a style different from its post-hardcore rock sound.

The acoustic inspiration came after the band was contacted to play an acoustic set at Hot Topic.

"We didn't really think about playing [acoustically] until that show," said Kyle Viana, lead guitarist for The Judgement of Paris.

When it comes to the band's musical influences, Viana has a difficult time pinpointing a specific one.

"It's the kind of music that we write naturally," he said.

TJOP's manager, Kevin Long says he enjoys The Judgement of Paris' songwriting patterns because they "aren't always consistent, it's not the same stuff you hear on the radio. Andy's vocals are raw...you recognize those kind of vocals..."

After a year together creating music, The Judgement of Paris is ready to go to the next step: expanding the tour schedule and scoring a record deal.

"[The Judgement of Paris] would like a record deal, and it's my job to get them a good one,"said Long. "I would like to see them at Warped Tour level."

As for now, Viana and company are happy playing alongside rockers they respect.

"We're five guys going crazy and throwin' down onstage...we give people what they came for," Viana said.

Come see The Judgement of Paris at The Intersecion with Alesana and The Bled on September 14. Doors 5:30 p.m. Show 6 p.m. Tickets $13.50 advance, or $15 day of.

Deke Dickerson does it all

An entertainer, musician, historian, writer, entrepreneur, and guitar designer, Deke Dickerson is the quite the multitasking musician. He says, "People like to label me rockabilly, but that's just a small fraction of what I do."

Dickerson has recorded songs for a variety of venues, including television shows, movies, and radio shows. His songs were featured in the film Sideways, the HBO documentary Dirty Driving: Thundercars of Indiana, and Bob Dylan's XM Radio show Theme Time Radio Hour. Dickerson also writes a regular column for Guitar Player magazine and partnered with Hallmark Guitars to produce the Deke Dickerson model guitar.

Dickerson's new studio album, aptly titled King of the World, features a mix of bluegrass, rockabilly, western swing, Memphis soul, doo-wop, and rhythm and blues. The album takes the listener on a journey through the twisted roots of Americana.
The title track, "King of the World", is a satirical autobiographical song about a rich man without the money or fame.

He says, "Call me sentimental, but I think music [like that] sounds better with a little grit."

Deke Dickerson will be playing a show at the Saugatuck Brewing Company on September 17. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets. Tickets day of the show are $14 at the door. Opening for Dickerson will be the Truckstop Cobras. Don't miss out on the chance to see this man of all trades showcase his talents in person! For more info about Deke and his music, click here.

Paucity: Smallness in Numbers, Not Sounds

By J. Bennett Rylah

The word paucity means "smallness in numbers," according to the dictionary. Use it in a sentence: the paucity of members in the band Paucity is surprising considering the layering of sounds on their forthcoming album Deer Bird Bear Ship. Comprised of Jared Wekenman (guitar), Ric Carroll (keys), Sam Hutchinson (drums) and Kertis Lytle (bass/keys), Paucity’s brand of instrumental post-rock is played with precision and complexity, creating a series of scenes. Wekenman describes this sound as “dynamic contrast. Quiet, delicate, melodic then loud climatic payoffs." In this way, Paucity is able to achieve the difficult task of creating a narrative without relying on lyrics.

With Deer Bird Bear Ship, the sounds are equally epic. Each note, crescendo and rhythm is deliberate and meaningful. As Carroll said, “[Deer Bird Bear Ship] is a big album with lots of complex climaxes,” and Wekenman described it as “an emotional roller coaster.”

The album was recorded at The White Lodge (yes, it is a Twin Peaks reference) by Matt Younker and Christian Kremo over six months. The arduous process, which included recording the drums not on one track, but on multiple tracks with each piece a separate track, has resulted in a remarkably crisp sound, though at the end, Paucity had spent approximately 150 hours in the studio.

“We’re a very hard-working band committed to making good music,” Hutchinson said. “We’re committed to the craft with no shortcuts to our art form.”

Live, Paucity creates a certain atmosphere, and the symbiotic relationship between players is impressive.
“It’s a wall of sound,” Hutchinson said, “and we’re very focused on being really tight, on playing live the way we record.”

“If you enjoy us recorded,” Lytle said, “you’ll like us better live.”

To test this theory, attend Paucity’s album release on September 4 at 9 p.m. in The Intersection’s front lounge. You’ll be able to purchase Dear Bird Bear Ship on pink, translucent vinyl (with mp3 download code), as well as take a listen to fellow Friction Records band Victor! Fix the Sun and local prog-metal act Night Toucher. Tickets are $5.

Band Name: Paucity
Album: Deer Bird Bear Ship (Friction Records)
RIYL: Mars Volta, Tortoise, Mogwai, The Most Serene Republic, Ratatat