Theo Katzman plays the bass, drums, and musical chairs

The musical chairs part is symptomatic of his personal musical evolution. He gained prominence playing bass with the Ann Arbor based electro-pop band My Dear Disco. He has played with several other area bands including the folk ensemble Red Arrow Highway, and jazz-rock band Vox Maui.

Now hes a singer-songwriter, and he's going it alone, debuting with a performance at Bell's Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo Thurs., Feb 25. The show will begin at 9:30 p.m., and there is a $5 charge at the door.

Katzman describes his new sound as "indie-rock-soul." He will be playing venues where MDD has already acquired a fan-base, so if you are not in Kalamazoo, look for a performance soon in a town near you.

"Celebration" for Michigan filmmakers

"Handlebar," (rated "R")the new feature length film by Michael McCallum and Shane Hagedorn opened to crowds of more than 300 at Lansing's Celebration Cinema. The film's world premier is really more like a week-long exhibition with shows daily this Fri., Sat., and Sun. at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Handlebar was written and filmed in Michigan with Michigan actors and crew. Even the musical score is by Lansing band Eightball Grifter.

"Utilizing the talent here means the world to me...You don't have to go to NYC or LA for talent. It's here," said McCallum.

Handlebar is described as a comic thriller, with cues taken from comic geniuses like Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, who McCallum and Hagedorn cite as inspirations.

The DVD is being released in conjunction with the premiere, so if you can't make any of the showtimes, grab the dvd and stimulate the Michigan economy by supporting local talent.

Dan Walker and the Sweet J Band take on West Mich.

West Michigan's Sweet J Band, formerly Sweet Japonic, will be collaborating with New Hampshire's Dan Walker to make sweet, sweet music. Bluesy-folksy music to be precise. More importantly, they are taking their show on the road.

Walker and Sweet J will be playing at Billy's Lounge in Eastown, Wed., Feb. 24 at 9:30 p.m., at the Intersection's Addy Awards Feb. 25, and Kilkenny's Irish Public House in Traverse City the 26 and 27.

Walker has been called one of the best singer-songwriters on the Eastern Seaboard. His most recent album "Beautiful" has earned him high praise.

The Sweet J band has earned recognition all around West Michigan as a fan favorite. They were named to the Paste Magazine/Coca-Cola list of up-and-coming bands in 2008, and received two Jammie Awards. Sweet J is currently accompanying Kalamazoo's own American Idol Matt Giraud.

Cornmeal puts on diverse show

Story and photo by Melinda Wilcox

It was cold outside, but inside the Intersection was on fire. Blazing fiddle, smoking banjo, and hot bass lines. Chicago's own progressive bluegrass band Cornmeal brought down the house Friday night. With a mix of long improv jams and shorter structured songs the band had something for everyone. My personal favorite being the second song in the set, “Calling Me Back Home.” This is a different and new sound that you should definitely check out. The crowd was as diverse as the music itself, the front lounge was full of people stomping their feet, tapping their toes, and dancing around. It was a fun time to check out something new, and I will definitely be checking out more of their stuff.

More Local Help for Haiti TONIGHT!

Joel Mabus, a nationally renowned folk musician, together with several Michigan folk artists will be playing a concert to benefit the organization International Child Care in Haiti. The concert will take place at the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Auditorium in Texas Twp. at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are a suggested $20 donation per person, or $50 for a family of four.

Mabus has been touring for 30 years as a folk musician, and played songs from his 18 albums at famous venues like the Vancouver Folk Festival.

Michigan folk artist Rachel Davis won a Boston Music Award for best new singer-songwriter in 2002, as well as the grand prize in the troubadour contest at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The concert will also feature performances by Drew Nelson, a guitarist and singer-songwriter, and the folk-trio Carmea.

This is sure to be an excellent show, and it goes to a great cause. ICC, Haiti has been credited with trying to eradicate TB in Haiti, and will be offering trauma care and counseling to children who have lost parents in the terrible Jan. 12th quake.

This Weekend's Best Bets: Feb. 19-21

Show everyone your heart of gold by attending one of the many fundraisers and benefits this weekend, or think warm thoughts and check out the boat show. The variety of concerts should have something for everyone, from ska to folk to classical.

1. ANCHORS AWAY: The Grand Rapids Boat Show, now in its 65th year, returns to West Michigan this weekend, running from Friday, Feb. 19 through Sunday, Feb. 21; times vary. The Boat Show exhibits new boats and accessories and hosts daily events, including a kayak clinic, a big air wakeboard show

and a boating safety certification course; $4-9; more info here

2. TRIPLE THREAT: Singer-songwriter-novelist John Wesley Harding comes to the 5/3rd Ballpark Pepsi Stadium Club on Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Since the late 80s, this British folk-rocker has been gaining f

ans as his style matured; he’ll be joined by Dag Juhlin and Drew Nelson; $16; more info here

3. “GAMBLER” AT THE CASINO: Kenny Rogers has recorded over 5 dozen albums and won more awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. His hit, “Gambler,” was named to CMT’s 100 Greatest Country Music list. Rogers will perform on Friday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. at Soaring Eagle Casino; $36-53; more info here

4. TAKE THE PLUNGE: The Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge comes

to East Grand Rapids on Saturday, Feb. 20. Those brave enough to jump into Reed’s Lake make a $50 donation to the Special Olympics and can register at 11 a.m. with the plunge taking place at 12:45 p.m. Come in a costume to win the Golden Plunger Award; more info here

5. EAT FOR THE TROOPS: Grand Haven is hosting the 1st Annual Soup and Sl

ider Festival to raise money for families who have a loved one serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The competition begins at 12 noon with judging at 7 p.m.; live music will play from 7:30 to midnight; free; more info here

6. MUSIC AND A MISSION: Join the fight at the Musicians Against Homelessness Benefit for the Guiding Light Mission on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the BOB. Bands include The Dusty Chaps, Organissimio and Ralston Bowles; a $15 donation is suggested; more info here

7. MAKE BOB BARKER PROUD: Be part of the solution for pet overpopulation. Bow-Wows and Brews, a C-SNIP fundraiser, will take place at the UICA on Friday, Feb. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. A ticket gets you in to a silent and live auction and with beer and appetizer parings from the HopCat. Dogs are welcome, and the proceeds will help subsidize costs for spaying and neutering; $25; more info here

8. THEY DON’T PRACTICE SANTERIA: Show your love to the troubled ska-punk band. The Intersection will host Badfish, a Sublime tribute band on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. along Three Cents Short and Scotty Don’t, which is a non-tribute band comprised of members of Badfish; $15; more info here

9. FEEL THE LOVE: The romance doesn’t have to end with Valentine’s Day. The Grand Rapids Symphony presents A Night of Romance, a classical concert inspired by Romeo and Juliet, including Tchaikovsky’s overture to the fated lovers and “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” featuring guest pianist Stephen Hough. Feel the love on Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.; $18-90; more info here

Good Bets: Frontier Ruckus will play at the Riviera Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 9 p.m.; more info here…Kalamazoo improv group Crawlspace Eviction will perform at Studio 246 on Friday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 5 p.m.; more info here

"All The World's a stage..."

You might recognize the famous line from Shakespeare's As You Like It, which is playing at the Gilmore Theatre Complex at Western Michigan University Feb. 18-26.

It has been exactly 100 years since the play was performed at Western Michigan University, though this will certainly have its differences. Directed by Prof. Jim Daniels, this version will take place during the Revolutionary War. WMU alum and Broadway lighting designer Patrica Nichols will be responsible for lighting the stage.

Tickets for the production are $5 for students, $15 for seniors and employees, and $20 for all others. Shows will begin at 8 p.m., and following the opening performance on the Thurs., Feb. 18, Panera Bread will host a reception.

Your Flyswatters are Useless

In 1989, the nutty professor Wayne Szalinski accidentally shrunk his kids in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and we all got to experience the terror (and delight) of his kids, a quarter-inch tall, amid the smacking jaws of carpenter ants and the death-wielding sting of the scorpion.

You can re-experience that terror and delight firsthand this weekend with the Big, BIG BUGS! Exhibit opening at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. With sizes skewed and roles reversed, you'll be looking up at an elephant-sized atlas beetle, preying mantis, caterpillar, and more. These enlarged insects offer unique educational opportunities with the otherwise overlooked world just underfoot.

If the giant replicas pique your interest, you may also want to visit the Bug House, a dirt-walled interior showcasing "family portraits" of the insect world. Or, sign yourself up for one of the recurring sessions in the Bug Lab, where insect anatomy, life cycles, and adaptations are more closely examined.

The exhibit will run February 20 to May 31. Admission to the exhibit costs $2 in addition to general admission to the Museum ($3 for kids ages 3 to 17, $8 for adults, $7 for seniors.) On the evenings of March 1-5, April 1-9, and May 10-14 special "Bug Night" packages are available including admission to the museum and special exhibits, a planetarium show, unlimited carousel rides, and dinner for only $10.

And perhaps, just perhaps, you'll think again before squashing that ant with your shoe.

American Idol at Griffin's game

Idol fans take note. Matt Giraud will make an appearance at the Sat., Feb. 20 Griffin's game at the Van Andel Arena. He will hold a meet-and-greet event prior to the game, and perform during the first intermission.

Interested fans have the opportunity to purchase idol-4 pack tickets which will include 8 x 10 photographs of Giraud for the autograph session from $48-$68 depending on seating.

Of course, all of this is in addition to the regular entertainment that Griffin's hockey delivers. They will be playing the Peoria Rivermen. There will be trumpet chants throughout the game provided by Mr. Jack Misner, the Throw-for-Dough, and the Cornerstone Faith Chat at the team bench following the game.

Hint: Check out the Griffin's facebook and twitter pages for special deals.

Transcendence

By Danielle Krolewicz

The band name is Transient Songs, the album is Cave Syndrome. Almost seems like it should be the other way around, but it’s not. Transient Songs was formed in Seattle based on a shared interest in ‘70s psychedelic music. John Frum (guitar, vocals) and Jimmy Andrews (bass, multi-instrumental) have taken this interest and made something new out. Slated for release in March 2010, the LP Cave Syndrome is a follow-up to the 2008 EP Plantation for Your Youth, both on Indian Casino Records.

Most closely defined as psychadelia, although not confined to the restraints of definition, Transient Songs has been compared to CSNY, The Byrds, post-sandbox Brian Williams, The Jesus and Mary Chain and others from the era that inspired them. However, emulation isn’t everything. Transient Songs employs elements of the psychedelic genre— dark lyrics, vocals and a wide, eclectic range of musical accompaniment— in a progressive, unique, soothing way.

Frum’s vocals are steadily monotone and emotionless throughout, leaving the words and music to do the job. Largely instrumental, the vocals tend to become a background to the music, including the usual bass and slide parts as well as string work (including cellist Ruth Davidson and violinist Amanda Lempreicht. Cave Syndrome is a definite product of place and genre, but the duo make it their own with the unique song-writing style of Frum and the wide ranging instrumentals of Andrews.

Disorienting, even disturbing at times, the sound of Cave Syndrome grows on you the more you listen to it. This album is best listened to lying on the floor surrounded by candles or incense to get the full effect. Immersion in the music is key; otherwise you’ll be lost along the way.

Band: Transient Songs
Album: Cave Syndrome
Label: Indian Casino Records
Release Date: May 25th, 2010
Key Tracks: 2, 4, 5, & 10

This Weekend's Best Bets: Feb. 12-14

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or Singles Awareness Day, mark the occasion by heading out for delicious food, high culture, or great music. The West Michigan Golf Show reminds us that the snow will eventually melt while the Grand Haven Ice Festival takes advantage of the weather. Whatever you do, make sure it includes a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates.

1. DON’T MESS WITH A MAN IN FACEPAINT: Pagliacci, the tale of the “the mad clown,” comes to DeVos Performance Hall on Friday, Feb. 12 and Saturday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m.This play-within-a-play follows a jealous lover who cannot carry on with the show; $20-94; more info here

2. BIG IN JAPAN:The Ragbirds bring an energetic and crowd pleasing performance to the New Holland Brewing Company on Friday, Feb. 12 at 10 p.m. The “infectious global groove” of the Ragbirds caught on in Japan, where the band signed a record deal; free; more info here

3. LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE: You have two chances to attend “an evening of sophisticated silliness” during the Laugh Lover’s Ball featuring comics Drew Hastings, Tim Lee, Dwight Slade and Nikki Glaser. Catch it at the Kalamazoo State Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. or Sunday, Feb. 14 at DeVos Place at 7 p.m.; $29.50-40; more info here

4. NOT YOUR AVERAGE BAR GRUB: The HopCat is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday, Feb. 14. Reservations are needed to enjoy the four-course meal, featuring flank steak, oysters and more; each course has a beverage to complement; $70 per couple; more info here

5. HAND COUNT: Rock/jam band Four Finger Five will celebrate its first independent CD release on Saturday, Feb. 13 at Founders along with special guest Theo Katzman. The three-piece group has played Rothbury twice and was mentioned in Billboard magazine as a new band “breaking the rules;”$5; more info here

6. A FAMILY AFFAIR: The Verve Pipe will perform songs from its latest record, A Family Record, on Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Peter Wege Theater at 3 p.m.Frontman Brian Vander Ark will play a solo show of fan-requested love songs at 8:30 p.m. and will be joined by Lux Land and The Lazy Blue Tunas; Verve Pipe: $10-15; Vander Ark: $20; more info here

7. SWING SHOW: Think spring and get a jump on the latest golf equipment at the 22nd Annual West Michigan Golf Show in DeVos Place on Friday, Feb. 12 from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12 from 10 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 14 from 10 to 5 p.m. You can plan a trip to a golf resort, learn about area courses and practice your swing; $4-9; more info here

8. NICE ‘N’ ICY: Grand Haven on Ice returns for its 6th year. This family event features live ice carving, a Wii winter sports tournament, ice-skating and more. Head to downtown Grand Haven on Saturday, Feb. 13 starting at 11 a.m. for the fun; free; more info here

9. KNOCKOUT: It’s here: after five rounds, the final round of WGRD’s 10th Heavyweight Championship of Rock comes to a close on Saturday, Feb. 13. The show starts at 8 p.m. and features Uncommon Road, Page 66, Stone the Manic, 6 Prong Paw, Night of 1000 Knives, Sin Theorem and Dead Against; $8-10; more info here

Good Bets: the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel is hosting the Big Bands ‘n’ Romance Gala, an overnight stay with a reception, dinner and dessert buffet on Feb. 13; more info here…Alonzo Bodden, winner of Season 3 of “Last Comic Standing,” comes to Dr. Grins on Feb. 12 and 13; more info here…the Vagina Monologues will be performed at Wealthy Theatre in partnership with the GVSU Women’s Center on Feb. 14; more info here

Electronic Symphonic

A Grand Rapids DJ and the Grand Rapids Symphony are adding a little sparkle to the standard "little black dress."

Todd Ernst recently teamed up with the Grand Rapids Symphony in order to create a one-of-a-kind piece during the Little Black Dress party at the Grand Rapids JW Marriott this Saturday.

In honor of the upstart organization, Culture & Cocktails -- which will be hosting its membership launch party within the LBD party -- Ernst and a five-person symphony accompaniment collaborated to create a five minute symphonic techno piece that will play at 10:30 p.m.

Culture & Cocktails is a new organization to encourage millennials to attend the unique cultural and arts events in Grand Rapids.

"The idea is for me to compel you to ask the question," Ernst said in regard to the interpretive piece.

For the piece, will Ernst DJ on the landing of the JW Marriott's staircase, as well as conduct the Symphony, which will cascade down the stairs.

The Little Black Dress party is an event that was created for Valentine's Day, but you don't need a Valentine in order to attend.

"How do you a Valentine's Day party that includes everyone? You make it about fashion," Ernst said. "Put on your little black dress and bring your A game."

The Little Black Dress Party starts at 8 p.m. on Feb. 13, is free and will feature additional entertainment from Ernst and guest DJ Jim Thias.

Looks like the electronic-symphonic hybrid may pop up in the near future again, as SuperDre also posted on Facebook that she had met with the Grand Rapids Art Museum's Ed Clifford about a "collaboration of DJ and a string section" at the GRAM's March 5 event.

Pepsi Stadium Club to host singer/songwriter series

On Fri. Feb 19th John Wesley Harding (pictured right) will headline the performance that will kick off Fifth Third Ballpark's singer-songwriter concert series. Opening for Harding will be Drew Nelson and Dag Juhlin of PoiDog Pondering.

The series, which is sponsored in part by WYCE 88.1 FM, will feature four more intimate performances on the Pepsi Stadium Club stage throughout the Spring.

• Saturday, March 6 - Richard Shindell with Antje Duvekot
• Saturday, April 10 - Cheryl Wheeler with Nicholas James Thomasma
• Friday, April 30 - Paul Thorn with Greg Nagy
• Sunday, May 23 - Lucy Kaplansky with Ralston

Headlining the shows are nationally touring singer-songwriters, but local artists have been given several opportunities to open. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening an hour prior. Tickets range from $16-$20, depending on the show.

New GR arts portal launched

Hey GR, now there’s a website where you can find out about the artsy goings-on around town, without having to scroll through the bar specials.

TheArts Council of Greater Grand Rapids has launched a slick new website –whatsyourartgr.com – that highlights more than 60 arts and cultural organizations from around the Grand Rapids area. The site also includes a comprehensive events calendar, social media feeds from arts groups, and links to each organization’s online ticketing service.  For the whole story, visit revuewm.com.

A Summer celebration with Winter deadlines

The 41st Annual Festival of the Arts will be taking place June 4-6 in downtown Grand Rapids. If you live in Allegan, Barry, Kent, Ionia, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo or Ottawa counties, and would like to participate as an artist or performer, you have some dates to think about.

The application deadline for visual artists who would like to set up booths for Art on the Spot or the art sales tent is Feb. 15. Performance artists have an application deadline of Feb. 28.

The Festival of the Arts is one of the largest all volunteer events in the nation, and is run as a non-profit supported by many area businesses and communities. It is a totally free event for visitors to attend, and features stages for musical and theater performers as well as booths, tents and sidewalk space for visual artists.

Kirk Gibson signing autographs at Saturday's Griffins game

Former Detroit Tigers great Kirk Gibson will meet fans and sign autographs for one hour before Saturday's Grand Rapids Griffins game. The Griffins have also teamed up with the West Michigan Whitecaps to offer a great experience for local sports fans with the Double Play Pack.

The package includes six specially priced upper level Griffins FLEX tickets; four specially priced reserved seat tickets to any Whitecaps game during the 2010 season; and two Gibson 8x10 photo cards created especially for his autograph session with the Griffins, all for $99. Call 774-4585 ext. 3040 to purchase. An open skate and autograph session with Griffins players Doug Janik, Jakub Kindl and Kris Newbury will follow the game.

Tickets for both games are available at The Zone at Van Andel Arena and all Star Tickets outlets, including Meijer stores. Call 222-4000 / 800-585-3737 or purchase online at griffinshockey.com.

Rock's Hot Chick: Lzzy Hale

Twenty-three-year-old Lzzy Hale, the delectable driving force behind Halestorm, doesn't have to think about it for long.

"I don't know if I have, actually," she replies when asked if she's ever made it through an interview without being asked The Question.

That's because girls in rock bands must always answer for being girls in rock bands.   In fact, she doesn't pull any punches when talking sex and rock-and-roll.

Catch the full story about Hale, who appears with her band Halestorm at the Intersection on March 7, at www.revuewm.com.

Six Michigan brewers ranked in world's top 100

It ain't bragging if it's true.

A few years ago, Michigan brewers adopted the tagline Michigan:  The Great Beer State.   It appears that beer drinkers and brewers from around the world agree.

Michigan brewers ranked quite highly in the annual poll by RateBeer, which takes into account more than 2.47 million reviews of 110,000 beers worldwide.  Founders, Bell's, Kuhnhenn, Dark Horse, Short's and Jolly Pumpkin were all just named to the prestigious list of top 100 brewers in the world, at No. 4, 5, 22, 34, 64 and 67 respectively.

Founders, Bell's, and Kuhnhenn each had beers in the top 100 of the world, with Founder's KBS ranking the highest at No. 8.

Short's, Kuhnhenn, the Livery and Dark Horse were ranked in the top 50 of all U.S. brewpubs, and Dragonmead was named one of the best to visit.

Hopcat came in at no. 22 in the world wide list of beer bars, and Siciliano's was ranked No. 39 in the list of retailers.

And lest you think this is some kind of Michigan based conspiracy to make us look awesome, you should know that more than 2.47 million reviews of 110,000 beers from 9,680 brewers were considered for the competition. Full results are listed here.

You have several upcoming chances to sample these beverages in the coming month. Traverse City will have its first Winter Beer Fest Feb. 12, and The Michigan Brewer's Guild Winter Beer Fest at Fifth Third Ball Park will take place Feb. 27.

A snide sympathy note to our western neighbor:

Dear Wisconsin,

We feel bad that your reputation as the Beer Capital of the World is suffering because of our greatness. At least you still have cheese, though we hear all the happy cows are in California now...and Brett's in Minnesota...so...we'll send you some beer. It's really the least we can do.

Love, Michigan

Hangar42: Michigan's largest film studio

Hangar42 Studios is officially open for business.

At nearly 500,000 square feet, the new Hangar42 is the largest film production facility in the state and could be a boom for the state's film industry.   Owned by a group of Michigan investors, who invested $45 million to buy and renovate the former Lear Corp auto plant in NW Grand Rapids, Hangar42 will house the world's largest sound stage, production studios, office space and post-production studios.   Over the next three years, the new studio expects to create more than 1000 jobs in the film and production industry.  

While the studio officially opens today, the studio has been used already, including filming of "The Gun" starring Val Kilmer and rapper 50 Cent.   That film shoot employed about 200 people, including many locals.   The studio's owners are in talks with several major film studios and producers about future projects.   

The owners have hired a San Francisco-based Studio O + A to design the interior space with the goal of creating more than 50,000-square-feet of production offices.   The SF firm also designed unique office spaces for companies like Facebook, eBay, PayPal, Williams Sonoma and Levi Strauss & Co.   

The studio is the first to take advantage of the infrastructure tax credit Michigan Film Credit, which will give the studio an estimated $10 million tax credit, according to a studio spokesperson.  Since the state passed the film tax credit in 2008, more than 80 major productions have been filmed around the Mitten State.   

Local First Seeks Local Artist

This year, Local First will be holding its 7th Annual Street Party. In order to do that, they need publicity, and to get that, they print a poster designed by a local artist. As logic would follow, Local First will be accepting artist's submissions for a poster contest via email at dan@localfirst.com or at their office.

All works must be 2-dimensional, 10.5" X 10.5," and able to be replicated.

On Tues., Mar. 9, the public can gather at Founder's to vote on a winner for the 2010 Street Party Poster. The winning selection will be announced immediately, and the artist will receive a $100 gift certificate to their favorite Local First restaurant, as well as recognition on the poster. Last year's poster by Allyn Guerra is pictured on the right.

Sensory Overload: Mike Vallera at the GRAM

This Fri., Feb. 5, Mike Vallera will be playing at the GRAM. His work incorporates both music and visual arts. While known as a guitarist (in the band The Dictionary,) he is a multi-instrumentalist, and incorporates digital equipment and sounds into his shows. His music is very experimental, and blurs the lines between beauty and ambiance. He sights his inspiration as the interaction between nature and machine.

The performance is a part of the Party of the Century series at the GRAM, celebrating 100 years of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The evening will also feature a buffet dinner and art dialogue, "Considering Calder." The events will take place from 5:30-9 p.m.

A Digest of Music

By Theodore Andrews

Band: RJ Kozak/Various
Album: Listen, Laugh, Love
Genre: Pop/Blues/Jazz/Electronic
RIYL: Tommy James and the Shondells

The interest of listening to a compilation album is the experience of hearing an artist’s growth over time.

Listen, Laugh, Love is an eclectic compilation CD encompassing various musical styles with original tracks from multiple West Michigan artists. Kozak, a native Grand Rapids drummer whose local bands are featured on the CD, put it together.

This album contains music that derives from past decades; it’s a mixture of kitschy love songs, R&B/Blues jams that are heavy on drums and organ, and even excursions into combo jazz and electronic music.

There are, however, three tracks that stand out from the rest: “Mystic,” “Yikes,” and “Hey Razz;” all performed by the Space K’s. They’re light jazz instrumentals that contain excellent examples of drumming with gorgeous jazz guitar. The last track is an electronic piece that can best be described as experimental/light pop, or soundtrack to an Asian cartoon from the ‘80s.

In whole, the album sounds like it was made for late-night listening on public radio, elevators, or late ‘70s AM radio.

Beerfest North

This year, beer lovers have another winter beer fest to attend. The Grand Traverse Resort's Clubhouse grounds will be ground zero for the Traverse City Microbrew and Music Festival, which will take place Feb. 12 from 5-10 p.m.

The festival will feature many Michigan breweries like Dark Horse, Founders, Short's and Bell's, as well as many out of state fave's like New Orlean's Abita and Washington state's Redhook.

Never fear, Designated Drivers, there will be a great live music line-up as well.

Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys will be there, as well as Euforquestra, Levi Britton and others.

Guests are encouraged to buy tickets for $25 in advance, as they will go up $5 at the gate. The ticket price will include 5 7-oz. pours, music and entrance. Additional taste tickets can be purchased at the event.

The event will kick off the weekends Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest, so you could easily make a weekend out of it.