The Macpodz to perform Sept. 22

By: Brittney Schering

Ann Arbor-based jazz band, the Macpodz, is coming to Billy's Lounge in Grand Rapids on Sept. 22 to showcase its unorthodox approach to jazz fusion.

The guitar-less five-piece is comprised of musicians who have mastered bass, trumpet, percussion, flute, keys, and drums. Together, it creates some of the most energetic music on the scene today.

As the inventor of its own funky dance music, coined 'disco-bebop,' the Macpodz pay homage to eccentric musical medleys such as the unstructured instrumental works of the late, great Frank Zappa.

The NCAA permitted the Macpodz to perform on the main stage at the Final Four in 2009 in Detroit, making it the first-ever regional band to perform on the main stage at any Final Four.

The Macpodz have also opened for Fergie and Slash. It has a full slate of bookings for 2010, including festival gigs at the All Good Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Gathering of the Vibes, Bear Creek Music & Art Festival, moe.down, Dunegrass, Michigan Roots Jamboree, and the Hoxeyville Music Festival.

The show at Billy's is $8 and 18+. For more information, check out www.themacpodz.com.

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.

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.