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.