Yesterday, the big venue in the sky gained one more true rock and roller. Robert Mulrooney, better known as Bootsey X, Bob, & the Pusherman of Love, passed away after a long struggle with brain cancer. Though this was far from unexpected, it doesn't make the blow any less painful.

I never knew Bob in his prime, but from the stories I've heard, videos I've seen, and how he acted and performed in spite of his condition, he was one hell of a man.

I'm not able to go out at all since I have to work, but if you get the chance, you should definitely check out some of the great deals and shows that are going on today. The Hentchmen and Timmy's Organism are playing in the early afternoon at UHF in Royal Oak, there's a fundraiser for Bootsey X at Mario's of Troy 1477 Grill, and the third annual Detroit X Detroit show is at the Magic Stick tonight. It's a great day for music in metro Detroit, and I can't believe I'm missing it...

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013

Liz and I went to see Eroders and Mexican Knives at the Garden Bowl in Detroit. Definitely an excellent punk show, even though we weren't able to stay to see Puerto Rican touring bands Los Vigillantes and Las Ardillas (look them up if you haven't heard of them). I love shows at the Garden Bowl: they're usually free and you can get pizza and bowl in between sets. :)

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013

A couple days later, I went to see Wasabi Dream perform at The Old Miami. They played some of the songs off of their CD, which will be released next month (TBA), and one new one that even I, their self-proclaimed biggest fan, hadn't heard. They're definitely a group to keep your eye on; they might not be the hard-hitting rock and roll band that Detroit's used to, but their original, atmospheric sound and precise, intricate melodies will hold you captive and blow your mind. They're another reminder of why I love this town: there are so many different types of bands out there, playing daily in the city, and they're all on top of their game. People often reminisce about different decades of music and wish they were there again or had just been there to begin with. While there is no denying the awesomeness of the past, I think we're right in the middle of another great era of music in Detroit. History in the making. I hope you get out there and enjoy it as much as I do. XO

Managing a full load of classes at two different schools while working and still trying to get out as much as possible to support my friends' music careers is hard. Obviously I haven't had time to write about it, but I'm still an active concert-goer. Here's a brief overview of what I've done since I last posted:

Pretend that I posted this a long time ago.

Wednesday, September 26, I started out my week in Ypsilanti. The Streetwalking Cheetahs, newly renamed The Cheetahs, were playing at Woodruff’s. Lead singer and guitarist Drew Hill had messaged me about the gig, so I decided to go with my friends Erin and Charlie. I’d only seen The Cheetahs once before, but I liked them a lot, so the drive was worth it. Erin and Charlie immediately dug their sound as well, and it made for a great night.

Thursday, September 27, was probably the craziest concert I’ve ever experienced. PJ’s Lager House was hosting a two part event, “Under the Big Tent,” and Thursday’s show consisted of Gardens, Timmy’s Organism, Ty Segall, and Thee Oh Sees. There were hundreds of people in this large tent set up in the lot next to the venue, coming and going throughout the night. Even though it was a cold night, I ended up putting my coat in my car because of all the body heat and movement. The night was loud and crowded and chaotic; we had to push through hoards of people to get anywhere. From this chaos came something wonderful, though. It was a great music experience unlike any other that we got to share with one another. So much energy, so many young people and familiar faces… It was definitely a show I won’t be forgetting any time soon. As Zak Bratto (Growwing Pains) said the next morning, “last night was in-tents.”

I know, I know. I'm two months behind on posting. Lots of shows and lots to write. Expect an entry soon. I had to post something now, though, for a special reason: as of yesterday, it has officially been a year since I started coming out to Detroit shows. :) It all started with The GO at the Magic Stick 11/30/11 and snowballed from there. I'm pretty proud.

GONN played after The Sights. I hadn't heard them before, which is surprising since they're right up my alley. (I've been listening to a lot of '60s and '70s music lately, and GONN is directly from that era.) I only saw part of their set since it was pretty crowded inside, but I could hear the rest from outside. It was a great soundtrack for an even better night.

I just got back from St. Louis a couple of hours ago. I'm exhausted and work in the morning, but this needed to be said: I honestly cannot thank the metro Detroit musicians and their supporters enough for all they've done for me in the past year. Whether you guys realize it or not, you've helped me through an incredibly rough time and let me be part of a community that makes me feel at home, no matter where we are. I love you all and am looking forward to (hopefully) many, many years of wonderful memories and experiences to come. Support local music. <3

Friday, August 17th, I worked all night and then headed to The Rockery in Wyandotte. Richie Wohlfeil (Danny and the Darleans, Colorwheel) was guest DJing their weekly event, Soul Deep. There were probably at least a hundred people there; I wasn’t aware that Downriver had such a bumpin’ night life. I worked my way through the crowd and found Richie at the front with one of my favorite people, Steve Nawara (Colorwheel). I hung out with them on the modest stage for about an hour, looking out over the packed room. Halfway through the night, Steve somehow convinced me to dance with him. I don’t ever dance because I’m terrible at it, but Steve gave me some pointers and I actually had a lot of fun. It was strange seeing the two of them Downriver; I’m used to having my home life and night life separate. Everything gelled really well, though; Detroit should head south more often.

This is going to be another long one, even though it only covers three days.

Saturday, August 4th, I drove out to Hamtramck for the first of two events: Lac La Belle’s CD release party. It was set up in someone’s garage behind their house, and, despite a slight rain delay, was a success. The atmosphere was much different from what concerts are usually like: very rustic and relaxed. It was almost like we were transported into another era; the music, the people, and the setting made it seem as though we had gone back in time, back to when things were simpler. As the ground began to dry, people began sitting on blankets in front of the performers. There was even a little kid there, dancing to the music and playing with Colleen Burke’s (Outrageous Cherry, Danny & the Darleans) dog, Baba D.

Lac La Belle did a quick opening set, which worked out well since we were going to have to leave before their actual performance. I hadn’t seen them before, but know Nick from Detroit Pleasure Society and recognized Jennie as a fellow patron of the monthly New Orleans Nights at PJ’s Lager House. Nick and Jennie are both extremely talented musicians, and I loved their performance so much that I bought both of their CDs.

So, as I've mentioned before, I had to write a paper on a subculture for school, and I chose the Detroit music scene. A couple people expressed interest in reading it, so I posted it after the following "read more" break. Thanks again to everyone that answered questions for me. :)

Saturday, July 21st, was an incredibly busy and music-filled day for me.

I worked 8-4 and then rushed home to get ready for a local show in my brother’s friend’s backyard. I made it in time to see Peter Buhr again. His solo act is really good; he knows how to entertain the audience and fill the stage with his presence. His beats and lyrics are really catchy; I find myself humming his songs for days after seeing him perform.

Next on the bill was my brother’s band, American Sea Creatures. Because their guitarist/lead vocalist is moving, this was going to be their last show. Hopefully they’ll get back together in the future, because they’re legit. It’s strange seeing my brother in a serious band; while they’re all incredibly talented musicians, my brother and his friends have a sense of humor that few truly appreciate. I happen to be one of those few, so I always have a great time at his concerts.

Thursday, July 12th, my friend Liz and I drove down to Columbus to see Mind Fish open for YouTube-famous singer Julia Nunes at The Basement. You’d think that, after an 11 day road trip across the country, I’d be used to long car rides and that three hours would be nothing. However, Ohio makes any time spent within its borders unbearable; it seems like each minute turns into (at least) an hour. 180 hours is a bit much to drive in one night, but these Ohio natives never disappoint. Her music really wasn't my thing, but Mind Fish continues to knock them out of the park. If I wasn’t sure Mind Fish would put on a great show, I wouldn’t have bothered.

Friday, July 15th, I got out of work early and hustled to downtown Trenton to see Mitch Ryder at the Midsummer Festival. I only saw part of his set because of the heat and how crowded it was, but what I did see was really good. I can see why he's considered an icon in the Detroit area.