Saturday, July 21st, was an incredibly busy and music-filled day for me.
Peter Buhr
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.
Me with American Sea Creatures
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.
My Killer, My Master
My Killer, My Master is a great example of how unique my brother’s friends are. They are a self-proclaimed “deathcore” band, which usually isn’t at all my style. Their performance makes it all worth it. They jump and dance around while playing, encouraging the audience to participate. My brother is their biggest fan, and he does his best to get everyone to be as enthusiastic as he is. My friend Liz and I had to keep our eyes on the crowd as we filmed/took pictures to avoid being slammed/danced into.
Me with Jeffrey William Thomas
Afterwards, I went home to empty my camera and then left to check out Gardens at Park Bar. I talked to Jeffrey for a bit before their set; he had just finished making a fake palm tree to compliment their Hawaiian shirts. I only saw the first three or four songs, because I had to leave for another show, but they always manage to impress me. Gardens has gone through a lot of transformations since I first saw them back in February, but I’ve never been let down. Despite his mellow demeanor, Jeffrey’s a great performer, and his band mates are always on top of their game.
Me with The Muggs
I had to leave Park Bar early to meet up with John Bissa (Six and the Sevens) and see The Muggs for the 50th Anniversary of the Cadieux Café. Lead singer Danny Methric works at the Cadieux, so it was cool seeing them on their “home turf.” The Cadieux was PACKED, but I was lucky enough to get a seat. I managed to sneak to the front for part of their set, which Danny noticed. He greeted me over the mic, which made me feel super cool. 8) As the place began to clear out, I hung out with Tony and Todd at the merch table. You may have heard that Tony recently had $4000 worth of instruments and equipment stolen out of his car. He has a fundraiser coming up on August 25th at Freddy’s in Clinton Township with his other band, The Blue Collar Boys. Tony’s probably the nicest guy I know, so if you get the chance, you should come to Freddy’s, enjoy some great music, and help Tony out.
Detroit Pleasure Society
Wednesday, July 25th was New Orleans Night V at PJ's Lager House. I, of course, attended and stayed for both sets. My friends Richard and Lindsey came with me this time. Lindsey has a love for banjos and had been wanting to go for a while, so I was glad she finally got the opportunity. Besides both of them being too tired to want to do anything afterwards, they both had a good time. Richard "liked" Detroit Pleasure Society on Facebook from his phone while we were still at the show, and Lindsey plans to come next month with her mom.
Six and the Sevens
Six and the Sevens played at the Maker Faire at The Henry Ford in Dearborn on Sunday, July 29th. I had every intention of going until I actually looked at the ticket prices. Since I had to work that afternoon and didn't have time to walk around and enjoy the whole fair, $27 was a bit pricey. Luckily, at the last minute, John Bissa told me he had an extra wrist band. They played in a tent in The Henry Ford Museum's parking lot, and I sat in the front next to John's wife and son. Even though lead guitarist Mike O'Brien was absent, Six and the Sevens still managed to put on an excellent show, as always. It was definitely a different atmosphere from most of the shows I see: there was some sort of machine that kept shooting out fire across the walkway from where we were, there were all sorts of little kids dancing in front, and it was light outside.
Christopher Tait
After their set, I headed into the museum to see Christopher Tait (Electric Six, Belle Ghoul) working at the Yelp booth. We talked for a bit, mostly about Wes Anderson and weird horror movies, in between him informing patrons about Yelp and helping little kids make shadow puppets. There were all sorts of interesting things going on at the event; at one point, I watched Darth Vader and his posse of Storm Troopers walk through the lobby. I wish I would've had more time to look around, especially since I had a free pass. (Thanks again, John!)
I'm writing this instead of doing homework for tomorrow (today); story of my life. At least now we're up to date! :) What's next? This Saturday, I'll be at Small's in Hamtramck, seeing The Muggs, Six and the Sevens, and El Dorado (from Spain). I might try and catch one of my other favorites, Growwing Pains, at PJ's Lager House, too, if I can make it work. At the very least, I'm going to stop by to pick up a Growwing Pains t-shirt, because Zak Bratto designed them and is an excellent artist.
There are all sorts of other great shows going on this weekend, too. Check our concert calendar and come on out and support local music!
