Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The girl who interested the world


by Scott Recker

By far, the most daunting task of reading the novel The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is the first 150 pages— that is, unless you have a thirst for Swedish politics and economics. But, if you hold on, you're rewarded with an intense story intertwining corruption, a family's dark history, broken social systems, and, of course, this decade's favorite anti-heroine, Lisbeth Salander, an anti-conformist loner who refuses to let her shitty hand of cards keep her down or dependant — not to mention her being the best kept secret in the private security industry as an uncanny investigator with a photographic memory. In David Fincher's American film, you don't have to wait for the payout — the master of compressing intricate plot info into short scenes that often let a single shot say 2,000 words, gets right to the point.
Famous journalist Mikael Blomkvist is down on his luck: He loses a libel case, which drains his bank account. If that's not bad enough, the case shakes Millennium's (the magazine he publishes) future so badly, it doesn't look like they will be able to stay alive for more than a few months. That's when he gets an offer he can't refuse: Former dominant corporate CEO Henry Vanger hires him to write his memoir, but what he really want is for Blomkvist to investigate the most detestable people he knows — his family — regarding the murder of his niece 40 years prior. The old man has been obsessed with the case for decades, but never has come close to cracking it. When new clues are uncovered, Blomkvist demands a research assistant, which through a pretty hilarious series of events, where he finds out Salander investigated him for the Vanger job, he hires the girl with the dragon tattoo to help him out. And together they find out the truth. The dark, kind-of-happy, really messed-up truth.
Bottom line: David Fincher came through, compressing a complex plot with delicate issues into a fast-paced film with the same bite as the book. It's actually pretty amazing how he trimmed the fat without losing the story. And the visual experience is just as creepy as the read, with drawn-out, desperate situations complemented by Trent Reznor's ominous, but never overwhelming score. With the exception of the opening credits (a cover of Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song"), the former NIN frontman and digital metal genius keeps the story going (and you on the edge of your seat), without taking over the action and anticipation scenes — a place where so many movies go wrong. Strap in. It's a wild ride. And, while it's not perfect, I don't think any other director could have done it better.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

They say the chicks are somethin' else On Broadway



by Julian Garcia


Theater is not for the faint of heart. It involves an incredible amount of commitment that must be earned through a preliminary process of audition before the months of strenuous rehearsal before even starting the whirlwind of show time. Rehearsal days become 12-14 hour marathons and for the perfectionists who take the work home current shows are absolute 24/7. Scripts turn into scripture, the halls backstage become impromptu places to nap and cast and crew's lives become intertwined for the whole length of production—through hell or high water. Musical theater is additionally grueling when choreography and elaborate musical numbers are heads added to the beast.


Nobody gets involved in theater because it is easy, or to just earn a paycheck—theater "people" get into it for that roar at the

end of the show—for that ultimate high of putting on a hell of a show and receiving an ovation as for the entertainment. And no high compares to the ecstasy of performing on arguably the planet's biggest stage, Broadway!


Toledo native Cassie Okenka knows all about the rigors and thrills of pursuing a life on stage. She caught the acting bug at an early age here in Toledo beginning in area youth theater at The Children's Theatre Workshop at the Collingwood Arts Center and other area youth productions. After graduating from the now defunct Performing Arts School of Metro Toledo, she went on to attend the prestigious Conservatory of Music at Baldwin-Wallace College, and after earning her degree she eventually moved to the Big Apple to pursue a career in musical theater.


Cassie has quickly achieved success by earning the role as Dorothy in the national touring production of The Wizard of Oz and becoming a top ten finalist on MTV's theatrical reality show, Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods.


Now Okenka is making her big Broadway debut in the inaugural cast of Bonnie & Clyde the musical. She has been cast as the "Swing," or the understudy for all the ladies ensemble roles and the main role of Bonnie. The play follows the story of America's most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, and their turbulent love-fueled crime spree across the dust bowl during the Great Depression. On November 13, 2011 she made her official debut when she played Bonnie during one of the preview shows.


Cassie was gracious enough to take time out of her busy production schedule to answer a few questions about her theatrical journey and her big debut current on Broadway.


TCP: Broadway is a big deal. Is this opportunity something you have always aspired for, or is something that became a more tangible goal as your theatrical career progressed?

Okenka: Yes, yes and yes! Broadway is a HUGE deal. There are only 9 women in the cast. And to be chosen as one of those 9 is just incredible. The caliber of people involved with this production are out of this world. These are people I have seen in numerous other Broadway shows, seen their work and just been in awe of them.

When I realized that I did want to do this for the rest of my life, my final goal was Broadway. Its the ultimate. It's the highest you can get. Why not reach for the top. As I furthered my education in Musical Theatre, the possibility of Broadway was getting closer. I met more people in the business, made more business connections, bettered myself as a performer, etc. I mean there are hundreds upon hundreds of actors in NYC so getting where you want to get is a lot of luck, talent, and persistence.


TCP: How did your experience touring nationally prepare you for the leap onto Broadway?


Okenka: Being the The Wizard of Oz tour was a great stepping stone. I really learned how to carry a show, constant changes in location, cast members, along with keeping the show fresh and fun. I also learned how to handle fans, press interviews, and all the business side of show business. It also gave me experience that I can put in my "tool-box" to use later in my career.


TCP: Anything particularly exciting about this production of Bonnie & Clyde that makes it stand out above the flurry of other big Broadway shows?


Okenka: There is no one that won't enjoy this show. It is a great love story between Bonnie and Clyde, seeing how they become these outlaws. It has a TON of guns and blood (for the hesitant men who thinks musical theatre isn't for them), and its original. This is not based on the movie from 1967, its built from books from real-life encounters with Bonnie and Clyde. The use of historical evidence and pictures really create a cool piece of theatre. The music is unlike other normal musical theatre shows. It uses ukuleles, banjos, a rock and roll drum set, slide guitar, among other instruments. The music is fun, haunting, sexy, powerful, everything you would want. There aren't any jazz-hand, tap dancing numbers. Its a very honest show that can be called a play with music.


TCP: What lessons from your time working with The Children's Theatre Workshop here in Toledo still carry over to your professional experiences as an adult?


Okenka: I learned all my basics and manners there! I know how important every person involved really are. From the sound guy, to the deck hands, to wardrobe to fellow actors. Everyone is important. And people notice that. I know that if something were to happen while I'm on stage, I'm in good hands. And I learned the responsibility required. To know where you are going on stage, knowing your lines, and being prepared for everything. That has helped me in this huge step forward.


TCP: The Big Apple is the most exciting place in the world, but is there anything you miss—places or activities—back in the Toledo area that you cannot experience in New York?


Okenka: I miss the Lights Before Christmas at the Zoo!!! Also the poppyseed rolls at Haas Bakery! And just driving around and seeing the houses all decorated. Those are holiday traditions I can't really do here. Thats what makes Toledo my home.




Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Found Magazine swings into Toledo


by Scott Recker

Sometimes it's the little things that make our day. And sometimes that's a small glimpse into the life of someone we'll probably never meet through something extremely personal they left behind. Which is exactly what Found Magazine has been giving us for the last decade through love letters, hate notes, guilty rants, homework assignments — allowing us to laugh with the ridiculous and relate to the bad, proving we're all connected through emotion and we're all a little messed up. It was all started by Davy Rothbart up in Ann Arbor, and now, for the first time, the Found tour comes to Toledo for a full presentation this Wednesday at the Ottawa Tavern. $5 suggested. 9pm. The City Paper caught up with Rothbart to talk about what keeps him passionate about Found Magazine, a sloshed vagabond trying to piss on him and his vulnerable moments that were captured by a documentary filmmaker.

Found Magazine has been around for a better part of a decade. What keeps you passionate about it and continuing to tour?

Just the fact that we continue to get amazing stuff sent to us. Sharing it in the magazine is one way to share it, another way is being on the road and doing shows — getting a chance to read some of my all-time favorites. My brother keeps writing new songs based on some of these Found notes, and some of his songs are funny and some are just heartbreaking. The Magazine is really this gigantic community art project — it requires the participation of thousands of people so, for me, I notice after we go and do a show in a city, we get a ton more finds from that town.

What's the one moment of touring you'll never forget?

We did our first ever Europe tour in the fall of '08. We had never been there before, so the shows were hit or miss. We had some great shows with some very awesome turnouts, we had some small turnouts — even those seemed pretty engaged. We did one show we laugh about all the time, it was in Coventry, England — it's what we consider the worst show ever. There were 30 people there, it wasn't empty or anything — it was a small bar, where we did it. But they were so flat, they were mean-mugging us — it was so weird. Then, the one moment that went over the top...all of a sudden I see my little brother — he's kind of watching my part of the show, looking miserable — and then he breaks into the strangest grin and he nods his head, like I should look behind me. And literally, a drunken hobo behind me had dropped his trousers and peeing on the glass. He was basically peeing on me, but I was protected by the window.

You're also a documentary filmmaker. What was it like last year when the camera was turned on you in the film, My Heart Is An Idiot? Especially during such a personal time.

At the time when he was filming it, I wasn't thinking about it to much because David had become a pretty good friend of mine — traveling with us for months at a time. He always carried the camera with him, so it wasn't always clear when he was filming. Even if he had the camera out, it seemed like you were just talking to him. In terms of the filming part of it, it wasn't that weird having a camera pointed at me, but definitely when he started to piece the story and I realized how much footage he captured and how revealing the movie would be, there were definitely times I felt uncomfortable. But, ultimately I thought it was very honest, very true, and there are things in the movie I'm not proud of or put me in the best light, but they are things other people can relate to. I encouraged him to make the movie he wanted to make and not worry to much about it. I like the story that he pieced together. I gotta say, I've been publishing people's most private moments in Found Magazine for the last nine years, so it's only fair to open my self up in the same way.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

THE MOB CONTINUES

I think they realized I was human.

Heather and Scott here, took a second from munching on humans to pose for my shot. I'm not going to lie I felt like I was Marty Stouffer from "Wild America," caught in a den of lions with all the zombies around.
Good buddy Dave here, looking as gruesome as ever.
Rachel and Brent. The hair says it all.


More zombie shots to chill your blood. -BEAT

ZOMBIES TAKE OVER TOLEDO!

Zombieeees!
Just your normal, average, everyday zombie crew at the bar.
Searching for humans. Luckily I was disguised as a zombie to escape from the "Party Rock"ers

The Zombie Bar Crawl in downtown Toledo this past weekend turned out to be a huge, disease-infested, bloody mess of awesome fun. Loads of zombies, infected beings and tortured souls took to the streets as we Toledoans brought in the holiday weekend with great energy and enough fake blood to fill your mom's swimming pool. If you weren't able to make it out, take a look at these pictures and be sure to join next fall because each year gets bigger and better! Keep an eye out for more upcoming events from the City Paper and join our Morning Buzz to find out what's going on week-to-week in your area. Go to the Toledo City Paper website to sign up. And of course if you are out and about at a local event and see me shooting photos, come say hey, get a photo and be a part of our awesome blog. You'll pretty much be famous. And I'm out of here. -BEAT

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Jon Hendricks plays with Trombone Shorty

We may be a little far away, but just the audio of Jon Hendricks getting on stage to perform with Trombone Shorty is worth a view. What an absolutely amazing show — complete with this super-cool surprise!



Joan Baez

by Sandor Slomovits

Michigan Theater / November 1

Joan Baez last visited Ann Arbor in November of 2008, just a few days after President Obama’s election. Her first words that night were, “Yes, we did!” A lot has happened in the past three years, and the people who’ve gotten teed off at President Obama, and the Democrats in general, probably won’t be in the audience when Baez returns this month. Their loss, because a Baez concert is a remarkable event. Sure, her pipes, now just past seventy, are not quite what they were, but Baez’s slightly diminished voice is still better than most, and the years have not stopped her growth as a singer and interpreter—and in those departments she had few peers to begin with. Besides, with Baez it was never only about the soaring range, the astonishing beauty and clarity of her voice. It was about the depth of character that her voice carried and conveyed—and that doesn’t diminish with age.
$27-$69. 7:30pm. 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. www.michtheater.org

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Concession Stand

by Jason Webber
Answer This! (3 stars)

What It’s About: Everyone knows a guy like Paul Tarson (Christopher Gorham). He’s that encyclopedia of useless information who you want on your team in games of “Trivial Pursuit.” Problem is, he’s a 30-year old manchild who has no idea what he will do after grad school (again, we all know someone like this guy). But the citywide pub trivia tournament just might be his ticket to proving that he’s more than a one-trick pony. Maybe.

What We Like: The main reason everyone in the region will want to go see this film is because it was shot at and endorsed by the University of Michigan—first time they’ve ever officially lent their name to a film. There’s live footage of a U of M football game (Let’s Go Blue!) and plenty of U of M landmarks on display. Having said that, “Answer This!” is also a pretty cute-n-quirky coming of age film that may not be exactly groundbreaking but is perfectly entertaining. We’ll take it!

Opens Friday, October 21 at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Dangerous fish, rockers, politicians and patriots.

There's been a lot going on the last few weeks. And now that the chaos has calmed (well, with Halloween and our City Politics issue coming up, not really...but since I already started the sentence, I'll roll with it). We have videos from four very different events. I'm talking from interviewing the attorney general in Columbus to talking with a local rocker at Frankies to watching a chef clean a 40-pound Asian Carp to the first day of Occupy Toledo different. Random — yes. Kind of awesome — we think so. You be the judge. If you like what we're doing with short videos around town, let us know what we should be filming more of. It is, after all, for you, the reader. We're not hard to find — hit us up on Facebook, shoot us an e-mail, drop off a letter (even though the last time that happened, the author classified me as an "inconsiderate asshole." Hey, you can't win them all). The point is, if we are going to do this, we want to do it right. Help us out.

Video One: Chef Marcel cleaning an Asian Carp



Video Two: TCP's Julian Garcia interviewing Dean, singer/guitarist, of Mindfish



Video Three: Walk-through of the first day of Occupy Toledo



Video Four: Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine talking about the grandparents scam

Thursday, October 13, 2011

CITY PAPER WEEKEND @ Frankies

Jason and Laura of JL Entertainment Services, Inc. in Perrysburg and Toledo City Paper's very own, handsome Julian. All good lookin' people.
Some die-hard fans out for support from left: Casey Malone, Brandon Boltz, Heather Hoffman and Liz Boltz. Great People.

CITY PAPER WEEKEND @ Frankies




Hey all, checkout some of the festivites from last weekends event at Frankies in Toledo. City Paper Weekend was excellent if you missed out. Here are some shots of a great local band The Hemline Theory

Monday, September 19, 2011

Highlights from MI Fest in pictures

Photos by Amanda Holman. Captions by Scott Recker.




Sometimes it's strange how things turn out. At the beginning of the day, we couldn't get into any media section without being harassed by a security guard. Things shifted though, and after sundown, we were standing in the pit between the first row and the stage, with our heads tilted up and our jaws dropped, as Jack White and the rest of the Raconteurs zipped through a phenomenal set. After not playing together for two years, this is the time to see them — they are at their best, and seem as hungry as ever.




Sheryl Crow wasn't really on the top of our to-see list, but, hell, we'll give it to her — the lady knows how to own a stage, even bending over into Current's camera. Can't be mad about that. (Editor's Note: Please disregard our neighboring photographer from another media outlet trying to awkwardly grab at her instead of taking photos. We know, dude, she's hot.)




JEFF the Brotherhood is a must-see act. Brother's Jake and Jamin Orrall are one of the hottest contemporary psychedelic blues outfits out right now, throwing enough energy and noise off the stage to wake the dead, melt your face — or whatever the kids are saying these days. We met up with them backstage for an interview to talk to them about releasing a live album with Jack White's Third Man Records, doing the instrumentation for ICP's new single and whether or not they fight on the road. We even met their dad, Nashville songwriting legend Robert Ellis Orrall. What a rad guy! (Look for the interview to be posted soon.)


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Manos Gardens Community Mural

Toledo artist Jerry Gray traces TCP's Julian Garcia while he talks about the community mural he's creating.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Bring da funk!




Looking to get funky this evening? Head over to the Blind Pig and get a taste of not only Michigan's well-loved band The Macpodz, but the Chicago-based band Lubriphonic. If you like soulfully quirky lyrics, ripping guitar licks and unforgettable horns, don't miss this show! Check the out at www.lubriphonic.bandcamp.com/album/the-gig-is-on. Tickets are $10 and those under 21 will have to shell out a few more dollars for a $13 entry at this 18+ show. Doors at 9pm. 


It's sure to be one funky evening, trust me. Just listening to Lubriphonic in our office feet began tapping under desks and I always know the tunes are good when our designers pop in to ask "Who is this, I like it!" So head on over to the Blind Pig, feel 

some funky beats from Lubriphonic and feel those swingin' tunes! 


208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. www.blindpigmusic.com. 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Art of Prevention

If you weren't able to make it to the Art of Prevention at Space 237, check out this exhibition walk through.


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Listen with the Staff — Tame Impala, Tom Morello, Decemberists, A Michigan Tribute to Neil Young, Foster the People




Alex's Pick
Tame Impala - Innerspeaker [Deluxe Edition] - 2011
4/5 Stars
Psychedelic hypnotic-groove rockers, Tame Impala, hail all the way from Perth, Austrailia. Their recently released album, Innerspeaker, can be compared to Strawberry Fields Forever-era Beatles, early MGMT and the more satiated side of The Black Angels. Solid record from start to finish. Noteworthy songs : "It's Not Meant To Be," "Desire Be Desire Go" and "The Bold Arrow of Time." www.facebook.com/tameimpala



Scott's Pick
The Nightwatchman (Tom Morello) — World Wide Rebel Songs
4/5 Stars
When Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker decided to make stripping union rights his first priority upon entering office last winter, Tom Morrello was one of the first in line to give him hell. He immediately wrote protest songs and traveled to the state's capitol in February to fight — producing the album Union Town and helping, with many others, to make Walker's political longevity as promising as Snooki becoming a brain surgeon. Instead of laying off Walker and other union-terrorizing politicians, Morrello, as the Nightwatchman, released his second album of the year, World Wide Rebel Songs, a super intelligent and angry full-length disc that doesn't just aim to kick these white-collared zeros in face when they are crawling around scrapping for supporters, but uses the powerfully charged tracks as an attempt to slice a jugular or two. He keeps the songs fresh with not only some of the best protest lyrics I've heard in a long time, but also with his ability to pair optimistic, warm instruments with confident, pissed-off and relatable lyrics. "Are you going to stand around, or are you going to be free," the harvard grad and former Rage Against The Machine guitarist growls on the title track. He's the true working-class hero. A modern day Thoreau, except he isn't afraid to refer to today's tyrants as motherfuckers. Key Tracks: "Black Spartacus Heart Machine," "Save the Hammer for the Man," "World Wide Rebel Songs."



Matt's Pick
Decemberists - “Calamity Song" (Video)
4.5/5 Stars
Like a lot of longtime listeners, I was thrilled when the Decemberists, darlings of the sweater-vest-and-thick-glasses set, took a healthy step back from the prog-folk excesses of 2009’s The Hazards of Love with this year’s The King is Dead. There aren’t even any songs about pirates or chimney sweeps, just pure, sparkling songcraft and ecstatic wordplay. (With a few ballads, like the criminally ravishing “June Hymn” thrown in.) I’ve been telling people it’s the best R.E.M. album in 20 years, which is entirely appropriate since guitarist Peter Buck guests on a few songs.
This week, the band premiered the new video for “Calamity Song,” with Mr. Buck himself dealing the old-school “Reckoning” jangle. And the video, directed by Parks & Recreation’s Michael Schur,  is a wonder. There’s certainly a lot of overlap between the Decemberists’ fanbase and that of the late revered cult author David Foster Wallace, and the “Calamity Song” video is a meticulous recreation of a crucial scene from Wallace’s magnum opus, the sprawling Infinite Jest. The song itself is a whimsical look at Apocalypse, with a wildly catchy melody, and the lyric already included an Infinite Jest reference. (“...in the Year of the Chewable Ambien Tab.”)
Schur introduces the audience to Eschaton, Wallace’s insanely elaborate fictional sport played by the students of an elite tennis academy (did you know those were a thing?). The kids simulate a global nuclear war on a tennis court, with tennis balls standing in for missiles. Naturally, this requires extremely complex computerized scoring, and naturally, the band sits and watches from courtside. And naturally, since all’s fair in love and thermonuclear exchanges, the scene devolves into farcical chaos.
IJ geeks will love the spot-on details, like the referee’s color-coded propeller beanies, and the fact that singer Colin Meloy is clearly standing in for Michael Pemulis, the novel’s tragic Falstaffian sidekick, with his jaunty sailor’s hat. Wallace wasn’t the hippest guy in the world, but I feel like he would have liked the Decemberists, with their nerdy charm and love of language. And he’d have loved to see one his tour de force comic set pieces brought to the screen. There’s joy in the End of the World, and Schur and the Decemberists make it look pretty fun.

(The video’s not embeddable, sadly — but check it out at npr.org.)



Christy's Pick
Headed For The Ditch: A Michigan Tribute to Neil Young - Various Artists
4.5/5 Stars
Like indie music and bands including The Hard Lessons, Saturday Looks Good to Me and The Casionauts? Check out a fairly new compilation album which pays tribute to Neil Young featuring indie bands from Michigan. Headed For The Ditch: A Michigan Tribute to Neil Young with tracks including "Soldier", "Southern Man", "Barstool Blues", "Saddle Up the Palomino" and "Hey Hey, My My" provides a look at the different progressions in Young's career. The album is Lower Peninsula Records' debut release and is pressed on 180 gram virgin vinyl with a 16-page hand-sewn booklet with handwritten notes from participating artists. Check it out here www.lansingscene.com/lprecords.



Julian's Pick
Foster the People - Torches
3/5 Stars
Okay, this entry normally should be tossed due to radio overplay of a certain single and the popularity from the certain single with the college hipster frat and sorority set. But fuck it, the album is addictive and actually really stellar. Besides "Pumped Up Kicks" (that certain single) there are quality tracks that are both fun to dance to and musically badass. Foster the People are definitely following the sounds of MGMT, by producing tunes with hip electronic beats and clever lyrics that often get hidden behind the danceparty-way they are presented. The first track "Helena Beat" is parallel to their first single in terms of catchiness but far less repetitive and crescendos into more of a riotous ending. "Waste" is an intelligent little diddy again with a club-like kick. And the closing track "Warrant" will undoubtedly make you want to start boogying. My favorite track has to be "Houdini" — again super catchy and I want to know how the lead singer stretches his vocals during the verses. Hate to admit it — for some reason, I'm so jeal. The band is legit, at least for their first album. Hope they are like MGMT and continue to grow despite overexposure. 

Monday, August 29, 2011

Pure Hoxey






Pulling into a drive surrounded by trees, clear skies and the promise of a weekend filled with uninterrupted musical perfection — enter the Hoxeyville Music Festival. It’s been a week since a weekend of disc golf, talent and a beauty that can only be found in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. Next year will be the 10th for Hoxeyville and it’s only getting better. Standout musical performances included Seth Bernard and May Erlewine (Bernard), Breathe Owl Breathe, Ella Riot, Steppin’ In It,The Macpodz, Greensky Bluegrass, Mickey Hart Band, Van Ghost…and the list continues. Below is a bit of info on my personal faves and recommendations, but the ultimate piece of advice is that you buy a ticket for next year’s festival. Hailing from throughout Michigan and beyond, Hoxeyville’s line-up has something for every taste and the drive to expand any musical palatte. The beats, rhythms and lyrical glory on in Michigan is a serious force to be reckoned with.

Personally, my undying musical love lies with folk and Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. This newly married couple’s relevant, thoughtful lyrics, rockin’ guitar licks and, of course, harmonious fiddle makes this duo a complete package. And yes folks, they also record solo albums! Recently the pair returned from a sabbatical in Ethiopia as musical ambassadors. Capturing their experience both in their hearts and with their most recent recordings, the duo promises a new album out soon. While you’ll most likely find Seth and May in Northern Michigan, they will return to The Ark on September 22!

If you ever have the opportunity to see Breathe Owl Breathe live, Do Not Miss It! This trio’s captivating quirks are completely charming. Whether it’s princesses, dragons or dog walkers of a new age, Breathe Owl Breathe boasts intelligent, whimsical lyrics with soothing rhythms. And don’t forget incredible energy, I think it’s safe to say no other musician during the weekend jumped off the main stage only to frolic with the audience like Micah Middaugh. Recently returning from a stint in Ireland, listeners are lucky to have Breathe Owl Breathe back stateside.

Rounding out an ideal day of music was Ella Riot. The University of Michigan grads, straight from Ann Arbor, rocked the property with disco beats and unstoppable energy. Michelle Chamuel has an exceptional voice and is backed by Tyler Duncan, Bob Lester, Mike Shea and Matthew Henniger, making this group not only a fan favorite, but something to watch out for. Performing on this Thursday, September 1, at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor is Steppin’ In It. Simple Tune

is a constant in my vehicle’s CD player. The morning before leaving for the festival, I blasted The Ghost of Richard Manuel. And to my surprise the guys opened with this very tune. Perhaps my favorite part of live music is “stepping in,” if you will, to the experience of embracing a connection to a song in person. Steppin’ In It has a musical purity. Their inspiration draws from lazy Michigan summers, freight liners and so much more. If you have a chance to stop into The Blind Pig this Thursday, GO!

The Macpodz….need I say more? Funky bass lines, unbeatable percussion and horns….your feet take over.

Greensky Bluegrass. Paul Hoffman is undoubtedly one of my most favorite musicians to see in person. He rocks that mandolin so hard with an undeniable passion for music. Greensky did not disappoint delivering soulful lyrics and nothing gets folks moving like a little bluegrass. To listen to the fantasticalness, visit www.greenskybluegrass.bandcamp.com for Greensky’s latest EP Handguns.

The ultimate part of music festivals is discovering new music. Van Ghost, The Crane Wives and Gramham Parsons and The Go Rounds are definitely not to be missed. Check them out.

Mickey Hart Band was fun and it was super cool to get that close to snap a few photos. However, the most meaningful song of the festival for me was Brokedown Palace. One of my most favorite Dead tunes, that song touches my soul. The singer's voice literally filled the audience carrel, vendor village and surrounding campsites. “On my hands and my knees, I will roll, roll, roll.” It was beautifully haunting and sent chills up my spine.

Other stand out performances included Ypsilanti faves The Ragbirds—side note: Erin Zindle recently released a solo album. She’s uber-talented; pick up a copy and give it a listen. Umphrey’s McGee also rocked hard and long on Saturday night. If they're playing in a town near you pick up a ticket or one of their albums, you won’t regret it!

So no matter what kind of music makes you tick—Hoxeyville is the place to enjoy some familiar tunes and find some new loves, and once the weekend ends, just plug in an album and find peace all over again. For more photos visit www.ecurrent.com.

Friday, August 26, 2011

21st Amendment Brewing — Liberating Beer




A wheat ale brewed with watermelon juice. A dark IPA. A double IPA served with carrot cake. There seems to be a million things that could go wrong with those mixtures, but 21st Amendment Brewing Company, based in San Francisco, pulls each one off — and they kick ass at doing it. On Wednesday, Doc Watson's held a beer tasting for the 11-year-old micro brewery and I, along with the rest of my table, was blown away by the carefully crafted flavors that were as smooth as they were unique. Here's a breakdown of the five that we tasted:

Come Hell or High Watermelon
Wheat Ale - 5.1%
When looking over the list, I thought this would be the one that didn't appeal to my taste. As what seems to happens often, I was wrong. Of all the fruit-infused beer I've had, this is one of the most smooth — probably because it is brewed with 100 percent watermelon juice. A perfect beer for a hot summer afternoon.

Brew Free! or Die
IPA - 7.0%
One of the members of our table has never met an Indian Pale Ale she liked — except this one, which our local 21st Amendment rep Bob told us is not all that uncommon for this extremely light and balanced IPA. If your in mood for a hoppy beer, but not one that blitzkriegs your throat, here's your savior.

Back in Black
IPA - 6.8%
A dark pale ale — how the hell does that make sense? Well, I don't really care because the hops perfectly surround Back in Black's roasted, malty heaviness. A few mirco-breweries have been playing around with this style recently, and it has been categorized as Cascadian Dark Ale. This was my favorite, and is one of the innovative brews I think every craft beer fan should try.

Monk's Blood
Dark Belgian Ale - 8.3%
The two owners of 21st traveled to Belgium to develop this recipe — a dark ale brewed with Belgian candi sugar, cinnamon, vanilla bean and black mission figs, aged on oak. I wasn't crazy about it, but it was the favorite of the other two people at my table. So it goes.

Hop Crisis?
Double IPA - 9.7%
If you don't like hoppy beer, don't try Hop Crisis. If you're not a hop coward, be prepared for your taste buds to take a long, hard trip down fizzle avenue. Paired, what seemed to be oddly, but as we found out, appropriately, with carrot cake, Hop Crisis provides the kick an IPA lover will appreciate. (Below is a video of 21st Amendment's local rep, Bob, explaining the beer in much more detail than I am capable of.)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Politely clearing my throat...

Well, here I am, people. My first post on this, our brand-new blog. We've tried this before, to some extent, over at our mothership website, but it never really caught on. Now, we've got this slick new design, we've got our crack editorial staff, and we've got all of you! You've seen us in the paper, and probably you see us around town — perhaps you've been mocking us behind our collective back. (Or at least mocking me. I'm eminently mockable.) But now you can get our raw unfiltered insights on life in this crazy town, only a click away on a semi-daily basis.

Anyway, I'm Matt. I'm the one with the hair who isn't Scott. I write a little bit of everything for our papers, and I compulsively correct people's punctuation. I walk a lot. Some call me freewheeling. I've done some blogging on my own, but I'm not quite sure how I'll do it here. I'll write about events, when I go to them, but there's no way I can keep up with the show-going pace of the young folks here. Probably I'll just do a lot of (hopefully) witty musing, pointing out stuff you might have overlooked. Turning over Toledo rocks and seeing what I find. Hope you like it.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Frank & Jesse at the OT

Frank & Jesse performing at the Ottawa Tavern Friday, August 19.

Todd Snider—A Folk Riot

I have never been a fan of folk musicians incorporating humor into their songwriting. Maybe it's because most of the time it feels forced or maybe it's just my preference of serious lyrics. Whatever it is, my perspective was changed by one man last Friday night at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Todd Snider, a 44-year-old alt-country witty stoner songwriter, completely captured a sold-out house, at times making the entire place erupt in laughter, and at others striking complete silence with gripping pieces of air-tight reality. He's first and foremost a storyteller—and a damn good one—whether it's with his guitar during a song, or providing context to the meaning of his writing in a story. The guy is like your lovable burnt-out uncle whose wild experiences, effortless sense of humor and friendly disposition make him feel more like your friend than a rocker dancing on your paycheck. If you're not familiar, check him out at www.toddsnider.net.