Michigan Music Blog

THE DEAD • BOB DYLAN AND HIS BAND • THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT • WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY • THE BLACK CROWES • DAMIAN ‘JR. GONG’ MARLEY & NAS • STS9 • G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE • GOV’T MULE • BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE • YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND • THE DISCO BISCUITS • LES CLAYPOOL • COLD WAR KIDS • JOHN BUTLER • CHROMEO • ANI DIFRANCO • MATISYAHU • GUSTER • GIRL TALK • FEMI KUTI & THE POSITIVE FORCE • MSTRKRFT • MARTIN SEXTON • FLOGGING MOLLY • RAILROAD EARTH • THE HOLD STEADY • TOOTS & THE MAYTALS • RALPH STANLEY & THE CLINCH MOUNTAIN BOYS • BRETT DENNEN • ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA • GRACE POTTER AND THE NOCTURNALS • SHPONGLE DJ SET • SON VOLT • JACKIE GREENE • LOTUS • SOULIVE • MAN MAN • PETER ROWAN BLUEGRASS BAND W/ TONY RICE • KING SUNNY ADE & HIS AFRICAN BEATS • KID CUDI • STS9 (LIVE PA SET) • THE GLITCH MOB • DAVY KNOWLES AND BACK DOOR SLAM • EOTO • PRETTY LIGHTS • MOSELEY, LAW, SIPE & DROLL • REBELUTION • QUANNUM ALL STARS FT. LYRICS BORN, THE MIGHTY UNDERDOGS, GIFT OF GAB & LIFESAVAS • TOUBAB KREWE • SAM ROBERTS BAND • HILL COUNTRY REVUE • KYLE HOLLINGSWORTH BAND • LIPP SERVICE + ELLIOT LIPP & MEMBERS OF PNUMA • 2020 SOUNDSYSTEM • BREAK SCIENCE FT. ADAM DEITCH • THE HARD LESSONS • THE LOW ANTHEM • UNDERGROUND ORCHESTRA • FUTURE ROCK • THE MACPODZ • STEPPIN’ IN IT • GIANT PANDA GUERILLA DUB SQUAD • CHRIS PIERCE • RACHEL GOODRICH • THE RAGBIRDS • FOUR FINGER FIVE

Additional artists to be announced …

Led Zeppelin is done – well, technically they have been pretty much done for quite some time now. But over the past few years there has been some speculation of a reunion tour of the group, and this grew even more as the band did in fact reunite – although it was only for one show at the 02 Arena in London. Hell, the band even entertained possibilities of doing the tour without Robert Plant, who was adamantly against the reunion the entire time. But now it is official – their plans just didn’t work out, and the Led Zeppelin reunion tour will not happen; with or without Robert Plant.

If you’re a fan of Umphrey’s McGee – actually, scratch that. If you are a fan of MUSIC, you’re not going to want to miss the upcoming Umphrey’s McGee show at the Royal Oak Theatre near Detroit, Michigan – it’s set to take place on Thursday, March 12 at 9:00 pm.

Umphrey’s McGee is no stranger to the area by any means, and they’ll certainly be back – but this is their first Michigan show in support of their up and coming CD release, Mantis. I haven’t heard the entire CD yet myself, but from what I have heard this show is going to be awesome!

Finally, we have some kind of solid news concerning Rothbury 2009 – the dates are set, and the 2009 Rothbury Music Festival will take place on July 2 – 5 of 2009! Of course we’ve been expecting it, but there has been talk of the fest possibly being moved a week or two ahead or behind. I’m just thankful we have some kind of official news, straight from www.rothburyfestival.com.

Mark your calendars now, and make your plans today to go to Rothbury 2009, July 2 – 5. I’ll be there for sure, partying it up with 40,000 of my best friends in the whole world!

Just a little reminder to all of my readers out there, I know a lot of you are going to be attending the Motor City Metal Fest at Harpo’s. Remember, it is set to go down this Saturday, January 24th. There is a ton of great metal bands playing this show, and with tickets priced at only $12 it really is a steal. Get there early – doors open at 4 pm, and it’s going to be a long night with 20 bands on 2 separate stages. And remember, this is an all ages show – so be careful when you are rockin out amongst the kiddies!

Friday, January 23 at 9:30 pm: Starling Electric, Great Lakes Myth Society, Lightning Love
Saturday, January 24 at 9:30 pm: Supercontent, A Working Model, Oceans, Ganon
Sunday, January 25 at 7:00 pm: Frightened Rabbit, Right On Dynamite
Sunday, January 25 at 10:30 pm: Bad Party, Youu, Dark Red, DJ Charles Trees
Tuesday, January 27 at 9:30 pm: We Were Like Rockets, Radio Hanoi, Blank Mind
Wednesday, January 28 at 9:30 pm: Tyler Devos and The Dry County Boys, Light In August, Dirty Birds
Thursday, January 29 at 9:30 pm: Souldub, King Jazzy, The Orange Marsupials, Essence of Ape
Friday, January 30 at 9:30 pm: The Great Divide, Bump
Saturday, January 31 at 9:30 pm: One.Be.Lo and Black Milk

The Saints and Sinners Tour featuring Hollywood Undead & Senses Fail wsg. Haste the Day, Brokencyde

This one is shaping up to be a real good show, and if you’re not yet familiar with Hollywood Undead you better get on top of it. Oh yeah, and Senses Fail is pretty good, too – actually, I personally think they could be the headliner all on their own. But then again, what do I know?

An early rock/pop artist, Del Shannon’s birth name was Charles Weedon Westover. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and grew up in Coopersville, and lived from December 30, 1934 to February 8, 1990. He was found dead by his wife by way of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 55 – many blame the anti-depressant drug Prozac for his suicide.

Del Shannon was best known for 1961 number 1 hit “Runaway”, though he would have several songs following this that also reached the charts at one position or another – “Hats Off To Larry” made it to #5 on the Billboard charts and “Little Town Flirt” made it to #12 on the list.

The Intersection is a great venue in Grand Rapids, and they’ve always got killer shows lined up here. The front half is a bar, which is even open on the few days where there is no music going on, but the back concert arena is a great place to catch a live show. There is a bar back here as well, and bathrooms too so you won’t have to go all the way to the front. The Intersection is located right across from the Grand Rapids bus terminal, and there are plenty of available parking spots on the street and in nearby parking lots.

In case you haven’t heard the status of the Double JJ Resort and the 2009 Rothbury Music Festival, it is official:

The exact 2009 Rothbury Dates aren’t set in stone, but it is expected to take place July 2 – 5. A lineup will be released soon, and tickets will be going on sale shortly, as well – make sure to have your cash ready, as they might just sell o*ut completely this year; especially with Rothbury 2009 rumors including The Dead and Phish. Keep it tuned here, to the Michigan Music Blog, or check out www.infobury.com for all of the latest breaking news about the Rothbury Festival 2009! Between the 2 sites, you’ll have all the information you could ever need!

It’s been two weeks since the ball dropped in Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids, Michigan and everybody enjoyed their own New Year’s festivities, as well – but not everything went off without a hitch. Apparently, two people were shot while attending New Year’s On The Grand – both were hit by stray bullets as a result of somebody firing their gun in the air in celebration. Remember – what comes up, must come down.

There was also a man killed in a shootout with the police at the Lady Godiva Showgirls Lounge in Grand Rapids – the man was responsible for shooting 2 inside the night club just moments prior, on New Year’s Eve.

Clutch Cargo’s in Pontiac, Michigan always has some good shows – and 2009 looks like it’s going to continue the trend. Check out what they already have lined up.

Friday, January 16 at 8:00 pm: David Allan Coe wsg to be announced. Tickets are $26.50 in advance/$30 day of the show – all ages

Sunday, March 15 at 6:00 pm: Saints and Sinners Tours featuring Hollywood Undead, Sense Fail, Haste The Day, Brokencyde. Tickets are $20 – all ages

Wednesday, March 18 at 6:00 pm: Mindless Self Indulgence wsg to be announced. Tickets are $20 – all ages

Friday, March 27 at 7:00 pm: Katy Perry wsg Alphabet. Tickets are $18 in advance/$20 day of the show – all ages

Thursday, April 09 at 6:00 pm: Devil Wears Prada, A Day To Remember, Sky Eats Airplane, Emarosa. Tickets are $15 in advance/$18 day of the show – all ages.

Tuesday, January 13 at 9:30 pm: Hana, The Ludes, Far From Civilized, Fair Herald
Wednesday, January 14 at 9:30 pm: Amino Acids, Don’t Ask, The Clots, The Plurals
Thursday, January 15 at 9:00 pm: Alex Brumel & Janel Elizabeth, Charlene Kaye, Darren Criss
Friday, January 16 at 9:30 pm: Mason Proper, Javelins, The Mighty Narwhale
Saturday. January 17 at 9:30 pm: Aleph-1
Tuesday, January 18 at 8:00 pm: Versificators, Bantha Fodder, Texas Prison Rodeo, Fas
Wednesday, January 21 at 9:30 pm: Inkface and The Digital Dream, Albino Tarantula Army, I Love Dinosaurs, Basshound
Thursday, January 22 at 9:30 pm: The Satin Peaches, Farewell Republic, Manolete

Friday, January 9: GRAVESIDE MANNER CD release party wsg Swingin Demons, Cash O’Riley, Empty Arms, Brother
Saturday, January 10: FRAMING HANLEY w/So Much For Simple, Sour Jane, Amplaphi / $10 in advance
Friday, January 16: FREQUENCY 54 / ZEN/ SARAPH and more tba
Saturday, January 17: Indi-Grace showcase featuring Skarrd, Fluwid, Amygdala, 2nd System, It Lies Within
Friday, January 23: ASHES OF SOMA w/Fifth Way and One Mans Opinion
Saturday, January 24: WHITEY MORGAN w/The Howling Diablos, Empty Orchestra
Friday, January 30: THE MAN IN BLACK-JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE w/SHAWN BARKER
Saturday, January 31: SLAVE TO THE METAL showcase hosted by FUSE’s Mistress Juliya
Saturday, February 14: BOBAFLEX w/ support tba
Thursday, February 22: CLUTCH / 21 and over / $25 in advance on sale 1/9/09

***Update May 26th 2009***

Check our comments for the latest updates on Dunegrass 2009!

We’ve heard from Ted and here’s the news….

“Hello Michigan Music Blog and lovers of festival music.
I bear good tidings and news of Dunegrass 2009. The spirit and reality of Dunegrass lives throughout the land and in the hearts of many such as the wonderful people above me here, and it is being planned as I type this. A new site has been secured just outside of Empire. We are reviving the original recipe for Dunegrass and the response is wonderful.
Our new site is http://www.dunegrass3.org
Please be patient for complete info to be posted.
Thank you all for the spirit of DG.

Ted

Just so you know, Grass Roots Productions is not and will not be involved in any way.”

*****

Original post 1/8/2009

According to the Leelanau News, there is a strong possibility that the Sleeping Bear Dunegrass and Blues Festival might not take place in Empire, Michigan in August of this year – and it might not take place at all. Dunegrass is a little-known festival that has been held in the Northern part of the Lower Peninsula for well over a decade now.

But the Leelanau News reports that Stephen Volas of Grassroots Productions, the company that runs and organizes the Dunegrass Music Festival is nearly a quarter of a million dollars in debt – and at this point it is unclear whether or not the Dunegrass 2009 festival will indeed go down as planned.

Wow! There are already tons of good shows booked for the New Year, all over Michigan. Let’s see where to start…well why not start with none other than Founder’s Brewery in Grand Rapids, Michigan!
Thursday, January 8: Valentiger and The Mighty Narwhale
Saturday, January 10: Nobody’s Darlin’
Thursday, January 15: Sam Corbin and Jen Sygit
Saturday, January 17: Organissimo
Thursday, January 22: Yet To Be Announced
Saturday, January 24: The Minor Profits wsg Michael and Benjamin Riley
Sunday, January 25: Disc Funktional Sunday

Thursday, January 29: Seth Bernard and Daisy May wsg Strings n’ Things
Saturday, January 31: Jimmie Stagger Blues Band

We’ve all been waiting on pins and needles, but finally today the lease between AEG Live (the festival promoters) and the bank trustee has been approved by a Grand Rapids judge. For those of you who don’t know, this was the biggest obstacle in the way of Rothbury 2009 happening. Once the Oceana Township Board approves the 2009 Rothbury Music Festival, and once they secure they proper land permits, it will be all good to go. But these last 2 things should be a breeze, and I’m sure we’ll have a lineup and some news before long. Either way, stay tuned to Michigan Music Blog for all of your Rothbury 2009 News!

Well we finally have some news concerning the Double JJ Ranch and The 2009 Rothbury Music Festival, and from what the local press is reporting, the news is very, very promising.

It appears a lease has been signed for the promoters to continue with the Rothbury Festival 2009 at the Double JJ Resort, and there will be an emergency court hearing today. If all goes as planned, the judge should approve the signing and it won’t be long now before we’re all back at the ranch! Some Rothbury 2009 Rumors include Tom Petty, The Dead, Phish, and several more…stay tuned for any more news as soon as we hear it!

Last Friday marked the beginning of the annual Heavyweight Championship of Rock at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Round 1 featured bands Charles the Osprey, Night of 1000 Knives, Absinthe, The Trial, Vintage, and Last Rite. Round 2 will continue Friday, January 9 with Choke, Release the Crimson, Kill Tomorrow, Our Fate In Hell, The Dead Last, En Vino Veritas. Round 3 will take place on Friday, January 16 with Weddg, Garda, Tru-Burn, Stockton, Genetic Drift, and State of the Union. Round 4 takes place on Friday, January 23 with Storied Life, Feeble, Brothers, Page 66, Breaknek, and Ascend The Throne.

The Heavyweight Championship Finals will begin on Saturday, February 7.

Though Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee and lived for a brief moment in Buffalo, New York, she grew up the fourth of five children in the city of Detroit, Michigan. She was a child prodigy with stellar piano skills and an angelic voice – but when she gave birth at the age of 14 her plans of following a music career had to be put on hold.

In 1960, now with 2 children, Aretha continued her pursuit in signed with Columbia Records, and even turned down contracts from Motown and RCA. She had little success with Columbia however, and soon signed onto Atlantic Records, which launched her gospel music career into stardom.

2009 is already shaping up to be a great year, and there have been some awesome concert announcements for The Intersection in Grand Rapids, Michigan for both January 2009 and February 2009. If you’re looking to make plans for your future amidst all the hustle and bustle of the Holidays, look no further than The Intersection 2009 concerts!

Friday, January 2: Heavyweight Championship of Rock

Saturday January 10: Frontiers – Ultimate Journey Tribute Band

Thursday, January 15: David Allen Coe

Thursday, January 21: The Wailers

Saturday, January 24: Jamey Johnson

Saturday, January 31: Man In Black – Johnny Cash

Thursday, February 5: JJ Grey & Mofro

Wednesday, February 11: Griffin House

Thursday, February 12: ZoSo – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

Well if you are reading this post, then congratulations – you’ve survived another year! And this one was a long and difficult one, for many, no doubt. But brighter times are ahead my friends, and it is now 2009!

Anyway, the folks at Michigan Music Blog just wanted to say thank you to all of our loyal readers we’ve gained over the past several months and thanks for making us your top source for all of the news in the world of Michigan music. Stay tuned in 2009, as we look forward to providing you all of the latest information as soon as we get it, here at Michigan Music Blog. Happy 2009!

Here it is ladies and gentlemen – the last day of the year 2008! Enjoy it while you can!

By now we probably all have our New Year’s plans set, parties organized and event tickets purchased (there’s a lot of good concerts in Michigan tonight); and some of us no doubt have already started the celebrating. Just remember to stay safe, and party hard but party smart. Most importantly, if you are drinking, DO NOT DRIVE. It’s just not worth it, and there’s no sense in taking the chance – especially on New Year’s Eve. Anyway, we here at Michigan Music Blog just wanted to wish you all a very HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR’S EVE!

A very surprising move that shocked many basketball and Detroit fans alike was the trade of the Piston’s very own Chauncy Billups and Antonio McDyess, two great team players, for Allen Iverson of the Denver Nuggets. Billups has been the team’s captain for quite some time, and has led them to a NBA championship in the 2004 season and several other division playoff games. It’s hard to say what affect this will have on the team in general; of course the Pistons still have a stellar lineup with Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and more, but there is one thing we can all be certain of - Allen Iverson should be a great fit for the bad boy image of the Detroit Pistons.

If you are a fan of live Michigan music, you’ve probably already heard of Orange October – if not, you need to come out from underneath that rock, take off your headphones and have a listen to some real rock, straight from the lakeshore. These guys hail from Muskegon, Michigan, they’ve been regulars at the Muskegon Summer Celebration for the past several years, they’ve got sponsors and their very own line of merchandise – Orange October really has it going on. They can be found playing all throughout Muskegon and the greater Western Michigan area – but look for them to be on their own national tour very soon!

After the Lions started the 2008 NFL season with a record of 0-3, the team’s president, Matt Millen was fired. This was a move that was a long time coming in the eyes of many Lions fans around the state, but it was only the beginning of the renovation of the Detroit Lions. It was announced just a few weeks later that the Lions traded highly unpopular wide receiver Roy Williams to the Dallas Cowboys, in exchange for the Cowboy’s first, third, and sixth picks in the 2009 NFL draft. And then, just a few weeks after the trade was completed and announced, Daunte Culpepper was signed to come in and lead the team at quarterback. Things might finally be shaping up for a good season next year for the Detroit Lions - as hard as that may be to believe.

One of the more popular bands on the music scene today, the White Stripes consist of Jack White on vocals, guitar, and other instruments and his wife, Meg White on drums and some occasional vocals. The two were married in 1996, and started playing music together privately in 1997 when Meg first learned to play the drums. Later that year, on July 4, 1997 the duo made their debut at the Gold Dollar in Detroit. Their first self-titled CD, on the independent record label Sympathy For The Record Industry, was engineered at the Ghetto Recorders studio in Detroit, Michigan just a few years later in 1999, and they’ve been making great music together ever since.

While they are not a professional hockey team, the Muskegon Lumberjacks were quite popular amongst Michigan sports fans from all over the state all throughout the 1980’s and even into the 1990’s, when the team enjoyed a great deal of success not only on their home ice of the LC Walker Arena. Excitement waned however, and the team switched their colors and even their name, and would spend the next several years known as the Muskegon Fury. To start of the 2008-2009 season however, the team was reverted back to the old Muskegon Lumberjacks, and they are regaining their massive popularity back slowly but surely.

Hi folks! Hopefully you are all sitting at home in your pajamas, maybe even curled up in front of the fireplace, or sitting on the couch wrapped in a blanket and enjoying your new gifts. But if by chance you are browsing the internet here on Christmas day, we here at Michigan Music Blog just want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and of course, Happy Holidays!

We truly hope that everyone is enjoying their holidays, it won’t be long now until the New Year so you need to make the most out of what little time is left here in the year 2008 (safely and responsibly, of course!)

Well, it’s snuck up on us after all. Here it is – Christmas Eve, 2008. In another week it will be a whole new year, but we’ve got more important things to think of right now. In just a few short hours it will be Christmas morning, if you don’t have your Christmas shopping done yet, you’re in a lot of trouble!

Of course, it’s not too late to hit the few stores that remain open, hoping you can find something to satisfy that last minute gift idea. It’s possible – you’ll just have to deal with all of the others who are left scrambling for a present on Christmas Eve, too. Fortunately for me, I finished all of my shopping months ago.

With Christmas coming up only a couple of days, it’s easy to forget about New Year’s Eve – but if you haven’t bought tickets and made your plans yet, it’s not too late to catch some of these great shows going on in the state of Michigan on New Year’s Eve 2008.

Clutch at the Orbit Room in Grand Rapids / Ultraviolet Hippopotamus at Founder’s Brewery in Grand Rapids / The Macpodz at the Papa Pete’s New Year Bash in Kalamazoo, Michigan / Pop Evil at The Intersection in Grand Rapids / New Year’s Eve On The Grand / Greensky Bluegrass at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo

Just remember, whatever you do, stay safe this New Year’s Eve – and always get a designated driver!

Fans of Michigan Wolverines football have been left greatly disappointed, as their favorite team finished the 2008 season with only 3 wins and a whopping 8 losses, the most games lost ever in the school’s 129 year history. Obviously this is quite unusual for the Wolverines, who are usually amongst the best teams in college football, and nobody is quite sure what, or who to blame for this poor season. Hopefully they can turn around for 2009 and let Michigan fans know that this was only a fluke in what has already been a long and very prosperous school history at the University of Michigan.

Berry Gordy was born on November 28, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan as the seventh of eight children. In an early effort to strike it rich quickly, Berry dropped out of high school in the 11th grade to pursue a boxing career – which he did until 1950 when he drafted by the U.S. Army for the Korean War. After his return, he enjoyed limited success as a songwriter and singer before deciding to take on the world of record producing. In January of 1959 Berry Gordy borrowed $800 from his family and founded Tamla Records, an R&B Record. Nobody knew that these would be the founding roots of the Motown music scene as have come to know and love it today.

The Detroit Tigers have been all over the place lately – one year they are competitors for the world championship, the next they’re back in their slump. You never know quite what to expect from these guys from one season to the next, and 2008 was no different. In late July they got rid of their popular all-star catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, in a trade to the Yankees for pitcher Todd Farnsworth – a move that disappointed many Tigers fans, and one that still hasn’t really proven to be all that worthwhile, in my opinion. But Jim Leyland knows what he is doing, and I’m sure he has some tricks up his sleeve for the 2009 baseball season.

Well it doesn’t necessarily have to do with Michigan, but it is huge news in the music world – according to Rolling Stone magazine, sources close to the band Phish say that they will be playing in 2009 at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on the farm in Manchester, Tennessee. Many have been doubtful that Phish would play a music festival as they have been known in the past for hosting their very own multi-day fests, but with the recent announcement of a reunion tour in the works, this rumor may finally come to a reality in June of 2009. We’ll just have to wait and see…

The Detroit Red Wings provide Detroit sports fans with consistent, action-packed entertainment every single year – whether you like hockey or not. And that’s why it is no surprised that the Red Wings have finished their 2008 season with a record of 11-2-3, good enough for second place in the Western NHL conference. Though the team is not really a favorite to win the Stanley Cup this year, Detroit fans remain hopeful and with the Detroit Red Wings, anything is possible at any given moment, and indeed this season isn’t going to be over until the fat lady sings. We’ll keep an eye on this one, and you can bet if the Red Wings win the cup again, you’ll hear about it here!

The 3^rd Annual Greensky Bluegrass New Year’s Eve Show has been announced, set to take place at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is an all ages show, and the festivities will kick off at 7:30 pm on December 31. The show will also feature music from special guests Steppin’ In It and Seth Bernard and Daisy May. Tickets for this New Year’s Eve Show in Michigan are $23 in advance or $25 at the door – and this is shaping up to be the place to be on New Year’s Eve if you love Michigan bluegrass music. Time is running out –make your New Year’s Eve plans now!

Although the year 2008 isn’t quite over, there isn’t much time left. And even though this is the Michigan Music Blog, you can’t live in the state without being exposed to sports. With that, we are bringing you a multi-part series that focuses on some of the biggest events that happened in the world of Detroit Sports throughout the year 2008; and as any Michigan sports fan knows quite well, there have been some huge changes indeed. So we are going to take a break just for a moment from the normal bright lights and loud noise of the concert arena, and instead take a look at the bright lights and loud noise from the sports arena.

Well if you were planning on attending the Jagermeister tour featuring Hinder, Trapt and Rev Theory at The Orbit Room on Wednesday, December 17 – don’t bother showing up. Ticket refunds are available at the point of purchase.

For the life of me, I can’t seem to find out a reason why this concert has been cancelled, if anybody knows the reason please feel free to leave a comment here. My only guess however is that the cancellation is due to poor ticket sales in and around Grand Rapids, especially since they haven’t cancelled their December 19 Jagermeister tour date at Clutch Cargo’s in Pontiac, Michigan.

Brand new show announcement:

The band Deicide has just announced their first show to take place in the city of Detroit in over 10 years, set to take place at Harpo’s on Saturday, February 14, 2009. Touring to support what has been called “the fastest and most brutal Deicide album yet”, the four piece will be joined on stage by special guests Till Death Do Us Part, Vital Remains, Order of Ennead and Adrift. Doors open at 6pm, this is an all ages show and tickets are only $20 in advance!

This is a great deal to see 5 great metal bands in Detroit…you don’t want to miss this one!

Gary Storck, director of the Wisconsin-based Madison NORML (National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws) is very pleased with the voter’s decision in the state of Michigan, and he believes that this will open up the door for the states surrounding the Great Lakes to legalize marijuana for medical purposes, as well. After all, if marijuana is the best possible treatment for a patient who would otherwise have no other hope, why shouldn’t they be able to use it, and even gain some comfort from it? Indeed in some cases and some people, it is absolutely the only thing that seems to help.

But what does this mean for marijuana in the state of Michigan? Quite frankly, it doesn’t mean very much. First of all, this will not allow “pot clubs” to open up business like California, and not many people will even be eligible to receive marijuana as a form of medical treatment, anyway - you have to be first diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness. For those who are issued a prescription, you still may face penalty and persecution. As marijuana is still illegal on a federal level, even state propositions like this one cannot guarantee that you can smoke marijuana and get away with it.

With a whopping 63 percent of the vote, Proposition 1 has indeed passed in the state of Michigan, hereby it the 13th state in the country to legalize medical marijuana. This makes it legal for certain patients with specific debilitating diseases and illnesses to purchase, grow and use the cannabis plant for medical purposes. This is a highly controversial debate, and the decision to pass this proposition will no doubt be argued extensively for quite some time to come. However, seeing as how the proposition has already passed here in the state, there will be little that opponents will be able to do now.

Well, as we all know the hottest debate on the election ticket of November 2008 was the race for our new president between Barack Obama and John McCain. However, nearly every state had several propositions on their ballots concerning very important topics and issues that affect them on a local level, rather than a national level. One of these propositions that voters in the state of Michigan had a choice on was known as Proposition 1 - The proposition to legalize medical marijuana in the state. And on November 4, 2008, the citizens of the state of Michigan made their voice heard loud and clear.

Another great New Year’s Eve show, New Years On The Grand is set to take place in Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids, Michigan on of course, Wednesday, December 31.

This party is FREE OF CHARGE and features music from Darryl Worley, The Plain White T’s, The Just Jake Band and dancing lessons from DJ Curtis Avison. If you’re a fan of country music, this is definitely the place to be on New Year’s Eve.

In addition to the live music, there will be a 6 foot ball drop to mark the New Year in grand fashion for New Year’s On The Grand.

According to event organizers, the 2008 Meadowbrook Music Festival was even more than a success, it was a milestone. In order to improve attendance, ticket prices were kept at an absolute minimum, even though the festival still featured some of the huge national acts on tour in 2008 – and it worked! This year’s festival attracted huge crowds, not only from the state of Michigan but from all across the country.

With a record number of sell-out shows, and near record attendance levels in general, you can bet that festival organizers will be looking to improve next year on what was already a great event.

Just about a week ago the Michigan Music Blog went from a Google Page Rank of 0 to a Page Rank of 2 – that means we must be doing something right – how cool is that?

Anyway, it wouldn’t have happened without our hundreds of visitors every month, so keep it coming, and make sure to tell all of your friends about the Michigan Music Blog! Soon to be your absolute definitive source for all music news straight from the state of Michigan – whether it has to do with local bands playing in bars around town, or national bands doing concerts in venues and stadiums, you can find it here on Michigan Music Blog.

More possible bad news on the status of the 2009 Rothbury Music Festival – according to reports in the local newspapers, the Double JJ Ranch and Resort is now being investigated for fraud that has to do with an infrastructure grant that was obtained by the resort in 2004.

What exactly this means for Rothbury 2009 is uncertain – but this certainly isn’t going to help the situation any. Stay tuned to the Michigan Music Blog for more news on this topic as it comes in – I for one still remain hopeful that the Rothbury 2009 Fest will indeed take place at The Double JJ Resort.

Well it’s almost the New Year – you better get in the last few  heavy metal shows you can before the end of 2008 – and The Machine Shop in Flint has some great shows for you to check out before 2009 arrives.

December 5: The Booby Scooter / Stepchain / Revenance

December 6: Sublime Tribute Concert with 40 oz. To Freedom

December 12: Dope (rescheduled show date)

December 13: Rehab w/support TBA

December 16: Candlebox w/support TBA

December 18: Shinedown w/Sore Eyes and Marashino

December 19: Kid Brother Collective w/The Off Ramps

December 20: Mushroomhead Annual Christmas Concert

December 27: Food4Music benefit concert with Girl Scout Hand Grenade and more

Just like at the Intersection, there are some really great shows to check out at the Orbit Room. It’s a good time for any music lovers who live in the city of Grand Rapids right now, that’s for sure.

Saturday, December 6 – Mudvayne (First tour in over three years) with 10 Years and Snot. 16+, Tickets are $30, doors open at 6:30 pm.

Saturday, December 13 – Taking Back Sunday with The Red Jump Suit Apparatus, Envy on the Coast and Sullivan Syke. All ages, tickets $27.50 in advance or $30 the day of the show.

Wednesday, December 17 – Jagermesiter Music Tour with Hinder, Trapt and Rev Theory. All ages, tickets $25 in advance or $28 the day of the show.

Wednesday, December 31 – New Years’ Eve Show with Clutch and Viking Skull. 17+, tickets are $34 and are available now.