Michigan Music Blog

One of the earliest innovators and pioneers of both shock-rock and gothic music, Alice Cooper is also from Detroit, Michigan. Born as Vincent Damon Furnier in 1948, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona after a serious of childhood illnesses.

He has one of the longest musical careers to date; currently spanning 5 decades, and covers all genres from garage punk and rock and roll to heavy metal and even a bit of death metal. Even if he is getting up there in age, his contributions to rock and roll and heavy metal can’t be denied – he has influenced nearly every band out there today in some form or another.

Not many people realize that Stevie Wonder was born in Saginaw Michigan, but indeed he was. In 1950 Stevland Hardaway Judkins was born; he would later change his name to Stevie Wonder and take his chance with the Detroit soul scene at the time. Obviously he would enjoy a great deal of success in the years to come.

Born blind, Stevie signed with Motown records when he was only 12 years of age; he could play the drums, the bongos, the harmonica and more. And while he still plays a variety of instruments to this day, he is mostly known of course for his amazing singing and keyboard skills.

Van Andel Arena hosts many different area attractions, shows and concerts. It is home to the Grand Rapids Griffins ice hockey team, and the Grand Rapids Rampage arena football team.

As a musical venue, it doesn’t get much better than this. The place is beautiful, the acoustics are great and it is plenty big enough to host nearly any musical act. The only down side is the fact that this a non-smoking venue, but again this is becoming more commonplace and I suppose for some people, this is actually a benefit. I’ve been to many shows here, and I’ll be attending many more in the future.

130 West Fulton St

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

To compliment one of the last posts, Michigan Music Blog has a few more listings straight from The Palace of Auburn Hills! Buy your tickets and start making your plans for these shows now!

Monday, November 03, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Coldplay

Tickets at $97.50, $77.50 and $49.50

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

AC/DC

The Palace of Auburn Hills

Tickets on sale Saturday, September 20 at 10 a.m.

Saturday, November 08, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Alan Jackson wsg Trace Adkins and James Otto

Tickets at $75, $55 and $29.50

Sunday, December 07, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Neil Young wsg Wilco and Everest

Tickets at $88, $78 and $53

Robert James Richie, born in Romeo Michigan is probably much better known by his stage name, Kid Rock. Having sold 25 million records worldwide to date, his success cannot be denied and comes mostly from his white-trash attitude and style that he and his backing band, Twisted Brown Trucker present.

Along with singing and songwriting, Kid Rock is also a multi-instrumentalist, playing the guitar, bass, banjo, keyboards, harmonica and more over the years – he also has many various awards and nominations under his belt, and has played roles in numerous television shows and movies. He is also known for his relationship with ex-Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.

Detroit’s Electronic Music Festival (DEMF), which is otherwise known as Movement, has been the premiere festival celebrating electronic music since 2000 in the state of Michigan. Celebrating Memorial Day weekend every year, Past lineups have been a virtual who’s who of rave dj’s and electronic bands of all types and genres. Some names from last year’s festival include Moby and Girl Talk, just to name a couple.

If you are into the DJ/techno/industrial/electronic/rave scene at all, Movement: Detroit’s Electronic Music Festival is definitely the place for you over Memorial Day Weekend – start making your plans now for a spectacular holiday weekend in 2009!

According to news reports ex Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker and DJ AM were critically injured Friday night/Early Saturday morning when the plane they were about to take off skidded off the runway. The duo had just finished a show under the moniker TRVSDJ-AM. The entire crew onboard the plane along with 2 other passengers died as a result of the crash.

The plane was departing from an airport in South Carolina, and its way to Van Nuys, California for the birth of Barker’s assistant’s child – the assistant is believed to have been one of the passengers on board that was killed, while the other one has not yet been named.

DTE Energy Music Theatre, formerly Pine Knob has some good upcoming shows from their own little part of the state in Clarkston, Michigan. While they get some good shows once in a while, it’s just a little bit too far for me to go to regularly. Also, I absolute hate DTE Energy…really, you don’t even want to get me started on that. Anyway, on with the announcements:

Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Tickets at $59.50, $39.50 and $15

Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Mary J. Blige with special guest Robin Thicke

Tickets at $99.75, $79.75, $59.75 and $39.75

For those of you who enjoy your live concerts at The Palace Of Auburn Hills in Detroit, Michigan, we’ve got some upcoming show listings for you.

Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Janet Jackson wsg LL Cool J

Tickets at $129.75, $99.75, $79.50 and $49.75

Monday, September 29, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Weezer wsg Angels & Airwaves and Tokyo Police Club

Tickets at $45, $39.50, and $25

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:30 PM

The Who

Tickets at $79.50, $59.50 and $39.50

Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 8:00 PM

New Kids on the Block and more

Tickets at $78, $58 and $38

Sunday, 9/21/08 8:00PM

Keller Williams With Moseley, Droll & Sipe

Friday, 9/26/08 8:00PM Delerium

Tuesday, 9/30/08 8:30PM Citizen Cope Solo Acoustic Performance

Monday, 10/6/08 8:00PM Ray Lamontagne

Tuesday, 10/7/08 8:30PM Ani Difranco

Wednesday, 10/8/08 9:00PM Mstrkrft, Fist Of God Tour

Thursday, 10/9/08 8:00PM JOE SATRIANI wsg Mountain

Saturday, 10/11/08 6:30PM Motor City Music Festival 2008

Tuesday, 10/14/08 8:30PM The Residents

Friday, 10/17/08 8:30PM  Yngwie Malmsteen: Perpetual World Tour

Saturday, 10/18/08 8:00PM Rufus Wainwright

Monday, 10/27/08 8:00PM Atmosphere Paint The Nation Tour

Friday, 10/31/08 7:30PM Underoath

Sunday, 11/2/08 8:00PM Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band

Friday, 11/7/08 8:00PM Michael Franti & Spearhead

Tuesday, 11/11/08 8:00PM Gov’t Mule Wsg Back Door Slam

Saturday, 11/15/08 8:30PM The Sisters Of Mercy

Saturday, 12/6/08 8:00PM Dragonforce: Ultra Beatdown Tour

Perhaps the originators of horrorcore rap music, the Insane Clown Posse consists of two twisted, demented wicked clowns; Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler). From near Detroit, the Insane Clown Posse has been active on the rap scene for quite some time, when they started off known as the Inner City Posse.

The name changed to the Insane Clown Posse after visions of a dark carnival, which was also the inspiration for their demonic lyrics. Now they keep audiences entertained all over the country by spraying countless bottles of Faygo on them and reciting their twisted rhymes in true superstar fashion.

That’s right, now your #1 source for all the music news in Michigan is now live on MySpace! And we’re off to a good start, but of course, we could still use your help!

Check us out at http://www.myspace.com/michiganmusicblog and add us as a friend, leave a comment or anything else! Also, be sure to tell all of your friends about Michigan Music Blog, this site, and our Myspace Profile…let’s spread the word and make sure the entire state of Michigan stays right on top of all the latest news, tours and events in the world of Michigan Music!

Located in the sleepy little town of Empire, Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunegrass and Blues Festival (gotta love that name!) is a much smaller festival, with an estimated crowd size of roughly 8,000 people. As it is right on the lake, patrons enjoy awesome tunes while the Lake Michigan breeze keeps them cool on the hot afternoons and at night as they’re partyin it up.

They’ve had some pretty big names over the years, as well. Richie Havens (he opened Woodstock – the original in ’69), Buckethead, Keller Williams, Dark Star Orchestra, Bela Fleck, Yonder Mountain String Band, and a host of others. Real relaxed, family atmosphere that is great fun!

Well first the hockey team was the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Then they changed that to the Muskegon Fury. Now they are changing it back to the Muskegon Lumberjacks. I couldn’t be happier! I, like many, never wanted them to change their name and look in the first place – the Lumberjacks were awesome! Don’t get me wrong, the Fury was pretty sweet, too…but in my humble opinion, they had nothing on The Lumberjacks. I can’t wait to go to my first game…I might even pick up a jersey (I used to have an old-school Lumberjacks jersey…I wonder where that’s at…)

GO MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS!

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The resort is expected to be auctioned off to the highest bidder by  October 30, for repayment of loans that were taken out to build the water park, as well as for other construction expenses (apparently the owner, or former owner now, didn’t give the millions of dollars made from the fest to the people he was suppose to). As of right now, the Double JJ Ranch is shut down, except to those who have private residences there and a select few employees to take care of their animals that remain at the ranch.

Besides the Rothbury Music Festival, The Double JJ Ranch has hosted hundreds, if not thousands of events, gatherings and private parties over the years. Hopefully this whole mess can get settled in time for Rothbury 2009. In any event, stay tuned here for more information to come.

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Legendary rock and roll band Tesla will be coming to the Orbit Room! I hope they’ll play some classics, I’m sure they will – but something tells me they might just focus on songs from their new album. New Tesla? I don’t know…it just doesn’t sound all that great to me – call me crazy. That being said, this should be a good show for those into classic rock music.

Saturday, October 18 on the Forever More Tour (to promote their new album, Forever More, which is to be released on 10/07/08)

16+, tickets are $25 in advance or $29 day of show / doors at 6 pm

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Newly announced show!!!

Friday, November 14

Down

At Harpo’s Concert Theatre in Detroit

Down is: Phil Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Rex Brown, Kirk Windstein and Jimmy Bower)

Live Picture Shoot!

Doors 6 pm / all ages

Tickets $25 on sale Saturday, September 13 at Ticketmaster

Last time these guys were here, they ripped it up. For those of you who don’t know, Down is led by front man Phil Anselmo, former lead singer of Pantera and Superjoint Ritual, amongst a few others. Down doesn’t come around very often, so you never know when you’ll have another chance to see them. Make sure you’re at this show!

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The first ever Rothbury Music Festival was held on Jul 3-6 at The Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan. Exact attendance has not been released, but estimates of around 40,000 people attended the ranch, at a ticket price of roughly $250 a pop. But it was well worth it.

Bands like The Dave Matthews Band, Snoop Dogg, Primus, Widespread Panic, 311, Phil Lesh, John Mayer, Trey Anastasio and many, many more all played killer performances over the weekend. Arrests were very limited, and although there were 2 drug related deaths during the weekend, even the Michigan State Police referred to Rothbury as ‘a success’.

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There is always a lot going on in Michigan during the Halloween time. Here’s a sweet show announcement coming up at The Orbit Room. Hope to see you all there (in costumes, of course!)

KLQ And Carnival of Chaos presents The 2^nd Annual Halloween Harvest of Souls

Saturday, October 25^th at The Orbit Room in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Tickets $10 in advance / $13 at the door

Costume Contest and Performances By:

6 Prong Paw, Miss Pussykat and the Devil Dolls, Lungwurm, Release The Crimson, Stockton, Vintage, Theocracide, Wedgg and Pandora

Sponsored by KLQ, The Orbit Room, Purple East, Recoil and The Corner Record Shop

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On April 21, 1947 in Muskegon, Michigan, James Newell Osterberg Jr., better known now by his stage name Iggy Pop was born in Hackley Hospital. Considered to be one of the innovators of punk and garage rock, Iggy Pop has had a few recognized hits such as “Lust For Life” and “Candy”, but for the most part has avoided the mainstream.

Iggy’s early career started in Ann Arbor where he played drums for various bands in the 1960’s. One band, which was known as The Iguanas, is where the young, aspiring musician got his stage name from. But it is with  the Stooges that Iggy Pop became best known for his antics in stage diving, self mutilation and indecent exposure.

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Located in the GHETTO of Detroit, you better be packin heat if you wanna go to a show at Harpo’s – well, not really, but it is in a BAD part of town. Generally speaking you’ll be alright if attending a concert there, since there will be hundreds of others just like you all around. There is free parking available if you can get it, otherwise you’ll have to pay Detroit parking prices, and there never is a guarantee that your car will be there when you get back. I know, I talk a lot of trash about the place, but really I haven’t ever had any bad experiences. Overall, Harpo’s is a good venue, but what’s up with the excessively high stage?Located at I-94 and Chalmers Exit 222A

Unfortunately, I just couldn’t make it this year – but I’m envious of all that did. There’s no doubt they’re all on the grounds right now, celebrating the 35^th annual Wheatland Music Festival. Oh well, I’ll make it this next year, no doubt. But damn do I miss those pancakes-and-sausage-on-a-stick, and the hempzels…ahh now I’m hungry!

Anyway, besides the bands on the stage there are a lot of things going on – arts and crafts, instrument lessons and workshops, and more. Also, you never know when, or even where you’re going to see your favorite Wheatland performer in an impromptu jam-session – so to everybody who is there – have fun, and be safe! See you all when ya get back in town!

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As I mentioned before, there is a little bit offered at the Wheatland Music Festival no matter what your tastes. Here is the complete main stage performer’s schedule:

FRIDAY

6:00-6:40 PM - Pine Leaf Boys

7:00-7:40 PM - Tim Graves and Cherokee

7:55-8:35 PM - David ‘Honeyboy’ Edwards

8:55-9:35 PM - Sole Impact

9:55-10:35 PM - The Freight Hoppers

10:55-11:35 PM - Slide (Ireland)

SATURDAY

12:00-12:40 - Tim Graves and Cherokee

12:55-1:35 - Tarbox Ramblers

1:50-2:30 - Pine Leaf Boys

2:50-3:30 - The Chicken Chokers

3:50-4:30 - David ‘Honeyboy’ Edwards

4:50-5:30 - Slide (Slide)

6:30-7:15 - Dale Watson

7:35-8:20 - Cheryl Wheeler

8:35-9:20 - Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theater Company

9:40-10:30 - The Refugees

11:00-11:45 - Crooked Still

SUNDAY

10:30-11:30 - Gospel Sing

11:50-12:30 - The Refugees

12:50-1:30 - Dale Watson

1:45-2:25 - Cheryl Wheeler

2:45-3:25 - The Chicken Chokers

3:45-4:25 - Crooked Still

4:45-5:30 - Sole Impact

5:50-6:30 - The Cherryholmes Family

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http://www.wheatlandmusic.org/
For those of you who like to stomp your feet while getting down to some good old fashioned bluegrass music, Wheatland is the place you need to be this weekend. Of course, if you live in Michigan, you probably already know that. The Wheatland Music Festival is now in their 35th year, and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Located in Remus, Michigan, The Wheatland Music Festival offers camping in a friendly and lively atmosphere, with a huge stage, a dance hall, restaurants, a kid’s playground and a lot more. There is a little bit here for everybody to enjoy – I hope you all got your tickets!

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September 27th, 2008
Muskegon Metal Fest 2008
All ages show. $5 cover charge.

Palmer Hall
1505 Palmer Ave in Muskegon

Featuring: If He Dies He Dies, Kill Tomorrow, Before The Fire, Fead, Vandal Known As Myth, Dead Silent Orchestra, Ephus and Infinite Design.

This show is gonna be one bad ass show for sure, it features almost all of the great heavy metal bands from the Muskegon area. If you like true metal, you better be there!

Also, don’t miss Kill Tomorrow, Ephus and Before The Fire at The Landmark in Muskegon on September 13th, and check out If He Dies He Dies, Ephus and Infinite Design at Cuties in Muskegon on September 25th!
 

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We at Michigan Music Blog just want to wish everyone a Happy Labor Day! Hope you all enjoyed your extended weekend (we sure did), and as always, I hope you guys got to check out some sweet live music during the weekend (again – we sure did). No matter where you were at in the state, every bar and night club was hype. And of course, there are a lot of great shows coming here in Michigan – so stay tuned to Michigan Music Blog, workin’ hard to bring you all of the hottest and latest music news in the entire state of Michigan.

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