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1994! and Big Kids at The Strutt
11 August 2010 | Uncategorized | No Responses
Wednesday night I hit the Strutt to see a couple of bands that sparked my interest. A couple of local bands were playing as well as a couple from out of town. Unfortunately the show didn’t start until well after nine. But it’s summer time and we have to live for the nights. Or at least that’s what I got out of Grease.
The first band to play was Village and Oak. A friend of mine pointed out that the name wasn’t that clever. It’s all about location these days. The first thing that pops into my mind is the Shitty Beatles. yet names do not matter these days. If I had to make a comparison, this band smacks of Bridge and Tunnel and were very good. Emotional rock that’s not too fast and not too slow. This was the bands last show with drummer Kellen, let’s hope they can find a solid replacement.
Next to hit the stage was 1994! (what is with exclamation points these days) I first heard of these guys a couple of years ago reading an articles about the Fest and was the band I really came to see. The duo plays hard-hitting rock and roll that’s very technical and when played live was very tight. Unfortunately the vocals did nothing for the band. I think this would have put it over the top for me. What made up for it was the tattoo on the singer/guitarists stomach that read “Never Say Diet”.
The next band to play was Big Kids from Oakland, California. I prepped the show with a listen to the songs these guys had on the Internet. The first thing that ran across my mind after hearing the first song was Jawbreaker. I can’t say that their set was like that though. Just good, laid-back poppy rock music with a bass player that was entertaining enough alone. If you ever get the chance I highly suggest checking them out.
Last to play The Reptilian. For those of you who haven’t seen these local rockers, they are not an easy one to pin down musically. Lots of finger tapping, heavy drums, screaming, and more fender deville than one man needs (just ask this guy). I don’t personally get it but many other people do. Unfortunately I had to leave half way through their set. It was getting late and the bills are going to pay themselves, kids.
I hadn’t been to The Strutt in a while and something seemed a little off that night. It certainly wasn’t the two dollar PBR. That actually made me feel pretty good. I guess I can’t explain it. Maybe I’ll have better luck next time.
sunday social #48 – summer vacation
26 July 2010 | Uncategorized | No Responses
Last friday I took a vacation. Rachel and I decided to go up north for a few days and see the sights. I hadn’t taken this much time off of work in the last five years so I thought, what the hell, let’s do it.
So friday started on a different note. I played in the Mona Shores Sailor Classic. Which is a golf outing for Mona Shores High, my almamater. I have a love hate relatoinship with this golf outing. I always see a lot of people I miss and enjoy being around as well as a bunch of people I could care less to. It was good though, we ended fourteen under. And Jeff got iced.
So the next day, Rachel and I headed north. Mackanaw to was the first stop. I had never been through the actual city. It was a neat little town. My favorite bar was The Admiral’s Table. I got to paruse it a while Rachel hit the sack. I met a nice couple from the Detroit area. Oh, and I rode a tandem bike.
The next day were headed for the U.P. Our first stop was Tahquamenon Falls. Apparently it’s one of the biggest waterfalls around. I didn’t really know what to expect. If there is one thing I have learned on this trip was I’m not much of a woodmen. Here’s a little bit of the action:
Next we headed to Munising. It rained most of the drive which was fine because there is a whole lot of nothing in that area. And there really isn’t much in once you get to the town. We ate at the dogpatch for some very subpar pizza and had more breakfast than I probably have in my life. We did take a boat tour though that takes you up the coast almost 40 miles and back. It sprinkled a tad at the very end, other than that the weather was good. The captain was unintentionally entertaining to me. I had a good impression of him down by the end of the trip.
The next mourning it was back to Muskegon. We debated stopping in Traverse City for the night but it didn’t happen. At least I can knock this one off the bucket list.
sunday social #47 – 2010 halfway, even if it’s a tuesday
6 July 2010 | Uncategorized | No Responses
When life throws you meatballs…you cook ‘em eat the shit out of ‘em. As least that’s what I have learned over the course of the last five days. Not only have I turned 28, but the fourth of July happened, I had a birthday party at The Brownout, and I have my front yard is basically completed. What does this all mean? I don’t really know.
This little vacation wasn’t just work work work. I ate and drank like a king. In fact, I think I think I gained about 10 pounds. And the fact that I haven’t been to the gym in a month just adds to it. With that being said, the gym in the first place to hit in the morning. Then take no prisoners. It was just a little weird because I don’t normally take vacation like this, it’s more like one off days throughout the year. And there was no traveling. That creates time in itself.
The party last Friday was a lot of fun. My friends and most of my family came down to celebrate a year of me getting older (and my twin brother). But as most say, tomorrow is another day. I am a year older and eight dollars richer thanks to my birthday bow. Here is a picture of it in action and and a thanks to Adam for taking it (I would embed the one he posted to facebook, but unfortunately that option is not available). It was cool, cool it’s first time back. Hoping to head there before the years end.
All in all, the first half of the year’s been good. I have a new workspace, I am contributing to a local music blog, and the playing music thing is looking up. As for my programming endeavors, I have something planned for that. I am looking to launch joey marinara within the next two weeks. Details on that later. It could be what we are all looking for. And when I say all, I mean me.
Dear Landlord
16 June 2010 | Uncategorized | 1 Response
I saw Dear Landlord on Monday night at Mac’s Bar in East Lansing. I’ve been listening to Dream Homes regularly for the last year and the live show these guys put on did not disappoint. Tom Izzo’s back and the entire town I think was ecstatic. I slightly remember driving by Crunchy’s on my way out of town.
It was defintely one of the best shows I’ve seen at Mac’s. Although, I haven’t really been to a bad one (the Gaslight Anthem show with thirty other people is ringing a bell) and Off With Their Heads wasn’t bad. Regardless, they have there, according to Jason, the best pinball game ever made. I don’t know if I’d personally go that far, but it sure was fun.
Sometimes you can’t control rock ‘n roll. You let it control you.
Helen L. Tretheway
9 June 2010 | Uncategorized | No Responses
Well, I don’t really know what to say other than Nana is finally gone. She lived to be 90 years old. Faught cancer for the last 10 years. I’ll never forget that Christmas day about six years ago when I went over to her house only to see her sick as a dog and unable to get out of bed. It was never the same after that. She couldn’t even make it to my wedding because she was feeling so bad that day. So, as most say, it was almost a blessing in disguise. Kate and my aunt Kay can finally sleep well tonight knowing that she is not going to suffer anymore.
But we can’t focus on the bad parts. She lived a long full life and not only inspired my mother’s friends, but mine as well. Every time you thought she was down and out she came right back up. Even until the last time I saw her she told me I look like I am gaining weight. Oh, and that only the good die young. She was a real character even in her last days.
She will be missed. When I do get to go to Australia one day, I’ll certainly be thinking of her.
sunday social #46 – wing challange
9 May 2010 | Uncategorized | No Responses
Mother’s day is here again. This day should be a tough one for me, but never really is. I guess I’m surrounded by great, mother-like people in my life and this I am very grateful for. It’s not like I don’t think about my mother though and we the world would be like if she was still here.
So last night Rachel, Dave and I were on the prowl for some dinner. After not only striking out at BW3′s (it was full) and TGI Friday’s (because there was a fire in the kitchen and we got coupons) we were all still kind of on the wing tip (no pun intended) and decided to hit up Wings Etc. For those of you who have never been, it’s basically like a BW3′s with a different vibe (and different wings, but in my eye, nothing tops bdubs). It just so happens they have a wing challenge in which, if completed, you get your name and picture on the “Wall of Flame”. The rules are simple, eat 16 wings covered in the hottest sauce they have without drinking any liquid and there is no time limit.
Ever since the show Man vs. Food has come to network television Dave’s always talking about how he wants to do a food challenge. And every time a challenge comes up he finds a way to back out. Well this time I told him if he did it, I would as well. After a little ho-humming around and the help of the waitress he finally agreed. The challenge was on and the suspense began. It was one of the longest 20 minutes of my life.
The first thing that comes to my mind is fear that I can’t even eat 16 wings, let alone covered in the wall sauce. I really wasn’t that hungry, but maybe it was just the alcohol suppressing it. It was time. The wings came out and I dug in. I went for speed. I thought the quicker I get them down, the quicker I’d be done. Even though there was a time limit, I don’t see how anyone could take their time unless they had a tongue of steel.
About half way in, I looked down at my basket and I still had 8 more to go. My mouth was on fire, my face was flush, I was sweating prefusly and I was only half way done. I was close to throwing in the towel. Even the thought of it is making my cheeks flare up.
Finally, I was down to the last wing. With the cheering of Dave, Rachel and the waitress I took it like a champ. With my mouth on fire, I chugged the rest of my beer and raised my hands in accomplishment. Then it was off to the bathroom for the post game clean up. Prior to this, I had only eaten a couple of these walls in one sitting. 16 is an entirely different level.
About fifteen minutes later, Shaun showed up and did the challenge himself. Although he has a higher tolerance for hot things than myself, it was amusing to watch someone go though what I just did.
The question is, would I ever do it again? I don’t know. Maybe some day and it won’t be for a very long time. Just the smell of the sauce would probably make me nauseous and drunk on chicken wings is no place I want to be to any time soon. I did leave my mark though and unless Wings Etc. on 9th St. goes out of business anytime soon, Dave and I will be remembered.
sunday social #45 – off to get a sandwich
2 May 2010 | Uncategorized | No Responses
I’m not one for memes. Especially when it comes to the internet. I read punknews.org on a regular basis and there is a meme where when a band breaks up, readers comment on the story by suggesting a favorite sandwich. See their Wikipedia page for the back story. It’s even gone as far as a band naming themselves after it.
We are in the thick of the 2010 NHL playoffs here in Michigan and the red wings are still hanging on. Hockey, to me, is the greatest sport ever and, well, sometimes we get robbed. I was in Muskegon this past weekend and spent my lunch/afternoon with my old man. He was telling me how the Mona Shores high school hockey team got robbed of a go-ahead goal in the state semi-finals because the goal judge didn’t see it because he was busy eating a sandwich. This is where both hockey and the sandwich meme are coming into play.
I played hockey for Mona Shores in high school. We won the state championship when I was in the 12th grade. I scored a goal in the final game and it was one of the most exciting times of my life. I honestly believe that day we set some sort of path for the organization. But to imagine if something like youtube was around in the year 2000, or any year before 2005, the Michigan high school hockey association (or life, for that matter) would be totally different.
Trenton went on to win the state championship this year.