Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Jams

The Process

2007-12-23T18:36:00.000-05:00

The Process is a wild mix of reggae, electronica, and metal.

Opinionated, original, chaotic, and bundles of fun :)

It is honestly hard for me to put their unique sound into words. So I've included a description from their Myspace page.

"The infectious grooving sounds of Detroit's legendary rock reggae sensations THE PROCESS® are making believers of the masses with their blend of high energy rock and the grooving warmth and passion of reggae. THE PROCESS® catalog of recordings crosses barriers and breaks down stereotypes that will keep even the most discriminating listener interested. One reviewer called the groups live performance " a raging sea of sound." Crowds across the country can hardly believe these masters of Rasta madness hail from the motor city.. At larger venues fans are treated to a full blown stage show including lights, smoke, processed 35mm film footage on video walls, props, costumes and an all out visual and musical assault. The raging existance of THE PROCESS® began brewing in 1989 by co-founders David Asher (vocals) and Garrick Owen (guitar), school pals looking to harness their intense creativity and yearning for a just and peaceful world. Soon after the groups inception, Bill Heffelfinger (bassist and programmer) added his profound skills to the group. Holding the grooves together is P-Funk All Star Gabe Gonzalez who brings his powerhouse drumming to THE PROCESS® arsenal! On a mission to fight ignorance, apathy and social retardation, THE PROCESS® has been at the center of attention and controversy , while breaking new ground with their uncompromising attitude and performances. With international internet distribution and swelling radio support around the world, the band is gaining attention and praise from fans and media alike. THE PROCESS® continues to fuel the fire of musical awakening already spreading around the world!" ~http://www.myspace.com/theprocessmusic

http://theprocessonline.com/

bugs Beddow band

2007-12-23T18:09:00.000-05:00

This lively ensemble plays a trombone driven party blues and funk.

They've been rocking the Detroit area for plenty of years now, influenced by motown but they add their own touch of funky flair making it impossible to not move your feet. They've earned Detroit Music Awards for "Best Rythm & Blues Band" in 2000,2002,2003,and 2007 with many more to come I'm sure.

Support the band:

Check out their website for more information and live dates:
http://www.bugsbeddow.com/index.html

Ground Score

2007-12-23T16:45:00.000-05:00

Ground Score is a band from Holly Michigan. They probably prefer not to be categorized by they are heavily influenced by Phish and the jam scene. Filled with energy, rock, psychedelics, and a progressive way of thinking they light up the room. They play everywhere from Saginaw to Ann Arbor so keep a look out for this group in your area.

"Ground Score is a band that believes in musical freedom, improvisation, live fun, and cross genre pollinization.

Ground Score prides itself on gigs that are full of energy given out by the band and reciprocated back by the crowd. Ground Score wants you to shake your ass and have a great time, because they are on stage playing their instruments and having a great time. Symbiosis in energy flow." ~~ Ground Score

Their website

http://www.groundscoreband.com/index.htm

has links for plenty of free downloads and more information on these free spirits.

Personal Faves of 2007

2007-12-23T15:37:00.000-05:00

Amazon.com Widgets

The Ark

2007-12-23T15:16:00.000-05:00

"The Ark is Ann Arbor's nonprofit home for acoustic music. Considered one of the top music clubs in the world, The Ark is renowned for the quality and breadth of its programming. The Ark is an intimate 400-seat club presenting performers who fall into the wide-ranging genres of folk and roots music. With live music nearly 300 nights each year in one of the best listening rooms anywhere, The Ark is a sure bet for a memorable evening of enriching entertainment, musical artistry, and personal warmth." ~ www.theark.org

This venue is by far one of my favorites in Ann Arbor. It just doesn't get more intimate than this acoustic setting. It feels as though your enjoying your own personal performance by some of the greatest artists you could imagine. Recently they had a night with New Orleans finest Dr. John, other artists such as Victor Wooten, Cowboy Junkies, and Johnny Winter have all performed at this amazing venue. They have something for everybody at any given date, show prices range from free to upwards fifty dollars.

The Ark is located at 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Office: (734) 761-1800; Hotline: (734) 761-1451; MySpace: www.myspace.com/annarborark.

Sprout

2007-12-23T12:19:00.000-05:00

Sprout is a Jam Band locally from Saginaw, Mi. They describe themselve's as so...

"If Yes and Led Zeppelin were in a wrestling match with Jerry Garcia as special guest referee... "

They most definitely have the flowing grooves that Led Zeppelin and The Dead had in coming. The guitar flys up in and down the scales creating a harmonic, upbeat, and jammy melody. All in all he (Aaron Johnson) is a very talented guitarist and this group seems to have no limits. Their tunes change frequently from different genres, though they leave most of the rocking to the instruments there are a few vocals here and there. Aaron's psycedelic voice and lyrics really add a special Pink Floyd touch to their sound.

Here is a video

Sprout @ Reggie's 10-6-07 Chicago

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Upcoming shows:

12/28/2007 10:00 PM - White’s Bar
2609 State St., Saginaw, Michigan 48602 - $3

12/31/2007 10:00 PM - Privates Party
, Saginaw, Michigan - $100

01/04/2008 10:00 PM - White’s Bar
2609 State St., Saginaw, Michigan 48602 - $3

18 and Up
01/12/2008 03:00 PM - Benefit @ The Empire Club
1201 Washington Ave., Bay City, Michigan 48708 - $5,$7

We had our trailer stolen along with its contents, so show your support and come out to help us raise some cash. $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Ticket info: (989)324-0181 Thanks to Mike and Mick for putting this together.
01/19/2008 10:00 PM - White’s Bar
2609 State St, Saginaw, 48602 - $3

18 and Up
01/25/2008 10:00 PM - Hamilton St. Pub
308 S. Hamilton St., Saginaw, Michigan 48602 - $3

01/26/2008 09:30 PM - Indian Barry’s
505 E Midland, Bay City, Michigan - $3

02/02/2008 07:00 PM - The Last Waltz @ Pit & Balcony
, Saginaw, Michigan 48602 - tba

Sprout presents The Bands Last Waltz. Details to be announced.
02/16/2008 10:00 PM - White’s Bar
2609 State St., Saginaw, Michigan 48602 - $3

02/23/2008 09:00 PM - The Gate
, Big Rapids, Michigan - tba

02/28/2008 10:00 PM - Hamilton St. Pub
308 S. Hamilton st., Saginaw, Michigan 48602 - $3

02/29/2008 09:30 PM - Indian Barry’s
505 E Midland, Bay City, Michigan - $3

03/01/2008 09:30 PM - Indian Barry’s
505 E Midland, Bay City, Michigan - $3

03/17/2008 10:00 PM - White’s Bar-St. Patrick’s Day
2609 State St., Saginaw, Michigan 48602 - $3

03/28/2008 10:00 PM - Hamilton St. Pub
308 S. Hamilton St., Saginaw, Michigan 48602 - $3

04/11/2008 09:30 PM - Indian Barry’s
505 E Midland, Bay City, Michigan - $3

04/12/2008 09:30 PM - Indian Barry’s
505 E Midland, Bay City, Michigan - $3

Back Forty

2007-12-22T23:19:00.000-05:00

Back Forty hails from the city of Ann Arbor. They describe themselves as "Down Home Funkgrass", I find this a perfect way to describe this funky, jazzy, soul full group. They have an original sound unlike any other, it is as if Stevie Wonder, Jerry Garcia, Santana, and Mike Gordon had an orgy and gave birth to Back Forty.

Not only are their albums spectacular sounding, their live show is out of this world. I had the pleasure of seeing them at the Blind Pig in downtown Ann Arbor. They bring an energy to the stage that amazes. I've never seen anyone get down on a fiddle like Colin Murphy. They bring a whole new meaning to bluegrass. One minute your listening to a sensational take on Santana's Jingo, next a classic bluegrass tune, then your embraced by Dark Side of the Moon cover, and finally back to a foot stopping funky original Back Forty jam. All that is left is a shot of good whiskey to really get the party rolling, okay you can skip the whiskey if thats not your thing, but either way you will have an incredible experience witnessing a Back Forty show.

Check out this video: Something About You

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You can check them out here:

http://www.backfortymusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/backforty

This is a their most recent schedule for upcoming shows:

Date: Saturday, January 12, 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Venue: Founders Brewing Co
Time: 10:00pm
Address: 235 Grandville Ave Sw
Phone: 616-776-1195
Info: WSG Treetown Underground

Date: Saturday, January 19th, 2008
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Venue: TC's Speakeasy
Time: 10:00pm
Address: 207 W Michigan Ave
Phone: (734) 483-4470
Info: WSG/ The Great Divide and Treetown Underground

Date: Friday January 25th
Location: Flint, MI
Venue: Purple Moon Night Club
Time: 8 p.m.
Address: 2525 S. Dort Highway
Phone: 810-424-9579
Info: www.purplemoonnightclub.com opening for Covert Ops

Date: Saturday February 9th
Location: Columbus, OH
Venue: Skullys
Time: 9 p.m.
Address: 1151 N. High Street
Phone: 614-291-8856
Info: Opening for the Spikedrivers

Date: Saturday February 23rd
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Venue: Founders Brewing Co
Time: 10:00pm
Address: 235 Grandville Ave Sw
Phone: 616-776-1195
Info: WSG The Werks

Date: Friday June 27
Location: Marquette, MI
Venue: Up Front and Company
Time: 9 p.m.
Address: 102 E. Main Street
Phone: 906-228-5200
Info: Back Forty All Night