"Santa!? I Know HIM!" And he's Coming to TC

Bob Bernard and Kailin Yong: HARVEST QUEEN

Porterhouse Productions - At last year's Earthwork Harvest Gathering, Bob Bernard and Kailin Yong met for the first time and spent hours every evening playing waltzes together and cultivating a deep kinship. Bob Bernard grew up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the son of two fiddlers, and has spent the last 35 years of his life tending bees, cattle, running a sawmill, educating, farming, fathering and fiddling on Earthwork Farm, where the Harvest Gathering takes place. Kailin grew up in Singapore and studied classical music at the Vienna Conservatory in Austria before expanding into jazz, folk and world-influenced styles while living in New York, San Francisco and, currently, Boulder. While Kailin is a virtuoso violinist, he considers himself a “fiddler for peace” and is a connoisseur of authentic beauty. Kailin found a profound earthy soul in Bob's music. Bob, having played these waltzes for most of his adulthood, felt them coming to life with energy and discovery while playing with Kailin. And so, together with Bob's son Seth Bernard, they recorded an exquisite album of waltzes at Heart Center Studios in Big Rapids, Michigan on December 9th and 10th, 2011, thanks to the generosity of the Erlewine family. The sessions were magical, culminating on the second day of the session, which was a full moon eclipse and also Bob’s 67th birthday. The album’s 16 waltzes include 12 instrumentals and 4 songs featuring the lovely harmony vocals of the Bernard girls (Jen, Wendy and May Erlewine Bernard). The album’s title track was written by Seth Bernard to honor the waltz matriarch, Grandma Jeannette Bernard, who was Marquette’s Harvest Queen in 1931. We hope you will join us, waltzing in the cradle of three-quarter time, and help us celebrate the release of "Harvest Queen”. Saturday Dec 1st @ Good Work Collective, Traverse City.  Doors @ 6:30 Show @ 7 Tix $10

Bihlman Brothers @ Union St. Station; TC

Let the good times roll!  Local (Traverse City) brothers have been kickin' out the jams for quite some time now, along with acquiring a little award called an Emmy.  An honor that goes along way in the music industry.  The Bihlman Brothers bluesy/rock/country/non-pop tunes have been around the Northern Michigan scene for a long time, with appearances including the Cherry Festival, opening up for Kid Rock, P!nk, Ted Nugent, Ray Charles, Johnny Lang, Charlie Daniels and local favorite Kenny Olsen, plus many more.  The Brothers now are coming back to Traverse City to perform at Union St. Station this weekend and take a shot at the Reality TV thingy.  Rumors have it that they will be filming some shots for the pilot this weekend, so we encourage all those wanna be stand ins to come down to check it out,  If nothing else, just get down there to enjoy the incredible talents of these "Blood Brothers". That's this Saturday, Dec. 1st @ Union St. Station, Traverse City, MI.

Get a Dose of Jedi Mind Trip

For those of you lucky enough to remember the 80s party NorthernSpin put on a few years ago, will ddefinitely remember the band who took us back in time.  That band was Jedi Mind Trip and what a trip it was.  JMT is Michigan's premier retro rock band.  Traveling through time bringing their sounds to your ears. Let them take you on a ride through that tubular history of music this Saturday, Dec. 1st at the Southside Hideout in Buckley, MI.  Mullets, Aqua net, legwarmers, and swatches are requested but not required.  You know you have some of that fashion itchin' to get out of your closet. So come on down (or up) to Southside Hideout and Rock this Town inside out!

Christmas With the Rat Pack

Olympia Entertainment - Detroit’s Fox Theatre will take a trip back in time this holiday season to join the company of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. for Christmas with The Rat Pack – Live at The Sands during a limited eight performance engagement, Tues., November 27 through Sun., December 2; part of the Fifth Third Bank Fox Theatre Series.

Christmas with The Rat Pack – Live at The Sands, will transport audiences to the glamorous, glitzy nights of Las Vegas in the late 1950s and early 60s to celebrate three of the world’s most popular entertainers, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. performing at the famous Sands hotel. Together with the fabulous Burrelli Sisters and The Rat Pack Big Band, the festive show will host seasonal classics including ’Baby it's Cold Outside,” ’Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” ’Let it Snow, Let it Snow,” ’White Christmas,” ’Winter Wonderland”; and the unforgettable Rat Pack hits ’Witchcraft,” ’Mr. Bojangles,” ’I've Got You Under My Skin,” ’That's Amore,” ’Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime,” ’New York, New York,” ’Fly Me to the Moon,” ’Sway,” ’Volare,” ’Me And My Shadow,” ’My Way,” ’Memories Are Made Of This” and many more.
Read more here... http://www.olympiaentertainment.com/default.asp?olympia=46&objId=573

Old Friends Share the 'Sounds of Silence'

From the guys that brought you the awesome entertainment at the first and second CherryT Ball Drop, New Years Celebration and the first and second Fall Crawl, a popular downtown Traverse City shin-dig, comes an event you'll never forget.

Oldfriends-sgtribute.com - There is no other Simon & Garfunkel tribute show that even comes close. Old Friends pays ultimate homage to this amazing American duo in their most memorable performance ever and stays true to the beauty of their timeless songs. Jason & Nick's warm, blending harmonies, crisp guitar work and attention to every detail make Old Friends the premier Simon & Garfunkel tribute show.
MyNorth.com - Old Friends is a stunning recreation of Simon & Garfunkel's 1981 Concert in Central Park. Mrs. Robinson, Homeward Bound, Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Boxer, Scarborough Fair, The Sounds of Silence... are just a few of the featured songs that have made Simon & Garfunkel one of the most successful and beloved artists of all time. Performed by Jason Elsenheimer & Nick Foresman.
$15; tickets available at Insideout Gallery or www.mynorthtickets.com.

This memorable performance will take place Friday, November 30th @ InsideOut Gallery

A Day For Giving Thanks!

As I was running late, on the trip to work this morning, I hit this chunk of rock or something.  As it shot out from my tires, which I just bought, I hear a very loud clunk.  My first thought was flat tire or damaged rim.  Ugh!  As I pulled over to check it out, I noticed the tires are fine and rim is fine, however, the skirting on the passenger, looked like a tuna can ripped opened with a dull knife. As I got back in the vehicle, a State Trooper pulls up, fortunately to see if I'm OK. A rough morning to start the day.  I wasn't feeling very thankful and quite frankly pissed at the world, but I decided to look at it another way.
If it wasn't for the new tires, I would of had a flat AND damaged rim and who knows what.  To have a Trooper stop by on a desolate road was rare, but what if I was stranded or hurt and he didn't stop by? By stopping the car to check it out, it's possible that it saved me from hitting a dear, another vehicle and yes...even from getting a speeding ticket.  So many scenarios could of happened differently, and for the worst.  So I'm thankful they didn't.  I'm also thankful God gave me the ability to see it differently, optimistically.  With so many negative things happening in the world today, there seems to be a lot of focus on what's going wrong. So today, regardless of who you spend the holiday with, and where you spend it, just find one thing you can be thankful for and focus on that, then focus on something else the next day.   Remember, don't let life rock you, but instead, go with the roll. Have a Great Thanksgiving you Jive Turkeys

Serving up Some Funktion at Short's Brewery

Once you click on the video you'll see why Short's Brewery in Bellaire, MI will be the place to be the night after Thanksgiving. Funktion will blow your mind and give ya something to be thankful for...music. That's this Friday, November 23rd in Bellaire, MI

Little Bohemia: 80 Years in Business!

LITTLE BOHEMIA celebrates 80 years in business (same location, only one change of ownership in 1969) on Wednesday, November 21, 2012! 
Eighty years in business means someone holds the recipe to excellence in customer service and giving the folks of Traverse City a great show.  Little Bohemia (previously known as Lil' Bo's), has been serving up some great music over the past several years and you'll be able to catch just a sample of that this Wednesday night.  Be sure to show up early and take advantage of the fine food they will be serving up.
Here's the deets:
The party starts at 3pm with music starting at 4pm with THE ACCIDENTALS featuring Zax Watson and Billy Strings until 7:30pm followed by RON GETZ TRIO from 8:30pm to 11.30pm! They'll have FREE APPS from 3pm until their gone and DRINK & BEER SPECIALS! In addition, they are having a 1930's BEST DRESSED CONTEST! Best Couple: Best Female: Best Male will win Little Bohemia Gift Certificates! The top 3 in each category will be selected by the staff and the winners will be chosen by customer applause at 9:30pm! Come and celebrate with them!

Brew Invites You to Celebrate 1st Year

It's been an incredible year for Brew of Traverse City.  Off to a great start and no plans to slow down.  Brew was open one year ago with one thing in mind; A great product, with great service.  Oh and let's throw some great music in there on Sundays and let's give them free Internet.  This is a perfect formula for a successful business, especially in Traverse City, where options for places to "hang", socialize, and just be apart of the scene, are on the rise.  Brew offers more than great music, service, and free Internet.  They have a large, and well thought out variety of coffee and tea products, some of the Nation's finest craft brews and food that will satisfy the pickiest of tastes.  Come celebrate Brew's 1 Year Anniversary this Friday, Nov. 23rd and fine out for yourself what all the 'buzz' is about. (ha, get it? Buzz?)

GWAR. Need I Say More?

At rockin' theatrical display, to say the least.  According to Wikipedia, GWAR has been defined as a satirical heavy metal band.  Well known for its elaborate science fiction/horror inspired costumes, obscene lyrics and graphic stage performances
The band's characteristic costumes are generally made of foam latex, Styrofoam, and hardened rubber. The costumes cover very little, with the rest of their bodies accentuated with makeup. They further their production in concert by spraying their audiences with mostly "harmless" fluids.
Even with projectiles that seem to be "harmless", I would suggest wearing a rain poncho, wet suit, or start a need fashion fad by wearing a garbage bag with holes cut out.  Either way, come for the music or come for the fun GWAR will NOT disappoint.  Check them out live in Grand Rapids, MI at the Intersection, Tuesday, November 20th.

Thanksgiving With Uncle Kracker

Uncle Kracker always packs the house when he comes to Traverse City, MI.  I think he may like coming here as much as we enjoy having him visit.  Ground Zero Nightclub, inside Streeter's Entertainment Center, will be filled with the most thankful fans on November 24th (that's a Saturday).  Uncle Kracker started his music scene running around with the likes of Kid Rock and our hometown hero Kenny Olson. Making a career of his own, UK has been very successful and with two days after Thanksgiving, you can see why.  Come check him out with other special guests at Ground Zero Nightclub, Nov. 24th.

Don Julin is no Dummy

Don Julin has been making the scene in Northern Michigan for several years.  A well respected, well known and very talented musician.  So talented, he was able to share his love and passion  for the mandolin and teach us "Dummies" how to share his fondness for the instrument.
Join us for Don Julin's "Mandolin for Dummies" Book Brouhaha this Sunday @ 4:00pm, November 18th, 2012.  "Where?" you say?  Glad you asked. Don and his entourage will be at Left Foot Charley located in the Grand Traverse Commons area, 806 Red. Dr. Traverse City, MI.
Come celebrate!  "Books will be available for purchase, LFC's exquisite nectar to enjoy & live music for your ears."
For more information about Don, his book and his schedule, go to www.donjulin.com

What's the Spin on DJ DomiNate?

One of Northern Michigan's top DJs is making his mark in the music spinning scene.  His name is DJ DomiNate and he's spinning out of control.  Here's your chance to hear what all the noise is about.  DJ DomiNate will be playing Wednesday night at Union Street Station in Traverse City with a side trip to Streeter's on Nov. 21st.  Check out what others have said:

"Dj DomiNate is an absolute can't miss! The Best club DJ in Northern Michigan, and it's not close."
-  Matt Mansfield Afternoon drive Jock Today's Best Hits, Z93 WJZQ, 92.9 fm

"DJ Dominate is a top DJ in our now age of diverse music.  I have had him headline festivals and shows where over 35,000 have seen or been moved by his innate ability to play any crowd and send people away extremely happy.  Dominate is bound for glory with the capacity to tour globally and ability to play any atmosphere from a 10,000 capacity festival to a 100 capacity club"   -   Sam Porter, Porterhouse Productions

For a schedule of DJ DomiNate sightings, check out the [Event Calendar] section of NorthernSpin.com

Bring the Kids to the Three Little Pigs.

City Opera House - Think you know the real story behind the huffing and puffing? Think again. There’s only one individual who knows the true story about one wolf, three houses and three little pigs: Alexander T. Wolf. In this revealing, no-squealing adaptation of Jon Scieszka’s popular book, A. Wolf tells his side of the story. He only wanted a cup of sugar and he had a cold. Mr. A. Wolf tells all about what really happened to those three little houses made of straw, sticks and bricks and the pigs who lived in them. Featuring the award-winning Paul Mesner Puppets, this entertaining puppet production is perfect for the family.

This event is for the all the children in life, no matter what age.  Two shows on Saturday, November 24th @ 11am & 1:30pm.  Please contact COH for more info. http://www.cityoperahouse.org

Veteran's Day 2012

There are certain celebrations that just aren't compatible with the introduction using the word "happy", but we see it , or say it too often.  Happy Memorial Day &  Happy Veteran's Day are perfect examples.  Although this was a time in history worth celebrating it wasn't a happy time.
 I guess what I'm trying to say is, let's not lose sight of what this day is all about.  Start by honoring those men and women that have served in the Armed Services, and thank a Vet with your love, support & respect.

I would like to celebrate today with thanking my father, Harry Sweebe, for his service to our beautiful country and wish him a wonderful and beloved birthday as well! Love ya Pops!

Thank you Veterans and may God continue to bless America.

16th Annual Poet's Night Out

It reminds of the movie "So I Married an Axe Murderer."  Picture the scene when Mike Meyers is standing on stage, with a lit cigerette, in a dimmly lit coffee house. In a time when you could smoke and be entertained at the same time, the words "Woman!" "Whoaaaaa...MAN!" are called out from the stage.  A classic scene respenting poets from everywhere.  It may not be exactly the same format or Hollywood scene you're used to, but I'm pretty sure it will still be pretty cool as well as entertaining.
So apparently, several poets in the area have submitted their work months ago, has been judged and selected to be presented in front of hundreds.  If you need more info on this shindig, contact the City Opera House and tell 'em NorthernSpin sent ya.  Ok, enjoy! This Sunday, November 11th.

Who's Dick Wagner and Where Can I Find Him?

Rock 'n' Roll's most famous guitarist and songwriter you've never heard about.  Dick Wagner has been in the business for over 40 years and has written and played some of the most popular songs in Rok 'n' Roll history.  He's performed with hundreds of other incredibly talented folks.  Perhaps this bit from the Official Dick Wagner Site says it best:

Wagner, the often "Invisible Virtuoso," takes readers on a literary journey as he shares a lifetime of experience as lead guitarist and songwriter for international rock icons including Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Air Supply, and more. In his captivating, witty, literate, and often touching memoir, Wagner delivers colorful tales of reckless behavior and intimate debauchery with an emotional reverberation that resonates with a wide reading audience. It’s not just "sex, drugs and Rock & Roll.” From industry successes and failures, to personal struggles with family and relationships, “Not Only Women Bleed” is a hard-driving, heart-driven life scripture, vividly and joyfully conveyed.  Read more here...http://www.wagnermusic.com/news.htm

Dick has made several trips to Northern Michigan, which included a few stops in Traverse City.  Most recently, back in October DW stopped at Horizon Books for a book signing and then a performance that evenning at the InsideOut Gallery.  For those who missed him up here, you'll have a few chances to see him downstate.  Nov. 10th @ Barnes & Mullins Bookstore - Brighton AND Nov. 11th @ The BookBeat - Oak Park.  This is a must check out show.  Peace out!

Make That JOURNEY to Grand Rapids, LOVERBOY.

Ok Michigan, this could be your last chance to see three of the most iconic bands of the 80s and quite possibly all time.  Journey along with special guests Pat Benetar & Loverboy will hit the stage for your listening pleasure this Saturday November 10th in Grand Rapids, MI at the Van Andel Arena.  A nice intimate venue to ensure pure enjoyment.
I'm serious, just think about an evening that will help you time travel back to a time that is embedded in your mind as the best music of our time. If you can't go, and I'm sure it's not from a lack of interest, but prior commitments, be sure to share this with all your friends.  Remember, even after the election, you can still rock in America. (I know, that was a Night Ranger reference, but stay tuned, you might be hearing about them soon.  Who knows.) Rock on!  \m/ (>.<) \m/

Election Day!

It's a big day for many.  The election has an effect on so many people for many different reasons, concerned about the economy, concerned about their job, or concerned about healthcare.  Who's gonna be president? Who's gonna take care of us? Who will lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from evil? (oops that's for a different  post).

No matter what your concerns are, your political views, your choice of party, just remember a few things.
1) Your vote counts- GO DO IT!
2) Let your conscience be your guide.
3) It's still a great country!
4) This is a great video by Alice Cooper.
 And remember...
5) Who ever wins, will be our President.

God bless you and God bless America!

Asleep at the Wheel Will Wake You up, Nov. 12th

CityOperaHouse.com reports:  Nine-time Grammy- winning Texas swing band, Asleep at the Wheel, performs at City Opera House on Monday, November 12, 2012 -7:30 pm.   Asleep at the Wheel, the famed western-swing, boogie, and roots-music outfit that’s, amazingly, is still on the upswing . That’s saying something too, considering the group’s been around for nearly 40 years, turning out an incredible 25+ albums while playing an unrelenting schedule of one-nighters that would make a vaudevillian dizzy. 
"These guys are still kicking it after 40 years! Fun, funny, tight band with some new blood fitting right in. I'd see them live any time..." -Concert goer, Portland, OR
Can a wheel reinvent itself while it’s still rolling? Sounds like an impossible task -- but you never want to say "impossible" to Asleep at the Wheel. Even as the Wheel rolled on, the reinvention had begun.  On Nov. 12th  you can see and hear it in their live show, where new vocalist Elizabeth McQueen invites comparison with the classic female vocalists of the band’s earlier era, and fiddler-singer Jason Roberts gives the band a second male lead voice to complement Benson’s immediately identifiable baritone.
"Best Wheel show since the last time I saw them in '72. Their new vocalist is a wonderful addition …Ray has still got it... Voice and guitar licks are right on time and unmistakable Wheel. There not just for old folks. My 24 year old son was "in the groove" too..." -June 2012, Ticketmaster Fan Review
Ok, even though I have never had the pleasure of seeing this band in concert, I'm tempted to go simply because it's going on at the Opera House in Traverse City.  
Every show I've been to there has certainly helped me leave with the utmost satisfied feeling.  So  I guess we'll see ya there Nov. 12 (that's a Tuesday).

Yo! Set Your Clocks Back!

Today is the night we set our clocks back to conform to the Daylight Savings Time (DST) method.  So, keeping it in the spirit of the political season, we listed the controversy between the Proponents and the Opponents, as found in the Wikipedia:

Proponents of DST generally argue that it saves energy, promotes outdoor leisure activity in the evening, and is therefore good for physical and psychological health, reduces traffic accidents, reduces crime, or is good for business. Groups that tend to support DST are urban workers or professionals, retail businesses, outdoor sports enthusiasts and businesses, tourism operators, and others who benefit from increased light during the evening.

Opponents argue that actual energy savings are inconclusive, that DST can disrupt morning activities, and that the act of changing clocks twice a year is economically and socially disruptive and cancels out any benefit. Groups that have tended to oppose DST are farmers, transportation companies, and the indoor entertainment business.

Either way, ya gotta do it.  Yeeeaaaahhhh Boi!

From the CMAs to VAA; It's Zac Brown Band

Performing Nov. 8th @ Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids.

Zac Brown Band may have nine hit singles, two platinum-selling records and countless dedicated fans, but to hear its members talk they're just getting warmed up. That's right—after numerous nights in front of packed arenas and amphitheaters, things are just beginning to come together for this accomplished band of brothers, led by one of the most charismatic individuals ever to don a beanie and dominate radio.
The band's latest album 'Uncaged' (Atlantic/Southern Ground) which debuted at #1 on Billboard 200 is proof positive. The result of a highly collaborative process, it's the sound of a group of versatile musicians gelling into a formidable unit and realizing they're capable of anything their fearless leader happens to dream up, from traditional country ("The Wind") to Caribbean rhythms ("Jump Right In") and even slinky bedroom R&B ("Overnight"). Running roughshod over genre boundaries, and bringing its audience along for the ride, its title is absolutely accurate—this is truly the sound of a band 'Uncaged'.
Read more... http://www.zacbrownband.com/band

(Band info from official webite zacbrownband.com)

The Banana Convention is no Monkey Business

Performing: Saturday, Nov. 3rd at LumberJacks Saloon, Bay City, MI

A little bit of soul. A pinch of pop. A lot of rock. And an overabundance of fun. This is what the self proclaimed "circus rock" band, The Banana Convention, brings to every one of their performances; and it's what has kept their audiences from New York to Detroit to Los Angeles - and many stops in between - entertained and having fun over the last 4+ years.
Leading the pack on vocals is the extremely talented and equally as beautiful Shar "The Mighty Afrodytee" Molina. She can belt out her lead vocals with all the power and soul of the greatest singers of any genre. Her vocal range and energy keep the audience engaged and focused on her and on every sultry move.
Percussionist Monte Nothelfer shakes the meanest tambourine this side of Davy Jones, while backing up Afrodytee with his unique vocal style. Bassist Sean Drysdale keeps the funky flow while drummer Chris Howard's punk-like beats provide the high octane fuel that rocket the band into the stratosphere. Jake Voisine on guitar has been banned in several non-smoking establishments because his licks come so fast and furious that his guitar neck has been known to catch flame. Read more...http://rosewander.com/The_Banana_Convention.html

Actor/Comedian Brian Posehn Comes to Michigan

Performing Live @ The Machine Shop, Flint - Nov. 9th & Streeter's Entertainment Center, Traverse City - Nov. 10th

Comedian/actor/writer Brian Posehn has most recently been seen on Comedy Central's popular show, "The Sarah Silverman Program" and on tour as one of the original members of the "Comedians of Comedy".
Besides writing and performing on HBO's acclaimed "Mr. Show", he has appeared in sitcoms such as "Just Shoot Me", "Seinfeld", "NewsRadio", "Everybody Loves Raymond", and "Friends".
Brian has also appeared in several movies, including Rob Zombie's "The Devil's Rejects" and "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer", "Sex Drive" and "Surfs Up".
In 2006 he released his first graphic novel, "The Last Christmas", and a comedy album: "Live in Nerd Rage".
His music video for "Metal By Numbers" has been viewed over two million times on You Tube and My Space.
He is a regular on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and was a crowd favorite at the recent Bob Saget Roast on Comedy Central.  Read more @ http://brianposehn.com/index.cfm?page=biography

2012 Blues Challenge Comes to Buckley

Saturday Nov 10, 2012

Southside Hideout has been bringing some pretty cool shindigs over the Summer months and continue to heat up the Fall & Winter months with yet another great show.

The coolest event in NW Michigan @ Southside Hideout in Buckley is only days away!!! This area's finest Blues artists all come together to see who will be the lucky winner who will go on to represent @ the International Blues Challenge in Memphis held by the Blues Foundation, January 29 - February 2, 2013.
Southside Hideout will be creating the ultimate "Blues BBQ" menu with amazing homemade "down-south" specialties including pulled pork slammies, cherry smoked ribs and monster-sized wings! This is a big deal folks so reserve this date on your calendar and HELP KEEP THE BLUES ALIVE!! - Southside Hideout Facebook Page
Before you head out to the woods, be sure to head into the Hideout for some rockin' good times.