Singing and dancing through Ann Arbor the Morris way

Mon, 08/13/2018 - 8:45am by christopherporter

While the exact origins of Morris dancing are not clear, historians do know that people have been participating in this lively step dance for centuries. Shakespeare mentioned it in his plays. Peasants enjoyed it along with their summertime ales in the 1600s. The first known written reference dates to 1448 when Goldsmiths’ Company in London paid seven shillings to Morris dancers for a performance.

Emotionally Yours: Bettye LaVette brought fresh life to the songs of Bob Dylan at Sonic Lunch

Fri, 08/10/2018 - 12:30pm by christopherporter

For anyone who believes in the power of pop music to communicate in a powerful, even transcendent way, the idea of Bettye LaVette singing the songs of Bob Dylan creates some pretty high hopes. On August 9, the Sonic Lunch concert series brought that pairing to downtown Ann Arbor, and the results were just as good as expected.

Ypsilanti hip-hop producer DaG is cutting his own path in The 734

Wed, 08/08/2018 - 4:00pm by christopherporter

This story was originally published on August 8, 2018.

DaG calls himself The 734 Savior. That’s a bold claim, right? Well, the man born Dion Glenn just might have the skills necessary to back the title up. 

Swing Time: "Paul Keller Presents" showcases Michigan jazz at Kerrytown Concert House

Tue, 08/07/2018 - 8:00am by christopherporter

Starting August 10, Kerrytown Concert House will be host to the first in a continuing series of concerts hosted by longtime Ann Arbor resident and jazz bassist Paul Keller. This inaugural installation of “Paul Keller Presents” will feature the talents of singer and pianist John Proulx, a Grand Rapids-raised musician whose career has taken him from coast to coast before leading him back home to pursue a Master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

An Annotated Guide to Fred Thomas' "Good Times Are Gone Again" Video

Mon, 08/06/2018 - 2:30pm by christopherporter

In Pitchfork's review of Fred Thomas' new song and video, "Good Times Are Gone Again," Contributing Editor Jayson Greene notes the tune is "a little less agonizingly specific than Thomas’ usual fare."

Immersive India: Rasa Festival celebrates arts and cultural from the subcontinent

Wed, 08/01/2018 - 1:00pm by christopherporter

Building a month-long festival from the ground up is challenging enough when it focuses solely on one artistic discipline, such as music.

But last year's inaugural Rasa Festival was a multidisciplinary party with performing, visual, literary, media/films, and culinary arts from India, presented in various Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti venues.

More rare recordings from 1960s Canterbury House shows have surfaced

Mon, 07/30/2018 - 1:45pm by christopherporter

When I came across a blog post recently that referenced rare Neil Young tapes from Canterbury House, I assumed it was an old story related to the Sugar Mountain – Live at Canterbury House 1968 album that came out 10 years ago.

But it turns out there might be another tape from the Nov. 8-10 stand Young had at Canterbury House's 330 Maynard St. location. (It's now at 721 E. Huron St.)

Broken Branch Breakdown is a backyard party for all of Ann Arbor

Wed, 07/25/2018 - 9:46am by christopherporter

Over the first four years of its existence, the Broken Branch Breakdown roots-music festival has established itself as a truly grassroots event in the Ann Arbor community.

Admission is free. The vibe is casual and family friendly. The music itself is rootsy, mostly falling somewhere into the Americana/folk/jam-band genres.

Mustard’s Retreat comes full circle with a new album, new shows, and the return to a trio

Mon, 07/23/2018 - 1:15pm by christopherporter

Over more than 40 years making music together, Mustard’s Retreat has established a reputation around the region as a talented and entertaining folk duo -- two guys and two guitars.

Fun House: Ron Asheton's 70th Birthday Celebration at The Blind Pig

Thu, 07/19/2018 - 10:30am by christopherporter

Kathy Asheton’s voice was cracking.