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Caught in the Act...


...by the publisher

Got a chance to hear Three Men and a Tenor during halftime at the Michigan State- Wisconsin basketball game this year. Always a crowd favorite, the group was harmoniously powerful, as usual. Though their rendition of "Shout" was fun, it was the other song they performed ("Brown Eyed Girl," if I recall correctly) that earned the strongest crowd reaction, mostly because the packed Breslin Center was able to sing along.

Silverado entertained an appreciative Silver Dollar Saloon crowd with an energetic mix of audience favorite covers and originals. The band turned out strong renditions of "Trashy Women," "Who's Cheatin' Who," "The Whiskey Isn't Working Anymore," and "Watermelon Crawl." They cranked up the fiddle for "Devil Went Down to Georgia." And they shook the whole bar with a booming opening to "Copperhead Road."

Rick's American Cafe hosted Whirl-i-Gig recording artists Merge. The band sports a full vocal sound, varied styles in the guitar lines, and a hint of Southern alterna-scream around the edges of the vocals. In addition, some funk and psychedelic influences show through, as well.

A Small Planet crowd was treated to South Bend's Rozen Bombs, who promote their music as "The New Vaudeville." The band continues to grow musically since I first caught their set at Undercurrents last spring. They've become a broad appeal, fun college rock act with a recognizable style. Of note, my favorite song of the evening was the catchy, memory-ingrained "Brainiac, Maniac." Catch 'em next time they're here.


...by The Wild Card

Saw Flashback at Mac’s Saloon on Saturday, March 21. They have a new addition to the band, keyboardist Chuck Kraft. They have also been debuting some new classic covers, such as "Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On" and "Hang On Sloopy." It’s always a lot of fun down there on South Washington. These guys know how to rock!


...by Michael Hoadley

Richie & the Rockets were shootin’ off some steam at Coscarelli’s Bar in Lansing. Way cool groove; these guys are a blast! Their mixture of old and new rock & roll and band antics performed by frontman Mr. Jim Richie -- go, cat, go! What a talent! He plays lead guitar and hosts the band’s singing. Backed by Kevin Lairson on cool cat bass guitar and Russ Kasol on drums, these guys are cooler than a cucumber! Check it out.

Well, Ben at the Shop Stop Bar in Lansing said it’d be all right for me to come in, but he was gonna keep an eye on me. I caught the first and second sets of the Straight Up Band, kikkin’ country made up of members Windy Turner, Mike McGrath, Leroy King, Ray Simpson, and Joe Lange. This is very versatile five piece with a way cool country flair. Straight Up Band. Check ‘em buddies.


Other Renegade Writers

If you'd like Shane Copher to catch your show, call him at (517) 694-5625.
If you'd like Patrick Ondrus to catch your show, call him at (517) 669-7124.
If you'd like Mike Somers to catch your show, call him at (517) 393-8473.
If you'd like Kevin Hurrell to catch your show, call him at (517) 333-9417.

Local Scene Writers Needed

We're in need of a couple new local scene writers to fill this section. Cover the styles of music in which you have knowledge at clubs in your area and/or clubs you attend frequently.

If you're interested in covering Lansing's local music scene, contact the Renegade at (517) 332-7648. As a "Local Scene" writer, you choose the clubs and the bands you cover. All you have to do is meet the writing deadlines. This is your opportunity to help expose Lansing's best bands to a broader public and to the music industry. No pay. Great perks. Call for details.


LANSING MUSIC NEWS

The Lansing Heritage Festival is tentatively scheduled for May 29th & 30th. Already on the schedule to perform at the free festival this year are Rare Earth (headlining on Saturday the 30th), Colt 45, Comfort Road, the Notorious Smith Brothers, and Acoustic CPR.

Check out the Capital Area Blues Society's website at http://lhq.com/~cabs.

Bands: Read the "Hey Bands" box on this page for information on how to be included in the Lansing Music News section.


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