GUITAR TECH SKIP GILDERSLEEVE'S MEMORIAL

 

Skip's family would like to let all of his friends around the globe know that there was a very intimate and private memorial this past week for Skip . There were about sixty close friends and family members in attendance .

The family appreciates your kindness and love that you have shown for Skip .This has been very overwhelming time for them, especially Skip's Mother who is in very fragile health.

The Service was beautiful . Father Tony from St Henry's Church in Lincoln Park gave the eulogy. There were many other friends and family that spoke about Skip. There were many tears but there was much more laughter. Skip's friends had so many funny stories to share.

There was a lovely gospel singer that gave a heartwarming rendition of "Amazing Grace". There were so many more stories that were told at the luncheon. More laughter than tears , just like Skip would have wanted...

DETROIT GUITAR TECH RUSSELL (SKIP) GILDERSLEEVE PASSED AWAY

DETROIT DIVA: ELIZA NEALS IS AMAZING.....CATCH HER LIVE SHOWS!!

I finally met the lovely Eliza Neals at the 2013 Detroit Music Awards.  David Wynans II and I were sitting with the T Money Green crowd when Eliza came in the door. She had just missed winning an award! The guys at my table  started cheering and told her to go get her award! She got it and sat right near me. 

The bass players I was with just adore Eliza and told me such nice things about her and her voice. They really love her...We didn't get much time to talk in that loud party.  We finally caught up with each other this week.  She told me all about her upcoming gigs and how she got started and much more.  I really enjoyed her energy she is so positive and comes from joy... She is beautiful...xK

ARTS  BEATS EATS 2013

NOTHING BUT #BLUESROCK

Sunday - September 1st

2pm

Female Musicians All Day!

ELIZA NEALS - Detroit Stiletto BluesRock!

 

About The Amazing Liza....

 http://www.ElizaNeals.com 
 http://www.DetroitMusicPublishing.com
http://www.ReverbNation.com/ElizaNeals 
http://www.twitter.com/ElizaNealsRocks  
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/messin-...
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizaNeals  
http://www.pandora.com/music/artist/eliz...
http://www.bmi.com/affiliates/N
  CoolStuff@ElizaNeals.com

CAROLYN STRIHO AT ART BEATS AND EATS AUG 31 @ 730PM

SONNY VINCENT ON TOUR: JAPAN 2013

MORE INFORMATION

ELIZA NEALS IN DETROIT AUG 23!!!

Directions

Campus Martius Park is at 800 Woodward Avenue, the corner of Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown Detroit and directly across the street from the Compuware Building. The Park is conveniently located a few blocks from all the downtown freeways and Jefferson Avenue. DDOT, SMART and the Windsor Tunnel busses all have nearby stops.

Parking

Within two blocks of the Park, there are thousands of convenient and affordable private and public parking spaces, particularly in the evenings and weekends. The Compuware garage (Farmer Street) and the Premier garage (Woodward) are both within a block of the Park.

HOWLING DIABLOS AT ART BEATS AND EATS AUG 31!!

Hi Kim, it's that time again.....Arts, Beats, and Eats! The Howling Diablo's on Saturday Night August 31st on the Budweiser Stage at 9:30PM. For all you funky daddy's out there!

DETROIT BASS DAY 2013 HONORS JAMES JAMERSON!

Get your tickets EARLY BIRD SPECIAL i$10 general admission and VIP $ 20 {Includes Bass Day T Shirt and Food,,,, BUY NOW via PayPal email address : kernbrantley@ymail.com / One Band Global...  TANGENT GALLERY

RETROKIMMER HAD A BLAST AT THE 2013 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!

Retrokimmer at the Detroit Music Awards 2013...sneaked up to the podium to present a bottle of water award to the Ruiners!

I got downtown really early, about 4:15pm.  I met up with my pal David Winans II who was nominated in a few categories.  DW2 told me we had to rush over the Centaur Club for the Pre-Award show.  I didn't know there was such a thing!

David Winans II and his pal at the Centaur Club

So we left the Fillmore and ran around the block freezing to death...but when we arrived it was the most jamming party I have ever seen...and I have seen quite a few LOL 

I grabbed a table up front where my facebook girlfriend  Nina Simone Simms-Bentley was managing the award table among other duties.

Nina Simone Simms-Bentley manning the award table....

David Winans II and Nina Simone Simms-Bentley

To much delight I discovered legendary bassist Tony (T Money) Green sitting right behind me!  We all became great friends at the Centaur club! I managed not to spill my red cranberry drink on his beautiful white suit! I will be doing a profile on T Money soon....

Paul Miles and T Money Green

It was a joy to run into my dear buddies Carrie and Skid Marx...I introduced them to DWII.  Saw Greg Upshur and his lovely wife Terese. The Seatbelts were up for the same award the Ruiners won.

 Laura Mendoza of White Shag with Skid and Carrie

 Eliza Neals and T Money

 Eliza Neals came in a bit late but in time to pick up two DMA's...She had on the coolest shoes...I wish I had taken a photo!!

As I was frantically searching for my lost coat at the Centaur...I turned around and standing right behind me was PAUL MILES.... I freaked out and said to him OMG you are Paul Miles!  He flashed that big grin at me and gave me a little hug. Watch this cool video"Desert Bloom"

Had to shoot the gorgeous Fox Theater Marquee since I parked right in front of it! Would have liked to have seen Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan....

As I was waiting in line to pick up my media passes, I ran into Billy Wilson the Director of the Motown Alumni Association.  Billy and I have been friends since high school.  So as luck would have it...

Billy hooked me up sitting with Karen DiChiera Director of Community Programs at the Michigan Opera Theater! I fell in love with this wonderful lady and she has invited me to the Beethoven Opera tomorrow for the matinee.   Can't wait!!! Thanks BILLY......

Karen is in the center with the crutches... with a beautiful entourage

Learn More About the Michigan Opera Theater

"Eat Your Heart Out" was filmed at Heritage Church / Wade Show Carnival in Sterling Heights, Michigan, by Madonna University film students.

The Ruiners are Nina Friday (Backup Vocals), Justin Hall (Guitar), Rob Moon (Drums), Liz Ruiner (Bass Guitar), and Rick Ruiner (Lead Vocals).

Scott Richardson the lead singer and songwriter from legendary Michigan band SRC was on hand as was talented music writer  Jaan Uhelszki.  Maybe SRC will be up for the Lifetime Achievement Award SOON? 

Scott Richardson and Jaan Uhelszki

Suzi Quatro photo: Richard Blondy

All healed from her horrific accident last year...Suzi fired up the audience with some Detroit sty;e rock n roll.  It was a reall treat to see my favorite Amboy Duke lead singer John Drake duet with Suzi...lovely moment.

 Miss Martha Reeves made an unexpected appearance and sang a bit of "Jimmy Mack" for us!

 I finally met James Anderson and Thornetta Davis! Detroit's Diva.....Catch her show it is really great...

EVERY FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT AT "THE LONDON CHOP HOUSE" STARTING MAY 3 THRU JUNE 28 EXCEPT FOR MAY 24 SHE'LL BE @"THE DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAFE"

David Winans II with Gabe Gonzalez and party-ers at the Fillmore

Marq Speck from Sweet Crystal swept the awards with 5 wins!!!

I was sitting in the top left center most of the night... David Winans was laughing at how hard it was keeping up with me in the crowd...I get dragged off a lot....either to take photos or be in them....

KEM photo: Richard Blondy

Detroit singer KEM was fantastic! I wanted him to play for another hour.....he is the really something different.  Buy his record!

 My gal pals DMA winner Linda Lexy and Susie Forkin

 

Loved seeing Sweet Crystal, Tino, Lexy, Funky D Records and the Ruiners all win last night!

Billy knows I love going backstage and in the rafters of these old theaters....Here is Billy playing a little tune on stage....

Congratulations to all the winners and the performers were kick ass this year! I really enjoyed sitting and watching the show.  Thanks so much to Cheri Clair, Howard Hertz, the Fillmore staff as they are so GREAT! and to my escorts David Winans II and Mr. Billy Wilson... xxK

THE INFATUATIONS NOMINATED AT THE 2013 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!

The Infatuations are “Detroit.” The Motor City starts coming out of your speakers the second the first note hits. This band celebrates every sonic movement that is undeniably “Detroit” with every song they create and perform; from Motown soul to the inescapable good-time bravado of Parliament Funkadelic, to the raw, untamed rock energy of MC5 and Detroit Rock City’s last three decades of powerful rock n roll. The Infatuations compel you to dance to the groove.

Caleb Gutierrez - Lead Vox
Christian Draheim - Lead Guitar
JT Lee - Drums/Percussion
The Wolf - Bass
Chris Polite - Rhythm Guitar
Robert Myers- Drums/Percussion
Nick Behnan- Lead Guitar
Marco Lowe - BGVs/Percussion

I LOVE THIS VIDEO AND SONG.....

SWEET CRYSTAL NOMINATED FOR THE 2013 DMA'S!

Marq Speck 2012 winner

The very first winner I photographed in 2012 was the very sweet Marq Speck! He was so happy and full of joy...Can't wait to see him again this year! His band Sweet Crystal is up for a bunch of awards! Their nominated song is:  "Nothing Here" (for You to Fear)

David Winan's PI

My friend David Winans II is a guest musician/nominee with Sweet Crystal and also nominated for his band David Winans' PI "It's Gonna Be Alright"

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Songwriter  Beaux Mitchell!!!

Beaux is just a lovely girl from Detroit.....we love her music and can't wait to see her at the DMA's

DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS APRIL 19 AT THE FILLMORE!

SUZI QUATRO HONORED AT 2013 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS APRIL 19 @ FILLMORE

Suzi Quatro in Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame

Suzi Quatro is receiving the Life Achievement Award at the 2013 Detroit Music Awards! We are pleased that Suzi who blazed so many trails for women in rock, is being honored. It is true that Suzi really wanted to be respected as a musician not just a 'cute" girl with a guitar.  No "pop tart" status for this girl.

A native Detroiter..Suzi grew up listening to the very best musicians from all categories.  Her father,   the marvelous Art Quatro, had Suzi drumming in his jazz trio early on. But her lightning bolt moment came when she saw Elvis on TV. Suzi knew what she wanted to do from age 5...

Suzi had (HAS) DRIVE...she knew what she wanted and went after it on her own terms.  This path had to be a difficult one as she was so cute and petite. The men in the music business tried to turn her into everyone from Janis Joplin to LULU!! But this Detroit girl wasn't having any part of that nonsense...

"I would never accept having my career molded by other people...Suzi Quatro"

Suzi and her sisters Arlene, Patti, and Nancy (The Pleasure Seekers/Cradle) played many times on the same bill with the MC5, SRC, Amboy Dukes, and many more Detroit rock legends. This was during the rock hey day of the Eastown/Grande ballroom years (late 1960s early 1970s).

She comes by that "I want to be taken seriously as a musician" attitude naturally.. She was a player in the most incredible time to create music. Detroit in the late 60's early 70's blew the music world into bits . In my opinion, the world is still clamoring for the musical energy that comes from Detroit.

Susan Kay "Suzi" Quatro (born 3 June 1950) is a Detroit born and British-based American singer-songwriter, bass guitar player, and actor.

In the 1970s Quatro scored a string of hit singles that found greater success in Europe and Australia than in her homeland. But, following a recurring role as a female bass player on the popular American sitcom Happy Days, her duet "Stumblin' In" with Chris Norman reached number 4 in the USA.

Quatro has sold over 50 million records and continues to perform live, worldwide. Her most recent album was released in 2011. Suzi appears in many musical stage productions in London where she has lived for many years.

**KEM** IS PERFORMING LIVE AT THE DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS APRIL 19 AT THE FILLMORE!

KEM

Hot smooth jazz singer KEM is performing at this year's Detroit Music Awards! We can't wait to see KEM!  He is a classic.. Here is a little bit of bio on KEM....

KEM Owens (born July 23, 1969 professionally known as "'KEM'", is a R&B/soul singer, songwriter, and producer. He was raised here in Detroit, Michigan.

After finishing high school, KEM dealt with homelessness, addiction, and isolation from his family.
He did not overcome these issues until he turned to spirituality and music, as he has said, "My career didn't take off until I connected with my spirituality. That's why I take time on stage and on the album to administer spirituality to people.

That's one of the things that I am most proud of." Kem is also very well received by older listeners of R&B/Soul for his classy sound and not incorporating elements of Hip-hop music. He has two daughters, Troi and Laylah.

He wrote, produced, and financed his self-released debut album, Kemistrywith his American Express. To help make cash he was singing top 40 cover tunes in a wedding band and waiting tables.

He was later signed by Motown Records in November 2001, who re-released the album on February 25, 2003, and sold more than 500,000 copies nationwide. The album's first single, "Love Calls", became a hit at urban adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio, and USA Today pegged it early on as a "Motown classic." His debut went gold-plus.

He followed his debut release with a second album, Album II, released May 17, 2005 and sold more than 500,000 copies nationwide. It included the hit single "I Can't Stop Loving You", a # 1 at urban adult contemporary radio, and the song "You Might Win" featuring Stevie Wonder

THE DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS 2013 FAVORITE VIDEO NOMINEES!

For Tickets

We are excited about going to the DMA's this year in a big way! Have met so many talented Detroit musicians this past year that are nominated. I don't vote. I feel that I should remain neutral as I wish them all great success.  

There are some fabulously talented folks up for awards and I am going to feature a lot of them. These artists are very close to my heart and so deserving.  I will be doing stories about the different categories for the next 3 weeks until the ceremony on April 19th.

Today I am going to show you my personal favorite video nominees... (in no particular order please)

 "Eat Your Heart Out" by The Ruiners 

 directed by Mark Radwan 

 

 "Desert Bloom." Written by Paul Miles, 

Images and Video compiled by Paul Miles, 

Video editing and effects by Stephen Szajna.

 Carolyn Striho Group“ Promised Land “

Directed and Edited by Lindy Lenk.

Dave Galler ~ Cinematography and Camera

NADIR "Go It Alone" 

  Directed by Drew Parfitt 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr  "We Almost Lost Detroit"
Video directed by Andrew Smart.



 Jack White Love Interruption
(C) 2012 Third Man Records



Good luck to all the nominees in the 2 Video categories! See YOU there!

RETROKIMMER: INTERVIEW WITH DETROIT BASSIST DAVID WINANS II

David Winans II 

David Winans II (DW2) is the eldest sibling of the Legendary Detroit Gospel Family, The Winans. To say music is in DW2's DNA would be totally accurate. He is an accomplished Viola player as well as Lead Guitarist and Bassist. DW2 is also a very good vocalist like his siblings.  However, This Winan chose another path..David Winans II chose to ROCK...

We are close in age and of course we both love the same Detroit Rock n Roll/Motown legends . That topic we basically skimmed over. we talked about many different genres of music. DW2 told me that the first band to really blow his mind was YES... Lots of guys in high school loved YES but it did set me back a bit to listen to one of the Winans talking about YES! Quite unexpected and very true to our Detroit area roots...We really grew up listening to everything!

David interviewed for the Detroit Bass Players Group in the BASS MINT with our pals interviewer Ivan Williams and host Reginald Canty.  Check it out....

DW2 is into progressive rock and the complexity and sophistication of its music. Bands like Gentle Giant, Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Roxy Music, Chicago, Jethro Tull and I think we even touched on Sun RA. Progressive rock crosses many musical genres including folk, soul, jazz, and classical. Not for the faint of heart!

One of his early bands was Xairia they were a Los Angeles progressive rock group in the late 70s - early 80s. The nucleus consisted of Veech Malone on bass, David Winans II on Guitar and Mike Anderssen on drums. Xairia had two vocalists, Rick Murphy and David Lamb. 

 

 Xairia Hollywood,Ca '79

Steve Lovely, David Winans II, Christie Love, Sandy Lovely: @ Apartment on Cheremoya & Franklin... Hollywood, Ca '79, first draft of Xairia & Pi

They had many different keyboardists, Beverly Neisius aka Pepsi and several others. Xairia has a ton of free downloadable tunes on PodOmatic/Xairia listen to them, they're great!....

David's current project is David Winan's Pi. This band consists of DW2 – Bass/ Vocals/ Keyboards, Greg Nelson - Guitar and Vocals, Mike Livy- Drums, Nick Pigeon-Guitar.  This is a hot band!

Nick Pigeon is a young guitarist we interviewed (a couple of years ago). He has really transformed into an amazing guitarist that has bite and a huge future to come...

We will be meeting up with DW2 at the Detroit Music Awards April 19 2013 at The Fillmore! Davod will be performing with Marq Speck and Sweet Crystal

Congratulations on your nominations!!

David's Nominations:

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Musician
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Recording
David Winans' pi "It's Gonna Be Alright"

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Songwriter 

                             

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DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS FOUNDATION PARTY APRIL 2nd!

Please join the Detroit Music Awards Foundation on Tuesday, April 2nd from 6-11pm at Zumba Mexican Grille in Royal Oak for hot food, cold drinks and a stellar lineup of acoustic performers!!

Performances By:

Audra Kubat

Davison Magpie

Gia Warner

Michael On Fire

Pato Margetic

Tosha Owens

*$5 Donation at the Door buys your first drink!

*FREE Chips & Salsa Bar + Regular Zumba Menu items for sale!

*Cash Bar featuring High Liquors & Zumba "Knockout" Margaritas!

*DMA Ticket Raffle - win one of two pairs of tix 

 Friday, April 19th Detroit Music Awards at the Fillmore!

DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS: NOMINATIONS PHASE II

NOMINATIONS

PHASE II

JANUARY 28-MARCH 1

Only current (or newly registered) Detroit Music Awards voters are allowed to participate in the Nomination Phase.

During this phase, the Nomination Ballot is available online after an eligible voting member has logged in. Eligible voters with email addresses are contacted via email that the Nomination process has begun.

The Nomination Ballot allows voters to nominate whomever they choose for performance and recording categories that meet the eligibility requirements by selecting from names/recordings provided in Phase I (online ballot only).

Names eligible to be considered as Nominees must have a connection, or perform a body of work, primarily in the Detroit metro area, which, for our purposes, stretches as far north as Flint, as far west as metropolitan Ann Arbor, as far south as the Ohio border, and as far east as the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair.

Recordings eligible for the 2012 Detroit Music Awards to be considered as choices must have been released between December 1, 2011 and November 30, 2012. Recordings need to be available for purchase to the public via gigs, internet sales and record stores between those dates.

KIMMER AT THE 2012 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!

COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS

What an amazing night! I was invited to attend the Detroit Music Awards this year and of course I wanted to be there. Have never been to one of these gigs before so I had no idea what to expect. I got there early and walked right inside. The ladies at the door were so charming and busy!

The Legendary Drummer Muruga and Kimmer

It was especially exciting to see my dear friend Muruga and the Quatro Sisters being honored. Notice the button I am wearing? I took Stanley T. Madhatter with me last night in spirit. A lot of people asked who Stan was and a lot toasted his memory. He would have been so happy to be in this crowd.

Joe Leone and Frank Pettis

We ran into Joe Leone from the School of Rock and one of the very finest Rock photographers of all time Frank Pettis. Frank really helped me with names and band information. Frank knows everyone!

What a vibe in that theater last night...I felt such warmth from my friends and met a bunch of RK readers too. The staff were all happy and there was not one negative ion anywhere.. Got to chat with all the vendors and charities before the show.

Linda Lexy and Allan Goode

My favorite spot for the evening was at the corner of the main bar. It definitely was where all the action was. I ran into Allan Goode and Jack Ashton... Hung out most of the night with these guys. Jack was busy working the room so Allan and I talked to all the glitterati walking by.

Nina Friday Andrea Edwards and Queen Bee (Karen Neal)

To be perfectly honest...I barely saw this show! It was so crazy busy seeing and photographing people that I barely noticed the bands. I did see Amy Gore with Her Valentines, she looked fabulous and her new band is great! Didn't get to see her after their performance.

Tino Gross and Rick Ruiner

Had my back to the stage for a minute and suddenly I hear the booming voice of Dennis "Machinegun" Thompson coming out of the speakers! He was in the trailer for the Grande Ballroom documentary. The audience cheered for him and the MC5.

 Lynne Serridge Patti Quatro Nancy Quatro and Nancy Rogers

Speaking of cheering....The Detroit audience completely loved the Quatro Sisters tonight. They were fantastic... I was so excited for them... It meant so much to them to be honored by their hometown. The room was full of love for the girls and it was so touching to witness.

Patti Quatro wrote: "Nancy Rogers played with both PS and Cradle.....awesome inventive drummer. Darline was with PS. Lynne took over bass for Suzi in 1971, an awesome talent, playing keys and bass, and still active with her own band today."

Johnny "Bee" Badanjek and Albert Freud

THE HOWLING DIABLOS WIN BIG

After the Pleasure Seekers/Cradle set the show was over. I had been there from 5:30 until 11pm. Gratefully Muruga and his friends gave me a lift back to my car which was pretty far away. We had a fabulous night and now I plan to sleep! xxooK

Marq Speck of Sweet Crystal

Allan Goode and his best pal Jack Ashton

Such a great crowd and with such cool Detroit attire!

Loved the table goodies... I wanted to peek in the bags...

Introduced myself to Steve Galli. He is a great photographer and I am a huge fan... Google Steve and see how great he is..

Photographer Steve Galli

Special Thanks to these folks for bringing us all together...Howard Hertz, Kent Agee, Terri Koggenhop, Al Wilson, Joe Bellanca, Gary Graff, Jim Edelman, Darrell Garrett, Kathy Vargo, Jean Mason, Jayson Richards, & that Drumbeater Matt Lee....for all your hard work making this happen.