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...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.
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.
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.
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.