Darian Counts Presents
March / April 2014
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MARCH / APRIL. 2014
CONTENTs
7. PAULINA JAYNE COMES TO ST. ANDREWS 10. BENNY & THE JETS - BENNY JET 12. DETROIT’S OWN CARLA HARVEY OF BUTCHER BABIES - DARIAN COUNTS 14. THE RIKKI ROXX EFFECT - RIKKI ROXX 16. TIN SCRiBBLE - ERIC HARABADIAN 18. EMMY AWARD WINNING FILM MAKER CHARLES CIRGENSKI- JEFF MARZOLF 22. KARMIN TAKES IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL JULIE SIKORA 23. BRET MICHAELS GIVE US SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN - SCOTTI MOORE 27. UFC’S DARON CRUICKSHANK JOHN QUROZ 28. CHOICE CUTS - ERIC HARABADIAN 29. flogging molly and dropkick murphys 30. HOROSCOPE - ALUNA MICHAELS
DETROIT LIVE STAFF Contributors: Benny Jet, Eric Harabadian, Darian Counts, Aluna Michaels, Marc Nader, Rikki Roxx, John Quroz, Jonny Reinhardt Graphic Design:: Granger Graphics Story Editing: Elizabeth Sinclair Photgraphers: Marc Nader (Cover), Scott Legato, Christopher Bjornberg, Rick Brooks, Kathy Wyras, Mark Trybus, Ron Taylor, M. Rickard, Ldophoto.Net Publisher: Granger Publishing Inc. LLC Editor: Darian Counts Account Execs: G.C.Good II, Promotinos / P.R Amanda Blanchard Special Thanks to Kathy Wyras for her contributions to this months issue of DL
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Carla Harvey - Photo Marc Nader
DETROIT LIVE TRIBUTE SHOW Stevie Ray Vaughan, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper and Iggy & the Stooges Tributes
of Detroit’s best tribute bands took the appeared as Iggy and the Stooges, Tall Cool On March 1st Detroit Live Magazine rolled stage and performed music from some of one impressed the crowd with the music of into the All Around Bar in Taylor to bring the world’s most famous bands. The Farley’s Led Zeppelin and Robert Plant, ARV & Triple you Detroit Lives’ Spring Tribute Show. Four
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THE NIGHTMARE
Photo Mark Trybus
ARV & TRIPLE THREAT
Photo Ron Taylor
TEAM UP WITH DETROIT LIVE MAGAZINE FOR ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIPS OF LIVE EVENTS
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In today’s world consumers realize that they have a choice as to where they spend their hard earned dollars. These days many consumers choose to spend their money with retailers who share their values and sense of community. Since it’s creation in 2008, Detroit Live Magazine has established itself as a launch pad for up and coming artists of all kinds. To local businesses, we hope that you will team up with Detroit Live Magazine as a sponsor or advertiser and allow us to bring your message to consumers who are looking for your product. Detroit Live Magazine is not just a magazine or a web site, it’s a community of thousands of readers and consumers. We hope you’ll join with DL to bring awareness of your product and company to the thousands of readers of Detroit Live Magazine. In 2014 Detroit Live Magazine will be hosting hundreds of events throughout Michigan. We are happy to customize a sponsorship or advertising package that fits your company’s budget and gets results! For Sponsorship or advertising info Contact Darian Counts:
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darian@detroitlivemagazine or 734-775-9991 RODGERS CHEVROLET WOODHAVEN
Frank Harris purchased 2 vehicles from Rodgers Chevrolet after attending a Detroit Live event sponsored by them. DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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PAULINA JAYNE W/S/G/ Annabelle Road and Matt Austin
@ St. Andrews March 29th www.paulinajayne.com
18 year old urban country singer-songwriter Paulina Jayne returns to St. Andrew’s Hall to headline as part of Live Nation’s Faster Horses Series. Paulina’s first performance at this historic Detroit music venue was to a sold-out crowd at The Shelter. March 29th officially kicks off the first-ever Live Nation Faster Horses Series at St. Andrew’s. Headlined by Paulina Jayne with special guests Annabelle Road and Matt Austin, the night promises to be an unforgettable experience. Fans and guests alike will be treated to a true red carpet experience with Detroit photographers on hand to capture all of the excitement. Local Celebrities and contest winners will even be given the luxury of a private VIP section from where they can enjoy all the festivities in comfort. “Paulina Jayne reminds us all that a dynamic voice and a genuine soul will always capture our hearts,” said Leif Christensen, General Manager of St. Andrew’s Hall. “We are looking forward to having her grace our stage for what is sure to be a memorable event.” Paulina Jayne, a senior in High School, was recently invited by multiaward winning music producer Toby Wright to audition in Nashville for NBC’s hit show The Voice and has shared the marquee with notable country music icons including Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and Blackberry Smoke. She also had the honor of opening for Sheryl Crow (with special guests Kid Rock and Herschel Boone) at the DTE Energy Music Center in Detroit. “I love the vibe at St. Andrew’s Hall! There’s nothing like rockin’ out on the historic stage, feeling the floors bounce with the energy of the crowd and a sound so powerful that it’s almost tangible,” said Paulina Jayne. “I’m stoked that Annabelle Road and Matt Austin are on the bill. It’s going to be a killer night!” Faster Horses is a yearly camping and country music festival that Live Nation Country president Brian O’Connell coins a “three-day hillbilly sleepover” in a field adjacent to Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. This upcoming July 2014 will mark the 2nd installment of this annual festival, featuring country headliners Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Brett Eldredge, Chase Rice, Darius Rucker and Jana Kramer to name a few. DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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Detroit Snapshot Photography
Jimmy Danger and Mike Mitchell from the Farley’s Meet the Stooges
Rick Brooks Owner / Photographer 734-550-7322
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Threat brought us the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Detroit’s own Nightmare brought us the music of Alice Cooper. Yet another example of the depth of talent that exists in the Detroit music scene. Make sure you get to a Detroit Live Tribute show soon. Next show May 24th All Around Bar with Sins of a Madman featuring Mike Dickinson as Ozzy Osborne.
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Benny The&Column The Jets
By Benny Jet
Sometimes I write a column, sometimes just random thoughts. Just like first grade, you get Collar Blues band or Moriaha and Nature before that. Steve’s page sent me a gold star if you read the whole column. to guitarist Mike Ferencz page. I tell people all the time, It is an iPhone, Mike Ferencz, a great guitar player and Facebook world. If you look around at guitar repair man, played with Steve King a restaurant, club, or concert, you will see most everyone on their smartphone many of and the Dittley’s. His page was a who’s who of guitar players and guitar stuff(classic them will be on Facebook. This is not a bad old cars too). On his page was a photo thing, just interesting, and something that of a 1963 Gibson. There was a comment didn’t happen 10 years ago. from Joey Gaydos (from the new Rockets, Weapons, Mugsy). Joey’s son Joey Gaydos Part of what makes Facebook so interesting is everyone is somehow related Jr. was the kid in the “School of Rock” movie to, or knows someone, who is only a click or with Jack Black. link away. Joey Jr. also a great guitar player. There was a link to Ross Rosco Helco (drummer I was on the Benny and the Jets facebook page (type it in as one word bennyandthejets) in Silver Canyon and Sunday Funnies) and Joe LaBeau (sax player, and a nice photo and came across Bulletproof Snow, of a 54 Chevy) Sean Allendorf (guitar) Shock Wave, 2 Timin Band, D Counts and Greg Gdaniec (Six Peace band ) James the Billionaires and guitarist Mitch Manns page,(Mitch’s 16 year old son Jessie Manns Colyd (bass) Charley Martin (Silver Bullet band) Kevin Russel (707 band) Randy Volin has his own CD out now). (guitar) and Joe Ligreci - who now works at the Allen Park Guitar Center, and plays in I clicked on a link that took me to Jason the Jamie Coe band, and hosts a Thursday Bone’s page. Jason may be Detroit’s jam night at the new Crystal Lounge in #1 guitarist. He used to work at Allen Park Westland. I may have met all these musicians Guitar Center, has his own CD and played at the old Anderson Music Store, with Jimmy with Paul Warren from Plymouth Michigan who spent 20 years playing with Rod Stewart. “Showtime” Frazier, who now is a DJ at Bogart’s nudie bar. Jason was talking about Ken Parker’s new I don’t know if I should mention, I hit my finger CD “Yes Indeed” (and I want someone with a hammer! Which is not a good thing to reading this to click to his page and tell him do if youre a guitar player, or trying to type. we wrote about him and his page in Detroit Live! Jason’s page took me to Steve Gornell’s LOL. I guess I should take a picture and post it on facebook. page. Steve Gornell, a great Livonia blues man. Some will remember his Blue
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Somewhere I have a picture of Tommy C. and his son drummer Tommy Clufetos. Tommy
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Jr’s story has been told several times. He started playing with his dad’s band at age 13. Hooked up with Mitch Ryder, then to Ted Nugent’s band, then Alice Cooper, to Rob Zombie, then Ozzy, and now is the touring drummer for Black Sabbath. Tommy’s dad, Tommy C. has been touring, for the last several years as sax player and band leader for Chubby Checker. Tommy Sr, now feels with all the area festivals and summer concerts, it is time to put the TCB band back together! To contact Tommy or to hire his band e-mail clufsr@yahoo.com. Tom may be right. Look around it seems there are tons of summer events and festivals and very few bands who can put on a big time, all ages performance. 50 Amp Fuse, Alexander Zonjic, Larry Lee and Back in the Day, a couple of the area tribute bands have carved out a nice niche in the local concert scene. But there may be more big gigs, then big bands? OK, you made it. Thanks for reading. Do they still give school kids a gold star for good work? For more information, to hire Benny and the Jets Band, or Benny Solo, for your club, party or event, call 313 730 1627. See Benny Thursdays OPEN MIC at Redford Moose. (Note: I need a few acoustic guitar players to play a few songs)! Friday 6 till 9 pm with Chief Zak, at Peterlin’s Restaurant on Farmington Road south of 9 mile. Saturday the NEW dinner show at Do Hickey’s Pub downtown Wyandotte.
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A Conversation With Darian Counts
Growing up in Southeastern Michigan in the 80’s, Carla Harvey often found herself walking the line between two worlds. As a biracial, catechism-attending atheist with a love of guns and roses and comic books Carla would retreat to her room to disappear into a world of music, art and comic book characters who traveled the world on incredible adventures.
moral character in people that is very valuable. Also there is just a particular attitude that comes with being from Detroit. DC: Do you find when you tell people you’re from Detroit that they have misconceptions about you or the city?
Carla: A lot of people have such a misguided view about Detroit. Like they Fast forward several decades, and the woman that Carla has grown Photo By Ldophoto.Net into has transformed the fantasies and passions of her youth into a multifaceted career and lifestyle that combines her Motor City work ethic with her natural talents and ability and intellect. Detroit Live caught up with Carla as she finished the European leg of her recent Butcher Babies tour and prepared for the release of her novel Death and other Dances. We talked about her childhood and how is served as both launch pad and fuel for her future success. DC: Your career is a lot broader that I thought at first glance. In addition to fronting the metal band Butcher Babies, you’ve published several comic books; worked with Playboy; you’re about to release a novel. And as if that weren’t enough you’re also a licensed mortician. Carla: Well, yes. I’ve been very lucky. On some level I’ve been able to do almost everything I dreamed as a kid growing up in Detroit. I’ve been very persistent about going after my dreams and it’s paid off. So far I’ve been able to do what I’ve wanted to do my whole life. Ya know I had a lot of people tell me “NO.” Especially growing up in a city like Detroit. Unfortunately it’s a very hard city. When I explain to people where I’m from they almost don’t believe it. I mean you really have to grow up there and experience it to understand. I mean Detroit is a great place to be from. I think being from this area instills a certain work ethic and 12 LIVE
think if you go there you’ll get murdered or that’s its just a hardcore place. But there are actually great neighborhoods and suburbs. The thing that always bothered me is how racially divided it is. Growing up biracial, that always bothered me. I mean where I grew up there really wasn’t an in-between. People hung out with people like themselves. And I liked rock and roll and was somewhere in between and I got a lot of shit for that. From both sides many times my mother would be at work and someone would say something racist about “niggers” not realizing she had two black children at home. A lot of times from my friends I’d get comments like “oh … you’re not really black.” and I’d tell them yes I am. My father is black. When I moved to L.A. I noticed there was less of a racial element in peoples conversation. I felt a bit like there was a huge chip removed from my shoulder.Yet at the same time, I like having a chip in my Detroit shoulder! That chip is valuable out here in LA. It stops you from getting taken advantage of. DC: Do you see much racial diversity at Butcher Babies shows? I mean it’s been my experience that a lot of blacks like metal. I think that is very true. Just like it’s getting more accepted to see females in metal. I mean back in the day I’d go to metal shows and I’d be the only girl, let alone the only person of color. But now playing shows all over the world I do see a lot more people of color, be it Hispanic or black or whatever. It’s awesome! Obviously most of our shows are predominantly male, predominantly white. But we’ve been lucky to go all over the world now. I mean, playing the Hell and Heaven festival in Mexico City it was great to see fans of all nationalities enjoying a great rock and roll show.
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We did Shiprocked recently and I got to meet In Living Colour who was a huge influences on me. I mean for me as a kid growing up in Detroit. I got a lot of shit
Photo Marc Nader
for listening to rock. So I found bands like In living Color, Guns and Roses with Slash, and I though It’s ok for me to like this kind of music and I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. DC: Tell me about the inception of Butcher babies? CH: Well Heidi and I played together in a punk rock cover band and we decided we didn’t want to play covers any more. We both were metal kids so we decided to make a metal band. We started off about 4 ½ years ago. The guys in the band now are the only guys we’ve ever done a show with. I mean, we all got together in a room, started this band, and four years later we’ve been all over the world. DC: You are releasing your Novel Death and Other Dances this April. Can you tell us a bit about that? CH: Death and other Dances is a story about the human connection. And how touch connects us all. It’s about loneliness and how in today’s digital age we are more connected yet more disconnected since we don’t actually interact face to face. I worked hospice and funeral homes and I was also a dancer for years, and I saw a correlation between customers at the clubs and also my patients in the hospice. I mean most of the customers I met at the clubs were just lonely and didn’t really have anyone at home. In addition a lot of the hospice’s patients I took care of seemed kind of abandoned by their families as well. And working in these environments I just came to the conclusion that everyone wants pretty much the same basic thing; everybody wants to be touched, everybody wants to be acknowledged, everybody wants to be loved. We all go to different lengths to find that love in our lives…and that’s what the novel is about. So far everyone who has read it loves it... so I can’t wait for it to come out. DC: I also read you are a licensed mortician. It does seem that a lot of your career is built upon an interest if not a fascination with death. How did that come about? Cont. on 15
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The Rikki Roxx Effect By : Rikki Roxx
The Rikki Roxx Effect By : Rikki Roxx
you are crammed into a van with 3-4 other guys who are just as rank as you are. For this problem there are a couple tricks. First, and cheapest, is try to hunker down at someone’s house in that town for the night. Have that be the band that got you on the bill, or that one fan, or friend of the family that is in that town. That will be your cheapest card, and you might even score a floor to sleep on that night. But be respectful, no one likes to open their homes to a band, then wake up to find the place destroyed.
If that is not an option, you are obviously going to be sleeping in the van, sitting up, on top of your bassist’s 8x10 cab. It’s uncomfortable, but that’s life on the road. But as far as hygiene, if you have a couple bucks, truck stops can be a band’s best At this point you have borrowed your mom’s friend. They have food (again, fattening, minivan or perhaps rented a trailer and are horrid fare) but the bigger truck stop chains, using your drummer’s truck, but regardless such as Loves Travel Stops, Flying J and TravelCenters have their own showers you are on your first road trip. You are now that you can rent (again, very gross, get leaving Detroit (or whatever city is your home base) and your next show is tomorrow some shower slippers and don’t touch the night in a city a couple hours away. You see walls, but clean is clean). These stops can the city lights dim, and you are on the open be found on pretty much any American highway. Make sure to do your research road. What can you expect? because sometimes they can be several hours away if you do The road, and touring in general, has a tendency to throw surprises at you that you not plan accordingly. would probably never expect on a normal Now, you may be trip. To have one, two, or even three tires thinking to yourself blow out in your first two days is not out of ‘How in the hell are the realm of possibility (believe me, I have we supposed to been there). You may have your radiator make money? This blow out (been there too). You have to touring thing seems prepare for the worst. That means having like a pain in the come cash on hand for these unforeseen ass!’ Well, in a word, circumstances. Use your own judgment you aren’t going to on this figure. Anywhere from $500-$1000 dollars for breakdowns and odd costs should make much money, and yes, it is a huge serve you well. pain in the ass. This is why many bands At this point, you should realize that everything on the road costs money, money fall back into ‘local band mode,’ and get you probably won’t be making at your stuck playing in their shows, at least the first couple times out. Chances are your gigs on this tour won’t be comfort zone. making you enough to put gas in your van, food to eat and a hotel room every night, so Your sole way of making any what are some ways to get around some money while on costs? tour is through When booking your shows, try to get some pre-negotiated guarantees with the bar food as part of your payment. As gross and fattening as it is, it will save you a good bar or promoter, chunk of money that you won’t have to pay which usually won’t be much more than later. No one said touring was healthy, and a meal and maybe most bars would be more than happy to $100 bucks if you are skeet of some cash in exchange for some lucky, so what else freezer food. is there to make any Next, you are thinking hygiene. After playing money on tour? a show you can get pretty rank, mostly when Welcome back, and congratulations! You have lasted (hopefully) through five rigorous editions of this ‘Band Instruction Manual.’ In this sixth installment we will talk about what to expect on the road.
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Other than what the booking agent/ promoter/various other third party is giving you to play their bar, the only option you have is to get your hustle on and hawk some merch. That CD you spent an arm and a leg on that you are trying to push for anywhere from $5-$10 dollars, start becoming a sales person and SELL, SELL, SELL. Being in a band is more like being a salesperson than a shredding guitar player. At this point you should also have t-shirts. Put together a kick ass merch booth and get to selling, for this is the only other way you are going to make any money on tour. Now, you are on the road, you are technically poverty stricken, you are living off of last night’s bar food, you smell like sweaty balls, and you have another 3 weeks of tour dates Congratulations, this is your demented dream come true’ you are on tour. Next month we will continue from there, covering other possible pitfalls As always, I love your emails, keep them coming, good or bad, I read them all, rikki@ rikkiroxxeffect.com. Hopefully you will come back for next month’s seventh installment.
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CH: I’ve always been fascinated by death. Actually in my book I explain where a lot of that comes from. Since I was a child the first time I saw something die I wanted to know everything about the human body and why we had to die. Combine that with the fact that since childhood I was always an atheist, I never believed in god. I attended catechism every Monday night at St. Mary’s yet never believed. So the concept of death to me was probably a bit more final than it was to other children my age because I knew that there was nothing else after it. So I was always afraid of it. I worked for Playboy for a while as a TV personality. When I left that Job I was so sick of being looked at for my looks and boobs. I wanted to go back to school and study something I’ve been fascinated with my whole life, and that was death. So I enrolled in a mortuary science program in California and it changed my life completely. It made me remember what’s important, why I came to L.A. and how short life is. I really loved working in the funeral homes; I loved working with people. I felt like I was doing something important. DC: Was it difficult emotionally? CH: Well yes, but I really feel I have a gift of being empathetic towards people and helping them in their time of need. I think if you have that gift you need to use it. Working in the hospice, I held peoples hands as they were dying. For me as someone who is afraid of their own mortality, it’s just an amazing thing to be able to help people through their fears. Being able to help people on that level is one of the most important things in the world. DC: Was growing up in a mid-western, catholic environment as a non believer difficult for you? CH Well sometimes…I remember a child getting dropped off at catechism every
Photo By Ldophoto.Net
Monday night and the teacher would make me stay in the halls because I had told her on multiple occasions that I don’t believe in god. There was one occasion where she was telling Bible stories and I raised my hands and began to tell the class how my mother was the queen of England and we go there ever summer. When the nun looked bizarrely at me I explained that I just figured that since we were making up stories I’d make up my own. After that it was the hallway for me… every day.
Carla Harvey and Heidi Shepherd connecting with fans at Mayhem 2013
Photo Marc Nader
DC: Do you have any advice for a young girl of today who may be sitting in her room, listening her music, looking for her way in life? CH: Well I started playing in bands in Detroit when I was seventeen. And now years later I’m finally doing it. I guess don’t ever give up. Don’t let people tell you no. I mean from my best friends on. Because people are afraid of other peoples success. Because that means you may go on and maybe leave them, and they’re afraid of that. So they are going to tell you no. But don’t listen. If you believe in yourself; Go for your dreams…it’s as simple as that.
Carla Harvey’s Artwork is available at ESTY.com. Her novel “Death and Other Dances” will be available this April. See more from Carla at
www.carlaharvey.com
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By Eric Harabadian
At a recent gig at a popular Detroit area venue folks were treated to an amazing amalgam of sounds that stopped many dead in their tracks. It was an entrancing and engaging mix of progressive original songs blended with multiple sets that included everything from deep cuts by Deep Purple, Portishead and Incubus to classic hits by Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Heart and Yes. The nearly four hour nightclub experience was not your typical modern rock excursion, but then Downriver-based Tin Scribble is not your typical kind of band. “It’s interesting about the kinds of covers we’re
doing,” says lead vocalist Kylee Remington. “I don’t wanna say that we underestimated our audience but I think we thought it was gonna be more difficult to be accepted from the get go. I mean, we’re doing all of Rush’s 2112. And we do it really well. So we thought if we get booked once a month we’d be lucky.” Nothing could be further from the truth as the band started feeling a lot of love from the first notes they played. “One of the first venues we started playing was B. Boomers in Allen Park,” continues Remington. “The owner asked to talk to me and he wanted to make us his house band. He had a lot of people in the bar and we practiced what we preached.” What this inventive quintet has been preaching 16 LIVE
is all about upholding a gold standard of progressive rock that is, at once, intellectually stirring and emotionally entertaining. Prime mover and guitarist/vocalist Michael Moore was devoted to an (soon to be released) album project, along with drummer RJ Lambert and long-time friend and sound engineer Matt Sisco, called Dead Skyscrapers. They also were involved in composing music for silent films which further ensconced them in the milieu of the recording studio. Looking to venture out and perform live they thought it would be fun to play some Rush and Zeppelin covers and related inspired music. Lambert suggested it would require a strong and diverse female singer to effectively pull it off. Classically-trained Remington had already been working with Moore as a vocal coach and appeared as a logical choice for the position. The current state of Tin Scribble is, by far, its most committed and enduring. Along with Moore, Remington and Lambert there is Keith Livermore on keyboards and Alexander Webb on bass and vocals. Each member has extensive musical training and it is that academically astute background that is, undoubtedly, attributable to their unique vision and work ethic. There has been a huge learning curve and education in the way the band has made the transition from primarily a strict all originals ensemble to an amazing alternative left-ofcenter show band. “It is progressive music that is unique, yet a lot of people still recognize a lot of the tunes we do,” says Remington. “We feel the covers create a nice niche for the originals.” “Our sets are really broad,” says Webb. “We play a lot of modern stuff like Incubus or Tool. We try to appeal to the Gen X and Gen Y people. We don’t wanna be a classic rock band, even though we do play a lot of really good classic rock!” “We do Dio’s ‘Rainbow in the Dark’ and Michael kept harping to Alex and RJ about making it more danceable,” explains Remington. “So DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
we started playing and I knew he was being facetious. But RJ started playing a disco beat and he and Alex locked into it. So I said I’m going with this and it actually worked. Afterwards Michael said I know you were trying to be an asshole but I liked it. Let’s keep it that way. So, everything we do is unique.” “Another thing we do is a take on Heart’s ‘Magic Man’ we call ‘Magic Iron Man,’” says Moore. “In the middle of the song it takes off into that psychedelic ‘70s thing. Reproducing that seemed really painful to do. We started jamming on ‘Iron Man’ right in the middle of it and it seemed to work. We change the solo sections of some songs.” And what about new and original material cont on pg. 19
Born
from the depths of the forgotten ruins of a once-thriving industrial juggernaut known as Detroit, Underland is a 3-piece metal powerhouse, deriving its sound from their heroes of vintage metal along with the anger and intensity of todays metal. These veterans of the stage have been blowing the roof off of every establishment in the city for almost a decade. Their 2013 release “Hatewater” is a culmination of a lifetime of watching a once great city fall into ruin. The musical styling of Underland is a little bit of metal, and a little bit of everything else. In the same league as the hardest and fastest metal bands , but also can fall back into a melodic and emotional sound that is guaranteed to generate some type of emotional charge. Ranging from blistering fast, double-kick laden metal riff-dom, to acoustic masterpieces, to piano, this band can make you feel like there is more going on than 3 people can deliver, but they never leave a crowd disappointed. Going to an Underland show will literally take your breath away. Underland rocks out with the backbreaking intensity of their forefathers. They are not just three amazing musicians spreading their idea of what metal is, they are making you re-think what metal should be. Underland not only continues the tradition of Detroit rock n roll but are taking it one step further, no help, no handouts, just three guys busting their asses to bring you the best of what they’ve got. Lou Abraham, Chris Lucas and Lawrence Wilson are exactly what Detroit once was and could be again. Hardworking, never say die bad-asses that will never stop. To say it best Underland IS Detroit.
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Emmy Award winning Michigan filmmaker Charles Cirgenski By Jeff Marzolf
According to Cirgenski, producing a film, regardless of the genre or the length of the project, takes equal parts creativity and business acumen. “I’d say it’s about a 50/50 split. I prefer the actual creative aspect of filmmaking, but the reality of it is, filmmakers have to be involved in the business end if they want their project to be seen by the public,” Cirgenski states. Producing a film is what he concentrates on during his Nuts & Bolts Workshop at the Actors Loft in Royal Oak. Cirgenski also owns his own production company, Zone V Productions.
fellow at a prestigious film school in L.A. It wasn’t long before Cirgenski found himself cleaning pools for a well-known Hollywood director and having the run of his house. “It was crazy. I was all of 22 years old and privy to debauchery that only could happen in Hollywood,” Cirgenski said. But he determined after one particular wild party that he’d better return to Michigan or he may not live for too long.
Cirgenski admits that was many years ago. He currently spends his time between Detroit and Atlanta—working on the numerous Cirgenski is handsome and charismatic— projects. Cirgenski currently has 18 projects exactly what you would expect from a in the works with his company Zone V producer and director. He uses anecdotes Productions. “We’re reaching critical mass Confucius said, “Find a job you love, and you and insight from his own career to help right now,” Cirgenski boasts proudly. He is will never have to work a day in your life.” explain the class material to the workshop confident that Detroit is the place to be if Filmmaker Chuck Cirgenski took the ancient attendees. Cirgenski speaks passionately you’re a burgeoning filmmaker. Cirgenski advice to heart. He discovered at a young about filmmaking and he draws on his own adds, “We have a great core of actors—and age that he wanted to be a filmmaker. He experience to educate and entertain his we have the equipment needed to produce was fortunate enough to turn the aspiration students. But he also acknowledges that his great independent films.” of his youth into a career that has spanned prior success and his personality can be a almost 40 years. Cirgenski started making double edged sword. He recounts a story of Cirgenski is holding a Screenwriting films at age 11 when he purchased a Super wanting to be an Assistant Director (A.D.) on Workshop at The Actors Loft Wednesday, 8 Camera and projector with the S&H Green a project, but not getting the job because the March 12, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Stamps that his Mom had saved. Since then, Director was afraid that Cirgenski might take Sunday, March 16, from Cirgenksi has traveled the world doing what over. “So what you’re telling me is that I’m 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. he loves—making films. over qualified?” he says with a laugh. Also, he is holding a Nuts & Bolts Production Cirgenski’s resume includes feature films, Cirgenski grew up in Michigan and attended Workshop, March 29 short films, documentaries, commercials what is now the Center for Creative Studies. & 30, from 9:00 A.M. and countless industrial films. His awardHe intended to study photography at the to 6:00 P.M. Contact winning, six-film, documentary series, “Artists school, but soon found himself helping The Actors Loft for in America,” for the Archives of American Art develop the school’s film production more details at (248) is in the Smithsonian Institute’s permanent department. After college he headed 850-8592 or www. collection. In 1984, he co-produced, west to for the bright lights of Hollywood actorsloft.com wrote and directed a documentary, “In to spend time with a friend who was a Celebration: The Four Corners Project,” for the Smithsonian, which took him on a journey around the world to West Irian Jaya, Indonesia, where he was the first filmmaker in over twenty years to gain access to the remote jungle of the Punjak Jaya mountain range. In addition to being an Emmy award-winning producer, director and screenwriter, Cirgenski teaches and mentors others who share his love of the visual arts. He hosts workshops at The Actors Loft in Royal Oak. Cirgenski’s, Nuts & Bolts Production Workshop is part of The Actors Loft “Anatomy of a Film Series,” in which students learn the ins and outs of producing a film from Cirgenski, who has been there and done that. The weekend course is two full days of, “The Five Big Steps of Film Production,” which covers the entire process from Development through and Marketing and Distribution. 18 LIVE
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they are working on? With their unified personnel in place clever and captivating ideas will soon factor prominently into recordings and live shows. “Alex is an excellent writer and Kylee is good at coming up with melodies. I never wanted to be the leader of the band. I happily open the floor to other people’s ideas to really make this a band,” says Moore. “I’m actually very envious of the way Alex and my friend Matt Sisco writes. They write very direct, symmetrical and beautiful. When I write it is these mouthfuls of words. I’m happy now to have a singer like Kylee who can sing over odd time signatures and phrase things really nicely.” Although consistently booking any kind of performing rock band can be a challenge, Tin Scribble is certainly making inroads on the Southeast Michigan music scene. Perhaps their success reflects the fact that, despite a fluctuating economy and the many distractions of modern life, the artistic cream will always rise to the top. Tin Scribble has opened for national acts Powerman 5000 and The Aristocrats. They also have two full-length releases available: Children of Saturn and Unlive from a Dead City. Currently the band is diligently breaking fresh ground at upcoming and return engagements for Detroit’s Elizabeth Theater (Above the Park Bar), Allen Park’s The
Tin Scribble
Arena Lounge (Inside Thunderbowl Lanes) and Taylor’s Perfect Pitcher Bar. “We’re trying to break certain mindsets,” concludes Remington. “I don’t think every band should be playing the same thing. We don’t wanna be associated with every other band. We also don’t expect to be a house band at every single venue we play. We wanna play different places every month and then rotate them. We’re already playing more than we expected. We’re actually doing very well right now. It’s been pleasing to watch the band grow and seeing the audience grow with it has been really nice!” For up-to-date information kindly check them out online at www.tinscribble.com
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TAKES IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL
Article By Julia Sikora Photo Marc Nader
If you were in the crowd the night Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan took the stage at St. Andrew’s hall, you witnessed the upand-coming musical phenomenon that is Karmin. Performing on their first headlining tour, the pop, rap and hip-hop duo has come a long way from the pages of Youtube, where they gained recognition for their innovative covers, particularly Heidemann’s rapping of Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now.” Together, the two possess an immense amount of musical talent that you have to see – and hear – to believe. Heidemann’s vocal range reaches impressive highs and lows, and her rap skills could give the best in the business a run for their money. For his part, Noonan backs up his leading lady brilliantly on vocals, as well as a variety of instruments, including keys, drums, and his signature trombone.
Closing out the night with their original claimto-fame, Karmin brought thrilled fan, Margaret, out of the crowd to rap Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” with them. Wearing the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on another human being, Margaret rapped her heart out, then rejoined The new material bodes well for Karmin’s the crowd as Karmin ended the show with last future. It shows a great deal of growth, year’s radio sensation “Brokenhearted.” maturity, and experimentation within and So going back to the beginning, if you beyond their current sound. It also highlights the duo’s delightful onstage dynamic. spent the night jamming out with Karmin, College sweethearts and currently engaged, consider yourself lucky. And if not, keep your Heidemann and Noonan have a genuine ears tuned and your eyes peeled for Karmin’s chemistry that is too endearing to ever come next move. I have no doubt that they will continue to take us to another level. across as cliché. “Drifter” and “Night Like This,” as well as the album’s first single, “Acapella.” A night for firsts, the duo also treated us to the powerful “Neon Love,” a beautiful ballad fueled by Heidemann’s magnificent voice.
A bright burst of color and excitement against the black and white backdrop, Karmin took the stage with their most recent single “I Want It All,” carrying the energy straight into “Hello,” the title track off their 2012 EP. Taking a moment between songs, Heidemann thanked their fans, saying that they never anticipated a crowd so large and that they hoped to take the show to another level for us. And that was exactly what they did. Launching back into the music, Karmin debuted “Pulses,” the title track of their first full-length album, to be released later this year. Other new tracks included the vocally driven 22 LIVE
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Bret Michaels Gives Us Something To Believe In Review by Scotti Moore Photos Marc Nader
Rolling into town today is a man that has many ties to the Metro Area. A cousin, that sadly passed last year, who was a first responder in River Rouge along with three generations of fans with the earliest remembering 27 years ago when he started out playing at “Blondie’s” then graduating to “Harpo’s” only to see his career reach full throttle selling out Cobo Hall, Joe Louis Arena and Pine Knob. Tonight Bret Michaels continued the love affair with Detroit at the Soundboard inside Motor City Casino. But first Bret had more on the itinerary than just his “Rock for Jobs” concert. At 3pm Mr. Michaels arrived at the Goodwill store in Dearborn for a tour of the facility. Anyone who has followed his very public career knows that it hasn’t been all fun and games for this celebrity. He has battled not only the typical hurdles that we have come to expect a rock star to face but he has overcome some health issues that can only be explained as nothing short of miracle that he is standing before us today. Through these trials and tribulations he has come to realize how important life is and how giving back is not an option but a necessity. As his visit to Goodwill begins, he takes time to greet and thank everyone for allowing him this opportunity. While walking through the store he is genuinely overwhelmed at how many people have donated goods, services and their time to such a phenomenal charity and how they have created so many jobs and opportunities for those in need. He continues to talk about how the most important thing in life is to give back and how thankful he is to be in a position to do just that. As his visit with Goodwill came to an end he made sure to answer everyone’s questions and pose with all for photos. When asked what he gathered from today’s visit his reply was “I am honored to have been able to spend time here today. Before I leave I seen some things I need to pick up and when I am done with that with every thing I have seen here today I would like to personally donate $10,000 to Goodwill. Not only did he dig into his pockets but all proceeds from the concert ticket sales were being donated to the Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. After everything settled down at Goodwill he thanked everyone once again and he is off to Motor City for sound check. The Motor City Soundboard was full of energy and anticipation for Bret’s “Rock For Jobs” show as the venue filled to capacity. The mix of generations gathered not only to help the cause but to rock out with one of the coolest guys in the music business. Bret Michaels is known for his “fans come first” attitude and his flare for rock. Dedicated fan’s Like Mary Howell Harrington drove four hours to see this show and when asked why she just said it was a no brainier! The house lights went down and after a powerful intro the moment we all had been waiting for was upon us. The Bret Michaels Band took the stage while Guns N Roses “Welcome to the Jungle” screamed over the sound system. The crowd rose to their feet and the party was in full swing. As they kicked into the Poison mega hit “Talk Dirty To Me” Bret comes running out to an eardrum exploding roar from the crowd and throws down the song with his signature enthusiasm. I instantly notice that this isn’t going to be a show that is packaged by all the glitz and glam that I am use to seeing him surrounded by; this was going to be a straight out heart pounding rock and roll show. Before moving on he takes time to let everyone in attendance know how excited he is to be back in Detroit, the place that was pivotal in jump starting his career. He then screams “look what Detroit dragged in” putting a local twist on another fan favorite tune “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” After the song “Ride the wind” Bret Michaels goes into the Skynyrd classic “Sweet Home Alabama” which leads straight to the cover song hit that Poison revived “Your Momma Don’t Dance.” Each song was accompanied by the voices of the sold out crowd. The stage lights now dim and a spotlight focused on Bret by
himself as he appears with his acoustic guitar. ”I want to acknowledge 2 things now,” he says. First he talks about the great work Goodwill is doing then he thanks all the men and women who have and are serving our country. He continues, ”This song goes out to you. It’s called “Something to Believe In.” As the venue is filled with a swaying sea of humanity the tempo then picks back up with the ever popular hit “Unskinny Bop.” After a thunderous drum solo he introduces his band and then asks the crowd to help him with the next song that he humbly explained was out of his vocal range. They play the intro to the Journey hit “Don’t Stop Believing” which as you would guess the crowd did their part by screaming the line “Born and raised in South Detroit.” The song stopped there but the show didn’t. After a cover of Sublime’s “Lovin is What I Got” Bret with his acoustic starts to ring out yet another hit “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” As they exit the stage after saying good night the fans began to raise the volume level to let Bret know they were not ready to end this show. The band along with Bret returned to the stage for an encore song that everyone had been waiting for and what I would call the theme of the night “Nothin But a Good Time.” Unfortunately this night had to end sooner or later. For most they were hoping later. I could only sum this experience up as amazing. From the visit to the Goodwill store in Dearborn where we seen his devotion for charity to the Soundboard at Motor City Casino where we seen the passion for his fans. Bret Michaels puts 100% into everything he does. Not only will he go down as one of the most passionate entertainers to grace the stage but he will forever be known as one of the most caring and loving people to ever grace the earth. Thanks Bret for giving us something to believe in!
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Daron Cruickshank By John Quiroz Daron Cruickshank is an up and coming UFC fighter with the nickname “Detroit Superstar”. Originally from Westland, Mi., Daron now travels the world as a top lightweight mma fighter. Daron is a fighter by birth. Both of his parents are martial arts experts. They each had their own schools and are both 4th degree black belts in Tae Kwan Do. His mom was a professional kickboxer and boxer and his dad cross trained in different martial arts, dabbled in savate and the JKD system. Daron considers himself a true martial arts hybrid. Fast forward to 2014 and Daron has already had quite a career appearing on two reality shows (Bully Beatdown and The Ultimate Fighter) and fighting for many mma organizations. He was 8-1 as an amateur and held the XCC & TXC titles in Michigan and as a professional holds the Ringside World Title. After a stint in the King Of The Cage promotion, Daron moved up to the UFC. He is currently 14-4 and is a top lightweight contender. The following is the Detroit Live interview with Daron (Detroit Superstar) Cruickshank: There I was on a cold and snowy day in the D heading to Michigan Top Team in Dearborn to interview UFC rising star Daron (Detroit Superstar) Cruickshank! I have to admit, I was a little nervous. After arriving early and seeing nobody there, I called Daron, wondering if I was at the right place. Daron assured me that I was there and he was going to be a little late. He had travelled across town to pick up some fight shorts for one of his students so that he could continue training for a fight. It’s that kind of bond that first struck me about Daron and his team. After
a few minutes, I was face to face with the Detroit Superstar himself. DL: Do you still get nervous at all before fights? DC: “Ya know, I ask myself the same question every time that I get into the cage. I get in there, the nerves start kicking in. Especially because of the crowd and that it’s on such a big level”. I say to myself, “I cannot believe that you are doing this again. I’m about to fight this guy”. Then I basically say to myself, “Fuck it, let’s do this!). Then the cage closes, the bell rings and the fight starts. Then it’s on. No more nerves.” DL: Do you ever study film of your opponents? DC: “I do in the beginning when I’m going to accept the fight. I always check out who I’m fighting. Then when I accept it, I stop watching film. I let my coaches and my corners do that. I mean its one thing to watch somebody do something but it’s a whole different thing when they are in front of you and they’re doing it.” DL: Do you have any favorite mma fighters that you watched before you got into the UFC? DC: “When I first started training or even thinking about it, Matt Hughes was on his reign of terror as the Welterweight Champion at 170 lbs in the UFC. He was just wrecking dudes! He defended his belt like 7 times or something and just destroyed people. DL: How is the nose DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
injury? (Daron suffered a smashed nose in the last 10 seconds of his fight with John Makdessi. He subsequently has had nose surgery. His surgeon said that it was the worst smashed nose that he’d ever seen!) DC: “The nose is doing well. I’m still pretty. And some people say that it actually even makes me look better than before!” DL: What is your opinion on the proposed uniforms that the UFC has mentioned possibly implementing? DC: “ Ya know, I’ve always had problems getting sponsors because I’m an up and coming fighter and the sponsors who do pay you, don’t pay much at all. So yeah it’s kind of hard, but as long as they let me wear spandex shorts instead of board shorts, I’m ok with it. DL: So how is your relationship with the UFC and most notably, Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta ? DC: “ Ya know man, I feel like I have a great relationship with them. I’ve only said a few words to Dana like “Hey how’s it goin?” Ya know, He’s the boss so it’s kind of……(pauses) I get more nervous when he’s around than I am when I’m about to fight! Ya know what I’m sayin ? DL: Yep, no doubt! (laughs) DL: What is your involvement in the Michigan amateur mma scene ? DC: “Michigan mma is the wild west! Especially the amateur mma because there is no sanctioning body. So I’m kind of just trying to protect my guys that are in there because there are a lot of promoters out there and it’s all about money to most of them. So I opened up a gym. It’s called Michigan Top Team and it’s in Dearborn, Michigan and we are just trying to get our guys to the next level pro and amateur. As far as amateur mma goes, I do a lot of reffing and I get a lot of
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BY Eric Harbadian
-MMADARON CRUICKSHANK CONT
people asking me how to do this or that, so I take fighters under my wing and show them the ropes and try to get them to the next level. DL: Is there any Michigan fighters, amateur or pro who you’d like to tell our readers about? DC: “ Actually yes, Cody Stamann, he hasn’t fought at the big show yet but he’s up and coming. He’s 5-0 as a professional. He has his first pro title fight this Sat. for the vacant TXC Featherweight Title. I’ll be there supporting him and getting him ready for his fight. (ed. Note. Cody Stamann defeated Jeremy Czarnecki at TXC Legends 3 on Feb 22 to capture the Featherweight crown)
Choice Cuts March 2014 The Mud Suns, ABAB1234 \ (www.reverbnation.com/themudsuns
DL: Ok, last question and then we’ll let you go back to punching people out.
Here’s a Michigan-based trio that brings rock back to its essence. The music is bare bones, with Chadd Mattison on guitar & lead vocals, Cole Mattison on drums and Kevin Kuchar on bass. There’s no obsession with heavy solos or elaborate arrangements. Chadd’s guitars are thick and chunky and clear as a bell. In fact, for a band with the name “mud” in the title, everything on this five song EP is audible and transparent. Songs like “Is it Really So Bad” and “We Are Dead” have a plaintive Nirvana or Screaming Trees vibe to them. And like the organized succession of letters and numbers that define the album, The Mud Suns deliver their message in very structured and staccato rhythms and emotions.
DC: Ok shoot.
Eric Clapton, The 1970s Review, (DVD, Sexy Intellectual, and SIDVD577): At 151 minutes, this British produced feature documentary truly gives you your money’s worth! It’s everything you ever wanted to know about Clapton’s emergence from the psychedelic guitar god in Cream to his transition into a singer-songwriter, sideman and award-winning solo artist. Insightful and detailed interviews are conducted with Derek & The Dominoes band mate Bobby Whitlock, Bonnie Bartlett ( of Delaney & Bonnie fame) , sideman George Terry and Clapton biographer Marc Roberty, among others. There are some really fantastic scenes, Transatlantic, Kaleidoscope with Clapton and various groups in the recording studio and on stage. And, as you (Metal Blade Records 15278-2)The watch the footage from his late ‘60s phase progressive rock brain trust of Neal Morse, through the mid-‘70s, there is a clear arc to Roine Stolt, Pete Trewavas and Mike the storytelling that is unparalleled. As in the Portnoy are back again with their newest previous ‘60s Review, the only drawback excursion. And “excursion” is most apropos is that the documentary was not officially for absorbing a Transatlantic album is more sanctioned by Clapton, himself. But, other like a journey or an experience. This release than that, it appears to be a pretty respectful appears very consistent with their past work and solid account of the guitarist’s career and with a lot of modern progressive music, during this period. for that matter. Morse is in fine voice and, again, proves why he may be one of the finest lyricists and singers working in modern music today. Stolt exudes taste and restraint on guitars, Trewavas offers tremendous bass support and Portnoy demonstrates how he continues to be the consummate “go to” drummer in the progressive, metal and straight ahead rock fields. Frankly, there’s nothing here that’s remarkably different from ground they’ve covered before. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. What you get is a stunning spectrum of multi-faceted concept pieces blended with ballads and some light jamming vehicles. In other words, Transatlantic!!! 28 LIVE
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DL: We think that our readers would like to get your picks on some upcoming UFC Championship fights. How about Weidman vs Belfort for the Middleweight crown? (ed note: Belfort has since pulled out and Weidman will be fighting Lyoto Machida instead. But we think that Daron’s answer would probably be the same anyway.) DC: “Weidman’s the champ, right? I’m going to have to go with the champ because he has the belt and he took it from and defended it against the best fighter in mma ever! DL: How about Johny Hendricks versus Robbie Lawler for the Welterweight title? DC: “Oooh, I’ll go with Robbie Lawler just because I’m a bigger fan of his.” DL: The last one is in your division, Lightweight. Jose Aldo versus Anthony Pettis. DC: “That should be interesting to watch two champions go at it. Two different styles of fighters. Hmm, well I feel like leg kicks don’t knock people out so I’m going to go with Pettis” DL: Thanks for the interview and good luck in the UFC. DC: Thanks Daron Cruickshank is fighting Eric Koch at UFC Fight Night 40 on May 10th in Cincinatti. You can watch it on Fox Sports one and UFC Fight Pass online. Michigan Top Team is located at 13939 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126. Follow Daron on Twitter …..@Cruickshank 155 and Facebook ……..www.facebook.com/cruickshank155
Flogging Molly The Devils Dance Floor Review by Jonny Reinhardt Photo Marc Nader
Green shirts, Guinness cans, and a Fillmore Theatre packed full of giddy guys and gals gearing up to dance the night away with Flogging Molly. Our music Mecca of Detroit is one of the bands favorite stops on tour. From bearded geriatrics to kids who have no business being up this late on a school night, the diverse crowd shared a common love for the Celtic Rock superstars. Every song starts out as an Emerald isle style folk arrangement of acoustic guitars, accordions, tin whistles, banjos, and mandolins and then lashes out into the fast tempo Celtic rock that hits you with the force of an iron shillelagh. Even if you aren’t familiar with the songs, the catchy choruses were written so well that we all can easily learn and chant along with the band. I was surprised to see how “homely” the mosh pit was. Fan’s with arms around each others shoulders while dancing up and down like drunken leprechauns. Well come to find out there are no mosh pits at a Flogging Molly show, just the ‘Devils Dance floor.’ It did not take long for me to be consumed by temptation and I instantly found myself dancing to the devil about a week before St. Patty’s day! With tribute’s to Pete Seeger on banjo, along with an amazing rendition of The Dubliners ‘Rare Old Times’ marking the 20th anniversary Luke Kelly’s passing, Detroit received many rare songs not normally played by Flogging Molly. The very Irish singer, Dave King is clearly the rock-star of the band dancing along with the crowd while throwing out Guinness to the fans with empty cups. What a guy! For the Encore of the show, he came out in a Nicklas Lidstrom jersey celebrating the retirement of his number 5 earlier that evening. Dave’s salute to Mr. Lidstrom caused a stadium like roar as if Flogging Molly just won the Stanley Cup! I highly suggest this band of Celtic Rockers as a fun event for the entire family! Especially here in Detroit!
Dropkick Murphys Stomps Detroit
Review by Jonny Reinhardt Photo Marc Nader
STOMP, STOMP, STOMP, STOMP went the feet of all the fans of the American Celticpunk band Dropkick Murphy Tuesday night at the Fillmore. The stomping was in beat to the introductory Irish folk music that played, signaling that it was almost time… to PARTY! While the capacity crowd pounded their beat, I felt peaceful with my beer in hand stomping to the sounds of bagpipes and tin whistles. The curtain dropped and the band unleashed into a full fledged punk fury. Within seconds my beer had magically flown about 30 feet behind me as I was unknowingly stomping in the center of the most instantaneous mosh pit I have ever witnessed at The Fillmore! For a band that has been around for 18 years, their modesty shows onstage as they look like just as homely as the fans that came to see them. They announced that they were playing DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
their first album in it’s entirety which made the die hard fans start screaming at the top of their lungs! The energy of the show remained intact as they gathered the crowd surfing fans onstage to dance and sing with them. That’s something you don’t see at these big shows to much. Celtic Punk is the genre they fall under, a no shenanigans mix of fast powerful punk guitars and drums with layers of traditional folk instruments like accordions, bagpipes, bouzouki’s, flutes and so on. They play their instruments with such skill that it’s easy to forget you’re listening to an American punk band. But still, out of all the fancy instruments, founding bassist Ken Casey holds it all down wearing his signature Boston Bruins jersey and booming his left handed Fender bass with punk precision. So if you hear that the Dropkick Murphys are playing a show soon near you, do yourself a favor and get a few of your mates together, don a few cabbie hats and get ready for a killer Celtic time!
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by Aluna Michaels, M.A.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) – Happy birthday Pisces! Your birth year starts off with many blessings, as abundant Jupiter moves direct. You’ll find emotional and financial fulfillment flows – even from situations from as far back as October. Renew your commitment to meditation, and intuition will increase. Also ponder how you can heal in areas of sexuality, intimacy and trust. Aries (March 21 – April 19) – You’ll have lots of healing with family issues and old emotional wounds. When you feel irritated with anyone, please stop to breathe/meditate and see what is being triggered from the past. You’ll be able to see things from a new perspective and release the emotional charge. This makes relationships better, since you’ll be more open and trusting. Also, make time for new friends and now activities – lots of joy will flow! Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Mars, the planet of energy and life direction, retrogrades this month. Meditate on taking better care of your health. Your body deserves good treatment! Even practicing gentle yoga, deep breathing, or eating more slowly can make a big shift. Meditate on job skills and see if you can imagine a better use of them. Two months from now, offers may arise and you should be ready to make decisions! Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Jupiter, the planet of abundance, moves direct and improves your finances! At the same time, Saturn move retrograde, creating a balance so you also have boundaries and integrity around money. Seek advice from trustworthy people about how to build for your future monetarily. Also, read books about prosperity . . . and about how spirituality and money blend together. The Universe wants you to prosper! Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Abundant and luscious Jupiter is moving direct in your sign helping you feel -- well, abundant and luscious! You might start a new relationship, or have a re-kindling in a current one. Your self-esteem is high and you can break negative emotional patterns . . . especially around eating habits and romance. Also meditate on releasing control issues. Trust that your loved ones can make good choices. This will improve bonds even more!
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Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – It’s great to be involved in many different activities and have tons of friends, but Mars and Saturn are retrograding and asking you to look at how you expend energy. Are you having a fun, or are you scattered and unfocused? Do you spend more time with many casual acquaintances and fail to develop deep connections? Meditate on the dearest and best in your life. Put more focus there, and let other people and situations fade away. A great side effect will even be more prosperity! Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) – Jupiter moves direct and helps clear out relationship problems. You can heal issues in current connections – or leave them if you’re not fulfilled! If single, you can attract someone who is amazingly aligned with you spiritually, emotionally and financially. Work wise, don’t make any sudden changes. Wait until late May when things are better revealed. Meditate and think about how you can confront in a clear, calm way to deal with stressful job stuff. Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) – This is a month of balance for you. So many work opportunities open up, but you need discernment to see which are best. You might also need to let go of people of situations that don’t have integrity so prosperity can flow for you. Surround yourself with people as positive as you are! Relationships and health really blossom since you’ll feel less stressed! Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than two decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version. Ms. Michaels is available for appointments in her home or by phone. Call (248) 583-1663 or visit www.alunamichaels.com
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) – Any difficulties you have, whether with family, work or relationship have a spiritual answer. Don’t struggle with your logical mind. Go within and meditate. Let your intuition provide solutions! This gets you out of emotions and above drama. You can also start a new relationship with someone with a strong spirituality. If partnered, try meditating or doing yoga together and let new levels of bonding happen! Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) – It’s a great time to overcome negative selftalk! Meditate to observe your mean thoughts – especially about your body, your talents and your finances. Write them down. Take those mean statements and flip them into positive affirmations. Your body is a beautiful place to live -- praise its strengths and its hard work! Affirm your abilities and money earning capacity so new prosperity is attracted to you. Avoid people who tell you negative stuff about yourself, or about themselves! Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – Jupiter is bringing you heaps of abundance, prosperity and happiness! In order to receive as much as the Universe wants to give, comb your consciousness for negative programming. Maybe you feel you won’t be as well liked if you are super successful in business and romance? Maybe it’s hard to have good stuff come easily? Meditate on the fact you’re reaping good karma you sowed previously. You deserve your blessings! Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – Saturn turns retrograde in your sign, helping you set important goals. Meditate on life priorities. Make a list of what to release in order to make room for greater good. This could be habits, attitudes, beliefs, or even people. Clearing out your mind and life feels empty at first – but now you’ll have the time and energy to pursue what is truly vital to you! Make a second list of steps you’re committed to take to make dreams reality! 30 LIVE
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