Nightspots
Friday Mar 12, 2010
The Ark: Joe Henry
Country-rooted folk-rock by this critically acclaimed singer- songwriter. Henry, who grew up in Michigan, is often compared to Van Morrison for his passionate emotional directness and to Dylan for his restless musical inventiveness and poetic lyrical touch, and even 2 decades into his career his music continues to evolve in unexpected and revelatory ways. Critic Josh Hurst calls his acclaimed 2007, Blood from Stars, “one of the best maps I’ve found for unraveling the mess of politics and religion, song and story, triumph and tragedy that has always found a natural home in the blues.” $20.
The Blind Pig: Hana Malhas
U-M student singer-songwriter, originally from Jordan, who writes intimate, thoughtful songs and accompanies herself on piano, guitar, and occasionally violin. Tonight she celebrates the release of her debut CD, Shapeshift. Opening acts are Chris Bathgate, a local singer-songwriter who writes heartfelt, poetic story songs in a variety of moods, and Wolfie Complex, a local quartet, fronted by singer-guitarist Wolfie Geske, whose music mixes folk, jazz, and hip-hop.
Cleary’s Pub: Scott Seth
Rock and country covers and originals by this singer-guitarist.
Crazy Wisdom Tea Room: Marco and Asim
Folk-rock and blues by the local duo of singer-guitarist Marco Bruschtein and bassist Asim Khan.
The Earle: Rick Burgess Trio
Veteran local jazz trio founded by the late pianist Rick Burgess which now usually features Patrick Whitehead on piano.
Elbow Room: Silverghost
Detroit-area pop-rock band. Opening acts are Secret Twins, a local garage punk quartet, and Ghostlady, a local indie pop-rock trio.
Foggy Bottom Coffeehouse: James Whitman Student Bands
Rock bands featuring students off this Dexer music teacher.
Goodnite Gracie: George Bedard & the Kingpins
Superfine honky-tonk dance tunes from swing to vintage blues, country, rockabilly, and early rock ’n’ roll classics, with some memorable originals penned by guitar genius Bedard. With drummer Rich Dishman and bassist Randy Tessier. The band has released 3 acclaimed CDs and is working on an all-instrumental CD that includes “Swing Minor 65,” Bedard’s surf-music adaptation of a Django Reinhardt tune. 6:30-9 p.m.
Goodnite Gracie: Lawn Care and The Ruiners
Double bill. Lawn Care is a local rock ’n’ roll garage quartet formerly known as the Butt Boys., and The Ruiners is a grunge- inflected Detroit rock ‘n’ roll band. 9:30 p.m.
The Habitat Ultralounge: Chateau
Veteran pop dance band.
Inverness Inn: Old Buzzards
Classic rock band.
Keystone Underground Martini Bar: October Babies
Self-styled “upbeat global soul” electronica-jazz quartet, led by the Ypsilanti husband-and-wife duo of Toko Shiiki-Santos and Erik Santos, whose songs are sung mostly in Japanese.
The Necto: Pride
Gay night with high-energy dance music by DJ Jace in the Dance Room, and retro pop and UK music videos with DJ Mark in the Red Room.
Pierce’s Pastries Plus: Falling Up
Manchester rock band
Zou Zou’s Cafe: Mike Beattie
Acoustic folk and rock by this Whitmore Lake singer-guitarist.
