Weekend Music Points to a Colorful Fall

Sept. 15, 2004

Okay now that summer has arrived, weather wise, it is officially coming to a close. So the weather wasn’t the best but musically things were pretty good. One thing we learned this summer is that sometimes the opener (Jackie Green, Keller Williams) can be as good if not better than the headliner. But with the summer music scene finished, it doesn’t mean it is time to hunker down with the DVD player. No, just the opposite as this fall looks to be more musically vibrant than summer.
It kicks off with the return of the Young Dubliners (see separate article) September 15 at Streeters. The Dubs are another one of those “opening” bands that many caught a few years back with headliner Jethro Tull at Interlochen.
After catching the Dubs a major dilemma exists for music enthusiasts as the weekend features a lot of talent. Here is a highlight of some of the more exciting shows:

Garnet Rogers returns to the area for three shows beginning September 17 at Rhonda’s in Frankfort and closing his visit at Union Street Station in Traverse City on September 19 with a show inbetween at Kejara’s Bridge in Lake Leelanau. Rogers, brother of the late folk legend Stan Rogers, has been a longtime favorite in the area and his music should be familiar to all who follow the folk scene.
A ticket to see Rogers is value in itself, but add the talents of singer/songwriter Louise Taylor to the bill and it is really a two for one deal. Taylor is out touting her 5th CD, “Velvet Town,” which is an exploratory step for her.
Taylor is a master of the guitar. She started playing at 15 as she left home and hitchhiked the country playing street corners. She eventually crossed paths with the likes of Chris Smither and Ray Bonneville and learned fingerpicking techniques from both. This is a must see for fans of folk. To learn more about these shows or to obtain tickets contact Seamus Shinners, (231) 941-8667.

Maybe hard driving music is your cup of tea (Jack Daniels). Then Jackyl is your band. The original “bad-asses” of southern hard rock “chainsaw” their way to Streeters on September 17. Jackyl is known as the “hardest working” band in rock and roll and they have the credentials to prove it. They own the Guinness Book of World Record’s record for performing 100 shows in 50 days and the amazing record of 21 shows in 24 hours.
Jackyl consists of original lead vocalist and chainsaw master Jesse James Dupree. He is joined by the Worley brothers Jeff and Chris, also founding members, and the group’s newest member Roman Glick who does double duty as the bass player with Slave to the System when not touring with Jackyl.
Selling over 4 million records in their 12-year history with hits like “I Stand Alone,” “Down On Me,” “When Will It Rain,” “The Lumberjack,” “Dirty Little Mind,” and the now legendary “Locked and Loaded,” Jackyl comes to town with hits and chainsaw in hand. Tickets and info are available by visiting www.streetersonline.com or calling the box office, (231) 932-1300.

Looking for a little bit lighter sound in your classic rock music? Look no further as The Turtles come to the Leelanau Sands Showroom September 18. The band is led by the legendary vocalists “Flo & Eddie,” and a Volkswagen bus full of hits. Who can forget “Happy Together,” yeah that song, “we’re so happy together.”
Okay it has been awhile since they had any hits but Flo & Eddie still have it. Other hits include Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe,” “Elenore,” and “She’d Rather Be With Me.” Tickets are available by visiting
www.casino2win.com or calling the box office, (800) 585-3737.

That seems like plenty to choose from but wait, there is more. Can’t forget about Blissfest. Sure their summer festival is over but they kick off their Fall Concert Series September 18 at the Crooked Tree Arts Center with slide guitarist Jeff Lang.
Lang has toured with Ani Di Franco, Chris Whitley, Albert Collins, Bob Dylan, Loudon Wainwright III, Richard Thompson, Greg Brown, Kelly Joe Phelps, Dr. John and Bob Geldolf. That list in itself speaks of his immense talent.
His other credentials include the Australian (his homeland) version of a Grammy for Best Blues and Roots Music album in 2002. Fans of the slide guitar will be in for a real treat as will those who like the singer/songwriter who writes from the soul. Additional info is at www.blissfest.org and tickets are available by calling
(231) 348-7047.

On September 17 The Tannahill Weavers perform at the Cheboygan Opera House.
The “Tannies” over the years have been the trailblazers of the great Scottish music tradition. The quintet’s potent mixture of traditional ballads and fiery instrumentals leaves their audiences spellbound. As tight and versatile as any band in the Celtic music scene, the Tannahills can summon rock-n-roll intensity or haunting introspection.
Tickets are available by calling the Opera House box office at (231) 627-5841.

This is a pretty packed weekend of music. Not to be outdone are those on the local scene looking for their big break. For blues musicians, that comes in the form of the Mid North Michigan Blues Challenge, Sunday, September 19 at Streeters where eight bands will battle for a trip to compete in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge next February.
The folks that bring you FarmFest and WKLT are sponsoring the competition. The winning band will compete for a chance at $50,000 in cash and a recording contract.
Bands competing include Code Blue and Bacon & Eggs from Traverse City, Mark Arshak, James Resser Band and Big Daddy Fox from downstate and the Flat Broke Blues band crosses the bridge to compete. Kathy & The Rhythm Doctors from Interlochen and Doc Woodward & The Motor City Exiles from Eastport round out the competition.
Tickets are $5.00 and are available at the door. Festivities get underway at 3 pm. Contact Streeters at (231)932-1300 for additional information.

For the real music aficionado the weekend is book-ended by the Young Dubliners and The Blues Challenge. The question to be answered is how to choose what to do inbetween.

Rumor has it that Uncle Kracker is coming back. Plus a return of some favorites like rapper Juvenile, Chris Smither, Rachael Davis, a reunion of the old Tanz Haus, Lonnie Brooks, The Chenille Sisters and Motley Cru’s Vince Neil. Add in Girlyman just before the election and the Red Elvises kicking off October, and you better put the DVD player on pause because the music season isn’t winding down – it is just starting to get colorful.