Legendary Poster Artist Gary Grimshaw Honored at The Scarab Club

Legendary Psychedelic poster artist Gary Grimshaw is being honored Thursday night at a reception and exhibit showcasing his work, concluding in the ceremonial Scarab Club beam signing. You may not be thinking that signing a beam at some artists’ workshop is no big deal; however, you would be completely wrong. The ceremonial beam signing at the Scarab Club in Detroit is a distinguished honor. Much like a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one has to be chosen to receive this honor. A load of well known Detroit-native artists and poets have been able to sign the beam at the Scarab Club, with Diego Rivera, Tyree Guyton, Norman Rockwell and Elmore Leonard among them. Normally, this is the cause for celebration, but Grimshaw is celebrating for another reason, also.

Throughout his journey as an artist, Grimshaw has become an icon of rock and psychedelic art through the legendary posters and handbills he created for Detroit’s Grande Ballroom. Of course the Grande closed down in the early 70’s, but its memory remains, shown throughout Grimshaw’s now iconic work. Original Grimshaw posters are now worth thousands, but prints of them have been made for sale (www.garygrimshaw.com), with one of them having an appearance in Tim Burton’s 2012 Dark Shadows reboot film.  Due to a recent illness that Grimshaw has been battling, he is ready to turn the page onto his final journey as an artist. Grimshaw has always been known as soft spoken (yet revolutionary in his ideas), so this honor means even more to his family, his friends and himself.

The ‘Gary Grimshaw: Solo’ exhibition is showcased at The Scarab Club from January 2nd through February 15th. The reception takes place tomorrow, Friday, January 10th from 6-9pm with the ceremonial beam signing at 7:30.









EDIT- We lost our friend Gary Grimshaw at 11:05 today, January 13th 2014. His memory will live on with his work and through the inspiration he has given to new generations of artists. R.I.P. Peace And Power. 

Detroit Black Music Awards 2013

With Joe Billingslea

Ortheia Barnes with Myself

The stage at the Detroit Black Music Awards

 This past Sunday, I had the honor of being invited to the Detroit Black Music Awards, a 5 year old award show that parallels the Detroit Music Awards, but honoring the best of the Detroit African-American music scene. While at the awards, I was able to meet with Kim Weston ('It Takes Two' - Duet with Marvin Gaye on Motown Records), Ortheia Barnes (Member of Cut Glass and Detroit legend), and Joe Billingslea (One of two surviving members of The Contours). Overall, it was a very amazing experience, partly because I had the ability to meet some of the greatest Motown and local stars, but mostly because I was able to experience the great music that was offered that evening. While the DBMA's are a relatively new event, it had all the charm of an event twice it's age. The show felt right at home at Bert's Warehouse Theater, with wonderful decor and an inviting atmosphere. Among those taking home awards were Nick Speed and Brian Williams, who were well deserving, and who took home awards at the previous awards show. Everyone at the show was warm and inviting, and I look forward to attending next year's event, as I urge you to go.

Shows- The GO! At PJ's Lager House

What’s to expect when you go see The Go? They haven’t played in Detroit for over two years, and they just stopped at SXSW to perform a set solely of Fiesta! material, their new album that came out earlier this year,  produced by lead-singer and genius Bobby Harlow. What kind of band goes on stage and only plays their new material, which a heavy chance that less than half of the audience has heard it? Bob Dylan said the same thing a while ago- keep the shows fresh, and don’t rely on greatest hits material. Alice Cooper and Paul McCartney have been making a living off of it. They’ve barely played new tunes, the latest from their 90’s revival records. What’s great with The Go is that they have the ability to pull it off, and they can do it good. This is the first time I’ve heard of a Sold Out Lager House show, and it was packed to the rafters. The room was packed, like sardines, while watching the first opener for Redd Kross, the Wolfman Band (The brainchild of Italy Records owner David Buick and UFO Factory/Infinity People main-man Dion Fischer), performing cover songs, redone to include ‘wolf’ phrases. Among the best were ‘T.V. Wolf’, and ‘She’s A Wolf’ The Go hit the stage at around 10, opening with the first track off of Fiesta!,  ‘Voices Rant On’. It was amazing to see The Go’s new lineup- Bobby Harlow, John Krautner, Justin Walker, Steve Nawara, and Ben Luckett, performing for the first time in Detroit. Lee from Burger Records was also set up with T-Shirts, LP’s, and Cassettes (of which I bought Redd Kross’s two Burger releases, including their new album ‘Researching The Blues’).  This is exactly the kind of show where you have to ask why The Go aren’t selling out The Fillmore, and it’s obvious that they are the most under-appreciated jem in the Detroit music scene. Redd Kross were up next and were great, but, The Go were the stars of the night, and it seemed like The Go were done too soon. Long live The Go, mastermind Bobby Harlow, and the beautiful place that is PJ’s Lager House.

Order The GO’s new album, FIESTA! from Burger Records: http://www.burgerrecords.org/apps/webstore/products/show/3583651

-Originally Posted on the Metro Times Blogs on April 13th 2013
Link-  http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2013/04/the-go-at-pjs-lager-house/

Shows- Christmas Jubilee at the Masonic Temple

For those who attended Patti Smith’s show at the DIA earlier this year should be eager to catch Smith for the second time this year at the Christmas Jubilee. It’s not just a Patti Smith show though: Vin Dombrowski, Jennifer Westwood and the Waycross Georgia Farmboys, Ty Stone, The Thornbills, and The Curmudgeons (Fabulous Rhythm and Blues Revue).
This certainly won’t be one to miss either, a portion of profits will be given to Gleanors Food Bank of Michigan, and non perishable food items will be collected to help the needy.

The press release reads:
Music fans with diverse tastes will be enjoying a unique holiday celebration December 16th at the Masonic Temple when local artists will be joined by some big names in music to help support Gleaners Food Bank of Southeast Michigan.
The show will feature a dozen locally and internationally acclaimed artists, and include a short set by Patti Smith.  Smith, known by some as the Godmother of punk,  has inspired masses through her poetry, music, and art. The first exhibition of her photography in the United States, Camera Solo, came to the DIA last June and her performance there in conjunction with the exhibit quickly sold out.  Her appearance at Christmas Jubilee will undoubtedly be a highlight of the holiday season for many.
Accompanying Patti and performing as a special guest will be Luis Resto, who is know most widely for his work with Eminem.  In 2003 he won both a Grammy and Oscar for “Lose Yourself” which he co-wrote.  Resto, a Detroit based musician and songwriter, has worked with renown artists in most every genre including country music legends The Highway Men (Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash) and chart topping Nicki Minaj.
Other artists include platinum selling recording artist Vin Dombrowski of Sponge fame, award winning blues singer Chef Chris, and downriver’s favorite son Ty Stone to name a few.  Locals Jennifer Westwood and The Waycross Georgia Farmboys have assembled an all-star house band for the show, and will back several of the artists.
Great music and a great cause is at the heart of the show explains Dombroski. “What makes this event great is that everyone involved has ties to Detroit,” he says . “It showcases what we are made of talent-wise, and the generosity of these people, coming together with their time and resources to do something good during a busy time of year”.

Tickets start at only $25 (A steal, seeing this is 10+ bands performing!) and they can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office.
Surprises are in store.
For More information, please visit www.christmasjubilee2012.com

 -Originally Published on the Metro Times Blogs on December 4th 2012
Link- http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/12/christmas-jubilee-at-the-masonic-temple-featuring-patti-smith-december-16th/

Shows- Bootsey X Celebration at Mario's

Despite being a hectic day with Record Store Day, I hope you have the time to stop into Mario’s 1477 Grille tomorrow, April 20th, for the Bootsey X celebration. Bootsey has been fighting medical issues for a few years, and your donation of $7 at the door goes directly to Bootsey to help cover his hospital stay! Bands performing include The Ruiners, Circus Boy, The Seatbelts, and Mike Murphy and his Arm Band.  Please come out to support Bootsey and hear some great music! His new album also comes out on 5/26, and CD samplers will be sold at the show with proceeds going to Bootsey also. Doesn’t it feel good to do good?
Set Times:
7:30-8:00 -The StompRockets
8:15-8:45 -Mike Murphy and his Arm Band
9:00-9:30 -The Seatbelts
9:45-10:15 -Cinecyde
11:15-11:45 -The Ruiners
12:00- ?? -Open Jam


See you there!

-Originally Published on the Metro Times Blogs on April 19th 2013
Link-  http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2013/04/bootsey-x-celebration-at-marios-tomorrow-420/

Shows- Detroit Cobras at PJ's Lager House

This show was actually over a month and a half ago, but better late than never I suppose! The Lager House traded over their event room for a tent in the parking lot September 27^th and 28^th. It may sound strange, but it worked out perfectly, and it was definitely a night to remember.  Opening up the night were Nashville based rockers, Natural Child. They zoomed through a quick set of covers, and a TON of jams from their new albums For The Love Of The Game, and Hard In Heaven. (Both came out this year, and both really rule).  I didn’t catch much of TYVEK’s set, because I was inside eating cheese fries and talking music with Natty Child, but there were a couple of songs they played that I remembered from their Live At Third Man Records album, which was pure genius. About 15 minutes after they wrapped up, a tall slender man hopped on stage. I didn’t know who he was prior to this show, but now I realize I should’ve been listening to him for a long time. Mr. Davis ran through a great set of tunes that all had a story behind them. Of particular interest was W.C.T.P., which evolved from a tender ballad to a Shout like sing-along. Plus, his guitar player looks a lot like Tim Curry, just an observation. I hadn’t seen the Detroit Cobras’ before, but I was always a big fan.  Rachel Nagy has one of the most powerful voices in Detroit, and Mary Cobra’s guitar licks are tasty.  They went through, hit after hit. Some highlights were Hey Sailor, Cha Cha Twist, and Cry On. Thanks to PJ and the Lager House for getting this together, I look forward to next year’s. 

-Originally Published on the Metro Times Blogs on November 25th 2012.
Link- http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/11/detroit-cobras-melvin-davis-tyvek-and-natural-child-at-pjs-lager-house/

Shows- Frütstock 2012

Legendary 60's band The Früt are whipping out their instruments once again for one more yearly reunion show. The obscure rock legends opened for countless bands at the Grande Ballroom (You remember that, right?) and also set the stage for the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1968. Back in the day, the rockers covered old rock hits like ‘Ruby Baby’ and ‘Sixteen Candles’ in their own wild style, and released hit originals such as ‘Keep On Truckin’ Two classic LP’s were also released on Westbound Records to great acclaim by Lester Bangs….. You get the idea, these guys rock and you have to see them live to be able to take it all in. This year, The Früt will play at the Rec Bowl outside venue in Mount Clements Friday and Saturday, both at 7 P.M. so you have no excuses for missing this once in year-time experience. Detroit legend Little Leon will be opening for the previous opening band, and I will be there jamming on a few tunes too. Legendary Detroit poster artists Gary Grimshaw and Carl Lundgren will be present with their artwork along with rock photographer Leni Sinclair. Going with The Früt’s motto; “Hell no, we ain’t forgettin!’ this won’t be one to miss out on. ~Jarrett Koral

'The Früt' performs at the Mt.Clements Rec Bowl this Friday and Saturday night beginning at 7 P.M. See you there.


-Originally posted on the Metro Times Blogs on August 9th, 2012.
Link-  http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/08/frutstock-2012/

*Author's Note- I will be playing with the Frut again in May for the opening of the Mike Kelley Mobile Homestead at MoCad in Downtown Detroit. More info to come soon. -JK 4/16/13

Shows- Saturday At The Hangout-The Story Of My First Blowout w/ Kim Fowley and Dan Auerbach

It was excruciatingly hard getting into bars at 9 o' clock and convincing others that I am a Metro Times writer (he's 13 years old, came in with his old man! -- ed.) but it all paid off. After a quick filling of Crepes at Polish Village Cafe I headed upstairs to catch the beginning of Greater Alexander, a twangy folk project which showed that the Blowout isn't all Rock 'n' Roll. Sadly, leaving that behind *sob* was a hard decision, but in the end it was worth it for what came next. I caught the wonderfully spunky Amy Gore And Her Valentines, a power pop quartet whose main goal is being loud. (In a good way!) The After Dark Amusement Park were especially great live, featuring Greg Beyer (Ty Stone & The Truth) and Troy Gregory (The Witches, Dirtbombs). They busted out a killer mamma jamma set of songs (that phrase was embarrassing. Bear with me ...). Then, checked out Kim Fowley's Psychedelic Dogs back at the PNA, where I stayed for the rest of the night. I met Kim two days earlier when he spoke at the School Of Rock. He told me to write a book and become the next Cameron Crowe.

With the one and only Kim Vincent Fowley

 I caught a bit of The Dirtbombs set, but by then, my eyes were practically falling out. I can't wait for next year's Blowout, and hope it's as good as this. Until next time~JK

  

"No fanboys here!" Dan Auerbach (right) and  Koral mix it up.

-Originally published in the Detroit Metro Times Blogs on March 5th, 2012
Link- http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2012/03/teen-a-ramasaturday-at-the-hangout-the-story-of-my-first-blowout/