NOISE: Local Music Beat

Weekend Riff: 'An Evening of Smooth Jazz' in Okemos, Kings of Leon headlines DTE, 'Touch & Go' Book Signing at FBC

-Friday: "An Evening of Smooth Jazz" brings mega jazz talent to mid-Michigan every summer. The event returns for a sixth year on Friday, to the Margaret Livensparger Theater in the Holt High School Performing Arts Complex. This year's headliner is smooth jazz saxophonist Euge Groove. Opening, it's the Al McKenzie Trio (photo of McKenzie right) featuring Penny Wells and 496 West. For all the details, click here.

"I am looking forward to the event because we have three high energy bands, and the house will be rocking with each tune," says Charlie Wilson, president of BMRW Promotions. BMRW and WJZL (92.9-FM) present the show. "Penny Wells is sultry, Al McKenzie my be very well the best keyboardist in the state of Michigan, Euge is very high energy and is going to surprise the audience. Also, 496 West always has a few great music surprises for the audience and some surprise guests."

-Also Friday: Greg Nagy, formerly of Root Doctor, performs a FREE show 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fountain Square as part of the East Lansing Summer Concert Series. His 2009 release,"Walk That Fine Thin Line," earned a Blues Music Award Nomination.

-Saturday: Fans of late-'70s, early-'80s Lansing punk surely remember the early days of "Touch & Go." "Touch & Go: The Complete Hardcore Punk Zine: '79-'83" is a new book that archives the famed, Lansing-based punk fanzine. The 576-page book gathers all 22 issues in one clamorous collection. Flat, Black & Circular in East Lansing hosts a special book signing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, featuring the co-founders of "Touch & Go": Tesco Vee and Dave Stimson, plus plus the book's editor Steve Miller (The Fix) and Tony Rettman (author of "Why Be Something You're Not: Detroit Hardcore 1979-1985").

-Also Saturday: The first ever Capital City Chaos Metal Fest kicks off Saturday at The Loft in downtown Lansing. Local metal band Endless Aisle spearheads the event, and you can check out all the details here.

"I like that metal can bring people together," says Endless Aisle lead singer Adam Ray. "This is a community of people..."

-Road trip: Mega alternative rocker Kings of Leon headlines DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarskton with openers Built To Spill and The Stills.

Festival News: Old Town JazzFest Up Ahead

Just because Common Ground is over, that doesn't mean festival season has wrapped up. Old Town Lansing's 16th annual JazzFest runs August 6-7, bringing two days of free music from local, regional and national jazz acts. The festival is free. Yay!

Topping the bill are Derrick Gardner and the Jazz Prophets and jazz fusion guitarist Stanley Jordan (left).

More on the major draws:

• Derrick Gardner and the Jazz Prophets play August 6. Gardner was the trumpet soloist in Broadway’s, "Thou Shalt Not," with music and lyrics by Harry Connick Jr.
• RITMO performs August 6. Latin salsa-style band RITMO brings together jazz musicians from Lansing, Grand Rapids and Flint.
• Stanley Jordan appears August 7. With his precise and emotive "tap" technique, Stanley Jordan made waves in modern progressive instrumental jazz with his gold-selling, Grammy nominated debut, 1985’s "Magic Touch."
• Too Smooth for Notes (right) closes out JazzFest on August 7. (NOISE blogger Darryl Evans is a big fan.) The group backed Grammy-nominated contemporary singer Lalah Hathaway when she played Lansing's The Loft in April, in front of a sold-out crowd.

For more on the fest, visit the official website.

Weekend Riff: John Mayer and Train in Clarkston, East Lansing Summer Concert Series Continues, Land of NOD Experiment Festival

-Friday and Saturday: The East Lansing Summer Concert Series continues this weekend with The Stringtown Trio Friday at Fountain Square and folk faves Jen Sygit & Sam Corbin Saturday at the Ann Street Plaza. Both shows run 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. After this weekend, there are only two weekends remaining in the free series, before it wraps up with the Great Lakes Folk Festival from Aug. 13-15.

-Saturday: Lansing-based ocean metal band Dagon (right) brings together a night of thrashing sounds which includes Summa Nura, Dwarf Corpse, A Hill to Die Upon and The Final Chapter. Fans of Iron Maiden and Testament, this is for you. The night is also a birthday celebration of sorts for Dagon bass player and vocalist Randall Ladiski. Happy Birthday, Randy! :)

Common Ground Wrap-up: Ludacris, Alice Cooper, Buckcherry, Adam Lambert Big Winners for 2010

Ludacris took the No. 1 spot at Common Ground Music Festival this year. The rapper, along with Academy Award-winning hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia, pulled in a weeklong high of almost 15,000 people Saturday.

That was good news for festival organizers, who were expecting a down-turned year, since national concerts are expected to take a 10% to 20% decline.

Malinda Barr, official spokesperson and media coordinator for Common Ground, says the festival didn’t take as big a hit as many other similar events around the country.

"We are at what we expected, so there were no big surprises in numbers," Barr says. "We knew would be slightly down with the national trend in festivals down, but we keep our ticket prices affordable, so we didn’t see as big a decline as festivals that charge $50 or $60 dollars a night.

"We did our research and were able to guess ticket sales based on where performers had performed before, and those ticket sales."

Monday’s show featuring Buckcherry, Jackyl and Drowning Pool was another high point. The single-stage night drew 9,300 people.

"We were very happy about Buckcherry," Barr says. "We knew they would pull that kind of number, because our record park night ever was [in 2007] when Buckcherry, Hinder, Papa Roach, [The Exies] and REO Speedwagonplayed. So it was great that Monday night, with only one stage, drew that crowd, because those nights tend to be softer."

For double-stage nights, Alice Cooper and Adam Lambert drew big numbers: 9,900 and 9,400, respectively. 

This year’s fest was pretty much drama-free.

"We were pleasantly pleased with crowds and how well they behaved and how easily they got in and out," she says. "For the most part, everybody had a fabulous time this week."

Check out how each night performed, below (rounded off numbers):

• Monday (single stage night): 9,300
• Tuesday: 9,400
• Wednesday: 7,800
• Thursday: 7,900
• Friday: 9,900
• Saturday: 14,000
• Sunday (single stage night): 5,000 

I want to thank everyone who clicked on the blog, checked out our Twitter (@localmusicbeat, @LansingNOISE) or picked up a NOISE or LSJ during the fest. It is an honor to serve the community, and we hope you enjoyed this year's Common Ground coverage. Please keep checking the blog for info on local events throughout the year!

Saturday Recap: Ludacris Draws Biggest Crowd Yet, 14,000-plus to Common Ground

Chants of "Luuuuuuuuuddddddddaaa" were heard from the crowd of 14,000-plus at Common Ground's Capital Region International Airport Stage Saturday, right before rapper Ludacris (below) slowly and smoothly took the stage, mic in fist. The night drew by far the highest turn-out for the festival this year, and 'Cris gave his fans their money's worth, with a respectful, hit-packed set that lasted for nearly 1-1/2 hours, buoyed by a chorus of cheers and hollers. 

"Guess what I got in the 517, Lansing?" he said, referring to Lansing's area code. Naturally, this led into "Area Codes," and more chart-toppers followed, such as "Number One Spot," "Stand Up," "Money Maker" and current singles, "How Low" and "My Chick Bad."

As for special guests, rapper Lil’ Fate from Disturbing tha Peace, Luda's imprint, joined him onstage for the whole show.

Luda genuinely seemed to have fun, and he fed off the crowd. At several points, he jumped into the photographer pit to touch fans' hands. On top of his own singles, he surprised the crowd by performing other artists’ songs that he’s rapped on, from Fergie's "Glamorous" to Usher’s "Yeah!"

In the end, Luda proved that he is, indeed, one of hip-hop's best live acts, without the need for elaborate sets or stagecraft, but simply by relying on his decade-wide catalog of strong tracks.

Saturday’s show also featured WardSkillz with BIG PERM, Yung Rich and .KOM and Academy Award-winning rap group Three 6 Mafia (above). The guys of Three 6 Mafia brought over two dozen girls onstage to dance during their set. Meanwhile, the Pearle Vision Stage hosted Peter White, Mindi Abair and Matt Giraud.

Check out photos and more from the night at http://lsj.com/commonground.

Sunday’s Common Ground finale brought Gregg Rolie (of Santana and Journey), plus The Machine performing Pink Floyd with special guest the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. Look for a weeklong wrap-up tomorrow!

 

Podcast: LUDACRIS interview, playing Common Ground Saturday

"I would say there’s no one way to pinpoint my music," says Ludacris, chatting from his home base of Atlanta, Ga. "I think I’m very versatile, so some songs are for the club and in some I’m trying to teach lesson."

Luda, who headlines Common Ground’s Capital Region International Airport Stage on Saturday, hit No. 1 on Billboard earlier this year with his new album, "Battle of the Sexes." The album, he says, is written about and for "women of the past, present and future."

"I don’t feel there’s been an album in rap or hip-hop where the theme is men vs. women," Ludacris says. "Usually when hearing songs, you hear mostly the male perspective, but it’s very rare when you get a whole album where you hear the female perspective or both."

Ludacris was gracious enough to chat with me about everything from picking emcees for his albums to his celebrity crush. Listen to the chat, below.

Ludacris-Interview

Also, check out these Ludacris Xtras: 

• Ludacris owns a Thai restaurant in Atlanta, Ga., called, Straits.
• Say you’re a Cognac fan? Ludacris has his own Cognac called "Conjure."
• Who’s Ludacris’ celebrity crush? "Definitely, Halle Berry," he says.
• Ludacris’ pre-show ritual? "I pray," he says. "I thank God that I’m able to live out my dream and make a living doing what I love to do."

Common Ground Recap: Bret Michaels, Cinderella, Cavo play to 7,900 on Thursday

"Tonight we're filming the opening of our new show, VH1 'Life As I Know It,' right here, right now," Bret Michaels (left) announced before nearing the end of his set at Common Ground Music Festival Thursday. That new show is set to air this fall, so if you were at the concert Thursday, watch for footage in the next few months.

 

Sporting his trademark bandanna, Bret looked healthy as ever as he strutted on stage, slinging his Dean acoustic guitar. Remember, this is the guy who suffered a brain hemorrhage in April, so it's hard to deny his commitment and showmanship.

 

Michaels' rise to fame is a bit tricky. After hitting the big time fronting Poison in the '80s, he stayed low on the radar until reality TV came knocking. VH1's “Rock of Love,” which starred Bret and over a dozen rocker chicks vying for his attention, made him a household name again. Then, he won NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” and now there's the new VH1 series.

"Let's raise a toast to 24 years of being able to live out my dream," Michaels told the crowd of nearly 7,900, some of whom were decked out in cowboy hats and bandannas, just like Michaels.

 

Michaels did plenty of Poison's biggest songs: “Something to Believe In,” “Every Rose Has its Thorn,” “Nothin' But a Good Time,” “Your Mama Don't.” Plus, covers from summer tourmate Lynyrd Skynyrd ("Sweet Home Alabama"), Sublime ("What I Got") and more. Warming things up for Michaels was '80s rocker Cinderella.

 

On the Pearle Vision Stage, St. Louis-based hard rock band Cavo (left and bottom photos) played hits "Champagne," "Crash" and more to a young, eager crowd, with alternative acts Civil Twilight and Neon Trees opening.

 

Next up: Alice Cooper and TESLA on the Capital City Regional Airport Stage, and Sick Puppies and Hoobastank on the Pearle Vision Stage Friday.

Podcast: ALICE COOPER Interview, Playing Common Ground Friday

"If you’re in the first 20 rows of this show, don’t wear your best clothes, because we have a tendency to spill out into the audience a bit," cracks Alice Cooper, who headlines Common Ground's Capital Region International Airport Stage on Friday.

That's just the kind of performer Alice Cooper is. Dedicated and intense. Theatrical and daring.

En route to a gig with Rob Zombie, Cooper chatted with me about his musical journey, radio and his faith.

He also talks about a forthcoming, yet untitled album: "I have about 20 songs written. I just met with my producer last night, and we kind of took a twist on what the story was going to be, so we’re going into a new direction writing-wise."

Listen to the whole convo below.

AliceCooper-Interview

 

Common Ground Day 2 REVIEW: Adam Lambert, Orianthi, Allison Iraheta

Even Carlos Santana couldn't deliver guitar licks with such a wallop as Orianthi (left) on Tuesday night at Common Ground Music Festival in Lansing. The Australian guitarist and singer piloted a packed Adado Riverfront Park with grace, style, charisma and confidence, bringing plenty of '80s rock influences, especially Heart.

While there's no denying Orianthi's growing fanbase, it's safe to say most of the 9,400 in attendance were there to see American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert (right). At 9:45 p.m., he entered the stage in a thick cloud of smoke, wearing a top hat, leather flared pants and a deep purple coat with rippled fringe on each sleeve. His fiery, drama-filled set packed tracks like “Fever,” “Sure Fire Winners” and “Strut," with Lambert singing alongside wiry, energetic back-up dancers that made the performance art come to life. 

Fellow American Idol finalist Allison Iraheta kicked off the night, bringing Janis Joplin-esque vocals and firepower. At one point, she sang backed by Orianthi on guitar, as the young crowd cheered with excitement.

Over on the Pearle Vision Stage, The Max Weinberg Big Band and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy played to a large crowd at the old Lansing City Market parking lot.

Find photos, interviews and more at http://lsj.com/commonground. xo -a

Common Ground REVIEW: 9,300 Attend Opener with Buckcherry, Drowning Pool, Jackyl

"How many of you are in love here tonight? We can't miss a love song," Buckcherry lead singer Josh Todd (left) uttered right before going into the ballad, "Sorry." That was about halfway through the group's headlining set Monday at Common Ground Music Festival in Lansing, in front of a cheering, fist-pumping crowd of almost 9,300.

The grating guitars, battering beats and catchy melodies were buoyed by Todd's raspy voice, which reached powerful points on songs such as "All Night Long," from the band's forthcoming full-length (out Aug. 3) by that same name, as well as "Everything" and "All Lit Up."

Openers Drowning Pool and Jackyl also delivered. For Drowning Pool, the show comes at a time when the guys have a huge rock hit in, "Feel Like I Do," and a new single coming out in a few weeks, "Turn So Cold." The crowd excitedly cheered to hits like the ubiquitous hard rock confections "Bodies" and "37 Stitches."

Check out photos and more up at http://www.lsj.com/commonground. Next up: Adam Lambert, Orianthi and Allison Iraheta on Tuesday, July 13.