01.06.09

Happy 70th Birthday, Blue Note Records

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Music, History at 6:07 pm by Tim

I listened to NPR’s Talk of the Nation today, as Neal Conan was interviewing current Blue Note Records president Bruce Lundvall and others on the label’s 70th birthday. I have such an affection for Blue Note, having spun so many of its artists during my tenure on the air at WDET-FM in Detroit. A prized possession of mine is the 60th anniversary, limited edition CD box set it issued a decade ago.

Conan asked his guests and listeners for their “Blue Note moment.” I believe mine was Lee Morgan’s “The Sidewinder,” — the title cut from his classic LP, recorded in late 1963 — but it also could have been Horace Silver’s shimmering “Song for My Father,” the title tune from his 1964 masterpiece. The label remains vibrant, due to newer artists like Norah Jones, and it’s always rewarding to go back to the older recordings, helmed by legendary engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Right now, I’m listening to Hank Mobley’s smokin’ “The Breakdown,” from Roll Call. Alfred Lion founded Blue Note, and Francis Wolff joined him shortly thereafter. Learn more about the label’s amazing history, and enjoy these timeless sounds.

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12.29.08

0-16; A Perfect Metaphor

Posted in Sports, Michigan, Detroit at 3:57 pm by Tim

It amazes me — and so many others — that the Detroit Lions could somehow stumble through an entire season without claiming at least one victory, especially given the fact the National Football League is geared toward parity, and has been since Pete Rozelle brought the league fully into the national spotlight in the 1960s. But with all the economic troubles in Michigan (and Detroit specifically), isn’t it just fitting the Lions did so? Ugh.

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12.17.08

50 Fun Things to Do for Under $50

Posted in Music, Film, Detroit, Art, Food/Drink at 5:55 pm by Tim

Nice list from the Detroit News. Glad to see Number 12 included, as the Dakota Inn is a memorable place.

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11.29.08

AnnArborAlive Keeps the Beat in Ypsilanti, Too

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Music, Film, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Radio, Art at 5:37 pm by Tim

Jim Griffin and the team over at AnnArborAlive have broadcast from their Ypsilanti studios for some time now, and it’s a pleasure to have them in Depot Town, as they’ve made this outstanding business/shopping district all the more so. Give a listen to their passionate brand of community radio, which offers up the best in music, theater, and more throughout the area.

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11.28.08

Kudos to Eastern Michigan University

Posted in Sports, Michigan, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti at 6:50 pm by Tim

Nice win for the Eagles’ football team, as they upset Central Michigan University 56-52 in their season finale at Rynearson Stadium this afternoon, and sent coach Jeff Genyk out in style. The Detroit Lions should take a serious look at both quarterback Andy Schmitt and receiver Tyler Jones.

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11.26.08

So, where have you been, Tim?

Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti at 11:44 pm by Tim

Glad you asked. Not only have I been working as an Interactive Project Manager at Wunderman-Team Detroit since late September, where I manage, troubleshoot, and upload text attributes and image assets within Ford Motor Company’s Configuration and Retail Services (CARS) content management system, I also have stayed quite busy as a Prescreener for the 2009 Ann Arbor Film Festival, which gives me the chance to look at roughly 20 films per week, and help determine which make the final cut. Both gigs have kept me jumping, but I hope to become more active in this space, and soon.

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10.06.08

Arresting Site of the Month, October: The Producer’s Guide to Michigan

Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film at 10:47 pm by Tim

Film productions have been streaming into Michigan since incentive legislation that passed in April made our state Hollywood’s new “it” locale. The sheer logistics of bringing together cast, crew, and support services can be daunting, but there is a splendid resource to help filmmakers share their vision with audiences. “More than a comprehensive directory of Michigan-based production resources,” The Producer’s Guide to Michigan — the creation of industry veterans Peter Mertz and Nick Johnston — offers an array of tools and advice on how and where to find the best sound stages & studios, extras, and more.

Given the seemingly endless reports of bad economic news around the country and around our state, it’s a distinct pleasure to spotlight this job-driving guide as the Arresting Site of the Month for October. Grab a camera and get rolling.

Note: Nominations for November are due on Monday, October 27, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, November 3. Thanks once again for your interest and your participation.

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09.16.08

Old Town BluesFest

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Music, Michigan, Great Outdoors at 10:29 am by Tim

Recent financial news got you down? The place to share your blues is this Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20 in Lansing. The state capitol will host the Old Town BluesFest, a free event packed with acts from around Michigan and the country. Acts (tentatively) include George Bedard & the Kingpins, Madcat & Kane, The Alligators, and more, all of whom you can see and hear while visiting the many food and craft vendors on hand. Dig in.

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08.28.08

Maize and Blue, Green and White

Posted in Sports, Michigan at 9:57 pm by Tim

‘Tis the season…football season, that is. There are many ways to get the scoop on your favorite college gridiron program. Devotees of my alma mater, the University of Michigan, should peruse MGoBlog, bursting with facts and opinions on the Maize ‘n Blue. The aptly named Michigan Sports Center will also keep you update on all the goings-on in Ann Arbor.

In the interests of equal time, followers of the Green and White should head directly to the Michigan State page of fanblogs.com. If you consider yourself a forward-thinking lover of everything East Lansing, then check out The Enlightened Spartan.  

Let the rivalry begin anew.

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08.13.08

Whip It Good

Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film, Detroit at 12:10 pm by Tim

I had my three days in the Hollywood limelight, working as an extra on the set of Whip It (see July 21 post), which stars Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, and many others among a top-flight ensemble. I was quite impressed with Ms. Barrymore’s directorial work, especially since it’s her debut behind the lens. She kept the action moving crisply, yet always found time to collaborate on ideas with the cast and crew, and she often (and genuinely) complimented the extras. There also were plenty of laughs on the set, which kept everyone in good spirits, even on the night I worked until after 4 a.m. in the heat of the old Monarch Steel warehouse on Mt. Elliot in Detroit. I’m hoping she returns to the Great Lake State often with her production company, Flower Films, as many area residents made extra money (no pun intended) during the production, and gained valuable experience and insight. Well done.

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