2012 is coming!

 PERFORMANCES @ THE WELL CONCERT SERIES 2012

From now until Jan. 16th all Performances @ The Well sponsorship packages have an additional 20% discount attached to them.   These "annual" packages are already discounted over month to month payments, but for a limited time these packages are slashed even more.   For more details please call us at 810-623-8131 while spots are still available.  

Until next time have a safe and happy holiday and stay tuned.

Open Mic @ PB&B in WL

Here I am blogging at my new hangout, Peaberry Bean & Beats.   Getting ready for the new year and planning to be here every Wednesday night for Pamela's Open Mic night.   Very cool environment and atmosphere, quite inspirational to be honest.   Looking forward to this mid-week "pick me up" built into my schedule for the future.

Last night was even more exceptional since it was Pamela's *%$# birthday and her staff surprised her with wine, cheesecake and presents.   I  also met another "regular" there, someone I had not seen in my previous visits and I believe her name was Connie.   All I can say is that I was captivated by this person---she won't remember me but for a few minutes we seemed to be on the same wave-length.   For a brief moment everything seemed right, though those of you who follow my ramblings know that I fall in love on the average "once a week" but this was very different.   Seriously.  So I won't bore you with all the predictable things like how great her smile was etc etc., but everything DID seem perfect in the world for those brief moments (smile was exceptional by the way).

I mention this really only to point out the very cool people you can meet at the PB&B.   What made it so cool was that this "Connie" and I don't travel in the same worlds.   She, is educated, does important things with money...I'm an ex roadie :)   Probably the only thing we have in common is the PB&B, but that's okay, the encounter is something I will always cherish.   Which brings us full circle on this posting...scheduling things for the following year.   I plan on being at the PB&B at the same time most days, blogging at first then developing a video broadcast from here possibly.   This is good for a number of reasons with business potential, but it also may increase the odds of another "cherished moment".

Until next time, keep you stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Post Holiday Blues Yet?

Well we're between the big holidays, some people haven't even bothered to work between them...which beckons the question "why am I writing this?'    Well, somebody has to work:)

Have a safe and happy New Year everyone!   Looking forward to a rockin' 2012, keeping our stick on the ice so please stay tuned.

Great Day!

We had a special moment on Monday that we got to share with our children.   First we delivered the toys taken in Saturday at our last Performances @ The Well, then went to Gleaners to deliver the check from last Thursday's Caerusnet party.   Having your children see the results of your efforts, see your work appreciated is priceless in itself and one memory I know I will treasure for ever.

 At the Livingston county drop off point for Toys For Tots we took an autographed poster from last Saturday's show.   Our fundraiser wasn't like the typical one for this charity, usually businesses have store fronts that toys can be dropped off at and then delivered later to the Toys For Tots site.   WE raised toys by charging admission to our show, sort of different, so the poster helped explain what we do and how.   And they seemed impressed, very thankful for our efforts.   Oh did I forget to say our kids got to see us in our glory?   Of course I did :)   My daughter made the observation that "our" box, from charging admission, was fuller than "some" others that had been delivered---I smiled, thanked her for noticing that and told her she got to share in one of the joys of my job---then she smiled. 

At Gleaners it was more of the same good feelings.   What made this delivery so special was the day I got around to doing it---Monday.    I had been near Gleaners last Friday, the day after the Caerusnet party, but just didn't get around to making the delivery.   Well God works in mysterious ways, it wasn't meant to be delivered on Friday---because Monday was "double" day for all donations!   That meant the check from Caerusnet's party for $300, now had a value of $600.   From 300 cases of food to 600 cases OR 900 Christmas dinners jumped to 1800!   The sweet smell of success!

People ask if there is a lot of money in what we do and I say "not really, but the 'good feelings' are priceless."    Until next time, keep your stick on the ice and "stay tuned".

Today is the end of the week.

Great week of events comes to an end today.   Thursday evening the Caerusnet party raised $300 for Gleaners Food Bank---way to go networkers!    Tonight Performances @ The Well concert series for 2011 comes to a close with a fundraiser for Toys For Tots!   Come experience some of the best "young" talent around (no one on stage over the age of  15) and begin this season of celebration with a celebration of youth!   Doors open at 7:30, admission is $5 or a new unwrapped toy.   See you all there!

This Weekend!

         
  KayLyn Pace and the band Forget The Obvious
 Come see the future of music...come see "teen" talent like you've never seen before!

Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 8pm Performances @ The Well finishes this concert season with celebration of Youth!.    $5 or a new toy for admission, doors open at 7:30.   Come celebrate with us.

It's Party Time Again.

This past Friday evening had a great time at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Christmas party.   Oops, I said "Christmas" instead of "holiday"----mean no offense to anyone, just my way of looking at things :)   But a great time was had by all, love was in the air as well as quite a bit of good nature d bs:)

Next week is the Caerusnet party at the Martini Bar in Brighton.   Featured performers will be Alan Smith (no not me, the talented one) and Ron Boyd while we celebrate the holiday season and raise funds for Gleaner's Food Bank.  

The following evening is the InSights holiday celebration up the street at the art gallery behind Bagger Dave's and this Alan Smith (not the musician, the has been actor, me) will be performing there.   The following night the night we live for, the third Saturday of the month----Performances @ The Well.   For December our cause we're proud to announce is Toys For Tots, our featured performers are KayLyn Pace from Dexter HS and Forget The Obvious from Pinckney HS.  

The Business Insider interview

http://lucyannlance.com/?p=12877

Here is the Business Insider interview I got to do on 11/10/11. I'm about 6 down on the page. Enjoy, that is if I did this right:)

Hanging Out w/ Good Vibrations

Discovered the neatest place couple of weeks ago and I have to share. First of off I have always wished for a coffee house I could feel comfortable in, one where they speak the same creative language that I do. Well I think I have found it. It's called The Peaberry Bean & Beats on Barker Rd. in Whitmore Lake.

Talking and enjoying music in a relaxed atmosphere has been a craving for a long time. And I can be productive there. Let's face it, the chaos that is typical in the Lamocu office can be detrimental :) To get away, re-focus and re-energize is crucial and necessary for our survival. The idiots down the hall arguing over Clapton vs. Hendrix gets old fast---and that's when there IS an intellectual discussion being attempted.

Owned and operated by Pamela Sanderson, an accomplished singer and musician in her own right, the Peaberry Bean & Beats is a place I'm happy to be calling a "second home". Not only does Pam and her staff have great drinks they feature an array of fresh baked good, home made soups and sandwiches as well. Now what makes this coffee shop sooo different, what makes me feel sooo comfortable there is the devotion they have to music. Yes, music plays there (and not the Yanni stuff you hear at most coffee houses) but it's more than just a "theme" with Pam; they give lessons in the back, they have an open mic every Wednesday from 6-9pm, they have created the caffeine Nirvana for musicians!

When in beautiful Whitmore Lake stop and give Pam and her staff a visit. When it's Wednesday...make sure you take in the open mic. Visit them at facebook.com/peaberrybeanbeat

Got to run now, until next time keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Toys For Tots!

Performances @ The Well continues in December with what we hope will be our December show from now on, Toys For Tots! The date will be Saturday, December 17th. Performing will be the young teen band from Pinckney High School, Forget The Obvious. The show will start at 8pm, doors will open at 7:30pm. Admission will be $5 plus a new unwrapped toy. Watch this space for more updates.

Forget The Obvious

Performances @ The 'Well - Dec. 17th

Performances @ The Well for December will be in conjunction with the Toys For Tots toy drive. The date is Saturday, December 17th at 8pm.

Admission will be $5 plus an new unwrapped toy. Performing again will be the talented group of teens from Pinckney High School...
Forget The Obvious.

Rocin' 4 Gleaners!

Forget The Obvious, the young 'phenoms' from Pinckney High School performing tomorrow night, at 8pm. Admission is $5 plus one canned food item.

A Special Day!

Today we are very proud to say that local comic Trevor Smith made his first appearance on the nationally syndicated "Bob and Tom" show.

He was a natural, totally home on the air. Having been a fan of "Bob and Tom" for years, I've heard them interview many, many comics and everyone on the show truly seemed to enjoy Trevor's bits.

I could ramble on and on, bottom line I'm one proud papa today. Look for more from Trevor, check him out on his website, www.comediantrevorsmith.com

This Saturday, remember 3rd Annual Rockin' 4 Gleaners, see you there.

Rockin' 4 Gleaners 11/19

Back again...man it seems like its been weeks since I wrote anything. Well, actually it has, shame on me :) Performances @ The Well for November is our 3rd Annual Rockin' 4 Gleaners featuring the young teen phenoms...Forget The Obvious! And no I'm not making fun of my lack of memory...that's their name! Forget The Obvious, and they rock. If you rock at any level, at any age, you'll love these kids.

Alzheimer's show a success.

Last Saturday's Performance @ The Well was a great show. Bills were paid, money was raised and two new acts to the Well just rocked the house. We at Lamocu are proud to have two new performers to call as "friends"...Arnie Thomas and the band 2nd Chance! Thanks gentlemen for a wonderful evening.

Special shout out to one of our sponsors this month, Kokepelli Financial---you guys rock! We couldn't have done this without you. Actually, we could have done it without the Kokepelli boys, but it wouldn't have been as fun or as successful :) Many thanks John and James.

Great Night of Comedy.

Big stand-up competition at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle tonight. Mr. Ridley was on Fox News this morning being interviewed, promoting it. Of the 50 some comedians he could take on t.v. with him, he chose this guy, go figure, http://comediantrevorsmith.com/

Still time...

There is still time to buy tickets for this week's show, simply go to :
http://wellperformancealzheimers.eventbrite.com/

Can't come to the show but still want to contribute to the cause? Event Brite solves that problem, you get a print out of your donation instantly and your money goes to directly to that show's account.

But, we'd rather have you there! Take care and also not the buttons for the Oktoberfeast are now on sale at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. Until later, stay tuned.

Alzheimer's show approaching

On Sept. 17 the Performances @ The Well continues with a musical fundraiser for Alzheimer's. Performing that evening will be Arnie Smith and the band 2nd Chance Rocks.











A great night of classic covers from the 60's, 70's & 80's. Don't miss this show!

Still catching up!

Whew, this is exhausting, lol. Anyways I shared with you what a great time me and the crew had at the 1st Annual Summer Music Festival put on by the M.M.C., The following Tuesday I had the opportunity to MC the Second Annual Kahuna Coffee charity fundraiser and classic car show! What a cool event and one that I was really pleased to be able to do.

Performances @ The Well returns this month with a fundraising show for Alzheimer's on Saturday, Sept. 17th.

For those of you not familiar with Kahuna Coffee they are located at the corner of old US-23 and M-59 in Hartland. The name has gone under several owners so if you haven't been there in the last two years since Cathi took over, ... you haven't been there:) The M.M.C. holds regular open mics there and Cathi deserves your patronage; she has a heart of gold and just does everything to help others. In today's world of cut-throat business, it is a absolute joy to work with Cathi. Stop by and "experience" the difference she makes.

We are chairing the Brighton Octoberfeast for the Chamber Ambassadors. This restaurant crawl will take place on Tuesday, October 18th from 5-9pm. This is a great opportunity for us to show our skills and we appreciate it.

Today we "officially" expand into the Ann Arbor market. More later so stay tuned.

Music all around us...

Ok I know I'm slack on this and I am working on being better...but I have to catch up on blogging. I mean, I have stuff to talk about from last week. You're reading along seeing "dated" material and wondering why this lazy stiff (me) doesn't get up off his keaster and blog in a more timely manner? And it's a good, valid question----and don't have an answer :) So here goes:

The Summer Music Festival put on by the Michigan Musicians Collective last week was ... Awesome! I know at times it didn't like that to the workers there, but it was. It's hard to look at success objectively when you're right in the middle of the activity, but me and the rest of the Lamocu crew were eager to point out all the positives the M.M.C. had going for it. The biggest success of all is that for "next" year, they have one of the greatest marketing tools available---they will be able to say it's the SECOND ANNUAL! That screams volumes to potential advertisers and sponsors. Yeah it's not as prestiges as "the twenty-fifth anniversary" or "fifteenth annual" but hey, you know how many events fold after the first time? Too many.

My personal thanks to Bob, Dave, Doc, Kees, Annie, Cathie and everyone there who made Lamocu feel so welcome. Special thanks to Johnny Awesome (yes that's really his name...or he's in the Witness Protection Program, we're not sure) for being himself---if you've had this pleasure that says it all :) Appreciate the culinary tips from Dave on when the correct time is to add "special herbs & seasonings" to melted butter---sound advice and not the kind you get from Rachel Ray;) Bottom line, our hats are off to the M.M.C. of which we, Lamocu Productions is proud to be a member of.

More later, until then keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Summer Music Festival is here!

Countdown to the 1st Annual Summer Music Festival this weekend. 2 days of great local music! The list is too long of performers to list here, go to www.miciganmusicianscollective.com/

What a Great weekend of local music! First the 1st Annual Summer Music Festival being put on by the aforementioned M.M.C. (see first paragraph) goes through Sunday afternoon----Then at the Kiwanis Gazebo show in Brighton, Bill and Erin are warming up for Steve King & The Diddlies at 6:30pm.

Don't ever say there is nothing to do! And don't EVER say we don't have talent around here! It's real, it's excellent and worth taking in EVERY minute of it. Yes despite people that are named after animals---like Moose, music lives on for all of us:)

We are close to finalizing the upcoming schedule for Performances @ The Well, not only for the rest of this year but 2012 as well. Details will be forthcoming. It looks though like the September 17th show will be for Alzheimer's and the forms of dementia. Have to run now, too much to do and too little time. Take care and stay tuned.

Great runes

Another great performance was put out by KayLyn Pace and the Paradise Band tonight. Rain fortunately held off for the show and the crowd was entertained thoroughly. Next week Bill Welsh does the pre-show show for Steve King & The Diddlies, Bill goes on at 6:30pm.

Also next weekend, leading up to the Kiwanis Gazebo shows is the First Annual Musicfest being put on by the Michigan Musicians Collective. A fantastic group of performers who we have been pleased to be associated with. For more information on their festival go to www.michiganmusiciancollective.com and check them out. Have to run for now, busy week ahead but look for more updates here. Hope you all had a great weekend, until next time keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Sunday, gazebo on the pond.

This Sunday night at 6:30 pm, KayLyn Pace will be performing at the Kiwanis Gazebo Show prior to the Paradise Band. KayLyn just placed second in the K105.3 Radio Jackson Fair last night. A second place finish that garnered her $500!

Come see this wonderful 15 year old's performance this Sunday night at the gazebo on the pond. Then stay to see one of the best local bands around, The Paradise Band with their tributes to Jimmy Buffet and Elvis. That's all for now, keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Octbberfeest in Brighton

We at Lamocu have been given the opportunity to chair the Chamber of Commerce's annual Octoberfeest in downtown Brighton. Very excited about the chance to display our talents and work with one of the finest group of individuals around...the Chamber Ambassadors!

The date is Tuesday, October 18th, the event will feature possibly as many as 12 local eateries and will run from 5-9pm. We are off to touch base with several establishments today in preparation for the Ambassador meeting this Thursday. Stay tuned for further developments but put that date on your calender, Tuesday October 18th---you'll be glad you did.

Aniother fallen hero.

Bubba Smith RIP

The day the music died...

Let me start out by saying that this is MY Opinion, MY view of what went down and no one else's. That said, let the ranting begin...

It has been our pleasure to assist in the Kiwanis Gazebo Concerts this year that the Brighton Kiwanians put on. Celebrating their 35th year of bringing free entertainment at the duck pond in downtown Brighton is truly something to be proud of. To be asked to assist this year by supplying "opening acts" on certain Sunday evenings we felt was an honor.

Two weeks ago we began proudly showcasing some of the best talent around and things were going good. All bands that were to have a "warm up" had agreed to allow the soloist or duos to use their sound equipment. We were prepared if the performers had felt differently but all seemed willing to work with us, after all two vocalists DO NOT mess up a board. Then Sunday night hit.

And here is where I have to reiterate, this is MY Opinion and View...it has nothing to do with or have any reflection on the Kiwanis club of Brighton. But the Kiwanis club is who puts on the show, they're the promoter, they pay the bands; their posters state there will be a warm up act a half hour before the main show, they were... IGNORED.

Typically the Kiwanis shows begin at 7pm, "pre shows" start at 6:30pm, so at 5:30 we're awaiting the arrival of our "pre show" performers. All seemed going according to plan then at 5:35pm Moose of Moose & Da Sharks informed Kiwanis (again the show's sponsor, the people PAYING Moose and his band) that he would not allow anyone to use his sound board! He had every right, but he and his manager had been informed about this weeks ago and said nothing. If it was a problem, any other performer would understand and our performers were certainly willing to bring their own gear---but at 5:35pm I was sure our performers were on the road or nearly there and were walking into a disaster. Moose didn't care. Sad, very sad. I immediately tried to reach the performers and kept at it until their start time of 6:30pm. At this point I am worried, these performers are very reliable so I thought the worst. Later that evening I received a call back from one of the duo; they had been there and in trying to be respectful to Moose and his soundman, they had arrived at 5:15pm, extra early in case there were problems. We didn't know that Moose had told them, "no one warms up for Moose. No one shares the stage with The Moose" and basically sent them on their way.

Needless to say I was in shock. I apologized over and over again for what they had gone through, hoped they would not hold it against the Kiwanis club. I told them I wished they had stopped by the Kiwanis booth, thinking most people would do so to complain, but these performers are too nice. They didn't make a fuss, create a scene or anything like that. Actually they were a little in shock, they had never been treated like that by "another" performer. I'm still in shock! Moose didn't even have the decency to tell me and the Kiwanis club that he had spoke with the performers.

I'll make it up to these guys somehow...that is if they ever trust me and Lamocu again, but Moose----YOU'RE A LOSER. YOU'RE A SCAB ON THE FACE OF MUSICIANS EVERYWHERE!

You hear about prima donas like this in the entertainment world, but you figure they're FAMOUS or something like that, it's expected. But Moose & Da Sharks? Please.

That's it I'm done for now. It HAD to be said. And someday I may have the opportunity to tell Moose this myself...looking forward to it. Until next time, keep the faith and stay tuned.

This Weekend Ends

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I know there was a lot of grad parties still going on. We had our "company" party on Saturday and I'd say a good time was had by all, and why not the party was for us! David the IT head won the costume contest coming as not just as Curly, but took it a step further and came as "Bustoff" the wrestler Curly impersonates in "Grips, Grunts & Groans".
Mike McNulty, our logistics man did the best on the trivia contest, fetching an admirable 5 out of 7 correct and coming very close on the other two questions.

After warming up with some Looney Tunes we settled into our Stooge Marathon, capped off by viewing some Jethro Tull footage from Germany. Overall a good time was had by all who attended. We made plans for August which will put us in an entirely different venue next month. We, Lamocu, have been asked to assist in the First Annual M.M.C. Festival just east of here. The Michigan Musicians Collective, of which we are members of (and suggest all aspiring performers join) is putting on their first festival showcasing many of our members. To be asked to help means we have been noticed and appreciated---we can't wait. It's like a mini Woodstock, the biggest event (aside from some golf outings) that we have been a part of. To be recognized and given an opportunity --- we are handling Hospitality, Merchandising and some promotion---is very exciting to us. Thanks to Bob Clarke (Cowboy Bob) for believing in us and given us this chance!

Last night at the Kiwanis Gazebo Concerts, Rick & John once again made us look good. First ever warm up act in 35 years of shows. So the park wasn't totally full when the boys started playing (people so use to the 7pm start time) but as the crowd arrived for the 7pm show they were appreciative and responded to Rick & John quite favorably. We have seen Rick & John some half a dozen times at least but hearing their melodies carry over the duck pond into downtown Brighton was magical. Rick & John will be working with us again in September at the Spartan Gala put on by the M.S.U. Alumni. Overall a great weekend of music and entertainment.

For more information on the M.M.C. Festival, go to http://michigan-musicians.ning.com/

Until next time, try and stay cool and stay tuned!

1st annual party tonight

Performances @ The Well takes a different direction this month. We're going to let the winner of the 50/50 decide where the money raised goes to. So we're concentrating on our party. Nothing elaborate, some beverages, kick back and watch some good videos. It's what made us what we are.

I was a kid again!

If you were like me you got to see some fireworks over the weekend. Amusement parks and fireworks are two things that always seem to bring me back to childhood. It had been years literally since I sat on the grass lakeside and watched the local fireworks. I felt alive again, refreshed, rejuvenated. Maybe that's why it's such a good way to celebrate our nation's birthday---and it's right in the dead of summer, sort of like a "hump day" for the season. Ah it was grand.

Unfortunately there was such a lull between sessions, you weren't sure when they were done. So, like many of us on this side of the lake, we began to wander home only to see the massive display that lit up the sky when we were back in the sub. Shame on us, it wasn't like we had anything better to do :) Next year, we'll stay for that reason.

Things are picking up for the Michigan Musicians Collective first festival coming up in August. For more details click on their web site and follow the discussions. Profile sheets for the artists are due soon.

In July, Performances @ The Well is taking a new twist and holding a 3 Stooges film festival with games and activities for the entire family. The charity this month will be designated by the winner of the monthly 50/50 drawing. More details coming soon for this special Lamocu party but mark your calender now, July 16th, 8pm at the Well.

Shocking News!

Preparing for our celebration on July 16th.
Watch for upcoming details!





NOW FOR SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS

Recently through networking I have been involved with a couple disturbing discussions. Sharing them here just to "air" them out, get them out our mind and clear our thought process.

One topic was how the Muslims are successfully reinvesting funds in American culture. It was said that if we knew "half" of what was going on we would be amazed. Did we want to know more? Possibly...then it got onto the Muslims avoidance of pork. What's the connection we wondered...well apparently since we can't be totally sure of where Muslim money is going, it was recommended that we wipe all of our money in bacon so that when the money does eventually get in the hands of a Muslim, it will be tainted and unholy to them...Interesting.

At this point I needed another drink. I already had one but, it didn't seem strong enough, actually it seemed too strong, so I switched to water.

I had not walked five feet before I bumped into a conversation on the latest artificial sweetner. I had already heard bad things about this product, and for years have avoided artificial sweetners myself but there was new news...it was revealed that the chemical makeup of this sweetner was VERY similar to that of Agent Orange.
I then chugged my water and went back to my drink.

It is at times like this that I am glad I get lost in Rock & Roll. Despite what you hear out there folks, have a safe and happy Fourth of July. Forget the negative and celebrate all that is great about this country, who we are and how we got here. Until next time, keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Fantasy Band continues...

After seeing all the entries, and there were plenty---good arguments for all too. And let us remind you your recommendation can have an emotional aspect to it as well, meaning you met them or they represent a certain place and time for you. Here were the top four listed, nice job everyone!

Next up, your fantasy drummer! Until next time keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned!

RIP Clarence.

Clarence Clemons...you will be missed. We thank our Lord for giving us you for 69 years. We'll see you in the "big jam in the sky"!

Ford Expo

Tomorrow for the first time Lamocu will have it's own table at the Brighton Ford Expo. Please stop by for a free breakfast and help keep my staff awake. Expo begins at 6am---yeah that's AM! It ends at noon, we should be zombies by 1, 2 at the latest.

For those having a problem with Lead Guitarist for your fantasy band, here are some suggestions. If I need to tell you who they are, chances are they aren't the Lead Guitarist for your fantasy band---just a thought :) Keep cool, keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

New Post Finally!

I know it's been awhile since I wrote anything...and it's all my fault. You know those "self pity" moments that can take over and infect your whole existence? Well that has what descended onto me these last two weeks. I could bore you with details...but even I wouldn't even want to read that----:) So suffice to say I'm hopping back on the saddle and attacking the world! Ok, that sounded better in my head than it looked just then on the screen---lol. You, our faithful followers deserve better! But, knowing that I know what that feeling is like, maybe we can vent together sometime...I'm always here.

Well bahhumbug with the above. We got some great comments on the Bass Player entries, now is the time for our Lead Guitarist. Yes the guy or gal that will be in your Fantasy Band and why is next. And for those whose favorites bands have TWO leads guitarists (ie Lynard Skynard) you do not have to choose, same rules apply.

Next Performances @ The Well will be a Tribute to Hospice! It is almost a year to the day that my father passed away at Arbor Hospice. Recently a good friend saw his mother ascend to Heaven with the assistance of Hospice so the timing seemed perfect. We have several organizations, particularly National Staffing in Whitmore Lake helping with the promotion. If you have been touched by Hospice or know someone that has, please join in this event. It is our hope that this will become an annual show here at Performances @ The Well.

In the meantime, here's some Lead Guitarist suggestions. Take care, keep your stick on the ice---by the way who do we root for in the Cup Finals? Bruins are an Original Six, haven't won it in awhile, I'm sure it would make Don Cherry happy. Then again the Canucks have never won it and this could keep them happy for awhile and since a Canadian team hasn't won the Cup since 1992 I believe, this too would make Don Cherry happy :) But
stay tuned.

Fantasy Band continues...

Ok we closed out the Bass Player competition recently. We heard from Dusty Hill fans, Chris Squire, Roger Glover, Stanley Clarke and one Geddy Lee nomination. All excellent choices, but the reasons they were nominated were even better. We got some great stories, not too many we can print...but we got stories.

Here is a reprint of an entry I wrote over two years ago about my main man Joe Bouchard. I know it's being lazy, but nothing has changed in the story :) LOL So here is my entry into the fantasy band and why.

REPRINT from Feb. 11, 2009

So for my fantasy Bass Player...Joe Bouchard, a founding member of Blue Oyster Cult. I had the opportunity to meet Joe, his brother Albert and Eric Bloom back in 1978 at Discount Records the afternoon of their show in Lansing. Joe and I immediately hit it off and had a great conversation. Now I'm not going to try and tell you that Joe and I are best buds thereby making him my favorite Bass Player, but I was impressed with the genuine warmth he shared with me in our time together. Albert and Eric seemed preoccupied with the mob of fans at the store but Joe's eyes and mine met and he greeted me with a smile and asked me how I was doing. Asked ME how I was doing! This from someone who didn't have to give me the time of day. Naturally I got his autograph but the thing that I remember most is that we had a conversation! Now this STILL isn't the reason he is my favorite Bass Player. The reason is this...by the time I first saw B.O.C. later that evening I had already been to 30-40 rock shows and Joe was the first Bass Player I ever saw do a solo---and it blew me away! Since then, I have seen others attempt this feat, but none have succeeded to the level Joe did. Joe's bass playing was an integral part of the B.O.C. sound and something that (and please no offense to Eric, Don and Allan) was sadly missed when he left the band. His brother Albert left the band first, replaced by Rick Downey, but when Joe left the soul of the band left with it in my incredibly bias opinion. Again my apologies to the surviving members of B.O.C. and the individuals who replaced the Bouchard brothers, but if you want to get the "feel" of the B.O.C. check out albums up to, but not past "Fire of an Unknown Origin". Would I still see B.O.C. when they come to town even without the Bouchards---yes, just like I would still go to see Pete and Roger from the Who, but I think even they would agree they're not the same with out Keith and John.

Remember, Right Turn Only rocks at Performances @ The Well this Saturday at 8pm! Until later keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Performances @ The Well, May 2011

This Saturday night is our monthly fundraising show and we're raising funds for the Well's Mission Trip to Mexico. Performing will be Right Turn Only, doors open at 7, show will begin at 8.

We're pleased to say that we have some great "bucket raffle" items to help raise money. Karen Huckabone the photographer has given us a coupon as has Sue Stevenson, the Pilate instructor at Hamburg Fitness. Then, Karla Griscom from LaFontaine came through with TWQ free oil changes. More to come on this event in the following days, so stay tuned.

No Right Turn & more...

Our friends Right Turn Only will be performing at the Well on Saturday, May 21st at 8pm. This May performance in our series will be helping raise funds for a mission trip to Mexico later this summer.

My name sake Alan Smith has formed a new group and sends this message:

Greetings music lovers,

Ron Boyd (guitarist extraordinaire) and Christina Miller (uke & sweet vocalist) and I have formed a band, "New Tattoo," that will be giving a special performance this Thursday, May 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at Kahuna Coffee in Hartland. We will be performing a mix of original tunes and familiar folk, rock, country, and blues songs. This is a preview of our scheduled performance this summer in downtown Milford. Admission is free so come on down and check it out.

Kahuna coffee has a great food menu in addition to their coffee, tea, and smoothies, and is fast becoming a popular music venue. They are located in the strip mall on the southeast corner of M59 and Old 23. Their address is 1836 North Old US 23 and phone number: 810-632-9681. You can get further details on their website: www.kahunacoffee.com.

If you can't attend this performance, check out the "Schedule" tab on my website: www.alansmithmusic.com for other upcoming concerts.

I hope to see you there,

Alan

In addition to this, the Stray Dogs will be howling this Wednesday in Highland. Start time is 7pm but if you can't be there by then please contact Alan so he can expect you.

The Michigan Musicians Collectives first festival is in the planning stages. If you're a musician and you have not registered on this site yet...what are you waiting for? Holding out until the give away free insurance with memberships :) Seriously, you owe it to yourself or anyone you know who's into music to check it out. Go to http://michigan-musicians.ning.com/

Next Saturday the 14th, from 11pm to midnight, KayLyn Pace will be performing in downtown Dexter for Relay for Life. They are attempting to have music downtown for 24 hours to support the participants. If you have ever been to Dexter you know it's a charming little town with a great park right in the center of town, great for music. We shall be there supporting KayLyn and the other performers, hope to see you there as well.

Oh and we got a nomination for all time bass player from Dave Gibbons, and it is Dusty Hill from ZZ Top. Dave gave some great semi finalists but gave his reason for settling on Dusty was because "he just likes the blues". And Dave, that.s good enough for us. We at Lamocu salute Dusty Hill of ZZ Top.



It's been a great weekend for sports around here, Justin got a second no-no and the Wings (sigh) are still alive. To add to that the weather in this state seems to have FINALLY broke. Honestly I thought we were going to see summer before we saw spring. Until next time keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Contest Update!

Someone mentioned that this really wasn't a contest because there is no prize. I thought about it, ran it through some people and came to the conclusion that Yes, there is no prize! Now that has been said (lol) I wanted to address something that I am sure has been on everyone's mind..."what do we do for Lead Singer?" Good question. Some bands the lead singer is also the Lead Guitarist or play some other instrument and that puts them in two catagories. In cases like that you may end up with more than one playing that particular instrument or two singers. The crossover is unavoidable, don't lose sleep over it. Actually if you think about it for more that 30 seconds blood will come out your nose. But the bigger question we have gotten is "Can we have a male and female lead singer in our band?" Of course you can! That's what makes it your all-time fantasy band.

The Picture of Linda here is because we were "thinking" of female lead singers and, well this image from 1978 came up. So stay tuned for more on the horizon.

Contest begins...

Ok we can't wait any longer. The debates and discussions MUST begin now. Your all time band and why. Starting with Bass Players, my all time favorite, Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult. Now I know what some of you are saying "hey, he's he same guy you had last year" and I will say "yeah, he is. Thanks for paying attention" lol But I'll leave you with that for today, see if anyone remembers "why" Joe made my list, since "it's the same as last year" :) But awaiting your comments and input, let's have some fun.

Great Night of Comedy.

It's not very often these blood shot eyes get up and do a post the morning after a show...but today is different. Last night was GREAT. Darnell Anderson and his troupe performed gave this area a glimpse of what comedy is all about.

Half standup and half improv was virtually a show without flaw. These performers may be young, but they are very professional, very polished and a joy to watch. I could go on, I'll have to write more later, like I said this isn't easy with bloodshot eyes :) I just HAD to tell you about the show though, cuz comedy night in this county may be coming very soon. For those of you that were there, you were a part of history, for those of you who weren't---you'll wish you were.

More later, until then keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.