WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 7th

DAVE DONDERO

FRANK FUZZ

$7

9pm Doors

10pm Show

Considering everywhere Dave Dondero has traveled, it's not surprising that geography permeates his songs. From Miami, Florida to Ely, Nevada, Dondero connects the highway lines into a collection of literate, impressionistic, folk-blues mini-epics. Conjuring the spirit of Henry Miller coming to terms with his homeland in The Air-Conditioned Nightmare, Dondero is like the ex-patriot returned--passionately and sublimely relaying how beautiful and ugly this huge-ass country can be.

The former Sunbrain singer/guitarist spent a week in August and two weeks in December 2004 at Sweat Box Studio in Austin Texas with a seasoned cast of like-minded cohorts, giving South of the South a richer, more worn-in feel than any of his previous records. Eric Bachman (Crooked Fingers), Mike Vasquez, Tom Heyman, Dan Carr, and Chris Heinrich collectively bring decades worth of musical wisdom that spreads all over these songs like the dust from a pickup peeling out on a dirt road. Of course it wouldn't feel right without longtime cohort Craig D on drums, and longtime Dondero fans can take comfort in his presence. "I've Seen the Love," features a signature Craig D shuffle beat while Vasquez's trumpet breezes through and Dan Carr's upright bass keeps the song on its feet. “Let go the Past”--a determined, eerie, country-stomper--finds Heyman manipulating a reverb heavy slide guitar line, while Bachman lays a blanket of keys. Nice.

With an album full of ringers, it's somewhat surprising that some of the most revealing moments simply include Dondero's voice and guitar. On the haunting, live-to-one-track recording of "Brownsville Revival," he finger-picks a haunting melody and sings a damning lullaby about his home state of Florida and its backwoods religions with disarming results:

"There was a man whose daughter had died/I believe it was in Gainesville/By the cooler/And he put her inside/Went to Brownsville revival/Asked the congregation/If they could bring her back for him/He was looking for a miracle/But it just didn't happen."

Yes, it's a bleak story, but it's the life some people lead.

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WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 23

CROOKED FINGERS

CLEAR DAYS ALWAYS

$8

9pm doors 10pm show

Crooked Fingers is Eric Bachmann. Eric Bachmann is most noted for, well many things. He was the principle songwriter for indie legends Archer's of Loaf. Crooked Fingers picks up right here Archer's left off, not losing any momentum, in fact gaining speed.

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MONDAY NOVEMBER 14

ELF POWER

THOSE TRANSATLANTICS

$7

9pm Doors 10pm Show

Musically Elf Power is all over the map this time , going from sleazy, T-Rex rockers (Drawing Flies), to psychedelic electronica (The Cracks), to blown out Southern boogie romps (title track, featuring a duet with folk rock legend Vic Chesnutt). Lyrically, the band foregoes the abstract supernatural imagery of their past releases for a more straightforward lyrical approach, with songs about the effects of advertising and media on modern America (Empty Pictures, Never Believe), love songs (Drawing Flies),and even strange, autobiographical story songs about meeting up with a gang of beggar children in Warsaw (Walking With the Beggar Boys). Elf Power's finest moment is here, so listen up!

Elf Power formed in Athens,GA in 1994 and have spent the last decade releasing six albums and touring the globe, from America to Europe to Japan and Brazil, playing with bands like REM, Wilco, Guided By Voices, and Neutral Milk Hotel (whom Laura Carter also recorded and toured with), and have built a rabid underground following in the process. The band will be touring all over once again in support of this release, starting with a full U.S. tour in April and a Brazilian tour in May.

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2005

MAKE/BELIEVE
the GLOWFRIENDS
the BRIDGE OVER The RIVER QUA

$7

9 pm doors 10 pm show

This the first time I've been able to be in a band that feels like [the band] I've always wanted to be in, just in terms of mutual enthusiasm you know?" says Make Believe frontman Tim Kinsella. "I wish I could have started this project ten years ago, it would have saved me a lot of trouble."

Instead of resting on the laurels of their previous acts (Joan Of Arc, Owls, GhostsVodka, etc.), Make Believe fearlessly forge ahead, connecting the dots between avant-indie acts like US Maple and Polvo with the emotion of say Minor threat all the while sounding absolutely nothing like any of the above. In other words, Make Believe are just four really talented dudes in their 20s trying to reinvent punk rock the only way they know how.

However, there's only so much a one-page bio can tell you about a band. The best way to begin to understand Make Believe is to see it for yourself. Love it or hate it, we promise it won't sound like anything else you've ever heard before.

So, what are you waiting for?

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Friday November 4th, 2005

Down The Line

9pm $6 - 18 & up with ID

Down The Line proves an unlikely truth: Electricity has little to do with power. The band employs acoustic instruments — shimmering
guitars, mandolin, violin, harmonica, and djembe drum…the only electric instrument, a driving bass. That organic blend, combined with
soaring vocal harmonies and concise songcraft, makes for an undeniably powerful brand of acoustic pop. Lead vocals are shared among
the group’s standout voices (much like their favorites, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles). And judging from the band’s popularity in their
hometown of Chicago and beyond, Down The Line is downright electric.

In the fall of 2005, Down The Line released their second full-length album, Please Remember My Name, a dynamic collection of memorable
songs and a natural evolution of their immensely popular debut, Welcome to Flavortown. The members of Down The Line — Levi
Britton (acoustic guitar, vocals); Derek Fawcett (djembe, vocals); Dan Myers (harmonica, mandolin, violin, vocals); and Dave Rothkopf
(acoustic guitar, bass, vocals) — share a singular musical vision that’s compelling on CD…and explosive on stage.

Down The Line was dubbed “the new wave of college rock” by Performing Songwriter magazine. They’ve been featured on both radio and
television, including hometown Chicago benchmarks, WXRT, Q101, WCKG, WBEZ, WGN-TV and CLTV. They scored a top-40 hit on the
national New Music Weekly charts with their single “Last Call,” and their song “Here I Am” was featured on the soundtrack of the
Universal Pictures film, Winter Break. Down The Line continues to tour nationally and overseas.

http://www.downthelineband.com

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Wednesday November 2th, 2005

Ember Swift

Hailey Wojcik

9pm  -  $10

Indie music sensation Ember Swift’s particular brand of
politically charged folk-jazz-funk music has garnered
ardent fan frenzy and rave critical acclaim from across
Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Ember is a poignant
songwriter, a prolific recording artist (eight albums and
counting on her independent Few’ll Ignite Sound label),
a relentless touring artist (over 200 shows per year), a
vibrant stage performer, and a fierce political/social
activist. As a highly accomplished musician, performer,
composer, businesswoman, and committed activist,
Ember continues to solidify her reputation as one of
Canada’s truly substantial artists.
Ember Swift grew up in both Burlington and Woodstock, lived in
Ottawa for a time, and now resides in Toronto (all in
Ontario). A self-taught guitarist/percussionist, “mothertaught”
vocalist, and trained pianist through the Royal
Conservatory of Music, Ember has been writing songs
since she was nine years old and performing since she
was ten. She has always been an involved activist, and
her early work combines her political opinions with her
melodic inventions, displaying the beginnings of a
songwriting ethic that melds music and activism for
greater social awareness and change.

http://www.lotosnile.com/index_content.html

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 15, 2005

$10 advance $12 day of show

9 PM Doors 10 PM Show

18 & up with ID

Special return performance

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS

Some of the most imaginative, inventive lyrics come from The Mountain Goats. Just ask Sasha Frere-Jones from The New Yorker, according to him, John Darnielle is the best non-hip hop lyricist of our generation. A lofty title to live up to, but they do it well.

Check these out for yourself.

NPR loves the Mountain Goats

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4651778

The New Yorker loves the Mountain Goats

http://www.newyorker.com/critics/music/articles/050516crmu_music

THE PRAYERS AND TEARS OF ARTHUR DIGBY SELLARS

"With the release of the Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers' sophomore album, three nascent principles emerge in the Triangle music scene: Perry right is one of its most impressive songwriting talents; producer Alex Lazara is one of its most capable and creative visionaries; and the Bu Hanan records family- hitherto more of a collection of friends making record in Chapel Hill homes- is suddenly an artistic stable worthy of envy."

" Cynthia offers a glimpse at the assorted and burrowed tunnels of a complicated mind, an absorbent, watchful, keen mind capable of compiling theories, theologies, dialogues, parables and paradoxes and funneling them into four-minute considerations worthy of thousand-word elaboration."

The Independent Weekly

PLEASE ADVISE THE LAST MOUNTAIN GOATS SHOW SOLD OUT QUITE EARLY; PLEASE BUY ADVANCE TICKETS TO ENSURE ADMISSION.

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SUNDAY OCT 9 2005

$8

8PM ***Note early time

JOHN VANDERSLICE

Barsuk Recording Artist

Dear Friends,

John Vanderslice has made the record everyone has been waiting for him to make. Over the past four years, Vanderslice's previous efforts, Mass Suicide Occult Figurines (2001), Time Travel is Lonely (2002), Life and Death of An American Fourtracker (2003), and Cellar Door (2004) have charted the incremental growth of one of the finest songwriters working in under-the-radar rock music today. Every one represented a step forward, in terms of artistry and also of ambition; the narrative scope of the songs, the melodic range of the singing, the sonic palette of the productions—with each subsequent release, Vanderslice has pushed hard to find the limits of his abilities, then pushed harder and broken through them to create something beautiful. But if his prior records were a gradual progression, his latest constitutes a quantum leap.

Barsuk Records is proud to present Pixel Revolt, the most ingenious release to date by San Francisco based solo artist John Vanderslice.

In the age of laptop lo-fi, when anyone can make a record anywhere they want, Vanderslice is a purist for the old way: Pixel Revolt, like all four of its predecessors, was the result of intensive labor (and analog gear) at JV's Tiny Telephone studios in San Francisco

To help him find his voice, literally and lyrically, Vanderslice turned to longtime friend, collaborator, and tourmate John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats (whose last two acclaimed LPs were produced by Vanderslice). Darnielle, one of the most inventive songwriters alive, performed variously as editor, co-writer, and midwife to the record. For an exploration of the complex thematic terrain of the songs, please consult the attached User's Guide to Pixel Revolt.

In short, we believe this record is a masterpiece by a seasoned veteran at the top of his form, and we hope you will too.

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Saturday September 24

BRIAN VANDER ARK

$8 adv / $10 door 18 & up with ID

Brian Vander Ark is the lead singer and principal songwriter for The Verve Pipe, whose platinum debut, Villains, on RCA Records, includes Vander Ark’s 'The Freshmen' -- one of the most successful multi-format tracks of 1997 and winner of an ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors And Publishers) Pop Award. In 1999, they released their
highly anticipated follow-up album The Verve Pipe to critical acclaim, with their first single achieving Top 15 at Modern Rock radio. Their most recent album, Underneath, produced by Adam Schlesinger, was released September 25, 2001; its first single, ‘Never Let You Down,’ was one of the Top 50 Most Played songs for both Adult Top 40 and Modern A/C radio in 2001.

In addition to their success on radio, sold-out concert dates throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, features in Spin and Rolling Stone and videos on MTV and VH1, Brian and the band have made numerous television appearances, including "The Tonight Show," "Late Night With David Letterman," "120 Minutes," and VH1's "Hard Rock Live."

Brian has also written songs recorded by The Verve Pipe for the films/soundtracks Great Expectations and Clay Pigeons. He also co-wrote the song 'Blow You Away' with Andy Partridge of XTC which appeared on The Avengers soundtrack. Most recently, Brian wrote and performed the song 'When I’m Gone' for the film Life Or Something Like It. Brian is currently scoring his first film, Dead and Breakfast.

Brian first made the leap from musician to actor playing a country singer in the independent film Road Kill. Road Kill premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film
Festival and took home the Audience Choice Award. He also appeared in Mergers and Acquisitions, an independent film shot in New York City, which also stars Lee Tergesen. In his first major film, Rock Star, a Warner Bros. release starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston, Brian portrayed the bass player in a band fronted by Wahlberg. (On an interesting side note, the finale song 'Colorful' was written and sung by Brian, and lipsynched by Mark Wahlberg.) He also completed, to critical acclaim, a run in the play The Collected Works Of Billy The Kid as Charlie Bowdry, at the prestigious La Jolla Playhouse. The play, written by Michael Ondaatje (The English Patient), was directed by Des McAnuff (Quills).

Brian has just completed his first solo album, released on Brash Music on March 9, 2003.
He currently tours both as a solo artist and as the frontman for The Verve Pipe.

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Blackjack Productions & Valentine Booking Present

Wednesday September 21

9pm Doors 10pm Show $8

The Ponys

In The Red Records

X-Offender

Kalamazoo

Plus Special Guests

SPIN (JUNE 2005)- The Ponys "Celebration Castle" Grade: A- A bluesy midwestern Interpol, with Richard Hell and the Gun Club in their record collection instead of Joy Division. If the lyrics seem placeholderish, they soon evolve into images of people fighting off real dread in the the-worlds-a-mess-it's-in-my-kiss tradition. What it sounds like to be sucked into doomed romantism rather than aspire to it.

Links:

www.theponys.com www.intheredrecords.com

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2005

$8 - 9PM

PORTASTATIC

There are very few things that one can count on in this turbulent world, and of those most are incredibly unpleasant. There is one however, a very positive one, on which I have come to rely. That is the relentless integrity and consistently stellar creative output of Mac McCaughan .

On Portastatic 's new album, Bright Ideas , we find Mac offering ten new songs, which flow along touching on a bouquet of various styles and arrangements effortlessly, always anchored by the immediacy of his exuberant voice. The first Portastatic album to be recorded in its entirety in a proper studio ( Tiny Telephone in San Francisco by Tim Mooney of American Music Club and mixed by producer icon Brian Paulson ) it once again features excellent drum contributions by Mac's brother, Matthew McCaughan , as well as bass work by fellow Superchunkist, Jim Wilbur . Although the trio makes up the bulk of the powerful performances, Portastatic remains a flexible entity willing to incorporate whatever instruments and players are needed to fulfill the promise of the song. From the summertime rock anthems of “White Wave” or “Soft Rewind”, to the eerie Americana of “Truckstop Cassettes”, to the beautiful lullaby “Full of Stars”, the record deepens with each listen. It expands on themes of disillusionment, frustration with the world, love of friends and family, the battle between regret and hope, and the blurry stream of events that connect the past to the present and bring an increasingly terrifying future into focus.

Conor Oberst (Brooklyn, May 2005)

The Heavenly States

The Heavenly States are grainy, orchestral rock ranging from the
classicism of Neil Young, Van Morrison and Velvet Underground to the
fighting side of folk and southern gothic lullabies...with tinges of
Palestrina, Deep Purple and Bruce Springsteen. Sound impossible? Well,
they do it!

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Saturday August 13th

The Raven Society

Instrumentation
Justin Guerin: Guitars/Vox
Veronica Alvarez: Bass
Liz Holland: Drums/Mult. Percussion

Biography
together just under one year, the raven society are already attracting attention by their unique blend of indie, progressive, alternative, middle eastern and jazz.  the trio brings together one of the most talented rhythm sections and genre bending guitar shredding songwriters around today, not to mention the gender twist of an all-girl rhythm section and male lead.

justin guerin : vox/guitar
multi-instrumentalist/recording enthusiast born in queens ny 1974. has lived up and down the east coast playing in bands for the past 12 years finally settling in buffalo ny in 1999.

veronica alvarez : bass
born in seville, spain, veronica spent most of her life in albany, ny and recently relocated to buffalo, ny. she is influenced by the entire motown catalogue, me'shell ndegeocello, and victor wooton.

liz holland : percussion
buffalo native est. 1978, classically trained percussionist oddly enough holding a degree in art history focused on german culture. she started her music career annoying family members by tapping out atonal compositions on a piano at age 6.

Links:
www.sonicbids.com/theravensociety
www.myspace.com/theravensociety
www.ravensociety.com

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Sunday, August 14, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show $6.00

THE OSCARS

(Bootleg Records/Memphis, TN)

http://www.oscarsindustries.com

http://www.myspace.com/oscarsindustries

Noisy, noisy punk rock from down yonder.  Not sure how to even describe them.  Very loud, very angry, very intense.  Some folks have said that their sound contains elements of THE SWELL MAPS, FANG, RUDIMENTARY PENI and THE URINALS.  But, honestly, they sound like THE OSCARS.  They blew everyone away when they visited Kalamazoo last June.  Prepare for the storm.  "Death To America."

THROW RAG

(BYO Records/Salton Sea, CA)

http://throwrag.com/

From the bio: "Yeah, yeah, you've heard it before, but in this case it just happens to be true. Throw Rag is more than just a rock n roll band. Throw Rag are rock n roll! But let's be clear about something here; rock n roll, although essentially a thing of great beauty, is on whole, rather smelly and sweaty and dirty and will leave you with a hangover and a suspicious looking rash if you wake up with it the next day. Rock n roll doesn't care; it is its job not to care. So don't even think about complaining." APPEARING ON THIS YEAR'S VAN'S WARPED TOUR.

BRIMSTONE HOWL

(SPEED! Nebraska/Lincoln, Nebraska)

http://www.myspace.com/brimstonehowl

What THEY say: "Sounds like a lamb to the slaughter roaming around like a roaring lion bleating through a fog horn seeking who it may crush and burn like an unfruitful branch which has lost its saltiness. Feet! How can you make this sonic screech without any feet, in the biblical sense? I have plans to prosper them. Look at them! Look at them! They are so loud! They have so much prowess in the guitar and rhythm! But they are not stupid like you hope! They are cunning! BRIMSTONE HOWL is the sound of impending crushings and burnings. Volume! Love! Sweat like blood from His brow! She is a pillar of salt now!"

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FRIDAY AUGUST 5, 2005

8:00 Doors 9:00 Show

$8

(SMOG)

Bill Callahan must have the glassiest bones America. At its most simple, Smog draws on the guitar-wracking blues funk of classic Americana and variously combines sampled noise, scratchy strings, moe-tucker-drumming (country-style) and beautiful piano arrangements touch, feelings, and memories swim wild in a river of Bill's choosing, with songs as drawn-out as these you've got plenty of time to think about what might be brushing past your legs. Part pointedly world-wise, part star wars kid on the block, Smog and his guitar could take on anyone and turn up at least half of the trumps. Anyone, that is, who has even fallen underneath the spell of a few well-placed words and some choice riffing.

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Thursday, July 28, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show $6.00

THE HARD LESSONS

(No Fun Records/Detroit, MI)

http://www.myspace.com/thehardlessons

http://www.thehardlessons.com

http://www.nofunrecords.com

From the bio: "Fronted by Detroit 's modern incarnation of Ike and Tina, and backed by a drummer whose diminutive stature is in direct contrast to his raucous power, The Hard Lessons come on like an unexpected face-slap.  With a sweaty live show rendering crowds and critics across the country "vanquished and sated," and a masterpiece debut album, Gasoline, set to reclaim the summer airwaves for Rock N Roll."

THE MUGGS

(Times Beach Records/Detroit, MI)

www.themuggs.com

www.timesbeachrecords.com

Bluesy rock and roll from the Motor City, built for beer drinkin' and hell raisin'. Sonic mustache vibrations comin' your way. Featuring Danny Methric, lead guitarist for THE PAYBACKS .

X-OFFENDER

(Kalamazoo, MI)

http://www.myspace.com/xoffenderkzoo

Fast becoming one of Kalamazoo's most favoritest real rock and roll bands, X-OFFENDER pile on the fuzz and the trash, one awesome riff at a time.  Debut recording "in the works."  Goodtimes up ahead.

DIRTY TRICKS

(Blue Skies Turn Black - Les Disques Grabuge/Montreal, QUEBEC)

http://www.myspace.com/dirtytricks

(MP3's available)

www.dirtytricksmusic.com

From the press release: "...one of the most promising new acts of Montreal's music scene.  A eardrum-shredding outfit that effectively mixes the all-guns blazing aggression of The Hellacopters and the fractured intensity of Hot Snakes ."

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Saturday, July 30, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show $6.00

25 SUAVES

(Bulb Records/Adrian, MI)

http://www.25suaves.com/

(MP3's available)

http://bulbrecords.com/

From the bio (slightly altered): 25 SUAVES are a testament to the glory of that which is guitar rock. They assault the listener with a barrage of sound and power in the vein of Motorhead, Judas Priest, Metallica, Blue Cheer, Mike Dean era COC and a runaway truck headed for a burning hospital! Known for their intense volume and ability, their releases are unapologetically deafening with layers of guitars and strength filled rhythm. Until recently the 25 Suaves carried on as a two piece, substituting amplification for numbers. Their stripped down answer to rock gave them their trial by guitar attack. Signing on old friend, Dave Sahijdak (formerly of rock heavies, The Melvins), they expanded to a three piece and went immediately to the studio to record the tracks for their latest album, "I Want It Loud." The children quake with fear.

THROBBIN' URGES

(Midland, MI)

http://www.myspace.com/throbbinurges

(MP3's available)

Midland's finest (only?) punk band is headed this way once again to drink your beer and yell shit into the microphone. Better move it or they'll run you down! Split single coming soon with GLORIFIED TRASH .

THE RAT TRAPS

(Henderson, TN)

http://www.myspace.com/rattraps

(MP3's available)

Southern trash never sounded this good. Scratchy and nasty guitars collide head on into a tree with the devil on drums. Hickory stump.

JEFFREY NOVAK ONE MAN BAND

(Henderson, TN)

Get ready for food, folks and fun with RAT TRAPS drummer JEFFREY NOVAK as he steps into the spotlight for a solo set.  Total bash and smash, all the way live.

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Saturday, July 16, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show  $7.00

THE SPiTS

(Dirtnap Records/Seattle, WA)

http://www.thespits.com/

http://www.myspace.com/thespits

http://www.dirtnaprecs.com/

Kalamazoo's punk rock sons, the Wood Brothers, bring the party back home for a very special evening of music and magic.  Beers will be spilt, fists will be raised to the sky and grown men will stand weeping at the beauty of it all.  Join us, for this very special Christmas in July celebration.

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WEDNEDSAY JULY 13

8PM Doors 9PM Show

$8

CONSTANTINES

What can we say about the Constantines that hasn't been said before:

They put on a hell of a live show.

They are the grandchildren of The Clash and Fugazi with a touch of Springsteen.

They will make you wish you didn't have an alarm the next morning.

All of the above applies and has been said ad nauseum.

Let's just get back to basics:

They are a band that plays Rock and Roll really, really, fucking well.

NICOLAI DUNGER

There is honesty in Nicolai Dunger's voice and songwriting, far from the calculated hit list music and rock star mentality that is so common in the music biz. Just as with the songs of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, John Lee Hooker and the work of other legends the songs of Nicolai Dunger have a timeless quality. There is something in them that speaks to us all. Tales of love, pain, happiness and melancholy - subjects of eternal concern for mankind, whose need of someone addressing them, reflecting our own inner lives, is just as eternal itself. Nicolai Dunger is without doubt one of those artists that aren't satisfied until every phrase, tone and bit of lyric has found its way deep inside you and touched you where it really matters .

OXFORD COLLAPSE

Oxford Collapse's a NYC trio proves itself spazzy in the best kind of way--not overly premeditated or confrontational, but a chaos of pop music, unexpected and enthusiastic cymbal hits, Head on the Door style bass-riffs meshing into frantic tambourine and yelpy vocals, like they're building their music on hope and eagerness and nothing else.

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Sunday, July 10, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show $5.00

THE SHOP FRONTS

(Rapid Pulse/Your Permanent Records/New York)

http://www.myspace.com/shopfronts

(MP3's available)

www.theshopfronts.com

East Coast punk rock built for speed.  BZZZZZZZZZZ!!! Just played the Horizontal Action Blackout Fest in Chicago and now they're off to the Dot Dash festival in New york.  Big things in store for these folks.  Catch 'em now, while you can!

THE DC SNIPERS

(Your Permanent Records/New Jersey)

http://www.myspace.com/thedcsnipers

(MP3's available)

"Sounds like: A gun with an arm coming out of it that's holding a sword with a lightning bolt in the background."

METAL  TEETH

(Kalamazoo, MI)

Kalamazoo's newest and trashiest rock and roll sensations. Some have compared their sound to Pussy Galore (minus the heroin habit). Don't forget to add some Blue Cheer and Little Richard to the mix! They will melt your brain.  Submit to their psyche/blues/punk fury!

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Saturday, July 2, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show  $7.00

THE TEARJERKERS

(Sympathy For The Record Indusrty/Memphis, TN)

http://www.sympathyrecords.com

http://www.sympathyrecords.com/news/index.html#tear

Fronted by singer/guitarist/songwriter JACK OBLIVIAN ( THE OBLIVIANS, COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS, COOL JERKS , etc.), THE TEARJERKERS get ready to serve Kalamazoo a choice helping of their Memphis soul infused raw rock and roll.  Anyone familiar with Jack's previous bands know this will be an amazing live show. New album "Don't Throw Your Love Away" available now on Sympathy.  Just go to the show, already!

HEADACHE CITY

(Shit Sandwich/Chicago, IL)

http://headachecity.com/

http://www.shitsandwichrecords.com/

Organ driven candy coated distortion.  Another  stunning dose of hook ladden panic from these up and coming urban professionals. Featuring ex-members of THE WHITEOUTS and THE MOTARDS . Oh, and NORAH , too.

COCOCOMA

(Chicago, IL)

Lisa from HEADACHE CITY's other band, steppin' out in style. No EDDIE MONEY covers, I promise. Goodtimes, though, yes.

http://www.myspace.com/cococoma

BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Saturday, June 25, 2005

9PM Doors  10PM Show  $6.00

EASY ACTION

(Reptilian Records/Detroit, MI)

http://www.easyaction.org/

http://www.myspace.com/easyaction

http://www.reptilianrecords.com

Fronted by the one and only John Brannon, former vocalist for Michigan punk/rock bands NEGATIVE APPROACH and THE LAUGHING HYENAS. A deafening wall of buzzsaw guitar and drums combined with Brannon's trademark broken glass vs. sandpaper vocals. Guaranteed to send shivers down the spine.  This is rock and roll, plain and simple.  A must see show.

NOBODY'S FAVORITE

(Kalamazoo, MI)

http://www.nobodysfavorite.com/

www.myspace.com/nobodysfavorite

Rock And Roll Gene The Pumpkin Man. Say it loud, say it proud. Rock and egg roll, fist in the air.

THROBBIN' URGES

(Midland, MI)

http://www.myspace.com/throbbinurges

throbbinurges.cjb.net

Ultra raw and in your face punk from Midland!  Who knew?  Not me, until now.  A very pleasant surprise, from out of nowhere.  You will like them, too.  Check out the MP3s on their Myspace page for the proof.

*NOTE*: NOBODY'S FAVORITE headlines, EASY ACTION plays 2nd.  Get there early!

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS and UFODICTATOR.com present

Friday, June 17, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show

Special "Dude, it's just like a 1983 punk show!" price of only $4.00

"The UFODICTATOR.com 1 Year Golden Anniversary" show featuring:

X-OFFENDER
(Kalamazoo, MI)

THE CLAMS
(Kalamazoo, MI)

THE BURNING HATREDS
(Coldwater, MI)

METAL TEETH
(Kalamazoo, MI)

The Scoop: Dearest Brohanns, Brosefs and Broeeshas.  You are cordially invited to this gala event to help celebrate the special 1 Year Golden Anniversary of UFODICTATOR.com.  What is UFODICTATOR.com, you ask?  The easy answer is that it's the brainchild of 89.1 WIDR FM's own DJ Chuck, host of "Down In Flames".  But more than that, it's a way of life. A cyberspace haven created for record nerds, collector scum, ebay merchants, rock and rollers, outcasts, non-payers of electric bills, over opinionated jerks, movie freaks, revolutionaries, gun nuts, late night BBQers, comic book hoarders, boys and girls, men and their machines, young and old, and drivers of gnome mobiles to congregate, exchange ideas and just straight up kick it in the old school way.  The big draw is the UFODICTATOR forum, where the aforementioned chuckles spout off about the important issues facing our world today, like "Where to find exclusive act! ion figures and how much can I sell them for?", "upcoming punk shows in Kalamazoo", "this band sucks" and "why I gotta be dickle?"  Other mysteries await inside such as photos from past concerts here in K-Zoo, thrift store record finds and the wit and wisdom of Dutch Hercules.  So stop on by at http://ufodictator.com and see what the fuss is all about.  Then, come to the show to meet your fellow brothers and sisters, extend a hand in friendship and know what it is to be loved.  But please, NO CRUST OR DICKLES ALLOWED!!!  In between band sounds supplied by the UFODICTATOR.com VINYL TASK FORCE ELITE SQUAD.  Join us.

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS and VALENTINE BOOKING present

Thursday, June 9, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show $7.00

THE PAYBACKS

(Get Hip/Detroit, MI)

http://www.gethip.com/

http://www.thepaybacks.com/

From the press release (slightly edited/rearranged by yours truly): The Paybacks are really tired of stuff that doesn't rock. They suspect that you are too. In an effort to do something about it, the Detroit-based rock 'n' roll foursome brings you songs full of sonic pop and blazing rock riffs, their attempt to restore some dignity to the poor bastard called rock 'n' roll. Honest, passionate and loaded with hooks, it's about the value of loud guitars, kickass tunes and the freedom to call 'em as you see 'em.

Comprised of veterans of Detroit's garage and rock scene (Rocket 455, Ten High, and [formerly] The Hentchmen), The Paybacks were founded by Wendy Case, singer, guitarist and primary songwriter. Case -- a native of Akron, Ohio and reared in the Carolinas' cut her teeth in the San Francisco punk scene of the early '80s before coming to Michigan in '89. By the early '90s, she had formed garage punk party band Ten High in Ann Arbor. Signed to Bomp!/Total Energy Records in Burbank, CA, Ten High was one of the early progenitors of what would later become regarded as the "Detroit garage scene." In '97 Case moved to the Detroit area and by late1999, formed The Paybacks with Rocket 455 guitarist, Marco Delicato.

Grab a 12 pack and crank up the volume. Rock 'n' roll is fun again.

NOBODY'S FAVORITE

(Kalamazoo, MI)

http://www.nobodysfavorite.com/

www.myspace.com/nobodysfavorite

"Basically, a loud rock 'n' roll band.  Wait, that real messed up.  Brett, hold my beer."

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Friday, June 3, 2005

THE TOUGH AND LOVELY

9PM Doors  10PM Show  $5.00

(Spoonful Records/Columbus, Ohio)

http://toughandlovely.com/

http://www.spoonfulrecords.com/

From the press release: Born of an endless stack of old rock and soul records, most likely; born of the stars, most definitely... The Columbus, Ohio based band, which was first set into motion by guitarist and primary songwriter Andrew Robertson back in early 2002, was soon shining bright with the stellar vocals of lead singer Lara Yazvac, and it's impact was certain with the inextinguishable charge of organist/guitarist Mark Sims, bassist Carol Schumacher, and drummer Christian Pierce all solidly pounding out straight-up, infectious rock and roll. Amidst a crossfire of warm guitars and swirling organ, the band began building quite a following in rock clubs throughout the Midwest, Mid-south, and Eastern United States. During the two years that followed, from the
band's inception to the release of their debut album, only those fortunate enough to hear the T&L's first single or witness their live shows knew what was about to go down.
You see! , long before this super nova was ever cut to LP and burned to CD it was just a faint glimmer in a sky packed with many bright luminaries, and it was those nearest to the T&L that the band emulated. Shooting stars like the Shocking Blue, the Shangri-Las, the Everly Brothers, The Zombies, Chris Clark and Irma Thomas all left great tail winds from which the band could build their own momentum.

Jack BANDIT Crack

(Kalamazoo, MI)

One man band madness from Jeff The Snake (THE CLAMS). Put yer dancin' shoes on.

FORBIDDEN CANDY

(Kalamazoo, MI)

"Hey, do you like music?"  Kalamazoo's newest rock trio does.  But that's fairly obvious, right, since they play "instruments" in a "band."  What am I talking about?  I have no idea.  Tim Hayden+Tracy Popp+Liz Barney=FORBIDDEN CANDY.  Do you know these people?  I do.  So will you.  I went to a BBQ at Liz's house last year.  The food was real good.  Plenty of lawn furniture to go around.  Tracy and Tim used to perform with K.P.O.W.W., but now they wrestle with hi-hats and floor toms.  Tim says funny things that make the word laugh and cry at the same time.  Oh, I'm supposed to be writing about the band.  OK, some folks have compared their sound to early Sonic Youth with a dash of no wave craziness.  You just show up early and find out for yourself.  They'll be getting $1 beers at the show. Hail to the chimp, indeed.

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WEDNESDAY JUNE 1st

Th' Legendary Shack Shakers

The Saps

X-Offender

Th' Legendary Shack Shakers

Front man and blues-harpist Col. J.D. Wilkes began yelpin, the blues thru a ham radio mike at his boyhood home in the Atomic City of Paducah, Kentucky... not far from where future bandmate and slap-bassist Mark Robertson was cutting his teeth on Punk Rock and Gospel music. Years later, when the two met, they found their separate styles and interests meshed well together. With the recent addition of David Lee, South Carolina's preeminent rock 'n' roll bad-ass and "Illustrated Man" extraordinaire, Th' Legendary Shack*Shakers have now become the best Southern Gothic amusement you can get for your hard-earned money. Melding the rural, agri-dustrial rhythms of America's puritan work ethic, the intensity of gutbucket blues, and even the madcap oompah of polka, the band has created a monstrous abomination...(Junkyard Carnival Punk?) And it is this sound that keeps them in high demand from Europe to the West Coast and all points in between.

The Saps

Dan Lastick, lead singer, driver of the Winnebago, rhythm guitarist and songwriter, along with lead guitarist Dan Menoni, both Chicagoans of Oak Park descent, formed The Saps five years ago and have, with several incarnations of rhythm section, played their sometimes country-inspired, sometimes punk rock at hundreds of shows at the above-mentioned clubs as well as many others in and out of Chicago.  The addition of Brett Whitacre on drums and bassist Tony Sackett has helped take the band to where it stands now as a major force on the Chicago scene.

X-Offender

Kalamazoo's own up and coming band. Look for a great opening set.

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Valentine Booking Proudly Presents

SUNDAY MAY 29, 2005

SOLD OUT!!!

8pm door / 9pm show

PINBACK

w/The Dudley Corporation

Hailing from San Diego, Pinback is a band comprised of two principal players: Armistead Burwell Smith IV (Zach) and Rob Crow. Pinback started as a part-time endeavor back in 1998, when Zach's band Three Mile Pilot went on an extended hiatus and Rob found time away from his other musical interests (mainly Thingy and Heavy Vegetable). After recording their self-titled debut, released by Ace Fu in 1999, Pinback became a fully realized project.

They are on the O.C.

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Sunday, May 22, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show $6.00

BLANK ITS

(Contaminated/BAND ITS Records/from Seattle, WA)

http://www.myspace.com/blankits http://www.blankits.com/

Super fuzzed out/distorto power pop/punk.  Check out their fantastic split single with THE FEELERS on Contaminated Records (or the two MP3s on their MySpace page) and you'll see what I mean.  They'll be coming to Kalamazoo fresh off their appearance at this year's Horizontal Action Blackout fest in Chicago.  Total sugar buzz!

THE WHORES OF BABYLON

(Battle Creek/Coldwater,MI)

"Hippa-to-the-hoppa and it just don't stoppa."

FASHION! FASHION! AND THE IMAGE BOYS

(Floridasdying/Awesome Party/from Winter Park, Florida)

http://www.myspace.com/fashionfashionandtheimageboys

Punk rock from the land of Mickey and Pluto, or as they say, "Born from the mixture of ciggerette butts at the bottom of beer bottles,that's us."

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show  $5.00

Performing Two Sets!!

TRIAGE

(Okkadisk/Chicago, IL/free jazz & improvised music/members of the VANDERMARK 5)

http://www.okkadisk.com/

From the press release: Triage is one of the most active young bands on the improvised music scene in Chicago today.  Initially conceived by Dave Rempis on saxophones, with Jason Ajemian on bass and Tim Daisy on drums, the group has been key to defining the sound of a new generation of Chicago improvisers.  With regular work over the last five years at Chicago venues such as the Empty Bottle, the Velvet Lounge, 3030, the Hothouse, the Nervous Center, and the Hungry
Brain, the group has fine-tuned their approach to a music which is currently undergoing a great renaissance in this city. They've also toured extensively in the US, completing four lengthy tours in as many years, with an inaugural tour of Europe in November of 2004.  With such frequent performances, the band has established itself as one of the few working groups in an era of "project" bands.

As a trio, these three combine to create wide-ranging forms of musical expression. Performing original composit! ions almost exclusively, the band moves through quiet textural pieces,grooving jazz-oriented tunes, and wailing, expressionistic romps with equal ability.  Using these compositions as a springboard for their improvisations, they manage to combine the rhythmic sensibilities of the American jazz and free jazz tradition with the more abstract spaces frequently associated with European improvisers. The reconstitution of stylisticelements from these disparate traditions sheds light on both of them in a unique and powerful way.

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Sunday, May 15, 2005

9pm Doors 10PM Show $5.00

THE CRACKPIPES

(Emperor Jones Records/Sympathy For The Record Industry/ from Texas)

http://www.thecrackpipes.com/ http://www.emperorjones.com/ http://www.emperorjones.com/crackpipes.html

Trashy rock and soul.  New album out soon on Emperor Jones!

THE BURNING HATREDS

(Coldwater, MI)

You would be angry too if you lived in Coldwater.  Punk rock.

Jack BANDIT Crack

(Kalamazoo, MI)

Jeff The Snake (bassist of THE CLAMS) steps out solo for his one man band.  Fried chicken and Casio damage hot off the grill.

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Valentine Booking Proudly Presents

THURSDAY MAY 12, 2005

9pm Doors 10pm Show $9

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS

4 AD RECORDING ARTIST

The Mountain Goats are John Darnielle.
John Darnielle is one of the most imaginative lyricists of this generation. John Darnielle sits down cross-legged in front of a boom-box and presses record. John Darnielle inhabits the minds of murderers and suicides, prophets and emperors. John Darnielle conjures a multitude of alternative realities. Death Metal Bands. Hail Satan!

SHEARWATER

RELATED: OKKERVIL RIVER

“Shearwater’s narrative style is certainly influenced by folk but rounded out by chamber pop and Americana sensibilities. Everybody Makes Mistakes will fit nicely on the same shelf as your Low, Neutral Milk Hotel and Will Oldham albums. Very beautiful."--Other Magazine

Talk Talk covering early Elton John or Bert Jansch anticipating the Smiths; that's as close as we can get to describing Shearwater's Winged Life in the punchy first line of a one sheet. The truth is that, with its elaborate and unconventional arrangements, richly layered production and conscious efforts to not recreate the past, this is a difficult record to pigeonhole. As a result, Winged Life bridges many musical gaps - its songs are melodic and narrative-based enough to appeal to fans of Belle & Sebastian, yet unique enough to be mentioned in the same breath as artists like the Notwist or Broken Social Scene.

JEFF HANSON

KILL ROCK STARS RECORDING ARTIST

Jeff Hanson is a gifted songwriter with one of the most beautiful voices you will ever hear. Most singers with a voice this good would be content just to sing somebody else's songs, but Jeff not only writes and sings these tunes, he also plays the majority of the other sounds you will hear on his exceptional debut album, "Son".

Jeff's unique voice is one of subtle charm and personal style. Although he sings in a high register (which upon first listen can be mind boggling) it is not a gimmick. It is the sound of comfort and understanding, quieting the soul and soothing the senses.

Check it
www.mountain-goats.com
http://jound.com/shearwater/main.html
www.jeffhanson.net

Click here to Buy Tickets Online!

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Valentine Booking Proudly Presents

MONDAY APRIL 25, 2005

$10 Advance $12 Door

9pm doors 10pm Show

THE WEDDING PRESENT

www.scopitones.co.uk

The Wedding Present was, and is, one of the most influential and successful indie bands in Britain. Active from 1986 to 1996, the band, fronted by songwriter and only constant member David Gedge, had seventeen Top 40 UK hit singles, patronage by the late renowned DJ John Peel, and acclaimed albums released on RCA/BMG, Island, and Cooking Vinyl. Among other notable achievements, the band had twelve chart singles - one each month -- in 1992, equaling Elvis' 35-year-old British record for "most hits in one year." The boy Gedge has written some of the best love songs of the Rock 'n' Roll era. You may dispute this, but I'm right and you're wrong!" John Peel.

CRYSTAL SKULLS

www.crystalskullsonline.com

Not content to pick a particular decade or sound for emulation, Crystal Skulls pull from hidden gems of 70s power-pop underdogs (the Motors, the Nerves, etc.) and integrate those impulses with the winning aspects of heavy-hitters past and present such as Spoon, the Smiths, and Steely Dan. The impressive debut of CRYSTAL SKULLS is a fine addition to the modern musical landscape, equal parts clever and clear where humor and fun play side-by-side with sentiment and honesty. A hint of outsider jazz, a bite of George Harrison’s guitar, a nip at Stereolab’s rhythms, and the full package mounts up to a true pop pleasure with enough meat to keep you well fed for decades to come.

tickets on sale now!

Click here to Buy Tickets Online!

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Friday, April 22nd

Down The Line

9pm door $6

Bluegrass instruments, original pop songs, rock 'n' roll attitude, and the folk-and soul-style harmonies of three unforgettable vocalists. How would you describe such music?
Down The Line calls it "acoustic rock and soul" and so far, nobody's stopping them. In the fall of 2002, Down The Line released their debut album, " Welcome to Flavortown ", and the world-at-large was introduced to their singular - and memorable - sound.

A well-meaning fan once described Down The Line as " the bluegrass Backstreet Boys ." The band laughed. But one can't be blamed for appreciating memorable hooks, lush harmonies, and, let's face it, devastating good looks. For the record, Down The Line prefers to equate their multi-harmony sound to a modern Eagles or Crosby, Stills & Nash .

The recipe for Down The Line's "Flavortown" is as follows (left to right in the photos above): Dan sings and plays the mandolin, violin, banjolin, and harmonicalin. Dave plays bass and guitar, and silently mouths every word. Derek sings and plays the djembe (jém*bay), an exotic drum (drüm). Levi sings and plays a mean (but not angry) guitar. Together, they create and perform music that inspires listeners to clap, dance, and sing along.

Down The Line was dubbed " the new wave of college rock " by Performing Songwriter magazine. They scored a top 40 hit on the national New Music Weekly charts with their single "Last Call." The band has been featured on notable Chicago radio and television including Q101, WXRT, WCKG, WBEZ, WGN-TV and CLTV 's "Metromix: The Show." Their song "Here I Am" was included on the movie soundtrack to the ski comedy, Winter Break. They've toured both nationally and overseas and were awarded first prize on the WGN-TV Morning News Battle of the Bands . If you're not yet familiar with Down The Line's music...welcome to flavortown.

Click here to Buy Tickets Online!

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Thursday, April 21, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show $6.00

MOTO

(Criminal IQ Records/Chicago, IL)

http://www.indiepages.com/moto/

http://criminaliq.com

http://criminaliq.com/moto.html

MOTO have been playing loud/fast power pop/punk with reckless abandon since 1988.  Founded by Paul Caporino (sole original member), MOTO has put out a steady stream of singles, full lengths and homemade cassettes/CDRs ever since. Their new album, "Raw Power" (named after the Italian hardcore band, not the Stooges album) comes out in April on Chicago's own Criminal IQ Records.  One of the best live bands around, don't miss out!

THE WHORES OF BABYLON

(Battle Creek/Coldwater, MI)

Stay out of Johnny's van.

PURPLE DAVE

& THE UGLY DECIBEL RIDE

(Kalamazoo, MI)

A man that really needs no introduction, PURPLE DAVE is kind of Kalamazoo's answer to PAUL CAPORINO of MOTO, except on the metal tip. Both have been producing homemade cassette recordings of their music since the 1980's, both play sweet guitars at top volume. Sincere and total sonic meltdown.

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BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

Thursday, April 14, 2005

9PM Doors 10PM Show $6.00

THE GRIS GRIS

(Birdman Records/Oakland, CA)

Named after an early DR. JOHN album ("gris gris" translates to "voodoo" or is slang for "drugs", depending who you ask) THE GRIS GRIS serve up a psychedelic punk mushroom cloud guaranteed to set the mind a reelin'.  THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, early PINK FLOYD and THE 13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS all come to mind.  In May, they're playing the three day Horizontal Action Blackout fest in Chicago (along side such other notable acts as the Reigning Sound, the Bad Times, MOTO, a reformed Pagans(!) and many others) so one would do well to get a sneak preview here in town (especially at a venue with a giant moose head on the wall). More info at the links below:

http://www.sfbg.com/38/43/art_music_ashley.html

http://www.birdmanrecords.com/grisgris.html

http://www.kqed.org/topics/arts/music/noisepop/gris-gris.jsp

MP3 here: http://www.thecrutch.net/mp3/thegrisgris-everytime.mp3

INVISIBLE MANSION

(Grand Rapids, MI)

From the ashes of THE NIGHT DOCTORS comes INVISIBLE MANSION.  Postpunk ala early CURE, JOY DIVISION, etc.  Pop hooks and phasers set to stun.

THE CLAMS

(Kalamazoo, MI)

They've got a 30 pack and nothin' to do, they've got a 30 pack and they don't need you.  Another fine show by Kalamazoo's great punk rock hope, THE CLAMS.  Get there early!

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MONDAY APRIL 4, 2005

CROOKED FINGERS

(From Seattle, WA Merge Recording Artist)

www.crookedfingers.com

In the mid nineties, seminal indie rock band Archers of Loaf set college radio a blaze as both critical darlings and fan favorites. Front man Eric Bachmann has since formed Crooked Fingers, and damned if inspirational lightning hasn't struck twice. Where the Archers were loudly enigmatic, Crooked Fingers is full of earnestly heartbreaking stories falling from an intricately plucked guitar, and a seemingly world weary voice. Look for the latest Crooked Fingers' album, Dignity and Shame, on February 22 nd ; this is Eric Bachmann's masterpiece.

MICAH P. HINSON

(From Memphis, TX Overcoat Recording Artist)

www.micahphinson.com

Look for Micah's debut alum, Micah P. Hinson and the Gospel of Progress, produced by the Earlies. Micah was born in Memphis, TN on the day that Ronald Reagan was shot in an assassination attempt.

At the age of 19, Micah found himself homeless and penniless, wandering from pillar to post, sleeping on friends' floors. He was eventually forced to declare himself bankrupt and moved into a motel and acquired a mundane telemarketing job. During this period, Micah still managed to write around 30 songs on borrowed instruments and equipment.

In the winter of 2003, with help from his old friends from Texas, The Earlies, Micah revisited these songs from his ‘lost' period to record his debut album, Micah P. Hinson and the Gospel of Progress. As producers and arrangers of the record (under their ‘Names On Records' guise), The Earlies' trademark of lush strings, beautiful keyboards and eerie backdrops harmonize perfectly with Micah's honest and exposed style (be sure to check out the lap steel, accordion and piano interplay on Beneath the Rose and the Jack Nietzsche-esque jangling psychedelic soul of At Last, Our Promises).

KISS ME QUICK

(From Kalamazoo, MI)

www.myspace.com/kissmequick

This rock and roll band is the product of boredom and narcissism. Formed in early 2001 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, we still have nothing to show for ourselves. In the future, we plan to play more shows and drink more free alcohol.

tickets on sale now!

Click here to Buy Tickets Online!

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Easter Sunday, March 27, 2005

Doors at 8PM

Show at 9PM (early show)

$5.00

BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

TV POW

w/ BORIS HAUF

(Box Media/Chicago, IL)

http://tvpow.net/

http://hauf.klingt.org/

http://www.boxmedia.com/

Todd Carter :: acoustic and electronic instruments

Brent Gutzeit :: acoustic and electronic instruments

Michael Hartman :: acoustic and electronic instruments

plus special guest, Boris Hauf

TV Pow is a trio of composers and free improvisers first organized in Tokyo 1995 by Michael Hartman and Brent Gutzeit, and later joined by Todd Carter in the move to Chicago in 1996. They employ samplers, percussion, invented instruments, synthesizers, turntables, tape manipulation, computers and multi-speaker surround-sound systems in a constantly evolving soundscape of sparkling electronics, ambient drones, minimalist techno, and cinematic field recordings. Creating through live performance something both new and recombinant, TV Pow has toured throughout Japan, Europe, and the United States.*

*still we are banned from Canada.

DR. XERON AND THE MOOGULATORS

(from the Nth Dimension)

Other worldly transmissions from the vacuum of space.

Time split open and reassembled as sound.

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FRIDAY MARCH 25, 2005

9 PM DOORS 10 PM SHOW

$10

Click here to Buy Tickets Online!

Valentine Booking Proudly Presents

LUNGFISH

Pick up a copy of The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry. Look in the top left corner of the cover, where you will see the name “Higgs”. That would be Daniel Higgs, poet, artists, professional tattoo artist, and the enigmatic frontman of Lungfish. In fifteen years, and with ten albums on Dischord Records, Lungfish has established themselves in the bedrock of underground music. If you are ever lucky enough to catch one of their rare live performances, you will understand why. The interwoven guitar and bass melodies of Asa Osborne and Sean Meadows roll over a hundred-some nodding heads, as they keep time with the measured pace of drummer Mitchell Feldstein. All eyes remain fixed on the charismatic and commanding presence of Higgs, as he leads the crowd, young and old, through the bizarre and beautiful corridors of his mind. This show will be talked about for years to come. Be one of us. Partake in this sonic feast.

BERWER

Did the P.A. system explode?

Is a Battleship falling out of the sky?

What is that smell?

Why are they laughing up there?

When will their album come out?

All hell is breaking loose.

HORNET

The secular press recently described Hornet's live performance as interesting, but not very danceable. If you only dance to One-Two cookie cutter pop/punk swill, then this is accurate. Rest assured, these cherub-faced choirboys will steamroll the Holy $*@! Out of the assembled congregation. Aleuiah!

TICKETS AVAILABLE WHILE THEY LAST @

MUSIC EXPRESS

West Main Plaza 5049 W. Main (Behind Taco Bell)

VERTIGO MUSIC

129 S. Division Ave. Grand Rapids

KRAFTBRAU

402 E. Kalamazoo Ave. or call 269-384-0288

Related Links:

http://www.dischord.com/bands/lungfish.shtml

www.berwer.com

http://www.hornetmusic.org

Click here to Buy Tickets Online!

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Tuesday, March 1, 2005

BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS

presents

LOST SOUNDS

(In The Red Records/Memphis, TN)

http://www.lostsounds.net/

http://intheredrecords.com/pages/2ndindex.html

THE WHORES OF BABYLON

(Coldwater/Battle Creek, MI)

X-OFFENDER

(Kalamazoo, MI)

9PM Doors  10PM Show $8.00

more info coming SOON

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Tuesday, February 1, 2005

BLACK JACK PRODUCTIONS presents

THE KING KHAN & BBQ SHOW

(Hazelwood Records/Goner Records/Europe and the US)

http://www.king-khan.com

http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/marksultan

THE NIGHT TERRORS

(Goodbye Boozy Records/Milwaukee, WI)

http://www.myspace.com/nightterrors

THE BURNING HATREDS

(Coldwater?, MI/Ben from THE WHORES OF BABYLON's other rockin' band)

9PM Doors  10PM Show  $5.00

Here are some choice selections from the bands' bios: KING KHAN & BBQ Now, I could tell you about Mark Sultan, I mean, BBQ's past in bands like LES SEXAREENOS or THE SPACESHITS, and that his new album will be out soon on BOMP.  I could tell you about KING KHAN's pseudo-celebrity in Europe, or his past in THE SPACSHITS, or how his band's new album is a split with THE DIRTBOMBS.  But you probably wouldn't give a shit.  These names and facts probably mean nothing to you. Orgiastic, anarchic, hypnotic and personal are the shows to this day.  I've seen the blow-jobs and blood, the pick-ups and puke, the dancing and the laughing.  Two guys.  One smashing snare, bass drum and tambourine with his bare feet, molesting his guitar and singing like a possessed angel.  The other spinning and howling like a freak while beating it out on his guitar like a real gone savage.  What does it all sound like?  It sounds like five men.  The show?  A mess.  Love songs, punkers, improvised riot-starters, dance-floor shakers, sing-along stompers, wild rockers-you name it.  They always drench the crowd in raw energy, and they're always the last ones dancing and drinking at the bar. "The 'real rock n roll roll' moniker has been used and abused, yes, but I can't think of any better way to describe this party." -Allen Ginsberg THE NIGHT TERRORS Formed in early 2002 in Milwaukee, WI,  The Tonys of SAGGER, Eric Monster, and Dusty of THE MISTREATERS.  Primitive rock and or roll music.  Decidedly a supergroup of sorts, they set out to break all the boundries they have followed for sometime now...and will continue to. THE BURNING HATREDS Ben Lyin, vocalist for THE WHORES OF BABYLON, fronts this new raw rock and roll outfit, a more OBLIVIANS style affair, ready to fuck it up, real nice.

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