Open Mic

Add comment April 20th, 2008

If you read Part 1 of, “The State of the Music Scene”, last week and are looking for Part 2 don’t worry…it will be coming shortly. I intend it being a multi part series so I will be spacing them out. This article will be dedicated to open mic nights.

I’ve been participating in open mic nights since I was 16. It is a great opportunity for a young musician to showcase their talents and get used to playing in front of people. That doesn’t mean that only teenagers will enjoy an open mic night, quite the contrary, as the majority of these nights are filled with those 20 and over who either do not have a band or don’t want to do anything special (like playing a show) and just want to play. There are a few places that I know to have great open mic nights. From personal experience I can say that Chubby Rain House of Tunes in Poplar Grove is a great place to go on Wednesday nights. The sound system they have there, in my opinion, is excellent and so far the best I have experienced for open mic. I have heard that Mary’s Place on Madison Ave. in Downtown Rockford has open mic nights but I’d like to hear more about it. I was there for the first time last Friday for a show and had a good time…that’s all I can say about Mary’s Place from my experience. The last one that I’ll bring up here is JDs Sports Bar and Grill. I’ve spoken with them about their plans to help the ‘Local Music Scene’. They’re looking to add an open mic night in the near future and every Saturday night they are wanting to feature live acts that are new and want to get exposure, but only have enough material to play for maybe an hour. Finally, if you’d like to have a more relaxed setting I’d suggest contacting Border’s. Upon approval they give acoustic acts up to 2 hours to showcase your stuff. The point of this is that there are plenty of places in Rockford that support and encourage new artists. Check ‘em out and let me know your thoughts on this. Lastly, due to contractual obligations, Jason Pope.

The Sarah Janes Adventures Warmer Side to Sci-Fi

Add comment April 14th, 2008

The spin-off’s of the long-running sci-fi show Dr. Who are a hard act to follow. On one hand, there’s Torchwood – primal, sensual and urban. But then there’s The Sarah Jane Adventures – bright, wondrous and platonic. The producers of the series do an excellent job of tailoring the themes and emotions to their lead characters. While Torchwood followed the anything-goes world of time-traveling ex-con Jack Harkness, The Sarah Jane Adventures is a coming-of-age tales about Maria (Yasmin Page) who forms a bond with the titular Sarah Jane Smith, a companion of Dr. Who decades ago and now an investigative reporter. The characters are warm and engaging, but the plot lacks the diverse originality of either Torchwood or Dr. Who. The Sarah Jane Adventures airs on Sci-Fi at 7:00 PM.

The Original CSI Still Has It

Add comment April 14th, 2008

As CSI enters into its eight season, it’s easy to wonder if the series is going the way of its NBC rival – Law And Order – with far too many spin-off’s for its own good. The heavily detailed mystery show still retains the punch which brought rampant popularity. Executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer has his fingers prints all over CSI, bringing his smooth, tell-tale emphasis on atmosphere and action into the crime lab. While the stories are just as gritty and accessible as ever, it’s occasionally tough for viewers to catch the details behind the admittedly rare cast or plot changes, as they aren’t referenced in the dialogue nearly enough, leaving some plot points unanswered for new viewers. CSI airs on Thursday at 8:00 PM on CBS.

State of the Music Scene - Part 1

Add comment April 13th, 2008

This article is called, “The Music Scene”, and as such I should obviously devote time to Rockford’s ‘Music Scene’. I have quite a few friends that are deeply involved in area music whether they are performers, promoters, or establishment owners and I’m lucky enough to get a chance to have great conversations every once in awhile. Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in the area:

1. The music scene in Rockford is alive but may be too hidden:

-I’ll need feedback on whether or not this is true for you the reader. Here’s my take - there are great bands in this town but all of the venues, largely, are located downtown. Be it CJ’s, Mary’s Place, Kryptonite, The Rock Box, etc. all great music tends to be within 2 miles of the river district. This is a problem only because there is no secret that Downtown is struggling, and quite badly I’d say. How many times do you read about proposals to revitalize downtown only to not see them being actualized? A shining example of Downtown’s challenges is the Midway Theatre or The Times. Both are beautiful locations with so much potential that currently lay in disrepair. It’s sad. Even The Paragon, seemingly one of the most successful restaurants in Rockford, has been abandoned.

2. The Good (or Bad) News - Metro Centre is drawing more relevant acts:

I remember when Poison, RATT, and Great White all came to the Metro Centre in the 90’s and only around 1,000 people showed up to see them. Sure, they were bands that were once popular but in the 90’s? No. But kudos to the Metro Centre folks in booking Bret Michaels this time around and capitalizing on the fame and popularity of VH1’s “Rock of Love”.

3. There is a good variety of music for all ages:

Want to see some good 21+ music? You’re sure to find some at Kryptonite or Big Al’s Lounge. Are you in High School or younger? There is a booming (though somewhat underground) all ages music scene - just visit The ELB or The Rock Box on a Friday night and see for yourself.

I realize that this article is somewhat brief but I really need to hear about what you think about the Rockford ‘Music Scene’. Part 2 of “The State of the Music Scene”, will be right here next week.

Grand Opening!!

2 comments April 7th, 2008

I can’t over state just how big of a deal this Friday’s show at Mary’s Place is! It’s less of a show and more of an event because there is more going on than just music. Darkhouse Productions is hosting the event and will be giving away two $100 recording packages amongst many other things! As I tend to do I’m going to let Andrew Carlson, the producer and main person behind Darkhouse, explain it in his words. I have to do this because no one can better explain and articulate the excitement behind what’s going on here.

Battlestar Galactica Blasts Off Into Final Season

Add comment April 7th, 2008

A far cry from its camp classic cousin, the re-imagined “Battlestar Galactica” plays more like “Band of Brothers” in outer space: riveting, intense and even poignant. The crux of the show lies in the war between humans and Cylons, a race of robots who can be completely indistinguishable from humans. Four characters are revealed to be Cylon sleeper agents and struggle against their programming. Meanwhile, Katee Sackhoff (one of the best parts of the now-canceled Bionic Woman) returns as Starbuck, a mysterious resurrected fighter pilot who grows more physically and psychologically agitated the further she gets from Earth. Despite its space opera roots, Battlestar Galactica is one show everyone should give a chance. It airs on Sci-Fi Channel Fridays at 9:00 PM.

My Name is Earl Reintroduces the TV Comedy

Add comment April 7th, 2008

With quite a few shows following the documentary lead of “The Office”, its Thursday night partner “My Name is Earl” is about as unreal as one can get. During one episode, the eponymous Earl (Jason Lee) is in a coma while his friends hijack an ambulance to get him to the hospital and enlist various stimuli to shake him out of the office, including bacon and a pint-sized faith healer. The quirky, over-the-top atmosphere and the efforts of its recognizable cast ultimately translate into the show’s staying power. However, the show sometimes sets up too many elements to be dealt with in one episode. Doubtlessly one of the most original shows on television, My Name is Earl airs on NBC Thursday at 7:00 PM.

Darkhouse ‘Grand Opening’

Add comment March 31st, 2008

There is going to be an amazing show coming at the end of this month. Darkhouse Productions is hosting a ‘Grand Opening” party on Friday April 11, 2008 starting at 9pm at Mary’s Place in downtown Rockford. It’s going to be big! I’ll include an excerpt from Darkhouse’s myspace page (myspace.com/darkhouseonline) to better describe the event :Matter Of Fact, First Round Failure & Kirkland will be joining us to help celebrate our Grand Opening. There will also be special appearances from the one & only Jonathan Bradley and some of the ladies from the Rockford Rage Roller Derby. The “Derby Girls” will be on hand with some cool swag to give away. Darkhouse will be giving away many different door prizes including (not one…but) TWO $100 recording packages!!! So be there to help us announce our plan of WORLD DOMINATION & take a chance on winning some great prizes. I’m extremely lucky to be a part of this show. It will be my first time playing in a bar and my first time playing at a Darkhouse Productions sponsored show! The cover is $5 and I hope to see you there!! 

Men in Trees Much Ado About Everything

Add comment March 31st, 2008

The hype of “Men In Trees” is well-deserved - when the premise can stayed focused. The premise follows radio host Marin Frist (Anne Heche), who moves to an Alaskan town after discovering her fiancée’s infidelity. “Men In Trees” is shown to be adept at using comedy and tragedy almost interchangeably to get the point across, but with so many interesting characters floating around the town, the show seems to determined to let no one go to waste. Unfortunately, in doing so, the dramedy flushes so many subplots the main plots receive only a token coverage. Still, the show’s eclectic and likable cast makes it an extremely watchable show in ABC’s prime time. “Men in Trees” airs Wednesday at 9:00 PM on ABC.

Miss Guided Anything But on ABC

Add comment March 31st, 2008

About a month ago, I reviewed Carpoolers, resulting in the most awkward and painful time of television yet. By contrast, the comedy Miss Guided is the complete opposite – a show which leaves you literally wanting more. Judy Greer plays Becky Freely, an unpopular near-perfect student who returns to high school years later as a guidance counselor. The show is sporadically intercut with unpredictable interviews with the characters, adding hilarious and engaging commentary to each scene. The only problem is the show barely fits into a half-hour time slot. ABC tries to compensate by showing two episodes back-to-back, but characters and stories this funny and this good really need the whole hour to build on an audience. Miss Guided airs Thursday at 7:00 P.M.