Wednesday, March 30, 2005

MEB @ Greene's is no joke

We swear it's not an April Fool's joke; we're actually playing at Greene's Ale House in Oswego this Friday night, April 1. We'll get started around 9:30, and we always enjoy our time there. The bar has a great selection of quality beers on tap, plus a very entertaining staff to keep you in a good mood. The weather is getting better, so the deck should be open, too. Lots of local folks come out early, and the college crowd always shows up late, so we'll be having a great time no matter when you get there. Just get there!
(Map)

How come Mike's kids aren't featured here?



The children of rock stars are featured in this month's Rolling Stone. I just can't imagine what life is like for them. I'm not sure if I'm jealous of them or feel sorry for them. Probably a combination of the two.
When Nona Gaye first met Sean Lennon, she says, "I felt like I was talking to myself." Nona was nine years old when her father, Marvin Gaye, was shot and killed by his own father; Sean was five when his father, John Lennon, was shot and killed by a deranged fan. "My father was just such a beautiful force in so many people's lives, and Sean's father did such similar things," says Nona, a thirty-year-old actress who has appeared in Ali and the Matrix sequels. "And now we both have this feeling of, 'I have to carry on this legacy in my own way.' And who else knows how I feel? I just had to give him a great big hug and go, 'Oh! Somebody knows!' "

Excerpt from the article is at RollingStone.com.

Friday, March 25, 2005

Road trip to Detroit?


Motor City Music Conference 2005

Detroit Free Press:

The Motor City Music Conference (MC2) will arrive next month with more than 450 musical artists, more than 50 venues -- and more than a little optimism from organizers that their new festival can grow into one of Detroit's top cultural events.

Nearly doubling a preliminary lineup of 230 artists released earlier this month, officials have finalized most of the details for their inaugural conference, scheduled April 20-24 with a near-dizzying docket of performances and industry panels. The event could commandeer downtown Detroit for five days, with national acts (Moby, Snoop Dogg) joining local rookies for a blitz of music at venues both traditional and makeshift.

Motor City Music Website:

THE FIRST ANNUAL MOTOR CITY MUSIC CONFERENCE (MC2), will include 400 bands showcasing in 40 downtown Detroit venues, a music and lifestyle tradeshow and music industry panels at Cobo Expo Center on April 20-24, 2005.

Modeled after successful long running music conferences SXSW and CMJ, MC2 will reflect Detroit's rich music history, while spotlighting these genres: rock, hip hop, electronic/techno, World Music, R&B, urban, soul, blues, country and gospel. Derrick May (Transmat), Greg Baise (Majestic/Magic Stick), Rich Hansen (Lagerhouse), Rico Shelton and Mark Hicks (Jaguar Wright, Paradime, D12) will participate in artist selection which will encompass 40% local and 60% national hot up and coming artists. The Detroit Music Awards will kick off MC2 on Wednesday, April 20 at the State Theatre.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

March Madness

Sometimes you just need to go off the edge a little. When I feel that way, I wander over to McSweeney's Internet Tendency. It's home to some of the most original, wacky, out-there writing anywhere on the web, and it's perfect for a mind-bending diversion.

Here is an entry posted recently about March Madness.

I HAVE MARCH MADNESS
BY WENDY MOLYNEUX

Day One

Not too many surprises today. The Alabama upset hurt me, as I had them staying in until the third round. Still, am somewhere in the middle of brother-in-law's tourney pool. Kansas doesn't play until tomorrow so am not emotionally invested yet. Had weird dream about government implanting chip in my brain when I dozed off during the Creighton game. Also, is it possible my cat is talking to me?

Day Two, Morning

NC State has a five-point lead over Charlotte as I write. Am afraid if Charlotte pulls it out, my whole Syracuse bracket will fall apart. My parents and brother-in-law are currently beating me handily in tourney pool. Cat definitely looking at me strangely. Is it possible cat is working for government?

Day Two, Evening

Kansas about to tip off. Cat told me earlier that they are going to go all the way. Also told me that I have to wear the same outfit until tournament is over. Am not sure whether to listen to cat or CIA agent talking inside my brain, who insists Illinois will take it all. Regardless, have got to hide the family of lions that appeared in my stairwell after work, especially because one of them looks a lot like Brad Pitt, and the last thing I need this weekend is a bunch of tabloid photographers hanging around while I'm trying to watch the games. The Brad Pitt lion said he'd like to discuss his theories about the JFK assassination with me later. I told him he has to wait until after KU game. Here comes the tip-off. Rock Chalk.

Day Three

Covered all windows in tinfoil as instructed by Michigan State Spartans center Paul Davis when he oozed out of the TV into my living room last night. Cat is jealous that Brad Pitt lion allowed to claw sofa, but find it hard to yell at handsome lion. Lions are rabid Arizona fans, but the cat is charmed by the underdog success of UAB and would like to see them keep rolling. This just in: JFK is alive. Has been living with Biggie Smalls and Mira Sorvino in a condo in Houston, but is coming back this afternoon and will need a place to stay. Am making nachos. Hope JFK likes nachos.

Day Six

Woke up to find Dick Cheney going through my chest of drawers with Coach K. Brad Pitt lion killed and ate them. Will this affect Duke's chances? Or is Reddick just unstoppable? Cannot think about now, must make jalapeño poppers for JFK, who has become, frankly, a fatty. Says he has a slow metabolism but I think maybe smoked too much pot with Biggie and became lazy. Paul Davis needs to ooze back into TV, but satellite dish not working since the CIA cut power to my apartment. Said was necessary so that foreign governments would not suspect I am hiding JFK in guest room. Am not concerned about missing upcoming games since they are being broadcast directly into my mind. Am concerned about my brother-in-law leading in pool.

Day Eight

How is my mom doing so well in pool? She does not even like basketball. Also, do lions like sandwiches?

Day 10

Have not been to work since last Friday, but am working full-time for government interviewing my cat about the cast of Happy Days, all of whom live in cat's belly.

Day 14

Realize I am actually in NCAA tournament. Change my tourney picks so that I beat Illinois in finals. Is it true that the Illinois players are all time-traveling rabbits? Regardless, will not let on that I know.

Day 19

Final game between my team (have put JFK, cat, lions, and Paul Davis on the squad) and the Illinois Time-Traveling Rabbits to be played tonight in my hall closet. JFK, despite his girth, worked the three consistently to beat Wake Forest, and I hope he can do it again if he isn't too high. Cat can't be counted on in the paint but good with strategy. Brad Pitt lion strong on defense. Am hoping giant talking jalapeño popper can contain Dee Brown, but no matter what happens tonight I know my ragtag team of underdogs will be proud of just how far we've come. No team of time-traveling bunnies can take that away from us. Or can they? No. Yes. No. I'm a cupcake! A pretty, pretty cupcake!

Day 20

No memory of last 20 days. Someone has scratched "I heart Brad Pitt lion" into living-room wall. Lost tourney pool, job, 25 pounds, and boyfriend. All windows blacked out. I smell and I am covered in frosting. Am pretty sure this eviction notice is for me. In the midst of the burned-out landscape that used to be my life, I am left with one big question: What will KU do next year without Langford? Rock Chalk.


See, I told you it was bizarre ...

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Mike would still look hot in HDTV



There is no escaping the naked lens of High-Definition TV. The picture is so clear that aging signs and skin imperfections are clearly visible. Here is a "Top 10" list of which celebrities look better -- and worse -- in high-def.


From OnHD.tv.

Monday, March 21, 2005

We love bachelorette parties



You can't have much more fun than a bachelorette party at Coleman's with the MEB rockin' the place. Oh, my.

When are we booked there again?


Photos courtesy of the CEO

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Post-Standard features the MEB



Thank you, Syracuse Post-Standard for featuring the MEB in your After Hours insert to your Weekend entertainment section. Love the front page graphic (see the picture of Mike inside the text?), and the cool picture and nice blurb inside.
Mike Estep (right) and The Mike Estep Band rocks Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub, 100 S. Lowell Ave., Syracuse, Saturday night.

The band takes the stage 10 p.m. and, according to its website — www.mikeestepband.com — will party like it's 1999, but has no plans to do any Prince covers. Call 476-1933.

Now that's what I'm talkin' about!
(Thanks to Sid for scanning in the pics for me)

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Some suggestions on celebrating St. Pat's Day



And their first suggestion is:
"The worst thing we've done about St. Patty's Day is to put green food coloring in bad beer," laments Thomas Dalldorf, editor and publisher of Celebrator Beer News. "The Irish think we're absolutely foolish for doing that."


MSNBC - An Irish toast, with beer worth drinking

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Only a few dozen more years until the MEB is eligible



U2, The Pretenders, the O'Jays and Buddy Guy were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame last night, and they all deserved it. Congrats, folks.

MSNBC - U2, Pretenders, O'Jays join Rock Hall of Fame

Monday, March 14, 2005

We love TV show theme music



From the folks at retroCRUSH, here are their Top 100 TV Theme Songs, with lots of pictures and links to the tunes. It's a lot of fun, so open up those memory banks and play along.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

Which one is your favorite?



Which U2 album is your favorite? You can vote at MSNBC.com and see what they have chosen.

Friday, March 11, 2005

Don't miss the parade



You can't have a rockin' St. Pat's Day in Syracuse without going to the parade tomorrow (Sat. March 12). Courtesy of WIXT Channel 9, here's all the info you'll need, from the parade route to corporate sponsors, to so much more.

And get to Coleman's that night; you'll never forget your evening (and that could be either good or bad).

Thursday, March 10, 2005

This will be a crazy movie



I'd pay to see the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie.

'Aqua Teen' Looks to Conquer Big Screen

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Free tunes from SXSW



Arguably the greatest independent music festival, South By Southwest (SXSW) has now expanded to include film and other interactive media. It's scheduled for March 11-20 in Austin.

This year they're even making music from the festival bands and artist available for download as a Torrent. This Wired.com article explains about the download.

Visit the SXSW website here for lots of interesting info and downloads.

Friday, March 04, 2005

Ever heard of Joe Grushecky?



Music critics place him among the best rock and rollers ever.

Over the past two decades, he's raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for all kinds of causes, including headlining a sold-out (in 57 minutes!) "Flood Aid" benefit concert last December in Pittsburgh with his good buddy Bruce Springsteen.

He's a musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, music arranger, recording artist -- and he leads what's been described in top music publications as "one of the best bar bands in America." Moreover, a song he co-wrote with Springsteen recently won a Grammy for best solo rock vocal performance ("Code of Silence").

Do you know him? Probably not.


CNN.com - Rock's best-kept secret - Mar 2, 2005

WKRP not on DVD? Blame the music licensing



With so many classic TV shows ending up on DVD, why not WKRP? It seems that the cost to license all the music they play on the radio (in the background) at the station is prohibitive.

Read about the issues involved at Wired News.com.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

We are such troublemakers ...

Seems like there was a little fracas the night we played at the Paper Mill Island last summer. And now the guy that got punched is suing everyone (but us).

We're such instigators.

The village of Baldwinsville has been named as a co-defendant in a $1 million lawsuit filed by a suburban man who says he was assaulted during a concert at Paper Mill Island last summer.

Stephen Bart, of 3802 Howlett Hill Road, Onondaga, suffered severe facial injuries requiring surgery as a result of an unprovoked attack, according to court papers filed Friday in the Onondaga County Clerk's office.

Also named as co-defendants in the lawsuit were the promoter, MSK Corp., doing business as the Heroes & Legends Cafe, Chestnut Street Security & Investigations Inc., and a concertgoer.

The lawsuit said the concert-goer punched Bart in the face at about 11 p.m. Aug. 21, during a concert by The Machine, a Pink Floyd tribute band.

From Syracuse.com.

Send 'em our way, Wil



Will Smith doesn't want to sign girls' boobs anymore. What?!?!

From The Sun Newspaper Online - UK's biggest selling newspaper.

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

And what do you lads do?



Guess Queen Elizabeth isn't much into rock'n'roll, since she didn't recognize Queen's Brian May, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck.

From the Led Zeppelin Website:
Jimmy Page / Eric Clapton / Jeff Beck / Brian May meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace today, asking them "And what do you do?". May, from the rock band Queen , reminded the queen that he had played the National Anthem on the palace roof to start a concert marking her 2002 Golden Jubilee. "Oh! That was you was it?" Elizabeth II exclaimed.

Moving on to Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, the queen inquired: "Are you a guitarist too?"

Guitar god Eric Clapton took no chances and, firmly shaking her hand, introduced himself by name. "Have you been playing a long time?" the queen asked. "It must be 45 years now," replied Clapton, 59.

The all-star gathering for major names in the music business, was a royal tribute to Britain's music industry.

Short AP article at CNN.com.

Can a blog help you become a famous musician?



The folks at Blogger give some tips about how to use your blog to promote your music. Kinda interesting.

Blogger Knowledge: So You Wanna Be A Blogstar?

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

"The Beaner & Ken Show," eh?



Text of a news release from 95X about the new morning show that's replacing Howard Stern:

[News release]

To our valued advertisers and clients:

Please find attached a press kit on 95X's new morning show..."The Beaner & Ken Show". We are thrilled at 95X to introduce our clients to Syracuse's newest morning show! The show is Syracuse-based and officially went on the air this morning and I encourage you to tune in on your drive into work if you live in Central New York. Yesterday, morning we held a "sneak preview" to local media and received unprecedented local coverage from the Post Standard, Syracuse New Times, The Eagle Newspaper, Channel 5, News 10 Now, Channel 3, and Fox news.

Beaner & Ken will bring a unique blend of conversational humor, current events, politics, and personal experiences. Beaner & Ken have worked and had great rating success in several major markets and are very committed to serving the community they work and live in.

Our sales organization looks forward to introducing Beaner & Ken to you personally and finding unique ways we can help your clients realize their marketing objections. (OK, it's true, these guys are morons.)

I appreciated your past investment in our brands and look forward to a continued partnership in '05. Please feel free to pick up the phone and call me personally if you have any questions or if I can be of service.

Darren Smith
Market Manager
Citadel Broadcasting-Syracuse
1064 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203
315-472-0200 (OFC)
darren.smith@citcomm.com