This Wednesday, at about 5:15 PM, the folks from the online magazine Concentrate will be hosting an event at Woodruff’s, in Ypsi. The event, which is part of their monthly speaker series, will feature local music industry insiders Jim Roll and Fred Thomas. (Our friend Shelley Sallant, who you’ll remember was noted in Forest Juziuk’s controversial exit interview a few weeks ago, may be joining them as well, but it’s yet to be confirmed.) I suspect the conversation, which will be led by someone from the Metro Times, will be primarily about the vibrancy of the local music scene, the challenges that come along with working out of the Ypsi-Arbor area, and what, if anything, we can do to make things better. This is Concentrate’s first event in Ypsilanti, and it would be great if a lot of people could turn out for it. (They usually host their events at Connor O’Neil’s in Ann Arbor, and I’d like to see them spending more money here in Ypsi.) I know that, after a writeup like that, you probably don’t need a lot of further encouragement, but I think it’s worth noting that the folks at Concentrate have agreed to buy a few beers for those willing to risk their lives and cross the border into Ypsilanti for the evening. If you think you might want to come, click here for further details.
Free beer at Woodruff’s on Wednesday for those who are interested in discussing the local music industry
This entry was posted in Ann Arbor, Art and Culture, Uncategorized, Ypsilanti and tagged Concentrate Media, Fred Thomas, free beer, Jim Roll, music, music scenes, Shelley Sallant, Ypsilanti Records. Bookmark the permalink. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.
23 Comments
I think that pre-registration is required. It’s easy, though. You just need to follow that that last link, and fill in your name.
I already signed up. This should be interesting.
No lo entiendo.
Of course, now that this event has been posted on Mark’s blog, the cops are sure to shut it down. Isn’t that how it works?
I’m curious as to how the tiny record store (shelf) inside Cafe Ollie is doing. Do people even know that it’s there, and that they can buy all kinds of local music releases, right in Depot Town?
Jim and Fred at great, but it would be good to get someone from the noise side of things, as that’s probably one of the more vibrant areas here in Ypsi.
Can the local music scene seriously be described as vibrant? I guess compared to many places I hear about it probably is, but it’s faint praise. Seems like the music business at every level has never been worse. I would listen to anything Fred Thomas has to say though.
free beer? they clearly didn’t know that ghost family was coming.
they should say, “free beer while supplies last”.
Based on the photos on the Concrete site, this is for white males with beards who play acoustic instruments.
those are the best kind of white males.
Andy’s just sad because he can’t grow a beard.
Please tell me that intend to start the session by playing this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFYTGELfwYE
BEWARE…. the free beer has been known to lead people here:
http://markmaynard.com/?p=15539
Couldn’t make it down. Not very happy about it.
Can anybody comment on this? I was really disappointed I couldn’t make it out.
I ended up being able to make it to this today. We were fortunate to have last minute additions to the panel, Ypsi residents Amber Fellows and Patrick Elkins. They both added a lot to the conversation. The other “panelists” not mentioned here were Matthew Altruda (Macpodz manager, etc) and Jim Fleming (who runs a artist management agency). Fred ended up not being able to attend. I didn’t really know what to expect at this event, I’m curious what people who attended thought about it. I wish they had taken questions from the audience.
re: Eel and the Ypsi Music Shelf, I think the shelf is doing well but it would definitely be great to spread the word that it’s there!
re: Bob, yes I definitely think that the local music scene is vibrant. I’m not sure why that seems like faint praise to you… we definitely have a ton of great music being made right here in southeast Michigan.
It’s no knock on the musicians. I don’t think you can call it vibrant based on the club scene. Unless I’m missing something, it’s never been this bad. Woodruff’s is essentially the only place to see live music in Ypsi on a regular basis, right? Every other place I’m aware of does it occasionally, as an afterthought, or as a barely disguised practice space for their own hobby blues band.
I saw an all-ages, live music/art event last week that was a record label launch, multi-artist bill. Aside from those performing, there was maybe a dozen paid audience members.
Ann Arbor is marginally better, but how often is there even a real crowd at anything but the Ark? The roots night at Circus seems like the only thing that ever has any energy. The Sunday night Old Town is a good crowd of older folks. Maybe I’m missing something.
I didn’t like the guy from the Metro Times. He really bothered me. Every time he opened his mouth, I found myself getting angry. The same goes for the guy on the other end of the panel. He was insufferable. Everybody in between was cool, though. And the Ypsi crew added a lot to the conversation. It was good to have the perspective of people who just love making music, and don’t see everything in terms of financial profit and loss.
I maybe misunderstood your comment. Yeah there definitely needs to be more venues in both Ann Arbor and Ypsi.
Your friend Shelley got a nice article written about her on A2.com.
http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/shelley-salant/?cmpid=RSS_link_entertainment
Is it feasible to coordinate a forum with Art and Culture and Music being the three areas of focus? (Spring 2015, perhaps?)
I was glad I missed this event. I heard that it became a forum for a member of the MacPodz talking about how Ypsi needs a person to exploit musicians for his or her own gain.
Matthew Altruda. The manager of the MacPodz… He’s shown up on the site before.