“The Jamboree”

Remember how, a week or so ago, I told you that the Depot Town CDC, having been told by a few people in the community that the name “Ypsitucky Jamboree” was horribly offensive, were charged with coming up with a new name for their summer music festival? Well, they came up with one. After soliciting ideas from readers of this site, and others, the CDC board agreed to the name “Rustbelt Roots Revival.” Well, it would seem that still wasn’t good enough. From what I hear, the powers that be within the City said that the term “Rustbelt” carried with it too much of a negative connotation, and they asked that the name be changed yet again. (Ypsitucky, as you’ll recall, was said to have racist overtones.) In the end, it was agreed to call the event simply “The Jamboree.”

I joked in an earlier thread that we should call the event the “Blandsilanti Jamboree.” As it turns out, I wasn’t far off. In the attempt to find something inoffensive to everyone, we’ve come up with something that absolutely no one in the community could possibly feel passionately about…. Here, in evidence of that, is a comment just left on the site.

So Ypsitucky was a bit too edgy. Understood, but folks really need to lighten up around town.

Now Rust Belt is too edgy as well? Are you fucking serious? You see the term used in the NY Times, academic books, etc. It’s mostly used as a term for post-industrial cities in the Great Lakes region, not a derogatory name hardly these days. I’ve lived in the Rust Belt my whole life (and toured most of it’s big cities) and I have no problems what so ever with this title. In fact I think it would be even better and more accurate than Ypsitucky in so many ways.

So with Ypsitucky shot down and now Rust Belt can we officially declare Ypsilanti the lamest city in SE Michigan (certainly the Rust Belt) and possibly the entire state? Blandsilanti indeed!

Again, I wish the promoters of the event all the luck in the world as they try to generate interest in this festival, but, for the life of me, I can’t see how they can be successful marketing an event called “The Jamboree.” They might as well call it, “Music Event In Park.”

I can kind of see how some folks were upset by “Ypsitucky,” as the word was traditionally used as a pejorative against us, but “rustbelt”? Really? Are we so sensitive that we can’t hear the name of our City even mentioned in that context? Isn’t it time that we embrace reality? Like it or not, we’re in the rustbelt, folks. Just because we refuse to use the word, doesn’t mean it’s not true. I’d agree that we probably don’t want that single fact to define us, but we can’t pretend that it’s not true. Not mentioning it in a festival name doesn’t make it any less real. And what could be more positive than taking it, and owning it? What could possibly be better than “Rustbelt Revival”? That’s us taking ownership for something and elevating it. That’s us saying to the rest of the world, “Yeah, you think we can’t make it, but we can.” I love that. It’s the perfect message for right now. It’s honest. And it’s empowering… Instead, though, we’ve chosen to be home to “The Jamboree.” I feel sad for Ypsi tonight.

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79 Comments

  1. Brackinald Achery
    Posted June 18, 2009 at 10:56 pm | Permalink

    Despite the DTCDC’s capitulation, I still lay the blame squarely and entirely on the folks who had a problem with the Ypsitucky name, and on City Council. I think they are delighted to ruin this event in any way they can, and would smugly love it if people didn’t show up to it because of all the damage their hypocritical tantrummy meddling has done.

  2. Julie
    Posted June 18, 2009 at 11:06 pm | Permalink

    We should bring rotten tomatoes to the next parade. And by “we” I don’t mean everybody, just those who few who I hope are out there who really have the balls. Aim for the segway.

  3. Krampus
    Posted June 18, 2009 at 11:40 pm | Permalink

    Will there be safe and sensible bemusement rides? A petting zoo full of your own dog?

  4. Ypsi-lover
    Posted June 18, 2009 at 11:49 pm | Permalink

    Let’s not let this ruin anything but those controlling bastard’s reputations. A festival is the people who attend it, and in this case some great musical acts. Don’t let them steal our good time by not going. That’s the best way to punish them, since it robs them of the negative influence they want.

  5. Curt Waugh
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 7:08 am | Permalink

    Wow. I truly never saw this coming. I really thought our city leaders would take one on the chin about “tucky” and just let it go at that, reveling in their victory over, well, creativity I suppose. But they’ve really outdone themselves now. The minute I saw this name (after I convinced myself that it was, in fact, real) the term “PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE FEST” wedged itself into my brain – yes, in all caps.

    I’m not a huge fan of “Rustbelt Roots Revival”, nor did I have anything in particular against it. (Can’t we just move on past autos-this and autos-that?) But at least it was a name one could identify on marketing materials. You all really screwed the pooch on this one. Good luck getting anybody to go.

    “The Jamboree”?!! Seriously? Someone thought this was a good idea?

    In all seriousness, can someone please list the names of people who were against both “tucky” and “rustbelt” and name their businesses? I want to never go to any of their establishments or vote for any of these people ever again. I’m dead serious. Somebody please call these folks out in detail; I don’t know all the players.

    And to the planners of The Event: I realize that you have felt beaten down by this anti-everything mob, but you can’t really call yourselves event promoters if you got rolled like this by a bunch of local biddies.

  6. TGIF
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 7:14 am | Permalink

    How about the “tiptoe around Gary Clark so as not to upset him fest”?

  7. amused1
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 7:36 am | Permalink

    I just hope the ticket prices are reasonable. As a new venture it seems to me that the first couple years should be focused on getting people to attend the event and delivering the best experience possible. If you price people out the first year it’s much harder and more expensive (in terms of marketing) to recapture them going forward. Just my 2 cents

  8. Billy
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 7:39 am | Permalink

    Yes…please list the people against this name. Someone who reads this blog knows. These people must be called out. Name the people and businesses PLEASE! I will be onstage at this “festival”, and can’t wait to tell all these people to kiss my ass in front of a loud microphone. And…for any of you bags o’ douche reading this…KISS MY ASS. 10 years ago, I moved to Ypsi, from a small town up north to get away from small minded idiots and small town political bullshit. I guess I need to keep going.

  9. Billy
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 7:44 am | Permalink

    Actually…why don’t we just say fuck the stupid jamborre and hold our own. Let’s do it at the Corner Brewery! It’s our favorite business anyways! We could hold the “Rustbelt Roots Revival” in the beer garden. This could totally happen. It would be better than supporting something that I really don’t want to be a part of. how much is it to rent the Corner Brewery for a party?

  10. Tony Buttons
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 7:56 am | Permalink

    Nothing good comes of projects planned with input from everyone. You need to have a clear vision, and that doesn’t happen when you give everyone in a community veto power. Next they’ll be telling the organizers that they don’t like certain bands because of “dark” or otherwise troubling images they’ve found on MySpace pages. Excuse me, but it’s bullshit. I get that they’re trying to do the right thing, and get everyone on board, but it’s not going to work. Those individuals who keep flexing their muscles and demanding changes say that they’ll help sell tickets and bring people in, but they won’t. We’re going to all this trouble to appease them, and, at the end of the day, they won’t be there. They’ll be at home, calling the cops about the noise. I say we call the thing the Rusty Fuckitucky, and just do it in the streets. We have every band set up somewhere in the City illegally and play at the same time. We create an hour of unsanctioned noise. It would be a blast. We could have bands on porches, in store windows, etc. Who’s with me?

  11. BrianR
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 7:57 am | Permalink

    For crissakes, it wasn’t powers that be within the City or City Council that didn’t like the name “rustbelt.” It was a member of the Depot Town Association who had issues with the name.

  12. Callow
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:07 am | Permalink

    I didn’t read this as an indictment of City Council, Brian. When someone says “powers that be” they aren’t necessarily referring to you.

  13. BrianR
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:13 am | Permalink

    I know. I was sticking up for Paul.

  14. Carol
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:24 am | Permalink

    Naming the Jamboree after a city that doesn’t exist (Ypsitucky) was a bad idea to begin with. Ypsilanti is a fine name and doesn’t need to be redefined into a negative from the past.

    Rustbelt Revival sounds like a corroded religious ceremony. Doesn’t seem to generate much interest or excitement. Of course, The Jamboree doesn’t either.

    I don’t know why some people have gone way out of their way to try to force the label Ypsitucky onto those who are against it. What is it with you people? What makes it so imperative that you need to force the jamboree to be called the Ypsitucky Jamboree? There were other good names given that would have made it a more welcoming event.

    It seems to me that the CDC is pouting because they were called on trying to force a nametag on the city of Ypsilanti that quite a few of those citizens found offensive, so they thought it a cute idea to name the jamboree simply The Jamboree. I don’t know why they wasted our time by saying they wanted suggestions from us as to what to name it. All they’ve done is show how little they care about what the citizens of Ypsilanti want.

  15. The kingpin
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:41 am | Permalink

    Carol, please go back to your breakfast of white milk, white toast, and plain oatmeal. Thanks…

  16. FriarTucky
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:49 am | Permalink

    Carol –

    I don’t understand why you and your ultra-protective PC friends have gone out of your way to force the change of a name that YOU chose to be negative. I choose it to be a combo of the words “Ypsilanti” and “Kentucky”, two places that I believe exist. Crazy how that works, huh? Kinda like when you are near the Michigan/Indiana border and you see businesses called Michiana.

    And you seem to have chosen to skew what happened to the “Rustbelt” name. The same ultra-protective PC friends said no to that one, too. The organizers didn’t choose Jamboree to be cute, they ran out of options and steam to fight your types.

    You see, there seems to be this misconception that people that wanted the name “Ypsitucky” only wanted it to cause a stir. Not true. It is the year 2009 and we chose to embrace the mixing of cultures that happened decades ago. I’ll show you again how it works: Ypsilanti + Kentucky = Ypsitucky. Now you add “Bluegrass Jamboree” to the end of that and you get “Ypsitucky Bluegrass Jamboree”. Do you consider yourself open-minded? I would say not….

    Carol – I fully expect to see you out selling tickets, picking up litter, and dancing to the music. Unless that is you complain just to complain and then sit back and enjoy your ridiculous victory at the expense of others. I will be volunteering for this fine city (not the first time) and won’t stop because I am better than that.

  17. Dirtgrain
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:50 am | Permalink

    From a Trusty Getto post on the Oh, my God, did he say Ypsitucky? post:

    “As another member of the Depot Town Advisory Board, I too received a petition protesting the use of the name signed by something like 140 people. These aren’t yahoos and wackos. They are:

    Our current mayor, several city councilpersons, a former candidate for mayor, people instrumental in fighting to preserve our human rights ordinance, two Ypsi High Sports Hall of Famers, current and former members of the HDC, current and former members of many City of Ypsilanti Boards and Commissions, the President and Vice President of the Ypsi School Board, successful businesspeople, active members of some of our neighborhood associations, a former Gateway board member and more than a boatload of your neighbors and mine.”

    Still no names (we can determine a few from their positions). Does anybody have the petition still? I, too, want names–and names of those who whittled it down to “Jamboree.”

  18. Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:55 am | Permalink

    Tony Buttons, Rusty Fuckitucky is the best name I have heard so far and I love the idea of everyone going out at some designated time to create an hour of unsanctioned noise. I am so there!

    Carol, I don’t know why some people have gone way out of their way to try to force people not to use the name Ypsitucky. What is it with you people? What makes it so imperative that you need to force the jamboree to not be called the Ypsitucky Jamboree?

  19. Andy C
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 9:27 am | Permalink

    Bland name.
    Bland beer.
    Will they only selling vanilla ice cream?
    Will the bands need to get their songs approved in advance?
    Will there be a dress code?

  20. amused1
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 9:34 am | Permalink

    “You people”, “Those people”, “Some people”, “Them”, “They”…

    “I ain’t gonna shop at his store ’cause he looked at me cross ways.”

    “Tell us who they is so we kin git em.”

    “It’s a plot.”

    Enough already.

    Support the event or don’t support the event. But stop shoving feet out trying to trip up those who are working to get things done. There’s a lot to do and time is moving on.

    If the event succeeds we can have a wonderful festival to enjoy. If the event fails the “powers that be”, be they political or financial, will go on regardless. The real losers will be the bands who never got to play and the people who never got to sit by the river and enjoy them.

  21. Oliva
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 9:41 am | Permalink

    “What is it with you people?”
    I’m glad Lynne quoted this line from an earlier post, handing it back to the giver. It’s one of the really unbecoming lines that people wield in blog posts and is just so hostile and offputting.

  22. Michael Schils
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 10:25 am | Permalink

    I’m offended by “The Jamboree” because it almost rhymes with “Damn Boring”.

  23. Aaron
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 10:27 am | Permalink

    Just pathetic… I don’t even care about this festival anymore with all the insane posturing and hyper sensitive political correctness. Who needs Free Speech anyhow… As George Clinton says “Think, it ain’t illegal yet!”

  24. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 11:07 am | Permalink

    Well, here we are again. We can either continue complaining about all of this BS, or, we can set about puting on a fantastic event that can draw thousands of people to the city with whatever disposable income they may have. If you want to prove that festival supporters were on the “right” side of this, putting on a knock out show is how to go about it.

    What I’m more angry about, is that the city seems to have no intention to offering the DTCDC a new contract on park maintenance. The offensive word is gone, and isn’t that what ended their contract?

    I know there were some issues with their job performance, but couldn’t these be addressed with a redrawn contract? It seems to me that shutting out a willing charity over this and drawing away city resources and money is the real travisty.

    Hmm. $22,000 is transfered to the parks budget just as the tucky debate heats up. The tucky debate then turns into a reason to cancel the DTCDC contract… Not to sound like an Ypsi conspirisy theorist or anything….

  25. West Cross
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 11:07 am | Permalink

    1) Rusty Fuckitucky is the best name ever. Be it for a person, a band or a way of life
    2) “The Jamboree” is so lame. How do you even advertise it?
    “Come to the the 2009 The Jamboree in Ypsilanti” “The 1st anual The Jamboree”
    Even “Ypsilanti Jamboree” would be better, and you know where it is taking place
    3) If even 1/2 the people who seem to have an opinion on this show up this should be a huge turnout. If nothing else I fully expect to see every person who complained about any of the names there enjoying the blandness.

  26. SPW
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 11:35 am | Permalink

    From YpsiCiti-

    DTCDC board member Merrill Guerra announced at Wednesday evening’s Depot Town Association meeting the name would be changed to the “Rustbelt Roots Jamboree.” However, organizers asked the name be kept under wraps until it was finalized.

    Erik Dotzauer, director of the DTCDC, said after receiving community feedback about its “rustbelt” name the board voted to drop that name as well.

    “We sat on it for a day talk to a bunch of people in the community and got a fairly negative response to the name,” Dotzauer said this afternoon. “Some said the word “rustbelt” had negative connotations.”

    Dotzauer said the DTCDC does not wish to stir up any more controversy surrounding the name of the music festival. He said calling it “The Jamboree” would denote a regional event as opposed to adding “Ypsilanti” to the name. He said a tagline beneath the name might say something about where the festival is held.

    “We’re looking for a name the whole community can support,” Dotzauer said.

    Steve Pierce, who was in opposition to the “Ypsitucky” name said he likes the new name.

    “I think it’s a great idea,” he said.

    The rest can be found here:

    http://ypsiciti.com/section/News/Controversial+%27Ypsitucky%27+name+changed+to+%27The+Jamboree%27-article-895.html

  27. Posted June 19, 2009 at 11:41 am | Permalink

    I don”t recall anyone suggesting ‘The Jamboree”. Who suggested it? Was it just the soon to be defunct dtcda? Why not Ypsi Hootenanny or Real McCoy Jam?

  28. Carol
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 11:59 am | Permalink

    Friar Tucky

    Hello~~~

    LOl! I merely gave my opinion about the “Rustbelt” name. Jamboree is fine – it’s the title “The Jamboree” I find boring.

    The festival isn’t just about Kentucky.
    Ypsilanti’s Southern roots also inlcludes many families from Tennessee. I don’t see any reason to cut them (or any other Southerners that came to Ypsilanti) out and focus just on Kentucky. That wouldn’t be very open-mined.

  29. Happy Man
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 11:59 am | Permalink

    Well it looks like Steve Pierce likes “The Jamboree”. That’s one.

  30. Council Watcher
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 12:02 pm | Permalink

    The Jaycees (http://ypsilantijaycees.com/) are being put in charge of booking events in the parks. The maintenance will be the job of a single employee of the city.

  31. Posted June 19, 2009 at 12:18 pm | Permalink

    Andy: I keep wondering if a lot of what we’re seeing in the DTCDC kerfuffle is really the old downtown versus Depot Town conflict (or at least SOMEONE against Depot Town). The downtown DDA forced out Vossberg (for apparently questionable reasons), leaving the Depot Town DDA without a director. Then City Council cancelled the DTCDC’s contract (again, for questionable reasons). Most recently, the City Council voted to merge the two DDA boards into one — with the support of the downtown DDA and over the opposition of the Depot Town DDA. I tend to be suspicious of conspiracy theories, but this is certainly starting to look like a pattern.

  32. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 12:36 pm | Permalink

    Councel Watcher,

    I am aware of the agreement between the city and the Jaycees. There will still be clerical costs at city hall associated with the planning and execution of these events. I am aware that the mainenance can be handled by single city employee. My question; why? We have a nonprofit willing to do the work at no cost to the city. Again, I know there have been concerns about the DTCDC, but these could be easily addressed in a new contract. If you can honestly say that the city has no better use for $22,000, then I’ll keep my mouth shut.

  33. jeez-louise
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    Why does the city council have the authority to merge the boards. Aren’t they controled by that area’s businesses? Why do they put up with it. I’d tell the board to go fuck themselves. The DTCDC should just have a little mutiny, and lord over their own development. We need some decent people to run for city council, and change the status quo. This isn’t that big of a town, and judging from some of the vote tallies from the last election, it seems that you would only need a 1000 votes or so, to turn the tide. Come on people….I would, but my closet is full of dark skeletons….fucking each other… while doing mass amounts of drugs.

  34. Monica Conyers
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 12:51 pm | Permalink

    I see nothing wrong with what the City Council and DDA are doing. Us politicians do no wrong if you question our motives, you need to pray for yourself.

    Sincerely,

    Monica Conyers

  35. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 2:00 pm | Permalink

    While I do tenativly support the merger of DDA’s, I’m waiting to see how it is carried out. Will the districts get equal representation? Is this an excuse to oust certain board members that may make too much noise for the city’s (or whoever’s) liking? It is past time to put these petty cross town fights behind us and move forward as a city, But it needs to be done fairly. I don’t put much stock in conspiracy theories either, but…. well, I guess we’ll see. I just don’t think we should be throwing away the servic provided by the DTCDC

  36. kjc
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 2:21 pm | Permalink

    I think a lot of these issues could be resolved by turning the lights off at City Hall.

  37. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 2:59 pm | Permalink

    cmadlertucky and kjc,
    The first thing we need to do is educate city residents, especialy younger residents, about local issues. Get more people going to council meetings. Reach out to the parts of the city that get left out. Reach out to resident students, let them know why they should become Ypsi residents. Get the word out on what’s happening. Then the problem may fix it self. The more people who start to say “what the hell is going on here?” the better chance we have to effect a change. There is a plan in the works, but first we have a festival to put on.

  38. Brackinald Achery
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 4:25 pm | Permalink

    kjc, you almost brought a tear to my eye!

  39. Fuckitucky
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 5:52 pm | Permalink

    My initial excitement for this music event in our city is gone.

  40. elviscostello
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 6:07 pm | Permalink

    You know, as a 43 year resident of Ypsilanti and a Beyer baby, I wasn’t offended by Ypsitucky. Hell, If my family was considered it would’ve been Ypsissouri or Ypsilabama. I think “The Jamboree” is lame. However, I think the line up is awesome and will be there in my straw hat and Ypsitucky T-Shirt. I only wish I could get better beer than Budweiser! Seems like a local brewery and taxpayer should be able to peddle their wares…

  41. General Demetrius
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 7:54 pm | Permalink

    I would not count on this disaster in the making being presented in Ypsi, ever. There are plenty of not so crude, not so rude residents that resent not only the names, but now the people behind the idea, which is sad. I would give up on Riverside Park and shoot for Superior Township if I were you. Plenty of fields there, and you can call it the Fun with Sheep festival for all anybody cares.

    Good sheep of Superior Township, be afraid, be very afraid.

  42. Brackinald Achery
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:33 pm | Permalink

    There’s that dead Madison smell again! That’s so weird!

  43. dp in exile
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:36 pm | Permalink

    so much for the redaction coloring party at the RAC.

  44. Posted June 19, 2009 at 8:54 pm | Permalink

    Oh sure, now everybody’s not going to the festival because they’re frustrated with the name, now that it’s cool.

  45. Dirtgrain
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 9:06 pm | Permalink

    Carol: “The festival isn’t just about Kentucky.
    Ypsilanti’s Southern roots also inlcludes many families from Tennessee. I don’t see any reason to cut them (or any other Southerners that came to Ypsilanti) out and focus just on Kentucky. That wouldn’t be very open-mined.”

    So it is the censors who have open minds?

  46. Posted June 19, 2009 at 9:11 pm | Permalink

    I have to say, I’m starting to feel like this town is a bunch of pussies. We let the snobby pushy people win by letting the name get changed, then we let them win again by not going to the festival they’re trying to ruin (to spite the DTCDC), because they got their way on the name. So they win twice. Buncha pussies. We deserve to have a bunch of control freak snobs ruin a potentially fun festival for us, what with us being a bunch of pussies.

    And I thought they decided on local beer. Did I hear that wrong?

    PS — sorry I called us all a bunch of pussies, but damn.

  47. Dirtgrain
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 9:28 pm | Permalink

    Likely, they want to rename the Shadow Art Fair. I don’t like how the term shadow represents our community: all dark and mysterious. Shadows are just a small part of our community; in fact, there are many other optical phenomena that are being left out by that name. And Art Fair is too edgy, referencing all those iconoclast artist types. We shouldn’t have that. We’ll just call it the Fair. That will please everyone and offend nobody. Assimilate. Melt. Merge into the collective. We are the Borg; resistance is futile.

    I feel like I’m in A City of Churches. It’s getting creepy around here.

  48. Dirtgrain
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 9:40 pm | Permalink

    “But damn.” Word. We ought to brainstorm how not to be pussies at this point. Iconoclast artist types might have some good ideas. I’ll think on it.

    I think somebody posted elsewhere that Budweiser was going to be the official beer of the Heritage Festival (my apologies to those who have no knowledge of their heritage–if, in some way, the use of that word in this festival’s name offends you, please report to your local apparatchik). I’m not sure about the Jamboree.

  49. Michaelx
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 10:05 pm | Permalink

    I’m offended that it would be called any word at all. Words are so defiining, and thus, limiting. Words are just barriers erected by The Man to constrict our thinking. It should just be called,

    ” “

  50. Posted June 19, 2009 at 10:22 pm | Permalink

    Well, I’ve got a song I’m working on that I could use some audience help with at the Ypsitucky Rustbelt Revival Jamboree on Sept. 5th. Unless we get kicked off the bill or some act of God prevents us from playing the gig.

  51. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted June 20, 2009 at 2:36 am | Permalink

    Disclaimer: I’ve been to at least 1/2 of the “hip” bars in ypsi tonight before I post this, and had my share of gin. Black Jake, thank you for calling everyone pussies before I had the chance. What the fuck is wrong with you bastards!?! Please, let’s keep bickering about pointless bull shit instead of trying to actualy improve the city we all live in. I’m sure all this blogging is really going to improve Ypsi. Please, don’t get over it, don’t volonter for The Jamboree, don’t help improve the parks, and don’t make things a little brighter in our town. Please, keep posting on here to amuse yourselves, watch Law and Order, and go about your lives. Because nothing more important is going on in our town. Really. Does this sound bitter? I wonder why that happened. I don’t care what side of the “tucky” debate you have been on. Water Street. Police Department. Fire Department. Park System. Street Repairs. Ring a bell? Really? Can we start paying atention. Please. Them maybe we can waste out time on something that is truly important to OUR city. P.S. If you would like to call me an asshole in person, I have no problem with that. Drop me a line. I’ll gladly meet you at any localy owned buisness…

  52. Bill French
    Posted June 20, 2009 at 9:35 am | Permalink

    Do the 3rd ward council members represent the entire 3rd ward ? I my opinion, No. But the question is why. If Murdock shows up as a candidate for Mayor, then the puzzle will be solved.

  53. Shanster
    Posted June 20, 2009 at 12:24 pm | Permalink

    I like the name, only because its lack of adjective shows that it has been neutered, castrated, emasculated, sissified, and detoothed PC-style. I wonder if someone can make an image of the water tower standing limply askew. I WILL be there, and I have volunteered to help out with said Ypsitucky Rustbelt Revival Jamboree, unlike those who made a big stink, who will probably be attending the Yuppie-fest (aka Arts, Beats and Eats).

  54. Posted June 20, 2009 at 12:57 pm | Permalink

    I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel better having vented about all of this nonsense. Having gotten that out of my system now, though, I plan to change gears and get behind the event, whatever we choose to call it.

    I will also, however, be pursuing the completely unsanctioned idea of the Rusty Fuckitucky event.

  55. Posted June 20, 2009 at 1:23 pm | Permalink

    And we all lived happily ever after.

  56. Michaelx
    Posted June 20, 2009 at 2:06 pm | Permalink

    “Rusty Fuckitucky” does kind of roll off the tongue nice and easily…

    …and it has a corroded p0rnograhic kind of taste to it.

    ( Tony Dearing would most definitely delete this comment. )

  57. Brackinald Achery
    Posted June 20, 2009 at 3:49 pm | Permalink

    I love this wretched hive of scum and villainy.

  58. General Demetrius
    Posted June 20, 2009 at 6:39 pm | Permalink

    The contract won’t be picked up. There will be no Jamboree. But Superior Township is calling, baaaa baaaaaa. The Fun with Sheep fest awaits your incredible PR skills. It rolls off the tongue nice and easily …and it has a corroded pornographic kind of taste to it.

  59. Brackinald Achery
    Posted June 20, 2009 at 11:31 pm | Permalink

    Nice to see the opposition’s true colors shining through.

  60. watching laughing
    Posted June 21, 2009 at 7:13 am | Permalink

    Bill French,
    Murdock seemed to be a go to guy when Pierce failed in the last election.
    I’m assuming, possibly; there is some agenda with thier group?

    Just a hunch, maybe?

    Watching Laughing.

  61. Jam
    Posted June 21, 2009 at 8:33 am | Permalink

    If it is to late to change back to Rustbelt, I whole heartedly support the idea of banjo players showing up to play illegally on street corners downtown or depot town when its busy (cruise night?). Maybe hold a “shadow jamboree” on water street at the same time the Jamboree is going on and post signs that say “this way to the Jamboree” that lead to waterstreet instead of the park.

  62. Lisele
    Posted June 21, 2009 at 3:59 pm | Permalink

    I wholeheartedly love the idea of a shadow jamboree of banjo playing — but can’t we do both, dollbody? Not the same night, in other words. Can’t have a banjo jamboree without Black Jake.

    Can I just request one teeny thing? I will pay big money for a tee-shirt with “I love this wretched hive of scum and villainy” on the back and “Ypsilanti” on the front. Maybe with little bee graphics? Please?

  63. imatucky
    Posted June 21, 2009 at 4:34 pm | Permalink

    In the spirit of the day – Happy Fathers Day to all the awsome Dads out there. I think it’s what the world needs more of.

  64. Posted June 21, 2009 at 5:58 pm | Permalink

    Thanks, Lisele, but I assure you my banjo technique is the corner-cutting edge of modern sloppitude.

    I was wondering how many folks have started making Ypsitucky-related merch and where can we find it?

  65. Posted June 21, 2009 at 7:31 pm | Permalink

    What’s the song Black Jake?

  66. Posted June 21, 2009 at 8:07 pm | Permalink

    The working title is the Ypsitucky Rustbelt Revival.

  67. Posted June 21, 2009 at 8:08 pm | Permalink

    (thanks dan)

  68. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted June 21, 2009 at 8:23 pm | Permalink

    I’m with Lisele, I want a “I love this hive of wretched scum and villainy” Ypsilanti T shirt. I’ll wear it all city council meetings I attend in the future.

  69. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted June 21, 2009 at 8:25 pm | Permalink

    Oh, and BA, thanks for giving us a new city moto

  70. Bob
    Posted June 21, 2009 at 9:29 pm | Permalink

    I can’t wait to not go to this festival. Don’t care what they call it. Seriously, fuck Depot Town and the creeps who run it. I look at their big events…beerfest, Elvisfest, the car nights. It’s all really terrible stuff.

  71. Posted June 22, 2009 at 5:07 am | Permalink

    Sweet, Black Jake.

  72. Patrick
    Posted June 22, 2009 at 9:08 am | Permalink

    The Rusty Fuckitucky event sounds great. Maybe we could combine it with the bicycle bar crawl idea, burning cars blocking the streets and all.

    When Mark contemplated changing the name of MM.com to “The Blog” per the reference by the police, I thought it had a nice ring to it — but “The Jamboree” = not so hot.

  73. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted June 22, 2009 at 2:01 pm | Permalink

    Oh, before we forget, the $22,000 set aside for park maintenance came from the city clerk’s budget, and was originaly earmarked to buy new microphones and sound equipment for the city council chambers. I would hope that purchasing microphones was going to be a one time expense. If that is true, it brings me back to my original question; “Where is the money for the parks going to come from next year and in the years after?” If the current budget came from money for a one time expense, where do we take it from next year? What other services are we about to give up? Who’s got my answer?

  74. Brackinald Achery
    Posted June 22, 2009 at 2:08 pm | Permalink

    Man, that sounds like it would have been a real boss sound system too.

  75. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted June 22, 2009 at 2:17 pm | Permalink

    Yea, I used to work at music stores. That kind of money can buy you one loud PA. Or mow the grass for a year.

  76. Kripen
    Posted June 22, 2009 at 6:43 pm | Permalink

    Rusty Fuckitucky sounds like a real gem.

  77. Posted July 1, 2009 at 4:35 pm | Permalink

    Woodruff’s Groove.

  78. Posted July 6, 2009 at 9:58 pm | Permalink

    Andy Ypsi, I’d have to say that I completely agree with you on the whole parks issue. Where is the money going to come from in the future to run the parks when the DTCDC could have done the best job? Not to mention the one at no cost to the city. Based on what I’ve observed lately in city government, I’m not sure some of these folks in charge could work their way out of a wet paper bag while holding a razor blade. I could care less about the name of the festival at that point. We’re going to rock it no matter what. Call it what you will, it’s who attends that will matter…and for the record, I really liked Ypsilanti Hootenanny. It. rolled of the tongue nicely.

  79. Posted August 15, 2009 at 4:16 pm | Permalink

    It has been some time since I have given attention to the naming of the event we have worked so hard on. I was seeing what came up in google searches and this was the first link. So, time to clear some things up.

    Most important things first….The beer. The CDC and organizers of the event refused a grant from Budwiser to be the exclusive beer provider. There will be Frog Island, and arbor/ Corner beer well represented along with bud for those who prefer it.

    The full name is The Jamboree at Riverside Park. We came up with Ypsitucky Jamboree for the right reasons. However, I was tired of dealing with it as a controversy and did run out of gas. All of the negativity out there, no matter who was right, was a drain and I had more important things to worry about, like making sure that we had a great festival. From my experience last night at the crossroads, I am sure that Ypsitucky will be well represented.

    This is the first year and keeping as The jamboree will give us some flexibility on what to do next. We have passed out over 15000 flyers and the reception has been amazing. This IS going to be a fun, not “bland” event. Washtenaw County hasnt had anything like this, and we have stuck our necks out, I and all of my committees for the Jamboree have spent 100s of volunteer hours into The Jamboree because we believe in it. We believe in the Music, the Area, bringing people into our great city and raising money to help ypsilanti, the park improvments and economic developement of the area.

    This is it! Less than three weeks away from the event that motivated so many people to be passionate, no matter what side you are on. What do we have today? For those of you who are involved in the downtown/ depot town area, you may agree that the walls are slowly coming down and more and more people are working together.
    The Jamboree has the BEST lineup of any local music gathering I have seen in the area. We are stocked with so many talented people in Wahtenaw county, and I am glad to be a part of it.

    So, wear your Ypsitucky shirts, wear your anti ypsitucky shirts, wear a belt of rust…just come out and enjoy great music, beer, family, dancing and a great time.

    Tickets are very inexpensive. The majority of the bands charge equal or more to come and see them alone. Children 12 and uder are free, limited presale tickets at $10 for Friday, $15 for Saturday. They are available on http://www.the-jamboree.com. Visit the site and reserve your tickets, just come out and have a blast. If anyone has any questions or wants to help us out, send me an email through the site. Contact us will go directly to my personal email.

    Looking forward to seeing you all there!

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  1. […] the dreadfully offensive “tucky” suffix, opting to call the event simply “The Jamboree” instead. But, it would seem, Robb and City Council aren’t just taking the […]

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