Ypsi Rock-a-Birthday

Last night, Kristine and I ventured to Ypsilanti's Elbow Room for a combination end of school year/birthday bash. We met our friend Scott, who introduced Kristine and me back in college and who we've kept touch with since, or tried to. Had not actually seen him in 3 years, nor exchanged more than a sporadic email in that time, even though he lives in Jackson, maybe 40 miles away. Still, when we do get together, it doesn't seem like we have trouble connecting, or that he's become a stranger to me.

Scott's 40th birthday is later this week, and he proved last night that the occasion doesn't have to be a dismal one (reassuring, as I'm facing my own later this year). He had come to Ypsi to see Big John Bates and the Voodoo Dolls.



They're a band out of Vancouver that he follows and actually knows somewhat--they were spending the night at his place after the show. Scott has an uncanny knack for ingratiating himself with an incredible range of people. The band was very good, as was one of the lead in acts, a solo guitar player named C Gibbs. I guess I'd describe Big John's music as a kind of thrash rockabilly, what might result if Mötörhead tried to cover Link Wray. During about every other song, a pair of burlesque dancers (the aforementioned Voodoo Dolls) flounced around. Kind of a humorous shtick, though I don't think the show would have suffered without them. The original plan was for Scott to strap on a guitar and join the band for a number, though a late start scuttled that. Then he was supposed to introduce the band...but John lauched the set while Scott was walking toward the stage, confusing the rest of the band a bit. John apologized for it later, though I don't think Scott minded. He was still in his element.

By the end of the night, there might have been 15 people in audience, a fact which the band commented on with good humored disappointment. They still played their hearts out. Big John commanded those of us who were there to go forth and announce that they kick ass. So here it goes--they kick ass. No lie. They'll be in Grand Rapids tonight, and if you're in those parts, I don't think you'll find a better night out. Especially if you're not old and don't need to get up early tomorrow morning...

Some housekeeping on the agenda for the rest of the week, including, hopefully, this blog. I've been meaning to post some new links, and take care of a few cosmetic things. Now in the market for a digital camera in hopes of livening this place up with some non-pilfered photos.