Presented by the Metro Times
Fisher Building Parking Lot -- Free
THURSDAY,
JULY 1 8:00 p.m. CAKE Best
known for the ubiquitous hits “The Distance” and “Never There”, Cake
freely mixes funk, hip-hop, country, new wave pop and college rock. Their
songs are filled with lyrical non sequiturs, obscure pop-culture
references, and smirky satire, all delivered with bone-dry detachment over
a slinky groove. This platinum selling band continues to defy the critics
with alternative radio hits.
FRIDAY, JULY 2 5:30 p.m FIVE FOR FIGHTING A bristling
mix of contemporary emotions and classic techniques, John Ondrasik’s Five
for Fighting piano-driven rock was first embraced by America with his
delicate piano ballad “Superman [It’s Not Easy]” in the wake of 9/11. The
music affirms the importance of context as well as song, using acoustic
guitar to convey themes of love and life.
8:00 p.m ROONEY The 80’s
pop inspired rock group Rooney honed their own indie rock appeal, citing
the Beach Boys and ELO as inspiration. With hints of Blur, Superdrag and
the Cars echoing throughout their sound, Rooney continues to reinvigorate
a generation of young music fans who like their rock served with great
vocals and melodies.
SATURDAY,
JULY 3 5:00
p.m. RICK BRAUN With
popularity that continues to snowball, contemporary jazz trumpeter Rick
Braun has taken his place in modern jazz history. Braun won Gavin’s
Artist of the Year and Album of the Year in 1996, and then Body and
Soul topped that with 28 consecutive weeks in the Top 15 on
Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts. Braun credits his years touring
with War, Sade, Rod Stewart and others as having major musical impact on
his writing and performing.
8:00 p.m. JET Steeped in
the brash tradition of the Kinks, AC/DC and Oasis, Jet’s music has a
lucidity and freshness that comes from both youth and sheer Aussie-centric
bloodymindedness. As their debut album “Get Born” proves, this
Melbourne four-piece stands for everything that is raw, primitive, direct
and loose about rock music. Their hit single “Are You Gonna Be My Girl”
has Rolling Stone anointing them “America’s favorite party band”.
SUNDAY, JULY 4
5:00 p.m. DWELE Dwele’s
universe is one where the R&B, spoken word, jazz and hip-hop landscapes
converge to create a singular genre. As a former rapper, Dwele has an
underground-hip hop swagger but the self-described “old soul” possesses a
heartfelt sultriness and sensuality that’s been missing from R&B since the
70s.
8:00 p.m. BUDDY GUY In his
early days, Buddy Guy’s stinging single-string style fused with the sweet
sadness of B. B. King, set Chicago’s West Side blues scene ablaze and
redefined the aesthetic of post-modern blues guitar. Now some 30 years
later, Guy is finally being recognized by a growing audience as the
reigning dean of Windy City bluesmen. Buddy Guy is the godfather of
guitar heroes. Ask Keith Richards.
MONDAY, JULY 5 3:00
p.m.
THE SPINNERS
We are
pleased to present one of the great soul groups of the last 30 years,
who’ve created a body of work that defines the lush, seductive sound of
Philly soul with deep roots in Detroit’s R&B scene. Chart topping songs
like “I’ll be Around,” Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” “One of a Kind
(Love Affair),” Ghetto Child,” “Rubberband Man,” and “You’re Throwing a
Good Love Away” were the singles that propelled the Spinners into soul
superstars.
6:00 p.m. THE ROMANTICS The
Romantics have woven themselves firmly into the tapestry of the Detroit
and American rock 'n' roll pantheon, both as progenitors and purveyors of
passionately joyful power pop and as gritty survivors of the music
industry. One of the first Detroit bands to take their “garage”
international.
MGM Grand Detroit Casino
Jazz & Blues Stage
Grand Boulevard at Cass -- Free
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2004
Noon ATLANTEZ Atlantez presents a
Latin/Funk sound in an American setting. Brought together by a love of
Latin and Caribbean music, these inspired musicians bring a blending of
Latin, Jazz and Funk sounds to the dance card.
4:30 p.m. THE STRANGE This popular local
quartet combines jazz, rock, blues and beyond for a sound that defies
categorization. The Strange is unafraid of the avant-garde, often
playing Coltrane and the Beatles in the same set. Once you taste their
Strange “brew” you’ll be hooked.
7 & 8:30 p.m.
THE
SUN MESSENGERS WITH SPECIAL GUEST
THORNETTA DAVIS Detroit's
favorite R&B party band, The Sun Messengers, have been funkin' it up for
over 20 years. Reigning R&B diva ThornettaDavisjoins them
for a special evening of Motor City Soul.
FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2004 NOON TWISTIN TARANTULAS Pistol
Pete and the boys have delivered their own special brand of swing and
“jump” blues across the USA and are always a favorite here at home.
Their Comerica TasteFest show is certain to feature selections from
their latest and highly acclaimed CD, “El
Destroyo”.
4:30 p.m. ODESSA
HARRIS GROUP FEATURING JOHNNIE BASSETT
A former singer in the BB King Review, Odessa Harris walks the
bluesy side of the jazz street. Teaming up with Ms. Harris is Detroit's
own blues guitar stalwart
Johnnie Bassett, blending two home grown legends for a
special engagement.
7 & 8:30 p.m. TIM BOWMAN Tim
Bowman's contemporary jazz guitar serves as a vehicle for his deep
spiritual faith. Always a Comerica TasteFest favorite, this nationally
recognized talent appears in a special hometown performance.
SATURDAY, JULY 3,
2004 Noon SHEILA LANDIS QUARTET FEATURING RICK MATLE
Seven-time winner of the Detroit Music Awards’ "Outstanding Jazz
Vocalist" award, the ever-popular Sheila Landis appears with her
celebrated quartet, led by guitarist Rick Matle. This show promises to
be an exciting mix of blues, jazz and R&B.
2:00 p.m
DJANGO REINHARDT REVUE FEATURING HOT CLUB DETROIT, THE ROYAL GARDEN TRIO
AND THE GYPSYSTRINGS Three of
Detroit's finest acoustic jazz groups will play a tribute to their most
influential mentor, guitar master Django Reinhardt
5:30 p.m. THE BROTHERS GROOVE This
group does it all, from groovin' organ jazz to modern funk. Comprised of
some of our city's finest players, The Brothers Groove always throw
down.
8 p.m. BETTYE
LAVETTE A winner at this year’s W.C. Handy International Blues Awards,
Bettye LaVette will make a rare hometown appearance at the Comerica
TasteFest. She is a true Motor City vocal treasure, known around the
world.
SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2004 12:30 p.m. PENNY WELLS Former
backup singer for KEM, Miss Wells has just released her debut CD
entitled “Shine”,
which fuses old school jazz vocals with a smooth jazz sound.
2:00 p.m LARRY NOZERO / SHAIDA NURULLAH "THE JOBIM PROJECT" FEATURING THE
BRAZILIAN MUSIC OF ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM Detroit's
premiere alto saxophonist unites with vocalist Shaida Nurulla to perform
the music of Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. The nine-piece
group’s appearance was one of the highlights at last year's Ford Detroit
International Jazz Festival.
4:30 p.m. LARRY MCCRAY A native of
Saginaw, Larry McCray ranks foremost among the world's best blues guitar
slingers. Come see how and why "The Delta Hurricane" earned his
nickname.
7:00 & 8:30
p.m. THE
KIMMIE HORNE SHOW A perrenial Comerica TasteFest favorite, the dynamic Kimmie Horne
and her band can entertain like no one else. Join us for one terrific
jazz show.
MONDAY, JULY 5, 2004 1:00 p.m BARBARA WARE AND THE CLIFF MONEAR TRIO Local
jazz vocalist Barbara Ware knows how to serve up the standards with
style! Providing her with perfect accompaniment is The Cliff Monear
Trio.
3:30 p.m. ALEXANDER ZONJIC AND FRIENDS "The
man with the golden flute" is making his first-ever Comerica TasteFest
appearance. Internationally acclaimed, Zonjic creates enchanting music
that is remembered for its originality, vitality and sheer beauty.
Don’t miss this smooth jazz sensation!
6:00 p.m. JOCE'
LYN B & THE DETROIT STREET PLAYERS The Motors City's sassiest performer can always get the crowd on its
feet. Joce’lyn B and her band definitely know how to get a party
started!
THURSDAY,
JULY 1 4:30 p.m. GORE
GORE GIRLS
The Gore Gore Girls might be the estrogen source of the Detroit garage
rock scene, but their R&B fusion and hip shaking go-go moves make the
power trio a standout among the rest.
6:00
p.m.
THE SIGHTS
Not just another Detroit garage band, The Sights play true rock-n-roll
from the soul shaking influences of the past 40 years of classic pop.
The Sights raw sound gives everyone a reason to rock.
7:00 p.m. SHORTROUND Shortround has been working in his deep-house movement for the past few years
as resident DJ at several select posh watering holes in the Metro
Detroit area.
8:00 p.m.
COLETTE: NETTWERK AMERICA
& CHAMPION SOUND Hailing
from Chicago, Colette captivates audiences with her classically trained
mezzo soprano voice and organically warm grooves. Come see why this
former music teacher turned mix-master is in a class by herself.
FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2004 2:30 p.m.
THE DETROIT CITY COUNCIL Described as “bluesy Parliament Funkadelic,” The Detroit City
Council is an unusual hybrid born out of the talent of some of Detroit’s
finest musicians. The result is one of the funkiest shows to be seen for
some time.
4 p.m. SHIPWRECK
UNION
Detroit bred songwriter Nick Lucassian’s growling vocals bring his
incredible stories to life through a blues style rock. Often compared to
Jeff Buckley in his hey day, Lucassian’s passion for life is evident in
every song
5:30 p.m. THE DOLLFACES This
four-piece punk rock act is definitely out of the ordinary. Still in
high school, the boys have found a lust for life through punk rock
legends and added their own interpretative spin to create a truly unique
sound.
7:00 p.m. ESQUIRE
esQuire is a one-man show known in Metro Detroit for his parody raps and
sensational dance routines. If Eminem and Fred Astaire were to join
forces, the result would be called
esQuire, the boy who invented rap.
8:30 p.m. ELECTRIC SIX This
homegrown rock sensation has been wowing the UK as well as the major
music rags. Coming off their appearance at the nationally renowned
Coachella Festival, Electric Six will be an amazing act to see in the
intimate urban setting of the Comerica TasteFest.
SATURDAY, JULY 3,
2004 3:00 p.m. THE SINGLES Original
tunesmiths The Singles are a Detroit garage rock band that blends jangly
guitar textures with golden harmonies and sumptuous melodies. Their
sound has a catchy pulse that makes most power-pop sound blasé.
4:30 p.m. THE COME ONS The Come
Ons are a Detroit favorite that has become even more popular overseas.
Infidelity Records of Australia just picked them up to release their
newest masterpiece The Ghetto Years. Drawing comparisons from
ESG to the Meters, the band is Detroit pop at its finest.
6:00 p.m. THE FONDAS A
combination of some of Detroit’s hottest talents including Steve Shaw
(Detroit Cobras) and Julie Benjamin (Slumber Party), The Fondas are on
their way to the top. Their accolades are numerous and then were
recently featured on Little Steven Underground Garage.
7:30 p.m. NIKO
MARKS LIVE Niko Marks’ sound is a blend of house and techno layered with
soulful, jazzy chords. Harmonic solos add depth to the tracks. His
first live performance at the Comerica TasteFest is not to be missed.
8:30 p.m. CARL CRAIG –
PLANET E One of
the original pioneers of the Detroit techno scene once again graces the
Comerica TasteFest for a rare Detroit appearance. But don’t expect a
typical brilliant Carl Craig set; this special performance will combine
the best of Detroit’s distinctive sound with his own unique style. The
result will be a live original masterpiece.
SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2004 2:30 p.m. ROOTS VIBRATION Roots Vibration is a Caribbean musical force with members from
islands throughout the tropics, as well as the funky streets of
Detroit. This band has a multigenerational and multinational appeal
with a sound that is uplifting and fun - their music will stimulate your
senses, and start our Sunday with a welcoming groove.
4:30 p.m. THE ELEVATIONS The
Elevations have intertwined Motown soul with a strong pop music feel.
Their niche is not derived from years of jazz and blues playing; the
musicians of this group hail from punk/garage rock, as well as R&B. The
excitement and passion that The Elevations put out on stage are second
to none.
6:00 p.m. BLANCHE Blanche has a
universal appeal with an indie country style that has impressed the
likes of Spin and Mojo magazines. Their newest album,
If We Can’t Trust the Doctors, is said to be “strangely heartwarming
in a heartbreaking way.” Blanche’s writing may seem mysterious, but it
is dependent upon the imagination of the listener.
7:00 p.m. RYAN
ELLIOT Detroit's Ryan Elliott
has gained notoriety over the past few years by programming sets that
are as well crafted and sophisticated as they are danceable. From ice
cold minimal techno to clean house beats, Elliott has played both big
rooms and martini bars with equal success.
8:00 p.m. JOHN ACQUAVIVA – FINAL SCRATCH – DEFINITIVE
RECORDINGS, CANADA A driving
force in the DJ world, John Acquaviva is a style-setter for today’s
music in the international club scene. He’s a DJ who knows how to
entertain and always makes a great club or local venue even better.
MONDAY, JULY 5, 2004 2:00 p.m. THE SIRENS It’s no
wonder this band refers to themselves as “heavy bubble glam” with their
loud, rocking, infectious tunes that keep feet moving. The Sirens are
influenced by a wide array of artists such as Ike and Tina Turner, Slade
and Suzi Quatro – perhaps as much in costuming as in the music.
3:15 p.m.
BACK IN SPADES This buzz
on this band is that they are re-popularizing guitar-driven rock. The
young, four-piece group has undeniable flashes of greatness and was
recently a “must see” at South by Southwest, a prestigious annual music
festival in Texas.
4:30 p.m. THE
CYRIL LORDS The Cyril Lords takes a minimalist approach to soul-driven garage
rock. The trio’s fiery mix of blues, rock, and punk has been a catalyst
to their eruption onto the garage rock scene, and has made waves across
the country.
6:30 p.m. NADIR –
DISTORTED SOUL Nadir
embraces his roots of homegrown blues, funk, jazz and guitar-driven
rock. His lyrics paint pictures of life, love and liberation, boldly
articulated through rich vocals. Nadir has an undeniable musical
message, which soothes the soul yet strikes at the heart of hypocrisy.
Presented by Between the
Lines
New Center
Park
-- Free
THURSDAY,
JULY 1 6:00 p.m. BILLY
WEST
Billy West’s rustic sound is deeply influenced by old country music. His
songs create images of rolling plains, dirt roads and slow heartbreak.
An impassioned performer you won't want to miss.
7:00 p.m. THUNDERBIRDS ARE NOW!
Thunderbirds Are Now! have an aggressive pop sound that is part punk,
part post-punk and part apocalyptic new wave. It has a contagious feel
and frenzied pace that will awaken your inner Sid Vicious.
8:00 p.m. AVATARS Hailing
from Ann Arbor, the Avatars play straight-up rock n’ roll. With an
amazing singer who can belt out strong, bluesy vocals and a line up of
great of musicians, they are sure to bring excitement and energy to the
stage.
9:00 p.m.
TROY GREGORY AND THE STEP SISTERS Troy
Gregory and The Step Sisters have songs about
sleepovers, Santa Claus, fireworks, bad TV, basement brooding,
popsicles, Morrissey, and bananas. You have got to hear this!
FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2004
6:00 p.m. JOHN
RICE
Bluegrass artist John Rice is a formidable singer and guitar player.
Though he plays solo, this gifted musician has a style that is explosive
and compelling
7:00 p.m.
JEFFREY JABLONSKI
Guitarist Jeffrey Jablonski has an intricate style that is beautiful and
spellbinding. His sweet voice and altered tunings create a unique sound
that is pure and original.
8:00 p.m. SEAN
FITZGERALD An
amazing writer whose songs are touching and powerful, Sean Fitzgerald
addresses love, loss and pain. His music is deeply moving and truly
heartfelt.
9:00 p.m.
NATHANIEL MAYER
& THE SHANKS
Nathaniel Mayer is a Detroit Legend who's back on line heading up a
Detroit rock-and-roll revival. After his 1962 hit “Village of Love”,
he’s shaking things up again. You won't want to miss this rare and
explosive performance by one of Detroit’s finest.
SATURDAY, JULY 3,
2004 5:00 p.m. WHIT HILL Along
with her band The Postcards, Whit Hill has concocted a folk-based
country and blues sound with a beautiful, real-life sadness. Many of her
songs are the soundtracks to the lives of hard living people and the
heartache from which they rise.
6:00 p.m.
DAN MINARD Dan
Minard is a powerful singer with a rhythmic guitar style. His songs are
interwoven with strands of blues, folk, country and pop.
7:00 p.m.
FRED THOMAS Fred
Thomas, the riveting lead persona of local rockers Saturday Looks Good
to Me, performs solo at the Comerica TasteFest to deliver his own
intoxicating
electric songs.
8:00 p.m. AUDRA
KUBAT The awesome Audra Kubat conveys crystalline messages of hope, sorrow
and reality. She commands the audience’s attention with a warm yet
chilling sound, and has been compared to her ultimate idol, Joanie
Mitchell
9:00 p.m.
THE TWILIGHT BABIES This diverse trio’s
sound is saturated with sensual nuances masked by melancholy lyrics.
Alison Lewis’ angelic voice sets the tone, complimented by electronic
beats and bass.
SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2004 6:00 p.m. RYAN POWELL Ryan Powell is a young solo performer who is gaining respect from
the locals with touching songs and lively style. His energetic rhythm
will set the stage for a great 4th of July.
7:00 p.m.
JOE SHAW TRIO The house
band at the popular Polish Village Restaurant in Hamtramck and some time
backup to impromptu musical sets by Renée Zellweger, this group knows
how to entertain a crowd with their old-school sounds and snappy
wardrobe.
8:00 p.m. DEADSTRING BROTHERS The
Deadstring Brothers may have the energy of lo-fi guitar rock, but their
sophisticated arrangements keep them from being just another band. They
deliver a menacing sound that draws equally on the melancholy of country
ballads and the abandon of rock and blues.
9:00 p.m. URBAN
FOLK COLLECTIVE Led by
award-winning singer/songwriter/poet Blair, UFC blends folk, jazz,
electronica, rock and more into a truly unique style. Urban Folk is
guitar-based, inspired by the past and headed for the future. This
band’s live show is electrifying.
MONDAY, JULY 5, 2004 4:00 p.m. A THOUSAND TIMES YES This
self-described folk-punk trio includes bassist Sparks and her two guy
bandmates on acoustic guitar and drums singing three part harmonies.
5:00 p.m. JAWBONE Detroit’s
own Jawbone is a one-man blues/rock/punk band that combines vocals,
electric slide guitar, harmonica, banjo, bass drum, hi hat and
tambourine. The result is stripped down blues with a dash of punk.
6:00 p.m.
SUNSHINE DORAY In the midst of Detroit’s rock scene, there is an unlikely shining
star in Sunshine Doray. Inspired by classic pop songwriter Burt
Bacharach, this piano and drums combo is breaking the rules of what’s
considered “cool” with a repertoire that’s part show tunes and part rock
songs with an emotional charm.
7:00 p.m.
DENISE JAMES Denise
James could be described as an alternative Petula Clark or Linda
Ronstadt with echoes of Patsy Cline. This extremely talented
songwriter, singer and musician from Detroit has a style that is a
gorgeous mix of jangle and harmony with a 60’s feel.
