2005 Comerica TasteFest


	THURSDAY, JUNE 30
	7:00 p.m. Straylight Run www.straylightrun.com Straylight Run features John Nolan and Shaun Cooper, formerly of Taking Back Sunday. On their self-titled debut, the band incorporates some emo cues, such as grand choruses and dramatic, self-examining lyrics. Led by Nolan's expressive vocal presence, as well as the piano work of his and his sister's, Michelle Nolan (who also handles harmonies and the occasional lead vocal), Straylight Run ranges from melancholy ballads, through mature pop, to the occasional decision to turn up the power chords.
	8:30 p.m. Coheed and Cambria www.coheedandcambria.com Coheed and Cambria officially began in 2001, although the band originally formed as a trio called Shabutie in 1995. After performing a poppy metal/indie rock sound for many years, they decided to shift gears and in the process, changed their name. Their first album, 2002's The Second Stage Turbine Blade, was picked up by Equal Vision Records and features a guest appearance by Bad Brains guitarist Dr. Know. In fall 2003, the band issued In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3. The vibrant sophomore effort recorded in Japan in between tours with The Used. Coheed and Cambria went on to play shows in North America with artists such as Thursday, Thrice, AFI, and Rainer Maria. Their first appearance on the 10th annual Vans' Warped Tour in summer 2004 and their first headlining European tour coincided the success of the "A Favor House Atlantic" single.

	FRIDAY, JULY 1
	5:30 p.m G. Love and Special Sauce www.g-love.com A trio from Philadelphia, PA, their laid-back, sloppy blues sound is quite unique, as it encompasses the sound of classic R&B and recent rap artists. Garrett Dutton – aka G. Love on guitar/vocal/harmonica, James “Jimi Jazz” Prescott on upright bass, and Jeffrey “The Houseman” Clemens on drums, complete the Philadelphonic Sound. G. Love and Special Sauce take their cues from many musicians including John Lee Hooker, Bob Dylan, and De La Soul.
	8:00 p.m LOS LOBOS www.loslobos.org Los Lobos was one of America’s most distinctive and original bands of the 80s. While they draw equally from rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music, their music never sounds forced or self-conscious. Instead, all of their influences become one graceful, gritty sound. From the very first recording, their rich musicality was apparent; they have found ways to redefine and expand their sound on nearly every subsequent record, without ever straying from the musical tradition that forms the heart and soul of the band.

	SATURDAY, JULY 2
	5:00 p.m. Faith Evans www.faithfullyfaith.com This is Faith Evans’ time. The First Lady, her debut record on Capitol Records, is a platinum-selling, Grammy-winning Faith Evans, as you’ve never experienced her. Direct. Dramatic. Playful. Passionate. Rich with wisdom, sexy, and brimming with an undeniable passion. Ten years into a career, that’s had its share of tribulations and triumph, Faith Evans has arrived!
	8:00 p.m. New York Dolls www.new-york-dolls.com Led by surviving original members David Johansen (vocals) and Sylvain Sylvain (guitars), the legendary, androgynous glam band--whose early 70s classics New York Dolls (1973) and Too Much Too Soon (1974) presaged the later explosion of punk and heavy metal. Most punk historians know that Malcolm McClaren was inspired to assemble England's Sex Pistols after being visited by the Dolls at the clothing store “Sex” on King’s Road. The current Dolls lineup, which includes guitarist Steve Conte (Company of Wolves), bassist Sami Yaffa (from Hanoi Rocks) and drummer Brian Delaney , are wowing crowds with tighter than ever performances and a mix of classics ("Personality Crisis," "Looking for a Kiss," "Puss N' Boots") along with new material.

	SUNDAY, JULY 3
	2:00 p.m. Gospel Brunch with Karen Clark Sheard www.karenclarksheard.com For more than two decades, Karen Clark Sheard and her four siblings, performing as the Clark Sisters, have been one of Gospel’s most popular and beloved singing sensations. In 1998, she received a Lady of Soul Award for Best Gospel Female Vocalist; in 1999 she was nominated for a Grammy and won four Stellar Awards. Ms. Sheard has collaborated with some of gospel music’s biggest names, including J. Moss, Yolanda Adams, Richard Smallwood and Donald Lawrence, as well as mainstream producers Missy Elliott and Mike City.
	5:00 p.m. Down to the Bone www.downtothebone.com Hailed as kings of UK jazz groove, Down to the Bone’s groove has since been harder, funkier, and juicier. Their music encompasses all that is funky, soulful and jazzy. As founder and producer of the band, Stuart Wade states, “it’s all about the groove…that is what gets people dancing, their toes tapping and their heads nodding.”
	8:00 p.m. John Hiatt and North Mississippi Allstars www.johnhiatt.com and www.nmallstars.com John Hiatt’s songs were covered successfully by everyone from Boonie Raitt to Iggy Pop, yet it took Hiatt 13 years to reach the charts himself. Particularly, it took him that long to even find himself as a rootsy fusion rock & roll, country, blues, and folk artist. Working with old friend, Jim Dickensen and his boys, Luther and Cody, Hiatt is slated to release Master of Disaster in June of 2005. Luther and Cody Dickensen, two thirds of a rockin outfit called the North Mississippi Allstars and along with their bass player Chris Chew, will perform with Hiatt at the Comerica TasteFest.

	MONDAY, JULY 4
	3:00 p.m. The Box Tops featuring Alex Chilton www.boxtops.com During their brief lifespan, the Box Tops earned a reputation as one of the best blue-eyed soul groups of the 1960s. Today they’re remembered not only for their smashes “The Letter” and “Cry Like a Baby,” but as the launching pad for singer Alex Chilton, who went on to become one of rock’s most revered cult figures thanks to his groundbreaking power pop unit Big Star.
	6:00 p.m. Toots and the Maytals www.tootsandthemaytals.net Toots Hibbert is one of the great voices of Jamaica; a legend whose career spans every development in Jamaican music, from ska through rock-steady to reggae. Toots and the Maytals have helped to chart the course of Jamaican music with unrivaled delivery and dynamism, setting new standards of excellence, and becoming the most enduring of all Jamaica’s groups.


	THURSDAY, JUNE 30
	Noon groovEssential A Motor City quintet whose name says it all. The many styles of R&B are represented by GroovEssential, with special attention paid to their underlying groove.
	5:30 p.m. Nomo www.nomomusic.com This 17-piece group comes together under a blanket of dance beats and adventurous improvisation. NoMo's music is a testament to ethnic and musical diversity.
	8:00 p.m. Nathaniel Mayer and the Shanks Riding high on the heels of his well acclaimed Fat Possum release, "I Just Want to be Held," Nathaniel Mayer and his band, The Shanks, always deliver a first class soul review.

	FRIDAY, JULY 1
	NOON HotSauce www.hotsaucemusic.com Four talented brothers collaborate with four talented friends for a high energy performance that's not to be missed.
	5:30 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.
	8:00 p.m. Thornetta Davis Band www.ThornettaDavis.com Miss Davis exemplifies the Detroit tradition of powerful female vocalists. This longtime local favorite and her extraordinary band are equally at home with jazz, blues, and rock n' roll. (Order her CD.)

	SATURDAY, JULY 2
	Noon Jazzeray A quartet of female vocalists sings solo and together. This performance will feature a tribute to one of their mentors, the great Nina Simone.
	2:30 p.m Penny Wells www.pennywells.com Former backup singer for the rising star KEM, Miss Wells will perform selections from her latest CD, Shine, which fuses old school jazz vocals with a smooth jazz sound.
	4:30 p.m. Rattlesnake Shake www.rattlesnakeshake.com An all-star lineup of Detroit's finest rock musicians unite to salute American and British blues styles.
	7:00 & 8:30 p.m. Lyman Woodard with special guest Robert Lowe Detroit jazz icon Lyman Woodard teams up with Robert Lowe, one of his all-time favorite guitarists, for a very special one time performance. (Order his CD.)

	SUNDAY, JULY 3
	12:30 p.m. Sugar This female trio applies jazz vocals, piano, and spoken words to materials ranging from standards to original compositions.
	2:30 p.m Gerard Gibbs & ReORGAN’YZ www.gerardgibbs.com This homegrown wizard of the Hammond B-3 organ and his fine band never fail to find their harmonic match.
	4:30 p.m. The Fats Waller Revue featuring Alvin Waddles Mr. Waddles is a specialist when it comes to "Stride" style piano. This show will pay homage to early jazz great, Fats Waller.
	7:00 & 8:30 p.m. Marcus Belgrave’s Tribute to Louis Armstrong Marcus Belgrave is Detroit's jazz ambassador to the world. This special performance serves as a mark of respect to the art form's greatest legend, Louis Armstrong. (Order his CD.)

	MONDAY, JULY 4
	1:00 p.m Fuego Fiery Afro-Cuban jazz from the streets of Southwest Detroit. The Fuego Dancers will also be on hand to provide dance instruction to all eager to learn their heart-felt choreography.
	3:30 p.m. The Motor City R&B Pioneers Joe Weaver, Kenny Martin, and Stanley Mitchell are true Motor City rhythm & blues legends. Their performances continue to garner worldwide rave reviews.
	6:00 p.m. Tim Bowman www.timbowman.com Tim Bowman’s contemporary jazz guitar serves as a vehicle for his deep spiritual faith. A perennial Comerica TasteFest favorite, this nationally recognized talent appears in a special hometown performance. (Order his CD.)

Order these featured Jazz & Blues Stage artists' CDs.

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Pure Detroit Stage
Second Avenue & Lothrop - Free

Presented by


	THURSDAY, JUNE 30 6:00 p.m. Lee Marvin Computer ArmS Six guys who listen to too much 70’s rock create a cacophony of musical chaos every time they play. Witness the RAWK for yourself as they assault the Pure Detroit Stage. Ghostly International & dorkwave.com present: 6:300 p.m. team dorkwave These five dork DJs are known to sample the more fun styles of music from the past and present. Join them and their eclectic crowd, dabble in some debauchery, and experience the collaboration of Mike Doyle, Rob Theakston, Jon Ozias, Mike Servito, and Allen Goodman. 8:30 p.m. Solvent (Ghostly/Suction) A synth-pop composer from Toronto, the one-man-and-machine artist brings electropop music to the masses. He successfully blends vintage techno-pop into modern techno. (Order their CD.)

	FRIDAY, JULY 1 3:30 p.m. Hellen This new band of femme fatales just hit the scene and will rock you to hell and back with their hard-driving rock sound and attitude. 4:45 p.m. mrnorth Formed in Dublin, Ireland in the late 90s, this four-piece made up of two brothers, a first cousin, and a next door neighbor, started playing together in their teens. Now residing in New York City, mrnorth exhibits incredible unity and tightness among its four members. Colin Smith’s vocal is unique and often compared to Jeff Buckley and Freddy Mercury. 6:00 p.m. The Hard Lessons Hands down the hottest band in Detroit! They will set the stage on fire with their explosive live performance and songs from their debut album Gasoline on No Fun Records. Be there to testify! 7:30 p.m. Whirlwind Heat Grand Rapids, Michigan manic new wave moog rock with a sense of humor, Whirlwind Heat’s debut album Do Rabbits Wonder was produced by Jack White. Need we say more? 9:00 p.m. ELECTRIC SIX They put the “Rock” back in “Rockstar”! The Electric Six return to the “D” for an electrifying set after stimulating the U.K. with their Detroit rock and wisdom. (Order their CD.)

	SATURDAY, JULY 2 2:30 p.m. Jo-Nab They bring the spirit of the islands to you via their music. Jo-Nab is one of Metro Detroit’s most authentic and favorite reggae acts. If Jamaica didn’t make your itinerary this year, have no fear; they will take you there. 5:00 p.m. Scott Morgan & Powertrane Detroit rock veteran and founder of The Rationals, Scott Morgan returns with his new powerhouse project, Powertrane, playing raw, Detroit-style rock ‘n’ roll backed by a band of rock soldiers. 6:30 p.m. The Hentchmen Returning from a national tour with The Black Keys and supporting their new album Form Follows Function, this Farfisa powered trio of musical madmen will command the stage and your attention with their hi-energy non-stop rock ‘n’ roll. 7:30 p.m. Greg MudgE http://www.gm313.com One of the city’s hardest-working DJs, Greg Mudge will take you on a dance excursion on his wheels of steel and leave you breathless. 8:30 p.m. Brazilian Girls It’s a rock n’ roll carnival when the Girls come to town! Their mix-up of reggae, electronica, jazz and bossa nova beats will leave you dancing in the streets. Touring in support of their new album on Verve Records, they return to Detroit to shake things up! (Order their CD.)

	SUNDAY, JULY 3 3:30 p.m. Dubphonics Two MCs and one DJ, this hip-hop trio has laid down beats from the Midwest to East Coast and left a mark with their mad rhyme skills. 5:00 p.m. The Muggs This rockin’ trio brings their “British boogie blues” and exuberant live show to the stage. Their long awaited debut CD will be released later this year on Times Beach Records. 6:30 p.m. The Reefermen A combination of some of Detroit’s most popular musicians, this hard-working cover act packs the bars across Metro Detroit with favorite hits including Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” and Bill Wither’s “Use Me Up.” 7:30 p.m. Mike HuckabY This well-respected local DJ has been performing around the globe for the past several years. In that time he has sold 1 million records and started his own label, Deep Transportation. 8:30 p.m. Kevin Saunderson One of Detroit infamous “Belleville Three,” Saunderson is acknowledged as one of the founding fathers of techno. From his role in putting out the best selling electronic single ever; InnerCity’s “Good Fun,” to his directorship of Detroit’s new electronic music festival, Fuse-In, his leadership in the electronic scene continues.

	MONDAY, JULY 4 2:30 p.m. The Nice DevicE This femme fronted power-pop band is reminiscent of 80’s new wave greats, but adds a Detroit spin to their sound. They will rock your holiday in a ‘nice’ way. 3:30 p.m. Natives of the New DawN By combining their love of vintage funk and jam bands with an uplifting live show they have become a local crowd favorite. Get into their groove! 5:00 p.m. Platinum Pied Pipers An off-shoot of the legendary Slum Village, they are charting their own musical path with their brand of intergalactic soulful hip-hop. (Order their CD.) 6:30 p.m. Amp Fiddler A soul man for the 21^st century! His appearance at last year’s Movement Festival was the most raved about performance of the event. Don’t miss him this time around, for his hometown performances are rare. (Order his CD.)

Order these featured Pure Detroit Stage artists' CDs.

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Park Stage

	Presented by Stirling New Center Park -- Free
This year New Center Park will again feature some of Detroit’s best singers/ songwriters and will showcase Detroit’s up-and-coming talents.


	THURSDAY, JUNE 30 6:00 p.m. Jon D. Rice This introspective singer-songwriter-guitarist will open the Park Stage this year with his understated acoustic style and compelling lyrics. 7:00 p.m. Joe Philips The front man of the late Few and Far Between brings forth his sound and vision in a stripped down acoustic setting. Joe recently released a limited edition debut E.P. 8:00 p.m. Space Heaters Comprised of an old-school, all star line-up of some of the city’s best rock veterans - Mike Murphy, Dave Hanna (The Ramrods), Dean Denizen and Pat Shaw - this new collaboration will rock you Detroit style! 9:00 p.m. Ty Stone Don’t miss this rising star’s set of rockin’, soulful acoustic blues. Stirling states, “One of the most amazing voices to grace the stage of 313.jac.” Kid Rock must agree, for he’s taken Ty under his wing.

	FRIDAY, JULY 1 6:00 p.m. The Pizazz This eclectic band brings their rock ‘n’ roll house party outside, kicking off an exciting night of music. They are young, brash and full of panache! 7:00 p.m. Molly Jean This up-and-coming 19-year-old ingénue has quickly made a name for herself around town with her carefree, simple pop style and sassy attitude. She has been proclaimed “a diamond in the rough” by WDET’s Ralph Valdez. 8:00 p.m. Danny Dollrod A rare stripped down performance from the Demolition Dollrods’ enigmatic leader. His style is as unique as the man himself. 9:00 p.m. Troy Gregory and the Stepsisters Iconoclastic Troy Gregory and his amazing Step Sisters have songs about sleepovers, Santa Claus, fireworks, bad TV, basement brooding, popsicles, Morrissey and bananas. You have to hear it to believe it.

	SATURDAY, JULY 2 6:00 p.m. The Dollfaces A band on the rise, these young musicians have brought their love and appreciation of 60’s and 70’s music into their sound and live performances. 7:00 p.m. Eddie Baranek Leader of one of the city’s best bands, The Sights, Eddie plays a solo set before heading back out on tour supporting their self-titled album on Scratchie Records. Catch him while you can! 8:00 p.m. AUDRA KUBAT Detroit’s stellar folk artist will be playing songs off her new album Since I Fell in Love with the Music and captivating the crowd in this return hometown performance. (Order her CD.) 9:00 p.m. Great Lakes Myth Society This Ann Arbor based band of musical marauders capture the spirit and splendor of Michigan with their maritime themes and poetic lyrics. They create a traveling postcard of songs. One of the city’s finest. (Order their CD.)

	SUNDAY, JULY 3 5:30 p.m. Vanguard’s Urban Artist Collective Local Youth-Spoken Word 6:00 p.m. Tides Back from a supporting tour with the Doves, The Tides bring their dreamy rock sound to the Park Stage. 7:00 p.m. Kelly Caldwell Ann Arbor’s own singer-songwriter will engage you with her breezy, country-tinged folk pop from her album “Banner of a Hundred Hearts.” 8:00 p.m. Loretta and the Larkspurs The lovely Loretta and her Larkspurs will entice and delight you with her sweet country songs about drinkin’, cheatin, and stealin’. Find out why Jack White is a fan. 9:00 p.m. The Holy Fire Their melodic aggression smolders in their kinetic performances. A debut album is currently being produced by Flaming Lips bassist Michael Ivins.

	MONDAY, JULY 4 4:00 p.m. In Lieu Of Early Manchester UK synth-beats updated in a relevant dark pop context, executes well. Spacey, dreamy, melodic rock transcends and will elevate the Park Stage. 5:00 p.m. The Recital The retro meets modern rock sound of The Recital is familiar yet strange. They are one of the Suburban Sprawl Music labels’ top acts. 6:00 p.m. JavelinS They will take you up and down on a musical rollercoaster that will leave your head buzzing for days with their dynamic and catchy songs. The Javelins create a jazzy, sound clash of musical mayhem unlike anyone else around. 7:00 p.m. THUNDERBIRDS ARE NOW! Thunderbirds Are Now! have an aggressive pop sound that is part punk, post-punk and apocalyptic new wave. It has a contagious feel and frenzied pace and a hyper live show that is not to be missed! Sterling deems, “The Allen Brothers are off the hook!” (Order their CD.)

Order these featured MetroTimes Park Stage artists' CDs.

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