Column for July 7, 2005

People call it the arts, supporting live music is a hip thing to do. But I believe it is actually good for you. Good for your heart, maybe what they say, good for your soul. I have seen the effect of live music on patients in hospitals, kids in day care. On crowds at stadiums and solders in combat. From Dixieland and Polkas, to Rap and Rock and Roll find what works for you and embrace it or like Chuck Berry said "Let the Good Times Roll."

If you are a hip live music supporter you should know who Steve Nardella is. Same with Liz Larin, the Regular Boys, Motor City Kings, Crossroads Blues Band, the Bluescasters, Dr. Dixie, Jerry Sprague, Ultraviolet, Bump, Rob Roy, GNS, Ray Street Park and Black Bottom Collective.

If not you need to get out, hit the streets. Places like Memphis Smoke in Royal Oak, the Fifth Avenue in Novi, Magic Bag in Ferndale, The Belmont in Hamtramck, even Cowley's Pub in Farmington. Clubs that support live music.

If you have a favorite band or a club that features live music, let me know about them so we can promote them in the paper call 313 730 1627 or via e mail benejets@aol.com.

I think a lot of people from our are will know the band name Steve King and the Dittlies, who recently performed at the Livonia Spree. Steve King a long time, very successful area oldies band got their start playing L. Y. I. shows at the hockey rink there, back in the 70s.

My friend Gino the Mailman says most people have probably seen the Motor City Casino TV commercials that have all the lights pulsing to the beat of an electric guitar. The guitarist is Brian Schram of the Brian Schram band which performs regularly at Bartini's in Clinton Township. Gino also enjoys seeing the Tommy C. Band, Killin Machine, and the Reflections.

Jamie Coe is out of Jammer II in Livonia. New owners have renamed the bar Oceans XI. The club will still has live music on weekends, but wants to concentrate of food. Think about the places Jamie Coe has performed over the years Jammer II, Jamie's on 7, the West Side Six, the Military Inn, Rose's, and Club Gay Haven are some that come to mind.

My 14 year old daughter says the most popular bands the kids are listening too are The Killers, Eminem, D-12, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Yellowcard, Ying Yang Twins, Foo Fighters, and even American Idol Kelly Clarkson.

Guitarist singer song writer Peter B has a new CD. To here it on your computer go to www.garageband.com/artist/peter_bonfig. Peter loves to talk music via e mail at pbogfig342@aol.com.

There is still time to get tickets for "The History of Rock and Roll Tour" featuring Bill Haley's Comets, The fabulous Oldies But Goodies Band, and Benny and the Jets Band. The show is 7PM, Saturday, July 16 at Pease Auditorium on Cross and Collage Place on the EMU Campus. For more information call 734 487 2282 or via the web www.tickets.com.

To reach Ben E. Jet call (313) 730-1627 via e mail benejets@aol.com and see the web sites www.bennyandthejets.com and www.reverendguitars.com. Benny and the Jets band can play at your club, event or house party for $250.