Column for October 13, 2005 

I got a e-mail saying I should rip the City of Farmington Hills. My e-mailer thinks it is wrong for the city to worry about people putting out garage sale signs and giving local business like Little Caesar's a hard time about their signs, when the city has a giant screaming yellow billboard of a sign for the Hay Day Festival right on the corner of 12 mile and Orchard Lake Roads.

I love to get e-mails and bits of information I can use in the column. In fact I can't write about things I don't know about. So if you know of a person, place or event for the column feel free to call my answering machine 313 730 1627 or e-mail benejets@aol.com anytime.
 
The late newspaper columnist Charley Manos was great at tying bits of information together to make an entertaining column. Bob Talbert had a gang of regular contributors that kept him and his readers up to date. Neil Rubin who lives in the Farmington area finds stories of interest and then turns them into columns. I kind of like what I call the shot gun approach, just throw a lot of stuff in and see what comes out.
 
I told Neil Rubin about Benny and the Jets being the opening act for Rock and Roll legend Bo Diddley Saturday, October 15th at the River Raisin Community Arts Theater in downtown Monroe. He reminded me about a time in Bo's life where he was very bitter. Diddley, 77 grew up in a tuff era for black musicians. Riding in the back of the bus. Having to eat and sleep at black only establishments. While all the time doing things his way. When my band performs I always say if you ever get the chance to see Bo Diddley in person take the opportunity. He is truly one of the innovators of rock and roll music. This will be a great show at a historic old theater, everyone should go. Call 734 242 7722 for tickets or more information.
 
I heard from Gino the Mailman. He thinks we should mention all the happening nightlife in the area more often. Places like Ganopolis, Pages, Coach's Corner, the Wintergarden, Bench Pub, O'Malley's, G. Subu's and Cowles. Even places like the new Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, The Chicken King and Dimitris Brothers Restaurant. Gino says he picks up his copy of the Gazette at Stan's Market in Livonia and then walks across the street to Bates for a burger and a coffee.
 
I was also glad to hear you can pick up the Gazette at the Farmington Hills Library. They have a rack full of them by the copy machines. I guess I also could mention the Livonia Civic Center Library Fine Arts Gallery. The Gallery is now featuring watercolors by Kathleen Spellman which will be on display through October 31. The Library is located at 32777 Five Mile, Livonia. You can call 248 738 6746 for more information. Hmm I hope they carry the Gazette there too!
 
Big Joe told me about the Ford Motor's Diversity Festival which featured polkas, pierogies
and music. The music was proved by local accordion legend Stas Wisniach also performing was the Frank Solano band featuring Sandra Dziedziula on vocals.

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.

Back to Outsight