You know I co-host that Doctor of Doo Wop radio show every Wednesday 5 till 7pm on WPON am1460 and heard round the world via the web on www.wpon.com. The show features Dr. Roman Franklin and yours truly Benny of Benny and the Jets band. I often refer to the show as the collage of musical knowledge and the biggest little show on the dial. We talk about the stories behind the music and have had more great guests then any little radio show deserves. Names like Martha Reeves, Temptations, 4 Tops, Mitch Ryder, Bo Diddley, even that wild guitar player Ted Nugent.

 

Last week we had a radio guest who goes by the name Huggy Bear. Huggy a great guy, who collects lots of stuff including antique radios, brought a 1905 cylinder recording of a song called the "Grand Old Rag" also known as the "Grand Old Flag."

 

OK. everyone sing along. You're a grand old flag, You're a high flying flag, And forever in peace may you wave. You're the emblem of the land I love, The home of the free and the brave. Ev'ry heart beats true 'Neath the Red, White and Blue. Where there's never a boast or a brag. But should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eyes on the grand old flag! That may be the first time anyone has ever done newspaper Karaoke. Or would that be News-a-oke.

Yep, kind of a Yankee Doodle Dandy of a song and I have been humming it all day. With all the fireworks, festivals, backyard B.B.Qs it is good to remember we are celebrating the birth of the nation. One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The United States of America

 

People around town getting excited about the Farmington Founders Festival. The festival runs July 19- 23 and features a Saturday parade, children's activities, food, historical tours, live music and entertainment. Also this year our friends at Gala American Bistro are promoting the Alley Regalley, food, wine, live music outdoors, good times under the tent.

 

Got a e-mail from Mr. Joe who enjoyed seeing a band called Red Hill. Joe says this is a great group. They feature four guys, two female back up singers and a lovely young lady on lead vocals with lots of red hair. The band does everything from Elvis and Patsy Cline to current rock covers.

 

Heard from my friend Glen who runs the Recreation Leisure Corporation on Grand River at Orchard Lake Road. Glen says lots of people told him they read about his Two Wheel Tuesday, cycle event in last weeks Gazette. Even though Grand River has been closed at the bridge west of Orchard Lake the party is still on. 5 till 8pm Tuesday, July 11 it is open to the public and will feature a bikini bike wash, food, door prize, and a FREE all ages Benny and the Jets band concert.