Posts Tagged ‘Ferndale’
The 9th Annual Nirvana Tribute Brings Grunge To Ferndale
Saturday night was filled with the sweet sounds of Nirvana in downtown Ferndale.
In its 9th year, the annual tribute had an excellent turnout at New Way Bar.
With flannel fittingly abound, the night’s most popular fashion was definitely dressing down.
The venue had a fun atmosphere with popcorn popping and games being played throughout the bar of pool, darts, etc.
Starting off the night with a lovely acoustic vibe was Detroit’s own Greater Alexander.
He entered with, “I’m going to start off the night with the two most depressing songs by Nirvana”.
He presented great renditions of “Polly” and “Pennyroyal Tea”.
Next up was Dr. Mindbender. The band brought an electronic feel with some unique vocal effects. They certainly played an enjoyable interpretation.
Third to the stage were the talented gents of The Very Apes. The three fellas delivered excellent rock, and spot on covers of some Nirvana favorites. Full of passion and precision, The Very Apes did not disappoint.
While the next act was preparing, local Mike Krupunski took to the stage, armed with just a guitar and vocals. He entertained with a couple of Nirvana B sides.
Under the moniker of Slim Pikenz and The Big Appetite, the night’s organizer, Dustin Lince fronted a powerhouse set.
They hit hard with some screaming favorites, emphasing some “Bleach” tracks like “No Recess” and “Negative Creep”.
Between each song they joked ,”We have fourteen more songs”.
Before the last song, Dustin joked again,”We have one more song. It’s fourteen minutes long”.
They ended with “Tourettes”.
Last but not least, the talented Mike Krupinski took to the stage again with a couple of friends.
“You can call us The Kurt Cobains or The Lefties.” Each gentleman was indeed a leftie, just like the night’s hero, Kurt Cobain.
They closed out the evening with some more on point rocking favorites.
Each band kept a friendly conversation open with the audience, insiting participation and fun.
The night was a wonderful tribute to not only Nirvana itself, but to Kurt Cobain.
Personally, I’m already looking forward to next year!
Words and photos by: Tiffany Cuthrell
Ferndale Pays Tribute To The Music Of Nirvana
Music lovers were out in flannel droves this past Friday for Detroit’s annual Nirvana Tribute.
Every year, Nirvana fans unite in a different part of the Motor City for an evening of great music and wonderful tribute from some of the area’s greatest artists.
The metro Detroit event, which is now in its 8th year, took place at Ferndale’s New Way Bar on Woodward Avenue.
The packed house was filled to the brim, with Nirvana shirts abound.
Musicians electrified the stage with energy, passion, and even a few Kurt Cobain quotes tossed in. Bands covered Nirvana jams from all over the band’s discography spectrum.
At the end of the evening, members of powerhouse band Fucking Swords And Fire Will Kill You began packing up the stage, while a couple of musicians stayed behind. The remaining folk circled together and decided to give “All Apologies” a try, the closing track off of Nirvana’s last record entitled “In Utero”. Having clearly never rehearsed the song as a unit, the makeshift band started into the song as best as they could, while the crowd sang, clapped, and cheered them on.
With another successful year under its figurative belt, the annual Nirvana tribute is sure to be back in a delightful manner for excited music fans in 2018.
Words and photos by: Tiffany Cuthrell
Dum Dum Girls Truly Enchant At The Loving Touch
Los Angeles-based group, Dum Dum Girls made a stop at Ferndale’s Loving Touch on Sunday March 30th.
The talented group is touring in support of their newest and third album, “Too True”, which was released in January.
Opening the night was exceptional band, Blouse, hailing from Portland. The band brought a subtle, yet impactful presence whilst playing a number of songs from their latest LP, “Imperium”, as well as earlier works from their self-titled debut. Blouse presented a dream pop vibe that seemed perfectly fitting to set the stage for Dum Dum.
(check out their unique video for “Ghost Dream” below)
Dum Dum Girls emerged under dim lights ready to put on a terrific show. The powerful ladies presented music from their latest LP, as well as tracks from earlier discography. Some faithful fans in the audience sang along to every word.
Equally matching presence with beauty, mic stands were adored with colorful flowers. Lead singer Dee Dee Welchez sparkled in a glittery black ensemble.
The band closed out their set with “Sight of You”, a great cover from Pale Saints’s 1990 album, “The Comforts of Madness”.
After exiting the stage, Dum Dum Girls returned for a two song encore.
Dum Dum Girls will be heading to the western part of the United States, before taking their tour overseas in May.
Setlist:
1. Bedroom Eyes
2. In the Wake of You
3. I Will Be
4. He Gets Me High
5. I Got Nothing
6. Too True to Be Good
7. Are You Okay?
8. Rest of Our Lives
9. It Only Takes One Night
10. Under These Hands
11. Lord Knows
12. Sight of You (Pale Saints cover)
Encore –
13. Lost Boys & Girls Club
14. Coming Down
Review and photos by: Tiffany Cuthrell