December 2011
The Voodoo Experience is a three day music festival that is held in late October in conjunction with the Halloween celebration. The festival is held at the City Park in New Orleans, A 1300 acres plot of land that used to be a plantation is now a host to Music, Art and Celebration of NOLA history.
“Louisiana Voodoo combines elements of European and African beliefs. It is a dynamic religion that has both adapted to and shaped New Orleans culture” ~Wikipedia~
Crackjaw
CRACKJAW
Photos by M.G. Nader
For the band CRACKJAW the last decade has been a hell of a ride. Line up changes, combined with playing over 1200 gigs in the last few years has put them on the precipice of success. After a decade of writing, recording and performing, this explosive quartet has definitely found their mojo. With the upcoming release of their “Just Got Ugly”CD and a new video for the song “Dig It” they’re on the verge of breaking out bigtime. We had a conversation with Lead Singer Ian Thomas to discuss their metamorphisis from hardworking unknowns into becoming one of Michigan’s most talked about new bands.
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper tribute artist John Klenn talks with
ALICE COOPER
photos by M.G. Nader
Before anyone had ever heard of shock rockers like Marilyn Manson, or Rob Zombie, one man pushed the envelope regarding live rock and roll performances. Since the last 60’s Alice Cooper has been creating some of the most impressive theatrical rock and roll experiences the world has ever scene. Combining the art of illusion with horror and good old fashioned rock and roll is a skill that Alice not only invented but perfected. Detroit Live caught up with Alice in late September to talk about his long career as well as to get an insight as to how he creates his onstage executions.
DL: What was your inspiration for the creation of the persona, “Alice Cooper” and where did the
actual design of the make-up come from?
AC: Rock and needed a villain. I was born to be a villain, a fictitious villain. I have no idea where the make-up came from, I was just playing around with it one day and it came about. I think it looks like a cross between a dangerous clown and a drag queen.
DL: What are your thoughts on tribute acts covering your band?
AC: It’s always a compliment that someone would spend all that time learning your music... I like obsessive people. It really bothers me though when they do our songs better than us... KILL THEM!! I always laugh though when someone says, “Look how much he looks like you!” and the guy is 200 lbs. and 5 ft, 2 in.
DL: Is Calico still touring in your show?
AC: Calico is now focusing on acting full time. Cali has been able to talk her way out of sunburn from the age of 9... She’s hilarious, and belongs on stage. Right now she is doing movies, and is also part of an improv comedy group called the Groundlings. They are the group that regularly feeds talent to Saturday Night Live. I sort of kicked her out of the nest; I said “this is too easy for you”. She needed to get out there and do something challenging. You can see what she’s up
to at calicocooper.com.
DL: Saw your show in Detroit W/Ace Frehley, great show! Have Alice Cooper and Kiss ever shared the stage?
AC: That really was a great show in Detroit. That was the last show of the US run this year, and it’s always kind of a nice sigh of relief when you’re wrapping up a tour, but it’s bitter sweet. That was actually our last full show with guitarist Damon Johnson. He left to join his favorite band Thin Lizzy, which is why we now have Australian guitar prodigy, Orianthi, in the band. Anyway, we’ve done shows with Ace a bunch of times, he’s really a great guy. Kiss? They’re the guys with the makeup right? We have done a few shows with Kiss, most recently in New Zealand a couple years back. We played a big stadium festival. Now that was a show, Alice Cooper and Kiss on the same stage. Sort of two paraworlds coming together.
DL: How? Where do you come up with the executions in your show?
AC: The executions are classic killing machines. It has to be a shocking death, something that’s 
hard to fake. A hanging, guillotine, or an iron maiden are hard to fake. They have been Alice gems for 40 years, and people look forward to seeing the bad guy get what he deserves, and then be resurrected in top hat and white tails. The electric chair was a staple Alice execution, but it’s too slow and not as shocking ironically enough.
DL: Will Alice and the boys be going anywhere new on this tour?
AC: Yes, we will be in Jakarta and Singapore for the first time ever this year. We are very excited to see these places. We end up in mostly the same cities year after year, so it’s always great when new markets open up. I can’t wait to get into China.
DL: Who haven’t you played with... that you’d like to?
AC: I haven’t played with Jack White or Eminem... Two drastically different musical styles but both amazingly talented. I also think Lady Gaga and I should do “I Got You Babe”, just to make people angry.
DL: Where do you see Alice in say...10 yrs? That would be 2021.
AC: As always, on tour, or in the studio. The R word isn’t even in my vocabulary.
Thanks from Alice! Go Lions, Go Tigers, Go Big Blue!
Kid Rock Foundation Tribute
The Old Newsboys’ Goodfellow Fund of Detroit
To Honor Kid Rock and Kid Rock Foundation
22nd Annual Tribute Breakfast
September 30, 2011
Detroit, August 24, 2011 – While ticket sales have been strong, it’s not too late to purchase tickets for the Old Newsboys’ Goodfellow Fund of Detroit’s 22nd Annual Tribute Breakfast, September 30 at Cobo Center. The charity will honor internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, philanthropist and native Detroiter, Kid Rock and the Kid Rock Foundation with the Edward H. McNamara Goodfellow of the Year Award at the 8:00 A.M. event. The “Great Voice of the Great Lakes” WJR, a major sponsor of the event, will broadcast portions of the breakfast live during The Paul W. Smith Show.
The Edward H. McNamara Award is a prestigious honor presented to distinguished and noteworthy individuals who have significantly contributed to the community. Kid Rock continuously shows his support for Detroit and its people through various philanthropic initiatives, using his influence to raise money for many causes.
“The response we’ve had to honoring Kid Rock and Kid Rock Foundation has been very positive. With steady ticket sales, this year’s Tribute Breakfast will undoubtedly be one of the best attended ever. Thanks to Kid Rock who shares our commitment to Detroit and its youth,” said Mike Coakley, President, Detroit Goodfellows.
