Living The Dream Out of The Back of Her Car

Six years ago Detroit native Sista Otis was ready to hit the open highway in her 1994 Geo Metro.  She was living the dream out of the back of her car… Her bags packed, and leaving the next morning, until a last minute call led her to the New Dodge in Hamtramck.  It was then that I met Sista Otis and became a fan.  My husband Richard and his band mates from A Hundred Miles (formerly the Michael Blair Project) were performing there that night for the first time.

From the moment she came into the bar she exuded personality, and when she got on stage with her much loved guitar, we were mesmerized.  She had this jazzy, rock, bluesy, and urban sounding vocal all rolled into one.  Even without a band to back her up, she plunked out some very sweet rhythms on her guitar.  But putting those talents aside, the most captivating thing about Sista Otis may be her stage presence.  She knows how to work an audience; she has that rare gift of personality and charm that set her apart from the others.  This may be a gift passed down from both of her grandmothers who toured, danced, and sang professionally, or from her father who practiced with his band in her family’s garage. But gifted she is, and disappointed we were that she was leaving town.  Musicians like to perform with like minded artists and she was a good fit for the style that they played.

Fast forward a few years and I found Sista Otis via social media.  We became friends on MySpace and Facebook, I had posted a couple of her videos and we started to converse.  I found her to be a genuine person with a genuine love for people from all walks of life.  She lived in post – Katrina New Orleans for a time and played street music for the people recovering from the devastation there.  She has traveled all over the country in her car making friends and playing her music without a “real” home of her own. Her living being made from the sales of her independent CD, “Worldwide Release,” which obtained more Detroit Music Award nominations in its history to that point.

She has had much media attention in the last few months due to American Idol runner up Crystal Bowersox, who mentioned Sista Otis and Janis Joplin as being some of her biggest musical influences.  Suddenly people were wondering who Otis was, and it paid off for her in surprising ways.  She became friends with Crystal Bowersox and they had numerous conversations during her American Idol experience, which led up to Sista Otis becoming Bowersox’s special guest in the audience one night, and in which she sat next to Bowersox’s then boyfriend and held up a sign that read “Mama Sox and Sista Otis say Save New Orleans.”  In the aftermath of the oil spill offshore, she was able to bring attention to her beloved people of  New Orleans. While in Hollywood she recorded her newest CD, “Charmed,” with Norwood, the bass player of Fishbone.  By the time this hits the press her first title track will be released during a CD release party at the New Way Bar in Ferndale on Friday August 13th.  You will be able to download the track titled “Charmed”.  She plans on releasing her songs one at a time, like they did in the old days, like her influences Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash did with their record labels.

May 14, Sista Otis invited several of her favorite local musicians to perform with her in what she called The Sista Otis Medicine Show, at Rosie O’Grady’s in Ferndale.  There were two stages, one indoor and one outdoor, it was a great night!  She gave the performers the star treatment, with professional photography, a great sound system, live radio broadcast by Mad World Radio, and she introduced each band herself, in her classic and complimentary style.

More recently, on Wednesday July 28, the Sista Otis and the Gospel of Rock N’ Roll show happened at Rosie O’Grady’s in Ferndale.  The line-up consisted of Sista Otis and her top notch musicians the Wholly Rollers.  Sista Otis hails from our own Detroit, MI., while lead guitarist Tami or T- Flash Gordon comes from Fort Colbourne, Ontario.  Bass player Lee Magnificent Fisher comes from Birmingham, Alabama, (his band mates say he put the “Bam” in Alabama) and Drummer Matt Forde comes from Mississippi.  Also in the line-up for the evening were, A Hundred Miles lead guitarist Richard Hounshell from Flat Rock and Tom Hagaman of Southgate who performed an acoustic set for the usually five piece band.  And ending the evening was Jeffree St. John of the band Sugar Spell from Plymouth, MI., who also performed an acoustic set, and was one of the original Wholly Rollers.

After the show I was able to spend time and talk with Sista Otis and her band mates.  I must say, they are all every bit as likeable as Otis, and very talented, studio quality musicians!  T-Flash Gordon has performed in the band TLC and did a short stint with Emily from the Indigo Girls, and when asked her major influences, gave  up Lindsey Buckingham and David Gilmour. Lee Fisher, who plays bass, played for Green Magnet School and named John Entwistle as his main influence.  And drummer Matt Forde played drums for Trinity Broadcast Network in Nashville and listed Phil Rudd and Billy Cobham as his.  Earlier I mentioned Elvis and Johnny Cash as influential in Otis’ musical career, but she had big love for Big Mama Thornton, Janis Joplin, the Doors, and was also greatly influenced by the Sun Players and the Memphis sound in general, as well as Bob Dylan whom she finds quite attractive.

Sista Otis and the Wholly Rollers opened up for Blues Traveler back in June in Myrtle Beach, one of the highs of her career.  John Popper gave her a shout out after her performance three times and gave her a kiss on the cheek, and then proceeded to tell her he loved her songs!

The band will begin touring in September starting in the South and will release their second single “Pink Caraousel” and have download cards available.  As Otis put it, “the whole CD will be one continuous party!”

You can find out everything you need to know about Sista Otis by doing a Google search, and if I may make a recommendation, check out her song “Rollin’ Stone” off her “Worldwide Release” CD, and also her new soon to be a hit single “Charmed” off her new CD with the same title.

By Michelle Hounshell

I met Doop via a mutual friend, Ty Stone. Ty claimed that Doop was an incredible songwriter and one of Detroit’s unsung storytellers of the music community. After sitting down to talk with Doop it became clear that Ty was dead on.

Don “Doop” Duprie hails from the downriver area. More specifically River Rouge. An area that was once teaming with factories providing the promise prosperity to the masses of appellation immigrants that came here to work in the mills and factories. But it’s now a dead zone filled with hollow carcasses many say used to be factories.  The death and subsequent decay of this area seems to be inspiration for Doop’s songwriting.

Doop started his career primarily as a songwriter. Working with fellow downriver musicians like Ty Stone, he‘d written album after album of Detroit anthems. “ We just love to create great songs , whether it’s country, metal or something in between, writing has always been something I’ve been compelled to do. Ty and I would get together and just bang out song after song. We formed a collection of writers of all sorts to focus on creating great songs. Eventually we gave a name to our songwriting group “The Inside Outlaws”. When it became time to name my back up band, “The Inside Outlaws” just seemed like the natural name”.  Doop, Pete Ballard on Pedal Steel/Guitar, Jim Diamond on Guitar, Katie Grace on Bass, and Dave Shettler on Drums unite to form The Inside Outlaws.

Doop  is a storyteller. In the vein of Bruce Springsteen or Bob Segar, his lyrics reflect with the frustration that many of us who grew up in southeastern Michigan feel when we drive by the closed Mclouth Steel factory or the location that used to house the Fisher body plant. There is an undeniable realness in Doop’s music. It’s a shared frustration of unfulfilled potential of the Detroit area and a changing society that sometimes seems rudderless and confused. Doop is every man. He’s an ex fire fighter whose layoff has left him no option but to look to songwriting and performing to support his family.  His songs reflect what we all feel. His 2009 release Everett Belcher is homage to his grandfather, who like many of our forefathers, came to Michigan along the hillbilly highway to build a better life for his family. Songs like “Burn This City“ seem to reflect the gritty perseverance that built this area while Doop’s version of Bruce Springsteen’s “Prove It All Night” highlights his ability to personalize and retell a tale that is familiar to us all.

Doop’s music seems to speak of smoldering frustration many feel when we think of how hard our parents and grandparents worked to create this now spoiled land of plenty. He tells a story we all know. It’s our story. Granted it’s been told many ways. Yet, still it needs to be told again and again until we, or sons of the sons of our sons find a way out of the current economic dead end street.

Doop’s appeal is in the purity of his songwriting. There’s no doubt that he is an incredibly talented storyteller. There is a familiarity to his music that speaks to not only who we are but who we were expected to be. The optimism of the baby boomers with their message of peace, love and understanding now falls on deaf ears. Their inexperienced idealism and kumbaya attitudes have in a generation not only destroyed the cash cow but left us the carcass to bury and no shovel to do it with. A lost generation disconnected from the promise of its fore bearers calls out for guidance and hope. Among this generation are doctors, lawyers, engineers and last but definitely not least songwriters and storytellers. And in history it’s the storytellers whose legacy endures. Without them mankind is doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past. In this way, Doop’s talent for painting a melodic picture of our world becomes most valuable. For it’s by building a unending prosperous future that we honor the memory of those who toiled to create what was once the economic capitol of the Midwest.

www.insideoutlaws.com

In July of 2009, Detroit Live sponsored its first annual Dirty Dozen Midsummer Rock Fest. The intent of this concert was to provide a venue for a multitude of bands to get exposure and perform in a family friendly venue as well as to initiate what would become a summertime tradition. The turnout was good and the talent was incredible. The weather however was not. The unseasonably cool weather, as well as the constant threat of rain put a bit of a damper on the outdoor festival. Yet, despite Mother Nature’s lack of cooperation, it was a fantastic event.

Fast forward to July 2010. Apparently the growth of Detroit Live Magazine and the incredible lineup of this year’s event have garnered the attention of Mother Nature. Turns out that she is a huge fan of Detroit rock and roll and she showed up in full effect to do her part to make the all-day all-night midsummer rock fest an unimaginably successful event. From the get go the sun shone down with unblinking ferocity to reproduce the picturesque summertime days that exist so vividly in our childhood memories. Due to Mother Nature’s apparent love for the Detroit music scene, the event was encased in a cloudless blue dome of unending summertime sky.

Kicking off the 2010 lineup was two of Detroit’s most entertaining acoustic solo artists. Paul Samotis opened the event by making his second Detroit Live appearance in two weeks. His half hour set filled with percussionary acoustic guitar and original rhythms set the perfect tone for what would be an epic event. The vibe Paul lay down flowed seamlessly into the next performer, Marni Sison. Marni, also an acoustic master, took the stage around 2 and mesmerized the crowd with his acoustic skills and velveteen voice. This being Marni’s third appearance at a DL show contributed greatly to his establishing himself as a crowd favorite and highly anticipated performer.

Next up was a complete contrast to the relaxing acoustic tones. Rushing the stage in beer-core style was Fall from Disgrace. These guys threw down a wall of overwhelming metallic bad-assness that impressed all in attendance. Lead vocalist “Bone” constructed his signature “Wall of Beer” on stage and proceeded to replace every of drop of sweat lost on the 100+ degree stage with a perpetual flow of fine pilsner ale. Guitarist “Diablo”, Bassist “Mr. Beefy“ and drummer “Mad Hammer” in addition to creating a powerful rhythm section, less conspicuously ingested a constant I.V. drip of alcohol infused human coolant. FFD fans have lovingly dubbed the bands style as “Detroit beer-core” and on this day they truly lived up to their newly created genre. Crack open a cold one and log onto: www.myspace.com/fallfromdisgracemusic

Which brings us to the band I would consider the unexpected crowd favorite of the day. The band 11th Hour caught many midsummer partiers off guard with their funky style and perfect mix of covers and originals. Bobbie, Phil, Evan and Brian have worked hard to create a project that can cater to crowds at a midsummer outdoor rock fest as easily as they do to a packed Detroit club. These guys (and girl) created an auditory “bigness” that impressed and moved the early evening masses. Check out some of their funkalicious tuneage as well as upcoming shows at: www.myspace.com/eleventhhourdetroit

Storming the stage in definite downriver style was the local favorite Remora. This female fronted rock and roll goliath has established a reputation as a band that lays it all on the line at every performance. Crazy Vonnie, Chewey, D2, Jessie and Jeremy compose this 50 gallon drum of audio awesomsauce. Vonnie, while heavily steeped in feminine attributes makes no bones about her devotion to serving up a man-sized helping of Detroit Rock and Roll. She explodes onto the stage to the delight of the multitude of devoted Remora fans that composed a large portion of the Dirty Dozen audience. Their performance of their hit song “Red Hat” electrified the crowd and left it hungrily anticipating their next opportunity to rock out with Remora. Hear “Red Hat” and find out where you can see Remora at: www.myspace.com/remoramusic

Up next was the all star line up of Attracting Insanity. Jay Sims (D.A.C./SYKOFISH/POWERSLAVE), Jeff Howey, Darrel Robertson (RAY STREET PARK), Phil Thompson (CIRCULAR MOTION, KID GLORY , DAD & THE BOYS) Combine these Detroit all stars with the energy, stage presence and incredible voice of Jayson Smith and you are bound to attract more than insanity. A.I. does an incredible job of producing the energy of COBO style performance with the intimacy of a corner bar. These guys busted out song after impressive song covering some of the best hard rock tunes known to man. From Godsmack to Zeppelin, A.I. nails every note. These guys should easily hold the top spot on any fan list of incredible bands to see this year. www.myspace.com/attractinginsanity

Over the last few years the band Underland has emerged as a Rock & Roll Pillar of the Detroit music community. Lou Abraham, Chris Lucas and Jimmy Dicesare while appearing to be three separate individuals are in reality each legs of a triple pronged tripod of face melting metal. The amount of energy, passion, originality and talent emanating from their performance is matched only by the throngs of dedicated Underland fans sporting their favorite Underland swag. In addition to writing epic metal masterpieces this trio has shown their prowess via promotion and marketing of their recent release as well as their full line of Underland swag, fittingly referred to as “Under-Wear“. Check out tunes from their hit CD “The Black, White and Grey” as well as purchase some cool underwear at: www.myspace.com/underland1

Up next was potentially one of the most anticipated bands of the show. Gates of Babylon is a formerly all female quintet hell bent on rock and roll world domination. Detroit Live introduced G.O.B. in the May 2010 issue. Since that time they have continued to write, perform and develop as a unit. This hellacious harbinger of metallic hotness made a lasting impression on the early evening crowd of Detroit Live rock and roll fans. Jessie, Sarah, Susie, Kristen and DRUMMER dude have done an incredible job of merging classic metal stylings of the late 80’s early 90’s into a modern amalgam of musical diversity. These girls (and guy) are on the rise and sure to become a mainstay of the Detroit if not American music scene. Get to their website at:
www.myspace.com/gatesofbabylonband and check out some of their new material. 96 Miles to Freedom, Shadow of Your Dreams and Phantom Night will impress and have you marking your calendar for the next Gates of Babylon show.

Up next was a band that needs no introduction. But they’ll get one anyways. Over the last year or so Detroit’s own Pistol Day Parade has exploded onto not only the Detroit scene but the national stage as well. From their humble downriver beginnings they’ve tirelessly performed and written some of the best songs to come from Detroit in years. Just tune into 101.1 WRIF if you have any doubt. Consistent airplay on not only Detroit rock stations but also all over the country is propelling this quintet of veteran Detroit rockers to the forefront of the national rock and roll consciousness. And as usual PDP fans were out in full force to cheer on these Hometown Hero’s. Song after incredible song served to reinforce their status as big dogs of Motor City rock and roll. Fuller, Guido, Rob Banks, Jason Lollio and Randy Watson are poised to step up from the Detroit spotlight and claim their rightful place among coveted National acts. If you haven’t already experienced their incredible song writing then log onto: www.myspace.com/pistoldayparade and get an ear full of Rockstar’s Girlfriend. (Three quarters of a million listeners can’t be wrong!)

For over a decade the boys from Ray Street Park have been blowing crowds away with their incredible songwriting and stage performances. Front man Rick Stafford is a seasoned pro who engages and enrages the crowd. Decades of experience have molded this son of Detroit into a master of controlled mayhem. Flanked by two of Detroit’s most talented performers Jeff Howey on guitar and Terry Martin on bass and propelled by one of Detroit’s most undeniably explosive drummers Darrel Robertson, Rick and the Ray Street Boys electrified the crowd. The masses of Ray Street Park fans definitely got their RSP fix this evening. If you are a fan, aficionado, maven or lover of ass kickin, horn throwin’, in your face Detroit rock and roll then it is your duty to get to a RSP show ASAP. With a hi-energy version of their hit song Comatose and incredible covers like Sabbaths Heaven and Hell, RSP shocked and awed the crowd. RSP is a band who has definitely paid their dues and has the chops to prove it. Check them out at:
www.myspace.com/raystreetpark then throw on your favorite Metallica concert jersey and haul ass to the next RSP concert. You won’t be disappointed!!!

Up next was what many may consider a newcomer to the Detroit music scene. But over the last year the band Forest Wade has carved out a following to rival some of the best Detroit bands. In addition to being featured on the cover of Detroit Live, these guys have graced the stages of some of the best venues in town. Wyatt, Aaron, Dean and Roger first were brought to my attention via a phone call from ex-Ted Nugent Drummer, Gunner Ross. Gunner’s praise of their performance was unending and prompted me to take a hard look at the band. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take a hard look to realize this band is destined to go far. At first glance one can’t help becoming energized by their incredible stage performance. But it isn’t until after the show do you begin to realize that you can’t get their songs out of your head. Tunes like Pure Evil and Mosquito ricochet around within your cranial cavity for days after the show. In addition to being great musicians and incredible performers these down to earth guys have managed to keep their feet firmly planted in the soil of Detroit rock and roll that has provided fertile ground for their ascension to the top of the musical dog pile. Bookmark their site: www.myspace.com/forestwade then check out their tunes. Gunner was right… these guys are going places.

Closing the show was metal monstrosity Myth Not Man. For some of the Detroit Live audience this was their first exposure to MNM. Following 11 of Detroit’s most talented bands is no easy task. But apparently it is one the boys from Myth Not Man were fully prepared for. Myths performance took the crowd, who were on the verge of meltdown from an overabundance of Detroit bad ass rock and roll and pushed, no shoved them over the edge. For 45 minutes the boys from MNM assaulted the senses of the over capacity crowd of Joes Prime Time with high energy rock and roll. Steve, JT, Joey and Mike showed that whether it’s the first band or the twelfth band, when DL Mag teams up with Detroit musicians to put on a midsummer rockfest its bell to bell rock and roll. Get to Myth Not Man’s website to hear their tunes and find out where you can catch them this fall. www.myspace.com/mythnotman

This being the 2nd annual Dirty Dozen show proved that practice makes perfect (or at least Better). But the credit truly goes to the hard working Detroit bands who participated. It’s not just the fact that they rock, (although that helps) it’s the fact that they all know what to do and they do it before even being asked. In regards to set up and breakdowns every band did what they had to do to help the show stay on time. Thinking about it after the show I found myself impressed by, and grateful for, all the great musicians and fans of the music scene who worked hard to create such an event. People like Susie Wilson and Steve the Sound Guy, MG Nader and Kathy Wyras, Joe, Gina and the entire Joes Prime Time staff all went way beyond the call of duty to make this a great event. So to them and of course all of the incredible fans of the local music scene, we say Thanks So Much and see ya at Dirty Dozen 2011!!

D.Counts

DL: Hey Phil, been a big fan and it’s an honor to talk to you.

PA: Thanks a lot man, Detroit rocks!

DL: I see you were just in town at the Kronk Gym, what’s up with that?

PA: It’s well known that I’m a big boxing fan. I heard a while ago that Kronk was having trouble because of the economy in Detroit. I sent them a check to help them out and I was the ONLY person who sent them one. Emmanuel Stewart called to thank me and invited me to be a board member. America needs a heavyweight champion!

DL: What’s going on with your band Arson Anthem?

PA: Fuck! Who knows man! We’re all so busy and all over the place it’s hard to figure it out. Hank III, Colin, and Mike, are all doing their things and I can’t fucking wait till we can get together and do this. The album is done, it has been, and we plan to release it in September.

DL: It’s pretty known that you’re a pot smoker, what you think about medical marijuana?

PA: Man, being here in the South, we’re behind the times. I think it’s great though! It’s a plant that grows in the ground, and it’s been proven to help people so I don’t know what the government’s problem is, we got a fucking oil spill down here and they’re worried about people smoking down. They should just let people grow it, and sell it to the government so they can tax it.

DL: Are you part of the BP music boycott? (A lot of musicians are refusing to use BP gas on their summer tours)

PA: I live in New Orleans, we all are boycotting them. We’ve got our president signing a bill to allow more drilling, and telling everyone it’s safe, while we’ve got black water out there. Instead of just fixing the damn hole, they’re spending more time arguing about whose fault it is.

DL: It seems like New Orleans can’t catch a break!

PA: A friend and I were just discussing this. When the Saints won, it felt like we were back, and now this shit!

DL: What makes it worse is that it wasn’t in the people’s control

PA: Well with the hurricane it wasn’t, but the oil spill, it was the peoples fault. Not directly you or I, but we voted for the people who allowed this shit. The ones who kept telling us it’s safe and we let it happen. New Orleans will bounce back though.

DL: Speaking of the Saints, you just had the chance to hang out with them I heard.

PA: This was my 2nd year of fantasy camp, and I got to interview Jeremy Shockey. A lot of United Way kids play a game and I got to be the QB. Now I used to play QB in middle school and I sucked then, so imagine how shitty I am now. It was a lot of fun and the vibe now that we’re champs is so much cooler. Sean Payton turned the Saints from losers into champs, and in my eyes he’s the fuckin man.

DL: Being an originator of modern metal, how do you feel about metal today?

PA: There’s so much different shit now, it’s pretty cool. My label Housecore Records has a few artists coming out that are all different types of metal. Warbeast has been doing well and kicking ass on the road. I’ve been working a lot with a band called Haarp and a band we have from Michigan called The Sursiks. They all have some great music out or coming out, and will be hitting the road soon. There’s so much variety now that I’m always listening to different shit.

DL: You’ve been to Detroit many times, any stories that stick out?

PA: I love it there; my better half is from Michigan. When we toured back in the day for Cowboys From Hell, no one knew who the fuck Pantera was. You guys embraced us like one of your own, and I’ve always felt closeness to Detroit. I’ve actually thought about buying a place up there. Now that ya got medical marijuana, I think it may be a good idea.

DL: You’ve been open about your past drug issues. How do you like that fact that you can walk into a Dr office and get vicodin or oxycontin, but they make such a big deal about marijuana, even for medical use.

PA: When you’re an addict, it’s easy to find doctors to “take care of you.” It’s even easier when you’re famous, and it’s all about the money. Pills are big business with the government and everyone else’s hands in it. Drugs like Soma need to be outlawed. I know, I used to take them. I would be on stage drinking a fifth with Dimebag and people would think it was heroin that made me so fucked up, but I was just in a Soma coma. That shit is bad, and it’s amazing how many people still take it. I’ve had friends overdose on that shit but you never hear about people smoking pot and od’n. I always hear people say that they are going to “drink safely.” Now I don’t know if you drink…

DL: I do

DL: Well there’s no such thing as “safe drinking.” Maybe not you or I, but some people will go drink a fifth of tequila and get on the road and take out a whole freeway. People get killed when alcohol is involved, and the same with drugs. With pot, that doesn’t happen, you’ll be lucky if you leave the couch.

PA: Thanks a lot for your time Phil, anything you want to say to the people of Detroit?

DL: Thank you and I’ll make sure to give ya guys a bigger notice next time I come out. You’ll get to see me in my shirt and tie all dressed up, it’s some funny shit. Come out and support the Kronk Gym Foundation.

For more info on Phil check out www.philanselmo.com and for the Kronk Gym www.kronkgymfoundation.org

Hey Detroit Live fans, Michigan mixed martial arts here and we at Detroit Live are proud to do our part and give you an unadulterated, no punches pulled coverage of what we know you, our reader, want and deserve. Now, to get started we have asked DL readers some important questions and have received some valuable responses. What we have found is that there are many of you are fans of MMA and feel that our coverage of live entertainment would be well suited to incorporate Michigan’s growth in mixed martial arts. What we also found is there a lot of our dedicated readers who would like to learn more and many more of you who do not have the first clue what MMA is or where it began. In fact other than fist swinging and blood flying many of you really don’t have any real knowledge about the sport at all. To help with this Detroit Live has decided to feature and cover Michigan MMA and we figure we should at least give you some base knowledge of the world’s fastest growing sport. So welcome to Michigan MMA 101, our crash course to bring you up to speed with some basic knowledge so that you may better understand and appreciate the world of MMA and we hope you will follow Michigan fighters as they work their way up the ranks and establish Michigan as a World MMA power house. Let’s begin…

Lesson 1: The Bar stool History of MMA

How many times have you been sitting at a bar drinking a beer with friends watching a fight a truly not had a clue what was going on or any good bits of information to add to the conversation. Well, with this article, now as you sit perched on your bar stool and contribute with some intelligent information on what you are watching. Mixed Martial Arts better known as MMA, originated from hand-to-hand combat predating the Olympic games of the ancient Greeks. These combat sports called Pankration came from the Greek words “Pan” and “Kratos”, meaning “all powers” and even back then only a couple basic rules. Rules such as: no eye gouging and no biting but all else was fair game. Lacking the mixed skills of today, the Pankration fighters fought in the traditional styles such as wrestling and grappling. The violent games were widely popular and the sport spread rapidly while picking up fighting styles and techniques along the way. The spread of Pankration is commonly attributed to Alexander the Great for recruiting skilled men trained in the arts of combat to fight as his soldiers in his armies. As years passed and Alexander and his pankratiasts battled their way across the land and fought through many countries such as India, different skills were passed on. In fact, most Asian martial art forms can trace their histories back to India around 326 B.C.E. Over the centuries the sport spread and other cultures picked up, passed on and added their own cultural styles. Styles such as Karate, Kung Fu and Judo developed from monks bringing the sport back from their travels and passing on their teachings. Styles like Judo found its way to into Brazil and morphed into the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that we know today. We hope that this brief history lesson will help you better understand the foundation of MMA .

Lesson 2: MMA Today

Today the popularity of MMA is overwhelming. It has evolved into the phenomenon that it is today thanks to mass media coverage and savvy businessmen. MMA has been around for centuries but is only now considered to be the world’s fastest growing sport. MMA fights are popping up everywhere and Michigan has finally caught on. The great state of Michigan has, as of this last winter, finally sanctioned professional MMA fights, opening up the door for promoters and venues to bring in top talent and allow local fighters to stay local. Up until the new year all of the MMA competition we’ve seen in our state, minus some at select casino’s, have been amateur bouts with a hand full of skilled fighters earning pennies on the dollar compared to what other states offer. Now before we go any further please understand that there is a huge difference between amateur cage fighting, where a couple amateurs with no or little training are given a few bucks and a T-shirt and then thrown into a cage to beat the crap out of each other, and the centuries old tradition and training of true Mixed Martial Arts. Though both are entertaining and we certainly have enjoyed those fights we at Detroit Live are looking forward to helping get Michigan to the next level. MMA today has grown to be a billion dollar industry and we hope to help Michigan get its fair share and we vow to do all in our power to help support local fighters, events, schools and vendors get the exposure they have so diligently earned with blood sweet and years of hard work.

Lesson 3: MMA Styles

By definition MMA is a mix of martial arts and fighting styles. Now MMA has continued to evolve by adding other disciplines and fighting styles to further expand into a greater spectrum of fighting. To help better understand this mix we have listed several common disciplines. Some of the more common styles are broken up into 3 categories: Stand-up, Clinch and Ground fighting. Within these categories we see a hybrid of styles including but not limited to the following;

Boxing: Known as Stand up or striking, this is a combination of jabs, hooks and uppercuts.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The end result of Judo entering Brazil and developing the guard position and many submission holds, limb and joint locks and chokes.

Judo: Traditional throws and momentum from ones opponent used against them.

Karate: Traditional stand up fighting using punches, kicks, elbowing and kneeing.

Muay Thai / Kickboxing: A combination of knee, elbow, shins, punching and kicking.

Submission, Greco-Roman, Traditional wrestling: Clinches, takedowns, locks, holds and mounts designed to submit.

Lesson 4: Training

Training comes in all shapes, sizes and philosophies. Whether a person’s training is in a gym or in a basement, they will always have the upper hand when going against a fighter who has not dedicated themselves to the sport. To make it in the world of MMA, a fighter must adhere to a combination of cardio, strength, speed drills and stretching coupled with a mixed regiment of training in the fighting arts. A well rounded fighter will train on Stand-up skills including boxing, Muay Thai, and Karate. This will enhance their footwork and striking skills. A fighter would also master skills including the Clinch which improves throws and takedowns. This includes Sambo, Judo, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Once down, the fighter will need to master ground skills. Here we find Submission Grappling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and more Sambo. These skills set up and achieve submission holds and almost if not more important help defend against them. A successful MMA fighter will work with a trainer(s) who can manage the integration of all these aspects, notice weaknesses and help build upon them.

Additionally there is one aspect the best gym in the world cannot teach nor can the best trainer instill, and that is “Heart”. You either have it or you do not. I have had the opportunity to talk with many promoters, trainers and fighters and they all agree you cannot be successful without it. For a fighter to even consider stepping into a ring, four sided or octagonal, he or she has to have heart. This is not a characteristic that all posses and many fighters fall short of having. Heart is that burning aspiration to go on despite all odds, to not give up and to go the extra mile when the body is screaming stop and pain is overpowering. Without this…without Heart, the fighter has already been defeated.

Lesson 5: The win

A win can come many different ways. A win can come by Forfeit, Disqualification, KO (knock out) or TKO (technical knockout). A win can come by submission or tap out, or a judge’s decision after time has run out. A fight can also be stopped from the corner or from the referee or fight doctor when a fighter is to badly injured they cannot defend themselves. Regardless of the reason, any fighter will tell you that a win is a win, though a knock out or submission is preferred.

Lesson 6: Modern MMA

MMA fights in America as we know them today were introduced in 1993 with the Ultimate Fighting Championship tournaments and in 1997 with the Pride Fighting Championships. These later lead to the formation of private organizations such as UFC and Pride, which soon after merged. In 1999 the creation of the MMA Sanctioning body, the International Sport Combat Federation or ISCF was formed. Today MMA is still in its infancy and MMA championships and leagues are sprouting up everywhere. Most readers recognize UFC and associate it with being MMA. The UFC happens to be the biggest, most recognizable and most advertised league in the US and often times get confused for being the all inclusive league for all MMA however, this is not true. This is one area we intend to help clear up. There are many fight leagues around the country and several here in Michigan. We at Detroit Live intend to introduce to you fighters from different leagues and schools representing Michigan and hope that you will follow their victories and defeats as we do.

What have we learned:

So far we have given you a brief bar stool history of MMA and where it is today. We have also given you a short intro to what MMA is and some base knowledge of the techniques, fighting styles and terminology. We hope that with this knowledge you will have a better understanding of MMA and we hope that you will follow local fighters and Schools as they make their way up the ranks and help represent Michigan. Follow along as they kick down the door to the MMA world and give Michigan the recognition it deserves. Join Detroit Live as we bring you up to date coverage and the inside dirt on the fights, fighters, the schools and the who’s who of Michigan MMA. For us the true beauty and challenge of the sport is not just in the size or physical nature of the fighter, but the skill and meshing of the different fighting styles to best fit each challenger. Fighters can no longer specialize in one skill set, but now must master several to compete at the highest levels and be successful. A well rounded fighter must train in several areas including boxing, wrestling, kick boxing, Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai and many others while having the elusive Heart to win. Fortunately for us and the fighters, there is an assortment of fantastic schools in and around Detroit where a fighter can gain the skills necessary to thrive. Detroit Live Magazine is excited to be working with and covering several local training facilities and proudly gives our endorsement to them and their fighters. Below is a short list of some area schools we recommend:

Local MMA Training facilities:

Fight Club (Waterford) 248-252-0427
1585 Crescent Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48327

Gladiator Gym (Brighton) 866-948-6672
3753 Old 23 unit 300, Brighton, MI 48114

MASH Gym (Redford) 313-387-5801
26575 West 8 Mile Rd. Redford, MI 48240

Warrior Way (Commerce Twp) 248-960-4884
3100 Old Farm Lane, Commerce Twp, MI 48390

Dragon Karate School (Lapeer) 810-664-5574
183 West Nepessing St. Lapeer, MI 48446

East Side Combat Club (Clinton Twp) 586-792-4250
34920 South Gratiot Ave, Clinton Twp, MI 48035

Detroit Live Magazine will be your printed source for all that is Michigan MMA and we hope you have found this bar stool tutorial informative and interesting. We encourage all parties evolved including: fighters, schools, venues and vendors to contact us for information on how we can help publicize your people, products or events. We intend to grow with you and watch you show the world what Michigan has to offer the world of MMA.

To be continued……

DL: How’s the tour going so far?

BS: It’s going good. I believe it’s the only tour this summer that has any relevance. We talked about this in January and we’re really close to all the bands, especially 10 Years. We’ve known Sevendust for years, as well as Wes from Puddle of Mudd. We wanted this to be an event more than a show. You can see a show any day of the week. We wanted to create a show where everyone will know some of the music. We have like thirty-five Top 5 songs between all of us and we want to give people the best of the best. It’s a long day. It’s a seven hour show, and there’s a lot going on with giveaways. The first four shows went well and we’re hoping for the same.

DL: Do you expect Carnival to be a yearly thing?

BS: It will continue on each summer, but I won’t say we’ll always headline it though. It may grow to something bigger, but the fans like seeing all the bands onstage, so we hope it will evolve to a brand name.

DL: So the fan reaction has been good?

BS: For us, personally, we did a totally different show. We’ve been touring for Sound of Madness for over two years and we wanted to come out and show the people what they built. The show we have right now is because of our fans, and they gave us a catalyst to move it further. This is the biggest production that we’ve ever done. We were able to break out a lot on this album and we put a lot of time into it. We plan on doing a lot of writing in the fall, then an acoustic tour, and then into the studio. Our goal is to outdo what we did on the first three.

DL: Your song “Devour” was used by the WWE many times. Are you a wrestling fan?

BS: I can’t say that I am, but our guitarist Zach is a big fan. I will say that I have a lot of love for the support that they gave us and the job that they do.

DL: How’s dad life treating you?

BS: I have the most wonderful two-and-a-half year-old boy, and there are not enough words that I can express about him. My son saved my life. I have a feeling there will be a lot of songs written about him.

DL: Speaking of your son saving your life, you used to have a problem with drugs. [Brent’s been sober for two years.] Detroit Live supports medical marijuana, which is legal in Michigan. What’s your opinion on the fact that it’s easier for someone to get prescription drugs, which lead to addiction, than it is to get something as simple as marijuana, even when they request it from a doctor?

BS: I think it’s a wonderful thing if it’s something that you really need. When you’re a kid and you take a pill, you don’t know the effects of it unless someone tells you. I wish that the people who introduced me to that side of drugs never did. People that are addicts will be for the rest of their lives, but at some point it gets to the point where you get sick and tired of it and you just stop it. Some people need help with that though, but I did it on my own. I was becoming a father and, quite frankly, I was just sick of doing it. With medical marijuana—again, if people need it—they should be able to get it from the drugstore.

DL: Any good stories about playing in Detroit?

BS: Hell yeah! A few years ago, we played the State Fair and a tornado was coming through. The rain came, washed everything away and killed the power. There was this crowd of about a thousand people, so we just sat down and did a forty-five minute acoustic set right there in the front of the stage. We love Detroit. It’s the greatest city as far as rock is concerned, and we’ve gotten nothing but love and support from everyone there. It’s not called “Detroit Rock City” for nothing!

DL: Anything you want to say to the people of Detroit about the Carnival of Madness event?

BS: If you go to any tour this year, come to the Carnival of Madness. It’s the only tour this summer that will give you the entire bang for your buck. It’s the tour of the summer. Come enjoy some good music and have a great time!

Don’t miss the Carnival of Madness tour coming to DTE Energy Music Theatre on August 7. Featured acts include Shinedown, Sevendust, Puddle of Mudd, Chevelle, and 10 Years.

For more information on Shinedown, check out www.shinedown.com.

Now going on its eleventh year, the Gathering of the Juggalos (GOTJ) has become the premiere festival for underground music. ICP and Psychopathic Records started the GOTJ in 2000 at the Novi Expo Center as a way of saying thank you to their dedicated fans. Since then, the GOTJ has moved through two states and will return to Hatchet Landings in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois for the fourth time. It has gone from a two-day indoor festival with a couple dozen artists to a four-day outdoor blowout that brings together F-A-M-I-LY from all over the world. The event includes over 100 artists and comedians alongside professional wrestling and all-night parties. It’s become so huge that it has even been spoofed on Saturday Night Live.

“This event is about family, and is for the Juggalos. Everyone is there having a good time and you never see people fighting. It’s just an amazing time that I get excited for every year,” says Psychopathic artist ABK (Anybody Killa). With 15,000+ people, you have to ask yourself how such unity is possible. The answer is the music and the message that ICP and the rest of the Psychopathic artists deliver. Granted, the lyrics are pretty raunchy and questionable to the average listener, but if you actually pay attention, they speak a lot about friendship, family and nondiscrimination. I’ve worked at many of the Gatherings, locally and across the country. Some of my best friends are people I’ve met there. These are people that will remain close to me forever. Everyone is there to have fun, do some hardcore partying, and listen to the music that brought them all together.

Speaking of the music, you’ll get the chance to see some of the best underground artists, along with some bigger names. Not only do you get to have your ears assaulted by ICP, Twiztid, and the usual Psychopathic super-groups (Psychopathic Rydas, Dark Lotus) but this year, they will be honoring the theme of their second (yes, second) movie, Big Money Rustlas, by using a “Best in the West” theme for the concert. West Coast hip-hop favorites like Kottonmouth Kings, Warren G, Above the Law, and Spice 1 will be sharing the stage with some of the East Coast’s best acts, such as Method Man & Redman and Naughty by Nature, as well as others like Tech N9ne and Sid from Slipknot. For the first time, there will be a Ladies’ Night with Tila Tequila and the “Queen Bee” herself, Lil’ Kim. There will also be Shaggy 2 Dope’s Old School Jam with Tone Loc, Rob Base and Slick Rick. Now remember, I said 100+ artists, so this is just a small taste of who’s going to be rocking the mic all day and night.

Another Juggalo favorite is professional wrestling. This year GOTJ will host Bloodymania IV (featuring such powerhouses as Booker-T, Terry Funk, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, Mad Man Pondo, Bryan Danielson and TV’s own Todd Bridges!) and Flashlight Wrestling at 4 a. m., during which the only lights allowed will be the flashlights the Juggalos bring with them (which may end up in the ring). Oh yeah, and let’s not forget the late-night live comedy provided by such funnymen as Gallagher, Tom Green, and even Ron Jeremy, just to name a few. Now, these are just the nighttime activities. All of this happens after a barrage of daytime fun such as autograph signings, seminars, Violent J’s Michael Jackson BBQ, and even helicopter rides.

Of course, the most fun part is the people-watching and interacting. You can’t walk for five minutes without someone giving you a “Whoop-Whoop!” or a “What Up, Ninja!?” (two favorite Juggalo greetings). You will meet people from all over the world that will accept you no matter what your background is or what you look like—and believe me, you will see some of the most colorful clothing this side of the Movement Electronic Music Festival. Juggalos get a lot of flack from the general public—and, as a Juggalo myself, I do admit some of it is deserved—but I assure you that you will never find such a diverse group of people that get along so well and actually respect one another. ICP and Psychopathic Records have been a big part of the Detroit music scene for a long time, and have never hidden their love and admiration for their fans, even those who grew out of ICP. Life is short, and if there’s ever a place to put inhibitions and prejudgments aside and just live for the music, the 11th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos is the place to do it. You’ll find 15,000 people there that will consider you as close as their own family.

Grab a case of Faygo, a tent, some party favors and an open mind, and be prepared for some good old-fashioned “Chicken Huntin’,” a little lesson in “Miracles,” and a lot of “Fuck the World.” Be careful, though. You may never want to go home… MCL!

The 11th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos will be held August 12-15 at the Hatchet Landings in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois. For more information, check out www.juggalogathering.com

First, let’s get things started. This is The Benny and Bob Show, or as Bob likes to say, “The Bob and Benny Show!” He is Bob Harris a. k. a. the Oldest Rolling Stones Fan and I am Benny of the Benny and the Jets Band. I’m also the guy who helps Bob write this column. Bob celebrated his eightieth birthday last month with a party/jam in Lincoln Park. We had a great time with lots of old people—Bob’s old friends, old bikers, old musicians, and now even Bob’s family is getting old. Sure enough, the cops came and broke it up. They where nice enough, but even after eighty years your parties still end up getting busted!

Guitarist Jose Reose and harmonica player Tony Harris jammed together. Both of them have played in several area bands like Traveling Blues and Eddy King’s band. I think they were called Little Joe and the Diplomats back in the day. Jose has a really good thing going. He does some Latin, some world beat, jazz, Motown, oldies, and blues and mixes it all up like Carlos Santana might. This is also probably the reason the party got busted.

Bob has been around town doing signings for his book Motor City Rock and Roll: The 1960’s and 1970’s, working on movie productions, and he’s always thinking about doing more concerts and promotions.

Eddie Cooper from the Exit band called Bob, and so did some people who wanted to say that the All Around, Quit-N-Time, T. C. Gator’s, Jackalope’s, Cecil’s and Joe’s Prime Time have the sexiest bartenders. Some bands called Bob just to check in: Chain Reaction, Pistol Day Parade, Ty Stone, Sykofish, Gonzo, Remedy, Robots in the Garden, Fifty Amp Fuse, and Salem Witchcraft. Even Richard Lawson, Olin Ezra, Mike Carey, Bill Cairo, Julia the Bullfrog bartender and Mr. Positive called in.

Oh, yeah. We can’t forget that Tommy Clufetos called, too. Not the drummer for Ozzy Osbourne, but his dad. It seems that Mr. Clufetos was shopping at Noir Leather in Royal Oak. Isn’t that cool? Ozzy’s drummer’s dad shops at Noir Leather. While he was there, he picked up a copy of Detroit Live Magazine and he loved our column. Especially when we told the story of Tommy starting out in his first band before moving to Mitch Ryder, then to Alto Reed, then to Bob Seger, then to Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and now to Ozzy. Mr. Clufetos says you can see his son on YouTube with all of those bands. You might find Mr. Clufetos on YouTube wearing his Noir Leather shirt and playing saxophone for Chubby Checker, who, by the way, is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Twist.

I was also celebrating recently. I was out late one night, dining with John T. at Dorian’s Coney and I saw a copy of the Redford Observer. It had a huge photo of yours truly. It seems that the Benny and the Jets Band is celebrating their twentieth anniversary of performing at the Wayne Road Pub every Tuesday night. (I mention the Observer by name because they mentioned Detroit Live Magazine. I figured that if they mentioned us, we should mention them.) The Mayor of Westland, William Wild, put out a proclamation and a press release congratulating the Wayne Road Pub and Benny and the Jets Band for doing business in Westland for twenty years! When you think of it, this really could be some kind of record. Seldom do bands, clubs or gigs last twenty years. Even doctors, lawyers, or plumbers seldom do business in one town for that long. Whether you’re in New York, L. A., London, or anywhere else, you just are not going to see many twenty year gigs. Special thanks to Ron and the lovely Cindy who run the club and support live rock and roll. I guess we could also note that they have great burgers and bikini waitresses!

Okay, speaking of waitresses, how much do you tip? How much should you tip? No one likes to be told how much they have to leave, but it seems like everyone kind of wants to know. In the old days, most people left ten percent. If the bill was ten dollars, you left a buck; but, when you think of it today, what is a girl going to get for a buck? It really is nothing nowadays to leave a fifty or even 100 percent tip. If you had a good waitress and you left her five bucks, that’ll get her a burger or a little over a gallon of gas. Remember, if you are a player, you need to be a payer.

Contact Benny and Bob via e-mail at benejets@aol.com or by calling 313-730-1627.

As always, feel free to call Bob directly at 313-399-8285. He loves to talk about the old days!

See Benny and the Jets Band Sundays at the Fiddle Bikini Bar in Wayne, on Tuesday with Fayleen the bartender at the Wayne Road Pub in Westland, Thursday with Maggy the bartender at the Redford Moose on Five Mile, and a special, one night only, all ages show at 6 p. m. Monday, August 16 with the original ? Mark and the Mysterians (of “96 Tears” fame) at O-Tools, 4000 Cass Elisabeth Rd. in Waterford, MI.

TAURUS: This should be a great month for most bulls out there. In August you’ll get the green light to move forward on family projects. As far as stress goes, August should bring some relief to you in the form of money. Also, I would not be surprised if you are invited to group activities in the form of concerts and/or fundraisers. Go for it!

GEMINI: Looking at the big picture is highlighted for our twin friends. Others may come to you with questions about finances. Tell them straight up that it’s nobody’s business but yours and your business associates’. Make sure you keep records and documents handy as a back-up plan. You will probably need them in the coming months. Good Luck!

CANCER: Luck rides with the crab in August. You will get the help you have been waiting for. Old connections will bring good news! Moneys flows and love grows so what else could you ask for? Go ahead! Wish for it! You’ll probably get it!

LEO: First, let’s say “happy birthday” to our lion friends. The stars say you should put others to the test. People are drawn to you this month and you might get a chance to see who’s real and who’s not. Music is featured and so are new friendships, others look to you for encouragement and enlightenment. This will be a great month for this fire sign to burn hot.

VIRGO: Wow! Last month was a blast for most Virgos and it looks like August will be much the same. The stars say this is a good month for each Virgo to find that special someone. The stars also say this is a great time to soothe any past misunderstandings. Do it! You will feel better later!

LIBRA: This is another month of making deadlines and appointments for those under the sign of the scales. This will be a great time to bring together the people around you and create a think-tank for any new ideas that have not yet been implemented. No one can bring ideas to life like a Libra on a mission. The key to success this month is to trust the people around you. All you have to do is ask and you will receive!

SCORPIO: This will be another month in which family is important. You’ll become a player in the game of life whether you like it or not. It’s lucky for your family that you see things the way they are, and not how everyone wishes they would be. Don’t be surprised if everyone agrees with you when it comes to making good decisions for the group and not just an individual.

SAGITTARIUS: The stars say that archers will be traveling quite a bit in August. Whether long distances or just around town, it looks like Sagittarius will be on the move this month. Our archer friends might have to set down some new rules at home, too. Without a doubt, someone may be trying to change the game you are setting up. Don’t let this happen! You have put in a lot of time and effort to get your house in order. Stay strong!

CAPRICORN: Getting a clear message across to others is on the agenda for all goats. People may come to you with new ideas but make sure that they are good for everybody involved in the project, not just an individual. Raising more money for your cause should be a big concern this month. Try a fundraiser or a party and make sure everyone knows about it!

AQUARIUS: Out with the old and in with the new. You have been playing the same game and selling the same product for a long time now. The stars say that this is a great time to try something new. Change is in the air for our Aquarian friends this month. Think big it will pay off! I guarantee it!

PISCES: Plain and simple: you can’t always get what you want but, in August, you’ll get what you need. It will be in your best interest to let others make decisions concerning property or legal matters. This is not to say you can’t be involved but this would be a great time to let others express their ideas as well.