The Boat Works

Get out on the lake because The Boat Works.
Leave all your troubles at home because The Boat Works.
Grab all your friends and be prepared to hum a few songs because, The Boat Works.

While it isn't exactly time to saddle up the coolers, chips, and suntan lotion to hit one of the many lakes in our great state of Michigan, there is a place in St Clair Shores where the boat is always running and the beer flowing. There isn't a pool table or a DJ spinning the latest jams. There isn't a guy who spent way too many hours in front of the mirror at the gym charging you money at the door BEFORE you even get a beer. There isn't even room for a dance floor. No, its a small place with an original sign outside slightly slanted with age and a few parking spaces welcoming friends inside for a cold drink and food.

If you haven't yet guessed it, it's called The Boat Works. Located on Harper just north of 12 mile, the bar is frequented by many locals around the area. Its one of those bars that when you walk in you say, "Its good to be home". Where you go to drink and enjoy conversation with good family and friends.

In this time of uncertainty, unstable jobs, no jobs, and choosing which bill is most important to pay first, it is nice to have a place to go to unwind with a welcoming atmosphere. (And might I add VERY reasonable drinks) I recommend stopping by The Boat Works in you're on that side of town and if not, finding your own "Boat Works". There's something unique about the local bar you can't find in a club or in the big cities. It's the friendly waitstaff who work there because they enjoy seeing regular faces, who know what it feels like to be your neighbor, and who welcome you in no matter what your age or shoe size. It's local and inviting.

If the boat works, you might as well go for a ride and enjoy the good times.

Oh the Shenanigans!

Well it was pre St. Patrick's Day weekend in metro Detroit, and I was out in full force! Started Friday night in good ol' Hamtramck for the 8 year reunion show of the infamous band Telegraph. Two out of the three opening bands were suprisingly fantastic. But The Transfer needed some extra work! With the Stella Artois flowing like a kid's drinking fountain, all was not lost though!

Thought that since I still don't have Tuesday off as a national holiday, that I would begin my annual celebration of all things green a lil early! Met Sarah, Dan, and Carmen up at Pat O'briens for a late evening snack and do a little pregaming before the evening festivities. Patty O's as the locals call it was in full swing with the "all Irish, all the time" atmosphere and fare! I tried out Bangers n Mash for the first time and was thoroughly impressed! Caught a couple of songs from the local bluegrass band The Catfish Mafia, then hightailed it outta there for some drinking games and Rockband at Dan's.

Tuckering out after a fair amount of imbibing, only to wake up to a spectacle of schmucks and the like decked out to the T's in green shit. Green hair, green shirts, green underwear, green shoes. green beer, oh my!

Whomever thought it was a good idea to skip breakfast and move right along to 16 ounce glasses of Guinness followed by shots "straight outta the bottle" of Jameson Irish Whiskey had one thing on their mind. And that was to make sure to punish their liver!

With 15 people in tow we began the journey downtown to the shadows of old Tiger Stadium for the 51st annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Corktown. The weather was beautiful, the crowds were calm, and the beer was a plenty! One's memory can get pretty foggy with the repeditiveness drinking one after the other of the famous Corktown red. But I did make it to work on time this morning. And I also have the chance to laugh at the hungover schmucks on Wednesday. But, always be vigilant. Because I might be right along with them! hahaha

So I wait with all the patience in the world for next weekend to come. 'Cause Terese is going to be visiting from the big GR and we will of course be up to no good. What else would we write about if we didn't? Martha Reeves being an idiot. Now I don't have that much time in my busy schedule!

Until next time!

Jeff

The Triumphant Return of MJ and a Whale You Love

It's true, rumors have been circulating about a final Michael Jackson tour and what it could possibly be like. Will he just sing the Thriller album? Will Tito make an appearance? Can children get it? (Ok, maybe that was taking it a little too far but you get the point)

While discussing the line up for this year's Rothbury festival, myself and fellow blogger Jeff, couldn't help but joke at the idea of MJ himself playing the festival. Could you image The Grateful Dead playing and right after hearing Thriller? No, it wouldn't be a bad trip, it would be pretty much the craziest, yet awkwardly awesome concert line up known to man. If we could squeeze Tom Jones in there somewhere I don't know what I'd do. Anyway, as we chatted via Facebook about the possibility, a childhood memory came upon us about Michael Jackson, The Free Willy movie. While it kinda creeped me out that I was able to relate a childhood memory to one of the greatest musicians turned creepy that ever lived, I couldn't help but share our convo. In order to truly get a truly memorable and hilarious time out of this post, you must first watch the Free Willy YouTube video. You may be laughing abnormally loud so please know who you're around. If you watch this on your iPhone in the middle of some large public audience and start cracking up, we'd love to hear about it.

Without further ado, me and Jeff reliving our Free Willy childhood:

Jeff: It was soooo windy , I saw a man chasing after his toupee down Harper today! Boy did he have a embarassed but determined look on his face! Hope all is welll with you in the big GR. And, I'm ready for suprises in store next weekend!!!

Terese: are you serious!?
Jeff: hahaha, yes ma'am

Terese: that is ridiculous! best story of the week
Jeff: alright three more artists that are going to be at Rothbury: String Cheese Incident, Carl Cox, Jack Johnson . . . . . . .I hope you are writing these down!

Terese: ahhh jack johnson!
Jeff: you better be making a list of these. The actual lineup comes out Sunday night/ MOnday morning. I want to see how many of these i have guessed correctly!

Terese: me too! tickets go on sale this weekend
Jeff: early birds on Saturday. General admission should be around 15 minutes later! hahahaha we tried for early birds last year and it crashed the site. i guess they had 1,000 early bird tickets and they went in less than 15 minutes!!!

Terese: yeah im not worried. its really not a deal for early bird. reg tickets go on sale the 20th i think
Jeff: yeah you got that right! i'll still try for saturday morning. but if i dont get them no sweat!

Terese: enter this line up contest. lol
Terese: http://rothburyfest.proboards47.com/index.cgi?board=music&action=display&thread=2114&page=1

Jeff: hmmmmmmmm. . . ..
Terese: haha. its interesting to see the guesses. one guy wrote 1. hanson. 2. miley circus. 3 Jonas brothers. lmao

Jeff: hilarious. . . . . . I was holding out for MJ! hahahahahahaha
Terese: oh goodness. that would actually be GREAT

Jeff: no, no it wouldn't. . . . . unless the only thing he played was the entire Thriller album!!!
Terese: hahahaha. i wanna hear the Free Willy song too. "hold me like the river before you and i will then say to thee... you are my friend"

Jeff: oh my god! why do you even know those lyrics? I mean yeah I watched the movie everyday. and if you tell anyone i will KILL you! hahaha but seriously, you took it to a whole new level with knowing the words to that song!!!!!
Terese: hahahahaha. im laughing so hard right now. I just found it on youtube. i was lil off but oh well

Jeff: You would hahahahah
Terese: please watch this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x3PQ5QhMJs. my neighbors can hear me laughing. thats how hard im laughing

Jeff: ummmmm yeah, i go from laughing hysterically . . . . . .to mouthing the words to . . . . oh my god! sticking my hand in the air to touch the bottom side of a killer whale named Willy!I need to get out more! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Terese: im going to blog about this

Great Tees. Great Price. Good Time

As I sit at home at 9 o'clock Friday night deciding whether or not I want to go out, I become overwhelmed with the need to share one of my favorite websites in a post. Yes my friends its Woot Shirt. For only $10, you can get a funny/artistic/entertaining tee that will make your friends green with envy. And the best part you ask, they change the tee everyday. In a pretty close second to price are the great titles of the shirts and the genius who writes the descriptions. Check out some of the past designs below and visit the site to see it all in its glory.

PS: As I was writing I decided to go out to my fav GR location, Hopcat.

The Early Bird Gets the Music. Rothbury 2009

Rothbury, a music festival revolution, just announced the release of early bird tickets this morning. The 4 day music fest held along Michigan's west coast, is said to bring never before imagined surprise, unique environments, and awe-inspiring artistic expression. After it's official announcement of its return back in February, the anticipation for the event has been on the mouths of music fans everywhere and today it got even better. Early bird tickets.

Early bird tickets go on sale March 14th at a discounted rate and are available in a limited quantity, so get them quick. A friendly heads-up, early bird ticket orders are limited to 4 tickets per person. General ticket sales being March 20th.

To see a local Michigander's view of the fest, visit Michigan Sweet Spot to check out some awesome HDR photography that will be sure to get your body swaying and your air guitar out of the closet. And while you're waiting for the lineup, follow Rothbury on Twitter.

If you're looking to travel the summer away listening to the sweet melodies of good times, here are a few more festival to check out:
10,000 Lakes Music Festival ft Dave Matthews.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Bonnaroo
Lallapalooza
Pitchfork
South by Southwest
Summer Fest ft Bon Jovi , No Doubt & Kenny Chesney
Summerstage

Pictures: Winter Beer Fest 2009

Serving up some good beer in style.

Inside one of the beer tents

A group shot with some new friends we found at the fest.

My friend Jon and the snuggie ladies he found.

The 2009 Winter Beer Fest was a huge success and a great time. Many great Michigan brews were served and many more toasts were shared. A big thank you once again to Absolute Michigan for the tickets. See ya in Ypsilanti for Summer Beer Fest!

Downtown Rail Jam: GR

We're at that point in the year when winter is close to being behind us and the thought of outdoor patios starts looking like a reality again. Retail stores start putting bathing suits on sale because they've been on the shelves since January and they are taking up too much space. (Because I was definitely considering buying a new bikini while I shoveled my car out of my driveway January 2nd... Not at all).

So before the patios open and the snow turns into rain, get on out to the 2009 Downtown Rail Jam in Grand Rapids. The event is being held this weekend, February 27 - March 1 and will be the celebration to end another great winter in Michigan.

The event will feature a 30 foot high ramp for snowboarders & skiers, a musical performance by Mustard Plug, a live painting performance by Mikey Welsh (designer in Burton Snowboards)and over $10,000 in cash and prizes. The event is open to all ages with the exception of bar events and is a great way to enjoy downtown in a new way. Oh, and did I mention it's FREE?


Event Highlights
Friday starting at 4:30p.m. trial and free runs on the ramps
Saturday 3:30-4:30 p.m. Pee Wee competition (Ages 10-15)
5:00-5:45 p.m. Mustard Plug Performance
5:30-7:30 p.m. Adult Competition
9:00 p.m. After party at The Crush
Sunday 8:00-10:00 p.m. Advanced Competition


The Details
Location: The B.O.B. 20 Monroe Ave NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Ph: 616.862.1302
Admission: FREE
Title Sponsors: 97.9 WGRD & Fox 17

One Week to Prepare: Winter Beer Fest 2009

For all you beer enthusiasts out there, you know there is nothing better than a growler filled with your favorite locally brewed beer. Or if your in the mood for an after work drink, you may choose just a pint. Either way, there's always something special about getting a beer not sold by Clydesdale horses or a scenic beach scene with a strategically placed beer bottle. No, there's just something great about a local brew that brings your mind to a state of nirvana.

So what's all the hype about local brews? Glad you asked. This year's 4th Annual Winter Best Fest will be hitting the west side on Saturday, February 28th in Comstock Park. Featuring well over 100 different brews, you're bound to find a beer or two that will satisfy your malty pallet. The festival will be featuring beers from many Michigan Brewery's including:
Detroit Beer Company
Hopcat
Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Mount Pleasant Brewing Company
Founders Brewing Company and many more.

So now your saying, "Okay Terese, this sounds like a great time but how the hell am I gonna find a driver to take me there cause I'm sure as hell not gonna be the one volunteering to drive to this one". No worries and settle down! Check with your local breweries and see what rides their offering. Hopcat in Grand Rapids is getting a bus together for $15 a person ($10 for DRAFT Club members) and check out Michigan Beer Buzz to hop on other buses from both the east and west sides of the state. Have fun and get their safe.

So the moral of the story is go out, have a great time, and support your favorite local brews. Enjoy what great things Michigan has to offer like beer. Okay the great lakes are pretty cool too.

General Info:
Tickets: $35 in advance or $40 the day of and include 12 drink tokens
Location: Fifth Third Ballpark. 4500 West River Dr. Comstock Park, MI 49321
Time: Noon- 5 p.m.

Up to the same ol' shenanigans ! ! !

Well we were up to our same ol' shenanigans last night. Rick and I made the usual trek to downtown Detroit last night to imbibe on a few Guinness, and to take in the latest installation of the band Flogging Molly. Let me tell you, I saw these guys 10 years ago in the basement of St. Andrew's better known as The Shelter. They opened up for I believe Bigwig and AFI. I saw these guys tear up the place, and I said to myself any band with an accordion is cool in my book!So now I have been seeing this band ever since.

Well they played the infamous Fillmore last night, and from the way my head is pounding and my ears ringing, it was a great time. We stopped in the State Bar and began the night off in true Irish fashion with a shot of Jameson and a pint of Guinness. We then headed in and caught the opening act. WOW! is all I have to say. The bands name was the Aggrolites, and let me just say, PIANO MAN! The sound is a Sublimeish haze mixed with a lil Hammond piano for a dancing good time! They got us movin' and groovin', and a great precursor to the headliner.

Then Flogging Molly came out and brought "the funk". I heard all of the songs that I wanted to hear, along with a few I have never heard live. Detroit is sort of a homecoming for the fiddle player so it is always nice to see them in here.

So if you get the chance to see either of these bands, do not pass it up!

To see an Irish punk band in February in Detroit means 2 things! It will be St. Patrick's Day soon, and it will be my birthday soon. Ah, life is good!!!

Until next time !

Jeff

Cadieux

Where can you find a good beer, a great band and a sport that's so rare most out of towners have never even heard of it? Cadieux Cafe ! Bands vary from week to week, this week's band was Back Forty, bluegrassish, eclectic group of instruments. A friend compared them to Catfish Mafia (my current favorite local band) I strongly disagree but I guess you'll have to check them out yourself and weigh in on our arguement. I could barely hear them over all the shit talking going on on the featherbowling lanes. The game itself is easy but you have to see it to understand. It's a good time had by all just make sure to make reservations beforehand as the lanes fill up fast especially on the weekends. Overall the Cadieux Cafe is very much a Detroit Treasure. Good people, good music, a game you can play sober or buzzed up and good food from what I hear what more could you ask for? Great for a low key night with some friends.

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