Edgar Winter

CALUMET- Since the 1970s Edgar Winter has been a fixture on the classic rock music scene. His "devil music" once was every parent's nightmare. He is one musician who knows exactly what he's doing and how to do it. With the release of his popular singles, "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride," and his invention of the synthesizer, Winter is considered responsible for collaborating blues and pop with rock music.
Now 38 years into his career, Edgar Winter has learned his craft well. In July, Winter released his fresh, foot tappin' material, "Rebel Road." The album is a combination of gritty, in your face hard rock riffs, bluesy saxophone and piano ballads, and catchy rebellious lyrics. "Rebel Road's" attitude makes you want to let your hair down and break all the rules.
"To me, the idea of the open road is a symbol of freedom, and freedom is what music is all about," Winter said. "It's saying I'm not going to be told who I am, and what I'm supposed to believe. It's about living life on your own terms, and that's what rebel roads means to me."
Winter's summer of road rebellion has a scheduled pit-stop at the Calumet Theater Wednesday evening at 7:30. His crew consists of guitarist Doug Rappocort also known as DougiE Rapps, bassist Koko Powell, and drummer Jason Carpenter.
"At the show we'll be doing everything you'd expect," Winter said. "We're going all the way back to the first record that was with Johnny. We'll play songs from "White Trash"... and we will of course play favorites such as "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride," and we will play three or four songs from "Rebel Road.""
During Winter's career, he has been fortunate to have performed alongside Beatles legend, Ringo Starr, and actor and musician Bruce Willis. Also, some of Winter's songs have been used in no fewer than 15 film and television projects such as "Wayne's World 2," "The Simpsons," and "Radio." Edgar's "Frankenstein" is also featured in the Playstation video game, Guitar Hero. When he found out that the song was going to be apart of the video game, Winter said he loved it and thought it was perfect. He believes that Frankenstein was a precursor to heavy metal and it is one of those instantaneously songs that has a vibe perfect for games.
"It means a lot to me to have that song in that kind of format because it has the opportunity to get to a whole new generation who possibly never heard it before and that's a great thing," Winter said. "The music (Frankenstein) transcended beyond music boundaries and that's very cool."
Edgar Winter has proved that his music is capable of standing the test of time. He has been able to continuously create new material and entertain his fans.
"Music is ever revolving, and I just love all styles of music. I play rock but I like jazz, classic, and country. It has always been natural to me to blend styles and I think that's part of what has kept my music fresh over the years," Winter said.
Rock music from 40 years ago is titled classic rock because it is fresh and continues to have the original effect on listeners. Winter believes that during the beginning of rock music there was a creative outpouring in songs and now people are looking back and recognizing just how great music was.
"I think it's really cool. I think that in rock there is the reality and sincerity that is present in that music and it has a lot to do with its having stood that test of time and look back on the way it was," Winter said.
Winter said that he believes in writing from the heart and not to give into what the public wants you to sing about. He believes that the 60s and 70s were the golden era of rock and no one since has been able to change that.
"There's great music going on all the time but I think that in the 60s and 70s there was a lot freedom. There was less intervention from record companies and artists were writing and singing songs that they truly believe in and meant something," Winter said.
Edgar Winter wants all to know that he is not going anywhere. He said he loves touring for his fans. He said that he wants to thank all of his fans for their continuing support for both him and his brother Johnny's careers, and that they couldn't be where they are today if it was not for their fans.
"I'm here for life," he said. "The beauty of the road is that it always leads on home."

Finlandia University Sibelius Academy Music Festival

Finlandia University and Finland’s music academy is hosting the 10th Annual Sibelius Academy Music Festival July 30 through August 1. Five students from the Sibelius Academy of Helsinki, Finland are performing at this year’s festival. Sibelius Academy, founded in 1882, is named after the nineteenth century Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, who was both a student and a professor at the Academy. Sibelius Academy is the only university of music in Finland, and the largest in Scandinavia.
“Sibelius Academy is a prestigious music school and is the biggest in Europe,” said Finlandia University Executive Director of communications and marketing Karen Johnson. “The best and brightest of Finland and worldwide go there. The Academy has a wonderful reputation.”
Finlandia University and the Sibelius Academy have collaborated since 1999 in bringing the Academy's musicians to the Upper Penninsula for contemporary and traditional Finnish classical music enjoyment. More than fifty Sibelius students have performed at the Finlandia’s festival.
“The purpose (of the festival) is to develop our relations and ties with Finland and also to present the Copper Country with the talented musicians,” Johnson said. “They studied music since they were toddlers. They are high quality, world class musicians. This is a cultural event that will interest the people that live up here.”
This year’s Sibelius musicians are mezzo-soprano Melis Jaatinen, pianist Maija Vaisanen, pianist Joonas Ahonen, clarinetist Kaisa Koivula, and accordionist Jukka Ojala.
Jaatinen is from Vantaa, Finland and has studied voice and musicology at the Norwegian Academy of Music, and now studies voice at the Sibelius Academy.
Vaisanen is from Oulu, Finland and began playing the piano at age six. Since 2002, she has been studying at the Sibelius Academy and in Berlin.
According to a written statement from Johnson, Jaatinen and Vaisanen want to include Nordic, French, and German songs in their program because Jaatinen lives in Norway and Vaisanen lived in Germany. Both women will perform selections by composers Robert Schumann, Leevi Madetoja, Maurice Ravel, and Edvard Greig.
Ahonen is from Kerava, Finland and he began playing the piano at age five and he has been studying at the Sibelius Academy and at the Royal Conservatory of the Hague. In Johnson’s written statement, Ahonen writes that his performance’s compositions at this year’s festival are by the most famous composers of Finland and the United States, Jean Sibelius and Charles Ives. Ahonen said that both composers represnt something very special for him.
Koivula is preparing for her diploma at the Sibelius Academy and has been studying and performing in Italy, France, and the U.S. Koivula also teaches clarinet lessons.
Ojala has been studying at Sibelius since 2000, and began accordion lessons at the age of seven in Kouvola, Finland.
According to Johnson’s statement, Koivula and Ojala said that a clarinet and accordion duet is not very common in classical music, but it is common for folk musicians. Koivula’s and Ojala’s performances for the Sibelius Festival are by traditional composers Tchaikovsky and Schumann, and contemporary composers Hakola, Francaix, Piazzolla, and more.
“This year is different because prior to Wednesday’s and Thursday’s headliners, local musicians will be performing at 6:45 p.m., and there will be a public reception on Saturday,” Johnson said. “We are also hosting a series of three seminars that will involve Sibelius students and Finlandia students to discuss careers in life and their future.”
Johnson is a fan of the festival’s music selection and style, and she encourages all ages to attend the festival.
“Classical music is viewed as old person kind of music, but it is wonderful music. I come back from rock and roll background and I’m looking forward to it. I think it is incredible. The music is beyond anything you’ve heard before. Younger ages need to experience something new and different. I promise they won’t be disappointed,” Johnson said.

Beast in the Field

If you closed your eyes someone said “beast in the field,” what would you see? Maybe a grotesque creature shooting steam out of its nostrils and ears, lurking in a haunting field. Or maybe you’d see two hairy guys in an open field playing death metal on a guitar and drum set.
There are a number of images that may come to a persons mind, the point is to allow the mind to wander.
In this case, Beast in the Field is a two-piece instrumental metal band comprised of drummer Jamie Jahr and guitarist Jordan Pries, both from Lower Michigan. The duo will perform Wednesday at the Level 2 Skatepark.
Jahr and Pries answered questions together about their unique band. They agree there really is not a definite meaning behind their band’s name.
“To quote Will Ferrell, ‘Nobody knows, but it’s provocative,’” they said. “Just let your imagination run wild... One’s imagination is more powerful than any given explanation.”
Beast in the Field may be slightly scary but they are constantly engaging. The pair are excited about returning to the Houghton area. The band said they’ve had a solid relationship with the skatepark for many years. They said they are amazed by the park’s hospitality.
“Houghton has always been one of our favorite places to play. Everyone is always so social and interested in any and all of the bands that play there,” they said.
“King (concert promoter Jeff Frenette), along with everyone else at the Skatepark, have never been anything but terrific. We always enjoy returning to Level 2,” the band said.
Beast in the Field has been bursting ear drums of fans since March, 2007, and their goal is to burst even more. They released their first record, “Goat Isle Seance,” in October, 2007, and they finished recording their new record, “Lechuguilla,” planned to be released later this summer. Beast in the Field did not wake up one day and all of a sudden were phenomenal musicians; it took hard work to get where they are today.
“Practice, take things slow, give your whole heart, it doesn't happen over night,” they said.
Wednesday’s show will also include Milwaukee band Northless and local bands Spare the Rod and Black Jesus Constant. Beast in the Field has known Spare the Rod vocalist Anders Gundersen for about four years. Gundersen invited the band to his home after a skatepark show to “clean up and eat real food,” Beast in the Field said.
Beast in the Field encourages people to come hang out on Wednesday. Jahr and Pries said they will be around before, after and everything in between.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m.

Squeaky Clean Cretins

Squeaky Clean Cretins is the Allouez acoustic rock folk band who’s name is difficult to pronounce by most.
“We liked it (the band’s name) because people had a hard time pronouncing it, and that’s great for us,” said guitarist and vocalist Graham Parsons. “I like how it sounds. I like the way it looks on paper. The name is kind of an oxymoron because cretin by definition is a human being that is dispictible, a low life form. So we have that low life form be squeaking clean. It’s like the innocent criminals.”
The six piece band is guitarists and vocalists Parsons and John Artibee, bassist Kieth Kinnear, drummer Greg Wright, keyboardist Mark McEvers, and percussionist Derek Touriniemi. Squeaky Clean Cretins will be the last act to perform at this Sunday’s Thimbleberry JAM Fest.
“Keweenaw Krayons have been so good to us,” Parsons said. “They are responsible for my whole music career. (Keweenaw Krayons) has provided practice space, and provided me a job when I didn’t have a job. I owe them a lot.”
Squeaky Clean Cretins are proud to be tell their fans that they are from the Upper Peninsula. They tour close to home and support other Upper Peninsula bands.
“I think the Copper Country needs to know that we’re never going to forget where we came from,” Parsons said. “Wherever we go we will say this is home. The lives that we’ve had here has shaped our music, and has shaped our outlook on life and our personalities.”
Parson said that his vision as a musician is to be able to make a living playing in Squeaky Clean Cretins because “there is nothing else I’d rather do.”
Last October Squeaky Clean Cretins released their debut record, Of Flesh... Of Marrow. Parsons said that so far the record’s responses from fans has been good.
“It’s been overwhelming positive, people can’t say more than good things about it. It’s been encouraging just to see the positive response,” Parsons said.
He said the record’s theme has common threads of uncertainty, life’s unanswered questions, and political themes.
“The record is a collection of songs that at we have been playing for a couple years that we are proud of,” Parsons said.
Parsons said that when he plays live, he gets lost in his music high and everyone around him disappears.
“(When playing) the person you’re with now is not there when I’m performing. Something strange happens, and that’s apart of the allure,” Parsons said. “I just start disappearing... I just get completely lost in what we’re doing.”
Squeaky Clean Cretins has played at various Upper Peninsula festivals and venues. Parson said that he loves playing at the Calumet Theater the most.
“There is something about the feel in there. It feels good,” Parsons said.
In November they will be playing a show at the Rosza. Parsons said that the band is looking forward to playing there, but it doesn’t always matter what sort of venue they play in.
“It doesn’t matter where we play, as long as we’re playing for someone new,” Parsons said.
Before the guys perform live Parsons livens them up.
“Joe and I are big into hugs, we like being close to each other before we play and tell one another it’s going to be good. Then after that I say something goofy any off beat before we start playing to throw everyone off,” Parsons said.
Parsons revealed that they will be going back into the studio in August to begin recording their new album.
“We got a lot of songs that need to breathe,” Parsons said.
Fans of Squeaky Clean Cretins can expect to see the guys on their Wisconsin tour later this month.

The Story Changes tours to Houghton

Vocalist and guitarist Mark McMillion, vocalist and bassist Kyle Sando, and drummer Poppy are the Dayton, OH band, the Story Changes. Alternative Press Magazine has gave them a three out of five stars rating and has declared them a well recorded band and that their second full length album, Way of the Dinosaur “is enjoyable.”
This Saturday evening, the Story Changes will be playing a show with Houghton bands, Deadly Waters, and Avert, at the Level 2 Skatepark.
“We've played the area several times in the past and have always had a great time,” McMillion said. “We're currently starting up the second half of six weeks of summer touring through the states. Houghton was definitely on the list of places we wanted to return to and we contacted the park with a couple of dates to chose from. Jeff and everyone at Level 2 Skatepark have been really good to us for quite a while and have always been great to work with.”
The Story Changes have been playing together since 2003 and has had played alongside bands such as Motion City Soundtrack, Hawthorne Heights, Roses are Red and many more. Also, they played dates on the Van’s Warped Tour in 2004 and 2006, and currently is competing for Midwestern dates for this summer’s Warped Tour.
“We've made friends with a lot of talented bands over the years that have helped us out when they can. All of them worked hard to get where they are, so they understand how tough it is,” McMillion said.
The Story Changes believes that they are lucky for the fans and friends that they have made through music. McMillion explains that the band’s goal is for the three of them to have fun playing together for as many new people as possible. McMillion said that the key to their band’s success is touring a lot.
“We've averaged just under 200 shows a year for the past three I believe. We're at a comfortable level right now and we get by,” he said.
Fans of the Story Changes can expect a mixed set of songs from both of their records at Saturday’s performance. After their show, the band will be hanging out to meet everyone.
“Houghton is one of our favorite stops and we promise you it will be a good time,” McMillion said.

New Christy Minstrels

Over the years, Copper Country residents have been fortunate to watch performances by talented musicians that have toured to the area. Venues such as the Roza, the Calumet Theatre, the Band Shell, and the Level 2 Skate-park are music houses where musicians have marveled fans. Folk is a particular genre of music that has gained popularity among Copper Country residents. Kicking off the Calumet Theatre summer music festival on June 27 is the Grammy award winning folk band, New Christy Minstrels.

“Calumet Theatre is a great venue for folk explosion,” said Calumet Theatre artistic technical director Davey Holmbo.

There is no one better to describe what New Christy Minstrels is all about other than band founder Randy Sparks.

“We are hip hop for the hip replacement generation. We are happening dudes and dudetts, and are the best thing since sliced bread!”

New Christy Minstrels started in 1961 under the direction of Randy Sparks. Today the band has a total of ten members, and eight of them will be at the Calumet Theatre performance. The lineup is the five original members, Randy Sparks, Clarence Treat, Jackie Miller Davidson, Art Podell, Dolan Ellis. Recent members are Becky Jo Benson, Buffalo Bill Boycott, and Chuck Cole. The eight piece band all play guitars and do so as they position themselves at the edge of the stage.

When Randy Sparks was told that the band will be performing in the Copper Country his reaction was positive.

“I said, wow! I love it there [Copper Country]. Years ago we worked with friends in Negaunee and they [audience] were hungry for entertainment. They tuned into our kind of music. I am grateful for coming up there again,” expressed Sparks.

This summer’s tour is about letting their fans and the world know that they are back to do what they do best, to entertain with their voices and instruments.

“The band’s goal [for the tour] is to stay alive! When you get to be our age it’s important to get up in the morning,” joked Sparks. “This time we want to do it right because in the old days we had no clue. When you are older you can look back and say what was good or bad and do it over. I was young and stupid. We all are. You have no experiences to call on when you are young,”

For those who are fans of New Christy Minstrels, can expect to see a passionate stage presence from the musicians.

“When we walk on stage we have a love affair with the people in the audience,” said Sparks.

Along with the eight musicians will be Becky Jo Benson’s companion, Vecca the Show Dog. Vecca, who has a rhinestone collar, has a hard time being away from Benson and recently has accompanied her and the band on stage. “Vecca sleeps through whole performance and wakes up during intermission and for the finale. At the end of the show she stretches out and looks out at the audience for a standing ovation,” said Benson.

Together, for 47 years, the band has traveled all over the world. They have toured to iconic cities such as New York City and Los Angeles. New Christy Minstrels have also had the privilege to perform at the White House. Together the band has grown together and learned the meaning of life.

“Everyday is exciting if you pay attention,” said Sparks. “Everything is entertaining. Some people drive by too fast and not see it and they let it run off their backs like water. We have so much going for us. Life is interesting if you pay attention. You have to live it to it’s fullest.

Fans of New Christy Minstrels will have the opportunity to meet the members for pictures and autographs after their performance. Also those who do not have their new record can purchase it at their merchandise table at the Calumet Theatre.

“We have a new record called Recycled. We recorded all of our greatest hits, and we’ve done them better. Reviewers even said that they don’t understand how old people can go in the studio and record their songs from the sixties and make them sound better,” said Sparks.

Fans of folk music will find great pleasure in listening to and watching the New Christy Minstrels.

“This is a show you don’t want to miss,” said Davey Holmbo.

The Calumet Theater’s facilities is the prime venue for you to soak in the melodies that New Christy Minstrels has to offer. Their performance will begin at 7:30 PM.

“We are living the best part of our dream and that is performing live,” said Sparks.

Are You Their Friend?

Psychedelic lights revealed the sweaty faces of the screaming, satisfied fans. Music videos as the stage’s back drop added to the visual treat. The punk music that rocked its way through out the packed out auditorium resulted in a successful performance.

On April 11 North Central University was one of many stops on Hawk Nelson’s Green T Tour. The Ontario, Canada four piece band has been signed with Tooth and Nail Records for five years now. Their tour has nothing to do with the Green movement; in fact, lead vocalist of Hawk Nelson, Jason Dunn did not realize the connection between the two.

“I don’t even know what the green movement is. Is that like those people who want to save the trees?” sarcastically asked Dunn.

Jokes aside, Dunn explained the theme of the tour.

“When we first started up five years ago, we didn’t have a CD or anything. All we had were these green t- shirts that said, Hawk Nelson is My Friend, and they literally bought our gas money to the next show. We thought it would be cool to bring the green tee shirts back into our tour. They are a little nicer, and a little more modern,” explained Dunn.

The Green T tour’s focus is strictly on the Hawk Nelson’s fans. Fans who pre-order their tickets are given a green t- shirt that says ‘Hawk Nelson is My Friend.’ On the back of the shirt is a childish sketch of two eyes and an opened mouth revealing twelve teeth. Those who wore the shirt to the concert are given special access to enter the auditorium an hour and a half early to ask the band members questions.

One fan asked Jason Dunn and bassist Daniel Biro about their testimonies. Another fan asked what advice they would give a band that is just starting out.
Hawk Nelson is nothing more than a group of guys that strive to be transparent with their fans. They want to show their fans that they are human, and that there is nothing that sets them apart from them.

Being a part of a Christian band can be difficult when the world is highly influenced by secular music. The punk rock band such as Green Day sings lyrics that insult the government. Hawk Nelson on the other hand sings positive, promising lyrics.

“I think kids who don’t necessarily believe in God or want to believe in God, will listen to us and maybe they will come to a place like here tonight where they would never step into a Christian environment just to hear Hawk Nelson play and that’s why we’re here,” says Dunn.

Hawk Nelson’s audience is an assortment of people with different backgrounds. God has blessed all four members of Hawk Nelson with musical talent to deliver the message of Jesus Christ through music. Because of their abilities to play music, they are able to reach those who come from broken homes that never heard about the love of Jesus Christ.

“I think we’ve been called to go beyond the walls of the church as well as in the church but Jesus didn’t spend all his time in the church, he spent it out on the streets hanging out with the criminals and sinners basically,” says Dunn.

The boys of Hawk Nelson must remember that there will be people in their audience that do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But because God has blessed the band with talent and ability to communicate His message to the lost, there is hope for them. Jason Dunn, however, doesn’t see that reaching fans will be too difficult with music as a median.

“Music is the universal language,” says Dunn, “everybody loves music.”

Owl City

Owl City is muscian Adam Young. Young is from Owatonna, Minnesota. He programs, sings, and synths his electronic pop melodies. Power pop has been gaining popularity amongst music junkies, and hopefully it continues to do so.

Owl City has a new record released titled, Maybe I'm Dreaming. You can download it on iTunes today! And you should probably download the song, Dear Vienna...

Vienna: What record label would you like to be signed with? Why?

Adam: Sub Pop. I've always loved the albums they release. They seem to really view music as art rather than an identity by which musicians must always embrace, regardless to style or creative integrity.

V: When you were recording your record, "Of June," what you were your expectations for it?

A: I grew up playing a lot of Wave Race 64, a Nintendo game with a wonderfully lighthearted electronic soundtrack. That music has always stayed with me and I really wanted to write songs that capture that sort of "feel-good" type of optimism.

V: What is the meaning behind Owl City?

A: There really is no special meaning behind the name, the two words just seemed to fit together to create an interesting mental image. A city of owls? I want to visit there.

V: What is one band/artist that you would like to tour with? Why?

A: Sherwood. Those cats are cool.

V: What song do you think would be Owl City's first music video? Why?

A: I think "Hello Seattle" would make a great video. Seattle itself is just so photogenic, I would love to incorporate footage of the sparkling skyline, the Space Needle and Puget Sound in the twilight. It really is a magical city.

V: What is your goal for Owl City?

A: I want to write music to make people feel happy. I want Owl City to be an escape from all the bad days that inevitably pop up from time to time.