Grateful Dead Dance Party this Saturday Night

Friends

The Power has spoken and it is time to dance. The Assembly Required Show launches tomorrow night at 8pm at the Magic Stick at 8 pm. So much could be said on all that has led up to this day. But, nah, let's dance. Here is the final press release:

Michigan's premier Grateful Dead band reunites for a one-time only reunion in a loving tribute to fallen comrades Davey Thompson, who passed away in January 2008 and Scott Pridgeon who passed away in June 2005. Often assisted by Mr. Pridgeon and with founding member Mr. Thompson on keyboards, Assembly Required played throughout Michigan, Ohio and the surrounding area from December 1989 until 1995 in enough incarnations to warrant the name. All surviving members of the band who are able to make it to Detroit will play their first show in 13 years with proceeds to benefit the children of David Thompson. Confirmed at the reunion/benefit will be Mark Scialdone on guitar, Ted Tesorerio on guitar, Tim Baum on bass, Jerry Stocio on drums, Kevin Shapiro on drums, Will Osler on drums, Josh Zalev on bass, Kim Easter on vocals, Warren Nelson on keyboards, Matt Zalev on guitar and Joe Simpson on percussion. Other band members now on the west coast, Jules Ryan and Mike Borgsdorf are unconfirmed and Craig Rigby is being sought out (any contact info is appreciated). Come join us for 3 sets of music and Love paying tribute to our brothers, our family and the good ol' Grateful Dead. Dancing is required and taping is encouraged. Produced by Miko Steinberg of Now More Than Ever Productions with invaluable help from Dave Clark, Ronnie Moreley and all our supportive fans from years gone by. You need it now more than ever!

Door Time:7:30p

Show Time:8:30p

Ages:All Ages

Website:http://www.majesticdetroit.com/stick.asp

Can't wait to see ya'll there

PLEASE remember to support local live bands:

Brando Creasman, www.brandoncreasman.com, Lucky Brown Music (new band featuring Brandon Creasmen) www.myspace.com/LuckyBrownMusic, The Macpodz, www.macpodz.com, Mifune, www.mifunemusic.com, The Great Divide, www.myspace.com/greatdividelive Grievious Angel http://drumdancerrecords.com/grievousangel/index.php, Jill Jack, http://www.jilljack.com/, Billy Brandt, www.billybrandt.net, Distorted Soul (featuring Nadir), www.distortedsoul.com, Flop House Band, www.flophouseband.com, Back Forty backfortymusic.com, Covert Operations http://www.covertopsband.com Rootstand www.rootstand.com, Jam Samwich http://jamsamich.com, David Nefesh www.davidnefesh.com, The Ragbirds www.theragbirds.com, , PAPA www.papatunes.com, Bitter Herbs www.myspace.com/bitterherbs, Greensky Bluegrass www.greenskybluegrass.com; THTX www.myspace.com/THTX and Sentimental Shark, www.sentimentalshark.com to name a few.

PLEASE remember to support local venues:

The Magic Bag www.themagicbag.com
The Majestic Theatre www.majesticdetroit.com/
Saint Andrew's Hall www.livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/1776
The Crofoot www.thecrofoot.com
The Royal Music Theater www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/
The Blind Pig www.blindpigmusic.com/

GO OUT AND SEE LIVE MUSIC!!!!!


Much love in the 313, 248, 586, 734 and 810

Miko

Author of the occasional Detroit Metro area Live Music Update

What a Long Strange Trip Its Been

Hey Now:

28 Years ago today, I got to see the Band Beyond Description for the first time. It was at the Baltimore Civic Center and I had gotten miracled. How? The Band always stayed at the Pikesville Hilton when they came to the Baltimore area. Made sense to me because Pikesville High School was Deadhead Central, though I am sure there was no correlation. Anyway, the night before the show, Ramrod and the crew came into my cousin's restaurant, where I was employed as a busboy. The evening was slow, so we talked and they asked me if I was going to the show. I said, I had no tickets. They took my name and told me to be at will call the next day. My dad (may he rest in peace) was in the music business at that time. I asked him if he thought it was real. He said why not (something my mom has never forgiven him of-LOL) and the rest, of course is history.

I would have never have met so many of you, had I not gone through that portal. Words cannot describe the impact that the Grateful Dead and the culture attendant to it had on my life. I am the lawyer, the a ctivist, the friend, the community organizer, the spiritualist, the lover and the friend because of that moment.

I am not as fervent as I once was about being fully infused in the music. It will always be in my life and I am still planning a few festivals and of course, a healthy dose of local bands. Hell, I am going to an ecofest today with live music. With Sirius radio and the internet, I am never more than a few cosmic inches away.

Thanks to all of you for making this trip the best. See you at a show somewhere. Jerry and the Band, I stand in awe. When I first saw you Jerry, you still had hair more black than grey. You are gone, but we still carry on.

Now a reminder about the Assembly Required Show next Saturday. The Grateful Dead magic touched me once again when I moved back to Michigan in 1991. I met and loved the members of Assembly Required when I was one of the dudes on the scene in East Lansing during law school. When, I moved back in 1991, it was only natural that I would live with two members of Assembly. Mark Scialdone and Will Osler let me live in their home. The connection being solidified through my friend Kevin Shapiro, who was my dear friend Kirsten's beau. So the chain carried on,

This Saturday, we reconnect once again as Assembly Required dust(s) off those rusty strings just one more time, Gonna make them shine, shine . .

PLEASE remember to support local live bands:

Brando Creasman, www.brandoncreasman.com, Lucky Brown Music (new band featuring Brandon Creasmen) www.myspace.com/LuckyBrownMusic, The Macpodz, www.macpodz.com, Mifune, www.mifunemusic.com, The Great Divide, www.myspace.com/greatdividelive Grievious Angel http://drumdancerrecords.com/grievousangel/index.php, Jill Jack, http://www.jilljack.com/, Distorted Soul (featuring Nadir), www.distortedsoul.com, Flop House Band, www.flophouseband.com, Back Forty backfortymusic.com, Covert Operations http://www.covertopsband.com Rootstand www.rootstand.com, Jam Samwich http://jamsamich.com, David Nefesh www.davidnefesh.com, The Ragbirds www.theragbirds.com, , PAPA www.papatunes.com, Bitter Herbs www.myspace.com/bitterherbs, Greensky Bluegrass www.greenskybluegrass.com; THTX www.myspace.com/THTX and Sentimental Shark, www.sentimentalshark.com to name a few.

PLEASE remember to support local venues:

The Magic Bag www.themagicbag.com
The Majestic Theatre www.majesticdetroit.com/
Saint Andrew's Hall www.livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/1776
The Crofoot www.thecrofoot.com
The Royal Music Theater www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/
The Blind Pig www.blindpigmusic.com/

Its about time . . .

for the Update. Sorry, but a confluence of day job, non profit events and a show I am producing all have taken up huge space. But the Update must go on . . .

I special shout out to the my many peeps at the Detroit Music Awards. The Update Congratulates Jill Jack and Billy Brandt for their Awards. Nadir for his and a very well received performance at the show. Also Nadir for opening up his loft at Eastern Market for a special after show. Many of the heavy hitters where there, including Jeff Newsome, Thornetta Davis (2 am performance), a few members of Parliament, all in the mix. The Update left at 3:30 am and there was not stopping this all star jam. Shout out to Jean, Karen K and Lisa L, who always make the Update feel the love at the Awards. Also to my dear friend Tim C and the Zumba's (the only true rock and roll Mexican restaurant on the planet) crew who fill our bellies well backstage each year, my dear friend Willy Wilson, the MC to the best music awards in the country and to the crew of Ferndale Record Time (RIP), who just helped to create an ambivalence backstage.

The Update, in an ongoing effort to expand its presence as the source of all Detroit and Southeast Michigan music, has added some more local bands to the mix. Added is Nadir and Distorted Soul. My new brother for life, the Flophouse Band (tasty Detroit funk), Mifune (big friends of the Macpodz, afro-electronic music) and last, but not least, Brando's new Reggae band Lucky Brown Music.

Now on to the shows . . .

May 2nd Bruce in the USA The Magic Stick

Spyro Gyra River Raisin Ctr for Prfmg Arts (Monroe)

Liz Larin Memphis Smoke

Natives of the New Dawn Shore Club (St Clair Shores)

FlopHouse (New Band for the Update) Hard Rock Cafe (Det)

May 3rd Megadeth DTE

Ghostland Observatory St Andrews

Covert Operations The Texas Bar and Grill (Detroit)

Midtown Underground Fifth Ave (Royal Oak)

Back Forty TC's Speakeasy (Ypsi)

May 3-4 The Green Street Fair (many local bands and it looks like a great

ecofest) Plymouth www.myspace.com/greenstreetfair

May 4th Erykah Badu/The Roots The Fox

Tokyo Police Club Magic Stick

May 5th The Night Marchers Magic Stick

May 6th War Michigan Theatre

Drive By Truckers The Crofoot

May 7th Blue Mountain The Lager House (Detroit)

The Kills Magic Stick

May 8th M.I.A. The Fillmore (formerly the State Theatre)

James McMurtry The Magic Bag

May 9th Jewel and others Hart Plaza (Free show)

Was (Not Was)/Todd Snider The Majestic

Tantric St Andrews

May 6th War Michigan Theatre

Drive By Truckers The Crofoot

May 7th Blue Mountain The Lager House (Detroit)

The Kills Magic Stick

May 8th M.I.A. The Fillmore (formerly the State Theatre)

James McMurtry The Magic Bag

May 9th Jewel and others Hart Plaza (Free show)

Was (Not Was)/Todd Snider The Majestic

Tantric St Andrews

Freekbass/Bootsy Collins (from P Funk) Royal Oak Music Ttr

Breathe Caroline The Eagle Theatre (Crofoot)

School of Rock The Pike Room (Crofoot)

May 10th The Update and Now More Than

Ever Productions Present

Assembly Required

An Evening of Grateful Dead Music

The Magic Stick 8pm

Shemekia Copeland The Ark

Chris Cagle Hart Plaza

Jaheim The Fillmore

Savoy Brown Magic Bag

Afroman Clutch Cargo's

Jam Samwich El Nibble Nook (W. Bloomfield)

Flophouse The US-12 (Wayne, MI)

May 11th Ritchie Havens The Ark

Lone Star Hart Plaza

The Presidents of the United States of America Magic Stick

May 12th Coliseum Magic Stick

May 13th Teitur The Ark

The Sword Magic Stick

Scary Kids Scaring Kids St Andrews

May 14th Augustana St Andrews

Dream Theater The Fillmore

Covert Operations MoDoggie's (Fenton)

El-P Crofoot

May 15th Matthew Ryan The Ark

The Detroit Cobras Majestic

Duran Duran Masonic Theatre

The Mars Volta The Fillmore

Menudo w/ GLOWB St Andrews

Thrice Clutch Cargo

May 16th Phil Vassar Hart Plaza

Carla Cook Orchestra Hall

Cinematic Sunrise St Andrews

Gore Gore Girls Small's (Hamtramck)

Filter Royal Oak Music Theatre

May 17th Arch Enemy Majestic Theatre

Down the Line Magic Bag

Black Stone Cherry The Machine Shop (Flint)

Papa Roach The Emerald Theatre

May 18th Michael Cleveland The Ark

Paper Rival Magic Stick

Carney The Eagle Ballroom (Crofoot)

May 19th The Avett Brothers The Ark

Mike Ness St Andrews

May 2oth Macpodz (hot off their successful east coast tour)

The Blind Pig

Panic at the Disco The Fillmore

May 21st Tiger Army St Andrews

Covert Operations MoDoggies (Fenton)

May 22nd Kanye West The Palace

Tim McGraw DTE

Blood on the Wall Magic Stick

Blind Melon The Machine Shop (Flint)

Macpodz The Loft (Flint)

May 23rd Dave Mason The Ark

Eddie Money DTE

Headlights The Pike Room (Crofoot)

May 24th Moby (headlining Movement DEMF) Hart Plaza

Los Campesino's The Magic Stick

Jason Mraz The Fillmore

Flophouse The Stone House (Det)

May 25th Carl Craig (the Daddy of Electronic Music) DEMF-Hart Plaza

Devlin and Darko The Majestic

Rilo Kiley Royal Oak Music Theatre

May 26th Dubfire Movement-DEMF-Hart Plaza

May 27th the Everybodyfields The Ark

May 28th Covert Operations MoDoggies

May 29th Firewater Magic Stick

The Ragbirds Crofoot

May 30th Shemekia Copeland The Ark

The Ragbirds The Loft (Flint)

Badfish (Subline Tribute) Clutch Cargo

w/ Covert Operations

Broken Spindles The Pike Room

May 31st Tom Petty and Steve Windwood The Palace

My Dear Disco Alvins

Danity Kane The Fillmore

The Breeders Magic Stick

June 2nd Silver Mt. Zion Magic Stick

Mudhoney Crofoot

June 3rd Stone Temple Pilots The Fillmore

June 4th Sea Wolf The Fox Theatre

Stone Temple Pilots The Fillmore

June 5th James Taylor Meadow Brook Music Festival

June 6th Duke Robillaird The Ark

Detroit Festival of the Arts (various) www.detroitfestival.com/

Umphrey's McGee St Andrews

June 7th Detroit Festival of the Arts (various) www.detroitfestival.com/

June 8th Detroit Festival of the Arts (various) www.detroitfestival.com/

June 9th Dave Matthews Band DTE

June 10th Jimmy Buffet DTE

Down the line

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant 6/17 The Fox

Jack Johnson 6/18 DTE

Return to Forever -Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola and Chick Corea

6/21 Freedom Hill

Detroit Riverfest Week of June 20th

Rothbury Festival July 4th Weekend www.rothburyfestival.com

Dunegrass Festival 7/31-8/3 www.dunegrassfestival.com/

Feel free to join and add shows, show reviews, MP3's and comments . If you have a band or know a band that you wish to spotlight and the band plays in the 313, 248, 586, 734 and 810 area, sign up and share the love.

http://detroitmusicupdate.blogspot.com/

PLEASE remember to support local live bands:

Brando Creasman, www.brandoncreasman.com, Lucky Brown Music (new band featuring Brandon Creasmen) www.myspace.com/LuckyBrownMusic, The Macpodz, www.macpodz.com, Mifune, www.mifunemusic.com, The Great Divide, www.myspace.com/greatdividelive Grievious Angel http://drumdancerrecords.com/grievousangel/index.php, Jill Jack, http://www.jilljack.com Distorted Soul (featuring Nadir), www.distortedsoul.com, Flop House Band, www.flophouseband.com, Back Forty backfortymusic.com, Covert Operations http://www.covertopsband.com Rootstand www.rootstand.com, Jam Samwich http://jamsamich.com, David Nefesh www.davidnefesh.com, The Ragbirds www.theragbirds.com, , PAPA www.papatunes.com, Bitter Herbs www.myspace.com/bitterherbs, Greensky Bluegrass www.greenskybluegrass.com; THTX www.myspace.com/THTX and Sentimental Shark, www.sentimentalshark.com to name a few.

PLEASE remember to support local venues:

The Magic Bag www.themagicbag.com
The Majestic Theatre www.majesticdetroit.com/
Saint Andrew's Hall www.livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/1776
The Crofoot www.thecrofoot.com
The Royal Music Theater www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/
The Blind Pig www.blindpigmusic.com/


Much love in the 313, 248, 586, 734 and 810

Miko

Author of the occasional Detroit Metro area Live Music Update

ASSEMBLY REQUIRED -May 10th

ASSEMBLY REQUIRED REUNION SHOW-You Need it
Saturday, May 10th-8PM-The Magic Stick
4120-4140 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI


Ok Kids we are getting closer to the Gig. More and more members of the coolest D Dead Band to play the Detroit, Ann Arbor, East Lansing, K'zoo and Grand Rapids scene are coming around. All in the name of a one time reunion to send out some love to our Brother Davey Thompson, who crossed over this past January. This shows is for his children and for the folks who loved him.

Here is what we are saying about the Band:

"Michigan's premier Grateful Dead band will reunite Saturday May 10th for a one-time only reunion in a loving tribute to founding keyboardist Davey Thompson who passed away in January. Assembly Required (originally known as Assembly) officially got its start in December 1989 with assistance from the late Scott Pridgeon and other East Lansing friends who summoned the spirits to a special Rainforest Action Benefit at Rick's American Cafe'. The experiment worked and the band performed for more than a year with Mr. Thompson on keyboards and inimitable vocals, playing gigs throughout all of Lower Michigan and Ohio in enough incarnations to warrant the new name. Assembly Required lit up clubs, fraternity houses, co-op's and campuses of Michigan State, University of Michigan, Western Michigan and Wayne State for more than half a decade until 1995.

The May 10th reunion will feature all surviving members of the band able to make it to Detroit playing their first show in thirteen years with proceeds to benefit the children of David "Red" Thompson. Confirmed at the reunion/benefit will be Mark Scialdone on guitar, Tim Baum on bass, Jerry Stosio on drums, Kevin Shapiro on drums, Will Osler on drums, Josh Zalev on bass, Kim Easter on vocals, Warren Nelson on keyboards, Matt Zalev on guitar and Joe Simpson on percussion. Other band members now on the west coast, Ted "Tedhead" Tesorerio, Jules Ryan and Mike Borgsdorf are unconfirmed. We have just heard from Craig Rigby, who is hanging with the fam in Milwaukee. He, too, just might pop in. Come join us for 3 sets of music paying tribute to our family, friends and the good ol' Grateful Dead. Dancing is expected and taping is encouraged. Produced by Miko Steinberg of Now More Than Ever Productions with help from Dave Clark, The Magic Stick, Ronnie Morley and our supportive fans from years gone by. You need it now more than ever!"

See ya'll there. Best Boogieing in Town!!!!!!

ASSEMBLY REQUIRED REUNION SHOW

Hey there fellow travelers

I know I have been absent from the airways for the past few weeks. I have had several projects converge at the same point. I have been away from home so much, I think my dog has found a new owner. I have promised so many bands and promoters that I would get their stuff out. Well, in the next few days, I am going to work on the already late addition of the Update.

In the meantime, there are two shows that must be announced that have direct impact on you the faithful concern goers.

This Saturday, Crofoot is putting on an Earthday Celebration. There are several of the Update's local friends playing. Macpodz and Rootstand. In addition, John Sinclair (the founder of the Hash Bash) will be playing with Glowb. And let's not leave out Muruga who is featured on Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders' album Blues for the Rainforest This should be a stellar night.

And now for a serious and important announcement. I have resurrected my production company and have renamed it NOW MORE THAN EVER PRODUCTIONS. I am producing a benefit show on Saturday May 10 2008 at the Magic Stick. So without further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen, Deadheads of all ages

Now More than Even Productions proudly announces for ONE NIGHT. The return of Michigan's premier Grateful Dead band

Assembly required!!!!!!

A benefit for the children

of david "red"Thompson

Here is what we are saying about the show . . . .

Michigan's premier Grateful Dead band reunites for a one-time only reunion in a loving tribute to fallen comrades Davey Thompson, who passed away in January 2008 and Scott Pridgeon who passed away in June 2005. Often assisted by Mr. Pridgeon and with founding member Mr. Thompson on keyboards, Assembly Required played throughout Michigan, Ohio and the surrounding area from December 1989 until 1995 in enough incarnations to warrant the name. All surviving members of the band who are able to make it to Detroit will play their first show in 13 years with proceeds to benefit the children of David Thompson. Confirmed at the reunion/benefit will be Mark Scialdone on guitar, Ted Tesorerio on guitar, Tim Baum on bass, Jerry Stocio on drums, Kevin Shapiro on drums, Will Osler on drums, Josh Zalev on bass, Kim Easter on vocals, Warren Nelson on keyboards, Matt Zalev on guitar and Joe Simpson on percussion. Other band members now on the west coast, Jules Ryan and Mike Borgsdorf are unconfirmed and Craig Rigby is being sought out (any contact info is appreciated). Come join us for 3 sets of music and Love paying tribute to our brothers, our family and the good ol' Grateful Dead. Dancing is required and taping is encouraged. Produced by Miko Steinberg of Now More Than Ever Productions with invaluable help from Dave Clark, Ronnie Moreley and all our supportive fans from years gone by. You need it now more than ever!

Door Time:7:30p

Show Time:8:30p

Cost: $10

Ages:All Ages

More Info:http://www.majesticdetroit.com/stick.asp

A Special thanks to Dave, Ramona, and Phil at the Magic Stick for their kind donation!!! This is a benefit show and the several band members are flying in specifically for this show. We thank the band and the production staff for their kind donation of their time and efforts for this evening

Here is a website for the band. http://www.myspace.com/assemblyrequiredgdband Shit, you might even recapture a member. Small Planet, Rick's, the Blind Pig, Alvin's, the Farm Pad, so many frat houses at MSU, Monty and Zolton House.

WE NEED THIS Band and you need this Night!!!!!!

Come join this BLOG and add shows, show revues, MP3's and comments . If you have a band or know a band that you wish to spotlight and the band plays in the 313, 248, 586, 734 and 810 area, sign up and share the love.

http://detroitmusicupdate.blogspot.com/

PLEASE remember to support local live bands:

Brando Creasman, www.brandoncreasman.com, The Macpodz , www.macpodz.com, The Great Divide, www.myspace.com/greatdividelive Grievious Angel http://drumdancerrecords.com/grievousangel/index.php, Jill Jack, http://www.jilljack.com/, Back Forty backfortymusic.com, Covert Operations http://www.covertopsband.com Rootstand www.rootstand.com, Jam Samwich http://jamsamich.com, David Nefesh www.davidnefesh.com, The Ragbirds www.theragbirds.com, , PAPA www.papatunes.com, Bitter Herbs www.myspace.com/bitterherbs, Greensky Bluegrass www.greenskybluegrass.com; THTX www.myspace.com/THTX and Sentimental Shark, www.sentimentalshark.com to name a few.

PLEASE remember to support local venues:

The Magic Bag www.themagicbag.com
The Majestic Theatre www.majesticdetroit.com/
Saint Andrew's Hall www.livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/1776
The Crofoot www.thecrofoot.com
The Royal Music Theater www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/
The Blind Pig www.blindpigmusic.com/


Much love in the 313, 248, 586, 734 and 810

Miko

Author of the occasional Detroit Metro area Live Music Update