Journey Tribute Band review and Outback Blues Band

The show that I posted about last Friday was amazing! Despite an opening act, Space Nelson, that went on for way too long, the Journey Tribute Band, Frontiers, blew me away.

The lead singer sounded just like Steve Perry and his facial features were also similar. He was so convincing that people in the men's room were wondering if he was really singing. The guitar player looked just like Jason Mewes from the Jay and Silent Bob duo, and could really wail. The drummer and bass player were also featured in a 5-7 minute drum/bass solo that rocked as well.

They closed the show with "Anyway you Want it" which was a little disappointing. Since were in Detroit and all I would have liked an extended "Don't Stop Believing" but I would not hesitate to see this band again! They will be in Lansing on Feb. 27th!

I also want to tell you about another cool band that I have not seen live in concert but that I have family ties to. My uncle Howard Brodbeck (Lehigh t-shirt) is the drummer for The Outback Blues Band that hails from Phoenix, AZ. and is now scheduling shows in and around the Southwest United States. You can check out their website here that includes photos, bios, and even some music. So if you live in the Phoenix area go see one of their shows!

Ferndale Blues Fest and Fritter's

Today marks the kickoff of the Ferndale Blues Festival with the first performers taking the stage at 7pm tonight at Angel's Cafe with the Tom Dennis Trio. The festival lasts through Feb. 6th with nightly concerts at many bars and restaurants in the downtown area with proceeds going to the Michigan AIDS Coalition and Ferndale Youth Assistance charities.

As a part of the festival there will also be a BBQ rib cook off taking place at Dino's on Saturday Feb. 6th. The "rib burn" will take place from noon-5pm with entertainment by the Reefermen to follow.

A free shuttle will be running festival goers from venue to venue on Friday and Saturday to catch all the acts. For some beer, blues and BBQ head to the Ferndale Blues Festival this weekend or next!

FRITTERS

Apple Fritters is like the dive bar of donut shops in Ferndale. There is nothing fancy about the inside. Bare bones tables and chairs with a no non-sense aura about it. The kind of thing you expect when you think local dive bar. I had the pleasure of stopping in at this local Ferndale donut shop this morning for some coffee and a fritter.

They have all the fresh donuts out on the counter and some on the shelfs for display for you when you walk in. I of course chose the apple fritter due to the name of the establishment and a large coffee. I will tell you the fritter was fantastic and the coffee good too! In an effort to help out local businesses I will try to frequent The Apple Fritter Doughnut Shop more often, but I will tell you it will not be difficult to do. Head out as early as pre-dawn and as late as mid-afternoon for some fritters!