SMASH MAGAZINE

In This Issue:

The Mylestone ProjectDiff’rent SpokesFall Into the Arts Walk

FREE! Entertainment magazine for Battle Creek, Marshall, and Kalamazoo

October 2012

Smash Magazine P.O. Box 1376 Battle Creek, MI 49014 269-986-3912 smashmag@live.com Facebook at BC Smash

Editor/Graphic Designer Robin Cunningham Guest writer Sean Lewis

Advertising Robin Cunningham 269-986-3912 smashmag@live.com

Events and Shows Submit listings to smashmag@live.com

Look for the web site coming soon!

About The Cover “My World” Mixed media

Born and raised in Marshall, Aubrey Thompkes’ greatest inspiration for her art is simply life itself. “There are so many beautiful things that life has to offer.” “No matter our expe-riences or the people and places we encounter along the way...beauty is there to be discov-ered. “ Aubrey is a full time cook in our local hospital’s kitchen and a full time artist at home. She studied art at Northern Michigan University and Olivet College. Most of her work is multi-dimensional and multimedia. She likes to utilize any and every medium she has the ability to use. Aubrey’s strong points would likely be drawings in ink but most of her works possess a variety of materials.” I enjoy using found objects and have incorporated everything from textiles to couch springs in my work.” She likes to build on a surface, each layer a differ-ent part of the process. Pieces that fit together to be aesthetically pleasing. She jokingly refers to herself as an art builder, because she enjoys “constructing” pieces of art. She also loves bold bright colors and spanning the spectrum. Aubrey is available for commissioned projects and welcomes the challenge of bringing to life an idea with her form of expression. Available mediums include paintings, draw-ings, sewing and murals.

Contact Aubrey Thompke at NotAVeryOrdinary@hotmail.com or NotAVeryOrdinary@me.com

Or ‘Like’ On Facebook to follow updates and see new work https://www.facebook.com/AubreyEThompkeLetter From The Editor

Dear Smash Readers The first thing I would like to do this month is thank everyone for their amazing support. The feedback I have been getting is great! This issue is a little bigger and I’m spreadin the love a little bit farther. Thanks to everyone in Kzoo for all your help! I am thinking about starting a classified section for artists and musicians to sell stuff, let everyone know if they are looking for people to jam with, need or have practice space, or whatever they might want to advertise. Cost would be minimal, probably about $5. Anyone interested email smashmag@live.com or send me a message on Facebook and I get it going. I hope everyone enjoys all the cool stuff going on this month and please keep spreading the word about SMASH!

Thanks

Robin Cunningham Editor

It’s 5:30 when I get the call from friend & entertainer Preston Eakins, though around town he’s known as Scoop the Clown. We’d talked earlier about breaking out the show tools & pulling off some busking downtown, he’s got a nice hook up with local community activist & director of The Mylestone Project, Sean Washington. Street performance with the righteous cause & some classes teaching his trade. As I chat with him on the evenings itinerary, I can hear the Vibe @ Five from my nearby porch. Tonight it’s the country sounds of Canton native Justine Blazer. I’ve enjoyed this years series, & being the last one of the season, I’m hoping we make it down for the show. We arrive shortly after 6, & the pitch of Friendship park’s already full of excitement. As we stroll towards the troupe beginning their setup along the river, Justine’s busy working the crowd. Already she’s engaging the audience in the intermingle of performance as we sit amongst the carry on bags of tricks, toys, tools, & devices. The performers are ready to display their talents & my fingers are itching to convey their message.

First sit down with Anna Blankey. I caught her hoop dance a few weeks back @ the first performance of The Project I attended. Balloons & fire around the outdoor seating of The Griffin. I could tell then through her complex motion & focus that she placed a lot of care into her routines. I was

curious however as to what actually got her into performance, so my first few questions focus upon that. We talk a bit about where she’s from, & there’s honest surprise I’ve heard of the village of Pigeon. Her smile beaming across the ripples of the river. As we continue the interaction, the 10 year BC transplant shares through her words the fun of her work. I surmise it’s what led her to the Project last summer, but as she explains it to me, its the opportunity to work with children that’s given her enjoyment for the 3 years she’s enthralled. We chat a bit about the show to come before she goes off to get ready, the dedication in her craft shows in the minute attention she affords it. As I look towards the festival area, Justine’s going into an energetic rendition of Joan Jett’s”I Love Rock N’ Roll” for the sizable lawn chair crowd enjoying her style this night. It’s a great song & a good cover.

While Justine gives it one last blast before the break, I watch the preparations of the troupe as the gathering & practicing captivates the watchful eyes who wait in the wings of pine trees & river songs. While Preston is amazing the small group of onlookers with his cigar box juggling, I notice Anna’s boyfriend pouring liquid fire for the Poi dance he’s preparing. I take advantage of the moment & sit down with him for a few. Though I’d met Dank Diesel before @ the previous session, I hadn’t formally introduced myself. I’m curious to what led him to the Maori inspired performance art, so I begin with that. He tells me it’s the fire. A few years back he explains, he’d caught a festival act of fire spinning, & for the last 2 years now this self taught artist hasn’t stopped. Furthermore, he’s expanded his interest into teaching. I suspect this is another reason performers like him & Anna have found their way to The Project, the opportunity to share their art & experience with our area youth. As Dank begins to head down to the pitch for the demonstration, I keep a watchful eye out for Sean. My quest for the full story’s leading me to him, but he’s already engaged in the antics of Preston who’s in the midst of placing big smiles on small faces.

The crowd isn’t sure what to expect, as Preston breaks into the chest of goodies he’s brought with him. As he begins his act, the juggling is on point. He’s smooth in his movement & there’s

a consistent smile on his face. You can tell from the look on Sean’s face, who’s seated up close & personal, he’s as impressed as I am in what Preston does. But he’s taken a lot of time to perfect his skills in the short time he’s been performing. Having been a clown for many years, plus magic & juggling for many more years before that, he constantly strives to better himself with each endeavor. As always, he engages the crowd in the spontaneity of the moment. In this case, a small group of children who have seated themselves in front of him for a better look. Going back to the trunk, he quickly pulls out a set of sticks & plates as he attempts to coax the kids into a little bit of audience participation. They’re not biting this particular day but this doesn’t stop his playful manner. Soon the now spinning plates find their way into the small hands that have increased in number & slowly he’s begun to win over the tiny group. Quickly two plates are up into the air, & without a word he’s brought them into his act while the fascinated parents watch on with smiles. As he’s sent off with a round of appreciation & thanks, Anna & Dank begin their time to shine as they take quickly to the Justine sound.

Anna is fluidity of motion in the hoop as the first licks of flame begin to circle around her boyfriend. Even in the fading light of day, the riddle of fire is a sight to behold. He’s confident in his movement as the Poi spirals around his body, & she’s one with the music as the hoop becomes one with her dance. Together they create an interesting imagery to the delicate accompaniment that’s the sound in the park. As Dank winds down a display bordering on acrobatics & contortion, Anna prepares for their pièce de résistance, the hoop of fire. Quickly, Sean gets each of the spines lite without a single burn, &

On The Streets, The Real Mylestone Is Community

she takes to the music like an exclamation upon the event. It’s a dramatic display of spirited style & the art of graceful attention. Dank & Anna are amazing in the dexterity they create, as off to their side, Sean’s smile is beaming pride & admiration.

I finally catch up with Sean shortly after he addresses the crowd. He thanks them for allowing his performers to showcase they’re talent as he briefly explains The Project to the audience. I’d been chatting with Preston as he’d set up the balloons he’d brought. His professionalism & attentiveness another cornerstone of the Project. As he puts the final twists on the jester hat he’s created, I find Sean chatting with a couple who’ve taken an interest in Poi, while Dank & Anna continue to mesmerize the crowd to Justine’s final songs. As we settle amidst his menagerie, first & foremost I ask what The Mylestone Project really means to him. His articulate yet simple answer is passionate, the desire to provide healthy opportunities for our area youth. Self-expression & community involvement is the name of the game & his hope to further the entertainment scene here speaks highly of his of commitment to Battle Creek. As he continues to outline the Project, detailing the dedication to the arts through teaching & performance, I like the fact that he’s compiling

life skills with healthy choices to his students. Not only does he offer the fun & substance of artistic endeavor, he also seeks to give the youth of our city a chance to make their mark as they enter into our workplaces & civic events. By combining creativity with moral lessons on subjects like substance abuse & perception, Sean’s project is much more than meets the eye.

I ask for a little back story, to get a better perspective in my own right & find he’s been working hard @ having fun since 2009. Funded through grants from the BC Foundation, & working with the Women’s Co-op, The Project’s been involved in everything from our community gardens to our schools. As the evening begins to wind down, I inquire where he sees the Project going in the next few years as he speaks of big plans. Seeking to further expand & develop the existing programs in the coming days & months, he tells me his goal’s to increase the amount of classes available by next summer. He also seeks to cultivate more performance, to further illustrate the arts of our youth. Such will be the case @ the upcoming Fall into the Arts. As he sets off to mingle & chat with the crowd, his final statement leaves me in a rather profound state of mind, “If I drive down the street & hear 15 different garage bands playing, I’ve

done my job.” Man I like Sean, his passion is as infectious as his smile. As we pack up to the closing sounds of Justine’s final melody, Sean’s crew meets for farewell hand shakes & some friendly jesting that brings out the the true nature of the group. It really is all about the fun. Each smile & joke becomes another example of the merriment this loose knit band of dedication gives. Not only to each other, but to the community they care about. We say our goodbyes & head back to the car, as the ride home becomes another backdrop of the great city of Battle Creek. The Mylestone Project: http://www.mylestoneproject.com/

& on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mylestone-Project/138537312860106

Dank on Facebook & booking info: http://www.facebook.com/dank.diesel1

Preston can be found & booked @: http://impressiveentertainment.webs.com/

& on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/scoop-the-clown/125396270832333

At RogeR the Chef, NAtuRe is tAkiNg shApe In the wind of fall, wood chips & sawdust meet the imagination of 51 year old Ed Hoppes, of Hoppes Timber Harvesting. As me & my 4’ sidekick, Dr. Joe Quinn, aka the Con-ductor, dine on the fried potatoes & grilled cheese of Roger the Chef, we’re both enthralled by the focus & dedication the Chainsaw Picasso has placed on the wooden canvas along the side of the restaurant. Well, as enthralled as a four year old can be, but Dr. Joe seems pretty impressed too. As I talked with Ed between fries, his passion shows proudly in a previously commissioned work he photos me by cell, a bear lovingly carved by grinder & saw. This new piece however has more of an edible theme in mind to match the new menu @ Rogers, a Create-A-Burger with a side of fries & a shake. Neither his feral photo, nor his delectable timber is a first for him, with previous displays across the state, Ed works hard @ what he loves & wouldn’t have it any other way. When I meet with him later in the week, the donated piece had taken quite a shape as he speaks in the addition color & the finishing touches to complete the work. I ask him where he got his start in all this splinter proficiency, & he explains how he’s come from a family of artists. The chainsaw techniques he picked up from his father Stanley, who’s own interest in wood carving came from his experience in tribal Africa during the big war. As a teenager, Ed took to these stories & cultures with pull-chain earnest, while his sister he tells me, would go on to attend MSU with an inter-est of arts all her own. Even his grandfather, in his trade as a blacksmith, would utilize the creative side of life as he hammered into his endeavors. As Ed speaks more of his ancestry, & the interests they’ve placed into their crafts, his lineage I theorize is probably the main source of all the creativity that breathes through this family. But his observa-tions of the town he calls home is just as inspirational, as he see’s the arts throughout it’s streets as well as it’s trees. Battle Creek is a place of imagination, & one can tell Ed picked up on that long ago in the understandings he imparts on the inner workings of creation. Noting that if you touch on the right idea in this town, a buzz can generate into the roar of interest, something he’s seeing daily as his saw movements grasp the curiosity of the lunch time diners. More & more they stop with an increased interest. Not only in what’s taking shape along the side of the road, but also in the mind of the man of the chain, as his vision becomes form in the sights & sounds of wood & gasoline. Who says power tools aren’t fun.

Poetry InfestationA Prayer for Our Commander in Chief By Tyrell Glasgow (8-7-11) Before 2008 I never thought I’d see a man of color as President. Clinton, Lincoln, both Roosevelt’s, and JFK was ok. But the history books broke out and Obama was what the whole world now shouts! Some say you’re the Anti-Christ, Illuminati, socialist, a puppet, a pawn even an Uncle Tom. But to some you’re a hero, a prophet, role model and a don dada don. Some don’t know if you read the Bible or the Koran. The whole world is evil yet black and white people plus other colors and cultures of Americans came together, and hope was the word of choice as well as change. But now we see the government ain’t changed a thang they only care about the rich and have no pity for the poor. U.S. democracy policies they want to spread so now they start a scandalous conspiracy war. But I voted for Obama in “08” and in 2012 if I’m alive and he run I’m gone vote for him again, because that’s the mission yet it’s sad that they still try to make you the victim. Fox news, the Tea party and even some saying that y pure not black enough. But your wife our very first black 1st lady couldn’t have went to a better tough lady she’s so cute and sassy yet no disrespect. Mr. Obama how do you stay so calm when the politics and status quo make you wanna hit eject on these rejects yo. But God is the only true power so now devil ’s is sour. Yet I don’t want no trouble or no beef, I’m just gonna give props, respect, love and peace plus a prayer for our commander in chief.

Music BoardAlternative The Class Acts The Black Lodge, Kzoo Look for it on Facebook! Monday Oct. 13th Blues/Jazz Michael Angelo Barista Blues Café 91 West Michigan Ave. Downtown Battle Creek 269-968-8430 Oct 3rd, 17th,19th,31st

The Dennis Therrian Quartet Blackhawk 8940 N 32nd St, Richland 269-629-9460 Friday Oct. 12th $10 cover from 7 to 10

Jill Jack Blackhawk 8940 N 32nd St, Richland 269-629-9460 Friday Oct. 26th $10 cover from 7 to 10 Bluegrass Dragon Wagon with Cold Mountain Child Halloween Howdown Throwdown Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330, 21 & up Friday Oct. 26th Doors at 9, music at 10 $10 cover $5 with costume $50 gift card to best costume Classic Rock Jim Dove Pasche’s Seafood Kitchen 11081 Michigan Ave E Battle Creek Next to Quality In Suites 269-964-2514 Every Friday from 7-10

Cullen Anderson Nob Hill 4218 S. Sprinkle Rd, Kzoo 269-349-2965 Wednesday Oct. 3, 10 &17 from 7 to11

3D Rocker Nob Hill 4218 S. Sprinkle Rd, Kzoo 269-349-2965 Fri. & Sat. Oct 5th & 6th from 9 to 1

Post 530 Nob Hill 4218 S. Sprinkle Rd, Kzoo 269-349-2965 Fri. & Sat. Oct 12th & 13th from 9 to 1 Vertigo Nob Hill 4218 S. Sprinkle Rd, Kzoo 269-349-2965 Fri. & Sat. Oct 26th & 27th from 9 to 1 and Costume Contest! Contemporary BBL Riverside Pub 405 W Pearl St, Marshall 269-781-5940 Every Thursday from 8-11

David Lloyd London Grill 214 E Michigan Ave, Kzoo 269-381-9212 Friday Oct. 12th & 26th

Country Dani Jamerson album Release Party Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330 Saturday Oct. 13th Doors at 7, music at 8-12 No cover, 21 and up Dance DJ Tony Toca Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330, 21 & up Friday Oct. 12th Doors at 9, music at 10 $10 cover

Electronica Krewella Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330, 21 & up Thursday Oct 5th Doors at 9, music at 10 $15 cover

Hip Hop 2nSane,Trample the Weak, LaFamilia, Kong Planet Rock 191 Angell St, BC 269-962-2121, 18 & up Saturday Oct. 20th Doors at 8

Del the Funky Homosapien, Matt Black & MC Friendly, and Dezert Eeze Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330, 21 & up Saturday Oct. 27th Doors at 9, music at 10 $10 in advance $15 at the door

Jam Rock Jahman Brahman with Pleasant Drive Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330, 21 & up Friday Oct. 19th Doors at 9, music at 10 $4 cover

Roster McCabe, Gentleman Hall, and Fly Paper Umphreys McGee after party Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330, 21 & up Thursday Oct. 25th Doors at 9, music at 10 $10 General Admission $7 Before 10:00 $5 with Umphreys ticket Jamtronica Indego Sun with Jaws That Bite Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330, 21 & up Friday Oct. 6th Doors at 9, music at 10 No cover Punk Low Talker with Arms Aloft Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330, 21 & up Monday Oct. 15th Doors at 8, music at 9 No cover

Rock Joseph with Rose St. Acoustic set Planet Rock 191 Angell St, BC 269-962-2121 Friday Oct. 5th Doors at 7,$10 cover

Shadow side, Prospect Hill, Sevin, The Audacity Planet Rock 191 Angell St, BC 269-962-2121, 21 & up Saturday Oct. 6th Doors at 7 $10 cover

Tattooed Rebellion, The Unknown, Bur-den Of Ages, Tumult Planet Rock 191 Angell St, BC 269-962-2121 Saturday Oct. 13th Doors at 7 music at 8 $10 cover

Combat Corduroy with Dirty Deville Shakespeare’s Lower Level 241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 269-448-3330, 21 & up Thursday Oct. 11th Doors at 9, music at 10 No cover

Prospect Hill, Dory Drive, Autumns Fall, Traverser Planet Rock 191 Angell St, BC 269-962-2121, all ages Sunday Oct. 21st Doors at 8,$10 Cover

Metal

Shadows Fall, Godforbid, Thy will be done, Trumpet the Hariot, Orions Fury, Condition Critical Planet Rock 191 Angell St, BC 269-962-2121, all ages Friday Oct. 19th Doors at 7, $18 adv $20 day

Trust No One, Malice Cooper, Xit18 , 10 Gauge Rage, Tumult Planet Rock 191 Angell St, BC 269-962-2121, 21 & up Saturday Oct. 27th

The world’s most famous play featuring a skull and a melancholy Danish prince in a new, contemporary cutting!

FLY PAPER Recently returning to their native Ka-lamazoo from a much awaited summer tour, Fly Paper is resting up for another session in the recording studio. A follow up to last year’s debut album which was a huge success and provided the perfect platform to launch the 14 show national tour.

The trio had the pleasure of sharing their soulful rock n roll sounds on the stage of the legendary Whisky A-Go-Go in West Hollywood, CA along with

shows in Chicago, Des Moines, and Denver to name a few.

Now back they will continue to play to their loyal fans here in Michigan while getting ready to record their next masterpiece.

Upcoming shows: Thu Oct 04 Czars 505, St Joseph, 08:00 PM

Sat Oct 06 12 and Sat Oct 20 Cranker’s Brewery, State St., Big Rapids 09:00 PM

Thu Oct 25 Shakespeares Lower Level, 241 E

Kalamazoo Ave, Kzoo 9:00 PM

Sat Oct 27 Black River Tavern (BRT), 403 Phoenix Rd, South Haven 9:00 PM

Check them out at http://flypaperrock.com/

And on Facebook at http://www.face-book.com/FlyPaperRock

The inside of Getaway is everything you’d expect, or need from a bike shop. Disk golf displays, snowboards against the wall, & of course, bikes. @ the end of the shop behind the service area, co-owner & operator Niaomi Curtis sits patiently on the phone with a customer as I come in.

Her & I go way back & grew up on the same streets; it’s good to see her doing well. A success, as I’ve come to find out over the last few months, she wants to share with her community. Hence, Diff ’rent Spokes. A project in that idea of sharing that seeks to put re-”cycled” bikes into the hands of those without. Envisioned as a series of 8 week classes, the goal’s to bring local kids to the shop & teach them the fundamentals of repair coupled with the experience of growth.

Having been around since June, the idea came to her in the faces of the kids that crossed her days in the shop. Often times not hav-ing the money for their bike of desires & wishes, some of these kids would ride in on whatever they could get their hands on whether it had all the parts or not.

It’s these kids that have inspired her Earn-A-Bike program, & it’s her goal to help get them out on the muddy trails & sidewalk streets of Battle Creek. The independence of wind in their face, & the freedom to see beyond only the places a pedestrian could travel.

I can see, as we step out of the shop & into the evening daylight, there’s much to like in the crew she’s assembled on their inaugu-ral session. Already she’s reached her target of 10 kids per, & with a spread of ages hitting almost every number from pre to teen, these youthful cycle aficionados are geared up to go. It’s a lively & friendly bunch of kids, as they wait patiently for us by the ramps set up in the parking lot behind the store. Their playful maturity is impressive & the diverse group looks as if they could already strip down & reassemble a Schwinn in under 10 minutes flat.

Immediately I pick up on the great deal of respect ema-nating from this natural & organic collective, a core aspect instilled @ its inception. But as Niaomi explains it, they set the rules & they plan the events, so

The World Don’t Ride To The Gears Of Just One Bike

Left to Right: Elijah Lutzke, Katie Kline, Noah Sayers, Noah Goodale, Josh Stebleton, Steven Lint, Hunter Ruble

A play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes, and memory – covering all the im-portant subjects: mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, having purses, and why we

only wear black. A fun, funny and poignant evening for everyone who’s ever known a woman!

for them it’s more than just a thing to do. It’s something to belong to, & they have their work cut out for them. With a recent influx of BC Foundation grant resources & double the enthusiasm, there’s tools to buy, promotions to begin, & of course bikes to fix.

For more information, or interested in donating to this Earn-A-Bike Youth Pro-gram, check out the Diff ’rent Spokes group on Facebook, Or stop into Getaway Sports @: 636 SW Capital, Battle Creek. (269)979-1996

Spotlight DISCO This month’s featured artist is of the graffiti style. Over the years graffiti artists have earned respect in their communities for being artists instead of hooligans, unlike other artists they just have a little bit of adrenalin junky in the mix. DISCO has been painting walls since 2000 but took an interest in graffiti in the early 90’s. “I remember seeing it on over passes on field trips or driving down the highway.” “I always thought it was cool how it had that in your face, no choice but to look at it.” In the beginning it was the adrenaline rush that made him come back to his creations, but after a while it became a lifestyle. He draws or paints every day and feels weird if he is not expressing himself with some form of art. He is influenced by nature as well as how he sees the world around him. “I take what’s in my head and put it on a surface.” “It’s a way for me to free my mind and escape from the everyday.” There are no rules! You can see DISCO’s work at the Rouge Artists Gallery in down town Battle Creek and at this year’s Fall into the Arts Walk locally, but he has been commissioned to do walls all over the state.

If you would like to see more or commission DISCO please contact him at grafwithflava@hotmail.com

8 Foot Grimiss CD Review

Recently, local Band 8 Foot Grimiss released their self-titled debut album and it doesn’t take long to hear that there many long hours in the studio have definitely paid off. They have put out 13 tracks of incredible rock you to the core music with powerful lyrics and a nice solid sound. These guys have great chemistry and it shows in their music. It’s hard to believe they

have only been playing together for a few years. With an in your face, striped down, rock and roll sound that flirts with a hint of blues, they are no doubt going to be here for a long time. All 13 tracks on the new album are great and with a powerful live show to go with it, you definitely don’t want to miss these guys.

You can check out their web site and order the new album at http://www.8footgrimiss.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/8footgrimiss

ENJOY THE NFL EVERY SUNDAY & BIG TEN NETWORK ON SATURDAYS.

Enjoy happy hour pricing all day on Sundays!

103 West Michigan Ave., Downtown Battle Creek www.arcadiaales.com

NOW