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By Eric Denby

Where’s the Beef (no offense to vegetarians)
A few days ago I opened an e-mail that asked one simple question: "where’s the beef?" That’s it - nothing more was written (including a valid e-mail address). My own interpretation of this cryptic question is where can someone listen to local music. Right now the beefiest show is The Basement on 89FM The Impact (MSU’s non-commercial college station). I can point out that The Basement is the only active radio show dedicated to giving local music its day (it’s also been around the longest). Beth & Jen are the current hosts, and it airs every Thursday from 8p.m. to 10 pm. Feed your craving regularly.

An Old Town Tradition
Football, cider and being really really cold are just a few mid-Michigan fall traditions - so is the annual Old Town Octoberfest. Bands scheduled to rock out include Frog & The Beeftones, The Weepers, Mystic Shake, Jive Dharma, The Lash and 11 others (see complete schedule on Pages 8-9). You can also eat food while looking at art and shopping. The only disappointment is the lack of national bands, which used to place a large spotlight on the event. For more information about this year’s festival, point your clicker to www.OldTownArts.org.

Don’t get stuck with a sandwich at a smorgasbord
It has been a long time since I could honestly say "what a great night of bands," but Saturday at Rick’s blew my mind. The Steepwater Band kicked off the show, blending ’70s classic rock with some straightforward blues riffs. It was hard for me to get past the lead singer’s likeness to Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains guitarist) and the fact he played the harmonica (easily considered the instrument from above). It was as if I walked into an Allman Brothers concert, and if that’s your thing, then this is your band.
Next up was Baked Potato, a band that I have always dug. Back in the day you would label them as just another jam band. But after Saturday, I can only say it’s Universal (not as in world music but a style that reaches mass people without compromising sound, whew!). Justin Lee, the lead singer, had a John Popper sound to his voice and a pimp pace in his step. The highlight of the set was a duel guitar solo between Rob Nelson and Ryan Hyland, where they proceeded to harmonize off of each other (akin to Skynyrd’s guitarists in "Freebird").

The night finally started to wind down with Knee Deep Shag taking the stage. Considered one of the bands from East Lansing’s "Old School," KDS continues to turn heads and make people shake their groove thangs. Soaring vocals, funk based keys and a truly strong rhythm section keeps it tight while their Rock & Soul style continues to progress. On a side note, Matt’s afro (lead singer) is getting extremely respectable. In other news the Bacardi girls showed up wearing the shiniest, flimsiest vinyl nurse uniforms they could find while Greg from Marshall Music and Keith from Huckleberry Groove were spotted enjoying the tunes.

Quick Hits
Avenine has reformed with a new drummer and a whole new attitude (they also opened up for 3 Doors Down at the Breslin on Saturday)…Joel Luther, a manager at Rick’s AC, has left us for Colorado - his support for local music will be missed…8 Ball Grifter (at Mac’s Bar) held a benefit for the victims of New York a few weeks ago only proving that there is more to life than just Rock & Roll - congrats guys…