Geraldine/Greenhornes @ the Magic Stick on 8/25/2001

Detroit does not have a great reputation as being a destination for tourists, so it's always a lot of fun when you get a chance to show somebody from out of town some of those hidden treasures that our city is just full of.  This weekend I got that perfect opportunity to show a friend of mine from Orange County, CA just how much fun Detroit can be on a typical Saturday night.  The first stop was made in Hamtramck to renew old acquaintances at Paycheck's.  Paycheck's has a rich history of showcasing some great bands and it was certainly one of the main catalysts in the original days of punk rock infancy many years ago.

Tonight it turns out to be a mixed bag.  After greeting the ever-present Paycheck at the front door - we stick around to hear a a couple of bands - a short set by a hardcore band followed by a more tedious set of some band doing 80's new wave covers.  I'm quite sure that we can do better and my faith is more than amply rewarded at the Magic Stick.

Unfortunately we have missed the Deadly Snakes, but arrive in time for a very entertaining set by 4 guys from Ohio going under the name of Geraldine.  Somehow their singer manages to play some great harmonica as well as singing most of their songs.  I was tired just from watching run all over the stage.  This band's energy level was fantastic and I hope to see them again soon.

But the show was just getting started.  Up came the Greenhornes from Cincinnati - 5 guys whose music was describes as "R&B Soul Garage Pushers".  I've been in a hell of a lot of garages, but have not heard anything quite so good.  The front of the stage was just packed with dancing bodies and the Greenhornes somehow kept this level of excitement going till closing time.  Many members of Detroit's great garage bands were immersed in this bubbling mass of people and I was being extremely careful not throw any stray elbows in the direction of the nearest Payback, Buzzard, Gore Gore Girl, Come On or Unfriendly. 

Unfortunately, this great evening did come to a close and as we sadly filed down the steps to go home - I turned to my friend and truthfully said - "You know, it's this great in Detroit every weekend".   She didn't need any more convincing....