For years I've been receiving an e-mails from dozens of Michigan bands but couldn't possibly post every one (you see, the idea was for YOU to post them -oh well). Most of the e-mails are show promos but every once in a while there's a nugget of news I think you might like to read. I'll keep collecting these tidbits and post them monthly or as I see fit. If you'd like to send your newsletters or tid-bits to me, contact editor@michiganbands.com and put "MBlubs" in the subject field. Our first edition covers Stewart Franke, Nadir, Bump, Stephanie Loveless and Terry Lee Bolton. Click "read more" below.



Stewart Francke won an Indie Excellence Book Award in the CURRENT EVENTS: MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT category for his book, "Between The Ground & God", a collection of his lyrics and writings from 2005. He'll also appearing at the 2007 New York Book Festival on June 23. Stewart has released nine records since his late-blooming career began in 1995 earning him several awards and accolades both locally and nationally. Check him out at www.stewartfrancke.com.

When singer/songwriter/activist Jonah "Nadir" Omawale wants to heal his country's Distorted Soul, he goes right to the source of infection - Washington D.C. In a blog entry entitled "Mr. Omowale Goes To Washington", Nadir explains how on June 18 and 19 he met with congressional staffers to advocate for a revision of Internet radio royalty rates - a cause that could change the very nature of being a self-employed indie'n. Check out his blog here..

Electro-Moto-Rockers Bump have just returned to Michigan after an extensive U.S. tour that included 27 shows in 15 states over two months. The Boys went as far west as Spokane, WA, as far east as Raleigh, NC, and as far south as St. Petersburg, FL. Highlights included Missoula, Denver, Boulder, Lake Charles, Jackson, Orlando, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Valdosta, Boone, Knoxville, and.....Summer Camp? The boys are taking a couple of weeks off then it's right back on the road. If you can't catch up to them there, you can catch them at BumpGroove.com or www.myspace.com/bumpband

Our favorite ex-local-music-publisher-turned-tranny-troubadour Stephanie Angeline Loveless reportedly scored a five-star review over at Real Detroit for her first full-length CD, "Songs For A Mother Of Mine". The succinct review consisted of only two sentences (Now why can't I ever do that?). But Steff's not resting on her laurels. She plans to begin work on her second release tentatively entitled, "SAY GOODBYE, JUDAS". For now you can hear samples and purchase her first release at myspace.com/princessofferndale.

Terry Lee Bolton attended the The Country Radio Seminar in Nashville Tenessee. The seminar is produced by the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization. Each spring this convention and trade show brings together nearly 1,000 delegates from Country radio with 1,000 music industry professionals for three days of "growth through sharing" in Nashville. Terry was fortunate to mix and mingle with some of the biggest names in country music as well as posing for photos with Pam Tillis, Johnny & Donnie VanZant, Deborah Allen, Tanya Tucker, Darryl Worley, Bucky Covington, Two Foot Fred, Bryan White, Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippen and many more. You can check the picutes out here. What a ham!

Till the next set of blurbs......- Mitch