As someone who has been slowly imersing themselves in the local music scene of Kalamazoo over the last few years, I am excited for the list of musicians playing at Milhouse this Friday. These are long-standing artists in the community, who would have easily been seen on the same bill a few years ago, but as it stands times have changed, people have moved and taken on other responsibilities, now making some of these artists a rare treat. Even if you didn’t spend the past few years catching shows with these artists, or (like I often did) just catching their names on flyers, this music will move you even without nostalgia or personal connection.

GLOWFRIENDS are the quintessential shoegaze family band of Kalamazoo, who have been putting on emotive, spacey shows in the area (and on tour) for many years. Often seen up on stage supporting touring shoegaze acts, it’s a rare sight to have them performing in a basement venue.

JES KRAMER has been making music in Michigan since 17, and has made many friends in Kalamazoo in the process. Her heart-felt casio-pop and loop pedal prowess is renowned. Although Jes is still writing and performing, she can only occasionally make it into Kalamazoo from Grand Rapids, do to her busy family life, so see her while you can!

SON DROP is the former Kalamazooan James Duke’s rock ‘n’ roll brain baby. James has moved to Minnesota, so Son Drop shows are now few and far between. Come see James’ charming smile and hear his relateable get-stuck-in-your-head-and-sing-without-thinking songs. Son Drop will also be releasing a new album at this show!

And Finally, KOLKA KARMADON will be reuniting. For those who do not know, Kolka Karmadon was a music project featuring Jes Kramer, James Duke, and Travis of Circle, Get Square! These folks wrote songs about natural disasters, and created an album that is likely my most played album by any local artist.

And for some reason they were filmed performing one of these songs for mlive in 2008.

Show will be at 8:30. Bring money to buy merch. Respect your surroundings.

Friday night at Wayne manor, prepare yourselves for night of ridiculous Rock N Roll – expect good times – don’t forget to dance.  We’ve got two touring bands on the line up so don’t forget a few bucks for donations (at least throw a smoke in the bucket).

Not convinced? Check out the line-up below

Destroy Nate Allen coming all the way from Portland takes one of American’s greatest forms of expression, folk music, flips it on its head and kicks it in the ass. The duo jams their unique folk-punk mix and fills it in with everything from Skanky Ska to experimental over tones.

http://destroynateallen.bandcamp.com/

Brass bows is a local band with one self-described genre, Rock n’ Roll and they play Rock n’ Roll the way it’s meant to be played: full of soul, sex, and plenty of booze.

http://ditsessions.com/category/brass-bows/

The Mushmen is a local Ska-core band guaranteed to get your feet moving. When those up strokes start ringing and those horns start blasting, you will most likely be having too much fun – fair warning.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-MUSHMEN/329714853663?sk=app_2405167945

Kaylyne Ranch

Qualms

Respect the venue. Respect the bands. Respect each other.

It’s about to get heavy on Western’s campus. Four punk-related artists will be spanning sounds and issues for a FREE SHOW brought to you by the Kalamazoo Peace Center.

Local favorites ACKLEY KID will be in your face, raw, heavy and just the best dudes. ELK WELCOME will also be bringing their punk/jam band mix helping you get weird.

The show will also feature out of towners GREEN WASHED, who have no recordings online. However, as fellow southwest Michiganders on a bill such as this one, I’m sure they’re bringing something not to miss.

Finally, CLOSET BURNER from Bloomingon, IN will be bringing the most intense queercore you’ll ever get the pleasure of seeing, unless you happen to be fortunate enough to see Limp Wrist. However, for the price of ZERO DOLLARS, this is too good to pass up. Seriously, they’re called Closet Burner, how can that not be awesome?

http://closetburner.bandcamp.com/

As I’ve said, this show is FREE, and will also have FREE ROOT BEER AND ICECREAM. Starts at 7:30. Respect the shit out of these bands and of the Peace Center folks who help bring cool outta towners at a low low price.