Rich Pyle: Rocker and pawn star.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Alan R. Madeleine

Rich Pyle is one of the undisputed stars of the hit truTV series “Hardcore Pawn,” filmed in Detroit at American Jewelry and Loan on Greenfield Rd., near Eight Mile.

This you may already know, but were you aware that he is also the drummer with SuperLast, a hard rock band currently gaining some, dare we say, national momentum? Certainly, Rich’s celebrity status doesn’t hurt in bringing awareness to his and his bandmates’ music project. And, they’re coming to Hamtramck this weekend (see details at the end of the article)!

We shot him some queries by email, and he obliged us by hustling some well-thought-out answers back in no time flat — which this procrastinating writer dearly appreciated.

Let’s briefly start with what’s currently making you the most well-known, before we jump ahead to questions about the band, and that is, your longtime association with Les Gold and American Jewelry and Loan.

How did you get into the business initially? Did you know Les from somewhere else prior, or did you just apply for a job like anyone else? What are your areas of specialty?

Pyle: I went to high school with the jeweler, Jeff West, who worked at the shop repairing jewelry on the weekends. It seemed like a cool place to work, so I asked him to get me a job after we graduated, and I’ve been there ever since.

Because of my background in music, my area of specialty was obviously musical instruments. With my gift for gab, it turned out that I was a pretty decent salesman, as well.

How has your life changed since the show came on?

What’s it like dealing with the fame? Do you get recognized much on the street? Are you happy with the recognition?

Pyle: Life — both in and outside of work — has changed quite a bit since the success of Hardcore Pawn. On the job, we get people in from all over the world for photographs, autographs and memorabilia, which is quite a change because we never even sold a T-shirt before this whole thing started.

We even get famous sports athletes and Hollywood celebrities who come into American Jewelry to meet us because they are our fans. That in itself is really weird

I do get recognized out on the streets, and it doesn’t bother me at all because I am a people person and enjoy meeting new people.

What’s a typical day like now, at work? I don’t imagine the cameras are rolling the whole time you’re open, every day – are some people disappointed because they come in solely to be on TV – and then, you’re not taping that day?

Do you have to screen out the fame seekers first in the parking lot — you know, the ones who really don’t have anything to sell, but just want to try to get their mugs on the show? Does every other mook in town come in trying to pick a fight?

Pyle: My typical day at work is as it has always been, but now I have a camera in my face recording every single move I make.

We do have people come in that want to experience the “behind the scenes” viewing of the show. We don’t have to deal much with people wanting to visit to just get on TV, as the production crew handles that.

Remember, we are filmed from open to close six days a week, but you are only getting 1 percent of what is filmed and, of course, the most exciting events are the ones that get televised.

It does seem that there are a lot of angry people that come into the store, but that isn’t necessarily the case.

Now — on to your band. I listened quickly to parts of a couple of the tracks your Myspace site links up to. I’m not the biggest fan of pop nu-metal, but I have to say that I love the clean production on the records and I like the fact you’re a bit more melodic in a way that almost recalls some of the 70s hard rock I grew up with.

Who would you list as the bands’ influences, and who were your personal ones, if there’s any difference?

Pyle: My personal influence is Rush. Neil Peart is like a god to me, as probably with most drummers.

As far as the band goes, our influences are pretty diverse. To name a few: The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Who, Led Zeppelin, and (up through the years) some Chris Cornell, STP (Stone Temple Pilots), Pearl Jam, and Foo Fighters.

Do I remember right, that you were friends first, and then sort of came together for what sounds like was meant to just be some loose jamming initially, but then which grew into something more.? Can you tell that story, very briefly?

Pyle: It actually started off as being a recording project — a few of us had never even met (at that point). When I went to the studio and met Tim Reamer (one of our guitarists and our keyboard player), we realized that we went to the same school, but neither of us knew that the other played an instrument.

The recording went smoothly. The chemistry between the band members was so strong that here we are, three years later, getting ready to release another album.

If the band starts to break big — and it could — how does that impact the day job (I imagine that some, or all, of the other guys could have the same issues)? Does Les let you go on tour for three (or six) months a year every year, or do you just keep it local and let “them” come to you?

Pyle: If the band has opportunities in the future, we will address that as it happens. So, if anyone out there reading this wants to sponsor a tour for us, our ears are open.

Are you working on another record yet? Anything you can say about it?

Pyle: Yes, we are currently in the studio. The new album is a little edgier, more personal, and it’s a better reflection of each of us.

It’s also allowing us to showcase each individual on one track or another. With our first album, we were brought in by the late Tim Barnes to play our parts in the studio, with limited creative input.

The tracks we are laying down now are 100 percent ours. We’ve given the new songs a test drive with our audience before recording them this time, and have had a lot of positive feedback.

How many times, roughly, have you guys played live together now as an official “band”? Have you played Hamtramck before? Or, where else around town have you gigged?

Pyle: As an official band, we’ve played out several dozen times. We’ve played DTE, opening for Def Leppard and Heart after winning the Detroit Fox Rocks competition, where we won by fan vote, beating out 70 other local bands. (Hey! I saw you at that show! — Ed.)

That is a huge honor, because there is so much great talent in Detroit. We’ve played The Machine Shop, The Crofoot, The Pike Room, Hardrock Café, The Blind Pig, The Token, Blondies, Planet Rock in Battle Creek, New Way Bar, All Around Bar, Rack ‘N Roll, U Detroit Café, Simon’s After Dark, Trenton Street Fair, etc.

Last spring, we traveled to New Hampshire to perform at Laconia Bike Week with Jackyl. This was by special invitation from Jesse Dupree of Jackyl and Full Throttle Saloon, which is also a truTV reality show.

We’ve also performed with Great White, Robert Bradley, and Gary Hoey to name a few others.

Did any of your, or the band’s, equipment come from American Jewelry and Loan? From some poor schmoe who couldn’t afford to come back and get it in time, or from people who just sold the stuff outright because they needed cash fast?

Pyle: I have not bought any cymbals from a music store other than American Jewelry in the past 20 years. It would be stupid for me to go anywhere else because it is so much cheaper at the pawn shop. A lot of musicians get their equipment from us.

If there’s anything else I didn’t address, feel free: Take your shot! Thanks for your time, and good luck at the gig!

Pyle: SuperLast has five band members: Mike Azuri, lead vocals; John Quiroz, lead guitar and vocals; Tim Reamer, guitar, keyboards and vocals; Tim Downs, bass guitar and vocals; and, me, of course, on drums. For booking inquiries, contact our manager Tracey Linden at (734) 341-1626.

SuperLast, featuring Rich Pyle from the show Hardcore Pawn on drums, headlines a gig this Saturday night, Jan. 28 at the New Dodge Lounge, along with Bison Machine and Citizen Zero on the bill. The New Dodge Lounge is located at 8850 Jos. Campau, a couple blocks south of Holbrook on the east side of the street, across from the Checkers burger joint. Show starts at 8 p.m. $5 cover.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Alan R. Madeleine

George Cvetanovski must be lucky, or else have great genes.

Or, he’s a testament to the healthful powers of soccer playing and Macedonian beer.

Cvetanovski, a first-generation Macedonian American and the sole owner and operator of the 7 Brothers Bar for almost 35 years now, celebrated a milestone birthday this past Friday, in a bar filled with his loyal subjects: Actors, and others, from Hamtramck’s arts community.

His energy level matched those around him well, these other 100 or so folks that came and went, whose average age probably hovered around 30 – young enough to be his grandchildren (this reporter excepted). For although George Cvetanovski was turning 80 on this night, he surely didn’t look much over about 65.

The jukebox blared as per usual, and folks tried to squeeze in a game of darts amid the crowd. The many, many actor headshot photos that line the wall here – yours truly’s among them – seemed to stare down in approval at the melee below.

Actress and comedienne Jaime Moyer, still back visiting here from her L.A. transplant, worked the bar as in the old days, and a slew of faces familiar to the town’s theater community spilled out on the sidewalk to smoke, noshed on some food, or chatted loudly in pairs or small groups.

Among those who would be familiar to the avid Detroit theatergoer were Dawn Rasnick, Lauren Bickers, Jill Dion, Dave Davies, Peter Prouty, Brian Papandrea, Amy Probst, Brian Spangler, James Mio, Dyan Bailey, Molly McMahon, Planet Ant Artistic Director Inga Wilson, Phil Bolden and Robin from the Hastings Street Ballroom.

Cvetanovski’s bar is an old-time watering hole. Although there are grills, no food is cooked here. Even tonight, the food comes from Jet’s Pizza and elsewhere. But there are the aforementioned darts, and there is pool, and there is above all that outstanding jukebox.

And there is George. Lean and wiry, he almost looks like he could still get back out there on the footie pitch and swat away a few “benders.”

But, for now, he’s seemingly in his glory – tending bar, not goal, at his self-modeled “Home of all Arts.”

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

At Jean's Bar, characters are always welcomed. Perhaps the biggest character hanging out there is the bar owner, Virginia Szymanski.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Charles Sercombe

Forty years ago, imagine that. It’s 1971, and it was a much different world back then.

A gallon of gasoline cost 40 cents.

Monthly rent was around $150.

Movies were only $1.50. The most popular movies were “Love Story,” “Summer of ’42,” “Carnal Knowledge” and “The French Connection” – among many others.

The voting age was lowered from 21 years old to 18 years old.

Cigarette advertising was banned from television.

Jim Morrison of the Doors died at the age of 27 in Paris.

Lance Armstrong, Winona Ryder, Mariah Carey and Tupac Shakur were all born that year.

Texas Instruments started selling the first pocket calculator.

And Virginia Szymanski and her family became the new owners of Jean’s Bar, located on Jos. Campau and Commor.

This Saturday, Virg, as everyone calls her, will be celebrating the bar’s 40th anniversary. Virginia, believe it or not, is now in her 80s, and you’d never guess that by looking at her.

Before her family bought the bar, it was famous in the 1940s and 1950s for attracting big-name acts that came through Hamtramck, which was once on the national entertainment radar.

People like Danny Thomas and Peggy Lee would play down the street at the now long-gone Bowery and sneak over to Jean’s Bar, which back then was called the Commor Bar, for a drink.

Those heady days are, of course, history now, but there is still one top performer who makes regular appearances here.

“The bar is my stage,” Virg said. “I’m a ham, this is where I perform.”

As you can see, she’s a wisecracker.

On Saturday, there’s going to be plenty of food and drink specials, and most importantly, Virg herself.

One thing, though. Don’t expect 1971 beer and drink prices.

“I’d lose too much money,” Virg said.

Still, you can’t find much better prices around here than at Jean’s, no matter what year it is.

Not feeling the holiday spirit yet?

Well, no matter whether you are in the mood or not, head on over to Maria’s Comida restaurant today (Friday, Dec. 9).

The Pronko family is throwing an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Marie Pronko, a co-owner of the restaurant, says she has an old Polaroid camera to take photos of contestants.

We’re not sure what the prizes are, but who cares? This is the one and only time you can proudly wear that ugly sweater your aunt or parents or sister gave you.

Dang, wouldn’t you know it, Toast of the Town got rid of all those sweaters just a few years ago.

Still, we plan to drop by just for the fun of it. At 6 p.m., live music will start, and the party runs until 9 p.m. Marie also encourages those of legal drinking age to bring your own booze. Oh yeah, that Santa fellow will be ho-ho-ho’ing around and sipping on eggnog.

Hey kids, don’t get any funny ideas about spiking that eggnog behind our backs! Just in case, Toast of the Town will stand guard, heh-heh.

Maria’s is located at 11411 Jos. Campau, just north of Caniff.

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

The Cynics, aren't really cyncial at all.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Charles Sercombe
Once again, the New Dodge Lounge is hosting another throwback to 1980s garage rock land – and then some.

Tonight (Friday, Nov. 4), Pittsburgh natives The Cynics will bring their snarling version of garage rock to Hamtown. The Cynics have not stopped performing all these years, and they still put on a great show.

Frontman Michael Kastelic is a certified wildman, and will not disappoint.

Also on the bill is Detroit’s legendary Rocket 455. This band started up a little after the heyday of Detroit’s garage rock era, but boy they sure carried the rock and roll torch well.

Hard-edged and full of swagger, Rocket 455 still sounds as tough and raunchy as they did back in their day.

Hats off to Toni Callwood for booking some exciting shows at the New Dodge, which it should be mentioned is owned by Cathie Gordon, the rock and roll member of the City Council.

We were wondering if anyone cared that Friendship House won’t be receiving its annual $12,000 from the state to help feed our low-income neighbors. Yeah, chalk up another humanitarian victory for our governor, Rick “I’m a nerd” Snyder, for making this cut in the state budget.

And to think, there are some political pundits out there who keep lecturing us on why it’s a waste of time and effort – and oh, how divisive it is — to try to recall this dipwad.
Snyder cut this money from a number of food pantries because, you know, he’s nerd and doesn’t care if poor people eat or not. Jeez, people, don’t you know? If you’re not rich it’s your own damn fault.

OK, sarcasm aside, this is a serious issue. Fortunately, the good folks at the Polish Sea League have actual compassion for the poor, and are holding a modest little fundraiser on Nov. 12 for Friendship House’s food give-away program.

We recently talked with Andrea Karpinski from the Polish Sea League about the issue, and she wondered if anyone else was going to help out. Consider this a challenge everyone. Let’s make this upcoming holiday season something to really celebrate about.

In the meantime, try to head over to the club, located at Edwin and Brombach, and chip in a $5 donation – and more if you can afford it. DJ Bush – no, not George Bush – will be spinning tunes, and there will be raffles and all sorts of other fun stuff to help raise money.

May the Ghost of Christmas Future haunt Snyder this year.

Before you head over to the Sea League on Nov. 12, first stop by Hamtramck’s most happening – and fun – art gallery, called Public Pool, located on Caniff just east of Gallagher.

That night is the opening of the new exhibit, entitled, “UN-Dress:RE-Dress.”

Steve Hughes, the co-curator of the show, and gallery operator, describes the show as thus:

“Clothing is this common, everyday object that is easy to take for granted,” he said. “But if you step back and think about it, you realize that it plays a far bigger role than just covering our bodies. For this show, we’ve asked artists to consider what clothing does and explore the possibilities of what it can do.”

The modern executive look, or is it?

Hmmmm … Why am I imagining a bunch of naked artists? Kidding.

But seriously, I have a feeling I’ll never think of jeans in the same way again. Don’t know why, either.

Want to get burned?

No I don’t mean ripped off. But I do mean burned in the sense of are you man or woman enough to eat one of the hottest peppers known on the planet?

And not just one, but — within five minutes — try to maw down all of the following peppers: two jalapenos, two habaneras and as many ghost peppers “as humanly possible.”

And when we say eat pepper, it also includes seeds. Now this we gotta see. It’s all happening at Maria’s Comida & Maria’s House Made Salsa at 11411 Jos. Campau on Thursday, Nov. 17, starting at 6 p.m.

Don’t know about “ghost peppers”? They’re one of the world’s hottest peppers, and are grown in a region of India, as well as in Bangladesh. Supposedly it’s 350 times stronger – or hotter – than a jalapeno pepper.

It’s so freakin’ strong that the Indian military considered turning it into a weapon!

Ghost pepper -- India's secret weapon.

OK, you can count Toast out, cause our hot pepper consumption days are long behind us. But, my god, even in our hottest of pepper eating days, this pepper eating contest is already making our eyes water.

And not surprisingly, contestants are required to sign a “release of liability and disclaimer,” in which you agree not to sue them in case you suffer “bodily injury and/or internal injury.”

Also, according to the rules of the contest, you have to be at least 18 years old (and possibly certifiably insane). The entry fee is $10.

Just in case you cry “uncle,” there will be a glass of milk (what about sneaking a mouthful of peanuts?) on hand in case the burn becomes unbearable, but the bad news is that means you are instantly disqualified (if you’re not already dead).

And if you can’t keep it all “down,” well, tough luck, you’re out. The winner — or survivor? — goes home with $100. Sorry, a bottle of Tums is not included.

For more information on entering the contest, call Maria’s at (313) 733-8406. For more information on why you would willingly subject yourself to this torture, call your local shrink.

Note to the good folks at Maria’s: You might want to have an ambulance waiting on hand.

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

The former Hamtramck Pub on Caniff burned down last weekend. It was once host to Detroit's garage rock scene in the mid-1980s.

By Charles Sercombe

Usually in this column we celebrate things that are alive and fun.

Today, though, we are going to raise our glass to an old haunt that was once one-third of what I like to call Hamtramck’s triangle of rock.

The former Hamtramck Pub, at 2048 Caniff, burned down Saturday night. And when we say burned down, we mean totally gutted with just part of the sides and the front remaining standing.

It is totally gutted, and from what we have heard the city needs to do an emergency demolition of what remains because it may fall down at any moment.

Man, so many memories here. The Pub was right at Hamtramck’s entrance there on Caniff, close to the freeway. Inside, Rod and Cole – and their buddy Paul – opened their doors to Detroit’s rock and roll community.

Probably a couple of generations of rockers graced their tiny stage. In the mid-1980s, Hamtramck was home to Detroit’s garage rock movement.

I was part of that, having played drums in the Hysteric Narcotics.

The Hysteric Narcotics play New Year's Eve 1986 at the Hamtramck Pub.

At that time, it seemed that the only place to play in the Detroit area was the Pub, Paychecks down the street and Lili’s.

The Hysteric Narcotics were gig whores. We’d play anywhere, anytime, and it seemed like we played Hamtramck almost every weekend. We made the circle, from the Pub to Paycheck’s to Lili’s.

And then repeated it all.

Rod and Cole ran a modest little establishment. Their bar had the cheapest little PA, but they were generous hosts – in spite of being maybe a little prickly sometimes.

The most memorable night for me was one where I wasn’t even there. How’s that?

A good friend of mine, Rick Metcalf, was there one Saturday night when the Vertical Pillows were playing. After the show, he got into his car, parked across the street from the hall next door, and all of a sudden felt a sudden hot pain flash in his left leg.

Unbelievably, a stray bullet fired from a crazed nut from the hall pierced through the car door and into his leg.

Poor Rick spent I don’t know how many months in a hospital bed at Detroit Receiving – one of the worst emergency rooms and hospitals to find yourself in.

He’s now got a metal rod holding his leg together.

In situations like this people often joke about things to soften the blow. I think it was Rod – or maybe Rick? – who came up with the joke about being able to get a “shot and a beer” at the Pub.

I also remember Rick recounting his Hamtramck police experience once the cops came. For some reason – maybe panic? – he pulled his car into the gas station down at the corner and waited for police and an ambulance to arrive.

A couple of detectives arrived, who are now long retired and will remain nameless. One of the detectives, Rick said, reeked of beer and slurred his words.

Well, we’ve gotten off track here.

The Hamtramck Pub is now gone for good.

I was hoping someone would buy it and do something with it.

Rod and Cole are deceased. And I just learned this week that their pal, Paul, who used to tend bar, died just two months ago, I’ve been told, from a stroke. He had fallen on hard times and spent most of the day walking the streets.

Listen up, all of you young dudes, Ian Hunter was right when he warned that rock and roll can be cruel.

I asked the city what was the status of the Pub’s ownership, which also featured apartments upstairs. It appeared that the building had been vacant for a few years.

According to city records, the structure came into the ownership of the city last February. Jason Friedmann, the director of Community & Economic Development, said the city bought it for back taxes owed to the county. The thought was to rehab the building, but once inspectors got inside, a basement full of water was discovered.

It was decided then to demolish it.

So, in the long run, the Pub was going to come to its final end one way or another.

Fortunately, we still have Paycheck’s – but it’s just hanging on. Lili’s was sold and is still one of the best rock and roll joints around. It’s now called The Painted Lady.

Do yourself a favor and stop by one, or both, bars in the coming weeks. And, of course, raise a toast to Rod, Cole and Paul.

A pre-high fashion queen Muffy Kroha discovers she likes beer at the former Hamtramck Pub sometime in 1986.

In the Good News Department, last Saturday’s citywide arts festival was nothing short of a huge success, according to our pal and occasional Review correspondent Walter Wasacz.

From what he could estimate, there were several hundred visitors to the city. We’ve included a few photos he took of the event.

Sometimes in Hamtramck, it’s two feet forward and then one step back. Saturday was definitely two huge strides forward for Hamtramck.

Hamtramck was buzzing with visitors last Saturday during an all-day arts festival scattered around several venues and houses.

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

Coming soon, an art movement throughout the city, and maybe even to a house near you.

By Alan R. Madeleine

Like art? Like Hamtramck?

Well, the Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival has just the thing for you: Itself.

A one-day shindig happening a week from Saturday, on Oct. 15, it gets going when most artists and musicians would want it to, i.e. when the sun’s good and warm in the sky, at about 1 p.m. It goes until 11 p.m., leaving the average Bohemian plenty of time to be, well, Bohemian.

The day begins with a “gallery crawl” from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There are currently 11 galleries listed as participating (Hamtramck: Once the city of bars, now the city of… galleries?!), including Public Pool, Zahorsky Studios and Popp’s Packing, among others. Addresses are available on the website (hamtramckart.com), and maps will be made available on the day of the crawl.

There will be a pair of events mixed in during this time: A puppet workshop and performance by Carrie Morris (assisted by students from Holbrook Elementary ), and a stop-frame animation demo by Gary Schwartz. For both events, the exact time and place will be revealed, but they will fall somewhere in the 1-5 time period.

Also, from 2-7, music will be breaking out on porches all over town. It was unclear whether these would be loose jam sessions, or actual cohesive sets, or a mix of both. Probably the former. Some of the participating musicians come from familiar local acts such as the Terrible Twos, and Lee Marvin Computer Arm. Beware the frumious accordionsnatch (if I may riff on Lewis Carroll).

Again, locations and times will be announced — and then perhaps added to the mapping?

The literary half begins to heat up in the evening. The first scheduled performance is an intriguing reading of some of (United States Poet Laureate, and one-time local) Philip Levine’s works, fused together into an opera by James Cornish, with a little help from some of his friends. Entitled ”Cornish on Levine,” it’s scheduled to premiere at 2739 Edwin at 7 p.m.

Lastly, from 8 p.m. until wrap up at 11, a group of a dozen writers will provide 10 minutes readings each, plus a dish to pass. They’ve dubbed it the “Good Tyme Writer’s Buffet,” so come on and fill up your stomach and your brain — all in one spot — at the Public Pool.

As well as on their website, you can also find updates on Twitter and Facebook.

The Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival, you say? Sounds like a blast to us!

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Alan R. Madeleine

How about a little garage for that New Dodge?

Garage rock, that is.

This Saturday night, there’ll be a garage hodge-podge here in Hamtown at the New Dodge Lounge, with venerable Queens N.Y. headliners The Fleshtones, backed by The Sights and Almost Free.

On Thursday, November 4, the venue will feature Pittsburgh rockers The Cynics. Other acts on the bill that night include The Sights (yes, again), Detroit’s legendary Rocket 455 and the Pow Wows.

Reached by telephone, New Dodge co-owner (and City Councilperson) Cathie Gordon deferred to her new promoter (her actual titles are Marketing Director and Booking Manager), Toni Callwood.

Callwood, who had been handling these same duties at the Belmont Bar before its sale (and conversion to a sports bar), says The Sights were instrumental in wanting to bring The Cynics back to Detroit. That gig is a Get Hip and No Fun Records co-production.

Callwood calls her own booking company Stiv DeVille Productions. Veterans of the punk scene from over the last few decades should get both references.

The Fleshtones have toured here often since they formed in 1976. They last played at the Majestic Café some months back in 2010, and have played the Lager House in recent years as well. Tickets for their show are $15. It’s likely to be crowded.

It’s been a bit longer for The Cynics, if memory serves. (Note: Sometimes, memory does not serve.) The Pow Wows are considered up ‘n’ comers, and Rocket 455 and The Sights are well established on the local garage rock scene, so the bill promises to be an exceptional one.

One other show of note that’s solidly booked at the New Dodge is a Halloween bash on Sat., Oct. 29, Callwood said. The 3-D Invisibles will headline, along with the Casket Bastards (featuring members of the Amino Acids). Co-sponsored by Maria’s Comida, Detroit Threads and Showtime, the evening will also feature a “Dress as your favorite old horror movie character” costume contest.

On Sat., Nov. 26 there will be a Hamtown Hoedown. Details, including music acts, to follow. The event will celebrate all things alt-country and roots rock, with a local flavor.

Callwood also mentioned her husband Brett’s book signing on Sat., Oct. 1, also at the New Dodge (8850 Jos. Campau). The book, titled “The Stooges: Head On, A Journey Through the Michigan Underground,” was just published on Sept. 2, according to the website Punknews.org.

Also on the bill for that night is Hamtramck’s own Bootsey X & the Lovemasters, as well as Amy Gore and Her Valentines. Admission is $5 for those 21 years and older and 10 bucks for those 18 to 20 years old.
(Brett Callwood also works for the Metro Times. His book was published by Wayne State University Press.)

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

Joanna. Grrrrrr.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Charles Sercombe

We try to remain upbeat about Hamtramck’s bars and eateries, but this economic slump is beginning to take a toll.
Everyone’s hurting, business-wise.

We’ve already seen the Belmont Bar change hands. The new owner has pulled the plug on rock and roll bands and is instead going for the tried and true formula of a sports bar.

The Belmont re-opened this past weekend. Of course opening during the Labor Day Festival is always a foolproof way to drum up business. And the weekend bar crawl certainly helped.

But we have heard from a few other bars that they are barely hanging in there. Over at Skipper’s, owner Nolan LaFramboise has had enough and is selling his establishment. We recently received an e-mail from Nolan, and here’s what he had to say:

“Folks, it’s time to git on down the road. A younger person can make this a gigantic success. In any case, I love the business but it’s beyond me at this time.

“Please forward this and tell your friends and acquaintances. Building and equipment are in excellent condition and a basic business has been built. Building, equipment, name, website and everything needed to open and operate immediately.

Thanks to all of you who have supported Skipper’s since opening. Hamtramck — I love you — a struggling but beautiful city with a bright future.”

Believe us, if a guy like Skipper can’t make it here, Hamtramck is in a heap of trouble. Oh, one more thing before we move on, Skipper’s will remain open while the bar is on the market.

We asked Cathie Gordon, who has owned the New Dodge Lounge for 26 years, what her take is on the current bar scene.

“It’s very, very slow, unless you have some kind of gimmick,” Gordon said.

Gordon also noted that Hamtramck’s reputation for having the most bars per population has taken quite a hit over the years. When she first opened her bar, there were 151 bars and service clubs operating.

Now it seems like there is only a little over a dozen remaining.

One of the common complaints you hear and read about from bar owners has been the ban on smoking, which went into effect last year. Bar owners across the state have been howling in protest over the ban, saying many of their customers have opted to stay at home and drink … and smoke.

There is talk now among some legislators to lift the ban, or allow a portion of the bars to be sectioned off for smokers.

If it were up to Toast of the Town, we’d scrap that law. Let the customers decide where they want to go.

But we doubt that would help Hamtramck bar owners much. There is a much more insidious problem here: Everyone is broke.
Let’s face it, many of us have lost our jobs in the last couple of years and unless this country figures out a way to create more jobs, we are facing a very serious threat to our collective well-being.

Well, sorry for the rant folks. I guess you could say we need a stiff drink right about now. Anyone want to head over to Skipper’s? Oh yeah, and if you need just one reason to visit Skipper’s, we suggest Thursday evenings when the oh-so-lovely Joanna is pouring. Grrrrrrrr.

Fellas, you’ll see what we mean when you get there.

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Charles Sercombe

If there is one thing that unites Hamtramckans, it’s our stomachs. No, we’re not talking about throwing down beers and shots. It’s all about the crazy good grub you can get in this town.

And this hasn’t gone unnoticed among media types.

Hamtramck has been in the lens of a number of cable TV foodies in the past. Anthony Bourdain of “No Reservations” was at Polonia Restaurant a couple of years back.

On Wednesday, Andrew Zimmern of “Bizarre Foods,” which is on the Travel channel, came to sample some of the ethnic foods this town dishes up. Normally, Andrew is noshing on some pretty weird things, like brain tacos (we’re not sure if it was human or some kind of animal brain) or bull penis soup.

I suppose compared to the rest of the world, Hamtramck looks pretty normal, which would usually be a fairly hysterical thing to suggest to the locals.

Accompanying Andrew was Mayor Karen Majewski who served as a tour guide and ambassador. Quite frankly we can’t think of a better person to represent our fair city.

They started at Café 1923, which serves some of the best coffee in the area along with a whole bunch of other coffee-related drinks. Then it was off for a taste of the Middle East at Sheeba’s, Polish offerings at Srodek’s, pizza and ghost peppers at Amar Pizza and a last stop at the newly-opened Palma Restaurant.

Palma serves specialties from Bosnia and is next to our office here on Caniff. Folks, for a mere six bucks, you can get one huge dish of chicken and a Coke.

From what we have heard, the show will air sometime in February. As the broadcast date gets closer, we’ll give you a heads-up.

In the meantime, go out and explore Hamtramck’s eateries. There’s a whole wide world here in town waiting to be eaten.

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

A stacked deck.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Alan R. Madeleine

When is a full house not a full house?

Well, for starters, when it loses to several other better full houses – and a few suspicious four-of-a-kinds, too – at the third annual Hamtramck Poker Run this past Saturday afternoon.

Also, when you paradoxically get one in a half-empty bar.

Still, it was fun reconnecting with some bars that, frankly, I have been away from for far too long.

As I mentioned in this same column last week, the motivation behind this movable booze feast changes from year to year. This year, the idea is to use the profits to begin saving toward an Amsterdam-style “beer bike,” a sort-of Dutch party on wheels that will surely be a head-turner around this town, when it manages to happen. And, which will add a nice touch of good old fashioned Euro spirit, as well.

The drawback is, these bikes are almost unbelievably expensive. Think five figures.

And I don’t think this Poker Run went too far toward solving the purchase.

Still, for the 60-some-odd persons who did come out to play — most of them young and sweaty from either biking or walking between venues — it was a unique and fun concept.

To refresh: One began at the Polish Sea League, arriving after 1 p.m. to sign up, buy a drink (cranberry vodka with cranberry juice, in my case), and then get a playing card, marked with their bar’s name somewhere on the back. I got: the Jack of Spades.

Nothing up her sleeve.

I’d never been inside the Sea League before. As with all the bars, the bartenders and patrons were friendly, beyond the fact that some of them may have taken a little “head start” in the liquid refreshment department.

From there it was off to Small’s, a bar I have always liked. I was already on to a cola. As a bonus, they served $1 hot dogs (and corn dogs, for the rogues in the crowd) to help soak up the, ah, excess. My reward for this stop: the Two of Diamonds (remember that – it will be a recurring theme).

Stop Number Three: South on Conant a scant few blocks, to Skipper’s. No sign of Barbie or Ken, but it was a pleasure to see Hell’s Belle Joanna Komajda manning, or rather wo-manning, the bar. My libation: Orange juice, on the rocks, please. My card: the bloody Two of Diamonds – again! (They’re all using their own separate decks, you see, so this exact repetition of cards is indeed possible.)

Stop Number Four: Off to the optional stop for an extra card, and a shot of Ouzo, at the 2 Way Inn. Located somewhat outside the city limits into Detroit, on the southwest corner of Mt. Elliott (east of Mound by a few streets, at this point) and Nevada, aka McNichols-and-a-half. Another bonus: Broasted chicken!

Konrad, something wet is about to happen to you.

The 2 Way Inn, apparently the longest continually serving bar in the state, has a security system that, once you are buzzed in, makes you feel like you’ve made it into some secret club, “behind the green door,” as it were.
This stop was an option, just for those who wanted to add a potential replacement card to their hand. Mine: The Nine of, yes, Diamonds. Hmm.

Stop Number Five was the venerable Whiskey in the Jar, owned by City Councilmember Tom Jankowski but run by a petite woman with dark hair who has excellent taste for stocking the beer cooler. Mental note made, to try the Irish Black Lager, straight from some bar in New York that supposedly only sells their own beer, “light or dark.”

Seeing the same folks, traipsing in after me. My beverage: Another cola – which I barely touched. My card: Now what’s going on here?! THE TWO OF DIAMONDS?! Who will believe it? I mean, okay, it is three twos, but geez…

Finally – the last stop, where we all meet up to claim our rightful (or left-ful, or just-plain-underhanded) prizes: The Painted Lady, formerly Lili’s Club 21.

Been a while since I’ve been in here, too – used to dread the smokiness that seemed to always build up like a bad fogbank. Always liked the place otherwise, though. Seems weird not to go down the alley and enter from the side anymore – now, it’s straight in the front door, and set yourself down. Condiment packages are flying around, and it’s the bartender as chief instigator.

My drink: A tall rum and OJ, I think, and then later a shot of that Polish blackberry brandy that I can’t even recall how to pronounce, let alone spell.

(Editor’s note: It’s affectionately called “Jezzy,” and also is known as “Stupid Juice.” Officially, it’s called Jezynowka.)

Too much Jezzy?

My card: a Jack of, blow me down, Diamonds, giving me both a bad full house (three Twos, all of Diamonds, no less, over Jacks), and, on a lesser note, also a Flush.

But there’s good natured and drunken chicanery afoot, and after awhile, I almost wasn’t above it myself. Nearly traded with a drunken lass for her other two Twos, which would have given me a most suspicious five of a kind, but I just couldn’t do it. It helped to remember that the cards were marked, and I would’ve ended up with more than one from the same bar, which – I imagined – was a DQ, straight away.

But there were other scoundrels about, working their scoundrelry without remorse. While forgetting to wear their shirts. Why don’t the girls forget THEIR shirts? I digress.

In the end, I was about eighth or so, barely missing out on the last good prize (a $20 gift certificate to Small’s), and winding up with (you may guess it) T-shirts. Two of ‘em, in fact. Yayyy.

And memories. Fuzzy, blurry memories.

And that weird hand of cards. But it’s okay. I’ll get ‘em next year.

The day after the Hamtramck Poker Run. Hair of the dog.

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.