Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Sitka Town Hall

Me and the fellas played a set here one night back in the mid 70s. And it looked exactly the same then. We figured it was a happenin spot because it was so far removed - about 6 or 7 miles southwest of Fremont. Didn't figure the city boys would bother us much out there. I remember the 2nd floor bouncing and shaking like a funhouse.  I don't think we made it through the first set that night when people started flying down the stairs and out of there. I don't think it was the bouncing floor people were worried about. I doubt if many had the presence of mind at the time. What nobody thought to consider was the fact that the party might not sit well with the neighbors on either side of the building - who quite likely were the ones who called the Sheriff's Dept. Shoulda sent them an invite I guess.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Rock City

This is actually my personal favorite. Probably because it's generic and simple and it says Detroit without saying Detroit.
Can be had at Caruso Caruso in Birmingham and Incognito in Royal Oak.

Pine Knob

I'll probably always refer to DTE, or what ever it's called, as Pine Knob. A great great, Detroit area, summertime shed. I'm from the other side of the state but I made several shows there.The Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tour with the Replacements opening. The Stills/Young band, caught their soundcheck too.
And so it seems I'm a little resisitant to change. So I immortalized Pine Knob into a t-shirt that will live on forever in the bottom of one of my drawers.


Saturday, May 26, 2012

Junkyard

There are more t-shirts to blab about and more t-shirts on the way but it's the holiday weekend and, well, it's the holiday weekend. I was going to or coming from somewhere on Woodward Ave and saw this shop and thought, as people do, that it would make for a cool t-shirt. I know, it's not like I'm re-inventing the wheel here concept-wise, but I stopped in and talked to the guy and eventually, he said I could do a run of them but that if Target or someone big like that came calling, to do their own version,  than we would have to have another conversation. I'm not positive but I don't think he has to worry. (I hope I'm wrong). Stuff this bad bad puppy under your trenchcoat and walk away from Caruso Caruso in Birmingham, Michigan.

Brought to you by Superieur Brand Clothing.

Le Detroit (tee)

Translation? The Straits Of Mackinac. This idea not only came from my explorations in Michigan history but from being a kid visiting my brothers who were working carriage tours on Mackinac Island. And my Ma and Pa dragging me to this park bench next door to the Hotel Iroquois that looked out over the straits as these huge ore carrying freighters lumbered through. In Hope College colors you can snatch this Superieur Brand diddy at Landsharks in Saugatuck and Caruso Caruso in Birmingham. Sure is sweet ain't it?

Lilly's 21

I might catch heck for doing this t-shirt. But not only do I really like how it turned out, but the joint brings back memories of one of the few places in and around the Detroit area where we played. It was kind of a hole-in-the-wall. The stage was split in two by the front door till gig time. Then they would slap this sheet of something or other across the gap to connect the two ends of the stage. Sometimes they would give us free pizza when we were done. Maybe to help make us feel better that hardly anybody came to see us. And that we didn't make much money. But hey, we made the Metro Times. This baby can be purchased on the west coast at LandSharks in Saugatuck. On the east side at Rock On Main in Northville, Incognito in Royal Oak and Caruso Caruso in Birmingham.

Michigan At Night (tee)

Introducing the Michigan (at night) tee from Superieur Brand Clothing. This was inspired by another t-shirt that had kind of a 70s, Mork & Mindy sort of vibe to it. I'd like to apologize for any sort of U of M connotation in the color scheme. Much of the handywork seen here was done by doghouse slapper, Seth Sutton. And can be purchased on the east side at Caruso Caruso in Birmingham, Incognito in Royal Oak, The Roadshow in Roseville and Rock On Main in Northville. On the west coast, look for it at Landsharks in Saugatuck.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Kitten With A Whip

I know I've been slacking on my posts, and I do  really miss writing on regular basis but, there is a good reason.
 I've always had a fascination with t-shirts. Whether it's buying one I thought was the coolest or trying my hand at design (and I use that term loosely). 
I ain't reinventing the wheel by no means but I sure get a kick out of seeing someone wear one that I put out there. I've come close to starting a company a few times but something always got in the way.

The company is called Superieur Brand. After Lake Superior. And why do I spell it this way? Well, as you may know, in the 1700s, the French were everywhere around here and Canada obviously, fighting the Brits, setting up missions or trading pelts to save their scalps.

The truth is, when it came time for me to register a name with the state, I knew I'd have a tough time securing the name and setting myself apart from Superior Landscaping, Superior Septic Service and this, that and the other thing. And there's a little history in there which I like.

They are kind of Michigan-centric to start with. But in case that gets old or it becomes a challenge to sell to Joe-Blow in Anchorage because whats he gonna do with a Michigan t-shirt with a pine tree on it (unless of course he's from these parts), then I may veer off towards something completely different.

There you have it. I'll be creating an e-commerce site in the coming months as well as placing them in stores. Look for a facebook page and such and thanks for your time.