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‘American Idol’ Season 13 auditions will come to Detroit’s Ford Field on July 21 Despite the fact longtime judge Randy Jackson won’t be back next season, and rumors persist of a whole new judge’s panel, the auditions will go on for next season. And Detroit is getting its first audition since 2002 when auditions came to the Motor City for Season 2. Here is a list of audition dates, according to AmericanIdol.com AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 13 AUDITION CITIES: San Francisco, CA – July 16 AT&T Park 24 Willie Mays Plaza San Francisco, CA 94107 Detroit, MI – July 21 Ford Field 2000 Brush Street #200 Detroit, MI 48226 Atlanta, GA – July 26 Gwinnett Center 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway #100 Duluth, GA 30097 Boston, MA – August 2 Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxboro, MA 02035 Austin, TX – August 7 Frank Erwin Center 1701 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701 Omaha, NE – August 11 CenturyLink Center 55 North 10th Street Omaha, NE 68102 Starting next Thursday, May 16, after the finale you can audition online at AmericanIdol.com. Email John Gonzalez: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

‘American Idol’ Season 13 auditions will come to Detroit’s Ford Field on July 21

Despite the fact longtime judge Randy Jackson won’t be back next season, and rumors persist of a whole new judge’s panel, the auditions will go on for next season.

And Detroit is getting its first audition since 2002 when auditions came to the Motor City for Season 2.

Here is a list of audition dates, according to AmericanIdol.com

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 13 AUDITION CITIES:

San Francisco, CA – July 16
AT&T Park
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94107

Detroit, MI – July 21
Ford Field
2000 Brush Street #200
Detroit, MI 48226

Atlanta, GA – July 26
Gwinnett Center
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway #100
Duluth, GA 30097

Boston, MA – August 2
Gillette Stadium
1 Patriot Place
Foxboro, MA 02035

Austin, TX – August 7
Frank Erwin Center
1701 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701

Omaha, NE – August 11
CenturyLink Center
55 North 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68102

Starting next Thursday, May 16, after the finale you can audition online at AmericanIdol.com.

Email John Gonzalez: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

Filed under american idol Season 13 auditio detroit ford field John Gonzalez Gonzo

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Exclusive: ‘Going Gonzo Show’ at HopCat for Beer City U.S.A. The “Going Gonzo Show” will broadcast from 3-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, on the social media outlet UStream.tv at HopCat in Grand Rapids as part of a Pub Crawl organized by MIBeers.com. The Pub Crawl is from 3-8 p.m. each day: *Tuesday, May 7: Hopcat, Graydon’s, Logan’s Alley *Wednesday, May 8: Reservoir Lounge, SpeakEZ Lounge, JD Reardon’s*Thursday, May 9: The Meanwhile, Derby Station, and The Winchester Grand Rapids is hoping to maintain its title as Beer City U.S.A. as part of an online poll. The poll is open until 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on May 10. To vote, click here: https://polldaddy.com/poll/7078031/Click here to go to “Going Gonzo Show” on UStream.TV Email John Gonzalez: MichiganGonzalez@gmail.com

Exclusive: ‘Going Gonzo Show’ at HopCat for Beer City U.S.A.

The “Going Gonzo Show” will broadcast from 3-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, on the social media outlet UStream.tv at HopCat in Grand Rapids as part of a Pub Crawl organized by MIBeers.com.

The Pub Crawl is from 3-8 p.m. each day:

*Tuesday, May 7: Hopcat, Graydon’s, Logan’s Alley
*Wednesday, May 8: Reservoir Lounge, SpeakEZ Lounge, JD Reardon’s
*Thursday, May 9: The Meanwhile, Derby Station, and The Winchester

Grand Rapids is hoping to maintain its title as Beer City U.S.A. as part of an online poll. The poll is open until 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on May 10.

To vote, click here: https://polldaddy.com/poll/7078031/

Click here to go to “Going Gonzo Show” on UStream.TV

Email John Gonzalez: MichiganGonzalez@gmail.com

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Zach Galifianakis hosts the funniest SNL show of the season? Actor Zach Galifianakis really scored big with the “Saturday Night Live” audience over the weekend with a show that some are saying is the funniest of the season. In his monologue he said that almost every week someone stops and asks him, “Has anyone ever told you, you look like the guy from the ‘Hangover’? No offense.” Later, he played piano and talked about his struggles in life. “Sometimes when I’m bored I like to look up things online to see if there’s something I can’t find out,” he said. “I like to stump Google. The other day I Googled, ‘How many Mexicans live in North Korea?’ Google didn’t know.” Skits? A “Jeopardy”-style quiz show centered around The Game of Thrones. He plays a racist worker at the M&M store. He stars in “Darrell’s House.” “Darrell’s House” Part 2 features Jon Hamm. . Email John Gonzalez: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

Zach Galifianakis hosts the funniest SNL show of the season?

Actor Zach Galifianakis really scored big with the “Saturday Night Live” audience over the weekend with a show that some are saying is the funniest of the season.

In his monologue he said that almost every week someone stops and asks him, “Has anyone ever told you, you look like the guy from the ‘Hangover’? No offense.” Later, he played piano and talked about his struggles in life.

“Sometimes when I’m bored I like to look up things online to see if there’s something I can’t find out,” he said. “I like to stump Google. The other day I Googled, ‘How many Mexicans live in North Korea?’ Google didn’t know.”

Skits?

A “Jeopardy”-style quiz show centered around The Game of Thrones.

He plays a racist worker at the M&M store.

He stars in “Darrell’s House.”

“Darrell’s House” Part 2 features Jon Hamm.
.
Email John Gonzalez: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

Filed under snl zack galifianakis John Gonzalez gonzo

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Beyonce and Andre 3000 cover Amy Winehouses’ ‘Back To Black’ - Listen Here!

Well, I don’t know: The cover of “Back to Black” is an odd song on the forthcoming “Great Gatsby” soundtrack, and fans are not overly excited.

Check out some of the comments on the SoundCloud post.

The song also has an irritating promo for a radio show. That doesn’t help much.

I’m just surprised Beyonce has ANY haters.

Email: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

Filed under SoundCloud screaml0ud

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What are you doing this weekend? Some events April 27-28, 2013 Hi all, I just wanted to run down some events taking place this weekend: NIGHTLIFE The Prince & Michael Experience features classic tunes spun by DJ Dave Paul from San Francisco. The show is at 9 p.m. April 27 in the Stache Lounge at The Intersection in Grand Rapids. More details at sectionlive.com. THEATRE I saw the Broadway musical “Wicked” on Thursday night at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo. It’s a great show, and it continues through May 5. Check out my review. FAMILY Maple syrup anyone?Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival 2013, April 27-28; Shepherd; near Mt. Pleasant. Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival 2013, April 27-28; Vermontville; near Lansing. What are you doing this weekend? Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/MichiganGonzo Or email me: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

What are you doing this weekend? Some events April 27-28, 2013

Hi all, I just wanted to run down some events taking place this weekend:

NIGHTLIFE
The Prince & Michael Experience features classic tunes spun by DJ Dave Paul from San Francisco. The show is at 9 p.m. April 27 in the Stache Lounge at The Intersection in Grand Rapids. More details at sectionlive.com.

THEATRE
I saw the Broadway musical “Wicked” on Thursday night at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo. It’s a great show, and it continues through May 5. Check out my review.

FAMILY
Maple syrup anyone?
Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival 2013, April 27-28; Shepherd; near Mt. Pleasant.

Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival 2013, April 27-28; Vermontville; near Lansing.

What are you doing this weekend?

Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/MichiganGonzo

Or email me: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

Filed under Wicked Prince michael jackson grand rapids broadway Miller auditorium John Gonzalez

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Meijer Gardens 2013 Concert Season: An incredible list of 30 summer concerts!

What show — Ok, make that SHOWS — are you going to see this summer at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park? It’s going to be a great season, and you can your tickets at 9 a.m. April 27 if you’re a Member of the Gardens.

It’s not too late to get a Membership!

For a list of Meijer Gardens F.A.Q.s, go to the Gardens website.

Once members are done getting tickets, then the general public can buy tickets beginning May 11.

Some shows could sell out on April 27.

Meijer Gardens Concerts 2013
B.B. King, 7 p.m. June 3; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $57-$62.

Dwight Yoakam, 7 p.m. June 7; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $48-$53. SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED.

Smokey Robinson, 7 p.m. June 9; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $77-$82.

Gov’t Mule, 6:30 p.m. June 13; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $35-$40.

Sheryl Crow, 7 p.m. June 16; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $75-$80.

Frampton’s Guitar Circus, June 17; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $68-$73.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, June 20; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $65-$70.

Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys, with Alejandro Escovedo, 7 p.m. June 21; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $53-$58.

Pink Martini, 7 p.m. June 24; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $45-$50.

Brandi Carlile, The Lone Bellow, 7 p.m. June 27; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $40-$45.

Umphrey’s McGee, 7 p.m. July 3; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $35-$40.

Montgomery Gentry, 7 p.m. July 5; Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids; $62-$67.

Davd Byrne, with St. Vincent, 7 p.m. July 7; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $60-$65.

Old Crow Medicine Show, 7 p.m. July 11; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $37-$42.

Michael Franti and Spearhead, 7 p.m. July 15; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $38-$43.

Harry Connick Jr., 7 p.m. July 17; Fredrick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids; $87, $90 and $92.

Steve Miller Band, 7 p.m. July 18; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $80-$85.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, 6:30 p.m. July 21; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $37-$42.

Chris Isaak, 7 p.m. July 25; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $55-$60.

Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers, with Edie Brickell, 7 p.m. July 29; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $71-$76.

The Beach Boys, 7 p.m. Aug. 1; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $60-$65.

John Butler Trio, 7 p.m. Aug. 2; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $35-$40.

Grizzly Bear, 7 p.m. Aug. 3; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $40-$45.

Garrison Keillor, 7 p.m. Aug. 5; Fredrick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids; $67-$72.

Randy Newman, 7 p.m. Aug. 8; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $45-$50.

Owl City, 7 p.m. Aug. 11; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $35-$40.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 7 p.m. Aug. 15; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $38-$43.

Michael McDonald, 7 p.m. Aug. 21; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $52-$57.

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, 7 p.m. Aug. 24; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $62-$67.

Indigo Girls, 7 p.m. Sept. 5; Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids; $45-$50.

Filed under meijer gardens Gonzo Going Gonzo Show WJRW concerts John Gonzalez

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‘Wicked: The Musical’ wows audience at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO — It was my second “Wicked” experience — Thursday night’s show at Miller Auditorium — and each time I see the production I marvel at the script.

Oh, don’t get me wrong; the voices, musical score, stage production and special effects all make this Broadway musical a must-see for any theater geek (young and old).

But the prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” which tells the story before Dorothy and Toto crash land the house in a twister and the little girl from Kansas walks away with a pair of ruby slippers, focuses on everything that led up to that fateful day.

The script, written by Winnie Holzman with lyrics and music by Stephen Shwartz, is from Gregory Maguire’s satirical 1995 novel “Wicked.” And it answers all of your questions regarding the relationship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, who we all know as the Wicked Witch of the West, as well as the Wizard of Oz, the flying monkeys, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion.

The script, to me, is the star!

But fans RAVE about everything else. And they should. Even though the songs have been called “homongenized” by some critics, the story is so compelling that you put it down.

Expect big crowds for the remaining shows, with tickets more available on weekdays and during matinees.

Additional shows: Today through May 5, 2013 at Miller Auditorium.

Showtime: 2 1/2 hours, plus a 15-minute intermission.

Miller Auditorium website.

Email John Gonzalez: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

Filed under Wicked Gonzo's Top 5 Gonzo miller auditorium Kalamazoo musical tour

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Detroit Tigers Opening Day 2013-A Busy Day For Detroit Bars

News crews from around the state have descended on Comerica Park today for the Detroit Tigers home openers.

Here FOX 17 in Grand Rapids talks about the booming business for local bars and restaurants, including the Detroit Beer Company.

For complete coverage of today’s game, check out MLive.com

Email John Gonzalez: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

Filed under Detroit Tigers Comerica Park MLive.com Fox 17

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Meet the Gonzalez who broke up the Yu Darvish ‘prefect game’

The truth shall set me FREE!

It was not career .234 hitter Marwin Gonzalez of the Oakland A’s who broke up the Prefect Game bid by the Texas Rangers’ Yu Darvish on April 2, 2013.

It was me, as in John Gonzalez — a muti-media entertainment journalist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who also coaches a summer travel baseball team.

I should have known better, really.

After a long night of reality TV viewing — recapping ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” for MLive.com and watching the lead-in show “Splash” — I decided to turn in for the night as my wife and 16-year-old son watched baseball.

Hey, we’re a baseball family. I’ve coached for 30 years, and I have two older sons with college baseball experience on the mound. Heck, I even tried out for the New York Yankees when I was 17.

On this night — a night when Texas baseball fans were about to celebrate an historic moment — I was fast asleep.

That’s when my son, who is high school pitcher, burst into my room, where my wife was already watching the game.

“Oh, good,” I thought I heard him say.

“You’re about to see history,” he said.

The last thing I remember when I hit my pillow I was watching ABC’s “Body of Proof.”

“What’s going on,” I said, not even opening my eyes.

“It’s a big deal,” my son said. “Yu Darvish is pitching into the 9th inning.”

Now, I knew Yu pitched for the Texas Rangers. I casually follow the Rangers because I have a lot of relatives who live in the Dallas area. My team is the Detroit Tigers, a team that has been a big part of my life from my earliest memories of hearing Hall of Fame announcer Ernie Harwell on my transistor radio.

I did follow the Rangers a lot more in the ’90s. That’s when my grandmother in Texas, who had lost her eyesight, but tuned into the games every night to see if her “Johnny” was playing. In her latter years she was convinced the Texas Rangers’ outfielder Juan Gonzalez was ME! — her grandson.

Hey, she knew I was a baseball player growing up. She missed the news that my 72-mile-per-hour fastball was barley good enough to get a few innings on my high school baseball team. But I was a superstar when I was 13 years old and my summer team won the Babe Ruth league state championship! (Shout out to my homies on the team, Scott Glombowski, Curt Dean, Mark Carroll, Darin Aguinaga and the gang!)

Getting back to how I messed things up for Yu Darvish.

So, as my son was talking about the 9th inning, I knew it only meant one thing: A no-hitter.

Everyone — even the most casual baseball fan — knows that it is taboo to utter the words “no-hitter.” I heard my son say, “that’s two outs.”

And then, he said: “Mom, you better wake up Fish!” That’s a nick name my kids gave me. Why, I’m not sure. I think it has something to do with my lack of hair, and when I wake up sometimes, the hair I do have tends to spike up.

“I’m awake,” I said. “Is he throwing a no hitter?”

Yes, I said it.

“Better,” my son said.

That’s when I sat up, rubbing my eyes: “Oh, is it a perfect game?”

As soon as I said “Perfect Game,” Marwin Gonzalez of the Oakland A’s took the Yu Darvish pitch right up the middle, and the perfect game bid was OVER.

“Oh my gosh,” my son said, and he stormed out of my room.

My wife said something; I don’t know what. I was half asleep.

So, the long and short of it — it was me, Yu. Sorry.

Ranger fans, don’t blame anyone but me.

Not Juan Gonzalez. Not Marwin Gonzalez.

Me. John Gonzalez. A guy from Michigan who watches “Dancing with the Stars” for a living.

Too bad about Wynonna being eliminated last night.

Email John Gonzalez: MichiganGonzo@gmail.com

Filed under Yu Darvish Texas Rangers Perfect Game No Hitter Oakland A's Detroit Tigers Ernie Harwell Juan Gonzalez