Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

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RETRO KIMMER AT THE DETROIT MUSIC LEGENDS SHOW!

Posted: 15 Nov 2010 09:40 PM PST


Al King Kim and Scott Morgan

Well we did it! After a month of sorting through Scott Morgan's valuable stash of rock history we loaded up my jeep and sped off to Gibraltar Trade Center in Taylor, Michigan. My crew included Drummer Al King the fantastic salesman extraordinaire, Emcee Stanley T. Madhatter, my daughter Lesley and her photographer friend Alex Sing. Photographer Karen Fogarty met us out there. She graciously shot the photos for this story. Thank you Karen!


Sonic's Rendezvous Band posters photo: K Fogarty

We sold a bunch of items. Lots of posters, flyers and one of a kind snap shots too. From even before the doors opened we were busy with customers. We were trying to set up and take money at the same time.



Artist Lesley Maki Photographer Alex Sing Photo: K Fogarty

Lesley spent hours making buttons for the fans. She sold quite a few. We made Think Rational buttons as we couldn't locate Scott's missing box of Rats buttons. Hope to find them someday! The buttons are so cool.





Heartbreakers flyer sold right away...


Question Mark

Finally met Question Mark and spent some time chatting with him back stage before his show. He told me all about the lady who makes his stage outfits. This shirt was fantastic!



The Contours were sheer Detroit brilliance! Some of my favorite music of all time. Everyone loves "Do You Love Me,"?

In 1960, Berry Gordy Jr. signed a talented group of vocalists called THE CONTOURS as one of Motown's first acts. Forty-eight years later, under the direction and leadership of Joe Billingslea this legendary group continues to shake 'em down. During their distinguished careers, THE CONTOURS have entertained tens of millions of fans and have sold millions of records along the way. They are ranked as one of the top 500 R&B artists of all time according to "Top R&B Singles 1952-1995" compiled from Billboard Magazine's charts.

In the 1960's, the group charted eight hits, including Motown's first million-seller and its fastest-rising hit of all time, "Do You Love Me." In 1988, after the release of the movie, "Dirty Dancing", starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, "Do You Love Me," which was a featured song in the movie roared back on the charts, outselling its original performance many times over.





Stanley T. Madhatter was Emcee and Greeter too. That really helped boost sales!



Scott signed so many autographs I was exhausted just watching. Some longtime fans were shocked to see Scott in the booth! When they realized it was Scott sitting next to me they could barely speak! They were so excited.


Richard Stevers

Frijid Pink is a Detroit area hard rock/blues band formed in 1967, best known for their version of "House of the Rising Sun," released in 1969.

The initial line-up of the band included drummer Richard Stevers, guitarist Gary Ray Thompson, bassist Tom Harris, lead singer Tom Beaudry (aka:Kelly Green), and later added Larry Zelanka as off-staff keyboardist. Our friend Jim Randolph played guitar with Pink too!

They had the most fantastic booth in the whole show! Hot Pink and black. Just gorgeous. Richard gave me a think pink button which I love.


Mysterian Bobby Balderrama

Bobby Balderrama is a fantastic musician. He has played guitar with The Mysterians since he was 13 years old. He has also played with Joe "King" Carasco and The Robert Lee Band and now fronting The Robert Lee Revue. Got to meet Bobby and he was so very nice. Scott went to see him as they have known each other for many years. Scott knows positively everyone!


SRB and Flirt Original Flyers


The Shades of Blue

Nick A. Marinelli (The original Shades of Blue lead singer) was born in Detroit, and he spent his early years in Detroit's northwest Italian neighborhood. The family moved to California for a short time and in the '50s, moved back to Livonia, Michigan, where Nick attended Emerson Jr. High. At this time, Nick hooked up with some guys who were into street-corner Doo-Wop. That's when things took off. Back then they called themselves "Little Bow & The Arrows," singing at local schools and small teen clubs.

In the late '50s and early '60s, while attending Franklin High in Livonia, Nick got serious about music. Nick, Bob Kerr, Ernine Denai and Dan Guise renamed the group "The Domingos." The group got their first experience recording in a basement studio with a song called "Camel Walk." Nick still has this record to this day. The group emulated such starts at the Tempations, Countours, Penguins and the fantastic Flamingos.

The guys worked at colleges and local clubs like the old Walled Lake Casino, with local DJs Lee Alan and Dave Prince. This was when Mich Rider was called "Billy Lee and the Rivieras." Nick says, "Those days were full of freebie gigs, but we did keep busy working local teen clubs throughout our high school years.

While attending college, the group lost Dan to other interests. Then they changed the dynamics of the group by adding a woman vocalist and developed a little different sound. The group now consisted of Nick Marinelli (Lead), Ernie Dernai (1st tenor), Linda Alan (2nd tenor) and Bob Kerr (baritone). Little did they know in this time they would touch so many lives with a simple song.



OH how happy I was to see them perform!!!


Lemon James and her fab guitar!

Wow we were right behind Ms. James and her fabulous guitars. I loved her outfit don't know anyone who could wear that outfit but Lemon! She had 2 guitars on her table that were just incredible. Her guitar playing takes no prisoners! This girl can Kick Out the Jams



Lemon James' interest in music was inspired by soul-stirring guitar work from a Pink Floyd album. Her inspiration to express herself through music has since become Lemon's one desire that lives down to her soul.

Dissatisfied with the guitars available to her, Lemon built her first guitar in 1989. Starting with hand drawn sketches she utilized computer aided design to create a guitar that fit her style and sound. Lemon then patented her guitar design.


Scott Morgan and John Troutman



John Troutman Kim and Marti

Met John Troutman a pal from Facebook. He was so great! He bought a ton of posters and stuff! And drum roll plz.... he has a huge Radio Birdman tattoo! Knew we liked him! Came home and emailed Deniz Tek about it!


Richard Stevers and Kim



Is this young MC5 fan the coolest? The 5 will never die! KOTJ!

Thank you Al, Lesley, Alex, and special thanks to Karen Fogarty for the photos!

Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Lolita Pinup Pumps from Pinup Couture

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 10:50 AM PST

Lolita

Vamped up footwear is a key element to a sexy fifties look, especially for pinup styles. Pinup Couture never put a foot wrong with their dresses, and their high heels are no different. These Lolita Pinup Pumps are the ideal finishing touch for a variety of fifties inspired styles.

With a dangerously high stiletto heel, combined with a stacked platform, the peep toe style is a perennial classic. With a peep toe and kitschy bow at the vamp, the lipstick red shade is allowed to shine.

They're available online from Pinup Girl Boutique for $44.

Find out more from the website

Fluted Maxi Dress from ASOS

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 10:45 AM PST

Fluteddress

Maxi dresses have become a staple on the high street over the past few years, and are now branching out in their sources of inspiration. While many provide a slightly hippy style, this Fluted Maxi Dress from ASOS taps into a sleek seventies aesthetic.

Made from a fine knit fabric, the dress is light enough for everyday wear while being luxurious enough to carry the weighty flow of seventies Winterwear. With a simple, longsleeved fit, the moss green or black shades have a hint of later beatnik chic.

Get it online from ASOS for £46.

Find out more from the website

Matchbox Light

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 07:27 AM PST

Shop_img_matchbox1 
The Matchbox Light is new in at MarMar Co this autumn.

As you can see from the picture here, the light has been designed to look like a traditional matchbox and it opens and closes like matchbox, allowing you to control how much light it emits. Available available with either orange or yellow lining, the light measures considerably more than a real matchbox at 17cm x 17cm x 7cm. It is environmentally sound , being made from recycled cardboard and FSC certified paper.

Buy it online from MarMar Co priced £32.50.

Yuyu Limited Edition “Retro” Screen Prints

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 06:57 AM PST

 Zoom_RETRO_1 
Yuyu is a design collective consisting of graphic designer Mark McKeown, textile/surface-pattern designer Julie-Anne Hughes, and their cat Doris.

Pictured here is the print they simply called "Retro", which is one of a collection of limited edition designs that have resulted from the screen printing course that they run in Leeds. There are two variations on the print available, one is shades of blue, the other in oranges, but both use 3 colours, measures 40cm by 50cm and is limited to 100 copies.

The "Retro" print costs £25 (unframed) from the I Love Yuyu website.

Surrealist Dinner Party presents Come Fly With Us

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 05:54 AM PST

Come fly with us
Long for the lost glamour of air travel? Get on board the Surrealist Dinner Party's latest event, called Come Fly With Us

Taking place at an unrevealed central London location, the event aims to capture some of the style of a 1960s flight and promises 'lovely food and wine served with some madness and mayhem'. A ticket will buy you a drink and three course-meal, with the food described as sixties with a modern twist. Happening three nights a week until 21 December with just 20 places at each event, booking is essential. 

And that all important dress code? Your most elegant and stylish Sunday Best or 60s attire please. 

Dates and booking details can be found online

via The Vintage Guide to London

eBay watch: 1960s Kaiser New Bauhaus lamp

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 05:52 AM PST

Kaiser

A really special design - and this 1960s Kaiser New Bauhaus lamp is just £2.20 right now.

According to the seller, Kaiser lights got together with original Bauhaus metal workshop 'master' Christian Dell in the early 60s, prodicing the New Bauhaus Kaiser light series as a result. This is a lamp from that series, with a base made of solid teakwood, two straight arms of chromed brass and a 'cubic' dark grey / black shade.

The seller says it is in 'very good' condition and has undergone a serious clean. Right now it's a steal at that £2.20 price, plus postage from Germany.

Find out more at the eBay website

Clifford Richards Robot Night Night Light

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 05:11 AM PST

Robot-night-light3
We've featured some of his  original prints at Elphicks last week and have previously given quite a lot of love and attention to Clifford Richards' robot designs but have only just come across his robot Night Night Light

The wonderfully retro robot shape is made from recycled powdered steel and would be perfect for a kids bedroom. To up the eco credentials, it's solar powered and come bed time, the robot is backlit by a warm glow. Other animal-inspired shaped night lights are available, but this is definitely the favourite option for a good night. 

The light costs £38. 

Buy it from Magma

Arflex 1970s Strips sofa set by Cini Boeri

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 03:51 AM PST

Arflex

We rarely feature items off the Conran Shop site as their website isn't particularly 'blogger-friendly' - but they are one of the few retailers selling this Arflex Strips sofa set by Cini Boeri.

It's a design that really does scream its era, that era being the early 70s - 1972 if you want us to be precise. Cini Boeri worked with Arflex on a modular collection of sofas, ottomans and sofa-beds using polyurethane foam and that were able to fit to any space.

The sofa above is one of these designs, a large corner unit that offers both style and comfort, as well as a bold orange finish - perfect for a high-end 70s-style pad. As you might have guessed, this huge sofa isn't cheap, with an asking price of £9,485. That doesn't include the pouf either, which sells for a further £1,525.

Find out more at the Conran Shop website

Lord Dunsby's Serge Gainsbourg-inspired Melody print now available to buy

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 01:58 AM PST

Melody

Regular readers might recall we featured the Cover Version exhibition in Sheffield some weeks back, where artist Pete McKee asked various arty types to create a piece of art based around a favourite record sleeve. Well, one such piece was Melody by Lord Dunsby, which you can now buy online.

It's one image on the newly-launched Lord Dunsby site, along with many other cool and quirky ones with a retro and vintage twist that are available in the webstore.

The one above is signed and numbered, in a run of 100 and sized at 12 x 12 inches. You can secure it for £30.

Find out more at the Lord Dunsby website

Lambretta returns in 2011 with the Lambretta LN scooter

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 01:25 AM PST

Lammy1

Well, just a matter of days since the Vespa PX was confirmed for a return, another classic scooter brand is back on the market - Lambretta with the Lambretta LN scooter.

This new model is apparently being made in Italy by Motom Electronics Group SPA, a tribute to the original, but very much a new model with a few more squared off edges than original models and a twin-valve, single-cylinder air-cooled engine in a choice of 125 or 150cc models. Plenty of colour options available too for some added individualism.

Lammy2

It's been shown off at trade shows, but right now, there's no indication of when it will land and indeed, how much the Lambretta LN scooter will retail for. It is a finished model though and a general '2011' has been thrown around. The purists will surely hate it, but as a mix of retro styling and modern scootering, it's got to be a winner.

More images at the motoblog.it website

Via Modculture

Lammy3

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