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Saturday, May 18, 2013

Rochester Hills Singer-Songwriter Has 'Idol' Aspirations

Carlee Crisan of Rochester Hills is looking to give 'American Idol' another shot this summer.

When judges for TV's American Idol come to Detroit this summer, a Rochester Hills singer-songwriter will be standing in line hoping for her big break. Carlee Crisan, 19, of Rochester Hills, who entertained Deck Art 2013 attendees Friday with an impromptu set at Plain & Fancy Gift Shop following a street performance, hopes to bring her flavor of vintage-inspired indie rock to TV audiences. Crisan, who cites classic tunes from the 1950s as a major influence, is no stranger to the Idol world, having tried out for the music reality show in 10th grade. "I almost got to see the judges," Crisan said. But, she said, she failed to make the cut. Crisan, who goes by the stage name Carlee, is a fixture at Metro Detroit venues, including Dessert Oasis …

Elaine Frank

11:38 am on Monday, May 20, 2013

Congratulations - you sound and look great! I just know there is a wonderful future for you out there.   more ›

Deck Art 2013 Showcases Area's Artists

Check out the sights from this year's event.

Deck Art 2013 has come to a close, but the skateboard decks decorated by more than 250 local artists will remain on display in downtown Rochester until June 1. More than 50 downtown businesses displayed the decks, which came from artists ranging from elementary-aged to adults. After June 1, artists will have the option of selling their deck commission-free to an art buyer or taking the deck home to display—or ride. Check our gallery for photos of some great decks and contribute your own by clicking the big button beneath the photos! Which deck was your favorite? Tell us in the comments.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Day 1 of Deck Art Draws Big Crowds to Downtown Rochester

Deck Art resumes from 5-9 p.m. today.

If the crowds in downtown Rochester on Thursday were any indication, one needn't know how to ollie or grind a rail to appreciate some skateboard deck art. Deck Art 2013, which kicked off Thursday and resumes from 5-9 p.m. today, features more than 250 artists from around Michigan showcasing their art on blank skateboard decks at about 50 different downtown businesses.  "It's good, it's fun, everybody's having a good time," said Linda Gallaher of South Street Skateshop, an organizer for the event. "It's very festive." The art at the event comes from artists ranging from elementary schoolers to seasoned adult artists from around Metro Detroit and as far as Grand Rapids and Flint. "The boards are spectacular," Gallaher said. "The elementary …

TriciaY

8:21 am on Friday, May 17, 2013

Vaughn & Linda Gallaher run a excellent skate shop & park in downtown Rochester. This event is bound to be excellent as well.   more ›

Chalk Artist Introduces Character 'Sluggo' to Downtown Rochester at Deck Art

David Zinn of Ann Arbor spent Thursday's Deck Art 2013 opening working on chalk art at South Street Skateshop.

When chalk artist David Zinn of Ann Arbor arrived in downtown Rochester on Thursday for Deck Art 2013, he brought along a friend. Sluggo, the creation Zinn drew on the side of South Street Skateshop, is a character that has popped up in his works around Ann Arbor and throughout Michigan. Zinn said Sluggo came about when things "went really, really wrong" when drawing eyes for a human child, but the work has become somewhat of a recurring trademark for the artist. "He sort of plays the role of being the braver part of my personality that I don't actually have," he said. 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Navigate Deck Art 2013's Opening Day in Downtown Rochester

Here is a list of stops for Deck Art 2013, including activities and specials offered by local businesses.

The kickoff to Deck Art 2013 is just two days away. Soon, works of art—with skateboard decks as the canvas—from more than 200 local and regional artists will be on display at 50 downtown businesses (read our preview story).  The event's official kickoff is 5-9 p.m. on Thursday in downtown Rochester, and the event will be marked by food trucks downtown and plenty of activities and specials at downtown businesses. Zoom in on the map included with this article to get a better view of the Deck Art locations. The event runs Thursday and Friday. Here are some of the highlights for Thursday, including a full list of participating businesses where works will be on display. 2nd Street Studio of Dance 4th Street Chiropractic @ Home Furniture Aurum …

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doug

9:10 am on Saturday, May 18, 2013

Terry I really don't think the guy spending $6 on a corn dog was trying to decide between that and Kruse and Muer. Getting people downtown will drive sales in the long term.   more ›

Sunday, April 28, 2013

MI Earth Day Fest Concludes Today in Downtown Rochester

Event runs from 10 a.m-4 p.m. today.

The annual MI Earth Day Fest concludes today in downtown Rochester, running from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. One of the largest Earth Day gatherings on the planet, this event is free to the public and celebrates the efforts of local businesses and community organizations to Make Every Day Earth Day. For more information, check the festival's website. Are you at the festival this weekend? Share your photos here on Patch by clicking the upload button next to the photograph accompanying this story.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Art Aficionados Brave Cold for Spring Gallery Stroll in Downtown Rochester

9 downtown venues show off art at spring exhibit.

The weather wasn't exactly spring-like for Friday's Spring Gallery Stroll in downtown Rochester, but that didn't stop local art aficionados from enjoying exhibits at nine downtown venues.  Artists and collectors from throughout the area showed off their works Friday at local galleries, coffee and dessert shops and a furniture store, among other sites. While the sidewalks downtown were mostly quiet, the venues along the stroll's route were bustling with business.  The works varied in styles, from glimpses of historic Rochester to avant garde posters from the Netherlands.  Bryan Clifford's display at @Home Furniture included depictions of downtown Rochester from different eras and scenes from a children's book he currently is illustrating.  …

Friday, April 19, 2013

Spring Gallery Stroll Comes to Downtown Rochester Tonight

Event runs from 6-9 p.m. at 9 businesses in downtown Rochester.

Downtown Rochester's galleries and businesses are ready for this year's Spring Gallery Stroll, which runs 6-9 p.m. on Friday. This year's event covers nine local businesses and galleries, including first-timers Holy Cannoli's, Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters, Trent Design and Subjectively Objective: A Photographic Gallery. The twice-yearly gallery strolls provide an opportunity for art lovers and those looking for a fun evening on the town to walk from one site to another, discovering new artists and meeting area business owners. Participating galleries include: Check the map at the right of this story for locations to plan your walking tour. The exhibit is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National …

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Orion Township Library to Offer Evening in Paris

Passport to Spring fundraising event takes place April 27.

By Diane Griffiths Paris, France at the Orion Township Library? Mais oui! From 7-10 p.m. on April 27, the library will be transformed into the streets of Paris for the inaugural Passport to Spring fundraising event. There will be food, musical entertainment, street vendors, wine tasting, street performers, raffles, and, following this year’s theme: An Evening in Paris, the library’s magazine area will become the Lake Orion Louvre – an art show featuring art from Lake Orion students of all ages. Just as the state of the economy has resulted in a decrease in income for the library, the economy is also responsible for the increased use of the library. In tough times, residents come to rely on their library for a variety of services and …

Friday, April 12, 2013

Rochester Musicians Academy Owner Says Music Can Benefit All Ages

Shop teaches We teach all Rhythm instruments including, piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussion and vocals.

Joe J Chila is known as the drum guy, but musicians can learn all rhythm instruments with the Rochester Musicians Academy. Chila loves all music and believes it can provide big benefits for all ages.  He recently submitted information about through the Patch Small Business Spotlight.  Here are his answers. How did your business come to be? I have a PASSION for Music and Drumming, and ALL THE proven BENEFITS that it has for anyone, and any age. At that time, back in 1988 there was very little music stores or schools run by working musicians in the area. I thought it might be a good opportunity to create a unique business.  What's your most popular product or service?  Joe (the drum guy) School Drum Field Trips! What's a fact about your …

joeedick

4:22 pm on Friday, April 12, 2013

I quit working at shoprite and now I make $35h - $80h...how? I'm working online! My work didn't exactly make me happy so I decided to take a chance on something new… after 4 years it was so hard to quit my day job but now I couldn't be happier. Heres what I do,-- goo.gl/7OpOa   more ›

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