Battle of the Bands
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SXX plays the hits, but original music drives the band
Battle Creek rockers have adapted to a changing local music scene By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News According to members of the Battle Creek rock band SXX, the name doesn’t mean anything. A former guitarist created a…
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Lucid Vibe finds lessons in the music
Battle Creek band’s founder learned quickly while assembling experienced musicians Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News Doug Borton was the least experienced musician in the band he was trying to build. He had written songs for years, but…
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For The Fat Animals, the music starts with a good hang
By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News Everybody loves a fat animal. Alvin Lautzenheiser’s youngest daughter was about 11 when she said it during a family conversation about possible band names. Lautzenheiser heard it and knew. “Yep,” he…
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For Allie Garland and Awesome Sauce, there’s no such thing as a set list
By Nick J. Buckley for Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — Allie Garland might pick up a saxophone, sit at a piano, grab a guitar or step behind the drums. With Awesome Sauce, even the band does not always know…
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Barefoot Blonde keeps Calhoun County dancing
By Nick J. Buckley for Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — The first time Julie Lahr sang professionally, she kicked off her shoes. Nervous and tangled in microphone cords while performing in heels, Lahr decided she would feel more comfortable…
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Bombshell finds freedom in rock music
By Nick J. Buckley for Black Squirrel News PENNFIELD TWP. — As the opening riff of Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Nite” echoed through a pole barn, the members of Bombshell rehearsed in a circle surrounded by amplifiers, cables and…