Concert Review: Stirling’s Birthday Bash

The Sights took over the Motor City this past weekend. They played the Magic Stick on Friday and then Jacoby’s both Saturday and Sunday for Stirling’s birthday bash. I hit it up on Saturday and was so captivated by the Sights’ show that I had to return on Sunday. That proved to be a genius idea since Sunday’s show was even better and culminated in a few of Detroit’s best in a group jam… the Sights’ Eddie Baranek, Gin from the Hard Lessons, Danny Methric from the Paybacks/Muggs and, of course, Stirling.

The Sights were the highlight of the evening, although all four of the night’s acts were well worth venturing out of the house to catch. Things got kicked off with nineteen-year-old singer-songwriter Molly Schoen. Unfortunately, I showed up just after she played and quickly realized I blew that after hearing a few testimonials on her stellar performance. Come on now, how was I to know she was absolutely amazing? Well, actually I should’ve known. Handpicked by Stirling for his own birthday party? I mean, the man knows rock n’ roll better than anyone I’ve ever met… yeah, guess I should’ve known. One of my favs, The Hard Lessons, were up next. I continue to be amazed by the guitar chops of Gin and the amazing (amazing!) vocal performances of Ko Ko Louise. Apparently Detroit soul legend Nathaniel Mayer was digging it as much as the rest of us. He jumped onstage, to the bands’ surprise, and launched into an animated improv session in a style that could only be fashioned by Nay Dog himself. Paying tribute to one of his favorite Detroit bands, Stirling joined the Hard Lessons to sing the Paybacks’ “Bright Side”. Following them, Danny Dollrod with a guitar, a one string home-crafted whammy board and some help from Stirling, put on one of the best musical performances I have witnessed. Raw and authentic, it was one of the founders breathing life into an ethic that birthed an entire scene. Now THAT is a b-day bash! It’s just too bad that Stirling only has a birthday once a year.