The BLOWOUT is upon us. 200′some bands, a lot of thrashing guitar arms and plenty of interesting folks to chat with at Paychecks during, perhaps, a $1.50 guzzling session with PBR (they serve cans of that stuff all the time for $1.50 by the way). There’s that temptation to list off five bands that you absolutely must see this weekend, but that’s probably what MetroTimes et al are for. Instead, here’s an artist that definitely is NOT at the Blowout in Hamtramck this weekend, but will undoubtedly provide some Detroit throwback joy:

Marv Johnson was quite the troubador, having been remembered probably most for performing on the first ever record to come out of Motown Records. In 1968, after some mixed business, ol’ Marv hung up his hat with his recording career in Detroit. Like clockwork, this is exactly when his jams became smash hits in the UK. Ahhh. Funny how that works. Speaking of the UK, have a gander at this article, hot off the press from foggy London-town, it is an account of (AHHH!) the real estate market here in Detroit. But don’t fret, get beyond the chatter about $100 houses and focus more on the two stories of folks from out of town moving here because they see opportunity in the city. AHA! That’s what I’m talking about.

The slight bit of remaining snow is starting to dissapear after the Detroit fake-me-out SNOWAPALOOZA that kind of cleaned house on the east coast. That said, it’s reasonable to think our snowy dreams will come true at some point before spring starts. In the event that they do, use this as a possible idea for biding the time just like some guy did on the east side a few days ago– definitely not safe, definitely capable of being very fun. In the meantime, however, the melting snow implies that you will have easier access to the debauchery that will ensue tomorrow for Fat Tuesday in Hamtramck. Ohhhh yeah. Paczki Time. Lord knows the good people of Hamtowm dress to impress and bring out the big guns on Paczki day. This year will be no different. Do yourself a favor and hit the streets for some of the fun if you get a chance. Let this document serve as your guide and trusty steed as you circumnavigate the streets in search of the next pint and paczki. It gives information on eleven (11!) different establishments in Hamtown that are serving up the good stuff with the rundown on live entertainment, too (Polka Floyd, Polish Muslims, etc). Bring it on.