
On a recent road trip through the roots of music capitals across the Midwest, Jake Tobias & Melissa Behring spent some time in Nashville, New Orleans, Austin and Memphis. On their adventure, they promoted 7 Million Jigawatts in some new cities, crossed the paths of some great musicians and spent alot of time listening to new music. They also spent quite a bit of time tasting a variety of great food and bbq across the Southern United States. The last city on the trip, Memphis, home to Elvis Presley’s Graceland also Tom’s BBQ. When they walked in to Tom’s for a late lunch on their way out of Memphis they had no idea what they were in for. The manager, Adam greeted them at the counter and quizzed the two as to where they were from. Guess they stuck out like a sore thumb in Memphis and Adam challenged Melissa to a little music duo. He sang a little ACDC and she sang a little Janis Joplin. Before they knew it, they had three plates of the best bbq in the country and another bag of carry out to take home.
Thanks to Adam for the swag, the songs and supporting 7 Million Jigawatts. We certainly know why they was featured on Food Network’s show Diners, Drive-in’s and Dives. If you’re ever in Memphis, stop by and say HI. Tom’s BBQ is located at 4087 New Getwell Road Memphis, TN 38118-6016 (901) 365-6690
Melissa Behring, 7 Million Jigawatts frontwoman and her company, Dreamtownmedia.com were recently featured on the RoyalOak.Patch.com web site. Patch.com is a new way to find out about, and participate in, what’s going on near you. During their interview last December, Natalie Sugarman questioned Melissa about the goals for her arts & entertainment company, 7 Million Jigawatts and the 2009 7MJ release, “Taking Flight”.
“Patch: Who or what inspired you to become a musician?
Behring: It’s always been in me. My mom started me singing when I was really young. I just always had opportunities to perform so I never stopped. It wasn’t really one thing or person. I was 4, my mom said sing and I did.”
You can read the full article online at royaloak.patch.com.
You can hear 7 Million Jigawatts this Friday, January 28 at 10pm at Rogers Roost 33626 Schoenherr Rd Sterling Heights MI.
As many of you know, we have recently bid adieux to our good friends, Nathan Montgomery and Jon Vidal. We had a great time playing with them over the past few years and wish them the most success. We recommend following them online to determine where they’re making music around Detroit.
Fans and friends of 7MJ will be excited to welcome Scott Michaels (FAF, Disney All Star Band) on the drums, Sean Z (Calamity Jane) on the guitar and Scott Vernier (The Dream, Dal Bouey) on keyboards. These amazingly talented guys are a wonderful asset to the band. We know our friends will appreciate hearing all the great new songs and vocal harmonies these guys bring to the table. 7MJ also debuts a new set of dance party tunes featuring more songs by the Beatles, disco favorites, more big 80’s and modern hits. This is one hot line up full of great singers and performers making for a live band experience you wont want to miss. Look for a new and updated 7MJ web site with shots of these good looking people, updated songs and more shortly after the new year.
Catch the all new 7 Million Jigawatts on their debut performance on New Years Eve Rochester Mills Brewing Co. Rochester Mills is located at 400 Water Street in Downtown Rochester. The band performs on 12/31 from 10pm – 2am and there is no cover charge for this event. Happy Holidays!
This New Year’s Eve brings about all kinds of new for friends & fans of 7 Million Jigawatts. Jake Tobias & Melissa Behring debut the new band line up, bring out a new set of dance party tunes and host a great way to ring in the new year with the fine folks at Rochester Mills Brewing Co. They will have a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and provide party favors to spice up the evening.
Rochester Mills Brewing Co is located at 400 Water Street in Downtown Rochester. The band performs from 10pm – 2am and there is no cover charge for this event. Happy Holidays!
Looking for a way to kick off your holiday season? Attend the 38th Annual Noel Night celebration in Midtown Detroit. 
Saturday, December 4th from 5-9 pm Melissa Behring hosts an evening of holiday music and fun with friends, Neil Donato, Nathan Montgomery and Carissa Knoles at Showtime Clothing on the corner of Woodward and Palmer in Detroit. Every year, the neighborhood surrounding Wayne State University hosts Noel Night. This event is an amazing tradition of live music, art, and candle light streets. Showtime Detroit will have some wonderful holiday refreshments to warm you up in the store.
Showtime Clothing is located at 5708 Woodward Avenue, Detroit.
The 38th Annual Noel Night will take place on Saturday, December 4th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center Area. Over 40 institutions, including Showtime Clothing, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Public Library, amongst many others, open their doors to the public free of charge during this Cultural Center-wide holiday “open house.” Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 90 area music, theatre, and dance groups. The evening’s festivities culminate with a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band — a long-standing Noel Night tradition.
Noel Night activities take place in and around Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center institutions. Free shuttle service is offered between participating venues. Convenient parking is available in area lots. A full schedule of the nights events is located here.
Noel Night is produced by the University Cultural Center Association, a nonprofit community development organization that supports economic growth in Detroit’s Midtown district. Call 313.577.5088 or visit www.detroitmidtown.com/05/noelnight for additional information.
On Friday, November 5, 7 Million Jigawatts traveled to Kalamazoo, MI to showcase at the annual Michigan Festivals and Events Association “Party at MI Place” Convention. The Michigan Festivals & Events Association helps to promote hundreds of community festivals and events across our state. The MFEA’s annual convention features outstanding workshops, networking opportunities, a trade show, silent auction and also showcases a wide variety of entertainers. 7 Million Jigawatts kicked off the the 2010 Friday night showcase performing alongside a line up of acts like Justine Blazer, Duffy King Koalition, Monkey Grinder and Alan Turner.
Melissa Behring and Jake Tobias joined forces with Scott Michaels and Sean Z to create a powerful new 7 Million Jigawatts line up featuring four experienced entertainers and amazing singers. The MFEA showcase was their first public performance and the band was on fire right out of the gate. Performing in front of around 440 of Michigan’s festival planners and event volunteers, the band warmed the audience up with hits like “Chain of Fools” and “Crazy”. They rocked an exciting rendition of “This Must Be Love”, a 7MJ original song from the 2009 release, “Taking Flight”. They wrapped up the night with a smooth blend of vocal harmonies on “Suspicious Minds” and closing their set out with the romantic ballad “Need You Now”.
7 Million Jigawatts is looking forward to a busy summer traveling across the Midwest to perform their special brand of Rock n Soul. If you would like to book the band, contact booking@7millionjigawatts.com or call 248.586.9693.
At this time, we would also like to thank Jon Vidal for his service during the past few years behind the drums. Going forward, Jon is focusing his solo acoustic music and will be missed. We wish Jon all the success he has dreamed of in his future. You can find him on myspace/jonvidal.
We would also like to announce the departure of Nathan Montgomery from our ranks starting on January 1st. Nate plans to start 2011 off by focusing on his original acoustic guitar music and his first love jazz guitar. Nathan started playing guitar, bass and keys for 7MJ in 2007 and we have been grateful for his talents along the way. We wish him great success in his upcoming musical pursuits. You can find out more about what Nate’s doing in the future at www.nathanmontgomery.com.
We’d be remiss without thanking our friends and pals at the Red Dog Saloon in Milford. These folks are great. Not only do they provide amazing friendly service, but they are always sporting some 7MJ garb to help remind their patrons that the band performs there regularly. 7MJ is looking forward to returning to the Red Dog on 10/29 to kick off the Halloween Weekend Spooktacular!
Special thanks to our friend Kristina Vander Meulen for taking this photo of the group.Hats off to the Soroptimists of Trenton for throwing yet another amazing Chick Ride. 7 years and going strong. This event has been called “Our Favorite Gig” ever since we got involved at the start. Every year we look forward to the opportunity to spend the day at Oak Tree Farms, ride the helicopter and eat the chicken marsala. That doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of how much fun everyone has at this event. We’re still waiting to hear the final tally on the number of bikes and attendees… but it was packed. You’ll just have to take our word on it.
Special thanks to Dan Drotar for taking such great photographs at the Chick Ride for Cancer Awareness this year and allowing the band to use a few shots on our site. You can view all of his work at dandrotar.com and a few selections from the Chick Ride on our photos page.