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!
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.
Melissa Behring and Neil Donato perform holiday classics and jazzy tunes from 5-6:15.
Nathan Montgomery performs his jazzy acoustic guitar from 6:30-7:30.
Carissa Knoles performs acoustic guitar pop rock from 7:45-9.
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.
7 Million Jigawatts had a great time at the Taste of Clarkston Sunday afternoon. Many thanks to Jim Tedder Productions and the rest of the sponsors who helped put on this amazing event. It was jam packed and the band had enjoyed entertaining the crowd. Special thanks to our new fan Matt for helping to spread the word about our group.
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!
7MJ & our friends at the Red Dog
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.
7MJ @ Chick Ride for Cancer
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.
South Rockwood MI – Soroptimist International of Trenton presents the 7th annual Chick Ride for Breast Cancer. Come help us celebrate life on September 4, 2010. Tickets for motorcycle riders $60 with passenger, non-riders are a $20 minimum donation. The ride begins and ends at Oaktree Farm 6854 Ready Road, South Rockwood. Registration begins at 12 noon with the ride beginning at 2pm. Tickets are available at Par-Fection, M & M Printing, the gate of Oak Tree Farm (day of event), or by calling Carole Bell at 734-675-8065.
The 7th Annual Chick Ride for Breast Cancer will be hosted on the grounds of Oak Tree Farm. Come out for a day of bikes, food, fantastic entertainment, helicopter rides, and most importantly to celebrate life! All proceeds benefit the Soroptimist International of Trenton Area Projects, the Josephine Ford Cancer Center, Penrickton Center for Blind Children and other local charities. Past beneficiaries include Susan G. Komen, Women Celebrating Life, the Childrens Hospital, Maple Grove Camp, Christ Net and local food pantries. In 2009, S.I of Trenton made a $25,000 commitment to a capital project at First Step, a shelter for abused and battered women.
The name Soroptomist hails from the Latin words soror meaning sister, and optima meaning best which is interpreted as “the best for women. Over the past 6 years the Soroptimist’s have raised over $124,000 by hosting this event. They hope to make this year their biggest and best yet. In addition to providing financial support, Trenton members are committed to volunteering time and networking to improve the lives of women and girls through awareness campaigns, education and leadership, hosting special events for senior citizens, helping at Special Olympics, homeless shelters and food pantries.
Registration for the riders includes: ride pin, dinner, beverage, entertainment and bonfire. Non-riders receive all of the above with the exclusion of the ride pin. Pre-ride snacks will be available for purchase as well. Check-in for the police escorted motorcycle ride will begin at 12:00 noon – 1:30pm. The 90 minute ride will begin at 2pm sharp, don’t be late! The entertainment for the day will be a treat for the senses. 7 Million Jigawatts will be performing; their unique style is infused with rock and soul and will have you on your feet moving to the music. There will also be a silent auction, brown bag raffle, and don’t forget the helicopter rides! Food will be provided by Carrabbas Italian Grill.
Oak Tree Farm is located in South Rockwood at the following address: 6854 Ready Road, South Rockwood MI, 48179. For any questions that you may have, please contact Carole Bell at 734-675-8065 or email Carolbell@att.net
The 7th Annual Chick Ride for Breast Cancer will take place on September 4, 2010 at the Oak Tree Farm in South Rockwood. Tickets can be purchased at Par – Fection, M & M Printing, at the gate of Oak Tree Farm (day of event), or by calling Carole Bell at 734-675-8065.
7 Million Jigawatts Celebrates Sun, Summer and Fun!
Hillman, MI – “Fly in July Midsummer Blow Out!” 7 Million Jigawatts celebrates sun, summer and fun! Detroit’s favorite Rock n Soul Party Band, 7 Million Jigawatts returns to Northern Michigan for another summer concert. After their recently successful performance at the 107.7 The Bay Summer Concert Series, 7 Million Jigawatts fans have been calling non-stop requesting the group return to their Northern Michigan roots. 7MJ sought another opportunity to perform in their hometown. Hi-Way Bar proprietor, Jim Stoddard, offered the band use of the parking lot behind his club in downtown Hillman to hold their All Ages, Free Concert.
Two 7 Million Jigawatts members grew up in Alpena, Melissa Behring & Nathan Montgomery are very excited to reunite with their friends and families for this special evening of music. Performing hits off their recent CD, ‘Taking Flight’ featuring the single, “(I’ve Got You) Covered” from the 2010 Mustang advertising campaign and “Angel (Dressed to Kill)” the recent 107.7 fm favorite, this evening is sure to be one that you do not want to miss. 7 Million Jigawatts performance offers up an enticing mix of rock and soul that tantalizes your auditory senses that can be enjoyed by fans of all ages.
Come be part of this unique event that will stimulate your senses and get your feet tapping. The event, Fly in July Midsummer Blow Out, runs from 7:30-9 pm on 7/31/2010, is open to all ages and free to the public. The Hi-Way Bar is located at 231 State Street in downtown Hillman.
Thanks to everyone who came out and supported 7 Million Jigawatts performances in Alpena this past weekend. It was great to return to Melissa & Nate’s hometown to play on Thunder Bay. The clouds parted and the rain stopped just in time for the Bay View concert to start. We met so many new people and saw alot of our old friends too. Wrapping up the Alpena Blues Festival later that night was certainly a treat. We jammed some blues tunes for the crowd and got everyone dancing til they turned up the lights. We are looking forward to playing in Alpena again very soon.
Special thanks to 107.7 the Bay for spinning the 7MJ tunes, “I’ve Got You Covered” and “Angel Dressed to Kill”. Please call the radio station at (989) 354-4611 and request that they keep playing our songs.
We are grateful for your support and couldn’t do it without you!
7MJ at Bay View Ampitheater
Also, thank you to ServPro of Alpena for the use of their box truck to transport our gear between the two events. It made our lives so much easier!
Serv Pro, “Like it Never Even Happened!” Contact them at (989) 354-4940 for all your fire/water damage clean up and restoration needs.
Summer Concerts
IN THE PARK
Saturday, JUNE 26
6-9p
Free Admission
7 Million Jigawatts
& their unique fusion of Rock ’n Soul hit the Bandshell at Bay View Park on beautiful Thunder Bay. Come listen to Alpena natives Melissa Behring and Nathan Montgomery, along with Jake Tobias and Jon Vidal perform songs from their recent release, “Taking Flight” along with a variety rock & soul covers from the past 5 decades. Bring your picnic basket & lounge chairs to enjoy the view of Lake Huron from the hill while the waves roll by. (Dancing on the grass encouraged!)
Win Cash & Prizes like:
An overnight stay at the Alpena Days Inn
or
$1000 CASH from Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, Alpena Community Credit Union, Besser Credit Union, H.P.C. Credit Union and Thunder Bay Area Credit Union.
or
A chance to pop a balloon for a bracelet and
charm from Bolenz Jewelry worth approximately $80
Sponsors:
Budweiser
Pepsi
McDonald’s
Days Inn
Pizza Hut
Walmart
Dean Arbour Ford
Plowman’s Collision
Bolenz Jewelry
The Alpena News
Alpena Agency, Inc.
Soaring Eagles Casino
Perch’s IGA
Take 5 Deli
Alpena Furniture
Community Financial of Hillman, Lewiston and Gaylord
EJ Paul Agency of Atlanta
Judy Burns – State Farm Insurance
John Knapp – State Farm Insurance
Arby’s of Alpena
E-Z Way Store
Hosted by the City of Alpena
Sound provided by G.T. Sounds of Alpena
