Niagara and The Colonel invite friends to pay tribute to the late Stooges guitarist, Ron Asheton as they host, “Ronnie
Thanks A Million,” on Saturday, Jan. 17th at 9 p.m.at the historic Music Hall Center For The Performing Arts in downtown Detroit. There is free admission but attendees are encouraged to donate what they can to help cover the night’s expenses and Ron’s favorite charity, The Michigan Humane Society. Niagara, Asheton’s former Destroy All Monsters and Dark Carnival band mate and muse, will host along with Colonel Galaxy, presenting a celebration of Ronnie’s life and a chance to express their love along with all of his friends and fans. They'll be paying tribute to a guy Rolling Stone called, ‘One of the greatest guitarists of all time."
Tributes from those who knew him -- and some who didn’t, but were influenced by him -- will speak from the stage. Ron’s music will be played and a tribute film retrospect by Tim Caldwell will be shown. There will be a cash bar in the Hall as well as in Jazz Café for attendees. Plus, a special Jazz Café set -- a Dark Carnival alumni performance led by Bootsey X & The Lovemasters and some very special friends -- will take place in the Jazz Café following the main stage tributes at 11 p.m.
Ron Asheton was more than an innovative guitarist, he was an easygoing, subtly hilarious guy who, simply and effectively created a sound and aesthetic that will forever reverberate as long as there are guitar players. Ron maximized his early work into postmodern art of the highest order. In retrospect, Ron’s influence cannot be overstated, only imitated. Ronnie used to like to say, “Thanks a million” in mock gratitude when joking with friends. Now here’s our last chance to say, “Ronnie
Thanks A Million.” More info for this tribute can be found at www.myspace.com/niagara or www.musichall.org.
Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts 350 Madison Detroit, MI 48226; 313 887-8500
