People Are Talking: Stew & The Negro Problem
Posted: 11/17/10 -- 11:23 am
by Adrienne Escamilla
What does personal and artistic authenticity mean to you? Find out what it means to Stew at his multimedia concert mash-up of rock and theater. Was this the realest performance you’ve ever seen?
Stew & The Negro Problem
Set #1
Thursday, November 18, 2010
523 S. Main Street
—————————-
Bleed
Rehab
Curse
Ken
Gary Come Home
Kingdom of Drink
Speed
We Just Had Sex (from Passing Strange)
Bong Song
Black Men Ski
Sexy Brooklyn Mommy
Encore:
Naked Dutch Painter
All songs by Stew and Heidi Rodewald.
Stew & The Negro Problem
Set #2
Friday, November 19, 2010
523 S. Main Street
—————————-
Bleed
Rehab
Curse
Ken
Gary Come Home
Kingdom of Drink
Speed
We Just Had Sex (from Passing Strange)
Bong Song
Black Men Ski
Sexy Brooklyn Mommy
Encore:
Peter Jennings
All songs by Stew and Heidi Rodewald.
Adrienne is UMS Ticket Services Associate. She enjoys running, coffee and the sun.
about 4 days ago 
about 7 days ago 
Saw Stew and the band last night, and they almost made me cry with joy. There just isn't music like this in Ann Arbor very often. Sitting in the great space of the old Leopold Bros., listening to these talented, smart, funny musicians among a sophisticated crowd made me feel like I was in New York or Chicago or San Francisco – we NEED more of this in Ann Arbor!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Jim from UMS here. I totally agree!!! What an awesome setting, awesome crowd, and awesome artist. I felt really transported…
Jim Leija
Actually, Susan, you were in Los Angeles, not New York or Chicago or San Francisco.
conqueroo
Water under the bridge, but….
I saw Stew, etc., Friday night @ Leopold Bros., and had to go back last night for more! I was hoping that the band would mix it up a bit in their final performance, and they did. There were so many elements to these artists' performances to enjoy: the musical virtuosity of each of the musicians (fantastic base, keyboards, sax/clarinet, and drums–in addition to Stew's powerful vocals and guitar); the social commentary; the humor, the poignancy of the story telling. Its hard to know where to begin; I did not want it to end.
This is as close as I've seen to what I imagine true cabaret to be that I've seen in Ann Arbor. Congratulations for a great set of shows. I look forward to more; keep pushing that envelope, please!
Drew
Drew – thanks for the feedback. We love being encouraged to stretch our boundaries! When we have the support and enthusiasm of audience members to try different things, it really helps.
Jim Leija
Saw the first Saturday night show and Stew, Heidi and the band were fantastic. UMS was a great venue as well with excellent seats. Will definitely be back to see other shows
Mack
Our jaws are still on the floor…and we have been listening to the CDs we bought since we woke up yesterday morning. Went to the first show on Saturday and had to stay for the second. Stew is amazing and authentic–good thing he has Heidi by his side. Loved the Leopold Bros space too–awesome event!
Sarah
I concur with all the above comments. The Thurs show was fun, fresh and exciting. The combination of consummate professionalism and informal spontaneity made for a high quality, relaxed evening of really interesting, new musc. More of this in venues like Leopold's would energize UMS.
Fred Morrison
Loved Stew ever since I saw his Broadway show Passing Strange. He is a true original talent. The venue was great as well. My only objection would be that his show could have used an organizing feature. The songs and patter could have been a little more cohesive. I look forward to more cabaret style offerings. LindaB
linda benson
9
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