Matt Ratza: Stranger

Photo taken by Amanda Emery. Matt Ratza and the Strangers.


Matt Ratza has always been a staple in the Flint music scene. From the beginnings as a young man with a deep appreciation for classical music to bands such as Burnt Toast, The Middletown Project, Heartland, and now his solo projects, it is evident that music is 100% of Matt's heart. The record Stranger is the outpouring of Matt's soul, in the lyrics and the beautiful sound of his guitar, each and every song reaches out to you, each and every song is a piece of Matt. He explains that his songs represent "Everything I have ever wanted to say, to anyone who has ever been in my life." With songs like "Sweet Voice", the song is both haunting and beautiful, with lyrics like "I want you to call but don't know what I would say, I just want to hear your sweet voice again." This is the inside view of this musicians heart.

Seeing Matt play live is always a good time show, his outpouring of emotion and conviction in his shows is the evidence of what his music means to him. Watching the people at the show singing along and feeling the music, to Matt there is nothing better. Playing shows to Matt is a way of life, music is his way of life, but yet every time he plays it is still like his first show. The feelings Matt has and knowing how the people feel that come out to his shows makes what he is doing worthwhile, he makes the music for himself, but it is an amazing feeling to know that something he has written touches people and they can relate to it.

Matt gives it his all, everything he thinks and feels comes through in his song lyrics, listening to Stranger is getting to know him in the most intimate of ways. Stranger is different than anything I have heard, it has a bluegrass feel with a touch of straight rock and roll. Matt has said that he is strongly influenced by Johnny Cash, and hauntingly you can hear that influence through Matt's words. The one thing that Matt emphasized to anyone wanting to get into music was "work at it, do it for yourself, not anyone else," coming from a man that has seen the worst of heart breaks and the best of life, he is what he does, and loves what he does.

You can check out Matt Ratza's music at www.myspace.com/mattratza or check out the record label that he strongly attributes to the future success of Matt Ratza and the Strangers, the record label that is giving him the "chance of a lifetime." Check out Hell City Records for more info and show dates.

BARRROOOOOO! Here comes the Wolfman

Soon Detroit won’t be the only ones having ghoulish fun. Wolfman Mac’s “Chiller Drive-In” will “hopefully” be syndicated on WNEM (TV Channel 5) in Flint said Mac Kelly, who plays the host Wolfman Mac.

“I'm hoping that MyTV 5 picks us up soon.” Kelly said, “Last I heard we were just waiting for a time slot. Stay tombed!”



“Chiller Drive-In” currently is showing in the Detroit area on WMYD (TV Channel 20) on Saturday nights at midnight and is somewhat of a tribute to horror shows of the past like Elvira, the Ghoul, and Sir Graves Ghastly featuring horror and sci-fi B-movies of the past.

“We're sort of a sitcom that takes place at a drive-in in the town of Hauntington Heights,” Kelly said. “Think of a cross between Herman Munster and Tim Allen.

“My werewolf character owns a run down drive in where all they have in stock are really bad monster movies.”

Kelly started doing the show after growing up watching Elvira, the Ghoul, and Sir Graves Ghastly.

“I love those old monster flicks in a bad way.” Kelly said, “I knew when I was a kid that I had to do this.”

The show first started on cable access, then moved to the network affiliate within months of airing. The actors on “Chiller Drive-In” don’t get paid for their roles. They do it because it is something they love.

“Syndication is a blessing, really the result of a child hood dream coming true,” Kelly said. “We've yet to make any money on this show, that'll happen, but we really love what we're doing here.”

The premise of the show is that Wolfman Mac, who has been around since the 1930s, has been searching the world over to find a place where he can share his love of B-movies. One fateful night while being chased by angry villagers, Mac comes across an abandoned drive-in and his new cohort and co-host Boney Bob.

“Chiller Drive-In” is known for showing movies such as “Wasp Woman,” “The Devil’s Hand,” “Night of the Living Dead” and “Spider Baby.” During these movies there are small skits performed by Wolfman Mac and the rest of the cast.

“While those movies are playing, there's always some calamity of some sort going on that Wolfman Mac has to deal with.” Kelly said, “Boney Bob is my ever-scheming side kick, always looking for a way to make a fast buck, usually using Wolfman Mac's monster card and maxing it out.”

In October 2008, “Chiller Drive-In” was voted Best Local Television Show (other than a newscast) by the Metro Times annual Best of Detroit issue, and in May 2009, Real Detroit Weekly named the show Best “Retro” Local TV Program and “the ONLY good reason to eschew the bar scene on Saturday nights!” For more information and schedules for Wolfman Mac’s Chiller Drive-In go to www.chillerdrivein.com.

It's Baar Bazaar time!

The 2009 Holiday Baar Bazaar is just around the corner!

On Dec. 5 the Holiday Baar Bazaar will be at the Majestic Theater in Detroit. With 36 vendors thus far, patrons will be able to find handmade items, crafts, records, movies, comic books and books, jewelry, vintage and new clothing, just to name a few of the wares that will be available and to make great Christmas gifts.

The event goes from 8p.m.-2a.m.
Anyone who is interested in vending is asked to email Beth Nixon, one of the masterminds behind Baar Bazaar at bethany@rewarevintage.com.

Wanna see pictures from previous Baar Bazaars? Visit Flickr.