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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula March 23, 2002 © 2002 Suzanne Miron for Keweenaw Now

Jeyds' Justin Planasch to perform ethnic acoustic pop at Little Gem Theatre

By Suzanne Miron

LAKE LINDEN -- Justin Planasch, with his acoustic stylings, has returned to the Copper Country. He will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the Little Gem Theatre in Lake Linden. His fans, from the days of The Jeyds, have not forgotten him. I had the pleasure to become acquainted with this most unique artist Friday night, March 22, at the Michigan House in Calumet. I watched the crowd that gathered there sing along as they danced to his, indeed, energizing folk guitar that he self describes as an ethnic style intertwined with pop.

After playing a set of what he describes as old calypso music, Justin, with his smiling boyish charm, granted me an impromptu interview.

Justin first came to Houghton as a Michigan Tech student working on his civil engineering degree in 1992. He was assigned a dorm room with a body builder with whom he had nothing in common. Not knowing anyone, he turned to teaching himself how to play a guitar and began writing his own music. This led to the formation of the band known as The Jeyds. His fans at the Michigan House demanded that much of his performance be comprised of music he had done previously with The Jeyds.

In ‘99, Justin relocated in Chicago, where he has his own label, WornSole Records. He performs and records with his band, The Downpours. The most recent release is entitled Roam. Justin is currently in the studio working on The Dark Side of the Alley. Justin spoke of the competition in Chicago.

“There are 400 musicians like me. It’s not about the music," Justin said, "it’s about image. It’s who you know, how you look, and how cool you are. I thought that I’d give myself so much time in Chicago....but I’m burned out. Since 9/11, I’m not as inspired as I was. I’m focusing more on my professional life now.” 

Justin added he feels more at ease in the Copper Country.

“It’s more laid back here," he said. "You can schedule a gig at a bar with a month’s notice. You ask to play and they say sure!”

Justin will be returning to MTU this fall to complete his graduate degree. With the arrival of spring 2003, he has plans to enroll in the Peace Corps. During his time here, I’m sure we can count on enjoying local performances and the fans he has accrued here will be most appreciative!

Check out his Web site for a more extensive list of his bio, music reviews and an opportunity to listen to his music. If you have the opportunity to attend his performance at the Little Gem Theatre in Lake Linden, you're in for an enriching cultural experience!

Editor's Note: Guest reporter Suzanne Miron, a graduate of Suomi College (now Finlandia University) is originally from Eagle River, Mich., and now resides in Houghton County.

Read more about the author of this article, Suzanne Miron.

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