Rush fans happy to see their band nominated to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

AP photo/CP, Frank Gunn, file

Alex Lifeson, left, and Geddy Lee of the rock band RUSH 

Canadians have a lot more than Thanksgiving to celebrate this weekend now that Rush has been nominated to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Yes, what began as whispered rumors throughout the week became mountainous roars -- echoing from subarctic regions of the Yukon to the wheat wheat fields of Saskatchewan and shoreline communities of  Prince Edward Island – as news of Wednesday night’s announcement reached the fans.

“Thirteen years after the Canadian power trio became eligible and 44 years after it formed, the band responsible for songs such as ‘Tom Sawyer,’ ‘Spirit of the Radio,’ the epic concept album, ‘2012,’ and dozens of gold records has made the first cut on its way to the theoretically hallowed walls of the Cleveland historical institution,” said a report by the Los Angeles Times.

AP Photo/ Peter Larson for iHeartRadio

I’m happy for Rush fans though my favorite among the 2013 nominees, is Heart, whose recent high-energy performance at DTE Energy Music Theater created a whole new following of fans.

Other Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013 nominees included: The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Chic, Deep Purple, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Albert King, Kraftwerk, The Marvelettes, The Meters, Randy Newman, N.W.A, Procol Harum, Public Enemy and Donna Summer.

To vote for your favorite (now through Dec. 5) go to http://rockhall.com/get-involved/interact/poll/

DAYTRIPPING

Looking for other exciting things to do over this – the Columbus and Canadian Thanksgiving Day weekend? Check out our calendar of family-friendly things to do:

Pancake breakfast

Harrison Township Fire Department serves annual pancake breakfast, 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 30, at Fire Station No. 2, 39460 Jefferson. Bake sale provided by Harrison Township Public Library.

Historical Society

Ray Township Historical Society “Meet and Greet,” 7 p.m. Oct. 5, at the Ray Township Senior Center, 64255 Wolcott. Program includes introduction of “Barns ..The Backbone of Rural Life” calendars and information about the barns. For details, www.rayhistory.org or 586-784-9221.

Lorenzo Center

“Changing Gears: The Birth of American Industry” programs continue with a variety of related topics through Nov. 18, at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College Center Campus, Hall and Garfield roads, Clinton Township. For complete schedule information, visit www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.

Zumba classes

Zumba fitness classes at a variety of locations through Macomb County, also Zumba Gold lower-impact classes. For details, call 586-443-6875 or billshoe@live.com.

Assumption Kalosomatics

Kalosomatics exercise classes under way at Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores. Sessions held mornings and evenings, with baby-sitting services available. For details, 586-779-6111 Ext. 4.

On stage

“God of Carnage,” 8 p.m. Oct. 5-6, at Broadway Onstage, 21517 Kelly Road, Eastpointe. For ticket information, 586-771-6333.

Theatre Company at University of Detroit Mercy presents the comedy “None of the Above,” Oct. 5-7 and 12-14, at Marygrove Theatre, 8425 W. McNichols Road, Detroit. For tickets, 313-993-3270 or theatre.udmercy.edu.

Bowling benefit

Sterling Heights Lioness bowling fundraiser, Oct. 5, at Five Star Lanes, 2666 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights; registration 8:45 p.m., bowling 9:15. Admission $20 per person includes three games 9-pin no-tap, shoes, pizza and soft drinks.  Call 586-873-3797 or email lbcasino17@att.net. Proceeds go to Leader Dogs for the Blind and Beaumont Silent Children.

Tea Talk

Crocker House Museum/Macomb County Historical Society present “Tea Talk Tuesdays at Two,” 2 p.m. Oct. 23, at the museum, 15 Union St., Mount Clemens. Events include historical programs, refreshments; tickets $7 Society members, $10 non-members. For reservations, 586-465-2488. Museum tours included.

Somerset Singles

Somerset Singles Social Ski and Golf Club meets 7:30 p.m. second Tuesday monthly at American Polish Cultural Center, 15 Mile and Dequindre roads, Troy. Annual membership fee $40 provides discounts to group’s events. Call 586-781-4056 or go to www.sssgc.net.

Ford House

“Fairy Tales at Ford House: A Grimm Celebration” community art exhibit through Nov. 4, at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Related youth and adult programs continue into the fall; for schedule, www.fordhouse.org.

Fishing clubs

Vanguard Trout Unlimited for fishing enthusiasts meets 7:30 p.m. second Thursday monthly at Rochester’s Dinosaur Hill. Also, Fishing Buddies Fishing Club gathers 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Rochester Hills OPC, 650 Leticia Drive. Call 248-375-1931.