MIKE ZITO Source: The Huntzville Times Date: 06/2008 Writer: Caitlin M. Foyt

Press Photos/Noel Webley II
Mike Zito performs during Blues on the Mall on Wednesday in downtown Grand Rapids.

GRAND RAPIDS -- Robert Samuel Goodman's hips never stopped moving during the four hours Mike Zito churned out bluesy pop-rock hits Wednesday evening.

The 39-year-old looked as though his wiggling fingers, often stretched high above his head, could have recreated the sounds that came from Zito's guitar.

"I love him. He's new to Michigan, and we love the blues here and we really have to welcome him," Goodman said.

Goodman, who said he has never missed a Blues on the Mall concert in 17 years, was one of 4,000 people who attended the season's first WLAV-FM/Budweiser Blues on the Mall performance at Rosa Parks Circle downtown.

The first of 10 midweek concerts attracted a blend of mellow listeners and hip-shaking dancers.
"People feel very free and comfortable here," said Mary Ellen Murphy, a nighttime radio voice at WLAV.

"You have everyone from the guy who just got off from the bank in a suit to the woman wearing her 1960s hippie shirt."

Mike Zito, a first-time performer at Blues on the Mall, was recommended to WLAV by Walter Trout, who is scheduled to perform on the mall June 30.

"Other artists who have played here say it's a great gig," Zito said before the show. "What we do is pretty likable all around. It's pretty listenable." Christina Elsenbroek, marketing director for WLAV-FM said newcomers to the concert series were amazed with the show. "The crowd was extremely kind to Mike Zito, and I think he was overwhelmed by the response," she said." "This isn't a Van Andel (Arena) act, where it's 'don't touch me, I'm in Zen mode.' They're so great to work with."

Daniel "D-Dogg" Reeves creates a painting to be given away as blues guitarist Mike Zito performs

To wrap up the 3-month Ticket to Ride promotion, one lucky listener, Greg Verseput, won a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, courtesy of Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson.

WLAV listeners who won tickets to see Van Halen, Tom Petty and The Police were entered into a drawing to win keys.

Several keys were awarded, but only one of them started the motorcycle.

Mark Zito bows during his performance.