The one-and-only (really!) Champions of Breakfast wowed the crowd Friday night. Actually, to say they wowed the crowd is probably the understatement of the year (we are only a few weeks into 2010, after all).

Hi friends. Perhaps you've heard of a little music festival called Mittenfest. Well, it WAS a little music festival, at first. But the fourth installment included four days at Ypsilanti’s Elbow Room, 40 bands, about a thousand attendees, and raised $12,000 for 826michigan.

If you missed it, you missed something pretty special. HOWEVER, we can help. Follow me to the next page for a retrospective of this incredible event . . .

At Mittenfest IV, I took on the arduous task of taking 10 seconds of video for every band that played. This seemed, my friends, like a good idea at the time, and perhaps it was. I had no idea, however, that it would actually be pretty stressful. For example, at least seven times, right after I had shot my ten seconds, an even better ten seconds occurred. But no matter. By clicking the link, you will be spirited away to 8 Minutes & 26 Seconds of Mittenfest IV, shot by yours truly, and compiled by AnnArbor.com's own Stefanie Murray. Enjoy!

Many thanks to our sponsors, the Red Wings, as well as Andy Garris and the Elbow Room, VG Kids, Beezy's Cafe, and Quite Scientific Records.

Mittenfest V is slated for December 30, 31, January 1, and 2. Get ready!

Furthermore, I hope you will join us at the Elbow Room in Ypsilanti for the second-annual Love Hangover. Mark your calendars! Monday, February 15, at 7pm. This was one of our very favorite nights last year. The Love Hangover, which is a national event, involves musicians pairing in unusual ways the day after Valentine's Day to sing songs about love, from the bitter to the divine. It's HILARIOUS, and really fun. Proceeds benefit 826michigan and HuRAI, the Huron River Arts Initiative. Read all about last year's event here!

Amy Sumerton is the program director for 826michigan and the store manager of the Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair. She lives on the west side of Ann Arbor in a tiny apartment with her fiance and their two cats.