Jem Targal was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the University of Michigan Hospital. His family lived in the small community of Whitmore Lake until Targal was 2 years old while his father attended, and taught, at the University. The family then moved to a small town in Turkey named Teke. Targal's memories of the 300 year old home include lots of scorpions, a big stone wall, and a goat trail that wound its way toward two castles. The house itself had a room that Targal recalls was his favorite. He refers to it as "the Jasmine Tea room." It had a window which looked out over the city of Istanbul. He still recalls the spectacular colors of Istanbul at sunset. Targal's father was then teaching at the American College in Istanbul. There were seven families, all related, living in the house together. Targal's Grandfather, a retired general, was there. So, too, was Targal's uncles. One had been the head of NATO forces for several years; the other uncle was a professional wrestler. Then, in 1951, Targal's family returned to Michigan. The moved into a house on Marlboro street in the city of Detroit. The street was near Jefferson Avenue and within walking distance of the Detroit river where Jem often wandered to watch cargo ships or gaze across the river at the Canadian city of Windsor. Targal went through school in Detroit, graduating from Cooley High school before moving, with his family, to a beautiful house in the suburban enclave of Troy. While attending the Detroit schools, Jem began his stage training. He studied violin from the time he was eight years old, and, in high school, he acted in school theatrical performances. Once in Troy, Jem enrolled at the nearby Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills. At Auburn Hills, Jem developed his interest in art and painting. He started some of his major projects and also contributed editorial cartoons to the school newspaper. It was there that Jem met Drew Abbott. Drew was a monitor in a speed reading class in which Jem had enrolled. Jem knew who Drew was, and had seen Drew playing in folk music clubs in the


1. Ragnar Kvaran Group MP3s can still be located here at this new location. More will be added in time.

2. Jive Diamond News - this page is a collection of newspaper links taken directly from "My Favorites" pull down menu on my very own web browser. These are the very same papers and magazines that I read on a frequent basis.

3. Warren Dunes - photos from a March 2003 visit to Warren Dunes State Park located on the South Eastern side of Lake Michigan

4. Larry 'Wildman" Fischer once visited Michigan. Here is the legend

5. PARADE 2004 View the parade

6. Basketball Camp See the games

7. ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, MOAB UTAH See the future of the modern world

8. A Few Photographs taken in Montreal, Canada 2004 Do you think French Made Easy will help?

9. Jem Targal, once a bassist for the Michigan Power Trio Third Power has an early biography recorded here

10. Short Story Award Ceremony recorded here

11. Recent photograph of Stuart Dybek and Beth Andersen view here

Music

1. Ragnar Kvaran Group MP3s can still be located by clicking right here at this new location. More will be added in time.

2. Jive Diamond News - this page is a collection of newspaper links.

4. Larry 'Wildman" Fischer once visited Michigan. Here is the legend

10. Jem Targal, once a bassist for the Michigan Power Trio Third Power has an early biography recorded here

11. Jem Targal, once a bassist for the Michigan Power Trio Third Power played in a band called Sheavy recorded here

14. A song download, in mp3 or wma format, by The Rabble. The song is called Heart On Fire please click here

15. Ragnar Kvaran Group articles can be found by clicking on this text

18. Clara Ghimel mp3s Click Here to go to the Brazilian Blues Diva, Clara Ghimel, website

19. Kellin Watson mp3s The best young singer in North Carolina

20. Ragbird mp3s Ypsilanti is back with the great sound of the Ragbirds

23. Jimmy Scorch and the Transmigration mp3s Decades old practice recordings by the elusive Jimmy Scorch

21. Ragnar Kvaran on MySpace Includes 4 Ragnar Kvaran Group tunes in streaming format

22. Jem Targal - The Lucky Guy An obscure recording by one of the most creative of Michigan's artists

22. Jem Targal - The Butterfly and the Flower The Butterfly and the Flower - a song by Jem Targal recorded in 1975

23. Jem Targal and Sheavy Click Here for more Jem Targal mp3s

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