Quad City Live Music New Year

For my last 2012 blog post, I'm not going to give you a review of where I have been. It's time to talk about upcoming New Year's Eve parties in the QCA. I'm not going to say this is the most comprehensive list of upcoming parties, but I would like to think I've managed to come up with a good start anyway.

Pre-holiday Live Music

Friday at the RME Performance Hall

Local band Breakup Art Rocked the RME Performance Hall Stage

 

Due to the Redstone Room holiday party schedule, visiting bands What Made Milwaukee Famous and The Stone Foxes were scheduled in the RME Performance Hall. Local band Breakup Art was added later as an opening act.  Breakup Art plays mostly original music with a punk influence. Front man and guitarist Donnie Bobb tells me they are looking forward to getting back to writing new music and doing some recording soon.  New music from local bands is a great thing, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for their next recording…and their next live show as well!

I Heard This Before

You never know where I might turn up...

There are a few bands on my “to see” list that you might not expect to find there. Friday night presented an opportunity to see one of them – as well as a bonus band. I arrived at RIBCO about halfway through A Hill to Die Upon’s set. This was the “bonus” band, a band I have never seen and quite honestly, didn’t even know existed until I saw them billed as part of Friday’s four-band show.

A Recipe For Live Music

Friday – Lee Blackmon With a Dash of Harris Collection

 

Roger Carlson sings along with Lee Blackmon

If you were looking for me Friday night, you would have found me at Bleyart’s entertaining a rowdy crowd with Lee Blackmon. During a break, I made a mad dash down to the Mound Street Landing to catch a bit of the Harris Collection’s Toys for Tots Benefit. The band sounded great, and there were Marines in dress uniforms everywhere. Tom Zick was running sound, and during a Harris break he stopped by Bleyarts. Also in attendance at Bleyarts were Roger Carlson and Bill Spain who joined Lee for a few songs.

Sweet Blues and Christmas Cheese?

I started my night Friday at The Muddy Waters and enjoyed some Candy… Yes, the Candymakers were making sweet sounds at Muddy’s Friday. We were treated to some new original works, including a Christmas song,which, according to Bret Dale, was loaded with cheese…

Thankful For Music!

I have so many reasons to be thankful. I have my family, my friends, a new job, my health… and I have music.  This past weekend I mixed things up – and enjoyed some of my friends right along with their music.

Help Portrait 2012 - Quad Cities

On December 1st I will be once again taking part in a Help-Portrait event in the Quad-Cities. Connection Church is one of the sponsors of this event.  Note: The QC Help-Portrait event is being held on December 1^st, but the international event date is December 8^th. Not every group schedules on the main date.

If you’re wondering just exactly what IS Help Portrait – you can find out a whole lot about it HERE.

Meanwhile – last year our group of volunteers helped a whole lot of families (some of whom had never had a family portrait).  The event took the better part of a Saturday (and a little bit of Friday evening for set up work), and we saw so many smiling faces!

If you know of someone who could use a family portrait, or maybe a portrait of their children, who couldn’t otherwise afford it, please get the information about this event to them. Appointments are already being taken, and the spaces are filling up fast. We’ll have 3 professional portrait photographers hopping for several hours.

The expectation is that we’ll be not only printing a photo for the families to take with them, but burning a CD with photos on it for them as well. Last year, we printed the photos and delivered them after the event.

I expect my role to be printing photos and burning CDs. We’ll have volunteers helping do hair and makeup for those that want it, other people will be escorting families so they don’t have to worry about what they are supposed to do next. There will be activities for the children while they wait their turn, and snacks and beverages as well.

Here’s the page for the Quad-Cities Help Portrait group.  We’re also taking donations to help defray the costs of printing the photos.  

This is the time of year to give. The Help-Portrait volunteers are giving portraits. You don’t have to be a portrait photographer to take part. There are so many other things that go into putting on an event of this magnitude. Find your local Help-Portrait group and offer your services. Or… find ANY non-profit and offer your services. There are so many ways to give that only require your time and talent and don’t require a lot of money. Pick one…. and GIVE this Christmas!

Getting Back Into the Swing

While still adjusting to my new work schedule, I’m starting to get out a little more. Last Friday, I spent a little time in Downtown Davenport, with my first stop at Barrel House 211. They were starting out with an acoustic musician doing a dinner hour show. Visiting Chicago musician, Mer, played a set of familiar songs, utilizing a loop to not only make his one guitar sound like more, but to add a looped beat he recorded as he banged on his guitar.

A Helping Hand From the Heartland

The Candymakers

I know I just posted my blog yesterday - and I really am writing this on the fly. I'm sitting in the RME Cafe, and I just learned about something I think everyone in the QC should know about.

Tomorrow there is going to be a benefit concert to end all benefit concerts - Quad City Style!

This is a Red Cross Disaster Relief Concert - supported by  the RME, KWQC, The River Center, River Cities Reader, Q106, WOC Radio, Quad City Bouncy, and  RAK Production Sound.

Held in the Mississippi River Hall at the RiverCenter, the concert includes bands such as:

The Winter Blues All-Stars
Lewis Knudsen
William Campbell
Westbrook Singers
The CandyMakers
Ellis Kell Band
Whoozdads
David G. Smith
Smooth Groove
Avey Brothers




Ellis Kell

The concert runs from Noon until 9 PM
Admission is:

$8 for adults

12 or under $5

5 and under Free

There will be food, beverages - LOTS of music... and a bounce house for the kids.

Come on down to the River Center and join in

 and help raise money for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund!!

A Birthday Bash and New Venues

A couple of weeks ago, Hal Reed celebrated his birthday. For those of you not in the know, Hal is the owner of The Muddy Waters in Bettendorf.  The Muddy Waters celebrates in grand style – with a weekend-long birthday bash!

I attended Saturday night’s party, as I spent Friday evening at 2 venues with 1^st Impression and Lee Blackmon. A few musicians from local bands got together and started out the evening with a jam.  With Hal on harmonica and vocals, and the likes of Jimmy VanHyfte and Curtis Hawkins, it was a memorable opening act. Afterwards the Kinsey Report took the stage for their set and made the evening complete.

I heard this week that a new bar has opened in Downtown Davenport. In the space that used to be the 811 Lockdown, meet… Zero to Sixty. Chuck Murphy posted on my timeline this week that he’ll be playing there tomorrow night from 10-2.  I also wanted to mention that I’ve been hearing rumors that The Firehouse on Hickory Grove Road is serving up live music every other Friday night – opposite the Fridays they have karaoke.  I’m going to be checking that out too – but I haven’t heard of any local bands that have played there.

 

This week:

Friday night – Barrel House 211 is running a double feature this week, with MER at 5:30 and The Blackstones at 10. Funktastic Five is at Rascals, Cobalt Blue is playing 11^th street Precinct, and Brady Street Pub has The Lowdown. Simon Says Uncle can be found at the Rusty Nail, and Grand Larsony is playing Purgatorys. Jason Carl’s band is playing Generations, and The Edje Nightclub has Smooth Groove.

Saturday: Smokehouse is playing a benefit Saturday afternoon and early evening at Racers Edge, and 1^st Impression will be following them at 9:30. The Karry Outz are playing Rascals, The Candymakers are at 11^th Street Precinct, and the Odeon in Clinton has Pash n Brew.  Curtis Hawkins band is at The Muddy Waters and Cosmic is playing Mulligans. Justin Morrissey can be found at Bleyarts and you can find Machine Gun Willie at Ducky’s Lagoon.

There’s plenty of live music this weekend – so get out and enjoy some!

Something Different

Over the last few months I’ve been out and about, checking out live music in the QC and writing about it. One of the highlights of my adventures has been noting all of the different ways live music can be enjoyed here. This week I’m going to recap some of the acoustic acts in the area and the venues where I’ve seen them.

Live Music and Another Release Party

This week I attended yet another local band’s release party. This time it was an EP, and the band was one I had not yet seen. In fact, I was thrilled to see 3 great bands that night that were new to me.

The venue was RIBCO. The bands: Satellite Heart, The Lion In Rome, and The Last Glimpse. This was a big night for The Last Glimpse, as they were releasing a new EP. 

Pardon Me While I Wax Nostalgic

Russell Means died today.

 

Means was an actor. But he was also known as an activist, and leader of the American Indian Movement.  If you’re wondering how I have nostalgia regarding one of the most controversial Native Americans ever to live… well, it’s a long story. I’ll try to trim it up a little bit.

The Winds of Change are Blowing But Live Music Plays On

Johnny O's Jam brings out area blues musicians

I made a concerted effort this week to slow down. In fact – soon it won’t be an effort but a necessity. I’m starting a new day job at the end of the month, and expect to be extremely busy for a little while as I adjust to new schedules and new ways of doing things. I’ll still get out though – and will do my best to continue posting blogs and photos weekly.

Fall Leaves Crisp Air and LIve Music

Holy cow! It’s mid-October already. The leaves aren’t just turning.  Did you hear that sound? “whump!” That was one of my maple trees dumping half of its leaves at once.  With the cold weather, the live music scene is definitely moving indoors, and there aren’t as many opportunities for me to catch multiple live shows in a weekend. I’m still out there – but I suspect for at least the next few months, I won’t be scrunching as much music into the space of a weekly blog. That’s actually better for the musicians I write about, as they all get a little more space.

Sometimes My Plans Change

The ladies of Paper Bird on the Community Stage

Though I didn’t get my weekly dose of jam night, I did manage to find plenty to keep me busy.  Thursday night I headed down to the River Music Experience and checked out a visiting band, Paper Bird. With 3 female vocalists, this band has harmony written all over it. Add to that some male voices in backing vocals as well and the sound becomes well-rounded and very rich.  Paper Bird is a large band – there are 7 members total. Unfortunately, they were booked for the (tiny) Community Stage instead of the Redstone Room. Apparently there just isn’t enough interest in certain performances to warrant opening the Redstone Room. It’s a shame – because their sound would have been even more amazing there, although they ended their set with an unplugged number that brought total silence to the room as the audience hung on every single note.

The QC Music Scene - Vibrant and Active

I’m a musician. I might not perform every weekend or even have a regular gig, but each of us has our own definition of what makes us a musician. Once upon a time, I actually played a couple of instruments. Who knows, I may start playing again one day. I’ve even written a song or three. I sing – every chance I get, sometimes there are actually people around to hear me. 

When someone talks about the bands “I follow”, I wonder what they mean by “follow”. As a musician, I believe it is important for me to support other local musicians. I go to a lot of gigs and take photos of a lot of bands. I write about local bands so that other people might be informed about the sort of bands that play locally. I want the public to know that we have a vibrant, active music scene right here in the Quad-cities. I want them to know they can find live music any day of the week in the area, and that they don’t have to wait for a band to come to the big venues to get great entertainment.  I’m not saying we should ignore the big shows and only support local music, but if we don’t support local bands, we lose the ability to have that entertainment any day of the week. And above all, musicians need to support other musicians, or our venues will dry up.

That said, I don’t see it so much as following (like a groupie) as I see what I do as supporting.  Yes, you will see me at nearly every 1^st Impression gig. That’s a different thing – I am part of the 1^st Impression family. I’m a team member, and work for the band. When I’m at a 1^st Impression gig, I’m generally working.  But when 1^st Impression is off, and I’m not singing elsewhere, you can bet I’m out supporting other musicians. 

Ron LaPuma and Johnny Pena at jam night

The outdoor concert season is drawing to a close. What a great summer of live music we had!  There are a few more afternoons at Creekside Vineyard, and at least one more Sunday Funday on the patio with Dave Ellis at The Muddy Waters, but otherwise, all of the outdoor venues seem to have finished up for the year. 

Thursday night I stayed later at John O’Meara’s jam session than I should have, but there was so much going on I just couldn’t drag myself away.  This week it looks like The Muddy Waters has a band scheduled – so I guess that means no jam night. I’m disappointed! 

The Karry Outz hit the Rascals Stage

Friday night I headed over to Rascals Live and hung out with the Karry Outz for a set.  The Karry Outz are nothing if they’re not enthusiastic. They say they sell more beer than any other QC band. They may be right. They have a really good time, that’s for sure.

After I left Rascals Live, I headed for the Redstone Room. I caught the very, very end of the Samantha Fish concert.  I only got to see her perform 3 songs, and that left me wishing I had gone there a bit earlier! And I got there so late, I didn't bother to take my camera with me. I'll never do that again! That young artist is definitely going places.

Those country club folks sure can party!

Saturday night I joined 1^st Impression on the road in Aledo. For Becky and the guys, Aledo isn’t much of a road trip, considering 1^st Impression traveled a much larger region in their early days. But for me, Aledo was just far enough! We learned the country club set really enjoys a good party. Becky said it best, “I never imagined I’d be singing ‘Crazy Bitch’ at the country club!”

Remember to check my Flickr page for the latest photos – and there’s a new video from jam night up on the Youtube channel.

This week:

Thursday

The Jason Carl band has a show at RIBCO and The Muddy Waters has Levee Town.

Friday

 There appears to be a new venue in Davenport - The Shop – at 53^rd and Brady by Dave and Sams . Dynoride, Six to the Chest, Archemedes Death Ray, and Shadow Stone are set to play there, starting at 6 PM.  The Curtis Hawkins Band is at The Muddy Waters, John Common is playing the Redstone Room, The Rusty Nail has Hitman and Tapped Out, while Chuck Murphy is doing his thing at DaVincis. Rascals Live has the Mercury Brothers, while Night Light is playing Barrelhouse 211, Smokehouse is playing at M.D. Greens, and Terry and the Loan Sharks can be found at the Mound Street Landing.

Saturday

Grand Larsony is playing Purgatory’s Pub, Vid James has a guest slot with Secret Squirrel at the El Pavito at 5 PM, Simon Says Uncle is at the Hawkeye, the Muddy Waters has Terry Quiett Band, Keep Off the Grass is in Coal Valley at Mulligans. Martinis has Smooth Groove, Danika Holmes is scheduled at the Grape Life, and the Movers and Shakers are playing Brady Street Pub. You’ll find me at Bleyart’s, singing with Lee Blackmon.

The Local Music Scene Does It Again!

Here we are, another week gone. And coming off one of the busiest weekends the Quad-Cities has seen in a long time – not just musically, but events of all kinds. I tried to hit a few events. Many of them produced some great live music. One band in particular caught my ear… and provided music that stirred my soul. Read on…

A Local Record Release and More Live Music

I slowed down again this week. Instead of running around like a mad woman, I took my time and enjoyed just a handful of shows. Yes folks – I’m slowing down. I’m going for quality over quantity. This means I won’t see as many of you each week, and I won’t see individual bands as often, but I’ll spend a little more time with the bands I do go to see. And I’m going to try harder to catch acts I haven’t seen before. 

Live Music Labor Day Weekend

"...and if you know someone who doesn't like music, don't trust them" - Sunflower Slim

 

Thursday I deviated a bit from the normal routine and started my evening out at Rozz-Tox for a taste of their all-original Rozz-Vox open mic night. I didn’t get to enjoy much of it, as it started later than the advertised scheduled starting time, and I had other stops to make this night. Host Donnie Bobb played a couple of songs, then Retro Ron stepped up for his turn.  I’ve never heard any of Ron’s original music. It was a nice break from the Beatles covers. Hopefully next time I'll catch a couple more musicians. 

So Much Live Music!

There was no jam last Thursday at The Muddy Waters, so I decided to change-up my schedule a bit.  I hit a couple of jam/open mic nights to see what goes on at other locations. And I checked out some live music venues during the week instead of on the weekend.

How I Spent My Summer

Summer is winding down, the kids are heading back to school, the air is already feeling a little fall-like (or at least it did last week… I saw 90 degrees on Friday).

Back in the 70s when I was a student, we were almost invariably asked by a teacher to write an essay about our summers. We weren’t a wealthy family, but my folks always made sure there was plenty to do during the summer. There was always a trip of some sort. California, Arkansas, Kentucky…we had family to visit. And there was always an element of education in those trips. As Camp Fire Girls, my sister and I sold candy in the fall to earn weeks at camp. We did pretty well – usually we had at least 2 weeks at camp without any out-of-pocket expense. With the addition of some smaller adventures, a project or two (we helped Dad build the brick patio one summer) and the additional summer chores, our summers flew by.  And they provided ample fodder for my annual fall essay.

Quad City Roots

There were some new faces at the Thursday night jam session at The Muddy Waters – a funk trio with a cool sound and long-time local drummer Don O’Dette.  Powerful artist Joshua “Slim” Kane dropped by to play and sing a few songs. And Randall Ketelson rocked the stage with his own style. This Thursday, The Muddy Waters has a special feature show, so there will be no Jam. But be sure to jam with us again next week.

 

 

 

Reggae and a Reunion, Mon

There was so much to do and see in the Quad-Cities this weekend that I couldn’t possibly take it all in. So… I didn’t even try. I had grand ideas of all the places I would go, but when it came down to it – even I have my limits.  I took a swing through Ya Maka My Weekend Friday night, with a stop in the Village of East Davenport on the way home. Saturday it was a River Music Experience night, with an awesome reunion concert and an opening band that was on my “need to see” list.

Taking It Easy

Curtis Hawkins joins the Jam

Although it was not a slow week in the local music scene, Roberta slowed down and took it easy this week.  After running all over the Mississippi Valley Fair Thursday, I made it to my weekly John O’Meara Jam date at The Muddy Waters. It was a short night for me though, as a day in the sun sapped most of my energy.

I’ve been taking fewer photos the last couple of weeks at Jam night, and haven’t posted any of them either. I’ll be doing some “make-up” posting in my Flickr page soon.  Some nights the music is just so good I forget there's a camera in my hands!  

Fair!

I spent an entire day at the Mississippi Valley Fair last week. I didn’t buy a Fun card this year, though I highly recommend it as a great value. I knew I wasn’t going to be going every night, so I planned on just one day and to fit as much as I could into that day.

Live Music Street Fest Style!

Now that the Bix7 race and the Bix Biederbeck Memorial Jazz Festival have seemingly gone their separate ways – Quad citizens get two weekends of music and no longer have to choose between Jazz and the bands of the Street Fest. Along with the Wells Fargo Street Fest, several downtown Davenport bars have joined in the fun, adding their own outdoor parties to the mix. This year along with the Shenanigans/Macs/Kilkenny’s party, Barrel House 211 tossed in a bash, and newcomer Davinci’s joined the fray. There was live music everywhere! 

Influence revisited.

A while back I wrote a blog post about influence – and how things we say and do often influence when we least expect it.  I actually had a few people in mind when I wrote that. 

I Need a Clone For All This Live Music

Sometimes I wish I could be in two places at once. Or three or four even.  This weekend was one of those times.  Yes, that was pretty much the story for the entire weekend.  Of course, I started Thursday night at The Muddy Waters. Things started off slow, but were heating up really well about the time I needed to head for home.  Most of the usual characters were there – and we were dancing in the aisles by 11 PM.

Cool Blues on a Warm Night – live music in the QC

Hot is a relative term. I love warm summer nights – and I love cool blues. That is a good part of why I really enjoyed Blues Fest a couple of weeks ago.  But in the Quad-Cities, it isn’t necessary to limit your blues listening to one weekend a year.  Every Thursday night there’s a blues jam at The Muddy Waters.  Yes, sometimes musicians who don’t play blues get up and play too, but the majority of the Thursday night Johnny O. Jam is blues.  And the Muddy Waters provides us with blues entertainers on other nights too.  This week I checked out the Friday night show… more on that later.

An Abundance of Live Music!

July 4^th Festivities

This week’s blog is going to start with July 3^rd. Tuesday!  This is what happens when Independence Day falls on Wednesday. There were fireworks in nearly every community over the 3^rd and 4^th. And nearly every celebration had some sort of music as part of the festivities. I limited my wanderings those two days – as much as I would have liked, I just couldn’t be everywhere at once. And fireworks mean crowds. On Tuesday I had the opportunity to sing with Lee Blackmon at Camden Park in Milan. Sadly, I don’t have photographs, as I was too busy singing. But I can tell you there was a huge turnout – getting out of there even before the fireworks started was no easy task.  And I was parked outside the park for what I thought would be an easy getaway.

Danika Holmes and Jeb Hart

Jake Seales with the Knock-Offs

Wednesday was the day of Bettendorf’s community celebration. Along with all sorts of activities and vendors, there were stages with continuous music. I was only there part of the day – once in the early afternoon to catch The Knock-Offs and Danika Holmes (opposite each other) and then again in the evening for the Dirt Road Rockers show before the fireworks. I love hot weather, but I know my limitations – and standing on hot pavement in the full sun all afternoon was not entirely appealing.  The Knock Offs had a great set, and were joined on stage by at least one former Knock-Offs member, Butch Ranew. There may have been others up too, as I heard there were several in attendance.  I went to check out Danika’s set after Butch’s first song. Danika and Jeb were joined by Al Fear on drums, and all were sporting sunglasses as their stage was facing the afternoon sun. The heat didn’t seem to slow them down much though, and all were in great form. The Dirt Road Rockers played the last set on the East stage, up until the fireworks started. Their show is quite the family affair when they’re in a place where the kids can join in.

Dirt Road Rockers

All of the musicians who played outdoor sets over the Fourth should be commended. It was hot and humid – and being on a stage with all that heat-producing equipment, and all that moving around can really be a sweat inducer. I dubbed the two hours I was on with Lee “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”, and we had an evening gig – not those mid-afternoon burners on the Fourth.

Slow Weekend (for me anyway)

Don Stewart, Vid James and John O'Meara

Thursday night I popped in to Muddy’s for the Johnny O. Jam Sessions. There was a fair turnout – including Retro Ron, Vid James, Rob Dahms and Don Stewart. I hope to see more musicians this week! Don Stewart gave us a sampling off his new CD. Great stuff Don!

Mike Walker with the Funky Monks

Phil Bonilla - 1st Impression

Previous family obligations kept me busy this weekend, but I managed to swing by the Racer’s Edge Party in the Street for the 1^st Impression set and a bit of the Funky Monks Red Hot Chili Peppers Experience. With the outdoor gigs and a little luck I was able to catch a couple of cool drummer shots. It’s not often that I have access to drummers as they are usually pretty well hidden behind equipment and (in some cases) massive drum kits. To see more photos from this week, check out my Flickr page.

John Biondo - 1st Impression

Roger Carlson sent me a message this week to swing by a rummage sale in Rock Island to check out some cool tunes. Yes! A rummage sale. A gentleman there by the name of Jimmy was playing the blues on a portable keyboard while he sold some of his belongings in preparation for a move to New Orleans. He’ll be playing there again Friday afternoon, so stop by and see what trinket you might be able to buy to help him on his way. (and enjoy some music while you’re at it!) Rumor has it this fella has played with Ellis Kell on occasion. The sale is at 1034 20^th Street in Rock Island.

This week in live music

Tonight is Jam Sessions night at The Muddy Waters. Come check it out – and musicians come join in the fun! Before that, catch Tangent at the Bass Street Landing.

Friday: The Friday Live at 5 concert at the RME is The Sin City Orchestra. On the Community Stage at the RME, catch a four band show: You Knew Me When, Emjay, Fast as a Cat and Friend & Foe. House Arrest will be at the Port Byron Pub, The River House is hosting Caught in the Act, The Hooks are playing Rascals Live, the Mercury Brothers are at Martinis on the Rock, and The Muddy Waters has Kent Burnside.

Saturday: Lee Blackmon is at The Grape Life in Davenport, Smooth Grove is at the River House, Cosmic is at the Precinct, Justin Morrissey and the Drunken Angels are playing Bent River, and Machine Gun Willie is at Ducky’s.

Blues ... And A Little More Than Live Music

Yes, last weekend was Blues Fest… and yes, I was there most of the weekend. Except I attended musical at the District Theatre on Friday and left early on Saturday to hang out in Muscatine with 1^st Impression.

Friday evening I opted for the opening night of Xanadu. With the impending storm, I was glad I did that rather than try to attend the festival. Things got a bit soggy on the riverfront Friday night. Briefly – Xanadu was a fun, campy romp, and I would certainly see it again if my schedule permitted. My favorite song was ELO’s “Evil Woman”. Sara King and Tracy Pelzer-Timm knocked it out of the ballpark. I also enjoyed how some of the sappier songs were sung and choreographed over the top, keeping them from being just sappy and making the musical as a whole just that much more hilarious.

I thought my favorite line was “Isn’t falling in love just like banging your head into a brick wall?” – Danny to Sonny.

Then I heard this line: “Are the big hands and big feet trying to tell me a story I need to hear Clio?” - Aphrodite

There were some local references injected into the script as well as some cool 80’s humor. I really enjoyed how DT took liberties with the script here and there. The popcorn was a great touch!

 This was my first Blues Fest with a decent camera…and my first time back in a few years. I learned early in the weekend that it was better to have a VIP pass to get close to the stage for those up-shots I love to take, and for my Sony’s wimpy 18-55 lens. So to my friends who hate cropping, I cropped the heck out of most of my photos from Blues Fest. But standing behind the barrier gave me some interesting perspective, and angles all those folks with VIP passes didn’t have.

My main interest in attending Blues Fest this year was a return engagement by Trampled Under Foot. The Schneleben family trio played last summer’s River Roots Live festival. They dealt with non-existent monitors and still put on a great show. So I knew I wanted to hear them again, and this time they blew me away. I think Grace Potter might have to step aside, as I’ve discovered a new idol in bass-wielding singer Danielle. Not only is she great to hear, Danielle is great fun to photograph as well.

I caught a few other acts over the course of the two days I attended, including The Brooks Family and Lady Bianca on Sunday and Doug MacLeod, Preston Shannon and The Earnest Dawkins Quartet on Saturday. I’m looking forward to next year’s festival, and will remember to score a VIP pass in advance.

I left Blues Fest Saturday night and headed for Muscatine. 1^st Impression played an outdoor show at Missippi Brew, hosted by the Muscatine Young Professionals. It was pretty muggy down by the riverfront, but that didn’t slow down Becky or the guys.

Speaking of muggy weather, expect a little info about Fourth of July festivities in my next blog…

This week:

Tonight is Jam night at The Muddy Waters!!  Come on down – if you’re a musician, join in on the fun. If you’re not, come on out anyway for some great jams!! You won’t be disappointed.

Danika Holmes is playing Barrelhouse 211 tonight as well.

Tomorrow, Chuck Murphy is at Pearl City Station, Danika Holmes is playing Hero’s Pub, The Mississippi Misfits are at The Muddy Waters, and Rozz-Tox is hosting a 3 band lineup that includes the Candymakers. Ohh boy… Hope that little place is ready for the Candymakers’ following…

Saturday is the Party in the Street at Racer’s Edge, featuring 1^st Impression, Evolution and 4^th and 20. Alan Sweet’s Pieces of Candy will be at The Muddy Waters, and The J Spot will be at The Rusty Nail. 100 West is hosting Cosmic. For you early folks – Check out Chuck Murphy at the Creekside Vineyard in Coal Valley. Wine tasting and acoustic music!

More photos can be seen on my Flickr page here: Roberta's Flickr Page

Get out and enjoy some cool beverages and Local Live Music!!

More Live Music Than You Can Shake A Stick At

It is Thursday and I’m writing about local live music again…

Last Thursday, I stopped in at Bass Street Landing for Danika Holmes’ acoustic show on the outdoor stage there. I think she currently has one of the best female voices in the QC. Her sound is calculated and well-polished. I took a few photos – and caught Vid James out with his camera as well. I’m looking forward to seeing his work. He showed me a couple of previews, and they were stunning. 

After Bass Street, I wandered back across the I-74 bridge to Bettendorf and The Muddy Waters. Yes, it was Johnny O. Jam night, and I had the day off on Friday! Wouldn’t it just figure though – it was a slow night at the Jam… where was everyone?  John says this happens often when the bar has a band on a Thursday night instead of a jam night. It takes a few weeks to rebuild both the crowd and the number of musicians. The faithful few who did attend made it a good night though. 

Hollywood Dave- Sax!

Friday was the night for outdoor shows! I began at 5, with the RME Friday Live at Five show. Machine Gun Willie was playing on the courtyard. I’ve never seen this band, but enjoyed every minute I was there. Willie touts a mean saxophone player – and the rest of the band is pretty darn good too! I’ll definitely be looking to see them again. After the RME, I headed for the River House in Moline. Keep Off The Grass started at 8, but I’ve learned to get there early. As big as that plaza is, and as many tables as there are, it fills up fast! So, early it was – I grabbed a bite to eat and waited for the show to start. If you haven’t seen Keep Off The Grass since the retirement of former drummer Steve Reando, you really should check them out. Their sound is evolving with the addition of Tom Zick. 

Keep Off The Grass

I also took a swing by Rozz-Tox Friday night. I listened to a jazz string ensemble with an amazing female vocalist, and some Russian Gypsy guitar. Unfortunately, the place was packed front to back and spilling out the door, so I wasn’t able to get any photos. I honestly couldn’t say I “watched” as it was definitely only a “listen” situation. Great for Rozz-Tox and the performers… not so great for the amateur photographer. But I enjoyed the music, and the change from my normal blues/rock choices.

Lee had plenty of takers at Creekside Vineyard

Chuck Murphy schmoozed the Grape Life

Saturday afternoon I visited Creekside Vineyard in Coal Valley with Lee Blackmon. The Vineyard folks offer up live acoustic music on the patio every Saturday afternoon. Jen tells me there are plans working for a live music amphitheatre across the road from the main house within the next couple of years. Meanwhile, you can take a picnic, sample wine, and listen to local acoustic favorites every Saturday. Check out the schedule and plan a trip out. Saturday evening I stopped by The Grape Life and listened to Chuck Murphy. This young acoustic performer is coming along – and his schedule is filling up too. I highly recommend checking out his show. Oh – and after I told Chuck I wasn’t going to Purgatory’s, I ended up there after all… Evolution has a powerful (understatement) sound, and they were hitting it hard at Purgs Saturday night. I didn’t stay long… but it looked like they had a good crowd. 

Tonight – Danika Holmes is outside at the Bettendorf Public Library Pavilion. It’s hot out, but I haven’t heard anything about a cancellation. Take an umbrella for shade and plenty of water! Show starts at 6:30.

There is no Jam tonight at Muddy’s. I would like to take this moment to remind everyone there WILL be a jam next Thursday! Let’s show John O’Meara some support and make sure there are plenty of people there next week. I’m starting a one-woman crusade!

In case you haven’t heard… there’s a Blues Festival in LeClaire park this weekend.  And a Jazz festival all weekend in Iowa City. 

Friday Night: Lee Blackmon starts at 6 at the Rhythm City Casino. He’ll be there Saturday too. Caught In The Act is at Generations bar, and Crossroads is outside at the Riverhouse. Tronicity is pulling a two-night gig at the 11^th Street Precinct. Chuck Murphy scored a show at the Missipi Brew in Muscatine.

Saturday Night: Danika Holmes is playing The Grape Life, The Mound St. Landing has Cosmic. I’ll be in Muscatine with 1^st Impression at The Missipi Brew.

The Sunday evening series at the Captain’s Table continues with The Night People.

For more photos, check out my Flickr page here

Influence

We all have influences in our lives. Some are good, some… not so good. But regardless of the type, they are still influences. At the same time, we influence others. Often, we’re not even aware how we have influenced someone else. Our children are a prime example of the strength of our influence.

Music, Motorcycles and More

For 18 years the Quad Cities has been blessed to have its own motorcycle rally. But it has always been so much more than a motorcycle rally. With a humble beginning in the Village of East Davenport, musicians and motorcycle enthusiasts all got together for a whole lot of rumbling – that wasn’t entirely Harley engines. I’ll spare you all the history – as some reading this know far more about the history and the inner workings of this event that I can ever know. Eighteen years ago I walked to my first Sturgis on the River, as I lived just a few blocks from the Village at that time. What has now become the Mississippi River Motorcycle Rally is far larger than anything some of us ever imagined it would become.

Music and More: It’s Summer and That Means…

I wonder if anyone thought I might be skipping the live music blog this week. Absolutely NOT! On top of all my other activities, I hit a few live music shows too, and I absolutely have to remind everyone to attend a certain motorcycle rally…

Nervous Rex returns!

Let’s start with Thursday. I always seem to start with Thursday. But I’m going to do it again this week. Only, my week didn’t start out at a Jam session, it started at Bass Street Landing with the return of a local favorite band, “Nervous Rex”. I would like to state for the record that I never saw Nervous Rex before Thursday. I’m sorry about that – because I really got into their tunes Thursday evening. Rex definitely has a blues-influenced sound.  There is no doubt in my mind I’ll be seeing more of this band!

Jam sessions bring together musicians from all walks

On my way home from the Bass Street Landing show in Moline, I stopped by The Muddy Waters to check out Johnny O’s Jam. As usual, the crowd was good and the music better. I am absolutely a blues fan, and most of the folks who show up at Muddy’s have that blues feel. One of these weeks, I’m taking Friday off work so I can stay late at the jam. I suspect I’m missing out on some great musicians as the evening always runs later than I can stay.

Lee's Go-go dancers

Due to Saturday’s Race for the Cure, I decided not to stay out late Friday night – I had an early morning. And I’m no morning person! I did spend a little time at Cool Beanz with Lee Blackmon. I’m beginning to see Lee’s shows as an opportunity to keep my voice oiled up and my ear tuned. Friday night was no exception, though Cool Beanz is one of the locations where Lee gets plenty of takers for the sing-along. He had a couple of cute go-go dancers this week as well. 

More District Theatre here

Saturday night I attended the District Theatre’s show “We Are Young”. I had so much to write about the show that I gave it a separate blog post, which you can see here. Vid James, drummer and vocalist for Nervous Rex was involved with this show and sent me the invite. 

Sundays are usually reserved for family gatherings, church-type stuff and preparing myself for the upcoming workweek (which often includes recovering from a busy weekend!) However, I had scheduled my first portrait session for Sunday evening along Ben Butterworth Parkway, which yielded an opportunity for dinner and live music at The Captain’s Table. 

It turns out that the Dirt Road Rockers were playing Sunday evening on the outdoor stage. I’ve seen this bunch before, but they’ve had a personnel change since the last time I saw them. The band is sporting a new bass player. This was a good opportunity to hear them. The last time I saw the band they were inside at Martini’s, which is a very small venue. They’re well-suited to an outdoor venue.

What’s up for the weekend?

In case you haven’t heard the rumbling, there’s a motorcycle rally going on…

Just a quick rundown of the bands scheduled at the Mississippi River Motorcycle Rally:

Thursday – In the Scooters tent: Vigil Annie, High Drama, Dirt Road Rockers.

In the Choppers tent: Crossroads

On the Corona stage: Stuart Mathews, Keep Off The Grass

Friday – In the Scooters tent: Corporate Rock, Natty Scratch, Geneva

In the Choppers tent:  Modern Mythology, Bottoms Up Burlesque, Tronicity, Tailfins, Sugar Nipples

On the Corona Stage: Wes Weeber, BMT, House Arrest

Saturday – In the Scooters tent: Nervous Rex, Pash-n-brew, Hap Hazard, The Recliners, and Kings Kiss

In the Choppers tent: The Funnies, Spike, Night People, 1st Impression, Mercury Brothers, the Old 57s

On the Corona Stage: Wes Weeber, Johnny Outlaw, 2^nd Wind, BMT.

Thanks to MRMRally for the updated list.

I’ll be there for some of the bands – and most of Saturday. However I’ll be leaving after 1^st Impression is finished so I can sing with Lee Blackmon. Which means I’ll be missing out on the final Kings Kiss show…

There are other things going on besides the rally this weekend:

The Hillcrest Event center in Orion has a bit of a weekend music festival-

Friday’s lineup includes: Wild Oatz, Dirt Road Rockers, Slough Boys and Dani Lynn Howe

Saturday’s bands are: Sinners and Saints, Wicked Liz and the Bellyswirls, Meet the Press, Dani Lynn Howe (and headliner – Jimmie Van Zant)

Thursday the Karry Outz are playing on the Bass Street Landing Stage

Friday- Night People and Grazin District are at the New Rusty Nail, Justin Morrissey and Drunken Angels are playing the 11^th St. Precinct, and The Muddy Waters has The Mercury Brothers

Saturday – Dirt Road Rockers and Grazin District are playing the Daiquiri Factory, Blues Hounds are at The Muddy Waters, Jim the Mule is playing Bent River Brewery, 11^th Street Precinct has Cosmic, and I’ll be joining Lee Blackmon at Bleyarts in the Village.

Race for the Cure

Saturday I had the honor of joining a group of women who joined the much, much larger Komen Race for the Cure in Moline. This was my second year to walk the course with this wacky bunch of women.  And I do mean wacky!

We Are Young

I’ll admit it - I’m a theater geek. I have been since I was oh… 15 or 16. I’ve even done something recently, though I took a few years off. (You can read about my not-so-stellar return to the stage at  Sudden Theater here.)

So when a friend sent me the invite to the Rock and Roll review at the District Theatre, I saw an opportunity to see the new theatre, enjoy some great tunes, and maybe get some different photos. My first task was to make sure theatre management was OK with me bringing in a camera. Not only were they good with the idea, Tristan Tapscott said “as long as you post photos on Facebook!” Yeah – he knows good free marketing when he sees it.