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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Lee had plenty of takers at Creekside Vineyard |
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| 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 11th 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 1st
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
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