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.