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! 

Superfly Samurai

I hit the ground running Friday night – and I do mean running. I ran from one venue to the next and back again! I started out at Barrel House 211 as Jake Seales was playing there with the Blackstones. I stayed for a couple of songs and vowed to come back when the light was a little lower. Next stop – the Wells Fargo stage, and Superfly Samurai. They were having a blast on the stage. But… I promised to go back to the Barrel House party, so off I trotted. 

The Blackstones

There was more to the Blackstones’ show than met the eye. When I got back to their show, I ran into Alan and Kristen Campbell. What a treat! Running sound for the evening was none other than Danika Holmes’ guitar hero, Jeb Hart. Jeb helped us get a little light on the subject so the Blackstones weren’t in the dark. All the better to photograph you, my dears…

As the Blackstones’ time wound down, I headed back out to the Wells Fargo Stage. The band playing next was from Madison Wisconsin, but I still wanted to see what they were about. The Quad Cities gave The Eugene Smiles Project a well-deserved warm welcome. This band provided a little blues and a rockin romp.  

The Eugene Smiles Project

I ran into the Biondos, and we buzzed up to Davincis to check out the stage set up with Lyle Harris. 1^st Impression was going to be playing there Saturday night. While there I caught a quick glimpse of the Wild Oatz. (but no photos…) and then headed back to the Wells Fargo Stage. Eugene Smiles Project was off the stage and Vodkaseven had stepped up. Amid the fog machines and lights, I discovered Vodkaseven had a good rock sound and put on a pretty good stage show. I think there’s something about being on the big stage that brings out the rock star in many of us. 

Vodkaseven

At this point, I was considering heading for home. My truck was parked at the far west end, so I meandered through the street fest. At the last minute, I changed my mind and headed back into the crowd, deciding to head to Barrel House, grab a bite to eat and check out one last band. Tronicity was playing the late shift in the tent. Halfway there, I ran into the Eugene Smiles Project guys, who were gathered around a phone trying to decide where to eat. “Follow me! I’ll get you to the Barrel House.” It was beyond cool talking local venues and bands with the guys from Wisconsin. I hope they get back down our way again soon.

Saturday I headed downtown early in the afternoon to catch some bands and maybe a little festival action. Local fire departments were having water fights (and that’s what I call a real water fight!) I played around with a few shots of the water fights before I headed for the stages.

2Peace

When I got there, 2Peace was jamming their reggae sound at Barrel House 211. If you ever thought about checking out local reggae, these guys should be at the top of your list. Although they pre-record some of their music, they have an awesome laid-back sound.  2Peace was nearly upstaged by the guy in bicycle shorts putting on a show of his own. (Can I get some bleach for my eyes, please?)

Identity Crisis

Next up was a trip to the Wells Fargo Stage and Identity Crisis. I’ve heard of this huge band, but never had the opportunity to see them perform. Wow! That’s one big band! But they are very versatile and play a whole lot of different styles of music. I might just have to catch them again.

Just Cuz

Before I left, I ran up to Davincis to see who was playing – The band was Just Cuz, and I recognized former TPX guitarist Jeff VenHorst and former 1^st Impression drummer Kevin Spriet. Sounding good guys!

There were so many bands playing at so many locations over the weekend, I wasn't able to catch them all. 

This week:

It’s Fair week!

Since today is Wednesday, we’ve already missed one day of the Fair Schedule.  But here’s a quick run-down of local bands that are playing at the MVF this week:

Tues through Sat: Tail Fins, Diamonds and Stevie J

Tonight: Corporate Rock and Wild Oatz

Thursday: Buddy Olson from 12-2, North of Forty and Simon Says Uncle

Friday: Love Dogs and House Arrest

Saturday: Love Dogs and Vodka Seven

Sunday: Dani Lynn Howe

Local venues are hopping too!

Thursday night: Coupe DeVille is playing at Bass Street Landing

Friday: Cosmic is at the River House, The Night People are playing the Edje club inside Jumers casino, Justin Morrissey and the Drunken Angels can be found at the 11^th Street Precinct, and Rustic Ridge in Eldridge is hosting Rob Dahms.

Saturday: Ribco has a three-for of fun, Cheese Pizza, Hair Metal Jacket and the Krank Daddies. The Dawn is at Mulligans in Coal Valley, Jason Carl is on the stage at the Muddy Waters, and 1^st Impression is having a luau at the Missippi Brew (coconut bras and grass skirts optional)

Sunday: The Captains Table is getting Nervous. Nervous Rex, that is…

You can find live music any night of the week. There are jam sessions and open mic nights nearly every night. So get out and enjoy some live music!