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.