Blarney in the QC and 2 Busy Nights for Rascals

I guess the title gives it away, but I spent more time at Rascals Live this weekend than I spent there in the last month. But in between my visits to Rascals, I managed to catch a parade and one St. Pat’s party. But first there was Thursday night. And that means there’s a jam or two in the mix.

New and Old Faces at Johnny O' Jam

Someday soon, I’m going to write a blog dedicated to as many of the local jam and open mic nights as I possibly can. We’re about due to discuss those mid-week opportunities for live music. This Thursday, I felt the need for some live music, so I stopped by The Muddy Waters for a bit, and then the Dam View before I headed home.

There were a few musicians present at Muddy’s Thursday night, but the crowd was thin in comparison to previous nights. I stuck around for a bit while the house musicians jammed with a couple of individuals.

 

 

Jammin' at the Dam (View)
 

Though I had planned an early night, I decided it wouldn’t hurt to swing by the Dam View for a little bit. Members of the Candymakers are hosting a jam there on Thursday nights.  From what I’ve seen, the Candymakers’ jam is a little less structured than John’O’Meara’s gathering at Muddy’s.  And this particular night wasn’t as busy as I’ve seen them, but with St. Patrick’s Day weekend looming, I’m sure quite a few people took the night off – which would also explain the thin crowd at Muddy’s. But those in attendance were having a good time, and for the short time I was there, the music was good.



Ana Popovic drew a crowd

Friday night Rascals Live welcomed Ana Popovic. Yeah… I went.  As I wove in and out of the crowd of slack-jawed men (who were standing absolutely, silently still), I took a few photos and contemplated some of the recent shows featuring young female musicians. Long legs, short skirts and guitars appear to be a deadly combination. Especially for alcohol sales, as most of those in attendance didn’t dare leave the room to get another drink. The only time I saw people standing at the bar was during the band’s break.

 

 

 

I left Rascals with the full intention of making one more stop for the night, but Saturday held the promise of a very hectic day, so I packed it in early.

 

 

 



Is that Johnny O and Rob Dahms on that Parade Float?

Saturday morning began with an icy race followed by a wind-chilled parade. I know I’m not the only one looking forward to spring. After 15 minutes on the race route, I welcomed the toasty heater in my car, and drove to Rock Island to catch the parade. Ducking inside a coffee shop in downtown Rock Island, I warmed my frozen fingers on a very large cup of coffee as I waited for the parade to start. I walked the Rock Island end of the parade route backwards, which allowed me to glimpse parade and parade-goers at the same time.  From time to time there was the blast of recorded music from speakers on floats that passed by. As I neared the beginning of the parade route, something sounded different, more like live music. Sure enough, I rounded a corner to see a float with a live band. I hope they won an award, if for nothing else than playing in the deep freeze the whole length of the parade route.



Mike Miller Dressed for the Occasion

Being thoroughly chilled, I decided to skip the outdoor parties and dropped in at the Barrelhouse for a bite and some live acoustic music being provided by members of the Candymakers.  Alan Sweet and Bret Dale brought out their acoustic guitars, and Mike Miller downsized from his drum kit to a djembe. They played some lively, fun music, and went along with the St. Patrick’s theme, with plenty of Irish-sounding drinking songs. The big crowd at Barrelhouse was peppered with outlandish garb… and folks were having a great time.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday night I joined the green-dressed throngs at Rascals for 1^st Impression’s St Patrick’s Day blowout.  The sound was great, the band rocked the house, and the crowd responded in kind.

This Crowd Knows How to Party!

For more photos of the bands, race, parade and other unusual St. Patrick’s sights, please check out my Flickr page.

This week:

Friday – The Wild Oatz are at Martini’s on the Rock, The Sneaking Suspicions are playing Brady Street Pub, and The Muddy Waters has Levee Town & Kelly Richey. RIBCO has the Last Glimpse, As Big As A Mouse, and 9^th Street Memory, while The Franti Project is playing the Redstone and What Made Milwaukee Famous is in the Performance Hall at RME. Night Light is playing Bleyarts, The River City 6 are at the Rhythm City Casino, and I’ll be out with Lee Blackmon for an early evening at Rustic Ridge.

Saturday – Keep Off the Grass starts early at the Rusty Nail, the Wild Oatz are at Mulligans, and the Hawkeye has Jason Carl and the Whole Damn Band. Smooth Groove is playing at Martini’s on the Rock, Propaganda is at Generations, and Muddy’s has Cobalt Blue. Chuck Murphy is at Bleyarts, Hollars has Slim and the Bullet Proof Boys, and the Mississippi Misfits will be opening for Eric Sardinas in the Redstone Room.

Enjoy some live music this weekend!