Rainy Days and Quad City Music Venues

For a lot of years I spent my Memorial Day Weekend camping on the shores of the Cedar River.  Last year I gave up my trailer and sold all my camping equipment. My kids have grown, my friends all moved on to other activities, and I’ve been so wrapped up in the music scene that my summer weekends have been too full. I felt like I was wasting my money on the rented space that I hardly saw. The rainstorms this past weekend reminded me of that first Memorial Day on the Cedar, when we found ourselves floating out of our tent on Saturday morning. We spent the rest of the weekend camped out on the floor of my parents’ trailer – 4 adults and 4 kids in a 1977 Holiday Rambler. Rain on Memorial Day just seems like a tradition.

Rock in the District and a Story

Remember that break I’ve been talking about taking… for the last 2 months? Well, I set out this weekend to take it. You may have guessed already – that didn’t happen.

I did dial back a little though, so my blog today, though lengthy, is much more focused.  I think I like this. A slower pace allowed me to enjoy more music and visit with folks a little bit. That makes it easier to write the blog and still have time for other things.

Groovin in the Quad Cities

This week I heard covers of some great classics as well as some brand-new music and an evening of blues. The music scene in the Quad-cities is brimming with variety. There truly is something for everyone here.

Mississippi Valley Blues Challenge - 7 featured bands

On occasion, I have reported on band “battles”, such as RIBCO’s battle a few weeks back. This week, I’m writing about seven bands, all with one goal: to represent the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and the state of Iowa in the International Blues Challenge. This post isn’t so much about the Mississippi Valley Blues Challenge as it is about the bands that hope to make it to Memphis.

Neverending Music in the QC

Busy seems to be about normal for me anymore. This week, I saw bands on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Thursday I photographed a style show and on Sunday, a softball game. However, as a whole I didn’t see nearly as much action as I saw last week – and I AM dialing back.