So Much Variety in the QC Music Scene

There are seven performances in this week's post. Friday's shows were all in one location, and Saturday's travels produced three undiscovered bands -r at least undiscovered on this blog. Summer is nearing an end, but outdoor music is still happening, as was evidenced by Friday's Live at 5 series and Paddle Fest Saturday evening in Bettendorf.

 

The Low Down with a little Candy

If there was any confusion about what band was playing on the RME courtyard Friday for Friday Live at 5, hopefully this will clear that up for you. It was The Low Down, Up High, Sweet N Low… still confused? Yes, it was the Low Down, but they had some additional musicians step up. Bret Dale sat in on guitar, and Alan Sweet joined the band on a few songs. The weather was perfect as a large crowd gathered to enjoy a Friday afternoon with funk, pop and blues.

Roger Carlson with daughter Mandy

Meanwhile, inside the RME Café, Roger Carlson & Friends were preparing to play on the Community Stage. The acoustic set was well received, and Roger’s daughter Mandy joined in the fun on her mandolin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Esme was the perfect opener for SHEL

Upstairs in the Redstone Room, after performing in the courtyard with the Down Low, local singer-songwriter Esme opened the show for SHEL. Esme was the perfect match for the show, with her gentle acoustic roots sound. She made note that she is a local girl and a bit envious of some of the touring bands that have visited the area with their stories of the road. With her portfolio of original music, Esme will get her wish and hit the road one day soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHEL - 'nuff said

And then there was SHEL. Four sisters, Sarah, Hannah, Eva and Liza, brought their beautiful music to the Redstone Room Friday night. Aside from goose bump inducing vocal harmonies, tightly woven instrumentation and the talent to put it all in a perfect package, they also brought witty banter. This sister act is worth seeing again and again and again. The audience alternated between spell-bound silence and gales of laughter as the ladies of SHEL entertained on so many levels.

Cody Road - newest QC country-rockers 

Saturday night found hot new band Cody Road on the outdoor stage at the Paddlewheel’s annual Paddle Fest. Playing for a receptive and rowdy crowd, Cody Road performed the perfect mix of rock and country. 

 

 

 

 

Sugar Nipples - twisted and irreverent fun

Paddle Fest headliner Sugar Nipples came out rocking. Their irreverent humor and twisted covers make for an unusual show with plenty of surprises. Speaking of surprises, there were guest appearances too, including drummer Tom Rodriguez from House Arrest and Terry from Terry and the Loan Sharks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet The Press - a good time at Muddy's

Recently reunited original members of Meet The Press have brought the band back, and Saturday night they were having a good time with the folks at The Muddy Waters. The band played covers and a few of their originals. It is rumored they are in process of putting together recordings of their old portfolio. They had great energy and carried the audience well… if you get a chance to catch their show, watch out for flying microphones!

 

 

For more photos of the bands - please check out my Flickr page!

This Week:

Thursday – Just a couple of Thursday evening shows to bring to your attention. Funktastic Five will be on the stage at Schwiebert Park, Chuck Murphy is playing at It’s On The River, and Rozz-Tox has Parish Festival and The Multiple Cat.

Friday – Natty Scratch kicks off the long summer weekend on the RME courtyard for Friday Live @ 5. Jacob Green is on the RME Community Stage, The Hitman is at Rustic Ridge, and The Night People are playing Headquarters. Serious Business is playing The Muddy Waters, Wide River Winery has Ryan Burchett and the Moonshiners, Detroit Larry Davison and Charley Hayes are playing at Pepper Jacks. You’ll find the Funktastic Five at The  Rusty Nail, while the River House has Smooth Groove. RIBCO has an outdoor show with William Elliot Whitmore, American Dust and Christopher Coleslaw. Check out Tim Stop at Barrelhouse 211, and new blues trio The Phat Cats at Blueport Junction.

Saturday – RIBCO has the Travoltas and Funktastic Five, The Chris Avey Band is at The Muddy Waters, and Caught In The Act is playing The Rusty Nail. The entire second floor of the RME is involved in A Damn Good Time Vol. 5, and RozzTox has Calliko. The Christian music Festival of Praise takes place in LeClaire park. Flashpoint is at Martinis on the Rock, Chuck Murphy is playing at Bleyarts, BarrelHouse Moline has Joe Tingle while Just Chords plays BarrelHouse 211.

It’s a holiday weekend, so here is Sunday’s schedule:

Bleyarts’ end of the summer party includes Chuck Murphy, Fire Sale and Tommy Gun. Detroit Larry and Chris Avey are playing The Muddy Waters, Crossroads is at Dickson Park and The Rusty Nail will have North of 40. You can find The Travoltas and Terry and the Loan Sharks at RIBCO, while Them Som’Bitches, LeRoy, and Comfort play at the Bierstube, and Funktastic Five plays outside at The Captain’s Table.

 

There's so much going on, I know this list is not complete. Whatever you do, get out and support your local musicians!