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. 

So Much Live Music!

There was no jam last Thursday at The Muddy Waters, so I decided to change-up my schedule a bit.  I hit a couple of jam/open mic nights to see what goes on at other locations. And I checked out some live music venues during the week instead of on the weekend.

How I Spent My Summer

Summer is winding down, the kids are heading back to school, the air is already feeling a little fall-like (or at least it did last week… I saw 90 degrees on Friday).

Back in the 70s when I was a student, we were almost invariably asked by a teacher to write an essay about our summers. We weren’t a wealthy family, but my folks always made sure there was plenty to do during the summer. There was always a trip of some sort. California, Arkansas, Kentucky…we had family to visit. And there was always an element of education in those trips. As Camp Fire Girls, my sister and I sold candy in the fall to earn weeks at camp. We did pretty well – usually we had at least 2 weeks at camp without any out-of-pocket expense. With the addition of some smaller adventures, a project or two (we helped Dad build the brick patio one summer) and the additional summer chores, our summers flew by.  And they provided ample fodder for my annual fall essay.

Quad City Roots

There were some new faces at the Thursday night jam session at The Muddy Waters – a funk trio with a cool sound and long-time local drummer Don O’Dette.  Powerful artist Joshua “Slim” Kane dropped by to play and sing a few songs. And Randall Ketelson rocked the stage with his own style. This Thursday, The Muddy Waters has a special feature show, so there will be no Jam. But be sure to jam with us again next week.

 

 

 

Reggae and a Reunion, Mon

There was so much to do and see in the Quad-Cities this weekend that I couldn’t possibly take it all in. So… I didn’t even try. I had grand ideas of all the places I would go, but when it came down to it – even I have my limits.  I took a swing through Ya Maka My Weekend Friday night, with a stop in the Village of East Davenport on the way home. Saturday it was a River Music Experience night, with an awesome reunion concert and an opening band that was on my “need to see” list.

Taking It Easy

Curtis Hawkins joins the Jam

Although it was not a slow week in the local music scene, Roberta slowed down and took it easy this week.  After running all over the Mississippi Valley Fair Thursday, I made it to my weekly John O’Meara Jam date at The Muddy Waters. It was a short night for me though, as a day in the sun sapped most of my energy.

I’ve been taking fewer photos the last couple of weeks at Jam night, and haven’t posted any of them either. I’ll be doing some “make-up” posting in my Flickr page soon.  Some nights the music is just so good I forget there's a camera in my hands!