This week saw local bands opening for visiting bands, and a former QC artist opening Codfish Hollow.
Wednesday night’s RME opener was a local band, Comfort.
Singer/guitarist … was obviously excited to be on the stage – he not only was
opening the Redstone Room on his birthday, but he was opening for someone he
liked! Comfort’s alt-rock originals were a good match for the night’s other
acts.
Based out of Austin, Texas, duo Jamestown Revival brought
their alt-rock with a southern twist to the Redstone. Their tight vocal
harmonies are proof they have been working together for better than ten years.
In band years, that is pretty much forever. Their current CD is a compilation of songs they wrote during a recent trip, including one called "California". They say that as they were leaving Texas to start their journey, a Texas trooper pulled them over and told them they were going the wrong way...
What happens when a post-punk musician switches genres? Well,
Wednesday’s audience in the Redstone Room experienced it first-hand with Chuck
Ragan. His vocal rasp and harmonica gave his music a Springsteen-esque tone.
Friday night, Jim the Mule started the weekend with an
alt-country party on the RME Courtyard with Friday Live @ Five. The music kept
folks dancing, which in turn kept them warm in the chilly fall breeze that blew
through downtown Davenport.
The early fall chill (on the last night of summer) didn’t
scare off the Codfish Hollow faithful Saturday night. Former QC musician Chris
Coleslaw began the evening with his acoustic country and rock musings.
Indie rockers The Rushmores were up next. This Michigan-based group is known for their musical diversity, and they exhibited their chops for the Codfish crowd.
Jonny Fritz seems to be the sort of guy who bursts into song
at the suggestion of a word or phrase. His hilarious lyrics are framed inside
of music that feels like running downhill.
It appeared that Frontier Ruckus had a built-in following at
Codfish, as several people in the front row sang along with every song they
played. They seemed to enjoy the intimate setting at the barn, even coming down
off the stage to play an unannounced unplugged set.
If you’ve never seen Ghost Wolves before, don’t be fooled by
the trappings. This is not traditional Native American music or folk music.
Instead, welcome to hard-edged, high-energy, howling punk. While Carly Wolf
danced and jumped around on stage, audience members howled their approval.
The weekend also brought out acoustic musicians in Lindsay
Park as artists and crafters displayed their wares at the Riverssance art fair.
Over the noon hour, Maureen Carter (sans her Busted Chandeliers partners in
crime) performed her original work and a handful of cover tunes on the stage.
At least one of her originals was premiered on that stage – so new it had yet
to be named.
This week:
Tonight- The Matchsellers are playing on the Community Stage
at the RME Café, 2Peace has reggae night at Rookies, and the Harris Collection
is playing at Blackhawk Bowl. RozzTox has a three-fer with RVIVR, Lipstick
Homicide and ieatmyfriends.
Friday – The Final Friday Live @ 5 happens this week – in
the courtyard at the RME, enjoy the Busted Chandeliers. Wide River Winery has
Pieces of Candy, North of 40 is playing the Milan Community Center, and Powells
are at Purgatory’s. The Muddy Waters has The Mercury Brothers, Nikki Hill with
the Cod Ellis Band are playing RIBCO, and Wild Oatz are at 1 Hundred West.
Night Light is at Bleyarts, Buddy Olson is at Rustic Ridge, and Hi-Fi can be
found at Headquarters. The Redstone Room is hosting Buckwheat Zydeco, and
Rascals has Flash Point. Rob Dahms and Detroit Larry Davison are at
PepperJacks, 11th Street Precinct has Jason Carl and the Whole Damn
Band, and Nuclear Plowboys are playing at The Rusty Nail. The Franti Project is
at Brady Street Pub, and RozzTox has Truth & Salvage. Barrelhouse 211 has
Acoustiphonic, while Barrelhouse Moline hosts Doug Brundies.
Saturday – Keep Off the Grass is playing at Go Fish,
Purgatory’s has Simon Says Uncle, and The Muddy Waters is hosting Modern
Mythology. The Tailfins are playing at the Col Ballroom, Rascals has Funktastic
Five and Hardball is at The Rusty Nail. Caravan of Thieves is playing on the
Community Stage at the RME and RozzTox has Tim Stopulos. Them Som’Bitches are
playing at the Bier Stube, Rustic Ridge has Sunflower Slim and Ghost in the
Garden, and Mommy’s Little Monster is playing at Martinis on the Rock. Caught
in the Act is at the Torchlight, Chuck Murphy is playing The Docs Inn and
Corporate Rock is at The Mound Street Landing.
There's something for everyone out there - so get out and support live music!