Church Rock?

In case it hasn’t been noticeable, I’ve been trying to dial back a bit on my weekend activities. There are a few projects to work on, and the new job has taken a bit more of my time.  I have also come to realize that although there are so many bands in the area and so many shows every weekend, it is impossible to cover them all.  When I see three or four bands in a night, I don’t get to spend as much time getting to know them as I would like. My last blog post is an example of what happens when I spend an entire evening at one show. Even if I don’t do an entire article on one band, at least I can feel like I know a bit more of what a band can do by sticking around for more than just a few songs.

That said, it’s already evident where I spent my Friday night. (Just see my post from yesterday). Saturday was a different matter. I started out with a stop to support my son’s band, Straight Up. I didn’t get there as early as I had originally planned. There were 5 bands scheduled to play at a church (yes, a church) in Moline. Straight Up was scheduled as the fourth band. When I arrived, they were already setting up. So I missed all three of the early bands. Photography was pretty much a lost cause without a flash, since there wasn’t really any stage lighting.

Yes, that stick was just bounced of that cymbal

The headline band was a group from the LA area called Phinehas. I’m still wrapping my mind around the concept of Christian Hardcore music, but musically, the band was exceptional. The mosh pit became more than unruly, so we “old folks” went around back stage to watch the show. Moshers spilled out onto the stage area and overran the band a couple of times. At one point, the music stopped and a guitarist came back stage with blood streaming down his arm from a cut on his hand. I don’t think we ever figured out if he cut it on the guitar or if it happened when the moshers knocked into him. But, he cleaned up, patched up and jumped right back into the show. Being back stage, we had the opportunity to watch the very talented drummer for this band. He put on quite a show – spinning his sticks, tossing them – bouncing them forward onto the cymbals … and he didn’t drop a single stick through the entire set. I’m sure that his very entertaining show was lost on many of the people in the front room though – as the crowd was so thick they couldn’t possibly see him.

Next stop was back in Davenport. Brady Street Pub was hosting the debut of a new trio, The Sneaking Suspicions. Made up of Shon Harris (The Harris Collection), Randy Leaseman (The Candymakers) and Jesse Klavitter, they go a little blue and a little psychedelic. Once again - BSP is a poor light situation, and I finally gave up on trying to get a decent shot without resorting to a flash.

I’m hoping to catch these guys at another venue sometime soon.

 

 

 

Victor Wainwright and the Wildroots

The night ended at The Muddy Waters, with Victor Wainwright and the Wildroots. This was an awesome blues/gospel show that included some really great instrument work. Wainwright’s powerful vocals were bested only by his keyboard talents. Many of their songs turned into long jams and medleys.

This week:

Tonight is jam night! There are plenty of choices too – John O’Meara’s Jam at the Muddy Waters, Alan Sweet has a jam at the Dam View, and The Avey Brothers’ Jam at Rascals.

Friday:

Sandy Wohlford is opening for the Wild Oatz at the Rusty Nail, Chuck Murphy is playing the Rhythm City Casino, and The Greenbriar has Crossroads. Phyllis and the Sharks are playing at Martini’s on the Rock, Corporate Rock is at the 11th Street Precinct, and The Muddy Waters has the Midwest Blues Review. Rozztox has a 3-for with Archie Powell and the Exports, The Post Mortems and The Last Glimpse. Round three of the RIBCO battle includes Shadow Stone, Haddonfield and Heavy Weights. The Redstone room has Future Rock and Signal Path, while the Broke Ass Sellouts can be found at The Mound Street Landing. North of 40 is playing Purgatory’s, Fargo has Propaganda, and you can find me at Rustic Ridge in Eldridge with Lee Blackmon.

Saturday:

The Wild Oatz return to the Rusty Nail and Fargo has Propaganda for a second night. Martini’s on the Rock is hosting Smooth Groove, Crossroads is at Purgatorys, and Meet the Press is playing The Muddy Waters. RIBCO has The Deadstring Brothers and Jason Carl and the Whole Damn Band, and you can find Vodkaseven at the Hawkeye.

 

There's plenty of live music to be found right here in the QC, and always a variety of genres. Come on out and support your local music scene!