Something Different

Over the last few months I’ve been out and about, checking out live music in the QC and writing about it. One of the highlights of my adventures has been noting all of the different ways live music can be enjoyed here. This week I’m going to recap some of the acoustic acts in the area and the venues where I’ve seen them.

Live Music and Another Release Party

This week I attended yet another local band’s release party. This time it was an EP, and the band was one I had not yet seen. In fact, I was thrilled to see 3 great bands that night that were new to me.

The venue was RIBCO. The bands: Satellite Heart, The Lion In Rome, and The Last Glimpse. This was a big night for The Last Glimpse, as they were releasing a new EP. 

Pardon Me While I Wax Nostalgic

Russell Means died today.

 

Means was an actor. But he was also known as an activist, and leader of the American Indian Movement.  If you’re wondering how I have nostalgia regarding one of the most controversial Native Americans ever to live… well, it’s a long story. I’ll try to trim it up a little bit.

The Winds of Change are Blowing But Live Music Plays On

Johnny O's Jam brings out area blues musicians

I made a concerted effort this week to slow down. In fact – soon it won’t be an effort but a necessity. I’m starting a new day job at the end of the month, and expect to be extremely busy for a little while as I adjust to new schedules and new ways of doing things. I’ll still get out though – and will do my best to continue posting blogs and photos weekly.

Fall Leaves Crisp Air and LIve Music

Holy cow! It’s mid-October already. The leaves aren’t just turning.  Did you hear that sound? “whump!” That was one of my maple trees dumping half of its leaves at once.  With the cold weather, the live music scene is definitely moving indoors, and there aren’t as many opportunities for me to catch multiple live shows in a weekend. I’m still out there – but I suspect for at least the next few months, I won’t be scrunching as much music into the space of a weekly blog. That’s actually better for the musicians I write about, as they all get a little more space.

Sometimes My Plans Change

The ladies of Paper Bird on the Community Stage

Though I didn’t get my weekly dose of jam night, I did manage to find plenty to keep me busy.  Thursday night I headed down to the River Music Experience and checked out a visiting band, Paper Bird. With 3 female vocalists, this band has harmony written all over it. Add to that some male voices in backing vocals as well and the sound becomes well-rounded and very rich.  Paper Bird is a large band – there are 7 members total. Unfortunately, they were booked for the (tiny) Community Stage instead of the Redstone Room. Apparently there just isn’t enough interest in certain performances to warrant opening the Redstone Room. It’s a shame – because their sound would have been even more amazing there, although they ended their set with an unplugged number that brought total silence to the room as the audience hung on every single note.

The QC Music Scene - Vibrant and Active

I’m a musician. I might not perform every weekend or even have a regular gig, but each of us has our own definition of what makes us a musician. Once upon a time, I actually played a couple of instruments. Who knows, I may start playing again one day. I’ve even written a song or three. I sing – every chance I get, sometimes there are actually people around to hear me. 

When someone talks about the bands “I follow”, I wonder what they mean by “follow”. As a musician, I believe it is important for me to support other local musicians. I go to a lot of gigs and take photos of a lot of bands. I write about local bands so that other people might be informed about the sort of bands that play locally. I want the public to know that we have a vibrant, active music scene right here in the Quad-cities. I want them to know they can find live music any day of the week in the area, and that they don’t have to wait for a band to come to the big venues to get great entertainment.  I’m not saying we should ignore the big shows and only support local music, but if we don’t support local bands, we lose the ability to have that entertainment any day of the week. And above all, musicians need to support other musicians, or our venues will dry up.

That said, I don’t see it so much as following (like a groupie) as I see what I do as supporting.  Yes, you will see me at nearly every 1^st Impression gig. That’s a different thing – I am part of the 1^st Impression family. I’m a team member, and work for the band. When I’m at a 1^st Impression gig, I’m generally working.  But when 1^st Impression is off, and I’m not singing elsewhere, you can bet I’m out supporting other musicians. 

Ron LaPuma and Johnny Pena at jam night

The outdoor concert season is drawing to a close. What a great summer of live music we had!  There are a few more afternoons at Creekside Vineyard, and at least one more Sunday Funday on the patio with Dave Ellis at The Muddy Waters, but otherwise, all of the outdoor venues seem to have finished up for the year. 

Thursday night I stayed later at John O’Meara’s jam session than I should have, but there was so much going on I just couldn’t drag myself away.  This week it looks like The Muddy Waters has a band scheduled – so I guess that means no jam night. I’m disappointed! 

The Karry Outz hit the Rascals Stage

Friday night I headed over to Rascals Live and hung out with the Karry Outz for a set.  The Karry Outz are nothing if they’re not enthusiastic. They say they sell more beer than any other QC band. They may be right. They have a really good time, that’s for sure.

After I left Rascals Live, I headed for the Redstone Room. I caught the very, very end of the Samantha Fish concert.  I only got to see her perform 3 songs, and that left me wishing I had gone there a bit earlier! And I got there so late, I didn't bother to take my camera with me. I'll never do that again! That young artist is definitely going places.

Those country club folks sure can party!

Saturday night I joined 1^st Impression on the road in Aledo. For Becky and the guys, Aledo isn’t much of a road trip, considering 1^st Impression traveled a much larger region in their early days. But for me, Aledo was just far enough! We learned the country club set really enjoys a good party. Becky said it best, “I never imagined I’d be singing ‘Crazy Bitch’ at the country club!”

Remember to check my Flickr page for the latest photos – and there’s a new video from jam night up on the Youtube channel.

This week:

Thursday

The Jason Carl band has a show at RIBCO and The Muddy Waters has Levee Town.

Friday

 There appears to be a new venue in Davenport - The Shop – at 53^rd and Brady by Dave and Sams . Dynoride, Six to the Chest, Archemedes Death Ray, and Shadow Stone are set to play there, starting at 6 PM.  The Curtis Hawkins Band is at The Muddy Waters, John Common is playing the Redstone Room, The Rusty Nail has Hitman and Tapped Out, while Chuck Murphy is doing his thing at DaVincis. Rascals Live has the Mercury Brothers, while Night Light is playing Barrelhouse 211, Smokehouse is playing at M.D. Greens, and Terry and the Loan Sharks can be found at the Mound Street Landing.

Saturday

Grand Larsony is playing Purgatory’s Pub, Vid James has a guest slot with Secret Squirrel at the El Pavito at 5 PM, Simon Says Uncle is at the Hawkeye, the Muddy Waters has Terry Quiett Band, Keep Off the Grass is in Coal Valley at Mulligans. Martinis has Smooth Groove, Danika Holmes is scheduled at the Grape Life, and the Movers and Shakers are playing Brady Street Pub. You’ll find me at Bleyart’s, singing with Lee Blackmon.