Suprises At Every Turn - Local Live Music

I expected not to have much to talk about this week, as my weekend was pretty well tied up. But things really did pop! And it all started with a jam at my favorite haunt…The Muddy Waters…

Jam Night at The Muddy Waters

Thursday night (as my readers all know by now) is the Johnny O Jam at The Muddy Waters. I’ve seen some really cool musicians there, and every week it has been a different experience. This week’s jam took a turn I didn’t see coming, but it was a wonderful turn. When I pulled up and parked, I saw swarms (yes swarms!) of people entering the bar… and there was very little parking available. I already knew something very different was taking place. I walked in, and John O’Meara was buzzing around the crowded bar like a happy honey bee with sole possession of a very large field of clover. There were so many musicians that he had to bring out a sign-up sheet to make sure everyone was allowed play time.

I’m sure some of the bands that played were getting warmed up for Sunday’s Iowa Blues Challenge… which I wasn’t able to attend. The jams were great Thursday night. I didn’t want to leave and stayed past my bedtime. I got some great shots and video while I was there.  You can see a sampler of Thursday’s jam sessions on my Youtube channel. It was just too good not to share!

Friday night I spent the entire evening at Bleyart’s in the Village of East Davenport. Lee Blackmon was scheduled to play from 8PM til Midnight. Dave Kamp and Steve Steiner showed up and played the entire night with Lee. I found myself singing a few songs I’d never sung before (always a FUN exercise) and Steve’s girlfriend Carmen even joined in for a couple of songs. The Lee Blackmon (and friends) show was such a hit, we ended up playing until 1 AM. It was a great time. We had a cameo appearance from special guest harmonica player Detroit Larry Davidson. It was a great time!

I was in the Village Sunday afternoon for a softball game, and stopped in at the 11^th Street Precinct for a quick bite after the game. I was surprised to find a very good band playing there. I had never seen them before, and during their break I learned they are mostly local, but don’t play out much except for benefits. That day there was an American Cancer Society benefit being held in the bar. The name of the band was Borrowed Time. I didn’t get video or any decent shots of them, but be sure to keep an eye out for them. They had a great blues sound!

So what’s coming up this weekend? Tonight there’s another Johnny O Jam at the Muddy Waters – each week these things get better, so head down there and see something you haven’t seen before.

Friday night – Lee Blackmon is playing at Cool Beanz. This is an early evening show, starting at 6:30. Enjoy some dinner, or a glass of wine or a craft beer… and Lee’s show, all before you hit the party scene!

 Wicked Nature is playing at Rascals in Moline – this JUST IN: Friday will be Vid Genac’s last gig with the band. He says he might sing some rush Friday night…

Smooth Groove is playing at Martinis on the Rock, you can find Funktastic 5 at thePub  and Lynn Allen will be at the Rusty Nail both nights.

Saturday night, Evolution will be playing on the Racer’s Edge Stage.

As usual, more photos can be found on my Flickr page, and videos on my YouTube channel.  Head out this weekend and enjoy Local Live Music!

Impulsive? Me?

My mother has been telling me for years that I’m too impulsive. This weekend I proved her right, and did some things so unexpected, so random I didn’t even have time to tell people I was doing them! But let’s start with Thursday’s Johnny O Jam, shall we?

Pardon Me - I'm a Bit Scattered

If it hasn’t been obvious from my blog posts the last couple of months, here’s the truth – I’ve been a bit scattered lately. Yep – I’ll admit it. I’ve lost focus.

Slow down and enjoy the (live) music!

Friday night at Hero’s Pub in Davenport, my conversation with Danika Holmes went as follows:

Danika – Hey! Great to see you!

Me – Hey! I’m glad I came out!

Danika – So where are you off to next?

Actually, that’s the same conversation we had the week before. Hmm…

So much to do so little time – live music in the Quad-Cities

 

What a busy weekend for the music scene! Technically it’s becoming more like there is music happening somewhere in the Quad-cities every night of the week. My music week started Thursday night with the Johnny O Jam at the Muddy Waters. The usual suspects were there, including John T. O’Meara and Perry Hultgren. This week we saw some talented young musicians, including bass player Johnny Pena. The Thursday night jams at Muddy’s are great listening, especially if, like me, you love blues. I could listen to that all night… if I didn’t have to get up in the morning to go to work!

Friday night I checked out Rootless Experience at Brady Street Pub. Rootless Experience is quite the collection of musicians. On Friday, there were 6 people on stage. I suspect this is one of those bands that I’m going to have to check out more than once to get a true feel, but I found the sax to be sweet – and the two female singers intriguing. From conversation overheard, I had the impression that one of the singers was new to the band. Lighting at BSP is limited – mostly to the neon beverage signs in the windows behind the band. Oh – and music stand lights.

Sweet Sax Music with Rootless Experience

After a taste of Rootless Experience, I made my way out to the Rusty Nail to get a good dose of good old fashioned Rock and Roll with Simon Says Uncle. The guys were in good form Friday night, and a solid crowd at the Nail seemed to be enjoying the music. I enjoy their sound, their presence and Mark Schrupp’s enthusiasm behind the keys. Give that guy some light, will ya?

Jeff and Jerry rockin' harmony

Saturday night started out with Danika Holmes at the Grape Life. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy sipping wine and listening to good acoustic music at the Grape Life? The place was packed and they were setting up folding chairs (just like every other time I’ve been there for live music).  I got up to take a few photos and the owner nearly gave away my seat. Thanks to the couple sitting to my right for letting her know I was still there! To my left there was a fellow with a camera – who insisted on taking flash photos the whole time I was there. Musicians – when I come to your show, I promise NOT to get out my flash! If I can’t get a good photo without it, I won’t get a photo. That’s super distracting.

Danika’s acoustic show was beautiful, as usual. I hope to catch her band soon!

Next stop was The Muddy Waters and the Avey Brothers. These guys have been around for a long while, but I’ve never had the opportunity to catch their show. They sounded great – good old rock and roll with some blues mixed in. They have a good following, as Muddy’s was packed with no place to sit. I stood for the hour and a half I was there. But the music was great and the time flew by.

After I posted my blog last week, I learned there was a Drophammer reunion show at Rascals. Now… I never once saw Drophammer during their heyday… but I heard they put on a good show, so I decided to check them out. Not only was this “reunion” my first Drophammer gig, but it was also my first time at Rascals. The. Band. Was. Awesome! We’re talking heavy hitting hair band – and nearly 20 years later these guys are still doing it that way. They really rocked! 

Drophammer still rockin!

The venue… well… it wasn’t what I was expecting.   Somehow I had imagined the new Rascals Live venue would be larger. Maybe it was just because Drophammer packed in such a huge crowd. It felt really cramped. In fact, except for stepping inside a couple of times to take photos (over my head), I stayed out in the hall where the bar was located and there was less congestion. The music sounded great from out there, and I didn’t have to worry about being stepped on or knocked over. I bought a soda at the bar – that was it, after spending $7 just to get inside. Rascals had advertised a $5 admission, but decided to make it $7 at the door (but didn’t change the advertising). I arrived a half-hour after the headlining band started, and long after the first 2 bands quit playing, but they still charged me $7… an hour later I watched people filter in and still pay that much. 

Sunday I made a stop by The Muddy Waters for Sunday Funday with Dave Ellis. Dave was out on the patio. Brave man… I sat out there with a friend for 2 songs before we hurried back inside out of the cold wind. Dave – your music was great, and we felt sorry for you, but it got really cold, really fast!

Tonight – Danika Holmes is playing Hero’s Pub in Davenport. She’ll have her band, so I’m making a special effort to be there. Simon Says Uncle will be rocking thePub out on Brady street, and Smooth Groove will be at Martini’s on the Rock in Rock Island. The Muddy Waters has Kent Burnside and New Generation.

Tomorrow – You can find me at Purgatory’s Pub with 1^st Impression. The Dirt Road Rockers and Danika Holmes will be at Mulligan’s in Coal Valley, and the Muddy Waters is hosting OSG.

Sunday (yes, Easter) – Lee Blackmon is hosting Sunday Funday at the Muddy Waters. If you haven’t been out to see Lee in action, you really should give it a whirl. He often has guest musicians playing with him, and he always has that spare microphone. Request a song from his extensive list – and then you can even get up and sing it with him if you want. That’s so much MORE fun than karaoke! Sunday Funday starts at 6 and runs til 9. Bring a jacket – just in case.

On a side note – I’ve moved my information security and business continuity posts to a new blog this week. So stop by and check out Information Sanctuary.

And support live local music!

Shameless Plug for My Favorite Band?

I wasn’t out and about this past weekend like I have been recently. Family obligations kept me busy all week, including Friday. Saturday night I was in Muscatine with 1^st Impression. For those who don’t know me all that well – I’ve known Lyle Harris for 20 years (gosh we’re old!) and Becky Anson since the early days of the band, more than 12 years ago. John Biondo and his awesome wife Tanya have become like family as well. I manage their Facebook page and Tweet their announcements. I’ve shot all the videos on their Youtube channel too. I appreciate so much the trust they’ve put in me to do those things for them, and although I had a pretty good idea how I wanted to do things when I set up their online presence, I’ve learned a bit about band PR in the process. I’ve also honed my videography and photography skills mostly on their gigs. And I’m still learning.

In the past 6 months, the band has had a personnel change. They had so many bookings, so close together they barely had time to break in their new bass player, Phil Bonilla. However, they took a 5 week break between their February gig and this past weekend’s March gig. During that time, they worked on a boatload of new music and built some great rapport. And they roared out of the gate Saturday night. One song in particular, “You and I” caught my ear. Oh…My…Goodness! Becky’s vocals are always great, but I was absolutely floored by the backing vocals – especially since this was the first time out for this new song.  And it was great to hear Phil taking lead on a song as well. Personal connection aside – 1^st Impression made some awesome choices for their new set list – and the folks at the Brew in Muscatine had the honor of rocking out to some great new tunes.

Sunday evening brought Sunday Funday at The Muddy Waters. Thanks to some great weather, Lee Blackmon was set up on the patio out back. The patio was full of people having a good time, and Lee was joined by bass player Dave Kamp. Jackie Madunic and I got up and sang a few songs with Lee. And one of these days, maybe we’ll get Kristy Bennett to join in?

This Friday looks like another great night for local live music. There are so many venues booked it will be difficult to choose! Danika Holmes is sharing the Redstone Room stage with the Dani Lynn Howe band, Cosmic can be seen at the

11^th Street

Precinct, and Secret Squirrel will be playing Fargo. Simon Says Uncle will be rockin’ the Rusty Nail, the Rootless Experience is playing Brady Street Pub in downtown Davenport, and Funktastic Five fans can find them at ThePub on

north Brady Street

.

Saturday night, Danika Holmes has an early start at 8 PM at the Grape Life, and Justin Morrissey is playing

11^th Street

Precinct. I definitely plan to make a stop at The Muddy Waters for the Avey Brothers.

It doesn’t matter where you plan to go – just get out there and enjoy the sizzle of Quad Cities Live Music!

St. Patrick's Weekend in the QC

I headed out March 16 to visit old friends and make a few new friends. It turned out to be a great night, with some surprising and unusual musical instruments.

 The evening started early, as Lee Blackmon was playing an acoustic set at Cool Beanz in Rock Island. I grabbed a bite to eat and a glass of Moscato – but stepped up to sing with Lee just as my dinner arrived at the table. It was a good thing, too. Lee is pretty popular at Cool Beanz and the crowd quickly grew. Everyone wanted to sing along, many from their tables. The 2 hour set went quickly, without a break. Lee has a quirky, fun style that gets people going. And his extra microphone is an invitation to anyone who wants to sing along.

Leaving my friend Lee at Cool Beanz, I zipped back across the river to The Muddy Waters in Bettendorf for a duo of bands. The Harris Collection was opening for The Candymakers. I’ve reviewed The Harris Collection before, but I would like to mention that though I caught them near the end of their set, I was impressed this night with Shon (Young Skoy) Harris’ singing. Keep up the good work guys!

The Candymakers. Wow. I really love listening to the sweet sugar blues of this band. And they put on a good show as well.  Alan Sweet and Siri Lorece provide fantastic vocals – Siri has a beautiful voice, and Alan really has it together. The band has a really great sound. For those who don’t know, The Candymakers won the 2011 Iowa Blues Challenge, and represented Iowa at the International Blues Challenge. Before they took the stage, I asked Alan if he would mind if I took a few shots – and his response was “get all up in it!” Well, I did take a few shots, but tried to be as inconspicuous as possible. It was hard though, when people were offering to move so I could “take a picture from over here, I have a great view!” What a great crowd at The Muddy Waters – and a good reason to keep going back!

Last stop for the night was ThePub on North Brady Street in Davenport. Friends and former bandmates Ray Polanchek and Matt Orwitz were making an appearance once again with House Arrest. The Pub is a huge venue with a cool 2-level stage, but I would really like to see them do something with the dance floor. I don’t recommend heels on the uneven brick surface. But I digress – I’m here to talk about the bands! I love hard rock almost as much as I love the blues. House Arrest is definitely a hard rock band. They slowed it down a bit for a couple of songs though, including Lynyrd Skynyrd favorite “Simple Man”. They even invited me up to sing. Thanks guys! It was cool to sing with you.  And I have to say – I’ve never seen a local band perform with a chain saw!!

Saturday morning I started my day at the CASI St. Patrick’s Day race, then stopped by Kilkenny’s to check in with Keep Off the Grass. Talk about an all day party! At 10 AM that tent was already rocking! They sounded great – especially so early in the day. I had to wonder Saturday – how many bar bands were dazed by the sunlight? There were so many all day parties, and the weather was awesome.

Unfortunately, my Saturday ended with the pre-parade party, as I had family obligations that kept me busy the rest of the day. However, we know it was a sizzling hot St. Patrick’s Day in the Quad-Cities!

This weekend I won’t be out and about the way I have been in the past. Friday night is a night with my family again – and Saturday I’ll be in Muscatine with 1^st Impression. I haven’t seen a lot of event notices for this weekend, but I know Friday night Keep Off the Grass will be playing ThePub in Davenport and Rascals has their 1-year anniversary bash. Saturday night, if you’re not up to the Muscatine drive, The Harris Collection will be at Brady Street Pub and Cosmic is playing Mound Street Landing.  Cobalt Blue is playing both nights at 11^th St. Precinct. Sunday evening, catch an early show with Lee Blackmon at The Muddy Waters. I might just … oh heck, everyone knows by now I sing a few songs.

I would also like to mention a few open mic and jam nights – Tuesday night The Harris Collection is hosting a jam night at Brady Street Pub. Wednesday night is open mic at Rascals and Mojos. Thursday night catch the Johnny O Jam at The Muddy Waters.

Enjoy my pictures? You can find more on my Flickr page.http://www.flickr.com/photos/65349253@N08/ And see videos on my Youtube channel.