Influence revisited.

A while back I wrote a blog post about influence – and how things we say and do often influence when we least expect it.  I actually had a few people in mind when I wrote that. 

I Need a Clone For All This Live Music

Sometimes I wish I could be in two places at once. Or three or four even.  This weekend was one of those times.  Yes, that was pretty much the story for the entire weekend.  Of course, I started Thursday night at The Muddy Waters. Things started off slow, but were heating up really well about the time I needed to head for home.  Most of the usual characters were there – and we were dancing in the aisles by 11 PM.

Cool Blues on a Warm Night – live music in the QC

Hot is a relative term. I love warm summer nights – and I love cool blues. That is a good part of why I really enjoyed Blues Fest a couple of weeks ago.  But in the Quad-Cities, it isn’t necessary to limit your blues listening to one weekend a year.  Every Thursday night there’s a blues jam at The Muddy Waters.  Yes, sometimes musicians who don’t play blues get up and play too, but the majority of the Thursday night Johnny O. Jam is blues.  And the Muddy Waters provides us with blues entertainers on other nights too.  This week I checked out the Friday night show… more on that later.

An Abundance of Live Music!

July 4^th Festivities

This week’s blog is going to start with July 3^rd. Tuesday!  This is what happens when Independence Day falls on Wednesday. There were fireworks in nearly every community over the 3^rd and 4^th. And nearly every celebration had some sort of music as part of the festivities. I limited my wanderings those two days – as much as I would have liked, I just couldn’t be everywhere at once. And fireworks mean crowds. On Tuesday I had the opportunity to sing with Lee Blackmon at Camden Park in Milan. Sadly, I don’t have photographs, as I was too busy singing. But I can tell you there was a huge turnout – getting out of there even before the fireworks started was no easy task.  And I was parked outside the park for what I thought would be an easy getaway.

Danika Holmes and Jeb Hart

Jake Seales with the Knock-Offs

Wednesday was the day of Bettendorf’s community celebration. Along with all sorts of activities and vendors, there were stages with continuous music. I was only there part of the day – once in the early afternoon to catch The Knock-Offs and Danika Holmes (opposite each other) and then again in the evening for the Dirt Road Rockers show before the fireworks. I love hot weather, but I know my limitations – and standing on hot pavement in the full sun all afternoon was not entirely appealing.  The Knock Offs had a great set, and were joined on stage by at least one former Knock-Offs member, Butch Ranew. There may have been others up too, as I heard there were several in attendance.  I went to check out Danika’s set after Butch’s first song. Danika and Jeb were joined by Al Fear on drums, and all were sporting sunglasses as their stage was facing the afternoon sun. The heat didn’t seem to slow them down much though, and all were in great form. The Dirt Road Rockers played the last set on the East stage, up until the fireworks started. Their show is quite the family affair when they’re in a place where the kids can join in.

Dirt Road Rockers

All of the musicians who played outdoor sets over the Fourth should be commended. It was hot and humid – and being on a stage with all that heat-producing equipment, and all that moving around can really be a sweat inducer. I dubbed the two hours I was on with Lee “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”, and we had an evening gig – not those mid-afternoon burners on the Fourth.

Slow Weekend (for me anyway)

Don Stewart, Vid James and John O'Meara

Thursday night I popped in to Muddy’s for the Johnny O. Jam Sessions. There was a fair turnout – including Retro Ron, Vid James, Rob Dahms and Don Stewart. I hope to see more musicians this week! Don Stewart gave us a sampling off his new CD. Great stuff Don!

Mike Walker with the Funky Monks

Phil Bonilla - 1st Impression

Previous family obligations kept me busy this weekend, but I managed to swing by the Racer’s Edge Party in the Street for the 1^st Impression set and a bit of the Funky Monks Red Hot Chili Peppers Experience. With the outdoor gigs and a little luck I was able to catch a couple of cool drummer shots. It’s not often that I have access to drummers as they are usually pretty well hidden behind equipment and (in some cases) massive drum kits. To see more photos from this week, check out my Flickr page.

John Biondo - 1st Impression

Roger Carlson sent me a message this week to swing by a rummage sale in Rock Island to check out some cool tunes. Yes! A rummage sale. A gentleman there by the name of Jimmy was playing the blues on a portable keyboard while he sold some of his belongings in preparation for a move to New Orleans. He’ll be playing there again Friday afternoon, so stop by and see what trinket you might be able to buy to help him on his way. (and enjoy some music while you’re at it!) Rumor has it this fella has played with Ellis Kell on occasion. The sale is at 1034 20^th Street in Rock Island.

This week in live music

Tonight is Jam Sessions night at The Muddy Waters. Come check it out – and musicians come join in the fun! Before that, catch Tangent at the Bass Street Landing.

Friday: The Friday Live at 5 concert at the RME is The Sin City Orchestra. On the Community Stage at the RME, catch a four band show: You Knew Me When, Emjay, Fast as a Cat and Friend & Foe. House Arrest will be at the Port Byron Pub, The River House is hosting Caught in the Act, The Hooks are playing Rascals Live, the Mercury Brothers are at Martinis on the Rock, and The Muddy Waters has Kent Burnside.

Saturday: Lee Blackmon is at The Grape Life in Davenport, Smooth Grove is at the River House, Cosmic is at the Precinct, Justin Morrissey and the Drunken Angels are playing Bent River, and Machine Gun Willie is at Ducky’s.

Blues ... And A Little More Than Live Music

Yes, last weekend was Blues Fest… and yes, I was there most of the weekend. Except I attended musical at the District Theatre on Friday and left early on Saturday to hang out in Muscatine with 1^st Impression.

Friday evening I opted for the opening night of Xanadu. With the impending storm, I was glad I did that rather than try to attend the festival. Things got a bit soggy on the riverfront Friday night. Briefly – Xanadu was a fun, campy romp, and I would certainly see it again if my schedule permitted. My favorite song was ELO’s “Evil Woman”. Sara King and Tracy Pelzer-Timm knocked it out of the ballpark. I also enjoyed how some of the sappier songs were sung and choreographed over the top, keeping them from being just sappy and making the musical as a whole just that much more hilarious.

I thought my favorite line was “Isn’t falling in love just like banging your head into a brick wall?” – Danny to Sonny.

Then I heard this line: “Are the big hands and big feet trying to tell me a story I need to hear Clio?” - Aphrodite

There were some local references injected into the script as well as some cool 80’s humor. I really enjoyed how DT took liberties with the script here and there. The popcorn was a great touch!

 This was my first Blues Fest with a decent camera…and my first time back in a few years. I learned early in the weekend that it was better to have a VIP pass to get close to the stage for those up-shots I love to take, and for my Sony’s wimpy 18-55 lens. So to my friends who hate cropping, I cropped the heck out of most of my photos from Blues Fest. But standing behind the barrier gave me some interesting perspective, and angles all those folks with VIP passes didn’t have.

My main interest in attending Blues Fest this year was a return engagement by Trampled Under Foot. The Schneleben family trio played last summer’s River Roots Live festival. They dealt with non-existent monitors and still put on a great show. So I knew I wanted to hear them again, and this time they blew me away. I think Grace Potter might have to step aside, as I’ve discovered a new idol in bass-wielding singer Danielle. Not only is she great to hear, Danielle is great fun to photograph as well.

I caught a few other acts over the course of the two days I attended, including The Brooks Family and Lady Bianca on Sunday and Doug MacLeod, Preston Shannon and The Earnest Dawkins Quartet on Saturday. I’m looking forward to next year’s festival, and will remember to score a VIP pass in advance.

I left Blues Fest Saturday night and headed for Muscatine. 1^st Impression played an outdoor show at Missippi Brew, hosted by the Muscatine Young Professionals. It was pretty muggy down by the riverfront, but that didn’t slow down Becky or the guys.

Speaking of muggy weather, expect a little info about Fourth of July festivities in my next blog…

This week:

Tonight is Jam night at The Muddy Waters!!  Come on down – if you’re a musician, join in on the fun. If you’re not, come on out anyway for some great jams!! You won’t be disappointed.

Danika Holmes is playing Barrelhouse 211 tonight as well.

Tomorrow, Chuck Murphy is at Pearl City Station, Danika Holmes is playing Hero’s Pub, The Mississippi Misfits are at The Muddy Waters, and Rozz-Tox is hosting a 3 band lineup that includes the Candymakers. Ohh boy… Hope that little place is ready for the Candymakers’ following…

Saturday is the Party in the Street at Racer’s Edge, featuring 1^st Impression, Evolution and 4^th and 20. Alan Sweet’s Pieces of Candy will be at The Muddy Waters, and The J Spot will be at The Rusty Nail. 100 West is hosting Cosmic. For you early folks – Check out Chuck Murphy at the Creekside Vineyard in Coal Valley. Wine tasting and acoustic music!

More photos can be seen on my Flickr page here: Roberta's Flickr Page

Get out and enjoy some cool beverages and Local Live Music!!

More Live Music Than You Can Shake A Stick At

It is Thursday and I’m writing about local live music again…

Last Thursday, I stopped in at Bass Street Landing for Danika Holmes’ acoustic show on the outdoor stage there. I think she currently has one of the best female voices in the QC. Her sound is calculated and well-polished. I took a few photos – and caught Vid James out with his camera as well. I’m looking forward to seeing his work. He showed me a couple of previews, and they were stunning. 

After Bass Street, I wandered back across the I-74 bridge to Bettendorf and The Muddy Waters. Yes, it was Johnny O. Jam night, and I had the day off on Friday! Wouldn’t it just figure though – it was a slow night at the Jam… where was everyone?  John says this happens often when the bar has a band on a Thursday night instead of a jam night. It takes a few weeks to rebuild both the crowd and the number of musicians. The faithful few who did attend made it a good night though. 

Hollywood Dave- Sax!

Friday was the night for outdoor shows! I began at 5, with the RME Friday Live at Five show. Machine Gun Willie was playing on the courtyard. I’ve never seen this band, but enjoyed every minute I was there. Willie touts a mean saxophone player – and the rest of the band is pretty darn good too! I’ll definitely be looking to see them again. After the RME, I headed for the River House in Moline. Keep Off The Grass started at 8, but I’ve learned to get there early. As big as that plaza is, and as many tables as there are, it fills up fast! So, early it was – I grabbed a bite to eat and waited for the show to start. If you haven’t seen Keep Off The Grass since the retirement of former drummer Steve Reando, you really should check them out. Their sound is evolving with the addition of Tom Zick. 

Keep Off The Grass

I also took a swing by Rozz-Tox Friday night. I listened to a jazz string ensemble with an amazing female vocalist, and some Russian Gypsy guitar. Unfortunately, the place was packed front to back and spilling out the door, so I wasn’t able to get any photos. I honestly couldn’t say I “watched” as it was definitely only a “listen” situation. Great for Rozz-Tox and the performers… not so great for the amateur photographer. But I enjoyed the music, and the change from my normal blues/rock choices.

Lee had plenty of takers at Creekside Vineyard

Chuck Murphy schmoozed the Grape Life

Saturday afternoon I visited Creekside Vineyard in Coal Valley with Lee Blackmon. The Vineyard folks offer up live acoustic music on the patio every Saturday afternoon. Jen tells me there are plans working for a live music amphitheatre across the road from the main house within the next couple of years. Meanwhile, you can take a picnic, sample wine, and listen to local acoustic favorites every Saturday. Check out the schedule and plan a trip out. Saturday evening I stopped by The Grape Life and listened to Chuck Murphy. This young acoustic performer is coming along – and his schedule is filling up too. I highly recommend checking out his show. Oh – and after I told Chuck I wasn’t going to Purgatory’s, I ended up there after all… Evolution has a powerful (understatement) sound, and they were hitting it hard at Purgs Saturday night. I didn’t stay long… but it looked like they had a good crowd. 

Tonight – Danika Holmes is outside at the Bettendorf Public Library Pavilion. It’s hot out, but I haven’t heard anything about a cancellation. Take an umbrella for shade and plenty of water! Show starts at 6:30.

There is no Jam tonight at Muddy’s. I would like to take this moment to remind everyone there WILL be a jam next Thursday! Let’s show John O’Meara some support and make sure there are plenty of people there next week. I’m starting a one-woman crusade!

In case you haven’t heard… there’s a Blues Festival in LeClaire park this weekend.  And a Jazz festival all weekend in Iowa City. 

Friday Night: Lee Blackmon starts at 6 at the Rhythm City Casino. He’ll be there Saturday too. Caught In The Act is at Generations bar, and Crossroads is outside at the Riverhouse. Tronicity is pulling a two-night gig at the 11^th Street Precinct. Chuck Murphy scored a show at the Missipi Brew in Muscatine.

Saturday Night: Danika Holmes is playing The Grape Life, The Mound St. Landing has Cosmic. I’ll be in Muscatine with 1^st Impression at The Missipi Brew.

The Sunday evening series at the Captain’s Table continues with The Night People.

For more photos, check out my Flickr page here

Influence

We all have influences in our lives. Some are good, some… not so good. But regardless of the type, they are still influences. At the same time, we influence others. Often, we’re not even aware how we have influenced someone else. Our children are a prime example of the strength of our influence.