Climb Every Mountain.. er

The Maintainers are a blues band. If that term (blues band) elicits even a whiff of negative preconception, know that this band is also largely the brainchild of harmonica player Frankie Lee and thus informed by a wide and deep knowledge of the whole scope and history of “The Blues.” Nothing against the British Invasion or the current crop of Blues Rock or Soul Blues or Jam Bands or whatever, but the Maintainers source material goes back as far as the 1920s (and not much past 1971)

Good news! That stretch of  time yields a ton of great material. We'll do our best by it.

Slightly confusing news. If you look for confirmation of The Maintainers upcoming gig (a FREE May Concert in Olin Park Pavilion this Wednesday, May 4, from 6 to 8 pm) in the pages of the Wisconsin State Journal’s April 29 edition, you will find that a band called the “Mountainers” is scheduled. Fear not. All sorts of things tend to get lost in translation and this is just another example of such.

The Pavilion at Olin Park (I call it The Barn) is cool and sits atop a lovely little hill overlooking Lake Monona and the downtown Madison skyline. Great spot for a stroll and just enough of an incline to make the mistaken “Mountainer” moniker mildly apropos.

Coming up!
Thurs, May 5 (the very next day!), Big Wes Turner’s Trio at The Essen Haus. 8:30 pm
Thurs, May 19, Big Wes Turner’s Trio (with Billy Flynn) at The Essen Haus. 8:30 pm
Fri, May 20, Tom sits in with Mojo and Flipside at Great Dane, Wausau. 8 pm
Thurs, June 2, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at The Essen Haus. 8:30 pm
Sat, June 4, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at Tyranena Brewing, Lake Mills, 6 pm
Tues, June 14, Birddog Blues Band, Janesville Concerts in the Park 6 pm
Wed, June 15, Big Wes Turner’s Trio, Monona Terrace, Private Function
Thurs, June 16, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at The Essen Haus. 8:30 pm
Fri, June 17, Birddog Blues Band, MonroeBalloon Rally. 8:30 pm
Sat, June 18, Birddog Blues Band, Lancaster Blues and Brews. 1 pm
Thurs, June 30, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at The Essen Haus. 8:30 pm

The Best Damn Feelin'

Big Wes once said “When a great song and a great singer meet, and they hit it off, it’s the best damn feelin’ in the world.” Big Wes Turner’s Trio will try to catch some of that feeling when they throw in some classics from the great, and lately departed, Merle Haggard.

Also, Blues, Rock and Roll, and a Polka or two.

On Saturday Tom heads north to Wisconsin Rapids for a gig with Mojo and the Flipside, filling in for bassist Charlie Sauter while he heals. The band is Tony Wagner on drums, Jim Prideaux on guitar, and Joe Fittante on keyboards and vocals. Music starts at 8pm at Hollyrocks.

Coming Up!

Thursday, April 21, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at The Essen Haus. 8:30
Saturday, April 23, Tom with Mojo and the Flipside at Hollyrocks, Wis Rapids
Wednesday, May 4, The Maintainers at Olin Park Pavilion
Thursday, May 5, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at The Essen Haus. 8:30

 

Up Next Posters

Have you yet to "like" Big Wes Turner's Trio? (Just do it.)

 

The Last Time?

No, the big Big Wes Turner’s Trio gig at The (Ye Olde) Essen Haus last Thursday was not the last. Nor will this coming Thursday’s (same place) be. But it will be your last chance (at least for the fortellable future) to hear the amazing Billy Flynn filling in for Gary Hendrickson (also amazing) .

If you were among last Thursday’s throng, you were a)surrounded by nuclear engineers (there was a convention in town, and them engineers drank them some beers), and were b)exposed to some delicious guitar rarities (Ghost Riders in the Sky, Flamingo, Theme From Mondo Cane, and more). Billy loves to indulge in the unexpected. Expect more when Billy joins us again this Thursday (April 7).

Then, the very next day, Gary Hendrickson returns! Joining us at the Rockdale Bar &Grill. It’s an early show—7 pm—come for the fish fry, stay for music and dancing.

Notes:
What a treat to hear the enduring Clyde Stubblefield behind the drums at the High Noon Saloon on Monday night. The rock steady funk of the original Funky Drummer abides. This monthly early-bird gig raises money for a music scholarship fund in Clyde’s name. Recommended!

And what a treat to play with Mojo and the Flipside at The Wheelhouse in Waupaca on Wednesday night—great guitar playing from Jim Prideaux, stand-out keys and vocals from Joe Fittante. The gig was hosted by consummate drummer Tony Wagner. Featured special guest Steve Cooper of WiFEE and theHUZzband tore it up on sax and vocals.

Coming Up!
Thursday, April 7, Big Wes Turner’s Trio (with Billy Flynn) at The Essen Haus. 8:30

Friday, April 8, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at The Rockdale Bar & Grill. 7 pm

Thursday, April 21, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at The Essen Haus. 8:30
Wednesday, May 4, The Maintainers at Olin Park Pavilion
Thursday, May 5, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at The Essen Haus. 8:30