Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Yule Love This


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow? No, it’s not a re-screening of the classic Brit chiller, Children of the Damned. It’s the merry, jolly, joyous season of Christmas (also winter solstice). Or, as Andy Williams is oft wont to repeat from playlist purgatory, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”



You already know how many shopping days are left before Christmas, but keep reading to find out where to find the mostest soul-satisfying LIVE music right through the whole blinkin’ Holiday season.

McMusical Calendar

Friday, December 21
Yuletide is Blues time, at The KnuckleDown Saloon. Come out, and hear The Birddog Blues Band with Mel Ford on guitar, Ken Olufs on harmonica, Tom McCarty on bass, and Derek Hendrickson on drums.
8 to midnight


Saturday, December 22
Tyranena Brewing taps Wisconsin’s best beers, and Big Wes Turner’s Trio (Rick Becker on drums, Gary Hendrickson on guitar, Tom McCarty on bass) sings and swings Blues and rocks & rolls Rhythms for discerning groove aficionados. An easy drive to nearby Lake Mills. 7 to 10.

Friday, December 28
The Sparks Band, (Rich Larson on drums, Mark Loder on guitar, Tom McCarty on bass) those administrators of 60s nostalgia, rock out early at Chief’s. 6:30 to 10.

Saturday, December 29
Again, with The Sparks Band, this time at The Hody Bar & Grill in Middleton. 9 to 1.

Monday, December 31
Ring in the new year with the authentic Chicago Blues sounds of The Cashbox Kings at The Knuckle Down Saloon.
Music starts this year, ends next.

And what will 2019 bring? Besides some well-deserved hibernation?

Wednesday, January 23
Tom joins forces Jimmy Voegli and Perry Weber (of The Jimmys) for an evening of Blues with drummer Tony Wagner, host of Wednesday’s With Wags at The Wheelhouse in Waupaca.

Check back here for more breaking McMusical news.

NoteBig Wes Turner’s Newsletter has an amazing new option: POSTCARDS! Whaaaaa? Yeah, you heard right. Most well-informed Turnerites receive their sporadic action updates via email, but now they can alternately (or additionally) get a scrap of cheap cardboard with information scribbled thereupon... FOR FREE!!! Just ask.

'Nother Note
: BWTN postcards are redeemable for a drink wherever Big Wes Turner’s Trio is found.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Moose Call


When Moose says, “Can you?”
Big Wes Turner’s Trio replies, “Absolutely.”

Thus this late addition to the McMuscial calendar. We’re talkin’ this Friday, folks! Dress for the weather and hoist a few with the Wes ones at venerable far westside hang, The Club Tavern (home of the one and only Mooseburger).  

McMusical Calendar

Friday, November 16
When the chips are down, who ya gonna call? Big Wes Turner’s Trio! Thus the late addition to The Club Tavern line-up, but a perfect night for Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll (and even a few Country & Western classics). The “biggest little band in Mad-land” puts all six hands to many musical tasks at this venerable west side venue. 9 to 1.

Tuesday, November 20
"Birthday Party for Dave M." at the Bristled Boar (Middleton), with music by The Sparks Band. All are welcome! 7 to 10:30

Wednesday, November 21
When in Wisconsin’s Little Switzerland (aka, New Glarus), where better to party hearty to swingin’ sounds than at Toffler’s Bar & Grill. Enjoy their pre-Thanksgiving customer appreciation bash along with The Birddog Blues Band. 7:30 to 10:30

Friday, November 23
Hey Kids! The Cashbox Kings play kid-friendly Blues (seriously) before and after lunchtime at The Overture Center. Bring the family. Feed the wild blues musicians in their unnatural habitat.

November 30
The Sparks Band returns to The Atwood (formerly Mr. Roberts) on Atwood Avenue with the most rockingest of their 60s repertoire.

Sunday, December 2
Tom goes bowling for The Blues (Society). Yes, the Madison Blues Society sponsors this fun event. Bowl away with the Packer game onscreen and groove to the Madtown Mannish Boys after the game.

Wednesday, December 5
Big Wes Turner’s Trio heads north for an evening of Rockin’ RHYTHMN & Swingin’ BLUES at The Wheelhouse in Waupaca. Great food, friendly folks, and all the Central Waters taps you could wish for. First of the wintertime “Wednesdays with Wags” series. 8 to 10:30

Friday, December 7
Wintersong! Faux Fawn, brainchild of singer/songwriter Paul Otteson, joins a plethora of notable Madison performers to present original seasonal songs. Feel the spirit of the season, and help raise funds for Second Harvest foodbank. The Barrymore Theater, Atwood Avenue.

Saturday, December 15
Tyranena Brewing with The Cashbox Kings. ‘Nuff said. 7 to 10.

Saturday, December 22
Tyranena Brewing with Big Wes Turner’s Trio. Even more ‘Nuff said. 7 to 10.

Friday, December 28
The Sparks Band, those masters of 60s nostalgia, rock out early at Chief’s. 6:30 to 10.

Saturday, December 29
The Sparks Band at The Hody Bar & Grill in Middleton. 9 to 1.

Monday, December 30
Ring in the new year with The Cashbox Kings at The Knuckle Down Saloon. Music starts this year; ends next.

Who knows what 2019 will bring? You will, if you just check back here for breaking McMusical news.

NoteBig Wes Turner’s Newsletter has an amazing new option: POSTCARDS! Whaaaaa? Yeah, you heard right. Most well-informed Turnerites receive their sporadic action updates via email, but now they can alternately (or additionally) get a scrap of cheap cardboard with information scribbled thereupon... FOR FREE!!! Just ask.

'Nother Note
: BWTN postcards are redeemable for a drink wherever Big Wes Turner’s Trio is found.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Socially Serendipitous


(Check the McMusical calendar below for a late, last-minute addition!)

Be careful. Domestic bliss and modern creature comforts are conspiring to keep you basking in the glow of LCD screens and confined to the contours of a recliner. Don’t risk the disconnect from the real, live, face-to-face social networking opportunities in your community. (And you can dance, if you want to.)

To further paraphrase and plagiarize: Get up! Get up!! Get out of (wherever you are)!!! You won’t know if you don’t go.

Just such efforts were rewarded last night when the only Little Vito (Stacatto) himself, AND two of the (original) Torpedoes, somewhat spontaneously assembled at Chief’s Tavern to take in some suds and the sounds of Big Wes Turner’s Trio. An unplanned but welcome mini-reunion. Not to mention the appearance of friends-of-Big-Wes Jim and Sarah, band photographers Jen and Rochelle, and random raucous revelers.

But that was just the beginning. A quick nick over to the nearby Knuckle Down Saloon where The Bad Companions (featuring former members of Phil Gnarly & the Tough Guys) were jamming into the wee hours found not only the regular denizens of the venerable eastside Blues venue, but longstanding Madison songwriter of note Robert J, plus former Essen Haus BFF of Big Wes Mitch F., and next-door neighbor, Mark B.

Hey! Us humans are social animals. Let’s not let our humanity wither away by passing up opportunities to meet, greet, and put our social graces into practice. (This advice courtesy of Hermit Crab McCrankypants.)

Naturally, the best spots for socializing are those where you find LIVE music being performed. Such as...

McMusical Calendar

Saturday, November 3
The Cashbox Kings (Joe Nosek and Oscar Wilson) hold court in Chi-Town at The California Clipper. Back-up Blues groovers will include our own bassplayist, Tom McCarty.

***Just Added!***
Saturday, November 10
Big Wes Turner’s Trio (featuring fabulous fill-in guitarist, Billy Flynn) plays for party people at The Athens Grill (on Highway M, just down from Skipper Bud’s) for a tag team tap-takeover event featuring two amazing threes—we’re talkin’ ThreeSheeps Brewing Co. (of Sheboygan) and ThreeFloyds Brewing Co. (of Munster, IN). Taps open at 6pm. Music starts at 7:30.



Wednesday, November 14
Would it tequila-ya to come hear The SparksBand at Me & Julio on Fish Hatchery Road? Of course not. 6 to 9 pm.

Thursday, November 15
The Sparks Band heats up an Autumn evening on the shores of the Wisconsin River at TheVintage Brewery in Sauk City. Eat, drink, and rock out to 60s sounds.

Wednesday, November 21
When in Wisconsin’s Little Switzerland (aka, New Glarus), where better to party hearty to swingin’ sounds than at Toffler’sBar & Grill. Enjoy their pre-Thanksgiving customer appreciation bash along with The Birddog Blues Band.

November 23
Hey Kids! The Cashbox Kings plays kid-friendly Blues (seriously) before and after lunchtime at The Overture Center. Bring the family. Feed the wild blues musicians in their unnatural habitat.

November 30
The Sparks Band returns to The Atwood (formerly Mr. Roberts) on Atwood Avenue with the most rockingest of their 60s repertoire.

Check back soon for December dates in McMusical news.

NoteBig Wes Turner’s Newsletter has an amazing new option: POSTCARDS! Whaaaaa? Yeah, you heard right. Most well-informed Turnerites receive their sporadic action updates via email, but now they can alternately (or additionally) get a scrap of cheap cardboard with information scribbled thereupon... FOR FREE!!! Just ask.

'Nother Note
: BWTN postcards are redeemable for a drink wherever Big Wes Turner’s Trio is found.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Not Just for Elevators

(Scroll down for the McMuscial calendar)


Music! It’s not just for elevators anymore.

Seems like music is everywhere these days, huh? No matter where you go—shops, big-box stores, restaurants, public spaces—there’s music playing. It’s probably playing in the earbuds of those passing pedestrians and runners, too.

Seems like many people think “silence” is a problem that needs to be solved by filling every last second of it with recorded music. Thanks to the huge and ever-growing catalog of recorded music available, and the ubiquity of digital devices on which to play it, none of us need ever endure a moment’s silence again. Is that a good thing?

In a word, NO!

When music is playing constantly, be it Mozart or Muzak, the value of that music in particular, and of Music in general, is diminished. Too much a good thing is a bad thing.

If someone asks, “Shall I put on some background music?,” tell them that you’d prefer foreground music, and if they don’t have any of that, how about a little silence?

Once upon a time, being tuned into the sounds of the natural world was necessary for survival. For those of us whose survival is relatively secure, who can find a safe and comfortable retreat, what do the sounds of crickets chirping or birds singing have to offer us? Those sounds may never make the Billboard Top 100, but try turning off your device and listening. Your ears, and your soul, may thank you. 

Then go out and hear some LIVE music. Suggestions follow.


McMusical Calendar

Wednesday, October 3
Sometimes you just gotta stop and taste the Tequila. And where and with whom better to do just that than with 
Big Wes Turner’s Trio, the dinner hour version, at Me & Julio on Fish Hatchery Road. 6 to 9 pm.

Friday, October 26
The Rockin’ Rhythm & Swingin’ Blues continues. Big Wes Turner’s Trio, at Chief’s Bar & Grill on Cottage Grove Road. 6:30 to 10 pm.

Saturday, November 3
The Cashbox Kings (Joe Nosek and Oscar Wilson) hold court in Chi-Town at The California Clipper. Back-up Blues groovers will include our own bassplayist, Tom McCarty.

Wednesday, November 14
Would it tequila-ya to come hear The SparksBand at Me & Julio on Fish Hatchery Road? Of course not. 6 to 9 pm.

Thursday, November 15
The Sparks Band heats up an Autumn evening on the shores of the Wisconsin River at The Vintage Brewery in Sauk City. Eat, drink, and rock out to 60s sounds.

Wednesday, November 21
When in Wisconsin’s Little Switzerland (aka, New Glarus), where better to party hearty to swingin’ sounds than at Toffler’s Bar& Grill. Enjoy their pre-Thanksgiving customer appreciation bash along with The Birddog Blues Band.

November 28
Hey Kids! The Cashbox Kings plays kid-friendly Blues (seriously!) before and after lunchtime at The Rotunda in The Overture Center just off State Street. Bring the family. Feed the wild Blues musicians in their unnatural habitat.

November 30
The Sparks Band returns to The Atwood (formerly Mr. Roberts) on Atwood Avenue with the most rockingest of their 60s repertoire.

Check back for future McMusical news.

NoteBig Wes Turner’s Newsletter has an amazing new option: POSTCARDS! Whaaaaa? Yeah, you heard right. Most well-informed Turnerites receive their sporadic action updates via email, but now they can alternately (or additionally) get a scrap of cheap cardboard with information scribbled thereupon... FOR FREE!!! Just ask.

'Nother Note
: BWTN postcards are redeemable for a drink wherever Big Wes Turner’s Trio is found.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Dateline, Madison


Yes. It’s wet here. Not more than a few weeks ago the Wisconsin State Journal published some professor’s hypothesis that a downpour in the Yahara watershed equivalent to the one that washed away Lake Delavan some years back would submerge much of Madison’s isthmus.

Lo and behold.

Mazomanie, Black Earth, and Madison’s west side got hit hardest with flash flooding, but one week later the waters are still rising in Lake Monona and whichever near eastside low spots that habitually back up with storm runoff. (Tennis at Tenney Park would damn near require SCUBA gear.) Shoreside residents of Monona have been steadily sandbagging. Sitting on the dock of this bay will give your butt a good soaking.

Luckily, last week’s downpour didn’t fall close enough to Lake Mendota to match the professor’s worst-case scenario, but it was cruel blow nonetheless.

Yup. “It’s a cruel, cruel summer,” as one pop culture earworm reminds us. Out of the mouths of babes. (And weren’t they? Bananarama? Babes? Nevermind.)

The important thing is to buck up, pitch in, and carry on! And even more importantly, to do all of the above in ways that lower our big fat consumerist footprints. Yes, fellow carbon-based life forms, use your brains and use your votes to turn this climate mess around. (So much for the soapbox portion of this message.)

Also, find and listen to LIVE music near you. Here are some dandy opportunities for just such.

McMusical Calendar

Saturday, September 1
The Birddog Blues Band (with Mel Ford on guitar, Derek Hendrickson on drums, Tom McCarty on bass, and Ken “Birddog” Olufs on harmonica) will entertain on the spacious patio at Tofflers Bar & Grill in New Glarus. Enjoy it now. ("Winter is coming.") 8 pm.

Friday, September 7
Barring news of irreversible flood damage or mold growth at the Mazomanie Music Conservancy concert hall, The Maintainers (mouth-harpist Frankie Lee, guitarist Mel Ford, bassist Tom McCarty, and drummer Rick Becker) will ramble through a round-robin of diverse blues styles. Not to be dissed or missed! Show opens at with a set from house band Staff Infection.

Friday, September 14
The Cashbox Kings bring their Chi-Town Blues sounds to the Knuckledown Saloon, and celebrate celebrated bluesman Oscar Wilson’s birthday. Y'all come on down and participate in the Partay!!! 9 pm ‘til late.

Friday, September 21
The Sparks Band, those masters of 60s hits, curiosities, and obscurities, get it all goin’ on at The Atwood (formerly Mr. Roberts) on Atwood Avenue.

Wednesday, October 3
Sometimes you just gotta stop and taste the Tequilas. And where and with whom better to do that than with 
Big Wes Turner’s Trio, the dinner hour version, at Me & Julio on Fish Hatchery Road. 6 to 9 pm.
Enjoy every imaginable variety of Rockin’ Rhythm & Swingin’ Blues with Tom, Rick, and Gary. 

Check back for future McMusical news.

NoteBig Wes Turner’s Newsletter has an amazing new option: POSTCARDS! Whaaaaa? Yeah, you heard right. Most well-informed Turnerites receive their sporadic action updates via email, but now they can alternately (or additionally) get a scrap of cheap cardboard with information scribbled thereupon... FOR FREE!!! Just ask.

'Nother Note
: BWTN postcards are redeemable for a drink wherever Big Wes Turner’s Trio is found.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Summer (what’s left, and while it lasts)


Scroll down for the McMusical Calendar listings.

Gypsy Rose Lee once famously sang, “Let me entertain you.” Then she started removing her clothing. Slowly. Artfully.

That’s entertainment! She was a notoriously tough act to follow.

Summer in the Wisconsin is lousy with drink, food, and festivities, musical and otherwise. That’s because Wisconsinites know, like John Snow, that “Winter is coming,” so we had best be enjoying the warm weather while it lasts.

Summer, like any artful act, can be tough to follow (though Fall has its fans), but don’t let that bring you down. No matter where you are, get up, get up, and get out there (to paraphrase Bob Uecker). Drag yourself up from your lawnchair, or whatever squalid psychic torpor into which you’ve descended, and come out to tipple two or three and open your ears to some of these summertime sounds.

McMusical Calendar

Saturday, August 18
Big Wes Turner’s Trio returns to Tyranena Brewing in legendary Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Enjoy Rockin’ Rhythm & Swingin’ Blues with the three blessed by Wes. On Tyranena's expansive patio (weather permitting). Music from 6 to 9 pm. Food cart on site, and Wisconsin’s BEST beer. Always!



Sunday August 19
Faux Fawn opens up for Har-di-Har (“..a colorful mudslide of art pop..”) at Ruby Lounge (beneath Liquid on the infamous 600 block of University Avenue). Also, Brandon Beebe. Doors at 7:30; show starts at 8 pm.

Wednesday, August 22
The Cashbox Kings make Blues music at Wisconsin Brewing in Verona. Come early (downbeat at 5 pm) and drink often (you'll be helping to raise money for the Wisconsin Science Museum). Boogie on down til 8 pm.

Saturday, August 25
Big Wes Turner’s Trio returns to The Club Tavern in Middleton, AGAIN. Dancing recommended, especially if you need to burn off a famous Mooseburger! 9:30 until very late.


Saturday, September 1
September? Yes, but still summer! And the Birddog Blues Band (with Mel Ford on guitar, Derek Hendrickson on drums, Tom McCarty on bass, and Ken “Birddog” Olufs on harmonica) will entertain on the spacious patio at Tofflers in New Glarus. Enjoy while you can. 8 pm.


Friday, September 7
The Maintainers are comprised of mouth-harpist Frankie Lee, guitarist Mel Ford, bassist Tom McCarty, and drummer Rick Becker. The four will race through a round-robin of blues styles at the Mazomanie Music Conservancy.

Check back for future McMusical news.

P.S. Big Wes Turner’s Newsletter has added an amazing new option: POSTCARDS! Whaaaaa? Yeah, you heard right. Most well-informed Turnerites receive their sporadic action updates via email, but now they can alternately (or additionally) get a scrap of cheap cardboard with information scribbled thereupon...
FOR FREE!!! Just ask.

Note
: Postcards are redeemable for a drink wherever Big Wes Turner’s Trio is found.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Name This Post Contest Announced!



Scroll down for the McMusical Calendar listings.

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” wrote someone once. I hope that someone was well paid for that pithy little tidbit. It’s a keeper. It’s lasted. It’s part of the consciousness of millions and millions of media consumers. It’s what pops into our heads whenever we forget something we shouldn’t or find it impossible to come up with an answer for some rudimentary question. Like, say, what to name this post.

I don’t know. Do you? If you have an idea, any idea (doesn’t have to be brilliant), send it in. Our panel of judge will select the best idea and present the grand prize (probably a pint of beer) the next time the winner and our panel of judge run into each other. It can be arranged.

McMusical Calendar

Sunday, August 12
The Sparks Band plays on the patio (probably) at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City. Eat, drink, and wallow in 60s nostalgia. 3 to 5 pm-ish

Saturday, August 18
Big Wes Turner’s Trio returns to Tyranena Brewing in legendary Lake Mills with Rockin’ Rhythm & Swingin’ Blues. On the expansive patio (weather permitting). Food cart on site. 6 to 9 pm.

Saturday, August 25
Big Wes Turner’s Trio returns to The Club Tavern in Middleton, AGAIN. Dancing recommended, especially if you need to burn off a Mooseburger! 9:30 until very late.

Check back for future McMusical news.

P.S. Big Wes Turner’s Newsletter has added an amazing new option: POSTCARDS! Whaaaaa? Yeah, you heard right. Most well-informed Turnerites receive their sporadic action updates via email, but now they can alternately (or additionally) get a scrap of cheap cardboard with information scribbled thereupon...
FOR FREE!!! Just ask us.


Note: The postcard version of the Newsletter is redeemable for a drink wherever Big Wes Turner’s Trio is playing. Sign up.

Monday, June 18, 2018

Last-Minute Gigs Engaged!

The Sparks Band plays this coming Sunday! (June 24) in the beer garden at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City. 
3 to 5 pm.
The very next night (Monday, June 25), Tom travels south to Beloit to join in on guitarist Dave Potter’s Blue Monday series at the Grand Avenue Pub. 6:30 to 10 pm.

Scroll down to the McMusical calendar for more event listings. (See previous post for links.)

Why is this man smiling?
Could it be the off-camera pints of Tyranena beer? The company of drummer-man Mark Haines (pictured)? The unpictured presence of Chicago Blues HOF guitarist Billy Flynn and award-winning pianist Rie Kanehira, or the Kings of Cashbox themselves, Oscar Wilson and Joe Nosek? Or is it that new toy, little red MIM Fender P?
Correct answer: All Of The Above.




McMusical Calendar

Friday, June 22
The Cashbox Kings do the Chi-Town Blues thing for the Music at Harry’s Place concert series in Beloit, WI. Downbeat at 7:00 pm.

Saturday, June 23
Big Wes Turner’s Trio returns to The Club Tavern in Middleton, home of The Mooseburger! 9 until late pm.

Sunday, June 24
The Sparks Band, plays while the beer pours in the beer garden at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City. On the shores of the mighty Wisconsin river. 3 to 5 pm.

Monday, June 25
The Dave Potter Band hosts a Monday night series of Blues at the Grand Avenue Pub in Beloit. Tom and Mark Haines join in from 6:30 to 10 pm.

Tuesday, June 26
The Cashbox Kings entertain the passing masses on Madison’s State Capitol Square during the lunch hour. Sample the food carts and chew along with the Blues.

Friday, June 29
The Sparks Band, those masters of 60s nostalgia, rock out early at Chief’s. 6:30 to 10ish pm-ish.

Saturday, June 30
Big Wes Turner’s Trio presides over this Fourth-O-July preview party at The Varsity Club in Merrimac. 7 to 11 pm.

Sunday, July 1
The Cashbox Kings participate in The Knuckle Down Saloon’s annual all-day Red, White, and Blues festival, joined by The Jimmys and more. Festivities in the parking lot, weather permitting.

Wednesday, July 4
The Sparks Band, minor masters of 60s nostalgia, rock out early at Me & Julio. 6 to 9. On the patio, weather permitting.

Friday, July 6
Big Wes Turner’s Trio brings all varieties of booty-shaking Blues to Madison’s home of the Blues, The Knuckle Down Saloon. 9 to Midnight.

Sunday, July 8
Faux Fawn plays a set at Homegrown Festival in West Bend. 1 to 2 pm.

Saturday, July 14
The Birddog Blues Band in New Glarus, on the street and, later, at Tofflers Bar & Grill.


Sunday, July 15
Faux Fawn opens up the day’s festivities at Fete de Marquette at noon, on the Moon Stage.

Thursday, July 19
Faux Fawn plays the patio at the High Noon Saloon. 6 pm.

Saturday, July 21
Big Wes Turner’s Trio returns to The Club Tavern in Middleton, home of the famous Mooseburger! 9 until late pm.
Check back for more McMusical announcements.
P.S. Big Wes Turner’s Newsletter has added an amazing new option: POSTCARDS! Whaaaaa? Yeah, you heard right. Most well-informed Turnerites receive their sporadic action updates via email, but now they can alternately (or additionally) get a scrap of cheap cardboard with information scribbled thereupon...
FOR FREE!!! Just ask us.

Monday, June 11, 2018

Keeping Up With...



Newsflash!
This Wednesday! (June 13) at 
Me & Julio, 6 to 9 pm.
Scroll down to the McMusical calendar for full event listings.





Note: Thanks to Big Al and the great audience at The Blu Room at Breezer’s Pub for a memorable night.

Where’s Wes?
We last reported on the whereabouts of Big Wes Turner after he called from the big island in Hawaii. The soothing strains of his slack-key guitar riffs still echo in our ears, but since then things have gotten very hot in Hawaii. We were wondering how close the Big Guy was to those wicked eruptions when a postcard shows up in the mail, postmark Vladivostok! What? Best wishes and something about a train ride was as much as we could decipher from the chicken-scratched message. Will balalaikas be the next stringed-instrument exploration for Wes Turner? As usual, the only way to know what Big Wes is up to is to keep eyes and ears ever open. Meanwhile...

McMusical Calendar

Wednesday, June 13
Big Wes Turner’s Trio comes back to Me & Julio. Will they be on the wagon (the patio stage)? So far, the weather lady says, Yes! 6 to 9 pm.

Thursday, June 14
The Cashbox Kings reign over Burlington, Wisconsin’s Concert Series in Echo Park. Hold me tighter, Carmelita! Show starts at 6:30 pm.

Friday, June 15
The Cashbox Kings sally forth to Tyranena Brewing (best beer in Wisconsin) in Lake Mills. 6 to 9 on the patio (per the weather).

Saturday June 16
The Cashbox Kings bring it all down to earth at the Monroe (Wisconsin) Hot Air Balloon and Blues Festival. Downbeat at 6:30 pm.

Friday, June 22
The Cashbox Kings do the Chi-Town Blues thing for the Music at Harry’s Place concert series in Beloit, WI. Downbeat at 7:00 pm.

Saturday, June 23
Big Wes Turner’s Trio returns to The Club Tavern in Middleton, home of The Mooseburger! 9 until late pm.

Tuesday, June 26
The Cashbox Kings entertain the passing masses on Madison’s State Capitol Square during the lunch hour. Sample the food carts and chew along with the Blues.

Friday, June 29
The Sparks Band, those masters of 60s nostalgia, rock out early at Chief’s. 6:30 to 10ish pm-ish.

Saturday, June 30
Big Wes Turner’s Trio presides over this Fourth-O-July preview party at The Varsity Club in Merrimac. 7 to 11 pm.

Sunday, July 1
The Cashbox Kings participate in The Knuckle Down Saloon’s annual all-day Red, White, and Blues festival, joined by The Jimmys and more. Festivities in the parking lot, weather permitting.

Wednesday, July 4
The Sparks Band, minor masters of 60s nostalgia, rock out early at Me & Julio. 6 to 9. On the patio, weather permitting.

Friday, July 6
Big Wes Turner’s Trio brings all varieties of booty-shaking Blues to Madison’s home of the Blues, The Knuckle Down Saloon. 9 to Midnight.

Sunday, July 8
Faux Fawn plays a set at Homegrown Festival in West Bend. 1 pm

Saturday, July 14
The Birddog Blues Band in New Glarus, on the street and, later, at Tofflers Bar & Grill.

Sunday, July 15
Faux Fawn opens up the day’s festivities at Fete de Marquette at noon, on the Moon Stage.

Thursday, July 19
Faux Fawn plays the patio at the High Noon Saloon. 6 pm.

Saturday, July 21
Big Wes Turner’s Trio returns to The Club Tavern in Middleton, home of the famous Mooseburger! 9 until late pm.

Check back soon for more McMusical announcements.

P.S. Big Wes Turner’s Newsletter has added an amazing new option: POSTCARDS! Whaaaaa? Yeah, you heard right. Most well-informed Turnerites receive their sporadic action updates via email, but now they can alternately (or additionally) get a scrap of cheap cardboard with information scribbled thereupon...
FOR FREE!!! Just ask us.