Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Where-ing Out

Oh where, oh where, is “the Big One’s” band?

It’s a more common question than you’d imagine, though not nearly so often posed as the myriad musings over the whereabouts of that monolith of musical mystique nonpareil himself, (Big) Wes Turner.

Call it hiatus or hibernation, Big Wes Turner’s Trio is scheduled not to see nightlight until April 28, appearing at that apex, that epitome, that Holy Grail of beer-drinking destinations, Tyranena Brewing in Lake Mills, Wisconsin (the Tyranena Tasting Room serves up good vibrations AND great libations). 7 to 10 pm.

But why wait that long? Call! Big Wes’s boys will get down with the sounds that move you. The price is reasonable, and therefore right. Pass the hat and don’t let the beer go flat.



Meanwhile, check out these approaching opportunities to soak in some lively LIVE MUSIC!!!

Saturday, February 10
The Cashbox Kings return to Milwaukee’s storied Shank Hall. Sovereign soul men Oscar Wilson on vocals and Joe Nosek on harmonica bring along guitar-slinger Mel Ford, drummer Mark Haines, and Big Wes bassman, Tom McCarty. 8pm. $10 advance/$12 at the door.

Sunday, February 11
Neo-folkers Faux Fawn open up for KUINKA (“An electronic jolt into modern folk and Americana, waltzing along the grooved edges of dream-pop, synth-pop, and Brooklyn’s mid-aughts guitar-rock revival.” According to Vanyaland.) at The Frequency, E. Main St., just off the Capitol square in downtown Madison. Ages 18 and up. $7 advance/$10 at the door. Show starts at 8pm.

Tuesday, February 20
The Cashbox Kings help YOU help Porchlight raise funds by sampling delicious dishes from great Madison restaurants. Yes! On 
Mardis Gras! Laissez les bon temps rouler! Celebrate New Orleans tradition via Chess Studios-era Chicago sounds.

Saturday, March 3
Once again, The Cashbox Kings bring that Chicago Blues thang to venerable eastside Madison watering hole, The Crystal Corner Bar. It ain’t far, so make sure there’s where you are! 9:45 ‘til late.

Check it out and check back for more McMusical news.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

PSA

Here’s a list of the things we can talk about without risking offense: The Weather.

Yes, it's a short list, and Politics is definitely NOT on it. We live in fraught times. Conversations can feel like a walk along a slope both steep and slippery. One false step and we’re taking a tumble into four-letter-word land.

Luckily, it snowed recently, inches of lovely, fluffy white stuff. Let’s talk about THAT. Wisconsin is still way behind in its ideal accumulation of winter precipitation, but there’s still time to catch up. Keep your fingers crossed. Also, if you don’t know the difference between Weather and Climate, consult your dictionary or encyclopedia, or repeat the fifth grade.


Also, leave early for your next appointment so you have time to take ‘er slow on those slick roads. This friendly reminder to exercise Common Sense, is brought to you by the following events, all of which you should consider attending:


Saturday, January 20. Faux Fawn folks it up with opening act Twin Brother and headliner Old Earth in an evening of intergenerational artistic aspirations at Company Brewing in Milwaukee. Show starts at 10 pm.

Saturday, January 27. The Birddog Blues Band gets down to The Blu Room in Dubuque, Iowa! (It’s over the border!) Ken “Birddog” Olufs on mouth harp, Mel Ford on guitar, Derek Hendrickson (of The Family Business) on drums, Tom McCarty on bass. Show starts at 8 pm.

Saturday, February 10. The Cashbox Kings bring the authentic sound of traditional Chicago Blues to Milwaukee’s storied music venue, Shank Hall. Show starts at 8 pm.

Check back for more (mostly)innocuous preambles and McMuscial news.

Monday, January 8, 2018

Weather Retort

Weather or not, we Wisconsinites work it out. Call it a dip into the deep freeze or just “seasonable,” us wizened ones know enough to keep the woolens handy and allow extra layers and extra time. All that may make an unwieldy wintertime mantra, so whittle it down if you will, but keep on keepin’ on, and keep on coming out to hear music made without mediation by the digital overlords. We’re talkin’ LIVE MUSIC! 


Here are some suggestions.

Wednesday, January 10. Big Wes Turner’s Trio aids digestion for the dinner crowd at Me & Julio (Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg). Good taps, comfort, companionship, plus Rockin’ Rhythm and Swingin’ Blues. 6 to 9 pm.


Thursday, January 11. The Birddog Blues Band at Tofflers in New Glarus. Like the name says: BLUES. Ken “Birddog” Olufs on mouth harp, Mel Ford on guitar, Mauro Magellan (of The Georgia Satellites) on drums, Tom McCarty on bass. 8 ‘til late.

Sunday January 20. Faux Fawn folks it up as opener for Old Earth in an evening of intergenerational artistic aspiration at Company Brewing in Milwaukee. Paul Otteson writes, plays, and sings, Audre Rae Krull sings, Luke Bassuener drums, Doug Brown fiddles on fiddle and guitar, Tom McCarty basses. Check for show times.

Saturday, January 27. The Birddog Blues Band gets down to The Blu Room in Dubuque, Iowa! (It’s over the border!) Ken “Birddog” Olufs on mouth harp, Mel Ford on guitar, Derek Hendrickson (of The Family Business) on drums, Tom McCarty on bass.

Come back for February info. On tap soon.