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.