Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Hey! Remember?


Remember way back when “social media” was a new thing? Even back then a few wise heads expressed doubts about the ultimate good or ill of it all. Since then not only has the novelty worn off, Facebook and the others have become a pervasive presence in our lives. Perhaps perniciously so.

I’ve always been suspicious of a business that purports to give you something for nothing, and the history of Facebook has hardly proven such suspicions unfounded. Is connectedness valuable? Sure! But so is privacy. Perhaps preciously so.

A guy named Ross Douthat recently argued that if we really want to regain some of our privacy, we will need to set some limits. We will need to establish internet-free places and spaces. We will need to experience reality before it becomes virtual. We will need to rediscover ways to interact and socialize that don’t depend on smart phones.

This sounds like good advice, so we’re passing it on. And while we’re at it, check the Calendar below for places and occasions where just such reality-based socializing can be enjoyed. Turn of that smart phone and raise your glass, Wisconsinites.

P.S. Thanks to everyone who joined in with Big Wes Turner’s Trio for the opening weekend of Tyranena Brewing's 
summer entertainment season (live music every Friday and Saturday on Tyranena's spacious dog-friendly, family-friendly patio and backyard. Flying Cow Pizza brought their portable wood-fired oven onsite and the result was a perfect pairing with Tyranena's array of robust beers. Tom, Rick, and Gary had a good old time playing Wes Turner’s signature brand of "Rockin’ RHYTHM & Swingin’ BLUES."


The McMusical Calendar

Wednesday, May 15
The Maintainers keep Madison’s blues tradition alive. Mel Ford, Frankie Lee, Rick Becker, and Tom McCarty mix it up for fans of fun and FREE music. The Olin Park Shelter. 6 to 8 pm

Friday, May 17
The Sparks Band knocks musical nostalgia balls out of the proverbial park at The Atwood. 8 to 11 pm

Saturday, May 18
Big Wes Turner’s Trio brings their Rockin’ RHYTHM & Swingin’ BLUES to Me&Julio in Fitchburg. On the patio if weather permits. 6 to 9 pm

Tuesday, May 21
The Birddog Blues Band plays for Heartland Credit Union’s annual meeting at Turner Hall. 5:30 to 8

Thursday, May 23
The Madison College Big Band and Madison College Jazz Ensemble play the Capital Brewery biergarten, in Middleton. 6 to 9


Friday, May 24
Big Wes Turner’s Trio brings the Big Wes brand of Rockin’ RHYTHM & Swingin’ BLUES to Chief’s Bar & Grill. Buck's Pizza (right across the road) delivers! 6:30 to 10 pm

Saturday, May 25
The Birddog Blues Band plays at The Friendly Inn Bar & Grill on 17th Street in Monroe. 4 to 8 pm

Sunday, May 26
No work tomorrow, right? So come down to Tofflers in New Glarus to hear The Birddog Blues Band. 8 'til late.

Check back for more June, and July dates, plus late-breaking McMusical news and corrections.

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.