Cancel Culture?

 

(Bop Reunion On Back Burner)

Before we say any more, let’s check with Mr. Webster to make sure that we know what we’re talking about when we talk about “culture.”

He says: n 6 a) the ideas, customs, skills, arts, etc. of a people or group, that are transferred, communicated, or passed along, as in or to succeeding generations b) such ideas, customs, etc. of a particular period; civilization c) the particular people or group having such ideas, customs, etc.

Well, sure! When I think about it, I generally think of musical practice and performance as falling into the “arts” parts of culture, and here at McMusic Inc. we concentrate on mid-twentieth century American music, making us simultaneously students of and participants in the creation and continuation of such. Yup. Sounds good to me.

So why cancel our culture? It’s all a matter of taste. Right? You take it or leave and time puts the rest to the test. Why get worked up?

Now when a gig gets canceled, that’s another thing, and it’s been a very real thing since COVID arrived. Most musical endeavors were canceled last year (the exceptions being outdoor events) and, despite high rates of vaccination in our immediate neighborhood, and the brief sigh of relief that resulted, the backwash that is the Delta variant is complicating our musical lives once again.

So it is that the musical memorial gathering of former members of Dr. Bop & the Headliners scheduled for August 21. Travel difficulties and uncertainty about viral variants has pushed this gig into the future.

So it’s a good thing you checked back in. Keep it up.

McMusical Calendar

Wednesday, August 11
The Sparks Band plays 60s hits and one-hit-wonders at The Fest Haus in New Glarus (106 Third Avenue) from 6:30 to 10 pm.

Friday, August 20

The Birddog Blues Band brings Mel Ford, Ken Olufs, Rick Becker, and Tom McCarty to Camp Beef Butter (where The White House restaurant used to be on Hwy M) for boogie-ing and imbibing from 6 to 9 pm.

NOTE: Weather dependent; if it rains the performance is canceled.

Saturday, August 21

CANCELLED! Former members of Dr. Bop & The Headliners (Ena Anka, Al Kraven (The White Raven), Troy Charmel, Cleveland St. James, and others) planned to return to Madison for a concert in memory of recently departed members at The High Noon Saloon. Postponement is the new plan, perhaps to Spring of 2022.

Saturday, September 11

Jimmy Buffet Night at the Harmony Bar & Grill with Chuck Bayuk & the Drunken Sailors, 8 to 11 pm. Fundraiser! Bring funds.

Friday, September 17

The Cashbox Kings at Tyranena Brewing in Lake Mills, 6 to 9 pm. Best Blues in the land.

Thursday, September 23

Faux Fawn at Bos Meadery (on East Washington Avenue). One set around 7 pm. Hip neo-folk music. Hip Bos booze.

Will other stuff happen? Or get canceled? Could be. Better check back.