Summer Preview

 Well, we've had April showers. What's next?

As per yer entertainment options, certain area music makers are preparing for a season of fiddlin' around, outdoors or otherwise. Some highlights include:

The Birddog Blues Band gets down to business this summer. The band starts setting the tempo for a busy season at The Bur Oak, hip and happening venue on Madison's east side. (see calendar below)

The two-man acoustic Blues outfit Mel Ford & the Fairlane pops up in Monticello and The Pink Heifer. (see calendar below)

Big Wes Turner's Trio begins what may be their final farewell tour at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City. That's not a threat OR a promise, but it IS a rare opportunity to enjoy this legendary outfit. (see calendar below)

Faux Fawn, the alt-folk outfit fronted by singer/songwriter Paul Otteson will present brand new songs and open for the infamously original Free Dirt in the bucolic outdoor setting at Madison's Eastside Club. (September 2)

The McMusical Calendar

Friday, May 5
The Birddog Blues Band plays the beautiful Bur Oak (2262 Winnebago Street). Move and groove with the “Doggies” and fortify yourself with brews, cocktails, and scrumptious Lao cuisine from the acclaimed AHAN restaurant under the same roof. 7 to 10 pm

Saturday, May 6
Mel Ford & the Fairlane make two-man music that's a little more laid back than the hard-driving Birddog Band, more appropriate for digesting the fine food and imbibing of benevolent beverages at Monticello's classy Pink Heifer. Music from 7 to 10 pm.

Sunday, May 21
The Birddog Blues Band plays WORTstock. Celebrate and support Madison’s community supported radio station at this all-day event in Warner Park. The “Doggies” play from 4 to 5 pm.

Monday (Memorial Day), May 29
The Birddog Blues Band does an afternoon holiday hang at Madison's eastside Club La Mark, 1525 N. Stoughton Rd (Hwy 51, a half block north of East Washington Ave). 2 to 5 pm

Friday, June 2
The Birddog Blues Band hits it inside the park for Verona Hometown Days at Verona's Hometown USA Festival Park. 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Saturday, June 3
The Birddog Blues Band whoops it up at Schumacher Farm Park Music Festival 5682 Hwy 19 in Waunakee. 3 to 5 pm

Thursday, June 8
School's out for the summer, but The Birddog Blues Band will be blowing and wailing the evening away on the UW Madison Memorial Union Terrace on the shore of Lake Mendota. Evening pm

Friday, June 16
The backyard at Tyranena Brewing in Lake Mills is where lovers of beer and Blues want to be, especially when the The Birddog Blues Band lets loose from 6 to 9 pm.

Saturday, June 17
Beer Heaven or Beer Nirvana? You decide while bopping to The Birddog Blues Band at Wisconsin Brewing Company, just south of Verona. 6 to 9 pm

Saturday, June 24
One week later and further on down the road, The Birddog Blues Band plays the Paoli Mill Stage (at The Hop Garden). 5 to 8 pm

Friday, June 30
The Birddog Blues Band plays the Lake House Inn in Edgerton (1612 E. Hotel Drive). 7 to 10

Saturday, July 8
Sample some "squeezins" with The Birddog Blues Band at Doundrins Distilling in Cottage Grove (300 Progress Drive).
6:30 to 9:30

Thursday, July 13
Check out the spacious lawn and panoramic views on the shores of Lake Monona while The Birddog Blues Band entertains at the East Side Club (3735 Monona Drive). 5:30 to 8:30 pm

Saturday, July 22
The Birddog Blues Band returns to Edgerton and the Lake House Inn (1612 E. Hotel Drive). 7 to 10 pm

Wednesday, July 26
The Birddog Blues Band entertains at Swan Park Bandshell in Beaver Dam from 7 to 8:30 pm.

Thursday, July 27
Enjoy food and drink whilst overlooking the mighty Wisconsin River and enjoying the return of Big Wes Turner's Trio (featuring Billy Flynn). Big Wes's musical chameleons offer eclectic and eccentric tunes from R&B, RocknRoll, and C&W traditions at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City.
6 to 8 pm (come early, stay late) (Fair weather dependent; check your radar.)

There's more! Check back often for updates, additions, and gigs in August and beyond.