Let's Work Together

Happy Labor Day to all you hard workin' American menfolk and womenfolk!

Here's a bit of inspirational clickbait from good buddy Richard Wiegel. It goes back a few years but it's still plenty peppy.

KEEP IT ALIVE

Check out the McMusical calendar below for entertainment opportunities, but don't forget the most important day of the year--November 2, Election Day when Wisconsinites will choose a new governor. 

The choice is between two guys. One is Tom Tiffany who, as a congressman, voted in lockstep with Trump, who keeps repeating Trump's lies about who won the 2020 election, and whose biggest campaign donors are three billionaires (two of whom live in Illinois). The other, my choice, is David Crowley, a bright young man who has been leading Milwaukee County and is endorsed by outgoing governor Tony Evers.

If you plan to vote for Tiffany, I would really like to hear from you. I want to understand why you think that's a good idea.

And if you don't plan to vote at all, I'd like to understand that decision, too. (No surprise, but I think it's a bad one.) Let's talk.

The McMusical Calendar

Sunday, September 6
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays (all kinds of Blues and R&B) at Ohana's (formerly Tofflers) in New Glarus. 3 to 6

Monday, September 7
BirdDogBlues celebrates Labor Day at Club LaMark (Hwy 51, just north of East Wash) from 2 to 5

Saturday, September 12
Faux Fawn, singer/songwriter Paul Otteson's for-fun project plays a house concert in Verona. 6 to 8

Sunday, September 13
Weather permitting, enjoy Doug White's driveway concert. (Moves indoors in case of rain.)The driveway is on Marconi on Madison's west side. You can't miss it. Keyboardist White, plus saxophonist extraordinaire Austin Cebulske, bassist and singer Tom McCarty, and drummer Jim Huwe. Bring a chair. 6 to 7

Friday, September 18
BirdDogBlues puts on their black ties and tune up to play a pricey fundraiser (former Badger great Ron Dayne will be in attendance) that was originally going to be at Foulker Farm, until somebody asked "What the ...?" New address, 333 South Madison Street in Waunakee. 6 to 9

Sunday, September 13
Another Doug White's driveway concert. Right in the middle of one-block-long Marconi St. on Madison's west side. Keyboardist White, saxophonist Austin Cebulske, bassist Tom McCarty, and drummer Jim Huwe. 6 to 7

Saturday, September 26
BirdDogBlues plays the last big downtown Mazomanie event of the season. In the heart of downtown Mazomanie. 6 to 9

Sunday, September 27
Perhaps the last Doug White's driveway concert of the year. Don't miss it. 6 to 7

Friday, October 2
The Sparks Band plays 60s hits and rarities at Chief's on Cottage Grove Road. That's right across from Buck's Pizza (they deliver). 7 to 10

Saturday, October 17
Is this a private party The Sparks Band is playing for at Hawk's Landing? Could be. And what time? Dunno. I DO know that hits from the 60s will rule.

Saturday, October 24
BirdDogBlues plays the Parker Lake Lodge, just west of Oxford. 2 to 5

Tuesday, November 2
VOTE, dammit!

Friday, November 6
BirdDogBlues plays at Lyon's Irish Pub in Watertown. 6 to 9 (I think?)

Friday, November 13
The Doug White Quintet plays funky jazz for a happy hour at Cafe CODA (right across from the Willy St. Co-op on Willy St., right next to Dank of Wisconsin). Featuring saxophone double-threat Austin Cebulske and Tom Guillion, plus bassist Tom McCarty and drummer Jim Huwe.  5 to 6:30  no cover

Friday, December 4
And again, The Sparks Band lets fly with rock and sock-em hits from the 60s at Chief's (see directions above). 7 to 10

Saturday, December 12
Jeff Burkhart and a cast of many (at least ten) singers and pickers set up on The Harmony Bar stage to revisit the Chuck Bayuk song list and raise money for the Goodman Center. 2 to 5

 

 

 

 

Now and Then

THEN

 It was 15 years ago today (almost), when The Wheatles were prepared to play...

...a gig. Someone captured this bit of the soundcheck at the Mineral Point Opera House.

NOW...

the McMusical Calendar

Saturday, August 15
Faux Fawn plays a house concert in McFarland. Music starts at 6 pm at 6213 Rivercrest Drive. If you are reading this, you are invited. Faux Fawn features the songs of singer, songwriter Paul Otteson, supported by Luke Bassuener on drums, Audrae Krull on second voice, Tom McCarty on upright bass, and multi-instrumentalist Doug Brown on stringed things.

Friday, August 21
The Maintainers (featuring harmonica man Frankie Lee, plus Mel Ford on guitar, Tom McCarty on bass, and Rich Larson on drums) play Chiefs (across from Buck's Pizza on Cottage Grove Road). 7 to 10

Saturday, August 22
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays the VFW in Oxford. Details coming.

Sunday, September 6
BirdDogBlues at Ohana's in New Glarus. 3 to 6

Monday, September 7
BirdDogBlues at Club LaMark on Madison's east side. 2 to 5 

Did You See This?

Latest updates!

 (Who says we don't post prolifically?)

Friday, July 10
Doug White Quintet makes funky jazz noise at Cafe CODA on Willy Street in Madtown. Cool and comfy. Enjoy an extra-long hip and happenin' Happy Hour. And YES, there's NO cover. 5 to 7

Friday, July 17
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays blues and R&B at OHana's in New Glarus. Spacious patio, deck, barroom, good eats and New Glarus beers. 7 to 10 (unless it pours).

Saturday, July 18
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays Cary's Party at N3380 County Rd N just outside of Jefferson. If you're driving by, stop in. 4 to 7

Tuesday, July 21
Gerry Does Jerry plays the Blues, Booze, and Food Trucks event in New Glarus. Gerry Burns corrals top flight talent to explore the Grateful Dead's musical corpus. Early afternoon slot expected. Check listings.

Wednesday, July 22
Gerry Burns enlists bassist Tom McCarty for a Gerry Does Jerry acoustic duo performance at Octopi Brewing in Waunakee. (Check out trippy poster above!)

Thursday, July 23
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays the blues for yooz at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City. Overlooking the mighty Wisconsin River. 6 to 8

Friday, July 24
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays Beloit's big outdoor summertime series, Live at Harry's Place at 1240 S. Riverside Drive in Beloit. 7 to 9

Thursday, July 30
The Sparks Band (the band) rocks away with hits and misses from the 60s at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City. Same place, same river, different band. 6 to 8

Thursday, August 6
BirdDogBlues plays Verona's Concerts in the Park series at Century School Park just off Verona Ave. downtown. 6 to 8

Saturday, August 22
BirdDogBlues plays the VFW in Oxford from 3 to 6.

Coming soon! Play dates for September, October and beyond. Check back. 

250 Years Old! How're We Feelin'?

Musically? Pretty good.

If it doesn't rain, and the heat don't kill us, BirdDogBlues will be stompin' and rompin' at Tyranena Brewing in Lake Mills tomorrow evening. (July 3, see previous post for details on this and other events.)

AND, the air conditioning will be welcome one week later (July 10) when The Doug White Quintet takes the stage for a happy hour (more like two hours) of funky-jazzy sounds at Madison's Cafe CODA on Willy Street.  5 to 7 pm. Cool drinks and hot tenors. Saxophonists Tom Guillion and Austin Cebulske blow up a storm, along with drummer Jim Huwe, bassist Tom McCarty, and bandleader White. 
(This is a NEW listing.)

In between, we will be celebrating the 4th with family and friends as safely and sanely as possible. And thinking about how best to make ours a more perfect union. A MUCH more perfect union, starting with voting out anyone unwilling to stand up to the lies and corruption of the current occupant of the White House. (Ask me how I REALLY feel.)

Happy Birthday USA! (Make sure it's not your last.) 

Sum, Sum, Summertime

 

June has barely begun bustin' out all over (show tune reference), yet we are belatedly making good on our promise to preview musical undertakings coming up in July.

But first, this addendum and plug for Doug White's Concerts on Marconi. Mr. White, estimable pianist and organist, invites musical friends and associates to perform in his driveway (it moves inside if rain threatens) to entertain neighbors and passsersby. The vibe is laid back and jazzy, ranging through old and new standards, and an original composition or two. From 6 to 7:30 every Sunday in June and most others until the weather turns too nippy. (Marconi St. is one block long. Follow the friendly crowd. Bring a chair.)

See previous post to catch up on McMusical happenings in June. Here's what's happening in July and beyond.

Friday, July 3
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays blues and R&B at Tyranena Brewing in Lake Mills. Spacious patio and grounds, plus Wisconsin's best craft beers. 6 to 9 (unless it pours).

Saturday, July 18
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays Cary's Party at N3380 County Rd N just outside of Jefferson. If you're driving by, stop in. Late afternoon to sundown.

Tuesday, July 21
Gerry Does Jerry plays the Blues, Booze, and Food Trucks event in New Glarus. Gerry Burns corrals top flight talent to explore the Grateful Dead's musical corpus. Early afternoon slot expected. Check listings.

Wednesday, July 22
Gerry Burns enlists bassist Tom McCarty for a Gerry Does Jerry acoustic duo performance at Octopi Brewing in Waunakee. (Check out trippy poster above!)

Thursday, July 23
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays the blues for yooz at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City. Overlooking the mighty Wisconsin River. 6 to 8

Friday, July 24
BirdDogBlues (the band) plays Beloit's big outdoor summertime series, Live at Harry's Place at 1240 S. Riverside Drive in Beloit. 7 to 9

Thursday, July 30
The Sparks Band (the band) rocks away with hits and misses from the 60s at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City. Same place, same river, different band. 6 to 8

Thursday, August 6
BirdDogBlues plays Verona's Concerts in the Park series at Century School Park just off Verona Ave. downtown. 6 to 8

Saturday, August 22
BirdDogBlues plays the VFW in Oxford from 3 to 6.

Check back often and frequently for updates, corrections, and cheek.

 

 

 

Anybody Home?

Yes. Normally, yes.

But not always. We will be out and about on Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday at Ohana's in New Glarus, making bluesmuzik between 3 and 6pm (or some such), and the following day (Monday), making same such with BirdDogBlues (the band) at Club LaMark (the bar) from 2 to 5pm. 

Weather looking as if it may cooperate. Both venues feature outdoor staging. So come on down, dammit!

But, Hey! If you reside in parts east of Lake Winnebago but west of Lake Michigan, consider traveling to The Smiling Moose (just west of Sheboygan--look it up), whereat the selfsame BirdDogBlues (the band) will set up in a big tent out-back-o-the-bar and make noise from 2 to 5pm (roughly) on Sunday May 31st. Road trip?

So ends the merriest of months, but, "What about June?" you ask.

Keep your shorts on!

Faux Fawn, singer/songwriter Paul Otteson's accompanied by the full band, will perform out back of The McFarland House (in McFarland, duh!) from 6 to 8(ish) on Thursday, June 4. Food, drink, Chocolate Shop ice cream, and no cover charge (but you can/should tip).

Same band plays a set at Waterfront Fest on Saturday, June 13 at 2:30. It's a East-side Madison festival, people. Freak flags flown.

Then, on Friday, June 19, The Sparks Band purveys 60s rock and pop at the DirtyDog Taphaus in New Glarus. Sample from a huge variety of beers until the band sounds good.

Know what else? The same aforementioned The Sparks Band plays again from 6 to 8 on Thursday, June 25 at Vintage Brewing in Sauk City. Overlooking the mighty Wisconsin river. Just down the street from Augie Derleth's old crib. What a view. What a band.

"What about July," you ask? 

July gonna be berry berry busy. So much so that it will require a separate and subsequent edition of this must-read missive. Check back soon.

 

As Advertised

Greetings groovy people! Has it been this many weeks? (Yes.) 

Okay, we promised more promptly posted postings, and here is one. A revised McMusical calendar (see below) and in the meanwhile, we'll ignore the news of the day, mainly because me sainted mother (God rest) always told me that "if you can't say something nice, well then don't say anything at all."

Okay, she never said that. It was someone else. But sometimes it is the bitter yet better course of action, and so here.

The McMusical Calendar

First, take a gander at what the BirdDogBlues band is up to.
Info about other gigs below.

Friday, April 10
Doug White Quartet plays an early show at Cafe CODA. A stellar line-up playing mainstream jazz, possibly joined by a surprise guest vocalist for a few tunes. 5 - 7

Friday, April 17
The Maintainers Blues tradition with Frankie Lee, Mel Ford, Tom McCarty, Rich Larson) at Chief's. 7 - 10

Friday, June 19
The Sparks Band A mass of 60s hits and misses at the Dirty Dog Taphaus in New Glarus. 6 - 9

Thursday, June 25
The Sparks Band at Vintage Brewing, Sauk City. 6 -8 (if it don't rain)

Thursday, July 30
The Sparks Band at Vintage Brewing, Sauk City. 6 - 8 (if it don't rain)

Friday, 2 October
The Sparks Band at Chief's, Madison. 7 - 10

Friday, 4 December
The Sparks Band at Chief's, Madison. 7 - 10

Lookin' For The Heart of Saturday Night?

Like the picture says, one of Madison's really good bands at perhaps Madison's longest-running and most venerable venue for live music. If you have anything better to do on a Friday night, your priorities are seriously screwed up. (No judgement.)

Check back soon for updates to the upcoming 2026 McMusical calendar.

Music Is Good

Like the name implies, we're here to talk about what's going on in a very small corner of the world of music. There's a lot going on in the rest of the wider world, and a lot of it is very bad stuff. There are a lot of reasons to get angry and frustrated, but none of them warrant killing someone. If a vehicle is heading toward you, the best way to defend yourself is to get out of the way. Do NOT open fire. Get the plates and file a complaint. The (real) police will step in and chances are that nobody will have to die.

Music is more fun when you're not in mourning. Stay strong. Stay safe. Come out for your neighbors and community this year. And vote for sane leaders!

McMusical Calendar

Saturday, February 28
The BirdDogBlues band (featuring Mel Ford!) hits the stage at venerable Madison venue, The Harmony Bar & Grill! Homework during winter hibernation should result in additions to the already eclectic repertoire. 9 to 11:59 pm.

Friday, March 13
The BirdDogBlues band kicks off the Blues Cafe in the Rothschild Pavilion. Sponsored by the Great Northern Blues Society. A weekend of Blues luminaries. Check website for details. 6:30 pm.

Sunday, May 24
Memorial Day weekend mean the BirdDogBlues band plays a afternoon show at OHana's (formerly Toffler's) in New Glarus. Check back for time.

Monday, May 25
More Memorial Day celebration with the BirdDogBlues band at Club La Mark on Madison's east side. 2 to 5 pm.

Friday, June 19
The Sparks Band plays hits and near-misses from 60s at the Dirty Dog Taphaus in New Glarus. 6 to 9 pm

Friday, June 26
The BirdDogBlues band plays Wollersheim Winery. Great wines. Beautiful setting. Early evening music.

Friday, July 24
The BirdDogBlues band plays the Harry's Place music event in Beloit. Down by the riverside. In the evening. Baby. When the sun goin' down.

Saturday, August 1
The BirdDogBlues band play the Belleville Blues Festival. Details coming.

Sunday, September 6
The BirdDogBlues band plays a Labor Day weekend afternoon show at OHana's (formerly Toffler's) in New Glarus.

Monday, September 7
The BirdDogBlues band celebrates Labor Day at Club La Mark.
2 to 5 pm

Friday, October 2
The Sparks Band plays 60s hits and rarities at Chief's Bar & Grill. Right across from Buck's Pizza on Cottage Grove Road. 7 to 10.

Friday, December 4
Again! The Sparks Band hits the 60s at Chief's Bar & Grill. Right across from Buck's Pizza on Cottage Grove Road. 7 to 10.

Get Happy, Y'Hear?

The well wishes for the new year are barely out of our well-meaning mouths when the source of never ending crap dumps another load on the world's proverbial fan and the still-sane among us wonder what the hell we did to deserve this and what the hell we can do to stop Ol' Fish Lips from effing it ALL up.

Set that aside for a moment, and consider that a pop gem like this from one of the premiere pop singers gets even better when these brash Brits put it to a reggae beat. 

Thanks Jools. Thanks Paul. Cheers!

Over My Shoulder

Check back for an updated McMusical calendar.