Archive for January, 2009
Keokuk venue Music @ the Mall recognized by Web site
Jan 29th
I have often talked about Keokuk's all ages venue Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, and tried to help promote them as much as possible. They are doing great things for music in the area by pulling in touring and regional bands to perform every Saturday night.
ARTICLE ABOUT RENAE THAT RAN IN THE QUINCY HERALD-WHIG NOV. 13, 2008:
Music @ the Mall staff dubs Renae as amazing. And Renae returns the industry love, saying the venue "takes care of you while you are there … It feels like a local show with how many kids come out."
Well Music @ the Mall has been recognized for what they are doing for indie music by Indie On the Move as the top venue in Iowa. See the page here.
Also, congrats to the Black Sheep Cafe in Springfield, Ill., for getting sixth in the state and being the only venue in the top 10 of Illinois that isn't in the Chicagoland area.
ABOUT INDIE ON THE MOVE
Indieonthemove.com is DIY (Do-it-yourself). Their goal is to provide independent musicians with the most comprehensive and reliable venue database on the web, by fostering a collaborative environment in which members post, rate, and review venues from all across the U.S. for free.
SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC AND GO TO A SHOW!
The Beat Daddys (blues)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
WHERE: The Club Tavern
INFO: www.myspace.com/thebeatdaddys
Wine Down with Ketcham Louden Live! (acoustic/rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $5, ages 21 and over
INFO: www.spiritknob.com
Bud Summers
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Brix Wine and Cheese,121 N. Fourth, Quincy
Hillhaven Raven, The Post Mortems, Tropical Punks and Henry gets Ideas
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
Predawn Hour (rock)
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Rivercity Billiards, Hannibal, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/predawnhour
TORQUE (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Dugout Lounge, Monroe City, Mo.
HOW MUCH: $5
INFO: www.myspace.com/torquerocks
Thru the Ashes (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Rookies Sports Bar, Hannibal, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/thrutheashesacoustic
Richard James and the Special Riders brings original style
Jan 27th
As I pull up Monday night in front of Players on Fifth for the Richard James and the Special Riders and Ol' Red Shed's show, I realize you have to go through the back, because the band is set up in front of the front door.
Considering the amount of people who warned me to be careful after hearing that I was attending a show there, this did not bode well. I walk around to the back and in through the door of the "dive" bar and see a mix of somewhat unsavory characters and clean cut alternative music lovers.
Right then, I decide that I love it and this is the first time I've seen a show in Quincy that felt a bit like an underground show in Chicago.
Quincy acoustic artist Cheeks McGee was there with friends and said he's "not even really into this kind of music," but he was excited that there was something new in Quincy. "What else do I have to do on a Monday?" he added.
Exactly my point. A random punk show is just the way to start your week.
The bands were late and taking their time setting up, while patrons were hanging out and drinking all of them intermixing as though this is a nightly event.
Local act Ol' Red Shed opened up and the first thing they uttered was, "raise your glasses (everyone complied) … let's get drunk!"
I could tell this was going to get interesting.
They performed sans drummer, saying they "were gonna slow things down" and play them a bit dirtier.
At first glance, the most interesting thing about the band was their use of a fiddle bass to really give that country/bluegrass vibe. Sadly, it was difficult to hear it, but it still added something great to the band.
(I must pause here to vent about the sound. It was unfortunate that with the late start, Ol' Red Shed did not take the time for a proper sound check, which hurt them. Honestly though, the system itself did not do the band justice. Check them out in future though, because I've heard great things about Ol' Red Shed when they are their usual full lineup. Find out more at www.myspace.com/oldredshed.)
As for Richard James and the Special Riders, I must say WOW! They made it feel like a small punk venue in a big city. The place wasn't packed by then, but they had most of the people up in front dancing.
They did us the favor of stopping by between their shows in Kansas City and Milwaukee, and I'd like to say THANK YOU! We needed this breath of original air and appreciate their willingness to open Quincy eyes to something new.
This is not a band of kids looking up to their American Hardcore predecessors. Quite frankly, they're not angry enough. These are seasoned musicians paving their own way. They give a respectful nod to punk rock and dismiss mainstream in true punk fashion.
Speaking of fashion, the rhythm guitarist Anne wore a black mask over her eyes while playing, dancing and backing up the singer. These masks were also for sale at their merchandise table. It was a great touch for the Special Riders.
Now, just so that we are on the same page, let me explain what I mean when I say punk. This is a term that has been watered down, like many other genre names, to not mean the same thing to everyone.
QUICK OVERVIEW: To me, punk is early 80's anarchy-driven DIYers (do-it-yourselfers) who plowed through the country playing nine minute sets before the cops broke up their all ages shows. I don't want to start singling out specific bands, but check out the sound track for the amazing documentary "American Hardcore: The History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986" to see who I'm talking about.
So as for Richard James and the Special Riders, the person next to me at the show mentioned he heard the Misfits in them, an influential punk rock band from the early 80's, in them and a touch of the Whitestripes. I somewhat agree with that assessment, meaning the lead singer has a touch of Jack White of the Whitestripes in his vocals, and the music is a bit Misfit-esque.
This is not your slacker uncle's punk but rather an offshoot still worth checking out. I know now that you are kicking yourself for not going to the show yourself, so stay tuned for the next random must-see show and see for yourself.
Contact me at jmartin@whig.com.
MID-WEEK MUSIC: Open mic night Tuesday; Quincy band hits Springfield
Jan 27th
There are some things to do tonight and during the week and even more this week, so support local music and go to a show!
Open Mic Night (acoustic)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
WHERE: Paradise Bar, 10th and Hampshire, Quincy
INFO: www.myspace.com/warrentini72
Keith Franx
WHEN: Wednesday
WHERE: Jorge the Crook's, Quincy
The Dread Corsair of Quincy (metal)
WHEN: 6 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Black Sheep Cafe, 1320 S. Eleventh, Springfield, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $7, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/zdbattleofthebands
WEEKEND SHOWS
The Beat Daddys (blues)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
WHERE: The Club Tavern
INFO: www.myspace.com/thebeatdaddys
Wine Down with Ketcham Louden Live! (acoustic/rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $5, ages 21 and over
INFO: www.spiritknob.com
Bud Summers
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Brix Wine and Cheese,121 N. Fourth, Quincy
Hillhaven Raven, The Post Mortems, Tropical Punks and Henry gets Ideas
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
Predawn Hour (rock)
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Rivercity Billiards, Hannibal, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/predawnhour
TORQUE (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Dugout Lounge, Monroe City, Mo.
HOW MUCH: $5
INFO: www.myspace.com/torquerocks
Thru the Ashes (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Rookies Sports Bar, Hannibal, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/thrutheashesacoustic
Check out the Weekender page this Thursday for event articles and even more show listings.
I'm tired of hearing, 'There's nothing to do around here'
Jan 22nd
Even I can be accused of saying there isn’t much to do on a particular night, but in a town the size of Quincy and with an area as diverse as this, we should be ashamed of ourselves for even thinking it.
I was talking to my brother, who is probably moving to Quincy soon, about an event to take part in, and he said, “There’s plenty to do, you just have to find it … or make it.”
He’s not even here yet and is rightly convinced there are always things to do wherever you are.
As for shaking things up in Quincy…
I’d like to say that I appreciate the production company Walk the Plank for recently bringing in random bands from all over the country to perform at Players on Fifth Street in Quincy on unusual days of the week. It’s nice to see garage and punk acts represented in the area.
Below is a list of area events to do several days of the week:
Open Mic Nights (acoustic) open to area musicians
Tuesdays at Paradise Bar, 10th and Hampshire, with Warren Riley
Fridays at Kix Club, Ninth and State, with Dan Hemphill
The Gibbs Brothers with special guest Eric Brittingham of Cinderella,
Predawn Hour (rock) and Fielder (jam)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Turner Hall, 926 Hampshire
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/fielderband and www.myspace.com/predawnhour
Wine Down with Ketcham Louden Live! (acoustic/rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $5, ages 21 and over
INFO: www.spiritknob.com
OHTIS, Neighborhood Ghost and Dope Boy Allstars
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The Day Old Basement, 1111 W. Adams
HOW MUCH: $3, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/thedayoldbasement
Cheeks McGee (acoustic) with Nugget (Cake cover band)
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The Cafe, Macomb, Ill.
INFO: www.cheeksmcgeemusic.com
Grand re-opening featuring The Cheeseburgers (rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: South Side Boat Club, 640 S. Front
HOW MUCH: Free for members and $2 for non-members
INFO: www.myspace.com/thecheeseburgersquincy
Estrus, White Lie Syndicate and Siva (metal)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
Richard James & The Special Riders (punk/garage)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Monday
WHERE: Players 5th Street Pub, 225 N. Fifth
INFO: www.myspace.com/richardjamesthespecialriders
I’m tired of hearing, ‘There’s nothing to do around here’
Jan 22nd
Even I can be accused of saying there isn’t much to do on a particular night, but in a town the size of Quincy and with an area as diverse as this, we should be ashamed of ourselves for even thinking it.
I was talking to my brother, who is probably moving to Quincy soon, about an event to take part in, and he said, “There’s plenty to do, you just have to find it … or make it.”
He’s not even here yet and is rightly convinced there are always things to do wherever you are.
As for shaking things up in Quincy…
I’d like to say that I appreciate the production company Walk the Plank for recently bringing in random bands from all over the country to perform at Players on Fifth Street in Quincy on unusual days of the week. It’s nice to see garage and punk acts represented in the area.
Below is a list of area events to do several days of the week:
Open Mic Nights (acoustic) open to area musicians
Tuesdays at Paradise Bar, 10th and Hampshire, with Warren Riley
Fridays at Kix Club, Ninth and State, with Dan Hemphill
The Gibbs Brothers with special guest Eric Brittingham of Cinderella,
Predawn Hour (rock) and Fielder (jam)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Turner Hall, 926 Hampshire
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/fielderband and www.myspace.com/predawnhour
Wine Down with Ketcham Louden Live! (acoustic/rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $5, ages 21 and over
INFO: www.spiritknob.com
OHTIS, Neighborhood Ghost and Dope Boy Allstars
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The Day Old Basement, 1111 W. Adams
HOW MUCH: $3, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/thedayoldbasement
Cheeks McGee (acoustic) with Nugget (Cake cover band)
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The Cafe, Macomb, Ill.
INFO: www.cheeksmcgeemusic.com
Grand re-opening featuring The Cheeseburgers (rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: South Side Boat Club, 640 S. Front
HOW MUCH: Free for members and $2 for non-members
INFO: www.myspace.com/thecheeseburgersquincy
Estrus, White Lie Syndicate and Siva (metal)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
Richard James & The Special Riders (punk/garage)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Monday
WHERE: Players 5th Street Pub, 225 N. Fifth
INFO: www.myspace.com/richardjamesthespecialriders
'American Idol': A few favorites (Steve Eighinger, watch out!)
Jan 13th
I have a guilty pleasure as a music lover, and it's watching "American Idol." I'm not as devoted as our favorite Idol blogger, Steve Eighinger, but I did watch the entire first season and last year's entire season, with some shows here and there in between.
As this year's season premieres tonight, here are a few of my favorite "moments" from years past. They are just a few, so please let me know what your favorites are.
"A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin as performed by Kelly Clarkson (season 1). I'm pretty sure it was this performance that sealed the deal for me loving the show and that high note, WOW.
"Hello," by Lionel Richie as performed by David Cook (season 7). Hands down this the best arrangement by an "American Idol" contestant. It is amazing and it clinched Cook's win.
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as performed by Katharine McPhee (season 5). Jason Castro of season 7 also did a good version here.
"I Hate Myself for Loving You," as performed by Amanda Overmyer (season 7)
"Come Together," as performed by Carly Smithson (season 7)
"Let It Be" by the Beatles as performed by Brooke White (season 7)
"Summertime" as performed by Fantasia Barrino (season 3)
"Hemmorrhage," by Fuel as performed by Chris Daughtry (season 5). First time someone nailed a modern rock song on the show.
"Hallelulah," by Leonard Cohen (Jeff Buckley's version) as performed by Jason Castro (season 7).
"Stuff Like That There," performed by Kelly Clarkson (season 1). Apparently she can sing any type of song. This is great.
"Unchained Melody," performed by Clay Aiken (season 2). I love this song, and I know Simon does as well. It's one of the best covers I've heard, and he hits that high note.
"Dangerously In Love" by Beyonce as performed by Stephanie Edwards
"I'm A Woman," as performed by
Melinda Doolittle (season 6).
"A Moment Like This," by Kelly Clarkson (season 1) when she won. It was just a very emotional moment and that part towards the end when she looks up and barely sings "I can't believe it's happening to me,' gets me every time. I know. I'm a softie.
I will admit that I used to love Reba McEntire's song "Fancy" when I was little and Kellie Pickler does a decent job of it here.
"You Give Love A Bad Name," by Bon Jovi as performed and arranged by Blake Lewis (season 6). I think it's really interesting to hear this song done this way. Kudos for Blake doing something different.
"This Is My Now" by Jordin Sparks (season 6) when she won. Again, it's emotional, and there's always that moment during the song when the music drops back and the singer's voice cracks very dramatically.
"A House is Not a Home," by Burt Backarack and performed by Tamyra Gray (season 1). Best part is that last note, it nearly gives you chills.
Here are some auditions that I remember and like:
Amanda Overmyer (season 7)
Paris Bennett (Billy Holiday song is best) (season 5)
Josiah Leming sings "To Run." He was the homeless kid from season 7 that cried a lot.
David Cook sings "Livin On a Prayer" (season 7)
Michael Johns "I've Been Loving You To Long" (season 7)
Asia'h Epperson sings "How Do I Live" (season 7). It is emotional.
"Check Yes Or No" as performed by Drew (season 7). This is a rare look at an old school country singer.
Have fun watchin'. I know I will!
‘American Idol’: A few favorites (Steve Eighinger, watch out!)
Jan 13th
I have a guilty pleasure as a music lover, and it's watching "American Idol." I'm not as devoted as our favorite Idol blogger, Steve Eighinger, but I did watch the entire first season and last year's entire season, with some shows here and there in between.
As this year's season premieres tonight, here are a few of my favorite "moments" from years past. They are just a few, so please let me know what your favorites are.
"A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin as performed by Kelly Clarkson (season 1). I'm pretty sure it was this performance that sealed the deal for me loving the show and that high note, WOW.
"Hello," by Lionel Richie as performed by David Cook (season 7). Hands down this the best arrangement by an "American Idol" contestant. It is amazing and it clinched Cook's win.
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as performed by Katharine McPhee (season 5). Jason Castro of season 7 also did a good version here.
"I Hate Myself for Loving You," as performed by Amanda Overmyer (season 7)
"Come Together," as performed by Carly Smithson (season 7)
"Let It Be" by the Beatles as performed by Brooke White (season 7)
"Summertime" as performed by Fantasia Barrino (season 3)
"Hemmorrhage," by Fuel as performed by Chris Daughtry (season 5). First time someone nailed a modern rock song on the show.
"Hallelulah," by Leonard Cohen (Jeff Buckley's version) as performed by Jason Castro (season 7).
"Stuff Like That There," performed by Kelly Clarkson (season 1). Apparently she can sing any type of song. This is great.
"Unchained Melody," performed by Clay Aiken (season 2). I love this song, and I know Simon does as well. It's one of the best covers I've heard, and he hits that high note.
"Dangerously In Love" by Beyonce as performed by Stephanie Edwards
"I'm A Woman," as performed by
Melinda Doolittle (season 6).
"A Moment Like This," by Kelly Clarkson (season 1) when she won. It was just a very emotional moment and that part towards the end when she looks up and barely sings "I can't believe it's happening to me,' gets me every time. I know. I'm a softie.
I will admit that I used to love Reba McEntire's song "Fancy" when I was little and Kellie Pickler does a decent job of it here.
"You Give Love A Bad Name," by Bon Jovi as performed and arranged by Blake Lewis (season 6). I think it's really interesting to hear this song done this way. Kudos for Blake doing something different.
"This Is My Now" by Jordin Sparks (season 6) when she won. Again, it's emotional, and there's always that moment during the song when the music drops back and the singer's voice cracks very dramatically.
"A House is Not a Home," by Burt Backarack and performed by Tamyra Gray (season 1). Best part is that last note, it nearly gives you chills.
Here are some auditions that I remember and like:
Amanda Overmyer (season 7)
Paris Bennett (Billy Holiday song is best) (season 5)
Josiah Leming sings "To Run." He was the homeless kid from season 7 that cried a lot.
David Cook sings "Livin On a Prayer" (season 7)
Michael Johns "I've Been Loving You To Long" (season 7)
Asia'h Epperson sings "How Do I Live" (season 7). It is emotional.
"Check Yes Or No" as performed by Drew (season 7). This is a rare look at an old school country singer.
Have fun watchin'. I know I will!
YEAR IN REVIEW: Area music in 2008 featured nationally touring acts and local favorites
Jan 5th
The Quincy Herald-Whig took a huge step forward in local music coverage in 2008 with the addition of the Weekender page, which runs every Thursday and lists area music events, creating our MySpace page and giving me this blog to connect even more music fans.
We've spotlighted nearly a local band a week since Jan. 10, 2008, had numerous articles on almost every festival from blues to metal to flood relief benefits and have promoted somewhere around 400 local music shows via our newspaper, Web site, MySpace, blogosphere and me bugging everyone about it everywhere I go.
After all that, it's time to sum things up for everyone so that we can all remember what has happened to our music scene and see that there is so much more we can do.
Happy New Year and, as always, support local music and go to a show!
Cheeks McGee CD
JANUARY
• Quincy acoustic act Cheeks McGee, right, releases full-length CD "A New Beginning" to critical acclaim.
• All ages music venue, The Crux, in Hannibal, Mo., gains popularity and brings in national touring punk act The Skies Revolt and La Dispute.
• Denver folk-fusion band Nicole Torres and the Affiliates performs in bass player Ben Sparrow's hometown of Keokuk, Iowa.
• Madness ensues when Jonas Brothers tickets go on sale for their Peoria show.
• Metal is alive and well in Quincy with shows from Atresia, Novella, Circadia, Mad-town Metal, Dead End Kids and the Dread Corsair.
FEBRUARY
The Graduate
• Nationally recognized indie band the Graduate comes home to Quincy to perform to a packed Turner Hall.
• 30th annual Winter Bluegrass Festival features some of the finest musicians in the genre in Hannibal, Mo.
• Fairfield, Iowa, band Nik Sorak and the Dead Wait releases its third album "Sea of Uncertainty" at popular all-ages venue Music @ the Mall in Keokuk, Iowa.
• Music @ the Mall in Keokuk, Iowa, hosts a benefit to help build its stage. The benefit features Quincy Christian/hardcore band the Red Beard Conspiracy, Siva, Guraja and the Absolute and Broken Soul.
• Classic rock/country act Raised On Radio is reunited and performs at Rookies in Hannibal, Mo.
• St. Louis-area Mayhew the Traitor hits up area venues, making a name for itself.
MARCH
• Cancer benefit is held at Keokuk Labor Temple featuring Staggard, Broken Halo and Typhoid Mary.
• One-man folk band Jon Crocker of California comes to the region to perform in Keokuk, Macomb and Jacksonville.
• St. Patrick's show at Turner Hall features the Funions, Cheeks McGee and Fielder.
• Mercer County's 9heart21 performs at Music @ the Mall trying to get its "name out there."
• Western Illinois continues its run of presenting big name hip-hop acts like T-Pain.
• Predawn Hour keeps up a steady regimen of almost a show a week.
Bring Back theCrux
APRIL
• South Side Boat Club hosts 27th annual Band Jam featuring 11 local acts. Cheeks McGee, The Funions, Fielder, Predawn Hour and Small Time Crook and more.
• Kansas City's the Runaway Sons perform with Quincy Christian hardcore band Bury the Ocean. Bury the Ocean goes on to perform many shows throughout the year.
• Twisted Dreams Productions brings Belleville's power-pop group 12 Summers Old to Turner Hall.
• Chicago's hip-hop hit Vitrocious graces Blueprint Lounge's stage in Hannibal, Mo.
• Christian hardcore band Believing in Autumn performs with Binding Isaac at The Threshing Floor in Eolia, Mo.
• Estrus plays with Quincy's Dread Corsair at the Crux in Hannibal. Estrus is later signed to September Riot Records.
MAY
• Acoustic act Neighborhood Ghost puts on a free show with The Popular Vote at Quincy University's Hawk's Nest.
• St. Amy's acoustic group forms from three buddies who have never played together. Debut performance is with Fielder and Predawn Hour at Turner Hall.
• Dread Corsair continues to play often in area shows, including Keokuk's Music @ the Mall.
JUNE
• We Miss You cancer benefit is held featuring performances by the Collapse, First of November and more.
• The Threshing Floor in Eolia, Mo., is gaining bigger shows with touring band La Dispute.
• Predawn Hour officially becomes a three-piece.
The Forecast
JULY
• Flood Fest is held at Buffalo Wild Wings featuring Peoria's The Forecast, Quincy's Cheeks McGee, Chicago's City Like Drive, Barry's Antidote, Peoria's Greyson and Quincy's KC Franks.
• Annual Listen Up! Music Fest is held in Kahoka, Mo.
• Quincy's Atresia write and record the song "Life from Life" with former Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach. The song is available on their MySpace.
• Blues band the Blue Healers performs at Blues Fest and Blues in the District in Quincy.
• The Oakley-Lindsay Center Beach Party honoring those who helped sandbag during the flood featured musical guests Raised On Radio, The Funions, St. Amy's and Fielder.
• Bury the Ocean and Dread Corsair continue to gain momentum.
• Predawn Hour performs at the Hot Air Balloon Rally in Upper Moorman Park.
AUGUST
• Keokuk hardcore group Guraja vows "this is not the end" as it goes through another member change.
• Chicago's Victorian Halls plays in Macomb. The group has gained national attention since this performance.
• Blues in the District continues to attract droves of music lovers Friday nights in Washington Park.
• Parrothead Bike Nite dance features Jimmy Buffet tribute band the Phins.
• Popular Christian screamo band The Thirty of St. Joseph, Mo., plays at The Threshing Floor with Quincy's Bury the Ocean.
• Midwest Fear Fest features NoCeBo, Anit-product, Giant Killing Machine and Doomface in Hannibal.
SEPTEMBER
• Smoke On the River draws a big crowd at the Dock in Quincy and includes musical guests Raised On Radio and the Blue Healers.
• St. Louis rock/Southern blues band Descending New Angels plays Turner Hall with Predawn Hour and Macomb's Downcast.
• Post hardcore local favorite Renae of Springfield, Ill., releases concept EP "The Coward, the Storm and the Outlaw."
OCTOBER
• Tribute to local musician Cory Wilkey is held with a huge turn out at Winter's West Wing featuring Wilkey's band Predawn Hour, CJ's Tribute Band, Torque, Fielder and more.
• Halloween shows abound with everything from Chicago DJ's at the Monster House Dance Party to a packed costume extravaganza featuring Predawn Hour and Fielder.
• Keokuk all ages venue Music @ the Mall celebrates one year of bringing touring bands to the area and showcasing local talent with a giant show.
• Spirit Knob Winery in Ursa begins Octoberfest featuring musical acts Fielder, Cheeks McGee and more every weekend.
• Christian rock powerhouse Building 429 returns to play a sold-out show at Madison Park Christian Church.
• California metal act Otto's Daughter tours through the area playing the Blueprint Lounge in Hannibal, Mo., and Turner Hall in Quincy. Quincy's Small Time Crook performs with "secret" guest vocalist at the Turner Hall show.
• Christian act Watching Judas brings California-style music to Hannibal, Mo., for a Halloween show.
• Turner Hall continues to be busy hosting Chicago's Strain Busy Sky and New York's Revision.
• Quincy Notre Dame class reunion sparks Flood band reunion after 10 years.
• Music @ the Mall throws a rare Sunday show with up and coming post hardcore act Renae and the Sky is Falling.
NOVEMBER
• A packed Winter's West Wing houses Quincy's three biggest bands, Fielder, Torque and Predawn Hour, for the annual Black Wednesday show (night before Thanksgiving).
• Quincy Blue Rhyno event at Backwaters matches big-name country acts like Shenandoah with Major League Baseball players to help raise money for families with children battling cancer.
• September Riot Record's artist James the Great loses its lead-singer, Jacob Cato, 17, in a vehicle accident. The band is out of Marion, Ill., and has played shows at local venue Music @ the Mall. Regional bands come together to play countless benefit shows.
• Tri-State Blue Grass Association's Land of Mark Twain Bluegrass Festival returns to the Hannibal Inn.
• Quincy's hardcore act Bury the Ocean performs with the Red Beard Conspiracy at First Presbyterian Church Black Wednesday.
• YP Quincy (young professionals organization) holds annual fake wedding reception featuring an '80s theme.
• Journey tribute band Chain Reaction plays at Backwaters in Quincy.
DECEMBER
• The holidays boast more than 25 area shows to choose from. A big one is Jubal's Lantern's reunion show with Fielder.
• Quincy rock group Predawn Hour releases first recording in four years with their EP "Echo Of October" at the unprecedented New Year's event The Masquerade, featuring DJ's Hausgeist, Phelo and J-Lanx and rock music together.
• Esther Moore and Blake Gardner perform at Coffee On Broadway in Quincy as Moore's fan base grows.
Please let me know what you think were the biggest local music moments of 2008!
2009 has promising musical start with Esther Moore and Mike Breckenkamp
Jan 5th
Acoustic act Esther Moore released her debut full-length album “One Way” Friday at Spirit Knob Winery. She said it went “amazingly well” and produced more sales and a larger crowd than expected.
Singer, songwriter, guitarist, recording artist, college student, Mormon, divorced and single mother all describe this talented Quincyan. She has a lot of subject matter to write about with this jam-packed life, and she’s only 17.
She is inspired lyrically by Alanis Morissette and has been compared vocally to Jewel.
Mike Breckenkamp, left, and Brenten Gibleon
Saturday night’s Turner Hall show, to say it nicely, had some issues. The Collapse, which usually draws a crowd, was unable to play after a member had already returned to college.
The highlight when Sweet Diesel and Rectified played was Quincy musician Mike Breckenkamp, formerly of Angel Down and Nocturnal, on guitar.
Later he brought up one of his very young guitar students, Brenten Gibleon, to perform to a large crowd of adults and young children with their moms. Breckenkamp’s mother says she’s been proud of him countless times in his life but this was one of her proudest moments.
Contact me at jmartin@whig.com.
