Archive for February, 2009
If bad weather has you down, go check out live music that will pick you up
Feb 26th
There are quite a few options for everyone to check out live music this weekend — from a Luau party to label-signed bands performing in the area. Choose an event, and I hope to see you out. Have fun and be safe!
Luau Party with Bartholomew (rock/reggae)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $5, ages 21 and over
INFO: www.spiritknob.com
• Costumes encouraged. There will be games and prizes.
TIP: This place is beautiful and looks like you stepped into Northern California. I plan to attend and hope to see you there!
Impakt Band (country/classic rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Eagles Club, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $4
INFO: www.myspace.com/impaktband
TIP: If you can’t catch them Friday in Quincy, then go see them Saturday afternoon at the Illinois Veterans Home (listing below).
Blumoose (blues/rock) of Warsaw, Ill.
WHEN: 11 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Twilight Zone, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $3
INFO: www.myspace.com/blumoose75
TIP: As far as I know, this is one of Blumoose’s first shows in this area, so if you’re out already and want to stay out late, go by Twilight and check them out.
Impakt Band (country/classic rock)
WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Illinois Veterans Home, Quincy
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: www.myspace.com/impaktband
Blend (A’cappella/Christian)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The State Room, 434 S. Eighth
HOW MUCH: $12 at the door
INFO: www.myspace.com/blendspace
TIP: Blend is supposed to be really good, especially if you dig Christian music, and the State Room is a nice intimate setting.
Vow of Silence (hardcore/rock), Harvey (rock/indie) and Blonde Strat
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
TIP: Vow of Silence is from Ames, Iowa, and is influenced by Sevendust, Staind and Trapt. Indie band Harvey is on Common Life Records with our friends Renae out of Springfield, Ill.
Predawn Hour (rock) of Quincy
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Goobies, New Canton, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/predawnhour
TIP: Recently released an EP “Echo Of October” and have been performing farther away and less in the immediate area.
Staggard (Southern rock) of Keokuk, Iowa
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Tipen’neckers, Keokuk, Iowa
INFO: www.myspace.com/staggard
TIP: Staggard is known for bringing a big, rowdy crowd and entertaining with fun cover songs.
• Rock band Torque’s show at the Dallas City High School was cancelled.
Contact me at jmartin@whig.com.
One person's musical "classics" are another person's musical "noise"
Feb 24th
Harvey Danger
I received a Mix Tape from someone labeled as “the Classics” that made me think about the fact that each person’s version of “the Classics” would be completely different.
The contributor said, “I still like the Classics,” such as Harvey Danger, Eve 6, Smash Mouth, OK GO, Third Eye Blind, Violent Femmes, Stripes, Pixies, Pato Fu, 311, Goo Goo Dolls and the Cranberries. (He indicated this was only the beginning of a long list for him.)
Most of those bands are from the 90s, which if you are near my age means “the Classics” could be bands you grew up hearing.
I decided to come up with a “Classics” list of my own, which went on and on, so I’m going to try and shorten it for you. Since I attribute my music education to those around me, I’m going to say where my band exposure came from.
BROTHERS: Tool, Led Zeppelin, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Bjork, Korn, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots and Blind Melon.
I know there are so many more, because my brothers were a big part of my musical education, but these were the ones I could remember off the top of my head.
MOM: The Eagles, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Stevie Ray Vaughn, David Alan Coe, Janis Joplin, Aerosmith, Alabama, Carole King, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Billy Idol, blues genre in general and many more.
My mom is the biggest contributor to my vinyl collection.
Allman Brothers
DAD: Allman Brothers Band, Lynrd Skynrd, Marshall Tucker Band, Outlaws, Charlie Daniels Band, Hot Tuna, Bill Monroe and John Hartford and bluegrass in general.
My dad attended the Ozark Music Festival in Sedalia, Mo., in 1974, which by some is considered the largest rock festival ever held (estimated attendance is 350,000 people) even more than Woodstock which was held in 1969.
STEP MOM: The Beatles, James Taylor and musicals “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables.”
She took my brother and I to both musicals, and at one point I was addicted to the “Les Miserables” soundtrack.
OTHERS: Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Heart, Pattie Smith, Weezer and so many more.
• RANDOM SIDE NOTE: In 1978, my parents saw Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker at the Aragon Ballroom. In 2002, I saw Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains and Nickelback there when I was about the same age my mom had been in 1978. Let’s just say I definitely follow somewhat in their footsteps.
P.S. Don’t judge me for seeing Nickelback, at least it was before songs like “Rockstar” and “Something In Your Mouth,” which I consider a travesty to modern rock. Also, Cantrell was there and legitimizes the experience.
Black Flag
PERSONAL INTERESTS: My love for late 70s and early 80s punk comes from my initial interest in the culture and a little from the pop version of the genre, such as Billy Idol and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, which turned into liking Black Flag and Apocalypse Hoboken (I saw Apocalypse Hoboken’s reunion show at The Note in Chicago on Dec. 28, 2006).
The reason I enjoy metal started with early Metallica and Tool and went deeper as I got older to Lamb Of God, Walls Of Jericho, Misery Signals and more. I attribute my open-minded musical interest to my family.
I would like to thank my family for their help in steering my musical education, especially since most of what came out when I was in school was bubble gum pop like New Kids On The Block, Paula Abdul and later Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys and N’Sync.
I will not confirm nor deny owning anything from the bubble gum pop genre. Let’s just say that I like to hear and learn everything about music whether I like it or not. Plus, what girl didn’t like New Kids On the Block at least a little?
Now it’s your turn. Tell me what influenced the music now streaming from your iPod. Tell us what songs you made mix tapes and/or CDs with to listen to on your way to school. Or, in my case, the songs streaming through the record player’s speakers while my mom cleaned and I danced around.
Contact me at jmartin@whig.com.
One person’s musical “classics” are another person’s musical “noise”
Feb 24th
Harvey Danger
I received a Mix Tape from someone labeled as “the Classics” that made me think about the fact that each person’s version of “the Classics” would be completely different.
The contributor said, “I still like the Classics,” such as Harvey Danger, Eve 6, Smash Mouth, OK GO, Third Eye Blind, Violent Femmes, Stripes, Pixies, Pato Fu, 311, Goo Goo Dolls and the Cranberries. (He indicated this was only the beginning of a long list for him.)
Most of those bands are from the 90s, which if you are near my age means “the Classics” could be bands you grew up hearing.
I decided to come up with a “Classics” list of my own, which went on and on, so I’m going to try and shorten it for you. Since I attribute my music education to those around me, I’m going to say where my band exposure came from.
BROTHERS: Tool, Led Zeppelin, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Bjork, Korn, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots and Blind Melon.
I know there are so many more, because my brothers were a big part of my musical education, but these were the ones I could remember off the top of my head.
MOM: The Eagles, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Stevie Ray Vaughn, David Alan Coe, Janis Joplin, Aerosmith, Alabama, Carole King, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Billy Idol, blues genre in general and many more.
My mom is the biggest contributor to my vinyl collection.
Allman Brothers
DAD: Allman Brothers Band, Lynrd Skynrd, Marshall Tucker Band, Outlaws, Charlie Daniels Band, Hot Tuna, Bill Monroe and John Hartford and bluegrass in general.
My dad attended the Ozark Music Festival in Sedalia, Mo., in 1974, which by some is considered the largest rock festival ever held (estimated attendance is 350,000 people) even more than Woodstock which was held in 1969.
STEP MOM: The Beatles, James Taylor and musicals “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables.”
She took my brother and I to both musicals, and at one point I was addicted to the “Les Miserables” soundtrack.
OTHERS: Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Heart, Pattie Smith, Weezer and so many more.
• RANDOM SIDE NOTE: In 1978, my parents saw Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker at the Aragon Ballroom. In 2002, I saw Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains and Nickelback there when I was about the same age my mom had been in 1978. Let’s just say I definitely follow somewhat in their footsteps.
P.S. Don’t judge me for seeing Nickelback, at least it was before songs like “Rockstar” and “Something In Your Mouth,” which I consider a travesty to modern rock. Also, Cantrell was there and legitimizes the experience.
Black Flag
PERSONAL INTERESTS: My love for late 70s and early 80s punk comes from my initial interest in the culture and a little from the pop version of the genre, such as Billy Idol and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, which turned into liking Black Flag and Apocalypse Hoboken (I saw Apocalypse Hoboken’s reunion show at The Note in Chicago on Dec. 28, 2006).
The reason I enjoy metal started with early Metallica and Tool and went deeper as I got older to Lamb Of God, Walls Of Jericho, Misery Signals and more. I attribute my open-minded musical interest to my family.
I would like to thank my family for their help in steering my musical education, especially since most of what came out when I was in school was bubble gum pop like New Kids On The Block, Paula Abdul and later Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys and N’Sync.
I will not confirm nor deny owning anything from the bubble gum pop genre. Let’s just say that I like to hear and learn everything about music whether I like it or not. Plus, what girl didn’t like New Kids On the Block at least a little?
Now it’s your turn. Tell me what influenced the music now streaming from your iPod. Tell us what songs you made mix tapes and/or CDs with to listen to on your way to school. Or, in my case, the songs streaming through the record player’s speakers while my mom cleaned and I danced around.
Contact me at jmartin@whig.com.
ROAD TRIP: Check out Springfield's music scene for a change
Feb 17th
There are a few local shows this week, but not a lot.
At the end of this blog is a road-trip suggestion to see Chrome Club’s Winter Rock Fest 2009 in Springfield. It would be a great deviation from your normal weekend plans. Quincy’s The Graduate band has played there before, along with Drowning Pool, the Misfits and Nonpoint to name a few.
Also, while you’re in town, check out the Blacksheep Cafe, a respected punk venue that has shows every weekend.
I know you’re thinking, “I don’t have money or time or whatever.” Seriously, justify as a local music field trip, especially if you’re on break from college. You can check out a scene that is thriving, and it’s not that far away.
Grab some friends, pile in the most reliable vehicle you can find and head to Springfield.
If nothing else, I’m sure it will make for a good story.
LOCAL WEEKEND SHOWS
Mardi Gras party with Raised On Radio (blues/classic rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: St. Peter’s School gym, Quincy
INFO: www.myspace.com/raisedonradiolive
31st Anniversary Winter Bluegrass Music Festival
BANDS: Blue and Gray Pickers, Midnight Flight, David Davis and Warrior River Boys, The Martins and Sally MT. Show
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday
WHERE: The Hannibal Inn, Hannibal, Mo.
HOW MUCH: Adults are $15 Friday, $20 all day Saturday, $15 noon Saturday and $15 7 p.m. Saturday; free for age 12 and under; half price for ages 12-16
INFO: Call (573) 853-4344, (573) 853-4398 or E-mail edspray@marktwain.net and havenbrook2@yahoo.com
South Side Boat Club Mardi Gras Party with the Cheeseburgers
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: South Side Boat Club, Quincy
INFO: www.myspace.com/thecheeseburgersquincy
Icon For Hire, Kidnap The Sun and Backdrop (alternative/rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
Delinquent (rock/metal)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Wood Inn, 415 Main, Carthage, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/delinquentrock
Fielder (alternative/rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: West End Bar, Clayton, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/fielderband
RANDOM OUT-OF-TOWN SHOW THAT LOOKS GOOD:
“Winter Rock Fest” 2009
BANDS: Gypsy Callabo (hip hop/power pop), Hart Felt Sorrow (pop punk/post punk), Still Away Lane (alternative/indie), Shadows Inc. (metal/alternative) of Peoria and The Mhurs (indie) of St. Louis
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Club Chrome, 3075 Normandy, Springfield, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $10
INFO: www.myspace.com/chromebooking, www.myspace.com/stillawaylane, www.myspace.com/hartfeltsorrow and www.myspace.com/shadowsincorperated
Contact me at jmartin@whig.com.
ROAD TRIP: Check out Springfield’s music scene for a change
Feb 17th
There are a few local shows this week, but not a lot.
At the end of this blog is a road-trip suggestion to see Chrome Club’s Winter Rock Fest 2009 in Springfield. It would be a great deviation from your normal weekend plans. Quincy’s The Graduate band has played there before, along with Drowning Pool, the Misfits and Nonpoint to name a few.
Also, while you’re in town, check out the Blacksheep Cafe, a respected punk venue that has shows every weekend.
I know you’re thinking, “I don’t have money or time or whatever.” Seriously, justify as a local music field trip, especially if you’re on break from college. You can check out a scene that is thriving, and it’s not that far away.
Grab some friends, pile in the most reliable vehicle you can find and head to Springfield.
If nothing else, I’m sure it will make for a good story.
LOCAL WEEKEND SHOWS
Mardi Gras party with Raised On Radio (blues/classic rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: St. Peter’s School gym, Quincy
INFO: www.myspace.com/raisedonradiolive
31st Anniversary Winter Bluegrass Music Festival
BANDS: Blue and Gray Pickers, Midnight Flight, David Davis and Warrior River Boys, The Martins and Sally MT. Show
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday
WHERE: The Hannibal Inn, Hannibal, Mo.
HOW MUCH: Adults are $15 Friday, $20 all day Saturday, $15 noon Saturday and $15 7 p.m. Saturday; free for age 12 and under; half price for ages 12-16
INFO: Call (573) 853-4344, (573) 853-4398 or E-mail edspray@marktwain.net and havenbrook2@yahoo.com
South Side Boat Club Mardi Gras Party with the Cheeseburgers
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: South Side Boat Club, Quincy
INFO: www.myspace.com/thecheeseburgersquincy
Icon For Hire, Kidnap The Sun and Backdrop (alternative/rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
Delinquent (rock/metal)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Wood Inn, 415 Main, Carthage, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/delinquentrock
Fielder (alternative/rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: West End Bar, Clayton, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/fielderband
RANDOM OUT-OF-TOWN SHOW THAT LOOKS GOOD:
“Winter Rock Fest” 2009
BANDS: Gypsy Callabo (hip hop/power pop), Hart Felt Sorrow (pop punk/post punk), Still Away Lane (alternative/indie), Shadows Inc. (metal/alternative) of Peoria and The Mhurs (indie) of St. Louis
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Club Chrome, 3075 Normandy, Springfield, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $10
INFO: www.myspace.com/chromebooking, www.myspace.com/stillawaylane, www.myspace.com/hartfeltsorrow and www.myspace.com/shadowsincorperated
Contact me at jmartin@whig.com.
Weekend happenings from battles to benefits
Feb 13th
Support local music and go to a show!
Cheeks McGee (acoustic)
WHEN: 9 p.m. tonight
WHERE: Jed's Brew House, Quincy
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: www.cheeksmcgee.com
Cheeks McGee (acoustic)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Brix Wine Bar, Quincy
HOW MUCH: Free
Battle of the Bands
BANDS: The Red Beard Conspiracy (hardcore), Almost Famous (pop punk), Less Than Defeated, Antidote (rock), The Blue Healers (blues/rock), Doomface and Blake Gardner & Troy Rice. Finale with Esther Moore (acoustic).
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Backwaters, 138 N. Front
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
Valentine’s Day Bash and the Crux Benefit Show
BANDS: Barrior or Fear, Propagate the Abhorrence, Cowboys VS Indians (hardcore), The Red Beard Conspiracy (hardcore), Halbrook, Hey Nightmare, INLOW (metal/hardcore), Doomface (metal), Celebrity, She Was (metal)
WHEN: 12:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, 301 Warren Barrett Drive, Hannibal, Mo.
HOW MUCH: $10, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/bringbackthecrux
Orson Wells, The Dread Corsair, Hundreth, and Infliction of Need (rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
TORQUE with MindEfect (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: River City Billiards, 603 Broadway, Hannibal, Mo.
HOW MUCH: $5
INFO: www.myspace.com/torquerocks and www.myspace.com/mindefect
Thru the Ashes (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Sportsman’s Bar, 112 S. Seventh, Hannibal, Mo.
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: www.myspace.com/thrutheashesacoustic
Impakt Band (country/classic rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Eagles Club, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $3
INFO: www.myspace.com/impaktband
2nd Time Around
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Kix Club
HOW MUCH: No cover
Churchboyz (Christian rap), MotionPlus and Andy Rhea
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Roland Fine Arts Center, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, Mo.
HOW MUCH: $7
INFO: www.myspace.com/christsidechurchboyz
Psyco Sick Asylum (rap/hardcore)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Phoenix Opera House, 112 W Lafayette St.
INFO: www.myspace.com/psa421
Contact me at jmartin@whig.com with show listings!
Hits and misses at the Grammys
Feb 13th
The Grammys were on last night, and as one of music's biggest nights, it was pretty eventful.
HITS
• Last-minute lineup add: Al Green strutted his stuff while singing with Justin Timberlake. Green can still sing and dance — impressive.
• Bling182 announced they were getting back together while presenting an award on stage. They have been on a five-year hiatus. The audience seemed to barely notice this announcement, but it is BIG NEWS.
• Jennifer Hudson's tear-filled performance made everyone I know tear up, it was perfect.
• Congrats Coldplay on all the wins and I was into Jay-Z coming up to perform with Chris Martin.
• All I'm going to say is: Radiohead.
• Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) won two Grammys with Allison Kraus. Kraus has a beautiful soft bluegrass voice.
• The incredibly pregnant M.I.A. sounded great with all the rappers, but I wasn't really into the whole Rap Pack idea they were pushing.
• As absolutely no surprise, Kanye West complained about not getting nominated for a certain award while sporting the best mullet I've ever seen on the Grammy's!
• Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus sang a duet of Swift's song "15." Taylor sounded good and Miley put on her best live vocal performance I've ever seen and still wasn't that good. She just doesn't really pull it off live, but this was a nice age-appropriate song.
• Sugarland performed "Stay," and it was amazing as usual.
• Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) played drums with Paul McCartney. How cool is that?
MISSES
• I hope to blame it on being out of the limelight, but Whitney Houston was having some Paula Abdul-esque speaking issues last night when presenting. I'm voting for her comeback, so I hope she can pull it together.
• Sorry, but I didn't really understand why U2 opened the show.
• The Jonas Brothers awkwardly jumped around and swung their guitars near Stevie Wonder's head while singing "Superstitious" together. It was uncomfortable, but in a funny way.
• Rihanna and Chris Brown were not there. They allegedly got in a fight after a pre-grammy party and he was arrested.
Several genres of music available in region this weekend
Feb 4th
Like rock, hardcore, acoustic, Christian, country? You can hear it in the region this weekend. There's even a comedy show.
And stay tuned for some big shows next weekend, including an eight-group Battle of the Bands on Friday the 13th at Backwaters and a nine-band Valentine's Day bash in The Crux in Hannibal.
Support local music and go to a show this weekend!
Selperi (Christian)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: River City Mall, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: selepri.com
Nathan Gosnell (rock/blues/country); TNT (classic rock/blues)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Labor Temple, Keokuk, Iowa
INFO: nathangosnell.tripod.com, tntrockandroll.com
The Jackets (comedy)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Backwaters, 138 N. Front
HOW MUCH: $8, 21 and older
INFO: www.myspace.com/thejacketscomedy
ImpaKt Band (country/classic rock/southern rock)
WHEN: 10 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Ports Place, 510 Jersey
HOW MUCH: $2, 21 and older
INFO: impakt-band.com
Pound for Pound (hardcore/metal/punk), Victim or Victory, Atlas Lost Balance
(metal/hardcore/ alternative)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
Thru the Ashes (acoustic/rock/indie)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Club Mississippi, Louisiana, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/thrutheashesacoustic
ImpaKt Band (country/classic rock/southern rock)
WHEN: 5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: American Legion, 116 N. Eighth
HOW MUCH: $4
INFO: impakt-band.com
