Archive for April, 2009
Signed Christian band hits Quincy and Hillstock boasts eight musical acts
Apr 30th
Support LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT and go to a show!
Remedy Drive (indie/rock)
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Grandview Church, 1019 Cedar St.
INFO: www.myspace.com/remedydrive
TIPS: This is a Warner Bros. artist that is on radio and puts on a professional show.
Comedy Night
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Backwaters, Quincy
INFO: www.clubbackwaters.com
Raised On Radio (blues/classic rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Shady Katz, Warsaw, Ill.
10th annual Hillstock
BANDS: Jason Richmond, Cheeks McGee, Predawn Hour, Double Vision, Maybe Later, Pike Station, Cohesion, and the Graduate
WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Outside of the Gladys Crown Student Center at Culver-Stockton College, Canton, Mo.
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: Contact Brent Hickenbottom at (573) 288-6571 or at bhickenbottom@culver.edu
The Funions (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: South Side Boat Club, 640 S. Front St.
HOW MUCH: $4 non-members and $2 for members
INFO: www.myspace.com/thefunionsband
Antidote (rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: City’s, Jacksonville, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/antidoteonline
The Movin On Band (variety)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Paradise Bar,
10th and Hampshire
HOW MUCH: No cover charge
Sevend2 (pop/rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: MG’s, Winchester, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/sevend2
Vertigo (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Rookies Sports Bar, Hannibal, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/vertigo4u
Mid-Mississippi Muddy Water Blues Society Can Jam
BANDS: The Funions (rock), The Cheeseburgers and Raised On Radio (blues/classic rock)
WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Turner Hall,
926 Hampshire
HOW MUCH: Five canned food items or $3 per person
INFO: www.dirkhartband.blogspot.com
American Cancer Society Fundraiser with Movin’ On (country/classic rock) and New Realm (rock/blues)
WHEN: noon-6 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Stubby’s Tavern, 1517 N. Third
Earworm
My earworm this week is Seether’s rock version of “Careless Whisper,” which is a Wham song originally. I put up a video of the original first and then Seether’s version.
Wham
Seether
Check back later today for an interview with Hillstock founder cheeks McGee!
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
From fundraisers to newcomers, there are choices in music this weekend
Apr 23rd
Predawn Hour performing at the NOCC fundraiser tonight.
Monday’s Royal Bliss show proves that people in this area like to ROCK and just because nationally touring acts don’t always come through here, that does not mean you have to be live-music deprived.
My top picks for this weekend are the NOCC fundraiser at the State Room with Predawn Hour; Wine Down with Cheeks McGee at Spirit Knob; and newcomers New Realm at I’n'I’s in Quincy.
Pick a show and SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!
Cochise Soulstar, Vertiual Vertigo (hip hop)
WHEN: 8 p.m., Friday
WHERE: The Day Old Basement, 111 W. Adams, across from Olson Hall, Macomb, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/thedayoldbasement
MUST SEE SHOW
Wine Down with Cheeks McGee (acoustic)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa
HOW MUCH: $5
INFO: www.spiritknob.com
TIPS: Cheeks McGee is a one-man band and always puts on a fun show, plus Spirit Knob has a great deck area and the weather is finally getting nicer!
MUST SEE SHOW
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition fundraiser with Predawn Hour (rock)
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The State Room, Quincy
INFO: www.myspace.com/predawnhour
TIPS: This rock show is for a good cause and will be a good chill place to catch Predawn Hour.
New Realm (rock/blues)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: I’n'I Bar and Grill, 601 N 5th, Quincy
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: www.myspace.com/1newrealm
TIPS: This is a newly formed band and would be worth checking out.
Antidote (rock)
WHEN: Friday
WHERE: Bogarts, Jacksonville
Thru the Ashes (rock)
WHEN: 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
WHERE: Twilight Zone, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $5
INFO: www.myspace.com/thrutheashesacoustic
Staggard (Southern rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: MG’s, Wayland, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/staggard
TIPS: If you are in the area and want a rowdy bar show, this one would be a good event to check out.
Antidote
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Flying Inn, Quincy, outside show (weather permitting)
Raised on Radio
When: 7 p.m. Friday; 8:30 p.m., Saturday
WHERE: Sportman’s Club, Mount Sterling; Adams Trading Post, Adams.
Earworm
My earworm this week is “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon. I interviews a promotions guy from Windup Records today and was saying how no one sounds like them and he’s right.
Also, don’t forget to catch GIRLS ON ROCK with Julie K. and I Fridays at 5 p.m. on 105. 9 KZZK for more local music news and fun!
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Royal Bliss brought tour mate with them to rock Quincy
Apr 21st
Jet Black Stare
Another band was added to the Royal Bliss lineup at Backwaters Monday and they were there to ROCK!
Originally area band Antidote was the only band that was supposed to perform, but Royal Bliss convinced their tour mate Jet Black Stare to venture to a place they had never played.
As of Monday around noon, there were about 500 tickets sold and an hour before the show was to start, there was a line forming all the way around the back of the building.
Concert-goers were dressed to impress and the excitement in the air was palpable.
Pittsfield’s Antidote started the night off to a growing crowd with its usual laid back rock. The crowd seemed to enjoy the band and some were surprised the band choose this big chance to perform some modern rock covers, instead of singing all originals.
Next up, glam rockers Jet Black Stare, decked out in all red, black and white, started performing and an attendee next to me stated, “they obviously brought their own sound guy.” I had to agree, they sounded incredible and the biggest surprise was the great back up vocalist, who was also the drummer.
At first it seemed like the lead singer was using a recording as backup, because it was so good, then I realized that the drummer was belting out those notes while drumming like crazy.
As the crowd started getting more into the show, Jet Black Stare announced that “Royal Bliss was right about Quincy” and the crowd cheered.
Best of the night was of course when Royal Bliss performed. They came on stage and truly showed their appreciation for Quincy’s unfaltering devotion. Lead singer Neal Middleton seems to effortlessly control the crowd and sounds as good as he does on the band’s latest CD “Life In-Between.”
He had the crowd singing along during “We Did Nothing Wrong” and kept everyone’s attention focused on the stage through the entire show. Everyone in Backwaters moved from the back and the bar area toward the stage and focused solely on the music.
It was a great show and if you missed it, then rest assured, Royal Bliss vows to continue to come back and even hinted at wanting to help organize a Summer Fest-style music event in Quincy.
I would personally like to thank them for detouring through our river town and say that I appreciate everyone who went out on a Monday night and celebrated live music.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Four days of live music with Royal Bliss, Predawn Hour, Fielder and more
Apr 16th
Royal Bliss in Quincy Monday with Antidote
Spring is in the air and music is playing everywhere. There’s a must-see show for the next four days, so make plans to SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!
Don’t forget to check out my interview with Royal Bliss lead singer Neal Middleton before going to Monday’s show, which also features Antidote. Also, Rock Against Rape is Friday and the 27th annual South Side Boat Club Jam, with 12 area bands, is Sunday.
TICKETS
Nationally touring rock band Royal Bliss is performing at 8 p.m. April 20 at Backwaters. Tickets are $10 each and on sale at TNT Action Sports, 5101 Oak. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/royalbliss.com.
GIRLS ON ROCK
Find out all your local music news from Julie K. and Jessica Martin on 105.9 KZZK at 5 p.m Fridays, but check out a special edition at 5 p.m. April 16.
WEEKEND SHOWS
Cheeks McGee
MUST SEE FRIDAY SHOW
Rock Against Rape with Fielder, Cheeks McGee, the Blue Healers and the Funions
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Backwaters, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $7
INFO: Call Backwaters at 223-4444.
TIPS: All proceeds go to Quanada.
Switchback (folk/acoustic)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The Grand Theatre, 26 N. Sixth, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $10 and tickets are available at Keaslings, Courtyard Books, Artworks and the Art Center.
INFO: www.keokukgrandtheatre.org or (319) 524-8354
TIPS: Chicago band on WayGood Records.
Renae
MUST SEE SATURDAY SHOW
Renae and Highland Fall (post hardcore)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: TheCrux, Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, 301 Warren Barrett Drive, Hannibal, Mo.
HOW MUCH: $5
INFO: www.myspace.com/renaemusic
TIPS: Renae is a great, friendly band from Springfield; go check this one out for sure.
Martini Time Cowboys (rockabilly/country)
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Froggies, Kahoka, Mo.
TIPS: Martini Time Cowboys is a high energy band that does some great country covers and some really fun originals.
SevenD2 (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Purple Cow, Alexandria, Mo.
INFO: www.sevend2.com
Antidote (rock)
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Goobies, New Canton, Ill.
TIPS: Also, see them Monday with Royal Bliss.
Shawn Kellerman (guitarist)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Club Tavern, Quincy
HOW MUCH: Free
TIPS: This is a nationally touring guitarist, and it will be a fun show to check out.
Fielder
All’s Forgotten (rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Kerleys Pub, Hannibal, Mo.
HOW MUCH: $3, 21 years of age or older
MUST SEE SUNDAY SHOW
South Side Boat Club Jam 2009
BANDS: Fielder, Torque, Predawn Hour, Pike Station, Son of James, Blue Eyed Soul, Cheeks McGee, Nowake, Thru the Ashes, Movin On and Small Time Crook
WHEN: Noon Sunday
WHERE: South Side Boat Club, 640 S. Front, Quincy
INFO: www.myspace.com/predawnhour
TIPS: This is a must see for the whole weekend. Everybody and nearly every band will be at this event.
MUST SEE MONDAY SHOW
Royal Bliss and Anitdote (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Monday
WHERE: Backwaters
HOW MUCH: $10 and available at TNT Action Sports
INFO: www.myspace.com/royalbliss
Earworm
My earworm this week is Chris Cornell’s version of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” I love Cornell’s voice and this is a great bluesy version of a classic.
Thanks and definitely say hi to Julie K. and me at Royal Bliss Monday!
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
St. Louis band descends on Quincy Friday at Turner Hall
Apr 9th
St. Louis band Descending New Angels is taking the stage Friday for another installment of Turner Hall’s concert series with Quincy’s Predawn Hour and Fielder.
Also on Friday check out Torque and Death Folk at the State Room or go see Peoria’s indie act Greyson Friday in Ottumwa, Iowa, and Saturday in East Moline, Iowa.
TICKET SALES
• Tickets are on sale now for country outlaw David Alan Coe at the Fort Madison, Iowa, Rodeo April 25. Purchase tickets at www.bbartwesternstore.com.
• Nationally touring rock band Royal Bliss is performing at 8 p.m. April 20 at Backwaters. Tickets are $10 and on sale at TNT Action Sports, 5101 Oak. For more information go to www.myspace.com/royalbliss.com.
GIRLS ON ROCK
Find out all your local music news from Julie K. and Jessica Martin on 105.9 KZZK at 5 p.m Fridays. Also, check out Julie K.’s cause of getting rid of the performance tax fee here. A performance tax is a fee that record labels want the government to impose on local radio stations for airing music free of charge for listeners.
CORNERSTONE
Vote for area hardcore band Iseah here to play at the new band showcase at the music festival Cornerstone this year in Bushnell, Ill.
WEEKEND SHOWS
FRIDAY’S MUST SEE SHOW
Turner Hall Concert Series with Descending New Angels, Predawn Hour and Fielder (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Turner Hall, 926 Hampshire, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/predawnhour and www.myspace.com/fielderband
TIPS: Check out my thoughts on Descending New Angels here.
Torque and Death Folk (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The State Room, 434 S. Eighth, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $7, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/torquerocks and www.myspace.com/deathfolkforall
TIPS: Death Folk is a Quincy band that hasn’t played shows recently and are a self-proclaimed Folk/rock/blues/jazz/metal group.
SevenD2 (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Paradise Bar, Quincy
INFO: www.sevend2.com
Greyson, Josh LaMore, The Actress Adorable (indie)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Flipside, 210 East Main, Ottumwa, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $4, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/greysonband
Vertigo (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Mg’s, Winchester Ill.
SATURDAY’S MUST SEE SHOW
Bamboozle Road Show with Forever the Sickest Kids, Mercy Mercedes, Nevershoutnever, The Cab and We the Kings
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: The Pageant, St. Louis, Mo.
INFO: www.thebamboozle.com/roadshow/home.php
Burt Shackleton (acoustic)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Brix Wine and Cheese, Fourth and Hampshire, Quincy
TIPS: Burt Shackleton also plays with the band the Cheeseburgers.
Predawn Hour (rock)
WHEN: 11 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Twilight Zone, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $4
INFO: www.myspace.com/predawnhour
TIPS: Twilight Zone usually has the same band Friday and Saturday nights, but has recently only been having a band on Saturdays.
Voice Of Addiction and Dope Boy Allstars (punk/ska)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Day Old Basement, 111 W. Adams, across from Olson Hall, Macomb, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $3
INFO: www.myspace.com/thedayoldbasement
TIPS: Venue is calling this a punk/ska show
Second Time Around (classic rock/country)
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Chasers, Rushville, Ill.
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: www.myspace.com/2xo
Greyson, Josh Lamore, Awaiting The Armada, Ghosts of Vaudeville (indie)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Mixtapes, 830 15th Ave., East Moline, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5
INFO: www.myspace.com/greysonband
EARWORM
This week’s earworm is a special song for me and someone I know. “Laid To Rest,” by Lamb Of God is not only a good song, but it is by one of the biggest metal bands of all time. Check them out near by at the Pageant in St. Louis May 2 with As I Lay Dying, Children of Bodom, God Forbid and Municipal Waste.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Local live shows from Christian to Indie and a new earworm
Apr 3rd
The weather is cooperating, so there is no excuse, GO SEE A ROCK SHOW! Below, I highlight what show I think is the best show to catch each night this weekend and I hope to see everyone out enjoying some live music.
Also, my earworm this week is “By And By” by rock group Royal Bliss. This is not just because I interviewed lead-singer Neal Middleton Monday, but he did say this song was one of his favorites so I had to check it out. Neal says it was a song “that I did in my basement, just kind of mellow, loved it. … It’s really personal to me too. … it’s kind of a look at me from my wife’s eyes.”
The video is below and please listen to the full audio of my interview with Neal here.
SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC and go to a show!
Remedy Drive (Christian/rock)
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Dallas City High School, 190 E. Third, Dallas City, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $10 at door, all ages
INFO: www.remedydrive.com
TIPS: They are signed to Word Records.
The Red Beard Conspiracy, Bury the Ocean and Atlas Lost Balance (hardcore)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Faith Presbyterian Church, 24th and Monroe, Quincy
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: www.myspace.com/theredbeardconspiracy
Inlow, Outrun The Gun, Beneath The Empire and Lies Another (Christian/hardcore)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: VFW, St. Robert, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/inlowrock
TIPS: Outrun the Gun is on Torque Records.
Russell Williams (70s and 80s classic rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: South Side Boat Club, Front Street, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $3 non-members and $1 for members
FRIDAY’S MUST SEE SHOW
Reverie (indie/alternative)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The Cafe, Macomb, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $3
INFO: www.myspace.com/reverieone
TIPS: Chicago band with interesting influences from Marilyn Manson to the Beatles.
SATURDAY’S MUST SEE SHOW
Doomface, The Dread Corsair, Inlow and The Red Beard Conspiracy (hardcore/metal)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Elks Lodge, Hannibal, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/d00mface
Delinquent (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Wood Inn, 415 Main, Carthage, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/delinquentrock
Thru the Ashes (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Back Alley Bar and Grill, 113 Williams Drive, Pittsfield, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/thrutheashesacoustic
All’s Forgotten (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Keokuk Labor Temple, Third and Blondeau, Keokuk, Iowa
Have a safe and happy weekend and also listen to 105.9 KZZK GIRLS ON ROCK every Friday at 5 p.m. with Julie K. and me talking about local music.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Interview with lead singer Neal Middleton of Royal Bliss
Apr 1st
Neal Middleton of the rock band Royal Bliss is my new best friend, and he called to chat on Monday.
Well, he’s not actually my best friend, but at least he was kind enough to take time from Royal Bliss’ national tour with rock groups Candlebox and Jet Black Stare to talk about their upcoming show April 20 at Backwaters in Quincy, along with band lawsuits and their new album.
Other interview topics include:
• Song-writing style.
• Lawsuit with their former manager.
• Their previous experience in Quincy.
• Advice for bands trying to make it.
• Plans to bring big-ticket bands to Quincy with them.
• Weirdest and favorite venues to play.
• Making of the “Save Me” video.
• Views on the state of modern rock.
• Live performance mishaps.
“We LOVE Quincy. … We’ve been wanting to get back ever since. We’re really looking forward to it. I know people say its a small town, but those small towns, its the best time.”
— Neal Middleton, Royal Bliss lead-singer
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE:
Interview with lead-singer Neal Middleton
of rock band Royal Bliss.
Royal Bliss (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. April 20
WHERE: Backwaters, Quincy, Ill.
INFO: www.royalbliss.com
Check back for ticket information.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
