Archive for January, 2010
Live music available from the Beatles to signed post hardcore act Renae
Jan 29th
Support local music and go to a show!
Wine Down with Duke Zecko (classic rock)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $5
Fielder (jam)
WHEN: 11 p.m.
WHERE: Twilight Zone, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $3
INFO: www.myspace.com/fielderband
Hotfoot Records Show (hardcore/rock)
BANDS: Renae, Kills And Thrills, Infliction Of Need, Spanish Harlem, The Catalyst
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
Staggard (Southern rock/country)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Oasis Tap, LaHarpe, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/staggard
The Notorious Nightcrawlers (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Sportsmans Bar, 112 S. 7th, Hannibal, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/nnightcrawlers
Laughing Soul (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: TJ’S House of Music, Keokuk, Iowa
INFO: www.myspace.com/laughingsouls
Nowake (rock/alternative)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: River City Billiards, Hannibal, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/laughingsouls
ImpaKt Band (classic rock/country)
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: American Legion, Quincy
HOW MUCH: $4
INFO: www.myspace.com/impaktband
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Recently signed regional act Renae to perform Saturday in Keokuk
Jan 28th
Stephen Rosborough, vocalist of post hardcore band Renae, is wearing the red shirt.
I recently spoke with Stephen Rosborough, vocalist for Springfield, Ill., post hardcore group Renae, about being signed to Hotfoot Records and their upcoming show in Keokuk, Iowa.
Check out what he had to say below.
MEMBERS
Stephen Rosborough – vocals
Ben Dewitt – guitar
Brad Pigg – bass
Kasey Lee Rogers – drums
Tyler Brockett – tour manager
SOUND
Well, I guess every band evolves over the years, tastes change and even people do. I would describe our sound as unique punk rock. It is progressive and I think people can understand the emotion we truly put into anything we do.
THE BAND
In 2009 we played over 150 shows. We went up to Michigan AND then over to New York and down to Florida. It was pretty exhausting, however, amazing at the same time. This is our job so if you look at it like that then it makes us take each show more seriously, and makes sure we put out as much energy in as possible. I feel the hardest thing for us to do is get through to kids now a days, letting them know this is our passion to make them understand rock and roll is an art form, not a fashion trend. It’s what we eat and breathe every single day.
RENAE’S GENRE
You can’t really put us in a specific genre because we’re all over the place with styles, but I feel music should be that way. It is an art and art has no boundaries or limitations, just heart and beauty exists. I wouldn’t classify us as a Christian band, because I don’t really think that exists. I believe that you can have Christians in a band, however, we’re all human, we’re bound to make mistakes, so the idea of being in a “Christian band” is sort of an oxymoron. We all have our own spiritual faith, beliefs and backgrounds and we’re all accepting to that. I love each and every single dude in my band, no matter what they believe.
THE HARDCORE SCENE
I’m sick of seeing kids with cheesy colorful rock band t-shirts on and they just wanna hear breakdowns all night. Or those kids who only show up to shows to rough kids up in the crowd who just wanna have a good time. In the Springfield scene you have kids who dance at shows and it seems everyone just gets along. I just wish it could be like that everywhere we went. We want music to be fun for kids and not a popularity contest, or who has the biggest Karate Spin Kick. When did that become cool anyway?
HOTFOOT RECORDS DEAL
A little under a year ago we snuck on to a few Ambush! shows when they were touring through the Midwest, and I guess we won their guitarist Grant over with our set. At the time we were still supporting our previous album release. One of those nights they stayed at our “mansion” and we’ve all kept in touch ever since. After we got the rough tracks back from “… And Hell Follows”, they were playing Springfield. Grant (of Ambush!) and Chris from Kills and Thrills heard the tracks and suggested we get in touch with Jeremy from Hotfoot. With both of those bands having our backs, I feel like Jeremy and us immediately started planning for our release. We really couldn’t be happier.
WRITING “… AND HELL FOLLOWS”
I had a hard time putting myself in the character’s position in this album, I tried writing the lyrics in my room but constantly found myself being distracted by either the phone, laptop or just being frustrated. I wanted the character to appear lonely and depressed. Our drummer at the time had this little crawl space of a room in his apartment which was only four feet wide and maybe three feet tall, so I took advantage of it. I brought the demos of the songs, a pair of headphones and a lantern into that room and stayed in there for three hours ’til I wrote the rest of the album. I felt that by isolating myself it would bring out the true words and emotions someone would feel. It was something I had never done before, but I really feel it helped. To see kids sing along to words I wrote down in that room by myself is too surreal, something I’ll remember forever about writing this album.
LATEST ALBUM’S SOUND
This new album is darker and is a transition from the character we wrote about in the last album. He goes through all these trials and tribulations in his life and at the end of our last album he dies for his beliefs. Well this album starts off with the character not necessarily in heaven or hell, but I pictured him being in “limbo” of some sorts. Death appears before him in the first song and tells him to write his life down on paper and he’ll decide his fate in the end. This new album is just very chaotic, anxious in some parts, and also mellow and soothing in other aspects. I really tried to portray what it would be like to know that after you write your life story down, you’ll be taken somewhere either good or bad. And there’s not a thing you can do to stop it.
RECORDING LATEST ALBUM
It was more fun this time around. We recorded with the same guys who did our last album and since we were more familiar with them and vice versa we had a better time. However, we felt like keeping things simple this time around, no special effects, just raw live sound, keeping it like a live show on a CD. Its awesome to see kids at our shows who are screaming the lyrics louder than the PA. It makes us go crazier at every show.
KILLS AND THRILLS SHOW
Kills and Thrills are good dudes and excellent musicians. We are all very excited to hit the road with them. I feel like they’ll be a good mix with us on the tour. We only got to hang out with them for a few days on this last tour with Ambush!, but I know it’ll be a good time.
2010 PLANS
We plan to tour as much as humanly possible and to get our music to as many fingers and ear drums as we possibly can. This is our year to make a big impact. We worked hard on this last album and we’ll work even harder playing shows across the states. I’m very excited for what this year will bring. I have faith a lot of good will come our way if we go hard every show and remember that when things get tough, to keep going. None of us are getting any younger and I would just like to see us get somewhere steady by the end of the year.
Catch Renae with Kills and Thrills at 6 p.m. Saturday at Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk Iowa.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Weekend events range from Murder Mystery Dinner to hip hop
Jan 22nd
There is plenty to do including a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at Spirit Knob Winery and a performance by rock band SevenD2 at the Grove Inn. Support local entertainment and go to a show!
Yung Joc, Mike Page, Rush, Orv Ill, Bill Blast and DJ Ice Cold (hip hop)
WHEN: 5 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Oakley-Lindsay Center
HOW MUCH: $25 at the door
Opry Show featuring the BC Gang
WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Quincy Park District, 1301 Washington
Bolth, A Hill To Die Upon and The Blushing Gun (rock/hardcore)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
SevenD2 (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Grove Inn, Quincy
INFO: www.myspace.com/sevend2
Thru the Ashes (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Barney T’s, 14 N. First, Silex, Mo.
INFO: www.myspace.com/thrutheashesacoustic
“Bullets in the Bathtub” (murder mystery dinner theater)
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery, Ursa, Ill.
HOW MUCH: $45 per person
Quincy Not So Fine Arts Society Meeting
WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: South End Plant Greenhouse, 2500 S. 12th
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Q&A with Brandon Miller of Rea! Entertainment about why Yung Joc concert is coming to Quincy
Jan 21st
Platinum-selling artist Yung Joc is coming to Quincy Friday night to perform with Midwest artist Mike Page at the Oakley-Lindsay Center. The event is present by Iowa City based company Rea! Entertainment.
Brandon Miller of Rea! Entertainment was helpful enough to answer some questions on why they picked Yung Joc and why they picked Quincy to host this big event.
How did Rea! Entertainement get involved in this event?
Rea! (Real) Entertainment has been involved in throwing special events like this in the past. We are an Iowa City based company but have been recently expanding our horizons to other regions.
How did this event get started, what was the original idea?
The event was coordinated after Rea! Entertainment CEO Patrick Martin contacted Yung Joc’s manager about entertaining at a Tri-State Back To School Bash. After the contracts were signed, the Oakley Lindsay Center was chosen to be the location. Rea! Entertainment also contacted The Blessing Hospital Foundation, making them a beneficiary. The Blessing Hospital Foundation will be receiving $1 from each ticket sold.
Why was Yung Joc and Mike Page asked to perform?
Rea! Entertainment recently threw a University of Iowa homecoming concert featuring Yung Joc that was very successful, and he was excited to be named the headliner of another Rea! Entertainment concert. Yung Joc also has a strong radio friendly fan base in the area making him a prime candidate for the event. “Mid-West Hip-Hop Extraordinaire” Mike Page was selected as a double headliner. Mike is a featured artist of Rea! Entertainment that has been on BET and collaborated with artists such as Timbaland and 112. He has also been involved in charity work with the University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon and made contributions to Flood Relief in 2008.
Yung Joc, Mike Page, Rush, Orv Ill, Bill Blast and DJ Ice Cold (hip hop)
WHEN: 5 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Oakley-Lindsay Center, Quincy
INFO: Yung Joc – yungjoc.com, Mike Page – mikepagemusic.com and Backwaters – myspace.com/quincybackwaters.
An after party will be held at Backwaters, 138 N. Front. Patrons 21 and under are welcome to attend from 10 p.m. to midnight and patrons 21 and up are welcome from midnight until 3 a.m.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Q&A with Brandon Miller of Rea! Entertainment about why Yung Joc concert is coming to Quincy
Jan 21st
Platinum-selling artist Yung Joc is coming to Quincy Friday night to perform with Midwest artist Mike Page at the Oakley-Lindsay Center. The event is present by Iowa City based company Rea! Entertainment.
Brandon Miller of Rea! Entertainment was helpful enough to answer some questions on why they picked Yung Joc and why they picked Quincy to host this big event.
How did Rea! Entertainement get involved in this event?
Rea! (Real) Entertainment has been involved in throwing special events like this in the past. We are an Iowa City based company but have been recently expanding our horizons to other regions.
How did this event get started, what was the original idea?
The event was coordinated after Rea! Entertainment CEO Patrick Martin contacted Yung Joc’s manager about entertaining at a Tri-State Back To School Bash. After the contracts were signed, the Oakley Lindsay Center was chosen to be the location. Rea! Entertainment also contacted The Blessing Hospital Foundation, making them a beneficiary. The Blessing Hospital Foundation will be receiving $1 from each ticket sold.
Why was Yung Joc and Mike Page asked to perform?
Rea! Entertainment recently threw a University of Iowa homecoming concert featuring Yung Joc that was very successful, and he was excited to be named the headliner of another Rea! Entertainment concert. Yung Joc also has a strong radio friendly fan base in the area making him a prime candidate for the event. “Mid-West Hip-Hop Extraordinaire” Mike Page was selected as a double headliner. Mike is a featured artist of Rea! Entertainment that has been on BET and collaborated with artists such as Timbaland and 112. He has also been involved in charity work with the University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon and made contributions to Flood Relief in 2008.
Yung Joc, Mike Page, Rush, Orv Ill, Bill Blast and DJ Ice Cold (hip hop)
WHEN: 5 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Oakley-Lindsay Center, Quincy
INFO: Yung Joc – yungjoc.com, Mike Page – mikepagemusic.com and Backwaters – myspace.com/quincybackwaters.
An after party will be held at Backwaters, 138 N. Front. Patrons 21 and under are welcome to attend from 10 p.m. to midnight and patrons 21 and up are welcome from midnight until 3 a.m.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Reviews: Great showing of local music this past weekend
Jan 18th
It was a busy weekend with lots of fun music shows to check out. On Saturday night, I went to check out folk/soul singer William Elliott Whitmore at the Winter Fundraiser for Rollin’ On the River in Keokuk, Iowa, and on Sunday, I went over to Turner Hall here in Quincy to show my support for the Local Area Musicians Charity Fundraiser.
The turnout at both shows was amazing and gives me hope for the local music scene. People braved the cold and the non-television music halls for a great showing of local talent. Per usual, I want to give you my thoughts on the two shows and show anyone that didn’t go to a show that they missed out.
Public shows up in droves to support local performer William Elliott Whitmore
William Elliott Whitmore
First up was the talented Mr. Whitmore with his fancy duds and foot stomping good tunes. He started his first set by singing a song with only his voice and his boot hitting the ground while perched on the edge of a stool and closing his eyes.
He has the most incredible energy while singing from the beginning to the end. A few people, myself included, said it was one of the best shows we’ve seen recently. His voice is true to his recordings, but like any real and good artist, it shines more live and in-person. He comes across as truly authentic to his persona of growing up in the Mississippi mud teaching himself to play banjo and acoustic guitar.
Every age and walk of life showed up in droves to check out this Lee County, Iowa, musician on the verge of stardom, and they were not disappointed. Most seats were full of the older generations, while the rest of us sat cross-legged on the dance floor to watch this young man do what he does best. As I looked around the room, I realized, or at least I hoped, that the older generations were thinking that ours has good taste and can produce a classic.
He mostly performed originals, since he has quite a few albums out, except I did notice an amazing rendition of “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Several originals had people tapping their feet and clapping along, especially his song about the Flood of 93, which touched so many lives in the area. It was my first experience of someone that talented, being from the exact place I grew up, writing songs about their specific experiences and I could relate so whole-heartedly.
After purchasing his album on vinyl (even though I already own the digital version) from his very supportive girlfriend, I had Whitmore sign it and talked with him for a moment. He has such an old soul that he seems as though he’d be most comfortable, with his tattooed arms and gravelly voice, sitting on a front porch on a warm evening jamming with friends.
I cannot stress enough that this is a show that everyone who loves music has to see. You won’t have to wait long, since Whitmore is performing at the Grand Theater in Keokuk March 13. I hope to see you there.
Local Area Musicians Charity Fundraiser pulls at the heart-strings and raises money
As for the show on Sunday, the Local Area Musicians Charity Fundraiser, I must be honest and say that I was not expecting a good turnout. With this area being so intent on cheering on some sports team or another, I figured that this was going to be another Sunday fundraiser with few attendees. As I walked in about 1 p.m., I realized how mistaken I was. The place already had every table filled and many other people were standing. It was the best turnout for a Sunday show that I know of for quite some time.
Rude Awakening
As the day went on, people kept pouring in. The show benefited Hannibal’s Leaps of Love and was a reunion show for Rude Awakening. Six other local bands played and there was food available for purchase. The entire event had such an upbeat feel to it and was truly a great time. People brought their kids and ate food, while watching several great local bands perform.
About half-way through the day, Miss Mark Twain went up on stage with her father to talk about the Leaps of Love stuffed frogs they give out to child cancer patients, then they talked about when she went through cancer treatments herself as a little girl. Talk about pulling at the old heart-strings, but they did it in the most eloquent way. They told everyone why they started Leaps of Love and why it is so important to continue the organization that helps families with added expenses while their children are going through cancer treatments.
I’m so proud of everyone who went out on a cold, dreary football-laden Sunday for a good cause and to support local music. I had an amazing time, and it is weekends like this that give me more hope for the local music scene to keep growing.
Check back later in the week for show listings.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Local music has plenty to offer this winter weekend
Jan 15th
Damaged Goods (rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Scribbles, Hannibal
HOW MUCH: No cover
INFO: www.myspace.com/damagedgoodsband1
Kidnap the Sun, Dissenter, McFoley and No Zodiac (indie/rock)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Music @ the Mall, 300 Main, Keokuk, Iowa
HOW MUCH: $5, all ages
INFO: www.myspace.com/musicatthemall
Reverend Deadeye and Mob Action (punk/rockabilly)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Kix Club, Quincy
INFO: www.myspace.com/mobaction4
Predawn Hour (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Goobies, New Canton, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/predawnhour
SevenD2 (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Chasers, Rushville, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/sevend2
William Elliott Whitmore (folk/soul)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Knights of Columbus Hall, 11 N. Sixth, Keokuk
INFO: www.williamelliottwhitmore.com
Local Area Musicians Charity Fundraiser
BANDS: Rude Awakening, Nowake, Pimpkatz, Predawn Hour, Shanghi-Lil, 8:58, Alykai.
WHEN: Noon Sunday.
WHERE: Turner Hall, 926 Hampshire, Quincy.
HOW MUCH: $3, all ages
EVENTS: There are 50/50 drawings and a drawing for a custom-made cherry chest. All proceeds will benefit Leaps of Love.
INFO: For information on the fundraiser, go to tinyurl.com/musicfundraiser, and for information on Leaps of Love, e-mail info@leapsoflove.org.
Support local music and go to a show!
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Fans wanted a Rude Awakening and that's what they will get at Sunday's fundraiser
Jan 14th
The early days of Rude Awakening.
Hannibal rock group Rude Awakening was considered a “hair band” when they started in 1989. After the members went their separate ways in the late ’90s, the band didn”t really think about playing together. But some old fans gave them the idea for a reunion show.
Bass player Mike Gilbert dubbed the show the Local Area Musicians Charity Fundraiser and added six other area acts to the Sunday lineup, including Nowake, Pimpkatz, Predawn Hour, Shanghi-Lil, 8:58 and Alykai.
Having a show with so many local bands led the group to decide that the show should benefit a worthy organization, and Leaps of Love came to mind. It is an organization devoted to “helping families affected by childhood cancer.” The show starts at noon, and admission is $3. People of all ages are welcome to attend.
Below is a Q&A with event organizer Mike Gilbert about the band’s reunion, the Sunday show and why he believes in this charity.
RUDE AWAKENING MEMBERS OVER THE YEARS
Lee Whittaker, Mike Gilbert, Brad Blackburn, John Cormier, Jamie Fenton, Skeeter Whittaker, Scott Smith, Bub Main, JR Engle and Steve Cowser
THE BEGINNING
Rude Awakening started in 1989 with Bub Main, John Cormier and myself who all had played in a band previously. We stuck it out and went in search of a singer and another guitar player, Lee Whittaker came on board as the singer and Brad Blackburn joined us as guitar player.
In 1989, we played our first gig at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. We went in there pretty confident but still shocked that we were getting paid.
We played music until 1993 with that original lineup, but the Flood of 93 kind of put a damper on things and we took a break. Later that year or early 1994, original members formed back minus Brad, and Jamie Fenton joined as guitarist. There were a few guitar changes, including Skeeter Whittaker and Scott Smith. In early ’96 Bub left the band and we went in search of a drummer. JR Engle sat in with us for a number of months while we found a permanent replacement, then we found Steve Cowser, who stayed with us until 2001, when we all took that final break.
BEST MEMORY
My best time ever in this band was when we opened for a big name band at a club down on Front Street in 1991. Puzzles Pub, it was one of the best crowds I could remember; that place was packed.
REUNION
The reunion came about because of past fans and people asking us to get back togeather to play a night somewhere. I came up with the idea that if we are gonna get back together and play, and the people want to see us, then I wanted to use it to raise money for a good cause. That’s where “Leaps Of Love ” and all my friends in all these bands became part of this whole event.
SONG CHOICES
Although Rude Awakening had some original songs, this event we will mostly play the covers of that period, the 80s and 90s.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES
Van Halen, Motley Crue and Rush.
CHARITY CHOICE
I figured if we were gonna get back together for a jam and draw people in, why not seek out a few friends and raise some money, it started out with another local band Nowake, because my son Michael sings with that band, and along with the other members decided to go with it. The more I talked about it to people, the more interest I had in others wanting to help and it has grown to now seven bands, and I have had to turn down others sadly.
We chose “Leaps of Love” as the charity that benefit from this event. The directors of “Leaps of Love” are Sandy Terry and Patty Light. They have been helping families affected with childhood cancer since 1992. The charity they were affiliated with for that long is a great thing but a national thing. In September of this year, they started “Leaps of Love” for the sole purpose of being a viable resource in Hannibal and a 100 mile radius for helping families who have children who are receiving treatments for cancer and other related illnesses. The establishment of ” Leaps of Love ” ensures that money raised in this community will, indeed, stay within this community. More info of this charity can be found by e-mailing info@leapsoflove.org.
FUTURE PLANS FOR RUDE AWAKENING
I am actually back on the market as a bass player, but as for Rude Awakening, with all the members spread all over the states, it would have to be member changes again. That just wouldn’t be the same, so I have to say this is one-time only thing. If you want to see us, this is it.
SUNDAY SHOW
I think you will hear a great selection of good rock music, by some very good local bands. I personally know a lot of these musicians and consider them friends as well as very talented musicians. The local music scene is still there, and I’m still amazed at the talent this area produces. The name of this event is the first annual “Local Area Musicians” Charity Fundraiser and I hope to organize it each year. This year i was surprised at the interest and next year I really think we could have a two-day festival, with a lot more time to plan. I thank each and every musician this Sunday for helping out with this great cause. Even the ones not playing, because I know there is going to be many musicians in the crowd that day.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Check back tomorrow for a list of area shows this weekend, thank you.
Fans wanted a Rude Awakening and that’s what they will get at Sunday’s fundraiser
Jan 14th
The early days of Rude Awakening.
Hannibal rock group Rude Awakening was considered a “hair band” when they started in 1989. After the members went their separate ways in the late ’90s, the band didn”t really think about playing together. But some old fans gave them the idea for a reunion show.
Bass player Mike Gilbert dubbed the show the Local Area Musicians Charity Fundraiser and added six other area acts to the Sunday lineup, including Nowake, Pimpkatz, Predawn Hour, Shanghi-Lil, 8:58 and Alykai.
Having a show with so many local bands led the group to decide that the show should benefit a worthy organization, and Leaps of Love came to mind. It is an organization devoted to “helping families affected by childhood cancer.” The show starts at noon, and admission is $3. People of all ages are welcome to attend.
Below is a Q&A with event organizer Mike Gilbert about the band’s reunion, the Sunday show and why he believes in this charity.
RUDE AWAKENING MEMBERS OVER THE YEARS
Lee Whittaker, Mike Gilbert, Brad Blackburn, John Cormier, Jamie Fenton, Skeeter Whittaker, Scott Smith, Bub Main, JR Engle and Steve Cowser
THE BEGINNING
Rude Awakening started in 1989 with Bub Main, John Cormier and myself who all had played in a band previously. We stuck it out and went in search of a singer and another guitar player, Lee Whittaker came on board as the singer and Brad Blackburn joined us as guitar player.
In 1989, we played our first gig at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. We went in there pretty confident but still shocked that we were getting paid.
We played music until 1993 with that original lineup, but the Flood of 93 kind of put a damper on things and we took a break. Later that year or early 1994, original members formed back minus Brad, and Jamie Fenton joined as guitarist. There were a few guitar changes, including Skeeter Whittaker and Scott Smith. In early ’96 Bub left the band and we went in search of a drummer. JR Engle sat in with us for a number of months while we found a permanent replacement, then we found Steve Cowser, who stayed with us until 2001, when we all took that final break.
BEST MEMORY
My best time ever in this band was when we opened for a big name band at a club down on Front Street in 1991. Puzzles Pub, it was one of the best crowds I could remember; that place was packed.
REUNION
The reunion came about because of past fans and people asking us to get back togeather to play a night somewhere. I came up with the idea that if we are gonna get back together and play, and the people want to see us, then I wanted to use it to raise money for a good cause. That’s where “Leaps Of Love ” and all my friends in all these bands became part of this whole event.
SONG CHOICES
Although Rude Awakening had some original songs, this event we will mostly play the covers of that period, the 80s and 90s.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES
Van Halen, Motley Crue and Rush.
CHARITY CHOICE
I figured if we were gonna get back together for a jam and draw people in, why not seek out a few friends and raise some money, it started out with another local band Nowake, because my son Michael sings with that band, and along with the other members decided to go with it. The more I talked about it to people, the more interest I had in others wanting to help and it has grown to now seven bands, and I have had to turn down others sadly.
We chose “Leaps of Love” as the charity that benefit from this event. The directors of “Leaps of Love” are Sandy Terry and Patty Light. They have been helping families affected with childhood cancer since 1992. The charity they were affiliated with for that long is a great thing but a national thing. In September of this year, they started “Leaps of Love” for the sole purpose of being a viable resource in Hannibal and a 100 mile radius for helping families who have children who are receiving treatments for cancer and other related illnesses. The establishment of ” Leaps of Love ” ensures that money raised in this community will, indeed, stay within this community. More info of this charity can be found by e-mailing info@leapsoflove.org.
FUTURE PLANS FOR RUDE AWAKENING
I am actually back on the market as a bass player, but as for Rude Awakening, with all the members spread all over the states, it would have to be member changes again. That just wouldn’t be the same, so I have to say this is one-time only thing. If you want to see us, this is it.
SUNDAY SHOW
I think you will hear a great selection of good rock music, by some very good local bands. I personally know a lot of these musicians and consider them friends as well as very talented musicians. The local music scene is still there, and I’m still amazed at the talent this area produces. The name of this event is the first annual “Local Area Musicians” Charity Fundraiser and I hope to organize it each year. This year i was surprised at the interest and next year I really think we could have a two-day festival, with a lot more time to plan. I thank each and every musician this Sunday for helping out with this great cause. Even the ones not playing, because I know there is going to be many musicians in the crowd that day.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
Check back tomorrow for a list of area shows this weekend, thank you.
Q&A with international touring folk/soul performerwho is raising funds for Keokuk blues festival
Jan 13th
William Elliott-Whitmore is a folk/soul artist from a small town near Keokuk, Iowa, called Montrose, Iowa. I came across his music while reading an indie magazine called Paste last March. You can read that post here.
He is performing Saturday at the Rollin’ on the River Blues Festival Committee’s Winter Fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 11 N Sixth, Keokuk. Doors open at 7 p.m. with entertainment beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door.
For more from Whitmore and on the fundraiser, check out Thursday’s edition of the Herald-Whig. Below is a Q&A with Whitmore about everything from how he started singing to who his dream lineup would be.
THE BEGINNING
I’ve always enjoyed singing. Being from a family of modest means, it was always a joy that was free, that was self contained. I didn’t need to buy anything to make it happen. I could sing and I could write. Both of my grandfathers played the banjo and my father played the acoustic guitar. They’ve all passed away and when I inherited the instruments I taught myself to play. I never looked back.
PLAYING INSTRUMENTS
During a show my two main instruments are the acoustic guitar and the banjo. I do some songs with vocals only. With recording I embellish a bit, using everything from organs and piano, to cello and accordian.
A SONG IS BORN
Each song is born in a different way. Lyrics and music are joined in a way that I find pleasing.
FIRST GIGS
I used to just show up at parties and get-togethers when I was a teenager and start playing. I got my confidence up like that and it was a good way to ‘cut my teeth.’ The first real gig that somebody asked me to play was a spring program at my high school. It went well and I knew I didn’t want to do anything else.
TOURING
I tour for a living which means I’m on the road more than I’m home. It treats me well and I’ve seen some amazing places because of it. I’ve played in Rome, Georgia and Rome, Italy and everywhere in between. I’ve played castles in Scotland and world war II bunkers in Germany. Most of my tour stories aren’t fit to print, but let’s just say they’ll never forget me in Amsterdam.
LATEST RECORDING
"Animals In the Dark"
My latest record is called “Animals in the Dark.”
BEGINNING A NEW YEAR
2010 holds for me a lot of touring. I am also working on a couple of new musical projects.
DREAM LINEUP
The show I’d love to be in the front row of would consist of Bill Withers, Leadbelly and Johnny Cash.
ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER FUNDRAISER IN KEOKUK, IOWA
I wanted to play the event because it’s a worthy cause. The whole community will benefit from what this group is doing. People can expect a good time when they attend one of my shows.
KEOKUK
My favorite thing to do in Keokuk is to go down to the river and watch the barges lock through the dam.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
