Make plans now for a busy musical weekend:

Eleven @ TNT Spring Bike Kickoff
When: Friday
Where: TNT Action Sports, 5101 Oak

Sounds like Summer
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Turner Hall, 926 Hampshire

Rick Crider
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Cellar 21, 121 N. Fourth

Cheeseburgers
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday
Where: One Restaurant & Bar, 600 Hampshire

Devon Clemons Band with Gracia Harrison
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Lake Hill Winery, Carthage, Ill.

Logan Kammerer
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday
Where: State Street Bar & Grill, 1638 State

Shrimp Fest
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ridge View Winery, Mount Sterling, Ill.

The Corners
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Main Hangout, Palmyra, Mo.

Eleven
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Dock, 1021 Bonansinga Drive

Big Deal
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Adams Trading Post, Liberty, Ill.

Karoake
with A.K.A. Entertainment
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: State Street Bar & Grill, 1638 State

Cheeks McGee
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Cellar 21, 121 N. Fourth

Super Majik Robots
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: One Restaurant & Bar, 600 Hampshire

Diamonds in the Rough
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday
Where: One Restaurant & Bar, 600 Hampshire

Van Dyke

Don Van Dyke, “The Breakdown” blog writer, will be live blogging from The Local Q Music Fest Saturday, May 5, at Johnny Bang Bang’s. Chicago acts Ami Moss and the Unfortunate, and Max Simmons are headlining the second annual event. The finalists in the Singer/Songwriter contest — George Cate, Bo Dirte, Katie Jean, Elizabeth Mannhardt and Michael Reynolds — also will perform. Find out more information on the event here.

While the concert starts at 7:30 p.m., Don will be arriving early to preview all the action beginning with sound check at 6:30 p.m.

Join Don as he captures the sights and sounds of The Local Q Music Fest.

Six String Heroes

OK, this is the final blog for me. Next up is the Don Van Dyke show. I appreciate Jess at the Local Q asking me to write the blog for a couple months and for all the kind words from those on Facebook that read my ramblings.

Those of you that know me, know that I’m originally from Quincy, but moved to St. Louis about 10 years ago. I worked too many hours and traveled way too much the first five years here and decided I needed to make some changes in my life. I decided that I really wanted to spend more time with my family and that I wanted to focus more on helping people, rather than making money. Easy to say but much harder to do. I was able to start teaching online college classes, which meant working from home — great start — but was still looking for a way to help people.

A couple of years ago, I saw a story in a guitar magazine about a national organization called Guitars for Vets, which taught military veterans how to play guitar to help them with PTSD, depression, memory issues, and other problems. A chaplain named JR Harris at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis had recently started a chapter, so I decided that was my calling. Combining my love of guitar with helping veterans — there couldn’t possibly be a better mix for me. I met with JR, Kevin Sullivan, and army veteran, Derek Milles, who were all teaching in the program and it felt like home the first night.

Fast forward six months and we were doing some great things for Veterans in St. Louis, however, Guitars For Vets had some growing pains and we were in high growth mode in St. Louis, so we decided to go it alone. By this time, JR had been transferred to Las Vegas and army veteran Mike Petty had started to help. We decided by going it alone, we could raise money locally and keep the funds in St. Louis to grow and run our own program. Six String Heroes at Jefferson Barracks was born on Feb. 22, 2011.

I’m proud to say that almost immediately after starting the program, the great folks in Quincy were supporting our efforts. In addition to various donations directly to me on my visits back to Quincy, Second String Music and the Vancil Performing Arts Center sold about 150 shirts and took in about 15 guitars in the last eight months.

I wrote a blog post about the reality of music therapy a few weeks ago. In it, I said that I see that it’s real every week when I give guitar lessons to veterans. We’ve had comments such as, “this is the best part of my week, I never thought I ‘d look forward to Monday nights (our lesson nights),” ”I’m glad the program is there, I’m a lot more focused on my actual life now.” I’ve been stopped in my tracks and fought back tears when I tried to explain to a student that he’s putting his fingers in the wrong place for a chord and then noticed that the top half of one of his fingers is missing from a mortar blast, so he has adjusted to using his remaining fingers to fret the chord. That same student has helped me change my entire outlook on life in a positive way, so I definitely get as much as I give.

Stoner

I’m proud to announce that in conjunction with Second String Music’s one year anniversary (the day after ours), we have implemented a Quincy chapter of Six String Heroes. Second String Music and the Vancil Performing Arts Center will be working together to provide lessons to qualified veterans and Six String Heroes will be providing the guitars and accessories for the program.

The basics of the program are:

1) The program is designed to help military veterans, who as a result of their military service are suffering from PTSD, depression, battle fatigue, memory issues, social anxiety, a physical injury, or similar problem.

2) The first step to enter the program is to fill out an application available from Second String Music or by e-mailing Six String Heroes at sshstl@gmail.com.

3) If all criteria are met, the veteran schedules their lessons with Second String Music and receives 6 free guitar lessons. A loaner student guitar is provided by Six String Heroes for the lessons. After the 6 lessons, the veteran is awarded their own new guitar, a gig bag (case), and accessories and is encouraged to continue on with their lessons or join a guitar group in order to continue learning.

All guitars and funding to Six String Heroes is provided through personal donations. A Quincy benefit is being planned for June 30, 2012, at Turner Hall. Please make plans to attend and contact us at sshstl@gmail.com if you would like to help in any way.

May your seas be still and your sky be blue,

Steve Stoner

Buzz Sutherland

Martin-Cate

I heart stand up comedy. When I was extra broke in Chicago during college, a good friend was a cocktail server at Zanies, a classic comedy club. We could come for free, if we waited until it started and knocked on the back door. It was killer.

Saturday night, I was invited by the awesome owners of Spirit Knob Winery outside of Ursa, Ill., to attend their comedy night. The comedians were Buzz Sutherland, who has been voted for 16 years as college comic of the year, Johnny Beehner and hosted by Fryamn, both Buzz and Johnny are regulars on Bob and Tom, MTV, HBO, Showtime and more.

All the comedians were great, but Buzz slayed the night. Each guy had to mention how hard it was to find Spirit Knob Winery, which let’s face if you haven’t been out there is a bit of a challenge, but totally worth it. Another topic of discussion was how awesome it was to perform for a small group and that they prefer to pronounce the name of where they are performing correctly, so they asked how to pronounce “middle of nowhere.” It was so great, the wine was flowing the ambiance was wonderful, long story short, you must make it out for the next comedy night.

Thanks for the great time Spirit Knob!

Near the end of the night, the comedian was able to get two members of the audience up on stage for a little dancing session, below is the video:

Jessica M. Martin-Cate

Euphonium

I am inspired by a musician that raised $2,500 for the Salvation Army by playing his euphonium for 36 hours straight outside. My first thought was, wow this guy is dedicated, my second thought was, I can’t believe he didn’t raise more. People should’ve been dropping money like crazy. I think this would make an amazing fundraiser for Quincy. Who doesn’t love a good old-fashion marathon event? Are there any musicians out there willing to play for 36 hours for a cause?

I vote for a small group of jamming musicians to perform unplugged somewhere unusual, the bridge area maybe? Or somewhere else downtown. They could go all night and everyone could stay and support. So neat, right?

WATCH VIDEO of this amazing musician here:

Martin-Cate

Associated Press: Musician plays for 36 hours straight for charity

Jessica M. Martin-Cate

Brad Paisley, left, Jason Aldean, top center, Taylor Swift, top right, Keith Urban, bottom center, and Blake Shelton, bottom right. (Submitted Photos)

The CMA Awards are tonight (Nov. 9) and I’m excited. I love awards shows, I have said this many times before, and will watch most of them.

I do like the CMAs, even though I don’t follow all country music, but I did grow up on it, so I’m excited. One of the most coveted awards is Entertainer of the Year. This year’s nominees are Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley (last year’s winner), Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.

Martin-Cate

While Aldean has spurred some more popularity this year, he pretty much never writes his songs, Brantley Gilbert has been doing that a lot lately, and he actually attempting to rap in “Dirt Road Anthem.” Which I could just not handle. I have a saying that if you are going to release a terrible catchy/pop song, at least have written it yourself, otherwise you actually CHOSE this song, which means you thought it was good. Long story short, there is no way Aldean deserves this award.

As for Brad Paisley, he is a writing machine. Whether you like all his songs or not, he spits them out fast and fun. Also, he has the upper-hand of being the reigning queen, wait wrong show.

Blake Shelton is on fire this year. Well he was already pushing for the gold last year, but his better half Miranda Lambert out shined him. He was a great host and a shining part of the one singing competition show ever that I couldn’t get into, “The Voice.” He had some great hits this year, but may a year or two more before he qualifies for this award.

Little Miss Taylor Swift is not only the only girl in this category, but is also the youngest. If Paisley is a writing machine, then Swift is the upgraded version. She touches something and it is platinum. The girl can write, I don’t care who you are. She may not have the biggest voice (and I may not really own her stuff), but you cannot deny her talent in her genre. She will never fade away, because she doesn’t have a puppet master like most girls her age in the business, she is the puppet master and for all you naysayers out there, I can confidently say, you are wrong. She may take another win in this category.

* Side note, who doesn’t love the bluegrass twinged single, “Mean?” (video below) So cute, even though I was a bit sad when I realized she was playing a traditional banjo, but a guitar-style one.

Keith Urban from down under is quite talented in his own right and continues to be nominated for this honor, even without the huge amount of number one singles. He did win in 2005, but has not let us down career-wise in the past several years. The kid can rip on guitar, obviously so can Paisley (do not even deny this, you may not like their stuff, but these are the two guitar kids, as far as country goes). Urban writes songs in a style undeniable him, you can tell it from the first few notes played of any song. He will unlikely take home the honor this year, as he has not had as big of a year as others, but there is something to be said for consistency.

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Long story short, I believe Paisley, Shelton and Swift are the clear leads here, with the Paisley or Swift actually earning it. Who do you think should take home the buckle? Watch along with me, be following my twitter at WhigBreakdown.

Watch Taylor Swift’s “Mean” video below:

Jessica M. Martin-Cate

Lady Gaga

I admit it, I like Lady Gaga. I don’t necessarily like every song she puts out, but her persona and what she has done for the underdogs everywhere is pretty amazing. (My fav songs are “Paparazzi,” “Bad Romance” and I dig the new “You and I.”)

Her performance of “Paparazzi” at the 2009 MTV VMAs sold me. There person watching it with me said she was a cross between Madonna and Marilyn Manson at that moment, here is the video:

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My point of this Lady Gaga love fest post, is that according to the Associated Press, some of her things are going to be auctioned off, would buy some of if you could afford it? I have to say it’d be neat, as most of what she wears are works of art all on their own.

Read the story here: Lady Gaga dress, prop gun among rock auction items

Julie Ann Marra as Needy, top left, and Jessica M. Martin-Cate as Jennifer in 2010 for Halloween. Amanda Seyfried as Needy, bottom left, and Megan Fox as Jennifer in the film "Jennifer's Body."

Halloween, you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy, when skies are gray! OK, I’m done with inputting Halloween into lyrics or quotes.

Wait, one more, but it is my own saying: Halloween, YOU ROCK MY SOCKS!

I believe it is clear now that Halloween is my favorite, well costumes are what make it awesome and as an art school alum, my friends and I over the years have done it up right. One of my favorite things is being a zombie, which, by the way, my first ever zombie costume was in 2005 as a zombie mechanic. I believe that means I was a hair ahead of the curve on the current zombie craze, but not really if you love old zombie flicks, then we are all just zombies together!

Last year, Julie Ann Marra, a fellow Local Qer, and I went as the stars of the movie “Jennifer’s Body,” which is the somewhat under the radar random horror movie that I oddly love. It is not odd that I like scary movies, but odd that this movie, which looked like a teeny bopper scary movie, ended up being so great.

The synopsis is: “A newly possessed cheerleader turns into a killer who specializes in offing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?” I was the cheerleader and Julie was the best friend who ends up offing me. The photo to the right is us acting that part out.

I haven’t fully decided what my going out costume will be yet, but my trick or treat costume was chosen by my pre-kindergartner and our whole family is going as Ghostbusters, complete with Proton Packs. He has decided his new baby sister will be Slimer. This should make for an interesting family photo, love it! I would wear that out, and may still, but I hate to wear it before I wear it with the little guy, since he chose it, so I think I will be going to my awesome Halloween trunk in the basement. It is full of so many goodies, basically overflowing with remnants of past costumes, from fake M16s, blood, tiaras and more.

I will definitely let you all know what I land on for the fun Friday out on the town, Happy Costume Making!

For help with your costume this year, check out my blog on how to do makeup and create costumes on the cheap, here: http://www.thelocalq.com/blogs/thebreakdown/2010/10/halloween-costumes-a-must-this-weekend

Jessica M. Martin-Cate

I was the White Queen from Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland, top left, a sword swallower for a freak show theme, top center, Cherry Darling from the "Planet Terror" of Grindhouse, top right, a fresh zombie, bottom left, a dirty mechanic, bottom center, and a nightmare bridesmaid, bottom right.

Gerald "Jerry" Anderson holds a copy of the Bugle paper Oct. 19.

The Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy continues to celebrate its 125th Anniversary this year by hosting a Foundation Day Celebration today. It is truly important to honor our veterans every day of the year, so this is a great way to do just that by joining the residents on the beautiful campus for some fun, music and festivities.

The highlight is a parade on the grounds at 1:30 p.m. and my grandfather Gerald Anderson, who served in the Korean War and is considered somewhat of a young pup out there, will be participating with other residents, by riding in their electric chairs.

Schedule of events:
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Pvt. Joe Fifer & Mayberry Deputy Visiting Units.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Special Dinner for residents only.

Noon to 4 p.m.: Federal Encampment, outside of Smith Hall.

1:30 p.m.: IVHQ 125th Anniversary Celebration Parade, which will include some residents. Parade will pass resident buildings in this order: Fifer, Elmore, Schapers, Markword/Somerville/Anderson, Fletcher and end in front of Lippincott.

2:15 p.m.: Brief program, cake ceremony and balloon release at Lippincott Hall.

2:30-4 p.m.: Musical entertainment featuring Miles Station at Lippincott Hall.

* In case of inclement weather, parade will be cancelled and the rest of the events will be moved into Lippincott Hall.

Also, see this post on our City/County Beat blog here: http://www3.whig.com/whig/blogs/citybeat/2011/10/guest-blog-foundation-day-to-honor-veterans-with-festivities

Jessica M. Martin-Cate

Photo by Jessica M. Martin-Cate

Eleven (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Driftwood 13, Keokuk, Iowa

BBQ Blast featuring ImpaKt Band (classic rock)
WHEN: noon Saturday
WHERE: St. Johns Anglican Cathedral, 3728 Payson Road

Great River Grape Escape featuring Tim Hart, Cheeks McGee and Logan Kammerer
WHEN: noon-9 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Clat Adams Park, Quincy riverfront

Love Junkie (classic rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Purple Cow, Alexandria, Mo.

Owen Mays, Dogbite Harris and Kentucky Knife Fight (punk/rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: New Hampshire Bar, 1000 Hampshire

Sequoi Drive (rock/country)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: HotSpots Bar, Clayton

Eleven (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Dock, 1021 Bonansinga Drive

New Crime Theatre (pop/rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Johnny Bang Bang’s, 138 N. Front

Ken Carlyle (acoustic)
WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Ridge View Winery, Mount Sterling

Dave Griffin (classic rock)
WHEN: 1-5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Spirit Knob Winery,  Ursa

More details on shows are available on the calendar page at www.thelocalq.com.
For information on bands and concert venues, go to the music page at www.thelocalq.com.
Submit details for upcoming shows at www.thelocalq.com/node/1767.