by Dave Luecinger

The Bug for nostalga (and tradition) never goes away. The current retro scene’s distinction is in digging up more obscure musical nuggets, and even obscure and semi-obscure performers. The state has both examples this month, starting May 16 in Milwaukee with the Swingin’ Kools CD release at the Rave; see our review for more details. Blues fans in brewtown will have plenty to celebrate during Harley Week; Buddy Guy and the Doobie Brothers headline the festival, while the Up & Under delivers the top locals, including Terry Frank, Rev. Raven, Leroy Airmaster, and a special show June 13 with Billy Flynn and special guest Hubert Sumlin backed by the Jim Liban Band.

In Madison, May’s swing headquarters is the Inferno, with Detroit’s Atomic Fireballs on the 15th, followed on the 24th by England’s all-star jump unit, the Big Six, touring behind their release, “We the Boys Will Rock Ya.” The Swingin’ Kools open that pre-Memorial Day show. Madison’s own swing king, Joel Paterson, graces the Crystal Corner June 6 and the Harmony June 13, while Chicago blues guitarist Son Seals returns to the Crystal May 30 with his no-nonsense, in-your-face performance style.
In the Fox Valley, there’s no better place for music in the next month than Ryan’s Ballroom in Combined Locks: Two shows hotter than molten lead promise to draw big crowds. Friday, May 29, rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson headlines; her 1961 Capitol hit, “Let’s Have A Party” doesn’t get the airplay it deserves on Wonder Bread oldies stations (say nothing for her even more raucous earlier stuff, like “I Gotta Know,” and “Fujiama Mama”). She switched to straight country in the ‘60’s, but has returned to the gruff howls of rock in her limited performances. Opening for Jackson is Ray Condo and his Ricochets, one of the tightest vintage western outfits going. That show is followed on June 24 by Ronnie Dawson, whose current career has eclipsed his regional success across North Texas in the late ‘50’s. He’s one of the most energetic performers on the circuit, with regular, hot interplay with the other musicians in his band.

And down in the Stateline area, Darien’s Silver Moon continues to bring stellar blues to the cornfields. Over the next month, Chicago’s Little Mack Simmons (May 16) and Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames (May 23) are among the highlights.
Dave Leucinger