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Well, so much for the drought this summer was supposed to bring…The monsoon metaphor could also apply to the musical offerings across Wisconsin and the Midwest in June & early July. Besides the major festivals (Chicago Blues Fest, Summerfest, Mississippi Valley, etc.), here's a few tips on other stops to make.
Shermanfest at Sherman Park, Milwaukee, 6/24-25: Yes, we plugged it in the festivals last issue – but a reminder can't hurt. Especially when it's a FREE show! Every act is solid, but anticipated highlights include suave soul vocalist Otis Clay crooning on Saturday night, preceded by sassy Barbara Carr and sax legend Eddie Shaw. Could Saturday be topped? Probably not, but it could be rivaled on Sunday by south side showmen Cicero Blake & Lil' Johnny Johnson, taut string picking by Eddie King, and the great swamp harmonica blues of Lazy Lester.
The Red Elvises at the Inferno, Madison, 6/24; Muldoon's, Green Bay, 6/27; and Summerfest 6/29-30: Proof that musical diplomacy would bring world harmony? Maybe a stretch, but this batch of young Russians has embraced rockabilly and other classic American music, filtered it through more traditional Russian elements (balalaikas and lots of vodka), and created this half-serious, half-comedic lounge show. Nobody leaves this show without a smile!
Muldoon's "Quasi-Fest" - 6/24: Croonin' Kurt & the Hi-Geared Combo; 6/25: Wayne "The Train" Hancock; 6/27: The Red Elvises; 6/30: Ronnie Dawson; 7/1: Johnny Dilks & His Visitacion Mountain Boys; 7/4: Cave Catt Sammy; 7/6: Teddy Morgan & the Pistolas; 7/8: The Hollisters: Say you can't get away from the Fox Valley during the 4th of July Weekend? Big parts of several festivals are actually touching down in Green Bay! With prices between $3 and $8 per show, it's arguably cheaper to catch each show here than to spend a night on the road at a festival…unless "Hotel Oldsmobile" has a comfortable room available.
BR5-49 at Jones Bluff View Inn, W848 State Highway 11, Brodhead, WI, July 4: Yep, here's one I did a triple take on when I first tracked it down. Big Nashville band? Heading from Summerfest to…BRODHEAD (pop. @3,500) for the BIG 4th of July celebration? Well, it's true – they're really getting to country roots this time, not just musically. To whomever ran this idea up the flagpole – I'm at attention and saluting. For more concert information, call (608) 897-4373.
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