Halfway Jam - Day 3 July 26th, 2014

All good things must come to an end or so the cliche goes.  Its a simple fact that when there is a type of schedule everything does indeed come to an end.  Day Three of "Halfway Jam" came to an exceptional conclusion under a backdrop that featured some incredible bands.

Halfway Jam - Day 2 July 25th, 2014

The second day of anything is always easier than the first day.  Jitters have lessened, a routine may have begun, and the comfort level begins to increase.  That's true for the second day of kindergarten, the second day of a new job or career, even the second day of band camp is easier.  Please forget the band camp reference but you get the gist.  July 25th was the second day of "Halfway Jam" did it get easier?

Halfway Jam - Day 1 July 24th, 2014

The first day of "Halfway Jam" started like any typical first day of a music festival.  With a beautiful day looming and first day jitters of the attendees a typical start was assured.  What every music festival has is surprises but when the surprises make a big impact it makes everything more fun.

Free Fallin' - Mississippi Moon Bar June 7th, 2014

The '80's were a time of a musical tsunami.  When MTV sprang forth an entire world of music we may have never really heard arrived to us on a nice little "platter."  We saw it all, new genres broke free from their little hiding places and bands became more than just sounds, they were out in the daylight of the world.  Some of the artists we did know brought to us a spectacular point where those images were ever etched into our minds, some for the good and some for the bad.  So?

Tommy Ramone 1949 - 2014

The year 1974 brought the United States of America to a crossroads that looked as if any route traveled would be one of futility and dread.  Richard Nixon resigned as President.  President Gerald Ford granted amnesty to deserters of the Vietnam War and Draft Dodgers.  The world was in the middle of a global Recession.  Syria and Israel agreed to a ceasefire for their conflict in the Golan Heights.  Four young men started a band that took the world by storm.

Jackyl - Rock USA 16JUL14

Chainsaws, whiskey, long hair and rock and roll.  Let that soak in for a moment.  Using the old "one of these things is not like the other" game you might think the answer is simple so if you guessed "chainsaws" you would be wrong.  The right answer is...  The right answer is ALL of these things are the same when you consider Jackyl was on stage and all of the aforementioned items were there too.

Halfway Jam - The 11th Annual Music Festival, A Primer

What does a sleepy little town in Minnesota and rock and roll have in common?  What does a chainsaw wielding front man and lead singer capable of swooning every female patron with a simple smile have with rock and roll have in common?  What other questions can I ask that compare stuff?  Well...

Alice Cooper - Summerfest July 4th, 2014

As I mature gracefully into my little part of the mid-forties I am reminded constantly of bucket lists or at least a perceived need for one.  It is with fascination that I look at the bucket lists of others, or is it with fear that I look at them?  Think about the consequences of 5000 85 year old women skydiving at the same time, I shudder to think of the broken hips alone.  Sure I could buy a '58 Corvette, or hike across Europe but that's too easy.  My foray into that bucket list can only go through the world of music but I refuse to write anything that can be used against me.  Wait what?

Mötley Crüe - Summerfest July 4th, 2014

Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago one of the most important documents in the history of the future United States of America was written bringing forth the great Nation and a country of people who love their freedoms.  Since then the Fourth of July has become a massive celebration complete with fireworks rife with brilliant flashes and loud reports.  Its fitting when you think of those fireworks and how two hundred thirty-eight years ago those flashes sounds were associated with cannon fire and muskets.  Is the "birth of the Nation" and the freedom that we enjoy merely forgotten or noticed, or between the hot dogs and potato salad is there still that flame still flickering true?