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?

Namaste - Q & Z Expo Center - May 22nd, 2014

Namaste: "Is used as a respectful form of greeting, acknowledging and welcoming a relative, guest or stranger. It is used with good byes as well. It is typically spoken and simultaneously performed with palms touching gesture."  Its an interesting word really, as mentioned above it has many meanings all of which lead to a spirituality that words from the English language really don't seem to have the same level of respect.  Respect is of great import to cultures, clans and individuals for millennia.  So?

Banjo Loco - CD Release and Soiree

Banjos and soirees go together like grape jelly and beef jerky scrambled eggs.  Often we hear these wonderful recipes and we think "that could be interesting" but at times the concept is much greater than the finished project.  Take it from a father who once had a child inspire his greatness using a chocolate chip pancake, maple flavored syrup, ketchup and whipped creme to the massive failure that was indeed the gnarliest looking concoction that ever came forth at three times the speed of sound.  Come to think of it those eggs might grow on you...

Galena High School Spring Concert - May 10th, 2014

Nationwide music programs are under the proverbial chopping block with a neatly sharpened blade and the the executioner is getting bored.  Education itself is on the same chopping block with decidedly terrifying focus on lessening what is taught as well as how.  Music programs stimulate the mind of the children participating and therefore helping those students become even better students.  Sadly with the focus of many schools not supporting music programs it is the students that suffer and at the same time allowing a justification of why that program should be cut.  Living in the community in which I do it can be said that...