One of these days this weather will behave as it should, but until then we must continue to grapple with what we got and enjoy the live music where we can.
We like to welcome first-time performers to our patch of the world, so drop by Buzz Bomb Brewing Company on Thursday (7-10 p.m.) and say howdy to Jack Byron, a Chicago-based, singer-songwriter making his capital city debut. Along with a sack full of original tunes from his forthcoming debut album, Two Travellers, Jack entertains with a selection of songs by well-loved Americana artists including Van Morrison, Jason Isbell, Johnny Cash, the Avett Brothers and more. Also on Thursday in the downtown vicinity, we welcome familiar faces when guitarist David Lumsden joins with Reggie Britton and Black Magic Johnson to wring out the blues at Craft Beer Bar.
Friday night brings us an assortment of happenings from sad to glad. At George Ranks we will be hosting a “For the Love of Pete!” celebration of life for Pete McCue who passed away, way too young, just last January. Pete was familiar to many as a longtime bartender at the Brewhaus and several other popular watering holes around town. Miss you Pete, and your loving scowl that tried to mask your shining smile.
In other Friday night shenanigans, check out the hip and cool blues sounds of Back Pack Jones at Danenberger Family Vineyard, while the big and beautiful benefits of Take 10 take hold at Weebles. In a couple of special events, The Get Down hosts a farewell show at the Curve Inn to faithful front man Scott Lecocq, while Sunshine Daydream whoops it up at Third Base in commemoration of the Grateful Dead-influenced, jammin’ jam band’s six year anniversary. Get a double dose of Johnnie Owens and Friends with a 5:30 early evening performance at Robbie’s and an encore presentation of the fabulous singing of J-O at Anchors Away starting at 8 p.m. And if that ain’t enough of Mr. Owens and the guys (of course it’s not), check ‘em out at the Pinnacle Club high atop the mighty Wyndham Centre (get used to saying it) next Saturday, May 25.
My pal and yours, Michael “Supe” Granda honestly, if not eloquently, stated in his song Monday, Tuesday, etc. that “Friday just turns into Saturday night,” and so it does when even more bands perform at many of the same venues, doing what they do so well. Check our Live Music listings for what we got going on and visit Facebook events as well to stay fully informed.
And while all this hoopla is happening, the Old State Capitol Art Fair and Pridefest are covering a good percentage of downtown with music, art, parades and other various forms of public entertainment. It might be best to just follow your ears and see where they take you as the live music festivities compliment other activities during the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday for the OSCAF and for Pridefest on Saturday.
As Sunday sends us another fundraiser, it’s a good time to remind ourselves that each benefit is important to those in need. This one is Boot Scootin For a Cure at the Curve Inn (1-6 p.m.) hosted by teams RATPAC and Caravan of Hope, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The local bands and musicians donating time and talent include Myers - Brant - Paoni, Ryman’s Way, Riffstorm, Mystery Machine and The Former All-Stars. Thanks to all who make these things happen.
Have fun and see you next week on the printed page.
