July 2010
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Memorial Day was gorgeous! The parade in Eau Claire was grand! The Bluesmobile brought a raucous response from the crowd and they snapped pictures as fast as they could. The trailer/float pulled behind it generated as much applause as for the marching bands as Left Wing Bourbon entertained the crowd with their blues and funk. The float advertised Tuesday Night Blues’ first concert and benefit for the Veteran’s Center at Klein Hall and the crowd responded approvingly.
The next day unfortunately rained most of the day and Tuesday Night Blues was forced inside the Grand Theater in Eau Claire for the first set of the 2010 season. Luckily we have a backup/rain venue, and we our grateful to the folk their for letting us use their facility. Left Wing Bourbon put on an excellent show June 1st and everyone their let them know how much they appreciated their efforts.
Unfortunately, Tuesday June8th rained as well. Forced back inside for the Pumps, augmented by Billy Angell on keys and Mike Ulwelling on harp, we still had a helluva good time. The crowd ate up the performance and showed their appreciation by purchasing The Pumps recently released CD. This was the CD release party. Buck, Tom & Frank showed their appreciation for the crowd by kickin’ out the jams and rockin’ the house.
The following Sunday was Debfest at Poo’s On The Pond. The weather didn’t cooperate any better, but the crowds and the bands under the big tent didn’t pay it any mind. The music was excellent from start to finish with seven bands, beginning with Howard & Deb herself, accompanied by Jim Schuh on drums. Then with a whole bunch of guest musicians on stage they started the whole party off right. After their set was over they gave way to the many talented groups donating their time. But Deb and Howard weren’t done they spent most of the rest of the day making their way through the crowds and letting every one know how grateful they were for the generous support of our community. There were smiles and hugs wall to wall while this juke Joint practically jumped right in the pond. The food was plentiful and as tasty as you could want, the beverages flowed and everybody was letting the good times roll, all day long.
Hats off to Poo and his staff for putting on a fine party and Mojo Terry for recruiting all the superb door prizes that were raffled off. You folks that were involved did a truly awesome job!!!
June 15th did not see the weather improve, but Tuesday Night Blues had cabin fever and went outside anyway. The Blues Dogs chased the rain away long enough to create the wide-open ambience we remembered from most of last year. Steve Meyer, accompanied by Tom ”Buck” Murray and Frank Juodis burned the clouds right out of the sky, poking holes to let some sun shine in, even if only for a little while. They had such a great time they’d still be playin’ now if we hadn’t made them stop. Man it was good to be outside listening to some soul-searing guitar riffs and gut-wrenching bass runs. Famous Dave’s was there with their fine sandwiches and 9 degrees was satisfying everybody’s sweet tooth with monster ice cream cones. Pay It Forward made their initial appearance at Owen Park with TNB selling popcorn and cotton candy.
Looking ahead, we can’t wait for July 6th with Mojo Lemon to welcome the heart of summer with us. We decided to redo the Humane Society night on the 6th as they were hampered by the weather on June 15th.
July 13th is something to look forward to as TNB newcomers The Dave Lambert Band is coming to town from La Crosse to give us a taste of those southern (Wisconsin, that is) blues sounds. I’m definitely looking forward to that. We’ll be sponsoring the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic that night.
Deepwater Reunion is coming back for another shot at TNB on the 20th and will be putting on one of the best shows you have seen to benefit The Community Table that night. These guys hail from all over Wisconsin and will rock your socks off.
On the 27th of July we get another traveling show with The Nitecaps featuring Alexis Moyer on vocals. These guys can PLAY! Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/thenitecapsband .
Don’t forget Blues On The Chippewa on Aug. 7th & 8th. 15 bands, Art Fair (w/live music) and a Car Show. Best of all!!!! Everything I’m telling you about is F R E E !!!!!!!!!! Is this a great place to be or what?!?!
Summer's just getting started and we plan on having plenty of good times and great nights at Tuesday Night Blues at Owen Park. Music starts at 6:30!
Looking forward to it. See ya there!!!
