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Beginning of the end, or the start of a new era?
 

I liked Gary's headline so much that I just left it up after his last review..it sort of applies to my comments this week as well.  It's been a pretty busy couple of weeks for me, what with new viruses popping up, the shop being busier than ever, and trying to work out details of some planned projects.  Lets start with maybe a week and a half ago.  I finally got to meet the two folks, Mike and Mary, who are the driving force behind the Boundary Waters Blues Fest, which will be in Grand Rapids for the first time this year.  Believe me..Ely's loss is Grand Rapids' gain.  It will be a 4 day event the last weekend of July and the first day of August, with the Thursday opener at the KAXE on the waterfront stage and the remaining events at the Itasca County Fairgrounds.  As we understand at this time, camping will be available, at least three of the major food vendors at the fairgrounds will be open..Meds-1 Ambulance Service, besides co-sponsoring the event, will be providing emergency medical services, there will be two after parties at the Moose Club in town, and shuttle service to the Moose, KAXE, and hotels, etc. will be available..along with some great entertainment..check their website for all the info as well as an opportunity to volunteer if you are so inclined.  After meeting with them with the folks from Meds-1 for a couple of hours during the day and putting them in touch with a lot of the folks around the Grand Rapids area that might be beneficial for the effort, it was off to the Eagles for the premiere of the last of the three new bands the Eagles has booked for this year, Gunn Junction.  Now I have known most of these guys for quite a while, (the bass player for most of my life), but I had not gotten a chance to hear them.  You know I've been talking about the new groups a bit over the first months of this year, but what you may not know is that the band committee has told the new groups in effect: "be yourself..play the songs you play, do your setup the way you do, and don't try to be an 'Eagles Band'."  They are serious about getting some new blood in to enjoy the music.  The last two groups, Grock and Juju5, had both already proven their worth and gotten ongoing bookings in return, with Grock the 26/27 of March, and Juju5 the 30th of April and May 1, so it was left to the acoustic/electric quintet that is Gunn Junction to make it three for three, and they did it in fine style. 

(continued next column)

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July 29/30/31..August 1

Itasca County Fairgrounds, Grand Rapids, MN.


 


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 March 12/13/Wednesday the 17th

  • Jitters @  The Eagles Club,  Grand Rapids, MN. Fri/Sat

  • Grock (the acoustic/Celtic version) @ The Forest Lake Lounge, Grand Rapids, MN. Wednesday the 17th. for St. Pats Day

  • Deafman's Radio @ Tommy's Rainy Lake Saloon, Virginia, MN. Wednesday the 17th.

  • Puss & Boots @ The Eagles Club, Grand Rapids, MN. Wednesday the 17th

  • Atlantis @ Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Welch, MN. Friday/Saturday

  • Open Mic Night @ The American Legion, Blackduck, MN. every Wednesday night 8-close.  Call 835-4336 for more info.

  • Every Saturday Afternoon, 2-6 pm Acoustic Afternoon @ The Taconite Legion Club.  All musicians welcome.


(continued from previous column)

The grouping of Lee Mattfield, Mike Perpich, Jerry Herschback, Jim Longtin, and Jim Patrow did a great job..and the two members of the band committee that were in attendance told me they would be booking them for more gigs before the first hour was up.  Lee Mattfield on drums is always a treat..a master of control and getting the groove set for the bass player to join in, and the bass player, Jerry Hershback..formerly of the Outcasts ( a legend around here from the late 60's to the early 70's) did a stellar job of filling in the bottom line and fronting vocals.  This band has a very good song selection for dancers, and the instrumentalists and their instruments seem to coincide nicely with the selection.  Good strong vocals and some great harmony ( and a particularly nice Neil Young cover) had the crowd applauding, whistling, and dancing.  Mike Perpich on vocals and acoustic 6 & 12 string, Jim Longtin on acoustic and vocals, and Jim Patrow on a very pretty Gretsch Brian Setzer model electric did a great job of filling in the backgrounds, driving the harmonies and setting the tone for the songs.  If I have any negative comment to make, it was that the lead guitar was at times too loud towards the back of the room, overpowering the rest of the instruments..but since that wasn't the case up close, I think the basic cure would be to put the lead amp on a back tilt a bit...but it's a small thing considering these guys did a great job anyway.  Check them out the next time they play.
This past weekend featured Trashville at the Eagles with their always extremely well done alt/country, rockabilly, and rock and roll.  I can't think of anything to say about these guys that hasn't been said over and over..except that they remain my favorite band to go out and party with.  I heard through the grapevine that Tom, Alan, and Dale Dowling were playing at Savoy, so with the help of my trusty chauffer (Art the Cab guy)..I headed out to listen to them for a bit as well.  Again..fine instrumental work, great harmony, and a fun time..even with very few people.  (I think perhaps the ill founded rumor that Savoy had already closed might be affecting their customer base)..but we are still in the planning stages of an  outdoor music jam there this summer.

In other news, don't forget Grock's acoustic/Celtic incarnation at the Forest Lake Lounge, combined with Bass Ale and Guiness on tap, and maybe a few Irish Car Bombs for those of you that care to indulge..on St. Pats Day..get there early for seats and maybe some corned beef and cabbage.

I also just heard the news that intrepid bass player Deano (JD Slick, Legal Outlaw) has announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Itasca County.  Good Luck Deano..

So on to another busy week.  Be careful out there and remember what Norm always says: "everything else aside, it's all about the music!"

Hollywood

 

 


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RockFest 2010

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Editors Note

 

Thank you for visiting, and hopefully reading all our verbal ramblings. You know folks? We'd rather sing you the words, than have you read them, any day! Good luck, God bless, stay warm & well fed.

 

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