Imagine being a karaoke singer and having any song in the history of rock ‘n’ roll at your disposal.
That will be the case at Pudge’s Bar on Thursday night, as part of an ongoing arrangement for gigs it has with Like The Radio Productions.
Their karaoke meister, Aaron Bergman, says that because of a special technology arrangement, his company can use Wifi to access any song that’s ever been recorded. And you can sing it, all from the comfort of the outdoor patio at Pudge’s. That means that passersby can hear just how good you sound performing these hard-to-find gems.
The company also has “screen ticker” technology to let singers know if they are one of the next three to come up, so they can make a trip to the bathroom or get a drink, and a database that tracks all singers and their favorite selections.
The show runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on July 24, on Saturday, Aug. 9, and on Friday, Aug. 22.

There will be a show in the village, as there are a pair of events nextdoor to each other that run most of Saturday.
– The patrons of the North Side car show say what makes it different from other such offerings, and there are many, is that its all about fun and camaraderie and there’s not an atmosphere of competition.
For instance, there are only three trophies given out at the event held in North Hudson at the lot between between Kozy Korner and Village Car Wash, not oodles, because the people who show aren’t terribly into winning. Rather, they simply look forward to seeing their longtime friends whenever the shows are held, (it’s one every other Saturday from 4-9 p.m., opposite the car show in Hastings. The next one in the village is this Saturday, and the remainder are on Aug. 2, 16 and 30, and Sept. 13 and 27).
Also, there are about 50 or 60 cars each time, in this intimate setting, not the hundreds at some of the bigger shows where you can kind of get lost in the shuffle. (Although patrons such as Pete said be sure to check out the 1949 Studebaker). For those other shows you may have to arrive hours in advance to get a good space, maybe one in the shade. But when taken as a whole, people who like car shows can find one being held — with their own particular merits — in the region almost anytime through October. Variety truly is the spice of life when it comes to car shows, they say, and many literally ride the circuit, allowing them to see their old friends frequently.
There is music, food, drink specials and prize giveaways at the North Hudson version. Many of these things are donated by the businesses that flank it, and later the patrons can find some added fun by moving over to those spots. In particular, Kozy Korner provides funding for bands, and village car wash and liquor store the winning plaques, (yes they do have those despite the relative lack of competitiveness).
– Has it already been that long? Kozy Korner is celebrating its sixth anniversary at their current location on Saturday, having a bean bag tournament at 1 p.m., drink specials and prize giveaways throughout the day, and the music of Jawsy at 5 p.m.
Jawsy is a pop trio led by a local and versatile lead singer, Amanda, who is adept at many styles and can really belt it out, as they plunge into a lot of songs that go beyond the usual staples that are overplayed on the radio.

If you go to River Falls Days this weekend, you can check out Johnnie’s Bar on Main Street for a triple-header of music, with tried and true local favorites that also have the talent to branch out regionally with their performances. There will be music at Johnnie’s each night of River Falls Days, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Bands start at 8 p.m. each time.
Chimney Fish 5th Swipe is on Thursday, Old School on Friday and the acoustic sounds of Dave Snyder on Saturday.
Chimney Fish is said to sound like Shawn Mullins, Flogging Molly and Bryan Adams, and they also have original tunes. My favorite that I’ve heard them play live locally, with vigorous audience response, is Ode An Jagermeister, a parody that has humorous references to all things Wisconsin.
Snyder’s play list spans an impressive 500-plus songs that stem from Americana, country, a little rock mixed in and Red Dirt country. He is a breath of fresh air, the likes of which you seldom find, and you’re know your hearing something different at his performances. Not to mention that he sounds a bit like the Mavericks.
Sandwiched between is a return to straight-forward rock and pop with Old School.
Friday’s headliner for River Falls Days is Uncle Chunk, which redefines what it means to be a cover band, churning out hit after hit. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. at the Heritage Park lot. There is no cover charge.
Come back to that place on Saturday for Rural Route 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Lost Highway at 10 p.m. Rural Route 5 is an up and coming country band from New Richmond, which is billed as an act that will get your boots stomping and have you singing along to tunes done by Reba, Jason Aldean and everything in between. Lost Highway was formed in 2009 and is described as one of the Upper Midwest’s top country groups that gives out electrifying performances. Fees for Saturday are $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Also on Saturday, at 3 p.m., are local favorites Tin Pan Alley Cats performing their classical strains.
The Westwind Supper Club has bands as well. On Friday night, its the Whiteside Walls, billed as the Upper Midwest’s premier doo-wop, rockabilly and old time rock ‘n roll band. On Saturay night, it’s Still Runnin’ formerly known as Stampede, which features some of the best rock and country music around. Both concerts are free.

Despite the flooded St. Croix River, there will still be music aplenty featuring mostly shows down near the water, at Lakefront Park or just beyond.
– Dick’s Bar and Grill kicks off the holiday weekend’s shows with the return of Puzzle Piece on Thursday with an early show, featuring several forms of music, from 6-9 p.m. This is always a popular show, so workers suggest getting there early if you want a table.
– But the overall most watched bands will likely be at Booster Days, with these bands on tap: Thursday, the rock of the Chris Lawrence band, featuring a frontman who played a lot locally a few years back then successfully branched out, from 5:30-8:15 p.m., and then the country sounds of the Buck Tucker Band, another one with a history of performing locally, from 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Friday, Parachute Empire, 5-8:30 p.m.; then another country act with local ties, Still Runnin’, from 9:10 p.m.- 12:30 a.m.; and Saturday, the rock of Rizer, 5-8:15 p.m., and then the veritable longtime favorite Uncle Chunk, with pop and rock from 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
– Across the River in Bayport, at the fittingly named Mallards, the weekend will be spent with the Rock the Dock festival despite high tides, starting early on Thursday with the Tommy Bentz Band, then offering more music the next two nights.