Hudson Wisconsin Nightlife

September, 2015Archive for

Sunday, September 27th, 2015

Getting on the red-eye, and a wink for the camera eye, and the digits of a sliced guitar picking finger, (unless it’s Finger 11).
– You don’t want to be bleery eyed in front of the camera eye. That was a possibility when a North Hudson server closed up on a recent weekend, and had to leave for a locale in the northern part of the St. Croix Valley and get there for a photo shoot the next day at 6:45 a.m. She indicated with a certain glee that the shoot, with a female friend, was for a magazine specializing in specialty vehicles. We hope that all will see this as special, or at least a babe mag-net.
– The Black Sabbath guitar work of Tony Iommi, in particular the fact that he lost the tips of his fingers and that allowed his sludgy style to come forward, was discussed at our table recently. Jeff Loven, who has guitar wizardry of his own, was playing at the time, and just happened to come our way and show us the injured nail on his index finger, which was black and almost all the way removed at the base (not bass). It hurt, he said, but he still was forging onward, just as Iommi did when they were negotiating all the quirks of Ozzy Osbourne. All of which made us discuss Iommi even more.
– Singer guitarist Kyle was one of the specially hired performers on a yacht on the St. Croix River over Labor Day weekend. I wonder if he gave any of the partiers lessons on how to play classical guitar, which is a big part of his day job? Or monetarily, as he once regaled the bartender at Dick’s Bar and Grill, how a buddy made a killing buying and selling a significantly large set of up-and-coming electronic games online, only to have the transaction killed because the host thought the volume and subsequent cost were too out of line to be legit.
– The other night at the Smilin’ Moose, the long blonde locks of one of the patrons was being braided by, of all people, a guy who sported mostly quite different facial hair and also a buzz cut would not exactly make him an expert on the subject. A better choice might have been the guitar player with dreadlocks who had taken the stage just a few nights before.
– Speaking of taking the stage, with rockers the Danger Rangers playing in River Falls the other night, this might be the time to indulge in a Texas Ranger drink, which as a special has been much advertised locally. It combines Dr. McGillicuddy’s, cherry style, and liquid ice. So the sign suggests becoming cheery with all that cherry — but not necessarily a full-fledged groupie.
– A friend of mine says that she puts all her loose change in a 64 ounce beer can, which now is about full. She must have filled up on the brew back at the start, to empty the container so it could be filled again. And this didn’t have to be done by bellying up to the bar, which would cost some of those bucks, it could be taken care of in the comfort of her own home.
– Seen locally on the wall was an oversize photo of the Hudson Fire Department members, in quasi-beefcake calender style. At least they had straps over their chests, on account of the overalls that are part of their gear. Is this what artists call realism?
– Some patrons said that one of their favorite rockers, Ted Nugent, owns land near Houlton. I guess it must be an expanse for hunting, although not quite as gonzo as places in the wilderness, say such as north of Hwy. 8.
– There were two sprigs of flowers sprouting from the cracks in the sidewalk next to, note the name, Stonetap. And about 20 yards up the block were all kinds of plastic cover wristbands discarded in and around a waste disposal bin. That synergy brings to mind some of those tacky plastic flowers that you might buy, prior to going out drinking for Happy Hour, at a REAL discount store.

With the TV grid year here, and Vikings winning, can Canton be far beyond for codger?

Sunday, September 27th, 2015

It may not be Canton, but even the Packer Hall of Fame left one People Eater turning Purple, even though the Vikings have been locally viewed to be at .500, (at least for the time being).

– A local middle-aged man told others at the bar that he had taken his father, who is a longtime diehard Viking fan, to the rival Packer Hall of Fame, at the other end of Minnesconsin. During a tour, the two were similarly introduced and this prompted a tongue-in-cheek remark by one of the hosts that maybe this was an “intervention.”

– The St. Paul Pioneer Press anointed the various area Buffalo Wild Wings franchises as second on their long list of the best places to watch a Viking game and have great eats as well. But what about the branch in Hudson and the Packers that take precedence there? A server said that here in Wisconsin, you will not find the Viking beer challenge, where Purple patrons can taste five different varieties and guess which one is the official brew of that Black and Blue division squad. I’m guessing it would be dark beer. And why, being Wisconsin with our love of beer, is there no such thing here?
– After the big win over Detroit, a really big guy stayed afterward at Dick’s and removed his No. 5 Viking jersey and wrapped it around his neck, using it to wipe away sweat when his dancing got to be too vigorous. One wonders if the player who has that jersey, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, has every had to do the same when the heat is on about his performing, such as after the season opener.
– With Adrian Peterson’s breakout game, as seen on local sports bars, the pregame comments of an analyst, shown repeatedly on typed copy on the lower part of the TV screen, said that fans need not worry about the return to stardom of “A.D.” Was that a misprint, or foretelling the dawning of a new age for the star running back, who now is 30. Days later, it was announced that longtime broadcaster Dick Enberg was retiring. It was noted that he has won the Ford C. Frick Award. Considering the title, is that one you would really want?
– A bartender at Dick’s who is never at a loss for words said that while working during the Republican debate, a trio of people asked that the TV settings be changed to show it. Their request was politely declined, and they reportedly got a little miffed. The explanation given: If people can’t always get along when the debate is simply Packers vs. Vikings, how can you expect alcohol and politics to mix?

Friday, September 25th, 2015

Go fishing in the dark with a farmer’s daughter, or take in a fabulous festival:
– A fishing tournament on the St. Croix River with some different twists will be sponsored by Dick’s Bar and Grill on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you might not want to dance too long to the deejay the night before. In this catch and release tourney, you must be wearing your T-shirt and be photographed with the fish for prizes that go beyond the biggest three. Other prizes are for the most rough fish, most unusual catch and smallest catch. You can stake out your favorite spot on the river; no boat is needed. Prizes will be awarded at Dick’s at 6 p.m. There is a $20 entry fee, which includes raffle ticket.
– The Farmer’s Daughters, billed as Minnesota’s premier band that’s fronted by two women, will play the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Friday night, following up on playing a variety of venues around the area for several years. Both women doing country songs have similarly styled long locks, and each are pictured prominently with microphone in hand on an online site, which promises that you’ll fall in love with the lasses when taking in their performance at “your favorite honky-tonk.”
– A Hudson Hometown Music Festival of family friendly fare, sponsored by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, has an old favorite with her new band in a headliner role. That would be Trandy Blue and the Crew, as perhaps the most locally recognizable of several acts, with a mixed genre of music, at the fest, which will be held Saturday from noon to 9:30 p.m. Also, hailing from a bit outside the immediate area, New Richmond, is Ten Mile Creek, which will crank out diverse hits of almost all standard genres, as well.
– There also are several bands at the Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. each day at Lakefront Park and going until 4 or 5 p.m. They are: The fast up-and-coming, and already there, bluegrass band Barley Jacks with Brian Wicklund; Alex Rossi; August Blues; newcomers gaining popularity Firefly; the longtime local duo of the Van Valkenbergs named Practical Goods; ForAllBrazil; and Paul Imholte. Some of the food favorites are these signature dishes from local eateries: Wisconsin cheese curds from the local Carbone’s; fresh walleye over wild rice pilaf from Seasons Tavern in North Hudson; tomato basil soup and caprese salad on a stick from Urban Olive and Vine; and rich tiramisu from Mama Maria’s.
– They may be a mostly country band, but that didn’t prevent the guitarist from having long dreadlocks. That was the case when Coyote Wild played the Smilin’ Moose recently, and the Bob Marley-looking guy put his own twist on Rocky Mountain Way by Joe Walsh, and then the instrumental intro to that “Streetlight People” song by Journey was done with a plucky banjo.

Friday, September 18th, 2015

Gimme some new band configurations, and make like TMZ and give them questions galore, about the Green and Gold:

– To use a reference with some meat, the Bacon Bash in River Falls will have some music that is simply shredding it this weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. is a newer twist on the often solo performances of a veteran band, this time being the Dave Synder Triplicate. Then from 1:30-4:30 p.m. is the Everett Smithson Band, and from 5-8 p.m. the Danger Rangers. Sunday’s band, Wade and Ella, will take the stage from 1-4 p.m. Also on Saturday afternoon is a dance-off, sing-along that’s called not Gimme Some Lovin’ or Gimme Shelter or Gimme Three Steps, but Gimme Some Bacon.

– The Zebra Mussels, who use the phrasings online about which Mussel is the one that’s say, the most Irish, might also be asked which Mussel takes a lineman stance and is the biggest Packer, or Viking fan. You could take that opportunity when they take their party and variety rock to the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Friday night, although they might just clam up. But the Willow is also the place to catch the Packers so you can score a chance for a later flight to Vegas, (see below).

– It’s the return of the Flood Run motorcycle rally on Saturday, and the staff at Dick’s Bar and Grill invite you to have breakfast there before leaving, and also possibly dinner there after you’ve ridden many a mile.

– There is indoor and outdoor appeal when the Village Inn celebrates its 10-year anniversary on Saturday starting at noon. That’s when the band The Way Out starts playing, with Mystic Funk to follow from 6-10 p.m. Don’t miss bean bag games and, as is fitting for the day it is, outdoor cooking with the fabulous smoker of owner Leigh Halvorsen.

Friday, September 11th, 2015

Vie to visit Vegas, from the vantage point of the Packers playing, but before then go acoustic with Garret.
– Who wouldn’t want to go to Vegas? Especially if you got there by rooting on a team that usually wins big. The Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt is again offering its special deal where a drawing for a trip to Vegas is held every night the Green and Gold plays. What a way to kick off the NFL season, (and the opponent is archrival Chicago in a noon Sunday game)! You must be present to win, but again, we’re talking the Packers playing here so why wouldn’t you want to be there on game day. The trip includes three days and two nights for two people, so bring your Packer bud with you.
– In what amounts to a debut, Garret and Embry, who comprise CrystalCreekFalls, are playing Dick’s bar and grill on Friday, Sept. 11 from 6-9 p.m. Note that’s Garret with one “T” while this infamous Friday has the number “1″ twice. It might be seen as fitting that the duo of Mr. McPhae and Ms. Quinn are playing their gig at Dick’s, where the staffers wear shirts bearing what looks like a Red Cross logo to go with their pun of a slogan “Thirst Aid Station.”
– Numbers you should know: Twenty, sixty and two to reference the art metal band Tool. I should explain. This is the 20th year of the Art on the Kinni, held along the Kinnickinnic River on the White Pathway in River Falls, which will not only have 60-plus exhibiting artists, but live music on two stages, steering largely to folk and bluegrass. The event is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
– The bassist for Ghetto Superstars, which played the Smilin’ Moose recently as part of their regular returning engagement, did so while seated and this fact and his girth evoked memories of the legendary Big Walter Smith, who used to play in the area. The band is comprised of a large crew, male and female, black and white.
– The Blackout Party at Dick’s, where the dance floor is closed off to any light with tarps at all ends, advertised that people could show up in glowing face paint, so they could, well, really show up. In fact, many of the dozens of patrons who came sported glowing T-shirts and such paint covering their arms. Just prior to turning off the lights, staff members spent time writing dancing instructions on the floor with colored chalk. If you weren’t there to take it in, or dance it off, don’t fret as this is a twice yearly event and you can hit it again in spring.

Can’t sign unless contract is ‘in hand,’ and hard to put a finger on any one Somerset band

Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

Signing on for songs, and some of the big NFL money that you might want to get your fingers into.

– The TVs at local sports bars reported that a pro football player who had a finger amputated after a fireworks accident had not yet signed his contract. Is that any wonder, that he would have difficulty “signing” his name with a finger missing? The offer was referred to as a “franchise tender.” I guess that his hand was, drum roll please, too tender to sign.
– A recent alternative music fest in Somerset sported seventy-or-so bands on several stages. Or, you could say that would be the number of singers signing on for “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,” plus several more, (apologies to Iron Maiden). All I can say, to suscinctly invoke Zep, is that’s a whole lotta attitude.
– Heading the list of recent bartender departures, at places that include the following reference to Green Mill, is the longtime drink-pourer Bobbie. On staff there also for the last few months has been Billie Jo. All we need is a Betty Jo to make this seem like Petticoat Junction. OK, maybe that’s not something to strive for.
– The city of Hudson concert series on Thursday nights recently featured an Elvis impersonator, and a longtime (since preteenager) fan of the Graceland god, attended and like quite a few others bought a T-shirt, which apparently made some older women misty-eyed. He did have one concern, regarding the performance of an American Triology, which featured a youngster walking around waving a flag, which he thought that in these times was a bit over the top. One other thought he had, was that if you are older then the artist involved, than you are a “tribute band” rather than an impersonator.
– On another big recent music night, a man was seen playing guitar along the main drag sidewalk near the cigar store in hope of getting tips. He said that he’d done the same thing at River Falls Days. An odd twist was that he swapped a tip dollar or two for a cigarette. On a trek I did to Eau Claire, where I went to college long ago, I saw three such acts on Water Street — two duos and a solo singer.
– On Twin Cities radio station 93X, a comment was made concerning Rock Fest on the other side of Eau Claire, that they were playing a certain song, “so you don’t have to go to Wisconsin.” (Would that make it, as a notorious regional heavy metal song would have you believe, that this was a Wisconsin Death Trip?) I guess they’d rather keep concert-goers in the Gopher State for the simultaneously staged Moondance Jam, (oh wait, that would be a competing radio station).
– The British are coming! Or are they? It just so happened that on the afternoon of the Brit Fest car show on Walnut Street, I saw a classic car on Interstate 94. Alas, it was actually a 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint, not a Brit mobile. But then days later at the Smilin’ Moose, there were not one, but two groups of guys from England having a couple of brews, one of them looking much like Hugh Grant, (even the poofy hair was the same!) Then it came to light that one of the men actually might be from Sweden, the second time in a month that someone from that country has noticeably graced downtown Hudson. British vs. Swedish? At least both are from The Continent, and each from the upper part, no less.
– The smudging in North Hudson didn’t end with the Vulcans at Pepper Fest. On a following Thursday night at the Village Inn, during a combination of karaoke and bartender Devon’s birthday party, some of the mainstays celebrated by rubbing cake all over each other’s faces. Is there a song about this?
– A a recent Friday high school football night, the parents of the team opposing the Raiders, from Arrowhead, were said to have hit the downtown in droves after the final whistle. Might that have anything to do with the game’s outcome?
– Jeff Loven on a recent Sunday brought in an (occasional) second person to comprise his one-man-band act, a longtime musical cohort from way back, bassist Tom Davies. A friend Dan, who brought up that Davies had even played with the likes of the notorious band Slave Raider, went musically nuts over the collaboration.
Between sets, solo singer-guitarist Garret brought another notch to it, doing Machinehead by Bush. That’s a challenge for an acoustic performer. That reminds me of a Christian music fest a few years back at the Lakefront Park band shell, where a guitarist I photographed for the local paper was wearing a shirt that said simply Bush. I had to wonder aloud in my cutline, is that the band or the then-sitting president?

Local living Wolves assistant first resided with Saunders, then dished the dirt on Dirk

Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

Amongst the recent coming and goings of venerable people, venues and events, this trio of happenings stand out (without flipping).
– The bad news is that the head coach and director of basketball operations for the Timberwolves, Flip Saunders, has lymphoma cancer. The good news is that his form is termed “highly treatable.”
Maybe this would be a good time for him to contact an old friend who once lived in North Hudson, and was an assistant coach who a decade ago taught the players a newly legalized form of defense, the matchup zone, while at the same time running the NBA team’s camps for kids. When the new assistant was just starting, and in the process of buying a house near the Lake Mallalieu bluffs, he stayed for a time with Saunders and family and the two would stay up all night watching game film. Shortly afterward, we watched a Timberwolves game together at Target Center, as we had gotten to know each other well because of sports coverage, and he gave me what then was then some inside information. A bit that stuck in my mind was that many players in the NBA back away when being dunked on so they won’t look bad on ESPN. And, he gave the dirt on some scoring superstars who can’t play a lick of defense and have to be covered for, like Dirk Nowitzke, the three-point specialist on the opponent that day, the Dallas Mavericks.
– In the north parking lot being redone by Pudge’s Bar, there has been a longtime sign that advertises another business but missing at “R” that therefore reads “Ivertown.” That would seem to indicate that Hudson is actually the homeland of the well-known Eau Claire band Bon Iver, (which was over there for its musical “experimental festival” so obviously could not be present for Hudson reconstruction). None of this stopped a downtown patron from slipping into the porta-potty that was positioned directly below the sign and doing his business. Apparently he couldn’t wait long enough to get a block or two further to an open establishment.
– There were more overnighters than ever when at Pepperfest the royal guard from St. Paul, which is given the task of defending King Boreas and the Queen of the Snows as part of Vulcan lore, camped out in the yard of a longtime Fourth Street North resident. Their presence even was announced on a banner on the side of an oversize truck just onto the grass. At times there was a light flashing to draw even more attention to the visitors. As far as the Vulcan actors, they appear to have revisited the practice of smudging willing womens’ cheeks.

From Ghetto, to Gaga, to Green Day, to Guns & Roses, you needn’t labor to get the gigs

Friday, September 4th, 2015

A decade of tribute to GFunk, and ten years worth of gigs at the Willow, all packed into a three-day holiday weekend:
– The Ghetto Superstars, at the Smilin’ Moose on Friday night, Sept. 4, are unlike virtually any other band you’ll find in Hudson, paying tribute to the GFunk era of hiphop and rap, from 1993 to 2003, by playing the likes of TLC, Dr. Dre, Mary J Blige, Biggie, Missy Elliott and of course Snoop Dogg, (I must say I saw a younger look-alike to Snoop walking down the street the other day).
– The next night, Saturday, is the return of a veteran band that has more than 1,000 shows under its belt, and when they hit the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt will be adding one more notch to their bedpost. Loose Cannon plays even the Neon Trees, and along with it plenty of Guns ‘N Roses, Prince (a cover of his Purple Rain is on You Tube), Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Journey, Green Day, Pink and Poison.
For a preview of sorts, to flesh out your weekend’s listening pleasure, you can check out yet another longtime band, Strangers, in a return engagement to the Willow on Friday night.
– The way it stands right now, you just might have to wait until winter for this next celebration, an oldie but goodie. Getting together a good sized group of gamers for a bar Olympics gathering can be hit and miss, since many people like to have their party in the out-of-doors when the weather is nice. Thus was likely the case with some people in the bar Olympics held Aug. 30, that being the last Sunday before Labor Day weekend, which is the last bastion of summer. There were reportedly 50 competitors playing at four different local taverns, not a bad number, but sources at Kozy Korner in North Hudson assure me they always do better when the snow is flying. So then there will be another such event.
– You won’t be snow-blind, but there will no visibility when Dick’s Bar and Grill holds its annual lights-out-party on Saturday night. The dance floor will be shrouded in darkness, because of lots of black tarp, and glow sticks will be the only light.

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