There has been kinda construction closure, then classic country, and continuing classic car club cruisin’ this week:

— For four days now, beginning Monday, May 20, the Smilin’ Moose has had its main area mostly closed due to construction and making improvements, but it all gets going again on Friday with the country sounds of Tim Sigler — who was at Ziggy’s the tonight before — not to mention The Moose’s reintroduction of live patio acoustic music on that day, officially marking the date that all summer patios and the outdoor bars that in many cases go with them, are open for service. (Completely no more chance of seeing the plastic service igloos that were in many instances erected over at Pier 500 to warm up patron’s bodies, but their service hut is open to warm people’s palates). This is all good news to a foursome of karaoke hopefuls, including myself,  who hit the Moose for its regular Wednesday night karaoke only to find its door open, but only two people inside, both playing slots and neither a karaoke deejay.

— If you crave living it up to”lively” live music, check out Erin Livingston and her acoustic strains at Urban Olive and Vine early Saturday evening.

— It’s now officially summertime as of this Memorial Day weekend and the livin’ is easy as the classic cars are still afoot and being driven around in the town of Hudson, even though it is a week after one of the biggest such auto shows in the area, put on at Uncle Mike’s Em Pour E Yum and hosted by the Willow River Car Club. Just one example could be seen over the Friday noon hour, as a very classic Old School pickup truck, colored brown sienna, a vehicle color you just don’t see anymore, was ushering in the long weekend by pulling into Season’s Tavern.

— How’s this for a way to get into the summer mood, right on the cusp of Memorial Day? Early every week, there is a happy hour to warm your heart and your wallet at the downtown Dragon Pearl (they are known for good stuff in addition to some longtime killer food that is Chinese and the like). Namely you can get a beer for under $2 — $1.99 to be exact, as well as $1.50 sodas.

— Do you have a syndrome, musically, for things like classic rock and cool country? Then take in Pop Syndrome, in their first such local appearance, at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Saturday night.

When Ras’ On Main in Hammond hosts a band they make it a big one. Not necessarily as far as the size of the group, but the long locally known star power that goes with the players. The gig that’s playing this Saturday night, May 18, is no exception, as it is led by the acoustic strains of Gene Lafond, who is the male half of a duo (along with Amy Grillo) that goes beyond basic strumming and gives some, yes, power to their picking to go along with their balladeering, which includes a lot of originals. There are also covers of those same light rock songs you’ve learned to love over the years, from songwriters such as Bob Dylan to the gritty sounds of old dirt country. You can take in the show in the spacious back room of the venue, designed in a way where everyone gets a good seat. And maybe get some food or drink specials beforehand.

— And speaking of hot tickets, there are the Hot Wheels races at Dick’s Bar and Grill on Sunday starting at 1 p.m. And again, like the above-mentioned shindig, there are plenty of food and drink specials, not to mention cash prizes, available. But be forewarned, the registration is limited to the first 40 entries. And you know what that perfect number of 40 symbolizes, don’t you? And the flyer notes that you may need to give your car a tune-up. With cars this small, that wouldn’t even be the price of your drink.

— Unlike champagne, not all drinks were meant to be bubbly. Take for instance, the Pura Still Blackberry spiked (not necessarily sparkling) water, which is billed as having “zero bubbles,” and also only one gram of sugar. Available now at Dick’s.

If you are a typical guy and still need an idea to make mom proud on her day, here are some last minute shopping ideas just floated, but you’ve got to remember to think like mom not your typical guy self. With that said …
— A hardware place, Harbor Freight Tools, via their Sunday flyer, suggested getting something for Mothers Day, but you have to act PRONTO, for 25 percent off. Really? A saw or a hammer? Should the name of the business be a clue? And isn’t mom worth more than 25 percent off?
— Proposed via the wonder of the internet late last night, if you can pull yourself away from your beer, was the idea that you could use a deep discount and learn a new language via Rosetta Stone for only $35 and wish Happy Mothers Day, or to word it differently Thank You Mom, in a different tongue. If my math was right, and that beer could have an impact, that’s almost $12 a word. Maybe better and more cost effective to just send flowers. Although mom might appreciate your sensibility with money.
— Or take mom on a motorcycle ride around the beautiful scenery of western Wisconsin, then maybe stop in somewhere for a nightcap. Even mom has a bit of biker chick in her, whether you want to admit it or not. Like not just the Sunday paper flyers, but the also enclosed Parade magazine, which shows a hard-ass and buff looking, long haired Keanu Reeves on his hog, as he “revs up for John Wick 3.” Mom might like that image even better than the ride. Cuz after all, she is mom, but as the proverb goes, she’s not dead.
— Than there is Gander Outdoors, in their Sunday flyer, which took a completely different tack. They blew off any last minute Mother’s Day special, but instead threw out there the option of Memorial Day discounts, good all the way through May 27. Good to have options …
— And also, there is not only Mother’s Day, but the fishing openers in all of Minnesconsin. And whether it be Lake Mallalieu or the St. Croix River, there are sustainance as far as great walleye meals just up the road in Hudson, (maybe take mom out and kill two birds with one stone?), cuz you know you might need that food yourself after you get up at the crack of dawn to catch your own walleye. I reference Season’s Tavern and Green Mill, in that order.

Some fights are more important than others:
— Its been a while since reporting a big time benefit for Nicole Frye, only this time under less than pleasant circumstances. Nicole — who was the subject of several charitable concerts a number of years back when well-known rock groups were brought in such as The Knack, The Romantics, The Smithereens and Tommy Tutone, who soldiered through rain or shine, and there was much of each — made it into her late 20s before dying from Cystic Fibrosis on March 7, just days before a double-lung surgery that might have extended her life. Saturday’s event invokes her nickname and is called “ColeyStrong, Continuing the Fight.” All donations will go to ease the financial burden of her family, which includes her young son. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse between Hudson and Houlton. There will be numerous silent auction and raffle items, baked goods and kids activities, not to mention a dinner for only $13. Silent auction items include guns, Packer football, jet ski dock, portable one-man ice shack, comedy club tickets and hot air balloon ride for two.
— We have not zig zagged with Ziggy’s for a while. In the interim, there have been an addition or two to their long phrase that describes their street food and street tacos, and peanut bar (without too much of the messy shells on the floor that are typical of some such places, be that seen as a good or bad thing as far as ambiance). Oh yeah, about that addition being hawked. There is pasta too!
— Speaking of what’s being hawked, Buffalo Wild Wings on Saturday night will display their UFC bouts. They list this as No. 237. Have there been that many? But I’ll let them tell what you would be missing: “FIGHT NIGHT’S NO NIGHT IN. Where are you gonna watch the fight? At home, taking it easy, listening along to a ‘companion’ podcast? No! Fight night’s never been about taking it easy. Get with your friends and get to Buffalo Wild Wings. Watch on wall-to-wall TVs. Cold beer and wings. All kinds of fans catching every takedown, axe kick, and flying knee alongside you. Ditch the couch and get to Buffalo Wild Wings May 11.” Their flyer lists all the places around the metro to catch the bouts, but we firmly recommend Hudson.
— While we’re letting them say it, this is our pick for the most festive of the immediate season’s offerings, be they at various venues. And letting them say it starts now, as far as a great big party promo: “The best graduation parties start with Green Mill. We have everything you need to make your celebration worthy of your grad’s achievements. From our award-winning pizza and pastas to wings and salads, we know how to satisfy parties of all sizes. Contact your favorite Green Mill location to learn more.” And don’t forget about mother’s day. While there is many a brunch being offered, Green Mill is also throwing out there a new revamped menu, special days and regular party occasions alike.

The assets of being an educator are accessible up on the hill, and you don’t even have to run through the Mill, although you can do so if you like:
— Teachers deserve a (possibly late night) break, so during their appreciation day, on Tuesday, they get a free magnificent seven breakfast at Perkins (although not while they are in class). Lord knows they have put in too many sleepless wee hours grading tests and the like. Not that they don’t like to go out and kick their heals up and party on occasion, but the majority of those I have known have bunched the late-night dancing gig because they are fearful of having the parents of one of their students see them in a situation that could be viewed as compromising. Or they won’t come over and say hello to a journalist like myself for fear of that information going in the newspaper! (No need to worry about that from me, as you have a blank check … so to speak.)
— And when it comes to serving youth, there is this offering from Buffalo Wild Wings, which will benefit young athletes in need through burning your tonsils. A total of $1 will be given to charities such as equipment for youthful athletes when you buy a bottle. Not of beer, but one of their specialty sauces, and a recommendation of their blazin’ sauce has been made. And go across the street to Green Mill for a special of four-cheese breakfast pizza. But you can always quench that hot taste on your lips with a Mountain Dew, which is the focus of a different charitable effort for tending to weather ravaged countries, called Team Rubicon. Call it rebuilding through caffeine and sugar.

Mexican music is only the start at the opening ceremonies (and no this is not the Olympics, although its also entertaining) of Fiesta Cancun all through Cinco De Mayo, to spice up the downtown:
— They are going in to celebrate their opening with a bang, as does any good fiesta, at Fiesta Cancun with a full three days of Cinco De Mayo celebration, culminating on the actual date of the holiday itself, which will be an especially vibrant Sunday Funday observance. So this whole weekend, from Friday to Sunday, you can get great Mexican drink specials (including certain free shots and items you don’t normally see) and prizes, and that does not even mention the fantastic and fully traditional Mexican food in which they specialize that’s authentic in a way you don’t always find. So for this entire weekend, downtown Hudson will come alive (did I mention shots?) and it all starts with of course, Fiesta Cancun, which is redesigned in the former Stonetap and iconic Dibbo’s building. A highlight of that will be ongoing Mariachi music, from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, which has been described by observers as “soulful and foot-tapping,” and will be provided by not one but three musicians during the weekend.

As far as the specifics of drink specials, there are house Margaritas and tap beer at two-for-ones, and el Jimador hand-harvested 100 percent blue agave, and Herradusa tequila (interesting name), pitched at the top of a sidewalk placard that has at its crest Stella Artois, among other lighted signs in the frontscape.
— And now for something completely different … There will be a farm, feral and stray cat benefit at Dick’s Bar and Grill, (so great eats to offer as part of your dinner), on Friday, May 3, capping with a 6:30 p.m. raffle drawing to aid their program of trap/neuter/release, (the wording of all this strikes me, as a novice, to sound a bit complicated).
— At Ziggy’s, what’s old is new. On the far street end of the long downstairs bar, from which street food is served, the music list on the blackboard from Pudge’s days of about 20 craft beers has been kept, and some of those same brews remain. That includes three-fourths of the way down, nutty brown beer, and that is just nutty, in part because of this time of year for spring flings, applicable because the ale’s subtitle points out that theme.
— There are regularly offered $1 mug refills and a specialized special on buffalo wings at Broz in River Falls. But wait, there is more. In conjunction with that, they say you can party at certain weekend times with Super Dave, (is that the same guy who did comedic TV driving stunts back in the day?). Or is it the Dave who is the proprietor at Johnnie’s Bar down the block, where the prices for all kinds of beer are also impossible to beat.

— At Green Mill, where on certain holidays, especially in whipping out the applicable and discounted and often ethnic-based food, is the place to be, you can enjoy Cinco De Mayo specials like the classic margarita for only $4. The aformentioned taco pizza and drink specials (led off by Mexican beers at $3) are available all day. They say they look forward to celebrating with you, since at (Cinco) and all though this venue that is more grill than bar, the years-and-years veteran servers have always known how to throw a party! And following their Sunday food example are Ziggy’s and Pedro del Este, amongst others.
— It’s better than a student’s gift of an apple, and while this is quite applicable during this new growing season, it is not sponsored by Applebee’s, or the PTA. Rather, at Buffalo Wild Wings, teachers and staff get 20 percent off during an appreciation week, starting May 6. Not that Applebee’s does not on occasion have a raft of big specialty drinks available, some of them Cinco De Mayo style, for the lowest conceivable price. (I don’t know about Apple Pucker). But there is the addition of a big, frozen swirl with all kinds of fruits mixed in, just in time for pre-summer.