Lately there has been, and will be, a continuing diversity of sound to be thankful for:
– On The Biggest Bar Night Of The Year, you can take in Mystic Funk at the Village Inn in North Hudson, a soulful troupe that is a mix of male and female, black and white, thin and heavy, and young and old. What am I thankful for? That kind of diversity. See these various mixtures there when Mystic Funk plays their variety and dance music on Wednesday night.
– Garret took the mic from Jeff Loven as The One Man Band took a set break, and followed-up on the most up-tempo version of Folsom Prison Blues you’ll ever hear, by sliding into a song I’d never heard — but would remember because of its unusual style. He can also be seen frequently as part of a duo, playing venues such as, of course, Dick’s Bar and Grill.
– When singing “Should I Stay Or Should I Go,” I just had to razz a Sunday night patron who had fallen asleep at the bar — “if he goes there will be trouble and if he stays he might just mumble …” That pushes the limit even more than when I once covered Clapton and changed a few words to his song about “Sheriff John Brown” to make it go, “I shot the sheriff of St. Croix County. And on my head he’s put a bounty.” Just kidding of course.
– Arch Allies made another local appearance, this time at the Smilin’ Moose, and on this occasion mixed in some Bon Jovi with its tribute to Styx, Journey and REO Speedwagon. My friend Tom, who is a big fan of REO from way back in the day, took in the Double A’s for the first time and said they did not disappoint. Look for them to return to the area soon, especially at community-based festivals.
– A big sign at the Village Inn stated that patrons during the Packer game could be taught to twerk (or maybe not). Those very offensive linemen need to learn how to busta move!
– There was free chili at Pudge’s during halftime of the Packer-Viking game, and if you missed out on that, there’ll be snacks available at Dick’s Bar and Grill after turkey (starting at 7 p.m.) during the Packer-Bear game on Thanksgiving Day. Following that feast at Dick’s is the special, slated for Nov. 28 and advertised on a brand name liquor poster, of you have earned this deer hunting “hangover” so now make sure you enjoy it!
– Another last ode to Halloween (redux again). Seen advertised at local watering holes is The Darker Side of Shandy, featuring ale with real pumpkin — and scary art work on the label to boot.