Twenty-one of you readers, the number of years you often need to get into a show, chimed in the other day, wanting to know things like how they could get more information, if I had other websites, and even if they could serve an apprenticeship or share links.

You have been writing and now I have answered.
I will soon be offering a secondary website for exclusives, more detailed and comprehensive information on concerts, and “the rest of the story,” as well as supplying a link to receive a handbook for writing your own song lyrics.
I will also go so far as to give my email for feedback: joewint52@gmail.com.
Here’s another snippet of what you can expect soon.
In lyrics, there is always the play on words, and cautiously forming new ones, ala Dani Filth. And in enters, sorry … religion. Write say, Hymncognito. Or Himcognito. Notice the distinction?
And the dichotomy? After all, incognito means not to be seen as a person, but the prefix “him” produces irony as it indeed establishes oneself as a person. And the prefix “hymn” implies a title given.
Some ideas are OK, but really pretty easy. Maybe just in essence, lyrical filler. Until they are extended. But then they can become virtuosic. I will, later on, show you the difference. I’ll start with generalized warfare lyrics … and there are many examples to pick out, but here’s one. “In the fields the bodies burning, as the war machine keeps turning.” Why not sing, on alternating choruses, to get in a series of stronger words that say basically the same thing, “singe with both barrels, with aim to maim and harrow,” and then change it to, “churn with all barrels, take aim to rip up the marrow. As we plunder, lives go asunder. Your’s too, bloody now sliced flesh extracted from bone.”
I borrowed that intro line from War Pigs, to give my example, and that’s the title of the Black Sabbath anti-war anthem, (hey they only had two words to choose from in naming it), and it starts out in that rather simple vein but then goes much further.
And then there is what I term generic insight. As an example, about the fiery crash of a slow-moving hydrogen blimp with untested design, citing what led to it, “and the engines did run, to the moon and the stars, what have we done?” Especially at the the phrase’s start and finish, it just fills wording gaps.
How about expounding further: “Plod southward newly leaking pod, put your best foot forward, but after the craft rises to full arch, it’ll arc and burn. Keep everyone on their toes, from an even-keel-heal?” Note the five-fold podiatry wording. (I must say that with both examples, there is the constraint of referencing well-known but cliche phrases. But these do produce a grounding effect for the lyric lines.)
Songwriters also play with plurals, or not.
Enter classic Iron Maiden: “Spy you with his eye.” Or is it eyes. As in that case, they are farther open, with more than one. And could be sung, to see more than just a single thing: “The eyes, they peered separately, perplexed with a pair of scenarios.” Notice that I did not say “and they were perplexed,” as those would be unneeded words.
Then there is more “secondary rhyming,” as also shown in the Iron Maiden line, “a terrible curse, a thirst had begun.” Not just at end of each line, but two such tricks in three words.
You don’t say just horse and horsemen, as in those often referenced Biblical four, but maybe steed and stallion, or to throw in terms I have written — I will give you this bit of a teaser, that being ponymen or even better Shetland-small-squires, as a difference.
Then to again invoke the spiritual, there is brilliance but also what is sometimes just simplistic prayer stances — and I’ll show you the difference in the upcoming handbook.
For instance the line, “get on my knees and pray,” from The Who and others. (They do save it a bit by adding, they hope, “We won’t get fooled again.”) It can go a lot deeper then that. Rather from Judas Priest and one of their messiah songs, “Down on your knees, Repent if you please.” A bit more poetic, and biting and punchier. And I’ll go even deeper with you.
So much more coming. Thanks. Joe.

Unless you are capable of time travel, and you’d still need to punch an olden-day with parchment, fittingly, ticket to Europe, this might be your best way to experience something truly Picasso-esque!

As you will need to use that time, since the popular Hudson location of Cheers Pablo and its multi-faceted painting classes is closing after a several-year run, and a liquidation sale of all kinds of art supplies and merch is being offered through Sunday. But don’t fret if you are a Hudson person, and especially if you have enjoyed their classes over time, as a main reason for this piece is to remind people in this locality that there is a Woodbury location, which is not far, to continue the experience of doing your art in such a way and prime your creative juices, and if you care to trek the other direction, also hit the Eau Claire studio. (Or even make it a true trek and hit their locations in Coon Rapids or Burnsville). Make it a (very short) road trip with you and a bunch of your buds! (And maybe at the same time have a Bud, although OK, maybe not that brand). And yes, the locations have a distinct style/libations, but we’re sure almost all the same offerings.
But for now, all people can come in and get great buys of the liquidated stuff, from canvas and painting boards and even wooden bases and ceramics, to all the various painting supplies and such in numerous colors to decorate them with. Need easels too? Have your own party with them at you own place! Just snap them up before they are gone, as at liquidation prices, they will go fast … But right now the place is quite full of the supplies, and buyers with whom you can hobnob over art.
But for now at the current Hudson location, depending on where you set your easel, the quite large Cheers Pablo art studio can be sun-drenched — and L-shaped so your group can branch out and meet with others and create a more social setting, or opt to keep a distance and make the experience fully and personally your own. And pick up this vibe, now, in Woodbury and Eau Claire.
The Hudson location as well as the others — this one in a roomy studio at 2421 Hanley Road — is not smashed into a tight strip-mall-style for their artists cove, but still not far from the beaten path.
The owners some time ago opted to include ceramics as a physical base for your artwork, something you don’t find offered regularly at any other class in the area, and one that can let loose even more your physical and emotion spurred creativity. And to restate, if you are elsewhere in western Wisconsin, you might want to consider their Eau Claire studio and its such stone as a hub, which includes all the other artist’s amenities, but not that far away from say, Dunn, Eau Claire and Chippewa counties, and even Barron and St. Croix. Worth the trip. Pack up the van full of friends who are art fiends. So the local art fair is not your only option.

— But there was that guy painting a picture, literally, outside the Smilin’ Moose the other noon hour, taking advantage of its lodge bar theme. This easel held a big white sheet and on it was drawn with dark, sparsely spaced lines a portrait of landscape, like the ones you would see back in an olden day from again, Europe. Closer to curbside was another example of his work, this one showing warm orange and blue hues. What are the prices for his art? Maybe like a sign a couple of blocks down at a boutique that said 50 percent off as a close of summer — or is it early autumn? — sale, as the lettering was hard to read and both words have six letters. It wasn’t blurry enough that one letter blurred into another. —

What you can still get, Cheers Pablo style, going east and west.
Come on in and enjoy the one-of-a-kind Cheers Pablo experience in-studio(s) during their signature Paint and Sip classes — as these bring in fun for adults not just the kiddies, packing those of any age into that van — or one of the other signature events such as using wood signs, or again, ceramics painting.
They also host all kinds of private and public events outside of their studios at partner locations throughout Hudson and Hastings, New Richmond and Stillwater, Prescott and other surrounding areas, some still close to Woodbury. View their calendar to see what’s coming up and register online or by phone. The studio showed its viability by remaining open through virus limitations and thus provides an option that had been scarce, even all along offering adult-style fun and food fare, and thus building a base for later.
Or, simply call them when you are ready to explore ideas for creating, whether they be a different style of fun for a bachlorette party, an infrequent twist on gift parties for newlyweds, a way to involve intergenerational folks in a true family bonding endeavor, a trip with your kids of all ages, or simply to let loose as a lady’s night out, especially after a stressful work week. And kudos to your guy if he wants to go with you, and discover another side of himself that requires him putting feelings on canvas, ceramics and the hard-to-find real wood board canvases, all by your side. And staffers at Cheers Pablo could give guidance and expertise, to smoothly help patrons fulfill their full artistic selves. Also, the libations of all types contribute to the fun, get creative juices going and are very inexpensive.
To wit: Cheers Pablo says you can let loose your inner Picasso and the ideas that flow from that, and they make this more than a cliche, adding that if you can dream it you can paint it, and that the instructors not only engage their students and make strong recommendations, they make a point of it to understand and even encourage. Photos online show tables chock full of tools for decorative options. They just want to make you part of their growing family. This is so also when groups of 10 or more have the time of their lives, and they might include mostly kids, and as a parent knows, keeping the young ones entertained and on task that long requires a fascinating subject. They say: Paint. Share. Connect.
One of the most touching recent creations depicted the howling of a lone wolf, including trees on either side, a big bright moon in back and other strong tones on top that reveal streaks of color. There are many more such works of art that have been created.
Back to the eats and drinks: Coming soon to fuel all that creativity, in addition to what’s already offered, are gooey treats, perfect for various holidays. Buttercream cupcakes — as a part of their trademark name — and cake slices, and all occasion cakes.
Patrons can register online or by calling (715) 808-0336, in an added way to check on the liquidation status. To wit: Walk-ins are also welcome, and of course private parties. Hours are seven days a week, noon to 6 p.m. So get there by Sunday! (On that day they close at 4 p.m.) But yes, they are open all seven days at their place, in the same roomy parking lot as Aldi and other stores to maximize your shopping experience.
They host many private events at their studios, at venues around town, (or other towns too), or at a location of your choice. They even are a differing-than-the-norm presence at many local and area festivals and other such events.
Some examples of private events include:
— Birthday parties: At Cheers Pablo, the instructors use their experience to work with with artists of all ages and skill levels, so when it comes to birthday parties, they are masterful at making fun an understanding of art principles, styles and techniques.
— Corporate team building: Such outings bring being corporate to a new level of interest that doesn’t take a lot of time or money, running past the cubicles and into the studio. The instructors learn about your team and personalize a Cheers Pablo experience. Don’t limit your creative expression to a whiteboard or PowerPoint presentation.
— Design your own: The Cheers Pablo people can come to you, and give them a call to brainstorm. From distracting kids with a friendly paint event, to being the main event, they say they are up for anything.
The staff has several wine and beer options, consisting of non-alcoholic selections, that vary by location, such as soda, juice and water, available for purchase before and during your class, along with a variety of snacks and appetizers you can buy and enjoy while you paint. Store-bought cake can be brought for birthday parties.
The very affordable food menu, (these prices are from back in their Hudson heyday), includes single deep dish pizza, $2.95; large soft pretzel, $4; State Fair mini-corndogs, $4; mozzarella sticks, $6; chips, $2; and candy, $1.50. In addition, there can be an offering of Cheers Pablo’s Turkey Panini.
Instructors take clients through step by step, choosing various colors and personalizing them. One such client has painted six times, and brought different friends and family — to catchup while being creative. Such a bonding experience was fueled by friendly and energetic staff. One additional client who had also used other such services, for sake of comparison, called Cheers Pablo picture perfect.
As for Paint and Sip classes, they feature those with an about 1.5-2.5 hour group, and you can fill an entire class with friends.
No experience necessary, for this is FUN art! On their calendar each month, are posted classes with painting styles being taught, or you can browse a catalog and select one just for you and your group (view the entire gallery to select what you’d like to paint). Clients can create art at their leisure during open studio for far less than a Benjamin, to do their Picasso, as the sun-filled studio(s) are open to all who want to experience the joy of art.
Paint and Sip sessions often produce colorful images of various animals, frequently in their habitat. Consider becoming a teaching artist, and show your stuff!

This happening is the heart of the heartland, considered the heart of the county. Not cowardly, via Kenny, with their musical covers, but roaring lyrics like a lion?

The music includes, yes, Heartbreaker. As in bringing Benatar. Pat patently comes to the pavilion. And more tunes said to be heartfelt, and hearty.
But take heart, no more puns, just substance, as Hammond Heartland Days has heaps of hot licks, too, with its lyrics.
They’ve happened onto Hailey James on Friday night, Aug. 11, who has performed a lot around the region, and now has taken it to the central heart of St. Croix, via the hub of Nashville.
Alongside Hailey, on Saturday night, is the “sideshow” and more of Side Hustle.
And befitting the themes, a good old fashioned truck and tractor pull, between shows, thusly, on Saturday late afternoon and early evening. Its gotta be 5 O’Clock somewhere, and that is this spectacle and its many machines, A Vulgar Display of Power beyond John Deere with its rumbling. Like an ol’ threshing hoedown, with hundreds and more of horses in power, before the night’s speakered amps even take hold. The tractor classes sound impressive, with about a dozen-and-half different four and five digit numbers as style IDs, and they throw around terms like not only Farm, but Turbo, Improved and Pro. So this isn’t just your daddy’s old basic green gizmo or red ride. There is a toned down, garden tractor pull the day before.
I do have to ask about some of these local festivals and their music. Where do they get these guys (and gals)? In a very good way.

— So what else is there on the Eleventh? Back to the Willow River Inn in Burkhardt, is the unveiling in the area, for the most part, of new band Herdes End, (kinda spelled like Hermes, but we can assume they’re country not, say, classical). Preps up the sheep dog trials at Badlands recreation center over Labor Day weekend, as spelled out by a sign in the ditch — is that not country? — near to the saloon. Makes me harken back to days of yore when such doggy tricks were first getting going, and included state-of-the-art obstacle courses much like horses in steeplechase and beyond and the Hudson area was Ground Zero, led by one local lady who moonlighted at Dick’s bar and grill selling shots. Are you viewing Rhonda?

Also on the Eleventh, we revisit again another W word, the Wild Badger in New Richmond, where they will host Samantha Grimes, on the patio, and display her take, as I announce it, on the auburn hair of a younger and — dare I say it? — hotter Peg Bundy. But not from Chicago. Closer to Milwaukee. —

Back to Hammond, starting with Hailey James, though not of the James Gang, who is a talented, obviously, singer/songwriter/performer/recording artist from neighboring Cottage Grove, Minn. She has garnered recognition as a four-time AWARD WINNER from the Midwest Country Music Organization, receiving thus-called prestigious titles such as 2022 Female Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year, as well as the 2021 Midwest CMO New Artist and Song of the Year for her track “Wide Awake.”
Having started her musical journey by playing local shows near her hometown, Hailey’s entertaining, as is said, performances have allowed her to captivate audiences throughout the Twin Cities, western Wisconsin, and even in the renowned music hub of Nashville. At just 14, Hailey found her place on stage as a weekly featured artist at Country Nites Saloon in Hastings, also just over the border in Minnesota, where she honed her skills/passion for performing in front of a live audience.
As an active member of, trifecta, the Midwest Country Music Organization, Songtown, and the Minnesota Music Coalition, Hailey continues to expand her musical horizons. She draws inspiration from esteemed artists such as Carrie Underwood, who you have No Doubt heard of, and Kelsea Ballerini and Lauren Alaina, channeling their influence into her own authentic sound.
When we talk about Heartland Days and heart, this is what we’re talking about.
Hailey’s dedication to her craft is shown in collaboration with up-and-coming Nashville artists and accomplished, chart-topping hit songwriters, shaping her unique musical style. Her dream is to, through her original songs and not just covers, become an integral part of the singer/songwriter scene in Nashville. Her original compositions have gained significant traction and can be heard on radio stations across the Midwest, making her a rising star in the abundant country music scene.
My new two-track album focuses on the things learned over the course of growing up and also reflecting on her younger self. “They’re an inside look at who I was and who I’ve become. I hope that when you listen to these songs that you reflect on who you were and what you’ve become, and that these songs inspire you to keep growing into the person that you’ve always wanted to be,” she expounds.
After the truck and tractors stop pulling, more music hits a couple of hours later on Saturday night.
Come that stated Saturday, just what is that Side Hustle from The Cities, aside from the obvious? We’ll let them tell it …
“We are Side Hustle. A collective of musical talent with an unconventional sense of style and taste.” Broadly hard rockin’ via funk, too, and also rock.
“When you’re on your ninth (but keep it in single digits) Coors Banquet at Applebee’s and some millennial jerkoff (not that there’s anything wrong with that) says that Van Halen is ‘dad rock’ …” They are there to defend Roth and rock, as a rollin’ band, via tunes and tonic.
Aside from that, take this into account. A single on YouTube shows them ripping through an amped-up covering of Separate Ways by Journey and Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar. So even more guitar for you, as the outro pumping solo really rocks!
Music starts at 8 p.m. both nights.