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Its no Stranger to Cash in on these bands, and others, in the new year’s first weekend

What’s old is what’s new, as the new year and its bands comes about
— What is my new year’s resolution? Reference some of the old standbys, as far as bands are concerned. And when you look at the lineups, this is just the weekend to do it. Local stalwarts The Strangers play the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Friday night, Jan. 6, and its the Johnny Cash and beyond tribute band Church of Cash on Saturday. At the Smilin’ Moose on yet another Friday night is Junk FM, and although Dick’s Bar and Grill does not have one of its usual groups on stage this weekend, they like The Moose have the rest of the Fridays in the month booked with music that fits the theme. At Urban Olive and Vine on Friday are the familiar strains of Jazz Savvy. And, you can even throw in the Tin Pan Alley Cats on Friday night at Juniors in River Falls.
— For one thing that’s a little less common locally, I reference a show that suggests you don’t have to be the late George Michael to be flamboyant with that name. Michael Hauser, with his flamenco guitar having Spanish and gypsy influences, will play Urban Olive and Vine on Saturday night, the day after Jazz Savvy.
— Hopefully this won’t be the last weekend we can celebrate Packer football and the accompanying specials, at places like the Smilin’ Moose, because hey, this is why the game is divided into quarters, not just halves. At The Moose they go over the top with quarterly numbers-board-drawings for prizes, and there is also a whole rack of drink and shot specials for $3, the latter whenever the home team scores a touchdown, and that just might mean more than four opportunities. This opening-round-playoff game starts at 3:45 p.m. Sunday.
— One last blast of Christmas cheer you might consider. Although many may have it, one area bar is standing out when hawking its potent Nitro Before Christmas brand, with signs by the dartboards. I bet Santa has his feet up by the fireplace right now with a glass, resting from his labors, since he missed the “night before” chance. And since it’s still early in the new year, he hasn’t really gotten up to speed yet, with his naughty and nice list for naught, so you might want to join him and have a drink.

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