It really wasn’t nip and tuck, as Buck Tucker playing a few miles northeast from downtown Hudson, where they are well known, is our pick of the week, (but you could also consider really indulging in Third Street Brew House beer):
— They may be decidedly local, but still have attracted novel and rave reviews — like you might expect of a vital Twin Cities cover band — from the staff at Meister’s in Boardman. That group of light rockers, Buck Tucker, takes the stage there on Friday night with its intruiging set list, which includes Footloose (by Blake Shelton, rather than the original movie version), Your Mama Don’t Dance, by Kenny Loggins himself, and a bit of Little Willie by Sweet and Red Solo Cup by Toby Keith thrown in. But they play all styles of rock — classic, contemporary and southern — and start the party early, at 7 p.m.
— Mallard’s in Bayport invites patrons to enjoy a Sunday afternoon on the St. Croix River with Third Street Brew House, featuring a specialty cask, hand rolled cigars, raffle prizes and bottomless beer available. And you thought pristine waters were all that were available!
— The Smilin’ Moose seems to trot out added new local music during off times, and the trend continues with Andrew Hanson on Friday evening, who comes all the way from Erskine, Minn. to perform his standard acoustic performance. (As opposed to the tried and true — and safe — offering of country-based Tim Sigler on late Sunday afternoon).