They’re coming to Hudson to see entertainment from several states, or even countries, that are far afield.
— A man from many states away — known simply as The Fiddler — will again bring his act, which incorporates not only that instrument but also scores of other musical styles mixed with outrageous comedy that skewers The Establishment, to Dick’s Bar and Grill on Thursday, Aug. 15. The Sun Country Fiddler, the full nickname of the man born as Dick Solberg, and his rather large band, will fill the stage from 8-11 p.m. in this, their annual intimate-venue excursion to Dick’s.
— The Ricks, an acoustic duo with local ties, have been music veterans for so many years they can cover longtime favorites like Bad Moon Risin’ and Spirit in the Sky. They again “draw on those roots” for a “variety of great listening music that will have you tapping your toes and singing along,” in this case at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Friday, Aug. 16. The duo plays country, rock, blues, southern rock, originals and oldies, and their song list is heavy on Skynyrd, Clapton and Vaughn.
— Also coming to the Willow River Saloon, on Saturday, Aug. 17, is another veritable longtime band, SNS, short for Saturday Night Special, which has more than a dozen Skynyrd songs on its list, going as deep as Workin’ For the MCA. How often do you see an opportunity, at the same venue on consecutive nights, to hear The Ballad of Curtis Lowe? The talents that made up Full Tilt and Chain Lightning and now are SNS do classic, southern and contemporary rock that spans the decades and even includes rarely covered gems like Godzilla by Blue Oyster Cult, as dual lead guitarists Steve Wilking and Al Green do their stuff. Lead vocalist Mark Anthony even does some originals.
— The three-day hip-hop music fest in Somerset, the largest of a continuing summer series, was a hit, as all weekend it was hard to find a motel room all the way over here in Hudson. And in both The Hill area and downtown, there were a lot of young adults who looked, how should I say this, rather “out there.” One of them even left a skateboard balancing precariously on a small ledge between Dick’s and the Agave Kitchen. For information on upcoming concerts being scheduled, visit www.somersetfestival.com.
— The British Invasion, or The British Are Coming! Last weekend’s Britfest car show was an apparent success, as more than 100 classic autos originating from The Continent graced Walnut Street. If the T-shirts of a style that you would not normally see in Cheesehead country, rather than the Queen’s country, were any indication, a lot of those folks stayed into the evening to party at Dick’s. Speaking of queens, I just had to tease a few people I know, who work or play downtown, and named Brittany if the fest was titled after them.
— The JazzSpring duo will again play Pudge’s patio this weekend, and I am issuing a challenge on their behalf. Where else can you see this many musical instruments — strings, winds, brass, percussion and keyboard — propped up and ready for playing in an area that’s not even as big as one of those British cars? The sheer number reminds me of my initial Doobie Brothers concert, where scores of instruments were in the capable hands of about a dozen musicians. But back to JazzSpring, they will perform from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday.
— Various venues are hosting NFL “draft parties” later this month, where you can win a free party with appetizers, beverages and “signing bonuses” for you and your friends as you make your selections. Much better to pour down some drafts while you are acting like a pro-sports mogul.