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Fun, fun, fun rises from this annual Affair and its accompanying music, and that’s not just a bunch of blustery hot air.
The Hudson Hot Air Affair is all about revelry, and there are some music and nightlife activities lesser-known than the balloon launches that this year go far toward that end. So with the entertainment emphasis, it’s fitting that this year’s theme is “Silver Screen.” Here are some of the activities:
— The Hangar Taproom of the American Sky Brewery on Swasey Street, south of Fleet Farm, has bands that promise to make the trip through the industrial park worthwhile. On Friday from 6-9 p.m. are area favorites the Tommy Bentz Band, which specializes in, amongst other things, pop-meets-rock takes on Beatles songs that have won them acclaim. On Saturday from 5-8 p.m. is Joe Carey, who along with his band feature a unique guitar playing style that began forming in, literally, a garage when Joe was a preteen. He even plays virtually all the instruments on one of his CDs.
— Downtown, Urban Olive and Vine has Jazz Savvy on Friday evening and Quinn and Meyer on Saturday, starting early at 6:30 p.m. — at about the same time as the Friday torchlight parade set for downtown. Jazz Savvy gives a sound you might not expect to hear locally, steering away from the usual jazz standards to give the audience an experience that is different every time, its members say.
Quinn and Meyer, a male and female combo who have great range in their voices, mix in a little mandolin and harmonica with song selections that include old time and folk music and also go far from the usual, with some of their cover songs being lesser-heard versions of songs from other artists. One thing that makes them unique is that they frequently switch instruments back and forth, including all of the ones adorning their stage.
— The American Idol connection to Hudson, in its multiple forms, lives on. Idol finalist Reed Grimm, in addition to family members Jennifer and Trey, will perform an empty bowls and concert for charity at Hudson High School auditorium on Saturday. There will be an empty bowls homemade soup for goodwill donation from 5-7 p.m., with music from 7:30-9:30 p.m. with proceeds benefiting Youth Action Hudson and Hudson SAFE. Concert general admission tickets are available at County Market and Family Fresh Market.
— Rounding out the music options connected with the Hot Air Affair are deejay music at Dick’s Bar and Grill on Friday and Saturday starting at 10 p.m., which gives a chance to mingle with the pilots, and karaoke in an intimate setting at the bar at the Hudson Bowling Center on both nights, a venue not far from the Moonglow or Field of Fire that’s Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
— A Taste of the Flyway Silver Screen Edition, a sampling of spirits, wine and beer, along with decadent chocolates and artisan cheeses, is Saturday from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Hudson House Grand Hotel. Sponsors are 45th parallel Spirits, Villa Bellezza Winery and Pitchfork Brewing Co. All these are from the St. Croix and Mississippi River Valleys.
— Other noteworthy Hot Air Affair events are balloon launches at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and at 3 p.m. on Saturday, and smoosh boarding at 1 p.m. Saturday. All are at the Rock Elementary School grounds.
— For a different visual and otherwise sensual experience, check out the sixth annual Sexy in the City Ladies Night Out at Woody’s in Bayport on Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. There are about a dozen vendors from area businesses such as boutiques, a deejay, drink specials, prize giveaways and sampling of wine and spirits.

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