It’s the name game in regards to weekend entertainment, whether it be flashy or on the rails:
— The band Flashpoint plays the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Saturday night, Jan. 28, being basically new to that venue but having earlier been around Hudson a time or two in other places. But this is the first chance to see them in this area in quite awhile, so this might be an opportunity to take in their “flashy” performance style, just for something different.
— What’s in a name? If you’re like Sheldon on the Big Bang Theory, it could be all about boxcars.
The band High 48s, who play Juniors in River Falls on Friday, Jan. 27, take their name from railroad slang for the boxcars originally used to transport troops on the front lines in World War I that could carry 40 soldiers or eight horses, and were later used in the United States on fast-moving “hot shot” freight trains by train-hoppers looking for work during the Great Depression. In 2014, The High 48s honored their namesake by recording an album of train songs in Nashville with a Grammy-winning engineer and producer. The High 48s have the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude, original songs and a variety of influences far beyond Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers and Flatt and Scruggs, they say. The band members have played with Grammy-nominees Special Consensus and traditional bluegrass legend James King, since winning the RockyGrass Band Competition in 2008, which brought them national recognition.
— Casanova’s Historic Liquors is again unrolling one of its signature events, tastings involving the “wild beer cave” under the bluff toward the back of their parking area, or should I maybe say “caves” plural as the maze of them continues to be unraveled leading in the direction of the St. Croix River. The event is this Saturday. Tickets are on sale now.
— Its that time of year again for the Dick’s Bar and Grill customer appreciation party on Saturday, and the llama mascot announcing the event, wearing shades and a small tophat, looks very cool in resembling another mascot, Eddie of Iron Maiden. And oh yeah, there will be the band The Way Out playing from 6-9 p.m. and sample appetizers and pudding shots.
— Valentine’s Day may be here soon, but prior to that, there is something you can do involving this heartfelt day before February even arrives, judging by the little hearts that are drawn on the sign, with something that looks like lipstick, at the Village Inn in North Hudson. It’s their beer of the month for January, Michelob Ultra at a special price, and isn’t “ultra” what you want to be known as giving in regards to this holiday in the first place?

Move over, all you llamas at Dick’s, and make way for balloons and cribbage:

— Friday evening is amped up at Dick’s Bar and Grill with an addition to their regular offerings, with music keying a Hudson Hot Air Affair pre-party, something that’s become a tradition at that venue over the long run of the February ballooning event. From 6-9 p.m. on Jan. 21 is the oft-seen, Hudson-based duo Practical Goods, and shortly after that starts a deejay with dancing, song mixes and other entertainment. That means about seven hours of tunes, almost the time equivalent of a full work day as you leave the office behind on Friday night and start up your weekend.
— Also at Dick’s is a cribbage tourney starting Saturday at 1 p.m. You can sign up with a bartender or simply show up and play for prizes. Those little pegs could earn you something more valuable.

— It may be a bit early to celebrate spring break, but that theme is already in vogue at the Village Inn in North Hudson with the addition of fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice for your drinks. No pre-packaged “bar rail” style fruit juice here.

The Prince wagon still keeps on running, as do llamas:
— The Prince tributes roll on with this week’s announcement that he was the best selling artist of 2016, and in that spirit, you might get a dose of such Symbol-ism if you take in the band Still Runnin’ at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Saturday night, Jan. 14. They have Prince songs on their set list and even have been known to give a shoutout about such hits online, in addition to their hot country and classic rock.
— It’s always fun when a relatively new band on the scene gets invited back to a prominent venue very quickly, and such was apparently the case with Sushi Roll returning to the Smilin’ Moose — which has quite a few bands in its already established rotation — after only a few week lag. But wait a minute. They were scheduled, as was part of The Moose’s advertising, to play there this Friday night, Jan. 13, but there’s been a last minute change. Replacing them is the band 8 Foot 4, which by the way features Hudson’s own Skip Ballard on bass.
— It’s that time of year again for the annual One Block Fun Run for charity. While the run itself occurs on the neighboring dike road — and you get to compete with llamas — much of the fun is inside Dick’s Bar and Grill, with games, food, prizes and drink ticket, all for one admission price. The jaunt starts promptly at noon on Saturday, especially if its cold, although you can get to Dick’s early and enjoy.

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.

The now-on-us holidays are a celebration of flashy colors, so before its too late, why not add to your New Year’s festivities with an activity that by all accounts takes the events of this season to another level.
Making these memories even more meaningful can be introducing fireworks to the mix, especially when you consider the bright way they reflect over the new-fallen snow. But you have to act soon.
If you plan to enjoy a fireworks display before year’s end, a prime place to consider is the locally owned and operated Venture Fireworks. While summer is the main time most people associate with such displays — and you might want to consider checking them out then as well — winter has its own special advantages, and this Hudson store is making the most of this opportunity for their customers by re-opening for the last week of the year.
Venture Fireworks will be open to serve you on Dec. 26-31 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. That means that even on New Year’s Eve, if you have been too busy with the holidays — just like Christmas shopping — you can still get your fireworks at the last minute. They are conveniently located just off of Interstate 94 near Exit 4, just a few miles east of the border with Minnesota.
Jeff Osbeck of Venture Fireworks is a longtime Hudson resident, so he knows a thing or two about them. He says how they are different from the big box stores for fireworks is the friendly and knowledgable staff, who will steer you in the right direction to have a fun, safe and hassle-free experience, whether it is December or July.
And it is that summer vs. winter consideration that can be especially illuminating. The presence of frosty snow, with colors of fireworks flashing around it, creates a whole different visual effect to enjoy that’s over and above what you would normally experience. This is a way to make the holiday truly memorable.
Osbeck heard such high praise from a couple who recently got married. The wedding gift of fireworks he gave them created memories beyond the usual household items that are typically received. It was such a hit that a phone call was received from a long distance away on the wedding night, to say that the extra visual effect had made their celebration truly extraordinary.
There are military and cash discounts available. Venture Fireworks can be found at 631 Commerce Drive, Hudson, WI 54016, just north of Interstate 94 off Exit 4 in the town of Hudson. Contact them at (715) 386-8767, or at www.venturefireworks.com, or on Facebook. Please mention this article if you patronize Venture Fireworks.

Most venues are closed on Christmas Eve itself, although there are some noteable exceptions earlier in the day, based around what one venue calls “the biggest rivalry in pro football,” but on the days before (and after) there is more local music:
— How many holiday carols do you know? There may be plenty, but you’ll have to move faster than Santa top catch them. At The Bungalow Inn in Lakeland, Jeff Carver, a versatile musical performer, offers a last chance at that venue for 2016 to catch him carving out such classics, when playing smooth jazz with a trumpet and mixing in Christmas music, on Thursday, Dec. 22, from 5-7 p.m. This act has become a popular fixture at The Bungalow for many Thirsty Thursdays (with fine dining to boot) since fall.
— Then on the Tuesday between the two holidays, catch another fast-becoming-a-tradition at the Bungalow, The Jorgensen Tagg duo. Some of what the national critics are saying include “Hold On. Could be a new standard for the genre!” and from as far away as London, “Sounds great! Good radio potential.” That’s fitting, since the duo will take it on the road, and around the world, in the first part of the new year.
— The M8Ds look the part of a hard-edged rock band, and thusly they bring on music of the ’80s, with a pop-punk twist. See how they incorporate these various genres when they play the Smilin’ Moose on Friday night.

— Ditch Chicken plays the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Friday night, emulating at times an artist they like, Bad Girlfriend, and also fleshing out with a variety of other tunes their classic rock and rock ‘n roll. The apple does not fall far from the tree, as they hail from Stillwater and Oakdale, and so who knows, you might recognize some of the members.
— And then there’s football. At noon on Dec. 24, the Border Battle between the Packers and Vikings will rekindle, with celebrations that include drink specials, sloppy joes and halftime taco bars around the area, and Seasons Tavern in North Hudson is even throwing breakfast into the mix. They will be serving that most important meal of the day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will keep their doors open during the extent of that pro football game — kinda makes you wish for OT. As it wears on, there will be an offering of homemade chili.

Get on your trumpet to proclaim the gift of music, while at a holiday party:
— How many holiday carols do you know? At The Bungalow Inn in Lakeland, Jeff Carver, a versatile musical performer and educator, will play smooth jazz with a trumpet and mix in Christmas music for two early evening hours while you dine on a full menu. The offering is on Thursdays, Dec. 15 and 22, from 5-7 p.m.
— You know the typical Christmas routine when you buy one present, such as a gift certificate, and then get something for yourself in the process? Dick’s Bar and Grill has a version of that as when you buy certain house T-shirts for a mere $10, you get a token to be used on a drink. The items can be seen in a display case along the north wall. Noticably missing, considering the time of year that it is, are the silver flasks that had been shown on the bottom featuring golfing llamas, the house mascot, wearing sweaters and swinging away with a club (but not the holiday-ish ugly kind).
— This other idea for a present, as in more than one free drink, has been “spotted.” At the Village Inn in North Hudson, you can get a 96-ounce hopper of New Glarus Spotted Cow for $24. Or, if holiday shopping has left you short of cash, you can do the Mich Golden Light option for $20.
— If you go to the Smilin’ Moose on this or virtually any other weekend, you can see two entertaining things that don’t have to do with the band. (Which this Friday is Smokescreen). There is that ever-popular game where patrons try to pound a nail into a log, (don’t try this if you’ve just had one of their ladle shots), and also the impromptu dance contests where somebody breakdances in the middle of a circle of admirers (one of those shots might bolster your courage and allow you to get lower than the rest).

It’s nearing Christmas and what have you done? Maybe you should take in some music, other than the usual carols, by ranging northward, but not as far as the North Pole, (just further up and east than the metro, including the Medina, as the musicians stow their gear for gigs there not unlike The Gear Daddies might):
— They are local guys and have been at the heart of the Hudson music scene for years, and now are often headin’ up north with their act. That from Dave and the guys of the band Wawi, which head to Clayton (you know, travel to Turtle Lake and then backtrack south a few miles, as Dave put it), where they will play at Charlie’s on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 4-7 p.m. Dave made that pitch when brought up front by one-man-bander Jeff Loven, as most of what they play these days are charitable benefits, such as this one for someone who had a stroke. That Dave was soon followed by another Dave, who also was making a cameo, and this was unusual because he sang two songs in a row by the same artist, not diversifying, that being the Stone Temple Pilots. He apparently has more staying power, unfortunately, then their longtime lead singer who succumbed to drugs.
— Think of it as sushi rock ‘n roll and more. Sushi Roll is made up of equal parts driving rock band, light-hearted pop, and over-the-top theatrical verve, as their name brings to mind other groups such as Verve Pipe and Phish. They play the Smilin’ Moose on Friday night, and will show their easy transition between not only band names that are much alike, but revved-up versions of your favorite pop and rock hits.
— Hudson’s own Garret, best known for doing local solo and duo performances, is now the part of a full band that has been playing almost exclusively in the Twin Cities, such as a recent gig in St. Louis Park, because of the logistics of what those clubs are looking for. The band name is The Dead Wrens, which is fitting because the song I heard right before talking to him was about being responsible for a bird who “broke his back” by the Black Crowes. Maybe there is such bad karma for you if you don’t take in their performance, so don’t be Bah Humbug. There was such an opportunity on Thursday night at Dick’s Bar and Grill, when Garret was one of the hosts of an introductory open mic session, which may become yet another regular gig.
— And for the kiddies, there are breakfast with Santa events all over in the coming two weekends, but because Mr. Claus is working with some of his elves, I can’t disclose too many details because of labor restrictions involving kiddies with jobs, or other workers of similar short stature. But for the adults, there often are specials too, such as Bloody Mary’s to help them cope with the children who have too much sugary candy and are more ansy then those with simply sugarplums dancing in their heads.

Some play only once in a blue moon, others on a key party weekend of the year:
— Blue Moon Drive will perform their traditional bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music with an edge at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Saturday night, Dec. 3. Their music is based on influences of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, J.D. Crowe & The New South, The Bluegrass Album Band, Tony Rice, Lonesome River Band, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, “and too many more to mention.” Band members are musically diverse, in both lyrical and instrumental skills. They are Alan Tompkins on banjo and vocals, Jay Altizer on guitar and vocals, Nate Lee on fiddle, David Seay on guitar and vocals, Greg Lutes on mandolin and vocals, and Michael Glanton on bass.
— Just days prior to the show, a server and patron reflected on their favorite bands that play at The Willow. Of that list, rockers Rizer are near the top, possibly because they’ve been around so long and have built up a following beyond the aformentioned bartender. They play Dec. 30, and the next night is what was described as the ultimate New Year’s Eve band, the locally loved Buck Tucker. Then Rural Route 5 — he initially called it 6 — also drew attention, probably because of last Friday’s show and of course its sultry lead singer.  Another act that fits that bill and has been around lately, characterized as a pleasant surprise, is Still Runnin’. (See them next Saturday). A group that hasn’t played at The Willow for months, which could mean you’ll probably see them make another appearance soon, is a popular country band that still sticks in the mind of a regular patron who overheard the conversation. He said that the one he dubbed as simply Dirt Road is simply spectacular.
— And, don’t forget a venue that has held karaoke for far long enough to attract consistent quality entertainment, some of them real regulars behind the mic, that being the Bungalow Inn in Lakeland, where the crooners start at 9 p.m. each Friday.
— New to the Smilin’ Moose THIS Friday night, Dec. 2, is the rockin’ power trio Kick. They definitely look the hair-band part, from the big and wavy locks to their signature online photo of a lead guitarist taking a scissors-legged leap while jamming between the other two musicians.
— And as the NFL football season really kicks in gear closer to the playoffs, those diehards at Buffalo Wild Wings can take advantage with the special Lagunita offering called, fittingly, Fandom beer, which is described as a citrus-infused-hoppy-pale-wheat-ale.

You could now call them two peas in a pod, and they will be showing their stuff on Tuesday evenings throughout the rest of the year at The Bungalow Inn in Lakeland. Brianna Tagg and Kurt Jorgensen have joined to form The Jorgensen Tagg Band and duo. The two troubadours teamed up to record Brianna’s debut album, Wandering, with Kurt acting as producer and arranger for Brianna’s multi-instrumentalist talents, they say.
It did not take long for the pair to team up as songwriters and performers, too. The sound is powerful and undeniably fresh, as judged by its popularity, taking root in rock, blues, pop, and soul and a self-described “southern kissed” classic rock sound. The two are fast making an indelible mark on the local and national music scene.
Kurt, with his own band, has released eight albums to date and received the praise of fans and critics alike, as was shown for years with a large and loyal group of Hudson-area fans who followed him from venue to venue for performances, once even trekking to Iowa to partake in the experience. The Minnesota Music Awards has presented Kurt with singer, entertainer, songwriter, album and song of the year.
Brianna also has toured nationwide and has also performed multiple times at South by Southwest, impressing industry luminaries and fans, the duo say. Jorgensen Tagg performs as such a duo and also as a seven-piece band having many instrumental specialties.
After releasing their debut album “Love Wins,” Kurt and Brianna toured the West Coast, and that form of the band is working on writing and recording their second album.
You can catch the duo at The Bungalow on Nov. 29, and Dec. 13, 20 and 27.