If you’re a numerologist or a dog, you’ll probably like these:
— Eight is enough, although 11 will do as well. The Agave Kitchen is celebrating its eight anniversary of being in business in that name and being headed by Paul Rode (it had been the Twisted Grille prior to that). And if that weren’t enough for nostalgia, the Village Inn in North Hudson is marking 11 years in business under its current owner, Leigh Halvorson. Agave is marking the anniversary on Friday, Sept. 30, and people who come in and dine prior to a drawing that evening can get a chance at eight gift certificates (get the numerical theme) of $100 each. The Village will celebrate next Saturday, Oct. 8, partly with raffles of their own and much like the Agave’s upstairs Bullpen Cantina will feature Mexican-themed food, as well as live music. (Stay tuned for more on that party). And one other late breaking anniversary, Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse is celebrating a year in business on Saturday with a trio of prominent bands, playing the music virtually all day and night long.

— Every dog must have his day, and that’s especially true at Urban Olive and Vine where there is “Yappy Hour” on the patio from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, featuring a water bowl that can cater to canines and Yappattizers, and oh yeah, specials for those who stand on two legs, as well.
— With the summer still waning, a last gasp is the Descutes Brewery and its “fresh squeezed IPA,” on sale at Broz in River Falls. How fresh squeezed? The flyer advertising the brew shows a bunch of hops in a wooden vice.

The organizers ask you to experience the art of music, including some of both the old and new, at the Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival this weekend in Hudson’s Lakefront Park. This is the lineup:
Saturday in the Artist Village: From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Paul Imholte who will be strolling the grounds; from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., The Big Smooch featuring Nici Peper and Jeff Krause; and from 2-5 p.m., August Blues.
Saturday in the bandshell: From 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., ForAllBrazil; and from 2-5 p.m., The Barley Jacks with Brian Wicklund.
Sunday in the Artist Village: From 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., The Big Smooch featuring Nici Peper and Jeff Krause; and from 2-4 p.m., August Blues.
Sunday in the bandshell: From 10-11:30 a.m., John Bertsch and Charlie Riddle; and from noon-4 p.m., Boom Boom Steve V and the Knockouts featuring Good Time Willy.
The fest offers multiple performances by three bands. One of those features Nici Peper, who first gained listenership by playing at venues such as the Village Inn in North Hudson several years back. Another featured performer, Good Time Willy, also has been around for years, notably playing Dick’s Bar and Grill. In both cases, a lot of them were early evening shows, not really for Night Owls, so they should fit in well with the early starts of this fest.
Also, the headlining Barley Jacks have been gaining popularity fast by playing music such as bluegrass all around the area.
— Back at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt after a while is Rock Brigade, with the members that front the band often looking like something straight out of the 80s hair band scene — although they also play 70s and 90s — but having rhythm section players who look more like something you’d typically see at The Willow. Their set list includes gems often forgotten by cover bands, such as two from Billy Squier, and Ballroom Blitz, Too Much Time On My Hands and Whole Lotta Love. They play The Willow on Friday night, Sept. 23.

It’s time to rock the prairie, whether at the YMCA camp, or near to the Willow River State Park and its native species:
— Back at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt after a while is Rock Brigade, whose set list includes gems often forgotten by cover bands, such as two from Billy Squier, Ballroom Blitz, Too Much Time On My Hands and Whole Lotta Love. They are on board for The Willow on Friday, Sept. 23. And overall, they don’t load up on scores of songs from the same bands.
— We’re burnin’ for them. The Prairie Burn music festival, to benefit area YMCA camps, will feature 16 family-friendly bands at Camp St. Croix south of Hudson and be headlined by Charlie Parr, The Okee Dokee Brothers and The Ericksons, on Saturday, Sept. 17. It runs noon to 10 p.m.

Whether it be in River Falls or Hammond, it might be worth getting in the car and driving for a few-songs-worth to take in these events this weekend or next around the area:

— Its time again soon for that two-day fall festival in River Falls that celebrates all things bacon, pig-themed activities for the entire family, live music, merchandise from local artists, vendors who make forays into finding all kinds of ways to use this favorite meat, micro-brews that wash down the meat, and more. Come to this year’s Bacon Bash and sample bacon-inspired dishes that are dished out by local restaurants and food vendors. Then cast your vote for the People’s Choice Winner, who may go on to the national or even world food competitions, as the RF event has gained the hard-to-come-by status as a “super” qualifier elite event.

The third annual Bacon Bash that was held last September was called a “porktacular” success with more than 16,000 attendees, much bigger than the entire town. The sponsors invite you to join them again Sept. 17-18, 2016 as they continue to celebrate America’s favorite fried meat.
This year the event will get a kick-off by conducting a drop off rooftops — dubbed “When Pigs Fly” and featuring stuffed plush pigs flung from a couple of stories up to the street below. That event will reoccur throughout the weekend.
As far as the music on Saturday, its actually the Sunday’s Regret band from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League from 1:30-4:30 p.m., Kyle Koliha from 5-8 p.m.
Playing Sunday are Wade and Ella from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Everett Smithson from 1:30-4 p.m.
Throughout the event can be found local craft beer and wine, a Kids Activity Area and a Car and “Hog” Cruze-In (Sunday only). For most all of these activities, there is free admission to the public.
Another highlight is courtesy of the Belle Vinez Winery, called Comedy & Corks, with music by the Chris Silver Band and comedy by Todd Andrews. Advance tickets for $25 are available at Belle Vinez Winery, Riverwalk Square and the Chamber of Commerce office. The event again is held at 5 p.m. Friday.
— The River Falls Community Arts Base (CAB) will present its 21st “Art on the Kinni,” an annual fair on the banks of the Kinnickinnic River just behind downtown River Falls — always on the weekend after Labor Day, and in this case going all-day Saturday, Sept. 10, until 5 p.m. Art on the Kinni (AOK for short) features some 70 juried artists and at least 10 musical events, so if you like variety this might be for you. And there is an art tent for the kids, the “Budding Artists’ Bridge,” featuring students/artists just beginning their arts careers, and lots of food choices.
— The 20th annual Running of the Llamas parade and festival — use your imagination — will be in Hammond on Saturday, Sept. 10. Just know that dogs aren’t allowed, but llama art is and can be purchased. The event goes from 11 a.m. until at least 7 p.m., when those tired llamas can finally call it a day. The parade is at 2:30 p.m. and the run itself at 3 p.m.

There is a whole lotta music for a little or no loot this weekend:
— Traditional, classic country music is said to be alive and well, and you can check out The Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Friday night, Sept. 9, to see and hear for yourself. With their name taken from the 1971 Lefty Frizzell song, and looking the part, The Honky-Tonk Stardust Cowboys note that they do indeed, “play the country tunes of bygone days.” The band is one of the few in central Minnesota performing this throwback form of country music in the spirit and sound of the original recordings. Their song list includes classics from artists such as Loretta Lynn, Rosanne Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Tanya Tucker, as well as several early rock ‘n roll songs.
— Loot 66 has a partially new lineup, as vocalist and guitarist Kenny has come over in recent times from a band that’s Italian-themed — as judging from their logo with a traditional-looking, acoustic guitar guy in hat and bowtie — Sir Vesa. As far as Loot themselves, their theme is more country, and they are at The Willow on Saturday night. They are relatively new both locally and to the region itself, so give them a listen.
— The Hudson Hometown Music Fest, thrown for the second straight year by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church all-day on Saturday, is one of the newest entries on the local music festival scene, and likewise many of the members hail from the Hudson area.
The seven bands steer largely toward country, from the most publicized act on the fest, Boondoggle, to the Buck Tucker Band, both of which feature some local folks. Truth & Rumors throws in an array of light classic rock and August Blues, well, the lighter side of the blues, played by a group of young and energetic Hudsonites who also toss in some bongo percussion. Trandy Blue, who often dresses like her name, is an acoustic guitar act along those same lines and, yes, including country, Melody Moments leans more toward easy listening, and JC Rock has a musically moderate Christian-based tone.
Admission to the second-annual, family friendly fest, which runs from noon to 9 p.m., is free. The church is at 502 County Road UU in Hudson. Major fest sponsors include EJ’s Pizzeria, Pitchfork Brewing, Orangeleaf frozen yogurt and Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse.
— A Comedy Night and Banquet for Life being presented by Options for Women in River Falls, and featuring guest speaker, comedian and musician Mike Williams, goes to show that comedy at a variety of venues is indeed becoming king in River Falls.
Williams is the author of “Never Stand Under a Flock of Angry Birds,” and “Turkey Soup for the Sarcastic Soul,” among others. The event is conducted by the local TLC pregnancy resource center, which offers a variety of support services, and will be held at Kilkarney Hills Golf Course, 163 Radio Road in River Falls on Sept. 13. Cost is $40 per person or for a table of ten $400.
There will be dinner, a social hour, auctions and a raffle with a grand prize that’s been hard to top in this area, entitling the winner to luxury accommodations for up to four people at a Vidanta destination for seven nights and paid ground transportation, subject to location, from the airport to the resort. This does not include food or beverages or certain extra activities or services that may be purchased at the resort. Raffle tickets are $10 or three for $20 and can be purchased up until the drawing at 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the banquet. Proceeds go to Options For Women.
For more information, call (715) 425-8539 or optionsforwomenrf@outlook.com. Patrons also can buy tickets via that email address, or by clipping the box in an advertisement in various local shopping circulars and mailing it to 214 N. Main St., River Falls, 54022. RSVPs must be received no later than Wednesday, Sept. 7.

A Comedy Night and Banquet for Life being presented by Options for Women in River Falls, and featuring guest speaker, comedian and musician Mike Williams, goes to show that comedy at a variety of venues is indeed becoming king in River Falls.
Williams is the author of “Never Stand Under a Flock of Angry Birds,” and “Turkey Soup for the Sarcastic Soul,” among others. The event is conducted by the local TLC pregnancy resource center, which offers a variety of support services, and will be held at Kilkarney Hills Golf Course, 163 Radio Road in River Falls on Sept. 13. Cost is $40 per person or for a table of ten $400.
There will be dinner, a social hour, auctions and a raffle with a grand prize that’s been hard to top in this area, entitling the winner to luxury accommodations for up to four people at a Vidanta destination for seven nights and paid ground transportation, subject to location, from the airport to the resort. This does not include food or beverages or certain extra activities or services that may be purchased at the resort. Raffle tickets are $10 or three for $20 and can be purchased up until the drawing at 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the banquet. Proceeds go to Options For Women.
For more information, call (715) 425-8539 or optionsforwomenrf@outlook.com. Patrons also can buy tickets via that email address, or by clipping the box in an advertisement in various local shopping circulars and mailing it to 214 N. Main St., River Falls, 54022. RSVPs must be received no later than Wednesday, Sept. 7.

More new bands take over stages, as a labor of love, this Labor Day weekend:
— A host of music groups that are new to the Willow River Saloon, or at least haven’t played there for a
while, are on tap this month. They start with Chubs on Friday, Sept. 2, then Zachary the following night, and
the next weekend there are the Honky Tonk Cowboys on Friday and Loot 66 on Saturday.
Chubs plays the typical styles that you would see at the Willow River Saloon, plus throws in some modern rock
and even a bit of reggae in performing their first gig there. However, their mainstay style is — of course —
country, but they include a diverse blend in their song list, which has in it songs by the Black Keys, Sublime,
Bob Seger, BB King, The Commodores, Jefferson Airplane, Alice in Chains, Poison, Cheap Trick, 3 Doors Down,
Bill Withers and Melissa Ethridge. The band features Mike and Darrel on guitar and vocals, and also Rocky and
Devin.
Zackary has 29 songs that they’ve recorded highlighted on an online site. The Cottage Grove country musician,
back at The Willow for the first time since spring, on behalf of his band has written and recorded hundreds of
songs, penning some on the highway. In recent times has delved into a totally unrelated genre while a sideman
with another group, so look for many differing styles that aren’t in the same classification.
Back last month, there was a newly appearing band that was more in the traditional Willow River Saloon style.
Dusty and the Dirt Road Band, as you might guess from the name, was called straight-forward country by a couple
of staff members, and look to see them again soon.
— Singer and guitarist Garret Farber said he gave me a by-name shoutout, when seeing me across the street,
between songs when he was a late fill-in at the Smilin’ Moose for a solo acoustic patio gig. He also is on to
play, as part of the regularly scheduled lineup on Friday, followed by Brian Ott on Saturday. Both shows run
from 5-8 p.m.
— There will be Coco’s heart dog rescue fundraiser from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Kozy Korner in North
Hudson and the sign had said earlier in the week, “bring your puppies.” Is that a literal invitation to make
this a pooch powwow?
— Lava Java, a locally grown coffee drink infused with “stout” liquor, is being sold at the Village Inn in
North Hudson, and makes me hearken back to days of my youth when I’d infuriate family members while playing
Scrabble by making the word “aa,” which the dictionary says, referring back to the first part of this sentence,
is a type of again, lava. Would that make this a class AA drink?

You can be blue in multiple ways and still be happy about it this weekend, but it might be needed to get your fill of fruit first:
— If they also would sing the blues, a band that will play Juniors grill and bar in River Falls on Friday, Aug. 26, would be blue three times over. Blue Groove leans toward a more contemporary bluegrass vibe (such as Alison Krauss and Rhonda Vincent), while maintaining ties to traditional bluegrass (such as Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs), and may even throw in a few originals. As far as comparisons, the lead vocalist even has the name Adelle, (that’s right, a double L). Instruments include the mandolin, dobro and upright bass fiddle. Most of the band members have played for decades and have lengthy resumes, which also include time with symphonies and in Kansas City, and mastery of the cello. The band has been runnerup at both the Race For a Place contest of the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association, and the River Falls Roots and Bluegrass Festival.
— You can get your fruits (especially) and vegetables now more than ever at Hudson bars. At Green Mill, advertised is Redd’s blueberry ale and wicked mango served in cans, as in canned fruit. The next door, at Buffalo Wild Wings, their trivia contest asked what the commonality was between Baldwin’s and Jonathon’s (both are apples). And of course at Dick’s Bar and Grill, there is the grapefruit sonsoma, which is specified as having various qualities, and among the most obscure being that it’s non-carbonated. Buy hey, if its vegetables you want, there are bloody mary’s featured all over Hudson.
— Dick’s says Ride ‘Em Hard, but they’re not hard-nosed about it, as this Sunday, Aug. 28 motorcycle rally is free, with prizes given along the way, which includes three stops and a raffle at Dick’s following the main event. You still must register, and that occurs at 11 a.m., with departure scheduled from what is sure to be a packed Walnut Street at noon.
— The bookends are somewhat new concerning the Smilin’ Moose patio entertainment this weekend, with soloists being the country-clad Trent Shaw on Friday early evening and partially masked Famous Friends on Sunday late afternoon. They are sandwiched around the performance of Chris Lawrence, also solo, on Saturday early evening.

The Pepper Festival week is all about Italian food and culture and the community feel in the village that goes with it, but that doesn’t mean that a more standard and traditional summer-style picnic can’t be celebrated, aside from the expected hot peppers and pasta, that shares the same ideals.
That is just what’s provided a jaunt up the road in North Hudson at MidWestOne Bank, where on Friday they host a picnic in their parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving pulled pork sandwiches, chips, ice-cold lemonade, popcorn and Dilly Bars. And on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a kid’s day that’s also family-oriented has offerings of popcorn, mini-donuts and cotton candy, along with a Moonwalk and petting zoo. Actually, the event goes all week, from Aug. 15-19, with refreshments served all five days.
There is also a Pepper Fest prize pack, (with sponsoring merchants being Season’s Tavern, Kozy Korner, Village Inn and Freedom Value Center, and bottles of wine provided by Village Liquor), that you can enter to win if over 21, and a $50 gift card if 20 or under. Patrons also are invited to check out the great vehicle loan rates and Relationship Bump CD special MidWestOne has to offer.
The attendance at the events — made up of people from both around the neighborhood and from further away — are estimated at up to 400 for the picnic and about 100 on other days such as Wednesday.
MidWestOne is located at 880 Sixth St. N. Call (715) 386-8700 for more information.

Summer is setting, with throwback golf, a music fest and a car show that’s possibly 007 style:
— This 20th anniversary celebration takes you back to well before that time.
The St. Croix National golf club invites you to “grab your balls” and “dress to impress” in full ’80s regalia that would make Rodney Dangerfield proud, at an anniversary event called Gopher’s Revenge slated for Aug. 22. Think argyle, knickers, caps and handsome golf vests. Also consider “See the ball, be the ball.” Especially since another actor in that realm, Bill Murray, has strong Hudson connections that also go way back.
There will be prizes, ’80s themed contests, a raffle and of course beer. There is an 11 a.m. signup or call the pro shop at (715) 247-4200, and format is two-person scramble, (officials at the golf club considered making it a four-person and may implement that next year because you know, the ’80s never go away). Cost is $20 for golf, $20 for half-cart and $20 for lunch and prizes.
— What music and camping festival is in its fifth year and has more than 60 bands on the bill? That would be the Summer Set event, located in where else, Somerset, which goes on Aug. 12-14 and is headlined by Skrillex, Bassnectar and Chance the Rapper + The Social Experiment. (Just added is Atmosphere). The smaller stage has bands with such creative names as those (appealing?) to other senses than hearing, such as Crunchy Kids and Porn and Chicken.
— The British are coming to the street outside Dick’s Bar and Grill on Saturday, Aug. 13, for a total of six hours starting early at 9 a.m. They’re there for the annual vintage British Car Show, and yes, prizes will be given for the best rides.
— This falls into the category of “it’s better not just once in a Blue Moon.” At Buffalo Wild Wings, this trio of “teammates” consisting of Blue Moon-infused favorites was proposed: Blue Moon BBQ wings, Blue Moon bacon and turkey sandwich, and Belgian white ale of the wheat-ale variety, (wait, wouldn’t that be another team member, bread?)