Vie to visit Vegas, from the vantage point of the Packers playing, but before then go acoustic with Garret.
— Who wouldn’t want to go to Vegas? Especially if you got there by rooting on a team that usually wins big. The Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt is again offering its special deal where a drawing for a trip to Vegas is held every night the Green and Gold plays. What a way to kick off the NFL season, (and the opponent is archrival Chicago in a noon Sunday game)! You must be present to win, but again, we’re talking the Packers playing here so why wouldn’t you want to be there on game day. The trip includes three days and two nights for two people, so bring your Packer bud with you.
— In what amounts to a debut, Garret and Embry, who comprise CrystalCreekFalls, are playing Dick’s bar and grill on Friday, Sept. 11 from 6-9 p.m. Note that’s Garret with one “T” while this infamous Friday has the number “1” twice. It might be seen as fitting that the duo of Mr. McPhae and Ms. Quinn are playing their gig at Dick’s, where the staffers wear shirts bearing what looks like a Red Cross logo to go with their pun of a slogan “Thirst Aid Station.”
— Numbers you should know: Twenty, sixty and two to reference the art metal band Tool. I should explain. This is the 20th year of the Art on the Kinni, held along the Kinnickinnic River on the White Pathway in River Falls, which will not only have 60-plus exhibiting artists, but live music on two stages, steering largely to folk and bluegrass. The event is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— The bassist for Ghetto Superstars, which played the Smilin’ Moose recently as part of their regular returning engagement, did so while seated and this fact and his girth evoked memories of the legendary Big Walter Smith, who used to play in the area. The band is comprised of a large crew, male and female, black and white.
— The Blackout Party at Dick’s, where the dance floor is closed off to any light with tarps at all ends, advertised that people could show up in glowing face paint, so they could, well, really show up. In fact, many of the dozens of patrons who came sported glowing T-shirts and such paint covering their arms. Just prior to turning off the lights, staff members spent time writing dancing instructions on the floor with colored chalk. If you weren’t there to take it in, or dance it off, don’t fret as this is a twice yearly event and you can hit it again in spring.

A decade of tribute to GFunk, and ten years worth of gigs at the Willow, all packed into a three-day holiday weekend:
— The Ghetto Superstars, at the Smilin’ Moose on Friday night, Sept. 4, are unlike virtually any other band you’ll find in Hudson, paying tribute to the GFunk era of hiphop and rap, from 1993 to 2003, by playing the likes of TLC, Dr. Dre, Mary J Blige, Biggie, Missy Elliott and of course Snoop Dogg, (I must say I saw a younger look-alike to Snoop walking down the street the other day).
— The next night, Saturday, is the return of a veteran band that has more than 1,000 shows under its belt, and when they hit the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt will be adding one more notch to their bedpost. Loose Cannon plays even the Neon Trees, and along with it plenty of Guns ‘N Roses, Prince (a cover of his Purple Rain is on You Tube), Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Journey, Green Day, Pink and Poison.
For a preview of sorts, to flesh out your weekend’s listening pleasure, you can check out yet another longtime band, Strangers, in a return engagement to the Willow on Friday night.
— The way it stands right now, you just might have to wait until winter for this next celebration, an oldie but goodie. Getting together a good sized group of gamers for a bar Olympics gathering can be hit and miss, since many people like to have their party in the out-of-doors when the weather is nice. Thus was likely the case with some people in the bar Olympics held Aug. 30, that being the last Sunday before Labor Day weekend, which is the last bastion of summer. There were reportedly 50 competitors playing at four different local taverns, not a bad number, but sources at Kozy Korner in North Hudson assure me they always do better when the snow is flying. So then there will be another such event.
— You won’t be snow-blind, but there will no visibility when Dick’s Bar and Grill holds its annual lights-out-party on Saturday night. The dance floor will be shrouded in darkness, because of lots of black tarp, and glow sticks will be the only light.

It’ll get wild this weekend, and you can be sure to “plant” a bid for seafood a few days later.
— Coyote Wild, playing the Smilin’ Moose on Friday evening, Aug. 28, has all the fun of the movie Coyote Ugly with, dare I say, an almost scholarly PR approach. “Country music has had a massive influence in the history of rock music and rock music has changed the direction of country,” their online bio reads. “You can enjoy both with Coyote Wild.”
— Trouble Maker, I think it was, had a band member that looked just like Robert Plant, (post-Zeppelin days), except that he was on guitar not vocals, and kept his shirt on during a recent, and recurring, gig at the Village Inn in North Hudson.
— There are high-profile meat raffles at various local venues, most notably the Village Inn, but few offer both meat and seafood at the same outing, such as is the case at Woody’s in Bayport. This tasty tandem is held there the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
And I may have egg on my face for not mentioning earlier that as part of the “fully loaded” Bloody Mary at Woody’s, there is egg on the burger tacked onto the top of the glass, and also cheese and bacon.
— The recent version to close the night, by the female lead singer of Dirt Road Dixie at the Smilin’ Moose, found them doing a popular and traditional country song, (I’m sorry, the name escapes me, as it was near to closing time), but it was dead-on in matching the tonal quality of the usually male-sung lyrics. Then, during their breaking down of stage equipment, she hauled away a flag staff with big bright orange cloth at top and bottom that was on the other end of things, being quite unusual. They’re likely to again play the Moose soon, so check out what they have in store.

Make no Muss-take about it, there are quality appearances being made locally:
— Woody’s in Bayport is again having one of its periodic guest appearances, and this one is sure to raise a fuss, because it involves a live broadcast by Muss from Country K102. He will on at Woody’s from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. Tickets will be given out for the Minnesota State Fair grandstand show by Carrie Underwood. The people at Woody’s will as they say, “fire up the party,” when the Miller Lite girls make a showing of their own from 5-7 p.m. There are taps of that brew available from 2-3 p.m. for, you guessed it, $1.02. This is one of several beer specials.
— Recently, Fat Bottom Girls was playing on the juke box at the Cajun Club, while a very tiny dancer did her Queen routine. No comment from me. I will chime in on the dancing showcased downtown, with some styles that were either like that of an amped up Peewee Herman or a karate kick-boxer-dancer.
— The Smilin’ Moose brings back old favorites, both last Friday and this coming Friday. Longtime rockers Audio Circus, who have performed in Hudson many times, were back on last weekend, and now seven days later, its the return of the very solid, top to bottom, strains of the Tim Sigler band. Most people tend to think the cover charge, which isn’t cheap, is worth the price of admission.
— Female-doing-male songs was again the highlight when Solving 27 hit the stage at the Village Inn in North Hudson, twice in recent weeks. Singer Billie Jo did The Stones and a bit later The Police. Then, inserted into the middle of their set list, was Rock ‘N Roll by Led Zeppelin. Besides noteworthy “falsetto,” there were some high-powered, grinding guitar riffs used on Roadhouse Blues, and some guitar fills inserted into a few songs, also. Look for them at The Village again soon. But meanwhile, this Satuday night, check out the down-home, Cajun infused blues of the Swamp Kings there.The dancing showcased some styles that were either like that of an amped up Peewee Herman or a karate dancer.

Seasons Tavern owner Brad chimes in on the Pepper Fest relationship, which plays out again this weekend in North Hudson, as everyone can get a “happy” feeling at the restaurant and bar — even during throat-burn eating contests at both places.
“The synergy between the Seasons Tavern experience and the Pepper Festival is definitely there,” he said. “The whole community is celebrating one of the ‘largest’ small-town events, and Seasons Tavern is right in the middle of that event. If there is a party going on, we want to be a part of it and add to it!”
Saturday, Aug. 15, promises to be a big day full of pep for Seasons Tavern.
They will serve breakfast sandwiches and hot Italian Beef sandwiches outside during the parade, and offer a full-service breakfast inside starting at 8 a.m. The full menu will be available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with appetizers being served until 1 a.m.
The outdoor bar and beer garden will open at 10 a.m., with the Wicked Wing Challenge starting at 2 p.m. and the band Thirsty Camel starting 3 p.m.
Ten people are already signed up for the wings challenge, and that fills up the bill. But there still will be lots of opportunity for spectating this decidedly “hot” food event. Last year, when it was first held, upwards of 40 people watched in awe, giving standing ovations to the best competitors as they finished eating.
“The bartenders are ‘Seasoned’ in the history of Pepper Fest and the name of the restaurant is intentional, to incorporate the experience of the staff along with the history of the building and location,” Brad said.
“As far as parking, we offer parking to Seasons guests only, and do our best to manage that. I think street parking is the best way to go.”

While the staff at Seasons are as “Italian” as anyone in backing the traditions of Pepper Fest, they offer North Hudson alternatives as far as food, drink and fun.
Granted, there is Italian fare aplenty at Pepper Fest, and also at Seasons, but man does not live by that alone. On Saturday, Season’s puts on its Wicked (Buffalo) Wings Challenge, where you can test your where-with-all to consume a variety of the wings — and have a bit more time to complete the task then during spaghetti and hot pepper eating contests across the street, which although largely similar have their own appeal.
You also might try the noteworthy walleye entrees at Seasons, when combined with sauce give a food variation to cool your palette.
While the music at Pepper Fest doesn’t start until evenings, a versatile band begins at Seasons at 3 p.m. Saturday. This means patrons can listen to some live tunes while enjoying appetizers, as an alternative to eating contests next-door that just might leave you queasy.
Two of the three majorly-striped pedestrian walkways on the main Hwy. 35 intersection that needs to be negotiated, lead directly to the curb-cutout that’s the entry point to the large parking lot at Seasons. It’s probably easier to get to the restaurant and bar — as a patron — than the festival itself.
There’s ample vehicle parking for Seasons patrons, including a big overflow lot, on this weekend where some people walk for blocks to get to the Village Hall park and places nearby. They also can set-up their remaining parade seating after indulging in breakfast or Bloody Mary’s.
To that end, Seasons and some other venues have Pepper Fest buttons on sale for only $2, a savings of a buck over the price at the gate.
And especially if you’re a first-timer from out-of-town, Seasons bartenders and wait staff can tell you about the history, heavily loaded with community Italian lore, of the building in which you are a patron. From the varieties of past decor, which also include the newer log-cabin-style motif, to the past owners, this is something to be regaled in.

There will be some runnin’ and rockin’ by bands all of this weekend:
— There is a rare opportunity at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt this weekend, as the same group plays on both Friday and Saturday nights, Aug. 14 and 15. The music, with their fitting band name, will be Still Runnin’ on until the wee hours of Sunday morning. Still Runnin’ plays a lot of country and country rock, but also steers into classic rock and pop on its long play list that includes dozens of songs. (Unfortunately, this “double trouble” option was shortlived. As a late addition, the Twin Cities band Touch Tunes has been added as a last-minute replacement to Still Runnin’ for Friday night).
— The Border Battle thingee kicked back into gear already at Green Mill a couple of weeks ago, where a woman who was with four other people, had a shoutout done on her behalf, “there’s a Vikings fan here,” as if that was that unusual. The woman then stretched out and waved over her head a purple keychain strap. The next night, some similar banter happened. Maybe one must invoke the sign at Agave (self-serving?) that basically offers counseling to “delusional” Viking fans. Maybe some of those were present on Sunday night after Minnesota beat a Pittsburg team the rested some starters, 14-3. A quick check of the downtown afterward revealed only two Vikings jerseys being worn, (and it should be pointed out that there were that many shirts for backing even the rapidly fading Twins).
The Packers, in turn, are scheduled to take on New England and their deflated balls on Thursday. Be at the sports bars for the 6:30 p.m. start.
— And of course, in what’s become a tradition, it is the Dweebs playing Pepper Fest in North Hudson on Sunday night (enough said). Other music is by country act Buck Tucker on Friday night, rock and pop by Rhino on Saturday night, and Trandy Blue starting at 4 p.m. Saturday in what’s billed as beer garden entertainment. Hey, this combines the Pepper Fest and beer, so I don’t think entertainment will be in short supply.

This weekend, it’s The Truth, and not just Kyle’s Two-Chord Truth, or in a quasi or rumors type of way.
— The band Truth & Rumors, consisting of a female lead singer and three guys on instruments, specializes in rock-a-billy, roots music and blues, and they will play at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Friday evening, Aug. 7. In case you want to know more about what they might play that night, there are available on online web sites 17 cover tracks and dozens of photos. The group also plays fairly frequent gigs at another inn, The Village, in North Hudson.
— The band Quasimofo, playing at The Village a few Saturdays back, had some of the most funked up jazz you will ever hear. It was largely and crazily keyboard fueled, and during a several-minute run, the man seated behind the electric piano had to stand on two occasions to belt out his groove. Look for them at various places in North Hudson, including Season’s Tavern, throughout the year.
— The lead singer of Smokescreen, which played the Smilin’ Moose recently, bears a resemblance to another vocalist who has had a look-alike around town in recent times, Scotty Ian of Anthrax, (you have to look a bit with your creative eyes, as the Smokescreen singer has a longer not stringy beard, but overall, this is not just blowin’ smoke). As far as the band’s lead guitar, they have a ways to go before cranking it up like Anthrax, but featured some pretty creative textures to their riffs, on “Centerfold” and also with the grinding treatment given to the last part of “Walk This Way.” And also give them kudos for going beyond overplayed classics, when diving into “High Infidelity” by REO Speedwagon. That last choice really got the attention of my good friend Tom, who said he has all their albums.
(As far as these look-alikes, I swear, singer Ian of Anthrax walked into Dick’s Bar and Grill a while back with reality TV star Bruce Jenner, who — since then — has become Caitlin. Maybe they will be there amongst the dozens displaying at the Brit car club show that goes on 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, on adjacent Walnut Street).

Good things in store this weekend, both big and small:
— The Big Canadian is heading to, we hope, even bigger and better places. Bartender Kelsey, a stalwart at the Agave Kitchen and prior to that Dick’s Bar and Grill, is the guest of honor at a farewell party in his honor at Agave on Sunday night, Aug. 2. Is this the event of the day, if not the season? As the Agave marquee put it, #Canaduh.
— It’s now way past knee-high, which means it’s ready for the picking, and we’re not talking just fiddle music, although there might be that, too. The annual corn and chicken feed at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt is also Sunday, starting earlier and running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or whenever they run out, which might be sooner rather than later when it’s this tasty. Proceeds go to the town of St. Joseph Fire Department. As far as that other kind of picking, there is music by Drop Tailgate on Friday evening and Strangers on Saturday evening.
— There are a lot of groups with whiskey in their name, but try this one on. “Whiskey Stone” is not only a band that plays the Smilin’ Moose on Friday night, but also small soapstones that are added to bourbon in place of ice, to keep the spirit chilled without diluting it. As the members say about both, they’re never watered down, which is why Whiskey Stone calls itself the region’s most exciting new country and rock variety band. One thing to get excited about is that there set list includes about 40 different bands, with very little duplication.
— There are about eight different bands from each of Wisconsin and Minnesota during the Border Battle Weekend at the Somerset Amphitheater, on you guessed it, two different stages, as well as many craft brews and of course, camping. The festival goes July 31-Aug. 2, and get tickets as soon as possible via their web site. One band Hudson concert-goers may recogize from playing locally is Sans Souci, even though they hail from the Minnesota side. The fest bills itself as, “This is all out war … if your definition is a hell of a party.”

When one front door closes, another opens, to a brand new place.

— Yet another large-scale local remodeling project is taking wing. Buffalo Wild Wings is closing to do this mega-makeover at 11 p.m. Saturday, July 25, and reopen the following Thursday — when they invite you to join them for a brand new experience. These are what the sign on the front door calls, “exciting times.” It adds that for more information, “check with a team member,” because you don’t want to have to go too long without seeing your favorite sports team members in action. As it was, crews with lots of equipment were already on scene at 10:50 p.m. Saturday.
— It’s last call, literally, until fall. In another big change occurring this weekend, Guv’s Place in Houlton is using huge drink specials to celebrate its customer appreciation day, going strong all day on July 26. The previous day, and it just wouldn’t be Guv’s without this, is a beanbag toss tournament. Guv’s then plans to reopen in North Hudson in early October.
— Draft parties for things such as the NFL have been all the rage for the past few years, but now there are even pre-draft parties. At Buffalo Wild Wings, they note that all you have to do is give them a call, meet a couple of qualifications, and they’ll mail you a kit complete with draft boards, B-Dubs paraphernalia and special food offers so you can have your shindig there, (they add that they’ve been doing draft-related parties since they opened quite a few years back). Across the street, Green Mill also is having such parties, and offers a contest where you can win free bonus cards, large pizzas and wing samplers and soda for when you hold your party. There are of course lots of official rules listed, among them that your likeness, etc., can be used by Green Mill for promotional purposes, and if you really draft well, why wouldn’t you want to share that with the world?
— Based in Minneapolis, but having shared the stage with bigtime bands that hail from all over the place, Almost Famous plays the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt on Friday, July 24. The band consists of past and present musicians from Austin Healy, Wicked Sensation, Rad Company and Thieves Carnival. Just formed, Almost Famous has opened for numerous national recording artists that have many different styles, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Jason Aldean, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, Georgia Satellites, Marshall Tucker Band, Leon Russell, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Little River Band, Black Oak Arkansas, Blackfoot, Foghat, Loverboy and Quiet Riot.