Vaughn, backup vocals via Van Halen’s Michael Anthony, vie for attention at Willow

Blues rock, rockabilly and trop rock, Hudson has it all:
— Some interesting acts have a musical effect on Empty Arms, a traditional and Texas blues, and rock and rockabilly trio, that will play The Willow River Saloon on Saturday night, April 2. Bassist Steve has a diverse background and does some lead vocals, but what stand out are his backup harmonies ala Michael Anthony of Van Halen, the band says. Drummer Mark has played many different instruments and styles that even include brass and Latin. Southern-influenced vocals predominate for lead singer and guitarist Roger, who started on that path by taking in a Stevie Ray Vaughn concert in 1990. At times all three take part in the harmonies, and their song list takes a different than usual twist by incorporating the Stray Cats.
— Just announced Friday (or was it): The opening act for trop-rocker Jambo Jones on April 1 would be none other than Jimmy Buffett, and with every paid admission came a complimentary margarita!
OK, April Fools. But Jambo did indeed play Dick’s Bar and Grill that evening. There was no opening act; it was all genuine Jambo and he has plenty of material, and by all accounts showcased it well in front of a crowd that lingered, trop-rock style. As far as margaritas, you were on your own.
— Running during the exact same time frame as Jambo, from 6-9 p.m., at Perkins was the 22-pound massive muffin challenge, as promoted via their email club. OK, this too falls under the heading of April Fools Day, the people at Perkins are quick to point out, as they have no 22-pound muffin at all, just 22 percent off your bill during that three-hour period. Sorry about the tardiness of reporting these April 1 offers, as it took a while to verify their authenticity, or lack of it, and see if they actually took place. Also, their were computer issues (and that’s no April Fool’s).
— You also might want to check out, for real, date night on Wednesdays at Urban Olive and Vine, which includes things such as playing nostalgic board games, which are on continually displayed on counters that constitute the walls. The first opportunity would be April 6, and that would place it well beyond April Fool’s Day, in case telling fibs is the nature of the board game you’d be playing. And the day before and usually the day after that, Tuesdays and Thursdays, is the famous date night, often with stellar burgers, at Agave Kitchen, just down the street and to the left.
— As March Madness pulls toward a close, the people at Buffalo Wild Wings remind you to “say good-bye to your responsibilities” and pay closer attention to the NCAA basketball finals. I might suggest, however, that checking how your selected teams’ brackets are doing could be considered a responsibility.