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You can party like a rock star (or movie idol), as swashbuckling Captain Jack takes the reins and helps highlight the music at the 30th Hot Air Affair ballooning event

(See this web site’s Picks of the Week for, as far as ballooning and all sorts of other activities, the rest of the story):

A pirate-themed, old-time version of that genre meeting the new, soiree at Madison Avenue Wine & Spirits on Feb. 2, is the highlight of pirate nightlife for the Hot Air Affair, featuring an appearance during which “crew members” can meet “Captain Jack Sparrow,” and also hear the The Pan Handlers steel drum band. The music at this activity, as part of the “Pirates Fly’n The Croix-Ribbean” edition of the weekend Hudson Hot Air Affair, which is on a 30 year run, will be held from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2. “We’ll also have Caribbean food throughout the weekend and Caribbean inspired new cocktails for the Hot Air Affair,” said Madison Avenue’s Kelly Yocom. “We’ll be bringing our cinnamon whiskey, spiced rum and red wine (for sampling and more).”
The activity highlights a broadly stated, music meeting art event, and a primer of the best of the rest of bands to play in conjunction with the Midwest’s biggest winter ballooning event, follows.
That lineup, mostly in the downtown, is as such: At Urban Olive and Vine on Friday with an early 6 p.m. start, (so they will work in tandem with the Torchlight Parade), is Jazz Savvy, and on Saturday night its Andy and Kathyrn Karg. At the new Ziggy’s venue, there’s a two-fer on Friday, starting at 8 p.m. and going well into the evening, with Capital Sons followed by Scary Numan, and then on Saturday night is the HeBeGB’s. Based on past experience, Smilin’ Moose is sure to be a crowd pleaser on Friday night with Shirts & Skins. Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse also gets in the act on Saturday night with the late-breaking news of an Uncle Chunk performance.
There also are numerous DJ and dance music options, mostly for a younger-crowd type of tunes, some on more than one night. Dick’s Bar and Grill obviously leads the list, on both Friday and Saturday nights, and Smilin’ Moose follows their Friday live music with a Saturday DJ. For those who enjoy being in the limelight, and not just on the dance floor, there is karaoke on both Friday and Saturday at the Hudson Bowling Center. And, of course, don’t forget the guitar and vocal expertise of Jeff Loven as the one-man-band to wrap things up with a Sunday night encore.
— Capital Sons describes in more than one place on-line that they play “heart on your sleeve” rock ‘n roll, experienced but adding a fresh new twist. They also boast lots of air play over several years from The Current radio station, and past endeavors have even included the sitar.
— A combo of bands on a given night is a Ziggy’s staple, and the second to go on Friday, Scary Numan, describes themselves as a “psycho retro” new wave dance band. Check them out to see for yourself just what that means.
— The He-Be-G-B’s need to describe their name, its origins as a plural noun, and which letters to capitalize in a way you’d expect to see in Webster’s Dictionary. The style of this long-time band is also diverse, “performing a variety of folk, country, bluegrass and contemporary music, featuring acoustic.” And you love to see a gig where even the sound guy checks in with backup vocals.
— Everything goes better with live music, but it doesn’t need to be making-your-ears-bleed volume. So noted by Jazz Savvy, a trio that provides, among other things, classical jazz: “Never intrusive or sonically aggressive, Jazz Savvy gives you and your guests a memorable listening experience that will make them smile (and allow conversation),” they say.
— Andy and Kathryn Karg are a vocal/guitar/piano duo that cover genres from the 50s on up, and as a 2010 Miss Minnesota, she is well versed in both recent and old school tunes. Andy reigns from Nashville and brings his guitar swinging chops to match Kathryn’s homegrown piano virtuosity and her mastery of tight and soaring harmonies.
— Skins & Shirts have put out several CDs, which have been critically acclaimed, on the strength of two female-led, rotating sets by the lead singers. And there’s more. Song choice is tailored to each individual singer, and is adjusted for each event, as each member of the band shares vocal duties. Also, they show their diversity by use of things like an electric fiddle.
— Uncle Chunk says their “fan base ranges from young children to very mature adults, those who are young and those who are young at heart.” They cite the choices in their song list and visual appearance.”Looking at our set list, you will find music from many different eras and genres. These are what we consider some of the best songs from their times.”

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