The Menzingers say goodbye to exile

Although 'The Menzingers' new album is called "Hello Exile" they couldn't be more loved right now as they release another powerful yet personal album. Luckily for us they headed to Madison, Wi to play an intimate show at 'The Majestic'.

Another to great opening acts fill the tour bill, first up is 'Culture Abuse' that strive to be wild, with their awesome cords and unique vocals, if you closed your eyes you could almost feel a 'PIL' or 'Sex pistols' vibe from the sound they delivered. Next was, 'Tigers Jaw' who took a big bite of the action tonight, also delivering their unique sound and aura they blew away the audience. Big things are planned for these guys in the future I sense it.

One band tonight that does not require intuition is, 'The Menzingers' as we all know what their capable of. After six albums they deliver a hit filled set, focusing on the new record did not bother most as they new word for word or danced to the hypnotic rhythms.

Always A Day To Remember

I could be biased but 'A Day To Remember' are one of the coolest band on the planet. They have become one of them rare bands to rise from their own scene, "metal" and create a unique sound which appeals to everyone. From the heavy breakdowns to soothing ballads, singalongs to all round fun guys. This was the third time seeing the band but first time headlining their own show and it seriously was headline worthy.

The day for us started with some drinks in the sun and food at 'The Old Distillery' which could do with some improvement when it comes to food, it was either bland or overpowered garlic, but $3 beer is always helpful. Once we finished up all fresco we took the small walk to The Slyvee, still in its infancy as a venue but certainly not from the acts that have come through the doors, selling out shows every week it seems! Tonight was no different with the 'Raising Hell In The Heartland' tour. 

The first band to start the show was a UK band, 'Boston Manor', who I have interviewed many moons ago on a street in my home town, it is good to see how far they have come. There show reflected that ethos as well, working as a tight knit group of brothers playing passionate radio friendly rock. Second support tonight was, 'Knocked Loose' a raw energetic bunch of guys looking to cause trouble. Their sound is heavy and rough around the edges, not something i can get into live but okay to have briefly on a playlist.

Then it was time for the show to get kicked up a notch! From the get go, 'ADTR' were not going to take this tour/set lightly, they went all out playing hit after hit from their full discography. What excited me most was the amount of tracks they played off their official debut album, 'Homesick' an amazing and ever playable album to play on full. The band had everyone in the small venue captivated and on board with letting loose, giving out t-shirts, getting a fan on stage for their birthday and an emotional acoustic sing along for good measure. The show was one of the most memorable I have ever been to and I was drunk! Thanks to 'ADTR' for giving us a night to remember. 

 

We came, we seen, we conquered!

The Isthmus Beer & Cheese Festival rolled round again in 2018 and we were more than happy to sample it for our very first taste. This annual festival is now into its 9^th year and is continually selling out tickets, days in advance of the actual event. It offers VIP and general admission tickets, the main perk to VIP is the extra time of 2 hours entry before anyone else to try the samples and experience the taste, crowd free. Being festival virgins we played it safe and selected for general admission tickets, in hindsight it was every dime. 

We arrived 45 minutes before the doors were due to open; thanks to a free bus shuttle service ran by the festival. This service is great and allows for safe roads around the event to prevent drink drivers. The queue’s for the festival grow in size pretty quick and extend out across the whole outer walk way, so make sure to get there early. The bus we arrived on even set off 10 minutes earlier than it was supposed to, making it a quick experience. Once we the doors were opened, tickets were checked and we each got a bag, programme (with map) and tasting glass. 

To the beer! As everyone spilled into the barley full event space we made our way down our first isle to sample our favorite beer, ‘Leinenkugel's’. After sampling a light beer, we crazily started just sampling port and stout beers; one of these was a beautiful yet full on peanut butter and chocolate milk “stoutz” from, ‘The Brewing Projekt’. However, this along with the other ales quickly became very heavy on the stomach, so we sought out the nearest water fountain and cheese stand. There were a good number of cheese and food stands around the event and they were easily found as the lines for these were bigger than any brewery that day. The best cheese we sampled was from the ‘Metcalfes’ cheese boards.

As we walked around the stands in a meteorological manner, we picked up as many beer bottle caps as we could for our beer board. The boards we have are in the shape of WI State and the USA. They are awesome at representing the local and national breweries that are available to check out again or for the first time. Back to the beer of the moment, the best beers for both me and my wife was the “breakfast beer” and “17 up” beers, both from ‘Pearl Street Brewing Company’. There were so many different styles and exclusives at this festival which would normally cost you $5 plus per bottle. Therefore, the $50 ticket fee was more than justified this year round.

With the year just beginning so are the festivals, we look forward to checking out more this year but it will have to be great to meet the high standard we witnessed at, The Isthmus Beer & Cheese Festival 2018. 

A Fhnominal FreakFest 2017!

 

For those that read my previous blog about “FreakFest”, you will know that this festival is into its 9^th year and was greater than ever. After some pre drinking and pre eating, we headed down to State Street to check out the sites and many costumes Madison has to offer. We did take a tumble as we head over one of the Capitol walls, but me and the Mrs. fell to the crowd in a roll around style. Instead of being in pain it turned out to be quite the humorous and romantic affair.

Back to the night, the first music we checked out was what we believed to be “The Begowatts”, a local act that dressed as turtles while playing an awesome pop punk set, warming the crowd up nicely. After more beer we then checked out “Mutemath” a national act that has been featured on a “Twilight” soundtrack and recent session with “Twenty One Pilots”. They played a show like it was their last ever, brilliant crowd interaction and sing alongs for all to join in. One of the sing alongs included a little girl, who we think was one of the band member’s daughters, sang along to a song and rocked her little heart out. Other highlights of the set include the band dressing up and the lead singer mattress surfing across the crowd while everyone sang their songs back to them. A great band I would defiantly check out again.

As we left that stage towards the main stage outside of Capitol Square, there were more costumes as ever and the best costume of the night. Two individuals dressed as the “Night King” and “Daenerys Targaryen” from “Game of Thrones” was precisely perfect in their Coplay and could be mistaken for the actual cast members. Unfortunatly due to time and money we were unable to dress up this year but hopefully next time as the planning for it has already begun. Another notable factor of this big event and State Street was the fact, not many businesses were involved in this night in terms of stands or open store fronts. The city and business could not only benefit from their involvement but it would mean that the ticket price would be more worthwhile from exclusive opening hours/offers.

 

As we hit the main stage “George Clinton” and friends were just finishing their set, leaving the crowd jumping around to the pop melodies and Halloween cheer. I managed to secure a photo pass for “FreakFest” meaning I got into the very large photo pit for main act “D.R.A.M.”, this provided me a place to get some great shots as ever but always leaves you feeling watched by a million eyes who are looking through you to see the stage. Nevertheless he put on a good show, with his charismatic smile and easy going tunes, showing off what he does with ease and style. I thought there would have been a more dramatic finish to the night and “D.R.A.M”’s set but once it finished things just quickly fizzled out as the crowd broke down. Hopefully with more investment and crowd in the future the shows will become grander. The only other problem with leaving at the end of the night was getting home. As ever with no public transport available (another problem with these big events) we had to use a cab or “Uber” in our case and this was $6 for a normal $6 trip plus about 15 minute wait. Needless to say we started the 3.5 mile journey on foot home until we got about a mile away we got one for $4.50 much better value and we walked off the pizza we had hahaha. Next we will pre book.

Overall, Freak Fest 2017 was a frightfully great time for a great price and we can’t wait for it to roll around again, hopefully we will have costumes this time, is boy scouts a good idea?

(PS the image is also a great costume couple but not us.)

Beer & Cheese? Yes, please.

What do you need to be a Wisconsinite? Some would say chomping on home grown cheese washed down with a bottle of local beer, while watching a Packers football game. To an extent they would be right, after living here for almost a year this is something that I have not only become accustomed to but love about Wisconsin, as it is rich in home grown flavours and food heritage. With that in mind, it is not strange then to continually host delicious food festivals throughout the year and what better way to start the year than with one of the biggest, Isthmus Beer & Cheese festival is back on Saturday the 20^th of January 2018.

This year it continues to hold its ground by offering samples from over 100, yes 100 breweries from across the nation including many from local companies like, Great Dane/Capitol/Leinenkugels/Lombardi and so many more! The beer serves as a good chaser to the many food options available as well, with dairy companies offering out samples of their finest cheeses. More cheese companies are to be announced at present but so far the list does include Wisconsin’s own ‘Edelweiss Cheese’ and ‘Cesar’s Cheese’. Entertainment is also present from the dueling pianos who are two talented individuals ready to play all your requests.

The price for tickets is $50 without fees and does include a goody bag and unlimited samples from whatever you want. Tickets are on sale and sure to sell out, as they have done in years gone by so check them out and kick off the New Year with a weekend to remember.