From bottom to top.

From the bottom to the top is correct for the show I witnessed earlier this month. As ‘Basement’ quietly chart their rise from east to west.

The line up tonight was stretching both sides of the Atlantic, headliners Basement hail from the UK, while the rest of the line up, ‘Citizen’ and ‘Pronoun’ come from east coast USA. However, no one could feel more at home in the Madison ‘Majestic’ theater, even with the diverse fan base from age to style everyone is made to feel welcomed to this show. Opening band for the tour is the reason I was invited here, ‘pronoun’ are new onto the scene sounding out their distinct vibe. They manage to sedate the audiences gaze for the set but fail to land a punch, with an unfortunately heavy washed out vocal sound, it was hard to hear much more than the background track. They sound great online but did not transpire well live on this occasion.

Next band up and arguably joint headliners is ‘Citizen’. From the start of their set the energy is lifted tenfold, with fans screaming the lyrics back to their favorite songs from the ‘Citizen’ full discography. There was not a dull moment from their first cord to their last. Just like the latter band, ‘Basement’ takes the mood of the room up further. So much so crowd surfing and mosh pits become the norm for the rest of the set. Although they may be a long way from home, they seem to bring it with them including everyone in the room to join in with their energetic and exciting set.

That just leaves me a final note to deliver a quote from my wife, “isn’t it strange for a UK band to be called Basement, when the UK doesn’t really have them...”, too true.

http://basementuk.com/

http://citizentheband.net/

https://www.musicpronoun.com/

Adelitas way is to continue on rocking

‘Adelitas Way’ grow from strength to strength as they witness a bigger fan base crying back their songs back to them at this Sunday night show.

This was not only my first time seeing the headline band, but it was the first time we had checked out The Annex venue in Madison, a nice little venue, with a good atmosphere, sound and viewing area. As we entered the venue confronted by merch stands, I saw a guy I had not seen in almost 8 years and the reason I was here tonight! The dude (Chris) was from the band ‘Taking Dawn’, these guys spawned up in about 2010 with a great debut album and toured the world countless times with big names, including ‘Kiss’. Whilst on this big journey, they toured the UK a few times; where I got to meet and see them a handful of times. They were always friendly down to earth guys that had a real passion for doing what they loved.

Back to the show at hand, opening band, ‘Static Signal’ from Rockford, IL, are an active young band new on the scene. I managed to speak with them post show, about recent shows and playing with bigger venues, the full interview can be listened to on my next podcast. Their live show was great and certainly entertaining, I would pin these guys as ones to watch out for as their sound and fan base develop. Next support act was ‘Taking Dawn’ and according to them they have been cursed on this tour with multiple problems at every stage or show. Tonight is no different as his wireless guitar device would not work, along with poor sound from the monitors. With that said, they did put on a professional rock show, high energy with lots of sing-along moments for me in particular.Third support of the night, ‘Sons Of Texas’ are defiantly taking a page out of, ‘Five Finger Death Punch’s book by taking no prisoners in this brutal show of high energy. Looking forward to seeing these guys again as the mosh pit was rowdier than the playboy mansion.

Next it was time for headliners, ‘Adelitas Way’ to grace a Madison stage once again. Not knowing the band from before, I thought I originally stumbled into a ‘Maroon Five’ show with the lead singers persona and voice echoing that of ‘Adam Levine’, however this opinion quickly changed as that heavy rock rhythms rang out. The band were confident and powerful as they made the little show feel like a sold out stadium tour. What was strange to me, was whilst watching the band set up I noticed the bass player looked a lot like the old bass player of ‘Taking Dawn’ and low and behold it was him, looks like he joined another Vegas band after TD took a break. Back to the music, as well as playing stand out hit songs like Invincible and Notorious, they stripped it back and did a mellow acoustic session.

It is clear that this band have a lot to give live and on record, they even promised new music and EP’s real soon, “it makes no sense to sit on music; we want to get it out to you guys as soon possible.” After an hour the band left the stage with the fans waiting more and although they didn’t get it this time am sure they will be round again. Make sure you get there and witness a fun rock ‘n’ roll show for anyone up for a good time.

http://www.adelitaswaymusic.com/

http://sonsoftexasmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Takingdawn/

https://www.facebook.com/StaticSignal/

Queens & Kings rise up

Rock royalty is destined for Madison, Wi again, this time in the form of, ‘Queens of The Stoneage’, as they continue on the last leg of their world tour. The show will be held at the Breese Stevens Field in front of almost 10,000 fans, as they play through a hit filled set. Although the band released their new album less than a year ago, they do have a strong back catalogue of hits to showcase live from seven eclectic albums. As many fans and critics agree the band only go from strength to strength as their sound has grown in their own mature and unique style. This will certainly be a special event as the band has not played Madison since 2005 when they supported ‘Nine Inch Nails’.

Unlike the headliners (QOTSA), the support has not even graced Madison before. Support act ‘Royal Blood’ maybe new here but not new to America as they have been taking over cities and airwaves since they rose up from the UK underground scene as ones to watch, just a handful of years ago. The band was personally picked out by Josh Homme of QOTSA, to support on most of the world tour as they “know how to rock the fuck out”. After witnessing them live and watching them grow from first record to second they are certainly in a category of their own. Even though they are a two piece they certainly pack a punch with their wall to wall sound and energy.

One thing is for certain, this show will be the feel good show of the summer, so pick up tickets now from local venues or the marvellous people at Frank Productions, a link can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/509187656118009/ .

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. 

Science & Sniffs

At the start of November the other half and I volunteered again for the discovery building. However, this Saturday was extra special as the state was hosting the Wisconsin Science Festival 2017, with the discovery building being the main hub of activities. Although a lot of the festivities are aimed towards the next and younger generations it does host an array of interesting activities. We helped out with directing guests around the festival on the busy Saturday morning. For us it was a relaxing affair which included handing out promotional items and talking to families, all of which builds to experience and more so a good CV (Resume).

Although we didn’t get to sample a lot of the festival this year, it is a well recommended affair. It is an inspirational event that stretches over four days. It included demonstrations, lectures and tours from different specialities of science. As I said before as well it is across the state with events in Milwaukee and Stevens Point to name a few. It is thrilling to see so many local business involved in helping to make this festival happen as is can truly have the power to make a positive difference in their lives and for society. So mark your calendars next year for this annual autumn (fall) event as it is fun for all ages!

The other event we got up to recently was the Wisconsin Dog Fair at the Alliance event centre. YES, hundreds of dogs of many breeds were there and my wife especially was in awe. The busy event at the event centre was half filled with business selling products and breeders showing off their prized dogs. From an Alaskan Husky to a West Highland Terrie, all the dogs were on their best behaviour as they enjoyed the company of others and pranced around for the display show. Our favourite breed, which we hope to get in the future is a Great Dane, with that said we have also been won over by the cute and playful nature of breeds like Vizslas. Although you were not allowed to bring your own pets into the arena there was plenty to see and pet, to make your own dog jealous as you returned home.

The only problem with this event was that it did not seem big enough as their could have been more exhibitors involved. The event was brought to you by the kind people of Badger Kennel Club INC. This company is a community outreach programme aiming to help owners and their dogs have a fulfilling life by offering advice and support. As ever I would recommend both the show and the club to anyone who is going to or does care for a dog, or two, or five, because one is not enough. So hopefully next year there will be more breeds and clubs as you can never have enough dogs!

Also we got some super Halloween bargains, our life revolves around clearance items, and we don’t feel guilty as it gives us a few decorative and consumable items for the dark weekends/following year. He says eating his Easter candy, nom nom. Until next time happy holidays!

Frzn Fest Aims To Warm Up Madison This winter.

“Frzn Fest” is a relatively new kid on the block which is fitting for the acts it presents over the winter weekend. The festival showcases some of the best new acts both locally and nationally over two venues, “High Noon Saloon” and “Majestic”. Acts such as last year’s NoName and Big Thief have gone on to bigger stages and sell-out tours, as they grown their fan bases from these smaller but no less important and pivotal shows. When I worked over in the UK I personally witnessed a lot of emerging talent from amazing festivals like this, acts such as “The 1975”, “Ellie Goulding” or even “Mumford & Sons”.

Therefore, this festival is no different as it continues to grow both the industry and the scene, thanks to the partnership of “Heartland Credit Union” and “Frank Productions” who have put this great show on again. This year’s festival links can be found below; the events stretch over three nights with separate shows in each of the two venues, so you may be spoiled for choice. Personal highlights and recommendations from me is the European rockers, “Hinds” and “Slotface” appearing on the Saturday, as well as, new hip hopers, “Shredders”.

The fine print then would be that the festival takes place January 18^th until January 20^th 2018 and tickets are on sale now for one night or all three nights. If you purchase the very reasonable three day ticket you also get a souvenir hat to wear when travelling to the festival, or possibly whenever you are cold. That leaves me to say come one, come all and welcome in the New Year by discovering new and exciting emerging acts for 2018!

https://www.facebook.com/frznfest/ 

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.)