Tonight’s the night!  Summer officially begins with the opening day party at the Capital Brewery Beir Garden!  Friday nights in the Summertime- the brewery is the place to be…live music…great beer…and it’s one of those special spots for people watching.  All kinds of people.  For those that are new to the experience- a couple of tips…

1) get there early or late.  The crowd peeks somwhere around 6- which makes sense, if most of us are getting done with work around 5pm.  By about 7 or 7:30, some of the early-birds start to head out to the area restaurants for a bite to eat, and the late-comers start to arrive- sorta a “second shift” kind of thing.  So, if at all possible, try to plan your night so you arrive before 6 or after 7.

2) Last call is early.  The Beir Garden shuts down at 9. 

3) As I mentioned before- all kinds of people.  This includes kids and dogs.  It’s not unusual to see Mom and Dad with the kids- often times the kids head across the street to the skate park.  It’s also not unsual to see the family dog hangin’ with Mom & Dad.

4) Dinner is NOT served.  Bring your own.  They are perfectly fine with that.  Order a pizza and have it delivered.  They are perfectly fine with that too.  In fact, I’m pretty sure that if you ask, they have menus from area delivery places behind the bar- but remember the bar is going to be pretty busy

5) Have fun! 

That’s really all there is to it.  Parking can be a little tough, but I’m sure you can handle the walk.  Or better yet, take a cab- you are there to drink beer after all.

Speaking of the Capital Brewery.  A new feature at the brewery- my friend Kevin leads a bicycle ride from the brewery every Tuesday night after work.  Eventually the routes will be posted on the Capital Brewery web-site, but for now Kevin keeps an e-mail list and sends out weekly invites.  Don’t worry if you are not on the list- everyone is welcome, just show up at about 5:45, the ride leaves the brewery at 6pm.  The rides have been about 20 miles.

And while we are on the subject of exercise- tomorrow morning at the World’s Biggest Bratfest…it’s the World’s Biggest Bootcamp.  I went to a preview Bootcamp at Bratfest this morning and I can tell you that they will work off those brats and more.  9am on Willow Island.  $10 for adults, $5 for kids.  The cash goes to the American Family Children’s Hospitol.

And while we are on the subject of Bratfest…I got a nice surprise this morning as I rode my bicycle to “Take Your Brat To Work Day” – A FREE BRAT!  The Saris Cycling Group was at Bratfest this morning buying brats for anybody who rode their bicycles to the event!  This was to bring attention to the “20 by 2020″ campaign, with the goal of transforming Madison into a city in which 20% of the residents commute by alternative modes of transportation by the year 2020.  Learn more at www.20-by-2020.com

I have never served in the military nor did my father or even my grandfather.  However, we’ve all had great respect for those who have served our country.   Anytime I meet someone who currently is in our Armed Forces or is a veteran I ALWAYS thank them. 

This weekend is the unofficial start of summer.  It’s a time to hang out with friends, bbq and get excited for good weather and lots of fun activities.  However, you should really take a moment to remember that we are honoring all those who sacrificed their lives so we could hang out with friends, grill some burgers and watch baseball or the Indy 500 or the Stanley Cup.

Can you believe John Fogerty is 65 years old today? I can tell ya one thing..he sure doesn’t look it!

I’ve been lucky enough to see John Fogerty twice back in the 1990’s…once at the Riverside in Milwaukee and once at the Marcus Amphitheatre. I thoroughly enjoyed both shows..and was glad he was once again performing the songs he wrote and performed with Creedence Clearwater Revival. (For a while he didn’t perform them due to a royalty dispute with his old record company.)

In addition to celebrating his big milestone birthday this week, he also found out his song Centerfield is making it into the Baseball Hall of Fame! (When the y called to tell him, I’m sure he said “put me in coach.”)

Here’s John performing that old favorite “There’s a Bathroom on the Right.” Enjoy!

Who doesn’t love a great neighborhood bar?  I call them dive bars, though I don’t want to give you the wrong idea.  To me a dive bar is synonymous with neighborhood bar, not a derogatory description at all. Just a place that has great character, an amazing jukebox (or equivalent), cold beer, diverse clientele, and maybe a signature burger.  Food isn’t necessarily a prerequisite.

I’m sure there are a ton of them in Madison.. all with a unique draw and their own special characteristics. Discovering them is something I really look forward to.  Actually, I need to start a list.  Hit me up with your favorite and I’ll give it a shot.

I’ve been kind of  busy lately.. but one neighborhood/dive bar I have hit is Le Tigre Lounge on Midvale. Loved it!  The jukebox was playing Sinatra when I walked in.  You could hear the pops and crackles on the orginal 45’s.  The bartender was super cool and the diverse, friendly clientele made me feel right at home. Can’t wait to go back.

For Memorial Day Weekend, 2010…..

1)Westside Andy/ Mel Ford Band at the Capital Brewery Bier Garten, 6pm on Friday. It’s the official opening to this summer concert staple. Featuring a harmonica player who looks cooler in sunglasses than Bono (Andy), and a guitar player who isn’t afraid to play guitar with his tongue (Mel). No cover charge.

2)Gomers 25th Anniversary Yacht Rock Party: Friday night at the Majestic Theatre. It’s weird that it’s only their 25th anniversary..seems like we’ve been playing “It’s Not Unusual” every Friday morning for 30 years at least.

3)World’s Largest Bratfest: Friday thru Sunday at Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center. More brats and Madison bands than you can shake a stick at. My 3 Bratfest picks: Main Street Wisdom, 2pm Friday, featuring Carleen Wild and Dan Smith (as seen on TV!); Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo, Noon on Sunday, a Madison blues band that just won a bunch of MAMA awards; Honor Among Thieves, 3:10 on Sunday, a blues based Madison band featuring the ageless Andy Ewen on vocals and guitar.

Freaky Band Name of the Week:  Kind of A Big Deal Saturday night at Babe’s. No cover charge. They were going to call themselves Big F**ing Deal, but they would have had to pay royalties to Joe Biden. A cover band from Janesville…who plays stuff like Green Day and Weezer, and most importantly–Dexy’s Midnight Runners!

Come Friday the birds will be singing a happier tune and the squirrels will have an extra skip int their step.  Why?  It’s the opening weekend for the Bier Garten Music season at the Capital Brewery! 

Gates open at 1pm on Friday and the live music starts at 6pm with the one and onlyWestside Andy/Mel Ford Band   They’ll play until 9pm, but you can hang out until 1o. 

There will also be plenty of food too and the proceeds will benefit the Badger Honor Flight

As far as brews, the Capital Weizen is out of hibernation and will be on tap in the Garten!  There will also be tickets on sale for the June 26^th Summer Solstice Beer Lovers Festival in Glendale.

As May draws to a close, music fans across the country prepare for Bonnaroo, the 4 day music festival in Manchester, Tennessee happening from June 10 through the 13.  Music magazine SPIN has released a free download of their choice selections for this years festival.  The free download contains tracks by Kings of Leon, The National, Phoenix, Mumford and Sons, Local Natives, and more.

The download is great for anyone preparing for a journey to ‘Roo or for anyone looking to add some tracks to their library.  To download follow this link.

Spin Presents: Campfire Jams, Bonnaroo 2010 Tracklist

1. The Gaslight Anthem, “American Slang”
2. The National, “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
3. Manchester Orchestra, “Shake It Out”
4. Kings of Leon, “Cold Desert”
5. Local Natives, “World News”
6. Blitzen Trapper, “Heaven and Earth”
7. Phoenix, “1901 (Live in Sydney)”
8. Samantha Crain, “Lions”
9. Bomba Estereo, “Fuego”
10. Tinariwen, “Lulla”
11. Mumford & Sons, “White Blank Page (Live)”
12. Jamey Johnson, “Place Out on the Ocean”
13. The Young Veins, “Change”
14. Dawes, “When My Time Comes”
15. Gossip, “Are You That Somebody (Live Aaliyah Cover)”
16. Chromeo, “Night By Night”

I really can’t wrap my brain around this oil spill.  I tend to look away when I see video of all the wildlife struggling with this disaster.  However, it looks like the folks at BP are at least trying to make things better.  Check out this new “ad” for the oil giant.

5/28 – Bier Garten Opening Night @ The Capital Brewery Feat. The Westside Andy / Mel Ford Band, 6pm, The Capital Brewery (Middleton)

• Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd calls Andy Linderman “one of the most dynamic electric harmonica players of our generation.” Jazz performer and producer Ben Sidran calls Mel Ford “one of the finest blues players in the Midwest if not the country.”  Put “one of the most dynamic electric harmonica players” on the same stage as “one of the finest blues players in the Midwest if not the country” and you have one of the most exciting blues groups in the country: The Westside Andy & Mel Ford Band. more info

5/30 – Madison Marathon, Madison Capital Square (Start and Finish), 7am

• The Madison Marathon is an annual 26.2 mile foot race that covers much of the city of Madison.  Along with the 26.2 mile run, there is a half marathon, a half marathon walk, a quarter marathon, a kids race, and a wheelie race.  The race starts and finishes around the scenic Capital square in the heart of downtown Madison.  For more information and registration click here.

5/31 – Monona Memorial Day Parade, Route from Monona Drive to Pflaum Road, 10am

• Join the Celebration of 55 years for Wisconsin’s largest and longest running Memorial Day Parades will consist of more than 100 units. For everone’s enjoyment there will be military color guards, clowns, marching bands, live animals, fire trucks, scouts, floats, antique autos, local elected officials, dance groups and much more. The 1.5 mile parade route will start just past Monona Grove High School and travel south on Monona Drive left on Pflaum Road disbanding at Sennett Middle School.  more info

5/28-5/31 – Bratfest, Willow Island – Alliant Energy Center, more info

Brat Fest is 4 days filled with music, food and fun in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin.  The World’s Largest Brat Fest is held every Memorial Day weekend – rain or shine – with all proceeds benefiting the local charities that help to staff the event. Brat Fest is also about enjoying good food at great prices while celebrating Wisconsin’s heritage and the people who make Madison a great place to live.

Date	Time	Performance	Stage
Friday, May 28th	11:10 AM – 12:10 PM	Art Schlosser Art Schlosser is a street musician from Madison, WI specializing in novelty songs.	Axley Brynelson Stage
Friday, May 28th	12:40 PM – 1:40 PM	Mud Angels Mud Angels are a blues rock band from Madison, WI.	Metcalfe’s Entrance Stage
Friday, May 28th	4:10 PM – 5:20 PM	Selfish Gene Selfish Gene is a three-piece rock band from Madison, WI.	Quench Gum Stage
Friday, May 28th	5:00 PM – 6:30 PM	Beth Kille Come see Project M contestant Beth Kille!	Axley Brynelson Stage
Friday, May 28th	6:40 PM – 8:20 PM	Mark Croft and Friends Mark Croft brings his acoustic rock/pop sound to Bratfest!	Axley Brynelson Stage
Saturday, May 29th	10:00 AM – 11:00 AM	Rowdy Prarie Dogs Madison-based Rowdy Prairie Dogs perform their Southern-Style Americana for the home town crowd	Metcalfe’s Quann-Olin Stage
Saturday, May 29th	11:50 AM – 12:40 PM	Black Star Drumline & Music Makers Boys and Girls Club of Dane County’s drumline.  “Kids playing beats and staying off the streets.”	Quench Gum Stage
Saturday, May 29th	12:50 PM – 2:10 PM	Blue Beyond Blue Beyond combine modern blues and rock with classic soul and jazz.	Quench Gum Stage
Saturday, May 29th	2:00 PM – 3:00 PM	Sunspot Sunspot perform sing along rock with big guitars!	Metcalfe’s Quann-Olin Stage
Saturday, May 29th	2:30 PM – 3:50 PM	Eden’s Empire Eden’s Empire is a Madison based alternative rock blues band front by former Project M Contesant Mike Tecku	Metcalfe’s Entrance Stage
Sunday, May 30th	10:00 AM – 11:10 AM	The Shibs The Shibs are a rock band from Madison, aka The Sharpe and Harkins Band	Metcalfe’s Entrance Stage
Sunday, May 30th	10:00 AM – 1:20 PM	Madison’s Emerging Music Series Come see local up and coming artists rock out!	Metcalfe’s Quann-Olin Stage
Sunday, May 30th	10:30 AM – 11:30 AM	Lucas Cates Madison local Lucas Cates performs his pop rock at Brafest	Quench Gum Stage
Sunday, May 30th	3:10 PM – 4:20 PM	Honor Among Thieves New York rockers Honor Among Thieves	Metcalfe’s Entrance Stage
Sunday, May 30th	5:40 PM – 6:40 PM	LeeDing Zeros Local indie R&B and Rock band LeeDing Zeros bring the sound.	Metcalfe’s Quann-Olin Stage
Sunday, May 30th	7:00 PM – 9:00 PM	Chick Singer Night Presented By Beth Kille Project M contestant performs with other local female musicians.	Metcalfe’s Entrance Stage
Sunday, May 30th	12:00 PM – 1:00 PM	Aaron Williams and the HooDoo Aaron Williams and the HooDoo are local Madison rockers.	Quench Gum Stage
Sunday, May 30th	2:10 PM – 4:10 PM	Madison Blues All-Stars Local Madison blues artists together at Bratfest!	Metcalfe’s Entrance Stage
Sunday, May 30th	3:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Lucas Cates and Friends: Josey Wails Duo, Mike Tecku, Katie Scullin Lucas Cates brings his pop-rock sound to Bratfest and is joined by friends including the Josey Wails Duo, Mike Teku, Katie Scullin	Axley Brynelson Stage
Sunday, May 30th	4:30 PM – 6:00 PM	Mark Croft Local singer/songwriter Mark Croft set to perform a pop-rock set	Metcalfe’s Entrance Stage

Remember the British band the Faces? The name probably seems familiar..and if you’re like me you confuse them with the Small Faces, so here’s a refresher. Faces formed from the ashes of the Small Faces (with Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan) and the Jeff Beck Group (where we got Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood). The Small Faces’ biggest hit was ” Itchykoo Park.” The Faces’ big one was “Stay With Me.”

If any of that seems even slightly familiar to you, you might be interested to know the Faces are reuniting, without Rod Stewart. According to Rollingstone.com, three of the original members of the legendary British band — guitarist Ronnie Wood, drummer Kenney Jones and keyboardist Ian McLagan — will team up with Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall and Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock and will play at least one big festival in England.

While I’m not a huge fan of Mick Hucknall or Simply Red, I am holding back the tears over Rod Stewart passing on this offer. That’s because he’s turned into a big puffy parody of an aging rock star, and the Faces would be better off without him. Since 2002 he’s just been putting out albums of cover songs (he calls them The Great American Songbook Volume 1, 2. etc), and while they do manage to sell a lot of copies, I think it’s just SAD!

I saw Rod Stewart in concert at the Kohl Center a decade or so ago and felt like I was trapped inside some giant Vegas lounge show…and I couldn’t even get a mixed drink!  And when he kicked the soccer balls into the audience I didn’t get one! And there were no slot machines!

Okay..enough bitching.  Here’s a video of the Faces with Rod Stewart. Back when he wasn’t such a freakshow. (But his hairstyle leaves a lot to be desired and his facial hair is kinda creepy).