I AINT GOT TIME..

Sometimes there just isn't enough time in the summer to do everything. But we had a musical weekend and it was extra special as one of those musicians just happens to be from the End of the Rainbow Valley altho' I read one of his press releases (the Isthmus) stating he was from Viroqua. I guess that's more of a music mecca to claim than where he really grew up...

It was a challenge getting to both musical venues with all this 5th season 'road construction.' If you have to take a detour it's great when it's a beautiful scenic valley drive. We discovered Leo and Leona's in Newburg Corners will be bypassed with the completion of the new highway.  Tight turns and slower speed limits will be a thing of the past but fortunately these folk musicians will know the old way and will be returning to the old dance hall as will the 200 some odd fans who braved the detour/gravel.

Simon Balto

It has been quite a year since Simon started his University teaching position in Indiana, the same month a year ago when he began recording  Murmurations in an Eau Claire studio accompanied by members from a couple different bands. One of his hometown buds produced his video for the CD's promotion and also created the album cover. We were privy to this release. Kudos. 

Touring is seasoning Simon with the challenges of performing on the road. Yet its value is resulting in a more polished musician returning this year to the Coulee and his fans were appreciative of the past year's efforts. 

Dead Horses

Simon also was responsible for bringing the group Dead Horses who are anything but dead. They now call Milwaukee their home base altho' have recently been spending more time in the Driftless. Their Barefooted lead vocalist, Sarah Vos, voiced appreciation of  Leo and Leona's, its wooden acoustics, its accommodations and being bathed in colored lighting. 

Her crystal clear notes reminded me of a young Janis Joplin in the same powerful yet way less raspy.  She enounciates her lyrics, moderating her delivery and her stories are woven into the musicality. Her fellow band members obviously love performing with her. They are all excellent musicians and put on quite a show.  Bluegrass is really their deal altho' you wouldn't have known by their first set. Let me tell you I'm a new fan and it was definitely worth staying up past our bedtime.

BTW both Simon and Dead Horses will be playing Larryfest next weekend and Dead Horses will also be playing at the Great River Folk Festival at the end of the month in La Crosse. If you are in the area, go treat yourself to their music.

Sunday, the weather cooperated with a lovely summer evening and we enjoyed two bands, first the Coulee Region All Stars High School Jazz Band down at Riverside Park's bandshell.   

Their guest vocalist Lexi's sweet voice helped them out with 2 Michael Buble tunes.
A very generous couple in the community made sure not just 3, but all seniors (8?) received scholarships this year. Best wishes in pursuing your love of music.

The All Stars were followed by the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra. And as I remarked now this is what happens with many years of practice... We are privileged to have so many talented area musicians.

Janet Planet

For this performance Dylan tunes had new jazz arrangements by their guest vocalist Janet Planet's husband, Tom Wushetka.  She really let loose and showed us what her pipes could do on the last number... 

So I  had my music fix this weekend altho sometimes I agree with Dead Horses song title it seems like "I ain't got Time" / at least enough of it to go listen to as much live music as I'd like.

A couple of links:
Simon Balto's Come on Up to The House
Dead Horse's Ain't Got Time
Janet Planet DYLAN with a Makeover