Mighty Proud of Driftless Musicians...

August 12th in Viroqua

Wednesday evening Natureman's youngest, Simon, would be performing in the very same bookstore (Viroqua's Driftless Books and Music) we were in last week. You know we were anticipating listening to some more mighty fine music. 

So I decided to ask Natureman if he ever thought his youngest  would be performing music for money on stage. He replied "not beyond high school nor for money for that matter." The only music lessons Simon had had were piano lessons for about 5 years. Simon was in choir at school and had the lead in the senior year musical so his Dad knew he had a nice voice. Simon's Mom had an old guitar in the attic which Simon discovered one day and started playing around with it. He hung around friends who played music but his playing really didn't mature until he went off to college. 

Simon didn't start writing music until much later after a serious relationship ended in a breakup. Girls can do that to the heart. Since then the lyrics have been a' flowing. Simon's original English major background is evident in his music along with his final degree in history with the melding of metaphors of the Driftless area where he grew up and socio economic references. Although one of his new songs is called Ohio because it rhymes better than Wisconsin,  we know where his heart lies.

Preceding Simon in the Driftless Bookstore were a long time friend and talented musician Ian Vaver (who unfortunately didn't bring his mandolin) but still strummed a mean guitar and  

a duo you have heard me praise before from some Old School Variety Show performances, The Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers. Here, one of their old time fiddle songs gets accompanied by some kazoo. 



It was a lovely evening of music for young and old alike.

Kudos to the Driftless Books's owners for using their store for a music venue to allow musicians to share their craft. The old tobacco building lends itself to some nice acoustics. You should check it out. Wednesday's concert was a $5 suggested donation. Where else can you get an evening of entertainment for $5? Don't worry, we left extra. Musicians need to eat too. 

youtube links below :

Ian and Simon at Leo and Leona's
Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers
Simon Balto