Riversplash Milwaukee 2008

Riversplash is ramping up the music. Over 10 stages, placed along the downtown Milwaukee area will feature some original acts. Yes, the usual cover bands will be performing too. Milwaukee can't seem to shake that cover band virus. The Love Monkeys will mimic real musical artists on Saturday on the Miller Lite stage. U2Zoo will be in full mime, and The Five Card Studs will don their wigs and play the same night. Now, what I think will be interesting is that Riversplash has fireworks at 10pm. Do the bands take a break while the crap is blowing off above their heads? In previous years, I found it to be more fun to get a burger at John Hawks and watch the boats go by. Perhaps this infusion of original acts like Brother Louie and Willie Porter, coupled with the craptastic cover artists will draw me away from my burger-and-boatspotting fun.

Rilo Kiley at The Pabst Theater

Start off your extended Memorial weekend with a little Rilo Kiley at the Pabst Theater. Jenny Lewis heads up this band, and the put the "indy" in independent. Under the Blacklight is the cd that they are supporting with this current tour. Tickets are cheap, and still available. It's one of those general admission shows, so you can expect some maneuvering to get the prime spots. I would head right for the balcony instead of the main floor. Those old theaters, have great views from upstairs. The sound can be real nice up there too.

Flight was great

Flight of the Conchords was hilarious. The Riverside Theater was a perfect venue for the show too. I must say that being in the 12th row didn't hurt. You could see the expressions on the faces of Jemaine and Bret. They performed for nearly two hours. Their relaxed style was refreshing and funny. The comments shouted out from the crowd was ridiculous, but they handled it well throughout. The evening was opened by a cast member from the show. It was a sold out show at the Riverside Theater.

New Snare

I'm getting my new Paul Leim snare (slightly used) soon. A chrome over brass beauty that will crack across the bar when I play my next show. Meanwhile, I have been going to more theater and less shows. If you want to call it rock and roll, I'm going to Flight of the Conchords on Sunday. They rock hard.