Bucky's March Madness

To me, March Madness isn't about the college basketball tournament or any of the high school state tournaments. March is usually a pretty hectic month for me with work, volunteer commitments and of course, great music!

Last weekend, I went to my first rock show in a couple of months featuring my friends in Matrekis at Lee's Liquor Lounge in downtown Minneapolis. I didn't get to stick around long enough to hear headliners Maiden Minneapolis, but it was great seeing some old friends and meeting my friend Tamaris from Indianapolis for the first time in person.

On Friday night, I decided to avoid the busy St. Patrick's Day evening crowds and go to a show closer to home, an Ace Frehley tribute show headlined by my buddy Izzy, who flew in from Los Angeles for the show. This was my first time catching his show, and I was impressed! Great long set of songs, and a few surprise guests from the audience thrown in for good measure.

It was great to hear some popular and deeper cuts from Ace and Kiss' catalog, and a few popular covers thrown in from Izzy and his band and the opening Ronnie James Dio tribute band. It was also great to catch up with Izzy after the show.

Last night, I decided to attend my friends in Blue Felix's first-ever acoustic show. The evening began with a few acoustic originals and covers from Blayne Soyvia with a little help from his former Fifth Hour bandmate Mike on a couple of songs.

Soon after, it was time for Blue Felix to take to the stage for a historic all-ages show. It was great hearing some classics reworked acoustically and a few popular cover songs.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to the merch table afterwards, but I'm glad I got to congratulate a few of the band members on a successful show, and get a few autographs from the show poster I nabbed from one of the walls at Niesen's in Savage to add to my rock & roll wall of fame. 

It was great to see so many familiar faces out on a nice Saturday night to support live music in Minnesota, and spend time catching up with old friends.

Sorry this post is more focused on photos than words, but to me, spending time with quality friends is what enjoying live music is really all about.

Got a few more great shows lined up for the first full month of spring. Until then, have a great week, everyone!