Bucky's Colorado Adventures or: Sunshine and Moonbeam and Friends

I just got to St. Cloud yesterday in time for a downpour, first real rain I'd seen in days. The Executive Express shuttle pulled in to the Holiday Inn after four days away. After being inside a hot, humid bus for over an hour in Twin Cities rush hour traffic, I gladly welcomed the raindrops on my face.

I'd been in Denver, Colorado the last few days visiting good friends. I left home on Thursday morning on a bright spring day. My friends and I had been talking online for several months, and after a mutual friend had spent time with them months earlier while out on a job, I knew that I had to meet these cool people sometime soon. The situation presented itself when a concert by one of our favorite bands, Screaming for Silence, was announced that Friday night.

I drove my rental car to the hotel that sunny afternoon and got unpacked before going to Aurora to visit my first friend-a fun-loving, rockin' friend that I call Sunshine (she calls me Moonbeam). I got to her apartment and got to meet her sassy pug. We caught up for a while before going to a nearby Mexican restaurant for dinner. We spent far more time talking than eating, and we were both glad to finally meet and get to know each other better in person.

I drove my friend home and GPS'd my way back to the hotel, taking my time before going to meet another friend in downtown Denver for lunch on Friday. We met at the Johnny Rockets 50's-themed burger restaurant in the Cherry Creek Mall, and caught up on a lot of things. Although we missed a couple of chances to hang out some more that weekend, I was glad to meet my friend, a very honest and truly awesome human being.

I got back to the hotel in time to change and meet Sunshine back at her place for the Screaming for Silence concert at Herman's Hideaway. We met there with a few other friends in time to go out for a quick bite before the show. Just as we parked and rounded the corner, our friend Casey from S4S greeted us and we took a quick picture with the "Scooby Snax" my friend had brought for the band.

The first band was Driven by Turmoil, a great local band that I'd also see the next night. Next up were locals Your Own Medicine. I enjoyed both bands, and had the opportunity to go onstage after the second set to help draw numbers for a raffle that was being held for suicide prevention awareness.

Finally, it was time for our friends in Screaming for Silence to take the stage. They had everyone rockin' throughout their set. I made a point to buy one of their new T-shirts after the show and thank the guys again for another great show. They surprised me with their sincere thanks for making the trip out west to see them. 

Next up were Neil Wharton's Rock and Roll Junkies paying homage to Motley Crue. I wasn't a big Crue fan (and was less than impressed by Nikki Sixx's lack of personality at Northern Invasion the week before) so I didn't see much of their set, but gladly ran back to the venue in time for closing act Lost Point after hearing lots of good words about them. My friend Sunshine gave me a couple of their CDs that she had won at the raffle to enjoy on the trip home.

I didn't get back to my hotel until the very early hours of Saturday morning, so I slept in and took a leisurely drive up to Red Rocks in  Morrison. Although the famed ampitheater was closed for a concert, I enjoyed walking around basking in the scenery on a gorgeous day. I returned to the hotel after a late lunch to rest up a bit before another friend picked me up on the way to an all-local rock show at Cheers in nearby Northglenn.

Driven by Turmoil put on another great set, although I think I spent more time hanging out with Sunshine, her new future roommate and some others in the Colorado group of friends to review this show accurately. My ride left early after a long day, and I ended up staying at Sunshine' s friend's house nearby. 

I woke up the next day to the sounds of the dogs downstairs. They were quite active, but were very patient with us as we slowly rose after another great night. After a late lunch out, we took the dogs out to the dog park. Everyone had a blast walking the trails and watching the dogs frolic. 

Soon it was time to head back home, and I had to eventually get back to my hotel, to pack and unwind before heading home the next day. At least we all had a great day - I don't think it could have gone any better!

I got up early (well, early that weekend for me, anyway) on Monday to return the rental car and have an hour to relax before my flight back home. While I had fun rockin' out twice and seeing some of the sights, what I enjoyed the most were the opportunities to finally meet my great friends in person and make some new friends. Those memories are ones I'll always remember.

No more rockin' for me until the Blue Felix headlining show at First Avenue's 7th Street Entry on Friday. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Bucky's Wisconsin Adventures

For only getting three hours of sleep (at most) last night, I've gotten a lot done today!

Got home in the wee hours of the morning last night from day 2 of the outdoor Northern Invasion rock festival in Somerset, WI very tired and somewhat sore, but happy for the experiences. This was just one of two rock excursions to my neighboring state this weekend.

The weekend started for me Friday afternoon, as I took off of work a little early to meet a couple of friends at a hotel in the Twin Cities where we would meet and pick up another friend to help her celebrate her birthday a little early, with a show featuring Motograter and MN natives American Head Charge at Hipps Pub in Eau Claire, WI. The four of us got to the show just as painted metalers Motograter was getting into the thick of their set. I knew from their show at the Totally Fukn Awesome Fest at the Skyway Theater in downtown Minneapolis last June to expect a fun show with a lot of audience participation, and I was not wrong!

Before long, American Head Charge took to the stage playing songs from their new album Tango Umbrella along with some fan favorites. I ran into drummer Chris Emery the weekend before at another show in the Cities, and I could tell the guys were anxious to get out touring for the album. They put their hearts into a spirited performance, and I was able to chat with a few of them afterwards.

As the designated driver, I drove our friend back to her place and we got back to our comfy hotel in the early hours of Saturday morning. I woke up in time for a hearty breakfast and good conversations with one of my best friends before we made our seperate ways to get ready for our own individual Sunday plans.

I got to the Somerset Ampitheater yesterday about 11 am. My favorite band, Sevendust, was playing in a few hours and I was bound and determined to be in the front of the pit for my first time seeing the guys in six months. I ran into a few friends who had been around since day one (this year the event expanded from one day to two days), and established my spot on the front right-side rail.

Soon enough, Sevendust took to the main stage launching into the single "Thank You." Although they only played for a half hour, it was great getting caught up into the energy of one of their shows again. I smiled when I saw their enthusiasm and playfulness onstage as they launched into some of their classics. After their closing number "Face to Face," I managed to snag another guitar pick of rhythm guitarist John Connolly and met a friend from out of state.

The two of us wandered over to a nearby trailer where we got to briefly meet and get autographs from three members of Sixx A.M. We eventually found our way to the new second stage just as Red Sun Rising was wrapping up their set. Since Saint Asonia was playing on this stage later, we decided to make our camp in the front of the pit there for the next several hours.

Trivium followed Red Sun Rising, and although I enjoyed seeing them again, I was more focused on preventing a couple of rude concertgoers trying to push and shove their way in front on my friend and I (I put an end to that quickly and ignored their sass) and watching out for crowd surfers over our heads.

The wait was worth it, as Saint Asonia put on a great show. Playing hits from their debut self-titled album and classics from guitarist Mike Mushok's band Staind and frontman (and current Minnesota resident) Adam Gontier's former band Three Days Grace, they also pulled a surprise by bringing bassist Corey Lowery's brother Clint from Sevendust on stage to play guitar during their closing song. That brought a smile to my eyes, as I hadn't seen the brothers play together since a Sevendust/Eye Empire show at the Myth in Maplewood, MN several years back.

We stuck around to see Hellyeah. I finally got to see Pantera legend Vinny Paul behind the drumkit for the first time, although their set was cut short by a couple of technical glitches. Ghost was the final band on the second stage, but after the Grammys controversy, there was no way we were sticking around to see them play!

Instead, we wandered over to the main stage to listen to Bring Me the Horizon for a while, and then went to the third stage (last year's second stage) to hear the screamo female-fronted band Butcher Babies close out the evening's entertainment on that stage.

Before long, it was time for Korn to crank up their hit "Blind" on the main stage. This was my first time seeing Korn, although I've been listening to their music for the better part of two decades. There were more crowd surfers here, including someone in a bunny suit and a guy in a wheelchair. Guess you never really know what you're going to see at one of their shows.

Metal favorites Disturbed closed out the night, and there were far more than 10,000 fists in the air for their opening song. This was also my first time hearing Disturbed play live, although they've been a rock radio staple for years. I was impressed by the live version of the Simon and Garfunkel classic "Sounds of Silence" and the pyrotechnics and technical prowess of the quartet. Everyone was thoroughly "stupified" by the time the festival drew to a close.

My friend and I slowly made our way to my car, waiting for the traffic procession before I dropped my friend off at her vehicle. I made my way home last night feeling like a sack of potatoes from all the mosh pit jostling and tired from standing for hours on end, but I was happy that I went. I got to see some friends for the first time in a while, and also got to watch performances by Sixx A.M. and Seether on the monitors at the second stage while we waited in between bands. My only disappointments were the rude pushy behavior by a few inebriated attendees and that I never saw some of my friends that were there too-the crowds were impressive!

Well, that's all for now-next report will be about some fun out of state (and not Wisconsin this time)-stay tuned!

Joe Spannbauer's Birthday Bash

Got home in the wee hours of Mother's Day morning after another great show with friends. This time, it was a great variety of local music to celebrate a strong local music supporter on a beautiful May day in Minnesota.

I got to the Park in Fridley last night a few minutes before birthday boy Joe Spannbauer and his friend took the stage for a trio of acoustic covers. This was Joe's first public performance in many years, and if he was nervous, he certainly didn't show it. The growing crowd gave the duo a healthy dose of applause after each song.

Next up were the funk n' roll sounds of the GoodBars. I was busy catching up with some friends outside on the patio enjoying good conversations and good weather, so I didn't catch a lot of their set, but these guys always have fun and put on a good show.

The next act were the rap-rockers Strate Jak It. Their dedicated followers had a blast enjoying their songs, most of which were punctuated with a shout out to Joe and the crowd gathered for his birthday. I definitely recommend checking them out if you haven't sometime.

The fourth band was the return of local favorites Banehinge. I liked the mix of melodic rock with some aggressive "screamo" songs. The crowd really got into their set, and hopefully it won't be another long stretch before they're heard from again.

The fifth band was B!, a group that hadn't played the Park in over a decade. I really liked their soulful songs and had a great time catching up with their bassist/singer Dahniel after the show.

Local favorites Skywind finished the show. Another band I've seen several times before, one that always packs the band area of a venue. I was most impressed by how many people came out to support these bands and wish Joe well. By now, it's usually not a local concert for me until I run into at least a couple dozen friends, and we all always have a great time.

Next up are a couple of rockin' road trips next weekend - more details on those soon. Until then, have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there!

The Road to Northern Invasion-Battle of the Bands at Mill City Nights

A few weeks ago, I saw several social media posts advertising five finalists for a spot opening at this year's Northern Invasion rock concert festival in Somerset, WI. It was hard for me to choose, as I have friends in all of the nominated bands. One band (Sin City Escape) decided not to participate in the popularity concert, and their reasoning made good sense. I still decided to go to the "battle of the bands" show last night to support my friends.

I got to the venue just in time to meet some of my concert friends. With several shows, a Twins game at nearby Target Field and the usual Friday night shenanigans in downtown Minneapolis, I knew it was going to be busy. I got in the doors in time to buy a ticket and chat with some friends for a while before the first band, Ashes from Stone, started the concert. They played several fan favorites like "Illusion" and "Mine Oh Mine" along with a few new songs that have yet to be released on CD.

The next band, Vaudeville, was one that I hadn't heard for a while. Their bass guitar and keyboard-fueled songs kept the growing crowd enthralled. Their unique rendition of the rock classic "House of the Rising Sun" had everyone on their feet! They had the biggest crowd of all of last night's acts, so based on popularity, it's no surprise to me that they won the contest.

The third act was my friends in the spacey rock group Antistar. I was familiar with their songs having seen them most recently at their CD release show at the Park in Fridley, MN a few weeks ago, and they never disappoint. Creative songs and a captivating stage presence keep the audiences coming back to their shows.

The final band, Via, was another band I hadn't seen for a few months. They put on a great set, although I couldn't stay for the entire performance. The rigors of another busy workweek had me growing tired earlier than expected.

I still have some reservations myself about the "popularity contest" theme, but it was good connecting with a couple dozen friends last night, some I hadn't seen in months. No more shows for me in April, but May looks to be a very busy and entertaining month-stay tuned!

Purple Reign

I woke up this Thursday excited for my one and only concert of the week-another acoustic performance from Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. I'd gone to his solo show last July at the Turf Club in St. Paul and had a great time, and got to meet Corey after the show, so I was looking forward to another great time. Little did I know at the time what was about to happen that day.

Just as I was getting ready for my lunch break at work that day, I started seeing news reports that local pop music icon Prince Rogers Nelson had been found dead at his Paisley Park recording studio at the age of 57. While I wasn't a fan of his music, I had to give him credit for his influence on so many other musicians, and the fact that he had a big had in putting Minnesota music in the national spotlight at times.

Prince played a lot of shows at First Ave, and I started hearing rumors that there were going to be streets blocked off around the venue that night. I later heard about an all-night dance party outside the venue later that evening. After coming home from work and having a quick supper, I made it to First Ave in time to join a few friends for the show just as workers were starting to set up for the dance party.

Shortly after 7 pm, ticketholders for the sold-out show were allowed into the building. I made my way to the front row. There was a large screen pulled down over the stage, where staff started projecting images of Prince as some of his songs began to fill the speakers overhead. Very appropriate, given the circumstances.

Shortly after 8 pm, Taylor took to the stage launching into a fitting cover of "Purple Rain." Corey live streamed this song and it has so far reached 10 million views and counting. Corey admitted the Purple One's influence on him as well.

Corey played several Stone Sour hits and the Slipknot classic "Snuff," dedicated to his late bandmate Paul Gray. Stone Sour guitarist Christian Matrucci joined Taylor onstage for several of their hits and a few more covers by the Buzzcocks, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Cure, Johnny Cash and several others.

After an intermission/"pee break," Corey returned to close out the show with a few more numbers, closing out with "Little Red Corvette." I think the crowd was pleased that he started and ended the show with Prince classics.

As the house lights went up, I turned around to see the crowd of people outside the front doors-there was no way we could get out there. Instead, the staff directed us all to exits at the side doors. I walked into a sea of people. I had wanted to get a picture of Prince's star on the First Ave wall, but there were just too many people crowded around. I had to work the next day, so I made my way back to my parking spot and headed home, ready for another adventure the next night.

Friday night I went to Corey's book signing at Magers and Quinn bookstore on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. After navigating some rush hour and road construction traffic, I made it to the bookstore in time to buy a copy of his latest effort, You're Making Me Hate You and find a seat next to my friend.

Shortly after 7 pm, Corey took to the podium to talk a bit and answer questions from the audience. I got to ask him who his dream list of musicians to work with would be - some of his answers would probably surprise you!

Afterwards, we were directed to another area of the bookstore for a meet and greet and photo op. Corey's wife was standing by ready to take photos and I got to chat with Corey again and get a photo with him for the first time. For someone who's in some of the biggest rock bands in the world, he really is one of the nicest people I've ever met. Great to meet artists who are so humble!

Afterwards, I hung out with a couple of friends and got to meet and have a nice conversation about music with Christian Matrucci. Before long, I made my way back to my parking spot, noticing a few nice tributes to Prince on the way.

It turned out to be a great weekend for music and displays of "Minnesota Nice," an entertaining and somewhat unexpected pleasure. Next show is a battle of the bands for the right to play at Northern Invasion on Friday. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Loud & Local Showcase at the Park: Antistar CD release

I just got home in the wee hours of the morning today, tired but very happy after a fantastic free all-local rock show with about three dozen good friends. This time, it was the CD release show for my friends in Antistar, with special guests Ritual Mayhem, My Zero and Gabriel and the Apocalypse.

I got to the Park in Fridley about 20 minutes before the first act Ritual Mayhem started the show. Another band I knew nothing about, but I thought they did a good job with their original songs and covers. The crowd for the most part wasn't really into their set, but the night was still young, and it was a free show, after all.

The next band My Zero soon took the stage for one of their first-ever performances. Lead singer John Wheeler admitted it wasn't a perfect show, adding the fact that their bass guitarist's axes were both broken! They still soldiered on, and I enjoyed hearing their original cuts, noticing the influences from Nine Inch Nails, Faith No More and Depeche Mode in their works. I grabbed a setlist after their set so I could familiarize myself with their songs, although I'm kicking myself now for not grabbing one of their free sampler CDs after the show!

I ran into more and more friends in time for local favorites' Gabriel and  the Apocalypse's set. I hadn't seen this group since the Halloween show at Pov's but they kept up their energy right where I left off! They really had the audience enthralled, which was great to see.

Finally it was time for my friends in Antistar to celebrate their CD release show. They treated the crowd to a full performance of their new album along with a  few fan favorites. By the time the show was over, it was hard for us to leave the venue. I spent some quality time catching up with good friends old and new before finally calling it a night.

Next show probably won't be until the Corey Taylor solo acoustic show at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis on the 21st. Until then, have a great week and keep on rockin', everyone!

Killswitch Engage at the Skyway Theater

Last night was my first concert of March-hard for me to believe, but it's been a busy month. I made my way to the Cowboy Jack's restaurant in Plymouth on a cloudy March evening for good food and good conversations with some concert friends before the Killswitch Engage concert at the Skyway Theater in downtown Minneapolis.

We caught up over pizza and drinks and I drove my friends to the venue. I didn't mind driving as long as my copilots didn't mind navigating! We got to the former movie theater just in time to hear the heavy sounds of the first opening act, Toothgrinder. I was surprised to see the venue mostly full. This was also the first time I'd been to the Skyway since I won my electric guitar at the Immoralis show back in January.

Next up were the Alaskan metalers 36 Crazyfists. This was my first time seeing the band in a year, and they have a quite a loyal following. The mosh pit during their set was insane! I was glad my friends and I steered clear of the craziness and were able to enjoy their set.

After that set, we wandered to the lobby for a breather. There we found a friend in local band Emergent, who took the time to sincerely thank us for our ongoing support, especially since their lead singer recently decided to depart the band. I'm sure they will be back better and stronger than ever sooner than we know it!

After our breather, it was time to enjoy live rock from Southern rockers Memphis May Fire. Another band I knew nothing about, but really enjoyed, especially their closing track "Vices," a song written about the power and pull of addiction.

Finally about 10 pm it was time for headliners Killswitch Engage to take the stage. I had just bought their new album Incarnate, and they played several tracks from it, along with some fan favorites. They did a great job of keeping the energy up throughout their set, even when it was time to slow down during the track "Always" in paying tribute to a fallen friend.

We got out of the venue about an hour later and I drove my friends back to Cowboy Jack's where we said our goodbyes for the evening. A much needed night of fun with great friends!

Well that's all for now, next shows probably won't be for a couple of weeks. Until then, have a great Easter weekend, everyone!