Theatre at the Center - Munster, IN
As we dive head first into the St. Paddy’s Day season, we returned to the Theater in the Center, in Munster Indiana. Our second St. Pat’s concert here was as well received as we could have hoped for. With a full band playing to a full house, we enjoyed the crowd’s enthusiasm and the theater staff's total professionalism. It was wonderful to see so many of our Indiana friends, STeamers, and fans. When Brian, Marty, Nick, and Takeshi took the stage you could hear the applause of the 200 + fans throughout the theater complex! And when our very talented Irish Step Dancer, Colleen Quirk, took the stage it really was the icing on the cake! As we continue through this busy, fun and exciting season, it’s nice to have the Theater in the Center concert to look back on!
J.F. Brennan Winter Work Party - La Crosse, WI
Thank you to Bob Brague and the Binsfeld family for a great evening last weekend with Switchback performing at the J.F. Brennan Winter Work Party in La Crosse, WI! With over 200 people in attendance, this full-service marine contracting business celebrated its Irish heritage in style. The J.F. Brennan Company began in 1919 in Lansing, IA (home to the famous Brian FitzGerald) and the Brennan Brothers Building still stands today!
House Concert - Rochester, MN
A rousing celebration and warm welcome for Switchback at the House Concert on March 9, 2012 in Rochester, MN. You can book your own House Concert by emailing BookSwitchback@gmail.com.
Shamrock painting at The Hey Hey Club - Columbus, OH
The Shamrock Club of Columbus stopped by the Hey Hey Club to kick off the annual St. Patrick's Day painting of the shamrocks, which helps fund the parade. Switchback serenaded the club members as they painted the symbol that lets folks know that good times here are guaranteed!
Bistro Night at St. Edmund - Oak Park, IL
Fun was had by all at the 2012 St. Edmund Bistro Night! Along with the St. Edmund choirs, Switchback played their newly composed music as part of the Mass in church. This was followed by a lively concert in the St. Edmund school gym across the street. People clapped, danced and sang to Switchback favorites and requests. We even celebrated some birthdays!
Epiphany at St. Paul Church - Donnellson, IA
"Music Under the Water Tower" artists are asked to play at the 5:30 pm Saturday worship at St. Paul church in Donnellson, IA before the 8:00 pm concert. An "impropmtu" Epiphany pageant resulted with Brian and Takeshi (left) recruited as the camel and the donkey!
Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Holiday Concert - Elk Rapids, MI
"Our holiday concert by Switchback has become one of the most popular local happenings of the season. Proceeds from this year's event are funding electrical circuit mapping of our entire town hall as well as proper electrical connections for our stage lighting, very important parts of the ongoing renovation of our historic treasure, which are made possible by the extraordinary musical talents of Switchback and local performers plus the considerable support of the Elk Rapids community."
~ Terry Miller, President, Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Association
Bekan, County Mayo, Ireland
In the township of Bekan, Co. Mayo, Marty and Brian joined soldiers from branches of the Irish, U.S. and British military who live or have lived in Co. Mayo. They assembled to assist Sergeant Ron Howko, U.S. Army Ret. in dedicating a government marker for Thomas Carey, an Irishman from Bekan who served in WWI for the U.S. Military. Carey was killed in action and laid in an un-decorated grave until the effort of Michael Feeney of Castlebar, founder of the Mayo Peace Park, and Pat Gorman of Dixon, IL located his resting place. Brian and Marty attended as representatives of the U.S. since they were in Ireland to perform a benefit concert to help raise monies for dedications such as these. They were asked to play "Falling Water River” at the dedication ceremony.
Mullenfest - Cresco, IA
Young and young-at-heart had an awesome time at the Mullen Labor Day Weekend Party outside Cresco, Iowa … a Mullenpalooza for sure as one attendee christened the event. This year’s winner of the dance contest …. THE BOHEMIANS!
Taste Iowa - Conrad, IA
Switchback entertained all at the Taste Iowa event on Aug. 27, 2011 in Conrad, Iowa. Locally grown food was not only on the menu, it was the star of the show as the Grundy National Bank hosted its third annual event. Thanks to Shane Tiernan and a great volunteer team for a yummy and fun event!
Black Cat Concert Series - Charlevoix, MI
The annual Switchback summer concert at the Black Cat Concert Barn in Charlevoix, Michigan was extra special this year! After a sumptuous picnic, Switchback took the stage with their good friend and tremendous trumpet player Kevin Gallagher. Kevin added to the wonderful music and the fun, even playing the trumpet while tending to his adorable one-year-old "Little Dude.” The music was as hot as the late July evening, as Switchback performed a stellar show to a full house. The combined talents of Switchback and Kevin made it a night to remember! See the YouTube video
Bay Art Council's Wednesdays in the Park - Bay City, MI
In Bay City last July, it was about 94 degrees and a scorching sun glared across the grass of the concert field and onto the stage of the band shell. It was definitely a hot concert. Lucky for Marty, he had Corky’s hat on to help keep the sun out of his eyes!
Switchback Songwriters Weekend
Four Mounds Inn - Dubuque, IA
It was a very successful weekend! We were totally blessed with fantastic weather which allowed us to hold some sessions outside, including a very intimate show with John D. Lamb and us lit by tiki torches on Saturday night. Brian gave a superior presentation on guitar licks that if more time allowed could have been a daylong symposium in itself. The songs written were of high caliber. The Four Mounds presented a breathtaking venue to take in the weekend as well as special appearances by bald eagles, woodchucks, deer and a bunch of song birds.
Central United Church Holiday Benefit Concert
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Central United Church is a beautiful building in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. One striking feature is that it boasts one of the largest pipe organs in Canada. The organ, built in Holland, is impressive, with pipes reaching for the ceiling and bristling outwards toward the congregation like a battleship swinging all its guns to port, impressive and beautiful. The real beauty of it was the life that came out of it when Paul Dingle, the musical director, proceeded to play. Meeting Paul was like meeting a brother. He instantly understood what we were trying to do with our music and it was as if he had been part of the band for years. Over four hundred people packed into the church. We brought Paul up to the organ to play "Love Won't Run Away" and I got chills as the organ created the deep mood of a dark Irish sea.
A Night at the Focal Point with Beatle Bob
Maplewood, MO
Dec. 4th was a special night at the Focal Point in St. Louis as Switchback brought a "present" to the audience. The second half of the evening featured a set with the full band, which included Nick Hirka on drums and Paul Russell on violin. And in return, Switchback received a present in the person of the legendary Beatle Bob, who came in to dance to the band. According to musician lore, having Beatle Bob at your show means that your show is the hottest ticket in town. Bob has been going to shows all over the country and has developed a following from those who have created a fan site in honor of him to those who created a site to get him to sit down. Wikipedia has the full story of this eccentric, but truly devoted live music follower.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatle_Bob
Brian and Marty at The Center for Head Injury Services in St. Louis, MO
One of Brian and Marty's favorite things is to reach out to the community when they are in town for a concert. And that is what they did this past Monday, when they visited the Center for Head Injury Services in St. Louis. A part of St. John's Mercy Medical Center, the center is a place to help people have a full and vibrant life.
A full and vibrant show was what took place, with residents getting in on Switchback's act. There was dancing to Switchback originals as well as some "spotlight" moments, such as when one resident lead everyone in singing "I Got Friends In Low Places". Switchback made friends in a great place that afternoon and presented the center with a DVD of the Americana Sessions to watch. A return in the summer is planned that would incorporate a picnic for residents and their families.
Hi Marty and Brian,
I just wanted to thank you again for coming to perform for my group on Monday...they really enjoyed you guys. We watched the DVD yesterday and everyone clapped and cheered after each song (it was really cute!). I hope that you had a safe trip home and that the holidays bring you both happiness and peace!
P.S. Regina says that you both have a little bit of "Soul" in you!
With Kindness,
Lynne Cruse
Reb. Specialist
The Center for Head Injury Services
The Iowa School Tour
Brian and Marty had the opportunity to play for over 9,000 students as part of the Dubuque Art Council's "Artist in Residence" program. In 10 days they covered hundreds of miles as they crisscrossed three states and visited 33 schools.
Fall Harvest Weekend at the Natural Gait, NE Iowa
Young and young-at-heart Switchfolk celebrated at The Natural Gait in NE Iowa near Marquette during the Switchback Band Fall Harvest Weekend. Two Cave Concerts and Yakin’ the Yellow River put all in a festive mood as we enjoyed time with Switchback and guest artists Nick Hirka and Michelle Lynn. Cracklin’ fires and starry skies were the perfect backdrop for some very special Cowboy Poetry by Mindy Zinthefer.
Labor Day Gatherin' in Cresco, Iowa
Haybarn Rendezvous 2010 at The Natural Gait, NE Iowa
Iowa Irish Fest 2010
Switchfolk young and old came from far and wide to the Iowa Irish Fest in Waterloo, Iowa, Aug 6 - 8 to hear Switchback and special guest master bodhran player Takeshi Horiuchi from Tokyo, Japan! An odd Irish birthday tradition was shared: Lift the birthday child upside down and give his head a few gentle bumps on the floor for good luck. The number of the bumps should correspond to the child's age plus one.
Northern Ontario Summer Tour
Greetings from Minocqua, Wisconsin!
Harmony By The Bay
Marty's nephew Luke "Loki" McCormack was guitar tech at Harmony By The Bay, Sturgeon Bay, WI on 7/6. Uncle Marty did go with the exotic tuning he prescribed.
All Aboard for the Mayfly Dance
The 5th Annual Mayfly Dance cruise was held in LaCrosse, WI on Saturday, June 26th. Guests from as far away as New York joined Switchback for a cruise on the backwaters of the Mississippi. The folks were treated to rare wildlife, a gourmet lunch and an onboard concert. The annual cruise is sponsored by the Iowa Irish Fest, which will be held in Waterloo, Iowa, Aug 6 - 8, 2010. Next year's Mayfly Dance cruise is already slated for June of 2011!
McCaffrey's Dolce Vita, Decorah, Iowa
On June 25 at McCaffrey's Dolce Vita just west of Decorah, Iowa, Switchback created a truly electric music storm complete with thunder, lightening and summer rain! Playing to a record crowd of avid fans and first-time listeners, this outdoor celebration had young and old dancing between rain drops.
Switchback kicks off the Smoky Hill River Festival
in Salina, KS on KSAL AM 1150
And so began an amazing 3-day art and music festival with Switchback making their maiden voyage into River Festival. There really were days when we thought we were in Oz and not Kansas!
5 performances on 4 stages in 3 days
64,835 attendees
1.14 inches of rain
Average daily high temperature of 92
Average daily low temperature of 71
Little girl to her mother: “Look, they decorated this (bridge), but they
didn’t decorate the water.” As far as the eye could see, there were colorful artisans, performing acts and deep-fried delicacies. To those festival organizers and volunteers who work tirelessly to make the Festival happen and to all who support this wonderful celebration of colors and senses … we hope to see you again next year!
2010 Cave Concert Series at The Natural Gait in NE Iowa
A Cave of Spirits and Yakin the Yellow
As Marty and Brian opened the 2010 Cave Concert Series for Howard and Donna Bright at The Natural Gait, cabins and campgrounds around the Yellow River were filled with concert attendees. So many friends (old and new) from Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Canada and of course, Iowa, joined in the fun. Both shows were unique, honoring and playing with Irish and Americana traditions. Songs from the new CD released this year, Ghosts of the River Folk, helped us to not only celebrate the Mississippi River, but also celebrate the “new Switchback” -- think Beatles/Pop/Snap infused with all the wholesome goodness Switchback brings to every project.
A River Gypsy and a Cape Breton Step Dancer, two very special guests, joined us as Switchback’s music charmed all. With Effigy Mounds National Monument a stone’s throw away, it’s clear our Cave was used by American Indians for shelter and protection. As soon as you reach the Cave, your spirit awakens and you realize that a Cave Concert doesn’t aspire to be an amazing performance. But hearing one helps us amaze ourselves!
On Saturday, we kayaked the Yellow River, riding rapids, racing and scouting out performance sandbars for the Haybarn Rendezvous, August 18 – 22, 2010. And yes, kayaks were rolled – thank goodness none were carrying musical instruments! If you see a fish with sunglasses – they are Marty’s.
Thank you to the awesome group at The Natural Gait for the delicious meals served to the concert goers and for all their great work in making this Concert Series happen. We couldn’t do this without our dear Sherpas. Everyone loved the Bailey’s Irish Cream cookies and TNG truly is a place where “nature plays and our hearts sing”!
New to the Cave Concert Series? Practical tips for future Cave Concert attendees: sensible walking shoes for making the climb to the cave & comfortable, layered clothing. You’ll need to bring your own chairs/blankets BUT wonderful spirits and provisions are available for purchase in the cave. Be sure and come early to enjoy the pre-concert dinner.
Oak Center General Store, Minnesota
The Oak Center General Store, filled to the brim with many newcomers, warmly and enthusiastically welcomed Switchback on Sat., April 24! One of the best live music venues that you can find in southeastern MN, the acoustics in this 90-year-old community hall are top notch and the atmosphere leads to some great discussions and social time. Marty and Brian delivered a powerful mix of progressive folk, alternative country and pop-rock music to listeners from as far away as Illinois. From the sentimental ballads to the blistering rockers it’s easy to see why the Irish Music Association named Switchback the 2008 Top Duo in a Pub, Festival, or Concert in the US, Ireland, the United Kingdom & the European Union. A fun surprise for all as our dear friend, Takeshi, visiting from Japan, joined the group on stage playing his bodhrán, an authentic Irish drum. Thank you to Steven Schwen and his wonderful team for another great evening! A very special treat were the freshly picked morels available in The Oak Center General Store.
New London (New Dublin), Wisconsin Irish Fest
Blue skies and the wearin’ of the green were everywhere as Switchback rocked the New Dublin Irish Fest tent on Saturday, March 20! (Where else in America does a town rename itself for one week each year from New London, WI to New Dublin, WI? There’s even a North Dublin.) Bagpipe bands, marching bands, festive clowns, clans in colors, wee ones, – a true family event as all readied for the parade listening to Switchback and the strains of Danny Boy, The Wren, Wobbly Jigs and more. Thank you to Judi & Mooch and The Shamrock Club of New Dublin for a fun day!
Traveling Down an Irish Road
January 27 - February 3 , 2010
Marty and Brian are pictured above Ryan's Daughter's beach.
The group picture is of us taking a jaunting cart ride in Killarney. The carts are driven by jarveys.
The gang at O'Brien's Ferrman -a popular haunt for U2 when they are in town recording. (No, they were not in town this last week!)
Marty and Brian at Dunquin, above Ryan's Daughter's Beach, where you look out over the Blasket Islands. The guys sang two traditional Irish songs.
Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts
The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts + Switchback + an awesome audience made a rather dreary Friday, Jan. 22 in Menomonie, WI the lively spot to be! The Mabel Tainter building, constructed in 1889, includes a lavish 313-seat "crown jewel" Victorian theater. What a privilege it was to play this venue. The theater contains intricate hand-stenciling, hand-carved white pine archways, rich walnut, mahogany, and oak woodwork, gleaming brass fixtures, leaded glass windows, and a rare working Steere and Turner tracker pipe organ with 1,597 pipes. Celtic selections from long ago, recently released selections from the new CD, Ghost of the River Folk, and everything in between helped to warm the hearts of a very enthusiastic audience. Thanks to the fabulous lighting crew, Erik, Vicki and Melissa, and all that helped to make this event so special!
The Scottish American Society of the Quad Cities 33rd Annual Robert Burns Night and Celebration
Green grow the rashes, O; Green grow the rashes, O; the sweetest hours that e'er I spend are spent among the lasses, O." Robert Burns. And so began an evening on Sat., Jan. 23 much like the ceilidhs (Scottish parties) held in winter in Scotland. The Scottish American Society of the Quad Cities held its 33rd annual Robert Burns Night and Celebration at The Lodge in Bettendorf, Iowa with Switchback as the featured entertainment. With the Blackhawk Pipes & Drum, the Highland dancers, Haggis, and toasting, everyone enjoyed the celebration of local color. Tartans and kilts adorned those who sang and cheered as Brian and Marty entertained wee ones and older folk alike! As the evening waned and good-byes were being said, all joined hands to dance and sing a rousing Auld Lang Syne, another tribute to Robert Burns.
Stony Ridge Ranch, Texas
Here is a shot of the cactus from where Switchback had a concert Sunday night at the Stony Ridge Ranch. An audience from Dallas to San Antonio came to the Hill Country for an outdoor concert set among the rolling hills, mesquite and cactus. Surprise guests included a herd of white tail bucks that listened in on the Mayfly Dance. A return concert is planned for Sunday, Feb. 28.
Crighton Theatre, Conroe, Texas
It was a nearly full house as Marty and Brian played at the Crighton Theater in Conroe, Texas. The Crighton was a wonderful theater with perfect acoustics. Marty sang several songs from their "Traveling Down an Irish Road" show without any microphone and found out that the last person who sang unamplified was the late great Burl Ives. In addition to the performance at the Crighton, Marty and Brian will be presenting songwriting workshops for students at the area high schools.
Sunset Over Fredericksburg, Texas
Switchback fans had this glorious sunset to watch just before the start of a wonderful hill country concert in Fredericksburg, Texas. Marty and Brian are on a Texas tour that is bringing them to house concerts, performing arts centers and outreach programs from Conroe to San Antonio.
Jack-o-Lantern Cave Concert
The hills of NE Iowa were alive with the sound of Switchback on Saturday, October 17! The second Concert in the Cave at The Natural Gait found a hearty group of 70+ braving chilly weather. After a hearty Bohemian Stew Dinner and a climb to the cave, the evening opened with Iowa's own Dave Moore, a singer/songwriter often heard on the Prairie Home Companion radio program. When Switchback took the stage (or should we say stomp boxes?), the pumpkins were glowing and the s'mores were melting! The blazing fire and enthusiastic crowd warmed the cave as Brian and Marty, with Dave joining in at times, held all in amazement -- it seemed as if even the stars were applauding. (Photo by Jan Hoag)
Fun Fun Fun in Wyoming, Iowa
The Boys were back in town and the 2nd Switchback concert at Fun Fun Fun in Wyoming, Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 3, included friends from as far away as Hawaii! Marilyn Gray’s building is steeped In Wyoming history, having been a printing company for almost a century. Excess oil that was intended to keep the machines humming has stained the floor permanently, adding to the ambience of it all. Every seat in the house, 120 in all and only 3 – 5 rows from Marty and Brian’s stomp boxes, held an enthusiastic music lover. It was great to see old friends and meet so many new ones as we traveled down an Iowa road. (Photo by Jan Hoag)
St. Patrick's Irish Settlement Homecoming
The Ancient Order of Hibernians certainly knows how to host a homecoming: music, food and fun! St. Patrick's church near Cumming, IA is the last vestige of what was the community known as Irish Settlement. The church is on the National Register of Historic Places and was visited by Pope John Paul II on his first visit to the US back in 1979. In 2008, the AOH wondered, "if we threw a party, would anybody come?" When the music is by Switchback, of course the answer is yes! Throw in a 17-year-old Irish fiddler and dancers from the Foy School of Irish Dance, add rib sandwiches and sides by the parish council, and you have all the ingredients to feed folks, body and soul! In only it's second year, we had upwards of 120 people come out to enjoy the festivities and the beautiful weather -- some of whom had never been on a gravel road before! It's that kind of homecoming -- you may never have been there before, but you feel it right away: you know you'll come back.
Gloamin' Fest - 2009
The 6th Annual Gloamin' Fest brought music lovers from as far away as Wyoming and Kansas to the Colorado Rockies. Even the locals turned out--a momma bear and her cub took up residence under one of the trees and seemed to enjoy the day of music. The haunting Native American flute of Father Phil Mason gave way to the playful western swing of the Starlite Ramblers, the romantic ballads of Dave Lyon, blistering blues of Taras, Moose's "meat-n-potatoes" musings, the peaceful songs of John Erlandson, the bouzouki and bass of Kort McCumber and Mark Diamond, the mountain groove of Elephant Revival and of course Switchback! A special thanks to Keith Riker for his emcee work and Scott Messler & co. for their sound. Next year's event is set for Aug. 27 & 28, at the 35 acre Humphrey Museum and will have camping, two stages and much more! (Photo by Willie Gibson)
Haybarn Rendezvous - 2009
Happy Rondy! The Haybarn Rendezvous has found a new home at the Natural Gait, near Marquette, Iowa. A beautiful weekend began with the Friday night "Switchback Concert in a Cave" high in the North Iowa bluffs outside of Marquette. It was well worth the climb to enjoy the music and feel the spirit of the ancient limestone cave. On Saturday we enjoyed the beauty of the prairie at the Natural Gait while listening to fantastic music all day long. John Erlandson, Paul Kaye, James McCarthy, Dave Moore, Wonder Creek, and the Sawtooth Bluegrass Band gave us truly superb music through the day, and of course Switchback made believers out of many new fans as they played into the night. The fire circle, a Rondy tradition that keeps the party going into the wee hours, was hosted by the Sawtooth boys and we had a great time singing along to popular tunes put to a bluegrass beat. The Sunday Jam brought Saturday's performers together for one last set before it was time to bid adieu until next year.
Ft. Madison, IA
The rain chased Switchback out of Old Settlers Park in Ft. Madison, IA on Sunday, Aug 16, but the First Methodist Church provided refuge. An overflowing crowd, good food and plenty of it, and excellent music - God must have been pleased!
Beaver Island, MI - 2009
The Beaver Island Community Center is a wonderful facility for the residents of the island. We got in, set up and sound checked quickly then were given a tour of the island before going to the beautiful home of our hosts, Beth and Joddy. Then it was time for the concert and what a time it was! As this was Switchbacks third concert on the island, it was fun to see old aquaintences and friends who had come out for the show. The audience was warm and appreciative. We all thought the thunderclap between verses of Danny Boy was some fine showmanship on the part of ...God! And I think the islanders may have second place sewn up in the ongoing "Twister -Dog- Barking- Competition"! It was uplifting to meet so many new fans after the concert.
2009 Venetian Festival - Charlevoix, MI
Music filled the air at the 2009 Charlevoix Venetian Festival. The sun came out and revealed a very large crowd of new Switchback fans.Click here to view a larger version of this photo...
The Dew Drop Inn Again - St. Joseph Island, ON
Over 200 people packed the "Dew Drop Inn Again" on July 17th to raise money for the Matthews Memorial Hospital Fund. Syzygy opened for Switchback and Kevin Gallagher entertained the crowd with his amazing trumpet work as he backed up Switchback on a mix of covers and Switchback originals. Erik Sundberg, the Colonel's son, played drums and percussion, and kept the dance beat going all night long!
Soo Theatre in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
When Marty stopped the concert to announce that we were being broadcast live online all over the world, you could feel the excitement in the theater ratchet up a notch.
Dubuque, Iowa
After traffic issues and other delays, we WayGood Road Warriors arrived at the Marshall Park Arboretum with just enough time to set up and sound check before Switchback took the stage for an early evening concert. Many of the crowd of 600 + arrived before we did, and I lost count of the offers to help set up we had before the concert! It was a beautiful warm summer night in Dubuque. The audience was enthusiastic from the start - there was defiantly a party going on! These folks had come out to clap their hand, stomp their feet, and sing along to some great Celtic music. They were delighted with the blend of Irish and original Americana they get from Switchback! It didn't take long before the audience was dancing and enjoying the banter and jovial atmosphere of the night. It was wonderful to see our new "Switchead" friends from La Crosse, and make plans for the Rondy with them and our dear Iowa friends the Frey's! For most of the audience, however, this was their first Switchback concert, but I can guarantee it will not be their last! The folks in Dubuque got totally "Switched"! This Sunday in the park was yet another reason that the Capital of the WayGood World may very well be Iowa!
Elk Rapids, Michigan
Switchback and local Elk Rapids band Syzygy played to a very enthusiastic crowd at the final concert of the season for the Elk Rapids Concert Series. Syzygy opened the show with their energetic original music and a very unique take on MGMT's "Kids". Switchback followed the opening act with a wide assortment of heart thumping traditional and original Irish tunes, as well as some incredible new songs that even the long time Switchback fans had never heard. It was an great night of music that wrapped up with two standing ovations and an encore featuring Switchback and Syzygy joining forces for an extended version of Switchback's "Apple of My Eye".
Depending on where you are in the WayGood World, you may be enjoying summer like our fans down in Australia or still battling the last bits of winter like Sir George Philip and Switchback fans up in Scotland (Hang in there, George!). Here along the upper Mississippi, we have experienced a little of both.
On April 14, the Steyer Opera House at the Hotel Winneshiek of Decorah, Iowa will be host to a benefit for that amazing radio station KPVL, the "Voice of Postville." Postville is a very historic city, known lately for its amazing cultural mix of South American, New York Hassidic and "Iowa-wegia." Eating at their restaurants is a trip around the world in itself! The radio station's eclectic mix is perfect for this part of northeast Iowa. We're on board to help raise some funds for them as we continue to support stations that promote live, local music. 
The annual Spring Planting Concert at Oak Center, that great mercantile music destination in the middle of Minnesota, takes place on April 28. For us, it means spring has officially arrived. Anyone who has climbed the narrow stairs to that wood-paneled room will attest to it being one of the best listening venues in the Midwest. On break, one can open the fire escape door and take in the smell of freshly turned black soil. It is a smell that is every bit as invigorating as the smell of the ocean or a mountain forest.
