Carlson's Corner

This last week found me with the busiest performing schedule in years. Four gigs, four days. The best part, each of the four shows were completely different: Wednesday June 24th, I hosted open mic at Intermission. This was the first time in over a decade I have hosted a formal open mic. Sure, I have 'invited guests, regularly, but this was a bit different. It was a great night with performances by Will Yates, the one and only Jerry Duginski, Rob Piehl, and instrumentalist Tom Cat. Friday June 26th I performed at the CVA for the Wisconsin Visual Atrists' Guilds "Rhythm & Blues 2009" gallery opening. This show found me performing totally acoustic guitar, no singing. It has been quite a while since I performed as an instrumentalist (in fact the last time was at a previous CVA Gallery Opening). Friday June 26th - I sat in with The Townies at Malarkey's on percussion. That's right, percussion. Years ago I used to sit in with Mary and The Mercenaries and jam wit...

A couple of brief announcements. First of all, three shows have been added for April 2009 : 04-04-09 - The Jim Carlson Trio Featuring: John Hocker and Sean McCue - Mickey's Billiards 04-08-09 - Jim Carlson Solo - Malarkey's Pub 04-18-09 - Jim Carlson & Roger Bardo - RedEye Brewing Company New Logos : I've been playing with some new logo ideas, here are the latest: New Music : After listening to the scrapped 'Further Out' sessions, I found a few gems that have triggered new writing, arranging and recording of basic tracks. I'm having fun working with the material, but at this point there is no imminent release date scheduled. The Jim Carlson Trio : After a bit of a break, the Jim Carlson Trio is returning to the stage. Although the Trio had a pretty consistent line up over the last couple of years, I fully expect that this year you will various versions of the Trio. What are the versions? Doc Holiday Era Trio: Jim Carlson, Roger Bardo (bass), Brian Miller (dr...

Jim Carlson will join forces with Amanda Parks at Intermission on December 11, 2009 and January 15, 2009. Amanda has a great voice and song selection, stop on out!

The Wausau Symphony Band and the Precert crowd got along fine. The Band played their concert, then we played the Precert. Good times, good people, good food and pretty good music. The Precert Crowd Rob Piehl, Jim Carlson, Will Heisler, L Charles. John Hocker, Will Heisler Jim Carlson, Will Heisler

We ended last year's concert season with our very own " Noncert on the Square "... And plan to begin this year's season with our very own "Precert on the Square"... Who: Jim Carlson & Rob Piehl with Friends or who ever shows up. When: Wednesday, June 18th, 6:00 pm. Where: The 400 Block Square, Downtown Wausau. Bring your picnic baskets, your booze (if you're 21+), your blankets/lawnchairs and your friends (if you have them). Additional Information: This is a very informal gathering, all musicians welcome. It is a big park, we can take turns or spread out. The Precert is an acoustic gathering, no amps. ****Late Breaking Update**** The Wausau Symphony will also be appearing at the 400 block Wednesday from 6-8. We will now play during their breaks. The way I look at it the Wausau Symphony is acoustic, and will make great guests!

Another of those situations where I was in the right place at the right time. The historic Marchetti and Nathan Houses moving past the Dudley Building [approx 1:15 am CST]:

Friday night was my first opportunity to stop by Downtown Wausau's latest restaurant/brewpub, Red Eye Brewing Company . Service was quick and friendly despite the fact that the place was packed. [The Exibitour certainly helped draw in people who were already downtown.] The beer was tasty, and the handcrafted pizza was tasty without being heavy. Kudos to Kevin Eichelberger and his crew, check em out!

There has been a lot of press, blog entries and chatter about the closure of the Pub and the impact on the local music scene. There was considerable coverage of the Pub's auction [it was unique to watch decades of history be divided into lots to be sold to the highest bidder]. What has not really been mentioned is that downtown Wausau has also lost another restaurant. Yes, Scott Street was a great music venue, but am I the only one missing sizzler steaks, Pub Burgers, and grilled tuna sandwiches? Great food, great prices. The grill was open for lunch, stayed open later than most other downtown restaurant s, and one of the few that operated on Sunday. As much as I miss playing at 124 (and 126) Scott Street, I truly miss stopping in to eat. When I moved to the downtown area three and a half years ago, there had been considerable development to 'save downtown': the Heinemann Building apartments, the Gateway at Washington Square - including the Jefferson Street Inn and City...