Sioux Falls Is A Hotbed For Talented Musicians

You didn't know you were living in a city with an inordinate amount of very talented musicians, did you? If you did, there would be a waiting line to get into shows every weekend. Instead, most times I can walk in at any time and find a place to sit. I'm not here to chastise you for NOT going to shows. I'm writing this to let you know what you're missing and hopefully inspire you to get off the couch and get to a show.

This weekend alone, there was probably 40 bands playing venues large and small all over the area. I admit, I'm not as young as I used to be, because if I was, I'd be able to make it to twice as many shows as I already do! I love to get out and hear and see these talented musicians, a number of which I'm fortunate enough to call friends.

Friday night we had a lot to do, but swung by J&L Harley Davidson for the Bike Night Finale (B102.7 was a sponsor all summer) But I wanted to catch a little Rock N Roll Damnation, a fantastic AC/DC tribute band. But unless you're paying attention, maybe you didn't realize that most of the guys in that band are in other bands too. I talked to a number of people there that night that weren't there to see if they could win a new Harley, but were there to see the band. Bands LOVE their hardcore fans. But I know they'd love to see more faces at their shows.

Saturday night, we went to the Alpine Inn to see Ramrod Hamster, a power trio that absolutely ROCKED. I'd never seen them before but again, knew that is was made up of talented musicians, so I was more than happy to check them out. Boy am I glad I did! I will definitely go see them again. Yes they do covers, but they do a lot of them in ways you've never heard before. And I don't know the last time I heard a band cover the Cult, STP, Kid Rock, REO, Fleetwood Mac, and the Cars...during the same song! LOVED it.

We wandered down the road to Botski's to see some more friends of ours, the Steevie Geebies. An acoustic duo that mixes some originals in with covers of the Eagles, John Prine, Jonathon Edwards, and they learned a Blind Faith tune for last nights set too.

That was my weekend, but you could've caught a metal weekend at Boonies, a killer ZZ Top tribute band at Grand Falls, bands at Latitude 44, the Copper Lounge, Wiley's, Rookies, the Paramount, and very likely, a number of living rooms and garages. There's THAT many talented folks in this town.

Last weekend we went to Old Skoolz for Sarah's birthday and saw four musicians come together off two practices and give their first show that was fantastic.  You never know what you're going to see or hear until you get to a venue. Remember, you ARE the scene! Get out and live it.

I know for a long time, I stopped going to shows because places had gotten so smoky. And yes, I was a LONG time smoker. But with venues smoke free, it's a lot better for the music lovers and the musicians. Now I wish I was 20 years younger so I could go to even more shows.

Next weekend, or within the next couple of weeks, change up your routine. Get with your wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, some friends or by yourself, and GO OUT. Find a place that is hosting live music and just go in with an open mind. I think there's a great chance that even if the music doesn't move you, you'll see a talented guitarist, drummer, singer, bass player, keyboard player, etc. We don't have the one venue where everyone goes like in the Pomp Room days, but we've got a LOT of places that are opening their doors and stages to live music. They just need you to come and support it.

Hope to see you at a show soon.