Tami_Hughes' Blog

I have said for many years, there is one thing, ONE thing I wanted to do before I die... see Van Morrison in concert.  That's it.  Now of course, I'd like to see my children, grandchildren grow up, etc.... that's a given.  But seeing and hearing Van LIVE in person, is the one extraordinary thing I've wanted to do.

Well, can you believe that dream is coming true next month?  If you know much about Van, he doesn't tour in the US often, and he certainly doesn't come to Milwaukee hardly ever.  My husband did the good deed and got the tickets one night after I went to bed- and I'm going to see him in Chicago!!  I can't believe it. 

His music, it's one of those things, since I bought his first CD in Seattle during Spring Break in college... it was like my soul had been set to music and it grabbed a hold me and still has yet to let go.  It's a magical thing...

So my question-- Any of you have something like that, a song, an artist, a band that sortof "completes" you?

Then you must go to the Hi Hat Garage on Wednesdays in March... Northern Room has a residence there this month, and I went this past week and it was absolutely great!  They were our first FoxRox band last summer, so you may recognize the name.

They've had a few local bands join them and it's been like a jam session--  Some different remixes of their songs.  This past week they had "the figureheads" (hope I spelled that right) join them, and it was like a hip-hop take on rock.  Even if you're unfamiliar with their stuff and you just like live music-this is a great show for you to see... Wednesdays in March, Hi Hat Lounge off Brady at 9 p.m.

You know how sometimes you just know things are true, even when they haven't happened yet?  Maybe it's intuition, instinct or just a false notion, BUT... here's what I believe to be true....

Have you seen the show on Fox, "The Next Great American Band"?  Well, I am convinced the next great band is already right here in Milwaukee.  I just did a story on them, they're called Northern Room, and I'm convinced they are Milwaukee's best kept secret.

They did a show Friday at the newly renovated Turner Hall, (it still smelled of varnish-a lot-I was a little concerned...) But anyway, it really blew me away.  And let me tell you, I'm not one for independent or 'under the radar' kind of music.  I'm a mom, I work, I barely have time to watch the news (and I work there!)  But I wanted to blog about them to encourage you to check them out.  Their website is www.northernroom.com and I think you'll like it.

Call me crazy, but I got a feelin'...

This Friday was a fun day, but a sad day.  It was our final morning for Fox Rox and we got rained out.  Well, I don't think it was actually raining, but we had weather issues, let's say that.  The Good Luck Joes were really great, and a lot of fun.  But I have to say, I really missed all our great fans and viewers down at Pere Marquette Park.  We didn't have one final morning to say goodbye, so we'll have to just look forward to next year!  But thanks everybody for making this summer the best yet!

You guys-those pictures are so cute!  wfbdoglover, your dog was so adorable, I just love Golden Retrievers, and if I do say so- I like that picture of me with him-can you take all my pictures from now on?  And jdsmke-your cat was so funny, those are great pictures too.   Although somehow I missed the hoola hooper-I must've been talking about brats or playing the tambourine! :)

I'm so glad you guys are enjoying yourselves, it's been really nice meeting all of you, this is the sort of thing I love about my job, you get to meet so many great people that wouldn't normally meet.  See you for the final hoorah!

Another great Friday for our Fox Rox Summer Concert Series.  The Eddie Butts Band brought out our biggest crowd ever.  Pere Marquette Park was full of people, there were no picnic tables left, people were standing or sitting on their own blankets!  It's so fun to hang out in the morning, it's really a great way to start your weekend.  July 6th will be the country band "Chasin' Mason."

I'm inviting all of you to attend if you can.  There's free coffee and muffins, we also give away concert tickets, including the sold out Bon Jovi show!  I was talking with our county Parks Director, Sue Black about Milwaukee summers... we agree how it's hard to explain to people how great they are.  With the parks, bike trails, all the concerts and festivals... there's no place like it, and I hope you'll join us on Fridays to celebrate!