Gig pics from last couple weekends on Flickr

Click on the links below each picture (or in the right side column) to check out the images from the last couple of weeks. Not going to comment on these nights next other than to say that they were all a lot of fun...check out the pics on Flickr and you'll see. I do intend to come back to a couple of these in the next three or four days and offer a brief review, so come on back.

Yacking with Kim, Terry, Sandy, (and Roger & Deb) during Bill's night.
Bill Martell 5/2/08

Ethan pushing through the pain of an injured eye...awesome.

Ethan Keller 5/3/08

Katie & Ric: security for Matt's show...putting fear into troublemakers.
Matt Schroeder 5/9/08

Image courtesy of Bill's son Nate Walkner...dang good photographer.

Bill Walkner 5/10/08

John Willy, Nick and Brian laying it down.

John Will Balsley/Whiskey Jars & Scandals 5/16/08
Nate's Flickr set of John Willy & friends

Updated: Weekend music report, Urban Gardening, emails...

A short list of various items:

1. I'll post a review and a few pics from this past weekend's music gigs with Bill and Ethan later...have a few items of business to finish up before I get to that, but check back tonight or tomorrow and I should have it up. I need to hear back from Ethan on something before I post the pics from the weekend, and as soon as I do then we'll put them up here. There aren't very many from either night (didn't take as many as we usually do) so we'll combine Friday (Bill Martell) and Saturday (Ethan Keller) into one Flickr set. Hopefully I'll hear from Ethan today.

2. Attached is a flyer for an Urban Gardening information powwow that is being held at the Stump this Wednesday. This is something that, if you're into gardening in any capacity large or very small, you will find both informative and fun. Wednesday at 6:30 at Stumpjack Coffee (click on the flyer to enlarge and get more info). Depending on how this goes on Wednesday we may make this into a regular affair...gardening and sustainability-related discussions. I was surprised after sending out the email announcement for this that we received a number of enthusiastic replies expressing interest in this...I wasn't surprised at the interest in the event but rather that several people from outside the area commented on what a cool thing it is and that they wish they could be here to join in the discussion. Usually people don't bother replying if they can't make an event or live too far away to participate, but this subject clearly is of keen interest to a number of folks.

3. If anyone would like to be added to our growing email list in order to get announcements for live music events, specials we run, and/or other general info having to do with Stumpjack Coffee please send me an email at stumpjack@gmail.com and we'll add you to the list. What we're working on is expanding our email list so that we can get more people involved in doing things like contests, specials, and interactive stuff online. We're also working on a more expansive blog format and online retail availability (for coffees, shirts, mugs, art, etc), and a good number of those items will be available only online. So, we're trying to get more people interested in our online presence as well as getting better at letting people know what's going on at the Stump itself (music, specials, events, etc) and offering in-shop "rewards" and fun stuff for responding to online announcements. So email us if you want to opt in to the mailing list.

There's more to say on these three items and I will do so later tonight I hope, but wanted to get something quick out there now so I can get out and have a cigar by the campfire while there's still some sun and chirping birds outside to enjoy. I actually had two cigars yesterday and enjoyed the fire longer than I thought I would initially...desperately need a little R&R, both physically and psychically. Heidi took over cooking duty for the evening and grilled chicken and made some fabulous veggies...Kim and the girls cleaned up, and so I didn't have to do anything but relax and eat and relax some more...a brief, albeit much appreciated respite.

Ethan Keller tonight...check out these sites.

Tonight, May 3, at 8:00pm: Ethan Keller - jazz and funk guitarist songwriter from Milwaukee and performer at The Jazz Estate.

Here are a few sites where you can see and hear Ethan and his music:
http://www.ethankeller.com/ - Ethan's website.
http://www.myspace.com/ethankeller - his MySpace site.
http://www.mkeonline.com/story.asp?id=1398639 - A brief, albeit somewhat older article about Keller.

One drink minimum. No minimum on good time...

Nick's post-Stumpjack gig blog post

Kind words from Mr. Venturella on his MySpace blog (click "Stumpjack re-cap" link), about Stumpjack Coffee and our fair city of Two Rivers. Nick came in for a little breakfast and conversation Sunday morning following his performance the night before...hung around and chatted with the Svatek clan, Greg Buckley, Lucy Z., et al.

My favorite line from Nick's post: "Even new folks who walk in are greeted and treated like they've been in there a hundred times before."

I was just going to link to Nick's blog, but just realized that I think you have to have a myspace account to get into someone else's myspace to view their stuff. So, I've copied and pasted it here for everyone who doesn't have a myspace account (if you don't have one it'll only take you a couple minutes to sign up for one). Here's Nick's post:

Monday, April 28, 2008

Stumpjack re-cap Category: Music Well, I first want to thank everyone who came out to Stumpjack Coffee Company last Saturday (April 26th) to see me perform. It's always a great time at the Stump, and of course, I'd like to thank David Smith and his lovely wife Kim for their generous hospitality. The whole Stumpjack crew, Glen and Stefanie, as well as all the regulars, make this an inviting community in and of itself. Even new folks who walk in are greeted and treated like they've been in there a hundred times before. The coolest part about Stumpjack, besides the great people and coffee, is that David keeps the Stumpjack community up-to-date with new happenings, thoughts, events, and pictures all available online for you to follow along throughout the daily Stumpjack journey…I check out the blog regularly just to find out what new happenstance David is writing about, and check out pics of other music performances and events. If you haven't already ventured up to Two Rivers, WI, I urge you to soon, and be sure that when you do you check out Stumpjack Coffee Company…and tell David I sent you. So, if you didn't already gather, I had a wonderful time at the show Saturday. There was a really great crowd that seemed to enjoy the show and, more importantly, each other's company, as part of the show involved a pedestrian comedy routine performed by audience members. We were all feeling so good that I ended up playing almost 40 minutes more than I was scheduled to…a thousand thanks yous to all of you that encouraged my goofiness throughout the evening. I'm working with David to schedule another time, possibly this summer ('08), to come back. I will be sure to keep you all informed of exactly when that will be. In the meantime, check out the pics below to jog your memory of what happened that night (if you were there and partaking in any libations), or to see what you missed (if you weren't there…why weren't you there?)

Nick Venturella is the man

We have the absolute most fun when Nick Venturella comes to town to perform at Stumpjack Coffee. Nick has a wonderfully earthy and upbeat musical style, that comes across as very immediate and spontaneous. That impression is a testament to his stage presence and competence, because with over 14 years of performing experience and a half-dozen CD's under his belt the man is as prepared and professional as can be. But that's the old saw isn't it...the people who make it look easy are most often the ones who work the hardest and are the best prepared. And Nick does make it look easy. He's got a great sense of humor and wonderful ability to connect with his audience, and if you check out the pics from last night that I just placed on Flickr you will see an awful lot of smiles and laughs in the house. I defy anyone to not have a good time at a Nick Venturella concert and to not immediately like this guy. This might sound a little corny but Nick is just a heckuva decent guy, without pretense or conceit, and generous with his knowledge and time...a straight arrow, as they say. It's a real pleasure to work with someone of his character and talent. And the music is pretty dang awesome too!

I just woke up from a long nap on the couch at the Stump...it's been a long couple of weeks and I'm going home now to go to bed early, but I wanted to get this post in and put the pictures on before hitting the hay. We're working on having Nick back sometime this summer and will hopefully post the date in the next day or two...when we do, make sure to mark it on your kitchen calendar and set that night aside...you will be glad you did, guaranteed.

NICK VENTURELLA tonight

This animated gentleman will be here tonight at 8:00. The first 50 people through the door will receive a hardy welcome, completely free of charge! (everyone else will be welcomed in a lukewarm and disinterested manner).

Music this weekend

Friday night at 8:00pm: Bill Walkner, guitarist/singer/songwriter/humorist. I have to be honest and say that the first time I heard Bill I was genuinely surprised...his musical talent and skill might only be matched by his good humor and joyfulness in performing. He's a wonderfully talented songwriter and his humor and personality show up in all of his sings.

Saturday night at 8:00pm: Nick Venturella, Madisonian singer/songwriter, folk and indie music. Nick was here a few months ago and we had a blast, and he's back this Saturday night. He's got a half-dozen or so CDs to his credit, along with a ton of performing experience that makes his gigs just a heck of a lot of fun. Check out the Flickr pics from Nick's last gig at the Stump.

Derek's performing tonight

Spike and Tyke revving up for the Derek Pritzl gig tonight.

Last minute notice: Tonight at 8:00...DEREK PRITZL at Stumpjack Coffee. Derek has become a regular performer here at Stumpjack and he just keeps getting better and better every time. He's always writing new songs, connecting more and more with his audience. putting out 100% every single time. Apologies for getting this email out so late (I think I need an assistant...preferably one who also does massage therapy and knows how to make a good martini).

Come on down to Two Rivers tonight...there's great live music here, later at the Waverly with Bryan Lee, and then there's always live music at Element Bistro on Saturday night as well...it's a trifecta of great nightlife on the lakeshore!

Double-Trouble

I've got a ton of stuff to get done today before tonight's little beer and chocolate tasting, so I only have a few spare minutes right now but I wanted to give a huge shout out to JoAnn and Jeannie (Riedl and Mayotte) for their performance last night at the Stump. Musically, personally and professionally those two are just the cat's meow...the bee's knees...the dog's biscuit...lizard's gizzard...any particular critter metaphor you can come up with. Seriously, they're both uber-talented and just lovely people. It's just plain cool when you get to see and hear someone who's really good kicking it out with just a six-string and their voice. If you missed them last night you will get another chance to redeem yourself because they're coming back to kick the crap out of any and all bad attitudes on Saturday, May 24th.

I'll put last night's images up later, maybe tomorrow if time allows. FYI: JoAnn's band, The Barrettes, are schedules to play Summerfest on July 3rd at the Cascio Garage Groove Stage, next to the Marcus Amphitheater.

Now then, tonight we're doing the beer and chocolate tasting I mentioned above, during which we'll be treated yet again to some more lovely music from the lovely Becky Markvart. "Beer, BonBons and Becky"...that's what I should've called this tasting!

Hey, a dynamite Thursday night gig!

This Thursday night at 7:00 Stumpjack Coffee will host a special live music event with the dynamic duo of JoAnn Riedl and Jeannie Mayotte, flown in on a special, secret flight all the way from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (the town that made Schlitz beer famous). These two sheilas (that's Ausie-speak for women) are intense, passionate and exceptional singer/songwriters. The last time they performed here they honestly just blew us away...it was just "a girl and her guitar" kind of set-up...no amps, no electronics...and they just filled the space with their sound. Very cool.

So, give yourself a midweek treat and come on out for a coffee or a beer and listen to something special. 7:00pm Thursday night.

Pick & Squeeze nearly cause riot as rabid fans rush the stage!

Here are the pics from tonight's gig with Andy and Greg...what a blast! I'm beat and am going home to pass out...will add more tomorrow...

Ok, it's "tomorrow" now...Monday actually. What a night that was. At one point I wormed my way up front and yelled at Greg and Andy, "What the heck are these people here for? You guys aren't even that good!" To which I was immediately manhandled by the attendant throng, body-surfed to the front door and summarily tossed out into the street.

Andy and Greg are two of the nicest guys around, and what fabulous musicians. Just another example of how rich the talent pool is in this little corner of the country. They'll be back on Friday July 25th...and we'll be bringing in reinforcements to help handle the mob. Greg will be here on Friday, June 6th with cellist extraordinaire Matt Turner.

Nevermind the bollocks, here's Pick n' Squeeze!

Saturday night at 7:00: Those two handsome and courageous daredevils, Andy and Greg Pagel, aka "Pick n' Squeeze," will be at Stumpjack Coffee to entertain and mystify you. It's tough to nail these two guys down to an actual date...I find them very irritating that way...but it's always worth the aggravation because they play some very tasty stuff.

The first 100 people in the door would get a free troll doll if we had any on hand...but we don't.

Bill Martell pics from Saturday night

Here's the Flickr link for images from Bill's gig last night. What a fine evening...Bill was fabulous, even got a bit of a standing-O at the end, which was very cool. Pat Zyduck sat in for a few songs during Bill's break. Thanks Bill...really excellent stuff.

Art & Music - Friday & Saturday nights

Friday night at 7:00 we will host an opening reception for "Stuck Behind Glass" featuring the art of our own Kim Geiser. Kim owns Persimmons art and vintage gallery in Manitowoc and she has created a bunch of really funky, fun and beguiling shadow boxes and dioramas. Friday night (tomorrow night) at 7:00...come one, come all.

Saturday night at 7:00 Bill Martell will bring his earthy brand of acoustic guitar and singing to Stumpjack for hi first solo gig here. Bill has been around for quite a while, performing with various people and bands throughout the area. He currently performs with Becky Markvart in the duo "6 Degrees." Bill has a very nice, smooth and solid style and we're looking forward to a mighty fun evening. Come on by and have a beer or latte.

Musical chairs for tonight.

Here's an extreme close-up of Becky doin' her thing.

Unfortunately John Will Balsley has had to cancel his gig at Stumpjack due to the snowstorm they’re getting to the south of us today. But we are most fortunate to have Becky Markvart close by and she has kindly agreed to take on the night. You all know what a beautiful performance Becky always does so some on out and join us in what should be old man winter’s last hurrah for this year.

Here's an even more extreme close-up of Becky...she smells like yummy raspberries.
This is a notation added after the initial posting: If you look at this picture of Becky for, say, 20 or 30 seconds straight, she begins to take on the aura of someone who might have gone over the edge...is that a big ax in your hands Becky!?

Becky’s almost done recording her new CD and she’ll be playing a number of tunes from that project tonight. Great drinks, great music, great friends…will be a lot of fun. 7:30 start time tonight.

Here's some friends from Becky's last gig intoxicated by her beautiful music and raspberry aroma.

The blues at Stumpjack Coffee

This Friday night at 8:00pm John Will Balsley will be returning to Stumpjack Coffee. John performed at our big 1-year Anniversary Costume Party last November and was outstanding. Everyone was saying "How can that guy play the blues like that!? He looks like a computer geek!" (no offense to John of course...he's just one of those unusual vessels of creativity whose outward appearance belies an inner John Lee Hooker...wait one darn minute!...John Lee Hooker...John Will Balsley...coincidence??). Anyway, be here or be square. 8pm Friday night.

Ethan Keller & Koz pics

Image by Nate Walkner

Just finished loading up all the images from this weekend's musical funkfest. Koz just left the building, I'm dog-tired but stoked. It was a great Friday and Saturday. Ethan was fan-freaking-tastic and, as Ed Sullivan might say, a thoroughly all-right chap. If you ever are in Milwaukee and looking to catch some live music make sure to check Ethan's myspace calendar to see where he's performing in brewtown...then go see him. You will most definitely be glad you did (then, after doing so you will feel an inner urge to email me just to say "Thank you, David, for suggesting that we see Ethan Keller do his thing. We followed your sage advice and now are eternally grateful. Thank you oh infinitely wise one!" Ethan lays it down, brother! This cat played a marathon session and I mean just about everybody was coming up to tell me how good he was and how much they were digging his sound.

One little musical tidbit of many: After some joker (me) threw a request at him for something by the somewhat obscure Thomas Dolby, Ethan ended up doing the most amazing version of "She Blinded Me With Science." One of those "Dang, I wish we had that on tape" moments. Click here for the Flickr image set (included are photos from Nate and Marty).

Click here to go to the Flickr set of Koz's pics from Saturday night.

One of the fun things about having Koz perform with us is all the stuff he brings with him: lights, amps, backing music gear, the various instruments, even his own mini-stage...wires and cables and lights everywhere. I tease him about all the toys he brings but it's pretty cool to see him set everything up and to see the final set-up of all that gear in a small space. His song catalog is extensive and covers such a range of styles, there's something for everyone to enjoy as his binder of tunes travels around the room and people holler out requests that see him switching from guitar to sax to clarinet to banjo between songs. The diversity of ages in his audience is noteworthy as well...from junior high age to grandparents, and everyone has a great time...it's a very nice, mellow vibe in the shop when Koz performs.

Tonight: KOZ!

Tonight KOZ: The Man of a Thousand Songs (well 273 maybe...) and 4 Instruments (sax, clarinet, guitar and banjo).

7:00pm at Stumpjack Coffee Co. ... Everything from ragtime, jazz, folk, pop, and maybe even a polka or two (two polka a year is our limit, so tonight's the night).

Ethan Keller this Friday...Koz on Saturday.

Friday night at around 7:30 - Ethan Keller...very nice spotlight on Ethan in last week's Weekend Edition of the HTR (the title is a bit of a tongue twister, but it is also one of Helen Clarke's usual well-written pieces...she has done a wonderful job in these brief articles spotlighting musicians and local talent). Ethan is coming up from Milwaukee to play his unique brand of funky jazz and indie rock guitar. Trust me, if he performs to what I've come to believe is his usual high level of musicianship you will be very impressed indeed. Come on out, help pack the house and keep talented musicians like this coming to town.


Saturday night at 7:00 - Koz. Guitar, banjo, clarinet and sax...ragtime, folk, old time jazz, skiffle, pop and even a little country...Koz does it all.

Kerry and Bill Flickr pics

Bill Walkner...photo by Nate Walkner.

Just finished putting the images onto Flickr from the weekend...Kerry Michaels from Friday night and Bill Walkner from Saturday night (the last four gorgeous photographs of Bill in that set are by Bill's son Nate's hand...beautiful shots aren't they.) Again, Flickr sets are also in the right hand column.