Crosslake Outdoor Music Series 2010

Crosslake's summer music is back! Last year, we weren't sure if it was going to happen again or not, but thankfully, the Town Square Merchants have stepped up to the plate and are funding these great concerts once again on Saturday nights, with a bonus concert on Sunday, July 4th by SKATYRS. The concerts start on June 26th, and usually last for two hours. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show! Here is the lineup for the summer:

June 26th...7:00 PM...Chris Olson's Memories of Elvis Show

July 3rd...6:30 PM...The Dixie Hicks Band...Country

July 4th...6:30 PM...SKATYRS...Classic Rock 'n' Roll...BONUS CONCERT!!!!

July 10th...6:30 PM...Boss Grant and the Johnny Cash Revue

July 17th...6:30 PM...Cool Brittania...British Rock & Pop

July 24th...6:30 PM...Everett Smithson Band...Zydeco, Blues, Gospel & more

July 31st...6:30 PM...The Dixie Hicks Band...Country

August 7th...6:30 PM...SKATYRS...Classic Rock 'n' Roll

August 14th...6:30 PM...Boss Grant and the Johnny Cash Revue

August 21st...6:30 PM...Redpath...Pop/Country

August 28th...6:30 PM...6 Feet & Risin'...Variety

September 4th...6:30 PM...SKATYRS...Classic Rock 'n' Roll (this concert may start early cause it gets dark sooner)

Moondance Jam

Went to Moondance on Thursday. Decided not to go last night, because we weren't a big fan of the bands they had lined up. We're going for a while tonight though. As far as Thursday's bands go, they were all very good...BUT...it was so damn windy and cold, it was hard to enjoy ones self. We saw Foghat at 5:00, Kansas at 7:00, Sheryl Crow at 9:00, and Journey at 11:00. Foghat, Kansas, and Journey were good, but Sheryl Crow blew them all away. She was fantastic. I was very impressed and enjoyed her show very much. I was equally unimpressed with Journey. What a disappointment. I know they have a new album out, and bands go on tour to promote the new album, but come on! It's a "CLASSIC" ROCK & ROLL FESTIVAL! One or two new songs would be ok, but 10? Plus, the classic tunes they did do were changed so much at times, it was hard telling what song it was. On top of all that, they have a new lead singer that was ok...no Steve Perry or Steve Augeri by any means. Arnel Pineda is the new singers name, and like I said, he was ok, but that's all. He sounds fantastic on their new CD, but live not so much. Some of what was going on Thursday may not have been his fault...when the band did the songs like they were supposed to be done (the original versions are perfection) he did a nice job on the vocals. When they went off on tangents and screwed the classic songs up, he didn't do so well. He had a lot of energy and great stage presence, but that can only go so far when your audience is expecting something different. Especially when that something different is doing your classic songs like they should be done! I don't care how bored you are with doing them...give your fans what they want, or we'll stop coming. What a let down. :-(

Bean Hole Days, Moondance, & Music

If you're in Pequot Lakes today and tomorrow, you're probably there for the beans. That's right, it's time for the famous "Bean Hole Days". They've been doing this for years, and if you want a taste of those famous beans, you'd better line up early. The line gets pretty long, but it moves quickly. There's a lot to do while you're waiting for the beans to cook, so take advantage of this great family event. Just don't be downwind of Pequot later in the day.

Another big event that kicks off in our area this week, is "Moondance Jam" just up the road in Walker. It's the 18th year for this classic rock and roll event, and if you have tickets, you'll see bands like Grand Funk, Journey, Cheryl Crowe, Judas Priest, Foghat, Kansas, Yes, Asia, and the list goes on and on. This great rock and roll event starts on Thursday, and ends on Saturday night. I'll see you there!

Closer to home in good ole Crosslake, the Boss Grant Johnny Cash Review rolls into town for the Crosslake Music Series this Saturday. Don't forget to bring a non-perishable food item for the foodshelf, and if you haven't already, buy a commemorative T-Shirt. They're $12, and all of the proceeds go to offset some of the $14,000 it cost's to put on this music series every year. It's a great place to play and listen to music, so support the merchants, and tell them to keep it going!

H.A.R.T. Fundraiser

This past Saturday was the first night for music in the Town Square. I hope, those of you that were there, enjoyed yourselves. I couldn't make it...we played at our drummer's daughter's wedding. Kali was a beautiful bride, and the wedding and reception was lakeside, so it was beautiful as well.

There's a big event coming up this Saturday the 28th of June. The Heartland Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T) is having a fundraiser called "The Shelter Dog Shuffle" under the big top at Norway Ridge Supper Club in Ideal Corners. If you buy a raffle ticket, you will have a chance to win one of three great prizes...an ATV, a $1,000 shopping spree at a local grocery store, and a weekend stay at a resort on the Gunflint Trail. SKATYRS will be playing from 8:00 to 11:00, so bring your dancing shoes and support this great organization. For more information, go to www.hartpets.org/shuffle.htm I hope to see you there!

Crosslake Music Series

Some of you have asked when the Crosslake Music Series is going to start this year. Well, I'm happy to report, that the concerts in the Crosslake Town Square park will be starting again on June 20th. SKATYRS will be there three times this year, with our first performance on Saturday, July 4th. The concerts are a great time to relax under the trees and listen to some great music. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, and join in on all of the fun. The concerts start at 6:30 every Saturday starting on the 20th, and will run through Labor Day weekend, when SKATYRS ends the season.

By the way, Don McClean was great, and yes, he sang "American Pie"!

SKATYRS

SKATYRS...Still Kids After All These Years. That's the name of the band I'm in. That's right, I'm in a band. Some of you know that, but if you're a first time viewer to this blog, it's the first I mentioned it. We're a classic rock and roll band, and the reason I'm writing this, is to introduce a new member. My brother Brian was with us for over three years, but he moved on this past fall. So, our new guy is Joe McGown. He's a great guitar player, and a very accomplished vocalist. He also plays keyboards, and he's one of these guys that can harmonize to anything. For those of you that follow us, I know you will be impressed. I know I am, and I can hardly wait for you to hear us with him in the band. We're in the process of learning new music and getting ready for the up coming summer. We've got some jobs lined up, so if you want to see where we're going to be, go to our web site at www.skatyrs.com.