Funions Follies

Last Post

2011-04-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a fun ride, Q-Town.

We are on to other pursuits like this one at Second String Music.

Life goes on. Git Cheesey, sell guitars, come up with column ideas, observe the human condition under stress, walk the girls in a quiet early morning cemetery, dream of a Lake Michigan beach, drink coffee with Shey Fey before another busy day, smile at the Calftown Hood, order another DNA test to make sure the 6-2 sophomore is really my daughter.

To all you anon web warriors, life is good, and anger management is still free on the blogs, so go for it. Approving comments can make you lose 30 pounds in 30 days.

For everybody else, by far in the majority, well .... it's been real.

God bless.

Rock and Roll Weekend

2011-03-27T21:55:00.005-05:00

Best. Weekend. Ever.

It started Friday night when I played at the old firing range with my old friends from The Funions, now known at Reasonable Doubt. Good times with good friends for The Mighty One's mother in law birthday party.

Saturday we had the official grand opening for Second String Music and I've never had so much fun playing music. Tons of people in the store and an epic jam session that turned legendary when the guys from Jake Owen's band showed up, and a couple of them actually joined in to play.

Jake put on a tremendous show Saturday night at QJHS Morrison Theater. Thanks Scott for the great front row tickets, and the guitar we donated was raffled off for the Firefighters 63 charities.

We got backstage to meet Jake, and in the photo above, concert organizer Scott Westhaus is explaining to Jake how he took the band over after sound check to hang out.

Today Reasonable Doubt played at the State Room for a benefit. This was the first time I've been on the stage since the infamous 2007 ice storm show with Bartholomew, a high-water mark of sorts for The Funions at the time.

Lotsa fun again, we actually played pretty well and got a good response.

Now I'm ready to sleep until Tuesday!

Bella destroys moles, snakes

2011-03-20T14:01:00.002-05:00

Click on the video below to see Lucy and Bella at play today ....

At the risk of offending PETA - actually, I couldn't care less - I must report that Bella The Destroyer killed a mole and tortured snakes today.

The mole was digging up Woodland Cemetery. So Bella dug it up. Lucy helped finish it off. Shey Fey and I are thinking of making some money on this mole-killing service thing.

Last year we saw a harmless garter snake slithering around the backyard and figured it was living in the neighbor's railroad ties. Turns out the snake was a momma, because now we have three or four in the backyard, and they've made holes to actually live in our lawn.

Bella and Lucy like to play with the snakes too, as you can see in the video, but we like snakes so we try to save them from being dog toys.

Sorry PETA. Well, not really.

New guitar lines

2011-03-18T11:30:00.002-05:00

Shey Fey and I have had a blast since we opened Second String Music earlier this month. She has done an unbelievable amount of work getting us up and running.

We are close to getting a really good guitar line in the store, and I'm excited about sharing the news very soon.

Updated the Cheeseburgers shows. We ended a phenomenal run at Sawyer's Creek last night, a good reminder that while it is a business and we are doing a job, playing music is more than you should be allowed to have. Unless it involves setting up with narrow stairs and impossible tight corners. But that's besides the point.

Full moon tonight. Behave!

Yes to NoCeBo

2011-03-12T08:24:00.002-06:00

Gittin Cheesey in Keokuk tonight, it's always fun to play a venue you have never been to, and the people up there say the Mardi Gras party with be nuts. If it's half as good as the SSBC last Saturday ....

Looking for a big day at Second String Music. Yesterday a couple of guys came in from the death metal band NoCeBo, the bass player bought strings and he restrung his guitar in the store. The singer, Kraig, gave us our first ever dollar when we opened so he's in the Funions Hall of Fame and he's a very nice young man.

These guys play fast-paced and aggressive music. I'm not a fan of death metal but they are passionate and hungry and care about what they are doing, and all they want to do is play.

They are heading up to Joliet tonight to play at a big show with a bunch of bands. They are spending a small fortune in gas and had to sell a bunch of tickets and are not being paid a dime to play.

That, my friends, is rock and roll. I tip my hat to the NoCebo boys and wish them the very best!

Cowbell Medley

2011-03-09T19:57:00.001-06:00

Here's The Cheeseburgers "Cowbell Medley" as performed at the South Side Boat Club last Saturday. A big thanks to Becky for playing the cowbell, Greg Ellery for shooting the awesome video and Shey Fey for editing the clip. Come out and see us do it live!

South Side Party Monsters

2011-03-06T20:51:00.002-06:00

Holy Mardi Gras party, Batman.

They started on the first note of the first song Saturday night at the South Side Boat Club, and they didn't stop until we played until we almost dropped.

Geesh. How much fun are you really allowed to have?

Facebook pics and video coming soon. Greg Ellery was also there with a camera and we might have more coming.

Now we get ready for what might be another massive party this Saturday at Keokuk's South Side Boat Club.

Hanging slotwall, raindrops on head

2011-02-28T17:52:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Greg Ellery for helping, no, actually doing most of the work, putting up slotwall at Second String Music ...

Trading Rock and Roll

2011-02-27T10:36:00.003-06:00

Played a wild show Saturday night at the Adams Trading Post. This is the third time we've played Adams in the past half year and it's gotten better every time.

Adams is literally in the middle of nowhere. Adams is a town of, well, maybe 3 people. Maybe. The bar is a classic roadhouse layout with a big deep stage. These people know how to party, believe me.

Last night it took a while for them to get going but once they got hooked, it was over. Birthday parties always help, and we had a classic Cheeseburger moment when a gal who wasn't feeling much pain decided she wanted to sing with us, and decided she wasn't going to leave the stage.

Now we get ready for a huge Saturday. We are playing in the afternoon at the Rally For McNally, a huge benefit for the late Steve McNally and his family. Then Saturday night it's the annual Mardi Gras bash at the South Side Boat Club, more wall to wall fun.

Get there early.

Life In The Way

2011-02-23T22:12:00.002-06:00

Sorry about the lack of updates ... life getting in the way, as are jury trials, 6-2 sophomore recitals at Western, the store!

Speaking of the store, a big thanks to The Mighty One, Sgt. Adam Yates, for giving us some good advice about keeping the store safe. I will say this, if you are a dirtball and you want to break into my store, there is little I can do to stop you. But we are prepared. And don't let us catch you in the act.

Added a few new Cheeseburger dates, including May 20 back at The Elks and a road trip to Monroe City in September. The Blind Pig was amazing last Saturday, more fun than you should be allowed to have!

Back to Adams Trading Post Saturday, and a week from Saturday is the huge Mardi Gras party at South Side Boat Club.

The New Store!

2011-02-14T20:32:00.001-06:00

So we got the keys tonight to Second String Music .... HUGE!

Had to break it in right by bringing the girls and playing a few tunes ....

Crowds and gigs

2011-02-13T08:44:00.002-06:00

I never worry about the crowd when we play a show. I've played gigs where we've scared them mostly all away, and I've played gigs where they really get into it from the start.

The better the crowd, the better the show. Last night we got Cheesey at The Ambiance and what I thought would be a decent gig turned out to be amazing.

The Ambiance is Quincy's largest banquet facility. They actually divided the room in half last night, there was a wedding on the other side. We played for a Cursillo dinner, $35 a plate, and the crowd was mostly older folks.

Then again, we are mostly older ....

Burt always puts together the set lists and he has it figured out. We played a lot of older standards and slower songs in the first hour and we hooked them after about the third song. The key is to not have long breaks between songs either ... if you get them slow dancing, launch right into the next one without delay, and we're getting better at it as John Hodge and I really settle in.

Loved the energy, loved the crowd, and Brian Stump (our roadie) did a great job with the PA.

Of course this morning the crud has set in and I feel about 120 years old, but that's rock and roll, its in the moment and it's all good.

Thanks to the folks at the Ambiance and the Cursillo crowd, they were great!

Guaranteed to have a party crowd next Saturday when we return to the Blind Pig in Quincy.

That kind of day

2011-02-11T12:36:00.001-06:00

No idea why, but this song is appropriate today.

Maybe I'll steal a bottle of bubbly at our show Saturday night. You know. The appropriate thing to do.

New Laptop

2011-02-10T19:14:00.002-06:00

Got a new toy today, a Dell Inspiron Duo. It's a little smaller than a laptop but bigger than a mini. The screen flips and the keyboard is a little smaller but not too bad.

My Mac has lasted 5 1/2 years, a long time for a laptop, so it's time. Shey Fey's Dell is going to the store and the Mac will be the house computer, and this little baby will be going places with me.

Very cool!

Busy Gittin Cheesey

2011-02-09T17:48:00.003-06:00

Saturday is the first of five straight Saturday shows for The Cheeseburgers. We are at the Ambiance for a Cursillo event. Really looking forward to playing there, been to a few events but never played in one of Quincy's nicest venues.

Tired of this cold weather yet? You are? Me too.

Plans continue for Second String Music. I am the luckiest man in the world to have a great gal at the helm. We should be in the building next week and hope to open in early March.

Dancing and more

2011-02-05T10:17:00.002-06:00

Recovering from a fantastic time at the Cornerstone Dancing With The Stars event, click here for all things dance dance dance ....

Rare Saturday off during a busy Cheeseburgers Hold The Pickle Tour 2011. Might go make snowmen at Washington Park this afternoon.

Steelers, 24-19.

Have a great weekend!

Bliz-zard

2011-02-02T07:41:00.001-06:00

This is a pretty good storm even by Michigan and Hoser standards ...
Here and here for info and fun ...

New Music Business

2011-01-30T12:40:00.002-06:00

Shey Fey and I are embarking on a new adventure — we are starting Second String Music.

It will be located at Eighth and Washington, on the southwest corner, where Peggy's Costumes used to be. It's a beautiful building, move-in ready, reasonable rent. Sheryl has done a massive amount of work to prepare, and we hope to open later in February.

The seeds were sown when Sheryl's position at Titan Wheel was eliminated a year ago. She could not find a decent computer job in Quincy and had a disappointing experience working for a local bank. A novelty shop has been on her mind for years and she wanted to get away from doing too much computer work. Then something happened that changed everything. When Pat Cornwell passed away last November, a huge void was left in our hearts. Vegas Music closed and we began thinking about opening a music store. We looked at several locations and finally decided on the Calftown building.

We are working with Pat's son, Chris, to help get the store started. We want this to be a place for musicians to hang out, to sell their CDs and swag. We'll have guitars, amps, drums, accessories. We will offer guitar lessons. We will have art and some other fun, novelty items.

Second String refers to my legendary athletic career coming off the bench, plus the strings, of course, and we want to "backup" our local musicians. Second String Music will be a huge supporters of local music.

I am NOT quitting my day job. Sheryl will be operating the store on a daily basis although she may not get paid for awhile. We are both scared and excited to get going!

Dealing with death, doubt

2011-01-28T15:51:00.003-06:00

Really had to stop and think this week after the death of local author Leisha Kelly in a car crash near Quincy. Click here for more, and I have a column about Leisha in The Whig Saturday.

Three nights ago she was driving her son to Taekwando practice in Quincy, and now they are putting her in the ground next to her son after her funeral this afternoon in Clayton.

Life is a fleeting thing and we take it way too much for granted. I was talking to Leisha's pastor for the column and he said it's not for us to question why horrible things like this happen, but to rely on faith and each other to get through it.

Wow. What a tall task. To question is second nature, and to accept is near impossible. All that stuff about her being in a better place, God's will and plan ... man.

God be with Leisha's family, friends and community. That's all I can say.

Elks

2011-01-26T18:30:00.002-06:00

Very much looking forward to playing at The Elks Lodge in Quincy this weekend.

Friday night we play at 7:45 until we stop having fun, probably around 10:30 or 11. Saturday we play for a wedding, first time I'll be doing that kind of gig for The Cheeseburgers.

As you can see on the right, we are very busy in February and March, and we have a big show in the works for April.

So come on out Friday, members and guests, if you know us, you can be my guest!

See what I mean? Snow is fun!

2011-01-20T15:44:00.001-06:00

Snow plus crazy dogs equals big fun ...

Embrace the snow

2011-01-20T10:18:00.003-06:00

Before we launch into today's discussion about snow and dogs and stupid people, let it be known the reason Larry David is one of the funniest people in the world is simply because he knows when to say something and when not to. Anonymous Web Warriors should be forced to watch Curb Your Enthusiasm to cheer up.

There. I feel a lot better now.

So this morning we woke up to four inches of fresh snow and two dogs ready to rock. A day off means I get to stroll Lucy and Bella through winter wonderland, and we headed to Greenmount Cemetery.

The nice thing about snow is that it keeps people away and the girls can roam all over the place. Lucy likes to drift drive, while Bella runs and runs and runs and eventually crashes into a heap of long legs and big puppy paws in the snow.

In the southeast corner a crew was getting ready to dig a grave, and it occurred to me that life and death go on, even if people get mad about not having a snow day.

People around here just don't know how to deal with the white stuff. It's Quincy, it's January, it's a part of life. Be careful in the car, don't trust the other guy and bundle up if you do go out. It's not that bad!

Gigs and crowds

2011-01-16T20:50:00.002-06:00

So a week ago Saturday we played at The Grove in Quincy. It was basically for a 50th birthday party but open to the public as well. The Grove is very small and there's no stage, just a space in a corner for the band.

We set up early in the afternoon and when we came back about 45 minutes before start time, the bar was packed and people were in the mood to have fun. So it was no surprise that from the opening song to the riotous encores, it was the best time we've had since John Hodge and I joined last summer, and we played really, really well, no hiccups, cranking 'em out one after the other.

Last night we were in Pittsfield and nobody, and I mean nobody, was there when we started. We made friends with the bartenders and cook and were halfway through the first set when two people showed up. Then some of Burt's family arrived, and a few more people straggled in, by the end of the night we probably had 20 people.

Well. We were paid to do a job and we did it, and did pretty well, but it was tough to maintain the energy all night. I do appreciate the people who came out and had a good time listening to us. We had a nice stage and a great-sounding room.

It's amazing how other factors influence how you play, or how you feel when and after you play. Good crowds, good venues and energy make all the difference.

Drums On Fire

2011-01-12T12:32:00.003-06:00

I've played with a lot of good drummers. Chris and Pat Cornwell, Adam Yates, Justin Busen, David Steggeman, Josh Kattelman, Danny Mabie, Kevin Vandament and other fill-ins along the way.

Kirk Gribbler of The Cheeseburgers is awesome. He doesn't smash everything in sight, he just keeps a steady beat and helps us take off and land smoothly, and he has an ear for PA systems and balance.

We do a bit where he has a drum solo before we launch into a fire-related song, so here it is from the other night at The Grove. Come see it for yourself!

Undecided? YES!

2011-01-11T12:42:00.003-06:00

So The Cheeseburgers played Sunday afternoon at a Turner Hall cancer benefit, and as usual it was a blast.

I respect and appreciate the many local bands which donate time for such events. They are all awesome and I love to hear them play.

We were getting ready to leave when a band from the St. Louis area called The Undecided took the stage. They were a little heavier but had some really cool original music. The singer also played acoustic guitar, the rhythm section was right there and the guitar player had this Gibson SG just roaring. Only a few guitarists should be allowed to play an SG. This guys is one of them.

Then they did a couple of covers, Billy Idol and Bob Seeger, and then they launched into Van Halen's Mean Street and it was just freaking phenomenal.

Always great when you go to hear music and something jumps out at you. Apparently they'll be back in Hannibal in July, might have to check em out again!

NOW HEAR THIS!

2011-01-07T17:10:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite movies is That Thing You Do, about a band that has a smash hit in the 1960s and then splinters apart.

I love this scene, which shows the sheer exuberance when band members hear their song on the radio for the first time.

Cheeseburgers play 8 p.m. Saturday night at The Grove, and 5 p.m. Sunday at Turner Hall as part of Leaps of Love cancer benefit. See you all out and about!

Buh bye RR

2011-01-05T12:28:00.004-06:00

Buh Bye, RichRod. We hardly knew ye. Well,we did know ye. Sorry it didn't work out.

On a related note, it's nice to see the Cheaters from Ohio State had absolutely no impact on the Sugar Bowl game.

Pffffffft.

Most of the time I like Todd Blackledge, the football announcer. But I lost a lot of respect for him when he said Tie Boy did the right thing by allowing them to play because he had the rest of the team to consider.

Well. They shouldn't have put that one dude in prison last month for killing another dude, because the one dude's family had such a hard Christmas. You know. To be fair.

Ice. Gone. Sniff.

2011-01-02T13:51:00.001-06:00

A week ago we had ice. Then we had a thaw, and there's no super cold weather in site.

Sniff.

Ringing It In. And The Big 10 SUCKS

2011-01-01T20:19:00.001-06:00

The only good part about watching Michigan today was the fact I fell asleep and missed most of it. And there were other games on.

We had fun at the Elks last night, thanks to Greg and Steph for hanging with us, and the Boulevard Band did a nice job.

Happy New Year!

Be Safe

2010-12-31T15:04:00.003-06:00

2010 was good in many ways, new beginnings and projects.

And it sucked.

Here's to a better 2011. You get a free Funions shirt if you watch the entire video, Moon's last performance the best band ever.

Terrible, Ohio State

2010-12-28T21:41:00.002-06:00

Let's get one thing straight. I don't like Ohio State. I think they cheat all the time. Yes, they win. I just hope the whole going to class thing doesn't get in the way of winning football games.

So five players get caught doing really stupid stuff, blatant rules violations, and they get suspended for a bunch of games next year, but they can all play in the bowl game?

Puh-lease.

Me and my boy DOB are gonna go knock off a local store. Even though we know it's wrong. Then we are going on vacation with the money we've taken. Don't worry, we'll serve our sentence after we get back, only, we don't have to come back. You really think Terrible Pryor is coming back?

I'm rooting hard for Arkansas, even though their coach is a promise-breaker himself.

Post Christmas bliss cause I'm not traveling

2010-12-26T13:28:00.002-06:00

Here's to hoping the two Big Sisters make it to North Carolina. Having been through Travel Hell enough myself, all I can do is pray.

Post-Christmas happiness to everybody. I'm off to get my skate on.

White Christmas

2010-12-24T10:34:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas, everybody. It's snowing on Christmas Eve morning in the Q-Town, perfect to set the mood.

Be safe!

Radio Luv

2010-12-21T19:07:00.003-06:00

So I've been doing radio with the WGEM guys and it's been a lot of fun. Today we talked about stolen cars, top stories of the year and schtuff.

Click here for the link.

Thursday, I will be singing my homemade Christmas Carols live at Studio H, 7:50 a.m. on 105.9 FM. I think it streams live on the Web, too.

Fun fun fun .....

Year of music ...

2010-12-17T11:31:00.002-06:00

This has certainly been an eventful year when it comes to the music stuff, and 2011 holds a lot of promise.

Said goodbye to The Funions, which was very hard to do. Having a blast with the Cheeseburgers and learning something new every single time we play. Already we are booking shows into next August! So it will continue to be busy.

The biggest thing I've learned to to keep the goofing around to a minimum and to really try and play better, and to be ready from song to song, to bang them out one after the other.

So ... we'll be cranking them out again in the new year, make sure you come see us!

Jamming with Pat

2010-12-13T11:52:00.003-06:00

So Sunday we had the second day of the Pat Cornwell benefit at Turner Hall, and it was HUGE.

Click here for my Whig blog.

I got up with a couple of guys and sang "Roadhouse Blues" and it was just like being back at Vegas Music in the practice room. Can you legally have that much fun?

The last time I stood on that stage was April 3, when The Funions played at the Fielder CD release party. Pat was behind us on drums. Reasonable Doubt opened Sunday's show and several of those guys were also on that Turner Hall stage for the first time since Pat passed away last month.

I swear to the Good Lord Above that Pat was with us on that stage again.

Also, I have a new favorite band in town, Deuce Coup. Here's a clip from a show they did last summer ...

Busy December Saturday

2010-12-11T08:16:00.002-06:00

Gittin Cheesey tonight in Palmyra for a private party. They tell me it's a wild and crazy time. I am recovering from a nasty bought with death so it's just the ticket!

My heart will at Turner Hall for Pat Cornwell's benefit. I'll be there Sunday all day.

This morning Paul Lester and I are playing Christmas songs and assorted ear-inflictions for developmentally disabled adults, their parents and caregivers. Paul plays the fiddle, mandolin and guitar and is one of the coolest guys around, so it should be fun!

Cheeseburgers have lined up another January gig, and we've booked shows into next June, so it's promising to be a busy year dripping from the bun. Hold the pickle!

Gretchen who?

2010-12-06T17:46:00.002-06:00

Gretchen Wilson was in Quincy this past weekend. About 1,000 people apparently paid $40 each, more for VIP seats, to see her and two other acts.

Hey. Gretchen Wilson is huge in country music right now. If you are a fan, great. I did laugh, however, at the gal at work today who said, "What? Gretchen Wilson was in town? How come I didn't know about this? I love her!" She works at the paper and but apparently doesn't read the paper, one of them there deals.

I'm not a fan, but I understand the appeal. Her horrendous "Red Neck Woman" resonates with many, I would think.

Apparently she also played Saturday night at the Dot Foods Christmas party at the OLC. I laughed again when I saw a Facebook entry from a Dot Foods employee — "I'd rather have a Christmas bonus."

I guess the bottom line is that we had a big-name act and a decent crowd at the Oakley-Lindsay Center.

Blind Pig Tonight

2010-12-04T08:40:00.002-06:00

Really looking forward to the Cheeseburgers gig at the Blind Pig tonight, 8-ish, just $3 at the door.

We don't play in Quincy proper that much so it's always fun. Last night at Spring Street some folks said they'd seen the band play about a year ago, but much has changed so we encouraged them to come out.

The challenge at the Blind Pig, 12th and Lind, is cramming all the sound equipment on the stage. We are setting up this afternoon and we'll get it figured out — our drummer, Kirk Gribbler, lives for this kind of thing.

The bar is small, so get there early. Be nice to Shey Fey at the door too!

TSO rules!

2010-11-30T10:29:00.003-06:00

Off this week and getting too much stuff done. Stop it!

Listening to Night Castle by Trans Siberian Orchestra, a present from Bob and Anne Mays. Incredible music and great stuff, turn it up while decorating the tree ...

Pastor Gas

2010-11-28T15:49:00.001-06:00

Sometimes you need a laugh and it comes from an unsuspecting source.

Why is passing gas so funny?

This guy, Robert Tilton, was described as "corrupt" and "creepy" by a friend. Amen!

One last toast for Pat

2010-11-26T21:44:00.002-06:00

Visitation tonight for Pat Cornwell. Before, we gathered to give him one last toast. If you are on Facebook, click here. Thanks so much to Jessica Cate from The Whig and The Local Q for recording our tribute to Pat.

Funeral tomorrow, one last ride to Big Neck .... see you on the other side, Pat.

Closer to 50

2010-11-24T07:41:00.002-06:00

Thanks to everybody who sent Facebook birthday wishes yesterday. Facebook is an amazing thing. It's good because it's easy communication. It's bad because blogs get less attention.

My brother says I need to start rounding down, not up. That way, I'll be 29 forever.

Have I told you lately that Roger Daltrey is an amazing human being? Click here for more, and I could not agree more.

Have a great Turkey Day tomorrow and be safe!

Song stuck in my head

2010-11-22T19:44:00.002-06:00

Sometimes when it won't leave your brain it's not a bad thing.

Farewell, Pat Cornwell

2010-11-21T08:57:00.004-06:00

Pat Cornwell died at home Saturday night, surrounded by family, ready for the ride.

Shey Fey and I went to see him Saturday morning. His wife, Mary Ann, said she thought he would pass sometime during the day. His body was shutting down and he was ready for the ride, as he told his wife.

Anger is beginning to seep in now. Two months ago Pat appeared to be fine. Cancer spread like wildfire after a tumor was discovered in his brain, and watching him go down was unbelievable.

Pat played drums in The Funions and many other bands for years. He was a friend to all musicians, a big-hearted man who could never say no when it came to helping out at a charity event. The last show we played with Pat on drums was at Quanada's big benefit at Backwaters in April — the second straight year Pat donated a PA and spent a ton of hours setting it up and taking it down.

We had riotous practices in the back of Vegas Music. I will remember smoking stogies on the back porch and the feeling we got when we learned a new song, one he'd played a million times but new to us.

Shey Fey would come with us and fix Pat's computer, play with Lucky Cat and even cleaned the bathroom in the back (medal of valor in the mail).

Long may you run, Pat.

Gittin busy

2010-11-17T06:48:00.002-06:00

Coming up on a busy stretch for The Cheeseburgers.

We start Saturday night with a show at Adams Trading Post. Adams, Ill., is just south of Quincy Regional Airport. We played there a few months ago and it was a lot of fun, good people who are into having a good time! We have learned a song just for them .... darlin'.

On Dec. 4 we are playing at the Blind Pig in Quincy. We are really excited about this show because we haven't played much in Quincy itself, and the Blind Pig is an awesome venue. WARNING: Get there early, it's not that big of a place and I think we'll have a good crowd.

On Dec. 11 we play for a private Christmas party in Palmyra. On Dec. 12 I will be at the Pat Cornwell benefit, not playing but perhaps helping out and just hanging out.

We also have a couple of Deadly Weapons shows coming up and they are always fun, too.

Tis the season for music!

Benefits for Pat

2010-11-10T11:32:00.003-06:00

He's not a savage twit at all ...

2010-11-09T11:40:00.001-06:00

My "guitar god" hero, the best ever .... Nigel Tufnel, talking about Joe Satriani.

2010-11-06T09:49:00.002-05:00

First of all, I am not sure where John Hodge's hand is. He is at the far right. I think it is resting on the stage. I think.

Secondly, the thing I will remember most about our Halloween costume party gig last Saturday night at the Terstriep farm near Payson was at 1 a.m., a nun wandered on the stage, grabbed the microphone from Burt and started singing "Amazing Grace" and "God Bless America." There were still a boatload of people there and they all joined in. Sort of.

The last time I heard such a stirring rendition was at a tea party rally. But I digress.

It might just be illegal to have so much fun ....

Legendary Manager

2010-11-04T22:54:00.000-05:00

I interviewed Sparky Anderson several times and came away awed by the experience each time.

Rest in peace, Sparky.

More here.

Political signs I can relate to ....

2010-11-01T12:24:00.002-05:00

Will have a report later about Saturday's wedding and subsequent Cheeseburger Halloween gig at the Payson farm. I'm still trying to process it all. Getting home at 4 in the morning does that you.

In the meantime, make sure you vote Tuesday. Don't know if you read about the rally by Jon Stewart and Stephen Cobert the other day, but here's a link with the best signs. Enjoy!

New Opening Song

2010-10-28T16:58:00.001-05:00

Crazy weekend looms .... Halloween weddings, huge party Saturday night, preparation for Woodland tours Sunday.

Burt and I are having an argument as to who gets to sing this song as our new opening Cheeseburgers number. Gooey!

Keeping The Peace. Sort of ....

2010-10-25T18:16:00.002-05:00

So I come home from work today and I'm putting the scooter in the garage when I hear my neighbor across the alley screaming, and I mean he is bellowing at the top of his lungs, at the young guy who lives next to him.

Turns out Upset Neighbor, who will now be referred to as Clueless, is mad at Other Neighbor for running across his lawn with his truck. You know, the beautifully kept, manicured, weed-free Calftown lawn our neighborhood is famous for. NOT.

So Other Neighbor is screaming back and bitching about Clueless' three yippy dogs that don't shut up.

So I close the garage door, walk across the alley, and Clueless' mother comes out and tells her son to shut up too. After more expletives are hurled back and forth, I finally got in Clueless' face and told him to back off and go inside, because he'd made his point and wasn't doing anybody any good being, well, Clueless.

To his credit, Clueless went back inside, cursing the whole time until he shut the back door.

Other Neighbor was sheepish. "I cut it too close when I pulled in," he said. He seemed embarrassed about the whole thing. I just told him to have a little consideration and to keep in mind some people can't help being Clueless.

And that was that. No bulletproof vest needed. Just another day in The Hood.

HOLY CRAP fire trucks just flew down the street .....

Didn't Know I Knew Ya

2010-10-23T09:08:00.002-05:00

Reading a fascinating book by Ruth Deters of Quincy, who lives in the old Dr. Nelson house east of town not far from Lowe's and the newer strip malls out there.

Dr. David Nelson was a prominent physician and pastor who settled in Quincy and was a huge abolitionist. Ruth's book is about how she found out her home was a key station on the Underground Railroad, and it's littered with famous names and great stories about yesteryear.

Dr. Nelson and several family members are buried at Woodland. I had no idea. The girls and I walk right by him almost every day. So today we took a good look at his time-washed stone and it's so cool to get some insight into the fascinating souls now at rest.

Shey Fey and I are tour guides at the Nov. 1 Woodland tour.

From the Gardner Museum website ....

The 20th Annual Woodland Cemetery Tour hosted by the Gardner Museum will be held Monday, November 1 beginning at 4 p.m. Advance reservations and payment are required for tours leaving every half hour. Please call the museum at 224-6873 for available times. The tour usually sells out, but it is possible that some space may become available because of cancellations. Those wishing to attend after the tour is sold out are encouraged to stand by in case someone does not show up.

Participants are to meet at the cemetery’s new building entrance at 5th between Adams and Monroe Streets. The building has public restrooms available year round.

Early participants will be able to tour the cemetery in the natural light. Those attending later will be using lanterns and flashlights. Warm cider and donuts are available for participants.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction and to bring a flashlight. Cost of the tour is $7 for non-members and $2 for members of the museum. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult, the fee for children 12 and under is $5. For additional information call the museum at 217-224-6873.

Great Weekend. Not.

2010-10-22T19:33:00.001-05:00

So I would tell you all about this great weekend and all the stuff going on and how it will be so nice to relax and enjoy it.

But I have to work.

So I won't.

Moon Prostate River

2010-10-13T12:31:00.003-05:00

So normally I keep it pretty lite on the site .... this is different.

I am urging all of my friends and colleagues to get checked for prostate cancer. It's in my family and I have no choice, being on the closer side of 50 from 45. A friend was recently diagnosed and I cannot stress enough the importance of catching it early.

So I'm at the doctor this morning and of course the world is coming to an end, from dead bodies being identified to traffic stops by ATMs.

This didn't happen to me, but I couldn't resist ....

Back With Da Boyz

2010-10-12T19:21:00.002-05:00

Hope you can join us Friday night at the Quincy Art Center's big event to raise funds for school music programs. It's called Artoberfest and it will be a blast, more info here.

Hanging out with Rock A. Bye and Abe Lincoln Inghram for Deadly Weapons acoustic set from 6:30-9. Hopefully the weather holds and we'll be right outside the Art Center at 1515 Maine.

On Saturday I'm playing at the nuptials of Matt Schuckman and Michelle Clement, late afternoon outside at the Villa Kathrine in Quincy. Attempting to learn The Beatles "I Will." Geesh, what a great song!

Still trying to recover from a tremendous Cheeseburgers gig at the Flying Inn. This afternoon at Woodland, Bella bowled me over and I can hardly walk again after barely recovering from being hardly able to walk.

Big dumb dog - loud and obnoxious!

Dreaming of sleep

2010-10-09T04:31:00.002-05:00

— Me and sleep aren't getting along very well tonight. This morning. Whatever.

— Prayers to Big Cousin Matthew in North Carolina, hopefully he's going home today after surgery. Get better dangit!

— Big Cheeseburgers show tonight at the Flying Inn. Looking forward to playing outside and hopefully getting a crowd.

— Also hopefully will have a voice after screaming during the Michigan-Michigan State game. Go Blue!

— Sammy Fund weekend, the best fundraising event in the Q-Town. The walk is (gasp) in a few hours this morning, golf tournament tomorrow. We are blessed with awesome weather this year.

All I Want Is You

2010-10-07T12:01:00.003-05:00

I have to play at a couple of weddings coming up and I'm thinking about doing this song ...

As usual, the live version is waaaaayyyy better than the recorded song.

ALL I WANT IS YOU - U2

You say you want
Diamonds on a ring of gold
You say you want
Your story to remain untold

But all the promises we make
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you

You say you'll give me
A highway with no one on it
Treasure just to look upon it
All the riches in the night

You say you'll give me
Eyes in a moon of blindness
A river in a time of dryness
A harbour in the tempest
But all the promises we make
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you

You say you want
Your love to work out right
To last with me through the night

You say you want
Diamonds on a ring of gold
Your story to remain untold
Your love not to grow cold

All the promises we break
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you

You...all I want is...
You...all I want is...
You...all I want is...
You...

Da Truth

2010-10-03T09:02:00.002-05:00

Tell it like it really is, would ya? Please? Bet this job gets lots of resumes.

Yesterday was the first Saturday in forever with nothing major going on, except for the Mutt Strut in the morning (Bella did not destroy anything and Lu calmly took it all in). So, to make sure the day didn't go to waste, I watched nine college football games, four at once in the evening. Denard for Heisman, BTW.

On Friday night we went to see The Room and I pulled hammy from laughing so hard, more here. I highly recommend that you never watch this movie, or are intoxicated and with a bunch of loud and witty people when you do. If you do.

On Friday night the 6-2 sophomore came home with two of her oboe buddies for a master class and to watch a concert Saturday night. I get home at 2 a.m. to find her and her friends in a bed watching a horror movie on a lap top and cackling with horrified delight. Ah. Youth. A beautiful thing ....

On deck: An awesome Cheeseburgers show at the Flying Inn, Michigan vs. Michigan State, and our favorite event of the fall, the Sammy Fund walk and golf tournament. HUGE!

14 years

2010-09-29T19:31:00.002-05:00

Today is the 14th anniversary of my first day at The Whig.

Don't pinch yourself cause it doesn't fly by, it hyper-spaces by.

What I remember about that time is having a proper sendoff by my buddy Wilx in Grand Rapids, he was a little green the next morning but I was more experienced in the matter. I remember the long drive, somehow getting around Chicago, the rest stop just south of Pontiac, listening to a Cubs-Cardinals game and thinking how awful and arrogant Mike Shannon was as an announcer.

The day I arrived in Quincy, a Saturday, there was a huge karting race around the downtown area and I couldn't get close to my temporary quarters. Let's just say it was a downtown "hotel." Let's just say it was the longest 40 days and 40 nights of my life staying there.

I remember taking the bridge to Missouri and thinking, "Wow, I'm in Missouri." I remember going to South Park and then walking up South 12th Street to see our new digs in Southern View. And feeling blue I couldn't move in for more than a month.

I have little memory of my first day at The Whig as sports editor, other than I think I was introduced to some coaches and administrators right off the bat. I do remember walking past the Branding Iron at 5 a.m. that first week and seeing all the graveyard guys with their Buds.

I think one of the first lunch places was The Scoreboard. I think. I do remember covering a volleyball match at Culver-Stockton that first week, and going to Hannibal for a football game that first Friday night.

Geesh. Fourteen years ago?

How can that be?

Pat Is Recovering

2010-09-28T19:57:00.002-05:00

Pat Cornwell, owner of Vegas Music and drummer for many local bands, had a brain tumor surgically removed today at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

Pat has been very good to many musicians in this area. Now it's our turn to keep him and his family in our prayers.

Things look good after surgery, doctors are hopeful, the family relieved and still hoping for the best. Pat was awake and answering questions this afternoon after surgery. The tumor was the size of a ping pong ball!

He wasn't feeling well for about a month and was having issues with his balance. He went to the FastMed Saturday and they told him to go to the ER, but he had a Reasonable Doubt gig and nothing would keep him from playing Saturday night.

So he went Sunday and they found it pretty quickly.

Thank God for skilled surgeons like Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Morris. Thank God for the skilled nurses and staff, for taking care of Pat.

The family wants to keep it low key for now but word has spread and I'm sure many people will be checking in on Pat and his progress.

If I know the stubborn old drummer, he'll be back behind the kit in good time!

Back With The News

2010-09-27T11:55:00.001-05:00

OK. I'm back. I couldn't resist ...

"We all know that crap is king." - Don Henley

Hi Ate Us

2010-09-01T12:34:00.002-05:00

Going on blog hiatus for a while. I'll keep the Cheeseburgers schedule updated and pop in once in a while, maybe do more Facebook stuff, and there's always the Whig blog, which I try to update every day.

It's been real, Q-Town.

Be Careful What You Say

2010-08-28T12:56:00.002-05:00

I think Web Warriors need to be very careful what they say.

Especially when they are being sentenced for a felony in a few days.

Thank you, drive through.

Five is right out

2010-08-25T11:43:00.002-05:00

When somebody makes me mad, I call for the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch.

And it works every time. As long as I count to five ... uh, three ....

No Mo Paper

2010-08-21T10:10:00.002-05:00

Shey Fey has been after me forever to get with the times and pay my bills online.

It's hard to let go of the old check in the envelope thing.

A while back we went to direct deposit and one person in the entire building held out. This person insists on getting the check printed and put in their hands. They feel better about it.

Now I'm beginning to think this person needs to get with the times.

DANG IT - point the finger, and three point back at you ....

Bret Who?

2010-08-18T18:50:00.002-05:00

Look. I am not a big Bret Michaels fan. I never really liked Poison. I accidently watched half of a Rock of Love reality show and almost threw up.

Michaels is in Quincy tonight and tomorrow for shows at Backwaters. Good for him and good for Quincy. If you are a fan, go and enjoy, let me know how it went.

I'm seeing some people getting giddy about it, like the president himself is here, and I'd like to say something but if it blows up their bubble, well, I ain't gonna burst it.

Lake Michigan cure, The Grove and all kinds of other stuff

2010-08-14T11:09:00.005-05:00

If you sit on the beach and watch the sunset, like this one on my uncle's Lake Michigan beach near Saugatuck, it will fix whatever ails you.

A great time up north. Thanks to my long-time buddy David Wilkins and family, Susan helped me write an "emergency vacation" column Monday morning. Enjoyed playing The Meadows at Grand Valley State University, tough track and thank goodness I left a few bullets so it can remember me ...

Camped at Orchard Beach State Park near Manistee. Reminded me of Hoffmaster a bit. My cousin Roland and family were across the road and we are thinking of doing Ludington State Park next summer.

The beach was glorious, the water 75 and clear, and the lemonade was great.

On Thursday night I was sitting in my campground when an older guy named Doug came by with an acoustic guitar. He's 70 and from Indiana, up to do some fishing by himself for a few days. This is where music breaks boundaries, because Doug and I played songs for more than two hours. He used to be a country music drummer and I've never had so much fun strumming along to Jimmy Reaves and Peter, Paul and Mary songs. Plus he writes his own tunes, it was just a blast trading stories and songs. He had open heart surgery not long ago and is vowing to put a song about the experience on YouTube, we'll be looking for it!

At 11 the park ranger informed us we had to stop playing, even though it wasn't that loud ... rules is rules, I guess. Do I get a merit badge for being told to stop playing?

Drove nine hours home yesterday to check out Rusty Wright at Blues In The Park. The storm at 5 p.m. undoubtedly kept some people away, but all it did was delay things a few minutes and cool it down, perfect night in the park. This guy and his band blew everybody away and John Hodge and I about fell off our chairs when he nailed a Robin Trower song near the end. I'm sure the K of C kept the crowd down too, but to me there was no question what was the better time last night.

BTW, you can either brave the masses (and that's not a bad thing) or you can come to The Grove tonight for the new Cheeseburgers first Quincy show since revamping the lineup. Come on out and we'll hoot and holler too!

And wish me luck as I recover from vacation ....

Vacation after vacation

2010-08-13T15:47:00.002-05:00

Back from the Lake Michigan beaches. God, it was glorious. Thank You.

Stories and maybe a few pics coming.

HUGE show tomorrow night at The Grove Inn. This will be the first Quincy show for the revamped Cheeseburgers.

Monday morning thunderstorms

2010-08-09T07:13:00.002-05:00

Tell me there is anything better than waking up to the sound of a thunderstorm rolling off Lake Michigan.

I'll walk the beach in the rain any day ...

Good luck to Shey Fey today. I am a fortunate man.

Click here for the press conference after the final game last week conducted by H-W Sports Editor Don O'Brien. Thanks to Mattt "Young Skywalker" Hopf for the video luv.

Still store this morning from all the jumping around and craziness at the Whispering Oaks Camp Ground in Mendon Saturday night. The Cheeseburgers are beginning to hit their stride as a band. Better check us out Saturday night at The Grove, our first show in town with the new lineup. As always, We Are Not Responsible For Our Own Behavior.

Gotta go listen to the rain ....

The Run, Camping

2010-08-07T06:52:00.002-05:00

Kelly Wilson is with a team running from Quincy to Peoria for St. Jude Children's Hospital. She's posting regular updates on my Herald-Whig blog here, very cool stuff, go Kelly go!

Went down to the Quincy Boat Club last night and saw the Horndogs open for a young band called Trifecta. The Dogs were there usual funky selves. Drummer Kevin Vandament has a great new slogan for the Cheeseburgers next round of shows - "Hold The Pickle Tour."

Trifecta was really interesting, three young guys playing acoustic instruments and doing songs from America to Pearl Jam. Not sure if the venue was the right place for them but I thought they were different and really busted themselves to entertain.

There will be no busting tonight at the campground. The guys tell John Hodge and I it's a blast. Bring the bug spray and your own beverages and we'll have a marvelous time!

And ... heading north tomorrow for some Lake Michigan respite. I feel like a big balloon with the air slowly leaking out!

Last Game, New Baby, Vacation Looms

2010-08-05T16:53:00.004-05:00

Last ever slow pitch softball game tonight at Upper Moorman Park. That's the text of my farewell speech.

One more day. I can survive one more day, one more day .... Lake Michigan beach on the brain.

Meet my new addition to the family here. Bought her at Time To Play Music in Quincy. Chris matched the Musician's Friend price and took care of me, in fact, you might be surprised what your local store can do, so give them a chance before going online.

We are fortunate to have two good music stores in Vegas and Time To Play. I support both as much as I can. Yes, I've gotten stuff off the Internet, but only because it wasn't available here.

Support your local guys!

The Night Is Hot And Black As Ink

2010-08-03T22:00:00.003-05:00

Going outside is like walking through soup. I hate this typical Quincy summer weather, 120 in the shade, 99 percent humidity ... you just never really get used to it. Worked on the lawn the last two nights and probably lost 20 pounds.

Trying to think of songs to cool off and came up with this classic Who tune from Quadrophenia ...

This is from their December 1982 show in Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, the final show on their supposed Farewell Tour. Right. I do remember being in my room on Rosewood, a high school loser in his senior year, I think there was a dance or something at school but I stayed home and taped this show since it was broadcast live on WLAV.

The band is tired and burned out from many nights on the road but Daltrey gives it his best. Love, love, LOVE this song, Quadrophenia is one of the great underrated albums of all time.

Keith Richards unveils new Calftown fence

2010-07-31T09:59:00.001-05:00

OK. My Saturday morning just got bettter (see previous post).

Keith is a great guy ....

No More BK

2010-07-31T09:36:00.002-05:00

There are summer Saturday mornings when a greasy breakfast sandwich is not just an idea, it has to happen.

So this morning I hop on the scooter and go to the Burger King at Seventh and Broadway. I walk in and there is nobody in the place, save for a guy in the back eating breakfast and reading his paper. I yell and nobody, and I mean nobody, is there.

So I get back on the scooter and pull to the back and the two employees are standing there smoking.

Congrats, BK. You lost my business for good. Too bad, I liked the place a lot because it was usually quiet and you never had to wait long.

There might be reasons for that.

Old NBA

2010-07-30T12:25:00.002-05:00

I'm home for lunch today and turn on ESPN Classic, and they are showing a Christmas Day 1970 NBA game between Atlanta and Phoenix.

ESPN Classic needs to do more of this instead of showing the dumb bowling and poker shows. For Phoenix, Connie Hawkins is tearing it up in the second half until Mendy Rudolph calls him for his fourth foul. For Atlanta, Pistol Pete Maravich has the high socks with the shorty shorts and he shoots it every chance he gets.

The scorer's table is just that - a table. The players are sitting in metal folding chairs. Keith Jackson is the announcer and the graphics are hilariously huge, with the score flashing once every five minutes.

And ... no obnoxious music or PA announcers annoying the crowd.

I vote for more of this. If they can dig up some old NHL games, well ... I'd be hooked.

Hot and Rainy Music Nights

2010-07-25T11:14:00.004-05:00

Weekend started with a band with a tremendous Blues In The Park show by Laurie Morvan. This gal is an incredible guitar player, singer and her band is superb - loved the gal she sang with, the harmonies were awesome. Easily the best Blues In The Park band ever! If you thought it was too hot and didn't come out, man, you missed out.

The Tappe boys did sound and did a great job. A few weeks ago there was another act and I heard people grumbling about the sound - well, geesh, ask for a refund (free shows hoser). The sound many times depends on the band and making sure nobody is cranked to 11. The mix in the park Friday was clear and you could hear each part of band perfectly.

We don't sit right in front, though some people prefer it. Off to the side it's not nearly as loud and actually easier to pick out the band instruments and vocals.

Last night the Cheeseburgers played the Hancock County Fair in Augusta and it was easily our tightest show so far. Despite the fact it was raining sideways on our way up there (at one point we saw water running uphill from a culvert, I am not making it up) we had no issues since we were under a big picnic type roof. The rain probably kept people away but the crowd was decent and they were waaaaayyyy into it, especially after beer-30 came and kept coming.

Snapped a string on each of my electric and my acoustic guitars. Now THAT's a good gig.

We have a young guy named Brian who is our roadie/sound guy/string fixer, and he's the bomb. To start the fourth set he dresses up as Angus Young and plays a mean guitar on "Dirty Deeds" you have to see to believe ...

Anyway, getting better and still having more fun than should be allowed ....

Home Improvement - Fence me in UPDATED

2010-07-23T09:19:00.005-05:00

So Shey Fey decides last week we are going to replace 52 feet of 6-foot wood fence in the backyard.

The old stuff was rotting and starting to fall apart. We have the hot tub right against that section and once more big storm, well, we'd all be falling apart.

We bought six sections of fence at Lowes. They wanted $500 plus to install it. GEESH. Racket city!

So we tore the old pieces down last week with her nephew, Brant, helping. Then Brant's big brother came by and dug the post holes (unfortunately a couple of them were in the wrong places). Rev. Dirk was here early in the week and he helped Shey Fey dig three new ones and measure the post holes correctly.

This morning we hauled the sections and leaned them against the posts, now we are waiting for Keith Richards (you'll see some of the old fence) to show up and give me a guitar lesson and lend us his electric drill.

Home improvement sucks. But it's almost done. And Shey Fey hasn't killed me. Yet.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE: Stupid fence is in. It's vertically challenged. But so am I. At least it was only 120 in the shade when we finished ....

Rain and Fences

2010-07-20T14:03:00.003-05:00

Putting in a new fence. The Rev. Dirk is here from Lew-ville, he had to help Shey Fey dig a few holes Monday morning before the rain.

Then it looked like this.

I wish fences, especially big heavy wooden fences, could install themselves ....

Help me I'm melting ....

2010-07-14T20:53:00.002-05:00

Yeeeeeeshh ... 120 heat index. In the shade. Even Lu and Bella could only do one leg around Woodland tonight. Had to dunk em in the South Park pond (where the freshwater comes in, not the icky green slime parts).

"NOBODY PUTS BABY IN A CORNER." Bad TV on a hot night, too hot to go outside.

I'm in Burger withdrawal, and no Weapons around, either ...

I hate Internet banking. Or banks that can't make Internet banking easy.

I'm ready for college football NOW.

I'm hearing that a Burger is playing at the St. Francis picnic this weekend. Gotta work. Crap.

Aha! Billy The Exterminator is on. Buh bye ....

Setting Stuff On Fire Is Fun!

2010-07-11T12:14:00.003-05:00

If you don't believe me .... well, you just don't understand.

What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrEyG98ol2A

Don't Cry

2010-07-09T11:55:00.001-05:00

C'mon. Dare you not to cry when you watch the Abba clip here.

See you at Blues In The District tonight!

Farewell, Probie

2010-07-06T11:37:00.002-05:00

Bob Probert died yesterday. Not a big story around here. Back in Michigan and Chicago, well, huge.

Click here for more.

Bob Probert was a feared hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. He was a rare combination of goon and goal-scorer. When he and Stevie Yzerman helped the Wings back to hockey respectability in the late 80s, he was all the rage.

His demons halted his career for a while but he always seemed to come back. In the early 1990s, he came up to Alpena, Mich., where I was the sports editor for the local paper, and played in charity golf and softball events.

I remember being completely intimidated by him, but all he did was talk with fans, sip water while his teammates hit the beer, scratch his sunburned nose and generally charm everybody in town.

Somewhere I have a newspaper that he signed. Can't believe that's creeping up on 20 years ago.

There was no middle ground with Probie. And it's a sad day for hockey fans, in general.

It's the flight and landing that counts

2010-07-03T12:32:00.002-05:00

What I learned a long time ago about playing in bands is that the takeoff is important, but it's the flight and the landing that really count.

Friday night in Hannibal, we had some sound system issues. You know what? It happens. My wireless guitar setup was acting up on the first couple of songs, the main speakers shorted out and we sort of stumbled through the beginning of the set.

I can actually hear myself sing in the Cheeseburgers, now I gottta work on the guitar monitor mix. All in good time, inner monitors and other things will come.

After a little bit we hit our groove and had the place rocking. Remember - we are NOT responsible for our behavior! These mud volleyball people are nuts .... Click here if you are on Facebook for pics.

This whole recovery after playing for four hours things is still taking some used too. In my short acceptance speach, I would like to thank the academy, Ibuprofen and my hot tub.

A couple of weeks off after three straight weekend shows, then back at it toward the end of the month.

You can't legally have this much fun, can you?

Muddy Start (updated with links!)

2010-07-02T07:11:00.005-05:00

The annual media mud volleyball challenge Thursday night kicked off yet another exhaustive weekend of activities. That's me, getting taped up before our matches by team captain Tommy VanNess, while Rev. Ryan Reed waits his turn. More Shey Fey pics here.

Classic H-W slide show here, more blog love here.

The Herald-Whig let a TV station win this year. But I got to shower with Rajah Maples. Let me explain ....

The mud volleyball pits are right by the levee in downtown Hannibal, part of Tom Sawyer days, and thousands flock to the area for the weekend tournament. This year we let KHQA win because we dominated last year and felt sorry for them.

We weren't able to jump into the Mississippi River to "clean off" like last year, so we used the community spigots on the north end of the pits. Rajah, I love you. Even if you serve like Chris Duerr.

Ever sink your feet into three feet of gooey Mississippi River mud? Bud Light Lime really helps take the edge off. That's all I'm saying.

We are right back at the Y Men's Pavillion by the courts tonight for a Cheeseburger show, 7 bells sharp and it's gonna be HUGE. Predawn Hour plays right up the street starting a few hours later. I've been told the bring the A game cause it's a big party.

Thankfully we have Saturday to recover at the O'Brien annual 3rd of July party, and Sunday fireworks with mom and dad Mays at Spring Lake. I'll need a vacation from my time off AGAIN.

Heroes

2010-06-28T13:15:00.003-05:00

Normally I don't mix Whig bidness with this blog, but I'm proud of our latest Heroes section, published in Sunday's edition.

We focused on the men and women from our area who served in the military. Their stories are incredible. I don't think this country has an appreciation of what our guys went through in Fallujah, Iraq, in early 2004. I didn't, until interviewing several of them.

I was asked to put together music for the slide show, click here. It's actually a combination of a couple of other songs previously recorded, but I thought it worked pretty well.

Getting Better

2010-06-27T09:31:00.002-05:00

Playing with a new band is a blast but it's not as easy as one might think.

Most of the songs are familiar but every band plays em different. I thought it would take a few shows to get into a groove, but Jeff VK says it could take five or six, and he is right.

The good thing is we jumped right in with three shows in a row, by Hannibal next Friday we'll be a ton better than when we started.

Lotsa fun in Mendon last night, love the street dancers and the energy. Now if I could only remember all those pesky words to the songs ....

Sippin' time

2010-06-26T09:58:00.002-05:00

Tell me there's anything better than sipping coffee and recovering from Blues In the District on the back porch before the heat of the day hits.

Well ...

— Walking the girls at Woodland comes close.

— So does devouring a greasy breakfast sandwich.

— So does the prospect of finishing a John Sanford "Prey" novel.

— And, of course, naps and maybe a dip in the Burger pool to get ready for tonight's big show in Mendon.

Happy Saturday!

Lotsa stuff

2010-06-24T18:00:00.002-05:00

As always, a jam-packed weekend awaits. Check out What To Do In Quincy on Facebook if you need proof.

Hope to see you at Blues In The District Friday night. Saturday is the second revamped Cheeseburgers show in Mendon as part of the town festival. Apparently a huge crowd of party-hungry classic rock fans is expected, hopefully we can deliver. Outdoors under the stars, weather hot but rain-free, perfect end of June event!

Sunday ..... pffff. The couch and the remote equal the cure.

NEW CAR!

2010-06-21T20:16:00.008-05:00

I finally did it. Took a piece of me away to do it.

I gave up the OldsmoBuick of Doom.

Traded her in. She was sad. Much more later ...

Now proudly residing in Calftown ... The Impaler! Three years old, gleaming with just 20,000 miles, with a remote starter, windows that work, a gas gauge that works, everything that works!

Lotsa luv to Chris Quinn out at Shottenkirk for hooking me up with the new ride. Chris was professional, patient and worked with us to get a great deal, I highly recommend him if you are looking for a new car.

New Name or New Blog?

2010-06-19T08:51:00.005-05:00

Tonight is the debut of the new-look Cheeseburgers in Marcelline, outside of Down On The Corner, 8:30 sharp.

We are new-look because we have sesame seeds in the buns now.

Had a suggestion to change the name of this blog, but once a Funion, always a Funion, I say.

Considering doing a separate Cheeseburgers blog as well.

Nervous about the debut. I'm sure it will be fine, though I think it will take a few shows to hit our stride, we play the next three weekends which will help. I have to pay a little more attention to minor details like, oh, I don't know — PLAYING THE RIGHT FREAKING CHORDS and remembering the words. You know, minor stuff.

As for what I am doing to get ready for the big gig, well, the photo of me and Bella The Destroyer says it all ....

Dreamin' of a Lake Michigan beach ....

2010-06-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

My Uncle Peter lives near Holland, Mich. Every year I try to take some time off and hang out on his beach for a few days. It's a little slice of private heaven, a great place to just get away and not worry about anything.

If there's anything better than falling asleep to the sound of waves hitting the beach ....

Anyway, at top is a picture of his two grandsons, Josh and Drew, hitting the 40-degree lake a while back. The water is much warmer now!

So. I am patiently waiting for August to roll around.

Survival

2010-06-13T11:55:00.001-05:00

It ain't all bad. Maybe the newspaper bidness will survive after all.

Click here for more.

New Name?

2010-06-11T21:38:00.003-05:00

With all due respect to UMR, I'm not sure I will change the name of this blog. However, new suggestions are welcome. And I appreciate the kind words.

Being back at work after a week off is not much fun.

There. I feel better.

One of the hardest things I've ever had to do

2010-06-09T16:01:00.003-05:00

The Funions are on hiatus. They are not dead.

But they will not be playing. Maybe for a while.

I didn't think this would be all that tough to do. I am joining another band. I am now a Cheeseburger. A Cheeseburger! Kirk Gribler, Burt Shackleton, Jeff VanKanegan, John Hodge. A really fun band that has played shows with the Funions. A while back they called and said they were going in a new direction. Would I be interested?

It's very different, being a Cheeseburger. I show up and play. They have gigs lined up, a place to practice, and it's a blast, I am enjoying it. The new songs (for me) are challenging but familiar, and this band is tight, really good musicians who can play. Our first show is June 19 in Marcelline, Down On The Corner, outside.

But it's hard to let go of The Funions. Dr. Mark Brei, Rev. Scott Snider, myself and Josh Kattleman started the band at First Union exactly 10 years ago. Is that possible? I can still see Joanne Bier and Biz McConnell, rocking out at the first service.

Many have come and gone from that original worship band incarnation — Devin Cashman and Jack Inghram were in on it. We used First and Union to make up Funions. We played one great show in the church parking lot and one bad show. We always had fun, even if nobody showed up, or if people complained after Easter Sunday about us playing that evil rock and roll in church.

Josh and I recorded the first CD at Copper Mine in 2001. For a while we treaded water. We did another CD with Jim Bier on guitar but only played once with him. Then Justin Busen on drums and David Steggeman on guitar joined and those were the best of times .... we wrote a lot of what became Just Pretending in Justin's basement on Monday nights, jamming away as his mom listened upstairs.

I wish we could have kept that lineup together, we had a few incredible shows with Justin and David. The photo at the top of the page was taken at the old cafe at the Crossing Church, our first show with Justin and David, and I can still remember the awesome feeling of playing original songs and having the small crowd get it.

Larry Flavell came along and we recorded Just Pretending at Copper Mine, some really good stuff. The Funions sort of morphed into a classic rock cover band, and there's nothing wrong with that, especially if you want to play.

Chris Cornwell was a huge part of the band for many years, as the amazing drummer for Just Pretending and Is this Appropriate, later on guitar. His father, Pat Cornwell, owns Vegas Music and we had some insanely fun times practicing in the back room.

I apologize to Adam Yates, The Might One, who joined last year. Adam is a musical talent who can play keyboards, drums, harmonica, sing ... He really got into it and made us a lot better. Our last show was at the the old firing range May 22 to celebrate him being promoted to Sgt. Yates and it was an awesome time. I hurt him when I said I was taking a break from The Funions, and I felt like crap afterwards.

Adam? I am sorry. You are talented and need to play. We can make that happen, perhaps on a mellower scale.

Dr. Brei, who I love like a brother and who refused to let the band die on numerous occasions, deserves all the credit. He was there for me during difficult personal times. Funions for life, Mark. Always.

To Jack Inghram and Rock A. Bye Johnny B, all the best. Jack's saxophone is the common denominator at all shows. Doesn't matter if you are a metal gear head or a classical music lover, the sax lures you in and makes you want to jump every single time. JB has provided guidance and kept me level-headed during tough times.

The Funions are not dead. Just resting. I know we will back. I promised a friend we'd be playing at her wedding next summer and will honor that promise, if she will still have the band play.

On to other things, not better things.

I called a foul on Rick Mahorn

2010-06-08T16:46:00.004-05:00

Just back from a wild and whacky trip to Northern Michigan, Metro Detroit, and all points between. Above is a photo of me, famous Detroit Pistons Bad Boy Rick Mahorn and Macker Maniac Tom Cole. I called a foul on Mr. Mahorn. More on that later.

We left Friday afternoon for Traverse City and everything that could go wrong did. It started with terrible traffic around Springfield. The classic "Let's block off an entire lane of interstate highway for no reason" snarled things for about half an hour.

Traffic was bad on I-80/94 so we decided to cut around through Kankakee. It was all good until it started raining sideways, and we couldn't see two feet in front of. We get to the sprawling metropolis of Momence, and there's a freight train backing up traffic for miles.

We ditch the line and head north up Ill. 1 and after bullheadedly refusing to get a map, I finally stop. Permission granted to Shey Fey for shooting me at this point ... anyway we go through Merrillville and of course hit every red light in the history of the world.

We get around Chicago and north of Grand Rapids and by now it's late, really late, as in, we are more than two hours behind schedule. Then it starts raining sideways again near Cadillac.

We went through Buckley at about 2:30 a.m. Not many people can say that. Shey Fey says, "Is there anything north of this place? WHERE THE HECK ARE WE?"

So of course after several wrong turns we finally find the hotel in Traverse City, and there's some sort of nightclub in the hotel and several wedding rehearsal parties and drunk people milling around all over the place. The gal at the counter says, "Oh, your room is above the lounge and the band plays until 2 a.m. tomorrow, sorry about that."

I was too tired to care. The next thing I remember I was parking next to the tournament site about three hours later with no idea where or who I was. Going through three time zones and getting lost in Indiana twice does that to you.

Gus was awesome on Saturday with classic Northern Michigan weather, cool and misty in the morning, sunny and breezy in the afternoon, more mist later in the day. Small tournament but really nice people, highlighted by Rick Mahorn appearing as a guest of major sponsor Great Wolf Lodge.

Mahorn was a member of the infamous Detroit Pistons Bad Boys teams of the late 80s and early 90s, and has the NBA championship rings to prove it. That was a long time ago, because Big Rick doesn't move as well anymore. In fact, Rick doesn't move at all.

We had his team play on Dream Court Saturday and Tom Cole did play by play and at one point I though maybe Mr. Mahorn was going to strangle poor Tom when he said, "Isiah can't help you now Rick. JORDAN RULES! JORDAN RULES!"

Then I call a foul on Mr. Mahorn and he glared at me but fortunately I can still run.

All in good fun, I assure you.

Shey Fey said the band kept her awake for a while Saturday night but after about 9 p.m. I don't remember anything.

Sunday was cool and breezy and misty again, and unfortunately it rained hard near the end of the afternoon, but we got done and lived to tell about it.

Great trip east to Pontiac and Auburn Hills to see family. I am very proud of Kaylee Sullivan!

On the way home last night Shey Fey again interjected sanity and we stayed in Michigan City, in a new hotel by the new Culver's. HUGE. Don't tell anybody in Quincy.

Thanks to Sarah for watching the dogs, Bella and Lucy were overjoyed to see us and were very well cared for.

No more Michigan adventures. Well, at least not until August ....

Another one bites the dust

2010-06-04T12:27:00.002-05:00

Stunning revelation here about a local blogger who is not a local but used to be a local.

Heading to Traverse City today to work for Gus. LOOONNNGGGG drive.

Next week I will have some major news about music stuff.

Recovery after Gus

2010-05-31T09:20:00.002-05:00

That's me and the legendary Scott (Gus Macker) McNeal at Saturday morning's opening ceremonies. Gus made his 20th consecutive trip to Quincy this weekend, the longest running Gus Macker tournament in the country to my knowledge, and it was a blast as usual.

Scott got the keys to the city from Mayor John Spring and was genuinely humbled. He is one of the most fascinating, high energy and downright positive men I have ever met. He's like a windup toy that never runs out of the juice, an incredible human being.

You are always going to hear the stories about mad parents, kids who misbehave, etc. I saw very little of it and I was all over the place Sunday afternoon after a great two days on Dream Court. Thanks to Don O'Brien and Bill Shuler for helping with announcing games, and SheyFey for being an awesome Dream Court Rally Monkey.

On Sunday afternoon I jumped right into the fray and officiated the championship game on Red A, the youngest division, and these little guys flinging up jumpers on the 8-foot basket were tremendous. It was chaos and actually the biggest issue was an older brother of one of the players who thought he was Bobby Knight. Bobby and I had a little chat near the end of the game. Bobby sat down and didn't say much after that.

On Dream Court the only issue we had was a Quincy High vs. Quincy Notre Dame matchup of macho freshmen and sophomores. You know, you really don't impress me by talking smack after making a basket, or whacking wildly as your man blows past you for a layup. It's the first time I can remember having to come off the stage while doing play by play to officiate and calm things down.

I know they are good kids, but they watch a little too much And 1.

But after that all I saw was great effort and people having a blast. I went down to a 11-12 boys court near the end of the day and officiated a few games and they were a joy to watch and hang out with.

Gus, you were great, as usual. We go to Traverse City this weekend, first time I've been back there since my Alpena News days, and it will be awesome again.

The other guys

2010-05-28T16:25:00.001-05:00

It's funny when a guy who claims he doesn't care what the competition does then says with authority what he thinks about the competition.

Nuff said.