There are two special events worth your attention coming to town this Friday and the next. One of them is the Blues, and the other is Baroque and Brews. How’s that for some fortuitous alliteration?
The first, on Friday May 3, is Chicago Bluesman Keith Scott coming to town to exhibit his artwork and perform his unique brand of heavy, traditional blues. The second event of note, next Friday, May 10 at the newly opened “Picker House” at Cotton Mill Fairfield, is a historical performance of baroque coffee house classical music, paired with tastings of hand brewed artisanal coffees. More on that event in a moment. First, this Friday and Keith Scott.
Keith has been to Madison at least three times previously. He usually visits us about once a year. He’s done blues workshops at The SPOT, he’s played the Taproom, and he’s played Live Lunch at Lytle Park. He likes Madison, and we like him!
His style is pure Chicago, born of the gritty and low-down styles that migrated up from Mississippi and all over the south in the early 20th century. Keith himself moved to Chicago more than 40 years ago, and it’s safe to say he’s become a mainstay of the genre in a town where blues are taken very seriously.
Apparently, and unbeknownst to me, Keith is also a visual artist, and he will be showing his work at a gallery opening at The SPOT on Mulberry Street on May 3 , from 3 to 5 p.m. Word is, Keith will be there with his guitar, and he’ll be creating the musical mood while you peruse his paintings. If you can’t make the gallery event, he’ll be at The Taproom later for a regular late night gig.
Onward to next Friday, May 10. Lots of things about this event are super intriguing and should be very fun and entertaining. First of all, it’s going to be staged at the newly renovated “Picker House” in the area behind the Cotton Mill Fairfield Hotel. It’s one of the many historic structures that stand on the old mill property, and it has been totally restored and upgraded to be a state of the art event space, complete with one of the largest video walls in the region. This is the very first event in the space, so it’s our chance to really check out this exciting new venue.
This show, sponsored by the Madison Performing Arts Foundation, is titled “Baroque and Brew.” It gets its inspiration from the many coffee houses that were popular around Europe in the 17th century. It will feature two pieces by Bach, and one by his friend and contemporary, Georg Telemann.
The performers will be from the Historical Performance Institute — IU Jacobs School of Music. What that means is the music will be played on historically accurate instruments to sound as close as possible to what it would have sounded like 400 years ago. There will be a wooden proto-flute, three vocalists, a harpsichord, violins, a viola, a cello and a violone, which is a predecessor to the modern stand up bass.
Much of the composition of that era took place in the lively and social hubs that were the coffee houses of the day. In fact, one of the Bach pieces is a coffee cantata, complete with a libretto sung in the original German.
To make the experience even more immersive, there will be an intermission with dessert and coffee pairings available for sampling. Sounds yummy! As with all MPAF performances, there is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated and will help to keep these very special events happening in Madison.
Hot Tip of the Week
Lots to talk about this week. On Friday, Chicago Bluesman Keith Scott is coming to town for a couple of music shows and to exhibit his artwork. He’ll be jamming at his art opening at The SPOT on Mulberry, and then playing a regular evening gig at The Taproom later. (He’s also playing on Saturday at the Richwood M3 Derby Party (tickets at MadTixEvents.com)
Also of special note, our much loved riverfront floating bar/restaurant, The Lighthouse, is opening up for the warm season this Wednesday. They are making all kinds of upgrades and improvements down there, plus they will be having a regular live music schedule. On Friday, Greg Foresman is playing at Red Bicycle Hall, and his shows are always FIRE! And on Saturday at Thomas Family Winery, Tim Brickley and his band will absolutely delight you with their brand of classic rock magic. Get out there people, it’s getting warm already!
Charlie Rohlfing is a retired advertising man and partner in The Red Bicycle Hall music venue. Look for his distinctive fedora bobbing above the crowd, anywhere live local music is happening.
This Week in Music
The Central — Full Moon Rising
The SPOT — Keith Scott Jam (3-5 p.m.)
Off Broadway Taproom — Keith Scott
Riverboat Inn — Joe & Deano
Red Bicycle Hall — Greg Foresman
Fairgrounds — For the Love of Bluegrass (& Gospel & Country) (2 p.m.)
Thomas Family Winery — Tim Brickley & the Bleeding Hearts
Richwood — M3 Derby Party (All Day)
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