Takin' the Blog for a Walk
Join Waukesha resident Brien Lee and his blog, Sir Fido, as they explore the city and report on the interesting things they find.
Email Brien at howlinblog@yahoo.com.
they made the right call
It's pretty much been left to the discretion of Waukesha Police whether to close Main Street, Clinton, South, Broadway, etc. for live music in Waukesha. The weather was nice for the first Freeman Friday Night Live of the year and music lovers came. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, didn't appear to be any trouble. What I noticed most were the families with small children. I'm having a hard time picturing as many baby strollers and toddlers if they would've had to negotiate crowded sidewalks.
It's not the first time Downtown streets were closed to vehicles, so once again it felt very relaxing to be able to walk without worry down the middle of the Main Street. There's several sides to the road closure issue. My perspective wouldn't be the same as if I lived or worked downtown but I think, at least this one time, that street closures were by far the best thing to do. This well-advertised opening night of the series, eight stages of live entertainment, with weather that couldn't be beat, introduced a lot of new people to the great downtown we have.
There really was something for just about everyone, though no rap, reggae or symphony orchestra. Barefoot and Bluejeans over by Steaming Cup is a favorite of mine, but I felt most comfortable next to the cool fountain of Governor Lee Dreyfus Plaza listening to Spring City Grass at the Antique Mall stage.
I'll admit the old time bluegrass of Spring City Grass isn't for everyone, but as a one-time banjo player myself, they're number one with me. Much of the Friday Night Live sound could be found anywhere, but bluegrass is rare around here. You don't have to be experienced to appreciate the old time hymns, instrumentals, and singing but it helps.
How rare is it to hear dobro guitar or stand-up bass played near Waukesha? Spring City Grass also did something for the first time Friday they've never done in public; something not found at any of the other Friday Night bands. They sang a wonderful version of Farther Along a cappella. Spring City Grass doesn't have a website or CDs for sale, so each performance is the full result of their effort and love of music. They're not going to get rich doing this, but our lives will be richer for having heard and enjoyed them.
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