The Milwaukee Area this Fall and Winter - Interesting and Fun!

The Milwaukee Area this Fall and Winter - Interesting and Fun!

You might be surprised to find out how much is going on in and around Milwaukee this fall and winter. Apart from fun events coming up, this area has much more than you might think in terms of history, culture and natural beauty. This combination of interesting and fun makes it a great destination for all kinds of people, from families and couples to individuals or groups of friends, no matter what age you may be or what interests you may have.

For the nature-oriented there's the beautiful Oak Leaf Trail, a hundred miles of paved paths, parkways and connecting streets to explore.

There's also the famous Lake Geneva resort, nestled on the northeastern shores of Geneva Lake in southeast Wisconsin. This has been a resort community since just after the Civil War, when wealthy Chicago families discovered the site and began building summer homes there. Today, Lake Geneva is one of the Midwest's top getaway spots. The beautiful natural surroundings, laid-back attitude, lively downtown and understated opulence is just the beginning - it's the wide variety of events, expansive nature preserves, outstanding dining and lodging options, scenic walking and biking trails and top rated golf courses that attract countless guests. If you head further east you will find the Lake Michigan shoreline with several beach towns where you can enjoy great sand dunes, lighthouses, and a variety of water sports.

In and around Milwaukee you'll find music, museums, great dining, and festivals.

This November for example, there's the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival at Pere Marquette Park – a ceremonial switch-on with live music, holiday entertainment, a visit from Santa and a dynamic fireworks show.

In December at the Wisconsin State Fair Park there is the ice fishing and winter sports show, where you can shop row upon row of exhibits with products and services dedicated to the ice fishing and winter sports enthusiast. Also at the State Fair Park in December you can visit Wisconsin's largest boating exposition with over 300 boats from over 75 manufacturers on display.

For a great family day out in late February the Tripoli Shrine Circus returns to the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena with the best circus performers in the world today. With amazing lighting and sound, human and animal performers bring you into the magical world of circus.

Going into 2016, there is the beautiful Winterfest at Boerner Botanical Gardens. You can take a guided walk through Boerner's forest with Mike Kreuser, Green Team sustainable landscape expert. Enjoy the learning experience further with winter-themed crafts and then warm up with hot dogs, chili, chips, and hot drinks.

If you like theatre, the professional Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson has a surefire formula, offering Broadway musicals and heartwarming Christmas shows. For visitors who enjoy a dip into the past, with occasional breaks for cappuccino and crepes, Cedarburg, just 20 miles north of Milwaukee, is practically perfect. There's an 1864 woolen mill at one end of the main street, now housing a winery and two dozen shops.

This gives you a snapshot of some of the things to be discovered. Rest assured that if you are in and around Milwaukee this fall and winter you will certainly find something to do, no matter what your interests!

Harvest Fair This Weekend at the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds

Among other bands in a great lineup, The Buckinghams perform Saturday; a brief interview with lead singer Carl Giammarese.

By Aaron S. Robertson

“We’re really looking forward to Milwaukee, even if you’re a bunch of Packers fans,” Carl Giammarese, the lead singer of famed 60s pop group The Buckinghams, told me with a laugh in a brief interview with him by phone this past Tuesday afternoon, September 23. It was my second interview with him. Check out my more comprehensive conversation with Carl near the end of 2011. “As you know, we’ve visited Milwaukee many, many times, going back to the 60s, and we always have a great time.”

The Chicago-based group, armed with hits like “Kind of a Drag”, “Don’t You Care”, “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song)”, and “Susan”, takes the stage this Saturday, September 27, starting at 4:00pm at the Bank Mutual Amphitheater. Admission is free for the family-friendly fair, which opens Friday evening and runs through Sunday.

The Harvest Fair performance will include the band’s horn section, which is always a treat. Joining along in the 75-minute performance will be Brookfield resident Peter Neumer on sax.

Carl Giammarese, Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 12/5/12.

“We had a good summer,” Carl told me. “There were some really enjoyable shows throughout the year so far. We recently performed with The Grass Roots and Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. Nick [Fortuna, the band’s bassist and other remaining original member] and I are really pleased with the current lineup. We just keep plotting along here.” The Grass Roots are also performing Saturday at the same stage, starting at 8:00pm. Read my in-depth 2012 interview with bassist and lead singer Mark Dawson.

Aside from additional upcoming performances this year, Carl said the band doesn’t have any new recordings or other special projects coming up in the pipeline at the immediate moment, but he did note that an album was released earlier this year entitled FlashBack, a collection of newer recordings featuring both national hits and regional favorites that The Buckinghams have enjoyed over the years. “I’d like to maybe record another live show for DVD one of these days, as well,” Carl explained, noting, “But you have to have the perfect venue for something like that.” Carl has also been working on an autobiography for some time now. “I’m hoping to complete it before I pass away,” he said with a laugh. “But joking aside, I think our fan base will really come to enjoy it. It will be very extensive.”

Bassist Nick Fortuna, Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 12/5/12.

From personal experience, The Buckinghams always put on a great show. There’s something for everyone. It’s actually worth forgetting and forgiving for that 75 minutes that some of the band members are die-hard Bears and Cubs fans. And we know that it’s pretty darn rare when we can say that, right Milwaukee? So come check the band out and take in all of the other great entertainment and food offerings that Harvest Fair has in store for you this weekend. And if 60s pop is in fact your forte, you definitely have to return for The Grass Roots.

Click here for the complete Harvest Fair lineup, and check out www.thebuckinghams.com.

Upcoming Interview with Carl Giammarese of The Buckinghams

Excited to announce I'll be catching up with Carl Giammarese of The Buckinghams tomorrow in a brief interview leading up to the band's appearance at Harvest Fair at the Wisconsin State Fair grounds this coming Saturday!

In the meantime, check out my comprehensive interview with him near the end of 2011.

All the Best,

--Aaron

Fall Kickoff Business Expo at Wisconsin State Fair

Join us for the Fall Kickoff Business Expo @ Wisconsin State Fair Park on Sept 12th

Vendor spaces are only $225 while they last! Don’t miss this chance to promote your business and be a part of a Milwaukee B2B Expo and Networking Extravaganza where you can afford to exhibit!

GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND CONNECTIONS!

Thursday, 9/12/13 agenda includes;

7:00am - 9:00am Morning Networking Session

9:00am - 4:00pm B2B Expo/Success Speakers Forum

4:05pm - Milwaukee's Premier Tailgate Networking  

For more details and registration see:  http://www.mkeb2bexpo.eventbrite.com

September 11, 2013

Jerry Kramer Private Celebrity Appearance and Kickoff Event Wednesday Evening at Joey Gerard's in Greendale by reservation only.

For more details and registration see: MKEB2BEXPO.EVENTBRITE.COM

Spaces won’t last long at this price for an expo booth. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Exclusive Interview: Mark Dawson, Lead Singer and Bassist of The Grass Roots

By Aaron S. Robertson

Author's note: After reading this in-depth interview with Mark, check out my follow-up with him in October 2013!

If you ever get the chance to talk with Mark Dawson, you’ll notice a couple of things right off the bat: he loves humor and will almost certainly make you laugh, no matter the subject; and he listens to you, showing a genuine interest in what you have to say. And so it was during our conversation by phone on September 12. I haven’t even met the man in person yet, and we were talking like old pals for more than an hour and a half, sharing memories of our favorite bands and concerts, talking about sports, and a lot more. We talked briefly about other recent interviews I’ve done, the latest having been with Doug Clifford, the drummer of Creedence Clearwater Revival. As many of my readers and friends know, I’m starting to get into lyric/poetry writing a little bit, and Mark even took some time out to give me a few pointers on the business side of music, which I really appreciated. As with all of my interviews, I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity, and I hope you’re just as excited to read these words as I was in writing them.

Serving as the bassist and lead singer of The Grass Roots comes naturally to Mark. “I’ve always been a sucker for mid-60s pop,” he explained. “And not just Brit pop, but American pop. The Buckinghams, Paul Revere and The Raiders, The Seeds, Gary Lewis and The Playboys, and of course, The Grass Roots!,” he added.

Wisconsin State Fair, August 2012.

So just how did Mark end up becoming the bassist and lead singer of one of the greatest bands to emerge from the 1960s, filling the big shoes of Rob Grill, who died in July 2011 after dealing with multiple health issues? The back story, as Mark explains, reaches back to the mid-late 70s. “I was just a punk kid, about 21, trying to hook up with other groups. One night, we played at a field house at Western Illinois University. I think this was ’77 or ’78. We had to open for The Grass Roots! Not only did we have to open for them, but we had to supply our gear to them,” he explained, adding, “Well, Rob and I hit it off, and he invited me up on stage to play some songs with them! That was really cool. And we just kept in touch over the years.” But despite this long friendship of nearly 30 years, the timing for joining The Grass Roots was never quite right. Something else always seemed to come along. “It was never the right moment to make the leap [to The Grass Roots],” Mark told me. “There was always a lot of soul-searching taking place.” He thought a chance came along in 1982, when Epic records pulled the plug on a band Mark was working with. But then another project presented itself, and again, and again, until 2004, when Mark, originally from Chicago, moved to Orlando and Rob to Mt. Dora. The two were now only 30 miles or so apart, and they began keeping in touch more. In 2006, the official announcement was made that Mark had joined the group as a bass player and secondary singer. About taking Rob’s place after his passing, Mark explained, “I don’t try to imitate Rob. I try to emulate what he did.”

Performing in January 2011 at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, IN.

But in addition to helping to carry on the legacy of one of America’s greatest groups, Mark is also making a name for himself as a solo artist, as well. He’s currently working on his second solo album, and hopes to have it completed sometime this fall. Entitled, “Making Noise”, he credits his wife, Cathy, for coming up with the title. “I have an in-home studio, and she always says to me, ‘Go make some noise,’” he explained with a laugh. One of the songs on the album, “Cold Sweat on a Hot Night”, is available for free download at Mark’s Web site. The album promises to be a lot of fun, featuring Carl Giammarese, lead singer of The Buckinghams as well as a solo artist in his own right, and at least one member of the Ides of March, among others in an all-star lineup.

Mark can also be heard on a few group albums. He did a couple albums with The All-Night Newsboys in the mid-90s. And a song entitled, “She’s Gone Hollywood”, which Mark appeared on in an album released in 1982, is getting new life, thanks to The Numero Group, a record company known for putting together high-quality, unique compilations. “That was pretty exciting. I just received this phone call out of the blue one day from someone at The Numero Group saying they’d like to use this song in a compilation album, and that they’ll be in touch to discuss the royalty arrangement,” he said. The compilation is named Buttons: From Champaign to Chicago. “They do a great job finding material for their compilations, and they also do great liner notes - they’re so nicely written, and they really provide the reader with rich background info,” Mark added.

A big fan of Paul McCartney, you may see Mark in the crowd if you’re catching McCartney’s show in St. Louis on November 11. “We just bought the tickets this morning, actually, and I’m really excited,” he told me.

L-R: Dusty Hanvey (guitar), Mark Dawson (bass), Joe Dougherty (drums), and Larry Nelson (keyboards) of The Grass Roots. Source: http://www.the-grassroots.com

The Grass Roots are expected to have a new album out in 2013, as well, the first album with Mark as lead singer of the band’s current lineup. The background story on this live album is interesting. As Mark explained it, the band was performing at the Sausalito Art Festival on September 2. That performance was being recorded for this new album, when, about 40 minutes into the show, the entire festival went down - everything was being run on solar power. In the end, the band lost those first 40 minutes or so on the recording, ending up with only 18 minutes. So The Grass Roots are scheduled to be back out in California in October, this time for a private show in Cloverdale, where the band will give the recording a second go.

Mark Dawson's take on a Grass Roots classic, "Temptation Eyes"

In addition to keeping busy with recording, Mark is also an aspiring author - well, of sorts. He’s working on a book he hopes will be out in early 2013. As with his new album’s title, Mark credits wife Cathy for the idea of the book, which he describes as, “…a little paperback, toilet humor kind-of-book.” Based on, “…the silly, ridiculous things I say on Facebook and Twitter,” Cathy noticed one day that he has over 5,000 Facebook and Twitter posts, and that’s where the idea started. It’s a funny book you don’t want to miss, and Mark said he’s in talks with a, “…famous person…” to pen a foreword.

“I don’t try to imitate Rob. I try to emulate what he did.”

When not on the road touring or in the studio recording, Mark enjoys the simplicity of everyday life. “It sounds cliché, but I really enjoy each and every day,” he explained to me. “Cathy and I hang out a lot, do spontaneous things - dinner, farmers markets, the beach. I love playing with the local musicians when I get the chance. I don’t like schedules, like to be spontaneous, be free-flowing.” Mark is also a big pro-sports fan, mostly baseball and football. “Go Pack!,” he told me, in reference, of course, to our beloved Green Bay Packers.

Mark and guitarist Dusty Hanvey represented The Grass Roots for the 2012 Happy Together Tour, their third year in a row doing the tour. The 2012 lineup, in addition to The Grass Roots, featured The Buckinghams, Gary Puckett, Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, and The Turtles. Unfortunately for Grass Roots fans, the band will not be represented for the 2013 Happy Together Tour. Asked if there was any one particular moment, show, or venue that really stood out in his mind during this year’s tour, it was tough for Mark to answer. “We had a lot of fun! Choosing one favorite moment is very difficult. That being said though, the Minnesota State Fair does stand out for some reason. The fans are insane up there! They were just so loud and fired up about the show. It was a blast.” And, of course, performing in his hometown of Orlando stands out. “We performed at The Plaza Theatre. A big highlight, my hometown. Less than a 1,000 people in the place, and so many people knew me!”

Asked if he was keeping an eye on anyone in particular as far as up-and-coming talent, Mark was quick to point out a band called The Dunwells, made up of five guys out of England. He noted that The Grass Roots played a show in Rochester, New York, and The Dunwells was the opening act. “They were like Crosby, Stills, and Nash, only more modern, more electric guitar,” he said. “They were awesome. I ended up buying their CD. One night, I turned the TV on, and they were on the Jay Leno show! Excellent songwriters and performers.” He also enjoys the work of The Decemberists, the indie group out of Portland, Oregon.

Source: http://www.nj.com

Mark’s advice for aspiring musicians: “Always make sure you do something because you love it. My father always gave me that advice. He’d often tell me, ‘Be sure to love what you do.’ And be in touch with your audience. Know what you’re playing for them, and make them happy. If you do that, the fans will respond. They’ll come to your shows. They’ll buy your CDs. They’ll tell others about you.”

I was curious to know if there were any musicians that Mark hasn’t performed or recorded with that he would love to. “Chris Isaak,” he said. “He’s just the nicest, most-likeable guy. All that stuff I said about connecting to your fans, he does it!”

And what kind of interview would I be delivering to my readers without a Milwaukee spin? Mark shared some great memories of performing in the Milwaukee area. “I always enjoy playing Summerfest,” he said, adding, “It’s always so well-run, and the talent lineup is great.” He recalls seeing our very own BoDeans playing at Summerfest in what he thinks was 1984. “I was just so impressed with them! A lot of talent there.” And he fondly remembers a performance by Styx in the early ’80s at Summerfest. “I was friends with Tommy Shaw. Tommy was sick and worried he’d have to be hospitalized. A doctor came along, gave him some adrenaline, and he ended up taking the stage that night afterall, and he sang great! You would have never known what had just taken place backstage.” And let’s not forget about that other big summertime festival, the Wisconsin State Fair. One thing that stands out in Mark’s mind is a performance The Grass Roots gave at State Fair a number of years back. “We played with Three Dog Night. It was raining pretty heavy that night, and no one got out of their seats to leave. That was awesome. We really appreciated that.”

And don’t forget to check out the view from the bass. Mark launched a Web site called the “Bass Eye View” - an ongoing collection of photos he takes from the stages of the venues he performs at, with his bass in the shots, of course. As Mark explains, “I’ve played some pretty cool venues. I just love old theaters, just love them. One night, I’m standing in front of the stage of a theater, taking pictures. Then I got the bass in a pic. Our stage manager, Jason Craig, said, ‘Cool bass eye view.’ And that’s how it started.”

For this self-described punk kid with Chicago roots, it’s been a heck of a fun journey, the kind of journey that dreams are made of. The adventures continue, and he invites you to tag along with him.

On the Web:

• Mark Dawson
• The Grass Roots
• Mark Dawson's "Bass Eye View" site
• A general search of The Grass Roots on YouTube
• Mark Dawson's Facebook fan page
• The Bass Eye View on Twitter 

Upcoming Interview: Mark Dawson, Bassist and Lead Vocals, The Grass Roots

UPDATE: The interview is now published and can be read here.

I am thrilled to announce that I recently interviewed Mark Dawson, bassist and lead singer of The Grass Roots! So stay tuned for this exciting interview, as it promises to be great! I hope to have it wrapped up here within the next few days, tops.

Mark, along with fellow Grass Roots member Dusty Hanvey, just came off of another highly successful Happy Together Tour. In addition to Mark and Dusty representing The Grass Roots, the 2012 Happy Together Tour lineup also featured The Buckinghams, Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, Gary Puckett, and The Turtles. For the second year in a row, I was privileged to catch the show at the Wisconsin State Fair in August. You can check out my photography of the 2011 show here, and the 2012 concert here.

2012 Happy Together Tour, Wisconsin State Fair, 8/5/12.

Mark is currently working on his second solo album, "Making Noise", which he hopes will be all wrapped up and ready to go later on this fall. Additionally, he's working on a fun book, as well. You'll learn more about these projects, and so much more, very shortly! So stay tuned!

In the meantime, check out these links and videos featuring both Mark's recent tenure with the band, along with vintage Grass Roots material featuring Rob Grill!



All the Best,

Aaron Robertson 

Mark Dawson's recent take on this classic Grass Roots hit, "Temptation Eyes"


The original recording of "Temptation Eyes", released in 1970, featuring Rob Grill on lead vocals and bass. Grill passed away in 2011.


Web sites:

• Mark Dawson
• The Grass Roots
• Mark Dawson's "Bass Eye View" site
• A general search of The Grass Roots on YouTube  

Happy Together Tour at Wisconsin State Fair on 8/5/12

I just returned a little while ago from the Wisconsin State Fair to see, for the second year in a row now, the Happy Together Tour concert. Wow. What a treat. The weather was perfect, the performers delightful, and the fans responsive. It was also really great to see a good-sized younger crowd in the audience, as well.

This year's (2012) lineup for the Happy Together Tour features The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots, Gary Puckett, Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, and The Turtles. They were all right on the mark. If you're thinking of attending a Happy Together Tour concert, I strongly recommend doing so. It's a lot of fun.

For photos of the 2012 show, click here. For photos of the 2011 Happy Together Tour concert, also at Wisconsin State Fair, click here. Also, check out my recent interviews with Carl Giammarese and Godfrey Townsend. Hope you enjoy!

All the Best,

Aaron Robertson

$5 Wisconsin State Fair Tickets Until 6/30/12

Don't forget, you only have until the end of June to get your Wisconsin State Fair general admission tickets for just $5 each! You save $4 per ticket by ordering them by 6/30/12.

Through the Wisconsin State Fair Web site, you can either order them by mail delivery, or print them at home. There are very small processing fees associated with both options, and you can have up to 8 tickets per order (you can always return to the site to order more!).

Also through the site, you can purchase Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage concert tickets, the Fair Deals Bargain Book, vouchers for cream puffs and amusement ride tickets, and more!

For more information, and to place an order, visit this link on the Wisconsin State Fair site: http://www.wistatefair.com/maxtixweb/landing.html

Of course, you also have the option of taking a ride down to the Wisconsin State Fair ticket sales booth and picking these items up directly, but the Web site makes it so much simpler.

UPDATE: A friend just pointed out that you can get a free ticket by signing up to give blood on Tuesday, June 26 at Wisconsin State Fair Park! As she said, it's a great way to be a hero and enjoy the fair in August!

Things to Do at Wisconsin State Fair

Wisconsin State Fair is a location where people create memories that go beyond a long time. The Wisconsin State Fair comes about for 11 days each season. Wisconsin does offer a great range of pursuits for enthusiasts of the great outdoors. From fishing to biking, horse riding to playing golf, almost every activity is catered for. Continue reading to find more about things to do at Wisconsin State Fair in 2012.

A wide range of fresh, real Greek food is available, including gyros, saganaki, souvlaki, baklava, Greek chicken and loukoumades. If you want things deep fried, then you can call this venue a heaven. From deep-fried candy bars to deep fried beer, there is just a lot to try.

More than 200 food suppliers are spread throughout the area, featuring everything to amuse your palate from Asian, Americana and Greek to Italian, Polish and Mexican. The chocolate-filled bread is simply exceptional. Time your romantic holiday to correspond with one of the best festivals and you could enjoy the Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs (offered in both three and six packs), “strawberry”, or fine French dishes.

Wisconsin State Fair has a huge selection of imported and domestic beers, but in addition to brews, the festival offers multiple malt drinks, including Bacardi Lemonade, Mike's Hard Lemonade and Calypso and Smirnoff Ice.

All through the festival, visitors are amused by classic Greek music and grooving parties.

The shopping does not end at the expo center. Marketers from all over the state set up shops inside the Wisconsin Goods Pavilion. Expected names such as Usinger’s and Palermo’s are there, but you will also find a lot of smaller corporations that promote everything from honey to duck fajitas.

Every visit to the Wisconsin State Fair should finish with a trip on the huge slide. Activities and rides for kids of various age groups are offered, as well as Greek Market stuffed with imported products and artifacts!

Last but not least, Wisconsin State Fair is a home to one of the major Amish communities in the United States. If you've always wondered at their lifestyle you can take pleasure in a driving or riding trip through Amish region, stopping to see handmade furniture and buy handcrafted candy during the trip.

Wisconsin State Fair will certainly “Tilt Your World” with fascinating competitions, thrilling rides, exclusive games, fabulous meals, free amusement and fun for people of all age groups. Bring your loved ones and meet your buddies at the Fair because everybody will be there.

Exclusive Interview: Godfrey Townsend, Accomplished Musician and Singer

By Aaron S. Robertson

New York-based guitarist shares with Milwaukee-area journalist his advice to aspiring musicians, what it’s like to have “…Clapton down better than Clapton!”, projects in the works, what fans can expect in 2012, and thoughts on guitar prodigy Derek Trucks, among other topics.

My first time seeing Godfrey Townsend - in fact, my first time ever hearing of the man, tragically - happened just this past August (2011), when I went to see the Happy Together Tour concert at the Wisconsin State Fair. There he was, on stage, backing up 60s greats The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots, The Association, Mark Lindsay, and The Turtles on a light blue and white Fender Stratocaster. I learned in my interview with Townsend last month that the rest of the backing band on that tour is his own band. “It’s not your standard back-up band. Everyone has their own forte,” Townsend told me during our roughly 70-minute conversation by phone from his home in New York on January 6. “Everyone in the band can sing, and 60s music had a lot of background vocals.” As for his own singing abilities, Townsend said he spent three years with a 50s-style doo-wop group, and it was during his stay with that group that he really learned harmonizing.

In addition to his work with the Happy Together Tour, Townsend is involved with the Hippiefest tour, as well, both of which will be returning in 2012. He’s also blogging for Guitar World; working on putting together a tour called Sons of Cream, which will feature the sons of Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker (Malcolm and Kofi, respectively); is a regular staple at the B.B. King Blues Club in New York City; and is the star attraction each year for a birthday tribute show in honor of legendary blues-rocker Eric Clapton, also held at the B.B. King Blues Club.

Source: www.godfreytownsendmusic.com

Townsend is particularly proud of the annual Clapton tribute show, and he should be. As the story goes, Lee Dickson, Clapton’s guitar tech, turned to John Entwistle (bassist for The Who) one night after hearing Townsend performing some Cream tunes, and exclaimed, “This guy’s got Clapton down better than Clapton!” As Townsend explains, “We’ve been doing that show since 2001, and there have been many years where it sold out. It’s the longest-running, most successful show at B.B. King’s Club.” Asked what kind of Clapton material tends to get play time, with his catalog as expansive and diverse as it is, Townsend said the show, “…tends to gravitate more towards the Derek and the Dominos stuff, as that material tends to be more audience-friendly.” Townsend, who cites Clapton as being his first major influence when he was learning lead guitar, said he has never jammed with him. In a chance encounter, the two of them met very briefly one time as Clapton was leaving a show, Townsend said.

Godfrey Townsend and his band performing Layla, by Derek and the Dominos.


Asked if there’s anyone he’s keeping his eye on as far as up-and-coming talent, Townsend mentioned Derek Trucks. Now 32 years old, Trucks mastered the guitar at an early age and is particularly known for his soulful slide guitar work. He’s been a member of The Allman Brothers Band since 1999, of which his uncle, drummer Butch Trucks, is a founding member. With wife Susan Tedeschi, another blues-rock performer of note, Derek co-founded the Tedeschi Trucks band in 2010. “I wouldn’t necessarily call him up-and-coming anymore, I think he’s already established himself. But he’s still young enough where there remains a lot more to be seen from him,” Townsend said. “He’s just awesome. He’s a real-deal player.”

The Allman Brothers Band performing a smoking version of Elmore James' blues classic, The Sky is Crying, in 2009. Derek Trucks is on slide guitar.


For those aspiring to make it as musicians, Townsend said it all comes down to focus. “It takes a good 10 years to really establish yourself. And by the time you’re in your 30s-40s, there’s not much time left if you’re still aspiring. So stay focused and serious, and be true to yourself.”

Over the years, Godfrey Townsend has jammed with a who’s who list of rock’s royalty. That said, I was curious if there was anyone missing from that list that he would really love to work with someday. “Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin,” he said without hesitation. “I know some people that have worked with Pink Floyd. I grew up with Pink Floyd. There will be nothing like ‘[The] Dark Side of the Moon’ again,” he declared, referring to their 1973 album which became a smash hit. As for Led Zeppelin, Townsend said he had the opportunity to meet Jimmy Page at John Entwistle’s memorial service in England, and that his (Townsend’s) drummer has a high enough pitch to be able to sing like Robert Plant. Townsend did a lot of work with Entwistle, who was the bass player for The Who, before he passed away in 2002.

An interview with Godfrey Townsend in 2011.


As if it’s not apparent by now that Townsend is a big fan of British Invasion-era rockers and blues greats, he was also involved in the highly successful A Walk Down Abbey Road tribute tour to the Beatles in 2001-02 and, in addition to his work with John Entwistle, has also done a considerable amount of jamming with Jack Bruce, the bass player for Cream.

So what can fans expect for 2012? Here’s a brief breakdown:

• May: Kick off the Sons of Cream tour at the end of the month with a few dates on the East Coast
• Summer: Happy Together Tour, Hippiefest
• Fall: Sons of Cream tour really gets going in full force

And for Milwaukee-area fans, the Happy Together Tour will be returning to the Wisconsin State Fair again this year! The 2012 lineup for that tour includes The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots, Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, and The Turtles.

For further information, visit:

www.godfreytownsendmusic.com

Godfrey Townsend videos on YouTube

Godfrey Townsend's blog on Guitar World

Exclusive Interview: Carl Giammarese, Lead Singer of The Buckinghams

Carl Giammarese at Wisconsin State Fair, 8/7/11. Credit: Aaron S. Robertson.

By Aaron S. Robertson

Frontman of Chicago-based 1960s hit-makers talks to Milwaukee-area journalist about advice to aspiring musicians, Haley Reinhart, Lauren Frost, treasured memories, performing for two presidential balls, and the Packers and Brewers, among other topics.

Author’s note: The genesis of this interview goes back to August of this past year, when I shot photography and did a write-up for Muskego Patch of The Happy Together Tour’s performance at the Wisconsin State Fair. My photography and write-up caught the attention of The Buckinghams’ publicist, and we had some nice e-mail exchanges. A big fan of The Buckinghams and music in general, I decided to take a shot and reach out to lead singer Carl Giammarese a few weeks ago for an interview, to which he happily agreed.

Please note that I intentionally sought to avoid asking the interviewee questions about the origins and history of The Buckinghams, as those questions have been answered by countless others before me over the course of more than four decades. He also has an autobiography coming out soon, which will cover a lot of those areas. For more of a historical background on The Buckinghams, see their Wikipedia entry. A brief history of the band and commentary by me leading up to this interview, along with video clips of both vintage and modern performances and interviews conducted by others can also be found at my blog.

Before we begin, I’m really sorry to have to break this to all of you ladies who grew up on Buckinghams music and still have those girlhood crushes – Carl Giammarese is married – for many years now, and very happily.

“I respect the Green Bay Packers, I think they’re a great organization,” the die-hard Bears fan told me over the phone from his Chicago home during our roughly 80-minute conversation, after I expressed my condolences to him for his team’s loss to the Packers less than two days prior, on Christmas Day. “But they do need to get their defense in order.”

A big sports fan, the singer and songwriter next brought up the Milwaukee Brewers, whom he said he was paying close attention to and rooting for this past October when the Brew Crew was battling our mutual archenemy, the St. Louis Cardinals, in the playoffs. “They have a great team, and I was really rooting for them.”

Speaking of sports, The Buckinghams are privileged to be offered the opportunity from time to time to perform the National Anthem at sporting events, largely around the Chicago area. Giammarese recalled that they’ve performed it for White Sox and Bulls games. “We performed it some years back at a Colts game, too. Various sports teams are always looking for national acts for it, and we’re really grateful for those opportunities,” Giammarese said, adding, “I’m emotionally moved every time I sing it. It means a lot.” A big Cubs fan, Giammarese said he’s hoping that team will call on The Buckinghams for the National Anthem one of these days. They’ve already performed “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” a few times during the seventh inning stretch.

Giammarese, an original member of The Buckinghams, with memorable hits like “Kind of a Drag”, “Don’t You Care”, “Susan”, and “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song)”, has been the band’s lead singer since 1983, when original front man Dennis Tufano decided to pursue a solo career. Giammarese was the guitarist in the original lineup, which lasted from 1966-70. Three of the five original Buckinghams (Giammarese, Tufano, and bassist Nick Fortuna) reunited in 1980, originally intended just for that year’s ChicagoFest. Keyboardist Marty Grebb was not interested in the reunion, and drummer John Poulos, who had battled drug and alcohol addiction, had passed away just five months prior.

With fellow original Buckingham Nick Fortuna on bass (left).

Giammarese took some time to reflect on Poulos, who passed away just shy of his 33rd birthday in March 1980. It was apparent during our conversation that the death of Poulos still leaves a void in the hearts of Giammarese and bassist Fortuna, the band’s other remaining original member. “We miss him so much. He was a great friend, like a brother, really, and always fun to be around,” Giammarese recalled. “John was really the instigator for getting the band back together. He really pushed for that. And sadly, drugs and alcohol had gotten the best of him, and he died five months before our reunion.” Giammarese wrote this very moving tribute to Poulos in his soon-to-be released autobiography.

Asked if he ever imagined The Buckinghams would last as long as it has after that initial 1980 reunion, Giammarese replied, “That’s an easy question. A big fat NO,” with a hearty laugh. “I thought it would last maybe a couple, a few years, but the momentum just continued to grow from there.” He credited the original Happy Together Tour in 1985 as being a major help.

When not on the road performing for one of upwards of 75-80 concerts per year, Giammarese enjoys his time working out a few times per week, going out to dinner, seeing movies, taking in a good game of tennis, and running his publishing company, Chiway Publishing. There’s always some sort of music project going on, and the business side of things keeps him busy, as well.

Though most people may know Giammarese through his association with The Buckinghams, many may not know that he’s also a songwriter, as well, an aspect of the business he got into during the 1970s when he was one half of the duo Tufano & Giammarese. The duo produced three albums during the decade. Giammarese continues to write frequently, and has recorded a number of solo works independent of The Buckinghams.

“There’s really no set thing,” Giammarese told me, when I asked him if there were any particular places or things he likes to turn to for inspiration when he’s working on new material. He said a lot of writing takes place in his office, mostly late at night when the phones aren’t ringing. “Sometimes it will take me a day to write a song, sometimes it can take a week. It really depends.” “Oh Lord (Make Me More Like You)” only took 20 minutes or so to write, he noted. “I wrote that shortly after my father passed away, and I was feeling very spiritual at the time.” The song, which appeared on his 2003 solo album, Trying Not To Fade, was soon playing on The Fish, a Christian Rock station based out of Chicago, and was later recorded by a Christian artist in Nashville. “That was a neat experience, sort of different. I never thought of myself as a Christian artist.”

Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 12/5/12.

Giammarese’s advice for aspiring musicians: stay focused and be prepared to sacrifice big time. “Things have certainly changed a bit since I started,” pointing out the advances in technology, new forms of media, and his observation that it appears as though many more people are trying to break into the business.

“One thing that will never change though is that you really have to be willing to dedicate your life to it. You just can’t do it part-time. And be prepared for the possibility of sacrificing relationships.” Giammarese said he missed out on his high school prom, along with many birthdays and family functions over the years. “And you really have to be yourself. Find your own way and style, and hope there’s an audience that appreciates it.” He emphasized the importance of being one’s own self, warning that trying to imitate someone else may take one to the level of being a great cover, but that’s about it. “We were very fortunate to have the right look and style, the right management, and the right songs coming our way back in the 60s.” He said old-fashioned word-of-mouth is still the best way to get noticed for one’s efforts.

I wanted to know if there are any acts on the Chicago music scene Giammarese is keeping his eye on as far as new, up-and-coming talent. “Admittedly, I’ve been out of the loop as far as the Chicago scene goes,” he said. But two young Illinois natives he sees great talent and a lot of future potential in and whom he’s been following from time to time are Haley Reinhart and Lauren Frost. “There’s a lot of talent there, and they certainly already have a number of great credentials established.” Reinhart’s parents, who are musicians themselves, recently opened for The Buckinghams at Viper Alley, a newer entertainment venue in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Reinhart placed third in the tenth season of American Idol. Frost, who is also an actress, portrayed a young Barbara Streisand in Streisand’s “Timeless” concert tours.

The Buckinghams were privileged in recent years to perform for two presidential inaugural balls, the Twilight on the Prairie Ball in 2005 for President George W. Bush, and the Bipartisan Illinois Agricultural Ball for President Barack Obama in 2009. “Great experiences,” Giammarese said of them. Asked how he landed these unique gigs, he credited close friend Terrence (Terry) Duffy, who has served as executive chairman of Chicago-based CME Group since 2007. “Terry’s a wonderful man, has a great family. We performed for a number of fundraisers he held, and that’s how we became close friends.”

One particular memory that he’ll never forget occurred in 2005 before the ball for President Bush. “Terry, myself, our wives, we were headed to a dinner that Terry invited us to that was also being attended by a number of members of Congress, among other guests. I walk into the room, and the whole room breaks out singing ‘Susan’. That was really special.” Giammarese also recalled the enthusiasm he witnessed during President Obama’s inauguration. “No matter what your political preferences are, it would have been very hard not to notice the level of excitement, of enthusiasm, that was present.”

Wisconsin State Fair, 8/5/12.

Giammarese said he received plenty of e-mails from fans after performing for both inaugural balls. “Fans were writing me asking, ‘How could you play for Bush?’ or ‘How could you play for Obama?’ We really have no political preference in that respect. It’s a business call, we were simply booked to perform.”

I was curious to know if there were any particular causes Giammarese and band members like to contribute to, either monetarily or through their time and talents. “Children,” he simply said, going on to talk about various charities they really care about, including UCAN, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wish Upon a Star, and Toys for Tots. “It really does break your heart to see these children, what they’ve been through, what they are going through. So we try to do whatever we can to help.” A pet owner, Giammarese also likes to work with various organizations that promote animal welfare.

Bassist Nick Fortuna, Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 12/5/12.

We spent a few minutes talking about memories he has of staying and performing in Milwaukee. “Milwaukee’s like a second home to us,” Giammarese said. “A great city. Many fond memories going back to the 60s, not just of Milwaukee, but the entire state.” The Buckinghams always stay in downtown Milwaukee when they’re in town, and typically do several shows a year around the state, he said. Past venues around the Milwaukee area have included Potawatomi Bingo Casino, Wisconsin State Fair, and Festa Italiana, among many others.

“They’ll always overshadow to some extent,” Giammarese said, when asked if he thinks the original Buckinghams hits overshadow their new material, both the band’s and his solo works. “But are we frustrated by that? Do we have any regrets? Not at all,” he declared, adding, “We’re really grateful for those hits, because they allowed us to separate ourselves from other bands.”

Among the highlights you can expect from The Buckinghams in 2012: the band will be playing a concert with a symphony orchestra next fall, which is a first, and The Happy Together Tour will be back. Giammarese and Fortuna will once again be representing the band in a lineup that includes The Grass Roots, Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, and The Turtles.

Just how long does Carl Giammarese and his fellow Buckinghams intend to stick around on the music scene? “Until they have to build ramps to get us up on the stage. Then we might have a problem,” he said with a laugh.

For further information, visit:

www.thebuckinghams.com

www.carlgiammarese.com

The Happy Together Tour Visits the Wisconsin State Fair

We're always talking about various Milwaukee business networking opportunities, Milwaukee business news, Milwaukee networking events, etc. on this blog, so let's take a moment and talk about something that is arguably a little more fun.

Many of you know that, in addition to serving as president of Intrepid Innovations and being primarily responsible for this blog, I'm also a freelance journalist. Lately, I've been trying to dabble more in photography as a means to enhance my written skills when the opportunity arises.

That being said, if you are a fan of 1960s rock/pop, you must check out my recent photo shoot (92 photos in all that made the final cut!) and accompanying commentary for Muskego Patch on the Happy Together Tour, which made a stop at the Wisconsin State Fair last Sunday, August 7th.

The tour consists of The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots, The Association, Mark Lindsay (the voice of Paul Revere and the Raiders), and The Turtles.

It was a great concert! Though I enjoy the music of all the groups that performed, I'm particularly a big Buckinghams fan, so admittedly, that's what ultimately sealed the deal for me and prompted me to purchase a ticket.

And speaking of The Buckinghams, the group's publicist contacted me the same afternoon my story was published and complimented my photos. That was a pretty neat and exciting experience!

So check it out:

http://muskego.patch.com/articles/muskego-at-the-fair-happy-together-tour-makes-stop-at-wisconsin-state-fair

Also, if you scroll down to the comments section of the story, you'll see that I posted links to all of the bands' Web sites, as well as to some vintage performances and interviews!

Enjoy!

--Aaron Robertson