Second Supper 192

VOLUME 9, NO. 192 | DECEMBER 17, 2009

PLUS: BAND DIRECTORY • PAGE 7 | LIVE MUSIC GUIDE • PAGE 8 | DID YOU THINK WE FORGOT KARAOKE? • PAGE 19

2// December 17, 2009

Second Supper

L'Editor

Happy holidays!

Second Supper 614 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601 Phone: (608) 782-7001 E-mail: editor@secondsupper.com Online: secondsupper.com

We do not publish Christmas Eve, but watch for our New Year’s edition Tuesday, Dec. 29.

Publisher: Roger Bartel roger.bartel@secondsupper.com Editor in Chief: Adam Bissen adam.bissen@secondsupper.com Student Editor: Ben Clark benjamin.clark@secondsupper.com Sales: Mike Keith mike.keith@secondsupper.com Sales: Jenaveve Bell jenaveve.bell@secondsupper.com Sales intern: Ansel Ericksen ansel.ericksen@secondsupper.com Contributors: Nick Cabreza, Mary Catanese, Ashly Conrad, Brett Emerson, Emily Faeth, Jake Groteuschen, Shuggypop Jackson, El Jefe, Jonathan Majak, Briana Rupel, Stephanie Schultz, Anna Soldner

614 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 782-7001 | secondsupper.com roger.bartel@secondsupper.com

Second Supper is a weekly alternative newspaper published by Bartanese Enterprises LLC, 614 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601

My Reality?

Dear Reader:

Anyone who has ever belittled the La Crosse music scene for being small or simple has never attempted to organize a comprehensive census. That’s what you’re holding in your hands right now, and while I knew the process would be challenging I felt duly qualifi ed to take it on. For the past three years, practically my entire recreational calendar has been devoted to going out and seeing live music in La Crosse. I remember being stunned by the musical culture when I moved back here. In larger cities, people also go out to see music, but they usually fl ock to touring acts while local bands play to empty dives. In La Crosse, not only are people entertained by local musicians, we know them personally and seeing a concert is part of our regional identity.

For this issue of Second Supper we attempted the rather daunting undertaking of documenting the entire La Crosse music scene. I’ll be the fi rst to admit it has holes.

On page 7, for example, we list brief descriptions of 75 local bands, and I’d wager we omitted at least as many. Similarly, page 8 has a list of La Crosse music venues, and those aren’t even a fraction of the places that host live music. Still, I don’t believe anyone has ever attempted anything like this before, and we put a lot of work into it — so much work, actually, that we need to take next week off.

But fear not; we’ll be back December 29 to recap the year.

— Adam Bissen

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Second Supper

Things To Do

Yipes! Pat McCurdy is back in town

The Top

Defunct local bands we’d love to see again

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Space Bike The bluegrass Smokin’ Bandits Flibbertyjibbit The Skamish Bed Cock of the Rock Lucid Evolution

People who should release Christmas albums 1. Robert Goulet 2. Buckethead 3. Lil’ Wayne 4. Tom Waits 5. Madonna 6. Leonard Cohen 7. Les Claypool

December 17, 2009 // 3

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Classes are winding down for the holiday break, people are looking to run to the sun and an icy grip has lashed the weakest among us to their couches ... and it's only December.

Boo, hoo. There's still plenty to do as the countdown to Christmas gets into single digits, sort of like the temperature.

Pat McCurdy performs from 9 to midnight Friday, Dec. 18, at the Alpine Inn. The Milwaukee-based singer/songwriter has been part of the Wisconsin music scene for three decades. He mixes music and comedy to create a unique, entertaining show that includes witty insights into pop culture and politics. The media critics say he caters largely to a college audience, but he has been a fixture at the Alpine and other Wisconsin venues for so long, that his fan base ranges in age from early 20s to 60s.

If you don't want to make the drive all the way up the bluff to 5717 Bliss Road - and you shouldn't if you plan to enjoy a beer or three - you can catch a ride on the shuttle. Call (608) 784-8470.

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Symphony "interviews" third finalist

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The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra will perform under the direction of Nobuyoshi Yasuda at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18 and 19, in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center's Main Theatre.

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the third finalist to "interview" for the conductor/music director position with the La Crosse Symphony. The concerts open with Georges Bizet's “L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2,” which includes a French carol, opens the concert, which also includes Mozart’s “Exsultate Jubilate,” and a symphony by Russian Vasily Sergeyevich Kalinnikov.

The encore will include Christmas carols. For ticket information, call (608) 783-2121. Yasuda also will present a pre-concert lecture at 6:45 p.m. each day in the center's Recital Hall.

Musicians host benefit for cancer victim

Here's a story that captures the spirit of the season. A group of local musicians will hold a benefit for an area woman suffering from cancer. The event will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Cognac Club, 121 3rd St. S. Performers agreeing to help Martha Robinson in her struggle are Jimbo Zill and Friends, Dave Berger and Friends, Black Water Band, Good Times, and Big Daddy Cade/Pat Haze/Blues Masters. The concert will conclude with an All-Star Jam. Admission is $5, which also includes food and refreshments. There will also be an auction featuring items such as Audio-Technica headphones, Yamaha electric guitar and amp package, a Fender Strat guitar, gift certificates and more. For information, call (608) 796-9500.

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Polka band revs up Concordia

And, since we won't publish again until Dec. 29, we'll close with a real show-stopper: Red's Polka Band will perform from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, at Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse St. Is there any better way to hop yourself out of the post-holiday blues or to lose a pound or two from that Christmas dinner than hoofing to the sounds of a polka band? This place used to book punk shows and is considered a landmark by many of those in the know. For information, call (608) 782-7049.

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4// December 17, 2009

SPECIAL REPORT

On the Scene ...

Second Supper

LaX Live: Hometown talent flourishes in diverse scene

By Adam Bissen

adam.bissen@secondsupper.com

Dave 'Pear' Parisey

La Crosse's favorite live music bar, the Popcorn Tavern, wasn't always the spot in town to catch a good show. In fact, 37 years ago when owner Dave Parisey bought his old college hangout, he never intended it to be a music venue at all. Things changed, though, when business started to dry up after the drinking age rose to 21. A local musician talked him into hosting a few shows in an attempt to draw in more people, and now The Popcorn stands as the only place in the area where you can find live music seven days a week.

"It was a struggle to get going," Parisey explains, "because back in [the mid '80s] no one was playing live music. The scene was pretty much dead."

Since then, however, Parisey has noticed a drastic growth in La Crosse's music scene. "More people are playing music," he states simply, "... and more people are willing to pay a cover to hear live music."

Parisey also makes sure that the music stays true to his customers' changing tastes, offering a smattering of everything from blues to reggae to jazz.

"People know [the Popcorn] is always gonna have some action," Parisey explains.

"We are a music bar. That's what we do."

— Briana Rupel

We at SSE Music would like to thank the Coulee Region schools and musicians for supporting us and keeping us in business for the past 25 years!

2609 George St. La Crosse 608608-781781-2850

www.ssemusic.com

The La Crosse music scene is not typical, not for a city our size and not for a city in the Midwest. On weekends — and even during the week — live bands play bars, clubs and cafes all over town, and almost all of the talent is locally grown. And it’s good!

Of course, our scene isn’t perfect.

When it comes to booking touring bands with national relevance, we’re almost always left in the cold. That’s because our venues are small, and almost all of them are smoky bars without a big stage or a booming sound system. We have a pretty homogeneous population so you won’t find much world music, the electronica scene is buried and, despite its popularity, we have almost no local country bands (although some may view that as a positive).

What we do have in La Crosse is a plethora of traditional music, guitar players, rock bands, open jams, jazz cats, singer/songwriters, collaborations, experimentation, open-mindedness and bars. In our own Midwestern way, we accept everybody that wants to play, and sometimes it seems like everyone is in at least a couple of bands.

“I think compared to most cities this size, La Crosse smokes ‘em. No comparison — smokes ‘em,” said Dave Orr, who has been playing gigs in this town for over 20 years and has been in more bands than he can remember. “A lot of it is because this is a river town. A lot is because it’s a college town. It’s a bar town. It’s always had live music.”

True, back when the music world was more grounded and transportation costs were lower, La Crosse used to pull in big name acts as they made their way across the country. Elvis Presley famously performed at the Mary Sawyer Auditorium in 1954, and Louis Armstrong played Oktoberfest 10 years later. The La Crosse Center and the Warehouse booked a number of important bands in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but in the past decade — when the price of gas ratcheted up and record label support crumbled — midsize clubs in La Crosse closed and the big tour buses just rolled on by.

But instead of drying up into yet another small Midwest city without much music, La Crosse looked to within and a homegrown music scene began to blossom. One key growth agent was Dave’s Guitar Shop.

Often overlooked locally because it does 80 percent of its business online, Dave’s is an internationally renowned retailer and a destination location for some of the finest axe players in the world. The shop helped foster the cult of the guitar god, and even today with exemplary players like Chris Bucheit, Paul Leithold, Dave Lambert, Brownie, Paulie and Cheech all playing seemingly everywhere at all times, La Crosse is blessed with an appreciably high percentage of fine

PHOTO BY EL JEFE

Although there are now many bars that offer live music, the Popcorn Tavern is the only venue offering it seven days a week. And while many people think it only books jambands, this Sound of Urchin concert proves otherwise. guitar players per capita.

Another institution driving La Crosse’s musical renaissance is the Warehouse. Proclaimed the longest-running all-ages rock club in the United States, the Warehouse was established on the third floor of a Pearl Street warehouse in 1991 and quickly became a favored stop for bands traveling between Minneapolis and Madison. Thousands of up-and-coming groups like Fall Out Boy, Anti-Flag, Less Than Jake, Dead Milkmen and My Chemical Romance played the Warehouse, and as per owner Steve Harm’s philosophy, local bands would open and get on a crowded bill. In the 1990s, bands like Space Bike and United Super Villains dominated the local scene and earned national acclaim, and for a while La Crosse was a thriving punk rock city. It was once even the music of choice at the now jam-friendly Popcorn Tavern.

“La Crosse has a very unique music scene. It’s incredibly strong and amazingly diverse. When I moved here I was surprised,” said Jason Mills, owner of Deaf Ear Records, a 31-year-old downtown record shop. “From what I hear, that goes way back.

This helps our independent music store, which is also unique for a town this size.”

It’s hard to pick the defining music of La Crosse since we seem to be in a transition period. Many locals knock the music scene for being all jambands, but that’s not entirely accurate. Yes, the Smokin’ Bandits, Shoeless Revolution and Moon Boot Posse were the dominant bands of the past few years, but their gigs have all slowed as key members have moved away from La Crosse (or are preparing to). In their wake a few new jambands are attempting to rise to the fore — hello, SOMA! — but the best new music seems to be coming from other fields.

Given its surroundings, La Crosse has naturally developed strong traditional, folk and bluegrass scenes, and Fayme Rochelle & the Waxwings appears to be the latest ascendant band. String Ties, a more established and traditional bluegrass group, also seems to be grabbing more fans, as evidenced by their headlining slot at Folk Fest, multiple bookings at Pump House, and the growing buzz for Larryfest. Throw in the jammier New Grass Review and the plethora of quality string bands coming out of Minnesota and the Coulee Region could soon develop into a regional acoustic hotbed.

Although the local rock scene is dominated by cover bands — most with a inclination towards the 1980s — there is some interesting hard and indie rock music being written in town. Beauford Firebeard, a tuneful Viterbo quartet, played some stand out shows at the Root Note this year and hopefully 2010 will bring more. Moving up the hard rock scale, Porcupine and Orwell are solidifying an original sound and expect to break into other Midwest cities. Sowbelly Bitchhog, Monkey Wrench and Buried Face Down will also bleed some ear drums, and if you’re looking for the hard stuff, JB’s Speakeasy will be your club of choice.

But really, if you want to catch a band some weekend in our little hamlet, they won’t be hard to find. “In the past five years there’s been an explosion in live music, and it’s not a special thing anymore,” said Christian “Ras” Rasmussen, owner of Nighthawks Tap.

The way Ras tells it, he was one of the first people in La Crosse to consistently offer live bands. This was back in the 1980s, when the legal drinking age was 19 and bars

CONTINUED ON PAGE5

Second Supper

SPECIAL REPORT

La Crosse Center changes along with the times New music business economics limits acts coming to small venues

By Brett Emerson

brett.emerson@secondsupper.com

Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the La Crosse Center. Between its founding and now, the venue has been a constant source of entertainment, including basketball teams, monster trucks, standup comedy, circuses and roller derby. Yet when one considers the La Crosse Center, thoughts inevitably turn to the musical acts that have come through town. La Crosse is no Podunk, and yet there hovers a sense of awed disbelief that musicians such as Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, B.B. King and Aerosmith have played in the center.

When one’s memory turns to the current decade, however, fewer of those monolithic performers seem to come through our local doors. To be sure, there remain big names such as Toby Keith and Bob Dylan that have made the trip, but the overall tone of the center’s concerts has moved toward niche performers who, while they bring in the crowds, aren’t on the tips of everyone’s tongues.

For the length of this decade, Art Fahey has been in charge of the La Crosse Center. He readily acknowledges the center’s heyday to be the '80s and early '90s.

“There were more shows out touring in comparison to what we’re seeing come through now,” he reasons. But he has a defense, and brings up a number of important points to consider when viewing his venue.

Promoters, not center, take the risks

The first and perhaps most important point he makes is that in setting up shows, the venue is often at the mercy of concert promoters. “We don’t purchase any shows; we’re a department of the City of La Crosse, so we’re not out there risking the taxpayer’s dollars to purchase a show," he said. "When we see shows come to La Crosse, it’s based on promoters who are working with us to

LaX Live CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

in this city did booming business with nothing more than a DJ spinning records. After the drinking age was raised, Ras noticed his profits falling off, so he found his niche as a live music club. Nowadays, almost every bar in the city will offer live music at some point in the year. Most don’t have a stage, lights, PA or cover charge, and to Ras’ mind, that just hurts the scene.

“Now in town everybody does live music and a lot of places are afraid to charge a cover. They don’t want to offend the regulars,” he said. “This is such a drinking town, people go ‘It’s three bucks. I can get a pitcher down the block for that.’ It’s hard to fight

bring the show in. They’re the risk takers.

Sometimes that makes it difficult for us to secure things.”

Also, “Over the last few years, the music industry has changed," he explained.

"Companies like Live Nation and AEG are the major promoters in the world, and they’ve got buildings that they own that they put their own acts into. It doesn’t mean that they won’t come here, but they have a pretty big selection on where they can go.

"We live off a lot of the Midwest independents that bring acts to us. We’d like to provide as much as we can here and keeps folks from having to go to a bigger venue, but sometimes it’s hard to attract someone with 5,000 seats when they can go play someplace that has 14 to 15,000.”

When asked where the colossal performers have gone, Fahey replied that the fracturing music audience has in many ways ended the prospect of emerging universal stars and strongly affects the way current stars operate.

“When you used to say ‘rock and roll,’ it meant rock and roll. Now you have a lot of rock within the rock and roll. The acts that are out touring right now, there aren’t necessarily as many of them and they get a higher ticket price and guarantee to what they’re going to be paid. They can be pretty selective as to where they’re going.”

Larger concerts require higher costs

The acts that do come to town aren't cheap to finance. By Fahey’s estimate, most of these high-production shows require three or four semi trucks to function, though he has noted concerts that have ranged up to eight or nine. While that extreme level of stage production often promises an A-level performance, the cost of such landmarks can prove prohibitive.

“Obviously, you’ve got more labor putting it in. Obviously, the touring act has got a lot invested in the show to be on the road with that many more semis," he said. "That will translate pretty quickly into your ticket price, because we have some limitations on how many seats we can offer.

“People say, ‘That grossed $200,000!’

Well, in the world of entertainment for that mentality.”

So while La Crosse has more bands and more places to play than ever before, the musicians themselves may not be profiting as much for their work. That can take a toll on the scene. While the musicians in this town are generally supportive of each other and play in a plethora of bands, it can be hard to stick together when there’s little money coming in. La Crosse’s low cost of living keeps most artists from starving, but more often than not bands won’t break up because of drugs or infighting. They typically dissolve when someone moves out of La Crosse to get a better paying job in a bigger city.

But even if a band does get too big for the local bars, there aren’t many other places in La Crosse to play. The Vibe used to be a several-hundred-person music club in the space currently occupied by Players. It

these acts out there, those are not big numbers. Sure, with $40 tickets and 5,000 seats, you’ve got $200,000 gross potential — but what if it doesn’t sell out? At what point do we break even? They have to back into it that way and figure out how much it’s going to cost to produce the show, what the risk level is and what the market will bear. And in today’s economy, people are being much more selective about what they’re buying for entertainment.”

That selectivity uniquely affects the La Crosse Center’s pull in the summer months, when outdoor music festivals jump into the pool and swim off with a chunk of the available talent. What’s particularly noteworthy about this lies in what Fahey termed Radius Clauses, which limit a performer from performing more than once in a certain area for a set time period. By his estimate, the time frame tends to be three months before the show and two months after.

Concerts remain part of center's offerings

All of this makes it easy to see the appeal of putting on comedy shows, which are far less expensive and complicated events, featuring people such as Jeff Dunham and Larry the Cable Guy. Yet while non-music events will always be a part of the center’s portfolio, the number of concerts has stayed roughly constant in the past few years — and people are still going.

Among Fahey’s recent successes have been last year’s Buckcherry concert and this year’s appearance by Toby Keith, and he anticipates good numbers for the upcoming Breaking Benjamin/Three Days Grace show. Between these peaks, the La Crosse Center stays relevant by hosting smaller gigs like Elvis Explosion and last year’s Hanson show in its South Hall.

Like every other aspect of the music business, the pyramid of live music has been flattened but not extinguished, and the La Crosse Center reflects this continued determination.

“It’s actually pretty healthy around here,” Fahey says of the La Crosse’s music scene. “From top to bottom, I think it’s in pretty good shape.”

hosted up-and-coming national acts as well as popular local groups like the Smokin’ Bandits, the Remainders and 3 Beers ‘til Dubuque but closed because it couldn’t draw a crowd with a $7 cover. In the late 1990s, the Hollywood Theatre would book national acts in the prime of their careers like Everclear, Reel Big Fish and the Big Wu. That place was shuttered in secrecy — some say it was too costly to renovate, while others think it was just a tax write off.

Either way, La Crosse now blooms as a musical island unto itself. The talent in this town is unbelievable and supported mostly by a heavy drinking crowd. (It is telling that the all-ages clubs are the most likely to book national and experimental acts.) The big name rock stars just don’t seem to need La Crosse. And you know what? We don’t need them either.

December 17, 2009 // 5

On the Scene ...

Christian 'Chubba' Staehly

Christian Staehly, better known as Chubba — of Smokin' Bandits fame, started playing small gigs around town in 2001, just a bit before the Bandits' inception. Though not even a decade has passed since then, Staehly has seen changes in the city's music scene, namely a declining number of people going to see live music.

"A lot of times people turn away from a place because of a cover charge," Staehly notes. "It's kind of sad. People aren't willing to give up one drink to go see four hours of live music."

Aside from that, however, his outlook on La Crosse's scene is positive, mainly because of its unique family-like quality.

"There's a lot closer relationship between bands in La Crosse," he says, pointing out that many of the city's musicians not only play in their main bands, but mesh together and do different side projects as well.

Staehly sees La Crosse's music scene as only getting better in the future.

"I think the scene here will always be a good scene. I mean, any night of the week you can go out and see live music — and good music. Even in some big cities you struggle to find live music during the week.

That says a lot."

— Briana Rupel

6// December 17, 2009

Second Supper

SPECIAL REPORT

On the Scene ...

Music businesses foster local scene, have inside view of talent, venues Sales clerks often play in local bands, too

By Jason Crider

Second Supper Correspondent

Moxie

Since Prairie Farm, Wis., native Mitchel “Moxie” Paulson hit the La Crosse hip-hop scene one year ago, he has performed at multiple area venues, collaborated with veteran rappers and released his debut album “Escape to Wisconsin.” Clearly he isn’t wasting any time.

Steering clear of stereotypical crimeoriented rap, Moxie blends relatable rhymes describing life in the Midwest with more commercial sounding beats. He explains, “I gotta be a balance between being a storyteller and a legit artist while still making records people want to listen and party to.” Such acumen toward his audience has benefited him as he easily has landed shows at small area venues.

“La Crosse has a great music scene," he said. "There’s a wide variety of acts, vibes and listeners.” Local hip-hop artists have accepted Moxie, he said, by collaborating on several tracks. "It’s nice to have a connection with the community,” Moxie said.

Like many of the artists in La Crosse, Moxie says the music is more important than the potential for fame and fortune. "I get no love from record labels or the mainstream. I wouldnt change it. I love it," he tells fans on his My Space page.

— Anna Soldner

My first stop for this assignment - exploring local music stores' influence on and views of the La Crosse live music scene - was at the internationally renowned guitar mecca and downtown La Crosse staple, Dave’s Guitar Shop. I was led up to the second floor, through a hallway lined with hundreds of beautiful guitars from owner Dave Rogers’ personal collection and into his office.

Once there I sat down with the manager, Jeff DePetro, and the man himself, Dave Rogers, who jokingly proclaimed himself the “unfortunate owner” of the shop and “head of the complaint department.”

Although the majority of Dave's business is conducted online,the business's influence on the local music scene is extensive. The store is not only a mecca for musicians nationally, it's also an informal gathering spot helping local musicians stay in touch.

The store carries many of those musicians' albums. “They drop ‘em off and we pay ‘em as they sell,” Rogers said.

And although the classic refurbished guitars that have established an international reputation for Dave's Guitar Shop are too pricey for most local musicians, the store handles a lot of trade-ins and used guitars, which helps out many local artists.

Dave's has also recommended local acts to venues and, at times, provided equipment for select shows.

Although the local music scene is "not our bread and butter," with roughly 85 percent of the company's sales coming online, Rogers and DePetro acknowledge "that's where it all started." Both played in local bands over the years as their love for music, and guitars, took root, but their focus has been primarily on the business now for quite some time.

Leithold has been on scene for decades

The focus has been on business at Leithold Music since 1888. A cornerstone of the local music scene, Leithold's was founded as a piano and repair business, starting selling phonographs and records in the 1930s, had an extensive record collections — 45s and albums — when rock music took hold in the 1960s and 1970s, and has matured into a diverse music business.

Leithold's sells all types of instruments, has sheet music, all types of musical accessories, provides lessons for young and old, and rents instruments.

Paul Leithold and Mary HoeftLeithold perform in local bands — Double Take, Phat Cats and Rosewood Trio — and the band's styles cross a variety of genres:

PHOTO BY EL JEFE

Terry Nirva , who has played in several La Crosse bands over the years, would like to see a musicians' guild or organization that could help increase the money they make playing local gigs and influence venue owners to provide better working conditions. jazz, classic rock and variety. Paul and his sister, Abbie, are the fourth generation to oversee the business.

Leithold, it is clear, still knows music and the local music scene.

Terry Nirva, drum manager at Leithold, has been involved in the scene for more than 30 years as a performer and businessman. He described La Crosse as a “musically rich town [with] more venues to play at than ever.”

When asked whether the local music scene influences the business, he responded, “Oh yeah, we live off it.”

Musicians' pay, conditions could be better

But not all is well in the La Crosse live music scene, according to Nirva. For starters, he said, bars and other venues pay bands approximately the same $250 to $300 that they were paying 15 to 20 years ago.

In most other towns, venues have a cover charge for live music, and at least a portion goes to the band, but “[La Crosse] has always had a practice of not charging cover.”

Also, although the musical atmosphere is so rich that bands “often move away and come back,” there is a “child-like atmosphere among bands as far as jealousy,” he said.

Nirva speculated ego can be tied to talent, saying that while other towns’ musicians are more civil toward one another, they are not nearly as talented as the La Crosse artists.

Nirva dreams of local musicians uniting to form what he could only describe as “some sort of organized music something” to help create better pay and conditions at local venues.

“We’re more powerful in numbers," he said. "To sit around and diss each other is

counterproductive.”

Area blessed with plethora of talent

Ryan Torgerson, the "drum guy" at SSE Music and drummer for several local bands (currently Moon Boot Posse and Three Beers 'Til Dubuque) over the past 16 years, does not see it quite that way. He says bands, for the most part, get along fine. He has been in different bands, sat in with others and gotten to know the major players in the area.

"That's what I think makes the scene so great," he said. "It's like a huge family."

He appreciates the diversity of venues, ranking The Joint as among his favorites, and the support of live music fans in the area. And, like the others interviewed, he praised the talent level of the musicians as well as the diversity of musical styles.

"I think the live music scene in the La Crosse area is phenomenal compared to most cities our size," he said, "and even compared to some of the major cities I've been to.

"There is so much talent in La Crosse."

Like Nirva, Torgerson is surprised when people complain about paying a $3 cover charge and would like to help find ways to draw more fans to the rich musical scene they're missing. "There is a lot of support," he said, "but more people could be aware of how much talent there is in this area."

SSE Music serves a wide range of musical artists, from youngsters through seasoned performers. It offers lessons, instrument sales and rentals, sheet music, instructional DVDs, amplifiers and more. It also handles lots of repair work for schools and bands.

Roger Bartel contributed to this story.

Second Supper

SPECIAL REPORT

December 17, 2009 // 7

On the Scene ...

3 Beers 'Til Dubuque: The big, brassy show band is one of La Crosse's most successful touring acts.

The Amadans: In a city that loves drinking music, they prove that Irish songs are the best.

Bad Axe River Band: La Crosse's newest classic rock band is also one of its hardest working.

Greg Balfany: The big band maestro is a skilled arranger and perhaps the city's face of jazz.

The Band That Should Not Be: A Metallica tribute band: just as awesome as it sounds.

Beauford Firebeard: This Viterbo band plays lilting indie rock with a big sound and fresh horizons. Look for them in 2010.

The Beldings: Saved by the Bell-inspired queercore with a stage show that makes its audience cry.

Big Daddy Cade: The Chicago transplant has paid his dues. You'll believe it when you hear the blues.

Bill the Singing Cowboy: What more explanation do you need?

The Blend: Jazz-fusion for the Popcorn set.

The Bourbon Brothers: This gritty fourpiece blues band stands out with its standup bass and saxophone.

Brahman Shaman: Former Rearview Mirror member turned one-man guitar show.

Burnt Brownies: The recipe changes, but Brownie's shows are always sweet.

Buried Face Down: A rock & roll bender with a punk rock chaser.

Cheap Charlie Band: One of many classic rock cover bands in town, a little more folksy than most.

Cheech: Sent from 1973 to rock your world, his tunes sound instantly timeless.

Chris Bucheit: In a city stacked with guitarists, this jazz virtuoso and prolific composer may be the most unique.

Dead Set: Despite popular perception, this is not a Grateful Dead cover band. It would be closer to a '90s radio rock tribute.

Dox Phonic: This Recovery Room-based band keeps changing names, but they always have a good one.

Paul Erickson: Did you know that one the world's greatest jazz banjo players lives right here in La Crosse?

Efftup: Although this MC has been performing in La Crosse for a few years, only now are we beginning to spell his name correctly. Sorry 'bout that.

E Rock: Favors acoustic covers over originals. The one guy who will play an '80s power ballad and then a bluesy Ryan Adams tune in the same set.

The El Caminos: One of La Crosse's most unsung bands, they're surprisingly huge in Iowa.

Fayme Rochelle and The Waxwings: A purty girl with country dreams can go places, but her fine pickers take it to the next level.

Fillet-O-Soul: Perhaps the newest band on

this list, they play straight Chicago blues.

Flashback: For when you want to go back to the '80s hair metal era. Or if you've never left.

The Freezers: Of all the '80s revival bands, they may be the most polished.

Fur Low Riders: Probably UW-L's coolest band.

Fuzzy HD: Ages-old band just coming into the bars.

Here's Johnnie: Savant pop punk, by grownups for grownups.

Highway 16: This classic rock/country band contains one of the rarest breeds in music: a journalist who can actually play the guitar.

Hyphon: He writes uber-literate hip-hop verses, but his freestyles crack us up.

Igloo Martian: Savaging the bleeps and bloops.

Kies & Kompanie: Swinging jazz combo that pairs well with martinis.

Killian's Fault: These Warehouse favorites take their inspiration from Jesus and rock out like the Warp Tour.

Mama Crow and the End of Times Sunshine Band: Rock meets good ol' fashioned Folk, but doesn't' lose any intensity in the mix. Instead, it all adds up.

Mike McAbee: One of the most entertaining troubadours around, his "Kiss You in the Coulee Region" is a local classic.

Milk Toast: Impressive three-part vocal harmonies set them apart from others in the hard rock scene.

Mr. Blink: This longstanding rock group with a fun vibe and reggae-ish tinge may be La Crosse's proto-jamband.

Monkey Wrench: A reliably quality hard rock band.

Moon Boot Posse: Come for the irie SoCal grooves. Stay for the psychedelic freakouts.

New Grass Review: They're like Old and in the Way — except in their 30s and much appreciated.

Orwell: A well-regarded metal band with an emphasis on original songs and great beards.

Paulie: A jaw-dropping guitarist and eccentric musical mind, his one-man shows at the Popcorn will be missed.

Paxico: A good ol' La Crosse rock & roll band.

Jim Piela Quartet: The saxophonist from 3 Beers ’til Dubuque and Shoeless Revolution stretches out to pure jazz.

Phat Cats: Nice Django-styled gypsy jazz from a hot club of local luminaries.

Porcupine: Descended from the legendary Space Bike, this post-punk trio croons some of the most original songs in La Crosse.

Reload: Your classic rock/hard rock cover band.

The Remainders: Another polished and popular '80s cover band, they're always a big draw, especially at summer festivals.

Rode Hard and Put Up Wet: The veteran country band seems to do best in the vil-

lages outside La Crosse.

Dan Sebranek: A prolific accoustic guitar player with a long career in the industry, he also organizes Larryfest, the legendary bluegrass festival.

Nick Shattuck: Should you ever find yourself on a sandbar with a bonfire, he's the guy you want on acoustic guitar.

Shoeless Revolution: Its core has since relocated to Minneapolis, but they're still La Crosse's premier party band.

The Shufflin' Duprees: In a town that loves the blues, this slinky combo stands out.

Terrapin Shells: This acoustic duo plays Grateful Dead originals and other songs the Dead covered. That's a pretty big catalog.

The Skat'tsmen: This high-energy punk/ ska band from central Wisconsin has an underground following in La Crosse's basement scene, but are starting to branch out.

The Smokin' Bandits: The high-octane blues/bluegrass hybrid was the last La Crosse band to almost make it big. and they're still talented enough to do it.

Saints and Sailors: This folk rock foursome combines a 12-string guitar and a fretless bass with rustic Peruvian drumming to create a distinct sound with lyrics to match.

Sowbelly Bitchhog: This solid, sludgy rock band is overflowing with North Side pride.

Owning JB's Speakeasy does that to a man.

SOMA: The newest jamband on the scene is eager to play and constantly improving.

Som'n Jazz: Because Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie should never be overlooked.

Son of a Peach: A high-energy Allman Brothers act from guys who really, really like the Allman Brothers.

The Songs For: Their fragile indie-pop songs are best for morning coffee.

Sterus: A power trio whose preferred adjective is face-melting.

The Stoney Ridge Band: Classic southern rock and country with a down-home feel.

String Ties: With over 100 years of combined musical experience, they're the Coulee Region's biggest bluegrass band.

Studebaker 7: In the spectrum of classic rock bands, this septet sits comfortably in "oldies."

Tendrill: This hard rock band is a favorite at the Joint.

Texxas: Mark it country music with a double X. Thundersnake: Dudes who like to rock, party, give high-fives and say "F*** yeah!"

T.U.G.G.: Their mellow Cali grooves are perfect when it's freezing and you'd rather be somewhere else.

Urine: Redgar Winter and his sonic experiments.

Rick Weeth: An old-school bluesman who's seen it all, he even toured the world with Dr. Hook.

Chris Zobin: AKA Tony Baloney, the man with a meat-mask, the most trouble an acoustic guitar has ever seen.

Dave Rogers

Born and raised in Marshfield, Wis., Dave Rogers came to La Crosse when he was 21 to play in bands and work in someone else’s guitar shop. When that owner retired, Rogers looked for work in other music stores, but he couldn’t find any jobs since the only instrument he knew how to play was guitar.

“I didn’t really have a choice. I just kind of opened up my shop because I didn’t have a job,” he told Second Supper in 2008. “It was that or not eat, I guess.”

While the business found its footing, Rogers played in a band, Park Street, which was successful enough to live off of, and got to know the La Crosse music scene intimately.

Rogers, who has traveled extensively since starting his business in 1982, still appreciates the local music scene. “For the size town it’s really good,” he said, “and it’s not about the money or fame or glory.”

Although it has become a cliche, for many local musicians it really is just about the music, he said, explaining that many talented artists stay in the area to enjoy that small-town vibe while still being able to push their creativity and develop their talents.

Dave’s Guitar Shop takes up most of his time these days, but he still finds time to perform occasionally with his “guys night out” trio, the Dave Rogers Blues Band.

— Adam Bissen, Jason Crider

8// December 17, 2009

Second Supper

SPECIAL REPORT

Second Supper's Live Music Guide VENUE

ADDRESS

PHONE

WEB SITE

GENRE

SUPPER SAYS

CAVALIER LOUNGE

114 5the Ave. N.

608.782.7001

Facebook page

Alternative, jazz, electronic

"Techno night" on the first and third Saturday of the month.

CELLAR MUSIC CAFE

1725 State St.

608.785.8000

www.uwlax.edu/CAB/

Alternative, folk, Indie rock, jamband, open jam, singer/songwriter

Located in the basement of Cartwright Center, the Cellar is UW-La Crosse's home of live music. Their semi-regular Thursday night concerts are a great way to kick off the weekend.

DEL'S BAR

229 3rd St. N.

608.784.4990

www.myspace.com/delsbar

Bluegrass, classic rock, covers, folk, jamband, open jam, singer/songwriter

Del's hosts live music most every Wednesday and Thursday night, usually a singer with an accoustic guitar. Anything more than that would be too loud and could barely fit in the tiny corner.

FREIGHT HOUSE

107 Vine St.

608.784.6211

www.freighthouserestaurant.com

Blues, folk, jazz, singer/songwriter

Easy tunes make for a classy digestif.

HOUGHTON'S FINE FOOD & COCKTAILS

1002 Jackson St.

608.784-9770

Irish, open jam

Wednesday night Irish jams are a hoot.

HOWIE'S

1128 La Crosse St.

608.397.4226

www.howiesbar.com

Alternative, classic rock, covers, hard One of La Crosse's biggest clubs, Howie's books a variety of musicial rock, Indie rock, singer/songwriter, styles, but they all tend to be party music. A good stage and nice lightvariety ing makes it one of the more accommodating clubs around.

JB'S SPEAKEASY

717 Rose St.

608.796.1161

www.myspace.com/jbsspeakeasy

Alternative, bluegrass, blues, classic rock, covers, hard rock, hip-hop, Indie rock, jamband, open jam, reggae

With a fine sound system, clear sightlines, comfortable booths and a good beer selection, JB's could be La Crosse's most primo club. Its booking philosophy is also open to all comers, which makes every night out an adventure.

NIGHTHAWKS TAP

401 3rd St. S.

608.785-7427

Alternative, bluegrass, blues, classic rock, covers, folk, Irish, open jam, singer/songwriter, variety

Nighthawks has been booking live music since before it was popular.

It's billed as a "blues bar" — and the owner has straight from Chicago tastes — but it's open to all styles of music, especially Irish!

NORTHSIDE OASIS

620 Gillette St.

608.784.1444

Facebook page

Alternative, blues, classic rock, covers, hard rock, Indie rock, Irish jamband, open jam, singer/songwriter, variety

Formerly the Alumni Inn, the Northside Oasis is now one of the most appropriately named clubs in town. It's big, busy and has music most every night of the week. For those about to rock, set your sights on Gilette Street.

PEARL STREET BREWERY

1401 Saint Andrew St.

608.784.4832

www.pearlstreetbrewery.com

Bluegrass, folk, Indie rock, jamband, For the music and beer lover, it's hard to find a finer happy hour than Singer/songwriter Pearl Street Brewery on Friday afternoon. But the Winter Ball may top it.

PIGGY'S BLUES LOUNGE

501 Front St. S.

888.865.9632

www.piggys.com

Blues, folk, jazz, singer/songwriter

You don't need eat the prime rib to hear good music.

POPCORN TAVERN

308 4th St. S.

608.782.9069

www.popcorntavern.com

Alernative, bluegrass, blues, classic rock, covers, folk, hip-hop, Indie rock, jamband, jazz, open jam, reggae, singer/songwriter, variety

Pay the cover and take the ride. Between the freeform music on stage, the grafitti murals on the wall, and the adventurous spirit in the air, this place's anything-goes vibe is legendary. Most every Midwest jamband has played here before they made it big.

PUMP HOUSE REGIONAL ARTS CENTER

119 King St.

608.785.1434

www.thepumphouse.org

Bluegrass, blues, folk, Irish, jazz, singer/songwriter, variety

Seeing a show at the Pump House is like the definition of cultural enrichment. There's more art here than anywhere else in La Crosse.

RIVER JACK'S

1835 Rose St.

608.781.7070

Classic rock, covers, variety

The variety shows aren't just for hotel guests.

THE ALPINE INN

W5717 Bliss Road

608.784.8470

Bluegrass, classic rock, singer/songwriter, variety

While the bar does not have music every week, it always has the best views of La Crosse.

THE JAY STREET JOINT

324 Jay St.

608.785.6468

www.myspace.com/thejointinlacrosse Alernative, bluegrass, blues, classic rock, covers, hard rock, hip-hop, Indie rock, jamband, open jam, reggae

Two years ago, the Joint's Wu Tang Wednesday birthed a veritable hiphop renaissance in La Crosse. Now you're just as likely to see a reggae band, a metal band or a New Years Eve show by the Smokin' Bandits. We still miss the hip-hop, but the beer garden is nice.

THE ROOT NOTE

114 4th St. N.

608.782.7668

www.therootnote.com

Alternative, bluegrass, covers, folk, electronic, hip-hop, Indie rock, jamband, jazz, open jam, reggae, singer/songwriter, variety

The sucess of the Root Note, the newest club on this list, is really a heartwarming tale. A handful of local kids band together, pool their money, construct a beautiful space, book a variety of bands and cook up fine grub. Now we've got a gem of a cafe right in the heart of downtown.

THE STARLIGHT LOUNGE

222 Pearl St.

608.796.0905

www.buzzardbillys.com

Jazz

Kies & Kompanie sets the swigning mood every Thursday night.

THE WAREHOUSE

328 Pearl St.

608.784.1422

warehouserocks.com

Alternative, electronic, hard rock, hip-hop, Indie rock, metal, punk, reggae, singer/songwriter, variety

The Warehouse is probably the only club on this list that's known from coast to coast. That's what happens when you book pretty much every major punk band on their way up the ladder.

Editor's Note: This is not a complete list of venues that provide live music in La Crosse. Instead, it is a list showing the diversity of musical styles available here, the variety of venues and some insights into what you might find. Some of the criteria used for this list include whether the venue had a stage, cover charge, music at least four times a month, unique styles and more. Most of the venues listed here meet most of those criteria. Again, our apologies to the many venues not included on this listing. For the best guide to what's happening each week in live music in La Crosse, see our Music Directory inside each issue of Second Supper. Venues interested in getting acts listed in the directory can contact Adam Bissen at adam.bisssen@secondsupper.com.

We get funky on the digital tip. www.secondsupper.com

Second Supper

COMMUNITY

December 17, 2009 // 9

Local businesses can fill stockings with unique gifts Pearl Street Brewery 1401 St. Andrew St.

Holiday shopping would be a whole lot easier if you could just buy everyone on your list a beer, but unfortunately, due to age and wrapping limitations, that isn’t always possible — so that’s when you give beer accessories! Support your local brewery and take the trip up to St. Andrews Street and the former La Crosse Footwear building. That’s where you will find the Pearl Street Brewery and a plethora of PSB shirts, hoodies and pint glasses. Not only do these endorse the homegrown microbrewer revolution, they also are quite stylish and comfortable. Buy a gift certificate if you want to share some liquid libations. And after you’ve done such a wise job of gifting, go ahead and treat yourself to a pint.

— Adam Bissen

Pearl Street Books 323 Pearl St.

Pearl Street Books is one of La Crosse's best known independent book stores. Located right in the historic downtown region, this unique store promises visitors a great opportunity to find the perfect gift for the bookworm on their list, or maybe a chance to pick up something for themselves. Whether you're looking for a used copy of an old favorite or the latest from a local author, PSB has it all. Speaking from experience, I have found several harder to find books there, including a copy of Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" translated into German. With sections as varied as classical works of literature to reference guides, Pearl

Street Books is sure to have you walking away with something you love. Plus, you'll have the great satisfaction of keeping your holiday shopping local and helping out one of La Crosse's longest running independent storefronts in downtown La Crosse! So come on down to Pearl Street Books for your holiday shopping this season, and while you're there, feel free to stop in to Jule's Coffee Shop to grab a hot cup to go for your way back home! All in all, a perfect combination to a great night downtown.

— Ben Clark

The Bead Shoppe 1008 19th St. S.

I have a confession to make. I am not a beader. But I know an artist who is, and I have picked up enough over the years to know The Bead Shoppe of La Crosse is a special place.

In addition to a dizzying selection of beads of varying shapes, sizes and colors - including Swarovski crystals - and beading tools and accessories, the store offers free and paid classes.

And, unless you know what the beader in your life wants and needs, the classes provide a gift opportunity that should keep you in good graces this holiday season. Free classes involve topics such as turning a headpin for earrings, how to make basic pendants, simple wire crochet and more. Paid classes, which often provide opportunities for seasonal crafts, include the more advanced beading techniques. For the shop's current schedule, visit www.thebeadshoppelacrosse.com. Tell them Second Supper sent you. And although this is a "last-minute" gift guide, don't take that too literally. The shop closes at 2 p.m. Dec. 24 for the holiday.

— Roger Bartel

10// December 17, 2009

Second Supper

COMMUNITY

Nordeen Design Gallery 1802 State St., La Crosse

Many times I've been enticed to enter the doors of Nordeen Design Gallery. The sumptuous fabrics, plush throw pillows and attractive artwork featured in the storefront have teased my eyes for as many years as I've frequented the UW-L campus. But I've always shied away from the store due to my assumption that NDG's products would far exceed my price range. Upon entering the store for this assignment, however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this prejudgment wasn't entirely accurate. While the store does, admittedly, have a focus on higher-end home decor and furnishings, even those of us on a budget may fi nd that perfect holiday gift within the recesses of NDG. A large display across from the register caught my eye - a line of Caldea Company products advertised as allnatural and eco-friendly. The line offers hand soaps, body lotion, candles and countertop cleanser in delicious scents such as cypress bergamot, rose pomegranate and my personal favorite, sea salt neroli. All products are within the $10 range, making them the perfect gift for the mom of a broke student. If your pockets are a bit deeper, the framed Norman Rockwell prints are also a steal at less than $300 for a framed copy. This hidden treasure of a store is a sure hit for those on your list with a taste for the refi ned.

— Emily Faeth

River City Hobbies 504 Cass St.

This nigh-downtown edifi ce has served for years as La Crosse’s most consistent enabler of gleeful geekdom. Even though chain stores have jumped on the comics and D&D bandwagon, River City Hobbies remains a unique fi xture in town. There is no other place where one can score comics, cards of all kinds (including some rather weird lines), toys and just about any role-playing game you’d care to play.

And while trade paperback collections have become the standard of business in comics, River City has stayed old-school, selling individual issues of thousands of titles. Readers can pick up the stories as they come out, and know what happens before their trade-waiting friends. The horde of cardboard boxes in the front of the store spans a vast swath over the history of comics, and the true collector items are in a glass display for easy acquisition.

Should one be of the trade paperback bent, River City has those, too — including a decent collection of Batman arcs and the entire collection of the amazing Preacher series. Should the gift recipient be of the d20 inclination, River City not only sells role-playing games but devotes a great deal of its fl oor space to hosting games. No more lost attempts at pulling disinterested friends into Magic or D&D!

River City Hobbies has long been La Crosse’s neat little secret, a pleasure paradise for kids and collectors of all ages. The selection is large enough that the gift you buy here won’t be one your target already owns, and one that will be enjoyed.

— Brett Emerson

Gaming Generations 714 La Crosse St.

Gaming Generations is your local stop for all things video games! With a complete collection of video games for systems ranging from the Super Nintendo to the Playstation 3, you'll be able to fi nd something perfect for the video game addict that you know. In addition to selling a variety of games and consoles, Gaming Generations also boasts an impressive used DVD selection, which priced at three for $10, makes for perfect stocking stuffers this holiday season. So whether you're looking to impress the kids this year with a brand new video game console, or looking for some last-minute gift ideas, be sure to check out Gaming Generations!

— Ben Clark

FINNOTTES

NUT & CHOCOLATE SHOP

SHOP FOR YOUR HOLIDAY ITEMS AT

NORDEEN DESIGN GALLERY

Gifts and treats for everyone!

418 Lang Dr. La Crosse

608-785-0305

Fridays

$11 Cuts Across From Menards www.hairstation.info

Finnottes has all your holiday favorites: • nuts • candies • chocolate • ribbon candy • cinnamon sticks • gourmet truffles • assorted chocolates • stocking stuffers and more

Finnottes 535 Main St. 608.782.3184 www.finnottes.com

(DOES NOT INCLUDE CONSIGNMENT)

N O R D E E N D E S I G N G A L L E RY 1802 STATE STREET • PH: 608.784.9530 •

LA CROSSE, WI 54601 FAX: 608.784.4806

WWW.NORDEENDESIGNGALLERY.COM OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM-5PM ADDITIONAL HOURS IN DECEMBER 10AM-2PM

Second Supper

December 17, 2009 // 11

COMMUNITY

Dave's Guitar Shop

Leithold Music

For years, Dave's Guitar Shop has a reputation for providing quality instruments and equipment to people ranging from local musicians to internationally known bands and artists. The store boasts a variety of electric and acoustic guitars, complete with popular brand names such as Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Gretsch, Martin, Rickenbaker, Marshall, Ampeg, LIne 6 and many more. The vast variety of instruments and equipment make this store a perfect stop for a gift for the aspiring musician on your list. With affordable prices on guitars, mandolins, banjos, amps, strings and other equipment, you're sure to fi nd the perfect gift for the performer in your life.

Established back in 1888, Leithold Music is La Crosse's oldest music store, providing a variety of instruments and equipment for rent or purchase to generations of musicians in the La Crosse area. With a wide array of pianos, keyboards, string, wind, guitar, basses and percussion instruments, Leithold Music has been the stop for young musicians looking to learn a new instrument. And don't worry about searching for music for your instrument, as Leithold Music provides a wide variety of songbooks for many different instruments, genres and styles. If you're stumped on what to get the musician in your life, stop on down to Leithold Music for some terrifi c gift ideas.

1227 3rd St. S.

116 4th St.

— Ben Clark

— Ben Clark

Three Rivers Outdoors 400 Main St.

Holmen Meat Locker

La Crosse takes pride in its outdoor opportunities, and outdoor enthusiasts can fi nd whatever they need — from the smallest accessories to the largest equipment, including kayaks — at Three Rivers Outdoors. The store, which recently expanded to accommodate its growing inventory of gear and clothing, offers products for whatever outdoor pursuit you enjoy: hiking, camping, backpacking, snowshoeing, skiing (cross country), canoeing and kayaking. With coulees, rivers, hills and trails beckoning all four seasons of the year, residents and visitors alike can stop at 3RO to fi ll their holiday shopping lists. And for those just starting to enjoy the outdoors or only visiting, Three Rivers Outdoors also offers a rental program.

A gift certifi cate for ski or snowshoe rentals, for example, fi ts nicely in anyone's stocking this holiday season. And if you need some guidance, the knowledgeable staff can help. Three Rivers Outdoors works hard to live up to is slogan, "Trailhead for Your Outdoor Lifestyle."

412 N. Main St., Holmen

When we endorsed the Holmen Meat Locker in last year’s shopping guide, I believe I framed the store as some kind of man’s paradise where you can get a two-inch thick steak, 50 different beers and beef sticks that are the talk of the county. That’s all still there, but now the Holmen Meat Locker comes fully stocked with the sort of lovable, downhome comfort foods that would please any person with who loves to eat. Jams, hot sauces, pancake mix, mustard, chocolate-covered cranberries, wine, peanut brittle, maple syrup, cheese and much, much more — if you know someone with taste buds, this market has something for them. And with much of the food locally produced and all of it in pretty packaging, you’ll look like a thoughtful gift giver, even if you barely know the recipient.

— Adam Bissen

— Roger Bartel

Antique Center Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Gift Certificates Available Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve until 4 p.m.

110 S. 3rd St.

Downtown La Crosse 608.782.6533

Timeless, Classic Clothing & Accessories Mon.-Sat. 10-5 • 782-3722

12// December 17, 2009

Second Supper

THINK OF ALL your SCHOOL could do WITH $100,000.

U.S. Cellular is Calling All Communities: vote for your school and help it be one of ten to win $100,000. ®

We believe educating our kids has never been more of a priority. That’s why we’re out to support the cause by giving schools money to use toward whatever they feel is important.

Big, small, public, private, primary, middle and high schools—they’re all eligible.

What you can do is simple. Come into any U.S. Cellular® store from 11/13/09 through 1/15/10 and get a code to use online to vote for your school. The ten schools with the most votes will receive $100,000 each. That’s a total of $1,000,000 in support of education.

One of last year’s winners, the Brogden Primary School in Dudley, North Carolina, built a much-needed playground with their $100,000, delighting students, parents and teachers.

So what are you waiting for? Show your school spirit by going to U.S. Cellular today and voting.

After all, we can’t think of a better cause.

Visit uscellular.com to find a store near you, where you can get your voting code.

brogden primary school— Dudley, north carolina

Let us help you find a location: visit uscellular.com or call 1-888-BUY-USCC Calling All Communities: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Voting begins November 13, 2009, and ends January 15, 2010. See official rules at uscellular.com/callingallcommunities. ©2009 U.S. Cellular.

Second Supper

Social Networking

COMMUNITY Dan "The Breed" Breeden FIRST CONCERT YOU WENT TO: Offspring (not counting The Beach Boys with my parents)

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? "Wicked." Ballzer's Mom got us tickets to the musical this summer and I want to be the pretentious person that says the book was better.

NAME AND AGE: Ballzer, 28 WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Milwaukee CURRENT JOB: Bitchn' Night DJ at Z93 DREAM JOB: The person that names cosmetic shades or any project that involves Betty White or Tina Fey. LAST THING YOU GOOGLED: Owatonna, Minn.

IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE? Probably Canada. Is that weird?

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE? Meet Bob Uecker in the Brewers press box.

CELEBRITY CRUSH:

TELL US YOUR GUILTIEST PLEASURE: Movies like "Bring it On" and "Josey and the Pussycats." I know I shouldn't like them, but I do.

EXPIRES FEB. 1, 2010

WHAT IS YOUR BEVERAGE OF CHOICE? Diet Mountain Dew and Caucasions. Not mixed, tho.

TELL US A JOKE: Brett Favre IF A GENIE GRANTED YOU ONE WISH, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK FOR? Chronic pain-b-gone WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT? DMD. Told you it was my bev of choice.

WHAT'S IN YOUR POCKET RIGHT NOW?: Phone, some change, wallet, lighter WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF SECOND SUPPER? The Top 7 hand and usually whatever weird stuff Brett writes.

HOW DO YOU KNOW CAITLIN (LAST WEEK'S INTERVIEW)?

We used to work together at Jimmy Johns. Then she left me and now I cry myself to sleep.

Last call for drink specials in Winona

Several bar owners in downtown Winona announced last week that they no longer will offer all-you-can-drink specials.

“All you can drink (specials) certainly encourages binge drinking,” said Matt Hawkinson, owner of Gabbys and spokesperson for the Winona Downtown Tavern Association. The deals also are less profi table for the bars, he said.

Other bars joining the ban are Schydes, Brothers, McCunes, Gabbys, Market Street Tap, Mulligans and Club 151.

Hawkinson told The Winona Post that the owners made the decision after meeting with city and police offi cials to discuss ways to address complaints about noise and drunkenness in the downtown late at night.

Other efforts include sending bar employees to alcohol training offered by the Winona Police Department, increasing efforts to keep areas outside the bars cleaner and reducing noise.

“From a law enforcement, community health standpoint, this is huge,” said Chief Deputy Tom Williams of the Winona Police Department. “It’s a winwin situation for everyone involved.”

Great gift ideas for your favorite:

paddler skier backpacker runner

climber college student triathlete

weekend warrior

December 17, 2009 // 13

ARTS

14// December 17, 2009

'The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day'(2009)

ner’s g i s e D Drugs The

Director: Troy Duffy Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Julie Benz Writers: Troy Duffy and Taylor Duffy

I'm a fan of the cult movie. I'm not a fan of the 1999 cult movie "The Boondock Saints," though I understand its popularity. With its gaudy, stylized violence and vast reservoir of coarse language, "Saints" introducedHong Kong-style action to the generation that narrowly missed both the Tarantino craze and the gaggle of Tarantino clones — essentially imitators of an imitator — that followed. Reengaging the same painful "John Woo for fratboys" disposition, "The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day" gives its audience exactly what it's paying to see. Even more so than the fi rst fi lm, "All Saints Day" takes itself very seriously, missing much of the tongue-in-cheek tomfoolery on which its fan base is built.

Surprisingly, "All Saints Day" is bearable, if not at some points enjoyable, but that's not hard to imagine with the bar already set so embarrassingly low.

Plot-wise, "All Saints Day" is more of the same: brothers Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus execute members of the criminal underworld in the hopes of fi nding the killer who murdered a priest in their trademark style. That the premise holds a lot of potential for some raucous action set-pieces shouldn't distract viewers

Second Supper

from the fact that this is still a "Boondock Saints" movie, and what little bits of excitement and tension the fi lm manages to accumulate get swallowed up by the copious amounts of juvenile humor (including one-liners and a plethora of gay jokes) and video game movie-level ridiculousness — exactly the kind of mood-killers that gave the original its fl air.

It's safe to assume that audiences' expectations from action as a genre have increased in the last decade. As such, "All Saints Day's" action scenes push repetitiveness to extremes untested by even the straight-to-DVD market. Can there be more than a few dozen American moviegoers who feel a rush of excitement watching bad guys, squibs exploding from their chests, get shot in slow motion with techno music blaring over the soundtrack? And how come none of the bad guys can hit even the broadest chunk of the broad side of a barn, even though the Saints, whom they're completely surrounding, are fl ying through the air right at them? Where's the excitement in knowing that the protagonists are never going to get shot?

— Nick Cabreza

It’s become my belief that the typical distance between good and evil is opportunity. While this theory can and does work in both directions, taking a person with half a chance to brilliance or sadism, people tend to take the usual approach and fi xate upon the dark end of the spectrum. This focus forms the overreaching theme of Under the Dome, which weighs in as the largest book Stephen King has written since the '80s.

Considering its length, what’s most amazing about King’s newest epic is how it never, ever drags. While I have a few minor reservations about the book’s content, I can say that the story never gets boring. Constant waves of tension, suspense and outrage run throughout this work of savage claustrophobia, dragging the reader into the brief account of a town trapped within a terrarium and hurled into insanity.

There’s an inevitable fact that Under the Dome will be compared with another of King’s big works, The Stand. On a very superfi cial level this is warranted, but on the whole the parallels run thin. While The Stand took place on the scale of global apocalypse, its players gathered onto opposite sides of the good vs. evil chessboard and sent forth crashing, Dome’s microcosm of Chester’s Mill breeds familiarity, ambiguity. The God and the Devil of the Captain Trips superfl u were presented in conventional brushstrokes, an invisible buddy who believes in you even if you don’t believe back in confl ict with a sneering man-monster who rules with fury.

If there is a devil in Chester’s Mill, it is not outside of man but man itself; if there is God within the dome, it is an exploited fi gurehead, the justifi cation for the reign of terror.

A truer comparison could be made between Under the Dome and Lord of the Flies, where sudden isolation and not total destruction unleashed the evils within the inhabitants. The story of Chester’s Mill describes what might have happened had Golding’s British boys been adults awash in the politics and ecology of our decade. Trapped behind a nigh-impenetrable barrier that en-

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Medium: Literature Stimului: "Under the Dome" Author: Stephen King Anno: 2009 capsulates the entire town, the townspeople wait for the watching outside to free them.

Yet realization begins to dawn on the characters that those looking in may as well be on the moon, and that the outside law has been rendered void. Beneath the veneer of righteousness and acting for the greater good, the monsters rise.

King has written one of his greatest villains in “Big Jim” Rennie, the town selectman who picked the town clean in better times, and who seeks to do worse amid the catastrophe. Though technically the town’s second-in-command (behind an increasingly bizarre George W. analogue), there is no question as to who really rules Chester’s Mill. Rennie’s depiction as a fat, conniving opportunist is undercut by his manipulative faith. This is a creature who never swears, who often leads those around him in prayer, and who devoutly believes that Jesus Christ has ordained him to rule the town as he sees fi t – and yet he is a poison to everything he touches. Similarities with Dick Cheney, and perhaps a Hazzard County Boss Hogg gone off the rails, are easy to fi nd, yet they take nothing away from this unique monstrosity.

Rennie’s securing of power after the dome comes down begins with the tooconvenient accidental death of the one man who held him in check. From here, Big Jim takes control of the police force, packing it with his murderous son and the local thugs and rapists. The acts of this gang provide much of the story’s outrage, but their master’s schemes give them an even darker, more cunning direction. Despite his crimes, Rennie continues to sway the public, or at least he keeps it quiet. The opposition is painted as terrorists and forced into hiding from the dictator’s militia. What follows is a complex series of strikes and counterstrikes, of growth, destruction and public relations.

The war is only derailed at the fi nal hundred pages, when everything changes with stunning results.

There are rare moments in Under the Dome that dull its shine. My fi rst criticism lies in the blatant references to modern politics that pop up from time to time. Rennie is shown to be a Sarah Palin fan, and though the president is never named, Big Jim refers to Obama's "terrorist" middle name. These easy shots at the right wing take away from the idea that Rennie’s craven exploitation could happen to anyone, regardless of ideology. My usual prejudice against an author’s usage of prophecy (i.e. “It was the last time she would see him alive.”) comes out during the story, as it sometimes does with King’s writings. Furthermore, I’m not convinced that the previously hinted supernatural element that bursts through in the story’s ending was necessary.

Yet in total, I am amazed. When left to its own devices, Under the Dome is a magnifi cent story, showcasing some of the fi nest human drama Stephen King has ever produced.

— Brett Emerson

MUSIC

Second Supper

December 17, 2009 // 15

music directory // December 18 to December 29 fridaY,

December 18

just a roadie away Madison population

Popcorn Tavern // 308 4th St. S Down Lo• 10 p.m.

208,054

freight house // 107 Vine St. Dan Sebranek • 8 p.m.

Steez, Natty Nation, Shoeless Revolution, Intelescope// Dec. 31 Barrymore Theatre • $20

Piggy's Blues Lounge // 501 Front St. S. Doghouse Jon and the Misbehavers • 8 p.m.

Kid Sister, Dessa, sims // Dec. 31 Orpheum Theatre •$20

The warehouse // 328 Pearl St. 1, 2, 3 Walrus (ska), Nodyne •7 p.m.

Chris Botti // Jan. 14 Northern Lights Theater •$35-$75

tHE ROOT NOTE // 115 4th St. S. Cheech • 8 p.m.

Pearl Street Brewery // 1401 St Andrew St.

Dave Lambert • 5 p.m.

Alpine inn // W5717 Bliss Road Pat Mc Curdy • 9 p.m.

JB's Speakeasy // 717 Rose St.

Sowbelly Bitchhog, Orwell, Buried Face Down • 9 p.m

Nighthawks Tap // 401 S. Third St. SOMA • 10 p.m.

saturdaY,

December 19

Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. 4th St. Sterus • 10 p.m.

Schmidty's //3119 State Rd. J2(Joe Cody & Jan-Arden Petersen) • 8:30 p.m.

freight house // 107 Vine St. Brenna and Haley Gibbons w/ Todd Saner • 8 p.m.

The Bodega // 122 4th St. Derek Ramnarace, Whitney Mann, Nick Shattuck• 9 p.m.

The Joint // 324 Jay St.

Dave Lambert Band • 10 p.m

Howie's // 1125 La Crosse St. Pat Watters Band • 9 p.m.

Nighthawks Tap // 401 S. Third St. The Levitating Train Committee • 10 p.m..

Derek Ramnarace (above) is the former lead singer of Hooch, a band that not too long ago was the biggest thing going in La Crosse. That band broke up, as has been known to happen, and Ramnarace embarked on a solo career and eventually relocated to Madison. He still returns often to La Crosse, and this Saturday night he's bringing fellow Madisononian Whitney Mann and local favorite Nick Shattuck with him for a 9 p.m. show at the Bodega.

The Starlite Lounge // 222 Pearl St. The Larry Price Trio • 8 p.m.

Dewey's // 621 Saint Paul St. Bitz and Pieces • 8 p.m Nell's City Grill // 1111 S. Third St. Karl Friedline • 8 p.m.

Northside Oasis // 620 Gillette St. Blackwater • 9 p.m Hillbilly's // 1322 Lacrescent St. The Fabulous Baloney Skins • 7:30 p.m.

sundaY,

December 20

Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. 4th St. Holiday Party • 5 p.m.

mondaY,

December 21

Popcorn Tavern // 308 4th St S Shawn's Open Jam • 10 p.m.

tuesdaY,

December 22

Popcorn Tavern // 308 4th St S Paulie • 10 p.m.

December 23

wednesdaY,

saturdaY,

December 26

Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. 4th St. Nick Shattuck • 10 p.m.

Nighthawks Tap // 401 S. Third St. Cheech• 10 p.m.

Popcorn Tavern // 308 4th St S Mitch's Open Jam • 10 p.m.

My Second Home // 2104 George St. The Fabulous Baloney Skins • 8 p.m.

Nighthawks Tap // 401 S. Third St. Soma • 10 p.m.

freight house // 107 Vine St. Dan Sebranek • 8 p.m.

Del's Bar // 229 3rd St. Luke Hembd and Cheech • 10 p.m.

The Joint // 324 Jay St. Houses In Motion • 10 p.m.

Recovery Room // 901 7th St. S. Dox Phonic • 9 p.m.

tHE ROOT NOTE // 115 4th St. S. Grand Picnic • 7 p.m

thursday,

December 24

sundaY,

December 27

Nighthawks Tap // 401 S. Third St. Irene Keenan Jr.'s 'Wear Your Pajamas Show' • 9 p.m.

Popcorn Tavern // 308 S. 4th St. The Sunday Blend • 10 p.m.

The Starlite Lounge // 222 Pearl St. Kies & Kompanie • 5 p.m.

mondaY,

fridaY,

December 25

December 28

Popcorn Tavern // 308 4th St S Shawn's "Boots" Jam • 10 p.m.

December 29

Popcorn Tavern // 308 4th St. S Moon Boot Posse • 10:00 p.m.

tuesdaY,

freight house // 107 Vine St. Dan Sebranek • 8 p.m.

Popcorn Tavern // 308 4th St S Paulie • 10 p.m.

MUSIC

16// December 17, 2009

Special advertising opportunities with La Crosse’s weekly alternative newspaper

DEC. 29

JAN. 14

• Deadline: Dec. 23

• Deadline: Jan. 12

JAN. 21

JAN. 28

• New Year’s party guide

• In search of the best chili in La Crosse • Deadline: Jan. 19

• Vietnam era on stage and screen

• Alternative medicine goes mainstream • Deadline: Jan. 26

For advertising rates and information, contact Roger Bartel at (608) 782-7001 or roger.bartel@secondsupper.com

Second Supper

Oh hi, right now I am listening to "Yesterday and Today" by The Field. For those of you who have been faithfully following along the past few weeks, I have been listing off various albums from the past year that I'd give a thumbs up to. This week is all things electronica. By the nature of this beast, I chopped the 12" dubstep, Baltimore club, Italo disco, Miami bass and raggaeton singles that make up the bulk of my collection and just stuck to full length LPs (If you wanna hear those 12s, come to a party I DJ). So getting back to The Field, he is some dude out of Stockholm who throws together some sublime combination of ambient and techno. Take the third track on the album, "Leave It." It's 11 and a half minutes of shimmering bliss. It starts off with layers of fuzzy synths and futuristic drum machine propulsion. There is psychedelic swirling and meditative chimes and just as you are about to cream your jeans with bliss, along comes this nasty funk bassline at the three-minute mark to take you out of your ecstasy trance and propel you onto the sweat dripping dance floor. Raw. Here are more goodies.

Indie Electronic/Electropop: Bibio's "Ambivalence Avenue," Junior Boys' "Begone Dull Care," Dan Deacon's "Bromst," Faunts' "Feel.Love.Thinking.Of.," Fever Ray's "Fever Ray," Little Boots' "Hands," Telefon Tel Aviv's "Immolate Yourself," Lily Allen's "It's Not Me, It's You," Royksopp's "Junior," Nite Jewel's "Want You Back," Rainbow Arabia's "Kabukimono," Weave!'s "Weave!," Peaches' "I Feel Cream," Fol Chen's "Part 1: John Shade, Your Fortune's Made," Neon Indian's "Psychic Chasms," YACHT's "See Mystery Lights", Memory Tapes' "Seek Magic," Juan Maclean's "The Future Will Come," Blank

Dogs' "Under and Under," Bjork's "Voltaic," Phoenix's "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," xx's "XX" and Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "It's Blitz!"

House/Dubstep/Techno/Club Bangers: B12 Records' "Archive Volumes 3, 4 and 5," Tiga's "Ciao!," Clubroot's "Clubroot," Confiote de Bits "A Remix Collection," ATrak's "Fabriclive.45, Vitalic's "Flashmob," Deadmau5's "For Lack of a Better Name," Martyn's "Great Lengths," Commix's "Fabriclive.44, Major Lazer's "Guns Don't Kill People, Lazers Do," Ben Klock's "One," Kitsune Maison's "Compilation 7" and Two Finger's "Two Fingers."

Experimental/Glitch/IDM: Hecker's "Acid in the Style of David Tudor," Boxcutter's "Arecibo Message," Genghis Tron's "Board Up the House Remixes, Vol. 5," Black to Comm's "Charlemagne & Pippin," Nosaj Thing's "Drift," Venetian Snares' "Filth," Jon Hopkins' "Insides," Kreng's "L'autopsie phenomenale de Dieu," Moderat's "Moderat," Clark's "Totems Flare" and Spoonbill's "Zoomorphic."

Ambient/Downtempo: Tim Hecker's "An Imaginary Country," Super Minerals' "Clusters," Port-Royal's "Dying in Time," Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble's "Here Be Dragons," Shpongle's "Ineffable Mysteries From Shpongleland," Jon Hassell's "Last Night the Moon Came Dropping Its Clothes in the Street," Susumu Yokota's "Mother," Tosca's "No Hassle," Jonsi & Alex's "Riceboy Sleeps," Gui Boratto's "Take My Breath Away," Emerald's "What Happened," "The Overlook" and "Emeralds" and Alva Noto's Xerrox Vol. 2."

— Shuggypop Jackson

Reminds you to support the retailers, restaurants, taverns and bands that support us. We are funded solely by advertising so if you want to support us, support them!

conscientious commerce: Groove is in the heart

Second Supper

Food & Drink Specials Editor's Note: Food and Drink Specials is a free listing for Second Supper’s regular advertisers and $25 per week for others. For information, call (608) 782-7001.

Sunday

BARREL INN $2.25 for mini pitcher CHUCK'S All day everyday: $1 Doctor, $2 Silos $3 pitchers, $1.75 rails EAGLE’S NEST Open to close: $2 U “Call” it HOWIE’S Happy hour 4 to 9 p.m.; 9 p.m. to close: Night Before Class - $3 pitchers of the beast IRISH HILLS Happy Hour 4 to 7 p.m. daily JB’S SPEAKEASY $1.75 domestic bottles PETTIBONE BOAT CLUB $1 off fried chicken PLAYERS Price by Dice RINGSIDE closed SCHMIDTY’S $6.95 lunch buffet $9.95 breakfast buffet 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SLOOPY'S ALMA MATER $11 buckets of beers (pregame-close), taco specials during game THE JOINT $2 domestics and rails, 4 to 8 p.m., Shots of Doctor $1 all day, everyday THE HELM All day (everyday!) specials $1.25 Old Style Light, $1.50 LAX Lager/ Light, $1 shots of Dr. THE LIBRARY Sunday Fun Day - Wristband Night TOP SHOTS $5 Pitchers/$2 bottles of Miller products (11-4pm) $2 Corona Bottles, $2 Kilo Kai Mixers , $3 Bloodys (7-1AM) TRAIN STATION BBQ Ask for great eats WHO'S ON THIRD Happy Hour until 10 p.m. $1.50 domestic taps, $2 rails from 10 to close

monday

BARREL INN Buck burgers BROTHERS $2.50 Blatz vs. Old Style pitchers BODEGA $2 BBQ Pork Sliders CHUCK’S Monday-Friday: Happy Hour 2 to 6 p.m., 50 cents off everything but the daily special Guys’ Nite Out: $1.50 silos EAGLE’S NEST 7 p.m. to close: $1.50 domestic pints, $1.50 rails HOWIE’S 9 p.m. to close: $3.50 domestic pitchers JB’S SPEAKEASY $1.75 domestic bottles PETTIBONE BOAT CLUB Kids eat free with adult PLAYERS Happy Hour all night long, two-for-one RINGSIDE Closed SCHMIDTY’S BBQ sandwich SLOOPY'S ALMA MATER $2 can beer (2-6 p.m.) $11 buckets of beers (6-close) SPORTS NUT Buck Burgers THE CAVALIER Martini Ladies’ Night, James Martini: vodka, triple sec, orange juice THE JOINT $2 domestics and rails, 4 to 8 p.m., Shots of Doctor $1 TOP SHOTS $1.75 Miller/Bud Light Taps, $2.25 MIcro/Craft Taps, $2.50 Cherry Bombs (7-1AM)

December 17, 2009 // 17

YOUR GUIDE TO CONSUMPTION WHO'S ON THIRD $1 taps of PBR, $1 rails

BEER

Review

Tuesday

BARREL INN Bucket Night, six beers for $9 BROTHERS Wristband night BODEGA 2-Fers, Buy any regularly priced food item and get one of equal or lesser value for free CHUCK’S 50-cent taps domestic, $3 pitchers COCONUT JOE’S $2 Tuesdays, including $2 bottles, import taps, beer pong, apps, single shot-mixers, featured shots, 50-cent taps EAGLE’S NEST 7 p.m. to close: $1.50 domestic pints, $1.50 rails HOWIE’S 9 p.m. to close: $1 rails, $2.50 pitchers, beer pong IRISH HILLS $2 domestic cans JB’S SPEAKEASY $1.75 domestic bottles PETTIBONE BOAT CLUB 2 for 1 burger night PLAYERS Karaoke @ 10 p.m., 2-4-1 Happy Hour 5 to 10 p.m., all you can drink rail mixers @ 10 p.m.

RINGSIDE Open 4-9 SCHMIDTY’S Tacos SLOOPY'S ALMA MATER $2 can beer (2-6 p.m.) 12" pizza: $8.99 up to 5 toppings (4-close) SPORTS NUT Tacos $1.25 THE JOINT $2 domestics and rails, 4 to 8 p.m., Shots of Doctor $1 THE LIBRARY $1 domestic taps and rails, one-half price Tequila TOP SHOTS $1.75 Rails, $1.50 Domestic Taps, $3.50 Jager Bombs (7-1AM) TRAIN STATION BBQ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., extra side with sandwich; 4 to 9 p.m., $1 off rib dinner WHO'S ON THIRD Wristband night, includes rails and domestic taps, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $3 call doubles, $2 Bud products

Wednesday

BARREL INN $6 all you can drink taps and rails, 8 to midnight BROTHERS 10-cent wings, $1 Miller High Life bottles, $1.50 rail mixers CHUCK’S $2 Pearl Street Brewery beers COCONUT JOE’S $1.25 for 1 pound of wings, $1 PBR/PBR Light bottles, $1.50 Rolling Rock, $2 jumbo rail mixers, $2.25 Bud Lights, $1 shot of the week EAGLE’S NEST 7 p.m. to close: $1.50 domestic pints, $2 craft pints, $1.50 rails HOWIE’S $5 all you can drink JB’S SPEAKEASY Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.

LEGEND’S $1 shot of the week, $4 domestic pitchers, $1.25 1 pound of wings PETTIBONE BOAT CLUB $6.99 AUCE pasta PLAYERS Karaoke @ 10 p.m., 2-4-1 Happy Hour 5 to 10 p.m., $1 Pabst cans, Dr. shots @ 10 p.m.

RINGSIDE $6.50 double cheeseburger SCHMIDTY’S Chili dogs SLOOPY'S ALMA MATER Wings, Wings, Wings... $2 off 14: pizza, $2 can beer (2-6 p.m.)

SPORTS NUT 15-cent wings

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Christmas Ale 2009 Goose Island Beer Company Chicago, Illinois

Deck the halls, make a list, hark the herald angels, yadda yadda yadda — it’s Christmas time you drunks. This is a special season for all sorts of reasons, but in this little section of the newspaper it’s time to review a Christmas ale. Now, there’s no standard rule for what comprises a Christmas ale, but they are generally released in December, have a little heavier gravity and come fl avored with holiday spices. Goose Island goes the commendable route and brews a different fl avor each year. Even more commendable (to Santa Claus anyway), in 2009 Goose Island began donating a portion of the beer’s proceeds to charity, selecting the Chicago Christmas Ship as its fi rst recipient. According to the brewer’s Web site, the Christmas Ship sets sail from Michigan each year with a hull full of Christmas trees and distributes them to needy families in Chicago. If that isn’t an image that warms your heart, well don’t look to this beer to help you. It’s only 5.7 percent alcohol and wouldn’t warm you much anyway.

The Christmas Ale pours a nice amber color — for some reason it’s listed as a brown ale — with a beautifully creamy head that’s thickly laced and has long retention.

Lifting the glass, I was surprised by the fresh hop content. The label is stamped with an

Oct. 16 bottling date, so maybe it would Appearance: 9 age into something more rounded, but Aroma: 7 the aroma is heavy on citrus with some Taste: 6 holiday spices that are hard to differentiate Mouthfeel: 6 from the rest of the brew. When I took my Drinkability: 7 fi rst sip, my eyes literally bulged: This is not what I expected. This Total: 35 Christmas Ale hits the tongue with an assertive hoppy bite that opens the palette for malts to follow. When cold — the recommended serving temperature is 40 degrees — the beer tastes lemony and quenching, but as it warms it reveals the complexity of the malts and what might be nutmeg, cinnamon or clover. At fi rst sips, the Christmas Ale seems highly drinkable, but over the course of the bottle the mouthfeel seems to grow thicker and the beer is less quenching. But seeing as it’s Christmas that shouldn’t be too big of a problem. Don’t be naughty; share your beer.

— Adam Bissen

CONSUMPTION

18// December 17, 2009

Specials

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

THE CAVALIER $1.50 taps 6 to 8 p.m.

THE JOINT $2 domestics and rails, 4 to 8 p.m., Shots of Doctor $1 THE LIBRARY Karaoke, $2 double rails & all bottles TOP SHOTS

$2 domestic bottles, $2.50 Skyy/Absolut mixers, $2 Dr. shots (7-1am)

TRAIN STATION BBQ Special varies WHO'S ON THIRD Ladies' Night: $2 top shelf, $1 Pink Tacos Everyone: $2.50 bombs, $2 taps, $3 Jack/Captain doubles

Thursday

BARREL INN 25-cent wings, $1 shots of Doctor BROTHERS Wristband night, $1 shots with wristband $2.50 SoCo and Jack CHUCK’S Ladies’ Nite Out: $1.50 rail mixers, $2.50 X bombs COCONUT JOE’S Happy Hour 7 to 9 p.m.: $2 for all single shot mixers and all beers.

Wristband Night: $5 college I.D., $9 general public EAGLE’S NEST 7 p.m. to close: $1.50 domestic pints, $2 craft pints, $1.50 rails HOWIE’S 9 p.m. to close: $1.25 rails, $1.75 bottles/cans IRISH HILLS $14.95 steak and golf JB’S SPEAKEASY Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.

THE CAVALIER All Mojitos $5 THE JOINT $2 domestics and rails, 4 to 8 p.m., Shots of Doctor $1 LEGEND’S After comedy: Pint Night - $1 pints of rail mixers and domestic taps, $2 pints of call mixers and import taps, $3 pints of top-shelf mixers PLAYERS 2-4-1 Happy Hour 5 to 10 p.m., $2 Captain mixers, $1.75 domestic beer, $1.50 rails, $1 Pabst cans @ 10 p.m.

RALPH’S Southwest chicken pita $5 RINGSIDE Southwest chicken pita SCHMIDTY’S Tacos SLOOPY'S ALMA MATER Ladies night, 2 for 1 drinks (6-close), $2 can beer (2-6 p.m.)

SPORTS NUT $8.99 12-ounce T-bone THE HELM $1 Vodka Drinks, $1.00 12 oz Dom. Taps, $1.25 12 oz prem. Taps, $3 Orange Bombs THE LIBRARY $1 kamikaze and red headed sluts TOP SHOTS 5 Domestic Bottles for $10, $5 Micro/Import Bottles $11.50, $7 Micro/Craft Pitchers (7-1AM) TRAIN STATION BBQ

Classifieds Help Wanted: Second Supper needs a reliable independent contractor to serve as a sales account representative. Hours are flexible but must be available at least 16 hours per week, be outgoing and able to meet weekly deadlines. Call Roger at (608) 782-7001. Pay is commission only.

To see your advertisement in this space contact mike.keith@secondsupper.com

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Barn burner $7.95; 4 to 9 p.m., Hobo dinner (serves two) $30.95 WHO'S ON THIRD $8.50 Fish Bowls, $2 Miller products

Friday

BARREL INN $4.50 domestic pitchers BROTHERS $2 domestic beer, taps, & rails (5-8 p.m.)

BODEGA Fish Tacos: 1 / $2.50, 2 / $5.00, 3 / $6.50.

CHUCK’S After-Class $3 Pitchers, $1.75 Rails COCONUT JOE’S Happy Hour 7 to 9 p.m.: $2 for all single-shot mixers and all beers, $2.50 jumbo Captain Morgan mixers, $2.50 jumbo Bacardi mixers (all flavors), $3 Jagerbombs EAGLE’S NEST 3 to 9 p.m.: two-for-one domestic bottles and rail drinks HOWIE’S 9 p.m. to close: $2 Captain mixers, $2 bottles/cans, $3 Jager bombs JB’S SPEAKEASY Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.

LEGEND’S $3 jumbo Svedka mixers, $2.50 Corona bottles, $2.50 Cuervo shots PLAYERS 2-4-1 Happy Hour 3 to 9 p.m.

RINGSIDE $5 chicken salad on rye w/ lettuve, tomato and onion SCHMIDTY’S Fish sandwich SLOOPY'S ALMA MATER Friday Fish, $2 can beer (2-6 p.m.)

THE JOINT $2 domestics and rails, 4 to 8 p.m., Shots of Doctor $1 THE LIBRARY $2 taps and mixers (5-9 p.m.)

TOP SHOTS $2.00 Captain Mixers, $2.00 Long Island Mixers, $3.00 Effen Vodka Mixers (7-1AM) TRAIN STATION BBQ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Chicken on fire $7.95; 4 to 9 p.m., Bones and briskets $13.95 WHO'S ON THIRD $1 off Three Olives, $2 domestic taps

Saturday

BARREL INN $10 pitcher and pizza BROTHERS 2 for 1 bloody marys, screwdrivers, domestic taps CHUCK’S 12 to 3 p.m.: Buy one, get one domestic beer; Holmen Meat Locker jerky raffle COCONUT JOE’S Happy Hour 7 to 9 p.m.: $2 for all single-shot mixers and all beers, $2.50 jumbo Captain Morgan mixers, $2.50 jumbo Bacardi mixers (all flavors), $3 Jagerbombs EAGLE’S NEST Open to close: $2 U “Call” it HOWIE’S 9 p.m. to close: $2 Bacardi mixers, $2 domestic pints, $1.50 shots blackberry brandy JB’S SPEAKEASY Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.

THE JOINT $2 domestics and rails, 4 to 8 p.m., Shots of Doctor $1 LEGEND’S $3 jumbo Svedka mixers, $2 Jonestown shots PLAYERS 2-4-1 Happy Hour 3 to 8 p.m.

RINGSIDE $1 off wild wings, $1 off philly steak and cheese SLOOPY'S ALMA MATER $11 buckets for college football, 2 for 1 pints/pitches w/ student ID over 21 SPORTS NUT 15-cent wings THE LIBRARY 2 for 1 bloody marys, screwdrivers, domestic taps TOP SHOTS $5 Miller/Bud Light Pitchers, $2.25 Leinies Bottles (7-1AM) TRAIN STATION BBQ One-half chicken three bones $12.95

Second Supper

"Best of the Decade, Pt.2" Starting with 2001-2002

By Matt Jones Across 1 One who soon becomes a jr.

5 Rep. group 8 Improv finish?

11 Recent Chevrolet hatchback 12 Rowboat need 13 Like Spock's nerve pinch 16 Paul from "American Splendor," one of Salon. com's 10 Best Movies of 2003 18 When mastodons roamed 19 Upside-down food packaging that made BusinessWeek's Best Products of 2002 list 21 "Pick me! I know the answer!" call 23 Finish up the paperwork 24 Prepared 25 Fluffy 'do 26 ___ King Cole 28 "Peer ___" (Ibsen play) 30 Stroke of luck 32 Spherical opening?

34 Killer whale 38 Game from IGNPC's Best of E3 2003 Awards (for Best Persistent Online Title) 41 "___ petit placidam sub libertate quietem" (Massachusetts motto) 42 Craft-y tabloid subjects?

43 Science that focuses on cancer: abbr.

44 Suffix with kitchen 46 Anatomically incorrect male doll 48 ___ Mulan (Chinese legend that a Disney film was based on)

49 Glastonbury ___ (hill in England) 52 ___ spumante 54 Psychoanalyst Alfred and namesakes 56 Mean-sounding Elvis Costello solo album on NPR's Best Music of 2002 list 59 Gazelle relative 60 Yann Martel bestseller that won the 2002 Man Booker Prize for Fiction 63 Philosophy that deals with yin and yang 64 ___ de parfum 65 Yuletide 66 Bad letters stamped on a check 67 Sun, in Ibiza 68 Figure skater's jump-

Answers to Issue 191's

"Best of the Decade, pt. 1"

Down 1 Get droopy 2 Prefix meaning "egg" 3 Times with the most activity 4 Prefix before -pathic 5 "Ha, I fooled you!"

6 Inaugural reading 7 Toyota hybrid 8 "Just so ___ you know..."

9 Sings like Mel Torme 10 Muppet Sam, for one 13 Mnemonic for colors of the spectrum, starting at the other end 14 E. Coast home of the Huskies 15 Nair competitor 17 Made up (for) 20 Halloween costume component with ears and a snout 21 "___ go into the wild blue yonder..."

22 Acrylic fiber trademark 27 Crisp fabric for ball gowns 29 Undecided 31 Swiss abstract painter Paul 33 Time for a late lunch, maybe 35 Teen actress who plays Kayla on "Desperate Housewives" 36 Plastic explosive variety, spelled out

37 Book of locations 39 Performed better than Michael Phelps, say 40 "With two," in Italian musical works 45 Coin-flip call 47 Quite a talking-to 49 Goofball 50 Slightly exasperated exclamation 51 Properties that are taken back 53 Many Caribbean cruise stops 55 "Mean" hotelier Helmsley 57 Ingenue 58 "Bye, Bruno" 61 Number one concern?

62 Home from school, say ©2009 Jonesin' Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+.

Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-6556548. Reference puzzle #0434.

We're hiring!

• Advertising account representative • Writers to review arts performances, shows Call (608) 782-7001 and ask for Roger or e-mail roger.bartel@secondsupper.com

Second Supper

December 17, 2009 // 19

THE LAST WORD

'It's one of the few things we, as adults, aren't supposed to take seriously.'

Almost Rock Star

By Briana Rupel briana.rupel@secondsupper.com

I was 14 years old the fi rst time I remember singing onstage. With an acoustic guitar slung over my shoulder, I strutted onto my dad's front porch and started strumming the opening chords to Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn." A clustered crowd of my peers — maybe 30 of them — stood fl ush to the stage, nodding their heads, singing along, and cheering when deemed appropriate. I had never felt so confi dent.

I had never felt like such a rock star.

Ultimately, by the third verse or so, I would suddenly get jostled out of this favorite daydream and regretfully rejoin reality. I wasn't onstage; I was a middle-school student doodling around my notebook in history class. Or math class.

Of course, most of us have aspirations of taking center stage when we're younger, and many of us still do. The people who will actually live out the fantasy of "The

Spotlight" create that right concoction of ambition, hard work and a bit of luck.

The rest of us? We still have the option of quenching our thirst for stardom — albeit a diluted form of stardom — through another medium: karaoke.

Ah, karaoke. For some, the very sound of the word makes them shudder and could quite possibly induce fi ts of uncontrollable vomiting. For others, their eyes will light up as they smack a hand against your shoulder and gush, "oh my god! I looove karaoke!" I am one of the latter.

My fi rst experience with karaoke, though, was not something I was looking forward to. Sure, I always loved to sing along to my favorite songs ... alone. In the shower when no one else was home. In the car when I was driving by myself. Never in my life did I think I would actually ever step onto a stage, grab a mic and belt out a beloved tune with a bunch of strangers surrounding me. It's amazing, though, what the right number of supportive friends — and the right number of convincing cocktails — will persuade you to do.

I felt like I was signing my life away when I scribbled down my name and my song choice ("By the Way" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers ... much more appropriate than my childhood daydream. Sorry, Natalie.) on that little slip of paper. When my name was called to come onstage, I could

feel my ears already begin to burn up. But once the music began — music that I had heard a thousand times before — I was back in my car rockin' out with the windows down. I wasn't at a bar surrounded by people possibly judging me; in fact, I forgot about them. As the fi nal chord of the song rang out, not only were my faithful cohorts at the foot of the stage whooping and cheering me on, the rest of the crowd surprisingly was as well. It wasn't painful, it was fun! I was sold.

Not saying that I'm completely ignorant to the annoyances karaoke can haul along with it. I've spent many Wednesday nights up at our old Second Supper offi ce with my co-workers trying to make deadline while a drunken frat boy's rendition of some Bon Jovi song would seep through the wall we shared with a downtown bar.

I've also heard enough duets of "Greased Lightning" to last a lifetime, so I understand why some would have an aversion to the pastime. Then again, karaoke was never meant to be background music for work.

Aside from fulfi lling a kind of narcissistic rock star fantasy, the reason karaoke is so popular - and it is immensely popular in La Crosse - is that it's one of the few things we, as adults, aren't supposed to take seriously. I've gotten down on a bended knee, belting out the chorus to Night

Ranger's "Sister Christian" while pumping a fi st in the air. I've bonded with German roommates while singing "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," not even coming close to Michael Jackson's quivering falsetto.

I've sang Blackstreet's "No Diggity" solo at a dive bar in central Wisconsin, causing a group of a few old timers to shake their heads in disgust under their trucker hats.

It's supposed to be goofy and fun.

Intentional or not, there aren't many ways in life to make a complete fool of yourself and still receive applause. Who knows? You might just feel like a rock star.

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$5 Miller Lite/Bud Light Pitchers $2.25 Leinies Bottles (7-1am)

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20// December 17, 2009

Second Supper

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