What You're Doing This Weekend

Oh the times you will have.

Thursday:
Water City Grill hosts blueheels, starting at 8:45p. (Well, according to the Water City myspace page. According to the blueheels page, they're going to be in Chicago. I guess we'll see.) Cranky's in Oshkosh is starting a Thursday night music series tonight with Lana Albright and a friend at 9:30p. Both go until about midnight.

Friday:
The New Moon has what looks to be a fantastic show starting around 8p (I think). Mr. Tim Schweiger and his Middlemen start things off; following are The Reptoids from Chicago and Milwaukee group The Box Social, who very likely have a myspace page but I haven't found it yet.

Saturday:
Only one choice tonight (unless you like metal, then go to the Palace for A Tortured Soul and Effluvium). Peabody's Ale House hosts Jeremy & The Jupiters, Drop Dead Giants and Attack Octopus, starting at 9:30p.

Special Bonus:
The Wandering Sons (or Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons as they are unfortunately known these days) perform a show with the Oshkosh North High School Band Thursday night at 8p. Of course, their myspace page has them in Rockford about an hour later that same night…but check The Northwestern's site for a story about the show. So, I think this one is probably happening.

Late Notice. Sorry. Go Anyway.

Monday night (2/12) at the Reptile Palace hosts The Rounders, a fantastic band from Oklahoma City. A little bit rock, a little bit blues, a little bit garage and a little bit awesome. Check out their influences on their page. That's what you call "stellar".

Last time these guys came through town they sparked a weekly blues night at the Palace that lasted over a year, up until Adam left town. I picked up their second album that night and continue to listen to it regularly. Bring some cash and pick it up. Then buy their new one. Maybe a T-shirt.

Too bad I'm broke

Another weekend, another series of outstanding entertainment events in downtown Oshkosh. Time is limited so I'll not beat around the bush; perhaps later I'll head back in and change this all around to make it snapper, but if so you won't see the words you see now:

In the Thursday night cocktails series tonight at the Water City Grill, Patchwork will perform. No cover, starts around 9p.

Friday gets neatly tied up by Peabody's Ale House with the whammy that is Drop Dead Giants, Self-Evident, and Sunday Flood, no cover, 10p.

Saturday…why does Saturday always have to be complicated? The Algoma Club is hosting a fundraiser for a local food shelter: Aaron Baer, The Grande Arnaque, and Patchwork (in I believe that order) will be taking the stage, $5 or $3 with a nonperishable (ugly word) food item, 8p. Slightly later the Tom Waits tribute band Raindogs will perform at Peabody's, no cover, 9:30p.

Then oven to the Reptile Palace for Sunday and Tuesday nights. Sunday gives us This Bright Apocalypse, Patrol, and Happy…no cover, 9p. Tuesday is another in the series of EDM (Emcees, Deejays, and Musicians) nights starring a host of local scenesters, also 9p, no cover.

If you see me, buy me a drink. Please?

Elect this.

Another Tuesday after the first Monday of November on an even-numbered year is upon us, and as such there's one of those elections. Though, if you've watched TV or listened to the radio over the past 2 months or so, you likely already knew that.

Since most everybody but political junkies finds the post-poll time television lineup boring as hell, a drink out with friends is a popular way to pass the time on these nights. Should you find yourself in such a state tonight, I suggest Peabody's Ale House, which is hosting the recently-returned to this country (good timing?) D-Ron on turntables. No matter your place on the political spectrum, you'll find yourself welcome here, just so long as you remembered to vote for the Democrats. (Disclaimer: The previous statement may have nothing to do with reality.)

There is some kind of "What's more American than meat?" theme also to the night, no idea if that has anything to do with the anti-gay marriage amendment. Let's say it does, though I'm going to leave exactly how up to your imagination. Ugh, you're sick.

O

The next seven days promise to be thoroughly overloaded with entertainment possibilities within the town of Oshkosh, thanks largely methinks to that popular celebration once known as All Hallow's Eve. In this and the next 3 posts, I'll go through a bunch of 'em.

Topping the list is undoubtedly the third Carnivale event. Ostensibly a it's fundraiser for the art programs at Oshkosh-area public schools -- not that I doubt this, simply that I know better than to think that this is going to be a sober charity affair.

No, I hear that this year they're going to hang a sign forbidding carnal relations in the back room. Of course, if you drink enough, it kinda gets too blurry to read. And anyway, if it would apply to you, you probably have enough in your hands to be able to easily look at things like signs.

In any case, if you've already been to one of these, you're already planning on going to this one. If not, I'm feeling lazy, so here's how they describe themselves:

"Carnivále is a Costume ball, where you will arrive dressed to kill and ready to dance, and we will provide outlandish and ridiculous surprises meant to keep you entertained, and keep your wine glasses full!Be prepared for fun and surprises. Witness the fashion show and enjoy the performance art, place a bid on one of your favorite directors for the dance auction. Proceeds stay in the community!"

Musical entertainment is being provided by Becky and the Guys and I think the Jazz Orgy, also promised is a fashion show, performance art, and a dance auction. And a "super secret surprise!" I'm betting it's that the legendary Dr. Kickbutt makes an appearance.

Doors at 8p, fashion show at 10p. $5 with costume or formal wear, $20 if you're feeling lazy or just didn't have time (although, it's not like you've been celebrating Halloween since you were born or anything :P). It all goes down at the Algoma Club, 103 Algoma Blvd.

M

Continuing the review of Hallowe'en weekend events, time to look at what's happening at the two finest live music venues in Oshkosh, the Reptile Palace and New Moon Cafe.

Whereas most places in town seem content to have maybe a slightly-better band than usual and promote it as their "Halloween Costume Party!", the Palace is raising the bar. And this ain't no limbo contest. (No cover on any of these.)

Thursday night has Bobby, Jay and Erik taking the night off in place of Pat McDonald and Andy Lubahn getting up on stage and pickin' it some. No, it's not Halloween related. Although, maybe they'll get on stage in costume or hand out candy or something.

Friday gives us the triumphant return of my personal favorite zombie-surf-punkers, Suspirios, along with guests Bobby Rivera & the Rivieras. And that's exciting. What's even more exciting is the annunciation of the night as the Zombie Hooker Party, which, I mean, well, it can only be good. Starts at 10p.

Saturday is just as promising. Seriously. Machine Gun Joe, the Lemurs, Shelter Belt, and Snowbirds. I have no idea who the last two are, but who cares. (Actually Shelter Belt is from out of town and has a new album, and Snowbirds are said to be a new local supergroup. Of sorts?) With any luck, Carnivale will be over before this gets too rockin'. Showtime is early tonight: 8:30p.

Sunday I dunno what's happening, go see the Jazz Orgy at Peabody's or something. Or just sleep because:

Monday is another night of the Lemurs, this time at the New Moon with The Undead Milkmen and Seven Sins. Showtime is 9p, so I'm guessing the Moon is going to be open late for this one.

And finally, Tuesday gives us the Halloween Open Mic at the Moon. Come in costume and you may win a prize. 7p.

(Although also not really Halloween-related, the New Moon of course has music the rest of the weekend too. Thursday is a special show by the Rev. Eddie Danger, Friday is Buzz Meade's monthly show, and Saturday is Jamie Dawicki.)

F

The Grand Opera House is getting into the holiday spirit too with a fantastic 3-night double-feature movie festival that hits a lot of the best chillers and thrillers that have ever been filmed.

It begins 2 nights before the witching eve itself, with a kid-friendly double feature of James Whale's Frankenstein and the rated-PG Poltergeist.

Monday the 30th is the more adult Shadow of the Vampire and Stanley Kubrick's The Shining (not The Shinning), which probably gets my vote for the creepiest movie ever made.

And it all ends on Halloween night with The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Following these a midnight tour will be given of the supposedly very haunted Grand. Perhaps the movies that night were chosen to put the audience on edge…?

A festival pass is available for $15 a person; individual nights are $6 Sunday and Monday and $8 Tuesday. Movies begin at 7p every might.

G

Finally, in the one non-Halloween post for today, the UW-Oshkosh International Film Series group is presenting one of my favorite Werner Herzog films, Stroszek, at Reeve Memorial Union, 748 Algoma Blvd., on Nov. 1.

Unfortunately I won't be able to attend myself, but if you're free it's as heartwarming as Herzog gets: a tale of three German misfits (an alcoholic, a prostitute, and a decrepit old man) who get tired of life in Berlin and move to northern Wisconsin, the land of beer in the Pepsi machine. Stick until the very end for one of the most surreal moments in cinema. Starts at 7p and it's free.

Anniversary at Joe's

Joe's Sample House, 430 N. Main St., is having their one-year anniversary party tonight. Machine Gun Joe and Ripp Winkler will be playing starting at 10p. No word on drink specials or anything, but I wouldn't be surprised to see something like that going on.

I'm a drunk

Or I was throughout the month of July. Happy birthday, me.

In other news, The High And Lonesome Boys are playing at Cranky Pat's Oshkosh on Saturday, August 12. I believe the show starts at 9p. 21+.