By Lindsey Rothering —
Thursday, Oct. 23
Mockingbird Sun in the Memorial Student Center at 8 p.m.
You could say the members of this Nashville, Tenn. band were born to be country musicians. With one of their members fittingly named Truck, it’s no surprise Mockingbird Sun has gained success, and even had a recent gig opening for Kenny Chesney. If you wear cowboy boots and “Like” their Facebook-listed location from “a van called Dreamcatcher, Spirit of the Horse Wind,” this show is for you.
Friday, Oct. 24
Erik Brandt & The Urban Hillbilly Quartet at Acoustic Café at 7 p.m.
For a $5 suggested tip, you can see a band take the Acoustic stage that’s been “making music that doesn’t suck since 1995!” according to their Facebook page. This Twin Cities-based Americana folksy rock band lists The Jayhawks, R.E.M. and Charlie Wilson among their influences. If you want some music along with your hoagie, be sure to check it out on Friday.
Saturday, Oct. 25
Not Quite Dead at the Waterfront Bar & Grill at 10 p.m.
Not Quite Dead describes themselves as a Grateful Dead tribute band. After playing in the Twin Cities area since 2007, they have made their way to Menomonie. This now six-member group began when three members “dropped their other musical pursuits and went back to the music they really loved,” according to their website’s biography. For die-hard Deadheads, this show is a must-see.
Friday, Oct. 31
Them Coulee Boys at Acoustic Café at 8 p.m.
This born-and-raised Wisconsin four-piece male group lists only three influences on their Facebook page: The Avett Brothers, Bob Dylan and Trampled by Turtles. Describing themselves as a modern folk rock group, they encourage attendees to “get a little rowdy,” to their tunes labeled as “one part melodic, one part aggressive, with a healthy serving of energy.”
Saturday, Nov. 1
Benny K at The Raw Deal at 6 p.m.
With happy tunes and some not-so-happy lyrics (two tracks on his latest album even tout an explicit label), it’s clear Midwesterner Benny K is an interesting choice for The Raw Deal. While Benny K may be an ex-youth director for a church, his music is definitely not gospel, or all about praising Jesus for that matter. It’s real alternative, singer-songwriter style rock. With a live show that’s sure to pack stories, songs, and surprises, it sounds like a great way to take a break during the Halloween weekend.