Welcome to the Summer Music Preview (SMP) Vol. 2! Due to the high volume of live music events this year, August has been removed from the regular SMP issue and is now featured here. This mini version of the SMP includes live music events for the month of August and highlights a few artists you can check out before the summer ends.
This summer has been a great summer for music on the peninsula, and there is still much to discover. From local waterholes to vineyards, restaurants and music venues, there’s a setting – and a music genre – for everyone to enjoy.
We wish you a good month of August and continue to visit establishments that offer live music, even out of season.
Grace Johnson
Special issues editor
Many bands are synonymous with the county’s summer music scene, and one such band is Frank Maloney and his large field unit – an “outlaw country band steeped in rock and blues” who have been playing the Northern Door music circuit for years, including a record number of shows at Husby’s, where you’re sure to see the band several times throughout the year.
The band features Maloney on lead vocals, guitarist Adam Haste, Tony Wiltgen on keyboards, drummer Dan Smrz and Tony Menzer on bass. Maloney and Smrz also host the open mic night at Husby’s.
Learn about Frank Maloney and his great campaign unit July 30 at The garage at Husby to Sister Bay to have a good time!
The “architect” of Jonny T-Bird and the deputies, Jon “Jonny T-Bird” Neuberger, has led the group since 2009, while attending Milwaukee University. The MPs are the “pickled puppets”, a tribute to the short-lived band he started before Jonny T-Bird.
After studying guitar with “two of Milwaukee’s guitar legends, Jeff Dagenhardt and Greg Koch”, Jonny T-Bird takes the approach that “you have to be born with the blues to play the blues”. He learned guitar at age 13 after being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and pursued jazz and blues in college.
His guitar, vocals and harmonica alongside the MPs – “Cadillac” bassist Craig Carter and drummer Jenna Kopitske – create an unforgettable blues trio. Wisconsin Area Music Industry – nominated and based in Milwaukee, this band will be waiting for you 21st of August at Mary’s by the water in Sturgeon Bay.
The sibling trio Girl named Tom is a balanced acoustic pop and singer-songwriter group harmonies. The first group to win NBC’s The voice, his name comes from Joshua’s childhood nickname for Bekah, which was Thomas. Their style mixes classics such as Joni Mitchell and Stills and Nash with modern musicians such as Taylor Swift and Adrianne Lenker.
The members of Girl Named Tom put a dynamic spin on the songs they perform, aided by their expertise as individuals. Their original music and instrumental skills provide a complete concert experience that lends itself to their country groove.
Fresh off their victory over The voice, and with a graphic cover of “River” by Joni Mitchell, Girl Named Tom will blow your mind with jaw-dropping talent. Discover the group August 28 to Peg Egan Center for the Performing Arts in Egg Harbor.
