Review

The Hungry Williams

/ Cassidy Kuchenbecker / Leave a comment

The Hungry Williams is a high energy throwback rock n’ roll band with a dynamic femme lead vocalist, rhythm guitar, and backing saxes. Sock hop grooves that twist and shout, raunchy blues, and New Orleans party vibes are the main course.

While swinging tunes aren’t the band’s primary focus, dancers will still have plenty of opportunities to hit the floor. So, don’t pass up a good swing number when you hear it – you may regret it when the next song is twice as fast.

Visit their website at www.hungrywilliams.com

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The Best Westerns

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This review is in collaboration with Meaghan Heinrich. Meaghan is an experienced musician, lecturer for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and several music festivals, and is a local music educator.

Traditional western swing and blues with an eclectic range of tunes from waltzes to jumps – think Hank Williams backed by Artie Shaw. A variety of styles and tempos with something for everyone. Straightforward, heartfelt vocals, pedal steel, and fiddle are a unique sonic blend over a tight and energetic rhythm section with prominent upright bass.

The Best Westerns deliver constant danceable swing tunes. Dancers will readily find a range of tempos that will keep them on the floor most of the show. This band is a bonus for those who also know Texas Two-Step.

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Saloon on Calhoun – Venue Review

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The Saloon on Calhoun with Bacon is at 17000 West Capitol Drive in Brookfield. The ‘with Bacon’ part was added a while back when the bacon craze spilled over from computer geeks to the general public. People refer to the joint simply as “Saloon on Calhoun”.

Out of the danceable venues in the area, this one may have the widest drink and food selection. The pricing for the fare is also very reasonable.

There is a moderately-sized dance space in front of the stage. The floor is polished concrete, which may pose an issue for extended dancing and for those with knee issues. The sound system is situated above the dance space with the speakers pointed towards the crowd. This arrangement is very beneficial as the dancers aren’t forced to dance directly in front of the speakers.

Parking is easy as this establishment is part of a larger commercial complex with a full parking lot.

Anodyne Coffee Roasting – Venue Review

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Anodyne has several locations. The location that hosts dancing events is at 224 West Bruce Street in Milwaukee. This venue is absolutely superb. The wood floor is always clean, the atmosphere is cozy, sound is crisp, and they have a bar that serves a moderate selection of beers and wines. Being a full coffee shop they offer coffee-based beverages and other non-alcoholic options. Need a snack? Cookies and muffins are for sale as with any coffee shop.

Since the wood floor is nearly always very clean, dancers with knee issues will want to wear shoes with suede or rubber soles to lessen the extra movement. Balboa dancers can go wild on this floor.

Street parking is usually plentiful around the venue and on the neighboring blocks.

Best Place (lower ballroom) – Venue Review

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Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery (“Best Place”) is located at 917 West Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee. There is a lower and upper ballroom – “Blue Ribbon Hall” and “Great Hall”, respectively. The lower ballroom is likely the most picturesque venue available in or around Milwaukee. The walls are adorned with painted artwork when the facility was constructed. There is a second-level balcony that overlooks the dance floor that provides a respite for tired dancers to sip a cool beverage and watch their fellow dancers. In warm weather, step out into the Captain’s Courtyard to converse under the stars.

The venue features a wood floor that is nearly always well kept. This venue is rented to parties and weddings and parts of the floor can be sticky. So, consider bringing two pairs of shoes: one with suede and one with leather soles. There is a full bar and plentiful parking. This venue is near the Fiserv Forum and parking is scarce during Bucks games.

History buffs can read more by clicking here.

The Westerlees

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Western swing is is a genre that is rarely played in the current swing dance scene. Which is a shame. The western sound has the expected hints of twang and emphasis on string instruments. Band founder and lead vocalist Patrick Brenner plays the steel guitar.

Patrick is also an avid swing dancer and knows exactly how to play to the dance crowd. Since the band frequently exhibits guest soloists and vocalists, a dancer can attend show after show and constantly get a fresh experience. The Westerlees are not shy about playing faster songs and are a favorite among the Balboa swing crowds.

Their website www.thewesterlees.com has links to audio clips for a taste of their sound.

Image from www.thewesterlees.com

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