Thinking Thursdays: Bring Your Dancing Shoes!
So sad about all that rain last week, right? Looks like we’re in for some more rain this week, but so far the weather app says Thursday is supposed to be “mostly sunny,” so fingers crossed!
Bring Your Dancing Shoes!
First, a confession. When I was younger I used to dislike country music. “Confession” may be a bit dramatic of a word for something as small as that, but I had an arbitrary dislike of an entire musical genre, so I’m sticking with it. Turns out there’s nothing like an entire season working at Dairy Queen (and lacking the seniority to pick the music on the radio) to get to know and love some country hits. Looking back, I’m not sure what I disliked about country music--the feelings? The humor? The danceability? Well, whatever it was, I’m glad I got over it, because summer time is the best time for dancing along to country on the radio. Or, even better, dancing to some great live music with everyone else at Thursdays on First & Third. And believe me, this week’s band line-up is guaranteed to make you dance, whether or not you consider yourself a country kind of person.
First up, at 5:00 we have Swing Street, “a darn fine big band” that is going to have you tapping your toes. I couldn’t find a good Youtube video of their sound, but if you visit their site, they’ve posted a few tracks for you to listen to so you can get a feel for their sound. Also at 5:00 is the Fumée Gypsy Project,which has a great jazz sound that you can sway and swing to. Here’s a video of their great cover of “Just One of Those Days.”
The 7:00 line-up gets into a fun mix of country, blues and Americana with Maiden Dixie (based in Minneapolis and Nashville) and Logan Brill. Both Logan and Maiden Dixie have debuted (or will debut) their sophomore albums this year, and while they both belong somewhere in the realm of country, their different sounds and sensibilities make for a fun contrast. Take a listen to Logan Brill’s “Far Cry from You” or “Shuteye” to get a feel for some of her music. And from Maiden Dixie you should check out “Shoulda’ Gone Home” from their new Unsafe & Sound album.
Happy listening and hope to see you dancing along this Thursday!
-Jane
Jane Funk is a blogger, educator, reader, and nap-taking enthusiast and is the guest blogger for the summer downtown Rochester blog series Thinking Thursdays with Jane Funk.