Music

Country music is one of America's greatest innovations. On this segment of the B-Sides with Bolin and Blumberg, Johnnie and I focus on the most recent formula for this music. In fact, we go coast-to-coast to play country music connected to its roots in the past century.

We start our journey in the mid-section of the continent with Hot Rize, a bluegrass band from Colorado, and K.D. Lang from Canada.

On this episode of the B-Sides with Bolin and Blumberg, we take a deep dive into blues and rock from the great state of Texas. The music comes from Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston. And while you've likely heard most of the artists, it's always nice to hear from everybody in one hour.

We start with one of the most popular bands from the Lone Star State -- Asleep at the Wheel. They put their spin on an old Eric Clapton song, Lay Down Sally.

Johnnie and I decided on no theme this week, so I grabbed a dozen cds and played a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

The show starts with Tonio K. and his societal tribute, Life in the Foodchain. This was from his first solo, which is considered one of the best rock albums ever.

First it started with The Beatles (who else?), then came Badfinger and The Raspberries, and then Cheap Trick and Big Star. They all had super melodies and hooks to keep you humming all day.

But for some reason the crunchy, jangly guitars and the driving backbeat never really came into its own. For some reason, radio never picked up on power pop leaving it to be found by a small cult of music nerds, who dug the harmonies and everything else about it.

Southern rock is one of America's tried and true musical genres. On this B-Sides with Bolin and Blumberg we cover the gamut from the 70's to present day.

The show starts off with three bands, Blackfoot and Lynyrd Skynyrd both from Florida, and Point Blank from Texas.

Blackfoot, which is still active, features Rick Medlocke, who is also a current member of Lynyrd Skynyrd quite possibly one of the top five bands in U.S. history. Meanwhile, Point Blank was produced by Bill Ham, best known for his work with ZZ Top.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most beloved cultural events of the 20th century.  Woodstock marked the way people could celebrate, en masse, in a peaceful and joyful time together on this planet.

And the B-Sides is here to help you celebrate the universal karma that was three and a half days of peace and love.

Johnnie and I believe the event was so significant that we have dedicated two shows to Woodstock, its music and history.

The B-Sides features the Free family tree including four songs from the seminal 70's band, cuts from Bad Company and solo work from Free's original guitarist, Paul Kossoff and his band Backstreet Crawler.

“Saturday in the Park” attracted an estimated 25,000 to Grandview Park in Sioux City on July 6, 2019.

Siouxland Public Media recorded the enthusiasm, music and memories of this year’s event.  

People featured during this special segment:

Phil Claeys – “Star-Spangled Banner” Performer, Sioux City, IA

Linda – Sioux City, IA

Julia Cathleen McGowen – Sioux City, IA

Cathleen McGowen – Sioux City

Brent Stockton – South Sioux City, NE – SITP Committee Member

Jeff Sweezey – Omaha, NE

Another "Saturday in the Park" takes over Grandview Park in Sioux City, Iowa starting at noon on Saturday, July 6.

SITP Committee Member Erika Newton talked to Siouxland Public Media's Sheila Brummer about what's new this year, the musical lineup and festival memories.

The Sioux City Community School District’s music program just hit a high note after a major announcement from a famous performer.

Barry Manilow delivered an important message for students across the country and here locally.

“In second place, Sioux City School District from Sioux City, Iowa.  They get $20,000 for school instruments.”  “Fantastic!”

The Sioux City School District entered a video in a competition with the Barry Manilow Music Project.  First place receiving $100,000.