The Breakdown

Friday offers several events including the popular Back Alley Band Fest in Keokuk, Iowa. Several regional bands will perform in the back of homes in the historic district to raise awareness of Keokuk’s art scene. Nine musical acts are playing, and attendees can roam in a six-block radius to each performance site. Read more here.

Justin Tuck, a Keokuk native, recently joined the event as a performer called Tuck’s One Man Band. He talks below about his music, Friday’s event and the Keokuk scene.

THE BEGINNING
“I grew up around music as my father was an active musician and self-taught guitar player. I, however, did not pick up the acoustic guitar until I was in my 20s.”

SOUND
“Simplistic, laid back, acoustic covers, but I do perform a couple originals.”

FRIDAY’S EVENT
“I was asked by one of the committee members to participate. I had attended the event in the past and really enjoyed it, so I was more thing willing to be a participating musician. A couple of the performers I am aware of as they are also local acts. Silver Streak’s lineup consists of very talented veteran musicians. They put on a great show. Brian Wagner is also a very talented local musician who I would also enjoy watching. I’ve heard good things about the shows that Predawn Hour has put on, but have yet to see them live.”

KEOKUK’S MUSIC SCENE
“I would describe it as active, but not totally utiilzed. It is my deepest belief that music can be and should be used as the avenue to promote Keokuk. We definitely have the resources (i.e. Rand Park Pavilion, Grand Theatre, Riverfront, etc.). I think we have a lot of musical oriented events that are under-appreciated such as Rollin’ on the River, Music at the Mall, Liverpool Legends, KHS Jazz Night and Back Alley Band Fest.”

OTHER WEEKEND SHOWS
WQUB comedy show with Jason Lohmeyer and guests
WHEN: 10 tonight
WHERE: 90.3 FM WQUB

Back Alley Band Fest
BANDS: Haddix, Tuck’s One Man Band, Silverstreak, Predawn Hour, Brian Wagner, Jesse Mazzoccoli, Pen City Four, Living Water and Zyg Zags
WHEN: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Keokuk Cultural and Entertainment District
HOW MUCH: Free.
INFO: Call Keokuk Main Street at (319) 524-5056.

Metal Lovefest
BANDS: Small Time Crook, Krazy Caucasionsz, Silence Before Suicide and Lethal by Default (metal/hip hop).
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday.
WHERE: Kix Club, 509 S. Ninth.
HOW MUCH: $5.

Trifecta (acoustic/rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday
WHERE: The Blind Pig, Quincy

Rock N’ Roll Freak Show
BANDS: The Human Aftertaste, the Texas Funerals, Death Folk and Keith Franx.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday.
WHERE: Kix Club.
HOW MUCH: $5.

SevenD2 (rock)
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Shanty Shack, Macomb, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/sevend2

Hearsay (classic rock)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Goobies, Canton, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/hearsayband2009

Larry Mcray (blues)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Club Tavern, Quincy

Trifecta (acoustic/rock)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: El Ranchitos, Monroe City, Mo.

Fielder (jam)
WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Blind Pig, Quincy, Ill.
INFO: www.myspace.com/fieldermusic

Also, please VOTE IN THE POLL to the right about which show is the best to check out this weekend.

As always, support local music by going to a show!

Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com