Rock Around the Block makes its return
JANESVILLE — Eight stages.
29 bands.
And no carp.
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, North Main Street will be filled with the sounds of Rock Around the Block, the annual festival that's a celebration of music, community and the burgeoning energy of Janesville's downtown.
This year's event is a kind of victory celebration for downtown businesses that had to deal with record flooding that shut down North Main Street and sent carp swimming past their front doors.
Businesses were forced to close, some for more than a month. Flooding caused tens of thousands of dollars of damage, ruined equipment and stock and basically gave everyone the blues.
But even with all of those challenges, business owners are still ready to throw what has become downtown Janesville's biggest party.
"They're bouncing back," said Matt Schreier, owner of the Looking Glass, 18 N. Main St. This year, organizers have two unofficial goals: First, to bring flood tourists back into downtown for something other than carp. Second, to make sure people know that Rock Around the Block is a family event.
Why are the tots important?
"We don't want it to become just another music and beer fest," Schreier said.
Firehouse Park will serve as a children's area and will feature an inflatable jumping tent, clowns and a variety of activities for kids.
The Janesville Fire Department is bringing down equipment for kids to see up close. Other kid-friendly events include appearances by the Milwaukee Brewers racing sausages and McGruff the Crime Dog.
More than 18 food and drink vendors will set up along the street, providing a kind of "Taste of Janesville." Restaurants include the Speakeasy, Famous Dave's, Helgesen's Harpos on Eleven .
Of course, it's the music that will lure most people.
The lineup includes bluegrass, country, cover bands, jazz, blues, funk and, of course, polka.
Some of the local favorites include the Blue Olives, the Cash Box Kings, Jefferson County Bluegrass Band, the Pipe Circus, the Zweifel Brothers, Pat McCurdy, Rainbow Bridge and Junkmale.
All that energy, food and fun should showcase downtown's treasures—and its potential, said Sarah Kopp, co-owner of Perfectly Plus, a consignment clothing store that opened in August 2007.
Although Kopp's store isn't an official part of the event, she's helping out anyway.
"No matter what, we all need to work together," Kopp said.
Kopp's shop was closed for almost a month because of the flooding. During that time, she was at the shop almost every day, trying to limit the damage.
"While I was down there, I heard so many people say, ‘This is so neat, I haven't been downtown in a long time,'" Kopp said.
She hopes people retain that feeling and return to downtown to support the businesses—and to simply have fun.
MUSIC SCHEDULE
Rock Around the Block music schedule, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24.
Main Street Saloon, 117 N. Main St.
-- 12:30 p.m.: Cash Box Kings, blues band dedicated to carrying on the spirit of the 1940s and 1950s post-war blues sound mixing in some Mississippi delta style blues.
-- 6 p.m.: 2RED, song-writing team with pop/rock/ alternative style.
-- 8:30 p.m.: Garrett Ramquist Band, singer-song writer. Rock-pop-alternative originals.
Jazz Stage, corner of Milwaukee and Main streets
-- 12:30 p.m.: Cool Jazz.
-- 1:30 p.m.: Lucky Dog.
-- 4 p.m.: Pipe Circus, five-piece band that describes itself as a hybrid of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Police/Sting, Sublime, and Sly and the Family Stone. Add some punk, funk, reggae, rock and original song writing and you've got the Pipe Circus.
-- 6:45 p.m.: Bop Ritual, jazz, blues and funk.
Main Stage, Wall Street
-- 11 a.m.: Bel-Cats, classic hits.
-- 1 p.m.: PINE, original rock. The group describe itself has having "high energy performances, driving guitar riffs and unmatched vocal harmonies."
-- 3:30 p.m. Rainbow Bridge, popular and energetic local cover band.
-- 6:30 p.m. Blue Olives. One of Wisconsin's best jam bands. A seven-piece band that plays a mix of blues, rock, funk with a hint of jazz.
Quotes Bar & Grill, 24 N. Main St.
-- 12:30 p.m.: Thank You Charlie Brown, originals and covers in its own style.
-- 2:15 p.m.: Club Bud, cover band that plays oldies, classic rock, surf tunes and the best of new songs.
-- 5:30 p.m.: Junkmale, original rock.
-- 8:30 p.m.: Population 4, originals in a mix of rock, pop and funk.
Wiggy's Saloon, 9 N. Parker Drive.
-- 12:30 p.m.: Rockin' Horse.
-- 3:15 p.m.: Stoned Pony.
-- 6 p.m.: Frank & Co.
Americana Stage, Main Street Saloon parking lot.
-- 11 a.m.: Zweifel Brothers, polkas, waltzes and fox trots.
-- 1:30 p.m.: Jefferson County Bluegrass Band. Group includes some of the most experienced bluegrass veterans in Southern Wisconsin.
-- 4 p.m.: Gary McAdams Band. Bills itself as a "cover band, not a copy band." Plays everything from "Haggard to Hendrix."
-- 6:45 p.m.: Mountain Lions International, reggae, mon.
The Looking Glass, 18 N. Main St.
-- 12:30 p.m.: Prairie Smoke Bluegrass Band, traditional bluegrass with some originals.
-- 3:15 p.m.: J.R. Jammers.
-- 6 p.m.: Manberries, cover band with humor and an attitude.
-- 8:30 p.m.: Pat McCurdy. Now legendary funny guy and singer-songwriter.
Legends Tavern, 11 N. Main St.
-- 12:30 p.m.: Shawn Sharp, Elvis tribute artist.
-- 3:30 p.m. Scrapyard Daddys, plays Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Beatles, Elvis, Stray Cats, "but with a sharp twist."
-- 6:45 p.m.: Short Leash, rock, classic rock and country.
Aug 22, 2008 at 9:27 p.m.
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ame8736, thanks on the lame update on what it looks like wjvl will be helping host. Oh yea, there will be a BEER TENT at Kutter on the 105th celebration according to the web page.
Aug 22, 2008 at 8:45 p.m.
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WALKER!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INFORMATION on the Blue olives. I guess if I wouldn't have been blogging so much (hehe) I probaby could have figured that one out.....thanks again.!!
Aug 22, 2008 at 3:54 p.m.
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jeez ame8736. will you ever let it drop. everyone know there are ways to have fun without alcohol. just because there are bars involved in this doesnt mean that EVERYONE goes just for the alcohol. you come across as VERY pretentious. since theres so many other things to do then i hope you will be doing one of them rather than coming downtown on sunday. wouldnt want you to be in the presence of that devil liquid, you may melt.
Aug 22, 2008 at 3:41 p.m.
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o look other activities to do with out drinking!!!
Rock County Beef Cookout
Date: Thursday, August 21st
Address: Rock County Fairgrounds, Janesville
Start Time: 4:00 p.m.
End Time: 6:00 p.m.
Your Host: KEN SCOTT
Details: Live reports from the fairgrounds. Food until 8pm.
Wally's Eastside Citgo
Date: Friday, August 22nd
Address: 1918 E. Milwaukee Street, Janesville
Start Time: 4:00 p.m.
End Time: 6:00 p.m.
Your Host: KEN SCOTT
Details: Grand Opening!
Kutter Harley-Davidson/Buell
Date: Thursday, August 28th
Address: Pontiac Drive, Janesville
Start Time: 5:00 p.m.
End Time: 7:00 p.m.
Your Host: KEN SCOTT
Details: Harley-Davidson 105th Celebration Kick-off. Outdoor event with LIVE music.
Rock River Thresheree
Date: Saturday, August 30th
Address: Thresherman's Park, Hwy. 51, Janesville
Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
End Time: Noon
Your Host: TIM BEGGS & BIG RED
Details: Huge tractor display.
Basics
Date: Tuesday, September 2nd
Details: Super Tuesday.
Address: 1221 Woodman, Janesville
Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
End Time: 10:00 a.m.
Your Host: Becky Weber-Johnson 15% off storewide today!
Aug 22, 2008 at 3:38 p.m.
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just stateing a fact that u dont need to drink to have fun
Aug 22, 2008 at 3:29 p.m.
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ame8736, QUIT WHINING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go to the family fun fest then and not rock around the block. that will give you enough time to buy up all the kleenex in janesville to dry your tears.
Aug 22, 2008 at 2:33 p.m.
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I'll be at Rock Around the Block! They have something for everyone. You can listen to music without going into the bars. The downtown businesses work hard to put this together. All the alcohol is off the streets by 9 pm. Stop in the kids area. I enjoy the outdoor music without the bar smoke smell.
Aug 22, 2008 at 1:29 p.m.
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Max...It's on Sunday...sorry!
Others who complain about Janesville: Why are you here? Why do you stay? And if you think so lowly of our community, why aren't you on the council to change things? Are you at the meetings to voice your opinion? Either love it or leave it. I love this community - even found a guy from here and moved back here!!! Been here for almost 44 years and will never leave! It's a wonderful community! Don't knock it!!
Aug 22, 2008 at 10:14 a.m.
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....and it's on a Saturday. Yahoo!
Aug 22, 2008 at 9:22 a.m.
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Family Fun Fest is one of only a few alcohol, tobacco and drug free family events offered in Rock County SEE IT CAN BE DONE WITHOUT BEER DRINKING AND OTHER ALCOHOL. DONT NEED THE BANDS AT THE BARS
Aug 22, 2008 at 9:12 a.m.
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Family Fun Fest, September 13 from 11 am to 3 pm at Riverside Park in Janesville, is a alcohol & drug free family event that has been happening for 14 years. This is a FREE family event that has a live band, pony rides, petting zoo, children's games, wagon rides, shuffleboard, jump tents, magician and community resource booths. Check it out at www.partnersinpreventionrockcounty.org
Aug 21, 2008 at 9:12 p.m.
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I just wish I didn't like music and beer so much! Guess I will just have to attend this event.
Aug 21, 2008 at 6:19 p.m.
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Bellagio_Bound- no Screemin Meemee's. But if you enjoy people watching, Rock Around the Block offers that opportunity. Plenty of people to gawk at.
Aug 21, 2008 at 6:16 p.m.
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Blue Olives:
http://www.blueolives.com/
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fus...
Aug 21, 2008 at 5:03 p.m.
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WAIT! I know, if you all want to call the shots, take a collection and hire all these bands yourself, and place them whereever your little hearts desire.
Aug 21, 2008 at 4:56 p.m.
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I wish I wasn't already obligated to do something on Sunday, because I tell you what, I LOVE the Blue Olives....and would LOVE TO SEE THEM....urgh. It seems I am always busy when they are somewhere. I wish they had a website!!!! Have fun everyone.
Aug 21, 2008 at 4:53 p.m.
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OH WAH!!!! Go to the music in the park then you whiners. Sorry!! But goodness. If it isn't YOUR think....don't go. Enough said. If you don't enjoy the bar scene, chances are you aren't going to enjoy these bands anyway.
Aug 21, 2008 at 3:45 p.m.
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i think theyre on strike!!haha
Aug 21, 2008 at 12:58 p.m.
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I sure hope that Screemin Meemee's will be there with a stage. I will be there fore sure then.
Aug 21, 2008 at noon
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I will be going and taking my kids! May all of your Olives be Blue!
Aug 21, 2008 at 10:51 a.m.
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I agree, and thank you for the information proartist. Would like to go to Rock around the Block but cannot. Maybe next year!
Aug 21, 2008 at 10:49 a.m.
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For those who'd rather a more family-friendly and FREE downtown festival, please check out UAA's 3rd Annual ArtsFest on October 3 & 4th at JPAC and the adjoining park area. Lots of hands-on participation with artists on Friday plus performances (music, dance and theatre), demonstrations, vendors, food, etc. For more info as the schedule is firmed up, keep watching www.rockcountyarts.com! In the meantime, please acknowledge the long hours of hard planning and work that always goes into these types of events and THANK the organizers who try to do so much for our community. A Thumbs-Up to those who have put together Rock Around the Block!!!
Aug 21, 2008 at 10:42 a.m.
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Saturday is Farmers Market Day in the same spot until 2pm.
Dane County will be dealing with the same issue at Taste of Madison next week. Farmers market until 1 and Taste of Madison at 2pm.
Beer/bands/family events there too.
Aug 21, 2008 at 10:27 a.m.
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That is why they should have it be a weekend event. Kids activities during the day, then find babysitters and go and drink and listen to music later. There are a lot of kids activities that could be done, if the right people get involved. Face painting, cake walk, coloring contests, police department could get involved for the kids, fire department, etc....could go on. I would love to go, but being a Sunday doesn't make much sense, think they would have a bigger turnout being a Saturday, people do not have to work the next day, church, etc....
Aug 21, 2008 at 10:23 a.m.
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sarahb- sinkhole is down past m&i bank. i dont think the event is that far down the street.and it is a small area that is blocked off too.
Aug 21, 2008 at 10:22 a.m.
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Satan told you to say that, didn't he?
Aug 21, 2008 at 10:17 a.m.
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It's the devil's music.
Aug 21, 2008 at 10:01 a.m.
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armyof3
MY FEELING S EXACTLY. EVEN IF THEY ARE IN PARKING LOTS THERE WILL BE A LOT OF DRINKING AND DRUNK PEOPLE. NOT EXACTLY WHERE A FAMILY SHOULD BE. IF THEY WANT TO BLOCK OFF STREETS WHY HAVE IT NEAR BARS. TRY THE COURTHOUSE PARK OR THE PARKING PLAZA. COULD HAVE ONE BAND AT PARKING PLAZA, ONE AT THE BUS STATION, ANOTHER AT THE Y ETC. IF U WANT TO REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN WHY HAVE IT IN JUST ONE BLOCK OR TWO SPREAD IT AROUND!
Aug 21, 2008 at 7:37 a.m.
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Not against the bars, booze, music or the revelry. It sounds like a lot of fun but it's on the Lord's Day and that is a shame. My family will have to miss it. Hope it moves to Saturday next year.
Can't get around that 4th commandment. Be safe everyone.
Aug 21, 2008 at 6:46 a.m.
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"Does anyone know why they do this on a Sunday, and not a Saturday?"
I know!! Cause Janesville wouldnt let them do it on a saturday. If the city isnt making money on it, they cant let you have too much fun. lol....welcome to Janesville.
Aug 21, 2008 at 6:43 a.m.
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Janesville is not charging a cover? What??? whats wrong? I didnt think anything can be fun and free in janesville.
Aug 21, 2008 at 12:48 a.m.
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armyof3, this is an event TO BRING PEOPLE DOWNTOWN. Holding it at the Youth Sports Complex won't help downtown businesses.
Aug 20, 2008 at 11:20 p.m.
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Yes, the sink-holes are still there, but those downtown law offices are closed on the weekend.
Aug 20, 2008 at 10:38 p.m.
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Will the street be open by then? Why is it closed anyway? I remember reading something about a "sink-hole" ... was it/is it still there?
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:29 p.m.
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Glad to see someone supporting live music. Economic slowdown and the proliferation of DJ's and karaoke have made it harder for bands to keep working. Don't forget where the music comes from. I know some of these musicians and it is much harder work than many people realize. Support live music!
Aug 20, 2008 at 7:28 p.m.
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ok, a "family" event... 31 bands; 19 inside, 12 outside... how does an event that has a majority of it's entertainment in a bar setting equate out to a "family" event?? ok, Firehouse Park for the kids... kids will get bored after so long of being limited to just one area (believe me)... and I agree that it should take place on a Saturday in opposition to a Sunday... I know that local businesses in the downtown area have suffered a great deal due to the extensive flooding, but what's been the reasoning all the other years as to why downtown?? why not consider the youth sports complex as a potential alternative... you can't say that our local bars and downtown businesses wouldn't be able to sponser the event... this allows for more family oriented options and better parking... this way, the bars aren't the main focal point... make it a 2 day event, that way, everyone wins...
Aug 20, 2008 at 1:53 p.m.
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There are 31 bands in all on 8 stages. 19 inside, 12 outside.
Aug 20, 2008 at 1:28 p.m.
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5 of the 8 stages are in bars:
Main Street Saloon, 117 N. Main St.
Quotes Bar & Grill, 24 N. Main St.
Wiggy's Saloon, 9 N. Parker Drive.
The Looking Glass, 18 N. Main St.
Legends Tavern, 11 N. Main St.
17 of the 29 bands are in bars.
Still have 12 you can see/hear if you don't care to be in the warm, crowded, and smokey bars.
From this publicity, and the weather forecast looks warm and sunny for sunday, there will be a large crowd, atleast in the afternoon.
Maybe next year then they will add a block or two on and have more outside bands.
Aug 20, 2008 at 1:28 p.m.
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ame- actually some of the stages ARENT at the bar theyre in a parking lot. sorry there is parking downtown near bars. I believe the MAINSTAGE in the road by m &I bank.
yes porta pottie would be good idea. yes i wish it was sat and sunday and NOT on the same day of historic home tour. i will miss most of it this year- downtown.
Aug 20, 2008 at 1:14 p.m.
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Four of the eight stages will be at bars. The Main Stage is in the parking lot at Wall & Parker; the Jazz Stage is at the end of Main by Milwaukee; the Alternative Stage is in the parking lot next to Legends; and the Kids Stage is in the park.
.
The bars are "major sponsors" -- meaning they pay for a good chunk of it.
Aug 20, 2008 at 11:59 a.m.
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I love the thought of bars and music, that is why I was hoping they would do it on a Saturday or even make it a weekend event. With different activities on different days.
Aug 20, 2008 at 11:48 a.m.
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Anyone who personally objects to the bars involved can always patronize any of the many Main St. restaurants and coffee shops! Congrats to the organizers who continually provide a terrfic venue each year for the FANTASTIC LOCAL entertainment. Good luck for a great turnout in '08!
Aug 20, 2008 at 11:46 a.m.
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People - let's keep our eyes on the ball. Janesville is having a fun FAMILY event. Quit complaning, or maybe join the planning board to move it to a location better suited to your liking!
Aug 20, 2008 at 11:27 a.m.
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bars that are listed
Main Street Saloon, 117 N. Main St.
Quotes Bar & Grill, 24 N. Main St.
Wiggy's Saloon, 9 N. Parker Drive.
The Looking Glass, 18 N. Main St.
it seems that most of the stages will be at bars.
yes there is other things to do but it is mostly bars
Aug 20, 2008 at 11:19 a.m.
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Does anyone know why they do this on a Sunday, and not a Saturday?
Aug 20, 2008 at 10:31 a.m.
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Good point, hhoufe.
Aug 20, 2008 at 10:25 a.m.
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I went to this last year with my 5 year old and found that they had many kid friendly activities as well as fun for adults :) The only problem I had was that I had to take my son into a bar to go to the bathroom..and the bars were ROCKIN at that time (3pm). Hoping porta potties will be available this year :)
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:48 a.m.
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Ummm..yea...this music festival has been organized for the past few years to spur downtown revitalization. There are bars downtown. I remember when it was held at the JTS Transit Center. I think it's great that the festival has outgrown that location. Where else do you suggest that this festival be staged downtown--where there will be room for stages outside of businesses where there are bands playing inside those businesses? And where people can enjoy drinks (bars sell soda, too) and some food while catching some entertainment? Can't please everyone I guess.
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:48 a.m.
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There is more downtown than just bars. The article states very clearly that the intent is not to create "just another music and beer fest". If you have a problem with it being downtown, then don't go. No one is forcing you to.
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:33 a.m.
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nice to have this celebration down by the bars
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