This yearâs event is slated for Saturday, October 30 on State Street in downtown Madison. Gates will open at 7:00 PM with tickets available at the gate for $10.
$7 advance tickets are available now at the Coliseum box office, Ticketmaster, or at several businesses in the State Street area.
Mountain Dew Amp Stage
7:15 PM
Mike Droho & The Compass Rose
8:20 PM
Mechanical Kids
9:25 PM
Runner Runner
10:30 PM
My Dear Disco
12:00 - 1:30 AM
OK Go
Channel3000.com Stage
7:30 PM
Project M's Daniel + The Lion
8:35 PM
Aaron Williams & The Hoodoo
9:40 PM
American Bang
10:45 PM
Stealing Angels
12:00 -Â 1:00 AM
Little Big Town
Ticketmaster Stage
8:30 PM
DJ Will Calder
11:00 PM
Costume Contest featuring Grand Prize of roundtrip airfare for 2 to London and a Nighttime Jack The Ripper Tour and a LG 42â Plasma TV
12:00 -Â 1:30 AM
DJ Will Calder
The business ticket outlets will be selling tickets through Friday, October 29 and there is no service charge at any of those locations (only service charges on tickets sold at Ticketmaster outlets). Â Participating businesses are designated with special multicolored posters with the Freakfest logo and the words âFreakfest Tickets Available Hereâ. Â Tickets on the day of the event will be available at booths near the entrances beginning at Noon and continuing through the end of the event or when the street reaches capacity. Â Additional information is available at the official Freakfest website: http://www.channel3000.com/freakfest
Freakfest 2009 drew a record number of people with an estimated 55,000 people enjoying the music and costumes on State Street. Â Once again the city was able to cut back on costs and there were fewer arrests as the event continues to run smoothly and become more successful. Â As the event continues to grow in popularity, it is definitely recommended that people purchase their tickets in advance or get to the event as early as possible to purchase their day of event ticket and insure admittance.
8/23 Big Head Todd and the Monsters w/ Daniel and the Lion
Capitol Theater, 7:30pm, more info
Rock
Big Head Todd and the Monsters will be rocking Monday night at the Capitol Theater in the Overture Center For The Arts in downtown Madison. Big Head Todd arrives in Madison following the release of their ninth studio album Rocksteady. Make sure to be at the Capitol Theater Monday night to hear all the classics and some new material from Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
Opening for Big Head Todd and the Monsters will be local band Daniel and the Lion which features Project M's most recent winner Jimmie Linville.
8/24 Grill Out with Beth Kille
Whole Foods Market, 4pm, more info
Acoustic Rock
Time to pull out the grill and celebrate warm weather, good friends and great food!  Join Whole Foods Market Madison each Tuesday night from 4:00-8:00 p.m. for a scrumptious menu from the grill (veggie alternatives too!). This monthâs grilling activities include fun fundraisers, delicious local grub and outstanding live music. Pair that with friends, blue skies, and a few gamesâ¦and weâve got your Tuesday nights covered!  This week join Project Mâs own Beth Kille for some great tunes.
8/24 Lou Barlow and The Missingmen w/ Wye OakThe Frequency, 9pm, more info
Indie/Folk/Big Beat
Lou Barlow and The Missingmen will arrive at The Frequency in downtown Madison this week to rock out for the Madison faithful. Lou Barlow was a founding member of bands Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh and The Folk Implosion. Barlow was a pioneer of the lo/fi indie rock sound in that came out of the late 80s and early 90s and still exists today.
Riding the release of their third full length studio album Metamorphic on August 19th. The release contains nine new songs, eight of which were written by lead singer/guitarist and former Project M contestant Dan Walkner. Head down to Mr Roberts to check out Clovis Mann and their new material.
Catfish Stevenson spends much of his performance time on the streets of Madison playing for the masses. If you are lucky, you can see him at the Farmerâs Market or on State Street strumming his bluesy guitar. Donât let this fact turn you away from this outstanding blues musician. If you are a local blues fan, you should not miss Catfish Stephenson.
8/27 Ozomatli w/ DumanteBarrymore Theatre, 9pm, more info
Latin Hip-Hop/Rock
The seven piece hip-hop/rock act known as Ozomatli will bring their live sound to the Barrymore Theatre. Ozomatli has a fused sound that can best be described by members Jiro Yamaguchi and Ulises Bella when they say, "You drive down Sunset Boulevard and turn off your stereo and roll down your windows and all the music that comes out of each and every different car, whether it's salsa, cumbia, merengue, or Hip Hop, funk or whatever, it's that crazy blend that's going on between that cacophony of sound is Ozomatli, y'know?"
8/27 Mark Little BandCapital Brewery, 6pm, more info
Genre
Based in Milwaukee, WI the Mark Little Band will play some great tunes as you enjoy some cold refreshing Capital brews. The Mark Little Band has two releases, Imagine my Surprise and The Roots. They self describe their sound as "Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews and John Mayer getting drunk at a jazz club, singing along to the only Weezer CD in their juke box."
8/28 Kenny RogersCrystal Grand Music Theatre, 8pm, more info
Country/Rock
By now, Kenny Rogers has become such an icon that it's easy to forget how he got there. The songs on 42 Ultimate Hits, bringing together the top songs of his career from the late 60s First Edition years up to his current return to the charts, offers a crash-course reminder that Rogers is a star because he excels at his craft. Just look at the titles: "Lady," "Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town," "The Gambler," "She Believes in Me," "Islands in the Stream," "We've Got Tonight," "Buy Me A Rose." Not a ditty among them. Then listen. The sweetly raspy vocals are instantly identifiable as Kenny Rogers - he sounds like nobody else. More importantly, he inhabits each song, making it vivid and tangible. For more than five decades, Rogers has delivered memorable songs, drawing fans among rock, pop, soul and country audiences.
8/29 Wanda Jackson w/ The Lustre Kings
High Noon Saloon, 8pm, more info
Country/Rock
Wanda Jackson is the first female rock and roll singer in the United States, releasing her debut record in 1956. She is often hailed as the âQueen Of Rockabilly.â Jackson's last release was in 2003 but she has been singing since. Be sure to check out this legendary singer this Sunday at the High Noon Saloon.
8/29 Ride The Drive w/ Project M ContestantsStage on East Washington, 11am, more info
Festival
RIDE THE DRIVE is a celebration of Madisonâs commitment to healthy, active lifestyles. This community event is an invitation for all citizens to leave their cars behind to experience some of Madisonâs most scenic byways a whole new way - by riding, walking, skating, or strolling along some of our cityâs most beautiful streets.
Come check out the Triple People Powered Stage which includes performances by Beth Kille, Mark Harrod, Keefe Klug, Anna Laube and Corey Hart. Want to help power the stage? Sign up to pedal the power for the music. For more information and signing up to power the stage, click here.
Tomorrow evening is the finale for Project M, the singer-songwriter competition and reality show through Triple M. The Brink Lounge at 701 East Washington is the place to be tomorrow (Thursday 6/17) at 7pm. Project M began with 10 contestants and week by week has slowly dwindled down to the final three contestants. The final three include Keefe Klug, Anna Laube, and Jimmie Linville.
All three contestants will perform a thirty minute set with the big announcement to follow. Crowd response will be a factor in the decision, so make sure to make it to the Brink Lounge and show support for your favorite contestant. Past and present Project M contestants and judges will be in attendance.
The three contestants who remain have all displayed their songwriting skills throughout the competition and these talents will be on showcase tomorrow evening. If unfamiliar, or familiar and a fan, here is some information and free downloads from the three remaining contestants.
Keefe Klug is from Madison, WI and has been playing guitar since the age on 13. Keefe has a desire to win this competition because he wants to introduce the Madison area to his style of music while developing a strong relationship within the Madison music community. For more information on Keefe here is a link to his Project M page. Below is a free download of his track "Two Wrongs."
Anna Laube is also from Madison, WI and credits here great music upbringing to her parents as they played great music in the house throughout her childhood. She began playing piano at the age of three and continued to learn a whole arrangement of instruments as time went on. Anna wants to win because of her love for music and the fact that Triple M is a great radio station and she would love to hear Gabby put her music into regular rotation. For more information visit Anna's Project M page here and check out her free downloadable track below.
Jimmie Linville is from Baraboo, WI and has been playing songs for four years. Jimmie Linville influences include Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Ray LaMontagne and Sufjan Stevens. He wants to win Project M because the $500 gift card to Good 'n' Loud sounds perfect for a new PA for his band Daniel and the Lion while meeting and getting to know members within the Madison music scene. Here is a link to Jimmie's Project M page and below is a free download of his song "Tracing Circles."
6/1 - Broken Teeth w/ The Media, 9pm, The Frequency, 21+, more info
Once again, Diablo Rockers Broken Teeth are playing with fire on the release of their hell-stomping new album, âViva la Rock, Fantastico!â As expected, the fifth release from the hard-bitten Texas head-knockers is torn from the same hellraiserâs hymnal that gave us the likes of Motorhead, AC/DC, Rhino Bucket and other wheels-of-steel rockers.
6/1 - Dirty Shirts, 6:30pm, High Noon Saloon, 21+, more info
Honkytonk, country, and roots music, complemented by 2 for 1 rail drinks and select taps until 7pm. The Dirty Shirts grace the High Noon stage the 1st Tuesday of every month (typically...), so come on down and check 'em out!
6/2 - Noah Engh, 9:30pm, The Frequency, 21+, more info
Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Noah Engh arrives in Madison to perform his 'ragtime millionaire' sound. The crisp southern sound of Noah Engh has been gracing the nation as Noah has performed numerous shows throughout the US. This show is a free show and the opening act is yet to be determined.
6/2 - Gooding w/ Eden's Empire, 8:30pm, High Noon Saloon, 18+, more info
On his upcoming release âThe Returnâ, Goodingâs razor sharp songwriting and soul-searching lyrics, brilliant musicianship, cutting edge production and hopeful optimism shine through loud and clear. Instantly accessible without sacrificing sophistication or musicality, the new songs hit the AAA airwaves on Jan 11, 2010. Eden's Empire are "the sound of Jimi Hendrix strapped to the front of a run-away freight train with Motown and Dylan feeding the fire."
6/3 - Project M Top Three Finalists Announcement, 7pm, High Noon Saloon, no cover, more info
Project M urges Madison songwriters to put their talent where their mouths are with Triple Mâs first-ever reality show: Project M. It started with 10 of Madisonâs finest musicians. Each week the artists have been given a challenge and have returned the next week to perform that challenge. And each week, one artist has been asked to pack their guitar case and leave the stage. At the end, thereâll be just one left. The winner will have one of his or her songs will be placed in regular rotation on Triple M for one month! Plus, he or she will have the opportunity to get one-on-one career advice from an Atlantic Records A&R Rep and then open for an Atlantic Records artist coming through Madison in the next year! Come celebrate the announcement of the final three performers in this exciting challenge! More info
6/3 - Romania, 10pm, The Frequency, 21+, more info
Romania is a Baltimore based band stemming from The Oranges Band. Consisting of three members, Dave Voyles, Roman Kuebler and Pat Martin, Romania play an indie/rock sound influenced by Nick Lowe. The band has a recent release out titled Every7th.com that capitalizes on their indie/rock roots. This is a free show and the opening act has yet to be determined.
6/4 - The Nod (CD Release Party) w/ Rescue School and Automata, 10pm, The Frequency, 21+, more info
Comprised of students at the University of Wisconsin, The Nod reformulated in November '08 with a new roster and setlist. Traveling over the Badger lands and through the bars, these dedicated musicians refuse to fatigue. The Nod brings back all the merrymaking that gets lost amongst the senseless screeching amps and gleepy-sleeze of an average rock concert. Recognizable rock renditions of tunes from various genres, The Nod creates party-ready hits that complement their original tunes keenly. With a fun, outgoing stage presence and multi-generational appeal of music, Nodding off will hopefully nod be an option.
6/4 - Houses in Motion (Talking Heads Tribute), 10pm, High Noon Saloon, 21+, more info
Houses in Motion, a Talking Heads tribute band from Madison, pack the house with their incredible live performances! If you like the Talking Heads, you will love this gem that Madison has to offer. A typical performance features a set as a four-piece dedicated to Talking Heads' earlier material, and another set with additional musicians focusing on the Heads' later material.
6/5 - Get Up! A James Brown Dance Party with Motion Potion and Vinnie Toma, 10pm, Majestic Theatre, 18+, more info
A dance party dedicated to the Godfather of Soul will take over the Majestic Theatre as San Francisco DJ, Motion Potion, and Dirty Disco Kidz member Vinnie Toma spin James Brown records and other dance jams all night. There is a $5 cover for those over 21, and a $10 cover for those between 18-21.
6/6 - Blame Sally w/ Rodeo Ruby Love, 7pm, The Frequency, 21+, more info
A unique collective of four distinct voices and musical backgrounds, Blame Sally has forged a compelling and original sound that has earned the band the well-deserved reputation as Bay Area phenomenon. The San Francisco Chronicle raved that Blame Sallyâs music recall(s) the artful romanticism of Jane Siberry, the rich folk harmonies of the Indigo Girls, and the percolating soulfulness of Joy of Cooking.
Our Project M finale was last week at The Brink Lounge. It was an amazing event and all three contestants were on top of their game. As you probably know, we selected Jimmie Linville as our Project M Champion. Click here to check out the finale.
Meanwhile, one of the fun "activities" we had at The Brink was a photo booth. David Moore the Operations Manager at Triple M and I thought it would be a good idea to get into the spirit of the night and throw on some costumes.
One simple word can explain our photo. Mistake.
No, that's not correct. Two words describe it better: BIG MISTAKE.
Today Kitty and I were trying to figure out the next musicial challenge for all the musicians take part in Project M. If you're not familiar with the show, 10 Madison musicians are battling to have their song played on regular rotation here on Triple M. Each week another musician gets eliminated. You can click here to find out more.
Anyway, each week the musicians have a different song writing challenge. This week we decided to make each musician draw a song title from a stack of CDs and they'll have to write a song based on the title.  They'll have to use the title at least once in the song. We came up with some good ones. Here are some of the ones we decided NOT to use, although it would have been fun to hear what they would have come up with if they had to use these titles.
"My Left Foot Has It's Own Brain"
"2 Girls, 1 Cup and a Guitar"
"Susan Boyle Shuffle"
"Swine Flu Blues"
"Please Stop Listening to this Song"
"Miss California Is A Smart and Caring Individual"
Project M winner Frank Busch and his band got inspired on the first day of summer, and came up with a new song he says is about "summer time beer tents and such!" Great subject matter, we think. Check it out!
You know, Frank also wrote a summer song to complete one of the Project M challenges. You can listen to that song here.Go see Mighty Short Bus at Summerfest Thursday, June 30th at noon on the Briggs and Stratton Stage! Woo hoo!
Independent Madison artist and former Project M contestant Whitney Man has landed an opening slot for Loretta Lynn on February 12 at the Hoyt  Sherman Theatre in Des Moines, Iowa.
Whitney Mann released her self-titled debut EP The Way Back Home and was featured on NPR and won the 2010 Madison Area Music Award for New Artist of the Year. She grew up in Camden,Michigan and started singing and songwriting there.  She went to school at the University of Michigan receiving a degree in English and now lives in Madison.
Mann has played at Summerfest, opening for Willie Nelson and George Jones.  You can check some of her music and her upcoming shows on MySpace.  Her next show in Madison will be  on February 13th at the Oblrich Botanical Garden.
Here is a video of Whitney Mann and her band at the 2010 Madison Area Music Awards:
Have you heard the song "Rumble and Sway" yet on Triple M?
The singer sounds like a raspy blues dude who's definitely been around the block a few times....but surprisingly, Jamie N. Commons is only 23 years old!
He was born in England, but...
Last week, I decided I would try one new, healthy food a week, and asked my facebook friends to make some suggestions.
The first thing I tried was mango. I'm sure I've had other mango flavored things, and mango as part of something else, but...
There's only one thing that might be worse than the Neil Diamond/Barbra Streisand duet "You Don't Bring Me Flowers." And that's Jonathan Suttin doing his best crooning...doing both parts. Most unpleasant.
A lot of people liked this song...
Artist: Alchemilla
Hail From: Boston
Song: 'The Wheel'
Album: Diamonds From The Penny Arcade
Sounds Like: Hole, Pearl Jam
In Their Words: "Alchemilla had been trying to write a ballad for a little while but it wasn't happening. There...
Last weeks challenge we thought went excellent! Of course we are a little biased.
The drinking song couldn't have been any better, or any less fun. We had a blast through out the whole process, and our performance rocked.
This week is an easy...
So the story goes Michael Jackson completed this song while watching cartoons with Paul McCartney. We'll just let that sink in for a moment.
Not sure what cartoons they were watching, but it must have worked because this song made it to number 2...
The Dalai Lama is back in town, sharing his message of peace and kindness with likeminded individuals, and the Wisconsin legislature. He also held a private meeting with Gov. Walker, who said he mostly listened to what His Holiness had to say (wise...
This duet by Ol' Blue Eyes and his daughter went all the way to number 1 back in 1967. It seems a little creepy that Frank and Nancy Sinatra are singing a love song. However, a lot of Triple M listeners were in the mood for it.
Here's...
Today Kitty and I were trying to figure out the next musicial challenge for all the musicians take part in Project M. If you're not familiar with the show, 10 Madison musicians are battling to have their song played on regular rotation here on Triple M. Each week another musician gets eliminated. You can 
