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Articles by Bob Koch
One dish: Lotza Motza burger at Players Sports Bar & Grill
It’s fair to say I’m a hamburger connoisseur, but I do tend to order the most straightforward version on a menu…with maybe some lettuce and onion, and I might add some cheese and bacon, if really living large. I’m not opposed to trying fancier creations but it’s rare I would order one more than once. An exception to that rule can be found at one of Madison’s best spots for adventurous burger creations, the Schenk’s Corners institution Players Sports Bar & Grill.
So many records, so little time
The annual spring Record Store Day, a much anticipated happening for music fans in the Madison area, is set for Saturday, April 18. Many folks line up long before stores open for the chance to snag exclusive releases (mostly on vinyl) of both new and vintage music, and many others first flock to the used bins to discover treasures the stores have set aside for what is always a high-traffic day.
Freezing Man: ‘Rock camp for musicians’
In 2013, Mike Gomoll “reconnected” with Butch Vig through a mutual friend. Gomoll recalls that Vig had a vague memory of him as “that guy from Headliners.” “That was my one claim to fame,” says Gomoll, who spent a few years in the 1980s working as a DJ and in the office at the now defunct club on University Avenue. In those days Vig was playing with Spooner, a Madison rock band that was on the cusp of breaking into the big time.
Atwood Music Hall to open June 13
If you haven't started planning for summer yet, some news out Thursday morning may provide a jump start: The Atwood Music Hall, 1925 Winnebago St., has announced its initial slate of concerts and other events. The newly renovated venue is set to open June 13 with a concert honoring Clyde Stubblefield — the "Funky Drummer" of James Brown's band whose beats have anchored countless hip-hop tracks. Stubblefield was also a longtime Madison resident and music scene stalwart, who died in 2017.
Jack White to play "secret" show in Madison
Rock guitarist and songwriter Jack White released his latest album, No Name, in a unique way: unmarked LPs slipped secretly into customer's bags at Third Man Records stores in Nashville, London, and his native Detroit. The album eventually was issued in a regular edition, and for fans of White's old band, The White Stripes, No Name is an instant classic, a set of stomping, no-nonsense garage rock.
For Record Store Day, a celebration of B-Side
Just in time for Record Store Day, April 20, filmmaker Mitch Deitz is releasing his documentary Keep Spinning: a B-Side Story for free viewing on his Vimeo site. Deitz, who grew up on Madison’s east side, now lives in Chicago. He started there with an internship at the nonprofit Kartemquin Films documentary studio. He’s now involved with the Chicago International Film fest and screenwriting.
Linda Falkenstein and Bob Koch
Linda Falkenstein and Bob Koch Browse Topics Currently, there is no content with this tag. By Linda Falkenstein and Bob Koch
Strategic Farming: Let`s Talk Crops Focused on What Pays for Soybean Pest Management
By Phyllis Bongard and Bob Koch Which soybean pest management practices will pay off in 2024? Dr. Bob Koch, Extension soybean entomologist, described the latest developments in soybean pests and their management in the February 21 Strategic Farming: Let’s talk crops session. Soybean aphid For over 20 years, insecticides have been used to control soybean aphids (SBA).
Five favorite spins and streams: 2023 Madison records
When looking back at Madison area music released in 2023, it didn't take me long to come to one conclusion: There are a lot of talented, motivated and prolific musicians in the scene. Just using the Madison tag on Bandcamp will deliver a cornucopia of music (and note, a Madison WI tag gets you some more). Then there are all the other streaming services to consider…the choices are rewardingly dizzying. And overwhelming to keep up with, due to the fragmented nature of what lives on what sites.
One Dish: The Pietro Special pizza from Cafe La Bellitalia
When cooking dinner is not in the cards, our household tends to alternate between trying somewhere new and returning to a few tried-and-true favorites. The north side’s Cafe La Bellitalia has been a recurring favorite in recent years, and everything I've eaten there has been delightful, from gnocchi to the meatball platter to lasagna. But in takeout/delivery mode, I rarely make it past the Pietro Special pizza, which mixes simple ingredients in a very satisfying way.
Longtime Crystal Corner booker Joe Lambert retires
In some ways it was a typical Sunday at the east-side neighborhood institution the Crystal Corner Bar. A couple chess games were underway at the high-top tables lining the wall on the bar side of the room; some kids were running circles around the bar. Not typical was that the Hometown Sweethearts were on stage in the middle of the afternoon on Oct. 29, just hours after playing at the Crystal the night before.
Soybean Aphids Beginning to Colonize Soybean Fields
Rewind 2021 Last crop in the ground + Top Dressing! Video: Rewind 2021 Last crop in the ground + Top Dressing! Welcome to our farm! I’m the 3rd generation in our farm that started with my grandpa 70 years ago. This video is from spring of 2021 and I was too busy to edit and upload and since we’re waiting for current crops to grow I can give you guys something to watch with more awesome information as always like the ins and outs of our fert spreader and some awesome drone shots! Enjoy!Up
Dark Star rising
A combination music venue and art gallery, Dark Star Art Bar, is opening at 756 E. Washington Ave. A grand opening celebration will take place June 3. If the concept of a combined gallery and venue on that block of East Washington sounds familiar, you are not imagining things. The spot, home to Star Bar some years back, most recently hosted the venue/gallery Dark Horse Art Bar, which opened in October 2021.
'Mondale Courting' showcases one Madison woman's quest for community during social distancing
Life is change, and as humans we are often more adaptable than we may feel is possible. The short film Mondale Courting, by first-time director Mary Moskoff, takes a look at the way some Madison neighbors fought back against isolation during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic — and the neighborhood unity that has grown since then. The film screens as part of the program "Real People/Real Places," April 14 and 15.
Dollar bin diving: Budget jazz edition
Hey, it's been awhile since ye olde Vinyl Cave had any action here on teh internetz. But you didn't really think I'd stopped buying piles of weird records, did you? Here's a roundup of some finds from fall 2022, which I set aside at the time for a column: a batch of (mostly) budget label jazz records from the 1950s and '60s.
Increasing equal opportunity in Madison’s music scene is goal of new report
The latest report from the Greater Madison Music City project is out and its findings emphasize the driving force behind the project itself. The “number one goal…is making sure that we have equity and equal opportunity for everyone in our music scene,” said Karen Reece before introducing the results of the study Dec. 8 at a presentation at Cafe Coda.
All in the B-Side family
The footprint of B-Side Records’ original storefront is not large, but Steve Manley made the absolute most of it. “There is stuff in every square inch of space,” says Manley, eyeing the contents during the store’s last full week at 436 State St., where it’s been a downtown institution since 1982. Manley has been associated with B-Side almost from the beginning. He started as a part-time worker, then managed the store for many years. In 2007 he became owner.
Mills Music Library exhibit traces the history of recorded sound
Before the late 19th century, music, speeches and everything else “heard” needed to be experienced live and was never to be heard again. After the invention of sound recording, what was a seemingly magical wonder soon transitioned to mass production, spreading in physical and eventually virtual formats. Press Play: Recorded Sound from Groove to Stream, a new exhibit on display through Dec.
One Dish: The Tip Top Burger from the Tip Top Tavern
Living on the north side of Madison means the Tip Top Tavern is tantalizingly close to home when you want to grab a quick bite to start an evening out, or simply are too fried from work to consider firing up the stove. What I’m going to order is not an automatic decision for me — the Friday fish fry is too irresistible to ignore — but I get the namesake Tip Top Burger often enough to be in danger of a server preemptively marking it down.
Chris Isaak and Silvertone’s Madison show keeps the rock ‘n roll flame burning
Chris Isaak and his long-time band Silvertone thoroughly charmed the Capitol Theater audience at Overture Center on Tuesday night with a concert offering the expected hits and some surprises. During a bit of introductory conversation after the first few songs, Isaak inquired how many audience members had seen the band play live before; quite a few had, but there were also many first-timers. “ People who’ve seen us before are open to the idea we might improve, ” Isaak remarked dryly.
Madison’s east side to get a new music venue
The east side of Madison will have a new independent music and arts venue in 2023: The Atwood Music Hall. The new venue, at 1925 Winnebago St., was announced this morning with a press release and accompanying video. The Atwood Music Hall is a new project by the partners operating The Bur Oak, Toffer Christensen and Jake DeHaven.
Blues musician Jim Schwall dies in Arizona
Legendary blues musician and former Madison resident Jim Schwall died on June 19 at his home in Tucson, Arizona, where he has been living for several years, at age 79 Schwall was born in Chicago, where he launched a music career in the mid-1960s with the Siegel-Schwall Band. The band soon built a presence in the blues and rock scenes with national tours and many albums before dissolving in 1974 (the band reunited periodically from 1987 on).
It's the most wonderful time of the year
The local record store scene has been rocked with bad news recently. B-Side and Sugar Shack are being forced to move and the Exclusive Company chain is gradually closing down operations (the Janesville store announced its closing on Feb. 21, and is hosting a farewell party April 16). On the upside: It looks like B-Side and Sugar Shack will continue at other locations and none of this disruption is getting in the way of Record Store Day, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
MAMAs get M.O.D.ern
The pandemic has been a challenging time for local musicians, but many found ways to adapt and even thrive in response. And now it’s time to celebrate their work. This year’s Madison Area Music Association awards ceremony will again be a virtual affair, but some changes from the 2020 incarnation are in the works. Last year the MAMAs hosted a live webcast that replicated the in-person event but experienced some technical difficulties along the way.
Bucky’s big book sale
Will it be a mob scene or...well, like a deserted library? I don’t know what to expect when I head down early to the book sale hosted by the Friends of the UW-Madison Libraries. It’s been two long years since the last sale and the bibliophiles might be hungry. I know I can claim a spot in line by popping into the Memorial Library and paying my $5 admission ahead of time, but instead I stroll down State Street enjoying the late fall sunshine.
New print edition out on Aug. 5
Isthmus returns to newsstands after COVID shutdown by Bob Koch, Judith Davidoff, Linda Falkenstein, Dylan Brogan June 17, 2021 7:00 AM We have wanted to write these words every day for 15 months: The print edition of Isthmus is coming back! Madison’s favorite alt-weekly for more than four decades will return as a monthly publication on Aug. 5. It never would have happened without the unwavering support from so many of our loyal readers.
Vinyl Cave: "How Are Things in Your Town?" by Ken Nordine
by Bob Koch May 28, 2021 12:59 PM It will probably not be surprising to regular readers of the Vinyl Cave that along with all the other random records picked up out of curiosity I occasionally buy comedy albums. They are still plentiful in the bargain bins since many were big sellers when new, and the demand for even rare ones is usually low.
Live is life
For live music enthusiasts, there's nothing quite like feeling the music flowing around and through you. After a seemingly interminable past year, shows are returning, both outdoors and indoors. Thanks to the early arrival of mild weather, the Harmony Bar and the Cider Farm began hosting music by mid-March. Since then patios have continued to fire up around Dane County, including long standing outdoor concert series at Tyranena Brewing and Bowl-A-Vard Lanes.
Vinyl Cave: Dollar Bin Diving with Bill Miller, The Hi-Lo's, NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street, Dee Mullins
Although my time out and about during our masked-up pandemic present has been fairly limited, no bargain bins have remained unpillaged when the opportunity presented itself. Side note: If you're reading this column when it's new (April 17, 2021), the St. Vincent de Paul record sale is taking place right now, at the Williamson Street location.
Why are some students worth more than others?
In Indiana, some students are worth more than others. At least this is what our state policy says. This is unacceptable. The good news is that lawmakers are working toward equal funding for schools so all students have an opportunity to succeed. You see, a traditional public school receives funding from the state for each student in the school. These funds are used to hire teachers, guidance counselors and to purchase other classroom or learning needs.
Spanning a century
It is another Bandcamp Friday, when the streaming service waives its fees on sales. At last word the practice is set to continue through at least May. I will have to do some Bandcamp hunting myself, as I have been barely keeping up these last few months with the tips on new and forthcoming releases from regional musicians sent my way.
Song sung new
Are you a local musician who could use a songwriting spark as we ride out the (hopefully) waning days of pandemic restrictions? Or perhaps more time at home has left you with oodles of ideas that need an outlet? Local nonprofit Music Makes a Difference may have the perfect project for you: a Complete the Song contest. During pre-COVID times, the Madison-based organization regularly hosted concerts with a dual purpose: providing a paid gig for musicians and also aiding various local charities.
Madison phenom Raine Stern on "The Voice"
Madison-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Raine Stern is the kind of performer who immediately grabs your attention any time she's on stage. The world will now get a chance to learn what regional music audiences already know, as Stern has made it through the first round of the new season of The Voice.
A new Broom
Here we are at the end of February, creeping toward a year since we all started staying home. All that time at home has combined with multiple streaming channels has led to possibly even more new music than usual by local artists, so much so that it would be a full-time job just to keep up with it all. And it would be a fun job, thanks to the creativity and range of sounds and experiences you can find out there. Read on for a sampling of what's caught my ear recently.
Vinyl Cave: Reissues by Dwight Yoakam, k.d. lang and Iron City Houserockers
Reissues have long been a solid cash cow for the music industry. The segment really took off after the introduction of compact discs convinced a lot of folks to buy CDs of everything that they owned on vinyl. During the 1990s and early 2000s when relatively few new albums were coming out on LP, indie labels such as Sundazed countered the CD revolution by reviving perennial favorites and rare titles on LP; even major label CBS/Sony was somewhat quietly repressing LPs off and on.
Vinyl Cave: "Money Jungle" by Duke Ellington
by Bob Koch February 2, 2021 6:01 AM The Blue Note label is a legendary marque with jazz listeners for the quality of the music presented by co-founder Alfred Lion during the label's original heyday, as well as eye catching packaging featuring iconic photography by Francis Wolff and art direction by Reid Miles. Over the years the original records developed a mystique with record collectors, with copies in top condition selling for increasingly astronomical sums.
Let it FlowPoetry
2021 is here. More importantly, Jan. 20 has come and gone. Deep breath, time to move on and move forward. Here is some of the first new local music I've listened to so far in this new era. Elements is a new EP collaboration by Madisonians FlowPoetry and Jeff Clarke. FlowPoetry is the performing name of poet Adam Gregory Pergament, and Clarke is a songwriter, bassist and singer for psychedelically oriented blues-rock quartet Sweet Delta Dawn.
From polka to "Punk Ballads"
Singer-keyboardist Shawndell Marks has most often recorded music in a band context, both for her solo albums and as a member of Gin, Chocolate and Bottle Rockets, Gold Dust Women, and various other groups. A notable exception to that is her 2020 Madison Area Music Award winning album Keys to Unlock Your Dreams, a collection of original instrumental solo piano pieces.
Vermilion Flycatcher Macaulay Library ML286422521
Technical Information Model Canon EOS 90D Lens model 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 f-stop f/6.3 Focal length 484 mm Shutter speed 1/1600 sec ISO 1600 Flash Flash did not fire Original file size 1,274KB Dimensions 3072 x 2194
Magic Elves and "Living Proof"
Here we are, going on three-quarters of a year into pandemic times. This summer brought a limited return to live performances, mostly outside, but that’s going to be tough during cold weather. Still, a steady flow of new music continues to emerge while songwriters have time away from the stage. This week's mini-reviews feature music recorded during quarantine times by local musicians and some Madison natives who currently live elsewhere.
Vinyl Cave: "Goblin Alert" by Quintron + Miss Pussycat
by Bob Koch November 27, 2020 8:01 AM Thanksgiving weekend always feels like an appropriate time for a bit of reflection, on both life in general and the particulars of the year. Well, 2020 has been a hot mess, of course, but there is still much to be thankful for. I'm thankful, for instance, for all of the essential workers doing their best to keep us all safe, even when faced with individuals who do not subscribe to the concept of public good.
Dollar bin diving with The Stampeders, If, John Klemmer and Howard Roberts
Dedicated crate-diggers encounter some performers so often over the years that seeing their records becomes somewhat like background noise on a banged-up LP; it's there, but you may not really notice or think about it. As a dedicated digger myself, I have passed over both ubiquitous and less common titles for years before the day came for a random purchase. Of course, the best way for the musically curious but artist-uncommitted listener to pick up these sorts of albums is in the bargain bin.
“Smooth sailing”
Peter Gascowne has worked the polls a half dozen times over the last decade but this year he’s a “rover,” a new role for him and the city of Madison.
Diamonds and beans
So … here we are, more than seven months into a global pandemic that is once again picking up momentum. For artists with new music to unveil, COVID-19 presents a unique set of challenges, at least if plans include any physical incarnations of the new releases. For those artists sticking to the streaming world, more people staying at home can mean opportunities to find temporarily captive audiences looking for something new. The trick is to get the word out.
Vinyl Cave: Crate digging in a pandemic
Digging for records as a bargain hunter, 2020 edition, may not be an essential task, but it is as fraught as many other things in our current lives. As an activity it has proven to be far less people-filled than, say, the grocery store...and since it's inessential it's easy to bail if a crowd happens.
COVID coves and real life vampires!
Self-releasing an album has never been easier; artists can choose among multiple platforms to stream their music to the public. But self-releasing a physical album is more involved than usual during the age of COVID-19. Only time will tell how much music from 2020 never makes the jump to some physical medium. But it seems inevitable the current situation — materials and transport issues due to the pandemic and the effect on LP manufacturing from the Apollo Masters Corp.
Isthmus Dining 2020 | We are what we eat
We all have our favorite cuisines and favorite restaurants. Favorite ingredients and favorite types of food. And then there is that one dish. You know the one. The one you crave years after the restaurant closes. The one you long for when you’re backpacking and stuck with dehydrated chili mac. The one you simply cannot not order when you look at the menu. We spend a good deal of time here at Isthmus talking about food. It’s a lingua franca in a lot of offices and we are no exception.
Vinyl Cave: "Antelope Freeway" by Howard Roberts
by Bob Koch August 22, 2020 5:00 AM As a solo artist and bandleader, guitarist Howard Roberts is probably best remembered as a jazz artist, because that was most often the musical focus of the albums that came out under his name. However, during Roberts’ busiest period for album releases (the 1960s on Capitol Records) the track lists show definite pop leanings, whether the LPs remained in jazz land or drifted into easy listening territory.
Vinyl Cave: A piece of 1970s Wisconsin musical history, continued
Those '70s records in plain white covers stamped "Advance Reviewer Copy Confidential" are likely all by Wisconsin artists, and many of them are still performing today. Here's a followup to the first half of the story. Tyler Famularo is less of a mystery than some of the other performers on the records I have found in this series.
Vinyl Cave: A piece of 1970s Wisconsin musical history
The plain white covers state ADVANCE REVIEWER COPY CONFIDENTIAL in bold capital letters, split over two lines, under a die cut showing a record label you've (probably) never heard of before. There's no other jacket copy, or any insert giving information on the performers. Anyone who spends time searching out promotional versions of records (a sideline for a probably small subset of record collectors) has likely encountered an album such as this at one time or another.
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