Cranky Pat's : A Man on a Mission by Jonathan Schinke
Willie Waldman Project at Cranky Pat's feat. Steve Molitz
In cities like Madison, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago,
finding something cool to do once the weekend rolls around is as easy as picking
up a paper, or hopping on Jambase (or WIJAM’s Facebook Page). In the Fox Valley, things don’t come that easy. Over the past couple years, however, the
heady shows have increased in frequency, but let’s be honest, it’s not a large
market. Thank the stars for Cranky Pat’s….
The Neenah pizzeria and pub, which has been around for much longer than most of the music patrons have been alive, (est. 1955) has played an integral part in transforming the Fox Valley from a routing stop, to a favored destination of local, regional, and even national acts. With owner Dave Earle’s passion for live music, and continued support of the scene, it’s easy to see why.
The club features a Thursday night house band, the Jam Funk All-stars, with rotating members from several of the states rising groups (SLM, Phocus, Ifdakar, Wook, the Mustache, and many more). Thursday’s also include a sort of open jam, where anyone who wants to play, may do so, sometimes using the house bands instruments. It is an extremely popular draw, in part due to the super low all-you-can-drink prices, as well as the quality jam sessions, more often than not, made up on the spot.
The weekends are always booked with great acts, touching on all colors of the original music spectrum. On weekdays, the stage is usually dark, but once in a while, a popular touring act will stop in, on their way through the region. Suffice it to say, if Cranky’s has a weekday show booked, it’s worth your while to check it out.
Earle, and his club, are clearly proponents of the scene, as Cranky’s has supported and sponsored several like minded causes and events, including the Feel Good Fest, Pow Wow in the Pines, as well as the upcoming IfdaKamp Festival. The success of the Valley scene appears to go hand in hand with the success of Cranky’s music club, a fact not lost on Earle.
Recently we had a chance to speak with Earle about his club, the evolving scene, and what he sees from his perspective.
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WIJAM: Venues in the Fox Valley that consistently feature live original music, particularly jam band music, are relatively few and far between. Is it a conscious effort on the part of Cranky Pat's to feature this kind of music in an area where cover bands seem to be king, or did it just kind of happen like that?
DE: Yes, we made a commitment when we started to stay away from the cover bands. We want to give the original music groups, as well as fans, a place to see and display the fantastic talent pool we have in the state.
WIJAM: Now, of course, jam bands aren't the only genre that Cranky's features. Indie rock, Americana, Alternative, even Metal groups all take their turns on the stage. But speaking specifically about jam band fan bases, what, if anything, sets them apart from the standard music crowd?
DE: They are very loyal. We have the highest attendance with jam bands, and usually the highest bar sales. We do like to party! (laughs)
WIJAM: For a new band out there hoping to get booked at your club, what are some things that maybe you guys look at before bringing someone in for the first time?
DE: We love new stuff. A good demo and good attitude usually works. Sometimes we do add new bands to a line-up that we know will draw, for extra exposure.
WIJAM: What are some things that might lead to a band not being invited a second time?
DE: It does come down to the ability to draw folks in. We will usually give a couple of chances, but if it does not work it does not work.
WIJAM: As a big music fan yourself, and as the owner of a venue with a fair amount of jam band leanings, it's got to be exciting to see all these quality acts sprouting up, virtually right in your back yard. Tell me a little bit about what you see, from your perspective, regarding the Wisconsin scene.
DE: There is a lot to be excited about. I have seen quite a few bands that I think could go far.
WIJAM: Any additions or upgrades on the way as far as lights or sound that you'd like to share?
DE: We are looking to upgrade the lighting with LED and some more motion.
WIJAM: Any upcoming shows in particular that you'd like to mention?
DE: Personally, I love the bluegrass side of jam, so, Evergreen Grass Band and Burnt Toast and Jam are favorites.
WIJAM: Obviously, running the business has to demand a lot of your time. Even with how busy you are, what are a some of the shows at Cranky's that you just have to attend? Any recent shows you attended stick out as noteworthy?
DE: Miles Neilson, Roster McCabe, Funktion and Ifdakar are must see. The Hackensaw Boys were fantastic, also.
WIJAM: I have to mention your staff. I don't know that I've been to a club where the staff is so consistently courteous and attentive. From the bartenders to the doormen, from the cooks to the waitstaff, everyone is always just so nice! Where do you find these people! In all seriousness, talk a little bit about your staff and what they mean to Cranky Pat's.
DE: They are the life blood of this place. I have been blessed with great people. We have always tried to be a place that people want to work and play at. I believe in creating an environment that is as light hearted as possible. The restaurant business has its stress-filled moments. So, keeping a positive attitude is very important for managers. I do tell the staff to treat the talent as they would a customer. I want the bands to like us. It makes booking a lot easier.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In an area where killer clubs that cater to the jam scene are few and far between, we can be thankful to have a venue, and an owner, so committed to the preservation, success, and growth of our scene. Anytime you step foot in Cranky Pat’s, you know you’re going to have one hell of a good time, watching some of the best and brightest in a variety of different genres. And there isn’t a cover band in sight. Now that’s a beautiful thing.
Here's a look at Cranky's upcoming music schedule...
4/8 Evergreen Grass Band
Lightning quick Progressive Bluegrass!
4/9 95.9 Kiss FM Undiscovered A.M.P.Lified
A night of Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, and D.J.'s featuring fresh new talent. Hosted by Kevin LaShun.
4/12 Roster McCabe
Super Hi Fi mix of Reggae Funk and Guitar Rock.
4/15 Ian Olvera and the Sleepwalkers w/ Trapper Schoepp and the Shades and Nathan Dengel
Innovative Singer Songwriters, Pop Rock, Roots Rock and some Americana.
4/16 Burnt Toast and Jam
This is Dew Grass for Bluegrass.
4/18 Thistle and the Thorns
A very special way to kick off Earth Week
4/20 Special 4/20 bash featuring
SLM
Ghetto Blaster
Wandering Foolz
Top rated jam and a special reunion show, what a way to celebrate!
4/22 Copper Box
Foot stompin' finger snappin' Americana, Bluegrass, Folk and Zydeco!
4/23 30 Meter Telescope Others TBA.
4/29 Tin Sandwich Blues Band
Tightly knit mix of Blues, R&B, Rock and Soul with a touch of Dreadlock.
For more information, please visit Cranky Pat’s online at the following places.
The Neenah pizzeria and pub, which has been around for much longer than most of the music patrons have been alive, (est. 1955) has played an integral part in transforming the Fox Valley from a routing stop, to a favored destination of local, regional, and even national acts. With owner Dave Earle’s passion for live music, and continued support of the scene, it’s easy to see why.
The club features a Thursday night house band, the Jam Funk All-stars, with rotating members from several of the states rising groups (SLM, Phocus, Ifdakar, Wook, the Mustache, and many more). Thursday’s also include a sort of open jam, where anyone who wants to play, may do so, sometimes using the house bands instruments. It is an extremely popular draw, in part due to the super low all-you-can-drink prices, as well as the quality jam sessions, more often than not, made up on the spot.
The weekends are always booked with great acts, touching on all colors of the original music spectrum. On weekdays, the stage is usually dark, but once in a while, a popular touring act will stop in, on their way through the region. Suffice it to say, if Cranky’s has a weekday show booked, it’s worth your while to check it out.
Earle, and his club, are clearly proponents of the scene, as Cranky’s has supported and sponsored several like minded causes and events, including the Feel Good Fest, Pow Wow in the Pines, as well as the upcoming IfdaKamp Festival. The success of the Valley scene appears to go hand in hand with the success of Cranky’s music club, a fact not lost on Earle.
Recently we had a chance to speak with Earle about his club, the evolving scene, and what he sees from his perspective.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
WIJAM: Venues in the Fox Valley that consistently feature live original music, particularly jam band music, are relatively few and far between. Is it a conscious effort on the part of Cranky Pat's to feature this kind of music in an area where cover bands seem to be king, or did it just kind of happen like that?
DE: Yes, we made a commitment when we started to stay away from the cover bands. We want to give the original music groups, as well as fans, a place to see and display the fantastic talent pool we have in the state.
WIJAM: Now, of course, jam bands aren't the only genre that Cranky's features. Indie rock, Americana, Alternative, even Metal groups all take their turns on the stage. But speaking specifically about jam band fan bases, what, if anything, sets them apart from the standard music crowd?
DE: They are very loyal. We have the highest attendance with jam bands, and usually the highest bar sales. We do like to party! (laughs)
WIJAM: For a new band out there hoping to get booked at your club, what are some things that maybe you guys look at before bringing someone in for the first time?
DE: We love new stuff. A good demo and good attitude usually works. Sometimes we do add new bands to a line-up that we know will draw, for extra exposure.
WIJAM: What are some things that might lead to a band not being invited a second time?
DE: It does come down to the ability to draw folks in. We will usually give a couple of chances, but if it does not work it does not work.
WIJAM: As a big music fan yourself, and as the owner of a venue with a fair amount of jam band leanings, it's got to be exciting to see all these quality acts sprouting up, virtually right in your back yard. Tell me a little bit about what you see, from your perspective, regarding the Wisconsin scene.
DE: There is a lot to be excited about. I have seen quite a few bands that I think could go far.
WIJAM: Any additions or upgrades on the way as far as lights or sound that you'd like to share?
DE: We are looking to upgrade the lighting with LED and some more motion.
WIJAM: Any upcoming shows in particular that you'd like to mention?
DE: Personally, I love the bluegrass side of jam, so, Evergreen Grass Band and Burnt Toast and Jam are favorites.
WIJAM: Obviously, running the business has to demand a lot of your time. Even with how busy you are, what are a some of the shows at Cranky's that you just have to attend? Any recent shows you attended stick out as noteworthy?
DE: Miles Neilson, Roster McCabe, Funktion and Ifdakar are must see. The Hackensaw Boys were fantastic, also.
WIJAM: I have to mention your staff. I don't know that I've been to a club where the staff is so consistently courteous and attentive. From the bartenders to the doormen, from the cooks to the waitstaff, everyone is always just so nice! Where do you find these people! In all seriousness, talk a little bit about your staff and what they mean to Cranky Pat's.
DE: They are the life blood of this place. I have been blessed with great people. We have always tried to be a place that people want to work and play at. I believe in creating an environment that is as light hearted as possible. The restaurant business has its stress-filled moments. So, keeping a positive attitude is very important for managers. I do tell the staff to treat the talent as they would a customer. I want the bands to like us. It makes booking a lot easier.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In an area where killer clubs that cater to the jam scene are few and far between, we can be thankful to have a venue, and an owner, so committed to the preservation, success, and growth of our scene. Anytime you step foot in Cranky Pat’s, you know you’re going to have one hell of a good time, watching some of the best and brightest in a variety of different genres. And there isn’t a cover band in sight. Now that’s a beautiful thing.
Here's a look at Cranky's upcoming music schedule...
4/8 Evergreen Grass Band
Lightning quick Progressive Bluegrass!
4/9 95.9 Kiss FM Undiscovered A.M.P.Lified
A night of Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, and D.J.'s featuring fresh new talent. Hosted by Kevin LaShun.
4/12 Roster McCabe
Super Hi Fi mix of Reggae Funk and Guitar Rock.
4/15 Ian Olvera and the Sleepwalkers w/ Trapper Schoepp and the Shades and Nathan Dengel
Innovative Singer Songwriters, Pop Rock, Roots Rock and some Americana.
4/16 Burnt Toast and Jam
This is Dew Grass for Bluegrass.
4/18 Thistle and the Thorns
A very special way to kick off Earth Week
4/20 Special 4/20 bash featuring
SLM
Ghetto Blaster
Wandering Foolz
Top rated jam and a special reunion show, what a way to celebrate!
4/22 Copper Box
Foot stompin' finger snappin' Americana, Bluegrass, Folk and Zydeco!
4/23 30 Meter Telescope Others TBA.
4/29 Tin Sandwich Blues Band
Tightly knit mix of Blues, R&B, Rock and Soul with a touch of Dreadlock.
For more information, please visit Cranky Pat’s online at the following places.
