A Guide to Midwest Bands

If you are traveling through the Midwest this Christmas season, there are a number of rock/dance/pop/other bands for your listening enjoyment. If you dig hard enough, there is great live music to be had all over. This article will focus on a handful of great bands currently gigging all around the upper Midwest. A list of supplementary site for gigs, dances and venues is also provided. There are a number of bands out there in the area, this is just a sampling. Feel free to peruse any of the sites out there. Many of these bands have very diverse playlists, and are available for a wide range of events.

The Rumbles (http://www.rumbles.com) have probably been gigging around the Midwest since the mid 1960s. Based in Omaha/Council Bluffs, they disbanded for a while in the 1970s and have reformed under original drummer Steve Hough. The band originally was patterned after British Invasion bands of the era, and had one regional hit "Jezebel". The band has currently has diversified their repertoire and is available for parties, weddings and events.

The Echos V (www.echosv.com) are commonly held as "Central Iowa's answer to The Rumbles". Formed in Des Moines IA in the early 1960's they disbanded for many years, and just reformed recently. They are known for their repertoire which centers on oldies and classic rock from the 60s and 70's.

GTO - Good Time Oldies (www.goodtimeoldies.org) are a band that performs all over Iowa specializing in oldies of the classic 50s and early 60s period. They are a 9-piece band with three lead singers, with classic harmonies and choreography.

The White Sidewalls (www.whitesidewalls.com) are a similar band to GTO, except that WSW are bases out of Minneapolis MN and have more involved choregraphy and added humor to their shows.

Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50s (www.richielee.com) based out of Des Moines Iowa. 16-year old Richie Lee is a singer and guitar player known for his Buddy Holly impersonation. He and his band have garnered much regional acclaim.

The Bob Pace Band (www.bobpaceband.com) featuring Bob Pace and Steve George is a blues/R&B/Soul band from Des Moines Iowa. Pace is a local guitarist known as one of the best pickers in the area. The band plays festivals in the area, and is featured every Tuesday night at The Blues on Grand in Des Moines IA.

Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Horns (http://www.babyboyblues.com/) is an R&B horn band from Iowa also. They've won the 2000 Iowa Blues Challenge and are featured in festivals all over the upper Midwest

Sumpin Doo - featuring brothers George and Gilbert Davis this band performs classic R&B at events in the Midwest.

Flipside - A dance/classic rock band from Des Moines, this band is performs all over Iowa and points in Missouri and Nebraska occasionally.

The Box Brothers (www.boxbrothersband.org). Based out of Ames IA this band performs all over the upper Midwest. Their repertoire centers around R&B/Soul/Classic rock from 1965-85, but covers blues, country, soul, rock, pop, and standards from other eras.

Monkey's Uncle (http://www.monkeys-uncle.com/) - a very versatile classic rock/party band from Omaha NE.

Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets (www.captainratandtheblindrivets.com) - Yes that's their real band name! Based out of Illinois, these guys play a wide range of dance and party music. Check out their pictures, they know how to throw quite the party!

Swing Crew (www.swingcrew.com) - If you want to have a blast, call these guys. They will have you rolling in the aisles laughing. Based out of Wisconsin, this trio of guys plays classic rock/party/dance tunes for all ages and events. Don't miss them if they come to your area. Be sure to get yourself a Swing Crew bumper sticker and get it "installed". ?

Boogie Wonderland (http://www.boogiewonderland.net/) - Based out of Minneapolis/Twin Cities, this 70's disco tribute band has been packing them with rave reviews for years. Check 'em out!

There's a sampling of local talent from the Upper Midwest. All of these bands have songlists and itineraries on their websites, and are playing various events this holiday season. Be sure to check them out!