Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, February 3,2011

The Challenge of the Blues

Here comes February and all groundhog sightings aside, those involved in live music know this month as the occasion of the world famous International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., hosted by the B

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, February 3,2011

Free to play at WQNA

Tune to 88.3 FM, where colorful characters present original music

By Tom Irwin

The phone chirps incessantly. Loud and fast heavy metal music blares from the speakers. Amid the cacophony a red light flashes on, and up to the DJ microphone steps Chris Hupp, transforming into Metal

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, January 27,2011

Billy’s bright blues

By Tom Irwin

On Dec. 31, 2010, we lost a much-appreciated and well-respected singer and musician with the passing of Billy Waldmire. I didn’t know him very well, but after spending some time last Sunday with

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, January 20,2011

Wacked out Waco Brothers

By Tom Irwin

By any estimation the Waco Brothers are considered one of the finest purveyors of punk and country, folk and rock, tradition and innovation, performing on the American scene today. Many critics and fa

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, January 13,2011

Third Thursday phenomenon

By Tom Irwin

Close to a year ago area artist Mike Mayosky extended his longtime outreach of art to the public by inviting other artists to display works in a free-for-all party of sorts that functioned as a downto

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, January 6,2011

If you don’t have the blues, get some

By Tom Irwin

Once upon a time the blues as a music art form, considered a depraved and morose way of expression by many in the mainstream, didn’t receive the universal respect it now holds. Through the 20th

Music - Tom Irwin | Wednesday, December 29,2010

New Year’s news

By Tom Irwin

It’s out with the old and in with the new as we hop on board the 2011 train to continue our wondrous trip through time and space. Every civilization develops a calendar of sorts and they all see

Music - Tom Irwin | Wednesday, December 22,2010

Holiday ruminations

By Tom Irwin

Through a combination of feeling reflective at nearing another year’s end and the small selection of entertainment choices caused by Christmas coming on a Saturday I’m settling in for a lo

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, December 16,2010

Merry music musings

By Tom Irwin

I hardly know where to start or what to cover with so much going on this season. Things could be worse. Here are only a few of the many inviting events happening this weekend. On Friday Tony Turasky p

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, December 9,2010

Seasonal samplings

By Tom Irwin

’Tis the season to be jolly and by the looks of upcoming events, being jolly includes listening to music. From the constant holiday songs on WQQL 101.9 FM (how many versions of “Let i