Musically, we Quad Citians have a lot to be thankful for. Never mind the bullocks of national and statewide headline-making surveys, measuring our "cool" factor; the Quad Cities has it going on! Consider the number of opportunities this past weekend for music-related recreation.

Friday, at the Quad City Air Show, a rock-and-roll oldies revue. Who doesn't want to hear Mitch Ryder sing "Devil with a Blue Dress on"? Or Spencer Davis crooning, "Gimme Some Lovin'"?

Then there's the very successful Gumbo Ya Ya festival of all things Cajun and Zydeco. It's food and music from N'awlins to the Delta to the Mississippi, with nationally touring acts such as Rosie Ledet and Dikki Du & The Zydeco Crew, all in the Rock Island District.

Meanwhile on Friday, the most ambitious blues club to open here in 12 years, Jimmy B'z, had San Francisco native Studebaker John & The Hawks performing in the former Freight House building in downtown Davenport. Davenport really does have Momentum. Where else can you view the mighty Mississippi going by while enjoying friends and topnotch blues artists?

And, had I taken the time to read the Live Music section of the Reader prior to going home on Friday night, I would have taken note of The Pimps playing at Lumpy's in Davenport and been in attendance. I lament missing this hybrid of Rage Against the Machine and James Brown inside the backroom bunker of Lumpy's. This high-energy act does not disappoint, with ferocious wit and sheer musical force packed into one. Thank you Lumpy's for booking The Pimps! If you missed them this time, see them when you can.

Zydeco fest, national touring blues act, and Midwest hardcore rock and roll - all on Friday night - not enough for you?

Then maybe Saturday will fill you up.

One could enjoy the smooth sounds of the Steady Rollin' Band, playing several sets in the gorgeous outdoor setting of Johnny's Italian Steakhouse on the John Deere Commons in Moline. Considered the best local jazz, blues, and R&B band in the QCs by esteemed music expert Steve Pedigo, the group delivered in spades to the pre-game Steamwheelers/Mark crowd, and then some. All over tasty rib-eyes and cold beer, with superb service. In control, total pros, and having fun, the Steady Rollin' Band mixes it up wonderfully and gets everyone grooving and snapping their fingers, even the farmers visiting the John Deere store. Had your fill of steak and blues at Johnny's?

And on Saturday, the District delivered its second day of Zydeco and Cajun in downtown Rock Island with Roddie Romero and C.J. Cheneir. It's tough when you can't be in two or three downtowns at once; we've got it rough here, don't we?

My advice, if you want to enjoy, sustain, and boost this music scene: Support your local clubs, venues, downtowns, and restaurants that are bringing live music to our area. Tell your friends, co-workers, and out-of-town family members how fulfilling the menu is for entertainment options. Pay the cover, tip the wait-staff well, and enjoy!

If you are music fan, you have a varied menu of choices here that many communities only wish they had.

Thank you Quad Cities clubs, restaurants, and organizations for delivering.

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