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Three Things to do this weekend

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BBQ Roundup
Thursday, June 25 to Sunday, June 28

A staple of summer in Cedar Rapids, the 22nd annual BBQ Roundup, kicks off today (Thursday) near Veterans Memorial Stadium. Get your kicks tasting some of the nation’s best BBQ. Stop down tonight (Thursday) for Concert Night with Los Lonely Boys (for a true Tex-Mex experience.) But the fun doesn’t stop there. The Bud Light MXT will be on site with Xbox 360 and Guitar Hero III. Duffy’s Collectible Cars will be on display and other entertainment (including Stampede and Stranded in Iowa.) Sunday is Family Day so bring the kids along to see magician Tim Stolba and Pappa Balloon the balloon maker.

Cedar Rapids BBQ Roundup
11 a.m. Thursday (06/25) to Sunday (06/28), the parking lot between Veterans Memorial Stadium and Kingston Stadium, Admission $3 for adults, Kids 12 and under free, www.uscellularcenter.com/BBQ/bbqroundup.html

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TrekFest
Friday, June 26 @ 5 and Saturday, June 27

Calling all Trekies! Beam yourself right over to Riverside-the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk-this weekend for Trekfest. Organizers of the event promise Star Trek-inspired fun for all ages. There’s a “Voyage Home” parade, fireworks, a costume contest and much more. Plus, you can join in a meet and greet with three original Star Trek stars (for a nominal fee): George Takai (Mr. Sulu), Nichelle Nichols (Uhura), and Walter Koenig (Chekov). Live long and prosper, Trekfest!

 Trekfest
5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday (06/26) and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday (06/27), Hall Park, Riverside, Free, www.trekfest.com

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Blues Traveler
Tuesday, June 30

We’re not giving you the run-around! Head over to the Chrome Horse Saloon on Tuesday night for an outdoor concert with Grammy award-winning Blues Traveler. (Their only scheduled Iowa performance this year!) Frontman and lyricist John Popper and the rest of the band members-Chandler Kinchla, Ben Wilson, Tad Kinchla, and Brendan Hill-will prove they are still going strong after going quintuple-platinum in the early 90s. Gates open at 6 p.m. so get there early for the best spot in the lot. You can get your tickets before the show at the Chrome Horse or at www.etix.com.

 Blues Traveler
8 p.m., Tuesday (06/30) Chrome Horse Saloon, 1202 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, $28 in advance or $32 day of show, www.chromehorsesaloon.net

 

THREE OTHER THINGS

Pearl Jam Tribute with Given To Fly and Slip Silo
9 p.m.,Friday (6/26)
Yacht Club, 13 S Linn Street, Iowa City, $, 319.337.6464, www.iowacityyachtclub.org

 Downtown Drive In Movie Series: Hotel for Dogs
7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday (6/27)
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, 500 1st Avenue, Cedar Rapids, Free, www.downtowncr.org

 J&P Cycles 30th Anniversary Open House
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (6/27) and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (6/28)
J&P Cycles, 13225 Circle Drive, Anamosa, Free, www.jpcycles.com

Music Notes: Super Size Seven

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Super Size Seven

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The Talent: Steve Junge (drums), Mark Moss (guitar), Emmet Berry (bass)
The Sound: Contemporary and original rock
The Gigs: 5 p.m. June 5 @ Uptown Friday Nights, downtown Cedar Rapids; 6:30 p.m. June 26  @ Chrome Horse Saloon (outdoor show)
The Music:

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The Rest of the Story: www.supersizeseven.com or www.myspace.com/supersizeseven

Often when you hear a good recording by a band, what really jumps out is the harmonies. When you go to see them live, however, the back up vocals are mysteriously missing from the experience. That is not the case with Super Size Seven.

Steve Junge and Mark Moss, friends since grade school, ran into each other at a class reunion, and decided to get together to jam. Lead singers who also play their instruments, the duo went looking for a bass player with similar singing ability. Emmet Berry, another Benton Community High School alum, was already fronting another group.

“(Emmett) joining rounded things out perfectly,” Mark says.  “Everything came together really quickly. Many beers were had and many songs were sung.”

In addition to performing at least two times a month as SS7, they play at least two times a month with side projects. All three have performed in countless other ensembles, including Insomniac, Vicious Circle and Lebeneezer Scrooged but remain focused on long term goals with Super Size Seven.

“We’re still humble, but believe we’re one of the best bands in the Midwest,” Mark says. “We’re constantly pushing ourselves to be better in every aspect and hence are never complacent. We crank up the energy until everyone is having a good time and then give a little more.”

Looking for tunes featuring two and three part harmonies for nearly every song on their set list allows them to be selective. While they have recorded some acoustic material, it was released on iTunes and CDBaby under Moss’ name only. The band looks to put down a new recording later this year.

“We try to inspire each other to be better performers as well as better musicians while pulling from some of the bands we look up to,” Mark says. ”We’re always very critical about our performances while studying ways to make the show better or how to spice up the songs to make them more us.”

– JUSTIN

Blues Traveler @ Chrome Horse

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blues_traveler_04Grammy Award-winning Blues Traveler will appear at the Chrome Horse Saloon for an outdoor concert Tuesday, June 30.

This is the only scheduled appearance in Iowa this year for the band.

Blues Traveler, featuring frontman and lyricist John Popper, earned a Grammy in 1994 for “Run-Around.” The album Four went quintuple-platinum that year.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $28 in advance and $32 the day of the show. Tickets will be available starting June 1 at the Chrome Horse or at www.etix.com

Jason Siefken’s Fave Five

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 Jason Siefken, 36, Cedar Rapids

President @ SOS Sales Help 

 

 

 

American Skillet

The northwest side’s diamond in the rough. American Skillet serves up old fashioned diner-style meals all day long but is best known for its breakfasts. I think they have the best American fries in town which compliments their many breakfast entrees. They even cater to the health conscious patrons with their high fiber and fruit pancakes. Check out American Skillet for a great home-cooked dining experience.

American Skillet
4820 Johnson Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids

 

Bushwood Sports Bar & Grill

Whether you’re looking to catch a game or simply catch up with friends, Bushwoods Sports Bar & Grill is a fun place to spend an evening. Bushwood caters to the sports fans with several large screen TV’s and a pool table. They also have local talent like Jeff Bruner providing entertainment on select evenings. With a new outdoor patio I am sure Bushwood will continue to be a hit this summer. Check them out on Facebook!

 Bushwood Sports Bar & Grill
350 Edgewood Rd. NW, Cedar Rapids

 

Chrome Horse Saloon

In addition to live music and the nostalgia of a Harley-themed saloon, the Chrome Horse is also well known for its motorcycle-themed menu. My favorite: the spark plugs! The Chrome Horse was a victim of the June 2008 flood and has recently reopened with an even better looking bar and restaurant. From live music to great food, the Chrome Horse is an all around favorite. Whether your bike has pedals or a motor, all bikers are welcome.

 Chrome Horse Saloon
1202 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids
www.chromehorsesaloon.net

 

Bloomsbury Farm

Anyone who has ever experienced the joy of getting lost in a corn maze certainly understands why Bloomsbury Farm is on of my Fave Fives. Each year the team at Bloomsbury amazes us with a new exciting themed corn maze, hay rack rides, petting zoo, gift shop and many other activities. I highly recommend the corn cannon as a great stress reliever. I have conducted several company team building events where everyone had an amazing time. Whether it’s for a work event, to check out a haunted hay rack ride or a place to take the young children to pick out pumpkins, Bloomsbury Farm is a must visit every fall.

 Bloomsbury Farm
3260 69th St., Atkins
www.bloomsburyfarm.com

 

Leonardo’s

Pizza, sandwiches and great spirits! Leonardo’s has been a trademark restaurant on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids for decades. From its dim lighting to red leather walls there is no other place around like it. My wife and I are especially fond of their Saturday hamburger specials, and don’t forget those waffle fries! You may want to check your diet at the door.

 Leonardo’s
2228 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids

Behind the Bar with Jayme Kleve @ The Chrome Horse

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Jayme Kleve, 24, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Assistant Manager and head day/weekend bartender @ Chrome Horse Saloon

What’s your history behind the bar?
I was working at my hometown bar when I was about 15. I did everything from cooking, serving and helping out behind the bar. It really gave me a sense of all aspects that go into a bar and restaurant. I started at Chrome five years ago, and have been there ever since.

What draws the crowds to the Chrome Horse?
The Chrome Horse is a family and business friendly spot during the day, then turns into a saloon-style hang out at night. People love the unique décor complete with Harley theme and great live music. It’s never the same crowd twice.

I love the variety. Obviously there are a ton of bike, from the crotch rockets to the classic Harleys. Does the variety in patrons ever surprise you?
I think that’s what sets us apart. You see such a variety of people who love the place, from business men with modern bikes to the die hard bikers that have the classic rides. The best is when the young guys come in with their jazzed up bikes and the older guys are like “Hard to believe we were once like them!”

Chrome Horse was in the throws of the flood. What kind of impact did it have on you?
It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. There were five or six of us that would come in every day mucking, hauling out pieces we had set up on the second level thinking that would be a safe height. (Chrome actually ended up with 13-feet of water). I really got to know my co-workers and it made me really appreciate the people I work with.

Your regulars had a hand in the rebuilding process too, right?
They were great. We’d be working all day, and our regulars would come in with food, water, help out for a little while, whatever we needed. At the end of the day we’d just hang out like we would when we were all at the bar. It made all the difference.

Now that Chrome Horse is officially back, what’s new?
It’s much more of a saloon style, a lot more woodwork, rustic feel. We now have an 84-foot horseshoe-style bar which seats 45. It’s great. It’s still the Chrome Horse, just some fun additions.

 
Himay Hummer
1.5 oz. Vodka
1.5 oz. Southern Comfort
1.5 oz. Amaretto
1.5 oz. Peach Schnapps
1.5 oz. Captain Morgan
1.5 oz. Pineapple Juice
A pinch of grenadine

Mix and serve. Jayme says this drink is a temporary cure for anything.

 

 

 

DETAILS: 1202 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids; eat-in or carry out; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday; call (319) 365-1234 or online at www.chromehorsesaloon.net