By Andy Zupke

Photography by: Jessica Turnbull

Upon walking into the BBC Upper Level on February 17^th, my wife and I were immediately greeted and hugged by Jayme Dawicki, who thanked us for coming, which showed us a gratitude and appreciation that is sadly uncommon among musicians.

The night started out with a folk-rock group from Madison called The Sharp and Harkins Band. It’s hard to say anything about this band, as they seemed to be “just there”. None of the band members really seemed to be enjoying performing their music, especially the bass player who kept playing octaves as if he’d recently discovered them. The band didn’t get into the music until they started playing covers. A Johnny Cash tune got a lethargic audience somewhat worked-up enough to be ready for the next band.

Jayme Dawicki Band went on next. Plagued by technical problems, the show threatened to go down-hill quickly. Luckily, Jayme Dawicki and her accompanists are true performers, and the show went on with the fun and friendly atmosphere that they’re known for. Jayme’s compositions are varied and interesting, each song changing feel and mood. Her lyrics are sometimes fun and playful, sometimes wistful. She shows influences from the great female storytellers like Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, especially in songs like, “Jokin’ Joe, Miss Kitty, and Me” and “72 and ½ Toyota Truck”.

Her accompanists- Jordan Roepke, Dylan Brown, and Jeff Brueggeman- all shined through the set. Jordan, a mere 20 years old, is one of the most impressive guitar players in this city, and any band would be lucky to have him. The Jayme Dawicki Band creates a welcoming environment that is sure to keep the listeners coming.

The final band was Neverstatic, a reinvigorated band with a new line-up. They’re an acoustic-rock band that features two cello players giving the band a deep and dark ambience, although the sound guy didn’t really find a niche for them in the mix until the third song.

Jordan again shows his talents, this time on electric bass, with his fellow Downrazor bandmate Heath playing 12-string acoustic guitar. Their new singer Amanda has excellent stage presence, playful and bordering on flirty, with a voice to match. She blends with the band well, despite little slips into a style that may be too soulful (think Christina Aguilera). Neverstatic was highly entertaining and could definitely be placed in the “up and coming” category.

On our way out, Jayme Dawicki once again gave us a smile and thanked us for coming. It’s always nice to see musicians who understand the value of their fans, and how crucial it is for them to go home feeling like they’re part of something. This is the incredible value of local music. By supporting it, you can really feel like you’re supporting something unique that most people don’t know about, but you’ll feel good if a few more do because of you.

For more information on the Bands, Venue or Big Andy’s Milwaukee Music Support:

The Sharp and Harkins Band - http://www.myspace.com/harksharp
Jayme Dawicki Band - http://www.myspace.com/jaymedawicki
Neverstatic - http://www.myspace.com/neverstaticband
Upper Level - http://myspace.com/upperlevel
Big Andy - http://www.myspace.com/bigandybassplayer

by Jack Roman

In the weeks since the last Empress Envy Night and the end of the electronic Kamasutra there has been a tight-lipped group working on delivering the second coming to North Avenue. With the close of Mantra, an electronic music Mecca, this diverse group of people have fully revamped the location and brought a slick new concept.

With construction under a fair bit of secrecy, the rumors about what’s next for the underground spot have bounded from a “Water Street ” sports bar concept, to strip club, to talk about some new “clubby” place coming to the underground spot. To dispel some rumors and get a sneak peak, The Milwaukee Scene was invited for unprecedented access to a club still under construction.

From the designers computer generated renderings the first impression is that the space is huge, sleek and stylized. Designer and project manager Scott Genke, who’s work can be experienced at Yaffa Lounge, Redroom, and Mantra has really pushed the envelope on what you can expect in a club environment. “It’s nice to start work in a gutted space,” says Scott as he shows us the renderings of a space with three bars, two DJ booths, two entrances and two distinct layouts.

What you can expect from the staff and management is superior service. “This is a completely VIP club,” says D. Bowie entrepreneur and partner in the new hot spot. “We have really expanded the ideas about what a club experience should be.” Partners in the venture include the afore mentioned D. Bowie, Drew Deuster and JJ Kovacovich all 3 established night life regulars. Drew brings club knowledge and experience that stretches from his young day’s bartending in Florida to the present as VIP and Event Manager at CO2 Ultralounge. JJ Kovacovich has been a staple in the industry and is best known for his work at Hi Hat as well as soft-core inspired Sunday nights at Redlight.

When guests enter through the North Avenue doorway they will be greeted by a hotel concierge inspired desk area. Then as they move into the club, the left side will be known as DeepBar and will offer a warm feel to its customers. Complete with plasma screens, a billiards table and its own DJ booth, DeepBar is designed to deliver atmospheric effects as well as multi media providing the place with versatility and comfort. As Bowie describes how we were standing at the dividing line of two different spaces, he says, “So often you have a place that is a club, or a place that is a bar. This place will be both and will pull it off with exceptional confidence.” The vibe on this side will be all about being a bar seven days a week.

For the weekend scene, guests will enter on North Avenue and walk through a glass door on the right and into a space called Decibel that is comfortable, yet high energy. With a booming state-of-the-art sound system, a sophisticated lighting and visual display system, a DJ booth, two bars and a dedicated VIP lounge Decibel is where a lot of action will be. VIP’s get a raised and spacious area nestled behind the DJ booth; a great location to watch the night life from. There is also a bar, the third in the club, dedicated to VIP patrons. The second entrance on Kenilworth will continue to be VIP access and leads directly into Decibel’s VIP lounge.

Other interesting features of the club will be a few new bathrooms that will service the DeepBar area as well as the elegant geometry of the bars, DJ booths and dance floor. The original capacity of the space was in the vicinity of 320 but with the restructuring of the space and addition of more bathrooms the capacity is expected to be greater than that of Mantra. LCDs, projectors, vivid colors and fabrics selection and media art will be a big part of the environment. According to the team, guests can expect to experience a fully multimedia capable lounge and club where anything is possible.

So what about Mantra Lounge? Who gets the neon sign outside? The group is not sure yet. Perhaps a party will decide its fate. What about the artifacts and details that delivered much of Mantra’s charm? Some those mementos will be used to decorate the back office. Decibel won’t remind you of anything else in the city we’re assured. Everyone involved has taken great care to provide a unique identity to the new project. Will any of the familiar employees be returning to staff Decibel? Drew recognizes that part of Mantras success was due to an excellent staff and will be the first to be considered for opportunities when the doors open.

Oh ya – when will the doors open? In April, Deuster says will a smile.

The team says they want to lead the next generation of nightlife in Milwaukee and we agree they can from the glimpse we’ve seen of Decibel. Best Wishes.

Stay up to date and find out more at The Milwaukee Scene and at:

http://www.decibelmke.com
http://myspace.com/decibelmke

by: Jack Roman

Old Blue Eyes got it right when he said, “A simple I love you means more than money.” And that’s what Valentine’s Day is all about, creative ways to say I love you with out getting caught up in the over hyped commercialism of it all. For this first edition of The Blue Print I sat down with Ben Christiansen of Waterford Wine Company, and Danielle Gray and Libby Mast of Miss Groove and Miss Groove Intimates to offer up some low maintenance ideas that will make your valentine’s heart melt.

Day-time Romance

Many women say that anticipation is the most essential part of having a romantic night. Even in 2007 nothing will make a woman anticipate seeing you like getting fresh flowers at work. It’s not just the gesture, or the fact that women love gifts, but also because the other women in the office will talk about what a great guy you must be. While red roses are the traditional for love, try a different color, white or yellow ones are just as stunning. Or ask your florist to come up with a custom arrangement, something that includes your woman’s favorite flowers.

Pre-Dinner Romance

It’s time to have a few moments before you rush out to that romantic dinner. A perfect way to unwind is with some champagne and some chocolate. Ben Christiansen, an expert sommelier, says that nothing that can relax you and inspire candle light romance like champagne. He suggests a Rene Geoffroy Selectionee, describing it as, “A floral, rich and rounded wine. Like a million simple pleasures or a slight kiss in a glass.” A little champagne will definitely do the trick in getting your heart in the mood, he says. When she comes home from work meet her at the door with a glass of bubbly, some quality dark chocolate and a neck massage. Just a few intimate moments early on will go a long way later in the night.

Romantic Dinner

Even for food lovers, this is sometimes the most mundane part of Valentine’s Day. It’s expected that you will make reservations for “the best table in the house” at the swankiest restaurant in town. But that does not have to be the case. Instead, try a restaurant that she wouldn’t expect on a special occasion. For romance, some of the favorites were a back table at Good Life, an oversized booth in the bar of The Knick, or the incredible downtown view that Roots Cellar offers. What’s important is to think differently about needing to have to go to the busiest, newest, or most expensive place in town, just because it is Valentine’s Day.

Evening Romance

Everyone agrees that waiting until after the night has wound down to exchange gifts is a great way to keep her excited throughout the night. When you get back home she will be anticipating some things. Libby and Danielle say that lingerie should certainly be on that list of “some things.” “Maybe a comfortable two piece boy short and top is a good start,” says Danielle, “Or the I Love You Bag, which has panties that say those magic words in seven different languages.”

Either way she says that women love lingerie and getting her something that is sexy, flirty or fun is a good way to go.

Guys, no matter how you handle Valentine’s Day it is important to remember that it is a special day to recognize and appreciate your most meaningful relationships. Libby sums it up best as, “The best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is expressing your love in an unexpected way. I think that’s what every girl wants.”

Adam the Tree is the Midwest’s best kept secret. Straight from the Northwoods, Adam has become not only an inspiring DJ, but also an originally creative producer. His original track selection, flawless sets and smooth blend of tribal and progressive sounds keep the body moving. Adam’s own sound has grown along with him over the years and his original tracks have an indescribable uniqueness to them that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.

Since he first heard those pulsating beats radiating from the speakers, electronic music has become his life, his love, his obsession. Because of that rising passion Adam started DJing in 2001 and has since played hundreds of shows across the Midwest.

In 2006 Adam released this first original EP, The Seed EP This EP included five of Adam’s originally produced tracks. Since promotion began for this release he has received amazing great feedback on the EP. The first track on the album, Slow Seduction was nominated for a Madison Area Music Award in 2006 for the category of best electronic song. This same track was also added the Belladonna Records Summer Compilation Album.

2007 will prove to be a busy year for Adam the Tree. Recently married, Adam became a daddy to the “Little Tree.” This new life changed Adam’s musical career as he spends most of his free time in his newly formed studio producing track after track. Later this year he will be releasing another track on Ambersound Records. He also will be spinning at the next StudioGangsta event in Stevens Point on Saturday February 24.

This is a brief look into the life of Adam the Tree.

For any more information, music or video clips visit him at:

http://www.adamthetree.com
http://myspace.com/adamthetree