Recently I have fallen in love with High Five Sinners. They are a local Camanche band that a few years ago won the battle of the bands in the Quad Cities. Sitting at Denny O’s on Saturday, I began to reminisce about the short lived cultural newspaper insert called The Gimlet. I wanted to use this space to highlight 20 of my favorite local bands. This list is in no particular order. If I left your favorite band off the list, please tag them in the comments. The goal is to remind ourselves we have great live music throughout the year. And this is a challenge for 2025: add a few more local shows to your 2025 social calendar.
So here we go, with some commentary:
- High Five Sinners: When I say they are one of my new favorite bands, I’m not just saying locally. What I love about them, and so many on this list and those I’ve seen that didn’t make the list, is the passion. They even had smoke machines on Saturday night after Fulton Fall Fest. Seriously, all original songs, and they always play a Foo Fighter’s song. It’s like hearing your favorite 90s/2000s rock band right here in the River Cities. They have very fun music videos.
- Experimental Submarines: High energy and still top of mind. They are making an all-original album of songs as well. They even talked about how fun it is to create something out of nothing.
- Drama Major: They have closed for High Five Sinners a few times. Matt Finn is the in band, and Matt is one of the best drummers you will ever see live. You feel his hits. For days. They do a great Tool cover. Seriously, they are loud, in your face, and strut around.
- Brooke Byam & Gang: Whether playing as herself, playing at The V’ue with a visiting band, nurturing open mics, playing with her full band, or playing with Tegeler, Brooke brings the joy and soon a dance crowd.
- Travis Hosette: A great Frank Sinatra performer. He regularly plays Tycoga and Wide River Winery. With the leaves changing, check his calendar. He will be playing Grow Clinton’s Jingle Bell Jam as well.
- Wild Oats: Not just because the lead singer is my boss’s wife, I was loved seeing them rock the small stage at the first Tailgate n Tallboys. Oh yeah, this is one of the must see music events in town. Okay it is the must see. And so is the band when they are scheduled.
- Stockwells: Josh and the gang play Paint it Back every year and our Shamrock event. I love his duet of In Spite of Ourselves. At every one of their shows, there is an intense dance pit.
- Todd Striley & The Noize: The Unidynes are in the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and I love Dave Layton. He also plays in this band. Hearing Dave play Comfortably Numb on saxophone is blissful.
- Robbie Bahr: I have seen him play guitar a few times. He is really good, but I also love the stories about The Pig Pen. The basement of Rastrellis also had a dance club. We’ve had great acts come to town because of business owners. Just wanted to give a shoutout to memory lane. It’s also why it’s important to support these endeavors. Hosts pay the bands to play.
- Spoiler Alert: A high energy band with a great sound. They played our annual meeting, and they will be playing Downtown Clinton’s Fall Fest on Sunday October 13.
- Random Tanner: He has opened for some amazing national acts and still plays for our local kids. At the Tailgate n Tallboys side stage, it was neat to see how many young kids were more stoked for Random Tanner than anyone else. He brings that passion and energy to the stage. He also has great videos and writes his own songs.
- Staff Infection: Made up of educators, this band gets together and brings a good time to area bars. I remember after Tailgate n Tallboys, the band was playing the after party at Manning’s Whistle Stop. They were feeling it that night. Bands feed off crowds.
- 3 on the Tree; From touring Europe to running ATVs over a pond, Pat Jones and crew bring the energy. When I went to the Adler to see Bryan Setzer it was really cool to see the inspiration Pat draws. You must see him stand on his bass at least once!
- Charlie Crider: An acoustic act when I’ve seen him. It’s just a perfect chill background sound. I wanted to include him to highlight all the wonderful acoustic acts I’ve seen. Lately, been impressed by Levi Craft at Great Revivalist Brewery.
- Johnny Trash: They are playing with Bowman, Pickney, and Evans Long Farewell Tour at Wild Rose on November 30. BPE is also an Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band. Johnny Trash has a local Clintonian in the band.
- Finally Fridays: Okay this is cheating, but I wanted to at least call out some musical events to see regional bands and or local bands. I consider these events as a band because I attend regardless of the band. I know good music and a good time.
- Hookfest: Hook’s always brings in great acts and provides a stage for local acts. Then one day a year they bring a bunch of them together for a great concert. In 2024, it was in May. Again, this is a great event to see local music.
- Music on the Avenue: Every Thursday in June, July and a bit of August. So much talent each week. I also love the weekly nonprofit.
- Market Music: Chad Jensen, Julie Jensen, and I make just about everyone. Always a great sound. The Mamiltons, Wilkerson, traveling bands, acoustic acts, and even some strange musicians. Always a great time. Main Avenue Pub has been having block parties this year using the street and/or the pavilion.
- Showboat: We can’t discredit if you love live music don’t sleep on some of the best singers and sound in the area perform all summer long.
Again, apologies for leaving so many people off the list, but please tag them in the comments. Also, tag your favorite local music venue. What I’m trying to show is that year-round there is always a great concert somewhere in town. Make sure you support them and the venues.
