Concert Post 3: Jan 16th Oak Street Ramblers, The Malt House, Madison WI

Today's epic adventure in the typed word turned sonic-ly pleasing music... wait... strike that, reverse it.  Is brought to you by the fine folks that comprise The Oak Street Ramblers.  If the rambers are a ramblin.... just let em roll.

The Ramblers have been spreading the disease around the southern WI regions for quite a while now.  You may find yourself suffering from this heinous infection, if you exhibit the following symptoms:  Booty Shaking, Voice raising, Toe Tapping, Soul Shakin, Teeth Grinning, a craving for some old time(y) whiskey (under-agers... this doesn't count; You crave anything booze anyway), overall body wellness, and a general need to congregate with some people and enjoy some tunes.  The Oak Street Ramblers are another assembly of kind hearted souls that many a story could be shared about over the years.  Formed in days of yore as an excuse to sit around a wood stove, struggling to stay warm, and play a lil music while enjoying a little nip of the ol bottle; The Ramblers have come and gone through the years... both literally and figuratively.  Original Ramblers can be found in Utah, Colorado, VT, and anywhere the music is hot, the pick'in is fast, and the people are willin to listen.

Having originally been one of those "suspects" in the garage from way back, and not having a chance to see the gang perform live in far too long, I was more than eager to jump at the chance to hear some bluegrass, and sip a bit at The Malt House.  Quick note on that.  I was very  impressed with said House of Malt...  The service was awesome, and being the nube beer drinker I am, found the staff to be more than helpful.  But your hear not to read of my Barley and Hops fling... your here for the music.

The Ramblers appear as a group of Ramblers should.  A loose group from various walks of life, but as the songs come to life, they are anything but loose.  The guys and gals have serious chops, playing old-time(y) classics to even some originals instilled with the real down-homey feel of that ol bottle of Rubarb wine.  We meandered through a couple of classics, with Going Down The Road Feeling Bad driftin all of us down the ol country dirt road.  Bluegrass harmonica playing is never an easy feat... but when you are surrounded by skilled instrumentalists, you can't help but be carried along, and you would be hard pressed to find anyone Feeling Bad.

As the night drew to a close, we raised a toast to the Ramblers both far and wide.  In actuality, it was a toast to everyone, cause on some level, there's a lil Rambler in us all.

Be sure to stop down to the Malt house the Second Monday of every month.  Pull up a chair, order a brew, and take a listen to these guys.  You won't be disappointed.

Til Next Time...