Blues Rox 2020 Summary.

 Blues Rox - 2020 Year in Review.

We actually did more gigs than I thought as I reviewed everywhere we played at this past year.  We started the  year off as a 3-piece band with Kris, Rodney, and Brian, and finished the year adding Russ Swearingen on bass to complete the group.

Our first gig was at a new bar/live music place in downtown Monticello called Glass Tap on January 19th.  Not long after this event, the state decided to shut down many businesses due to the Covid pandemic, which led us to return to Glass tap for a second event apted named Quaratine Sessions which was an online only event featuring a how-to for some mixed drinks as well as a set from the guys.

On April 25th, we held our first of 3 outdoor, garage sessions in Norway which helped bring out the neighbors, family, and local townspeople to enjoy some socially distanced music.

I then received news on May 7th that my inspiration for music passed away at the age of 66, former Bad Company lead singer, Brian Howe.

In mid-July we ran through our music outside behind Prairie Creek Saloon as a thank you to Dawn and her staff, who is a strong supporter of our band, and to help bring in additional business due to Covid.

Our next event was held at a new to us venue on July 31st as we played at the famous J & A Tap in North Liberty. Thank you to John and his staff as we look forward to returning sometime in 2021.

We then participated in the outdoor Blues Jam held in the outdoor stage behind the Artisan's Sanctuary on September 26th.  We look forward to this upcoming year for Blues Rox to do a show there when the weather turns nicer.

Our next event we introduced our newest member, Russ, as we held a practice session at Checkers Tavern prior to our final event of 2020.

Our final event was held at another new to us venue, on December 26th @ Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery.  We hope to return again in 2021 in the spring or summer months.

Thanks to all who have supported us this past year and here's to hoping for some semblance of normalcy for the local bar and entertainment industry.

Brian Bries-Blues Rox