Size in Wisconsin is something I've begun to notice since moving to Madison. Everywhere in Wisconsin-- except Milwaukee and parts of Madison-- there is so much
space. The buildings are huge and surrounded by huge expanses of asphalt and huge decorated lawns. Those are the "cities" of the state. Beyond that, it's fields, which are fruitful for a few moments each year, but the rest of the year are incredible expanses of
space. And then, there are forests. Which on a map look like a bunch of green space, but which-- inside deep-- are the darkest, most claustrophobic and cluttered natural places on earth.
The Colonial House is one of these huge spaces. It is a classic, the supper club of northern Wisconsin. Fat Wisconsinites come here for buffets, steak, fish fries, beer, baked potatoes, Mother's Day, Easter, and weddings. My wedding was in this very basement. This building is
huge, and surrounded by a huge parking lot and lawn among the fields of Freedom, Wisconsin. Five giant rooms and this basement that is a bar, dance floor, and dining room.
We've been gathering here occasionally-- often, lately-- with a smattering of musicians from around the Fox Valley to "jam". I use quotations because the word doesn't roll off of my tongue with ease; I'm not quite cool enough. But that's what they're doing. Amps and electric guitars and drums and a violin. Tonight, also, there is the Doctor taking pictures, me writing, and a chick sketching the scene.
Art, come together, is fantastic. That is what rocks about jamming at Colonial House. Art come together. Hearts and souls, and people and their art, all piled together into a space, playing their part. Organic music, and a good vibe. The musicians just play and come together. The artist chick just sketched some cool shit. My brother-in-law jumps in as sound guy as needed. Our French friend rolls around on the ground snapping pictures, as needed. And I write. I could not be here if I could not write this night.
