I learned a long time ago that I am a smartass. My friends don't seem to mind, so I make with the sarcasm like I was auditioning for Dennis Miller's job. The problem is that I sometimes forget to be civil around new people...like when I met Wicked Liz for the first time.

Cut to Cocktails and Company a few months ago. My friend Karol introduces me to the lead singer of a band I *MUST* hear. We exchange pleasantries, but before I know it, I find myself thinking, "What the hell did she just say?" And the only words I can muster are, "OK, now I understand the name." Anyone that rocks me back on my heels is definitely wicked.

In this case, she's wicked smart, wicked funny, and wicked talented. The girl can sing, and the band can play. I mean, with a name like the Bellyswirls, you had better be talented, or you're gonna get laughed off stage!

So don't miss this week's Uptown Friday Night, with Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls playing on the U.S. Cellular Stage. As always, brought to you by our media partners, Mix 96.5, 100.7 The Fox, and Mediacom. This week's guest pourers are BBQ Roundup (Mmmm...Barbeque), Cedar Rapids Community Credit Union, Dublin City Pub, and Principal Financial Group.

See you at the park!