We've got several bits of news for you this week. Enjoy.

* There are only two more chances to enjoy Uptown Friday Nights this summer. Wylde Nept is playing tonight from 5 to 8, kilts and all. It promises to be a good time. This week's guest pourers are from Countrywide Home Loans, Crystal Group, Heintz & Associates, and Western Fraternal Life. It is going to be a hot one, so we shouldn't have a problem keeping them busy pouring beer.

* I took last week off and didn't get the newsletter out to the mailing list. (I know, I'm a slacker). We want to thank Strange Exchange for putting on a great show, and our guest pourers from Expressions Salon & Spa, IKON, Re/Max, the Renaissance Group, and Rinderknecht. Special thanks also to KCRG and the Taste of Cedar Rapids for announcing this year's lineup live from Green Square Park during last week's Uptown.

* There will be a special airing of the Swing Crew show at Moose McDuffy's this Wednesday at 7:30pm. There will be drink specials and the guest pourers from Moose McDuffy's will be there. We know it's a "school night", but this is an event not to be missed.

* Make plans now to attend the last Uptown Friday Night of the 2001 season. Blue Zone is playing next week, and should be a great closing act for the year.

* ENCORE! ENCORE! What's a good concert (or concert series in this case) without an encore? We love to put on a great show, and this year's post Uptown celebration will be no exception. Mark your calendars early for Friday, September 21. We have booked the LARGE Midgets and the Swing Crew to play at 3rd Street Live that night. Those of you who were at Muddy Waters on the 4th of July know what a great combination these two bands make. To quote Steve from the Midgets, "It's like chocolate and peanut butter." I don't want to know which band is which in that pairing.

See you at the park,

Nathan Franzen
[email protected]