Let’s talk about Brian Bethke; I haven’t spent very much time with him, but I feel like I know him well enough to write this article. I first met Brian when I use to play out with Midwest Rhythm. We played what we called the, “Open Mic Tour of 2008,” during this tour we would stop at open jams and open mics throughout the week. Our goal was to play out every single day of the week in hopes of using our live performance’s as practice. One of the spots we frequently visited was a place called The Stones Throw in Eau Claire, WI, to this day, it’s one of my favorite places i’ve played. Tim Bartels and I would make it there twice a week, we’d occasionally bring friends with and watch all the local talent. One of these talented individuals was a guy named Brain Bethke. His sound at the time had the essence of 90’s Acoustic Alternative; Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls mixed with Maynard James Keenan of Tool reflecting a similar sound.
During this time, Tim and I had started getting serious about music. We would put songs together and go out to The Stones Throw and try out our new material. Brian Bethke was there with his positivity, he was always encouraging us and helping us out on stage. He was supportive to the degree that he let us open up for him at one of his album releases. A month after that, we brought Marco our drummer and played a crowded show with Brian, since then we have had a great relationship with him. Years have gone by and both of us are still pushing forward in the music scene and discovering new avenues for our professional career’s.
Earlier this summer, Brian and I reconnected with each other. I had discovered a really unique opportunity for Brian pertaining to writing. I knew of Brian’s active role in the Eau Claire music community and wanted him to get more involved. The opportunity was to be a guest speaker in a writing class at the school I attend, IPR (The Institute of Production and Recording). He was very interested in this opportunity and responded immediately. Since then he has returned the favor by helping me book gigs for my new group, The Rolling Oaks Band. One of these gigs is a festival that Brian is promoting called Sound Quest. It takes place at the Whispering Pines Campground in Osseo, WI. I’ve played at this venue once at a festival called EFFIT fest back in ’08. It was a blast then and I am sure it’ll be a blast now.
It’s crazy to see how the connection’s one makes in life can be relevant so many years later; Brian is a great example of an ambitious friend that is willing to help out. He plays an active roll in his community as he speaks about environmental issues such as the recent Frac Sand Mining taking place near Eau Claire.
Follow up these links and learn a little more about Brian’s journey and celebrate his music.
Also, come see Brian and I at Sound Quest.
