*Keeping your glass filled and spirits high one Thursday at a time! We introduce The Squeaky Curd readers to Welcome to Thursdays, a local social group determined to make your Thursdays more fun. Each Wednesday we feature a fictitious history or dazzling explanation of a Milwaukee County bar that we gather at on Thursday evening – join us weekly!*
Greetings and Salutations,
As I sit here patiently awaiting the hour of celebration, I can only be positive that Thursday nights have become something beautiful: like the reflection of a Slovakian full moon glistening off a fresh can of Old Milwaukee. Speaking of beauty, this Thursday we will journey to The Jazz Estate (2423 N Murray St). The Jazz Estate has been serving up great cocktails and amazing music for over 40 years in Milwaukee. It has even featured the legendary musical talents of Old Milwaukee’s prodigal son, Will Farrell. This Thursday is set to feature the Dan Flynn Guitar Trio! Let’s gather to enjoy good vibes and great music.
Old Milwaukee brings out the best in all of us.
Now they say that jazz was invented in New Orleans, but what they don’t tell you is that the heart and soul of jazz wasn’t truly found until one cold, January night in Milwaukee. It was the Great Blizzard of 1979, and the people were delirious from the mass amount of snow and freezing cold. This left Milwaukee in a state of silence: an absence of soul and rhythm made Milwaukee lifeless and bleak.
Freddy “Five Toes” McGillicuddy was a young harmonica player who spent most of his nights playing at the famous Black Bird (a classic bar visited by Welcome to Thursdays). Freddy knew that something must be done about this, and took to the phones to contact the highest and brightest musicians from around the country to inform them of Milwaukee’s dire situation. Something needed to be done to bring the city back to life, and Freddy thought the only way was to hold a concert so grand that it would bring the city back together with movement and camaraderie. He promised each musician a single can of Old Milwaukee for fighting the cold weather and showing up. Many of the musicians agreed, due to their love for this fine city and all the hype that was around the magical elixir known as “Old Milwaukee”. No weather can stop the determination of someone who is promised an Old Milwaukee: it’s just a common fact.
No amount of snow could stop the partnership of Old Milwaukee and Jazz!
That night, musicians from all corners of America showed up at the Jazz Estate, took one sip of their promised brew, and played their hearts out. The notes echoed throughout the streets, and one-by-one the people of Milwaukee were drawn to the glorious melody. If there were anyway to turn the great taste of Old Milwaukee into sound, this was it. It was on this night the city of Milwaukee beat the storm with the piercing, resonant sounds of jazz and Old Milwaukee. The Rest is History.
It was a tough one but not tough enough!
Cheers My Friends!
Your Founder,
Jeremy Blandin
PS – Old Milwaukee has always been an avid fan of Jazz, don’t believe me? Check it out!
PSS – There may be a cover charge at The Jazz Estate. You’ve been warned.
Join us Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Jazz Estate, located at 2423 N Murray Ave (Eastside) at 7:30pm.