Seeing how this is called the Bar Chord Report fr Dunn County, it seems obvious, to me at least, that I Love Barre Chords. In fact I think I'll put that on a bumper sticker.  I hart Barre Chords.

Most of my favorite rock and roll can be attributed to these wonderful chords.  I can't get enough of 'em.  In fact, that is the problem I face.  While there is a treasure trove of wonderfully loud barre chords merely an hour west of Dunn Co. and a decent sampling just east of Dunn Co., I find a major shortfall in Dunn Co. itself.  Sure, there are a handful of places in Menomonie (Water Front, Mr Heavys, Pioneer) and nearby, that host live music, but I can't seem to find the kinda chords I love.  Yeah I know there's good shows put on by the Blue Devils at Stout (once or twice a month) and many people have "basement" parties with bands, and there are even some bars that "have" bands play there.  Beyond that, there isn't one place where you can hear good, old, loud chords on a regular basis.  

Now don't get me wrong.  I can enjoy live music in a tiny bar, where they move the pool table and jukebox out of the corner to make room for the band, but it's just not the same as going to a "venue" where music is the focus, not an afterthought.  A place with a stage, a house p.a., lights, sound guy, etc.  A place where the floor rumbles and the sound can make your hair/beard  part.  A place that was built for barre chords. A place where Marshalls can be turned up and brought to life.  A place for the public, at least for the section of public that enjoys volume(ear plugs have their moments) and the energy of a live performance, to worship barre chords. A rock and roll night club, that is a home for barre chords. That is what I miss most living in Dunn County.  I really do love it out here on the tundra, in fact we have our own private rock club.  And while it rocks and is tons of fun, it's not the same as grinning madly, with a dozen or more strangers, to the sound of wonderfully primitive barre chords, being played loud and proud by living people on a stage,  A stage at a public place. With regular shows.  Several nights a week.  

So I sit in front of a fire and dream.........maybe, just maybe, someday, that stage will be in Dunn County.   Because, Live Music is Better and Barre Chords Rule. 

Woody Guthrie-"If you're playing more than 3 CHORDS you're showing off."