If there is a date a patron of the Snout Saloon keeps track of better than Christmas, it is in the third week of November. Not for the big meal on Thursday, but because of the birthday of Chad Kruger. Chad is bartender, manager and director of music for the bar. If you are a music fan, you pay attention. Because when the guy who books the bands throws himself a party, life is good.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying its a guaranteed mind blowing musical experience, because it has an element of risk. You see, it is never just a bigger named band. Booked for the night. The band shows up. The band plays. Everyone is happy. No, no, it tends to be more of a cherry picked, throw together band. Amazing musicians all; But also a bunch of guys with no real commitment to the night, other than some after-show, "Hell yeah, I'll come play your birthday party!"

Sometimes it works out. And this is amazing. One birthday I saw Howard Luedtke play in a set with the Lacrosse based Smokin' Bandits. An event, perhaps in my lifetime high five. On the other hand, one year after waiting around an hour or so, one of the bar regulars drove home and got his guitar. This was not a good night. So, there is the spectrum. You understand the risk ...

• Check out the rest of the review over at the Freaks & Geeks blog, originating from somewhere in Chippewa Falls, Wis.