PhillyCheeze's Rock & Blues Reviews: Wildwood Smokehouse

Sunday, November 5, 2023

#643 : Avey Grouws Band w/ The Wilted at Wildwood Saloon - Nov 3, 2023 (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

Avey Grouws Band w/ The Wilted

Live at Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon – Nov.3, 2023

Iowa City, Iowa

By Phillip Smith; November 5, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

After nearly a year and a half, I was finally able to catch Avey Grouws Band again this weekend. When I saw they were going to be playing at the Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon in Iowa City, I knew I had to go. They are absolutely one of my favorite live acts to see. The show was the perfect mix of favorites, rarities, new songs, and covers.

Opening for Avey Grouws Band was Iowa City-based band The Wilted. They played a most impressive set. When this band releases their first album, I’ll certainly be buying a copy.

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* photos by Phillip Smith

The Wilted

Avey Grouws Band

* Photos by Phillip Smith

Sunday, October 24, 2021

#525 : Reverend Horton Heat w/ James Tutson - Live at Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon 10-22-21

Reverend Horton Heat w/ James Tutson & The Rollback

Live at Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon 10-22-21

Iowa City, Iowa

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 24, 2021

It was great to get out Friday evening for a much-needed dose of live music at Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon in Iowa City, Iowa. First up was James Tutson along with two members of his Rollback band (drummer Dr. Tyler Carrington and keyboardist/bassist Erik Lehmann) showcasing their unique blend of soul and R&B. Tutson’s powerfully soulful vocals sounded fabulous paired with his guitar. It’s not too often one hears the opening act encouraged by the audience for an encore, but it certainly happened this evening. For the main event, Jim Heath aka Reverend Horton Heat, along with bassist Jimbo Wallace and drummer Jonathan Jeter (the Revelators) blessed the crowd with a mix of RHH favorites, deep cuts, and covers which included Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades”, and Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas”. Although this was my fourth time to see the good Rev, it’s hard to believe it has been about twenty-two years since I last saw him. He definitely still delivers one hell of a performance.