In spite of various career frustrations, Dave Mason’s name recognition was sufficient to pack the Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee.

Marty Stuart calls his backing band the Fabulous Superlatives – and, the thing is, they live up to his claim on every tune.

I’ve never seen anything like Captured! By Robots, and I’m still not sure what to make of it.

This wasn’t just any opera; this was the Florentine Opera Company presentation of Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni.’ But that meant little to me, I confess.

I did not know Chuck Berry was a black man until he stepped on that Des Moines stage.

Jamey Johnson is confident and solid, offering straight-ahead country music that’s performed with conviction.

La Original Banda el Limon, Banda Maguey and others performed at the gorgeous Eagles Club Ballroom – a space built for the likes of Glenn Miller.

Wicked Realm should be proud that they can make these songs come alive. Prouder still should be Milwaukee for being able to call them our own.

The night was a success. The concert had been enthusiastically received. But was it Yes?

The show was an hour and a half late. Audience members were understandably nervous. Then, in strode Billy Joe Shaver — all 77 years of him.