The Johnson Family Band Bids Summer Adieu

It was a busy summer for the Johnson Family Band. Aside from gigs throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area, they also made the rounds at several regional festivals, including a set at the 10,000 Lakes Festival (above) and a slot at our very own Dalefest in August. Indeed, they make a great companion to a balmy summer day.

As autumn takes center stage, however, it's time to move the party indoors. If you're part of the loyal and growing JFB fan base, you'll find little problem with that; their high-energy output and hot bluegrass licks work in any venue. We at the HoDo appreciate that and are happy to have the Johnsons open up our fall season of Thursday music on September 25th at 8:30 p.m. in the HoDo Lounge. There's no cover and it's 21+. See you there!

Flatlands ... You Can See Your House From Here!

I've always had this theory about living in a flat place. Many people feel more secure in mountainous areas and brag of better scenery but, if you live somewhere flat, you can always see danger coming. And, the sunsets are better.

So, take that, Colorado.

Perhaps this is the theory behind naming a band Flatlands - to show the relationship between a fun, acoustic rock show and the scenery that seems to fit it best. If there is any match for wide open skies, it is the Flatlands aesthetic of acoustic sound and Guster-esque harmonies. Both are testaments to the air and being a person surrounded by it. Think about it.

We'll host Flatlands in the HoDo Lounge tomorrow night starting at 8:30 p.m. No cover, 21+.

September's Flavor of the Month - Chop House Night

Come join us on Wednesday the 17th for Chop House Night, September's Flavor of the Month. The menu, below, features a first-rate assortment of meaty classics - many from our team of local providers: three cuts of beef, a pork chop and plenty of seafood favorites as well. It's a savory feast to help welcome the arrival of autumn. The menu is available from 5 p.m. to close. Call 701.478.1000 for reservations.

.......salads & starters.......

Caesar- Romaine tossed in classic Ceasar dressing $8
Wedge $7
Greens $7
Mussels steamed in white wine with butter & herbs $8
Crab Cakes $9
Fried oysters, cornmeal crusted & lightly fried, served with lemon aioli $9
Shrimp cocktail served with house made cocktail sauce & a wedge of lemon $9

.......entrees.......

NY Strip - 16 oz Dakota Natural Farms beef $31
Ribeye - 16 oz Dakota Natural Farms beef $29
Tenderloin - 12 oz Dakota Natural Farms beef $30
Salmon - 12 oz Wild caught Atlantic $28
Pork chop - 16 oz Doubting Thomas Farms $23
Shrimp scampi in white wine & garlic sauce $30
Lobster tail - 8 oz steamed Maine lobster $35
Chicken - roasted, Spring Prairie Farms $19

.......sides.......
(serves 2-3)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes $7
Asparagus $7
Rice Pilaf $6

.......sauces.......

Bernaise $1
Beurre rouge $1
Mushroom demi $1
Garlic shrimp $2

Bucks and Bras - Organize Your Family and Friends!

Can we make the world's longest garland of bras? We're going to try, and for a lot of good reasons. Bucks and Bras, a fundraiser in conjunction with our 3rd Annual Bras on Broadway benefit, will raise money for breast cancer research ... and possibly net you and your friends a party at the Hotel Donaldson. Here's how to become involved:

1) Organize a group through your workplace or another community.

2) Have each person donate a bra and make a $5 (or more) donation. If you don't have a bra to donate, we can also put your name on a ribbon for the garland. Watch for the garland to be hung from the HoDo the week of October 20th (last year's is pictured above).

3) The group with the most donations gets a party for 75 people at the HoDo.

If you'd like to organize a group, call 701.478.1000 for information on setting up a drop-off point. If you can't get a group together and would still like to be part of the fun, you can drop off your bras and donations at the HoDo (101 Broadway, Fargo) or at the Institute for Special Surgery, 2301 25th St SW # H - 701.271.1045. Contributions will be accepted until October 17th.

Let's do it!

The Front Fenders Roll Like That

There's no denying it.

Autumn is in the air. Summer, and it's many excuses to go shirtless, is soon to be a memory. That doesn't mean we can't get a party started, though, and our good friends at the Front Fenders are more than obliged to help by carbo-loading you with a lip-smacking blend of rock standards. Come on out tomorrow and throw your boogie down ... but, please.

Keep your shirts on. No cover, 21+.

A Wail, in Blue

You just can't get enough of the blues. For it's ability to speak to so many aspects of American experience, you can't beat it. Whether you want to throw a party, reflect, or rise up, the blues has something for you.

Our good friends, The Blue Wailers, will be back in the HoDo Lounge tonight at 8 p.m. (no cover, 21+) to throw down the shuffles, the 12-bars, and the blue notes that get us all right there. Come on by.

Dalefest '08 Wrap Up

Well, folks. Dalefest '08 has come and gone. It was windy, but we dodged the rain. Turnout was great and there was a wonderful festive air.

If you didn't make it, here's the scoop:

The Johnson Family Band and Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome played with a lot of intensity, and everything sounded great from the street.


Our band of artists, rounded up by James at the Upfront Gallery, gave a crucial visual counterpoint to the proceedings. Kirby and his glassblowing setup generated a lot of interest, and contact juggler Ashraf provided some intriguing visuals.


Our impromptu cantina (it was far too impressive to simply call it a "bar") had some imaginative lighting that gave off an inviting glow. Considering how the pouring went for the evening, you could say it had its intended effect.


Overall, it was a wonderful night and the event was a success. A big thanks to our cosponsors at Summit Brewing, James at the Upfront, Luke at MSUM Club Design, Mike at the MSUM Graphic Communication Department, Britta at Milestones Photography, the Red River Valley fairground, the Downtown Community Partnership, and the City of Fargo. Also, big shouts out to the Fargo Police Department and M1 Sound and Lights for their hard work.


(For more photos, please check out our Facebook page)

We'll see you at Dalefest '09!