I’ve been reading some of the press about the recent Starry Nights Festival right here in Bowling Green (well technically, Oakland, but close enough). A common theme seems to be how vibrant the music scene is here in our home town.

But why take their word for it? I decided to go out on your typical Friday night (Oct. 19 to be exact) and see what was happening in the epicenter of the music scene, downtown. In three hours I checked out five venues, all within a block of Fountain Square, and here’s what I came across: vibrancy indeed.

Tidball’s, THE place for original music in town, was hosting two good ones: the in and out of existence 00 the Rabbit (we like it when they’re in existence) and The Hungry Ears. I was on the run so I couldn’t stay for both bands, but it didn’t take long listening to 00 the Rabbit to fall in love again with their ever-eclectic melodies, instrumentation and lyrics. It didn’t take long for the crowd to gravitate to the stage to get a better view of Russell Brooks and company. Just one tip if you plan to crowd the stage – watch out for Ryan Doughty’s trombone. That thing extends out a mile! Well, that was great, but I was at work, so off to the next place.

For those who like their blues and rock, Shady Jake & the Upsetters had the floor at 440 Main. It’s a sure sign of fall when the band plays inside, but with the doors wide open so they can still be heard on the square. Did I ever mention that Fountain Square is my favorite place in Bowling Green? Well now you know. Anyway, the Shady boys were keeping the crowd happy at 440 with their nice mix of songs you’ve heard a million times and never get tired of.

Next it was half a block off the square to Three Brothers Rock Bar. If that name seems a little different, well it is. It always was just plain old Three Brothers, with the loud juke box and dual pool tables. But these days the pool tables are gone and live music plays on weekends. It’s always great to see another venue become a live music venue (well, at least for me). When I got there, Poison Karma was rocking out like only they can. There are a handful of really good singers in Bowling Green, and even a smaller subset of good female singers. Maria Donatelli is one of the best. Kevin Hull is a natural rock and roll guitar player, and as a whole, the band is just getting better all the time. They play stuff from the ’60s to the present, so something for everyone there.

Speaking of great female singers, there were two on this night within a block of each other. The Twisted Tap was my next destination, and the singer was Shaylin McGuire. Now Shaylin’s a lot country, but when I go there she was belting out Guns & Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine,” and I do mean belting! You can check The Amplifier archives for my review of her show at the Plaza Theater in Glasgow earlier this year. She is on the rise, so I strongly recommend you check her out.

So far this was quite a bit of excitement, and it was getting late. A little chill out was in order. No problem, since my last stop was Dublin’s Irish Pub to hear the jazz/funk group The Great Gatsby Jazz Funk Odyssey. This was the only band not local, hailing from Paducah, but they’ve been here before and were scheduled for Tidball’s the next night, so Bowling Green has adopted them.

They dress the Gatsby part and play their own style of “homegrown jazz-funk.” Each player is very talented and they can take it up or down seamlessly and ever so deliciously. Check them out next time.

Now the above was what was in and around Fountain Square that night. Let’s not forget the many other venues in town that were likely hosting more live music. Wha Bahs, Miss Kitty’s, Johnetta’s, SKyPAC and Spillway all regularly have live music, and not just on weekends. And there are more. So whatever you’re up for, it’s probably right here in BG. So, is there a vibrant music scene in Bowling Green? You better believe it. Aren’t we lucky?

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Visit him at www.facebook.com/pennman