Letter To The People
Publisher's Commentary
by Rökker
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Lizzie in her Zombie Pom Pom outfit for a basketball game halftime performance
photo by Allison Rocker
Letter to the People - January 2014
by Rökker
January 2014
(3092) Page Views
Hey Everybody!
Willy Wash: Willy Wash is a movement of people who stand behind the idea that the area from the Yahara River to the Capitol, from Willy Street to E. Washington, be re-developed with the consideration of a music zone, a musical Yahara if you will…
It all started with a group meeting at the Memorial Union over a few beers wondering what Madison would be like with a world class music zone, bringing economic prosperity to a very old area while paying homage to Madison’s musical history as well as the city’s strong values of arts, culture, and education.
Letter to the People - December 2013
by Rökker
December 2013
(2280) Page Views
This issue is dedicated to the memory of Peter Streicher. I first met Pete around the time he and his brother Todd were starting up a music magazine that included a whole lot of humor called the Rock n’ Roll Probe, if memory serves correctly, in 1994.
Editorial meetings in the garage were fun times and the most memorable headline was their infamous “STONES CANCEL” just a few days before the Rolling Stones were to play Camp Randall in Madison. Nothing gets you famous faster than controversy!
Of course, the newspaper industry is not for everyone, believe me, and the brothers moved on to other ventures. Pete worked at Sleepless Nights Studios in the early days of duping, producing CD and cassette covers for a zillion bands.
Nikkophoto by Rökker
Letter to the People - November 2013
by Rökker
November 2013
(2515) Page Views
This issue is dedicated to the memory of Chris Williams. Chris worked the door of many venues and bars over the last 30 years in Madison including the Black Bear, Barrymore, Paradise and Genna’s. He was a no bones guy, very good at his job. He lost his life in an apartment fire in Monona, a tragic loss.
RAWARDS: I’ve been telling you about Raw Madison: Natural Born Artists for the last few months, and after working their events, I have met some wonderful and talented people. Now they went and made me a judge for the Rawards. I had to vote, along with other judges, to get down to 3 finalists after the public voted for the top 5. Now, the winner in each category (hair style, make-up, photo, music, etc) will move on to regional and national competitions, as Raw is a national organization.
Rawards will kick off at the High Noon Saloon in Madison on Thursday, December 5th. Come down to be a part of the experience and find out what RAW is all about! Cocktail dress is suggested, so get your suit or dress on and come find me at the High Noon, I’ll be doing complimentary Rökker Vodka tastings. Go to RawArtists.org/Madison or RawArtists.com/Milwaukee for more info.
THE RED ZONE: You can find plenty of Rökker Vodka at the Red Zone in Madison (formerly the Regent Street Retreat for those who are still in the dark), they’ll have two nights of Rökker Vodka tastings and drink specials coming up in November. Find me sampling during the Wookiefoot show on 11/22 and Wheelhouse on 11/27. Wheelhouse is the band made up of ex-Mighty Short Bus meets ex-Lucas Cates band guys. They’re really good and releasing a cd this month. Maybe we’ll get lucky and Frank will give us a call for an interview! And if you’re in the area, stop into Regent Street Liquor and pick up a bottle…. they just picked us up!
TREKSGIVING: Rökker Vodka and Ale Asylum are sponsoring this show coming to the Frequency on Friday, November 29th. The show will be the last for The Killer Dolphin With Rabies. The bill also includes War of Abaddon, The Unessecary Gunpoint Lecture, The Circuit Theory, Poppa Bear, and the Pussy Vultures. Presented by Trex Promotions, the show will feature Rökker Vodka mixers for $4, Free Beer (till it’s gone), and a Free Raffle. Bring your earplugs, this one’s gonna be loud!
CONTROLLED CHAOS: One of my favorite Rökker Vodka fans, Sheila Shera, runs a Facebook group called Controlled Chaos and every year she throws a big, debaucherous party. This year, that party will be held at the Frequency in Madison on Friday, December 6th. Bands will include Sexy Ester, Shane Shane, Cowboy Winter, and Royal Station. Rökker Vodka tastings and specials, no doubt!
MAD MARCUS: Tune in Saturday nights from 10pm to midnight on WORT 89.9fm for the Mad Marcus Rock and Soul Revue. Marcus spins rock, funk, soul, and R&B like no other. I guess he bought Clyde Stubblefield’s old record collection some years back, and now he’s spinning stuff the Funky Drummer was inspired to listen to. If you’re out of town, go to wort-fm.org or get the Tunein.com app.
ADVENTURES WITH NIKOLAI: Nikko and his friend Maya planned a party for their fellow 5th grade friends. Party goers filled themselves with pizza and lemonade while listening to music. I’m not sure how many hit the dance floor under the disco ball, but I do know that the Cupcakes from local cakester Cup Cakes a Go Go were a huge hit, and it was Nikko who took the first hit in the face with a frosted cupcake… oy! Foooooood Fiiiiiiight!
Lets just say his face was still crusty the next day. What a fun time!
Lizzie and Sophie, BFF
Letter to the People - October 2013
by Rökker
October 2013
(5088) Page Views
This Month: Halloween Highlights, Maximum Ink’s Spooktacular, RAW Madison, Sal Serio turns 50!, and Adventures with Lizzie and Nikko.
Lizzie's ponytail
Letter to the People - September 2013
by Rökker
September 2013
(2439) Page Views
This issue is dedicated to the memory of the Regent Street Retreat/Annex. Also, Red Zone Madison, Funk’s Pub, The Music Zone, and Adventures with Lizzie.
Momma Rökker - Dancing Queen - Atwood Summerfest, 2013photo by Dan Schneiderman
Letter to the People - August 2013
by Rökker
August 2013
(2443) Page Views
In Memoriam of Genevieve Breton, Guy Bolduc, and Yves Boulet. Plus: Sky Road Fly Cd Realease, Farewell to Keith Daniels, Atwood Summerfest, and Adventures with Mama Rökker!
Letter to the People - July 2013
by Rökker
July 2013
(2668) Page Views
This month: Backstage Vibe On The Rox, Luna Mortis, Lords of The Trident and Tiger Clutch CD Release Party, Chic: The Mini-series, Rökker Vodka tastings, and Adventures with Nikko and Lizzie!
Lexi and Lizzie at dance recital 2013photo by Rökker
Letter to the People - June 2013
by Rökker
June 2013
(2381) Page Views
This issue is dedicated to the memory of Phil “Philo” Buerstatte (Last Crack, White Zombie). A brilliant mind and sometimes tortured soul, his genius behind the drum set inspired many a drummer, both in Madison and throughout the world. His enthusiasm and charm contagious, he is legend. May his memory be a blessing in the hearts and minds of those who loved him.
Letter to the People - May 2013
by Rökker
May 2013
(2694) Page Views
Dual Covers: You are holding one of the rare issues of Maximum Ink that has two covers. I’ve been following Colorphase for a while now and was excited to get them on my cover, but when the Die Kreuzen story came through, I was faced with a dilemma. Up and coming new band or legendary punkers from Milwaukee… my solution was both. Congrats to both bands! Catch Colorphase at their CD Release party on May 10th at the Frequency in Madison and see the Die Kreuzen reunion on May 26th at Turner Hall in Milwaukee.
Lizzie's new glasses 4/2013 from her instagramphoto by Lizzie
Letter to the People - April 2013
by Rökker
April 2013
(3267) Page Views
Thanx to Liz Cassity, Mike Steldt of Milwaukee RIP/Benefit, Barry Roberts has 47 friends of mine on Facebook, Rökker Vodka in a Internet TV Webseries, Adventures with the Klutzy Lizzie
Pat Peterson
Letter to the People - March 2013
by Rökker
March 2013
(2656) Page Views
I would like to honor the memory of my good friend Pat Peterson (Pipe Circus/Avengers Assemble) by adding him to the Maximum Ink Hall of Fame for his years of service distributing Maximum Ink’s in Whitewater. Pat, this issue is dedicated to you!
bryan carlstrom with don bakken of last crack
Letter to the People - February 2013
by Rökker
January 2013
(2415) Page Views
This issue is dedicated to the memory of Bryan Carlstrom. Bryan was an engineer and producer for many of the great albums since the late 80’s. He worked on many recordings with legendar producer Dave Jerden including Jane’s Addiction, Alice In Chains, Anthrax, Kiss, Last Crack, Rattlebone. The latter two bands, Last Crack and Rattlebone featured Madison based musicians.
Lizzie's Birthday
Letter To The People - June 2012
by Rökker
June 2012
(1968) Page Views
Letter To The People:
Rökker Vodka: Don’t forget Sunday, June 10th I’ll be hosting the Bloody Rökker bar at the Sprizzo Cafe in downtown Waukesha. Come down to make your own Bloody and talk all things Rökker Vodka. Hang out long enough and you may end up running around downtown to other fine establishments carrying the Madison-made spirit. Check the website at RokkerVodka.com to see a map of locations as well as the beginnings of our cocktail guide and other FAQ’s.
Caritas Karaoke: You probably won’t see me singing anytime soon, but I’m hoping to see you singing at Caritas: Demon Karaoake at the Inferno in Madison on Wednesday, June 20th. Hosted by DJ Karcus, the “music” starts at 9pm and there will me a menu of Rökker Vodka drinks on special. Make sure to ask Amada about the “Happy Happy Joy Joy” shot. For Inferno info, go to Clubinferno.com.
Peach Pies Caburlesque: Catch the Peach Pies at two shows in Madiosn this month. One on the northside at the Inferno on June 15th, and the other at Club 5 on the westside on Thursday, June 28th. Go to their page at Facebook.com/peachpiesburlesque to find out about VIP tables, special guests, Rökker Vodka drink specials and more!
Lords of the Trident: The Regent Street Retreat will be hosting this metal show sponsored by Rökker Vodka and Scorpion Shot. Come down to sample Scorpion Rökkers, a drink made with Rökker Vodka and the flavor enhanced Scorpion Shot. Each shot has it’s own baby scorpion and if you hadn’t already guessed, you eat it just like the tequila worm! I thought it was crazy too, but after talking with owner Kenny Wayne, I found out that females are usually the first to slurp down the exotic treat, putting to shame many a boyfriend and hubby. I’m not sure how I’ll fair, it’s like Rökker Vodka meets Fear Factory!
It all happens June 23 with Lords of the Trident, Dethlahem, and Tiger Clutch at the Regent Street Retreat in Madison.
Max Ink Radio: Win a ticket and camping package to the Soundtown camping & music festival in Somerset, Wisconsin on July 27-28. With 3 stages and over 50 bands including Jane’s Addiction, Weezer, Florence & the Machine, Andrew Bird, and a tone more!
To win, you must sign up for the contest at one of our physical locations in Madison, or listen to Max Ink Radio for opportunities to get signed up by one of our dj’s. In Madison, you can sign up at Bennett’s Meadowood Country Club off Verona Rd., Knucklehead’s on State Street, or Trixie’s Liquor on E. Wash. It’s pretty simple, fill out the form and slip it in the box, we’ll announce winners live on the Jimmy K show on Tuesday, July 15th at 7pm. Make sure to sign up by Monday, July 14th to be eligible. Go to Soundtownfest.com for more details on the festival.
MAMA Awards: Max Ink Radio will be at the Overture Center in Madison broadcasting from the MAMA Awards show happening Saturday, June 2nd. If you’re in attendence stop by the Max Ink Radio booth and say hello to Jimmy K, Edub, and myself. DJ Erotic Jesus will be spinning songs between reports from the show. Listen at Maxinkradio.com or on your mobile device at Tunein.com, just search “Max Ink Radio.”
Downtown Middleton Beach Party: Saturday, June 16th from 9am-4pm. There will be a stage with live music from 12-3pm featuring the steel drum band Od Tapo Imi. They’ve been around for a long time and just recently they recruited two Madison veterans, Bradley Fish and bassist Philly (Sequentials, Cornerstone, Dread Knot, Bradley Fish’s Electrifried Band).
Atwood Summerfest: Wowie Zowie! Things are changing for Madison’s eastside festival, Atwood Summerfest!! First, the festival is moving to two days. The first day, July 28th, will feature two stages; Maximum Ink/Ale Asylum Rock Stage and the Harmony Bar/Capitol Beer Blues Stage, and will run from 2pm-9pm. The second day, July 29th, will feature one stage, yet to be named, and will feature live music from 2pm-7pm. The second day will be about half size but carry twice the punch! Stay tuned for band line-up and more info. Look for Updates at AtwoodSummerfest.com starting in late June.
Adventures With Nikko and Lizzie: My kids are food snobs. They have hardlines on just about every food, there is not even one shade grey. That makes restauranting difficult sometimes. Recently, we’ve branched out. A new restaurant opened up on the northside of Madison called Banzo, as in garbanzo bean. It is owned and operated by the soon to be married couple Natalie and Aaron. Natalie moved to Madison from Israel and brought some of that middle eastern flavor with her. Banzo specializes in falafel and hummus, not too mention a killer tahini sauce.
The couple has been running Banzo as a carry-out restaurant, as well as operating a falafel cart downtown, but are remodeling an eat-in dining room and outdoor deck that will open in early summer.
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Max Ink Radio.... Radio for the People!
Letter To The People - January 2012
by Rökker
January 2012
(6125) Page Views
Rökker Vodka, Max Ink Radio, Adventures with Elizabeth & Nikko
Rökker & Lars (Distiller at Yahara Bay) with the first bottles of Rökker Vodka off the linephoto by Nick Quint
Letter To The People - July 2011
by Rökker
July 2011
(9203) Page Views
Rökker Vodka: This Month, Rökker Vodka gets introduced in Madison. Yep! I put out my own vodka label, crazy huh? It is distilled and bottled right here in Madison by Yahara Bay Distillery, an award winning distillery. It is a premium vodka, so it’s not rail… and best yet, it’s so pure there isn’t a hangover.
I got the idea for this special vodka after touring through Iceland and a stop in Reykjavik that turned me on to the “Black Death Vodka.” We needed a “Black Death of the Midwest” vodka, so I bring you Rökker Vodka. You can read the full story about the tour at RokkerVodka.com/iceland.
The Label is characterized by a skull and crossed guitars with a small story on back about the Iceland experience. It can’t be mistaken with the recently released Swedish vodka “Rökk Vodka” because if there isn’t a skull or guitar… it’s not Rökker Vodka.
Lars Forde, the distiller at Yahara Bay Distillery, helped me celebrate the first few cases heading out the door by coming with me to the Frequency, High Noon Saloon, and Majestic Theater last weekend to talk to people about Rökker Vodka. (see the pic of him and I with the first bottle, we’re standing in front of the still)
This month, even more venues will carry Rökker Vodka including Mr. Roberts, The Harmony, Wilson’s, Alchemy Cafe, Inferno, Barrymore Theater, Bluephies, Drakenberg’s, Ale Asylum, Talula, Brink Lounge, Bellini Italian Restaurant, Dragonfly Lounge, Lazy Oaf. Also keep an eye out at Woodman’s.
A list will be updated at RokkerVodka.com, both growing daily.
Rökker Vodka on Tour: You will also be able to catch Rökker & Lars on tour throughout the summer! We don’t need no stinking guitars or drums to tour, lol, all we need is some Rökker Vodka! We’ll be hitting shows and clubs at the following locations with a $4 drink special each night. Come see us on tour and hear the story of Rökker Vodka and how it’s made. Google the locations for directions.
Max Ink Radio presents
Rökker Vodka on tour in July:
7/14 Drakenberg’s Cigar Bar - 10pm, $6
7/15 Official Tasting & Release Party
Frequency - 10pm with
Sunspot, and Subatomic
7/16 Alchemy Cafe w/ Kingtown Rockers
7/17 High Noon Saloon w/ Red Elvises
7/22 Inferno w/ Droids Attack, Romero
8/4 Majestic w/ Baghdad Scuba Review
8/19 High Noon Saloon
Last Coast & MIR Present
Nashville Pussy, Whisky Pig
Atwood Summerfest: I am personally looking forward to this year’s band line up. Here’s a preview of the Maximum Ink/Ale Asylum Rock Stage at Atwood Summerfest on Saturday, July 30th 12-7pm on 2000-2100 blocks of Atwood Avenue in Madison.
Up first at noon is Unity, a reggae band from the Fox Valley. I’ve tried to get them a few times over the years but they are never available. This year we caught some luck, they’re a great band, great chemistry and a killer bass player…. oh, and the other guys ain’t too shabby either! 😉
Following Unity will be a Milwaukee band featuring Paul “Evil” Kneevers on Hammond B3 and Dave Schoepke (Moloko Shivers) on drums. They’re instrumental jam music is fun and groovy.
Then Madison’s Soul Shaker will crank a set of hard blues. They really rocked it last year and everybody loved ‘em. I had to give ‘em another round!
Baghdad Scuba Review is reuniting for Atwood Summerfest! Make sure to catch this “rare” show as they sink back to vacation status again.
And back for an unprecedented third time, Madison’s 70s disco outfit VO5. They have gotten more people to dance at one time than any other band in Atwood Summerfest history. So get your wig on and boogie to set a new record this year!
Rökker Vodka is a sponsor of the Rock Stage and if you need to try some it will be available at some of the local establishments like Players, Mr. Roberts, Wilson’s, and Alchemy Cafe. We’ll be hitting all of those places after the fest and getting some prime rib at Wilson’s for sure!
Special Thanx Randy Wilson of Wilson’s Bar and Grill, Otto Dilba from Ale Asylum, Keith From the Harmony Bar and Grill, Michael & Steve from Knucklehead’s Tobacco and gifts, Margo at Goodman Center, and General Beverage for sponsoring the Rock Stage again this year!
Adventures with Elizabeth: It’s summer and the kids are in camp. More next month.
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