Tonight was date night, so yesterday I googled “Live folk music Quad Cities.” We love listening to live music. It is one of our favorite things to do together. I love to sit in bar or a coffee shop with a mug of a strong-tasting brew (hot or cold) and just lose myself in music. I can close my eyes, tap my fingers and be made new.
Tonight we were not disappointed. We found a place called Mojo’s, which is a sort of songwriter’s academy. We found some comfy chairs, ordered two decaffs, and sat back and listened to some amazing music. We were treated to the music and storytelling of Doug Rees. We not only met a great artist, but we made a couple of friends. It was a wonderful evening.
I’m not a music critic, so I’m not going to try and describe Doug’s music. Instead, I posted one of his songs. It was a song that touched me. It reminded me of the many towns that I call home. It reminded me of the unifying spirit of people in community. Many of his songs had this spirit flowing through them – the spirit of friendship, love and roots that run deep.
I hope you take the time to listen to some of his music. He played a few of his new songs, which will be released soon. I’d love to hear “Nature Boy” again.
Doug, if you read this, I want to say thank you. Thank you for a wonderful night. Thank you for your stories. Thank you for your songs. Thank you for making the trip up from Cape Girardeau to sing to a few folks in a coffee shop in Davenport. It might not have been the bright lights of an arena, but I will remember your concert forever. Above all, thank you for your sincerity and joy. It was a pleasure to spend a little while with you. My only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer. I’m looking forward to the next CD, and eagerly anticipate your next trip to the Quad Cities.
To hear more of Doug, and a few other great artists, check out the Music link.
The Fat Pastor 
Nice story….Doug is a friend of mine also and a heck of a nice guy….thanks for taking the time to listen and write about Doug and his songs.
Doug is a gifted and talented artist that let’s the lyrics work! If you ever get to hear him in person—–you are hooked! Doc
Hello I would just like to thank you for taking the time to write about doug. Knowing doug the way I do I know that your words are invaluable . I have listened to doug play for 47 years and I still am awed at what comes out when he writes and sings. Doug said you have a friend that is a pastor in cape. I bet I know him Have a bless Day Danny Ress
Thank you for the wonderful article about my cousin Doug! Though I havent seen him in more years than should be I will always remember our Family Reunions when Doug and the other boys would get out their guitars and fiddles and banjos and play music for us! It is one of my most fond memories of growing up in a very talented yet humble family. Doug and the rest of the boys play for the love of the music……its in their souls and is a gift to us……Blessings to my cousin…..I hope to see you soon!
It’s cool that you EXP Doug Rees at Mojo’s.
Thanks for posting the link so that I could groove to Doug’s music, voice, and message. Peace!
Great music and meaningful lyrics.
You win Nancy! Email or FB me your address, and I’ll mail it to you on Tuesday!
Awesome!
Very nice song! I love an artist who can sit up on a stage with a guitar and just do it right… this guy sounds like an artist like that. Thanks for sharing, it made me smile…. sounds like my little town. 🙂
Wow, a winner already. So thought, well, I’ll just skip the comment part but just wanted to let you know that something like that is my husband and I’s favorite date night thing too and even something we enjoy doing we can get our grown children together sometimes. This song was beautiful with such heart written right into it. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for posting. I sat and got teary eyed over Looking For a Better Way; so much like my own grandfather who married my grandmother and adopted her two girls when they were only 3 and 4 years old. Smiled over My Friend Jim and laughed out loud over Hillbilly Hottub and Charlie the Smoking Chimpanzee. I think Roger Miller would be proud!
I’m happy for winner of the CD, Nancy, but really, what you’re doing makes all of us following you winners. Thanks!!
Date nights? OMG, yes!! My husband and I still have date nights (28 years of marriage) and it was part of our marriage philosophy.
1. We WILL make our marriage work. The lines are drawn at the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of the other spouse or the kids, or infidelity. Still doesn’t mean that the marriage is over but the offending spouse will have to work real hard to reclaim it (while living somewhere else and starting counseling)
2. Keep the marriage relationship 1st, you are parents second. Yes, parenting is important, but if you allow parenting to completely consume you than your marriage dies and you get an empty nest divorce and adult children who can have some major issues. Date nights help to keep your relationship central and strong which allows you to have more energy and patience for your children.
God Bless you and your family on this, the 1st day of Christmas!
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