Meet a few Cape Girardeau bands, in their words

Doug E. Rees Local singer/songwriter Doug E. Rees -- considered somewhat Americana and a melting pot of rock, country, folk and blues -- credits musicians like John Prine, Steve Earle, John Hiatt and Bob Dylan with the creation of his sound. "I would like my fans to expect honesty in my music," Rees says. "I write about people, places and things that move me, and try to stay true to what I do."

Rees hosts a songwriter show every Thursday at Stooges in Jackson, where you can find him and many other local singer/songwriters, along with a few touring acts. For Rees' schedule, music and other info, head to www.dougrees.net.

Headley Grange "I think people should know that we take our music seriously but we have a lot of fun doing it," notes Lamar Holdines, lead guitarist and vocalist of Headley Grange. "We work as hard as we play, having a strict practice schedule, and never being satisfied."

Holdines points out the band has played an average of nine out of 10 weekends over the past two years, and delights crowds with its unique style. "I would say we have a classic sound," Holdines says. "Our music is a great mixture of blues and heavy rock. Our sound is tight, soulful, and dynamic."

Headley has been together for three years, plays once or twice a month in the Cape Girardeau area and recently released its first album, "Trumble Hill."

The band's schedule can be found at www.headleygrangetheband.com.

Jerry Ford Combo

Jerry Ford One of the Cape Girardeau area's biggest names in music, Jerry Ford and his orchestra have been performing across the country for more than 50 years. Playing with both a gentle jazz combo, and a swing and rock big band, Ford has delighted audiences and influenced local musicians for decades. "We're a family," Ford points out. "And we play for other families."

Ford's jazz combo plays the last Sunday of every month at River Ridge Winery in Commerce. Most big band performances are now private gala appearances within the six-state area. For more info, check out www.jerryfordorchestra.com

Bull Mountain Revelry BMR lead vocalist and guitar player Alex Beaird tells the story of a band with a lust for life and a repertoire anyone can get down with. "We play a good mix of covers and originals. Everything from Black Sabbath to Prince, so there is literally something for everyone."

Although only on the local scene since early 2010, BMR has a reputation for fun and can always get a party started. "Our style is pretty eclectic. It's an aggressive, hard hitting sound, but it still has a groove that people can dance to -- sort of a bluesy, hard rock but with a progressive twist," Beaird says. "We like to have a good time and do not take ourselves too seriously, so our songs are high-energy celebrations of our passion for life." You can catch up with BMR or find info on their next show at www.facebook.com/bullmountainrevelry.

Bruce Zimmerman

Bruce Zimmerman Since the mid-1980s, much has been said about Cape Girardeau's blues boss Bruce Zimmerman. However, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything but praise for the man with the Water Street Band.

"I am not one of those musicians that is just going through the motions," says Zimmerman. "It is very important to me to put on a good show. I am doing what I love and I take pride in it. Most of all, I appreciate my fans more than they will ever know and I want them to leave my show feeling good."

One thing's for sure: He's one of the area's musical treasures.

"I don't know how anyone could love playing music more than I do but it is more important to me to be a good man than a good guitar player," Zimmerman says. "I love life, and I hope that comes across in my music."

Zimmerman can always be found playing at Port Cape the first and third Sunday of every month with the Water Street Band. You can find him at many local wineries, too. Check out www.brucezimmerman.net.

Mid-life Crisis

Mid-Life Crisis A self-described "cover band built for celebrations," Mid-Life Crisis has put smiles on local music lovers' faces for more than 10 years.

"We stress that we're a party band," says trombone player and vocalist Darren Burgfeld. "Whether you're looking to wind down from a long work day, or planning on celebrating a special occasion, we intend to make you dance and forget your worries."

Playing a mix of rock, pop, country, soul and everything in between, Mid-Life Crisis has been known to get booties shaking at local venues like the Pink Galleon and Rhymer's, as well as several for-hire events. Featuring a full horn section and an original Hammond B3 organ, it is a band not to be missed.

"We'll have you smiling in no time and dancing like no one is watching," Burgfeld promises.

The band's news and upcoming events can be found at www.facebook.com/mlccape.

Tune Squad Although Shane Callahan knows his band, Tune Squad, is all covers right now, he thinks it stacks up well against anyone else on the area's entertainment scene. "We play covers most bands don't think of doing or are even able to do," says Callahan. "Our repertoire will surprise and amaze you."

Tune Squad has been around the local music scene for about a year, but in that time has become a staple of downtown Cape Girardeau venues like Mixing 10. Describing its sound as versatile, upbeat and energetic, Callahan says you should be prepared to dance when you come to a Tune Squad show. "We play music for enjoyment and to bring fun to all ages. Our shows can appeal to all types of audiences, both young and old," Callahan says. "You get an energetic and upbeat performance to get you out of your seats, on the dance floor, and having a good time."

Check out the band's Facebook page for more information.

Jefferson Fox

Jefferson Fox Singer/songwriter Jefferson Fox has a reason he doesn't play anything but his own music.

"I'd like for people to realize that I don't play other people's music because I have plenty to say to the world, and if you're hearing me sing a song, you're hearing some part of my soul," Fox says. "When I'm gone, if you listen to the records, you might have some understanding of who I was here on Earth."

Fox calls his sound a "whiskey and Wi-Fi mix of cabaret and folk-rock," and -- although he tours the country extensively -- can be found in Cape Girardeau and his hometown of Jackson at least once a month. To find out where Fox will be next, visit www.jeffersonmfox.com.

Relief "Our sound comes straight from our souls, consisting of a groovy blend of blues rock with an extra helping of funk," describes an enthusiastic Thad King, guitarist and vocalist of Relief. "We thrive on spontaneity! We play what feels right at that particular moment. It just feels more natural that way."

Relief has been moving local music lovers for more than two years, and can often be found at venues like Pitter's and Rude Dog in Cape Girardeau, and Robbie D's in Dexter, Mo. So, what will you get at a Relief show? "Our performances are full of energy sure to keep you up dancing all night. Every time we play, something new seems to happen musically. Every show is sure to bring something fresh to your ears," says King. "We try and pour our hearts and souls out every time we play."

Check out the band's Facebook page for a full schedule and more information.

The Mike Renick Band

Mike Renick The Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson are among artists local legend Mike Renick has often been compared to. But Renick says it's about more than sounding like a successful musician for him.

"Hopefully when someone comes to a show they can at least respect what we are doing, even if the style of music is not their favorite," Renick says. "Most of the time, there is a very positive vibe among the crowd. People find the music enjoyable enough to get up and dance and interact with the band."

Renick and his band have been bouncing around the area for six years, gaining more and more fans wherever they play. And, with a schedule that includes St. Louis, Columbia Mo., and Chicago along with Cape Girardeau, the band certainly has spread its sound around. For more info and a full schedule, go to www.mikerenickband.com.

The Big Idea

The Big Idea "Acoustic music can be just as upbeat, rock 'n' roll, and rowdy as music with screaming electric guitars," says vocalist/guitarist Will Montgomery of The Big Idea. "We have a circle of friends and fans who make every night with us fun and inviting, whether you've seen the show a dozen times or it's your first."

The Big Idea's upbeat and energetic folk rock has been frequenting downtown Cape Girardeau (as well as St. Louis, Springfield, Mo. and other cities) for two years now, always to rave reviews from those who love rock, soul, folk or experimental music.

To find a Big Idea performance, go to www.thebigideasmusic.com

Tungsten Groove "We have been influenced by so many different styles of music that it is hard to explain what we sound like," says Tungsten Groove guitarist/vocalist Justus Richardet. "You could say classic rock or country but there is a lot of variety in the stuff we write."

Making its mark on the area for more than a year now, Tungsten Groove likes to infuse performances with energy and will often play a different mix of covers and originals for every show.

"When we choose a song to play, we might change it up and play it a different way than one is used to hearing it," Richardet says. "When playing to a new crowd, we will play a few or our songs without telling them they are ours. We always get a positive response, which makes us confident in what we are doing."

To find out what's new with the Tungsten Groove and where it is playing, visit www.thetungstengroove.com.