News from the Roost #3

Q&A with Stefan Geisinger - Catch Stefan on October 20th!

Tell us a little about yourself and history as a musician.
I first picked up a guitar at age 17 after I heard B.B. Kings “Live at the Regal”. After that I started getting into guitar greats. SRV, Hendrix, Jimmy Page etc. When I realized I couldn’t do
what they were doing on the guitar I dove headfirst into blues greats like Muddy Waters, the 3 kings, Son Seals, Luther Allison, Robert Cray, Howling Wolf, and so on. I listened to their
records and played along with them, trying to copy what they were doing. I created my first blues band in my early twenties. After that I created my current band I moved to Eau Claire, WI for school and found the guys I currently am playing with today. Buck Barrickman on bass (The Pumps), Travis Nicolai on drums (Big Back Yard, Greg Gilbertson), and John Utphall on keys (North of Dixie, Randy Sabine, Jeff Becker- Ft. Myers and Cape Coral Fl, George Strait, Clyde Stubblefield, Big Al Downing, Hank Thompson).

What do you do for fun when you are not playing?

Meditation. Yoga. Reading. Exercise. Practice sobriety/self-improvement. Nature Bathing. Long
walks. Family/friends time. Creating friendships.

Who is/are the most famous person(s) you've shared the stage with?

Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials. Sue Orfield. Tommy Bentz. Michael Schlenker.

Tell us about your first paid gig.
Like most first paid gigs, it was in a dive bar in my hometown of Rice Lake, WI. We packed the house, and the audience was very engaged. I still remember the endorphin rush.

If you could collaborate with another musician, who would it be?
I would love to collaborate with Howard “Guitar” Luedtke. I have been following him my entire blues journey and he is a local Wisconsin legend.

Describe your fans in 3 words.
Loving, supportive, & respectful

If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be?

Take the competition out of it. We are all just regular people who have a similar goal, to make
music. Love and support each other.

What advice would you give to young musicians?
Follow your passion and never give up. Playing music is about expressing ourselves and is about the people you are playing for. Not a lot of people get the opportunity to have an art form that allows us to do that regularly. There are always other musicians who are better than you and your band.

Karaoke - Yeah, or nah?
I support karaoke because it allows people to get engulfed in the music and it builds self-confidence. Anything that makes a person feel stronger and better about themselves, I support. It is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and create friendships. Although the
drinking aspect that is incorporated with Karaoke is an evil characteristic.

Patron of the Month - Steve Lendborg

You've probably seen Steve at any numerous music events throughout Madison and drumming for Stultus Blues Band. He is a very special friend of the Rooster since the beginning. Check out more about him here:

What do you remember about the first time you visited the Red Rooster?
The first time I was at the Rooster was for the grand opening for the Jimmy's. The staff was slammed but they were troopers and handled it great. What a great team of staff they have there.

Who are your favorite musicians right now?
I am especially interested in great blues performers like Ivy Ford, Stephen Hull, The Blues Disciples, and The Mannish Boys, but there are so many others that need recognition.

Describe your musical taste:

Being a blues drummer, I tend to gravitate towards mostly blues music.

My band, Stultus Blues has had the opportunity to play at the Red Rooster, twice to a packed house.

What is your go-to drink or menu item of choice at the Rooster?

You have to come on an empty stomach, because the food is fantastic. Chef Fredo makes an awesome burger (my go-to). You have to try the Pel’meni Dumplings. The staff keeps coming up with amazing themed drinks for each performance.

Describe other Red Rooster patrons. The Rooster fans are the best. They eat, they drink and dance like nobody is watching.

Any other advice for our readers?
Just make sure that you check out the blues jams every Thursday.