The bassist from Hairball has a new gig in town. Dan Dryden, known to fans of the '80s tribute band as "Sports," opened his new bar, Sideshow Live Music Venue, on a high note last week.
Located in the former Shooters Saloon, 624 Tower Ave., Sideshow is a whole new space. The interior has been redone in classic black, gray and metallics, with an emphasis on the stage and live music.
"It's all about the good time," Dryden said. The business opened Oct. 21 to the strains of Plan B. They were followed by Monsters of Mock! the next night and Zeppelin tribute band BLIMP the next. Dryden got in on the act, too. The Sideshow All-Stars -- Dryden, Hairball drummer Blake and Plan B guitarist Stibs -- opened for BLIMP.
"It was awesome," Dryden said, with "nothing but smiles" from everyone who stopped by.
He hopes to draw wrestling fans to Sideshow on Monday nights to watch WWE action and continue to serve up all genres of live music from the stage.
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Dryden, who grew up in Brainerd, is no stranger to the Superior music scene.
"I've played here for many, many years," he said, starting in 1984. He has played gigs at the Pacific Club and, later, Third Rock with the bands Riff Raff, Slow Children and the Black Mollys. After spending so much time in the area, especially in the late 1990s, Dryden developed an affinity for it, with its mountain biking opportunities and musical venues.
"It's a cool town and a great opportunity," he said.
By using his contacts in the music world, Dryden plans to pull in live music acts from a tri-state area, everything from country and punk to rock and pop.
"It's a lot of fun for me," he said of preparing the space and setting up the acts.
If you're looking for live music this weekend, you may want to stop at Sideshow. The Metallica tribute band One performs tonight with special guests American Gothic. Saturday, the dance tune band the Whatnots take the stage and Sunday's Halloween special features Aultimate Ozzie Tribute Band with the Sideshow All-Stars opening. For the business' grand opening weekend Nov. 4-7, Dryden is tapping into pop and alternate metal rock for performances by K.U.R.T., Poprocks and Annex. The next weekend features country artist Brian Gleeson.
Will the Minneapolis-based Hairball make a guest appearance? Dryden said he has an "in" with the band.
"I know the guys who book Hairball," he joked. Although Sideshow doesn't have enough space for the band's fans, the parking lot is perfect for an outdoor show early this summer, Dryden said, so stay tuned.
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Sideshow is open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.
Find more information on Hairball online at hairballonline.com. Sideshow Live Music Venue also has a Facebook site.
