There’s new music to explore up and down College Avenue, though it wouldn’t stop Fox Valley music fans from spending some quality time with their hometown favorites.
Houdini Plaza was elbow to elbow on Friday evening as Kyle Megna and the Monsoons brought their unique brand of alternative rock to the downtown main stage. Soulful with folk and blues influence, the seven-piece outfit once again delivered the energetic show and cohesive sound that’s built a following.
And as for the crowd?
“I’m grateful for that,” Megna said after the show. “There are other people; bands from across the country and they’re here. It means the world.”
It’s been a busy year for Megna, a veteran of all seven Mile of Music festivals. And it’s been good news for fans who’ve been treated to a robust concert schedule. Fans will soon be able to get their hands on new recordings.
Megna’s act is among the most versatile among Fox Valley artists with performances taking various configurations from Megna going solo on acoustic guitar to their full set up featuring some of the region’s most talented working musicians.
Megna will record an acoustic album later this month at his family’s farm in northern Wisconsin. The new acoustic pieces will be part of a new EP from the full band. The band recently extended to the 14-piece Brass Monsoons for a concert at Lawrence Memorial Chapel and they took advantage of the incredible acoustics at the venue for a recording.
“It’s always good to capture the band live and it turned out really well,” Megna said.
The band had its full Mile run on Friday. They also played at Spat’s on Friday and did a pop-up show at the Appleton Police Department.
Those who missed them at the Mile will have plenty of upcoming chances to get their fix.
Kyle Megna and the Monsoons will return to Houdini Plaza for Octoberfest.
They’ll close Kaukauna’s Live from Hydro Park concert series on Wednesday. They’ll make up a rained out Future Neenah concert on Sept. 6 at Shattuck Park.
The band is planning another Florida tour and exploring other opportunities beyond their home base.
“We’re looking to get outside of the area and outside of the box,” Megna said, “but we’re also looking forward to playing the Fox Cites and showing our new stuff.”
