30-MMH: The Holiday Music Motel Sessions

March 21, 2013 PBS Wisconsin Leave a Comment

On a frigid night in February, Wisconsin Public Television’s 30-Minute Music Hour rolled into Sturgeon Bay to record a few sessions at the Holiday Music Motel.

Throughout the day, our crew transformed the motel’s hip lobby into one of the coziest music venues in the state. And that night the three acts that performed – Purgatory Hill, Paul Cebar and Loves It! – turned up the heat, offering a temporary escape from the winter chill.

Our cameras captured the excitement of that February night in three half-hour performances that will air on WPT over three consecutive Friday nights, beginning March 22. And of course all are available for online viewing at any time.

Before we get on to the performances, a quick thanks to the Holiday Music Motel’s staff for hosting us and helping to create the show’s first on-location shoot. The Holiday Music Motel isn’t just a clever name for a venue – the motel is fully operational and hosts a plethora of music events throughout the year. And they offer discounted rates to Wisconsin Public Television members… just sayin’.

Purgatory Hill
This duo, made up of motel co-owners pat mAcdonald and melaniejane, kicks off the three-week run of Holiday Music Motel episodes. The act’s distinctive growl comes courtesy of mAcdonald’s cigarbox slide guitar and stompbox.

 

Paul Cebar
Cebar, a Milwaukee native currently touring with the group Tomorrow Sound, gives a rare solo performance on acoustic guitar that combines elements of African, Latin and Caribbean music into a sweet blend of Midwestern soul.

 

Loves It!
Vaughn Walters and Jenny Parrot make up this chipper Austin, Texas duo that switches back and forth on fiddle, guitar, 5-string banjo, and mandolin.

30-Minute Music Hour 30mmh