This Saturday, at the corner of West and East Fourth streets in downtown Madison, across from the Norton King’s Daughters’ Health Clinic, there is a new “Food & Music Pop Up” event happening from 3-7 p.m. It’s basically a bunch of food trucks, a local brewery, and a live music stage, all popping up on the old KDH parking lot on that corner.
It’s the brainchild of local entrepreneur and music visionary Todd Boone, who owns the property. (Todd is one of the founders of the Madison Music Movement, plus he and his wife own several downtown commercial properties, including the Fashion House B&B and the Madison Recording Studio on Second Street.)
“It’s something I’ve seen in other cities as I travel around,” explains Todd. “They’ll take over an empty lot once a week or maybe once a month, and turn it into a kind of carnival of food and music for one day. People can come, sample all the different tastes and enjoy some live music. I thought it would be fun to have something like that in Madison, so we are going to give it a try.
“This first pop up on April 13 is sort of a test run, you might say. If there is a good turnout and people show an interest, we’ll probably do it again, and maybe even make it a regular thing. It all depends how much support it gets. But I’d love to see it take hold, for the residents of the town and for the food truck owners.”
I caught up with one of the food truck owners and asked her about their involvement with this project. Jenny and Mark Darnold run the Troublemakers Food Truck. Area residents may recognize the name from Soup, Stew, Chili & Brew, where they were a top grossing vendor for the last 10 years.
“Mark worked at Monty’s Car Clinic for many years, but when Monty retired recently it kind of put him at a crossroads,” explains Jenny. “He could get another job or try something different. Cooking food has always been one of his passions, so we decided to get the food truck last year and give that a try.
“When Todd Boone approached us about this Food & Music Pop Up it sounded like a great idea. It would be so cool for Madison if it evolved to be a consistent event, with lots of trucks all in one place. It would basically be a complete dining experience, effectively like having an additional restaurant in town. It could be really good for the tourist crowd, too.
“For this first test weekend we have Troublemakers, of course, plus Pakalana’s Poke Wagon, German Corner, Donut Envy, Tiny Hos Coffee, Rollin’ Roosters and Sunny’s concessions. Oh, and New Madison Brewery will be set up selling their locally brewed libations. For music we have Roman Toast lined up to play, plus we’re working on a few more.
“Our specialty is the Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese, but the Troublemakers Burger is super popular also. It’s very juicy, and they are made with our very own beef, raised on our family farm. The event this Saturday starts at 3 p.m. and will run till about 7, and it’s totally free, so come on out and have a good time. Let’s try to make this a regular thing!
{h4 style=”text-align: center;”}Hot Tip of the Week{/h4}
This Saturday from 3-7 p.m. a bunch of food trucks are converging on West Street in downtown Madison next to the ambulance garage. There will be live music, plenty of food trucks, and locally brewed beer. Also this weekend, Friday through Sunday, is the annual Hot Luck & Fiery Foods Fest at Thomas Family Winery. This event has become quite the regional draw, and a must for anyone who likes it a little spicy! If you remember the glory days of the old Electric Lady (or even if you’ve never been) you’ll want to check out the “Live at the Lady” event on Friday. They have three local bands lined up, and they’ll be rocking the place all night. And finally, if you are a Joe & Deano fan and love classic rock, you have three chances to catch them in Madison, and one more in North Vernon. Check the calendar for their listings.
Charlie Rohlfing is a retired advertising man and partner in The Red Bicycle Hall music venue. Look for his distinctive fedora bobbing above the crowd, anywhere live local music is happening.
{h4 style=”text-align: center;”}This Week in Music{/h4}
The Central — Karaoke with Nate Adams
Rivertown Grill — BiPolar
Riverboat Inn — Joe & Deano
1st Street Saloon — Falls City Boys
Thomas Family Winery — Hot Luck & Fiery Foods Fest
Electric Lady — 3 Bands, Live & Local!
Rivertown Grill — The Mood
Red Bicycle Hall — Alex Williams w/Nick Dittmeier
Off Broadway Taproom — Joe & Deano
Thomas Family Winery — Hot Luck & Fiery Foods Fest (Slick River Rockets 6 p.m.)
Food Trucks on N. West Street — R0man T0ast & More! (3-7 p.m.)
Rivertown Grill — Joe & Deano
1st Street Saloon — Open Mic w/Dewey & Friends
Thomas Family Winery — Hot Luck & Fiery Foods Fest
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