Racine Post

New York band claims performance at Racine club two months before it opened; Also played at Wind Point’s ‘Fish Week’

The Raytown Roadhouse precedes itself – literally.

A New York City-based band is claiming it played at a gig at the Roadhouse on Aug. 19 – two months before the bar and restaurant opened.
Esquela writes on its blog that the Raytown Roadhouse is “notorious as the best place for country music in the entire Cheese Belt.” The band gives a nice write up of their “appearance” in Racine.

While Esquela insist their music “knows no genre,” they acknowledge country is one of their influences. The audience agreed. Chico took the stage in a cowboy hat with a large jade buckle adorning the brim. Rebecca was similarly adorned with a ten-gallon hat, and even boasted a pair of high-heeled snakeskin cowboy boots. Keith was dressed normally, but sported a silver bolo tie over his black “Ramones” tee-shirt.

Pete Karas, co-owner of the Raytown Roadhouse, laughed at the reference. He’d never heard of Esquela and has no idea how they came up with the alleged Racine gig.

The band’s website also details a colorful appearance at “Fish Week” in Wind Point.

Toward the end of the hour-long set, after the darkness had settled and the fireflies twinkled through the lawn, Chico began thanking the crowd and announcing the next act, YagerShlager. However, before the band could exit the stage, YagerShalger’s lead singer Trent Hercules waved Esquela back on. Taking the microphone, Trent asked the crowd “How many of you want to hear YagerShlager?” The question was met with a smattering of applause, mostly from backstage. Trent then asked “How many of you want to hear more Esquela?!!” The deafening applause, mixed with whoops and piercing whistles proclaimed the crowd’s choice. Trent then bowed to Chico, handing back the mike and gesturing for him to continue.

Who knew Wind Point had a Fish Week?