The Argonne Music Club brings Argonne's diverse community together through the universal language of music, and showcases the musical talents of Argonne employees. The club is open to everyone, regardless of skill level or area of musical interest. Information about club activities will appear in Argonne Today, the laboratory's daily e-mail newsletter, and on this Web site. To be added to the club's e-mail list, contact the club secretary.

Special events | Future events | Minutes, Membership & Board members

OPEN MIC NIGHTS

All are welcome to bring their instruments and voices and join in the fun. Audience members are welcome and appreciated by the performers. There is no charge for admission, and the Lower Level has comfortable table seating. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase.

Open mics give musicians and vocalists of all genres and skill levels — from novices to virtuosos — a way to perform in a low-pressure, informal setting. Participants don't need to be in a band; there are many opportunities to jam with other musicians and vocalists. (This is a great low-pressure way for beginners to get some experience playing in public.)

Performances at previous open mic nights included classical guitar, country, blues, jazz and classic rock. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; music will start at 5:30 p.m. A PA system, amplifiers and drum kit will be provided.

More pix from a recent open mic.

'Argonne Rock City'

The Argonne Music Club's open mic made headlines in the Chicago Weekly.

SPECIAL EVENTS

'Rock the Café'

High-energy rock band Lockdown performed at the Argonne Music Club's “Rock the Café” party Jan. 22.

Lockdown is a Joliet-based hard rock/heavy metal band that plays tried-and true hits that may be heard at any given time on classic rock stations. They will play a mix of 70's and 80's hard rock and metal, including music by Deep Purple, Whitesnake, AC/DC, Poison and Van Halen — something for any fan of rock music.

The band includes Argonne employees Mark Clark (FMS) on guitar and Eric Zoellner (APS-USR) on drums, along with Dallas Wilson, bass; Terry Higgins, lead vocals; and Shawn Guiney, guitar.

Lockdown's Web site includes music clips.

Jazz Socials —The Argonne Guest House was transformed into an intimate jazz club the evening of Feb. 27, 2009, when the Argonne Music Club hosted a second Jazz Social.

“The first Jazz Social was a sellout and a fantastic event,” said Argonne Music Club President Eric Zoellner (PSC), “Almost immediately, we received requests to hold another.”

The Nuclear Jazz Quarktet again provided the music. Band members include Argonne Physics Division employees Ken Teh and Cary Davids, along with Pete Castronova, Al Miller and Fred Filipiak. The group played jazz standards, Latin music, jazz waltzes and up-tempo bebop tunes, including some arrangements and compositions by band members.

The evening also included a cash bar and a complimentary appetizer bar.

Blues and Barbecue —The Argonne Music Club's "Blues and BBQ" brought more than 170 employees, their families and friends to the Guest House the evening of Sept. 12, 2008.

“The packed house for the Blues and Barbecue and the Jazz Social made it pretty clear that the Argonne community values the chance to meet and socialize in non-work related ways,” said Argonne Music Club president Eric Zoellner (SUF). “The Argonne Music Club will continue to provide opportunities for this type of interaction in the future.”

The event featured an outdoor barbecue buffet and music provided by the Big Eddy Springs Blues Band. Fronted by George Joch (TSD), the band was formed at Argonne in 1993 and regularly performs at several area establishments.

FUTURE EVENTS

All employees are welcome to attend the club's monthly meetings and suggest ideas for events. Volunteers and new members are always welcome as well. Events under consideration include another Jazz Social, a 1950s-themed rock and roll show, and a musical revue.

MEMBERSHIP

Dues are $5 per year. To join, see any club officer at an open mic or special event, or contact the club secretary.

• Who's in the club already? Check out the membership roster and mailing list.

Minutes from the most recent general meeting.

The club has bylaws and everything.

BOARD MEMBERS

President: Eric Zeollner

Vice President: George Joch

Secretary: Dave Jacqué

Treasurer: Julie Emery

Sergeant-at-arms: Jeff Emery

Voting members:
Katie Weber
Gary Zinkann
Gaylen Kuehl
Mark Clark
Mary Jo Thompson
John Greene
Geoff Amman
Mike Jagger