There’s not much that City Mouse hasn’t endured during a musical journey spanning five decades.
Mankato’s premier “goodtime music” merchants absorbed their share of tribulations over the past half-century: deaths, squabbles, defections, searing hangovers, missed chances, misplaced instruments and rat-infested bars (“but they didn’t bother you,” insisted one member); empty ballrooms, shady characters and shadier motels.
Through the dark and light, the good times kept rolling.
“I’ve been so lucky to surround myself with great musicians,” frontman and founder Billy Steiner said. “Not just great musicians — great friends. We love each other.”
The fully vaxxed group hopes to add COVID-19 to the list of roadblocks hurdled. On Saturday, the sextet hoists another “team drink” at Hooligan’s to celebrate City Mouse’s belated 50th anniversary.
But don’t expect the fellas to wax too sentimental. Steiner and company are taking the anniversary in stride. These days, any night sharing a stage is cause to rejoice.
