Entertainment
Big River Rally in La Crosse kicks off this weekend, just one of many of Jean Taylor’s events for good causes
Jean Taylor from 95.7 the Rock helps put on a lot of events in the Coulee Region.
From Big Bikes for Little Tikes to the St. Patty’s Day .01k to Rounds for Rescues and more, the Rock Mornings co-host creates a tradition with these events in hopes to help many causes in the area.
Her newest baby begins in just a day — the first-ever Big River Rally happens in La Crosse and beyond on Friday and Saturday.
Two concerts — Buckcherry on Friday night and Jackyl on Saturday — free motorcycle tours, including with WKTY’s Bill Michaels and Jackyl lead singer Jesse James Dupree on Saturday.
Taylor pretended she couldn’t decide if she’s more excited for Friday’s concert with Buckcherry or Saturday’s with Jackyl, but it became obvious.
“I like being around Jesse, from Jackyl,” she said. “He is enthusiasm personified. He’s just so awesome to be around, in the same space as him. He’s so energetic and so alive.”
She added he’s a lightning bolt in human form, then tried to imitate what that might sound like, but it’s something that can only be heard (below at the 1-minute mark).
There’s also a bike show, vendors, food and Big River Rally beer from Hillsboro Brewing, plus a stunt show happening multiple times Saturday with four-time street bike champ Bill Dixon.
Asked if the stunt show would be happening down the bike track on Second Street, Taylor laughed and said no, noting it will take place essentially where the tapping of the golden keg will happen in just a couple of weeks on the Oktoberfest grounds.
If you want to learn more about Dixon, he was on with 95.7 the Rock last week.
The one other thing Taylor hopes you’ll attend is the $10 veterans breakfast to benefit the Veterans Service Commission. That happens Saturday morning and features the colorguard, speakers and veterans organizations.
And, like the veterans breakfast being for the service commission, each of the rides are for a cause, too.
Friday’s ride, highlighting the Mississippi River, participants are asked to donate to La Crosse’s Freedom Honor Flight, which takes veterans free to see memorials in D.C.
Saturday’s ride with Michaels and Dupree will be for the Children’s Miracle Network.
The Big River Rally gets started with the Mississippi River ride at 5 p.m. Friday, followed by Buckcherry. Tickets are essentially for both concerts and cost $30 now and $40 at the gate Friday. But a lot of the event is free to participate.
Find everything at at BigRiverRally.com.
