When Couch Flambeau settles into the Cactus Club on Saturday, Aug. 26 for one of its periodic gigs, the veteran Milwaukee ensemble (I bet they've never been called THAT before!), brings a new model along for the ride.

Testa Rosa -- Damian Strigens (drums and guitar), Betty Blexrud-Strigens (vocals, guitar and keyboards) and Paul Hancock (bass and piano) -- opens the show, making its debut.

The recently formed outfit has been recording at Smart Studios in Madison

"We recorded at Smart with a guy that Mike Zirkel (a renowned engineer and producer at Smart) suggested, Beau Sorenson," says Strigens. "(A) young guy with a great ear. We may go back up and record a few with Ed Ackerson in Minneapolis. He did The Mustn'ts EP and I loved working with him."

Strigens adds that a record is on its way.

"Ten songs will be in the can and released by Christmas," says Strigens.

For the debut gig, Testa Rosa will have a special guest on stage.

"I did both drums and guitars on the recordings so Jay Tiller's going to drum on a few songs for us at the show," says Strigens. "(He) is going to play drums on the tunes that demand guitar at the show. He's so good -- he picked it up in one practice."

Strigens was a member of many Milwaukee bands including The Frogs, The Lovelies and The Mustn'ts, which also included Blexrud Strigens and Hancock.

Show time is 10 p.m.

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