I would suggest doing it 'during' their show.

"For us, the best compliment is going into a new club or venue and getting the crowd up and dancing," said John Kosmatka of The Water Dogs, who will be playing Freeman Friday Night Live for the first time this week. "Having played at the Nice Ash several times, we really like the vibe of downtown Waukesha from the outside dining, interesting shops and of course, live music. I think the Water Dogs will add to the festive atmosphere."

The Water Dogs are part of the third week of Freeman Friday Night Live, the popular live music series in downtown Waukesha. The weekly event is run by the Waukesha Downtown Business Association, with seven stages throughout downtown Waukesha showcasing the area's best talent.

The Water Dogs includes Kosmatka on vocals and guitar, Ken Korducki on bass and Rob Riley on drums.

"We played together when we were in college in the mid-80s, which puts us in our mid-40s, and we remained friends," Kosmatka said. "We decided to get back together about three years ago and now we do a show about once a month. If you like classic rock, played with energy and style, you'll like the Water Dogs!"

According to its website (www.waterdogsrock.com), the band's primary focus is on material that is slightly off the beaten path, yet instantly recognizable. The band covers a genre-crossing range of artists like Ray Charles, Roger Miller, The Clash, Elvis Costello, AC/DC, the Beatles and more.

"That's what the people coming down to Freeman Friday Night Live can expect from us, as well - a rocking show with some favorite songs and some they may not have heard in a while," Kosmatka said. "All of our songs are covers and our anthem tunes would have to be 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' or 'Fortunate Son.' We've been doing those songs forever and they always seem to get the people going."

The Water Dogs will jam at the Sounds on South stage, near the corner of Clinton and South Streets.

Also playing Friday are Tom & Barb Webber at Martha Merrell's/Cuddles stage, guitarist Ben Kammin outside the Steaming Cup, Jesse Voelker at Sprizzo Gallery Caffe, Elliot Dennison at The Waukesha Antique Mall, Alexa Grey returns to the Generations at 5 Points stage and Rosewood & Steel play the Rockin' on Broadway stage.

Freeman Friday Night Live is a rain-or-shine event. Each individual stage has an indoor location in the case of inclement weather.

For more information, call 544-8030 or visit www.gmtoday.com/freemanfridaynightlive.