Sunday, October 23, 2005

Broad Ripple Gazette

I'm now writing a column for the Broad Ripple Gazette. Here are the latest entries...

Review
Musical Family Tree Show
The Gizmos
Friday, November 11th
The Patio


I’m not sure that this is much of a show review, the night was more of a trip down memory lane for me. The combination of knowing the Patio is closing and seeing the Gizmos brought back flashes of the times I’ve spent at the Patio.

I need to take you back to my musical formative years. Unlike most kids I did not grow up listening to music. We did not have a record player when I was young and we did not watch much television—my friend Aaron says I grew up a car and a light bulb from being Amish. My parents paid for some disastrous piano and guitar lessons, but I never connected with the music. If Nancy Drew wasn’t interested, neither was I.

I took my shy-farm-girl-self to Purdue. I remember sitting in my freshman dorm in 1980 and hearing that John Lennon had been killed, and I had no idea who he was. Then by virtue of typing a paper in a common room of the Student Union (I also went to college sans typewriter!), I met Chris Clark the newly elected president of the Purdue student body. Chris had run for president to promote his band, Dow Jones and the Industrials. They won by a landslide, the largest percentage of students to vote, ever. Apparently they needed an innocent looking person to get the checks signed for all of their fun events (there was an actual Department of Fun Stuff) by the Dean. Musically I went from zero to punk rock. The Gizmos and Dow Jones put out a record, Hoosier Hysteria, together that same year.

It was outstanding seeing Dale Lawrence and Billy Nightshade and the rest of the Gizmos being just as energetic and amazing now as they were twenty-five years ago. They played a great set including my favorites, Dead Astronauts, and their version of Take Me To The River. I came a close to dancing as I ever do!

It was great to see how many musicians were there, also standing front and center (typically they stand in the back of the room) paying homage to this great band of musical trailblazers.

For more information about Indiana bands and their history see www.musicialfamilytree.com. You can next see Dale Lawrence at the Patio, playing the last show, Saturday, November 26th.


Jason Wilber
Saturday, December 3rd, 8 pm
The Indy Hostel
4903 Winthrop Avenue

The Indy Hostel winter concert series is in full swing. The Hostel is a marvelous, intimate venue. If you've never been to a house concert, this is a great way to really enjoy the music. Everyone is there to hear the music-- no bar chatter, smoke, or cappuccino machine noises. It’s just like having your favorite musician perform in your living room.

Jason Wilber is one of my absolute favorite musicians. A lifelong Indiana resident, Jason has performed all over the US and Europe, playing a variety of instruments while backing up notable folk, rock, and country artists Carrie Newcomer, Todd Snider, Hal Ketchum, Iris DeMent, and songwriting legend John Prine. His work with John Prine includes two Grammy nominated albums. Award-winning songwriter in his own right, Jason’s songs have been recorded by artists in a wide variety of styles. His 1998 solo debut CD, Lost In Your Hometown earned rave reviews (and a permanent place in my CD player). The 2000 follow-up Behind the Midway also enjoyed widespread praise, earning a 4-star review in Music City's daily paper, The Nashville Tennessean.
His TV and radio appearances include Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Sessions At West 54th Street, Austin City Limits, Live with Regis and Kathy Lee, CNN’s Entertainment Week, and The Grand Ole Opry.

Jason’s coming to the Hostel fresh off of an East Coast tour. I’m sure he’ll have some great travelling stories. One of my favorite songs, The Galway Waltz, was written after spending an early morning in a hotel lobby in Ireland.

For more information or to reserve tickets see www.jasonwilber.com, www.indyhostel.us or 727.1696

Spud Puppies
Locals Only
2449 E. 56th Street
Friday, December 2nd
“Off the Leash”


The Spud Puppies are celebrating the release of their latest CD “Off The Leash” at Locals Only on December 2nd.

This band of merry newgrass musicians is known for their high-energy shows, terrific harmonies, expertly played stringed instruments, and superb rhythm section. Newgrass is a fun terms that was coined to describe music that blends bluegrass, rock, and country blues played on traditional stringed instruments.

The Spud Puppies have been together since 2001, and is made up of Indianapolis music veterans. Their first CD, “Pick of the Litter”, earned great reviews and this CD is eagerly anticipated.

Locals Only got it’s start in 2002 as the Hideaway on Hillside. I always felt like they were the beer and wine, grown-up version of CATH Inc. The walls are filled with original art, and they host great original music. They have created a great community of artists, musicians, and fans of both.

For more information about the Spud Puppies see www.gregzmusic.com,. For Locals Only www.localsonlyindy.com 255.4013

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Sam Shaber, Middletown and Marigold

Hello Wise Owls,
Thank-you to all who came out to support the Second Helpings Harvest event (a QueenBeeMusic fan won a trip for two to Sonoma Valley for a wine tasting jaunt--congratulations CR!) and the Susan Cowsill benefit show.
Marigold Clothing Store (across from the Patio) was a sponsor of Harvest and gave Susan a huge gift certificate for new clothes. Susan said it was the first time she’d felt normal in months. Ahhh, the power of retail shopping.
Pop your head in Marigold and thank Linda for her generosity. And the clothes are amazing!
l. Sam Shaber, this Friday 10/21 8pm, the Indy Hostel
ll. Middletown, also this Friday 10/21 10pm, The Upper Room
I’ll see you at the shows…decked out in Marigold clothes, as usual!
Nora

l. Sam Shaber
Friday, October 21
8 pm
The Indy Hostel
4903 Winthrop Ave
$12

NYC singer and songwriter, Sam Shaber will be performing at the Indy Hostel. I always credit Sam with marking CATH as a stop on the underground railroad of touring musicians. The Hostel is a great place to see a show; it is like sitting in your own living room with the musician playing a few feet from you. A great non-smoking, all ages listening room. For more information go to www.samshaber.com

ll. Middletown
Friday, October 21
10 pm
The Upper Room
(above the Broad Ripple Steak House)

The amazing guitar player Aaron Stroup, based in Austin and working in a New Orleans relief kitchen for the last six weeks is taking a break to reunite with band mates, Tad Armstrong and Stasia Demos. The Upper Room features terrific martinis and warm hospitality—Jeff Sample was just named Best Bartender in the latest NUVO. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…if I could just listen to one singer for the rest of my life, it would be Tad Armstrong. Come out and congratulate Tad on his great Chicago Marathon run, giggle with Stasia and coo over pictures of Silas, and drink some whiskey with Aaron. All three of the Middletowners are terrific singers and songwriters. See www.tadarmstrong.net for more information

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Marigold, Susan Cowsill, Wine and more Wine

Good Morning Sunshine,

I want to thank everyone for this great weekend of generosity.

Harvest, the event to benefit Second Helpings was a smashing success. I am continually amazed by the generosity of the community. Olinger Wine and Spirits donated ALL of the wines. And, there were 350 wines! I got to be pretty familiar with the wine--not by tasting, but helping carry all of those cases. I have developed an unnatural affection for two-wheelers.
Twelve amazing chefs donated not only their talent, but also enough food to feed five hundred people. All of the displays were amazing. They pulled out all of the stops. I think the chefs enjoyed trying to outdo each other.
The icing on the cake for me was that a QueenBeeMusic reader came to the event after reading about it here--and won the raffle prize of a trip to Sonoma Wine Country! Woo Hoo!

There was a great turnout at the Patio to see Susan Cowsill. And the money jugs had lots of twenties floating around. Otis Gibbs, Amy Lashley, Tad Armstrong and John Byrne donated their considerable talent. Susan and Russ were amazing as a duo, which they claimed they never do, but they pulled it off well.

I want to give special thanks to Marigold Clothing Store (across from the Patio, in Broad Ripple). Not only was Marigold a sponsor of Harvest, Linda generously gave Susan Cowsill a huge gift certificate. Susan said that being able to shop for herself was the first time she'd felt normal in two months. Ah, the power of 'retail therapy'.
Susan looked great on stage with her new garb.

Again, I'm blown away by the support of the community to people in need.

Nora

www.olingerindiana.com
www.secondhelpings.org
www.marigoldclothing.com

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Tonic Goodness

Hello generous and fun-loving people!

It’s time for Tonic Ball IV…I can’t believe a whole year has gone by. It’s been a huge year for me. As you know, CATH on College closed in September 2004---and I’ve been amazed at the speed of the progress on that property (ahem!). All of the heartache of CATH closing did lead to great things for me.

I’m now the Director of Volunteers for Second Helpings, Inc—the agency that the Tonic Ball benefits. We rescue food that is then made in to 2800 nutritious meals A DAY that we deliver to fifty other not-for-profit agencies. And since we’ve got the food and the kitchen---we have a culinary job training course for unemployed and underemployed adults.

With my work on the Tonic Ball I could always parrot the mission statement of Second Helpings, but it wasn’t until I was in the building earlier this year that I saw how amazing and powerful the whole thing is. It just makes sense. I feel like I have the perfect job. It actually combines my education, experience and passion. We have three hundred and fifty active volunteers and as many as twenty-five a day in the building. Volunteers are the engine that drives Second Helpings.

As much as I have to be thankful for this year, there are plenty of folks that don’t. It only cost us fifty-three cents a meal to prepare and deliver…and that’s counting putting gas in the vans, turning on the lights are paying staff salaries. The job-training program is free—and it’s damn good. Trust me—we’re using your money wisely.

l. Tonic Gallery, this Friday 11/18, 5-8, Wheeler Art Community
ll. Tonic Ball, this Friday 11/18, 8 pm, Radio Radio

I hope you’ll join us at the Tonic Gallery and the Tonic Ball this year, or come in for a tour, or to volunteer!
Nora
nora@secondhelpings.org

l. Tonic Gallery
Friday, November 18th
5-8 pm
Wheeler Art Community
1035 Sanders Street
Fountain Square
free, all-ages

This is so cool—100 artists, 100 works of art, 100 bucks. That’s right….every piece of art sells for $100 dollars. And there are fabulous artists that donate—Chris Pyle, Kyle Ragsdale, Jessica Lowery, Douglas David, Rob Elliott and Emily Kennerk to name a few. It’s great fun and a great deal---take a piece of art home; feed almost two-hundred people.
The Wheeler Art Community is behind Bud’s Supermarket on Shelby Street. And please leave the parking in front of Bud’s open for market shoppers.


The Tonic Ball
Friday, November 18th
8 pm
Radio Radio
1119 Prospect Street
Fountain Square
$15/$18
over twenty-one
non-smoking

This year fifteen bands will all play one Rolling Stones song--not one song stoned; as I keep reminding BenWah Salami--and one song of their own. This is way big fun and a great line-up. Tickets are $15 in advance and available at both Luna locations, Future Shock, and Second Helpings. Radio Radio is non-smoking. We will be setting up a tent this year behind Radio Radio this year, if you want to get out of the fray for a bit. Here is the band line-up:
8:00—Suzette Weakley and Ryan Williams
8:20— Emory Salem
8:40—Were not Squibnocket
9:00—Yoko Moment
9:20—Ann McWilliams
9:40—Zero Boys
10:00--Arminta
10:20—Liz Janes
10:40-- The Turnipseeds
11:00---Jennie Devoe
11:20—Otis Gibbs
11:40— Vulgar Boatmen
12:00— The Benders
12:20— The Common
12:40--- Brando
1:00— Loretta

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Cottage Home, Susan Cowsill and Future Fun

Hello Chrysanthemums,

As always, I?ve got your weekend planned?

l. Cottage Home Block Party, this Saturday, 3-11
ll. Susan Cowsill and a gang of swell people, this Saturday, 9-ish, The Patio
lll. Sam Shaber, Friday, October 21, 8 pm, Indy Hostel
lV. Middletown, Friday, October 21, 10-ish, The Upper Room

l. Cottage Home Block Party
Saturday, October 15
3-11pm
$5.00
at the intersection of Saint Clair and Dorman Streets


You don?t need to be a Cottage Home resident to attend?as Tim Harmon says, ?you just need five bucks?
The day kicks off with the Renovators Relay which pits local businesses and neighborhoods against one another in a race of speed and skill to race belt sanders, hang wallpaper, glaze a window, and rebuild a brick wall. The winning team will claim the traveling trophy and bragger's rights. Tim and Avi?s Salvage sponsor the relay---and yes they?re still open! The party includes such fun and diversity as the Drum Circle, food, swell drinks, and music by Travis Brant, Stasia Demos, Throughbeingcool, and Uncle Juju. Dancing in the streets is promised!
Some of the coolest people I know live in the Cottage Home neighborhood?Evan and Grace, Tim, Maribeth and Avi, Jenny and Ed, Brian and Melissa?you couldn?t find better people to spend a Saturday with.
For more information visit www.cottagehome.info

ll. Susan Cowsill
Otis Gibbs
Amy Lashley
Tad Armstrong
Saturday, October 15
The Patio
9 pm
cash donation

As you may know, New Orleans singer/songwriter Susan Cowsill has experienced some incredible and awful things in the past month. She lost her home and possessions when Hurricane Katrina devastated her hometown. In recent weeks she and other family members have appeared on television in an effort to locate Susan?s brother and fellow musician Barry Cowsill, who remains missing since Katrina.
There was a benefit for Susan and her family Labor Day weekend in Tim and Taryn?s backyard, which was an amazing show. The performers are reuniting to again support Susan musically and financially.
I?m not sure of the order of the musicians, but the music should start around 9:00, and Susan is slated to play at 10:30. There is no cover, but we?re asking for a cash donation?and all of the money will go to Susan.

lll.Sam Shaber
Friday, October 21
8 pm
Indy Hostel
4903 Winthrop Ave
$12


NYC singer and songwriter, Sam Shaber will be performing at the Indy Hostel. I always credit Sam with marking CATH as a stop on the underground railroad of touring musicians. The Hostel is a great place to see a show; it?s like sitting in your own living room with the musician playing a few feet from you. It?s also a great non-smoking, all ages listening room. For more information go to www.samshaber.com

lV. Middletown
Friday, October 21
10 pm
The Upper Room
(above the Broad Ripple Steak House)

The amazing guitar player Aaron Stroup, based in Austin and working in a New Orleans relief kitchen for the last six weeks is taking a break to reunite with band mates, Tad Armstrong and Stasia Demos. The Upper Room is above the Broad Ripple Steak House and features terrific martinis and warm hospitality. I?ve said it before, and I?ll say it again?.if I could just listen to one singer for the rest of my life, it would be Tad Armstrong. Come out and congratulate Tad on his great Chicago Marathon run, giggle with Stasia and coo over pictures of Silas, and drink some whiskey with Aaron. All three of the Middletowners are terrific songwriters. See www.tadarmstrong.net for more information.

I?ll see you out and about!
-Nora

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Randomness

Hello Pumpkins,
I love seeing music in unexpected places…and the Village Marathon Station on an autumnal Sunday afternoon was certainly unexpected. The new owners of the station at 6280 College Avenue, Adam and Karen Goldstein threw an open tailgate party for the Colts/ 49ers game. Dick’s Bodacious BBQ served food and there was the usual array of football-watching drinks. A gigantic television showed the football action.
The real surprise was the live pre-game and half time show, Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts. There was a great stage and even a cool “green room” set up in one of the service bays. Tim and the band (Larry DeMeyer, Ben Wah Salami, Robin Reuter and Tom Waldo) played songs from Tim’s new CD, Everything that ever was—featuring one of my all time favorite songs, “Reckless With Love.”
The half-time show opened with, appropriately enough, “Mustang Sally.” And, just like the Super Bowl-- there was a ‘wardrobe malfunction’ by band member Ben Wah Salami.
I’ve really been enjoying Tim’s CD (available at Broad Ripple’s Indy CD and Vinyl). All but one of the songs is a Tim Brickley original. I am drawn to the song “When We Were High”, a sad-in-a-good-sort-of-way tune about reconnecting with old friends.
You can next catch Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts November 4th at the Phoenix Theatre.
For more information about Tim Brickley www.timbrickley.com
For more information about my favorite new gas station www.asgindy.com

Future Music and Fun Stuff—
Friday October 15th, Susan Cowsill, The Patio—Susan Cowsill, a displaced New Orleans singer/songwriter will be playing at the Patio with a great line-up including The Amy Lashley Band. Susan, a former member of the Continental Drifters and her family band The Cowsills, is touring promoting her CD Just Believe It.
A fundraiser for Susan and her family was held in Tim Cohn and Taryn Meyer’s backyard Labor Day weekend and featured in the September 16th Gazette. This promises to be another evening of good music and good will. More information—www.susancowsill.com

Friday, October 21st. Sam Shaber 8 pm—NYC singer and songwriter, Sam Shaber will be performing at the Indy Hostel (4903 Winthrop Avenue). I always credit Sam with marking CATH as a stop on the underground railroad of touring musicians. The Hostel is a great place to see a show. It’s like sitting in your own living room with the musician playing a few feet from you. It’s a great non-smoking, all ages listening room. For more information go to www.samshaber.com


Friday, October 21st, Middletown, 10pm, The Upper Room.—The amazing guitar player Aaron Stroup, based in Austin and working in a New Orleans relief kitchen for the last six weeks is taking a break to reunite with band mates, Tad Armstrong and Stasia Demos. The Upper Room is above the Broad Ripple Steak House and features terrific martinis and warm hospitality. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again….if I could just listen to one singer for the rest of my life, it would be Tad Armstrong. Come out and congratulate Tad on his great Chicago Marathon run, giggle with Stasia and coo over pictures of Silas, and drink some whiskey with Aaron. All three of the Middletowners are terrific songwriters…and they do a great cover of Tim Brickley’s “Reckless with Love.” See www.tadarmstrong.net for more information.

I’ll see you out and about!
-Nora

Thursday, October 6, 2005

1970's Bands, 1920's Bungalows, Food Rescue and Susan Cowsill

Hello Pumpkins!
I'm excited about the change in the weather,a whole new season of clothes and I can start hiding my pasty legs in tights and boots.
There is lots of cool stuff going on around town!
l. Gathering of the Bands of the 1970?s- this Thursday 10/6
ll. BRVA Bungalow Tour--Saturday 10/8
lll. Second Helpings Harvest Event--10/14
lV. Susan Cowsill?Saturday 10/15

l. Gathering of the Band of the 1970?s
Thursday, October 6th
7 pm (doors 6:45)
The Vogue
$20

This promises to be a blast! And, an early show, for those of us that were actually around in the 1970's. It will feel odd seeing these bands without sweating through the Vogue security without a fake id! The show is presented by the North Central High School Alumni Association (Kent Baker!) and benefits a college bound NCHS graduate studying for a degree in the arts.
The lineup includes The Wright Brothers, The Late Show--who have not played a gig in fifteen years, but sounded great on the radio this week, and the Roundups.
I?ll be the one selling posters and CD?s after 10:00. Wheee!

ll. The Historic Bungalows of Broad Ripple Tour
Saturday, October 8th
10-5
$8/$10
(advance tickets available Old National Bank)
children under 10 free admission

The homes on the tour are 6021, 6023, 6131, and 6170 Carrollton, 6202 Haverford, 6174 and 6178 Norwaldo, 5944 and 6040 Evanston. You'll find me working at 5944 Evanston, and that's the suggested starting place. For more information, call 251.BRVA.


lll. Second Helpings Harvest Event
Friday, October 14th
7-10 pm
The Murat Egyptian Room
$50


As you may know, I now work for the wonderful not-for-profit agency, Second Helpings. I'm the Director of Volunteers. It is the perfect job for me. It actually combines my education, experience and passion. We send out 2800 meals a day all made with rescued food; prepared and delivered by volunteers. Harvest is a great fundraiser for us. Olinger Wines donates the fabulous wine, and terrific topnotch chefs prepare their specialties. You get to wander for three hours eating and drinking. What could be better than that?
And with everyone's generosity to the victims of the hurricanes, the local charities tend to be forgotten, so we're happy to have this great event scheduled.
I love to show off Second Helpings. It is truly an amazing place. Let me know if you'd like a tour and to join us for lunch or, even better if you would like to volunteer! nora@secondhelpings.org

lV. Susan Cowsill
Friday, October 15th
The Patio

But, speaking of Hurricane victims,our friend Susan Cowsill has been displaced, and she has some great friends and fans in Indianapolis. I'll give you more details of this show soon. I do know that the fabulous Amy Lashley Band will be performing.

Thanks for your support of independent music and good stuff!
Nora

Saturday, October 1, 2005

Stasia Demos, Tim Brickley and Halloween Candy

Hello Butternut Squash,
I hope everyone had a spooky Halloween...and some candy leftovers. I've got lots of stray candy hanging around. I was sick on Halloween and kept the lights off, so I wouldn't give any of the kids my cooties. I love having good/wacky candy to pass out. I've got tons of PEZ dispensers, wax lips, and chocolate eye balls on my coffee table. Don't get too close to me...you may find your pockets filled with gummy fingers.

Be sure and pick up a current copy of The Broad Ripple Gazette. www.BroadRippleGazette.com Alan Hague is very kindly letting me write a column for this bi-weekly newspaper. Titled of course, Buzzing Around Town. With a fine Josh Johnson character of me...I was very nervous about that part. I never like how I photograph, and I figured if someone were to exaggerate those features that make me uncomfortable...well, it could only be bad news! But, it's quite fun.
l. Stasia Demos, this Friday, 11/4 The Harrison Center
ll. Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts, also this Friday, Phoenix Theatre
I'll see you then, and I promise I'll not be spreading any germs,
Nora

l. Stasia Demos
Friday, November 4
The Harrison Center
16th and Delaware
8 pm
all ages and nonsmoking

The lovely Stasia will be playing in support of Kyle Ragsdale's gallery opening. Kyle's show is titled Sweet Spot, and is in conjunction with the Spirit and Place Festival. Stasia's show will begin at 8:00 and she may be joined by a special guest or two. Humm, Sweet Spot...sweet Stasia...I'm seeing a chance to rid myself of some sweet Halloween candy! www.harrisoncenter.org

ll. Tim Brickley and The Bleeding Hearts
Friday, November 4th
10 pm
The Phoenix Theatre
749 N. Park Ave
635.PLAY
$10

Tim Brickley is celebrating the debut of his latest album, Everything that ever was. This is a special one-time show. Tim and The Bleeding Hearts will be playing on the stage of the Urinetown production. I wonder if they'll roll out the faux pay toilets?
The bar will be open in the brand spanking newly remolded Basile Theatre.
You might want to buy a ticket to this show now, I hear they've sold quite a few already.
This should be a fun and unique chance to see Tim Brickley and The Bleeding Hearts. I can't wait!
www.PhoenixTheatre.org
www.TimBrickley.com