Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 5. no 4

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Hunker On Down Monday
Cliff Snyder
Otto and The Gearheads
Cara and the Desperate Seekers
19Clark25
Monday, January 28, 2008
Birdy’s


Hunker On Down Monday’s happen last Monday of each month. They are hosted by 19Clark25 and feature different guest bands. I arrived just in time to hear Cliff Snyder’s last song – it sounded good!

Otto and The Gearheads were formed for a one-time battle of the bands gig. They haven’t looked back. Brothers Otto and Rapper, both of The Slammies are joined by drummer Corey Barnes. They are good old-fashioned fun - rockabilly surf-rock with a good dash of Otto’s “dipped in sexy butter” comedic flair. You can next catch the band at the Historic Melody Inn on February 15. Otto hosts a monthly comedy show and open stage the third Monday of every month also at the Melody Inn.

Susan and the Desperate Seekers were also conceived as a one-gig band. They formed for the Tonic Ball to perform on the Madonna stage. They are too good to quit playing together. Cara Jean Wahlers, Jon Martin and Gary Wasson sing beautifully together and are all talented musicians. They have a bluegrass-y, traditional country feel. And they are darn fun to watch.

The hosts of the evening, 19Clark25 also started as a just-play-once band. And that was three years ago. The talented Cara Wahlers did double duty also, playing bass for the band. They are jam-bandy, in a country sort-of way. Besides hosting the monthly showcase at Birdy’s, you can find them the second Thursday of the month at Locals Only.

www.birdyslive.com
www.myspace.com/carajeanwahlers
www.myspace.com/ottothecomic
www.myspace.com/19clark25

Emily Wood
Cliff Snyder
Friday, February 1, 2008
Indy Hostel

Remember the big snow storm that was predicted? The one that didn’t pan out? I’m not criticizing the weather folks- they were just following the fancy Dopler machines, and I’m not mad that we didn’t get storm. Anyway, parts of the country got socked in, including Boston where singer-songwriter Antje Duvekot was stranded. Host Robin Coleman called Cliff Snyder to fill in. He had a brand-new, just purchased that day guitar in his hands when she called- I don’t think she had to twist his arm too hard.

I’ve been remiss in not seeing either Emily Wood or Cliff play before (okay, I heard most of a Cliff song earlier in the week). I meet Emily on the set of The Gendercator, written by my writing workshop classmate, Catherine Crouch. The Gendercator is playing a several festivals this summer. I really just wanted to throw in that I took a writing workshop. At Butler. From the talented writer Dan Barden. Don’t blame Dan for the lack of skills that shine through in this column. He tried, he really did.

Anyway, back to the music. Emily and Cliff sat on stools, trading stories and songs. This is my very favorite way to hear music. Emily’s songs ran the gamut from “standard sad” to “happy songs.” Cliff songs ranged from “American commercialism” and “road songs.” They had a lively discussions centered around their songs.

I’ve been listening to Cliff’s new album, Fools Highway. He played the title song, telling us it was loosely based on a motorcycle trip to Arizona. I’m sure the missing his family part was real, but I don’t think he killed a man (and if he did- you didn’t hear it from me). Fools Highway is full of well written beautiful songs. It has become a staple in my CD player.

www.myspace.com/emwood414
www.myspace.com/cliffsnyder
www.indyhostel.us
www.segmentofsociety.com

Yats/Jazz Kitchen Marti Gras Party
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Jazz Kitchen

I seem to have a new habit for 2008, going to see music after I’m done with my Saturday night Red Key shift. When I arrived at 2:00 (yes in the morning) the music was over, but the party was still going. I was able to score some of that delicious Yats bread and an equally as yummy Jazz Kitchen whiskey. I got to chat with musicians dressed in their Marti Gras finery. Mike Wiltrout looked he was the Captain of Ship Impalas. Jamie Ridpath, Impalas singer had on scary cool eyelashes. Cynthia Layne was decked out in finery.

Jazz Kitchen sales manager, LuAnn Lancton (also looking Marti Gras hot) gave me a tour of the expanded Jazz Kitchen space. They have room for parties and meeting space. I don’t think the cage for dancing is staying.

I was glad to get there in time to say hello to the hosts Dave Allee and the always snazzy Joe Vuskovich. From what I could tell the party was a huge success. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

www.thejazzkitchen.com
www.yatscajuncreole.com
www.the-impalas.com
www.cynthialayne.com

Previews:

Father Stan Fortuna
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
6:30 and 8:30, $12, 21+
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N. College
317.253.4900



This sounds like the perfect Lenten show. Fr. Fortuna has been playing music since he was given a red electric guitar for Christmas when he was in the second grade. His life long love of music is paired with his ministry. Fr. Fortuna is a Catholic priest, one of the eight original members of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The community was established in the Archdiocese of New York under John Cardinal O’Conner in 1987.

Fr. Stan studied with legendary jazz musician, Lennie Tristano, and still performs with his trio Scola Tristano in NY area clubs including the prestigious Birdland. He is making his Indy debut playing original material and classic jazz standards in Tristano's signature improvisational style. Fr. Stan is touring with veteran guitarist, Peter Prisco, and renowned percussionist Rickey 'Bongo' Carthen. Fr. Stan is internationally known for his music as well as for his powerful preaching. He travels extensively to preach the Gospel but resides in the South Bronx where he serves the poor and needy families.

This promises to be an excellent evening.


www.francescoproductions.com
www.thejazzkitchen.com

The 50 Years of Music Legends Tour
Friday, February 29, 2008
Mansion at Oak Hill
6:00 pm, $45.

What does the Number One Stage Show in Phoenix for 2007 and the Corner Wine Bar have in common? Pat Brunner! Pat is part of the Gateway Trio. The group played 25 shows in 26 days last February in Phoenix. This February they’re taking it a little easier, but they are taking advantage of the extra day to play a benefit for OASIS educational programming.

Gateway Trio is teaming up with the OASIS Time Steppers to present The 50 Years of Music Legends Tour. The Gateway Trio has been performing for more than 40 years. In the style of a classic folk trio, they play renditions of tunes, ranging from Broadway shows to the music of legendary artists like Rick Nelson, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot and the Kingston Trio. Their knowledge of show-stopping tunes is seemingly endless!

What a great way to celebrate Leap Day! Tickets are available at the Glendale OASIS Center (6101 N. Keystone from 10:00- 3:00, M-F) or by calling 889-0267

www.gatewaytrio.com
www.oasisnet.org/indianapolis