Tonic Ball VII- photos

You can find them on NUVO.net here. 

And more here. 

It was a blast- more later....

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 5. no 24

Happy Anniversary to me!
Three years, seventy-eight columns, hundreds of bands and over 150,000 words. And this will be only the second time I’ve turned in the piece by the deadline.

My life a changed in the time I’ve been writing Buzzing Around Town. I’m now the director of operations for Second Helpings. I purchased the house I’ve been living in for the last twelve years, my home now has Internet access – I now longer have to stand outside the Northside News to transmit my column and I’ve gone from being the “worst photographer” Alan’s ever seen to half-way decent.

A good chunk of my life is the same. I still work at the Red Key most Saturdays and Marigold one Sunday a month. I still drive the same truck, have the same cat and love living in the neighborhood.

Some really cool things have happened because of the column. I’m now freelancing for NUVO – and had a cover story in May. I got to attend the Austin City Limits Festival with a press pass. Most importantly I’ve met tons of cool people who keep this music community rolling – musicians, soundmen, venue owners, promoters, bartenders and doormen. The other music writers have been helpful and kind. I vote on the Top Ten Live list every week and Queen Bee is a reoccurring character in the Barfly comix.

It’s been a great three years, thanks for being part of it. Now, on to the music…

Saturday, November 1
Monumental Marathon

The first-ever Monumental Marathon was a great success. The run benefited several IPS programs. I want to thank all of the people who got out and cheered on the runners, hosted entertainment and played. I heard from several runners that the stretch through Meridian-Kessler and Broad Ripple Village were the best on the 26-ish mile route.

I loved the scene around Mile 11 on 5600 block of Washington Boulevard. The very generous Altemeyer family loaned their front porch for entertainment and rallied the block to get out a cheer. And the Long’s doughnut was delicious also, although it felt weird to be munching on a pastry as marathoners were running by.

The talented metal band, Condemned played on the porch. They were loud and good and perfect for an early Saturday morning. The band is made up of Chatard students Alex Koch, Corey Sauer and Drew Schroeder. In case you’re wondering how an electric rock band mixed with Meridian-Kessler neighbors, the answer is: beautifully. Both groups have volunteered to do it next year.

I loved it also. I actually got all misty standing on the street watching it all unfold. We do live in the best neighborhood. Thanks Teresa, Alex, Corey and Drew and all of the other musicians and all of the other makeshift venues.

www.myspace.com/condemned12

Holiday Preview Night
Broad Ripple Village
Friday, November 14, 2008

I started out the evening by working at Marigold, which is always a blast. It reminds of when Mom convinced us kids that it was more fun to be home greeting trick-or-treaters than going out ourselves. And she was right, it is cool to be all dressed up and be a hostess. Everyone was in a festive holiday mood in spite of the cruddy weather.

After work Linda and Elizabeth Shikany and I enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Corner Wine Bar. The tomato soup rocks, perfect cold night. During dinner we could hear the melodic sounds of Touch of Grass

Here is the lineup for the Tonic Ball

Elvis stage (Fountain Square Theater)
7:00 The Turnipseeds
7:15 Luke Austin Daugherty
7:30 Fair and Square
7:45 Susan and The Desperate Seekers
8:00 We're Not Squibnocket
8:15 The Innate
8:30 CW and The Working Class Trio
8:45 Brian Deer
9:00 Creepin' Charley
9:15 Bars and Tone
9:30 Sanuk
9:45 Jennie De Voe
10:00 Frankie Camaro's Atomic Bombay
10:15 Mandy Marie and The Cool Hand Lukes

Queen stage (Radio Radio)
8:00 The Misprintz
8:20 Mars or the Moon
8:40 The Odyssey Favor
9:00 Everest
9:20 Jeff Byrd and The Wingmen
9:40 Bigger Than Elvis
10:00 We're Not Squibnocket
10:20 The Common
10:40 Retromeo
11:00 Yoko Moment
12:20 Dale Lawrence
11:40 Vess Ruhtenberg
mid Everything Now!
12:20 Red Light Driver

Tonic Ball VII- on the cover of NUVO, baby!

Woo Hoo! Read all about it here. 

Tonic Ball VII

From IBJ: Doing Good Tonic Ball VII

And, the lineups are:

Elvis stage (Fountain Square Theater)

7:00 The Turnipseeds
7:15 Luke Austin Daugherty
7:30 Fair and Square
7:45 Susan and The Desperate Seekers
8:00 We're Not Squibnocket
8:15 The Innate
8:30 CW and The Working Class Trio
8:45 Brian Deer
9:00 Creepin' Charley
9:15 Bars and Tone
9:30 Sanuk
9:45 Jennie De Voe
10:00 Frankie Camaro's Atomic Bombay
10:15 Mandy Marie and The Cool Hand Lukes

Queen stage (Radio Radio)

8:00 The Misprintz
8:20 Mars or the Moon
8:40 The Odyssey Favor
9:00 Everest
9:20 Jeff Byrd and The Wingmen
9:40 Bigger Than Elvis
10:00 We're Not Squibnocket
10:20 The Common
10:40 Retromeo
11:00 Yoko Moment
12:20 Dale Lawrence
11:40 Vess Ruhtenberg
mid Everything Now!
12:20 Red Light Driver

For more information: www.tonicball.com

wow.

origianlly published in NUVO.
Thanks Wayne!

Click on the image to see the whole comix.

*blush*

tonic ball vii

Tonic Ball VII is rolling along. 

I'll have the lineup and set times posted here soon. 

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 5. no 23

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Reviews:
Broad Ripple Music Fest
October 25, 2008

I want to start out by saying that I love working at the Red Key. That said, working most Saturdays I've missed my fair share of stuff. Broad Ripple Music Fest Saturday I felt extra Cinderella-like. I'd had the last two weeks off - I really needed to work tonight and I've exhausted my options for getting my shift covered.

And as the music columnist for the Broad Ripple Gazette, I felt like I should be out seeing music. And to add to the layer of guilt, two venues choose Second Helpings to partner with to raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit.

I managed to see one band before work and sneak over to Luna for a minute during my waitressing shift (shhhh, don’t tell Russel). I caught Rodeo Ruby Love at Trinity ES Jungle (6151 Central Avenue, downstairs) before work. The minute I heard their quirky, beautiful pop sound I remembered who much I liked them and was sorry that I’d waited a whole year to see them again. They played at Luna for the BRMF last year.

I caught a few minutes of Grampall Jookabox set. Grampall Jookabox is David Adamson of Archer Avenue and Big Big Car fame. I didn’t get to see enough of his set to be able to describe it, but I’m not sure that seeing more of it would have helped. I really liked what I heard – it had a hip-hop feel layered over textures of dense beats. I think. I was playing hooky when I crossed the street to Luna. I overheard a couple talking about going to the Red Key so I tried to beat them out the door. It was close.

I was thrilled to hear that the Broad Ripple Music Fest went so well. I’ll be there next year, promise!

http://rodeorubylove.com/
www.myspace.com/grampalljookabox


A Night of Fortune
Rivera Club
October 29

All of my worlds collided in a very good-way at the Night of Fortune…Fun, Fashion and Finds for the Home. It was hosted by Marigold (work there), The Rivera Club (enthusiastic member) and Style Salon (new fan). And – the icing on the cake (oh, I’m a big fan of cake also) – it benefitted Second Helpings (work there too). And – here’s the scary part. I was a model. I was sure I’d trip or step on the edge of my skirt or something but it turned out okay. The women from Style made me hair all smooth and flat and did something fancy with my makeup. For the last trip down the runway we all were sporting G.Thrapp Jewelers goodies. Carol Golden (what a great name for a jewelry store person!) put the necklace, earrings and bracelet on me and I ran up to the stage with out seeing what I was wearing. When I heard the description of the necklace and earrings I stopped in my tracks. I was wearing more diamonds than I ever have. Wheeee!

The evening drew a standing room only crowd – over 200 people, collected 400 pounds of rice and a healthy monetary donation to Second Helpings. Several Broad Ripple merchants showed off their lovely goods and there was a wine tasting. Thanks to everyone that attended and special thanks to Marigold, Rivi, and Style for making me feel so glamorous.

http://www.secondhelpings.org/
http://style820.com/
http://www.marigoldclothing.com/
http://www.rivi.org/


Tim Brickley’s Troubadour Night
D’Vine, a wine bar
October 29, 2008

I blew it by not getting to the Tim Brickley hosted Troubadour series sooner. The lineups always looked great and I don’t know why I couldn’t ever pull it off. The theme for this night was Hoot Night: Political Songs. The lineup was amazing – Tim Brickley, PJ Christie, Cara Jean Wahlers, Cliff Snyder, Gideon Wainwright, Luke Austin Daugherty, Scott Sanders, Richard Sullivan, Paul Matthew Lauck and Dale Lawrence. Each musician played a short set, often joined by Tim Brickley on guitar. I enjoyed each and every one of them and got to see a different side of several of the songwriters.

I have to say that my very favorite was Dale Lawrence’s acoustic version of his Gizmos song, “Bible Belt Baby.” He told me that it was the first time he’d sung that acoustically. I’m glad I was there to hear it.

Since I was still all giddy (and made up) from the fashion show and the Philadelphia Phillies World Series win, D’Vine was the perfect place to celebrate.

http://www.timbrickley.com/
http://www.dvineawinebar.com/

Tad Armstrong CD release party
Sam’s Saloon
October 30, 2008



It’s no secret that I’m a big Tad Armstrong fan, but I had to push myself to go to the show. After all of the excitement of the night before – in retrospect the World Series celebratory glass of champagne might not have been such a good idea and I had a late running meeting after work. I was so glad that I launched myself out of the house. The vibe of the evening was warm and cozy.

“Scorpio Falling” is Tad’s first ever solo record. Tad is a triple threat. A great songwriter, fine musician and killer vocalist. The record is full of introspective, confessional songs. And they could be a slice of anyone’s life. He’s getting great, well-deserved press, everywhere from the Huffington Post to well, the Broad Ripple Gazette.

Tad played a great mix of songs from the new record, Middletown tunes and covers. He surrounded himself with excellent musicians. David Egland played guitar, John Byrne played pedal steel and guitar, Matt Wilson bass and Adam White drums. Tad alternated playing keyboard and guitar with David and John harmonizing.

I missed the opening band, ESW. I’ll quote the review that my friend Tim Considine gave me, “ESW did a fine opening set--including a rocking "Frankenstein" for Halloween. Adam White (drums) and Matt Wilson (bass) stayed on to back-up Tad. They do cool funk/jazz/experimental music which is popular in places like Chicago but more of a harder sell here. The ESW line-up last night was: Josh Silbert (saxes and keyboards); Adam White (drums); Matt Wilson (bass);and sitting in-- Brian Deer (guitar).” I look forward to hearing ESW with my own ears.

http://www.eswmusic.com/
http://www.tadarmstrong.net/


The ReachArounds
Daddy Jacks
Halloween night, 2008

I got to hang out with my niece and nephew during prime trick-or-treating time. I swung by the hospital to visit the Lieber twins (yep, Tammy Lieber of Tammy’s Take) is now a proud mother. I took Tammy a severed finger cookie, held the beautiful babies for a while and drug her to Daddy Jacks.


I had to show off my bee costume, you know. I always enjoy hearing the ReachArounds (even if I do blush and cringe every time I type their name). They have great range, covering everything from the Jayhawks to Iggy Pop. They keep the crowd dancing and singing along. It was especially fun to see Tammy dancing with Elvis and a ladybug dancing with a monster. There were a few outfits that I was not sure if they were costumes or not.

Previews:
Tonic Ball
The King vs. Queen
Radio Radio and Fountain Square Theatre
Tonic Gallery
Big Car Gallery
November 21, 2008

It’s time for Tonic Ball VII. This year half of the bands will cover songs of The King (Elvis Presley) and Queen. I’ll have the full line up with times in the next issue but I wanted to give you the heads up. Thirty bands have all be confirmed – Brian Deer, Jennie Devoe, Red Light Driver, Dale Lawrence, Bigger Than Elvis, Vess Ruthenberg and The Common to name a few. Tickets (only $20- less than a buck a band) are available at Future Shock, both Luna Music locations and there is a good chance you can buy one from me at the Red Key on Saturday night.

I love that Fountain Square Theatre is all-ages. This is a great chance for under 21 folks to hear a dozen bands. Or a great time for you to share your love of music with your children, nieces and nephews and neighbors.

The Tonic Gallery is a limited silent auction of Indiana’s finest artists. The Gallery event is free and always fun. Look for pieces from Kipp Normand, Rob Day, Kyle Ragsdale, John Spitznogle and Bernadette Ostrozovich to name a few.

http://www.tonicball.org/

Tad Armstrong -- review and photos

I've made no secret of my love of Tad Armstrong's music over the years. I got the chance to review and photograph his CD release show for NUVO.

Read the review here and see the photos here.

Now run out and buy a copy or two of Scorpio Falling. You deserve it, really.