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/
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