Mardi Gras at Yat's

Here are photos from the Mardi Gras celebration at Yat's (the happiest place on earth). 

too old for an all-ages show?

I've been pondering that all week. 

Click here for the NUVO blog post I wrote on the subject. 

venue change for the Indianapolis Songwriters Cafe

From Cliff Snyder:

Hello friends,

I have some unfortunate news for you.
Boulevard Place Cafe has closed it's doors. The ISC shows have been well attended but the business couldn't go on. Bob has hope that he'll be able to reemerge down the line but for now Boulevard Place is done.

For Friday, February 20th - (Tomorrow!) The show will go on! We'll be moving to The Indy Hostel, just a couple of miles away from Boulevard Place Cafe. The Indy Hostel is a wonderful listening room where the show takes place literally in a living room. We're slated to begin at 7pm but we'll most likely wait till 7:30 to kick off, just to give folks time to drive over from Boulevard Place where I'll put a sign on the door.

The address at The Indy Hostel is: 4903 Winthrop Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46205

Their website is here - http://www.indyhostel.us

Please do me a favor, forward this email to anyone you know who has attended the Indianapolis Songwriters Cafe. We're going to have to band together and spread the word in the next 24hrs and make this a great show for the artists who are all driving from out of town to play for us. I know we can do it but I need your help!

Now, for a little reading on tomorrows show:

Suzette Weakley is one of the wonderful hostesses of the Bloomington Songwriters Showcase. You also may know her from Stella & Jane, the name she and Bobbie Lancaster perform under when they play together. Suzette has a special place in my heart, not only is she a wonderful writer but all the tireless work she puts into the Bloomington Songwriters Showcase is amazing. - www.myspace.com/suzetteweakley

Bobby Clark is one of the hardest gigging writers in the state, no really, go look at his schedule; it's even light right now. If that weren't enough he's actually a Colonel of Kentucky. He shares the honor with Tiger Woods, Dwight Yoakam, Muhammad Ali, Jeff Foxworthy & others. Bobby is known for digging deeper than anyone with his songs about the Midwest, if fact, so deep that John Mellencamp purchased a song from Bobby for a future release. - www.myspace.com/bobbyclarkandwitchdoctorshooch

Joe Peters work covers a wide range and he's very much a part of central Indiana's songwriter community. His songwriter’s cafe appearance comes on the heels of the February 1st release of his new album, Pilgrimage. I've not heard this disc but if his three previous records are any indication this will be a great one. In fact rumor has it that Joe might just bring down a musical partner to lend some harmonies on this show. - http://www.myspace.com/joedaiwarriors
Thanks for bearing with me folks. The show will go on. Please do what you can to spread the word and please bring friends so that the writers don't trek to Indy just to play for an empty room. Please consider coming even if you weren't and please tell a friend. I have the utmost faith in you!

-Cliff Snyder
http://www.indianapolissongwriterscafe.com

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol. 6 no. 4

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Gary Wasson and Tim Brickley

Sindacato, Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts
Friday, February 6, 2009
Locals Only

The show doubled as a surprise birthday party for Gary Wasson. Great music and cake – that’s my kind of a Friday night!
The out-of-retirement Sindacato had most of the original lineup on stage. Frank Dean, Gary Bole and Carl LaSasso. Gary Wasson and his best-friend-since-he-was-a-kid joined them on harmonica.
Tim Brickley and The Bleeding Hearts kicked off the show and played another full set after Sindacato. Tim Brickley and his band played what they do best: swooningly good power-pop. The set featured original Tim tunes and well-chosen covers. The band -- Larry DeMyer, Scott Sanders and Brian Borders -- sounded great together. DeMyer and Sanders added sweet harmonies to Brickley’s sound.
The night ended with an All Star Jam. Punk rock idol J.J. Pearson jumped behind the drum kit for a bit, vacating the spot when his taxi arrived. Brickley and Wasson traded songs and singing roles. Ironically, it was Brickley’s actual birthday. Double the birthdays, double the fun. And a good reason to have two pieces of cake.

Hello Roger Wilco, Sanuk, Company of Thieves
Friday, February 13, 2008
ES Jungle (6151 Central Ave)

Another great show at the all-ages venue ES Jungle. I missed the opening act – it involved locking myself out of my house while walking Heidi’s dog (Heidi of What’s in Heidi’s Purse). The spare keys stashed a the Hostel came in handy, as did the jacket I nicked off the rack in John’s office – it was a cold three block walk in my Zero Boys tee-shirt, sweatpants and cowboy boots (they were by the door, okay?). Anyway, the second band was playing when I arrived.

Hello Roger Wilco was playing when I walked in. They were playing to a big crowd bunched in front of the stage. Their sound was prog rock (progressive rock) – they reminded me of the band Rush. HRW is working on their first record. I look forward to hearing more from them.

Sanuck had a great crowd for their set also. They played some new songs and tunes from their CD, Honey I Have News… I am always enjoy seeing them and am excited that they continue to write new songs and experiment with their sound. They have a new EP coming out next month.

I am happy to see the shows at the ES Jungle shows so well attended. There is a lack of all-ages venues, which is crazy. Kids appreciate music way before they turn 21. And they are better fans. They actually listen to the music and follow the bands they like. The between bands dynamic in the room is funny. We all segregate ourselves. The kids stay on one side of the room and the adults on the other. I sort of assumed that all of the adults in the room were all parents of band kids or fans. I was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the older (over 21) folks were there to see the music. One of the guys was there to see Company of Thieves because he saw them on the Web cast, Live From Daryl’s House. As in Daryl Hall, of Hall and Oates fame. On a side note, my college boyfriend looked an awful lot like Daryl Hall. Anyway, check out the Web cast – it’s very cool.

Company of Thieves was amazing. I knew that singer Genevieve Schatz was feeling crummy and had bronchitis. She sounded horrible before the show, but she pulled out all of the stops and put on a great show. The Chicago based band is in the middle of a big tour. They called the ES Jungle their home away from home.

Company of Thieves

The buzz around Company of Thieves is well earned. Genevieve is clearly talented and very charismatic. They’re songs are well written and catchy and they have a loyal following. Their next record, Ordinary Riches will be released on February 24. The band pointed out that February 24 is also free pancake day at IHOP. Sounds like a good day to me.

Previews:
Odyssey Favor, Hitchhike and Friends, Hitchhike and Friends,
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Locals Only
2449 East 56th Street
10:00, 21+

Man, this will be a good show. I’m bummed that I can’t attend. Indie- pop band Phyllis plays gigs randomly, when all of the members are in the same state. Don’t know a thing about Hitchhike except they’re from Kentucky and Kyle Barnett is involved, which is all I need. Indie darlings Odyssey Favor share the bill. I enjoyed the few songs I heard of them recently. Have fun!

Neighborhood news:

I’ve been sitting on this information for a bit, -- I’m happy to be able to talk about it. Indy Jazz Fest is under new management. The 2009 Indy Jazz Fest will be produced by David Allee, owner of The Jazz Kitchen, Al Hall, owner of Owl Studios and musician, producer, and A&R executive Rob Dixon.

The partnership between Indy Jazz Fest and the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation has been formed to expand the festivals commitment to diversity, inclusion, and education. And of course, great jazz performances. They will host year-round events with the Jazz Fest as the crowning event.
Indy Jazz Fest 2009 is tentatively scheduled for late June. It will be a weeklong event that will encompass clubs, concert venues and outdoor performances. The working plan is to have the Saturday and Sunday shows outdoors, Saturday focusing in world-class jazz and Sunday as a family day -- featuring local and regional based entertainment. They have rain contingencies in place.

Company of Thieves photos

Click here to see 'em. 

Tim Brickley and the Bleading Hearts and Sindacato

Gary Wasson and Tim Brickley

Click here for a short review of the February 6, 2009 show at Locals Only.

Otis Gibbs on the Americana Chart!

Check out Otis Gibbs! He's #5 on the Americana Chart.

He's actually tied for #4 with Lucinda Williams. 

How cool is that?

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol. 6 no. 3

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Lockstep, Latex Novelties
January 30, 2009
ES Jungle

I was well accessorized for this show. I had my vintage Latex Novelties button and I’m proud to say that I’ve lost enough weight that my punk rock days leather jacket with zippers and buckles fits for the first time in years. But enough about me….

I was glad to see a good crowd for the show. I’ve been preaching about the need for another all-ages venue for years, so I’m thrilled to see it being supported. I arrived just in time for Lockstep, I’m sorry that I missed the sets by Pleasant Run and Up Scumbag – I heard they were great.

Lockstep had the crowd dancing. I remember why I was so skinny in my punk-rock days. Pogo dancing is a great aerobic work out. I’ll have to try it again – in the privacy of my own home, of course. Lockstep sounded great in their punkish-reggae-ska way.

Latex Novelties were big punk-rock fun and I had a blast (from the past!) watching them. And the crowd obviously loved them.

I was happy to run in to the excellent pop music writer for the Indianapolis Star, David Lindquist. I had to resist the urge to copy off of his paper – notebook in this case. Indianapolis is lucky to have someone of his caliber writing about the scene.

A bit about the venue: ES Jungle is in the lower level in the Trinity Church. There is an actual stage and professional sound and lights. Snacks and sodas are available. The vibe is cool – I felt comfortable and didn’t feel like I was crowding out the teenagers. And I was happy to see so many under 21 year-old fans there.

Previews:

Friday, February 6, 2009
Indy School On Wheels Benefit
Birdy’s
2131 E. 71st Street
9:00, 21 +, $5

As regular readers know, I’m a big Chad Mills fan and I think that School on Wheels rocks, so I was delighted when Chad took up the School On Wheels cause.

I asked Chad what prompted him to host the benefit. "As most people are, I was shocked to hear that the average age of a homeless person in Indianapolis is nine years old...and that children make up 30% of our homeless population. That's a big ugly problem that's looming in the shadows of money monuments like Lucas Oil Stadium...and it's a problem that needs to be more of a priority for all of us. Being a dad, I'm particularly sensitive to struggles that children face. And I couldn't agree more with the mission of Indy School on Wheels...because getting an education may be the best chance these kids have to survive.

“Sally Bindley, who started ISOW, has great vision and an even bigger heart. Folks like her, and the hundreds of staff and volunteers at non-profits like this one, are making a difference in this City. I've been pretty blessed in my life...if I can use my talent to help get some folks together and raise money to make a difference in these kids' lives...that's a pretty easy decision for me."

The evening promises to be a blast – it will feature performances by the always fun Scott Rudicel, the talented Matt Martin, the man you’ll be hearing more from Evan Haughey and his band Shogun Attractions, the folks I know nothing about - Glass Halo and of course, Chad Mills. I’ll see you there – I’ll be the one trying to figure out my new camera.

www.indysow.org
www.birdyslive.com
www.chadmillslive.com


KaiserCartel (music)
James Ratliff (art)
Saturday, February 7th, 2009
Vibes Music
1051 E. 54th Street
(54th Street and the Monon Trail)
7:00, all-ages

The Brooklyn based duo KaiserCartel (Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel) is indie folk music at it’s best. Dreamy tunes, harmonies and catchy music and stuffed animals. Yep, you read that right – stuffed animals. And I hear they make it work – bringing out the inner kid of their audience.

I checked out James Ratliff’s art online and really dug it. I was especially drawn to his work sketched on Moleskine notebooks. All of us obviously talented folks carry a Moleskine book (I favor the reporter style). You can find many shapes and sizes at Big Hat Books.

Many surprises, including a smoking bunny are promised, but I have to admit that I am the most intrigued by the Waffle Raffle at 10:00 to end the show. I can’t wait to hear about that!

www.kaisercartel.com
www.jamesratliff.com
www.moleskines.com


Company of Thieves, Hello Roger Wilco, The Awkwards and Sanuk
Friday, February 13, 2009
ES Jungle
6151 Central Avenue
7:00, all ages, $10.

Company of Thieves is in the middle of a national tour, with a stop on the Carson Daly show along the way. The Chicago based trio is touring in support of their latest record, Ordinary Riches.

I don’t know much about Hello Roger Wilco or The Awkwards – and now might be a good time for me to mention that a short bio on your MySpace page would be very helpful.

Sanuk just released their loaded-with-great-original songs CD, Honey I Have News….
They are a real treat to see live.

Not only are the shows at the EJ Jungle all-ages, they have a fine selection of sodas and snacks and the shows start and end early.

www.myspace.com/companyofthieves
www.myspace.com/hellorogerwilco
www.myspace.com/sanukmusic


The Toasters, Same As Sunday, Opposites Attract
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
ES Jungle
6151 Central Avenue
7:00, all ages, $10.

The Toasters have been around since 1981, making them the longest running (sounds better than oldest) ska band in the country. Front man, Bucket has been called a ska Johnny Appleseed – spreading his music across the world.

Punk-pop band, Same As Sunday and rock quartet Opposites Attract open the show.

www.myspace.com/indyska
www.myspace.com/toasters
http://www.myspace.com/sameassunday
www.myspace.com/oppositesattractmusic


Indianapolis Songwriters Cafe
Friday, February 20th, 2009
Boulevard Place Cafe
4155 Boulevard Place
7:00, all ages, $5


This month’s Indianapolis Songwriters Café features Suzette Weakley, Bobby Clark and Joe Peters.

Suzette Weakley hosts the Bloomington Songwriters Showcase and is part of the duo Stella & Jane.

Bobby Clark also hails from southern Indiana. He's a Kentucky Colonel, sings about the Midwest -- in fact John Mellencamp purchased a song from Bobby for future use.

Joe Peters will represent for northern Indiana. His latest album, Pilgrimage was released on February 1st.

The songwriters will play in the in-the-round format, swapping songs and telling stories. Host Cliff Snyder will emcee and favor us with a few of his great songs.

www.myspace.com/suzetteweakley
www.myspace.com/bobbyclarkandwitchdoctorshooch
www.myspace.com/joedaiwarriors
www.indianapolissongwriterscafe.com



Noche de Carnaval
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 North College Avenue
8:00 & 10:00, 21 +, $15
reservations online at www.thejazzkitchen.com or call 317.253.4900


Stacie Sandoval, leader and lead singer the salsa band Orquesta Bravo!, presents her first musical production, "Noche de Carnaval," a Latin perspective on Mardi Gras. The interactive show features her Mundo Beat All Star Band in a collaboration with regional dancers. It is described as a musical tour of Latin American carnivals and promises to give the audience a very fun time. The Jazz Kitchen will be offering food and beverage specials with a Latin America flair. After the late show, an after salsa party ($8.) will be held the new back room of The Jazz Kitchen.


Mardi Gras Celebration featuring Living Proof & Swamp Stomp
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 North College Avenue
8pm - 3am, 21+, $15.


Living Proof is a fun eight-piece, funky, bluesy, R&B band. Recently they opened for the legendary Earth, Wind, & Fire, Chicago, and Morris Day & The Time, and K.C. and the Sunshine Band.

Swamp Stomp is a five-piece Dixieland band that brings memories of riverboats, gambling and good times. The group is led by trumpeter Mark Buselli and bangoista Robin Hopkins.

Need any more incentive? Buffet by Yats.

www.thejazzkitchen.com


Free Chili Mondays at Locals Only

The lovely Michele at Locals Only tells me that there will be free chili "every Monday unless we are having a "concert night". Its Queisser homemade spicy chili with macaroni noodles...mmmmmyumyummmm... I don’t like chili but I love his.” Sounds like a great way to start the week.

They are also hosting a service industry night on Tuesday. I hear there are great deals on that day as well.