Broad Ripple Gazette vol. 7, no 25

Enjoy the holiday season – and remember that independent music makes a great gift. Buy a CD, take in a concert, download a tune. It’s good for the winter blahs!

Reviews:
I did venture outside of our great neighborhood a couple of times last year to see music. I’m veering off course for this edition to tell you about them.

Kid Rock and Bon Jovi
July 30, 2010
Soldier Field, Chicago

Thanks to the generosity of CATH customer and music fan, Carla Proffitt and her brother, I got to attend a big rock show in the big city! It was one of those last minute plans that worked out wonderfully.
I’d never been to Solider Field and it was packed. This is one of the biggest shows I’ve ever seen and the crowd was huge - attendance hovered at 55,000. While I was excited to go to a show and kick around Chicago, I didn’t know how much I’d enjoy it!

We didn’t realize that Kid Rock was opening until we were on the road. I must admit the only things I knew about him was that he and Pamela Anderson jumped off of a yacht to celebrate their (short-lived) wedding vows, he was on the Bob & Tom Show and he’d had a #1 hit with, “All Summer Long.”
What I didn’t realize is how much I’d love his show! It was big goofy, giggling, sing-along fun. Kid Rock said something that I’ve known my whole life, but it was great to be reminded of, “blowing someone else’s candle out will not make yours burn any brighter.” I’ve been extra-mindful of that ever since. 

Bon Jovi was just as great and fun – who knew that I knew so many Bon Jovi songs?  I guess living in South Jersey for five years rubbed off a bit. It was a great night – the weather was perfect, it was fun to let my hair down and dance along we were able to walk back to the hotel. That’s how a hot summer night should be spent! 



Ryan Bingham
October 15, 2010
Austin City Limits Festival
Austin, Texas

Ever since I saw Ryan Bingham play at Birdy’s four years ago, I’ve been a big fan. Two years ago I got to stand on the stage of Ryan's ACLF set – which is almost as cool as standing in front of the stage at Birdy’s.. When he won a Grammy for "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart)," this year I actually jumped up and down on my bed in excitement.

My friend Aaron Stroup thinks that my (very appropriate, proud, aunt-like) love of Ryan is a little obsessive and I have no idea what he’s talking about...the fact that I managed to snap about six zillion during my ten minutes in the photo pit means nothing. Really. 


Gogol Bordello
October 16, 2010
Austin City Limits Festival
Austin, Texas

Wow! I had no idea what to expect from Gogol Bordello, but kept hearing the buzz about them all over the festival. The crowd waiting to see them was fired up! The band is good old -fashioned dance-y world music gypsy punk fun. I was sorry to miss their show at the Vogue a few weeks later, but I hear they were just as fabulous!


Norah Jones
October 17, 2010
Austin City Limits Festival
Austin, Texas

I've been a fan of Norah Jones since her first record in 2001. There aren't many women named Nora/Norah between the ages of eight months and 88 years old. The beautiful and talented Norah Jones blew a lot of old lady dust off of the name.

I had a photo pass for the festival, which meant that I could stand in photo pit in front of the stage for the first three songs. I will admit that I closed my eyes while I was waiting for the show to start and pretending like the thousands of people chanting, "Norah, Norah, Norah" were calling for me. Pathetic, but true!

I saw Norah play right before Middletown at the Jazz Fest several years ago. She seems to have found her voice and style. Her set was amazing and her band was terrific. She does the name proud!

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 7 no. 24

Hip Hop Show featuring Rusty Redenbacher
Monday, December 6, 2010
Melody Inn

3826 N. Illinois Street
317-923-4707

doors 8:00, show 9:00, 21+, $3.

I miss Rusty! Now that News Café is closed I can’t pop in for a quick visit with Rusty. You can get a big Rusty Redenbacher fix at the Melody Inn at the Hip Hop Show. If you’re not familiar with hip hop – or even slightly wary, this will be a great show to see what it’s all about. Rusty is one of the best!

www.melodyindy.com

Holiday Extravaganza with the Leisure Kings

December 3, 4, 10, 12, 2010

The Cabaret at the Columbia Club

121 Monument Circle

317.275.1169

Sure, you could attended the symphony’s, Yuletide Celebration, at the Hilbert Circle Theatre or you could swing just a little farther around the circle and see the Leisure Kings for holiday music with a quirky twist.

The duo of Sean Baker and Mike Wiltrout are planning their biggest, most spectacular big band holiday extravaganza ever.  The Cabaret at the Columbia, nestled atop the posh Columbia Club, plays host to this year's bacchanal. They promise, “The holidays will never know what hit it.” Expect a hilarious and irreverent turn on your favorite holiday songs.

Act quickly – tickets are selling fast. The dates are as follows:

December 3, 7:30 PM

December 4, 5:30 PM & 9:00 PM

December 10, 7:30 PM - SOLD OUT

December 12, 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

www.thecabaret.org

www.leisurekings.com

TOYS 2010
opening night Friday, December 3 ·

Gallery 924

924 N. Pennsylvania St.

Indianapolis, IN

6:00pm - 9:00pm, free, all ages

Primary Colours is hosting their eighth installment of its invitational holiday art exhibit. TOYS features art fashioned around the theme of toys, and invited artists are free to interpret the theme however they wish.

The exhibit will remain on display in the gallery for viewing and purchase through December 22 – perfect for holiday shopping for the art lovers on your list.

The following artists were invited to show: Mike Altman , Ryan Alvis, Justin Cooper, Bruce Dean, Nate Greuel, Blythe Hager, Kyle A. Herrington, Mamus, Carl B. Leck, Jeff Martin, Emma Overman, Jamie Pawlus, Aaron Scamihorn, Nathan Shinkle, Judie Sloan, Eric Smith, Holly Streekstra, Justin Trapp, Phil Velikan  and Pam Wishbow.

The artists keep 75% of the proceeds from the sale, the rest going to fund the good works of Primary Colours.

The opening coincides First Friday Art Tour. Parking is free on the street after 6pm, in the lot just south of the building, or in the Lucille Raines lot across the street.

This year, Primary Colours is teaming up with VSA Arts of Indiana and asks attendees to bring new or very gently used basic art supplies, such as acrylic, watercolor or tempera paints; colored pencils; erasers; paper; canvases; and brushes that volunteers will collect at the door. VSA will use donated supplies to provide arts activities to young patients and their families at Riley Hospital for Children and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in addition to community arts classes around the state.

www.vsai.org

www.primarycolours.org

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 7, no 23

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Midtown Holiday Home Tour Café and Market
The Rivera Club
5640 North Illinois Street
Indianapolis, IN
11:00 – 5:00, café -free, all-ages, nonsmoking
Home Tour tickets $15.

The Midtown Holiday Home Tour will feature three homes on Meridian Street, one on Illinois Street and the recently renovated Phi Delta Theta fraternity house at Butler University. They will be festively decorated for the holidays by local floral designers. Fancy!

The Riviera Club will also be part of the tour festivities. Rivi will host the tour café as well as a market featuring local businesses. Rivi would be a great place to meet and carpool to the tour homes or to just hang out.

There will also be music at the café:

Saturday
11:00 - Chad Mills
Noon - Alice Chalmers ATSACIYJB
1:00 – Freshly Brewed
2:00 – Patchwork
3:00 – Joe Peters
4:00 – Robert Bruce Scott

Sunday

1:00 – Il Troubadour



Tonic Ball 9, featuring songs of the Beatles
Friday, November 19, 2010
Fountain Square Theatre/ Radio Radio
Fountain Square
7:00, $20, non-smoking
Tonic Gallery
New Day Meadery
free

The Tonic Ball and Tonic Gallery is one of Indianapolis’ most popular nights of music and art – I certainly know that it’s mine! The Tonic Gallery features works by some of the city’s most renowned visual artists – Douglas David, Susan Brewer, Kyle Ragsdale and my dad (he made an awesome bench from rescued church pews). The art work is sold in a limited silent auction, starting at $100 with a buy-it-now price of $400.

The Tonic Ball features over 30 bands all playing at least one Beatles song. I’ve been working really hard to make sure that none of the songs are duplicated. The ticket allows you to visit both venues and see as much music as you can. Radio Radio is 21+, but Fountain Square Theatre is all-ages and the over 21 crowd can still buy a drink at the bar – how cool is that?

For a complete line up of bands and other information visit: www.tonicindy.com
Tickets will be available at both LUNA locations by November 10 or you can purchase online now.

I can’t wait!


Jann Klose with Macaela Kingslight
Friday, November 19, 2010
Indy Hostel
4903 Winthrop Ave
Indianapolis, IN
317-727-1696
8:00pm, $10, non-smoking, all-ages

Singer-songwriter Jann Klose is based in New York, but has lived all over the world. He came to the States as an exchange student in Cleveland, Ohio he lived in Germany, Kenya and South Africa. His music reflects his music reflects this lyrically, melodically, rhythmically and in his choice of eclectic instruments and musicians.

During the course of his career, Jann has worked live or in the studio with artists ranging from pioneers like Pete Seeger and Les Paul to classic rockers like Roger (The Byrds) McGuinn, and Annie (Renaissance) Haslam to major country stars like Rosanne Cash and Marty Stuart. WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie, Rock Hall inductee Joey Reynolds and Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson have all personally lent a helping hand in his career.

Jann's music has been featured on MTV's Cribs, the soundtrack to the Paul Sorvino film Dead Broke. He's performed in touring companies of Broadway shows: The Who's Tommy, Jekyll & Hyde, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Jann's most recent recording, REVERIE, was finance and produced with fan support.

Micaela Kingslight is a powerful singer with an elegant guitar style. She recently was awarded the Emerging Artist Grant from the Gilmore Foundation.

The Indy Hostel is a wonderful and intimate venue to hear music and enjoy time with the musicians.

www.indyhostel.us


Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Holiday Show
Alice Chalmers ATSACIYJB, Neon Love Life, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Friday, November 26, 2010
Vogue Theatre
6259 N. College Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
$12 – advance, $15 – day of show, non-smoking, 21+

When I was in Austin last month I was having dinner with a friend – and by dinner, I mean whiskey, when I got a text from “Washboard” Breezy Peyton asking if Alice Chalmers could open for their holiday show. I shakily told my friend that the band was asked to play at the Vogue. He said, “Great! What band?” Umm, “the band I’m in.” I will totally admit to squealing and jumping up and down!

So, Alice Chalmers and The Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band will be kicking off the day-after Thanksgiving show and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

The all-woman jug band will be followed by the all-woman rockers, Neon Love Life. NLL’s Lindsay Manfredi and I were both at the Toad The Wet Sprocket show at the Vogue this summer. We independently “ran into” (stalking seems like such a harsh word) the band’s Glen Phillips in the alley behind the Vogue. I told Glen that Lindsay was in a punk band and that I was in a jug band. Glen told us, “they're closer than you think.” Now you can be the judge.

The main event of the evening will be, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. This will be their homecoming show. They’ve been on the road for months and having a wonderful time in Europe and the East Coast. I don’t have the words to explain how damn fun the band is. And I’m sure they’ll have some great stories.

See you there - I’ll be the one playing typewriter and grinning wildly.

http://thevogue.com
www.bigdamnband.com
www.neonlovelife.com

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 7, no 22

 first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Happy Anniversary gentle readers! The first Buzzing Around Town column was published on October 28, 2005. I can’t believe that five years have passed and that I haven’t missed a column – although there were times that both publisher, Alan Hague and I doubted that I’d manage to slide one in at the absolute last minute. Sorry Alan!

I’ve meet scores of amazing people in the last five years – and I think you’re all the bee’s knees! I appreciate everyone who has introduced themselves to me. I still blush and stammer, but I’m thrilled to meet you. I’ve written 125-ish columns in the last five years. All of that writing has been great practice for me. I’ve managed to find my writing voice and confidence. In early columns I spent a good deal of time apologizing for my age and lack of formal musical knowledge.

When the column first started I was writing on a wheezy desktop computer that took up most of my living room and was connected to the Internet via telephone line –when it worked. The first year the majority of my writing was done at a computer at Indy Hostel – thanks John. The next year I bought an iBook with a wireless connection. Too bad I didn’t have wireless at home. Many a column was sent late at night with my computer pressed up to the window at the News Café. I’m sure I surprised many last-call patrons leaving Moe and Johnny’s when they walked by and I was holding the computer at odd angles trying to catch the wireless connection.

I’ve graduated to a MacBook that hardly ever leaves my side – I don’t go as far as to sleep with it, that would be nuts! I keep it beside the bed. I also have a fancier camera, with a detachable lens, which allows me better access to photograph bands.

The five years of writing BAT has opened many doors for me. I now freelance for NUVO newsweekly and the national music magazine, Ghettoblaster. I vote each week on the Top Ten Live list that is published in Metromix. I still get a thrill when I see a stack of Broad Ripple Gazettes in the window of a business or catch a glimpse of someone reading one. I often hear that the Gazette is the best paper in town and I heartily agree.

At the Austin City Limits Festival in October

photo credit: Laura Steele

I look a little different now from the bee caricature above. In the last five years my hair has been longer and straighter and back. I now wear glasses – you can draw those in if you like.

I wish I had more time and could see every bit of music that is out there. For all of us at the Gazette, writing is a volunteer gig – one that I’m thrilled to have. I have the same jobs (yep, jobs, plural) that I had when the column started and I adore every one of them. I was promoted at Second Helpings three years ago; I’m now the director of operations for the food rescue, job-training and hunger relief agency. I love my once-a-month Sunday shift at Marigold, the wonderful clothing store next to Big Hat Books at the Broad Ripple Brew Pub. I’m still the waitress/cook at the iconic Red Key Tavern most Saturday nights and couldn’t be happier about it.

When people tell me there is nothing to do in Indianapolis I want to swat at them with a rolled up Gazette. My problem is choosing what to do. You can find art and music on almost every corner in Broad Ripple – isn’t it awesome! I’ll see you out and about. And thanks for reading. Seriously, thanks.


The New Christy Minstrels
Thursday, November 4
The Mansion at Oak Hill

5801 East 116th Street

Carmel, Indiana 46033
317-843-9850
7:30, dinner & concert, $45

Our own Greg O’Haver (Crossover, A Touch of Grass) is movin’ on up! He’s left the basement venue of the Corner Wine Bar and is now touring with the Grammy winning folk band, The New Christy Minstrels.
How Greg got there is a great story. He had auditioned for Randy Sparks (founder and leader of TNCM) in 1968 and came close to touring the Orient with Randy when Fats Johnson decided to join the tour and bumped Greg. Over 40 years later, a second audition in March of this year got Greg a spot in the band. Randy calls Greg,” …our newest, brightest star in the revived New Christy Minstrels.”

The New Christy Minstrels have an aggressive tour schedule. We re lucky enough that they are stopping in Carmel to play a show at The Mansion at Oak Hill in Carmel. It promises to be big folk fun. The ticket price includes dinner and the bragging rights that you know someone in the band.

www.thenewchristyminstrels.com
 www.oakhillmansion.com

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 7, no 21

I’m soaking in the goodness of the Austin City Limits Festival as I type this. A slice of all-weekend music fun is coming to our village this weekend. 

Dozens of venues, hundreds of musical acts all in one day. A good number of them are free and all ages. All-access wristbands are available at each showcase on Saturday, or you can purchase a separate ticket for the event you want to attend. Saturday will be a great day to be wandering the streets of Broad Ripple. 

www.broadripplemusicfest.com

Pre-party Thursday – October 14, 2010

Locals Only
21+, free, 8:00

9:00 – Gift Horse
10:00 – Gentleman Caller
11:00 – Canasta

The Vogue
21+, $25, 9:00

ATB with Josh Gallahan and Brandon Johnson

Friday, October 15, 2010

The Vogue
Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s with Jookabox
Broad Ripple Music Fest kickoff
21+, $15, 8:00
 

Go, I’m telling, don’t miss this show. Margot and company are coming back to the neighborhood for a fun evening.

Broad Ripple Music Fest Main Event
Saturday, October 16, 201

Indianapolis Art Center Showcase

All-ages, free

The morning kicks off with Handmade Promenade Art and Craft Fair
1:00 - Sarah Grain

2:00 - Quick Said the Bird

3:00 - Bashiri Asad

LUNA music
5202 N. College Ave
All-ages, free

Block party fun is guaranteed at LUNA – sidewalk sale, Handmade Promenade, Upland Beer and Jolly Tamale vegetarian goods. Karl from Joyful Noise is the master behind the lineup.

Noon - Kodiak
1:00 - Doug
2:00 – Household Guns
3:00 – Smedley Jergins & His Orchestra (David Woodruff from The Delicious)
4:00 – Rooms
5:00 – Kentucky Nightmare
6:00 – Marmoset
7:00 - Brando

Feel free to swing into the Red Key (if you are at least 21, of course) when the music is over and I’ll make you a delicious cheeseburger. 

Indy CD & Vinyl

All-ages, free

 

12:30 - Matt Mitchell Project

2:00 - Crescent Ulmer

3:00 - The Right Now

4:30 - Chiaroscura

6:00 - Why I Like Robins

7:30 - Hotfox

Melody Inn

21+ / $5 (Daytime)

Phyllis, 
Leisure Kings, 
Porn Again Christians, 
Lady Magma

Punk Rock Night

21+ / $7  (Evening)

Art Adams,
Lady Magma,
Them Damned Young Livers,
Al and the Black Cats

Heavy Gun Showcase - Featuring Producer Beat Battle Round 2!

Savvy Salon

All -ages , $5

2:00 - 3:00 - First Round of Beat Battle

3:00 - 3:20 - Oreo Jones

3:20 - 3:40 - Jack & Crown

3:40 - 4:00 - Brad Real

4:00 - 4:35 - Second Round of Beat Battle

4:40 - 4:50 - Mic Sol & Ace One

4:50 - 5:10 - Pro Forms

5:10 - 5:25 - G Scott Bailey

5:25 - 5:40 - Hinks Jones

5:40 - 6:00 - Wiz Kids

6:00 - 6:30 - Third Round of Beat Battle

6:30 - 7:00 - MudKids

7:00 - 7:20 - Scoot Dubs

7:20 - 7:40 - NightRiders

7:40 - 8:00 - Grey Granite

8:00 - 8:30 - Final Round of Beat Battle

Standard Recording / Indie Volumes Showcase

Connor's Pub


 
21+ , $7

12:00 - Caleb McCoach (inside)

12:30 - Our Imaginary friends (outside)

1:00 - Hot Foxx (outside)

1:00 - Accordions (inside)

1:30 - The Innate (outside)

2:30 - Vollmar (inside)

3:00 - Thunderhawk (outside)

3:30 - CMNDR (inside)

4:00 - Christian Taylor (outside)
4:30 - Norman oak (inside)

5:00 - Hanz Bronze (outside)

5:30 - Davy Long

6:00 - Sleeping Bag (inside)

6:30 - Slothpop (outside)

7:15 - Adam Kuhn (inside)

7:45 - Deadbeats (outside)

8:30 - The Kemps (inside)

9:15 - Neon Love Life (outside)

10:00 - Jasha (outside)

10:45 - Pravada (outside)

11:30 - Amo Joy (outside)

12:15 - Vacation Club (outside)

Piradical Productions Showcase

ES Jungle

All-ages / $7 / 7pm


7:15 Late Nite Reading

8:00 Indian City Weather

8:45 KDe!

9:30 Dr Manhattan

Audio Recon Showcase
Locals Only

21+, $7 , 9:00pm

8:00 - DJ Deadrisk

9:00 – 9:15 Merc Versus 

9:15- 9:30 Lorax 

9:30- 9:50 Whois Louis and Eratic 

10:00-10:20 Twilight Sentinels 

10:30-10:45 Dying Breed 

10:45-11:00 Id Obelus 

11:05-11:25 saint RECON 

11:35-12:15 SERENGETI 

12:30-1:15 TJ Reynolds and the Freehand Orchestra

Ontrack / Indy Mojo Showcase

Tru
21+ , $7
 Upstairs

9:30-11:00 Chocolate vs. Jackola

11-12:15 Corduroy Mavericks (KY) vs. Jangatha

12:15-1:30 Lady Foursquare (Cincinnati)

1:30-3 Jon Huang (Chicago) vs. Shazan Z (Malaysia)

Downstairs


9-10:30 Battle of the Disc Jockeys winner

10:30 - 12 Kyu-Bik

12-1:30 DO^2 (Dave Owen vs. Sea Monkey)

1:30-3 Kodama vs. Brian Summers

Outside


 
9-10:30 Neighbz vs. Wes Clay

10:30-12 Chachi vs. DJ Fate

My Old Kentucky Blog / Roaring Colonel Showcase

Casba
21+ ,  $7,  9:00pm


9:00 - Andy D

9:50 - Me and My Arrow

10:40 - Red Light Driver

11:30 - We Are Hex

IndyConcerts.com Showcase

Birdy's
21+ , $6,  6:00pm


7:00 - Chiaroscoura

8:00 - The Glass Identity Crisis

9:00 - Glass Halo

Old Soul / Zaptown Showcase

Jazz Kitchen -
21+,  $7  

10:00pm
10:30 - Mystikos Quintet
12:00 - The Right Now

1:00am - Kyle Long

La Jolla Showcase

La Jolla's Wasted Space

21+, free

2:00 - Kate Myers

3:00 - Works Cited

4:00 - Bonesetters

5:00 - Rugged Russian Bear

6:00 - Weakest Suit

7:00 - Treigh

8:00 - God Made Robots

9:00 - Cara Wahlers

10:00 - Kenny Pfau

11:00 - Frankie Camaro

Indy Mojo Showcase

Mousetrap

21+, free 

10:00 - One Side Later

12:00 - Ladymoon

Mokeyseys Tale Showcase

21+ , $5 

2:00 - The Post Scripts

4:00 - Dizzy Hollow

5:30 - Luke Knight

6:30 - Jason Brown

8:00 – Gus Moon & the Penny Thieves
10:00 -The Kevin Mohl Band
12:00 -Records
1:30 - Burn it Red

www.broadripplemusicfest.com

 

Alice Chalmers and The Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band
Evan Slusher
Friday, October 29, 2010
Indy Hostel
4903 Winthrop Ave
All-ages, $5, 8:00

It’s a costume party at the Hostel. The Alice Chalmers members are still deciding what to wear, but you can bet it will be fun! Come and see what all of the fuss is about. They guarantee a giggly good time. And baked goods – always baked goods!

www.indyhostel.us

Austin City Limits Fest 2010 - Day 3

Another great day in Austin!

Click here to read all about it!

Austin City Limits Fest 2010 - day two

Another beautiful day at the Austin City Limits Festival.

Read all about it by clicking here.

Austin City Limits Fest 2010 - day one

As usual I had a blast - the weather was perfect and it was fun to soak in the sunshine and excitement of the festival.

Click here for my recap and photos.

Austin City Limits Fest 2010 - eve

Austin City Limits Fest 2010 - eve.

The weather is perfect, wish you were here!

Read all about by clicking here.

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 7, no 20

Austin City Limits Festival
October 8 – 10, 2010
Austin, TX

I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since the last Austin City Limits Festival and it’s always a great weekend. This will be my third year I’ve attended the festival. I have a photo pass again, so I’ll be as close as can be to the bands. I’m especially looking forward to seeing Ryan Bingham and Dawes and discovering new-to-me bands.

Reviews:

Billy Bragg
September 15, 2010
The Vogue

I’ve been waiting all summer for this show and I was not disappointed, but I’m a huge Billy Bragg fan and I would have been happy to watch Billy eat dinner. As it turned out the show was heavy on Billy talking – about sixty percent Billy banter and 40 percent music. If you did not share his political views you might have been disappointed. I enjoyed hearing his take on American politics through his lens and British voice.

Billy played a mix of his music, songs from the Mermaid Avenue discs and old protest songs and I loved every second of it. I had a blast!

Toad the Wet Sprocket
September 19, 2010
The Vogue

Most people my age can remember their first 45, Wild Cherry’s Play that Funky Music, and their first album, Jim Croce’s I Got a Name, were mine. How many of you remember the first CD you bought? Mine was Toad The Wet Sprocket’s, Fear. I’d heard “Walk on the Ocean” on the radio and was smitten. I’m not sure I even had a CD player yet.

I bought the disc in 1991 – the band officially broke up in 1998 and I didn’t get the chance to see them. It was the era before I saw lots of music – can you imagine?

The band recorded their first record when they were all teenagers. TTWS randomly reunited for specific shows and short tours over the years. Singer Glen Phillips has a nice solo career and I’ve seen him several times. This summer the band played an 18-show tour that ended in Indianapolis.

And the show was awesome! I’ve found the last show of any tour is either really great or sucky and not much in between. Either the band is pulling out the stops for the last show or they’re already home in spirit. They played a nice mix from their albums with some stage banter thrown in.

I was happy to see such a nice crowd on a Sunday night. And it wasn’t just any Sunday, it was the brother Manning vs. brother Manning smack down. I ran into (stalked is such an ugly word…) Glen Phillips behind the Vogue after the show. In my concentrated effort not blurb out something goofy, I told him I was in an all-woman jug band and played typewriter. He nodded politely, told me that sounded nice and shook my hand. I fled down the alley to my car. 

All and all, another fun night at the Vogue! 

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 7 no 19

Art vs. Art
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Vogue
6259 N. College Avenue
8:00, $12 advance/$15 day of show, 21+

Are you a fan of art, chain saws, boxing matches, witty banter, audience participation, deciding fate by the spin of the wheel, punk rock and general mayhem? I can’t be the only one… Art vs. Art is a raucous and fun art show with a twist. And the twist is a big one!

Last weekend 134 artists gathered at City Market, were given a canvas and paints and just a few hours to create a masterpiece. The paintings are all online (http://artvsart.com) to be voted on – now is your chance to be an art critic in the privacy of your own cubicle. The top 32 vote getters will be on display at the Vogue. Balloting that night will determine the top 16. The other 16 will be offered for sale for $100. The rest will be for sale for $50. It’s not as confusing as I just made it out to be – the bottom line is that you walk out of the Vogue with a great piece of original art for $50 or $100 – the artists get 70%.

The top 16 paintings are randomly paired on stage and voted on by audience cheering – the decibel meter has the final say. The winner moves on to the next round. The loser is subjected to the Wheel of Death. A spin determines the fate of the canvas – past year’s methods have included chain sawing, pizza making and black paint. You can spare the art by buying the painting from the audience.

The Grand Prize is $4000, a title belt and a whole lot of bragging rights.

If this is not enough excitement for the evening the iconic Zero Boys will after the art competition. The Zero Boys started in 1979 in Bloomington and blew the minds of legions of us Midwestern kids with their hardcore, but surprisingly accessible songs. They were literally singing our song – the frustrations of being an outsider, not fitting in and being generally disgusted with the world we were living in.

This evening promises to be epic. I just wish I could still squeeze into to my old Viscous Circle tee shirt. I’ll be the only dancing wildly in the front.

http://thevogue.com/
http://artvsart.com/
www.zeroboys.net

Broad Ripple Gazette vol. 7, no 17

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Sausage Fest
Friday, August 20, Saturday, August 21, 2010
Saint Thomas Aquinas
46th and Illinois
6:00 pm – midnight
free, all ages

SausageFest is just that – a festival of sausages from Claus Brothers. And with sausage you need beer, including four varieties from Sun King Brewery, and wine. There are games for kids and adults. And plenty of fine music.

Friday
6:00-6:45 Mark Proctor (singer songwriter with a dash of twang)
6:45-7:30 Jason Locke (acoustic fun)
7:30-8:30 Bill Rumley (singer songwriter goodness)
8:30-9:30 Cara Jean Wahlers and Gary Wasson (beautiful songs by beautiful people)
9:30- close Streaker (buckle up! big rock fun!)

Saturday
5:00 Mass will be celebrated outdoors
6:00-7:00 Doyle Brothers with Joe Doyle of The Last Good Year (sibling rock)
7:00-8:00 The ReachArounds (don’t let the name scare you - rocking rocky rock)
8:00-8:45 lowercase m (a rare not-to-be-missed appearance --don’t miss this!)
8:45-9:45 Dugan Brothers (twilight rock)
9:45-close Born Again Floozies (tap dancin’ rockers)

www.staindy.org

Joyful Noise Recording Anniversary Party!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
doors 9:00, show 10:00, $8, 21+

The most excellent record label, Joyful Noise is celebrating their seventh anniversary with a party featuring bands on their roster. Jookabox, Joan of Arc, The Abner Trio and Marmoset are scheduled to play what promises to be a wonderful show. There will be special release goodies available. Stop in and congratulate Karl and the gang.

www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com
www.melodyindy.com


The Late Show
Friday, August 20, 2010
Ale Emporium
8617 Allisonville Rd
9:30 – 1:30
free, 21+

Yes, that The Late Show! The dreamy guys you remember from playing at your favorite bar when you were in your 20s. They’ve reunited for a show at the Ale Emporium. The band sounds great and they are still as dreamy as ever. They play a fun mix of originals, classic pop and rock.

The Ale Emporium is a great place to hear music. They have an unmatched beer selection, great food and plenty of places to sit.

www.ale-emporium.com

Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market
Saturdays 8:00 – noon
behind Broad Ripple High School

8/21/2010 Ted Kirkendall
8/28/2010 Paul Lauck
9/4/2010 Jared Rust

Dead Beats, The Instruction, The Sundresses, The Locals
Friday, August 27, 2010
Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
doors 9:00, show 10:00, $5, 21+

What a great lineup! I’ve had the chance to see Cincinnati’s, The Sundresses before and loved them. The Dead Beats and The Instruction hail from Louisville and The Locals are almost local – from Chicago.

The Locals have morphed from an acoustic trio to an electric guitar driven threesome in the last decade. Band member Yvonne Doll (isn’t that a wonderful name?) told me what they love about playing the Melody Inn, “is that it's got such an amazing history! Melody Inn is known in the midwest as a kick ass, historic, no-bs kind of place. We love to play there. The staff is super cool, the owner is a great guy. And the crowd that hangs there... very cool, music loving folks. It’s always a good time.”

I love what I’ve heard online of The Locals newest EP, Salt. Its high-energy is the poppy fun. And I bet they are even more charming in person.

Yvonne is right – it’s sure to be a great night!

www.localsrock.com
www.melodyindy.com

Alice Chamber and The Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band, Old Fair & Square Band, 19Clark25
Friday, August 27, 2010
Locals Only
2449 E. 56th Street
8:30 pm, $7, 21+

What exactly is does an all-woman jug band sound like? Gorgeous four-part harmonies, creative instrumentation and a good deal of happy giggling. Alice Chalmers and the Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band is made up of five very talented musicians – Cara Jean Wahlers, Stasia Demos, Jude Odell, Holly Smith, Joni Back-Bubenzer – one budding musician, Tammy Lieber and me, playing the typewriter. I’m just happy these women even let me sit in the same room with them, let alone on stage. I’ll be the one with my head down, concentrating on hitting the right key. I’ve got G down pretty good now. We promise big fun, a little kitsch and lots of talent. Maybe we’ll even have a jug by then, but a growler seems to work just fine.

Also on the bill are the Old Fair & Square Band and 19Clark25 to balance out all of the girlie goodness on stage.

www.localsonlyindy.com

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 7, no 16

 first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Year of Pigs
Indiana State Fair
August 6 – 22, 2010
State Fair Grounds
1202 E. 38th Street

It’s here! It’s here! The State Fair is finally here. Last year I managed to make to the Fair all 17 days, but I’m not sure I can pull that off this year, but I’m going to do my darndest. Oh, and I’m doing something beyond my wildest dreams and playing (I’m taking great artistic license with that term) at the Fair on Tuesday, August 10 – details below.

You can find free entertainment (with Fair admission) on just about every stop on the tractor tram. I’m particularly fond Pioneer Village, on the northeast side of the Fairgrounds. Pioneer Village is chockfull of demonstrations, music and vintage tractors.

There are two stages in Pioneer Village, one in on the north side of the exhibition barn and the other next door in the Opera House. You can’t go wrong with any of the shows – grab a lemon shake-up and take a rest on the old church pews in front of the stage at PV building or the great old wooden folding chairs at the Opera House.

The Pioneer Village exhibition hall stage starts at 10:00 each morning and goes on the road for tractor parade at 6:00 and the entertainment starts back at 6:30. The entertainment on this stage leans toward old-timey, bluegrass, jug, blues or folk bands and storytellers.

I wish I had enough room to write about all of the great acts, but here is an attempt to highlight as many as possible.

Friday, August 6 – Opening day kicks off with Family Reunion String Band, Sensible Shoes and Bill Bailey. Remember Bill’s name – you’ll want to be sure and meet him and he can give you a full entertainment schedule. Most likely he’ll be wearing overalls – and to narrow it down from the hundreds of men wearing overall at the Fair – a washboard with plenty of bells and whistles. Tell him I sent you!

Saturday, August 7 – I would camp-out at the stage all day if I could. The folk band, Blackberry Jam kicks off the day. Indiana Storyteller, Sue Grizzell takes the stage at 1:45, and front porch blues band, Yank Rachell Tribute Blues Band plays at 3:00. Western swing band, Witch Hazel Valley People, includes one of my favorite people ever – Robin Harrison, starts at 6:30.

Sunday, August 8 – I think you can count sitting on the pews in front of this stage as church on this day.– Family Reunion String Band will feature a gospel sing along starting at 10:00, Common Ground features traditional bluegrass and gospel, and Sacred Harp is old-time shape note gospel (I’ll admit to having absolutely no idea what that means, but I’m looking forward to finding out!).

Monday, August 9 – The line up appears to be all traditional American music. Jo and Patt Loo, Rebecca and Michel Lindsey with Cosmo the Washboard – I wonder if this will be like cosmo bowling, the lights are off of the washboard glows in the dark – and Myra Dworski and friends.

Tuesday, August 10 – The day I’ve had butterflies about ever since Cara Jean Wahlers floated the idea of an all-woman jug band. Alice Chalmers and the Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band is made up of five very talented musicians – Cara, Stasia Demos, Jude Odell, Holly Smith, Joni Back-Bubenzer – one budding musician, Tammy Lieber (former Gazette columnist, Tammy’s Take) and me, playing the typewriter. I’m just happy these women even let me sit in the same room with them, let alone on stage. The music is good-time jug band fun, except for the lonesome songs, of course. Our time slot is from 10:00 – noon and will be radio variety show-style, the band will play and some off-shoots of the group and solo shows. It promises to be fun and highly-entertaining. I’ll be the one behind the typewriter, trying not the faint, and concentrating on my favorite key, G. The rest of the day features Blue Stone Folk School musicians and dulcimer and ukulele musicians. Look for Geoff Davis, John Kay and friends and Third Satchel Novelty Jazz Orchestra to round out the day.

Wednesday, August 11 – Mac Bellner and friends – traditional American ballads and music and Governor Davis and Steve Robbins – traditional American blues will be featured.

Thursday, August 12 – Old-time music fun group, The Fret Set will be taking over the stage.

Friday, August 13 – Nothing scary about this Friday the 13th, at least on this stage. The day will be shared by The Johnson County Country Folk Music Society and the Sly Run Band. Both feature old-time music.

Saturday, August 14 – Family Reunion String Band has been the “house band,” or should we say, “barn band” for the last 35 years. The will have special guests, Half Way Home Band play at noon. There will be a James Whitcomb Riley tribute by Henry Ryder at 1:30. The National Barn Dance Tribute cast will also perform on this stage.

Sunday, August 15 – Gospel sing by the Family Reunion String Band in the morning, Dave Schroeder and friends will play yummy traditional bluegrass in the afternoon and Rhythm Wreckers will round out the day.

Monday, August 16 -- Mac Bellner and friends – traditional American music peppered with beautiful ballads in the morning and Lloyd Wood Band will play nostalgic country music in the afternoon.

Tuesday, August 17 -- The Lathen’s will play Celtic infused old-time music in the morning and the Last Drop Jug Band will play always-fun 30s and 40s music.

Wednesday, August 18 -- Barnstormin’ Bluegrass Band a family-style serving of traditional bluegrass and gospel. The Grimes Girls will be strolling in the village playing fun old-time music through out the day, be sure and wave! The afternoon will feature The Dulcimer Gathering playing, I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m guessing, dulcimers.

Thursday, August 19 – Don’t fret, The Fret Set is taking over the stage for the day. Fun old-time music will be ready and waiting for you.

Friday, August 20 – Guitars for Lunch sounds like my kind of Fair food. They play Indiana rural music. Promises to be fun! My favorites, the Witch Hazel Valley People will be dishing out their western swing for an afternoon snack. Last Drop Jug Band will serve up a heap of 30s and 40s fun for suppertime.

Saturday, August 21 – The stage is stuffed with great entertainment, Family Reunion String Band will kick-off the morning. D. Mark and Jules will be strolling through the village, Indiana Storyteller Gladis Allen takes the stage at 1:30, folk band, Blackberry Jam plays after that and the Rhythm Wreckers round out the evening with their jug and blues music.

Sunday, August 22 – Last day of the Fair. Sniff. The Family Reunion String Band will host the gospel sing-along in the morning and the Evening Light Gospel Singers play traditional bluegrass and gospel in the afternoon.

The Opera House venue will host the WLS National Barn Dance Tribute Show for two shows on Saturday, August 14 – 3:00 and 7:00 and one on Sunday, August 15 at 7:00 pm. Be in your seats fifteen minutes early for some pre-show fun. You can catch the dress rehearsal Thursday, August 12 – 7:00 pm.
 
The Opera House will also host Cary Allen Fields’ Bluegrass in the Opera House on Friday, August 13 from 7:00 – 10 pm. This promises to be an insightful and delightful peek in the best of Indiana bluegrass.

My dad tells stories about the year his brother Joe competed in the State Fair sheep shearing contest. Pop in on Sunday, August 15 between 9:00 – 4:00 for the Sheep to Shaw contest. My guess is that there will be some champion shearing and spinning going on.

Rich Lives, a play about early Hoosier homemakers is being staged on Monday, August 16 and Tuesday, August 17, (9:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00pm) 

You will also find tractor and toy shows, cloggers, Celtic music, auctions and an ice cream cranking contest in this building at various times.

Rick Springfield
Thursday, August 12
Hoosier Lottery Grandstand
7:00, free show 

I would like to thank the Hoosier Lottery for bring Rick Springfield to the Fair for a free show (with Fair admission). I imagine the crowd will be heavily populated with women. Rick is a pop musician with soap opera good looks – he played Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital and oozing with charm. I’m really looking forward to the concert. Now that I’ve seen him in the buff on the Showtime show, Californication, I’m not sure I’ll be able to look at him without blushing. Heck, I’m not sure I couldn’t have looking at him without blushing before that anyway.

www.rickspringfield.com

The Strugglers
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Barringer’s Tavern
2535 S. Meridian Street
317-783-3663
8:00 pm, 21 +

Do you need a little break from the State Fair? Even if you don’t, I suggest that you high-tail it to this show. The fabulously talented Stanley Smith will be in Indianapolis visiting from his adopted town of Austin, TX. I had a chance to see him perform with his group, The Jazz Pharaohs, when I was in Austin last fall and I was blown away by how amazing they were and effortless they made it seems.

The Strugglers are part of Indianapolis music history. They played from 1970 until Stanley moved away in 1985. They played the Vogue the first weekend it was a music venue, they were on the bill for weeks at a time at Crazy Al’s, the Hummingbird and the Patio. Band member, Scott Ballantine swears they invented ‘newgrass’ – progressive bluegrass and that Sam Bush stole it from them. Look for them to play a mixture of Chicago blues, Western swing, old country tunes and some jazz.

All of the original-ish band members will be there – Stanley (clarinet/vocals), Scott (guitar), Jack Clarke (harmonica), Kevin Hughey (drums), Dave Langfitt (pedal steel) and Joe Langfitt (bass).
A good time is guaranteed!

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 7 no 15

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette
 
Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8:00 – 12:30
behind Broad Ripple High School

July 24 - Cara Jean Wahlers
July 31 - Ted Kirkendall
August 7 - Chad Mills

www.broadripplefarmersmarket.org

Girls Rock! Indianapolis Campers’ Show
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Earth House Collective
237 N. East St.
2:00, all-ages, non-smoking

I love this! I heard about this idea from my friend Portland friend, Maura Ahearn, and it’s finally come here. Girls Rock! Indianapolis is a non-profit organization dedicated to building positive self-esteem in girls and encouraging creative expression through music. The music education programs will provide girls with an opportunity to participate in an environment that fosters leadership, encourages social change, and cultivates a supportive community of female peers and mentors. Rock on!

It is run entirely by a team of volunteers with support from independent contractors assisting in areas of bookkeeping, PR and legal matters (the non-rock stuff!). As funding allows, they hope to operate with a full-time staff and offer year-round programs and workshops, multiple summer camp sessions and a Ladies Rock Camp for women.

The first week-long day camp will culminate with a concert at Earth House Collective. The girls (between the ages of nine and sixteen) will receive instruction on guitar, bass, drums or vocals. Each camper will become part of a band, learn how to write songs, and perform in front of a live audience. Campers also take part in various workshops that relate to body image, self-esteem, and empowerment.

Go cheer the girls on – I’m looking forward to seeing the very talented Abby Jordan’s band.

http://girlsrockindy.org

DEVO
Monday, July 27, 2010
Vogue Theatre
6259 N College Ave, Indianapolis
$45, non-smoking, 21+

I love purchasing tickets to shows at the Vogue in their up-the-stairs box office (open noon – 5:30, M – F). It feels special – and a little naughty, to open the door in the daylight, watch the clean-up or set-up activity happening on the floor as I walk up stairs to buy tickets. There is an exciting feeling to handing over my cash and getting a real ticket from a real-live person. And when you buy the ticket at the venue you avoid the service fees.

I was buying a fist-full of tickets last month – Ingrid Michaelson, Cake, Bodeans, Blitzen Trapper, Billy Bragg and Toad the Wet Sproket – when talent booker, Matt Schwegman, popped out of his office and asked if I’d pay $45 to see DEVO. It was easy to say, YES!

DEVO has been playing sporadically since their break-up in 1991, but have continued to be an underground favorite. They are touring in support of their new record that was released last month. Everything I hear about the tour and record is wonderful.

There are still tickets left, either at the box office, on-line or at the door. The show promises to be a night of post-punk energy and pogo dancing with a dash of silliness thrown in.

I just hope they are selling energy domes at the merch table. I want a red one. I’ll see you there!

www.clubdevo.com
www.thevogue.com


Cara Jean Wahlers and Grover Parido CD release concert
(+ openers Evan Slusher and Tonos Triad)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Riverfront Ampitheatre - Indianapolis Art Center
(rain location inside the Art Center)
7:00pm door, 7:30pm show, $10, family friendly, non-smoking, children under 12 free

I’ve been like a little kid waiting for my birthday and been counting down the days in anticipation of the Good Night Charlotte CD release show. Cara Jean Wahlers and Grover Parido will celebrate the release of their first album with an outdoor show on at the Riverfront Ampitheatre at the Art Center. The river is the perfect back drop for these two songbirds.

Cara Jean Wahlers is a fourth generation musician. As a youngster she studied piano and double bass with an eye on classical music. In her early twenties she found her voice as in songwriter, drawing from lessons learned by listening to her parents’ record collection. Simon and Garfunkel gave her an understanding of storytelling, which combined with current day influences – Steve Poltz, Vic Chesnutt, Phil Collins, and Joni Mitchell helped her develop her unique style of songwriting. Wahlers songs reveal a the balance of personal experience and human truth.

Grover Parido is a classically trained cellist who is also well versed in rock and roll, hip-hop and folk music. He is a composer, performer, producer and educator – in his spare time he plays and records with The Maple Trio, Chad Mills and Bill Price – just to name a few.

Cara Jean and Grover connected when she saw him perform with Blueprint Music. She felt that his style would compliment her songs. She was beautifully right. Their collaboration has resulted in amazing music.

The duo recently finished composing the musical score for the feature-length independent film, Paradise Recovered, scheduled to release this fall.

Here are Cara’s words about the new record, “Goodnight Charlotte, is a collection of ten songs written between 2005 and 2009. I wrote most of this album in my head, probably while I was randomly walking or driving somewhere, so it makes sense to me that the cello travels and weaves through it a bit, exploring different terrains, while still remaining familiar and human and guiding you through. It was important to us to create different soundscapes for our listener, while staying true to the general sensibility of our live show. I like driving on the highway - little towns pop up every half and hour or so. Kind of like how memory works - something appears though the windshield, you follow it for a little while and then all of a sudden, you're looking at it getting smaller behind you. That's how things enter and leave my head, I think. The album was born out of rainy afternoons spent walking through antique shops, driving through the woods or simply walking across hardwood floors playing guitar around the house.

"I wrote these songs almost in a woodshedding kind of situation, where I sort of shut out all the noises that aren't coming from inside of me. It's very personal and I think that intimacy is reflected in the album. I feel like Grover's cello arrangements create the room where these songs exist and give them a lot of color and texture."

Dress casually and bring a lawn chairs. The show will be in the Art Center if it rains.
Broad Ripple Brewpub will provide craft beers for purchase. Don’t forget your ID – as of July 1, you can’t be served without it – no matter how old you are.

Check Cara Jean’s Web site for a sneak peek at the new record.


Evan Slusher http://www.myspace.com/evanslusher
Tonos Triad http://tonostriad.com/home.cfm
www.carajeanwahlers.com
www.indplsartcenter.org

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 7 no 14

Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market
behind Broad Ripple High School
Saturdays, 8:00 – 12:30

July 10: Robert Bruce Scott, July 17: Sensible Shoes, July 24: Cara Jean Wahlers

The John Denver Songbook and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Friday July 9 and Saturday, July 10, 2010
Symphony on the Prairie
$20 adults, tables available

I have to admit that I’ve never been to Symphony on the Prairie. I’ll totally confess to falling asleep at plays, especially musicals, and sit-down concerts with beautiful music. I can’t help it. I try biting my lower lip, curling my toes and counting backwards to stay awake but nothing helps. Outdoors, pretty music and sitting on a blanket is the perfect recipe for a nap. 

This is one concert I’m sure I could stay awake for this one; after all it’s the songs of John Denver! My best friend since we were six, Ann loved John Denver (Randy Mantooth and Donny Osmond rounded out the top three) so I first heard about John from her. John Denver was the sound track to our teenage years.

Musician Jim Curry will be playing and singing the John Denver tunes. I saw a video on YouTube and Jim sounds exactly like John and when I took my glasses off he looked like him too. I don’t think you can go wrong with this show. 

www.indianapolissymphony.org  

Detholtz!, God Made Robots
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Birdy’s
2131 E. 71^st Street
8:00, 21+ 

This is a Full Blown Productions concert, so know it will be good – Kim Oskins always puts on a great show.  The lineup also includes The Daredevil Christopher Wright and Montauk Monster.

I first heard Chicago’s Detholtz! at the Melody Inn several years ago and was smitten. They play clever rock with a new-wave-ish twist. Indy’s God Made Robots are also good quirky fun.

www.birdyslive.com

Homespun - Modern Handmade
Saturday, July 10, 2010
5624 E. Washington Street 

Homespun is the brainchild of Neal and Amanda Taflinger and the winner of a Pepsi Refresh Grant to help launch the project. I’ve had the pleasure of watching this project unfold and am thrilled for them.

The store’s mission is four-fold: to provide a brick-and-mortar retail outlet for contemporary artists, artisans and crafters, offer low-cost art and craft classes for people of all ages and skill levels, serve as a gathering place for the contemporary craft community, and inspire further development and renewal along the E. Washington St. corridor. They want to help people earn a living wage for meaningful work and spread the message that our lives are what we make of them.

The shop will open for business on Saturday, July 10. I can’t wait to see the handmade craftwork they will have for sale and to see the class roster. 

The Pepsi Refresh Grant not only gave them a good dose of cash, but also featured them in a television spot that ran nationally on MTV.

www.homespunindy.com

Reviews:

Mumford & Sons
June 14, 2010
Bluebird, Bloomington, IN

Road trip! As you all might gather, I’m pretty neighborhood-centric. As a Purdue graduate my trips to Bloomington have been few and centered around Oaken Bucket football games and helping friends move to grad school. 

I had no idea who Mumford & Sons were, but when Kristofer Bowman, keeper of all things cool, sent me a text asking if I wanted to go, I said yes, without question. I knew I’d love the band.

After years of driving a truck I now have a vehicle with fancy stuff like backseats, power locks and XM radio. The drive down was fun and fueled by sandwiches from Mass Ave Wine Shop and truffles from The Best Chocolate in Town. 

The sky got darker and darker as we drove and heavy rain hit and the tornado sirens were blaring by the time we parked.  We ducked into a restaurant and the first thing I asked the bartender was where the walk-in cooler was – generally the walk-in is the safest place in the restaurant if a tornado hit. I don’t know if my new friends were impressed or frightened by my safety concerns. If anything ever happens, follow me. I’ll do my darndest to get us out of harms way. 

Luckily there was no tornado, although we did see a small tree fly by, but it was a soggy walk to the Bluebird. The show was sold out and the venue was packed with damp people. I swear you could see steam rising from the crowd.

I really enjoyed the opening musician, singer-songwriter, Adam Stockdale and the fact that he is the band’s guitar tech made me dig him even more. 

After a half an hour wait a second opening band took the stage, the duo French & Indian War. Regular readers of this column know that I’m mostly sunshine and ponies in my recaps of bands and events. If something is not great, I usually don’t write about it or talk about the scenery or something else.

French & Indians Wars created the perfect storm of an awful opening band scenario. The audience was restless, the band took too long to set up and break down (I was ready to jump up and wrap cords and carry monitors off of the stage) and quite frankly, and they weren’t good. I’d wedged myself next to door where the bands were entering and leaving. At one point the lads from Mumford & Sons were standing next to me ready to take the stage and they finally gave up and walked back down the hallway. 

But it was all worth it! Mumford & Sons were fabulous and worth the wait and the rain and tornado warnings. The London folk band is delightful and talented. The members switch instruments and trade vocals. They have some bluegrass sensibilities – banjo, dobro, mandolin and accordion play a big part in their music. The songs are great and the harmonies lovely. If you’re a fan of the Avett Brothers, you’ll like Mumford & Sons. 

www.mumfordandsons.com

broad Ripple Gazette, vol 7, no 13

Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market

Saturdays, 8:00 – 12:30
behind Broad Ripple High School

Saturday, June 26 – Luke Austin Daugherty

Saturday, July 3 – The Last Drop Jug Band
Saturday, July 10 – Robert Bruce Scott

I’ve had the pleasure of booking the music for the Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market for the last several years. The hardest part is juggling all of the musicians who volunteer to play – yes, it’s a volunteer gig – in the sun or rain, or sun and rain on early on a Saturday.

I always ask the musicians why they like to play the BRFM and sometimes they answer me! Luke Austin Daugherty Luke wants to support the local community and independent businesses associated with the Farmers Markets. As an indie artist (singer/songwriter) he understands the struggles and challenges of getting people to "buy" locally and the small businesses associated with food production and products have the same issues to deal with. He wants to support the local businesses when he can. Plus it is a good place to meet some new people and perform some new tunes. Be sure to take time to listen to Luke – and all of the musicians.

www.lukeaustindaugherty.com

www.reverbnation.com/lastdropjugband

www.RobertBruceScott.com
www.broadripplefarmers.market

Gary Walters CD Release Show
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 College Avenue

317.253.4900
7:00 and 10:00 shows, $10, nonsmoking, 21+

I can’t believe this is Gary Walters’ first record. Of his own, anyway.  He’s played piano on recordings of many jazz greats over the years and with one of my favorite folk musicians, Carrie Newcomer. Moments in Time will be released at the show, but I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy.

Gary sat at the piano at Airtime Studios in Bloomington and played as if it were a live show. The songs are a collection of music that is meaningful to him, a mix of ones he wrote and tunes written by others. My favorite song is LauraLauraLaura, written about his beautiful wife. He wrote in the liner notes that the song is a snapshot of his loving wife and he hoped to capture a bit of her personality. I think he did it! I’m really enjoying the record.

Gary will have several guest musicians joining him for the show, including Matt Pizec (saxophone), Rich Dole (trumbone), Dean Franke (violin), Peter Hansen (bass) and Jon Crabiel (percussion)

If you’ve never been to the Jazz Kitchen this is a great chance to start. The atmosphere is swanky, the food is amazing, the staff is wonderful and the drinks are strong. Call the marvelous LuAnn at 317.253.4900 to make a reservation.

www.thejazzkitchen.com

Mpozi Celebrations
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Pawn Shop Pub
2222 E 54th Street
9:00pm, $5

Sunday, July 4, 2010
next to the old Patio/Spin
6341 Guilford Avenue
9:00 pm, free, all-ages

I can’t believe it’s been four years since Mpozi Mshale Tolbert died. Mpozi was a guy that just needed one name. Even if you didn’t know him, you probably saw him around town. He was 6’6 and had waist long dreadlocks and a big, easy sincere smile. The only time you didn’t see him with a camera he was behind a turntable spinning tunes.

He moved here from Philadelphia to be a staff photographer for the Indianapolis Star where he covered everything from crime scenes to feature stories, but his real love was music. He was a huge part of the Philly music community, especially The Roots (now Jimmy Fallon’s house band).

There are two events to celebrate Mpozi’s life and memory. There will be two bands playing on the outdoor stage at the Pawn Show Pub on Saturday, July 3. El Floundero & Friends will take the stage at 9:00. Indiana Reggae Band will play around 11:00

On Sunday, July 4 you’re welcome to join the group by the Mpozi mural next to the old Patio/Spin 6341 Guilford Avenue to swap stories starting at 9:00. There will be live music and good vibes floating through the air.

You can see a nice tribute to Mpozi at www.okayplayer.com

78 rpm CD Release Show

Sunday, July 4, 2010
The Slippery Noodle Inn
372 S. Meridian Street

The city is going all out to celebrate 78 rpm’s eponymous record. There will be a big fireworks show to coincide with the band’s show at the Slippery Noodle! True story! 78 rpm is the trio of Indianapolis blues legends. Harmonica player extraordinaire Allen Stratyner, slide guitarist Vince Mullin and drummer (and former Houlihan’s expeditor) Tim Duffy.

The CD is a mix of original tunes and blues standards. I’ve had the chance to listen to the record and it sounds like blues at its best.

They’ve promised to play all of the songs on the album at the show plus some of their favorites.

To keep in tune with the theme of the holiday, this show promises to be red hot and blues.

Myspace.com/THE78rpm
www.slipperynoodle.com