Thursday, February 20, 2014

Broad Ripple Gazette volume 11 number 4

First published in the Broad Ripple Gazette


Ireland was beautiful and green…and damp. The rain couldn't dampen my spirits, even though Ireland was experiencing record storms; since none of them involved ice or snow so it was all okay with me.  

I was lucky enough to attend a traditional Irish music session at a hostel one evening and it was lovely. Everyone sat in a sort-of circle – as much as I tried to tuck into a corner, it would not be heard of – and traded songs and stories. There were accordion players and tin whistle blowers to accompany our songs.  My Indianapolis raised, County Kerry-living friend, Linda suggested that we sing Back Home Again in Indiana. I quickly pulled up the lyrics on my iPhone and we made it through the song. It helps that she has a beautiful voice. 

I especially loved one man’s recitation of a scene from Irish playwright, John B. Keane’s, play, Sive. The break for tea and biscuits with jam was delivered by a darling young man was delightful. The session ended with all of us singing all of the Pete Seeger songs that we could collectively remember.

 I realized that I am woefully unprepared in situations like that. I’ve made a promise to myself to learn a James Whitcomb Riley poem to recite from memory.  Suggestions?

Jenn Cristy Band
Friday, February 21, 2014
Sabbatical
921 Broad Ripple Avenue
21+, 9:30 PM, $5

Every time I see Jenn Cristy play I wonder why the world she’s not a household name and I’m convinced that we’ll see her on Jimmy Fallon soon. In the meantime, you should catch her while you can. Jenn has an amazingly soulful voice that she in grand rock and roll style. She’s talented, surrounded by a top-notch band, super-nice, and beautiful. If you’re not acquainted with her music, you need to be and now is the perfect time. Shake off those snow shoveling blues and enjoy a cozy evening at Sabbatical. The food is terrific and the drinks are lovely.

www.jenncristy.com
sabbaticalindy.com

ABC Paint Party with Travis
Monday, February 24, 2014
Union Jack Pub
924 Broad Ripple Ave
6:30 – 9:30 PM, $40

I always say that my creativity far outweighs my artistic talent. Here is a chance for people like us to create a painting. Travis will take you through the steps to create your own, “Starry Night Over Indy” masterpiece. Come dressed to paint, everything else will be provided. Register for the event at: www.nealartistry.net.

unionjackpub.co

Cultural Cannibals Brazilian Carnaval
Saturday, March 1, 2014
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N. College Avenue
21+, 10:00 PM-3:00 AM, $12 advance, $15 at the door.

Pry off your snow boots and put on your dancing shoes for a high-energy evening of Brazilian Carnaval. The event features the IU Brazilian Ensemble - a group of 40 drummers led by renowned percussionist Michael Spiro of the Carlos Santana band, Samba dancers and DJ Kyle Long playing a mix of Brazilian Carnaval music. Talented artist, Artur Silva will have Carnaval art on display. 

There will be a special menu of Brazilian food, including Feijoada (a savory stew of black beans, beef and pork), and of course there will be Brazilian beers and Caipirinha (the national drink of Brazil) available. And if that isn’t enough, big screens will display the Carnaval parade in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia.


www.CulturalCannibals.com
thejazzkitchen.com
Advance tickets at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/561751

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Broad Ripple Gazette volume 11, number 3

First published in the Broad Ripple Gazette.             


Greetings from Ballangarry, Co. Limerick, Ireland. While the sunshine is limited, it is a good 50 degrees warmer here than Indianapolis as I write this. Not only can you see the ground, but the grass is green! I've been lucky enough to stand on the farm where my great-grandfather lived and meet charming relatives.
The first week of my holiday has been spent chasing down relatives and enjoying a lovely thatched-roof cottage and losing track of what day of the week it is. Next week will be spent touring and seeking out music. The big music news here is that Garth Brooks sold out three Dublin shows in 90 minutes – 240,000 tickets!

I’ll have more to report next time.

Remembering a Friend - Pete Seeger Tribute
Friday, February 7, 2014
Harrison Center for the Arts
1505 N. Delaware Street
all-ages, free, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

I think we’ll all Pete Seeger fans whether we realize it or not. Pete's death especially effected the music community.  Geoff Davis has gathered a group of musicians to celebrate Pete’s music and share joy, hope, love, peace and sorrow.

The event will be in the spirit of Pete Seeger. Each musician will play a few songs and share thoughts about Pete and his influence. The full line up was still being formed at press time; the concert will open with sing-alongs. The show will be an intimate gathering with the musicians sitting among the fans in an acoustic setting.
We concert will end with the Moontown Pickle Stompers leading a community sing. It sounds like a lovely and fitting tribute to Pete Seeger.


Rick Dood & The Dickrods CD Release
Friday, February 7, 2014
Birdy’s Bar and Grill
2131 E. 71st Street
21+, 8:30 PM

You guessed, the band is led by Rick Dodd. The Dickrods include some of my favorite musicians,  Sean Jackson, Erik Styles, Andy Shutz and Chad Dressler. I always enjoying seeing them play and I’m sure they’ll be in rare form as they celebrate the release of their record, Tavern Songs.

Their sound is Americana and their sensibility is firmly tongue-in-cheek as you can tell by their name! I can promise great music, laughter, and a fun time.


Indy CD & Vinyl's Grand Re-Opening
Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9, 2014
Indy CD & Vinyl
806 Broad Ripple Avenue
all-ages, free

Annie Skinner, Andy Skinner and Eric Davis have purchased Indy CD & Vinyl from founder Rick Ziegler. They are celebrating by throwing a big old party and showing off new products, a reconfigured space – including more room for in-store performances – and 10% off all purchases.

They've lined up Indianapolis’ best deejays for the party.

Saturday - Noon-9pm
Noon: Cool Hand Lex
1pm: Action Jackson
2pm: Jackola
3pm: DJ Lockstar
4pm: DJ Helicon
5pm: DJ Metrognome
6pm: DJ Gabby Love
7pm: DJ Indiana Jones
8pm: Rusty Redenbacher
After-party Saturday night at The White Rabbit Cabaret for REAL TALK with A-Squared and Action Jackson (21+, 10:30pm-3:00am)
Sunday – Noon-5pm
Noon: A Squared Industries
1pm: Shimmercore DJ set
2pm: Crookshanks
3pm: DJ Little Town

               
PRINTtEXT Grand Opening
Saturday, February 8, 2014
652 E. 52nd (52nd Street & College Avenue)
all-ages, free, 8:00  PM -

PRINTtEXT is a lovely and cozy periodicals shop. I popped in one Saturday night recently (which may or may not have occurred while I was waitressing at the Red Key) and was immediately charmed with the spot.
Proprietors, Janneane and Benjamin Blevins, have over 300 titles on hand ranging from fashion, literature, design, food, architecture, art, theory, and politics. Everything, really. Their vision for “PRINTtEXT is a shop, salon, archive, and study. Browsing is mandatory. Discourse is expected. Disagreements are encouraged.”

They’ll be on hand to talk about the shop’s publications and anything else you like. For an online look at the periodicals visit: http://printtext.co