Thursday, July 21, 2016

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 13 no 15

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette
Can you believe that it is almost Indiana State Fair time? My intention is to attend all 17 days of the Fair again. I’m giving you the rundown on insider tips and the headlining concerts early so you’ll have plenty of time to plan. I’ll see you there!  

Indiana State Fair
August 5 – 21, 2016
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th Street
all-ages, $12 at the gate (several presale promotions available) + $5 parking

I am an Indiana State Fair geek – I’ve attended every single day of the Fair for years. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned along the way.  

Admission: There are tons of deals to be had. There will be a coupon in Monday, August 8th Indianapolis Star for free admission on Wednesday, August 10. For Meijer Family Day on Monday, August 15 gate admission is only $20 for up to 10 people. There are also discounts for bringing Pepsi product cans, AAA member’s day, college students, military personnel and families, and much more. Check out indianastatefair.com for more information.

Parking: It is $5.00 to park in Fairgrounds and around the Fairgrounds. If I’m driving, I find it easiest to park at the Indiana School for the Deaf at 52nd Street and the Monon Trail. The charge is the same, and it is an easy walk across the street. There is also handicapped parking there and you don’t have to down and up the steps under the track. I find it easier to exit also, be prepared, everyone has to exit onto 46th Street, but there is you get to see all of the trailers and fun stuff of the folks that are working at the Fair.

Free State Fair Park & Ride: When you park at Glendale Mall’s Rural Street lot, you can ride the Indiana State Fair on the free shuttle. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. each day of the fair.

Walking: The Monon Trail leads right to the Fairgrounds. You can hop off at 42nd or 38th Street and there is a gate between the two that leads into the Midway.

Pedal & Park: The secured bicycle parking is right on the trail, north of 38th Street. And you receive a coupon for $1 off of your admission. Be mindful that you need to retrieve your bike by 8:00 PM.

IndyGo: Routes 4 and 39 stop just steps away from the main entrance on 38th St. Fare is $1.75 per ride or $4 for an all-day pass. Youth 18 and under and people 65 and older are eligible for reduced fare with proper ID. Plan you public transit trip to the Fair at IndyGo.net

Once you’re there:  The Tractor Shuttle is my favorite way to get around. It is a great way to see the Fairgrounds and meet people. I couldn’t confirm this year’s price; it was a dollar per ride last year. You can take a full turn around the Fairgrounds while sitting in the shade (or out the rain). Seniors can purchase a daily unlimited ride wrist band for $3 – and it is free for seniors on both Tuesdays of the Fair.

Food: On both Tuesdays of the Fair there are $2 Taste of the Fair specials. All concessionaires will offer a $2 special. It’s a great way to sample it all!

Balloon Launch and Light Up the Night: Friday, August 5 (Opening Day). The balloons will launch at sunrise (about 6:15 AM) and that evening (9:00 PM) there will be an Illuminated Tractor Parade and Hot Air Balloon Glow, presented by Reynolds Farm Equipment. The Illuminated Tractor Parade was great fun last year – nothing like tractors outlined by lights to get you in the State Fair Spirit.

In honor of Indiana’s bicentennial all of the concerts are included in the price of admission.  You read that right – FREE!

On the aptly-named Free Stage (northwest corner of the Fairgrounds, in front of the 4-H buildings)

Night Ranger – Friday, August 5, 7:30 pm

Neal McCoy – Saturday, August 6. 7:30 pm

Hispanic/Latino Music Festival featuring El Dasa – Sunday, August 7, 3 – 8 pm

Aaron Tippin, with the Hunter Smith Band  - Monday, August 8, 6 pm

Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr.– Tuesday, August 9, 7:30 pm 

Susan Cowsill and Flo

Happy Together Tour starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron, Mark Lindsay, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Cowsills, and The Spencer Davis Group Wednesday, August 10, 7:30 pm

The Fray– Thursday, August 11. 7:30 pm 

38 Special– Friday, August 12, 7:30 pm 

The Bacon Brothers– Saturday, August 13, 7:30 pm 

Contemporary Christian Music Festival starring Jason Gray, Zealand Worship, SHINEBRIGHT, The Lasting Hope, and The Dave Chisham Band –Sunday, August 14, 2-8 pm 

Blues Traveler – Monday, August 15, 7:30 pm

Maddie & Tae – Tuesday, August 16, 7:30 pm

Lauren Alaina – Wednesday, August 17, 7:30 pm

Anthony Hamilton – Thursday, August 18, 7:30 pm 

ABBA The Concert (A Tribute to ABBA) – Friday, August 19, 7:30 pm 

Laura Marano– Saturday, August 20, 1 and 3:30pm

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band– Saturday, August 20, 7:30pm

Gospel Music Festival starring Karen Clark, Sheard, and Chicago Mass Choir – Sunday, August 21. 3 – 9 pm

I was hoping to be able to tell you the schedule for the Main Street Stage and the Pioneer Village Stage, but I only had bits and pieces of those schedules by press time. I’ll highlight some of the acts in the next issue.

I can’t wait!


  

Friday, July 8, 2016

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 13 no 14

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

I hope you’re all enjoying these long days of summer. There is plenty of great music to be enjoyed – I hope to see you out and about!

John Paul White with The Secret Sisters
Saturday, July 9, 2016
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N. College Ave
21+, doors 7 PM, show 8 PM, $15 advance, $17 door

What a great show this will be! John Paul White and The Secret Sisters are both from the same neck of the Alabama woods.

John Paul White is tour in support of his newest album, Beulah. The record is named for a long-time family nickname, but all I can think of when I hear the name is my favorite childhood cat. The album doesn’t come out until August, but the song that was released on NPR is delightful. "The Martyr” is introspective and leans towards the rock genre. Album reviews are all great, saying the record covers a spectrum of rock, twang, and soul, highlighting John Paul’s amazing voice. You might recognize him as the male half of the now-defunct duo, Civil Wars.

The Secret Sisters - Laura and Lydia Rogers grew up immersed in the Muscle Shoals musical culture and are influenced by a wide range of music. They listened to everything from George Jones, Loretta Lynn, The Ramones, and Fleetwood Mac.  Their father is a musician and introduced them to bluegrass at an early age, taking them to weekend bluegrass festivals. The result is an eclectic mix of musical styles and strong storytelling all surrounded by beautiful harmonies.

Don’t forget about the great food at The Jazz Kitchen, order dinner and enjoy the music.


Setfire, Shed, Whiskey Supercharger, Aesthetic Distance, and Fleshsuit
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Birdy’s Live
2131 E. 71st Street
21+, 8 PM, $?

If you’ve been longing for a night of international hard rock and metal, your wait is over! Sao Paulo, Brazil’s Setfire is touring the States this summer and will land at Bir will be there along with Indiana’s own, Shed and Whiskey Supercharger. They will be joined on the bill by Aesthetic Distance and Fleshsuit.

I couldn’t find the ticket price by press time, but I’m sure it will be worth every head-banging penny!


Friday, April 15, 2016

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 13 no 8

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette
It’s Record Store Day time – the official kickoff of springtime in the neighborhood. I can’t wait to see you all out and about!

Saturday, April 16, 2016
Indy CD & Vinyl (806 Broad Ripple Ave)
LUNA music (5202 N. College Ave)
all-ages, free,


We’re fortunate to have two wonderful and active independent record stores in our neighborhood. Beth Indy CD & Vinyl and LUNA music will feature live music, special releases, sales, and giveaways all day.

Indy CD & Vinyl will be open from 8 – 8. They’ll have giveaways and sales and music and food and drink available. Rocket 88 will be there with doughnuts, Kuma’s Corner will serve their rockin’ burgers, and Dogfish Head beer will be available for the age-appropriate folks.

Live music outside in the tent starts at 10 AM:

10:00 – noon: Mr. Daniel and Shoobee Loo will play family friendly music.
Noon – Sweet Poison Victim
1:15 – Moor.dub
2:30 – Veseria
3:45 –  Desert Planet
5:00 – Devil To Pay
6:16 – US Bastards.

LUNA is opening at 8 AM - there will be Taylor’s Bakery doughnuts and other giveaways for those waiting in line). The annual sidewalk sale starts at 10 AM, Rusty Redenbacher will be spinning music starting at noon.

There is a live music stage behind the store and the music starts at noon, with hosts Mike Adams and D.J. Sedcairn.

Noon: Video Grave
1:00 SM Wolf
2:00 Barley Pops
3:00 Hoops
4:00 Peter & The Kings
5:00 Ghost Gun Summer
6:00 Mike Adams At His Honest Weight

There will be Upland beer, La Margarita tacos (vegan and meaty), and Tinker Coffee available for purchase.


Sindacato
Sunday, April 24, 2016
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N. College Ave
21+, 6:00 – 9:00, $10

Before Americana was a well-known music genre, Indianapolis was enjoying Sindacato. The popular and award-winning band was formed in the mid-1990s. They only play together about once a year now – this show isn’t to be missed.

Sindacato features songwriter, Frank Dean (guitar, vocals), Gary Wasson (bass, vocals), and Jon Martin (dobro, guitar, mandolin, vocals). Michael Beck will be joining them for the evening and other special guests are promised. Doors open at 5 PM for dinner (always delicious) and drinks.