Austin City Limits Fest 2012: Day Three

Scott Avett

Here is my Day Three recap of the great Austin City Limits Fest: http://ghettoblastermagazine.com/2012/austin-city-limits-festival-2012-day-three-recap/

I can't wait to do it all again!

Austin City Limits Fest: Day Two

 The Wheeler Brothers

Here is my ACLF2012 recap: http://ghettoblastermagazine.com/2012/austin-city-limits-fest-2012-day-two-recap/

Austin City Limits Fest 2012: Day One

Five bands, one recap: http://ghettoblastermagazine.com/2012/austin-city-limits-festival-2012-day-one-recap/

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol. 8 no. 20

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Benefit Concert for the Stagehands of the Indiana State Fair Tragedy
Sunday, October 2
8 Seconds Saloon
111 North Lynhurst Drive
2:00pm - 11:00pm, 21+, $10

Money raised from this mega-show will benefit the Local 30 Stagehands Memorial Fund. There will be two stages of bands and nine hours of live music– there is something for everyone! Laura Steele and Jimmy Cain will emcee the concert and they have promised a once-in-a-lifetime silent auction as well as several raffles and concert memorabilia for sale.

If you can’t make it to the show, but would like to donate it’s easy as pie! You can go to any Fifth Third bank. Specify the Local 30 Stagehands Memorial Fund.

Here is the epic lineup:

2:00pm Opening Ceremony
2:15pm The 3:1 Blues Revue (Tom Kiefaber, Ranch Wuertz, Joe O'Conell, Nick Neureiter, Jay Stein, Charlie Cheeseman, and Brent Bennett)
4:00pm The Remedies (Mike Oz)
5:00pm The Splendid Trend
5:45pm Minsky Kinks Burlesque Troupe
6:00pm Smoke Ring
7:00pm Why On Earth
8:00pm One-Eyed Dog (Erikk D. Lee)
9:15pm Healing Sixes
10:30pm Threat Level
11:30pm Radio FX
12:30pm Recoil

http://8secondssaloon.com
www.iatse30.org

Carrie Newcomer
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Second Presbyterian Church
7700 N. Meridian Street
7:30, all-ages, non-smoking, $18

I’ve always liked being a waitress. My previous jobs all involved working in a nursing home or hospital, so waitressing was a relative breeze. And no one was going to get hurt if I goofed up a drink order. My first waitressing gig was at the Ground Round in Lafayette. Not only was there a constant supply of popcorn, but also Carrie Newcomer played there every week with her pop-folk group, Stone Soup.

It was awesome having Carrie’s sweet voice as the background to my work, but there was one night that I made the whole band stop in their tracks. The Ground Round was one of those popcorn and peanut baskets on the tables places. It was the early 1980s, in a college town so pitchers of beer were a big seller. One evening I had two pitchers in one hand and six mugs in the other when I slipped. I went down hard on my knees and landed on sharp peanut shells. Just as I was waffling between being proud that I didn’t drop the glass pitchers and mugs and bursting into to tears, I realized that the beer had wooshed straight up out of the pitcher and was raining all over the dining room. The band stopped playing as they ducked for cover and tried to protect their instruments. I might have gotten the biggest round of applause that night.

This is Carrie’s debut of her new CD, Everything is Everywhere. Carrie is a wonderful songwriter, and one of the first musicians I ever heard that fit that title. Her voice is gentle, yet powerful enough to get the emotion of her songs to the audience. You will be totally charmed by her. Promise.

The show will benefit Global Gifts and The Interfaith Hunger Initiative, both worthy causes.

www.carrienewcomer.com
www.interfaithhungerinitiative.org
www.globalgiftsindy.com.

Broad Ripple Music Fest
Saturday, October 15, 2011

I will have the full schedule for Broad Ripple Music Fest in the next issue.

Reviews:

I had the good fortune to attend the Austin City Music Fest. Here is my recap of the first day.

Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne and his band looked like true Texans (or at least and HBO version) in their vests, and fedoras and heavy sprinkling of beards. They played a mellow set, with LaMontagne on acoustic guitar and raspy voice. While I enjoyed the bluesy-folksy set, and pedal steel makes me swoon, I’m not sure what all of the fuss is about – but the 20,000 people singing along clearly disagreed with me.

Kurt Vile and Violators

You can set your watch by the start times of the music at the Austin City Limits Festival. In the last five years I can only think of one time that the stage didn’t start exactly on time. With 130 bands and eight stages the production has to be a well-oiled machine. Kurt Vile and his crew started a few minutes late, giving the stage manager an incredulous look when told that all of the stages start on time. Vile bounded out, looked around for the rest of the band and went backstage to fetch them. Jet lag can be blamed – they were in Europe just two days ago.

After the faltering start the set was indie-stoner-rock at it’s best. Plenty of electric guitars – not a bass guitar in sight – distortion and hair, although I wouldn’t have minded a chorus or something.

Cold War Kids

I enjoyed the energy of the Cold War Kids after the heavy-liddedness of Kurt Vile. Their swagger juxtaposed with their sensitivity for some great fun and pop goodness. They seemed genuinely happy to be there and the crowd of thousands was thrilled to be singing and dancing along. 

Foster The People

Mark Foster, the person was in the hospital earlier today with bronchitis. You never would have guessed by his energy and sound. You’ll recognize their song, “Pumped Up Kicks,” even if you’ve never heard of the band. The clean-scrubbed LA based band has only been together since 2009. I loved how the cabinets for their keyboards and such looked like they’d been fabricated in their grandparent’s basement. The set was big clean fun.

Charles Bradley

I had the good fortune to have a telephone interview with Charles Bradley last year. His humbleness and lack of pretention was totally charming, but his answer to almost every question I posed was, “if I can’t help you, I sure ain’t gonna hurt you.” It took a tremendous amount of cajoling on my part to get his story. And a good story it is.

Bradley has earned his made-for-soul raspy voice the hard way. His music is very personal. His first-ever album, No Time for Dreaming, released last year, “ is based on true stories that I lived.”

Bradley opened with the heart-wrenching song, “Heartache and Pain,” the song about his brother’s death. In the interview Bradley told me that he puts his whole essence into this music, “If you’re watching me on stage sometimes I turn away, I’ve got to catch myself and let the lyrics out, because I’d be so full of emotion.”

He wasn’t joking. I’ve never seen such an expressive performance. The audience was re-living the day his brother died with him.

Although Bradley, 63, has been singing for years, this is the first time he’s been able to perform full-time. He was inspired by seeing James Brown at the Apollo Theater in 1964, when he was 16 years old. 

He eventually found a career in cooking, which took him Maine to Alaska, making California his home for decades. “Music and being a chef have been my whole life.” Bradley was able to squeeze in occasional music gigs and a little studio work along the and was ready to buy his first house.  “Then life hit me real hard.” He was laid off of his restaurant job after 17 years.

He started performing his James Brown routines under his alter ego “Black Velvet” when Gabriel Roth of Daptone records happened to catch his show and recognized Bradley’s raw talent.

Bradley kept telling the ACLF crowd, “I love you, I love you” And I believe him with my whole heart.

Sara Bareilles

I didn’t expect to be so totally charmed by Sara Bareilles, but I’m not even sure what I expected. I realized that I’d looped her in with the Indiana State Fair stage collapse. Bareilles had finished playing not long before the accident.

Bareilles is delightful and is a strong singer-songwriter-piano player with an intimate stage presence.

Coldplay

I was torn – Coldplay or Kanye? They were both playing just minutes apart on opposite sides of the 350 acre Zilker Park. And photo rules state that you can only shoot the first three songs of the set – except in the case of Kanye, where you could only shoot the second and third songs. I let laziness make the decision. The Coldplay stage is easier to fight the crowds to the photo pit.

Coldplay are the ultimate arena rockers. There set was fun and happy and professional – and not nearly as boring as that sounds. They’re comfortable in their own rocker skins and know how to put on a rocking good show. Well done, guys. 

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!

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 4

I must start with an apology. Have you ever wanted something so badly you changed the details in your head to make it fit? I did that with the Saint Valentine’s Day Eve show the Northside News Café. Cara and Tad and Stasia and Pholly played on Saturday, not on Friday as I reported in the last issue. I hear the show was great – I was flipping burgers and slinging beer at the Red Key that night.

Previews:


Kate Lamont and Devon Ashley (music)
Mike Graves and Justin Cooper (art)
Friday, February 27, 2010
Indy Hostel
4903 Winthrop Avenue
7:30 gallery opening, free, all-ages, non-smoking
8:30 music, $7, all-ages, non-smoking


The Hostel is combining a terrific art show with a great concert. The gallery opens at 7:30 and the music starts at 8:30.

Mike Graves has producing art (and music) in Indianapolis for the last 15 years. He uses a wide range of media and subject matter to create diverse pieces. His works portrays an intense image-maker, illustrator and painter showing the real to the surreal. He uses collage elements, painting and mixed media to produce his art.

The very talented Kate Lamont will release her first solo album, After the Traffic, next month. You might recognize her from her varied projects, Mad Lab, Blueprint Music and the Undefeatable Beats. Kate has a gorgeous voice whether she’s singing trip-hop or something bluegrassy. She refers to the new album as a minimalist collection of piano-based songs. I don’t know Kate very well, but she also strikes me as one of the kindest souls in the music community. I’m thrilled for her that she has a record all her own. I look forward to hearing it. She’ll be joined by the talented percussionist, Devon Ashley. Devon has drummed his way across the world – we’re happy to have him play in our little corner.

Mustard Plug, Lockstep, Like Bats, and One Punch Knockout
Saturday, February 27, 2010
ES Jungle
6151 Central Avenue
7:00-11:00 pm, $10, all-ages, non-smoking

Okay, I’ll say it up front – the band name Mustard Plug intrigues me, is a gross way. I’m not a big mustard user so when I annually grab the bottle from the fridge invariably the tip is jammed with crusty mustard and, well, you can picture the rest. I think that naming bands must be way harder than naming children. After all, it’s acceptable to have a bunch of kids named Silas running around but two bands with the same name is trouble. It was only a matter of time before a band was named Mustard Plug.

This is not Mustard Plug’s first at time in the ES Jungle, they were a big hit before. They will be joined by local bands Lockstep, Like Bats, and One Punch Knockout.

If you haven’t been to a show at ES Jungle you’re in for a treat. It’s exactly the kind of venue you picture for all ages shows in a basement. There is a low stage, plenty of room to either dance or stand with a smattering of sofas around the room and parents hanging in the back of the room. I’ve been to some great shows there – check it out.

Mustard Plug http://www.myspace.com/mustardplug
Lockstep http://www.myspace.com/lockstepgotsoul
Like Bats http://www.myspace.com/likebats
One Punch Knockout http://www.myspace.com/onepunchknockoutpunk


Reviews:


I didn’t get the chance to see any music in the last two weeks – unless you count the band playing in the hotel in the Bahamas (I just had to throw that in) and I goofed up on the date of the show I’d really been looking forward to (see apology above). So I’ll pick back up where we left off at the Austin City Limits Festival in October. We’re up to day two of the three day event.

Saturday, October 3, 2009
Austin City Limits Festival

Where we left off: I had a photo pass for the show which means that I got to be in the photo pit, right in front of the bands for the first three songs of their set. I quickly caught on to the etiquette and rules of the pit. Almost everyone was great and helpful, and I spent the first day mostly trying to stay out of the way of the “real” photographers and their thousands of dollars of equipment. I had my extra lens in a pouch clipped to my over-the-shoulder Marigold bag and an extra memory card. The other guys (I say guys because the photog ratio was about 90% men, not that I was complaining) had two or three cameras and bags full of lenses and little step stools and accessories.

I didn’t want the story of Saturday to be about the rain, but it was raining. Hard. For a long time. I soon discovered that it leveled the field in the photo pit. For one thing the pit was a pit. Mucky and muddy. Luckily I’d hauled boots with me and all of our camera equipment looked the same under trash bags with holes poked in them for the lens to stick out. We looked like a classy bunch. None of were as concerned with keeping ourselves dry as we were about the equipment.

The first show I hit was Deer Tick. I’d just seen the charming lads the month before at Locals Only. They did a great job and I was thrilled to be among thousands of folks watching them instead of standing with fifty other people.

With liberal stops to the media tent for drying off, well it was not so much drying off as sluicing the water from my poncho I saw The Felice Brothers, Mute Math and Grizzly Bear. It was really pouring by the time Flogging Molly started.

The American Celtic punk band joked that the weather reminded them of a nice day in Ireland. They played an intense set to a very soggy crowd. I’m a bit of a worrier and I was concerned about the rain/electric instrument mix but everyone was okay.

I hated to go back to the media area between bands but it was the only way to half-way get the water off and dry off the camera. The area had a few open tents in the middle so we’d all crowd under them for a few minutes until the water that was pooled at the top splattered on us.

With a quick stop at the…And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead set I walked to the big stage where The Levon Helm Band was playing. Levon Helm is a rock icon (drummer for The Band) who has been a part of the rock scene since there’s been a scene. He’ll be 70 this year and has survived throat cancer. He now hosts The Midnight Rambler Sessions at his home studio in Woodstock featuring live performances by the likes of Emmylou Harris and Elvis Costello.

I loved every second of Levon Helm’s set. He sounded great and looked genuinely happy. His drum kit was at the front of the stage and he kept looking out on the crowd and laughing. And the sun came out during is set. We were all able to peel of a few layers of plastic and sloshed out of the photo pit laughing.

I swung by The Decemberists set to check out the Portland, OR indie band. They are worthy of all of the buzz. Lush songs layered with accordion, organ and upright bass played by ethereal pretty youngsters. What’s not to like?

I was starting to get nervous about my next photo gig. Having a photo pass did not get you automatic entry to all of the stages, some bands required extra credentials. In a cocky moment back in Indianapolis I applied for all of them. All of the applications asked for concert photo samples so I sent photos from the Indiana State Fair tractor parade. I almost fell over when I saw my name on all of the photo lists but one (Pearl Jam). Either no one looks at that stuff or they had a sense of humor.

And that is how I came to have a photo pass for Dave Matthews. I’ll put it right out there. I’m not a rabid Dave Matthews fan. I don’t dislike him, I’ve just never been tempted to go to a concert or buy a CD or tee shirt. And now I was standing just five feet from the stage where the extra beefy security dudes went over the rules with us. Which were basically the same rules (no flash, only shoot during the first three songs) as everywhere else but delivered by someone that I was sure could pick me up with one hand.

All of the stages had a dedicated place for the photographers to enter. I soon learned that “stage left” was my right. Not that I’m real handy with the left/right thing. The big stage had an awkward entrance. First of all it was the opposite side of the other eight stages and it was tucked against a beer vendor, and rows of Porta Potties. Add that thousands of people had been waiting for hours in the rain to see Dave Matthews and getting to the entrance was no picnic. Luckily I’d given myself half an hour to make the five minute walk and I got there with just a few minutes to spare.

All twenty of us were herded into the pit just in time for the rain to start again. I talked to some fans that had been staking out their spot for twelve hours! I offered to take their photo with their camera and soon I was handed dozens of cameras. Just as I was wondering if I’d broken some sort of cool photographer code I noticed some of the other guys doing it too.
Once the music started I came to have a new appreciation of Dave Matthews. He’s good at what he does and plays like he’s enjoying himself. And watching the crowd was a treat. Tens of thousands of people twirly dancing and singing along was amazing.

Once the three songs were over the security dudes literally pushed us out. I was already packed up and near the entrance when the group toppled in to a sudden stop. There was no way out. The crowd was blocking the entrance. Behind us were beefy guys yelling, “out!” In front of us were drunken barefooted fans pushing us back.

My timid, just hang back and observe the photo pit days were over and my years of waitressing instinct kicked in. “Camera’s up!,” I yelled, holding mine over my head like a cocktail tray and I snaked us over the people through the beer tent (with a polite, “excuse us please”) and behind the potties. When we finally popped out behind the crowd we stood in the rain and laughed and high-fived. I felt like one of the gang.

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 6, no 24

Austin City Limits Festival, continued
Friday, October 2, 2009


The first day of the Austin City Limits Festival (ACLF) was beautiful. And I had a photo pass, which meant that I could be in the “pit” in front of the stage. This was the first time I’d ever had a photo pass -- or a fancy enough camera to qualify for one. I quickly learned the system – you could only shoot the first three songs, no flash and stay out of the way of the stage crew and security. I added my own rules. Let the big guys (CNN, Rolling Stone and Paste) snap first, stay the hell out of the way and look like I belonged. I soon learned my way around the pit. Everyone was nice and takes a turn in front of the stage, I learned how to walk crouched down and backwards and shoot, to change lenses between songs and that stage right means to my left. Having a photo pass also keeps you on a schedule. Generally you have to be in the pit by the time the first song starts or you’re out of luck. Some stages wanted you to sign a release promising to just publish the photos in one publication and others needed special permission. I just about fell over when I saw my name on the list of approved photographers for Dave Matthews.

I stared day one of the festival with the Avett Brothers (reviewed in the last issue vol. 6, no. 23). I also caught part of the Texas swing band, Asleep at the Wheel’s set and a chunk of the indie darlings, Blitzen Trapper. The last time I saw Blitzen Trapper I was leaning against a speaker cabinet at Locals Only, I waved but I don’t think they recognized me. It was a blast to see them playing to thousands of enthusiastic people.

I ran to see the barefoot and always charming Todd Snider from there. Todd played an acoustic solo set, which is my favorite way to hear a singer-songwriter, especially a smart/clever/funny writer like Todd. Todd swings through Indianapolis at least once a year and I try not to miss him.

The next act I caught was sentimental favorite, Daniel Johnston. I admit that I knew nothing about him, but he’s an Austin staple and cult favorite. The documentary, The Devil and Daniel Johnston,” followed him in his musical and mental heath journey, winning an award at the Sundance Film Festival. I enjoyed Daniel’s set and wish I would have done some research about him ahead of time.

I’ve been a fan of Robyn Hitchcock since his days in the New Wave band, The Soft Boys. When your name is Nora it is hard to find things with your name on it. I’d always look longingly at the racks of bicycle license plates, pencils and shot glasses hoping I’d find one with my name. In literature Nora tends to be the upstairs maid or spinster aunt (we’re hitting a little too close to home here). I was thrilled to hear The Soft Boys, “Ugly Nora,” and took at as a compliment. Robyn was playing with another rock icon, Peter Buck from REM. I did my best to look like I belonged, not swoon or yell out, “Ugly Nora!”

From there I raced to see Them Crooked Vultures, the super-power trio of Dave Grohl (Nirvana)), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). Talk about rock royalty! I was nervous even standing in from of them! What did they sound like? The guy from Queens of the Stone Age singing and playing guitar with the bass player from Led Zeppelin and the drummer from Nirvana. I’m not good a comparisons, but that one was easy! And I must say, Dave Grohl looked happy has hell to be back behind the drums where he belongs (he plays guitar in his other project, The Foo Fighters).

I had a hard time choosing between the last acts of the night, the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs or Kings of Leon. I decided to check out the Nashville family band (three brothers and a cousin), Kings of Leon. They’ve got some good genes going on! I can see why they are favorites of a wide range of folks. They’re talented and have swooningly good looks and harmonize beautifully. In the last year they’ve morphed from wooly bearded garage rockers to shiny pretty art-rockers. And I’m okay with that!

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 6. no 23

Preview:
Tonic Gallery
Friday, November 20, 2009 5:00-9:00
AV Framing Gallery
1139 Shelby Street, Fountain Square
free, all-ages

The Tonic Gallery features the work of thirty amazing artists with the sales to benefit Second Helpings. Bidding starts at $100 with the buy it now price of $400. The collection is fabulous and includes art from Kyle Ragsdale, Larry Endicott, Kipp Normand, James Sholly and Jeremy Efroymson. There are several things I have my eyes on. I just need more wall space!

http://avframinggallery.com
www.secondhelpings.org


Tonic Ball 8
Celebrating the songs of Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin
Friday, November 20, 2008, 7:00 pm
Radio Radio (21+) and Fountain Square Theatre (all-ages)
$20 to benefit Second Helpings, non-smoking

As many of you know, I love my awesome job as director of operations for Second Helpings- a food rescue, job training and hunger relief agency serving greater Indianapolis. As you may not know, I learned about Second Helpings from my work as a committee member for the Tonic Ball.

The Tonic Ball features more than thirty musical artists – folk, jazz, funk, country, rock and pop playing the songs of Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin. If you are motivated you can try to see all of the bands, but it would be a challenge. You could easily see fifteen with no fuss. In Radio Radio each band will play a Led Zeppelin song and one of their own, with only ten minutes between bands. Right next door in the Fountain Square Theatre bands will be playing Bob Dylan songs with only five minutes between bands. It’s fast and fun and full of good music and cheer. It really is my favorite night of the year.
The lineup in phenomenal –

Radio Radio (Led Zeppelin stage)
Bat Tattoo, The Misprintz, The Old Fair and Square Band, Ebenezer and the Hymnasters, The Last Domino, Frankie Camaro’s Atomic Bombay, Big Betty, Yoko Moment, We’re Not Squibnocket, Jennie DeVoe, The Cocaine Wolves, Brian Deer and the Achievers, The Common, Healing Sixes, Bigger Than Elvis and Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes.

Fountain Square Theater (Bob Dylan stage)
Cliff Snyder, Ladymoon, Sanuk, Coolidge, Jeff Byrd and the Wingmen, Jon Strahl Band, CW and the Working Class Trio, The Odyssey Favor, Luke Austin Daugherty Jam Band, Joel Henderson, Everest, Susan and the Desperate Seekers, Jon Martin and…, Shelby Kelley, Brian Deer and the Achievers, Tad Armstrong, Mardelay, Everthus the Deadbeats, Everything Now!, Otis Gibbs and The Vulgar Boatmen.

I’ll see you there – I’ll be the one running around like a nut grinning from ear to ear.

www.secondhelpings.org

Long overdue review:
Austin City Limits Festival (part one)
Zilker Park, Austin, TX
October 2 – 4, 2009

I can’t believe it has been over a month since the Austin City Limits Festival! I had a wonderful time and got to see a ton of music and shoot photos with the big kids. I swooped in to Austin a few days early to visit friends and soak in some sunshine. The first night I got to hang out with three Indianapolis-to-Austin music folks. Guitar player extraordinaire Aaron Stroup (Middletown) gave me a quick tour of Austin that included seeing Jazz great Stanley Smith and his band the Jazz Pharaohs at the Elephant Room. From there we headed to Stubbs BBQ - I was bummed that there was not a BBQ rib in site, but I did hear some great music and got to catch up with Cameron Smith, former talent booker for Verizon Music Center and the Murat. Cameron now teaches venue management the University of Texas – Austin.

The first day of the Austin City Limits Festival was amazing. The weather was perfect and I had a photo pass. One of the first things I heard when I got to the media tent was the Avett Brothers playing an acoustic set for one of the local television stations. Not only do you stumble across musical acts at in the media tent, but also they have food, drinks, Wi-Fi and most importantly Porta potties – with sinks!

The photo pass meant that I got to stand in front of the stage of the first three songs of each band. It was my first experience in the photo pit, so I did a good amount of standing back and watching to see with the pros were doing. Everyone was super-polite and helpful. One of the first bands I photographed was the Avett Brothers. I first saw them at the Midwest Music Summit in 2005 on the porch of the Monkey’s Tale. We’ve all come a long way since then! The talented – and dare I say, dreamy brothers Seth and Scott Avett with bassist Scott Crawford rocked the bluegrassy set and had the crowd entranced – and me hooked being that close to the band.

I’ll continue with the ACLF review in future columns.

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 6, no 20

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette


I’m headed to the Austin City Limits Festival! I had a blast last year and this year promises to be even more fun! Indianapolis’ own Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band are playing Sunday, October 4. I have a photo pass and bought a fancy new camera lens for the festival. I’ll try not to take too many pictures of my feet.

Butler Scion Free Music Thursdays
Locals Only
2449 E. 56th Street
21+, free, 8:00 pm


Music on Thursdays at Locals Only is taking a little turn starting in October. The shows are free and back to smoking. October 1: Mardelay. October 8: Win With Willard. October 15: The Right Now and Xeno Bia Green.

The INDIEana Handicraft Exchange
Friday October 2nd 2009 6PM-9PM
Saturday October 3rd 2009 10AM-6PM
Harrison Center for the Arts
1505 N Delaware Street
free, all ages, non-smoking


I hate it that I will be out of town for this. The INDIEana Handicraft Exchange is to highlight local crafters and artisans as well as to expose Indianapolis to some of the best vendors on the national indie craft fair circuit. From their press release: Most of the products sold by IHE artists serve the dual purpose of art and function and range from the beautiful to the irreverent, from the adorable to the slightly sinister, from the hysterical to the just plain bizarre. Vendors may use traditional crafting techniques but they express contemporary themes and design. Vendors offer a range of unique handmade goods from wooden jewelry to fanciful undergarments, from custom vintage-inspired western wear to stationery, from plush animals to natural bath and body goodies, from hand-screened rock ‘n' roll poster art to pop culture icon finger puppets and much, much more.

IHE will feature 70+ vendors, live roller girls, live music by the Shirtless Biddles, Mandy Marie Luke & Mo Foster, The Jack Davies, Julia Schafer & D. Mark Conway, Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun, and A Squared DJs, as well as giveaways of many fantastic raffle prizes donated by our vendors and sponsors.

Admission into the fair is FREE to the public. Raffle tickets are sold for $2 each, three for $5 or 7 for $10. Patrons may obtain additional raffle tickets by bringing children's arts and craft supplies, or children's art books, for donation at the door the day of the event. Money made from raffle ticket sales is used to purchase arts and craft supplies for select Indianapolis area public school art programs. Prizes for the raffle are donated by our vendors and local, independent business sponsors. The event is kid-friendly, but some artists’ work features the occasional dirty word or sexual image, so parents might want to take a gander before their little ones get an eye full.

Mike Stagliano (from The Bachelorette), Todd Carey, Tyler Burgardt, Jovian Mons
Sunday, October 4, 2009, 7:30
Birdy’s
2131 E. 71st St
21+, $12

I’ve only watched one season of the The Bacherlor/Bacherlorette series, but I find it fascinating. Michael Stagliano was on the on the last season and from everything I read he was a charming as could be. Now is your big chance to see the singer-songwriter up close.
www.birdyslive.com

Julie Neumark, Dave Carducci, Chad Mills, Carrie Pietz
Monday, October 5, 2009
Birdy’s
2131 E. 71st St
21+

Continuing with Birdy’s musicians you’ve seen on television….actress singer-songwriter Julie Neumark is performing. You might recognize her from the Gilmore Girls and Mad About You. She’d been secretly writing songs since her childhood in Cincinnati, but it wasn’t until a role called for her to play guitar that she picked one up and gave herself a crash course. Soon touring won out over acting parts and she’s been on the road ever since.
David Carducci is touring the Julie, is also based in Los Angles. He’s played everywhere from busking in Santa Monica to jamming with Loudon Wainwright III for a documentary.

Chad Mills has a steady stream of gigs, but I was happy to see his name the Birdy’s lineup – closer to home. Carrie Pietz is an Indianapolis based singer-songwriter. I think this will be a solo gig for her, but her band includes former Gazette writer, Ashley Plummer (the Peggy Sues).

www.julieneumark.com
www.chadmillslive.com
www.myspace.com/carriepietzandthesunnyd
http://davecarducci.com
www.birdyslive.com

Jeff's Birthday Bingo Bash w/ The Playboy Psychonauts and Charlie Krone
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Birdy’s
2131 E. 71st St
21+, 6:00 – 8:00 beer tasting, 8:30 –ish for the birthday fun.

Jeff Sample (music booker extraordinaire and Upper Room bartender) is celebrating his birthday with bingo, beer and music. The Playboy Psychonauts and Charlie Krone of the Born Again Floozies will play. Cavalier Distributing is hosting a beer tasting from 6-8pm.

www.birdyslive.com

Broad Ripple Music Fest
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Vogue
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Broad Ripple Village venues

I’ll have a full schedule in the next issue, but I want you to save the dates. And you should probably buy a ticket now for the Friday night kickoff at the Vogue. The concert features the original lineup of Johnny Socko, The Pieces and Mad Lab.

I also want to put a bug in your ear about the Emerging Artists stage at Birdy’s on Saturday. I’m a huge fan of Matthew (Dirty Matt) Aaron’s photography. His band, Endiana, is playing. The band is made up of Matt (vocals), Scott Manning (guitar), Tim Fuller (bass), Tim Gray (drums) and Nick Jones (keyboard). The rest of the lineup looks great too: Eisinore, Stranger Lazy, Harley Poe, Dorsey, Eisenhower Field Day, Beta Male and Hey Hey Melodica.

www.broadripplemusicfest.com

Cari Ray CD release concert
- also a benefit for The Project School
October 17, 2009
Basile Auditorium ,Indianapolis Art Center
820 E 67th Street
7:00 pm, all-ages, non-smoking, $15

I’ve been listening to Cari Ray’s new CD, Always On, for a few weeks now. Cari is an excellent songwriter and storyteller, not to mention singer and guitar player. She writes songs that speak to any heartbreak and joy in relationships and families that we’ve all experienced, yet are uniquely her own. Listening to the record reminds me a bit of another outstanding singer-songwriter, Carrie Newcomer.

www.cariray.com
www.theprojectschool.org


Reviews:
The ReachArounds
Locals Only
Thursday, September 24

I always have a blast when I see these guys play. The play a fun mix of Scott Sanders originals, and rock and bluesy covers. I can guarantee a danceable good time every time you see The ReachArounds.

Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 4. no 21

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Review:
Austin City Limits Festivals
Zilker Park, Austin Texas
September 26-28

Friday, September 26, 2008
ACLF Day One

I had the great opportunity to attend the Austin City Limits Festival -- and I had a media pass, which made it extra fun. I started really getting excited about the festival on the plane. My seatmate was attending for the third year in a row. John gave me lots of good tips on transportation, restaurants and other good stuff. I was impressed how the whole city wrapped their arms around the festival from the greetings at the airport to my 84 year-old uncle giving me tips about getting around the venue.

The weather was great, for Austin anyway, for the festival- high 80s, low 90s each day. Because of a series of unfortunate events (mostly involving exchanging my rental car and losing three hours), I arrived at the park much later that I wanted to and was worried that I wouldn’t make it to the make it to pick up my pass before the cutoff time. I leapt off the shuttle bus with fifteen minutes to spare. I raced through bike racks, people with clipboards pitching Green Peace and strollers and skidded to a stop in front of the media table with seven minutes to spare. I know, without a doubt that if I would have missed getting the pass you would have found me sitting on the sidewalk sobbing.

Once my wristband was safely around my wrist, I calmed down and looked around the media area. It just happened to be happy hour. I tried my first and last Red Bull and vodka; I ditched it and grabbed water instead. The media corner is tucked in the shade, which proved to be a lifesaver over the weekend.

All of the local radio stations had areas for interviews and live broadcasts. There was a stage for interviews and such. In the middle there was a tent with tables, power, computers and Internet access for us writer-types. After taking advantage of the air-conditioned, big-as-my-bathroom at home porta-potty I launched myself out in to the fray.

I started by walking around the parameter of the park and checked out the location of the eight stages. I couldn't believe how many people were there. The food area was full of local vendors and the art section was full of local art, clothes and jewelry. I bought a bag of the best kettle popcorn I've ever eaten, and trust me when I say that. I consider kettle corn a food group. The other side of the venue had an autograph tent, a Waterloo records tent and a giant tee shirt and merch tent.

David Byrne had a huge crowd. I stood at the back of the crowd, and when I say back of the crowd I mean that I was behind thousands of people. ACLF has giant screens that project the sets. Byrne played a great mix of Talking Head tunes and songs from his collaboration with Brian Eno. And let me tell you, Byrne and his band can get away with white after Labor Day. They looked and sounded great!

I'm a huge Ryan Bingham fan, and he was playing at the same time as David Byrne – the first of many hard choices. As it turned out, Ryan and the Dead Horses had a big crowd also. I discovered the 'back stage' entrance and the guy watching the “door” let me through with my media wristband. And then another guy waved me up the stairs to the stage. Suddenly I was standing next to the guitar tech, just a few feet away from Ryan and the band. Holy crap! It was wild to look out on the sea of thousands of faces dancing also to the music. I can't imagine what it must be like to play for all of those folks.

Ryan invited Doug Moreland, who as it turned out was standing next to me, to play violin. They rocked though two songs with Doug and then Ryan said they were going to "turn it up," and they sure did! The stage was shaking with the intense playing and stomping. I peeked around a stack of amps and the crowd was matching the band's force with dancing and clapping. I stood there like a proud Aunt, grinning from ear-to-ear at Ryan's success.

We were hustled off stage for the last song. I stood at a table next to the stage stairs, jotted some notes and watched the hospitality area action. There was plenty of fun to be had and the drinks were flowing. I hung back, munching popcorn like I was watching a movie.

Ryan and the band came flying down the stairs after the show and Ryan barely made it to the last step before people swarmed him with congratulations on the great set. I hung around for a few minutes, waiting my turn to chat with Ryan. I talked to his bass player, Elijah Ford for a minute, reminding him of the Birdy's show and how they had to drive through torrential rains to get there. I snuck in to shake Ryan's hand and geekily told him that was a big fan and had written about him and his Indianapolis show. I reminded him that we couldn't connect for a phone interview since he was performing on Conan O'Brien instead. He apologized with a very charming "I'm sorry ma'am." I told him that I was sure he'd made the right decision. I mentioned that I thought there were more people watching him from the stage than were at the Birdy's show. He laughed and said the thought today was the most people he'd played for. I slipped out of the backstage area before I was tempted to grab a beer.

I was hoping to catch up with Indianapolis-to-Austin transplant Cameron Smith. In Indianapolis Cameron booked national acts at Verizon, the Murat and Birdy's. Cameron was the one who clued me in on the festival in the first place, which started the ball rolling for me to attend. He teaches a course at the University of Texas, Austin on artist and venue management. I know from our Facebook friendship that he is a huge Alejandro Escovedo fan. I had a feeling that if I hung around the opening to the backstage area when Alejandro was playing I'd run in to Cameron. That was a pretty bold plan considering, the thousands of people packed around the stage. It worked! Cameron and his friend, Kyle actually found me and soon we were standing on the stage. I think my favorite part of the festival was watching Cameron watch Alejandro.             

Cameron told me lots of great stuff while we were watching. Susan Voelz, the violin player was part of Melloncamp's band and in one of my favorite bands, Poi Dog Pondering. The cello player, Brian Standefe is an I.U. grad. Alejandro Escovedo had a residency at the Continental Club in Austin and Cameron told me how cool to see the songs unfolding each week. The result of the residency was the new album "Real Animal." Cameron pointed out the waitresses from the Continental dancing next to the band, like they do when Alejandro plays the club. The band played shout-outs to Iggy Pop and Joe Strummer. Not only are the band members great instrumentalists, but also they harmonize beautifully.

We walked over to hear a bit of Manu Chao. His music mixes several languages and genres - Latin, pop, reggae and techno. Hearing just few songs was enough for me; I parted from the guys and started the trek home. In Nora fashion, I walked the wrong direction for what seemed like forever. I really do have the sense of direction of a doughnut. Every trip seems to include at least one u-turn. It really stinks when I’m on foot.

Saturday, September 27, 2008
ACLF Day Two

I keep getting to ACLF much later than I intend to. I'm staying my cousin Sheila’s, lovely house north of town. By the time I write, dip my toes in the pool, and make the drive and park and it is hours later than I've planned on. I decided to check out the local flavor (beer, flavor that is) and met my airplane seatmate, John for a beer at the Ginger Man. I had a lovely Live Oak (Austin) pilsner, and then we made our way to the shuttle buses. I don't think I can rave enough about how well organized and manageable the festival is. It's very impressive how they keep 65,000 people organized.

Robert Earl Keen was first on my must-see list for the day. I've seen REK twice in Indianapolis, first at Birdy's and the last time at the Music Mill. I was anxious to see him on Texas soil. REK is a native Texan who lived and wrote for a newspaper in Austin for a bit. In college he lived next door to Lyle Lovett. They would hang out on the front porch and play. Wouldn't you have loved to hear those jams? "The Front Porch" song was inspired by those nights and both REK and LL often play it as part of their sets.

Robert Earl Keen is a great storyteller, both in his songs and stage banter. I was having a conversation with John earlier about how some musicians should talk between songs. REK is a master at stage banter and is fun to listen to. He told a fun story of seeing Townes Van Zandt play at a place in Austin called I Scream, You Scream. REK swiped the cup TVZ drank from (he still has it and is happy to show it to anyone), before launching in to a Townes Van Zandt song.
I'm a big fan of pedal steel, in fact it makes me swoon. There was plenty of petal steel for me to swoon over. I loved seeing the thousands of people singing and dancing along. His fan base was across the board age-wise. I really enjoyed the set.

I had a Nora moment in the afternoon. I was standing by myself in the media area, trying to look like I belonged there, when a woman walked up and asked if I was “Nora.” Woo hoo! It was Roxanna from WFYI who recognized me from the Red Key. She had Evan from Indianapolis Monthly in tow. I saw a guy wearing a Rock for Riley tee shirt - it was Greg from My Kentucky Blog, a must read for any indie music fan.

I got BBQ’d in a tragic accident with a photographer from Dallas juggling his gear, a plate of brisket and a Coke. I very nerdily ran to the merch tent, purchased a ACLF tee and changed.
After that I caught parts of Spiritulized, John Fogerty and the Yonder Mountain String Band. I joined the throng heading to the Black Keys show. I tried to walk close to the stage (and when I say close, I mean a football field away) and got a little freaked out by the crowd. I wound my way out and headed to the Austin Ventures stage. Roky Erickson's band reminded me of a garage band- in a very good way. He was recently named 'Musician of the Year' at the Austin Music Awards. Erickson was a rock icon in the 1960s Austin but had a rough road to travel, from schizophrenia to shock treatment. With help from his musician friends he is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence of his career.

I bounced between the Beck and Robert Plant/Alison Krauss stages and as some points could hear both bands at once. “Two Turntables and a Microphone/Through the Morning, Through the Night.”

I joined the queue for the buses- walking the right way this time and headed north, with a quick stop to meet John for quick post-show recap beer (Live Oak Hefe-Weizen) at Ginger Man in between. It was fun to listen in on the conversations of other ACLF patrons. One guy said that he suddenly felt less cool the second he saw David Byrne. I totally understood that.

Sunday, September 28,2008
ACLF day three

I started the day off joining my Uncle Bruce for 7:30 Mass. While not very rock-and-roll, it was good for my soul. I waffled, but opted for a nap before I started the trek to town.

Once I arrived I wandered around for a bit, spending a few hours walking around and stopping for music. I heard bits of Gnarls Barkley, Tegan and Sara (who I saw in the media area Saturday), Band of Horses and South Austin Jug Band. I finally got brave and figured out that I could stand in the photo pit for some shows. I heard the first three songs of Austin's Kevin Fowler up close and got some great photos - and a cigarette flicked on me. Another shirt bit the dust. Who knew that music writing could be so hazardous to my wardrobe? Anyway, Kevin Fowler and his band played good-old- boy, sing-along rock and roll.

I joined the masses heading to the buses and was back downtown in less than half an hour. I decided to check out the Continental Club to see Redd Volkaert and I'm glad that I did! Redd and the band, Heybale are amazing. I grabbed a whiskey and stood along the wall watching the band and couples dancing. I was already loving the club- the doorman told me I was "good lookin'" and the bartender was nice and friendly. As you know, pedal steel makes me swoon - when pedal steel player winked at me after a solo it was almost too much for me.

During the break I had fun chatting with the band. The keyboard player, singer Earl Poole Ball, is a legend in his own right.

All of my guitar-playing friends that have heard Redd play want to move to Austin. I'm not kidding. I was stretching the truth just a little bit and teasing Redd that he was not good for my love life. As we were laughing, a guy joined our conversation and asked Redd if he had time to give a guitar lesson the next day. I was trying not to let my jaw drop, but I thought he looked like the guitar player for the Foo Fighters.

Chris: I'm just in town through tomorrow; I'd be honored if you'd have time to work with me.
[Nora’s brain is screaming: You're in town tomorrow because you're taping Austin City Limits show Monday night!]
Redd: Do you play guitar?
[Nora’s brain: to about 50,000 people just two hours ago!]
Chris: I play in a band that played ACLF, the Foo Fighters.
[Nora’s brain: the freaking headliners of ACLF]
Redd: I live about half an hour south, do you have a car?
Chris: I think I can arrange something.
[Nora’s brain: ummm, yea, like the tour bus...or I could drive you...]
Redd: Well, if you can get a ride, here's my number.
[Nora’s brain: should I take a picture? yes, no, yes, no...]

I shook their hands, and took my star-struck self back to the wall where I belonged and concentrated on not stalking Chris or Redd.

I wound up slipping out when the next set started before I got myself in trouble. It was the perfect ending to a great visit to Austin and ACLF.

I’d like to give a big shout-out to the organizers of the festival. As someone who works with volunteers and events, I can't tell you how amazing well ACLF is run.

austin city limits wrap up

Click here for the NUVO print piece. It was hard to boil it down to 400 words!

Be sure to check out Adam Yale's great photographs - here.

austin city limits festival, day three

I'm having a blast!

Read all about it here.

austin city limits festival, day two

More blogging from ACLF here.

ACLF day one

Click here for a quick and dirty post about day one of ACLF.

Click here for Adam Yale's photographs

Austin City Limits Festival

I'm here! 

I'm very excited and more than a little nervous. 

I'll be blogging about the festival here: NUVO Travel Blog

Wheeeeee!

Nora