Indiana State Fair Punchlist

My favorite magazine - Punchnel's let me write about my favorite event - the Indiana State Fair. You can read it right here: http://www.punchnels.com/punchlist/punchlist-week-of-8612/

It's a good day.

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9 no 16 - the Indiana State Fair Edition

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

I love this time of year – Indiana State Fair and all sorts of festivals are popping up. There is music everywhere. I always wish I had planned ahead to take some vacation days. I am going to try to keep up my streak of going to the State Fair every day. I’ll be the one with the goofy grin and dairy cow ring.

Indiana State Fair
Year of the Dairy Cow
Friday, August 3 – Sunday, August 19
gates 8:00 a.m. (6:00 a.m. for balloon race) – 9:00 p.m. Sun-Thurs, 9:30 Fri-Sat
all-ages, gates, $7 advance (CVS, Walmart, box office and more), $10 gate, $18 multi-day passes available

If you’ve even met me, you know I’m an Indiana State Fair junkie. As I kid visiting the State Fair was our version of a family vacation. I still can’t believe that I live close enough to walk or ride my bike. For the last several years I’ve made it to the Fair every single day and I intend to keep the streak alive.

It doesn’t matter what day you go – there are always plenty of free things to do once you get in the Fairgrounds. I spend big chunks of my time at Pioneer Village. The Village is as old as I am (you’ll have to visit the northeast part of the Fairgrounds to figure that out) and features demonstrations of Indiana farm life even older than I am. You can find old-timey music each day on the stage in the Pioneer Village Barn and check out the WLS Barn Dance Tribute Show on Friday, August 10, and Saturday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pioneer Village Opry House.

Make sure that you check on the 4-H projects in the halls in the northwest part of the Fairgrounds. The Open Show (adults and kids can enter projects) is housed in the Ellison Bakery Home and Family Arts Building. The building also has demonstrations and fashion shows through out the run of the Fair. One of my absolute favorite things that happens on the Home and Family Arts Main Stage is the “Introduction to Royalty, County Fair Queens.” The Queens from each county are introduced wearing something that shows their interests. I love how they show off their personalities. I’ve seen the girls wear sports uniforms, costumes representing their home counties, and fancy dresses they’ve made.

While the big name music shows have moved to the Banker’s Life Fieldhouse this year, there is plenty of great free music each day. I’m looking forward to REO Speedwagon on Monday, August 6, 7:00 p.m. on the Free Stage (northwest part of the Grounds) and Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band on Saturday, August 11, 8:00 p.m. on the Free Stage.

There are several other changes in the Fair this year. For the first time multi-day passes are available. For $18 you can purchase a pass that is good for three separate days. And did you know that you can get your hand stamped for a pass-out if you’re coming back later on the same day? This year there is a $5 charge for parking in the infield. You can avoid that by parking on the Rural Street side of Glendale Mall (62^nd and Keystone) and taking the free, air-conditioned shuttle bus. The shuttle leaves every twenty minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day of the Fair. You can also arrive via foot or bike on the Monon Trail. Pedal & Park will watch your bike in their corral by Gate 18 and you’ll receive a $1 off voucher for your admission to the Fair. The Fair Train runs from Fishers (Government Center at 116^th Street) every 90 minutes starting at 8:30 each day (adults $9, children 2-12 $6). I’ve always wanted to ride the train but couldn’t justify driving to Fishers to take the train when I could walk there in 10 minutes. My dear brother pointed out that I could ride round trip from the Fairgrounds to Fishers and back instead. I’ll make sure I do that this year.

Make sure you visit IndianaStateFair.com for more details and grab a program on your way in. It is chockfull of information about entertainment, where and when to see your favorite animals, shows, competitions, and other information.

I’ll see you there!

Indy CD & Vinyl 10^th Anniversary Celebrations
Saturday, August 4, 2012 (11:00 – 9:00) – All-day sale and performances
Tuesday, August 7, 2012 (7 p.m.)– Reverend Peyton and His Big Damn Band

806 Broad Ripple Ave

all-ages, free,  

I wish there was more space to tell you exactly how cool Indy CD & Vinyl is, but it would take up with whole paper. You’ll just have to pop in and see for yourself.

They are celebrating their 10^th anniversary with a bash on Saturday, August 4 featuring big sale and awesome in-store concerts – by some of my favorite folks, no less: Richard Edwards (of Margot & The Nuclear So & So’s), Hotfox, Rocketbot, and Adam James Sorenson.

On Tuesday August 7, Reverend Peyon & His Big Damn Band will play a special record release show at 7:00 p.m. I strongly suggest that you not miss the chance to see them in such an intimate venue.

www.indycdandvinyl.com
margotandthenuclearsoandsos.net
hotfoxmusic.bandcamp.com
www.adamjamessorensen.com
www.bigdamnband.com

Steven Pratt Punk Rock Wake and Benefit Show
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
21+, doors 7:00/show 9:00, $5 donation

I wish I could say that I knew Steven better. He was a great drummer and I enjoyed his performances in several punk/hard core bands, - The Retreads, The Slammies, Drunko, The Mighty John Wayne’s, and a couple with names not suitable for a family newspaper. Steven moved to Hollywood a few years ago and I enjoyed keeping up with him on facebook.

He died after an altercation after band practice in a warehouse space in Los Angles. His family and friends are holding a wake for Steve at the Melody Inn. Steven’s old bands are playing and there will be a mic open for telling Steven stories.

Bands performing:

Phony Beatlemania (Clash Cover Band featuring members from America Owns The Moon, We Are Hex, Gestalts, and The Happy Thoughts), The Mighty John Wayne's, and Drunko. 

www.melodyindy.com
stevetprattmemorialfund.chipin.com

Indy Hostel Folk Festival
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Indy Hostel
4903 Winthrop Ave
all-ages, 12.50 presale/$15 at door/ read below for family pricing, 3:00 – 11:00 p.m.

If you haven’t been to the Hostel yet, now is your chance. And it’s just up the Monon Trail from the State Fair Grounds, so you can take a page from my book and do both things in one day. It’s fun - try it! Not only will there be great music, but it’s one of the shadiest yards in town. 

This is the second year for the Indy Hostel Folk Festival and it promises to be even bigger and better. The Hostel has added a second outdoor stage so the music will never end. The Spud Puppies are headlining the show. Other acts include  Old Truck Revival, Bro Slaw, Chicago-based Adam James Sorensen, Barbara Bell and the Whipstitch Sallies.

The day promises to be family-friendly with activities planned for the kiddos. You can bring your own drinks and snacks (they’ll pack your elephant ear from the Fair to go if you ask). There might be a food truck or two also. Bring blankets or chairs for seating.

I am often asked about the Hostel. People often confuse a hostel with a half-way or ‘flop’ house.' It’s quite the opposite. The Hostel is bright and airy and full of adventurous travelers, often from other countries. Pop in anytime for a tour of the dormitory-style lodging. The neighborhood is great – and I’m not just saying that because I live down the street.

You can purchase presale tickets for 12.50 at Indy Hostel. Kids under 8 years-old free, 8-12 just $5.00.

www.indyhostel.us

Locals Only Benefit Show
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Locals Only
2449 E. 56^th Street
21+, $8.00, doors at 4:30

The countdown has begun for the August 18^th ending of Locals Only being in their current space. The proceeds from this all-day concert will go to help Locals Only in their quest to open in a new venue. There will be the always-excellent food available, cleaning out the bar drink specials, local art on display. 

The musical line up is:

5:00-5:50 Ed Trauma (DJ)
5:50-6:15 El Carnicero (DJ)
6:15-6:35 Mic Sol & Ace One
6:40-7:25 Audio Recon
7:40-8:05 s.a.i.n.t. RECON
8:20-8:50 Rhinoceros Beetle
9:10-9:45 Cut Camp
10:00-10:45 Max Allen Band
11:05-11:50 Blackberry Jam
12:10-12:55 Harley Poe
12:55-1:10 DJ Ridge
1:10-1:40 ATFU w/ Eratic
1:40-2:10 Heavy Gun

Come out to salute one of the biggest supporters of local music in our great city.

localsindy.com

Sausagefest
Friday, August 17 & Saturday, August 18, 2012
St. Thomas Aquinas
4600 N. Illinois
all-ages, free

Yep, it’s a festival that features sausage, beer, and music. What’s not to love? The beer brewed by SunKing, the sausage is from Goose the Market, Gunthrop Farms, and L.E. Kincaid, and the musical lineup includes local bands. There are games for both kiddos and adults.

Buy a beer mug and tickets for food and beer when you arrive and dive right in! I don’t have enough room to list the full music lineup, but it includes Flatland Harmony Experiment, Dugan Brothers, 3:1, Bill Rumely's Class Trip and more.

photos from the Ramble at Radio Radio

The Indianapolis Star used a few of my photos from the Ramble at Radio Radio. 

Jon Martin

Click here to see them. 

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9, no 15

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Teddy Geiger with Jesse Ruben

Monday, July 23, 2012
Birdy’s Bar and Grill
2131 E. 71^st Street
21+, doors 7:30, show 8:30, $10 presale, $12 day of show

Teddy Geiger is barely old enough to legally go to Birdy’s, but he’s been performing for years.

His debut album, "Underage Thinking," entered the Billboard Top 200 at #8 and produced a million-selling Top 10 single, "For You I Will" – when Teddy was just 16.

Not only is Teddy a great singer and songwriter, he’s proficient on a number of instruments including guitar, bass, piano and drums.

Teddy is popular with both fans and critics. "Teddy Geiger projects an easy charm along with his real pop chops," raved The New York Times while People magazine, in a three-and-a-half star "Critic's Choice" review, predicted that "Teddy Geiger should have a long career ahead of him."

Teddy's energetic new school pop, described as being in the spirit of rock's glory days, earned him spots on shows featuring Gavin DeGraw, Kelly Clarkson, and Hilary Duff's #1 pop tour. Teddy has shared bills with Brandi Carlile, Pete Yorn.  My favorite Teddy fact? He was first man to grace the cover of Seventeen magazine in five years.

The equally as talented and young Jesse Ruben will be opening the show.

www.teddygeiger.com
www.birdyslive.com

Old Truck Revival CD Release Show
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Locals Only
2449 E. 56^th Street
8:00 pm, 21+, $5.

The band, Old Truck Revival, is “Junk Box Mike” Calvert and John Bowyer, occasionally joined by some of their musical friends. They are hosting a Hillbilly Music Festival to celebrate the release of their first CD, “Oweda.” Joining them on the bill are Punkin Holler Boys and The Fabulous Slim Tones.

The evening will be a great mix of Bluegrass, Newgrass, Folk, and everything that is great about music. I hear a rumor that there might be a prize or two for the best dressed down outfit of the night.

www.oldtruckrevival.com/

www.localsonlyindy.com/

www.punkinhollerboys.com/

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9 no 14

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

           

Kink Ador (Nashville), Vaudevileins (Chicago), Black Lions
Friday, July 6, 2012
The Historic Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
doors 9:00, show 10:00, $5. 21+,

Kink Ador is just darling – and talented. Based in Nashville, TN they are fronted by lead vocalist, bass player, and trumpeter Sharon Koltick, and backed by guitar player, Nicklas Hamilton, and drummer Pearce Harrison. Their sound is described as intense, sexy and straight up rock. They’ve been winning contests and contracts and the hearts of audiences since 2009. Catch them while they’re still playing smaller (yet excellent) venues.

www.kinkador.com
www.melodyindy.com

Woody Guthrie Celebration
Irvington Neighborhood
Friday, July 6 – Saturday, July 14, 2012
all events are free, and all ages

The Irvington neighborhood is hosting a weeklong celebration of the life of Woody Guthrie. Irvington resident, Stan Denski had the idea for a little concert to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Woody’s  birthday and it turned in to a week of celebration. The festivities start on July 6 and end on the 100^th anniversary of Woodie’s birth. There is something for everyone. Check out the schedule.

FRIDAY JULY 6 – The Underground (inside Bookmamas Book Store, 9 S.Johnson Avenue) Celebration of Woody Guthrie in Song & Poetry with performances by Stan Denski, Bill Shaefer & JJ, Chris Wolf, Caleb Hawkins, Dave Salamone, Mac Bellner, Jake Walker, with readings by Celestial Panther and Writers Speak Volumes. 7 pm.

SATURDAY JULY 7 – Bound for Glory (1976) Film version Of Woody Guthrie’s autobiography starring David Carradine. Irvington Public Library 5625 East Washington Street, 5 pm showing.

SUNDAY JULY 8 – Music at Lazy Daze Coffeehouse, 10 S.Johnson Avenue, Brad Odom & Friends Celebrate Woody Guthrie.

MONDAY JULY 9 – Ain’t Got No Home. Documentary film on the life of Woody Guthrie from the PBS American Masters Series. Irvington Public Library, 3:30 pm. // Woody Guthrie: Life & Times a talk & performance by Frank Watson, Caleb Hawkins & Mac Bellner. Irvington Public Library, 6:30 pm.

TUESDAY JULY 10 – Second showing of the film Bound for Glory (1976) Irvington Public Library 5 pm // Presentation & discussion of John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, Bookmamas Book Store 7 pm.

WEDNESDAY JULY 11 – Trivia Contest on Woody Guthrie & Bob Dylan, Black Acre Brewing, 5632 East Washington Street 8 pm (*over 21). // Songs of the Great Folk Scare, Mark Proctor, Lazy Daze Coffeehouse.

THURSDAY JULY 12 – Talk and performance, Talkin’ Union: Woody Guthrie and the Struggle of Organized Labor, by Rick Garrett, Bookmamas Book Store, 7 pm.

FRIDAY JULY 13 – Music by Donn Smith and Caleb Hawkins at Lazy Daze Coffeehouse 7 pm.

SATURDAY JULY 14 – Woody Guthrie Birthday Jamboree, Ellenberger Park, Irvington,1 pm until dusk. Performances by: Dan Welling, Caleb Hawkins, Bill Price & Gordon Bonham, Bill Shaefer & JJ, Dale Lawrence, Patchwork, Ralph Jeffers, Kevin Friedly, Woody Beans, The Punkin Holler Boys, Blue Alchemy, John Barney & The Passengers, Woody Guthrie All Star Jam. Also featuring spoken word and other surprises! Bring a blanket & your instruments!

www.facebook.com/WoodyGuthrie100thBirthdayIrvingtonIndianapolis

 

The Wanton Looks with The Sonnets, and Hotel War
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Historic Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
doors 9:00, show 10:00, $5. 21+,

It promises to be a hot and sweat night – in a good way, at the Melody Inn. The Wanton Looks is a Chicago quartet, and not in the way you think of a quartet. These women rock. Hard. They released their eponymous album earlier this year. They’ve been playing live for hundreds of gigs and have sharpened their sound with each show. Traci Trouble, Meg Thomas, Inga Olson and Susie Q. Winn combine punk sensibilities with a metal band attitude. Rumor has it that they will break your hearts with their punk dynamic, stage chemistry, and passion. If it all gets to be too much you can always go light up a cigarette in the Melody’s Smoker’s Garden. 

They will be joined by Chicago’s The Sonnets, and Nashville’s Hotel War. Ironically the Hotel War trio (Justin Nash, Curt Apwisch, and Brandon Fisher) all grew up in Dayton, OH. This will be their first time touring in Indianapolis, in fact they haven’t been touring too long – they formed earlier this year. They sound like they’ve been playing together for a lot longer. Bustown Music Blog  described them as, “think ‘The Black Keys’ meets ‘The White Stripes’ and every band from the 70’s that meant anything at all to rock and roll.” Sounds like fun to me! 

www.melodyindy.com
wantonlooks.com
hotelwarmusic.com

Super Mega Slam Fest
Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 15, 2012
Indy Hostel
4905 Winthrop Ave
all-ages, pre-sale pass $15, pass at door $20, can also buy individual days at door, packages including lodging available

Indy Hostel is hosting a three-day music extravaganza featuring punk/emo/hardcore bands.  There will be two outdoor stages, which will keep the music flowing. 

FRIDAY:

Tesla Armada 5:30 – 5:55, No Coast 6:00 – 6:25, It’s Just Vanity (IL)– 6:30 – 6:55, Souvenirs (CA) – 7:00 – 7:30, Rodeo Ruby Love – 7:35 – 8:05, Indian City Weather – 8:05 – 8:35, Vacation Club – 8:40 – 9:10, You Blew It! (FL)– 9:15 – 9:45, PESSOA – 9:50 – DONE

SATURDAY:

Smallhouse (KY) – 2:00 – 2:20, Off Balance – 2:25 – 2:45, Bleachdrinker - 2:50 - 3:10, Gnarwhal (TN) – 3:15 – 3:40, Dessa Sons (OH) – 3:45 – 4:05, PissArtist – 4:10 – 4:35, Coma Regalia – 4:40 – 5:00, Seventeen Again (MI) – 5:05 – 5:30 – with members of Reptilian and William Bonney - Tall Tales (MI) – 5:35 – 6:00, Kata Sarka 6:05 – 6:25, Droughts (IL) – 6:30 – 7:00, LIBYANS (MA)– 7:05 – 7:25, Big Things - 7:30 – 8:00, Late Ones (IL) – 8:05 – 8:30, Willam Bonney (MI) – 8:35 – 9:00, Opponents 9:05 - DONE

SUNDAY:

Itch 2:00 – 2:20, Wringer 2:25 – 2:45, SRVVLST (OH) – 2:50 – 3:20, Pity Sex (MI) – 3:30 – 4:00, Dead Beach - 4:05 - 4:30, The Greater Good – 4:35- 4:55 , Like Bats (OH) – 5:00 – 5:25, Lord Snow (IL) – 5:30 – 5:55, Fly Painted Feathers 6:00 – 6:25, The Ground Is Lava (OH) – 6:30 – 7:00, Caelume – 7:05-7:30, Dowsing (IL) – 7:35-8:00, Of Arizona – 8:05- DONE

www.indyhostel.us

Nora no 'H' - Nora Ephron

I wrote a piece about the great Nora Ephron for the fabulous Punchnel's. 

I love (and am flattered) by the intro: 


"Admit it. You can’t name any famous Noras besides Nora Ephron. You might have mentally blurted out Norah Jones, but she’s a Nora with an 'h,' so it doesn’t count." Huh. Nora Spitznogle is pretty famous in our book. 

Read the essay here: http://www.punchnels.com/first-person/nora-no-h/

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9 no 12

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette



BRG June 8 – June 21

Eagle Creek Folk Music Festival
Saturday, June 9, noon – 7:00
Sunday, June 10, noon – 5:00
Eagle Creek Park Marina
7840 E. 56^th Street
all ages, free with park admission

The Central Indiana Folk Music &  Mountain Dulcimer Society is hosting two days of music and workshops, with fun for the whole family. Not only can you hear awesome music on the main stage, the kiddos can enjoy the instrument-petting zoo and the Rhythm Kids workshop. 

Saturday’s music includes the Punkin Holler Boys on stage and the Arthur’s Music Irish Tent. Bring your instruments to join the Irish sessions or attend a pennywhistle workshop so you’ll be ready for next year. On Sunday there will also be plenty of music – Gary Kiser and Fred Meyer among others and more workshops.

Bring a picnic lunch, blankets and lawn chairs and settle in for hours of fun.

www.indianafolkmusic.org

Steve Poltz with Chris Wolf
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Locals Only
2449 E. 56^th Street
doors 6:00, show 7:30, 21+, $12

Woo hoo – it’s Steve Poltz time! I’ve been struggling to write about this show and Steve. Not because I don’t have anything to say about him, but because I don’t know where to start. I finally came to the conclusion that my favorite thing about Steve’s shows is his unabashed love of singing and performing and his connection with the audience. His quirky and funny songwriting is a bonus.

Steve has co-written a chart topping song, “You Were Meant for Me,” with then girlfriend, Jewel. He spends a crazy amount of time touring, both in the States and abroad. We’re lucky to get to see Steve in such an intimate venue as Locals Only. 

I knew that Steve and Locals Only proprietor David Queisser were long-time friends, so I asked David how they met. Here’s David’s story. “Steve Poltz and I met each other in San Diego working as coyotes smuggling people into the United States. After we got busted several times (obviously the back of an El Camino is not the way to do it) I suggested to Steve that he should try his hand at music. His unique sound and quippy antics gained him a following and it grew from there. Owing me his career, he gracefully played my last venue, The Hideaway on Hillside several times and followed me to Locals Only after that. Every show in Indianapolis grew a little more from the previous show and now it has become a spectacle like no other this city has ever absorbed.” Well, there you have it. 

I can’t wait for the show. I’ll see you there!

http://poltz.com/.
http://chriswolfsongs.com/
http://localsonlyindy.com

Otis Gibbs and band
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Vogue Theater
6259 N. College Avenue
21+, $8 advance - $10 day of show, 7:00

Our favorite troubadour has moved from Indianapolis to Nashville, but we’re still claiming him as ours. Otis Gibbs has a new album, “Harder than Hammered Hell.” He’s playing a special early show at the Vogue to introduce us to his new record. 

The Vogue will turn into a listening room with chairs and all. Otis’ shows are always a treat and I encourage you to catch it. The evening is sure to be full of great stores, wonderful music, and the joy of being in the same room as so many other awesome fans.

http://otisgibbs.com
www.thevogue.com