Broad Ripple Gazette vol, no 19

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Indy Jazz Fest
Opti Park Concerts
Saturday, September 15, Sunday, September 16, 2012
67^th Street and College Avenue
all-ages, kiddos under 12 free, tickets $30 – 75 (packages available check website)

We are so lucky to have a world-class jazz event in our own backyard. There will be two days of amazing music at Opti Park, with various packages available on the website.

Saturday, September 15
4:00 gates open
5:00 Robert Glasper Exeriment
6:45 Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
8:45 Stanley Clarke/George Duke – Bring it Tour

Sunday, September 16 – Smooth Jazz Tribute to Chuck Workman
2:30 gates open
3:30 Brian Simpson (Dave Koz’ musical director) featuring Maysa (Incognito)
5:15 Gerald Albright
7:15 Brian Culbertson

Free Shuttle Parking is available at the east overflow lot of Glendale Center located at 62nd and Keystone Avenue. Shuttle operating times are Saturday, Sept. 15 from 3:45-11:30p and Sunday, Sept. 16 from 2:15-9:30p. (They promise to not leave you stranded and will run the shuttles later if needed.)

You will need to bring a chair or blanket to the park. No outside food or drinks, pets or umbrellas are allowed. The food and drink vendors accept cash only and there will be an ATM on site.

indyjazzfest.net

Oranje
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Centennial Hall (4-H buildings)
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38^th Street
21+ (ID required), $20, 8:00 pm

I’ve seen many events that tout themselves as an interactive art and music event, but Oranje means it. In fact it can be called an art and music explosion. This is the tenth year for Oranje and it keeps getting bigger and better, while staying fresh and contemporary. The venue changes every year, often held in empty buildings, and always some place that you might not get to see otherwise.

This year’s extravaganza features over twenty artists and over twenty musical acts and DJs. There is truly something for everyone. And it is fun people watching, this is the night to see and be seen each year and the audience dresses accordingly.

Some details: Parking is $5 at the Fairgrounds, but in my experience it’s a good night to plan ahead for a cab.  Most artists will be selling their art, so plan your cash accordingly. The bars will also accept credit cards, and there will be ATMs onsite. Bring your ID, even folks in my age range get carded. Most of all – have a blast!

oranjeindy.com

Celebration of Jane
Sunday, September 23, 2012
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N. College Avenue
3:00 – 7:00 pm
 

Jane Rulon was fabulous. Truly and genuinely fabulous. In the fifteen years or so that I had the honor of knowing her, my family always referred to her as “Fabulous Jane.” She had that certain flair that is hard to describe, but you know when someone has it.  I was shocked when I found photos of her that she was not wearing a scarf. In my mind she always had one draped around her beautiful neck. I even imagined her at home with stylish silk scarf over her bathrobe. She wore her gorgeous grey hair with aplomb, making me wish that I had enough nerve to do the same. All of her accessories had a lovely story. One of my favorite pieces was the glass ring that she purchased in France. She could make something funky sparkle.

Jane was a familiar face at art, film, and music events. She and I had the same habit of dropping in on multiple events in the same evening. I was delighted when I’d see her twice in one night without making a plan. She was a marvelous conversationalist, I loved looking over at parties and seeing her deep in conversation with one of my siblings or neighbors. She made everyone feel special. Jane made everything seem like an event, whether she was popping in to my yard sale, celebrating a birthday, or bumping into her at the State Fair.

Jamie Ridpath, Nora, Jane Rulon

She was a thoughtful gift giver and occasion-maker. When CATH coffeehouse closed, a group of regular customers put together a lovely celebration. Others provided the cake and food and keg. Jane arraigned with the Mayor’s Office to decree it CATH Day and listed all of the things the coffeehouse added to the community, which helped soften the blow of the café closing. She made a fabulous toast at fortieth birthday, and I was thrilled to celebrate my fiftieth with her. One of my favorite moments of that party was running into Jane and some other women in the washroom and having a great conversation. In case you’ve ever wondered what the inside of the ladies room at the Jazz Kitchen looks like, this photo was snapped there.

She once gave me a gorgeous paper crown made of sheet music and glitter labeled Queen Bee, just because it reminded her of me. Her gift for my fiftieth birthday was a shiny plastic Academy Award with an “envelope please” listing why I’d won. Both the crown and the statute reside in places of honor in my home.

Fabulous Jane died August 22, after a short illness. Her friends and family are hosting a Celebration of Jane at the Jazz Kitchen on Sunday, September 23. There will be music and food and everything Jane. Wear a scarf, bring a dish (something French would be fabulous), and share your Jane stories.

I’ll see you there.

Mark your calendar. And by mark your calendar I mean tell Suri or add it to your flat phone (as my dad calls smart phones).

Friday, September 28, 2012, 6:00 pm – Barbara Shoup’s Book Launch Party, Indy Reads Books
Friday, September 28, 2012, 8:00 pm – Art vs. Art Main Event, The Vogue Theater

Indiana State Fair 2012 - a few of my favorite things

There are still (only!) three days left of the Indiana State Fair.
Here is a photo essay of a few of my favorite things:http://www.punchnels.com/visuals/a-year-at-the-fair/

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