Broad Ripple Gazette, vol. 8, no. 19

 first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Sleeper Agent (with Indian City Weather, Alter Ego, Jeremy Johnson & the Bleeding Keys)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Birdy’s
2131 E. 71st Street
21+, 8:00, $5.

I’m a sucker for young pop bands. Sleeper Agent is right up my musical alley. This talented band can back up their cool kid good looks with well-crafted songs and infectious hooks. Rolling Stone named them a “band to watch,” and who am I to argue with them? 

The Birdy’s show will be just the third stop on the Bowling Green, KY, based band’s twenty-five cities tour, so they’ll be fresh – in several ways. 

A little bit about Birdy’s: In the last several years, it has become one of Indianapolis’ iconic music venues. They have a full bar, and I suggest getting there early enough to eat – the food is way above the typical venue fare. 

www.birdyslive.com
sleeperagentmusic.com

Indy Jazz Fest
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Opti Park/Indianapolis Art Center Grounds
820 East 67th Street
all-ages, 1:00, $30 general admission, $75 VIP

The week long Indy Jazz Fest culminates with Saturday’s all-day, three stages, concert. 

MAIN STAGE:
Yellowjackets - 2pm
Rufus Reid's "Out Front" Quintet - 3:45pm
Spyro Gyra - 5:30pm
George Benson - 7:30pm
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - 9:30pm

LEGACY JAZZ STAGE:
Cathy Morris - 1pm
WOW featuring Tim Warfield & Bobby Floyd - 2:45pm
Melvin Rhyne Trio - 4:30pm
Indy Guitar Summit - 6:15pm

EMERGING JAZZ ARTIST STAGE
IUPUI Jazz Ensemble - 1pm
Bloomington North HS Jazz Ensemble - 1:55pm
Butler University Jazz Ensemble - 2:50pm
Fort Wayne Snider HS Jazz Ensemble - 3:45pm
University of Indianapolis Jazz Ensemble - 4:40pm
Indiana University Jazz Ensemble - 5:35pm
Ball State University Jazz Ensemble - 6:30pm

There is a free shuttle for the concert. Park at the overflow lot of Glendale Center (62^nd/Keystone). The shuttle runs from 11:45 am to midnight. You can bring a chair or blanket (VIP seats include seating), but no food or drinks. There will be wonderful food and beverages available for purchase. No pets allowed.

           

They Might Be Giants with Jonathan Coulton
Thursday, September 22
The Vogue Theater
6259 N. College Ave
21 +, non-smoking, $23, 7:00

I once got some feedback on this column that I shouldn’t focus on my age and long I’ve been hanging around the music scene, but in this case, I feel like I’ve musically grown up with They Might Be Giants. I first heard of the Brooklyn rockers from my friend, John Gernand, who toured as their soundman. I first saw them in 1993 when they played the Vogue for the first time and I’m looking forward to seeing them 28 years later on the same stage. 

The alternative-rock pioneers are known for their use of quirky stage props – giant fezzes and cardboard heads – and general silliness. Over the years they channeled some of that into a Grammy winning children’s series of educational records. 

TMBG is celebrating their 30^th year of uninterrupted rocking with a sparkly new record, Join Us, and a polished-up energetic live show. Jonathan Coulton will open the show.

www.theymightbegiants.com
http://thevogue.com

Art vs. Art Main Event
Friday, September 30
The Vogue Theater
6259 N. College Ave
21+, non-smoking, $12 advance/$15 at door, 8:00

Are you a fan of art, chain saws, boxing matches, witty repartee, audience participation, deciding fate by the spin of the wheel, big band music and general bedlam? I can’t be the only one… Art vs. Art is a raucous and entertaining art show with a twist. And the twist is a big one!

Earlier this month over 100 artists gathered at City Market, were given a canvas and paints and a few hours to create a masterpiece. The paintings are all online (http://artvsart.com) to be voted on – now is your big chance to be an art critic in the privacy of your own home. The top 32 vote getters will be on display at the Vogue the night of the Main Event. Balloting that night will determine the top 16. The other 16 will be offered for sale for $100. The rest will be for sale for $50. It’s not as confusing as I just made it out to be – the bottom line is that you walk out of the Vogue with a great piece of original art for $50 or $100 – the artists get 70%.

The top 16 paintings are randomly paired on stage and voted on by audience noise making – the decibel meter has the final say. The winner moves on to the next round. The loser is subjected to the Wheel of Death. A spin determines the fate of the canvas – past year’s methods have included chain sawing, pizza making and black paint. You can spare the art by buying the painting from the audience.

The Grand Prize is $4000, a title belt and a whole lot of bragging rights.

The Main Event promises to be twice as fun this year. Emcee Michael Wiltrout will keep on his ruffled tuxedo shirt to front the Leisure Kings Big Band for the after-party concert.

http://thevogue.com/
http://artvsart.com/

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 8 no 18

Neon Love Life, Tuesday Night CD release party

Friday, September 2, 2011
Radio Radio
1119 E. Prospect Street
8:00, 21+, $10 (includes CD), non-smoking


I’m smitten with Neon Love Life for lots of reasons, but most of all because they are a kick-ass rock band. The fact that the band is made up of all women is secondary.

The band formed in September of 2009, and they spent every Monday and Tuesday evening rehearsing and writing in Broad Ripple. They recorded “Tuesday Night” at Queensize Studios early this year.

Their songs range from straight-forward rock to teen-age punk to moody nostalgia. Lindsay Manfredi and Sharon Rickson share the front woman duties, switching off on rhythm guitar and bass and vocals.

Ashley Plummer plays tasty guitar licks and adds to the energy of the band. Tasha Blackman is a forceful and fun drummer.

Also performing that night: 8 Inch Betsy and Hero Jr.

This promises to be an epic night at Radio Radio.

www.neonlovelife.com

The Odyssey Favor, Chinese Monster CD release show

Friday, September 9. 2011
Locals Only
2449 East 56th Street
8:00, 21+

The Odyssey Favor is so damn cool. Not only did they write a song for my birthday, but they managed to rhyme ‘Spitznogle’ in a verse. But don’t let the fact that they used hornswagle in a sentence turn you off. The Odyssey Favor is chockfull of pop goodness, a harming touch of quirkiness and moon boots.

Joining them at Locals Only are Hitchhike and Finest Grain. The evening promises to be full of great music and good vibes.

http://odysseyfavor.com
www.localsonlyindy.com

The French Market
Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church grounds
4217 Central Ave
all-ages, free, noon - 10:00, non-smoking


The French Market is a different sort of fun than the church festival of my childhood. My church had an annual turkey shoot. While we didn’t shoot actual turkeys, which would have added a level of excitement, the prizes involved frozen turkeys. And who lets kids run around with guns? Things were different in the early 1970s. 

Saint Joan of Arc’s French Market promises fun for everyone. Food, music, raffle prizes, activities for the kiddos and an artisan craft area are all featured. Did I mention the food? I’m looking forward to the French pastries. Raffle prizes include an iPad, and Pat Crossland handmade quilt, Trek bike, cash and jewelry.

The festival starts at noon. If you do it right you can eat lunch and dinner and everything in between at the Market. Second Helpings culinary job-training students are making the French Onion Soup from scratch – all 40 gallons – let me tell you, that’s a lot of onions to peel.

The French Market turns 21 this year. Speaking of 21, beer and wine are available.  And speaking of beer and wine there will be live music between 1:00 – 10:00, including the bands, Second Wind, The Stardusters, Mojo Gumbo and Living Proof. Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 in the church and historic tours will be available throughout the day.

I’ll see you there!

www.sjoa.org

Broad Ripple Gazette no 8, vol 14

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette.

 

Comix Rock
Indy Web Comics Gallery Show
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Locals Only
2449 East 56th Street
7:00 pm, 21+, $6.00

Get your geek on!  Celebrate comics, science fiction and nerd culture at the second annual Comix Rock show and the opening of the Indy Web Comics Gallery Show. The night kicks off with the Dr. Sketchy Anti-School at 7:00. The Creme de les Femme Burlesque Group will present a special Star Trek themed show, during which attendees can draw the models in various poses and win prizes donated by area comic book stores, although I suspect the main prize for the comic book guys will be getting to see the burlesque women pose in Star Trek costumes. 

The music starts at 9:30 and the lineup includes Five Year Mission, a super-group of Indy musicians. Their music is infectious and pop driven and they’ve created a song list for the night based on the first season of Star Trek. Not kidding. Next up, God Make Robots, a trio of smart cool kids, who make smart cool music. Shammers & Lefthand create hip-hop songs based on Pokemon, role playing games and internet viral videos.  They're based in Bloomington and have played shows all over the country at everything form Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments to Linux programmers conventions. 

The Indy Web Comics Gallery show that will also kick off that night and hang through July.  This show will feature ten Indiana cartoonists displaying their paintings, comic strips and drawings, many with a Science Fiction theme. 

Now might not be the time for me to admit it, but I’ve never watched a whole episode of Star Trek or read a Science Fiction book. What a sheltered life I’ve lived. 

Locals Only has it all. Seriously good food, full bar, great beer selection, plenty of tables and an ample parking lot. 

http://indywebcomics.com/
http://fiveyearmission.net/
http://www.myspace.com/godmaderobots
http://scrubclubrecords.com/9/content/artist-information/information-on-shammers-and-lefthand/
http://www.drsketchy.com/branch/Indianapolis
http://localsonlyindy.com/

Christian Taylor Showcase
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Historic Melody Inn
3826 North Illinois Street
9:00 pm (doors 8:00), $5.00, 21+

I think that Christian Taylor is just delightful. He is a talented singer and songwriter and is part of the band America Own the Moon. He’s put together a showcase of music featuring Caleb McCoach, Davy Long, Peter King, Ryan Puett and Scene Elders and I think you should go see it. It’s an early show for a work night, although I can’t remember the last time I was in the Melody Inn when the sun was still out.

The Historic Melody Inn is well, historic. It is one of the oldest bars in Indianapolis, established in 1935 and the vinyl booths were rescued from the old Teepee Restaurant. The original oak bar is beautiful and the jukebox is award winning and the parking is always free.

www.melodyindy.com  

The Larroquettes, The Involuntarys, Adventure
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Historic Melody Inn
3826 North Illinois Street
9:00 pm (doors 8:00), $5.00, 21+

You can hear the Free Zone radio program at midnight on Saturdays on WICR 88.7. Host, Thomas May plays a great mix of punk rock, band interviews and any other music that catches his ear. And he does a great job of putting shows together. The bands for this show include The Larroquettes from Chicago. The trio say they exist to perform loud rock’n’roll with insane energy, and their sole responsibility is to fire up the audience into having a great time, as a proper rock’n’roll band should. Not bad aspirations for a band. 

The Involuntarys are based in Indianapolis (and from what I could find online, based mostly at the Sinking Ship) and play delightfully loud jump around the room music. The punk band, Adventure is based in Dayton and seem like a swell group of guys. 

The Historic Melody Inn not only has an eclectic selection of beers – from Pabst Blue Ribbon and back, they have some classic video games, you know you want to re-live your Galaga high score game again. 

www.thelarroquettes.com
www.melodyinn.com

 

WITTstock 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Knights of Columbus
2100 East 71^st Street
7 pm, $10, family friendly

WITT (91.9) celebrating their second year in existence with an evening of music and a fundraiser for the station. The community focused, nonprofit station relies on their listeners to help with operational costs of licensing fees, insurance, tower fees and the various and sundry costs of keeping programming on the air. WITT is staffed entirely with volunteers.

The musical lineup has something for everyone – jazzpop Tonos Triad, Celtic influenced Emily Thomposon, and blues-rockers, CW & The Working Class Trio (the band includes my college roommate, Rick Bossingham. You can ask him for stories, but I was pretty darn boring then).  Hogeye Navvy and The Rhinstones round out the bill.

I’ll see you there!

www.919witt.org
www.northsidekofc.org

Ellis, Katie Todd Band
Friday, July 22, 2011
Irving Theater
5505 E. Washington Street
8:00, $10/$12, non-smoking, all-ages

I will totally admit that I usually have a little musical crush on whomever I’m listening to at the time and some of those crushes last longer than others (I’m looking at you, Jeff Tweedy). I promise that these two musicians will charm your socks off. Katie Todd hails from Chicago and has won many awards for her beautiful emotion-filled songs and you’ve probably heard some of her tunes that were featured on television shows and movie soundtracks. She will be joined by the ever-entertaining Ellis.  She’s part folk artist and part comedienne and all lovable.

You’ll also be charmed by the Irving Theater. The theater has been part of the Irvington community since 1913 undergoing many incarnations throughout the years.

www.katietodd.com
http://attheirving.com

www.ellis-music.com

Review:

Stasia Demos, Cara Jean Wahlers, Danny Flanigan

Friday, June 24, 2011
Indy Hostel

It was the perfect evening for outdoor music. I’m lucky enough to live just a few blocks from Indy Hostel and could hear the lovely sound of Danny Flanigan’s voice as I walked up the street. Stasia Demos, Cara Jean Wahlers and Danny traded songs and stories and laughter. Picking a favorite from the three of them would be really hard. They are all amazing storytellers and great writers and singers.

The Hostel is a wonderful place to see music, check it out – soon.

www.indyhostel.us

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 8 no 13

First published in the Broad Ripple Gazette: 

Cara Jean Wahlers, Stasia Demos, Danny Flanigan
Friday, June 24, 2010
Indy Hostel
4903 Winthrop Ave
8:00, all-ages, non-smoking, $10

I think the outdoor stage at Indy Hostel is the best in the city. It’s tucked right off of the Monon Trail at 49^th Street in Meridian-Kessler. It’s the perfect spot for a summer’s evening songwriter-in-the-round show.

Cara Jean Wahlers, Stasia Demos and Danny Flanigan will trade songs and stories. If you’ve never been to an in-the-round event you’ll love the intimacy of the show. I’ve also heard these events called “guitar pulls,” from the spontaneous front porch concerts that would break out and one guitar would be pulled from one musician to another. 

The three musicians will trade songs and stories and I’ll bet the farm on fact that there will be plenty of giggles. Danny has a brand-spankin’ new CD and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

There will be some chairs available, but feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks. If it is raining the show will move indoors. The Hostel is in a red four-square house at the corner of 49^th Street and Winthrop Ave, with plenty of parking on 49^th Street, just on the other side of the Hostel.

www.indyhostel.us
www.dannyflanigan.com
www.carajeanwahlers.com

Middletown Reunion Show
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Flat12Beirwerks tasting room
414 N. Dorman Street
7:00 pm, $5, 21+

I feel like all of my musical roads lead to Middletown – the band, not the Vigo County burg. I was lucky enough to hear their first rehearsals over a decade ago and am now fortunate enough play in a jug band with the lovely Stasia Demos.  Tad Armstrong remains one of my favorite singer-songwriters and Aaron Stroup is one kick-ass guitar player. They reunite every year or so when Aaron takes a break from his rock-star life in Austin, TX to visit our town. What could make this any better? The addition of Dean Metcalf! Just writing this makes me giddy!

If you’ve never had the chance to see Middletown, don’t miss this one. The band features beautiful harmonies, great musicians, excellent songwriting, a smidge of twang and a dose of quirkiness.

Flat12Beirwerks is a brewery nestled in the Cottage Home neighborhood, a quick jaunt from Broad Ripple. There is plenty of parking at the brewery or if you’re planning on being home before the sun sets, it’s an easy bike ride from the Monon Trail. The show will be in the tasting room, food will be available, and of course, the tasty made-on-the-premises beer. I’m always torn between the Tangerine Porter and the Pogue’s Run Porter.  I usually just ask Flat12 Sales Manager, Mark Kocher what I’m drinking and he hasn’t steered me wrong.

I’ll see you there – I’ll be the one giggling and requesting that the band play, “Welcome to the Family.”

www.flat12.me  

Review:

Steve Poltz with Chris Wolf

June 5, 2011
Locals Only

One of the best things about a Steve Poltz concert is that they are wildly different each time, and always amazing. This show was no exception.

I was so inspired during the show that I took more detailed notes than usual so I could quote the song titles properly and recount some of the stories. Clearly you’re not reading a well-researched and finely crafted review, because the dog ate my homework, sort of.

This story is starting to be particularly Poltzesque – meandering and slightly silly, but will eventually get to a point. Anyway, I was in a car accident a few days after the show. I’m fine, but my HHR had to be hauled away. When the tow truck driver asked if I wanted to grab anything from the car I panicked. Between the bowling ball and typewriter and typing table and dry cleaning and galoshes I froze and said no. Off my notebook went to a tow yard.

I can tell you this from memory. Indianapolis’s Chris Wolf’s songs were fun and delivered with his usual charm. Steve Poltz songwriting is smart and touches your heart. His delivery is quirky and charming and you can’t help but walk away wanting a little more Poltz.

www.localsonlyindy.com

www.myspace.com/chriswolfmusic

http://poltz.com/

Dow Jones and the Industrials

 I had great fun writing this piece about the band I was lucky enough to hang out with in my younger days.
Click here for the NUVO feature on Dow Jones and the Industrials.

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 8 no 12

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

The Independent Music and Art Festival is one of the things about our city that makes my little heart sing. This is the 10^th year for the just-the-right-size festival.

Independent Music + Art Festival
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Harrison Center
1505 N. Delaware Street
all ages, free, noon – 8:00

The Independent Music + Art Festival is a grand day-long outdoor festival featuring original live music and visual artists and their work. There are two stages of music in the Harrison Center courtyard and the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange – a contemporary craft fair featuring gorgeous handmade goods will be tucked throughout the Harrison Center – in the gymnasium and galleries.

Food vendors include the equally delicious Duos and Judge’s BBQ and Sun King Brewery will have beer available. I wonder if they’ll bring the popcorn beer – two of my favorite food groups in a glass.

And music, lots of music. As always, the lineup is eclectic and fun. I was looking over the list to pick a few bands to highlight, but it was hard to choose. I say take a blanket and some sunscreen and stake your spot for the day.

Here’s the lineup:

12:00-12:35 Hotfox
12:40 - 1:15 It’s All Happening
1:20 - 1:55 Liz Janes
2:00 - 2:35 Slothpop
2:40 - 3:15 T.J. Reynolds
3:20 - 3:55 Lord of the Yum Yum
4:00 - 4:35 Red Birds
4:40 - 5:15 Rob Dixon and Triology
5:20 - 5:55 Wolfy
6:00 - 6:35 Jascha
6:40 - 7:15 The New Empires
7:20 - 7:55 Company of Thieves

I’ll see you there!

www.indieanahandicraftexchange.com
http://www.harrisoncenter.org

danny flanigan
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Monon Food Company
6420 Cornell Ave
9:00 – 11:00, all-ages, non-smoking
Yay! danny flanigan is coming to town and he has a brand spanking new CD, hope is a word…, is first in years. I can’t wait to get my hands on copy. If it was possible to wear out a compact disc, I would have played the grooves off of his previous records.
danny’s is a great guitar player and even better songwriter. His music is poignant, smart, witty and you’ll find them floating through your head for days and years later. Just typing his name made me start humming, “beautiful day.”
Monon Food Company, across from the Monon Trail at the corner of Cornell and 64^th Street, just celebrated their first anniversary and I’m not quite sure where I ate before they opened. Excellent food, darn good service and a top-notch beer list.
www.dannyflanigan.com
www.mononfoodcompany.com

Hillbilly Happy Hour
Punkin Holler Boys with Matt Woods
The Historic Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
Friday, June 17, 2011
7:30 – 9:30, $5, 21 +


I can’t think of a better way to kick off the weekend than with the Punkin Holler Boys. Swing in to the Melody Inn for some boot stompin’ fun. I’ve been listening to the Punkin Holler Boys new record, Tin Ears, in my car. If you see me grinning and tapping my hands on the wheel, you know what I’m listening too.

http://www.punkinhollerboys.com
http://www.melodyindy.com  


CABIN, God Made Robots, The StereoFidelics
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Historic Melody Inn
doors 9:00, show 10:00, $5, 21+


Full Blown Possession Productions always puts on a good show and this promises to be another one. The night includes CABIN from Louisville, The StereoFidelics from Ashville, North Carolina and Indianapolis’s darlings, God Made Robots. The evening promises to be big high-energy groovy fun.

http://godmaderobots.com
http://www.myspace.com/cabin
http://thestereofidelics.com

Bill Monroe Memorial Bluegrass Festival
June 11 – 18, 2011
Bean Blossom, Indiana

all-ages, various ticket packages, children 12 and younger free

The Bill Monroe Memorial Bluegrass Festival is the oldest continuous running bluegrass festival – 45 years now. The festival features eight days of music, over 50 performing musicians, youth activities and tons of workshops including lessons on banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin and bass; mountain and bluegrass vocals, group harmony, songwriting, band promotion, Bean Blossom history and more – although I can’t imagine what more there could be.

I haven’t had a chance to attend the festival yet, but I understand it’s wonderful and chockfull of history.

www.beanblossom.us

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 8, no 11 - Norapalooza

First published on the Broad Ripple Gazette

I debated about whether to write about this event or not, and come to the conclusion that the music was too amazing not to talk about. And why volunteer to write a column if you can’t talk about your own surprise birthday party, right?

Norapalooza
Jazz Kitchen
May 15, 2011

All I was told was to be available on Sunday night and that I might want to take the next day off from work. Good advice.

I was blown away! I had little hints of things that might be happening. I’ve come to the conclusion that people really can’t keep a secret. And you all should know that even if an invitation is on facebook that does not mean that everyone can see it. I spent a good deal of time in the last month throwing my hands up yelling, ‘STOP! I don’t want to know details!’

There was a committee that planned the event and they were amazing – I can’t imagine a better lineup or show. I was taken to the Jazz Kitchen and arrive to a lovely gathering in their banquet room. Cousins from Cass County, the Lieber twins and other dear friends and family. There were cupcakes and Nora PEZ head and many other delightful touches.

At some point we were called into the main room of the Jazz Kitchen – it was full of friends and there was music! Lots of both! Dean Metcalf organized a concert that was tailor made for me. He provided the backline, extra instruments, emcee duty and stuff that I’m sure I haven’t even realized yet.

Eleven of my very favorite bands played in a three and a half hour span. It was amazing. I’m still remembering details; I was overwhelmed and a little teary the whole time. I should have taken notes!

The music started with Scott Rudicel. The way-younger set knows Scott as Ruditoonz. Rudi’s clever lyrics, great guitar playing and animated performance kept everyone from my eight year-old nephew to the seventy-somethings in the room entertained.

Cari Ray & The Loners played next. Holy cow, they are great! I love Cari’s original tunes – smart songwriting with just the right touch of twang, but her cover of Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus,” just about knocked my birthday hat off. You need to get to a Cari Ray show soon – she’s already opening for the likes of Gretchen Wilson and I predict that Cari will be the headliner soon.

 Chad Mills (Ann Cothron photographer) 

I’ve made no secret of my very-appropriate love of Chad Mills and his music. His songs speak to the trials and joy in everyday life, with a dash of social justice and great hope for the future. This was the first time I’d seen him play with cellist Grover Parido. They need to do that more often!

Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, a giant Taylor’s birthday cake appeared and the Happy Birthday song was accompanied by Stasia Demos Mills playing accordion.

If you know me at all, you know that I tend toward the prudish side, even though I love a good “that’s what she said” zinger. If you know Wendy Reed at all you, know that she tends towards the delightfully bawdy side. She was dressed as a PEZ girl passing out candy cigarettes, Norapalooza brand, of course. She came to the stage and sang a blushingly beautiful birthday song. I know what the song was, but it included the words ‘birthday suit,’ and anything Wendy sings in her va-va-voom style is sexy and amazing.

As much as I was ready to hid behind a potted plant so I could soak it all in, I was kept on stage and my band mates in Alice Chalmers and The Stick a Cork in Your Jug band appeared with a new vintage typewriter for me! We played a fun set and Cari Ray joined us on spoons for a song.

The lovely ReachArounds (they really are lovely, in spite of their name) played next. Great pop driven rock preformed by some of my favorite people.

The Rough Sleepers are a fairly new band, but they sound like they’ve been playing together for years. Pretty harmonies wrapped around gorgeous music. Keith Carey sang one of my all time favorite songs, Bruce Springsteen’s, “Atlantic City.” Dean Metcalf wearing a bison hat was just icing on the cake.

As if I was not overwhelmed enough, The Strugglers performed. I’m not sure I can articulate how amazing that is. The band officially broke up in the 1985 when Stanley Smith moved to Austin. They have played a handful of times since then. I was lucky enough that Stanley was in town and they had played the night before. I’m goose-bumpy as I type this – The Strugglers played at my birthday party! Wheeeee!

I was in such a happy fog that when I saw Joey Welch in the room it never even occurred to me that The Born Again Floozies were going to play. I’m not sure that I can adequately explain their genius, so I’m going to use someone else’s phrase: orchestral stomp, and add my own, tap-dancy delight. They have a couple of shows booked this summer. Make sure that you catch them.

Yoko Moment doesn’t play out much. They are a favorite at the Tonic Ball, which Yoko Moment singer, Ken Honeywell, founded and just played the Mutt Strut. Their set for Norapalooza included cover songs from previous Tonic Balls, including songs from the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and the Beatles. They had folks, including mine dancing.

Next up was Brian Deer, who just stayed on the stage after his set with Yoko Moment. I’ve been a fan of Brian’s since his days with Citizens Band. I loved hearing Brian’s song, “Broken Bottles,” a long time favorite of mine. They sounded great.

Rounding out the incredible night was The Odyssey Favor. They actually wrote a song for the occasion. If you have not seen their infectiously fun video check it out. And if you have not seen them live, make sure you do. They were the perfect send-off into the next decade.

www.ruditoonz.com
www.cariray.com
www.chadmillslive.com
www.bornagainfloozies.com
https://odysseyfavor.com
www.thejazzkitchen.com