Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9, no 2

 first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Joel Henderson, Danny Flanigan, Cara Jean Wahlers
Saturday, January 28, 2011
Locals Only
2449 E. 56^th Street
8:00, non-smoking, 21+

What an awesome lineup! And the three excellent songwriters will be playing in the round style – swapping songs and stories.

I’ve written plenty about how amazing Danny Flanigan and Cara Jean Wahlers are. I haven’t had the chance to write about Joel Henderson lately. Now a Louisville resident, Joel was a regular performer at CATH Coffeehouse, even recording his first album there.

Joel has a brand new professionally produced record  - I bet they were not worried about cappuccino machine noises when they were recording - and it is terrific. The official release date for Locked Doors and Pretty Fences is not until April, but I bet you’ll be able to snag a copy at the show. 

Locals Only is a great place to listen to music and the food is great. Bring some extra cash to purchase the CDs of all three of the performers, you’ll be glad you did. 

www.dannyflanigan.com
www.carajeanwahlers.com
www.joelhenderson.com
localsonlyindy.com

Super Bowl related activities
Friday, January 27 – February 5
Downtown and Broad Ripple 

I have embraced the Super Bowl fever. There has been a tremendous amount of planning and thought in to entertaining visitors and showing off our town. I intend to soak it all in and I hope you will take advantage of it too. 

Super Bowl Village

The Super Bowl Village will span three-blocks downtown and I assume that it is near Lucas Oil Stadium and Georgia Street. I’ve spent an hour combing the various Web sites for an exact location, but that is as near as I can pinpoint it. I was really hoping to find stage locations and such, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out. I am excited that there is a wonderful mix of local talent and national acts. Here is a handy-dandy full schedule of the musical activities. I intend on making good use of the Park and Ride options to get to the Village. 

Friday, January 27

The Last Good Year, 3:30 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Kramus (Q-95 band contest winner), 4:30 p.m., Verizon Stage
Max Allen Band, 5:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Bret Michaels, 9:30 p.m., Verizon Stage

Saturday, January 28

 Orquesta Bravo, 12:30 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Jon McLaughlin, 1:30 p.m., Verizon Stage
Cynthia Layne, 2:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Lynda Sayyah, 5:15 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Patti Labelle, 9:15 p.m., Verizon Stage

Sunday, January 29

Corey Cox, 1:30 p.m., Verizon Stage
Will Hoge, 4 p.m., Verizon Stage
Railroad Earth, 6:30 p.m., Verizon Stage
Dierks Bentley, 9:15 p.mm., Verizon Stage

Monday, January 30

Healing Sixes, 3:30 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Stereo Deluxe, 5 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Living Proof, 7:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage

Tuesday, January 31

Greta Speaks, 3:30 p.m., Pepsi Stage
DJ Helicon & Special Guests, 5 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Hunter Smith Band, 7:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Fuel, 9 p.m., Verizon Stage

Wednesday, February 1

Roxie, 3:30 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Indy's Legends of Doo Wop, 5 p.m., Pepsi Stage
The Meatball Band, 7:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Big Head Todd & The Monsters, 9 p.m., Verizon Stage

Thursday, February 2

Hero, Jr., 11:30 a.m., Pepsi Stage
John Spencer, 12:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Corey Cox, 2 p.m., Verizon Stage
Otis Gibbs, 3:15 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Sixpence None the Richer, 4:30 p.m., Verizon Stage
Red Wanting Blue, 5:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Edwin McCain, 7 p.m., Verizon Stage
Darius Rucker, 9:30 p.m., Verizon Stage

Friday, February 3

DJ Limelight, 11:30 a.m., Pepsi Stage
Blackberry Jam, 12:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Morris Day and the Time, 2 p.m., Verizon Stage
Bashiri Asad, 3:15 p.m., Pepsi Stage
En Vogue, 4:30 p.m., Verizon Stage
Gentleman Alphonse, 5:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Fitz & the Tantrums, 7 p.m., Verizon Stage
LMFAO, 9:30 p.m., Verizon Stage

Saturday, February 4

DJ Kyle Long, 11:30 a.m., Pepsi Stage
Carson Diersing, 12:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
he Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, 2 p.m., Verizon Stage
Twin Cats, 3:15 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Here Come The Mummies, 4:30 p.m., Verizon Stage
Born Again Floozies, 5:45 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Umphrey's McGee, 7 p.m., Verizon Stage
North Mississippi Allstars, 8:15 p.m., Pepsi Stage
O.A.R, 9:30 p.m., Verizon Stage

Sunday, February 5

Indiana Reggae Band, 12 p.m., Pepsi Stage
Whitney Coleman, 1:30 p.m., Pepsi Stage
DJ Rusty, 3 p.m., Pepsi Stage

www.indianapolissuperbowl.com
sbxlvi.clickandpark.com/parkandride 

Broad Ripple Village Super Fest
February 2 – 5
Doors open at 6:00, show 8:00 – 11:00 each night, $25. 

We’ll be partying in the streets – at least one of them anyway, Guilford Avenue, between Broad Ripple and Westfield Avenues. 

Thursday, February 2 - George Clinton & P Funk

Friday, February 3 - Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Saturday, February 4 – Candlebox

Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, 11:00 – 6:00– Tailgate Party – no details at press time, but check the Super Fest Web site for details. 

www.broadripplesuperfest.com
do317.com

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9, no 1

 first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Dale Bernstein: Vanity Abandoned
artist reception Thursday, January 12, 5:30 – 7:30
show hangs January 6 – March 2, 2012
JCC Art Gallery
Arthur M. Glick JCC
6701 Hoover Road
free, all ages, the gallery has generous hours from early morning to evening.

I’ve spent hours admiring Dale Bernstein’s photographs online and I can’t wait to see them in person. I promise not to touch, although it will be a challenge. 

We’re lucky enough to have the talented photographer living on our town. New York born, Dale had the privilege of working with some of the world’s greatest photographers during the mid 1980s, including Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Horst P. Horst, and Robert Mapplethorpe among others. Dale now has a commercial studio working with corporate clients and advertising agencies and is known for his specialized work with the wet plate collodion process.

Wet plate collodion is an old timey way of developing photographs – think of the portrait photographs of your great-great-grandparents taken over a century ago. Wet plate collodion requires that the plates be developed before they dry. The process is very labor intensive and Dale had to build some of his own equipment and mixes his own chemicals to achieve the stunning look of his work.

The wet plate process also catches every detail of the portrait subject – most of his pictures are close ups that reveal every facial flaw. I’m guessing that is where the show’s title comes from.

You can meet Dale (and enjoy some fine snacks) at the artist’s reception, Thursday, January 12 from 5:30 – 7:30.

www.jccindy.org
 

Charlie Krone and Brent Schlemmer: Acoustic Duel to the Death
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Ripple Inn
929 East Westfield Blvd
9:00, 21+

I’m a big fan of Charlie Krone and his awesome sense of humor has a lot to do with it. And he’s a fine musician. I’ll let Charlie tell the story of this show: 

“TWO SHALL ENTER, BUT ONLY ONE SHALL LEAVE. Actually, we'll probably both leave, but one will likely be really chafed, and there may be calluses involved.

“Brent dips the ladle deeply into the well of cover tunes. A stellar and soulful voice and (last I saw him) a beautiful 12-string provide the medium for one of the coolest songbooks I've heard performed in a long time.

“Brent and I (Charlie Krone) compliment each other well. Whereas Mr. Schlemmer digs deeply into the heart of music, I merely scrape the cream off the top of the milk jug like my mom used to do in her little Ukrainian village in Philadelphia. Pissed off her grandmoher. 

“I will present a helping of guilty pleasures and a peppering of my own songs, which draw from tales of tails, invasive medical procedures, and tragic stories of coitus interruptus.

“Be at The Ripple Inn on January 12 - yeah, it's a Thursday. What of it? It's also my dad's birthday, so there will be a tribute to the old man as he is freakin' awesome and more people should be like him.”

Nora again: I’m embarrassed to say that I have not been to The Ripple Inn yet, and they just celebrated their one year anniversary. I’m looking forward to checking it out. 

www.therippleinn.com
 

Elvis Birthday Bash
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Locals Only
2449 E. 56^th Street
doors open 9:00 pm, 21+, $8

Looking to put a little shake, rattle and roll in to your new year? This is the show for you. Come and celebrate what would have been Elvis Presley’s 77^th birthday with some awesome bands playing tribute to the King.

Wayne Bertsch created what is now an annual must-attend concert. Wayne is a great champion of local music, seeing hundreds of bands a year and drawing the weekly Barfly strip in NUVO. Last week he had a multi-page feature comix with his take on the Christmas Carol. I was thrilled to make a guest appearance with Barfly and Jesus.

The musical lineup for the evening includes the Danny Thompson Trio, who channel Elvis’ rockabilly phase like they were in his band. Seriously swinging stuff. Elvis tunes will also be covered by the ska band, Circle City Deacons, R&B influenced PK and the Big Stir, and twangy blues punkish one-man band Toe-Knee Tea. 

Locals Only is a wonderful place to hear music. You can expect great service, a terrific selection of beer and bar goodies, and way-better than expected bar food. My guess is that you might be able to order an Elvis inspired special that night. I vote for a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

If it is your first time to Locals Only you’ll find plenty of parking in the lot in front of the venue and in the surrounding area. You can typically grab a table or a spot at the bar. There is waitress service and the kitchen is open late.

localsonlyindy.com 

Broad Ripple Gazette vol. 8 no. 23

The Broad Ripple neighborhood lost two great community-minded men last week.

Matt Elliott 

The neighborhood has a Matt Elliott sized hole in it.

Matt loved Broad Ripple. He graduated from BRHS and has been an integral part of the community ever since. With his red hair and handlebar mustache he was a hard guy to miss. You might have met Matt at the Northside Newsstand and News Café, the business he opened with group of high school friends. You might know Matt from his work tending bar and other delicious beer duties at Brugge. Or from the Jazz Kitchen or Bazbeaux. If you didn’t meet him any of those places, chances are you’ve stood next to him at a concert or art exhibit or sat next to him at a restaurant or bar.

Matt shopped locally before it was a slogan. He was very neighborhood-centric and could tell you where to find the best of absolutely anything. If you had the pleasure of running in Matt you knew that you were in for excellent conversation, a good belly-laugh and a bunch of random Indiana facts. He is missed already.

Ross Faris

The success of the Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market has a lot to do with Ross Faris.

Ross was on the committee that started the BRFM and is a tireless supporter of Farmer’s Markets, locally grown produce, and the community. Ross and his family started Your Neighbor’s Garden thirty years ago.

Ross was committed to bringing a large variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables to our city. His home market featured the same fresh produce with an honor box to pay for your purchases – it was always a treat to be trusted with making your own purchase.

Ross was a long-time supporter of Second Helpings, bringing not only his excess produce, but gleaning from other farmer’s market folks at the end of the season. YNG is closed for the season, to give his family and friends space to grieve. In the spirit of Ross’s generosity, all of the produce from YNG was delivered to Second Helpings the day after he died. Clearly, his community spirit lives on.

Previews:

Broad Ripple Village Holiday Preview Party
Friday, November 11, 2011

Broad Ripple Village

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, free, all-ages

Several Broad Ripple Village Merchants will be open for the Broad Ripple Village Preview Party. Eighteen venues will show off their holiday wares and fancy goodies. Drop off at least three pounds of pasta or rice for Second Helpings at any of the participating venues from the Holiday Preview night until Saturday, December 10 to be included in drawing for Broad Ripple merchant prizes – rumor has it that The Union Jack Pub will be offering a $50 gift certificate. Hint: you can drop off pasta and rice at as many locations and enter as many drawings as you wish.

www.discoverbroadripplevillage.com

Douglas David Holiday Studio Show
Friday, November 11, 2011
7172 Keystone Ave, suite D
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Douglas David will open his studio for a behind-the-scenes peek at his beautiful oil paintings just in time for the holidays. He’ll be featuring new work – including wonderful snow scenes, Chicago streetscapes, and the sailboat race from Chicago to Mackinaw – and the famous classic oil paintings he’s known for.

He’ll also have work from his Farm to Fair series and a delightful group of smaller (3 x 5) paintings.

The studio will also be open by appointment.

www.douglasdavid.com

Tonic 10 – featuring the Tonic Ball, Tonic Gallery, and Tiny Tonic to benefit Second Helpings
Friday, November 18, 2011
Fountain Square

all venues non-smoking

There is something for everyone this year. Swear. And all of the events are with in yards of each other. How cool is that? Read on for details.

Tiny Tonic featuring Ruditoonz
Pure Eatery  
1043 Virginia Ave

5:30pm - 7:00pm, free, all-ages (the younger the better!)

The Tonic Ball now has an event for the youngest of music fans. Tiny Tonic features Scott Rudicel, known to the kiddy set as Ruditoonz, will entertain the kiddos – he’s promised to follow the Tonic Ball theme this year and only play songs by Michael Jackson, REM, and David Bowie – I can wait to hear that!

Pure will offer a special child friendly menu and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Second Helpings.

http://ruditoonz.com
www.tonicindy.com

           

Tonic Gallery

New Day Meadery
1102 E. Prospect
5:00 – 8:00
free, all-ages

The Tonic Gallery features over 35 visual artists who have generously donated their talents to the gallery show. The subjects of the artwork range from food to David Bowie. The original work will be available for sale though a silent auction, starting at $100, with a “buy it now” price of $400.

http://newdaymeadery.com

Tonic Ball
Radio Radio (songs of REM)
Fountain Square Theater (songs of Michael Jackson)
White Rabbit Cabaret (songs of David Bowie)

Prospect Street, Fountain Square
music from 7:00 pm – 1:00 am, $25 for all three venues, under 21 FST

This is the tenth year of the Tonic Ball! And to celebrate the always-on-the-Friday-before-Thanksgiving extravaganza is adding a third venue. Which means that 45 bands will cover the tunes of REM, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie.

For $25 you can move between all three venues and do your darndest to see all 45 bands. Last year’s Tonic Ball sold out, so get your ticket now! Insider tip: You’ll be able to pick out founder, Ken Honeywell by his awesome Jerry Lee Atwood handmade suit. It is truly spectacular.

www.tonicindy.com
www.secondhelpings.org

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, with the Dirt Daubers

Friday, November 25, 2011
The Vogue Theatre

6259 N College Ave

7:30pm - 11:30pm, 21+, non-smoking, $12 advance, $15 door

If you’ve never seen The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, prepare to have your damn mind blown. You won’t believe that three people can create so much energy and sound. Prepare to tap your toes and dance all of that pumpkin pie away.

www.bigdamnband.com

www.thedirtdaubers.net

www.asquaredindustries.com

www.thevogue.com

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 8 no 21

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Broad Ripple Music Fest Kickoff Parties

Friday, October 14, 2011
Kate Lamont (EP Release) w/ Vess Ruhtenberg, TJ Reynolds & the Freehand Orchestra
Vogue
6259 N. College Ave
21+,  $10, 8:00 p.m., non-smoking

A-Squared & Rad Summer Showcase Friday, October 14, 2011
Connor's Pub (Mega Tent)
6331 Ferguson Street
21+, $10 or entry w/ $15 event wristband, 8:00 p.m.

The Broad Ripple Music Fest has grown so much over the last five years that there are two kickoff parties on BRMF eve. 

At the Vogue, you’ll have one last chance to catch Indianapolis’ musical darling, Kate Lamont, is moving far, far away and the kickoff party is a chance to say a proper good bye. She’s releasing a new EP – I hear that it’s full of soul and greatness. She’ll be joined by Vess Ruhtenberg Vess is bringing a full band and will play songs from throughout his illustrious career. 

T.J. Reynolds & the Freehand Orchestra will open the show and I’m sure that he’ll be playing songs from this excellent new album. DJ Kyle Long will be spinning world-influenced tunes in between the live musical goodness. 

In a big fancy tent at Connor’s Pub the lovely and talented duo of A-Squared Industries and the folks at Rad Summer, a record label and promotion company are hosting a showcase of the DJs. The lineup is: 

8:00-8:45 Crookshanks

8:45-9:15 Kaiton & Jordan

9:15-10:00 DJ Metrognome

10:00-10:45 Action Jackson

10:45-11:30 A-Squared DJs

11:30-12:30 Proper Villains

12:30-1:00 Oreo Jones & DJ B-Qwyatt

1:00-1:30 Turquoise Jeep

Broad Ripple Music Fest
Saturday, October 16, 2011
$15 event wristband or ticket prices vary by location, noon – ‘till the cows come home. 

The day of music starts out in the record stores with two free shows. If you do it right, you can see dozens of bands before the festival is over. Have fun!

Indy CD & Vinyl
806 Broad Ripple Avenue
All Ages / Free / 12PM / Non-Smoking

Indy CD & Vinyl is right on the Avenue and will feature a diverse lineup of acoustic and plugged in music. You can’t go wrong with any of these groups. Irene & Reed has been on my radar, but I haven’t had a chance to see them live yet, but I love their ethereal, piano-driven sound. 

Noon - Cities of Noise
1:30 - Mike Reeb
3:00 - Loyal Divide
4:30 - Emily Poe Project
6:00 – NMKjeldsen
7:30 - Irene & Reed

And down the street at LUNA…

XRA Records Showcase
LUNA music
5202 N. College Ave
Free, all ages

What a great lineup! It will be tempting to just camp out at Luna all day. Alas, I have to be at work at 5:00, but luckily, it’s just across the street. I know that I’ll be sneaking out of my Red Key shift (Look! A baby wolf!) for at least a few minutes to hear the delightful Everything, Now! 

noon - Rodeo Ruby Love (acoustic)

1:00  - Doug

2:00 - Wet Blankets

3:00  - State Park

4:00  - Frank Schweikhardt (full band)

5:00  - Everything, Now!

6:00  - DMA

There are eleven other venues hosting BRFM shows, many with multiple stages. Wristbands are available for $15 that will allow you access to all of the shows.

The Ripple Inn
929 E. Westfield Blvd
21+, 5:00-1:00 a.m., free before 9:00 p.m., wristband or $5 after 9:00.

The Ripple Inn will feature three stages.

In the bar:
Kate Myers, Chad Mills, MMKAY, Jamie Nichole

On the patio:
Daniel J. Rauscher, Trombononymous, Harvey & the Bluetones, Bullet Proof Soul

Upstairs in Room 929:
The Crush Entertainment showcase starts at 9:00.
Rhinoceros Beetle, DJ Indiana Jones, DJ Gabby Love, Ryan McDaniel, DJ Lockstar

Next door…

The Monkey's Tale
925 E. Westfield Blvd.
21+, 5:00-1:00 a.m.,wristband or $10 at the door

The lineup at the Monkey’s Tale includes Bashiri Asad w/ Whitney Coleman, DJ Helicon and plenty more. 

Around the corner…

Casba
6319 Guilford Ave.
21+ / 8:00PM / wristband or $5 at the door 

Heavy Gun Blog is hosting the third installment of the Beat Battle. This is always exciting and fun. The rounds include: 

First round: WhoisLouis, Brad Real, Mic Sol, Wiz Kids, Son of thought & Fire Arms

Second round: Merc Versus, The Martians, Scoot Dubs, Ace One

Third round: Mr. Kinetic, Pro Forms, Freddie Bunz, Oreo Jones

Fourth round: Hinks Jones, Grey Granite, Blake Alee

Down the street….

TRU Nightclub
6235 Guilford Ave
21+, 9:00, wristband or $10 at door

There are three stages at Tru, including one outdoor stage. 

HOUSE MUSIC ALL NIGHT LONG STAGE:

9:00 – Grenadine
10:00 - Ryan Stocklin
11:00 – Jackola
midnight - Compact Disco (Chicago)
1:00 a.m. - Zebo (Chicago)
2:00 a.m.- Deanne

BASS IN YOUR FACE STAGE

9:00- Mr. Orange
10:00 - Phenom (Chicago)
11:00- jFet
midnight- Mowgli (Cincinnati)
1:00 a.m.- The Grimey Kids (Lafayette)
2:00 a.m. - El Carnicero

INHOUSE DJs OUTDOOR STAGE

Fate vs. Brandon Patr!k
Chachi vs. Taylor Norris – I love this name! 

Around the corner…

Rock Lobster
820 Broad Ripple Ave
21+, 5:30 – 10:00, wristband or $10 at door

What a fun lineup! It would be tempting to camp out here. 

5:30 - Vacation Club
6:00 -  The Kemps
6.45 -  Hotfox (I love it that they are old enough to play in a bar!)
7.15 -  Neon Love Life
8:00 -  Howler
9:00 -  Tapes n Tapes

A few blocks away….

Connor's Pub Mega Tent
6331 Ferguson Street
21+, 4:00 – 1:00, wristband or $10 at the door

In addition to this stellar lineup, you can look for a craft fair, a drum corp, and a musician.

4:00 - Whip Cream Wars
4:30 - Caleb McCoach
5:00 - Household Guns
5:30 – Thunderhawk
6:00 – Crys
6:30 - Learner Dancer
7:00  - Elsinore
7:30 - Sleeping Bag
8:00 – Slothpop
8:30 - Harley Poe
9:00 – Thunders
9:30 - America Owns the Moon
10:00 - Child Bite
10:30 – Pravada
11:00 - Murder By Death
midnight - DJ List Christee (Kevin Barnes from of Montreal)

An all ages show…

ES Jungle
6151 Central Ave
all ages, non-smoking, wristband or $8:00 at the door

5:30 - The Midnight Vacancy
6:00 - Indian City Weather
6:45 - Tax Brandywine
7:30 – Palace
8:15 - Diarrhea Planet
9:00 - Blane Fonda
10:00 - Rodeo Ruby Love

Travel down the road a bit…

Locals Only
2449 E. 56th St.
21+, 9:00 – 1:00, wristband or $10 at the door

10:00  - Borrow Tomorrow
11:00  - Mardelay
midnight  - Jascha
1:00 - The Bonesetters

Next door: 

The Mousetrap
5565 N. Keystone Ave.

21 +, 4:00, wristband or $5 at the door

Three stages! 

Inside:

4:00 - Jessie & Amy
5:30 -  Blue Moon Revue
7:30 -  Loyal Divide
9:30 - Midwest Hype
11:30 -  Ill-Esha
1:30 -  Eumatik

Tent Stage:

Topspeed
Hollow Point
Shy Guy Says – Live
Magnetic DJ Set
Psynapse
Defi
Brian Summers
Ed Trauma
Big Kyle

Deck Stage:

Kodama
Camo HiddenDJ
DJ Sarge
Kid Kollision
ShearGen1us
Jeremy Daeger
and more...

Head north …

Birdy's

2131 E. 71st St.
21+, 7:30, wristband or $8 door

7:30 - Gypsy Harbor
8:15  - Stepson
9:15 - The Holland Account
10:15 - 5 Day Trip
11:15- Permacrush
12:15 – Skyhunter
1:00  - The Knollwood Boys

Travel south for Punk Rock Night…

The Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois St.
21 +, 9:00, wristband or $15 at the door

10:00 PM - East Side Larry
11:00 PM - Evil Beaver
midnight  - Chindi

www.broadripplemusicfest.com

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. 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