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

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9 no 11

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Joey Ramone Birthday Bash
Saturday May 26, 2012
The Night Porter
921 Broad Ripple Avenue
21+, 9:00 pm, $3, nonsmoking

People often ask me what has been my favorite concert, and it is always an easy answer: Ramones, Vogue Theater, May 24, 1983. Joey Ramone and I had just celebrated our birthdays a few days before – he was 32 and I was exactly a decade younger. I tucked right in front of the stage and swear that he was looking at me under that glorious hair and sunglasses for part of the set.

Now, just 29 years later, Joey has a posthumous record being released this week. And D.J. Jewey Ramone will be spinning cuts from the album, “….ya know,?” showing Ramones videos, and hosting live performances by special guests Ricky Rat (from Detroit’s legendary band, Trashy Brats) and Brothers Gross.

In a nod to his long-time devotion to the Ramones, the ticket price is only $3.00, the same amount D.J. Jewey paid the first time he saw the band in 1978.

Gabba gabba hey, I hope you’ll check it out!

thenightporterbar.com 

Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Monday, May 28, 2012
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 College Avenue
317. 253.4900 Two shows: 7:00 & 9:00 pm, $20, 21+, nonsmoking

photo credit: Michael Weintrob

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is celebrating 35 years as a band and their latest record, Twenty Dozen. And it is fitting that the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is playing on Memorial Day. The history of the band fits right in with our national observance for honoring those who have gone before us.

In 1977 the Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club in New Orleans began showcasing a traditional Crescent City brass band. It was a joining of two proud, but antiquated, traditions. Social and pleasure clubs dated back over a century to a time when black southerners could rarely afford life insurance, and the clubs would provide proper funeral arrangements. Brass bands would often follow the funeral procession playing somber dirges, and once the family of the deceased was out of earshot, they burst into jubilant dance tunes as onlookers danced in the streets. By the late '70s, few social clubs or funeral brass bands existed. The Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club assembled this group as a house band, and over the course of these early gigs, the seven-member ensemble adopted the venue's name: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. 

Thirty-five years later, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a world famous music machine, whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances. They have revitalized the brass band in New Orleans and around the world, progressing from local parties, clubs, baseball games and festivals in their early years to touring nearly constantly in the U.S. and in over 30 other countries on five continents. The Dirty Dozen have been featured guests on albums by artists including David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Dr. John and the Black Crowes. Do you think we can get them to play a dirge or two in honor of Decoration Day?

The Jazz Kitchen has a great menu with a New Orleans sensibility. Order some crab cakes, listen to the music and pretend you’re in the Big Easy, at least for a night.

Reservations suggested.

http://thejazzkitchen.com

June 1, 2012 - all bars are now non-smoking

I’ve spend the good chunk of the almost-seven years I’ve been writing this column figuring out whether a show is non-smoking or not. And for all of you folks that tell me the reason that you don’t go to see live music is the smoke, I expect to see you soon!

Dawes with Sara Watkins
Thursday June 7, 2012
The Vogue
6259 N College Avenue
21+, $16 advance, $18 day of, doors 7:00 pm, show 8:00

photo credit: Kevin Hays

When I first saw Dawes play I was blown away by how good they were and shocked that there was barely anyone there. I’m going to quote myself here for a review I wrote  after their Locals Only show in 2009. ‘…the San Fernando Valley group Dawes played soulful pop. Brothers Taylor Goldsmith (guitar) and Griffith Goldsmith (drums) harmonizing beautifully against Wylie Gelber's bass guitar. This might be the best band you've never seen, even if they lacked a fourth member - the keyboard player - for this show. They've got it all — great songs, tight sound, good looks and boyish charm - and I predict a bright, well-deserved future for them.’

The future is now folks. They are now headlining (and selling out) large venues, and playing the big music festivals. They’re heading to Bonnaroo Music Festival right after their gig at the Vogue.

I hope to see you at the show. I’ll be the one upfront looking all smug and stuff.

dawestheband.com
www.thevogue.com

And some sad news….

Locals Only Art + Music Pub will be closing on August 17. The building they’re leasing has been sold and the new landlord has a different plan for the space. I have every confidence that they’ll land in a new spot, but in the meantime make sure that you take every chance you get to check out the shows.

localsonlyindy.com

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9, no 10

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

danny flanigan + the rain chorus
Friday, May 18, 2012
Locals Only
2449 E. 56^th Street
Indianapolis, IN
9:00 pm, 21+, $5, nonsmoking

Even though Danny Flanigan lives in Louisville, I feel like he belongs to Broad Ripple too. 

He played here at least once a month from 1991 – 2001. And I was at a good deal of those shows. Danny is one of the first people to make me realize that I really loved and appreciated great songwriting and hearing music live.

Danny has a new record; Hope is a Word, his first in eight years. He has played a few solo shows in Indianapolis in the last year, but this will be the first in a long time with his band, The Rain Chorus. The members of the band are Cary Shields (drums), Tim Halcomb (bass), Philip Wakeman (mandolin), and Indianapolis’ own John Byrne (guitar). I caught up with Danny recently to talk about music, Indy, and the band.

I asked Danny how his solo shows differ from a full band gig. “I’m fortunate to have excellent musicians that play to the music,” Danny said. “Thanks to the presence of drums the tunes are more upbeat, energetic – electric folk Midwest rock type thing – the up-tempo songs are more aggressive, and there’s more color thanks to the player’s taste and talents.”

Danny enjoys playing in Indianapolis because of the “authentic fans of music – not just mine – good intelligent community oriented peeps digging on some tunes. There have been so many great bands from Indianapolis over the years.”

I asked Danny what has changed for him in the last ten years, “I got busy being a dad - and there wasn't a new record to share. Now the boys are old enough that they're glad dad gigs in the region again. ‘get out of here dad, don't you have a gig in Indianapolis tonight?’ And hopefully I’m a better songwriter. Songwriting is a craft, so by definition you have to do it to get better at it. I’ve never stopped writing songs, I never will. The band just stopped playing out as much. Hopefully people will come hear us playing the latest batch of tunes.”

Locals Only is a great place to see music. The staff is friendly, the food is good, the beer selection is diverse, and there is plenty of room for everyone.

I know I will be there, and I hope to see you too.

http://localsonlyindy.com
www.dannyflanigan.com

Summertime in Broad Ripple

I love how outdoor music starts popping up all over Broad Ripple in May. Be sure to stop and give some love the to the musicians at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market (Saturdays, 8:00 – noon, behind Broad Ripple High School). They are donating their time – and waking up much earlier than some are them are accustomed to.

The Broad Ripple Art Fair features four outdoor stages with dozens of bands playing over the two day fair (May 19 and 20). The schedule was not available at press time, but the music is always top notch.

There are several venues in Broad Ripple that feature outdoor music. Part of the fun in following your ears! 

I'll see you out and about! 

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9, no 9

First published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Old Truck Revival, Stella Luna and the Satellites
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Locals Only
2449 E. 56^th Street
21+, door 7:00 pm, show 8:30 pm, nonsmoking, $5.

Old Truck Revival is made up of Gary Wasson, John Bowyer, Junk Box Mike and Gary Rakow – that’s too much talent to fit in a regular pick up, they’ll need an flatbed for that. They promise a show of “sweet electrified hillbilly, rockabilly, folk, bluegrass, and rock.” Luna and the Satellites will open the show.

I suggest that you include Locals Only in your dinner plan for the evening, I’m partial to the spinach melt quesadilla. And if you’re offered salsa, order it – it’s delicious. It’s made by the lovely Robin Hudson. Speaking of yummy food– Locals Only is now serving Sunday brunch from noon – 3:00.

www.junkboxmike.com
www.stellalunaandthesatellites.com

Weekly Events
The Corner Wine Bar
6331 Guilford Avenue
free, nonsmoking, 21+

I realized that I don’t do a good job of taking about reoccurring events. The Corner Wine Bar has some great things regularly scheduled on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. And they typically have music on Thursday too.

The music is in the Wine Cellar. You can reach it stairs on either the Corner Wine Bar or the Wellington sides. The Cellar is much cozier then most basements. And unlike most basement bars there is no old Budweiser banner stolen from a college bar – there is actually a great selection of the fine liquor, craft beers, and of course, wine. The full Corner Wine Bar menu is available in the Wine Cellar also. It is a great place to have dinner and hear music.

Every Friday and Saturday (7:00 open for dinner, 9:00 music):  A Touch of 'Grass

…bluegrass, that is. And tom foolery.  There is a core band made up of veteran musicians with weekly special guests. Their music will make your toes tap and their jokes will make you groan. Just how they like it. I always have a great time at their shows.

Every Sunday (6:00 pm show and dinner) Gary Wasson's Open Stage

If you’ve never been to an Open Stage show, don’t be nervous. They won’t make you play. Unless you want to, of course. It is a great chance for musicians to try out new music and a great chance for the audience to be the first to hear something.  Gary Wasson hosts the evening of local music. No two shows are the same, which is most of the fun. You’ll hear musicians just starting to play in public and well-known folks looking for the chance to play a solo acoustic show instead of performing with their band.  No matter who is playing, it is always entertaining.

www.cornerwinebar.com

Dick Clark and I had a good thing goin' on

Dick Clark and I had a good run. It may well turn out to be my longest relationship ever.

Click here to read all about it in Punchnel's

Joel Henderson's Indianapolis homecoming

Longtime friend and terrific singer-songwriter Joel Henderson is coming back to Indianapolis for his CD release party. I've really been digging the record, Locked Doors & Pretty Fences. 


Read my NUVO interview and hear songs from his new album here.

Broad Ripple Gazette vol 9, no 8

first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette

Record Store Day
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Yay! It’s Record Store Day time, which is the day that folks shed their winter blahs and jump feet first into celebrating the fact that we live in a kick-ass community. Independent record stores are a scare bunch around the country and we are lucky enough to have three within a mile of each other. And they are all thriving and a great part of our community. 

All three stores will host live music and have exclusive Record Store Day albums and sales. My suggestion is that you at least wander in to all three of them. I think in-store concerts are a great way to sample the band’s music in a laid-back setting. And the shows are always family friendly, free, and a great way to meet other folks in our community. I’m so excited that I’m taking the evening off from waitressing at the Red Key (thanks Cindi and Leslie!) so that I can enjoy the whole day. 

-Visit www.recordstoreday.com to see great videos of bands promoting RSD and for an idea of the exclusive record releases. Read below for a list of bands playing at Indy CD & Vinyl, LUNA music, and Vibes.

Indy CD & Vinyl
806 Broad Ripple Ave

It’s always a party at Indy CD & Vinyl, but even more so this day. I always find something fun when I’m there, whether it’s music, music magazines, any other of the cool things that line the shelves.  The stage is at the back of the store and the fun often spills out to the sidewalk. 

1:00 – Loyal Divide, 2:00 - New Band Cavalry, 3:00 – Brother Nature Band

www.indycdandvinyl.com

Vibes
1051 E. 54th St (54^th and the Monon Trail)
GloryHole Records Showcase
11:30 – 6:30

DJ Jewey Ramone will be spinning records between bands, and he’s always got something groovy, and typically vintage on his turntable. There will also be plenty of live music throughout the day. The lineup includes: Homeschool, Adam Kuhn, Dead Frets, Everything, Now!,Ancient Slang, Hank Denim, Humans, Apache Dropout , Crys, Learner Dancer, Punk Talk, Vacation Club< he Kemps, Three Man Band.

All of the bands are fun and worth hearing, but do yourselves a favor and try to catch Everything Now! – they are always a treat. 

LUNA music
5202 N. College Avenue

LUNA music turns the corner of 52^nd Street and College Avenue into a block party in honor of Record Store Day. And they start that party early, opening at 8:00 a.m. 

All day you’ll be able to shop their annual sidewalk sale – stacks of $1 CDs, vinyl, and other goodies. They’ll be passing out grab bags, and you can buy a delicious Upland beer to enjoy while you’re shopping and listening to music, they’ll be a special RCD/LUNA merch item, and the joy of being around folks who love music and aren’t afraid to show it. 

The awesome folks behind the website, Laundromatinee will be on site shooting video and handing out goodness. The lovely and talented crafters of Handmade Promenade, will be on hand(made) selling the freshest, single-artisan love. Jolly Tamale will be set up out front, all day, bringing you local tamale love. Mile 44 will be on hand to sell their local, silk-screened show poster badness.

Live performance lineup: noon - Winslow (Indianapolis Debut). 1:00 p.m. – KO  (Kristin from Slothpop's new project), 2:00 p.m. – Mike Adams At His Honest Weight, 3:00 p.m. – Hen, 4:00 p.m. – Sunni Sheets (features members of: Vacation Club, Learner Dancer, and Crys), 5:00 p.m. – Ancient Slang 

www.lunamusic.net

National Moto+Cycle (next to LUNA music)
5206 N. College Avenue
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

I know that I’ve pressed my face up to the window of National Moto+Cycle trying to get a better peek at the wonderful looking two wheeled machines inside, and I bet you have to.  The guys behind the glorious bicycles are opening their doors in honor of Record Store Day. You can get an up-close look at bikes, cargo trailers, fleet bikes, and accessories (woo hoo – accessories!) – including leather helmets, vintage goggles, t-shirts, bags, and People for Urban Progress goodies. 

I can’t wait to ask Matty to explain the whole motor bicycle thing to me. Even though I’m not sure what they are, I know I want one!   

http://nationalmoto.com

Joel Henderson Band, Tad Armstrong, Heidi Gluck
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Radio Radio
1119 E. Prospect Street
21+, nonsmoking, $5

I can’t believe this show is only $5.00! I’d pay way more than that to see all of this talent in one room. All three performers have all played at CATH coffeehouse (RIP) at some point. If you’re a longtime reader of this column you know how much I love Tad Armstrong, his great songwriting and amazing voice. If I could be a musician, I’d choose to be Heidi Gluck. Do I need to say any more? 

The reason for this amazing show is to celebrate Joel Henderson’s CD release. I’ve had “Locked Doors & Pretty Fences” in my player since December and I love it. But don’t take my word for it. The record has already spent time on the top ten of the EuroAmericana charts – sharing the list with Otis Gibbs at one point.  

Not only am I looking forward to hearing his amazing original music live (I promise not to sing along too loud), I can’t wait to see his band. It features Ric Hordinski (Over the Rhine, Daniel Martin Moore) on lead guitars, Byron House (Robert Plant’s Band of Joy, Dixie Chicks) on bass, Heidi Gluck (The Pieces, Some Girls) on guitar and other musical toys, Bill Mallers (Carrie Newcomer) on keys and Dan Dorff (Daniel Martin Moore, Jim James of My Morning Jacket) on drums. How awesome is that? I will certainly see you there! 

www.joelhenderson.com