MARCH
2020
|
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
FEATURES
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
8 St. Patrick's Day 2020 Go Green or Go Home for Your Fave Irish Holiday!
44 Community & Family 46 VHS Spotlight 48 VHS Adoption Spotlight 50 Tri-State Pet Pics 60 Mug Shots
10 for KING & COUNTRY at the Ford Center An Interview with Luke Smallbone 14 Guns & Hoses XIII at the Ford Center Area First Responders Duke It Out for Charity 16 Lewis Black "It Gets Better Every Day" Tour An Interview with the King of the Comedic Rant 18 Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra presents Music & Sports Fight Songs, Soundtrack Classics & More! 19 5th Annual Music Makes a Difference at Lamasco A Benefit for Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center 20 News 4U's Best of the Tri-State 2020 All the Businesses that Make Our Community Great!
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR 6 Time to Clear the Cobwebs
OPINION 52 The Write Stuff 52 Ask the Pastor 53 Maybe I'm Just Getting Old
REVIEWS 54 Film 56 Music 58 Beer
Established in 1991 by Bashar Hamami Publisher Brian Bennett
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jonathan@evansvillemediagroup.com
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Graphic Designer, Director of Social Media Jen Dyson
COUPONS 25 Save Big!
ENTERTAINMENT 26 In Town & Around 38 Music: The BackBeats 40 Music: RC the MC & Jake Bethel 42 Screen Time 43 Podcast Corner
Staff Photographer Rajiv KC Contributors
Paul Bragin, Russ Finn, Johnny Fletcher, Gavin Gaddis, Jonathan Gluff, Jabez Martinez, Marisa Patwa
News 4U is published monthly and is distributed throughout the tri-state. For information about advertising, subscriptions, distribution or guides & lists, call (812) 426-6398 or write us at 125 N Weinbach Ave, Ste 510 Evansville, IN 47711. News 4U is published by EMG Publishing. All rights reserved.
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|5
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
S
ome of you may still be recovering from major Mardi Gras
the blood pumping until warmer temps arrive. Of course, the
shenanigans, but it's time to clear the cobwebs because
biggest draw this month may well be the many St. Patty's Day
March is here and the spring countdown is on... Thankfully,
celebrations happening around the area, so be sure to check
there are some marquis events coming to the tri-state this
out our "where to go" rundown on pg. 8. In other words, don't
month to speed along the waiting process, including arena
be left out in the cold (and other bad weather puns). On the
rock tribute act Hairball (3/7, Victory Theatre), Christian music
horizon, April will offer up the hilariously acerbic Lewis Black at
sensation Lauren Daigle (3/13, Ford Center) and country music
the Victory and Christian music stars For King & Country at the
legend Reba (3/20, Ford Center). Talk about variety, eh? And
Ford Center. We've got interviews with both to help get you
for all you sports fanatics out there that live for March Madness,
totally prepped as well as a preview of the 13th annual Guns &
Evansville will play host to both the Ohio Valley Conference
Hoses charity boxing match. Plenty to chew on, so take a break
Men's & Women's Basketball Tournament and the Div II NCAA
and take a look inside!
Elite 8 & Semifinals - enough high-stakes roundball to keep
MORE FUN MAKER’S MADNESS! 24 HOUR CASINO ACTIwON with more ne slot games!
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MARCH 26 6pm – 9pm THE SPORTS BOOK
Support your favorite brewery in the TOURNAMENT OF BEERS! The brewery with the most beer sales wins the title and a dedicated draft line at Tap House until the 2021 Tournament of Beers! Tournament Tip-off is on March 20. Enjoy beer from your favorite breweries along with college basketball on Tap House TVs. PLUS, meet Brewery Representatives and receive free giveaways like t-shirts, glassware, stickers, coasters, and bottle openers. The 2019 Champion is Against The Grain from Louisville, KY. Cheers to Beers!
Receive a Maker’s Mark Glass dipped in their signature red wax, while supplies last. ®
MORE FUN. MORE VALUE. MORE VARIETY. 1-800-342-5386 | TROPEVANSVILLE.COM | 421 NW RIVERSIDE DR. | EVANSVILLE, IN 47708 See TROP ADVANTAGE® CENTER for details. Must be 21 years of age or older. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-9 WITH IT. ©2020
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Must be 21 years of age or older to participate.
MARCH 21
Leinenkugel’s
MARCH 25 Sam Adams
MARCH 26 Sam Adams
MARCH 27 Quaff On!
MARCH 28 Quaff On!
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
M ARC H 13
BOKEH LOUNGE: The Brothers Footman / 9pm BUD'S ROCKIN' COUNTRY BAR & GRILL: Matt Rogers / 10pm CARSON'S BREWERY: Smith & Rome / 7pm KC'S CORNER POCKET: DJ & Karaoke / 9pm KC's TIME OUT LOUNGE: DJ & Karaoke / 9pm J'S SPORTS BAR & GRILL: DJ & Karaoke / 9pm LAMASCO BAR & GRILL: McNaughty's St. Patty's Day Party Ft. SNAXXX & Mladic / 10pm LYLE'S SPORTSZONE: Michelle Shelton / 9pm
2020 Go green or go home: Where to celebrate your favorite Irish holiday in the tri-state
According to the internet, which is right 100% of the time, the first St. Patrick's Day parade took place way back in 1762 - in New York, apparently. The influx of Irish immigrants to America meant that the celebration quickly spread across the country, becoming an annual holiday that's given people like News 4U owner Brian Bennett a reason to live. Seriously, no one gets more excited about St. Patrick's Day - or Notre Dame football, in particular - than him. Just check his
M ARC H 14
BOKEH LOUNGE: Nick Vallese & the Misfit Toys / 9pm BUD'S ROCKIN' COUNTRY BAR & GRILL: Matt Rogers / 10pm CARSON'S BREWERY: Curt N Rod / 7pm J'S SPORTS BAR & GRILL: St. Patty's Day Bash w/ Karaoke & Green Beer / 9pm KC'S CORNER POCKET: DJ & Karaoke / 9pm KC'S TIME OUT LOUNGE: Tastes Like Chicken / 10pm KEVIN'S BACKSTAGE BAR & GRILL: Summer & DJ McNaughty / 8pm LAMASCO BAR & GRILL: Jive After 5: The BackBeats / 5:30pm The Tapestry / 10pm LYLE'S SPORTSZONE: Goosetown Devils / 9pm OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER: 4th Annual Shamrock Bash with The Crashers / 6pm SPORTSMAN'S GRILLE & BILLIARDS: St. Patty's Day Bash
Facebook page for proof and if you're feeling up to it, join in on his March 14 News 4U Advertisers Bar Crawl that's scheduled to make a stop for beer at 12 of the coolest establishments in town (plus a pre-game lunch at Lake's Metro Deli). With St. Patrick's Day falling on a Tuesday this year, most celebrations will take place the weekend of March 13 & 14. But be sure to stop by O'Brian's on the 17th for the real deal, a full-on Irish-themed party at the tri-state's only Irish sports bar & grill.
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M ARC H 17
BUD'S ROCKIN' COUNTRY BAR & GRILL: Country Style St. Patrick's Day Celebration CARSON'S BREWERY: St. Patty's Day Bingo / 7pm DAMSEL BREW PUB: St. Patrick's Day Celebration KC'S TIME OUT LOUNGE: St. Patrick's Day Celebration O'BRIAN'S SPORTS BAR & GRILL: St. Patrick's Day Party w/ Deja Vu / 9pm
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|9
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
FOR KING & COUNTRY
BURN THE SHIPS WORLD TOUR F OR D CEN TER | A P RI L 16 | 7 P. M.
Luke Smallbone on winning over the CMA crowd, the complexity of "Joy," the band's ambitious new film project and more For years, for KING & COUNTRY
December when the band received a standing ovation - from
were referred to as Christian
a country music crowd, no less. Were you surprised by the
music's answer to Coldplay
warm reception?
based on their soaring vocals
The first thing I thought was that I hope they [the CMA crowd]
and
but
know what they're getting into [laughs]. Because we're not
with the release of 2018's Burn
changing the style of how we do "Little Drummer Boy." So, we get
the Ships, brothers Joel and
there for rehearsals and I start seeing all these other legendary
Luke
flowing
melodies,
completely
artists - people you've heard for years like Lady Antebellum and
surpassed expectations, crafting
Smallbone
Trisha Yearwood - doing these songs. What I realized about it was
a
album
that they were all slow tempo Christmas songs, and I was like,
that sidesteps all labels. The
hugely
ambitious
'hey, good for them'; there's nothing wrong with that. But once
delightfully schizophrenic first
again, the way we're about to do "Little Drummer Boy" is not what
single "Joy" - a top five hit along with the epic title track and
they're all playing. Anyway, we get up there to do it - and I actually
uplifting "God Only Knows" - is powered by shifting rhythms and
felt like, well, here's goes nothing. They're either going to clap
complex chord changes plus cutting edge production techniques
and enjoy this or be like, 'these guys do not belong here.' But we
that, frankly, are beyond the grasp of current pop artists. But the
were shocked - we finished the song and when the crowd started
Smallbones proved they know how to practice restraint, too.
standing, it really shocked me; I didn't anticipate it. I thought
"Pioneers," the sweeping, orchestral closing track, glides in on a
maybe somebody told them to do it [laughs].
cloud, gently consuming the soul before drifting quietly into the great beyond.
"Joy" has to be one of the more musically complex songs released in recent years. It's like one big jig-saw puzzle. What
Lucky for us, Evansville is the starting point for the continuation
did it sound like in demo form?
of the Burn the Ships World Tour which wowed audiences
We had this idea about "joy" - what it means to live with joy. And
throughout 2018 and 2019. According to Luke Smallbone, it was
not this cookie cutter, happy joy, but what does it mean to be
a special experience for the brothers, "so why shouldn't we just
joyful in the midst of hard things, difficult circumstances? So we
extend it and keep the good times rolling?" No argument here.
went out to LA to see our co-writer Matt Hale and asked him what he thought some of the things were that the album should be
Let's go back to your amazing, dramatic performance of
about. And he literally said, 'you know, I've got this idea about a
"Little Drummer Boy" at the CMA Christmas show last
song called "Joy"' - and nobody had told him about it. So we start
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
tinkering around with some of these phrases and some of these melodies and this music. And honestly, we come up with something that is called "Joy" but we left LA thinking that we'd failed - we had not written a good song. It was fragmented and all over the place. So we came back to Nashville and thought, well, there's still something about certain sections of the song that were good, but it wasn't a fully fleshed-out song. So we went on this journey and what we ended up with was a song that had 87 different versions of it at some point. We were presented with a lot of obstacles in that song, trying to solve the puzzle. And that's why it sounds the way that it sounds. In a roundabout way, as complicated as it is, that's because we didn't know how to fix it. "Pioneers" serves as the perfect end to the album with a sweeping, orchestral feel that's complemented by the soothing vocals of the Smallbone wives. Did you always have that track earmarked as the closer? "Pioneers" was one that wasn't ever set in stone to make the album until Courtney and Moriah started to sing on it. We thought that it was a really interesting idea to talk about love and marriage and committed marriage as pioneering. In a roundabout way, your marriage that you have has never been done before. It's totally fresh, totally new. That combination of personalities and temperaments is totally unique. So, when we started singing the song with Joel and I singing "let's be pioneers" together...I was like, 'I love you and stuff but being pioneers with you is super weird [laughs].' And so, we had this idea of what would it look like if our wives were on the song? And that's when the song came together. "Pioneers" is cool because it just kind of lets the song speak without all the big, boisterous choruses - it doesn't ever really do too much, if that makes sense. It goes without saying that you and your brother Joel are two of the most ambitious musicians around. Do you have any new projects in the works that you can discuss? it's funny you asked that now. Probably our most ambitious thing yet is actually to come. We're going to be filming a new film called Drummer Boy in the fall. It's actually a musical as well - and it's a musical around the Civil War era about two brothers that end up on the opposite sides of the Civil War. And it's also around Christmas time, so it's this massive project. My brother Ben and Joel were actually in Romania this past week scouting over there because we're looking to actually film it in Romania. I don't even think we know what we're truly in for, because films are so complicated but when you throw the musical component in...you have to make an album just for the musical and we spend two years, usually, making albums. The scope of what we're trying to accomplish is insane. For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com. The Ford Center is located at 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd. in downtown Evansville.
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
GUNS & HOSES XIII F OR D CEN TER | A P RI L 18 | 7 P. M.
Punching for charity: Clash between two undefeated fighters highlights much-anticipated rubber match Hands down, it's the community's biggest charity event. Each year
championship belt - and bragging rights - for the next 12 months.
first responders from the local police and fire departments duke it
One of the signature matches on the 2020 card, a clash between
out in the ring for your entertainment - but primarily to raise money
EPD Sgt. Brian Talsma and EFD firefighter Eric Baumberger, just
for over 70 tri-state organizations that aid children and adults in
might dictate which way the wind blows on April 18. With six wins
need, including Autism Walk, Evansville ARC, Joshua Academy,
and no losses between them, these two cagey Guns & Hoses
SMILE on Down Syndrome, Wish Upon A Star and many more.
veterans are promising a battle for the ages - or of the ages, more
That's been the focus of Guns & Hoses from day one; in fact, the
accurately. Talsma, just a couple years away from retirement and
event was created to help EPD Sgt. Patrick Phernetton's daughter
declaring this to be his final appearance in the ring, has more than
"Mickey" who suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder
15 years on Baumberger, a spry, ex-military man of 35. In short,
that slows development and causes constant hunger. Over a million
things are about to get interesting...
dollars later, the event continues to grow with near sell-out crowds rocking the Ford Center as the punches fly.
Both fighters kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the big showdown at the Ford Center.
With the series now tied 6-6, this year's Guns & Hoses event takes on special meaning. Both sides are determined to reclaim the
Both of you come into this bout looking to stay undefeated, but
let's go back to the first time you stepped in the ring at the Ford Center. What do you remember about that initial experience?
Sgt. Talsma: The first time, I remember walking out and getting in the ring and I remember watching Chief Connelly walk out and step into the ring. And to be honest, I don't recall a whole lot after that. I don't remember hearing the crowd either silent or roaring; I don't remember a word that was ever said to me in the corner between rounds: and when the fight was over, I thought, 'boy, I don't think he hit me a single time - I don't remember anything.' And then the next morning I woke up, I had a black eye. And I watched the fight after someone posted it and I realized I got hit a lot. I didn't remember any of it. My whole time in the ring was a blur.
Baumberger: I'm prior military, so they teach you to just be calm
and mellow. That's just how I am. When my intro song's going, it's kind of slow - my song's "Sucker for Pain" - it's not really banging in your face. It just gets me in the mood. I walk out and everybody's blanked out. I don't really pay attention to anyone. I'm just ready to
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go when I get in the ring.
I'm constantly moving tree limbs and stuff everywhere. I run, I do
Sgt. Talsma, you could have
taken the easy way out for
your final bout but instead,
CrossFit and try to stay in shape. About the end of October, I try to really get down to business and come January, it's go time. I really put forth the effort.
you've matched up against
Eric, all four of your fights have ended in a TKO. You're not
accomplished fighter. So...
opponent?
a
much
younger,
more
why, exactly?
Sgt. Talsma: When the initial
a particularly big guy, so what's made you such a tough Baumberger: Partially it's that I'm fit and partially because I don't
give up. If I get hit I don't get frustrated. You can hit me a bunch
fight card came out, they had
- I'll just try to figure something else out. Why am I getting hit?
me matched up with someone
And it helps that I'm a southpaw. I'm actually right-handed, but I
else, no one I even knew. I didn't
fight southpaw. More than 95% of the fighters are right-handed,
see Eric's name on the list - and
orthodox; that helps me. It's always a disadvantage to a righty
I found out that he was looking
because everyone they train with is a righty. I move different, I'm all
for a fight, they didn't have
over the place. I like to be in your face and then I'm over here, over
anybody to fight him. And they
there. I like rotating - I like to move.
asked if I wanted to and I said, 'no, I really don't ' [laughs]. But this is my last chance. We're all motivated by the charity and putting people in the stands - but part of the motivation is to find something to push yourself, to go harder by accomplishing something new. By
There's your answer, Sgt. Talsma - just keep running around the ring and don't let Eric catch you.
Sgt. Talsma: Now, see, I can't do that. Two reasons I can't do that:
one, I'm just not fit enough to run around the ring; he's going to
choosing to fight Eric, I definitely took a big step towards pushing
catch me. And two, you know, the crowd comes to see a good fight.
myself. It will be difficult; he's very good but I look forward to the
Trust me, I've had all kinds of suggestions, like hit him low - they'll
opportunity.
give you a warning but you'll be ok [laughs].
is that I could end up on that canvas just as fast as he could. It is
I don't want him to turtle up; I'm not going to. If he knocks me down,
what it is. I'm not going to say that I'm going to go out there and
that's awesome; the heck with it, who cares. I'll get back up or walk
win. You look at professional boxers out there - all it takes is one
it off and we'll go drink a beer later.
Baumberger: He's putting me on too high of a pedestal. The truth
punch and it's over. It takes a lot to step out there and regardless of what my record is, it takes a lot to get in the ring with a guy that's younger than you. Every year except for one I've given up weight and age - I've been older than my opponent. This year is the total opposite for me. How have the two of you gone about training for this epic bout?
Sgt. Talsma: I'm training pretty much the same, but Eric has fought
Baumberger: I hope Brian does come out and he's ready to throw -
Sgt. Talsma: When Eric gets done with me, I may not even have
the thought of ever sparring again, let alone fighting again [laughs]. Speaking of not fighting again - and your impending retirement
from the EPD in 2022 - what do you plan to do with all of your free time, Sgt. Talsma?
Sgt. Talsma: I'm not sure what my retirement will look like. I have some different ideas that I've been kicking around. People ask me
and I tell them that I don't know what I'm going to do - I just know
more times, so I'm relying on my coaches to tell me how to beat
what I'm not going to do. I'm not going to retire from the police
him - a specific punch combination, a different strategy. To be quite
department and then take a security job or something related. It's
honest, the first two times I've gotten in there [the ring]... I'm not
time to move on to the next chapter. I could potentially fight in 2021
a really talented boxer, so let's meet in the middle and see what
but I figure that when I'm done with Eric, there's nowhere else to
happens. I don't think I can do that with Eric. He's too energetic; I
go - win, lose or draw.
think he's a little too strong and he's proven that. So I've got to have a little more of a plan with him.
Baumberger: Every year I've obviously gotten better and learned different things. Pretty much all year I do tree service on the side, so
For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com. The Ford Center is located at 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd. in downtown Evansville.
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
LEWIS BLACK: "IT GETS BETTER EVERY DAY" TOUR
V ICTORY TH EAT RE | A P RI L 19 | 7 P. M .
FAMOUSLY ACERBIC COMEDIAN TALKS POSSIBLE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL RUN, AUDIENCEWRITTEN RANTS, BOB NEWHART AND MORE
He's the King of the Rant. For nearly four decades, comedian Lewis Black has dished out political satire and social commentary with an overly-exasperated tone and a series of now iconic, flailing hand gestures that have made the 71-yearold a longtime favorite of the disenfranchised. Truly, it's not easy squeezing laughs out of today's headlines, but Black always finds a way to make light of even the most ridiculous scenarios - which he continues to do both on stage and, most notably, on the set of Comedy Central's The Daily Show during his periodic "Back in Black" segments that always leave host Trevor Noah buckled over, gasping for air. Black's current tour, sarcastically titled "It Gets Better Every Day," not only takes on all the big, polarizing topics you'd expect but also features audiencewritten rants that the Washington, D.C. native reads aloud with all of the exaggerated vitriol you've come to know and love. And FYI, if there's something that's just been eating away at you, feel free to visit Black's website ahead of the show at the Victory and unload - chances are he'll turn your anger into comedy gold. Based on the general age range of
the
current
presidential
candidates, you may well be too
young - at 71 - to enter the fray, but 2024 could be primetime for you.
I think that would be good, especially if I could do it from a gurney with an IV drip. What would your platform be? How would you turn this country around?
My platform would be: I'm not going to bother you - I
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promise not to irritate you and I'll stay out of your way. And if you need me, I'll be down at Congress waiting for them to do something, because I saw them do it when I was a child and I'd like to see them do something again before I die. Is there a fine line between comedy
and
essentially
lecturing your audience?
You've got to kind of find ways into stuff. You don't talk about the fact that, hey, we don't have a safety net. You can't say the words "safety net," ok? Because I used to say "socialist" and then go, 'shhhhh - don't tell anybody I used that word.' So what I do now is say, you know, don't tell me that this is the greatest economy ever - I've heard that all my life or on and off my whole life. And we've never really had a great economy. And I know that because the only people that ever said it are rich people and politicians. But you've never heard a
middle class person go, 'boy, things have never been better!' At each show, you Livestream yourself reading audience-
written rants aloud in a most entertaining fashion - something that's seemingly never been done before.
It actually took a chunk of time for people to notice - despite it being so cutting edge. The Canadians and some places in the States noticed it because I have a fanbase. But now the numbers are climbing. So, how it works is that I'll get something five or six days before I show up in a town and go over the submissions. In Waukegan, they [the audience] actually wrote the whole show - everything that came in was by them and all I did was put it in order. And that was what I've been waiting for. It took four years to get there, but that's why people have pilots: it's my TV show. You know, I'm a 1952 TV show. Speaking of the 1950's, one of your biggest comedic influences
is Bob Newhart - which is interesting because his subdued, deadpan mannerisms seem completely at odds with your animated take on comedy.
I liked Bob mainly for his storytelling. So, the initial attraction was that he was writing a scene for two people - basically he was playing the one person and the other person was unseen. How it affected my comedy was...it takes a long time to understand the importance of silence in comedy, taking the pause two steps longer than necessary. I just felt that if I shut up the sharks would come after me. But now I can take my time. A lot of your gestures and mannerisms are fairly reminiscent of the late, great Don Rickles.
It's funny, but Bob and Rickles were close friends. So there's a sense in which I've kind of got a bit of each of them. Despite all of your ranting, do you still hold out hope for America? Do you have optimism somewhere inside you?
Oh yeah. You couldn't be this angry if you didn't think that something would work out. You know, that there wasn't something worth saving. I still kind of feel like, you know, people are basically good. And here's why - and this what's so f*cking stupid. If you gave everyone in the United States over the age of 18...or you can start at 59, I don't give a sh*t. You give them a card and you say you can write down the five things that you really want in your life and for your family in whatever order they think is important...I'm going to tell you that 80 to 100% of those cards are all going to agree. Nobody's going to say, 'boy, you know what I want is an opioid addiction!' For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.com. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.
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| 17
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA MUSIC & SPORTS
VI C T O RY THEATR E | M A R C H 1 4 | 7 P.M .
Breaking away: The EPO gets up to speed this month with a truly energetic performance Time is flying, folks, and that means there's only
their thing, two Little 500 bikes (provided by
a few more Evansville Philharmonic concerts
Tom Gabe) used in the movie will be ridden
to go before we say adieu to longtime Musical
by Randy Reisinger and a cyclist from Breaking
Director Alfred Savia. He's been a fixture with
Away, respectively. Reisinger is one of the
the EPO for decades but all good things must
original Little 500 coaches who worked on set.
come to an end, of course. On the upside,
Safe to say you won't have seen anything quite
fans of the Orchestra have been privy to an
like it at any previous EPO event.
entertaining, season-long replacement process featuring some amazingly
Speaking of great movie
talented candidates
-
music, another highlight
now it's just a matter of
of Music & Sports is sure to
choosing
be the theme from Chariots
one.
In
the
meantime, get ready for
of
one of the most intriguing
instrumental composed by
performances of
Greek musician Vangelis
2020:
Fire,
the
anthemic
Music & Sports. While
-
these two things may
legendary soundtrack work
seem a bit at odds, in truth,
also
known
for
his
on the sci-fi classic Blade
they complement each other perfectly and
Runner. And all you baseball fans are in for a
you'll be converted after hearing selections
treat with a spirited arrangement of "Take Me
from classic sports movies such as Rudy, The
Out to the Ball Game" also on the bill among
Natural, Rocky and more. In addition, this March
other rousing selections.
Madness event will feature special guests from the athletic community, cheerleaders and John
Looking ahead, the EPO starts April off in
Williams' Olympic Fanfare.
style with The Envelope Please, an evening of GRAMMY, Tony and Academy Award-winning
The highlight of Music & Sports may well be the performance of music from Breaking Away, the 1979 Oscar-nominated film about four teenaged cyclists training for the Little 500 in Bloomington, IN. While the Orchestra does
18 | MARCH 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
songs. Get your tickets now before it's too late! For tickets and more info, visit evansvillephilharmonic.org. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
5TH ANNUAL
MUSIC MAKES A DIFFERENCE LAMASCO B AR & GRI LL | MA RC H 28 | 5:3 0 P.M .
Local musicians band together for concert benefiting Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center
"March 28 I'm going to be a blubbering mess," admits an emotional Chris Passage. The longtime booking agent for Lamasco Bar & Grill in Evansville finds it difficult to discuss the annual Easter Seals benefit concert he founded five years ago without getting choked up. Especially when he thinks about all of the local kids and adults with disabilities that the money raised so far (over $10,000 to date) has directly affected - and in particular, when Passage reflects back on his childhood in Fort Wayne when he was the self-described "crown prince" of the cerebral palsy telethon. "I was nine-years-old and embarrassed to be wearing braces - I wasn't like everybody else," he recalls. "My mom could see that I was hesitant and not happy about doing the appearances, so she didn't make me go to some of them. I've always felt guilty about that." Somewhere around a decade ago, in an effort to make himself feel better, Passage conjured up the idea for Music Makes a Difference; he had the music connections to pull it off, just not a proper venue. That all changed when he started doing sound and lights part-time at Lamasco and took the opportunity to present his case to owner Amy Word. "After about 15 minutes she was on
ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP
board and here we are at the fifth event - I still can't believe it,"
- UNCLE FUDGE - KENNA ELPERS - FREDDIE BOURNE - SARAH WERNER - CYNTHIA MURRAY - JEB - ZAEDO - GREGATRON
Passage notes, adding that MMAD has become bigger than he ever expected. In truth, he'd like to believe that should something happen to him, someone would pick up where he left off and keep the event alive. But Passage isn't going anywhere anytime soon; he's fully committed to making this year's MMAD a rousing success with the help of some truly talented local musicians - without whom there simply wouldn't be a show. And that includes the return of ZAEDO - aka Zaeden Hillenbrand - a senior at North High School dealing with cerebral palsy. For a kid who was given a 2% chance at a "normal life," he's been kicking butt and taking names, completely oblivious to the odds. "I say he's my spirit animal - every time I talk about ZAEDO I get emotional," Passage states with tears welling. "He's in the marching band, he's DJing EDM - just amazing." The rest of the MMAD lineup is equally fantastic so come out and support this great cause. A $10 donation at the door is suggested but if you can give more, please do. It should be noted that Party Time Pedalers, a mobile entertainment service, will be out and about on Franklin Street that night and have kindly agreed to donate 30% of their profits to Easter Seals. Very cool! For more info, visit Music Makes a Difference on Facebook. Lamasco Bar & Grill is located at 1331 W. Franklin St. in Evansville.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
| 19
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NEWS 4 U
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | COUPONS
MARCH COUPONS
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
| 25
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
PRESENTED BY:
IN TOWN & AROUND FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Rick Rose Band 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Dueling Guitars 7:15 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- An Intimate Evening w/ Joe W. Smith Cricket's (Newburgh) -- DJ & Karaoke 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Jason Lee McKinney Band Album Release Party J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- No Governor 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Corey Cox Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve Presents: Fryar, Houman & Kadena SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 1:00 PM Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The Wannabeez 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Smith & Rome
26 | MARCH 2020
Newburgh American Legion Post #44 -- Acousticrats [open to the public] Victory Theatre -- EPO presents: Roger Kalia & Meng Su 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Jimmy DeTalente & Electric Revival w/Whiskey Alibi 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- The Cold Stares J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Muddy Gutt 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Corey Cox KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Tastes Like Chicken Lamasco Bar & Grill -Gentlemen & Scholars wsg CasOne
9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Damsel Brew Pub -- 2nd Anniversary Party 2:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Shawn Needham 5:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Gaming Guild Day 6:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 1:00 PM Ford Center -- 2020 Ohio Valley Conference Men's & Women's Basketball Championship 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Bingo w/ Curtis KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes register @ 6:30pm)
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
MONDAY, MARCH 2 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- March Madness Trivia Tourney 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, MARCH 3 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Themed Trivia 7:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live Acoustics w/ Tom Small 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke THURSDAY, MARCH 5 Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- OVC Basketball Tourney Headquarters 1:00 PM Ford Center -- 2020 Ohio Valley Conference Men's & Women's Basketball Championship 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe France w/ Tommy Stillwell Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Tailgate Unplugged Carson's Brewery -- Board Game Night KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ Old National Events Plaza -Baby Shark Live! 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Crosby & Nellis 9:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- OVC Basketball Tourney Headquarters
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
| 27
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
1:00 PM Ford Center -- 2020 Ohio Valley Conference Men's & Women's Basketball Championship 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The Next Step 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Jed Guillaume 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Josh Merritt Band J's Sports Bar & Grill -Karaoke & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- The Valcoes 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Canaan Cox Lamasco Bar & Grill -Evvolve Presents: phLo & Heady Boi SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- OVC Basketball Tourney Headquarters 12:00 PM Damsel Brew Pub -- Beer Yoga 2:00 PM Ford Center -- 2020 Ohio Valley Conference Men's & Women's Basketball Championship 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Lamasco Jamaican Vacation: Natty Nation 7:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Drag Me to Dinner
28 | MARCH 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Carson's Brewery -- Hudsy 7:30 PM Victory Theatre -- Hairball: A Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock 8:00 PM Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Scott Winzinger 9:00 PM J's Sports Bar & Grill -Karaoke & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- National Dust TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Stoney Wayne 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Canaan Cox KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Pfreak Show Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Aaron Kamm & the One Drops SUNDAY, MARCH 8 2:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ The Sidemen 5:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Youth Open Mic hosted by Kenna Elpers 6:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke MONDAY, MARCH 9 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- March
CASINO NOW HIRING! • SURVEILLANCE AGENT • SECURITY OFFICER • HOUSEKEEPING • SEAMSTRESS • DEALER
• TABLE GAMES FLOOR SUPERVISOR • TABLE GAMES SHIFT MANAGER • FACILITIES MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR • FACILITIES ENGINEER 2
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Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
| 29
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Madness Trivia Tourney 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, MARCH 10 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Bokeh Poetry Night KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Evansville Thunderbolts Coaches Show 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Themed Trivia 7:00 PM
30 | MARCH 2020
Carson's Brewery -- Movie Night Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live Acoustics w/ Tom Small 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Bingo w/ Curtis KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes register @ 6:30pm) Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Bar Bingo 8:00 PM
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke THURSDAY, MARCH 12 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe France w/ Tommy Stillwell Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Brad Lemmons Carson's Brewery -- Board Game Night KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- "Office" TV Show Trivia 8:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Angel Rhodes 9:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP FRIDAY, MARCH 13 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Fabulous Rodenberg Boys 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Smith & Rome 7:30 PM Ford Center -- Lauren Daigle World Tour
9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- The Brothers Footman J's Sports Bar & Grill -Karaoke & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Michelle Shelton 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Matt Rogers Lamasco Bar & Grill -McNaughty's St. Patty's Day Party Ft. SNAXXX & Mladic SATURDAY, MARCH 14 11:00 AM Carson's Brewery -- Happy Pie Day Brunch w/ Happy Pie Company
3:00 PM Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Downtown Craft Beer Stroll 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The BackBeats (Beatles Tribute) 6:00 PM Owensboro Convention Center -- ShamRock Bash w/ The Crashers 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Curt N Rod Victory Theatre -- Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra presents Music & Sports 7:15 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts 8:00 PM Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Summer & DJ McNaughty 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Vallese
& the Misfit Toys J's Sports Bar & Grill -- St. Patty's Day Bash w/ Karaoke & DJ (plus green beer/no cover) KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -Goosetown Devils TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Tom Small 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Matt Rogers KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Tastes Like Chicken Lamasco Bar & Grill -- The Tapestry
Kincaid & Jon Hyneman 3:00 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts 5:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Sunday Funday w/ Cynthia & Kenna 6:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Andy Brasher
SUNDAY, MARCH 15 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Justin Clark, Matt
MONDAY, MARCH 16 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- March Madness Trivia Tourney
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, MARCH 17 (see pg. 8 for more St. Patrick's Day events) O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Themed Trivia 7:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Corduroy Orbison Carson's Brewery -- St. Patty's Bingo Party & March
32 | MARCH 2020
Madness Viewing Party Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live Acoustics w/ Tom Small 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke O'Brian's Sports Bar -- St. Patrick's Day Party w/ Deja Vu WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Science w/ a Twist 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Bingo w/ Curtis KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes register @ 6:30pm) 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke THURSDAY, MARCH 19 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe France w/ Tommy Stillwell Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Tailgate Unplugged Carson's Brewery -- Board Game Night KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- 80's Trivia 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Nick Hamilton 9:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP FRIDAY, MARCH 20 11:00 AM Old National Events Plaza -EvilleCon 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: 2 Miles Back 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Monte Skelton 8:00 PM Ford Center -- Reba McEntire
MUSIC AND SPORTS The Music of Champions! Nothing fires up sports fans like an epic fight song! Hear Purdue, IU & Notre Dame Fight Songs, Olympic Fanfare, We are the Champions, and music from Sunday Night Football, Breaking Away, Rudy, The Natural, Chariots of Fire, and “The Quidditch Match” from Harry Potter. Special Guest Zane Clodfelter narrates Casey at the Bat & the PDQ Bach Beethoven 5th Sportscast (with referee and commentators)
SATURDAY, MARCH 14 • 7 PM • VICTORY THEATRE www.evansvillephilharmonic.org 812/425-5050 This project is made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission, the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Jimmy DeTalente & The Electric Revival J's Sports Bar & Grill -Karaoke & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Boscoe France & Tommy Stillwell 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Alec MacGillivray Lamasco Bar & Grill -Evvolve presents: Wreckno & Super Future SATURDAY, MARCH 21 8:00 AM Old National Events Plaza -EvilleCon
5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Morgan Donahue & The Left of Center Players 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Jared & Luke 7:15 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Soul Unique J's Sports Bar & Grill -Karaoke & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Rhino Jones TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Death Spider Monkeys 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Alec
MacGillivray KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- LDNL Lamasco Bar & Grill -- OTIS & Jive Mother Mary SUNDAY, MARCH 22 8:00 AM Old National Events Plaza -EvilleCon 2:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Ballard & Byrne 3:00 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts 5:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Open Mic 6:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 7:00 PM
CONCERT SPONSOR Bettye A. Statham
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke MONDAY, MARCH 23 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- March Madness Trivia Tourney 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, MARCH 24 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ Old National Events Plaza --
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Themed Trivia 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Puns & Pints- Carson’s Monthly Comedy Show Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live Acoustics w/ Tom Small 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Dirty Dogg Fam Jam 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 10:30 AM Old National Events Plaza -- Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic 2:30 PM Old National Events Plaza -- Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Bingo w/ Curtis KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes - register @ 6:30pm) Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Bar Bingo 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke
34 | MARCH 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 26 Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- NCAA Div II Basketball Tourney Headquarters 12:00 PM Ford Center -- NCAA DII Elite 8 & Semi-Finals 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe France w/ Tommy Stillwell Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Tailgate Unplugged Carson's Brewery -- Board Game Night KC's Corner Pocket -College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Josh Merritt 9:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP FRIDAY, MARCH 27 Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- NCAA Div II Basketball Tourney Headquarters 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Fabulous Rodenberg Boys 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Angel Rhodes 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Year of October J's Sports Bar & Grill --
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Karaoke & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- The Smoke Rings 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve presents: Gurf wsg RYNS & Spec SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- NCAA Div II Basketball Tourney Headquarters 12:00 PM Ford Center -- NCAA DII Elite 8 & Semi-Finals 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- 5th Annual Music Makes a Difference feat. Uncle Fudge, Sarah Werner, Kenna Elpers, Cynthia Murray, ZAEDO, Gregatron & JEB 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Dueling Guitars 7:30 PM Old National Events Plaza -WWE presents NXT Live! 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Opal Fly J's Sports Bar & Grill -Karaoke & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Akacia TJ's Stockyard Inn -- River Rats 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Tailgate Revival KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
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-- Jenny's Bad Hair Day SUNDAY, MARCH 29 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Bokeh Big Band 6:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Andy Brasher MONDAY, MARCH 30 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- March Madness Trivia Tourney 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, MARCH 31 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Evansville Thunderbolts Coaches Show 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Themed Trivia 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Karaoke w/ Ian Johns Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live Acoustics w/ Tom Small 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Zoo Trippin 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
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| 37
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | MUSIC
BU I LD I T A ND T HE Y W ILL C O M E: TR I-STATE B EATLES TR IB U TE S E T T O DE BU T AT LA MA SC O B A R & G R ILL O N M A R C H 1 4
It's a bone-chillingly cold February evening in Evansville
- and put intense effort into nailing all the complex
but inside a big blue warehouse at Window World on the
vocal harmonies. Sure, there are some false starts and
city's east side, five local musicians are heating things up
occasional stoppages of play along the way to regroup,
with a run-through of some of the greatest pop songs
but now it's just a matter of tightening things up before
ever written: "Drive My Car," "All My Loving," "I Am the
the big March 14 showcase at Lamasco Bar & Grill.
Walrus," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band/With a Little Help from My Friends," "Lady Madonna," "Lucy in
The idea for the BackBeats has been swimming inside
the Sky with Diamonds,"
Mitchell's head for years.
"A Day in the Life"...
A self-confessed Beatles
See
the
nerd,
Yes,
the
connection? BackBeats
he
still
recalls
-
dancing in his underwear
featuring Mike Mitchell
to one of the band's TV
(bass), Dennis Johnson
performances as an eight-
(guitar),
year-old.
Scott
Mercer
His
parents
(guitar/keys), Bill Sievern
reportedly walked in to
(keys) and Gregg Martin
find their overly-excited
(drums) - are all about
son
the Beatles. But while
school rabbit antennae
these extremely talented
into a mock microphone.
players
Unsurprisingly,
are
seasoned
bending
the
old
they
pros and veterans of the tri-state music scene, the
were displeased. But Mitchell was sold. "I became a
challenge of recreating the work of the Mop Tops
collector," he states. "It's just been a hobby. I loved
is very real. So it's good to see that the guys are
to sit and noodle and learn the songs. Once I got to
generally all smiles as they tackle all eras of the band
be an adult, I started buying Hofner basses and would
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• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
study how McCartney played." Johnson, a longtime friend, comes from a similar musical background. His mutual interest in the Beatles spurred Mitchell - who was "done with the whole band thing" after leaving both the Valcoes and 80's tribute act McFly in recent years - to finally pursue his passion. "For all this time Dennis and I have talked about how great it would be to get a Beatles band together," Mitchell says. "But we're not interested in putting on a clown show with Sgt. Pepper outfits and all that." Quite simply, with the BackBeats, it's all about the music. But to recreate such sophisticated songs, Johnson and Mitchell - effectively the Lennon and McCartney of the BackBeats - needed the best of the best to fill out the band. Enter three of the tri-state's most accomplished, versatile musicians in Mercer, Sievern and Gregg, all of whom are in-demand and totally up to the challenge. "You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find players who understand Beatles music," Mitchell notes with more than a hint of exasperation. "I mean, that's the roots of music - Elvis, Chuck Berry, the Beatles." But once the lineup was set, the BackBeats were all business, learning 60 songs over a four month period - a huge undertaking even for such a talented group of guys. Eventually satisfied with the band's progress, Mitchell decided it was time to take the leap and start booking shows - for the whole of 2020, as it turned out. Beginning in March, the band will rock Lamasco for a few months and then alternate between there and Bokeh Lounge throughout the rest of the year. Ultimately, if all goes well, the goal is to take the show on the road to cities like Carbondale, Indianapolis, Jasper and New Albany. And slot in some private gigs, too. "It's just a labor of love," Mitchell says. "We have the attitude that 'build it and they will come.'" Don't miss the BackBeats at Lamasco Bar & Grill on March 14 at 5:30 p.m.!
For more info, visit The BackBeats on Facebook.
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| 39
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | MUSIC
RC THE MC & JAKE BETHEL Pick your path: Intriguing collaboration merges hip hop and rock for unique concept album It all started with a podcast. Or a JangleCast, more precisely. About this time last year, local hip hop artist RC the MC sat down for a conversation with Jake Bethel, bassist for the Jangle Sheep - one of Evansville's most prominent original bands - and host of said JangleCast. The two were just getting into a discussion on concept albums, when an interesting idea was floated that caused Bethel to pause the tape. "RC said he always thought it would be cool if someone did one akin to Goosebumps where there's a pick your own path," Bethel explains. "Jake said he would delete everything we'd just said if we wanted to do that idea," RC chimes in. With a new musical alliance forged, the next order of business was to map out the concept, a process that took place over the course of a few meetings during which the pair settled on three paths: Money, Job, Dream. "It reminded me of that scene in Scary Movie where Carmen Electra can either pick a grenade, gun or banana - and she picks the banana," Bethel laughs. "And I thought what if that was done but not in a slapstick way - an actual meaningful story." Recording for Pick Your Path got up and running straight away, aided by the clear vision of the concept; indeed, the creative limitations proved liberating. But Bethel and RC still wanted outside help and input, reaching out to a number of tri-state artists and producers, including Claymation, LSD, Ali Buckets, Brandon Gabriel, Yung Diabla and NeRo AnGeLo who mixed and mastered the final product in just a couple of weeks. "We wanted to get some members of the community involved for the feature spots," Bethel explains. "They're kind of like characters in the story, but then we generalized
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• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
it more - kind of like the Twilight books where Bella was never really described in detail so any person could put themselves into the story." Still, at the heart of Pick Your Path is the vocal push and pull of RC's deft lyrical flow in the verses and Bethel's melodic choruses often backed by acoustic guitar and bass. "We're like rap-rock but an alternative to that - not like Limp Bizkit but more like Modest Mouse or the White Stripes," RC says. "Especially on the first couple of tracks and then it kind of goes more in the hip hop direction." For Bethel, the dichotomy of the vocals is almost akin to a concept within the concept. "If you like one side of it more than the other, then you can keep listening to it for the one you like." A successful release party for Pick Your Path went down at Bokeh Lounge on January 31, most likely marking the first time a concept album has been debuted at the downtown Evansville bar. But this unique collaboration won't be a one-anddone. "We have aspirations for trying to follow the choose your own adventure a little more but for now we'll do some one-off songs," Bethel notes. Keep your ears open for future experiments by these two tri-state musical pioneers. For more info, follow Jake Bethel and RC the MC on Facebook. Pick Your Path is available on all major streaming sites.
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| 41
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | ENTERTAINMENT
with Marisa Patwa YOUNG ROMANCE, APOCALYPTIC MONSTERS AND A KICK-ASS DISNEY PRINCESS: MARCH PROMISES A WIDE RANGE OF MOVIE MAGIC
For all of the Riverdale fans out there, Archie heartthrob KJ Apa stars as a successful dreamy musician whose new lover, played by the vivacious Britt Robertson, has a terminal disease in I Still Believe, out March 13th. The film’s trailer and premise have similar vibes to A Walk to Remember (2002), My Sister’s Keeper (2009), Now Is Good (2012), The Fault in Our Stars, (2014), Everything, Everything (2017) Then Came You (2018), Midnight Sun (2018) and Five Feet Apart (2019). I guess there’s something about young, sick people falling in love that really sells movie tickets. Anyway, both leading actors are spot-on casting choices and will do a great job, even if the material is predicable. And the musical element elevates the regurgitated plot. Here’s hoping for a sultry ballad or two. The highly-anticipated A Quiet Place Part II drops on March 20th and if the incredible box office success of the first film is any indicator, the John Krasinski-directed follow-up is sure to be a hit. The plot is still centered around our favorite survivalist family, led by tough matriarch Evelyn Abbot (Emily Blunt), as they try to stay alive in a land dominated by monsters that will tear you apart if they hear you make a single sound. It’s one of those films that gets your heart beating because you not only know how high the stakes are, but it’s fun to picture how you and your family would fare if you were faced with the same apocalyptic crisis. Disney has been churning out live-action versions of their animated classics like hot cakes recently, including Beauty and the Beast (2017), Dumbo, (2019), Aladdin (2019), The Lion King (2019), Lady and The Tramp (2019) - even a live-action version of The Little Mermaid is in the works. And on March 27th, you can look forward to a heart-stopping live-action remake of the original Disney film Mulan, with Chinese-American actress Yifei Liu starring as the titular soldier/princess. Although I’m not a huge fan of recycling old ideas, I do think this will be a powerful film to take my toddler to. I especially can’t wait to see how they tackle the scene in which a determined Mulan finally climbs to the top of the pillar during training. That’s one of those scenes you watch over and over when you need to pump yourself up and get into “boss babe” mode. The only downside? Apparently it’s not a musical version and your favorite friendly talking dragon Mushu is nowhere to be found.
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | ENTERTAINMENT
with Gavin Gaddis Welcome to the Podcast Corner, your source for some of the best and most inventive podcasts around. Each month I'm offering up four bite-sized reviews, so read on and then listen in! Want more podcast recommendations? You can find long-form reviews, musings on happenings in the podcasting world, and links to podcasts I produce at my website: thepodreport.com or follow me on Twitter @ThePodReport.
BEDSITCOM: A WORKPLACE ROMANCE PODCAST (COMPLETE)
A rare instance in audio fiction, Bedsitcom is a sitcom with a hefty dose of rom-com that echoes primetime TV from the late 90s. The first episode picks up the morning after a manager and a member of his team hook up, neither of them knowing where to go from there. Things get very crude and sitcom-y from there on out, with heavy use of classic mistaken identity sitcom tropes. It’s not particularly complicated, but it’s rare to find just a sitcom these days without a Big Twist added to elevate things. Sometimes it’s good to just have a straightforward meal. podcastpioneers.
com/bedsitcom
THE BESTIES (BIWEEKLY)
While their content always comes with a significantly different tone, it’s refreshing to see the McElroys back making content with some of their ex-coworkers at Polygon. What makes The Besties stand out from the ocean of garbage Dudes Talk About Video Games podcasting is twofold: the runtime means nobody gets to rant for too long without justifying it, and the hosts are all comfortable in daring to disagree with each other. Justin McElroy is frequently the voice of dissent, freed from the usual McElroy podcast trap of having to yes-and anything his co-hosts say. It’s refreshing to hear people disagree in a healthy and well-said manner, especially people passionate about the games industry. spotify.com
VIDEO GAMES ARE THE WORST THING ON EARTH (BIWEEKLY)
VGatWToE is possibly the most acerbic gaming podcast you could listen to. Alton and Reese are two gamers who actively detest the toxicity that comes along with the “gamer” identity, as well as the manipulative lengths corporations regularly go to in manipulating that identity to sell copies. They’re aggressively anticapitalist, they frequently spotlight marginalized indie creators, and they mercilessly mock some of the worst people in the industry. The mic quality and editing can be… decidedly lo-fi at times but on the whole, it’s a rare, earnestly liberal take on the industry that doesn’t pull punches. They don’t always land, but the hosts have the guts to throw them in the first place. videogamesaretheworst.pinecast.co/
DARKNET DIARIES (BIWEEKLY)
Jack Rhysider works in IT security, and loves researching stories about the darker parts of IT. Hacking, social engineering, outright government spy operations - Darknet Diaries covers it all. While the podcast as a whole is a winner, I specifically recommend episode 27: Chartbreakers, in which Rhysider’s painstaking research pays off with a working theory as to how Apple’s iTunes (now Apple Podcasts) charts work, an algorithm that’s famously obtuse and Apple makes a point of not publicizing. darknetdiaries.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
| 43
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
MARCH COMMUNITY & FAMILY Get involved and have some fun with these great community activities around the Tri-State. MAR 4-7: 2020 OHIO VALLEY
an event! Hairball is a rock & roll experience
tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com.
CONFERENCE MEN'S & WOMEN'S
you won't soon forget. The lights, sound,
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd., Evansville,
BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
smoke, fire, bombs, and screaming hoards
IN / 7:30pm
The
Championships
of avid fans...to merely call it a concert
feature 14 games of basketball action
would be like calling Mount Rushmore a
MAR 14: EPO PRESENTS MUSIC &
spanning four days as teams compete to
roadside attraction! For tickets and more
SPORTS
capture the OVC title and earn a bid to the
info, visit victorytheatre.com.
Let the Evansville Philharmonic prove that
NCAA Tournament. For tickets and more
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St., Evansville, IN
music and sports do complement one
info, visit fordcenter.com.
/ 7:30pm
another! This entertaining March Madness
OVC
Basketball
event will feature special guests from the
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd., Evansville,
MAR 7: THE MUSIC OF ELTON
athletic community, cheerleaders, fight
JOHN STARRING MICHAEL
songs, John Williams' Olympic Fanfare,
MAR 5: BABY SHARK LIVE!
CAVANAUGH
and selections from classic sports movies
This entertaining live show is based on
GRAMMY and Tony-nominated vocalist
such as Hoosiers, Rudy and Chariots
Pinkfong’s viral earworm and global dance
and
of Fire. For tickets and more info, visit
phenomenon, "Baby Shark." Fans of all
his dynamic band will reunite with the
evansvillephilharmonic.org.
ages will delight as Baby Shark joins up with
Owensboro Symphony to pay special
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St., Evansville,
his friend Pinkfong to take an adventure
tribute to the music of Elton John. For more
IN / 7pm
into the sea, singing and dancing through
info, visit riverparkcenter.org.
new and classic songs including "Five Little
RiverPark Center: 101 Daviess St.,
MAR 14: 4TH ANNUAL
Monkeys," "Wheels on the Bus," "Jungle
Owensboro, KY / 7pm
SHAMROCK BASH WITH THE
IN
pianist
Michael
Cavanaugh
and
Boogie," "Monkey Banana Dance" and of
CRASHERS
course, "Baby Shark." For tickets and more
MAR 13: LAUREN DAIGLE WORLD
Everyone's favorite party band is back by
info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
TOUR
popular demand. Come join The Crashers
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
Two-time GRAMMY Award winner Lauren
for a St. Patty's Day celebration at the OCC.
Evansville, IN / 6pm
Daigle will open 2020 with her first
Concessions and full bar will be available
headlining arena tour. It follows nearly 70
on site with plenty o’ tasty food, and of
MAR 7: HAIRBALL: A BOMBASTIC
sold-out performances that have taken
course for St. Patrick’s Day, green beer. A
CELEBRATION OF ARENA ROCK
place since the release of her GRAMMY
special TV viewing area will also be set up
A band puts on a concert - Hairball puts on
Award-winning album, Look Up Child. For
to catch all of the action of the basketball
44 | MARCH 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
tournament.
artists, and more, EvilleCon will do all that
lyrics by 6-time GRAMMY nominee Sara
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W.
it can to make your convention experience
Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”). For tickets
2nd St., Owensboro, KY / doors @6pm;
the best it can be. For tickets and more info,
and more info, visit riverparkcenter.org.
band @8pm
visit evillecon.com.
RiverPark Center: 101 Daviess St.,
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
Owensboro, KY / 7pm
Evansville, IN
MAR 15: CHEFS OF NOTE - SURF,
MAR 26 & 28: NCAA DIV II ELITE 8
TURF & WINGS SIX COURSE TASTING EVENT The
Evansville
Philharmonic
Guild,
a
MAR 20-22 & 27-29: THE
& SEMIFINALS
LARAMIE PROJECT
It's that time of year again when college
not-for-profit organization dedicated to
The Evansville Civic Theatre presents "The
basketball mania reaches its zenith. Don't
promoting youth music education through
Laramie Project," which tells the story
miss a single minute of the NCAA Division
the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra,
of Matthew Shepard, a student at the
II Elite & Semifinals as Evansville hosts the
presents their annual culinary tasting
University of Wyoming who was 21 when
exciting build-up to the championship
event highlighted by samplings from six
he was kidnapped , beaten, and left tied to
game. For tickets and more info, visit
of the area's favorite restaurants, including
a fence in the middle of the prairie. He died
fordcenter.com.
Tropicana, Wings Etc., The Brew Brothers
several days later in the hospital due to the
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd., Evansville,
Tap House, Bonefish Grill, Prime Time Pub
crimes committed against him because
IN
& Grill and Pie Pan Restaurant & Bakery. For
he was gay. For tickets and more info, visit
tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
evansvillecivictheatre.org.
MAR 28: WWE PRESENTS NXT
Tropicana Conference Center: 421 NW
Evansville Civic Theatre: 717 N. Fulton Ave.,
LIVE!
Riverside Dr., Evansville, IN / 12-3pm
Evansville, IN
See one of the hottest brands in sports entertainment as NXT returns to Evansville
MAR 24-25: SESAME STREET LIVE!
with one night of LIVE action. Come cheer
MAKE YOUR MAGIC
on some of the WWE's biggest names as
recording artists in history, country music
When magician extraordinaire Justin visits
they do battle inside the ring. For tickets
legend Reba is a member of the Country
Sesame Street to put on a magic show
and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.
Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl
for the whole neighborhood, Elmo wants
com.
Hall of Fame. She has won countless
to be a part of the big event. But there’s
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
awards and is one of only four entertainers
one problem…Elmo can’t do magic!
Evansville, IN / 7:30pm
in history to receive the National Artistic
That’s when Elmo teams up with Abby and
Achievement
MAR 20: REBA One
of
the
most
Award
successful
from
female
U.S.
Justin, embarking on an amazing journey
MAR 28: DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE'S
Congress. For tickets and more info, visit
the
where Elmo will discover the “power
MUSIC MEN
fordcenter.com.
of yet." For tickets and more info, visit
One of the country's best contemporary
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd., Evansville,
oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
dance companies, Dance Kaleidoscope
IN / 8pm
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
features innovative choreography set to the
Evansville, IN
music of Elton John and Prince. For tickets and more info, visit haaa.org.
MAR 20-22: EVILLECON EvilleCon is Evansville’s Japanese anime
MAR 25: WAITRESS - THE
Preston Arts Center: 2660 S. Green St.,
convention. It has consistently grown to
MUSICAL
Henderson, KY / 7:30pm
continually meet the needs of tri-state
Brought to life by a groundbreaking, all-
otaku. Featuring a slew of events, panels,
female creative team, this Tony Award
video gaming, table-top gaming, vendors,
-nominated hit features original music and
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
| 45
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
SUCCESS STORIES & FUTURE VANDERBURGH HUMANE SOCIETY
MARCH IS “ADOPT A RESCUED RABBIT” MONTH! See a special edition of
Each month we’ll be checking in with the VHS for the latest good news and to help find furever homes for some of their more unique/older residents.
Adoption Spotlight featuring Honey Bunny on pg. 48!
LUNA: Luna is one of the VHS’ longest-
CONWAY: Conway is a male hound
DRAGONFLY: Dragonfly is a beautiful
surrendered to the VHS in July. The reason
foster care with the VHS veterinarian
his most unique feature is that he appears
she’s waited so long is because she’s kind
and is getting along great with her other
to have eyes on his ears! He was found as
of a sassy cat. She prefers to be the only
dogs, cats, horses, and chickens! He also
a stray (likely dumped as an unwanted pet)
feline (or at least, she doesn’t want to live
makes an excellent running companion.
and no one ever reclaimed him. So now
with 10+ other cats here at the shelter!)
Conway’s recommended for a home
he’s available for adoption. He was recently
and she is more of the “stay on the floor
with kids older than 10. He has done very
neutered by a specialist in Indianapolis,
and play with toys” kind of cat rather than a
well with preteen-age kids in his current
thanks to Indiana House Rabbit Society!
lap cat. Independence is her game! Luna’s
foster home. His adoption fee is $110 and
Dragonfly’s adoption fee is $50 and includes
adoption fee is $40 and includes her spay,
he’s ready to go home TODAY neutered,
that neuter and his registered microchip. (So
microchip, vaccines, and more. She’s ready
microchipped, and vaccinated!
if he’s ever lost again, he will always have a
resident cats! She is 1 ½ years old, and was
mix. He’s 2 years old. He is currently in
to go home TODAY!
Californian rabbit! He’s 11 months old, and
safe place to be traced back to!)
400 Millner Industrial Drive | 2 blocks west of Garvin Park in Evansville 812-426-2563 | Adoption Hours: Tues-Sat 12-6pm | www.vhslifesaver.org
46 | MARCH 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
| 47
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
VHS ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT: SPECIAL EDITION
HONEY BUNNY Utterly adorable rabbit finds her forever family at Southside Elementary in Kentucky When Toni Martin took over as guidance counselor last
things was that I told this 10-year-
September at Southside Elementary in Nortonville, KY,
old that Honey Bunny needed to
she had no idea quite was she in store for. Or at least she
be brushed daily, and he was
never imagined that her duties would include helping to
like, 'I brush my hair daily - that
care for a ball of fur with big ears. But when the school
shouldn't be a problem.'"
inquired if Martin, like the previous counselor, had a puppy at home that could be brought in for therapeutic
Martin
purposes, she knew something was afoot. "I was like,
students are very serious
reports
that
the
'no, I have a toddler at home - that's what I'm working
about their Honey Bunny
on right now,'" she recounts with a chuckle. Seems the
duties and do an excellent job
students were missing having an animal on site, so the
keeping her happy and healthy. But not only has
school asked if Martin could look into
this adorable ball of fur
getting a rescue for the front office.
helped to teach the kids
An online search of pets available at
about responsibility, she's
the Vanderburgh Humane Society
also
uncovered an utterly adorable rabbit
for newcomers. "We had
that, by all accounts, came with "lots of
a kindergartner about six
accolades," including being litterbox-
weeks ago that was sad
trained and good with kids. "We fell
about
in love with Honey Bunny, so my
and being in a new place,"
principal was like, 'why not?,'" Martin
Martin recalls. "So we took
says. "We picked her up at the VHS
the bunny down to her and
and slowly acclimated her to school and it has been a really fun adventure ever since."
been
therapeutic
leaving
her
mom
said, 'this is Honey Bunny - she was new to school, too, and was scared but she has learned to love it here and everybody loves
But as all animal lovers know, pets require a tremendous
her. The little girl started petting Honey Bunny,
amount of care and upkeep. Honey Bunny, therefore,
calmed down and was fine."
presented the perfect opportunity to teach Southside students about a little thing called responsibility. How
Long
the school went about doing so - via a rigorous interview
become something of a celebrity down in
process - was the interesting part; in fact, it made the local
Nortonville. "Rightfully so," Martin says.
newspaper. "We had some fifth graders apply for the job
"She's been a great blessing to us."
of caring for Honey Bunny - combing her, cleaning out her area, changing her litterbox," Martin explains. "They had to go in front of a panel of adults and one of my favorite
48 | MARCH 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
story
short,
Honey
Bunny
has
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| 49
50 | MARCH 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MARCH 2020
| 51
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | OPINION
THE WRITE STUFF with Jonathan Gluff
Bernin’ Down the House (or “Weakened at Bernie’s 2”) Brace yourselves: It’s another political diatribe. But unlike so many other armchair pundits, this isn’t me trying to tell you who you should vote for; in fact, this isn’t an endorsement of any candidate. What I want to focus on is a question I think everyone - regardless of political affiliation - should ask: What is going on with the Democratic National Committee, and why are they so unwilling to listen to their voters? Before I dive in, let me first clarify that I hate the term “mainstream media.” The phrase itself conjures up images of the most paranoid of conspiracy theorists as well as often being a thinly-veiled anti-semitic remark. However, it’s the most easily-recognizable term for encompassing the biggest newspapers and news networks, and I can’t think of a better way to describe the most popular media outlets. Having said that, the DNC has most of the “mainstream media” (there’s that phrase again…) on their payroll. I almost hesitate to mention this for fear of being branded a tinfoil hat-wearer, but given that the leaked emails from 2016 proved the Committee was actively working with those same media outlets to both promote Hillary Clinton and derail Bernie Sanders, I feel I’m justified in doing so.
Ask the
PASTOR with Kevin Fleming of First Presbyterian Church
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With this in mind, it’s incredibly easy to look at newspapers such as the New York Times or networks like CNN/MSNBC and see exactly who the DNC is actually supporting. In 2016, it was easy - Hillary was their clear favorite as soon as she entered the race. This election has been a little different, though, as they seem to have jumped from one to another: Biden, Harris, Warren, Buttigieg, and now Bloomberg. But despite massive support, unprecedented grassroots organizing, and Trump’s own admission that he doesn’t want to run against Bernie, they still refuse to support Sanders, even going so far as to manipulate delegate coin flips against him. (Seriously - search for “Bernie Sanders Iowa caucus coin flip” and see for yourself.) Even FiveThirtyEight.com, a website known for being a reliable predictor of presidential outcomes and whose founder, Nate Silver, has an admitted bias against Sanders, shows that Bernie is the Democrat who stands the best chance against The Donald. So why does the DNC not want to support him? That’s a great question. However, I have a strong suspicion that the answer lies within the deep pockets of their biggest corporate donors...
Q: IS THERE ONE, TRUE RELIGION? For as long as there has been religion, there has been an argument over whose is true and whose isn’t. Wars have been fought over the question. Families have been destroyed over the question. More blood has been shed and more damage done over that single question than, perhaps, any other. At the heart of every religion is the search for God. Every religious
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | OPINION
MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD... with Johnny Fletcher
FLETCHER 5-0 Hitting the half-century mark was inevitable, I suppose, because time
kicker is that I intend to stay awake past 11 p.m. No joke. Naturally,
waits for no one and all that. Just didn't quite foresee it getting here
I'll pay for it the following day with episodes of grogginess but really,
so fast. Regardless, the big 5-0 has arrived for J-Fletch and now life
that's just good preparation for my aforementioned post-retirement
becomes one long colonoscopy exam interrupted by frequent trips
life when I'll exist in a delightful fog.
to the pharmacy for old people drugs. You know, meds with corporate think tank names like Enablex that come with a litany of side effects
Of course, it's not really all that bad. I mean, we'd all like to do a
seemingly worse than the actual affliction. Funnily enough, they
Benjamin Button and reverse course, but with age comes wisdom,
say these are the golden years...sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself.
apparently, and other perks like a senior discount (avid readers of my
According to the World Wide Web, the really good times don't get
column will recall that I've already been granted said discount at a
rolling until retirement age when physical, emotional, and cognitive
local fast food restaurant). Still, it hurts a little to admit that I'm barreling
limitations begin to set in. Golden, indeed.
towards my golden years at a furious clip - which is confusing because I'm moving quite slowly; it's just that time keeps lapping me just like
So, how do I intend to "celebrate" the big 5-0? Any sensible person
my young nephew does when we head out for our annual Xmas run.
my age would drink a protein shake and hit the hay at a reasonable
To be fair, the kid weighs next to nothing and has crazy long legs. It's
hour, but I feel like going out in a blaze of glory à la Jon Bon Jovi in
all I can do to keep up for a few blocks before he turns on the jets -
Young Guns II. Well, my own version of that, anyway. Which means
and I have to stop and take my Enablex.
meeting up for pizza with some other poor saps and talking about all the aches and pains associated with reaching such a milestone. Two words: scintillating conversation. Two more words: light beer. But the
tradition seems to be on a quest to know who God is and how we can
in religious traditions beyond my own, offer reinforcement and insight
relate to God and to one another.
to my own practice of faith. The prayers of other traditions lead me to pray in new ways.
However, the quest for God – a God who is bigger than our ability to understand – is limited by its very nature. The finite cannot fully
That does not mean I am not a Christian. I am and will always be. But as
understand or comprehend or experience the infinite. So, no religion
I open my heart and mind to dear people of other traditions, I find an
can ever claim to have 100% of the truth.
amazing amount of common ground and I gain added understanding that enhances what I believe and how I live.
This is one of the reasons why conversation between religious traditions is so critically important. The insights I gain from my friends
First Presbyterian Church is located at 609 SE 2nd St. / 812-423-6297.
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | FILM & TV REVIEWS
FILM & TV REVIEWS MEDICAL POLICE SSN 1 NETFLIX
Given that Childrens Hospital [sic] was a semi-obscure live-action lampooning of prime-time medical drama drivel (aka Grey’s Anatomy) that aired around midnight, you’d be forgiven for not realizing that this new satirization of police procedurals (Law & Order, NCIS, and their endless variations) is a spin-off of the aforementioned Adult Swim staple. Unlike that show, however, Medical Police is a mixed bag. While Rob Huebel and Erinn Hayes do an admirable job, it’s clear that the ensemble cast was what made CH so great. Unfortunately, the great few scenes with returning stars Henry Winkler, Malin Akerman, Jon Hamm, Rob Corddry, and Ken Marino only serve to underscore just how much this show is missing. - Jonathan Gluff
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL SSN 3 AMAZON PRIME
After a slightly underwhelming second season, Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel tightens up its act with a strong return. Our comedienne heroine, Miriam “Midge” Maisel (House of Cards’ Rachel Brosnahan) is enjoying her newfound success opening for the Harry Belafonte-esque Shy Baldwin (played excellently by Leroy McClain), while her manager, Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein of MADtv/Family Guy fame), handles her new mega-famous client, Sophie Lennon (the always amazing Jane Lynch). Nearly everyone turns in not just good but great performances, especially Midge’s parents (Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle) and Luke Kirby as legendary comedian Lenny Bruce. The writing is superb; I haven’t seen character development this deep or organic since Breaking Bad. Believe the hype - this show is incredible. - Jonathan Gluff
BOJACK HORSEMAN - THE FINAL EPISODES NETFLIX
Like its titular character, the final episodes of BoJack Horseman have their fair share of flaws. Once again, the somber moments often outweigh the dark humor as Will Arnett (BoJack) and Alison Brie (Diane) make their avatars’ struggles with anxiety, despair, and depression feel real. I dare say that BoJack seemingly succumbing to the guilt of all his past misanthropic deeds in the penultimate episode has the emotional levity that top-tier filmmakers would envy. Unfortunately, the comedy is mostly relegated to the two journalists diving into BoJack’s sordid history. Their inexplicable early movie star-esque Transatlantic accents really begin to grate after a while, and the final episode’s near-absolution of BoJack for his transgressions feels cheap. - Jonathan Gluff
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | MUSIC REVIEWS
HALSEY Manic Capitol Records Halsey delivers yet again on Manic, her new 16-track album - 19 if you buy the deluxe edition. It’s personal, powerful and even sweet with songs like “Clementine.” While one might expect for the music video to feature Halsey in an orange-colored body suit juggling fruit, it actually features a funky art house style film with the 25-year-old pop singer and a fellow dancer donning white jumpsuits and performing a dance in an aquarium. “Graveyard” is a fun, pop hit that has a funky music video for Euphoria fans out there, with Sydney Sweeney starring alongside Halsey as they take on a night at an amusement park. And for those who love the gory teen thriller Jennifer’s Body, you’re in for a treat, because Halsey samples some campy dialogue between Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried's characters about the morality of murdering and eating innocent young men in “Killing Boys.” Now, although I don’t condone homicide, I do know this is a healing song for the girl who got cheated on in the YouTube comments section. The ultra-personal “929” gives us a mirror into Halsey’s inner psyche and I personally love the clever line, “Don’t meet your heroes, they’re all f*cking weirdos.” My favorite: “You Should Be Sad.” It’s super catchy, with Halsey delivering raspy, almost country pop rock vocals to it. And who wouldn’t love an accompanying music video of Halsey square dancing in a barn wearing studded leather and a cowboy hat?- Marisa Patwa
KESHA High Road RCA Records Kesha, otherwise known as the Queen of the Club, has forgone her dance-party hits on High Road, which features a more stripped down and raw sound from the singer. In fact, she seems confused as to which sound she's trying to capture. But maybe that’s the point - new Kesha, new sound. And that means room for lots of fun exploration for the 33-year-old Los Angeles native. Like with “Tonight,” which starts off like a gorgeous pop ballad, but then breaks off into a British techno freestyle, before diving off into a chill cheer chant. It's all over the place, but it did have my three-year-old jumping and dancing all over the kitchen. So at least we know it’s bumpin’. “My Own Dance” is one of the main singles off the album and although I love the message, like with lyrics, “Don’t circumcise my circumstance,” for the most part, it's not musically pleasing to listen to. Other songs that surprised me for their lack of beat drops and Auto-Tune were the indie-sounding “Cowboy Blues” and “Chasing Thunder,” which easily could have been featured on the Ice Princess (2005) soundtrack. My favorite: “Raising Hell” featuring Big Freedia. It’s a fun, catchy song that feels like getting a baptism at the bar. - Marisa Patwa
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MEGHAN TRAINOR Treat Myself Epic Records Bubble-gum pop princess Meghan Trainor sprinkles a lot of collaborations into her third studio album, including the Pussycat Dolls, Lennon Stella, Sasha Sloan, AJ Mitchell, Nicki Minaj and Mike Sabath. Stella and Sloan’s lower registers really complement Trainor’s higher pitch on “Workin on It,” while Minaj brings the heat in “Nice to Meet Ya” - a song any girl group could easily jam to while getting ready for the club. “Genetics” reminds me of Little Mix’s “DNA” but with a bit more kick, “Blink” is sugary-sweet" and “Twin” is a girly song about dealing with the angel and devil within yourself. Then there's “Another Opinion” which gives off that Macklemore-esque playground rhyme feel. My favorite: “Wave,” which has a cool electric beat to it. But mostly, it’s entertaining to listen to while watching the music video, which features Trainor wearing clothing seemingly inspired by Kim Kardashian’s Shapewear line in a steamy rave, with some Kanye Sunday service vibes, too. Hallelujah. - Marisa Patwa
SOFT CELL Say Hello Wave Goodbye: The O2 London Lexer Music This extraordinary final show by playfully deviant English synth-pop duo Soft Cell known primarily in America for their chartconquering "Tainted Love" cover back in 1981 - saw release last summer but it's still worth noting for the sheer breath of material performed in front of a sold-out O2 stadium in London. FYI, the O2 holds 20,000 - which speaks volumes about the influence and legacy of singer Marc Almond and keyboardist Dave Ball, each a genius in their own right. And on this career-concluding evening, showcasing 40 years of hits, deep cuts and adventurous B-sides, that collective genius was on full display. With a setlist comprising 31 songs, Soft Cell goes all out, backed by art house visuals to match the cinematic nature of the duo's music. Fan favorites like "Baby Doll," "Martin," "Forever the Same" and "The Art of Falling Apart" receive the royal treatment with accompaniment by a stunning vocal quartet featuring the much sought after Billie Godfrey. Of course, Almond and Ball run through all their UK top 10 smashes, including "Bedsitter," "Torch," "What" and "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" - and yes, "Tainted Love" - but no song captures the essence of Soft Cell quite like "Sex Dwarf," the hilariously camp track ripped from the trash rag headlines back in '81. The drug-fueled risqué video nearly destroyed the duo's career, but four decades on, 20,000 devotees sing every word. - Johnny Fletcher
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | MUSIC REVIEWS
MAC MILLER Circles Warner Records Mac Miller’s first posthumous album, Circles, is a great document of the artist’s tremendous evolution over his tragically brief career. Miller, who died of an accidental overdose in 2018, had begun working on the album as a companion to 2018’s Swimming. Now, two years after his death, Circles is finally seeing the light of day with the help of producer Jon Brion, who had worked with Miller and completed the unfinished production work. While most posthumous albums feel like a cash-grab for the record label, Circles feels like a sincere piece of music. Perhaps serving as Miller’s final statement, it's a wonderful album full of beautiful pop songs that effortlessly bounce from hip hop, to soft rock, to blues, and everything in between. - Russ Finn
FLORAL TATTOO You Can Never Have a Long Enough Head Start Self-Released I’ll admit I’m not the biggest emo fan in the world - a lot of the conventions and clichés within the genre just don’t resonate with me. You Can Never Have..., the sophomore album by Seattle lofi rock band Floral Tattoo, doesn't shy away from the conventional vocal deliveries I find grating. The album does, however, rip. I can’t stop listening to it. Floral Tattoo are experts at dressing up their emo songs with excellent shoegaze, post punk, and new wave flair. They took a stellar “no rules” approach in creating this album and the result is an original and memorable emo affair that may end up a classic for the genre. - Russ Finn
L.O.T.I.O.N. MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION World Wide W.E.B. Toxic State L.O.T.I.O.N. Multinational Corporation is an underground industrial punk act that kicks your teeth in with their abrasive new album World Wide W.E.B. The New York rockers sounds like they crank the volume up until the levels are peaking on nearly everything in the mix. Spoiler alert: It sounds great loud. You can’t understand the guttural, growling vocals most of the time, and when the guitars come in, they nearly overpower everything else. That being said, the band packs a lot of groove into the chaos of their songs. Their drum machines and bass guitars on World Wide W.E.B. recall the more dance-y sides of Rob Zombie and Nine Inch Nails, but there's a lot that differentiates them from those acts. It’s a cool album that’s fun to jump around to - just remember to play it loud. - Russ Finn
Blues with Bragin SUGAR BLUE Colors Beeble Music Sugar Blue, known to many as the harmonica player on “Miss You” by the Rolling Stones, returns with Colors. Opener “And the Devil Too" boasts the famous Bo Diddley beat and sets the tone for the album by highlighting Blue’s harmonica mastery. The country-influenced “Bass Reeves” tells the story of a Wild West hero and Damiano Della Torre’s keyboards add a nice touch. “We’ll Be Allright” features lyrics about keeping a positive attitude even if the world crumbles around you. The AfrikaRiz choir rounds out the track well. The stripped down “Good Old Days” looks back with nostalgia on an imperfect but still happy childhood. The harmonica on “Man Like Me” seems reminiscent of “Miss You” and the distorted vocal fits in well with the song. “Dirty Ole Man” discusses Blue’s decline from young and virile to older and needing help in the bedroom. Blue paints a picture of his favorite city with “Shanghai Sunset.” “Downhill” features a funky bassline from Johnny B. Gayden. The album ends with “Keep On,” an inspirational song about a brighter tomorrow. For more info, visit sugar-blue.com. - Paul Bragin
MARK HUMMEL Wayback Machine Electro-Fi Records Harmonica ace Mark Hummel revisits the past with Wayback Machine, an album that pays homage to the blues of the 1930s and 40s. “Hello Stranger” features solid piano playing from Aaron Hammerman, providing a great background for Hummel’s harmonica. The melancholy harmonica at the beginning of “So Much Trouble” offers a great introduction to this sad ballad with a slow beat and lyrics about falling on hard times. The upbeat tempo on “Cut That Out” contrasts the serious lyrics about a woman engaging in poor choices. “Road Dog,” written by Hummel, provides the perfect platform for his harmonica to shine. There seems to be a New Orleans influence on “Breathtaking Blues,” an instrumental that sounds eerily similar to the classic “St. James Infirmary Blues.” “Pepper Mama” allows Billy Flynn’s guitar to take center stage in the middle section. Your toes will start tapping on “Gillum’s Windy Blues.” Joe Beard’s acoustic guitar and vocals on the classic “Five Long Years” provide a stripped-down version of the song. “Mean Old Frisco” features just Beard and Hummel, but they perform it well. Wayback Machine is essential for anyone who appreciates the older blues sound. For more info, visit markhummel. com. - Paul Bragin
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NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | BEER REVIEWS
MARCH BEER REVIEWS
This month’s beers are available depending on supply & demand at all 10 Liquor Locker locations. Visit our website at www.Liquor-Locker.com. METAZOA RUH-ROH
ELYSIAN CONTACT HAZE
JONATHAN GLUFF - 4
JONATHAN GLUFF - 4.5
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5
PAUL BRAGIN - 4
Hazy IPAs have burst in popularity over the last year or two, and if you’re not familiar with this brew du jour, Elysian’s Contact Haze is as good an initiation as any. Citrus flavors (no doubt from the inclusion of cintra hops) abound: While a hint of yeast is found on the nose, bright notes of lemon and lime greet the front of the palate, while strong undertones of passion fruit darken the finish. Crisp and refreshing, yet complex.
A thick white head tops this hazy IPA and stays for a long time. The scent contains a burst of tropical fruit notes. The first sip of the beer seems mild, but the fruit flavors return in the long finish, along with some hop bitterness. People who like IPAs will want to try this, especially during the hot summer months. Pair it with light dishes like salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
This is a cloudy, straw-colored beer. I can smell the pineapple aroma right away. I enjoy the tropical fruit flavors and the hops aren't overbearing - it's actually pretty easy to drink. With an ABV of 6%, this is one of the best IPAs I have had lately.
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Amber ales are some of my absolute favorite brews, and Metazoa’s Ruh Roh is a shining example. While some ambers can be a tad too heavy on yeast-y/biscuit-y flavors, a tiny note of bitterness keeps the bread at bay, and a soft salted caramel presence on the finish blunts the bitter bite. This Indianapolis brewery consistently puts out one great beer after another, but this one may be my favorite yet.
NEW BELGIUM STARSHIP IPA
JONATHAN GLUFF - 3.5
While New Belgium’s Fat Tire has long been one of my go-to beers, none of their IPA offerings have really overly impressed me. Unfortunately, their Starship IPA doesn’t buck that trend. The nose is pretty unremarkable, with only just the slightest touch of passion fruit, which is also pretty much the only flavor on the palate, as well. Don’t get me wrong - it’s far from a bad beer; it’s simply wholly unremarkable despite the nice, clean finish.
A thick off-white head forms on this amber ale when poured into a traditional English pub glass. The scent profile boasts a good amount of sweetness from the malt. The malt flavors continue while drinking the beer, with some hop bitterness going back and forth with the malt in the finish to provide some balance. This is a solid beer to drink any time. Pair it with foods like barbecue pulled pork, jerk chicken, pizza or brisket.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4
This is a nice amber beer with a sweet, breadlike character and a lightly-toasted flavor. I always enjoy the bigger/pint cans and especially appreciate the 6.3% ABV. Best of all, it has a slight citrus flavor to give it a little bitterness.
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A thick white head rests on this cloudy IPA and takes time to evaporate. A generous amount of citrus fills the nose. The initial tasting contains a lot of carbonation, and bitterness from the hops slowly comes to the foreground in the finish. Pair it with a variety of foods like curry dishes, Thai food with shellfish, and a wide selection of cheeses like pepper jack, Gorgonzola, Limburger or Cheddar.
This is a golden-colored beer with a little bit of cloudiness. It has a light hops aroma with decent carbonation and it's pretty heavy on the hops flavoring. I like the 7.2 % ABV, and the artistic work on the can is pretty neat. I'm a big fan of New Belgium beers, and this one is pretty solid.
NEWS4U MARCH 2020 | BEER REVIEWS
PABST BLUE RIBBON HARD COFFEE
coffee may taste decidedly different than the age-old brew synonymous with the company’s name, the quality isn’t much different. If you’ve ever said, “You know what sounds good? One of those canned Starbucks vanilla coffee drinks, but with a little bit of alcohol,” have I got a drink for you; everyone else, however, may want to steer clear.
JONATHAN GLUFF - 2.5
PBR has been a gateway beer for many young, broke, borderline-alcoholic college kids (myself included). But while Pabst’s foray into spiked
PAUL BRAGIN - 2.75
No head forms on this beverage due to a lack of carbonation. It looks like chocolate milk. The scent smells like sweet coffee. It tastes like a sweet
coffee drink with a hint of alcohol. It contains milk, so lactose intolerant people should avoid it. This might make a nice morning drink. It could also make a nice addition to a variety of chocolate or coffee desserts like tiramisu, pudding or your favorite chocolate cake.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3
This looks like chocolate milk to me. Not that good - but not that bad; but definitely different. It sort of reminds me of a SlimFast but a little different. With all the other odd things being put out by other breweries, why not this?
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
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