NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Story Head Shots by Daniel Knight Studio B Photography
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
DECEMBER 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS COVER STORY
8
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
44 Exploring Small Business 45 All Breed Grooming, Boarding & Daycare
CUISINE & DINING 22 Clean Bite Life 23 Coupons
ENTERTAINMENT
News 4U 20 40 & Under Class of 2021 Meet the Influencers Leading the Tri-State
FEATURES & UPCOMING EVENTS
16 18 20
6 Feeling the Bloat?
24 In Town & Around 30 Music: Sluice 31 Music: TwoPine 32 Music: Georgia Funkadelic 34 Music: The Smoke Rings 35 Rock & Metal Profs 36 Screen Time 37 True Crime Junkie 38 TikTok Recommendations
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Sara Evans "Blue Christmas" Tour
39 Tell Us About Your Tattoos 40 Why are You in Evansville? 41 From Addiction to Recovery 42 Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights 46 VHS Animal Spotlight 47 VHS Adoption Spotlight 48 Tri-State Pet Pics 58 Ask an Attorney 60 Mug Shots
Straight No Chaser "Back in the High Life" Tour
OPINION & COMMENTARY
Exclusive Interview with the "Born to Fly" Singer
Exclusive Interview with Founding Member Steve Morgan
Hairball Live at the Victory Theatre
Exclusive Interview with New Vocalist Dave Moody
Established in 1991 by Publisher Brian Bennett Operations Manager Joshua Adams Managing Editor & Writer Thomas Ellis Account Representatives TJ Tanoos tj@evansvillemediagroup.com
50 As I Type This... 50 Tri-State Politics 51 Maybe I'm Just Getting Old 52 When Late Night Thoughts are Bourne
REVIEWS 54 Music 56 Beer
Production Manager, Designer & Layout Artist Kelsey H. & Bailey R. Contributors
Elaina Adams, Freddie Bourne, Paul Bragin, Russ Finn, Johnny Fletcher, Barold Hume, Marisa Patwa, Lindsay Rasure, Lane Siesky
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. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of the magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products, services or opinions within. Advertisers are responsible for content of their ads.
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|5
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
S
till stuffed from Thanksgiving? Feeling the bloat? I'd suggest
the show... December, while not quite as crazy as last month,
you put a Peloton bike on your Xmas wish list but then again,
still presents the tri-state with a wide range of entertainment
the company's stock just hit an all-time low now that gyms have
to enjoy. Highlights include country star Sara Evans, the
reopened and no one's stuck at home anymore. Personally,
Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra's annual "Peppermint Pops"
I think this freefall may have more to do with their seemingly
performances, comedienne Leanne Morgan, famed saxophonist
never-ending stream of obnoxious commercials featuring
Kenny G, a cappella group Straight No Chaser and arena rock
Regular Joes like you and me sweating it out on a Peloton bike -
tribute act Hairball. FYI, we've got a few interviews to pique your
always in a suspiciously spacious and beautifully furnished room,
interest in these upcoming shows so check them out in the pages
I might add - as if it was a matter of life or death. And of course,
ahead once you've finished off all the T-Day leftovers. Also, you
just as the rigorous training session winds down, the user's small
surely noticed upon picking up the December mag that News
child appears to offer a bit of levity as mother and son (usually)
4U is once again unveiling the 20 40 & Under nominees for the
share a bonding moment and a laugh. Awwwww. Ok, I'm just
year. Rest assured the 2021 class is packed with community
going to admit it: The end of daylight savings has put me in a
influencers who are leading the way and striving to make the tri-
bit of a mood and I'm taking it out on a perfectly decent piece
state better every day. Put your readers on and meet them all
of home fitness equipment. Forgive me, Peloton. Now, on with
inside. Merry Xmas! - TE
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | COVER STORY
ELAINA ADAMS
ARTIST / WRITER / MODEL A very familiar face in the downtown Evansville scene, Elaina Adams is the sweetheart of the city. When she’s not grinding away at Penny Lane Coffeehouse as a fearless coffee-slinging socialite, she is heavily involved with various creative projects across the TriState. In addition to modeling for Rose & Bliss Bridal, Paparazzi, and a slew of local photographers, Elaina also writes a monthly business column for News 4U magazine and paints every chance she gets. You might have caught her psychedelic mural over the summer at Noco Park. She is presently working on getting her real estate license, so keep your eye out for Elaina. We have a feeling she’s going to be heavily influencing the community for years to come.
BRITTANY LANAE MCHUGH
OWNER & STYLIST @ B.LANAE SALON / SPA Brittany Lanae McHugh has been in the hair & beauty industry for 18years, recently taking everything that she's learned and putting it into a muchneeded space in Evansville. At b.lanae Salon/Spa, the environment is like nothing anyone has ever experienced. Brittany poured her heart and soul into her vision of creating a full service, one-stop shop for anyone and everyone. Her goal was to provide a place that cares about the wants and needs of its clients and is filled with highly-educated technicians that can provide the best treatment around. Services include hair, barber, massage, esthetics, injections, nails, and fitness classes with plenty of room to grow. Options are endless for her team and her clients. Brittany wants to provide a comforting environment where everyone leaves feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and important, and she can’t wait for you to see for yourself!
TRAVIS SAMS
CHAD GRUNOW
OWNER & OPERATOR @ G. D. RITZY’S As a third-generation owner/ operator of G.D. Ritzy’s, Chad Grunow started his career at the age of 13 making the restaurant's ice cream. His grandfather taught him that through hard work, dedication, giving back and FOCUSING you are able to accomplish anything. Most would not know that his passion outside of his day job is being a volunteer firefighter for the Ohio Township Fire Department. For the last 19 years Chad has served and worked his way to becoming Battalion Chief. As if that is not enough to keep him busy, he continues to serve our community through several non-profits. He serves on the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center executive committee and Jacob’s Village will always have a special place in his heart. During his rare down-time, you will find Chad cheering on his Clemson Tigers, spending time with his two teenagers, and supporting his wife in her passion of serving others at the Evansville Christian Life Center.
PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR & AFTERNOON SHOW HOST @ 99.5 WKDQ Travis Sams is a Boonville native who got his start in country radio with 99.5 WKDQ in 2014. It had always been a dream of his to have a career in country music. But after realizing he wasn’t that good of a singer, he decided to use his personality to get into the business and take a chance at country radio. Since then, his multiple awards for his digital content have earned him the respect and admiration from not only his peers in Evansville and Owensboro at Townsquare Media, but the Townsquare Media digital audience. Throughout the years, he has not only entertained audiences in the Tri-State on air and online, but he has also become very involved in giving back to his community with organizations such as 911 Gives Hope, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Red Cross, and several other local charities.
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | COVER STORY
JORREN LOCHER
OWNER @ JRL LOCAL As a local business advocate and supporter of a collaborative community, Jorren Locher has spent most of his professional career working for small businesses. In 2019, while working fulltime for a local sign company, Jorren started a media company, JRL Local, with authenticity being the focus for the brand. This also sparked the idea to donate their time and services during the pandemic to provide some businesses with free advertising videos that they called “Local Business Takeover Tuesdays.” With each donated marketing video that was created, the more people wanted to be involved. Since 2020, JRL Local has worked with multiple local non-profits and been involved in many other charities like 100 Guys Who Care. Backed by his insanely creative team at JRL Local, his drop-dead gorgeous, soon-to-be fiancée and their new baby girl, it’s no surprise to Jorren why this business is moving the needle in the effort to make Evansville a more collaborative place to be.
JEFF KLUMP
OWNER @ MIDAMERICA SAFETY SOLUTIONS Jeff Klump opened MidAmerica Safety Solutions in 2017. MidAmerica Safety Solutions is a traffic control safety company providing on-site traffic management for work sites in the Evansville, Bloomington, Indianapolis and Cincinnati areas. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Jeff and his team are committed to hiring veterans, retirees, veteran spouses and veteran family members through local organizations. As a result of their hard work and dedication to helping others, MidAmerica Safety Solutions was named the 2021 VeteranOwned Small Business of the Year for the state of Indiana.
PATRICK MALLORY
MEDICAL SALES REP @ WREF 97.7 ESPN RADIO Patrick Mallory was born and raised in Evansville where he attended Mater Dei High School. He is a college graduate from Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. Post-graduation, Patrick returned home and joined the amazing family at Working Distributors where he worked for eight years. But sports has always been his passion and when he got offered a job at Stryker as a Sports Medicine Sales Rep, he simply could not pass it up. Patrick has grown in his role at Stryker to be a quota achiever and thrives working with his awesome teammates. In addition, he is very active in the local sports community. You can find him volunteering his time with Corpus Christi, EJFL, Razorbacks and various Mater Dei athletic teams throughout their respective seasons. Patrick also has a local high school football show called "Patrick's Picks" which airs locally on WREF 97.7 ESPN radio or on their app during football season. Most importantly, Patrick has three beautiful children, Tate, Teo, and Madelyn.
DANI SCHIFFER
OWNER / CHEF / OPERATOR @ DISHES BY DANI An Evansville native, Dani Schiffer has spent the past couple years coming up with ideas on giving back to her community. She has organized and successfully executed clothing drives, food pantries, and donated toiletries and food to the homeless during the holidays. But Dani's passion doesn’t stop there. In 2019 she came up with the idea to provide nutritional prepped meals for everyday people just like herself. Being a single mom of two lovely boys, working two and three jobs at once, and trying to find time for fitness & health made making healthy meals for her family daily quite a challenge. She knew she wasn’t alone and that’s when the business idea for Dishes by Dani sparked. She started with just a few menu options and built her clientele up via Facebook and word of mouth. Then she took a leap of faith and quit her 9-to-5 to focus on people just like her in need of more time in the day. Dani has been blessed to open up a location and is still giving back to the community she knows and loves. She looks forward to becoming a member of Junior League of Evansville and finding other organizations that are a great fit for her visions.
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LACY WILSON
COMMUNITY WELLNESS COORDINATOR @ PURDUE EXTENSION OWNER @ LACY WILSON, RDN NUTRITION COUNSELING Lacy Wilson has spent the past 13 years working towards improving the health and wellness of Evansville residents. She currently serves as Purdue Extension’s Community Wellness Coordinator and co-chair of Evansville’s health coalition, Healthy Communities Partnership (HCP). HCP strives to create equitable opportunities for healthy eating and active living where people live, learn, work, play and pray. As a community-registered dietitian, Lacy's career has focused on obesity, chronic disease prevention, and healthy food access in Evansville. Due to her experience with farmers markets, Lacy serves as a statewide specialist consulting other communities on how to best implement them. Over the past seven years she has helped implement SNAP access at both Evansville farmers markets, created access for farm stands in low-income areas, and most recently helped create a food buying club which provides nutrient dense foods via an online shopping platform that is around 40% lower than big box stores. Lacy also owns her own telehealth nutrition counseling practice which concentrates on realistic ways and meal plans to build a healthy relationship with food.
DAN BEAN
OWNER @ NICK NACKERY Charles “Dan” Bean III is a two tour Iraq Army Veteran. After serving five years in the Army infantry he earned a B.S. in Computer Science and worked as a software engineer for Shoe Carnival while completing his MBA in Data Analytics. He then went to work for Warrick County Economic Development, before starting TR Consulting (a website development company). Now Dan and his wife Jana are the new owners of the Nick Nackery and Ravens Holdings. He is dedicated to growing the Nick Nackery into a year- round tourist destination and making a difference in the community. Dan is also on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries and is an all-around great person to know.
DONNIE MAYS
TIKTOK INFLUENCER Having appeared multiple times on ABC's Local Lifestyles and been featured in Evansville Living's annual "Best of the City" feature, Donnie Mays is a bit of a Tri-State celebrity; however, his popularity reaches far beyond our neck of the woods. As a TikTok influencer with over 100,000 followers and millions of views, he has connected with people all over the world who just can't get enough of his at-home baking adventures - mostly crafting new desserts (creative pie-making, for instance) or exploring vintage sweet recipes. Safe to say his desire to challenge himself in the kitchen has inspired countless amateur cooks to think outside the box and strive to improve their skills. But more than anything, he teaches people to let loose and have fun with food! One thing is for sure: You can't watch Donnie at work without a big smile on your face. Follow him on TikTok: @kitchentool
SALITA BROWN
PROJECT MANAGER @ YOUTH FIRST, INC. Salita Brown discovered her passion for philanthropy as an undergraduate at USI. She attempted to incorporate her charitable endeavors throughout her early professional career but determined that a career change would ultimately accomplish this goal. This change led her to Youth First, Inc. in 2016. During her years at Youth First, she has lived by its mission to strengthen youth and families through her efforts of advocating for substance use awareness, facilitation of evidence-based prevention programs, and grant management. In collaboration with Youth First social workers and various community partners, she has been able to directly serve many southwestern Indiana youth and families. As a member of the Mayor’s Substance Abuse Task Force (MSATF), led by Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, she has assisted with the group’s efforts to keep the City of Evansville a healthy and vibrant community. Salita remains focused and dedicated to helping our community achieve a better tomorrow!
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | COVER STORY
REILLY WELBORN
OWNER @ ANNALEA'S SOUTHERN BAKERY Reilly Welborn specializes in decorated cookies and delicious pies. She is constantly collaborating with other small businesses in an effort to push both brands forward. Reilly also started a non-profit fundraiser called Kicks for Kids in the summer of 2021 where she worked to raise money to purchase new shoes for underprivileged kids in Evansville. In her first year with the program, she was able to purchase 50 pairs of shoes for 50 kids at Evansville’s Dream Center! Reilly is also an active member of the Junior League of Evansville. She has volunteered many hours of service to their lunch program and also assists in planning the JLE's annual Women’s Conference. And above everything, she is a great mom to two sweet little girls.
ERIC "E2" TILLMAN
CHRISTIAN INDIE ARTIST / ENTREPRENEUR / MINISTER Eric didn't know he had a passion for rap and music until he started using production software on a computer in 2008. Lyrics started coming to him and he wrote his first song. This led to the making of various albums and singles. Eric's love for youth development has allowed him to successfully host and be a part of many programs and concerts aimed at providing a safe space for youth to learn about identity and passion for art. He has also worked alongside local addiction recovery organizations. Recently his favorite opportunities have been at YCC (Youth Care Center) and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Eric is now focused on entrepreneurship and his Christian T-shirt brand (Holy Drip Apparel). He continues to seek various ways to positively impact his community.
KENNEDY SURFACE
LAUREN PERIGO
CPA & MANAGER @ SS&C TECHNOLOGIES Newburgh's Lauren Perigo has a true passion for helping animals. In addition to holding down a day job at SS&C Technologies, much of her free time is dedicated to volunteering for the Warrick Humane Society. In fact, Lauren started the shelter's most successful outreach program, Tails on Trails. Every Saturday morning she and a group of volunteers take the WHS dogs out for a walk on the trails, giving them some much-appreciated exercise in the fresh air. True to the program's name, there are wagging tails everywhere and plenty of smiles to go around - both from the dogs and the walkers! Lauren is also in the process of acquiring her MBA from USI and continues to expand her photography hobby. Some of her favorite subjects to shoot are her rescue greyhound Horton and two rescue cats Pi and Harley. On top of all that, Lauren routinely trains for triathlons. Her energy knows no bounds!
OWNER @ WILLOW POPPY BOUTIQUE Kennedy Surface started Willow Poppy from her college dorm room in Franklin, Indiana, in 2017. Her small business started as a hobby, and expanded with something new every year. This summer Kennedy moved to Newburgh with the dream to open her own shop in downtown Newburgh one day. As a true believer that everything happens for a reason, Kennedy quit her full-time job to chase her dreams of owning her own storefront. 32 days later, Kennedy had her grand opening to welcome the public to shop. She believes she would not be where she is today without the love and support from her family, friends, and customers. Kennedy is new to the town but grateful to have the opportunity to meet so many amazing new people.
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | COVER STORY
AMY ROYSTER
MRS. INDIANA 2021 The clear definition of a role model, Amy Royster proudly represented the Hoosier State as Mrs. Indiana 2021 at this year's Mrs. America pageant. But she's more than just physically beautiful, her spirit is gorgeous and she possesses a deep love for the community and her family. A mother to six children, Amy is also a small business owner and a real estate agent. And prior to this year, she worked as a teacher for a decade, a position that she truly enjoyed and found difficult to leave. However, with her current stature, Amy is able to promote her platform "Above Your Circumstances" with a message of “we are more than the things that happen to us," encouraging others to move forward with a positive outlook and not allow life events to define them. More than anything, she is grateful to the community for all their support and is excited to embrace any and all challenges ahead.
TAYLOR MERRISS
SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR @ EVANSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT You may have seen Taylor Merriss at a community function wearing an Evansville Police uniform or even dressed as Batgirl on top of the Gerst Haus during Fall Festival. Taylor is the Special Projects Coordinator for the Evansville Police Department and leaps at any occasion that can aid in bridging the gap between our community and police officers. She was born and raised in Evansville, attended Bosse High School and continued her education at USI. At USI she was a member of the women’s golf team and received degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology. She has been a member of the Evansville Police Department for six years; during those years she has been a Crisis Negotiator, on the Mobile Field Force team, a member of Honor Guard and is currently a NRA handgun/shotgun firearms instructor. She is an avid competitor in the Guns & Hoses charity, having participated in 2019 and 2021. Through her position at the department, she thoroughly enjoys meeting new people, attending community events and being able to provide public information to the media.
DREW COOPER
ARTIST & PAINTER Drew Cooper is a contemporary artist reimagining the still life and bringing a fresh new style in representing the beauty in nature through his art. He is also known for his signature "Wildflower" that can be seen on murals around the country. Taking his drawings from the studio to large scale murals, his work can be found inside and outside of the gallery setting. Drew paints and draws his own colorful world of nature into which he welcomes you. He has worked with several globally-recognized brands, including Puma, Adidas, Coach ny, LA Times, Mt. Dew, WeTransfer and Verizon. View Drew's work here: @iam.Cooper and cooperart.me
BRITTANY CAGLE
OWNER & OPERATOR @ FRANKLIN STREET BOUTIQUE To know Brittany Cagle is to adore her. Described as the mentor that every new business owner needs and the friend that we all deserve, she's been a great asset to the community for years, especially to all the fine folks on Evansville's west side where she has operated a charming boutique on Franklin Street since 2014. Formerly known as District 7, Brittany rebranded and moved the shop (to 2104 W. Franklin St.) over the summer, rechristening her business - appropriately enough - Franklin Street Boutique. But despite the change, she's just as helpful as ever, offering business owners advice on how to market themselves and always lending a hand when needed - even jumping in to man the register at places like Siciliano Subs on occasion. Brittany thrives on supporting others and that's what makes her such a special person and someone to admire.
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | UPCOMING EVENTS
SARA
EVANS "BLUE CHRISTMAS" TOUR OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA / DECEMBER 3 / 7 P.M.
Fly," "Suds in the Bucket," "A Real Fine Place to Start" and "A Little Bit Stronger." Evans released the critically-acclaimed Slow Me Down in 2014 followed by Words three years later - the first offering from her own Born to Fly Records. But it was 2020's Copy That - a collection of 13 diverse covers - which truly showed that she remains a vocal force of nature. Fearlessly, Evans tackled everything from the disco standard "If I Can't Have You" to new wave favorite "My Sharona," proving that no song is out of her wheelhouse. And that includes Christmas classics, of course. The beloved singer has a long history of bringing holiday cheer to her fans through festive recordings and annual performances, and she's excited to hit the stage once again for the "Blue Christmas" Tour. Evans kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Old National Events Plaza. It's been nearly 25 years since the release of your debut album. Looking back, how frustrating was it to meet
The "Born to fly" singer on the resistance to her debut album, refusing to AutoTune vocals, bringing her kids along for the Christmas tour and more
with resistance and how might your path in country music have been different if it had been accepted? It was very frustrating; that was obviously before I knew a lot about country radio and the country music industry in general and how much of a game it can be and how political it can be. You know, they really love to resist playing your records. I was absolutely obsessed with Dwight Yoakam and I thought why I don't I do kind of a female version of Dwight? Because when I first moved to Nashville everybody was talking about
Possessing one of the purest vocal tones in all of country
how "country" I was. So I thought, yeah, let's go with that and
music, Sara Evans has long been regarded as a singer of
present sort of a hillbilly record but one with really cool lyrics
enviable talent - something that was evident right from
and, you know, obviously what I thought were great songs.
the first few bars of the Patsy Cline-esque "True Lies," her
They just resisted it; they said it was "too country." But even
1997 debut single. Ironically, it was deemed "too country"
if it had been accepted, I definitely would have evolved, for
for airplay - as was the accompanying album Three Chords
sure. I knew that there was so much more to me than just
and The Truth - failing to break the top 40. So Evans went
that. I'd been on stage since I was four-years-old doing cover
back to the drawing board, edging more towards the
bands. So I've covered every genre of music and I knew that
mainstream on 1998's No Place That Far and finding the
I would eventually have to show people that I could sing any
sound that would earn her five number one hits over the
genre - which is why I was so excited about the covers record
course of the next 13 years: "No Place That Far," "Born to
[Copy That]. People haven't heard me sing "My Sharona."
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | UPCOMING EVENTS
Could you have recorded Copy That - particularly with
with it and I'm really, really particular about my vocals and I
such a wide range of songs - if you were still on a major
don't like to...I do not AutoTune my vocals at all. I like all the
label?
vocals to be real.
Totally - I had an incredible relationship with RCA Records. They had so much faith in me. We really almost never
For the songs that are pitched to you by outside writers
disagreed. There was one time after "Suds in the Bucket"
do you change up the vocal melodies - kind of put your
was such a big hit and everybody started pitching "Suds in
own stamp on it?
the Bucket"-type songs to me. And I was like, no, I did that.
I do [put my own stamp on it] but there are some writers like
And that's a special song, but it
Hillary Lindsey, for instance - she's
would totally take away from the
so amazing. So if she sends me a
cool factor of "Suds" if I tried to
song that she's already done a
repeat it. RCA wanted me to cut
demo of, I'll sing it exactly like she
this song called "Breaking Dishes"
did because she's incredible and
and it was so awful and so cheesy.
she has amazing melodic ideas.
We literally argued about that
But for the most part, I will just go
and they tried to bully me a little
in and sing it how I want it. You
bit. But I ended up winning; I was
know, we'll change tempos, we'll
just like, 'Trust me,' because they
change, like, rhythmic sections
didn't even want me to record
and add things and take things
"Suds in the Bucket" in the first
away. So I really do put my own
place [laughs]. The label was very
stamp on it. I hate not being there
against that song.
for every little thing. I literally have to be sitting there when the fiddle
Your vocals are so pure. Are
solo is being put on; otherwise I
you a perfectionist in the
feel like it's not mine.
studio? Well, it's not something that's a
Will your kids be joining you
challenge or a chore or frustrating
for the Christmas tour?
- it's just so fun to me. Because
Yes - Avery's going to come back
there's so many things that I can't
and join us and play guitar for
do but singing is not one of them.
the Christmas tour and Olivia
So that's where I thrive. I just stand
is singing harmony. We're only
there and try to push myself as
doing three of my hits - because
hard as I can. My daughter Olivia
it's hard not to do the whole show
was...well, all three kids were with me in the studio the whole
just Christmas [songs] because we enjoy that so much. We've
time. So my son [Avery] played all the guitar on that record
been doing the same Christmas show for 10 years, probably,
[Copy That] and Olivia did all the harmonies. Well, Olivia is
but [in 2019] we totally revamped it and put together a
much more of a R&B, jazz kind of deal. So she would push
whole new show. Then, obviously, we had to cancel last
me to try things - you know, runs. That lick that I do at the end
year because of COVID. It's only the second round of this
of "She's Got You" - that was Olivia's idea. I said, 'Give me
particular show and it's so great; it really is - I'm incredibly
something to do - a cool melody idea.' So we just had fun
proud of it.
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO, VISIT OLDNATIONALEVENTSPLAZA.COM. THE ONEP IS LOCATED AT 715 LOCUST ST. IN DOWNTOWN EVANSVILLE.
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | UPCOMING EVENTS
STRAIGHT NO CHASER
"BACK IN THE HIGH LIFE" TOUR OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA / DECEMBER 8 / 7:30 P.M.
Founding member Steve Morgan talks the early days of SNC, arranging mash-ups, collaborating with Paul McCartney and more
popular as ever with a supremely loyal fanbase that's snapped up subsequent releases like 2013's Under the Influence, 2015's The New Old Fashioned and 2020's Social Christmasing. And then there's "Celebrate Me Home," the group's latest single, featuring pop/rock legend Kenny Loggins - just one of many star-studded collaborations the guys have scored over the course of an enviable career. Such as? Oh, just music legends including Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and more. Their eagerness to work with SNC speaks volumes; enough said. Founding member Steve Morgan kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Old National Events Plaza. There was a big gap between the time that SNC performed
at IU and RCA offered up a contract. What were you doing in the years between?
I had continued to pursue music - I had gone down to Atlanta with four other guys from the original group. We had signed a brief record deal with RCA Urban and then 9/11 and Napster happened and RCA Urban was no more. Then I moved to New York and did musical theater - did a couple national tours, did
Formed in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1996, a cappella group
a couple Broadway shows. And then that took me to 2008
Straight No Chaser went viral just over 10 years later thanks
when all this went down. When we were rehearsing for the first
to an early performance clip of
album, guys would fly in on the
a comical take on "The 12 Days
weekend to New York - four of us
of Christmas" that blew up on
lived there at the time - so I would
YouTube. Major label RCA came
go and do a four-show weekend
calling and in 2008 SNC signed
of Mamma Mia! and rehearse
on the dotted line - a dream come
before and between shows. So,
true for this tight-knit collection
it was a somewhat taxing time
of IU grads. Holiday Spirits, a
but we had a lot of fun getting
very well-received debut album,
it all together back then. And
soon
showcasing
then about the end of 2008, I left
their incredibly diverse vocal
the group again - it was about a
talents. But it was on stage where
month before my daughter was
the
happened;
born. I was back at IU getting my
SNC's irresistible combination
MBA. The grass is always greener;
of
followed,
magic
truly
dynamic
choreography,
I thought, I'm going to have a
undeniable charm and dazzling harmonies sent fans into
daughter, I better get a big boy job. So I completed my MBA
hysterics across the nation.
in 2010, moved to Cincinnati and worked at a bank for about three years. When somebody else decided that it was their time
Apart from a few lineup changes, not much has changed in the
to step away [from the group] and start a family, they said, 'Hey,
intervening years - and that's a very good thing. SNC remain as
do you want to come back?' and I said, 'Yeah, I do' and I've
18 | DECEMBER 2021
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | UPCOMING EVENTS
been back now for eight years. SNC are known for doing amazing mash-ups of popular
songs. Perhaps the best example is "Thriller"/"Uptown Funk." What's the process like from the moment that
kind of fits in like a puzzle. There's some songs where we've done them so many times for so long that if I actually think about what comes next, I'm like, 'What am I doing? What comes next?' But if you don't think, your body knows what to do.
someone in the group conjures up the idea to arrange
Of all the fantastic SNC collaborations, getting the green
Well, there's a number of different steps you can take. We've
It's funny, the day that that came through, I was working in the
something to the moment it's ready for the stage?
light from Paul McCartney must have been life-altering.
got about three or four different guys who are our primary
backyard; my dad and I were building a fire pit. And so we're
arrangers and the other guys are always coming up with ideas
sitting there and I get a call; I put the phone down and said, 'Hey
and we'll kick those around
dad, I got one for you - guess
at different points in time.
who we're doing a track
So once the idea is there,
with?' And he goes, 'Who?'
generally
know,
and I go, 'Paul McCartney.' He
taking the song and going
said, 'That's a Beatle, boy!' So,
and sitting with it for awhile.
the rest of the day we'd be
What do you want to do with
working and he'd stop every
it? What's your take going to
once in awhile and go, 'Paul
be? You know, do something
McCartney, huh?' It took me
straight ahead and make it
25 years, but I think I've finally
sound like the original or do
impressed my dad [laughs].
it's, you
you want to take it and flip it on its head? And from there we've all got our own rigs to record at home so we can do a fully fleshed-out demo at home on our own set, send it out to the group and say, 'Hey, what
Now that SNC are heading back out for a lengthy tour, what can fans expect?
We've got a lot of new music for this fall and some of it we
do you think?' And from there, if they say "yes" we go ahead
just debuted earlier this summer. So we're excited to bring
and chart the song the next time we're together and put the
that to the stage. We've got a couple of new songs...because
sound together and hand it over to our choreographer a few
we released our last album, Social Christmasing, last fall and
days before we see her so she's ready to go. And while we're
weren't able to tour it, we're excited to put a lot of those songs
choreographing, our lighting guy's sitting there watching the
up on their feet and we've got "Celebrate Me Home" and
whole thing. As soon as we get it on microphone, our sound
our new Christmas original that's really, really great that one
guy's sitting there going, 'Ok, I see what they're doing, I think I
of our guys wrote. So we'll be bringing that to the stage. And
got this.' So by the time the lights come up it's show time and
one of our signature things is being able to walk out and meet
we're off to the races.
everybody after the show; we've tried to come up with new
What's the most challenging aspect of learning a new song/routine for you?
ways to still be able to do some virtual meet & greets and how fans can still take a picture with Straight No Chaser at the end of the show. We're trying to brainstorm ideas to make it as much
You know, if we have something where there's a bunch of close
of a normal show as possible while dealing with the constraints
harmonies and there's some planned dissonance in there...
that we have.
you're going to have to figure out what's right. You know, that's probably as tricky as we get. Actually, for me personally, once we put the dance steps to it, it actually helps with the memorization of the song. Everything is kind of about the rhythms and the patterns and once you put all those things together it all just
For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. The ONEP is located at 715 Locust St. in downtown Evansville.
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| 19
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | UPCOMING EVENTS
HAIRBALL A BOMBASTIC CELEBRATION
OF ARENA ROCK VICTORY THEATRE / DECEMBER 18 / 7 P.M.
New vocalist Dave Moody on Hairball's overwhelming presentation, saluting the 70s and 80s bands still touring, the future of rock & roll and more
Sweetening the deal, Hairball recently brought Dave Moody on board, former vocalist for the revered AC/ DC tribute band Thunderstruck. Rest assured you will be thunderstruck by his performance of "Back in Black" - but not only can Moody do a mean Brian Johnson, his raspy singing style perfectly lends itself to material by Twisted Sister, Cinderella, Quiet Riot, KISS and more. As he notes, "It's been ingrained in my DNA since the sun came out." Moody kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Victory Theatre. You were obviously familiar with Hairball before
joining the band. Now that you're on the inside, is it every bit as bombastic as it looks from the outside?
More so. I mean, when you've got two to three thousand dollars worth of pyro blowing up every night and you've got guys coming out in full, authentic costumes looking like the characters you grew up worshipping, it tends to be a little more overwhelming than a video you see. Plus, we're there to burn your eyes out of your head and make your eardrums bleed and leave you sticky, broke and confused.
Welcome back, Hairball. We missed you and need you now
That's our job description. We've got a lot of scores to settle
more than ever.
- you people have it coming to you and we're gonna give it to you hard and we're gonna make you hurt a little bit.
Yes, good times are finally here again with the return of the nation's top arena rock tribute act, back to clear the air and help us all forget our worries for a couple of hours with an absolutely
Singing AC/DC songs is your specialty but did it take time to get comfortable singing the other material?
Oh, no, I've been
killer set of songs by
driving around with
some of the greatest
a bottle of whiskey
bands of all time:
my whole life singing
AC/DC, Aerosmith,
these songs. It's been
Alice Cooper, Def
ingrained in my DNA
Leppard, Guns N'
since the sun came
Roses,
Journey,
out. So, I didn't learn
Queen,
from the teachers;
KISS, Van
Halen
and
many more - all
I learned from Dee Snider;
I
learned
performed with a rotating cast of spot-on singers and
from Mötley Crüe; I learned from David Lee Roth; I learned
plenty of pyrotechnics. As advertised, it's truly a bombastic
from Paul Stanley. So, I knew all this stuff coming in - it was
celebration that will get your heart - and fists - pumping as
a matter of getting the makeup and the costuming correct
you rock out to all your favorite music from the 70s and 80s.
and probably a little bit of the mimicking of the movements
20 | DECEMBER 2021
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of the character, maybe. But other than that, no, I've been drinking whiskey to this stuff for a long time. Many of the bands that Hairball covers are still touring
- though in some cases the original singers just don't
have the vocal chops anymore. How do you feel about that?
First of all, we're blessed to have those guys still around after the life they've led - let's be quite honest. So anytime they step on stage if you're not going to bow in front of them there's something wrong with you; you're doing it wrong. They have provided us all with such a great tapestry of wonderful music that has allowed us to live out the greatest moments probably in rock and roll history, being the 80s because it was such a carefree moment in time. And they were the soundtrack to that so if you're not saluting that and giving these people their props then you're absolutely doing it wrong. Maybe they don't have a lot of fire on their fastball anymore; maybe their shoes ain't as shiny as they used to be; maybe they don't smile with the same teeth that they had back in day. But I'll tell you this: It's the same people and they deserve that respect and you should show it to them. Rock & roll has often been declared dead, especially
by the older generations who don't see any new bands rising up to take the place of the 70s and 80s icons that Hairball honors.
It matters where you look. Rock & roll is in good hands. You have Greta Van Fleet - which I'm not necessarily a big fan of - but they are an up-and-coming rock band that people love. I love the Struts, Joyous Wolf - so many great, new, young acts...the Rival Sons, things of this nature. Music is out there - people of our age group saying that there's nobody doing this anymore, there's nobody doing that anymore... bullsh*t! They're out there - these kids are coming up and embracing our music, our rock & roll. Eddie Van Halen's son Wolfgang Van Halen - he's a phenomenal musician with a great new record. All this music is coming out and it's new, it's young and we identify with it coming from our generation. Rock is not dead; it's just getting started.
For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.com. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • DECEMBER 2021
| 21
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | CUISINE & DINING
CLEAN BITE LIFE Healthy Cooking with Lindsay Rasure
I love all the vibrant colors that Christmas brings! I do not love all the artificial food colorings that are added during this time. Did you know they make dye free sprinkles? The brand Supernatural makes fun dye free sprinkles using quality clean ingredients. I bought the blend “Ugly Xmas Sweater” sprinkles for this bake! They use turmeric, spirulina, paprika, and vegetable juice to get the vibrant colors. Wouldn’t you rather consume that than Red 40, Blue 2, or Yellow 6? Enjoy making this super easy dessert for your Christmas celebration!
PEANUT BUTTER12FUDGE CRUNCH BARS BARS INGREDIENTS: •
3 c. Rice Chex cereal (It is difficult to find an organic
DIRECTIONS: 1.
Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
version of this cereal)
2.
Add the cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
•
1 ½ c. any chocolate chips
3.
In a medium size sauce pan combine chocolate
•
1 c. organic peanut butter (just peanuts & salt)
chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Heat up
•
¼ c. refined coconut oil
mixture until it has melted. Whisk to make sure
•
Optional: Dye free sprinkles (Supernatural is a great brand)
everything is combined. 4.
Pour mixture over the cereal in the mixing bowl. Gently stir to coat the cereal.
5.
Pour the mixture into the 8x8 pan. Decorate the top with sprinkles.
6.
Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until firm. Cut into 12 bars and enjoy!
For more recipes or meal ideas you can follow Lindsay Rasure on Instagram: @cleanbitelife or her Facebook group: Clean Bite Life
22 | DECEMBER 2021
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | COUPONS
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| 23
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | IN TOWN & AROUND
PRESENTED BY:
IN TOWN & AROUND WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Bingo 7:30 PM Victory Theatre -- Home Free "Warmest Winter" Tour 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Live Music & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 8:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game Night 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 9:00 PM KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Tony Henning 7:00 PM Old National Events Plaza -Sara Evans "Blue Christmas" Tour 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Black Cat Recording Night 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Shayla Spradley w/ Cynthia Murray Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Scott Winzinger KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky
24 | DECEMBER 2021
10:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DF Visuals Showcase SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 9:00 PM KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ 1:00 PM Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 2:00 PM Victory Theatre -- Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra presents: Candy Cane Express 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Chelsea Morning 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Monte Skelton Old National Events Plaza -Leanne Morgan Victory Theatre -- Evansville Philharmonic Orchesta presents: Peppermint Pops 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- The BackBeats 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Shayla Spradley w/ Cynthia Murray Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Insulated Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Kalico Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DJ McNaughty & Friends SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 2:00 PM Victory Theatre -- Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra presents: Peppermint Pops 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: The Sidemen Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 4:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful
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Sunday w/ Hog Maw 5:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Chelsea Morning Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Trivia Victory Theatre -- Kenny G 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 6:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Bluesday Tuesday w/ Boscoe France 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 7:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Lennon Night Carson's Brewery -- Bingo 7:30 PM Old National Events Plaza -Straight No Chaser "Back in the High Life" Tour 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar &
Grill -- College Night w/ Live Music & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Old National Events Plaza -K-LOVE Christmas Tour 8:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game Night 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 9:00 PM KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Pity Thy Neighbors 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Drag me to the Weekend w/ DJ Bishop 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Tailgate Revival KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve presents: Freestyle Friday SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 9:00 PM KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The BackBeats 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Hudsy Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey Old National Events Plaza -CCDE Nutcracker Victory Theatre -- Ballet Indiana presents; The Nutcracker w/ Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
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| 25
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | IN TOWN & AROUND
8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Drag Me to the Weekend w/ DJ Jon Kern 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Blackford Creek KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Calabash SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 2:00 PM Victory Theatre -- Ballet Indiana presents; The Nutcracker w/ Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Keith Farney Jazz Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 4:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful Sunday w/ Hog Maw 5:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Trivia 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 5:30 PM Carson's Brewery -- BRC Tasting 6:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ
26 | DECEMBER 2021
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7:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Bluesday Tuesday w/ Boscoe France 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Bingo 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Live Music & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 8:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game Night 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 9:00 PM KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: 2 Miles Back 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- The Crash Chords 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt & Jake Holder Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Sean Stemaly Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DJ McNaughty & DJ Non-Stop SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 9:00 PM
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ 4:00 PM Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Brandon McCarty 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Curt N Rod 7:30 PM Victory Theatre -- Hairball: A Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Epic 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Jake Holder w/ Clay Shelburn, Chris Lee & Conway Turley Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Fool House Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DJ McNaughty
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Bokeh Big Band Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 4:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful Sunday w/ Hog Maw 5:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Poetry Night KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Bluesday Tuesday w/ Boscoe France 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Trivia 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Live Music & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 8:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game Night
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Bingo 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Bokeh Lounge -- Corduroy Orbison Album Release Party 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 9:00 PM KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Jake Holder w/ Guests KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Christmas Pajama Karaoke Party Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 9:00 PM KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • DECEMBER 2021
| 27
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | IN TOWN & AROUND
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 2:30 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 4:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful Sunday w/ Hog Maw 5:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Final Trivia Event 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Artist Bobby Edge Live on Stage KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Bluesday Tuesday w/ Boscoe France 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Final Christmas Bingo 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
28 | DECEMBER 2021
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6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Live Music & DJ KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 8:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game Night 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 9:00 PM KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ 5:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Last Day of Operation; NYE Party w/ fun, festivties & your fave craft beers! 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Little by Little 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- New Year's Eve Bash w/ Jenny’s Bad Hair Day 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- New Year's Eve Bash w/ GlasTone KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- New Year's Eve Bash w/ MJ Resurrection Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DJ McNaughty's NYE Bash
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • DECEMBER 2021
| 29
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | MUSIC
SLUICE Evansville's pop-punk kings kick royal ass on debut full-length, Hopeless Contrarian
raspy screams that put Hopeless Contrarian over the top, creating, in his words, a "cosmic gumbo." If nothing else, this new release shows just how quickly his talent is developing, with Ortiz, Angle and Dawson gamely keeping pace and then some - standouts such as "Never Enjoyed Anything Ever" and "Sludge" sound like instant emo classics by a seasoned band. The former's nearly-grinding-to-a-halt, thick-as-mud chorus is a total epiphany while the latter's melodic melancholy driven by Edge-like echoing guitar may be Sluice's finest musical moment - complemented perfectly by Bohannon's engaging wordplay: "Blackened leaves fuse together in sludge/ Grab me by the ankles and never budge."
Of all the amazing things about Sluice's brand new emocharged album, this takes the cake: Drummer Chris Dawson reportedly nailed every insane beat and fill first take in the studio - much to the delight of Steve Tyner at Black Cat Recording who was overheard exclaiming, L-R: DAWSON, BOHANNON, ORTIZ, ANGLE
"F***ing A!" when the exceptionally-gifted musician blew through his parts on Hopeless Contrarian in one go. And while guitarist/vocalist Bobo Bohannon, guitarist Zach Ortiz and bassist/vocalist Mitch Angle didn't quite achieve that level of perfection during the recording sessions, they certainly held their own, delivering blistering performances that, as a whole, have resulted in a fantastic full-length follow-up to 2020's self-titled EP. Songwriting for Hopeless Contrarian actually began just before the recording of the EP and continued on
That lyrical inventiveness shines throughout, particularly
right up until Sluice reconvened with Tyner back in May.
on the aching title track and angry "Cull," though the
Bohannon, the band's primary creative force, sparked the
singer's humorous side is always within reach as heard on
majority of ideas while holed-up during the pandemic.
"Hospital? Trashcan!" and "Unreliable Narrator."
But it was Angle's "Satellite" that was ultimately singled out to promote the album. A mix of old school punk
Elsewhere, "Nuke the Sun," a 75-second barnburner, was
and the edgier elements of emo, its frantic tempo and
reportedly written in 15 inspirational minutes. "Ghost,"
impassioned lyrical refrain - "You don't care anymore!"
while standard song-length, never lets up as Dawson
- with vocal interplay between Angle and Bohannon
pounds away with abandon, executing lightning-fast
make for a killer introduction to one of the tri-state's best
drum rolls that are topped only by a ridiculously long
original albums in recent memory.
assault on the skins in "Think Again, Friendarino" - which he jokingly regrets as it will be a bitch to recreate live.
Still,
it's
Bohannon's
intricate
guitar
riffs,
clever
arrangements, sardonic lyrics and cigarette-induced
We'll see if Dawson can pull it off on December 4 at The Venue when Sluice performs Hopeless Contrarian in full.
For more info, follow Sluice on Facebook. Hopeless Contrarian should be available soon on major streaming platforms.
30 | DECEMBER 2021
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | MUSIC
TWOPINE Local electronic artist preps Cold Moon EP, strives for sweet yet glitched-out organic sound
The sound of TwoPine grew from several distinct influences. File cites beat-based music by artists such as Flying Lotus and Tycho as a primary source of inspiration but in particular, the album 22, A Million by indie folk band Bon Iver. "That had come out and it was heavily electronicallyinduced and that's what really launched the effort of TwoPine," File notes. "I wanted to make electronic music [like these artists] but with that organic sound skewed and chopped-up and glitched-out." To achieve what he was hearing in his head, File began acquiring various pieces of equipment, including a MPC (music workstation) and two Korg synthesizers discovered while cleaning out his great-
While most artists yearn for the spotlight, Evansville's Tayler
great uncle's house. Plus, a buddy kindly donated a reverb
File is happy to exist in the shadows, quietly producing
effects pedal which proved to be a hugely important
some of the tri-state's best electronic music - primarily
addition to his arsenal. File then spent hours scavenging
ambient creations that
online electronic forums
truly soothe the soul,
and watching YouTube
providing
much-
videos to figure out how
needed
a
from
to bring his musical vision
the constant white noise
respite
to life, duly pouring all
of daily life in the 21st
that education into the
century. The irony here
aforementioned Fall EP -
is that File used to play
but he really hit the mark
guitar in various high
on last October's follow-
school
bands.
up, Gratitude, and its
But feeling a bit boxed
two expertly-constructed
in, he started exploring
tracks,
synthesizers
and "BeGrateful." The
metal
on
the
"SlowDown"
side and eventually his
former's
peripheral
mastery shows just what
interest
in
beat-based
electronics blossomed into a solo project dubbed TwoPine,
a quick-study File is, while the latter's gorgeously serene
a moniker based partially on a famous quote by Scottish-
piano refrain recalls Brian Eno's ambient classic Music for
born naturalist/writer John Muir ("Between every two pines
Airports.
is a doorway to a new world") and the simple fact that there are two pine trees outside File's window at home. It's an
Though it can take File up to two years to perfect his pieces,
apt name that perfectly captures the tranquil atmosphere
he's already set to release another EP on December 18.
of instrumental tracks like "Timberly" and "Dusk" from
Titled Cold Moon (referencing the name of the full moon
2020's Fall EP - a promising debut that laid the blueprint
this month), this 3-song collection features his most dance-
for future releases. "I was still trying to figure things out,"
oriented track to date. "And then I might just do an acoustic
File explains. "But I knew that this is what I wanted to sound
track after that," File says. "I still want things to sound kind of
like."
sweet and daytime-ish - and definitely organic electronic, if that makes sense."
TwoPine recordings are available on Bandcamp and all major streaming platforms.
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| 31
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | MUSIC
GEORGIA
FUNKADELIC Everyone's invited: Funloving tri-state bass player returns with Georgia's After Party EP
"I started working on some grooves for hip-hop material and in that process, some of these songs developed," Frankic explains. "The inspiration came to me to do the kind of music that I absolutely love which is groove music." He also humorously notes that some people preferred the instrumental tracks on Pool Party over the ones on which he sang ("I don't blame them because the vocals weren't that great") - and that convinced him to concentrate solely on the music for After Party. Frankic once again called on keyboardist Roy Micah and drummer Ben Ganster to take part - but finding the right guitarist proved more difficult. Eventually, he reconnected with Mickey Peaches, an old UE music department pal who slotted in perfectly to complete the quartet. "We had the five songs finished and arranged by October," Frankic says, "and then started asking around
Undoubtedly one of 2020's funkiest local releases, Georgia's
to find a studio that had the ability to record a band all at the
Pool Party was the brainchild of Matthew Frankic - aka Georgia
same time - a live feel." That place turned out to be the Studio
Funkadelic - a bass-playing free spirit in need of a creative
Barn in Boonville where the guys laid down the grooves
outlet in the wake of a painful divorce. Music is often the best
for the EP in a single three-hour session last month. Now
therapy, after all. So he called
it's just a matter of making
on nearly 20 of his closest
some
musician friends to lend a
before the official release on
hand in the studio and the
- you guessed it - New Year's
resulting
Eve
album
(officially
released on New Year's Eve)
final
adjustments
(not-so-coincidentally
Frankic's birthday, FYI).
turned out to be just what the doctor ordered, not only
Judging by an early mix of
giving Frankic an emotional
opening track "Invitation"
boost but putting a smile on
(which Georgia Funkadelic
the face of everyone who
debuted at Front Porch Fest
found themselves getting
in September), After Party
down
to
booty-shaking
should get 2022 off to a
jams
like
"How
Much
truly groovy start. Clearly, the
Funk?," "Helen of Green
live recording strategy has
River" and "Cream Feelin'."
paid off - there's palpable
But Frankic didn't bask in Pool Party's glow for long; he was
energy transferring between the four musicians, a real
already looking ahead to the next project - a proposed hip-
buzz humming throughout as the thoughtfully-constructed
hop collaboration with area MCs. And while that intriguing
instrumental dynamically ebbs and flows. It all just makes
concept never quite came to fruition, it did spark the basis
you want to hear more. Actually, those of you who've been
for a follow-up EP, appropriately titled Georgia's After Party.
lucky enough to catch a Georgia Funkadelic live set during
32 | DECEMBER 2021
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | MUSIC
the last year or so should already be familiar with "Deluxe Vinyl" as it's been aired several times at various local venues. The remaining tracks - "We're Going," "We'll Never Be the Same" and "No More Stranger" - will no doubt find a place in
L-R: FRANKIE, PEACHES, GANSTER, MICAH
upcoming performances.
And speaking of performances... Not satisfied to simply release the EP as is on New Year's Eve, Frankic, a fan of KEXPFM in-house live music showcases in Seattle, decided to take a cue from the popular public radio station and film the guys playing the five new songs as a video accompaniment to After Party. He just needed the proper setting to match the KEXP vibe - which, somewhat surprisingly, Frankic found at The Ol' Church on the Holler in Newburgh by the river. Camera-work was handled by the multi-talented Benji Koelling so this live representation of the EP (also to be released on NYE) has must-see written all over it. Moving forward, Frankic hopes to lock-in a few live dates for Georgia Funkadelic in 2022, especially to highlight the recent addition of "The Funkadellas" - Cher'Rita Horne and Lindsey Pickens - on backing vocals. And he's all-in on taking singing lessons to improve as a frontman. That would keep most people adequately occupied, but the creativelyrestless Frankic also plans to work on a Grateful Dead covers project in the coming months. Stay tuned!
Follow Georgia Funkadelic on Facebook.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • DECEMBER 2021
| 33
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | MUSIC
THE SMOKE
RINGS Southern Illinois rock trio back again with upbeat, stripped-down California Gold
Don't be alarmed, but The Smoke Rings are on fire - creatively
divide. Dominated by 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars and peppered with mandolin and ukulele, Acoustiverse dazzled with its expert musicianship and mature songwriting. But there's no buzz quite like band chemistry; just like on Modern Days, Jake sounds stoked to be back in the fold with The Smoke Rings' rock-solid rhythm section. Brother Chris and Jenks really bring this collection to life, especially on the heavier, grooveoriented tracks like "80 Dollar Guitar" and "Crystal Ball" - the former of which brings to mind Watts and Wyman locking in on a Stones classic, while the latter gets down and dirty like a bluesy, harmonica-drenched "Bang a Gong," complete with handclaps. Equally rhythm-driven is "Mountain Slide" which effectively amps up The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows," concluding with a delightfully noisy, extended instrumental jam. Edging more towards the Modern Days vibe, the fuzzed-out "Space Ramp" glides along on a Doobie Brothers-esque guitar riff paired with cosmic lyrics. "Do It All Again," meanwhile, echoes Acoustiverse with its chiming mandolin and philosophical bent ("If I could tell you one thing about everything that's
speaking, that is. Earlier this
happened, I'd do it all again")
year, the Southern Illinois
and "Sooner Than Later" takes
rock trio blessed the tri-
a page from Elvis Costello's
state with the spacey, multi-
playbook,
layered Modern Days, the
stabbing guitar chords and
first physical release from the
an infectious, insistent melody
band in ages. They were just
straight from the late 70s.
getting revved up, however.
Then there's "Always Moving
A mere six months later,
On," a minor-key ska exercise
guitarist/vocalist Jake Martin,
that recalls Great Britain's
drummer Chris Martin and
classic Two-tone days. But
bassist Adam Jenks have
California Gold's best track -
returned with California Gold,
or most emotionally affecting,
a stripped-down good time
at least - is surely "Thunder
that finds this ambitious three-
& Rain" which would fit quite
piece getting back to rock &
nicely on the Dead's American
roll basics, often mining T. Rex for inspiration while also referencing the likes of the Doobie
employing
Beauty with its gentle acoustic strumming and Jake's wistful vocals.
Brothers and the Grateful Dead. And yes, the album's 10 tracks are just as refreshingly organic as that all sounds.
California Gold is bookended by two disparate tracks joined together via the sound of the ocean - fading in on the raw,
Co-produced by Bill Watson, California Gold is actually Jake's
one-for-the-road title track/lead single and fading out on the
third music project dating back to late 2020 when he debuted
calming, surf-inspired instrumental "Land's End." No better way
a magnificent solo work that examined the country's growing
to open and close this upbeat, easy-going album.
For more info, follow The Smoke Rings on Facebook. California Gold will soon be available on major streaming platforms.
34 | DECEMBER 2021
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | MUSIC
the
ROCK & METAL PROFS WITH MATT ALSCHBACH & DR. COURT LEWIS
Associate professors at Owensboro Community College and Pellissippi State Community College, respectively, Alschbach and Lewis host the popular podcast The Rock & Metal Profs: The History & Philosophy of Rock & Metal. Now they're bringing their keen insights to the pages of News 4U with a monthly deep dive into some of the best bands of the rock/metal genre and thoughts on music in general.
THE RELIGION OF RUSH
Also consider the lyrics and themes in RUSH’s music. Neil Peart
Few bands have as devoted a fanbase as RUSH. They don’t
and information. The same thing that drove Peart to be the
have casual fans. When people discover RUSH, it is as if
greatest rock percussionist of all time also made him a brilliant
someone pulled back a veil to reveal the glory and splendor of
songwriter and storyteller. Whatever your interests - history,
a galaxy replete with vibrant sound, color, texture and meaning
philosophy, culture, economics, war, love, cars or fantasy, Peart
that speaks to their souls. Fans celebrate them, collect their
wrote songs that captured the essence of these subjects in a
catalog of albums and videos, and scan the web for anything
profound, thoughtful and poetic manner.
was a learned man and a voracious consumer of literature
RUSH-related. They follow multiple RUSH podcasts and social media pages. And, most importantly, they seek out other
Perhaps that is why hardcore fans will find a way to insert RUSH
RUSH fans to talk about the band every chance they get.
into any conversation. My good friend John is such a fan. No matter what we are talking about, he’ll manage to bring RUSH
But what is it about Geddy, Alex and Neil that elicits such
into the conversation. It’s actually quite a remarkable skill. As
passion and enduring curiosity? First and foremost, it is the
an experiment, I’m going to introduce three random topics
superior musicianship - all three are brilliant and hard-working
to John that have nothing to do with music or RUSH, just to
musicians revered by their peers. You would be hard-pressed
see how he navigates the conversation towards RUSH. I’m not
to find a professional musician who doesn’t recognize the
going to tell him what I’m doing ahead of time. I’ll report back
genius of RUSH. Take for example, guitarist Alex Lifeson. In
on this in a future column. In the meantime, you should try it
any other band, Lifeson would be considered a virtuoso on
too, with RUSH or another band that you know a friend loves.
the level of Eddie Van Halen. However, within RUSH he was
This should be fun!
often overlooked because bassist/keyboardist/vocalist Geddy Lee and percussionist/lyricist Neil Peart were so gifted as well.
Be sure to check out episodes 14, 16, 19 and 20 of the Rock &
These gentlemen pushed each other to be the very best at
Metal Profs podcast covering the career and legacy of RUSH.
their craft, and that is obvious in the music.
The Rock & Metal Profs podcast is available on iTunes, Google and Spotify.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • DECEMBER 2021
| 35
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | ENTERTAINMENT
Screen Time
with Marisa Patwa
EUROPEAN FASHION, MONSTER HUNTERS AND TASTY TREATS: DECEMBER DELIVERS MORE THAN YOUR AVERAGE HOLIDAY ROM-COM
THE WITCHER - SSN 2 (12/17)
Back for another season of monster-hunting, this breakout show promises to quench all of our demon slashing cravings. The medieval series about a dark world called The Continent is based on a set of books by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski. While the first season on Netflix was hard at times to follow with the tangled timelines, I truly think this show will smooth out in its second go-around now that we know these characters: Henry Cavill’s stubborn yet brave Geralt; Anya Chalotra’s powerful witch Yennefer; and angelic yet fierce princess Ciri, played by Freya Allen. Last season ended on a cliffhanger, with Geralt and Ciri’s characters finally uniting after what felt like years of searching for each other. There are so many questions unanswered, quests to go on and evils to triumph.
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW: HOLIDAYS (12/4)
Returning to Netflix for a new scrumptious holiday season is this joyful cooking show. It is pure magic. The key ingredients include a diverse cast of amateur bakers hand-selected from all over the United Kingdom we’re talking police officers by day, cooking muffins in your kitchen for mum at night. Add a dash of delight from seasoned judge Prue and sprinkle of spice from fellow judge Paul Hollywood. Mix it up with the silly yet quick-witted judges Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas - who are always doing some nonsensical bit that always pays off. Their cheeky banter and unwavering support of the flustered bakers on a clock are bitterly sweet. It’s a recipe for success.
36 | DECEMBER 2021
EMILY IN PARIS - SSN 2 (12/22)
This frivolous show about an American girl living her best selfie life in Paris has turned into a Netflix sensation, watched by millions across the globe. Lily Collins stars as the fresh-faced go-getter Emily, who lands a dream job at a marketing firm in the romantic city. Developed by Sex and the City creator Darren Starr, he infuses his love for fashion in every designer dress, pair of heels, and beret Collins wears. Ashley Park co-stars as her whimsical friend Mindy, who encourages the millennial on her social media antics. While navigating a new life in a new city with a challenging job where her boss sidelines her at every turn, Miss Emily must also dabble in the perils of intoxicating Parisian men. Of course, what millennial European rom-com would be good without its love triangles? Will she and French baker Gabriel, played by the dashing Lucas Bravo, last? In response to a backlash for a lack of diversity in season one, producers have made adjustments, including adding Lucien Laviscount as a new love interest. We stan growth.
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | ENTERTAINMENT
TRUE CRIME JUNKIE WITH JOHNNY FLETCHER
THE UNSOLVED MURDER OF "MISSY" BEVERS While no cold case will ever reach the level of interest
Now, how exactly did this individual keep their identity
of the JonBenét Ramsey murder, there's an unsolved
a secret? By cleverly donning unauthorized police riot
homicide from 2016 that is just as mind-boggling and,
gear from head to toe that made it difficult to even
in some ways, even more disturbing. Particularly because
determine gender. In addition, they walked with a
the individual who brutally murdered 45-year-old fitness
noticeable bow-legged gait - which at first seemed like
instructor "Missy" Bevers was seen on tape - over and
a big lead but might have simply been an affectation
over again - just prior to the killing. And yet no one
to throw off investigators. Ultimately, the individual left
has been arrested to date. In
no real evidence behind. Bevers
fact, police still aren't sure if the
was found with a head injury and
suspect is male or female.
multiple puncture wounds to her chest - but no major clues were
But let's back up. A mother of
discovered, such
three from Red Oak, Texas, Terri
DNA. And despite footage of
"Missy" Bevers was by all accounts
the
beloved in her community with
the public - and numerous tips
seemingly no enemies. Not only
being offered up - the trail went
that, she served as an inspiration
completely cold.
killer
being
as
valuable
released
to
for local folks looking to get in shape; her early morning fitness
Five years on, the haunting video
classes - which Bevers often
of the killer walking the church
held at a nearby church - were
hallways - seemingly without a
quite popular. But perhaps too
care in the world, just waiting
well-publicized. Because as she
for Bevers to appear - remains
arrived at 4:30 a.m. on April 18,
entirely
2016, and began preparing for
there's been no progress in
another class, there was someone
naming a suspect and no real
inside
waiting
to
pounce
-
chilling.
Frustratingly,
answer as to why the murder took
someone who managed to elude identification despite
place, apart from the theory that Bevers was involved in an
church surveillance cameras repeatedly capturing their
extramarital affair and a jealous spouse sought revenge.
movements in the minutes leading up to the murder as
Or that she got entangled with a dangerous individual
they strolled up and down the halls, breaking windows
online somehow. But it's all just a guessing game without
with a hammer and casually attempting to open locked
anything substantial to go on - and altogether baffling.
doors. (For those wondering how the killer broke into the
This is without a doubt one of the most bizarre cases in
church undetected, the outside cameras were reportedly
the history of true crime.
not functioning on that day.)
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| 37
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | ENTERTAINMENT
OUR OUR FAVS FAVS
OF THE MONTH Looking for someone new to follow? We've got a few sweet recommendations for you!
BRIAN BENNETT RECOMMENDS:
Tim the Tank Official @timthetankofficial
Whether it's mixing lemonheads in vodka, Malibu and Fanta or Pop Rocks and tequila, Tim takes requests for the latest tasty alcoholic beverage combinations and tells us the facts on taste! Check it out, he won't disappoint!
CRISTINA RATLEY RECOMMENDS:
Aisha @arbacn
Aisha is an 18-year-old woman who graduated early, makes amazing art, and, on top of all that, is one of the funniest creators on the TikTok app. She nails what it's like to wing it through stressfueled chaos, which is why we love her. Plus, she loves things like Star vs. the Forces of Evil and Disney in general, so what's not to love? BAILEY RECOMMENDS:
Elyse Myers @elysemyers
Everyone needs a little Elyse Myers in their life. She has top-notch storytelling abilities and a long list of hilarious stories to share. She'll cover a lot of topics during her coffee talks - blind dates gone wrong, being a high school mascot, even Amazon reviews. One of my favorites is her yearbook photo fail. If you need a laugh she's definitely one to follow!
38 | DECEMBER 2021
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Tattoos r
tell u s
ut yo o b a u
featuring JOSH PIETROWSKI GIANT SQUID: This is one of my favorites. I'm known around town as "Big Cat" which sounds a lot better than "Giant Squid," so I'm glad this didn't catch on. This tattoo, like all the others, was done by the guys down at Crescent City Tattoo on Main Street. GREAT CLUSTER: This is a great cluster. All my family is from Detroit, Michigan, and I'm a pretty big Tigers fan. Also, the scorpion has no meaning - I just wanted a tough guy tattoo.
IMPORTANT PEOPLE: As I've gotten older, most of the tattoos I've gotten are for important people in my life. These feature two of my Mary Street Board Meeting guys. And my buddy chef Scott Schymik. We call him big noodle for multiple reasons.
BIG CAT & LOBSTER: My buddy Ian did the Big Cat tattoo, and Clint Vaught did the lobster tattoo for my best friend Merl.
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| 39
W
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | LOCAL HAPPENINGS
hy
ARE YOU IN
Evansville?
Local residents tell us why they're proud to be a part of our growing community
JESSICA NUFFER I was born in Evansville in 1965, and I was raised here. My family was in the elevator business so we were going to be staying here, but I was able to travel and see a lot at a young age. And most summers, while neighborhood kids went to camp, I lived in Thorold, Ontario, Canada, where I spent many enjoyable days ice skating. I got married young - right after high school - and had a beautiful daughter, Amanda Fox. I got divorced soon after, concentrating on work and building my nail business. I picked up bartending to help make ends meet and ended up connecting with so many great people. It just seemed silly to leave Evansville but I did, moving to New Jersey in the 90’s where I ran a restaurant in Merv Griffin's Resorts Casino. I had left behind my full-time Job working with a liquor distributor, part-time nail tech position and full-time bartender gig at the Duck Inn thinking the pay would be better in Jersey - and that there would be better education options for my daughter. However, I quickly learned that that was just geography; I realized that Evansville was more progressive than I had thought. The education programs did not have the advanced classes like we had here for my daughter and she was bored. As it turned out, I had been offered a position I could not refuse to move back and help remodel the Duck Inn and make it grow, so I was all in. Plus, my daughter was totally missing her friends and grandparents. I just bit the bullet and came back to the 'Ville. The moral of this story is when you make such great connections it leads you to some truly fun times. Heck, I even bartended the Cabo Tour on stage with Sammy Hagar. And I’ve waited on, and hung out with, people like Rich Little, Sister Hazel, Afroman, Nickelback and Bryan Adams. The things that stand out the most to me and keep me here in Evansville are the people, great friendships and family. And if you ever stop and just look around you will see there is just so much love and caring in our community! And of course, I have to mention the amazing man I’m married to who just lets me be me, Jason Nuffer. Yes, he is real! Some people like to argue with him when he tells them that he is married to me. Lol! He tamed the wild beast! All the Love and Cocktails, JESSICA NUFFER
40 | DECEMBER 2021
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | LOCAL HAPPENINGS
FR OM
ADDICTION
TO RECOVERY Community members share their stories of leaving drugs AND ALCOHOL behind and setting off on the path to redemption BEFORE
KAREN ANN YOUNG (75)
AFTER
Later in life I began to enjoy a glass or two of wine in the evening, but eventually I was wanting three or four glasses; then it became half a bottle. And once in a while, a whole bottle. My husband has his own TV room and I have my room with the TV, so he really didn't see or understand what I was doing with the wine. I started wanting to drink earlier and earlier during the day. I didn't feel good about my drinking and most people didn't realize how much I was drinking. Finally one day I prayed that God would help me not to drink that one night, and he did! Each day I kept asking Jesus for another night without drinking, and he continued to help me. After about three weeks I started attending AA classes with a friend who invited me. I attended meetings for a year and heard a lot of stories and reasons not to go back to drinking alcohol. I admit there are times I miss it, and I think it would be fun with other people, but ultimately I remind myself that I would be back in no time to drinking every night again. I don't want that! I believe that Christ won't be able to use me to make his kingdom work if I am forever chasing a buzz so I have to say I'm very happy that I have decided not to drink alcohol anymore.
LOVELY HERNANDEZ (31)
I was an addict from 15-21 years old. 2011 was when I decided to stop. In May of 2021 I left everyone, even my abusive live-in partner, and went out of town. In August of 2021 I found out I was pregnant with his baby. He begged me to come back but I didn't. I prayed a lot and I made a truce with God. I told him I won't ever come back to my bad ways and if I do He could take everything - as in everything - I loved, including my baby. It was very hard staying clean that time but I did it all with God's grace. I've been sober since then and He blessed me BEFORE
AFTER
with a great man and now I have three kids! January of 2012 was when I gave birth to my firstborn. December of that year I
became a victim of human trafficking and got sent to South Korea to work and that's when I met my husband. He was stationed there and we became best friends right away. In every situation that we are in God will always be there for us. We have to trust him at all times, even when it seems so impossible. He will not forsake you.
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| 41
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
28TH
RITZY'S OF LIGHTS
FANTASY
GARVIN PARK / THROUGH NEWS YEAR'S DAY
Beloved Easter Seals fundraiser returns, shining bigger and brighter than ever with five new displays and all LED lights! Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights, a beloved holiday tradition that raises funds for inclusive early education and therapy at the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, will brighten Evansville’s Garvin Park nightly through New Year’s Day. The annual drive-through holiday light display event features 70 elaborate scenes, including five new displays! Many displays are animated to give the illusion of movement and - new for this year - ALL of the displays have been transformed with brighter and more energy-efficient LED lights! Returning this year is the “Polar Bear Express” sponsored by Jim Back, CFP-Financial Advisor at Edward Jones! Guests can ride with Santa Claus on select Tuesday nights (11/30, 12/7, 14 & 21) starting at 5 p.m. During the ride through the park, Santa will read a story about the amazing light displays! Price per person is $5. Hours for Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights are 5-9 p.m. Sun-Thurs and 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Touchless tickets are available at bidpal.net/ritzysfol21. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate or from any Ritzy’s restaurant in Evansville. Admission per vehicle remains the same affordable price: Up to 6 people $7; 7-14 people $10; 15 or more people $25. Visitors may also take a horse-drawn carriage ride (weather permitting) for $30, which includes admission; no reservations are required or accepted for carriage rides. - Erin Miller
42 | DECEMBER 2021
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Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • DECEMBER 2021
| 43
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORING SMALL BUSINESS
with Elaina Adams
KASSY LAUER OWNER OF
PAPARAZZI and ROSE & BLISS BRIDAL
Oh, prom. It’s the ultimate event of the teen social scene. We all remember that night, as it acted as one of the first milestones in our young lives. And it’s one that most of us presumably would have never made it through without the right dress to show everyone the magnitude of our awesomeness during the grand march. That dress is arguably the most important aspect of any girl’s prom night. That’s where Kassy Lauer, owner of Paparazzi and Rose & Bliss Bridal, comes in. Kassy opened the doors to Paparazzi in 2010 at the age of 23. Coming from next to nothing, she sold her car to pay for the deposit on a 700 square foot storefront on Lincoln Avenue, jumping in to make her vision a reality. With 70 dresses and a dream, Kassy’s goal was simple: to bring “boujee on a budget” to the Tri-State, making young women feel beautiful regardless of their financial situation. Little did she know, this mantra would be a turning point in Evansville's formal wear scene. Kassy’s story is inspirational to say the least, and she hasn’t forgotten where she came from. Growing up in poverty, she works tirelessly to ensure that young women from similar backgrounds never miss out on their prom experience. Over the years, she’s donated thousands of dresses to the HANGERS program – a clothing resource committed to serving students of the EVSC. But Kassy’s passion for helping women doesn’t stop there. A few years ago, while shopping for a friend's bridal gown, she noticed a great disparity between the dresses that people could afford and the experiences they deserve. So last year, Kassy expanded her store to create Rose & Bliss Bridal. Just like with her formal wear operation, she prides herself in curating beauty on any budget. Kassy is a self-made businesswoman achieving her dreams. Did I mention she is also a real estate agent? I swear this woman does it all! True to her journey, Kassy wants young women to know they can rise up and do the same. Even if they don’t have what they need right now to be successful, that doesn’t have to set the tone for the rest of their life. It’s a haters' world! Go out there and prove them wrong. “Keep your eye on the underdog, and make sure your praise fills the corners occupied by the young movers and shakers planning their first moves - they are the ones with fire in their bellies,” she says. You might have noticed that this month’s column is a little different from the ones I’ve written in the past. That’s because Kassy has impacted my life. We’ve worked together for years, and I’ve seen, firsthand, what she does for her community. I continue to learn from her every day, and I am truly grateful that this badass woman is a part of my life. All sentiments aside, if you’re shopping for any formal event, do yourself a favor and go to 2820 Lincoln Avenue. Tell her I sent you! However, if she starts telling stories about me, don’t believe a word! Very proud of you Kassy - I love you!
44 | DECEMBER 2021
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
ALL BREED GROOMING, BOARDING & DAYCARE
Multi-faceted mom-and-pop shop will pamper your pet during the holiday season
incorporate unique holiday scents for those feeling like a little extra sweetness and also offer add-on services including their “pawdicure” which includes trimming the nails, filing down the nails, shaving between the paw pads if necessary, and finishing off with an organic, soothing paw balm on the paw pads to help create a layer of protection where your pets are most vulnerable for those really wanting some extra TLC. While a lot of people don’t find grooming as necessary in the colder months, Kreiger stresses the importance: “Going for a longer haircut isn’t always the right answer. For example, double-
While the stress of the holidays makes most people consider
coated dogs regulate their body temperature through their
boarding their pets overnight, the real unsung hero of a pet’s
coat and matting and/or compaction can affect their ability to
holiday season is getting them pampered beforehand. Regular
do so,” she explains. In addition to catering to all breeds, sizes,
grooming is important, but it’s even more important around
and temperaments as well as grooming cats, this multi-faceted
the holidays when there’s lots of family gatherings and picture
mom-and-pop shop prioritizes the animals in their care first
taking. “Keeping them on a regular schedule generally helps
and foremost. “We focus on the health and well-being of your
to maintain their coat integrity, but can be especially useful in
pet, not the money,” says Kreiger. “We really get to know our
the winter to help protect their skin against the dry weather,"
clients inside and out and that helps us provide exceptional
says All Breed groomer Ellie Kreiger. Aside from offering
care.” All Breed is currently accepting new grooming clients
their normal bath packages and full grooms, they like to
just in time for the busy holiday season.
All Breed is located at 4508 Covert Ave. in Evansville. For more info, visit allbreedgroomingboarding.com.
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
ANIMAL
VANDERBURGH HUMANE SOCIETY
LILA: Meet sweet senior, Lila! At 11 years old, this girl is still energetic, loves her walkies (she's an active participant in our Mutt's Morning Out Program), and is pretty much everything you've been looking for in a dog. She is friendly with both people and dogs, has lived with children, housetrained, and knows basic commands like sit and shake. What more could you ask for in a pup?! Lila's adoption fee is $150 and includes her spay, microchip and vaccinations.
be we’ll he h t n ith t h mo Eac king in w latest chec for the nd to a VHS news ever d goo find fur e of m help for so ique n s u e ore idents. hom m their der res ol and
BROOKLYN: No sleep until we find Brooklyn a home! This 3-year-old tabby girl has been in VHS's care since May. Currently residing at Rivery Kitty Cat Cafe, Brooklyn is a staff favorite there. Once an outside community cat, she has assimilated nicely to the full-time indoor life. She loves nothing more than sunning herself in the window at River Kitty and has been known to sneak into your lap for a snuggle. Brooklyn's adoption fee is $70 and includes her spay, microchip and vaccinations.
PENELOPE: We like big buns and we cannot lie! Meet Penelope, a 4-year-old American/ Rex rabbit. She is probably one of the largest rabbits you will ever meet! Because of her size, she isn't the most comfortable while being held (but doesn't mind sitting in your lap.) She's a little on the shy side and would probably do best in a home with an experienced rabbit owner. Penelope definitely has a playful side, though; she just needs someone who will give her time to build confidence! Her adoption fee is $50 and includes her spay and microchip.
400 Millner Industrial Drive | 2 blocks west of Garvin Park in Evansville 812-426-2563 | Adoption Hours: Tues-Sat 12-6pm | www.vhslifesaver.org
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
CICI VHS ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT
Boonville's Barb Byers knows all about the business of rescuing animals; after all, her daughter Laurie serves as the Development and Public Relations Coordinator for the VHS. Predictably, the Byers family had a number of furry friends running around throughout Laurie's childhood, primarily cats, but now that Barb lives alone in a big farmhouse, she's got two adorable dogs to keep her company - a Chihuahua and a Chihuahua Rat Terrier mix. And, up until last year, Laurie's cat Suki also called the farmhouse home before passing away from cancer at the age of 15. The loss inevitably left a void, but that empty feeling has recently been remedied. For those who keep tabs on all the action at the VHS, it will come as no surprise that the shelter is currently swimming in cats - hundreds of them. One in particular, a feline that was pulled from Animal Control, had been hanging out in the VHS office due to overcrowding. Laurie suggested that her mom come down and meet Cici, a four-year-old tiger-striped cutie that reportedly arrived overweight and with matted fur from a questionable living environment. That's all Barb needed to hear. "I said, you know, I could foster her because Cici needed to get the weight down," she says. "But when I first brought her home, everything scared her. Any little noise she heard, she was in a panic - and the dogs freaked her out, but luckily, they aren't cat chasers." That was back in September. Thankfully, over the last few months, Cici has acclimated to her new surroundings and become a beloved part of the family. "She likes to play, loves to play fetch," Barb says. "I'll go upstairs [where Cici prefers to stay] and throw a little toy mouse or a little fluff ball and she'll run and go get it and drop it at my feet - she's still got a lot of fun in her." And the best news of all is that Barb has officially adopted Cici. "The reason I made the decision to go ahead and adopt her is because it's just me in the house and I have plenty of room," she says. "And the idea of sending her back to the shelter to be adopted and have her go back through all that again... She might as well stay and join the clan [laughs]."
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | OPINION
AS I TYPE THIS... with Barold Hume
"Let's go Barold!!" (clap-clap-clapclapclap, etc.)... That's how I choose to
lines. Democrats are generally in favor while many Republicans remain
hear the now-infamous anti-Biden chant, because a little encouragement
both skeptical of getting the jab and vehemently opposed to being
goes a long way, eh? Actually, I stole that bad political joke from a recent
forced to do so. Autonomy is the buzz word with the right. And I get that.
SNL episode but no one will ever know since it was lifted from a cut-for-
In fact, I can totally see both points of view - something that fewer and
time Weekend Update segment. Not to mention that no one claims to
fewer people are willing to do these days. Yet it's more important than
watch the show anymore (though plenty of people bitch about it online
ever to remain open-minded; after all, a civil war may not be far off at this
the next day). Tangents aside, what I was intending to say is that as I type
rate. Only joking, I think?? But seriously, the answer to our nation's divide
this, the state of the nation is only getting worse with the vaccine debate
is elusive. On one hand, vaccination is the clear path to combating the
really taking center stage now that employment mandates are taking
Coronavirus, if not sending it packing for good (fat chance of that
effect across the country. And just to stir the pot even more, there's the
happening, but it'd be nice). On the other hand, this is meant to be a
whole Aaron Rodgers saga (personally, I'm not a fan of professional
free country. Ideally, receiving the shot should be voluntary. Mandates
football but apparently a bunch of people like it, and therefore, a star
- especially employment mandates that may ultimately threaten
quarterback lying about his vaccination status is a big deal - or so says
someone's livelihood - therefore, are not terribly popular with a lot of
Terry Bradshaw, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and other sports icons).
folks. Still, the great majority of workers affected by the new policies, as I understand it, will be able to sidestep the vaccine by submitting to
Frankly, I don't even know where to begin, because there's no end to this
regular COVID testing. I guess that's a compromise of sorts. Anyhow, I
mess now that each side is digging in big time. Which is to say that the
don't know what the answer is - and I doubt you do, either.
vaccine mandate issue, quite predictably, falls pretty much along party
I know I keep writing about this but the problem keeps escalating. And that
tri-state
politics
with Bryan Fox
problem is Todd Rokita. Indiana's attorney general. The conniving politician. A Machiavellian to the core who will do or say anything to get elected. That Rokita. Let's rewind this saga. As a congressman, there were reports Rokita mistreated his staff. As a candidate for the Senate, he attempted to portray himself as a Trump-esque outsider that
EVANSVILLE MIGHT BE KEY TO STOPPING ROKITA 50 | DECEMBER 2021
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had Hoosiers' best interests at heart. Never mind the fact he was in office for 15 years prior. But that doesn't matter. He got smoked in the primary that year, anyway. However, seeing an opportunity to unseat an embattled incumbent AG accused of harassing women, Rokita secured a slim majority to win.
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | OPINION
MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD... with Johnny Fletcher
GROUCHY SEASON IS HERE AGAIN
I know what you're thinking: Isn't ol' J-Fletch pretty grouchy all year long?
for the better part of an hour, as if competing in a one-car, muffler-free
That's actually a fair point; however, my endearingly grumpy nature really
Nascar race. (Another side note: It's quite possible that race cars simply
hits its stride right around the time that winter closes in and the holidays
don't have mufflers. I have to plead ignorance here.)
are in full swing. There's just something about the combination of cold weather, excessive darkness and, you know, lots of people out and about
Now, if this noise disturbance had occurred during the summer months
that really sticks in my craw. Need an example of how even the littlest
I may well have just rolled with it - maybe even cheered those two
thing grates on my nerves in the lead-up to Christmas? Well, since you
daredevils on from my front lawn. But not during grouchy season. Oh,
asked... I was minding my own business the other day, staring blankly at
no. Truth be told, I briefly thought about calling the cops but couldn't
the mildly dusty floor in my living room and vaguely considering getting
pull the trigger, so to speak. Then I mulled over other poorly-conceived
out the vacuum cleaner, when a loud rumble from across the street broke
responses, like walking across the street and flipping off the driver and
the pleasing silence. Without thinking, I jumped up and headed to the
passenger every time they came careening back around. Thankfully, in
window to investigate, pulling several underused muscles in the process.
the end I was too lazy to act, so I just sat there pointlessly fuming over this
(Side note: People of a certain age should stretch out in the morning
intrusion of my otherwise relaxing day. But here's the thing: The dune-
- solid advice that I rarely follow.) That's when I spied a dune buggy-
buggy dudes were clearly having the time of their lives. And it's not like
looking vehicle being revved up at an alarming volume by a helmeted
they drove onto my property or anything, so why not just live and let live,
driver (safety first!) with a young passenger on board (also helmeted,
you know? But again, that's the effect of grouchy season; I'm just not
FYI). And before I could say "What in tarnation is going on here?!" they
myself. Best to steer clear of me until the spring when my scowl finally
took off at top speed, repeatedly circling the field just off the roadway
thaws out.
Now that he's attorney general what does he do? Uses his office as a launching
While Sullivan is still getting her feet wet, Crouch has been there, done
pad. Sends out newsletters to promote himself. Shuts out journalists he doesn't
that at all levels of local and state government. Her resume includes county
like (heck, he probably has a list of enemies rivaling Nixon). Gets involved in
commissioner and auditor. At the state level she has served in the general
national issues in the interest of promoting his brand. Reports are that he's
assembly, as state auditor, and now in her current position. Her experience can
eyeing the US senate in '24 or the governor's race. Chances are he's not going
certainly rival Rokita's - and he's sure to mention his at every stop.
to go up against Mike Braun in the Senate since Braun defeated him handily last time. So that leaves the governor's race and how Evansville could come
The GOP has done well in this state for almost a generation partly due to
into play.
Mitch Daniels' two successful terms as governor but Indiana is not a GOP shoe-in. Pence only won by 2% when he ran for governor. Rokita would have
Up in Indy right now, our beloved city can boast two ladies that hold statewide
a similar struggle.
positions in the likes of Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch and Secretary of State Holli Sullivan. Both are state rep alumni from District 75.
So my message to state GOP officials is this: for the sake of your party and the state, do your best to encourage Crouch to run and STOP ROKITA!
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | OPINION
WHEN LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS ARE
BOURNE
with Freddie Bourne
I WANT TO SAY THAT I AM PROUD OF YOU
took on the world in some capacity. Maybe you didn’t follow your dream or achieve some of the goals you set for yourself. But you made it through and continued on.
“Lol, I’m dead.” No - you’re actually alive and made it through
That's what this column has done for me. I left journalism
another year in the most uncertain time in our history.
seven years ago because I was afraid of not achieving a dream I had. I let doubt settle in for that long due to continuous
Typically, the first sentence of my monthly column suggests
apprehension in my brain - I was too out of touch with the
what the topic of this long, drawn-out soliloquy will be.
industry, not smart enough, and maybe not even a good writer.
However, I took the high road and simply found a way to attract your attention.
But, I kept going. Now, I get to do it for a living.
Good times.
This year taught me that I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, or even if there will be a tomorrow at all. The nonstop media
But, think about it. If you are reading this, it means that you
coverage of violence and COVID talk may have changed the
survived another year of probably one of the oddest times
sphere around us but it doesn’t have to make us stall.
that you will ever experience. With the exception of puberty, of course.
Many people have come up to me since I started this column in January - complimenting the content, thanking me for
I digress.
advice they have taken from it, or even critiquing it. I thank you
Despite the sarcasm and horrendous attempts at humor, I
just a person that wanted to follow their dream and find a way
want to say that I am proud of you. Sincerely and undoubtedly
to write again and bring more joy back into my life when I let
proud of you.
the dream drift off into space for awhile.
This isn’t going to be one of those sappy Instagram stories that
I am a person that kept moving - just like you - even on the
pops up, but rather an opportunity to highlight the fact that
days when I felt stagnant. For the New Year, I hope that I see
you never gave up no matter what was thrown at you. Every
someone “living the dream” who actually means it when they
day, whether you liked it not, you got up, took a few steps, and
say it.
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PHOTO: EMILY PELSTON
for all of it. I want to make clear that I am no one special. I am
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | MUSIC REVIEWS
KELLY CLARKSON When Christmas Comes Around Atlantic Records There is something so soulful and joyful about listening to a Kelly Clarkson song. Infuse that with a holiday jingle and it looks like we’re getting an extra present under the tree this year. This is actually her second collection of holiday songs after 2003's Wrapped in Red. I can just picture The Voice judge and talk show host telling the record executives, “Hey, I want to do another Christmas album!” And like the magic of Santa Claus, here we are with her ninth studio album. And she knocks it out of the house with her powerhouse vocals. I’m assuming she’s singing all of the songs she did not get a chance to her first go-around - from “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to “Santa Baby'' and “Jingle Bell Rock.” She even delivers a brand new song to cheer, “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You).” We hear you, girl! Also featured on the album are fellow The Voice judge Ariana Grande with “Santa Can’t You Hear Me” and Chris Stapleton on “Glow.” I dub Clarkson the mother of Christmas. - Marisa Patwa
LANA DEL REY Blue Banisters Interscope/Polydor Records Lana Del Ray is bringing her easy, breezy vocals back to life just seven months after she released her last album, Chemtrails Over the Country Club. This eighth studio album is a welcome gift, promised by the talented singer earlier this year. And she truly delivers, connecting to the listener with every song. The album also showcases her talents as a songwriter, even addressing her pandemic experience on “Black Bathing Suit”: “Grenadine quarantine, I like you a lot/ It's LA, "Hey" on Zoom, Target parking lot/ And if this is the end, I want a boyfriend/ Someone to eat ice cream with, and watch television/ Or walk home from the mall with.” It’s like diary poetry sung by an angel. “Nectar of the Gods” drips like gold with a sweet drawl. She sings, “What sweet world is this? Honey on the vine/ School kid dreams came true then passed in the night/ I used to dream about people like you, now I don't know why/ I used to sing about people like you, now I just get high.” She makes you fall in love with her then breaks your heart. But I’d do it all over again because this album is gorgeous, transporting you to a therapy session that cleanses the soul. - Marisa Patwa
COLDPLAY Music of the Spheres Parlophone/Atlantic Records Coldplay is getting us back into our feels again thanks to their ninth studio album. With dreamy vocals from lead singer Chris Martin, listening to these musicians collaborate together just feels right. You could probably name any Coldplay song and tie it to a fan-made video detailing the ship of the rising chemistry of their favorite TV couple. And that’s because their music transcends so much and resonates with so many. The whole album concept is based off of the universe and they’re tuning into our musical candy cravings once again with lead single “Higher Power.” It puts you under a pulsating spell. The tracklist is based on a solar system straight from the band’s mind, exploring the wanderlust of musicians in this sort of space race for fame. The features on this album are also out of this world including the heartbreakingly beautiful “Let Somebody Go” with Selena Gomez, a duet about the power and beauty of mourning. The pop hit “Glow” with BTS also slaps pretty hard. This album will transport you to the stars. You don’t even need to put on your spacesuit. - Marisa Patwa
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PLUSH Self-titled Pavement Entertainment Vocalist and guitarist Moriah Formica was just 16 years old when she appeared on The Voice and turned the judges’ heads (and chairs). Now, just a few years later she fronts the tremendously talented quartet PLUSH. Social media is a-flutter with talk of their heavy, trudging riffs and melodic guitar work, killer rhythm section, and Formica’s soaring vocal range. Their talent belies their ages - all are under 21! PLUSH made their mark on YouTube and social media performing covers of Alice In Chains' “Down in a Hole” and Heart’s “Barracuda” prior to releasing their first original album comprised of 13 tracks in October. And what a debut it is! The ladies manage to blend metal, melody, pop sensibilities and slick production to create a compelling and interesting musical journey for listeners. This is an impressive first effort, and I can’t wait to hear more! Check out “Hate,” “Athena” and “Found a Way.” - Matt Alschbach
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | MUSIC REVIEWS
LIMP BIZKIT STILL SUCKS Suretone Records
ED SHEERAN = Asylum Records/Atlantic Records
Let’s set things straight. When I was in high
As a self-admitted fan of Sheeran, it is painful to
school and college, it was a faux pas to listen to
admit that this record, his fifth full studio album,
nu metal. It was seen as crass, dumb, cringey...
is nothing to write home about. He's a force to be
the list of negative adjectives goes on. But here’s
reckoned with when it comes to writing infectious
the thing - “Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit is the hardest song of all time. If that
hooks in tracks like The Weeknd-lite “Bad Habits” and new wave “Shivers,” but
opening riff kicks in while I’m in the middle of doing dishes, you best believe
= doesn’t have the identity that brought Sheeran to the forefront just a few
I will be smashing plates on the counter top and rolling around in the glass.
years ago as the English redhead that would use a loop pedal and perform in
That’s how metal it is. It’s better than anything Metallica has ever made. You
front of thousands just by himself. It's nice to see that he takes some chances
may think Limp Bizkit sucked in ’99, and you might think Limp Bizkit STILL
by exploring his former roots in grime with the intriguing “Overpass Graffiti”
SUCKS. But guess what, they are laughing at you while they play big dumb
and some aspects of the R&B bop “2step” seem fresh, but unfortunately they're
riffs with big dumb choruses. Anyway, they have a new album and it’s actually
hidden gems that people may not be able to uncover after the derivative pop
pretty cool. - Russ Finn
songs with decent choruses but very bare, basic verses with no descriptions or true stories. However, Sheeran delivers some high quality vocals throughout
PARQUET COURTS Sympathy for Life Rough Trade Records
the record, especially on the piano ballad “The Joker and the Queen” and the deep house-influenced “Stop the Rain.” But sadly, the vocals don’t “equal” a saving grace from a talented artist that figured out the pop equation but simply
I’ll start this one off by saying Parquet Courts are my favorite working band. I don’t think they’ve made anything that's been less than great, and their output over the last nine years has been incredible. What I’m saying is I am incredibly biased. On 2018's Wide Awake! Parquet Courts took a turn away from their punk roots to deliver their biggest hit to date with the titular track - a goofy dance song about being “woke.” Riding the success of that upbeat single, Parquet Courts have decided to double down on that sound for their sixth album Sympathy for Life. Like I said, I am incredibly biased, but this new release straight-up grooves! If you’re not familiar with the cult of Parquet Courts, there’s never been a better time to jump on the bandwagon. - Russ Finn
stalled. - Freddie Bourne
Blues with Bragin MICK KOLASSA
Uncle Mick’s Christmas Album Endless Blues Records Prolific blues guitarist Mick Kolassa returns with a rocking holiday-themed release. The album opens with a cover of Mariah Carey’s ubiquitous Yuletide tune “All I Want For
NATALIE BERGMAN Keep Those Teardrops from Falling Third Man Records
Christmas Is You.” Kolassa’s slower version of the song is a nice change of
Early
Christmas Ever” boasts a funkadelic arrangement as he sings about his
this
year,
Chicago-based
singer/
songwriter Natalie Bergman released her debut solo album Mercy, a collection of Christian pop songs dealing with the grief of losing her father and the dissolution of her marriage. She expertly and unashamedly shouted out her love for both her biological and heavenly Fathers across an album of Motown-esque original gospel songs. Keep Those Teardrops from Falling is the surprise follow-up EP that acts as a continuation to the Mercy story. I’m not sure if these songs are leftovers from the same sessions or if they are new songs inspired by the success of her debut. Regardless, these four new songs act as a great companion to Mercy and a must-listen for anyone who enjoys Bergman’s perspective on love, God, life, and death. - Russ Finn
pace. James Cunningham offers solid drumming on "Frosty the Snowman” to accompany Bill Ruffino’s funky bass, Eric Hughes’ top-notch harmonica and Marc Franklin’s stellar trumpet playing. Kolassa's original “The Best woman being the best present. The blues classic “Merry Christmas Baby” features phenomenal guitar playing by Kolassa while “Jingle Bells” receives a dark and twisted remake. Franklin’s trumpet on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” sets the tone very nicely and matches the mood of the song. "Christmas Morning Blues," a Kolassa original, comes out of the gate strong with excellent harmonica playing by Hughes as Kolassa sings about his woman leaving him on Christmas. The album closes with the Kolassa and Jeff Jensen song “Beale Street Christmas.” The tune features the musicians packing a variety of Christmas songs into one. Every blues lover should hope to find this album in their stocking this December. - Paul Bragin
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | BEER REVIEWS
DECEMBER 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. GOOSE ISLAND CHRISTMAS IPA
RHINEGEIST BLIZZBERRY
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3.5
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5
PAUL BRAGIN - 3
This pours a dark amber with a thick tan head. It has a strong malt presence, with an abundance of hops leading to notes of citrus on the nose. This IPA really fills the palate with a strong malt body that isn’t too sweet, with plenty of citrus and pine hops on the finish. Bold and a bit warming at 7.5% ABV.
A thick off-white head rests on this red-tinted IPA and takes a long time to dissipate. The nose first comes through with malt notes, but hops come through shortly after. The malt stays with the initial tasting, and hops return in the long finish. Serve this beer during the holiday season. Enjoy it by a roaring fire and serve it with your favorite holiday meals surrounded by friends and family.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
This is a dark, amber-colored beer. Even though it says it's an IPA, the hops don’t totally monopolize the flavor. I can still taste the malts, some spices and even some fruits. I notice that it has an ABV of 7.5% which is a little warming. It also has a light, creamy feel to it.
56 | DECEMBER 2021
This pours dark red with a full pink head. An abundance of fruit on the nose, with raspberry and cherry notes taking center stage. Effervescent and sweet on the palate, distinct notes of apple are present to complement the berries. If you like a tart, fruit-forward beer, you should try Blizzberry.
A thick pink head forms on this deep red beer and evaporates quickly. The scent contains a strong burst of fruit notes like cherry, raspberry and blackberry. The fruit flavors continue with the first sip and develop a sourer note in the long finish. This seasonal release comes in November and December, but might work better during the summer. Pair it with fruity breakfast dishes, or use it as an ingredient in fruit desserts like pineapple upside-down cake.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3
This is a purple-colored beverage with pink foam. It has a lot of berry flavor but I don't technically consider this a beer. I can taste the cherries, raspberries and some apple. While it's refreshing, it's just not my cup of tea - just a little too fruity for me.
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GREAT LAKES EDMUND FITZGERALD PORTER
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.5
A great example of a porter, this one pours dark brown with a thin tan head. It has notes of coffee and chocolate on the nose that follow through on the palate with a bit of sweetness. Slightly heavier than the Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, it finishes with a pleasant touch of bitterness.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25
A thick tan head crowns this black porter and slowly evaporates. Roasted malt with a hint of coffee notes and sweetness dominates the scent profile. The sweetness remains with the first sip, but roasted malt reappears during the long finish. People who like porters should drink this beer. Raise a glass while singing a ballad about the untamable sea. Pair it with shellfish like oysters or chocolate. Use it as an ingredient in chocolate desserts.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
I was looking at the bottle, thinking this will be one of those novelty beers that's usually not very good but I was SO wrong. This porter has an earthy malt flavor with a hint of chocolate. It's very smooth and easy to drink. I don’t believe I've had any other Great Lakes beers but I'm very interested to try them now.
NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | BEER REVIEWS
BRECKENRIDGE VANILLA PORTER along with sweet malt. Drier on the palate than you might expect, with hints of chocolate and a nice vanilla finish. Very drinkable with a fairly low ABV.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.5
This pours nearly black, with a thin caramel head and contains subtle notes of vanilla on the nose,
A thick white head tops this porter but disappears somewhat rapidly. A combination of malt and vanilla control the scent. The flavor of roasted malt comes first when the beer hits the tongue, but vanilla begins to balance out the malt and stays for a long time during the finish. Pair it with hearty savory dishes like smoked meats and barbecue, serve it with a dessert like dark
chocolate brownies, or add it as an ingredient in chocolate desserts.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 5
This is one of my favorite beers that I keep on hand at home. It's a nice dark beer with great vanilla flavor. It also has some chocolate and roasted malt flavors that I enjoy. It has a relatively low 5.4% ABV which surprises me - seems like it would be higher. This is my go-to porter as I stand and look at the wall of beer in Schnuck's and can’t make up my mind what to buy.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
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NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Ask an ATTORNEY
WITH LANE SIESKY SIESKY LAW FIRM, PC
Focusing on personal injury, civil litigation, whistleblower claims and workers' compensation law, Siesky Law Firm strives to provide excellent legal services while remaining client and community centered. The Evansville-based trio of top attorneys - including Lane Siesky, Daniel Gearhart and Douglas Briody - boasts years of invaluable experience inside and outside the courtroom. Highly-respected with an impeccable track record, the firm's aggressive representation of its clients continues to benefit the community in myriad ways.
Q: I was experiencing belly pain for a number of months and my doctor wanted to do a CT scan but the insurance company refused to pay for it. Eventually, it was determined that my gall bladder should be removed; however, this procedure failed to alleviate the pain. As a result, a CT scan was finally ordered more than a year after the initial request - which showed that the problem resided in my colon. Post-surgery I'm recovering, but I'm seriously considering suing the insurance company for refusing the initial CT scan request which led to the unnecessary removal of my gall bladder and caused me to suffer an entire year of intense pain that could have been avoided with the proper diagnosis. Should I move forward with the suit?
A: When your doctor recommends a diagnostic medical procedure, it is important to make sure the procedure is timely
approved by your health insurance. Normally, your doctor’s office will work with the health insurance company to make sure the procedure is approved. In this situation, if your health insurance refused to approve a CT scan recommended by your doctor because of belly pain, I would want to know why health insurance would not approve the scan. In other words, there could be good reasons the health insurance did not approve the scan. For instance, was there adequate justification for the scan documented in your doctor’s chart? Did your doctor follow the proper procedure for requesting approval? Did the health insurance company request additional information and the doctor failed to provide it? If, however, the doctor’s office did everything necessary to obtain approval and the health insurance company simply failed to approve the scan, the question for the health insurance is why? It seems unlikely to me that a timely and well-documented request for a CT scan would be denied given belly pain being present. Nevertheless, if, in fact, the health insurance’s denial was unjustified, then you may need to follow an appeal process with the health insurance company. These appeals can be time-sensitive and complicated. Again, your doctor’s office normally will assist you with this appeal process. If you do need to take legal action, then you will want to consult a knowledgeable attorney to help you evaluate and potentially pursue a claim.
Disclaimer: The above information provided by Siesky Law Firm, PC, is not legal advice and should not be taken as legal advice. Application of the law is highly fact sensitive and readers should consult with an attorney on legal matters.
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• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • DECEMBER 2021
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64 | DECEMBER 2021
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
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