News4U November 2022

GOING

Established

Bennett

Adams

Tanoos

tj@evansvillemediagroup.com

Halbig

Matt Alschbach, Laurie Byers, Paul Bragin, Johnny Fletcher, Bryan Fox, Paul Hollyfeld, Barold Hume, Matt Laine, Jabez Martinez, Adam & Sam Morris, Marisa Patwa, Lindsay Rasure

at

Ste 510 Evansville, IN 47711.

Cover Photo By: Christy Lively

As many of you know from years of dedicated News 4U reading, I generally start this monthly note off with a formal complaint about the weather - it's always too cold for me, basically. Fascinating stuff for sure; I've even considered compiling all of my gripes into a handy, pocket-size paperback that one could carry around all day and quickly access when in need of a little pick-me-up. Now, if this sounds interesting to you - and I can't see any reason why it wouldn't - please drop me a message sooner than later. I'll tally the votes and look into the costs of

publication; though with a genius idea like this, money is clearly no object. The endgame is simply to make people happy. Which leads me back to my original point. Remarkably, despite my long history of bitching, I've been more than happy with the last month of weather. I mean, what a stretch of sun and pleasantly warm temps we've experienced here in Evansville - just golden. And perfect for walking the dog (or cat, if you're weird like that). Like how I just subtly segued into the November cover story? Yes, we're all about pets this month. We've got tons of cute pics of local

animals plus inspiring stories from the area shelters and more. But that's not all... check out our interview with comedian Sal Vulcano from Impractical Jokers, plus the 411 on the River Basin Blues Blast, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra's "Peppermint Pops" performances, Settle Into Stillness yoga event and a food review of Gollita Peruvian Cuisine. Keep in mind, too, that the indoor concert season is full steam ahead with upcoming shows featuring Daryl Hall, Jake Owen, Cody Johnson, Aaron Lewis, Casting Crowns and Tauren Wells. That should tide you over till December. - TE

Last year I started this feature off with a joke about how we initially planned to do a politically-themed issue for November that would touch on the most divisive topics of the day, just to get everyone in an even bigger uproar. But instead we opted to make your month (not just your day) with a collection of irresistibly sweet local pet pics, inspiring stories from area shelters and other heartwarming stuff. And really, I could have gone down that exact same road again this time around. If anything, the country is even more

divided than in 2021, especially with the midterm elections on the horizon - and for that reason, we need this 3rd Annual News 4U Tri-State Pets Guide more than ever. As I noted 12 long months ago, animals are the true peace-keepers when you get right down to it; they unite us all, regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs.

And hey, these pets-themed issues seem to be pretty popular (in fact, if you need proof, just hop onto news4upetsthemedissuesarecrazypopular.

com and you can read all about it) so why not give the people what they want? Frankly, we're just here to serve the community and make everyone happy. I mean, unless you've got ice in your veins (or any liquid other than blood, really), you're guaranteed to smile all the way through the following 12 or so pages. Rest assured this guide will change your life for the better - and definitely won't make it any worse. All jokes aside, start flipping because there's a bunch of furry friends from around the tri-state waiting to say hello! - TE

& RECREATION

Jenn and Mike have been working with pets for years with their first venture, River Valley Dog Training, which is an in-home dog training service. As their client base grew, the need for a permanent home base for boarding and training dogs arose. Jennifer also had a desire to provide a place to bring their pets for daycare and boarding. The idea for a kennel and boarding facility was expanded into a pet daycare grooming and boarding facility where training could also occur.

Jennifer and Mike are committed to encouraging and helping the bond between pets and their owners through minimally invasive training methods. This commitment carries over to providing a safe and encouraging environment for your pets to play, socialize, learn and be happy!

For more info, visit barksandrecevansville.com.

GIMME

WAYS YOU CAN HELP FROM HOME:shelter

Area rescues deserve a huge pat on the back - and the community's help - as they continue to provide safe havens and find forever homes for animals in need

It's a tiring, sometimes heartbreaking job that few people are cut out for. But thankfully there are some wonderful folks out in the community whose passion for helping animals in need means they simply can't turn their backs on our furry friends, driven to advocate for tri-state cats, dogs and other pets that have no say in their fate. Local organizations such as the Vanderburgh Humane Society, Warrick Humane Society, It Takes A Village, Another Chance for Animals, New Life Rescue & Adoption and New Hope Animal Rescue are doing the work of angels on a daily basis, providing a safe haven, love, medical care and the chance at a forever home.

But, as noted, every day is a challenge. Many of the area rescues are literally bursting at the seams with animals, overwhelmed by the sheer number of cats and dogs that routinely arrive at their facilities. Currently, the VHS has over 500 cats; Mt. Vernon's New Life is at capacity and has closed intake; the same goes for New Hope in Henderson. Basically, all the organizations are struggling to keep up - especially considering the pandemic's detrimental effect on the labor force and

volunteering. In short, tri-state shelters need your help.

So what can we all do to make life a little easier for these amazing organizations? DONATE. DONATE. DONATE. Donate food, blankets, towels, medicine and, of course, money. Many shelters have large balances at local vet clinics - this is a direct result of the fact that they refuse to give up on any animal in need of medical care, no matter how involved or expensive the necessary procedure, or procedures, may be. Other ways you can help include volunteering to clean kennels, walking dogs and playing with animals at the shelters, as well as answering phones, writing thank you notes for donations, calling fosters to see if they need anything and working at fundraising and adoption events. Brian Buxton, a longtime friend to area animals who kindly provided information for this feature, ends all of his animal-related posts with the hashtag #AFSVDEA, which stands for Adopt - Foster - Sponsor - VolunteerDonate - Educate - Advocate. It's an easy way to stay focused on how you, too, can be a friend to area animals.

SHARE POSTS OF FUNDRAISERS OR SHELTERS NEEDING FOSTERS

PICK UP USED TOWELS FROM LOCAL HOTELS AND TAKE THEM TO SHELTERS

GET DONATIONS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES, INCLUDING PRODUCTS AND MONEY

CHECK THE AMAZON WISHLISTS OF LOCAL SHELTERS AND SEND ITEMS (I.E., CAT LITTER)

TAILS OF courage Atticus

With the love and care of area rescues, local animals in need are overcoming big obstacles and looking to a brighter future

The resiliency of animals and their ability to forgive and love unconditionally - even in the face of cruelty and mistreatment - is truly inspiring. In a perfect world, every pet would receive the proper care they so obviously deserve but unfortunately, many are left to fend for themselves or suffer at the hands of a neglectful owner. Mercifully, the wonderful folks at our area rescues are there to advocate for our furry friends; their Herculean efforts to provide necessary medical attention and more often mean the difference between life and death. Let it be said that they should all be cheered on a daily basis.

Here are some inspiring stories from the shelters to demonstrate the lengths they go to advocate for local animals in need. If you've been thinking about adopting, keep in mind that some of these animals are currently looking for a forever home...

Atticus was surrendered to ITV when he was less than five weeks old, on July 26, 2022. He had been sold to someone as a very sick puppy and should not have been taken away from his mom. Executive Director Tangila Smith was his foster mom and as soon as Atticus arrived, she knew he most likely had parvo, a highly contagious canine virus. Atticus was taken to the ER vet that night where he tested positive. He was hospitalized for several days with the ER vet here in Evansville and at Eastside Animal Hospital. Atticus was very sick and the vets made sure that ITV knew there was a good chance he might not pull through. The shelter was able to raise all of the money for his vet bills by generous donors. Thankfully, Atticus survived and is now ready for adoption. FYI, Atticus is completely deaf. For more info, visit itvrescue.org or follow It Takes A Village on Facebook.

Dizzy / Dizzee

Dizzy came to WHS in December 2021. She waited patiently to find a forever home, and she was finally adopted in March of this year. However, after a month in her new home, Dizzy was returned to

the shelter because she thought that her new owner belonged to her and was not fond of other people coming into the home.

It was then decided that Dizzy would do best in foster care where someone could work with her. She did very well in her foster home with both the humans and the other dog at the residence. In July, while Dizzy was back at the shelter, her soon-to-be forever mom fell in love with her and adopted her! Dizzy (now spelled DizZee) loves her family and the other dog in the home. She goes to doggie daycare, goes on lots of walks and adventures with her new family and is in training classes. Her adopter says she was the missing piece that completed her family! For more info, visit warrickhumanesociety.org or follow Warrick Humane Society on Facebook.

DOZER CONTINUED

home, and he and his foster mom Linda go on daily adventures. Dozer loves to go on walks and camping trips with his foster family. Now he's about to start his search for his forever home. For more info, visit acaevansville.com or follow Another Chance for Animals on Facebook.

NEWLIFE RESCUE & ADOPTION

MOUNT VERNON, IN

ANOTHER CHANCE FOR ANIMALS

2808 N. FIRST AVE. / EVANSVILLE, IN

A 7-year-old beagle mix with a personality that lights up every room he enters, Dozer came to ACA four months ago after being surrendered to Evansville Animal Control. He was apparently hit by a car six years ago, causing him to be paralyzed. He had a long list of medical issues, including skin and ear infections, along with some other ailments. Thanks to the help of the community, ACA was able to get Dozer into water therapy at the Canine Aquatic Center, and it has changed so much for him! He has slowly started to take steps around the house at his foster

Newlife's Dorothy Liggett started fostering Forrest, a beagle/ terrier mix, at the end of June, 2022. This little guy was very much neglected, having spent the first eight months of his life in a cage that was too small for him to turn around in or stand. He weighed only 19 pounds, could not walk, could not stand, had absolutely no muscle mass and presented with several deformities. Newlife immediately made an appointment with a specialist to see what they could do about his most severe deformity in his rear leg. They put him on a proper diet and began water therapy at Canine Aquatic Center. Fast forward four months..... Forrest is able to get around! The therapy that Forrest receives at CAC has helped with his mobility tremendously. Going forward, he is scheduled to have a leg amputation and will continue with therapy at CAC. Dorothy spends a lot of time with Forrest in the garage

with his wheelchair and every weekend they hit up all the establishments that offer any type of doggy treat. Despite all he's been through, Forrest still loves everyone he meets, especially other dogs and kids! For more info, follow Newlife Rescue & Adoption on Facebook.

to a specialty hospital, MedVet Indy, to be evaluated by a cardiologist and have the dental procedures that he needed.

Martin has had several surgeries to date and as his health has improved his personality has come out. He has such an amazing love for life and he brings a little sass along as well. One of the surgical techs, Evee, has been fostering Martin so he can stay close to his doctors and will be adopting him as well! Martin still has a couple more procedures on the horizon, but he has come so far and has given so much joy to everyone that meets him. For more info, follow Newlife Rescue & Adoption on Facebook.

Martin was found standing alone in a field in May of this year. He smelled horribly of infection and was immediately taken to Newlife's vet who found that his mouth was the source of the smell. It was in horrible shape. His teeth were covered in tarter and the longterm tarter buildup had caused bone loss and severe dental disease. If he was to survive, he would need to have all of his teeth taken out and maybe some of the bone in his jaw. In addition, the vet also found that Martin had a grade 4 heart murmur which made any surgery more difficult. It took over a month to stabilize Martin and get control over the infection. During that time he was receiving round-the-clock care including a blood transfusion to keep him alive. Martin next traveled

Coco-Puff was brought into New Hope several months ago. She was only five months old and could not walk or stand on her own. She was very scared and would try to bite if anyone got close to her. After investigating, it was discovered that Coco-Puff's previous owner had broken both her legs; in fact, one leg was broken earlier and never was set, according to the vet. The other break was a recent injury and it required surgery. A steel rod was placed in her hip and leg and all involved

prayed for her recovery. Coco-Puff didn’t trust anyone until she was sent to a wonderful foster home that's dealt with some of the shelter's hardest cases (thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Branson).

The couple took Coco-Puff in while she was healing and they gained her trust and soon she learned that not all humans are bad. Coco-Puff has recovered fully and has became one of New Hope’s favorites - but she needs a forever family! For more info, follow New Hope Animal Rescue on Facebook.

Blue's transformation may well be one of the most dramatic you'll ever see. In fact, when she was discovered, and eventually caught, by VHS team members at Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife, she was barely recognizable as a dog due to a SEVERE case of mange. In addition, Blue was noticeably underweight. So the VHS team went to work, providing all the necessary medical care to put this 8-year-old sweetheart on the road to recovery and give her the opportunity to live the life she truly deserves for the rest of her days. As it turned out, a VHS animal care tech, Nickea Rosignol, stepped in to adopt Blue, taken by this beautiful dog's unbreakable spirit. Blue's transformation

VANDERBURGH HUMANE SOCIETY

400 MILLNER INDUSTRIAL DR. / EVANSVILLE, IN

has been nothing short of remarkable! For more info, visit vhslifesaver.org or follow Vanderburgh Humane Society on Facebook.

where it was determined that her front and back right legs were broken. To add insult to injury, she also went into labor shortly after arriving. Because of the trauma endured during the hit and run, the kittens did not make it. The good news: After 8-10 weeks of splint therapy, Rose was able to walk again! Despite her terrible ordeal, Rose's determination to recover inspired all who met her - and best of all, she was adopted into a loving forever home thanks to the kindness of Lily Barthel. For more info, visit vhslifesaver.org or follow Vanderburgh Humane Society on Facebook.

BEFORE AFTER

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT PAW STREET AND FELINE FIX?

RoseA cat by any other name would be as sweet. Despite her traumatic start, Rose has remained as sweet as can be along the way. Before arriving at VHS, Rose was picked up by a few good Samaritans after being hit by a car. She was evaluated by the VHS vet and East Pines Animal Clinic,

PAW Street is a group here in town doing something a little different. They don't have animals at a facility, but they raise money to help people keep their animals at home so they don't end up at a shelter. PAW Street helps at-need people spay/neuter their pets, as well as provides food, vet care, vaccinations and more. They work with the homeless that have animals and have vouchers for people to get their animals fixed at a cheaper cost. Feline Fix, another local organization, works to control the feral cat population with spay/neuter programs. The goal is to keep populations down and keep animals in homes. For more info, visit PAW Street and Feline Fix on Facebook.

VANDERBURGH HUMANE SOCIETY

400 MILLNER INDUSTRIAL DR. / EVANSVILLE, IN

CUTIES UP FORadoption

LiamThis two-year-old big boy loves nothing more than pets and lounging. He gets along well with other cats, doesn’t seem to mind dogs and even loves the occasional belly rub. He was found as a stray and is loving the cushy indoor life! He currently resides at River Kitty Cat Cafe in downtown Evansville. Take him home today! His $80 adoption fee covers his neuter, microchip and up-to-date vaccinations. For more info, visit riverkittycatcafe.com or follow River Kitty Cat Cafe on Facebook.

LucyAt 10 years young, Lucy looks good for her age - and she knows it! This confident little pittie mix found herself at the VHS after losing her lifelong owner. Some would describe Lucy as a couch potato and constant companion. She loves going on walkies with humans and other dogs, but is also always down for a cuddle or car ride with the windows down. Cats? No thanks! Kiddos and other dogs? Yes, please! Her adoption fee is $150 and includes her spay, microchip and up-to-date vaccinations. Come meet her at the VHS! For more info, visit vhslifesaver.org or follow Vanderburgh Humane Society on Facebook.

BRANDO'S giving paws

Fundraiser in memory of Evansville's most famous dog benefits local rescues

Wherever area animal advocate Brian Buxton went, so too, did Brando. Hands down Evansville's most famous dog, the cute little fellow was a fixture around town prior to his recent passing, providing unconditional companionship to Buxton for many years - for over half of his adult life, in fact. But rather than simply mourn his terrible loss, Buxton decided to honor Brando with a GoFundMe campaign to benefit local shelters; after all, the two of them made a habit of providing assistance to tri-state organizations, routinely holding events to gather needed supplies and more. Indeed, Brando was often the key to success. "He drew people in to the tables and helped boost donations," Buxton explains. "He traveled to Louisville [with me] countless times to pick up over 10,000 pounds of food for local shelters and rescues, and he was included in many newspaper and magazine articles. He affected so many people and brought smiles to everyone's face that met him. I want to continue this positivity in his memory."

Buxton's GoFundMe campaign, appropriately named Brando's Giving Paws, seeks to raise $10,000 - 100% of which will be donated to at minimum three local shelters to assist with spay/neuter programs, emergency vet care and the cost of large supplies of food, beds and more. Says Buxton, "In the five or so posts I've made about Brando on Facebook, there have been 1,820 reactions, 604 comments and 13 shares. If everyone who liked/loved or left a comment could donate $5 we could raise $12,120. But any donation will make a huge difference to our local shelters, and it would mean a lot to me!"

*To donate, visit Brando's Giving Paws at gofundme.com

VULCANO

Now in its 10th year on air and nearing 300 episodes, truTV's Impractical Jokers remains as popular as ever thanks to a bottomless well of intricate pranks and hilarious scenarios instigated by, and revolving around, the show's three stars - Sal Vulcano, James "Murr" Murray and Brian "Q" Quinn. The realitybased show serves as an antidote for these troubled times, providing comic relief when we need it most. Vulcano, in particular, brings the laughs - both on set and on stage, his second career as a stand-up comedian proving to be just as successful as IJ

On a break from the show, Vulcano is currently touring theaters around the country, sharing his New York brand of humor with fans of all ages. He kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of his performance at the Victory.

Between your work on Impractical Jokers and other career as a stand-up comic, your mind must be constantly churning with ideas. How do you sleep?

Oh, man - you have no idea. It's a pretty astute question. I'm already a person that has anxiety and the amount of stuff I'm always juggling doesn't help. My mind races constantly. I tell you what, I should probably be on some sort of medication; I'm working that out now. But yeah, I go to bed with my mind racing and I wake up that way. But filming the show is so much fun; we have a blast on set and I can't complain. And

The "Impractical Joker" on being anxiety-ridden, shaking Howie Mandel's hand, the difficulty of pulling off pranks and more

on the road, it's like, you know, stand-up is the best thing in the world, too. Once I'm on stage and hanging with the people and seeing the city, it's great - it's just the few hundred plane rides... speaking of anxiety. I don't like to fly so it's kind of, like, not the best profession for me [laughs].

Plus, you're reportedly a bit of a germophobe - that must be difficult seeing as you're around so many fans and people in general on a daily basis.

You know what's funny? The three things that I've kind of never liked in my whole life - flying, touching people and taking photos - are legitimately the top three things that I have to do as a person in my position. So you either get used to those things quick or you give up.

Have you been able to chat with Howie Mandel? Seems like you two have a lot in common in that regard.

I have - Howie and I know each other. He actually hosted our 100th live episode where we tightrope-walked for charity on the streets of New York City. Howie's great - and I have a little Howie story. One time Howie was hosting America's Got Talent and he invited us to come to a taping at Radio City [Music Hall] and I was dying to meet Howard Stern and the others - so I got to meet all of them. And backstage at night I was saying goodbye to Howie and he always does, you know, the fist bump - that's what I do. I don't know if he had his guard down or felt comfortable with me or we were in a safe space but up until then - and I'd even shot a pilot with him - it was all fist bumps. But I went to say goodbye and he just shook my hand - and when I realized it I was just in shock. And then he was shocked. I was like, 'Oh my god, subconsciously

I must have gotten closer to you - you're giving me a regular handshake.' I think I'm one of the few people who've gotten a real handshake from that man.

A big part of Impractical Jokers is the delivery of the lines that you guys feed to each other in your ear pieces that drive each prank or scenario. But comedy is all about timing - and you have to wait to hear the line that you're meant to repeat, process it and then try to deliver it in a comedic manner. Seems like that would take some getting used to.

You know what? Can I tell you something? I have been interviewed for 11 plus years for this show and not a single person has ever asked me that question. So, bravo. It's a very astute observation. So, it's learned [working with the earpieces]. And I think I'm the one who has the hardest time with it - I don't hear that great and especially when they have to give you a real mouthful. In the moment, this person [involved in the prank] in reality is just staring at you - they don't know you're receiving instructions in your ear. So you're hoping that you can make it look like you're thinking about what you want to say, so that's what they think is happening when you're really listening. But sometimes, as I'm sure you've seen, it gets a little hectic when there's multiple people [in the scene] or multiple us on the floor. We have little tricks we do - like the earpiece, we'll wrap it in a soft felt tape so it really plugs into our ears and eliminates outside noise. But like you said, it's really about timing. It's an ever-evolving thing that we're working on.

And in terms of the pranks...how do you guys know when a prank is going to work in practice as opposed to being just a funny bit on paper?

Well, we go painstakingly through the idea and we try to figure out all the permutations of what could happen. I'm like the biggest stickler for it, but between us and our producers and writers, I'll sit there and someone will pitch me an idea or I'll have one and I'll poke one million holes in it. And we have to solve for all those holes before we approve it to be done. We have to have a failsafe - like, if this doesn't happen then we do this... sometimes when we're taking a big swing on a bit and it's like a risk/reward thing - ok, we don't know if this will work; but we'll try it because if it does, it will be amazing, but if it doesn't then we need to have a whole other bit on hand so we can squash that bit and film something new so we don't lose the day. The budget...we can't just film bits and have them not work; we have to be very efficient with what we film.

You make the show look like a group of guys just having a blast together, but behind the scenes there's clearly a ton of work that goes into it. More than anyone would every imagine; it is a beast of a show. And it's funny because now we have celebrity guests on and we get that feedback from them. We'll have people on that we admire or are our friends, you know - and the number one thing we hear is, 'I cannot believe how much is going on here.' We shot with Post Malone two days ago and it was like this huge production - 60 people were on set. And things weren't going our way and we had to call audibles - all in the middle of everything - and he was like, 'I can't wait to tell people how much work this all is.'

For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.com. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.

HAVE PEOPLE ON THAT WE ADMIRE OR ARE OUR FRIENDS, YOU KNOW - AND THE NUMBER ONE THING WE HEAR IS, 'I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH IS GOING ON HERE.

11TH ANNUAL RIVER BASIN BLUES BLAST

BOKEH LOUNGE / NOVEMBER 26 / 2 P.M.-MIDNIGHT

POPULAR TRI-STATE MUSIC EVENT TO SHOWCASE THE AREA'S BEST BLUES ACTS IN DOWNTOWN EVANSVILLE

Ifyou're a fan of live music, it doesn't get much better than this. Brought to you by the Anna and Benjamin Bosse Music Trust, the annual River Basin Blues Blast is a cherished tri-state tradition that brings together some of the area's most talented musicians for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of inspired performances. It truly is a blast in every sense of the word. And rest assured the 11th edition will live up to the event's impressive legacy. Once again the River Basin Blues Society - an organization dedicated to keeping the blues alive in the tri-state - has put together a white-hot lineup for your enjoyment, a virtual who's who of regional blues, including headliner Crooked Eye Tommy out of Nashville. But the good vibes will be flowing right from the first note at the Blues Blast's new home, Bokeh Lounge, located in the historic Haynie's Corner Arts District in downtown Evansville.

2022 BLUES BLAST LINEUP:

2-3:30 p.m. - RJ RIGDON & GARY JINES

This dynamic duo has been a staple at RBBS events for many years. Rigdon is masterful on both acoustic and electric guitar while Jines blows the harmonica like no one else. Together, they conjure up primal roots music at its finest.

4-5:30 p.m. - BLUES 4 U

The only band to play at all the WC Handy blues fests in Henderson, Blues 4 U boasts some of the area's most gifted players, including Carl Rodenberg (keys, vocals), Jon Rochner (bass, vocals), Danny Erkman (drums), Tommy Stillwell (guitars, vocals), and Roy Carter (sax).

6-7:30 p.m. - 2 MILES BACK

Featuring fiery lead singer Robin Bolin,

guitarist Lary Caddell, bassist Darrell Bolin and drummer Jim Perkins, 2 Miles Back puts a decidedly bluesy spin on their unique brand of southern rock and country.

8-9:30 p.m. - THE MICHAEL GOUGH GROUP Bassist/vocalist Michael Gough has long been a regional fixture on the tri-state music scene. He'll be backed by an all-star band comprising guitarist John Martin, mandolin/ fiddle player Mike "Tramp" Lawing and drummer Gerry Smoot.

10-midnight - CROOKED EYE TOMMY Led by the incomparable Tommy Marsh, Crooked Eye Tommy plays with reverence and soul, stretching the blues genre to its limit while staying true to its core sound. CET will surely take the 2022 Blues Blast out on a major high note.

Special note: Congratulations to the winner of the 2022 River Basin Blues Society Blues Heritage Award, Danny Erkman, Sr.. This award is sponsored by the River Basin Blues Society and Tri State Trophy. Bokeh Lounge is located at 1007 Parrett St. in the historic Haynie’s Corner Arts District. For more info, visit evansvilleblues.com and bokehvibes.com.

PEPPERMINT POPS

Let it be said that the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra knows how to celebrate the holidays in style. Every year, the Peppermint Pops concerts draw the biggest crowds, imbuing the Victory Theatre with the spirit of Christmas as classic song after classic song rings through the venueeverything from "The Christmas Song" and "Silent Night" to standards like "A Christmas Carol," "O Holy Night," "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and more. These performances, more than any others throughout the EPO season, bring together people of all ages from around the tri-state - all gathering to enjoy a shared musical experience that truly embodies the joy of Christmas.

As in years past, the EPO will be joined on stage by some very special guests who will help to bring your favorite holiday songs to life, including the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus, Evansville Children's Choir and North High School Huskettes. In addition, Evansville native Luther Lewis is returning to add his signature tenor vocals to the mix; he'll lead the Orchestra through the likes of "Silent Night," "O Holy Night" and

"These performances, more than any others throughout the EPO season, bring together people of all ages from around the tri-state - all gathering to enjoy a shared musical experience that truly embodies the joy of Christmas.

"Here Comes Santa Claus"/"Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Lewis, who currently resides in Chicago, has appeared in leading, supporting and chorus roles in top Opera houses in the U.S. and abroad such as Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera and Opera de Montreal. He is a current member of the quartet opera-crossover group Vox Fortura which appeared on the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018 and performs all over the globe.

So don't wait to get your tickets -

Peppermint Pops performances are always in demand and EPO Conductor Roger Kalia has lined up yet another great selection of songs to get everybody in a festive mood. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a magical time as you take in the sounds of Christmas.

For tickets and more info, visit evansvillephilharmonic.org. Performance times: 12/3 (7 p.m.); 12/4 (2 p.m.). The Victory Theatre is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.

VICTORY THEATRE / DECEMBER 3 & 4

THE EPO'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY-THEMED PERFORMANCES WILL PUT YOU IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

DARYL HALL & THE DARYL'S HOUSE BAND

Rock

Roll

of

heels of solo retrospective

The term "legend" gets bandied about quite a bit in the music world, often without merit, but Daryl Hall more than fits the bill. The blue-eyed soul singer from Philadelphia racked up an unprecedented number of hits with musical partner John Oates, laying claim to being one half of rock's most successful duo in history - that would be Hall & Oates, of course, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Unless you were living under a rock during the 70s and 80s, you simply couldn't escape such pop gems as "She's Gone," "Sarah Smile," "You Make My Dreams," "I Can't Go for That," "Out of Touch," "Maneater" and "Private Eyes." And that's just scratching the surface of the pair's chart action during their heyday.

But Hall has also forged a prominent solo career, having recently released a retrospective, BeforeAfter, that neatly summarizes his output over the last 40+ years. In addition, he created the popular show Live From Daryl's House that welcomes well-known performers - a virtual who's who of blues, rock and R&B musicians - to come in and jam with Hall's house band. As advertised, it truly captures the excitement and joy of live music. Hall plans to bring that same feeling to stages around the nation on his current tour - with help from his aforementioned house band as well as fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Todd Rundgren. This is the very definition of a can't-miss concert. For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. The ONEP is located at 715 Locust St. in downtown Evansville.

More about Yin Yang Yoga 4 You...

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

Training: Help train certified yoga teachers from a group of interested participants in Yin Yang's current classes. These individuals have already shown a passion for the practice and want to further their knowledge of yoga. With additional teaching and certifications, they will be able to spread the benefits of yoga to people in their own communities from all different social and economic backgrounds.

Donating: Yin Yang has a goal to provide each person participating in the program the chance to have their own yoga mat when they start. The participants can then take the mat home with them and share what they’ve learned with others, inspiring more participants and sharing the benefits of yoga throughout the community.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Yin Yang always needs a registered or certified yoga teacher to volunteer their time to lead a yoga class or classes. You may also volunteer at upcoming events by donating snacks, water, etc.

SETTLE INTO Stillness

With life growing more stressful by the day during these turbulent times, it's more important than ever to make time for relaxation, to unwind and escape from it all in order to maintain a healthy body and mind. For many people, yoga has proven to be the solution to staying mentally and physically fit - the healing powers of this Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline are seemingly magical. So it's no surprise that studios such as Evansville's Yin Yang Yoga 4 You are popular destinations for those seeking a reprieve from the daily grind. Run by Bob and Tami Tenbarge, Yin Yang not only offers affordable, accessible yoga on a donation basis to the community in an effort to encourage first-timers and promote healthier lifestyles, the nonprofit also hosts unique events like the upcoming Settle Into Stillness on December 9.

Uniting the healing power of deep relaxation with sacred sound, Settle Into Stillness is the brainchild of yoga

students/teachers Jeremy Arndt and Nancy Grzeszak who found a common goal in "inspiring others to live from their hearts and follow their dreams" while traveling the world.

The pair's mindfulness-based sound journey events feature world music instrumentation such as the handpan and didgeridoo alongside gong baths and crystal singing bowls, providing a deeply relaxing soundtrack for a transcendental yoga session.

Ultimately, Arndt and Grzeszak aim "to create more love in this world by revealing the gift of stillness...which facilitates healing for all."

*Register for Settle Into Stillness at yinyangyoga4you.com ($35 participation cost)

Yin Yang Yoga 4 You is located at 1229 W. Maryland St. in Evansville. For more info and to learn about fundraisers and upcoming events, visit settleintostillness.com.

YANG YOGA

"inspiring others to live from their hearts and follow their dreams."

FOUNDING MEMBER STEVE MORGAN ON ARRANGING MASH-UPS, COLLABORATING WITH PAUL MCCARTNEY AND MORE

Formed in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1996, a cappella group Straight No Chaser went viral just over 10 years later thanks to an early performance clip of a comical take on "The 12 Days of Christmas" that blew up on YouTube. Major label RCA came calling and in 2008 SNC signed on the dotted line - a dream come true for this tight-knit collection of IU grads. Holiday Spirits , a very well-received debut album, soon followed, showcasing their incredibly diverse vocal talents. But it was on stage where the magic truly happened; SNC's irresistible combination of dynamic choreography, undeniable charm and dazzling harmonies sent fans into hysterics across the nation.

Now celebrating 25 years together, SNC remain as popular as ever with a supremely loyal fanbase - which

impressively includes music legends such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Elton John, all of whom have collaborated with the group in the studio. The guys are currently out on the road celebrating their silver anniversary, a remarkable achievement - and not bad for a bunch of Hoosiers.

Founding member Steve Morgan kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Old National Events Plaza.

SNC are known for doing amazing mashups of popular songs. Perhaps the best example is "Thriller"/"Uptown Funk."

What's the process like from the moment that someone in the group conjures up the idea to arrange something to the moment it's ready for the stage?

Well, there's a number of different steps you can take. We've got about three or

OLD

four different guys who are our primary arrangers and the other guys are always coming up with ideas and we'll kick those around at different points in time. So once the idea is there, generally it's, you know, taking the song and going and sitting with it for awhile. What do you want to do with it? What's your take going to be? You know, do something straight ahead and make it sound like the original or do 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 do you think?' And from there, if they say "yes" we go ahead and chart the song the next time we're together and put the sound together and hand it over to our choreographer a few days before we see her so she's ready to go. And while we're choreographing, our lighting guy's sitting there watching the whole thing. As soon as we get it on microphone, our sound guy's sitting there going, 'Ok, I see what they're doing, I think I got this.' So by the time the lights come up it's show time and we're off to the races.

What's the most challenging aspect of learning a new song/routine for you?

You know, if we have something where there's a bunch of close harmonies and there's some planned dissonance in there...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 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.

Of all the fantastic SNC collaborations, getting the green light from Paul McCartney must have been life-altering

It's funny, the day that that came through, I was working in the backyard; my dad and I were building a fire pit. And so we're sitting there and I get a call; I put the phone down and said, 'Hey dad, I got one for you - guess who we're doing a track with?' And he goes, 'Who?' and I go, 'Paul McCartney.' He said, 'That's a Beatle, boy!'

So, the rest of the day we'd be working and he'd stop every once in awhile and go, 'Paul McCartney, huh?' It took me 25 years, but I think I've finally impressed my dad [laughs].

For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. The ONEP is located at 715 Locust St. in downtown Evansville.

WHAT'SCOOKIN'

WITH MATT LAINE

E MORGAN AVE, SUITE H EVANSVILLE, IN

People have been telling me to try this Peruvian restaurant in town for quite awhile now, and I can proudly say I have finally gotten around to checking it out. I must note that although it is Peruvian, Gollita seems much different than past similarly-themed places I've beenthere's no charcoal smell, there's a wider variety of dishes to try, and they also feature a lot of seafood. So, I was excited to dive in and check out what else this type of cuisine could offer.

When you walk in, it’s a small little restaurant with lots of decorations to make you feel as though you just came in off the streets of Peru. They have flags, fishnets, fish figurines, and other Peruvian indicators to set the mood. I should also point out that they have a TV in the corner playing music and a speaker placed right in front of it. I mention this because the speaker is literally right next

to a table, and although I doubt they sit people there, the noise might get a bit obnoxious. Outside of the speaker, everything else seemed in good order. Most importantly, my server was very attentive and helped me find some things to test my palate - he was so excited for me to try their food, and that totally got me jazzed up for the Gollita experience.

I wanted to start my meal off with an appetizer and went with the Pork Tamale When it came out, it looked extremely moist and the pico de gallo was crisp and fresh. After trying the tamale, I have to say the cook was excellent, but the flavor was lacking just a bit. If it wasn’t for the pico saving it, this appetizer would’ve been a miss for me, but that pico was just so good it made the tamale sit at least on par in my opinion. Then when my Gollita Trio came out, once again the server got me psyched for the Ceviche.

I haven’t really had a seafood ceviche before, so this was where I wanted to start. This time the meat had tons of flavor, and the sauce just kicked it all up another level. The acidity from the sauce also carried a punch with it even though it was just medium on the spice level. It’s amazing how something that looks and sounds so simple could pack a Mike Tyson-like jab to the taste buds.

The middle course on the plate was their Seafood and Rice, and let me tell you what, that was the cream of the crop for me. The seafood was cooked to perfection and marinated in their red sauce, which I can only imagine would be their secret blend. The rice just urged the flavor bomb to multiply as I ate it, and this symphony of flavors left me begging for another bite. I want to emphasize how important the cook on the seafood was because I’ve had scallops and calamari cooked wrong at a lot of places, and this place did it perfectly in a way that seemed almost effortless; I literally can’t stress enough how they melted in my mouth. The final part of the trio was the Huancaina Potato, which was just slices of a potato in a creamy white sauce. This wasn’t just any old sauce though; it was almost like an alfredo sauce poured from the mountains of Peru gathering every bit of deliciousness they could offer. I put that sauce over everything on my plate, and it just made it all taste better. I think bottling that sauce could be a business in and of itself - it was that good. All in all, the main course was top bins for me. If ranking the trio, I’d say sauce, rice dish, ceviche, and then the potatoes.

Overall this place served up some amazing dishes. If you like seafood, I would highly suggest trying this place out!

symphony of flavors left me begging for another bite

Healthy Cooking with Lindsay Rasure

These long ferment sourdough pumpkin waffles are the perfect autumn treat. I choose long fermentation on all my sourdough goods, because this process drastically reduces the gluten and gives the phytic acid a chance to break down. Those two things alone make the dough easier on the gut to digest. After I make these I love to wrap them individually in press ‘n’ seal and store in the freezer. They are great popped into the toaster in the morning with a little grass-fed butter, like Kerry Gold, and 100% pure maple syrup.

FOR MORE RECIPES OR MEAL IDEAS YOU CAN

CLEAN BITE

LONG FERMENT SOURDOUGH PUMPKIN WAFFLES

INGREDIENTS FOR LONG FERMENT SPONGE:

• 2 C. UNBLEACHED ORGANIC ALL PURPOSE FLOUR

• 1½ C. WATER

• 1 C. ACTIVE BUBBLY SOURDOUGH STARTER

• 2 T. HONEY OR MAPLE SYRUP

INGREDIENTS FOR DAY OF BAKING:

• INGREDIENTS FOR DAY OF BAKING:

• 2 EGGS

• 1/3 C. MELTED COCONUT OIL OR AVOCADO OIL

DIRECTIONS:

• ½ C. PUMPKIN PUREE

• 2 TSP. PUMPKIN PIE SPICE

• 1 TSP. CINNAMON

• 2 TSP. SALT

• 1 TSP. BAKING SODA

• ALL OF OVERNIGHT SPONGE

1. TO MAKE THE LONG FERMENT SPONGE COMBINE THE FLOUR, WATER, STARTER, AND HONEY/MAPLE SYRUP IN A LARGE BOWL THAT HAS A LID. MIX WELL UNTIL EVERYTHING IS COMBINED. PUT A TIGHT LID ON AND STORE IN THE FRIDGE FOR 24-72 HOURS. THE LONGER THE BETTER!

2. THE MORNING OF BAKING THE WAFFLES IT’S BEST TO LET THE LONG FERMENT SPONGE SIT ON THE COUNTER FOR 30 MINUTES – 1 HR. SO THE SPONGE CAN COME TO ROOM TEMPERATURE. KEEP THE LID ON DURING THIS PROCESS.

3. IN A SMALL BOWL COMBINE THE EGGS, OIL, AND PUMPKIN. (IF USING MELTED COCONUT OIL MAKE SURE IT HAS COOLED OFF A TOUCH BEFORE COMBINING WITH EGGS. IF NOT YOU’LL HAVE SCRAMBLED EGGS!). STIR THE INGREDIENTS TOGETHER THEN POUR INTO THE LONG FERMENT SPONGE. MIX UNTIL EVERYTHING IS COMBINED. THIS MIGHT TAKE 5 MINUTES. BE PATIENT.

4. NEXT ADD IN THE PUMPKIN PIE SPICE, CINNAMON, SALT, AND BAKING SODA. STIR UNTIL BLENDED IN.

5. COOK YOUR WAFFLES ACCORDING TO YOUR WAFFLE MAKER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

6. AFTER THE WAFFLES HAVE COOLED WRAP IN PRESS ‘N’ SEAL AND STORE IN THE FREEZER. POP ONE INTO THE TOASTER IN THE MORNING FOR A QUICK DELICIOUS WAFFLE! IF EATING THE DAY OF, I LIKE TO POP MINE IN THE TOASTER TO GIVE IT A CRUNCHIER TEXTURE.

7. SERVE WITH GRASS-FED BUTTER, 100% MAPLE SYRUP, AND EVEN TOASTED PECANS!

PRESENTED BY:

IN TOWN & AROUND

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

6:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -Eyehategod, Ringworm, Faerie Ring & Vice Grip

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER

2

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball

9:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

6:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Josh Merritt

KC's Corner Pocket -College Night / Karaoke &

DJ

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Beer Pong

9:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Swonder Ice Night

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- DJ AP & Cage Willis

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Paul Wiemeier

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ Dance Party Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -80s-themed Karaoke

10:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive

After 5: Little by Little 7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Wizard Night 8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Angel Rhodes

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France Duo

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ Dance Party Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: USI Jazz Ensemble, Tom Drury Trio 6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 7:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

6:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night /

Karaoke & DJ

Old National Events Plaza -Peppa Pig LIVE: Peppa Pig's Adventure!

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER

9 6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 9:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

6:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Brad Lemmons

KC's Corner Pocket -College Night / Karaoke & DJ

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Beer Pong Owensboro Sportscenter -Jake Owen "Up There Down Here" Tour

7:30 PM

Ford Center -- Cody Johnson

9:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

Bokeh Lounge -- The Pits

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Drew Aud

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

& Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France 9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

6:30 PM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Owensboro Convention Center -- 2022 Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo

6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The Wannabeez

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Military Night

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Gypsy Soul

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Daniel E. Johnson

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ Dance Party Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

10:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Atlas of the Dogs

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER

12

Owensboro Convention Center -- 2022 Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo

6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive

After 5: The Godfathers 8:00 PM

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Kalico

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Owensboro Convention Center -- 2022 Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Two for Flinching feat. William Brett Schneider & Jon Hyneman

3:00 PM

Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Sunday Funday

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ

10:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

6:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM

Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 9:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

6:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Paul Wiemeier KC's Corner Pocket -College Night / Karaoke & DJ

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Beer Pong

Ford Center -- Casting Crowns: The Healer Tour Victory Theatre -- Aaron Lewis: Frayed at Both Ends: The Acoustic Tour 9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Styreco 8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Monte Skelton & Friends 9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Dan Hall

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ Dance Party

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The BackBeats 7:00 PM

Victory Theatre -- Comedian Sal Vulcano

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Drag Me to the Weekend 9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Dan Hall

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- That's What She

Said!

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DRK WTR

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Owensboro Convention Center -- APEX Tour of Champions

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Keith Farny Jazz Collective

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Poetry Night

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -Drunksgiving Eve w/ Nobody's Cousin

9:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Drunksgiving Eve w/ Stackin' Eights

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

5:00 PM

Ford Center -- Hadi Shrine Circus

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

2:00 PM

Ford Center -- Hadi Shrine Circus

6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive

After 5: Bad Medicine

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- DJ AP

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ Dance Party

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

9:30 PM

Ford Center -- Hadi Shrine Circus 10:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Aaron Kamm & The One Drops

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

2:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- River Basin Blues Blast feat. RJ Rigdon & Gary Jines, Blues 4 U, Michael Gough, Crooked Eye Tommy

Ford Center -- Hadi Shrine Circus

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Hadi Shrine Circus

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 9:30 PM

Ford Center -- Hadi Shrine Circus 10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Boscoe France

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Bokeh Big Band

3:00 PM

Ford Center -- Hadi Shrine Circus 6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 7:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke

& DJ

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28 6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke 9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Artist of the Month: Elizabeth Isaac Live Painting on Stage KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France 9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball

9:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ

Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

DIALUP GHOST

Former News 4U editorial intern Russell "Russ" Finn

has been making waves in the Nashville music scene for the last five years or so via Dialup Ghost, an indie rock project that incorporates elements of altcountry, new wave, post-punk and punk - all heard in various forms on the band's first two albums, 2018's I'm Fine, I'm Fine and 2020's Empty Houses. The latter, however, leaned heavily on the alt-country vibe, summoning the ghost of Uncle Tupelo, among other giants of the genre. But this time around, vocalist/guitarist Finn and fellow DG members Jordan Smith (guitars, bass), Jade McPeak (bass, trumpet) and Jack Holway (drums) have gotten wonderfully weird and

noisy on their third studio effort, Sunshine Gets Hotter.

The adventurous nature of the album recalls Wilco's left turn with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - an experiment in sound and vision that signaled a determination to stretch out and re-imagine the band's intent. Here, DG have done something similar, retaining bits of their past - most notably on the folk-influenced title track and the closing, Uncle Tupelo-esque "I Will Live Presently" - while pushing forward in exciting new directions musically. Take, for instance, the opening, head-turning combo of "Forehead 2" and "Under the Table." Both tracks are introduced by squelches and squeals of 80s

video game noise before evolving - or devolving - into dark postpunk, driven by staccato guitar riffs replete with grimy distortion. Finn's hazy, muffled vocals - seemingly double-tracked as on past recordings - hover over the mix, creating an unnerving feeling that's strangely welcoming.

the seams at any moment. There's also a unifying lyrical thread - Finn, as on past releases, comments directly on the ills of society, addressing the likes of gun control issues, addiction and hate.

While DG's post-punk influences come through loud and clear early on, as Sunshine Gets Hotter develops, it's the MC5 that seem to have been stuck in Finn's head during the writing of the album. "Get Wet," "Gun Thang," "Cruelty, U.S.A.," "Left Arms" and "Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn is a Drug Dealer" all give a nod to the legendary garage rockers, featuring raw guitars played with abandon. Each track is exhilaratingly loose and free, threatening to come apart at

But the shining moment, so to speak, of this engaging album may well be the title track which takes on the hot topic of global warming. Over a simple, yet effective acoustic guitar melody, Finn wearily drones, "Cara thinks the world's going to end in her lifetime/ And if not hers or mine, then in her son's time... The sunshine gets hotter, the sea levels rise/ One day the ocean will swallow the sky." It's brutally frank yet somehow comforting.

To listen to or purchase Sunshine Gets Hotter, visit Dialup Ghost on Bandcamp.

Nashville-based indie rockers get wonderfully weird and noisy on adventurous third LP, Sunshine Gets Hotter

FORMER

RUSSELL "RUSS"

by Zita

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.

ROCK & ROLL FEUDS

Heavy metal is by nature the soundtrack of conflict. Much of the subject matter in metal songs deals with topics like violence, corruption, abuse of power, and outrage. Metal can be fun and energizing, but it can also be furious and combative. It should come as no surprise, then, that some of metal’s biggest acts have fractured due to the strain of internal strife and competing egos. Metal is full of legendary feuds (David Lee Roth vs. Van Halen, Ozzy vs. Black Sabbath, and Dave Mustaine vs. Metallica), but some of the more fascinating feuds in metal, though less notorious, are much more compelling.

Take, for example, the time in 1982 when bassist Rudy Sarzo revealed that he was leaving Ozzy’s band to rejoin Quiet Riot. Ozzy’s response? He punched Sarzo in the face! Context is important here. Ozzy’s virtuoso guitarist Randy Rhoads died tragically in a plane crash just months prior, and Ozzy was in a spiral of depression and alcoholism. It’s not surprising at all that Ozzy reacted as he did. Sarzo went on to make the highest-charting metal album in history. Ozzy, meanwhile, became perhaps the most recognizable metal performer in history.

Another great example is the story of Vinnie Vincent and KISS. Vinnie joined KISS in the early 80s, but over time, band leaders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons grew weary of his lifestyle choices and showboating on stage. During the 1983-84 Animalize tour, Paul and Gene told Vinnie to limit his guitar solos to the time allocated by the band. Vinnie’s response? He became defiant, and his solos got longer and louder, which nearly led to a fistfight after Paul pulled the plug on him one night. Ultimately, Vinnie was fired, but the feud didn’t end there. The war of words commenced and escalated over the decades. Paul and Gene badmouthed Vinnie, and Vinnie retaliated by suing Gene and Paul 15 times for unpaid royalties and for using his image without consent. He lost every suit. Who suffered the most? KISS fans! With no reconciliation, they missed out on what might have been some incredible music featuring Vinnie’s talents as a composer and player.

Fans usually like the feuds because they add a sense of drama and show that their idols struggle with the same issues as everyone else. And sometimes these spats are fun. Who doesn’t want to see Ted Nugent and Axl Rose in a cage match? Roth, Ozzy and Mustaine arguably ended up better off as solo artists, but when disagreements break up the bands we love, the fans suffer the most.

The Rock & Metal Profs podcast is available on iTunes, Google and Spotify.

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: MATT ALSCHBACH AND DR. COURT LEWIS

BOOK CLUB

ILLUMINATIONS

by Alan Moore

Alan Moore might be the most important and most influential comic writer in the history of comics. That's just an opinion, but we're willing to die on that hill. Illuminations is a collection of short stories that Alan has been writing over the past forty years. From ghosts and otherworldly creatures, the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and theoretical Boltzmann brains fashioning the universe at the big bang, Illuminations is exactly that - a series of bright, startling tales from a contemporary legend that reveal the full power of imagination and magic.

UZUMAKI

by Junji Ito

This one’s been around since 1998, but Sam finally got around to reading it. It’s symbolic and weird, and all about spirals slowly infecting a small seaside Japanese town. Body horror abounds, and a series of seemingly unconnected body horror concepts slowly form into a single spiraling mythos as the town itself is, also, slowly forming into a spiral. Even more horrifying than the terrible things happening to the people are the people themselves, who begin to take the absurd as ordinary. Incredibly influential, you can see Uzumaki in a lot of weird fiction today.

LIBERATION DAY

by George Saunders

The “best short story writer in English” (Time) is back with a masterful collection that explores ideas of power, ethics, and justice, and cuts to the very heart of what it means to live in community with our fellow humans. With his trademark prose - wickedly funny, unsentimental, and perfectly tuned - Saunders continues to challenge and surprise: here is a collection of prismatic, deeply resonant stories that encompass joy and despair, oppression and revolution, bizarre fantasy and brutal reality.

THE COWARD by Stephen Aryan

Years ago, Kell Kressia was part of a band of warriors who went to kill the Ice Lich and save the world, but Kell came back alone. With the Lich defeated, his icy grip on the world loosened and it was as safe as Kell’s secret (the coward killed the Ice Lich by accident). That is, until a new evil moves into the Ice Lich’s castle and the world is in peril once again. That’s a lot of summary, but the book is a fresh play on a lot of fantasy tropes and is frankly a delight.

iCheck out these great recommendations from the owners of Your Brother's Bookstore in downtown Evansville

SCREEN TIME

BLOCKBUSTER

Netflix is dripping in irony this November, debuting this popcornsoaked show based on the businesses they put out of business. Remember the glory days of shuffling through the Blockbuster aisles as a kid or teen? Picking the perfect movie for that Friday night sleepover or date night on the couch before you ended at the candy aisle, the pink cotton candy gleaming and the red licorice screaming for you to eat? It’s time to time-travel to the days when there was no "Netflix and chill" - just overdue Blockbuster rentals. The hilarious Randall Park (Fresh Off the Boat) and Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn 911) head up this fun cast, including J.B. Smoove, Tyler Alvarez, Kamaia Fairburn and Madeleine Arthur. I’m ready for the annoying co-workers, creepy customers and nostalgia of a once great business that ruled the video world before streaming. Netflix 11/3

THE CROWN - SSN 5

There has never been a more timely season for The Crown to drop, arriving just a couple months after Queen Elizabeth’s death. This season we go full throttle into the tragedy of Princess Diana’s demise and the effect it had on her beautiful children, now closer to the throne in reality than in this fantasy revision of the royals. Elizabeth Debicki picks up the mantle from the astonishing Emma Corrin while Dominic West will brood as Prince Charles after Josh O’Connor slayed his young moody prince appeal in seasons three and four. Since season one, I have been enthralled with the clever and eye-opening writing of the show, the gorgeous backdrops and the icy beauty of British culture. While Queen Elizabeth II is now buried and no longer ruling, her legacy will live on through Netflix - and her Corgis, of course. Netflix 11/9

Elite is back and steamier than ever with no end of drama - and no grasp on basic math. Somehow the teens are still in high school but arithmetic doesn't matter in this soapy show set in Spain, just the insane chemistry between the cast members. Every year, Netflix does an incredible job of casting truly iconic actors that add fresh blood and spice into the wildly popular series. They all soar into fame with millions of followers and it is easy to see why. The new crop of episodes will be nothing short of dramatic, heartbreaking and, of course, murderous. There is always at least one mystery death to solve and I wonder if it’ll be a new cast member or a tried-and-true character who gets the death sentence when Elite resumes this month for a sixth delicious season. Netflix 11/18

ELITE - SSN 6

Pre-streaming nostalgia, royal drama and teen chemistry: Netflix's November lineup features three highly-anticipated series

MARISA PATWA

TRUE CRIME JUNKIE

WITH JOHNNY FLETCHER

THE KIDNAPPING OF JAYME CLOSS

There's a good chance that many of you recall this fairly recent case from 2018 when a young girl's world was turned upside down by a 21-year-old misfit in a small Wisconsin town. What makes the kidnapping of Jayme Closs unique is that while it technically had a happy ending - the newbie teenager ultimately escaped her confinement at the hands of Jake Patterson - the horrific events surrounding her initial capture resulted in the deaths of both Jayme's mother and father. Yet four years later, this now young woman has persevered and is reportedly thriving in the aftermath of her unthinkable ordeal.

By all accounts, Jake Patterson was a lost soul, unable to find his path in life, drifting from one short-lived job to another while also failing to make it in the military. The latter venture lasted all of five weeks before he was kicked out of boot camp. Simply put, Patterson's future looked bleak as he whiled away the days in Gordon, Wisconsin. But one day he happened to catch sight of Jayme - a resident of Barron, Wisconsin - getting off a school bus on his way home from work (one of the rare days he held employment). From that day forward, Patterson, despite his later claim that he acted on impulse, began to plot the kidnapping of the 13-year-old student. Not surprisingly, he'd had virtually no interaction with females up to that point in his life and fantasized about keeping one captive to satisfy his unfulfilled desires.

On October 15, 2018, Patterson, having aborted two previous attempts to enter the Closs home and take Jayme, decided that it was now or never and forced his way in. Both parents were home; sadly, Jayme's dad was shot and killed at the front door as Patterson burst through. He then located her mother - who was

barricaded inside a bathroom with her daughter - and shot her, too. Patterson then took Jayme to his car and headed back to Gordon. Unbelievably, the cops unknowingly passed him on the way to the Closs home, having received an interrupted 911 call by Jayme's mother as she fought for her life.

For nearly three months, Patterson held Jayme captive inside his home where she spent much of her time underneath his bed, too afraid to move for fear of punishment or death. But she was periodically allowed to come out of the room for meals and, of all things, board games and other activities. Ironically, despite Patterson's initial intent to imprison a sexual partner, he never laid a hand on Jayme, too ashamed at what he'd done - yet in too deep to turn back. Then came a fateful day: January 10, 2019. Patterson, having earned Jayme's trust - or so he thought - left the house for a couple of hours, assuming that she'd never try to escape. He was wrong. Showing incredible strength and courage, Jayme ran out the front door and into a cold, snowy Wisconsin afternoon, flagging down a good Samaritan for help. Patterson was later taken into custody and is currently serving two consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole.

SCAN TO DONATE TO DAWNITA'S GOFUNDME

"BY ALL ACCOUNTS, JAKE PATTERSON WAS A LOST SOUL, UNABLE TO FIND HIS PATH IN LIFE, DRIFTING FROM ONE SHORT-LIVED JOB TO ANOTHER WHILE ALSO FAILING TO MAKE IT IN THE MILITARY.

PICTURED: Left Jayme Closs, Right Jake Patterson

with Barold Hume

AS I TYPE THIS... HEAR YE, HEAR YE...

By now, we should all be acclimated to these crazy times we live in, but I'm still routinely surprised by the level of wackiness out there. (Side note: Recently, I was thinking about how a number of rock artists and bands - particularly from the 80s - have released albums with hilariously generic titles like the Scorpion's Crazy World that are meant to serve as a bold comment on society but just come off like something a fifth-grader would scrawl on the back of a notebook whilst bored

during science class. But now good ol' Sammy Hagar has one-upped the Scorps - and everyone else - with his latest batch of stale tunes called... wait for it... Crazy Times . I tell you what, that guy truly has his finger on the pulse. Why Van Halen ever let him go is beyond me.) Now, as I was saying - and Sammy wholeheartedly agrees - life circa 2022 is nuts. Alarmingly, we're surrounded by nutjobs on all sides, particularly in the political arena. The most egregious offender of late - though not a politician...yet (he does aspire to be president which is just comical) - has got to be Kanye West. Or "Ye" as he's legally known now. Hang on, I need to start a new paragraph.

Apparently, many people consider Ye an artistic genius. I don't hear it, but that's the least of my concerns. Because as I type this, he's put out a tweet (for the love of god, will celebrities and politicians ever stop tweeting stupid sh*t?) threatening to go "Death Con 3 on Jewish People." Well, that certainly sounds welcoming for a guy who purports to do everything for The One - meaning

God, you see. Then there's ultra prolife Herschel Walker still out on the campaign trail denying having paid for an abortion despite damning proof to the contrary. His saving grace is that nobody can understand a word he's saying, too flummoxed by Walker's unintelligible word salad to do anything. Meanwhile, President Biden is hanging by a thread, recently heard declaring, "I've got two words for you: Made in America!" He also called out for a dead senator at a recent press conference, her passing having slipped his deteriorating mind. And, of course, Donald Trump continues his reign as the weirdest dude on the planet - not even a competition, really, though Ye is closing in.

WILL THE GOP RUN THE TABLE IN VANDERBURGH COUNTY?

Bryan Fox

Now that November is here, I think it's okay to say that the Democrats are going to have their you-know-what handed to them this election year on the national front. Sorry Dems, but your party is in charge and nobody likes to pay more for stuff which is what is happening.

But sometimes a national mood doesn't reflect local races. The phrase "all politics

is local" really does have merit, even today. But not all local candidates can ride the wave to victory, so to speak. Let's take a look at some Vanderburgh County races and see what we have.

Sheriff: Jeff Hales vs. Noah Robinson - If Hales wins, he would be the first Republican elected since 1946. Both candidates have good resumes but

THE MOST EGREGIOUS OFFENDER OF LATETHOUGH NOT A POLITICIAN... YET (HE DOES ASPIRE TO BE

PRESIDENT WHICH IS JUST COMICAL) - HAS GOT TO BE KANYE WEST.

MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD...

with Johnny Fletcher

A RUN FOR THE AGING

If you've looked at the internet lately, then surely what I'm about to tell you is old news. Because seemingly everyone has been chatting online and posting about my dramatic, inspiring run at last month's Evansville Half Marathon. Now, if you somehow missed this incredible story - maybe you've been more focused on current events like the war in Ukraine and the upcoming midterm elections; fair enough - allow me to loop you into

what all went down on that crisp, Autumn day as hundreds of area athletes gathered to cover 13.1 miles at 7 a.m. - a time of the morning when I'd much rather be drinking a Ski and staring blankly out the window. Anyhow, Mayor Winnecke made it a point to be there, having clearly leveraged his position of power for a front row seat to my "run for the aging," as I've coined it. Not a run for the ages, mind you - but for the aging. See, no one in this town believed that a 52-year-old man with a taste for Bud Light could beat his previous half marathon times from 2011 and 2019. "Who do you think you are, Benjamin Button?," was the sort of clever yet defeating response I received in the build-up to the big day.

But I showed them all. Not even a major gaffe by the organizers at the beginning of the race that sent us all heading in the wrong direction for a good four minutes could stop me. No, I was simply too determined to make history for all the old dudes out there that spend too much time on the couch chugging beer while watching other people exercise on TV. Yes, when, at the 11-mile mark, I developed an unfortunate cramp in my right side that threatened to derail my remarkable "run for the aging" (the inevitable Netflix

documentary will surely nick that for the title), that's who I thought of in those crucial moments. And I simply refused to let my fellow senior citizens down. Pressing on, as the finish line came into view and onlookers chanted my name, something truly amazing occurred: I was lifted up onto the shoulders of an admiring throng of fans and carried the last 10 yards, celebrated like a returning hometown hero. Let me tell you, there wasn't a dry eye in downtown Evansville as the official time read 1:48.01 - later updated to 1:44.21 - a full five-plus minutes faster than my previous races. I'll stop here so you can grab a Kleenex.

Robinson might get hurt by the national rhetoric. "Defund the police," as some on the left have called for, will not be a winning strategy. To be fair, Robinson doesn't support this but many in the party he represents do. While this will be a close one, look for Hales to win with about 52% of the vote.

Prosecutor: Diana Moers vs. Jon Schaefer - Like the sheriff's race, this one would be historic if Moers wins as she would be the first woman elected prosecutor in the county. Both are vying to replace Nick Hermann. Moers defeated Hermann

in the GOP primary, denying him the opportunity to secure a fourth term as prosecutor.

This one will be close as well but that might be because of Moers. Personally, I think she should have done what Junior Soprano once advised, "to take it out of the neighborhood." This is one situation where she should have tied Schaefer to other Democratic prosecutors and how lenient they have been with violent offenders. With his first victory in 2010, Hermann did just that when running against Stan Levco. Hermann gave him the nickname "Let em go Levco" hoping this

would resonate with voters who wanted a tougher prosecutor.

This one shouldn't be that close but it might be. Look for Moers to win by 8%.

County Commissioner: Justin Elpers vs. Ryan Stratman - Didn't know Elpers had an opponent. I had to Google him. Per his last campaign report, Elpers has over $34,000 on hand. I couldn't find a finance report on Stratman. Elpers will get 60% of the vote.

MAYOR WINNECKE MADE IT A POINT TO BE THERE, HAVING CLEARLY LEVERAGED HIS POSITION OF POWER FOR A FRONT ROW SEAT TO MY "RUN FOR THE AGING," AS I'VE COINED IT.

KID CUDI Entergalactic Republic Records /Wicked Awesome Imprint

Kid Cudi is one of the most talented rappers and singers of our generation. His songs take you to outer space and his smooth, gripping voice lands you on the moon. His latest creative venture features a gorgeous visual animated special on Netflix with this accompanying soundtrack playing like an angelic harp to the gods in heaven. The tracks are trippy, dripping in love and wonder with sick features from Ty Dolla Sign, Don Toliver, Steve Aoki and 2 Chainz. Each song is a standout on its own, telling a beautiful, wickedly smart story about the truth of the human experience, finding yourself and finding love. While each is a masterpiece, some must-listens include “New Mode,” “Do What I Want,” “Burrow,” "Ignite the Love” and “Angel.” Kid Cudi proves once again he will always be wearing an eternal glowing halo of talent. This time, he is orbiting us to a different dimension and it is full of wonder.- Marisa Patwa

BLACKPINK

Born Pink YG Entertainment/Interscope Records

The worldwide famous K-pop band is back releasing dance-crazy music that will get even your most emotionless of crushes up and busting a move. Recently, I was lucky enough to go to an Asian street market in downtown Louisville where there were some live K-pop performances and was truly in awe of the talent on display. From the singing to the dancing and just the fun energy on stage, it is obvious why this genre of music is so addictive and Blackpink just taps right into that - as evidenced by the 2.2 million in album sales in just two days, confirming their popularity and prowess. The girl group's second studio release is nothing short of funky and fun, with standouts like “Pink Venom,” “Typa Girl’ and “Ready for Love.” “The Happiest Girl” shows a slow-down of their usually high energy hype for a more melancholy piano ballad that still slaps. I am so ready to continue to watch these young artists blossom as they dominate the arena of K-pop with their mic drop performances. - Marisa Patwa

JESSIE REYEZ Yessie FMLY/Island Records

I have been a number one fan of Jessie Reyez since I first discovered her music in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Her sultry, gorgeous voice and gut-wrenching vocals had me crying, laughing and dancing - often for hours during car rides or just chores in my apartment. She is not just a woman with a voice of gold but a genuine and true storyteller and performer. Her second studio album is a true blessing and much-needed. While she is a proud, born-and-raised Canadian, she incorporated her Columbian roots and teen years busking on the beaches of Florida in her songs, giving them the Latin flavor we crave. From "Adios Amor" to "Tito's," she gives us the cultural feels that are important and needed in such a divisive world with salsa, cumbia, reggae and old school R&B vibes. Calvin Harris also helped to produce the tracks, igniting them with an extra dose of fire. But it was up to Jessie to light the match and now I’ve got a burning fever. - Marisa Patwa

TALAS 1985 Metal Blade Records

In the early '80s, Talas was a band blessed with absurd talent. Anchored by bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan, Talas stood on the precipice of greatness in 1984. With two strong studio albums in circulation, they opened for Van Halen in 30 cities. A third album was in the works when Sheehan bolted for a chance to break big with David Lee Roth. Talas soon became an afterthought, and eventually disbanded. Fast-forward 38 years, and Talas is back with the appropriately titled 1985 Most of the songs on 1985 were actually conceived during the writing sessions in 1984. That material was resurrected, as was most of the 1984 lineup. Flush with interesting compositions, melodies, and intricacies that would make the gents in Dream Theater envious, the new record shows us what we’ve missed all these years. Standouts include the opening banger “Inner Mounting Flame,” “Crystal Clear” (a beautiful pop-metal track), and “Black and Blue,” a power ballad that would have been massive in the late '80s.

- Matt Alschbach

CHECK OUT THESE HONEST REVIEWS OF SOME OF THE HOTTEST NEW ALBUMS IN MUSIC!

NOVEMBER MUSIC REVIEWS CHECK OUT THESE HONEST REVIEWS OF SOME OF THE HOTTEST NEW ALBUMS IN MUSIC

CHAT PILE

God’s Country

The Flenser

Oklahoma City noise-rockers Chat Pile open their debut album God’s Country with “Slaughterhouse,” a sludgy, mid-tempo dirge about the working conditions of a building meant for killing. “Hammers and grease/ pounding/ and the sad eyes/ and the screaming” Chat Pile holler to convey this horror. This sentiment of breaking down an “ordinary” American experience and painting it in the most horrific light possible is the general concept of God’s Country. While the working poor suffer from drug abuse (“Wicked Puppet Dance”), homelessness (“Why”), and brutal working conditions, God is there the whole time, keeping a watchful eye. With industrial drums, nu-metal guitars, and tortured vocals, Chat Pile’s depiction of God and Country is paranoid and nihilistic, angry and demented.- Russ Finn

KAL MARKS

My Name is Hell Exploding in Sound Records

Boston rock band Kal Marks is back with a new lineup and their fourth studio release. 2018 saw them releasing their best album to date with Universal Care, an excellent art-punk record that was followed up with an even better EP in 2019, Let The Shit House Burn Down. Even though frontman Carl Shane remains the sole member from Kal Marks' previous releases, My Name is Hell does not disappoint as the new album and lineup stay true to their signature sound. I don’t know how Kal Marks do it, but this band is truly one of the most original sounding indie rock/punk bands active right now - gritty and noisy, like many punk bands before them, but with a certain control and integrity that elevates them to something more notable. - Russ Finn

MAMALEEK

Diner Coffee The Flenser

San Francisco band Mamaleek is a selfdescribed black metal outfit comprising two anonymous brothers who have been making music since 2008. And while their selfdescribed genre is certainly true for their early output, this description would be an injustice to the work they’ve done on their latest album. Opening with cacophony and ominous laughter, Diner Coffee quickly shifts into a quiet, jazzy guitar interpolation with Captain Beefheart-esque mutterings placed on top. This softer section is abruptly ended as the band goes back to fierce metal with guttural yelling. The back and forth between calm and intense is heard throughout, but the album still packs in so much more. Diner Coffee is an avant-garde rock record full of instrumental jazz, spoken word, screaming, and heavy metal jams. If you like experimental rock at all, this is a must-listen.- Russ Finn

OFF! Free LSD Fat Possum Records

Even while nearing the 70-year mark and continuing to battle diabetes, Keith Morris remains punk rock's greatest frontman. The vocalist's flawless resume includes his time as the original singer for Black Flag as well as his ongoing membership in the Circle Jerks - yet Off!, Morris' off-shoot, so to speak, from the Jerks, may be his crowning achievement. Need proof? Just check out Free LSD , the band's fourth full-length release and first since 2014's Wasted Years Morris and guitarist Dimitri Coats are joined by a white-hot new rhythm section that takes the tempos nuclear at times while also injecting overwhelming power into this fantastic set of hardcore punk songs with brief detours into metal and free jazz excursions. Thrillingly, this album is like a freight train on the brink of derailment. - Johnny Fletcher

BLUES WITH BRAGIN

MICK KOLASSA I’m Just Getting Started Endless Blues Records

Prolific singer-songwriter Mick Kolassa returns with his 11th studio release. The album opens with the title track, a song about how he refuses to give up in spite of life’s obstacles. “What Can I Do?” offers a funky bass line from Dexter Allen. The toe-tapping song “Bigger Dreams” sees Kolassa singing about always wanting something better and persevering during difficult moments. “Alibis and Lies” allows Marc Franklin to shine on trumpet. Allen provides more funky bass notes on “Leavin’ Trunk.” “That Kind of Man” features John Blackmon with superb drumming skills to match a groovy guitar solo.

The gospel-inspired “Are You Ready?” asks the big question about life. Allen offers more solid bass playing on “Take Me Away” and Rick Steff adds poignant keyboards as Kolassa sings about wanting to escape from difficult times. “Trying Not to Let the Darkness In” offers lyrics about trying to keep a positive attitude in spite of life’s setbacks. The guitar solo in the middle and near the end add a melancholy feel. A cover of John Hiatt’s song “Real Man” features stellar harmonica playing from the legendary Eric Hughes. “Hardhearted Woman” offers a west coast blues and jazz feel while Kolassa sings about a woman who cares little for the men she destroys and a warning about avoiding the same fate. For more info, visit mimsmick.com - Paul Bragin

NOVEMBER BEER REVIEWS

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4

This IPA pours a very slightly hazy, amber-orange color with a thin dissipating head. Notably hoppy on the nose, with pine and other earthy aromas, which plays well into its collaboration with the Indiana Forest Alliance. These hop flavors continue on the palate, with a nice light body and just the right amount of bitterness. It finishes clean and light. This is a session IPA that any IPA lover can appreciate.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5

A thick white head tops this IPA and stays for a long time. Pine and citrus scents from the hops dominate the scent. A burst of carbonation hits the tongue along with the hops, with the hop flavors remaining in the very long finish. People who enjoy IPAs will want to try this. The lower alcohol content allows for the consumption of several beers. Pair it with your favorite spicy Mexican or Asian dishes.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5

One thing that I always enjoy is a larger can - this beer comes in a 16 oz size. And it's somewhat local as well, coming from Bloomington, Indiana. I like the sweet hops and the flavor's not overbearing; it's very easy to drink. The ABV is only 5% which surprises me - thought it would have been higher. As a result, it's extremely smooth and flavorful. A very good job by a Hoosier brewery.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3.5

This wheat ale pours a clear amber with a thin head. There is indeed the scent of pretzel on the nose with just a hint of wheat beer esters. On the palate it is maltier than your standard wheat ale, with the distinct flavor of twisted pretzel once again. The finish is typical of a wheat ale and the flavor profile comes from added artificial flavoring, which is why these flavors can be present. If you are craving a pretzel and a beer, then maybe this will kill two birds with one stone.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4

A thick tan head forms on this dark beer when poured into a wheat beer glass. The scent profile contains a lot of malty bread notes. Likewise, the bread flavors continue with the first sip of the beer, along with sweetness and a considerable amount of spices in the extended finish. This beer seems tailor made for fall weather. Pair it with pretzels. A sweet pretzel covered in cinnamon sugar might be a perfect match.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3.5

I'm usually a fan of Shock Top beers, but I'm not sure about this one just yet. It pours a clear brown color and looks promising - and true to its name, it does taste like a beer with pretzel flavoring. I like beer and I like pretzels but I just can't decide if I truly like the taste of them mixed together. I can taste wheat and a little spice but having the pretzel flavor mixed in is a little bit odd for me - might need to revisit this beer at a later time.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.5

As expected, this Imperial Stout pours a midnight black with a thin, creamy head. On the nose is a distinct aroma of chocolate and coffee. It is very malt forward, with dark cocoa and coffee on the palate, and a slight boozy warmth. Sweet and a bit heavy, this is a nice dessert beer with a smooth, creamy finish. The only thing that would improve this would be to put it on Nitro instead of CO2.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5

A decent tan head crowns this black beer and takes time to evaporate. The nose boasts a considerable amount of roasted malt. The roasted malt remains when the beer first coats the mouth, with a lot of coffee notes present as well as some chocolate notes in the finish. People who enjoy the roasted malt flavors in a good porter or stout need to try this. Pair it with beef, Brie cheese or chocolate desserts.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5

This is a dark black beer - so dark that light will not penetrate it. I notice the coffee taste right off the bat and the chocolate flavors are definitely present. Be forewarned, this stout has an ABV of 10.2 % - which accounts for its warming effect. I love imperial stouts and this one is one of the best. Definitely not a session beer for beginners but a very enjoyable beer for me.

SHOCK TOP TWISTED PRETZEL

BLOOMINGTON BREWING CO. BACK COUNTRY SESSION IPA

SIERRA NEVADA NARWHAL IMPERIAL STOUT

This month’s beers are available depending on supply & demand at all 10 Liquor Locker locations. Visit our website at www.Liquor-Locker.com.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.75

This is a completely different IPA than the Back Country. It pours a hazy yellow with a nice white head and an abundance of tropical aromas. Papaya and mango dominate this IPA on the palate, with very little bitterness. It has a slight sweetness and a pleasantly tropical finish. Really different and very enjoyable.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4

A thick white head rests on this hazy IPA and never totally evaporates. A good amount of citrus notes from the hops controls the nose. The citrus remains with the initial tasting of the beer and continues in

the long finish where it meets with some malt sweetness. People who like hoppy beers need to try this. Pair it with your favorite spicy Mexican dishes or a variety of fried foods.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4

This is a cloudy, straw-colored beer. It has an ABV of 6.7% with a mild warming effect. I can taste the mango and spices listed on the can and it's pretty easy to drink. The hops are present but not overpowering. I have always been a fan of New Belgium and they've produced another solid beer.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

NEW BELGIUM VOODOO RANGER 1985 IPA

Ask an

LANE SIESKY

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 recently in a car accident and suffered multiple injuries. I know that I need good legal representation going forward to deal with the insurance companies and hospital visits, but there are many firms in the area to choose from and I don't have a lot of time to do research. To streamline the process, what questions should I be asking to find the right personal injury attorney to assist with my case? Or simply, how do I best decide which firm to put my trust in?

A:If you have ever been in a serious car accident, then you know how life-altering such an accident can be for you and your family. Unfortunately, you cannot always control whether or not you are injured in a serious car accident. However, you do have a choice on which law firm you trust to handle your injury case. Which law firm you choose to help you heal from a devastating accident may be one of the most important decisions you ever make.

Indeed, not all personal injury law firms are the same. Some personal injury law firms spend more time and money on marketing and advertising than on prosecuting injury cases. So, you should not rely upon slick advertising in making your decision on which law firm to hire. Often, local attorneys know which personal injury law firms are best at handling injury cases. Therefore, if you are injured in a serious car accident you want to ask around to lawyers you know to see who those lawyers recommend to

handle your case.

When you interview a law firm to handle your case, you want to ask questions about how your case will be handled. By asking questions and by getting recommendations from lawyers you know, you will make a more informed decision.

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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