News4U March 2023

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First Annual 20+ Over 40 Meet the Distinguished Community Members leading the Tri-State

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Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra presents: Decades of Pop Chart Hits from across Genres and Generations at the Victory

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Leanne Morgan "Just Getting Started" Tour at ONEP Exclusive Interview with the Storytelling Comedian

Alabama "Roll On 2 North America" Tour at the Ford Center Hall of Fame Country Act regroups after Loss of Founding Member

Mini Masters Bar Golf & Beer Fun Run/Walk

Exciting Rise Up & Run Events coming in April

Established in 1991 by Publisher Brian Bennett

Operations Manager Joshua Adams

Managing Editor & Writer Thomas Ellis

Account Representative TJ Tanoos

tj@evansvillemediagroup.com

Production Manager, Designer & Layout Artist Kelsey Halbig

Contributors

Matt Alschbach, Freddie Bourne, Laurie Byers, Paul Bragin, Johnny Fletcher, Paul Hollyfeld, Barold Hume, Jabez Martinez, Marisa Patwa, Lindsay Rasure, Lindsey Williams

News 4U is published monthly and is distributed throughout the tri-state. For information about advertising, subscriptions, distribution or guides & lists, call (812) 426-6398 or write us at 125 N Weinbach Ave, Ste 510 Evansville, IN 47711. News 4U is published by EMG Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of the magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products, services or opinions within. Advertisers are responsible for content of their ads.

Cover Photos By: Daniel Knight

A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

At long last, spring is in view, folks. The only thing that could possibly be more exciting than the promise of warmer days ahead is if I told you that I won the lottery. But then you'd all suddenly want to be my friend and that could get awkward. I mean, I only have so many excuses at the ready to avoid the inevitable invitations to lunch where you'd conveniently leave your wallet in the car - and then get all emotional, explaining that a beloved family member desperately needs a kidney transplant and could I find it in my heart to help with the

exorbitant cost since I came into all this cash? Hey, this isn't my first rodeo - I know all the tricks of the trade. You gotta get up a little earlier in the morning to pull one over on this old guy. Especially now that I go to bed at 9 p.m. - which means my day starts before the sun comes up, you see. Anyhow, speaking of being "old"... Our cover story this month celebrates leaders in the community that have been on this earth north of four decades. And it's about time. Year after year News 4U has documented tri-state influencers under 40 years of age. But age is just a number these days - 40 is

the new 30 and so forth. So we've compiled a very impressive group of people that don't always get the recognition they deserve in our youth-obsessed society. From first responders and educators to business owners and fitness gurus, this overdue feature highlights the remarkable talents of Generation X and Boomers, too. Check it out beginning on page 8 and don't miss our interview with comedian Leanne Morgan, plus write-ups on upcoming events and much more this month. - TE

20 40 + OVER 2023

Meet the distinguished influencers leading the tri-state and shaping our community

It's a cliché, but it's true: age is just a number. 50 is the new 40, 40 is the new 30 and so forth. And while youth is still prized in our society, there's more pushback than ever these days; the "older" generations - Gen X and Boomers - are finally starting to get some respect. Well, more respect, for the simple fact that they're the ones actually steering the ship and truly making things happen. Now, not tomorrow. So we thought it was time that News 4U put a spotlight on tri-state influencers OVER 40. As you may well know, every year the magazine highlights the under 40 folks making waves in the community - wonderfully talented people that are up-and-coming and pointing the way ahead. But now we'd like to flip the script and introduce you - or reacquaint you, perhaps - with some of the tri-state's most distinguished leaders in business, community, food & drink, media, medicine, music, politics, sports and more. Some nominees, such as Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, will be quite familiar, of course, while others may be new to you. Either way, check out this fine group of non-young people we've assembled and read up on their backstories to get a feel for how they're making the tri-state a better place.

Photos by Daniel Knight Studio B Photography

DANIEL KNIGHT (PHOTOGRAPHY)

Daniel Knight has been the tri-state’s most prestigious photographer for nearly three decades - a leader in artistry and professionalism in the field. His work as a photographer began before he graduated from high school. With the encouragement of an art teacher at Mt. Vernon High School, he began working for the yearbook and honed his skills tirelessly. Directly out of high school, he began selling cameras at Schmitt Photo, where he ultimately became known as “the pro’s pro,” helping Evansville’s photographers solve problems and make photographic decisions. In 1995, he took his skills solo, launching Studio B Photography. Since then, he has served Evansville’s most discerning clientele with photographic services ranging from bespoke family sessions to high-impact commercial imagery, always bringing his signature humor and kind spirit to his role.

MARK GOLTIAO (HEALTH & WELLNESS)

Mark Goltiao is the go-to yoga guy in Evansville where everybody knows him and his commitment to the yoga community. In fact, Mark was the first to bring power yoga to Evansville In 2010 when he opened Evansville Power Yoga which he now co-owns. Two years ago, he introduced the community to the powers of sound healing though weekly sound baths. Mark lives his yoga by spreading his message of love and personal empowerment to the community. He is active in teaching mindfulness and self-discovery to leaders in Leadership Everyone. He has worked with various organizations in town, including Energize Evansville, Franklin Street Bizarre, Evansville Trails Coalition and the YMCA. He has shared his knowledge of yoga and personal transformation to the IU Medical students, U of E PA and PT Programs. His studio, also an accredited yoga school, continues to train future yoga teachers to live and spread the message of "living a life of love and connection." If he isn't in the studio, you can find Mark spending time with his partner of 25 years, Alan, and dog Sukha.

RON RHODES (NEWS PERSONALITY)

If you want to know what to expect from the weather when you walk outside each day - and to be entertained to boot - Ron Rhodes is your man. Best known as the FuNkY FrUiT guy with the "3 Degree Guarantee," the Owensboro native has been forecasting the weather here in the tri-state for 28 years now at Channels 7 and 25. And while his accuracy is impressive, boasting a 90% success rate, Rhodes' karaoke skills may be even more so. One thing's for sure, you simply can't look away when Ron is up there on the stage with microphone in hand at area venues. He also loves to boogie, by the way. Despite his Kentucky roots, Ron now resides in Newburgh with four very hungry cats, just one neighborhood over from his sister Cara. He has one son, Jordan, who currently teaches in Logansport, Indiana.

AARON HUFF (EDUCATION)

Current principal at Bosse High School and former principal at North Jr. High School in Evansville, Aaron Huff is a proud yet humble servant leader committed to educating the city's young people and serving the larger community. He is the 2022 C&P and UE Principal of the Year as well as a 2021 finalist, not to mention an American School Counseling Association Principal of the year nominee. Aaron is also the President of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). He's previously been selected as an Evansville Business Journal "20 Under 40" and is a Leadership Everyone alumni. Outside of school concerns, Aaron is a member of the Deacon and Trustee Board at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church and a practicing yogi at Yoga 101. Ultimately, he's focused on growth, development and continuous learning (as evidenced by his current status as an Indiana University doctoral candidate), striving to build the next generation of leaders. Committed to faith and family, Aaron is an unwavering advocate of public education, a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

KASEY FUQUAY (BUSINESS)

State Farm insurance agent Kasey Fuquay has a strong desire to help people; she opened her agency in 2019 to expand her volunteerism in the community, mentor other women entrepreneurs and, overall, to do more to help the community and families. And Kasey has done just that; her office has hit many goals and received many awards, including the Ambassador Travel Award from State Farm for the third time (roughly 30% of State Farm agents obtain this award per year), JLE 2020 Top 20 Women in Business, Readers' Choice Award and recognition several times for being E-rep’s Ambassador of the Month. Kasey helps many nonprofits by raising awareness for their causes, sitting on boards, committees, and truly getting in the trenches with them. Through her efforts, she has helped to raise over $50,000 for the community. In addition, she organizes events to help other local business owners network and to succeed.

KATRINKA RYNDER (COMMUNITY)

With 30+ years in community involvement, Katrinka Rynder has developed a strong love for the Evansville community. She currently works for the Evansville Rescue Mission's Capital Campaign, developing relationships and raising funds for the future Susan H. Snyder Center for Women and Children. Katrinka also serves as the Executive Director of the Hoosier Cowboy Association which hosts the River City Rodeo in southern Indiana each summer. She is a longtime member of Junior League of Evansville, most recently serving as VP of Community Engagement. She continues to work with the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership as a Community Ambassador, an active member of ANEW and is a former board member and supporter of Granted. Katrinka is extremely passionate about building relationships to invest and grow our community while helping others. When not busy promoting our community she can be found with her husband, Ted Rynder, enjoying all our community has to offer. They especially enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, taking them to Evansville Thunderbolts games, Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville Museum and Children's Museum of Evansville.

LANE SIESKY (LAW)

Since graduating from Indiana Law in 1998, Lane Siesky has been blessed to work with great team members in serving and helping those injured in accidents. During this time, he's been selected as a Super Lawyer in personal injury law every year since 2016. In addition, Lane has had the privilege of arguing in front of the Indiana Supreme Court, the 7th Circuit, 6th Circuit and he's admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court. In the community, Lane, along with Siesky Law Firm, has supported numerous local non-profit organizations to help and support the people living and working in southern Indiana. That support includes serving on boards, volunteering and donating to causes.

KARA HINSHAW (BUSINESS)

An entrepreneur in the real estate industry, Kara Hinshaw has a diverse background in long term rentals, nightly rentals, storage, and growing a brokerage as a real estate agent, managing broker and owner. Kara has successfully grown her brokerage firm to four locations with a 25% growth rate in 2022. With 20 years of experience in real estate, Kara has jumped into social media with both feet, creating a YouTube channel that helps educate people on relocating to Indiana and highlights local businesses. Her dedication to staying current with the latest technology and trends in the industry has helped her grow the business and establish a reputation as a leader in the field. In addition to real estate, she also has a passion for helping other agents get started in the industry. Kara provides a platform for them to get off on the right foot, coaches them as they grow, and motivates them by example. In addition, she has been actively involved in the local real estate association by serving on the board for over 15 years. Her various roles have included IRMLS Director, Treasurer and Vice President, and she currently serves as the President of Service Corporation.

JESSICA NUFFER (FOOD & DRINK)

General Manager at Bokeh Lounge in downtown Evansville, Jessica Nuffer is a self-described "bartender for life," finding endless joy in a profession that she loves and was simply meant to do. She truly feels it's the best job in the world - one that has blessed with her so many amazing memories and lasting friendships. And she gets paid to do it, no less. Known far and wide for her knowledge and skills behind the bar, Jessica has been asked to bartend for some of the biggest acts that have come through Evansville and even been tapped to be a ring girl for the WWE. Perhaps the biggest key to Jessica's success is that she not only loves to have fun but loves seeing other people have fun. It's an infectious trait that rubs off on everyone around her. When Jessica's in the house, it's always a celebration.

TIM BLACK (MEDIA)

Kentucky native Tim Black has pursued a career in broadcasting for almost 30 years and is presently WNIN President and CEO. Previously, he held the position of Vice President of Development. Before that, Tim worked in commercial broadcasting at WEVV-TV (CBS and FOX affiliate) in Evansville. After graduating from Murray State University with a journalism degree, Tim landed at WEVV as an on-air reporter. During the next 20-plus years, Tim was the main news anchor, news director and promotions manager at the station. Before joining WNIN, Tim spent almost seven years as WEVV’s GM. Tim is a member of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission as a mayoral appointee. He is well-known as a community cheerleader and supporter. It is not uncommon to find Tim and, often, his good friend Scott Wylie behind the podium at various local events serving as emcee. Tim lost his partner of almost 30 years, Burke, to cancer in 2021. Prior to his death Burke told Tim to “finish writing your story.” As a gay man Tim has taken that directive to heart. He supports local Pride events and fosters the growth and acceptance of the local gay community. He hopes to serve as an example for young, gay men in the area as one who can be open and still be successful.

LISA VAUGHAN (COMMUNITY)

Lisa Vaughan, a 16-year active member and Past President of the Junior League of Evansville, is the co-founder and chair of Feed Evansville. This grass roots initiative was put into operation at the beginning of the pandemic to assist the tri-state area with food needs. Lisa was named co-chair of the Mayor’s Reopening Food Security Task Force and worked with local government to form the Evansville Commission of Food Security. In addition, she has presented workshops at the Association of Junior League International conferences as well as at Junior League regional meetings. She currently serves the Association of Junior League International as a Volunteer Serves Specialist and is the immediate past Small Leagues Big Impact Coordinator. Lisa is a Registered Parliamentarian and member of the National Association of Parliamentarian. She also consults with non-profits to provide training and fund development planning. Lisa has been involved with 26 non-profits in the Evansville area through board of directors positions, committee work, and special projects. Some examples include the YWCA, Reitz Home, American Heart Association “GO Red Luncheon,” United Methodist Women Mission Week, Evansville Museum Contemporaries, Wesselman Nature Center and Funk in the City. Lisa works as the Children’s, Youth and Family Minister at Newburgh United Methodist Church. When Lisa is not volunteering, she enjoys music, dancing, baking and spending time with her two children, Nathan and Rebecca.

LINDSEY JAMES WILLIAMS (MUSIC)

Lindsey James Williams is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and looping artist from western Kentucky. His guitar and vocal abilities, coupled with live loop recording, take his solo acoustic show to a multi-instrumental, adult-rock performance. While sounding like a full band at times, Lindsey can also play intricate and intimate fingerstyle pieces from James Taylor, Paul Simon, Chet Atkins and many others. His original music, where his strongest musical passions reside, is also acoustic-driven, heavy on introspective lyrics and catchy guitar work. Fans of his former band wellhello and many new ones have followed Lindsey through the release of a solo record (Every Reason Happens For A Thing), the birth of his own Goldilocks Recording Studio, online streaming during Covid shutdowns, and countless live shows in and around the Ohio Valley for nearly 30 years. Lindsey says that his main goal in the music business is to keep being in it. "I want to stay creative. I want to keep learning. I hope that makes people as happy and interested as it makes me."

DR. JAMES PORTER (MEDICINE)

Dr. James Porter, president of the Physician Division at Deaconess Health System, Inc., joined Deaconess Hospital in 2000 as an adult and pediatric hospitalist and was appointed Vice President of Medical Affairs in 2002. He has been a part of the senior executive team which has seen Deaconess grow from a single hospital and small primary care physician group into a major referral and teaching facility for over 1.2 million people in three states over the past 20 years. James is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American College of Physicians and of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Porter is actively involved in our community, including serving on numerous boards such as the IU School of Medicine-Evansville Community Advisory Committee, Southern Indiana Graduate Education Consortium (SIGMEC), Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP), Warrick County Chamber of Commerce, and Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Trace Council. He is the former chair of the United Way of Southwest Indiana board and served as the 2019 United Way Campaign chair.

ANDREW WILSON (BUSINESS)

Andrew Wilson, CAI, CES, is currently President and a Principal Auctioneer/ Real Estate Broker with William Wilson Auction & Realty, Inc, a 40+ year, second generation family business with offices in New Harmony and Evansville, Indiana. Holding auctioneer and real estate licenses in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, Andrew specializes in the company’s real estate segments. He has earned the prestigious designation of Certified Auctioneers Institute and also holds the Certified Estate Specialist (CES) designation from the National Auctioneers Association. Andrew and the Wilson Team assist many local organizations with their fundraising needs, helping to raise more than $500,000 annually for groups like Youth First, Boys & Girls Club, Montessori Academy, Warrick Parks Foundation, Mesker Zoo, Evansville Philharmonic, Reitz Home, WNIN Public Media, and more. Andrew is active in the community, having served on various boards on the local and state level and has been recognized for his business and civic leadership, including being named as one of the Evansville Business Journal ’s “20 Under 40” in 2011, and as Southwest Indiana Chamber’s first “Young Professional of the Year” in 2017. He currently resides in his hometown of New Harmony, Indiana, with his wife, Amanda, and daughters Arianna and Alana, and enjoys being outdoors, everything New Harmony, and spending time with his family.

BILLY BOLIN (FIRST RESPONDER)

Evansville Chief of Police Billy Bolin began his policing career at the Henderson Police Department in 1995. Three years later he came on board with the Evansville Police Department and is now in his 12th year as Chief. His many achievements include leading the effort to build Kids Kingdom in downtown Evansville and acting as one of the co-chairs for the Mickey’s Kingdom Playground project. In addition, Billy is the co-founder and past president of 911 Gives Hope, which hosts both the annual Guns & Hoses charitable boxing event and the annual 911 Gives Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive. He is also one of the co-founders of Cops Connecting With Kids, an organization which has taken 460 local kids to Walt Disney World. Billy is the past president of the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police Association Awards and has received the Jefferson Award for Public Service, Jacklyn Kennedy Onassis Award and been named the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police Officer of the Year. Billy has been married to his wife Mitzi for 27 years. Together they have three sons, Isaac, Isaiah and Elijah.

MIKE GOEBEL (SPORTS)

A pillar of the tri-state sports community, Mike Goebel has been at the helm of the highly-lauded Mater Dei High School football program since 1996, becoming the most successful coach in SIAC history with a current record of 260-82. Two of those wins have resulted in state championships, including capping off the 2022 season in style. As a result of that incredible accomplishment, Mike was named the 2022 IFCA Coach of the Year & 2A Coach of the Year. Prior to taking over Mater Dei's football program, he served as the wrestling head coach for nearly 30 years (in fact, there was a decade overlap where he ran both programs), securing 12 state championships - the most in Indiana history. His mind-boggling career dual meet record of 533-14-2 will likely never be surpassed and remains the highest national win percentage. In all, Mike has been a part of the Mater Dei family for over five decades, including his days as a student. His positive influence and commitment to excellence have helped to shape countless young lives over the years, inspiring those around him to achieve great things and, in turn, make a lasting impact on the community.

MIKE STEPTO (BUSINESS)

President and CEO of Pet Food Center, LLC, Mike Stepto is a member of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, as well as the chairman of the Vanderburgh County precinct of the American Pet Products Association. In addition, Mike is a member of Saint Benedict Cathedral and Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville. He previously served on the parish council of the latter and has volunteered for various activities within the church. Organizations to which he belongs and/or donates to include Evansville Wartime Museum, Mesker Park Zoo, Vanderburgh Humane Society, It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue, Humane Society of Henderson County, Owensboro Humane Society, Daviess County Animal Control, Posey Humane Society and Boy Scouts of America. He also sits on the board of directors for the Kemper Military School Alumni Association (he is a 1990 graduate). In addition, Pet Food Center is involved with the annual fall festival and Mike lends his support to the Hadi Shriners whenever needed.

GAYLA BELL (FOOD)

Owner of GaylaCake Bakery on North Main Street in Evansville, Gayla Bell has previously served as VP of the North Side Business Association. She is the co-leader of the Jacobsville Livability Team, which has five main goals to continue making Jacobsville a great place to live, work, and thrive. With GaylaCake, Gayla has had the amazing privilege to support many local non-profits over the years through quarterly tip-giving. Through this program, with the aid of her staff and caring customers, well over $25,000 has been donated to non-profits such as Granted, Aurora, Echo Housing and Dream Center. Gayla is also involved with a program called Icing Smiles, an organization which matches terminally ill children with "Sugar Angels" in their area who provide a free custom cake to either the ill child, or one of their siblings. One of Gayla's proudest community contributions is her foster care cake program. For the past three years she's worked with area foster care agencies to provide a free custom birthday cake to kids in foster care, knowing that many of them have never had a birthday cake, let alone a custom-decorated one. A single mom of four amazing children, she is thankful to have these opportunities to live out the joy of serving in action and to benefit the local community as well.

KEN NEWCOMB (BUSINESS)

Ken Newcomb, Jr, President and Co-Manager of F.C. Tucker Commercial, has been active in the commercial, industrial and development business since 1975. After attending Indiana State University and Indiana University, he began an entrepreneurial endeavor and was owner and operator of his own business for 20 years. Ken joined F.C. Tucker Commercial in 2000. Ken has remained an active leader in his industry, serving as the Past President of the Indiana Commercial Board of REALTORS®, and is a member of the Indiana and National Association of REALTORS®. He has served on the Indiana Association of REALTORS® Economic Development Advisory Board, the Indiana Commercial Board of REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee and is a member of the Evansville Industrial Foundation. Ken was named the Indiana Commercial REALTOR® of the Year and was inducted into the Midwest Real Estate Hall of Fame. Ken has been featured in numerous local publications as an expert in commercial real estate. Aside from all of his entrepreneur developments and accomplishments, he has acted as a role model for his four daughters to be community leaders as well.

JON SIAU (ART)

Jon Siau's name is forever synonymous with North High School. After graduating from the University of Evansville with a Bachelor of Arts - he later completed a Master of Arts - Jon then spent the next 42 years as an art teacher at North, loving every minute of his time there (his legacy was cemented in 2014 with the dedication of the Jon Michael Siau Art Gallery). Along the way, his talented students notched numerous local, regional, state and national honors and went on to successful careers as art educators, architects, fashion designers, toy/game designers, graphic designers, fine artists and more. Yet Jon is a star in his own right, having been honored as one of Indiana's "Top Contemporary Artists" and exhibited paintings, prints and drawings throughout the Midwest. In addition, his singular style has caught the eye of celebrities, with works commissioned by sports legends such as Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Don Mattingly and Bob Knight and entertainers including Vince Gill, Shania Twain, The Judds and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Most notably, Jon was commissioned by the US Olympic Committee to create artwork for The Olympian, an international magazine that introduced his work to a world-wide audience.

MAYOR LLOYD WINNECKE (POLITICS)

Now in his 12th and final year as mayor of Evansville, Lloyd Winnecke has brought a high level of energy and enthusiasm to the position, working collaboratively with so many individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in the Greater Evansville Region. Since taking office in 2012, he's partnered with multiple organizations on a number of important projects: the interchange at U.S. 41 and the Lloyd Expressway; renegotiating a new, long-term lease for the LST 325 to remain in Evansville and the construction of a new riverfront visitor's center; construction of the North Main Street complete street project; construction of a new convention hotel; construction of an expanded presence of the IU School of Medicine in downtown Evansville; partnering with the University of Southern Indiana, University of Evansville, Deaconess Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent Hospital; successfully lobbying for land-based gaming in the Indiana Legislature, thus allowing for construction of the state's first land-based casino, a $50 million investment in our downtown; construction of Mickey's Kingdom; construction of the Deaconess Aquatic Center; construction of the Engelbrecht Family Carousel at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Gardens; construction of the Budgie Walkabout at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Gardens; construction of the Kinney Family Penguins of Patagonia exhibit at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Gardens; implementation of a traffic pre-emption system, which allows for faster response times for the Evansville Fire Department; demolition of more than 200 blighted properties; construction of the Walnut Street Connector; championing expansion of sports tourism in the city. The genesis of the mayor's nomination for 20+ Over 40 comes from the positive, collaborative spirit of his administration which the citizens of Evansville clearly value.

KC CHESSER (FOOD & DRINK)

Without KC Chesser, the tri-state bar scene simply wouldn't be the same. That's just a fact. From the moment he moved his signature establishment, the Timeout Lounge, out of the now-defunct Executive Inn and into Washington Square Mall some years back, ultimately creating the area's most expansive nightlife hotspot, he's never looked back. KC followed that venture up with the acquisition of the neighborhood favorite Corner Pocket on the north side before completely renovating Marina Pointe by the river in 2017. The latter project has since provided bar-goers with an annual outdoor summer destination for entertainment and live music that's unparalleled. Yet he still wasn't done. In 2019, KC brought the feel of Nashville to Franklin Street, debuting Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill on Evansville's west side - a haven for some of the best musical talent around. He then set his sights on Boonville. KC opened the 3rd Street Saloon in 2021, transforming a dilapidated two-story building into a shining star on the downtown Square. With five first-class bars on his résumé, KC has positioned himself as the leader of area nightlife, not only creating fun and exciting establishments that the community can be proud of but also drawing people from all over the region to our neck of the woods.

EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS:

DECADES OF POP

Penultimate Pops concert to feature chart hits across genres and generations

Just two Pops performances to go in what has turned out to be yet another dazzling EPO season. Music Director Roger Kalia and the Orchestra, as expected, did not disappoint and they've saved two of the best concerts for last, beginning with "Decades of Pop" this month at the Victory. Talk about putting diversity on display - the program for this highlyanticipated evening will include music from Cole Porter to Metallica and everything in between, including Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Aerosmith, The Beatles, Earth, Wind & Fire, Alvin Parris Iii, Freddie Mercury, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Journey, Styx and Pharrell Williams. If you thought classical music was stuffy, think again. Because the EPO is bringing it on March 18, ready to showcase the full range of their capabilities.

And to pump the show up even more, the Orchestra will be joined by vocalist Dan Domenech, a touring artist and

Broadway performer who has distinguished himself as one of the industry's leading men, featuring in critically-acclaimed productions such as "RENT," "Wonderland," "Sister Act," "Rock of Ages" and "Kinky Boots." You may also recognize him from guest appearances on Glee and Gotham . But even if you're unfamiliar with this hugely-talented singer, you'll become a fan in no time after hearing Domenech belt out the likes of "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Enter Sandman." The former two songs - along with "Come Sail Away" and "Happy" - will also be boosted by the backing of the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus, providing a rich, full sound to the production.

Let's be honest, it's not every night you get to see an area orchestra tackle multiple genres of music. But the EPO is more than up for the challenge, set to

explore pop, hip hop, soul, gospel, and funk for your listening pleasure. Don't miss this penultimate Pops concert and be sure to get your tickets for the season-ending Pops performance of "Aretha: A Tribute" on May 13!

For tickets and more info, visit evansvillephilharmonic.org or call 812425-5050. The Victory Theatre is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.

BUT THE EPO IS MORE THAN UP FOR THE CHALLENGE, SET TO EXPLORE POP, HIP HOP, SOUL, GOSPEL, AND FUNK FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE.

VOCALIST DAN DOMENECH

VICTORY THEATRE / MARCH 18 / 7 P.M.

LEANNE MORGAN "JUST GETTING STARTED" TOUR

Storytelling comedian dishes on the unflattering process of aging, her overwhelming debut at the Opry, being an inspiration and more

As advertised, Leanne Morgan is truly just getting started, having hit her comedic stride after nearly 25 years of working towards her dream; it just took a little help from social media to finally spread the word about this master storyteller with a delightful southern charm - and menopause, among other age-related concerns she hilariously addresses on stage. If you caught Morgan's previous "Big Panty" tour that rolled through Evansville in 2021, then you know the Nashville native spares no details regarding her life as a grandmother in decline. In actuality, she's full of life - and that's what

makes her self-deprecating style of comedy so appealing and relatable. So it's only fitting that the title of Morgan's upcoming Netflix special, I'm Every Woman, piggybacks on this connection to her fans. Out April 11, the hour-long set filmed back in December is the pay-off for Morgan's dogged determination and persistence, a reminder to never give up on your dream.

You're currently out in California doing some club dates prior to the "Just Getting Started" tour. Are you trying to get your material in shape before hitting the bigger venues?

Yes, I've been out here working, trying to shape the new hour; I've been pulling stuff out of my butthole. They [my team] said, 'You've got to have a new hour for this new tour' since I've done the Netflix special. And honey, things move at such a quick pace now and I'm not used to that as a 57-year-old woman who's been doing comedy for 23 years. So this just about tore me up, but I'm getting through it.

On stage you effectively describe your husband as a giant mute. Will you be bringing him along?

No. Because, no. He chews food in a hotel

room and watches basketball while I'm trying to get my head right. And another thing - and I don't want to be nasty - but if I bring him along it's so much work, honey. I can't tell you, as a woman, what I have to do. But Evansville has a casino, right? So he might come.

You joke a lot about the unflattering process of aging - about what's to come healthwise for women, like menopause and such unpleasant conditions. It's a community service, really.

Oh, menopause is a kick in the teeth, honey. And I want them to know to get some darn help. Tell somebody that does hormones 'I need some help.' But I'm getting on the other side of that mess and I've got good people tending to me and I rub creams all over myself all day long. I don't mean to weird you out, but we've got to figure out if we want to live well and long and die quick - or we want to die alone. And I don't want to die alone. As I say that...a woman made me a Jell-O salad last night and brought it to the stage - a blueberry Jell-O salad 'cause I was on a Jell-O salad kick during this whole pandemic. It's got a bunch of sugar in it, but I brought it back to the hotel room...but we've got to decide if we're going to eat greens and blueberries and salmon instead of pizza. And it's hard on the road, but I know I want to live long and die quick.

When you made your debut at the Grand Ole

Opry awhile back, it really seemed like an overwhelming experience - in the best way possible.

I was raised outside of Nashville so I grew up seeing Porter Wagoner at the mall and Barbara Mandrell buying underwear at Dillard's - and I would be in awe. I was in awe of show business; I wanted to be in show business by the time I was 10. Growing up near the Grand Ole Opry...and my people had a big processing plant. So we cut up...my little mom and daddy would cut up everybody's meat in Middle Tennessee and they would do some for country music stars and the Grand Ole Opry people, but we didn't knowsomebody else would come and pick up their meat and they would give us tickets every year to the Grand Ole Opry and I saw...when I was little I saw Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner when they were still together and Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl and all that. So when I did that [performed at the Opry], I'm telling you, I knew it was special, I knew it was a big deal but when I got there the overwhelming feeling... I did not know I was going to feel that; it was overwhelming. There is an energy there and an electricity or whatever you want to call it.

The name of this tour is spot-on - you really are just getting started in a sense. And it's such an inspiration to those who are harboring a dream but might think it's too late to, you know, get started.

Thank you, my darling. It is...it's more than comedy. God's put me here...you know, I've been doing comedy now about 20-something years - and there were bad times and good times and low times and high times. Most of it, nobody cared; I was out in Knoxville, Tennessee, raising three kids and Comedy Central didn't want me - like, I was never in that game but Hollywood could come calling...I mean, I had television deals for sitcoms but they didn't make it. I think people were fascinated by us in the south but they don't know what to do with us. There were many times where I thought I don't need to be...I need to give up. And I just feel like in my gut - which I believe is God talking to me - He never shut that door. And I just kept going and kept going. I think people discount people in their fifties, sixties and seventies, especially in Hollywood. And I think they're realizing that we're the ones who have something to talk about. We are the ones who have got the means to go out and buy a ticket; we want to be entertained; we are smart; we are viable people. I hope people realize to never give up - if you have a dream, lord, you only have one life; you better, you know, see what you can do.

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

It is...it's more than comedy. God's put me here...you know, I've been doing comedy now about 20-something years - and there were bad times and good times and low times and high times.

"ROLL ON 2 NORTH AMERICA" TOUR

FORD CENTER / MARCH 30 / 7 P.M.

Hall of Fame country music act regroups after loss of founding member, vows to play on

It's hard to imagine we'll ever see another band make such an indelible impact on country music - or any genre, for that matter. Because Alabama, now in its sixth decade of performing, literally changed the game. Choose your accolade to make the case - whether it's their record of 21 straight number one singles (likely never to be equaled), the revolutionary fusing of country and rock or the sheer longevity of the band's popularity. No matter how you slice it, Alabama is in a class all its own - but also part of a very select group of icons that make up the Country Music Hall of Fame, and deservedly so.

Together, founding members Randy Owens, Jeff Cook and Terry Gentry created some of country music's most lasting songs, including "Mountain Music," "Dixieland Delight," "Song of the South," "Born Country" and so many more. The chemistry between these three cousins went far beyond a familial bond - which made the recent passing of Cook even more painful. But the show must go on; Owens and Cook are determined to keep his memory alive in the music by hitting the road and playing the songs that made Alabama one of the greatest bands of all-time. Evansville is lucky enough to be one of the stops on the "Roll On to North America" tour - a hot ticket if there ever was one!

For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com. The Ford Center is located at 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd. in downtown Evansville.

UP & RUN PRESENTS:

MINI MASTERS ON FRANKLIN ST. & BEER FUN RUN/WALK

Anytime Rise Up & Run is involved in an area event, you know it's going to be a blast. Especially when the tri-state event production company teams up with Working Distributors - the folks who kindly deliver all your favorite beers to local bars and grocery stores. So be sure to leave Saturday, April 8, and Saturday, April 22, open next month because you don't want to miss what Rise Up & Run and Working Distributors have in store for you.

MINI MASTERS ON FRANKLIN ST.

April 8 / Noon-4 p.m.

First up is an afternoon of bar golf with prizes for the teams with the three lowest scores (this is golf, remember - a low score is good) and for the team with the best costume. Each hosting bar on West Franklin Street will construct fun and challenging putt-putt style holes, ranging in difficulty from easy to almost impossible. Team registration for a foursome is FREE. You just need to be 21 or over.

BEER FUN RUN/WALK

April 22 / Noon-2 p.m.

A couple weeks later, it's the ultimate challenge - long distance running while drinking. Participants will traverse a 3-mile course with stops at seven west side establishments along the way to drink a sample sized beer. The good news is you can take your sweet time - or go for the gusto and reach the finish line first. Participating bars: Sportsman’s, Chaser's, VFW 1114, Bud's, Franklin St. Tavern, Corner Bar, Leroy's. You must be 21 or over.

To register, visit riseupandrun.com.

Tri-state company partnering with Working Distributors for two super fun events in April

Healthy Cooking with Lindsay Rasure

I wish I could take credit for this recipe, but this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen is too good not to share! I love being able to skip the artificial food dyes and use real food coloring options. These spinach and banana muffins are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! They are packed full of healthiness with spinach, flaxseed meal, banana, and hemp hearts. The only thing I changed from the original recipe was the addition of chocolate chips (because, well, you know chocolate chips make everything better). I love how the spinach gives the muffins a vibrant green color. Make sure you check out Ambitious Kitchen to see more of her awesome recipes.

CLEAN BITE

SPINACH BANANA MUFFINS

life

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 EGGS

• 2 MEDIUM TO LARGE EXTRA RIPE BANANAS (WITH LOTS OF BROWN SPOTS)

• ¼ C. PURE MAPLE SYRUP OR HONEY

• 1/3 C. MILK OF CHOICE

• 3 C. SPINACH

• 1 TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT

• 1 C. PACKED BLANCHED ALMOND FLOUR

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 C. OAT FLOUR

• ¼ C. FLAXSEED MEAL

• 1 TSP. CINNAMON

• 1 TSP. BAKING POWDER

• ½ TSP. BAKING SODA

• ¼ TSP. SALT

• 2 T. HEMP SEEDS

• 1/3 C. MINI CHOCOLATE CHIPS + 1-2 T. TO SPRINKLE ON TOP OF MUFFINS

1. PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 375 DEGREES. LINE A MUFFIN TIN WITH ABOUT 10 MUFFIN LINERS. SPRAY THE INSIDE OF THE MUFFIN LINERS WITH NONSTICK COOKING SPRAY SO THE MUFFINS DO NOT STICK TO THE LINERS.

2. ADD THE EGGS, BANANAS, MAPLE SYRUP/HONEY, MILK, SPINACH, AND VANILLA EXTRACT TO A LARGE, HIGH POWERED BLENDER AND BLEND ON HIGH FOR 1 MINUTE OR UNTIL COMPLETELY SMOOTH. SET ASIDE.

3. IN A LARGE BOWL WHISK TOGETHER THE ALMOND FLOUR, OAT FLOUR, FLAXSEED MEAL, CINNAMON, BAKING POWDER, BAKING SODA AND SALT UNTIL WELL COMBINED. POUR THE BLENDED WET INGREDIENTS OVER THE DRY INGREDIENTS AND MIX WITH A WOODEN SPOON UNTIL WELL COMBINED. STIR IN CHOCOLATE CHIPS LAST. DIVIDE THE BATTER BETWEEN THE MUFFIN LINERS. SPRINKLE REMAINING CHOCOLATE CHIPS ON TOP OF MUFFINS. BAKE FOR 20-25 MINUTES OR UNTIL A TOOTHPICK COMES OUT CLEAN OR WITH JUST A FEW CRUMBS ATTACHED.

FOR MORE RECIPES OR MEAL IDEAS YOU CAN FOLLOW LINDSAY RASURE ON INSTAGRAM: @CLEANBITELIFE OR HER FACEBOOK GROUP: CLEAN BITE LIFE

COUPONS!

PRESENTED BY:

IN TOWN & AROUND

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

1:00 PM

Ford Center -- 2023 Basketball

Championships: Ohio Valley

Conference Session 1

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

Ford Center -- 2023 Basketball

Championships: Ohio Valley Conference Session 1

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

1:00 PM

Ford Center -- 2023 Basketball

Championships: Ohio Valley Conference

6:00 PM

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

Wiemeier & Jake Holder

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

6:30 PM

Ford Center -- 2023 Basketball

Championships: Ohio Valley Conference

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- Beer Pong

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

1:00 PM

Ford Center -- 2023 Basketball

Championships: Ohio Valley Conference

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- 2023 Basketball

Championships: Ohio Valley Conference

7:30 PM

Victory Theatre -- Hairball: A Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- DJ AP

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soul 'N the Pocket

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- Paul Wiemeier & Jake Holder

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Dance Party w/ DJ Jones Capone

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

2:00 PM

Ford Center -- 2023 Basketball

Championships: Ohio Valley Conference

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- 2023 Basketball

Championships: Ohio Valley Conference

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Revision, Revised & More Old National Events Plaza

-- Tauren Wells "Joy in the Morning" Tour

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- DJ Toran

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- Paul Wiemeier & Jake Holder

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

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

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Tom Drury Jazz Quartet

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, MARCH 6

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

Old National Events Plaza -- Joe Gatto's "Night of Comedy"

9:00 PM

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Evansville

Thunderbolts PTO Giveback Night

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Nutshell

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Trey Hughes

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Dance Party w/ DJ Jones Capone

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/

Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Evansville

Thunderbolts Pink the Rink & Heart Health Wellness Night

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- The Cold Stares: Album Release Show

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Whiskey

Throttle

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Stackin' Eights

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Todd Cameron

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!

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz:

The Sidemen

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, MARCH 13

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

5:30 PM

Friedman Park Event Center

(Newburgh) -- Tri-State's Top

Comic benefiting Daisy's New

Beginnings (headliner Pat Godwin)

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 -- Evansville

Thunderbolts St. Patrick's Day Game

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Kane Brown: "Drunk or Dreaming" Tour

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- St. Patrick's Day Party w/ DJ Chidi

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- St. Patrick's Day Party w/ That's What She Said!

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- DJ Cliffy D Dance Party

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Dance Party w/ DJ Jones Capone

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Aaron

Kamm & the One Drops

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

12:00 PM

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- APA Pool

Tourney

6:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Elliott Sublett Duo

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Evansville

Thunderbolts Jurassic Night

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- The Pits

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Clark After Dark

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- DJ Jon J

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Stackin' Eights

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Dirk Band

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, MARCH 20

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

Victory Theatre -- Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen feat. Patrick Myers

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool

12:00 PM

Ford Center -- NCAA Division II

Men's Basketball Championship

6:00 PM

Ford Center -- NCAA Division II

Men's Basketball Championship

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

7:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Poetry Night

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- Boscoe France

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

4:00 PM

Ford Center -- NCAA Division II

Men's Basketball Championship

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

7:00 PM

Old National Events Plaza -Leanne Morgan "Just Getting

Started" Tour

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Drag Me to the Weekend w/ DJ Chidi

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- Trey Hughes

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Dance Party w/ DJ Jones Capone

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Eternal

Equinox w/ HumorMe & Raydium

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

2:00 PM

Ford Center -- NCAA Division II

Men's Basketball Championship

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Gypsy Soul

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- A Brighter

End & The Wise Man's Fear

Old National Events Plaza -- Rob

Schneider "I Have Issues" Tour

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- TBA

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/

Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Blackford Creek

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: USI Jazz Ensemble w/ Tom Drury

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, MARCH 27

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Artist of the Month: Aslynn (Live Painting)

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

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

Ford Center -- Alabama "Roll On 2 North America" Tour

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

7:30 PM

Old National Events Plaza -- Riverdance "The 25th

Anniversary" Tour

9:00 PM

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Koe Wetzel "Road to Hell Paso" Tour

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Year of October

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Laidback Country Picker

Old National Events Plaza -- An Evening with Rickey Smiley & Friends

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Jake Holder & Friends

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Dance Party w/ DJ Jones Capone

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

XANDERWOLF

Long one of the tri-state's most talented and in-demand photographers whose work boasts an international reach, Alex Morgan is also a notable musician - a metal drummer at heart yet more than capable of shredding on the six-string, too. Back in 2019 he decided to add "singer" to his résumé and embarked on a solo project - dubbed Xanderwolf - in collaboration with Steve Tyner at Black Cat Recording in Evansville. "I wrote most of the songs on acoustic guitar and wrote the drum parts primarily in my head," Morgan explains, noting that the goal was to create "punk-infused, genrecrossing rock & roll." It was tough going at first as he struggled to find his voice, but with each studio session, he gained confidence; Tyner, always encouraging, helped to steer Morgan in the right direction and the material began to take shape.

Teasers from the record dribbled out over time; the Judas Priest-inspired "A Good Night to Raise Some Hell" gave a good indication of the direction the project was headed, though "Evil Creatures, a slice of pop-punk with a Latin twist, proved Morgan's point of crossing genres. In early 2021, a third Xanderwolf track, "Hindsight 2020," hit streaming services. Political yet amusing, its piss-take on the pandemic played to a Black Sabbath-meets-90's rock soundtrack - Covid on steroids, in a sense. The trio of songs, more than anything, displayed a real synergy between musician and engineer, as Morgan and Tyner forged a great working relationship that only grew stronger throughout the recording of Alpha ; the end result clearly speaks for itself. "I think Tyner did a fantastic job and it was a blast to work with him," Morgan enthuses. "It really made the process fun."

While Morgan played nearly every note on the album, he got valuable assistance from Chris Koyle who supplied some mean lead guitar on the likes of "Under the Light of a Bad Moon," "Burn

Town," "Aphrodite" and "Requiem." (And his buddy Pete Rock, it should be noted, helped with pre-production.) After Tyner mixed the project, world-renowned metal producer Mark Lewis was brought on board to master Alpha , ensuring that every track reached its potential. And let it be said that this is a seriously good album. Instrumental opener "Mantra," for example, glides in like the soundscape for a dark western, all slithery and strangely inviting. "That River Keeps Flowin'," on the other hand, offers shades of Alice In Chains; here, Morgan's newfound vocal confidence really shines with a smooth, layered chorus that's truly impressive. Standout "Too Little Too Late" ping-pongs back and forth between bluesy verses that reference 70s-era ZZ Top and a 90's rock-inspired chorus not too far removed from Stone Temple Pilots. Appropriately, Morgan closes Alpha with a carnival-esque waltz that really shows off his knack for musical diversity. "Who Will Entertain the Entertainers," from beginning to end, is a minor-key feast for the ears with probing lyrics and a healthy dose of cynicism, neatly summing up this unique project.

Alpha is available on major streaming platforms.

Photographer Alex Morgan drops the Alpha LP, a music project three years in the making

"I think Tyner did a fantastic job and it was a blast to work with him," Morgan enthuses. "It really made the process fun."

AS GOOD AS IT GETS

For more than a decade, Evansville's As Good As It Gets, a pop-rock duo comprising vocalist/guitarist Mike White and vocalist/pianist/guitarist Dustin J. Mattingly, have made their mark on the local scene and produced some excellent work along the way. 2019's Modern Parlance , heavily influenced by Ben Folds, built on the acoustic approach of earlier EPs like Something New while 2021's Spirit of the Staircase culled material from their previous band Thank You Jade. The latter's throwback to an electric guitar-centric vibe seemed to inspire White and Mattingly; they soon hunkered down to write and record a fitting follow-up, a culmination of the duo's musical journey to date.

Released on February 10, Left to Our Own Devices is a truly infectious collection of power-pop absolutely packed with hooks. Tracks like the single-worthy "Fingertips to the Wolverines," impossibly catchy "A Little Mad Sometimes" and delightfully angular "Sweet Tooth" and "History" recall the heyday of Green Day and Eve 6. Elsewhere, the hypermelodic "Echoes" echoes Blink-182 at their finest, while "Several Bad Examples" has a chorus Fall Out Boy would be proud of. Then there's "The Early Worm" which really kicks in when area singer Lauri Andrick enters at the 2:30 mark, taking the song to new heights. But perhaps the most impactful cut here is "Do or Die" which plays like an all-important pep-talk, the duo urging each other to "shake the fear out of my weary spine" and try.

available

Left to Our Own Devices is

on Bandcamp and major streaming platforms.

Left to their own devices: 10 years in, Evansville pop-rock duo releases infectious collection that's as good as it gets

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.

REMASTERED/REMIXED ALBUMS: A TREAT FOR THE FANS, OR A MONEY GRAB?

Have you ever wanted a do-over with your life? There was a Rick and Morty episode a few years back where the mad scientist Rick created one for his grandson Morty. As you might guess, it created all sorts of problems. So, maybe it’s a good thing we don’t have such a device. Musicians and bands, however, have a do-over device called “remastered” and “remixed” albums.

There are fundamental differences between a remastered and a remixed album, yet they can often resemble the same product. Mastering an album involves the complex task of setting levels, adding effects, equalizing, compression, and other effects to ensure the album sounds good. Some albums require a do-over, while others, like Alice In Chains' Jar of Flies, didn’t require any mastering, according to our podcast interview with producer Toby Wright. Most bands aren’t so lucky. There are many rock and metal albums from the 70’s and 80’s that suffer from poor production. For these albums, bands can have them remastered. Remixing, on the other hand, often involves introducing new elements, like extending songs and adding or rerecording instruments. In both cases, artists

get another chance to make their album sound good! At least, that is the justification offered by bands who re-release remastered and remixed albums.

Let’s face it, most remastered albums sound exactly the same as the original, and remixed albums are often so lackluster that the skeptic in us makes us think they are more likely a way to get fans to buy another copy of the same album than a true attempt to fix the original. Old school bands like KISS, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones seem to remaster their albums every few years. Other bands like Rush and Megadeth have been accused of producing remastered albums that sound worse than the original (Vapor Trails and Rust in Peace), just so they can release a “new” remastered version. For those alive in the 80’s, Coke did this with “New Coke,” just so they could boost sales of the reintroduced “Original Coke.”

But let’s focus on the positive. There are artists who manage to offer fans something exciting with re-releases. For example, 2022’s remixed version of Dio’s Holy Diver is incredible, and the 2009 remaster of The Beatles’ "The Original Studio Recordings" is a stunning improvement on those early recordings. What do you think? Are remastered and remixed albums a good thing or just a money grab? What is your favorite remastered/remixed album? Hit us up on Facebook and let us know.

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

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

SCREEN TIME

WITH MARISA PATWA

Murder,

SCREAM VI

Ghostface keeps on slashing in this immortal horror series. But with Neve Campbell backing out of the iconic franchise as Sidney Prescott due to pay issues, I'm weary. Like Jamie Lee Curtis’ ferocious Lori Strode, she’s an essential part of this lore. Thankfully, Wednesday’s Jenna Ortega continues to earn her scream queen stripes in this film, alongside Melissa Barrera and Tara Carpenter. Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown fill out the group of survivors who leave Woodsboro and start a new life. But Ghostface continues to catch up, taunting the teens in NYC by filling a train with riders masked up like him. So many faces, but who's wielding the knife? In one chase scene, the serial killer stabs and shoots his way through busy bodegas while his victims crawl on glass in fear. “We execute him,” Tara proclaims after they create an elaborate plan to capture him. Will they end the killing spree once and for all? In theaters 3/10

65

Adam Driver steers this sci-fi action movie full speed ahead. He plays a quick-thinking, capable pilot who believes himself stranded on a mysterious planet after an asteroid crashes into his spaceship. He, along with 35 other passengers, were on a long-range exploratory mission when they came plummeting to the ground in a fiery crash. It's only after he runs into ravenous dinosaurs that he discovers he is somehow trapped on earth, but 65 million years ago during the prehistoric era. He's not the only survivor either - a young girl named Koa, played by the talented up-and-coming actress Ariana Greenblatt, is still alive in her sleeping pod. After waking her, they work to escape their doom and find a way back to the future. The plot is the stuff of nightmares - who hasn't dreamt about being stranded with the dinosaurs? With Sam Raimi producing this Jurassic Parkmeets-Aliens film, it's sure to be a heartracing, thought-provoking thriller. In theaters 3/10

MURDER MYSTERY 2

Comedy team Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler are back as a seemingly normal married couple who once again become tied up in a murderous conspiracy. It’s pure, unadulterated whodunnit fun. In the first go-around, Nick and Audrey Spitz solved an international crime. Now, they've started their own detective agency, finding themselves caught up in a Parisian scandal when the groom is kidnapped at a lavish wedding. The sleuthing couple must figure out how to pay the $50 million ransom. Movie villain heavyweight Mark Strong swims ashore as a detective hoping to crack the case, with a suspicious eye on the married pair. Who doesn't love a little European intrigue? “Bonjour,” a tired but unsurprised Adam Sandler says to a gaggle of shocked customers as he and his wife crash into a small cafe. Clearly, chaos follows the two around and it’s a true delight to watch them try to wade through the waters of their own making.

Netflix 3/31

Monsters and Mayhem: March movies feature plenty of chills and thrills

TRUE CRIME JUNKIE

THE SHOOTING OF ABIGAIL ZWERNER

Just when you think you've seen it all, a case like this one comes along. Shocking is the only way to describe the shooting of Abigail Zwerner, a 25-yearold first grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia. Why? Because of the age of the perpetrator. Just six-years-old, the male student with a history of disruptive behavior and aggression towards both classmates and instructors took things to another level on January 6, 2023. On that fateful day he arrived at school carrying a loaded firearm on his person, intent on shooting Zwerner, whom he had stated that he "hated" and wanted to "light her on fire and watch her die."

In the lead-up to the January 6 incident, two days before the shooting, a major red flag appeared when the boy took Zwerner's phone and smashed it on the ground. He was suspended for 24 hours; however, this time-out only seemed to stoke his anger towards his teacher. Because when he returned the following day, he was packing a 9mm semi-automatic pistol - apparently procured from the top shelf of a closet in his mother's bedroom. Alarmingly, several students reported that the boy was carrying a firearm - and even Zwerner herself told administration she had seen him put something suspicious in his pocket - but the school did nothing apart from checking his backpack which contained no weapons. Bear in mind, too, that the boy had threatened to punch a female kindergartner in the face earlier during lunch, clearing indicating a violent mood. Yet no action was taken.

But this case gets even more disturbing as you peel back the layers. During the afternoon recess,

the boy informed several classmates of his plan to shoot Zwerner but warned if they told anyone he would shoot them, too. He even showed the weapon to a couple of kids - one of whom reported it to a teacher. She then notified the assistant principal but, incredibly, the report fell on deaf ears. Time and time again, the school failed to address the warning signs. Which, sadly, could have stopped what happened next. After recess, during a lesson given by Zwerner, the boy, unprovoked, produced the pistol and fired a single shot at his teacher. The bullet went through her hand before entering Zwerner's upper chest. Remarkably, despite being severely injured, she still had the presence of mind to remove her students from the classroom and take them to safety. Zwerner was then transported to a hospital for treatment and, thankfully, released a couple days later. However, the bullet remains inside her body.

To date, no charges have been filed in this bizarre and, frankly, sobering case. But one thing's clear: the six-year-old suspect is severely troubled and headed down a very dark road if he doesn't receive proper mental health services.

WITH JOHNNY FLETCHER

"TIME AND TIME AGAIN, THE SCHOOL FAILED TO ADDRESS THE WARNING SIGNS. WHICH, SADLY, COULD HAVE STOPPED WHAT HAPPENED NEXT.

DAWNITA WILKERSON: STILL MISSING

Family of missing Evansville woman meets with case detective, person of interest noted

Last seen nearly three years ago outside a local motel as she stepped into a silver/pewter-colored 2004 SUV, Evansville's Dawnita Wilkerson turns 47 this month - the third birthday that's passed since she disappeared on June 21, 2020. Her family continues to search for answers but as more and more time goes by and the case grows cold, their frustration mounts. However, recently, there was a glimmer of hope as the detective in charge of Dawnita's investigation met with the family to discuss information regarding the whereabouts of the missing mother of six, including a person of interest.

As it turns out, the uncle of the man that was last seen with Dawnita in the surveillance footage at the motel is now behind bars, charged with the rape, confinement and battery of an area missing woman. What's of note here is that Wilkerson reportedly had interactions with this man in the past - and there's a claim that he bit her just as he bit the missing woman, according to the victim. Dawnita's family is convinced there's a connection between the uncle, the nephew captured on camera at the motel and Wilkerson's disappearance.

A $5000 reward is being offered to encourage anyone who has information to come forward. You may call the tipline at 812-435-6194 or email finddawnitawilkerson@gmail.com.

DAWNITA WILKERSON

Black Female

Black Hair

47-years-old

5'3" / 145 pounds

Multiple Tattoos

MR. WORLDWIDE: He’s a superstar first, cat second. He is Mr. Worldwide! At 8-years-old, he’s lived most of his life as a stray. Having never received vet care, he was brought in with some seriously unchecked dental issues. Fortunately, Mr. Worldwide’s ambition for success knows no borders. After arriving at the VHS, he received a dental and full teeth extraction - leaving him pain free and ready to be adopted! Mr. Worldwide’s adoption fee includes his neuter, microchip and vaccinations, as well as 24/7 access to a superstar.

ZUMA: Meet Zuma! Not to be confused with Zumba, even though she does involve A LOT of cardio activity. This big girl is as silly as she is strong, though. At only 1 ½ years old, she is very trainable and excited to learn new things! Zuma would love an active home that is as eager as she is to get outside and play. Her $150 adoption fee includes her spay, microchip and vaccination.

SPIKE & GIZMO: These little piggies went wee, wee, wee all the way to your home! At Least that’s what these two are hoping for. Meet Spike and Gizmo, a pair of 3-year-old guinea pig brothers. Guinea pigs are social animals and live in herds in the wild. Most piggie owners, however, find two to be suffice. If you’re interested in adding Spike and Gizmo to your family, you can apply at vhslifesaver. org or meet them in person at the Vanderburgh Humane Society!

EACH MONTH WE’LL BE CHECKING IN WITH THE VHS FOR THE LATEST GOOD NEWS AND TO HELP FIND FUREVER HOMES FOR SOME OF THEIR MORE UNIQUE AND OLDER RESIDENTS

JOSIE

VHS ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT

Evansville's Kevin and Jennifer Wiener have the sort of approach to adopting animals that more people should take: "If we're going to do it, then we're going to do it right," Kevin states with conviction. A former vet tech, he knows exactly how much work goes into rescuing a pet from the shelter - a good thing, too, because the couple had their hands full with Josie, an Anatolian shepherd mix that they adopted last May. Just a little over three-months-old at the time, her expected lack of obedience was compounded by the stubborn nature of the breed. It would take the better part of the summer to get Josie on the right path - a taxing job that mostly

fell to Jennifer, a local teacher who effectively gave up her vacation time to train the headstrong pup. But it was well worth it. As Kevin notes, "she's a great dog, sweet and loveable."

The decision to adopt Josie from the VHS was made when the couple noticed how depressed their terrier mix, Toby, had become after the passing of a previous dog. "We wanted to help him spring back," Kevin says. But first Toby had to recover from an unfortunate bout of blastomycosis before he could fully appreciate the company of the new family member. "When he started feeling better they became the best

SOMETIMES WE LIKE GOING FOR THE ONES THAT NEED A LITTLE EXTRA WORK BECAUSE WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY GO TO A GOOD HOME.

of friends," Kevin notes. "Toby's a little older and more mature - so he has his moments where he's kind of had enough, but when we started taking Josie to doggy daycare that helped her to understand him better so she knows when to back off now."

Reportedly, Josie is still in the mode of testing the couple's authority on occasion "but will obey if we are firm." Now a year-old, she's come a long way from those early days just out of the shelter. Indeed, it was challenging but Kevin and Jennifer wouldn't change a thing. "Sometimes we like going for the ones that need a little extra work because we want to make sure that they go to a good home," Kevin says. "A lot of times dogs like that just end up getting surrendered over and over again." As a reward for the couple's efforts, they have been blessed with a "great snuggler" - Josie loves to curl up on the couch with them, nice and close, which pleases Kevin to no end. "I like dogs that can be right there next to you, especially in the wintertime."

*Be sure to check out Kevin's Facebook group All Bugs Go to Kevin.

AS I TYPE THIS...

with Barold Hume

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...uhhhh, well, it's definitely not Superman. I'll be damned, it's a big white balloon. Huh. I think we all would have preferred the Man of Steel, but instead we got the Chinese spying on us. Shocking, eh? Ironically, while much of the US population had their heads buried in their phones, presumably checking out more fascinating TikTok vids, our biggest adversary - who created TikTok, mind you - snuck a balloon into our airspace to gather important data of some kind or another. Who knows what Xi Jinping and his cronies were aftermilitary info, perhaps. But maybe China just wanted to make us look bad. Not that difficult, really. But we sure showed them by shooting that over-sized contraption down - a week after it was discovered. As I type this, the debate over why the US government waited so long to do so is still raging. If you lean to the right, we apparently didn't act fast enough and put the country in jeopardy; if you lean left, then it was a cautionary measure to ensure that no one was injured in

the process of disabling the balloon. Hey, it's politics in America. Interestingly, while former President Trump insisted that he would have immediately blown it out of the sky, there have been reports that the Chinese got away with the exact same thing during his administration. As usual, I'm not sure what to believe. Or who to believe, more accurately.

Regardless, even more unidentified objects have since been detected over Alaska and Canada - both quickly dispatched to the trash heap. Weird, wild stuff - much like the recent State of the Union address. Sure, it's tradition and all, but these speeches - no matter which party is in charge - are brutal. President Biden certainly did his best to seem chipper and spry for an old guy and even made some good points here and there, but, inevitably, it all devolved into a partisan spectacle. In fact, the address more resembled a chaotic, Parliament-style debate at times with the far-right elements of the

Republican party screaming out "liar" and such non-niceties as Biden attempted to make the case for the Democrats' agenda. If you dig the WWE, then it probably made good TV, but did it accomplish anything? Not really. Though it did take some of the heat off of Rep. George Santos, so he likely enjoyed the show. Ultimately, the State of the Union address just seemed to underline the deep divide in politics and set the stage for a very contentious 2024 election. The clock is TikTok-ing...

WEIRD, WILD STUFF - MUCH LIKE THE RECENT STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS. SURE, IT'S TRADITION AND ALL, BUT THESE SPEECHES - NO MATTER WHICH PARTY IS IN CHARGE - ARE BRUTAL.

I DON'T LIKE MONDAY

Forgive me, but I'm a little agitated at the moment. Not only am I adding yet another candle to an already crowded birthday cake this month, but I'm currently being hounded, quite mercilessly, by two diabolically obnoxious commercials on TV. I know, I know, just turn the dang thing off. But the thing is, I'm paying a monthly cable bill, so I feel obligated to watch. What's that you say? Cancel my subscription? Too lazy. Also, if I cut the cord, then I'm stuck with choosing between 19 different streaming services. Ain't got time for that. Not at this age, anyway. Funnily enough, one of the two commercials that's driving me batty is a Spectrum ad - I'm being tormented by my own cable company. See, they have this spokesman who seems to be amped up on cocaine; he talks a mile a minute and repeatedly yells out "free-eeee!!!" at the top of his lungs in a ridiculous manner. It's

MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD...

with Johnny Fletcher

BIRTHDAYS

enough to make you want to cancel your subscription. But we've been over that. Yet somehow the Spectrum wackjob pales in comparison to the Lume gal. Are you familiar with Lume? Do your armpits and butt crack stink? More than such unsavory places on the human body normally do, I mean. Well, then you might want to look into this supposedly magical, odorblocking cream. All you need to do is watch cable TV for 10 minutes and you'll be faced with the aforementioned gal all up in your grill. Back up, for god's sake, lady. She claims to be a doctor, though is dressed down to the nth degree to appear relatable, I assume. And nothing makes her happier than telling everyone about Lume; she even goes so far as to threaten to demonstrate applying it. Supposed to be funny but no one's laughing in my home, I can assure you.

On the subject of things not being funny, as previously noted, I'm turning a year older this month, inching ever closer to proper senior citizen status. And it's not even a milestone birthday - just an average, run-of-the-mill deal. Perhaps worst of all, I'll be celebrating on a Monday. Not cool. Sure, the Bangles made the beginning of the work week something to sing about back in 1986 (well, Prince supplied the tune) but generally speaking, I err on the side of the Boomtown Rats who famously bemoaned, "I don't like Mondays" seven years earlier. I was nine then and very impressionable, of course. Guess Bob Geldof is to blame for my pessimism, then, though he did go on to organize Live Aid which was pretty uplifting. But don't worry, I'll survive my predicament, despite how much it stinks. Perhaps some Lume could help...

ON THE SUBJECT OF THINGS NOT BEING FUNNY, AS PREVIOUSLY NOTED, I'M TURNING A YEAR OLDER THIS MONTH, INCHING EVER CLOSER TO PROPER SENIOR CITIZEN STATUS.

WHO WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL MUSICIAN TO COLLABORATE WITH?

Dear Curious,

When I was living in Hoboken, New Jersey, I would venture the 20 minute train ride to New York City to do some shows out there, including a noon open mic on a Saturday. I remember after “totally killing” my set like the wonderfully, talented, amazing performer that I am, someone came up to the mic a few spots later calling themselves “The Greatest of All Time.” Not even GOAT; had to say the whole phrase straight out of the gate before, during and after the set. At that time, I was like, “Oh, I totally have to collaborate with this person if he’s the greatest of all time!” And then I heard the set.

So, to answer your question - maybe RÜFÜS DU SOL?

anything Freddie Ask

Musician. Writer. Man about town. Freddie Bourne has his finger on the pulse of the tri-state, and he's here's to tackle your questions about life, love and other stuff. No matter the subject, he's got a take on it - whether you want to hear it or not.

A CHINESE SPY BALLOON RECENTLY FLOATED ACROSS AMERICA BEFORE BEING SHOT DOWN. WHAT INFO ARE YOU CONCERNED THAT IT DISCOVERED ABOUT YOU AS IT HOVERED OVER THE MIDWEST?

Dear Snoopy,

Just because I’m a bigger guy doesn’t mean that the inflatable object was able to spot much of what I was doing, especially since I stay inside due to the elaborate fear of floating things hitting me in the face. The bigger question is the amount of things I search on my phone... I assure you that looking up “German Idol contestants” is because I've been a fan of the show since 2002 despite the contestants’ inability to sing in tune to one of the greatest house bands of all time. No need to fact check it; take it from me. But one time in 2015, I crapped myself while trying to run into a Boston Market. Have fun reviewing that tape, Balloon.

US REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE SANTOS LIED ABOUT VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING TO GET ELECTED. WHAT SORTS OF WHOPPERS WOULD YOU TELL TO GET A JOB?

Dear Rep. Santos,

I can’t help you get out of this one. You are on your own. Sorry I couldn’t make you feel better about your situation by saying, “Don’t worry. We’ve all been there.” Also, sorry to the places of employment that thought my legal name was “Freddie.” It’s actually Hubert Blaine Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenbergerdorff, Sr. and I died in 1997.

HOW MANY CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY HIDING INSIDE YOUR HOME?

Dear Wray,

Six. They all have to do with my previous career as an extra in the Insanity workout DVD set.

Dig deeper?

Photo CreditBlaine Mathew Media

MARCH MUSIC REVIEWS

LUKAS GRAHAM 4 (The Pink Album) Warner Records

On Lukas Graham's latest color-oriented record, this Danish pop band radiates sunshine on “Stay Above,” a gleeful song with MIKA-level giddiness: “Up above the clouds you know the sun's still shining/ So I'm just not gonna worry about the rain/ Either way you look at it/ It's gonna keep pouring/ So come on out and dance away the pain.” It's sweet, simple and makes you smile. “Never Change” is poetry filled with pain. The sparse instruments accompany the lead singer's heartbroken voice with beautiful grace: “I know it's hard, know you're afraid/ Bend so far but we never break/ It's too good to ever walk away/ When they all run, we fight to stay/ It's bittersweet, but we love the taste/ You're the one thing I can't shake." Lukas Graham is the type of band that doesn't need features or wild beats. They are pure music, honesty and love. Their lyrics are a true mirror into the beautiful tragedy of life. I'm glad their talent is continuing to get recognized. “Wish You Were Here” is their most pop-sounding song with gorgeous vocals from Khalid. And they connect with a musical chemistry that is as explosive as it is surprising.-

Marisa Patwa

FRENCH MONTANA & DJ DRAMA Coke Boys 6: Money Heist Edition

Coke Boy Records

Moroccan-American rapper French Montana and DJ Drama are putting the risky in risque with this new mixtape. Packing a whopping 29 songs, this release feels more like an album pumped full of collaborations. The number of features is wild, including guest appearances by ASAP Rocky, Smooky Margielaa Cheeze, Chinx, Kenzo B, Vory, Max B, Pheelz , Rob49, Ayoub, Jeremih, Benny the Butcher, Big30, DThang, EST Gee, Nav, King Combs and Kodak Black. A chaotic cluster it may be, but I love the highlighting of up-and-coming talented artists struggling for clout and recognition. Standouts include “Fenty,” “Slidin’,” “Yes I Do” and “Finesse.” Montana and Drama have cooked up a gumbo of fresh beats and most of them slap. The beauty is in the infusion of multiple genres from Nigerian Hip Hop to Afro-Pop. We stan musicians who can diversify. -

Marisa Patwa

SHANIA TWAIN Queen of Me Republic Records

Country-pop legend Shania Twain continues her royal reign with her sixth studio album. It's her first in six years and she has clearly used that time to her advantage, cultivating a collection of beautiful and just purely fun songs. Despite undergoing open throat surgery a few years ago, her vocal range remains powerful and strong. The evidence is in the earbuds. Lead singles “Waking Up Dreaming” and “Giddy Up” are both inspirational and full of life. Her album is filled with contagious hooks with some surprise electro-pop. She gets deep in “Brand New,” with lyrics, “I cut you out, when you cut me deep/ so I deleted our history/ ‘Cause you’ll always be the same old you.” Her main message: be your own champion - something that's heard loud and clear on the title track as she belts, "I’m not a girl, I’m not a boy/ I’m not a baby, I’m not a toy/ I’m a queen/ No, I don’t need a king, so keep the ring/ I’ve got the gold in my chest (gold in my chest)/ A heart that can sing/ I’m a queen." Shania can stay atop the country throne as long as she likes. -

Marisa Patwa

VINNIE MOORE Double Exposure Minds Eye Music

Guitarist Vinnie Moore’s first album was released when he was just 22 years old. That record instantly elevated him to the status of shredder virtuoso, and he’s never looked back. He’s since released 10 solo albums, and he’s enjoyed a prolific career as the longest tenured guitarist in the classic hard rock outfit, UFO. His skill and abilities are unparalleled, and his use of phrasing and melody sets him apart from every other guitarist working today. His 10th solo effort Double Exposure explores new territory for the seasoned vet. Six of the 12 tracks feature guest vocalists, which is something new for the instrumentalist. At times, Moore’s playing hints at shades of early Van Halen, but then he leads the listener on a journey of blues, jazz, funk and rock riffs aplenty. There are several standouts on the album, including the funktastic opener “Vertical Horizon,” the inspirational “Still Waters Run Deep,” and the wonderfully melodic instrumentals “Southern Highway” and “Rocket.”

- Matt Alschbach

THE CHURCH The Hypnogogue Communicating Vessels

This 26th studio release finds the vaunted Australian psych-rock band The Church down to one original member following the exodus of longtime guitarist Peter Koppes who left to pursue other projects back in 2020. And while there whispers that frontman Steve Kilbey had lost the plot by carrying on without him (having already lost guitarist/fan favorite Marty Wilson-Piper in 2013), he's not only proven those fears unfounded but come out looking like the genius that he is by way of The Hypnogogue - a prog rock-influenced conceptual masterpiece that somehow manages to both mine The Church sound of old and break new ground. Safe to say that's a product of Kilbey and 25-year drummer/producer Tim Powles taking in fresh ideas from a trio of guitarists: Ian Haug, Ashley Naylor and Jeffrey Cain. The latter supplied the dark, menacing riff that drives the hypnotic title track while Haug and Naylor helped to shape such instant classics as "C'est La Vie" and "No Other You." Over 35 years on from "Under the Milky Way," The Church's lone US hit, the band has been reborn- Johnny Fletcher

ANDY SHAUF Norm

Norm set out to be normal. Norm , the album, is. "Norm," the eponymous, fictional subject of the album, is not. Andy Shauf was working on a disco album when he decided to stop drinking, and in his new sober state, the synth-inspired disco songs seemed, well…too out of the norm. Keeping the synth idea, he went back to familiar territory: soft and spacious, acoustic guitar-backed songs with a high and graceful (but sometimes unintelligible) vocal. The mostly slow tempo and level dynamic make for great background music you could easily tune out, but Shauf’s interesting voice, eclectic instrumentation (acoustic guitar, synth, piano, AND clarinet? All played by Shauf), and chromatic passages keep you paying attention. Which brings us to Norm. It’s a good thing God is watching him. Someone needs to be, because he’s definitely watching someone himself. You’ll find Norm the man is not good at all, but the album Norm is. The sounds are great, the subject interesting, but it’s a little too vanilla for one nut to make this a treat. -

Lindsey Williams

MOBY Ambient 23 Deutsche Grammophon

It pains me to say that Ambient 23 is not the best representation of Moby's talent. More concentrated on creating a soundscape as opposed to actual songs, the record does appropriately honor some of his electronic music heroes such as Jean-Michel Jarre and Brian Eno. But it takes until the fourth track (which is already over 20 minutes into the thing) to really see him expanding his repertoire. It’s a great record if you're looking to find a soundtrack to meditate to or have some peace driving over a bridge in the dead of the night, but one would expect more from the person who really put electronic music on the map for the new millennium. The inventiveness that we heard in the juggernaut Play is so far gone when you listen to this; and the extended play time doesn’t help, either. I can appreciate Moby doing a passion project and doing what he wants, but I know he’s still got that spark to show us what made him a household name in the first place - Freddie Bourne

BLUES WITH BRAGIN

IVOR SK Mississippi Bound Self-Released

Hailing from Sidney, Australia, Ivor SK is one of the most exciting young talents to emerge from Down Under. His latest release, Mississippi Bound, opens with the title track, where Ivor sings about hitting the road to get away from his woman and needing a change of scenery. “I Don’t Roll” features Ivor playing the acoustic guitar masterfully. He sings about his daily activities in “Get Up,” a song where his percussion skills shine. “Kiss on my Blues” boasts a Delta blues feel as Ivor sings about needing love to get past his sad feelings. His acoustic guitar shines through on the intro to “Sex, Drugs & Cigarettes,” a song where he discusses where his money goes.

“Wheelin’” allows Ivor to show off his finger-picking skills as he sings about needing to get out of various situations. A melancholy guitar dominates “Taste Your Lips” while he sings about his woman leaving. “100 Dollar Bills” features Ivor singing about a variety of colorful characters who are all looking to earn a lot of money. The influence of old blues greats seems to burst forth on “Tomorrow Night.” “Down the Road” sounds like the perfect song to play in the background while strolling down a quiet street. Ivor sings about seeing an attractive woman and wanting to spend time with her on “Slow Down.” People who like stripped-down blues need to check this album out. - Paul

Bragin

MARCH BEER REVIEWS

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

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.5

This IPA pours a mostly clear burnt orange with very little head. There is an abundance of stone fruit and tropical notes on the nose. On the palate the stone fruit continues with a distinct taste of peaches, and just a touch of malt. Medium-bodied and fairly dry, this IPA finishes with just a slight bitterness. Refreshing and not too heavy, this is a very enjoyable IPA.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25

A thick white head forms on this IPA and evaporates slowly. A significant amount of hop presence fills the nose. Likewise, the presence of hops stays with the initial tasting of the beer and stays during the long finish. People who enjoy hoppy beers need to drink this. Pair it with spicy dishes like spicy fried catfish from the Gerst Haus to balance out the bitterness from the hops.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4

This is a clear, amber-colored beer with decent carbonation. It has the standard hops flavors - though it's a little light on said hops flavor which I like. Sometimes the IPAs are just so strong I have to flinch when I drink them. This one is definitely above average - a very solid offering from Yazoo.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4

Pours dark brown, almost black with a creamy tan head. Peanut butter and dark malts on the nose give way to more peanut butter and dark chocolate, along with a malty sweetness on the palate. This is not as heavy as your typical sweet stout, and it leaves you wanting more on the finish, with a hint of dark chocolate bitterness.

PAUL BRAGIN - 3.75

A thick tan head crowns this stout and stays for a long time. Roasted malt and sweetness from the peanut butter control the scent. Similarly, the flavors of roasted malt and peanut butter present themselves in the tasting, with the peanut butter becoming more noticeable in the finish. People who like the depth of a good stout need to drink this beer. Pair it with your favorite chocolate and peanut butter desserts like peanut butter chocolate pie.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 5

This is one of my favorite beers of all time. I love the name, the ABV of 6.4% and the pint can. What else could be better? It has a nice dark malt flavor with peanut butter. I love the complexity of the flavors and the creaminess of this beer. Best of all, this is brewed in Indy and Metazoa donates 5% of their profits to help animals.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.5

This Double IPA from Bell’s pours a semihazy orange with a lasting white head, which brings out plenty of aromas of grapefruit and stone fruits. It is well-balanced on the palate and slightly sweet, and finishes with a slight warmth and plenty of fruit. Hopslam clocks in at 10% ABV, so not for the faint of heart, but like most beers from Bell’s, it doesn’t disappoint.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4

A decent white head forms on this IPA and dissipates reluctantly. Sweet honey scents dominate the scent profile. Sipping the beer gives the tongue a generous hop flavor, with some honey beginning to balance out the hops. The hops then return strongly in the finish. Try this beer if you enjoy an ale with a strong hop character. Pair it with spicy Asian cuisines like Indian food to counteract the hops and honey.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 5

This is a slightly hazy amber-colored beer. It has a nice sweet hops flavor and is extremely smooth to drink. It's not as hoppy as I was expecting. I notice it has an ABV of 10% but it doesn't have that warming effect that other high alcohol beers have. I consider this the best IPA I've had - an all around great beer.

METAZOA PUPPY SLUMBER PARTY YAZOO HOP PERFECT IPA BELL'S HOPSLAM DOUBLE IPA

SIERRA NEVADA POWDER DAY IPA

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.75

This DIPA pours a clear yellow with an airy white head. Forward notes of pine and tropical fruits on the nose, making way for a very well balanced IPA on the palate, with a perfect amount of tropical fruitiness. It has a nice level of carbonation, medium-bodied with just the right balance of malt and hop bitterness, and finishes with a hint of boozy warmth. I could drink this every day, though at 7.7% ABV, probably should stick with just one (or two).

PAUL BRAGIN - 4

A thick white head rests on this IPA and never totally disappears. Substantial pine and citrus scents comes through in the nose. The beer seems to have a balance between malt and hops

with the first sip, but the hops continue very strongly in the finish. Hopheads definitely need to try this. Pair it with curry dishes, Thai cuisine or a variety of cheeses like pepper jack, Gorgonzola, Limburger or sharp Cheddar.

JABEZ

MARTINEZ - 4.5

This is a clear amber beer. Like the others, it has a sweet hops flavor and is very smoothplus, it has an ABV of 7.7% which is an added bonus. It's light on the hops flavor but that makes it easier to drink for me. Most IPAs leave a heavy hops flavor that almost coats your tongue but this one is light and dry.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

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Attorney WITH LANE SIESKY / SIESKY LAW FIRM, PC

Focusing on personal injury, civil litigation, whistleblower claims and workers' compensation law, Siesky Law Firm strives to provide excellent legal services while remaining client and community centered. The Evansville-based trio of top attorneys - including Lane Siesky, Daniel Gearhart and Douglas Briody - boasts years of invaluable experience inside and outside the courtroom. Highly-respected with an impeccable track record, the firm's aggressive representation of its clients continues to benefit the community in myriad ways.

Q:Lately I've really noticed just how reckless local drivers are. As a law-abiding citizen, I've found myself getting very upset at the actions of other drivers - to the point where I'm starting to experience road rage. As a personal injury attorney, how often do you deal with road rage, case-wise? It seems that it's more prevalent than ever.

A:Since the Pandemic, we have noticed an uptick in aggressive driving. Indiana has a code that specifically defines aggressive driving. Indeed, Code Section 9-21-8-55 states, in pertinent part, as follows:

(a) This section does not apply to a law enforcement official engaged in the law enforcement official's official duties.

(b) For purposes of this section, a person engages in aggressive driving if, during one episode of continuous driving of a vehicle, the person does or commits at least three of the following:

1. Following a vehicle too closely in violation of IC 9-21-8-14.

2. Unsafe operation of a vehicle in violation of IC 9-21-8-24.

3. Overtaking another vehicle on the right by driving off the roadway in violation of IC 9-21-8-6.

4. Unsafe stopping or slowing a vehicle in violation of IC 9-21-8-26.

5. Unnecessary sounding of the horn in violation of IC 9-19-5-2.

6. Failure to yield in violation of IC 9-21-8-29 through IC 9-21-8-34.

7. Failure to obey a traffic control device in violation of IC 9-21-8-41.

8. Driving at an unsafe speed in violation of IC 9-21-5.

9. Repeatedly flashing the vehicle's headlights.

(c) A person who, with the intent to harass or intimidate a person in another vehicle, knowingly or intentionally engages in aggressive driving commits aggressive driving, a Class A misdemeanor, except as provided in IC 9-21-856(d), (f), (g), and (h).

If you can prove that the level of the at-fault driver’s conduct rises to a level of wrongdoing beyond mere negligence, then you may be able to claim punitive damages. However, there are several caveats with making this claim. First, you must prove the conduct by clear and convincing standard. Next, there is a cap on how much you can recover and even if the jury awards punitive damages, the majority of the damages collected go the State’s crime victims relief fund. Finally, most insurance policies do not cover intentional conduct nor pay for punitive damages. So, you may be faced with trying to collect the punitive damages from the individual personally.

Regardless of all the legal mumble jumbo, the most important thing here is safety. Road rage and aggressive driving leads to nothing good and all too often, innocent people get hurt. So, do your best to lower emotions and diffuse the situation.

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