News4U May 2023

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2023 Spring Concert Guide

Check out all the Live Shows coming to the Tri-State!

FEATURES & UPCOMING EVENTS

Gov't Mule at the Victory Theatre

An Interview with Guitarist Warren Haynes

Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra Pops Finale

Final Performance of the Season pays Tribute to Aretha

Foreigner at the Old National Events Plaza

An Interview with Keyboardist Michael Bluestein

Rearview: A Tribute to Pearl Jam at the Lincoln Amphitheatre

An Interview with Guitarist Brett Deardorff

Candlebox at the Victory Theatre

An Interview with Frontman Kevin Martin

Established in 1991 by Publisher

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Joshua Adams

Managing Editor & Writer Thomas Ellis

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tj@evansvillemediagroup.com

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Contributors

Matt Alschbach, Freddie Bourne, Paul Bragin, Johnny Fletcher, Paul Hollyfeld, Barold Hume, Dr. Court Lewis, Jabez Martinez, Laurie Miller, 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.

A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

At long last, my favorite time of year has arrived. In short, I'm bordering on ecstatic that spring is in full bloom now and I no longer have to swathe myself in layers of clothing to tolerate morning runs. Aren't you just thrilled for me? Ok, maybe "thrilled" is a little strong. How about remotely pleased? No? Well, then would you settle for not entirely dissatisfied? Can I mark you down for that? Come on, it won't kill you to show a little vulnerability; we both know all you've ever wanted is for me to be happy - and now that day is here, like a fairy tale come to life.

Full disclosure, I'm on the fence about your happiness - could take it or leave it, really. Just so long as I break into a sweat when jogging, that's all that really matters. Not true, actually - I'm also pretty jazzed about all the activity on the tri-state's spring event schedule. We're talking concerts galore and more, baby! (No apologies, by the way, for dropping a George Costanza-esque "baby" in there - the situation clearly called for it.) Here's just a taste of what's on tap from the beginning of May through the middle of June: John Mellencamp, Michael W. Smith, Foreigner, Kenny Chesney,

Blackberry Smoke, Rearview: A Tribute to Pearl Jam, Candlebox, Jackson Browne and Chicago. Again, that's just a tasterwe've got the whole rundown inside so be sure to check out our Spring Concert Guide and start marking your calendar. In addition, we've got interviews with, and profiles of, national and local bands and plenty of other good stuff from around the community guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I guess I really do care about your happiness, after all. - TE

Sometimes in life it's feast or famine, but the tri-state is definitely in feast mode - or beast mode, if you like - when it comes to live shows on the horizon. The next six-plus weeks are absolutely jam-packed with a run of incredible concerts scheduled at various venues around the area. And it's not just one style of music, FYI. Sure, another big name country act is on the calendar (spoiler alert: Kenny Chesney), but overall, there's a little bit of everything on tap - classic rock, southern rock, 90s rock, jam rock, Christian music, R&B... the list goes on. If you can't find something to your liking, then perhaps you just don't like music. Well, that's probably not fair to say, but we can't take it back now, so deal with it. All kidding aside, take a gander at the upcoming shows on the tri-state's event calendar and don't wait to get your ticketsmany of these concerts will sell-out!

Photos by Daniel Knight Studio B Photography

JOHN MELLENCAMP

Messengers and Leanna Crawford. The Grammy Award-winning group is best known for songs such as "Voice of Truth," "Lifesong," "Just Be Held," "Only Jesus" and "Scars in Heaven"the latter off 2022's Healer.

GOV'T MULE

This Hoosier native needs no introduction. John Mellencamp is a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer with classic songs to spare: "Hurts So Good," "Jack & Diane," "Crumblin' Down," "R.O.C.K. in the USA," "Rain on the Scarecrow," "Small Town," "Pink Houses," "Paper in Fire," "Check It Out" and so many more. Hard to think of any musician more deserving of a two-night stand.

CASTING CROWNS

Fronted by one of the greatest guitarists in the world, Gov't Mule has been serving up southern rock with a progressive twist for nearly three decades. The jam band's 2021 album Heavy Load Blues was nominated for a Grammy and their latest release, Peace...Like a River, out June 16, ventures into exciting new territory. Check out our interview with guitarist Warren Haynes on pg. 14.

An absolute legend in the Christian music and Adult Contemporary genres, Michael W. Smith has also enjoyed crossover success with the likes of "Place in This World" which hit #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. 2023 sees the three-time Grammy Award-winner celebrating 40 years of performing songs of worship and prayer, an incredible career that's produced 32 number one hits.

WHISKEY MYERS

One of Christian music's biggest and most enduring acts, Casting Crowns will open Beaver Dam's 2023 concert season with special guests We Are

W. SMITH

Southern rock at its finest, Whiskey Myers hit number one on the Billboard Country chart with their 2019 self-titled release. The Texas sextet has also scored big with songs like "Stone" (off 2016's Mud) which was featured in the hit TV series Yellowstone. The band is currently on tour supporting their sixth album, Tornillo, set to headline the Ford Center for the first time.

MICHAEL

DAM AMPHITHEATER / MAY 6

VICTORY THEATRE / MAY 7

VICTORY THEATRE / MAY 11

BATTLE OF THE DAM BANDS

Taking the 2022-23 EPO season out on a high note, the tri-state's favorite orchestra will pay homage to the Queen of Soul for the Pops concert finale. Expect to hear such Aretha Franklin classics as "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "I Say a Little Prayer" and many more with the help of vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw.

KENNY CHESNEY

Whittled down from 70 entrants, the Battle of the Dam Bands will feature eight finalists - primarily from Indiana and Kentucky - including Evansville's own Corduroy Orbison whose 2021 album Never Again was one of the area's standout releases. The winner will be chosen by an impartial panel of judges made up of music and entertainment industry professionals.

FOREIGNER

One of country music's true superstars, Kenny Chesney will make a stop in downtown Evansville on the "I Go Back" Tour with special guest Kelsea Ballerini. This trek comes on the heels of his massively successful 2022 outing which saw the "Summertime" singer playing to over one million devoted fans. Rest assured he'll be rocking all the "good stuff" from his vast catalog of hits.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE

To borrow a song title from this beloved classic rock band, it's "urgent" that you attend this show. And that's because Foreigner won't be around much longer. The group has announced a farewell tour, giving fans one last chance to hear hits such as "Feels Like the First Time," "Cold As Ice," "I Want to Know What Love Is" and more! Check out our interview with keyboardist Michael Bluestein on pg. 18

Led by the inimitable Charlie Starr for over 20 years, Blackberry Smoke is the very definition of American rock & roll. Across seven genre-defining albums, the Georgiabased band has made their mark on the charts with critically-acclaimed releases such as Holding All the Roses and The Whippoorwill. They'll be joined by special guest The Band of Heathens.

REARVIEW: TRIBUTE TO PEARL JAM

member Kevin Martin is gearing up for a big farewell that will include a final run of shows, a new album and a documentary film. Catch Candlebox while you can! Check out our interview with Kevin Martin on pg. 24.

Rearview is the premier Pearl Jam tribute act, delivering dynamic live shows that cover the entirety of the Seattle band's celebrated catalog. Remarkably, frontman Ed Wood effortlessly captures the grunge vocal stylings of Eddie Vedder, while the rest of Rearview mimics PJ's relentless energy. Check out our interview with guitarist Brett Deardorff on pg. 22.

KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND CHICAGO

A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and one of the greatest songwriters alive today, Jackson Browne's music is utterly timeless. Self-composed songs such as "Running on Empty," "Tender is the Night" and "Somebody's Baby" - not to mention co-written tracks like "Take It Easy" with the Eagles - stand as examples of the best that rock & roll has to offer.

Speaking of Seattle bands...

Candlebox burst onto the scene in 1993 via the rock staples "You" and "Far Behind." Now, after three decades of performing, singer and founding

That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh, we like it... KC & The Sunshine Band are forever synonymous with disco. No other band from that funky era created such a legacy of hits or made such a mark on the culture. Put your dancing shoes on and get your ready to boogie to "Get Down Tonight," "That's the Way," "Shake Your Booty" and many more 70's classics.

Self-described as a "rock & roll band with horns," Chicago has achieved classic status through a series of instantly memorable songs, including "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park," "Feelin' Stronger

Every Day," "Hard to Say I'm Sorry," "You're the Inspiration" and many more. 55 years on, their mix of pop, rock, classical and jazz sounds as fresh as ever.

JACKSON BROWNE

BEAVER DAM AMPHITHEATER JUNE 10

OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA JUNE 16

VICTORY THEATRE / JUNE 16

Guitarist Warren Haynes talks tracks from the band's upcoming album, recording organically, 30th anniversary plans and more

Few musicians can claim the pedigree of Warren Haynes. In addition to working with David Allen Coe, the Allman Brothers Band and The Dead, among others, the renowned guitarist has been the primary spark behind Gov't Mule for nearly three decades, a side project that quickly blossomed into a serious concern, attracting a hardcore fanbase around the world. "The Mule," as they're affectionately known, are often labeled a jam band; however, over the course of 25-plus studio and live recordings, they've explored multiple genres, refusing to play by music industry rules - a stubbornness that's incredibly admirable. Haynes and crew

simply do what they want, such as filling up every possible second available on a compact disc with lengthy, complex songs that fly in the face of today's ADD marketing strategies. In fact, the group's upcoming album, Peace...Like a River, out June 16, may be the Mule's most progressive to date. The new release goes far beyond jam band territory, with elements of the blues, jazz, reggae, rock and more - often filtered through one of Haynes' biggest influences, the Beatles.

Haynes kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Victory.

"Made My Peace" off the new album is a sprawling, eight-minute journey with really interesting chord progressions - very Beatlesesque at times.

That song, kind of...I guess it's the most Beatles-influenced track that we've ever done. It's very much influenced by the Beatles and then even John Lennon's solo work. You know, also, there's a couple of songs on this record - that being one of them - where we used a string section for the first time which was really fun. That song was kind of crying out for it. It's very different than anything we've done; it's one of my favorite tracks on the record - oddly enough, one of the first

PHOTO: SHERVIN LAINEZ VICTORY THEATRE / MAY 7 / 7:30 P.M.

things that we recorded in the studio.

"River Only Flows One Way" - which has a serious reggae vibe - features spoken word vocals from Billy Bob Thornton. Lyrically, it seems to be saying that no matter what you do in life, no matter how hard you try, there's a sense of futility. Is that a misread of the meaning?

No, I think that's a pretty good take on it. I was thinking about it today and how to describe what it means - I think, partially I look at it as talking about things that you can't change in life. No matter how you try, certain things are unchangeable. But it also relates to the truth and the truth is what it is, no matter how you want to disguise it or hide from it. Those two key factors I think kind of make up what the lyric is about. It's got a lot of beat poetry going on and it's serious and dark and funny - all at the same time. And I felt like I needed somebody to deliver the verses that had that classic talking voice. And of course, Billy Bob and I have been friends quite awhile and I'm familiar with his music. We wrote a song together recently; we've hung out in his studio many times. Somewhere along the way I thought I could see if he'd be interested in doing some spoken word stuff - and it was fantastic; I love what he did.

The guitar solo at the end of closing track "Gone Too Long" really soars - it almost feels like the song is levitating in a way. Was that an inspirational first take in the studio or did you labor over it?

It was a pretty early take - I don't know if it was the first take, might have been second or third or something. But I had to think a lot about what I wanted it to be and I realized that I hadn't played much slide on the record - and it always felt like it was a good closing number for the record. I thought it should be a slide solo that has this cinematic kind of feel that

kind of takes the song home, you know? And it takes the album home. So, it kind of just all fell into place - I'm really happy with the way it worked out.

Most albums these days are made on a laptop. Hard to imagine Gov't Mule ever recording in that way - seems you guys thrive on an organic approach with the band playing live in the studio.

For our kind of music, there's no substitution for that. Even some more of the basic song structures thrive on the conversational approach that our band - along with many, many other bands - take to the music where you don't really know what you're going to play until you respond to what somebody else plays and sings. And that, to me, is what makes the music breathe. When you pre-program all of that it takes a lot of the life away. So, I feel like I hate to see...I don't think that it's a lost art but I hate to see more and more people getting away from that, because when you go back and listen to your favorite music, a lot of what made it your favorite music is that they were looking at each other when they were playing.

You primarily play Gibson guitars. Does the sound of the Gibson dictate what you play at all, or does it simply allow you to play what you hear in your head?

Uh, both. I think that I discovered quite awhile back that my voice on the instrument is more translatable on a Gibson guitar for the most part. There are times when I want to play a Fender or a Danelectro or something different, but it's predominantly Gibson - and usually a Les Paul. And I think I discovered somewhere along the line that part of the reason why I gravitate

towards that sound is because I want my voice on guitar to be similar to my singing voice. When I listen to Bonnie Raitt or B.B. King or people like that, that's what I hear - I hear their guitar in their voice being a continuation of each other. But it's really important to not only find a voice on your instrument that allows you to express yourself but also play according to what you're hearing. So, the sound that I have at any particular moment influences what it is that I'm going to play.

2024 will mark the band's 30th anniversary. Any plans to celebrate?

Yeah, you know, it's hard to believe that it will be 30 years. I'm really hoping to re-release the first Gov't Mule record with some outtakes and bonus tracks and re-mastered. We're trying to work that out from a business/ political standpoint right now. But as far as what we're going to do different and special in the touring department, I'm not sure yet, but it's going to be a monumental year for us.

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

It's got a lot of beat poetry going on and it's serious and dark and funny - all at the same time.

EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA PRESENTS

ARETHA: A TRIBUTE

VICTORY THEATRE / MAY 13 / 7 P.M.

Final Pops concert of the EPO season will pay homage to the greatest singer of all-time

Rolling Stone magazine recently compiled a list of music's top 200 singers of all-time - a list that, inevitably, caused quite a bit of controversy due to both the exclusion and inclusion of certain performers. Still, few people found fault with the artist chosen to occupy the top spot: Aretha Franklin. Forever known as the "Queen of Soul," the Memphis native was a talent like no other, possessing a

uniquely powerful voice that absolutely soared on such classics as "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "I Say a Little Prayer" and so many more. She was an unparalleled vocalist, plain and simple. Considering the strength and enduring appeal of Franklin's catalog, it's no wonder that EPO Music Director Roger Kalia has chosen to highlight her songs for this final

Pops concert - a truly memorable way to bring the curtain down on another incredible Philharmonic season.

Of course, a momentous evening like this deserves a guest star or two to amp things up. So Kalia has tapped vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw - the former a Broadway veteran, the latter a GRAMMY-nominated artist - to help bring Franklin's songs to life. Both solo and together, backed by the tri-state's most dynamic orchestra, they'll perform the aforementioned classics and more, plus selections by James Brown, Otis Redding, Nat King Cole and Carly Simon, among others. Rest assured this pair of powerhouse singers has the pedigree to pull off such a daunting vocal task. As noted, Jenkins is a Broadway veteran who's been invited to sing with the likes of the Cleveland Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony and Utah Symphony, just to name a few. She also premiered her latest show, "She’s Got Soul," with the Houston Symphony in October 2022. Shaw, meanwhile, has shared the stage with such artists as Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, John Legend, B.B. King and Jill Scott.

Don't miss out on the Pops Series grand finale - sure to be an evening to remember!

Tickets are on sale at evansvillephilharmonic.org or call the EPO Box Office at 812.425.5050. Adult tickets start at $30, children & students are FREE, CLUB 18|39 free membership allows two tickets for $20 each and veterans/military/seniors have discounted tickets, which all can be purchased online or at the office. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.

Ryan Shaw

Capathia Jenkins

WITH SPECIAL GUEST CAGE WILLIS

KEYBOARDIST

MICHAEL BLUESTEIN

One of classic rock's greatest bands, Foreigner stormed onto the charts in 1977 with their multi-platinum debut featuring no less than three career-defining hits: "Feels Like the First Time," "Cold as Ice" and "Long, Long Way from Home." But the British-American outfit led by songwriter/guitarist Mick Jones and vocalist Lou Gramm was just getting started. The Double Vision album, released a year later, surpassed the sales of its predecessor, while spawning another trio of massive singles, including the title track, "Hot Blooded" and "Blue Morning, Blue Day." 1981, however, proved to be Foreigner's biggest year ever. 4, the group's fourth full-length

offering, stayed at the top of the charts for 10 weeks, propelled by the radio smashes "Urgent," "Waiting for a Girl Like You" and "Jukebox Hero."

While 1984's Agent Provocateur produced the worldwide hit "I Want to Know What Love Is," it also proved to drive a wedge between Jones and Gramm, the latter eventually leaving the band as a result. And though the former has been stricken with health issues over the years, unable to play regularly, the music has been kept alive by a cast of Foreigner-loving touring professionals with a deep respect for the sacred catalog: vocalist Kelly Hansen, guitarists Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado, bassist Jeff Pilson, keyboardist Michael

ON HIS VERSATILITY AS A PLAYER, HIS SYNTH ARSENAL ONSTAGE, FOREIGNER'S LONG FAREWELL AND MORE

Bluestein and drummer Chris Frazier. Sadly, the end is near, though. After the final run of shows comes to a close next year, the curtain will come down on Foreigner's amazing career.

Bluestein kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Old National Events Plaza.

When you initially joined Foreigner way back in 2008, did you have to adapt your playing style at all to fit the more rock-based approach of the band's catalog? Your background seems to be more jazz-oriented.

Yeah, that's a good question. You know, I've never been strict with any style - I always did a lot of different things, been a versatile person that had a lot of interests musically. I started in classical, but you know, like most kids in the seventies I grew up with classic rock, too. Back then Foreigner and Boston got a ton of play - other great stuff like the Police, U2 and going back further to the roots of all of that, the Beatles, the Stones, the Who, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd - and I also got into Steely Dan. I was always into pop, too...and also when I moved to LA in 2003 I pretty quickly started getting involved in doing some pop touring. I played with an artist that was really big in Europe for awhile named Anastasia; I was in Enrique Iglesias' band. So I did a lot of synths and keyboard stuff for a lot of years before joining Foreigner. So that's always been a part of my arsenal. That being said, the keyboard chair is pretty involved in Foreigner; there's a lot of sounds and a lot of textures to cover; a lot of multi-tasking, you know, right hand and left hand are both busy a lot of the time, along with singing background vocals. There was a lot to absorb at first, that's for sure.

Keyboard-wise, it appears that you're playing a Roland Jupiter of some kind, a Kurzweil and perhaps a Moog synthesizer on stage. I wish it was a Moog - I have a Minimoog at home...but the sheer amount of volume of

sounds and textures I have to recreate up there and have at my disposal sort of prohibits me from having certain keyboards that are kind of more specialized. So I use Apple MainStage along with a Mac computer to play a lot of soft synths - the Jupiter 50 and the Kurzweil are triggering soft synths from MainStage, you know, a lot of classic synth simulations, Prophets, Oberheims, Synclavier, things like that...Juno 106, Jupiter 80, all those kind of sounds as well as, you know, piano. I have a Nord Electro that does a lot of the Hammond [organ] stuff and I also have a Korg Kronos - it's a digital keyboard that has a super useful wide palette of sounds.

But you also play an epic keytar solo in place of the iconic sax solo in "Urgent" - that's something you rarely see these days. Unfortunately, our great saxophonist/multiinstrumentalist Thom Gimbel left the band three years back or so and the replacement we got for him, Luis Maldonado, is a fantastic guitar player and singer but is not a saxophone player so we had to figure out, had to solve what was going to happen with that sax solo and it's now a keytar solo. Jeff Pilson, our bass player thought it would be a great feature for me and it's a ton of fun and the fans seem to love it.

In terms of the setlist, what song stands out as the most challenging for you from a keyboard perspective?

I would say that "Jukebox Hero" has a lot going on - there's a lot of textures, a lot of samples that I'm kind of launching from the original

record. It's really fun because I do everything from...there's that...it almost sounds like a bass with a filtering kind of thing happening at the intro, the very top of the song. It's a little known fact, a bit of trivia, that [British musician] Thomas Dolby created a lot of those keyboard sounds on Foreigner 4. So I'm covering so many sounds throughout the song - it's a bit like I've got smoke coming out of my ears.

Lastly, this tour is being billed as a farewell that will stretch into 2024. What was the deciding factor in ending the band after all these years? Well, I think that there's a general sentiment with...and Kelly's been saying this at shows lately, that he wants to be able to sing these tunes while he still can, while we're still on top. You know, for a high tenor singer getting into their sixties, getting up there and singing these stratospherically high tunes is...it doesn't get any easier. And there's a sense of wanting to get out before the quality degrades. So, I think that's what's going on with the understanding, the feeling around that. You know, a lot of us are sad; it's bittersweet. I'm sure we're all happy to be home and spend more time with our families, but it's an amazing body of work that we're out there playing and love to do; we've been doing it so long. And we're all so tight personally at this point, so it will be sad for it to end.

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

SO I'M COVERING SO MANY SOUNDS THROUGHOUT THE SONG - IT'S A BIT LIKE I'VE GOT SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY EARS.

REARVIEW: A TRIBUTE TO PEARL JAM

Guitarist Brett Deardorff on discovering the genius of Pearl Jam, the band's artistic evolution, taking on the Stone Gossard role and more

For those who were lucky enough to be front and center for the grunge movement back in the early 90's, Pearl Jam remains a fan favorite. The group's multi-platinum debut, 10, has gained almost mythical status thanks to its trio of groundbreaking singles - "Alive," "Even Flow" and "Jeremy" - and beloved deep cuts such as "Black" and "Garden." But that's hardly the end of the story. Fronted by iconic vocalist Eddie Vedder and backed by guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready and bassist Jeff Ament, Pearl Jam went on to release the excellent sophomore effort Vs., followed by a periodic run of increasingly adventurous albums that embraced elements of punk and post-punk, peaking with 2020's

Gigaton. The band is still a going concern, of course, but their touring days are limited of late - which means that tribute acts like Rearview are in demand. And for good reason. These Midwest-based PJ devotees deliver the excitement of a Pearl Jam gig in spades, mimicking the sound of Seattle with astonishing accuracy. Close your eyes and it's 1991 all over again - and beyond.

Guitarist Brett Deardorff kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at Lincoln Amphitheatre.

First off, are you the Stone Gossard of Rearview or the Mike McCready?

I am the Stone Gossard for sure. I mean, I get to play a solo here and there - as Stone

does, too - but Tim [Ores] is definitely the lead guitar player; he's the dude that can do all the fun McCready solos and all that stuff.

No matter how spot-on the music may be in a tribute band, if the frontman isn't up to snuff, the whole thing collapses. In Rearview's case, singer Ed Wood sounds remarkably like Eddie Vedder; it's haunting, really.

[Laughs] When you meet him, he's just a nice, affable, tall, handsome fellow. The first time I ever heard him sing it would have been Jim, our guitar player, Ed, the singer that we have now and Jeremy, the drummer that we have now. They weren't even necessarily doing a Pearl Jam thing

LINCOLN AMPHITHEATRE / JUNE 3 / 7:30 P.M.

at the time - they were calling themselves Rearview Mirror and they were singing some Pearl Jam but mostly just a bunch of 90's covers. But when they did a Pearl Jam song I was like, oh, ok - I get why they do Pearl Jam songs. Like, wow - I was blown away.

What's your backstory in terms of discovering Pearl Jam and becoming a lifelong fan not to mention playing in a PJ tribute band?

Right around '91 or maybe '92 when I was 11 or 12 my brother picked me up from school - and his buddy - I will never forget this - was like, 'Oh, you need to listen to this' and he pops in 10 on cassette. When he put it in, it played "Black" and I was like, 'What is this?' I hadn't even heard Pearl Jam on the radio or anything at this point. I was instantly drawn to it. And one of the first songs I learned to play on guitar was "Elderly Woman..." [off Vs.] I don't think I even played it correctly, but I learned my little bad version of it and I have a tape somewhere of me trying to play and sing it as a 13-year-old kid [laughs].

Pearl Jam's albums post-Vitalogy really declined sales-wise, yet the band has remained as popular as ever - a rarity in the music industry. How do you explain that? I think the music industry in general - just because you can go on your phone or an iPad and literally listen to any song that's ever been made...that's going to affect your

record sales, blah, blah, blah. But I think the reason why they're still a popular band is their live shows. They play a three-hour show and if you've hung in there with them over the years, you're going to know 90% of the setlist. And even at their age, they're still going at it 100%; you don't see Eddie Vedder cutting corners - he and McCready are still running around all over the stage.

Speaking of their later albums, they've evolved artistically over time, edging more and more towards punk and post-punk. What's your take on their growth as a band?

My take on that is...things like "Spin the Black Circle" off of Vitalogy or...there's a few other ones. Those are some of my favorites. When Vs. and Vitalogy came out I was 14 and 16 and listening to "Leash" on my Burger King lunch break. You know, just shoving Whoppers in my face and headbanging. That was right during the time when you can be into angry music for no other reason than the fact that you're 16. So those songs kind of hold a special place in my heart. I had fallen off the train a bit as far as their records went until Backspacer came out in '09. And that album to me is, like, very straightforward punk-ish, you know. There are a lot of fast, strummy bangers and that album kind of got me back in.

As the Stone Gossard of the band, how do you view his guitar style? It seems pretty

unique.

I think Stone is definitely into weirder, more avant-garde stuff. His guitar parts in the songs when he sings are always just a little bit weirder - and it's always fun to get to learn these little Stone parts because they're so weird. You can sit down and hear the song and you don't even notice it, but when you dial in and pan the guitars left and right, it's like, 'Wow - that's what he plays there?' But for the most part, live you're just trying to nail the essence of the song - hit the big riffs and the things that people know. Some of that little tiny stuff just gets thrown out the window because you won't even hear it when the band's rocking.

Finally, how many of the 72 recordings in the official PJ bootleg series from 20002001 do you own?

So, I was at the October 2000 show at Rosemont - so I own that one. When Eddie puts the mic out for "Baba O'Riley," I'm like, 'That's me - can you hear me?' I think there was also one in Japan - I have that one, and I think I might have had a Seattle one. I saw them for the first time in '98 on the Yield tour - then 2000, '01, '07, at Bonnaroo in '08 and at Wrigley [Field] in 2018. Bonnaroo was insane and that Wrigley show was awesome.

For tickets and more info, visit lincolnamphitheatre.com. The Lincoln Amphitheatre is located at 15032 E County Rd 1500, Lincoln City, IN.

THAT WAS RIGHT DURING THE TIME WHEN YOU CAN BE INTO ANGRY MUSIC FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN THE FACT THAT YOU'RE 16. SO THOSE SONGS KIND OF HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.

Along with Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, Candlebox was at the forefront of the legendary Seattle music scene in the early nineties. The band's breakthrough singles, "Far Behind" and "You," off their multiplatinum debut, were radio staples but the videos also garnered much airplay, with frontman Kevin Martin becoming an MTV star in the process. While the 1995 follow-up Lucy sold respectably and produced the mainstream rock hit "Simple Lessons," 1998's Happy Pills - featuring the gorgeous ballad "It's Alright" - lost out to the emerging nü metal and boy bands. The musical landscape was changing once again, sending Candlebox on hiatus

in 2000; however, the band triumphantly returned eight years later with the excellent Into the Sun, reclaiming their vaunted status. Over the next 15 years, three more criticallyacclaimed albums were released, including 2021's Wolves featuring "It's All Downhill From Here," Martin's amusingly sarcastic take on life after rock & roll.

Now Candlebox's iconic frontman is facing that very situation head-on, set to pull the plug on a 30-plus year career marked by a series of incredible highs and difficult lows. But first there's unfinished business: Candlebox will be heading out on a final tour, both headlining shows and opening

at various venues for 3 Doors Down. In addition, a new album is in the works, along with a documentary film appropriately titled Far Behind: The Candlebox Story.

Martin kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Victory.

First off, what was behind the decision to retire at the end of this tour?

What happened is that during Covid I realized just how much my family means to me and how much I've actually missed [in my absence]. Just in that process of kind of spending 20 months locked up with my wife and my son it just made me realize that

Frontman Kevin Martin on the decision to retire from touring, how he preserved his voice, the signature Candlebox guitar sound and more

music isn't...it doesn't mean what it used to mean to me. There comes a point, I think, in everyone's lives where they have to think about what is important. And family to me...my parents were married for 42 years, my father passed away at the ripe old age of 81 - I'm very close to my brothers and my sister; we get together every Thanksgiving in Seattle. It reminded me how important that was and that's kind of why I'm retiring. You know, I'll still do charity events; I have a foundation that I started called Riptide Society which I would still play shows for, but I'm not going to tour anymore. I need to be home; I need to be a dad; I need to be a husband.

On a happier note, even after 30-plus years of singing and screaming, your voice is totally intact. You're definitely going out on top. I started singing when I was six-years-old and I've been singing ever since. I was in choir from second grade to my senior year of school so obviously, I've had a lot of training with teachers, vocal instructors and stuff. Over the years I've had to retrain my voice to do certain things. I don't smoke cigarettes - I do drink a lot of whiskey - and I get as much rest as I possibly can. But, you know, it's very much like [Aerosmith's] Steven Tyler when people hear him do "Dream On." People assume that it's a full-voice, crazy scream that he does but that's actually...you're breathing in - he breathes in to get that high note. He's been doing it so long that it becomes very easy for him to do. Once you figure out ways to manipulate your voice to get it to do what you need it to do, that growl that you speak of is something that's very easy for me.

Candlebox songs have always been instantly recognizably thanks to the band's signature guitar tone - a clean sound with a chorus effect. How did that come about?

We don't use the traditional Marshall heads, you know, Orange amps. When the first record was done, [guitarist] Pete [Klett] was playing a Peavy VTM 120 - I believe it's a transistor amp; there's not a single tube in it. And we used a JC-120 Chorus by Roland which gives it that sweet tone. When you combine those two tones, it creates what is the Candlebox tone. There's a million guitar players that have played a JC-120 - I think

that Pete probably got the concept from Billy Duffy from the Cult; he was a big Cult fan. But that clean tone...we experimented early on and found out what worked for us. If there was anything consistently that we wanted to do as a band, it wasn't rewriting "Far Behind," it was keeping the tone that people got to know us for as prevalent in the mix as possible.

Are you currently recording the final album or will that be after the tour? We start recording this Saturday. We fly to Nashville; we'll be in Nashville for two weeks and we'll knock the record out. We did two writing sessions for it - one in Baltimore last September for a week and then we did a week here in Los Angeles writing. So what we do is we get together and we don't limit ourselves to the creative process. Anyone is capable of writing in Candlebox - everyone has a voice when it comes to songwriting. I love to build songs over drum foundations - it's actually my process when it comes to writing because I started out as a drummer in rock bands. So I've been known to send [drummer] BJ [Kerwin] songs that I want him to

replicate or I want him to be inspired by for a drum part because I've got a guitar part that I'm working on that needs that support. So that's how we kind of do itwe just jump in.

Finally, will fans learn anything surprising about Candlebox in the upcoming documentary?

Yeah, you're going to find out a lot. There's so much...I think that people just think bands break up and move on and there's always some kind of dark side to that break-up. You know, [the film] really has a lot to do with what happened to us with our [record] label - and why we were kind of forced to break up the band and get away from this kind of toxic environment we were working in. But at the same time there were so many drugs, so much alcohol involved, so it's going to make itself very well known as to what happened - why we didn't do certain tours...there will be a lot of insight there for you.

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

ONCE YOU FIGURE OUT WAYS TO MANIPULATE YOUR VOICE TO GET IT TO DO WHAT YOU NEED IT TO DO, THAT GROWL THAT YOU SPEAK OF IS SOMETHING THAT'S VERY EASY FOR ME.

Healthy Cooking with Lindsay Rasure

If you are like me then you love a good sweet treat after dinner, or really any meal for that matter. This recipe will curb that sweet tooth, but without all of the guilt. The cottage cheese provides an abundance of protein and the little bit of maple syrup and sweet cherries gives the “ice cream” that sweetness you crave. The cottage cheese also gives this treat a creamy texture that mimics ice cream.

CLEAN BITE

HIGH PROTEIN CHERRY

life

“ICE CREAM” (1-2 servings)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 - 16 OZ. TUB OF COTTAGE CHEESE (FAVORITE BRAND –GOOD CULTURE)

• 2 C. FROZEN CHERRIES

• ¼ C. PURE MAPLE SYRUP

• 1 TSP. PURE VANILLA

• GRAHAM CRACKERS FOR TOPPINGS

• DARK CHOCOLATE FOR TOPPINGS

DIRECTIONS:

1. ADD THE ENTIRE TUB OF COTTAGE CHEESE, FROZEN CHERRIES, MAPLE SYRUP, AND VANILLA INTO A BLENDER AND BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH.

2. PUT THE MIXTURE INTO A BOWL WITH A LID AND PLACE INTO THE FREEZER FOR 1-2 HOURS.

3. ONCE THE MIXTURE HAS SET UP TO YOUR LIKENESS YOU CAN TOP THE “ICE CREAM” WITH CRUMBLED GRAHAM CRACKERS AND DARK CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS. ENJOY!

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

PRESENTED BY:

IN TOWN & AROUND

MONDAY, MAY 1

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ DJ

Passage

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open

Mic

TUESDAY, MAY 2

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free

Pool

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Honky-Tonk

Tuesday w/ Blake Billman

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, MAY 3

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

THURSDAY, MAY 4

6:00 PM

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

Lemmons

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

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

FRIDAY, MAY 5

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!!

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

Victory Theatre -- Ballet Indiana: Rumpelstiltskin

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Latin Night w/ DJ Chidi

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- That's

What She Said!

Old National Events Plaza -John Mellencamp

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Hank Ruff

KC's Corner Pocket -- DJ & Karaoke

KC's Time Out Lounge --

Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/

Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar --

80's-themed DJ & Karaoke

SATURDAY, MAY 6

2:00 PM

Victory Theatre -- Ballet Indiana: Rumpelstiltskin

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Clint Campbell

7:00 PM

Beaver Dam Amphitheater -Casting Crowns "The Healer"

Tour wsg We Are Messengers & Leanna Crawford

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- That's What She Said!

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Faerie

Ring Album Release Party

Old National Events Plaza -John Mellencamp

9:00 PM

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

KC's Corner Pocket -- DJ & Karaoke

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Star 69

SUNDAY, MAY 7

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Barbara Santora

4:00 PM

Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln City) -- Blues & BBQ feat.

Boscoe France

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Suzie Q

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

7:30 PM

Victory Theatre -- Gov't Mule

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, MAY 8

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ DJ Passage

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, MAY 9

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, MAY 10

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

THURSDAY, MAY 11

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Tito's 25th

Anniversary Party w/ Lindsey

Williams

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

Merritt

KC's Corner Pocket -- College

Night / DJ & Karaoke

7:00 PM

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

Ford Center -- Whiskey Myers

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

Victory Theatre -- Michael W.

Smith

9:00 PM

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

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill

-- Karaoke & DJ

FRIDAY, MAY 12

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Retro Shock

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Live

Music TBA

9:00 PM

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

KC's Corner Pocket -- DJ &

Karaoke

KC's Time Out Lounge --

Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/

Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

SATURDAY, MAY 13

6:00 PM

Beaver Dam Amphitheater --

Battle of the Dam Bands Finals

7:00 PM

Victory Theatre -- Evansville

Philharmonic Orchestra

presents Aretha: A Tribute

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- MGI Takeover

Drag Show w/ DJ AP

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Whiskey

Throttle

9:00 PM

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

KC's Corner Pocket -- DJ & Karaoke

KC's Time Out Lounge -Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/

Sparky

SUNDAY, MAY 14

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Honey Roy Trio

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/

Suzie Q

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, MAY 15

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ DJ

Passage

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open

Mic

TUESDAY, MAY 16

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Poetry Night

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

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

8:00 PM

Old National Events Plaza -Foreigner wsg Cage Willis

9:00 PM

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

THURSDAY, MAY 18

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Tony Henning

Painting Live

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Jake Holder & Friends

KC's Corner Pocket -- College

Night / DJ & Karaoke

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill

-- Karaoke & DJ

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Drag Me to the Weekend Rising Star w/ DJ AP

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DRK WTR

9:00 PM

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

KC's Corner Pocket -- DJ & Karaoke

KC's Time Out Lounge -Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Henderson, KY (downtown)

-- 2nd Annual SummerFest feat. Snake Oil, Cynthia Murray & The End Times, Xanderwolf

4:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Spring Funk in the City w/ JEB

6:00 PM

Smothers Park (Owensboro, KY) -- Live on the Banks - Free Concert

7:30 PM

Ford Center -- Kenny Chesney "I Go Back" Tour wsg Kelsea

Ballerini

Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln City) -- Johnny Folsom 4: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- DJ Toran

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- The Queers

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Live Music w/ Hudsy

9:00 PM

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

FRIDAY, MAY 19

KC's Corner Pocket -- DJ &

Karaoke

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/

Sparky

10:00 PM

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

SUNDAY, MAY 21

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz:

The Sidemen

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/

Suzie Q

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, MAY 22

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ DJ

Passage

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, MAY 23

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, MAY 24

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 -- Tallah w/ Teeth Discplacement

9:00 PM

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

THURSDAY, MAY 25

Beaver Dam, KY -- Annual Strawberry Festival w/ FREE concerts, carnival rides, vendors, $20,000 basketball shot

6:00 PM

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

Lemmons

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --

Karaoke & DJ

FRIDAY, MAY 26

Beaver Dam, KY -- Annual Strawberry Festival w/ FREE concerts, carnival rides, vendors, $20,000 basketball shot

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Lindsey

Williams

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Torpedo Vegas

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- 2 Miles

Back

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Live Music TBA

KC's Corner Pocket -- DJ & Karaoke

KC's Time Out Lounge --

Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

SATURDAY, MAY 27

Beaver Dam, KY -- Annual Strawberry Festival w/ FREE concerts, carnival rides, vendors, $20,000 basketball shot

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- The Boat Monkeys

6:00 PM

Smothers Park (Owensboro, KY) -- Live on the Banks - Free Concert

7:00 PM

Beaver Dam Amphitheater -Blackberry Smoke wsg The Band of Heathens

Ford Center -- PBR Challenger Series

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Echo Break, Spirit Board, Dead Wolves, Heir to the Crown & Forthright

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- DJ AP

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Live Music TBA

KC's Corner Pocket -- DJ & Karaoke

KC's Time Out Lounge -Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

SUNDAY, MAY 28

Beaver Dam, KY -- Annual Strawberry Festival w/ FREE concerts, carnival rides, vendors, $20,000 basketball shot

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Bokeh Big Band

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Suzie Q

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, MAY 29

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ DJ Passage

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, MAY 30

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, MAY 31

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

BOURBON ROOTS

MORE THAN JUST COUNTRY: KENTUCKIANA COVER BAND GAINING A REPUTATION FOR

HIGH-ENERGY LIVE SHOWS

EMBRACING MULTIPLE GENRES

Bringing together musicians based in Owensboro, Newburgh and Evansville, the tri-state's newest country cover band ain't all that country, after all. Still, there's no arguing that "Bourbon Roots" is just about the best name imaginable for a regional act that thrives on playing the likes of Alan Jackson, Steve Earle and Keith Whitley but also gets off on rocking Metallica, Rage Against the Machine and Green Day. Actually, singer Cody Crabtree's favorite song to perform is "Keep Your Hands to Yourself," the 1986 single by the Georgia Satellites which hit number two on the Billboard Hot 100, so go figure. The main point here is that Bourbon Roots are game to try anything, within reason, that will get a bar crowd going - except bro-country like Luke Bryan and, of all things, Shania Twain's "Man, I Feel Like a Woman." While guitarist Austin Campbell - who previously had never entertained the idea of being in a country band, but is now having the time of his life - thinks the party-starter would go down like a storm, Crabtree isn't entirely convinced. Well, he's not confident he could sell it, that is.

No matter, the band - filled out by a fantastic rhythm section featuring bassist Kyle Broshears and drummer Joey Lynn - has been building steam for awhile now, booking gigs at various area venues, including Stoner's Grill, Homer's BBQ, Brasher's Little Nashville and Half Moon Saloon. Just a few weeks ago, in fact, they took the stage at KC's

Timeout Lounge - Bourbon Roots' biggest show to date. It signaled a big step up from a year ago when they opened for Tailgate Revival there with an acoustic set that frankly didn't allow the opportunity to showcase what they can do. This time around, however, the guys rocked the house with a full band, winning over many new converts thanks to a typically high-energy set highlighted by Crabtree's frontman charisma. Notes Campbell, "I'd never played with a lead singer like that [in other bands] - a lot of them just stay in their zone, but he really feeds off the crowd; he's a performer."

But while Crabtree, understandably, tends to be the focal point of Bourbon Roots' shows, he's far from caught up in his own greatness. Quite the opposite, actually. As Broshears, Campbell and Lynn all attest, the singer was totally on board with changing the original name of the group from the Cody Glenn Band to something that signaled everyone was in it together. Indeed, these four musicians have a familial feel about them - two factions merged into a harmonious whole. While Crabtree and Broshears claim a history of playing together - mostly in house bands at places like Charley's Yellow Rose in Owensboro - so too do Cambell and Lynn who both served time in Jordan Miller & The Dead Lights and Verbatim before joining forces with their new bandmates. Looking ahead, the guys hope to keep ramping up the intensity of the gigs and also record some original tunes. Stay tuned!

UPCOMING SHOWS

5/19 Drifters (Beaver Dam)

6/10 Stoner's Grill (Boonville)

6/17 VFW Post #696 (Owensboro)

7/14 Evansville Harley-Davidson

For more info, follow Bourbon Roots on Facebook.

It was towards the tail-end of 2021 when we last heard a studio release from Evansville's Brandon McCarty. A veteran of the military, the twentysomething singer-songwriter recorded the country lament "I Found" as a lifeline to those suffering from PTSD - a condition he deals with to this day. The downbeat track was a marked departure from his previous party-starting single "Niner Fiver," pointing the way towards a more mature sound - a sound which McCarty intended to embrace on an EP to follow not long after. Instead, he took a timeout that stretched over the course of a year. It's not as if he disappeared, though; in

addition to performing on occasion, he started an open mic night at Ghost Sports Pub on Evansville's west side and generally stayed in the mix, musically speaking. Most importantly, he spent the time away from the studio developing as an artist - progressing on guitar, stretching out vocally and ultimately finding his niche. And it's all paid off on the upcoming EP, Stories I Tell Myself , featuring the lead single, "Alice."

"I really wanted something different than what I was doing," McCarty notes, when discussing the new material recorded with local producer Stephen Horning. "This is more genre-breaking but still has hints of influences in my life." As the project developed, interest grew from within the local music community. In fact, "Alice" was the subject

of a bidding war, in essence - several tri-state artists wanted to be involved with its creation. And rightly so. The haunting yet uplifting minor-key track tells the inspirational tale of an elderly woman McCarty came across on YouTube. "I was scrolling and saw a video of this 102-year-old woman in a hospital bed - she had been a dancer in the Harlem Renaissance," he explains. "She had never seen herself dance before, so this film crew came in and said, 'Hey, we found this footage of you [dancing], would you like to see it?' Literally, seeing her watch that video was amazing."

This is more genrebreaking but still has hints of influences in my life.

After an extended break, tri-state country rocker returns with updated sound, drops the haunting yet uplifting "Alice"

"Alice" begins with a collage of sounds, seemingly of music from the thirties - what McCarty describes as "a record of memories getting thrown at her"before giving way to a three-chord acoustic guitar progression not too far removed from Everlast's "What It's Like." Not only does the instrumental nature of the song feel like an upgrade from McCarty's previous work but when he drops the opening lyrical line - "Long, long, time ago, she danced 'cause it was in her bones" - there's a striking improvement in his delivery. Where previously he seemed to be mimicking modern country singers, now McCarty simply sounds like himself. His newfound vocal confidence is particularly noticeable in the dramatic chorus. Over a controlled din of acoustic and electric guitars built up by Horning, he bellows, "If not for music, she'd be dead" - a climactic moment that sees McCarty reaching an entirely new level as a songwriter.

But "Alice" is just the beginning of his musical evolution. While the EP is set to be released a bit later, McCarty was kind enough to give News 4U a teaser of another track which gave off serious Springsteen vibes in the best way possible - yet another example of McCarty's willingness to embrace artistic growth. Be sure to check out the new single - available on major streaming platforms - and keep an eye out for Stories I Tell Myself , one of the most anticipated tri-state releases in 2023.

For more info, follow Brandon McCarty on Facebook.

Kyle Paisley

Local pop singer further explores new direction on "Love Outside," second collaboration with producer Stephen Horning

As 2023 arrived, so did Evansville's Kyle Paisley. More like he returned. After taking an extended break from the recording studio last year, the singer/guitarist greeted the New Year with "Running on Empty," an 80's-influenced jam that served as his first collaboration with local producer Stephen Horning. There was clearly a strong chemistry at work; the new single found Paisley delivering his sweetest slice of funk-pop to date with a strong electronic vibe absent in previous songs. Whereas John Mayer and Prince seemed to be his primary influences early on, the 2023 version of Paisley made room for sounds from the decade of greed. Echoes of Toto's "Africa" and other synthetic classics permeated Horning's crystalline production.

With such a strong initial showing from the pair, a sequel was never in doubt. As it turned out, Paisley had been keeping a gem of a song in his back pocket for years and Horning knew just how to shape it into a lost 80's

classic. "We both had so much fun making this song and really believe we did something awesome here," Paisley remarks. "I wrote the words and music in 2010 when I lived in Myrtle Beach. "Love Outside" is the story of a date I had in high school where she snuck out her window and we explored downtown Evansville together." With fat, analog modeling synths carrying the musical load, the mid-tempo track is anchored by a descending three chord progression that recalls Depeche Mode's "It's No Good," creating a silky and soft electronic bed on which Paisley's vocals comfortably lay:

"A wet and cold night...We are so young/ We are so high/ Off...the love outside."

As the track progresses, the layers of keyboards multiply with rich sequences firing off, underpinned by piano chords. Musically, it's immaculately arranged. What's particularly striking is that Paisley's guitar - a stalwart of his previous work - doesn't make an appearance until the four-minute mark. But it's well worth the wait as he sends the song into overdrive with a melodic solo. As it fades, vocoded vocals (robot speak) intone "Love Outside" on repeat, creating a strong Daft Punk vibe. It may be miles away from where Paisley started, but this new direction fits his songwriting like a glove - his pop hooks were simply made for an electronic soundtrack

"Love Outside" is available on major streaming platforms. For more info, follow Kyle Paisley on Facebook.

" We both had so much fun making this song and really believe we did something awesome here."

LAURI ANDRICK

Tri-state singer-songwriter to unveil new songs at downtown Evansville show on May 28

Back in December of last year, we highlighted one of the area's most talented singer-songwriters, Lauri Andrick, former vocalist with local rock band DRK WTR. At the time, she was in the planning stages of an EP that would speak more to the ethereal artist inside her, reflecting influences such as Elliott Smith, Laura Marling and Phoebe Bridgers. But she needed someone she could trust to help shape the sound and vibe. That's when Steve Tyner at Black Cat Recording entered the picture - just the right person to bring Andrick's musical ideas into focus and encourage her to explore new vocal avenues. Together, they've spent the past few months experimenting in the studio on a handful of gorgeously atmospheric tracks that should be ready for release in June or July.

To celebrate this collaborative project, Andrick will perform live on May 28 at Your Brother's Bookstore in downtown Evansville. She had planned, initially, to release all the recorded tracks prior to the show but instead will be giving fans who attend a first-listen experience - a real privilege for sure because judging by the short clips Andrick has teased online, this acoustic-based project promises to be one of the standout offerings from a tri-state artist in 2023.

For more info, follow Lauri Andrick on Facebook. Your Brother's Bookstore is located at 504 Main St. in downtown Evansville.

PHOTO: MICAH POWERS

LINDSEY

WITH

LINDSEY WILLIAMS on the scene

Welcome back, tri-state music fans. Last month’s "On the Scene" introduction set the metaphorical stage to discuss the abundance of talented Ohio Valley creators and the obstacles they face in the ever-rising sea of media and entertainment. This month I want to talk about the actual, literal stages set in the region. Three venues in Evansville were chosen that consistently support original music from three different platforms accounting for their goals, funding and outreach. The venues discussed aren’t meant to highlight one over another nor exclude the vast number of amazing spaces not mentioned, but rather to make a generalization of opportunity and encourage the music makers and the music lovers to find their connection.

Melone, who says there is room for Ohio Valley talent at this storied venue in downtown Evansville. She loves live music and views her job as more than booking shows and filling seats. She wants the Victory to inspire growth in the music scene by building a catalogue of local musicians and booking fitting openers when possible. There was even mention of a possible annual showcase featuring local original artists only. More to come on that! Says Lora, “I care about local musicians. I want them to do well and feel like they have something to aspire to with the opportunity to grow their fan base.”

I next met with the GM of Bokeh Lounge, representing the bar opportunities musicians have here. Jessica Nuffer is also a lover of live music and supporter of all the people it takes to make a bar thrive. There’s a reason they call her “Mom.” She lit up at the prospect of hosting more events for original music on Haynie's Corner and even suggested a recurring feature of one-on-one jam sessions with yours truly. Many bars in and around Evansville, like Bokeh, have proven to be interested in diverse entertainment. Their

stages are available to all artists if we can take advantage of our networks to connect with and motivate the fans.

My third discussion was with STAGEtwo President/Director Toni Schaperjohn, a real theater kid at heart. Located on Evansville's east side, this venue is a no-frills, all-ages, non-profit room with a laser focus on creativity itself, maintaining an affordable space to showcase talent. Toni was initially determined to simply offer theater alternatives, but her model and space quickly drew the interest of other entertainment mediums. It’s now possible to find performing and visual arts, poetry, local bands, or even a touring national show at STAGEtwo.

The venues are clearly in favor of original music! Sadly, we are creatures of habit, comfortable with the familiar. However, the refined, polished, and popular things we enjoy are often the least vibrant and soulful…the least interesting. Since we have ample spaces for new music, the challenge must be to inspire more participation. Next month, we will hear from some local songwriters and performers to find out what they are working on and why.

I first spoke to Victory Theatre Director Lora

Tri-state recording artist and live performer presents part two in a series of discussions on the state of the local music scene

" I care about local musicians. I want them to do well and feel like they have something to aspire to with the opportunity to grow their fan base."

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.

LET’S BRING HEAVY METAL BACK TO THE FORD CENTER

Not so long ago, Evansville and Owensboro were regular concert stops for some of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal. In 1975, Rush and KISS played the Sportscenter in Owensboro, a much-heralded show among locals even today. Roberts Stadium hosted Metallica, Ozzy, KISS, Bon Jovi and Tool in the 80s and early 90s. So what happened?

Not long after the Ford Center opened in 2011, a number of legendary metal bands performed there. Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Anthrax, Def Leppard and Tesla drew fans from all over the tri-state and beyond. We attended several of these shows, and the crowds were fantastic. Seeing thousands of metal devotees converge on Evansville was inspiring! We can only guess that these shows generated substantial revenue for the city, as restaurants and pubs were packed with concert-goers prior. Fans purchased band merchandise, food and beverages at the Ford Center. It appeared lucrative for all parties. But after about 2016, the venue stopped booking big-name hard rock and metal acts - though plenty of legendary country and pop artists

continue to perform there.

There are dozens of bigname metal bands on tour in 2023 filling arenas all over the world - Pantera, Metallica, Megadeth, Queensryche, Alter Bridge, Anthrax, Avenge Sevenfold, Disturbed, Ghost, G N' R, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, KISS, Slipknot and Testament. Yet not one of these bands will perform in the tri-state during their U.S. tours. How is this possible with such an incredible venue like the Ford Center?

We’ve visited dozens of multi-use arenas around the country, and the Ford Center is one of the best. It is new, perfectly situated for accessibility and parking, and the acoustics are good. Its size is ideal for large crowds, yet it’s not so capacious that fans in the nose-bleeds feel removed from the artists on stage. And it’s near great restaurants and accommodations. Consider this a call to arms for all rock and metal fans. Email and message the fine folks

at the Ford Center and ask them to book your favorite hard rock and metal acts on a shared bill on weekends throughout the year. This would entice larger numbers of fans to attend (as weekday concerts discourage attendance) and stay overnight. Those fans would spend money and create purchasing power in our community. Most importantly, it would put the tri-state back on the map as a rock and metal destination. Let’s make it happen!

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

iMay cinema offerings feature aliens trying to save the universe (again), a relatable rom-com and a progressive take on a Disney classic

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Peter Quill and his ragtag gang of space friends are back at it trying to save the universe in the third installment of the Guardians series. The band of aliens is trying to adjust to a new life on the planet Knowhere, when problematic parts of Rocket’s past start to resurface. Chris Pratt’s bad boy Quill must once again lead them on a dangerous mission throughout the galaxy. The biggest pull to the story though is that his beloved green Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) is not the same woman who fought alongside the misfits and fell in love with Quill. She is from an alternate timeline with a changed personality and different memories. Can she and Quill rekindle the spark? This film will further delve into the complicated relationship of their found family too, with the threat of them breaking up stronger than ever. Hopefully they can beat the bad guys and still find time for a group hug.

In theaters 5/5

Love Again

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is elevating her romcom status with this sweet and relatable film that completely puts a new twist on the meet-cute trope. The gorgeous Bollywood star plays Mira Ray, a woman struggling with the aftermath of her boyfriend's death, who sends his old cell phone number a flurry of romantic texts. The phone, though, has already been re-assigned to a new customer, journalist Rob Burns, played by Outlander’s dashing Sam Heughan. Burns is immediately intrigued by the messages and feels a connection with the woman in mourning. The current piece he's working on is a profile about Celine Dion, and he uses the singer’s fame to help meet Mira in real life to try and win her over. Can you guess what happens next? Nick Jonas also makes a fun cameo as a date who is a little too eager with Mira in the backseat of a taxi cab, which is even more hilarious since they're married in real life.

In theaters 5/12

The Little Mermaid

Our favorite aquatic Disney princess is making a big and colorful splash with this fresh new take. Grown-ish’s Halle Bailey stars as the titular mermaid with her signature green tail. In this iteration, she has red dreadlocks, demonstrating Disney's efforts to evolve. In addition, Alan Menken, who composed the original 1989 soundtrack, worked with Lin-Manuel Miranda to change a few lines from “Kiss the Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” to make them more reflective of society today. Comedy powerhouse Melissa McCarthy is also taking on the eightlegged role of villainous tentacle-touting sea witch Ursula while the commanding Javier Bardem takes on the royal mantle as King Triton. Daveed Diggs makes a splash as our favorite singing crab Sebastian, Awkwafina is our ditzy seabird Scuttle and Jacob Tremblay is the noble tropical fish Flounder. As for Prince Eric himself, newcomer Jonah Hauer-King will play a more modern version of his royal highness. Get ready to have fun under the sea.

In theaters 5/26

TRUE CRIME JUNKIE

AIDEN FUCCI: TEENAGE KILLER

In the arena of true crime, the overriding question that observers and reporters - and especially jurors - want answered is why? Why did a killing take place? What was the motive behind the murder? It's just human nature to want to understand behavior that's outside the norms of society and conflicts with our values. So in cases like that of Aiden Fucci, a Florida teenager who viciously took the life of a fellow student for no apparent reason, there's a deep frustration that lingers - a sort of helplessness at not being able to crack the code.

It was two years ago this month when 14-yearold Fucci made good on his sick fantasy to killspecifically, Aiden had planned to "drag a random person into the woods and stab them." In fact, he'd been harboring dark thoughts for some time; Fucci even shared his murderous urges with a best friend who never imagined where it would all lead. Kids say a lot of crazy things, after all. But on May 9, 2021, the horrible reality set in when the body of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey was discovered just toward the end of a retention pond. The cheerleader at Patriot Oaks Academy in St. Johns had been reported missing by her family; in truth, she had been lured out of her home for a late night walk with Fucci. Surveillance cameras in the area captured the two heading towards the eventual crime scene but only Aiden was seen returning.

What investigators were faced with upon locating Bailey's body was truly shocking. She had been stabbed over 100 times - a level of brutality that's rare even among serial killers. Who would have committed such a gruesome murder so full of rage? After checking surveillance footage and

speaking with friends of the victim, investigators homed in on Fucci; he was brought in for an interrogation, a process that revealed just how cold and emotionless this young man had become. Of particular interest was the period when Fucci sat alone with his parents at the sheriff's office as mom and dad peppered their son with questions about his late night walk with Bailey. At one point, his mother advises Aiden to "find his story and stick with it" and later tries to convince him that he was wearing khakis rather than the allegedly bloody jeans. She even whispers the word "blood" to drive the point home.

With all the evidence in the case pointing squarely at Fucci, he was charged with murder and jailed while awaiting trial - during which time his mother was also arrested for evidence tampering. Investigators believed, based on video footage recorded inside the Fucci home, that she had attempted to wash the blood out of Aiden's jeans. Regardless, it didn't keep Fucci from being convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison on March 24, 2023. His mother's trial is set to begin this month.

"HE'D BEEN HARBORING DARK THOUGHTS FOR SOME TIME; FUCCI EVEN SHARED HIS MURDEROUS URGES WITH A BEST FRIEND WHO NEVER IMAGINED WHERE IT WOULD ALL LEAD.

WITH JOHNNY FLETCHER

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

SPUD: Meet Spud! He’s a bit of a celebrity around here. His story, while far from glamorous, is truly inspiring. When he first arrived at the VHS, he was overweight from an unchecked thyroid condition, as well as heartworm positive. He was treated for the latter and put on regular meds for the former. Thanks to one of our awesome volunteers, James, Spud even got his figure back! Spud was finally adopted, but things didn’t work out. He had not been kept on his thyroid medication (which costs less than $30 a month and is a must) and had gained all of his weight back (and then some). The VHS is more determined than ever to get Spud back in shape and into the right home. James the volunteer is happy to report Spud has already lost 30+ pounds since returning! Does this resilient potato sound like your kind of pup? Come meet him at the VHS!

SAGE: Spring is a time of renewal and Sage is just the guy to help you out with that! Sage is a one-year-old lionhead rabbit up for adoption at the VHS. He came from a family of 10 bunnies, all of whom he was father to (yes, buns also need to be spayed!) Luckily, Sage will be neutered before going to his new home! Sage would make an excellent first rabbit, as he warms up quickly and is easy to handle. Friendly reminder that rabbits can be a commitment of up to 9 years, so make sure everyone is on board before bringing this guy, or any pet, home. Sage’s adoption fee is only $50 and includes his neuter and registered microchip. Hop into the VHS and meet him today!

MARVIN: Love a good transformative story? Then meet Marvin! This 5-year-old boy arrived at the VHS in rough condition. Super sick, dirty and STRESSED, a few of the staff at the VHS decided to let Marvin decompress and recover in their office. Fast forward a month or so and he is now the most handsome, healthy and fun-loving guy! He can’t wait to charm his new household with his smoldering gaze. Just one catchno dogs! With the proper introduction, however, we could see Marvin living alongside a like-minded feline. His $80 adoption fee includes his neuter, microchip and vaccinations. Come meet Marv at the VHS, or apply online at vhslifesaver.org.

400 MILLNER INDUSTRIAL DRIVE

2 BLOCKS WEST OF GARVIN PARK IN EVANSVILLE

SALLY JONES AND LILO VHS ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT

For those who keep up with the tri-state music scene, you may well be familiar with Hannah Jones, one of the area's most gifted singer-songwriters. The Evansville guitarist fronts the Hannah Evelyn Trio, an indie rock configuration that's produced two excellent EPs to date, 2020's Cicada Songs and 2021's Embers and Constellations Currently on hiatus, the group - also featuring bassist Jared Majors-Manley and drummer Benji Koelling - plans to rev things up again soon but Jones has used the downtime wisely, not only composing new songs but making new friends. Furry friends, that is. A

couple months back, she and her partner Justine were left feeling "distraught" after their roommate moved out - mostly because the roommate owned two cats that brought joy to the household daily. After talking things over, they made the decision to adopt a bonded pair of cats, searching the VHS website for the longest residents at the shelter - which ultimately led them to Sally Jones and Lilo.

It was clearly fate. After all, Jones simply couldn't pass up adopting an animal with the same last name. "We didn't know if Sally Jones was a pop culture reference - the

only thing we could find was a lady in the UK who was a terrorist and we doubted that was why someone called her that," she says with a laugh. Lilo, on the other hand, was definitely a nod to the 2002 animated film Lilo & Stitch Regardless, the two young felines were pals and that's what mattered. Still, the initial meet & greet didn't exactly inspire confidence. "They were mildly interested but kind of skittish," Jones recalls. "We took a chance that they would like us." Thankfully, the risk paid off. Jones reports that since bringing Sally Jones and Lilo home, the pair has progressed wonderfully, quickly acclimating to the new environment.

As for their personalities, Jones describes the new rescues in a unique way, citing the bouba/ kiki effect (just Google it). "Sally Jones is bouba - she's outgoing and kind of dumb, wanders around everywhere and is bold," she explains. "Lilo is kiki - kind of spicy, kind of timid, very hesitant; but she'll watch Sally Jones to learn how to be a cat. Then she's way more willing to do it herself."

SINCE BRINGING SALLY JONES AND LILO HOME, THE PAIR HAS PROGRESSED WONDERFULLY, QUICKLY ACCLIMATING TO THE NEW ENVIRONMENT.

AS I TYPE THIS...

with Barold Hume

WAS IT RIGHT TO INDICT?

Or, to put it another way, was it cool to follow the rule... of law? Was it wrong to be strong...on crime? And so on. To cut to the chase, something pretty crazy happened recently - and no, I'm not referring to Kid Rock shooting up cases of Bud Light (more on that later). Rather, I'm talking about the totally unprecedented arrest of a former president. Then again, in DJT's world, things are never dull, that's for certain. Sure seemed that "Teflon Don" would continue to live up to his nickname but here we are; as I type this, post-arraignment, Trump is faced with 34 felonies relating to the falsification of business records. But it really all boils down to two words: hush money. And two more words: Stormy Daniels. Most of you surely know the basics of the case - and where you stand on it. Safe to say that if you lean right, you likely think it's a total travesty of justice; if you lean left, it's a legal victory that's been a long time coming. But that's America in 2023, you know? Did you expect anything different? Having never attended law school, I don't feel qualified to weigh in, but on

the surface, it does seem like there are potentially stronger cases to be made against Trump and perhaps DA Bragg is overreaching. Does it even matter? Doubtful.

First off, Trump won't even see a courtroom again until sometime next year, assuring that our ADD minds will have long since forgotten what all the hullabaloo was about. Furthermore, the odds of DJT being found guilty are iffy at best. Should he be convicted, not only would Trump remain eligible to run for president but his support wouldn't suffer a bit. If anything, he'd probably gain some votes via an inflated martyr status. But here's the rub: polls continue to show The Donald trailing Biden in a potential sequel to the 2020 election. Meanwhile, Florida governor Ron DeSantis - who is lagging woefully behind Trump for the Republican nomination (though he's still yet to officially enter the race) - seems to fare better nationwide, particularly with Independents. On the flip side, the Democrats appear to be

screwed if the lights go out in JB's head before the 2024 showdown - any other candidate would be a real shot in the dark. Speaking of shots...I'm hardly a Howard Stern loyalist, but I appreciate his statement on Kid Rock's symbolic shooting up of Bud Light cases in reaction to Anheuser Busch working with a trans activist for a recent promotional campaign. The infamous shock jock noted, "I’m not bothered by gay people or transsexual people. They don’t impact my life, they don’t hurt my life. As long as you ain’t hurting anybody, I’m on your team.” Common sense still exists, apparently.

ON THE FLIP SIDE, THE DEMOCRATS APPEAR TO BE SCREWED IF THE LIGHTS GO OUT IN JB'S HEAD BEFORE THE 2024 SHOWDOWN - ANY OTHER CANDIDATE WOULD BE A REAL SHOT IN THE DARK.

I'VE GOT A BEEF

MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD...

with Johnny Fletcher

WITH BURGER COMMERCIALS

Ask and you shall receive. Quite pushily, you demanded more of my take on TV commercials making the rounds of late (many of you are clearly still reeling from my insightful commentary on recent Spectrum and Lumē ads) and I'm happy to acquiesce. But first, before I get too emotional, let me just say that your unwavering dedication to my column continues to serve as a beacon of light in these dark times - it's truly appreciated, though repeatedly referring to ol' J-Fletch as a "god-like genius" may be taking things to the extreme. Not arguing with the sentiment, necessarily, just a little worried about developing a messiah complex. This is how dictators and despots are born, mind you. Thankfully, my advanced age renders me much too tired to act upon any authoritarian impulses; however, I still have the energy reserves to bitch about today's burger commercials.

Pun intended, I've got a real beef with them. They're a little over-cooked, is what I'm sayin'. By the way, do you know how many burgers the average American eats in a month? In a year? 5 and 60, according to the internet which is infrequently wrong. My point here is that people are regularly chowing down on multiple meat patties. So why do all the folks in spots by the likes of Hardee's (the worst offender by far) act as though it's some sort of religious experience, bordering on sexual, when they take a bite out of a triple-decker? If it was a poor, starving soul from a third world country enjoying a rare treat, I'd totally get it. But Americans notoriously cram down fast food at every opportunitythere's simply no reason for these "actors" to be salivating over the Big Hardee or whatever gargantuan sandwich they happen to be shoveling into their mouths. But it must be working; I mean, they

keep running these types of commercials and ramping up the gross factor. Don't mind me, I'll just be in the corner quietly nibbling on my Impossible burger.

Oh, there's also a commercial out now where a young woman is driving her father, I assume, down the highway and at one point, he remarks, "School's going to be tough, you know" or something like that - to which she replies, "Yeah, I know." But as they approach their destination, a college campus, and park in front of admissions, it's the FATHER who turns out to be the student. Whoa, who saw that coming? Man, I would love to be a fly on the wall in some of these think-tank sessions at major corporations as they deliberate marketing strategies and such things. Must be pure entertainment.

BY THE WAY, DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY BURGERS THE AVERAGE AMERICAN EATS IN A MONTH? IN A YEAR? 5 AND 60, ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET WHICH IS INFREQUENTLY WRONG.

HOW LONG DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD LAST IN PRISON?

Dear Joe Exotic, Not as long as you have.

Man, I have actually thought about this more than you know. The idea of just going to jail for 24 hours scares the crap out of me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been in bad situations and have been confined to spaces for days at a time without much resources; but I was alone. God forbid I go to jail and the last meal I had was at a Chinese buffet. I’m pretty sure I would be dead even before I got to my one and only phone call. But hey, good luck on your presidential campaign. Can’t wait for the follow-up documentary on Netflix.

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.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK OR BACKSTREET BOYS: WHERE DO YOU STAND?

Dear O-Town, Deep cut, right? “All or Nothing” was better than “Liquid Dreams.” I was a BSB fangirl/person at the first glance of the “I Want It That Way” music video. I would blast that on my mom’s bedroom TV at 6:30 a.m. before going to summer camp where I would hear the song on the speakers during line-up and dismissal. I never got into NKOTB, probably because I thought the initials looked like a disease I should avoid getting. But, to answer your question: neither. I much prefer the soulless, cringey melodies of German pop-rap trio Grup Tekkan.

HAVE YOU EVER PAID HUSH MONEY TO SOMEONE?

Dear Former President Donald Trump,

Don’t worry, you are not alone when it comes to these types of sticky situations - though my type of sticky is more metaphorical.

IN THE NEXT LIFE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME BACK AS?

Dear Lazy Friend Who Had Nothing Else Insightful to Ask, Definitely not you, but I wouldn't mind coming back as one of the pets I've owned. My cats Elliott and Elvis lived until they were 18 and most of their days were full of whining, cuddling, eating and pooping. And now with our Frenchton, Petey, he basically does the same thing but with farting and adds in a little cardio every few hours.

Photo CreditBlaine Mathew Media

MAY MUSIC REVIEWS

CHLOE BAILEY In Pieces Parkwood Entertainment/ Columbia Records

As one sister gets ready to release a big picture, the other is debuting her first solo album. There is nothing “other” about Chloe Bailey, though. One half of the duo Chloe x Halle, the R&B singer is truly blossoming on In Pieces while sister Halle is set to star in The Little Mermaid. Chloe has already proven herself as a solo artist via her breakout single, “Have Mercy,” followed by a spicy performance at the American Music Awards in 2022. The music video has racked up nearly 100 million views, proving she's an artist with talent all her own. On this highly personal album, Chloe is emotional, raw and giving all of the goosebumps with her falsetto. The Beyoncé-backed singer also has huge support from big name collaborators like Missy Elliot ("Told Ya”), Future (“Cheatback”) and Chris Brown (“How Does it Feel"). Elsewhere, “Body Do” is the fun and flirty song that gets you back bumping on the dance floor. The music production could tighten up a little and the tracklist seems a little out of order at times, but what stands out above all is Chloe's pure talent. As her sister swims into her new career, Chloe will also continue to soar into hers. -

Marisa Patwa

ELLIE GOULDING Higher Than Heaven Polydor Records

Ethereal singer Ellie Goulding is floating her listeners onto a cloud with her fifth studio album. Like many artists, Ellie poured her dark thoughts and her true soul into making a beautiful work of art during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic with this collection. Standouts include “Midnight Dreams,” “Love Goes On” and the title track. “Cure For Love” is a relatable breakup song that truly empowers you: “Scars in my mind for the ones left behind and it's wrong/ How many times have I asked who I'm doing this for?/ Put myself on the line just so that I'd feel less insecure/ Won't do it no more/ I can't fight the fever in my veins/ The weakness in me always calls your name/ Quiet, but my heartbeat like a drum/ It's so beat and lonely (It's so beat and lonely).” The British electro-pop singer truly taps into the sadness and heartbreak we have collectively experienced over the last year while still making us want to feel good. -

Marisa Patwa

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

MACKLEMORE Ben Bendo LLC & ADA

The “Thrift Shop” rapper is getting deeply personal with his third solo album. Having relapsed back into alcohol addiction during the pandemic, Macklemore cuts open his soul and delivers it to us on a musical platter with this beautiful array of songs. The guest features lineup is insane, including NLE Choppa, Vic Daggs II, Collett, Charlieonnafriday, Sarah Barthel, DJ Premier, Livingston, Morray and Jackson Lee Morgan. My favorite is his mash-up with Australian singer Tones and I with “Chant.” Their voices blend together effortlessly and Macklemore’s rap just hits you like a ton of bricks: “They told me that I vanished/ They told me that I had it/ They told me that I'm gone/ I told them, "Don't panic"/ When you've done it this long/ And you've seen magic/ And you know it won't kill you/ Even when the whole world doubts it/ This is my moment / They can't take my talent/ They can't take my stripes / They can't erase my hours / I'm from the underground, anything above ground is a mountain / I'm done tryna impress anybody but the heavens where I'm headed / You don't get to hold onto your flowers / I am in my zone, eyes on the throne.” Macklemore can reign as king as long as he wants. -

Marisa Patwa

XANDERWOLF "Silvergun Superman" Self-released

Just a few months removed from dropping the long-awaited full-length Alpha, Evansville's Alex Morgan is back with a scorching take on a Stone Temple Pilots deep cut. The tri-state rocker tracked this recording with local producer Steve Tyner, handling all vocal and instrumental duties and proving just how adept he is in the studio these days. He's also clearly a pro at picking songs to cover. While there's no debating that "Silvergun Superman" is a standout track from 1994's Purple, Morgan - once again operating under the Xanderwolf moniker - adds a real edge, injecting the song with an urgency missing from the original. The guitars are amped up and decidedly more in your face; the vocals are fuller and unmistakably insistent. For the duration of the five-plus minutes, Morgan goes toe-to-toe with Weiland, Kretz and the DeLeo brothers, crafting a 2.0 version for 2023. Most impressively, his song-ending guitar solo truly soars, both managing to retain the feel of Dean DeLeo's lauded effort while also making it his own. "Silvergun Superman" is available on major streaming platforms.

- Johnny Fletcher

OMD Dazzle Ships (40th Anniversary Reissue) Virgin

Despite scoring four straight top 10 singles in the UK from 1980-82, Orchestral Manouevres in the Dark - better known as OMD stateside - failed to make much of a mark in the U.S. until four years later when the storied synth-pop group appeared on the soundtrack of the John Hughesdirected Pretty in Pink starring Molly Ringwald. "If You Leave," the song that plays over the film's climactic scene, reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, bursting the dam in America. Still, for hardcore fans, the band's most satisfying period occurred in 1983 with the release of Dazzle Ships, a willfully experimental record that confused critics and temporarily put the brakes on commercial success. Embracing the new technology of sampling, songwriters Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys wove a collage of shortwave radio clips, world news reports and more around some of their most wistful melodies to date on tracks like "International," "Silent Running" and "Romance of the Telescope" but, via the likes of the guitar-driven instrumental "This is Helena," also got downright angular. Singles "Genetic Engineering" and "Telegraph," while enduringly catchy, proved to be a little too weird for the times. All these years later, however, the album has been given a long-overdue reappraisal. Now belatedly deemed a masterpiece, Dazzle Ships has been newly mixed and padded with a handful of bonus tracks to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Still sounds like the future.

- Johnny Fletcher

LAST IN LINE Jericho Orange Glow LLC

When guitarist Vivian Campbell, drummer Vinnie Appice and bassist Jimmy Bain (3/4 of the original DIO lineup) formed Last In Line, it was really a tribute project to honor the music of Ronnie James Dio. They brought in former Lynch Mob vocalist Andrew Freeman and performed tunes from the early DIO catalog. Despite the untimely death of bassist Bain while aboard the Def Leppard “Hysteria on the High Seas” cruise in 2016, the band soldiered on, recruiting former Ozzy bassist Phil Soussan. Last in Line now have three albums worth of original material. The latest is Jericho , and it’s another strong effort from these journeymen, offering an eclectic mix of well-composed hard rock tunes with catchy hooks and melody. Plus, Vivian Campbell shows that he can still play the heavy stuff - much of which bears little resemblance to his work in Def Leppard. Standouts are “Bastard Son,” “We Don’t Run” and “Something Wicked.” - Matt Alschbach

T-PAIN On Top of the Covers Nappy Boy/Empire

Faheem Rasheed Najm. Tallahassee Pain. These are the first names of the first name you think of when you hear the word “AutoTune.” T-Pain has gone from a rapper to a rapper-turned-singer on 2005's aptly-named Rappa Ternt Sanga to a multi-platinum Grammy award winner. In 2019, he became a contestant on The Masked Singer TV show and has brought that experience to this eight-song album. As early as 2014, following an appearance on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts series, it became the trivia du jour that T-Pain can really sing. Once again dropping the mask and the Auto-Tune, On Top of the Covers successfully showcases that vocal talent with songs from Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra, Journey, David Allan Coe and others. T-Pain himself gets five stars, but, sadly, the volume is inconsistent song to song, and the overall quality is lacking. Unnecessarily distorted and unfinishedsounding mixes distract the listener from T-Pain's powerhouse vocals. Even if the choices are a bit late-night karaoke, it's a fun "you'll never guess who" add to any party playlist.- Lindsey Williams

BLUES WITH BRAGIN

DEB CALLAHAN Backbone Blue Pearl Records

Philadelphia blues-soul singer Deb Callahan returns with her sixth studio release, Backbone. The album opens with “What I’m Workin With,” a song about embracing who you are and not trying to hide behind a mask. The horns from Jay Davidson and Steve Jankowski add a nice touch. “Crazy Ride” conjures a funky 1970s feel reminiscent of Stevie Wonder. “Rouge” offers poignant lyrics about suffering manipulation in a relationship. Allen James serves up great guitar work on the song. Your toes will start tapping on “A Few New Tricks.” Danny Schogger’s piano playing is top-notch. A cover of Percy Mayfield’s “Danger Zone” gives James another chance to shine on guitar.

“Still Fighting To Be Free” features appearances from Alan Glass on acoustic guitar and John Colgan Davis on harmonica as Callahan sings about the plight of minorities and immigrants. Stellar drumming from Tom Walling sets the tone on “Don’t Tread On Me” while Dave Arms lays down a funky bass line. “Cleaning House” gives Callahan an opportunity to sing about ridding her life of unnecessary things while Chris Arms showcases his prowess on the slide guitar. The whole band offers up funky vibes on “Just What the Doctor Ordered” and Charlene Holloway provides excellent background vocals. Anyone who enjoys grooving with the blues needs to listen to this album. - Paul Bragin

MAY 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 - 4.25

This true Imperial IPA pours a clear golden hue with a thick white head. Citrus on the nose, with a big malty backbone that is perfectly balanced by the ample hops. A true IPA lover will appreciate the distinct IPA bitterness and the slightly warming finish.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5

A thick white head crowns this IPA and disappears very slowly. A generous burst of hops controls the scent profile. Likewise, bitter hop and citrus notes first come to the palate when sipping the beer. Drinkers who enjoy IPAs loaded with hops should give this beer a prominent place during its seasonal availability. Pair it with your favorite spicy cuisines like Mexican or Thai, tacos or a hamburger with barbecue sauce.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5

This is a slightly hazy, straw-colored beer. I'm impressed with the artwork on the can - very original. The beer has a decent amount of hops that sticks to your tongue, plus it boasts an ABV of 8.5 %. Considering that it's pretty easy to drink, one should be conservative with the intake.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4

This ale pours a light straw color with a thin foamy head. This is a pilsner with added lemon flavoring, but unlike many of this style, it is light and lacking a typical lemonade sweetness. Instead this bursts with lemon zest freshness - no bitterness and a light, refreshing finish.

PAUL BRAGIN - 3.5

A thick white head tops this beer when poured in a pilsner glass and stays for a long time. The scent contains a pleasant amount of lemon without overpowering the profile. Carbonation hits the tongue with the first sip of the beer, while lemon flavors become bolder in the long finish. Give this beer a place in your refrigerator during the hot summer months. Pair it with your favorite lemon desserts and use it as an ingredient.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4

This is a light, straw-colored beer with decent carbonation. I feel most shandys are heavy on the lemon or other fruit flavors but this one is very light. This beer is very easy to drink and is a nice summertime beverage. Good to see Breckenridge produce something like this since they usually brew beer on the other side of the spectrum.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4

This ale pours a clear golden hue with a creamy white head. A bit bready on the nose, and very light, clean and slightly sweet on the palate. It has a smooth finish with an almost imperceptible hop bitterness. If you are looking to delve into the craft beer scene, this is a great beer to start with.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4

A thick white head rests on this golden ale and never totally evaporates. Sweet malt notes dominate the nose. The malt notes continue with the initial tasting of the beer, with balance from the hops coming through in the finish. This easy drinking beer will see a rise in popularity during the dog days of summer. Pair it with a variety of foods like salmon, cold chicken salad or the classic summer combination of beer and bratwurst.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4

This is a golden ale beer with a slight haziness and a nice malty flavor. The can says “just a very nice beer” and it is. Nothing flashy but solid. I consider this a high quality Budweiser. It has a decent body and it's a smooth session beer. Very crisp and refreshing.

BRECKENRIDGE SUMMER PILS SHANDY

RHINEGEIST KNOWLEDGE IMPERIAL IPA BELL'S NO, YEAH GOLDEN ALE

LAGUNITAS IPA

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.25

This IPA pours a clear amber, with a thin head. It starts with a note of citrus on the nose, with citrus and pine hop flavors sharing the palate. It is medium-bodied with a well-balanced maltiness. Super drinkable as the bottle declares.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25

A thick white head forms on this IPA and evaporates slowly. A decent amount of hops fills the nose deeply without overwhelming the senses. Citrus and pine notes from the hops are present while drinking the beer and grow even stronger in the very long finish. People who

enjoy hoppy IPAs need to try this. Pair it with shellfish such as oysters and mussels, or it can work well with nearly any cheese.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4

This is a clear, amber-colored beer with an ABV of 6.2%. It has a crisp hops flavor but on the lighter side. I haven't had too many beers from this brewery but I really like this one. It has a slight pine flavor and a light citrus flavor, as well. I'm very impressed with this beer.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

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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

A:A defendant in an Indiana State Court personal injury case can file a Motion for Summary Judgment with the Court asking the Judge to rule in the Defendant’s favor as a matter of law. If the Judge grants the Motion, then the Plaintiff loses before going to a jury trial. Also, a defendant can prevail if the case goes to a jury trial and the jury returns a verdict in favor of the defendant. If your personal injury case is unsuccessful, you have the option to appeal the decision, but it's important to weigh the potential costs and benefits of doing so.

Appealing a decision can be a time-consuming and expensive process, and there is no guarantee that the decision will be overturned. However, if you believe that there were errors made in the legal process or that the judge made an incorrect ruling, an appeal may be worth considering. A skilled personal injury attorney can review the details of your case and advise you on whether an appeal is a viable option.

Legal appeals involve research, legal writing, and lots of time. The first appeal is to the Indiana Court of Appeals. This involves briefing and

sometimes oral arguments. If the Plaintiff loses at the Court of Appeals, then the Plaintiff could Petition the Indiana Supreme Court. However, the Indiana Supreme Court can choose whether to consider the case. Again, this is a lengthy process.

Ultimately, the decision to appeal or not will depend on the specifics of your case and your individual circumstances. It may be helpful to consult with an attorney to explore all of your options and make an informed decision. For sure, there is no better feeling than winning a legal appeal. Likewise, it is very hard to receive an unfavorable decision on appeal after all the hard work in making the appeal.

This is precisely why it is important to evaluate cases early on and to attempt to anticipate any legal arguments against the case. If you find yourself needing to appeal a legal decision listen to your attorney and offer any support the attorney may need to prosecute the appeal.

The above information provided by Siesky Law Firm, PC, is not legal advice and should not be taken as legal advice. Application of the law is highly fact sensitive and readers should consult with an attorney on legal matters.

in myriad ways.

Q: If my personal injury case is ultimately unsuccessful, what options do I have at that point? Is it best to just accept the decision and move on or is it advisable to appeal?