News4U June 2023

08 11 16 17

Dreamland Fireworks

Check Out the Explosive Savings at this Evansville Hotspot!

2023 Summer Concert & Festival Guide (PT. 1)

Your Ticket to All the Amazing Shows & Events on Tap!

KC & The Sunshine Band at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater

An Exclusive Interview with Legendary Frontman KC

Comedian Eddie Griffin at the Victory Theatre

Beloved Stand-Up Comic coming to Downtown Evansville

Established in 1991 by Publisher Brian Bennett

Operations Manager

Joshua Adams

Managing Editor & Writer

Thomas Ellis

Account Representative TJ Tanoos

tj@evansvillemediagroup.com

Production Manager, Designer & Layout Artist

Kelsey Halbig

Contributors

Matt Alschbach, Freddie Bourne, 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

Word to your mother, tri-state. In retrospect, I should have introduced last month's note with that classic hip-hop phrase made famous by Vanilla Ice - you know, with Mother's Day in May and all. But now that I actually delve into the history of it, "word to your mother" comes fraught with all sorts of alternative meanings that make me re-think using it at any time of the year. But it's too late; I simply don't have the energy to start over. And that's because warm weather is back, baby. Which means that I've been getting more than my share of exercise

outdoors, whether jogging in preparation for the Evansville Half Marathon in September or mowing and weeding the lawn every few days. In short, I'm beat. Still, I refuse to let you down and will somehow muster the strength to continue on...because I simply must tell you that it's another banner month for concerts and festivals in the tri-state. Don't believe me? In the words of the Eurythmics, would I lie to you? Possibly, if it benefitted me in some way. Hey, just being honest. But not to worry, I'm being true blue with you. Here's a shortlist of concerts and festivals on tap in June: Candlebox, KC and The Sunshine

Band, WC Handy Blues & BBQ Fest, Jackson Browne, Chicago, Lyle Lovett, ROMP Fest and ShrinersFest. And if you need a good laugh, comedian Eddie Griffin is just around the corner, set to take the Victory stage in downtown Evansville on July 1. Not too shabby, eh? Also, did I mention that Marina Pointe & Nightclub is now up and running on the riverfront? It's par-tay time, yo. Best of all, July 4th is looming, so be sure to head over to East Diamond Avenue in Evansville and visit Dreamland Fireworks to stock up on cool stuff that explodes. Details on pg. 8 - TE

Dreamland Fireworks

TWICE THE FUN AT HALF THE PRICE: LOCALLY-OWNED NORTH SIDE BUSINESS OFFERS EXPLOSIVE SAVINGS ON NAME-BRAND FIREWORKS

David Baize is a man on a mission to save the community money - well, even more money, to be accurate. Owner of Dreamland Fireworks on Evansville's north side (650 E. Diamond Avenue), he's been dedicated to providing the lowest prices in the tri-state for years now, offering name-brand products at half the cost and no end of BOGOs. It's almost as if Baize gets a kick out of darn near giving away fireworks (spoiler alert: he does). Hardly surprising, then, that no competitor in the area comes anywhere close to matching the insane deals at Dreamland - going somewhere else is akin to throwing cash out the window. Hey, we all make bad decisions from time to time but there's simply no excuse for wasting your hard-earned money on over-priced name-brand products, especially with continuing inflation and pain at the pump. Why eat up your monthly gas budget driving all over town trying to score the ultimate fireworks show at a bargain? Just go straight to Dreamland!

Founded by Baize back in 2007 after his annual fireworks show on Reitz Hill simply became too expensive to pull off and the only option left was to cut out the middle man, Dreamland quickly ballooned.

All total, Baize opened up 116 stores throughout the region over the following nine years - and at one point was overseeing 10 locations during the annual summer rush for fireworks. And that's when he decided to apply the brakes. "That's how you lose touch with your customers," he explains. "I got tired of not being there on the customer service level of things. When you're not there, it's not the same."

Baize rectified the customer service issue by slimming down to one location on Diamond Avenue in 2016 and got to work saving the community money. By his estimates, fireworks enthusiasts would have spent a whopping $1.5 million more over the last seven years if Dreamland didn't exist. "For example, if you spend $500 at another shop, it's only going to cost you $250 or $300 here - because I do it by volume and by the unit, averaging out what is going to be sold," Baize says. "I'll sell 10,000 500 Gram Cakes and my competitor might sell 2000 for the same amount of money. I just give the customers the deal that I think I would like."

In addition to offering great deals on name-brand fireworks, Baize

has been known to conduct giveaways on Facebook, handing out cash to followers of Dreamland's page that like comments and share with friends. The business is nearing 10,000 fans online as a result, a key factor in its overall success. As noted earlier, with inflation and high gas prices, people are hurting financially; Baize's generosity and determination to save the community money are truly making a difference. Do yourself a favor and follow Dreamland on Facebook to keep up with all the latest news and to get a jump on upcoming deals as July 4th approaches.

And just so there's no confusion, Dreamland ONLY sells fireworksBaize is purely focused on providing you the most bang for your buck. "Other places sell knick-knacks and other things, but we're Evansville's fireworks store," he states. To ensure complete satisfaction with Dreamland's huge inventory - Baize carries over 10 major suppliers' products - 42 TVs are housed throughout the building, all displaying demonstrations of said name-brand products so customers know exactly what to expect. It's a formula for success that's put Dreamland at the forefront of the fireworks industry and resulted in a lot of happy shoppers this time of year. "There's not a single customer who's come here that says they just blew up all their money or it wasn't worth it. They say that every dollar they spent was worth it for each single bang."

Dreamland Fireworks is open now through July 11. Come in today for explosive savings!

Just how many marquis concerts and festivals are on the books this summer? Well, too many to fit into one guide, if that tells you something. Next month we'll give you the 411 on events happening in August and September but for now let's not overdo it. As it stands, there are so many cool events happening through mid-summer that you might need to request vacation time at work to clear your schedule. Don't quit your job or anything; that would be unwise. Still, we'd hate for you to miss out on all the fun. (Side note: you could always call in "sick" if push comes to shove.) So take a look at all the good stuff going on in the tri-state in June and July and start marking your calendarthere's truly something for everyone!

MUSIC IN THE PARK

EVANSVILLE PARKS / JUNE-AUGUST

Hosted by the Evansville Parks Foundation, Music in the Park offers free bi-weekly concerts with on-site food trucks for an evening of familyfriendly fun. Live performances run from 6-8 p.m. at various locations. This month catch Haywire (6/1 @ Franklin Street Park), 2 Miles Back (6/15 @ Bayard Park) and JustUs4 (6/29 @ Sunset East Park).

REARVIEW: TRIBUTE TO PEARL JAM

Got a case of Saturday night fever?

Then Live on the Banks is your remedy. This beloved free concert series in downtown Owensboro is back with a fantastic lineup of local and regional acts performing on the Overlook Stage and at the Allen Street Gazebo. This month catch the likes of Cynthia Murray & The End Times, Blackford Creek, Arnie Weiner and more.

SOUNDS ON 2ND

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. Expect to hear all the band's classics along with a few deep cuts.

CANDLEBOX

This popular series of free concerts on Second Street in downtown Beaver Dam, KY, returns to rock your Friday

Seattle's Candlebox burst onto the scene in 1993 via the rock staples "You" and "Far Behind." Now, after three decades of performing, singer and founding 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 and sing along to all their hits one last time!

OWENSBORO,

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.

OWENSBORO PORCHFEST

OWENSBORO, KY / JUNE 10

Boasting 46 acts on 15 stages, this free, all-ages community event in Owensboro promises a full day of great live music, food and fun. Every year PorchFest makes Griffith Avenue come alive with sweet melodies and beautiful harmonies and proceeds from merchandise sales go to support a local charity, ensuring the event is a win-win for everyone.

They don't call it the party event of the season for nothing. If you're looking for a wild time this summer, make a beeline for Haubstadt. This hugely popular festival is back and guaranteed to be bigger than ever. Along with a bierstube, food booths, rides and a parade, enjoy concerts featuring Dylan Wolfe and That's What She Said as well as an opening night DJ dance party!

Headlined by The War & Treaty and Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, one of the nation's biggest free music festivals returns with four days of incomparable live blues music performances - and crazy delicious BBQ - in Audubon Mill Park. Also scheduled to take the stage:

Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, Shemekia Copeland, Bywater Call and many more.

HAUBSTADT SOMMERFEST

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.

KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND

WC HANDY BLUES & BBQ FEST

JACKSON BROWNE

BEAVER DAM AMPHITHEATER / JUNE 10

HENDERSON, KY / JUNE 14-17 HAUBSTADT, IN / JUNE

CHICAGO

show will see the multi-genre singer-songwriter performing many of his classics such as "Cowboy Man" while also dipping into 2022's acclaimed 12th of June which features both Lovett originals and beloved standards.

ROMP FEST

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.

LYLE LOVETT & HIS LARGE BAND

The tri-state's premier folk & bluegrass festival makes a welcome return to Yellow Creek Park with a star-studded lineup featuring Sam Bush, The Infamous Stringdusters and many more acclaimed acts. In addition, you can take part in instrumental workshops, jam sessions, arts & crafts demonstrations and enjoy the delights of organic food vendors.

A tri-state institution, ShrinersFest always signals the true beginning of summer, offering up two days of fun in the sun by the downtown Evansville riverfront. Activities and events include a car show, corn hole, Dock Dogs, inflatables, live music, military reenactments and more. Plus, enjoy a variety of food trucks and peruse offerings from local vendors. It's a blast!

4TH FEST

MADISONVILLE, KY / JUNE 30 & JULY 1

Four-time Grammy Award-winner Lyle Lovett is a multi-faceted artist whose acting chops are also welldocumented. This highly-anticipated

SHRINERSFEST 2023

One of Kentucky's biggest annual events, 4th Fest is jam-packed with family-friendly fun and incredible live music. June 30 is country night featuring Clay Walker, Coffey Anderson and 101st Airborne Rock Band; July 1 is all about the 90's with Vanilla Ice, C+C Music Factory, Tag Team and DJ Shay all taking the stage. Plenty of food and activities on tap, too!

VICTORY THEATRE / JUNE 17

OWENSBORO, KY / JUNE 21-24

EVANSVILLE RIVERFRONT / JUNE 23-24

PRAISE IN THE PARK

For over a century, the Vanderburgh County Fair has entertained the tri-state, featuring a full schedule of fun events, including a mid-week concert by big name performers. This year's headliner is country star Michael Ray supported by Sean Stemaly. Other highlights include BKA cart racing, a car show, demolition derby, ice cream crank off and plenty of fair food.

ROCK THE DAM 6

Happening right on the heels of 4th Fest in Madisonville, Praise in the Park is a free annual event featuring some of the best performers in Christian music. This year's headliner is Matthew West, supported by Anne Wilson and Ben Fuller. There will also be a variety of food trucks, a beer garden, various vendors and activities for kids.

SANDY LEE SONGFEST

The "Hair Band" era lives on! Every summer, Beaver Dam Amphitheater in Kentucky puts together a great lineup of acts from the rocking '80s and the 6th annual edition is no exception with headliner Winger supported by Firehouse, Jack Russell's Great White and Steelheart. Your head will bang non-stop to classic tracks from these metal giants.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FAIR

Featuring four nights of intimate, acoustic live performances in Henderson's historic downtown, the Sandy Lee SongFest is quite unlike any other event. Every year a handful of Nashville's greatest songwriters make the trek to tell the stories behind their biggest hits, up close and personal. 2023 host venues: The Elm and Rookies.

ACE FREHLEY

There a few more iconic guitarists than Ace Frehley. As one of the original members of KISS, he helped to shape the history of rock & roll alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss thanks to the band's legendary live shows and timeless hits such as "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Shout It Out Loud." Catch the "Spaceman" himself at the area's most scenic venue.

HENDERSON, KY / JULY 26-29

BEAVER DAM AMPHITHEATER / JULY 29

LINCOLN AMPHITHEATRE / JULY 29

Charting a slew of irresistibly funky hits in the mid-70's, KC & The Sunshine band defined the disco era. Songs like "That's the Way (I Like It)," "Get Down Tonight," "Shake Your Booty" and "Keep It Comin' Love" put the Florida-based ensemble at the forefront of a new musical movement that quickly spread worldwide. Suddenly, nightclubs everywhere were packed, teeming with people from all backgrounds dancing all night long to R&B-influenced jams that put the focus squarely on the groove. To paraphrase KC, that's the way everyone liked it - peace, love and an unstoppable beat.

As the decade turned and the electronic sound of the 80's started to emerge, KC & The Sunshine Band - along with many other disco iconsfound themselves out of favor. But time has a way of rewriting the script; as the raw guitar attack of grunge took off in the early 90's and anguished anthems became all the rage, there was an underlying yearning for

carefree dance music. After a lengthy hiatus, KC & The Sunshine Band were back in the spotlight, once again performing to big crowds across America. 30 years later, the demand for their disco classics hasn't dipped a bit; seems we all need that jolt of groovy positivity more than ever.

KC kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater.

2023 marks a major milestone for KC & The Sunshine Band - 50 years since the group's formation and you're still performing. That's a pretty exclusive club.

It seems like my 10th decade [laughs]. All of a sudden it was 50 [years]. As long as I can keep doing it, I'll do it. After the pandemic I was just going to call it a day, but I really enjoy it; it's fun; I just love being on the stage and the people, so there's no reason to stop right now.

Ryan Shaw

There are so many working parts in your songs - how did you find the right balance in the studio?

Usually we'd go in with the rhythm section first; then we might overdub some guitars or keyboards. Originally, it's just four or five people or whatever it is. And you make that the guts of the song - kind of like when you're painting a picture, so there's the white canvas or whatever and then you start adding the colors; music is kind of layers of colors. Then we'd bring in the horns separately; background vocals separately; percussion separately. So there might be three or four different sessions that happen after the initial recording.

When bands like Blondie and KISS began to incorporate elements of disco into their music in the late 70's, did you take that as a compliment?

It was great. You know, recently I read an article where ABBA said that our song "Rock Your Baby" influenced them to write "Dancing Queen". That same song also influenced John Lennon to write "Whatever Gets You Through the Night". And there were a lot of songs that, you know, picked up on what we were doing and that sound at the time because it was very popular. So it was very flattering even though, you know, the press discredited us - never gave us the credit we really deserved, or the credit I deserved as a writer.

Of course, the punk and new wave bands at the time claimed to be pushing back against disco.

It's so funny because new wave to me was just disco sideways. It was so funny to watch this supposedly new sound come out and the only difference in the new sound was that it was more electronic. If you read some of my original articles where they say, "Where you do you see music going?" I say it will be more electronic. And so it was so funny to see that - Madonna and all of the new wave and punk rock of that era was just us sideways; it's really interesting. But I love all that music, tooyou know what I mean?

All these years later, your sound is still having an impact - current music is littered with elements of KC & The Sunshine Band. That song "Young Hearts Run Free" by Candi Staton - it's just amazing what's happening out there. You know, all this stuff that Bruno Mars has done, Justin Timberlake and these other artists - it's all retro, just nothing but what we did 30 or 40 years ago. I've been in this business, of course, more than the 50 years that I'm celebrating with the band and I've been on this planet a long time...I've never seen anything in the history of music refer back to another era the way that it refers back to the 70s sound or that early 80s sound the way it's happening now. I don't know if they've run out of ideas, you know, but it was great music; it was music that had real melodies and real instruments playing before the digital world really took over.

For tickets and more info, visit beaverdamtourism.com.

EDDIE GRIFFIN

Critically-acclaimed stand-up comic coming to downtown Evansville

Eddie Griffin has been killing audiences with laughter for over 30 years now. Named one of the Top 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All-Time by Comedy Central, the Kansas City native first made waves back in the early 90's as a main player in the Def Comedy Jam phenomenon that swept the entertainment world. Around the same time his HBO special One Night Stand was nominated for a Cable Ace Award, an accolade that opened the door to acting roles in films such as Coneheads, Armageddon and Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo. In all, Griffin has appeared in 50+ features, showcasing his talents beyond the stage.

In addition to his film work, Griffin is widely known for playing hilarious characters on the small screen, too. His star turn in the UPN TV series Malcom & Eddie earned him a NAACP Image Award for Best Actor. More recently, Griffin's returned to his stand-up comedy roots, shooting a third Showtime special that aired in 2019 while also making further strides in Hollywood. That same year he acted alongside Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones and Morgan Freeman in The Comeback Trail; the film is due for a theatrical release in 2023. In 2020, Griffin played the Devil in Bad President, available on VOD.

Don't miss this comedy legend at the Victory on July 1!

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

VICTORY THEATRE / JULY 1 / 7 P.M.

HENDERSON'S

TAPPED

UPCOMING SHOWS

Safe to say that few music clubs can boast the origin story of The Elm, one of the area's up-andcoming hotspots for live entertainment. After all, the venue began life as an award-winning antiques store that served the Henderson community well for nearly a decade. But like so many tri-state businesses, its success was stymied by the pandemic. To make matters worse, a drunk driver then plowed through the front of the building, forcing owner Brian Glick to board the place up for nine months. As the longtime musician succinctly states, "antiques never came back." But as the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade... With his main business kaput, Glick went about reimagining the 5000 sq ft space as an entertainment venue, leaning on his connections with many of the area's best bands to create a serious haven for live music that was sorely needed in downtown Henderson.

Glick himself rocks out in three bands currently, including the recently resurrected Scarecrow which will play its first show in 14 years on June 2 at The Elm. But this isn't about giving his own musical projects a platform; he's made it a point from day one to book mind-blowing acts from around the tri-state and beyond, such as Crooked Eye Tommy, The Jim Gustin Band and 2 Miles Back - all of which have packed the place and kept patrons seemingly glued to their seats. "We have space for dancing but most people are just

so enthralled with the performances that they're just sitting there with their jaws down, really getting into the music itself," Glick says. But while Glick takes credit for bringing in the talent, he's quick to note the invaluable role that his wife Lisa plays, dubbing her "the one who makes it all happen." In addition to scheduling events and doing design work, she bartends, too. "We couldn't do it without her," Glick maintains.

While June is set to be another banner month at The Elm with a series of great shows lined up, the best is yet to come in late July when the venue will co-host the iconic Sandy Lee SongFest, along with Rookies Restaurant & Sports Bar. Glick considers it a real coup; he's totally jazzed to welcome some of Nashville's most in-demand songwriters to perform and share the stories behind their biggest hits. It's not entirely unexpected, though. Since opening The Elm, Glick has held singer-songwriter nights once a month (they also do open mic comedy and paranormal nights) which have routinely drawn Sandy Lee folks up to Henderson. "Everybody on the [Sandy Lee] board has been coming to the shows - they really love the atmosphere here," he says. "And every band that has played here so far has said it's one of the best sounding they've ever played in."

The Elm is located at 120 N. Elm St. in downtown Henderson. For more info, follow The Elm on Facebook.

CLEAN BITE

GRILLED CHICKEN

life

Healthy Cooking with Lindsay Rasure

I love a good homemade chicken salad! I love the bite of sweetness that the grapes bring and the saltiness from the pecans. This chicken salad is next-level by using grilled chicken thighs and toasted pecans. It’s one hundred percent worth the extra step. By grilling the chicken thighs the salad itself doesn’t need extra spices or anything special. This salad is delicious by itself or

SALAD (4 servings)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 LB. BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN THIGHS

• 1 C. DICED GRAPES (ANY VARIETY)

• 2/3 C. DICED CELERY

• ½ C. ROASTED CHOPPED PECANS

• 1/3 C. OF AVOCADO BASED MAYONNAISE (FAVORITE BRAND: PRIMAL KITCHEN)

• SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE

• ½ LEMON TO SQUEEZE ON TOP

DIRECTIONS:

1. GRILL YOUR CHICKEN THIGHS TO YOUR LIKING, LET THEM COOL, AND

Y YOUR PECANS ON A ROASTING PAN AND SPRAY WITH OLIVE OIL OR AVOCADO OIL. ROAST THE PECANS AT 375 DEGREES FOR 8 MINUTES. SALT TO YOUR LIKING AND LET COOL BEFORE CHOPPING INTO SMALL

A BOWL COMBINE THE CHICKEN, DICED GRAPES, DICED CELERY, PECANS, AND AVOCADO MAYO. STIR UNTIL WELL COMBINED. T AND PEPPER TO YOUR LIKING AND STIR AGAIN. A LEMON IN HALF AND SQUEEZE OVER THE TOP. STIR AGAIN TO 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

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

6:00 PM

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

Lemmons

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Michelle Shelton (back patio stage)

Haynie's Corner Arts District (Evansville) -- First Friday (free concert & more)

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

Beaver Dam, KY -- Sounds on 2nd (free concert)

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Drag Me to the Weekend Pride Kickoff Party w/ DJ AP

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Pride

Evvolve Night

9:00 PM

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Marina Pointe -- DJ Cliffy D

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill

-- Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

Smothers Park (Owensboro, KY) -- Live on the Banks (free concert)

7:30 PM

Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln City) -- Rearview: Tribute to Pearl Jam

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- The Pits

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- The Ridge Runners

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

9:00 PM

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Marina Pointe -- DJ Cliffy D

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

9:30 PM

Old National Events Plaza -Nate Bargatze

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill

-- That's What She Said!

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

1:00 PM

KC's Marina Pointe -- Sunday

Funday w/ Hudsy

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Keith Farny Jazz Collective

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/

Suzi Q

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, JUNE 5

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ DJ Passage

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

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, JUNE 7

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, JUNE 8

6:00 PM

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

Eights

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

5:30 PM

Haynie's Corner Arts District (Evansville) -- First Friday (free concert & more)

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- TwoPine (back patio stage)

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

KC's Marina Pointe -- Paul Wiemeier

Old National Events Plaza -Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour

7:00 PM

Beaver Dam, KY -- Sounds on 2nd (free concert)

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Stackin' Eights

9:00 PM

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Latin & Salsa Night

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Owensboro, KY -- Owensboro PorchFest

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Clint Campbell (back patio stage)

6:00 PM

KC's Marina Pointe -- Paul

Wiemeier

7:00 PM

Beaver Dam Amphitheater -- KC & The Sunshine Band wsg The Boogie Knights

Smothers Park (Owensboro, KY) -- Live on the Banks (free concert)

Victory Theatre -- Candlebox

"The Long Goodbye" Tour

7:30 PM

Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln City) -- '84: A Van Halen Tribute

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Rich Hardesty

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- The Chugs

9:00 PM

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/

Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Goldy Locks

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Tom & Steven Duo

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Suzi Q

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, JUNE 12

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ DJ

Passage

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

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, JUNE 14

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, JUNE 15

Haubstadt Fest Grounds --

Haubstadt Sommerfest

6:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- College Night w/ Trey Hughes

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

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- Beer Pong

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Southpaw

FLHC Dirty South Takeover Tour

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- DJ Jon J After Party

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --

Karaoke & DJ

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

Haubstadt Fest Grounds --

Haubstadt Sommerfest

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Stackin' Eights

Unplugged

Haynie's Corner Arts District (Evansville) -- First Friday (free concert & more)

6:00 PM

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

KC's Marina Pointe -- Trey Hughes

7:00 PM

Beaver Dam, KY -- Sounds on 2nd (free concert)

7:30 PM

Victory Theatre -- Jackson Browne

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Gypsy Soul

Old National Events Plaza -Chicago

9:00 PM

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Marina Pointe -- DJ NYU

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- The Abyss Tour

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

Haubstadt Fest Grounds -Haubstadt Sommerfest

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Tony Henning (back patio stage)

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

Smothers Park (Owensboro, KY) -- Live on the Banks (free concert)

7:30 PM

Victory Theatre -- Lyle Lovett & His Large Band

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Bonepony (tix on eventbrite)

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jenkins

Twins

9:00 PM

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Marina Pointe -- DJ NYU

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Live Music TBA

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

1:00 PM

KC's Marina Pointe -- Sunday

Funday w/ Trey Hughes

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Monte Skelton & Friends

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Suzi Q

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, JUNE 19

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ DJ Passage

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Poetry Night

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

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 -- Broken

Flesh, Voluntary Mortification, Symphony of Heaven & Azell

9:00 PM

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 22

6:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- College Night w/ Josh Merritt

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln City) -- The Rivalry (historical debate)

9:00 PM

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

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Evansville Riverfront -ShrinersFest

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Just Us 4 (back patio stage)

Haynie's Corner Arts District

(Evansville) -- First Friday (free concert & more)

6:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill

-- Live Music TBA

7:00 PM

Beaver Dam, KY -- Sounds on 2nd (free concert)

Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln City) -- The Rivalry (historical debate)

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- My Posse in Effect Beastie Boys Tribute (tix on eventbrite)

9:00 PM

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- EDM Cat

Daddy

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

Evansville Riverfront -ShrinersFest

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- TwoPine (back patio stage)

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

It Takes a Village Canine Rescue

-- Paws & Claws Charity Event feat. Live Music & More

7:00 PM

Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln City) -- The Rivalry (historical debate)

Smothers Park (Owensboro, KY) -- Live on the Banks (free concert)

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- The BackBeats

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Clark After Dark Pride Event

9:00 PM

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Live Music TBA

Funday w/ Trey Hughes

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz:

Bokeh Big Band

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/

Suzi Q

7:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, JUNE 26

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ DJ

Passage

9:00 PM

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic

TUESDAY, JUNE 27

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, JUNE 28

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, JUNE 29

Lemmons

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

7:00 PM

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

Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

Madisonville, KY -- 4th Fest feat. Clay Walker

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Lindsey Williams (back patio stage)

Haynie's Corner Arts District (Evansville) -- First Friday (free concert & more)

6:00 PM

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

KC's Marina Pointe -- Trey Hughes

7:00 PM

Beaver Dam, KY -- Sounds on 2nd (free concert)

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Idder, Straight Line Press & Sluice

9:00 PM

KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ

KC's Marina Pointe -- DJ Brian Dawe

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

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Karaoke

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

1:00 PM

KC's Marina Pointe -- Sunday

6:00 PM

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

COLT GRAVES

Colt Graves' musical journey has been quite unusual, to say the least, ebbing and flowing from folk to Christian rap to country, ultimate arriving at a style that takes in elements of all three genres - "country-hybrid," as he calls it. Multi-talented, the Owensboro singer-songwriter comes from a long line of musicians; most notably, his grandfather Josh "King of the Dobro" Graves, who played with the legendary bluegrass duo Flatt & Scruggs, is a member of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. So that's the direction Colt first headed as a musical newbie, following in his grandfather's folk footsteps. But by the time he turned 16, his environment had changed quite significantly; Graves found himself on his own, a situation that impacted his outlook on music, among other things. "I moved into some rougher areas and neighborhoods and really learned a completely different lifestyle," he says, adding that he found God during this time period. "I started rapping because that's what was around me." Cementing his

newfound faith, Graves became a Christian in 2014 and, through the encouragement of those around him, dipped his toes into Christian rap, producing a series of well-received singles and videos.

Then all went quiet for a number of years as Graves put music on the backburner. Now a family man, he was determined to become a better father, a better husband, a better human. Still, he continued to write songs with others behind the scenes, including R&B artists from Clarksville, Tennessee, all the while itching to kick it solo again. "I just needed to learn how to balance my time - but I finally got the hang of how to be the best parent I can, but work and be creative, too," Graves explains. Not only did he figure things out, he re-emerged with a truly exciting new sound, releasing a run of singles in 2022 that reflected his country-hybrid vision - songs like "Lonesome Roads" and "Crazy" that, at their core, were dark acoustic folk songs nodding to Graves' musical roots; but given a country edge and imbued with a little hip-hip flavor, they became different beasts altogether.

Not to mention the lyrics had some serious bite. "I like to address things that people won't talk about like mental health and a lot of the time music is my medicine," Graves says.

Most impressively, "Lonesome Roads" and "Crazy," thanks to Graves' invaluable management team, were supported by cinematic videos of the highest quality with gripping storylines. In fact, the latter, with its sinister, Dexter-like premise, has racked up hundreds of thousands of views online. And another amazing clip is on the way for Graves' latest single "Dirt On Me" which debuted to much fanfare on May 11, hitting #13 on iTunes Country and #2 on the Amazon country chart. "We are growing and evolving with each new release," Graves notes. "I'm working every day towards this being a full-time gig."

Catch Colt Graves at Owensboro PorchFest on June 10!

For more info, follow Colt Graves on Facebook or visit coltgraves.com

"I like to address things that people won't talk about like mental health and a lot of the time music is my medicine."

Owensboro musician creates country-hybrid genre, makes big chart impact with "Dirt on Me"

THE CHUGS

Big buzz: Evansville-based poppunk trio goes head over heels for Hamm's on The Cancept Album

Like so many bands before them, the Chugs sing primarily about love. But the object of their affection - budget-priced beer - certainly strays from the norm a bit. Specifically, the Evansville-based pop-punk trio is totally hung up on Hamm's, famously brewed in the land of sky blue waters - otherwise known as the state of Minnesota. Members Scott Wambach (guitar/vocals), Brian Harding (bass/vocals) and Sam Kuban (drums/vocals) break this odd infatuation down in simple terms: "It's a cheap beer that everyone talks sh*t about, but there's nothing wrong with it - that's what makes it perfect." So perfect, in fact, that the guys felt compelled to dedicate an entire album - a six-pack of songs, more accurately - to this favorite of frugal drinkers everywhere. Thus, The Cancept Album was born.

Having crossed paths, musically-speaking, through the years and bonded over another deep love, punk rock, the guys ultimately

found themselves working together at the same web-based marketing agency where the seeds of the Chugs were planted in late 2019, just prior to the pandemic. "We were like, we should probably start a band," Harding recalls, "but coming up with a name is always the hardest part." Creating the concept for the project proved to be much easier, considering the frequent presence of Hamm's at their hangout sessions. Yet even after coming up with a spot-on moniker, it all seemed more like a farce - something to joke about while cracking open more cans of that Minnesota brew. Then, seemingly on cue, Kuban conjured up "Sky Blue Waters," a punk-infused theme song for the Chugs, complete with a sing-along chorus that gave Hamm's its proper due. "Oh, sh*t, this is real," Wambach remembers thinking at the time. "Now we've all got to learn this song."

Not only did the rest of the Chugs get on board with "Sky Blue Waters," the newly-formed trio accepted an offer to play the 2022 Front Porch Fest in downtown Evansville with few songs to their credit and no prep for the two-hour

set. "We treated the event like a long, long practice," Kuban jokes. Just a couple months later, with a chaotic yet promising live debut in the bag, the Chugs started recording with Wes Luttrell at Wally Opus Records (reports on how much Hamm's was consumed in the studio vary). In addition to "Sky Blue Waters," inspiring tracks like "Morning Beer," "Breakfast of Hammpions" and the emotionally-charged closer "Chug with You Forever" took shape, building on the pop-punk sound of Blink-182, MxPx and Pennywise, while also introducing a surf vibe, "because it's fun to pretend that Minnesota is some sort of coastal paradise."

The Cancept Album, in all its glory, was released last month and is available on all major streaming platforms with cassette and vinyl editions to follow. Catch the Chugs in June at Lamasco (6/10, record release show) and Tiki on Main (6/16).

For more info, follow The Chugs on Facebook or visit thechugsband.com.

"because it's fun to pretend that Minnesota is some sort of coastal paradise."

PHOTO: ETHAN DOUGLASS

THE RIDGE RUNNERS

MODERN OUTLAWS: VIRTUAL SUPERGROUP OF TRI-STATE MUSICIANS SET TO DEBUT COUNTRY BAND WITH ATTITUDE JUNE 3 AT LAMASCO

In a non-descript home on Evansville's east side, there's a serious rehearsal session in progress. It's early May and the members of the Ridge Runners - Brian Hart (lead vocals/guitar), Mike Mitchell (bass/vocals), Fred Hunt (guitar/vocals), Bill Sievern (keyboards) and Brad Wireman (drums) - are dialing in the set of songs they're planning to unveil at Lamasco Bar & Grill in a month's time. The fledgling band has only been in existence for 60 days, but given their veteran status as performers, it's all coming together rather smoothly, apart from a few expected kinks. Considering the résumés of the musicians involved, this could easily be termed a supergroup of sorts - chances are you're familiar with many of the past and present tri-state acts with which these guys are associated, including McFly, Nobody's Cousin, The BackBeats, Mudpit Poets, Hog Maw, Love Junkies and BSR. Not to mention Hart previously won a songwriting contest that afforded him the opportunity to open up for Blake Shelton

at the Big O Fest in Owensboro. So, yeah, there's a lot of talent in the room.

It was Mitchell who got the ball rolling nearly a year ago. Always looking to reinvent himself musically, he approached Hunt about forming a country band with attitude - and he specifically wanted Hart to handle lead vocals. The Mudpit Poets singer's gruff yet soulful delivery seemed tailor-made for the "modern outlaw" sound that Mitchell had in mind. Songs by current artists such as Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Cody Jinks, Shooter Jennings and Sturgill Simpson fit the bill, but so did throwbacks from Travis Tritt, Hank Williams, Jr. and Delbert McClinton. Eventually, even pop-oriented selections from Old Dominion, Brad Paisley and Morgan Wallen got the green light after Wireman sourced his daughter for suggestions. After all, attitude can only get you so far - you still have to please all factions of the crowd.

But as the Ridge Runners blow through another run of country rockers on this pleasant May evening, absolutely blitzing a Whiskey Myers track before grooving on some old school Travis Tritt and building to a crescendo with McClinton's "Every Time I Roll the Dice" - sure to be a showstopperthere's no question that this band is ready for primetime.

So put your cowboy boots on and don that 10-gallon hat - or just dress normally; whatever you're comfortable in - and head to Lamasco on June 3 for the debut performance of the Ridge Runners. If you can't make it, don't despair - the band also has a big showcase booked for July 22 at KC's Time Out Lounge and more gigs to follow, including three in September. Yeehaw!

For more info, follow The Ridge Runners on Facebook.

"After all, attitude can only get you so far - you still have to please all factions of the crowd."

BIG NINJA DELIGHT

Local music producer resurrects adventurous solo project, drops "Sinking Ships" with EP to follow

"I like empowering musicians to think about how their songs come across conceptually and give them the tools to approach things in a different way," states Stephen Horning, local producer at the Dojo on Evansville's east side. Over the last few years, the man behind Big Ninja Delight, a seemingly genre-free exploration of sound, has made a significant impact on the tri-state music scene, pushing artists such as Kyle Paisley and Brandon McCarty to go above and beyond, creatively speaking. Thanks to Horning's guidance in the studio, both have grown by leaps and bounds of late, releasing career-defining singles with even better things to come. And nothing could make Horning happier. "It's a joy to help people take something they've been working on in their head and manifest it into reality," he says. "To be in a position

where people trust me to do that, there has to be a synergy there. I don't take that lightly. I'm a conduit between the artist and the people listening."

Horning's uncanny ability to bring songs to life in the studio was born out of working countless hours on his own project, the aforementioned Big Ninja Delight, an often instrumental pursuit which balances elements of funk, R&B, psychedelia, pop, punk, reggae, indie rock and space rock. Nearly impossible to categorize, BND reflects the disparate musical ideas going on in Horning's head that somehow arrive at a harmonious conclusion when funneled through his vision. 2020's "Spark" - the last single he released before switching his focus - is a good example of this totally out-there approach. And so is "Sinking Ships," the comeback single released last month. Written during lockdown, it was inspired by the end of a personal relationship - a difficult situation that moved Horning to pen lyrics addressing his emotional state while also making a universal connection: "The world's gone crazy/ It's definitely not what it was when we were babies." After a dark, descending piano progression

introduces the song, Horning brings in a reggae vibe before things get downright funky. Later, hints of the Beatles and Queen sneak in but the chorus is totally pop-tastic with a big nod to Maroon 5. Reportedly, the EP version of "Sinking Ships" features an additional three minutes of jamming that harkens back to Horning's love of Phish and Umphrey's McGee.

News 4U was treated to a taste of the remaining tracks on the new EP and the musical adventurousness on display is off the charts. Horning may be putting much of his time and effort these days into helping area artists achieve their potential, but he's definitely evolved in tandem. Now he's finally ready to let everyone hear what he's been up to. "I wanted to give the songs time to speak to me through my experiences of recording other people and everything I've done before I put them out because I want them to be the best they can possibly be."

For more info, follow Big Ninja Delight on Facebook. "Sinking Ships" is available on major streaming platforms.

"It's a joy to help people take something they've been working on in their head and manifest it into reality."

FAERIE RING

EVANSVILLE'S DOOM METAL MERCHANTS EXPAND EUROPEAN FOLLOWING WITH PUMMELING WEARY TRAVELER

Seems James Wallwork isn't much of a fan of doom metal, finding the majority of it to be stale and uninspiringwhich is ironic seeing as he fronts the area's preeminent doom metal band, Faerie Ring. "That sound has just been done a million times," he says, "but we're trying to bring a very unique vibe to a really boring genre." Mission accomplished; because there's absolutely nothing boring about Weary Traveler, Faerie Ring's sophomore release that's garnered much attention, particularly from over in Europe where the group has amassed an impressive following. The album's onslaught of pummeling guitars - courtesy of Wallwork and Kyle Hulgus - and bludgeoning rhythm section powered by bassist Alex Wallwork and drummer Joey Rhew make for some of the heaviest music being produced in 2023.

pre-pandemic, dreamed up at their day jobs in between pizza deliveries. By the time the Wallwork brothers were brought into the fold, most of the songs for 2019's The Clearing, the band's full-length debut, had been writteninstrumentally speaking, that is. "They didn't have a singer, so I stepped up and put my spin on things vocally and got them motivated to record," James notes. Going against the grain, his vocal approach eschewed the typical guttural growl heard in most doom metal; instead, he favored a cleaner, higher-pitched wail drenched in reverb but every bit as loud and powerful, hovering mightily over the din... strangely ethereal in a way. While The Clearing wasn't an entirely democratic creation nor professionally produced, it received good reviews both here and abroad and laid the groundwork for a full-band collaboration.

Life changes and Covid slowed the process, but several years after Faerie Ring's debut, the band was ready to record the follow-up, intent on serving the songs to the best of their ability. This meant heading up to Indianapolis for sessions at Postal Recording Studio and focusing squarely on the sonic approach of Weary Traveler. "I wanted our guitars to sound like our f*cking guitars - not squashed computer sh*t," James, who enjoyed more creative control this time around, remarks emphatically. Lyrically, he made sure to document much of the craziness and upheaval in his

personal life since the previous album but also drew inspiration from video games like Elder Ring. Somehow it all tied together brilliantly; when all was said and done, the guys had a minor masterpiece on their hands - a six-song avalanche of unstoppable sludge that no listener could ever run from. Like being buried alive but in a good way.

Since the release of Weary Traveler in April, the band's European following has only expanded and rave reviews continue to appear online. One recent high-profile doom metal chart listed the new album in the top five, ahead of many popular bands of the genre. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming shows and be sure to check out Faerie Ring's bandcamp page where all manner of clothing and merchandise is available to purchase along with cassette, CD and vinyl editions of Weary Traveler.

For more info, follow Faerie Ring on Facebook.

Faerie Ring was formed by Hulgus and Rhew

"when all was said and done, the guys had a minor masterpiece on their hands - a six-song avalanche of unstoppable sludge that no listener could ever run from."

2023 ARTSWIN ON THE ROOF CONCERT SERIES

LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

OFFERS UP ANOTHER SUMMER OF SIZZLING LIVE PERFORMANCES

For more than a half century, the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana (ARTSWIN) has been dedicated to achieving its mission of "enhancing quality of life in the region and bolstering economic development by way of advocating and promoting arts, arts education and arts organizations in Southwest Indiana." The nonprofit organization's efforts to better the community have taken many forms over the years but few can match the excitement of the On the Roof Concert Series which debuted pre-pandemic to rousing approval. Seriously, what's not to love about the area's best musicians performing live on top of a building in scenic downtown Evansville?

This summer ARTSWIN has put together another fantastic lineup of bands for your listening pleasure, with Saturday night concerts through mid-September. Best of all, this incredible live music series is absolutely free to the public (all ages), so take a look at the performance schedule below and start making plans to rock out alongside your friends on the roof at ARTSWIN on Main Street!

June 17: The Randys // Toby Ellis & The Breakdown

July 1: The City Grimm // Together In Dust

July 8: Gibson & Pirro // Top Dead Center

July 15: Jason Lee McKinney Band // D.R. Bridges

Aug. 5: The Chugs // Xanderwolf

Aug. 12: Nero Angelo Hip-Hop Night

Aug. 19: The Smoke Rings // Georgia Funkadelic

Sept. 9: Dekar Justus & Friends

* cash bar provided by Sauced

Performances start at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more info, visit artswin.org. The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana is located at 212 Main St. in downtown Evansville.

THOUGHTS ON THE ED SHEERAN COPYRIGHT SUIT

by Freddie Bourne

LOCAL SONGWRITER WEIGHS IN ON THE BRIT'S "THINKING OUT LOUD"

LEGAL BATTLE AND MORE

Last month singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran won a protracted court case against the estate of Ed Townsend, co-writer of "Let's Get It On." Filed in 2017, the suit claimed that Sheeran's hit song "Thinking Out Loud" stole key components of the Marvin Gaye R&B classic.

I'm incredibly surprised by how long this case stretched out, especially considering there are so many other songs with a more similar chord progression to Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On." Sheeran bringing in a guitar and playing pretty much over 100 songs with the same type of sound served as the nail in the coffin for the Townsend estate - it was Sheeran going, “Yeah, you aren’t gonna win this.”

This type of stuff has been going on for years with just as many high profile songs - all with different outcomes. One that really comes to mind that I still can't believe is Tom Petty suing Sam Smith, contending that “Stay With Me” sounded similar to “I Won’t Back Down.” I’m still not over it.

One is clearly a piano ballad and the other is a Bruce Springsteen rip-off - a guitar-driven heartland rock tune with a little bit of soul and faster tempo. They are not the same; yet Petty was quoted as saying, “All my years of songwriting have shown me these things can happen. Most times, you catch it before it gets out the studio door, but in this case, it got by.”

Got by? It’s legitimately NOT THE SAME SONG. Maybe if Smith had gotten his day in court Petty would have backed down and shut up. Want to read how it’s done? Look up the KISS/Springsteen "Outlaw Pete" case.

LINDSEY

on the scene

WITH LINDSEY WILLIAMS

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

When Tommy Ellis, Managing Editor of News 4U, first presented me with the opportunity to write a series about the original music scene in Evansville and the surrounding areas, I had to take a long pause. I have played original and cover music regionally for nearly 30 years. In a way, I consider cover music my day job and recording and writing music my passion. However, as a full-time solo artist for the majority of my career, I had to miss many opportunities to go out and support my brothers and sisters in the biz. Sure, I bought my friends’ CDs and vinyl and streamed their new releases. I shared posts and went to shows once in a while when not performing, but I wasn’t a part of any “scene”. Was there a scene? They say “no man is an island,” but suddenly I felt like

I was placing a collect call from Fiji. (1010-321…Hellooooo?) How could I write about a network of people from which I had inadvertently isolated myself?

I started reaching out to everyone I knew. Not surprisingly, I got wide-ranging responses about who, where and how songwriters and original bands are crafting their material and presenting their blood, sweat and tears in wave form. I didn’t expect, however, the diverse ways our creators share and monetize their art. This area is full of home and pro studios, signed artists, weekend warriors, traveling ensembles, jingle writers, stem producers (a stem is stereo mix of tracks like a complete drum beat or multiple guitar parts for use in further song production), published authors, teachers, directors, and so much more. It’s astonishing how much new music is created in Kentuckiana and Illinois, but this still doesn’t constitute a scene, or does it?

When I think of a music scene, I think of a music row of live performers on a

bustling street, open guitar cases for tips with bands, duos and soloists all pushing their voices and instruments to the limit for a little sonic real estate. But those days may be largely gone; the meccas of Nashville and Branson have morphed from grassroots artist development and talent discovery to music-themed restaurants playing “Wagon Wheel” four times an hour. Fair enough. Money must be made and markets will dictate, but the human connection is missing.

What if we created that connection here? There is no lack of space, talent or enthusiasm. As of this writing, I have over a dozen writers on board willing to partner and showcase what they have written. We want to discuss the material, processes and goals in storyteller form, but also, and most importantly, collaborate and share. Venues are already making plans and there is much more to be announced as the pieces come together. We may have more than a series of shows in our future; we may have a movement. Communication is key, so please grab the July edition of News 4U for Part 4 or visit news4u.me to see what the artists themselves are saying about their passion for playing for you.

"It’s astonishing how much new music is created in Kentuckiana and Illinois, but this still doesn’t constitute a scene, or does it?"

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.

REDISCOVERING OLD BANDS MAKING NEW MUSIC

Court and I talk often about how one of our favorite pastimes is rediscovering bands that we were aware of in the 70s, 80s and 90s, but for one reason or another, we really never gave them a fair listen. Winger is one of the more glaring and timely examples at the moment. They just put out a new album called Seven featuring all the original members who, apparently, have soldiered on as a band for nearly 35 years. Who knew? What I remember of Winger from the late 80s was lead singer and band namesake Kip Winger on MTV posing, flipping his hair, pouting his lips and undulating on stage while rarely playing his bass. To serious rock and metal fans, Winger represented everything that was wrong with the genre. They were a pretty-boy pop-metal band who made their mark primarily because of their appearances and slick video production, but lacked any real depth or substance. The 80s were awash in a thousand carbon-copy hair metal bands who looked and sounded the same. Mercifully, tastes and the music industry changed, and we were spared the indignity of having to watch bands like Sleeze Beez

and Candy Harlots pirouette across our TV screens.

But back to Winger (also a terrible band name) and their 2023 album. Like a cherry pie to the face it hit me: the new record is good. Really good. Seriously. I shouldn’t be surprised. After Winger broke up in 1987, Kip attended the University of New Mexico and studied classical music. He spent the next two decades producing classical scores and compositions for orchestras and ballets, and his original works were nominated for a Grammy in 2017! In other words, Kip Winger has legit music credentials. He got serious about the music, and it shows. Furthermore, Winger’s guitarist Reb Beach was, and continues to be, an absolute virtuoso on the guitar. Since reforming in 2006, the band has produced three records that are FAR SUPERIOR to anything they released during their MTV heyday. The new album is heavy, dark, and brilliantly produced.

Kip’s artistry is on full display as he knows precisely where to build to a crescendo, or pull back. Seven is full of big choruses, tasteful melodic interludes, and just the right amount of heavy guitars - a brilliantly-crafted album from a mature and talented group of musicians. Bands this old shouldn’t be making albums this good! So go out and give those bands you may have dismissed another look. You might be pleasantly surprised!

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

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

New Fears Eve

Owensboro horror film production featuring Evansville actors wraps up shooting this month

Back in October of 2022, we reported on the latest film project conceived by the Owensborobased Blood Moon Pictures. Experts in all things horror-related, the independent production company had already made serious waves online with a run of frightening anthologies, including the Volumes of Blood series and holiday gore-fest 13 Slays Till X-Mas . But this time around co-producers P.J. Starks and Eric Huskisson, armed with years of knowledge and experience, were aiming to tackle their first full-length feature titled New Fears Eve based on a script by the former. And they'd be getting more than a little help in the acting department from several Evansville performers: Alyssa Rhoads, Jay Woolston and Cody Webb. While Rhoads and Woolston were known quantities from previous Blood Moon productions, Webb was green to a film set but came with a solid recommendation from Kevin Roach, managing artistic director at the Evansville Civic Theatre. "Cody came in and knocked it out of the park," Starks

says. "His interpretation of the character is not exactly how I envisioned it, but I like his take on it better."

THE SYNOPSIS: As the coming year approaches three best friends reluctantly prepare for Hooper Industries’ annual New Year’s Eve bash. The clock ticks down

and the body count rises as a psychotic murderer known as The Doctor is on the loose. This sadistic surgeon of death leaves Owensboro covered in blood as local police and FBI are forced to navigate through a maze of bodies left in his wake. Unbeknownst to the three best friends their mandatory party is about to turn

deadly when the killer sets his sights on them. December 31st becomes a party to die for when Leslie, Brian, Moses and their colleagues are trapped inside an inescapable building with a blood thirsty madman hell bent on carving his way to midnight.

New Fears Eve was made possible by the cooperation and generosity of numerous Owensboro businesses and organizations that offered assistance or, crucially, spaces in which to film. Starks notes that while Blood Moon has received help from the community in the past, it was tempered at times due to the gory content of the films. Not so with NFE "It's been pretty awesome - we've gotten support from Music Studios, Asylum Tattoo & Art Gallery, Fetta Specialty Pizza, Owensboro Police Department, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro Technical College, Ohio County EMS, Sorgho Fire Department, RiverPark Center and more." As a result, New Fears Eve represents Blood Moon's most cinematic production to date with the biggest budget; in fact, early reels have generated much interest from big name distributors. But the first order of business is to complete the film - shooting wraps up this month with an eye on a year-end release to maximize the thematic elements.

For more info, follow Blood Moon Pictures on Facebook and support Blood Moon Pictures on Indiegogo.

His interpretation of the character is not exactly how I envisioned it, but I like his take on it better.

MOONLIGHT FILMS

Two more horror flicks by prolific tristate film production company seeing release on Blu-ray

Back in February, we caught up with Moonlight Films out of Linton, Indiana, a prolific production company boasting 20+ movies, primarily in the horror genre. The core trio behind all this creative activity - Ian Mair, James Stevenson and Deron Morgan - were busy prepping for a big 2023 on the heels of an exciting distribution deal with S.R.S. Cinema which saw a special edition Blu-ray release for 2019's Blood Cove and 2020's Blood Cove 2: Return of the Skull, followed by a wide-release DVD and streaming options. Now two more films in the production company's impressive catalog are being given the royal treatment.

One of Moonlight's most popular efforts to date, 2018's The Maker of Monsters and the more recent Flesh Eaters - which stars horror film veterans George Stover (Nightbeast) and Leanna Chamish (Stakes) - are both on track for a special edition Blu-ray release in late July. The former was conceived as a throwback to classicera monster movies while the latter is a tribute to the days of gory drive-in second features. Pre-orders are currently available at srscinema.com. FYI, the previous two S.R.S. releases can be purchased online at outlets such as Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon and Deep Discount.

For more info, follow Moonlight Films on Facebook or visit srscinema.com.

SUNRISES IN NEW HARMONY

by Karah Wilson

Currently the education reporter for the Owensboro-based Messenger-Inquirer , Karah Wilson's love of writing goes back to her elementary and middle school days when she embraced poetry, in particular, as an outlet for her emotions. The Alabama native aimed to take creative writing in high school but with the class full, opted for a journalism course - it was still writing, after all - while continuing to plug away at home on poems and short stories. Wilson stayed on that path as she entered higher education, ultimately graduating with a journalism degree from the University of North Alabama in 2019. But she needed a break from her hometown. "I knew I wanted to not live in Alabama, so I just applied to jobs anywhere that

were related to a journalism degree," Wilson explains. That's when she spied an opening, hundreds of miles away, at the Messenger-Inquirer ; however, Evansville offered the cheapest living situation. Splitting the difference, she took the job in Owensboro and accepted the roommate offer here.

But interestingly, neither city would provide the true inspiration for Wilson's first published book of writings. Instead, Sunrises in New Harmony , as noted in the title, was primarily the product of her free time spent in that quaint little Indiana town 30 minutes northwest of Evansville. "It's so quiet and peaceful - I can gather my thoughts and feelings and put them down on paper, process them when I need to," she says. In fact, Wilson would make a habit of heading off to watch the sunrise in New Harmony at the end of a stressful work week. "That's when I would really get that inspiration back and start writing more," she says.

The poems and short stories that grew out of these solitary pilgrimages helped to form the basis of the book, along with many of Wilson's earlier works from her school days - yet it all holds together,

thematically speaking, despite comprising writings from disparate periods in her life. "There's a lot about navigating different aspects of being a pre-teen and teenager and even as a young adult - just about everything that comes with it, including relationships, friendships and losing people," she notes. "There's even one or two [writings] about navigating faith because growing up in the south that was a really big thing for everyone. But really, it's just about trying to find yourself after going through major life changes."

Last month, Wilson returned to her hometown of Scottsboro for a book signing - her mother's idea - and was pleasantly surprised by the response; however, she can't help thinking that a New Harmony event in support of Sunrises would be the perfect way to celebrate her achievement. She just needs to figure out a way to do it, to find the right place and time. Stay tuned.

To order Sunrises in New Harmony, visit amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. For more info, follow Karah Wilson on Facebook.

"The poems and short stories that grew out of these solitary pilgrimages helped to form the basis of the book, along with many of Wilson's earlier works from her school days."

Finding inspiration up north, Evansville author publishes first collection of poetry and short stories

PHOTO: KIM RICE HOLMAN

SCREEN TIME

WITH MARISA PATWA

NO HARD FEELINGS

Jennifer Lawrence is trying to “date the brains out” of a nerdy, shy 19-year-old in this raunchy comedy. I wouldn’t exactly call it a rom-com, though. Lawrence’s Maddie is only trying to seduce the sheltered Percy in hopes his helicopter parents will gift her a Buick Regal. Quite the bargain, eh? After a call-out on Craig's List, Maddie agrees to the twisted deal with Percy’s parents (played by out-of-touch dad Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti as the overinvolved mom) because she needs a car as an Uber driver. Percy is played perfectly by newcomer Andrew Barth Feldman, who goes toe-to-toe with Oscar winner Lawrence. From encouraging Percy to drink to skinny-dipping at night, Maddie does everything in her power to force him to come out of his shell. We saw J-Law's knack for comedy in Don’t Look Up but this film gives her the chance to take her physical comedy to the next level. In theaters 6/23

THROUGH MY WINDOW: ACROSS THE SEA

For Spanish language lovers out there, Through My Window is a gorgeous, colorful look at the electric love between two teen neighbors from vastly different worlds set against the bustling Barcelona backdrop.

Julio Pena’s tall, dark and handsome Ares is the youngest heir of a huge Hildago family empire that own the illustrious Alpha 3, while the witchy, studious next-door neighbor Raquel, played by Clara Galle, scrolls through his shirtless pics in her tiny room. Through the tumultuous trials of falling in love to breaking apart and coming back together again, the first film ended with Ares pursuing his dreams and studying medicine in Stockholm, while Raquel stayed home in Spain. The sequel brings the two back together, but not without their issues - just like the After series, this film explores a tortured yet beautiful love. (P.S. You don’t have to be fluent in Spanish to watch this star-crossed romance - that's what subtitles are for.) Netflix 6/23

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY

Our favorite crime-fighting, adventure-seeking, mystery-solving hero is back on the big screen. Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones character has entertained film-goers since 1981 and now a new generation is going to see what that iconic hat is truly about. Those who favor the franchise's most recent release, 2008's Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, should note that Shia LaBeauf does not return in his role. Instead, we get Phoebe Waller-Bridge playing Jones’ mysterious goddaughter who pulls him into a new globetrotting adventure involving NASA, Nazis and the space race all with the backdrop of the 1960s. Antonio Banderas, Boyd Holbrook and Mads Mikkelsen also co-star. This is the first Indiana Jones film not written from a story by George Lucas or directed by Steven Spielberg so it remains to be seen if The Dial of Destiny will stick the landing. My guess is, there's no problem that the master of mischief and mayhem cannot solve - it's all about that hat. In theaters 6/30

June cinema offerings feature a J-Law flirt-fest, Spanish teen romance and the return of Indiana Jones

TRUE CRIME JUNKIE

As soon as the dust settled in the high-profile Alex Murdaugh case back in March, all eyes turned to the trial of Lori Vallow. The world of true crime has seen more than its share of psychopaths over the years, but few measure up to the "doomsday cult mom" from Idaho who'd been suspected of involvement in the deaths of her two children, Tylee, 16, and J.J., 7. The pair had gone missing in September of 2019 yet Vallow and her boyfriend at the time, Chad Daybell, seemed unconcerned; in fact, the two lovers jetted off to Hawaii just weeks later to tie the knot. Questions lingered as to the whereabouts of Tylee and J.J. but no answers were forthcoming from the newlyweds.

Vallow and Daybell met in 2018 at a spiritual conference in Utah where the latter was booked as a speaker. Chad, who worked in Idaho as a cemetery sexton but also wrote apocalyptic, religion-based novels (which Vallow reportedly obsessed over) and hosted a podcast, confided in Lori, sharing that he could see both good and bad spirits - or "zombies," effectively. She was immediately smitten. However, both Lori and Chad were married at the time and needed to extricate themselves from those relationships (in fact, Lori's husband Charles Vallow would file for divorce in early 2019, citing safety concerns; he was shot and killed soon after by Alex Cox, Lori's brother). Still, they kept in contact, continuing to encourage each other's delusions and sink further into the muck of religious extremism. One particularly disturbing belief the two shared - which would have dire consequences for those close to Lori and Chad - was that "some people on Earth had souls that had left their bodies, and the only way to release their spirits to heaven was to kill the bodies."

Not long before her two children went missing, Vallow reportedly told friends that she was on a mission from God. Coincidently, after the disappearance of Tylee and J.J., Tammy Daybell, Chad's first wife, died suddenly at the age of 49. Her death in October of 2019 was initially deemed a result of natural causes though the circumstances appeared suspicious - not to mention it conveniently paved the way for Vallow and Daybell's Hawaiian getaway, a move that spurred law enforcement to exhume Tammy's body and further investigate her passing. It was ultimately ruled a homicide by asphyxiation.

A few months later, Vallow, back in Hawaii, was arrested for failing to produce Tylee and J.J. after a nationwide search turned up nothing. Their bodies were eventually discovered buried in Daybell's backyard in June of 2020. Subsequently, both Lori and Chad were charged with first-degree murder - a charge that also included the couple's suspected involvement in Tammy Daybell's death. Vallow was the first to go to trial and on May 12, 2023, she was found guilty on all counts. Chad Daybell is expected in court later this year.

LORI VALLOW: GUILTY

WITH JOHNNY FLETCHER

"NOT LONG BEFORE HER TWO CHILDREN WENT MISSING, VALLOW REPORTEDLY TOLD FRIENDS THAT SHE WAS ON A MISSION FROM GOD.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE NO-KILL RESCUE

IT TAKES A VILLAGE HAS RESCUED OVER 10,000 ANIMALS SINCE FORMING IN 2010. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IS A FAVORITE OF THE COMMUNITY, WORKING TIRELESSLY TO SAVE THE TRI-STATE'S FURRY FRIENDS AND FIND GOOD HOMES FOR THEM - ON A SHOE-STRING

BUDGET, NO LESS. ITV PRIMARILY RELIES ON DONATIONS AND THE GENEROSITY OF VOLUNTEERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS; ANY SUPPORT YOU CAN PROVIDE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF LOCAL HOMELESS ANIMALS.

ABBI: Abbi is a five-year-old female that came to ITV after her former guardian passed away. She sports a classic Mackerel tabby coat. Abbi's been very laidback at the rescue centers, but recently started a torrid love affair with her new bed which will be sent along with her should she be adopted. Imagine how Abbi will react when presented with human-sized furniture to lounge on. She does prefer a calmer home. Besides being a bed aficionado, Abbi enjoys eating and being admired. Pretty perfect, right? Abbi can be adopted by applying at ITVrescue.org.

APOLLO: Apollo is 105 pounds of goofy Great Dane perfection. He's four-years-old and previously lived with another Dane, kids, and cats. So he's got the Good Boy trifecta! Apollo was surrendered to a shelter when his former family no longer had time for him. Apollo is lovable, gentle, and playful - and a good car rider, too. He also enjoys going for walks and treats. Apollo is house-trained and leash-trained and knows basic commands. His foster mom raves that "he is a sweetie" and "a good dog." Apollo can be adopted by applying at ITVrescue.org.

SALEM: Just look at that smile! Salem is a four-year-old male pit mix with a friendly disposition and charisma to spare who's just waiting for the right person to come along. We haven't had the opportunity to do playgroups with him yet, but he has been doing adorable play bows to his doggie neighbors. Salem has a lot of best friend potential, so please come meet him to see if Salem would be a good fit for your home. Salem can be adopted by applying at ITVrescue.org.

THINKING ABOUT ADOPTION? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN REACH US!

TUESDAYS 12-5PM

WEDNESDAYS 12-7PM

THURSDAYS 12-5PM

FRIDAYS 12-5PM

SATURDAYS 10AM-5PM

UPCOMING EVENTS AT ITV:

6/3 DINE OUT FOR DOGS @ CHIPOTLE

6/4 PICTURES IN THE PARK

6/24 PAWS & CLAWS

For more info, visit ITVrescue.org. It Takes A Village is located at 1417 N. Stockwell Rd. in Evansville. Or call 812-909-1306

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 400 MILLNER INDUSTRIAL DRIVE

NAPOLEON: Looking for a laidback gentleman that’s always dressed to the nines? Wanting a guy that will be your shadow, but is mature enough to not be overbearing? If so, meet Napoleon! This 9-year-old tuxie found himself at the VHS after his owner became too ill to care for him. He’s adjusted to life in the cageless cat room very quickly and even enjoys playing with the other cats! He also has a history of getting along well with kids and dogs, making him a near purrfect match for any home. His $90 adoption fee includes all of the bells and whistles, including his microchip and up-todate vaccinations. Come meet Napoleon at the VHS and be swept off your feet today!

2 BLOCKS WEST OF GARVIN PARK IN EVANSVILLE

JERRIE: Two-year-old Jerrie has patiently waited for a home for almost an entire year now! She arrived at the VHS after being transported from Best Friends Animal Rescue in Arkansas. She’s a sweet, energetic girl who loves people and playing with her toys. Sometimes she can play a little rough (she can’t help that she’s a strong girl!), so she would do best in a home that is into that! Jerrie’s biggest muscle, though, is her brain. She would really benefit from training with her new person, as it will help her learn how to play more gently, burn some energy, AND strengthen her bond with you. If Jerrie sounds like your kind of girl, come visit her at the VHS today!

GINGER & CLOVE: Meet Ginger and Clove, a bonded pair of 6-month-old rabbit sisters! These girls came from a BIG family of rabbits with TEN siblings (a reminder to please spay and neuter your pet rabbits!)

Between the chaos that comes with having so many brothers and sisters, and living in a noisy shelter, these girls are feeling overwhelmed and ready for some peace and quiet! Once they are settled into a calm home, their confidence and sweet personalities are sure to grow. Ready to give these BFF’s a chance? Come adopt them from the VHS today!

MAGPIE

VHS ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT

Growing up, Evansville's Rebecca Lutton was "the crazy animal person who wanted to save every cat and dog," forever trying to talk her parents into keeping whatever furry creature she'd bring home. Fast-forward some years and not much has changed. Lutton, who's worked closely with the VHS post-college, including two stints of employment and various roles as a volunteer, continues to advocate for animals at every opportunity. In fact, prior to adopting Magpie, a six-yearold Husky that was rescued from a hoarding situation in Kentucky, she had already taken in several cats and a senior poodle mix - all "foster fails"; Lutton simply couldn't part with any of

them, despite the challenges involved. Still, Magpie would prove to be the most challenging case of all.

When Magpie was transferred from a Kentucky shelter to the VHS in January of 2022, she was totally shut down, seemingly traumatized by having gone through such a miserable living experience. "She would just sit in her kennel and press her face against the wall," recalls Lutton, who couldn't help feeling an attachment to the sad pup. At the time, however, Lutton wasn't in a position to foster. And while others stepped up to help the broken Husky, it took several attempts to find a good match - a foster home that, most

SHE'S A LITTLE QUIRKY BECAUSE OF HER PAST BUT NOW SHE'LL COME UP TO ME FOR PETS, TO LICK ME AND SHE WANTS TO PLAY TOGETHERSHE'S A REALLY GOOD DOG.

importantly, housed other dogs which eased Magpie's anxiety. Then, just as things were looking up, disaster struck: Magpie got away from the foster's pet sitter. For nearly seven months she roamed the north side of Evansville, outwitting all attempts by the VHS to catch her.

Finally, in November of last year, Magpie's saga came to an end when an alert neighbor corralled her in a gated backyard. By this point Lutton had adopted Kevin, the senior poodle mix, and felt comfortable fostering Magpie with another dog around. But it wouldn't be easy. "She was very out of sorts and didn't want much to do with me [initially]," Lutton says. "I had to leave a leash on her at all timesinside and outside - as I was worried she would take off again." Thankfully, Magpie absolutely loved Kevinthough the feeling wasn't entirely mutual - and dug the cats, too. After several months, Lutton's persistence began to pay off; the leash came off and Magpie's sweet nature began to emerge. "She's a little quirky because of her past but now she'll come up to me for pets, to lick me and she wants to play together - she's a really good dog."

AS I TYPE THIS...

with Barold Hume

My, oh my, a lot has gone on in the world of politics since my last column. But before I dig into some of the highlights, I must share a related anecdote from my life. Just prior to waking up at 3 a.m. last night as is customary, I dreamt that President Biden suddenly died of a heart attackthe result, it was reported, of a lifetime of poor nutrition. Republicans, naturally, were literally dancing in the streets, while those on the left simply couldn't wrap their heads around the crap diet diagnosis. After all, it's former President Trump who's notorious for stuffing his face with fried chicken and downing a Diet Coke every hour; Biden has at least been known to consume a vegetable now and then. Just goes to show how weird the mind works sometimes during the REM stage of sleep. Now back to reality... I'd be remiss not to mention coincidental firing of Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon on the same day back in late April; that simply couldn't have been scripted any better. The former got canned for essentially costing Fox News close to a billion bucks in the Dominion defamation lawsuit while

the latter was a total egomaniac who treated his co-workers like dirt. Neither will be missed by me, though Fox appears to have lost some ground post-Carlson; CNN, on the other hand, may well be better off sans Lemon. His ratings stunk, anyway, so the decision to cut ties surely wasn't difficult.

So, the left and the right each lost a high-profile broadcasting ally yet the Earth continues to spin - much like poll numbers continue to change. Last month I noted how Trump is far and away the Republican candidate of choice in the lead-up to 2024 but that Florida governor Ron DeSantis, should he enter the race, seemingly makes for a stronger opponent in a national election. Well, just weeks later, the latest numbers show Trump beating everybody, even after being found liable in a recent sexual abuse case. Why? It's the two lingering I's: inflation and immigration. Until food and gas prices get back to "normal" and the Biden administration changes the perception that we've got an open door policy at the

border, ol' DJT likely has a decent chance to return to the White House. Right or wrong, a lot of people seem to think he could turn things around. And, conversely, a lot of people still think Trump is a madman. He's the very definition of divisive - unlike Congressman George Santos, the pathological liar who serves as the one unifying force in politics these days. As I type this, he's been charged with fraud and money laundering, among other unsavory things. Both parties despise this guy and for good reason.

WELL, JUST WEEKS LATER, THE LATEST NUMBERS SHOW TRUMP BEATING EVERYBODY, EVEN AFTER BEING FOUND LIABLE IN A RECENT SEXUAL ABUSE CASE. WHY? IT'S THE TWO LINGERING I'S: INFLATION AND IMMIGRATION.

INTO THE WEEDS

This admission will likely shock many of my devoted readers, but I occasionally run out of ideas for this column and must seek inspiration elsewhere. I know, I know, I make it look so easy, but even the greats need help from time to time. So this month I faxed my fellow contributor Barold Hume to see what he was cooking up on the political end of the opinion spectrum, thinking it might provide a spark of some kind. Unfortunately, he did not receive my inquiry - turns out Hume is one of those young cats who's moved on to more advanced forms of communication. I next attempted to page him; again, we failed to connect - dude doesn't own a pager. I finally broke down and just called the guy but it went straight to voicemail. As I was leaving a lengthy message explaining the

MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD...

with Johnny Fletcher

nature of said call, a text from Hume came through that simply read, "wut u wunt?" Brief and to the point, I'll give him that. Clearly, the kid wasn't much in the mood for conversation; however, undeterred, I messaged, "I need a topic for my June commentary." That was nine days ago. It's been crickets ever since. Do me a solid, would you? If you happen to run into Hume while he's busy brooding in front of a laptop at some local coffee shop, tell him that ol' J-Fletch is still waiting on a response. And to invest in a GD fax machine.

The net effect of all this is that without Hume's input I was forced to scrape the bottom of the barrel. No joke, I'm going to talk to you about weeds. Not weed, pothead - weeds, plural, as in crabgrass

and other unwanted plant growths that clog up the yard and shoot up through cracks in the pavement. Because what's more irritating to an old chap like me at this time of year? Trying to keep my lawn in tip-top shape is basically a full-time job in the spring when frequent rainstorms mean I've not only got to mow every few days but keep a constant vigil for the aforementioned weeds as they are insidious little bastards. Care to venture how much money I've already spent on Roundup? No? I doubt you can count that high, anyway. Whoa, that was stone cold passive-aggressive. My apologies. Guess I'm still running a little hot over being rebuffed by Hume - thought the two of us were in this fight together. Alas, when you dare to get into the weeds, you find out who your true friends are...

TRYING TO KEEP MY LAWN IN TIP-TOP SHAPE IS BASICALLY A FULL-TIME JOB IN THE SPRING WHEN FREQUENT RAINSTORMS MEAN I'VE NOT ONLY GOT TO MOW EVERY FEW DAYS BUT KEEP A CONSTANT VIGIL FOR THE AFOREMENTIONED WEEDS AS THEY ARE INSIDIOUS LITTLE BASTARDS.

WHAT'S THE WORST JOB YOU COULD IMAGINE DOING - APART FROM ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS EVERY MONTH?

Dear News4U Editor,

First off, I absolutely love answering these questions. It gives me a chance to really see how far I can stretch this mask I wear and be the keyboard warrior I truly am. But to answer your question, no job could be worse than yours - editing my work must be like a nightmare you can't wake up from.

MICHAEL JACKSON OR PRINCE?

Dear MJ (R.I.P.),

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.

WHO WOULD WIN A FISTFIGHT BETWEEN YOU AND LOCAL COUNTRY SINGER BRANDON MCCARTY?

Dear Brandon,

Look, I know we have our differences and have no chance in resolving them. But let’s be real. You were in the military and I have a communications and higher education leadership degree. The last time I checked, knowing how to shoot a gun and fight seemed like the more favorable skills than what I have in my back pocket. Having said this, there are two correct answers. In a “physical” fistfight, you would win. In an “emotional” fistfightalso known as a strongly-worded email

- I would win by knockout. Anyway, see you at dinner on Friday. You’re buying.

BE HONEST - WERE YOU MOVED TO TEARS BY THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III?

Dear Queen Camilla, No - for the last time, I did not cry. I didn’t even watch it. Also, please stop calling me. I’m engaged.

Not you. Also, please stop calling me from the grave. I’m engaged. GOT A QUESTION FOR FREDDIE? EMAIL TOMMY AT TOMMY@EVANSVILLEMEDIAGROUP.COM.

Photo Credit: Blaine Mathew Media

JUNE MUSIC REVIEWS

ED SHEERAN Subtract Asylum/Atlantic Records

Ed Sheeran has seen his share of turmoil of late, from being embroiled in a highprofile copyright suit to grappling with his pregnant wife's cancer diagnosis and grandmother's death. On Subtract, the platinum-selling singersongwriter adds up his sorrows to reveal his rawest musical self yet. The National's Aaron Dessner collaborated with Sheeran on this album and his impact truly shows in the beauty and gravitas of the production. The ginger-haired Brit's trusty guitar, accompanied by melodic piano and strings, helps to tell the tale of a hopeful man in mourning, resulting in a triumphant album that's become 2023's fastest-selling release. Fans simply can't get enough of Sheeran's artistry and for good reason. “Boat” absolutely guts you, lyrically: "I came in for the embers/ And stayed out for the breeze/ I need to feel elements to remind me/ There's beauty when it's bleak/ Stuck out long before lights down/ When do I breathe?/ Oh, I know.” Other standouts include “Colourblind,” “Life Goes On” and “End of Youth.” This collection of songs is a visceral look into Sheeran’s soul and it's beautiful. -

Marisa Patwa

JONAS BROTHERS The Album Republic Records

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

MELANIE MARTINEZ Portals Atlantic Records

Tiny in stature but possessed with a powerful voice, Melanie Martinez is giving us something to believe in with her third studio album.

“Void” examines the loneliness and isolation of depression. The song transports you to a sad tea party of your Alice in Wonderland fantasy. With lyrics like “Baby, I'm spinning 'round the corner/ It's tasting kinda lonely/ And my mind wants to control me/ E-e-e-empty/ There's rotten things left in me/ Injected by society/ No one here but me to judge,” she conjures the dizzying sensation of feeling mentally trapped via nursery rhyme-like beats. Ultimately, Martinez welcomes listeners to take a truly personal journey that is so rewarding. “Tunnel Vision” is a hazy dream; “Moon Cycle” is a sweet and authentic portrayal of the woes of womanhood; “Spider Web” puts the perils of fame and viral rumors under the microscope; “Light Shower” is a beautiful, romantic song for lovers. The Queens-born singer is a truly lovely and original artist who's not afraid to color outside the lines. Getting to fully enjoy and take in her music is an absolute dessert for the eardrums. -

Marisa Patwa

BOYGENIUS The Record Interscope

In almost an act of defiance, boygenius was formed by three contrasting yet complementary indie-rock women in 2018.

Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers worked with and around each other touring in 2016. They jokingly fantasized about forming a group. Their dream, conceived of mutual admiration, was born in 2018. Making music obviously the primary intent, a secondary motivation manifested in a desire to demonstrate a kinship among lady rockers rather than the usual fan and media-fueled rivalries. The Record is their first full-length studio release; it shows to a small degree. Likely written apart and hurried together when busy schedules allowed, the disparate influences make some tracks pleasantly feel like the moperock of Morrissey or The Smiths while others are folk-inspired and organic more akin to Paul Simon or Emmylou Harris. Producer Catherine Marks often separates their voices hard left/center/right in the mix and the trio’s gloriously gossamer harmonies are somewhat unwoven by this choice, but nonetheless hypnotic, coupled with soothing, campfire acoustic guitar.

Marisa Patwa

This sixth studio album from the Jo Bros is the perfect serving of summer fun we are craving. From dancing with your girlfriends to cruising around the city, these songs will have you feeling light, fresh and free. One of my favorite things about the teeny-poppers turned family men is that they don't take themselves too seriously. They constantly bicker and make fun of themselves and that playfulness and joy radiates through the music they create. Lead singles “Wings” and “Waffle House” kick the album into high gear with spunky energy and pretty boy band vocals. If you’ve seen The White Lotus star Haley Lu Richardson living out her childhood dreams dancing in the “Wings” music video with her friends, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Conversely, the splashy clip for "Waffle House" gives us our first real look at the brothers giving synchronized choreography a go. Another standout here is "Vacation Eyes," a sexy, groovy beach love song while “Summer Baby” electrifies with funky rock vibes. The Jonas Brothers may have been to the year 3000, but 2023 is where they rule. -

- Lindsey Williams

BLAST FROM THE PAST

SOFT CELL Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret...And Other Stories: Live Live Here Now

Back in 2019, synth-pop's greatest duo seemingly closed the chapter on a wild 40year ride. In reality, most of the action took place in the early 80's when singer Marc Almond and keyboardist Dave Ball shocked the music industry by taking their cover of the Northern soul classic "Tainted Love" to number one all over the world. More hits followed, but by 1984 the project had run its course; Almond and Ball went their separate ways but eventually reconvened for 2002's Cruelty Without Beauty, only to drift apart once again. Fast-forward nearly two decades... In celebration of Soft Cell's 40th anniversary, the pair staged an epic final concert in 2019 to give their fans a proper farewell. Then Covid struck and as Almond notes, "that changed everything." The pair felt inspired to record again, resulting in last year's excellent comeback album *Happiness Not Included - which further inspired Soft Cell to return to the stage in 2021 for a full-album presentation of Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, the duo's acclaimed 1981 debut. Two years on, the Blu-ray/CD release has finally seen the light of day, and it's a gem. Almond and Ball, defying Father Time, are in remarkable form, singing and performing such classics as "Bedsitter," "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye," "Sex Dwarf" and the big hit better than ever. - Johnny Fletcher

BURNING WITCHES

The Dark Tower Napalm Records

2023

Swiss metal band Burning Witches willfully embrace the metal stereotypes of the 2020s. Girls who rock: it’s been done. Leather and chains and songs about witches and demons: check. Spooky album covers: absolutely. But now to the music. These ladies are incredible musicians and entertainers. Founded by guitarist Romana Kalkuhl in 2016, she recruited vocalist Laura Guldemond, and most recently, guitar virtuoso Courtney Cox (of The Iron Maidens). Their fifth studio album The Dark Tower is a maelstrom of heavy riffs, crushing drumbeats, and melodic yet ferocious soloruns. Guldemond’s vocals are equal parts growl, rasp and power, but she maintains enough musicality to avoid the “cookie-monster” effect. Cox stepped in late during the recording process, but she appears on three tracks, making an immediate impact. With song titles like “Evil Witch,” “Unleash the Beast” and “House of Blood,” it’s clear that these extraordinary artists understand their core demographic (male metalheads). It’s a smart play. - Matt

Alschbach

FARMIKOS Farmikos (2015) Self-released

For eight years I’ve been telling anyone who would listen that the debut album from Farmikos is the best hard rock album of the last decade. The brainchild of former Ozzy guitarist Joe Holmes (a one-time student of Randy Rhoads), Farmikos is a hard rock masterpiece. Holmes is a brilliant guitarist and songwriter, and his pent-up talents are on full display on this record. You see, Holmes was Ozzy’s touring guitarist from 1996-2001. He also did a stint with David Lee Roth, but never got a chance to compose music of his own. As a result, Farmikos feels like the work of a mad (but brilliant) scientist who finally got a chance to build his Frankenstein. The result is a 52-minute pummeling masterclass on how to produce a lyric-driven hard rock album, with riffs aplenty and tasteful yet dark and savage guitar harmonies. Check out “Spoon and Sun” and “The Sound of my Gun” and you’ll see what I mean. Matt

Alschbach

BLUES WITH BRAGIN

DEUCE ‘N A QUARTER Keep Moving On 225 Entertainment

Straight outta Columbus, Ohio, Deuce ‘n a Quarter combine the blues with a heavy dose of soul and R&B. The band's latest offering, Keep Moving On, opens with “Swing at the Blues,” a song about cutting loose on the weekend. Brian Peters gives a great harmonica performance. Dwight Cartier’s funky and haunting bass on “I’m Not Alone” works well with lyrics about someone following you. Keith Colbert’s raw guitar sets the tone well for “Same Old Blues” about going through difficult times and hiding the pain. The title track features melancholy harmonica from Peters as he sings about working hard and not being able to rest. Andre Scott provides tight drumming on “Doing Wrong” along with organ from Brandon Adams.

“All She Wrote” provides another opportunity for Peters to show off his harmonica talents as Brown’s bass gets your toes tapping. Colbert switches to acoustic guitar on “Sun Kissed Wheat” and the harmonica from Peters shines as he sings about living at a slower pace. “Blues Mobile” is made for the dance floor with Cartier’s walking bassline and a stellar harmonica track from Peters. A guest appearance from Kenny Neal on guitar on “Moment With You” adds a nice touch. “Blues Leave Me Alone” allows Colbert to lay down some funky guitar. The album closes with “Why,” a poignant song where Peters sings about the death of his daughter. For more info, visit deucenaquarter.com.- Paul Bragin

JUNE 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.

THBC

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.5

This Hazy IPA pours hazy and golden with a nice white head and orange/citrusy fragrance. Medium-bodied on the palate and well-balanced with notes of tangerine. Oddly enough, it finishes with an essence of sauvignon blanc. Great flavors, I’ll return for more of Shore Lunch.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5

A decent white head crowns this hazy pale ale and evaporates reluctantly. A pleasant hop aroma fills the nose without becoming too strong. A moderate amount of hop bitterness comes through with the first sip and becomes stronger in the lingering finish before fading. People who like hoppy beers need to try this. Pair it with a wide range of foods such as a hamburger, Cheddar cheese or desserts like bread pudding or bananas Foster.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4

I'm glad to see more beers from this brewery. I like the sweet hops and I can taste some of the passion fruit. It has a 6% ABV so it's just bumped up a little bit over regular beers. It says it has some white wine added but I really can't taste that. I like that it's in a 16 oz can and a Hoosier product to boot.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3.5

This “hard tea” pours an orange/tan hue with no head. On the nose you have the distinct fragrance of a slightly sweet iced tea. It’s lightly carbonated and smooth, and tastes remarkably similar to a typical bottled iced tea. No bitterness and very drinkable - a summer iced tea drinker may appreciate this.

PAUL BRAGIN - 3

Since this hard tea lacks carbonation, no discernible head forms when it is poured. The familiar scent of tea presents itself. The initial taste of tea hits the tongue, with sweetness and a kick from the alcohol coming through in the finish. During the hot days of summer, try this instead of your regular iced tea. Serve it with dishes that traditionally go well with tea like southern dishes such as fried chicken or barbecue.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3.5

This is a clear, amber-colored beverage with an ABV of 5%. For those who enjoy a refreshing glass of iced tea during the summer months this makes for an ideal drink. It's very light and crisp and goes down extra smooth. Perfect for a poolside refreshment.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4

This IPA pours a clear light orange hue with a thin white head. On the nose are notes of citrus and mango, along with an “herbal” fragrance similar to that of a cousin of hops that some might recognize. Grapefruit dominates the flavor, with a distinct hop bitterness on the finish.

PAUL BRAGIN - 5

A thick white head tops this IPA and never totally evaporates. The scent of hops in the beer almost overwhelms the nose. The taste of pine from the hops used stays while drinking the beer and remains in the very long finish. People who enjoy hop forward beers need to try this one. Pair it with a variety of foods like spicy dishes, barbecued short ribs or a dessert like funnel cake.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3.5

This is a clear, amber-colored beer with a very slight haze. I notice it has an 8.2% ABV. I can taste a light grapefruit and orange flavor. It has an earthy aroma and bitter hops, which I expected. I consider this a lighter version of Zombie Dust - pretty decent overall.

RHINEGEIST GEIST TEA

SHORE LUNCH HAZY IPA ELYSIAN DANK DUST

DOGFISH HEAD CITRUS SQUALL

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4

This ale pours golden and slightly hazy with very little head. The grapefruit is very forward on the nose along with hints of tangerine. Lightly carbonated and fairly light with just a touch of tartness on the palate. The grapefruit flavors also dominate the palate but without any residual sweetness. No bitterness and it's well-balanced, with a slightly warming finish from the 8% ABV.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4

A thick white head forms on this IPA but evaporates somewhat quickly. A generous amount of grapefruit and blue agave comes through in the

nose. Likewise, the fruit flavors continue with the first sip of the beer and become stronger in the long finish. The summer months will see this beer rise in popularity. Pair it with Italian or Middle Eastern dishes, lighter dishes like salads or cheeses like Monterrey Jack, Camembert or Fontina.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4

This beer has a nice citrus/grapefruit flavor and an ABV of 8%. It has a light sour flavor and it's pretty easy to drink. In addition, there's a blue agave nectar flavor which is nice. Once again, Dogfish Head puts out another solid beer.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

Ask an

Attorney WITH LANE SIESKY / SIESKY LAW FIRM, PC

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

A:After more than 24 years of practicing law, I have received thousands of phone calls about all sorts of unfortunate situations including bad neighbor relations. When you purchase a home to live in, you are also going to be living next to the neighbors. So, when thinking about purchasing a home it is always a good idea to introduce yourself to the potential neighbors. You can also check on police runs to the addresses at the home and the neighbor addresses to see if there have been problems. These steps can help prevent moving into a home with bad neighbors.

In terms of a current situation involving serious problems with a current neighbor, it is best to move. I know that is not the answer someone may want to hear but it is best. Indeed, a bad relationship with a neighbor rarely improves and you calling the police or hiring a lawyer to make

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

claims is not going to fix the situation. Now, such steps may be necessary to protect you or your family, but the neighbor is likely to resent such actions and hold a grudge.

A home is supposed to be a sanctuary that you can come to and rest and have peace. When you have a bad situation with a neighbor it really ruins your enjoyment of your own home and is stressful. Lawyers are sometimes called “counselors at law”. Lawyers have wisdom from dealing with situations on a repeat basis and therefore a lawyer can sometimes know what is likely to happen because the lawyer has seen the same or similar situation many times in the past. When, it comes to bad neighbors, you should avoid the situation at all costs.

Q: As someone who is often at odds with their neighbor for a host of reasons, I'm wondering if it's advisable to seek legal counsel to resolve such disputes - especially when threats are being made. Seems the warmer months only heighten such scenarios as people are outside more often and in contact with each other more frequently.