News4U April 2024

SICP 5: Mayhem at the Old National Events Plaza

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Night of MMA Action!

Etta May & The Southern Fried Chicks at the Victory

An Exclusive Interview with "The Queen of Southern Sass"

Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra Pops Finale

The EPO pays Tribute to a Jazz Legend at the Victory

The Mountain Goats Live at the Victory Cult favorite Indie Rock Band making Evansville Debut

Bee Gees Gold: The Tribute at the Old National Events Plaza

The Ultimate Salute to the hit-making Australian Trio

The Pop 2000 Tour at Beaver Dam Amphitheater

An Exclusive Interview with Beloved Boy Band O-Town

An Interview with Ancient Aliens' Nick Pope

Co-star of the popular History Channel Show talks to News 4U

We the Kingdom "The Church Music" Tour

Christian Music favorite coming to the Owensboro Sportscenter

Paul

A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

It's official, tri-state. Spring has arrived, leaving a remarkably mild winter in the rearview. So mild, in fact, that I didn't miss a single morning run over the last few months due to inclement weather. That's a first, I believe. Normally there's at least one challenging snow/ice scenario along the way - or a brutal cold snap that forces joggers like myself to wave the white flag and surrender to Mother Nature. We did experience a particularly chilly week, actually, back in January as many of you will recall, but thanks to the balaclava I purchased last year for such an occasion, I was able to brave the multiple five degree days by having all but my eyes covered. Did I look like a bank robber

fleeing the scene of the crime? Absolutely. Did I care? Not one bit. Rather, I simply reveled in flipping winter the bird as I refused to be confined, refused to resort to running in place and doing jumping jacks in my living room. The only thing missing was the soundtrack to Rocky playing as I huffed and puffed over the course of five frigid miles, quieting the naysayers. Ok, no one told me I couldn't do it, but when the feature film about my incredible achievement is inevitably made, you know the writers will conjure up a jacked-up antagonist whose sole purpose in life is to stop me from succeeding. That's just how Hollywood works. Speaking of being muscle-bound... Our cover story this

month is all about SICP 5: Mayhem, the much-anticipated MMA event coming to the Old National Events Plaza on May 4. In addition to the important deets, we've got interviews with several of the fighters on the bill, including "Cadillac" Zack Davis and Travis Foster who are set to face-off in the featured bout. In other news, we also caught up with Ancient Aliens' Nick Pope for an illuminating chat about UFOs and found time to shoot the breeze with beloved boy band O-Town and comedian Etta May. All that and more inside!

- Tommy Ellis

THE MAIN EVENT

ZACK DAVIS vs. TRAVIS FOSTER

SICP saves the best for last with this 170lb pro title fight between two absolute warriors. "Cadillac" Zack Davis is the current champion in this weight class, but Travis "The Sauce" Foster has lots of experience inside the cage and might just be ready to claim his first professional title on May 4.

ABOUT ZACK DAVIS ABOUT TRAVIS FOSTER

From Du Quoin, IL, Davis attended a small high school with few sports programs. However, in his spare time he would wrestle with friends and watch WWE/WWF religiously. Then after returning from serving in the military, Davis got interested in MMA - for a simple reason: "I didn't think it could be any harder than wrestling around," he says. In 2010 Davis stepped inside the cage for the first time and "I've been rolling ever since." Well, except for when he had to take a year off to recover from being stabbed five times - but that's a long story. And it was a long time ago. Nowadays Davis, who describes himself as a "freestyle" fighter, is in good shape and eager to defend his title. In addition to being an excellent kickboxer and puncher, he's got jiu-jitsu training to fall back on - and he can still wrestle a bit, of course, if necessary. Plenty of weapons in his MMA arsenal, in other words. By the way, Davis got his catchy nickname during a hometown bout when a boozed-up guy in the crowd told him, 'You look good in there [the cage] - like a f***ing Cadillac!' It stuck. Now, what about the matchup with Foster? "I like him, he speaks well of others - even about me. But all that changes when the cage door locks," Davis says. "He's more wrestling-based and will try to use that as an advantage after he realizes that the hands won't be the answer. I think he'll try to take me down for a dog fight."

Born in New Jersey, Foster now resides in New Mexico - in Albuquerque, to be exact. As a kid, he wrestled in middle school but also watched a lot of ultimate fighting. Foster recalls seeing past WEC champ Urijah Faber in action and noticing that he didn't throw many punches or execute many kicks - he just focused on taking opponents down and wrestling with them. "I thought that I could do that, too," he says. Just after Foster's 19th birthday he participated in his first MMA fight and won by submission - the winning move was a modified guillotine neck crank. Since then he's had some ups and downs, but 10 years on, Foster's feeling better than ever, confident that he can give Davis a run for his money. In fact, the two were meant to do battle back in March of 2023; however, the event was postponed. So this title bout has been brewing for a full year now. "I've watched a lot of footage of Zack and first off, he seems like a cool guy," Foster notes, "but nonetheless I have to compete against him. It seems like he wants to keep the fight standing - he's a good counter-striker." Even though his background is in wrestling, Foster has branched out into professional boxing of late, thereby expanding his skill-set in the cage. Interestingly, he plans on competing in MMA for another decade - at which point he'll be 40. "I just want to see this thing through to the endno "what ifs,"" he says.

CO-MAIN EVENT ALSO ON THE CARD

CARLOS GARNETT vs. JONATHAN GRIFFIN

Sure to be every bit as action-packed as the other main event, this bout will see Carlos "Let It Flow" Garnett battle Jonathan "Cochino" Griffin for the 155lb pro title. Both fighters come into this fight with even records: 5-5 for Garnett, 3-3 for Griffin. One of them will emerge a champion!

TRAVIS HUDSON vs. KESTIN MCCLAIN

Current 155lb amateur champion Kestin McClain - aka "The Melanin Shinobi" - looks to hold off a challenge from #1 contender Travis Hudson who comes in with a winning record of 4-3. McClain has the upper hand, though, having won nine of 12 bouts to date.

DANIEL MALDONADO vs. CODY SCHIEVE

Boxing legend Daniel "The Sandman" Maldonado (21-2 as a pro boxer) will venture into the cage again for a showdown with BFKC veteran Cody "Lightning" Schieve. This has all the makings of a fascinating match-up between two wily opponents from opposite sides.

GABE EURIT vs. SAEVON CANTO

Here's another hotly-anticipated match-up featuring the undefeated amateur Gabe "Tag" Eurit (7-0) taking on a very determined Saevon Canto who's coming on strong, boasting three consecutive wins. Currently the 145lb champion, Eurit looks to keep his record clean against the #1 contender.

ABOUT SAEVON CANTO

As a high school student in Indianapolis, Canto wrestled for a high-profile program at Brownsburg before attending USI in Evansville where he played a bit of rugby. He then shifted his attention to MMA, having been a big fan of boxing and ultimate fighting growing up. Really, he was mostly "looking for something to keep myself physically active." Canto's first fight - also his first win - was two years ago in Tennessee (a "dog fight," as he remembers it) which ended in a decision. A year after that, he suffered his first loss after getting caught in a guillotine move, but since then he's caught fire. Still, squaring off against the undefeated Eurit won't be easy. "He's an all-around solid fighter - decent striking, decent grappling," Canto notes, "but I don't feel like he's any better than me in any department." He further explains that his coaches are white belts in jiu-jitsu and, of course, he has a wrestling background - so he brings a lot to the table, along with the fact that he simply refuses to give up. This bout will be Canto's second title fight, "which would be big for me, because either this or my next fight will be my last amateur bout," he says. "I'm looking to go pro later this year."

ZAYNE HAVENER vs. TBA

With only one blemish on his record (7-1), Zayne Havener has been a beast on the amateur MMA scene. But he wants more. This 185lb bout will serve as Havener's professional debut, marking a new chapter in his fighting career.

ABOUT ZAYNE HAVENER

Hard to believe now, but as a kid, Havener was on the chubby side - not exactly the athletic type. Still, he got excited about MMA at the tender age of six after watching his brother fight in Kentucky. Then, years later, post-graduation from Heritage Hills High School where he did a bit of wrestling, Havener went all-in on ultimate fighting and "I haven't looked back since." In short order he lost close to 60 pounds, developed jiu-jitsu skills and started wreaking havoc against his opponents in the cage. "I'm not naturally talented at all, but I work harder than anybody," Havener remarks modestly. "I just want it more than anybody - I think a lot of people around me will tell you that." With top-notch cardio, he's able to keep pace throughout his fights and, most importantly, never stop. His seven wins to date include three submissions, a TKO and three decisions - mostly a result of his revered ground game that's helped him secure several amateur championships during his five-year career. Now Havener's ready to go pro - and he doesn't much care who SICP puts in front of him. "I'm happy to fight anyone at anytime," he says.

"THE QUEEN OF SOUTHERN SASS" ON THE ART OF STAND-UP COMEDY, CONNECTING WITH AUDIENCES ON AN EMOTIONAL LEVEL AND MORE

EttaMay

& THE SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKS

Her remarkable gift for humorous storytelling has captivated audiences across the country for years now. Shoot, if only she could connect with her stubborn kids the same way, life would be good. Jokes aside, Etta May - fondly referred to as "The Queen of Southern Sass" - is a rarity in the world of comedy, working clean (no curse words, in other words) while still bringing plenty of bite to the table. Just ask her many fans who have been the target of Etta's quick wit at a typically sold-out show. She never holds back, but that's half the fun - the 62-year-old has improv skills for days, keeping audiences on their toes in between hilarious takes on her misfit family and awkward childhood.

We checked in with Etta ahead of her show at the Victory with the Southern Fried Chicks, an equally talented group of fellow female comedians. Turns out Etta's spent time in Evansville before - though that's all off the record. At the time of our conversation, she was waiting on a report from her local mechanic down in Kentucky on the state of her cranky Tahoe which boasts 500,000 miles on the odometer - because, as Etta proudly stated, "I be white trash!"

In your online comedy special The Queen of Southern Sass there's much discussion of your son who's reportedly not the most advanced driver on the planet. Can we get an update on his progress?

He's not a race car driver nor a nuclear physicist - thank god for both. But he's ok, he's found his way in life. But my youngest

one just can't keep a job. I'm blessed, I guess, because the kids are not on drugs - unless a keg of beer a night is considered a problem. Just so it's not my floor you're puking on, momma don't care. Momma. Don't. Care. I used to say in my show that it's amazing, because you treat them the same, you feed them the same - and yet they turn out so totally different.

In that same special you go out on a real high note with a long, involved story featuring a killer punchline. Getting the timing down for that and not losing the audience in the process must be challenging. Are there nights where it doesn't always play out to plan?

That's what's amazing about the art of standup. Because one night you get a standing ovation; next night, same material, and they look at you like they smell something bad. Which, I usually have passed some kind of gas at some point. But, you know what I mean? There's different styles of audiences - one audience is like walking through mud. And then there's an ocean audience where you'll do a story and then here comes the waveand it comes in and then they suck it back out. And then some shows you're just flying - you're on top of that wave and it just keeps going and going and going.

That has to be, in a strange way, one of the thrills of doing comedy - the unpredictability of it all.

This is one of the most addictive careers you can have - I guess it's like being called by the Lord or whatever, people that become nuns or priests and stuff. The big thing is that you've got to read the room; you've got to read the audience and know what story to tell where. And you have in your back pocket different things - but if that thing doesn't hit the way you think it's going to hit, you've gotta have

that next thing you can throw at them. But if you're in a club and it's the first show, you've got to hustle that story up, you know? If you can do it and do it well, I mean, those are the great comics.

Your style of comedy - storytelling comedy - seems to affect people on a deeper level, especially since you share so many parts of your life with your fans.

The thing I like about my style of comedy... like Jerry Seinfeld, [mimics him] "What about the one sock in the dryer?" And it's all that"What about...?" And when you walk away from his show, you had a good time, but you don't know anymore about him than you did walking in. Where, being a storytelling comic, people get emotionally involved, it seems, in my shows. One of the best compliments that people give me is...the guy that was drug there, you know, didn't want to come, and he goes, 'Man, you were, like, telling my life. You've been looking through my window.' It's very relatable, and it's very emotional.

I don't know if you've seen any of the bits on YouTube that are from my one-woman show called White Trash Diary - have you seen the "Brenda Brown" one where I'm bullied? And the prom one. Those are true stories, you know? With the one-woman show, you can take the audience from laughing to crying - or that's what you should be able to do as an artist.

It's pretty remarkable that you've gone from being bullied through childhood to bringing people such joy on stage. You've gotten the last laugh, so to speak. My life turned about better than I ever thought it would. I'm going to share with you at the end the most amazing things that have happened in my career, the people I've met, the most amazing stories I've heard from people. Look at that video [The Queen

of Southern Sass] with "Skeeter" [audience member in the front she nicknamed and bantered with] - now, there's usually a guy in my audience that's going to be redneck; that's just the law of averages. But, I happened to pick on this guy and he was sitting right up front. And I didn't know they [he and his girlfriend] were engaged; I knew nothing about them. People think it's set-up; it's not, you know? Any shot you see of him and he's clapping, look at his right wrist - there is a hospital ID. He checked out of the hospital because they had bought tickets months in advance for my show. And he had cancer - I met him afterwards. He had a port; he showed me there was some kind of medical port in him. So, I don't know if he made it, you know? But that's how important it was to him. I mean, that's God or something - he became part of my show; he became the show.

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

THAT'S WHAT'S AMAZING ABOUT THE ART OF STAND-UP. BECAUSE ONE NIGHT YOU GET A STANDING OVATION; NEXT NIGHT, SAME MATERIAL, AND THEY LOOK AT YOU LIKE THEY SMELL SOMETHING BAD.

EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA PRESENTS

"LOUIS ARMSTRONG & FRIENDS"

VICTORY THEATRE / APRIL 6 / 7 P.M.

THAT "SATCHMO" SPIRIT: POPS FINALE TO HONOR THE LEGACY OF AN UNFORGETTABLE JAZZ LEGEND

The end is always bittersweet. Once again, we've come to the close of a fantastic EPO season filled with incredible performances that touched on various genres of music. Through it all, the area's most talented orchestra, led by conductor Roger Kalia, showed tremendous range and versatility, eager to take on everything from the tubular sounds of the 80s and blockbuster movie soundtracks to classic compositions from the mid-1900s. And now the EPO is set to leave us with a bit more of the latter, honoring the legacy of Louis Armstrong - aka "Satchmo" - and his many musical collaborators, famous names like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Expect to hear a wide range of selections from the Great American Songbook, including "I Got Rhythm," "Bill Bailey," "Saint Louis Blues" and more.

Of course, no Pops finale is complete without some additional talent welcomed into the fold.

The EPO will get an invaluable assist from renowned vocalist Carmen Bradford and vocalist/ trumpeter Byron Stripling, who's intent on going big or going home, stepping into the role of conductor, too. Considering Stripling's pedigree, that's not surprising. The 62-year-old native of Atlanta is a jack of all musical trades, having debuted at Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops. Over the course of his long, varied career, Stripling's been a featured soloist with some of the nation's most highlyregarded orchestras and recorded with the greats of jazz. On top of all of that, he's released three critically-acclaimed albums - Stripling Now!, If I Could Be With You and Byron, Get One Free.

Texas-born vocalist Carmen Bradford, make no mistake, is every bit as pedigreed. A 2022

Grammy nominee and recipient of the Los Angeles Jazz Society's Jazz Vocalist Award, she possesses a deep love for working with big bands and symphony orchestras, particularly the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. And like Stripling, Bradford's released three stellar studio albums to date, all featuring her magnificently soulful delivery. Together with the accompaniment of Stripling and the EPO, she's guaranteed to bring down the house, belting out classics from the Great American Songbook and bringing the 2023-24 Pops concert series to a spectacular close.

For tickets and more info, visit evansvillephilharmonic.org or call 812-425-5050. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.

OVER THE COURSE OF HIS LONG, VARIED CAREER, STRIPLING'S BEEN A FEATURED SOLOIST WITH SOME OF THE NATION'S MOST HIGHLY-REGARDED ORCHESTRAS AND RECORDED WITH THE GREATS OF JAZZ.

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS

VICTORY THEATRE / APRIL 8 / 7 P.M.

CULT FAVORITE INDIE ROCK BAND STILL GOING STRONG AFTER 30 YEARS, PRIMED TO MAKE EVANSVILLE DEBUT

Calling the Mountain Goats a "band" is technically an accurate description, yet for over three decades the group has primarily functioned as a songwriting vehicle for one man - the wildly prolific John Darnielle. He may look strikingly like Last Week Tonight host John Oliver at the microphone, coming across slightly nerdy and studious, but that's where the comparison ends; last time anyone checked Oliver hadn't written and recorded nearly 25 solid albums of melodic indie rock packed with emotions both subtle and raw at times. Vocally, Darnielle's quirky delivery belies the often dark undertones of fan favorites such as "Color in Your Cheeks" and "Going to Georgia - the latter containing the instantly memorable (and endlessly fascinating) couplet, "And you smile as you ease the gun from my hand/ And I am frozen with joy right where I stand."

The Mountain Goats - currently rounded out by bassist Peter Hughes, multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas and drummer Jon Wurster - have existed largely under the radar for the better part of the band's career, though they've enjoyed periodic mass exposure via performances on late night television. And now they're primed to play Evansville for the first time - a rare opportunity for tri-state music lovers to see this cult favorite act in person. More than anything, the Goats' appearance signals yet another step forward in the evolution of live concerts in the downtown area as venues like the Victory continue to branch out and book a variety of bands beyond country and hard rock/metal performers.

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

OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA / MAY 10 / 7:30 P.M.

DOWNTOWN EVANSVILLE TO HOST THE ULTIMATE SALUTE TO AUSTRALIA'S HIT-MAKING TRIO OF BROTHERS

No matter the generation, music lovers of all ages dig the Bee Gees. Comprising brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, the Australian trio ruled the charts for much of the 60s, 70s and 80s, producing a remarkable run of hits, including "Massachusetts," "To Love Somebody," "Stayin' Alive," "You Should be Dancing" and "Jive Talkin'" - the latter three coming at the height of the disco era when seemingly every song the Bee Gees released went to number one. Unfortunately, turmoil within the group ultimately ended their reign, and in time, both Maurice and Robin would pass, leaving Barry as the sole remaining member. And while he's played the odd solo show here and there over the years, there's really only one way to experience the majesty of the Bee Gees in all their glory...

Bee Gees Gold: The tribute - led by John Acosta - is the ultimate salute to one of the greatest groups in music history, taking fans on a journey through the trio's greatest songs throughout their spectacular career. Featuring a live band, the show thrillingly recreates the look and the sound of the Bee Gees, right down to the smallest details. Acosta, who's performed in similar tributes all over the world for nearly two decades, and his "brothers" don the classic clothing styles and lovingly reproduce the iconic falsettos and harmonies that made the trio international stars. Safe to say you'll have an intoxicating case of night fever by evening's end.

Don't miss this opportunity to see Bee Gees Gold: The Tribute in downtown Evansville!

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

FEAT.

No longer considered just a guilty pleasure, boy bands are back in a big way and seemingly here to stay thanks to a multi-generational fanbase that keeps on multiplying. Indeed, the likes of NSYNC, O-Town, BBMak and LFO - four of the biggest names in music in the late 90s/early 2000s - were initially besieged by hordes of young girls, but now those diehards are all grown up and have passed on their love of iconic songs like "Bye Bye Bye," "All or Nothing," "Back Here" and "Summer Girls" to their kids. It's a pretty good business model, really.

Speaking of good business models, members

of those same four bands - with added support from solo sensation Ryan Cabrera of "On the Way Down" fame - have joined forces for Pop 2000, a mega tour that's a "liquid dream" (O-Town call-back) for boy band fanatics. It's pure, unadulterated nostalgia at a time when we could all use a break from the current state of the world. No need to feel guilty about that, ok?

We caught up with O-Town recently as they were busy rehearsing for upcoming tour dates. To recap: the guys first hit big in 2000 as the subject of the ABC/MTV series Making the Band - a truly fascinating show that documented the group's formation and attempts to navigate the

complicated music industry. After enjoying initial success with the singles "Liquid Dreams" and "All for Nothing," O-Town disbanded in 2003. Eight years later - minus heartthrob Ashley Parker Angel - they reformed and have been on the move ever since, releasing two excellent albums, 2014's Lines & Circles and 2019's The O.T.W.N. Album, both of which displayed impressive musical growth on songs like the dance floor smash "Chasin' After You" and playful "Off."

If the band had been in charge of editing Making the Band rather than ABC/MTV, how different would the show have been?

ERIK-MICHAEL ESTRADA: Now, in hindsight,

we know what their job was to do, to make entertaining television that held you glued to the TV through every commercial break, so you need [dramatic] moments to propel the show forward. I think I probably would not have edited what they did - and probably not edited what I did. If there's one thing I could change...I just wish the cameras didn't go away at the time they did go away, because there was so much that happened between us working - those were the grind days that I don't even know if they were really fully captured on the show which went for a long time before we were even considered a sign-able act.

JACOB UNDERWOOD: You know what's funny? They probably taught us how to look at edits and arcs and things and how to pull things together, because you do forget their cameras are there. You're living life and then you see the show back and how they edited it - you know, wondering why they would zoom in super close on our faces; I mean, really close. And then watch episodes back and realize they're editing interviews from weeks apart to match the storyline that they saw fit which was incredibly smart, but we were looking at it like, wow, ok, now it's all making sense. I didn't realize what they were doing.

TREVOR PENICK: One of the things we always say is like, man, if [the show] could get remastered or whatever and put out - the content they got was so good. It's such a great show, so much drama - no one would even be able

WE LOVE MUSIC - THE FUN PART OF GETTING BACK TOGETHER WAS BEING BETTER AND SMARTER AND MORE EXPERIENCED. WE HAD TO ASK: WHAT DO THE FOUR OF US SOUND LIKE AFTER 10 YEARS? “

to come up with the things that happened with [former member] Ikaika [Kahoano] and [current member] Dan [Miller]. It's crazy how it all worked out.

Did ABC/MTV need to create or recreate, in a sense, any of the dramatic moments in the show - like the infamous "The Family has recalled Ikaika" scene - or was it all truly happening in real time?

EE: So, that first season of television was complete reality - cameras were just around. Every iconic moment they caught, literally, they caught...I remember there was a moment when we're all in the studio talking about Ikaika and saying, you know, we're not going to accept him back because he's been on vacation or whatever. The way that it's cut and edited on television where he walked into the room, he literally walked in right as Jacob was saying, 'If he makes the band, I'm quitting.' He walked through the door, like, right there! It was crazy.

TP: Unless they had an amazing assistant director on the other side of that door that pushed him through right at that moment [laughs]. That's actually a brilliant move if there was an A.D. outside that did that. We will never know, but that scene for us was a genuine moment.

Jacob, many of your vocals on early O-Town studio tracks were removed per the instruction of J Records CEO Clive Davis as he felt your

voice was too "rock" - or something. You didn't take it well at the time. How do you feel about that now, 20-plus years later?

JU: I choose to look back and regret my reaction to it and how I handled it, because he had a sit-down with me at one point and said, 'I'm sorry if it felt like I was slighting you, that's not the point.' And he started bringing up singers that he worked with that have different voices. He said, [U2 singer] 'Bono and these other guys that I've worked with I have found hits for when I hear something that fits their voice. Sometimes it doesn't fit your voice and I have another singer in mind.' At that point, I was like, 'You should drop me then. If this isn't the band for me and the songs don't fit, then put me on something else I can sing on. I don't want to be a background singer for every song.' So, I was getting really frustrated; my ego was getting involved, and I wish I would have just shut up and enjoyed the fact that he put me in the caliber to say when a song comes along like "These Are the Days" that he really wanted me to sing a lot of - I should have humbled myself and been thankful for the special songs that I got to showcase on, knowing that I was on his mind to do that. But instead, I was just too young and dumb and wanted to sing everything all the time.

When the reunion happened in 2011, Ashley bowed out. Did any of the four of you that agreed to do it need convincing?

DAN MILLER: I still need convincing [laughs]. There was just a lot of change in our lives at that point. I was married, I had some young kids when we started doing things again. It's funny, because I stayed in music for quite awhile after the band split up - did songwriting, production, other sorts of stuff. And then I had kind of grown out of it and went back to college. And literally a month before I was graduating college and had some jobs lined up and things like that, the band calls and says, 'Hey, would you want to do this again?' and I had to decide if I wanted to go back and go down this path. Pretty much every time I try to get a real job these guys just pull me back in [laughs].

One of the first releases after the reunion was "Chasin' After You" - a total banger that sounded very contemporary. Seemed like the

sort of track that the band always had in them but couldn't make while under contract back in the day.

JU: I think that's part of our growth; I don't think we could have could have come up with a song like that back then. And I can fully admit that. What we did in our off-season from O-Town, in the 10year hiatus, we stayed grinding in music, learning and really honing our craft. We didn't just hang our hat and say, 'That was a good run.' We love music - the fun part of getting back together was being better and smarter and more experienced. We had to ask: what do the four of us sound like after 10 years? "Skydive" was actually the first thing we did - it got us back in the studio. It was a big power ballad that we all sang and it was like, wow, we still sound pretty good. We had a little label in the UK that put it out. When we turned it in - it was just supposed to be a single for the reunion tour - the label thought it was incredible and wanted a full album. Their support really lit a fire under us.

Side note: What do you call the dance move near the end of the "Chasin' After You" video where the four of you get in a formation and

appear to be running in place? It's very effective. EE: It's "The Running Man" from MC Hammer [laughs]. We are laughing because we had rehearsal and I was almost like...that was coming up to be voted on, whether or not we were going to X it out from the choreography - and you saying that right now might have just saved it.

JU: That solidifies it, because we said it's in the video - is it something that people will remember enough to keep it in? And then there you go.

Have you guys always been tight with NSYNC and other boy bands from back in the day?

JU: Our camps have been tight since the beginning. Based on the [record company] Trans Con thing - the vocal coaches, the choreographers, all the people that we work with. Even if you don't hang out every day, we're all living in the same community in Orlando. But we've been friends since those days - and now I feel like we're tighter than ever because we're back on tour; we're all parents and married - all in different places in life and feeling grateful to be able to go out and do this at our age. People show up and are so happy, singing along at the top of their lungs. So many repeat customers because they get that feeling, that nostalgia, that throwback feeling of when things were a lot simpler. It's just been a really great thing for all of us.

For tickets and more info, visit beaverdamtourism. com. Beaver Dam Amphitheater is located in Beaver Dam, KY.

IAN INTERVIEW WITH NICK POPE

CO-STAR OF THE POPULAR HISTORY CHANNEL SHOW ON WHY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT MAY BE KEEPING UFO ENCOUNTERS UNDER WRAPS, DAVID GRUSCH'S CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY AND MORE

't's the long-running series that asks the enduring question: Is it possible...? Ancient Aliens, a staple of the History Channel since 2009, has gained a worldwide fanbase by probing deep into the possibility of extraterrestrial explanations for this planet's greatest mysteries - like the building of the Egyptian pyramids, for instance. Or Stonehenge. Over the course of mankind's existence, the show posits, aliens have been watching over and interacting with us on many levels, helping to shape our story.

One of the co-stars of Ancient Aliens, Nick Pope became fascinated with UFOs as a civilian employee of the Ministry of Defence in the UK. He now resides in the U.S. where, he's pleased to note, the subject "has gone from fringe to mainstream, with NASA doing a study, with hearings in Congress,

with the U.S. Navy and the Pentagon releasing those videos that we've all seen of the jets tracking UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon)."

We caught up with Pope ahead of the Ancient Aliens Live presentation last month at the Victory Theatre.

To your mind, what would be the biggest reason for the government not to share information with the public about alien life forms or UFOs in its possession.

I think the biggest reason is that there's obviously a technology that would be involved if we do have these crafts. And we wouldn't want an adversary to find out about that. I guess the development of the atomic bomb is a

good example. Within two years of it going off, the Soviets had the bomb. Stalin said to Lavrentiy Beria, you know, put the entire resources of the State into making sure that we acquire this. And they obviously had spies; they had all sorts of intelligence gathering. And so from scratch, the Soviets had the bomb. So if any of this tech is extraterrestrial, it's orders of magnitude above that. And we wouldn't want it getting into the wrong hands.

No doubt you watched UFO whistleblower David Grusch's testimony in front of Congress back in December. Did you find him credible? He is absolutely credible; he is who he says he is. And it's not disputed that he was part of the U.S. Intelligence community. And specifically that he was tasked with contributing to the UAP Task Force. Which was the Pentagon's lead agency for the subject. So he's looked at this from the inside - and I don't think he makes these claims lightly, and he says...well, look, I've heard skeptics say, well, he hasn't seen any of it himself. But that wasn't really his job. He was told to go interview people in the Intelligence community who would know about this - and he went and spoke to about 40 people. And these are his conclusions. He says, yeah, these programs do exist. And so people in Congress...in one sense, what I believe isn't that important. What's important is that people in Congress, in the Senate and the House, in Intelligence committees, Armed Services committees, Oversight committees - enough of those people believe him to a) want to have him back and b) to pressure the DoD (Department of Defense) and the Intelligence community to verify this.

Of course, for every David Grusch, there's a ridiculous display like what took place in front of Mexico's Congress somewhat recentlyfake alien bodies brought in that looked like oversized gingerbread cookies. Yeah, that wasn't helpful. Look, if that's real, write

it up as a scientific paper, get it peer-reviewed, get it published in Science & Nature and go and collect your Nobel Prize and place in history [laughs]. Don't put on a show & tell press conference. So, yeah, that's the way that should be done.

Why would they be so far ahead of us?

Is it your belief that other countries also have information about, or are in possession of, alien life forms and UFOs?

We know that Russia and China have programs looking at this, but we don't know what they know, what they might have found out about any of this. We, of course, in the UK - we had the program that I worked on. Now, we didn't have a smoking gun - we had lots of fascinating cases, but we never found any definitive proof of any of this being extraterrestrial. We didn't rule it out, but I suspect if anyone has the answers, it's the U.S. government, but as I say, I don't know what Russia or China are doing and what they may know. And there may be other parts of the world where for reasons of language or culture, we just don't get to hear about sightings that they're having, government programs that they may run. I think all eyes are on America at the moment. David Grusch has given some fairly specific information, but I don't think he's given it in public. But I believe that he has told, for example, the Intelligence community Inspector General very specific information about the names of these programs, where they're run out of, who heads them up - that sort of thing. Which is exactly the pieces of information Congress would need if they are to get the oversight they've said they want on this.

Why is it always assumed that aliens - if they exist - are so far advanced in their technology? We're pretty advanced ourselves, you know?

"AND IN A UNIVERSE NEARLY 14 BILLION YEARS OLD THERE MIGHT BE CIVILIZATIONS OUT THERE WITH A BILLION YEAR HEAD-START ON US.

I think that one answer would be that the universe is nearly 14 billion years old, so it would only take...when you think that we've come from sort of horse-and-buggy to stealth fighter and space program, you know, in a couple hundred years, say, it would only take a civilization a few hundred thousand years ahead of us to really have technology that would be, to borrow the quote, indistinguishable from magic to us. And in a universe nearly 14 billion years old there might be civilizations out there with a billion year head-start on us.

Are you personally pretty confident that other life exists out there in the universe?

If there are rocky terrestrial planets orbiting fairly close to a star pretty much like our sun where water can exist as a liquid, we might see a variety of life there I would think and I wouldn't rule out, because it seems to be a pretty good design for us, enabling us to build a civilization, something that doesn't look a million miles different to humanity - legs to move around, eyes to see, opposable thumbs to pick things up, build things, big brains; all that sort of stuff. That said, I can't have this conversation with you and not throw in, given all the speculation recently, the possibility that there's machine intelligence out there, too, elsewhere in the universe. We talk about AI and the debate over whether it will become sentient and who knows? If civilizations out there got started a billion years before us, what will their AI programs look like now? It's much easier for a sort of post-biological life to travel between the stars, one would suspect, than biological life, given the likely timescales.

For more info, visit history.com.

WE THE KINGDOM "THE CHURCH MUSIC" TOUR

GRAMMY-NOMINATED CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP COMING TO WESTERN KENTUCKY WITH SPECIAL GUEST KATY NICHOLE

Blending rock, country, soul and gospel into a unique sound that's galvanized Christian music fans, We the Kingdom have been racking up top 10 songs for five years now, including such memorable hits as "Holy Water," "God So Loved," "Child of Love" and "Jesus Does." The Nashville-based band is made up of relatives across generations, all coming together in the belief that "the kingdom of God is here among us." After forming in 2018, WTK released their debut single "Dancing on the Waves," a modest success that was followed by the breakthrough smash "Holy Water" which reached number two on the charts. The song was taken from the 2020 album of the same name that garnered Grammy, Billboard and GMA Dove nominations for Best Christian Album of the Year, claiming the Dove award.

After the great reaction to Holy Water, We the Kingdom went back into the studio, emerging in 2022 with their self-titled follow-up featuring the top 20 hits "Miracle Power" and "Jesus Does." The album itself debuted at number two on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart. Two further singles - "Left It in the Water" and "God is on the Throne" - were released, both just missing out on the top 40. For this tour, the band is welcoming Christian music newcomer Katy Nichole as a special guest whose breakthrough hit, "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)," reached number one on the Hot Christian Songs chart. With just one EP under her belt, she's still a newbie but gaining more fans by the day.

For tickets and more info, visit owensborosportscenter.com. The OSC is located at 1215 Hickman Ave. in Owensboro, KY.

Healthy Cooking with Lindsay Rasure

Do you love fresh-roasted pecans?

How about maple syrup and cinnamon? Then be prepared to have zero willpower and finish this pecan nut butter in a couple sittings! My family loves a variety of nut butters. We tend to use them as a fruit dip, slathering on freshly-baked sourdough for nut butter and jam sandwiches, or a quick spoonful as a snack. I always look for nut butters with minimal ingredients, but they can be pretty pricey. It’s very easy to make your own at home while using good quality ingredients!

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

CLEAN BITE life

MAPLE CINNAMON PECAN NUT BUTTER

(Makes app. 2 cups)

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 OZ. BAG OF PECANS (ROUGHLY 4 CUPS)

DIRECTIONS:

• 4-5 T. AVOCADO OIL

• 2 T. PURE MAPLE SYRUP

• 1.5 TSP. CINNAMON

1. PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 DEGREES F AND LINE A LARGE ROASTING PAN WITH PARCHMENT PAPER.

2. ROAST THE PECANS FOR 8-9 MINUTES. LET THEM COOL COMPLETELY BEFORE MOVING TO THE NEXT STEP.

3. USING A FOOD PROCESSOR, ADD ALL OF YOUR INGREDIENTS AND RUN THE PROCESSOR UNTIL YOU HAVE A SMOOTH NUT BUTTER CONSISTENCY. (MY NINJA BLENDER/PROCESSOR TOOK ABOUT 5 MINUTES.) STOP THE FOOD PROCESSOR OCCASIONALLY TO SCRAPE THE SIDES AND INCORPORATE ALL THE INGREDIENTS AGAIN. IF YOUR FOOD PROCESSOR STARTS TO GET HOT, LET IT COOL DOWN AND START AGAIN. THE HEAT CAN CAUSE THE OIL TO SEPARATE.

4. STORE IN A CONTAINER WITH A TIGHT LID IN THE FRIDGE. ENJOY!

PRESENTED BY:

IN TOWN & AROUND

MONDAY, APRIL 1

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick

Hamilton

6:30 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole

7:30 PM

Damsel Brew Pub -- Open Mic Comedy w/ Allen Walker

9:00 PM

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

6:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Brad Lemmons

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

7:00 PM

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

Ford Center -- Lauren

Daigle "The Kaleidoscope" Tour

Hornet's Nest -- Trivia

7:30 PM

Victory Theatre -- Etta May & The Southern Fried Chicks

9:00 PM

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

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- DJ AP

8:30 PM

Hornet's Nest -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Scott Winzinger

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

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

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Evansville

Thunderbolts Hockey

Victory Theatre -- Evansville

Philharmonic Orchestra

presents: Louis Armstrong & Friends

7:30 PM

Damsel Brew Pub -- Allen Walker & Friends Comedy

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- JEB

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- The Boy Band Night

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar --

Crosby & Nellis

10:00 PM

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- USI Jazz Ensemble / Tom Drury Quartet

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke Victory Theatre -- Bored Teachers Comedy Tour 9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, APRIL 8

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

Victory Theatre -- The Mountain Goats

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

6:30 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole

7:30 PM

Damsel Brew Pub -- Open Mic Comedy w/ Allen Walker

9:00 PM

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

6:00 PM

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

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

7:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Lindsey Williams Songwriters Night

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

Hornet's Nest -- Trivia

9:00 PM

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

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

Owensboro Convention Center -- Fear Expo Live

2024

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- The Wannabeez

6:30 PM

Damsel Brew Pub -- Frenzy & Lethal Method

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd "The Sharp Dressed Simple Man" Tour wsg Black Stone Cherry

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- R&B Night w/ DJ Chidi

8:30 PM

Hornet's Nest -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

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

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Owensboro Convention Center -- Fear Expo Live

2024

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Guns & Hoses

XVI - Charity Boxing Event

7:30 PM

Hornet's Nest -- The Strolling Tones

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Ridge Runners

9:00 PM

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

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- 70 on Sunday

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

Owensboro Convention Center -- Fear Expo Live

2024

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Jose Gobbo Trio

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, APRIL 15

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

Bokeh Lounge -- Poetry Night

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

7:00 PM

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole

7:30 PM

Damsel Brew Pub -- Open Mic Comedy w/ Allen Walker

9:00 PM

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

5:00 PM

Old National Events Plaza -EVSC Festival of Nations

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Blues & Jazz Open Mic w/ Logan

Dyer

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

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

7:00 PM

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

Hornet's Nest -- Trivia

Grill -- DJ Jon J After Party

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

6:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Ridge Runners Duo

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Stackin' Eights

8:30 PM

Hornet's Nest -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- DJ Brian Dawe Dance Party

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

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

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

10:00 AM

Owensboro Convention Center -- Girls Day Out Spring 2024

5:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Boat Monkeys

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Comedy Night w/ Andy

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

6:00 PM

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar &

Imlay, Chris Cline & Andy Russell

Old National Events Plaza -Rend Collective "Campfire"

Tour

7:30 PM

Damsel Brew Pub -- Allen

Walker & Friends Comedy

Hornet's Nest -- Sam Hahn

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- DJ AP & The Chugs

9:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- DJ Brian Dawe Dance

Party

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Reckless X

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Honey Roy

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

Old National Events Plaza -Jesus Christ Superstar

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, APRIL 22

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

TUESDAY, APRIL 23

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton

6:30 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole

7:30 PM

Damsel Brew Pub -- Open Mic Comedy w/ Allen Walker

9:00 PM

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

5:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Funk Night w/ DJ Chidi

6:00 PM

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

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

7:00 PM

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Beer Pong Hornet's Nest -- Trivia

7:30 PM

Old National Events Plaza -Gary Allan: Live in Concert

9:00 PM

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

6:00 PM

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

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

Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Nick Gregory

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- The Refugees

8:30 PM

Hornet's Nest -- Karaoke

9:00 PM

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

KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ

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

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

O'Brian's Sports Bar -Karaoke

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

1:00 PM

Ford Center -- Monster Jam

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

Ford Center -- Monster Jam

Old National Events Plaza -- Mark Normand "You Don't Say" Tour

Victory Theatre -- Evansville

Philharmonic Classics Finale

8:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Gypsy Soul

9:00 PM

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

KC's Corner Pocket --

Karaoke & DJ

Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky

10:00 PM

KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Ridge Runners

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

2:00 PM

Ford Center -- Monster Jam

2:30 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Bokeh Big Band

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

7:00 PM

Owensboro Sportscenter -- We the Kingdom "The Church Music" Tour wsg

Katy Nichole

9:00 PM

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

MONDAY, APRIL 29

6:00 PM

Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

6:00 PM

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

7:00 PM

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

AMBLARE

HONORING FALLEN BANDMATE, REMAINING DUO COMPLETES

ABANDONED ALBUM PROJECT FOR APRIL RELEASE

Even in these polarizing times, there's one thing that most alternative music fans can agree on: Bryan St. Pere - formerly of the Illinois-based rock band Hum - was a phenomenal drummer. A savant, really. No one pounded the skins harder, that's for damn sure. Sadly, St. Pere passed away at the age of 52 in 2021, but prior to his death,

he'd been involved in several area music projects, always eager to help musicians in our community. One such collaboration stretched as far back as 2016 when Evansville multiinstrumentalist Matt McGuyer - current guitarist for Mock Orange and drummer for Null Valley - began chatting up St. Pere about the possibility of jamming together. McGuyer, you

see, had been busy writing songs outside of his band commitments and figured he might as well try to get the tri-state's best drummer on board to help bring his 90's-inspired - frankly, Hum-inspired - music to life. Go straight to the source, in other words.

The two began playing together in earnest in

2018 - but they clearly needed some serious bottom-end for the project. St. Pere, versed in the local music scene, knew just the right man - or men - for the job. "He said, 'Hey, we should get one of those Wallwork guys,'" McGuyer recalls. Most anyone that's been out to see Evansville bands in the last decade should be familiar with Alex and James Wallwork - twin brothers and doubly good musicians who feature in groups like Faerie Ring, Stella and Thunder/Dreamer. They're hard to miss.. But while both can rock four and six-strings with equal aggression, Alex got the nod as his bass playing style better fit the heaviness of the material. Still, there was no guarantee he'd agree to sign on - though that concern was quickly quelled. "Of course I'll do it," Wallwork remembers saying when asked to join in. "I have always been a huge fan of Hum; Bryan's a huge legend, one of the most badass drummers of all-time."

With the power trio in place, work began on McGuyer's songs, as the three musicians developed an immediate creative chemistry, "a really magical thing." Wallwork even felt comfortable enough to contribute ideas, twice arriving at practice with an entire piece written, lyrics and all - one of which evolved into "Mine'd," a six-plus minute beast; the other became "Flyin'," reportedly St. Pere's favorite song to play. Still, McGuyer did most of the heavy-lifting, writing the majority of the material and singing the bulk of the lead and backing vocals, including on album teaser "Starlight," a short blast of mid-tempo

heaviness and hooks with clever time signature changes that keep the listener thrillingly on edge. All of his influences - which he admits to wearing on his sleeve - are there in the mix: Failure, Hum, Shiner, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, etc. Across the song's captivating yet brief run time, McGuyer sounds remarkably self-assured, almost like he was born to be a frontman. As it so happens, his dad was a member of B.F. Trike, a local psychedelic band whose legendary 1971 studio album saw reissue last year. Runs in the family, apparently.

With the aforementioned songs and more coming together, the trio set about recording the project in 2020 and 2021 - partly at St. Pere's home but primarily in the confines of Hum lead singer Matt Talbott's Earth Analog Recording Studio in Illinois. The sessions were done old school style, the music going live straight to two-inch tape - "like our forefathers did," Wallwork quips. Always a perfectionist, St. Pere went back and re-played many of his drum parts, 100% invested in the process. "We had to take breaks because his hands were bleeding so bad - he was a machine, it had to be right," McGuyer recalls. But just as the album was nearing completion, the unthinkable happened; St. Pere left this world, leaving family and friends - and Hum fans around the world - devastated. Understandably, McGuyer and Wallwork needed time to grieve, uncertain if, or when, they'd pick up the pieces and continue. "We stepped back, of course - we had to live our lives," McGuyer says. "But it was Bryan's wish to do this thing."

This "thing" has a name, mind you: Amblare, a moniker conjured up by Wallwork ("I tried

to do some Da Vinci Code sh*t") by taking the initials of the trio's first names, A-M-B, and affixing them to a slight tweaking of his middle name, Blair. Conveniently, it sounds like "amp blare" which couldn't be more perfect considering the guitar, bass and drum assault at work on the album's pleasantly punishing eight tracks - tracks which would never have reached these ears, or yours, had McGuyer and Wallwork not made the decision to honor St. Pere and see the project through. Reconvening recently, they tied up all the loose vocal ends in the studio and then sent the album to Mario Quintero for mixing. "He knocked it out of the park," McGuyer notes, remarking that thanks to him, Amblare sounds exactly like the "badass, no holds barred, raw record" he envisioned. "But without Bryan, it never would have happened," he adds emphatically.

Officially out April 5, the release of Amblare will be celebrated at StageTWO@321 in Evansville on the 19th of this month. You'll hear all the songs performed live, including such incredible tracks as "Iridesce," "Underest," "The Splits," "Undivided" and "Weakend" - and one can only imagine how powerful they'll be in person so don't miss out. In the meantime, be sure to check out the great video for "Starlight" shot by Heath Metzger (available on YouTube).

Amblare will be available on major streaming platforms and as a vinyl release. For more info, follow Amblare on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Josh Kerchief

GOING PUBLIC: METAL SIDE PROJECT

MOVING FRONT AND CENTER WITH APRIL RELEASE OF DEBUT EP

As we reported back in September of 2023, during a break in the action for tri-state prog-metal outfit the Alpha Incident, guitarist Daniel Wade turned his attention to a batch of songs he'd written in years prior that didn't quite fit the AI mold; they were shorter, with tighter structures and a greater emphasis on melody. Certainly less complex - and more rock - than the material heard on the band's masterful late 2022 release, Sundowner. Finding a singer for the project wasn't particularly difficult - Wade simply called on Michael Morrow, the man who's been at the mic for every AI release to date. With such a versatile vocal delivery, he's capable of tackling most any genre of music; there's not much he can't do. That left the bass position, eventually filled by former AI member Daniel Welman, and a second guitarist slot secured by Sebastian Brown of Aegaeon. And of course, no rock/metal band is complete without a kick-ass drummer. For that allimportant role, Wade looked to Xanderwolf's Jason Rager, thus consolidating a seriously solid lineup for what would become Private Summer.

The first teaser for the project, "Mind Eraser," released six months back, met all expectations, expertly straddling the line between rock and metal, retaining the edge and attack of the Alpha Incident while ushering in a bigger, expansive chorus that called back to the late 90s and early 2000s. The track closed, quite strikingly, with Morrow screaming for his life, as if to confirm that Private Summer still means business, no matter the more melodic

direction. Now Wade's full body of workwith plenty of creative input from the guys and studio enhancements by Steve Tyner at Black Cat Recording - is set for release on April 26. So mark that calendar. Featuring fiery new single "Matchstick" for which the band recently shot a video, the 5-track EP proves once again that the tri-state music scene is alive and well, indeed. Each Private Summer member excels here - and together, they produce a heck of an adrenaline rush. The guitar interplay between Wade and Brown on tracks like the aforementioned "Matchstick" and dynamic closer "Taming the Devil," in particular, is nothing short of spectacular. In less than four minutes, they cram in an album's worth of riffs, exploring not just rock and metal but punk and postpunk, too.

And then there's the hammer-like rhythm section of Welman and Rager that drives the uncharacteristically-titled "Sweet Talk," pushing the chorus into the red after Morrow's subdued verses. The singer follows suit, going into full-on freak-out mode - which would be truly frightening if we didn't know him to be such a gent, otherwise. Morrow especially runs the gamut of emotions in opener "Forget Me Not," careening from sane to imbalanced in the span of a couple measures and back again, mirroring the band's volatile musical cocktail. Rest assured it's downright refreshing.

The Private Summer EP will be available April 26 on major streaming platforms. For more info, follow Private Summer on Facebook.

"IN LESS THAN FOUR MINUTES, THEY CRAM IN AN ALBUM'S WORTH OF RIFFS, EXPLORING NOT JUST ROCK AND METAL BUT PUNK AND POST-PUNK, TOO."

Photo Credit: Amy Corressell

BACK TO THE SHALLOW END: TRI-STATE ROCK BAND DROPS EARTH-SHAKING FULLLENGTH DEBUT, HEAD UNDER WATER

Album teasers don't always build anticipation for the finished product, but in the case of tri-state rock band SHE, lead single "Crown" - which News 4U reviewed in the March issue - most definitely caught the attention of the Evansville music scene. Its striking combination of melody and heaviness, recalling the best of Collective Soul, Chevelle and Stone Temple Pilots, not only met with much approval locally but online, too. Still, the question remained: Would the album live up to the hype? Emphatically, yes.

Recorded by Steve Tyner at Black Cat Recording in Evansville, Head Under Water sees SHEcomprising vocalist/guitarist Damian Baker, guitarist Veejay Burris, bassist Danny Norton and drummer Dylan Woodall - blasting through eight originals with unmistakable confidence. Opener "Pulling Teeth" is a bulldozer of a track,

"announcing itself with gusto before Baker lays down the law: "Blacken the skies, let the rain wash over me/ You wanna win the war, you've gotta know what you're fighting for." Then there's "Seven-Year Itch" which kicks off with a punchy 90s-esque guitar riff, leading to an everascending chorus with an absolute pearl of lyrical wisdom: "If you can't handle the wave then ride it back to the shallow end." Elsewhere, the title track is a desperate plea for freedom with Baker emoting, "And I can't breathe, and I can't see/ And I can't feel with my head under water."

"Mint Julep" may be the standout track here, though, with an ear-worm of a rocking chorus that keeps the pressure on: "You created a monster/ All you wanna do is break me down and sell me out." Not to be outdone, "Poison" is a straight-up riff fest from heaven while "Family Portrait" matches its off-kilter rhythm with a tale

ITS STRIKING COMBINATION OF MELODY AND HEAVINESS, RECALLING THE BEST OF COLLECTIVE SOUL, CHEVELLE AND STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, NOT ONLY MET WITH MUCH APPROVAL LOCALLY BUT ONLINE, TOO.

of feigned perfection and "Cradle" features Burris shredding at will in between a reassuring message from Baker that "it's alright now."

Things are better than alright, actually, now that SHE has blessed the tri-state with Head Under Water. Be sure to check out the new album and stay tuned for live updates and more.

Head Above Water is Available on major streaming platforms. For more info, follow SHE on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Jeff Purdue

AS GOOD AS IT GETS

EVANSVILLE-BASED POP-ROCK DUO RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE "STAY (BE HONEST)" ADDRESSING THE COMPLEXITY OF RELATIONSHIPS

Featuring co-vocalists/multi-instrumentalists/songwriters Mike White and Dustin J. Mattingly, As Good As It Gets have produced some of the tri-state's finest pop-rock songs of the last 10 years, last gracing us with 2023's Some Fantastic EP - which was, as advertised, quite fantastic. Especially recommended for fans of Ben Folds, Third Eye Blind, Blink-182 and other bands that ruled the 90s. The same can be said about the duo's latest release, "Stay (Be Honest)," a moving single "about facing the difficult conversations in relationships." Going deeper, White and Mattingly explain, "it's a song about love, fighting, friendships, breakups and marriage."

The new song signals a new release strategy for As Good As It Gets after three full-length albums and five EPs; rather than record a collection of tracks and drop them all at once, they're looking to sprinkle singles periodically to stay in the mix - a smart move considering the ADD nature of today's music listeners. But you shouldn't have any trouble latching onto "Stay (Be Honest)," yet another gem from White and Mattingly packed with melodic goodness. The track opens with an insistent fourchord progression before settling into a jangly vibe with a confessional lyric: "Might mistake my tone/ But as you know/ I can't confess or atone for/ Promises I broke." Musically, the chorus that follows is straight-up Foo Fighters territory and all the better for it, leading to a heartfelt plea: "Stay, be honest/ In spite of reasons to bury our truths or else we'll/ Play false promise/ I'm sick of smiling and tired of lying to you."

"Stay (Be Honest)" is available on major streaming platforms.

BLACK BALL IN EVANSVILLE

BY KEVIN WIRTHWEIN

INDIANA AUTHOR WRITES FOLLOW-UP TO BELOVED BOOK ON THE HISTORY OF EVANSVILLE BASEBALL

Four years ago, we were all stuck inside as the pandemic took hold, looking for something to doand often something to read. It was the perfect time, actually, for Indiana author Kevin Wirthwein to release his first book, Baseball in Evansville , some 40 years on since he ventured into journalism out of college before settling into a career as an IT professional. Now retired, the lifelong sports fan spent the three years leading up to 2020 researching the rich history of River City baseball as it played out from 1865 up through the introduction of the Triple-A Evansville Triplets in 1970. The project was a true labor of love; Wirthwein's passion for the subject material came alive on the page as he detailed a truly entertaining cast of characters, including the author's personal favorite, 15-year-old ballplayer Wee Willie. Yet what captivated him the most in his research for the book was "learning about the negro teams of the 1920's and 30's," noting with wonder

"that "there was an African American element of the sport that was playing all those years in the shadows of virtual obscurity." Wirthwein knew he had to dig deeper.

Not only did Wirthwein keep digging, his dogged determination uncovered a treasure trove of information that formed the basis for Black Ball in Evansville: Diamonds in the Shadows 1900 to 1960s , his much-anticipated follow-up now available through M.T. Publishing Company. It "recounts the stories behind the teams and personal histories of negro players who hailed from the city on the Ohio River," introducing readers to some amazing barrier breakers who helped to pave the way and shape Major League Baseball as we know it today. Finally, these little known yet extraordinary negro

ballplayers are getting their due - and Wirthwein couldn't be happier to share what he's learned over the last four years, excited to bring this oft-ignored chapter of Evansville's sports history to light.

*For an even deeper dive into the city's sports history, be sure to visit Wirthwein's blog at baseballinevansville.com where, among other things, you can read about tri-state basketball stars who played baseball, including the likes of Corky Withrow and Ralph Beard. Entertaining and educational.

To order Black Ball in Evansville, visit mtpublishing.com.

THE PROJECT WAS A TRUE LABOR OF LOVE; WIRTHWEIN'S PASSION FOR THE SUBJECT MATERIAL CAME ALIVE ON THE PAGE AS HE DETAILED A TRULY ENTERTAINING CAST OF CHARACTERS

DEMOLITION PRO WRESTLING & WHO (WRESTLERS HELPING OTHERS)

BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT: TRI-STATE WRESTLING COMPANIES FOCUSED ON GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

If the name Richard Westbrook doesn't ring any bells for you, then perhaps King Kold willthat's the rap handle the 36-year-old Evansville resident's been rocking as a prized member of the local hiphop community since back in the day. Always a thoughtful artist, he's released a number of powerful albums, including 2019's Down the Rabbit Hole which tackled the effects of addiction on people close to him. Turning pain into poetry, simply put, is Westbrook's mission in life. But in recent months battles with streaming services like Spotify dampened his enthusiasm for music - so much so that he hit the pause button and returned to his first love: wrestling.

Westbrook's been a part of the sport for nearly two decades, but he's enjoying it more than ever now that he's involved with two great tri-state companiesDemolition Pro Wrestling (DPW) and WHO (Wrestlers Helping Others) - both new to the scene but each operating with an old school philosophy of giving back to the community, of taking care of those in need. Make no mistake, however, the events that DPW and WHO present are pure entertainment in the style of the WWE; but the kicker is that all the sleeper holds, piledrivers and figure-four leglocks aren't just for show, because the money raised at the

door often goes to local families, nonprofits and charitable organizations.

A recent WHO event, for example, was staged at the McCutchanville Fire Department Gym and served as a fundraiser for a family that suffered an unfortunate house fire in the areasomething that touched a nerve with Westbrook. "I had a house fire in '93 when I was a child - it was a traumatic experience," he recalls. "Anything we can do to make it less of a struggle for them is positive." Created by Justin Freeman, WHO took its cue from Demolition Pro Wrestling, keen to replicate the philanthropy of the company's owners, Cathy and Anthony Goad, who regularly participate in the Toys for Tots and Shop with a Cop programs, as well as hold backto-school drives to make sure local

students have the supplies they need in the classroom.

While DPW and WHO events have been held at various tri-state venues over the last six months, the eventual goal is to bring them all to the Pay It Forward Center located at 2227 W. Michigan St. in Evansville. That should ensure even better attendance - though crowds to date have been big and boisterous - and, ultimately, raise more money for charity. And by the way, these companies are equal opportunity employers - both men and women jump in the ring during the events which makes it all just that much more exciting.

Upcoming WHO events: 4/6, 5/4 & 6/22. For DPW events, follow them on Facebook.

"Anything we can do to make it less of a struggle for them is positive."

SCREEN TIME WITH MARISA

PATWA

iApril film & TV releases feature a decadent series on the royals, a starcrossed besties rom-com and another Hollywood remake

MARY & GEORGE

Nicholas Galitzine is coming off an impressive 2023, with scene-stealing roles in both Bottoms and Red, White & Royal Blue. 2024 is looking just as good with the upcoming Harry Styles fan-fiction rom-com The Idea of You co-starring Anne Hathaway. But that’s for May; his latest role as power-play loverboy George in this 7-part limited series, is here now. The decadently devious show follows George as he and his mother Mary, played by the stunningly vindictive Julianne Moore, fight their way to the top of court. She's also known as the Countess of Buckingham and you can count on her political savvy to kill. Their rise in social status does require the young man to seduce the boozily boisterous King James 1, having the head of the country at the tip of his finger and securing their legacy. Will their cutthroat plotting for power come back to bite them? Or should I say, behead them? This series should be a royal treat. STARZ 4/5

HOW TO DATE BILLY WALSH

It’s the saccharine coming-of-age high school love story we all love: the childhood best friends will-they-or-won’t-they trope. Here, Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton) plays Amelia who's star-crossed besties with Sebastian Croft’s awkward Archie - a similar set-up to the bittersweet relationship at the heart of 1986's Pretty in Pink where Duckie, a hopeless romantic played to the hilt by Jon Cryer, attempts to move his relationship with Molly Ringwald's Andie out of the friendship zone. (I think we all know how that turned out.) When Archie finally musters up the courage to confess his love, his self-professed soulmate falls for the new kid on the block, Billy Walsh, played by Cobra Kai and He’s All That alum Tanner Buchanan. The motorcycle-riding American transfer student sweeps Amelia off her feet, greatly upsetting Archie. Will Archie’s ploy to keep Amelia and Billy apart work or simply backfire? If we learned anything from I Love You Beth Cooper, he’ll at least get a pity kiss. AMAZON PRIME 4/5

DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD

As a method Millennial hipster, I am vehemently against the onslaught of Hollywood remakes. Some classics should just be left alone…ahem…The Goonies (1985), for example. When I found out this longtime favorite film of mine, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, was being remade, I didn't quite know what to think. The 1991 movie first introduced me to the vivacious Christina Applegate, who, as a teen put in charge of her household of siblings while her mom is away on vacation for the summer, holds the fort down after the babysitter dies. The film also introduced me to some incredible fits, as she gets a job as an executive assistant at a fashion company. I mean, the iconic backyard high-brow fashion show scene? I’m getting childhood shivers. So I’ll give this new take a chance. The new Mean Girls movie wasn’t necessary, and neither is this one. But that doesn’t mean I'm not up for some good, brain-numbing fun. How 'bout you? IN THEATERS 4/12

TRUE CRIME JUNKIE

WITH JOHNNY FLETCHER

CHRIS TAPP: FINALLY EXONERATED - THEN MURDERED

It's been a busy last few weeks in the world of true crime with convicted killer Scott Peterson aiming for a new trial via assistance from the LA Innocence Project and the infamous Menendez brothers pinning their hopes for release on the discovery of new evidence after 30 years behind bars. Chances are slim in either scenario - because, frankly, the justice system rarely reverses course. Once found guilty of a crime, it's near impossible to clear your name, no matter who's in your corner. Investigators and prosecutors, in particular, have an extreme aversion to acknowledging mistakes. Just ask Chris Tapp. Actually, that's no longer an option. You see, Tapp, after serving more than two decades in prison for a rape and murder he didn't commit before being fully exonerated in 2019, became a victim of homicide last October.

Tapp's life took a dark turn in 1996 when Idaho Falls police targeted the 20-year-old as one of several men who participated in the rape and murder of Angie Dodge. Subjected to countless hours of grueling interrogation - somewhere in the range of 100 - he eventually broke down and confessed. Just one problem: there was no evidence tying him to the crime and many of Tapp's statements simply didn't line up with the facts of the case. Comparisons could easily be drawn to Jesse Misskelley, who, charged as one of the "West Memphis Three," admitted to assisting in the killing of three eight-year-old boys in Arkansas in 1993. Investigators seemed unconcerned that the mentally-challenged teenager didn't know the time of day the murders occurred, the manner of the deaths or other vital information. All that mattered was securing a confession (Misskelley, along with Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin, were subsequently

convicted, serving 18 years before being released in 2011 after agreeing to an Alford plea).

Based primarily on his coerced "confession," Tapp was convicted of Dodge's rape and murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison. However, in 2007, the Idaho Innocence Project got involved and Dodge's own mother began to push for Tapp's release after doing a deep dive into the interrogation tapes. It would take another 10 years, but a successful appeal removed the rape charge which reduced the overall sentence to 20 years - time already served by Tapp. So in 2017 he walked free; yet the murder conviction still lingered. Then, in an unexpected turn of events, technology solved the case once and for all as DNA left on Dodge's body connected Brian Leigh Dripps to the crime, exonerating Tapp completely in 2019.

For the next few years, Tapp enjoyed a whole new lease on life, no longer under a cloud of suspicion. But sadly, in late 2023, he was attacked in Las Vegas, sustaining a severe head injury. He later died from blunt force trauma. Authorities, in a strange twist, recently arrested suspect Daniel Rodimer, a former Nevada congressional candidate, who has since posted bond.

"JUST ONE PROBLEM: THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TYING HIM TO THE CRIME AND MANY OF TAPP'S STATEMENTS SIMPLY DIDN'T LINE UP WITH THE FACTS OF THE CASE.

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

LUNCH BOX & BACON BIT: Meet Lunch Box and Bacon Bit, an iconic pair of Guinea Pigs from the Vanderburgh Humane Society! Would you believe that the shelter is full of these adoptable piggies right now? These brothers are of the Peruvian variety, but we have all sorts to choose from - and just in time for “National Adopt a Guinea Pig” month! If you’re looking for a relatively low-maintenance pet that is relatively quiet with a lot of personality, a guinea pig might be the perfect choice for you. Their adoption fee is $30, but most are bonded…making it only $60 for an adorable and entertaining pair!

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

400 MILLNER INDUSTRIAL DRIVE

2 BLOCKS WEST OF GARVIN PARK IN EVANSVILLE

MR. FLUFFY: When he arrived at the VHS, 8-year-old Mr. Fluffy was badly matted and needed a shave. He’s been recovering from this harrowing experience by snoozing in the sun and feasting on treats in foster care. He’s now back at the shelter and sassier than ever. Mr. Fluffy is front declawed but if you think he won't give you a pat with his cotton paws, you don't know Fluff. He does not tolerate playing second fiddle to other cats and needs to be in a home where he can rule unopposed. Despite being FIV+, he will rule long and well in a home that needs a little decadence and culture.

HAMMER: Meet Hammer! Whoever said that beagles make excellent family dogs hit the nail right on the head! This two-year-old beagle boy is sweet, seems to be mostly housebroken, knows how to sit, and is a nice mix of affectionate and independent. His nose gets him carried away on adventures sometimes, but you’ll have that with hounds. Hammer is heartworm positive, but his treatment is included for free in his $200 adoption fee (which also includes his neuter, microchip and up-to-date shots!) Apply for him at vhslifesaver.org.

(812) 426-2563

ADOPTION HOURS

TUES-SAT FROM NOON-6PM

VHSLIFESAVER.ORG

MALI

VHS ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT

Deborah French grew up in an animal-free household as her mom was allergic to pet dander - only goldfish were allowed. Her husband, however, had the opposite experience; in fact, his mother even worked as a vet tech in Evansville for a couple of years. Once married, the couple settled on a small farm for awhile with goats and the like and a Great Pyrenees to stand guard. But a move to the south necessitated that they find a new home for their protector; a close friend with plenty of land proved to be the perfect match. Eventually, Deborah and her husband made their way up north again and put down roots in Evansvilleright around the time they decided that an Irish Terrier would make life just that

IT IS SO FUNNY, THEY ARE LIKE THE SAME EXACT DOG - JUST DIFFERENT BREEDS.

Deborah says. Still, the VHS was reportedly a bit concerned whether Mali would do well in a household with another animal and suggested the couple bring Bernard to the shelter for a meet & greet. The chemistry between the two furry friends was instant and their bond only grew tighter once the adoption became official and Mali made herself comfortable at her new home. "It is so funny, they are like the same exact dogjust different breeds," Deborah notes. "They get up in the morning and stretch the exact same way, sometimes in sync. They play so hard and then they crash and cuddle."

much better. After doing some research, the couple purchased "Bernard" from a breeder, a very energetic fellow that, most importantly, had one very significant characteristic: "We're suckers for dogs with beards," Deborah divulges with a laugh.

As time went on, it became apparent that Bernard needed a buddy to diffuse some of his hyperactivity. So Deborah got online and started searching, ultimately drawn to a Giant Schnauzer named "Mali" available at the VHS; the couple then met one of Mali's siblings at a local park and confirmed that the breed had just the right temperament. "It was laidback but liked to play and the size was good for our dog - that's what we were looking for,"

According to Deborah, Bernard is even teaching Mali how to be "lovey dovey and accept other people's attention." The couple will instruct him to go get Mali and bring her to them - which he achieves by licking all over her ears and then corralling her across the room. Despite Mali's nervous nature, especially around men, she's coming out of her shell thanks to Bernard's help - she even lets Deborah's husband pet her all over. "When we first met her she was just shaking and shivering," Deborah recalls. "We're super proud of the progress she's made."

AS I TYPE THIS...

IT'S OFFICIAL: BIDEN VS. TRUMP FOR THE WHITE HOUSE with Barold Hume

We all saw it coming. Was there ever any doubt? I suppose a few extreme optimists somewhere deep in the crevices of America held out hope for a different scenario, but it's official now: Biden vs. Trump is happening all over again. Start stocking up on painkillers, in other words. As I type this, both Joe and DJT have stamped their tickets to the main event with Dean Phillips and Nikki Haley each giving up the ghost recently. Many of you are probably asking, Dean who? And therein lies the problem for US Representative Phillips who serves the 3rd District of Minnesota: name recognition. Only a small percentage of voters even knew he was running against/ gunning for Biden. To be fair, in the limited media coverage Phillips received, he came across as a pretty rational guy with some nononsense views on the big issues of the day. And he preached bi-partisanship - a pipe dream at this point, but it was still nice to hear. Also, did I mention that he's a youthful 55? Age is always relative, of course, but with the constant, exhausting chatter from both sides of the political aisle about Biden and Trump's cognitive (dis)abilities, having two Gen X

candidates - Haley is 52 - in the primaries was fun while it lasted.

Talk about fun... the State of the Union address took place on March 7. I'm guessing most of you bypassed the opportunity to watch it. Probably best for your well-being. Really, no matter which party is in power, it's always such a strange display of partisanship. You know, one side is constantly standing up and cheering for themselves, patting themselves on the back, while the other stays glued to their seats with fixed looks of disdain, grimacing for the cameras to ensure we know they disapprove. So how did Biden do? Depends on who you ask, naturally. Fox's Sean Hannity labeled the president "Jacked-up Joe," complaining that he screamed his way through the entire speech and delivered it with unnecessary speed. Even suggested an intake of substances might have been to blame. MSNBC, however, deemed Biden's delivery "feisty" and "coherent" and a host of other superlatives. Probably somewhere in the middle, as usual. I will say that the clear winner of the evening was Republican Senator Marco Rubio. Why?

Because after Katie Britt's much-lampooned rebuttal, his infamous "water bottle" gaffe now seems quaint by comparison. She oneupped Rubio and then some. But let's be honest, it's a thankless job reacting to the president's speech - like hosting the Oscars or the Golden Globes. No one actually wants the gig. Comedian Jo Koy, for instance, found out the hard way after bombing at the Globes back in January (poor guy dared to poke harmless fun at celebrities). But even if Britt gets laughed right out of politics, she'll surely land a starring role in a low-budget horror film - perhaps called Slay of the Union? Don't worry, I'll work on the title.

BIDEN VS. TRUMP IS HAPPENING ALL OVER AGAIN. START STOCKING UP ON PAINKILLERS, IN OTHER WORDS. AS I TYPE THIS, BOTH JOE AND DJT HAVE STAMPED THEIR TICKETS TO THE MAIN EVENT.

MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD...

with Johnny Fletcher

EVANSVILLE DRIVERS ARE (STILL) DRIVING ME CRAZY

First up on this month's agenda: wishing a very happy spring to my dedicated tri-state readers. You've more than earned the welcome change of season through your unwavering support of this column - despite, as I understand, being advised otherwise by medical professionals. Something about my writings being a danger to your mental health? Do I have that right? Not important, really. Just do as I say and keep reading; you'll be just fine. Now, before I move on to a recycled gripe of mine, I do need to address a touchy subject. Here's the thing: while I certainly appreciate those of you who have defied doctor's orders and hung in there with me, I'm more than a bit disappointed regarding your seeming dismissal of my birthday a few weeks back. Ok, so you sent a card - thanks. But where was the cash? We've been over this a thousand times - all your words of praise ring hollow if there's nothing to pad my bank account included. Am I not even

worth five bucks to you? Wait, don't answer that. I tell you what - let's just mark this down as a teachable moment and move on. Next year you'll make up for it by wiring money to me weeks in advance (we can discuss the amount at a later date).

Now that I've cleared the air regarding my birthday, I'd like to revisit a recent complaint of mine... Many, many moons ago when I was but a small child, I recall that one of the biggest thrills for local folks was to make fun of Kentucky drivers. Such idiots! Hey, even us kids who were too young to get behind the wheel delighted in mocking them. Basically, anytime there was an incident on the road, a wreck or what have you, it had to be the fault of someone from down south. Because Kentucky people were just that stupid, completely inept and, frankly, a menace to society. But oh, how times have changed. The script has flipped. The tide has turned. The...something or other.

Anyhow, nowadays when I buckle up and head out onto the streets of Evansville, I fear for my life thanks to the city's ever-increasing number of nutjob motorists. Homegrown crazies, mind you, with local license plates. Just one example of so many over the last month: I was traveling safely down a residential road the other evening, heading towards Vann Avenue. With just a couple blocks to go before connecting with Vann, a car came barreling up from behind me and got right up on my bumper, seemingly unimpressed that I was observing the 30 mph speed limit. Then, with just one block to go, this future NASCAR driver squealed his tires and came careening around me, intent on reaching the stop sign first. Which he certainly accomplished. And then, after securing pole position, sat waiting for a good 30 seconds for the traffic on Vann to clear before peeling out again and bombing his way towards the light at Lincoln Avenue, apparently in a rush to get to Hooters. Well played, my friend.

NOWADAYS WHEN I BUCKLE UP AND HEAD OUT ONTO THE STREETS OF EVANSVILLE, I FEAR FOR MY LIFE THANKS TO THE CITY'S EVER-INCREASING NUMBER OF NUTJOB MOTORISTS.

anythingJohnnyAsk

Old. Grumpy. Of questionable intelligence. Johnny Fletcher has got it all going on. A longtime contributor to News 4U, he's revered by the editor for consistently turning in the correct number of words assigned for various articles. Now Johnny's ready to answer your burning questions, respond to hot takes and more. Any topic, no matter how ridiculous. Let the games begin...

WHAT'S THE BEST APRIL FOOL'S JOKE YOU'VE PLAYED ON SOMEONE?HOLLY B.

Last year I really hit it out of the park when I told the editor of this magazine that I was quitting, effective immediately, and taking my enviable writing talents elsewhere. Have you ever seen a grown man cry? The man started weeping uncontrollably before going down on his knees and literally begging me not to leave. It was really something. Said he'd take a pay cut and give me the extra cash if I'd promise to stay. Even said I could tell people that I was running News 4U now. Anyhow, after several hours of intense negotiations - and buckets of embarrassing tears - I revealed that it was nothing more than a joke on my part. But I still took the cash. Hilarious.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT 92-YEAR-OLD MEDIA MOGUL RUPERT MURDOCH GETTING ENGAGED TO HIS 67-YEAR-OLD GIRLFRIEND?JOSEPH P.

Well, I've been desperately trying not to think about it, so thank you kindly for bringing it up, Joe. Can I call you Joe, by the way? But seriously, their union won't impact my life in any way, shape or form - so there's no reason for me to pass any judgment. It's simply none of my business or concern. Let's just hope Murdoch's young bride-to-be isn't in it just for the money, otherwise he may find himself the subject of a Dateline episode in the near future. Know what I'm sayin'? Christ, do I have to spell it out for you??? Because she might kill him. Try to keep up with me, ok? (Rupert, if you're reading this, make her sign a freaking prenup if you don't want to wind up at the bottom of the nearest lake in a body bag. You can thank me later.)

I SAW THAT THERE'S AN MMA EVENT COMING TO EVANSVILLE IN EARLY MAY AND I'M WONDERING HOW LONG YOU THINK YOU COULD LAST INSIDE THE CAGE? - BOB J.

ARE YOU SINGLE AND READY TO MINGLE? - REBECCA Z.

Don't know if you're old enough to remember this, Bob, but there was a time before the shot clock in college basketball when a clearly inferior team would stall for minutes on end, playing keep away with no intention of trying to score. That would be my strategy. I would just run from corner to corner and evade, evade, evade - before inevitably being beaten to within an inch of my life. So, about 10 seconds? Sorry, Rebecca, but I am married to my job. Though I will be quitting, effectively immediately, after this issue comes out. Just don't tell the editor. Also, call me.

APRIL MUSIC REVIEWS

ARIANA GRANDE

Eternal Sunshine Republic Records

Ariana Grande is in a moment of rebirth with her seventh studio album. The pop princess has always been vulnerable with her music, but this collection is the rawest we’ve seen her. Instead of feeding the flames of the public dialogue surrounding the dissolution of her marriage and forging of a new relationship through bitter 2 a.m. tweets or revenge People articles, she's clearing the air through her art. What elevates her talent even more is that she's baring it all for us while producing music in a completely new genre for her: electro-disco pop. Spoiler alert: she sets fire to the dance floor and our hearts. Lead single “yes, and?” is bold and cheeky, begging the question of why her personal life is any of your business, with lyrics like “Your energy is yours and mine is mine.” Follow-up single “we can’t be friends” is gorgeous, catchy and splits open the caterpillars roaming around in your stomach into burgeoning butterflies. “supernatural,” featuring Troye Sivan, is a silky, milky, slow beat with a sexy, breathy chorus. The iconic duo is truly heavenly. In her most strippeddown song, “imperfect for you,” she sings softly in an alt-rock verse over what sounds like a guitar strumming in a magical fairy garden. Wicked may not come out until November, but Ariana is already giving us her Glinda.

- Marisa Patwa

JASON DERULO Nu King Atlantic Records

Mixing French urban pop with his signature R&B smooth moves has created one decadent recipe for Jason Derulo’s fifth studio album. Perhaps feeling insecure coming back after a nine-year hiatus, he enlisted the help of a litany of guests: Gucci Mane, Quavo, Michael Bublé, David Guetta, Alexandra Shipp, Nuka, Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla Sign, Meghan Trainor, Adam Levine, French Montana, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Tesher, Dido and Lay Bankz. At 27 songs, it's really a double album, a way for Derulo to spill out the passion fruit smoothie he’s been blending for nearly a decade. He's never needed the added sauce, but the combination of musical flavors is a surprisingly scrumptious one. My favorite: “Hands on Me,” featuring Meghan Trainor, which is a sugary doo-wop duet. Check out the hilarious music video featuring the unlikely pair doing a spin on Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie’s iconic The Simple Life I never thought I’d watch Derulo try to chop some wood, milk a cow or unclog a toilet while singing love-bops, but here we are and I’m here for it.

- Marisa Patwa

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

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

Everything I Thought It Was RCA Records

Justin Timberlake isn’t just bringing sexy back this time, but maturity. The pop idol is neither the fresh-faced teeny-bopping dream of the 90s nor going through an adult revolution of selfdiscovery like he did in his 20s and 30s. He’s dabbled in every genre; now, he’s the most confident he’s ever been. Lead single “Selfish” is reminiscent of Nick Jonas’ “Jealous,” but with that emotional, swaggy JT twist. Featuring a slowed-down tempo and angelic vocals, the track just screams romance - the perfect soundtrack for Timberlake to profess devotion to his lady: “And my heart would go flatline/ If it wasn't beatin' for you all the time, uh." “Sanctified” is an instant gospel-pop hit, taking you to church and back with rapper Tobe Nwigwe delivering like he’s up on the pulpit during Sunday sermon. The duo recently slayed their Saturday Night Live performance of the song, driving the melodic chorus home with a bevy of electric guitars. JT may have dropped this album at the start of spring, but he's given us the biggest summer anthem with “No Angels.” If you don’t immediately picture yourself playing beach volleyball with your toes in the sand, you aren’t listening to it right. I hope with Justin Timberlake, what goes around, comes around for a long time -

Marisa Patwa

THE STAVES

All Now Nonesuch Records

I had the pleasure of seeing this duo open for Nickel Creek at Louisville Palace last month. Once a trio - now a duo - one of the remaining sisters in The Staves (a shortened version of their lengthy last names) quipped, "Emily won't be joining us this evening as she selfishly decided to start a family.” Their wit and charm were a delightful addition to their flawless, familial harmonies and unison vocals. Their live voices blended so beautifully that it sometimes sounded like an expensive studio effect while their captivating harmony choices projected like more than two. The tracks reviewed in this pre-release are just as pleasing with the interspersed additions of electric guitars, synth, drums, and bass. The song "I'll Never Leave You Alone" illustrates their vocal creativity with a repeated ear-worm "Aa oo aa oo" never becoming tiresome. Admittedly, I enjoyed the acoustic duo versions of these tunes better, but this 80s-inspired studio presentation is excellent in its own right. Ultimately, these ladies are going to sound amazing in any format. -

Lindsey Williams

MISSING PERSONS Hollywood Lie Cleopatra Records

An underrated band from the early 80's new wave movement, Missing Persons always existed in the shadow of more successful outfits like Duran Duran and The Human League. True, they never quite possessed the songwriting chops to produce a worldwide hit like "Hungry Like the Wolf" or "Don't You Want Me," but more likely, it came down to the polarizing vocals of Dale Bozzio whose New Yawk-ish delivery and propensity for hiccuping her way through classic songs like "Destination Unknown" and "Words" probably didn't help with radio play. Regardless, 1982's Spring Session M still packs a heck of a synth-rock punch all these years later. And now, over four decades removed from Missing Persons' shining moment, Bozzio has assembled a white-hot new band and returned with the shockingly fantastic Hollywood Lie - an album that's so new wave it hurts, hurts so good. Case in point, wonderfully fat analog synth sounds drive the dark melodies and quirky drum machines dictate the beats, but just like the band's early days, there's sharp, angular electric guitar and acoustic drums, too, providing a real kick to the likes of "Castles in the Sand," "Fading Away" and "Ice Blue Eyes." But it's the title track that really sets the tone with its tale of excess, as Bozzio laments, "Dyin' right in front of my eyes/ Livin' like a Hollywood lie." Recency bias is a real thing, of course, but repeat listens have me declaring this a mini new wave masterpiece. Time to come out from the shadows, Dale.

- Johnny Fletcher

PETER GARRETT

The True North Sony Music Australia

The name Peter Garrett probably doesn't mean much to most American music fans - but Midnight Oil, the cracking Australian band he fronted for 45 years, just might. Best known for the 1987 hit "Beds are Burning," the Oils called it a day in 2022 after a final album and tour, but the various members have been keeping busy in the aftermath. Drummer Rob Hirst was the first to release new music via 2023's Red Continent EP; now Garrett's taking a turn with the follow-up to his 2016 solo debut, A Version of Now . Interestingly, where Hirst called on Oils guitarist Jim Moginie for assistance in the studio, Garrett's got Martin Rotsey, the band's other sixstring genius, on board. In both cases, then, the sound is familiar, yet the quality of songwriting comes up a bit short. Garrett, for his part, errs on his softer side across The True North , particularly on the title track and "Innocent Parts 1 & 2," recalling 90's-era Oils efforts like "One Country" and "In the Valley." But the imposing vocalist hasn't totally abandoned his bite. "Permaglow" and "Meltdown," for example, while mid-tempo affairs, are delivered with the sort of nervous energy that made Garrett such a force on stage. Probably the closest Oils fans will get to a revival on record.

- Johnny Fletcher

BLUES WITH BRAGIN

JOHN CLIFTON

Too Much to Pay Flower Records

Co-founder of the MoFo Party Band, harmonica ace John Clifton is back with Too Much to Pay, recorded in Poland's capital city of Warsaw. On the opening title track, Bartek Szopinski provides stellar organ playing. “It Wouldn’t Stop Raining” sees Clifton singing about a lost love behind a melancholy tune that sounds like something from a 1950s malt shop. The toe-tapping “Long Gone Mama” features great piano playing from Szopinski along with Clifton’s phenomenal harmonica skills. “Get Lost” seems perfect for ushering people to the dance floor as Janusz Brzezinski offers great bass playing to accompany more of Clifton’s harmonica and lightning fast drumming from Milosz Szulkowski. A Latin groove seems to creep in on “Every Waking Hour” as Clifton sings about a woman who occupies his thoughts.

“Broke Down Fool” offers up-tempo music as a counterpoint to Clifton singing about someone who treats other people poorly. Clifton sings about his undying love for an unfaithful woman in “One Fine Chick” as Piotr Bienkiewicz provides a great guitar solo. “The Problem” features heavy bass and guitar as Clifton once again sings about a woman with a wandering eye. Clifton offers lyrics about loving a good woman on “Swear to God I Do” as Brzezinski provides solid bass playing. The album closes with “Bad Trip,” a fun song about a woman who seems like trouble. For more info, visit johnclifton.com.

- Paul Bragin

APRIL 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.

THE BEAST UNLEASHED MEAN GREEN

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.5

This cerveza pours a clear deep brown, with a thin tan head. Biscuity on the nose, not unlike the Hoosier Red up for review this month. Very rich and malty on the palate, with subtle caramel and coffee notes. Light bitterness and well-balanced. I tend to lean towards IPAs with all the tropical flavors and bitterness, but this may be my new favorite Mexican cerveza. 5.4% ABV.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4

A thick tan head rests on this dark beer and lingers for a long time. The scent contains a healthy amount of sweet and roasted malt notes. The sweet malt flavors remain during the initial tasting, with some bitter hop presence also coming through in the finish. Drink this the next time you eat at your local Mexican restaurant. Pair it with foods such as apple stuffed pork chops or chocolate pecan pie bars.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5

I think this is my favorite Mexican beer. It has a dark malt and light caramel flavors with a hint of hops. It even has a light chocolate flavor. This is best served with a slice of lime. I usually get a big one of these at Los Tres Caminos in town. It has a slight bitterness to it but that's what gives it good character.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3

This malt beverage pours a light orange hue, with no head. On the nose is an effervescent explosion of fruit flavors, and that explosion continues throughout the drinking experience. Fruit punch, with a small-bubble sparkling carbonation, that continues well past the finish. If you like Monster, you’ll probably like this. 6.0% ABV, and until you put away this 24 oz can, you would never know it.

PAUL BRAGIN - 3.5

A head forms on this beverage, but it dissipates almost as quickly as it appears. The scent boasts fruity notes that people recognize from most energy drinks. Similarly, the familiar taste of energy drinks coats the tongue and stays in the long finish along with a heavy dose of sweetness. Drink this if you need a quick pick me up. Pair it with foods like duck, pork, pickled dishes, salads with fruity dressings or fruity desserts.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4

This is more of a seltzer than a beer, in my opinion. It tastes like a Red Bull to me and maybe this is the standard flavor of energy drinks. It comes in a 24 oz can and with an ABV of 6%. According to the can, they removed the caffeine - which is probably a good thing. If you're an energy drink person, this may be for you.

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3.5

This wheat ale pours a light yellow hue with a thin white head. On the nose is a strong essence of peach (think peach gummy rings). On the palate that tart peach flavor prevails, and while it doesn’t overpower the wheat ale, it does compete with it. Little bitterness, but I did find the peach to linger a bit long on the finish. Refreshing, but maybe a little too sweet to throw it in the lawnmower beer category. 4.5% ABV.

PAUL

BRAGIN - 3

A thick white head tops this straw-colored wheat ale and evaporates very slowly. A generous burst of peach first hits the nose and lingers. Likewise, more peach comes through with the first sip of the beer. The low alcohol content makes this a great choice to have a few, especially during the hot summer months. Add it as an ingredient in peach cobbler or serve it with barbecue, salmon or nutty cheeses like Parmesan.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4

I'm always a fan of Shiner beers and this one's pretty good. It pours a cloudy amber color with a nice peach aroma. It only has an ABV of 4.5% making it a good lawn mowing beer. I guess I was expecting it to be a little sweeter but I still like it, apart from a slight medicinal taste at the finish.

MODELO NEGRA

SHINER HILL COUNTRY PEACH WHEAT

QUAFF ON! HOOSIER RED

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4

This pours a clear burnt orange with a very thin head. Bready on the nose with a nice, balanced maltiness on the palate. Slightly sweet, light bitterness, and very drinkable. Want a good beer, grab a Hoosier Red. Want some good basketball, stick with the Gold and Black. 5.5% ABV

PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5

A decent head crowns this red ale, but it begins to evaporate rather rapidly. Sweet malt scents fill the nose. The sweet malt stays while drinking the beer, with the malt receiving

some balance from bitter hop notes in the long finish as the malt and hops play back and forth. This beer definitely deserves a spot in your refrigerator. Pair it with a variety of foods like burgers, Buffalo wings, Asian food or Mexican food.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5

This is a clear crimson-colored beer - a solid red ale that would make a good game day beverage for Hoosier fans. I can taste the caramel malts and it's very smooth and easy to drink. Not much of a hop-flavored beer but another good effort by Quaff On!

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

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WITH LANE SIESKY / SIESKY LAW FIRM, PC

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

Q: In your career as a personal injury attorney, are there cases that you're particularly proud of handling - either outcome-wise or impact-wise?

:AIt is hard to believe, but I have now been practicing law for going on twenty-six (26) years. My career has truly been a journey. With the benefit of experience and grey hair, I think it is fair to look back and reflect for a moment.

For me, I don’t think I am most proud of a specific result or outcome in a case. Rather, I am most proud that our law firm, Siesky Law, has tried to practice law the right way. I know that is cliché, but there are so many forks in the road where we could take the easy route instead of doing what, in our opinion, is right. I am far from perfect, and our law firm makes mistakes, but looking back I am proud that we have tried to do what is

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.

right and not just what is easy.

In terms of what keeps me up at night thinking about the practice of law, it unfortunately is not pondering on the good we have done. Instead, I am wired to wonder if there was something more we could have done to get a better result for a client. I would describe it as striving for perfection with a healthy dose of paranoia.

One day when I am finished practicing law, I hope that I just remember the good that we did, the positive change we caused and can put to bed the rest. Until next month, work hard but have fun along the way, too.