MAY
2019
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TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
FEATURES
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
8 Bud's Bar & Grill and KC's Marina Pointe The Summer Party Season Heats Up!
56 Community & Family 59 VCCVR Website 60 VHS Spotlight 62 Tri-State Pet Pics 76 Mug Shots
10 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater An Interview with Founding Member Jeff Hanna 16 Bret Michaels at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater An Interview with the Rock & Roll Icon
OPINION
18 ROMP Fest 2019 An Interview with Trampled By Turtles
68 The Write Stuff 69 Maybe I'm Just Getting Old
22 Kansas at the Owensboro Sportscenter An Interview with Frontman Ronnie Platt
POLITICS
26 The Sh-Booms at Bokeh Lounge National Touring Act Coming to Haynie's Corner
69 Tri-State Politics
64 2019 Peeps & Paws Meet the Pets of Tri-State Business Owners
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PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
TJ Tanoos
58 It Can Be Arranged
70 71 72 74
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COUPONS
RELIGION
29 Save Big!
68 Ask the Pastor
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
CUISINE & DINING
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28 In the Kitchen with Chef Amanda
Staff Photographer Rajiv KC
ENTERTAINMENT
Contributors
30 In Town & Around 42 Arts & Activities 44 Music: Jordan Miller & The Dead Lights 46 Music: King Kold 48 Music: Stop the Car 50 Stories from the Stage 52 Screen Time 54 Podcast Corner
Elaina Adams, Paul Bragin, Russ Finn, Kevin Fleming, Johnny Fletcher, Bryan Fox, Gavin Gaddis, Jonathan Gluff, Jabez Martinez, Marisa Patwa, Kendall Shanks, John Thurgood, Lindsey Williams News 4U is published monthly and is distributed throughout the tri-state. For information about advertising, subscriptions, distribution or guides & lists, call (812) 426-6398 or write us at 125 N Weinbach Ave, Ste 510 Evansville, IN 47711. News 4U is published by EMG Publishing. All rights reserved.
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|5
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
W
ell, it's about time. With warm temps back in the
party season. In addition, we caught up with a number of high
forecast, I can finally stop moaning about the weather
profile bands and musicians en route to the tri-state, including
and just get on with the business of offering up fascinating
Poison frontman Bret Michaels and Kansas, both performing
editorials like this one - which you'll most likely skip over in
on June 8 at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater and Owensboro
a rush to get to the good stuff. It's cool, I don't blame you.
Sportscenter, respectively. Plus, there's a preview of ROMP
But just in case you decide to stick around, I'll go ahead and
- western Kentucky's annual bluegrass festival - featuring an
give you the May rundown and beyond. For starters, the
interview with Trampled by Turtles, the headlining act for the
long-awaited arrival of Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill on
opening night of the hugely popular three day event. And for
Franklin Street has everyone boot-scootin' to the west side.
the old guard who recall the heyday of Evansville's original
Early signs point to this new nightlife venue being a massive
music scene when the Ross Theatre played host to a number
success - and the perfect pre-game hotspot before heading
of truly talented alternative bands, check out our report on
out to the grand opening weekend at KC's Marina Pointe (May
last month's Stop the Car reunion show that drew a big crowd
2-4) on the riverfront. We chatted with Operations Manager
to Studio 321 on the city's east side. All that and more inside...
Chad Brady about what's in store at both places this summer
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | COVER STORY
BUD'S ROCKIN' COUNTRY BAR & GRILL AND KC'S MARINA POINTE
THE TRI-STATE'S NEWEST NIGHTLIFE VENUE HEATS UP FRANKLIN STREET AND EVERYONE'S FAVORITE RIVERFRONT HOTSPOT HOSTS ANOTHER WILD SUMMER OF LIVE MUSIC AND MORE The summer party season is almost here and as usual, KC's
weekends and creating a fun atmosphere that appeals to both
Marina Pointe is gearing up for a big grand opening weekend
a mature crowd and college students.
on the riverfront complete with a high profile concert featuring country star Cassadee Pope on Thursday, May 2 as part of
While the building that houses Bud's Rockin' Country Bar &
the CMT Next Women of Country Tour. But what makes this
Grill was purchased back in 2016, it took an egregious amount
year's buildup to warm weather and good times even more
of time to appease all the right people in terms of the design,
special is the long-awaited ar-
floor plan, parking, etc. But even af-
rival of Bud's Rockin' Country Bar
ter every request was met, Chesser
& Grill on Franklin Street, a brand
and Brady still had to cut through
new hangout dreamed up by the
more red tape. In fact, they grew so
city's dynamic nightlife duo, KC
frustrated that the whole idea was
Chesser and Chad Brady, Owner
nearly scrapped. "It was horrible -
and Operations Manager, respec-
the worst feeling ever," Brady says.
tively. Over the last several years,
In the interim, they opened up
in particular, the two have made a
Marina Pointe for the summer and
major impact on the tri-state scene
immediately began drawing thou-
by acquiring Corner Pocket Bar
sands of patrons to the riverfront
& Grill on Evansville's north side
thanks in large part to a consistent-
and renovating/re-imagining Marina Pointe - and that's in ad-
ly great entertainment lineup. As Brady is quick to point out,
dition to maintaining their long-running flagship bar, Time
"all that business could have been given to Franklin Street."
Out Lounge & Grill in Washington Square Mall. Now they've
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brought a whole new entertainment concept to the west side
Finally, with the blessing of the City Council, Bud's was given
with a focus on country music, booking Nashville bands on
the green light this last year. Renovations, according to Brady,
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
ran into the seven figures but the results speak for themselves
sprouts and Yukon mashed potatoes. Hungry yet?
with many of the area's most respected contractors helping to turn the former Bud's Harley-Davidson building into a stunning
Shemwell's better half, Mikala, runs the show out front. Brady
entertainment venue with a 100 foot long bar. Shout-outs to the
could not be more pleased with her performance as General
following crews for doing impeccable work: Perfection Heat-
Manager; in fact, both she and James helped get Marina Pointe
ing & Air / Fulton Interior / Turpen's Painting / Alstadt Hoffman
on point, so to speak, before transitioning to Bud's. Ultimately,
Plumbing / Midwest Roofing-Sheet Metal / Precision Glass /
everyone has taken the lessons learned from opening a highly
Dan Johnson Woodwork / Matt Zeller Electric - and all the small
successful bar on the riverfront and applied them to Franklin
guys who did side jobs.
Street. Simply put, things have gone a little smoother at the outset - and as a result, patrons are flocking to this great new hang-
Inevitably, there have been some kinks to work out - that's a
out that puts a different spin on tri-state entertainment. "Adults
given with any new business - but overall, Bud's has been go-
are loving having a place they can go and listen to good music
ing great guns since its soft opening the weekend of March 22.
- it's not all hip-hop and dance music," Brady says. "Evansville
Not only is the bar packed to the gills most nights, especially
has needed this for quite some time and what a better place to
Friday and Saturday, but the daily lunch crowd is lined up from
do it than on the west side."
the moment the doors open at 11 a.m. And that's a testament to the talent in the kitchen headed by Executive Chef James
Be sure to stop in at Bud's and see what all the buzz is about
Shemwell who has been cooking up some seriously good eats.
and don't miss out on Marina Pointe's big grand opening May
Delicious, affordable food is his specialty, including: Angus Pot
2-4!
Roast, Bacon-Wrapped & Ketchup-Glazed Meatloaf, Chicken 'n Dumplings, Country Fried Steak, Fried Chicken, Salisbury Steak
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill is located at 2124 W. Franklin
and more, all complemented by various side items such as sau-
St. in Evansville. KC's Marina Pointe is located at 830 LST Dr. on
téed green beans, sautéed zucchini, Southern style Brussels
the riverfront. For more info, follow both bars on Facebook.
KC'S TIMEOUT LOUNGE BENEFIT CORNHOLE TOURNEY MAY 11 / 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. Event Details: Bygie Huffman Dixon was nominated as Woman of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. KC's Time Out Lounge will be hosting a cornhole tournament to raise donations for this cause! ONLY $5 to enter! Double elimination and prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place! Come out and support a great cause and have a few drinks! Must be 21 or older to attend this event. Any questions, contact Mackenzie Marie Schmidt or Marilyn Smith. Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | UPCOMING EVENTS
NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND
FOUNDING MEMBER JEFF HANNA TALKS LINDA RONSTADT, THE JOY OF PLAYING MUSIC
WITH SPECIAL GUEST DAN TYMINSKI
WITH HIS SON, THE PROSPECT OF RECORDING NEW MUSIC
B E AV ER D AM AMP HI T HE AT E R | MAY 11 | 7 P.M .
Last year's inaugural season of concerts at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater in Beaver Dam, KY was a monster success, and the 2019 summer lineup looks set to keep the party going with shows by some of the biggest names in bluegrass, country, rock and R&B. Tri-state music fans will be treated to
AND MORE American Dream," was recently diagnosed with Parkin-
son's Disease and is no longer able to tour - or sing much, for that matter. Have you been in contact?
We've been friends since 1967. She was arguably the biggest singer in the world there for a couple of years - so great. I
dynamic live sets by the likes of Bret
mean, she was great way before she got
Michaels, Old Crow Medicine Show,
famous. But to answer your question, it
Andy Brasher Band, Jason Isbell and
was heartbreaking - mainly, to hear that
Sheryl Crow, not to mention get a fist
she'd retired from singing. I talked to
full of hair metal at the 2nd Annual '80s
her on the phone about two weeks ago.
Rock the Dam Fest. The Temptations
Her speaking voice has been largely
then class things up before the season
unaffected by the Parkinson's. But I can
comes to a thunderous close with the
tell, you know, she really misses the
Big Dam Acoustic Rock Show.
singing and also, I think, realizes that there's a bar there and she's a perfec-
But first up is the legendary Nitty Gritty
tionist. She wants to sing like she sang
Dirt Band, known for such country rock
[before] or not [at all]. Yeah, she's been
classics as "Fishin' in the Dark," "Mr.
on our mind a lot, lately. But she's do-
Bojangles" and "An American Dream."
ing great.
Over five decades into a remarkable career that's seen its share of hills and valleys, the guys have been re-energized by the acquisition of founding member Jeff Hanna's son, Jaime, a highly-respected singer and guitarist in his own right. To paraphrase the title of the band's seventh album, the circle will be unbroken... Linda Ronstadt, who sang on the band's 1979 hit "An
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MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
The band last played in the tri-state two years ago at ROMP Fest in Owensboro. But this will be our first opportunity to see the new lineup with your son Jaime on vocals and guitar.
I'm glad you brought that up. He and I had been talking about playing music together for decades. And he's been a pro for quite some time. For the last several years, he was play-
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | UPCOMING EVENTS
ing with a great country singer, Gary Allan. But, you know, this door opened at the end of 2017 [when founding member John McEuen left]. And we had a long family meeting. He said, 'let me come out with you guys for a little run and just see what it feels like out there - see if everybody gets along.' You know, [band members] Bob Carpenter and Jimmie Fadden are practically his uncles. He came out and just kind of sat in with us for a couple of shows and, you know, he had some commitments still with Gary. He finished those up and there's been no looking back. It's just been so great. I had no idea how gratifying it would be to be able to play with my kid. And he's just great - a killer guitar player. It's always kind of a nice surprise, though, because people will be like, 'wow, where did that guy come from?' Well, your son being in the band is in keeping with the Nitty
Gritty philosophy of the circle being unbroken, so to speak.
There could come a day when you're all replaced by sons, daughters, relatives...
Yeah, the example that immediately comes to mind for me is the Del McCoury Band and the Travelin' McCourys. And Earl Scruggs did it with the Earl Scruggs Revue. It's a cool thing, man. We're very happy and it's definitely renewed my interest and Jimmie's and Bob's as well. And there's one other guy I've got to mention real quick. On bass, Jim Photoglo - Jim's been a pal of ours for 30 years; he wrote "Fishin' in the Dark." He's a really fine bass player and we wanted to, sort of, expand the lineup when we did our 50th anniversary tour in 2016 and 2017. And Jim came out and played bass with us. It's just fun having him out there on stage with us, too. When we last spoke in 2017, you were undecided about recording a follow-up to 2009's Speed of Life. Now it's been 10
years since the band's last album. Where's your head at these days in regards to producing new music?
Where I'm at on it is... we have a good reason to make new music right now with this sort of fresh influx of energy into the band. But it is complicated. The financial thing is certainly part of it because it's expensive making records - even doing records quickly. But look, where there's a will there's a way. [laughs] I think John Mellencamp...I think this is going to be a quote or it might have been [Tom] Petty. It was something like, 'yeah, when you play a new song, it's time [for the audience] to go pee.' So that's a little daunting. But from the standpoint of the people playing the music, we love bringing out a new tune. And there's another element there which is that when you've been doing it this long, if you dust off an old song, it feels pretty new as well. And that's fun - we've been doing a lot of that lately. Kind of digging a little deeper into the songbook. For tickets and more info, visit beaverdamtourism.com.
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | UPCOMING EVENTS
BRET MICHAELS "UNBROKEN" WORLD TOUR The determined rocker and proud father on collaborating with his daughter, revving up a crowd, dealing with diabetes and more BEAV ER D AM AMP HI T HE AT E R
| JU NE 8 | 7 P.M .
One of rock's greatest performers, Bret Michaels has defied the odds at every turn, first taking Poison to the top of the charts in the mid-to-late 80s before launching a long,
at life. As far as the Poison guys goes, there really isn’t drama when we get together to write. We all know each other and our strengths and weaknesses; it just works out. Our band has always been about THE SONG and we all want what’s best for the song, so there’s never been any issues with any of us trying to outshine the other in the studio. A few years ago, you rocked the parking lot outside one of Evansville's biggest bars, KC's Time Out Lounge. It was a wild scene and neighbors reportedly complained about the noise - from blocks away, no less. Long story short, you've always known how to get a party going. What's the key to revving up a crowd? Besides beer, of course. Well, I'm sorry if there were any complaints but we did have
successful solo career that's recently included a heartfelt
fun. I think the important part for me is that I still know what
collaboration with his daughter, Jorja. "Unbroken," a song
it's like to get as excited as a fan when my favorite band
about overcoming adversity and remaining steadfast despite
comes on stage. I feel like I can still relate to what a fan wants
life's many challenges, has become an anthem of sorts for
- and doesn’t want - from a live show. People are coming to
Michael's loyal fanbase - particularly for military service
a rock show to forget about the problems and issues of the
members and first responders who put their lives on the line
world. I make sure it's all about the energy and the fun.
every day. It represents the kind of can-do attitude that's helped him deal with type 1 diabetes for five decades as well as emerge victorious on season three of Celebrity Apprentice. Seemingly nothing can stop him. Especially when it comes to firing up a festival crowd. Few rockers can get a party going quite like Michaels whose dedication to giving every concertgoer their money's worth is just about legendary. In addition to over 30 years of hits, he brings charisma and energy to the stage in spades, never wavering in his commitment to delivering the ultimate rock and roll experience.
Of all the performers from your era, you've really stood out as someone who's been able to diversify career-wise, having branched out into film and television among other entertainment avenues. Were you always interested in performing in other arenas or was it just a natural progression? Thank you, I appreciate
Writing with your daughter Jorja must be quite satisfying.
that. Music is my first
How does it compare to collaborating with the Poison guys?
love, but
Less drama, perhaps? Writing with Jorja is a very personal and emotional experience for me. We are so much alike and it's amazing to see her unleashed creativity and how open she is with me about her thoughts and ideas. We have been writing songs together for years - she has always been in the studio when I’m working on the solo stuff and always gets on the mic and sings along with her own ideas. But… it's easy because we are the same - the same DNA - and it shows in our personalities, in our creativity and just the way we look
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MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
I’ve always had this go-big-or-go-home, entrepreneurial attitude. I live to create - whether that’s in music, on television, or in business, where I’ve been fortunate enough to establish great global partnerships with brands like the Dr. Pepper/ Snapple Group, Overstock, and Petsmart. At the end of the day, no matter what area I’m working in, it all comes down to bringing big picture ideas to life. Despite your well-publicized health issues, you've remained outwardly positive and always tackled your many projects with gusto. In your private moments, however, do you sometimes struggle or get down at all considering the problems associated with diabetes? My challenge was brought on early because I had no choice, but the silver lining is that it has really helped me step up to the plate. I’m not gonna lie, living with diabetes is tough. But my parents taught me early on not to ever have self-pity. Even if I have to work twice or three times as hard, I’m motivated to do what I need to do to get there. It’s so important to have creative outlets when you are facing obstacles like that and music, for me, has absolutely been 1000% therapeutic. Finally, your performance in June will be at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater in Kentucky - a great outdoor venue that's tailor made for a Bret Michaels summer party. What can you tell us about what's on tap? Besides beer, of course. From the music, to the energy, down to the special effects, it will definitely be a full-on party - and I’m going to make sure it’s a night to remember for the fans. I’ll be playing all of the hits - and I might throw in a few surprises, too. I can’t wait to get out there and bring my all to the stage for my Kentucky fans this summer. For tickets and more info, visit beaverdamtourism.com.
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | UPCOMING EVENTS TRAMPLED BY TURTLES
ROMP FEST
2019
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES MANDOLINIST ERIK BERRY ON HIS VISCERAL PLAYING STYLE, APPEARING ON LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, WHAT CONSTITUTES "REAL BLUEGRASS" AND MORE Y EL L OW CR EEK PA RK | JU NE 26- 29
Western Kentucky's premier music festival makes its welcome return to scenic Yellow Creek Park in Owensboro on June 26 with headliners Ricky Skaggs and The Del McCoury Band topping a fantastic lineup of bluegrass, country and folk musicians, including Sam Bush, Steve Earle, The Wood Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, Della Mae and many more. But what makes ROMP truly special is the event's communal vibe. Attendees are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam throughout the weekend as well as take part in artist-led workshops. Additional offerings at ROMP include organic and farm-to-table food vendors, craft vendors featuring Kentucky Proud products, art installations and professionally-led children's activities. Thursday night's headliner is a string band quite unlike any other, mixing elements of traditional and progressive bluegrass, pop and rock to create an intense sound that has raised the eyebrows of more than a few genre purists over the course of a 15 year career. Led by singer/guitarist Dave Simonett, Trampled by Turtles have nonetheless captured a wide audience, racking up millions of YouTube views for the likes of 2010's impossibly fast "Wait So Long" and 2012's glacially-paced "Alone" - a desperate yet ultimately euphoric song that landed the Minnesota natives a highly-coveted spot on Late Night with David Letterman. The band's latest release is Life is Good on the Open Road.
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MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
For the casual music fan, mandolin is generally thought of as a
quaint instrument yet you have a much more visceral playing style - you even headbang at times.
Well, I'm also a guitar player and I'd done a lot of tours of duty, you know, hanging out in my room transcribing Metallica and Black Sabbath. So, I have a lot of heavy roots as a guitar player - and that's sort of filtered into my approach to mandolin. I don't really have a philosophy - except that I suppose my philosophy is that if I know how to do it, I'm free to do it. And if I don't know how to do it then I better learn how to do it if I want to do it. I've also had this idea that if you can make the sound on an acoustic instrument without any amplification...well, [Father of Bluegrass] Bill Monroe could have done it; he just didn't think to do it and that's not my problem. And that's kind of me being, like, a little bit of a snot, but it's also me kind of having this romantic idea that there could have been players in the 1800s really beating the crap out of their instruments - we just don't know anything about it. For your über fast songs like "Wait So Long" and 2005's "Co-
deine," does Dave generally come in with the intensity already intact, or is that what the rest of the band brings to them?
It's a bit of both. Like, if you go back and listen to the original version of "Codeine," I mean, it's not a slow song, but it's not that fast. And then "Wait So Long" is pretty quick on the record, but it's faster now. A lot of that is just sort of us. There are some times when Dave will go, 'whoa, whoa, whoa, this is not a burner, guys.' He will sometimes put the brakes on a tune. When we first started playing, we weren't that
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | UPCOMING EVENTS
good, so when we could get through a tune that was bopping along at a nice tempo, we felt pretty good about ourselves. And when we could get it going even faster, we were like, 'oh my, we're improving.' And there was a period of time there when everything was just off to the races because we were able to do it and we were enjoying it. I mean, it is sort of our calling card, but it's not like we all sit around listening to music that's just ripping along at 160 beats per minute all the time. On the other end of the TBT spectrum, "Alone" became one of your
biggest songs to date despite taking nearly three minutes to ramp up to its big, dramatic climax. And then it earned the band its first appearance on Late Night with David Letterman.
The first time we played on David Letterman was a massive thing. I mean, you could feel half the country sending us good vibes when that was happening. I could take 30 minutes and tell you stories - It was intense. There's like five engineers that need you to soundcheck the song for them. By the time you're done with all that, you're ready to go - and then you've got to wait six hours. So, we've just played "Alone" 18 times and now have to wait all that time to play it once more - in a 50 degree room. And the whole world's going to be watching and Letterman's going to introduce you when you do it. And so they ask you when you're hanging out the in the green room, 'do you need anything?' And we were like, 'we'll just have a pint of whiskey and a six pack of beer.' And they gave us two cases of beer and a big jug of Jim Beam. We asked if it was all for us and they said, 'most bands get twice this.' [laughs] So, you put down a few more than you should have and then you've got to go do this thing - and then Letterman
DEL MCCOURY BAND
comes over and shakes your hand.
Surely you've talked about what constitutes "real bluegrass" till you're blue in the face. Should I even ask?
It's a subject that I love talking about - I find it fascinating. There's so many different viewpoints and I can put myself into so many different viewpoints, even feel like I'm sharing them. At the end of the day, it goes back to this: if it's capable of being done on the instrument, deciding not to do it because someone else never did is strange if you're partaking in a creative endeavor. I feel like there's a mindset that tries to have it two ways - that this is still a creative, dynamic, modern art form that cannot innovate, adapt or change. I feel like that sums it up - and it doesn't jive in my head. For tickets and more info, visit rompfest.com.
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| 21
PHOTO CREDIT: Emily Butler Photography
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | UPCOMING EVENTS
KANSAS
FRONTMAN RONNIE PLATT TALKS SUMMER TOUR, NEW STUDIO ALBUM, ROCKING COMIC CON AND MORE
OWEN SB OR O S P ORT S C E NT E R | JU NE 8 | 8 P.M . There are few more signature moments in rock and roll than the
terms of transitioning to a full-on touring band - a legendary
opening vocal harmonies of 1976's "Carry On Wayward Son."
one, at that?
In just 15 short seconds, Kansas summed up the sound of that
I know I'm not the best singer in the world - I've seen some singers
adventurous musical era, ultimately going multi-platinum with
that just blow my mind they're so incredible. But the one thing I've
the release of Leftoverture , a progressive rock masterpiece that
always prided myself on is my endurance. Back when I was in my
featured the aforementioned track plus such intricate pieces
cover bands in Chicago, especially the one I was with the longest,
as "Miracles Out of Nowhere" and "The Wall." 40 years on, the
ARRA, we did these summer festivals where the festival committee
album continues to resonate while "Carry On..." has achieved near
wanted us to play for three hours straight. And it's like 95 degrees
mythological status thanks to the show Supernatural and countless
with 98% humidity, you know? When I was living a double life
plays on classic rock radio and online streaming services.
being a truck driver and a musician, I'd get up early for work and go to my company and have to yell over the din of machinery at 7
Still, the band has hardly been resting on its laurels. After original
a.m. in the morning. And then get into a truck and, you know, talk
vocalist Steve Walsh retired in 2014, Kansas quickly acquired
on the phone and do routing...god, I'm tired just thinking about it.
Chicagoan Ronnie Platt, a longtime musician and former truck
[laughs]
driver, to fill the void; they also added guitarist Zak Rizvi and a fulltime keyboardist. Inspired by the renewed energy and chemistry,
Those festival shows sound like Springsteen-eque tests of
original members Rich Williams (guitar) and Phil Ehart (drums)
endurance - except Bruce kind of just sing-screams and doesn't
began plotting the first new Kansas album in over a decade, 2016's
have to worry too much about being in tune.
The Prelude Implicit. The last few years have seen the band in heavy
I'm glad you said that and not me. [laughs]
touring mode, most recently performing a run of 40th anniversary
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shows featuring 1977's Point of Know Return played in full, but will
Well, I wouldn't say it to his face, of course.
soon head out on a "classic hits" summer jaunt jam-packed with
Yeah, you don't want to diss anybody - you can't argue with success.
plenty of fan favorites.
But, I mean, he's not exactly Steve Perry when it comes to vocals.
You played music for years before being selected to take over
Kansas is coming off of a 40th anniversary tour which included
lead vocals in Kansas. Still, was there an adjustment period in
playing Point of Know Return in full. Full album tours can be
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | UPCOMING EVENTS
stressful because bands are often playing songs they've never done live before. Are you relieved to be concentrating on the hits for the next run of shows? Is it a bit of a break, because our 40th anniversary Point of Know Return show is a two and a half hour show and we don't take a break. With this upcoming summer tour, we're doing a fan favorites set that's more... it's going to be a 90 minute set. But it's a tough thing with this band to decide...of course we have to do "Point of Know Return"; of course we have to do "Carry On Wayward Son." But with this band's library of music and the new music - we're still making new music; we're in the process of writing a new studio album now. It's so tough to get seven guys to agree on what songs to play. Me, I'm a deep cut guy. But, you know, it's a fine line where you don't want to alienate your audience. But if you're going to ask me what my favorite song is, my favorite song is the song I'm singing at that time. Will the new studio album follow the blueprint of The Prelude Implicit? Fans absolutely loved its classic Kansas sound. Literally, you can't find a bad word about it on the internet which is pretty much unheard of. You know, you always want to experiment and add a new flavor and hope that...but you know, I've said this so much about Zak and myself: we've been Kansas fans our entire lives and so influenced by Kansas music. We're not in some sort of conscious mindset of trying to write something that sounds like Kansas - but when we do write something, it can't help but have elements of Kansas in it because we've been so influenced by it. The video on YouTube of Kansas playing "Carry On Wayward Son" for the Supernatural panel at Comic Con in 2017 is surreal. The crowd is primarily composed of teenage girls screaming at the top of their lungs. Put that on the top shelf of surreal moments. I am not kidding - it was amazing how they kept that [performance] secret and didn't let it leak out. We always use inner ear monitors for shows but because of the situation for that performance, we just had a couple of real simple floor monitors. And we soundchecked the night before. The monitor was blowing my head off which I thought was great because I'd have no problem hearing myself. Oh, my god - when the lights came up, it... this is the perfect example - it sounded like The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. I couldn't hear a thing; it was so loud. You know, we've been seeing an influx of younger people at our shows and it really restores my faith in the youth of America. For tickets and more info, visit owensborosportscenter.com.
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | UPCOMING EVENTS
GOOD FOR THE GARAGE SOUL: NATIONAL TOURING ACT BRINGING ROUGH AND READY
THE SH-BOOMS
R&B SOUND TO EVANSVILLE
WITH PAUL BLAKE & THE PALL BEARERS AND XANDERWOLF B OKEH L OUN G E | MAY 20 Marrying the melodic sensibilities of Motown with the ballsy,
"We played her one song and she was like, 'yeah, let's do this
free-wheeling approach of garage rock, Orlando's The Sh-
- we're going to have a lot of fun,'" he recalls. After releasing
Booms are catching fire of late, riding high thanks to "Leon
an initial EP in 2016, the band's first big break came cour-
the Hustler," recently dubbed the "coolest song in the world"
tesy of a NPR Tiny Desk Concert Contest submission. Their
by no less than Little Steven, Bruce Springsteen's long-run-
stripped-down, emotional presentation of The Blurred Od-
ning guitarist in the E Street Band. The Rock and Roll Hall
yssey's powerful centerpiece, "Audible," didn't actually win,
of Famer's Satellite Radio syndicated show, Underground
but still took second place out of 6000 entries - and caught
Garage, regularly singles out new tracks that stand out from
the ear of Kate Pierson, the legendary vocalist for the B-52's.
the crowd. But really, he could have picked most anything
"Brenda got to go on NPR in the morning and while she was
off of the band's debut full-length, The Blurred Odyssey, one
being interviewed, Kate was listening," Ruiz recounts with
of those rare albums where everything comes together - the
amazement. "I got a message from her saying, 'you guys are
songwriting, the performances, the production - to create a
awesome - come open some shows for us.' It was a jaw-drop-
perfectly realized group of songs. Bassist Al Ruiz can literally
ping moment."
feel the wave building as the accolades accumulate. "It's the beginning of a wild ride," he says with palpable excitement.
No doubt many more jaw-dropping moments are to come. In
"We've had a really awesome response to the record - lots of
addition to opening for the B-52's, The Sh-Booms are heading
requests for interviews and write-ups. We're starting to get
out on a headlining national tour, ready to bring the "garage
some national attention which is cool because it's something
soul" of The Blurred Odyssey to the right half of the U.S. Up-
we've been hustling for a long time."
coming shows include stops in St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, New York and beyond - and yes, Evansville. Turns out
One of the keys to the group's raised profile is the remark-
Ruiz has connections to the River City, particularly a friendship
able lung power of vocalist Brenda Radney who joined The
with Heath Metzger, drummer for local heroes Mock Orange
Sh-Booms in 2015, not long after appearing on Justin Tim-
and Paul Blake & The Pall Bearers. He helped to coordinate
berlake's The 20/20 Experience, Pt. 2. A supreme talent with a
the Bokeh Lounge date - so a big thank you is due.
gift for story-telling in song, she was signed to the superstar's Tennman label for eight years but ultimately felt dissatisfied with her role and lack of live work. As fate would have it, she and Ruiz were introduced through a shared studio engineer; Ruiz jumped at the opportunity to bring Radney on board.
26 |
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Come out for a major Monday night in the city! For more info, visit theshbooms.com. Bokeh Lounge is located at 1007 Parrett St. in downtown Evansille.
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | CUISINE & DINING
IN THE KITCHEN
with Chef Amanda Hancock
Asparagus is in season, especially in southern Indiana
VEGAN ASPARAGUS PASTA
this time of year. The plants can get up to six feet tall. Look for bright green asparagus with crisp, firm stems that should snap but not bend and dark green spear tips that have a hint of purple, which shows freshness.
INGREDIENTS •
1 pound asparagus
•
1 pound angel hair pasta
•
3TBS good quality olive oil
•
2 large lemons, juiced and zested
the bottoms are very tough, I usually keep them to
•
1 clove crushed garlic
make a very tasty vegetable stock for a later time.
•
½ tsp crushed red pepper
•
½ dried parsley
•
Salt and pepper to taste
You can microwave, boil, steam, roast or - my favorite - grill asparagus. It pairs well with basil, cheese, dill, egg, olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar and lemon. While
To store your asparagus, trim the bottoms and store in an upright container filled with water or in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel. For long-term storage, it can be frozen or pickled.
DIRECTIONS 1.
Wash the asparagus and trim the tips but keep the ends for stock later.
Find more recipes on
2.
Get a pot of water boiling and salt it for your pasta.
3.
Also get a smaller pot fit with a steamer for your asparagus.
www.chefamandahancock.com
4.
Wash the lemons to zest and juice. Slice a few in quarters to
The Best is Yet to Come
5.
Chef Amanda Hancock's website: And in her book:
juice over your dish for extra flavor. In a medium skillet, add the olive oil and the crushed red pepper and the crushed garlic clove over medium heat. 6.
Add the asparagus to the steamer at the same time you add the pasta to the water. (They will take about the same amount of time to cook.)
7.
It’s time to move quickly now! Since it’s all going right into the same pot there’s no reason to blanch anything!
8.
When you plate everything, this is your opportunity to add the extra juice and zest.
9.
I also chose dried parsley instead of fresh, so it stays green and the flavor permeates the entire dish instead of just sitting on the top. That is the same reason that you put the crushed red pepper and the smashed garlic clove into the oil so it will infuse the oil and the entire dish.
Visit the Purdue Extension FoodLink website to find out what’s in season and for great recipes. And always remember to just make it taste good!
28 |
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | COUPONS
MAY COUPONS Save BIG when you shop local! Check out these great deals from local businesses around the city.
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | IN TOWN & AROUND
PRESENTED BY:
IN TOWN & AROUND WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Live
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
Throw the Horns
10:00 AM
Jams
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
9:00 PM
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Sparky
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- 5th
6:00 PM
8:30 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Beat
Degree Burn
Tropicana Evansville
Someplace Else Nightclub --
Daddys
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
Comedy Open Mic
9:30 PM
Karaoke
Music
9:00 PM
KC's Marina Pointe -- Radio
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
7:00 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night
Tokyo
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
w/ DJ Jon J
10:00 PM
Sparky
-- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes -
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Ray Fulcher
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Akacia
register @ 6:30pm)
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Franklin Street Tavern -- DJ Chidi
9:30 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
-- Karaoke
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve
KC's Marina Pointe -- Velcro
Bar Bingo
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Presents: DJ K wsg Cloak
Pygmies
8:00 PM
11:30 PM
10:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
FRIDAY, MAY 3
Someplace Else Nightclub --
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Ray Fulcher
Someplace Else Nightclub --
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Open Stage w/ Briana, Virgil &
Franklin Street Tavern -- DJ Chidi
Karaoke
Dance Party w/ DJ & Karaoke
Londyn
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
9:00 PM
5:30 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
SATURDAY, MAY 4
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- The Jangle
-- Karaoke
5: Fabulous Rodenberg Boys
10:00 AM
Sheep wsg Jordan Miller & The
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
6:00 PM
Victory Theatre -- NPC Indiana
Dead Lights
Home School Dropouts
Amy's on Franklin -- Monte
Muscle
11:30 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 2
Skelton
2:00 PM
Someplace Else Nightclub --
6:00 PM
Haynie's Corner -- First Fridays
Bokeh Lounge -- Live Trivia
Sierra's Birthday Bash w/ Lady
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Brad
(art tour)
5:30 PM
Jasmine, Lexxus Chablis &
Lemmons Duo
Tropicana Evansville
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
Reyshell Knowles
Leroy's Tavern -- Bike Night
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
5: Lacy Jean
Tropicana Evansville
Music
6:00 PM
SUNDAY, MAY 5
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
6:35 PM
Amy's on Franklin -- Jane
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Sunday
Music
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
Harmon
Funday w/ Live Entertainment
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
Tropicana Evansville
3:00 PM
Franklin Street Tavern -- Ryan
Carson's Brewery -- Tony
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
KC's Marina Pointe -- Cynthia
Schultz
Henning
Music
Murray Trio
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
7:00 PM
Old National Events Plaza --
KC's Marina Pointe -- Cassadee
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
Carson's Brewery -- Jed
Jack & the Beanstalk Spring
Pope wsg Clare Dunn & Hannah
American Way
Guillaume
Ballet
Ellis
Tropicana Evansville (421) --
Int'l Bluegrass Music Museum --
6:30 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Throw the Horns
Riders In The Sky
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
Texas Hold 'Em
9:00 PM
8:00 PM
7:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Karaoke
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
Ford Center -- WWE Live!
"Friends" TV show Trivia
& DJ
Jimmy DeTalente & The Electric
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Victory Theatre -- Amy Grant
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
Revival
Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
8:00 PM
Karaoke
Tropicana Evansville (421) --
9:00 PM
30 |
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| 31
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Trivia
-- Bar Bingo
6:30 PM
9:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
Franklin Street Tavern -- Nick
Someplace Else Nightclub --
Old National Events Plaza --
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Gregory
Social Drag Sunday!
Chicago Live in Concert!
Someplace Else Nightclub --
7:00 PM
9:00 PM
Karaoke
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
MONDAY, MAY 6
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
9:00 PM
-- Texas Hold 'Em
8:00 PM
College Night / DJ & Karaoke
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Victory Theatre -- I AM
Bokeh Lounge -- Industry Night/
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
-- Karaoke
KING: The Michael Jackson
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Experience
Karaoke 9:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
10:00 AM
THURSDAY, MAY 9
Ford Center -- Jason Aldean
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
5:00 PM
"Ride All Night" Tour
TUESDAY, MAY 7
6:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
8:00 PM
6:00 PM
Tropicana Evansville
-- Jason Aldean Pre-Show w/
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Live
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Bluesday
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
Jimmy DeTalente
Jams
Tuesday: The Beat Daddys
Music
6:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Tropicana Evansville
7:00 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt
8:30 PM
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Leroy's Tavern -- Bike Night
Someplace Else Nightclub --
Music
-- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes -
Tropicana Evansville
Comedy Open Mic
7:00 PM
register @ 6:30pm)
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
9:00 PM
Franklin Street Tavern -- Fact
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Music
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College
32 |
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
7:30 PM
Night w/ DJ Jon J
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
Franklin Street Tavern -- DJ Chidi
6:30 PM
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
7:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Aaron
Franklin Street Tavern -- Keith
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Carson's Brewery -- Corduroy
Kamm & The One Drops wsg
Vincent
-- Karaoke
Orbison
Crate
6:35 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
8:00 PM
11:30 PM
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
10:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
Someplace Else Nightclub
7:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Static Mojo
-- King Night w/ Trey Alize &
Beaver Dam Amphitheater --
-- Jason Aldean After-Party w/
Tropicana Evansville (421) --
Monroe Fitzgerald
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band wsg Dan
DJ AP
Dance Floor Riot
Tyminski Band
9:00 PM
SATURDAY, MAY 11
Carson's Brewery -- Curt N Rod
FRIDAY, MAY 10
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Karaoke
10:00 AM
Victory Theatre -- Evansville
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
& DJ
Haynie's Corner -- Funk in the
Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Dance Party w/ DJ & Karaoke
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
City (art exhibits)
Spring Concert
5:30 PM
Karaoke
2:00 PM
8:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
Bokeh Lounge -- Live Trivia
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
5: The Next Step (formally MAD
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
5:30 PM
-- The Pits
Women)
Sparky
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
Tropicana Evansville (421) --
6:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Dirt Roads
5: Sassafras Acoustic String Band
Dance Floor Riot
Amy's on Franklin -- Andy
& Denim
6:00 PM
9:00 PM
Brasher
9:30 PM
Amy's on Franklin -- Soul &
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Glastone
Tropicana Evansville
KC's Marina Pointe -- Pfreak
Strings II
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
Show
Tropicana Evansville
Karaoke
Music
10:00 PM
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
6:35 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Mira Goto
Music
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 33
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Sparky
TUESDAY, MAY 14
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Goosetown
6:00 PM
Devils
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Lamasco
9:30 PM
Improv
KC's Marina Pointe -- Pfreak
Tropicana Evansville
Show
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
10:00 PM
Music
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Mira Goto
7:00 PM
Franklin Street Tavern -- DJ
Franklin Street Tavern -- Fact
Chidi
Trivia
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
-- Josh Merritt Band
Bar Games
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Metal
9:00 PM
Mania: Torn Confidence,
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Forthright & Aegaeon
College Night / DJ & Karaoke
11:30 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Someplace Else Nightclub -Trey Alize, Monroe Firzgerald &
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
Michelle Stevens
6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville
SUNDAY, MAY 12
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Sunday
Music
Funday w/ Live Entertainment
7:00 PM
12:35 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
-- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes -
5:00 PM
register @ 6:30pm)
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Songhouse: Brian Mullins & his
-- Bar Bingo
students
8:00 PM
6:30 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
Someplace Else Nightclub --
7:00 PM
Karaoke
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
9:00 PM
Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
9:00 PM
-- Karaoke
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
9:30 PM Someplace Else Nightclub --
THURSDAY, MAY 16
Social Drag Sunday!
6:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Brad
MONDAY, MAY 13
Lemmons Duo
8:00 PM
Leroy's Tavern -- Bike Night
Bokeh Lounge -- Industry Night/
Tropicana Evansville
Karaoke
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
9:00 PM
Music
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
34 |
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| 35
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | IN TOWN & AROUND
-- Texas Hold 'Em
Amy's on Franklin -- The Grand
Tropicana Evansville (421) --
11:30 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
Opening
Paint The Earth
Someplace Else Nightclub -- Kid
Sports Trivia
5:30 PM
9:00 PM
Punk
8:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Karaoke
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Live
5: Fabulous Rodenberg
& DJ
SATURDAY, MAY 18
Jams
6:00 PM
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
2:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Amy's on Franklin -- The Honey
Karaoke
Bokeh Lounge -- Live Trivia
8:30 PM
Vines
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
5:30 PM
Someplace Else Nightclub --
Carson's Brewery -- Beer Yoga
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
Comedy Open Mic
Tropicana Evansville
Sparky
5: Uncle Fudge
9:00 PM
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
Lyle's Sports Zone -- The
Old National Events Plaza --
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College
Music
Jimmies
VHS Annual Auction & Benefit
Night w/ DJ Jon J
6:35 PM
9:30 PM
Dinner
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
KC's Marina Pointe -- Styles
6:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
7:00 PM
Haury w/ DJ Cliffy
Amy's on Franklin -- Morgan
-- Karaoke
Carson's Brewery -- Mike
10:00 PM
Donahue
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Mitchell
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Rebel Union
Tropicana Evansville
Franklin Street Tavern --
Franklin Street Tavern -- DJ
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
FRIDAY, MAY 17
Sherwood Story
Chidi
Music
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
8:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve
6:30 PM
Dance Party w/ DJ & Karaoke
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
Presents: McKay Alexander wsg
Franklin Street Tavern -- Jeff
3:00 PM
DJ McNaughty w/ DJ Dylan
Third Digit
Schelhorn
36 |
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
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Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln
Sparky
Merritt Trio
TUESDAY, MAY 21
City) -- DEPARTURE: Journey
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Andy
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Tribute Band
Brasher Band
Victory Theatre -- Evansville
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Women’s-
6:35 PM
9:30 PM
Philharmonic Orchestra
Only Comedy Open Mic
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
KC's Marina Pointe -- Styles
presents: Indiana Music
Takeover w/ Emily Neary
7:00 PM
Haury w/ DJ Cliffy
Legends
Tropicana Evansville
Carson's Brewery -- DK Wells
10:00 PM
6:30 PM
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
Old National Events Plaza --
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Rebel Union
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
Music
Darci Lynne & Friends - Fresh
Franklin Street Tavern -- DJ
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Out of the Box
Chidi
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Franklin Street Tavern -- Fact
8:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
Trivia
Franklin Street -- Movie in the
-- Jenny's Bad Hair Day
9:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
Park: Annie
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Calabash
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Bar Games
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
11:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:00 PM
EVVolve presents: Bass on Main
Someplace Else Nightclub -- Pat
Someplace Else Nightclub --
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Tropicana Evansville (421) --
Yo Weave & Tia Mirage Hall
Social Drag Sunday!
College Night / DJ & Karaoke
Paint The Earth
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
9:00 PM
SUNDAY, MAY 19
MONDAY, MAY 20
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- 2 Miles
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Sunday
8:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Back
Funday w/ Live Entertainment
Bokeh Lounge -- Industry Night/
6:00 PM
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
12:35 PM
Karaoke
Tropicana Evansville
Karaoke
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
9:00 PM
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
3:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
Music
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
KC's Marina Pointe -- Josh
7:00 PM
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 37
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | IN TOWN & AROUND
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
-- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes -
5: 2 Miles Back
register @ 6:30pm)
6:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
Amy's on Franklin -- Uncle Fudge
Bar Bingo
Tropicana Evansville
8:00 PM
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Music
Someplace Else Nightclub --
7:00 PM
Karaoke
Carson's Brewery -- Angel
9:00 PM
Rhodes
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Hawg N Sauce Barbeque & Grill
-- Karaoke
-- Patio Concert Series: TBA
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
8:00 PM Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
THURSDAY, MAY 23
The Jimmies
6:00 PM
Tropicana Evansville (421) --
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Live Music
Breaking Southwest
TBA
9:00 PM
Leroy's Tavern -- Bike Night
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Karaoke
Tropicana Evansville
& DJ
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
Music
Karaoke
7:00 PM
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Texas Hold 'Em
Sparky
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Elliott
-- Trivia
Sublett
8:00 PM
9:30 PM
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Live
KC's Marina Pointe -- DJ Jon J
Jams
10:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Bud's Bar & Grill -- The Ultra
8:30 PM
Franklin Street Tavern -- DJ Chidi
Someplace Else Nightclub --
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve
Comedy Open Mic
Presents: Zotti & Samsin
9:00 PM
11:30 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night
Someplace Else Nightclub --
w/ DJ Jon J
Brandi Taylor Andrews
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
SATURDAY, MAY 25
-- Karaoke
2:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Bokeh Lounge -- Live Trivia 5:30 PM
38 |
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
FRIDAY, MAY 24
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
5: Morgan Donahue & The Left
Dance Party w/ DJ & Karaoke
of Center Players
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
Amy's on Franklin -- Andrew
Sparky
7:00 PM
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
Fulton
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
7:00 PM
Tropicana Evansville
9:30 PM
Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
Franklin Street Tavern -- Fact
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
KC's Marina Pointe -- LDNL
9:00 PM
Trivia
Music
10:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
6:30 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- The Ultra
9:30 PM
Bar Games
Franklin Street Tavern -- Monte
Franklin Street Tavern -- DJ
Someplace Else Nightclub --
9:00 PM
Skelton
Chidi
Social Drag Sunday!
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
7:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Carson's Brewery -- Nick
-- Tastes Like Chicken
MONDAY, MAY 27
Gregory
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- The Trip
8:00 PM
Hawg N Sauce Barbeque & Grill
wsg Big Ninja Delight
Bokeh Lounge -- Industry Night/
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
-- Patio Concert Series: Brian
11:30 PM
Karaoke
6:00 PM
Brown
Someplace Else Nightclub --
9:00 PM
Tropicana Evansville
8:00 PM
Brandi Taylor Andrews
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
-- BG3
SUNDAY, MAY 26
TUESDAY, MAY 28
6:35 PM
Tropicana Evansville (421) --
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Sunday
6:00 PM
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
Breaking Southwest
Funday w/ Live Entertainment
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Tacos,
7:00 PM
9:00 PM
3:00 PM
Trikes & Tequila: Trike Races
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
KC's Marina Pointe -- Jenny's
Tropicana Evansville
-- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes -
Karaoke
Bad Hair Day Unplugged
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
register @ 6:30pm)
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
6:30 PM
Music
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
6:35 PM
-- Bar Bingo
College Night / DJ & Karaoke
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Music
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 39
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | IN TOWN & AROUND
8:00 PM
FRIDAY, MAY 31
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Fort Branch, IN -- Fort Branch
Someplace Else Nightclub --
Town Fest 2019
Karaoke
Holy Rosary Catholic Church --
9:00 PM
Holy Rosary Summer Social
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
-- Karaoke
Dance Party w/ DJ & Karaoke
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
THURSDAY, MAY 30
5: Dog Town Three
Fort Branch, IN -- Fort Branch
6:00 PM
Town Fest 2019
Amy's on Franklin -- Bob Green
Holy Rosary Catholic Church --
Tropicana Evansville
Holy Rosary Summer Social
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
5:30 PM
Music
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Family
7:00 PM
Friendly Drag Show
Carson's Brewery -- Corey Evitts
6:00 PM
Hawg N Sauce Barbeque &
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Drew Aud
Grill -- Patio Concert Series:
Duo
Sherwood Story
Leroy's Tavern -- Bike Night
8:00 PM
Tropicana Evansville
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
(Cavanaugh's Piano Bar) -- Live
Blue Collar
Music
Tropicana Evansville (421) -- The
6:35 PM
Devonshires
Bosse Field -- Evansville Otters
9:00 PM
7:00 PM
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Karaoke
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
& DJ
Texas Hold 'Em
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill --
Karaoke
Marvel Movie Trivia
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
8:00 PM
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- Live
Sparky
Jams
10:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Jay Taylor
8:30 PM
Franklin Street Tavern -- DJ Chidi
Someplace Else Nightclub --
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve
Comedy Open Mic
Presents: DJ McNaughty wsg
9:00 PM
Dante
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night
11:30 PM
w/ DJ Jon J
Someplace Else Nightclub --
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
Tova Uravitch
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
40 |
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
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| 41
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | ARTS & ACTIVITIES
MAY ARTS & ACTIVITIES
Join the fun with all of these great music and art activities around the Tri-State. hits. For tickets and more info, visit
MAY 2: AMY GRANT Amy Grant was the first Contemporary Christian Music artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the pop charts and the first to perform at the GRAMMY Awards. Since then, she's been strumming her way through a 30-plus year adventure as a singer-songwriter, author, television host and speaker. For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.com.
oldnationaleventsplaza.com. Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St., Evansville, IN / 8pm
Evansville Philharmonic Chorus presents their Spring Concert. For tickets and more info, visit evansvillephilharmonic.org.
MAY 9: JASON ALDEAN "RIDE ALL NIGHT" TOUR
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St.,
Country star Jason Aldean's record-
Evansville, IN / 7pm
breaking eighth studio album, Rearview Town, includes his current hit “Girl Like You”
MAY 4: RIDERS IN THE SKY
along with two back-to-back chart toppers,
Evansville, IN / 7pm
For more than forty years, Riders In The
“You Make it Easy” and “Drowns The
Sky have led the way in Western music,
Whiskey." With special guests Kane Brown
MAY 2-3: EVERYTHING EMBROIDERY MARKET
a genre pioneered by Gene Autry and
and Carly Pearce. For tickets and more info,
Roy Rogers. Known for legendary wacky
visit fordcenter.com.
Everything Embroidery Market brings
humor and way-out Western wit, the band
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd.,
has continued to take their music to new
Evansville, IN / 7:30pm
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St.,
the largest variety of blanks, equipment, supplies, and classes for the embroidery and vinyl application industry together under one roof. This is a must-attend show for entrepreneurs, crafters and enthusiasts. For more info, visit owensborocenter.com.
audiences. For tickets and more info, visit bluegrasshall.org. Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum:
MAY 9: I AM KING: THE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE
311 W. 2nd St., Owensboro, KY / 7pm
Featuring Michael Jackson tribute artists who can sing live while mastering the
MAY 5: WWE LIVE!
intense dancing that Jackson was so
501 W. 2nd St., Owensboro, KY
See all your favorite WWE superstars in
famous for, I AM KING takes the audience
action: Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Braun
on a musical and visual journey into the
MAY 3: HAYNIE'S CORNER ARTS DISTRICT FIRST FRIDAYS
Strowman, Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre,
world of the "King of Pop," featuring
Bobby Lashley, Sasha Banks and more! For
amazing renditions of Jackson’s biggest
First Fridays is a collaborative effort
tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com.
hits.
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd.,
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St.,
Evansville, IN / 7pm
Evansville, IN / 7pm
MAY 7: CHICAGO Chicago is an American rock band now
MAY 10: AN EVENING WITH DAVE EGGERS
in their 51st consecutive year of touring!
Dave Eggers is the author of many
For this special show, they'll perform their
books, including The Circle, The Monk of
historic album, Chicago II, in its entirety
Mokha, What Is the What, A Hologram for
as the first set of the concert followed
the King and The Lifters. He is founder of
by an encore of the band's greatest
McSweeney’s, an independent publishing
Owensboro Convention Center:
between local businesses, neighborhood representatives and the Arts Council of Southwestern IN. It's a self-guided tour of indoor and outdoor art exhibits and performers designed to highlight local artists and the businesses hosting them on the first Friday of the month. For more info, follow Haynie's Corner Arts District on Facebook. Downtown Evansville, IN / 6pm
42 |
MAY 4: EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC CHORUS SPRING CONCERT
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | ARTS & ACTIVITIES
company based in San Francisco that
songs often seek out dark lairs within which
series beginning with one of the most
produces books, a humor website and
terrible monsters dwell, but their mission is
beloved family films of all time. Enjoy a
a journal of new writing, McSweeney’s
to persuade the terrible monsters inside to
night under the stars while watching a
Quarterly Concern. For tickets and more
seek out the path of redemption. For tickets
cinematic classic. For more info, visit FSEA
info, visit buskirkchumley.org.
and more info, visit buskirkchumley.org.
on Facebook.
Buskirk-Chumley Theatre: 114 E. Kirkwood
Buskirk-Chumley Theatre: 114 E. Kirkwood
Westside Library Lawn:
Ave., Bloomington, IN / 7pm
Ave., Bloomington, IN / 8pm
West Franklin St., Evansville, IN / 8pm
MAY 11: THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND
MAY 14: JAZZ IN THE PARK FEAT. SHAWN NEEDHAM
MAY 19: INDIANA MUSIC LEGENDS
The iconic and profoundly influential Nitty
Come out and enjoy the progressive jazz
The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra's
Gritty Dirt Band, often cited as a catalyst
fusion of Shawn Needham, one of the
Pops finale showcases the incredible
for an entire movement in country rock
tri-state's most accomplished musicians.
wealth of music by Hoosier 20th century
and American roots music, has racked up
For more info, visit Jazz in the Park on
pop music icons from Cole porter and
a slew of multi-platinum and gold records
Facebook.
Hoagy Carmichael to John Mellencamp
and scored top 10 hits such as "Fishin' in
EVPL East: 840 E. Chandler Ave.,
and Michael Jackson. The Orchestra is
the Dark" and "Mr. Bojangles." With special
Evansville, IN / 6pm
joined by Evansville’s own legends, Gina
guest, Dan Tyminski Band. For tickets and more info, visit beaverdamtourism.com.
and Joan Moore-Mobley, “The Browne sisters.” For tickets and more info, visit
Beaver Dam Amphitheater:
MAY 18: DEPARTURE: JOURNEY TRIBUTE
217 S. Main St., Beaver Dam, KY / 7pm
After 7 years together, DEPARTURE has
Victory Theatre:
become one of the most respected
600 Main St., Evansville, IN / 4pm
victorytheatre.com.
MAY 11: EPYO SPRING CONCERT
Journey tribute bands in the nation,
Enjoy a spring concert by the students
replicating the look, sound and feel of the
of the Evansville Philharmonic Youth
original 80's rock super group. For tickets
MAY 30-JUN 1: LIMESTONE COMEDY FESTIVAL
Orchestra. For tickets and more info, visit
and more info, visit lincolnamphitheatre.
The Limestone Comedy Festival brings
evansvillephilharmonic.org.
com.
together some of today's most inventive,
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St.,
Lincoln Amphitheatre: 15032 E County Rd
entertaining comedians, including Maria
Evansville, IN / 7pm
1500, Lincoln City, IN / 6:30pm
Bramford, Stewart Huff and Buddy Cole
MAY 11: 10TH ANNUAL SPRING FUNK IN THE CITY
MAY 18: DARCI LYNNE & FRIENDS
the Hall character). Three days of laughter
Winning NBC’s America’s Got Talent at just
and fun! For tickets and more info, visit
Featuring more than 100 artists from
12-years old by the most votes for a final
buskirkchumley.org.
throughout the region, Funk in the City
performance in the history of the show,
Buskirk-Chumley Theatre:
is a great opportunity to support the tri-
singer/ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer
114 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN
state art community. In addition to the
impresses audiences across the country
amazing artists and artisans, there will also
with her sweetheart disposition and
JUN 1: MOLLY HATCHET
be fabulous food vendors to satisfy your
undeniable, show-stopping talent beyond
The multi-platinum Molly Hatchet is
hunger! For more info, visit funkinthecity.
her years. For tickets and more info, visit
best known for its mega-hit "Flirtin' with
com.
oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
Disaster," as well as other hits, including
Haynie's Corner: Downtown
Old National Events Plaza:
"Dreams I'll Never See," "Whiskey Man,"
Evansville, IN / 10am-4pm
715 Locust St., Evansville, IN
"Gator Country" and more. For tickets and
(aka Scott Thompson's hilarious Kids in
more info, visit lincolnamphitheatre.com.
MAY 13: THE MOUNTAIN GOATS A vaunted indie folk rock band from North
MAY 18: MOVIE IN THE PARK ANNIE
Carolina, the Mountain Goats have been
The Franklin Street Events Association
pursuing their muse since 1991. Their
presents their annual Movie in the Park
Lincoln Amphitheatre: 15032 E County Rd 1500, Lincoln City, IN / 6:30pm
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 43
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE CAMPBELL
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | MUSIC
JORDAN MILLER & THE DEAD LIGHTS MODERN GRUNGE FUNK: LOCAL BAND OF MANY INFLUENCES RELEASES LATE NIGHTS EP, EYES REGIONAL GIGS Finding a good drummer remains one of the biggest
bottom end for a while before Brody "Peppa Flakez"
challenges for any band that hopes to go places. In the case
Morris - who worships at the feet of Flea and is oft-visited
of Jordan Miller & The Dead Lights, one of the tri-state's
by the ghost of Cliff Burton - was spotted at an open mic
most promising new acts, it was the key to kick-starting
night at Lamasco Bar & Grill and offered the full-time gig.
a musical project that just about defies description. Well,
In fact, the band's second guitarist, Austin Campbell,
Miller himself calls it "modern
a
grunge funk" and that's pretty
model, was discovered at the
near the mark, actually. Throw
same venue. Needless to say,
some
impressively
self-proclaimed
aspiring
high-
the guys are quite loyal to
pitched howls into the mix
that popular Franklin Street
and you've got the general
hangout.
idea. But it's still something you need to hear to fully
For
appreciate - and that's been
nickname is not official and
the
record,
Morris'
made easier with the recent
Campbell, while quite rightly
release of the Late Nights with
proud of his flowing locks, is
JMDL EP, produced by Steve
not currently looking to walk
Tyner at Black Cat Recording
the runways of Paris. If you
in Evansville.
haven't figured it out, the band likes to joke around a
But
44 |
to
backtrack
for
a
lot, but they take their music
moment... Vocalist/guitarist Miller, already a strong
very seriously. So, once all the pieces of the puzzle were
songwriter and performer, fortuitously met drummer
in place, a new studio effort took priority as Miller was
Elliot Kress through work a few years back. The two
determined to improve upon a prior recording in 2017
clicked immediately. "He and I got a jam room and
that failed to adequately capture the depth and power
started playing and writing a few songs together," Miller
of the music. In the meantime, the band continued to
explains. A number of interim bassists filled out the
play out, opening for Tropidelic at Lamasco and also
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
maintaining a residency of sorts on open mic nights - which effectively served as valuable practice time considering that three of the four members are dads and all work timeconsuming jobs. But eventually, they booked time with Tyner at Black Cat in late 2018 and set about bringing a new batch of modern grunge funk to life. "We wanted to show our diversity - that was the biggest thing," Miller says. "We don't need to tie ourselves into a genre." It was a bit of a bumpy ride - initial recordings were rejected and jettisoned, resulting in a complete do-over - but work was finally completed back in January and the Late Nights with JMDL EP scheduled for a mid-April release. To help promote it, the band appeared on WEHT Local Lifestyles, performing a rousing version of "Coffee & Lipstick," an Ed Kowalczyk/ Live-esque emotional rollercoaster that seemed to literally shake the studio walls and caused Miller to lose his hat whilst headbanging - revealing a shock of bright blue hair. Turquoise, maybe. No doubt host Ange Humphrey is still recovering. Frankly, she's lucky they didn't tear into "Lycanthropy," a no holds barred rocker complete with insane drum fills from Kress and Miller's banshee-like shrieking. Campbell and Morris gamely keep up with the chaos, providing propulsive riffs that make your hair stand on end. Then there's "Dancin'" which makes your feet move at will with a truly funky groove and "Nothing Compares," the gut-wrenching closing track that again mines 90s-era rock to lay the foundation for a five minute, aching slow-burn as Miller exorcises relationship demons via Chris Cornell-style vocal gymnastics. With the EP out and a buzz building, next up is a May 10th instudio performance on 95.7 The Spin, Evansville's alternative radio station. But ultimately, the band is looking to do some traveling, eyeing a regional tour that will take in Memphis, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Lexington and Bowling Green. The goal, all agree, is simply to get their music out into the world and make an impact. "We're going to really try and push the new EP - we want the right people to hear it. We're all at the point where we're doing our jobs every day and have kids, but we've got this dream to be able to do this for a living and have what we write and compose touch somebody who needs it and can relate to it." For more info, including upcoming shows, follow Jordan Miller &The Dead Lights on Facebook or visit jordanmillerandthedeadlights.com.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 45
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | MUSIC
KING KOLD EVANSVILLE RAPPER GOES DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE, ADDRESSES EFFECTS OF ADDICTION ON NEW RELEASE "The songs break down into different ways that
Despite Westbrook's ease behind the mic and gift
you can let drugs influence your life and mess you
for wordplay, the 32-year-old Evansville native
up," explains local rapper King Kold - aka Richard
wasn't exposed to rap music growing up; instead,
Westbrook - in reference to the concept behind his
he followed his mom's lead, listening to the Eagles
fourth full length album,
and the like. But two artists
Down the Rabbit Hole,
in
out April 30 on his own
future: Alanis Morissette and
Power
Requires
Garth Brooks. The former's
label.
He's
Hustle
shaped
his
to
1995 debut, Jagged Little
note, however, that the
Pill, is an album that impacts
often heavy lyrics aren't
Westbrook to this day thanks
depicting
to its "incredible production"
quick
self-inflicted
struggles - he's clean as a
while
whistle. But Westbrook's
Double Live release acted
watched
people
the
latter's
1998
close
as "the bridge from family
to him suffer from abuse
appropriate music to rap,"
- and it's not pretty. The
strangely enough, based on
part-time
the "really fast cadence" of
pro
wrestler
and life-long poet hopes
46 |
particular
"Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the
to shine a light on an epidemic that's destroying lives
Sun Comes Up)." It ultimately led to a discovery of
on a daily basis through gritty, reality-based bangers
influential hip-hop artists like Tech N9ne and Insane
like "Nightmares" and the title track - both which
Clown Posse whose involvement - or exploits, rather
deliver hard-hitting messages on top of hard-driving
- in pro wrestling nudged Westbrook down that path
beats.
later on.
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
But first he had to make it through high school. "I
viral. "That was the best decision I ever made - it
went to Harrison and Bosse - whoever would tolerate
catapulted everything," he says.
me at the time," Westbrook jokes. Admittedly neither the most motivated nor respectful student, he found
Several album tracks were realized as concept
solace in writing poetry - an exercise that would
videos, including "Runaway" and "Roll with It (So
serve him well as his interest in rap music grew. Over
Long)," the latter now inching close to 100,000 views
the years, he filled multiple Trapper Keepers up with
on YouTube. The traction gained put Westbrook in
personal thoughts and still refers back to them for
prime position to deliver the final chapter of the
inspiration on occasion, noting, "I'll be damned
Drink at Rich's trilogy, mixed and mastered by former
if certain bits don't sound like what 32-year-old
manager James Greenwell, a talented tri-state
Richard writes."
musician who played in bands like Prowler and 1369 back in the day. Their fruitful partnership lasted three
To deal with all the high school upheaval and the
years and produced over 300 songs. "I literally can't
frustration of getting kicked out of the ROTC for
afford to publish all of it," Westbrook says. Still, they
fighting, Westbrook began "messing with music,"
found the funds to film another scripted video for
marrying his penchant for wordplay with sampled
"Fourty Bad Bitches" which pushed an anti-human
beats. Still, he feels there's a big gap between the
trafficking message and racked up over 20,000
two creative outlets. "The difference between poetry
views.
and rap music is cadence and ego. Rap is more trying to sell something while expressing it and poetry is
Before parting ways, Greenwell and Westbrook
expressing and just happens to sell itself." He would
commenced work on one final project with the latter
continue working on bridging that gap for a number
going all in to make Down the Rabbit Hole (with
of years, honing his skills while getting active in
fantastic artwork by Justin Parker) a monumental
pro wrestling. When fatherhood called, Westbrook
release. "I quit my job for a year to pursue music - I put
exited the ring for a good while but continued his
everything into it and it paid off tenfold," Westbrook
employment at Turoni's Pizzery & Brewery where
says. In the process, he connected with a couple of
they "put up with him" for a decade or so. He quite
Australian rappers, Stats VA and Dismay, who feature
rightly refers to the staff and owners as "amazing
on the inspirational "We Hit em Hard." "Happy," the
people."
album's extended closing track, is a take-a-look-inthe-mirror call to rid oneself of debilitating baggage.
Finally, in 2015, Westbrook began a series of
But the most affecting track, "American Way," sits
recordings with Brett Siler, owner of Mother Brain
comfortably at the midpoint, with Westbrook issuing
Sound Infrastructure, an Evansville-based recording
a dire warning to all who talk smack or do it, for that
studio. The first release, Drink at Rich's, was given
matter - and go to war over it: "Better watch your
a serious boost when well-known rapper Jelly Roll,
mouth and the words you say / Cause what you boast
fresh out of prison, agreed to guest on the single
about might be your death today...How many friends
"Drinkin' Good." The collaboration - financed by
have I lost in streets, sh*t / How many more will be
the sale of Westbrook's beloved .45 gun - helped to
deleted from existence?
raise the album's profile. And it reportedly prompted a private investor to come forward and bankroll
But no worries, King Kold is in no danger of being
more King Kold music. Sure enough, Drink at Rich's
deleted. Promisingly, Westbrook has a 10-year plan
Pt. 2 appeared as a follow-up - but only after being
set up where "I can just publish music annually and
pieced together in the aftermath of Siler's much-
get paid quarterly off that." To purchase his past and
publicized studio fire. That's when Westbrook called
current releases, visit kingkoldmerch.bigcartel.com.
in mixing/mastering guru The Joker who ultimately suggested a focus on videos with the goal of going
For more info, follow King Kold on Facebook.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 47
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | MUSIC
STOP THE CAR RETURN OF THE BLUE CREATURES: EVANSVILLE'S OG ALTERNATIVE BAND ROCKS STUDIO 321, PREPARES FOR SECOND REUNION GIG IN CINCINNATI It's hard to imagine considering today's country and
future releases. Self-described as "neo-psychedelic
rock-dominated musical climate, but there was a time
graveyard garage music," its melding of goth and
many, many years ago when a handful of alternative
rockabilly influences spoke to both alienated high
bands ruled the local scene. Well, they had a cult
school students and anyone who appreciated driving,
following, at least, regularly
mysteriously
drawing groups of gothed-
with a touch of the macabre.
out kids to the Ross Theatre
Bassist
on Evansville's southeast
inventive
side for intense concert
prominently on standout tracks
celebrations. It was the
like "Cat Walk," "Dancing in
mid-80's and black was
the Shadows" and "Mama" -
the fashion color of choice
the latter also highlighting the
for fans of Bauhaus, The
haunting, ethereal vocals of
Cure and Siouxsie & The
Melissa English, STC's magnetic
Banshees
whose
Vince
melodic
tunes
Hammerstein's
fretwork
featured
dark,
ace in the hole. And it was all
brooding songs seeped
held together by the rock solid
into the sound of local acts
drumming of Mark Fischer.
like Who Killed Maguire?, The Falling Sky, The Lazarus Strain and the most popular of them all, Stop the Car.
A follow-up, Secret Desire, finally appeared in 1990 with several new names attached to the project, including drummers Troy Davis and Kevin
48 |
Led by vocalist/guitarist and primary songwriter Mark
Hartnell as well as guitarist Brendan Hermann. Despite
Utley, Stop the Car formed in 1984; one year later,
the lineup changes, the music remained as seductive
Blue Creatures, the band's beautifully morbid debut,
as ever. "Stars in My Eyes," "The Deserts of Your Eyes,"
was unveiled on Halloween, setting tradition for
"Mr. X," "Treat Me Right," and the propulsive title track,
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
in particular, all captured the band at the peak of its
while Utley and Hammerstein - along with guitarist
powers, aided by a raw, bare-bones production that
Jeff Vanover (on loan from various Utley projects) and
added bite and depth to a delightfully twisted collection
drummers Troy Davis and Mark Fischer (back behind
of songs about love and death.
the kit for the first time since Blue Creatures) - alternately blitzed and slithered through a dream setlist with a
Now, this is where the STC story starts to go off the rails
concentration on the first two albums. The band showed
a bit. Looking to secure a wider audience, the band
no signs of rust, even blessing the crowd with a few
decamped to Nashville but effectively missed the train
perfectly-chosen covers, including "Night Shift" by
as the musical tide was turning away from alternative
Siouxsie and The Banshees and X's "The Hungry Wolf"
bands towards the grunge sound that ultimately snuffed
before encoring with a medley of David Bowie songs.
out entire genres like hair metal. After laying low for a number of years, Utley and crew soldiered on, releasing
Hard to believe that a band could deliver such a
two more albums in the late 90s, a self-titled re-recording
pinpoint performance after a 12 year layoff but Utley
of past STC faves and Crash, a powerful yet polished, all-
seemed unsurprised, noting, "We'd done the reunion
new collection that saw the band's
shows before and basically the
X influence take the wheel. Both
way it goes is that we rehearse for
were conceived in Ohio where,
a couple of weeks or a month and
coincidentally, the core members all
it's always a little suspect and a little
eventually relocated after personal
wobbly - and it's always like, 'ugh,
differences effectively stopped the
is this gonna work?' But there's
car - at least temporarily. It was a
always that one rehearsal where
fruitful time with the first of several
everything kind of clicks." And
successful
reunions
click it did. Indeed, the post show
taking place in '97, proving that
reaction was nothing less than
Evansville
STC's musical engine still had life.
jubilant with fans buying up merch
More gigs followed before all went quiet again until
and reminiscing about the good old days with fellow
successive homecomings in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
STC diehards - some who had flown in from as far away as California.
Utley would go on to pursue a solo career with an Americana angle, releasing country-tinged music under
With an über-successful Evansville show behind
the guises of Bulletville and Magnolia Mountain, even
them and a second reunion gig in the band's current
receiving vocal assistance from the ever-loyal English.
hometown of Cincinnati scheduled for May 18 at the
But the ghost of Stop the Car kept appearing; whispers
Northside Tavern, it's inevitably time for Stop the Car to
of another possible reunion reverberated, teasing
address the elephant in the room: Will there be more
lifelong fans still entranced by the band's mystique.
STC activity? Utley is ultimately undecided. "You want
Ultimately, it would take 12 long years, but finally, the
to appreciate what happened, but you also don't want
date was set for another Evansville reunion, three and
to overstay your welcome or milk it for too much. Yeah,
a half decades on from their Ross Theatre beginnings.
the show was fantastic and everybody had a great time, but there's the old showbiz cliché about leaving people
April 6, 2019 will go down as one of Evansville's
wanting more. If we did it again next year, would it be
greatest live music nights in recent memory. At least
anticlimactic or be something that everybody would
200 STC devotees packed Studio 321 on the city's
enjoy? I don't know, I don't know."
east side, dancing and singing along to every word for nearly three hours, sans a brief intermission that gave
For more info, visit Stop the Car on Facebook. To
English a chance to recover from a nagging illness. But
purchase STC albums, visit stc1984.bandcamp.com.
she persevered like a champ, performing flawlessly
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 49
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | MUSIC
stories FROM THE STAGE An ongoing series featuring tri-state musicians
FEATURING JACOB HARPER
BACKSTAGE AT KLIPSCH MUSIC CENTER
Ask a few residents of Boonville, Indiana about what’s going on in Boonville, Indiana and you will get answers ranging from “not very much” to “more than you know.” The little town just east of Evansville has a population of only around 6000, but somehow manages to be home to some pretty notable folks. Boonville is known as the town where Abraham Lincoln learned the law, as the future president would often walk to town to borrow books and watch local attorneys argue cases. It is also the home of Jeremy Spencer, the drummer and co-founder of the metal band Five Finger Death Punch. That’s a couple of big guns right there for such a small town. If you ask a few musicians around southern Indiana about what’s going on in Boonville, it won’t take you long to hear
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MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
the name Jacob Harper of Harper Guitars. If you ask Jacob Harper about what’s going on, the answer is “A LOT!” With around 300 custom builds completed, this young businessman and luthier has exploded on the scene as a powerful craftsman, artist and expert set-up and repair technician. His famous clients are a who’s who list across blues, rock, jazz and folk. Too modest to publicly name-drop, Harper prefers to let his work brag for him and it does. Dealing with famous artists, Jacob often finds himself “working” backstage for events like Henderson, Kentucky’s up-
coming Handyfest and in arenas like Noblesville's Klipsch Music Center (renamed Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center in 2017). It was at this arena where Harper found himself in an unusual circumstance, surrounded by party-goers and VIPs in a green room area just off stage. Everyone was having a great time drinking, listening to the music and enjoying the special treatment that comes with having “ALL ACCESS” hanging around your neck. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the party began to move with its own purpose. The crowd shifted and spilled out with direction and intention unbeknownst to the individual members of this now motivated mass. “Where are we headed?” no one asked. “Why are we moving?” No one cared. Country music, dancing, smiling, “working”... Jacob laughed, “We were all just caravanning. I knew we were headed towards the stage, but I didn’t know we were headed ON the stage! The group of us came to a halt facing each other and sort of slowly turned around and there’s the audience in the encore of the last band. My brother and I were like, ‘Oh my God!’ And there have been a lot of backstage moments like that but it’s not my thing. Being escorted and told where to stand and where you can’t go. It’s not really all access.” The custom guitar building business is competitive. Very few of the little guys break through to become Paul Reed Smiths or Tom Andersons or a Bill Collings. Harper, however, has a strong chance to become as big as he wants. Loyal investors, music connections, and supportive family are in his corner. Jacob is now building full-time (taking a break from his big boy architect job) and has a brand new full-time employee named Easton who apprenticed for a year with Harper. According to Jacob, Easton is now better at some repair work than he himself. That gives the boss more time to create and build and fill the custom orders, which is good for us all. Look up Harper Guitars online at harperguitars.com or swing by the shop where more big things are coming together in Boonville. If only the instruments could tell their stories from the stage!- Lindsey Williams
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 51
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | ENTERTAINMENT
with Marisa Patwa A SLEW OF RAUNCHY COMEDIES HITS MOVIE THEATERS IN MAY Get ready to laugh till you pee your pants, because three highly-anticipated comedies are on tap for the beginning of the summer movie season. Need a good popcorn flick to take the cutie you swiped right on to for a first date? Then try romantic comedy Long Shot, which premieres May 3. Charlize Theron stars as polished politician Charlotte Field, who hires wild journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) to be her speechwriter during her presidential run. Romance and chaos ensue. Just from the trailer alone, it’s clear this Beauty and the Beast Beast-style rom-com is going to put a great comedic twist on that classic love-trope. Rogen’s self-deprecating, whimsical humor is just what Theron needs to offset her own dark quips. I can’t wait to see these two intellectually and comedically gifted actors tango in what is sure to be the perfect film to start your summer off. It’s apparent from the gold-encrusted poster of Anne Hathaway slyly twirling her hair and Rebel Wilson proudly holding a cocktail in a sleek black dress and heels posing in front of a sports car dripping in gold, that their female-centric comedy, The Hustle,, which premieres May 10, is going to be a deliciously good time. Hathaway displayed her comedic acting chops early on with The Princess Diaries and Ella Enchanted but more recently, she lit up the screen as snobby actress Daphne Kluger in 2018's hilarious hit, Ocean’s 8. Wilson, too, is comedic gold; her punchy roles in Bridesmaids, the Pitch Perfectt franchise and the stellar Isn’t it Romantic? immediately come to mind. So, the idea of throwing these two brilliant actresses with incredible comedic timing into a universe in which they play cunning con-artists trying to put some bad men who have done them wrong in their place is a pitch-perfect formula for success. An excellent choice for the baby boomers, Poms stars the sensational Diane Keaton as Martha, a dying woman who starts a cheerleading squad at the retirement community home she just moved into with the help of sweet-natured Sheryl, played by Jacki Weaver. Although this macabre comedy touches on the inevitability of death, it also looks to be heartwarmingly hilarious and shows that even though life has an expiration date, you can still have a fresh time - as noted by Weaver in the film's amusing trailer: “You were dying yesterday and you are gonna be dying next week and in the meantime, you should be dancing your ass off." Poms also stars Rhea Perlman and Pam Grier as members of the older squad, while Alisha Boe ((13 Reasons Why) acts as a young cheerleader who helps to choreograph the golden girls - in case you need a reason to entice your granddaughter to tag along when the film premieres on May 10.
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Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 53
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | ENTERTAINMENT
with Gavin Gaddis Welcome to the Podcast Corner, your source for some of the best and most inventive podcasts around. Each month I'm offering up four bite-sized reviews, so read on and then listen in! Want more podcast recommendations? You can find long-form reviews, musings on happenings in the podcasting world, and links to podcasts I produce at my website: thepodreport.com or follow me on Twitter @ThePodReport.
STILL LIVES (WEEKLY)
Still Lives is a post-apocalyptic audio fiction that opens with the last five humans alive living a surprisingly relaxed, pastoral life in a country farmhouse. Through audio notes taken by a character only known as The Archivist, listeners are introduced to some of the strained relationships between the final five with very little detail given as to what the apocalypse actually was. Everything is focused on the present, on continuing to live. That is until there’s a knock on the door one night. A wonderfully calm, well-performed, and smart take on post-apocalyptic fiction. stilllivespodcast.com
MOONBASE THETA, OUT (ON HIATUS)
Every few months a podcast comes along that just grabs the listener by the lapels and shows them what the medium is capable of. On the surface, Moonbase Theta, Out is a simple, single-narrator audio drama about Roger Bragado-Fischer, a man sending out reports from the titular moonbase. Then the deft performance by Leeman Kessler, even with four minute episodes, sucks you into this fascinating, terrifying possible future. Then you realize the first season’s episodes start at 20 and count down to 1 and a sinking feeling sets in. Embrace that sinking feeling; MTO is one of the best sci-fi audio fiction series I’ve encountered. monkeymanproductions.com/moonbase-theta-out
CRITICAL BITS (EVERY OTHER TUESDAY)
Critical Bits is a tabletop RPG podcast in which three players act out three superpowered teens (well, Ace doesn’t have powers but she means well) in a Marvel-esque world where superpowered people are a dime a dozen. What sets this apart from your usual “dudes play D&D” podcast is the use of a Powered by the Apocalypse game, which proves perfect fodder for podcasting as the mechanics are more geared towards allowing storytelling over the hours of simplistic math classic D&D can bring. Critical Bits is crass, hilarious, and at times touching as the players commit to their characters for better or worse, not afraid to have their characters make dumb moves even though the player knows how it’s going to turn out. criticalbitcast.com
LIFE IN SONDERVILLE
Life in Sonderville is, on its face, an audio drama about a protagonist getting to the bottom of mysteries surrounding the off-kilter suburban community that is Sonderville. Then one takes a second to actually look at the episode titles and realize this is no simple audio drama: it’s a choose-your-ownadventure audio drama. With two “playable” characters to choose from and each part ending in two different choices to make, this is the perfect podcast for someone who loves tracking differences/ crossovers in time travel movies. With each thread’s choices creating two new possible plots, there will be several dozen more uploads before the series finishes this year, and I can’t wait. twitter.com/
sonderville_pod
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MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 55
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
MAY COMMUNITY & FAMILY Get involved and have some fun with these great community activities around the Tri-State. MAY 4: JAZZ, CRUISE & BLUES
MAY 9: TRI-STATE HEART WALK
a delicious buffet of your favorites,
2019
Celebrate 25 years of saving lives with the
including buttermilk biscuits and country
Set sail for an evening that starts with a
American Heart Association with family fun
gravy, a waffle bar, flank steak, honey
derby diversion party and ends with a
activities and a riverfront walk. For more
bourbon glazed Kentucky Legend ham
piano bar in support of United Caring
info, visit evansvilletristateheartwalk.org.
and more. For tickets and more info, visit
Services mission to provide value-based,
Downtown Evansville, IN Riverfront / 5pm
owensborocenter.com. Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W.
low-barrier, sustainable and high-quality
MAY 11: ROCKIN RIVER CITY
Jazz, Cruise & Blues 2019 on Facebook.
RIDE
Tropicana Evansville: 421 NW Riverside
The Rockin River City Ride is a one day
MAY 13: WARRICK COUNTY
Dr., Evansville, IN / 5-11pm
community event that offers a challenge
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GOLF
for novice and experienced cyclists and
CLASSIC 2019
MAY 4: SWIMGA PLANT SALE
runners alike along the beautiful Evansville
The
2019
riverfront. Riders will enjoy numerous fully-
Foundation is hosting their annual Golf
Peruse nearly 15,000 plants for sale
stocked rest stops, excellent free route
Classic with prizes for closest to the pin,
at
Indiana
support and entertainment throughout the
double or nothing, longest drive and hole
plant
course. Funds raised through the Rockin
in one. All proceeds benefit the work of the
the
Master
annual
Southwestern
Gardener
Association
Warrick
County
Community
vegetables,
River City Ride will be used to support
Warrick County Community Foundation.
succulents, house plants, herbs and more.
the Junior League of Evansville and their
For more info, call 812-897-2030.
For more info, visit swimga.org.
missions and charities. To register and for
Rolling Hills Country Club: 1666 Old Plank
Vanderburgh County 4-H Center: 201 E.
more info, visit rockinrivercityride.org.
Rd., Newburgh, IN / 11:30am
Boonville-New Harmony Rd., Evansville,
Downtown Evansville, IN
sale:
perennials,
annuals,
IN / 8am
MAY 18: VANDERBURGH MAY 11: EVANSVILLE DONUT
HUMANE SOCIETY ANNUAL
MAY 5: CORK & CUISINE
FESTIVAL 2019
AUCTION & BENEFIT DINNER
Guests are invited to celebrate by enjoying
The second annual Evansville Donut
The 24th annual "Going, Going, Gone
five courses of Mexican-inspired dishes
Festival will offer the best doughnuts, eating
to the Dogs!" Benefit Dinner & Auction
perfectly paired with wines and spirits.
competitions, children's activities and
is designed to be the largest single
Special giveaways will also be part of the
more. All net proceeds from the festival will
fundraising event for a humane society
evening, including a bottle of each of the
go toward the trolley development project
in the tri-state. The auction will feature a
wines and spirits featured throughout
inside the Stop Light City Park. For more
preview cocktail party, dinner, and both
the dinner and some unique Cinco de
info, visit evansvilledonutfestival.com.
silent and live auctions. Higher-valued
Mayo themed centerpieces courtesy of
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
items, unique items, or packages with high
Ivy Trellis. For tickets and more info, visit
Evansville, IN / 9am-1pm
interest will be featured in the live portion of this successful event. For tickets and
owensborocenter.com.
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2nd St., Owensboro, KY / 11am-2pm
homeless solutions. For more info, visit
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W.
MAY 12: MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH
more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.
2nd St., Owensboro, KY / 6pm
Gather your family and treat Mom to
com.
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
2000 W. Franklin St.,
Evansville, IN / 5:30pm
Evansville, IN / 9am-1pm
MAY 18: 100 MEN WHO COOK
MAY 27: EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL
This unique fundraiser will feature 100
DAY RUN 2019
community “chefs” who will prepare their
The fourth annual Evansville Memorial Day
favorite appetizer, side dish, entrée or
Run benefits the Rolling Thunder Indiana
dessert just for you! 100 Men Who Cook
Chapter, which aims to educate the public
is Old National’s signature fundraising
about the many American prisoners of war
event. For tickets and more info, visit
who were left behind. Race options include
owensborocenter.com.
a 5K run, 5K walk, 10K run and 10K walk. For
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W.
more info, visit evansvillememorialdayrun.
2nd St., Owensboro, KY / 6:30pm
com. Garvin Park: 1600 N. Main St.,
MAY 18: WILL RUN FOR BEER
Evansville, IN / 8am
Limited to the first 300 sign-ups, Will Run for Beer offers up six mini-beers, six bars
MAY 30-JUN 1: FORT BRANCH
and a t-shirt - all for just $30. Run, walk, or
TOWN FEST 2019
ride - the choice is yours. Just bring your
The Fort Branch Town Fest will feature a
friends, be safe and have fun! Participating
lip sync battle, art, food, games inflatables,
venues include Bokeh Lounge, Kevin's
beer garden and parade plus live music
Backstage Bar & Grill, The Rooftop, Bru
by Boozehound Duo, Kenna Elpers, Cage
Burger, The Red Fez and Myriad Brewing.
Willis and Five Below. For more info, follow
For more info, visit riseupandrun.com.
Fort Branch Town Fest on Facebook.
Downtown Evansville, IN / 3pm
Fort Branch Community Park: Fort Branch, IN
MAY 19: BARK IN THE PARK 2019 The Evansville Otters and It Takes A Village
MAY 30-JUN 1: HOLY ROSARY
Canine Rescue are partnering for a Bark in
SUMMER SOCIAL
the Park as the Otters take on the Boomers.
The Holy Rosary Summer Social features
Bring your pups to the park or adopt a dog
three days of fun in the sun with a huge
from ITV. Free tickets are available at ITV
silent auction, car/cash and quilt raffles,
(1417 N. Stockwell Rd.). For more info, visit
plenty of food, games and carnival rides
itvrescue.org.
for all ages. Not surprisingly, the car/cash
Bosse Field: 23 Don Mattingly Way,
raffle is always a highlight of this beloved
Evansville, IN / 2pm
community event, but even if you come away empty-handed you'll still feel like a
MAY 25: FRANKLIN STREET
winner when you sample all the delicious
BAZAAR
food available. Plus, family style dinners
Shop from local vendors and crafters, dine
with all the trimmings will be served nightly
from the food trucks, enjoy artists and
in the cafeteria from 5-7:30pm. For more
live music - even yoga on the lawn! For
info, visit holyrosarysummersocial.com.
more info, visit Franklin Street Bazaar on
Holy Rosary Church: 1301 S. Green River
Facebook.
Rd., Evansville, IN
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 57
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORING SMALL BUSINESS
with Elaina Adams
April Showers bring May Flowers - and we all know whom
personable safe haven, not even the grieving walk out sad.
those flowers belong to… our mothers! So I put the "petal" to
The florists want to know about who’s receiving the flowers
the metal and dropped into It Can Be Arranged, a local flower
so you can get the most intimate bouquet to match their
shop right here in Evansville, to see what they were preparing
personality. Mindy says that people that have bought flowers
for Mother's Day!
from the shop in the past still come in to say hello and hang out when they’re feeling low.
When you first walk in, not only are you surrounded by eyecatching flowers all around, you’re greeted with the most
There is much more to being a florist than what meets the eye.
outgoing and personable staff; I felt so welcomed. And
Heck, before I met Mindy, I figured it was just sticking a few
though I came in for an interview, I wanted to leave cashing
flowers in a jar and calling it a day! I was given an exclusive
out on all the flowers I could!
tour, taking me to the walk-in cooler where the flowers are stored. The florists have to take special care of this cooler to
Mindy Bittner is the owner and the most fabulous lady you’ll
ensure the flowers get their maximum life span.
ever meet! After owning a drug testing business for many years, she wanted a career change that would impact her
Before I left, Mindy gave me a gorgeous bouquet to take with
community in a more positive way. Mindy told me that she
me. I’m still not over how wonderful my experience was! If
always wanted to be a florist and when she saw that It Can
you’re in need of Mother’s Day flowers or even “I’m an idiot,
Be Arranged was for sale, she bought it a couple weeks later.
please forgive me" flowers… head over to It Can Be Arranged.
She has now owned the store for three years and couldn’t be
To the mothers who always rise to the occasion, this one's for
happier.
you. Happy Mother's Day! - Elaina Adams
More than 50 percent of sales come from funeral arrangements
For more info, visit itcanbearrangedin.
but Mindy has strived to make this flower shop such a
com or call 812-402-5555.
I T CAN B E AR R ANGED I S LO CATED AT 521 N. GREEN RIVER ROA D
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|
EVA NSVILLE, IND IA NA
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
VANDERBURGH COUNTY
VANDERBURGH COUNTY CRIME VICTIM RESOURCES WEBSITE FR EE ON L IN E RE S OU RC E GI VE S LOC A L C RIME V ICTIMS AVE NU E S OF S U P P ORT I N T I MES OF N EED
CRIME VICTIM RESOURCES VCCVR is an online gateway for connecting victims in and around Vanderburgh County, IN, with the appropriate services they need. Brought to you by:
A much-needed community service was unveiled last year through the cooperation of agencies and organizations around the area. The Vanderburgh County Crime Victim Resources (VCCVR) website, according to Sheriff Dave
VCCVR.ORG
Wedding, is "a central hub of information and services that victims can access at any time. It's designed to guide a victim to the resources they need, and it allows local support groups to connect with those that need the services they offer." A community collaboration initiative created by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's OfďŹ ce, the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor and EXTEND GROUP, an Evansville-based marketing and consulting group, VCCVR provides invaluable assistance to individuals who need help making their way through the justice system or are looking for an avenue of support - especially in the case of an emergency. Again, this a FREE online service that's available to crime victims in need of assistance who have been affected by everything from arson and domestic violence to sexual assault and terrorism. Relevant local organizations are linked to the corresponding crimes on the website to make the process of receiving help as simple as possible. To visit the online resource, go to VCCVR.org. To donate or support: email info@VCCVR.org.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2019
| 59
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT
SUCCESS STORIES & FUTURE 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/older residents.
SCARLA: Scarla is a cute little female redtick Coonhound/Beagle mix. She was transferred to VHS from Hopkins County Humane Society when they were out of space and VHS had some empty kennels. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!
&NACHO LIBRE
BUTTERS
Evansville's Bianca Snyder wasn't allowed to have pets as a child - her parents preferred not to have animals running through the house. However, while away at college in Reno, Nevada (she grew up out west), a friend gave her a kitten as a birthday gift and a special bond was formed. That precious furball tagged along with Snyder to her first job in San Diego and then to San Francisco. After its passing, a second cat was adopted and ultimately transported to Evansville when Snyder's husband secured employment in the area. Years later, the couple has two young sons, an old, laidback English Setter and a "demon rooster" hanging around the backyard out in McCutchanville. More than enough on their plate, for sure, but Snyder still missed that feline companionship, so she took her youngest son to the VHS to check out a litter of kittens. Worried that her older son would be jealous, she checked with her hubby and got the ok to adopt two - which were later renamed Butters and Nacho Libre. Reportedly, the two furry siblings have adjusted very well to their new home and seem "super happy." Says Snyder, "I don't understand why people don't have animals it just makes family life so much more well rounded." Another successful adoption!
ESMERELDA: Esmerelda is a female
QUEEN CLEO: This dilute tortie
as a stray with 3 other bunnies including
Queen Cleo. She was transferred
Lionhead mix rabbit! She was also found Claire. Esmerelda is a shy girl who could use a confident bunny owner to help her come out of her shell. Her adoption fee is $50 and she’s spayed & microchipped. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!
is
a
9-year-old
female
to VHS from Evansville Animal Care & Control on March 12th. Her adoption fee is $40 and includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more! Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!
400 Millner Industrial Drive | 2 blocks west of Garvin Park in Evansville 812-426-2563 | Adoption Hours: Tues-Sat 12-6pm | www.vhslifesaver.org
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| 63
LITTLE BEAR
GYPSY
AGE: 1-1/2 BREED: MIXED
AGE: 7 BREED: MIXED
ABOUT:
ABOUT:
Little Bear is a little female black cat who’s currently adoptable at River Kitty Cat Café downtown! She was the mom of 4 kittens when she came into the shelter, all of whom have found forever homes. Now hopefully it’s Little Bear’s turn. She is about a year & a half old and her adoption fee is $40.
Longhaired tortoiseshell female seeking quieter human companion. Gypsy is about 7 years old and was owner-surrendered because the other pets in the home didn’t like her. She is frontdeclawed! Her adoption fee is $60 and she’s already spayed & ready to go home today.
400 MILLNER INDUSTRIAL DR EVANSVILLE, INDIANA www.vhslifesaver.org
(812) 426-2563
HENRY & RUFUS BREED: WEIMARANER (HENRY) & DACHSHUND (RUFUS)
They both love chicken jerky! We love to tell folks "Our dogs rule our house." Who can resist doggie kisses?
OWNER: TERRI CARL
2659 MT VERNON AVE | EVANSVILLE, INDIANA (812) 464-8300
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MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
BEAST
PRESLEY
&
AGE: 5 BREED: MIXED
AGE: 3 BREED: GOLDEN DOODLE
ABOUT: Presley loves to smile and loves, loves his person! He will do just about anything for a treat! He also loves to play tug-a-war. Presley loves to hug, he is potty trained and he also walks well on a leash. He's currently accepting adoption applications at ITVRescue.org.
FUN FACTS: This is Lilly and Beast. He is a goofy 3 year old Golden Doodle. Lily is working on her science project: Do dogs have unique paw prints? He was a very reluctant participant.
OPEN TUESDAYS 12-5 | WEDNESDAYS 12-7 | THURSDAYS-SATURDAYS 10-5 6580 LEONARD RD N MOUNT VERNON, INDIANA www.hawgnsauce.org
(812) 838-5339
1417 N. STOCKWELL ROAD EVANSVILLE, INDIANA www.itvrescue.org
(812) 250-9247
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WILLIE AGE: 8 BREED: Chocolate Lab FUN FACTS: Willie is a rescue dog from a bad situation who absolutely loves to swim - hands down, his favorite activity. Not surprisingly, he enjoys being out on the river and going to Marina Pointe.
JAN JAN AGE: 7 BREED: TOY AUSSIE No words nescessary... just take a look at this precious furball.
OWNER: JASON MOORE
OWNER: CHAD BRADY
830 LST DRIVE EVANSVILLE, INDIANA www.kcmarinapointe.com
(812) 422-0400
TOBY AGE: 1-1/2 BREED: TOY AUSSIE Loves to wake Brian up in the middle of the night for kisses and helps him cheer on the Fighting Irish.
OWNER: BRIAN BENNETT
(812) 470-2029 2400 N HEIDELBACH AVE EVANSVILLE, INDIANA www.dreamcarmuseum.com
SADIKI AGE: 14 BREED: BASENJI FUN FACTS: Gets his exercise running at the state hospital & loves his Wendy's, Jr. Burger treats from Nana.
OWNER: JODI MERRICK
(812) 421-8741 600 SE 2ND STREET EVANSVILLE, INDIANA www.pennylanecoffeehous e.com
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111 S GREEN RIVER ROAD SUITE F EVANSVILLE, INDIANA www.houseofbluez.co m
812-401-2583
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | RELIGION
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | OPINION
ASK THE PASTOR
THE WRITE STUFF
with Kevin Fleming of First Presbyterian Church
Q:
IS IT WISE TO BE GOVERNED BY FEAR?
with Jonathan Gluff
I am noticing that there seems to be an awful lot of fear going around these days. There is an increase in ads offering us security systems against unknown people out to get us. There are efforts to make us fearful of people unlike us, thereby creating new policies and laws. There are
Red Pill Redemption (or “The Internet Ruins Another Thing”)
higher levels of anxiety and worry in every age group – especially children and young people. Fear can be debilitating. Fear can keep us from the fullness of life we are meant to enjoy. Fear can make us do things we never would have considered doing, except someone, or something, told us to be afraid. Some measure of fear is, of course, responsible. We lock our doors, observe expiration dates on food, follow the traffic laws to avoid accidents, etc. We’d be foolish to never be a little apprehensive. But to allow our lives to be governed by fear seems unwise. In my faith tradition, there are times when God wanted to send a message to people via an angel (which literally means “messenger"). The first words out of the messenger’s mouth were, “Do not be afraid.” Wise words, I suppose, if you are an angel encountering cowering shepherds or a frightened young woman. It’s one thing to be afraid at the appearance of an angel. It’s a whole other thing to be afraid of someone because they don’t look like you, speak your language, don’t share your level of education, or believe in a way different from your own beliefs.
First Presbyterian Church is located at 609 SE 2nd St. / 812-423-6297.
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“Why, oh why, didn’t I take the blue pill?” Fans of the late-’90s sci-fi action flick The Matrix may immediately recognize this line from said film. For those unfamiliar, it’s a line spoken by Joe Pantoliano’s traitorous character Cypher to the hero, Keanu Reeves’ Neo. In the lore of the movie, a person who is already free of the digital prison that is the Matrix may offer a red or blue pill to one still trapped within. The candidate can take the red pill and wake up from “the prison of [their] mind,” or swallow the blue pill and simply fall back asleep, forgetting the encounter ever happened. It’s a simple yet effective plot device replete with references to Alice In Wonderland and other stories of self-discovery and growth. And just like so many other nice things that we can’t have, the seedier side of the internet - 4Chan, in particular - had to go and ruin it. A few years ago, the term “redpilled” was co-opted by anonymous users who like to complain that they have no luck with women. Usually, these are neckbearded NEET’s living on a steady diet of Cheetos, Doritos, chicken tenders, and Mountain Dew in their parents’ basement while unironically lamenting that ladies don’t
want a “nice guy” in between spewing racist rants, alt-right diatribes, and sexist slurs. (After all, what woman can resist that?) These “involuntary celibates” (or “incels,” for short) claim that, just like in the movie, someone who was already “enlightened” to the harsh truths of reality gave them a metaphorical red pill and showed them what women really want. Of course, any rational individual can already see the glaring holes in this logic. How can someone claim to know what women want if they can’t even get a date themselves? Doesn’t acting dismissively towards women create a self-fulfilling prophecy in which the red-piller has even more trouble with the ladies than before? Then again, logic, reason, and selfawareness aren’t exactly the forté of these sexually-frustrated man-children, so trying to use it on them is pretty futile. My point here is that while Morpheus’ red pill helped his team track down Neo, this incel/Men Going Their Own Way/Return of Kings version doesn’t help anyone. Work on yourself, get in shape, have genuine respect and empathy for others, and you just might find yourself asking why you didn’t take the blue pill, either.
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | POLITICS
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | OPINION
TRI-STATE
POLITICS with Bryan Fox
MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD... with Johnny Fletcher
PRIMARY ELECTION PREVIEW
By the time this article gets published, the Evansville city primaries will almost be underway. Surprisingly, the River City will oversee four contested elections. Of the four, the one with the least amount of appeal would have to be the mayoral primary. Lloyd Winnecke, who easily won a second term in 2015 against a wellknown and well-financed Democrat, Gail Riecken, will win with over 90% of GOP primary votes. However, the Democratic City Council At-Large, which sees the top three vote-getters advance, should be interesting. In the past, the same primary has seen incumbents get defeated and the fourth place candidate lose by single digits. Jonathan Weaver has the most name recognition and is usually the top vote-getter in the general election. But he's run into some personal problems of late and that could be a turn off for some voters. Other candidates include Ed Bassemier, a well-known former city councilman, along with Kate Morley and Gina Ungar. I wouldn't be surprised to see one of the guys get defeated in this primary by one of the lady newcomers.
Bird Brain (I Cry Fowl)
On the Republican ballot in the 3rd Ward there is a total of four candidates. Alex Schmidt, a former commissioner candidate and darling of Vanderburgh GOP Chairman Wayne Parke, has the most name recognition and most advertising dollars. Look for him to win easily. Still, there's guaranteed to be at least one very intriguing matchup and that's in the 2nd Ward Democratic primary. This potentially close battle pits political veteran Missy Mosby against newcomer D'Angelo Taylor who's pushing for affordable housing among other causes that affect hard-working citizens. Mosby has name recognition, experience, and what's left of the Democratic machine on her side. But she's also an incumbent and city primaries usually draw very low turnout. Combine that with the fact there is no Republican contested primary in the 2nd Ward and some extra votes could come Taylor's way. Mosby has the upper hand but it's not a done deal. Taylor could pull this out if things start to fall into place on Election Day.
Are you ready to be entertained? Good, because I've got a real humdinger for you. Settle into the couch and get comfortable. First, I should ask: Have you ever seen The Birds, Alfred Hitchcock's horror masterpiece? For anyone with a phobia about being pecked to death, it's a true nightmare. And speaking of constant pecking... for many weeks now, there's been a bird literally throwing itself against my basement windows over and over, day after day. At first, it was just a minor nuisance; but in my old age, I'm getting more delusional with each passing minute and I slowly built up an irrational fear that this feathered friend of mine was, in fact, the harbinger of doom, intent on invading my inner sanctum. I exaggerate for effect, of course, but stay with me... Cut to the other morning when I awoke to a strange sound coming from the kitchen. Even in my groggy state, I could tell that it was something rather concerning. As I cautiously made my way out of the bedroom, inching towards the area of the commotion, I prepared myself for the worst. But I still wasn't prepared for the sight of a fullsized blackbird sitting on the windowsill. How it got in the house is a long story; how I got it out is a much shorter story but not that interesting. Suffice to say that I kind of just winged it - and spent the rest of the day in a fowl mood. Etc.
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | MOVIE PREVIEWS
MAY MOVIE PREVIEWS POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU (PG)
RELEASE DATE: MAY 10TH Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton The story begins when ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry's former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu.
ALADDIN (PG) RELEASE DATE: MAY 24TH Starring: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott
Aladdin is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future.
BRIGHTBURN (R)
RELEASE DATE: MAY 24TH Starring: Elizabeth Banks, David Denman, Jackson A. Dunn What if a child from another world crash-landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proved to be something far more sinister?
MA (R) ROCKETMAN (NR)
RELEASE DATE: MAY 31ST Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard Rocketman is an epic musical fantasy about the uncensored human story of Sir Elton John's breakthrough years, from his early days as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music up to his eventual musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
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RELEASE DATE: MAY 31ST Starring: Octavia Spencer, Diana Silvers, Luke Evans A lonely woman befriends a group of teenagers and decides to let them party at her house. Just when the kids think their luck couldn't get any better, things start happening that make them question the intention of their host.
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | FILM REVIEWS
THE DIRT NETFLIX
You will probably recognize Jeff Tremaine's name from the work he did as executive producer of a little series called Jackass Presents. Say what you will about the longevity of those productions, but they changed reality television in the early 00s and gave us an alternative to the stale, real-world, documentary style format that most scriptless productions were using at the time. The style he helped create carries over into his latest creation, The Dirt, a bio-pic focusing on the wild antics of Mötley Crüe. For the most part the film is a shot-for-shot retelling of the band's biography that was published in 2001. It is debauched, raunchy and extremely sexist, but that's the image Mötley Crüe was selling in the 80s and the storyline of The Dirt does a bang-up job on delivering the goods. Unfortunately, the film is only an hour and fortyseven minutes long, which isn't enough time to present an entire career of hijinks while also maintaining an emotional arc and basic character development. The result reads like CliffsNotes to the book, and even though we do get to see the troubled outline of Nikki Sixx's rise to stardom along with his bandmates, for the truly juicy details, it's probably best to read the book. That said, the film has some laugh out loud moments and the pacing reminds me of the bio-pic Netflix premiered last year on the creator of the National Lampoon, A Futile and Stupid Gesture. - John Thurgood
Showplace Cinemas East 1801 Morgan Center Drive Evansville, IN 47715 Showplace Cinema North 4200 N. 3rd Ave. Evansville, IN 47710 Showplace Cinemas South 950 Hebron Ave. Evansville, IN 47714 Showplace Cinemas Newburgh 8099 Bell Oaks Drive Newburgh, IN 47630 Showplace Cinemas Princeton 2691 W. Broadway St. Princeton, IN 47670 Showplace Cinemas Henderson 406 Walker Drive Henderson, KY 42420 Showplace Cinemas Harrisburg 701 N. Commercial St. Harrisburg, IL 62946
FOR MOVIE INFO CALL 812-422-3456
THE SILENCE NETFLIX
Netflix has been taking an unfettered approach to spending money, and if we needed yet another example, The Silence reminds us of this apparent truth. Not to say this is bad. If the streaming site makes one good movie out of 10, then it might all be worth it. And even the bad ones provide us with fodder and give us a chance to see a top dollar production fall apart right before our eyes. If nothing else, it allows young filmmakers the opportunity to learn what not to do, and for those of us who never plan on going into the movie business, it offers us a chance to whet our need to flex intellectually about standards in entertainment. That said, Stanley Tucci can act. And for all the mistakes The Silence makes, from stealing most of its logistical plot points from A Quiet Place without actually using them to build character and story to leaning a little too heavily into an end of the world scenario without much context, the one thing director John Leonetti did right was cast Tucci in the lead role. If nothing else, this film is a case study on the effect one actor can make on a truly terrible script. So please do watch The Silence and marvel as Tucci carries the entire production for an hour and a half. - John Thurgood
www.showplacecinemas.com
MAY MOVIES
5/3 The Intruder Long Shot Ugly Dolls
5/10 The Hustle Pokémon Detective Pikachu Poms Tolkien 5/17 A Dog's Journey John Wick: Ch. 3
Parabellum The Sun is also a Star 5/24 Aladdin Booksmart Brightburn 5/31 Godzilla: King of the Monsters Ma Rocketman
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | MUSIC REVIEWS
SIGRID Sucker Punch Island A young Norwegian singer with a bright future in pop music, Sigrid still has some work to do in the originality department, but the foundation for greatness is there. Sucker Punch, her debut full-length album, has the same tone one would expect if you took the bestselling singles from Taylor Swift and Lorde and tossed them in a blender. Which is to say that she's got some serious melodic chops but needs to develop a bit more to truly break out from the pack. Still, Sucker Punch isn't necessarily derivative or bland. But for better or worse there’s a formula the stand-outs follow: catchy chorus (bonus points if there’s a noise/second vocal track to keep things interesting), a personal message that can apply to literally anyone, and the artist’s voice must fall within a certain spectrum. Sigrid manages to hit those notes and still deliver a solid collection of pop songs. I look forward to a Sigrid single being the flagship trailer song for a children’s animated movie within the next couple years. - Gavin Gaddis
JENNY LEWIS On the Line Warner Bros. A quick look at Wikipedia shows Jenny Lewis has existed on the periphery of my pop culture vision for the better part of two decades. Her filmography boasts a healthy stable of supporting roles over nearly 40 years of movies and TV, including parts in Pleasantville, Troop Beverly Hills and, yes, The Golden Girls - nothing to be sniffed at. Then, because she doesn’t seem to like spare time, she has a heck of a music career on top of it all, having previously fronted the critically-acclaimed indie rock band Rilo Kiley which released six albums over the course of a 15 year career. On the Line, Lewis' fourth solo album, features a slew of guest musicians, including Beck, Ryan Adams and Ringo Starr. And while it’s classified as indie rock, it lives in that amorphous haze between several genres simultaneously. Some singles slow down with repetitive, slow basslines and just enough string accompaniment to invoke 1970s pop-country ballads. Others feel like awesome themes for a late-90s indie movie you’ve owned on DVD for 25 years and still watch regularly. As a package, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable album. Gavin Gaddis
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THE CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA To Believe Domino Perhaps this is due to To Believe being the first Cinematic Orchestra release I’ve given a shot, but yeesh, there’s an argument to be made that this isn’t really an album. No, I’m not talking about the length or amount of tracks, though one could call that out as being a little lacking. Rather, I take issue with the similarities between the ambient backing tracks. Frankly, if one’s attention wanders at all, it’s scarily easy to miss a transition between songs. The first time I listened to To Believe I had it playing on a laptop while I played a casual video game and 30 minutes in I had to pause and check the laptop to confirm I wasn’t still on one ridiculously long first song. To Believe is an old-school album in a way, demanding a legitimate set of headphones and somewhere comfortable to sit while you enjoy it. No phone, no television, just you sitting (preferably in a beanbag chair) and letting the nu jazz wash over. On a technical level, the music is beautiful and the lyrics are great. And it sounds fantastic. But it’s just so darned relaxing it’s easy to lose focus. - Gavin Gaddis
RICH THE KID The World is Yours 2 Interscope Talk about a vast difference between the life of a rising rapper’s life and that of a schlubby dude living in Evansville... Rich the Kid is two years younger than me, has a record label, divorced after getting busted dating someone else (then dumped them and started dating a third person), got beat up during a robbery of their girlfriend’s house and then got straight-up shot. Dude’s 26 with about 40 years worth of rough experiences yet he puts out The World is Yours 2, an album that’s effectively an hour of him re-assuring the world he’s living his best life. Sure, a lot of “I have money, sex, and power” rap is performative; that’s not new. But Rich the Kid delivers it with such sincerity that you'd never guess he’s carrying the kind of baggage one would expect from a deadly mid-90s rapper beef. Musically, the beats and arrangements on The World is Yours 2 slap. Sans vocals, it’s one of my favorite rap records of the past few years. Unfortunately, it's mostly Rich assuring the listener he gets laid and has lots of cash over nice beats. - Gavin Gaddis
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | MUSIC REVIEWS
PEAER The Eyes Sink into the Skull Citrus City The Eyes Sink Into the Skull was originally released in 2014 as the underground solo project of Peter Katz. Recorded all by himself in an attic, Katz quietly released the album on Bandcamp under the name Peaer. The project quickly evolved into a full band that released its self-titled sophomore effort in 2016. Three years on, having achieved a more elevated position, Peaer have remixed and remastered their great debut and rereleased it on cassette and online. Throughout The Eyes Sink into the Skull, Peaer convey a dark, brooding tone of slinky guitars and flat vocals. The songs have a “hushed” quality to them that makes the album sound very loose and relaxed. Stylistically, Katz’s music finds a great balance between artsy, emo punk and slacker math rock. If you are a fan of Slint’s Spiderland or American Football’s debut album, The Eyes Sink into the Skull sounds like the lovechild of the two. Compared to its original form, the remixing and mastering of the tracks makes the album more dynamic and professional. Listen to standout track “Your Eyes / Your Skull” to get a good feel of the album and a great introduction to Peaer. - Russ Finn
PANDA BEAR Buoys Domino Recording Co. Panda Bear - aka Noah Benjamin Lennox, co-founding member of experimental pop band Animal Collective - is 20 years into his music career with nary a misstep. Since 1999’s Spirit They’re Gone, Spirit They’ve Vanished, Lennox has made incredible album after incredible album - with or without the help of his Animal Collective peers. Buoys, Panda Bear’s first release since 2015’s Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper, is a great album just like all the rest, but might be his least inspired. In no way is Buoys bad (I personally love it), but it’s easy to say it’s Panda Bear’s most formulaic work. The album has Lennox's signature spacey vocals, catchy melodies and excellent production, but is missing the exciting experimental elements of his previous work. The result is a “nice” album - an album with a sunny atmosphere that will lend itself well to summer road trips and chill beach parties. If you’re a diehard fan, you may find that Buoys has everything a Panda Bear album needs, minus everything that makes Lennox exceptional. Russ Finn
ADAM SANDLER 100% Fresh Warner Bros. Adam Sandler’s latest Netflix comedy special, 100% Fresh, was released as a companion album. Known for his one great hit, “The Hanukkah Song,” Sandler has jumped back into the game alongside younger comedy singers such as George Watsky and Bo Burnham. While everyone has a special place in their heart for Sandler, this album is a different story. The 100% Fresh standup special was chock full of memorable moments and skits, but without the full stories, it falls a little flat on record. Songs such as “Alcoholic Lawyer” and “Bar Mitzvah Boy” stand out, but with each track lasting between 30 seconds to a minute, there is no real hit song that will be stuck in your head. It seems that every comedy special now has its own soundtrack, but some things are better left alone. Without the context of the jokes to make sense of the songs, the album is almost an injustice to the comedic genius of Sandler. To understand the full range of his twisted humor, it's better to skip the soundtrack and dedicate a night to watch the 100% Fresh Netflix special instead. - Kendall Shanks
AMERICAN FOOTBALL American Football 3 Polyvinyl Records Hailing from Urbana, Illinois, American Football is a pop punk band that has recently adopted a softer, more melodic sound. Their latest release, American Football 3, is an eight-track album that sounds like one long song. With three female artists being featured - Elizabeth Powell, Hayley Williams and Rachel Goswell - the album offers up four distinct vocal profiles while still managing to maintain a single tone throughout. While a cohesive album concept is nothing to fault, there is a distinct difference between thematic continuity and thematic stagnation. American Football 3 verges on the latter. The saving grace of this latest record is Mike Kinsella’s vocals. The band's frontman has a graceful voice that strikes a note deep within the listener. Because this album is so soft, it makes for a perfect soundtrack for sleepy spring days. While the monotonous nature of AF3 may not be for everyone, fans of American Football are sure to love it. Give the first few songs a listen, but don't delve too far beyond that. This is more of a background album, not a sing-along collection of hits. - Kendall Shanks
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NEWS4U MAY 2019 | BEER REVIEWS
MAY BEER REVIEWS
This month’s beers are available depending on supply & demand at all 10 Liquor Locker locations. Visit our website at www.Liquor-Locker.com. GOOSE ISLAND SUMMER TIME
ELYSIAN SUPERFUZZ
JONATHAN GLUFF - 4.25
While Elysian’s Space Dust has been riding high in the IPA market for quite some time, their Superfuzz has been criminally underappreciated. A silhouette of Jimi Hendrix adorns the can and provides inspiration for the name (his use of the Arbiter Fuzz Face guitar pedal is well-documented). Anything referencing guitar immediately catches my attention, but the dark sweetness of blood orange against the smooth taste of a pale ale should catch any beer drinker’s, too.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4
A thick white head forms on the beer and stays for a long time. The scent contains a good amount of blood orange and some other citrus scents from the hops. The bitterness from the hops hits the tongue first, followed by the flavors from the blood oranges. People who enjoy hoppy beers need to have a few of these on hand during the summer. Serve it with barbecue, hamburgers or grilled meats.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4
This beer pours a cloudy orange color. It has a 6.4% ABV and a light hops flavor, but it's just a little better than average - nothing over the top. It has a light orange flavor but I guess I was expecting more. Still, I have to admit, the can is pretty neat and interesting.
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JONATHAN GLUFF - 4.75
Poor kölsch; it’s a traditional German style that seems sadly neglected by most breweries. Luckily, craft heavyweights Goose Island raise its profile with their effort, Summertime. Like many other kölsches, it’s full-bodied and flavorful without being overly bitter. Biscuit-y undertones are sandwiched between a smooth, clean malt taste up front and a hint of lemon on the finish. A very well-rounded and well-crafted formula that nearly any beer drinker can enjoy.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4
A thick white head rests on this kolsch beer after pouring it in a stange glass. The nose fills with malt first, followed by a balance with hops. Some light malt flavors coat the tongue with the first sip of the beer, followed by some hops in the finish. This lighter beer with lower carbonation is a great choice for hot summer months. Pair it with sausages or other German dishes like sauerkraut.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4
This is a clear amber beer. I'm not a big fan of Kolsch beers; however, this one isn't bad and I can taste a slight flavor of lemon or some other citrus in this beer. It's almost in the arena of a Bud Light with a twist but more on the complex side as flavoring goes.
MAY 2019 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
CIGAR CITY JAI ALAI IPA
JONATHAN GLUFF - 3.5
Cigar City Brewing has a philosophy for how they want to brew their beer, and they stick to their guns. For instance, they’re proud of the hoppiness of their Jai Alai IPA, boasting its “six different hop varietals,” so be warned - this is one for the hop heads, not the casual crowd. If you can make it past the bitterness, though, you’ll be rewarded with a complex blend of dark citrus flavors.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25
A thick white head tops this IPA and stays for a long time. A burst of citrus notes from the hops dominates the scent profile. The hops also come to the forefront with the initial tasting, but receive some balance from the malt before the hop flavors return in the long finish. People who like IPAs need to try this one. Pair it with beef empanadas, deviled crabs or other spicy dishes.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
This beer pours a golden color with a nice, foamy head and emits a pine smell with tropical notes. The hops mixed with citrus flavors creates that familiar IPA bitterness, but it's not too overwhelming. It has nice carbonation and an ABV of 7.5%.
NEWS4U MAY 2019 | BEER REVIEWS
THREE FLOYDS ROBERT THE BRUCE
JONATHAN GLUFF - 4.25
While I consider myself a big fan of Indiana’s own Three Floyds brewery, I’m not proud to admit I’ve never had this nearly 20 yearold beer. The telltale markings of a Scottish
ale - warm tones of nuttiness and biscuits (not to mention being a bit boozier than your basic brew) - are all present, and it has a rich, pleasant fullness to it. While best suited to colder months, it’s a great beer to enjoy yearround.
the finish. People who enjoy malty beers will like this one. Pair it with a variety of meats and game, pungent cheeses or a variety of desserts with nuts or creamy and fruity desserts.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5
This beer pours a brown color with good carbonation. It has a nice roasted malt flavor with a hint of a smokiness. I have always been a fan of Three Floyds and this is another good beer that I will have to get again. Extra points for the unique label.
A thick tan head crowns this Scottish style ale when poured in a tulip glass. Sweet scents from the malts control the nose. The sweet malt flavor remains while drinking the beer, with roasted malt tones also appearing in
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
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