JANUARY
2020
|
TABLE
COVER STORY 9 Miranda Lambert "Wildcard" Tour An Interview with the Country Music Star
OF
CONTENTS
40 Music: Sarah Werner 42 Music: Static Mojo 44 Screen Time 45 Podcast Corner
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
FEATURES 12 Winter Jam 2020 at the Ford Center Part 2 of an Interview with Headliner Crowder 16 Korn & Breaking Benjamin at the Ford Center Co-Headlining Tour Headed to Evansville 18 Totally 80's Totally Murder Mystery Dinner Test Your Detective Skills at the OCC 19 Chris Janson "Real Friends" Tour at the OCC "Buy Me a Boat" Singer Coming to Western Kentucky 20 Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey at the Ford Center An Interview with Rookie Forward Jacob Smith
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 6 2020 is here!
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
46 Community & Family 48 VHS Spotlight 50 Tri-State Pet Pics 60 Mug Shots
OPINION 52 The Write Stuff 52 Tri-State Politics 53 Maybe I'm Just Getting Old
REVIEWS 54 Film 56 Music 58 Beer
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Contributors
25 Save Big!
CUISINE & DINING
Paul Bragin, Russ Finn, Johnny Fletcher, Bryan Fox, Gavin Gaddis, Jonathan Gluff, Jabez Martinez, Marisa Patwa
22 What's Cookin': Yak & Yeti 24 In the Kitchen
ENTERTAINMENT 26 In Town & Around 38 Music: Dekar Baker
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|5
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
F
or the first time at News 4U, I say goodbye to an entire
sure. But back to 2020, the new decade, etc. The tri-state is
decade. 2020 is here and thus begins a new era - a new 10-
certainly starting things off right with a big lineup of concerts
year cycle full of hope and promise and Pelotons... speaking
headed this way, including a highly-anticipated show by our
of the latter, please tell me you have seen the commercial that
cover star, Miranda Lambert. Check out the N4U exclusive
everyone's been weighing in on (pun intended) online. Then
interview with country music's "wildcard" for more details
again by the time this issue comes out the fervor will have
about her January 25 tour stop in Evansville. In addition,
most likely died down and we'll all be back to arguing about
we've got part 2 of our interview with Winter Jam headliner
impeachment and billionaires and other truly mind-numbing
Crowder, plus the lowdown on the upcoming performance
topics. Anyhow, do yourself a favor and check out that Peloton
by country star Chris Janson at the OCC and the twin metal
commercial if this is News 2U. I mean, I wouldn't go so far as
assault of Korn and Breaking Benjamin at the Ford Center. All
to say it's funnier than an episode of the re-booted Mad About
that and more inside. Here's to a brand new decade - may
You (yes, that's sarcasm) but dang, it will make you chortle for
your transition be a smooth one.
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The country music star talks expanding her sound, clever wordplay, hanging out in honky-tonks and more!
"WILDCARD" TOUR JANUARY 25 Ford Center 7pm Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • JANUARY 2020
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | COVER STORY
Don't call it a comeback - she's been here for years - but
what do I want to do when I get back out there? And I feel
Miranda Lambert has definitely returned with a bang, living
like I filled up that set list with this record alone [laughs]. You
up to her "Gunpowder & Lead" legacy with Wildcard, the
know what I mean? Because it's kind of all over the place.
country music star's seventh - and perhaps best - album to date. Veering from the redneck sass of lead single "It All Comes Out in the Wash" and electro feel of "Mess with
And yet it all seems to flow together quite nicely.
It's fluid, but there's not really a main theme to it, you know.
My Head" to the old-time waltz of "Tequila Does" and the
I actually just put songs onto it that I loved. You know, a lot
pile-driving surge of "Locomotive," this seriously diverse
of the other records I've made, I've kind of had this theme
collection of songs proves that Lambert has musical
to it but this one I was just like, 'I love that one and I love that
ambition to spare - and a wicked talent for wordplay.
one.' Somehow "Tequila Does" and "Mess With My Head"
Indeed, Wildcard is absolutely littered with clever turns of
go on the same record.
phrase that showcase the singer's gift for sarcasm which, by her own admission, was primarily absent from 2016's more emotionally-driven The Weight of These Wings. But more than anything, Wildcard shows that Lambert
Speaking of "Tequila Does," it's really one of the
highlights on the album due to its shifting time signatures - from waltz time to 4/4 and back.
We wrote it that way - it took a minute in the studio to get
hasn't lost her ability to write a great
that right because I had brought it in
hook - something that's readily
previously and tried to do it; I made
apparent on "Bluebird," the album's
a little demo of it. But it just wasn't
newly-released
single.
working, and it was disappointing
Featuring a mid-tempo groove with
because I love that song so much. And
a melancholy melody that slowly
then when I went in with [producer]
but firmly gets under the skin, the
Jay [Joyce] it basically was the first
song has captured the attention of
performance that the band and I did
country music fans everywhere via
together - I mean, that was the best
an inspirational chorus that speaks
take. It was all based on my vocal, so
to the basic, daily grind of life: "And
it was just kind of a lot of eye contact,
if the house just keeps on winning/I
you know [laughs]. It's probably my
got a wildcard up my sleeve/And if
favorite on the record because it
love keeps giving me lemons/I'll just
reminds me so much of home.
second
mix 'em in my drink/And if the whole wide world stops singing/And all the stars go dark/I'll keep a light on in my soul/Keep a bluebird in my heart." Were you looking to expand your sound or did the material just pan out that way?
There's no end of clever wordplay
on Wildcard. Have you always been a wordsmith or did that develop with your songwriting?
It came with songwriting. I mean, obviously, my first couple of songs weren't very good, but I feel like it's natural to me. My dad's a songwriter and I have a lot of the same
I think I was looking to kind of expand in general. I mean, I
tendencies that he does, but that's because that's who I
was really thoughtful about my live show on this recording,
learned from. You know, I feel like part of my career has
because I had just come off The Weight of These Wings
been built on a little bit of sarcasm in my work, too - you
which was a lot of songwriter songs. It's still one of my
know what I mean? I don't think I had as much of that in
favorite records I've made but, you know, translating live
Weight of These Wings as I do Wildcard, for sure.
from what people expect of me is to show up and hear "Kerosene" and "Gunpowder" and "Little Red Wagon" so I have to keep that vibe, too. So having a balance is important to me on the tour and I had been off the road for awhile. So when I was making this record I was also thinking about
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What's the vibe been like since Wildcard's release? Do
you feel like fans are embracing the diversity of the material?
I think they are - I can see live that everybody feels different
as far as their favorite song. I see reaction to the single but I also see reaction to - and this was even before the record came out - we started playing "Bluebird" and "Mess With My Head" and "Tequila Does." So, I haven't found that people are going, 'oh, this is my favorite.' Because the record has something for everybody, everybody has a different favorite song. That is an ideal situation, really. Well, yeah, if it works [laughs].
"Dark Bars" - which closes out the album - has a fantastic couplet: "I'm not in pain, I'm not on pills/ But I'm still hanging out in dark bars." Was that just an interesting bit of wordplay or something from inside you?
Well, that song I wrote with Liz Rose and I was texting her because she was coming to New York City to spend some time to write with me, so let's find a dark bar because that's where the stories are - and she said, 'well, that's our story.' But you know, I feel the most at home in the honky-tonks. That's where I started; I'm from Texas. And I've spent a lot of time over the years after not playing them just being there. I feel like that's where you get stories - where the people are that aren't going to judge you and you're not going to judge them. I've had nights where I've used it as medicine and I've had nights where I just wanted to go hear a live band and people-watch and have a great time. Bars sometimes still get a bad rap for people only being in pain but that's not necessarily true. I took myself on a date in New York City one night and I went and had a delicious dinner by myself and then wandered over to the Red Lion, walked in and sat at the bar, had a drink. There was this crazy rock
band playing and I felt right at home right there - right in the middle of New York City [laughs]. Finally, you've done great work over the years with
MuttNation, your organization that benefits homeless animals. Overall, do you see a positive change in how the problem is being addressed?
I do see it getting better. I think it's just awareness - the more we talk about it and tell people. To begin with, there are two things for me with MuttNation: First, we need to educate on spay/neuter - I mean, that's where the problem starts. And secondly, to tell people that shelters aren't scary. There are some really amazing shelters with some really amazing staff and volunteers and beautiful animals that are needing a home. I feel like people just think of it as a "pound" and they are scared of it. And people say, 'well, I don't have any money - I can't adopt a dog; what do I do?' Well, volunteer your time - go spend time walking a couple of the dogs and get them accustomed to people. Improving their quality of life will improve their chances of adoption. It's really not about whether you can take one home or can donate, it's really just spending an hour a week, even if you just have that. Spending time with the animals will improve their chances. For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com.
The Ford Center is located at 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd. in downtown Evansville.
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
WINTER JAM 2020
Part 2 of an interview with headliner Crowder F OR D CEN TER | JA NU A RY 30 | 7 P. M.
Last month we previewed the upcoming Winter Jam Christian music festival featuring some of the genre's biggest names, including headliner Crowder, international chart-toppers Hillsong Young & Free, hip hop artist Andy Mineo and the Dove Award-winning Building 249 as well as the founders of this hugely popular annual event,
piano players out there and I'm not one of them. But I do it for a living. Your musical style often changes from song to song. Is there any rhyme or reason to how a Crowder song takes shape?
Well, there is rhyme and reason, but it probably doesn't make any
New Song. Now we're pleased to present part 2 of an interview with
sense from a distance. It's what's in the air, what catches the ear at the
Crowder whose long - and very successful - music career has seen
time. And I like a lot of [different] stuff is what it is. What I think an artist
him hit the top of the Christian
is supposed to be doing - or at
Albums chart with 2014's Neon
least how I understand my role -
Steeple and 2016's American
is like a collector of things. Like
Prodigal in addition to peaking
you're supposed to be watching
at number two on the Billboard
when nobody else is paying
200 with 2012's Give Us Rest.
attention and say something on
The latter release (which also
behalf of me that I didn't know
hit number one on the Christian
you were going to say on my
Albums chart) served as the final
behalf. That's how I experience
statement by the David Crowder
music. I hear something that
Band which he fronted for over
somebody did and go, 'oh my goodness, that's exactly it and I
15 years. His most recent solo effort, I Know a Ghost, features the top 10 singles "Red Letters" and
resonate with it.' So whatever I'm resonating with I tend to want to
"Let It Rain (Is There Anybody)."
explore and suppose that other people will feel similarly. And I think
You're known as a multi-instrumentalist. So what all do you play apart from piano and guitar?
that the way we are able to consume music has broadened what we like. Right now I'm on a classical music kick. Like on the plane ride, I noticed that all the songs on my Spotify playlist over the last
[Laughs] Man, let's be honest and say if it's in my proximity, I'll poke at
month have been classical music [laughs]. And I'm like, man, I should
it. I personally would not say that I play any of the things that you see
probably listen to some, like, Travis Scott or something quickly - get
me playing. I'm not a banjo player, but I've played it on a number of
my feet back on the ground. What is this next record going to be?
my records and play it live every night. It's like, 'are you a plumber?' I mean, nope, but I have plumbed a house - but no, I'm not a plumber. I did study piano in college, but I'm not a piano player. There are legit
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Obviously, you're a funny guy...
[Laughs] We need that quote for publicity... "Obviously, you're a
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
funny guy." But is there a place for humor in Christian music - in the music itself - seeing as it's more of a solemn genre in the whole scheme of things?
That's an interesting question. This is what's nuts to me - I think that Christian music from an outside perspective has developed in a way that's become very competitive artistically to what's happening outside of the church in a way that's super exciting. At the same time, looking backwards when, perhaps, the Sonics and...I'm thinking of an artist like Steve Taylor. He had a record called something about clones. But this dude was doing like David Bowie stuff - like, crazy, crazy costume stuff and he had a song called "Meltdown at Madame Tussauds." And then there's another artist - his name is slipping my mind - but "I Handle Snakes Y'all" is the name of his song. There was a lot more humor and a lot more self-effacing and self-critical humor when it [Christian music] was getting its legs under it. The last I could point to a band that was doing that would be like Reliant K and that's been a number of years now. They were very self-aware in their humor and criticism of what they were doing and how they were as people - how humor could fit into song and be sarcastic and fun. But I also don't see a lot of humor in pop music. I mean, where's the [next] Weird Al? Crowder fans take your songs very seriously, placing great importance on your words. Does that ever weigh on you at all?
Man, uh, well, now it may become that way [laughs]. It seems like you're putting a lot of pressure on me. I never thought about that, but now, I don't know, I feel, like, super paralyzed. But I think I'm too unable to multi-task well. When I'm making stuff, I'm only thinking about this thing that I'm making. And so it's very mono...it's hard for me to think that way. Theologically, when I get lyrics that I think might be complicated, I make sure that I have a number of people to run them by and be like, 'hey, is this pushed in a good way? Or is this too much or too little?' In that sense, I feel like when you sing, I think music is sneaky because it forms us. It interjects itself and we're forming ourselves as we're loving a song. Like, to pick on songs like "Badonkadonk" or "My Humps" - you don't even realize what they're saying, you're not thinking about the lyrics. Now we're talking about how do we as humans think about ourselves in relationship to our maker and to one another. Then it gets very complicated in my mind - and scary. For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com. The Ford Center is located at 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd. in downtown Evansville.
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
KORN & BREAKING BENJAMIN HE AVY ENC O R E: IC O NIC M ETA L B A NDS J O INING FO R C ES A GA I N FO R C O -HEA DLINING U .S. TO U R FORD C ENTER | J A NU A RY 2 6 | 7 P.M . Over the last 25 years, few bands have rocked as hard as Korn and Breaking Benjamin. Together, they've shaped the sound of our culture through such heavy, iconic songs as "Freak on a Leash," "Falling Away from Me," "A.D.I.D.A.S.," "The Diary of Jane," "I Will Not Bow," "Give Me a Sign" and more. And while they've both made their mark on the charts and sold millions of records, the stage is where these two giants of metal truly come alive. So with the blessing of their many fans, Korn and Breaking Benjamin are embarking on an encore co-headlining tour that will see them trek across the U.S., laying waste to stadiums from coast to coast. Thankfully, the Ford Center stands firmly in the path of destruction. Korn recently celebrated 25 years as band, having formed in 1993 and released their landmark nu metal debut a year later. Led by the wholly unique Jonathan Davis whose singular vocal style - which often veers impulsively from singing to scatting to screaming - has influenced an entire generation of rock frontmen, the California-based group is still as relevant as ever. Just check out 2019's unrelentingly aggressive The Nothing for sonic proof. Perhaps just as influential, Breaking Benjamin have been in the hard rock trenches for two decades now. The Pennsylvania-based group has quite successfully married a heavy sound with a knack for melodic hooks and emotionally-driven vocals courtesy of singer Benjamin Burnley- a formula that's since been copied by any number of bands in the alternative metal genre. They recently announced their new record, Aurora, which features re-imagined versions of the band's classic tracks and features an array of guest artists. For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com. The Ford Center is located at 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd. in downtown Evansville.
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
O W ENSB O R O C O NV ENTIO N C ENTER J A NU A RY 3 1 | 6 P.M . FU N TO THE M A X : PU T Y O U R DETEC TIV E SK I L L S T O THE TEST AT THE O C C 'S TO TA LLY TU B U LA R E VE N T Like, take a chill pill. It's time to go back in time to the totally rad decade that produced such iconic fashion wear as parachute pants and inspired everyone to "walk like an Egyptian." Yes, we're talking about the 80's, that colorful, over-the-top era when the only thing anyone worried about was how controversial the next Madonna video would be. It was truly a fun time to be alive and the OCC is set to take you back there with this month's Totally 80's Totally Murder Mystery Dinner. Like, totally! The synopsis: Poison Ratenstein is in town for a killer concert, but his fans may be looking for a refund after this twisted tour turns tragic with a murder and a mystery to solve. The radical show could be super lame if no one can solve who was buggin’ so everyone can chill and get the show started! Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner and a live interactive experience of solving a murder crime with a unique theme. Come dressed in a totally gnarly 80's outfit - bangles, leg warmers, spandex, ripped jeans, etc. - and make sure your hair is big and high with plenty of hairspray and mousse. Or you can simply come as you are - no worries. Just come prepared to put your detective skills to good use! Tickets are $69 per person or two for $120. Reservations only. For more info, visit owensborocenter.com. The OCC is located at 501 W. 2nd St. in Owensboro, KY.
18 | JANUARY 2020
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
CHRIS JANSON "REAL FRIENDS" TOUR OW E NSB OR O CON V E NT I ON C E NT E R F EB RU ARY 1 | 7 :3 0 P. M. G O OD VIB ES: "B UY ME A BOAT " S I NGE R BRI NG ING T H E PA RTY TO W EST E RN KE NT U C KY Known for his wild, unpredictable stage shows that resemble more of a party than a concert, Chris Janson has been all about good times and good vibes since he first moved to Nashville a decade ago in pursuit of country music stardom. Like many before him, the Missouri native got his foot in the door via songwriting, eventually collaborating on several big singles, including Tim McGraw's huge hit "Truck Yeah" which helped to ignite Janson's solo career. In 2015, after releasing two EPs that stoked interest amongst country music fans, he dropped Buy Me a Boat, his debut full-length featuring the incredibly catchy title track and "Holdin' Her," a touching ballad dedicated to Janson's wife. The former peaked at number two on the country charts and remains a live favorite at every show. Janson followed his first taste of major success up with
2017's
Everybody
which reached number seven and spawned two more giant hits: "Fix a Drink" and "Drunk Girl" (#2 and #7 on Country Airplay,
respectively).
The latter advocated treating
women
with respect rather than taking advantage of a delicate situation, earning Janson much praise within the music industry and from fans alike. His most recent album, Real Friends, was released back in October and produced the chart-topping single "Good Vibes" which Janson performed live on The Ellen Show. He's currently out on tour promoting the single and the new album, sharing those "good vibes" with audiences throughout the Midwest and beyond. For tickets and more info, visit owensborocenter.com. The OCC is located at 501 W. 2nd St. in Owensboro, KY.
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| 19
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS HOCKEY AT THE FORD CENTER
R O OKIE F OR WA RD JA C OB S MI T H TA LKS SHAW N M ENDES, IM PR ESSIO NS O F EVAN SV IL L E, P E RS ONA L GOA LS A ND MO R E
What a difference a year makes. It's no secret that Evansville's
I've been to other parts of the U.S. - been to Vegas a couple of times,
professional hockey team had a rough go of it last season but with
Philadelphia, Buffalo, Colorado. But otherwise, I've never been to
new head coach Jeff Bes on board, things are headed in the right
anywhere really in the Midwest. Evansville is small, very southern. But
direction. As of this writing, the Thunderbolts sit at a very respectable
the weather's warmer - it's minus 15 back home so I don't mind the
.500, having recently swept Quad City and routed the Macon
climate here at all.
Mayhem 10-3. As rookie forward Jacob Smith notes, the guys feel like "we can beat anyone on any given night." And it's a virtually brand
You seem quite confident about the prospects for success this
new group of guys, by the way. Bes has assembled a whole new cast
year.
of players, but they are starting to gel in a big way, going all in on the
We can beat anybody in the league. I don't want to say it's a cockiness
team concept and getting better each time the T-bolts take the ice.
but it's more of a confidence that we have with each other. We know we have one of the most skilled teams in the league, so as long as
Smith may be a rookie, but he's got
we stick to our system and play our
plenty of experience - not to mention
game, we can most likely end up in
that he comes from the hockey capital
the top half of the league and have a
of the world (that would be Canada,
good run this year.
of course). He played major junior hockey back home from 2015-18,
Have you set any particular goals
splitting those years between the
for yourself this season?
Acadie-Bathurst Titans, Chicoutimi
You can set your goals and anything
Sagueneens and Val d'Or Foreurs,
can happen - right now, I'm just taking
along
it one game at a time. I play a very
with
the
OHL's
Windsor
Spitfires. After spending last season
defensive game and if I just stick to
with the Carleton University Ravens in Canada, Smith jumped ship
my system and do the little things...focus on defense first then good
and headed to the U.S., eventually getting a call from Coach Bes to
things are going to happen like they have over the last few games.
join the T-bolts. You're originally from Pickering, Ontario, Canada - also the birthplace of international pop star Shawn Mendes, as you probably know. A lot of my friends have mutual friends of his. So I know who he is but I'm not really close to him at all. I guess it's a small town - everyone knows everyone. Yeah, he's really big. You've been with the T-bolts for a couple of months now. What are your impressions of Evansville?
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JANUARY HOME GAMES @ THE FORD CENTER 1/3 vs. Knoxville 1/17 vs. Quad City 1/18 vs. Quad City 1/31 vs. Birmingham
For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com
PRESENTED BY
$
22 | Tickets
Ticket sales for general reserved seating ($22) begin January 6, 2020 at the Old National Events Plaza, ticketmaster.com or by calling the box office at 812-437-8300.
$
100 | VIP Tickets
Includes preferred show seating and admission to the Curtain Call Reception.
For more information or to purchase VIP tickets visit www.arcofevansville.org
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| 21
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | CUISINE & DINING
What's cookin' yams makes a unique and delicious flavor, and the Nepali sauce served with it enhances it even further.
Next up was the Biryani, a dish that can be best described as a rice-
filled pot pie with naan bread as the crust. Now, I see a lot of people
While Evansville has plenty of fantastic restaurants that represent various cultures around the world, there’s a noticeable dearth of Indian cuisine available. Although Himalayan cuisine isn’t exactly the same, there’s certainly a decent amount of crossover between the two. Luckily, Evansville’s new Himalayan eatery, Yak & Yeti, fills that gap.
being one myself, I went ahead and ordered it veggie-style. Even without meat, it’s still a fantastic medley of flavors: Rice, carrots, cauliflower, celery, broccoli, and other vegetables are cooked in a hammered copper pot, all sealed with the aforementioned naan bread. Once again, it’s an incredible presentation that makes an already amazing entree just that much better. It comes with raita, a
I started off with their Chai Tea, which pleasantly surprised me. There
was a hint of chocolate to it, and I think that might have been what really made the difference for me. I have to say that not only are Samosas one of my favorite Indian
foods, but one of my absolute favorite foods, period. After trying this Himalayan take on the staple dish, I’ve found my favorite version of it. The presentation is really creative: Rather than the familiar pocket, the pastry shell is bunched into a sack-like shape with an onion string cinching it shut. Their choice of substituting regular spuds with sweet potatoes is not only a healthier option, but absolutely delicious as well. The savory spices mixed with just a hint of sweetness from the
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sauce that bears a resemblance to the tzatziki sauce you’d get with a Greek gyro. In addition to these and other great offerings, there’s a full lunch
22 | JANUARY 2020
looking for vegetarian options in the tri-state area, so despite not
/
buffet with a rotating cast of dishes each day. I can attest that all the common foods you’d expect (butter chicken, curry, tikka masala, etc.) are absolutely top-notch and made fresh daily. You really can’t go wrong. Stop by today and see why everyone’s talking about Yak & Yeti! Jonathan Gluff
For more info, follow Yak & Yeti on Facebook.
EVA NSV ILLE, INDIA NA
/
8 1 2 -9 0 9 -2 0 2 2
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| 23
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | CUISINE & DINING
IN THE KITCHEN
with Chef Amanda Hancock
This is my ABSOLUTE favorite holiday dessert! It’s a basic butter cake, but for the holidays I add fresh cranberries
OOEY-GOOEY BUTTER CAKE
to brighten it up. It’s easy because it starts with a yellow cake mix. I always buy an upgrade with pudding already as an ingredient. Then I add fresh cranberries to take it to the next level.
Find more recipes on
Chef Amanda Hancock's website: www.chefamandahancock.com And in her book:
The Best is Yet to Come
INGREDIENTS: CRUST • • •
1 18.25 oz. yellow cake mix 1 egg ½ (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
FILLING • • • • • •
1 8oz. package cream cheese, at room temperature 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup unsalted butter 1 16 oz. confectioners’ sugar, plus a little more for dusting 1 bag of fresh cranberries
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
CRUST
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix well until dry ingredients are moistened. Pat lightly into prepared baking pan, covering the sides of the pan.
FILLING
In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and beat until well combined. Beat in melted butter until smooth and evenly blended. On low speed, gradually beat in the box of confectioners' sugar. Beat until smooth. Add the cranberries and stir in by spoon. Spread the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the sides are set, and the center is still a little jiggly. Remove from the pan and let cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cut into 20 squares.
Just make it taste good! 24 | JANUARY 2020
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
PRESENTED BY:
IN TOWN & AROUND TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 6:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 6:30 PM
Darts
Ford Center -- UE Men's
6:30 PM
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3
Basketball
7:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive
Carson's Brewery -- Live Music
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia
5:30 PM
Carson's Brewery -- Bingo w/
After 5: The Next Step
Curtis
7:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Themed Trivia
-- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes -
7:15 PM
register @ 6:30pm)
7:00 PM 8:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Carson's Brewery -- Live Music
-- Nick Gregory
7:15 PM
9:00 PM
Ford Center -- Evansville
Bokeh Lounge -- Rock Show
8:00 PM
Thunderbolts
w/ Null Valley, Crows of Odin
8:00 PM
& Terrible People
9:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
-- Annabel Whitledge
Karoake
Eve Party w/ The Pits
-- Karaoke
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
9:00 PM
Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
8:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- New Year's
-- New Year's Eve w/ Summer THURSDAY, JANUARY 2
& The Sumthings 9:00 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- New Year's
6:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Elliott
& DJ
Sublett
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
Sparky
Karoake
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Michelle
Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
Sutton
Eve Bash w/ Tailgate Revival
France w/ Tommy Stillwell
& DJ
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Stoney
Cricket's (Newburgh) -- New
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Wayne
Year's Eve w/ National Dust
Night w/ Brad Lemmons
-- Karaoke & DJ
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- New
KC's Corner Pocket -- College
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
10:00 PM
Year's Eve Bash w/ DJ &
Night / Karaoke & DJ
Sparky
Johnson
Karaoke (no cover)
7:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Beyond
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Blu
-- Blue Collar
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
-- Texas Hold 'Em
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Tastes
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jan 4:
& Dance Party
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Like Chicken
The Gaslight Boys
Owensboro Convention
-- True Crime Trivia
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Josh
Center -- New Year's Eve Party
8:00 PM
10:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
2019 w/ DJ Shay
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Daniel E.
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Johnson
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- New
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Muddy's
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve
Year's Eve Show w/ 3 All
House of Blues
Presents The Come Up Tour
Original Bands
9:00 PM
10:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- LayLow
-- Karaoke
and McNaughty NYE takeover
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
26 | JANUARY 2020
9:30 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Daniel E.
Merritt Band SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 2:00 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh SATURDAY, JANUARY 4
Merritt
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive
Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz:
5:30 PM
2:30 PM
After 5: Angel Rhodes &
The Sidemen
Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic
Lucas Pate
w/ OTP
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
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Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Fooly
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| 27
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Loaded Stand up Comedy
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
Open Mic
Darts
6:30 PM
6:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
Ford Center -- UE Men's
7:00 PM
Basketball
-- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill 9:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke
6:30 PM 7:00 PM
Carson's Brewery -- Bingo w/ Curtis KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
MONDAY, JANUARY 6
-- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes -
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
register @ 6:30pm)
Darts
8:00 PM
7:00 PM
Carson's Brewery -- Free Trivia w/ Prizes 8:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
9:00 PM
Karaoke
Mic
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7
6:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
France w/ Tommy Stillwell
Pool
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College
6:00 PM
Night w/ Brad Lemmons
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
KC's Corner Pocket -- College
-- College Night / Karaoke
Night / Karaoke & DJ
& DJ
7:00 PM
6:30 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
-- Texas Hold 'Em
Themed Trivia
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
7:00 PM
-- General Knowledge Trivia
Acoustics w/ Tom Small
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live 9:00 PM
8:00 PM
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Muddy's
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
House of Blues
Karaoke
9:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8
28 | JANUARY 2020
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-- Karaoke
KC's Corner Pocket -- Free
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Pool
Karaoke
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| 29
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Josh
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Merritt [acoustic]
-- Live Music
9:30 PM
9:00 PM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
5:30 PM
Sparky
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive
Lyle's Sports Zone -- The
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
After 5: The Honey Vines
Valcoes
Karoake
7:00 PM
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Tom
Carson's Brewery -- Live
Small
Karaoke & DJ
Music
5:30 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive
-- Karaoke & DJ
8:00 PM
10:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Reudiger
After 5: Fabulous Rodenberg
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
-- Static Mojo
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Boys
Sparky
Owensboro Convention
-- Tastes Like Chicken
6:45 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- The
Center -- 3rd Annual Puzzle
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Ford Center -- WWE Friday
Jimmies
Pieces Lip Sync Battle
Hyryder: A Tribute to The
Night Smackdown
10:00 PM
9:00 PM
Grateful Dead
Carson's Brewery -- Live
Reudiger
KAPOW
Music
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
8:00 PM
Evvolve Presents: OK. Kevin,
Karoake
D0min0 & Insolent
KC's Corner Pocket --
pinball tournament
Karaoke & DJ
2:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP
KC's Corner Pocket -FRIDAY, JANUARY 10
7:00 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Chris
Bokeh Lounge -- Las Vegas Live w/ Darryl Vanleer
30 | JANUARY 2020
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Bud's Bar & Grill -- Chris
Bokeh Lounge -- Opal Fly & 1:00 PM
Damsel Brew Pub -- All ages
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- Open
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Merritt
9:00 PM
Stage Comedy Night
9:00 PM
Mic
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Grill -- Karaoke
Karaoke
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
2:30 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open
Jazz: Need Moore Green 6:30 PM
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14
7:00 PM
Pool
KC's Time Out Lounge &
6:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
9:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge &
Karaoke WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 KC's Corner Pocket -- Free Pool
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 6:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
& DJ
& Grill -- College Night /
Darts
France w/ Tommy Stillwell
9:00 PM
Karaoke & DJ
6:30 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia
Night w/ Brad Lemmons
7:00 PM
KC's Corner Pocket --
Carson's Brewery -- Bingo w/
College Night / Karaoke &
6:30 PM
Curtis
DJ
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
KC's Time Out Lounge &
Darts
Themed Trivia
Grill -- Cornhole (w/ cash
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Kevin's Backstage Bar &
Karaoke
Grill -- Eville Thunderbolts Coaches Show
MONDAY, JANUARY 13
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe
Carson's Brewery -- Movie @
prizes - register @ 6:30pm)
the Brewery
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Ford Center -- Harlem
Trivia w/ Prizes
Acoustics w/ Tom Small
-- Bar Bingo
Globetrotters
8:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge &
Carson's Brewery -- Free
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive
Sparky
Music
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
After 5: David Dunavent
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Mason
Victory Theatre -- EPO
-- Star Trek Trivia
7:00 PM
Dixon
presents Charles Latshaw,
10:00 PM
Alan Snow & Graham Cullen
McCormick
Ford Center -- Evansville
8:00 PM
Carson's Brewery -- Live
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Music
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Muddy's
7:15 PM
House of Blues
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Doug
7:15 PM
Ford Center -- Evansville
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Thunderbolts Hockey
9:00 PM
Thunderbolts
Evvolve Presents: Signal Boost
-- Karaoke
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill Lamasco Bar & Grill --
-- Crosby Nellis Exposed
Karaoke
9:00 PM
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Nick
Bokeh Lounge -- Crystal Lady
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Live Music
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
9:00 PM
1:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Morgan
Ford Center -- UE Men's
Donahue & The Left of
Hamilton (Acoustic)
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
Basketball
Center Players
9:30 PM
Karoake
5:30 PM
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive
Karoake
Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic
KC's Corner Pocket --
w/ OTP
Karaoke & DJ
After 5: Cynthia Murray (
KC's Corner Pocket --
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
WELCOME HOME SHOW)
Karaoke & DJ
-- Karaoke & DJ
7:00 PM
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 5:30 PM
32 | JANUARY 2020
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Carson's Brewery -- Live
Sparky
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Mudpit
Funday with Kenna Elpers &
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
Poets
Cynthia Murray
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Crows of
6:30 PM
9:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
Mic
Pool
Odin & special guests
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
10:00 PM
7:00 PM
McCormick
-- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open
KC's Corner Pocket -- Free
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free TUESDAY, JANUARY 21
Darts
Victory Theatre -- Criss
Pool
Ford Center -- UE Men's
-- Velcro Pygmies
Angel Raw - The Mindfreak
Basketball
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rich
Unplugged
6:00 PM
Hardesty Acoustic
9:00 PM
-- College Night / Karaoke
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
& DJ
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
Karaoke
6:30 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Doug
2:00 PM Merritt
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
2:30 PM
Darts
Jazz: Honey Roy Duo
Carson's Brewery -- Free
Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday 5:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Sunday
7:00 PM
Trivia w/ Prizes 8:00 PM
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
6:00 PM
6:30 PM 7:00 PM
Carson's Brewery -- Bingo w/
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Curtis
Themed Trivia
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
7:00 PM
-- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes -
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live
register @ 6:30pm)
Acoustics w/ Tom Small
8:00 PM
9:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
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| 33
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
-- Karaoke
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Muddy's
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Webb
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
House of Blues
-- Sarah Werner & Chris w/
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- OnE
Karaoke
9:00 PM
Mitch Dupree & Ed Sein
Productions presents: Even
9:00 PM
Styler (A Drum & Bass
KC's Time Out Lounge & THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
Grill -- Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Miller & the Dead Lights
Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe
Karaoke
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
France w/ Tommy Stillwell
9:30 PM
Karoake
Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic
KC's Corner Pocket --
w/ OTP
Karaoke & DJ
Center -- Your Perfect Day
KC's Time Out Lounge &
Wedding Show
Grill -- Karaoke & DJ
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Brad Lemmons KC's Corner Pocket -College Night / Karaoke &
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
Bokeh Lounge -- Jordan
Experience) SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 12:00 PM
Owensboro Convention
5:30 PM
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive
Sparky
-- Miranda Lambert Pre-Show
KC's Time Out Lounge &
After 5: Fabulous Rodenberg
Lyle's Sports Zone -- National
w/Kenna Elpers
Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em
Boys
Dust
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
7:00 PM
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Michelle
5:30 PM
Carson's Brewery -- Live
Shelton
After 5: Red Sadie
Music
10:00 PM
7:00 PM
DJ 7:00 PM
-- Schitt's Creek Trivia 8:00 PM
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
34 | JANUARY 2020
8:00 PM
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Bud's Bar & Grill -- Cody
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive
Carson's Brewery -- Live
Music
Party w/ DJ
Ford Center -- Miranda
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Lambert "Wildcard" Tour
Calabash
9:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- NuCorp J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karoake
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 1:00 PM
Coaches Show MONDAY, JANUARY 27
6:30 PM
Darts
Themed Trivia
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
Carson's Brewery -- Free
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live
Damsel Brew Pub -- All ages
Trivia w/ Prizes
Acoustics w/ Tom Small
KC's Corner Pocket --
pinball tournament
Karaoke & DJ
2:00 PM
8:00 PM
7:30 PM
9:00 PM
Shen Yun
Mic
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh
Sparky
Merritt
Lyle's Sports Zone -- The
2:30 PM
Backbeat
Jazz: Bokeh Big Band
Mountain Spiders
6:30 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Cody Webb
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open
Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Death 10:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
Old National Events Plaza -9:00 PM Karaoke
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke
Pool
7:00 PM
6:00 PM
Pool
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
KC's Corner Pocket -- Free
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
-- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
-- College Night / Karaoke
Darts
-- LDNL
9:00 PM
& DJ
6:30 PM
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Miranda Lambert After-
Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Karaoke
-- Evansville Thunderbolts
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Carson's Brewery -- Bingo w/ Curtis KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
9:30 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP
-- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes register @ 6:30pm) Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill -- Bar Bingo
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The Next Step
Shen Yun
Owensboro Convention
8:00 PM
6:30 PM
Center -- Totally 80's Murder
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
Mystery Dinner
9:00 PM
7:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Carson's Brewery -- Live Music
-- Karaoke
Victory Theatre -- Aaron Lewis
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
"The State I'm In" Tour
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
7:15 PM
Ford Center -- Evansville
6:00 PM
Thunderbolts
France w/ Tommy Stillwell
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe
8:00 PM
Bud's Bar & Grill -- College
-- Brian Brown Acoustic
Night w/ Brad Lemmons
9:00 PM
KC's Corner Pocket -- College
Bokeh Lounge -- White Trash
Night / Karaoke & DJ
Bash! w/ RC Lahman, Kelo
7:00 PM
Kaddafi & the Jangle Sheep
Ford Center -- Winter Jam
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ &
2020
Karoake
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
-- Texas Hold 'Em
& DJ
Kevin's Backstage Bar & Grill
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
-- Music Trivia
-- Karaoke & DJ
7:30 PM
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Damsel Brew Pub -- Fresh
Sparky
Pour Comedy Tour
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Whiskey
8:00 PM
Alibi
TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Muddy's
Bud's Bar & Grill -- Live Music
Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke
10:00 PM
House of Blues
TBA
9:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
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5:30 PM
7:30 PM
Old National Events Plaza --
36 | JANUARY 2020
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31
Presents: Tru Feelz
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| 37
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | MUSIC
DEKAR BAKER GOOD COMPANY: TRI-STATE DRUMMING PHENOM ABLE TO THRIVE IN ANY MUSICAL SCENARIO Dekar Baker's head-spinning knowledge of music was
Thankfully, he came to his senses - or perhaps his shorter
earned the old fashioned way - by going to the library as
stature helped nudge him in the right direction. Either way,
a kid and checking out stacks of CDs, regardless of genre.
the tide turned when Baker was asked to join a pop/funk/
He would burn them to his computer, eventually compiling
rock band called Loveless, a 180 departure from the jazz
a catalog of over 800, including everything from Slipknot
stylings of his previous drumming adventures - and soon
to Stevie Wonder. Then the real work began. "I would just
found himself signed to a label as a teenager. But most
play through the whole CD until I knew how to play every
importantly, he began to sing behind the kit, taking lead
song drumming-wise," the 2013 Memorial High School grad
vocals on occasion and adding harmonies to the mix.
recounts. "Now when I play open mic nights and someone says, 'hey, can you play this
Loveless
song?' I probably know it."
out after a few years but
Completely self-taught, Baker,
Baker's next project would
now 24, has wowed even the
prove
tri-state's
recognized
put, he graduated to the next
drummers with both his talent
level, providing the backbeat
and a seemingly innate gift to
for a freakishly-talented trio
adapt to virtually any musical
featuring
situation, even if it requires
Murray, guitarist Theo Akai
sight reading - which he gets
and bassist Johnny Coats -
around by simply relying on
otherwise known as Osiella.
feel. Long story short, that
The newly-minted four-piece
library card really came in
- effectively an indie rock
handy.
band with elements of country
most
inevitably
life-altering.
singer
petered
Simply
Cynthia
and much more - wasted And yet, despite Baker's instrumental prowess at such a
no time heading out on a cross-country trek that really
young age and the boundless promise that came with it,
opened Baker's eyes. "It showed me that I wasn't going to
his heart wasn't always in it. Or more accurately, his dream
be homesick by going on the road," he says. "I know my
of NBA stardom outweighed his love of music - at least for
family's in my corner - I've got a great support system." A
awhile. "I was trying to decide if I should put all of my effort
phenomenal support system, in fact. When Osiella's vehicle
into the drums," Baker says, noting that by age 11 or 12 he
broke down somewhere in West Virginia towards the end
was already scoring paying gigs at venues like Marina Pointe.
of the tour, Baker's dad, without hesitation, drove 13 hours
But when high school arrived, his sports addiction went into
straight to pick him up.
over-drive and the lure of professional basketball loomed.
38 | JANUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
To the disappointment of the band's many fans, that incarnation of Osiella called it quits around 2015 but not before recording a fantastic EP powered by the country rock single "Demons." Murray soldiered on with new musicians while Akai, Baker and Coats pondered what to do next. "We had a meeting and Theo said he wanted to keep playing music together," Baker recalls. With no need for further discussion - or rehearsal of any kind On Tap Project (OTP) was born, a free-flowing improv trio that magically conjures up dazzling blasts of blues, jazz, funk, reggae - basically whatever feels right at a given moment. The guys share vocal duties, emphasizing the democratic nature of OTP and ensuring that no two shows are alike. Currently, they host open mic nights at Bokeh Lounge on Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. If you've learned anything about Baker by now, you know that his enthusiasm for music can't be contained. In addition to performing with OTP over the last few years, he's also been tapped to play drums on a couple of cruise lines, including a six-month stint in 2017 that served as a difficult yet invaluable experience. And admirers of up and coming tri-state country singer Kenna Elpers may well have spotted Baker at the back of the stage, effortlessly laying down the C&W groove during her shows. But wait, there's more - including Developmental Research, a perfect-for-weddings jazzy trio featuring Akai, Baker and multi-instrumentalist Monte Skelton, plus Loops & Rhythms, a duo that entertains the Sunday crowd at Mo's House in downtown Evansville twice a month. And, unbelievably, we still haven't mentioned Baker's most exciting project, Dekar & The Good Company Band, which he started as an outlet for his original song ideas. Meant to be a fluid group with various musicians selected for each particular performance, it gives Baker the opportunity to truly shine creatively - something that was completely evident at ParksFest back in October. "We had singers coming on and off the stage, horns, a bit of hip hop, Motown, neo-soul...when we take the stage I just go with whatever I'm listening to [at the time] which could be anything," he says. Said original song ideas can soon be heard on Baker's upcoming solo release featuring "I Dropped the Ball," which received mad props at ParksFest. The soulful - and lyrically humorous - nod to missing out on love should be available on the drummer's birthday, January 23 (an official release party at Mo's is in the works). Be sure to check out the new single and wish Baker a happy 25th!
For more info, follow Dekar Baker and On Tap Project on Facebook.
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| 39
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | MUSIC
SARAH WERNER FROM COMEDY TO HEARTBREAK: EVANSVILLE COUNTRY SINGER RUNS THE EMOTIONAL GAMUT IN HER SONGWRITING It was a totally surreal moment. Having battled stage fright early on
away and it was on my birthday," she notes. "A lot of people that
in her music career, Evansville's Sarah Werner now stood in front of
knew him came to the gig and wanted to hear a certain song that
nearly 9000 patrons at the Ford Center,
I wrote - it was very emotional; I'll never
preparing to sing the national anthem to
forget it." Speaking of original material,
kick off the 2018 edition of Guns & Hoses,
admittedly, Werner tends to swing wildly
an annual benefit boxing match featuring
from comedy ("White Trash Wasted" and
area first responders. Yikes. Yes, "The Star
"Show Me Your Tips") to heartbreak ("Still
Spangled Banner" can be a nightmare
Missing You" and "One of Those Nights")
to perform for even the most seasoned
with little middle ground. But her dramatic
vocalist but Werner felt surprisingly calm
shifts in mood simply reflect the country
until..."I was put on the fire truck ladder
singers she admires, including Miranda
and presented in front of everybody - I
Lambert and Maron Morris - both of
stepped down off the ladder and as
whom Werner covers in her set, along
soon as my boots hit the concrete floor,
with Johnny Cash and other old school
my body just went to mush," she recalls.
favorites. She even ventures into pop and
"It was the biggest adrenaline rush I've ever had - it was insane." What's even crazier, perhaps, is that she
rock territory on occasion, belting out hits by Pat Benatar, Joan Jett and Alannah Myles.
absolutely nailed it, whooping the capacity crowd into a frenzy. In addition to appearing at Lamasco and Sara's Harmony Way, Still, if Werner had her druthers, she'd be taking center stage at the
Werner - as a solo act, an acoustic duo with a fellow multi-
Grand Ole Opry. Her love for country
instrumentalist or with a full band - has
music knows no bounds - so much so
made the rounds at Leroy's Tavern,
that the married mom picked up the
Hornet's Nest, ShrinersFest, Fall Festival
guitar at age 18 (a beat-up, duct-taped
and plenty of fundraisers and weddings.
hand-me-down
brother)
She's hoping to devote more time to
for the sole purpose of learning her
music in 2020 with her college degree
favorite songs from both the classic
nearly complete and a less-demanding
and contemporary eras. Coming from a
job. For Werner, it's all about setting goals
musical family, it certainly didn't hurt that
- many of which she's already achieved.
she already had a firm grasp of piano
"First, I wanted to be able to sing in
and violin - chordings and fingerpicking
front of people without getting nervous;
on the six-string were simply studied on
second, to sing my own song live; third,
YouTube. The only real sticking-point
I wanted to hear my song on the radio.
from
her
going forward was the aforementioned nerves which dissipated over time thanks to karaoke nights around town. But the real catalyst came in 2012 via open mic nights and eventual Jive After 5 slots at Lamasco Bar & Grill on Evansville's west side. She also entered the venue's inaugural talent contest in 2017, placing third. Between those years, Werner landed her first paying at Sara's Harmony Way up north, a particularly memorable show for two reasons. "It was the day after a close friend of mine had passed
40 | JANUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Now I just want to hear someone else perform one of my songs." UPCOMING SHOWS:
1/24 Backstage Bar & Grill
2/8 Jive After 5 @ Lamasco 2/22 Leroy's Tavern
For more info, visit sarahwernermusic.com and follow her on Facebook.
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | MUSIC
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • JANUARY 2020
| 41
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | MUSIC
STATIC MOJO LIKE FAMILY: CLOSE-KNIT TRI-STATE COVER BAND ROCKS HARD BUT NEVER SKIMPS ON THE HUMOR If the band interview for this article at Enigma Bar & Grill in
gravitate towards guitarists; he can strum a few chords on
Newburgh was any indication, Static Mojo rehearsals must
the six-string, too.
be hilarious. Truly, this is a group of guys that enjoys chilling out together - and especially taking the piss out of each other
And before we proceed any further, it's time to introduce
for comedic purposes. Of course, more than a little alcohol
the band's secret weapon: official sixth member Brandon
consumption during the proceedings may have played a
Greene, a sound & lights savant who's manned the boards
role, but hey, that's rock and roll. The gist of it is that if you
for the likes of Bush, No Doubt and Filter. By all accounts, he
ever get the opportunity to hang with the Mojo, by all means,
makes Static Mojo really percolate sonically and look great,
do it. Even better, check out one of their highly entertaining
too, with high-tech illumination. (He can also make them
live sets around town because this band kills it, covering an
cry with pointed comments through the headset, but again,
exceptionally wide range of material - everything from Alice
that's rock and roll.)
In Chains and Lynyrd Skynyrd to Duran Duran and Tears for Fears - via exceptional musicianship
We'd also be remiss not to mention
courtesy of lead guitarist Kelly Walsh,
Walsh's brush with Ray Charles during
guitarist Steve Wernicke, bassist Tony
his time playing in a military jazz band.
Cariota and drummer Irl Trice. The four
While the legendary blind pianist didn't
of them provide rock-solid backing for
recognize him, sadly, he did offer some
the strong, melodic vocals of Bryan
words of encouragement as they passed
Thomas, the man at the center of it all.
backstage, and "it's pretty much gone downhill from there."
Static Mojo came into being back in 2014, beginning life as an acoustic
Now, back to our story...it's a new
affair featuring Thomas, Walsh and
decade and Static Mojo are ready to
Wernicke sans drums. Eventually, Trice
K some A - maybe write some more
- reportedly fresh off his 10th high
original songs as well to complement
school reunion (just one of the many amusing white lies he
fan faves like "Gravity" and "Walkabout Princess." It's just
told during the interview) - joined the mix and after a Spinal
a matter of coming to a stylistic consensus amongst five
Tap-like succession of bass players, Cariota, a veteran of the
people who have such divergent tastes. But at least four of
tri-state music scene who previously played with former Five
them agree that Wernicke needs to put his classical piano
Finger Death Punch drummer Jeremy Spencer and once
skills to good use - live, in particular. But even if he stonewalls,
opened for Pantera, secured the position. If you're keeping
you still need to see SM in the flesh and experience their
score, it's 2017 at this point and SM is evolving into a much
no-huddle offense approach to performance - a total roller
more intense outfit, expanding their setlist to reflect Cariota's
coaster ride of hits played with fierce conviction by a close
heavier background. But still, the melodic side of the band is
group of friends.
holding firm as they continue to fly the flag for 80's and 90's hook-laden tunes. Side bar: Ladies, please note that drummer Irl Trice is single and ready to mingle. And no worries if you instinctively
UPCOMING SHOWS: 1/11 Backstage Bar and Grill 2/1 Stoner’s Grill 2/8 Bokeh Lounge
For more info, follow Static Mojo on Facebook.
42 | JANUARY 2020
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| 43
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | ENTERTAINMENT
with Marisa Patwa HILARITY & HORROR: JANUARY BRINGS TWO NEW DYNAMIC FILMS FROM OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE CINEMATIC SPECTRUM
Just coming out of your Christmas coma and ready for a little entertainment? Two new films are out this month that, while completely opposite in tone, are both totally worth your time. Released January 10, the chilling Underwater depicts a group of aquatic researchers being haunted by a dormant sea monster who awakens after an earthquake erupts their H20 lab. And for the comedy crowd, there's the hilarious Like a Boss - also out January 10 - which centers around two talented business women and dreamers who make a deal with a manipulative, power-hungry boss to make their beauty company go Kyle Cosmetics level. Fresh off an insane 2019 during which she starred as misunderstood French New Wave actress Jean Seberg in Amazon Studios’ Seberg and as scene-stealing Sabina Wilson in Charlie’s Angels, Kristen Stewart is transforming into yet another uniquely distinct character as a scientist with baddie bleach blonde hair and glasses in sci-fi thriller Underwater. Deadpool’s TJ Miller also stars as a member of the crew, meaning he’ll definitely be there to inflate some funny farts in this submerged scare. I’m excited for this film because it isn’t your standard shipwreck or giant luxury boat disaster à la Titanic (1997) and Poseidon (2006). Instead, we’re getting a new kind of horror film, with the crew scrambling to survive seven miles below sea level. Think outer space is scary? What about the depths of terror that lurk on our own planet, in our own oceans? Like A Boss, on the other hand, stars a very funny trio in Tiffany Haddish, Salma Hayek and Rose Byrne. While the latter two aren’t typically viewed as comedic actresses, Byrne has proven her chops in films like Get Him to the Greek (2010), Bridesmaids (2011), Neighbors (2014) and Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016), while Hayek gave us a glimpse of her funny side early on in 1999's Wild Wild West. As for Haddish? She is comedic gold. When she's on the screen, your eyes and ears are automatically drawn to her. She is vivacious, stunning and one of the funniest comedic actresses of this era. But all three are dynamically skilled, able to make us belly laugh, but also tear-jerk cry. Case in point, just try keeping it together watching Haddish murder her first dramatic role in the 1970s Irish mafia film The Kitchen released last year. So make sure to stay for a double feature on January 10, getting drenched with titillating fear in Underwater and cooled off with quenching comedy in Like a Boss. Besides, if Stewart can sell a billion dollar movie franchise on bloodsucking and hairy teens who bark at the moon, I’m banking she can make aqua-horror a new successful genre of its own. Or at least help it trend on Twitter.
44 | JANUARY 2020
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | 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.
LAKESHORE & LIMBO (BIWEEKLY)
L&L is a roleplaying podcast with a heart of gold, featuring a dapper gentleman who suspiciously looks like a movie star from the 40's, a 125-year-old alchemist, and a woman who used to be a cat running an occult detective agency in Chicago. Things only get wackier from there. The core of what makes the show shine is the characters’ commitment to being decent people (despite their occasional hiccups). They’re out to solve mysteries and make a buck, not murder people, including going out of their way to save villains in peril. Batman’s got nothing on the fine folks of Melody Detective Agency.
arcadeaudio.net/lakeshoreandlimbo
GHOSTPUNCHER CORPS (BIWEEKLY)
Ghostpuncher Corps is the epitome of a TTRPG podcast that’s rude, crude, and has an attitude. The theme song is death metal, the player characters are working for the literal devil as bounty hunters, and the first arc is spent investigating a potentially haunted shipment of truck nuts. The current arc (G.R.I.D.br34k3r) follows the crew looking into a virtual reality game that’s killing players, and it’s awesome. Dungeonmaster Lilith’s sense of humor blends into the presentation of the show itself. You never know if a swell of music is to accentuate a player succeeding or a comic setup for them beefing a roll. ghostpuncher.net/corps/
DARKNET DIARIES (BIWEEKLY)
Jack Rhysider works in IT, but has a passion for researching what happens when people use similar tech for more insidious purposes. Darknet Diaries features everything from classic stories of hackers run amok to slice-of-life stories about a team of physical penetration testers who are hired by companies to break into properties as tests of existing security measures. I highly recommend the episode Chartbreakers as an entry point, as it dives deep into the seedy “promoters” who boost bad podcasts up Apple’s charts. You’ll even learn how people legally boost books nobody actually buys onto the New York Times bestseller list. darknetdiaries.com/episode/
20 SIDED STORIES (BIWEEKLY)
20 Sided Stories is a tabletop roleplaying podcast that stands a cut above the rest with incredibly in-depth sound design. Each season/one-off plays with a pop culture milestone or genre (e.g. Star Trek, Pokemon). Their most recently completed arc features more editing and design than some corporate-produced audio drama. I’ve recommended this show before but the teaser for their newest season dropped and it’s amazing, featuring a story set in the Marvel universe after The Snap kills half of all living things. I can’t wait to see how these incredible talents handle exploring a world that’s been changed in an instant. 20sidedstories.com/
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • JANUARY 2020
| 45
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
JANUARY COMMUNITY & FAMILY Get involved and have some fun with these great community activities around the Tri-State.
of a TV evangelist who will make her
JAN 1: RITZY'S FANTASY OF JAN 16: THE GEEK CHALLENGE
beautiful. For tickets and more info, visit
show
Join Parenting Time Center for a Geek
evansvillecivictheatre.org.
benefits local children and adults with
Challenge where teams compete for
Evansville Civic Theatre: 717 N. Fulton
disabilities at Easterseals and features a
prizes by answering trivia questions and
Ave., Evansville, IN
mile of sparkling lights with more than 60
audience members have a chance to win
elaborate fantasyland scenes. For more
prizes when the team answers incorrectly.
JAN 18: EPO PRESENTS CHARLES
info, visit easterseals.com.
For more info, visit parentingtimecenter.
LATSHAW, ALAN SNOW &
Garvin Park: N. Heidelbach Ave.,
org.
GRAHAM CULLEN
Evansville, IN
Tropicana Evansville: 421 NW Riverside
Conductor Finalist Charles Latshaw brings
Dr., Evansville, IN
Cuban dance rhythms to the Victory as
LIGHTS The
26th
annual
winter
light
the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
JAN 10: WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN
JAN 16: HARLEM
performs the Mexican classic “Danzón”
GLOBETROTTERS "PUSHING THE
No. 2
Evansville for the first time featuring the
LIMITS" TOUR
majestic “Double” Concerto is the perfect
WWE's biggest stars, including Roman
For
Harlem
work to show off the remarkable talents
Reigns, King Corbin, Braun Strowman,
Globetrotters have dazzled fans of all ages
of the EPO's own Concertmaster, Alan
"The Fiend" Bray Wyatt and more. For
with their basketball wizardry. Get ready
Snow, and
tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com.
for even bigger moments and memories
Cullen. For tickets and more info, visit
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd.,
this season, including a live world record
evansvillephilharmonic.org.
Evansville, IN / 6:45pm
attempt at each game. For tickets and
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St.,
more info, visit fordcenter.com.
Evansville, IN / 7pm
Friday
Night
Smackdown
comes
to
nearly
a
century,
the
JAN 11: 3RD ANNUAL PUZZLE
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd.,
PIECES LIP SYNC BATTLE
Evansville, IN / 7pm
Come out and enjoy this battle for
by
Arturo
Márquez. Brahms’
Principal
Cellist, Graham
JAN 19: CRISS ANGEL RAW - THE MINDFREAK UNPLUGGED
lip sync supremacy featuring area TV
JAN 17-19 & 24-26: EVANSVILLE
Criss Angel has dominated the world of
personalities,
students,
CIVIC THEATRE PRESENTS VIOLET
magic for over a decade and his latest
business people and more presented by
As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward
creation is a theatrical experience unlike
Kentucky Legend. For tickets and more
axe blade when her father was chopping
any seen before, bringing Angel’s famous
info, visit owensborocenter.com.
wood, leaving her with a visible scar across
sleight of hand street magic, mentalism,
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W.
her face. With enough money finally saved
and even some of his most iconic illusions
2nd St., Owensboro, KY / 8pm
she's traveling across the Deep South in
to life - all performed in an intimate, raw
1964 towards a miracle: the healing touch
setting. For tickets and more info, visit
46 | JANUARY 2020
musicians,
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
victorytheatre.com.
Renée
Montagne,
former
co-host
of
fordcenter.com.
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St.,
NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd.,
Evansville, IN / 7pm
Considered” and current correspondent
Evansville, IN / 7pm
and host for NPR News, will join WNIN for its
JAN 24: PJ MASKS LIVE: SAVE THE
annual Winter Gala, a fun, insightful evening
JAN 31: AARON LEWIS - "THE
DAY
supporting public broadcasting. For more
STATE I'M IN" TOUR
PJ Masks Live is back with an all new super-
info, visit wnin.org.
Whether topping the charts as frontman of
heroic, live musical show, featuring the
DoubleTree by Hilton: 601 Walnut St.,
hard rock heroes Staind, or his second act as
heroic trio from your favorite series. Watch
Evansville, IN
a No. 1 artist on the country charts as a solo
Catboy, Owlette and Gekko along with their
artist, Aaron Lewis has always been painfully
new friend PJ Robot, as they try to save the
JAN 26: YOUR PERFECT DAY
honest in his music - an approach that has
day from sneaky villains. For tickets and
WEDDING SHOW
won him millions of devoted fans. For tickets
more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
Find everything you need to plan your
and more info, visit victorytheatre.com.
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
special day. Meet with wedding planners,
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St.,
Evansville, IN / 6pm
florists, DJs, photographers and more.
Evansville, IN / 7pm
Sample food from caterers to help you plan
JAN 24: REBIRTH BRASS BAND
your menu, plus all brides register to win
JAN 31: TOTALLY 80'S MURDER
Whether seen on HBO’s Treme or at their
great door prizes from some of the vendors!
MYSTERY DINNER
legendary Tuesday night gig at The Maple
For more info, visit owensborocenter.com.
Like, oh my gosh, murder! Poison Ratenstein
Leaf, Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W. 2nd
is in town for a killer concert, but his fans
is a true New Orleans institution. Formed
St., Owensboro, KY / Noon-4pm
may be looking for a refund after this
in 1983 by the Frazier brothers, the band
twisted tour turns tragic with a murder and
has evolved from playing the streets of
JAN 28-29: SHEN YUN
a mystery to solve. The radical show could
the French Quarter to playing festivals and
Get ready for an experience of artistic
be super lame if no one can solve who was
stages all over the world. For tickets and
mastery and delightful entertainment fit
buggin’ so everyone can chill and get the
more info, visit buskirkchumley.org.
for a king. Through the universal language
show started! For tickets and more info, visit
Buskirk-Chumley Theater: 114 E. Kirkwood
of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a
owensborocenter.com.
Ave., Bloomington, IN / 8pm EST
wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms,
Owensboro Convention Center:
ancient legends and modern heroic tales,
501 W. 2nd St., Owensboro, KY / 6:30pm
JAN 25: MIRANDA LAMBERT
taking you on a journey through 5,000 years
"WILDCARD" TOUR
of Chinese culture. For tickets and more
FEBRUARY 1: CHRIS JANSON
Hot on the heels of her seventh number one
info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
"REAL FRIENDS" TOUR
country album, Miranda Lambert is heading
Old National Events Plaza:
Platinum-selling recording artist and award-
out on the "Wildcard" Tour to perform some
715 Locust St., Evansville, IN / 7:30pm
winning singer/songwriter Chris Janson has
of the new songs and plenty of old favorites
collected prestigious accolades that place
as well. Plus, fans can donate to Lambert's
JAN 30: WINTER JAM 2020
him among country music greats. His hit
Muttnation Foundation campaign which
Christian music’s premiere festival steps
songs include “Fix a Drink,” “Buy Me a Boat,”
supports area animal shelters in each city.
into a new decade with a fan-favorite
“Drunk Girl,” and from his new album Real
For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.
headliner, GRAMMY®-nominated singer/
Friends, “Good Vibes." For tickets and more
com.
songwriter Crowder. With such recent hits
info, visit owensborocenter.com.
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd.,
as “Red Letters” and “All My Hope,” the
Owensboro Convention Center:
Evansville, IN / 7pm
genre-spanning artist leads a star-studded
501 W. 2nd St., Owensboro, KY / 7:30pm
2020 lineup featuring some of Christian
JAN 25: WNIN WINTER GALA 2020
music's biggest names. For more info, visit
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| 47
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
JANUARY IS ADOPT A DOG MONTH!
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.
ROSIE: Rosie is a 5-year-old female pit bull mix. She is friendly with other dogs and is a staff/volunteer favorite at the shelter. She weighs 59 lbs. Rosie was surrendered in September from a family who had too many animals. She does wonderfully riding in the car and loves to give big hugs to everyone she meets! Her adoption fee is $110 and includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at
ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT PIERRE
Evansville's Megan Sicard had a cat growing up that lived to a ripe old age, finally passing away during her college years. So upon graduating, one of her top priorities was to adopt a pet - she just needed to wait for the right time to welcome another furry friend into her life. Sicard's boyfriend - despite not being around animals as a kid - was on the same page. Flash back to last March and the couple was checking out the online postings of available cats at the River Kitty Cat Cafe, just to test the waters a bit. They were immediately drawn to a particular photo and headed over to meet this charming feline; however, it was already spoken for. But then something quite special happened. "Pierre chose me," Sicard recalls, describing how a snuggly American Shorthair with a marble-swirled tabby coat pattern crawled out of a box and onto her lap - and ultimately into her life. Still, she didn't leave with him that day, not quite ready to commit. But..."The next day my boyfriend impulsively went back and got him," she says. Good thing, too, because Pierre has been a joy, making the couple's home "a little homier." In fact, they don't like to leave Pierre alone too much because he seems so happy around them. Another successful adoption!
(812) 426-2563 for adoption details!
THUMPER: Thumper is a beautiful male
JOLIET: Joliet is a 2-year-old
away as a game prize at a local county
November
fair. His family took pity on him and took
unwanted. She is very sweet &
him home… but bunnies are a lot of work,
gets along well with other cats.
and they realized that they just didn’t
Her adoption fee is only $40 which
have the time for him. But they took good
includes
care of him and he’s a happy, healthy
vaccines, and more. Get $10
bun! He is only 5 months old, and he’s
off
already neutered & ready to go home
Saturday
today. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at
Vanderburgh Humane at (812)
(812) 426-2563 for adoption details!
426-2563 for adoption details!
American rabbit. He was being given
female cat. She was surrendered
when
2nd
her
for
spay,
you
microchip,
adopt
12/13-12/14.
400 Millner Industrial Drive | 2 blocks west of Garvin Park in Evansville 812-426-2563 | Adoption Hours: Tues-Sat 12-6pm | www.vhslifesaver.org
48 | JANUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
being
FridayContact
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
HYATT PLACE & HYATT HOUSE I N D I A NAPOL IS / F ISHE RS N EW LY- D ESIGN ED , IDE A LLY- LOC AT E D A C C OMMOD ATION S MA KE T RAVE LI NG U P N ORT H A W IN -WIN Yes, Evansville and the surrounding areas have a lot to offer, but everybody needs to get away for awhile to recharge and, most importantly, experience new things. To that end, Indianapolis has long been a travel destination for those of us who want to see how the other half lives in a bigger city. Furthermore, with I-69 cutting down on the commute, it's easier than ever to get there - three hours and you're out of the car. But where to call home during your stay? There are plenty of options, but none better than the brand new Hyatt Place & Hyatt House, located at the brand new, popular Fishers District directly across from Top Golf and next to IKEA in Fishers, IN. Fishers District offers numerous modern and upbeat restaurants, local shops and trending experiences. With 211 rooms available, choose from apartment style suites in Hyatt House and modern designs in Hyatt Place. Plus, the new construction features 3500 square feet of event space and a restaurant offering fun small plates, healthy options and craft cocktails. Here's the long and the short of it: Hyatt Place & Hyatt House offer travelers a new and fun experience. No matter the reason for travel, these new accommodations provide a memorable and world class experience service to all. For more info, visit hyatt.com.
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| 49
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | OPINION
THE WRITE STUFF with Jonathan Gluff
… And the Circus Leaves Town (Or "Uptight Citizens' Charade") At this point, I’m fairly confident in saying just about everyone is sick of hearing about the impeachment hearings. I don’t even watch television news and I’m exhausted by it already. Between the hyper-partisan bickering, the armchair pundits “Well, actually”-ing their way through why the president is guilty or not, and both Biden and Trump one-upping each other to see who can jam their feet further in their mouths, our political system currently more closely resembles a bad improv troupe playing the world’s worst round of “Yes, and...” than a constitutional republic. Many of us (myself included) are old enough to remember the last time a president was impeached: Good ol’ Slick Willy himself, William Jefferson Clinton. Sure, there were grumblings of impeachment here and there early on - as there always are any time the Oval Office switches parties - but nothing serious came about until Lewinsky and the infamous blue dress. (I do distinctly recall seeing a bumper sticker back in the mid-’90s which said, “Impeach President Clinton and Her Husband, Too.” How clever…) Even though he was eventually found innocent, the details were clearcut from the beginning: The president had an extramarital affair, he lied about it in a sworn deposition, and the independent counsel appointed to
investigate it found that he perjured himself and likely coached others to do so. But what truly differs from the current spectacle is that Clinton was the only politician involved; it wasn’t Clinton vs. Dan Quayle, or any other previous Vice President or politician. And that’s what makes this case so contentious. Neither Trump nor Biden are exactly what I - or anyone else who is being honest, in my humble opinion - would call “eloquent.” They’re both prone to rambling, incoherent diatribes that go absolutely nowhere. So what we end up with is one camp saying our former VP effectively bribed the Ukrainians to fire a prosecutor, and the other side claiming our current president bribed that same government to dig up dirt on said VP and his family. It’s “He said, she said” at its finest (or worst, perhaps more accurately). So here’s my solution: Let’s proceed with the impeachment hearings for Trump, but also initiate an investigation into Biden. After all, if Trump and the GOP are correct about the “quid pro quo” (another term I can’t wait to stop hearing from every talking head), then Biden should be held accountable.
TRI-STATE
POLITICS with Bryan Fox
IMPEACHMENT & SOUTHWEST INDIANA 52 | JANUARY 2020
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Raise your hand if you've been following the impeachment hearings. I didn't think so. National Dems, who already have history against them in defeating an incumbent, have dug themselves in an even deeper hole by attempting to shove this circus-like atmosphere down the American people's throats thanks to the far left's hijacking of the party. Heck, locally, the new Democratic Vanderburgh county chairwoman, Edie Hardcastle, was a former president of Indivisible Evansville. Indivisible has been on the front lines of impeaching Trump from the beginning. If asked, I'm sure Hardcastle would definitely support Trump's impeachment, but should she? Dems are riding
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | OPINION
MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD... with Johnny Fletcher
MY WEEK AT SYNTHESIZER CAMP As you will most certainly recall, last month I reflected back on a
In truth, we learned more about the internal schematics of the DX7
couple of Xmas gifts that I lobbied for and received in my younger
(Yamaha's hugely popular, higher-end version of the DX21) - which
days, including a Yamaha DX21 synthesizer that was meant to propel
went totally over my wordsmith head - than how to craft our own
me to new wave stardom circa mid-80s (reminder: it did not). Judging
"People Are People" but the upshot was that there were some very
by the flood of emails that followed publication of said column, you
cool people at the camp. For instance, "T-Dawg" and I formed a very
have clearly been left wanting to hear more about this remarkable
brief but fruitful musical alliance with Jake "The Snake" from wherever
time period during which I dreamed of leaving my acne-ridden
- my memory fails me. Our time together in the studio produced three
high school days behind for life on the road opening for Depeche
minutes of high comedy which served as a nice diversion from the
Mode. (Full disclosure: no one actually wrote in requesting more
more serious-minded compositions created that week - particularly,
info; however, I'm assuming that, like me, you're a bit on the reserved
the resident goth girl's harrowingly dark production. Which we
side and were simply too shy to ask.) Never mind that my parents
loved, by the way. Then there was Eric from Cleveland who, I believe,
would have quickly doused any attempt to leave the homestead for
helped get numerous underage camp goers drunk just prior to our
synth glory - and for good reason, mind you. Still, every kid needs a
departure. Or maybe he just drank with everyone - it's all a bit of a
scrap of hope to cling onto to help get through the trying days of
haze. What's important here, though, is that while "T-Dawg" and I left
adolescence. So off I went to synthesizer camp at Oberlin College
Oberlin no closer to stardom than before, being able to say "I went
during the summer of 1986 with friend and fellow electronic music
to synthesizer camp over the summer" meant that the ladies were all
enthusiast "T-Dawg" Aiken to learn how to become a pop star. Or at
over us come fall semester. Or something like that.
least that's what we thought we had signed up for...
high after Evansville's municipal elections that ended with the party winning seven of the nine city council seats. That was the city; now let's talk national politics and how it fits locally. Being a candidate the same year of a presidential election makes a difference in terms of turnout and results. Would the outgoing Kentucky governor have lost if the election had been held the same year as the presidential race? I would think not. If you look at the southwestern counties and how they voted respectively in 2016, you will see some overwhelming results for Trump. The President got
56% of the vote in Vanderburgh, 64% in Warrick, 67% in Posey, and 71% in Gibson. In what's shaping up to be a replay of '16, with the media's constant bashing combined with the Dems not being able to field a candidate who can mobilize the base à la Obama, this could affect local races as the impeachment hearings are not drawing a crowd and only infuriating the Trump supporters. County council and commissioner seats are up for grabs in Indiana and low turnout of Dem voters
could spell doom in some of these races. Take, for instance, Ben Shoulders. Shoulders won his Vanderburgh County Commissioner seat in 2016 by 1,600 countywide. A swing of only a few votes along with the mood of the county could flip this seat. GOP county chair Wayne Parke is a master at recruiting candidates so Shoulders will more than likely have a formidable opponent. The impeachment hearings are a gift to the Republicans and the longer the proceedings are dragged out, the more it will help them.
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | MOVIE PREVIEWS
FILM & TV REVIEWS THE END OF THE F***ING WORLD SSN 2 NETFLIX
Considering that Season 1 of this dark British comedy ended with one of the main characters seemingly gunned down, I was a little surprised to see it come back for a second one. Luckily, the grim humor and pithy inner monologues are still as alive as Alex Lawther’s latently psychopathic James. Both he and Jessica Barden (Alyssa) turn in fantastic performances as a dysfunctional Romeo and Juliet yet again, and newcomer Naomi Ackie brings a more tangible sense of danger for our star-crossed lovers as Bonnie, seeking revenge on the pair for (slight Season 1 spoiler) killing the college professor she loved. Definitely worth checking out if gallows humor is your thing. - Jonathan Gluff
SOUTH PARK SSN 23 COMEDY CENTRAL
You’d think a show would begin to get stale after 20+ years (cough, cough, The Simpsons), but somehow South Park continues to get better, largely due to the mix of pop culture skewering, cynical social commentary, fourth wall-breaking, and absurdist/toilet humor. Season 23 finds creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker tackling issues like the horrors of ICE detention facilities, American corporations kowtowing to Chinese censors, plant-based meats, anti-vaxxers, and much, much more. If it’s been in the press this year, chances are, South Park satirized it. While unapologetic in its tone, it never seeks to be offensive just for the sake of doing so, relying on actual jokes rather than shock value. - Jonathan Gluff
RICK AND MORTY SSN 4 ADULT SWIM
It’s a shame the Rick and Morty fanbase is so incredibly annoying, because it truly is a hilarious and smartly-written show. After endless clamoring from said fans, co-creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon finally debuted the first five of their new 70-episode contract. In response to said fans, the very first episode contains an extended segment serving as meta-commentary on their awfulness, albeit in a clever and surreptitious way. The rest of the episodes continue the tradition of Harmon’s well-crafted narratives blending with Roiland’s over-the-top absurdism to create a product greater than the sum of its parts, along with a healthy dose of social commentary, borderline nihilism, and mockery of movie/television tropes. - Jonathan Gluff
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | FILM & TV REVIEWS
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | MUSIC REVIEWS
ALBUMS OF THE DECADE ACCORDING TO NEWS4U INDIE MUSIC EXPERT RUSS FINN ALEX G - Rocket
AMEN DUNES - Freedom
ANGEL OLSEN - My Woman ARIEL PINK - Pom Pom
ATLAS SOUND - Parallax
BEST COAST - Crazy For You BIG THIEF - Capacity BON IVER - Bon Iver
CAR SEAT HEADREST - Twin Fantasy
CHANCE THE RAPPER - Coloring Book CHROMATICS - Kill For Love
CLOUD NOTHINGS - Attack On Memory DANNY BROWN - Old DARKSIDE - Psychic
DAS RACIST - Sit Down, Man
DAUGHTERS - You Won’t Get What You Want DEAFHEAVEN - Sunbather
DEERHUNTER - Halcyon Digest DESTROYER - Kaputt
DIRTY PROJECTORS - Swing Lo Magellan EARL SWEATSHIRT - Some Rap Songs ELECTRIC WIZARD - Time to Die
FATHER JOHN MISTY - I Love You, HoneyBear FIONA APPLE - The Idler Wheel . . .
FRANK OCEAN - channel ORANGE GORILLAZ - Plastic Beach GRIMES - Visions
KANYE WEST - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy KENDRICK LAMAR - good kid, m.A.A.d city KING KRULE - The OOZ LALA LALA - The Lamb
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - This is Happening MAC DEMARCO - Salad Days
PARQUET COURTS - Sunbathing Animal PREOCCUPATIONS - Viet Cong
PURPLE MOUNTAINS - Purple Mountains REAL ESTATE - Days
SCHOOLBOY Q - Habits & Contradictions SHARON VAN ETTEN - Are We There SKY FERREIRA - Night Time, My Time SLEIGH BELLS - Treats
SPOON - They Want My Soul
STATE CHAMPION - Send Flowers SUN KIL MOON - Benji
TAME IMPALA - Currents
TITUS ANDRONICUS - The Monitor
TY SEGALL BAND - Slaughterhouse VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Contra WOMEN - Public Strain
YVES TUMOR - Safe in The Hands of Love
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SHAWN NEEDHAM Soliloquy Self-Released Undoubtedly one of the tri-state's most accomplished musicians, Shawn Needham put his virtuoso guitar skills on full display last April with the release of 50, a full-band, (primarily) jazz-funk workout that swung from unstoppable monster grooves to delicate moments of classicallyinspired playing - the latter of which just about stole the show. Now he's expanded on his quieter side, compiling a collection of stunning acoustic covers that reflect live favorites from performances Needham gives at restaurants and other venues around the area. Appropriately titled Soliloquy to signify the solitary nature of the recording, the album is, as advertised, very intimate and raw - and all the better for it. With no other instruments to distract the listener, Needham's remarkable talent and gift for interpretation take center stage, something that's immediately apparent on opener "God Only Knows." Quite simply, the Beach Boys never sounded so good. "Ashokan Farewell," one of 50's true highlights, receives an acoustic reading here, rendering Jay Ungar's beautiful melody even more affecting. Injecting a little groove into the proceedings, "Mercy Mercy Mercy" strips Joe Zawinul's 1966 classic down to its core, showing just how adept Needham is at identifying a song's strength and then building on that foundation via inventive chord choices and single note strolls up and down the fretboard. Lest anyone think that Soliloquy is a totally chill affair, Needham goes full speed demon with "Blackberry Blossom" and the back-to-back rush of "Blodgett's Reel" and "Devil's Dream" - a combined three minutes and 53 seconds of racing guitar lines that whiz by in a heartbeat and leave the listener in awe. As with the instrumental approach of 50, Needham lets the music do all the talking here, leaving the focus on his magical playing. Currently available to stream on YouTube, Soliloquy should be available on CD and other major streaming sites soon. - Johnny Fletcher
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | MUSIC REVIEWS
TOP DEAD CENTER I Believe It's Time Self-Released Quite possibly Evansville's only original rock band, Top Dead Center have taken their time putting together a sophomore release - an entire decade, in fact. But while the gap between 2009's It's About Time and the new studio effort seems a bit excessive, all is forgiven considering the quality of the delayed followup. I Believe It's Time plays, at times, like a perfect marriage of Cheap Trick and AC/DC, capturing the raw energy of both and, in particular, the succinct, irresistible melodies of the former. This knack for hooks is front and center on opening track "I Believe," TDC's strongest candidate for a single to date. But the good vibes are abruptly squashed by the accusatory "You Think You Know Me," a pleasingly sinister rocker that lyrically confronts a band stalker (real or imagined?). Other highlights include the drop D heaviness of "Here Beside Me," lead vocalist Dave Miller's ode to missing his wife and the unexpected yet affecting ballad "Soul." For guitar geeks, "Second Wind" features a screaming Gretsch played with abandon by lead guitarist Ross Hansen. Across the album, his fretboard mastery is matched by the powerful rhythm section of bassist Danny Hayes and drummer Jeff Proctor, perhaps most impressively on TDC's theme song, "Top Dead Center." It's a ways off, but mark May 16 down on your calendar for a proper release party at Lamasco. - Johnny Fletcher
ANNABEL WHITLEDGE No Strings Self-Released Even for those who have closely followed the rise of Henderson's Annabel Whitledge, it's still hard to grasp that this up and coming country singer is all of 12 years old. Her strikingly mature vocals have drawn comparisons to Martina McBride among others and drawn the attention of some very important people in the music industry. All of that makes the arrival of No Strings Whitledge's debut EP - a cause for celebration, as it definitively proves that the hype is for real. Currently, Nashville is flipping out over "I Woke Up," just one of six solid cuts tailored for radio. With sterling production by country star Jeff Bates (an invaluable mentor that Whitledge refers to as her "second grandpa"), the sound is contemporary yet smartly harkens back to the 90's, the decade that launched the aforementioned career of McBride. Throughout No Strings, Whitledge sings with utter confidence, displaying total vocal control on the fiery "Leave Love Alone" and defiant title track which serves as a mission statement of sorts: "If I'm goin' down I'm goin' down as me/Not someone the world thinks I should be/I don't care what they say/I'm livin' my own way." But the EP really takes off with the boot-scootin' "Butterfly" which soars with an addictively ascending chorus that has "hit" written all over it. - Johnny Fletcher
Blues with Bragin GRIFF HAMLIN & THE SINGLE BARREL BLUES BAND I'll Drink to That Griff Hamlin's Guitar Unleashed, Inc. Despite a career that's already spanned three decades, Griff Hamlin &The Single Barrel Blues Band are just now officially releasing their studio debut. Opening track “Almost Level With the Ground” features a killer four-piece horn section that provides a nice backdrop as Hamlin displays his signature guitar style. Ty Bailie’s keyboard work on “Same to You” is excellent and Mark Smith’s bass gives the song a nice groove. The slower tempo in the middle section gives way to a more upbeat ending. “Down and Out” has a classic feel with a great beat for dancing. The slow ballad “Someone” deals with unrequited love and being mistreated. “Nothing Better” begins with heavy guitar from Hamlin and also features great drumming from Chris Atchley. The New Orleans-influenced “Louisiana Holiday” showcases the horn section very well and lyrically addresses being stranded in the Big Easy - which seems like more of a blessing than a curse. “Don’t Lie” gives Hamlin a chance to display guitar skills reminiscent of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. The jazzy ballad “Where Would I Begin” is a perfect song to play in a dimly lit, smoke-filled music club. The soft piano and searing guitar provide nice contrasts to each other. Album closer “Bourbon and a Pistol” gives all of the musicians a chance to shine. For more info, visit ghsbbb.com. - Paul Bragin
JIM ROBERTS & THE RESONANTS A Month of Sundays Bo$$ PoGG Music LA blues trio Jim Roberts & The Resonants return with the follow-up to 2017's Beneath the Blood Moon. Opening track “Skeeters” deals with the blood-sucking pests we try to avoid during the summer months. Pat Zicari’s saxophone solo shines nicely in the song’s middle section. Joey Gomez’s harmonica on “What Her Evil Do” is superb. The song discusses the temptations that a beautiful woman brings to a man. Jim Roberts’s guitar and Rick Hollander’s bass fit well together on the title track. The touching ballad “Made a Promise” talks about wanting to be reunited with a lost love. “Long Haired Mississippi Hippie” showcases great slide guitar work. The mandolin at the start of “Miss Her Love” makes the song sound like a cross between the blues and an Italian love ballad. Roberts’s echoing vocals on the song add a nice touch. The Delta blues-inspired “Moonshine Maiden” talks about a man pining after a beautiful woman whose father doesn’t approve of him. Michael Leasure’s drums on “Miss Motor City 1963” sound great and the song is made for cruising in a classic car. Hollander’s funky bass and Zicari’s saxophone on “I’m Walkin’ On” nicely complement the lyrics about a man leaving his woman. For more info, visit jimrobertsandtheresonants.com. - Paul Bragin
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | BEER REVIEWS
JANUARY 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. 10 BARREL APOCALYPSE IPA
CARSON'S SLIPKNOT
JONATHAN GLUFF - 4
JONATHAN GLUFF - 4
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.75
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25
Hazy IPAs are all the rage these days, and understandably so - they’re generally fairly mild while still maintaining a nice complexity to the flavor. Carson’s latest offering in this category is no exception. There’s a surprising lightness that belies its 73 IBUs, likely due to the faint citrus flavor imparted by the use of citra hops. While it may still be a bit too hoppy for some, it just may be the one to change some IPA haters minds.
This is a beer in the growing New England IPA category. A thick white head tops this locally made beer and stays for a long time. A heavy amount of citrus from the hops dominates the nose. The first taste maintains some balance of malt and hops, but the hops slowly come back to stay in the finish. Pair it with Hawaiian pork tenderloin, blue goat cheese or macha crème brulee.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
This is a hazy, amber-colored beer. I can taste the sweet pine flavors as well as the pineapple and some mango. I always like a local flavor and I enjoy this one. I like the presentation of the can and the artwork. When I go to Carson’s the hardest part is choosing which beer to drink (Vanilla Brown Cow is my favorite).
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10 Barrel Brewing has become a company whose beers I look forward to reviewing any time they cross my path. The Apocalypse IPA is no exception. Don’t be put off by the name - despite the ominous tone, this is a fairly mild offering. While the telltale bite of an IPA is there, notes of dark fruit flavors help blunt the bitterness, and a touch of roasted chestnuts give it some depth. Another great winter beer.
BELL'S THIS ONE GOES TO 11
JONATHAN GLUFF - 4.5
This beer combines two of my favorite things: A classic movie/guitar reference and another great crafting from Bell’s. Most beers at this ABV (a staggering 11%) tend to get bitter, boozy, or both; this stays smooth, strong, and slightly sweet with heavy notes of toasted malt, a hint of nuttiness, and just the slightest bit of citrus on the finish. It definitely makes for a great winter beer, but be warned - that high alcohol content creeps up quick.
A thick white head rests on this hazy IPA. The scent profile contains a generous amount of citrus as well as some pine notes. The initial tasting of the beer begins with muted flavors, but the hop presence quickly returns and remains on the tongue during the long finish. People who enjoy hoppy beers will want to drink this one. Use it as an ingredient in chili glazed steak and serve it with the steak.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
This beer pours an amber color with a slight haze to it and a bit of a sour smell. I can taste the mango and some passion fruit. I'm a fan of the 6.8 % ABV and the finish is dry - which makes this a very drinkable beer any time of the year.
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A thick tan head crowns this hazy IPA and dissipates very slowly. The scent maintains a good balance of malt and hops. Likewise, the first sip of the beer keeps the malt and hop balance, but the hops seem to stay on the tongue longer during the finish. People who enjoy red ales or IPAs will want to drink this. The 11% ABV packs a punch. Pair it with spicy foods.
First of all, this beer has an 11% ABV. The warming alcohol effect is mainly present. The beer pours mostly bright with a copper color. The aroma is moderate with notes of candied orange, grapefruit and pine. The mouthfeel is medium with average carbonation and a semi dry finish. There's plenty of hops and malt to keep it from being dry.
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | BEER REVIEWS
BROOKLYN DEFENDER IPA
JONATHAN GLUFF - 2.5
Every now and then, a beer kind of throws me for a loop. This golden IPA from Brooklyn Brewery does just that, but not because of a
unique quality or flavor that I just can’t quite nail down - it’s actually because of how mediocre it is. Don’t get me wrong - there’s nothing terrible about this beer, nor did I dislike it. But it’s the beer equivalent of elevator music. A very middle-ofthe-road brew lost in a sea of IPAs.
finish, along with some notes of tropical fruit. Aficionados of IPAs will want to have this year round offering on hand. Pair it with a variety of foods like grilled vegetables, barbecue, your favorite spicy dishes or Gouda cheese.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4
This beer pours a golden color with good carbonation and a thick head. I can smell pine, grapefruit and mild caramel. The flavor has grapefruit, pine and oranges. It has a dry and bitter aftertaste. This is better than their regular IPA but not much.
A thick white head forms on this golden colored IPA and takes time to evaporate. A considerable hop presence fills the nose. The hop flavors continue while drinking the beer and in the
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3.75
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
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