FEBRUARY
2020
|
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
FEATURES
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
8 The Return of Hairball at the Victory An Interview with Guitarist Happy
44 Community & Family 46 VHS Spotlight 48 Tri-State Pet Pics 60 Mug Shots
10 Bert Kreischer "The Berty Boy" Tour Buckle Up for the Shirtless Stand-Up Comic 12 Jason Lee McKinney Band Album Release Party Evansville Native Ready to Rock Bokeh Lounge
OPINION
14 The Really Big Show Benefit for The Arc of Evansville An Interview with Singer Gina Moore
50 The Write Stuff 50 Tri-State Politics 51 Maybe I'm Just Getting Old
18 Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra February Performances Get Ready for Gospel at the Phil and More! 20 3rd Annual Chefs of Note at Tropicana Conference Center Delicious & Educational Six Course Tasting Event
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR 6 Here's to Good Health!
REVIEWS 52 Film 54 Music 56 Beer
Established in 1991 by Bashar Hamami Publisher Brian Bennett
info@evansvillemediagroup.com
Operations Manager Joshua Adams
billing@evansvillemediagroup.com
Managing Editor & Writer Thomas Ellis
tommy@evansvillemediagroup.com
Account Representatives Jonathan Gluff
jonathan@evansvillemediagroup.com
TJ Tanoos
tj@evansvillemediagroup.com
Production Manager, Designer & Layout Artist Kelsey Halbig kelsey@sociallifemarketing.com
Bailey Rideout
bailey@sociallifemarketing.com
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 58 Nice Guy Vapors
Graphic Designer, Director of Social Media Jen Dyson
COUPONS
Staff Photographer Rajiv KC
25 Save Big!
Contributors
CUISINE & DINING 24 In the Kitchen
Paul Bragin, Russ Finn, Johnny Fletcher, Bryan Fox, Gavin Gaddis, Jonathan Gluff, Amanda Hancock, Jabez Martinez, Marisa Patwa
ENTERTAINMENT 26 In Town & Around 38 Music: Freddie Bourne 40 Music: Torn Confidence 42 Screen Time 43 Podcast Corner
News 4U is published monthly and is distributed throughout the tri-state. For information about advertising, subscriptions, distribution or guides & lists, call (812) 426-6398 or write us at 125 N Weinbach Ave, Ste 510 Evansville, IN 47711. News 4U is published by EMG Publishing. All rights reserved.
Reproduction without
permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of the magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products, services or opinions within. Advertisers are responsible for content of their ads.
4 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2020
|5
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
S
ay, by chance have you been sick at some point over the
name these days) in late March - both at the Ford Center. In
last month or so? That was a rhetorical question, of course.
between you can catch country singer Brett Young (2/6),
Seemingly everyone has been plagued with some sort of illness
comedian Bert Kreischer (2/22) and the always entertaining
of late; you simply can't escape it. The crazy thing is that it hasn't
Blue Man Group (2/25) at the Old National Events Plaza, plus
even been typically cold for this time of year - it was 60 degrees
country star Brantley Gilbert at the Ford Center (2/20). Not to
on Xmas for crying out loud. And still, germs are lurking
be outdone, the Victory Theatre will host bluegrass master Sam
everywhere, just waiting to infect us. It's been said that this is
Bush (2/8) as well as country stars Cody Jinks (2/21) and Dwight
the worst flu season in 15 years which sounds about right. All I
Yoakam (2/27)...and, wait for it, the return of Hairball on March
know is that for people like me who utterly despise winter (not
7! Yes, the bombastic arena rock tribute act is back and we've
to worry, I'm almost done complaining) this is just more fuel for
got the inside scoop via an interview with Happy, the band's
the fire. Speaking of hot things, the tri-state is in store for a run
long-running guitarist. Also, please don't forget to treat your
of big concerts over the next month and a half, beginning with
significant other right on Valentine's Day and be sure to join
Korn and Breaking Benjamin (2/3) and continuing on through
in on the annual tri-state Mardi Gras fun this month. Here's to
to country music icon Reba (so legendary she only needs one
good health!
MORE CELEBRATING! GREAT
FEBRUARY 9 NATIONAL PIZZA DAY
Buy one flat bread, and receive a second one for FREE!
FEBRUARY 22 NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY
FEBRUARY 9 NATIONAL PIZZA DAY
Buy one pizza at the regular price and get a second pizza of equal or lesser value for $5.
Celebrate with $3 Margaritas.
FEBRUARY 24 NATIONAL TORTILLA CHIP DAY Get FREE CHIPS & SALSA with the purchase of any entrée.
FEBRUARY 24 & 25 LUNDI GRAS MONDAY & MARDI GRAS FAT TUESDAY Celebrate with Chef Chuck’s Chicken & Sausage
FEBRUARY 14 VALENTINE’S DAY
FRESH
SEAFOOD
Complimentary roses for Cavanaugh’s guests.*
Drink Special FEBRUARY 22 NATIONAL DAY MARGARITA
$3 Margaritas
Complimentary carnations for The Kitchen Buffet guests.* *While supplies last.
MORE FUN. MORE VALUE. MORE VARIETY. 1-800-342-5386 | TROPEVANSVILLE.COM | 421 NW RIVERSIDE DR. | EVANSVILLE, IN 47708 See TROP ADVANTAGE® CENTER for details. Must be 21 years of age or older. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-9 WITH IT. ©2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
•
FEBRUARY 14 VALENTINE’S DAY
Gumbo and The Brew Brothers’ popular Shrimp Poor Boy.
6 | FEBRUARY 2020
STEAKS
in the casino.
THE BIG GAME SUNDAY, FEBR PARTY UARY 2 3 p m TROP
ICANA CON TICKETS: $20 FERENCE CENTER EACH AT THE D O OR Details at TropEva
nsville.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
|7
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
HAIRBALL:
A BOMBASTIC CELEBRATION OF ARENA ROCK V ICTORY TH EAT RE | MA RC H 7 | 7: 30 P.M .
Back once again by popular demand, Hairball exists to remind everyone that it's ok to have fun. The endlessly entertaining arena rock tribute act - now celebrating 20 years of touring
Motley CrĂźe and Poison is selling out everywhere. What would be your dream package tour?
Oh boy. Well, I mean, you know, I think I would tend to lean
- continues to pack venues around the country by giving
towards things that I had never seen before - or regret not
Americans a reason to leave their disagreements at the door
seeing - whether they're the best or not. Like Queen with
and simply let loose for two hours. The band's setlist brings
Freddie Mercury; I've seen them with Paul Rodgers. I would
together the best of the 70s and 80s with entirely faithful
love to see Freddie back from the dead and it would be cool
recreations of classics by the likes of AC/DC, Aerosmith, Alice
to see Journey tour with Steve Perry. I mean, I've got my bands
Cooper, Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses, Journey, KISS, Queen,
that were some of my first concerts - of course, I saw KISS in
Van Halen and many more - all performed with a rotating cast
'78, a very impactful moment in my youth. By the way, if you
of spot-on singers and plenty of pyrotechnics.
were to see that show from '78 today, what seemed like such a hi-tech thing would seem primitive. I'm sure it wouldn't hold
Founding member Happy, Hairball's longtime guitarist, is just,
up quite the same by today's standards. I mean, I'm a big fan of
well, happy to be alive after a battle with cancer last year and
Cheap Trick as well and have seen Aerosmith a bunch. Some of
other health issues. But after what he refers to as a "survival
these groups are still out there. And some of these things are
period" for the band, he's back and ready to rock like only
reasons why I think Hairball is still relevant and does so well,
he can - just in time for Hairball's big anniversary. He kindly
too, because we kind of try to portray and celebrate something
spoke with News 4U ahead of the much anticipated show at
of which doesn't exist anymore - whether it completely doesn't
the Victory.
exist or we're kind of representing, say, Van Halen in an era
Last year at this time, you were experiencing the double whammy of recovering from both a hip replacement and esophageal cancer. So, how's your health?
that they just are not anymore. We're representing bands at the times when they
The hip is good. That was difficult because the chemo and
were often at their
treatments that I was doing really disrupted my healing; it was
very peak - doing the
four days after I had my hip done that I could tell something was
things that they were
wrong and had an endoscopy and probably started treatment
really known for, what
- chemo and stuff - a month after the hip replacement. That
made them famous.
basically kept all of that tissue from healing because chemo pretty much goes after any rapid developing cells which is why you lose your hair and all of that good stuff. Right now, my last scans show no metabolic activity. At this point, as far as I know, there's no active cancer. If anyone needed proof that arena rock is still alive and
well, the upcoming package tour featuring Def Leppard,
8 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
What's
your
take
on bands that carry on
with
singers
different
such
as
Foreigner, Journey and Styx. Well,
I
certainly
understand why people do that. I mean, in my career in music, it's a reality that you have to face. You know, if you were a part of building that airplane, you still want to fly - and the fans can answer with however they feel about it, whether they understand or they don't. Certainly an artist that's done that has every right to do it because...although Hairball has really maintained a low rate of turnover and we're celebrating 20 years now. I think it's amazing when a band stays together so long with such few changes. But yeah, it's tough, especially with the singer. You get people who identify that sound of that voice so much. Or, in some cases, guitar players. I found it weird with Guns N' Roses going on with different guitar players, you know, other than Slash - such a style and identity and
some new things for the show. We're just upping the
production,
anything
worth
because doing's
worth overdoing. You can
without that, to me, it just didn't seem like Guns N' Roses.
just never have enough.
The arena rock era was known for excess and egos. How
down a lot, too, to where
One thing that I always do with Hairball is try to remind myself -
and just changing a lot of
Things have kind of settled
have you managed to stay grounded over the years?
we're working on new music
it's actually a tactic of mine...when that intro tape roles I always
things in the 20th year. For
try to have a conversation with the 16-year-old version of Happy who would have just been glad to play for this many people and to be able to play with this many theatrics and with the crew that I have...just to be a part of that big rock show because most of my life I spent saving and working other jobs just so I could have that experience, build my own band and my own show and be a part of that team. It's easy to get lost when you've had some success. Certainly we're not on the scale of a KISS or Journey but in our own version of it we're pretty much used to playing for a couple thousand people every night and I'm used to having a crew and having fireworks go off every time
the last couple of years, you know, it was tough just emotionally, physically and everything. I had to put all my focus into just surviving and doing everything I could to be healthy to endure the treatments and what was going to have to happen to beat cancer. It seems that now more than ever America needs Hairball - we all need a break from the exhausting political and cultural divides. More than anything, we need to rock.
Well, I would say that I've certainly been approached by people who want to use our platform for their political cause of which I personally am against just because I feel like once those lights go down and that intro tape rolls, we're no longer the Democratic Party or the Republican Party or the Libertarian
I land a kick.
Party or whatever; we're the Hairball Party. Let's unite around
Every year Hairball ups the ante
and roll all night and party every day.
in terms of stage production.
Does that hold true for 2020?
We just spent well over six figures just in the last few months on
the fact that we all love a loud guitar and fireworks and to rock
For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.com or
hairballonline.com. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
|9
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
BERT KREISCHER
"THE BERTY BOY" TOUR O LD NATIO NA L EV ENTS PLA ZA FEB R U A RY 2 2 | 7 P.M . FR EQU ENTLY SHIRTLESS STA ND-U P C O M IC K N O W N A S "THE M A C HINE" M A K ING STO P IN EVA N S VI L L E Bert Kreischer is certainly not shy when it comes to showing off his beer gut, the product of years of partying. And his fans just can't get enough. Yes, the unapologetically out of shape comedian thrives on being himself - an overweight, non-PC, master storyteller who lives to entertain. His brash comedic style, while perhaps offensive to some, is frankly a refreshing antidote to the uptight culture we seem to inhabit these days. Imagine having a boisterous, overbearing uncle with no filter over for dinner - that's the gist of what you're getting into when Kreischer takes the stage. Self-referred to as "The Berty Boy" but also known by fans as "The Machine" (based on his classic yarn about inadvertently helping the Russian mafia rob a train while on a college trip to Russia), Kreischer has been on the comedy circuit for a good 20 years or more, most recently starring in two hugely popular Netflix specials, Secret Time and The Machine. The 47-yearold Florida native has also branched out into acting, podcast hosting and writing, the latter diversion resulting in 2014's Life of the Party: Stories of a Perpetual Man-Child. And yet, nothing may ever top the honor he received from Rolling Stone in 1997 when Kreischer, then in the midst of his sixth year of college at FSU, was named "the top partyer at the Number One Party School in the country." Buckle up. For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. The ONEP is located at 715 Locust St. in downtown Evansville.
10 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 11
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
JASON LEE MCKINNEY BAND ALBUM RELEASE PARTY B OKEH L OUNGE | FE BRU A RY 28 | 9 P.M .
Hometown hero talks local music scene, international success, new album and more
Evansville has produced its share of musical success stories
Was it at all difficult to
over the years - most notably, Philip Lawrence, a Memorial
make the move from
graduate, joined forces with the incomparable Bruno Mars over
Evansville to Nashville
a decade ago, earning armfuls of Grammys and performing
all those years ago or simply a matter of following your
sold-out shows all over the world. A bit more under the radar
heart?
but still a hugely impressive talent in his own right, Jason Lee
No offense to Evansville - I love visiting, I really do. It's one of
McKinney has quite steadily built a loyal following in the States
those things where I love Evansville but I knew the opportunities
and Europe, in particular, thanks to a hard-to-categorize yet
that I wanted were not...unfortunately, I think Evansville's
easy-to-digest mix of styles, including blues, folk, soul, southern
very capable of those opportunities but there's something
rock and funk. And it all started right here in the tri-state some 20
culturally...just a paradigm that has to happen - and I don't want
years back before the ambitious musician concluded Nashville
to get into the weeds because there's nothing wrong with cover
held the key to a career doing what he loves most.
bands, but the way Evansville doesn't support [original music] as much as it could...people ask, why did Philip Lawrence leave?
Over the course of numerous albums, EPs and live recordings - a
Well, because he wanted to write songs and make a living. But
run of solid releases highlighted by 2015's Play Something You
all that being said, the reason that I've maintained a presence
Believe Vol. 1 & 2 - McKinney has slowly returned to his roots;
in Evansville is because I love it. I'm proud of being from here.
that is to say, his obsession with the dirty funk of the Purple One.
I tell people that I literally grew up across from a cornfield and
Yes, Prince. It's no surprise then that JLMB shows often begin
that's not a lie.
with a gritty take on "Let's Go Crazy" - a sly introduction of sorts to the more soulful, occasionally seductive, sound of Pieces, out
To be fair, there have been some big original band nights in
February 21. McKinney's signature southern rock-influenced,
the area, including a recent four band bill at Bokeh Lounge.
electrifying guitar work still seeps in on opener "Normal is just
I heard about that - and that's awesome. That's what we need
an Exit" and the bookending "Blues in Bahrain," but more often
more of in Evansville
than not, slinky electric piano drives the musical conversation.
- more of celebrating
And it works a charm. The aching title track, "Good Old Soul,"
that
"Groove is Getting Old" and especially the playfully naughty
resources. Of course, I go
"Thicc" prove this Evansville native doesn't just play music, he
all over and in my other
feels it deep down inside.
life I'm a music business
and
combining
professor and teach at
12 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
universities. There are towns like New Braunfels, Texas - not
because they love blues or heartland rock or country or soul.
very big but a massive [music] scene. And of course it's all the
They love anything that is uniquely American; they love our
country Texas stuff but it's all original. And then there's all these
culture. Because they don't get to see it all the time, it's easier
little places where all it really takes is the culture supporting
to get a big crowd because they don't want to miss it. If I play
it, the people showing up. Because you can't blame venues -
Evansville...I mean, I hope it's packed out for our album release
they have to make money. If there's an original band that's the
party - that's why I keep coming back. But there is a bit of a
greatest thing since the Beatles and they bring four people or
mentality of 'if I don't catch him this time he'll come back around
a cover band that's going to sell four grand in alcohol...people
later.' Europe is our biggest audience by far - we do really, really
have businesses to run.
well. At times, it's been a lifesaver. We've had times where we felt like quitting but it's like, 'well, Europe loves us.' And it's
JLMB has seen its biggest success in Europe. When did you
allowed us as Midwestern boys to get out and experience...you
first make inroads abroad?
know, we've been to four of the seven continents. We would
2012 was our first trip to Europe. From that point...I haven't had
love to go to Australia - not right now, of course. I always say my
a lot of luck go my way over the years but that was one where
dream is to go to six of the seven. Antarctica - people can have
we got into a really big festival really quickly and without a lot
it. I'm good not going there.
of effort. And that was Poland - we did really well there and that sort of opened up Europe to us in ways that we ended up
All of your albums - the new one, in particular - have such
playing France a few years later in front of 30,000 people and
a wonderful, organic sound to them, quite at odds with
that was amazing. We've been all over Germany; we've been to
the computerized, homogenized feel of many modern
Belgium, Ireland; we did a Middle East tour - Qatar and Bahrain.
recordings.
We've been everywhere - even Djibouti, Africa, the hottest
Yeah, that's one of the things that I'm super geeky about. I
place on the planet.
have a fascination with [The Rolling Stones'] Exile on Main Street and I just love five people in a room laying it all down
Do you have an explanation as to why the band's sound
live - not that we're going to do it all in one take. But it's like,
resonates more with music fans in other parts of the world?
'hey, we're going to do five takes and comp it from there.' We
European fans are so appreciative and enthusiastic; it's really
actually play the song through together. And if you go back
an amazing experience and I think there are several reasons for
to...as amazing as The Eagles were or Prince was, you go back
that. One, they don't have the access to the American artists.
and listen to stuff and there's mistakes on there - if you listen
The reason why "Americana" has gotten so big over there is
really closely. And for me, I don't want to get rid of that. And the other thing we've done, as everyone is moving towards Ableton on a computer, we've done the opposite. Play Something You Believe we recorded in the same room that ZZ Top recorded all their records in the 70's at Ardent. And we've recorded at Royal Studios; in fact, my biggest claim to fame as an artist is stealing a Diet Coke from Bruno Mars while we were at Royal. I'm sure he's still missing it and is super concerned [laughs]. And then this new record we recorded at Zebra Ranch which is Jim Dickinson. He was a producer who worked with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. So on "Cover Town" [off Pieces] the piano that you hear on that was played on "Wild Horses." To me, that's geeky stuff that no one really cares about but I do. For more info, visit jasonleemckinneyband.com. Bokeh Lounge is located at 1007 Parrett St. in downtown Evansville.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 13
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP Studio Vibe Dance Company Brandon McCarty
EVSC High School Honors Band Tony Henning
THE REALLY BIG SHOW
Kimberly Hilliard w/ BG3 Gina Moore
Singer Gina Moore on her history with the RBS, song choice, influential artists and more OL D N ATIONA L E VE NT S P LA Z A | FE BR U A RY 8 | 7 P.M .
Pat Coslett & The Soggy Sofa Boys Monte Skelton
Next Step Dance Studio, Inc. The Arc Angels
Evansville Central High School Choir
Achieve Academy of Dance & Tumbling Guys Being Dudes
Equal parts entertainment extravaganza and highly successful
sure to buckle up, because you'll be doing some serious time
fundraiser, the Really Big Show is always one of the most
traveling.
anticipated community events of the year, benefiting The Arc of Evansville and its mission to
One of the performers who'll be revisiting
provide individuals with disabilities the
the 80's in song is Gina Moore, a veteran
opportunity to achieve their full potential.
of the RBS event; in fact, she's been on
The long-running talent show - written,
every bill but one since its inception. With
created and produced by a nearly all-
her sister Joan, Moore formed the Browne
volunteer cast and crew - highlights some
Sisters over three decades ago, gaining a
of the tri-state's most notable performers
reputation as a vocal powerhouse. She
and the 2020 edition is no exception,
kindly chatted with News 4U ahead of the
featuring the likes of the Studio Vibe
show at the Old National Events Plaza.
Dance Company, singer Gina Moore, Skelton,
You've been a big part of the Really Big
musician Tony Henning, jazz/funk group
Show over the years. What are some of
BG3 and many more.
the highlights?
multi-instrumentalist
Monte
Well, one year I had a choir sing with me; Once again acting as co-hosts for the RBS, WFIE weatherman
one year I sang with my sister; another year I performed with
Jeff Lyons and his trusty sidekick Marc Scott are not only back,
former Mayor Weinzapfel; one year I sang with my husband;
they're going back to the 80's! Yes, this year's theme is all
and then there was the year that magician Don Baggett hid me
about the decade of Madonna and classic teen movies which
in a box and rolled me onto stage...but what I enjoy most of all
should make for a totally tubular evening on all fronts. Just be
is singing with the Arc clients - that's my favorite thing to do.
14 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 15
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
Any thoughts on what song you'll perform considering it's an 80's themed event? One song that's been suggested is Madonna's "Like A Prayer" - maybe with a choir. But maybe I'll honor Whitney Houston's memory or do something by Cyndi Lauper. There are just so many singers that I admire. Regardless of time period, who are some other singers that continue to influence you? Oh, I like Barbra Streisand, the "Queen of Soul" [Aretha Franklin], Celine Dion, k.d. lang - I love k.d. lang! And the Winans, Sister Sledge...Lou Rawls. Just so many. Any big plans for 2020? What performance stood out for you this last year? It's just whatever happens; I never go looking for anything - it just comes to me. As for last year, Joan and I did get to open for the Spinners this past September [at the Water for People concert]. We all shared dressing rooms and got to meet everyone - I especially enjoyed meeting [baritone] Jessie Peck. He has personality plus and was just as nice as can be. Keep in mind, when you support The Arc, you are supporting programs that enrich the lives of nearly 600 people with disabilities by enabling them to live, work and volunteer in our community. RBS tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 & under. They can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling the ONEP box office at 812-437-8300. VIP ticket packages are $100 each and may be purchased by calling The Arc at 812428-4500 ext. 309 or visiting arcofevansville.org. The Old National Events Plaza is located at 715 Locust St. in downtown Evansville.
16 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 17
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
FEBRUARY PERFORMANCES AT THE VICTORY Soul-stirring gospel and virtuosic guitar playing up next for the second half of the EPO's 2019-2020 season The second half of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra's final
even more special with a concert featuring the music of Zoltàn
season with longtime Musical Director Alfred Savia gets into full
Kodàly, Joaquín Rodrigo and Felix Mendelssohn. Meng, a rare
swing in February with two can't-miss performances. First up is
talent who is scheduled to perform solo recitals in Hong Kong,
Gospel at the Phil (2/16), featuring members of the Philharmonic
Glasgow, Baltimore, Houston, Santa Fe, Seattle and Bejing in 2020,
Chorus and singers from New Hope Baptist and other area
has been called "awe inspiring" by Classical Guitar Magazine.
churches stirring
delivering on
Not to be outdone, Kalia's
classics
resume includes a nearly 10-
like "Oh, Happy Day," "Take
year run as Music Director
My Hand, Precious Lord,"
and
"His Eye is on the Sparrow"
celebrated
and "Old Time Religion"
Music Festival in upstate New
plus contemporary spiritual
York as well as collaborations
songs by Israel Houghton,
with a truly diverse group
Kirk Franklin, Bebe and Cece
of
Winans, Kurt Carr and more
EDM duo MAKO to singer/
- all with the help of Gospel
songwriter Randy Newman.
Conductor James Hamler. A
Together, Kalia and Su - with
native of Purvis, Mississippi,
the backing of the EPO - will
Hamler
takes
soul-
recently
recorded
co-founder
artists
Lake
of
the
George
ranging
from
interpret such classic works
with the Nazarene Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir, composing
as Dances of Galanta, Concierto de Aranjuez and Symphony No.
eight of the 10 tracks. His partnership with the EPO should make
3, Op. in A minor.
for a truly affecting experience, lifting the spirit and touching the heart.
Keep in mind that Gospel at the Phil has an early start time at 4 p.m. on 2/16 while Kalia and Su will take the stage at the standard
Not only will we be granted an extra day in February this year but a bonus EPO performance as well. Music Director Finalist Roger Kalia and world-renowned guitarist Meng Su are set to make 2/29
18 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
7 p.m. on 2/29. Get your tickets now! For tickets and more info, visit evansvillephilharmonic.org. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 19
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
CHEFS OF NOTE SURF, TURF & WINGS SIX COURSE TASTING EVENT
T R O PICAN A CONFE RE NC E C E NT E R | MA R C H 1 5 | 1 2 -3 P.M .
3rd annual fundraiser benefiting the Evansville Philharmonic Guild promises a tasty and informative afternoon for all ages The 2nd annual Chefs of Note tasting event was a huge success - a sell-out, in fact. Over 350 tickets were snapped up with people lined up at the door trying to get in. The beneficiary of all the hoopla - to the tune of thousands of dollars raised - was the Evansville Philharmonic Guild, a notfor-profit organization dedicated to promoting youth music education through the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. And the Guild is getting a much appreciated boost this year via corporate sponsor Inspire
Design Center, a new tri-state business connected with Niehaus Lumber. Visit Inspire's showroom (located on North Green River Road across from Rafferty's) featuring Cabinets, Countertops, Windows, Doors and Appliances. Per the event's agenda, attendees will assemble at the Tropicana Conference Center Double Ballroom with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. (and no worries, parking should be a breeze with plenty of spots on site). Beginning at noon, chefs from six of the area's favorite restaurants will serve up surf, turf, wings or dessert, taking turns giving their presentations and
providing samplings
over the course of the afternoon. And just like the previous two years, the rare opportunity to chat with the creators of these culinary delights is there for the taking - don't miss out!
20 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 21
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | UPCOMING EVENTS
As noted previously, this year's lineup of restaurants are all premier establishments in southern Indiana. They include - followed by the samplings on offer - Tropicana (cold appetizers), Wings Etc. (hot appetizers), The Brew Brothers Tap House (steak salad), Bonefish Grill (surf entrée), Prime Time Pub & Grill (surf & turf entrée) and Pie Pan Restaurant & Bakery (pie & mousse). And keep in mind that you might even go home with a few signature recipes courtesy of the chefs. On top of all the good food and informative presentations, the 2020 Chefs of Note fundraiser will feature some excellent entertainment provided by accordion players and members of the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Take in a stirring medley of music while enjoying a slice of key lime pie and strawberry mousse. Sweet! Last but not least, silent and live auctions are on the agenda, so don't miss out on all the great items up for grabs. Tickets are only $25 in advance - but fair warning, last year's event was a sell-out, so don't wait to purchase your ticket to this classy, unique event! Table reservations are also available. *In order to enjoy all the festivities, plan to be there from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Each guest will be served samplings. If you arrive late, you may miss out on a sampling or two.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Visit eventbrite.com to purchase tickets. Tropicana Conference Center is located at 421 NW Riverside Dr. in downtown Evansville. For more info, follow the Evansville Philharmonic Guild on Facebook.
22 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 23
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | CUISINE & DINING
IN THE KITCHEN
with Chef Amanda Hancock
Yes, I know that I’m the chef, but seeing as Valentine's Day is upon us, I thought I'd dedicate this edition of In the Kitchen to the love
DAN’S CHEESECAKE
of my life - my husband Dan - and one of the recipes that he used to win my heart back in the day. Cooking wasn’t actually his strong suit, so he decided to make me his “famous” cheesecake. I wasn’t a chef back then, so I didn’t know any better. I was just young and in love. 15 years later, I’m not young, but I am still in love. Please enjoy this sweet dessert with the love of your life - or, like I did, use this recipe to help jumpstart a lifelong romance.
CRUST INGREDIENTS • •
2 cups graham crackers, crushed 3 TBL melted butter
FILLING INGREDIENTS Find more recipes on
Chef Amanda Hancock's website: www.chefamandahancock.com And in her book:
The Best is Yet to Come
• • • • •
4 (8oz.) packages of cream cheese 3 eggs 3/4 cups sugar 1/2 tsp almond extract 1/2 cup whipping cream
TOPPING This is where Dan and I differ. His recipe calls for canned fruit topping. I would sauté some mixed berries in butter and sugar - just do whatever's easiest at the time!
INSTRUCTIONS •
• • • • • • • •
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the crust ingredients. Mix well and press into the bottom and up the sides of 10-inch springform pan. Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add almond extract and sugar and beat until smooth. Add the whipping cream; blend well. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture into the crust-lined pan. Bake in your pre-heated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the top is a medium brown color. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Top with your fave fruit, chocolate, caramel or anything that you think your love would enjoy.
Just make it taste good! 24 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | COUPONS
FEBRUARY COUPONS
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 25
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
PRESENTED BY:
IN TOWN & AROUND THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe France w/ Tommy Stillwell Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Brad Lemmons KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Winter Jam 2020 KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em Backstage Bar & Grill -- Music Trivia 7:30 PM Damsel Brew Pub -- Fresh Pour Comedy Tour 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Muddy's House of Blues 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke 9:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The Next Step 6:30 PM Owensboro Convention Center -- Totally 80's Murder Mystery Dinner 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Live Music Victory Theatre -- Aaron Lewis "The State I'm In" Tour 7:15 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Brian Brown Acoustic 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- White Trash
26 | FEBRUARY 2020
Bash! w/ RC Lahman, Kelo Kaddafi & the Jangle Sheep J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karoake KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Whiskey Alibi 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Live Music TBA Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve Presents: Tru Feelz SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 1:00 PM Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 5:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Melissa A Davis Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Pez & The Dispensers 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Jed Guillaume 7:30 PM Owensboro Convention Center -- Chris Janson "Real Friends" Tour 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -Eighty-Sixt 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Cowboy Poets J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -Goosetown Devils TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Stoney Wayne
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Tailgate Revival KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Jenny's Bad Hair Day Lamasco Bar & Grill -- The Max Allen Band SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 11:00 AM Damsel Brew Pub -- Super Bowl Pre-Party 2:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Tom Drury Quintet 6:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christova 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Darts 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Free Trivia w/ Prizes Ford Center -- Korn & Breaking Benjamin 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- SIN Night Karaoke w/ Christova 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -Evansville Thunderbolts Coaches Show KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
-- College Night w/ Karaoke & DJ 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Themed Trivia 7:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live Acoustics w/ Tom Small 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Bingo KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes register @ 6:30pm) 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe France & Tommy Stillwell Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Tailgate Unplugged Carson's Brewery -- Board Game Night KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -Smarty Pints Trivia KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke Old National Events Plaza -- Brett Young: The Chapters
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 27
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Tour 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Tony Henning [acoustic] 9:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Owensboro Convention Center -- West Kentucky Boat & Outdoor Show 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Fabulous Rodenberg Boys 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Jared & Luke 7:15 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey 7:30 PM Damsel Brew Pub -- Music by Melissa Sandullo 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -American Way Cricket's (Newburgh) -- DJ & Karaoke 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Déjà vu J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Honey Roy 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Matt Poling Lamasco Bar & Grill -Evvolve Presents: DICE MaN & Humorme SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
28 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Owensboro Convention Center -- West Kentucky Boat & Outdoor Show 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Sarah Werner 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Hudsy (he's back!) Newburgh American Legion Post #44 -- Winter Luau w/ Mix Master Jones Capone & GlasTone [open to the public] Victory Theatre -- Sam Bush Winter Tour 2020 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- The Valcoes 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Jenny’s Bad Hair Day J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- The Jimmies TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Tom Small 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Matt Poling KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Blue Collar Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Side Hustle SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Owensboro Convention Center -- West Kentucky Boat & Outdoor Show 2:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Side by Side Duo w/ Barbara Santora & John Micheal O'Leary 6:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/
GOSPEL AT THE PHIL
Sun, Feb. 16 • 4 pm • Victory Theatre Alfred Savia, Conductor EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC CHORUS Andrea Drury, Conductor GOSPEL CHORUS James Hamler, Conductor
A soul-stirring, hand-raising celebration of faith, unity and eternal hope www.evansvillephilharmonic.org 812/425-5050 CONCERT & GUEST ARTIST SPONSOR
CHORUS SPONSOR Friends of the Chorus
Oh Happy Day His Eye is on the Sparrow He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands Old Time Religion • Total Praise This project is made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission, the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 29
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Christova 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Darts 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Free Trivia w/ Prizes 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- SIN Night Karaoke w/ Christova 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool 5:00 PM
30 | FEBRUARY 2020
Carson's Brewery -- Comedy Open Mic 6:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night w/ Karaoke & DJ 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Themed Trivia 7:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Dirty Dogg Productions Fam Jam Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live Acoustics w/ Tom Small 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Bingo KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes register @ 6:30pm) 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe France & Tommy Stillwell Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Brad Lemmons Carson's Brewery -- Board Game Night KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ
Owensboro Convention Center -- Cupid's Cork & Cuisine 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Parks & Recreation (TV show) trivia KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em 7:30 PM Old National Events Plaza -Waitress - The Musical 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Cody Price & Co. (4 bands) 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke O'Brian's Sports Bar -Crosby & Nellis [acoustic] 9:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Love After 5: Tony Henning, Steve Tyner, Robin Bolin & Larry Caddell 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Vaudeville Valentine's Dinner Show 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -Valentine's Day Party w/ food, a classical harpist & more 7:30 PM Newburgh American Legion Post #44 -- Valentine's Day Dance w/ Nashville recording artist Rodney Watts [open to the public] 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -Annabel Whitledge Cricket's (Newburgh) -- DJ & Karaoke 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Factor Primo
J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -Junkyard Stereo 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Chris Moreno Lamasco Bar & Grill -Evvolve Presents: NiRAYA w/ Idigo Child b2b Kraken SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Owensboro Sportscenter -Bull Bash & Bands 11:00 AM Bokeh Lounge -- Drag Me to Brunch 1:00 PM Damsel Brew Pub -- Franklin St. Gumbo Cook off w/ Knights of Columbus Franklin Street -- 7th Annual
Gumbo Cook-Off 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Todd Green Lamasco Bar & Grill -- A Flamenco Experience: Live Flamenco Music & Performance Owensboro Convention Center -- An Elvis & Country Legends Valentine 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Scott Winzinger Bokeh Lounge -- The Pits 9:00 PM J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Andy Brasher TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Michelle Shelton 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Chris
Moreno KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Insulated Lamasco Bar & Grill -Freekbass O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Josh Merritt Band SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Owensboro Sportscenter -Bull Bash & Bands 1:00 PM Damsel Brew Pub -- All ages pinball tournament 2:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Andy Brasher 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Keith Farny Jazz Collective 4:00 PM Victory Theatre -- EPO presents Gospel at the Phil 5:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Open Mic Lamasco Bar & Grill --
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 31
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Sunday Funday w/ Cynthia & Kenna 6:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christova 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Darts 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Free Trivia w/ Prizes 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- SIN Night Karaoke w/ Christova 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Mardi Gras on Franklin Street begins O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -Evansville Thunderbolts Coaches Show Bokeh Lounge -- Bokeh Poetry Night Carson's Brewery -- Movie @ the Brewery KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night w/ Karaoke & DJ 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Themed Trivia 7:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live Acoustics w/ Tom Small 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke
32 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Science with a Twist 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Bar Bingo Carson's Brewery -- Bingo KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes register @ 6:30pm) 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe France & Tommy Stillwell Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Tailgate Unplugged Carson's Brewery -- Board Game Night KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -Smarty Pints Trivia KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Texas Hold 'Em 7:30 PM Ford Center -- Brantley Gilbert - Fire't Up Tour 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Dave Weddle [acoustic] 9:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 33
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Fabulous Rodenberg Boys 6:00 PM Franklin Street -- 8th Annual Mardis Gras Franklin Street Pub Crawl (FREE cover to all Franklin Street bars from 6-9 pm) 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Monte Skelton Victory Theatre -- Cody Jinks 7:15 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -Acoustic set w/Joe & Time of Haywire Cricket's (Newburgh) -- DJ & Karaoke
34 | FEBRUARY 2020
9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- 90’s Dance Party w/ Fool House J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- 2 Miles Back 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Raleigh Keegan Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DJ McNaughty Presents: Naughty Gras! O'Brian's Sports Bar - Justin Jeansonne SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 4:00 PM Franklin Street -- Mardis Gras
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Grand Parade 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Morgan Donahue & The Left of Center Players 6:00 PM Franklin Street -- 8th Annual Mardis Gras Franklin Street Pub Crawl (FREE cover to all Franklin Street bars from 6-9 pm) 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Live Music Old National Events Plaza -- Bert Kreischer - The Berty Boy Tour 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Retro Shock 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- The Bad Hats J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke
KC's Corner Pocket -Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Jonas Scott Cowan & Co. TJ's Stockyard Inn -- Pool Tourney 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Raleigh Keegan KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Mardi Gras Kick-Off Party w/ Radio Tokyo Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Honey Roy & The Mardi Gras Misfits feat. Roy Carter, Patrick Preston, Theo Akai, Georgia Funkadelic & Ben Ganster O'Brian's Sports Bar -Torpedo Vegas Pardi Gras! SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 1:00 PM Ford Center -- UE Men's
Basketball 2:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Bokeh Big Band 6:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christova 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- ShihTzu, Crows of Odin & Child Bite 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Darts 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Free Trivia w/ Prizes
8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- SIN Night Karaoke w/ Christova 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Free Pool 5:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Phat Tuesday w/ Brian Brown 6:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Karaoke w/ Ian Johns KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- College Night w/ Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- FAT TUESDAY: Bob Minnette & The Dixieland Players 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Themed Trivia 7:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Fat Tuesday
Mardi Gras Party w/ Morgan Donahue & Left of Center Players Lyle's Sports Zone -- Live Acoustics w/ Tom Small Newburgh American Legion Post #44 -- Fat Tuesday Party with 2 Miles Back [open to the public] 7:30 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Phat Tuesday w/ Tailgate Revival Old National Events Plaza -Blue Man Group 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Bar
Bingo Carson's Brewery -- Bingo KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole (w/ cash prizes register @ 6:30pm) 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -Karaoke THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Boscoe France & Tommy Stillwell Bud's Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Brad Lemmons Carson's Brewery -- Board Game Night KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -Smarty Pints Trivia KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 35
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | IN TOWN & AROUND
-- Texas Hold 'Em Victory Theatre -- Dwight Yoakam 8:00 PM Lyle's Sports Zone -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke O'Brian's Sports Bar -- Nick Hamilton [acoustic] 9:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Open Mic w/ OTP
Looking for a Career with Opportunity? Do you want to make difference in the lives of others? We are looking for dependable caregivers with a passion for serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our Group Homes. Competitive pay—$12.00/hr
FT/PT, Split shifts, Weekends Available
Generous benefits package for Full –Time employees! Must be 18 years or older and pass a Background, Drug Screen, and lift up to 70lbs.
For more information contact ktran@evansvillerehab.com or scan the QR code below
http://www.eastersealsrehabcenter.com
EOE/M/F/VET/DISB
It’s a HEART connection! 36 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Rick Rose Band 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Dueling Guitars 7:15 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- An Intimate Evening w/ Joe W. Smith Cricket's (Newburgh) -- DJ & Karaoke 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Jason Lee McKinney Band Album Release Party J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- No Governor 10:00 PM Bud's Bar & Grill -- Corey Cox Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve Presents: Fryar, Houman & Kadena SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 1:00 PM
Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The Wannabeez 7:00 PM Carson's Brewery -- Smith & Rome Newburgh American Legion Post #44 -- Acousticrats [open to the public] Victory Theatre -- EPO presents: Roger Kalia & Meng Su 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Jimmy DeTalente & Electric Revival w/Whiskey Alibi 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- The Cold Stares J's Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Lyle's Sports Zone -- Muddy Gutt 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Tastes Like Chicken Lamasco Bar & Grill -Gentlemen & Scholars wsg CasOne
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 37
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | MUSIC
FREDDIE BOURNE EVAN SV IL L E S I NGE R- S ONGWRI T E R S E T TO R ELEA SE NEW EP AF TER SELF- I MP OS E D HI AT U S FROM M U SIC
Back in June of 2019, we checked in with tri-state singer-songwriter Freddie Bourne just as he was wrapping up a regional tour in support of Vulnerable Commercialism, a critically-acclaimed EP that drew praise for its raw, confessional
October, the timeline had accelerated dramatically. Bourne
approach. At that moment, he was experiencing the peak
put in his resignation for the end of the month and prepared
of his six years as a recording artist which made Bourne's
to put all of his time and effort into live performances and a
decision to pump the breaks and take a six-month sabbatical
new recording.
seem like strange timing. But he simply wasn't feeling it; mentally, he was fried. So for the sake of self-preservation,
Of course, talent doesn't necessarily pay the bills. While
Bourne chose to lay low until
Bourne did leave USI, he's since
2020 and take time to get back
accepted a teaching position
into shape - to heal both body
elsewhere that will afford him
and mind.
the luxury of concentrating on songwriting; most importantly,
Reportedly, Bourne set his trusty
he'll be free to book shows on
keyboard aside last summer and
weekends. And that's a very
just got on with life. "I wanted to
good thing, because the follow-
see how much I was really going
up to Vulnerable Commercialism
to miss it," he recalls, noting that
is
when his position as Housing
March, right around Bourne's
Administrator at USI started back
28th birthday. Titled Troubled
up again in August, the urge to
Boy at the Bonfire Disco, the
play was already creeping in. In
scheduled
for
release
in
new 4-song EP features a true
fact, Bourne put his boss on notice that the 2019-2020 school
mĂŠlange of sounds and styles, a tricky balancing act that's
year would be his last - that ultimately a career in music
been achieved quite effectively with the help of Dirty Dogg
trumped all else; work was simply getting in the way. By
Productions - aka Stephen Horning of Big Ninja Delight.
38 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Elements of neo-soul, new jazz, new funk, EDM, IDM and, yes, 2000-era power ballads find their way into the mix, according to Bourne. But he more succinctly dubs it "house music - but conscious house." "It's something that hasn't really fully been explored," he explains. "The lyrics have deep stories which I've never heard many male vocalists do." that he's scored a slot at Texas Indie Fest Featuring more of a Coldplay vibe
2020 in March (during the legendary
than a house influence, first single
South by Southwest music festival), a
"I Hope You Don't Forgive Me" is
lead up to a proposed summer tour that
founded on a lilting four chord
will see him play his hometown of New
progression
to
Jersey as well as potential stops in New
loop throughout while Horning's
York, Maryland and North Carolina,
that
continues
production shifts the track from laidback acoustic guitar to
among others. No matter what happens, it surely won't be dull;
contemporary synth work reminiscent of the aforementioned
Bourne is willfully incapable of doing the expected. "I want to be
band's "Paradise." A hip-hop breakdown of sorts then flips the
a question mark or exclamation point - I am not a period. I want
script, leading to an anthemic build-up to close out the track
people to come to my shows and go 'what the hell was that?' or
powered by a wash of atmospheric piano and keys that would
'damn, that was some genius sh*t.'"
make Chris Martin proud. And that's just the music. Bourne's vocals sound more confident than ever as he details a personal relationship gone sour, delivering a controlled yet highly emotive performance. As advertised, there's a lot going on here over
For more info, follow Freddie Bourne on Facebook.
the course of just a few minutes. "Whether or not people like my old stuff or not, there's enough flavor in that one song to cover all the spectrums," Bourne states. We'll have to wait until next month to hear how the rest of the EP turned out, but in the meantime, be sure to check out Bourne's recent spotlight on WEHT's Local Lifestyles from late December. He and Horning put in a solid performance of the lead single which is currently streaming on YouTube. And speaking of live activity, Bourne recently confirmed
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 39
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | MUSIC
TORN CONFIDENCE A HE AVIER END: EVA NSV ILLE'S PR EM IER DJ ENT B A ND DE S T RO Y S O N DEB U T FU LL-LENG TH A LB U M Long gone are the days when local band recordings sounded weak with seemingly no bottom end and a tinny mix. With both technological advances and area producers getting more adept at their craft every day, professional sounding albums are now the norm in the tri-state and the latest winning example of this welcome progression is the fantastic debut full-length from Torn Confidence. Released roughly a year after the band's initial Disintegrate EP shook Evansville metal fans awake with a full-on djent-trified sonic assault, A Brighter End ups the ante both in terms of songwriting and relentless rage, putting TC right at eye-level with the likes of Periphery and Wage War - two of their biggest influences. For those not in the metal loop, djent bands are differentiated by the use of seven and eight string guitars and complex riffs. The former allows for a heavier overall feel while the latter keeps the listener engaged at all times as the notes whiz by at often remarkable speed and in increasingly sophisticated patterns - until the breakdown arrives and melodic passages peak through; then the demolition resumes. Nowhere is this wonderfully diabolical song structure more effective than on "Wanderer," the second track on A Brighter End. The opening guitar exchanges between Tyler Peterson and Chad Zachary are masterful as these two axe invaders double up on a truly killer sequence before lead screamer Jacob Wallace enters with a vengeance and the pummeling rhythm section hunkers down, keeping the groove in a vice-like grip (FYI, drummer Eddie Goebel of Forthright was recently tapped to take over behind the kit). Lyrically, the anger is beyond palpable but like all hotheads, Wallace needs time to reflect on occasion; a brief stoppage of play at the three minute mark provides relief before the band launches back into an undeniably catchy chorus with clean vocals soaring above the fray. For pure, bulldozing pleasure, "Death Stranding" takes the prize here with both Wallace and the band kicking things off in anguished tandem, leaving nowhere to hide from the wreckage - which makes the eventual, almost pretty, melodic breakdown seem even more startling. Other highlights include opening track - and lead single - "Event Horizon" (be sure to check out the professionallyshot video on YouTube) which finds Wallace imploring, "Can you hear me/I'm screaming to the top of my lungs" over a bed of intricate, layered guitar work powered by deep bass from Trevor Collis. Follow-up single "Hans" adapts a Middle Eastern feel that calls to mind Rust in Peace-era Megadeth and features the sickest, most unrelenting breakdown on the album. Still, the crown glory may go to "Kite" which achieves lift off from the get-go and never stops ascending to new metallic heights. For more info, follow Torn Confidence on Facebook. A Brighter End is available on all streaming platforms.
40 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 41
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | ENTERTAINMENT
with Marisa Patwa SUPERHEROES, MESSY MATCHMAKERS, AND SUPER SPIES: FEBRUARY OFFERS UP ATYPICAL ROM-COMS
Let’s forget about the rom-coms and tearjerkers on Valentine’s Day and instead, try some supervillain feminist films, cunningly explosive sequels and third-time's a charm period pieces. I’m sure most men won’t turn down a chance to see talented Australian actress Margot Robbie return as the gutsy, wild and acrobatic Harley Quinn in her own standalone film, Birds Of Prey also a sequel to 2016’s Suicide Squad. Robbie was mesmerizing in her first turn as the baseball bat-wielding, fishnet stocking-wearing supervillain and based on the juicy trailer, she's going to be even more sinister. Some kick-ass actresses also join in to make a powerful girl gang, including Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez and Ali Wong. This feisty film, out February 7, is the first R-rated one for the DC Extended Universe. If you're a fan of action films and cheeky British humor, or better yet, you’ve already seen Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) and its sequel, Kingsman: Golden Circle (2017), you'll be buttered up to watch The King’s Man which follows the origins of how the top-tier, secret spy agency was founded in the first place. And it’s a predictably amazing cast with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Djimon Hounsou, Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Stanley Tucci and Charles Dance. The film is once again directed by Matthew Vaughn, meaning we’re in for some blood, sex, gore and a lot of dry humor. It’s like if Agent Cody Banks married James Bond and their love child timetraveled back to World War I. So get your spy on because this fun thriller comes out on Valentine's Day. After Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic turn as a rich girl matchmaker in the Oscar Award-winning 1996 film Emma, there wasn’t much need for another remake, especially with 1995’s Clueless putting its own comedic spin on the classic Jane Austen story - even Kate Beckinsale starred in her own TV movie version, also in 1996. But here we are again with Anna Taylor-Joy taking over as the titular conceited heiress in the latest installment which arrives in theaters on February 21. Although I’m not convinced there needed to be another remake so soon; in fact, I feel the same way about Little Women even though I adore director Greta Gerwig and the rest of the cast. But, based on the casting of Anna Taylor-Joy, who I find to be quite quirky and unique, I would check this one out. At the very least, I can compare it to the other film versions, although Clueless will always take the cake.
42 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 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.
THIS SOUNDS SERIOUS (BETWEEN SEASONS)
The true crime market is bursting at the seams with sloppy and ethically-bankrupt podcasts that rake in the downloads, and where there’s a huge market of samey content there’s potential for great satire. This Sounds Serious is the one true crime parody in the slowly growing crowd of podcasts that gets things right. It’s not inherently mean-spirited; it’s not just a string of petty Serial references disguised as jokes; it’s all of the usual tropes put on blast with an extra special ingredient: the show actually brings engaging mysteries to the table. Season one quickly became one of my favorite podcastlistening experiences of last year. thissoundsserious.com/merch
YOUR KICKSTARTER SUCKS (WEEKLY)
This is a weird one to recommend because it’s neither a small podcast (over 2,700 supporters on Patreon) nor especially well-produced. It’s two dudes with decent comedy sensibilities riffing, swearing, and occasionally getting around to the show’s core premise of poking fun at bad crowdfunding campaigns. The jokes are puerile and basic but its meandering conversations and simple premise make YKS perfect commuter-podcasting. It’s the aural version of homemade popcornslathered butter. It’s not innovative or refined, but it gets you to where you need to go. twitter.com/
YourKickstarter
BRIMSTONE VALLEY MALL (BIWEEKLY)
I’ve been dying to tell you about this podcast since its creator announced the premise at Podcast Movement last August. Set in 1999, this fiction podcast focuses on the day-to-day antics of five demons who work in a suburban shopping mall. Produced by The Whisperforge, the cast and crew are jam-packed with phenomenally skilled audio drama folk. The sound design in particular is some of the most effective work I’ve heard in recent months. Bitingly funny and dripping in 90s references, it’s a hell of a fun time. whisperforge.org/brimstonevalleymall
STANDARD DOCKING PROCEDURE (BETWEEN SEASONS)
I’ve been producing an audio fiction for a little over a year now, and the first season has just ended, so now’s a wonderful time to try the whole thing out. SDP’s a sitcom about a group of work friends living on a backwater space station doing their best not to break too much. From a walking disaster-bi traffic controller to a sarcastic artificial intelligence, Pseudopolis Station’s got some wacky folk dealing with the usual sitcom problems (but in space). Oh, and the show explicitly promises not to bum you out; we’ve got enough edgy sad sci-fi these days. Season 2’s IndieGoGo launches late spring with a mini-season, so stay tuned... dockingpod.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 43
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
FEBRUARY COMMUNITY & FAMILY Get involved and have some fun with these great community activities around the Tri-State. FEB 1: CHRIS JANSON "REAL FRIENDS" TOUR
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
with Bush's joyous appearances earning
Evansville, IN / 8pm
him kudos from his peers and upcoming artists alike. For tickets and more info, visit
Country star Chris Janson is a platinumselling recording artist and award-winning singer/songwriter
who
has
collected
prestigious accolades that place him among country music greats. His hit songs include “Fix A Drink,” “Buy Me A Boat,” “Drunk Girl,” and from his new album Real Friends, "Good Vibes."
victorytheatre.com.
FEB 7: NIGHT TO SHINE 2020 HOSTED BY LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St., Evansville, IN / 7pm
Life Community Church in Owensboro is excited to partner once again with the
FEB 8: THE REALLY BIG SHOW
Tim Tebow Foundation and host Night
The Arc of Evansville’s signature fundraiser,
to Shine 2020, an unforgettable prom
The Really Big Show, is a community variety
night experience for people with special
show that brings together some of the tri-
2nd St., Owensboro, KY / 7:30pm
needs ages 14 and older. The event is
state’s best musicians, dancers, comedians
FREE. For more info, follow Night to Shine
and entertainers. For tickets and more info,
FEB 3: KORN & BREAKING BENJAMIN
Owensboro on Facebook.
visit arcofevansville.org.
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W.
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
Two of the best and heaviest bands of the
2nd St., Owensboro, KY / 6pm
Evansville, IN / 7pm
FEB 7-9: WEST KENTUCKY BOAT & OUTDOOR SHOW This annual event features pontoons,
FEB 9: LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PRESENTS VOTES FOR WOMEN 1920-2020
fishing boats, jet skis, campers, bait & tackle,
To commemorate 100 years since the
docks & lifts, seminars and much more.
passing of the Nineteenth Amendment
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W.
last 20 years are joining forces once again for a co-headlining tour that is guaranteed to shake the tri-state to its core. Don't miss this epic evening of hard rock and nü metal! For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com.
Admission is FREE so bring all your family
in collaboration with other organizations,
IN / 7pm
and friends for this super fun weekend. For
Votes for Women: 1920-2020 will feature
more info, visit westkyboatshow.com.
author and journalist Elaine Weiss. The
FEB 6: BRETT YOUNG: THE CHAPTERS TOUR
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W.
event is FREE to the public. For more info,
2nd St., Owensboro, KY
visit victorytheatre.com.
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd., Evansville,
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St., Evansville,
Brett Young has captured the hearts of fans everywhere through his honest lyrics and west coast-meets-southern sound, aptly dubbed “Caliville” style. The 2018 ACM Awards New Male Vocalist of the Year recently released his sophomore album, Ticket To L.A. For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
44 | FEBRUARY 2020
FEB 8: SAM BUSH - WINTER TOUR 2020
IN / 2pm
In 2009, the Americana Music Association
FEB 13: CUPID'S CORK & CUISINE
awarded bluegrass legend Sam Bush
Come share the love, one course at a time
the
for
at Cupid’s Cork & Cuisine, an exquisite
Instrumentalist. His live performances are
five-course food, wine, and spirits pairing
annual highlights of the festival circuit,
dining event. Special giveaways will also
Lifetime Achievement Award
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
be part of the evening, including a bottle
Join the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
Blue
Man
Group
performances
are
of each of the wines and spirits featured
for a soulful, hand-raising celebration of
euphoric celebrations of human connection
throughout the dinner. For tickets and more
faith, unity and eternal hope. The Orchestra
through art, music, comedy and non-verbal
info, visit owensborocenter.com.
is joined by members of the Philharmonic
communication. Since debuting at New
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W. 2nd
Chorus and singers from New Hope Baptist
York’s Astor Place Theatre in 1991, this
St., Owensboro, KY / 6pm
and other area churches to perform Gospel
unique act has reached more than 35 million
favorites old and new. For tickets and more
people worldwide. For tickets and more info,
FEB 13: WAITRESS - THE MUSICAL
info, visit evansvillephilharmonic.org.
visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
Inspired by the beloved film, "Waitress"
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St., Evansville, IN
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker
/ 4pm
Evansville, IN / 7:30pm
FEB 20: BRANTLEY GILBERT - FIRE'T UP TOUR
FEB 27: DWIGHT YOAKAM
doctor may offer her a fresh start, but Jenna must summon the strength to rebuild her
With back-to-back platinum albums and a
Award winner, country star Dwight Yoakam
own life. For tickets and more info, visit
grassroots following millions strong, country
has sold more than 25 million albums
oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
star Brantley Gilbert has clearly struck a
worldwide. Nearly 40 of Yoakam’s singles
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
nerve. The Georgia native is the leader of a
have charted on Billboard, with 14 reaching
Evansville, IN / 7:30pm
hard-working tribe of fun-loving believers
the Top 10. For tickets and more info, visit
for whom electric guitar-shredding, rapping,
victorytheatre.com.
FEB 15: AN ELVIS & COUNTRY LEGENDS VALENTINE
and twang can go hand-in-hand-in-hand. For
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St., Evansville, IN
tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com.
/ 7pm
Enjoy some of your favorite rock & roll,
Ford Center: 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd., Evansville, IN
country, and gospel songs starring Brad
/ 7:30pm
FEB 29: SUPPORTING HEROES TRIBUTE GALA
Twitty, Tiffany Puckett as Lorrie Morgan and
FEB 21: CODY JINKS
Heroes Tribute Gala offers the privilege of
Tammy Wynette, Bobby Friend as Garth
Cody Jinks is an American country music
gathering in the presence of heroes with the
Brooks, Christy Miller as Reba McEntire and
singer/songwriter whose 2016 album, I'm
families of heroes to remember and honor
Trisha Yearwood, Mike Boughey as Toby
Not the Devil, reached No. 4 on the Billboard
those who have made the ultimate sacrifice
Keith, Tiffany Puckett and Christy Miller as
Country Albums chart, while the follow-up,
in the line of duty. Following dinner, the
The Judds, and Allen Hilbert as George
Lifers, reached No. 2. In 2019 he released
program will continue with speakers and
Jones! For tickets and more info, visit
After the Fire and The Wanting back-to-back.
presentations showcasing the activities of
owensborocenter.com.
For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.
Supporting Heroes over the last year. For
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W. 2nd
com.
more info, visit owensborocenter.com.
St., Owensboro, KY / 7pm
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St., Evansville, IN
Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W. 2nd
/ 7pm
St., Owensboro, KY / 6pm
The 2020 Bull Bash & Bands is bigger and
FEB 22: BERT KREISCHER - THE BERTY BOY TOUR
FEB 29: EPO PRESENTS ROGER KALIA & MENG SU
badder than ever. Buckle up and see why
Bert Kreischer is an American stand-up
Join the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
they call it the toughest eight seconds on
comedian, actor, writer and host who
for a wonderful evening featuring conductor
Earth starring rides, wrecks and raging
performs to sellout crowds across the
finalist Roger Kalia and gold medalist
bulls plus outrageous and dangerous bull
country. His standup specials Secret Time
guitarist Meng Su performing "Concierto
fighters. And don't miss the country sounds
and The Machine are currently streaming
de Aranquez." The concert concludes with
of Junction Creek Band. For tickets and more
on Netflix. For tickets and more info, visit
Mendelssohn's picturesque Symphony No.
info, visit owensborosportscenter.com.
oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
3 including flavors of Scottish dance and
Owensboro Sportscenter: 1215 Hickman
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St.,
folk music. For tickets and more info, visit
Ave., Owensboro, KY
Evansville, IN / 7pm
evansvillephilharmonic.org.
FEB 16: GOSPEL AT THE PHIL
FEB 25: BLUE MAN GROUP
who dreams of a way out of her small town. A baking contest and the town’s new
McCrady as Elvis Presley and Conway
A 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY
FEB 15-16: BULL BASH & BANDS Get ready for 2000 pounds of pure power.
Victory Theatre: 600 Main St., Evansville, IN / 7pm
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 45
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT
SUCCESS STORIES & FUTURE VANDERBURGH HUMANE SOCIETY
Each month we’ll be checking in with the VHS for the latest good news and to help find furever homes for some of their more unique/older residents.
BE SURE TO ORDER YOUR VHS VALENTINE'S DAY CUDDLEGRAM! VISIT VHSLIFESAVER.ORG OR CALL 812-426-2563 FOR MORE INFO! DIXIE: Dixie is a female mixed-breed. Judging by her belly, she was likely a momma dog multiple times in her life before coming to VHS. She was abandoned by her previous owner. Dixie can be nervous around men, but she really wants to learn that they are not scary! She gets along fine with dogs and cats. She is also heartworm positive, but VHS will treat her at no additional cost to her adopters. Her fee is $110 and includes her spay, microchip,
HOPE
Evansville's Jan Jones got a call from her sister last summer urging her to go to the VHS and check out a truly sweet two-year-old Beagle/Pomeranian/Pug mix in a wheelchair. With her own beloved Chihuahua reaching old age, it was the perfect time for Jones to welcome another furry friend into her life. She headed right over to the shelter - only to be informed that "Hope" had been adopted out just an hour beforehand. Disappointed but undeterred, Jones left her name and number in case something changed - and change it did. The VHS called shortly after and reported that Hope had been returned, so Jones went straight back and signed the papers. Turns out Hope had been adopted out several times previously; not surprising, perhaps, considering her health issues. "It's like having a newborn baby - she has to be diapered," Jones explains. "But as we got acquainted, Hope and I learned each other's behaviors and I learned shortcuts of how to clean her the easiest way without either of us struggling." Six months later, the two are happy as clams together; Hope is receiving optimum care and loves to go for rides and get some loving from all her admirers at local shops around town. She even goes back to the VHS for visits and checkups from the staff vet. Another successful adoption!
vaccines, and heartworm treatment.
PERIWINKLE: Periwinkle is a female dilute tortoiseshell cat. She was found as a stray by a local citizen who was not able to keep her, so she brought her to the VHS to either be reclaimed by her family (which she wasn’t) or to find a new one. So now – hey, maybe that’s you! Reading this! Periwinkle is beautiful and gets along great with other cats. She’s been at the shelter since October 5. Her adoption fee is $40 and includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more!
SIMON: Simon is a 1-year-old male
English Spot rabbit. He is a curious and outgoing guy who will come up to you if you sit next to him, and sometimes even groom you! He isn’t particularly fond of being picked up, like many rabbits, but with a little treats and socialization he will likely make a great rabbit for any rabbit-experienced household. His adoption fee is $50 and includes his neuter and registered microchip which is a $300+ value!
400 Millner Industrial Drive | 2 blocks west of Garvin Park in Evansville 812-426-2563 | Adoption Hours: Tues-Sat 12-6pm | www.vhslifesaver.org
46 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Your protection needs are unique. Shouldn't your insurance coverage be just as well? I am committed to learning what you need. And, just as important, what you don't. Call me or stop by to get a quote today.
Personalized protection
Sam Tanoos 812-479-1034
5334 Vogel Rd. Evansville, IN stanoos@allstate.com
Coverage that’s catered to you.
Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Savings vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
10822590
One place to help with all your insurance needs.
| 47
48 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 49
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | OPINION
THE WRITE STUFF with Jonathan Gluff
License to Illogic (Or “I Can Falla-see for Miles”) I'm no statistician, but the number of un/misinformed social media posts seems to be directly proportional to politically divisive events. Given that events of that nature (or at least media coverage of them) have dramatically risen lately, the wave of logical fallacy-ridden posts should come as no surprise. What kind of fallacies, you may ask? Here are a few of my favorites from both sides of the aisle: •
•
•
•
False Dichotomy: Falsely asserting a situation only has two options/ outcomes. Examples: 1) “If you don’t like Trump, you must hate America!” 2) “If you support Trump, you must hate minorities!” Strawman: Creating an oversimplified/misleading representation of an opposing viewpoint. Examples: 1) “Democrats are criticizing Trump for killing Soleimani. They support brutal warlords!” 2) “Gun owners want to keep their firearms. They might as well support school shootings!” No True Scotsman: Claiming that anyone who doesn’t pass some arbitrary litmus test must not truly be dedicated to whatever identity is in question. Examples: 1) “No true Christian could be a Republican!” 2) “No true progressive would support Tulsi Gabbard!” Slippery slope: Falsely claiming that an action will inevitably be the
•
•
first step towards a particular far-fetched result. Examples: 1) “If we allow same-sex marriage, it’ll lead to people marrying animals!” 2) “If we don’t support regime change in Syria, it will lead to Russian expansion in the region!” Circular logic: Stating that A is true because B says so, and B is true because A says so. The argument ends where it begins, like a circle. Examples: 1) “I believe what the President says because he says he isn’t a liar.” 2) “I believe what Elizabeth Warren said about Bernie Sanders because she said it’s the truth.” Tu Quoque: Literally Latin for “you, too,” this classic diversionary tactic boils down to “I did something bad, but so did you.” Examples: 1) “What about all the drone strikes Obama led?” 2) “Obama may have expanded the PRISM surveillance project, but George W. Bush started it!” (I was guilty of saying this back in 2013)
Of course, this only scratches the surface of all the different fallacies, nor does it explore the possibility of a statement still being true despite containing one or more fallacies. But avoiding them is the best idea, and recognizing them is the first step in avoiding them. After all - that’s the logical thing to do.
TRI-STATE
POLITICS with Bryan Fox
CAN WEINZAPFEL BREAK THROUGH? 50 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Former Evansville mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel has certainly made things interesting. Last December, he announced he would be seeking the Democratic party's nomination to be their candidate to become Indiana's next Attorney General. He will be facing the embattled Curtis Hill. Hill has been accused of groping several women in a bar in Indianapolis - allegations which he has denied. Nevertheless, he could still face some backlash. The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission recommended suspending Hill's law license for two years, but a final decision hasn't been made. Democrats have had trouble flipping state held positions
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | OPINION
MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD... with Johnny Fletcher
GIVE A HOOT, DON'T REBOOT Nostalgia is a bitch. Yes, it's hard to let go of the past but, as someone
the clips from the reboot? For instance, the one where Paul hurts his
apparently once said, familiarity breeds contempt. Which, naturally,
shoulder whilst in the process of putting on his pants? Because he's
leads me to the subject of TV reboots. Dear lord, why? Why in the
old, get it? I mean, clearly I can relate at this stage of the game, but
name of all that is holy do we need to revisit shows that didn't cut the
that's beside the point. And then there's the bit where the couple's
mustard (old guy reference) in the first place? Admittedly, there are
life insurance policy is about to run out, so Paul jokes that if Jamie
bigger problems in the world right now, but why add to our woes by
has designs on killing him she better do it by Monday. Ay yai yai, the
exhuming the corpses of utterly bland comedies like Mad About You?
hilarity!
(Or Will & Grace, for that matter, but I only have the energy to focus on one right now.) It's baffling. Not really, though - I mean, if there's even
It was reported that Paul Reiser wasn't sure if the reboot was even
a whiff of money in the air, just about any pile of crap masquerading
going to happen because, "the studio needs to figure out if they
as entertainment can get green-lighted.
know how to do it." An ominous - and prescient - quote, for sure. Less is more, people - always remember that. No one in their right mind
But back to NBC's decidedly unfunny take on marital coupling (the
needed more of this show. But rather than continue complaining, I'll
new & most definitely not improved edition is courtesy of Spectrum,
simply defer to the defeated look on George Costanza's face in the
actually)... And yes, I'm aware that many of you out there loved
"The Engagement" episode of Seinfeld as his fiancée Susan summons
watching Paul (Paul Reiser) and Jamie (Helen Hunt) playfully bicker
him to bed with the revelation that she's "taping Mad About You." Of
and make up to the tune of a maniacal laugh track every week for
course, only dinosaurs like me are watching cable these days - you
27 seasons. Sorry, seven; it just felt much longer. Far be it from me
probably don't have a clue what this was all about. Fair enough.
to question your taste in shows. But seriously, have you seen any of
in recent years. If elected, Weinzapfel would be the first Democrat elected AG since 2000 - which also happens to be the last time a Democrat was elected governor. Heck, even when the GOP candidate was corrupt they still couldn't win. Case in point: Charles White. White became Secretary of State in 2010 in a landslide but not before being accused of serving in Fishers town even though he moved out of the area. White would eventually be indicted on seven felony counts including voter fraud and forced to resign. More recently, the Dems have made some headway into statewide politics. In 2012, Glenda
Ritz shocked everyone when she defeated incumbent Tony Bennett for Superintendent. This was a presidential year that saw candidate Mitt Romney win the state easily and former governorturned-VP Mike Pence edge out his Democratic opponent John Gregg. Weinzapfel, for his part, has an impressive resume. He first became known when he ran against John Hostettler for congress in '96 and narrowly lost - a sign of good things to come. He was elected to the state house for two terms before serving as mayor during which time he spearheaded the revitalization of downtown
Evansville. With 2020 being a presidential election year, all eyes will be on that race. When the polls close at 6, the state of Indiana will be called for Trump at 6:05. Indiana will not be much of a cliffhanger in the POTUS race as usual. With no serious contender to face off against Republican Eric Holcomb and no senate race this year, the Weinzapfel/Hill AG race could be the state's most watched and perhaps have the most money spent. Yes, things are definitely getting interesting in Indiana politics.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 51
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | FILM & TV REVIEWS
FILM & TV REVIEWS THE ACT HULU
Joey King and Patricia Arquette star in a Hulu 8-episode miniseries called The Act based on a true life crime story. The series explores mother DeeDee Blanchard (Arquette) and her daughter Gypsy Rose (King) and their toxic, disturbing relationship. DeeDee has a syndrome called Munchausen by Proxy, a disorder characterized by attention-seeking behavior by a caregiver. In this situation, DeeDee gains attention and self-worth by falsifying her daughter’s disabilities and illnesses. In doing so, she makes Gypsy her prisoner and wreaks havoc upon her life purely for DeeDee's own happiness. Consequently, DeeDee’s self-serving actions lead up to Gypsy’s desperate need to escape from her mother’s suffocating grip by violently fighting back for her own life. Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about The Act. I was overwhelmed and troubled, yes; yet entirely captivated at the same time. - Sarah Ruch
THE WITCHER SSN 1 NETFLIX
There’s no doubt that Netflix’s new series is perfectly poised to fill the Game of Thronesshaped hole in many viewers’ lives, and it does so with aplomb. Based on the popular Swedish novels and video games of the same name, it follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), the titular Witcher, the series’ name for monster-slaying bounty hunters. Everything about the production is top-notch: Battles are as brutal as they are beautifully choreographed, the acting and dialogue are fantastic, and the cinematography and score are stirring. The timeline may be confusing to some at first, as it jumps between past and present, but contextual clues help indicate the timeshift. A must-see for fantasy fans. - Jonathan Gluff
LETTERKENNY SSN 8 HULU
While this season may be billed as the 8th, it’s really more of a continuation of season 7. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as it picks up where it left off while also avoiding the minor missteps of the last bunch. Tannis “mic’ing out” Reilly, Jonesy, and Shoresy on the road to a championship finally truly pays off, as their on-ice banter (or “chirping”) is non-stop hilarity, and seeing the core group of hicks simply BS’ing around the produce stand is a welcome return to form. Stewart’s quest to get ripped at the gym is the only small hiccup, and even then, it’s still vastly better than that illadvised public access show from last season. - Jonathan Gluff
52 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
NEWS4U JANUARY 2020 | FILM & TV REVIEWS
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | MUSIC REVIEWS
CAMILA CABELLO Romance Epic Records
HARRY STYLES Fine Line Columbia Records My cousin Lindsay in Wisconsin has seen at least one dozen One Direction concerts, even traveling as far as England for her beloved Harry Styles. So, I’m writing this in her honor, knowing she’s probably already had several ear-gasms listening to Styles’ second studio album, Fine Line. The 26-year-old kicked off this new release in style, first by killing his double duty as host and performer on Saturday Night Live back in November. And his songs slay - “Cherry” has an indie music, almost folksy vibe to it, but I’m not complaining. Standout “Watermelon Sugar” is Beatles-esque in its ability to make you feel like you're experiencing a sweet summer romance while still making you want to bang your head like you’re at a rock concert. (Think “Your Body is a Wonderland” doused in Pop Rocks.) Easy, breezy “Adore You” is just as sugary sweet. You’ll for sure get a tooth ache listening to this album, but Styles will quench that candy thirst. My personal favorite? The whimsical and catchy “Lights Up.” - Marisa Patwa
SELENA GOMEZ Rare Interscope Records Although this 27-year-old is not the strongest vocalist to come out of Disney, she still manages to release number one pop singles that are catchy and instantlylicensed for television use. Most recently, Hannah Brown, season 15 star of The Bachelorette and eventual Dancing with the Stars season 28 winner, performed a contemporary dance to “Lose You To Love Me” on DWTS back in November, just a few weeks after the single was released. And Gomez has done it again with her third studio album Rare, still climbing the pop charts, even without a powerhouse voice to back it up. Other standouts from Gomez’s latest release include the anthem “Look At Her Now” and the fun and electric title track, both of which have technicolor music videos to match. But frankly, this isn’t Gomez’s “best work” as BFF and fellow pop icon Taylor Swift said; several songs blend together with a similar sound, giving much of the album a generic feel. But “Let Me Get Me” is full-on addictive, while the softer “Kinda Crazy” leaves your ears with a sweet energy. My personal favorite, the aforementioned “Lose You To Love Me,” is the only really strong song on the whole album. - Marisa Patwa
54 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
I had the pleasure of seeing this talented Cuban-American singer in the flesh when she opened up for Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” Tour at Cardinal Stadium in July 2018. Cabello was fresh off her single “Havana” and surprised me by performing a high-energy, sexy dance while still giving us sizzling vocals to that same song. One thing is for sure, the 22-yearold es muy caliente, especially with her second studio album Romance. With R&B and Latin-pop influences, it's a scintillating showcase of the performer’s wide-vocal range, from the silky smooth “Shameless” to the haunting “Bad Kind of Butterflies” and sweet ballad “Used To This.” Of course, sexy duet “Señorita” with fellow pop star and boyfriend Shawn Mendes is another mustlisten about a steamy young romance. Sound familiar? My personal favorite, “This Love,” focuses on a hot and toxic love, and is one of those songs you’ll ask Siri to play on repeat. - Marisa Patwa
JASON LEE MCKINNEY BAND Pieces Bonfire Recording Co. Evansville native Jason Lee Mckinney has called Nashville home for two decades now, slowly but surely putting the musical pieces together while building an international fanbase for his indefinable blend of soul, folk, funk and southern rock - a combination of sounds that's played particularly well in Europe where JLMB have remained a big draw since their first festival invitation in 2012. While 2015's Play Something You Believe Vol. 1 & 2 erred on the side of Tom Petty-influenced tunes with grit and grime, 2017's Sacred Southern Soul tipped the scales towards a slightly smoother, groovier, more spiritual sound. Pieces, out February 21, goes full board in that direction, belying McKinney's lifelong Prince obsession. As a result, this new 10-song collection is flatout funky at times and often harkens back to the golden era of 70's soul with heavy use of moody electric piano on highlights like the sultry "Groove is Getting Old" and contemplative "Put Up a Good Fight" - the latter featuring McKinney's emotive falsetto, as sure a sign as any that he's learned a few vocal tricks from his Paisley Park hero. Pieces is bookended perfectly by "Normal is Just An Exit" and "Blues in Bahrain," both featuring blistering guitars and unstoppable grooves, bluesy and funky, respectively. But McKinney points to the uplifting title track as the song that, appropriately, ensures the puzzle is whole. Don't miss the band's album release party at Bokeh Lounge on February 28. - Johnny Fletcher
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | MUSIC REVIEWS
STRANGE RANGER Remembering The Rockets Tiny Engines Here’s some good slacker rock for you. Philly-based Strange Ranger are back with their follow-up to 2017's solid Day Moon. Forming in Portland, Oregon when the members were still in high school, Strange Ranger released a few dark, harsh EPs and one full album under the name Sioux Falls. When the band relocated to Philadelphia and changed their name, their style shifted with it. Remembering The Rockets is not only their poppiest album it’s their best yet. Lyrically, frontman Isaac Eiger touches frequently on generational problems and observations he has on the mundaneness of life. Stylistically, it all comes across like Pavement or Teenage Fanclub reaching for the pop sensibilities of Third Eye Blind. It’s a fun 90s throwback album that nearly anyone could enjoy. - Russ Finn
(SANDY) ALEX G House of Sugar Domino Recording Company (Sandy) Alex G, or just Alex G to fans, is one of the most notable songwriters in indie rock over the last decade. Across six proper albums and countless unofficial releases, he has cemented himself as the Bandcamp Bedroom Pop King. While not his best album in my opinion, House of Sugar is a great showcase of the many styles that can be found across his discography. A typical Alex G album will feature a mix of ridiculously beautiful melodies marked with strong storytelling and bizarre, sometimes chaotic instrumentals and experimentalism. House of Sugar checks all of the Alex G boxes and has some of his absolute best songwriting of his career on songs like “Southern Sky,” “Crime,” and “SugarHouse.” At times, however, the instrumental and experimental tracks on the album detract from the larger picture and sometimes come across as filler. - Russ Finn
THE DIXIE NARCOS Orange 3 Nuisance Moose Recordings The Dixie Narcos are a small-time band from Jacksonville, IL, who release psychpop albums as fast and as often as they can. Since I discovered them in 2018, they have released six albums (with a total of eight albums across three years). The band largely focuses on writing and recording albums in their practice space and release a greater number of albums than shows played in any given year. Simply put, The Dixie Narcos are utterly cool in their need to release art faster than you can properly take it in. If you like The Beatles, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Brian Jamestown Massacre, or any number of psychedelic pop acts, Orange 3 is a fun album that deserves your time. - Russ Finn
Blues with Bragin JEFF CHAZ No Paint JCP Records The Bourbon Street Bluesman is back with a sizzling set of songs. Opening track “Turn Back the Hands of Time” features a classic Augie Joachim bassline at the outset that sets the tone well for the song. “The Stars Are Out” gets downright moody with melancholy vocals and guitar from Chaz while he sings about waiting for his woman to return home. The funky beat on “We Ain’t Shackin’ No More” leads to serious toe tapping. The slow ballad “Lowdown, Dirty Blues” features a nice beat from drummer Rick Jones and allows all of the musicians to shine during the eight minute track. “Blues Buffet” features rocking guitar from Chaz and discusses a relationship going through a difficult period. A combination of Chaz’s searing guitar and Joachim’s fluid bass work well together on “Little Sips.” “She’s the Sweetest Thing” offers some of the best guitar work from Chaz and talks about how much he appreciates the woman in his life. The final track on the album, “deet, deet, deet,” is a rocking instrumental tune that gives all of the players a final chance to showcase their musical prowess. - Paul Bragin For more info, visit jeffchazblues.com.
JAY GORDON'S BLUES VENOM Slide Rules Self-Released Jay Gordon’s Blues Venom returns with the follow-up to 2015's Woodchoppers Ball. A sly reference to the Chicago native's mastery of slide guitar, Slide Rules opens with “Dripping Blues” showcasing Gordon's playing skills in front of a classic sounding heavy blues bass line from Sharon Butcher. ”Pain” deals with a man going through hard times and the music behind the lyrics matches the vocals perfectly, with the pain in Gordon’s voice transmitted through his guitar as well. The song “Lost in Time” sounds like a cross between blues-rock and hair metal from the 1980s. “Lucky 13” features a great dance beat. “Dockery’s Plantation” sees Gordon playing a long, soaring guitar lead reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughan and singing a classic tale about Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil. A cover of the Elmore James song “Stranger Blues” features a slower version of the tune. Butcher’s bass on “VooDoo Boogie” shines through magnificently. Tom Parham’s drumming on “El Diablos Blues” encapsulates why he earned the nickname “Mr. Groove.” A cover of Robert Johnson’s “Traveling Riverside Blues” with just Gordon on acoustic guitar and vocals offers a nice change of pace. - Paul Bragin For more info, visit bluesvenom.com.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 55
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | BEER REVIEWS
FEBRUARY BEER REVIEWS This month’s beers are available depending on supply & demand at all 10 Liquor Locker locations. Visit our website at www.Liquor-Locker.com. GOOSE ISLAND SO-LO
PLATFORM SPEED MERCHANT
JONATHAN GLUFF - 4
Platform Beer Co. isn’t a brewery I’m familiar with, but this first brew I’ve tried from them bodes well. The can describes its flavor as “Citrusy, Tropical, and Piney.” While there is a touch of pine on the nose (or while exhaling after a drink), the citrus is what you taste first, followed by just a hint of mango on the finish. It’s an IPA light enough for most hop-haters, but nuanced enough to satisfy hopheads.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4
A thin white head rests on this cloudy IPA, but stays for a long time. A burst of citrus scents fill the nose. The initial tasting of the beer contains a good amount of pine notes from hops and remains during the finish. It also maintains a lighter mouthfeel from the wheat used during brewing. People who like IPAs should try this. Pair it with seared scallops with caramelized onions and fennel over rosemary risotto.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4
I can smell the pine right away in this hazy golden beer that contains much carbonation. I like the crisp hops flavor - it's really refreshing - as well as the 6.6% ABV. This beer is pretty fruity but doesn't have one distinct flavor that overpowers it.
56 | FEBRUARY 2020
JONATHAN GLUFF - 4
Not content with light lagers and pilsners cornering the low-cal market, Chicago’s premier brewery brings a full-flavored beer into the fat-fighting fray. Its big brother’s trademark notes of slight citrus up front and wheat on the finish are all here, just slightly dialed back; in fact, given its low ABV of only 3%, I wouldn’t be surprised if this were just their standard IPA watered down. But with this much flavor at a diet-friendly level, who cares?
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25
A white head forms on this golden IPA but disappears somewhat quickly. The nose contains a balance of malt and hops, with the hops taking a slightly stronger presence. Likewise, the first sip of the beer maintains a balance of malt and hops, but the hops stay on the tongue in the long finish. The 3% alcohol makes this a great session beer. Pair it with General Tso’s cauliflower (or chicken if you prefer the classic).
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 2.5
This is a clear golden beer. I consider this the lower level in the IPA spectrum. It has an extremely light hops flavor - ok, but doesn't really grab you. I guess if you are watching your calories, the 3% ABV is good. But overall, I just don't care for this beer - it's too watered down with little flavor.
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
FIRESTONE UNION JACK IPA
JONATHAN GLUFF - 3.5
While there’s nothing wrong with Firestone Walker Brewing’s Union Jack IPA, there’s really nothing that special about it, either. It’s a very competent middle-of-the-road IPA; it’s not too hoppy, it’s not too bitter, and it’s a little stronger, weighing in at a slightly-above-average 7% ABV. Perhaps the “Jack” in the title isn’t just a reference to the British flag, as it’s truly a jack of all trades, and master of none.
PAUL BRAGIN - 3.75
A thick white head crowns this IPA and never totally evaporates. A generous amount of pine and citrus notes hops control the scent profile. The beer hits the tongue with a good amount of carbonation and citrus flavors like tangerine and grapefruit from the hop presence rise steadily and continue in the finish. Pair it with a variety of foods like beef, blue cheese, chili, sharp Cheddar cheese, shellfish or any number of spicy dishes.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3.5
This is a clear, amber-colored beer. It has the heavy hops flavor but that's about it. I just like the Platform beer a little better. It does have a 7% ABV and a pretty neat looking can, but otherwise there's not much else that really sets it apart from other IPAs.
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | BEER REVIEWS
UPLAND TEDDY BEAR KISSES
At 10% ABV, it’s very strong, as is expected from a Russian imperial stout. Strangely, it takes a drink or two to get used to the flavor, but once you do, you’re treated to a complex flavor profile of dark maltiness and a bittersweet (literally, not figuratively) finish with strong notes of dark chocolate on the finish.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5 JONATHAN GLUFF - 4
Despite our reputation as a boring Midwestern state, Indiana produces some great beers. Upland’s Teddy Bear Kisses is one such libation.
A good tan head tops this Russian imperial stout when poured in a traditional English pub glass. Sweet scents from the malt and cacao dominate the scent. The mouthfeel seems halfway between chocolate milk and a milkshake, with
roasted malt flavors in the first taste and the long finish. Pair it with a variety of desserts like pumpkin pie, fruitcake or your favorite chocolate cake. You can also add vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a float.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 5
This is a great Russian imperial stout that pours a deep black - thick enough you could chew it. I like the coffee and chocolate flavors. I believe this is a 10% ABV or close enough which gives it a warming effect. This beer is not for the faint of heart, but it's one of my top five favorites of all time.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 57
NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2020 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
NICE GUY VAPORS
H E N D ER SON , K E NT U C KY
CHECK OUT THE COUPON PAGE FOR GREAT DEALS AT NICE GUY VAPORS Pg. 25
2 53 9 US-4 1 , H ENDE RS ON, KY 42420 | 27 0 -8 5 4 -4 4 3 1 Rob Bowen is a man who truly embodies his business’s name.
now had a way to make a living while also offering people a safer
Not just the “Nice Guy” part, which he undeniably is; but also
alternative to cigarettes.
his dedication to educating people on the facts about vaping,
harm reduction for smokers who switch to vaping, and that
“I think ‘harm reduction’ is a better term than ‘safer,’” he says. In fact,
not all products are created equal. Doing all this in a friendly,
some studies have shown that vaping may be up to 95% safer than
approachable, and newcomer-friendly way further proves that Nice
cigarettes. Similarly, nearly all of the deaths/illnesses tied to vaping
Guy Vapors isn’t just a catchy company moniker.
have turned out to be from illicit black-market THC cartridges
rather than standard vape juice. It’s facts like these that have led him
His entrepreneurial streak started at a young age by looking up to
to actively petition lawmakers at both the federal and state levels.
his similarly-minded grandfather. As an adult, Rob spent 16 years in
automotive sales; first in sales, then sales management, and finally
Bowen and hundreds of other vaping advocates rallied near
the financing side of the business. Eventually, his grandfather’s
the White House on November 9th, 2019, to oppose a wave of
persistence of asking when “[he’d] do something worthwhile rather
regulations on flavored vape juices that many saw as a move by Big
than make money for someone else” goaded him into opening his
Tobacco lobbyists aimed at crippling smaller juice producers. For
first store in September 2013. Having grown up in Henderson, he
instance, the Pre-Market Tobacco Application (or PMTA), ostensibly designed for consumer safety, may cost vape juice companies up to $1 million per flavor. At that entry price, few can compete. At the state level, both Senator Robby Mills and Representative Rob Wiederstein have visited the store, and to their credit, they were very receptive. “I won’t name any names, but when I handed a full kit to one of them, they asked me, ‘Is this a Juul?’” It sounds funny, but many regulators are simply uninformed on the subject. Fortunately, whether you’re a State Senator or just a newbie, Rob and his team are more than happy to help you navigate the seemingly endless sea of box mods, tanks, coils, and juices. - Jonathan Gluff For more info, visit niceguyvapors.com.
58 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 59
60 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 61
62 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 63
64 | FEBRUARY 2020
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
have ever... Played Out a Fantasy?
Explored Your Passions?
you Been a Little Naughty?
4605 Washington Ave 812-401-7399
BoudoirNoir.com
Give into Your Passions and Introduce Something New Tonight! Get to Boudoir Noir’s Exotica For All Your Valentine’s Shopping.
Your Romance and Fantasy Superstore Evansville’s Original
R
y k c o
n i a t n u o M
High
Win a Trip to
Colorado Stop In Every Day In
February to Register
4605 Washington Ave 812-401-7399
Follow us on
Largest Selection In Town Vapes • Pipes • CBD • Papers Hookahs • Accessories
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • FEBRUARY 2020
| 65