NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Story Photography by Daniel Knight Studio B Photography
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR 6 Happy 2022, Everyone
JANUARY 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
44 Exploring Small Business 45 All Breed Grooming, Boarding & Daycare
CUISINE & DINING 24 Clean Bite Life 25 Coupons
ENTERTAINMENT
COVER STORY
8 9
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Orangetheory Fitness
Results-Driven Fitness Facility is a Tri-State Favorite
Best of the Tri-State 2022
The Votes are in - Time to Crown the Winners!
26 In Town & Around 32 Music: DRK WTR 33 Music: Shawn Needham 34 Music: Timothy Seed 35 Music: Trent "B-Face" Small 35 Music: Xanderwolf 36 Top 5 Albums of 2021 38 Rock & Metal Profs 39 The Stephen Kingdom 40 Screen Time 41 True Crime Junkie 42 TikTok: Our Favs of the Month
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
FEATURES & UPCOMING EVENTS
20 22
Kansas "Point of Know Return" Tour at the Victory
Exclusive Interview with Guitarist Rich Williams
Winter Jam 2022 at the Ford Center
Exclusive Interview with NewSong Vocalist Russ Lee
Established in 1991 by Publisher Brian Bennett Operations Manager Joshua Adams Managing Editor & Writer Thomas Ellis Account Representatives TJ Tanoos tj@evansvillemediagroup.com
46 VHS Animal Spotlight 47 VHS Adoption Spotlight 48 Tri-State Pet Pics 58 Ask an Attorney 60 Mug Shots
OPINION & COMMENTARY
50 As I Type This... 50 Tri-State Politics 51 Maybe I'm Just Getting Old 52 When Late Night Thoughts are Bourne
REVIEWS 54 Music 56 Beer
Production Manager, Designer & Layout Artist Kelsey H. & Bailey R. Contributors
Elaina Adams, Freddie Bourne, Paul Bragin, Russ Finn, Johnny Fletcher, Barold Hume, Marisa Patwa, Lindsay Rasure, Lane Siesky
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.
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|5
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
H
appy 2022, everyone. I seem to recall that we were all
Globetrotters showcase, plus comedian Nate Bargatze
generally relieved to put 2020 behind us, and I sense
and country star Morgan Wallen - all coming to downtown
that the same could be said about the past 12 months. Am I
Evansville along with classic rock legends Kansas (we've got
right? Perhaps I'm just projecting, but there doesn't appear
an exclusive interview with guitarist Rich Williams, by the
to be a lot of joy out there of late. Or maybe I've just been
way). Needless to say there's no shortage of entertainment
spending too much time online - where all joy goes to die.
to kick off 2022 in style, so stop moaning about the cold
Regardless, we've got a clean slate this month and that's
weather and get out of the house! That was mainly for
pretty cool. As 80's synth-pop pioneer Howard Jones once
me, to be honest; a little self-motivation never hurts. And
sang, "Things can only get better" - and that certainly applies
finally... To honor all the amazing businesses that keep our
to these challenging pandemic days. But enough about the
community humming, News 4U is once again presenting the
current state of the world; let's focus on all the good stuff
Best of the Tri-State - everything from fitness establishments
going on in the tri-state this month and into early February.
and insurance companies to pest control and plumbing
For instance, REBA is finally making good on a show at
operations. Take a look through the pages ahead and see
the Ford Center that was rescheduled twice due to Covid.
who all made the cut based on online voting. Last but not
Then there's the annual Winter Jam concert and Harlem
least, to bring things full circle, Happy New Year!
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- TE
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | COVER STORY
ORANGETHEORY
FITNESS
Locally-owned and operated fitness facility offers results-driven, heart ratebased workouts for people of all ages and abilities
helps you do that better." But how do they do it? Well, being a heart rate-based workout, the coaches are able to help scale the workout so that it is manageable and challenging to you, regardless of your age, experience or current fitness level. As Tyson notes, "in any given class, you might have former professional athletes next to someone brand new to fitness. Regardless of their ability, their effort and intensity is the same." The real key to OTF's success, however, is the family-like environment. Unlike other gyms that thrive on individuals who sign up for a year but quickly fade, OTF keeps its clients on a first-name basis, even calling to check in on those who miss workouts. Head Coach (and fitness nut) Jenny Putnam - whose coached almost 3000 of the facility's nearly 15,000 classes to date - and her stellar staff (all certified Personal Trainers and OTFit-certified) truly go the extra mile to build relationships with
It didn't take long for Evansville's Whitney Martin to become a
everyone who walks through the door. "We know you - what
believer in the power of Orangetheory Fitness (OTF); it just took
you lift, we know your base pace, your push base, your all-out,"
seeing
and
experiencing
the
effectiveness
OTF
workouts
of
Putnam says. "That's what sets
the
us apart."
firsthand
and witnessing the passion
Simply put, if you're looking
that the company founder
to reach a new level of fitness
exhibits
speaking
- or just get in better shape -
about their mission. That
OTF is the place to be. For
was over five years ago
your convenience, the facility
when she attended an OTF
runs up to 12 classes every
convention
her
day of the week starting at
finance position at the time.
5 a.m. There's no time like
when
through
Her interest sparked, Whitney returned home rejuvenated
PHOTO: DANIEL KNIGHT STUDIO B PHOTOGRAPHY
the present to come in and experience their heart rate-
and after discussing things with her equally athletically-inclined
based total body workouts that include a coach-led cardio
husbandTyson, the couple decided to "move to the next step."
portion on state of the art treadmills for power walkers, joggers and runners and a strength portion where dumbbells, TRX,
So in 2017, the Martins signed on to open the first OTF in
medicine balls and various other tools are used to develop
Evansville, eager to provide the community with a welcoming
overall strength and power. And FYI, OTF workouts are designed
facility that breaks down the barriers to health and wellness.
by a fitness design team led by Ryan Flaherty (Chief Fitness
"We offer everything you would need from a fitness standpoint
Officer), who came to the company from Nike, where he was the
- everything translates into what we do in our daily lives," Tyson
Senior Director of Performance. Keep in mind your first workout
explains, "whether it's picking up your kids or riding your bike
at OTF is always free. Their coaches are ready to meet you where
or whatever you like to do outside of the studio - Orangetheory
you are at, and take you where you want to go.
Orangetheory Fitness is located at 3431 N. Green River Rd. in Evansville. For more info, visit orangetheory.com.
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NEWS 4U
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BEST OF THE TRI-STATE
AWARD 2022
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2022
Well, it's a new year, folks, and thank goodness, really. Safe to say we'd all had about enough of 2021 for various reasons and now there's a clean slate - a chance to start fresh and make 2022 something special. So in the interest of kicking things off in a positive way, we're bringing you the Best of the Tri-State in January. On the following pages you'll find out which local businesses our readers prefer based on
BEST
online voting - from the top pest control
TRI-STATE
last two years have presented. Frankly, the
OF THE
and insurance companies to favorite bars and restaurants and everything in between. It's our way of giving back to the community and supporting all the hardworking people out there who've managed to stay above the fray despite all the challenges that the
whole city deserves a big shout-out - but there's only so much room in an issue of News 4U, you know? Regardless, take a look and see if your picks made the cut. And be sure to check out the rest of the mag as there's plenty more to enjoy. Happy New Year!
BEST PEST CONTROL COMPANY ARROW TERMITE & PEST
BEST FENCING / DECK COMPANY BACKYARD FENCES & DECKS 1134 INDY CT EVANSVILLE, IN
1050 N CONGRESS AVE EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP MILLS BODY SHOPS
BEST HEATING & AIR COMPANY
FOUR LOCATIONS TO VISIT
BRACKETT HEATING & AIR COMPANY
5233 OLD BOONVILLE HWY EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST PLUMBING COMPANY BUD'S PLUMBING 400 E ILLINOIS ST EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST LAWN / LANDSCAPING COMPANY WEED MAN LAWN CARE
BEST FLOORING COMPANY BENNY'S FLOORING TWO LOCATIONS TO VISIT (812) 392-1891
2121 KOTTER AVE EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST HOMEMADE GOODS
BEST LOCAL CLOTHING STORE
BUFF CITY SOAP
FRANKLIN STREET BOUTIQUE
1414 HIRSCHLAND RD SUITE E EVANSVILLE, IN
2104 W FRANKLIN ST EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST JEWELRY STORE BRINKER'S JEWELERS
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
111 S GREEN RIVER RD EVANSVILLE, IN
LOBACZ CHIROPRACTIC 4910 TEMPLE AVE EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST GYM / HEALTH CLUB ORANGETHEORY FITNESS 3431 N GREEN RIVER RD EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST DENTIST FRANKLIN STREET DENTISTRY 2300 W FRANKLIN ST EVANSVILLE, IN
DANIEL KNIGHT STUDIO B 3941 BLACKFORD RD E MT VERNON, IN
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PHOTO: PETER HURLEY
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER / PHOTOGRAPHY COMPANY
BEST 3 TRI-STATE BARS
BEST RESTAURANT FOR A DATE
BUD'S BOKEH LOUNGE LAMASCO
FARMER & FRENCHMAN 12522 US-41 ROBARDS, KY
BEST SPORTS BAR LEROY'S TAVERN
BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST
2659 MOUNT VERNON AVE EVANSVILLE, IN
NELLIE'S RESTAURANT
8566 RUFFIAN LN NEWBURGH, IN
BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH GERST BAVARIAN HAUS 2100 W FRANKLIN ST EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST PLACE FOR DINNER AMY'S ON FRANKLIN
FLOURISH PLANT-BASED EATERY 222 S RED BANK RD SUITE L EVANSVILLE, IN
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PHOTO: CHRISTINE BEYER
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
1418 W FRANKLIN ST EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST PLACE FOR PIZZA KIPPLEE'S
BEST PLACE FOR COFFEE PENNY LANE 600 SE 2ND ST EVANSVILLE, IN
2350 E DIVISION ST EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST TRI-STATE REALTOR PHIL HOOPER, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES
BEST LOCAL ATTORNEY / LAW FIRM
4111 WASHINGTON AVE EVANSVILLE, IN
BOB ZOSS 2405 N GREEN RIVER RD EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST INSURANCE COMPANY PAULSON INSURANCE 1137 W MILL RD # 100 EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST PLACE FOR PET GROOMING & BOARDING ALL BREED GROOMING, BOARDING & DAYCARE
BEST NAIL SALON SHANNON ALEKSANDR'S SALON & SPA 5600 E VIRGINIA ST SUITE H EVANSVILLE, IN
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4508 COVERT AVE EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST HAIR SALON
BEST LOCAL BUSINESS CHEERLEADER
B. LANAE SALON
JOSHUA PIETROWSKI CO-OWNER DOC'S SPORTS BAR
12101 US-41 N. SUITE A EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST BARBER / HAIR STYLIST DANIEL ENGLISH
BEST TRI-STATE SMALL BUSINESS
1620 ALLENS LN EVANSVILLE, IN
HEALTHY SPACES
2280 N CULLEN AVENUE EVANSVILLE, IN
BEST RADIO PERSONALITY SARAH PEPPER HOT 96 FM
WEHT
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WAYNE HART
BEST OF THE TRI-STATE
AWARD 2022
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BEST TV PERSONALITY
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | UPCOMING EVENTS
KANSAS
"POINT OF KNOW RETURN"
TOUR
VICTORY THEATRE / FEBRUARY 3 / 7 P.M.
Guitarist Rich Williams talks Absence of Presence, the twists and turns of Kansas, following up the success of Leftoverture and more
drummer Phil Ehart and longtime guitarist Rich Williams. Remarkably, the band not only continues to perform at the highest level but excel creatively - 2020's Absence of Presence captured the indelible spirit of Kansas in every way imaginable, building on, and ultimately surpassing, the excellence of 2016's The Prelude Implicit. Still, the bedrock of the band remains the back-to-back iconic releases, Leftoverture and Point of Know Return. This tour sees Kansas celebrating the latter in full, while also cherry-picking fan favorites and new cuts. Williams kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Victory. Absence of Presence really built on - and ultimately exceeded
- The Prelude Implicit. Several of the songs, including the
beautiful ballad "Memories Down the Line," were written by new keyboardist Tom Brislin. Was it understood from the beginning that he would contribute creatively?
I agree - I think [Absence of Presence] was a logical progression. The new group was finding itself and we did it really strongly. Just in talking with him [Tom Brislin], he was
There are few more signature moments in rock & roll than the
very interested in joining up with us. But he had questions and
opening vocal harmonies of 1976's "Carry On Wayward Son."
one question was would he be able to submit material? And
In just 15 short seconds, Kansas summed up the sound of that
we said absolutely. And so from the get-go that was a known.
adventurous musical era, ultimately going multi-platinum with
Sure, write away. Come up with something and we'll run it
the release of Leftoverture , a progressive rock masterpiece that
through the process and see what comes out.
featured the aforementioned track plus such intricate pieces as "Miracles Out of Nowhere" and "The Wall." Undaunted by
the
album's
overwhelming success, the band wasted
no
time
producing an equally brilliant selling
follow-up, another
four million copies of Point of Know Return,
featuring
the haunting ballad "Dust in the Wind" and punchy, organ-driven title track.
The history of Kansas reads like a soap opera with so many lineup changes and
endless twists and
turns. And yet, there
are bands like U2 that have had the same members for
four decades. Ideally, would have
everything
stayed
same circa 1976?
the
Of course we wanted to always have the original band - that's what we were, we never dreamed it would be any different. But...things change.
Endless lineup changes and many albums later, Kansas
We started seeing some success and then we signed a
just keeps on keeping on, anchored by founding member/
terrible record deal. Song royalties for writers were always
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untouchable. So suddenly the songwriters are starting to make a lot of money, but the others in the band still haven't really seen anything. And so that changes the drive to some extent. And so eventually, and philosophically, some people started changing a bit to where it was just wasn't working anymore. And so people would leave; I never wanted to leave. I never thought I needed to leave these guys because they're holding me back and the world can't wait for a Richard Williams solo album. That never crossed my mind. I really liked being in this band with these guys, so me and Phil kept...with every adversity, we'd go, 'Ok, what's next? What do we do?' It happened enough to where it was no longer a panic - it was just like, 'Ok, we've been here before.' I'm very grateful for all those changes now, because they were necessary to get us where we are today. Do you recall feeling pressure to match the success of Leftoverture or was it just the confidence of youth at the time that led to another bullseye with Point of Know Return?
The first three albums it was just kind of a gradual...they sold this much then this much then this much. And we could see it climbing; we were building a fanbase. And then there was starting to be a bit more pressure from the record company - like, 'Guys, we love you but it'd be great if we could have a hit.' And so [music publisher] Don Kirshner, the money man, you know, he was a hit guy; he wasn't the leader of the progressive rock movement in any way. And I could understand that - he was our benefactor, the only person ever interested in signing us. But we were still just being ourselves. And as we got into rehearsals, things felt really positive as we were learning the album. And Kerry [Livgren] was on such a roll - songs were just flowing out of him. When performing an album in full, do you feel it's imperative to play it chronologically? Is the original running order sacred?
I don't know if "sacred" is the word but it just makes sense. There are a few things that I noticed when we started doing it with Leftoverture, like, why is this song here? Why is it all in this order? Oh yeah, because it was vinyl and it was two sides. What do we end side A with? Well, we need a strong starter for side B. And what are we ending with? We don't want it to be a throwaway song; we want to make a statement. So there's all this consideration going on in the vinyl process. And then you're playing it linear. Had albums just been one-sided, the order would probably be different, but it made sense at the time so we stick with it.
For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.com. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. in downtown Evansville.
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | UPCOMING EVENTS
WINTER
JAM
Russ Lee - who signed on with NewSong back in 1994 - notes, "what would be the point of being redundant musically and creatively?"
Lee kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at the Ford Center.
FORD CENTER / JANUARY 20 / 7 P.M.
NewSong vocalist Russ Lee on the group's 40-year mark, staying sonically current, keeping Winter Jam affordable for everyone and more One of the longest-running and most successful tours of the last three decades, Winter Jam has consistently presented the very best in Christian music, offering a diverse lineup of high-profile artists and bands for the incredibly low price of a $10 donation - which, as was intended by the event's creator and host, NewSong, makes it affordable for virtually everyone. The 2022 edition is headlined by Grammy-nominated rockers Skillet with support from former American Idol contestant Colton Dixon, R&B singer Tauren Wells, rapper KB and pastor/ speaker Shane Pruitt. Having recently celebrated 40 years together, NewSong remains a prominent force in Christian music as demonstrated by 2020's Just Jesus, a wide-ranging collection spanning Coldplay-esque pop ("Bright"), gospel-tinged funk ("Down"), old-school R&B ("Shine") and acoustic-driven hip-hop ("Already Loved") - all draped in cutting-edge production. It's miles away from the group's signature ballad, "Christmas Shoes," yet retains the central message of giving glory to God. As vocalist
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2021 marked 40 years of NewSong. To your knowledge, has there been a Christian band that's remained active for a longer period of time? Well, you know, there are a few southern gospel groups that are in some configuration. A lot of them, it's like the sons of the people that founded them - or a son - and they've carried the name on or whatever. But in our genre, I really can't think of anybody that's been around as long as we have. What's really interesting is that I became a Christian in 1980. So about the time that NewSong was starting, I was starting to sing Christian music, because I was a kid out of high school and had joined the choir at church and next thing I know I'm on a tour bus [with the Spurrlows]. And so I've been doing this almost as long as NewSong. We'd been running beside each other until the early 90's. It's pretty interesting that our careers have paralleled. The donation price for Winter Jam has remained at the $10$15 mark since 1995. How do you manage to keep the event
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | UPCOMING EVENTS
so affordable, year after year? You know, whether it's cutting our production costs without cutting the quality or finding sponsors to come alongside us that believe in the vision that will help us underwrite some things... The real goal is to have a great night of worship and music but also to make it affordable to families and communities, so anyone who wants to come can come. And here's the thing: with that as our priority, and faith as our foundation, we always just go, 'Ok, this is God's tour, not ours.' Because somehow, every year, it pays for itself and we're able to take care of our artists and our crew guys. We're able to pay the expenses of what we're doing by the grace of God and finish without being upside down. 2020's Just Jesus saw NewSong branching out both creatively and production-wise. Was that a priority heading into the studio? We always want to try and grow a little bit in the process; we don't want to repeat ourselves, because what would be the point of being redundant musically and creatively? So we try to stay sonically current - and I don't know if you've been watching any of this Beatles documentary [The Beatles: Get Back], but I've been reminded that they never made the same record twice. They evolved musically so quickly. And so it seemed like the natural thing, because we also understand that if we keep doing the same thing over and over again, as time marches forward, we're going to time out. We wouldn't still be doing this if we didn't try to do things that were interesting and compelling and inviting to a current audience. What really stands out is the use of vocal effects on the album. Absolutely. That's us experimenting - just, you know, going what if we do this? And even though we've never done it before that doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. Just because most of the people in our genre are not doing it doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. Somebody has to go first. And since we're still here, we'll go ahead and do it. What prompted the decision to include a live version of "Arise My Love" on the album, considering that it's a golden oldie, in a sense? Well, one of the reasons is because we cannot drive into a city and do a tour stop and not sing "Arise My Love." It's the perpetual theme song of NewSong - and it's sort of become the theme song of Winter Jam, you know? It feels like...it's like that comfortable place. It's kind of like going home, you know? Also, we always call it the song that covers a multitude of sins, because we can go out and do "Down" or "Shine" or we can do, you know, "Glue." We can do all those songs that you were talking about on the record and get a little crazy, but if we finish with "Arise My Love," everybody's ok with it.
For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com. The Ford Center is located at 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd. in downtown Evansville.
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | CUISINE & DINING
CLEAN BITE LIFE Healthy Cooking with Lindsay Rasure
This egg bake recipe is a great option to prep on the weekend and reheat throughout the week for a well-balanced breakfast. I love that you can personalize this simple recipe for a variety of flavor options. Not a fan of pork kielbasa, then try beef, chicken, or turkey. I have also made this recipe by pre-cooking my favorite breakfast style sausage. If you do not like broccoli, substitute with any vegetable(s) that you love! The possibilities are endless.
HEARTY EGG BAKE INGREDIENTS: •
18 large eggs (Vital Farms or Happy Egg for delicious
DIRECTIONS: 1.
pasture raised eggs)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper.
•
1 Pederson’s Farms Kielbasa sausage sliced
2.
Slice the kielbasa sausage link into ½ in. slices
•
1 c. chopped jar roasted red peppers
3.
Chop the broccoli and roasted red peppers into bite
•
1-2 c. chopped broccoli
•
Frank’s red hot sauce
•
Salt & pepper to taste
size pieces. 4.
Crack 18 eggs into a pourable bowl. Add a couple dashes of hot sauce and salt and pepper into the eggs. Whisk everything together.
5.
Pour the eggs into the lined 9x13 pan first.
6.
Add in the kielbasa sausage, broccoli, and roasted red peppers.
7.
Place into the oven and cook for 35-40 minutes or until the center does not jiggle.
For more recipes or meal ideas you can follow Lindsay Rasure on Instagram: @cleanbitelife or her Facebook group: Clean Bite Life
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | COUPONS
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | IN TOWN & AROUND
PRESENTED BY:
IN TOWN & AROUND SATURDAY, JANUARY 1 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Angel Rhodes 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music TBA Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- DJ Jon J KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Live Music TBA Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DJ McNaughty SUNDAY, JANUARY 2 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Soul in the Pocket 4:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful Sunday w/ Hog Maw 5:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke MONDAY, JANUARY 3 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, JANUARY 4 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM
26 | JANUARY 2022
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rick Rose Band 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Sparky 10:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- The Randys
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 4:00 PM Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 5:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Paul Wiemeier Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The Boat Monkeys 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music TBA Bokeh Lounge -- Hot Topics Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Kalico KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jason Breeze Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Blackford Creek Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Misery Collective Orchestra & The Alpha Incident
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Live Entertainment KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey 8:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game Night 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Stone Gypsy 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- DJ Bishop 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music TBA Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Elliott Sublett KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Honey Roy 4:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful Sunday w/ Hog Maw 5:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
MONDAY, JANUARY 10 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rick Rose Band 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Live Entertainment KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 8:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game Night Ford Center -- Reba 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 5:30 PM
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Jack Byron 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- DJ Chidi/ Caribbean Night Latin Party 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music TBA Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Blackford Creek KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 3:00 PM Ford Center -- UE Men's
28 | JANUARY 2022
Basketball 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Carl Rodenberg 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- The Pits 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music TBA Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Blackford Creek KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Josh Merritt Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DRK WTR SUNDAY, JANUARY 16 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz: Off the Record (Terri Showers)
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4:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful Sunday w/ Hog Maw 5:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rick Rose Band 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
MONDAY, JANUARY 17 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton 6:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Poetry Night
THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar &
Grill -- College Night w/ Live Entertainment KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Winter Jam 2022 feat. Skillet, Tauren Wells, Colton Dixon, KB & NewSong 8:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game Night 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: Two Miles Back 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Epic 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music
TBA KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -DJ & Karaoke Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Slop Tart Noir SATURDAY, JANUARY 22 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The BackBeats 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey Victory Theatre -- Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra presents: Mozart, Beethoven & Honegger 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- The Cold Stares w/ Cage Willis 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music TBA
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Josh Merritt KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Kalico Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DJ McNaughty SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Tom Drury Quintet 4:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful Sunday w/ Hog Maw 5:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke MONDAY, JANUARY 24 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, JANUARY 25 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Boscoe France KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rick Rose Band 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 6:00 PM Ford Center -- UE Men's Basketball 6:30 PM
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 6:00 PM Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- College Night w/ Live Entertainment KC's Corner Pocket -- College Night / Karaoke & DJ 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Harlem Globetrotters Old National Events Plaza -Comedian Nate Bargatze 8:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game Night 9:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5: The Godfathers 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- DJ AP/Leaving Knox 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music TBA Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Live Music TBA KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 5:30 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After
30 | JANUARY 2022
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5: Mad Women 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Drag Me to the Weekend 9:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Live Music TBA Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill -- Live Music TBA KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky 10:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Live Music TBA Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Leaving Knox SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz w/ Bokeh Big Band 4:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful Sunday w/ Hog Maw 5:00 PM 3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 7:00 PM KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke MONDAY, JANUARY 31 6:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina 9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 8:00 PM Old National Events Plaza -Alice Cooper
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC
DRK WTR
New female-fronted rock band looks set to rule the tri-state in 2022
of a female-led rock band, a concept that had always intrigued Miller. Practices soon followed. Keen to write some original material before drafting in other members, Andrick and Miller found an immediate creative connection, channeling a fusion of emo, grunge and post-punk - all sprinkled with a dash of Paramore. "Growing up, listening to alternative music, she [Paramore singer Hayley Williams] was obviously one of the most influential women," Andrick notes. "So, of course I structured how I wanted to sing around her." With Miller's guitar work providing the perfect soundtrack for Andrick's lyrical writing style, songs quickly began to emerge really good songs that deserved a full band sound. So in short order, THRIV3 keyboardist Alex Hellenberg was approached; in fact, Andrick got down on one knee and begged him to participate. Good call because he made an
Not much past drinking age, Evansville's Lauri Andrick
impact straightaway. That left the rhythm section - which
has already fulfilled a lifelong dream: fronting a rock
was duly filled by another THRIV3 member, drummer
band. And boy, can she
Joe Mayse, and Marshall
rock. But let's back-up for a
Powers on bass. The latter
moment. From ages 16-18,
happened to be Andrick's
the talented vocalist served
boyfriend, for better or
as one-half of an acoustic
worse.
duo primarily focused on
slightly apprehensive about
playing covers. It was fun
being in a serious music
but ultimately fizzled out.
project with my significant
Then, while attending open
other, but it's been really
mic night at Lamasco Bar
cool," Powers says.
"I
was
actually
& Grill a few years later, Andrick, buoyed by a few
With the pieces of the
too many mixed drinks,
puzzle in place, the five
shouted her approval for
musicians began rehearsing
the
occupying
in earnest back in October,
the stage - Jordan Miller,
musician
polishing a set's worth of
former frontman for Jordan
material that touched on all
Miller & The Deadlights and
the aforementioned genres
THRIV3. "I yelled, 'I
love
plus a dose of funk as heard
your voice - it's amazing!'"
on "Dangerous." The next
she recalls. "And he was like, 'You're awesome!'" Mutual
step was to book the band's debut - at Lamasco where it
appreciation established, the two discussed the possibility
all started, of course. Barely a month after solidifying the
32 | JANUARY 2022
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC
SHAWN
NEEDHAM Tri-state guitarist releases volume one of new singles series, Observations
Newburgh's Shawn Needham has been kicking out the jams at will of late, summoning some seriously thought-provoking material via a succession of primarily jazz/funk-inspired albums, including World Eye See, WTFU, Burning Bright and Dawed & Quartered, plus a run of one-off singles. His creativity seemingly knows no bounds - the ideas just keep flowing from his guitar, intricately constructed and layered pieces that demonstrate Needham's incredible instrumental prowess. And he's equally adept going the acoustic or electric route as evidenced by the first volume of Observations, a new project highlighting that musical dichotomy on two captivating tracks. "Con4mity" coasts in on a spidery guitar riff with an underpinning of funky fretless bass before Needham ramps up the vibe near the one-minute mark, introducing a lineup, DRK WTR played to a packed bar on November 27, receiving rapturous applause for their energetic, lifeaffirming performance. (FYI, it was Miller - who has no time for vowels - that conjured up the mysterious name. All kidding aside, it fits the music perfectly.) Andrick, as you can imagine, was over the moon; her dream came true on that night. But there's so much more to come. DRK WTR will return to Lamasco on January 15 for a very special "glow-in-the-dark rock show" and according to Miller, an EP is on the horizon - they just have to figure out which songs to record. "Right now we're kind of obsessed with all of them."
For more info, visit DRK WTR on Facebook.
heavier tone and a more frantic vocal delivery, moving from talk-singing to impassioned yet sarcastic pleas of "conform!" that play off a wearisome mantra: "Same place again/ Same time again/ Same dream again." The B-side, "POV," totally deviates from the script, centering around a forlorn acoustic jazz chord that gently reverberates. As the piece develops, splintering off in different directions, Needham croons his way through a lament about the selfishness of humanity particularly, the close-minded, Us vs. Them mentality that's permeating the country: "How about we all accept we can all join the fight/ Seeing other points of view." Throughout, unexpected, complex chord changes keep things interesting, showcasing Needham's unparalleled classical guitar skills.
To stream or purchase Observations Vol. 1 and other releases, visit shawnneedham.bandcamp.com.
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC
TIMOTHY
SEED Patoka multiinstrumentalist releases My Flower Wilted, second in a series of experimental EPs
And this three-track EP is a wild ride, for sure, fusing elements of Tom Petty, Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Big Black, Jesus Lizard and more - all tied together via some truly intense lyrics that border on gothic at times. Bingham's style is appealingly abrasive, even unsettling on occasion, as evidenced by opening track "Electroshock" which begins with a fairly standard 4-chord acoustic guitar progression before slowly morphing into a fuzzed-out freak-out as he details the dark side of religion: "Exercise my demons while your wife f***s the congregation/ Private torture in the Christian school/ Choir boys learn the golden rule/ Electroshock therapy." That twisted gem is followed by the relentless title track which is an early candidate for song/recording of 2022. Here, Bingham and Tyner totally hit the mark in tandem, producing an absolutely riveting 3 minutes and 50 seconds of adrenaline rush, with one amazing guitar riff after another driving it forward - capped by Bingham's unhinged vocals that seem to hover in the background menacingly. Brilliant.
In the best way possible, Timothy Bingham is an outlier
My Flower Wilted concludes via the nearly 10-minute
in the tri-state music scene. Geographically speaking, the
"Bloodsport" which stomps along with brute force,
Patoka farmer exists outside
increasingly
dominated
the loop of local bars and
by
guitars
entertainment venues, but
Bingham seems to gasp
he's also creatively out
for air, drowning in the
there, happily marching to
cesspool
the beat of his own drum.
"God I'm so ashamed to
And actually, Bingham -
be/ Are we human?/ Let's
or Timothy Seed, as his
kill each other and then
ongoing solo project is
we'll see.../ Bloodsport for
dubbed - is a drummer...
the centuries." It's a fitting
and a guitarist, bassist and
way to end this willfully
vocalist. Just like on his
strange EP that entirely
debut EP released a year
succeeds
ago, he's a one-man band,
something
performing the follow-up,
and, well, out there. You're
My Flower Wilted, all by his
simply not going to come
lonesome, proving that you
across anything quite like
don't have to rely on other
distorted
of
in
as
mankind:
creating provocative
it anytime soon and that's
musicians to make something great. In this case, Bingham
a compliment of the highest order. And it's not the last of
simply needed the assistance of Steve Tyner at Black Cat
Timothy Seed by any stretch; Bingham has more recordings
Recording to bring his adventurous song ideas to life.
on the horizon, so stay tuned...
My Flower Wilted and other Timothy Seed releases are available at timothyseed.bandcamp.com.
34 | JANUARY 2022
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC
TRENT "B-FACE"
SMALL
Evansville rapper suffers health setbacks but keeps fighting, organizes big album release/birthday party
As News 4U reported last summer, Evansville's Trent Small, an up-and-coming rapper in the local music scene, experienced a long, incredibly challenging battle with cancer that nearly took
his life just a few short years ago. Only 21 at the time, the husband and father of two young girls simply had too much to live for; he refused to give up and ultimately triumphed, surviving the chemo regimen by pouring all of his pain into song lyrics. Small labeled this therapeutic hip-hop project The Chemo Chronicles, filming raw accompanying videos for several tracks that bravely depicted his weakened physical state. Post-cancer battle, Small got back to work, eager to once again provide for his family. But he still found time to create, slowly piecing together his first official album - cleverly titled The Small World - with the help of the local hip-hop community. It was Small's way of saying "thank you" to the many artists who stood by him throughout those dark days. But prior to the anticipated September release, he unfortunately suffered health setbacks and the recording was shelved. Still, as you may have figured out by now, Small is unstoppable. He has not only come back stronger after this latest challenge but also organized A Night to Remember at STAGEtwo at 321 in Evansville on January 15 which will function both as an album release party for The Small World and a 25th birthday celebration. In addition to a set by Small himself, other local artists scheduled to perform include: Scotty Hustle, Nickademus, Big Coop, King black, Big Tiko B, Lsd, Cam Roberts and BrightSide. Come out and support Small's big comeback!
A Night to Remember starts at 8:30 p.m. STAGEtwo is located at 321 N. Congress Ave. Admission is $5.
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC
XANDERWOLF Photographer Alex Morgan's music project coming full circle with early 2022 album release
Coming off a recent live showcase for Black Cat Recording artists at Bokeh Lounge which featured a fantastic set by his rocking music project Xanderwolf, photographer Alex Morgan is now busy prepping a full-length album for an early 2022 release. It's been three years of tracking songs when time allowed; after all, his main gig keeps him quite busy most days. Still, Morgan has managed to eke out a few tasters along the way, including the pandemic piss-take "Hindsight 2020" and previous singles, "A Good Night to Raise Some Hell" and "Evil Creatures." All three captured the spirit of 90's rock with more than a hint of metal and flashes of punk, driven by heavy guitar work and gruff vocals. According
to
Morgan,
all
recording at Black Cat has been completed (shout-out to Steve Tyner for continuing to make local music sound like the real deal); next up is mixing and mastering, the latter of which will be handled in Nashville. Ultimately, the plan is to press some vinyl before finally sharing this labor of love with the tri-state and, hopefully, beyond. Morgan, understandably, is more than stoked to see Xanderwolf fully realized, noting that he's "very happy with the results" of his work with Tyner. And by the way, Morgan was a little preoccupied with preparing for the live show at Bokeh but did kindly send in a list of his Top 5 Albums of 2021 - just a little late, though, to make it into the feature on the following page. So here's what caught his ear over the last year: Gojira/Fortitude, Whitechapel/Kin, The Cold Stares/Heavy Shoes, Cannibal Corpse/Violence Unimagined, The Smoke Rings/Modern Days.
For more info, follow Alex Morgan on Facebook.
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC
TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2021 ACCORDING TO THE TRI-STATE'S BEST ARTISTS & BANDS
HANNAH EVELYN
BRANDON MCCARTY
WOLF ALICE / BLUE WEEKEND
AJR / OK ORCHESTRA
AMYL & THE SNIFFERS / COMFORT TO ME
MORGAN WALLEN / DANGEROUS: THE DOUBLE ALBUM
GROUPLOVE / THIS IS THIS
ALAN JACKSON / WHERE HAVE YOU GONE
EMMYLOU HARRIS & THE NASH RAMBLERS / RAMBLE
OLIVIA RODRIGO / SOUR
IN MUSIC CITY: THE LOST CONCERT
ADELE / 30
SLUICE / HOPELESS CONTRARIAN
36 | JANUARY 2022
JOSH MERRITT
CYNTHIA MURRAY
JAMES MCMURTRY / THE HORSES & THE HOUNDS
BRANDI CARLILE / IN THESE SILENT DAYS
ADELE / 30
ANDERSON EAST / MAYBE WE NEVER DIE
THE STEEL WOODS / ALL OF YOUR STONES
SUZANNE SANTO / YARD SALE
JOHN R. MILLER / DEPRECIATED
MOTHER MOTHER / INSIDE
COLE CHANEY / MERCY
MORGAN WADE / RECKLESS
TIMOTHY SEED
IDDER
DANNY ELFMAN / BIG MESS
MINISTRY / MORAL HYGIENE
NICK CAVE & WARREN ELLIS / CARNAGE
GOJIRA / FORTITUDE
COLD CAVE / FATE IN SEVEN LESSONS
MASTODON / HUSHED AND GRIM
PERTURBATOR / LUSTFUL SACRAMENTS
EVERY TIME I DIE / RADICAL
DARKTHRONE / ETERNAL HAILS
MELVINS / 5 LEGGED DOG
KYLE PAISLEY
K SETZ
LEON BRIDGES / GOLD-DIGGERS SOUND
VIAGRA BOYS / WELFARE JAZZ
SILK SONIC / AN EVENING WITH SILK SONIC
AMYL & THE SNIFFERS / COMFORT TO ME
DOJA CAT / PLANET HER
BELA FLECK / MY BLUEGRASS HEART
TOM MISCH / QUARANTINE SESSIONS
TOM HAMILTON & HOLLY BOWLING / LACUNA
CORY WONG & DIRTY LOOPS / TURBO
TROPICAL F*CK STORM / DEEP STATES
TRENT "B-FACE" SMALL
GEORGIA FUNKADELIC
JELLY ROLL / BALLADS OF THE BROKEN
CORDUROY ORBISON / NEVER AGAIN
SNAP THE RIPPER / PISSING OFF THE NEIGHBORS
OBOOTNEY LEE / EVERYBODY HATES O'B
CHRIS WEBBY / 28 WEDNESDAYS LATER
JONAS SCOTT COWAN / PARLOR TRICKS EXHIBIT B
EVIDENCE / UNLEARNING, VOL. 1
THE SMOKE RINGS / MODERN DAYS
ATMOSPHERE / WORD?
SHAWN NEEDHAM / WORLD EYE SEE
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC
After a long drought of live performances due to the pandemic, many of the world's biggest acts - as well as indie favorites and regional heroes - returned to the stage in 2021 but also continued to release exciting new material. The same can certainly be said for the many talented artists and bands that make up the tri-state music scene. As documented in the pages of News 4U throughout the past 12 months, there's a real creative drive at work locally with amazing albums appearing seemingly on a weekly basis. Truth be told, you could easily devote an entire magazine to our vibrant musical community; still, we covered as many of the area's best artists and bands in 2021 as space would allow. For this annual feature, N4U checked back in with 20 of them to find out what albums inspired their creative process over the last year.
CORDUROY ORBISON
FLESHHOLE
TYLER, THE CREATOR / CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST
SLUICE / HOPELESS CONTRARIAN
BO BURNHAM / INSIDE (THE SONGS)
ELECTRIC CHAIR / SOCIAL CAPITAL
STURGILL SIMPSON / BALLAD OF DOOD & JUANITA
TURNSTILE / GLOW ON
JOHNNY FLYNN / LOST IN THE CEDAR WOOD
LIMP BIZKIT / STILL SUCKS
BRETT DENNEN / SEE THE WORLD
ASHNIKKO / DEMIDEVIL
HUDSY
FORTHRIGHT
JON BATISTE / WE ARE
THE SNAKES / II
BOY GOLDEN / CHURCH OF BETTER DAYS
GOJIRA / FORTITUDE
ED SHEERAN / =
EXODUS / PERSONA NON GRATA
BIG WRECK / 7.1 EP
HYPOCRISY / WORSHIP
THE TREWS / WANDERER
BILLIE EILISH / HAPPIER THAN EVER
PAUL WIEMEIER
BRICE THE MACHINE (BRICE BOLIN)
TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND / LAYLA REVISITED (LIVE AT LOCKN') STURGILL SIMPSON / THE BALLAD OF DOOD & JUANITA BILLY STRINGS / RENEWAL NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / THE FUTURE
CONVERGE / BLOODMOON: 1 MASTODON / HUSHED AND GRIM LLNN / UNMAKER
LEON BRIDGES / GOLD-DIGGERS SOUND
WOLF KING / THE PATH OF WRATH
TWOPINE
THE SMOKE RINGS
BATISTE, REZNOR & ROSS / SOUL (ORIGINAL MOTION
JONATHAN RICHMAN / JUST A SPARK, A JOURNEY
PICTURE SOUNDTRACK)
THROUGH THE DARK
GREEN HOUSE / MUSIC FOR LIVING SPACES
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS / BOOK
SYLVAN ESSO / FREE LOVE
LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM / SELF-TITLED
AFTERNOON BIKE RIDE / SELF-TITLED
MODEST MOUSE / THE GOLDEN CASKET
FLOATING POINTS & PHAROAH SANDERS / PROMISES
COURTNEY BARNETT / THINGS TAKE TIME, TAKE TIME
SLUICE
ANGEL RHODES
TURNSTILE / GLOW ON
DOJA CAT / PLANET HER
AMYL & THE SNIFFERS / COMFORT TO ME
BILLIE EILISH / HAPPIER THAN EVER
EVERY TIME I DIE / RADICAL
MEGAN THEE STALLION / GOOD NEWS
TIGERS JAW / I WON’T CARE HOW YOU REMEMBER ME
HALSEY / IF I CAN’T HAVE LOVE, I WANT POWER
DINOSAUR JR. / EMPTINESS AT THE SINCLAIR
DEMI LOVATO / DANCING WITH THE DEVIL
KNOCKED LOOSE / A TEAR IN THE FABRIC OF LIFE
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| 37
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC
the
ROCK & METAL PROFS WITH MATT ALSCHBACH & DR. COURT LEWIS
Associate professors at Owensboro Community College and Pellissippi State Community College, respectively, Alschbach and Lewis host the popular podcast The Rock & Metal Profs: The History & Philosophy of Rock & Metal. Now they're bringing their keen insights to the pages of News 4U with a monthly deep dive into some of the best bands of the rock/metal genre and thoughts on music in general.
FILLER TIME
Sometimes producers used filler as a gimmick to bring in
We all know of albums that are great, except for one or two
only did the song feature the names of several cities - a good
“filler” songs. Two that instantly come to mind are Pearl Jam’s
tactic to generate sales in those towns - but there was a kissing
“Bugs” and Guns N' Roses’ “My World.” Such songs are not
contest in which fans could participate. “Kissing Time” wasn’t
only out of place, but they seem to serve no other purpose
on the original album. It was only added later when the record
than to fill empty space. But do bands really go through the
company had a “great” idea, which failed miserably. Another
trouble of writing and producing songs that have no merit
reason filler exists is because record companies paid bands
other than taking up space?
for the number of songs that appeared on each album. As
fans, as seen with “Kissing Time” on KISS’ first album. Not
a result, bands would often include filler to ensure they Though it might be counterintuitive, there are several reasons
received a full paycheck. This is also why bands like Rush and
why bands include filler. Prior to the 1970's, the music industry
the Grateful Dead, who sometimes wrote 30-minute songs,
was geared towards singles. Bands would produce a variety
would label their songs with different parts.
of singles in hopes of having a hit. If they were lucky enough to have one or two hits, they would then be asked to record
It is hard to imagine a reason for the existence of filler today.
a complete album. As a result, albums contained several hits,
Since today’s artists make a pittance selling albums, there is
along with a handful of other songs designed to fill up a full
minimal incentive for them to invest an inordinate amount of
LP (“long play”) record. By the end of the 1960’s, the music
time creating a masterpiece. Why would G N' R or Sebastian
industry had become album-based. The problem of filling a
Bach bother to write and record new songs (including filler)
full album still existed, but record producers also discovered
when fans only want to hear the classics live? Would an artist
they could boost sales by adding filler tracks. Most commonly,
consciously set out to write filler, phoning it in, so to speak?
these tracks were cover versions of older hits. Judas Priest is
Do you love an album that is “all killer and no filler”? Hit us
well-known for their early covers of “Diamonds and Rust”
up on The Rock & Metal Profs Facebook page and share it
and “The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown).”
with us!
The Rock & Metal Profs podcast is available on iTunes, Google and Spotify.
38 | JANUARY 2022
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT
STEPHEN
THE
KINGDOM
cleverly-constructed King video essay proved to be a hit, prompting McCracken to make an off-handed comment that set the stage for The Stephen Kingdom. "I had made some joke, like, King's written so much that you could devote an entire YouTube channel to his work," he recalls. "And then a lot of people in the comments said don't tease that if you're not going to do it." Not one to disappoint, McCracken put all his energy into
Evansville-based independent production company presents web series chronicling the master of horror
crafting an introductory episode for a King-based YouTube
David McCracken and Josh Riedford - both Evansville
of King knowledge along the way. McCracken hilariously
natives - have been carving out a niche for themselves in
encounters all sorts of interesting characters as he creeps
the LA entertainment scene for some years now, drawing
closer to his destination, growingly increasingly consumed
national attention with the 2018 action-thriller Bullitt County,
by the genius of the man. It's equally entertaining and
an independent film primarily shot in our community that
educational - and magical, really. Which is why "The Magic of
web series, conducting over 20 interviews with aficionados of the master of horror to intersperse between his own comic adventure as he portrays an author suffering from writer's block. How to quell the dry spell? Why, head to Maine, of course, the home of Stephen King, whilst dropping all sorts
played in theaters and streamed
Stephen King" made for a great
on Netflix. Written and directed
first episode title. But this is just
by McCracken, who also starred
the beginning.
as "Keaton," it was produced by the pair's production company,
Now that introductions are over,
Mr. Pictures. Now the two
per se, McCracken and Riedford
longtime friends are paying
can concentrate on exploring
homage to a literary great with
specific King works. First up,
a fascinating web series that
quite fittingly, is a webisode
chronicles the career of the master of horror, Stephen King.
dedicated to the author's iconic debut, Carrie, set to air around the middle of this month. Actually, one 30-minute
A voracious reader, McCracken has long considered King
feature just won't cut it. "Carrie is an amoeba that keeps
to be an underappreciated genius - a writer of great depth
splitting into more episodes," McCracken says. "It's such a
unfairly tagged with the "horror" label despite penning such
small book but there's so much that surrounds it." Past that,
dramatic triumphs as Stand by Me, Shawshank Redemption
there's plans to cover King novellas, so now's the time to
and Hearts in Atlantis. In fact, he helmed a Stephen King
visit The Stephen Kingdom YouTube channel and view "The
episode for the PBS series It's Lit! that focuses on the joy
Magic of Stephen King" in preparation for the first Carrie
of books. Hosted by New York Times best-selling author
installment. Be sure to like the video and subscribe!
Lindsay Ellis - a frequent collaborator of McCracken's - the
YouTube Channel: youtube.com/c/TheStephenKingdom Patreon: patreon.com/thestephenkingdom For more info, visit mrpicturesfilm.com.
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| 39
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT
Screen Time
with Marisa Patwa
FEMME FATALE SPIES, A GOLD RUSH-ERA DAMSEL IN DISTRESS AND A MARVEL VAMPIRE : DYNAMIC CHARACTERS ARE COMING TO THEATERS IN JANUARY
REDEEMING LOVE (1/21)
THE 355 (1/15)
The 355 totes as a gutsy, whip-smart, action-packed spy thriller full of our favorite femme fatales. Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Penelope Cruz, Diane Kruger and Fan Bingbing create an international team of intelligence agents. Each works for a different spy agency but end up fighting together against a common enemy. While it's easy to label this the female Expendables, it’s actually just long overdue. We’ve gotten a glimpse of the female empowerment we’ve always deserved with the superhero sequence on the battlefield against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. And again with the saucy, street-smart eight women who pull off a diamond heist in Ocean's 8. This is the full meal, though. Give them a gun and a pair of heels - you’ll be shaking in your boots. Word on the street is they fight bad guys in Paris, Morocco and London.
40 | JANUARY 2022
Redeeming Love is a tear-jerker through and through. In this adaptation of Francine Rivers' novel, Abigail Cowen is Angel, a young girl sold into prostitution in the brutal, 1850's California Gold Rush. While she lives a life of sadness and solace, she finds light in a man who wishes to save her. While the prince-rescues-princess trope has been overdone, something about the tenderness of the trailer and fieriness of Cowen’s portrayal has my gut telling me this one is different. A standalone. Why else would it be based on a book that sold millions of copies? I’m looking forward to seeing this spectacular actress, who has already had breakthrough roles as Agatha in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and as leading lady/fairy Bloom in Fate: The Winx Saga. I have no doubt she’s going to carry her first lead film role with grace.
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MORBIUS (1/28)
From his latest role as a puffed up, pudgy, pasty and balding Paolo Gucci in House of Gucci to the face-painted, green-haired, facial expression magic 8-ball of a Joker in Suicide Squad, Jared Leto is a jack of all trades - he can morph himself into anything and he does so once again in Morbius. In this deliciously blood-thirsty thriller, Leto plays a biochemist who inadvertently turns himself into a vampire while trying to cure his rare blood disease. This film is based on the Marvel character and lives in the same universe as our Tom Holland’s treasured, red-latexed Peter Parker. I’d watch those two try and fight each other in any universe. But unless there is a secret cameo in this film, we’ll most likely just be focused on Leto’s creature of the night.
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT
TRUE CRIME JUNKIE WITH JOHNNY FLETCHER
THE PUZZLING DISAPPEARANCE OF BRIAN SHAFFER Here's a case that qualifies as one of the great mysteries
to be serious; a proposal of marriage appeared to be
of true crime. Actually, there's still no proof that a crime
imminent. But the couple would never make their flight.
occurred; however, the consensus amongst those who have studied the utterly bizarre disappearance of Brian
While Shaffer's life seemed to be on track at the time
Shaffer is that foul play was involved. But we may never
of his disappearance, it should be noted that he lost his
know. All that's certain is this: a 27-year-old American
mother to cancer that very month - March of 2006. What
medical student walked into a bar on the night of March
role, if any, her death played in this case remains purely
31, 2006, never to be seen again. The fact that this
speculative, but it only deepens the mystery. Maybe he
unexplainable vanishing act ultimately happened on
needed to get away, to start over in a new city, free from
April Fool's Day (Shaffer was last viewed on surveillance
obligations and expectations. Seems valid, but here's
cameras speaking with two
the rub: Shaffer was never
women before 2 a.m.) just
seen leaving the Ugly Tuna
adds another wrinkle to the
Saloona after it closed down.
story - though it appears
Not on surveillance cameras
to be mere coincidence.
at the bar nor on any security
Regardless, there's a lot to
devices in the immediate area.
unpack here...
As has been reported, the only way out of the bar was
By all accounts, Shaffer was
the front entrance - apart from
a bright, engaging young
a service door that opened
man with the whole world at
onto
his fingertips as he worked
And authorities simply don't
towards a medical degree
believe that an intoxicated
at
individual
Ohio
State
University.
And like any hard-working
a
construction
could
site.
have
navigated such an exit.
student, he relished spring break and the opportunity
So we're left with a number
to let off a little steam after many long nights studying
of equally confounding possibilities. Did Shaffer change
for exams. But before heading to the Ugly Tuna Saloona
clothes and disguise himself prior to leaving the bar with
for an evening out with friend William "Clint" Florence,
the intent of starting a new life? Did he die inside the
Shaffer and his father Randy met up at a local restaurant
bar and someone covered it up? Was he targeted by the
to enjoy a steak dinner - a bit of family time before Shaffer
Smiley Face Killer (that's a whole other discussion)? We
and girlfriend Alexis Waggoner jetted off to Miami for
still don't have a definitive answer - and likely never will.
some R&R. His relationship with Waggoner was thought
Shaffer literally vanished into thin air as if by magic.
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| 41
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT
OUR OUR FAVS FAVS
OF THE MONTH Looking for someone new to follow? We've got a couple sweet recommendations for you! BRIAN BENNETT RECOMMENDS:
ESCAPE @escape_evansville I'm a bit biased but we dropped one of the most viral videos for YouTube in 2021, it's currently over 42,000,000 views and counting. It's a blast watching people scramble and get stalked by random spooky characters!
BAILEY RECOMMENDS:
Erin Miller @overthemoonfaraway TikTok isn’t just for Gen Z. Erin Miller has a specific audience she caters to: anyone born between 1981 and 1996. This 31-yearold highlights classic millennial experiences. Whether shopping in the dark at Hollister or dying from dysentery while playing “Oregon Trail” in third grade, Miller’s got it covered.
42 | JANUARY 2022
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ƧQIRUJHȀDEOƈ
studiobcreativeteam@gmail.com phone: 812.838.2707 @danielknightstudiob
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORING SMALL BUSINESS
with Elaina Adams
Ask any kid under age 12 what they want to be when they grow up and chances are they’ll look you dead in the eyes and, with conviction, mention Spider-Man or Elsa. These fictional characters are who children look up to early in life and, in many cases, aspire to be. Well, what if you could surprise little Timmy or Susie on their next birthday by bringing their heroes to the party? They’d lose their freaking minds, wouldn’t they? Luckily, Fairy Godmother Jessica Barr’s Adventures Untold Entertainment can make their dreams come true. Jessica’s personal folk tale began in 2015 while she was planning a princess-themed birthday party for her two daughters. She wanted to make their special day unforgettable by hiring cartoon princesses to join the fun. Unfortunately (and not so unfortunately), this service didn’t exist. Not wanting to back off a stellar idea, Jessica and a few friends decided to get into costume and the rest, as they say, is history. “Parents were approaching me asking if we could come to their children’s birthday parties,” she says. By the end of the day, not only did the children get an unforgettable birthday experience, but Jessica was well on her way to starting a new business. Adventures Untold Entertainment goes above and beyond similar services. This isn’t some middleaged man in a Disney costume standing in New York’s Times Square shaking down tourists for spare change. All of Jessica’s performers are professional, trained to provide a truly authentic experience. After all, if your diehard Little Mermaid fan asks Ariel how Flounder is doing “under the sea,” and she doesn’t provide them with an apt response, the effects could be devastating. “There is a difference between meeting your actual role model and a photo op with a pretty person in costume,” Jessica says, adding that her performers teach princess etiquette and even give dance lessons. When booking an event with Adventures Untold, customers receive the highest-quality service in their pursuit of magical memories. This isn’t just for children’s birthday parties, either. Fairytale characters (princes and princesses) can be hired to appear at company parties, charity events and grand openings. Jessica has even opened a venue where she plans to host princess tea times. Now your son or daughter can pick out a magical outfit and hang out with their idols. Pretty cool, huh? Adventures Untold Entertainment also hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. You can keep up with the fun by liking their Facebook page (Adventures Untold Entertainment) or by following them on Instagram (@adventuresuntold_ent). If you’re interested in hanging out with your favorite princesses or superheroes, scan the QR code and let the magic begin!
44 | JANUARY 2022
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ADVENTURES UNTOLD ENTERTAINMENT
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
ANIMAL
VANDERBURGH HUMANE SOCIETY
GOOSE: Meet Goose, a four-yearold Australian Cattle dog mix! He is, in fact, very much a silly goose. With all of the love and energy he has to give, you might even mistake him to be a big puppy. Goose could benefit from some obedience training and would do best in a home that lets him get his energy out! Once he's had his play time, however, you'll find him to be a very affectionate goose! His adoption fee is $150 and includes neuter, microchip and vaccines. To apply, visit vhslifesaver.org!
be we’ll he h t n ith t h mo Eac king in w latest chec for the nd to a VHS news ever d goo find fur e of m help for so ique n s u e ore idents. hom m their der res ol and
BOURBON: Say hello to Bourbon! This one-year-old male loves meeting people and is said to have a bit of a wild streak (in the best way possible). He is very active, enjoys people and is easy to pick up. When it comes to other rabbits, he can be a bit bossy and would probably do best as the only bun in the house. If you're ready to take a hop on the wild side, come meet Bourbon at VHS! His adoption fee is $50 and includes his neuter and microchip.
PARIS: I see Paris, I see France, I see a longtime resident needing a second chance! Meet Paris, a four-year-old female cat who has been with VHS since May. Her previous family had too many animals and needed to make some tough decisions. She has lived with other animals and would prefer a quiet home, where she can just gaze out a window and daydream about traveling the world. Her adoption fee is $150 and includes her spay, microchip and vaccines. To meet Paris, visit her in the VHS cat room!
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 | JANUARY 2022
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
MARGO VHS ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT
Evansville's Abigail Garner grew up with dogs around the house - her family was partial to boxers - but she also looked after some farm cats through the years. So when she headed off to college and experienced life without a furry companion for the first time, it felt strange to say the least. To remind herself of home, the ambitious Ivy Tech student (she plans to transfer to USI and pursue a social work degree) made a trip to the VHS back in September of 2020, boyfriend in tow, for the purpose of reconnecting with her love of animals - but not to adopt. "We just went to take the dogs out and give them a walk, but then I saw her and it was like, I gotta have her," Garner recalls. Indeed, there was an instant bond when she met Margo, a sweetheart of a pit bull terrier - small in stature yet incredibly muscular. Soon Garner was signing the adoption papers and heading home with her new best friend. As is often the case with newly adopted animals, the transition period was initially difficult for Margo. Garner reports that she was very timid and quiet at first but also destructive, tunneling all the way through a new ottoman in the living room and breaking out of her kennel. But by day three, a whole new side of Margo appeared - a side not seen at the VHS. "We knew from the look of her that she had the purest heart and she just wanted to be loved," Garner says. "We definitely saw that by day three - she was all up in our grills, snuggling." In fact, Margo delights in sitting in the laps of family and friends with her back against the person's chest - like small kids do. 16 months later, Margo has not only fully adjusted to her forever home but become an integral part of everything Garner and her boyfriend do - "even if we don't want her to be," she laughs. In addition, Margo was gifted a furry friend for her birthday - a canine rescue named Bo. The two are reportedly inseparable, spooning and hugging all the time. Yes, it seems everyone just loves this über-cute pit bull terrier. "I have met and owned many dogs and I would say that Margo is probably the nicest, sweetest animal of all," Garner says. "She's just the type of dog where you feel like you've had her your whole life."
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| 47
48 | JANUARY 2022
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| 49
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | OPINION
Doubtful that anyone has noticed or particularly cares, but I don't normally title my columns - partially out of laziness, but more so because this is just meant to be a series of random thoughts as I, you know, type this... But lo and behold, there's sort of a theme at work this month. Still, before I jump in and wow you with my commentary, I must take a moment to remember those lost in the Kentucky storms. The devastating effects of the tornadoes is fresh on my mind as I am sat at my desk the morning after. It's simply tragic. Not terribly confident, but I'm hoping against hope that everyone can mellow out on the partisan bickering for at least a few days and focus on the bigger picture - which is a vaguely decent way to transition to my general point. As I've noted previously, I'm a big fan of professional tennis. And I often find myself watching YouTube clips relating to the subject, whether they be highlights from recent tournaments or podcasts, etc. I mention this because, sadly, even something as seemingly benign as ATP coverage can't escape
AS I TYPE THIS... with Barold Hume
the inferno of internet rage that's engulfed us all. I.E., a quick check of the comments below most any tennis video online is enough to depress any rational individual (of which there are increasingly few) as the discussion inevitably devolves into a heated vaccine debate or political war with name-calling at every opportunity. It's quite the racket, all right (pun intended). Nothing would be please me more than if YouTube and other major internet platforms disabled their comment sections - even if just for awhile. Yahoo actually cut the cord some time ago, a solid move that may not have been good for business but has helped to douse the flames a bit. Also, what's the point of blabbering on about being offended by an article when there's already 10,000 other comments? Who's going to bother scrolling
NO COMMENT
endlessly through all that bitching just to get to your pointless take on the matter, you know? I just think it would be an interesting experiment if people were blocked from arguing with each other for a predetermined period. Would the temperature cool down? Or would everyone just get so backed up with vitriol - constipated, as it were - that we'd be like one big ticking time bomb? Tough to say, but I do wish "no comment" could become our national mantra in 2022. Of course, that would X me out, effectively, but you could all use the break.
tri-state
politics
with Bryan Fox
No one saw that coming. It was 2019. City Republicans were heading into November feeling confident about their chances.
Reelecting Winnecke was a foregone
conclusion. Democrats didn't even field a candidate at the top of the ticket that year. But also the GOP saw possibilities elsewhere and was hoping to gain seats on the city council. Surprising to anyone, no matter party affiliation, that never happened. You
IS THE FIFTH WARD THE GOP'S LAST HOPE? 50 | JANUARY 2022
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can arguably say it was one of the most embarrassing performances in over a generation when it comes to local politics. Republicans lost five of the six wards plus two of the three at-large seats. The most surprising of all was the first ward which was thought to be so red that many people wonder why Dems
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | OPINION
MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD... with Johnny Fletcher
I BEG OF YOU: NO MO' "BRO"
Lord knows I haven't asked any of you who religiously follow this
Anyhow, here's where you come in: with 2022 upon us, there's no time
column every month for much, but I desperately need your help as
like the present to squash this whole "bro" nonsense. So I humbly ask that
we enter a new year. You see, I happened to catch a few minutes of
you sign my No Mo' "Bro" online petition at your earliest convenience.
ABC's The Bachelorette recently - quite by accident, of course - and
Just go to nomobro.whatarethesedudesthinking.growup.com and be a
was baffled by how often the term "bro" kept getting bandied about
part of a societal revolution. Major bonus: the first person that joins me in
between the hunky, beefcake suitors. As usual, I must be out of the
this fight will receive a Maybe I'm Just Getting Old vape stick autographed
loop, but I wasn't aware that grown men still called each other "bro"
by yours truly (full disclosure: someone left the vape stick behind in my
- it's just so juvenile. And what really cracked me up is that these
office and never came back for it - still works, though). But this is just the
guys often used it in a threatening way, like, "You don't know want
beginning, got it? Once we erase "bro" from the lexicon we'll be straight-
ANY part of me, bro!" as they flexed and sniped at each other in a
up gunning for "chief" and "guy" and every other ridiculously generic
transparent bid to impress the poor bachelorette at the center of
term that men use on a regular basis. Seriously, imagine a world where,
this circus. Again, maybe it's just me, but the idea that an attractive,
when someone's got a bone to pick with you, they actually call you out by
bright young woman would be taken by a bunch of jacked-up
name: "You don't want ANY part of me, Scott!" A personalized beatdown
goofballs yelling "bro" at each other is nothing short of perplexing.
is far more preferable, don't you think? I wouldn't even mind getting the
But what do I know? Could be why I'm still single, after all.
crap kicked out of me so long as my assailant and I were on a first-name basis. It's just a respect issue, bro!
even fielded a candidate there. Those beliefs are now suspended.
So 2023 is shaping up to be a bad year for Republicans - especially if Winnecke decides not to run for an unprecedented fourth term. And it could get even
The one bright spot for the city's GOP was the fifth ward currently represented
worse if Dems retain all seats they currently hold plus offer up a good candidate
by Justin Elpers. Call it the Ohio of Evansville. What once was the swingiest
in the fifth that year. The Republicans need to field a good candidate, perhaps
of the swing wards, the fifth has moved to a lean R thanks in large part to
Elpers himself, if Winnecke decides not to run.
Elpers. Unfortunately for area Republicans, they might not be able to rely on Elpers much longer.
Republicans should also start fielding viable candidates in the other wards as well. Some of the wards were lost by a slim margin so there might be a
Elpers recently announced he will be running for county commissioner in 2022.
possibility of gaining them back.
Should he win, and it appears likely he will, given the makeup of Vanderburgh County and name recognition, the GOP will no longer have him on the 2023
If none of this happens, and the fifth ward goes down, it could doom the GOP
city council ballot as Elpers would resign that seat if elected as commissioner.
in Evansville.
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| 51
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | OPINION
WHEN LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS ARE
BOURNE
with Freddie Bourne
NEW YEAR, NEW ME = NEW YEAR, NEW HYPOCRISY
In 2019, U.S. News & World Report noted that the failure rate for New Year's resolutions is said to be about 80%, with most
When I was a youth growing up in the wonderful land of New
losing sight of their resolutions by mid-February. Most of us are
Jersey, well known to be home of the exceptional personalities
the majority. And not in a good way. I don’t think we should be
of non-Garden State residents of MTV’s Jersey Shore, New
setting something up so grand and then fall flat on our faces
Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day became quite a tradition of non-
before completely giving up and admitting defeat all together.
stop screaming and making heartfelt promises in the moment - only to fall flat within hour 11 of January 1.
Rather, let’s try not to be specific. Sometimes being broad is more ideal. And let’s get the term “resolution” out of our
One year, I recall a friend of mine saying the following to a
vocabulary and trade it in for something tangible and realistic.
group of us 14-year-olds: ”Bro, let’s just do anything we would
For me, my hope for the year is to achieve happiness in any
regret in the next four hours. When it hits midnight, we start
way shape or form, big or small. I like to pride myself on being
fresh.”
a happy person but I definitely give myself a hard time with things that are beyond my control and I tend to let it fester and
Joke’s on him - he passed out well before the ball dropped and
seep into parts of my life that I could honestly avoid.
the crowds cheered due to the “insane” amount of three vodka shots he took. Pretty sure he did the same thing the following
I know some folks have come to this column for self-help or
year and broke his resolution of not underage drinking. But,
some type of guidance, which I thank you for. But, I’m no expert.
he’s married now with a house - so he’s figured out the game
I deal with the same internal monologues that you all have. And
called life. For now.
yes - I have been incredibly guilty of letting the nothingness of mediocrity stand in my way of seeing what’s really true.
made a resolution and really stuck to it. I don’t think that setting
My life is good. And yours, regardless of circumstances and
one is a bad thing, but rather I prefer not to invest in an idea
history, can be too if we realize that the light in the New Year’s
that I made during the excitement of the end of the year. And
Eve ball in Times Square symbolizes hope.
keep in mind, just because it’s a blank slate for the calendar doesn’t mean the things I dealt with on December 31 all of the sudden disappear.
52 | JANUARY 2022
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We just need to try.
PHOTO: EMILY PELSTON
But, I personally cannot remember the last time that I actually
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| 53
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC REVIEWS
DARREN CRISS A Very Darren Crissmas Decca Records
TAYLOR SWIFT Red: Taylor’s Version Republic Records After years of fighting with record companies,
record-breaking,
award-
winning artist Taylor Swift is shaking up the music industry. If she can’t have control over her previously released music, she’s going to record brand new versions. Taylor has shown she is an icon and a trailblazer time and time again, and the impassioned way she sings through these old songs with a new fire is absolutely gorgeous. You’ll hear new renditions of “All Too Well,” “State of Grace,” “22,” “Begin Again,” “Starlight,” and “Everything Has Changed.” This is the second time she has re-recorded an album after Fearless, released in April 2021. I love that she is taking back her power and teaching a whole generation of women and girls to never back down. I hope she re-records many of her other previous albums. It’s also beautiful to see the growth she has had from a teenage girl with her guitar to taking over the stage worldwide. She’s matured into a fierce leader in the music industry and I am “Red” with passion for this album. - Marisa Patwa
While the holidays are already over, with the pandemic and the horrific toll last month's tornados have taken on our Kentucky counties, I thought we could stretch that Christmas cheer just a little longer. Santa may be taking a needed break, but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy the spirit and magic of the giving season. Glee’s Darren Criss is following in the footsteps of cast member Lea Michele with his own album dedicated entirely to making us feel merry and bright. From “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to "The Christmas Song," he offers up so many seasonal classics, bringing his sweet, insatiable vibrato to each one. While Criss has made a name for himself with American Crime Story and Hollywood, too, his talents in music are just undeniable. I’d listen to this on repeat while you’re finally putting those Christmas lights back in the closet. Besides, if you can start putting skeletons up on your house in September, why not keep the happy holiday feeling going just a little longer? What makes this the ultimate goat gingerbread is the icing of songs you wouldn’t expect like “New Year” and “St. Patrick's Day.” - Marisa Patwa
ALICIA KEYS Keys RCA Records Alicia Keys is the girl on fire once again with her eighth studio album. These explosive tracks come just 14 months after she dropped the lowkey Alicia. Like many artists, she used the time away from events and the limelight to really tap into her creative juices. And we’re the lucky ones getting a taste. Keys features an array of new songs and remixes. It’s the perfect combination for a true fan. “Billions” and “Love When You Call My Name” are brand new songs that still have that classic, silky smooth Alicia Keys flair. “Daffodils,” “Old Memories,” and “Lala” are older songs that she spices up with new feature artists, giving them that 2021 vibe, while still keeping the integrity of the original versions. It’s beautiful to hear the melodies of this legend accompanied by the likes
of
Khalid
and
Kanye West. Although, let’s be honest, she doesn’t need any help to keep that fire going. Marisa Patwa
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JERRY CANTRELL Brighten Double J Music Alice In Chains guitarist/co-vocalist Jerry Cantrell waited 17 years before gifting us with Brighten, the follow-up to his solo records Boggy Depot (1996) and Degradation Trip (2004). Those earlier albums were brooding grungealt metal, but uneven efforts from an artist contemplating life without AIC. This new release, however, showcases a seasoned musician and vocalist focused on self-expression rather than appeasing 90's-era AIC fans jonesing for new AIC material. Two things stand out about this album: melody, and the absence of down-tuned trudge riffs so synonymous with AIC’s sound. Surprisingly, it's an eclectic mix of wellcrafted tunes, including the title track which borders on country-rock. The single is “Atone,” an homage to spaghetti westerns that most resembles an AIC song. Other standouts are “Black Hearts and Evil Done,” “Prism of Doubt” and “Siren Song.” Solo efforts usually lack something, proving that the whole is greater than its parts. Cantrell, on the other hand, manages to find his voice with songs that feel adventurous and fresh. - Matt Alschbach
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC REVIEWS
MILKY CHANCE Trip Tape Asylum Records/Atlantic Records
DEEOHGEE New Way of Life Self-Released
The German electronic duo returns with
Nashville three-piece Blackfoot Gypsies
their first compilation album featuring
shed their band name, but not their style,
new original tracks and demos while
on New Way of Life - the debut album
sprinkling in some unconventional covers
under their new moniker, DeeOhGee.
that are worth taking a second listen to. From the get-go, opening
Across 13 tracks, the trio masterfully bounces back and forth
track “Colorado” reminds listeners how creative they are by pushing
between ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired rock, country, and bluegrass. Every
a clear and specific narrative with pulsing electronic soundscapes
song sounds like it could be a hit, and DeeOhGee sound absolutely
against the blunt yet endearing vocal delivery of lead singer Clemens
cool as they effortlessly perform their brand of authentic rock and
Rehbein. Trip Tape shifts between the reshaping of classic songs
roll - it couldn’t come easier for them. My favorite track is “Lay It
such as Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” which comes across as an eerie
on Down,” a country-rock song you should listen to if you like The
background byte for the trailer of a clever and well-received haunted
Jayhawks. That being said, any song on New Way of Life could
Netflix series, and fresh interpretations of recent chart hits like Dua
easily be considered the best song on the album. DeeOhGee have
Lipa’s “Levitating” which takes some experimental liberties before
perhaps made the best music of their career so far on this record -
finally find the right groove and purpose. Interestingly enough, their not-ready-for-primetime demos, including the atmospheric and on
a new way of life, indeed. - Russ Finn
the cusp Hi-NRG “Butterfly” and the vaporwave-influenced “Lights Out,” serve as real standouts, proving this duo has a lot more up their collective sleeve than just clever covers. - Freddie Bourne
KILLING JOKE Total Invasion: Live in the USA Cadiz Music One of post-punk's most enduringly visceral bands, Killing Joke briefly made waves in America circa 1985 via the uncharacteristically melodic single "Love Like Blood" and stomping "Eighties" (the main riff of which was blatantly nicked by Kurt Cobain on Nirvana's "Come as You Are") culled from Night Time. And though the uncompromising UK quartet fronted by mad genius Jaz Coleman would actually go one step further in a pop direction with the follow-up, Brighter Than a Thousand Suns, 1989's brutal Extremities, Dirt & Various Repressed Emotions signaled a welcome return to - as Coleman once dubbed KJ's 1980 debut - "the sound of the earth vomiting." Many relentlessly dark and heavy albums later, it's the band's unmatched ability to weave hooks into often challenging material that continues to separate them from the pack. Not to mention guitarist Geordie Walker remains one of the most innovative musicians on planet Earth (Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page wholeheartedly agrees) with a signature tone that's never been duplicated. This new release, admittedly, is mostly for the diehard fans but it's not a bad starting point, really, as it captures KJ absolutely ripping through an opening set on tour with prog-metal masters Tool back in 2019. Only 10 songs but holy crap, they make each one count. - Johnny Fletcher
Blues with Bragin MISS LADY BLUES
Moe Betta Blues Self-Released Singer-songwriter Kesha Boyd - professionally known as Miss Lady Blues - returns with a short but sweet set of soulful, sultry tunes. “Back It Up With That Lip," a song about keeping your man happy, kicks things off with a horn section that perfectly complements Miss Lady’s engaging vocals and plays well off of Joey Robinson's organ. “She Ain’t Me” features a funky bass line and more top notch horn playing as Miss Lady boasts about her advantages over other women. The melancholy guitar provides a good counterpoint to lyrics about the highs and lows of relationships on “Being In Love,“ while "Addicted” tells a tale about finding an unavailable man that you can’t quit. A west coast vibe comes through on “What I Want.” The great guitar and Miss Lady’s voice will get your body moving. The stellar horn playing introduces “Loving You” and keeps going throughout the song. “Baby” features a little bit of Latin influence as Miss Lady sings about a man who treats her like a queen. The horn section and Robinson’s piano playing keep the groove going. The album closes with “Can’t Be Love,” a song with haunting guitar at the beginning as Miss Lady sings about finding out that her man is cheating. Moe Betta Blues is full of soul-inspired vocals and music. People who like classic 70's soul music should check it out. - Paul Bragin
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | BEER REVIEWS
JANUARY BEER REVIEWS This month’s beers are available depending on supply & demand at all 10 Liquor Locker locations. Visit our website at www.Liquor-Locker.com. BELL'S BRIGHT WHITE
GOOSE ISLAND TROPICAL BEER HUG
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4
Pours golden and almost clear with a thick white head. Wheat with strong tropical notes of pineapple on the nose. Boozy on the palate, the 9.9% ABV is not hiding. While this may be called a tropical Imperial IPA, it has many characteristics of a Belgian triple. Spicy, malty on the palate with a very light bitterness. Good, but not sessionable.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25
A decent white head forms on this IPA and dissipates slowly. Citrus notes from the hops control the nose. The citrus remains with the first sip of the beer and in the long finish. People who enjoy hoppy beers and IPAs need to try this one. Pair it with blue cheese, salmon, spicy Mexican, Cajun or Asian cuisine, or desserts like carrot cake, cheese cake or crème brulée.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
This beer is a slightly darker amber but with decent carbonation. I view this more as a Belgian triple than an Imperial IPA. I really like this beer as it has a little more flavor than an IPA as the hops don't beat you down. Goose Island has brought out something a little different with Tropical Beer Hug and it's a winner. I will have to track down some more of this and have it on hand through the holidays.
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PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.5
This Belgian Wit has a hazy golden pour. A thin white head gives way to aromas of orange citrus and clove. On the palate it has a slight peppery spiciness with clove notes and typical Belgian yeast esters. It finishes smooth and balanced. A delicious example of the Belgian Wit style.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4
A thick white head crowns this beer when poured into a wheat beer glass and remains for a long time. The light scent of wheat fills the nose. The wheat flavors continue while drinking the beer, with clove and banana also coming through on the tongue. People who enjoy wheat beers should drink this seasonal offering while they can find it. Pair it with seafood dishes like mussels and sushi, or pair it with bananas Foster.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 5
This is a hazy, golden-colored beer that's sweet and slightly malty. It's very refreshing and I could drink it all night. It has a nice yeasty aroma like you find in most Belgian wheat beers. I just wish they produced this all year long. I have found other beers that are similar but just not as good. It's just a solid beer unlike most that throw in fruit flavors or overdone hops to try to make them unique.
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FIRESTONE CINNAMON DOLCE
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.75
Pours black with a creamy tan head. Silky on the palate due to the nitrogenation, with faint notes of chocolate on the nose, and a pronounced cinnamon presence. It has the body of a dry stout, with just enough sweetness to offset the bitterness of the cinnamon. This is an all-around great dessert beer, without being too heavy.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4
A thin tan head tops this black stout. A burst of cinnamon used during the brewing process dominates the scent. The beer feels smooth on the tongue with the first sip before cinnamon, vanilla, coffee and chocolate flavors hit and stay during the long finish. Drink this seasonal offering next to a roaring fireplace. Pair it with rare beef tenderloin and buttery cheeses, or serve it with desserts like s’mores, donuts or pour it over vanilla ice cream.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3.5
This is a dark-colored beer, but it's a nitro stout - which I'm not a big fan of. I can smell the cinnamon right away. There's a silky mouthfeel that I think takes away from the richness of the true flavors. On the plus side, it has a 6% ABV. I do like the flavors of the beer but just feel it lacks a little punch.
NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | BEER REVIEWS
DOGFISH HEAD HAZY-O
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4
Pours a hazy orange with a thick white head. Citrus on the nose, with distinct notes of grapefruit. It is light on the palate where the grapefruit notes are pronounced. A subtle hop finish makes this wellbalanced New England IPA a real joy from start to finish.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25
A thick white head rests on this golden IPA and takes a long time to evaporate. The scent profile contains a good balance of hops and sweetness from the oats and oat milk used during brewing.
Likewise, the balance continues with the initial tasting, with fruity hops coming to the forefront in the long finish. Pair it with citrus-forward dishes like salad with citrus vinaigrette, pineapple salsa or fish tacos.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
This is a hazy, golden-colored beer. It has a nice sweet hops flavor that isn't overwhelming. I can taste some of the malts and some of the oats but not much. I notice it has an ABV of 7.1% which is always nice. And it does have a clean finish. I really like this beer.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
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NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Ask an ATTORNEY
WITH LANE SIESKY SIESKY LAW FIRM, PC
Focusing on personal injury, civil litigation, whistleblower claims and workers' compensation law, Siesky Law Firm strives to provide excellent legal services while remaining client and community centered. The Evansville-based trio of top attorneys - including Lane Siesky, Daniel Gearhart and Douglas Briody - boasts years of invaluable experience inside and outside the courtroom. Highly-respected with an impeccable track record, the firm's aggressive representation of its clients continues to benefit the community in myriad ways.
Q:
For Christmas, my husband gave me a gift certificate to receive plastic surgery as I've been wanting
to take steps to appear more youthful now that I'm nearing 60. While I'm excited about the prospect of decreasing the wrinkles on my face, etc., I do have concerns about the potential pitfalls. If there are complications with the surgery - or I'm simply not satisfied with the results - what legal recourse do I have?
A:
From a legal perspective, your question presents several issues. Anytime an individual undergoes a medical (or cosmetic) procedure, there are risks. That is why healthcare is known as the practice of medicine and not the perfection of medicine. Indeed, when things go wrong, it is not always the fault of the medical professional who is handling the situation. The question of whether or not you have legal recourse if there is a surgical complication brings into focus the issues of informed consent, whether the complication you suffer is an inherent risk of the procedure and the standard of care. If you were adequately informed, then one must look to the nature of the complication you suffered and ask was this complication an inherent risk of the procedure. A risk is inherent if it sometimes occurs during the procedure even if the doctor did nothing wrong. Normally, you have a better case if the complication you suffer from the procedure would not be expected unless the doctor was negligent. In the medical realm, negligence is the failure by a doctor to adhere to the standard of care. In other words, the doctor must act and use the degree of care and skill that a reasonably careful, skillful and prudent doctor would in the same situation. Finally, you may still have legal recourse even if you were adequately informed and the complication was inherent or did not result from the doctor’s negligence if the doctor failed to recognize the complication and treat the complication in a timely and appropriate manner. Here, it is best to consult with a lawyer that practices in medical malpractice law if you have suffered a complication from surgery and want to learn the merits of a potential legal case.
Disclaimer: The above information provided by Siesky Law Firm, PC, is not legal advice and should not be taken as legal advice. Application of the law is highly fact sensitive and readers should consult with an attorney on legal matters.
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