NEWS4U MAY 2022 | TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAY
TABLEof
CHECK OUT ALL OF THE FUN GOING ON IN MAY!
A QUICK NOTE FROM
COVER STORY
08 10 12
Vuteq Indiana is Hiring!
Supplier to Toyota offers Great Pay, Excellent Benefits & More
4 | MAY 2022
6 You gotta Roll with the Punches CUISINE & DINING 24 What's Cookin' 26 Clean Bite Life 27 Coupons
Hiring in the Tri-State: The Struggle is Real Area Bars & Restaurants getting squeezed by the Labor Shortage
ENTERTAINMENT
28 In Town & Around 34 Music: Ann Wilson 36 Music: Cage Willis
News 4U Summer Hiring Guide
Looking for Work in the Tri-State? Start here!
38 Music: K.Setz Band 40 Music: 1984x 41 Music: A Modest Proposal 41 Music: Eric "E2" Tillman
FEATURES & UPCOMING EVENTS
14 18 20 22
THE EDITOR
42 Rock & Metal Profs 44 Screen Time 45 True Crime Junkie LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Halestorm at the Ford Center
Exclusive Interview with Bassist Josh Smith
Exclusive Interview with Founding Member Don Barnes
47 VHS Adoption Spotlight 48 Tri-State Pet Pics
Inaugural Henderson Event offers Food & Drinks, Music & More
Kansas at the Victory Theatre
Exclusive Interview with Guitarist Rich Williams
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tj@evansvillemediagroup.com
Production Manager, Designer & Layout Artist Kelsey Halbig Contributors
Matt Alschbach, Freddie Bourne, Laurie Byers, Paul Bragin, Russ Finn, Johnny Fletcher, Bryan Fox, Paul Hollyfeld, Barold Hume, Matt Laine, Jabez Martinez, Marisa Patwa, Lindsay Rasure
News 4U is published monthly and is distributed throughout the tri-state. For information about advertising,
60 Mug Shots
subscriptions, distribution or guides &
OPINION & COMMENTARY
125 N Weinbach Ave, Ste 510 Evansville,
50 As I Type This...
50 Tri-State Politics
SummerFest 2022
Publisher Brian Bennett Operations Manager Joshua Adams Managing Editor & Writer Thomas Ellis Account Representatives TJ Tanoos
46 VHS Animal Spotlight
58 Ask an Attorney
38 Special at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater
Established in 1991 by
51 Maybe I'm Just Getting Old 52 When Late Night Thoughts are Bourne REVIEWS 54 Music 56 Beer
lists, call (812) 426-6398 or write us at 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
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | EDITOR'S NOTE
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
I
can only hope that spring will have
all learn a thing or two from his lyrical
going to have a few things to say about the
finally kicked in by the time this note
wisdom. But back to the matter at hand...
Will Smith "slap heard around the world."
gets published, but currently it's 45
it's cold when it should be warm and that's
Or maybe it will finally be old news by
degrees outside in mid-April. Shouldn't
just not cool at all. What IS cool, however,
then - though the coverage shows no sign
there be some sort of law against this?
is that we've got another month of amazing
of abating at the moment. What's also not
I know, I know, it's the Midwest and all -
shows in the tri-state. On the music tip,
abating is the dire hiring situation for many
wait five minutes and there'll be a whole
there's Brooks & Dunn, Breaking Benjamin,
businesses in the area. So we spoke to a
new weather pattern. Or as David Lee
Needtobreathe, Halestorm and Weird Al.
few employers, including Vuteq and Gerst
Roth once sang in Van Halen's "Jump"
And for those of you in need of a good
Haus, about the difficulties they and others
(somewhat reluctantly, as he wasn't too
laugh (that's all of us, really), comedian
face with keeping properly staffed in these
keen on Eddie's now legendary synth-
Tom Segura is returning to the Victory
trying times. We've also put together a
based creation, initially), "You gotta roll
Theatre stage on May 18, some three or
Hiring Guide for those who DO want to get
with the punches to get to what's real."
four years after he left a packed crowd
off the couch and back to work. Check that
Man, Diamond Dave was a poet. We could
howling for more. Something tells me he's
out and much more inside. - TE
6 | MAY 2022
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|7
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | COVER STORY
INDIANA
IS HIRING! SUPPLIER TO TOYOTA OFFERS A GREAT STARTING WAGE, EXCELLENT BENEFITS, A FUN TEAM ENVIRONMENT AND MORE
W
hile the nation's unemployment
benefits, a fun team environment and more
assemble the dashboards and headliners.)
rate remains relatively low,
- the whole package, in other words - in an
The Princeton-based branch runs two shifts,
the reality is that businesses
effort to continue thriving and serving as a
mirroring Toyota's calendar and schedule,
vital part of our community.
with a current staff of approximately 700
across America are hurting for workers as an increasing number of people simply
hourly workers and roughly 60 salaried
choose not to re-enter the job market post-
In production since 2001, Vuteq Indiana is
employees. While those numbers may
pandemic. It's a dire scenario for employers
an onsite supplier for Toyota, assembling
sound impressive, the company, according
struggling to function with a depleted staff;
components for the Toyota Highlander
to Plant Manager Banks Brewster, has
many have been forced to either shut down
and Sienna vehicles. (Most notably, they
never fully recovered from the impact
or reduce hours of operation. Others, however, are managing to keep their heads above water by enticing workers back with the promise of higher pay - but even that's proven to be a weak selling point for some potential employees. So companies like Vuteq Indiana have really stepped up their game, offering not just a great starting wage, but excellent
8 | MAY 2022
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of the last couple of years. "Our numbers were much
In addition to ramping up advertising, Vuteq has
stronger pre-pandemic," he says. "Fortunately, we didn't
opened a recruitment office in Evansville (4847 E.
have nearly the interruptions that other companies
Virginia St.) to expedite the application process,
experienced, but we did have a few weeks where Toyota
negating the need to drive to Princeton to fill out
did not run production. That certainly had an impact on
paperwork. But if the convenience factor still isn't
our workforce so we would like to get back to our pre-
enough to get you off the couch, check out what
pandemic workforce numbers as soon as possible."
Vuteq brings to the table as an employer:
HR Specialist Heather Dunlap, like a lot of company
•
STARTING WAGE UP TO $19.25/HR
•
INCLUDES $2.30 MORE PER HR FOR
reps across the country, assumed that once all the COVID-related financial assistance from the government
PERFECT ATTENDANCE EACH WEEK
dissipated, people would return to the job market en masse. But that has yet to happen. "You look at the unemployment rate in Indiana and it looks very low, but when you talk to employers, everyone is hiring,"
•
SIGN-ON BONUS OF $1500
•
SOME OF THE LOWEST BENEFIT PREMIUMS IN THE AREA (CAN
she notes, "so where are all the workers? Sometimes I
COVER AN ENTIRE FAMILY -
feel like I just need to go out and knock on doors and ask people if they're ready to come back to work." Rest
MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION - FOR
assured no one from Vuteq will be showing up at your
ABOUT $75/MO)
house unannounced; however, the company is going big or going home when it comes to spreading the word
•
REIMBURSEMENT FOR STEEL-TOED
about what they offer, even running commercials before movies and commissioning a jingle for radio spots. "I don't know that you could go anywhere and not see or
SHOES •
hear something about us," Dunlap says. "It's wonderful that we're doing those things but it's just not attracting people like we would like it to."
WE ARE MAKING IT A POINT TO FOLLOW THROUGH. AS SOON AS YOU APPLY WITH VUTEQ, A RECRUITER WILL CONTACT YOU WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS.
UNIFORM SHIRTS PROVIDED,
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH WITHIN THE COMPANY
•
FUN TEAM MEMBER EVENTS
And those are just the bullet points. There's even more to like about Vuteq once you come on board. Thankfully, becoming a Vuteq team member is easier now than ever. The company's rapid response to new applicants is proving to be quite lucrative in hiring conscientiously. "We are making it a point to follow through," Dunlap says. "As soon as you apply with Vuteq, a recruiter will contact you within the first 24 hours. We are urgently hiring and want people placed as soon as possible."
For more info or to apply, visit vutequsa.com. You may also visit the Vuteq Recruitment Center at 4847 E. Virginia St. in Evansville. Vuteq Indiana is located at 819 E. 350 S., Princeton, IN / 812-385-2584.
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|9
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | COVER STORY
GERST HAUS GM PAUL ANKENBRAND
AREA BARS AND RESTAURANTS,
IN PARTICULAR, ARE FEELING THE
IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC-FUELED LABOR SHORTAGE
D
riving around the city, everywhere
question, area bars and restaurants
you look there's a familiar sign
have been hardest hit by this dearth
posted in the windows of local
of workers as the service industry is
businesses: Help Wanted. It's an ongoing
notoriously volatile even during "normal"
problem for employers still trying to
periods - employees often come and
dig themselves out of the hole created
go, jumping from one job to another,
by the pandemic - a vicious circle that's
always in search of a better gig. But this
seemingly impossible to escape. First
current predicament is something entirely
there were lockdowns and forced
different; in most cases, people just simply
closures, wreaking financial havoc; and
aren't applying for positions, regardless of
now that restrictions have been lifted
pay. Even those who do show interest in
and the majority of businesses are open
working often fail to follow through with
again, there's a serious labor shortage
the application process or don't show up
that has caused many to either limit
for their first day on the job.
operational hours or shut down altogether on particular days of the week. Without
10 | MAY 2022
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In a nutshell, it's been one big headache
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | COVER STORY
for tri-state businesses. And no one's
the tri-state as businesses desperately try to
that makes little sense because Gerst Haus
more of an expert on this topic than
keep their heads above water. Still, it's not all
is a great place to work, full-stop. Not only is
Gerst Haus GM Paul Ankenbrand
doom and gloom. The customers, at least, are
it located on the coolest strip in Evansville,
who, as the head of a long-running,
out there; people clearly want to patronize
surrounded by hotspots like Sportsman's,
beloved Franklin Street restaurant
area bars and restaurants as evidenced by the
Smitty's, Bud's and more, it's a tri-state
known for authentic German food
packed parking lots that can routinely be seen
tradition with a family atmosphere that's
and a large selection of draughts and
- especially on weekends - on all sides of town.
both welcoming and lots of fun. If you've
imported beers, has struggled to keep
Indeed, Ankenbrand notes that apart from
been on the fence about reentering the work
the establishment staffed in the wake
the labor shortage, business is good - Gerst
force - and especially if you've got previous
of the pandemic. In his 20 plus years,
Haus is full up much of the time and in line
experience as a server or cook - consider
he's never seen anything like this dire
with pre-pandemic numbers. But the question
getting back into the swing of things at Gerst
labor shortage - which he mostly pins
remains: How long can local establishments
Haus.
on COVID-related payments doled out
sustain themselves without a reliable work
by the government, disincentivizing
force? Or without much of a work force at all?
workers. "Especially when they forgave
And last but not least, a word to the patrons of area bars and restaurants... Please be on
the first $10,000 of unemployment - if
Right now, Ankenbrand's biggest concern is
your best behavior and exercise patience
I'd known it was tax-free, heck yeah,
getting the Gerst Haus kitchen fully staffed -
when heading out for a drink or dining out
I would have stayed home the entire
he's still down several employees compared
these days. The labor shortage, as noted, has
time," he chuckles. Ankenbrand, while
to two years ago. Last July he advertised for
resulted in slower service in some cases or
able to laugh at the ridiculousness of
a good-paying kitchen manager position ("If
limited hours of operation. Don't make things
the seemingly avoidable predicament,
you've got the talent, we'll figure out your
worse by taking out your frustrations on staff -
wonders what it will take to turn things
pay," Ankenbrand says), but to demonstrate
they're often at their wit's end, already. If we all
around - or if there's even a solution.
just how difficult it's been to find workers in
just act like adults we'll get through this whole
Like other area bars and restaurants,
the current job market, the number of people
mess a lot easier, eh? And don't forget to tip
Gerst Haus has upped wages in an
that have applied over the last 10 months
generously!
effort to attract employees but to no
can easily be counted on one hand. And
avail. "Looking at the situation, I don't know what pay rate is going to bring people back at this point - we're paying pretty good money," he says. "But I can't think about the future because I have to worry about tonight's shift and whether or not we'll be open." In fact, due to running on fumes staffing-wise, Ankenbrand made the decision to close Gerst Haus on Mondays, simply to give over-worked employees a rest. And there have been nights when he's had to call it a wrap early with a lack of servers to adequately cover the dining room. But Ankenbrand is hardly alone. Similar scenarios are playing out all around
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NEWS4U MAY 2022 | UPCOMING EVENTS
BASSIST JOSH SMITH TALKS BACK FROM THE DEAD, CONNECTING MUSICALLY WITH DRUMMER AREJAY HALE, THE SIGNIFICANCE OF
WITH STONE TEMPLE PILOTS & BLACK STONE CHERRY F O R D C E N T E R / M A Y 2 4 / 7 P. M .
14 | MAY 2022
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"BOMBSHELL" AND MORE
H
ands down, she's got the biggest, most
the performance...but you know, out front, the people
track] truly was the first song that Lzzy came to us with
ferocious voice in rock. When Lzzy Hale
are loving it. So to us, it was like, 'Dude, don't ever
after we got back together and your reaction was the
announced herself - along with bandmates
stop that.' But when I started with the band, Arejay was
same reaction we all had - 'Oh my god, this is what we
Joe Hottinger (guitar), Josh Smith (bass) and brother
17 or 18 and I had just turned 21. So, it was so much
need!' And it was just so exciting - 100% written with,
Arejay Hale (drums) - to the music world at large with
fun to play with him - he's such a raw talent. And my
you know, the current events in mind as was a lot of
Halestorm's 2009 self-titled major label debut, things
background, is, you know, from jazz...and I've played in
this album. So for as hard as all of that [the pandemic]
would never quite be the same again. And thank god
rock bands with friends from school and all. But truly,
was, I think the final product is something that we're so
for that. Building on the legacy of iconic female singers
Halestorm was nothing like I had experienced before.
incredibly proud of and it's such a hyper-focused ver-
like Pat Benatar and Joan Jett, Lzzy harnessed their
It was quite the learning curve for me. And I have to
sion of what Halestorm is and what Lzzy has to say.
incredible vocal power and then amped it up to the
say, all these years later, still playing together, Arejay
nth degree on early singles like "I Get Off," "It's Not
and I are tighter, personally, but musically more than
It seems like your bass playing has come more to the
You" and "Love Bites (So Do I)" off 2012's The Strange
we've ever been. Arejay is playing his ass off right now.
forefront on the new album whereas it was previously
Case of.... The latter, a raw, super-charged kiss-off,
These last couple of shows we've been playing since
buried in the mix a bit.
earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/
we've gotten to start up again have been the best
I totally agree. I think I can thank Nick for that - Nick
Metal Performance.
shows we've ever played in our lives.
Raskulinecz, you know, for his approach to producing,
While the recognition from the industry was greatly
Not only is Arejay such a showman but then Lzzy is
of our time to record, he's there, like, 'Try this' or 'Try
appreciated, Lzzy and the boys refused to chase a
such a dynamic force at the front of the band. On one
that' or 'How about this?' And he's a bass player, first
wider audience if it meant dialing down the aggres-
hand, you're one of the luckiest musicians around to
and foremost. Him and I really vibe together on what
sion. Subsequent releases, including 2015's Into the
be surrounded by such talent onstage, but how do
we're doing. The tone we have for any instrument,
Wild Life and 2018's Vicious - the former featuring the
you sort of create a vibe for yourself - especially since
really...the drums just crush, the guitars sound amazing
fist-pumping anthem "I Am the Fire" - went straight for
bass-playing isn't terribly flashy?
and so does the bass. You know, he brings that to the
the jugular, much to the delight of Halestorm's rabidly
You know, I think I totally agree with you - I'm like the
table - that dude likes to move air, you know what
loyal fanbase. Now the band is set to release the pan-
luckiest guy ever to be surrounded by such talent; I
I mean? There's no smoke and mirrors, there's no
demic-inspired Back from the Dead, an adrenalized
really am. But me personally, I try to up the musicality
tricks. We're setting big amplifiers up in the room and
collection that Smith proudly calls "a hyper-focused
of the bass position with things that I do to comple-
turning them up and just getting the gnarliest sounds
version of what Halestorm is and what Lzzy has to say."
ment, you know, Lzzy's singing or whatever, just fitting
we can.
The album, out May 6, was preceded by the single
in moments when I can. But, you know, bass players
releases of the triumphantly defiant title track and the
can be flashy - each band is different. In my band, I'm
While the new album is filled with flat-out rockers,
gospel-tinged "The Steeple."
there to support and to be the glue. I think the biggest
there's a break at the halfway point with "Terrible
thing I've tried to work on through the years live is
Things," a beautifully dark acoustic song with strings
Smith kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the show at
connecting with the crowd more. I pride myself on
that Lzzy completely nails vocally. Did she come in
the Ford Center.
musicianship and, like, playing a good show. But it's
with that one fully formed?
but also the way he works with people. When it's each
kind of like rubbing your head and patting your belly
That was her - and she worked with Scott Stevens. It
As a bassist, it's imperative to lock-in with the drum-
at the same time. Some nights it just doesn't work and
was a song that he had as an idea and they wrote it up.
mer to form a solid rhythm section. When you joined
I can't connect with the crowd because I'm too busy
It's such a neat, you know, vibe and it comes from such
Halestorm back in 2004, how did you interact musi-
thinking about what I'm doing.
a neat place that I think it will be fun to recreate live.
cally with Arejay, initially, considering that he's such a
"
Yeah, we went through so many album sequences. We
showman?
Back from the Dead sounds like pure pent-up pan-
listened through the album in different ways so many
It took a lot of time. We were young and Arejay, being
demic aggression, particularly the title track.
times to come to this and where each song is placed.
such a personality, is such a blessing but it can come
Yeah, it's absolutely tied to the pandemic. We started
Every time I listen back I go, 'Yeah, we made the right
with some hiccups when the showmanship outdoes
writing and working and we were preparing to start
choice.' It's so funny, like, I don't think a lot of people
in the studio for pre-production and
do that anymore [worry about the sequencing] - it's
I'M LIKE THE LUCKIEST
lockdown happened. And then we
like going for a ride, you know, to listen to an album
were just in limbo like everyone else.
in its entirety. You want to enjoy that and you want
GUY EVER TO BE
And we had some tracks - one that
to think why the songs are where they are - and it's
made it through it all and really is a
something that we really enjoy doing.
SURROUNDED BY SUCH TALENT; I REALLY AM.
great piece on the album is "Bombshell." It is kind of an overlying con-
For tickets and more info, visit fordcenter.com. The Ford
cept of what the album is in general
Center is located at 1 SE MLK Jr. Blvd. in downtown
from Lzzy's standpoint, but it [the title
Evansville.
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| 17
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | UPCOMING EVENTS
BEAVER DAM AMPHITHEATER / MAY 28 / 7 P.M.
FOUNDING MEMBER/LEAD SINGER DON BARNES ON NOT FEARING THE HIGH NOTES, THE AMAZING BACKSTORY OF GUITARIST JERRY RIGGS, COLLABORATING WITH SURVIVOR'S JIM PETERIK AND MORE
T
heir biggest songs may not have all
Talk about lasting power, 38 Special continues
Many singers from your era are struggling
been chart-busting hits, but each is a
to perform 100 shows each year with no dip in
vocally these days on stage - Jon Bon Jovi and
classic in its own right, beloved by fans
quality. Barnes still sounds remarkably good
Vince Neil come to mind - yet you still sing with
of good old fashioned rock music around the
and the current lineup of the band - featuring
power and precision. How have you been able
world. Yes, 38 Special's catalog runs deep with
bassist Barry Dunaway, drummer Gary Moffatt,
to maintain such vocal quality after decades of
tracks that, as founding member/lead singer
keyboardist/vocalist Bobby Capps and "newbie"
performing?
Don Barnes describes, "mean something to
guitarist Jerry Riggs - brings the intensity to
I'll tell you, Jon Bon Jovi opened for us back
people's lives" after all these years: "Caught
every show, night after night. As Barnes notes,
in the '80s and every night I would hear him
Up in You," "Hold on Loosely," "Rockin' into the
“We never wanted to be one of those bands
singing from his face. He was a young kid and
Night," "Back Where You Belong," "Second
that had maybe gotten a little soft or complacent
I'd already been through chorus in school and
Chance," "Fantasy Girl" and so many more.
over the years." Mission accomplished.
learned how to sing with your diaphragm way
All of which receive regular airplay to this day,
down there. Greg Allman famously said sing
demonstrating the lasting power of a well-
Barnes kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the
like somebody's punching you in the stomach.
written melody.
show at Beaver Dam Amphitheater.
When you hold your stomach hard, you're
18 | MAY 2022
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singing from all the power down there and not
a king is delivering mail! So when I called him
Free's "All Right Now." This song wasn't even
really pushing a lot of air out of the pipe. Well,
up I said, 'Man, are you still doing work at the
in our wheelhouse but it had that chorus [sings
Jon was doing the opposite; he was pushing
post office?' and he goes, 'Yeah, yeah.' I asked
"Rockin' into the night, rockin' into the night..."].
all that air right out of his face. And I thought
him if he had any plans of retiring soon, and he
I can sing that - we're rock with big guitars;
then, this guy's not going to make it 30 years, 40
said, 'I could.' And so he put his notice in and he
we can do that. So we went back in the studio
years; he's going to ruin his voice. Vince Neil -
said, 'These guys aren't going to believe it [that
and cut it in, like, two days. And our writing
same thing. They ruin their voice by doing that.
I'm joining 38 Special].' They went and had a
partnership with Jim continued after that - when
To answer your question, if you sing correctly,
retirement party for him - after 22 years he was
I had the idea for the lyric "Hold on loosely" he
you can sing all throughout your life.
going to leave and get his pension and all. And
immediately said, 'Oh yeah, but don't let go.'
so at the party - he told me the story - all of his
It was the first thing out of his mouth. It was the
It must be nice not having to fear the high
friends have been working at the dock there at
perfect bookend - that said everything in one
notes.
the post office and said, 'So, Jerry, what are you
sentence. So we were off to the races.
It's a mental thing. I look out from the stage and
going to do now that you're retiring?' and he
I'm placing all those high notes on exit signs;
said, 'Well, actually, I'm going to go play with 38
It's kind of shocking that "Hold on Loosely"
somebody's shoulder; on top of their head.
Special.' They didn't believe him - didn't even
barely scraped inside the top 30. Based on
So you visualize that note and you don't freak
know he played guitar. He's a real quiet type.
airplay over the last 40 years, you'd be forgiven
out when it comes up. It's actually kind of a Zen
Now they've been out and seen him and are
for assuming it was a huge smash in '81.
thing - you go the opposite way and relax, hit it
like, 'What the hell?' I just love that story because
Yeah, because the door was only cracked open
and move on. Put it on that guy's shoulder out
it shows what great strength of character he has.
a little bit. "Rockin' into the Night" cracked
there and leave it.
the door open a little bit, but it wasn't a full Jim Peterik of Survivor was a frequent
nationwide hit; it was kind of regional - in
The band's current lineup includes guitarist
collaborator with 38 Special over the years, co-
certain places it climbed the charts. I think it
Jerry Riggs who joined in 2019. He plays so
writing some of the band's biggest songs. Why
made it to [number] 45. But there's an old
intuitively, it's as if he came out of the womb
did you click so well with him?
saying that you're only as good as your last hit.
with a guitar in his hands - like it's always been
This guy is the most giving artist - just wide
You have to follow up whatever door you've
there.
open. Anything you have, he likes. Well, you've
slightly got open at radio because there's
He's an absolutely jaw-dropping, Jeff Beck-level
got to have a chemistry there; I guess he doesn't
only 24 hours in a day and everybody's vying
kind of player. And he's got a great backstory -
like everybody's songs. But he had written
for your three minute time slot. So, yeah, it's
this is the funny part. Jerry's a responsible guy
"Rockin' into the Night" for Survivor and that was
highly competitive. So, you have to back it
with two sons and he's reached for the brass
a demo, so it was never released. And we were
up. And we did that with "Hold on Loosely"
ring many times and slightly missed it. That's
on our third album and got sent the cassette
which pushed the door open a little further and then "Caught Up in You" knocked it wide
"
open. We've always learned in show business
WHEN I HAD THE IDEA FOR THE LYRIC "HOLD ON LOOSELY" HE IMMEDIATELY SAID, 'OH YEAH, BUT DON'T LET GO.' IT WAS THE FIRST THING OUT OF HIS MOUTH. IT WAS THE PERFECT BOOKEND - THAT SAID EVERYTHING IN ONE SENTENCE.
that the light's only going to shine on you for awhile; take advantage of it. You have to build up this catalog and history of songs that mean something to people's lives. And that's something we hadn't counted on - we didn't realize it was going to be the fabric of these people's lives.
why he deserves to be there now. But he had
that had that demo on it. Well, we listened to
For tickets and more info, visit
to change his responsibilities like a good father
it and it was totally different from anything we
beaverdamtourism.com. Beaver Dam
and man - and he went and worked for the
were doing, you know? But it had that anthemic
Amphitheater is located in Beaver Dam, KY.
post office for 22 years. This guy that plays like
thing that groups are always looking for - like
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2022
| 19
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | UPCOMING EVENTS
SummerFest D O W N TO W N H E N D E R S O N , K Y / M AY 2 1 / 5 P. M .
INAUGURAL COMMUNITY EVENT OFFERS DELICIOUS FOOD & DRINKS, VENDOR BOOTHS, A FREE CONCERT AND MUCH MORE
W
hile Evansville has more than
- SummerFest has been in the works for
LA-based, all-female Guns N' Roses cover
its share of popular outdoor
several years now, the logical next step
band. Described as a "sexy, smoldering,
festivals, 15 minutes south in
after the trio established the annual
dead serious tribute," these five "badass
Henderson there's been a warm weather
Henderson Wiffleball Classic and,
babes" intend to blow the roof off of
entertainment void just waiting to be filled.
particularly, the Sons of Henderson, a
downtown Henderson. Figuratively
But that's all about to change this month
non-profit organization dedicated to
speaking, of course. Support acts Annabel
thanks to the inaugural SummerFest set to
developing local events that benefit local
Whitledge and Lindsey James Williams,
debut on May 21 in the downtown area.
charities. Indeed, while SummerFest is free
both Henderson residents, will get the
Featuring a beer garden, vendor booths,
to attend, the intent is to raise awareness
party started at 7 p.m. The former is an up-
activities for kids, food trucks, a free
for organizations that serve those in
and coming country singer starting to gain
concert and much more - including the
need. This inaugural event will focus on
traction in Nashville, while the latter is a
Boys & Girls Club of Henderson Superhero
spotlighting Audubon Kids Zone, Healing
well-known singer-songwriter who creates
5K Run and Walk - this much-anticipated
Reins of Kentucky and The Chloe Randolph
a full-band experience using loop stations.
community event seems primed for
Organization.
(Whitledge's new single "Loser" drops May
success. Such is the buzz for SummerFest
18, by the way.)
that people from all over the tri-state are
While SummerFest aims to give back to the
marking their calendars, excited to be a
community in a big way, one of its other
Don't miss the inaugural SummerFest on
part of such a dynamic new concept.
main objectives is to make you dance
May 21 in downtown Henderson at the
and forget your worries for one night.
intersection of Water and 2nd Streets!
The brainchild of three friends and
Organizers, keen to achieve that goal,
Henderson residents - Jonathan Dixon,
have put together an amazing evening of
Brian Bishop, and Greg “Moon” Mullins
music featuring headliner Paradise Kitty, an
For more info, visit summerfestky.com.
WHILE SUMMERFEST IS FREE TO ATTEND, THE INTENT IS TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR ORGANIZATIONS THAT SERVE THOSE IN NEED. 20 | MAY 2022
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2022
| 21
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | UPCOMING EVENTS
KANSAS "POINT OF KNOW RETURN" TOUR VICTORY THEATRE / JUNE 11 / 7 P.M.
Guitarist Rich Williams talks Absence of Presence, the twists and turns of Kansas, following up the success of Leftoverture and more
T
here are few more signature moments
Remarkably, the band not only continues to
understood from the beginning that he would
in rock & roll than the opening vocal
perform at the highest level but excel creatively
contribute creatively?
harmonies of 1976's "Carry On
- 2020's Absence of Presence captured the
I agree - I think [Absence of Presence] was a
Wayward Son." In just 15 short seconds, Kansas
indelible spirit of Kansas in every way imaginable,
logical progression. The new group was finding
summed up the sound of that adventurous
building on, and ultimately surpassing, the
itself and we did it really strongly. Just in talking
musical era, ultimately going multi-platinum with
excellence of 2016's The Prelude Implicit. Still, the
with him [Tom Brislin], he was very interested
the release of Leftoverture , a progressive rock
classic status of Leftoverture and Point of Know
in joining up with us. But he had questions and
masterpiece that featured the aforementioned
Return is undeniable, with both releases only
one question was would he be able to submit
track plus such intricate pieces as "Miracles Out
growing in stature as time goes by. This tour sees
material? And we said absolutely. And so from the
of Nowhere" and "The Wall." Undaunted by the
the band celebrating the latter in full, while also
get-go that was a known. Sure, write away. Come
album's overwhelming success, the band wasted
cherry-picking fan favorites and new cuts.
up with something and we'll run it through the
no time producing an equally brilliant follow-up,
process and see what comes out.
selling another four million copies of Point of
Williams kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the
Know Return, featuring the haunting ballad "Dust
show at the Victory.
The history of Kansas reads like a soap opera with so many lineup changes and endless twists
in the Wind" and punchy, organ-driven title track. Absence of Presence really built on - and
and turns. And yet, there are bands like U2 that
Numerous lineup changes and many albums
ultimately exceeded - The Prelude Implicit.
have had the same members for four decades.
later, Kansas remains a prominent force in rock,
Several of the songs, including the beautiful
Ideally, would everything have stayed the same
anchored by founding member/drummer
ballad "Memories Down the Line," were
circa 1976?
Phil Ehart and longtime guitarist Rich Williams.
written by new keyboardist Tom Brislin. Was it
Of course we wanted to always have the original
22 | MAY 2022
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band - that's what we were, we never dreamed it would be any different. But... things change. We started seeing some success and then we signed a terrible record deal. Song royalties for writers were always 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
THE NEW GROUP WAS FINDING ITSELF AND WE DID IT REALLY STRONGLY.
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.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2022
| 23
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | CUISINE & DINING
Cookin' WHAT'S
W I T H
M A T T
L A I N E
LITTLE ITALY
SIMPLY PUT, THIS IS A
4430 N FIRST AVE EVANSVILLE, IN
W
GREAT LITTLE SPOT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF EVANSVILLE, EASILY ON
hen I first noticed this place, it was
PAR WITH ANGELO’S
during a period when they were closed for a remodel. So I had to
DOWNTOWN AND
wait a couple weeks for them to finish up before trying them out. I will say it was worth the wait
LITTLE ANGELO’S IN
because the inside of this place is gorgeous!
NEWBURGH.
When you walk in, your eyes are immediately drawn to the fireplace in the middle of the dining room, and the hardwood floor just adds to the warmth you feel when you are seated. I love a dining room with a fireplace, especially on a colder day. So I was highly impressed with their double-sided fireplace smack dab in the middle! The booths all seemed to have been updated as well and it appears that the place has been given a new paint job. I would also like to point out that the tray ceiling leads your eyes to a beautiful design in the middle of the ceiling. It looks like
24 | MAY 2022
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
a grapevine winding its way around a
Italian because they are all great, a million
spectacular centerpiece. Apart from the
times better than certain popular chain
design, here's another important note
restaurants. I would also like to mention
I took away from my visit: The owner
that Carlos came out and spoke to me
of Little Italy, Carlos, is related to the
briefly and was able to make a “special”
owners of two other local Italian hotspots,
dish for me - three smaller portions of
Angelo's and Little Angelo’s. This family
meals they serve so I could try out a
truly has Italian cuisine locked down in
few different things to review. I will say
our slice of the tri-state area. So try any
I was actually surprised by something
of these three places if you crave some
that wasn’t even on my radar, so kudos
to Carlos for knowing what his best flavors are and not letting them hide away! I have to begin with the Breadsticks they bring out as a starter that come paired with pesto. The breadsticks were a smaller, thinner style than I’m used to trying. The outer crust had a good snap to it, but the inside was still beautifully fluffy and airy. The pesto was good, but the oil to seasoning/cheese ratio was a little off for how I prefer it (heavier on the olive oil). On my sampler platter, I was able to try out the Lasagna, Carbonara, and the Shrimp and Pasta with white wine sauce. The lasagna had a bright red sauce that was very tomato forward. The noodles were perfectly al dente, and the beef was so tender you could smash it between your fingers without it crumbling and falling apart. There was also a nice cheese pull from the ricotta mixture so I’m wondering if they mix in some mozzarella with their ricotta. If you want an authentic tasting lasagna that tastes like it was made with love, try this one for sure. The carbonara was the one I was most excited to try, but ended up behind the other sauces. Don’t get me wrong, it was still an amazing sauce; the others just shone a little brighter. The carbonara had a very smooth taste to it and it paired well with the meaty, earthy
sauce was a sharper, brighter sauce
just stepped it all up another level. It had
that had notes of lemons and Sherry
me doing a happy dance in my booth as I
wine. On its own, this sauce tasted
savored each bite of the shrimp. All in all,
overbearing, but as you mixed it with
a great meal, and one I would happily eat
the noodles its delicious nature was
again, especially that shrimp dish!
revealed. Then I found my favorite bite from the entire meal - that white wine
Simply put, this is a great little spot on the
sauce with the shrimp! This wasn’t even
north side of Evansville, easily on par with
something I looked at, but I have to say
Angelo’s downtown and Little Angelo’s in
that bright, lemon wine sauce paired
Newburgh. If you are craving pasta, skip right
other places).
beautifully with the shrimp. I am always
over the chain restaurants and get some real
one that believes lemon enhances
pasta from people who know great Italian
Finally, and surprisingly, the white wine
the flavors of seafood, and the wine
flavors!
mushrooms, crisp bacon, and sautéed onions. I would say it tastes just like the carbonara at Angelo’s or Little Angelo’s (it's the only sauce I’ve had at those
VALUE: 8.5 \\ TASTE: 8.9 \\ ATMOSPHERE: 9.4 \\ SERVICE: 8.1 \\ SPEED: 8.6 \\ OVERALL: 8.7
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| 25
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | CUISINE & DINING
CLEAN BITE Healthy Cooking with Lindsay Rasure Deviled eggs always remind me of holiday family gatherings. Growing up, the deviled
life
“CLEAN EATING” DEVILED EGGS 20 DEVILED EGGS
eggs I consumed always contained the classic mayonnaise that is full of soybean oil and high fructose corn syrup and
INGREDIENTS:
sometimes even a sweet relish. After
•
10 HARD BOILED EGGS
learning how to read labels correctly and
•
1/3 C. AVOCADO OIL-BASED MAYONNAISE (PRIMAL KITCHEN OR SIR KENSINGTON’S)
removing ingredients that serve little good, I found a super clean and delicious tasting
•
1 TSP. YELLOW MUSTARD
mayonnaise. Avocado oil-based mayonnaise
•
½ TSP. PICKLE JUICE
is tangy and even a tad salty (hence no
•
SPRINKLE OF SMOKED PAPRIKA (OPTIONAL)
salt in this recipe). I knew I could recreate the classic deviled eggs from my past but prepare them with better ingredients for my body without sacrificing taste!
DIRECTIONS: 1. 2.
3. 4. 5. 6.
HARD BOIL 10 EGGS.
AFTER THE EGGS HAVE COOLED, SLICE THE EGGS IN HALF LENGTHWISE AND PUT THE YOLKS INTO A SEPARATE BOWL.
TAKE A FORK AND MASH UP THE YOLKS INTO A FINE LIKE POWDER.
ADD IN THE MAYONNAISE, YELLOW MUSTARD, AND PICKLE JUICE. STIR UNTIL THE CONSISTENCY IS SMOOTH.
ADD THE YOLK MIXTURE TO A PIPING BAG (IF DESIRED) AND PIPE INTO THE EMPTY EGG WHITES.
SERVE IMMEDIATELY OR KEEP IN A COVERED CONTAINER IN THE FRIDGE.
FOR MORE RECIPES OR MEAL IDEAS YOU CAN FOLLOW LINDSAY RASURE ON INSTAGRAM: @CLEANBITELIFE OR HER FACEBOOK GROUP: CLEAN BITE LIFE
26 | MAY 2022
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e
COUPONS!
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | COUPONS
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| 27
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | IN TOWN & AROUND
PRESENTED BY:
IN TOWN & AROUND SUNDAY, MAY 1
THURSDAY, MAY 5
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky
MONDAY, MAY 9
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
10:00 PM
6:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/
KC's Corner Pocket -- College
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Freestyle
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Jon
Christina
Night / Karaoke & DJ
Friday
Kern
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
SATURDAY, MAY 7
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
-- Beer Pong
5:30 PM
Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
Ford Center -- Brooks & Dunn
Bokeh Lounge -- Rock the Lot
TUESDAY, MAY 10
9:00 PM
"Reboot" Tour wsg Jon Pardi &
Concert Series: TBA
5:30 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Tyler Booth
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5:
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rick Rose
8:00 PM
Colby Miller
Band
MONDAY, MAY 2
3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game
7:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
Night
Beaver Dam Amphitheater -- Darci
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Jon
9:00 PM
Lynne "My Lips are Sealed (except
College Night / Karaoke & DJ
Kern
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
when they're not)"
7:00 PM
9:00 PM
Karaoke & DJ
8:00 PM
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Bokeh Lounge -- The BackBeats
-- Boscoe France
9:00 PM Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
10:00 PM
9:00 PM
Ford Center -- Breaking Benjamin
TUESDAY, MAY 3
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
3rd Street Saloon -- Live
9:00 PM
5:30 PM
-- Brooks & Dunn After Party
Entertainment TBA
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rick Rose
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
Band
FRIDAY, MAY 6
-- Todd Cameron Band
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11
6:00 PM
5:30 PM
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ
6:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Bokeh Lounge -- Rock the Lot
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky
Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton
College Night / Karaoke & DJ
Concert Series: Jonas Cowan Trio
10:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Atomic Misfits
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5:
Live Music TBA
9:00 PM
-- Boscoe France
Mad Women
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jason Breeze
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
9:00 PM
6:00 PM
Metal Show
Karaoke & DJ
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Old National Events Plaza -- Baby
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Shark 2022
SUNDAY, MAY 8
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4
8:00 PM
6:00 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 12
6:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- DJ AP
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/
6:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton
9:00 PM
Christina
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill --
6:30 PM
3rd Street Saloon -- Live
7:00 PM
College Night w/ Brad Lemmons
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia
Entertainment TBA
3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke
KC's Corner Pocket -- College
9:00 PM
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Night / Karaoke & DJ
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
-- Josh Merritt Acoustic
Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
7:00 PM
Karaoke & DJ
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke & DJ
9:00 PM
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
-- Beer Pong
Karaoke & DJ
28 | MAY 2022
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
8:00 PM
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2022
| 29
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | IN TOWN & AROUND
3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game
Bokeh Lounge -- Bonepony
Bokeh Lounge -- Poetry Night
7:00 PM
Night
9:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Victory Theatre -- Evansville
9:00 PM
3rd Street Saloon -- Live
College Night / Karaoke & DJ
Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Entertainment TBA
7:00 PM
Spring Concert
Karaoke & DJ
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
8:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
-- Dylan Wolfe Band
-- Boscoe France
Bokeh Lounge -- Leaving Knox
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
9:00 PM
9:00 PM
FRIDAY, MAY 13
& DJ
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
3rd Street Saloon -- Live
5:30 PM
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Bokeh Lounge -- Rock the Lot
Sparky
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
Concert Series: TBA
10:00 PM
6:00 PM
-- Elliott Sublett
8:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
Bokeh Lounge -- Drag Me to the
-- Kalico
6:30 PM
& DJ
Weekend w/ DJ Jon Kern
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Angel
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia
KC's Marina Pointe -- Ying Yang
9:00 PM
Rhodes & The Wilder Ones
7:00 PM
Twins
3rd Street Saloon -- Live
Entertainment TBA
Victory Theatre -- Tom Segura
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Entertainment TBA
SUNDAY, MAY 15
9:00 PM
Karaoke & DJ
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
4:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
-- Jon J Dueling DJs
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Soulful
Karaoke & DJ
Sparky
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
Sunday w/ Hog Maw
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
10:00 PM
& DJ
6:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/
THURSDAY, MAY 19
Karaoke & DJ
Christina
6:00 PM
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Hot Topics
7:00 PM
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
5:00 PM
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke
-- College Night w/ Paul Wiemeier
Downtown Henderson --
Sparky
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
KC's Corner Pocket -- College
SummerFest feat. Paradise Kitty,
Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
Night / Karaoke & DJ
Lindsey James Wlliams & Annabel
SATURDAY, MAY 14
Victory Theatre -- Needtobreathe
7:00 PM
Whitledge
5:30 PM
wsg Patrick Droney
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
5:30 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Duck Inn
9:00 PM
-- Beer Pong
Bokeh Lounge -- Rock the Lot
Reunion w/ Stillwell Rodenberg &
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
8:00 PM
Concert Series: TBA
Co. (outside stage)
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Evvolve
3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5:
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5:
MONDAY, MAY 16
Night
Green River Jones
The BackBeats
6:00 PM
9:00 PM
7:30 PM
7:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Jon
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln
Beaver Dam Amphitheater -- The
Kern
Karaoke & DJ
City) -- Electric Avenue: The 80s
Crashers
9:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
MTV Experience
Victory Theatre -- Evansville
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
Philharmonic Orchestra presents:
8:00 PM FRIDAY, MAY 20
Bokeh Lounge -- Kyle Paisley Trio
Puccini's Turandot
TUESDAY, MAY 17
5:30 PM
9:00 PM
7:30 PM
5:30 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Rock the Lot
3rd Street Saloon -- Live
Lincoln Amphitheatre (Lincoln
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rick Rose
Concert Series: Lindsey Williams
Entertainment TBA
City) -- Garrison Keillor Tonight
Band
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5:
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
8:00 PM
6:00 PM
Stone Gypsy
-- Kalico
30 | MAY 2022
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| 31
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | IN TOWN & AROUND
Bokeh Lounge -- Epic
10:00 PM
& DJ
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
9:00 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill
KC's Marina Pointe -- Petey Pablo
6:00 PM
3rd Street Saloon -- Live
-- Valcoes
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Bokeh Lounge -- Nick Hamilton
Entertainment TBA
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Live Music
Karaoke & DJ
6:30 PM
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
TBA
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Trivia
-- Dan Hall Duo
Sparky
7:00 PM
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
SUNDAY, MAY 29
10:00 PM
Victory Theatre -- "Weird Al"
& DJ
6:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Sleep
Yankovic wsg Emo Philips
KC's Marina Pointe -- DJ Dance
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/
Aurora Showcase
9:00 PM
Party
Christina
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
7:00 PM
SUNDAY, MAY 22
Karaoke & DJ
Karaoke & DJ
3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke
6:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Sparky
Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Christina
THURSDAY, MAY 26
10:00 PM
9:00 PM
7:00 PM
6:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- DJ Twon
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
3rd Street Saloon -- Karaoke
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
-- College Night w/ Dan Hall
SATURDAY, MAY 28
MONDAY, MAY 30
Cornhole / Karaoke & DJ
KC's Corner Pocket -- College
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
9:00 PM
Night / Karaoke & DJ
Bokeh Lounge -- Rock the Lot
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Jon
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
7:00 PM
Concert Series: Lil by Little
Kern
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5:
9:00 PM
MONDAY, MAY 23
-- Beer Pong
Sassafras
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
6:00 PM
8:00 PM
6:00 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Karaoke w/ Jon
3rd Street Saloon -- Adult Game
KC's Marina Pointe -- Live Music
TUESDAY, MAY 31
Kern
Night
Up Front
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
9:00 PM
7:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rick Rose
Ford Center -- WWE Monday
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
Beaver Dam Amphitheater -- 38
Band
Night RAW
Karaoke & DJ
Special
6:00 PM
9:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
Ford Center -- PBR: Shoe
Bokeh Lounge -- Artist of the
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Open Mic
Sensation presents PBR Touring
Month: Kyle Darnell
FRIDAY, MAY 27
Pro
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
TUESDAY, MAY 24
5:30 PM
8:00 PM
College Night / Karaoke & DJ
5:30 PM
Bokeh Lounge -- Rock the Lot
Bokeh Lounge -- The Pits
7:00 PM
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Rick Rose
Concert Series: TBA
9:00 PM
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
Band
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Jive After 5:
3rd Street Saloon -- Live
-- Boscoe France
6:00 PM
Better Than Nothin'
Entertainment TBA
7:30 PM
KC's Time Out Lounge & Grill --
6:00 PM
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
Old National Events Plaza -- The
College Night / Karaoke & DJ
KC's Marina Pointe -- Live Music
-- Blue Collar
Masked Singer
7:00 PM
Up Front
KC's Corner Pocket -- Karaoke
9:00 PM
Bud's Rockin' Country Bar & Grill
7:00 PM
& DJ
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
-- Boscoe France
Ford Center -- PBR: Shoe
KC's Marina Pointe -- DJ Dance
Ford Center -- Halestorm
Sensation presents PBR Touring
Party
9:00 PM
Pro
Leroy's Tavern -- Karaoke w/
Lamasco Bar & Grill -- Karaoke
8:00 PM
Sparky
32 | MAY 2022
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2022
| 33
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | MUSIC
When the legendary rock band Heart was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in 2013, they blew all in attendance away with room-rattling performances of classic tracks "Crazy on You" and "Barracuda," both showcasing the evergreen vocals of lead singer Ann Wilson who commanded the stage with supreme confidence in front of the industry's biggest names. Nearly 10 years later - and five decades on from her beginnings with Heart she still sings like her life depends on it, fully committed to delivering the goods on stage. And in the studio as heard on Fierce Bliss, Wilson's brand new solo album. Featuring a set of co-written originals backed by a few perfectly chosen covers, this much-anticipated return proves that Heart's frontwoman remains a showstopping force, even on her own. Wilson kindly spoke with News 4U ahead of the tour for the new album. You've stated that Fierce Bliss came together
quite unexpectedly - and relatively quickly. How are you feeling ahead of the tour for the new release? Is there excitement or nervousness? Yeah, I'm feeling excited and a little nervous
because this is the first time that I've ever written most of an album myself. You know, it's with a whole new band; and it's just me, stepping out. Yeah, I'm excited and I'm really happy with it and I can't wait to see how people react. "Greed," the lead single for the album, contains
elements of both 70's and 80's-era Heart. Was it an obvious introduction to the album for you?
ANN WILSON Lead singer of Heart goes solo on Fierce Bliss , a rocking, bluesy collection of originals and covers
34 | MAY 2022
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Yeah, I think so. Like, it wasn't chosen to be any kind of reminder of Heart, purposely, but if you think of it, the person, or point in which all points of Heart meet, is me. And so, if I write a song and sing a song, it's going to be reminiscent of Heart, no matter if I do it with my solo thing or if I do it with [my sister] Nancy in Heart. There's a particularly intriguing lyrical couplet in that track: "I could die down in the basement/ I could fly around to a convent." Just one
SO THAT'S WHAT I'M example of so many great lines on this album.
that ever lived. And as a woman,
Thank you - yeah, I had a real good time writing
sometimes I forget how tender men
that because when I wrote it I had been accused
are, because culturally we have this
of being super greedy, uh, sexually, and I took
idea that guys are always bad-ass and
that really personally. Wow - you know, how can
they're tough and all this kind of stuff
my wonderful, sacred advances be thought of as
- which we all know isn't true. There's
pure greed, so I was miffed, you know [laughs]?
a little boy in there who gets really
So that's where that came out of.
hurt and who is tender. So that's what I heard in that song; it's just heart-
Another standout on the album is "Gladiator"
wrenching. So when I went to sing it, I
vibe to elements of Rush - the "Tom Sawyer"
heart-wrenching if somebody was
overcoming personal fears or a commentary on
observer who is just telling the story of
which musically veers from a Middle Eastern
thought, well, it would be even more
era. Lyrically, it seems like it could be about
watching him go through this as an
the pandemic. What was on your mind?
this broken heart.
around themselves and cover themselves with
At the risk of sounding like a grouchy
Well, I thought that so many people build walls armor and they go into life as if it's a battle and you have to be warriors, you know? And, like, at a certain point they are able, whether it's with another person or in some kind of spiritual sense or something like that, they're able to remove the armor and step outside that self-protection and just be vulnerable and blend into love. So
old man, I just don't hear amazing
female voices in music these days - not like the ones I grew up hearing on the radio: yourself, of course, Pat Benatar,
Annie Lennox, Debbie Harry, Joan Jett, etc. This list goes on...
No, I don't think you're being a grouchy
that's what I'm asking the gladiator to do: come
old man. We're living in an era where
outside - you don't need all that self-protection.
you...how do I describe this? It's such a
You can be safe; you can come out.
pigeonhole culture where if you sound like Adele that's a good start but if you
A true highlight on Fierce Bliss is the cover of
sound like Christina Aguilera and do all
moody and haunting. Also, you chose to change
that's real good. And everyone's the
outsider's perspective, in a sense.
They have a butt lift; they have fake
Jeff Buckley's "Forget Her." It's so beguilingly
these vocal acrobatics and everything,
the pronouns in the lyrics and sing it from an
same; everyone's hypersexualized.
I chose that song because I'm a big Jeff Buckley
eyelashes; they all look identical and
fan; I think he's one of the most amazing people
they sing identical. I think that's what they go for because they're fitting into a mold, you know? No, I think you're right. That's the thing that really makes it hard for me to listen to new music, too. There's no soul to it, you know? I can't let you go without asking
about one of the most transcendental moments in TV history: Heart's
performance of "Stairway to Heaven"
at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2014 that left at least one member of Led
ASKING THE GLADIATOR TO DO: COME OUTSIDE - YOU DON'T NEED ALL THAT SELFPROTECTION. YOU CAN BE SAFE; YOU CAN COME OUT. Zeppelin in tears. Were you aware of just how impactful the performance was at the time or not until later? On stage, I, myself, wasn't paying
too close attention to people's faces out in the crowd because I wanted to keep my mind free of anything except the song. When I start to think up there or become aware of my surroundings, that's when I screw up, so, I just go sort of out of body. And I could not see from where we were; I could not see the Led Zeppelin guys; I couldn't see the Obamas that were up in the balcony. So I only saw them on YouTube later like everybody else. But I think at the time it was just that sublime, total immersion in the music and how the arrangement just grew and grew and grew and there were more and more people and it got bigger and bigger. You can kind of see the audience levitating each time when one of those choral groups was exposed - revealed. And I like the way that when the great big vocal group is revealed you see this short shot of Jimmy Page just going, 'Wow!' And I thought, that's a cool moment because he was impressed; he was thrilled. That's what we all set out to do was please them. For more info, visit annwilson.com. Fierce Bliss is available now at Amazon and on all major streaming platforms.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2022
| 35
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | MUSIC
CAGE WILLIS Mount Carmel rocker records debut album with help from musical hero, drops new single
W
hen arena rock tribute act
wild how it worked out," Willis says. Grateful
Hairball made its way back to
for the opportunity, he treated fans to cuts off
the Victory Theatre for another
his upcoming album, including recent single
raucous sold-out show this past December,
"Who I Am," plus two covers - Gary Clark Jr.'s
the coveted opening slot fell right into the
"When My Train Pulls In" and The Beatles'
lap of Mount Carmel rocker Cage Willis.
"Come Together" (the Gary Clark Jr. version).
I'm a roofer and Black
originally booked to play a gig up north in
If you haven't caught on yet, Willis really
Vincennes the same night, but a scheduling
admires Gary Clark Jr. His bluesy, soulful
Stone Cherry is what I
conflict with the venue unexpectedly freed
influence is clear on the aforementioned
up his evening. Good thing, too, because
"Who I Am" and especially "She Walked
Willis soon received a very important phone
Away," a previously-released single that
call from the Victory - they needed someone
was re-recorded for Willis' upcoming
to get the Hairball crowd fired up with a
album and re-issued at the end of April.
rocking 30-minute introductory set and
Featuring a slow-burning groove over which
figured he was the man for the job. "It was
Willis plays a repeating, descending chord
Well, the stars aligned, as they say. He was
36 | MAY 2022
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
would listen to up there hooking up with him was unimaginable.
progression drenched in distortion, the song tells the heartbreaking tale of a man betrayed by love - of a man who put it all on the line only to see his dream slip away. The hurt evident in Willis' engaging vocal delivery really sells the story - so much so that it piqued the interest of Chris Robertson, guitarist for Black Stone Cherry. Once again, the stars aligned, as Willis, who counts the "White Trash Millionaire" singer as another musical hero, was able to connect with Robertson and set up recording sessions at Monocle Studios in Evanston, Kentucky. There the pair - joined by musicians Andrew Logan, Cameron Allen, Austin Sprinkle and engineer Jordan Westfall - set about creating a greatest hits project, in effect, culling and reshaping tracks from Willis' earlier Bones (Our Town) EP and constructing definitive versions of newer songs using all the modern technology available. For Willis, the experience of working so closely with Robertson in the studio almost didn't seem real. "I'm a roofer and Black Stone Cherry is what I would listen to up there - hooking up with him was unimaginable," he says, still amazed by his good fortune. As noted, two teasers for the album have dropped to date and been met with much enthusiasm - or plenty of streams, more accurately. The goal, according to Willis, is for each subsequent single release to outperform the last on Spotify. "80% of the industry is streaming right now," he says. "People don't put out a whole record anymore - so I'll put out five or six songs and then the rest with the full release in the summer at some point." Seems to be a solid strategy so far. Still, Willis admits that waiting to share all the fruits of his labor is tough; he's clearly proud of his work and how he's progressed as an artist. The good news is that you don't have to wait long to see Willis perform. In addition to upcoming shows in Mount Carmel and Vincennes, locally you can catch him at Bokeh Lounge in June where he'll no doubt play most everything off the new album. Don't miss out! UPCOMING SHOWS:
5/14 Mount Carmel Merchants Park (Illinois) 6/10 Bokeh Lounge (Evansville)
6/11 Electric River Jam (Vincennes) For more info, follow Cage Willis on Facebook. "Who I Am" and "She Walked Away" are available on Spotify.
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| 37
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | MUSIC
K.SETZ BAND
couple notable exceptions - more on that in a bit) to the people. For starters, Setzekorn is now backed by a group of musicians that's capable of performing the new tracks brilliantly - the quartet's prowess for delivering live was most recently on display last month at the Sugar
Psychedelic quartet prepping spacey new release to land in time for r un of regional shows this month
W
minted members of the K.Setz band - bassist Brandon Harper, percussionist Tim Mitchell and drummer Teelin Ateberry - also contribute creatively, helping to shape the free-flowing pieces. Once again recorded via Setzekorn's Dirty Dogg
hen Evansville guitarist Karl Setzekorn (aka K.Setz) last graced the tri-state with new music in the form of 2021's
Mother Machine EP, there weren't many options for promoting the wonderfully trippy, jam bandinfluenced set of songs in a live setting thanks to the ongoing pandemic. But with the impending release of The Ungrateful Neomaxi Zoom Dweebies Mixtape vol. 1 - an even more accomplished followup - opportunities abound to take the groovy collection of psychedelic instrumentals (with a
38 | MAY 2022
Creek Festival in Benton, Illinois. But the newly-
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Productions at 417 Studios, the songs for the new release reportedly came together quickly with some material left over from previous sessions while other ideas were conjured up on the spot during rehearsals. In fact, the mixing of the project proved to eat up the most time with upwards of 80 tracks to grapple with on the likes of album highpoint "Satan Made Me Do It." Setzekorn, understandably, nearly gave up trying to segue the wall of African percussion that dominates the opening half seamlessly into the heavy guitar onslaught that brings
Photo Credit: Nat Phelps
things to a rocking conclusion.
vibes and tempos before settling
But kudos to him for hanging in
into a comfortable groove for
there because his tenacity resulted
the final relaxing minute. But
in a totally unique blending of
perhaps the most satisfyingly
styles that somehow lives up to
spacey moment here is "Into the
the, frankly, odd album title. As
Void Hole," a shimmering musical
Setzekorn explains, it was derived
journey that truly highlights all
from an online band group chat.
members of the band.
"If someone took screenshots of the ridiculous, off-the-wall stuff that
Setzekorn hopes to tie up some
gets said, we probably wouldn't
loose ends - yes, there's still more
look that great," he laughs. "But
mixing to be done - and get the
the album title is a name that
album out in time for a run of
Tim called me - an insult that he
three regional shows this month in
made at me." The guys threw the
Cincinnati, Muncie and Louisville.
"mixtape" part in mostly for kicks,
And there's the prospect of a cool
but as Harper points out, it kind
festival gig in October as well as
of fits considering the manner in
other live shows along the way.
which the project was assembled.
But he's also planning on staying busy with Dirty Dogg Productions,
Speaking of Harper, he played a
eyeing studio time to record
crucial role in the creation of "Skies
Harper's folk-based side project
on Fire" which draws on his folk
as well as helm the exciting debut
background and features vocals
for an up-and-coming progressive
from both him and Setzekorn.
musician who goes by the moniker
Similarly, the brief Tom Waits-
KMW. And it should be noted that
esque "Jezus from Las Vegas"
any local bands or venues in need
is driven by Harper's mandolin.
of a professional sound for live
Elsewhere, lead single "The
performances should get in touch
Pantheon" adheres more to the
with Setzekorn at Dirty Dogg.
psychedelic script, all chilled-out
He's got both the equipment and
and chock-full of slinky guitar runs,
the experience to achieve sonic
while "Bumble Jauntin'," a kindred
perfection.
spirit, comes to a full boil by the end, producing an exhilarating
For more info, follow Karl Setzekorn
crescendo. Winning the award for
and Dirty Dogg Productions on
best song title, "Fatuous Cuckoo"
Facebook.
travels all over the place, shifting
"
But perhaps the most satisfyingly spacey moment here is "Into the Void Hole," a shimmering musical journey that truly highlights all members of the band.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2022
| 39
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | MUSIC
1984x Tri-state trio based out of Jasper releases killer EP of "good old fashioned fight music"
W
hen JoXua H., the
mom's house in Jasper. She's been a
mastermind behind 1984x,
longtime supporter, willfully tolerating the
one of the tri-state's most
excessive noise produced by his various
gripping new bands, announces that he
projects over the years. Now that's love. I
hopes to inspire at least one kid to drop out
mean, would you allow your son's friends to
of school and play guitar, you know that he
infiltrate your inner sanctum and make an
means business. Don't be alarmed, he's
unholy racket? For a taste of that hilarious
only joking - but perhaps there's a kernel
scenario, check out the video for the
of truth in there somewhere based on the
album's centerpiece, "Home is Where You
visceral nature of the just-released 2X22 EP,
Make It," on YouTube. The track, cobbled
a 7-track assault of metal, punk and post-
together from previous song ideas - or
punk that makes you want to buck societal
that's how JoXua humbly suggests most
norms. Maybe even quit your day job and
of 2X22 came together ("I'm not the most
live off the land. Right from the sample-
creative of songwriters - lots of the songs
based intro of old school commercial
are kind of recycled from old bands") - is
snippets, it's clear that this is going to be an
a triumph, slowly evolving from a woozy,
experience, all right.
spidery guitar theme to chugging, fuzzedout power chords over which Curt wails the
It 's angry; it 's raw; it 's what music is supposed to
What follows, somewhat surprisingly, is the
title as if he's in agony, or longing for a new
opening jangle of "Tears of Brunswick" - an
life. Just brilliant.
be about: three guys in a
smoke and mirrors, because a minute in,
The EP is rounded out by the bipolar
room just bashing it OUT.
JoXua cranks up the distortion, paving the
"God May Forgive You (but I won't)," the
way for vocalist Curt X to crash the party
self-explanatory "May Cause Psychotic
with his commanding bark reminiscent of
Breaks from Reality" (fight music at its finest)
punk legend Ian MacKaye. Drummer Paul
and a re-recording of "Abaddon" from a
W. drives the powerful rhythm, sending
previous release. All ace tracks. Mark your
"Tears" hurtling along with abandon to its
calendars, because 1984x will play the
close. "Hyperactivity" then picks up the
whole shebang at the Vincennes Riverfront
baton and races full-speed ahead with
Pavilion (Curt's hometown) on May 7 - a
thrilling metal riffing, never stopping for a
free show to celebrate this amazing new EP.
breather. It's angry; it's raw; it's what music
And hopefully, the band will be able to hop
is supposed to be about: three guys in a
on another local bill soon.
almost pretty guitar line that's ultimately
room just bashing it out. For more info, follow 1984x on Facebook. Actually, 2X22 was recorded in JoXua's
40 | MAY 2022
2X22 is available on Bandcamp.
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | MUSIC
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | MUSIC
SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE
ERIC "E2" TILLMAN
A MODEST PROPOSAL
EVANSVILLE'S PREMIER CHRISTIAN RAPPER SET TO
ALTERNATIVE FOUR-PIECE DROPS "ARSON," PLANS
B
MORE LOCAL SHOWS ALONG WITH SUMMER TOUR
UNVEIL DFRNT AT MAY 14 ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT ack in February we caught up with Eric "E2" Tillman as he was putting the finishing touches on his first full-length release in over five years. The long gap between projects, he explained,
was a result of "unforeseen circumstances," including dealing with his son Evin's cancer battle (which the young man ultimately won,
O
ne of the most recent additions to the growing list of upand-coming local acts is A Modest Proposal, an alternative four-piece that's been cropping up on live bills at area bars
for awhile now, including a celebratory show at Bokeh Lounge on April 29 to mark the release of "Arson," the band's fantastic new single.
fortunately). Tragedy averted, Tillman directed his energy towards
The thought-provoking track, according to guitarist/vocalist Brandon
completing DFRNT, a COVID-inspired album that addressed the
Bertinotti, addresses environmental damage and the relationship to
impact of the pandemic on our mental health. He viewed the long-
our planet. "It holds a lot of frustration for how things have been, and
awaited follow-up to 2016's Waiting Room as "an escape and a piece
are, going," he explains. Recorded during the height of the pandemic
of a solution," a diversion from the darkness that descended on society
with Nate Hicks (of Together in Dust) back in 2020, "Arson" suggests
during the two years of lockdowns and social distancing.
numerous influences from Foo Fighters to emo and indie rock, with warm, melodic vocals courtesy of Bertinotti that crescendo to
Tillman initially planned for an album release concert in late February
emotionally-charged bellowing.
but with work still to be done on DFRNT, the event was rescheduled for May 14 at Hope City Church in Evansville. Finally, the moment has
But Bertinotti is just one piece of the Proposal puzzle. "Arson" also
arrived to unveil the album - all glory be to God. "I guarantee you won't
features the talents of bassist Mason Bradley, drummer Darin Harger
want to miss this," Tillman promises. "You will leave with hope, peace
and guitarist/vocalist Zach Niemeier - the latter of which handled lead
and a sense of victory. Everyone is invited." Plus, the first 30 people to
vocals on the band's previous single, "Calamity," a timely New Year's
purchase tickets online will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of
Day release whose title seemed to neatly sum up the past two years of
DFRNT, a t-shirt and wristband bundle. So don't wait - reserve your seat
misery. Musically, it also mimicked the COVID roller coaster we've all
today for an evening of family fun!
been on, shifting from moments of apparent serenity with an underlying sense of dread to unbridled anxiety compounded by heartache. Both
Doors open at 6 p.m.; music starts at 6:30
songs were recorded live, instrumentally speaking, to achieve a "raw, full
p.m. Admission is $10 (tickets can be
band sound," sonically documenting the unease of the times.
in FREE.
If you haven't had a chance to catch A Modest Proposal live, hang tight.
purchased at the door). Kids 6 & under get
The guys are busy booking shows locally as well as a tour this summer.
For more info, follow Eric "E2" Tillman on Facebook and Instagram (E2_AGBTG). Hope
For more info, follow A Modest Proposal on Facebook. "Arson" and
City Church is located at 1001 N. Main St. in Evansville.
"Calamity" are available on all major streaming platforms.
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| 41
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT
THE ROCK & METAL PROFS W I T H M AT T A L S C H BAC H & D R . CO U RT L E W I S
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.
DOUBLE STANDARDS IN ROCK AND METAL: THE LADIES ROCK! The most recent episode of The Rock and
talent and career, the media
Metal Profs focused on great women in rock
seemed to think that Ann’s
and metal, and in particular, the progenitors
weight was all that mattered.
that paved the way for female performers
This double standard is only
today. What we didn’t anticipate, however,
counteracted when fans
is that it would lead to a conversation about
support and demand respect
challenges unique to women in a genre
for female artists, refuse to
dominated by men. How did remarkable
buy and share biased media
women like Grace Slick, Ann and Nancy
reports, and include women
Wilson and Stevie Nicks carve out careers
as equal when discussing the
spanning decades in an industry that sought
greats of rock and metal.
to objectify, sexualize and market their bodies and looks?
Sure, some folks will point to
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: MATT ALSCHBACH AND DR. COURT LEWIS
female artists who overtly use Simply stated, there is often a double standard
sexuality to make a name in
in rock and metal. Women have shown they
music, but what about those women who want
can play and sing just as well as men, but
to be recognized for their talent alone? Most
the record industry is so image-driven that
won’t get signed to a major label because
there has been an unwillingness to sign and
they refuse to be sexy and provocative, and
promote women, unless they have a look or
those who do face enormous pressure to “sex
gimmick that gains them notoriety. The media
it up” in music videos and on stage. Metal
also plays a significant role in the double
icon Lita Ford, formerly of The Runaways,
standard when they allow their obsession with
found success in the 80s by dressing in tight
lookism and lesbianism to dictate the stories
spandex while posing and undulating in her
they tell about female artists. For instance,
videos. I can only imagine that Lita would have
Heart, one of the greatest rock bands ever,
rather stood at a mic performing (like her male
was constantly forced to deal with false rumors
peers) instead of rolling around on the ground
that Ann and Nancy Wilson were incestual,
for leering teen boys. The record companies
and instead of focusing on their impressive
would never have asked Motörhead bassist/
42 | MAY 2022
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vocalist Lemmy Kilmeister to bump and grind on stage (nor would we have wanted to see that). As you consider the women of rock and metal, ponder the following questions that we tried to answer in our podcast. Why has rock and metal been so male-dominant? How do you reconcile female rock and metal artists to a genre that typically objectifies women? Why have women been so successful in country and pop but not rock and metal? The Rock & Metal Profs podcast is available on iTunes, Google and Spotify.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • MAY 2022
| 43
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT
SCREEN TIME WITH MARISA PAT WA
i
May movies offer a return to the Marvel universe, the reliving of a teenage dream and an encore for a young pyro
DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS
SENIOR YEAR
FIRESTARTER
Falling back into this magical universe
dream in this high school comedy. The
Ryan Kiera Armstrong's burgeoning
is Benedict Cumberbatch as the
comedian plays Stephanie Conway,
film career is aflame as she jumps
perilous and precarious Dr. Strange.
a 37-year-old woman who wakes up
into Drew Barrymore’s 1984 shoes
The neurosurgeon-turned-superhero
after being in a coma for two decades.
as young pyro superhero Charlie
made quite the waves in Spider-Man: No
In her mind, she’s still the preppy,
in Firestarter. For a double pop
Way Home, creating a snowball effect in
busty blonde cheer captain on her
culture whammy, Zac Efron is
Peter Parker’s life that created one of the
way to winning homecoming queen
finally putting his “daddy” moniker
best moments in Marvel history. Here,
in 2002. In the future, she wants to
to the test, playing the young
Cumberbatch is taking back the reins of
get stuck in the past by reliving her
firestarter's protective father. The
leading man in this second installment.
last year of high school, right before
latest adaptation of Steven King’s
By altering the multiverse, he’s created
she fell unconscious during a cheer
popular 1980 novel follows Charlie
alternate versions of himself, meaning
routine. The wannabe teen tries to
on the run from secret government
we’ll see him as both hero and villain.
adapt, downloading Instagram and
agencies hoping to harness her
Fans will also be treated to Elizabeth
doing makeup tutorials. Disney’s Spin
power for evil. That 70’s Show’s
Olsen’s Scarlet Witch adding her fierce
breakout star Avantika Vandanapu
Kurtwood Smith plays a doctor who
power. Rachel McAdams gets the stone
also pops up in the film as a student
ponders the future of the child's
cold superhero doc’s heart pumping
who befriends the struggling “teen”
strength. Could she cause a nuclear
as he yearns for the betrothed woman
while heartthrob Justin Hartley (This Is
explosion with just one thought? She
whose love he gave up back in 2016. Can
Us) plays the present-day version of
may not be there yet, but it's clear
the reality-bending honorary Avenger
her high school jock sweetheart. Get
she loves roasting the bad guys.
discover the mystery of the cosmos? Time
ready for this generation's Never Been
Safe to say things are about to heat
will tell. In theaters 5/6
44 | MAY 2022
Rebel Wilson is relieving her teenage
Kissed. Netflix 5/13
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
A standout in American Horror Story,
up! In theaters & on Peacock 5/13
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT
TRUE CRIME JUNKIE WITH JOHNNY FLETCHER
DENNIS RADER AKA "BTK" Truthfully, trying to sum up the evilness of Dennis Rader
PICTURED: DENNIS RADER
in a one-page format is a pointless exercise. Numerous books have been penned to date detailing this uniquely awful human being who proudly goes by the self-given nickname "BTK" - which, for those unfamiliar with his reign of terror in Wichita, Kansas, between the years 1974-1991, stands for "Bind, Torture, Kill." While the Jon Benét Ramsey and West Memphis 3 cases may have garnered a bit more press over the last few decades - primarily because we still don't know, and may never know, who's responsible for those murders Rader stands as possibly the most intriguing true crime figure of all. Which is not a compliment, mind you. Here's a man with no soul, no conscience, no empathy - just a shell of a person. And yet, from a psychological standpoint, it's impossible not to be drawn into his orbit, to search for answers as to how this seemingly "normal" family man was able to compartmentalize his life to such a horrific degree. How did Rader exist as a loving father and husband and church-going Boy Scout troop leader, all the while plotting increasingly depraved methods of murder? According to "BTK," it all comes down to "Factor X," a term he coined to explain - or explain away, more accurately - his hideous actions. It must be noted that Rader was hardly a model citizen apart from his murderous campaign. Outside of his family life, he exhibited signs of a controlling personality - something that came to the forefront during his tenure as a Park City dogcatcher and compliance officer. Rader routinely used his position to intimidate and demean women, in particular, clearly getting off on the power he held over them. Of course, at the time, no one knew that these unflattering traits
were just the tip of the iceberg. Unbeknownst to the community, Rader was busy off the clock seeking out "projects," as he called them - potential murder victims to satisfy "Factor X" which drove the craving to bind, torture and kill. He first gave in to this evil urge in 1974, walking into the home of the nearby Otero family, subduing the parents and two children at the residence before ending their lives in despicable ways, including the hanging of 11-year-old Josephine. For good measure, Rader sexually gratified himself at the scene. More shocking murders followed over the next 17 years, causing utter panic throughout the community as people lived in fear of "BTK." Yet it was all a game to Rader who thrived on watching and reading reports about his handiwork; he even communicated with news stations and the police, sending cryptic messages from "Bill Thomas Killman" that proved he was responsible but were vague enough to keep the cops guessing (this was all pre-DNA, of course). With each subsequent "project" Rader upped the ante, ultimately taking the dead body of his final victim, Marine Hedge, to his church, of all places, where he photographed her body in various bondage positions. At home, he cataloged these pictures and other souvenirs from the various murders in notebooks so as to revisit each "project" at will.
"
UNBEKNOWNST TO THE COMMUNITY, RADER WAS BUSY OFF THE CLOCK SEEKING OUT "PROJECTS," AS HE CALLED THEM.
How Rader's identity was finally revealed - and how he was apprehended - in 2005 almost defies belief; be sure to Google it to find out how this disgusting sociopath met his fate.
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NEWS4U MAY 2022 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
V A N D E R B U R G H
H U M A N E
S O C I E T Y
i
EACH MONTH WE’LL BE CHECKING IN WITH THE VHS FOR THE LATEST GOOD NEWS AND TO HELP FIND FUREVER HOMES FOR SOME OF THEIR MORE UNIQUE AND OLDER RESIDENTS
THINKING ABOUT ADOPTION? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN REACH US!
RADAR: Around here, we’ve got a thing called Radar love
- and it’s for this guy right here! Meet Radar, a one-year-old
male shepherd mix. Originally from Daviess County Animal Control, Radar has spent a good portion of his life in an animal shelter and the staff at VHS has no idea why! This good boy checks off all the boxes… He’s good with dogs, cats, and everyone he meets. He’s goofy, outgoing, energetic, playful, curious, and loves Rural King outings as much as he loves staying in and snuggling with you! His adoption fee is $150 and includes his neuter, microchip and vaccinations. Apply
400 MILLNER INDUSTRIAL DRIVE 2 BLOCKS WEST OF GARVIN PARK IN EVANSVILLE
online at vhslifesaver.org
CAP'N CRUNCH: Meet Cap’n Crunch! A famed
adventurer and breakfast connoisseur known for bringing adventure to your breakfast table and beyond. This shy, playful guy is one of our longest cat residents in the Cat Lounge here
(812) 426-2563
at VHS. He’s almost a year old and would love to celebrate his 1st birthday in a home of his own. He loves other cats and has become good friends with Bonker, a fellow longtime resident in the Cat Lounge. While they’re not bonded, they would certainly thrive in a home together! Cap’n Crunch’s adoption fee is $80 and includes his neuter, microchip and vaccinations. Come meet him at VHS’s open Cat Lounge!
BETTY BUNNY: Say hello to the gorgeous Betty Bunny
ADOPTION HOURS TUES-SAT FROM 12-6PM & SUN 12-4PM
- a four-year-old American/Dutch rabbit. This girl has spent
the last four years hopping from home to animal control to VHS and is surprisingly adaptable for a bunny! She loves her cheeks and head rubbed, doesn’t mind being picked up, and does very well sitting in laps. She’s a nosy girl that loves new toys and exploring. Betty Bunny is done house hopping and looks forward to settling down and bonding with her new favorite person! If you think you might be that special someone, come meet Betty at VHS or apply online at vhslifesaver.org
46 | MAY 2022
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VHSLIFESAVER.ORG
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | COMMUNITY & FAMILY
I DECIDED
THAT THIS IS THE
CAT THAT I WANT TO TAKE HOME - SHE
WAS A SWEETHEART.
old, Willow found herself checking out of the Café and heading off to a whole new life, soon to meet the kids who lobbied so hard for a pet. "When they saw her, they were super excited - they
WILLOW
all threw their stuff on the floor and ran to her," Skeels says. "They argue about whose bed Willow's going to sleep in for the night." Even so, it turns out that Willow is most enamored with Skeels' husband, dutifully following him around the house wherever he goes. But ultimately, she basks in all the affection she receives from the whole family,
VHS ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT Newburgh's Jessica Skeels certainly had a strong connection to animals growing up. In fact, her family regularly fostered senior dogs, giving them a good home in which to live out their remaining days. Perhaps not so coincidentally, later in life she married a man who also spent his youth surrounded by furry friends; her husband's family owned a horse ranch with lots of dogs running around. But despite their mutual appreciation for animals, the couple decided to wait until their four children got a bit older before adopting a pet. Of course, that didn't stop the kids from routinely begging them to hurry things up - they
always happy to be held. What's funny, Skeels notes, is that Willow "thinks she's a dog," finding endless
wanted a cat, in particular, and were not quiet about it. Finally, Skeels and her husband relented; however, the couple kept their plans to bring home a rescue secret in order to pull off a big surprise.
joy out of chasing her own tail and pouncing on things. She also can't get enough of the laser light toy and running after the robot vacuum. Down the road, according to Skeels, Willow might even be playing with another rescue at home. "We're
"I had been online looking around at cats at the River Kitty Cat Café and actually had one in mind, but when I got there "Willow" was just sitting on this little baby doll bed in the window and I couldn't resist going over to her and just fell in love," Skeels recalls. "I decided that this is the cat that I want to take home - she was a sweetheart."
thinking about moving into a bigger house and maybe we'll get a second cat," she says. "I'm kind of ready to get her a friend for while I'm at work and the kids are at school."
A "really calm" tabby about 18 months
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48 | MAY 2022
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| 49
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | OPINION & COMMENTARY
In that case, I might suggest he get out of the comedy game and go fullon MMA. I mean, if the screen version of Ali can't knock him off the Oscars stage then who can take him down? Making people laugh is passé, anyway; violence is all the rage these days. More accurately, rage is all the rage in 2022. Getting upset is in, baby. On that note, as I type this, the first black woman has been confirmed to the Supreme Court. Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the
AS I TYPE THIS...
with Barold Hume
chagrin of many Republicans, ultimately weathered the inevitable firestorm of pointed questions and accusations from various right wing senators and is now ready to join her fellow judges on the bench. Much like the Kavanaugh and
I'LL BE THE JUDGE OF THAT
T
here's so much going on in the world right now - Ukraine is still under attack, inflation keeps inflating and people are still talking about the
Oscars debacle. Speaking of the latter, what I can't get over is how a guy who trained intensively for his role as Muhammad Ali connected so weakly with the intended target. I mean, the show must go on, as they say, but you'd think a surprise attack like that would have put Chris Rock out of commission for a bit. Or maybe the diminutive comedian just has a heck of a strong jaw.
politics tri-state
with Bryan Fox
SELBY IS PRIMARYING O'BRIEN TOO EARLY
50 | MAY 2022
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Barrett hearings, it was a bit of a circus right from the get-go, highlighting the deep divide between the two political parties. Celebrate good times, come on! In other news, my least favorite band on Earth has released yet another album. Dear god, why??? Right on cue, deluded fans of goofy funksters Red Hot Chili Peppers are declaring Unlimited Love a masterpiece, but I'll be the judge of that, ok? Well, allow
SEE, MY GOAL IS TO
AVOID ANY AND ALL
PRESS REGARDING RHCP AND TO MAKE IT AS
LONG AS I POSSIBLY CAN WITHOUT TAKING IN A SINGLE NOTE OF THIS NEW "MUSIC."
me to clarify. I'm assuming that's what's happening. See, my goal is to avoid any and all press regarding RHCP and to make it as long as I possibly can without taking in a single note of this new "music." Now, to be fair, I do respect bassist Flea, if not the songs he writes. Seems like a good human and whatnot, and he's always paying homage to bands I truly admire. That should count for something, I guess. One thing's for sure: Flea and his cohorts are dang lucky that Tom Petty (R.I.P.) was such a mensch. Otherwise, they'd have been sued into the next century for blatantly ripping off "Mary Jane's Last Dance" back in 2006. Unlimited Theft might have made a better title.
By the time many of you read this,
any means. My confidence in my
Indiana's primary, which is to be
prediction is more circumstantial.
held on May 3, will be long over. So with that being said, I'm going to go
You might have heard Selby's name
ahead and make a bold prediction:
in the news as a candidate or perhaps
incumbent state representative Tim
seen him on a ballot if you are a
O'Brien will defeat Sean Selby for the
Vanderburgh County voter. In fact,
right to run as the Republican in the
he's attempted to win this seat a
general election and it won't even be
couple times before in a caucus. The
close.
first time he finished second in a fiveperson race, defeated by now Indiana
This isn't a knock on Selby or
Secretary of State Holli Sullivan.
an endorsement for O'Brien by
Sullivan won easily, as there was only
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | OPINION & COMMENTARY
MAYBE I'M JUST GETTING OLD... with Johnny Fletcher
think? Regardless, I kept up my end
clearly.) First, it was a cheap shot. Not
of the bargain all through the various
classy in the slightest. But more than
phases of COVID, delivering a veritable
anything, Smith's actions bolstered the
barrel of laughs each month to boost
belief that old guys like us are ornery
your spirits and apparently you couldn't
bastards, quick to wig-out at the drop of
even be bothered to check in once in
a hat - or, in this case, a fairly harmless
a blue moon. Ahhh, the hell with you!
punch line. Here I've been preaching
And scene... See what I did there? No?
the art of chillaxing, imploring my fellow
Ok, let me spell it out for you. For effect,
aging friends to take it down a notch
I played to the stereotype of a (soon-
and serve as an example for society, but
to-be) senior citizen getting all riled
then all our progress was wiped away
up over nothing. To make a point, you
in less than a minute by the irrational
see. About Will Smith. Because even a
behavior of a worldwide celebrity.
month after the infamous "slap heard
Heartbreaking. All that aside, I gotta
around the world," he's still a hot topic
hand it to Smith. His portrayal of Richard
and I'm not above piggybacking onto
Williams in King Richard rocked, plain
the controversy in the name of securing
and simple. But he won't be winning any
more eyeballs on this column. Sure, it
awards for self-control anytime soon.
reeks of desperation, but I don't sleep well at night, anyway, so who cares?
A SETBACK FOR (SOONTO-BE) SENIOR CITIZENS
I
t's not exactly breaking news that I like to kid around about getting old. Well, perhaps you're new to this column and unfamiliar with my
delightfully comedic approach to aging. If that's the case, I must ask: Where in god's name have you been for the last two years? And please don't trot out the pandemic excuse - it's a bit overdone, don't you
one round in the caucus.
Now back to Mr. Smith. Obviously, the
FIRST, IT WAS A CHEAP SHOT. NOT CLASSY IN THE SLIGHTEST.
two of us share little in common - he's
BUT MORE THAN ANYTHING,
an incredibly talented Oscar winner,
SMITH'S ACTIONS BOLSTERED
rich and famous and I am none of those things - however, we're both hovering on the edge of senior citizendom (not a word, I'm aware), inching ever closer in our early fifties. So his unwarranted attack on Chris Rock really hit close to
THE BELIEF THAT OLD GUYS LIKE US ARE ORNERY BASTARDS.
home. (I'm also not above a bad pun,
The reason why I believe the May 3 race
What Selby should have done was lay
won't be closely contested is because Selby
low for awhile - perhaps run for a smaller
Once Sullivan was appointed by governor
is running against O'Brien while he's still in
seat just to keep his name out there, then
Eric Holcomb to be the state's new SOS, a
his honeymoon period. Let's face it, O'Brien
challenge O'Brien in the next 2-3 elections.
caucus was again held to fill that seat. Selby
hasn't even served a full House term yet
gave it another go but was defeated by
and with the backing of the establishment,
My predictions haven't always been right
O'Brien, though it would take two rounds
no one should be primarying him just
and if I'm wrong, I'll make note of that for
of voting. Perhaps Selby's greatest success
yet. Kind of reminds me of Kristi Risk. Risk
next month's column. But this has all the
occurred when he ran for Vanderburgh
narrowly lost to congressman Larry Buschon
makings of a huge victory for O'Brien on
County Commissioner in 2016. Albeit a loss
in his first primary. Based on that success,
May 3.
for Selby, the race with Ben Shoulders was
Risk decided to challenge Buschon in the
close; just 1,500 votes in this countywide
primary again after Buschon's first term but
race separated the two candidates.
was soundly defeated.
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| 51
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | OPINION & COMMENTARY
BOURNE WHEN LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS ARE
With
FREDDIE BOURNE
THERAPY’S BEEN GOOD; THANKS FOR ASKING
And the dirt is history slowly repeating itself. Several columns ago, I wrote about my impending journey back to losing weight and getting back on a healthy track. Since then I’ve been a yo-yo, going from eating clean to devouring massive buffet plates, working out for an hour a day to simply walking up the stairs on a Saturday. One would have thought having a doctor insult you and tell you that you have traces of a fatty liver would scare you straight. But nothing fazes this bisexual ball of anxiety and trauma! But the focal point of how all of this comes together is the impact of living through suppressed memories. Most people are under the assumption that working out and eating healthy is hard work. And sure, it can be - especially for someone that hasn’t done physical activity beyond a gym class in school. But that isn’t the case
52 | MAY 2022
for me. When dealing with my grief, I decided to go on a quest to lose weight on my 170 pound, five-foot-eight frame. I wasn’t unhealthy and I wasn’t sick. I was hurt. Instead of having the pain in my head and my heart, I wanted to channel that pain through my physical being simply because I didn’t know what else to do. There’s no book on how to deal with grief. So I decided that losing 40 pounds in four months would fix it. And now, that’s all exercise is to me - a reminder of an unhealthy lifestyle despite achieving a surface-level image of what society dictates is attractive. Sure, I had abs and muscles. But I was a miserable drag. And unfortunately, I can’t seem to wrap my brain around the fact that the journey this time is different and I can change the narrative. But, just like the healing process, it all will take time and patience. Just like my current therapy journey of finding positivity in my life. I’m a work in progress. I have my flaws, and I definitely will fall again in some fashion. But, maybe I can do it with a smile knowing it’ll all pay off.
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"SURE, I HAD ABS AND MUSCLES. BUT I WAS A MISERABLE DRAG. AND UNFORTUNATELY, I CAN’T SEEM TO WRAP MY BRAIN AROUND THE FACT THAT THE JOURNEY THIS TIME IS DIFFERENT AND I CAN CHANGE THE NARRATIVE"
PHOTO: EMILY PELSTON
I'm not one to brag, but I’m totally killing it in my sessions. And by killing it, I really mean to say coming to terms with a lot of untapped thought residue that has lingered for the latter part of my 20s and been slowly creeping into the first three months of my dirty 30s.
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| 53
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | MUSIC REVIEWS
CHECK OUT
MAY MUSIC REVIEWS
THESE HONEST
CHECK OUT
REVIEWS OF SOME THESE HONEST REVIEWS OF SOME OF THE HOTTEST OF THE HOTTEST NEW ALBUMS IN NEW ALBUMS IN MUSIC MUSIC!
CAMILA CABELLO Familia Epic Records
a new genre with an alien Hollywood music video. Barker doesn't just
Latina pop star Camila Cabello is bringing
of musicality even higher. “Make Up Sex” with Blackbear is a fun track.
the sultry and sexy sounds of Cuba to a worldwide audience with her third studio album. Written during lockdown, Cabello taps into her roots by celebrating her family and culture. Hot single “Don’t Go Yet” dominated as a chart-topper before the spicy tracks were released. Ed Sheeran adds some flavor to “Bam Bam” while
take a backseat. Each set in every song is intentional and hypes the level Willow also adds some catchy vocals to “Emo Girl” while Lil Wayne blazes fire in “Ay!” and “Drug Dealer.” MGK truly bares his soul. He’s sensitive and sweet while still giving us all the teen punk angst of our dreams. I’d check out the colorful music videos released when checking out this album. The creativity radiates throughout. - Marisa Patwa
Willow packs a punch in “Psychofreak.” The real highlight here is the love and passion Cabello pours into the Hispanic songs, including “La Buena Vida” and “Hasta Los Dientes.” Her talents are just as masterful in either language. The emotion she infuses makes you feel all of the love and heartbreak simultaneously. This album is rich - a true revelation. Cinderella doesn’t need those glass slippers when she’s got the world as her kingdom. - Marisa Patwa
CHARLI XCX Crash Atlantic Records There is something so powerful about Charli XCX’s lyrics that instantly gets you hooked. Globally, she’s most famous for absolutely dominating the second half of Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy." But she’s a standout all on her own. Her fifth studio album is filled with dance-pop songs that could have been hits in the 80s and 90s. However, there's also a darker, saucier side to the album - songs with flares of femme fatale energy. “Beg for You” is pure 2000 bubblegum pop. “Baby,” “Yuck” and “Lighting” will get stuck in your head. “New Shapes” featuring Christine & the Queens and Caroline
MICHAEL ROMEO War of the Worlds // Pt. 2 Sony/Insideoutmusic Guitar virtuoso Michael Romeo is best known for his work with Symphony X, a symphonic prog-metal outfit revered by fans of the genre. His new solo offering, War of the Worlds // Pt. 2, comes four years after part one, and I’m glad he saved the best for last. Romeo and his band create a broader range of moods using piano, a horn section, and orchestral instruments. There are moments of beauty, introspection and... Oh, who am I kidding? The draw here is Romeo’s blistering solos, sweeppicking, and melody-driven arrangements. His band beautifully complements his variegated compositions with exquisite timing and feel. At times I thought I was listening to the opening score for some epic sci-fi film, while other tracks reminded me of Romeo’s metal roots. The track “Destroyer” features the guitarist on a downtuned 7-string, and it is a skull-crusher. Likewise, “Machinenmensch” is nine minutes of breakneck, relentless, face-melting ferocity. Not a bad track on this one. - Matt Alschbach
Polacheck is an indie electro-punk banger. Put this album on any dance floor and people won’t stop moving until all 16 tracks - including four deluxe cuts - are over. - Marisa Patwa
MACHINE GUN KELLY Mainstreet Sellout Bad Boy/Interscope Records Travis Barker and the rapper-turned-punkrocker are back at it again. Following the immensely popular Tickets to My Downfall, this album is just as fun and fresh. Lead single “Paper Cuts” is a raw look into MGK’s treacherous transition into
54 | MAY 2022
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STABBING WESTWARD Chasing Ghosts COP International Records Those who remember Stabbing Westward were likely into industrial/goth metal in the early 90s. The Illinois-based band found commercial success with Wither, Blister, Burn and Peel in 1996, and a modest but devoted fanbase followed. Times change, however, and SW disbanded in 2002. Longtime fans were stunned when a resurrected version of SW announced their first studio album in over 20 years, Chasing Ghosts. Incredibly, this new
GLAMPER Rat Race Self-Released
album may be their best. Founding member, vocalist and multiinstrumentalist Christopher Hall’s voice sounds stronger than ever, and it is obvious that he has advanced musically. Likewise, keyboardist and programming guru Walter Flakus is back. His
Nashville garage rockers Glamper kick
ability to overlay emotive and melancholy sound effects on each
off their debut album with the titular “Rat
track creates an immersive experience. Fans who remember SW
Race,” a raw grunge rocker with coarse,
know they don’t do happy. Most songs focus on loss, regret, betrayal and reflection - a monochrome palate that resonates with many people. “Damaged Goods” and “Cold” are standouts, but the entire album is tremendous.- Matt Alschbach
growling vocals. Its ferocity makes for a great opener, but its seriousness is a bit of a tonal misnomer. As “Rat Race” ends and the skit “Snour Skittles” begins, you realize Glamper may have pulled a fast one on you - these guys are cool, but not too cool to joke around. The following songs on Rat Race frequently lean into humor, especially on tracks “Snackworld” and “Take Your Cat
BIG THIEF Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You 4AD If you haven’t heard of Big Thief yet, I
Back.” Though nothing comes close to the intensity of “Rat Race,” Glamper still showcase some seriousness in “Klepto” and “Lose My Cool,” two standouts. The overall result is a really fun garage punk album that doesn’t take itself too seriously in the best way possible. - Russ Finn
implore you to listen to any song they’ve released up to this point. Get on your preferred streaming service and randomly select any track - they have yet to write or record a single bad song. If you have heard of Big Thief, but have yet to listen to any of their music, please get with the freaking
BLUES WITH BRAGIN LEW JETTON & 61 SOUTH Deja Hoodoo Endless Blues Records
program. The Brooklyn-based indie band returns with their first release in three years (following two perfect albums from 2019) - 20 songs that transcend any one genre as country, folk, pop, and rock flow from
Known far and wide for their incomparable brand
Big Thief with the greatest of ease. Not to mention Adrianne Lenker is
of "Mississippi River Electric Blues," Lew Jetton
possibly the greatest Millennial songwriter. Please listen to their latest
& 61 South celebrate 30 years together with
masterpiece - a perfect album from a perfect band - Russ Finn
THE CHISEL Retaliation La Vida Es Un Mu After two years of single and EP releases, London punk band The Chisel released their debut album Retaliation in late 2021. The intensity is nonstop, each song filled to the brim with feedback and treble, while providing angry storytelling about revenge for the working class. Song after song flies by, until The Chisel slow down for closing track “Will I Ever See You Again,” a surprisingly affecting slow acoustic number. Other highlights include opener “Unlawful Execution” and the title track, but the entire album is top-tier British “oi” punk. With political lyrics that rail against cops, politicians, and the elite ruling class and a sound that recalls 1980s hardcore, Retaliation has everything you could want in a punk album.- Russ Finn
the release of Deja Hoodoo. The album opens with “2 Lane Road,” featuring a guitar solo reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. Greg Walker’s bass adds a funky element to the song. “Mexico” is a rocking tune with a message about falling on hard times when your job gets relocated south of the border. Jetton sings about finding the right partner in “Waffle House Woman” with a classic sound backing him. “Homegrown Tomato” spotlights JD Wilkes providing a stellar harmonica performance. More phenomenal harmonica from Wilkes comes through on “You Betcha.” “I Been Cheated” offers a Latin-inspired groove that will start your toes tapping. “Move On, Yvonne” sounds like something out of the 1950s with a modern twist and a great guest vocal from Miranda Louise. Saxophone from Terry Mike Jeffrey on “Nighttime Into Day” fits wells with the waltz ballad about loving someone. “Keeping Me Awake” features a top notch performance from local legend Alonzo Pennington on guitar. Jetton sings about his woman’s fresh ink on “Tattoo Blues” with another guest spot from Wilkes on harmonica and Bob Lohr on keyboards. Dan Bell takes a turn providing the great keyboard playing on “Sandy Lee.” Searing guitar and more of Wilkes’ harmonica shine through in “State Line Blues.” This is a great album for every blues lover. For more info, visit 61south.com. - Paul Bragin
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NEWS4U MAY 2022 | BEER REVIEWS
MAY BEER REVIEWS
This month’s beers are available depending on supply & demand at all 10 Liquor Locker locations. Visit our website at www.Liquor-Locker.com. GOOSE ISLAND NEON BEER HUG
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.25
A thick white head tops this American IPA. Tropical notes dominate the nose, and are joined by citrus flavors on the palate. Wellbalanced with light to medium body and a light hop bitterness on the finish. It weighs in at 7% ABV and is fairly easy-drinking. Like most beers from Goose Island, this one will not disappoint the juicy IPA lover.
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25
A thick white head rests on this cloudy IPA and remains for a long time. A generous amount of fruity hop scents stays in the nose for a long time. Bitter hop flavors first hit the tongue when drinking the beer, with the fruit notes returning in the very long finish. People who like hoppy beer need to try this one. Pair it with spicy curry dishes or cheeses like Gorgonzola or Cheddar.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3
This beer comes in a 19.2 oz. can and has an ABV of 7%. It's a decent IPA with the typical hops and fruitiness and a bit of an earthy flavor that I'm not totally sold on just yet. I'll have to give this one another go in the future - but one big can of this Beer Hug is enough for me at the moment.
56 | MAY 2022
RGBEVS LEMMY NADE
NEW BELGIUM VOODOO RANGER JUICE FORCE IPA
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3.5
PAUL BRAGIN - 3
PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25
The can describes this as a hard lemonade with a hint of lime. It pours like a fresh lemonade, with the scent of a sweet lemonade. On the palate the lime is more than just subtle, tasting like a “hard” version of your favorite lemonlime soda. Not that sweet, easy drinking, and pretty refreshing. While hard sodas are not my favorite beverage, I could easily turn to this on a hot day.
No head forms on this translucent beverage. A generous burst of lemon and sugar dominate the scent. The sugar flavor seems to take over during the first taste, with some lemon coming through in the finish. This beer might see a boost in popularity during the sweltering summer months. Use it as an ingredient in your favorite lemon desserts for an extra kick of flavor, or serve it with fish tacos or strawberry shortcake.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3
This beer looks like a Fresca when I pour it - a clear beverage but somewhat cloudy. I notice the carbonation fell off rather quickly. I gave it a 3 because it's a hard lemonade. I was expecting it to be more refreshing; however, if you are a fan of White Claw, you may enjoy this.
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Juice Force IPA is an imperial IPA, with an ABV of 9%. It pours a slightly hazy deep yellow, with tangerine and orange dominating the nose. On the palate there are distinct flavors of grapefruit joining the orange citrus. I find there's no distinct hop bitterness on the palate. Juice Force IPA finishes slightly sweet, with a touch of grapefruit rind bitterness. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a juicier IPA without adding fruit juice.
A thick white head crowns this hazy IPA and never totally disappears. Tropical citrus fruit comes to the front of the scent profile. The initial taste contains more tropical fruits and stays in the extended finish. Hop lovers definitely need to drink this beer. Pair it with cheesy Mexican dishes like burritos, enchiladas or tacos, chips with queso, or spicy Thai cuisine like pad Thai to match the bitterness of the hops.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5
This beer pours a hazy straw color with great carbonation. I notice it has an ABV of 9% but you can’t tell. I enjoy the nice hops flavor - not overpowering and the juiciness really stands out. I'm taking a shine to IPAs of late and this one is pretty good. I also like the smooth finish. I've been buying more and more of the Voodoo Ranger series of beers.
NEWS4U MAY 2022 | BEER REVIEWS
PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3.5 SHINER STRAWBERRY BLONDE
This blonde pours a crisp, clear, yellow-orange hue. Brewed with a significant helping of strawberries, there are clear undertones of strawberry on the nose that really break through on the back of the palate. The wheat backbone is clear, with no residual sweetness, and just a touch of bitterness on the finish. If you like a light, blonde ale, give this strawberry blonde a try.
PAUL BRAGIN - 3
A thin white head tops this beer but evaporates very quickly. The nose contains an overwhelming amount of strawberry. The strawberry taste seems a bit weaker at first,
but it stays on the tongue and becomes more prominent in the long finish. The slightly lower alcohol content make this beer a good choice for drinking several. Drink it with breakfast, serve it with chicken or fish, or pair it with your favorite strawberry desserts.
JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3
This is an amber-colored beer but for some reason I was expecting a red tint. I can smell the strawberries right off the bat. It has a light strawberry flavor but I think the malts and the strawberry flavors clash with the sweetness and the bitterness. Overall, it's a decent beer but not my favorite this month.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
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NEWS4U MAY 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:
Like everyone else, I was transfixed by the "slap heard around the world" at the recent Oscars ceremony. I'm curious to know what the legal options are in "real life" - i.e., if someone I knew came up to me and landed a sucker punch in retaliation for something I said to them or to their significant other, how could I respond from a legal
standpoint, assuming that, as in the Will Smith/Chris Rock scenario, there was no lasting physical damage? Would I be able to claim emotional damage?
A:
When someone “touches” another person there can
can be a claim for emotional damages. A claim for emotional
be legal ramifications depending upon the particular
damages can be brought by claiming either the negligent or
facts of the situation. The incident could warrant
emotional infliction of emotional distress. However, it will be the
criminal charges and/or civil liability. For instance, a “battery”
victim’s burden to prove emotional damages and in a civil case
is known as a physical act that results in harmful or offensive
the decision of how much, if any, money to award a victim for
contact with another person without that person's consent.
emotional damages is left to the discretion of a jury.
“Sexual battery” happens when a person touches a victim in order to arouse or satisfy their own or another person's sexual
Instances of unwanted physical touching happen all the time,
desires. A battery can lead to criminal and/or civil causes of
we just don’t hear about them because the incidents don’t
action. From a criminal perspective, the decision to bring criminal
always involve famous people like Will Smith and Chris Rock.
charges is in the discretion of the prosecutor’s office with input
So, if you or a loved one has been a victim of a battery, contact
from the victim.
a knowledgeable attorney to counsel you on the merits of your case and next steps.
From a civil standpoint, if the battery is severe enough there
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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