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December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
CONTENTS
December 2015
A Quick Note from the Editor 4 Jonesing for a Drink Beauty 18 Beauty Date with Dakyissa Business 38 Farm Boy 45 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: Tap Talk w/ John Greenwell 6 Shadows of the 60’s: Holiday Tribute to Motown An Interview with Producer / Singer Dave Revels 10 Straight No Chaser “The New Old Fashioned Tour” Heavenly Harmonies from Indiana’s Own 12 An Evening with C.S. Lewis at the Victory A Look Inside a Literary Legend 14 Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas You Won’t Believe Your Eyes 16 EPO Peppermint Pops & Beyond It’s just not Christmas without the Orchestra 22 Tri-State New Year’s Resolutions Hopes, Dreams and Never-Gonna-Happens 48 Holiday Spirits It’s Christmas - Drink up and Party Down! 57 What’s New in Western Kentucky The Giving Tree Band at the IBMM & More
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Keith LaCrosse
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Coupons & More 26/41 Xmas Edition! Cuisine & Dining 28 What’s Cookin’: Pizza King 30 Restaurant Spotlight: Hagedorn’s Tavern 32 Local Chef Spotlight: Raffi Manna 34 Restaurant Guide Entertainment 20 Getting to Know… 24 The Oak Ridge Boys @ ONEP 54 Bar Guide 63 In Town & Around 65 We Were There 69 We Were There 72 How I Roll Xmas Edition 74 Music: Jake Martin 75 Comedy: Brooke Spitler & Corey Martin
Jessica Overstreet
jessica@evansvillemediagroup.com
Production Manager, Designer & Layout Artist Shawn Kennedy
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Graphic Designer, Director of Social Media Jen McKee
76 Books: Evansville in World War II 77 Writers: John Thurgood 78 Arts & Activities 80 Lobeck’s Lowdown 81 Words from Whitney 81 Tri-State Politics (New!) 82 Community & Family 92 Mug Shots Local Happenings 79 Faith Music Christmas 84 Skate with Santa Religion 80 Ask the Pastor Reviews 86 Beer 88 Film 89 DVDs 90 Music Sports 82 IceMen Player Profiles 96 Advertiser Index
Graphic Designer Kelsey Ziliak Social Media Coordinator Alysha Rice Staff Writer Whitney Patterson Editorial Intern Russell Finn
Operations Manager Lexie Medina Contributors Paul Bragin, Kevin Chenault, Pastor Kevin Fleming, Bryan Fox, John Greenwell, Dakyissa Hall, Jabez, Rajiv KC, Daniel Knight, J. Robert Lobeck, Kelly Lynn Annin
NEWS 4U IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY AND IS DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE TRI-STATE. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTIONS, DISTRIBUTION OR GUIDES & LISTS, CALL (812) 426-6398 OR WRITE US AT 125 N WEINBACH AVE, STE 510 EVANSVILLE, IN 47711. NEWS 4U IS PUBLISHED BY EMG PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION WITHOUT PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. DISTRIBUTION OF THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT NECESSARILY CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS, SERVICES OR OPINIONS WITHIN. ADVERTISERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTENT OF THEIR ADS.
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Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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A quick note from the editor Have you ever found yourself jonesing for a drink during the holidays? No? Well, obviously, you’re lying. That’s why we have put together a spirits guide to get you in the mood and help you better deal with all of the madness that makes this time of year more stressful than celebratory, frankly. Check out all of the festive drinks starting on pg. 48 and then head over to your favorite hang-out to enjoy one for real and feel the tension melt away. You’re welcome. Now, as for the rest of this month’s issue…December is all about Christmas and cold weather, of course, but there are still a number of cool events to lure you out of your warm lair. For instance, Motown comes to the Victory Theatre with the Shadows of the 60’s tribute. Also at the Victory, Lightwire Theater presents its
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December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
astonishing electroluminescent production and the Oak Ridge Boys bring their incredible vocal talents to the Old National Events Plaza. But wait, that’s not all. The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra is back with the traditional, hugely popular Peppermint Pops concert and Straight No Chaser return home to Indiana for an a cappella encore. All that, and I haven’t even touched on the New Year. We reached out to the tri-state and compiled a list of your resolutions for 2016 - most of which will never be kept. But hey, that’s half the fun. Finally, our western KY report features a great interview with the Giving Tree Band, set to perform at the International Bluegrass Music Museum on December 4. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - TE
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upcoming events
Shadows of the 60’s: Holiday Tribute to Motown
Celebration of pop music’s golden era recreates the energy and passion of the Detroit sound And then there were these incredibly gifted singers – many of whom had experience in the church – so they were steeped in singing soul. Combine that with (Motown founder) Berry Gordy’s vision and discipline – it was magic. Then it was unleashed on a marketplace that was pretty much starved for that kind of music in America. There was a void there after the 50s and doo-wop – where was America going? Here came this brand of new music steeped in R&B but still with a pop flair, because the lyrics and message were from everyday life. But they were put together with a catchy phrase that everyone could remember – one line slogans. It became like ear-candy done in the style of a nursery rhyme.
E
ven 50 years later, the magic of Motown has not faded. If anything, the music is more popular than ever, the timeless melodies of so many Detroit classics etched into our collective consciousness: “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “My Girl,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Tracks of My Tears,” “ABC” – all works of pop genius. No other era of music has produced such an incredible run of songs and most likely never will. From the Supremes to the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles to The Temptations, Motown was a “perfect storm” of remarkably talented writers, players and performers. Shadows of the 60’s: Holiday Tribute to Motown is a celebration of that unforgettable period in pop music’s relatively short history. Created and produced by Dave Revels (who also fills the role of Levi Stubbs in The Four Tops), the show highlights all of the biggest groups and signature songs. The production comes to the Victory Theatre on December 19. Revels kindly spoke with News4U about
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Shadows of the 60’s and Motown’s enduring appeal. Let’s start with the basics. From your perspective, what made the music of Motown so special? It was the perfect storm of every element that goes into writing – selecting the artists to perform it and then going out to present it. A perfect storm meaning you had these incredible writers who were writing poetry in music. And then you had these jazz-based musicians who were truly schooled in music. When they were given these songs, they weren’t told to do them a certain way; they just put their flair into it from all the years of being these incredible players – the drum beats, the way they played the guitar, the bass and the piano. They had that sound – just laid into the music a certain way.
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How did the idea for Shadows of the 60’s first come about? For me, the kernel of the thing is probably from many, many years ago when I first started singing as a 13 year old. I used to listen to Motown a lot, in particular, Levi Stubbs – his voice in the Four Tops. As a young singer you latch onto anything you think you can do and I used to try to hit every note that Levi hit. Not knowing what I was doing, I was sort of training my ear to his style. When I got older, I became a member of a group called The Drifters. I performed with two of the Hall of Fame members. And from that point, I was fortunate enough to meet my idols, The Four Tops, in 1985. I did the Motown Returns to the Apollo special on NBC. We were a part of the battle of the bands segment that opened up the whole show. It was the Four Tops, The
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Shadows of the 60’s:
Holiday Tribute to Motown (cont.) Temptations, The Manhattans, The Cadillacs and The Drifters. So, I got to meet my idols and they were more than I expected as far as human beings – they were wonderful people. It just reinforced my feelings for the group. When Levi passed away…not to take anything away from the group that continued performing after that, but they didn’t seem to bring in a voice that reminded you of Levi – and I always felt that it was the sound of his voice that made the Four Tops, plus the tremendous vocals of the other three members. So, I started doing this as a labor of love – I put together a Four Tops tribute. And it was well received. So, I thought why not expand it to The Temptations and The Supremes and the rest of the roster?
With so many incredible songs to choose from, how difficult was it to put together the show and create the right ebb and flow? I guess that’s part of something I was blessed with – the ability to sort of see the whole thing. The job of being a producer is to be able to see the entire ball field and all the players. And be able to find people willing enough to listen and execute before questioning the process. So, you need to find mature performers who come with the mechanics and the patience to work things through. Song-wise, the hard part is what to leave out. But the good thing is that whatever you leave in is still powerful. So, I’ve put certain songs in a medley form so as not to leave out too many. And then some are played in full, because you just don’t want to break them apart. And you have to weave a story, too. I approach it as a fan – as if I’m sitting in the third row. What would I want to see and hear? A totally unfair question – but if you had to name two or three Motown songs that define the era, what would they be? That’s a tough question because wrapped in this music is the personality and the names of the artists. So, it’s kind of like the only fair thing you can do is make sure you do the songs by the iconic names that people expect to hear. You can’t go to a Motown show and leave Marvin Gaye out – or Stevie Wonder. All of those artists left behind an indelible footprint in the hearts of music lovers and on the map of American and world music. When you hear those artists sing, it’s a story – it’s almost like a tapestry of our lives. It’s about memories – a time that people don’t want to forget. The show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre. com. The Victory is located at 600 Main St. / 812-422-1515.
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Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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upcoming events The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed ? A. Pipe Cleaners B. Twigs C. Feathers D. Hair
Straight No Chaser “The New Old Fashioned Tour”
Back by popular demand, the kings of a cappella are coming home again
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ndiana’s own Straight No Chaser returns to the Old National Events Plaza on December 10, fresh off the release of The New Old Fashioned, the vocal group’s fifth full-length album. Featuring the single “Can’t Feel My Face” as well as inventive takes on Radiohead’s “Creep” and Hozier’s “Take Me to Church,” it finds the 10 members in perfect sync, expertly walking the line between classic and contemporary. Their harmonies, always dynamic, are tighter than ever; their humor, intact. As evidence, check out the group’s twist on Meghan Trainor’s signature hit, re-imagined as “All About That Bass (No Tenors).” It’s been almost a decade since Straight No Chaser’s “12 Days of Christmas” went viral on YouTube. Their fresh approach to the holiday standard (featuring such songs as Toto’s “Africa” woven into the famous melody) grabbed the attention of both music fans and the music industry. After signing with Atlantic Records, SNC released Holiday Spirits. Recorded in Bloomington, the Christmas-themed album became a huge hit, leading to TV appearances as well as the taping of a live concert special in New York City. The Six Pack EP and a second holiday album, Christmas Cheers, followed – the latter showcasing the group’s unique harmonies on such classics as “We Three
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December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Kings,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells.” In 2010, SNC released With a Twist, their first non-holiday album. The wide-ranging collection of cover songs included everything from Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” to Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge,” plus unexpected mash-ups like Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” A year later, Six Pack Vol. 2 appeared followed by a second non-holiday full-length, 2013’s Under the Influence. Featuring inspired interpretations of monster hits like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Kiss from a Rose,” the album soared into the Billboard top 30. The guys are currently out on the road in support of The New Old Fashioned, once again staking their claim as the best vocal group around with a great mix of classic and contemporary covers and holiday favorites merged with a high-energy stage presentation. Don’t miss this return engagement of Straight No Chaser, coming back home to Indiana – where it all started! The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. ONEP is located at 715 Locust St. / 812-4355770.
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upcoming events
An Evening with
C.S. Lewis
One-man show explores the quiet genius and cherished humor of a literary legend Reading the acclaimed Chronicles of Narnia series by famed British author C.S. Lewis is pretty much a rite of passage for children around the world. The seven fantastical books – three of which have been turned into blockbuster Hollywood movies –make up a collective work of astonishing imagination that, intriguingly, came from the mind of a seemingly ordinary man. But while the author lived a modest life, his personality possessed many layers. That fascinating dichotomy is the subject of An Evening with C.S. Lewis, a one-man show written and directed by British actor David Payne. With over 500 performances worldwide already logged, he brings his celebrated production to the Victory Theatre on January 8. Set in 1963, the show finds Payne (as Lewis) holding court in front of a group of American writers who are visiting from England, eager to hear the renowned author – famous for both his intellect and sense of humor – recount significant events and share thoughts on the people that shaped his life. Lewis is nearing the end of his days but still able to transfix with entertaining anecdotes and razor sharp wit. It makes for an engaging profile of a wholly unique talent, a man who shunned the spotlight despite his incredible literary achievements. Payne first came to prominence – quite unexpectedly – in a Nashville production of Shadowlands, the story of the relationship between C.S. Lewis and American writer/wife Joy Gresham. His performance was uniformly lauded by audiences and critics alike and the idea for a one-man show was born. Described as “powerful” and “uplifting,” An Evening with C.S. Lewis is a show the entire family can enjoy, an unforgettable portrait of a literary legend. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.com / 812-422-1515. The Victory is located at 600 Main St.
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Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas
Innovative production combines electroluminescent artistry and poignant storytelling Featured as semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent (Season 7), Lightwire Theater has amassed a huge following across the country. The production’s unique marriage of technology and magical tales particularly appeals to children, especially this holiday season’s heart-warming adventure that follows a young bird named Max as he tries to make his way home from the North Pole. Along the way, he encounters friendly caroling worms, dancing poinsettias, Nutcracker soldiers, mischievous mice and an evil Rat King. This wonderful story is enhanced by a soundtrack of timeless holiday hits, including songs by Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovksy. Hailed as “absolutely incredible” by Rolling Stone magazine, Lightwire Theater is the brainchild of Ian Carney and Corbin Popp, dancers who met on Broadway in New York. They combined their love of art, theater and technology to create puppetry-based neon creatures that come to life and dazzle the eye with electroluminescent movements. No doubt, you’ve never experienced storytelling quite like this. In a world of distractions, Lightwire Theatre grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. The imagery is startling and has captured the imagination of people all over the world – young and old alike. A magical holiday production that the whole family can enjoy, Lightwire Theater comes to the Victory Theatre on December 17. The show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.com or call 812-422-1515. The Victory Theatre is located at 600 Main St.
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upcoming events Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra presents:
Peppermint Pops
Beloved holiday concert to fill the Victory with the sounds of the season on December 5 & 6 of the New Year, it’s back to the classics for the EPO with Brass, Brahms & Bravura starring Antonio Pompa-Baldi, a Van Cliburn silver medalist. February, on the other hand, features Dancing & Romancing, the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend. The Pops performance will include some of the greatest romantic music ever written such as “Cheek to Cheek,” “In the Mood,” “Singing in the Rain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “Begin the Beguine.” March sees the orchestra shift gears again with Classical Guitar & Beethoven’s Pastorale followed by April’s Piano Men: The Music of Elton & Billy and the grand finale of The Godfather in May. Whew.
T
here are only two more chances to “Experience the Phil” before the New Year! On December 12 & 13, the orchestra will once again team with the Evansville Ballet for the annual performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker but first up is Peppermint Pops, the very definition of Christmas spirit. For many ticketholders, the year-ending concert is the most anticipated of all the EPO performances. There’s just something about hearing holiday favorites played live (rather than piped in ad nauseam through mall speakers) that makes Peppermint Pops so magical and infuses everyone with the spirit of the season. As always, there will be singing, dancing and, of course, Santa Claus. And at the center of it all: country music recording artist/Broadway star Rachel Potter. The former X-Factor contestant and seriously talented vocalist from Nashville made her stage debut in 2011 as Wednesday Addams in
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The Addams Family and released her first fulllength album, Not So Black and White, this past March. Just 31, Potter is a veteran of the entertainment industry, having performed at Disney World and in numerous musicals along the way – not to mention she received many compliments from the notoriously unimpressed Simon Cowell during her run on X-Factor. Potter’s appearance on the hugely popular show was a springboard to other opportunities as fans around the world fell in love with her contemporary take on country music and sweet personality. Joined on stage by the Philharmonic Chorus, Evansville Ballet, Evansville’s Children’s Choir, Legacy Dance Company and St. Nick, she’ll lead a packed Victory crowd through a set of cherished Christmas songs, including “O Holy Night,” “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “White Christmas.” And then on to 2016…once the dust has settled after the holidays and the ushering in
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Tri-State Food Bank will be accepting nonperishable foods and monetary donations at the door. Peppermint Pops show times: 12/5 (7pm); 12/6 (2pm). For tickets and more info, visit victorytheatre.com or evansvillephilharmonic.org.
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beautydate
Your Christmas Wish list by Dakyissa Hall Hey, Beauties!
last several months. It makes my lashes so long and still looks super natural. The brush is made perfect for your top and bottom lashes.
What’s on your wish list this year? I added some items to consider that would be great on your journey to A Beautiful You! For those of you who are new readers, the journey to A Beautiful You is one that goes from the inside out!
5. Beauty Coach As your Beauty Coach, I provide you with guidance to embrace and enhance your natural beauty. I am available to help walk you through doing your makeup, gaining confidence, getting rid of past baggage, and more! You can also think of me like your accountability partner. I help you stay on track with daily devotion, skin care, fitness goals, and more.
1. Anastasia Brow Wiz or Brow Powder When it comes to the brows, this is my go-to product line! My personal preference is the Brow Wiz. I feel that a pencil gives me more control of where I’m placing the product. I have used the Brow Powder on my clients and found that the end result is the same. Both products will provide you with a very natural finish if done correctly. You do want to make sure to get the correct color for your hair color and skin tone. Many times people end up getting a shade that is too dark for them. That can cause your brows to look more masculine and very fake. If you are unsure what color to get, let me know and I will advise you. 2. Tarte Amazonian Clay This foundation has become one of my favorites to recommend! After I tried it on a few people, I was in love with how flawless this looks on the skin. It is a full coverage foundation that is very gentle on the skin and provides a natural looking finish. If you’re not a liquid foundation wearer, there is a powder form as well. Unfortunately, I can’t use it on myself because they don’t have a good match for my skin tone. However, everyone that I have recommended this to absolutely loves it! If you haven’t tried it, I recommend going in to test it out. You are bound to fall in love.
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Before I let you go, please note that this was a wish list guide for you. Please don’t forget the true meaning for the season, the birth of Jesus. Take time to reflect on the many blessings he has provided you with throughout this year. Then, take some time to reflect on how you can be more grateful and giving next year. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas, Your Beauty Coach and Friend DaKyissa
3. Coconut oil This is a must for my skin and hair especially at this time of the year. My skin and hair both get very dry and this helps you hydrate so amazingly! I prefer to get a raw coconut oil from the Fresh Market. I have also tried a moisturizing cream from Sam’s and absolutely love it. 4. Benefit They’re Real Mascara This mascara here….OMG! If you haven’t tried it yet, please do yourself a favor now! This mascara has been my go-to for the
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getting to know...
Kat Mykals
Local Radio Host & Animal Advocate PART 1 Kat Mykals talks for a living. So when we asked her 10 random questions, it was hardly surprising that she had a lot to say. Interesting stuff, too. Not wanting to chop it all up to fit the format, we opted to divide her feature into two parts. The second half will appear in the January issue.
2. What goes through my mind just before I go on air... “Don’t swear. Don’t swear. Don’t swear.” Okay, I may be kidding (a little) about that part. Usually it’s something as mundane as “Let’s do this” and other times I’m thinking, “Please let this be funny!” Sometimes it’s “I really should have gone pee before we started this break.”
3. Band or singer that made me fall in love with music... Music made me fall in love with music. I don’t think I could pick a single musician or band that had that kind of influence. It’s more of a culmination of music. When I was in the third grade, I bought my first cassette (yes, I am that old). It was Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet. Somewhere around 1994, I bought my first CDs: Downward Spiral and Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails, along with the Offspring’s Smash. I still have my copy of PHM and it’s still a favorite. Throughout high school I went through a very heavy Jim Morrison phase so I listened to a lot of The Doors which was great for the teen angst days!
4. What I look for in a pair of glasses... When it comes to glasses - which I’ve been wearing since the 5th grade - I look for a pair that is aesthetically pleasing with a flattering shape for my face. I also like for them to be comfortable on my face and I love a vintage, retro look. I prefer plastic frames over metal, and I usually avoid adjustable nose pieces, although my current pair is a half plastic/half metal frame with adjustable nose pieces. Most importantly, I have to be able to see out of them!!!
5. Two part: Number of tattoos on my body / Favorite one and why...
1. Longest road trip I’ve ever taken... The longest drive I’ve ever been on was a trip to Denver many, many years ago. More recently I have driven from Evansville to Dallas/Fort Worth to visit family. Road trips are one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself! I love the open road with my favorite music pumping through the speakers!!! They are especially great when my 16 year old is my co-pilot. She plays the best road trip music!
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Hold on a second and let me count… 12. Asking me to pick a favorite is like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. Each of my tattoos has a story or some special meaning to me and on any given day, my favorite may change. Today, I’ll tell you that my cassette tape is my favorite but tomorrow it may be the large cat on my side. Shane Klos tattooed my cassette tape on New Year’s Eve 2013. I was a couple of weeks shy of celebrating a pretty major milestone in my life and this tattoo was how I chose to honor the occasion. On the space on the tape where you might write the name of the band you recorded onto it, my tattoo says “Rule 62,” which means “Don’t take yourself so damn seriously.” I think that’s a good thing to remember any day.
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upcoming events
The Oak Ridge Boys Giddy-up to the Old National Events Plaza on December 21 for country music’s legendary vocal quartet Four decades and counting. Most groups don’t last four years, but the incredible Oak Ridge Boys have been singing heavenly harmonies together for so long that it’s hard to imagine country music without them. But the guys (or Boys, more accurately) have also made their mark on the pop charts, most memorably with the 1981 smash, “Elvira.” It’s what’s called a career-defining hit and fans never tire of hearing the ridiculously low signature bass notes that make the song instantly recognizable. On the country side of things, the Oak Ridge Boys are known far and wide for classics like “Bobbie Sue” and “American Made” – each a perfect example of the fantastic vocal interplay at work that particularly stands out in today’s world of auto-tuning and manufactured music. Indeed, there’s an unmistakable authenticity about what these four friends do. And they’ve been doing it since 1973 when the classic lineup of Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Joe Bonsall came together. Over the years, the Oak Ridge Boys have become synonymous with American pride, promoting the red, white and blue in song (most famously in “American Made”) and always supporting the troops. But they’re also beloved for crafting beautiful, vocally powerful Christmas albums – many of which have been just as popular, if not more so, than the group’s non-holiday releases. Their upcoming appearance at the Old National Events Plaza will showcase many of the Oak Ridge Boys’ most treasured interpretations of Christmas classics plus all of the hits that have made them country music legends. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. The ONEP is located at 715 Locust St. / 812-435-5770.
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dining out
What’s Cookin’
Pizza King
1033 S. Weinbach Ave., Evansville • 812-476-4941
P
izza King may have a special seasoning that’s top secret, even to employees, but it’s no secret that their food is a delicious local staple. With several locations, long hours and an expansive delivery area, that mouthwatering fare is easy to acquire. During my visit, the phone was constantly ringing with hungry customers and the friendly staff was more than happy to oblige. Even manager Donald Wilhite shrugged with a smile as he admitted, “I’ve been here for around 5 years, and I still eat here every day. When people ask me what I would recommend, I say, ‘I can tell you our top-sellers, but I love all of it.’” Eager to share, the first item Wilhite served was their Cheesy Bread, a gooey, crunchy appetizer with a hearty helping
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of specially seasoned mozzarella atop their specialty Vienna Loaf with a side of tangy marinara. Appetite whetted, a steaming serving of King Wings was next. Crispy, tender, and spicy, these wings are baked and worth the small mess. No joke, they are some of the best I’ve ever tried. Then came the pizza, a thin (never frozen) crust able to withstand the smorgasbord of toppings while remaining chewy, not soggy. I chose the Vegetarian - mushroom, zesty red and green peppers, diced onion, and black olive. Of course, the homemade sauce and seasoned mozzarella are what seal the deal. Party cut or sliced, this is one of the reasons they call themselves ‘King’. Finally, who orders Pizza King without throwing one of their Oven Baked Sandwiches into the mix? The Original Stromboli may seem simple,
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
but the taste is anything but ordinary. On buttery Vienna Loaf is a saucy pile of flavor that any face would be happy to wear - specially seasoned sausage, onion, tomato sauce, and without fail, more of that incredible cheese. Available in half or whole portions, it’s quite the bang for your buck and a must-try. The crown is welldeserved. Open daily at 10:30 a.m., all three locations (Weinbach, St. Joseph, Newburgh) serve carry-out and deliver, with the west side/ Newburgh locations providing dine-in seating and bottled/ draft beer. Call ahead for Party Platters and for their fundraising program, the King’s Community Give Back, call 812-473-1744. To order online, visit pizzakingevansville. com. - Whitney Patterson
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dining out
Restaurant Spotlight
Hagedorn’s Tavern
2037 W Franklin St, Evansville • 812-423-0794
T
ake a stroll down Franklin and visit one of Evansville’s favorite historic establishments. Built by Philip Mundo in 1883, the building has served as a personal residence, saloon, a boarding house, and an ice cream and soda shop, but the longest-running fixture has been Hagedorn’s Tavern. The Nunnings have been running it for over 6 years, and have maintained its original charm, such as the bar’s woodwork, the easily recognizable RC sign, and simple menu, only incorporating choices from their former restaurant, Dogtown Tavern. Even despite the tons of booths at the Fall Festival, Hag’s is always packed with loyal patrons and newcomers intrigued by the idea of a Brain Sandwich. Besides that interesting item, they offer German-American inspired breakfast, lunch specials, dinner, and a fully stocked bar with some of the coldest draft beer in
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town. Homemade menu items are typically the tastiest, so to get started, I tried the Pulled Pork Cheese Fries, a messy and delicious basket of house-smoked tender pork in a sweet, tangy sauce with cheesy, perfectly browned crinkle fries. Next was the half smoked chicken, a portion large enough to share, but with the flavor of the dry rub Nunning uses, you may want it all to yourself. Same goes for the ribs, available as an entree or for purchase by the slab; zesty, smoky, fall-off-the-bone, they’re perfect with a side of homemade sweet-and-sour coleslaw. Besides the mouthwatering BBQ, the hand-breaded tenderloin is seasoned with lemonpepper for a bit of a kick and served with your choice of trimmings, and for a homestyle cure-all, try the Hag’s TwiceBaked Potato, a hearty bowl of baked potato, crispy bacon, and onion topped with melted cheese. Now, for my favorite
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
(I could eat it every day) - the catfish filet, always crunchy with flaky insides and a secret recipe cornmeal batter. Pro-tip: skip the tartar sauce and ask for the white horseradish. Just trust me. And don’t sell yourself short on dessert - their pies and cobblers are the answer to any sweet tooth; the homemade bread pudding (made with rum sauce) is worth coming back for all on its own. Even if you’re not hungry, Hagedorn’s is a great place to relax. The homey atmosphere and friendly chatter make everyone feel welcome, so stop in, have a drink, and enjoy a game and some great company - even live music on occasion. Prost! - Whitney Patterson Hours: Closed on Sun. Open Mon-Sat from 6am-10pm. Follow them on Facebook for specials and events.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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dining out
Local Chef Spotlight
Raffi Manna
Oasis Café Mediterranean Grille 5702 E Virginia St, Evansville • 812-602-3660
R
affi Manna is much more at peace these days. After 25 years at the helm of his namesake Italian restaurant, the Israeli born chef (raised in Jordan) was ready to relax and leave the stress of owning a business behind. But Manna’s respite from the daily grind was brief. Just three months into retirement, he got the itch to get back in the kitchen – and return to his Mediterranean culinary roots. However, what Manna didn’t want to return to was a restaurant of the size and scope of Raffi’s. It may have been a tri-state favorite for a quarter of a century, but it also became a huge headache as property taxes on Burkhardt Road continued to increase and the responsibility of overseeing such a complex operation took its toll. Clearly, he needed to downsize. That’s when Manna noticed a rental property available on East Virginia Avenue, not far from the location of his former restaurant. The cozy spot on
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the corner of a sidewalk shopping complex was exactly what he had in mind – right in the thick of it yet completely manageable. In June of this year, Oasis Café Mediterranean Grille opened and quickly attracted a following, including many former patrons of Raffi’s clued in to Manna’s new venture. Strategically, the beloved chef purposely left his instantly recognizable name off the new sign so as not to draw parallels between the two restaurants. But while word has certainly spread over the last six months, people across the tri-state are still discovering – to their delight – that Manna is not only still cooking but is just as gregarious as ever; his dynamic personality remains a big selling point. Of course, no matter how entertaining and engaging the chef is, it’s his food that keeps everyone coming back. Manna spends six days a week (Oasis closes on Sundays) at the restaurant preparing classic Mediterranean
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
dishes with serious attention to detail – particularly the marinating process. As he sees it, it’s what separates a good entree from a fantastic entree. The difference is immediately apparent when you try anything on the streamlined Oasis menu which Manna continues to tweak and perfect – efforts that have not gone unnoticed. In fact, one recent visitor posted on Facebook that his meal was “the best Mediterranean food I have had since I was in the Mediterranean.” High praise, indeed. So come on in to Oasis Café and say hello to one of the most talented and personable chefs in the tri-state. Then take a seat and try any of his classic creations, including authentic kabobs, soups, sandwiches and more. Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm. Follow Oasis on Facebook.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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3119 W. Maryland St. 812-425-1616 Memphis & Main BBQ (Newburgh) 4946 St. Hwy 261 812-858-0111 (Boonville) 118 W. Locust St. 812-646-7110
AMISH
Stoll’s Country Inn 19820 Castle Creek Dr. 812-867-7730
Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn 2840 W. Parrish Ave. Owensboro, KY 270-684-8143 Nisbet Inn 6701 Nisbet Rd. 812-963-9305 Peak Bros. BBQ 6353 Hwy 60 Waverly, KY 270-389-0267
BARBECUE Bandana BBQ 6636 Logan Dr. 812-401-9922
Bar-B-Q-Barn 1003 E. Diamond Ave. 812-491-9868 Flames Grille 1200 W. Colombia St. 812-205-4704
Thomason’s Barbecue 701 Atkinson St. Henderson, KY 270-826-0654 Wilson’s General Store & Cafe 11120 Broadway Ave. 812-985-0202 Wolf’s Bar-B-Q 6000 First Ave. 812-424-8891
Hawg ‘N’ Sauce 1600 Leonard Rd. Mt. Vernon, IN 812-838-5339
Longfellow Barbecue Company 830 LST Dr. 812-467-0080 Marx Barbeque & Catering
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December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Backstage Bar & Grill 524 Main St. 812-424-5020 Bar Louie 7000 Eagle Crest Blvd. 812-476-7069 Beef O’Brady’s 8177 Bell Oaks Dr. Newburgh, IN 812-490-9464 Bokeh Lounge 1007 Parrett St. 812-909-0388 Cambridge Golf Course 1034 Beacon HIll Rd. 812-868-4653 Cheddar’s 2100 N. Green River Rd. 812-491-9976 Chili’s Grill & Bar 600 N. Green River Rd. 812-475-1510 Commonwealth Kitchen & Bar 108 N. 2nd St. Henderson, KY 270- 212-2133
Hickory Pit Stop 1521 N. Main St. 812-422-6919 J & B Barbecue & Catering 48 S. Holloway Henderson, KY 270-830-0053
5727 Pearl Dr. 812-426-2006 (Henderson) 1950 Us Hwy. 41 N. 270-826-9427
CASUAL THEME Allegra Lounge (Holiday Inn Airport) 7101 Hwy 41 North 812-867-7999
Applebee’s Bar & Grill (East) 5100 E. Morgan Ave. 812-471-0929 (West)
Dapper Pig 1112 Parrett St. 812-401-3333 Doc’s 1305 Stringtown Rd. 812-401-1201 Double D’s 1206 E. Main St. Boonville, IN 812- 897-8813
Enigma Bar & Grill 4044 Professional Ln. Newburgh, IN 812-490-0600
3300 US HWY 41 N. Henderson, KY 812-435-8908
(Cold Stone Creamery) 6401 E. Lloyd Expwy 812-437-2653
Major Munch 101 NW 1st St. #100 812-499-0160
Royal Suite 4706 Morgan Ave. 812-402-5122
Hooters 4620 Lincoln Ave. 812-475-0229
Mama Mia’s (Tropicana Evansville) 421 NW Riverside Dr. 812-433-4227
J’s Sports Bar & Grill 1602 S. Vann Ave. 812-401-2266
Max & Erma’s (Tropicana Evansville) 421 NW Riverside Dr. 812-433-4258
Show-Me’s (East) 1700 Morgan Ctr. Dr. 812-401-SHOW (West) 5501 Pearl Dr. 812-402-7100
King’s Kitchen 104 N Water St. Henderson, KY 270-212-2070
O’Brian’s Sports Bar & Grill 1801 N. Green River Rd. 812-401-4630
Koodie-Hoo’s 231 W. 2nd St. Mt. Vernon, IN 812-838-5202
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers 6636 E. Lloyd Expwy. 812-473-4100
Lucky Joe’s Bar & Grill
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Hadi Shriners 6 Walnut St. 812-423-4285
Uptown Event Restaurant 518 Main St. 812-550-1404
Charlie’s Mongolian BBQ 315 E. Diamond Ave. 812-423-9897
Zoup Fresh Soup Co. (East) 6240 E. Virginia St. 812-477-2664 (North) 4660 N. 1st Ave. 812-423-1800
China King 590 E. Diamond Ave. 812-423-1896
Chopstick House 5412 E. Indiana St. 812-473-5551
Temptations Buffet (Tropicana Evansville) 421 Riverside Dr. 812-433-4000 T.G.I. Friday’s (Eastland Mall) 800 N. Green River Rd. 812-491-8443 Toast 1550 Mesker Park Dr. 812-909-2320
China Village 8423 Bell Oaks Dr. Newburgh, IN 812-858-8238
Crazy Buffet 701 N. Burkhardt Rd. 812-437-8833
CHINESE
Canton Inn 947 North Park Dr. 812-428-6611
Golden Buddha 3221 Taylor Ave. 812-473-4855 (Newburgh) 5066 S.R. 261 812-853-2680
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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Gracie’s Chinese Cuisine 12500 N. Hwy. 41 812-868-8888 Grand Buffet Mongolian Grill 1356 N. Green River Rd. 812-476-6666 Lincoln Garden 2001 Lincoln Ave. 812-471-8881 Mandarin Garden Chinese Restaurant 2013 N. Green River Rd. 812-476-7088 MAT. 888 China Bistro 5636 Vogel Rd. 812-475-2888 Shing-Lee Chinese Restaurant 215 Main St. 812-464-2769 Szechwan Chinese Restaurant 669 N. Green River Rd. 812-479-7600
DELI/CAFES 2nd St. Treats 221 2nd St. Henderson, KY 270-957-5064
Acropolis Express at the YWCA 118 Vine St. 812-424-7335 Anthony’s Heavenly Cheesecake 812-499-8273
Taste of China 4579 University Dr. 812-422-1260
Bits & Bytes 216 NW Fourth St. 812-423-5113
Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet 201 B N. Green River Rd. 812-474-6660
Café 111 111 S. Green River Rd. #D 812-401-8111
Two Brothers 3806 N. 1st Ave. 812-423-6188
Cake Stand 223 Second St. Henderson, KY 270-854-1305
Wok ‘N’ Roll 311 S. Green River Rd. 812-479-3118 Yen Ching Chinese Restaurant 406 S. Green River Rd. 812-474-0181
Cleo’s Bakery 9 W. Jennings St. Newburgh, IN 812-789-6485 Coffee Cottage & Café 612 S. Weinbach Ave. 812-401-1930 Daily’s Bakery & Café 701 N. Main St. 812-484-6635
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December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Diamond Deli (Tropicana Evansville) 421 Riverside Dr. 812-433-6122 Donut Bank Bakery & Coffee Shop (East) 5 N. Green River Rd. 812-479-0511 1950 Washington Ave. 812-477-2711 1200 Lincoln Ave. 812-402-4111 (North) 2128 N. 1st Ave. 812-426-2311 1031 E. Diamond Ave. 812-426-0011 (West) 210 N. St. Joseph Ave. 812-426-1011 (Newburgh) 3988 SR 261 812-858-9911 (Henderson) 2638 Hwy 41 270-212-0181 Emge’s Deli & Ice Cream 206 Main St. 812-422-3026 Eric’s Corner Carry-Out 4220 Broadway Ave 812-402-9788 Fresh Harvest Deli (Inside Old National) 1 Main St. 812-424-5801 Gayla Cake 422 N. Main St. 812-454-9791 Great American Bagel 3901 Morgan Ave. 812-476-7212 Great Harvest Bread Co. 423 Metro Ave. 812-476-4999 Honey Baked Ham 1449 N. Green River Rd. 812-471-2940 Jason’s Deli 943 N. Green River Rd. 812-417-9905
Jeanne’s Gelato 2003 Lincoln Ave. 812-479-8272 Jimmy John’s (East) 701 N. Burkhardt Rd. Ste. C 812-401-5400 (West) 130 N. St. Joe Ave 812-402-9944 (Newburgh) 8680 Highpoint Dr. 812-491-7111 Just Rennie’s Cookies 102 S.E. 4th St. 812-490-8098 McAlister’s Deli 2220 N. Green River Rd. 812-618-2050 Panera Bread 220 Burkhardt Rd. 812-476-7477 Penn Station East Coast Subs (East) 137 N. Burkhardt Rd. 812-479-PENN (North) 4827 Davis Lant Dr. 812-402-PENN (West) 5310 Pearl Dr. 812-434-PENN (Newburgh) 8887 High Point Dr. 812-401-7366 (Henderson) 1111 Barrett Rd. 270-826-7361 (Owensboro) 3625 Frederica St. 270-683-1515 Penny Lane Coffeehouse (Downtown) 600 S.E. 2nd St. 812-421-8741 (East) 2004 Washington Ave. 812-473-4440 PG Art Gallery & Cafe 1418 W. Franklin St. 812- 402-4445 Piece of Cake 210 Main St. 812-424-2253
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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Planters Coffeehouse 130 N. Main St. Henderson, KY 270-830-0927 R’z Cafe & Catering Co. 104 N. Main St. Fort Branch, IN 812-615-0039 Salad World Healthy Cafe (Downtown) 200 Main St. 812-422-0898 (East) 3311 N. Green River Rd. 812-471-5083 (North) 601 E. BoonevilleNew Harmony Rd. 812-867-2741 (West) 5625 Pearl Dr. 812-467-7486 (Newburgh) 4222 Bell Rd. 812-490-6070
Farm Boy Food Services With the holiday season in full swing and lots of big meals to be prepared, there’s no time to be driving all over town shopping for your family’s favorite foods. That’s why Farm Boy Food Services is such a popular destination, especially when Christmas comes around. Everything you need to create a delicious, home-cooked holiday meal can be found right here at this Evansville-based business with a long history dating back to 1952. Over the years, it has transitioned from a complete meat-packing company to a one-stop food co-op. But despite the size of the business, purchasing from Farm Boy is both simple and convenient. Orders can be placed by phone, online or you can shop the good old-fashioned way – in person. Most products are broken down into smaller quantities which makes personal shopping easy and affordable. In addition, they can help with portioning – i.e., how many people a 10 lb. can of green beans serves. All total, Farm Boy carries 5,000 different food items; however, they can also buy products from another distributor that carries around 25,000 items. From classic entrees like smoked bone-in and boneless hams to tasty appetizers such as nachos and cheese, your choices are seemingly endless. Farm Boy is located at 2771 N. Kentucky Ave. / 812-428-8436 or visit farmboy-foodservice.com.
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December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Sidewalk Cafe 228 2nd St. Henderson, KY 270-831-2233 Sweet Betty’s Bakery 5600 E. Virginia St. 812-402-3889 Schlotzsky’s 301 N. Green River Rd. 812-471-4011 Sidewalk Cafe 228 2nd St. Henderson, KY 270-831-2233 Spudz –N– Stuff Downtown) 101 NW 1st St. 812-402-7555 (East) 812 S. Green River Rd. 812-401-7783 (West) 5225 Pearl Dr. 812-402-8287 (Henderson, KY) 192 Garden Mile Rd. 270-212-1777
Twilight Bistro 221 Main St. 812-421-0606 Vecchio’s Italian Market 14 W. Jennings St. Newburgh, IN 812-490-7879
FAMILY/ HOMESTYLE
Bob Evans (East) 1125 N. Green River Rd. 812-473-9022 (West) 5201 Pearl Dr. 812-425-5100 (Princeton) US 41 & State Rt. 64 812-386-1228 (Owensboro) 3123 Kentucky Hwy. 54 270-683-3515 Buffalo Wild Wings (East) 713 N. Green River Rd. 812-471-9464 (West) 5404 Pearl Dr. 812-471-9464 Burger Bank 1617 S. Weinbach Ave. 812-475-2265 Carousel Restaurant 5115 Monroe Ave. 812-479-6388 Cleavers Restaurant 5501 E. Indiana St. 812-473-0001 Cracker Barrel 8215 Eagle Lake Dr. 812-479-8788
Cross-Eyed Cricket 2101 Pennsylvania St. 812-422-6464
Hilltop Inn 1100 Harmony Way 812-422-1757
Popeye’s Chicken 3300 N. 1st. Ave 812-401-1773
Culver’s 1734 Hirschland Rd. 812-437-3333
Hornville Tavern 2607 W. Baseline Rd. 812-963-0967
Denny’s Classic Diner (West) 5212 Weston Rd. 812-424-4472 (Newburgh) 19501 Elpers Rd. 812-867-7156
IHOP 601 N. Burkhardt Rd. 812-471-0510
Pop’s Grill 516 S. Main St. New Harmony, IN 812-682-3880
Denny’s Restaurant (East) 351 N. Green River Rd. 812-473-1063 (North) 4301 Hwy. 41 N. 812-423-9459
KT’s Fire Grill 7247 Main St. Wadesville, IN 812-673-4996
Five Guys Burgers 5402 E. Indiana St. 812-401-1773 Flying Saucer Café (Inside the Airport) 7801 Bussing Dr. 812-423-1113 Franklin Lanes Coffee Shop 1801 W. Franklin St. 812-423-5355 Frontier Restaurant & Bar 12945 Hwy. 57 812-867-6786 Gatti Town 316 N. Green River Rd. 812-473-3800 Get and Go Casseroles 6840 Logan Dr. 812-475-8830 Golden Corral (East) 130 Cross Point Blvd. 812-473-1095 (Henderson) 1770 S. Green St. 270-869-9310 Highland Inn 6620 N. First Ave. 812-402-2544
Ivy Cafe @ Swirca 16 W. Virginia St. 812-464-7800
Koodie-Hoo’s 231 W. 2nd St. Mt. Vernon, IN 812-838-5202 Korner Inn 15 W. Main St. Elberfeld, IN 812-983-4200 Libby & Mom’s Café 2 Richardt Ave. 812-437-3040 Log Inn 12491 S. 200 E. Haubstadt, IN 812-867-3216 Merry-Go-Round Restaurant 2101 Old Business 41 812-423-6388 O’Charley’s (East) 7301 E. Indiana St. 812-479-6632 (West) 812-5125 Pearl Dr. 812-424-3348
Rafferty’s 1400 N. Green River Rd. 812-471-0024 Red Fez (Hadi Shriners) 6 Walnut St. 812-423-4285 Redwagon Restaurant & Bar Hwy. 165 & I-64 Poseyville, IN 812-874-2210 Rose Hill Cafe 8133 Rose Hill Dr. Newburgh, IN 812-853-8443 Scheller’s Carriage Inn 103 E Gibson St. Haubstadt, IN 812-768-6131 St. Joe Inn 9515 St. Wendel Rd. 812-963-9310
Zesto’s 102 W. Franklin St. 812-424-1416
Edgewater Grille 1 E. Water St. Newburgh, IN 812-858-2443 Madeleine’s 423 S.E. 2nd St. 812-491-8611 NW Chophouse & Wine Bar 7799 Hwy 66 Newburgh, IN 812-853-9500 Red Geranium 504 N. St. New Harmony, IN 812-682-4431
INDIAN
Taste of India 4700 Vogel Rd. 812-909-2880 Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine
900 Tutor Ln. 812-476-5000
IRISH
Ri Ra Irish Pub (District @ Tropicana) 701 NW Riverside Dr. 812-426-0000
ITALIAN/ MEDITERRANEAN
Angelo’s 305 Main St. 812-428-6666
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano 16401 E. Lloyd Expwy. 812-421-0800
FROZEN YOGURT
Sweet CeCe’s 4827 Davis Lant Dr. 812-477-5276
Bonefish Grill 6401 E. Lloyd Expwy. 812-401-3474
Acropolis 501 N. Green River Rd. 812-475-9320
Cork ‘N Cleaver 650 S. Hebron Ave. 812-479-6974
Orange Leaf 701 Burkhardt Rd. 812-401-5215
FINE DINING
GREEK
Commonwealth Kitchen & Bar 108 N. 2nd St. Henderson, KY 270-212-2133
Stoll’s Country Inn 19820 Castle Creek Dr. 812-867-7730
Old Mill 503 New Harmony Rd. 812-963-6000 Pie Pan 905 North Park Dr. 812-425-2261
Cavanaugh’s (Tropicana Evansville) 421 NW Riverside Dr. 812-433-4333
GERMAN
Gerst Haus 2100 W. Franklin St. 812-424-1420
Café Arazu
117 W. Jennings St. Newburgh, IN
812-842-2200 Dilegge’s Italian
607 N. Main St. 812-428-3004 House of Como
2700 S. Kentucky Ave. 812-422-0572 Little Italy Italian
4430 1st Ave. 812-479-7777
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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Lucy Bella’s Pizzeria
2201 Hwy 41 N. Henderson, KY
270-212-2352
Mama Mia’s (Tropicana Evansville)
421 NW Riverside Dr. 812-433-4000
Roppongi Japanese Steak & Sushi 7221 E. Indiana St. 812-437-5824 Tokyo Japan 3000 N. Green River Rd. 812-401-1020
Manna Mediterranean Grill 2913 Lincoln Ave. 812-473-7005 Milano’s Italian Cuisine 500 Main St. 812-484-2222 Olive Garden 1100 N. Green River Rd. 812-473-2903 Oasis Mediterranean Grille 5702 E. Virginia St. 812-602-3660 Sauced 1113 Parrett St. 812-402-2230 Smitty’s Italian SteakHouse 2109 W. Franklin St. 812-423-6280
JAPANESE
Zuki Japanese Grill & Sushi Lounge (Downtown) 222 Main St. 812-423-9854 (East) 1448 N. Green River Rd. 812-477-9854 Tokyo Teppanyaki 2222 US Hwy 41 Henderson, KY 270-869-1968
KOREAN
Jaya’s 119 S.E. 4th St. 812-422-6667
Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse 917 North Park Dr. 812-962-4440 Ginmiya Asian Diner 4827 Davis Lant Dr. 812-471-8100 Iwataya Japanese Restaurant 8401 N. Kentucky Ave. 812-868-0830 Kanpai Sushi & Asian Bistro 4593 Washington Ave. 812-471-7076 Okami Japanese Sushi & Hibachi 5435 Pearl Dr. 812-424-3413
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December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
MEXICAN
Acapulco Restaurant 8480 High Pointe Dr. Newburgh, IN 812-858-7777 Cancun 341 S. Green St. Henderson, KY 270-826-0067
Stock up on Gift Cards This Season!
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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Carleos 3118 Alvey Dr. Owensboro, KY 270-684-0290 City Taco 2403 Washington Ave. 812-477-1955 Chipotle Mexican Grill 499 N. Green River Rd. 812-471-4973 El Charro 720 N. Sonntag Ave. 812- 421-1986 El Maguey 3250 Warrick Dr. Boonville, IN 812-897-6666 El Patron 943 North Park Dr. 812-402-6500 El Rio 1919 Green River Rd. 812-471-1400 Hacienda (East) 990 S. Green River 812-474-1635 (North) 711 N. 1st. Ave. 812-423-6355 (West) 5440 Pearl Dr. 812-422-2055 Hot Head Burritos 5625 Pearl Dr. Suite A 812-437-5010 Jalisco Mexican Restaurant 4044 Professional Ln. 812-490-2814 La Cabana 821 S. Green River Rd. 812-477-3351 La Campirana 1212 Washington Sq. Mall 812-550-1585 Los Bravos (East) 6226 E. Waterford Blvd.
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December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
812-474-9078 (North) 3534 First Ave. 812-424-4101 (West) 4630 W. Lloyd Expwy. 812-464-3136 (Boonville) 3311 Liberty Blvd. 812-897-3442 Los Portales 3339 N. Green River Rd. 812-475-0566 Los Toribio 2810 US 41 N. Henderson, KY 270-830-6610 1647 S. Green St. Henderson, KY 270-831-2367 Los Tres Camino’s 12100 Hwy. 41 N. 812-868-8550 Moe’s Southwest Grill 6401 E. Lloyd Expwy. 812-491-6637 Qdoba Mexican Grill 922 Burkhardt Rd. 812-401-0800 Riviera Mexican Grill 10604 SR. 662 Newburgh, IN 812-490-9936 Taco Tierra 420 S. Green River Rd. 812-402-8226 Tequila’s 408 Southwind Plaza Mt. Vernon, IN 812-838-2392
PIZZA/ SANDWICHES Archie & Clyde’s 8309 Bell Oaks Dr. Newburgh, IN 812-490-7778
101-B N. Green River Rd. 812-477-2424 (West) 5625 Pearl Dr. Ste. G 812-962-0034 Cleavers 5501 E. Indiana St. 812-473-0001 Azzip Pizza 5225 Pearl Dr. 812-401-3572
Dave’s Sports Den 701 N. Weinbach Ave. 812-479-8887
Big M’s Pizzeria 1313 N. 1st Ave. 812-434-6909
Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe 222 E. Columbia St. 812-425-2515
Boston’s 3911 Venetian Dr. Newburgh, IN 812-853-3400
Fetta 118 St. Ann St. Owensboro, KY 270-926-0005
Brick Pizzeria 101 NW. 1st., Ste. 114 812-602-3035
Firedome Pizza & Wings 2046 Hwy. 41 N. Henderson, KY 270-831-1977
Cici’s Pizza (East)
Firehouse Subs 1031 N. Green River Rd. 812-477-2141
513 Barret Blvd. Henderson, KY 270-854-4391
Gardo’s Italian Oven 13220 Darmstadt Rd. 812-868-8071
Lucy Bella’s Pizzeria 2201 HWY 41 Henderson, KY 270-212-2352
Gatti Town 316 N. Green River Rd. 812-473-3800 Heady’s Pizza 4120 N. First Ave. 812-437-4343 Highland Pizza Shop 6669 Kratzville Rd. 812-402-8900 Jimmy John’s 701 N Burkhardt Rd Ste. C 812-401-5400 Kipplee’s 2350 Division St. 812-479-1542 Lombardi’s New York Pizza
Mama Roma’s Pizza & Wings (East) 2008 E. Morgan Ave. 812-422-1212 (North) 3904 N. 1st Ave. 812-421-3000 (South) 3115 Covert Ave. 812-477-6262 Mama Mia’s (Tropicana Evansville) 421 NW Riverside Dr. 812-433-4000 Maloney’s Pizza & Wings 3030 Highland Point Dr. Owensboro, KY
270-684-8080 Mr. B’s Pizza & Wings 2611 Hwy. 41 N. Henderson, KY 270-826-1111 Old Chicago 6550 E. Lloyd Expwy. 812-401-1400 Papa John’s Pizza (East) 303 N. Weinbach Ave. 812-477-7700 5436 E. Indiana St. 812-473-5200 (North) 4204 N. 1st Ave. 812-425-2345 1244 Hwy 41 812-867-7272 (West) 4814 W. Lloyd Expwy. 812-423-7272 (Newburgh) 3955 Hayley Dr. 812-858-7272 (Henderson)
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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418 Center St. 270-826-4444 Parkway Pizza 3911 Broadway Ave. 812-423-3339 Pizza Chef 4938 SR 261 Newburgh, IN 812-853-3338 Pizza Depot 11845 Old Petersburg Rd. 812-867-9131 Pizza King (East) 1033 S. Weinbach Ave. 812-476-9441 (West) 220 N. St Joe Ave. 812-424-7976 (Newburgh) Hwy. 66 & 261 812-853-3368 Roca Bar South 1618 S. Kentucky Ave. 812-422-7782
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Roca Bar North 12301 Hwy. 41 North N. 812-868-8898
Slice The 2011 Lincoln Ave. 812-476-8518
Walther’s Golf ‘n Fun 2301 N. 1st Ave. 812-464-4472
Rockhouse at Wolf’s 31 N. Green St. Henderson, KY 270-212-1400
Spankey’s Una Pizza 714 N. Sonntag Ave. 812-402-6776
Woody’s Pizzeria 518 S. Main St. New Harmony, IN 812-682-6666
Rounder’s Pizza 510 W. Mill Rd. 812-424-4960
Susan Bobe’s 101 W. Broadway St. Princeton, IN 812-385-2554
Rounder’s Too 12731 N. Green River Rd. 812-867-7172
Talk of the Town 1200 Edgar St. 812-402-8696
Sam’s Pizzeria 2011 W. Delaware St. 812-423-3160
Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery 408 N. Main St. 812-424-9871
Sandy’s Pizza 609 S. Main St. Fort Branch, IN 812-759-3972 Schaum’s Pizzeria 240 S. Green River Rd. 812-402-4733
Turoni’s Forget-Me-Not Inn 4 N. Weinbach Ave. 812-477-7500 Turoni’s Newburgh 8011 Bell Oaks Rd. 812-490-5555
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
PRIVATE DINING/ BANQUET Edgewater La Veranda Banquet Room 5 E. Water St. Newburgh, IN 812-858-2443 Event Gallery 956 Parrett St. 812-467-4255 Ivy Room at SWIRCA 16 W. Virginia St. 812-464-7800 Kirby’s Private Dining 1119 Parrett St.
812-422-2230 Old Post Office Event Center 100 NW. 2nd St. 812-253-2102 Schmitt Catering & More 812-909-0566/ 812-774-6547
PUBS & TAVERNS 711 Tavern 711 Virginia St. 812-422-0904 Backstage Bar & Grill 524 Main St. 812-424-5020 Blush Ultralounge (Tropicana Evansville) 421 NW Riverside Dr. 812-433-4000 Bob’s Lounge 907 N. Fares Ave. 812-425-4929
Dave’s Sportsden 701 N. Weinbach Ave. 812-479-8887
Doc’s Nightclub 1305 Stringtown Rd. 812-401-1201 Enigma Bar & Grill 4044 Professional Ln. Newburgh, IN 812-490-0600
Bokeh Lounge 1007 Parrett St. 812-909-0388 Buck’s Tavern 1015 N. Fulton Ave. 812-429-0055
Franklin Street Tavern 2126 W. Franklin St. 812-459-5210
Chido Mexican Bar & Grill (District @ Tropicana) 701 NW Riverside Dr. 812-401-1994
Fred’s Bar & Grill 421 Read St. 812-423-8040
Commonwealth Kitchen & Bar 108 N. 2nd St. Henderson, KY 270-212-2133 Cricket’s 518 W. Main St. Newburgh 812-858-2782 Dapper Pig 1112 Parrett St. 812-401-3333 Darmstadt Inn 13130 Darmstadt Rd. 812-867-7300 Darren’s Pub 713 N. Green St. Henderson, KY 812-827-2206
taptalk
Diamond Lanes 2400 Hwy 41 N. 812-424-4677
Fester’s Sports Bar & Grill 10301 Old Hwy 62 W. Mt Vernon, IN 812-985-7333
Chilly Willy’s Pub 3039 Claremont Ave. 812-423-0726
Merry Christmas!
Gerst Haus 2100 W. Franklin St. 812-424-1420 Hagedorn’s Tavern 2037 W. Franklin St. 812-423-0794 Haynie’s Corner Pub 1114 SE Parrett St. 812-423-8221 Highland Inn 6620 N. First Ave. 812-402-2544 Hornville Tavern 2607 Baseline Rd. 812-963-9318 J’s Sports Bar & Grill 1602 S. Vann Ave. 812-401-2266
with
John Greenwell
Owner of Beef 'O' Brady's
Is it just me or did this year fly by really fast? 2015 was a great year for the craft beer industry. According to CNBC, American craft beer production rose 16% in the first half of the year. This makes sense to us on the retail level because the amount of beer that has become available has risen dramatically over previous years. What that means for you as the consumer is that you should be able to get a better overall selection of craft beer at more locations than ever. At Beef’s we work extremely hard and continue doing research to find craft beer that you won’t find at every location in the tristate. This month we are featuring two breweries that have done really well in the Evansville market: Lagunitas and Rogue. Lagunitas Brown Shugga is a 9.9% ABV Special Brown Ale that is mixed with pure brown cane sugar and gets extremely high marks from Rate Beer (96) and Beer Advocate (90). These strong marks prove this is a beer you can’t afford to miss out on. Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar is dark brown in color with a hazelnut aroma and a 6% ABV. It has a rich nutty flavor and a smooth malty finish plus a great blend of different malts alone with hazelnut extract. It uses Perle and Saaz hops that add a smooth, not too bitter flavor. This beer also gets high marks from Rate Beer (97) and Beer Advocate (91). We here at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s wish everyone a very safe and happy holidays. There is no better time of year to try new things. If craft beer is your thing then come see what all the talk is about out here in Newburgh. Bring this article and receive a free $10 gift card when you purchase a $30 gift card. Enjoy a great craft beer and do some shopping all at the same time. Can’t beat that.
KC’s Corner Pocket 1819 N. Fulton Ave. 812-428-2255 K.C.’s Time Out Lounge 1121 S. Green River Rd. Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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812-437-9920 Knob Hill Tavern 1016 Hwy. 662 W. Newburgh, IN 812-853-9550 Kipplee’s Stadium Inn 2350 Division St. 812-479-1542 Lamasco Bar & Grill 1331 W. Franklin St. 812-437-0171 Legends (IRiver City Recreation) 1050 S. Weinbach Ave. 812-476-7444
Ri Ra Irish Pub (District @ Tropicana) 701 N.W. Riverside Dr. 812-426-0000 Riverbend Food Factory 713 N. Green St. Henderson, KY 270-827-2206 Roca Bar South 1618 S. Kentucky Ave. 812-422-7782
Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery 408 N. Main St. 812-424-9871 Turoni’s Forget-Me-Not Inn 4 N. Weinbach Ave. 812-477-7500
Roca Bar North 12301 Hwy. 41 N. 812-868-8898
Turoni’s Pizza 8011 Bell Oaks Rd. Newburgh, IN 812-490-5555
Lyle’s Sportszone 1404 E. Morgan Ave. 812-425-7729
Rookie’s Sports Bar 117 Second St. Henderson, KY 270-826-1106
Yellow Tavern 521 Church St. New Harmony, IN 812-682-3303
Main Street Comedy Pub 217 Main St. 812-453-7636
St. Phillips Inn 11200 Upper Mt. Vernon Rd. 812-985-5558
Marigold Bar 2112 S. Weinbach Ave. 812-475-8780
Sportsman’s Billiards & Grille 2315 W. Franklin St. 812-422-0801
Leroy’s Tavern 2659 Mt. Vernon Ave. 812-464-8300
Nisbit Inn 6701 Nisbit Rd. 812-963-9305 O’Brian’s Sports Bar & Grill 1801 N. Green River Rd. 812-401-4630 Old Chicago 6550 E. Lloyd Expwy. 812-401-1400 Peephole Bar & Grill 201 Main St. 812-423-5171
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Rick’s Sports Bar 1531 S. Green River Rd. 812-477-4088
Stockwell Inn 4001 E. Eichel Ave. 812-476-2384 Taylor’s Tavern 2509 W. Parrish Ave. Owensboro, KY 270-683-5577 Tiki Time Bar & Grill 1801 Waterworks Rd. 812-425-1912 Tin Man Brewing Co. 1430 W. Franklin St. 812-618-3227
Piston’s Bar & Grill 2131 W. Franklin St. 812-401-1699
TJ’s Stockyard Inn 1217 Baker Ave. 812-402-9273
Rick’s 718 Bar & Grill 718 3rd Ave. 812-423-0872
Toast 1550 Mesker Park Dr. 812-909-2320
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
SEAFOOD
Bonefish Grill 6401 E. Lloyd Expwy. 812-401-3474 Lure Seafood & Grill 401 W. 2nd St. Owensboro, KY 270-686-8202 Madeleine’s 423 S.E. 2nd St. 812-491-8611 Par-K Seafood 757 S. Green River Rd. 812-401-5222 Red Lobster 4605 Bellemeade Ave. 812-477-9227
Tin Fish 300 W. Jennings St. Newburgh, IN 812-490-7000
SPANISH
Eclipse Tapas Bar & Restaurant 113 SE 4th St. 812-463-6040
812-479-6974
812-473-2400
Double D’s 1206 E. Main St. Boonville, IN 812-897-8813
Madeleine’s 423 SE 2nd St. 812-491-8611
Haub House 101 E. Haub St. Haubstadt, IN 812-768-6462
NW Chophouse & Wine Bar 7799 St. Hwy 66 Newburgh, IN 812-853-9500
Hornet’s Nest 11845 Old Petersburg Rd. 812-867-2386
Outback Steakhouse 7201 Indiana St. 812-474-0005
House of Como 2700 S. Kentucky Ave. 812-422-0572
Smitty’s Italian Steakhouse 2109 W. Franklin St. 812-423-6280
Cavanaugh’s (Tropicana Evansville) 421 NW Riverside Dr. 812-433-4333
Logan’s Roadhouse (East) 1 N. Burkhardt Rd. 812-471-8403 (West) 5645 Pearl Dr. 812-421-0908
Cork ‘N Cleaver 650 S. Hebron Ave.
Longhorn Steakhouse 320 N. Green River Rd.
STEAKHOUSES
1401 N. Boeke Rd. 812-476-5405
THAI
Thai Papaya Cuisine 1434 Tutor Ln. 812-477-8424
VIETNAMESE Vietnamese Cuisine 4602 Vogel Rd. 812-491-1884
WINERIES
Mystique Winery 13000 Gore Rd. Lynnville, IN 812-922-5612
Texas Roadhouse 7900 Eagle Crest Blvd. 812-477-7427 (Owenboro) 943 Moseley Rd. Owensboro, KY 270-689-0086 Western Rib-Eye & Ribs
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12 talented siblings and a classic ballet headline the holiday entertainment at the HFAC
New Year’s Eve:
Music through the Decades at the OCC The Owensboro Convention Center is going Old School to ring in 2016 You may still be recovering from the OCC’s Halloween bash featuring party band Nite Shift, but it’s time to get it together and get ready for another blowout, because there’s no celebration quite like New Year’s Eve. To help you see off 2015 in style, the Convention Center has lined up another stellar act made up of seriously talented musicians who can shift gears at a moment’s notice. That’s right; the OCC is going Old School. With six members schooled in every decade of music, the band can play just about anything – funk, rock, soul, rhythm & blues and more. In other words, expect to dance the night away to the biggest hits of the last 50 years – five hours of great entertainment to ensure that 2015 will not soon be forgotten! In addition to live music by Old School, your ticket to Music through the Decades also includes dinner stations and a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Plus, you can watch the ball drop in New York on large screen TVs. Dress is cocktail or “favorite decade” attire to help get you in the mood for a journey back through time. If you’re looking for a great party on New Year’s Eve, look no further than the OCC! Admission is $55. For reservations, call 270-685-2005 or visit owensborocenter.com. The OCC is located at 501 W. 2nd St.
The Henderson Area Arts Alliance has two markedly different but equally fantastic shows scheduled for December, beginning with a performance on the 5th by The Willis Clan, a family of amazing musicians, dancers, athletes, writers and artists. They’re also TV stars. The Willis Family airs on TLC, documenting the unorthodox upbringing of the 12 brothers and sisters – whose names all start with ‘J’ – and their parents’ efforts to raise them to be hyper-talented kids with a strong belief in God. Together, the siblings create musical magic with
a sound steeped in Nashville but shaped by Irish roots. The combination of influences and mix of personalities make for a unique live presentation, a blend of both old and new sounds for the holidays.
On December 13, enjoy a ballet classic when The Children’s Nutcracker is performed by students from the Children’s Center for Dance Education, a charitable organization offering classes for young dancers of all ages at their studio in Evansville. The mission of the CCDE is to introduce children of the tri-state to the experience of dance through outreach performances, professional dance exposure and scholarships to the school. You won’t want to miss the talented students of the CCDE as they perform one of the most beloved ballets of all time, a holiday tradition for the whole family. The Willis Clan show starts at 7 p.m.; The Children’s Nutcracker starts at 3 p.m. For tickets, visit haaa.org. The Henderson Fine Arts Center is located at 2660 S. Green St. / 270-831-9800.
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Henderson Area Arts Alliance December Shows
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dining out
What’s Cookin’
The Miller House 301 E 5th St, Owensboro • 270-685-5878
O
riginally built in 1905 by Elmer and Lizzy Miller, The Miller House is one of Owensboro’s most well-known historic sites. In 2006, the building was acquired by Larry and Jeanne Kirk with plans to open an upscale Southern-style restaurant with the largest bourbon selection in the U.S. The extensive, inventive menu, crafted by Chef Kasey Kirk Dillow, is served on three floors - several elegant, bright rooms and of course, Miller’s old billiards room in the basement, called Spirits, which is where the Kirks now host live bands and house their selection of over 400 bourbons. But don’t let the list intimidate you - the knowledgeable bartenders enjoy walking you through it.
menu items), along with grit sticks, smooth on the inside with a crispy outside. A mound of crunchy, salty sweet potato chips, cheese straws, and cornmeal-battered fried green tomatoes were the perfect creations to whet a big appetite.
with a fresh house salad. My next visit will be for Sunday Brunch, from 10-2pm for Stuffed French Toast or Chicken and Waffles. And while you won’t find any desserts on the menu, just ask your server, because they rotate on Chef’s whim and are made fresh daily.
Next was their Bourbon Braised Short Ribs, tender and tangy with micro greens, served atop stone-ground cheddar grits. Grits are usually a tough sell for me after spending part of my youth in the south, but I can honestly say that these were the best I’ve had north of the Mason-Dixon line - not runny or gelatinous, but the perfect consistency with no need to add salt or butter.
For a southern getaway and hospitable experience, visit The Miller House. Their entire menu is homemade, “except the French dressing,” says Dillow, and the ornate, airy property is the perfect place for weddings and celebrations, which the Kirks love to entertain. Or just settle in the cozy bar and learn about all things bourbon while catching some blues. - Whitney Patterson
The first menu item served was the Southern Sampler, an appetizer of generous proportion with creamy homemade Southern cheese torte and crackers (one of their most popular
For the main course, Chef Kasey served lighter fare - flaky grilled salmon with herbed butter over sauteed asparagus and French green lentils, an atypical but complementary choice,
Hours: Closed on Mon; Open Tues-Fri from 11am-9pm, Sat from 5pm-10pm, & Sun from 10-2pm. Call ahead for large parties. For more info, visit themillerhouserestaurant.com.
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The Giving Tree Band Eco-friendly folkies from the woods of Illinois prepping for intimate benefit show at the IBMM The International Bluegrass Music Museum’s Fall 2015 Concert Series may be winding down, but they’ve arguably saved the best for last. Hailing from just outside Chicago, The Giving Tree Band will perform one of the final two shows of the series on December 4 (New York’s Driftwood closes things out on December 17) to help fund the educational music programs and cover general operating expenses at the museum. GTB’s reputation for transcendental live experiences (captured perfectly on 2015’s Like a Freight Train) draws comparisons to the Grateful Dead, but the band’s sharp take on Americana is all their own, rooted in sincerity with no concern for current trends. In fact, they exist in a vacuum of sorts. The band’s communal philosophy and love of nature is at odds with the inherently selfish industry in which they reluctantly operate. As evidence, the guys all live together in out-of-the way Yorkville, where they can concentrate on the thing that matters most: the music.
The band has had as many as eight members in the past and now consists of five. Has it been difficult to find musicians in tune with your approach to / disconnection from the music industry? It hasn’t, really, but when you have a clear
Considering the band’s seemingly isolated existence in Yorkville, are you able to keep in touch with what’s happening in the world and with popular culture? Is that important? Well, even though we don’t have TV, I think it’s really easy to stay in tune with the world and the culture. As an artist, there’s an intuition that develops within you and you can sort of sense what the climate is and what the urges of the community are that you belong to - and I feel like we have a large enough community that is engaged in the music we’re making and the mission
Co-founder Todd Fink kindly spoke with News4U ahead of the band’s performance at the IBMM. You and your brother Eric started the band over a decade ago and have lived together for years in Yorkville along with fellow band members. What’s been the response from your family to your unorthodox lifestyle? Our parents are very supportive and have always been understanding and very encouraging – and proud, I believe, which makes all the difference in the world. When you don’t have good family support, it’s really hard to keep doing this thing, because it’s not always an easy path. It’s not normal [music as a career] and there are lots of hurdles and challenges – people don’t understand it very easily.
vision and you know what you’re doing, that’s going to resonate perfectly with someone; even if most people wouldn’t fit in with that, you can at least find those people who DO fit in perfectly. Even when our lineup has changed a little bit, I’ve never felt like it wasn’t the right lineup for that time and place. I think sometimes we’ve come together with some great people and made some great art and then people get called and inspired to do other things. That’s just part of life. There’s nothing at all that I regret about what’s changed over the years. I think that the band continues to evolve just like any band that survives.
of positivity and harmonious living. Just by connecting with them I think we’re tapping into a larger understanding, and I think it’s pretty easy to stay in touch. And I think we have to, to some extent. Maybe we don’t do it in the way that other people do, but we try to respond to it both creatively and outside of music. I think that’s the ultimate role of the artist – to take another look at life in a different way and then express that to a larger group of people. The band has a very loyal and sizeable following. Is there a level of success with which you would be uncomfortable?
(cont. on pg. 60)
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upcoming events
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The Giving Tree Band (cont. from pg. 59) Well, I think our attitude is that we’re comfortable with whatever comes to sincerity - and if that continues to lead to more and more of a connection to a larger community…it seems to be heading that way a little bit, but it’s happening in such an organic way that it’s not overwhelming. And in talking with a lot of artists, there’s a lot of other ways that people break music into the mainstream and some of those ways are a little bit forceful from our perspective. Sometimes artists aren’t quite ready to handle that kind of pressure. But for us, we’ve already been doing this for over 10 years. So, sometimes it seems like it takes that long to achieve overnight success (laughs). That being said, I think we’ve had enough time to understand how we want to do things and what we have shied away from is too much commercialism. We don’t want to give up control - we really have something to say, and if we’re not going to say it, then I might as well go and try to make money a different way.
Your live shows are legendary. With that in mind, how does the band approach studio recording? We actually have about seven albums of studio recordings unreleased. It’s not that we don’t want to release them or that they’re not good enough, it’s just that either the timing’s not right or there are still some things to do with them – or we got pulled away from a project for a tour. We’ve been performing some of this material for a long time; it’s been recorded in the studio and it will come out at some point. Now, by the time it comes out, our live version of it may have evolved a lot. For instance, we had a live album come out this year called Like a Freight Train. Some of the songs are from previous recordings and originally they may have been more acoustic or more folk, but now there’s a larger rock sound like the Grateful Dead or The Band. But the more we experiment, the more our creative juices seem to flow and the more inspired we are. The show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more info about the IBMM, visit bluegrassmuseum.org.
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Katie Keller Marketing Director- International Bluegrass Music Museum / ROMP Fest 1. How long it takes me to get ready in the morning... Anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the music I turn on – sometimes I get caught up dancing in front of the mirror and lose track of time.
2. Winter: discuss... Winter is my least favorite season; I’ve always kind of thought humans should hibernate in the winter. Not to mention, all my favorite activities – festivals, the lake, hiking – are done in warm weather. All I keep hearing is how bad this winter is supposed to be so I am currently planning my escape to a tropical island.
3. A reoccurring dream I have... I’ve had one since early childhood of being chased by a deranged mob. I always escape by running into a tunnel and painting the tunnel to confuse the mob. I’ve never researched it but I’d like to think it has some sort of deep, mystical meaning.
4. The moment I realized the truth about Santa Claus... I was about 10 years old when my older brother, Brian, broke the news on Christmas Eve. Later that same evening I saw my Dad eating the cookies I left for Santa and it was downhill from there…
5. The highlight of this year’s ROMP Fest... It’s so difficult to pick just one moment; the entire week is the highlight of my year, but producing and filming our Yellow Creek Sessions video series was definitely a top moment. We set up mics and a camera crew in a sunny, secluded area of the park and filmed several bands performing acoustically. The videos showcase the raw talent of the artists as well as the beauty of the park – I hope we can continue them each year and build the series into something really special. Also, John Prine was pretty epic.
6. Best part about living in western KY... I’m partial because I’ve lived here my whole life, but Kentucky in general is a really special place. Obviously, music is a large part of my life, but I think the idea behind bluegrass is sort of what WKY is all about – that sense of community, sharing and encouraging one another. People are friendly here and men (for the most part) still open doors – it may seem a little antiquated to some, but I dig the southern charm of small town Kentucky.
7. If I could be in any bluegrass band... Sam Bush, hands down. He’s insanely talented, hilarious and born and raised in Western Kentucky. What more could you ask for?
8. A word or phrase that I overuse... “Absolutely.”I have a thing with really affirming adverbs. I did an interview with Eyewitness News a few years ago and used the word approximately 20 times throughout – absolutely need to find a new word.
9. My Christmas tradition...
Christmas is pretty typical for me – lots of family time, gifts and Christmas music. The best part is after the dust settles from opening presents; my dad whips up one of the best breakfast spreads you can imagine. It’s the best holiday tradition around.
10. What 2016 has in store for me... Who knows?! I feel so grateful to be working in a career I love and to be surrounded by good music every day. I hope to continue to learn and grow in the business world as well as dedicate more time to helping others. I also just launched a side business doing music and event publicity, so I’d like to find some success with that venture. Life is good; each passing year seems to bring more joy and happiness, so I’m looking forward to seeing what 2016 will hold.
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getting to know...
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Kentucky Spirit with Kelly Lynn Annin
You know, I saw a meme on Facebook, long before moving back home that read, “Were you aware that there are more barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky than there are residents?” I chuckled to myself because my long-standing relationship with bourbon goes back before I was born. Kentucky’s claim to fame could in fact be bourbon. The smoothest sipping, richly honey colored, perfectly refined and aged commodity that is bourbon has been distilled in our glorious state since the 18th century. It would appear that soil fertility has created a rare treasure. I guess that you could say I was born into a “House of Bourbon.” My father was employed by Glenmore Distilleries and spent 20 years transporting millions of gallons of Kentucky Tavern from the distilling plant in Louisville to the bottling plant in Owensboro. My Mother, in fact, worked at Owensboro Grain. I have a sneaking suspicion she could account for copious amounts of corn, less than a mile down the road just waiting to be fermented into our state’s liquid form of gold.
Bourbon. Whether it be found in a salad, a devilishly delicious dessert, glazed upon your steak, gracing the fat layers on a strip of bacon, in a fabulous beer, on the rocks or straight out of a cask... nothing quite calms or sets ablaze our souls quite like some bourbon. So the next time you are on a patio dining in one of northwestern KY’s many amazing restaurants, I highly encourage you to order yourself a bourbon your way. But before you ever take a sip, admire it for a bit. Not just for the way the sun is working its way through the glass and reflecting on your table but also note the aroma as well and think about how much effort and time that generations of families put into the crafting of this masterpiece, for centuries before I arrived in that house...and I hope for centuries to come. It always calls this Kentucky girl home. May the corn continue to grow and the bourbon forever flow. - Kelly Lynn Annin
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Tuesday, December 1
Wednesday, December 2
O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Pool 9:15 AM Old National Events Plaza (The Centre) -Frosty 12:00 PM Old National Events Plaza (The Centre) -Frosty 6:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Paint Night Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Matt Clark 7:00 PM American Legion Kapperman Post #44 -- Jay Johnson (open to the public) Ford Center -- Men’s Purple Aces vs. Alabama State J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Live Entertainment Toast -- Low-Key Lounge Friday (no cover, includes live music & dinner/drink specials) Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Unusual Suspects 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar -- Bluesday Tuesday
O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Darts 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- The Honey Vines 6:15 PM Ford Center -- Icemen vs. Missouri 7:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Poker Tournament Kanpai Sushi & Asian Bistro -- Angel Rhodes Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Unusual Suspects Victory Theatre -- Andrew Peterson presents: Behold the Lamb of God 8:00 PM Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Open Mic Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 10:30 PM Someplace Else -- Karaoke
Thursday, December 3 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar)
-- Bob Green 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Team Trivia Ford Center -- Wynonna & The Big Noise Christmas J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Football Action Toast -- Upper Crust Society (includes free hors d’ oeuvres, live music & door prizes) Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Unusual Suspects 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Comedy Drag
Friday, December 4 5:30 PM Chido Mexican Bar & Grill -- Live Music 6:00 PM Pistons Bar & Grill -- Josh Roberts Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob & Matt 7:15 PM Ford Center -- Icemen vs. Ft. Wayne
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8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Smoke Rings Old National Events Plaza (The Centre) -ThePianoGuys River City Recreation / Legends -- Karaoke w/ DJ Bruce Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -The Van-Dells 9:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- IceMen After Party w/ DJ Pit J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy’s Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Pistons Bar & Grill -- DJ Drewpete 10:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Your Girlfriend Lamasco Bar -- Aaron Kamm & the One Drops O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Blackjack Mulligan 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Jayda Alac
Saturday, December 5 9:00 AM Toast -- Brunch Buffet with live music by Jayson Harper 9:30 AM Old National Events Plaza (The Centre) -Midwest Gingerbread House Competition 1:00 PM Ford Center -- Women’s Purple Aces vs. Murray State Mystique Winery -- Live Music 4:00 PM Winetree (Darmstadt) -- Craft and Import Beer Tasting 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- The Honey Vines 7:00 PM Chido Mexican Bar & Grill -- Reggae Night Victory Theatre -- EPO Peppermint Pops 8:00 PM River City Recreation / Legends -- Karaoke w/ DJ Bruce Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -The Van-Dells 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Jenny’s Bad Hair Day Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Ooh-La-8’s
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Enigma Bar & Grill -- Live Entertainment J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy’s Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Pistons Bar & Grill -- Bombshell Toast -- Karaoke w/ DJ B-Love 10:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Kenny Warren KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Your Girlfriend Lamasco Bar -- Fat Box O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Bake Sale 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Jayda Alac
Sunday, December 6 9:00 AM Toast -- Chic Sunday Brunch w/ live music by Jayson Harper 1:00 PM Mystique Winery -- Live Music 2:00 PM Victory Theatre -- EPO Peppermint Pops 5:00 PM Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Troy Miller Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -The Marlinaires 5:15 PM Ford Center -- IceMen vs. Quad City 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Matt Clark 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Social Sunday Drag
Monday, December 7 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Darts 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Ballard Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Sports Night 7:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Football Action
Tuesday, December 8
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Paint Night Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Green 7:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Live Entertainment Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -The Marlinaires 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- John Lennon Night 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar -- Heath & Molly
Wednesday, December 9 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Darts 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- The Honey Vines 7:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Poker Tournament Kanpai Sushi & Asian Bistro -- Monte Skelton Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -The Marlinaires 8:00 PM Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- John Hurst Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 10:30 PM Someplace Else -- Karaoke
Thursday, December 10 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Green 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Team Trivia J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Football Action Toast -- Upper Crust Society (includes free hors d’ oeuvres, live music & door prizes) Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -The Marlinaires 7:30 PM Old National Events Plaza (The Centre) -Straight No Chaser 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM
ToM kIEFE WE WERE THERE
@boogie nights 11.14.15 Call for Advertising Information (812)
Photo by Rajiv KC
KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Comedy Drag
Friday, December 11 5:30 PM Chido Mexican Bar & Grill -- Live Music 6:00 PM Buds Harley-Davidson-East -- Holiday Bash w/ holiday spirits, food, music & giveaways Pistons Bar & Grill -- Josh Roberts Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob & Matt 7:15 PM Ford Center -- IceMen vs. Cincinnati 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- You Knew Me When River City Recreation / Legends -- Karaoke w/ DJ Bruce Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -- Nu Corp Band 9:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- IceMen After Party w/ DJ Pit J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy’s Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Pistons Bar & Grill -- DJ Drewpete 10:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Osiella Lamasco Bar -- Magnolia Sons O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Downfall NSB 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Amaya Sexton
Saturday, December 12 Pistons Bar & Grill -- Dart Tournament 9:00 AM Toast -- Brunch Buffet with live music by Jayson Harper 12:00 PM Ford Center -- Women’s Purple Aces vs. UT Martin 1:00 PM Mystique Winery -- Live Music 3:00 PM Ford Center -- Men’s Purple Aces vs. Mississippi Valley State 4:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Kids Caroling w/ Nick
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Smith Old National Events Plaza (The Centre) -Faith Music Christmas 6:00 PM Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Idgits Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- The Honey Vines 7:00 PM American Legion Kapperman Post #44 -Gregory Scott (open to the public) Chido Mexican Bar & Grill -- Reggae Night Old National Events Plaza (The Centre) -Faith Music Christmas 8:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Second Saturday w/ The Pits Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -- Nu Corp Band 8:30 PM River City Recreation / Legends -- Akacia 9:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Factor Primo Downtown Evansville -- 2nd Saturday Bar Tour (Backstage, Bokeh Lounge, Boogie Nights, Ri Ra, Someplace Else) Enigma Bar & Grill -- Live Entertainment J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy’s Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Toast -- Karaoke w/ DJ B-Love 10:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- The 17th Floor Lamasco Bar -- Max Allen Band O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Insulated Music 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Amaya Sexton
Sunday, December 13 9:00 AM Toast -- Chic Sunday Brunch w/ live music by Jayson Harper 1:00 PM Mystique Winery -- Live Music 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz 5:00 PM Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Troy Miller Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Steve Greenwell Trio 6:00 PM
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Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Matt Clark 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Social Sunday Drag
Monday, December 14 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Darts 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Ballard Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Sports Night 7:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Football Action
Tuesday, December 15 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Paint Night Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Matt Clark 7:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Live Entertainment Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Terry Lee & The Rockaboogie Band 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Poetry Readings & Performances 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar -- Bluesday Tuesday
Wednesday, December 16 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Darts 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- The Honey Vines 6:15 PM Ford Center -- IceMen vs. Atlanta 7:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Poker Tournament Kanpai Sushi & Asian Bistro -- Katie Watts Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Terry Lee & The Rockaboogie Band
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7:30 PM Old National Events Plaza (The Centre) -Blue Man Group 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Science w/ a Twist Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Andy Jones Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 10:30 PM Someplace Else -- Karaoke
Thursday, December 17 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Green 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Team Trivia Ford Center -- Men’s Purple Aces vs. Norfolk State J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Football Action Toast -- Upper Crust Society (includes free hors d’ oeuvres, live music & door prizes) Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Terry Lee & The Rockaboogie Band Victory Theatre -- Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Comedy Drag
Friday, December 18 5:30 PM Chido Mexican Bar & Grill -- Live Music 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob & Matt 7:15 PM Ford Center -- IceMen vs. Indy 7:30 PM Toast -- Latin Dance w/ free lessons from Michael-Angelo, complimentary hors d’ oeuvres & Latin music 8:00 PM River City Recreation / Legends -- Karaoke w/ DJ Bruce Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) --
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Shout 9:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- IceMen After Party w/ Shane Espenlaub & DJ Pit J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy’s Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Pistons Bar & Grill -- DJ Drewpete 10:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Bombshell O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Tastes Like Chicken
Saturday, December 19 9:00 AM Toast -- Brunch Buffet with live music by Jayson Harper 1:00 PM Mystique Winery -- Live Music 4:00 PM Winetree (East) -- Craft & Import Beer Tasting 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob & Matt 7:00 PM American Legion Kapperman Post #44 -- DJ T Rob w/ Karaoke (open to the public) Chido Mexican Bar & Grill -- Reggae Night Toast -- MistleToast Mixer LGBT Cocktail Party to benefit TSA Holiday AIDS Project Victory Theatre -- Shadow of the 60s: Holiday Tribute to Motown 7:15 PM Ford Center -- IceMen vs. Indy 8:00 PM River City Recreation / Legends -- Karaoke w/ DJ Bruce Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Shout 9:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- IceMen After Party w/ Tastes Like Chicken & DJ Drewpete Bokeh Lounge -- Insulated Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Willshe Enigma Bar & Grill -- Live Entertainment J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy’s Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Pistons Bar & Grill -- 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Party w/ Josh Merritt Band Toast -- Karaoke w/ DJ B-Love 10:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Flat Stanley
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Never Been Caught 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Alejandra Leight
Sunday, December 20 9:00 AM Toast -- Chic Sunday Brunch w/ live music by Jayson Harper 1:00 PM Mystique Winery -- Live Music 5:00 PM Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Troy Miller Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Bob Green Band 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Matt Clark 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Social Sunday Drag
Monday, December 21 Bokeh Lounge -- Mondays Don’t Suck Series w/ Soap Solutions O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Darts 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Ballard Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Sports Night 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Women’s Purple Aces vs. Ball State J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Football Action 7:30 PM Old National Events Plaza (The Centre) -- The Oak Ridge Boys
Tuesday, December 22 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Paint Night Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Matt Clark 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Men’s Purple Aces vs.
WE WERE THERE.
magnolia sons
LIVE@ LAMAsco 11.13.15
Photos by Rajiv KC
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Alabama A&M J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Live Entertainment Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Bob Green Band 8:00 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Game Night 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar -- Bluesday Tuesday
Wednesday, December 23 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Darts 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- The Honey Vines 7:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Poker Tournament Kanpai Sushi & Asian Bistro -- Osiella Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Bob Green Band 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 10:30 PM Someplace Else -- Karaoke
Thursday, December 24 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Matt Clark 7:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- Team Trivia J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Football Action Toast -- Upper Crust Society Holiday Cocktail Party Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Bob Green Band 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Comedy Drag
Saturday, December 25 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob & Matt
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8:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Entice Band 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- First Annual KC’s Christmas Bash
Saturday, December 26 9:00 AM Toast -- Brunch Buffet with live music by Jayson Harper 1:00 PM Mystique Winery -- Live Music 4:00 PM Winetree (North) -- Craft & Import Beer Tasting 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Green Duo 7:00 PM Chido Mexican Bar & Grill -- Reggae Night 8:00 PM River City Recreation / Legends -- Karaoke w/ DJ Bruce Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Entice Band 9:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- After Xmas Ugly Sweater Dance Party w/ DJ Drewpete J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Leroy’s Tavern -- Karaoke w/ Sparky Toast -- Karaoke w/ DJ B-Love 10:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- Velcro Pygmies Lamasco Bar -- JEB O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Lindsey Williams 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- After Christmas Special!
Sunday, December 27 9:00 AM Toast -- Chic Sunday Brunch w/ live music by Jayson Harper 1:00 PM Mystique Winery -- Live Music 2:30 PM Bokeh Lounge -- Sunday Jazz 5:00 PM Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Troy Miller
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Bob Minnette’s Swing Cats 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Green 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 11:30 PM Someplace Else -- Social Sunday Drag
Monday, December 28 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Darts 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Ballard Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Sports Night 7:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Football Action
Tuesday, December 29 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Pool 6:00 PM J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Paint Night Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- Bob Green 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Women’s Purple Aces vs. IUPUI J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Live Entertainment Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -Retro Shock 8:00 PM Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe -- Lacy Chaddock 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Lamasco Bar -- Kyle Bledsoe
Wednesday, December 30 O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- Free Darts 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- The Honey Vines 7:00 PM Ford Center -- Men’s Purple Aces vs. Indiana State J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Poker Tournament
Kanpai Sushi & Asian Bistro -- Josh Merritt Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -- Retro Shock 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke 9:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke 10:30 PM Someplace Else -- Karaoke
Thursday, December 31 6:00 PM Tropicana Evansville (Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar) -- The Honey Vines 7:00 PM American Legion Kapperman Post #44 -- New Year’s party w/ Keith Vincent (no cover / all you can eat taco bar / open to the public) Backstage Bar & Grill -- Team Trivia J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Football Action 7:15 PM Ford Center -- IceMen vs. Quad City / New Year’s Eve Indoor Fireworks 8:00 PM Lamasco Bar -- Karaoke Toast -- New Year’s Eve w/ Skelton’s Montourage & DJ: A champagne & gold affair Tropicana Evansville (Hoosiers Lounge) -- The Duke Boys & Two -Tone Express 8:30 PM River City Recreation / Legends -- New Year’s Eve Bash w/ Akacia 9:00 PM Backstage Bar & Grill -- New Year’s Eve Bash / Dance Party w/ DJ Drewpete Bokeh Lounge -- New Year’s Eve Party w/ Jenny’s Bad Hair Day J’s Sports Bar & Grill -- New Year’s Eve Bash KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- DJ & Karaoke Pistons Bar & Grill -- New Year’s Eve Bash w/ Tastes Like Chicken Ri Ra Irish Pub -- Lindsey Williams & Adam Blythe (Upstairs Bar) followed by Live DJ Dance Party 10:00 PM KC’s Time Out Lounge & Grill -- New Year’s Eve Bash w/ Pfreak Show Lamasco Bar -- Calabash O’Brian’s Sports Bar -- New Year’s Eve w/ Nocturnal Ri Ra Irish Pub -- Joel & Cassy (Downstairs Bar) 11:00 PM Someplace Else -- New Year’s Eve Bash w/ Bella Nicole Harlow & Myesha Stratton Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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music
not surprisingly, money was tight. After a few years of slogging it, the Martins and the rest of the Rings returned to the friendlier confines of the Midwest – beaten down a bit, but more determined than ever to play the music that they loved.
Jake Martin
“The best guitar lesson I ever got was how to play a power chord.” – Jake Martin
Revered by his musical peers around the tri-state, Mt. Carmel’s Jake Martin grew up surrounded by his parents’ huge album collection – classic recordings by The Who, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, plus glam bands like T. Rex and, of course, Pink Floyd. He and his younger brother Chris fell instantly in love with the big, warm sound coming out of the speakers. “We just couldn’t get enough of it – we were insatiable,” Martin says. “The only thing we could do to up the level of joy was to learn how to play it.” Chris, just five at the time, hopped behind a drum kit and nineyear-old Jake strapped on a guitar. As Martin jokes, they formed a sort of “pre-White Stripes” rock duo that quickly progressed – much to their parents’ delight. “A lot of times my dad would work a second shift. He’d bring a friend home, wake us up and say ‘come on down and show him how you guys can jam,’” Martin recounts with a hearty laugh. “We’d be playing Hendrix at 2 a.m. and then go back to bed.” The hard work – and lack of sleep – eventually led to the formation of the brothers’ first real band, The Smoke Rings, a high school hobby that blossomed into a legitimate concert draw around the Mt. Carmel area and beyond. In fact, the response to their 70s vibe was so positive that the Martins
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and the other members packed up and headed off to New York City, eager to test out a (much) bigger market. “I was about 24 when we went out there,” Martin says. “We played all sorts of famous places – The Bitter End, The Bottom Line, The Spiral, Kenny’s Castaways; we probably played CBGB 20 or
Over the last decade, Martin and his brother have continued to rock the 70s – performing all over the tri-state as both The Smoke Rings and more recently, The Jake Martin Band. Each incarnation has included other talented area musicians to fill out the sound, but Martin’s ferocious guitar work has remained the focal point – until now. With the addition of multi-instrumentalist Jason Hornby, the dynamic of the band has shifted to more of a “team” approach – a change that is immediately apparent on stage as members switch instruments and Martin concentrates more on the vocals. Fans of his riffing need not worry, though. “We still definitely believe in our big guitar solos,” he says. While the local scene remains resistant to original music and Martin is happy to continue playing the classics that he grew up on, he nonetheless is moving forward with plans for a new album under The Smoke Rings moniker. “One of the big plans for the next year is to go back and use that name again,” Martin explains. “We’re trying to come up with a way to write stuff that is fresh and relevant for today but with the vibe, recording techniques and instrumentation of the 70s – we do have that retro thing.” In the meantime, you can catch Martin, his brother Chris and the rest of the Rings at Bokeh Lounge on December 4. Follow Jake Martin and The Smoke Rings on Facebook.
30 times. The owner Hilly Kristal was a big fan of ours.” Despite Kristal’s championing of the band, The Smoke Rings’ throwback sound and reliance on guitar solos just didn’t quite gel with the NYC musical landscape. And,
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
*Attention local bands and solo artists: Drop your bio or press kit off at Gordy’s and you might end up in the next issue of News4U! Call 270-684-2156 for details!
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comedy Corey Martin I was contacted by News4u to write an article on culture in Evansville. Being the cynical stand-up comic that I am, I said to myself, “What culture?” Which is a weird question for me to ask seeing how I’m involved in the performing arts, some of my best friends are players in the local music scene, and I know several visual artists as well. There IS culture in this town and I’m not just talking about the stuff growing on the meat that’s hanging outside of Teppanyaki Grill. We actually have a vibrant scene full of talented people; what we are lacking is support from the community. We live in a city that won’t show up for live music, comedy, or art shows but we’ll pack the streets for brain sandwiches and deep fried butter. From my own experience I can give you a million examples of people telling me “Oh, I’d love to come see a live comedy show.” Me: “I’m performing at the Bokeh Lounge next Thursday at 8pm.” Them: “8pm next Thursday? Sorry, I’m going to be re-roofing my house.” Me: “But….it’ll be dark then.” Them: “Yeah…..” (their eyes glaze over) “There’s nothing to do in Evansville” We’ve all heard this, but it’s a lie. There’s plenty to do. There’s nothing to do because you aren’t doing anything. I implore our citizens! Put down the cans of Bud Light and chicken wings! Get out of your homes and support local artists. Make Evansville exciting.
Brooke Spitler Whenever your mom or priest gives you unsolicited advice, lock your jaw and listen. Everyone else is fair game to deck. Gratefully, the number of unwanted comments on my act has been few. However, when they do happen, it’s about as annoying as being stuck in a long checkout line of holiday grocery shoppers when all you wanted was cheap wine and Mac and cheese. For the sake of clarity, if a comment is uneducated and/or hypocritical, it’s unwanted. I’ll give you some examples. Once after a set an anxious guitarist told me I should be more confident on stage. I later watched this self-proclaimed untalented musician perform. The only interesting part of his act was the guitar he played had a light inside. Unfortunately, his nightlight of a guitar didn’t do anything for his nerves. Another came during a check up with my doctor. He gleefully informed me that, I, as a female in comedy, have a distinct advantage. If I wished, I could just sleep my way to the top! I don’t wish - and that’s not a solid strategy considering sex is basically free nowadays. Those comments were not the first and definitely not the last. The harsh reality is my male comedy counterparts don’t experience these same suggestions. Those that give such advice are doing so under the misguided illusion that they are helping. I think exposure to more comedians who are female is the best way to combat this tendency. The following are some of my favorite comedians that I highly recommend checking out: Paula Poundstone, Tig Notaro, Beth Stelling, and Jessie Klein.
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books
Evansville in WWII By James MacLeod incredible undertaking that even today, seems almost unfathomable. In fact, UE historian James MacLeod found the accomplishment so compelling that he’s written about the city’s greatest – and all but forgotten – legacy in a new book, Evansville in World War II. The fascinating account details not just the manufacturing of war machinery but also provides a rare insight into life here during that volatile period. MacLeod kindly spoke with News4U about the book and his interest in the war.
I
f you’re unfamiliar with Evansville’s hugely important contribution to the Allied victory in World War II, you’re hardly alone. Surprisingly few of the city’s residents know the story of how we manufactured not just a staggering amount of ammunition, including 96% of the .45 caliber artillery shells used, but even more significantly, produced 6,500 P-47 Thunderbolts and 167 LST vessels. It was an
Where do you think the disconnect starts – what’s the dividing line age-wise in regards to knowledge of our involvement in WWII? Why did the story die, in a sense? That’s a great question. I’m 49, and I would guess it’s just kind of above that. The people who grew up in that next generation had so much to think about – they tended not to dwell too much on the war. And one thing I’ve noticed over almost 30 years of teaching WWII is that every year you teach it, it’s a little bit more disconnected. In the old days, people could go interview their granddad or whoever and that’s very rare now. But what I think is also really clear is that that generation – those who were in the war and those who stayed at home – just kind of got on with their lives. There was almost a sense of, ‘why would you dwell on that time?’ It’s interesting that it took someone from Scotland to finally tell Evansville’s incredible WWII story. Where does your interest in the war come from? My parents were both very much a product of WWII – my dad was in the British Merchant Navy, did all the North Atlantic convoys to Russia. But he never really talked about it even though he was a preacher who talked for a living his whole life. My mom was a college student in Glasgow which was one of the cities that was bombed during
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December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
the war, so she worked in the soup kitchen for people who had been bombed. As a kid, I was reading comics about WWII and I grew up with all that stuff, so after years of struggling through graduate school, I realized, ‘hey, now I can force kids to read about the war’ (laughs). So, I think this particular project is tying together a love and a passion and excitement about WWII – it’s telling this awesome story about people doing amazing things, but it’s also a story about home; this is where we live. It all happened right here.
What did you hope to achieve by writing this book? At one point everybody in the city knew exactly what happened, but over time, it’s sort of faded away – even the people who are directly connected to the people who knew what was going on don’t really have these conversations. So, it’s really my hope that people will read the book and start talking to their relatives – not just to their older relatives but to their kids and nephews and nieces and say ‘we did this amazing thing’. The response I’ve gotten from a lot of people so far is that these conversations are happening, and a lot of people have said that they’re going to get the book as a gift for their granddad, etc. – and that makes me feel awesome. That’s exactly what I wanted. Evansville in WWII is available through Barnes & Noble, amazon.com and other major sites.
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writers
The Time It Takes to Do Everything or Anything John Thurgood
Winslow Heinsmann had never been anywhere in his life, or at least, that’s what he claimed. He grew up on the south side of the city, and spent sixty years without a car, riding his bike to the hotel downtown where he worked as a clerk and handyman, until he grew too old to keep up with the computers and too feeble to climb up on ladders. In his golden years, he sat on his front porch, and watched as cars passed along Riverside Drive. Some had said he wasn’t just watching, but looking and waiting, that there was much more to Winslow Heinsmann than he would like you to believe. He sold hubcaps he had found on the side of the road. His porch was lined with them, and his front yard was cluttered with old bikes and rusted car parts. A claw foot tub sat at the end of his driveway like a porcelain lion, greeting everyone who passed. The neighbors complained incessantly, saying that it was too much clutter for one man and that he had to get rid of it, but a lot of people suspected that the junk was a ploy. It was a part of his assumed identity—a cover, a clever guise. He was nearly seven feet tall, and built like a sedan, habitually clad in overalls and a plaid shirt. A scar curved across his face, through his eyebrow and down his cheek, like the mark of a seasoned lion tamer or a gift from the Yakuza. Some had said he was a trained assassin, that he had killed a military dictator in Central Africa, and that he had fought with the Sandinistas when he was a teenager. We pictured him tearing limbs from Nazi soldiers and the Vietcong. But whenever anyone asked about those rumors, he always denied it. He would laugh a big laugh and wave his massive hand through the air, saying that he had never wanted to do any of that, and why would he? He had it all right here. And he would point to his front yard as if it were a museum. But we didn’t believe him. We couldn’t, because it was impossible to imagine what it would be like to live in the same place for an entire lifetime.
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arts & activities Dec 4: IBMM Fall 2015 Benefit Concert Series - The Giving Tree Band Hailing from outside Chicago, The Giving Tree Band cultivates a sound that hearkens back to classic American folk. Their music embodies the band’s unwavering passion for perfecting their craft with the finest songwriting and musical versatility on display. The most common descriptive among those who share the GTB concert experience is “undeniable” in regard to their chemistry on stage and the energy shared with their audiences. For tickets and more info, visit bluegrassmuseum.org. International Bluegrass Music Museum: 117 Daviess St., Owensboro Dec 4 & 11: USI Friday Night in the Forum Film Series This series can be seen on select Friday evenings and is free to the public. The schedule and films are as follows: 12/4, Dear White People (2015); 12/11, The Great Beauty (2013, Italy). USI: 8600 University Blvd., Forum 1 - Wright Administration Building / 812-465-1192 / 7:30pm Dec 5: Owensboro Dance Theater presents The Nutcracker Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet is brought to life on the Cannon Hall stage with elaborate sets, costumes, and one very special toy. Children and adults of all ages will experience the magic and joy of Christmas through the beauty of music and dance. This outstanding production will fill the stage with light, movement, color, and sound, delighting the viewers with its imaginative renderings of a classic ballet. Showcasing performances by six guest professional dancers from Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and New York City, audiences will be thrilled by their expertise, grace, and athleticism. Let the beauty and joy of ODT’s The Nutcracker become your family’s favorite tradition for the holiday season. RiverPark Center, Cannon Hall: 101 Daviess St., Owensboro /7pm Dec 5 & 6: Peppermint Pops For tri-state concert-goers, the holiday season always begins with the Evansville Philharmonic’s Peppermint Pops! Join the orchestra for this most beloved holiday tradition, complete with singers, dancers, Santa Claus, sing-alongs, and country music recording artist/Broadway star Rachel Potter. Those attending are asked to take a donation or food item for the Tri-State Food Bank if possible, and stay after the concert for cookies. For tickets and more info, visit evansvillephilharmonic.org. Victory Theatre: 600 Main St. / 812-422-1515 Dec 6: An Irish Christmas An Irish Christmas brings just about everything to the table – joy, hope, laughter, friendship, celebration of life through storytelling, music, song, and dance in a night that sparkles with life and a bit of ‘magic!’ Dancers dance through the generations over brooms, on half doors, around butter churns, into the world of mythology and out again. Songs spinning out of the mists and into the familiar “Silent Night,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Carol of the Bells,” and superb music of the pipes, flutes, fiddles, button accordion and bodhráns are just the beginning of this great Irish night! You can be sure of a rip-roaring celebration of Christmas from the heart of glorious Ireland with a superb team of Irish traditional musicians, dancers from the Kerry Dance Troupe lead by Scott Doherty (Riverdance & Lord of the Dance), the Kerry Records voice squad, and Irish actor Sheelagh Cullen.
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RiverPark Center, Cannon Hall: 101 Daviess St., Owensboro / 7pm Dec 10: Straight No Chaser If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses... think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudevillestyle kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fanbase, numerous national TV appearances and proven success with CD releases. “The New Old Fashioned Tour” comes to town on the heels of the release of their new album, their fifth release through Atlantic Records. The album features an eclectic array of songs that explore multiple influential musical eras highlighted by signature and singularly unique medleys. SNC is the real deal, the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense... and with a sense of humor. On the road, the group has built a reputation as an unforgettable live act. For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St. / 812-435-5770 / 7:30pm Dec 12 & 13: Evansville Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker The Evansville Ballet will team up with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra to present Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet. Evansville Ballet was founded by Artistic Director Mark Bush in 2010. Its mission is to bring world-class training with an emphasis on clean technique and superior artistry to the tri-state area. It currently serves 60 adults and children through its classes. Victory Theatre: 600 Main St. / 812-422-1515 Dec 13: Holiday Pops! featuring Jenny Beth Willis The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra will spread holiday cheer with the annual Holiday Pops concert. A sleigh full of guest artists, including American Idol finalist Jenny Beth Willis, Owensboro Symphony Chorus, Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra, combined children’s chorus from city and county elementary schools, Owensboro High School Red Steel Drum Ensemble, and actors from Theater Workshop of Owensboro will join the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra for favorite carols, cherished holiday tunes, and more. For more info, visit theoso. com. RiverPark Center, Cannon Hall: 101 Daviess St., Owensboro / 3pm Dec 15: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. RiverPark Center, Cannon Hall: 101 Daviess St., Owensboro / 7pm Dec 16: Blue Man Group Blue Man Group will thrill Evansville with its high-octane theatrical experience. Escape the ordinary and surround yourself in an explosion of comedy, music and technology. If you’ve never seen Blue Man Group, it’s a must-see! If you’re already a fan, don’t miss it! For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St. / 812-435-5770 / 7:30pm Dec 17: IBMM Fall 2015 Benefit Concert Series - Driftwood Driftwood, out of Binghampton, NY, is a band with a rock n’ roll soul and a folk art mind. Carving out a name for themselves with electrifying live performances, they bring one of the most unique, raw sounds to the Americana/roots music scene. After the release of their Debut CD Rally Day in 2009, the band has spent most of the last 5 years on the road. For tickets and more info, visit bluegrassmuseum.org. International Bluegrass Music Museum: 117 Daviess St., Owensboro Dec 18 & 19: Handel’s “Messiah” by Candlelight The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus will present Handel’s “Messiah” by candlelight on two nights at two area churches. The 12/18 performance will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Evansville. The 12/19 performance will be at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper. Advanced tickets are $23; $25 at the door. Dec 19: Shadows of the 60’s Holiday Tribute to Motown Shadows of the 60’s pays tribute to the tremendous legacy of Motown’s Super Groups - “The Supreme Girls Of Motown.” It’s a salute to the legendary female stars of Motown such as The Supremes, Marvelettes, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves and a host of Motown’s male stars, including Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Temptations, Four Tops, Jr. Walker & The Allstars and more. Add in the festive music of Christmas time and old favorites such as “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer,” “Silent Night” and more all done in the style of Motown, and you have an unbelievable night of celebration. Featuring top industry musicians and singers dressed in exquisitely designed costumes and dazzling choreography, Shadows Of the 60s present the songs with the intensity of the original recorded performances. Each singer and musician was chosen because they embody the spirit, style and excitement of the original artists in concert. The show is capped off with a jaw dropping grand finale featuring the music of Motown’s Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves, Junior Walker, and more! For tickets and more info, visit vi ctorytheatre.com. Victory Theatre: 600 Main St. / 812-422-1515 / 7pm Dec 21: Oak Ridge Boys The legendary Oak Ridge Boys have enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades, highlighted by countless CMA, ACM, Grammy and Dove awards, to name just a handful. With numerous gold and platinum albums, the Oaks have a string of classic favorites, including “Bobbie Sue,” “American Made,” and their signature hit, “Elvira.” Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Joe Bonsall are celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Oak Ridge Boys. The Oak Ridge Boys came together in 1973, beginning as gospel singers, became a top act in country music and then crossed over to pop with “Elvira” in 1981. For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St. / 812-435-5770 / 7:30pm Dec 31: Third Annual 1 Time Only Goldie’s New Year’s Eve Show Back by popular demand! Goldie’s presenting the Third Annual One-Time Only New Year’s Eve show on December 31, 2015. This year’s show will include country and gospel music, as well as the infamous old time RockN-Roll spectacular. The show is made from the best of the best – Goldie, her Backstage Band and singers. The cast and crew will be coming from Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Africa to be a part of this third annual show. RiverPark Center, Cannon Hall: 101 Daviess St., Owensboro / 8pm
Faith Music Christmas 2015 Traditional Christmas concert supports family-friendly values but doesn’t skimp on the entertainment At a time when many people feel there’s a war on this country’s most celebrated holiday, the organizers of Faith Music Christmas are taking a proactive stance. They’ve assembled some of the most talented singers around (including national recording artists Bruce Frye, His Own and David Chamberlain) to perform all of your Christmas favorites, arranged and directed by Ed Russ and backed by the Boeke Road Baptist Church Choir. The goal is to produce a family-friendly event of the highest quality that both reasserts Christmas values at a time when our country needs them most and gives the tri-state a night of entertainment to remember. On December 12, the Faith Music Christmas 2015 concert comes to Old National Events Plaza for two exciting performances. Produced by Dan Wolfe, the “wholesome” show will shine a light on downtown Evansville, helping to support the development of the area. No doubt, the high profile acts on the bill should draw big crowds. Bruce Frye has performed with well-known artists like Hank Williams, Jr. and opened for groups like Sawyer Brown, The Oak Ridge Boys and Charlie Daniels. Hailing from Nashville, His Own is a power-packed quartet of female vocalists who have inspired and entertained audiences in 20 states. Last but not least, David Chamberlain will bring his instantly recognizable piano style and sense of harmony to the stage. Also an accomplished vocalist, he has recorded 19 albums and is a long-standing member of The Sounds of Faith and The Old-Fashioned Quartet. Show times: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. You may also help underwrite the event with financial support by visiting faithmusicradio.com. The ONEP is located at 715 Locust St. / 812-435-5770.
Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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Ask the Pastor
Lobeck’s
with Kevin Fleming of First Presbyterian Church
Q:
Lowdown
Do you believe we are near the end of times or Jesus’ return?
The popularity of the subject, inspiring books and films, and a financial avalanche stuffing the pockets of authors and media preachers, is based on a literal reading of Scripture and the fifth of the five fundamentals of fundamentalism. Fundamentalism began in the Christian tradition in the United States in 1910 and has “flavored” Christianity to this day. However, prior to 1910, Christians believed in a more metaphorical reading of the Scriptures, including the idea that when the end of time would come, God would set all things right, evil in all its forms would be defeated, and eternal peace would reign. Jesus himself was asked when the end would come and he generally responded with answers that basically said, “I don’t know,” and “you’ve got bigger fish to fry.” Rather than worrying about the end of time, or watching for feet to come through the clouds, Christians should be about the work of doing justice, caring for the poor, standing with those the world stands against, caring for the planet entrusted to our stewardship, and doing what Jesus did. Christians should not be sitting on their hands waiting for the end to come, or supporting political positions that seemingly force God’s hand to act in accordance with their peculiar interpretations of what they dub as “prophecy.”
Monthly musings on music, movies and pop culture
What’s Old is New Again (just heavier, with thinner hair)
Seeing as how it’s December, I originally planned on writing something with a holiday theme. However, something is brewing in the world of music. Something so monumental, so unprecedented, that it takes priority over all other topics that I had in mind. As I’m sure you guessed, I’m talking about the possible reuniting of the original Guns N’ Roses. Admittedly, as widespread as the rumors are, the chances of this working out are slim at best. While I’m very aware that not everyone has spent as much of their life worshiping at the altar of Axl Rose as I have, there is a bigger discussion here than just an aging group of L.A. rockers. It’s our cultural desire to always squeeze more out of something that was once great. A fairly recent example of this was the Dumb and Dumber sequel. My god, how long did we all beg for it? Maybe it would have been better within five, or even 10 years of the original. What we finally got were familiar (yet very aged) characters making an uninspired attempt to recapture a moment that really should have been left alone. Remember when Bill Cosby (pre-scandals) returned with a postCosby Show sitcom called Cosby? Neither does anyone else. There is a reason Seinfeld has never come back, Back to the Future IV won’t be happening, and Stone Cold Steve Austin isn’t having “one more match.” Sometimes, what we love is as much about a moment in time as it is about the actual content. As fun as it is to reminisce about the past, nothing will ever hit you the same way it did years ago, because you aren’t who you were years ago. Those that recognize this will be remembered at their peak. Are a group of 50 year old men that have spent the last two decades despising each other really going to be able to reignite the fire of a band known as much for their reckless, riot-inciting behavior as they are for their music? Assuming a reunion happens, I will put on my rose colored glasses, purchase a ridiculously overpriced ticket, and no doubt have the greatest night of my life. But I’m probably the exception. Nostalgia makes for a great cash grabbing opportunity, but it rarely accomplishes anything other than reminding us of what once was, and what will never be again. With all that said, I’m still on board for a Big Lebowski sequel. Happy Holidays, friends! J. Robert Lobeck
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Tri-State Politics with Bryan Fox
“We do not heal the past by dwelling there; we heal the past by living fully in the present.” -Marianne Williamson What a year, man. From the discovery of water on Mars to marriage equality finally becoming a reality to the Baltimore riots to Donald Trump as a presidential candidate - it’s been eventful to say the least. With the New Year quickly approaching, it’s time for folks to start over-purchasing gifts made from out-sourced labor, get in public fights over such items, and waste tons of chemically-laden food, all in the name of the holiday spirit. When that’s all finished, we make promises to ourselves and others to be better next time, usually breaking them by mid-January. Let’s admit it - New Year’s resolutions are old hat. New year, fresh start, blah blah. Why can’t every moment be a fresh start? We are all capable of growth, the soul has no sense of time, and we all have the answers to our questions within ourselves. Alas, tradition is comforting and often trumps reality, but I’m suggesting a different approach in 2016. Rather than setting goals, live in the moment and make good choices. Instead of “I’m going to work out every day,” how about “Will this 4-hour social media argument enrich anyone’s life or affect positive change?”
Time spent on Twitter could be a hike in the woods or coffee with Grandma. Instead of “I’m going cold-turkey vegetarian,” cut out meat whenever it’s possible and be healthy. Don’t set limits - just love yourself, cause no harm to others, forgive, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Conscious life isn’t guaranteed, so enjoy the fleeting moments of the one you remember. Happiness is an active choice, and the only one in control of yours is you. On to the next, you beautiful jerks. Signed, Whitney Patterson - the authority on absolutely nothing
Why the Democrats Lost the Election Now that the 2015 Evansville city elections are over, it’s time for local Democrats to ponder, “What went wrong?” In a city where elections have generally been dominated by Democrats, most pundits would have predicted that the party, at the very least, would break even. Instead, they got trounced. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke was reelected in a landslide and Republicans gained 3 seats on the city council. The cause of this can be traced back to the 2011 elections when the late Rick Davis ran against Winnecke for mayor. After Davis won the Democratic primary, many prominent Democrats spoke out against his candidacy. Predictably, Davis lost the election, but he still managed to get 47% of the vote. Despite Davis’ defeat, the Democrats were still able to maintain commanding control of the city council keeping an 8 to 1 majority. But the political infighting continued. During many city council meetings, certain Democratic council members often supported Mayor Winnecke and sparred with their fellow council members. There were also some bad PR incidents that did little to help the cause. But, perhaps the biggest reason the Democrats lost could be contributed to Republican energy and enthusiasm. Nowhere was this more evident than the city’s heavily democratic third ward where Republican Anna Hargis trounced Democrat Anne Melcher, getting over 61% of the vote. Most tellingly, she raised significantly more money during the campaign’s first quarter. While Democrats still hold a slim 5-4 majority on the city council, it will be interesting to see if their political infighting continues. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News4U.
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community & family Dec 1: Frosty
PLAYER PROFILES
Ryan Penny, Forward #19 What is your pregame ritual?
“Nap, shower, pasta & chicken.” How long have you been playing hockey?
“18 years.” Who is your favorite NHL player? “Joe Thorton, because he is a big, strong power forward.”
Most memorable hockey experience?
“Being the Captain of two OMJHL teams.”
TICKETS:
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The beloved holiday song “Frosty the Snowman” has inspired a brand new story by Catherine Bush that includes original music by Mandy Williams and is produced by The Barter Players, from Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA—one of the longest running theatre’s in the country! A young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat. When he places the hat on a snowman’s head, the snowman comes to life! But can Frosty the Snowman help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join Billy and Frosty as they embark on a New York City adventure filled with thrills and chills, and the discovery that the real magic of the holidays is love. The show is filled with songs and dances that you’ll remember long after you leave the theatre! For tickets and more info, visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com. Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St. / 812-435-5770 / 9:15am & 12 noon
event is volunteer-driven, requiring hours and hours of preparation and hard work. For more info, follow GM on Facebook. Germania Maennerchor: 916 N. Fulton Ave. / 812-422-1915
Dec 1 - Jan 1: Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights As the holiday season arrives, Garvin Park transforms into a winter wonderland of lights and holiday scenes. Each year, the drive-thru “magical mile” helps pay for thousands of physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions for children and adults with disabilities at the Easter Rehabilitation Center. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available nightly (weather permitting) for an additional cost. Sun-Thurs, 5 to 9pm; Fri-Sat, 5 to 10pm. $7-$25 per vehicle, depending on number of people. For more info, visit eastersealsswindiana.com. Garvin Park / 812-437-2627 Dec 4-5: Christmas at Germania For the eighth year running, Germania Maennerchor will host a two-day celebration of Evansville’s German heritage filled with great food, music and pageantry. It’s an opportunity to not only spend time with friends and family but also support one of the area’s most dedicated organizations. Every year, Germania Maennerchor works to sponsor and promote German song, speech, music and dramatic arts through a series of annual events such as the hugely popular Volksfest (54 years and counting). Each
December 2015 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
Dec 4-6: 2nd Annual Owensboro Christmas Show Bring your family and friends to the OCC for the Second Annual Owensboro Christmas Show. Organizers promise that the 2015 edition will surpass last year’s event in every way, with more than 200 high quality vendors from all over the region, more booths and an even better selection of Christmas items on display and available to purchase – literally acres of goods, including Christmas décor, crafts, handmade items, bath and body, jewelry and much more! For times and more info, visit owensborocenter.com. Owensboro Convention Center: 501 W. 2nd St. / 270-687-8800 Dec 5: Evansville Rotary Santa Run This 5K run and 1 mile walk will begin at the Buffalo Trace Council, travel west to Vann Avenue and wind through the east side neighborhoods of Evansville. The course is relatively flat. For those participants who would rather stroll the 1 mile course, it will begin at the Buffalo Trace Council and lead you through the surrounding grounds to separate from the running Santas. First 500 registrants
will receive a Santa suit to be worn during the event. Personalization and creativity are encouraged. For more info, visit evansvillerotary.com. Eykamp Scout Center: 3501 E. Lloyd Expressway / 10am Dec 5: Aurora’s Midwest Gingerbread House Competition Aurora invites you to participate in their 5th Annual Midwest Gingerbread House Competition. The festivities will include a silent auction, pictures with Santa and entertainment all day so bring the whole family! The proceeds will support our mission to prevent and end homelessness in the Evansville area. What better way to bring the community together than a fun-filled, friendly contest consisting of the holiday tradition and wonder of building gingerbread houses. Unlike other competitions, Aurora’s twist on the event is the construction of the showpieces onsite. This is not only a chance for the public to view the incredible techniques and skills of professionals, amateurs and youth, but the “building” symbolizes what Aurora works to accomplish everyday through its services: creating foundations and hope for those individuals and families who have no one else. Old National Events Plaza: 715 Locust St. / 812-435-5770 / 9:30am-5pm
Dec 5-6: Historic Newburgh Celebrates Christmas A street musical featuring people in period costumes, recreate events in Newburgh, IN in the 1800s. Musicians, carolers, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Trolley tours, Find the Elf contest, and photos with Santa. For times and more info, visit historicnewburgh.org. Downtown Newburgh
PLAYER PROFILES
Spencer Humphries, Defenseman #5 Why hockey?
Dec 5: Bunny Bread Candy Cane Express
Dec 5-6: Christmas in New Harmony
The Evansville Philharmonic Chorus and Evansville Children’s Choir will join the orchestra to perform music from The Polar Express. For more info, visit evansvillephilharmonic.org. Victory Theatre: 600 Main St. / 812-4255050 / 2pm
Celebrate the warmth and excitement of the holiday season. Events will include a Christmas tree lighting, hometown Christmas parade, breakfast with Santa, choral groups, shopping, Artisan Market, open houses, horse drawn carriages, and more. For more info, visit newharmony.biz. New Harmony, IN
“I’m Canadian, nothing else to do.” How long have you been playing hockey?
“Since I was 6 years old.” What do you do on a day off? “Stay hydrated, hang out with the guys.”
Most awkward fan experience?
“Being mistaken for the wrong player.”
TICKETS:
(812) 421-GOAL Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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community & family cont. from pg. 83
Dec 5-6: Christmas at the Zoo with Santa & Mrs. Claus Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden’s Rainforest Grill. Children receive a treat bag and enjoy making a special holiday craft. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanical Garden: 1545 Mesker Park Dr. / 812435-6143 Dec 11-12: EMTRAC Express Families are invited to the Evansville Museum’s Transportation Center for a holiday evening of magical memories! Guests will enjoy a special reading of The Polar Express in the train’s club car and will be treated hot cocoa and cookies in the train’s dining car. A special gift and a visit with Santa will make this an evening to cherish for years to come. Pajamas are welcome, and “Golden Tickets” are required for the event. For more info, visit emuseum.org. Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science: 411 NE Riverside Dr. / 812-425-2406 / 6-7:30pm
Sixth Annual Skate with Santa Join Jolly Old St. Nick at Swonder Ice Arena for an evening of family-friendly fun on December 22 Once a year, Santa straps on his skates and makes a lot of local kids very, very happy. His annual appearance at Swonder Ice Arena is one of the highlights of the holiday season, a rare opportunity to spend time with the man who has made so many wishes come true for so many children all over the world. Best of all, the evening will include pictures with the man of the hour (just $10 and ready to take home) to create a lasting memory of this very special occasion. Every good little boy and girl in the tri-state should be there! But the Skate with Santa event is not just for the young. In addition to the action on the ice, there will be giveaways as well as a silent auction with all sorts of great items up for grabs. Parents and family members can bid while enjoying the delicious food and refreshments on hand. Skate with Santa starts at 5:30 p.m. but be sure to get there early, because photos will be taken beginning at 5 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Santa will take the ice to spread holiday cheer to everyone. The holiday public skating session ends at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on this family-friendly night of fun! Proceeds from pictures and the silent auction benefit a local non-profit organization. Regular admission rates apply. For more info, call 812-479-0989 or email HLoehr@evansville.in.gov. Swonder Ice Arena is located at 209 N. Boeke Rd.
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Dec 11-12: Evansville Creche: A Community Nativity Festival Center your Christmas season on Christ at this exhibit of more than 400 nativity scenes of every kind and from around the world. This free, non-denominational exhibition features live music from local choirs and musicians, a children’s room for Christmas crafts, and homemade refreshments. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 8020 Covert Ave. / 812-202-5727 / Times: 12/11, 11am-8pm; 12/12, 9am-7pm Dec 12: Evansville Philharmonic Guild Barnes & Noble Book Fair 17 musical groups will be performing throughout the day. A percentage of B&N sales for the day will be donated to the Guild. Funds earned will enable over 10,000 tri-state youth to attend educational Philharmonic concerts. Come enjoy the music and bring your shopping list on this fun-filled day to benefit music for youth! Barnes & Noble: 624 S. Green River Rd. / 9am-9pm
Dec 13: Christmas at Crossroads Crossroads Christian Church presents timeless classics and popular contemporary music from the church’s 200-member choir and 60-piece orchestra. For more info, visit cccgo.com. Crossroads Christian Church: 10800 Outer Lincoln Ave. / 812-858-8668 Dec 14-18: Boys & Girls Club Annual Christmas Store The annual Christmas store includes a donation of one or more canned food items in exchange for the chance to pick out gifts. Club members pick out gifts for family members and wrap them with volunteers. For more info, visit bgclubevv.com. Springleaf Boys & Girls Club: 700 Bellemeade Ave. / 812-425-2311 Dec 15: Homeless Memorial Service Community members are invited to attend the annual memorial service to recognize individuals who have died while being homeless. The recognition is normally held on the first day of winter. Several names were collected locally dating back to 1990 and are currently memorialized on boards that hang in the lobby of Aurora’s main office. Aurora, Inc.: 1100 Lincoln Ave. / 812-428-3246 Dec 19: Breakfast with Santa Pastor Kevin Fleming will play Santa at a pancake, egg, and sausage breakfast for the kids and their families. During the breakfast, Santa will sit in his castle-style Santa chair and speak with each child. Pictures will be allowed and are recommended. Tickets are $5. This event will benefit the Royal School of Church music choir and program. First Presbyterian Church: 609 SE 2nd St. / 812-423-6297 Dec 19: Christmas Outreach Event The Evansville Christian Life Center makes Christmas brighter for 550 children and their families by giving a toy and cold weather accessories to each child and each family gets a ham and baked goods for Christmas dinner. For more info, visit restoringpeople.com. Christian Life Center: 509 S. Kentucky Ave. / 812-423-9222 / 8am
Do you have an event that you would like to submit for inclusion in the monthly guide? Please send it to: tommy@evansvillemediagroup.com for consideration before the 10th of the month prior to your event. Call for Advertising Information (812) 426-6398 • December 2015
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beer reviews Kona Pipeline Porter
This month’s beers are available depending on supply & demand at all 7 Liquor Locker locations. www.Liquor-Locker.com
Schlafly Coffee Stout Bell’s Winter White Ale
Daniel Knight • 3.5 A porter made with 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee - that’s an alluring tag line for me. It pours up dark brown with an uneventful one finger head that settles to 1/8 inch and stays for the duration with some light lacing. The nose is pleasantly of coffee (not overwhelming though), roasted malts, and a hint of chocolate. The roasted malts and coffee are about equal. The flavor follows its aroma to a T— and that’s a good thing. I find this to be a good solid porter. Not an award winner but certainly one I’d never say no to. Give it a shot.
Daniel Knight • 4.5 I won’t lie; I’ve enjoyed this one before. It pours up dark brown, but not opaque with a dark khaki- colored head that has moderate retention. The aroma is coffee with just a kiss of malts. The flavor is a bit more complex than the aroma with the malts and hops (40 IBUs) shining through. The coffee side of the taste is very dark roasted and in spite of what I’m sure is generous amounts of malts, results in a discernibly dry (bitter) finish. That being said, I really like it. It won’t be a total crowd pleaser, but I’m confident that those who enjoy a good coffee stout will love this one.
Paul Bragin • 4 A thick tan head forms on this beer when poured into an English pub glass and lasts a very long time. The dark beer beneath boasts scents of coffee as well as some roasted malt. The coffee flavors continue when sipping the beer, but aren’t overpowering like in many beers brewed with coffee. People who love coffee will definitely want to try this limited release while it’s still available. It could work as a great breakfast beer.
Paul Bragin • 3.75 A considerable tan head tops a black beer after pouring it into an English pub glass. Coffee aromas fill the nose and become stronger as the smell lingers. The coffee notes remain with the first sip of the beer and seem to disappear and reappear during the finish. Adventurous beer drinkers will want to seek out this one while it’s available from November through March. A scoop of vanilla ice cream could turn this into a nice dessert.
Jabez Martinez • 4 This is a dark beer. It has a rich coffee flavor with some chocolate, too. It has a nice clean flavor. I could smell some of the coffee. It was brewed with Hawaiian Kona coffee - I just wonder if you can buy that coffee in Evansville. I have had other Kona products and liked them; I will have to get some of this.
Jabez Martinez • 5 This is a thick dark beer that I can’t get enough of. This is one of the top three breweries in the country, and they hit this one out of the park. I love stouts and since they loaded this one with coffee flavor, it’s awesome. The bitterness from the coffee lingers and you still have a little of the chocolate flavors that sneak through.
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Daniel Knight • 3.75 I’m sure I’ve said it before, but I’m not generally a big fan of wheat beers. This one’s a winter seasonal. Kinda weird since it tastes like it would be perfect for a hot summer day. Anyway, it pours up an expected cloudy, golden straw color with floaters throughout that one might imagine are snowflakes. The head is minimal and airy white. The aroma is pretty solid with a Belgian yeast character, banana, wheat, and cloves. The flavor follows suit closely and has that familiar fizzy feel often found in the Belgian wheat brews. Here it is in print. I like this wheat ale. Let it snow. Paul Bragin • 4 A decent white head crowns this golden, straw-colored beer. The first scent noticed is wheat, immediately followed by strong hints of various spices used in the brewing process. The spice notes continue with the first taste of the beer, followed by wheat, with more spices coming in the finish. This is surprisingly light and refreshing for a winter beer. Pair this with lighter dishes, perhaps fruit desserts to complement the spice notes. Jabez Martinez • 4.5 This is a hazy, straw-colored beer. I like the sourness from the yeast - it’s a solid wheat beer. It’s light and crisp and one of my favorite beers; the only real compliant I have is that it’s seasonal. I wish they would make this all year long.
Goose Island Winter Ale
The mouthfeel and drinkability of the beer should make it enjoyable for most beer lovers. Thumbs up. Paul Bragin • 4.25 A thick off-white head rests on top of this dark brown, almost black, ale. Sweet scents from the malts used fill the nose with the first whiff. The malt flavors remain with the first sip of the beer, along with the slightest amount of bitterness from hops. The finish that follows contains a lot of roasted characteristics. This is a great winter beer. Pair this seasonal with hearty beef and pork dishes.
Daniel Knight • 4 This one is a dark English style mild ale. It pours up with a generous frothy head with moderate retention. Its aroma is pleasant and dominated by lightly roasted sweet malts. Hints of chocolate are there, too. The taste is mildly sweet and drinkable with a mirroring of its nose. I pick up more of its nuances in the aroma.
Jabez Martinez • 4.5 This is a dark beer with a slight amber tint. I could taste a light chocolate flavor with some nutty undertones. I could also taste the roasted caramel malts in the finish. This looks like another seasonal beer so you need to stock up while it’s around. Follow us on twitter @
Random Beer Facts! 1.) Zythology is the study of beer and beer making. 2.) The first professional brewers were all women. 3.) Belgium has the most individual beer brands in the world. 4.) Cenosillicaphobia is the fear of an empty beer glass. 5.) Hops used in beer are in the same family of flowering plants as marijuana. http://www.dailyinfographic.com
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Iris (PG-13) Magnolia
A bold yet warm ode to one of fashion’s most important players, Iris is bittersweet, capturing the final display of documentarian Albert Maysles’ (Gimme Shelter, Grey Gardens) talent. Iris Apfel has captivated the world with her eccentricity and eye for high art for decades, but besides skill and dedication, her frank (often crass) and flamboyant, infectious demeanor have made her the perfect focus for a Maysles film. The Queens native got her start in her mother’s boutique, later attending art school at NYU, and working for Women’s Wear Daily before launching the textile company Old World Weavers with her late husband of almost 70 years, Carl. Her love for, and design of, foreign artisanal clothing and accessories inspired the popular exhibition Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel, which debuted at NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. At 93 years old, she continues to stay busy being herself with no apologies, consulting and giving lectures, and her passion remains sharp and vibrant, without any hint of materialism or vanity. A truly personal, fascinating, and colorful insight into the life and mind of such an interesting and self-made public figure, Iris is a must-watch for artists, fashionistas, and lovers of genuine beauty.
Manson Family Vacation (R) The Orchard/ Netflix
As stated in the Duplass Brothers’ KickStarter film, “Everybody freaks out when you bring up Charles Manson!” So what happens when a wealthy Los Angeles lawyer’s American dream is interrupted by a surprise visit from his estranged brother carrying only a backpack and sporting a Manson t-shirt? Conrad (Linas Phillips), a bearded, derelict artist, doesn’t quite fit into Nick’s (Jay Duplass) home in the hills, but family is family, so the two attempt to reconnect despite past grievances and obvious personality clash. After revealing he’s quit his job to work for an environmental group, Conrad invites Nick to visit Manson-affiliated places around the city, including the Tate and La Bianca homes. Reluctant and annoyed at best, the two set off on an uncomfortable adventure before arriving at the final destination, Conrad’s new job, but Nick soon realizes that he has not been completely honest about what it entails and why he’s taking it. A SXSW award winner, Manson was written and directed by fledgling documentarian J. Davis, with a surprisingly good outcome on a small budget. With great cinematography and a believable brotherly chemistry between Phillips and Duplass, the film addresses not just a twisted pop culture phenomenon, but is also able to unearth the depth of humanity and the complexity of “family,” blood or otherwise. - Whitney Patterson
Showplace Cinemas East 1801 Morgan Center Drive Evansville, IN 47715 Showplace Cinemas North 4200 N. 3rd Ave. Evansville, IN 47710 Showplace Cinemas South 950 Hebron Ave. Evansville, IN 47714 Showplace Cinemas Newburgh 8099 Bell Oaks Drive Newburgh, IN 47630 Showplace Cinemas Princeton 2691 W. Broadway St. Princeton, IN 47670 Showplace Cinemas Henderson 406 Walker Drive Henderson, KY 42420
Movie Infoline: 812-422-3456 www.showplacecinemas.com
December Movies: Krampus In the Heart of the Sea Star Wars: The Force Awakens Alvin & the Chipmunks Sisters Concussion Joy Point Break Daddy’s Home
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music reviews Joanna Newsom Divers
Drag City Joanna Newsom is one of the few artists, I believe, that captures all of the ideas in her head and executes them perfectly on record. On Divers, she makes music that feels like it could be from another time, another world—and does it so perfectly. Not many people can play the harp, and those who do are unlikely to have the expert songwriting ability that Newsom possesses. Divers is her fourth album of expertly performed harp-driven folk music and one of the most beautiful records of the year.
Neon Indian
VEGA INTL. Night School Mom + Pop
Since 2009, Neon Indian has been the arbiter of the “chillwave” movement. The band’s electronic sound has mostly been relaxing, feel-good tunes that are nice for summer road trips with your friends. On VEGA INTL. Night School, Neon Indian takes their signature sound and attempts to move it to the dance floor. But while this groovy album is perfect for parties, don’t expect everyone to go crazy to it. Night School isn’t meant to be listened to as much as it’s meant to create cozy background noise.
Cindy Lee
Act of Tenderness CCQSK Records
When the four-piece art-rock band Women broke up, half of its members went on to form the controversial Viet Cong, one-fourth died, and the other fourth—singer and guitarist Pat Flegel—formed Cindy Lee. On Act of Tenderness, Flegel channels his demons with oceans of gain and reverb leaving the songs drenched in an eerie humidity. With nearly every song, Cindy Lee sounds desperate and sad, yet somewhat hopeful. The music on Act of Tenderness sounds like black and white photographs of beautiful sunsets longing to be colorized one day. You can download the album for free from CCQSK’s website. - Russell Finn
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Stella Skin and Seeds Self-Released
Stella’s second release in barely over a year, Skin and Seeds is just the deviation from mediocrity that the local music scene craves. Just a humble few of eclectic whiz kids, Demoss, J. Wallwork, Dosset, and Elliot have put together a truly great album. With the ear of genre-fluid musical mastermind Brett Siler, the boys of Stella have maintained their gauzy sound, but the second round feels somewhat more mature with finer edges. The intro reels it in, achieving a brand of psychedelia that doesn’t come from overdone electronica or jam-band ego, and releases into the chipper guitar-work and reverbed vocals of “Knotted Blood,” a tune that clearly maps out Stella’s influences without any thievery. Similarly, “No Love Pact” is heavy on repetitive riffs, with Wallwork’s distinct stamp taking center stage, and lyrics hinting at reluctant love - “but bodies understand/ that words don’t mean anything/ don’t take my heart, don’t hold my hand.” “Blue Field” delves more into their rock side, grungy, less gossamer, with titular lyrics to match - “the breeze no longer belongs to me/ in the shallows I lost my heart/ creeped out of my skin and seeds.” The soothing harmonies with thunderous percussion and pealing guitar on “Looking Over” (my personal favorite) are... well, Stella in a nutshell. Right on, boys. Alessia Cara Know-It-All Def Jam Recordings
Move over, Taylor Swift. There’s a new conflicted voice of today’s youth, and her name is Alessia Cara. The 19-yearold Canadian’s vocal stylings have a near Amy Winehouse soul with the clarity of Ariana Grande. After the recent (it’s been popping up on Pandora for several months) success of “Here,” a synth-reggae party tune laced with angst, Cara has released quite possibly the best pop album of the year. Know-It-All is smart and crystalline, but not vapid in the least, with legit material, super-glue hooks, and a fresh face backed by the current master of the airwaves, Drake. “Seventeen” is a “should’ve-listened-when-they-said-enjoy-yourchildhood” tune with a fist-pounding authenticity and earnest vocals, and the tinkly piano paired with effortless bravado of “Outlaws” should make for another quick radio hit. Cara’s funky side and silky rapping is again apparent in “Four Pink Walls,” a grateful jam reminiscent of mid-TLC, and the ultra-catchy “Wild Things” is bound to be the new “Royals.” Of course, no pop album is worth a damn without a preciously naive love ballad and an inspirational acceptance anthem, found in “Stars” and “Scars To Your Beautiful.” A strippeddown piano version of “Here” takes the song in a jazzy direction. Gorgeous. It’s bubblegum, but it’s the long-lasting flavor kind, solid start to finish.
Kurt Cobain Montage Of Heck: The Home Recordings
Grimes Art Angels 4AD
All over the place, yet distinct as per usual, Claire Boucher’s (AKA Grimes) has honestly outdone herself with Art Angels, a psychotic, saccharine compilation of no-holds-barred pop glitter tossed into the crowd with a smirk. A pioneer of her peers, Grimes is like an electrified Bjork collaborating with Die Antwoord on Rolls. Her first album in over three years, it worms deeper into her strangely addicting style rather than scrubbing it down to appease the masses, a brave move in itself. “Laughing and Not Being Normal” is an apt title to introduce the manic collection - it’s operatic anti-pop, and an excellent avant-garde showcase of her vocal range and ability to break champagne glasses with her voice. She jumps back on the pop train with “California,” but it’s still fresh, with a country/Bollywood mashup and cute lyrics. The creepy baby voice/laughter feels somehow more acceptable in Mandarin, and there’s no question why this electronic head-sticker is named “Scream,” featuring hummingbird-tongued Taiwanese rapper Aristophanes. The English translation is muddled, surely, but the lyrics are inventive and grossly uncomfortable. Written and produced almost entirely by Boucher, this album is unapologetically derivative of women’s issues and knows no boundaries. Plus, there’s Janelle Monae. Swoon. Deep breath and dive in. Classy Mongrel Faded Cassettes Self-Released
We’re not really sure how Owensboro’s bearded skateboarder has time for his plethora of projects, but one thing is for sure - no matter what else he’s putting his hand in, there will always be music. When he’s not championing grass-roots initiatives, running for local office, flying planes, and raising kids, he’s in his studio recording and drinking tiny cups of Hulk-strength coffee. Grant Short (AKA Classy Mongrel) has produced two full-length albums in the past year and a half, and this is his third EP since mid-2013. Constantly tweaking his easily recognizable sound, Short incorporates 80’s synths, vocal layering, and bright beats, shoving them into a kaleidoscope of sounds without the need to rely heavily on bass or lyrics.
The biggest thing to remember going into Montage of Heck is that this is not a music album in the classic sense. This is not another Nirvana “B-sides” album, nor is it a Kurt Cobain solo effort. In fact, it’s not even a soundtrack for the excellent Montage of Heck biographical film. What it is, is random soundbites, sometimes mashed together and toyed with, along with some extremely rough demos from a very young Cobain. Don’t get me wrong, if you are a collector, or just an obsessive Cobain follower, this is custom made for you. I thoroughly enjoyed listening through it - once. Hearing old, rough, half-finished versions of songs that eventually made their way onto In Utero was a lot of fun. The main problem for a casual Nirvana fan is the lack of replay value. Almost anyone that enjoyed Nirvana at some point could stand to give this a listen. However, unlike Nevermind, Incesticide, and other classics, nothing on Montage of Heck is going to make it to your favorite playlist. Considering a lot of us get our music through a streaming service these days, checking out this piece of Cobain’s history should require very little effort, and is therefore very worth it. Just don’t expect the ear-splitting, angst-ridden, passive aggression that changed a musical landscape, or the haunting, undeniable brilliance of the Unplugged in New York performance. Expect a lot of filler, with the occasional glimpse of early genius. Some notable tracks include “Happy Guitar,” “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle (demo),” “And I Love Her,” and my personal favorite, “Beans.” J. Robert Lobeck
Faded Cassettes starts off with an original Classy sound, a dreamy mix of light descending drum beats and sparse echoing vocals, an ambient parfait of indecipherable levels. Groovy and summery despite the cold, it’s repetitive without being boring. “Moonshots” is funkier, synth-heavy, with confessional lyrics of lost love, which he frankly admits to the muse, but “Somewhere (In Between)” is a bit grittier, with more of an industrial flavor under the bright lights. Although the final track is titled “Highway/Byeway,” I have a feeling this won’t be the last we hear from him. - Whitney Patterson
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mugshots from around the area
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mugshots (cont.)
Special thanks to the Evansville Police Department. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
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mugshots (cont.) Bonus Section!
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Apartment Finder 46/85 Archie & Clyde’s 36 Backstage Bar & Grill 3 Bar Louie 29 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 45 Bokeh Lounge 55 Bud’s Harley Davidson 23 Budweiser-Working Distributors 87/ Back Cover BWX Technologies 14 Chido Mexican Grill 9 Cigar! Cigar! 29 Click4aMeal 44 Daniel Knight Studio B 47 Delaware Trace Apartments 95 Enigma Bar & Grill 54 Evansville IceMen 7 Evansville Massage Specialists 25 Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra 67 Evansville Treatment Center 46 Faith Music Radio 7 Farm Boy Food Mart 38 First Presbyterian Church 24 Foster, O’ Daniel, Hambidge & Lynch 34 Fusion Spa & Boutique 19 Gerst Haus 37 Get & Go Casseroles 42 Hagedorn’s Tavern 56 Haynie’s Corner Pub 56 Henderson Area Arts Alliance 60 International Championship Events 67 J’s Sportsbar & Grill 11 Kanpai Sushi & Asian Bistro 92 KC’s Time Out Lounge Inside Front Cover/1 La Campirana 43 Lamasco Bar & Grill 54 Leroy’s Tavern 54
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Liquor Locker 5 Lucky Lady 4 Martin Brothers 35/77 Merry Maids 85 Mesker Park Zoo 71 Mystique Winery 33 Nice Guy Vapors 8 O’Brian’s Sports Bar & Grill 13 Old Chicago 10/40 Old Hickory Bar-B-Que Inside Back Cover WKY Edition Old Post Office Plaza 17/31 Owensboro Music Center 60/74 Pie Pan 42 Piston’s 55 Red Geranium 33 Rick’s Sports Bar 56 Ri Ra Irish Pub 56 River City Recreation/Legends 93 Rounder’s Pizza 21 Santa Claus Land of Lights 25 Sauced Italian Restaurant 19 SERVUS 15 Smitty’s Italian Steakhouse 37 Someplace Else Nightclub 55 Spa & Sport Bodywork 63 Spa City USA 34 Sportsman’s Grille & Billiards 36 Susan G Komen 24 Swonder Ice Arena 7 Toast 9 Tropicana Evansville Inside Back Cover Turley’s Mfg Jewelers 14 Val-U Liquors 62 VenuWorks 12 Western Ribeye & Ribs 33 Winetree Liquor 8