The audience at the Melody Inn all moved toward the stage during Amy Lashley's first song. Her infectious songs, fabulous voice and top-notch band pulled everyone in. The band has an obvious affection for Amy; they are right-on with their timing and harmonies. Keith Carey (Some Guys Pizza) plays bass and sings. Jim Kremidas plays that lovely pedal steel that always makes me swoon. Robin Reuter is the talented drummer and Scott Ballantine (Funhouse Records) plays guitar like no one else in town. I overheard one patron say, "This is the best concert I've been to since Elvis Costello."

I have been a fan of Amy's for years and she's the best I've even seen her.

Scott Ballantine played earlier in the evening for a Second Helpings event - any day that I get to hear Scott play twice is a very good day.

I take notes at shows in a little notebook because I learned early in doing this column that writing things down is key. I used to write on scraps of paper and cocktail napkins, but that system lacked some major organizational details. I saw David Lindquist, pop music writer for the Indianapolis Star, taking notes in a reporter's notebook at the last show at the Patio. If David Lindquist does it, I want to - so I found a great notebook at Big Hat Books, and it's perfect. I've been using it for six months and it really has helped. I'll often look at my notes later and find that I cannot use a great deal of what I've written. It is either illegible from writing in the dark, or I've written random ideas for future columns or it is too gossipy (if only that notebook could talk). At the end of my notes for this show I found several pages of notes courtesy of Tim Cohn and Tammy Lieber, both great writers. I wish I could say that the pages contained enlightened material. Alas, the weather was a big topic. And the words "banjo-ethereal."

I know the Tonic Ball falls outside of the greater Broad Ripple area, but so many great Broad Ripple folks are involved that I must talk about it. Ken Honeywell of Well Done Marketing started the Tonic Ball five years ago. Tonic Ball V featured two venues: 15 bands played Prince covers in the Theatre and 15 bands played Talking Heads covers in Radio Radio. I was overwhelmed by the generosity the music community shows for this event. Thanks to all who that donated their time and talents to this Second Helpings benefit.

I have not heard The Elect yet, but I've heard good things about them. Their newest CD, By the Light of the Silvery Moon, a mix of old and new music, will be available at the show. Their music is described as "jam-rock." The Mousetrap has become the Indianapolis musical home of jam bands.

Boston's Natalia Zuckerman is the daughter of two touring classical musicians. This is her first solo trip to Indianapolis. Our lovely Stasia Demos is sharing the bill. This will be a wonderful night of beautiful music.

Will Stockwell is hosting this evening of country music to benefit Toys for Tots. You can hear Will and his Bustin' Loose Band, The Tecumseh Flyers, Nashville Texas, and Cincinnati's The Stapletons. Bring a new unwrapped toy and listen to great music.