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2007 01 26

Column

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n02)

Buzzing Around Town - by Nora Spitznogle

posted: Jan. 26, 2007

Reviews:

Thursday, January 11, 2007, at The Upper Room

Middletown

I really enjoyed this evening, partly because I knew that the lovely Sarah Davis was reviewing the show. You can find her take on the concert on page 27.

The Upper Room was packed, and I had a blast catching up with folks that I had not seen in years. The Middletown reunion brought out a lot of other musicians, which I think is a great compliment. I saw Tim Wilsbach (Peal), Sweaty B (author of "Teach Yourself VISUALLY Bass Guitar" and a couple of Dummies books and of course, a bass player), Jeff Sample (long time musician) and Maura Ahearn.

I also witnessed an exchange (I might have been eavesdropping a bit) between Alan Hague and Tammy Lieber. I think we'll be seeing Tammy in the Gazette soon. She is a great writer, and I'm looking forward to reading her column.

Friday, January 12, 2007, at The Melody Inn

Vulgar Boatmen and Gentleman Caller

I was surrounded by the old and young "cool kids." I know that I'm in the old category; I'm not sure that I was ever a cool kid.

The Vulgar Boatmen were playing when I got there. I'm hesitant to write about them - I've reported their demise too many times. They are like South Park's Kenny. No matter how many how times you think they are dead, they pop back up--and always sounding better than before. This is the Kenny Childers version of the Vulgar Boatmen. Dale Lawrence is one of the founding members of the Boatmen. Dale has been making me swoon (musically, that is-not that he isn't handsome, talented and a great writer-okay, he makes me swoon) for over twenty years since his days in the Bloomington-based Gizmos.

The Gizmos often shared a bill with West Lafayette-based band, Dow Jones and the Industrials. In 1980 they made a record together, "Hoosier Hysteria." The Gizmos are on one side, and Dow Jones on the other. I used to live in a house with several of the DJI members (those were dark days for my parents). Our house featured a Debbie Harry cutout on the front porch, a pink tree next to the magazine racks full of 1940's Cosmopolitan magazines, and random folks crashing there. The brothers Schulthise (Dave Blood, The Dead Milkmen) stayed with us for months after their van broke down near by.

In those days of pogo dancing, wearing vintage clothes, and too much eye liner, I'm sure it never crossed my mind that I would be bopping along to Dale's songs in 2007. I'm glad I am.

Kenny Childers is the force behind Gentleman Caller (which I declared broken up in NUVO a couple of weeks ago. Oops and sorry). They are very much alive and quite well.

Just how cool are they? Ubër cool kid, Richard Edwards (Margot and the Nuclear So and So's) joined them for the last song.

Sunday, January 14, 2007, at Clowes Hall

Guy Clark, Joe Ely, John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett

I had a terrific time at this show. As much as I think I like seeing angst-ridden singer-songwriters in smoky bars, I sure enjoyed dressing up and sitting in the comfy seats at Clowes Hall.

The four songwriters traded songs and stories--in alphabetical order, of course. I love seeing music that way. Just the songwriter and his guitar. If they had been wearing berets and sitting on barstools, my fantasy would have been complete.

Hometown boy John Hiatt was visibly having a blast. He talked about growing up in the neighborhood and his family. He sang the great song "Seven Little Indians" that took us to his childhood home on Central Avenue. None of the musicians seemed to have a set list; they played off the songs and stories told by the previous performer.

I did not take notes. I wanted to be present in the moment and not worry about writing stuff down, which means that I can't name any other songs that were played. It was great, take my word for it.

My friends gave me all kind of grief for calling Tad Armstrong my "deserted island musician" in the last issue of the Gazette. I was thinking about that during the show and mentally declared the following: Lyle Lovett, the musician I'd like to sit at the end of my bed and sing me to sleep; John Hiatt, the musician I'd like to share a six-pack of beer with; Joe Ely, this one I'd like to have dinner with and Guy Clark, the musician I'd like to follow around for a day.

Preview

Tecumseh Flyers and il Troubadore

The Melody Inn

3826 Illinois Street

Feb. 1, 2007

9:30pm $5.

This evening sounds like an odd combination of musical styles-- and like it will be crazy fun. Bluegrass, World Music, rock and Middle Eastern Jazz with Egyptian tabla and a belly dancer thrown in. How can you miss?

Not-for-profit director by day, music writer by night, Nora Spitznogle reviews music that happened and previews music and events around Broad Ripple Village. Nora managed CATH Inc coffeehouse at 54th Street and College Avenue for seven years. During that time she hosted hundreds of local and touring musicians, both at the coffeehouse and her home. When CATH closed in 2004 and the music was no longer coming to her, she had to wander from her corner of Broad Ripple to see what is happening elsewhere. You can find her at Second Helpings during the work day, waitressing at the Red Key on Saturday nights and prowling Broad Ripple music venues the rest of the time. Visit Nora's Web site nora-leona.blogspot.com, send any questions, comments or suggestions to Nora@BroadRippleGazette.com

nora@broadripplegazette.com

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