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Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
The news from Broad Ripple
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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n16)
Buzzing Around Town - by Nora Spitznogle
posted: Aug. 10, 2007
Before I tell you about all of the great art and music I experienced in the last two weeks, I need to correct an egregious oversight. I forget to mention Jeff Ayers in the piece about the Flower Man Jam. Jeff is co-founder of the event and starts the music off with the ceremonial blowing of the conch shell. Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.
Jeff Ayres and his FMJ conch.
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
Captiva Joe's Coco Big Nut Boys
Friday, July 27, 2007
Outdoors at The Monkey's Tale
These guys are fun - big nut fun. They had the crowd dancing and laughing all night. Thankfully, the rain stopped that evening in time for the band to play outdoors. And fortuitously, John Newton (Indy Hostel) won a tee shirt earlier in the evening and chivalrously used it to wipe off our chairs.
Joe Krier started Captiva Joe's Coco Big Nut Boys in 2004. Joe and his wife Barb died tragically in a plane crash on New Year's Day 2006. The band is dedicated to continuing Joe's legacy as a talented, fun-loving musician-and they are doing it well.
After Joe's death, drummer Sean Marks stepped into the role of lead vocals and guitar and Mike O'Friel joined the band as the percussionist. Tom "The Doctor of Funk" Funk plays bass, Tony Burton is the lead guitarist and Charlie McCormick plays keyboards. All three of these talented musicians also sing back-up vocals.
The band played lots of sing-along vacation-y songs. It's easy to have a good time around these guys. They cover a lot of musical ground, Jimmy Buffet to polka beer drinking songs with a few original songs tossed into the fun. After the Coco Big Nut Boys ended their set, Sean played a great solo set.
For more information contact band manager Jim Krier, jkrier2222@hotmail.com.
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
The Last Good Year
Friday, July 27, 2007
Spin
From the Monkey's Tale, fellow columnist Tammy Lieber and I walked to Spin to hear the Last Good Year. They sounded great! They have been playing together for less than a year and are about to release their first CD, The Smoking Gun Sessions. The set was as promised, "four guys, no gimmicks, just rock." I look forward to hearing more of these guys. You can catch them next on August 17th competing in the Birdy's Battle of the Bands.
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
The Vulgar Boatmen
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Spin
The Vulgar Boatmen formed 25 years ago as two bands, one based in Gainesville, Florida, and the other here in Indianapolis. The Florida chapter dissolved and the local group performs a couple of times every year. The Dale Lawrence led band is legendary for their great not-to-be-missed shows. The crowd was full of musicians and fans dancing along to the excellent music.
The incomparable Matt Speake reprised his role as long time Boatmen guitar player. The always-excellent Andy Richards took his usual seat behind the drums and PJ Christie took over Jake Smith's bass playing role. PJ did a terrific job and you could tell that he was enjoying himself. I've made no secret of my musical crush on Dale Lawrence and I was not disappointed by this show. It was totally worth getting my Red Key shift covered - hey, maybe that can be part of my music rating system "shift-covering good."
They ended their set with an outstanding Tim Carroll song (I can't remember the song name and I was too busy bopping along to write it down). Now Nashville, Tennessee based, Tim and Dale were bandmates in the legendary Bloomington based Gizmos in the late 70s. Dale told me that he had been looking forward to playing that song all night. Thanks to Musical Family Tree for putting the show together.
You can next catch the Vulgar Boatmen playing an acoustic show at the Upper Room in September (I'll keep you posted on the date). This show will include Sophia Travis playing organ and accordion and Kathy Kolata playing viola.
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
Kyle Ragsdale art opening
Thursday, August 2, 2007
gingko
908 E Westfield Blvd
You can find Kyle Ragsdale's artwork on display (and for sale) at gingko through August. Kyle is known for his bigger than life canvases and paintings of flowers, birds, words, people and vibrant colors. Kyle also has several smaller pieces in this show, more suited for, let's say, a three room double.
My favorite (and purchase) was a study of hydrangeas. Be sure and check out the trio of too-amazing-to-describe color blue paintings.
The Mudkids 10th Anniversary Show
Friday, August 3, 2007
Spin
The air in Spin was hot Friday night and I'm sure the temperature had as much to do with the musicians on stage as the almost sell-out crowd. I'm prudish enough that I usually don't talk about delicate things like sweating, but man it was hot! Maybe I should not have layered two tops, worn jeans or my boots. I remembered why I usually wear skirts. Anyway, the heat did not detour the adoring fans or the bands.
The Mudkids are celebrating their 10 year anniversary. The rappers started out as a duo-Tyler Knapp (DJ Elp-Mass) and Russ Johnson (Rusty Redenbacher/Choc Soreel). They added Brian Philps (Skittles/Big Skittz) soon after.
The show started out with the Mudkids doing what they do best, rapping and engaging the fans. The dance floor was packed with people dancing and singing along. Rusty and Skittles did most of the rapping while DJ Elp-Mass handled the music and harmonies. I stood right next to the stage and I'm glad that I did, it was an honor to see those guys perform up-close.
During the show, photos and show bills from the last 10 years were flashing on the wall. I always say that band years are like dog years: they are equal to seven regular years. This group has shown amazing longevity. While I was making my feeble attempts to photograph the group, I was reminded of a great friend to the band, Mpozi. Mpozi died July 4 of last year and he is greatly missed in the community. I was happy to see his photograph projected on the wall.
The Mudkids were joined on stage by the band the Twincats. The Twincats are led by Seth and Adam Catron (yes, they are twins) and feature Cameron Reel, Phil Geyer and Nick Gerlach. Adding the funk-jam band to the mix was an inspired idea. The two groups have been practicing since April and they sounded great together.
I'm really encouraged by all of the diverse music I've heard recently. Even the bands that have been playing for decades are doing new and innovative things. Thanks to all of the musicians who kept me highly entertained!
I'm running out of time and space to do previews. Check out these great resources:
The Mudkids
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
Twincats
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
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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