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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n18)
Buzzing Around Town - by Nora Spitznogle
posted: Sept. 07, 2007

Buzzing Around Town

Reviews:

Middletown
The Upper Room
Thursday, August 23, 2007
There were three shows that I wanted to see in Broad Ripple that night - Chad Mills, Middletown and the Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. I had every intention of attending all of them. And you know that I could. But, as Mr. Burns said "The best-laid plans of mice and men. . . ." I had to work late that night. I do have a full-time job (not to mention a couple of part-time jobs) you know. I made it to the Upper Room just as Middletown started and I stayed until the end.

Aaron Stroup, Stacia Demos and Tad Armstrong played the Upper Room above the Broad Ripple Steakhouse.
Aaron Stroup, Stacia Demos and Tad Armstrong played the Upper Room above the Broad Ripple Steakhouse.
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
Quan


Middletown plays a couple of times a year, whenever Aaron Stroup comes to town. Stasia Demos, Tad Armstrong and Aaron always sound great together, no matter how long it has been between shows. They played all of the crowd favorites including my favorite, "Green with Envy."

Stasia Demos
Stasia Demos
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
Quan


Tad and Aaron still tour occasionally with Susan Cowsill. Stasia and Tad often team up for acoustic shows and Stasia has a big following of children on her library tour. You can hear Tad's band, the Benders, almost every weekend. Aaron is playing with Johnny Cashdraw in Austin, Texas.
If you've read this column for any amount of time you know that I'm a big fan of Tad. I can't say more that I already have about him. Check him out; you'll be happy that you did. You can next catch Tad at the Upper Room playing with Dave England on September 28. Buy a copy of his record, Start All Over Again. If you don't like it, I'll take it!


Death or Glory - The Clash Tribute Show
The Melody Inn
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wayne Bertsch organized the Clash tribute show. I'm a big fan of Wayne's artwork. Wayne is the genius behind the Barfly comic strips in NUVO. Since Wayne sees even more music than I do, I knew that he'd put together a great lineup. And he sure did. I donned the black Chuck Taylor's and Clash buttons. It was too hot for my boots and leather jacket, but I sure thought about it.
I got there is time to hear Jeff Byrd and The Wingmen. Not only is Jeff a great songwriter, but he and his band covered the Clash songs like they owned them. It is always a treat to hear Jeff and The Wingmen.
Indiana Reggae Band played an instrumental set, bringing out the Jamaican influence of the Clash. They had people bopping along on the dance floor.
I've wanted to see Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes for quite awhile. I was not disappointed. They are big rockabilly fun. The whole crowd moved closer to the stage. They are extremely talented and great fun. You can catch Mandy Marie and her husband Danny Thompson on Friday, September 7 for Hillbilly Happy Hour at the Melody Inn.
Good job Wayne!

Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes rocked the Mel at 39th and Illinois.
Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes rocked the Mel at 39th and Illinois.
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
Quan




Previews:
The month of September

The Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois St. 317.923.4707
I grabbed a September schedule when I was at the historic Melody Inn the other night. They have a ton of great music booked. The Hillbilly Happy Hour starts at 7:30 every Friday. It is always a blast and a great way to start the weekend.
You can get your punkrock fix every Saturday. The Melody Inn brings in nationally recognized punk bands every week. September 29 will be extra fun with Peelander-Z invading the city. The last time they were here I danced and giggled through the whole show.
Mondays are open turntable night with DJ Shimmercore and you can sign up to take a turn as the DJ. Tuesdays feature Electronic Beats and Bass DJs. On Thursdays, Stockwell Road hosts an Outlaw Country show. There is truly something for everyone at the Mel.


Saturday, September 8, 2007
Justin Townes Earle
Spencer's Stadium Tavern
802 S. West Street 916.8888
I know this show is outside of the Broad Ripple area; we need to convince Justin to play somewhere in the village. Justin is the son of Steve Earle and the namesake of Townes Van Zandt. He lives up to both names. This is a solo show, so you'll get all Justin. Spencer's turns in to a cozy listening room for music.


Friday, September 14, 2007
Chevy Downs
Spin
6308 Guilford Ave.
Chevy Downs features the talented Tim Jones. Tim is now based in Los Angeles. When he is in town, he pulls the old band together. I've never been to a disappointing Chevy Downs show, but then again, I've never been disappointed by any band that John Byrne plays in. Chevy Downs plays good old rock and roll with a southern feel.





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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