Saturday saw the successful second performance of my opera When a Man Knows as part of Tete a Tete:The Opera Festival at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. We had the same cast as last time, still a concert performance, but doing it in a theatre, with proper lighting made a great deal of difference. Also, performing the work for a second time was a great help. Present in the audience was Ian Caddy, who is directing the work when we stage it next year.
The opera received an enthusiastic response from the audience. We got some very positive feedback there and then, but the opera festival encourages feedback in a variety of ways so I look forward to receiving it.
Now that this second performance is over I can go back to my score, which is covered in notes from the rehearsals. These will feed back into the revisions which I plan in September.
And on Thursday we will be visiting the Bridewell Theatre, to start planning the staging!
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Monday, 23 August 2010
Review of The Flying Dutchman
Whilst we were on holiday we visited the opera festival at Gut Immling in Bavaria, seeing The Flying Dutchman. My review is here, on Music and Vision.
Friday, 20 August 2010
1 Day to Go - Salutary experience
At last night's rehearsal for my opera, When a Man Knows we had that problem which everyone who works with singers has, at some time or other: one of the singers was ill. So I stood in a sketched in the part. It was a salutary experience. It is one thing sitting at your computer or piano and deciding on some rather tricky ideas, time signatures etc. But it is entirely another thing to actually try to sing them!
I am planning on revising When a Man Knows next month, ready for the staged performances next year. My score of the work is now marked up with verious scribbles where I am questioning the necessity for some of the complicated bits, or flagging that I ought to work harder to make the singers life a little less problematic.
We have our final rehearsal on Saturday morning, in the theatre at the Riverside Studios when we will actually be able to try out some proper lighting. I can't wait.
I am planning on revising When a Man Knows next month, ready for the staged performances next year. My score of the work is now marked up with verious scribbles where I am questioning the necessity for some of the complicated bits, or flagging that I ought to work harder to make the singers life a little less problematic.
We have our final rehearsal on Saturday morning, in the theatre at the Riverside Studios when we will actually be able to try out some proper lighting. I can't wait.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Broad Ripple Gazette vol. 7, no 17
first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette
Sausage Fest
Friday, August 20, Saturday, August 21, 2010
Saint Thomas Aquinas
46th and Illinois
6:00 pm – midnight
free, all ages
SausageFest is just that – a festival of sausages from Claus Brothers. And with sausage you need beer, including four varieties from Sun King Brewery, and wine. There are games for kids and adults. And plenty of fine music.
Friday
6:00-6:45 Mark Proctor (singer songwriter with a dash of twang)
6:45-7:30 Jason Locke (acoustic fun)
7:30-8:30 Bill Rumley (singer songwriter goodness)
8:30-9:30 Cara Jean Wahlers and Gary Wasson (beautiful songs by beautiful people)
9:30- close Streaker (buckle up! big rock fun!)
Saturday
5:00 Mass will be celebrated outdoors
6:00-7:00 Doyle Brothers with Joe Doyle of The Last Good Year (sibling rock)
7:00-8:00 The ReachArounds (don’t let the name scare you - rocking rocky rock)
8:00-8:45 lowercase m (a rare not-to-be-missed appearance --don’t miss this!)
8:45-9:45 Dugan Brothers (twilight rock)
9:45-close Born Again Floozies (tap dancin’ rockers)
www.staindy.org
Joyful Noise Recording Anniversary Party!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
doors 9:00, show 10:00, $8, 21+
The most excellent record label, Joyful Noise is celebrating their seventh anniversary with a party featuring bands on their roster. Jookabox, Joan of Arc, The Abner Trio and Marmoset are scheduled to play what promises to be a wonderful show. There will be special release goodies available. Stop in and congratulate Karl and the gang.
www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com
www.melodyindy.com
The Late Show
Friday, August 20, 2010
Ale Emporium
8617 Allisonville Rd
9:30 – 1:30
free, 21+
Yes, that The Late Show! The dreamy guys you remember from playing at your favorite bar when you were in your 20s. They’ve reunited for a show at the Ale Emporium. The band sounds great and they are still as dreamy as ever. They play a fun mix of originals, classic pop and rock.
The Ale Emporium is a great place to hear music. They have an unmatched beer selection, great food and plenty of places to sit.
www.ale-emporium.com
Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market
Saturdays 8:00 – noon
behind Broad Ripple High School
8/21/2010 Ted Kirkendall
8/28/2010 Paul Lauck
9/4/2010 Jared Rust
Dead Beats, The Instruction, The Sundresses, The Locals
Friday, August 27, 2010
Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
doors 9:00, show 10:00, $5, 21+
What a great lineup! I’ve had the chance to see Cincinnati’s, The Sundresses before and loved them. The Dead Beats and The Instruction hail from Louisville and The Locals are almost local – from Chicago.
The Locals have morphed from an acoustic trio to an electric guitar driven threesome in the last decade. Band member Yvonne Doll (isn’t that a wonderful name?) told me what they love about playing the Melody Inn, “is that it's got such an amazing history! Melody Inn is known in the midwest as a kick ass, historic, no-bs kind of place. We love to play there. The staff is super cool, the owner is a great guy. And the crowd that hangs there... very cool, music loving folks. It’s always a good time.”
I love what I’ve heard online of The Locals newest EP, Salt. Its high-energy is the poppy fun. And I bet they are even more charming in person.
Yvonne is right – it’s sure to be a great night!
www.localsrock.com
www.melodyindy.com
Alice Chamber and The Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band, Old Fair & Square Band, 19Clark25
Friday, August 27, 2010
Locals Only
2449 E. 56th Street
8:30 pm, $7, 21+
What exactly is does an all-woman jug band sound like? Gorgeous four-part harmonies, creative instrumentation and a good deal of happy giggling. Alice Chalmers and the Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band is made up of five very talented musicians – Cara Jean Wahlers, Stasia Demos, Jude Odell, Holly Smith, Joni Back-Bubenzer – one budding musician, Tammy Lieber and me, playing the typewriter. I’m just happy these women even let me sit in the same room with them, let alone on stage. I’ll be the one with my head down, concentrating on hitting the right key. I’ve got G down pretty good now. We promise big fun, a little kitsch and lots of talent. Maybe we’ll even have a jug by then, but a growler seems to work just fine.
Also on the bill are the Old Fair & Square Band and 19Clark25 to balance out all of the girlie goodness on stage.
www.localsonlyindy.com
Sausage Fest
Friday, August 20, Saturday, August 21, 2010
Saint Thomas Aquinas
46th and Illinois
6:00 pm – midnight
free, all ages
SausageFest is just that – a festival of sausages from Claus Brothers. And with sausage you need beer, including four varieties from Sun King Brewery, and wine. There are games for kids and adults. And plenty of fine music.
Friday
6:00-6:45 Mark Proctor (singer songwriter with a dash of twang)
6:45-7:30 Jason Locke (acoustic fun)
7:30-8:30 Bill Rumley (singer songwriter goodness)
8:30-9:30 Cara Jean Wahlers and Gary Wasson (beautiful songs by beautiful people)
9:30- close Streaker (buckle up! big rock fun!)
Saturday
5:00 Mass will be celebrated outdoors
6:00-7:00 Doyle Brothers with Joe Doyle of The Last Good Year (sibling rock)
7:00-8:00 The ReachArounds (don’t let the name scare you - rocking rocky rock)
8:00-8:45 lowercase m (a rare not-to-be-missed appearance --don’t miss this!)
8:45-9:45 Dugan Brothers (twilight rock)
9:45-close Born Again Floozies (tap dancin’ rockers)
www.staindy.org
Joyful Noise Recording Anniversary Party!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
doors 9:00, show 10:00, $8, 21+
The most excellent record label, Joyful Noise is celebrating their seventh anniversary with a party featuring bands on their roster. Jookabox, Joan of Arc, The Abner Trio and Marmoset are scheduled to play what promises to be a wonderful show. There will be special release goodies available. Stop in and congratulate Karl and the gang.
www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com
www.melodyindy.com
The Late Show
Friday, August 20, 2010
Ale Emporium
8617 Allisonville Rd
9:30 – 1:30
free, 21+
Yes, that The Late Show! The dreamy guys you remember from playing at your favorite bar when you were in your 20s. They’ve reunited for a show at the Ale Emporium. The band sounds great and they are still as dreamy as ever. They play a fun mix of originals, classic pop and rock.
The Ale Emporium is a great place to hear music. They have an unmatched beer selection, great food and plenty of places to sit.
www.ale-emporium.com
Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market
Saturdays 8:00 – noon
behind Broad Ripple High School
8/21/2010 Ted Kirkendall
8/28/2010 Paul Lauck
9/4/2010 Jared Rust
Dead Beats, The Instruction, The Sundresses, The Locals
Friday, August 27, 2010
Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois Street
doors 9:00, show 10:00, $5, 21+
What a great lineup! I’ve had the chance to see Cincinnati’s, The Sundresses before and loved them. The Dead Beats and The Instruction hail from Louisville and The Locals are almost local – from Chicago.
The Locals have morphed from an acoustic trio to an electric guitar driven threesome in the last decade. Band member Yvonne Doll (isn’t that a wonderful name?) told me what they love about playing the Melody Inn, “is that it's got such an amazing history! Melody Inn is known in the midwest as a kick ass, historic, no-bs kind of place. We love to play there. The staff is super cool, the owner is a great guy. And the crowd that hangs there... very cool, music loving folks. It’s always a good time.”
I love what I’ve heard online of The Locals newest EP, Salt. Its high-energy is the poppy fun. And I bet they are even more charming in person.
Yvonne is right – it’s sure to be a great night!
www.localsrock.com
www.melodyindy.com
Alice Chamber and The Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band, Old Fair & Square Band, 19Clark25
Friday, August 27, 2010
Locals Only
2449 E. 56th Street
8:30 pm, $7, 21+
What exactly is does an all-woman jug band sound like? Gorgeous four-part harmonies, creative instrumentation and a good deal of happy giggling. Alice Chalmers and the Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band is made up of five very talented musicians – Cara Jean Wahlers, Stasia Demos, Jude Odell, Holly Smith, Joni Back-Bubenzer – one budding musician, Tammy Lieber and me, playing the typewriter. I’m just happy these women even let me sit in the same room with them, let alone on stage. I’ll be the one with my head down, concentrating on hitting the right key. I’ve got G down pretty good now. We promise big fun, a little kitsch and lots of talent. Maybe we’ll even have a jug by then, but a growler seems to work just fine.
Also on the bill are the Old Fair & Square Band and 19Clark25 to balance out all of the girlie goodness on stage.
www.localsonlyindy.com
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
St. John Passion
To the Albert Hall last night to hear the late-night Prom, the BBC Singers and Endymion under conductor David Hill doing Arvo Pärt's St. John Passion. The Proms marketing has consistently called last night's work the St. John Passion so I was a little unclear as to whether we were going to hear another work by Pärt that I didn't know. Of course, it was the familiar one which I know under the name Passio, which is of course a shortening of the work's full Latin title Passio Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Secundum Joannem.
Surprisingly the hall was by no means full. Despite the composer's popularity the work does have a somewhat uncompromising austereness and some of the people around us seemed to find the work a little too much (in fact there was quite a stream of promenaders leaving).
Brindley Sherratt sang Jesus with admirable firmness, authority and restraint. Andrew Kennedy as Pilate seem to want to be taking part in a slightly more operatic version of the score, which as I understand it goes against the composer's wish to create a more ritual atmosphere.
The four Evangelists were Micaela Haslam, David Allsopp, Stephen Jeffes and Stephen Charlesworth. All four were admirably accurate and musical, each turning in beautifully focussed and crafted vocal lines and blending nicely. My only complaint was that Haslam seemed rather quiet. Having heard him at the London Handel Festival, I was again very impressed with David Allsopp's beautiful high counter-tenor voice.
But...
I must confess that there were times that I had a certain sympathy with the fidgeters. The performance seemed to plod somewhat. Was it that the requirements of doing the piece in the cavernous Albert Hall was too much (though the work has been performed at the Proms before). Or was it simply that David Hill was too content to let things happen and not imbue the piece with more intensity. The BBC Singers were admirable in their effectiveness and dynamism in the the short choral interjections.
I can't help feeling that Passio is a relatively small scale work which would benefit from performance in a smaller venue.
Surprisingly the hall was by no means full. Despite the composer's popularity the work does have a somewhat uncompromising austereness and some of the people around us seemed to find the work a little too much (in fact there was quite a stream of promenaders leaving).
Brindley Sherratt sang Jesus with admirable firmness, authority and restraint. Andrew Kennedy as Pilate seem to want to be taking part in a slightly more operatic version of the score, which as I understand it goes against the composer's wish to create a more ritual atmosphere.
The four Evangelists were Micaela Haslam, David Allsopp, Stephen Jeffes and Stephen Charlesworth. All four were admirably accurate and musical, each turning in beautifully focussed and crafted vocal lines and blending nicely. My only complaint was that Haslam seemed rather quiet. Having heard him at the London Handel Festival, I was again very impressed with David Allsopp's beautiful high counter-tenor voice.
But...
I must confess that there were times that I had a certain sympathy with the fidgeters. The performance seemed to plod somewhat. Was it that the requirements of doing the piece in the cavernous Albert Hall was too much (though the work has been performed at the Proms before). Or was it simply that David Hill was too content to let things happen and not imbue the piece with more intensity. The BBC Singers were admirable in their effectiveness and dynamism in the the short choral interjections.
I can't help feeling that Passio is a relatively small scale work which would benefit from performance in a smaller venue.
Three Days to GO!
We are rehearsing tomorrow night in our church hall and then on Saturday morning we actually get into a theatre. So far my opera, When a Man knows has been both rehearsed and performed in churches. But on Saturday we will be presenting it at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, as part of Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival. This weekend is the last of the festival, so if you haven't been yet. GO!
We are, of course, doing the opera in concert. But doing it in a theatre makes a great deal of difference and it will be a great help having some atmospheric lighting. One of the striking things about the premiere in June was the disjoint between the bright airy nature of the church and the rather dark, abstract feel of the opera itself.
We are on at 3pm. See you there.
Friday, 6 August 2010
Broad Ripple Gazette, vol 7, no 16
first published in the Broad Ripple Gazette
Year of Pigs
Indiana State Fair
August 6 – 22, 2010
State Fair Grounds
1202 E. 38th Street
It’s here! It’s here! The State Fair is finally here. Last year I managed to make to the Fair all 17 days, but I’m not sure I can pull that off this year, but I’m going to do my darndest. Oh, and I’m doing something beyond my wildest dreams and playing (I’m taking great artistic license with that term) at the Fair on Tuesday, August 10 – details below.
You can find free entertainment (with Fair admission) on just about every stop on the tractor tram. I’m particularly fond Pioneer Village, on the northeast side of the Fairgrounds. Pioneer Village is chockfull of demonstrations, music and vintage tractors.
There are two stages in Pioneer Village, one in on the north side of the exhibition barn and the other next door in the Opera House. You can’t go wrong with any of the shows – grab a lemon shake-up and take a rest on the old church pews in front of the stage at PV building or the great old wooden folding chairs at the Opera House.
The Pioneer Village exhibition hall stage starts at 10:00 each morning and goes on the road for tractor parade at 6:00 and the entertainment starts back at 6:30. The entertainment on this stage leans toward old-timey, bluegrass, jug, blues or folk bands and storytellers.
I wish I had enough room to write about all of the great acts, but here is an attempt to highlight as many as possible.
Friday, August 6 – Opening day kicks off with Family Reunion String Band, Sensible Shoes and Bill Bailey. Remember Bill’s name – you’ll want to be sure and meet him and he can give you a full entertainment schedule. Most likely he’ll be wearing overalls – and to narrow it down from the hundreds of men wearing overall at the Fair – a washboard with plenty of bells and whistles. Tell him I sent you!
Saturday, August 7 – I would camp-out at the stage all day if I could. The folk band, Blackberry Jam kicks off the day. Indiana Storyteller, Sue Grizzell takes the stage at 1:45, and front porch blues band, Yank Rachell Tribute Blues Band plays at 3:00. Western swing band, Witch Hazel Valley People, includes one of my favorite people ever – Robin Harrison, starts at 6:30.
Sunday, August 8 – I think you can count sitting on the pews in front of this stage as church on this day.– Family Reunion String Band will feature a gospel sing along starting at 10:00, Common Ground features traditional bluegrass and gospel, and Sacred Harp is old-time shape note gospel (I’ll admit to having absolutely no idea what that means, but I’m looking forward to finding out!).
Monday, August 9 – The line up appears to be all traditional American music. Jo and Patt Loo, Rebecca and Michel Lindsey with Cosmo the Washboard – I wonder if this will be like cosmo bowling, the lights are off of the washboard glows in the dark – and Myra Dworski and friends.
Tuesday, August 10 – The day I’ve had butterflies about ever since Cara Jean Wahlers floated the idea of an all-woman jug band. Alice Chalmers and the Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band is made up of five very talented musicians – Cara, Stasia Demos, Jude Odell, Holly Smith, Joni Back-Bubenzer – one budding musician, Tammy Lieber (former Gazette columnist, Tammy’s Take) and me, playing the typewriter. I’m just happy these women even let me sit in the same room with them, let alone on stage. The music is good-time jug band fun, except for the lonesome songs, of course. Our time slot is from 10:00 – noon and will be radio variety show-style, the band will play and some off-shoots of the group and solo shows. It promises to be fun and highly-entertaining. I’ll be the one behind the typewriter, trying not the faint, and concentrating on my favorite key, G. The rest of the day features Blue Stone Folk School musicians and dulcimer and ukulele musicians. Look for Geoff Davis, John Kay and friends and Third Satchel Novelty Jazz Orchestra to round out the day.
Wednesday, August 11 – Mac Bellner and friends – traditional American ballads and music and Governor Davis and Steve Robbins – traditional American blues will be featured.
Thursday, August 12 – Old-time music fun group, The Fret Set will be taking over the stage.
Friday, August 13 – Nothing scary about this Friday the 13th, at least on this stage. The day will be shared by The Johnson County Country Folk Music Society and the Sly Run Band. Both feature old-time music.
Saturday, August 14 – Family Reunion String Band has been the “house band,” or should we say, “barn band” for the last 35 years. The will have special guests, Half Way Home Band play at noon. There will be a James Whitcomb Riley tribute by Henry Ryder at 1:30. The National Barn Dance Tribute cast will also perform on this stage.
Sunday, August 15 – Gospel sing by the Family Reunion String Band in the morning, Dave Schroeder and friends will play yummy traditional bluegrass in the afternoon and Rhythm Wreckers will round out the day.
Monday, August 16 -- Mac Bellner and friends – traditional American music peppered with beautiful ballads in the morning and Lloyd Wood Band will play nostalgic country music in the afternoon.
Tuesday, August 17 -- The Lathen’s will play Celtic infused old-time music in the morning and the Last Drop Jug Band will play always-fun 30s and 40s music.
Wednesday, August 18 -- Barnstormin’ Bluegrass Band a family-style serving of traditional bluegrass and gospel. The Grimes Girls will be strolling in the village playing fun old-time music through out the day, be sure and wave! The afternoon will feature The Dulcimer Gathering playing, I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m guessing, dulcimers.
Thursday, August 19 – Don’t fret, The Fret Set is taking over the stage for the day. Fun old-time music will be ready and waiting for you.
Friday, August 20 – Guitars for Lunch sounds like my kind of Fair food. They play Indiana rural music. Promises to be fun! My favorites, the Witch Hazel Valley People will be dishing out their western swing for an afternoon snack. Last Drop Jug Band will serve up a heap of 30s and 40s fun for suppertime.
Saturday, August 21 – The stage is stuffed with great entertainment, Family Reunion String Band will kick-off the morning. D. Mark and Jules will be strolling through the village, Indiana Storyteller Gladis Allen takes the stage at 1:30, folk band, Blackberry Jam plays after that and the Rhythm Wreckers round out the evening with their jug and blues music.
Sunday, August 22 – Last day of the Fair. Sniff. The Family Reunion String Band will host the gospel sing-along in the morning and the Evening Light Gospel Singers play traditional bluegrass and gospel in the afternoon.
The Opera House venue will host the WLS National Barn Dance Tribute Show for two shows on Saturday, August 14 – 3:00 and 7:00 and one on Sunday, August 15 at 7:00 pm. Be in your seats fifteen minutes early for some pre-show fun. You can catch the dress rehearsal Thursday, August 12 – 7:00 pm.
The Opera House will also host Cary Allen Fields’ Bluegrass in the Opera House on Friday, August 13 from 7:00 – 10 pm. This promises to be an insightful and delightful peek in the best of Indiana bluegrass.
My dad tells stories about the year his brother Joe competed in the State Fair sheep shearing contest. Pop in on Sunday, August 15 between 9:00 – 4:00 for the Sheep to Shaw contest. My guess is that there will be some champion shearing and spinning going on.
Rich Lives, a play about early Hoosier homemakers is being staged on Monday, August 16 and Tuesday, August 17, (9:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00pm)
You will also find tractor and toy shows, cloggers, Celtic music, auctions and an ice cream cranking contest in this building at various times.
Rick Springfield
Thursday, August 12
Hoosier Lottery Grandstand
7:00, free show
I would like to thank the Hoosier Lottery for bring Rick Springfield to the Fair for a free show (with Fair admission). I imagine the crowd will be heavily populated with women. Rick is a pop musician with soap opera good looks – he played Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital and oozing with charm. I’m really looking forward to the concert. Now that I’ve seen him in the buff on the Showtime show, Californication, I’m not sure I’ll be able to look at him without blushing. Heck, I’m not sure I couldn’t have looking at him without blushing before that anyway.
www.rickspringfield.com
The Strugglers
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Barringer’s Tavern
2535 S. Meridian Street
317-783-3663
8:00 pm, 21 +
Do you need a little break from the State Fair? Even if you don’t, I suggest that you high-tail it to this show. The fabulously talented Stanley Smith will be in Indianapolis visiting from his adopted town of Austin, TX. I had a chance to see him perform with his group, The Jazz Pharaohs, when I was in Austin last fall and I was blown away by how amazing they were and effortless they made it seems.
The Strugglers are part of Indianapolis music history. They played from 1970 until Stanley moved away in 1985. They played the Vogue the first weekend it was a music venue, they were on the bill for weeks at a time at Crazy Al’s, the Hummingbird and the Patio. Band member, Scott Ballantine swears they invented ‘newgrass’ – progressive bluegrass and that Sam Bush stole it from them. Look for them to play a mixture of Chicago blues, Western swing, old country tunes and some jazz.
All of the original-ish band members will be there – Stanley (clarinet/vocals), Scott (guitar), Jack Clarke (harmonica), Kevin Hughey (drums), Dave Langfitt (pedal steel) and Joe Langfitt (bass).
A good time is guaranteed!
Year of Pigs
Indiana State Fair
August 6 – 22, 2010
State Fair Grounds
1202 E. 38th Street
It’s here! It’s here! The State Fair is finally here. Last year I managed to make to the Fair all 17 days, but I’m not sure I can pull that off this year, but I’m going to do my darndest. Oh, and I’m doing something beyond my wildest dreams and playing (I’m taking great artistic license with that term) at the Fair on Tuesday, August 10 – details below.
You can find free entertainment (with Fair admission) on just about every stop on the tractor tram. I’m particularly fond Pioneer Village, on the northeast side of the Fairgrounds. Pioneer Village is chockfull of demonstrations, music and vintage tractors.
There are two stages in Pioneer Village, one in on the north side of the exhibition barn and the other next door in the Opera House. You can’t go wrong with any of the shows – grab a lemon shake-up and take a rest on the old church pews in front of the stage at PV building or the great old wooden folding chairs at the Opera House.
The Pioneer Village exhibition hall stage starts at 10:00 each morning and goes on the road for tractor parade at 6:00 and the entertainment starts back at 6:30. The entertainment on this stage leans toward old-timey, bluegrass, jug, blues or folk bands and storytellers.
I wish I had enough room to write about all of the great acts, but here is an attempt to highlight as many as possible.
Friday, August 6 – Opening day kicks off with Family Reunion String Band, Sensible Shoes and Bill Bailey. Remember Bill’s name – you’ll want to be sure and meet him and he can give you a full entertainment schedule. Most likely he’ll be wearing overalls – and to narrow it down from the hundreds of men wearing overall at the Fair – a washboard with plenty of bells and whistles. Tell him I sent you!
Saturday, August 7 – I would camp-out at the stage all day if I could. The folk band, Blackberry Jam kicks off the day. Indiana Storyteller, Sue Grizzell takes the stage at 1:45, and front porch blues band, Yank Rachell Tribute Blues Band plays at 3:00. Western swing band, Witch Hazel Valley People, includes one of my favorite people ever – Robin Harrison, starts at 6:30.
Sunday, August 8 – I think you can count sitting on the pews in front of this stage as church on this day.– Family Reunion String Band will feature a gospel sing along starting at 10:00, Common Ground features traditional bluegrass and gospel, and Sacred Harp is old-time shape note gospel (I’ll admit to having absolutely no idea what that means, but I’m looking forward to finding out!).
Monday, August 9 – The line up appears to be all traditional American music. Jo and Patt Loo, Rebecca and Michel Lindsey with Cosmo the Washboard – I wonder if this will be like cosmo bowling, the lights are off of the washboard glows in the dark – and Myra Dworski and friends.
Tuesday, August 10 – The day I’ve had butterflies about ever since Cara Jean Wahlers floated the idea of an all-woman jug band. Alice Chalmers and the Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band is made up of five very talented musicians – Cara, Stasia Demos, Jude Odell, Holly Smith, Joni Back-Bubenzer – one budding musician, Tammy Lieber (former Gazette columnist, Tammy’s Take) and me, playing the typewriter. I’m just happy these women even let me sit in the same room with them, let alone on stage. The music is good-time jug band fun, except for the lonesome songs, of course. Our time slot is from 10:00 – noon and will be radio variety show-style, the band will play and some off-shoots of the group and solo shows. It promises to be fun and highly-entertaining. I’ll be the one behind the typewriter, trying not the faint, and concentrating on my favorite key, G. The rest of the day features Blue Stone Folk School musicians and dulcimer and ukulele musicians. Look for Geoff Davis, John Kay and friends and Third Satchel Novelty Jazz Orchestra to round out the day.
Wednesday, August 11 – Mac Bellner and friends – traditional American ballads and music and Governor Davis and Steve Robbins – traditional American blues will be featured.
Thursday, August 12 – Old-time music fun group, The Fret Set will be taking over the stage.
Friday, August 13 – Nothing scary about this Friday the 13th, at least on this stage. The day will be shared by The Johnson County Country Folk Music Society and the Sly Run Band. Both feature old-time music.
Saturday, August 14 – Family Reunion String Band has been the “house band,” or should we say, “barn band” for the last 35 years. The will have special guests, Half Way Home Band play at noon. There will be a James Whitcomb Riley tribute by Henry Ryder at 1:30. The National Barn Dance Tribute cast will also perform on this stage.
Sunday, August 15 – Gospel sing by the Family Reunion String Band in the morning, Dave Schroeder and friends will play yummy traditional bluegrass in the afternoon and Rhythm Wreckers will round out the day.
Monday, August 16 -- Mac Bellner and friends – traditional American music peppered with beautiful ballads in the morning and Lloyd Wood Band will play nostalgic country music in the afternoon.
Tuesday, August 17 -- The Lathen’s will play Celtic infused old-time music in the morning and the Last Drop Jug Band will play always-fun 30s and 40s music.
Wednesday, August 18 -- Barnstormin’ Bluegrass Band a family-style serving of traditional bluegrass and gospel. The Grimes Girls will be strolling in the village playing fun old-time music through out the day, be sure and wave! The afternoon will feature The Dulcimer Gathering playing, I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m guessing, dulcimers.
Thursday, August 19 – Don’t fret, The Fret Set is taking over the stage for the day. Fun old-time music will be ready and waiting for you.
Friday, August 20 – Guitars for Lunch sounds like my kind of Fair food. They play Indiana rural music. Promises to be fun! My favorites, the Witch Hazel Valley People will be dishing out their western swing for an afternoon snack. Last Drop Jug Band will serve up a heap of 30s and 40s fun for suppertime.
Saturday, August 21 – The stage is stuffed with great entertainment, Family Reunion String Band will kick-off the morning. D. Mark and Jules will be strolling through the village, Indiana Storyteller Gladis Allen takes the stage at 1:30, folk band, Blackberry Jam plays after that and the Rhythm Wreckers round out the evening with their jug and blues music.
Sunday, August 22 – Last day of the Fair. Sniff. The Family Reunion String Band will host the gospel sing-along in the morning and the Evening Light Gospel Singers play traditional bluegrass and gospel in the afternoon.
The Opera House venue will host the WLS National Barn Dance Tribute Show for two shows on Saturday, August 14 – 3:00 and 7:00 and one on Sunday, August 15 at 7:00 pm. Be in your seats fifteen minutes early for some pre-show fun. You can catch the dress rehearsal Thursday, August 12 – 7:00 pm.
The Opera House will also host Cary Allen Fields’ Bluegrass in the Opera House on Friday, August 13 from 7:00 – 10 pm. This promises to be an insightful and delightful peek in the best of Indiana bluegrass.
My dad tells stories about the year his brother Joe competed in the State Fair sheep shearing contest. Pop in on Sunday, August 15 between 9:00 – 4:00 for the Sheep to Shaw contest. My guess is that there will be some champion shearing and spinning going on.
Rich Lives, a play about early Hoosier homemakers is being staged on Monday, August 16 and Tuesday, August 17, (9:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00pm)
You will also find tractor and toy shows, cloggers, Celtic music, auctions and an ice cream cranking contest in this building at various times.
Rick Springfield
Thursday, August 12
Hoosier Lottery Grandstand
7:00, free show
I would like to thank the Hoosier Lottery for bring Rick Springfield to the Fair for a free show (with Fair admission). I imagine the crowd will be heavily populated with women. Rick is a pop musician with soap opera good looks – he played Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital and oozing with charm. I’m really looking forward to the concert. Now that I’ve seen him in the buff on the Showtime show, Californication, I’m not sure I’ll be able to look at him without blushing. Heck, I’m not sure I couldn’t have looking at him without blushing before that anyway.
www.rickspringfield.com
The Strugglers
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Barringer’s Tavern
2535 S. Meridian Street
317-783-3663
8:00 pm, 21 +
Do you need a little break from the State Fair? Even if you don’t, I suggest that you high-tail it to this show. The fabulously talented Stanley Smith will be in Indianapolis visiting from his adopted town of Austin, TX. I had a chance to see him perform with his group, The Jazz Pharaohs, when I was in Austin last fall and I was blown away by how amazing they were and effortless they made it seems.
The Strugglers are part of Indianapolis music history. They played from 1970 until Stanley moved away in 1985. They played the Vogue the first weekend it was a music venue, they were on the bill for weeks at a time at Crazy Al’s, the Hummingbird and the Patio. Band member, Scott Ballantine swears they invented ‘newgrass’ – progressive bluegrass and that Sam Bush stole it from them. Look for them to play a mixture of Chicago blues, Western swing, old country tunes and some jazz.
All of the original-ish band members will be there – Stanley (clarinet/vocals), Scott (guitar), Jack Clarke (harmonica), Kevin Hughey (drums), Dave Langfitt (pedal steel) and Joe Langfitt (bass).
A good time is guaranteed!
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Recent CD review
My review of Marc Antoine Charpentier's David et Jonathans from Pinchgut Opera is here.
An appealing record of what sounds like a fascinating performance
An appealing record of what sounds like a fascinating performance
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