The C.R.O.W.D. has a New Gig

Legend has it, once Evansville was ruled by a clan of young brutes who performed such antics as jumping off of speakers, shedding their clothes and drinking fair amounts of mind altering liquids. They were even the ONLY local band to appear on the cover of News4U in its 17 year rein. You may remember the band that ruled Evansville: The C.R.O.W.D. It all started back in 1991, when front man T.J. Tanoos heard Pearl Jam and Nirvana for the first time on his way home from a sales gig. He brought the revolutionary sound to Evansville, and with the help of John Hollinden, Brad Skinnard, Scott Crain, Bill Betz, Rex Brush and Brent Hill, the rest, as they say, is history. Named by John Hollinden, Crude, Rude, Obnoxious White Dudes, or C.R.O.W.D. for short, descended upon a wild ride though the Nineties.

the crowd.jpg            So, what ever happened to that lanky Syrian lead singer who was charming, had an electric smile and was so fun-loving? It just so happens T.J. Tanoos is back in the Evansville nightlife scene, only this time, he’s not the guy in the band yelling, “eight shots and eight beers, oh and let those all those people in for free!” T.J. is now the one behind the bar. As of August, T.J. will become the new owner of the Stockyard Inn. He purchased the legendary bar from his cousin Mark Ellis and former owner and beloved barkeep – Mark’s mom, Rachel Ellis.

            There are going to be some big changes to the small establishment. For instance, Tuesdays will headline C.R.O.W.D. + Jay, a new band consisting of T.J., Bill Betz and Jay Johnson. On Sundays, the Stockyard Inn will host Country Idol. T.J. welcomes all female performers with a dream of fronting their own country band. The winner of the Stockyard Country Idol will win her own band for touring.

            Finally, something else that the Stockyard will be hosting, and to my knowledge is the pioneer in Evansville, is BBW – Big and Beautiful Women Night. This is a night when all the curvy ladies are guests of honor, held every Wednesday! 

            Oh, and in case you were wondering, T.J. is doing well. Stop in and see him any night of the week, and look for all the new and exciting things happening 4U at the Stockyard.

            Check out our entertainment guide for a complete listing of what’s going on here in the tri-state, and if you know what happened to those popular kids back in the day and want to dish – let us know at www.news4uonline.com.

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If you are an Eastsider, Newburgher or just want to try something new, Chasers Bar & Grill has a new name, new owners and a facelift.

            According to Tom Nixon, “We have a lot of changes in mind for our new tavern, but first let me say that we are not going to get rid of our customer’s favorite foods. What we hope to accomplish is to raise the bar so to speak, we want to ad some nice entrees and be able to offer our customers delicious, well prepared food at tavern prices. Also we will be changing the look inside, enhancing the already comfortable and warm atmosphere.”