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Andrew Miller — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:25:00 GMT

We Were There, Were You?

Photos by Mark McCoy — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:04:29 GMT

We’re Doomed

Brandon Kaelin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:42:54 GMT

CYNICISM: THE SKELETOR TO THE “JUST KEEP LIVIN” HE-MAN

For operational purposes, cynicism will be described in modern terms:

"an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others.”

Man, if only we could all channel the psyche of Matthew McConaughey. We could score sh*tty movie roles with ease, nail hot chicks, chief a little tree, get nude and beat the fire out of Cuban percussion instruments until the cops come knocking.

People bash McConaughey and his sometimes oddball, hippie-ish behavior. Associations like nut-job and kook are tossed around more than selfless humanitarian and acknowledged (see: $$$$$) actor. He oozes positivity in a world that harbors oppressing, venal gloom. He’s like Hanson’s pop overdose “Mmmbop!” in rotation on a black metal channel, or like Stuart Smalley affirming at a blazing, cross-burning hate rally--he just doesn’t fit. Bleak and skeptical cynics scoff at McConaughey and his cheesy creed and compass, “Just keep livin,” yet it’s hard to disparage the efficacy of his motto.

Undeniably, McConaughey is successful and (begrudging moan) happy. He’s got fame, fortune, health and family (see: a smoking Brazilian model girlfriend and two blessed children). He’s been People’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” guts out triathlons, has his own foundation dedicated to “helping teenage kids lead active lives and make healthy choices to become great men and women” and dated chicks that most of us can only dream about (and “self-abuse” to). Balancing all of that with a positive outlook, integrity and a little herb, it’s clear he’s done a better job at figuring out and conquering life than most of us slackers and scapegoat slaughterers.

He oozes positivity in a world that harbors oppressing, venal gloom.

I am not a Matthew McConaughey fan. I think his movies suck. Every time I’m pummeled with previews from whatever load of crap he’s starring in, my stomach churns and vomit pools on my tongue. His incessant good mood and brotherly love for everything makes my skin crawl. We are opposite poles: his philosophy repels mine, no matter how furiously you try to jam them together.

Over the years, life has beaten cynicism into me like Ike used to slug authority into Tina. I live in a world engulfed in chaos, crime and stupidity. Even meandering from the safety of my humble dwelling to surrounding idiot-chocked vehicular thoroughfares, I find my fuse of patience growing shorter, fueling my hate for people and society even more. I keep a baseball bat in the backseat of my car and extremely potent pepper spray in my glove box. I’ve got a heavy duty Maglite at arm’s reach and I’ve been suppressing the urge to obtain a pistol with enough caliber to blow a torso into a plume of gore (mostly because I’m afraid I’ll use it and end up in prison, negotiating sexual favors for Dorito’s and toothpaste... yeah, not so appealing is it?). Max Cavalera screaming kill messages and death sounds at me from my Pioneer speakers doesn’t help thwart the rapidly boiling William “D-Fens” Foster animosity much either.

I find hostility and disdain resonating through most dimensions of my life. I holler obscenities when I drop ice on the floor from the freezer, grind my teeth and furl my brow when the phone rings and nearly murdered my cat berserkergang style with a hammer when I was hanging curtains in our living room (and I LOVE cats... yes, I’m that guy.) I’m overwhelmingly uptight and slightly unhinged in every facet of my life, yet I’ve got the stones to judge Matthew McConaughey as a total ass-bag because of the wretched acting he inflicts upon us and his daffy “go life!” philosophy he so effortlessly facilitates and adheres to. I’m snapping like a rat trap in a garbage filled alley in New York City, and he’s kicked back on a beach, Brazilian babe alongside, soaking up the sun and smiling. One of us is doing something wrong here, and it appears to be the guy writing a crappy opinion column called “We’re Doomed.”

In one of his final moments hosting The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien cautioned viewers about being cynical. He said, “I hate cynicism--it’s my least favorite quality and it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen. I’m telling you, amazing things will happen.”

Conan is right. So is McConaughey, and everyone else famous or not that preaches positivity with sincerity and points to hope rather than loathing. Being a tightly wound cynic like me is not the way to navigate life. The landscape around us is despairing enough as it is, and people will always act like unenlightened, boorish fools, but running them off the road, disabling them with 3.5 million SHU of pepper spray and bashing their skulls to a bloody pulp with a chrome Maglite isn’t going to alleviate the grand problem; it will only create more. I know this column, based on cynical thinking, screams otherwise, but I can’t debate results. I’d probably be somewhere besides sitting at my computer in an uncomfortable chair writing this bunk if I paralleled positive thinking and abandoned my seething rage and contempt for humanity. Somewhere like a beach, with shades, bongos and a bong, instead of this desolate, stagnant environment, grinding daily for the hypothetical MAN, drowning in debt, barely surviving without a Brazilian babe in sight.

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Credit Warner Bros. Films

Soundboard

Misc. — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:41:12 GMT

We’re catching the sounds right out of the board, so they’re free of weird reverb, odd ticked-ey-tocks and crowd noise. Check it:

1. Talk about the bands you've been in and when/where you played your first gig.

2. When did you first decide, "Hey, I want to get up in front of people and play music?"

3. Try to narrow it down to three - which bands/artists have you been most influenced by in your playing and why?

4. If you routine before a show had a theme song, what would it be?

5. Give us a story of the most memorable thing you've seen from the stage at a show.

David Miller, Evansville, IN:

1. I've always been this responsible dad and found time for music between Boy Scout leadership and Ballet classes for the girls. That didn't leave much time otherwise so I got hooked up with some guys that were doing the same. Once a week we would go to Bud’s House, Bud Gardner, and we fooled around with a loose list of covers. Bud would play drums and had all kinds of recording equip and sequencers and stuff. Jeff Wilhite was playing lead guitar and Charlie Carper on bass. Every once in a while Jon Vessel would play keys and it was complete. We tossed around the idea of naming the band Jampact.
After Bud moved away it was up to Jeff and me [to] just to meet up in my garage. The rest is recorded on our website www.tdcrocks.com
Top Dead Center had their first gig at Lanhuck’s opening for Hog Luv Dog and the Gasguzzlers on 02/23/2007. That was an exhilarating show and my wife said I was dropping the F Bomb every ten seconds... lesson learned.

2. When I was four or five years old I watched the late sixties TV shows and movies and there was talent ranging from Elvis to The Beatles to Sammy Davis Jr... I remember watching that stuff and getting so pumped up that my sister and I would go play and act like we were entertaining people on stage (more embarrassing stuff). The first time [I] actually did it was at Penny Lane Coffeehouse and that was unnerving. Me and a guitar and a mic. I learned to be humble that night. It went well but just doing a one man show is some tough stuff. Kudos to Troy Miller (no relation).

3. Number one Roy Orbison. My mom and dad had Orbison OCD when I was younger and they would play his stuff on the record player. Led Zeppelin was influential to me in an artistic way. Not to emulate them so much but seeing the way it was arranged and written and performed. Lastly KISS, I mean come on, who couldn't watch a KISS show and not want to become a rock star? Duh.

4. “Will it Go ‘Round in Circles”… My biggest enemy is electricity. Will all of my vintage equipment work right? Nervous energy is there, all right, but it's usually directed at performing NOT Not performing. Know what I mean?

5. Man boobs (OMG Face). A friend of the band was at a show one night and flashed me. I made a comment after the song and some female members of the audience were nice enough to try and erase my memory of that. Didn't turn out that bad after all.

Dave’s new band, The Waywards, will be performing their first gig at The Deerhead on Saturday, March, 6 at 9 p.m.

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Courtesy of the Artist

We Don’t Need No Stinking Controller!

Dan Woolsey — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:26:34 GMT

Or do we? Apparently Microsoft thinks it’s time to move past the thing that has come to symbolize video games: the controller. Project Natal is their high-tech attempt at changing games forever. Announced at E3 in June of 2009, Project Natal is a controller-free way to play games. I thought the name “Natal” would have had some mystical origin, but it turns out it comes from a city in Brazil, in which one of the developers was born. If you really wanted to read into it you could say that it connotes the system being reborn, since the word “natal” has to do with birth and the Xbox 360 is halfway through its projected 10 year life-cycle. Either way, Microsoft has confirmed that Project Natal will be compatible with all existing Xbox 360 consoles and will be available this holiday season.

It’s arguable that the ultimate goal in video game progression has been ultra-realism. Graphics and sound quality increase (usually by double) with each new generation of hardware, but the controller has always been your means of interaction. The Wii changed how games were played, but you still held a controller. It was the new ways you used the controller that made it innovative. At the same time Natal was announced, Sony announced “Project Arc” (or so it’s called for now) in order to climb aboard the motion-controller bandwagon. Their new tech involves a controller that measures movement in all directions, similar to the Wii, but with more accurate Z-axis responses. The thing that sets Project Natal apart from the competition is that it completely removes the need for a controller. Your voice will turn the system on, automatically logging you in by recognizing your face as you walk into the room. Menus will be navigated ala Johnny Mnemonic (or Minority Report for you young punks) as you push or pull items around. The games then would be played using, well, yourself. Microsoft says “you are the controller,” with Natal.

Microsoft has shown us a handful of demos for Project Natal, with hopefully more to come soon. Paint Party allowed the player to throw paint on a canvas to create a picture. Colors were switched by calling them out and different gestures were used to change how the paint was applied (which allowed for a Jackson Pollockesque degree of control). A sort of 3D Breakout style game, called Ricochet, has also been shown with the player using all parts of their body to knock bouncing balls down a corridor. Demos have surfaced of the racing game Burnout being played using Natal as well. For this game, players mimed holding a steering wheel as Natal would pick up on their hands rotating for turning. Braking and acceleration was handled simply by moving your foot pretty much how you would expect. The Milo sequence from Lionhead Studios was intriguing, but I have a hard time believing all of it. At times, it seems as if the person in the video is “interacting” with rendered CG, not real-time software. Also, the studio’s creator, Peter Molyneaux, has a tendency to promise more than can be delivered, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.

I’ve come to accept that Natal won’t be able to pull off certain types of games. The shooter genre has been Microsoft’s bread-and-butter for many years (Halo, Call of Duty, Gears of War, Left 4 Dead) and I’m not sure Natal will be able to handle them, but maybe it’s not meant to. It’s been reported that Natal can pick up movements within 1.5” accurately, so a trigger-pull seems out of the question with no buttons available. How would precise aiming be handled without the use of something else being held? The idea of having no barriers between you and your entertainment is appealing, but at the same time, it isn’t unnatural to use your hands to hold and manipulate objects either. It will all come down to the software that is developed to utilize the strengths of each type of technology. Natal’s games may be very similar to Wii titles that already exist; minus the controller. To succeed though, Natal will have to create entirely new experiences that wouldn’t be possible on any other system.

2010 will be a very interesting chapter in the console wars. With Nintendo claiming victory for the last couple of years, the competition has taken action to keep up. Sony and Microsoft will continue the fight to please the hardcore-gamer, while attempting to bring in the Nintendo-dominated casual market. Sony and Microsoft have positioned themselves as a blockbuster action movie might with the biggest, loudest, and fastest of everything, but now they want to appeal to a wider audience who might not care about all of that. Nintendo showed them that simplicity sells and they’ve taken note. Whoever it is that ends up pulling ahead at the end of the year, they will be the victor of a hard fought battle.

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http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/images/gallery/xbox/ProjectNatalSensor_print.jpg - high res image of Natal with the 360 console

http://misterape.com.br/media/files/hots/lancamentos2010/Project-Natal.jpg - “Ricochet” game being shown at E3

Fine Art - At Angel Mounds

Joanne DeMaio — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:24:36 GMT

Angel Mounds State Historic Site is proud to be hosting their 3^rd annual 4 Winds Native American Fine Arts Bazaar this year from March 27^th and 28^th. 4 Winds is an event centered on Native American art, expressed in various mediums to satisfy all walks of life. 4 Winds has been expanded this year to now feature a total of seven artists. Presented at this year’s event are award-winning, nationally recognized artists, Mitch Battese, Abraham Begay, Daniel Bigay, Marty Gradolf, Victoria McKinney, Katrina Mitten, and Sapphira Scott.

Wood Pecker Gourd
By Daniel Bigay

Returning to this year’s event are Navajo Silversmith, Abraham Begay, and Katrina Mitten, an outstanding beadwork artist of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Abraham Begay is considered by some to be one of the leading silver jewelry makers of his time. He is a master of his art who creates contemporary pieces that mix modern with traditional. Katrina Mitten is a multi-award winning artist who placed first at numerous Native American art shows for her fantastic work with beading. Also returning to the site is Sapphira Scott, a Navajo Natural Jeweler. Although Sapphira has never attended 4 Winds, she was one of the prominent art vendors at last year’s Native American Days. With a unique style that uses the materials and methods of her ancestors and the style and fashion of today, Sapphira’s designs her work with specific materials in mind to complement not only a person’s appearance, but to encourage the best in a person.

Old Lady Sunset
By Victoria McKinney

One new artist to 4 Winds is Mitch Battese. Mitch is a descendant of the Prairie Band Potawatomi, is a nationally recognized painter who has shown his work at venues such as Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of the American Indian. Examining and crossing cultural boundaries and illustrating stories of sacred sites, Mitch challenges the viewer with his work to step out of his or her comfort zone and travel the United States and Canada through visions of art.

Old Lady Sunset
By Mitch Batese

A member of the Echota Cherokee Tribe is Daniel Bigay, also new to the event. Daniel is a renowned multi-media artist from eastern Tennessee. Creating contemporary pieces with traditional methods and designs, Daniel has become famous for his flute making, as well as his gourd, copper, and shell art. In his flutes, he uses the designs mainly from ancient Mississippian motifs. His inspiration from traditional Cherokee stories can be seen in his inlay designs and carvings.

Marty Gradolf is the third new artist for 4 Winds. She considers herself “a contemporary nontraditional Native American” artist. Of full-blooded Winnebago heritage and working in the ancient art of weaving, she creates pieces that are focused on the stereotypical images of Native Americans that continue to exist even today in society. In previous years she has won numerous awards for her weavings in the past few years at venues such as the Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market in Indianapolis and the Cahokia Contemporary Indian Art Show. She is an accomplished artist whose work has earned her reputation as an outstanding creator of unique and insightful art.

The final new artist for this year’s art show and sale is Victoria McKinney, who is both a Native American artist and potter. She incorporates the graphic designs of the Mound Builders of both the Woodland and Mississippian Period of occupation. Victoria is inspired by the ancient people that are part of her cultural heritage and she is dedicated to doing what she can “to honor them and to expand people’s knowledge of their designs.” With an extensive listing of awards under her belt, including taking a 1^st place award under the “Contemporary Pottery” category at the Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market in 2009, Victoria has captivated many with her distinctive contemporary style that has a prehistoric twist.

Little People
By Victoria McKinney

A two day event, 4 Winds will be taking place this year on Saturday, March 27 - Sunday, March 28, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and is free and open to the public. An opening night reception will be held on March 26 at 6:00 p.m. The reception will be showcasing both a live and silent art auction and will also feature a wine tasting by Blue Heron Winery, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Angel Mounds. If you would like to join us for the reception, please RSVP by Wednesday, March 24. If you can’t make it to the show, be sure to stop by the Friends of Angel Mounds Gift shop, which already features artwork by previous years’ participants.

Creative Spotlight – Shaggy Wonda

Mark McCoy – Staff Photographer — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:22:46 GMT

So, it’s the week before Christmas, and I’m out doing some last minute Holiday shopping with the wife, when my cell phone rings. “Hey, whatcha doin’ man? Wanna go check out this band, Shaggy Wonda tonight?”

Through my job, and my musical circle of friends, I’ve been blessed to get to know some special people, some of whom have become close friends. It was one of those friends, Rod Austin, whose voice was on the other end of the line, beckoning me away from the flustercluck and kiosk carnival barkers of the mall. Not a tough decision. “Give me an hour and I’ll meet you there!” I replied.

I’d heard of Shaggy Wonda, but had never seen them, so I tossed my soon to be “junk destined to clutter the house” into the back seat of my truck, all tucked away nice and warm in their Christmassy splendor, and headed to The Deerhead Tavern. My thinking being that whether I liked the band or not, 2 hours at the Mall qualifies you for at least one Crown and Coke—TALL!

The times I’ve come to treasure the most are those magical/musical times when you just stumble across something special. No advanced planning; no expectations.

That “Yeah” moment happened on this chilly December evening. Suddenly it wasn’t so cold and dreary anymore.

I was pretty sure from the first notes of Teddy Jones’ soulful saxophone, that, this night had the potential to be something special, and by the band’s 3^rd set, as they ended the evening by playing one of my all-time favorite tunes: Soulshine (by Warren Haynes), such a rush of musical emotion had flowed that you couldn’t escape having been caught up in it.

The Funk Brothers; the rhythm section behind many of the old Motown hits were famous for adding that extra beat; that syncopation which made their music so great. That’s what Shaggy Wonda does! There’s always that extra something….that funk…that groove.

The guys are thoroughly grounded in the old “roots” rock, blues and jazz, which have been lovingly nudged into the 21^st Century by these 4 talented and dedicated musicians from Bloomington, Indiana. They’ve been together since 2006 and have gravitated from their home base of Bloomington Indiana to venues throughout the Mid West, picking up new fans in every town they play.

Shaggy Wonda is:

Steve Laine on Bass – Probably the most laid back and quietest one of the bunch, but a guy who lays down some solid and powerful Bass!

Colby Miller – Guitar and lead vocals. Colby is the quintessential front man. The love of music, and “positive waves” just flow through Colby, and he plays a pretty mean axe!

Teddy Jones – One badd-ass saxophone player. Doubt me? Check him out!

Zach “Panama” Martin – Zach doesn’t so much play the drums as he seems to be one with the drums, laying down the funky beat that drives the band.

This band has a real dynamic. Their music WILL loosen your inhibitions. You’ll sense yourself immediately swaying and bobbing your head to the music, and whatever worries or troubles may have been on your mind prior to the show, will have taken a back seat to the music! Those in attendance were visibly “chillaxed” a few notches and were completely immersed into the sounds these guys were laying down.

This is definitely FEEL GOOD music! Everyone was smiling, talking, dancing… simply having an enjoyable evening, and that’s what these guys bring to the table!

Did I mention they play primarily original tunes? All very well written, and the covers they do aren’t your everyday pop radio covers. They do tunes like The Band’s, Stagefright; The Allman Brothers’ “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed”, and the previously mentioned, “Soulshine.”

Shaggy Wonda is a band well worth checking out! To catch them “live” is an enjoyable and memorable experience! They impressed me enough that I accepted their invitation, and centered my end of the year holiday plans on their New Year’s Eve show at The Crump Theatre in Columbus Indiana, along with Madison Indiana’s “Samesoul,” acoustic duo, “Rooks and Tran,” and solo acoustic artist, Nikki Gill from Columbus Indiana, and her addictively soulful voice.

Shaggy Wonda will be returning to The Deerhead on March 5at 9:00 p.m.

If you enjoy good music and like to feel good when you hear it, grab your wife; snag a friend; hell, fly solo if you have to. But put a Shaggy Wonda show on your calendar as soon as you can.

Check their schedule online at: www.shaggywonda.com or on their Myspace page at: www.myspace.com/shaggywonda

Contact mark@markmccoyphotography.com with any comments or suggestions for any musicians, writers or artists for future articles.

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All Credit Mark McCoy

Fashion

Alison Sigman — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:20:35 GMT

Spring Break means fun, sun, and sandy beaches depending on where you vacation. The biggest obstacle of spring break planning is always knowing what to pack (some might argue what NOT to pack, but this ain’t my gig – ed). This is especially important on two levels. One, if you are flying out and don’t want to get stuck paying more on baggage fees than the actual plane ticket. Two, you must pack according to your destination. You wouldn’t take a parka to Myrtle Beach would you? And believe it or not, all sunny beaches are not made equal. Let’s break down the ins and outs of fashion at some of the busiest spring break destinations.

Panama City Beach: Probably the easiest destination to prepare for. During the day, a denim skirt, bathing suit, and flip flops. At night, denim skirt, tank top, and open toe sandals. Two skirts and several tops and you’re good to go!

Chicago: It’s not a nation-wide spring break hotspot, but when we’re this close to the nation’s third largest city it’s a clear contender. Weather in the Windy City, is a tricky thing to pin down, so it’s imperative to layer. T-shirt, jeans, a jacket, and comfortable yet stylish shoes are must-haves. At night, well what would you wear out in Evansville? Yeah, wear that.

Miami: This city is hot, and I’m not talking about the temperature. Brightly colored maxi dresses and wedges are perfect for daytime strolls around South Beach. At night, it’s a whole new ball game. Slinky shirts, short skirts, and stilettos are mandatory items in any club.

South Padre Island: This Texas island has a style that walks the line of casual and classy. Opt for linen shirts instead of denim along with breezy tank tops over your bathing suit. The nightlife here, is all about casual items worn in a dressy way. Skirts, wedges, basic tank tops, along with bright bold pieces of jewelry are all you need.

Cancun: The number one travel spot in Mexico, this spring break destination doesn’t disappoint. Day and maxi dresses can be interchanged to cover both day and night, just all depends on the styling. Switch out flip flops for heels, and no jewelry for a classy amount.

PLUS!

Smells Like… Something Better Than Teen Spirit (do they still make that?)

Eastland Mall seems to always be changing. New stores coming in, old stores going out, and then there are stores that play ring-around-the-rosy. These are the stores that move from one section of the mall to another, usually to upgrade for more space. Perfume Plus did just that last August. After fifteen years of kiosk living, the operation moved up and took occupancy of a vacant spot between Trade Secret and Trade Home in the J.C. Penney wing. The store still offers discounted prices on the most popular fragrances, as well as having some of those hard to find scents. If you want it, they probably have it, and if not in the store, they’ll work with distributors to see if they can locate it for you. Talk about great customer service!

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Credit Old Navy // Credit Charlotte Russe // Credit Express // Credit Perfume Plus

Under the Beams Concert Series – Fareed Haque

Doug Messel — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:19:43 GMT

In January, Erin Bode played a great show for the Under the Beams Concert series in New Harmony. This month, guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque brings his unique musical style to the same venue for what promises to be an entertaining experience for music fans of the Tri-State.

Haque was born in 1963 to parents of Pakistani and Chilean origin. He traveled extensively growing up, staying for long periods in Span, France, Iran, Pakistan, and Chile. It was in these places that Haque was exposed to all kinds of music from a very early age. There’s a noticeable effect in his music that this eclecticism has created; he’s able to perform in all sorts of ensembles or settings. One performance could be a fusion of jazz or funk, and the next take place in a concert hall with a symphony orchestra. Described as a renaissance man on the guitar, Haque is capable of playing all styles; classical, Spanish, Indian classical or American jazz—he can do them all.

Still need proof of his skill? On nine different recordings, Fareed Haque acts as band leader. His latest, Flat Planet, was released in 2009. He’s been featured on scores of television shows and has contributed to other artists’ albums. He actively transcribes baroque period music. He truly is a renaissance man.

Haque, however, isn’t content to simply perform music. He’s a very active teacher, holding an associate professorship at Northern Illinois University. It’s here that he teaches in jazz and classical guitar studies. But that’s not the only way he teaches. Jumping on the technology bandwagon, Fareed Haque teaches guitar over the internet for $100 an hour. It cuts out the middleman of tuition and room and board costs. Plus it just seems like a very cool idea.

Haque’s concert — if it isn’t already sold out — takes place on March 13 at the Rapp-Owen Granary in New Harmony, Ind. Tickets are available by calling 812-682-3128. If you need more information, you can always visit www.underthebeams.org. It may be a little bit of a drive out there, but the music will totally be worth it. I promise.

Bonus – last minute-arrival of this exclusive interview with Fareed!

N4U: For our readers who haven't heard your music before how would you describe it?

FH: The Flat Earth Ensemble is a fun dancing funky Hindustani groove jazz group.

Tell me a little bit about the new album and some of the inspiration behind it.

It’s taken years to find musicians who understand east and west INSTINCTIVELY not just intellectually. I've finally hooked up drums tabla jazz guitar with the feel of bhangra and the swing and melody of jazz. This CD Bing Bang Boing is fun to listen to, fun to dance to and its jazz with all of the harmonic twists and turns that make jazz so rich.

Tell me a little bit about the upcoming concert? What can listeners expect when they come to see you perform?

Tabla, Sitar, Jazz guitar as well as a jazz rhythm section. We will be seated on the floor as in most traditional Indian music, but we will funk out and get your booties shakin'.

How did your music career get started? When did you really know it's what you wanted to do?

I always played guitar for fun, never thought it'd be a career. Then the phone started ringing. When it stops I’ll go back to paleontology!

I'm interested in how you, having been established for awhile, feel about the internet's role in the business. Has it done more harm than good for your career?

Oh it has definitely helped. In the past I was dependent on business to define me in the market place. Now I can do that for myself. For better and for worse! But in the end, if I create something that people like, well then I can continue to do what I do.

If you could pick three guitarists (living or dead) to go out on tour with you, who would you pick?

Well guitar duo is not a great combination, unless it’s well rehearsed. But it’d still be fun to play with John Williams. John McLaughlin and I could do some nice things together as our styles would blend well. And I’d give almost anything to jam with Fernando Sor, S.L Weiss, John Dowland and esp. heitor Villa Lobos....

What's your "guilty pleasure" when it comes to music? Anyone you listen to that would surprise your fans?

I love Queen, Heart. ANN WILSON I’m yours when ever where ever you want me.

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All courtesy of Fareed Haque

From the Stacks

Amy Mangold — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:17:19 GMT

The EVPL is adding Saturday hours to our Neighborhood Locations – East Branch on Chandler Avenue, Stringtown Branch on Stringtown Road, and West Branch on Franklin Street – effective March 14, 2010. This change is in response to recent customer feedback and will increase weekend accessibility in the neighborhoods served. In addition, a review of customer use showed that Tuesday evenings and Thursdays were historically the slowest traffic times for these locations. Consequently, the hours at these locations will be changed to the following:

Mon – Wed: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thurs: CLOSED

Fri – Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sun: CLOSED

A variety of materials to remind customers of this change will soon be available at all library locations. The change in hours will correspond with Evansville’s change to Daylight Savings Time on March 14, 2010.

Tools to Get the Job You Want – Career Assistance Series

Thursday, March 11

Part I – Finding a Career that Fits You

6:30 p.m., Central Library Large Group Room

200 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

This free workshop will help you find a career that matches your talents, skills and abilities.

Registration is required. Call Melissa Davis at 426-9790 or email melissad@evpl.org.

Thursday, March 18

Part II – Perfecting Your Resume

6:30 p.m., Central Library Large Group Room

200 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

This free workshop will help you create cover letters, a readable resume and will also cover application forms.

Registration is required. Call Melissa Davis at 426-9790 or email melissad@evpl.org.

Thursday, March 25

Part III – Polishing Your Interviewing Skills

6:30 p.m., Central Library Large Group Room

200 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

This free workshop will help you prepare for an interview, including what to wear, what might be asked, and what questions are illegal.

Registration is required. Call Melissa Davis at 426-9790 or email melissad@evpl.org.

Other March EVPL Programs

Thursday, March 4

German For Kids

Thursdays @ 4:30 p.m.

READ Center, Central Library

For information: Call 428-8225.

Tuesday, March 9

Cyber Safety – Teen Tech Week

4:00 p.m. , Browning Room, Central Library

200 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

For information: Call 428-8217

Thursday, March 25

Writing Fan Fiction

6:00 p.m., Red Bank Branch

120 S. Red Bank Road

Registration is required. Call 428-8205.

Wednesday, March 31

Computer Help Session

9: 30 a.m., Oaklyn Branch

3001 Oaklyn Dr.

Registration is required. Call 428-8234.

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Credit itelework.com

Evansville Museum Contemporaries - Featured African Art

Jane Owen — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:10:55 GMT

Jazz sounds will be decanted at this event, courtesy of Matt Clark.
Corey Christie joins in.

Spring is in the air and one of the best events in the Tri-State should be on your April calendar. The 13^th annual Grand Tour of Wines, a fundraiser for the Evansville Museum Contemporaries, will be held April 17^th, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Evansville Museum of Arts History and Science. This really is the best wine tasting event in the entire Tri-State Area! You are invited to sample over 50 wines, enjoy foods from some of your favorite restaurants and view great art – all at one event! Matt Clark and Corey Christie will add musical atmosphere to the event. There will be exciting silent auction items to bid on as well. This event will also be your last chance to enjoy our budding local artists showcased at this year’s High School Art Show. Come mix and mingle with friends while helping the Evansville Museum. Tickets for the event are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. There were over 300 attendees at this event last year, therefore tickets in advance are recommended. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit the Evansville Museum website at www.emuseum.org or call (812) 425-2406. For obvious reasons, this event is for those over 21 only.

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Credit myspace.com/mattclarktunes.com

Run of Luck – Somewhere over the rainbow

Lee Ann Gaines, MD – Run of Luck Assistant Race Director — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:59:28 GMT

On March 13, 2010 will be the 10^th Running of the St. Patrick’s Day Run of Luck, presented by Shoe Carnival. Events begin at 9 a.m. with a 7K Run, Walk, and Racewalk along with a One-Mile Shamrock Shuffle and FREE Wee Folks Kids Dash. All events begin and finish at The Centre in downtown Evansville.

This year we have a goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of gently worn shoes for Soles 4 Souls. In return Soles 4 Souls will donate a total of 3,500 pairs of new shoes to Evansville Christian Life Center, The Dream Center, Chandler United Methodist Church, and The Spencer County School Corporation. With this goal of 10,000 pairs of shoes we hope to challenge the current Guinness World Record of Longest Chain of Shoes!

We are also collecting food and clothes for Evansville Christian Life Center and collecting pet food and items for Caring Paws Animal Rescue, a no-kill animal shelter.

7K and 1 Mile Participants that register by March 6get an extra entry for the $1000 Pot of Gold Giveaway by Tri-State Contracting. 7K and 1 Mile Participants that are 18 years of age or older and finish their event are eligible to win the Pot of Gold Giveaway. The first 800 Registered 7K & 1 Mile Participants are guaranteed a race shirt and re-usable cloth shop bag. The Wee Folks Kids Dash is free and 1^st200 registered are guaranteed a t-shirt. Registration is available online at www.RunOfLuck7K.com. Post race fun will include Celtic Music, Kids Activities, Costume contest and Awards Ceremony.

Each year the race uncovers special people that are highly passionate about supporting our cause. Long time supporter, North High School Art Teacher, Jon Siau was able to get his school involved in collecting shoes. By doing that Jon’s 87-year-old Aunt Margie Sutton was motivated by the challenge. Margie has challenged Jon & North High that she will collect more shoes than they will! Currently she has collected over 300 pairs of shoes and is toe to toe with Jon’s collection efforts.

Volunteers are always are crucial part of being a successful event. Without our volunteers we wouldn’t be here for our 10^th running! Volunteers always get a special race shirt and this year will be entered into their own special Thank You Leprechaun Giveaway to win a Wii Console!

Come on out to run, walk, dash or volunteer for a good community event. Oh – and bring lots of gently used shoes with you!

For more information visit www.RunOfLuck7K.com or email JimBush@RunOfLuck7K.com

Kid’s Page

LANEA STAGG — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:57:39 GMT

After the rough winter we've had... I think we all deserve to get out of the house and enjoy our city! Evansville always has great activities if you do a little investigating and N4U has taken the guess work out of where to take the kids this month!

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

551 North Boeke Road

Evansville 812-479-0771

wesselmannaturesociety.org

March 21 Spring Bird Banding (1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Celebrate the first weekend of spring by getting outdoors in this fascinating close up look at the birds visiting or residing in the Nature Preserve. Join Master Bird Bander Scott Kramer for an ongoing conservation project as you catch, identify, tag, and release birds from the Nature Preserve. This avian research program is a great opportunity for pictures, so bring a camera! $4 per person/$12 per family. Note: for the safety of the birds, this program will be cancelled if it is raining, snowing, or if the temperature dips much below 32 degrees.

The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.
840 LST Drive
Evansville, IN 47713

The awesome LST (Landing Ship Tanks) were produced during World War II and the Evansville riverfront became the largest inland producer of LST's in the nation, producing 167 LST's and more. LST 325 is the last navigable LST in operation today. She has been fully restored and is in tip-top shape, according to her crew. In 2005, her new home address became Evansville and we couldn’t be happier. Guided tours are lead by proud military veterans, taking about 30 minutes. Note: the entire family gets in for fabulous rate of $20. I guarantee you'll learn more here & create a better memory than taking everyone to a movie.

www.LSTMemorial.org
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-4pm
CLOSED ON MONDAYS

Admission
Adults: $10
Children 5-18: $5
Children under 5: Free
Family packet: $20 (limited to parents and their children)
Group Rates available. Require advance reservations and are subject to conditions.

Angel Mounds State Historic Site

8215 Pollack Avenue , Evansville

(812) 853-3956

http://www.angelmounds.org

Angel Mounds State Historic Site is nationally recognized as one of the best preserved prehistoric Native American sites in the United States. From 1100 to 1450 A. D., a town on this site was home to people of the Middle Mississippian culture, who engaged in hunting and farming on the rich bottom lands of the Ohio River. The Mississippian people built mounds and eventually deserted it for unknown reasons. Take in these cool exhibits and let the kiddos run around the historic grounds.

Thru March 19, 2010:

"Toys Through Time" - Angel Mounds State Historic Site will be displaying a unique collection of toys on site for only a short period of time. The collection includes items that date from the 1930s all the way up to the 1980s. An exclusive display, this is a collection you should not miss!

Thru March 26, 2010: "Abstracts Show"- The Abstracts Show is an exhibit put together by the Tri-State Art Guild and hosted by Angel Mounds State Historic Site.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5p.m.

Closed Mondays

Admission: $4.00 for adults - $2.00 for children (12 and under) - $3.50 for seniors (55 and up).

Reitz Home Museum

224 S.E. First Street

Evansville, IN 47713

(812) 426-1871

Show your kids what life was like in the 1800's by touring the Reitz Home Museum which is Evansville's only Victorian house museum located in the downtown Historic Preservation District. It is noted as one of the country's finest examples of French Second Empire architecture. John Augustus Reitz made his fortune in lumber in the mid-1850's and in1871 built this home to reflect his station in life. Authentic period furniture, much of it original, is arranged as if the family is about to return.

Admission for The Reitz Home: $7.50/adult; $2.50/students; $1.50/12 & under. They are open Tuesday thru Saturday from 11:00 – 3:30 and Sunday 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.; you must arrive by 2:30 for the last tour.

Swonder Ice Arena

209 North Boeke & Lloyd Expressway

Evansville

Info: 812-479-0989

http://www.swonder.evansville.net/

Swonder's ice skating spring session begins the week of March 15. If you don't want to commit to lessons – at least take in a public skating session or take your inline skates to the Sk8 Park at Swonder & cut loose.

Keep in mind that summer is right around the corner & Swonder offers a FANTASTIC summer camp for kids. Registration begins in March and fills up quickly so don't delay in registering your child!

Swonder also has a fantastic fitness center with no membership fees & low monthly rate.

Check with the Rink for times and rates.

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Credit Mark McCoy

Professional Wrestling at the Coliseum on March 3rd!

Casey Carnage and Norine Stice — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:52:13 GMT

When a person walks into the Evansville Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the overwhelming feeling of its rich legacy as it engulfs their senses. Having housed many events in the past and present, such as music concerts, roller derby, and professional wrestling, the woodworked trimming houses many memories. On March 3, 2010, a new memory will take place that local wrestling fans will love to possess, as Coliseum Championship Wrestling (CCW) presents “Jamie Dundee’s Legends Showdown,” with doors opening at 6 p.m. CST for a meet and greet of stars before the bell time of 7:30 p.m. CST.

From the 60s to the 90s, “The Coliseum” was a regular stop for the NWA/AWA/USWA/CWA grapplers. Notable characters such as “Superstar” Bill Dundee, “The Rock N’ Roll Express” Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson, Brian “Grand Master Sexxay” Christopher, “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert, and Jamie “J.C. Ice” Dundee have entertained fans around the tri-state area, giving what is arguably known as the best wrestling in the history of the business. All of these stars, along with former WWE Tag Team Champion, one half of the New Age Outlaws of Degeneration X, Brian “Road Dogg Jesse” James, as well as some of the best talent the local area has to offer, such as Johnny Punch and Rudy Switchblade (collectively known as “Knuckles & Knives”), Cody Strong, and “Superb” Scott Sexton.

“This area is full of wrestling history,” Jamie Dundee states, “and I wanted to bring back the memories of it by having these pro wrestlers come back and remind people what made them love professional wrestling in the first place with a setting that is up close and personal, and give people time to meet some of their heroes and have new memories. As long as it is a success, we will continue to run these ‘Legend Showdown’ shows once a month, as well as CCW running their shows weekly on Wednesday nights for those people who need their professional wrestling more often.”

Tickets are available at the door for $20.00 Ringside, and $15.00 General Admission, with advance tickets available by calling the Jamie Dundee wrestling school at (270) 577-1823. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and Bell Time is 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.jamiedundee.com.

“As with last month’s ‘Legends Showdown,’” Jamie says, “this event promises to be great time for the entire family, so bring yourself, your spouse, the kids, and your momma and daddy to see some of your favorites of yesterday and today.”

This article is contributed by the staff of Carnage Crew. To learn more about Carnage Crew, their radio show, along with professional wrestling news and articles around the world, please visit www.carnagecrew.net. For more information, details, etc., send an email to casey@carnagecrew.net.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED – RODNEY CARRINGTON SWOOPS INTO E’VILLE

DYLAN GIBBS — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:47:08 GMT

THE WHAT & THE WHO:

Rodney Carrington, star of the small and large screen, stages, multi-million record seller, author, family man and all-round nice feller, returns to River City for a one-night-only gig.

THE WHEN:

Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m.

THE WHERE:

Downtown Evansville’s The Centre

THE DETAILS:

Tickets available at The Centre box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 423-7222.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

• Seven major-label record releases, multiple millions in sales

• Two Gold records

• Number four best-selling comedy act of 2009, according to Pollstar

• Pollstar Top 100 grossing act since 2001

• Collaborations with Toby Keith and Trace Adkins, among others

DISCOGRAPHY:

• Hangin’ With Rodney

• Morning Wood

• Live: C’Mon Laugh You Bastards

• Nutsack

• Greatest Hits

• King of the Mountains

• El Nino Loco

• Make it Christmas

EXCLUSIVE ‘RODNEY TO US’ QUOTES:

“I envy me. I sometimes look in the mirror and say, “MAN! Are you lucky!” I’m not kidding you; I’m the luckiest bastard I know.”

“My dad tells me how he can’t believe that I get paid to do the things that he’s been doing his whole life for free. It’s true because I drink beer and I tell stories.”

“There’s nothing that I won’t talk about. One thing about it is my wife. I talk about her a lot and people always ask me if my wife gets offended about some of the things that I talk about and the answer to that question is no.”

“I’ve always said that if I ever had any real success then I’m not going to wait until I was 60 years old to enjoy myself. I’m not afraid to spend a little money. I would hate to think that I died and had money in the bank. I want to die owing every human being on the planet.”

AND COMING SOON:

Check news4uonline.com March 1 for a new, exclusive interview with Rodney. We’ll be checking in with what’s happened in the four years since we last shot the breeze…

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Credit Dean Dixon

THE ULTIMATE RUNNING TEST COMES TO EVANSVILLE IN A BIG WAY

Bob Yehling — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:43:51 GMT

Nothing equals the feeling. You’ve trained for months, taking impossibly long runs on nasty winter days. You’ve fought injuries, missed days, altered schedules and your own doubts. You’ve likely changed your diet and taken on some supplemental stretching and strengthening exercises you didn’t know existed a year ago.

You’ve prepared. For the past few hours, you’ve run your race. Now you’re passing the 26-mile mark, where every step feels like stone. Then you see it: the finish line. The crowds cheer. They know a supreme feat when they see one. With each passing stride on your tired, sore legs, the feeling grows.

What a feeling to finish a marathon! The best news? It doesn’t diminish much in successive marathons, either. Which is why Southern Indiana’s running and fitness community and runners from throughout the U.S. eagerly await the Southern Indiana Classic Marathon and Half Marathon.

The event takes place Sunday, April 11 at the Vanderburgh County 4H Fairgrounds just north of Evansville. Wheelchair competitors roll out at 6:45 a.m., followed at 7 a.m. by the marathon and half-marathon field. An entire day of family fun and the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden will await competitors, families and friends, culminating with the awards ceremony at 3 p.m. Orthopaedic Associates and ProgressiveHealth is the title sponsor.

In addition to being the area’s first-ever Boston Marathon qualifier, the Southern Indiana Classic Marathon and Half Marathon is an integral part of the new Indiana Distance Running Series (www.indianarunningseries.com), which also includes the Fort4Fitness Half Marathon, Sunburst Full and Half Marathon, Geist Half Marathon and Indianapolis Marathon and Half Marathon. Because of that, the overall field is expected to hit the maximum 6,000 entries — which makes it important to register early.

Through April 5, entry fees are $80 for the marathon and $65 for the half marathon. If registration is still available at the Race Expo on April 9-10, fees will be $90 and $75.

The Southern Indiana Classic doesn’t seem like a first-time staging of a marathon. Not at all. Every aspect of the race, from course management to sponsorship involvement to entertainment, features personal touches reflective of long-time races. President and Race Director Jill Gehlhausen, a runner herself, has populated her advisory board—“a working board,” she states—with veteran marathoners, event organizers and coaches whose expertise is incorporated into every mile and activity associated with the race.

“We’ve had people come out of the woodwork,” Gehlhausen said. “Any idea or dream that our Board has thought up, we make it a reality if it can be used for this event. We have big dreamers. It may not be as big of an event yet as the others, but it’s something people are going to be talking about for a long time.”

The day’s plans bear out Gehlhausen’s comment. In addition to the beer garden, a family fun area and an all-you-can-eat after party tent with live music (the party is free to competitors, $2 for others), there will be entertainment acts at every mile along the course. Also inside the after-party tent will be 20 massage tables; expect them to be busy. Among the numerous volunteers, the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club will assist the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office with motorcycle traffic control.

The course will move through some of Southern Indiana’s prettiest countryside and rural communities, heading through gently rolling hills toward Interstate 64 before proceeding back to the Vanderburgh County 4-H Center. The course offers subtle changes in terrain that, according to course director and former national-class racer Gordon Benfield, actually works better for runners.

“It’s a rolling course, no doubt,” Benfield said. “When you’re in a long race like this, you wake up your muscles going up hills and down hills; it definitely helps a little bit. There are no large hills on this course, just some upgrades.”

“Even though we’ll be out in the country, runners will never go more than a half-mile without seeing someone or something going on. Like the whole event, this course was put together by veteran marathoners who know what they like in marathons.”

Benfield has also assisted with a Southern Indiana Classic group training program. According to Gehlhausen, nearly 200 people have been turning out for weekly long runs during a cold Midwest winter—solid pre-event enthusiasm.

On the course, great attention will be given to runners’ needs. In addition to the entertainment breaks, there will be hydration stations at every mile, serving water and sports drinks. Every five miles, food will be available, including orange slices, bananas, gels, sponges and other instant energy items familiar to marathon and half marathon runners. Massage chairs will be available every five miles beginning at the 10-mile mark. The personal touch will begin at registration, when race materials and assorted goodies will be given to competitors in 18-inch gym duffel bags.

Even the awards speak to the instant impression the Southern Indiana Classic is sure to make. Every marathon and half marathon finisher will receive medals. However, marathoners who qualify for Boston can trade in their medals for a distinct Boston Qualifier medal—a unique touch among marathons in the United States.

“We’ve covered everything we can possibly think of — and if other things pop up, we’ll cover them as well,” Gehlhausen said.

Other awards include trophies to the top 3 male and female overall marathon and half marathon finishers, top male and female master (40-over), 3-deep age-group awards at 5-year increments for men and women; and Marathon Relay trophies for the top men’s, women’s and co-ed teams.

All proceeds from the Southern Indiana Classic will benefit the American Diabetes Association.

Springtime marathon…Boston Qualifier…packed field…touches befitting a long-time race. While it will be up to competitors to experience the feeling of finishing and performing well, the Southern Indiana Classic is set to become a perennial cornerstone of the American marathon community.

“It’s ramping up to be smoking awesome!” Gehlhausen said.

BOB YEHLING is a high school track and cross-country coach, three-time Boston Marathoner, and editor of the Greater Evansville Running & Walking Club newsletter. An author, he’s working on a memoir, Running Into Life.

Roller Derby Season is Upon Us

Barry Heath — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:42:59 GMT

So, what is roller derby? Roller derby is first and foremost a contact sport. It is not, though, your father’s or grandfather’s roller derby. The roller derby that was seen on TV in the 50s, 60s and early 70s that became more like WWF wrestling on a banked track with scripted fights featuring girls being flipped over the rails. That is not what today’s roller derby is. Roller derby today is on a flat track and has actual rules and genuine competition. There is no “clothes-lining” an opponent, no pulling a player down from behind, no tripping, no elbows. Real rules; rules that are enforced with penalties.

There are still some vestiges of the old roller derby, though. Fish net hose are still popular, as are shorts and short skirts; each player still takes a “derby name.” Names such as Maully Olly Oxenfree, Shelby N Pain, Godjilla, Smearlyn Monroe, Megan M Hurt and Elle on Wheels appear on the roster in leagues like the Demolition City Roller Cerby; some interesting, playful names; some names with a message. But there is nothing playful about the “bouts,” as they are called. Last year, the DCRD girls suffered a concussion, a separated sternum, a broken collarbone, a leg broken in two places, a torn ACL and various other injuries.

The DCRD league here currently consists of two travel teams, the Dynamite Dolls and the Destruction Dames, and there are plans to expand. The league currently has over fifty skaters in various stages of development, so there are other teams in the pipeline. Also, they are continually looking for two types of people: (1) Other fearless eighteen-year old---and older---women who are seeking the fun and excitement of the roller derby experience, and (2) volunteers to join the nearly thirty support staffers.

Each team consists of a maximum of fourteen skaters. Each bout consists of two thirty-minute halves containing a series of “jams” with a thirty-second break between jams. A jam consists of a group of defenders from each team, the “pack,” and each team’s “jammer.” The jammer is the only skater who can score points, while the blockers have a dual role. The blockers assist their own jammer while “discouraging” the opponent’s jammer. The jam begins with the pack positioned at the “pivot” line with both teams’ jammer, identified by a star on her helmet, positioned at a line thirty feet behind the pivot line. Each team’s defenders are lead by their “Pivot.” The pack begins rolling on a single whistle blast from the official. Once the rear of the pack has reached the pivot line, the referee whistles the jammers to begin their sprint with two short whistle blasts. The jammers must pass through the pack while avoiding the “discouragement” of the opposing team’s blockers. The jammer registers points as she passes the opponent’s skaters during her second and subsequent trips through the pack. The jammer is permitted to lap the pack as many times as possible during the two-minute jam, but the “lead jammer,” the first jammer legally passing through the pack, may call off the jam at any time deemed beneficial to her team.

The DCRD league began in January, 2007 as the tri-state area’s first-ever roller derby league. The girls began the 2008 season as a single, inexperienced team---the Dynamite Dolls---after spending the prior year practicing under the tutelage of Indianapolis’ Naptown Roller Girls. Naptown is a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, something to which all roller teams aspire. DCRD has now been accepted

The Dolls competed against “B” teams from Akron; Lexington; Paducah; Springfield, Missouri; Joplin, Missouri; and Florence, Kentucky, and they took their lumps. During the 2009 season, the Dynamite dolls began increasingly and successfully competing – home and away – against Midwestern “A” teams, teams from cities such as Bloomington, Chicago, Nashville, Springfield (MO) and Louisville. The Destruction Dames were also formed during the 2009 season and began competing against “B” teams going undefeated in their first four bouts.

The DCRD girls also participate in local charitable fundraisers. In addition to volunteering for such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Easter Seals, CJ’s Bus and others, a portion of the receipts from each home bout is donated to a local charity. To date, DCRD has contributed over $20,000 to local charities and non-profit agencies.

More info on the web for DCRD: demolitioncityrollerderby.com

Info on the Southern Indiana Roller Girls (who will be featured next month): rollergirlsofsin.com.

Go Local: Unspoken Art Studio

Dylan Gibbs — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:39:21 GMT

This month we visit an art studio – where the gallery is the human body. Tony Trip, chief proprietor, sat down and answered some questions about the business.

N4U: Talk about your involvement with tattooing. When did you start out? Do you remember the first tattoo you gave someone?
TT: I started after I dropped out of school, I had to find a way to make it in Chicago that would be socially acceptable with the community I was living in and still legal. My pops and step pops were into [tattooing] as a hobby when I was younger so I kinda followed into their footsteps, but made a career out of it. The first person I tattooed was an ex- girlfriend years ago under the supervision of a buddy that taught me.

What was your own first tattoo, and where on your body is it?
My first tattoo was on that I have on my arm. It’s a jack in the box with a skull face I drew when I was around 16. I threw it in the trash. Well my high school chick kept it because she though it was awesome. So when it came to picking a design for my first tat she pulled it out and I slapped my band at the times logo on the front of the box and got it tatted!

How long have you been an artist? Are you into other forms of artistic expression (painting, music, sculpture, etc.)?
I have been an artist all my life. I remember drawing the spot with sunglasses from the old 7-Up commercials in crazy poses to make people laugh. It was a way to let someone know how I feel with out telling them. I can draw something that will make you change your mood. Good or bad. And I saw that at an early age. I love painting. It doesn’t have to be perfect or pretty. Acrylics and now airbrushing are what I am really into. There is something that people see in painting that blows my mind. Stuff like Van Gough and Picasso is the kind of stuff I don’t get into. But people love it. And as an artist I have appreciation for that.

How did your current operation start out? What things motivated you to begin the Studio?
I got the offer to do the studio I’m at and had to jump on it. I see stuff at shops I don’t like and just choose to do things my way. I make my customers use their brains. 98 percent of the people that come into my studio are not artists, nor do they know the potential of an artist. So most of the time they just settle for the first suitable thing they find. Not here. I will make you tell me the meaning about the tattoo, and design a tattoo around the entire story. So that the tattoo is something you can’t ever regret and you can look down and remind yourself of that time in your life.

Walk us through the process. Let's say I make an appointment - what happens from there? 1. If I'm a first-timer 2. If I already have ink but have never had work done from you.
The website is a big help. (www.UnspokenArtStudio.com) It has complete instructions and videos about everything you would need to know. I requires a $50 deposit for an appointment. That’s to make sure you don’t waste time. When you come in, we sit down and work one on one with your tattoo. No distractions. If you pay for my time than my time is for you. Not for everyone else that wants to ask a million questions. Not for a bunch of smoke breaks and chit chat. This is a professional art studio. Not a tattoo shop.

How have you seen the business, art and craft of tattooing change since you began?
When I started I did it to pay my rent and eat. I worked part time at a few places but can’t stand authority, or doing $30 an hour jobs for $7. I love the evolution of art and the new wild stuff that’s coming out. Hi Fructose is a good magazine to check out for crazy art. But Graffiti, My one true love, has evolved into this beautiful hurricane of colors and designs that is blowing my mind, and just keeps getting better and better!

What are several of the most important things, in your opinion, that a responsible tattooist should know and practice?
It’s a tattoo artist’s job to make sure your customer gets a killer piece. Not just to do what ever they pick out because your to lazy to draw something. Don’t be too proud to pass on a tattoo to someone that feels more comfortable with the style. Take the time to make it unique. Also keep your stuff clean. I think everyone should switch to Disposable Grips in stead of reusing metal ones.

Where do you see the Studio a year from now? Five years from now?
Maybe bigger? There is a few artists I would like to have on my team that can’t fit right
now but I will tat with ‘em at their shops. Maybe in five years all the good artists will be in one shop. But for now I’m going to keep traveling and doing guest spots. I like kickin’ it with all tattoo artists and have! Except one, and he’s not getting his name in my Q&A.

More info: 812-589-7380 • 812-453-3648 • unspokenartstudio.com

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Credit Tony Trip

THE EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC CHORUS & ORCHESTRA WELCOME SPRING

LANEA STAGG — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:22:47 GMT

Mark your calendar for two spectacular concerts that will “spring” you into a fresh frame of mind. The Evansville Philharmonic Chorus will present its Spring Choral Concert titled “Baroque and Beyond”, on Saturday, March 13, 7:30 p.m., at the elegant St. Benedict’s Cathedral. Last year’s concert was not only a feast for ears, but for eyes as well and this year’s concert is certain to be a repeat.

Evansville's Philharmonic Chorus is conducted by Dr. Dennis Malfatti who was appointed to the position at the commencement of the 2008-2009 concert season. He is also the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Evansville, a position he has held since August 2007. His work at the University of Evansville includes conducting the University Choir, Women’s Chorus, Men’s Chorus, and the Kantorei chamber choir.

The spring choral concert will feature the following talented musicians: Kristin Jones, Pianist/Organist; Celia Teoh, Pianist; Timothy Zifer, Trumpet/Cornet; Timothy Smith, Trumpet/Cornet; Kevin Wilson, Cornet; Matt Calvert, Trombone; and Greg Downes, Trombone. They are scheduled to perform selections such as “Ave Verum Corpus,” “Not Unto Us O Lord” and “Great Love Hath No Man” to name a few. The concert is proudly sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Mell B. Welborn, Jr.

Admission is $11. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Philharmonic Box Office at 812.425.5050. If tickets are still available on the night of the concert, they can be purchased at the door. Tickets can also be purchased in advance online at www.evansvillephilharmonic.org. There is an additional $2 per ticket online fee.

Your second spectacular opportunity to enjoy the elegance of spring is at

the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert “Beauty & Grandeur”, part of the Classics Series, on Saturday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m., at the Victory Theatre. You will lose yourself in the beauty and elegance of one of the few musical pieces to be written for a flute and harp solo combination.

The first half of the program opens with Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus Overture.” Then, the spotlight shines on harpist Megan Stout and flutist Kelly Sulick as they join the orchestra as featured artists during Mozart’s “Concerto for Flute & Harp.” Megan and Kelly are both principal players (first chair or head of their instrumental section) of the orchestra. The orchestra will also perform the emotionally charged Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.”

I found that a fantastic opportunity is being offered by Maestro Alfred Savia. All ticket holders are invited to join Maestro Alfred Savia for “Concert Conversations” beginning at 6:45 p.m. inside the Victory Theatre. "Concert Conversations" provides an opportunity for the local community to gain a greater appreciation for orchestral music. During this informal discussion, guest artists and speakers offer insight about composers and the orchestral repertoire for the evening. They point out special moments you can listen for in certain pieces. These insights help provide a more enjoyable and enriching concert experience. "Concert Conversations" is hosted by Music Director Alfred Savia and held on the Victory Theatre stage prior to Classic Series concerts. You shouldn’t pass up a fantastic educational opportunity such as this. This great concert is sponsored by The Martha & Merritt deJong Foundation and Mrs. John Philip Robertson.

Tickets start at just $15. Service and facility fees apply. As with all Philharmonic events, tickets can be purchased online at www.evansvillephilharmonic.org or by calling the Philharmonic Box Office at 812.425.5050. Student Rush tickets are available at the door to full-time students for $10.50 (includes fees) one hour prior to the performance. Student ID is required.

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Courtesy of the EPO // Credit Gray Photography

Bourbon Blog

Tom Fischer — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:21:41 GMT

“Would you like to come to New York City, speak about Bourbon, drink a lot of it for a whole day along with some beer and BBQ?” “Yes,” I reply, “I'll be right there.” BourbonBlog.com heads to the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival in Manhattan and takes on the Big Apple in a big way. Because we were headed to NYC, I started thinking “Big.”

It comes to me while in the shower, “What if we created a Beer, Bourbon & BBQ cocktail?” I quickly begin Googling those three ingredients to see if it had ever been done. No, not from the shower, but this is yet another Google product you could soon see. The conclusion is clear: When BourbonBlog.com creates a Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Cocktail, it will be a first ever in the world.
I call my favorite mixologist Stephen Dennison and tell him my idea. We quickly begin brainstorming and a few days later, we meet at Varanese Restaurant in Louisville where I film the creation process of our new cocktail. I invite you to watch this process on video on BourbonBlog.com. I would hate to give away all the ingredients without you taking a peak at this video...more on the cocktail in a moment.

From Louisville, BourbonBlog photographer/filmmaker Jake Bilinski and I begin our journey to NYC where we stay up way too late and enjoy a few Bourbons with publishers of The Bourbon Review Magazine the night before we leave. Why schedule such an early flight? To get to the City to start hitting some Bourbon bars. Fast forward several hours from a Southwest flight where they take pride in serving Wild Turkey 101 because Southwest co-founder Herb Kelleher is quite fan. We are told there is more to that story and we intend to investigate.

After a short layover in D.C., a few more Bourbons, and an entertaining cab ride you can watch on BourbonBlog.com, we start our Friday night off at Blue Smoke, world famous for BBQ, Bourbon and extremely delicious tastes of America. Kenny Callaghan is the Executive Chef and Partner, a.k.a. the man responsible for this Heaven on Earth. He greets us with some delicious Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old Bourbon, followed by Shrimp Corn Dogs, to die for, plus mac & cheese, and a generous sampling of Memphis Baby Backs, Kansas City Spareribs and Texas Beef Ribs. Next in this feast comes more signature cocktails and a homemade desserts sampler including a warm apple crisp with a homemade rum raisin ice cream. By the way, this is not even part of the Festival we came here for; we simply decided to enjoy a few stops like this to bring you more video episodes on BourbonBlog.com. It tough to visit a place like Blue Smoke, but it is all for you the viewers. Ok, I can't fool you, this ain't a bad job.

So let's tackle more flavors. The next stop is Brandy Library in Tribeca. Brandy Library is basically what sounds like as this dimly lit, scholarly lounge amasses over 900 bottles of whiskies from around the world. There is one large wall dedicated to their Bourbon selection, with several bottles which are very rare. This place is the real deal and no library card required. Experience it for yourself as we interview Ethan Kelley Spirit Sommelier for Brandy Library on BourbonBlog.com as we drink more Bourbon. Aren't we forgetting something? The Festival is tomorrow (Saturday that is). Fortunately, it starts at 12 noon.

Fast forward through a few hours of sleep and welcome to our cab ride to the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. Along the way, we stop at Kessler Liquor store in Midtown Manhattan and we are surprised to find Buffalo Trace's White Dog Mash #1 for sale. This clear spirit is 125 proof and basically what Bourbon is before it goes into the barrel. Some think of it as similar to “Moonshine,” but it is a bit more refined because this is the actual Buffalo Trace Bourbon recipe. It is only the barrel and the aging that gives Bourbon the flavor and color that you come to expect.

We buy a bottle of White Dog and a very rare Rittenhouse Rye 21 Year Old from Heaven Hill Distilleries to share with those festival goers who attend our session. Our arrival to the Festival is one of absolute maddening joy. Of course, this venue is indoors on a cold January day. We find our way through a wall to wall presence of over 5,000 Bourbon, Beer and BBQ lovers. I quickly look for the kitchen where I am to prepare the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Cocktail in mass quantities. No, not for 5,000, but an expected a large number. The kitchen I am ushered to by the Festival organizers is pretty much a janitorial closet and my mixing gets creative when I've given clean buckets to mix my ingredients in. No worries though, it's the flavor that matters and not where it was prepared. After our sessions is over, we're gonna hit the sampling hard. Photographer/Filmmaker Jake Bilinski captures all of this for you to see on BourbonBlog.com

BourbonBlog.com's session was a hit, we joined Art of the Drink's Anthony Caporale and Thrilllist.com's Hayden Lynch. It is here we unveil to the world our Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Cocktail. The world likes it! So does Maker's Mark Master Distiller Kevin Smith who is speaking at the Festival too. Check out www.BourbonBlog.com to watch our complete NYC Coverage and also visit BeerandBourbon.com to learn more about the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival that travels across the country. We highly recommend you attend this Festival somewhere in the country!

Special thanks to Festival Director Greg Nivens, Chris Mills, Jake Bilinski, Bourbon Review Magazine publishers and everyone who made our trip a blast.

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Courtesy Tom Fischer