MICH MIX

SCP ENTERTAINMENT AND CLUB FEVER KNOW HOW TO PARTY

SCP Entertainment group has been hosting and producing the hottest club parties around, and they just keep getting better. Owner and event manager Joey Vasquez, know in the circuit as Joey V, has been doing events for years in Miami’s south beach club scene and gold coast Chicago. Joey officially started the independent company under the label SCP Entertainment Group and started throwing parties in his hometown, South Bend Indiana, His unique events and parties caught the attention of many local business owners, who team up with the SCP crew to do grand openings and re-openings, promotional events, and local advertising opportunities. Vic Mann, general manager of South Bend’s Club Fever, struck a deal with the entertainment company to host some national acts, shows, and parties, “Of course I wanted to get something going with Club Fever, they’re the flagship in this town” says Vasquez, “When I saw Vic’s passion for his clubs success and reputation, I knew we were on the same page. We both share the desire to see people have an unforgettable night of fun and socializing without spending your life savings. I wanted to show everyone that there’s more to S.B. than school and work, ”, Joey goes on to tell us, “From Vic, to the beautiful mixoligists to the security staff, everyone at Fever makes you feel right at home.” You may have already attended one of SCP and Fever’s events; last month they hosted the Fever five year anniversary party that kicked off the fifty cent well drink craze at the club. SCP is also responsible for some memorable theme nights like the X-Rated party, and the end of summer Glow night. SCP and Fever have even more in store this month.

What exactly is an SCP party, and why is it different than a regular theme night at a club? “When planning, promoting and hosting an event there is really only one thing in mind, showing the crowd the best possible time!” says Joey V. “Fever lines up drink specials catered to the ever-changing crowd in the area, the likes of which are unmatched by any other night club I’ve encountered. We want you to be able to party like a rock star, without a spending your whole paycheck.” SCP also hosts a plethora of private parties at the multi-level facility and literally transforms the atmosphere to fit the feel of any gathering, and any budget. They also constantly reward patronage with contests and giveaways to spice up the night. Joey V hosts most of these nights personally and is known for personally greeting patrons and even buying them the occasional shot to personalize the experience that much more. Joey makes every customer feel like a V.I.P. “Any successful event or party is contingent on the people in attendance. You have amazing lighting and heart-pounding bass and this aura of bliss surrounding the crowd.” SCP and Club Fever are committed to bringing only the finest music, entertainment and promos to the area. Resident mix master DJ CK-1 is always a crowd pleaser playing the greatest hits, hottest new releases, and everyone’s requests. Great music is key in any party, so having opening acts from all over keeps the vibe fun and fresh, rising star DJ Double D ( Dan Rauch ) has been taking the club by force with his unique mixing and styles, with only a few years of spinning under his belt the future of this young DJ looks very bright. The fabulous security staff rounds out this well oiled machine making sure they enforce safe party conduct allowing for a better experience for everyone. As for the future of this partnership, Joey V says, "I speak for the whole company of SCP by saying this relationship with Club Fever and Vic Mann is long term. Club Fever will never be the same. This is the beginning of something bigger and better than ever before. I think I’ve found a real partner in Vic Mann, his unmatched experience with club operations and entertainment is something of an inspiration to me. We will continue to be synonymous with great parties in the area.”

You can check out some upcoming SCP events, like the biggest student night in the area on Thursdays, Funky Fridays with amazing DJ’s, and Saturdays Fever is poppin off to capacity with fifty cent well drinks. When you’re looking to party, turn to SCP and Club Fever, you’ll have the time of your life.

 

MICH MUSIC

VYAGRA FALLS: "Docs Of Rock" Play For Fun, Not Profit
By: Ralph Heibutzki

While success becomes an end in itself for many bands, Vyagra Falls have no such concerns. With four core members being physicians, a full-tilt schedule isn't in the cards – and when South Bend's “Docs Of Rock” play, it's often for charitable causes, which suits keyboardist James Harris.

“It gives people a different kind of event,” said Harris, an allergist and vice president of the South Bend Clinic. “Usually, a fundraiser is a boring 'rubber chicken' kind of event where three or four people get up and talk, and at the end of the night, everybody gets up and goes home.” Recent beneficiaries of these efforts have included the American Cancer Society; COPS (Concerns Of Police Survivors), which helps slain officers' families; and the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. (For details, see the band's site, www.vyagrafalls.com.)

Appropriately, Vyagra Falls's name and origins date back about six years ago, to a pediatric fundraiser. “Nobody wants credit for that name – we thought, 'This is going to be a one-time thing, nobody'll care,'” said Harris, laughing. “When we got to the gig, everybody went crazy. They loved it. It started out as a joke, but the name stuck.”

Local fans have one more chance to see Vyagra Falls this year, when they play from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, as part of Downtown South Bend's “Football Fridays Block Party,” at the College Football Hall of Fame campus (corner of Jefferson and St. Joseph streets). Gates open at 5 p.m. Admission is $3.00; children 12 and under are free.

The band then goes on hiatus until next spring. Such decisions keep Vyagra Falls fresh, in Harris's eyes. As might be expected, coordinating the schedules of a family physician (lead guitarist Jesse Hsieh), a cardiologist (guitarist Raman Mitra) and a brain surgeon (drummer Walt Langheinrich) is hardly a simple matter. "We always joke about our world tour," said Harris, laughing. "We go from county line to county line."

Those who catch September's show can expect an 80 to 100 strong song list that's designed to cherry pick five decades of hits. "We do a lot of audience participation songs, like (the Supremes') 'Stop (In The Name Of Love). We get 20 women up to do the (dance) motions," said Harris. The band will also take requests through its website, which inspires some surprises. "One of the choices was 'I Got A Feelin',' by the Black-Eyed Peas, and we're playing that song now," said Harris. "They'll tell us what they want to hear, so we have a lot of fun with that.”

To keep the dance floor moving, Vyagra Falls stacks sets with up-tempo fare like the B-52s' “Love Shack.” “A lot of bands pick out a song that they like to play, but doesn't always get a crowd response,” said Harris. “Every year, we go through the songs we've been playing. If they don't love it, we dump it.” That's a natural response, when conquering the musical world isn't the goal but, judging by his responses, Harris isn't losing sleep over it. “We do it 'for fun, not for profit,' is the best way to put it,” he said.

 

MICH MUSIC

GRETCHENS REVENGE: The Music May Stop (But The Connections Remain)
By: Ralph Heibutzki

More than a decade after joining, singer-guitarist Frank Leftwich feels well acquainted with fans that follow Gretchen's Revenge. “We can put names to the faces; not only that, we're hanging out now,” said Leftwich. “Some of those people that showed up to (first) watch our band are golden friends, they will be friends for life.”

That interest cuts both ways, as Leftwich knows. Due to bassist/keyboardist Steve Beyeler's job, the band doesn't play between January and April, which prompts breakup rumors. However, those rumors may carry weight this year, as drummer Justin Kilmer plans to leave following his son's birth in March. “We've just been fortunate to last this long,” said Leftwich. “I think Justin's doing the opposite of not playing in a band, once he's starting a family life – who knows what will happen later on, as it progresses?”

On Friday, Sept. 24, the band performs from 6 to 9 p.m., during Downtown South Bend’s “Football Fridays Block Party,” at the College Football Hall of Fame campus (corner of Jefferson and St. Joseph streets). Gates open at 5 p.m. Admission is $3.00; children 12 and under are free.

Those who go can expect well-known songs that span four decades -- from the 1970s (The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, The Who), to current favorites like Kings Of Leon, Matchbox Twenty and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “As far as our performance, I feel like we're fortunate with the friends that we have – we're able to feed off that quite a bit,” said Leftwich. “That's what's let us do this for so long, because we have so much fun doing it.”

Then and now, Leftwich feels the best additions to the Gretchen set list are the simplest – which is why it features four Train songs, for example. However, any additions must justify themselves. “Obviously, we're not going to play every song perfect, but I like to think we cover the songs very well,” said Leftwich. “If we can't do it well, we've done a good job of weeding it out.”

Change has been a constant thread of the band's history. The current lineup of Beyeler, Kilmer, Leftwich (rhythm/acoustic guitar, bass) – augmented by Dave Denlinger (lead guitar), and Elaine McCann (vocals/keyboards) -- has been playing since 2000. By then, Gretchen's Revenge had existed for five years – originally starting as an outlet for McCann and guiding light Wayne Sousley, who ended up leaving for personal reasons.

The cycle repeated itself in 2004, when Beyeler left, according to Leftwich. Without missing the proverbial beat, Justin Kilmer's brother, Ben, held down the bass and keyboard fort until Beyeler's 2007 return. Beyeler and Sousley remain close to the band, along with soundman Jim Whitmer. “We see him (Whitmer) as a sixth member,” said Leftwich. “He has been golden and without him, we just wouldn’t sound very good.”

Leftwich also has nothing but kudos for the work of his former guitar teacher, Denlinger. “I do a lot more acoustic (guitar) stuff, and rhythm, and he can do all the intricate stuff,” said Leftwich. “He's a secret weapon – sometimes it's those little things that get added, that are priceless.” These are the memories that Leftwich will keep with him, if Gretchen's Revenge ends up calling it a day. “David's in three other bands, anyway, and he stays busy – because our schedule isn't that heavy. But he's always been loyal to our band, and he's just a gem to have,” said Leftwich.

As far as his own plans go, Leftwich hasn't thought that far ahead yet, being content to focus on next month's show. “We've reached a mark (of) where I think we did so much of what we set out to do,” said Leftwich. “If anything, it opens the door to do something different – other musical things, or just life in general. But we've been fortunate to do it this long, and have support for this long. The interaction we've had, the fun we've had, I'm going to miss that terribly.”

 

 

MICH MUSIC

KING PAO: New Trio Styles Its Music As "Serious Fun"
By: Ralph Heibutzki

Every serious musician recalls the moment when they realize that a regular life won't suit them. King Pao's singer-guitarist Scott Ryan reached that point a couple years ago while running his own contracting business. Though the company did well, “it just didn't agree with me,” said Ryan. “I had to jump back into music full-time. Now things are finally launching, it's off the ground, and its working.”

The payoff is a new project to keep Ryan busy when his other band, Blammo, has an off night. He sees King Pao as “serious musicians that seriously want to have fun playing” – essentially, a “high-energy mix of covers, from oldies, to current music,” he explained. The band performs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, for Downtown South Bend's “Football Fridays Block Party,” at the College Football Hall of Fame campus (at Jefferson and St. Joseph streets). Gates open at 5 p.m. Admission is $3; children 12 and under are free.

King Pao's song list ranges from '60s heroes (The Mamas & The Papas), to '70s funk (The Jacksons), '80s hard rock (Guns 'N' Roses), and even New Wave (Blondie). “Of the current stuff, we do Sublime, Lady Gaga, Jason Mraz – so there's a real variety of music in the mix. I'm calling us a 'pseudo-acoustic band.' We wanted so badly to be an acoustic band, but there's so much electric stuff, I'm trying to cover as much electric music (as possible).”

While Blammo has been a 10-year effort, King Pao (pronounced “Pow”) only started last February. Other members include vocalist Karol Krueger, bassist Jay McDaniel and drummer Eric King – to whom the new band's moniker is dedicated. “We've been friends since we were kids. We've tried to be in a band together dozens of times, and it hasn't worked out. Well, finally, this has convened, so I named the band after him,” said Ryan.

Ever willing to adapt, Ryan also plays duo gigs with Krueger when his other bands aren't working. (Their next show is Sunday, Sept. 5, at South Bend's Club Landing.) Such decisions seem natural for someone who began playing bars at 15, and quit high school to join original bands in Chicago, and Texas. “I have fun playing all the songs most musicians are miserable playing, (like) 'Brown-Eyed Girl',” joked Ryan. “For awhile, that song kind of irritated me. When you have to play it every weekend for 10 years, it can sort of wear on you, as it probably does the (on) original artist (Van Morrison).” But Ryan came around when he saw how such well-worn songs affected those who requested them.

“That’s one of the songs they want to hear, after working a 40 or 60 hour week”, said Ryan. “That’s a payoff to me.” For those reasons, Ryan isn’t worried if he’ll return to original music, or keep playing covers. “Nothing else matters if you want to do something that bad – there’s either that, or selling out to a day job that made me miserable”, Ryan said. “I’m living pretty cheap, and it’s working so far. I’m very fortunate.”

For more information, visit http://www.kingpao.com/, or www.myspace.com/kingpao.

 

MICH MIX

THE DJ GRIND & EMCEE DUSTY SHOW
By: Pinky Tuscedero

D.J. Grind and Emcee Dusty are on the scene to help all the party people kick it hard. Tony Karamitsos and Dusty Ciula, (their government names) have been dominating the area scene for over ten beat filled years. Anyone who has ever attended one of the dynamic duos performances, lovingly referred to as “The DJ Grind and Dusty Show”, is immediately hooked by the teams high energy showmanship, and unprecedented musical intuition.

Have you ever seen a DJ spin and thought to yourself, “wow, he’s playing everything I want to hear, and I didn’t even know what I wanted to hear”, in this industry that response is in no way accidental; it is a calculated emotion evoked by a skilled performer. A good DJ plays some good songs and tries to have fun with the crowd. A great DJ reads the room upon entrance and uses his spidey sense to correctly predict what to play and dares the crowd not to enjoy themselves. These guys are no doubt the latter. “We encourage requests but we almost never get them”, says Grind. “People always say that we play exactly what they wanted to hear.”

As far as the music goes, finding the palatable medium between new hits and old favorites can be tricky. You could be great at spinning and have flawless transitions but if you don’t have your playlist on lockdown the technicalities won’t matter. Grind spun for several years in Chicago, a city known throughout the world for its great DJs and MCs. Being in the city allowed Grind to learn a lot about his craft and finely tune his personal style. “I tailor to what’s going on that particular night, and the changing crowd over the course of the night,” he says, “I do a lot of research on what’s new and hot for a particular demographic, so I’ll know what to play for a twenty one year old guys birthday, and a thirty year old girls bachelorette party.” He is also infamous for playing eclectic favorites and forgotten one hit wonders to the delight of attendants. “The Show” also gives some of the best shout outs, and funniest between song banter in the business, showcasing Emcee Dusty’s outrageous personality.

Grind is a bard of different interest and abilities, and has always been a go getter that aims as high as possible. What sets him apart from many different players in the game is his constant level of professionalism, for all the fun Grind has at his job, he’s always aware that he is at work and needs to deliver an ever higher level of quality to his customers as well as being perpetually grateful to all in attendance. At every DJ Grind and Emcee Dusty show, they are the featured act, not an afterthought, and at most clubs are given free reign over the entire grounds, a luxury not always afforded to DJs everywhere.

For the last year and a half, the team has been the Friday night staple at Club Landing in South Bend, and now you can catch the group every single Saturday tearing it up and putting it back when their done at favorite local hot spot Club Bed, located in the 100 Center in Mishawaka. “We dominate this town on Fridays and Saturdays”, says Grind “the vibe is always upbeat, and the show is pure energy.” The DJ Grind and Emcee Dusty show is the musical equivalent of a cherry bomb, energizing and intoxicating.

The crew can be booked for private parties and events, schedules permitting. Contact DJGrind1@yahoo.com for more information or checkout his social networking pages. He has been featured on everyone’s favorite local entertainment show nightlights and can be seen on Club Landings cable commercials. From old skool to new skool, east coast to west coast, “The Show” is sure to strike you with their range and guarantees something for everyone. Come out and get spun out on the DJ Grind and Emcee Dusty Show.

 

MICH MUSIC

THE INCREDIBLE JOHNSON'S
By: Rob Atkinson

Since the early days of 2005, the Michiana music scene has rocked out to the unstoppable party that’s known as The Incredible Johnsons. They play everything from 60’s and 70’s classic rock right through disco and pop, and crown it all off with fantastic funkadelic vibe. “Above all,” says guitarist Ed Mullins, “we try and provide the people that come out with a unique and entertaining show with a party atmosphere. We set up our set lists as a musical journey through the songs everybody has heard and enjoyed throughout the years.”

The band is made up of Ed Mullins (aka Johnson N. Johnson) on guitar, vocals, keyboards, and Crown Royal; Mike Antonelli (aka Raymond J. Johnson) on guitar, vocals, keyboards, guitar synth, and Bicardi; Scott Noyes (aka Hugh G. Johnson) on bass, vocals, and Jack Daniels; and Brent Kreighbaum (aka Ringo J. Johnson the 1^st) on drums, vocals, and Jagermeister.

Each member of the band has been jamming out in the music scene for the past 30 years, throughout various bands and projects. The three founding members Mullins, Antonelli, and Noyes had all played together in the band The Groovie Goolies from 1999 to 2004. “The idea for this band,” says Mullins, “was to present a fun, energetic party atmosphere to the crowds that we would be playing to. We spent a lot of time working hard on developing the music that we’re playing so that we would present the songs that we selected accurately. We evaluated our song selections carefully so that we had the best mix of music that was both danceable and recognizable to a wide range of ages. We wanted people to say both how good we were musically, and how much fun they had at the shows.”

Thus with those ideas of performance and fun in mind, The Incredible Johnsons strode onto the scene. “The name was a sort of play on Circus names that you typically hear,” explains Mullins, “i.e. The Flying Walenda’s, etc.” The original idea was for them to come out at every performance and constantly change their introduction, such as “Now presenting ‘The Amazing Johnsons,’ or ‘The Flying Johnsons,’” etc. The use of “Johnsons” in the band name and all of the stage names is a reference and joke towards the “maleness” of the band.

For more info on upcoming shows go to www.theincrediblejohnsons.com, or find them on Facebook.

 

MICH MUSIC

CHESTER BROWN
By: Rob Atkinson

For the past decade, Indiana’s own Chester Brown has played through well over 1400 shows, from Cleveland all the way to California. Boasting a large catalog of originals and covers, Chester Brown has played with the likes of such bands as Los Lobos, Mr. Blotto, Chicago Blues legend Lonnie Brooks, Rusted Root, and Vinnie Amico of Moe, just to name a few.

Chester Brown is a 5-piece band originating from Chesterton, Indiana. Ten to twelve years ago friends Tim Vanderlin and Dominick Puglisi started jamming together on guitars and bass. Tim’s brother Nathan Vanderlin would hang out and listen in, and would practice keyboards on his own, eventually becoming the third core member of the eclectic group. Since it’s inception, Chester Brown has gone through six to seven drummers, with the former Mr. Blotto drummer Tony Dellumo as the current drummer in the family. Guitarist Mike Kneeland joined the group four years ago completing and complimenting the current 5-piece line-up.

The sound has been described using many labels, running the gamut from Alternative Country to Rock and Roll, Americana to Psychedelic Jam band, to Jazz and everything else in between. Performing an average of ten to twenty shows a month, Chester Brown continues to entice and entertain an ever-growing and tight-nit fan community (or Brownies, as they’ve been affectionately termed).

The name itself is kind of an inside-joke for Chesterton. It refers to when you’re out looking to score some good smokage, and everybody’s coming up dry or there’s only schwag available. People say, “Nah, I don’t have any, I have Chester Brown,” or “It’s Brown Town,” as in nothing green and awesome.

Chester Brown released the album Stale Cigarettes in 2007, and then Live @ The Shoreline in 2009. Two more albums are already planned for release in 2010. The band has shows scheduled from May to October throughout Indiana and Illinois, with many favorite haunts and new locales. Chester Brown will be headlining the brand new 1^st Annual Brown Town festival on June 18^th and 19^th, at the Izaak Walton League of America in Michigan City, Indiana.

For more info and show schedule, check out www.chesterbrown.org.

 

MICH MUSIC

MUSICAL SAW - Welcome to the Toolshed
By: Heather Rowe

From Frank Zappa to Tom Waits, Pink Floyd to The Police, local rock stars Musical Saw can rock anything and everything for your audio enjoyment. Musical Saw has been playing as a group for the last three years and has performed all over Laporte, Lake, and Porter Counties in Indiana. The band is a trio of vibrant, engaging musicians that flow perfectly together like they were cosmically destined to jam for the gods. With the endlessly versatile Bob Baldwin on the piano, guitar, vocals, and, if the audience is lucky, the occasional banjo and trumpet, the always entertaining Danny Mac tearing it up on bass guitar and backup vocals and rounded up by the hard core awesomeness of Pete Baldwin on the drums. No audience request is too big or small new or old for these seasoned performers. The band interjects some really great original songs, but caters to the attendants, doing cover songs spanning decades, from ancient nineteen twenties swing standards to brand new top forty hits from the 00’s. “Age groups and demographics don’t apply to us,” the band states, “Everyone loves us.” That they do, with the band travel schedule almost completely booked at any given time and a perpetually packed house every time they play. The band enjoys a considerably and loyal following that attend as many Saw shows as they can to enjoy the limitless play list of the group.

The band recently recorded and released a dynamic and progressive original album called “Don’t Feed The Animals” that you can pick up at all of their shows - which you undoubtedly will after hearing the raw talent and skill of Musical Saw. You can satisfy your interest in everything Musical Saw by checking out their fun and informative web site at www.musicalsawtoolshed.com. The band is also ready and available to play your private event, whatever it may be from birthday to bachelorette parties. For booking information contact band manager and booking agent Justin Anderson at (219) 242-1356, dates fill up quick, so advance contact is preferred. Musical Saw will be performing at the ILBA vendor appreciation party in South Bend in August but the general public can check them out August 23rd at McGuiness pub located at 227 West 7^th Street; Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 872-8200.

Musical Saw is a unique jukebox band that has something for everyone to enjoy and makes sure that everyone at their performances has a great time. For great tunes and terrific people check out Musical Saw for the first time or what will surely be many.

 

 

NWI MUSIC

RICH HARDESTY
By: Mario Bourzac

The rapid decline of the music industry over the course of the last decade has left many artists wondering where to turn to try and get their music heard. No longer comfortable with major labels, many artists have begun seeking out independent labels, or release their music themselves. The Rich Hardesty band falls into the latter of those two categories.

Recognizing the necessity of having control over his own art, Rich Hardesty began releasing his own music long before the record industry crashed in on itself and his dedication to his art has paid off in more ways than one. In addition to not being locked into a one sided contract, he is also free to play the songs he chooses without being chastised by a industry suit.

"I've always been about maintaining artistic control over the art because I think, when it all comes down to it, it's all about the art," explains Hardesty. "It'd be nice not to have other people try and manipulate it for the bottom line."

His rationale has served him well over the last 18 years with the group he founded, The Rich Hardesty Band. Rather than cater to a specific sound to try and sell records, he has maintained his focus on creating his own original art. Without sounding defensive, Hardesty explains his reservations regarding record labels.

"Basically, the record deal is not always in the artists' interest and I've found that 90% of all record deals signed are actually not in the interest of the artist," he said.

But that has not stopped him from releasing and distributing his music. Instead, Hardesty made the bold decision seven years ago to establish his own independent record label, Rich Life Entertainment, and release his own music. The decision proved to be the right one. Six months ago he released his band's latest album Culturally Insane, and it is now available through iTunes as well as the band's website, www.RichHardesty.com.

Coming up next month, The Rich Hardesty Band will be bringing their unique brand of self-sufficient rock and roll to The Clubhouse in Michigan City, IN. They will be the headlining act at the Grand Prix Meet and Greet on Friday August 6th. As a native of the Michiana area, Hardesty was a natural choice for the show.

"I'm from the area and so I got a phone call from The Clubhouse owner and he said ' We need you for this event,'" Hardesty revealed. "He said there's going to be a lot of action that weekend and we have a very large regional draw and it just made sense."

The show will be part of their overall tour which well take them from Canada, to the Florida Keys, and out to Jamaica. Along the way they will be filming almost every show to stream live on the internet. They will also be editing down the footage at the end of the tour and releasing it as a DVD titled The Road Less Traveled.

"We're just embracing the connected age of technology,"Hardesty said with a smile.

 

MICH MUSIC

DANGEROUS JIM POST
By: Mario Bourzac

The Dangerous Jim Post is a well versed musician in the greater Michiana area. As a solo artist he has already achieved a respectable amount of notoriety with his legendary live performances and is currently in the early stages of completing his follow up album which is looking at a tentative release of later this year possibly. In the interim between his last record and the upcoming record he has managed to stay busy with a number of different projects, including writing new material, keeping track of the revolving members of his live band, and even working with a new producer. Over the course of the next year, you can expect to see Post continuing on his chosen path, more determined than ever.

Since we last spoke with Post he has been busy working on his yet to be titled, upcoming album. While he has been working on it for a while now, he has yet to meet his own high standards. "It's just, I feel like I'm my worst critic," Post admitted. "I'm never happy with the final product, so, it's like I start off and I don't like it so I fix this, or change this." However, this time around his seemingly turbulent creative process is being helped along by a new producer, Jay Allero.

Previously based out of Atlanta, Allero had been traveling back and force between the southern hot spot and northern Indiana to work with Post, but presently he has relocated to northern Indiana on a semi-permanent basis. "He's actually back in this area now, so it's been nice," Post said. "He's actually back here working. He travels quite a bit, but when he is here we do, like, we get together and we usually hit it pretty hard." The two men working together seems to be moving things along for Post and keeping him from resting on his laurels.

"He knows his stuff, he knows the business, and he's really making me grow as an artist, pushing me to the next level, not letting me sit," admitted Post. "He's definitely made me go 'Oh you're right, let's do this or change this.' It's been a lot of fun." Taking a break from his recording and writing schedule, The Dangerous Jim Post will be performing a solo acoustic set to open the show at The Clubhouse on Friday August 6th.

The show will be part of a five day long celebration for The Great Lakes Grand Prix boat race that will be taking place on Sunday August 8th. Already a well known figure at The Clubhouse, Post has been playing there every Thursday night for the last year. Leading up to The Clubhouse performance Post will be playing a select few shows, but primarily focusing on his upcoming album. "I'm just still trying to get this thing perfected," he said. "It's like I want to do big things, I just want to do them right; I want to be happy with the final product instead of just trying to rush to get it done."

For more on Jim Post, visit him on line at www.myspace.com/dangerousjimpost.

 

NWI MUSIC

THE CURRENT
By: Mario Bourzac

There aren't many bands around these days that have the tenacity to stick together. They start quick, put minimal effort into what they're doing, and before you know it each member is going their separate way. The Current is not one of those bands. Having been around now for over 10 years, The Current has endured the early struggles that plague all young bands and come out on the other side no worse for wear. These days they spend their weekends playing to packed bars and excitable audiences. Their eclectic mix of cover songs from the 70's to 'the current' keeps them in high demand and their calendar booked months in advance. If it's entertainment you're looking for, The Current is it.

Originally formed back in 1999 when founding member Jeff Gajewski began looking to put a new band together, The Current soon became a collection of musicians from his past musical projects. While he wasn't currently involved in any active bands at the time, Gajewski was interested in putting something together. He had recently left his old band Bordertown and sought out Jeff White to play bass in his new band. The two friends had been anxious to play in a band together for a while and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity.

When searching for a guitar player, both Gajewski and White had heard of Cary Thomas and decided to ask him if he was interested, and he was. A year later they picked up Darrel Westmoreland on drums and the rest is history. Not entirely sure what the band would become at that point, the four friends were happy with what they heard. The collaboration worked out well and shortly the group was booking gigs and turning heads around town.

The Current's upcoming show at The Clubhouse in August will also featuring guitar player Shane Corcell, another alumni of Gajewski's old band Bordertown. Their performance at the venue will be part of a larger celebration for the Great Lakes Grand Prix on Friday August 6th. They will be performing at the meet and greet for all the drivers participating in next month's annual boat race, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm.

The show will be a bit of a homecoming for The Current who are already a well known presence at The Clubhouse.

"Oh, we've been playing at the Clubhouse many years, we know Pat very well," said Gajewski, adding shortly there after, "Pat's done a lot of great things in his outdoor beer garden area and we're very excited to come back again."

As part of the five day celebration The Current's show at The Clubhouse will be highlighted by a fireworks show just after their set, and before headliner Jim Hardesty. All things considered, the show, as well as the whole weekend, promises to be quite a memorable event.

In addition to the show at The Clubhouse, The Current also has a number of shows coming up this month and throughout the summer. For more information on where you can catch them live, visit them on line at www.PartyWithTheCurrent.com.

 

MICH MUSIC VICTORY GARDEN Victory Garden wants to take you on an acoustic journey through the hits. The garden boasts over thirty years of combined musical experience, with all members coming from very different musical backgrounds. Founder Michael Finney is a guitar virtuoso, with the vocal tone and control to match, started the band after several years as the bassist of a touring metal band. Accompanying on guitar is the charismatic Ryan Niemeyer, who has fronted many bands in the region and has been playing since a very young age. The band recently welcomed new addition Derek Shea and he has taken to the group very well. Rounding off the group is the always amiable Donnie Berg, who also came from a predominantly metal backing. The band utilizes many different hand percussion instruments, watching them play together makes you feel like you're sitting around a bonfire with old friends that know all of your favorite songs. The group's playlist ranges from Tupac to Metallica to Frank Sinatra to Bob Marley, so there's is literally something to fit everyone states at their shows. Last year the group released a self titled EP that turned out to be one of those rare albums that you can listen to all the way through and not have to skip through any songs, it's all gold. VG also climbed a little higher on the rock star ladder by opening for Days of the New at a concert earlier this year. The groups plays out mostly in LaPorte county and northwest Indiana, they've become regulars at the Hanna Hub in babababab as well. You can also take in The Garden at Latitude 24 in bababab on August fourteenth and at The Clubhouse in bababab on august seventh during Michigan Cities Grand Prix weekend. At CISA studios in Hammond, you can see the boys playing with local favorites Trophy Scars on July fourteenth. Its worth checking out the bands MySpace to see great pics, read their biography, and listen to them kick out the jams. As for what's in the future, "Were really just enjoying the experience of playing out and meeting people right now, but someday we'd like to be able to fly to our shows in a solid gold airplane" front man Michael Finney says with a signature smirk. Going to a Victory Garden show is very laid back and inviting and the band does take requests. VG shows are enjoyable to say the least, the boys tend joke around a lot in between songs and the audience loves it. Good people, great music, and alcohol make for a great weekend so come out and make the most of the summer at a Victory Garden show, where everyone goes from first timer to fan.

 

Pure Star Movement
Arrival to Earth

 

This summer of 2010 will see the release of “Arrival to Earth,” the first full project of the South Bend based group Pure Star Movement. A mix of progressive Christian, Alternative rock and soul, Pure Star Movement is described as a musical force like no other.  “Can you imagine a band that has an alternative rock guitar driven sound,” quotes their Myspace page, “spread out over hard hitting, ‘in your face’ urban chopped drumming? This can only be complemented with smooth, soulful, powerhouse vocals, along with unforgettable epic string arrangements you could only hear in movie film scores! This band makes music to cross all boundaries and to reach all people.” The group comes from a very diverse background. Adrian “Gizmo” Taylor, who plays bass guitar, grew up in a Baptist church listening to Gospel and jazz from the likes of Steve Bailey, Stanley Clark, and his favorite bassist Jaco. Ray “RTjman” Thomas, who plays keys and turntables, knew he wanted to produce music at a young age and began to teach himself a variety of instruments, including piano, drums, bass and electric guitar. He grew up in the Church of God In Christ, along with fellow bandmates Brent and Lwan, and was greatly influenced by Gospel. His musical influences include Timberland, Ryan Leslie, and, his absolute favorite, The Neptunes. Brent “The B.east” Easton, the drummer, was also influenced by Gospel from an early age, and by 90s R&B. To become a great drummer he listened to jazz fusion artists such as Dennis Chambers and Dave Weekal. Two of his heroes and mentors have been Derricko Watson and Chris Coleman, and he has been privileged to play for several Gospel stars, including the great J. Moss. The lead singer Lwan Easton says his main influence has always been Gospel music, and, like fellow bandmates, he has wanted to be a producer and make music since a very young age.  Some of his other musical influences include Timberland, Darkchild, Tonex, Usher, and his favorite singer Brandy.  Before starting the music group, Ray and Lwan started up Pure Star Production and Media, their own music production company.  They experienced decent success through the company, but ultimately decided they wanted to showcase their own music.  To come up with the sound they both envisioned, they decided to take all the musical influences they knew growing up and fuse it all together with the emotional, expressive, and loud genre of rock.  “The group has a very unique message,” says Lorneth Fahie-Peters of Number Seven Management. “One that they hope will wake up the minds of generations to comee. The group believes in honoring God, loving life and having fun making great music. Each song provides a message of hope, freedom, and creativity. The songs are written from very deep and dark places dealing with emotional pain, depression, and haters.” The group’s name comes from Philippians 2:1, “That you may become blameless and Pure, children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like Stars in the universe.” “They bring a message of hope, freedom, creativity, and prosperity using the gifts given to them from above,” continues their Myspace page. “Pure Star Movement’s music is designed to captivate your senses and take your mind to the stars. A star is a pure source of light in which we, the human race, are created to mimic. When you look into the heavens at night searching for a star to show you the way, remember that Pure Star Movement will guide you home!

David Costa

 

Trying to stay relevant in the music business long term can be like trying to scale Mount

Everest with toothpicks and dental floss while wearing nothing but a bow time and a

smile. The few who do manage to stick do so, seemingly, by great effort on their part, but

the ones who are constantly in demand and a rare breed.  South Bend’s own DJ CK 1

falls into the latter category and, despite some of his best efforts to leave the business

behind, just keeps getting pulled back into the fray. After departing from the club life

several years ago he was recently invited back in to spin one night a week. The one night

a week quickly expanded into what is now four nights a week and he couldn’t be more

excited. The nightlife crowd in South Bend seems to be excited, too.

 

Originally starting out in the early 1980’s, DJ CK 1, known then simply as Chris Kretchmer, began his musical career making mix tapes for his friends and a few others. From there he moved quickly into experimenting with the turntables and mixing songs, and before long he developed his own unique style with them. Appealing while non-tradition, Kretchmer’s knack for the mixing soon began landing him work in local clubs and by the time he graduated from high school he was already busy in several local clubs, including The Seahorse Cabaret and Truman’s Nightclub.  In addition to his work in the clubs, Kretchmer had also developed his own mobile DJ service, In The Mixx. Beginning in 1985, In The Mixx quickly became a success, and between that and working in the clubs, Kretchmer found himself with little time on his own.  For almost the next twenty years he stayed busy spinning at both private parties and in the clubs until the demand on his time became too much and almost pulled out of all the clubs entirely. After spending almost all his available time playing music for others, he decided he needed a break. At that point he was only accepting gigs through his mobile DJ service In The Mixx and even that was selective at best.

Like all things, however, that too slowly began to change. When we first spoke with Kretchmer in late 2008 he was just beginning to return to spinning at a few nightclubs on a regular schedule. Word slowly began to spread that he was back in action and one area club in particular began to seek him out.

“One of the managers from Club Fever, I guess, called a friend of mine and said ‘Hey, we

want to have him. Have him come in,’” Kretcher explained. “So I went in and 5 minutes

later had the job for Thursday.” Shortly after Kretchmer started at Club Fever, business at

the club increased dramatically. From a regular attendance of roughly 400 people, the

club can now expect around 1,200 each Thursday night. With Kretchmer’s  help the club

saw a large increase in its numbers and decided to ask him if he was interested in a few

other nights as well.

 

“They gave me Friday to boost up Friday, I boosted Friday; they gave me Wednesday to

boost up Wednesdays and I tripled Wednesdays. Now they want Saturdays. So, now

here I am,” Kretchmer said. Saturday nights, his most

1 900 Band

Call Me

By: Mario Bourzac

 

 

The most important thing to remember about music, whether you’re playing it or listening to it, is that music is supposed to be fun.  Regardless of whether you’re exposing yourself at stop lights by screaming along to your favorite song in your car, or if you’re blasting out tunes with 10,000 of your closest friends in a humble arena, music’s primary function is to offer us, the participants, a release. 

One band who hasn’t forgotten what it’s all about is 1-900 Band from Goshen, Indiana.  The band, composed of seasoned veterans of the local music scene, is all about enjoying themselves now, and making sure the audience enjoys themselves, too.  They play a healthy mix of your favorite covers ranging from the 70’s right up to today’s favorites.  With the recent addition of a new guitar player, 1-900 Band has expanded to a five piece and is ready to test their new sonic boundaries.  If you’re looking for a good time, this is the band for you.

Originally formed by vocalist Melissa Domiano and drummer Nick Wise in 2006, 1-900 soon picked up an additional two members from Wise's previous band Voodoo.  Prior to starting 1-900 Wise had gigged regularly with the Elkhart based band, but had left in 2005 to start something new with Domiano.  After trying out several different bassists and guitarists, he reached out to his previous band mates, guitarist Char Overholser and bassist Tony Perks.

Over the course of the next several years 1-900 Band continued playing out as a four piece and winning over converts with their sound in the northwestern Indiana area.  It wasn't until St. Patrick's Day of this year that they decided to change the formula that had been working for them so far.

As part of the Downtown South Bend St. Paddy's Tent Party and Pub Tour this year, 1-900 Band had been scheduled to play the official after party hosted by Club Fever.  The band, who had played the club several times in the past, was very excited to play the after party and to visit with an old friend, club manager Vic Mann.  Mann, who is a seasoned musician in his own right, had spent a number of years playing throughout the Midwest in bands including the band Mercy Sanction, a band he had played in with 1-900 drummer Nick Wise.

That night at the show the band expressed to Mann that they had been thinking of adding a second guitarist to help fill out the sound of the band.  Seeing as how Mann already got along well with the band, and he and Wise had experience playing together, they invited him on to the stage that night to play a few cover songs with them.

"That was pretty much the first time I've played since starting working at Club Fever," Mann said, "and after it went so well, they asked me to join and I said I would."

But 1-900 Band isn't Mann's first taste of the limelight.  Long before he came to work at Club Fever he had spent a number of years slugging it out in the trenches with a number of other bands.  He spent a large portion of the late 90's and early 00's playing in the Elkhart based Pleasure 9, Freakbox, and the aforementioned Mercy Sanction.  It was when playing with Freakbox at Club Fever that he was approached by the owner, an old high school friend, about running the place.

Mann's friend, Dee Davis, had recently purchased the old Heartland and changed the name to Club Fever.  Having known Mann was already experienced working in the club scene, Mann had in fact already worked at Heartland, Davis offered him the managerial position at Club Fever.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Now that events have come full circle, Mann is once again playing music due in some small part to his association with Club Fever.  This month you will be able to catch him performing with the band at Bella Lunna's in Middlebury, IN on May 21st and next month on July 17th.

 

Additional information for 1-900 Band can be found on line at www.myspace.com/1900callme. 

 

 

 

May Days

With Paige Turner

 

May is rolling in and summer is just within our grasp.  Stores have been warning us of this since the middle of winter but it’s easy to overlook the racks of suits when you have to wear three layers of clothes just to go buy toilet paper.      It may have been a while since you were last in a two-piece, so having a glass or two of wine before trying on your suit may be a good idea.  It’s still early though, so if you don’t like what you see you can hit the gym to try to slim back down.  If slimming down isn’t realistic due to lack of time and/or motivation, just embrace the look you’ve got.  The good thing about going out in public wearing a swimsuit is that there is almost always someone around who looks sillier than you.  Ever see a sagging old guy in a Speedo?  Case in point.

When you put on your suit, you may notice your lack of tan.  During the Victorian era, having a tan was a sign of the working class and pasty skin was in.  Today, we have tanning beds and sprays that will give you a nice, natural orange look.  You can even opt for a spray administered in a tanning bed – just make sure to keep your mouth closed while you’re in there.  The taste of chemical color is a difficult one to get rid of. 

I know you’re going to be busy prepping your body for bathing suit season, but try not to forget the parental holiday that falls in this month.  Mother’s Day is the perfect time to apologize to dear old Mom for all the crap you’ve put her through during the last year.  Wrecking her car, failing a few classes, losing your little sister at the mall and dumping that boy she liked so much are all easily made up for with a card, some flowers and a dinner out on the town.  If nothing else, ply her with drinks and hope that she forgets the rest.

Speaking of situations where it’s good to have a few drinks, you might have some weddings to attend as the summer goes on.  The older you get the more this will happen and before you know it you’ll be a pro at navigating both gift registries and open bars.  If you’re single, weddings can either be great for hooking up or highlighting just how lonely you really are.  If you’re taken, going to a wedding could make you want to rush into one of your own, or help you decide you never want to take that trip down the aisle.  Whatever happens, don’t get too mushy– my last car outlived the last wedding I went to, by more than a few years.

Ladies, you can have fun in the sun regardless of your skin tone or suite size, so enjoy this time while you can.  Grab some friends, some drinks and your shades and get ready to hit that beach running.  And if for some reason you can’t enjoy yourself, find that saggy old guy and hang out with him for a while.  You’ll probably feel better about yourself and you could even wind up with a date for all those weddings.

 

 

Sevendust - Lifelong Road Dogs

By: Mario Bourzac

 

"Y'know, when we first started, man, we were in a van, and the RV, and then the bus came," reminisced Sevendust frontman Lajon Witherspoon.  "We didn't care about anything but touring the world and playing music in the club every night."

Today, even though some things have changed, that dedication to their music and their fans still remains as pervasive as ever.  That same dedication can be found on their brand new album Cold Day Memory, their first album back with original guitarist Clint Lowery.  Invigorated by the return of their friend and fellow band member, Sevendust is currently on tour in support of their new album and will be making a stop at Club Fever this month.  All this and it's still only the beginning of what will be a very exciting year for the band.

Lajon and co. first gained national recognition with the release of their breakthrough self titled album Sevendust.  As a part of the original core of what would come to be called Alternative Metal, or Nu-Metal, they helped to define and shape the sound of the genre.  In the years that followed they achieved a large measure of commercial success and recognition, and released a trio of popular albums: 1999's Home, 2001's Animosity, and 2003's Seasons.  Sadly, it was on tour in support of Seasons when guitarist Clint Lowery left the band to pursue a new musical project with his brother.

Despite the blow to morale, the band kept on going and released three additional albums, 2005's Next, 2007's Alpha, and 2008's Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow, before Clint returned to the fold in March of that year.  While there were no hard feelings towards Sonny Mayo, who had joined the band in Clint's absence, the band was happy to see Clint return to the Sevendust family.

"It's like brothers, it's the way we work together; it's the best thing ever," Lajon said of Clint's return.  "We never skipped a beat, let's put it that way."

The sense of rejuvenation the band felt helped to fuel the creative drive on the new album, Cold Day Memory, the first with the original line up since 2003's Seasons.  And while the new album's release date, April 20th, left some wondering if there was a subtle hint the band was trying to make, Lajon assured me it was just a lucky coincidence.

"Of course everybody blames it one me," he laughed, dismissing any theories that it was something they had planned.

But he hasn't completely ruled out a touch of the serendipitous.

"I think what's going on is the planets are aligning right right now and maybe Cold Day Memory is going to do something we never expected it to do."

To that end Sevendust is hitting the road this year and hitting it hard.  Having already completed a six week tour this year with their friends in Drowning Pool, they kicked off their second leg of the tour just as the album dropped last month.

"We'll do this tour for about five and a half weeks, go home for a couple weeks, and then start another headlining run which will lead us to the summer with us, Shinedown, Puddle Of Mudd, Chevelle, and 10 Years," Lajon revealed.

The summer tour he was referring to is the upcoming Carnival of Madness Tour which will take all five bands up and down the east coast, through the midwest, and out towards the west coast all summer long.  When that run wraps up at the end of August, Sevendust will be heading over seas for the remainder of the year with stops in Australia, Korea, and Japan.

The upcoming tours in Korea and Japan will be a first for the group and Lajon was more than eager to express his excitement for the trip.

"It's been a dream of mine to get there," he said, referring to their trip to The Orient.  "We're going to rock that ass off over there."

Before the band has a chance to take their music to the rest of the country, and the rest of the world, they will be making a stop in South Bend on Friday May 14th at Club Fever.  Tickets for the show are still available at Club Fever or through Ticketmaster.com.

 

For more information on Sevendust check them out on line at Sevendust.com.

 

South of Somewhere

“A lot of rock n’ roll attitude!”

By: Rob Atkinson

 

Come out to My Dad's Place in Elkhart, Indiana each and every Monday night, and jam with the band South of Somewhere.  Bring your instrument and sit in with the band starting at 8pm, and jam until you can jam no more,

            South of Somewhere is the new project of Matt Toliver and Jason Curtis, from the metal band Sickface.  "We have formed a unique acoustic project-- South of Somewhere.  This project is pointed in a direction that you might not expect from us, based on what we did with Sickface.  A little bit country, a lot of rock n' roll attitude, and plenty of sing-a-long opportunities."

            With two guitars and dueling vocals, they take requests and expand their repertoire every performance.  To keep things fresh, though, the duo have made a request themselves, that for every request the person needs to insert "Tolly" somewhere in the title.  So, for instance, "Polyamorous" from Breaking Benjamin would be "Tollyamorous."  Or "Goin to California" by Led Zeppelin would be "Goin to Tollyfornia."

            South of Somewhere lists some of their influences as Zac Brown, Jason Aldean, Marshall Tucker band, Alice in Chains, Sevendust (mostly from the album "Southside Double-Wide"), Black Crowes, Kenny Chesney, Kid Rock, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Staind, Pearl Jam, and Stone Temple Pilot. 

            "To say we are excited to be performing and writing this style of music is the understatement of this brand new decade - see you soon."

 

For more info go to www.myspace.com/southofsomewheremusic or find them on Facebook.

 

 

 

VGB & The Power Plus Crew

“Unton the Maximum”

By: Rob Atkinson

 

Bass and drums with rap slathered on top.  That's the description given to Mishawaka's hip-hop/funk/punk fusion duo VGB and the Power Plus Crew.

Brothers Vince and Nick Brahbam just celebrated the release of their debut album entitled "Unton the Maximum" this past March.  "It's based around live hip hop that has a funky vibe, but drives with a punk attitude," says Vince Brahbam, aka VGB.  "Our sound involves many styles, including hip hop, Latin, jazz, funk, etc.  Most of our songs are easy to feel and have a catchy sound.  Our live shows are very high energy and include a lot of improvised playing and freestyle rapping."

The band came together in October 2008, after Vince came back from a trip to Alaska.  It was there on that trip that Vince began writing songs and incorporating playing bass and rapping at the same time.  When he came back to Indiana, he and his brother Nick decided that they should write and record an album with those songs, and start playing out as VGB and the Power Plus Crew.  "'VGB' are my initials and hip hop alias," says Vince Guthrie Brahbam.  "And the 'Power Plus Crew' is a name I created that involves us and the fans as one.  It represents powerful energy and total positivity."

Vince plays bass guitar and raps in the band, while Nick plays drums and percussion.  The brothers started playing music in middle school, and then started jamming out together in high school.  Nick comes from soul, jazz, and Latin roots, and for the past two years has been playing percussion for an instrumental band called The Splanchnic Ganglion.  He just recently joined the drum and dance group called Rhythmworks.  Vince grew up on a strictly punk rock background, and only later got into jazz, folk, and hip hop.  For the last year and a half Vince has also been playing bass in the folk rock band called the Gin Soaked Boys, as well rap battling throughout the Midwest.

"No shows have been planned for VGB and the Power Plus Crew since the cd release on March 20th," continues Vince.  "As of now, we have no future plans with what we want to do with the project.  We both are working on solo projects.  Nick plans to record a solo drum and percussion album in the near future.  I plan to take time off to write songs, regroup my energy, and see where it leads me.  Just know that there is a lot more coming from these two brothers, so keep your eyes and ears open."

 

For more info go to www.myspace.com/vgbandthepowerpluscrew and www.reverbnation.com/vgbandthepowerpluscrew.

           

 

 

The soundtrack to life in today’s world...

By: Rob Atkinson

 

"If you were to mix Alice in Chains, Disturbed, and Rage Against the Machine with Slipknot, Lamb of God and Hatebreed, you'd get a slight taste of what these guys have to offer," says Burt Wolf of Beowolf Productions, in description of the up-and-coming band As the Seasons Grey.  This hard rock and metal band, hailing from both Kalamazoo, Michigan and Michigan City, Indiana, was started by a group of old friends all brought together through their love of music.  It began as an idea of creating a new style of hard rock, and reinventing the word all together.

 

Q: What's the history and sound of the band?

A: We have been a band for six hundred sixty-six days. Six hours and sixty-six minutes, and six hundred and sixty-six seconds.  We formed on the 6th month of the 6th year, after 6 times of playing "we built this city on rock and roll" backwards.  Our sound really comes from all our fans and friends true life stories. We're like the sound track to life in today's world.

 

Q: Who plays what, and maybe some personal histories, previous bands, etc?

A: Billy B (Vocals & Guitar) grew up as a ring leader of a traveling circus after the original leader was eaten by a lion.  It was a silent circus, one of the last of their kind, that ended after Billy spoke his first words at age 6, when he got Karma Chameleon stuck in his head and accidentally broke the code of silence, ending it forever.  I'm just sayin. Bubba (Bass guitar) was born in the windy city of Chicago, in a test tube. He was genetically engineered by Arby's to keep their brand popular.  Strange as it is, Arby's has really hot chick engineers who made Bubba able to satisfy all forms of roast beef. A true master at the art of pounding beef.  Today, Bubba is responsible for 87% of Arby's global sales. It remains a mystery why Bubba is a natural at bass guitar. But it is believed that Arby's laboratories programmed it into him for the ultimate roast beef crave power.  You know, what the f*ck.

Vic (Guitar & Vocals) was raised by evil panda bears deep in the North Korean mountains, until he was captured by scientists who believed he was the missing link.  Then he escaped by cleverly disguising himself as a donkey, and split to America on a raft made out of mostly rice, an old "Alf" doll, and a banana.  That's where he met Billy and Bubba at a Between the Buried and Me concert. The three have been best friends ever since. 

Gene (drums) was an escaped mental patient whose true identity is unknown. All we know is he bites. Hard. We thought he fit in this band great because he had a drum set, and can still get an erection tied to a chair with a bomb strapped to his chest.  If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em.

Jessi (vocals) was a championship donut puncher in the 90's, until he got roped into a life of pornography trying to do a favor for Tiger Woods. Eventually, he slipped

into a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol, until he discovered that he had 29 children. (Never bare back porn star girls. It's very hard to explain to the WIC office.)  Then, one day, he got a prank phone call from someone who could only be Sarah Palin, or J.R. from that old T.V. show "Dallas" (same person), which fueled him to fight against the system.

That's when he decided to be our vocalist and fight them with words and not fists.  Well... Sometimes fists.  Punch first, ask never.

 

Q: What's the story behind the name?

A: To us, music is life.  It is the all powerful force that makes us who we are.  Good times and bad times are all a part of life. How we adjust to these things give each of us our own identity that makes us unique as individuals. 

We needed a band name that told the story of our experiences in life, and what the world looks like through our eyes.  As the Seasons Grey was our way of telling our tale of years of life as homeless outcasts, blazing our own trail through this fucked up world, and the choices we've made in life while everything is always changing.

Because you can't always choose what kind of world we live in. All you can do is choose what to do with the time you are given. Do the right thing, the right way, and for the right reasons.

 

Q: How do you relate into the Indiana music scene?

A: For us creativity comes from many forms of inspiration. One thing that inspired us the most is the Indiana music scene itself. We love everything about it. The interesting people and the whole culture that it brings has really made us feel like we finally have a place that we "fit in," and can be ourselves without judgment.  There are so many truly talented bands right now in this area, that we feel like we are just lucky to be able to have met them and do so many cool things that just don't happen in other places. I hear some people say things like, "Indiana is so boring, there's nothing to do here." We think it's the exact opposite.

When we play out here it seems like the shows are always packed full of true blue party animals. It's really made us feel welcome and go full throttle till we pass out. When I think of Indiana, I think of having a killer time. Next time you hear someone sayin' they're bored, tell 'em to become part of it by supporting their local music scene. If they can't have fun at a show then there is something wrong with them.

 

Q: Any upcoming shows and projects you want to mention?

A: We are almost booked all year 2010, and tons of dates still up in the air. It's been a lot of work, but we know what we want and we are a very determined group of dudes who don't have a whole lot to lose. We all joke around all the time and might not seem very serious about anything, except our band and making sure our fans at shows are genuinely having an awesome time. We would like to say we are really looking forward to our shows at Gratty's on April 3^rd in Michigan City, and Waterford Inn on April 24th, in La Porte. 

We are very thankful to all the bands and great people who have supported and helped us out these last few months, and want to pay them back by partying our ass off with you all!! Also, we want to mention this one last thing: Since all of you are kinda jokesters, we thought it would be funny to share our lives with the world so they can get to see some of the funny shit that happens to us on our adventures. So we are now working on a series of fully animated short cartoons based on real events that happen to A.T.S.G.  The first few are almost ready and really stupid, but they are hilarious. Keep checking our myspace for their release, plus more info on our upcoming shows.

 

For more info go to www.myspace.com/astheseasonsgrey and www.reverbnation.com/astheseasonsgrey.

 

DJ Ruffcutt - West Coast Style

By: Mario Bourzac

 

 

Packing up all of your belongings and moving over 2,000 miles away is never easy.  It can be especially difficult when you move from a thriving metropolis with a diverse musical scene to small Midwestern city beyond the reach of many new genres.  But that is exactly what happened when DJ Ruffcutt left the West Coast for northern Indiana roughly 15 years ago.  Having already cultivated a passion for electronic music, it didn't take long for this would be DJ to start recreating the sounds he grew up listening to on his own.  Now a well known DJ in the area, DJ Ruffcutt turned out to be the perfect musical liaison to introduce a bit of California culture to Michiana.

 

Originally from Los Angeles, DJ Ruffcutt made his way across the country in the mid 90's looking for work.  When he finally settled in the mid-west, more specifically South Bend, he began searching for a musical scene similar to the vibrant one he had left behind.  Sadly, there was not much of one to be found until he took matters into his own hands, literally.

 

"I started DJing just for my own listening pleasure, to hear what I wanted to hear," said Ruffcutt.  "It was just a hobby.  I started making friends who were DJs out here and I never stopped doing [it]."

 

Eventually Ruffcutt's would be hobby began to slowly move to the forefront in his life, but before he could make music his full time job he would have to make a few changes.

 

"It wasn't until about 4 years ago where I decided I gotta switch it up because this underground music isn't making me any money," he explained.  "So I figured I can just try to apply [mixing] to top 40."

 

Once DJ Ruffcutt made the decision to move in a more mainstream direction with his music, he first needed to witness how it was done close up.  He accomplished this by shadowing several of his DJ friends at their various gigs around town.  Before long he began filling in for them at different venues and making a name for himself amongst a select number of area clubs and bars.  These experiences led directly to DJ Ruffcutt landing a few recurring gigs of his own.  Now a prominent fixture in South Bend's dance music scene, he is sounding better than ever.

 

Among DJ Ruffcutt's more prominent gigs are his weekly appearances at Corby's Irish Pub and his recently acquired weekend gig at Riverside in the 100 Center located in Mishawaka.  Still a relatively new gig, Ruffcutt has been appearing at Riverside every Saturday night for almost two months now.  He somewhat stumbled into the position after a friend of his, one of the bodyguards at Riverside, gave him the heads up that they were looking for a new DJ.  After a quick meeting with the management, Ruffcutt had a new home for Saturday nights.

 

The new gig at Riverside was the perfect addition to his growing list of scheduled appearances.  Since late 2008 he has held down the Tuesday and Saturday night spot at Corby's Irish Pub, located in downtown South Bend.  According to Ruffcutt, it's not uncommon for things to get a little out of control out there.

 

"It's pretty wild out there, man," he said of Corby's.  "Especially college night on Tuesdays.  It's nuts."

 

In addition to his work as a club DJ, Ruffcutt has also expanded his professional reach to include DJing at weddings and private events.  The new project, known as Cross Fade Entertainment, is a joint venture with his friend and fellow DJ, Adam Abstrakt.

 

"Just last year we really started putting forth real effort into getting our name out there as wedding DJ's," Ruffcutt said of the young upstart company.

 

With the wedding season now just beginning they already have a number of dates already booked, but still have plenty available.  Anyone interested in their services can reach them at Ruffcutt76@gmail.com.

 

In the coming months DJ Ruffcutt will be filling up his schedule with both club appearances and private events.  To find out where he'll be next, check him out on line at www.myspace.com/dejayruffcutt, or find him on Facebook by searching anlobos@aol.com.  If you’re a DJ and you’re looking to get your hands on some of Ruffcut’s tracks log on to Mixscratch.Com, where you can purchase remixes his music. You can also check out www.beezo.net for a free mix-tape, teaser download. 

 

Take Aim
Take Aim & Fire!
By: Rob Atkinson

 

Q: What’s the history and story behind Take Aim?

 

A: Take Aim started out in August of 2008 with the mission of playing songs that people know, like, and can dance to, but we put our own rocky/punk spin on them. We’ve had our member changes (including our new bass player, the amazing Jeff Trotter), and our ups and downs as group, but we’re so strong and focused now, there’s no stopping us.

 

Q: Who’s in the band and what do they play?

 

A: Aim – vocals; Jim Whitmer – guitar; Cort Hullinger – guitar;

Paul Filipek – drums; Jeff Trotter - bass. We strive to keep our sound tight, fun, different, and fresh, and our shows high-energy and interactive. We’ve never played a gig without someone in the audience confirming that we’ve reached these goals, and that’s what keeps us working at them. Plus, it’s pretty much the most fun job ever!

 

Q: Who are your influences, and how do you relate into the Indiana music scene?

 

A: We associate with and are supported by and supportive of so many other cover bands in the area. We consider Stillshot our brother band, and are very grateful to them for believing in us and giving us a leg up whenever possible.

 

Q: What are your upcoming shows and projects? Can you talk specifically about the DTSB Tent Party on March 12^th?

 

A: We are so very blessed to have gotten this far this fast. Our calendar is filling up with shows all over the area. We are especially excited about the Downtown South Bend St. Paddy’s Tent Party! We opened for Stillshot last year, and it was unbelievable. A couple thousand people came and rocked with us, and this year is going to be even bigger and better. More lights and stage and sound and show...it’s going to be an unforgettable experience. We go on stage Friday, March 12 at 5:30, so come early!

Check out the rest of our schedule at http://www.myspace.com/takeaimrocks

Stillshot
Rocking the Tent!
By: Rob Atkinson

 

Stillshot is a an alternative rock and pop cover band from the South Bend/Elkhart area. The band formed in 2006 after the break-up of another popular local band, 2 Northwest. The band is made up of Rob Yocom on vocals, guitars, bass, and drums;

Joe Leichtman on drums and vocals; Garner Wrisley on vocals, guitars, bass, and drums; and Jason Staples on bass and vocals.  Rob plays Gibson, Fender, Alvarez and Martin guitars, Mesa Boogie amplification, Audio-Technica wireless, Boss, Line 6, Dunlop and Ibanez effects. Joe performs on Orange County Percusion, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks and Rolland sampling. Garner uses Ibanez guitars, Randall amplification, Audio-Technica wireless, Boss and Morley effects. Jason plays Ibanez bass, Ampeg amplification and Boss effects. All four members have been friends for many years and have been playing in various bands throughout the Indiana scene.  Their influences and sound come from some of the top rock and pop bands, ranging from 3 Doors Down, All American Rejects, Weezer, Sublime, Fall Out Boy, Lenny Kravitz, Staind, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Beck, The Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Radiohead, Maroon 5, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Creed, Cold, Nickleback, The Doors, Steppenwolf, and many more.

Stillshot will be taking the stage along with Take Aim at the St.  Paddy’s Tent Party and Pub Tour on March 12^th in downtown South Bend, sponsored by the Downtown South Bend, Inc.  (DTSB). The Tent Party is $5 for 21 and up, and will be at 350 S. Michigan St, in the parking lot across from One Michiana Square. Stillshot and Take Aim will rock the tent from 5pm to 11pm.

 

Scream
“La Porte County Rock Veterans”
By: Rob Atkinson

 

Scream is a self described power rock gruop from the La Porte County area.  The band has performed in the region since the early eighties & has opened up for some of the largest rock bands in US history, including Styx, The Raspberries, & none other than the hottest band in the world Kiss!

Q: What’s the History of Scream? How would you describe your sound?

A: Scream originally started in 1973 inLa Porte with Shark Zirkle and Mark Riley (who are also the only two remaining original members). Early Scream did a lot of regional roadwork but the highlight was opening in concert for The Raspberries (Eric Carmen), Styx (twice) and Kiss.  As a sidebar we had to provide “limo” service for Kiss when they played out here on their 2^nd album tour, so one car was my parents 74 Impala station wagon with Gene Simmons in the front seat, and me and Peter Criss (sleeping) in the back. We stayed together till early ‘80 then hooked up with Kelly Hoagard and Steve Miller and actually changed the name to Common Nuisance for a few years. Scream was on and off until the mid 90’s when we hooked up with drummer George Gregory (Panic/Belle Gunness), which lasted for about 8 years.  After that we eventually met up with our current drummer Wally Veden and Wally Brach on guitar. We were a three piece for awhile but desired more vocals and an even fuller sound, so last fall we brought Lee Scott into the mix. Lee also plays with Mas Kaos and Spellbound, and Wally also plays for Spellbound. Shark plays with Belle Gunnes in an all original act.

We have always been a power driven dance band. We try to maintain good harmonic vocals with all of our covers, and comes as close as possible to the original; but with an edge. We try to play mostly melodic songs that are not the same overplayed material that everyone else does. Everything from AC/DC/ to Beatles to Metallica to All American Rejects to Queen.

Q: Who’s in the band and what do they play?

A: Scream is Shark Zirkle-guitars/vocals, Wally Veden-drums, Lee

Scott-vocals/guitar, and Mark Riley-bass/vocals

Q: Who are your influences, and how do you fit into the Indiana music scene?

A: Our influences are Beatles, Queen, Styx, Metallica and all types of vocal and melody driven songs and artists. Being around as long as we have, we have played just about every room around. We have played locally, more in La Porte and Michigan City, and towards South Bend and Elkhart. We still have many repeat fans from throughout our time together. Sometimes people will come in to see if it’s still us. Thankfully most of the time they say things like, “You guys still got it!” Obviously, the fans are what it’s all about. Keep ‘em happy.

Q: Do you have any recorded albums or upcoming projects?

A: We’re currently working on incorporating original material into the act. Same type of bouncy, danceable, power driven stuff

 

Q: What are your upcoming shows?

Can you talk specifically about your upcoming performances at Casey’s Lanes in La Porte?.

A: Playing at Casey’s in La Porte on Sat. March 27^th, 2010, from 9PM til 1 AM, Wall Gang Show at Washington Park in Michigan City on Sat. July 31, in the afternoon, and Labor Dayz in Michigan City’s Washington Park on Sat. Sept. 4.  We’re also attempting to put together a CD to try and fill in more dates with our new lineup; so club owners: be on the lookout.  We are also working on putting together a webpage in the future.  we always look forward to playing at Casey’s. Casey, Judy, & Jim are great to work with and it’s a clean fun loving atmosphere.

Anyone wanting to find out upcoming dates and possible booking info either send me an e-mail at rileydog23@verizon.net or phone me at 219-362-6704

1-900
“Who ya gonna call?”
By: Rob Atkinson

When it comes to being in a band, there’s a lot of groups out there that take an overtly serious tone with the music. Even though the passion behind a bands performance and song writing are important, it’s easy to look past the true meaning behind being in a rock band: having fun. The band 1-900 has looked past the ideas of Rock Stardom and instead, focus on what they do best, which is jamming out to great songs and having a good time doing. While each member of 1-900 has performed in their fair share of groups over the years, the band has come together with a less serious tone, looking towards to playing some good shows, meeting new people, and building a party atmosphere that any music lover would more than enjoy.

1-900 was originally started 3 years ago, when drummer Nick Wise was approached by previous bass player Todd Kaiser to start a project featuring a female singer. At that time, Nick had been singing for another group called Mercy Sanction, which gave him the opportunity to open for such national acts as Warrant, Skid Row, and Love boy, just to name a few. After parting with Mercy Sanction, Nick took his place behind the drum kit and formed 1-900. Eventually

Chad Overholser & Tony Perks, entered the equation on guitars, and previous bass player Todd Kaiser was replaced by Tony perks. Both Tony & Chad had decided to join 1-900 after their previous project, Next Tuesday, had disbanded.

Most recently, 1-900 has been given the opportunity to headline the DTSB Tent Party After Party event at Club Fever. Sure to entertain the crowd with their high energy renditions of some the classic tunes of this age, it’ll make for a nightcap that no one in attendance will forget. There’s also gossip that Club Fever’s general manager Vic Mann might even take the stage with the band for a song to… But you’ll have to come out to find out for sure! Below are a few questions answered by the classic rock band 1-900.

Q: What’s the history of 1-900, particular with the choice of name? How do you describe your sound?

A: The name came out as a joke 1-900 the band because we couldn’t come up with a name. Our sound is Classic rock 70s, 80’s, 90’s and now. A little bit of everything.

Q: Who’s in the band and what do they play?

A: Nick Wise - drums and vocals; Missey Domiono - lead vocals; Chad Overholser – guitars; Tony Perks – bass; and Dave Stutzman - sound and lights.

Q: Who are your influences, and how do you relate into the Indiana music scene?

A: 80’s rock primarily. We play a lot of songs that other people don’t cover.  Blondie, Go-Go’s, the less contemporary stuff.

Q: Can you talk specifically about the upcoming DTSB St. Paddy’s Day after party performance at Club Fever on March 12^th in South Bend?

A: We take the stage at 11pm. Playing our blend of classic and dance rock till 2am with plenty of green beer to go around.

For more info on 1-900 visit myspace.com/1900callme.. 1-900 will be performing at 11p at Club Fever on March 12^th and also will be performing March 27^th at the Harvey House in Constantine, MI & Rulli’s Bella Luna in Middlebury, on April 2^nd.

 

Palmster Productions
Your Smart Choice For Entertainment
By: Mario Bourzac

 

One of the toughest industries to succeed in is without a doubt the entertainment

business. Successfully navigating your way to a stable career in the entertainment

industry is even tougher than successfully navigating your way through an asteroid field,

the odds of which are 3,720 to 1 (according to everyone’s favorite golden android). And

much like the asteroid field, to find your way to a successful entertainment career you

will need patience, practice and perseverance.

 

One man who knows this better than most is South Bend, Indiana’s own Harold Palmer,

owner of the mobile DJ service Palmster Productions. Having worked in multiple facets

of the industry, from radio personality to mobile DJ, Palmer has seen what it takes from

every angle. It is this experience that helps push him along and helps him avoid the

mishaps that a less seasoned DJ might stumble upon.

 

Originally from South Bend, Palmer has been a fan of music his whole life. Having

started out innocently enough by making mix cd’s for his own parties, he eventually

developed a reputation as someone who knew how to put music together. Once word

got around, people began to seek him out to mix songs for their parties.

 

“I would make cd’s for the parties instead of hiring a DJ and next thing you know, people

were hiring me to DJ their parties,” Palmer said explaining his early days.

 

From there he quickly began learning about spinning music from the number one source

by going tothe club.

 

      “I would go to clubs just to listen to DJ’s,” said Palmer. “I wouldn’t go to dance, but just to listen to DJ’s. I stayed in the DJ booth 
      the whole time I was there.”

      He then added, “My personality fit right in and here I am 18 years later.”

After he officially became a DJ, but before he started his own company, Palmer made the

rounds within the local music industry. In the early 90’s he was an on-air radio

personality with the local radio station 99.1. It was here that he met with his biggest

success on the radio.

 

“I had my own radio show that went from number 28 in the market to number 2 in the

market,” Palmer exclaimed of hissuccess on 99.1.

 

Sadly, his relationship with them was short lived and within 6 months the show was over.

Following his time with 99.1, it would be several years before he returned to the radio.

His chance came again in 2000 when he joined the team at 106.3, but that too turned out

to be a brief experience. It was only a few years after that when Palmer started Palmster

Productions and finally found his niche.

 

For the last six years Palmer has been successfully running his own mobile DJ service,

Palmster Productions. His success has grown in the region as he has worked hard to

develop into a sought after DJ in the area. Recently he even struck a deal with Riverside

in Mishawaka, Indiana.

 

“I went in there, told them what I could do for them, and she listened to me, took a

chance with me, and got me on stage,” Palmer explained of his negotiations with

Riverside.

 

Now you can catch Palmster Productions performing evert Friday night at

Riverside Terrace, located in 100 Center Plaza in Mishawaka. You can also find them on

line at www.myspace.  com/riverside_tavern.

 

Coming up later this year, Palmster Productions will be making several high profile

      appearances around Indiana. In May he will be playing the Cinco De Mayo celebration at The Hacienda in Portage, IN. Following
      that Palmster Productions will also be performing in Terre Haute, IN. this September, though plans for that haven’t officially been    
      sorted out quite yet.

 

Harold Palmer has made his life’s work out of the entertainment industry. Whether it was

making cd’s for parties, hosting his own radio show, or running his own DJ business, he

always made music a focal point in his life. That dedication to his craft shows in

whichever project he takes on.

 

For more information on Palmster Productions, find him on line at

www.myspace.com/thapalmster. Or you can check him out every Friday at Riverside in

Mishawaka, at 100 N. Center St.

 

Whore in Babylon

Industrial Violence

By: Rob Atkinson

Whore In Babylon is the solo project of Jonathon Ian, from the Chicago-based industrial band Cruciform Injection. It’s a mixture of old school industrial, techno and electronica samplings. Musical and sound influences range from Skinny Puppy, Front 242, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Front Line Assembly, Ministry, and the raw experimentations of Einsterzende Neubauten.  Jonathan Ian performs the lead vocals, programming, studio guitars, sampling and percussion. During live performances, he’s backed up by cohorts Matt and Phil on guitars, percussion, digital manipulations and stage visuals, projections and performance.

Jonathon’s other band where he plays percussion, Cruciform Injection, is a four-piece electro industrial band that has toured the U.S. since 1993. They’ve toured with such bands as Icon Coil, Funker Vogt, Combichrist, E-Craft, Terrorfakt, Razed in Black, Decoded Feedback, Cut Rate Box, Attrition, God Module, Pysche, S.V.D., Cesium 137, just to name a few.

The name “Whore In Babylon” comes from the system of Thelema founded by occultist and poet Aleister Crowley. Within this mystical system, the adept, or truth seeker, reaches a final stage of enlightenment, where he or she must cross the Abbyss, the great gulf or void of nothingness between the physical and non-physical, spiritual, or existential worlds. Choronzon the devil waits there, believed to be last great obstacle the adept must overcome, waiting to trap the traveler in his meaningless world of illusion and delusion. On the other side, however, Babylon awaits calling to the traveler, also known as the The Scarlet Woman, The Great Mother, and the Sacred Whore. She is the gateway to reaching the City of Pyramids, the spiritual resting place for those who have successfully shed their ego and attachments to the typical world. Crowley wrote, “She rides astride the Beast; in her left hand she holds the reins, representing the passion which unites them. In her right she holds aloft the cup, the Holy Grail aflame with love and death.  In this cup are mingled the elements of the sacrament of the Aeon”.  Whore in Babylon performs throughout the Michiana scenes, working with Symbolic Industrial Showcase, Broken Frame Productions and Singularity Paradox Media, based out of South Bend.  For more info check out myspace.com/whoreinBabylon, myspace.com/ cruciforminjection, and myspace.com/brokenframeproductions.

 

Whitey Morgan & the 78’s

Working Class Outlaws

By: Rob Atkinson

Outlaw country is defined as a mix of traditional country, blues, honky tonk, and good ol’ rock n’ roll. It sings of the traditional themes of drinking, hitting the road, loving and leaving women, but with more of the anger and angst of an alienated working class during depressed times. That’s where Whitey Morgan and the 78’s fit in.  Whitey Morgan hails from Flint, Michigan, the birthplace of General Motors in 1908, and the Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936 and 1937 that helped lead to the formation of the United Auto Workers. It has historically been a symbol of working class America, but has also become a symbol of the decline of the American auto industry. The factories are closed and the jobs are scarce. Whitey sings for these people. In the spirit of Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, & David Allan Coe, Whitey’s songs help people forget their troubles for a few hours and groove their sorrows away to a better tomorrow.  Whitey Morgan has gained quite a following, sharing the stage with such notables as Shooter Jennings, Hank Williams III, David Allan Coe, Dale Watson, Eric Church, Leon Russell, Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynryd, and the list goes on. The band has been featured at festivals throughout Michigan and even performed at the huge international South By Southwest (SXSW) festival held in Austin, Texas in March 2009.

The album “Honky Tonks and Cheap Motels” was released on September 23^rd, 2008 on Small Stone Records. In 2009 the band went on to win three Detroit Music Awards: Best Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Songwriter, and Best Country Album.  Whitey Morgan and the 78’s is made up of Whitey Morgan on lead vocals and guitar; Jeremy “Leroy” Biltz on guitar; Benny James on guitar and vocals; Jeremy Mackinder on bass; and Mike “Pops” Popovich on drums.

The band has a tight touring schedule all the way through August of 2010. They’ll be performing at the Neon Armadillo in Fort Wayne, Indiana on March 19^th and 20^th.

For more info check out myspace.com/whiteymorgan or whiteymorgan.com.

 

United Vibes

Bringing a New Vibe to Michiana

By: Jesse Bragg

United Vibes is a group of individuals all striving for the same goal, to bring a new and exciting form of musical entertainment to the listener. The way it is possible derives directly from all of its member’s passion and drive to excel in what they do. United Vibes is based on a unity amongst its members that together create a vibe that goes beyond anything heard or felt by any other artist around. The group consists of six members, which include Jesse Bragg (J-Real), David Anderson (DNA), Mike Brown (LeGion), Corey Wigfall (Carnage), Jeff Frieson (A-Son), and Trent Canfield (Canman). All of the artists originated from the Michiana area. Jesse and David are the producers for United Vibes and together make all original beats that inspire the group to write lyrics.  Everyone in the group is an artist/performer as well as a promoter of the music. The goal is for United Vibes to one day stand out as a group destined for success and prosperity.

The whole idea of United Vibes started out as a dream of making music that would one day find its way into the mainstream. In 2001, while still in high school, Jesse ran into a man named Marcus White who introduced him to the Music Generator for the Sony Playstation. Shortly after Jesse started making beats, while the rest of the crew free-styled over them. Initially it started as just fun, but as more beats kept coming, the four started to develop a passion for what was once a hobby. Eventually the crew began free-styling to the beats everywhere, whether it was a short ride down the street or being at a party with a bunch of friends. Thus, the blueprint for United Vibes was born.

After several years of using the makeshift beat software, Jesse soon decided it was time to take things to the next level. After getting involved in some local showcases with Corey, aka Carnage, it was time to get some pro beat software and really develop the Untied Vibes sound.  Eventually the boys in United Vibes found their songs being played at some of the hottest clubs in the area and in competition with some of the best local artists via a local radio station best beat contest. After a period of down time, some of the original members of the United Vibes crew eventually went their own ways causing the Jesse, David, and the remaining members to have to rethink their strategy.

Soon enough, though, Mike Brown (aka LeGion) ended up getting involved with United Vibes bringing an end to the groups musical lull. Soon enough, a club friendly track called Bounce Bounce was put together and both LeGion & United Vibes realized they had a hit on their hands.  Within a matter of time United Vibes had another track that was being played in the clubs in the South Bend area.  At this point it was obvious that not only was group reenergizing itself, but clear direction for where the music was going had became visible.

Since making beats on the playstation and playing a few local gigs here and there, United Vibes is hitting the scene hard this year. United Vibes has turned their focus to gathering new venues for shows and putting the finishing touches on their album. At present the group performs frequently at O’Sullivans’ Crossing in South Bend. Their next upcoming show is set for Feb. 12^th titled “The Sexiest Party of the Year: Cupids Crossin”. Included in the acts are Dunn Deel, T-Swang, Snub-nose, G-Boi, Yuriel and Fred. Contests such as sexiest lips and sexiest outfit will also be apart of the evening’s events. Also, a tentative release date for their debut album has been scheduled for sometime in May. Future plans on the exact date and venue to host the release party are currently in the works.

For more info on upcoming shows and the new album visit United Vibes online at www.myspace.com/unitedvibes.

Obsidia

“Birth”

By: Rob Atkinson

 

Obsidia is a self-described “meldodic metal” band from Indiana and southwest Michigan. Their sound could be labeled metal, metalcore, alternative, hardcore, melodic hardcore, and on and on. Differing from the fast pace of contemporary hardcore and speed metal, the band’s style is aggressive, heavy, dissonant, driving, but all the while punctuated with such melodic intricacies.

Q: How would you guys describe your sound and how you fit into the local scene?

A: Describing our sound has been one of the toughest things to do for anyone, the only thing we can all come up with is “Melodic Metal”. There is a lot of singing involved with our music with tasteful screaming that you can understand. As far as fitting into the local scene, there are a lot of bands that we have all grown to know and become friends with over the many years we’ve all been involved with music locally.

Q: Who’s in the band and what do they play?

A: Chad Ellsworth - Vocals

Jared Cook - Guitar / Vocals
Nathan Krass - Guitar / Vocals
Travis MacDonald - Bass
Brad MacDonald - Drums

'Q: What’s the history of the band?

A: The band consists of members from other bands around the area that have broken up. Chad (vocals) used to be in a band called “Dose Inc.” and “Desperate For Compromise.” Jared (guitar/vocals) was in a band called “Colasis‘ Omen.” Nathan (guitar/vocals) came from the band “Ston” and “Desperate For Compromise,” and Travis (bass) came from “Kasey Jones” as well as with his brother, Brad MacDonald (drums) from the band “Desperate For Compromise.” All together, they form the new lineup for “Obsidia”.

Q: What’s the story behind the name?

A: We had a long list of names that we kept on going through, “Desperate For Compromise”, which was what most of the members came from, but we wanted to change everything completely and get away from that name. Out of all the names we chose, “Obsidia” was the one that stuck with us all and was the choice we all could agree on.

Q: Talk a little bit about your upcoming CD and CD release show.

A: The new CD coming out on Feb 20, 2010 is our EP release titled “Birth.” It will feature 5 songs, including one being an acoustic version. We will have the EP’s available at our CD release show at The Getaway in Bridgman, MI on February 20^th, 2010.

Q: Other upcoming shows you want to mention?

A: Visit our MySpace for all of our upcoming dates, as they are constantly getting added to the list: www.MySpace.  com/ObsidiaSounds Our local shows consist of Feb. 26, 2010 at “The Wander Inn” with two other great bands, “Stilframe” and “Stone the Manic.” We also have a local show on March 13^th at “O’Sullivans Crossing” with the bands TBA. Tickets will be available shortly for a pre-sale savings! Only $3 presale and $5 day of show at the door—so get a hold of any of us to get your tickets now!!

For more info check out .com/obsidiasounds.

 

Johnny Sprocket

Scream, Dance, Drink, and Party!

By: Rob Atkinson

Johnny Sprocket is a high energy, hard rockin’ and hard dancin’ band out of Elkhart, Indiana, playing 70’s classic rock and funk, 80’s big hair glam and metal, 90’s rock and alternative, all of today’s rock hits, disco, pop, rap, techno, country… if you can think of it, they probably can play it.

Johnny Sprocket is made up of five very talented musicians who played and toured together in several of the regions top bands in the 80’s and 90’s. They all got together in late 2007 to form this new hybrid band, a fusion of all the classic hits from the past three decades. The name Johnny Sprocket is a combination from Johnny Monster and The Sprocket Boyz, two bands that several members played in back in the day.

The band is a five-piece, made up of Jim Cassella on drums; Andre Randles on bass; Marc Coffin and Mark Tavallali on guitar; and Tom Wilson on guitar and keyboards; and every member sings.  The song list includes Metallica, Nickelback, Poison, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, Cheap Trick, Buck Cherry, ACDC, Puddle of Mudd, Led Zepplin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Whitesnake, Aerosmith, KC and the Sunshine Band, The Cult, Grand Funk Railroad, Beastie Boys, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Green Day, and on and on. They play all the danceable favorites and classics that you might not otherwise hear from other local bands around.

Johnny Sprocket plays almost every month at Simeri’s Beardlsey Street Tavern in Elkhart, and have gigs scheduled throughout Indiana and Michigan all the way through the rest of the year.  As they say on Myspace, “Be Ready to SCREAM, DANCE, DRINK AND PARTY the night away with Johnny Sprocket! Pull out your spandex, dust off those legwarmers and fire up the Aquanet! Be part of the fun!”

For more info go to myspace.com/johnnysprocketrocks, or find them on Facebook.

 

Praise The Fallen

Bringing the Scene Together

By: Dani Molnar

An exciting event is happening in local music. Members from bands around the area have converged into a band called Praise the Fallen. Jammie Bostell, lead singer of Signal, created the band in July as an outlet for his new songs that didn’t fit with the Signal style of music. Jon Ster, formerly of Stiff, Lillian Axe, and Brand New Machine, offered to help Bostell record his new songs with Jonathan Burkholder, drummer of Whore in Babalon. Instead, Ster ended up playing in the band as well. Then Billy Ziegler, bassist for Brand New Machine, who had been sharing his home with Burkholder, heard the band and joined as well.

The band wasted no time getting songs put together.  “We recorded 8 songs together in 2 weeks,” Bostell said. They plan to go to the studio to record their first album this month.  It’s less words and more action for Praise the Fallen, according to Bostell. “I’m all about the music,” he tells us.  PTF believes, as a whole, that if they continue to play and “weed out the negative” they will continue to grow.

“The bands around here need to quit with the rivalry,” Ziegler said.  They believe that if bands stop fighting and work together, they will grow together.

“We’re all trying to make good music,” Bostell said. They compared their vision to happenings in Seattle; bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana benefited from each other’s success.

“The more focused this area gets, the better for all of us,” Ziegler said.  Instead of fighting with other local bands, the band suggests that groups focus on their music and try to be genuine.  “Don’t try to be unique, just be you,” Ziegler said.  “If you’re genuine, you’ll get a following,” Bostell said. In Signal, Bostell recalls having a persona, based on the band he sang for. In Praise the Fallen, he knows there is a feeling associated with the music as well.

“Praise the Fallen definitely has an aura,” Bostell said.

Praise the Fallen plays next at the Dandelion Bar in Plymouth on

January 15. You can also check them out online at

myspace.com/praisethefallenrock.

 

Less Than Zero

Fresh Faces, Old Souls

By: Dani Molnar

Less Than Zero is an up and coming 90’s alternative rock band out of Michigan. “It’s the kind of stuff people our age in the bars actually listen to,” Josh Price, lead singer and guitarist said.  The cover band plays songs from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Smashing Pumpkins, as well as more recent songs. Less Than Zero got together in July, but it wasn’t the first time some members have played together.  “Riki and I met years ago in a band that didn’t really work out,” Price said of bassist Riki Ferret.

Originally, it was Ferret, Price, drummer Scott Hadley, and another singer. Josh started out as rhythm guitar, and ended up singer by default, after the original singer didn’t work out.  “The hardest thing was being the main focal point,” Price said.  Cameron Mensinger eventually joined the band as a second guitarist and vocalist.

“I’m not a great back up singer,” Ferret said. “We had room in the band.”

Being fairly new still, the band isn’t too concerned about original material.

“Eventually we might write some stuff,” Price said. “We’re still developing our sound though.”

Less Than Zero prides themselves on having knowledge of how the music scene works.

“It takes a while to get established,” Price said.  They plan to get hit the local hard scene in 2010. They are willing to take the time necessary, to do so. They believe that they have to avoid playing at the same places because people won’t come to shows if they know there’s one nearby coming up too.

“It seems to be a downfall for a lot of bands,” Price said.  According to Ferret, this approach seems to be working out well for the band.

“We’ve had a lot of attention from local bands asking us to play with them ,” he said.

Less than Zero plays next at First and Ten on January 23. They will

then travel to Cappy’s in Elkhart on February 13 and Planet Rock

in Battle Creek on February 27. You can check them out online @

Myspace.com/ltzrocks.

 

Haze & J-Loonitic:

Live, Local, and Proud

By: Mario Bourzac

The life of a local artist should never begin and end simply with their own personal triumphs. Anyone who has ever experienced even the smallest modicum of success, local or otherwise, will realize that their achievement is, to a certain extent, contingent upon the effort of others.  Instead, a true artist, both thankful and appreciative of his or her success, should feel compelled to highlight the efforts of those around them.

Such is the case with two Michiana area hip hop artists, Haze and J-Loonitic. Together the two have not only won over a multitude of fans of their own, but have also created a label to help give talented artists around them a chance at that same success.  “I think there is overflowing, mass amounts of talent right here,” said producer and performer Haze, “we just gotta get the world to stop and listen.

As if to drive the point home, he then quickly added, “Some of the greatest artists and producers are right here in our [own] backyard.” Their fierce loyalty to their hometown has only fortified their position at the top of the local scene. And coming up this year, Haze and J-Loonitic will both have releases that may lock them at the top of the local scene permanently.

Having both been born and raised in Elkhart, IN, Haze and J-Loonitic are intimately familiar with the local hip-hop music scene. Before they became partners, each artist had made their own mark within Michiana and received a fair amount of recognition in the underground community. Haze had begun working with an artist named Statikk under the label named Horrorscope Records and released his first solo album Time Served. At the same time, J-Loonitic was busy with a few projects of his own.

“I was involved in the group Clk47 and also made an appearance on the locally infamous album Mid-West Mayhem,” he explained.  Finally, in 2006, the two began working and performing together to their mutual benefit. They have also managed to establish their own successful label and recording company officially known as We Gott Entertainment.

Through their label the pair has worked with almost every noteworthy artist in Michiana’s hip-hop scene, in addition to releasing their own label sampler We Gott Entertainment: The Compilation. Now a well respected label in its own right, We Gott Entertainment is setting the standard for northern Indiana as well the Midwest.  “We feel confident in saying we raised the bar in sound quality and creativity for other independent artists in the area, and still continue to do so,” Haze said of the label’s success.  But it hasn’t all solely been work on the label. In addition to his work with We Gott Entertainment, Haze has also kept busy with his performances and working within the community.  “Community has definitely been a big part of Haze,” he explained.

“My main focus right now is creating and encouraging community.” This past December Haze hosted the Naughty & Nice Christmas Party at the Halftime Sports Bar in downtown Elkhart, which served to benefit the Church Community Services of Elkhart County. Church Community Services is a non-profit service in Elkhart County that provides groceries, utility payments, clothing, medicine and even job opportunities for needy families in Elkhart.  Haze’s sense of community has even worked its way into his music.  On his most recent single “Indiana Stand Up” he is “paying homage to everybody who ever supported me and/or Indiana music.” Following up Haze’s recently released single “Indiana Stand Up” will be his brand new, full length album Diversity. Originally intended for release in March of 2009, the album hit a few snags along the way.

However, with all the complications now safely dealt with, the new

album will be released this month. For the time being, you can find the

new single on line at www.myspace.com/wegotthaze.

Hot on the tail of Haze’s new album will be J-Loonitic’s new mixtape The C.O.E Report. While the exact release date has yet to be confirmed, it is expected in the earlier half of 2010. In the mean time you can check him out on line at www.myspace.com/jloonitic.

For all additional information regarding upcoming releases and live

performances from We Gott Entertainment artists, they can be found on

line at www.myspace.com/wegottentertainment1.

 

Junior and the Igniters:

Modern Day Blues Men

By: Mario Bourzac

Rock and Roll is an American institution.  Despite having attracted several great artists from around the world, at its core it is still very
much an original product of the U.S.A. This is due largely in part to rock and roll’s relationship with the blues. The two are inextricably linked; rock and roll is just the louder, sped up version of the blues.  One area band who hasn’t forgotten this link is Junior and the Igniters. Composed of three veterans of the Michiana music scene, Junior and the Igniters play a healthy mix of rockabilly, country and blues.

“We feel that there is not that much difference between Hank Williams and Muddy Waters,” said Brian ‘Junior’ Combs, guitarist and vocalist for the trio. “It’s all blues, right?” Originally forming in 1994, Junior and the Igniters have been making music together for over 15 years. Prior to that, each member had been active in a number of other area bands before eventually coming together under the same banner.

Jesse Scutchfield, the Igniters’ charismatic bassist, grew up with Junior in North Judson, Indiana, a small town just south of La Porte.  As teenagers the two friends played together in the local band RD and the Faculty, who have since changed their name to Category Five.

“Jesse was in the band for a couple [of] years when I joined,” recounted Junior. “I was 15, and when Jesse went to college I took over on the guitar.”

Shortly after finishing his tenure in the Faculty, Junior reconnected with Jesse and recruited him for the Igniters. Rounded out by original drummer and longtime friend Bobby Childers, Junior and the Igniters played together for roughly three years before Bobby left, due to personal reasons. While Bobby and the band parted ways on good terms, it still left them with only half of a rhythm section.

Enter Grant Darby, percussionist extraordinaire from 1996 - 97 Grant played in the House Rockers with Junior, who was pulling double duty between both bands at the time. When Bobby announced he was leaving the Igniters, Junior asked Grant to step in and fill the vacancy. And the rest, as they say, is history. Shortly there after the House Rockers called it a day, leaving Junior and Grant unfettered to pursue the Igniters full time.

Once they had their line-up solidified, Junior and the Igniters continued to perform throughout northern Indiana. Along the way they managed to write a handful of original songs and in 2003 they released their debut album Roll With It. The CD contained 9 original songs and a cover of Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Key to Your Door.” Their follow up CD, 2006’s Hot Rod Gal, also featured 9 original songs, as well as a cover of T-Bone Walker’s classic “New for My Baby.” It also marked a change in technique for the band. The second time around the Igniters decided to forgo an expensive studio experience and instead chose to record the album themselves.

“I think the second CD Hot Rod Gal sounds more relaxed,” admitted Junior, “and I think the instruments sound better.” “We were able to take our time and get a sound we liked, and not have to worry about being on the clock,” he further explained, referring to the pressure many independent bands face when working in a high priced studio.

Currently, both CD’s are available at their live shows or by contacting Junior through the website, www.juniorbluesband.com.  Junior and the Igniters will also be performing at Casey’s Lanes in La Porte on Friday, January 8^th. As the house band, the Igniters usually play the first Friday night of every month down at Casey’s Lanes. However, this month the first Friday falls on a holiday, New Year’s Day, and Casey’s will be closed.  Starting next month they will return to their regularly scheduled performances.