Top five live music venues according to Jamie

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Jamie Hettenbach

There are more places in Evansville that have live music than I thought before I started working on this article. When I set out to do this I believed I was in for a quick, easy venue hop before making my final decision on the top five and that would be that. What I got was a four month journey to places I never thought I’d set foot in and quite a few surprises.

Now, before I dish out the awards, I want to clarify that places like Roberts Stadium and The Centre were not included for obvious reasons. I went to bars for the most part, as that is where we find our live music in this town. Based on my experience at each venue I “graded” them using four categories. I took into account the diversity of bands on the line-up, the overall atmosphere of the place, the sound quality, and the quality of the bartenders and waitstaff. I used a five-point scale for each and added the numbers to see who came out on top. So, read ‘em and weep. Here are my top five picks for live music venues in Evansville.

Number five: Cafe Arazu

I had never before been to this adorable little spot in downtown Newburgh, but I was instantly taken in. The patio outside is the perfect place to take in some music with your meal or a drink. The waitstaff was courteous, the ambience was ideal, and it was overall a very pleasant experience. As much as I loved it, there were drawbacks. The location and the fact that it’s a cafe prevent them from having too much in the way of diversity for music. It’s very much an acoustic solo or duo venue, but that’s ok. Another drawback was my drink was not what I expected. I find that sometimes with little places like that it’s all frill and no substance when it comes to the food and drinks. Maybe I caught them on an off night? But the atmosphere of the place was so great that I will definitely be back. And, since it’s a cafe, I could bring along my under-21 friend. There are so few places for 18-20 year olds to go for live music that I was glad for this place.

Number four: Smitty’s Little Tavern

I love this place. There was even a time when I performed here every Wednesday night. But, I feel like the diversity of bands has fallen off in the past few years. The atmosphere is unbeatable: pressed tin ceiling, hardwood floors, the long bar with a mirror behind it, the patio, and the big, open room that helps the place feel less crowded that it really is. Did I mention the patio? The bartenders at Smitty’s are also fantastic. And they have some of the lowest drink prices in town. But, as I mentioned, the diversity of performers has fallen away. It seems to be all blues, country and acoustic gigs these days. If I’m wrong, call me out, but the line-up there is the only thing that kept this bar from being number one.

Number three: Hoosier’s Lounge

No, you’re not hallucinating. Hoosier’s Lounge is actually a really fun place to go for live music. They have a huge variety of bands coming from all over the country, and the drinks are great. But, they do have higher prices than other places in town. The atmosphere is nice with good lighting. But some days I just can’t get over the fact that it sits in the middle of a large pavilion and the only thing marking the bar area is a three-foot railing. But if you can get over that then it’s sure to be a good time. The stage and sound system are fantastic, and this place also boasts a large dance floor that makes me smile. Head down on a Sunday night to hear Bob Minnette and the Swing Cats while watching the local swing-dancing group twirling around the dance floor. And if you think these guys are all members of the over sixty club then think again. This place has the widest range of age groups in town, and a little something for everyone. Thus, it has earned its place as the number three place to take in live music.

Number two: Deerhead Tavern

If you don’t know this place then either you’re not from around here or you live in a cave. The Deerhead has been a fixture for most of Evansville’s history and boasts some of the best live music around. That is certainly no secret. The bands that play here are amazing and come from a wide range of styles and genres. From rock to country to blues to jazz to funk, they’ve got it. And the bartenders and waitstaff are some of the best. The food is life-changing (my favorite pizza in Evansville) and the drinks are cheap. There’s never a cover charge. True, they increase the price of drinks when the band starts, but they were so cheap to begin with that you don’t even care or notice. Another huge plus in my book is the back room where those under 21 can take in the music. While it’s not the best view, it’s a great place to listen. Now, the drawback to this place is the size. It’s so tiny. And it’s almost always full of people. If I could take everything wonderful about the Deerhead and put it in a building twice as big I would. But, alas it is what it is. But we still love the Deerhead, and we all know it’s not the size that counts, it’s how you use it.

Number one: Lamasco Bar and Grill

I did not pick this place as number one, it picked itself. Or rather, Amy picked it. There is absolutely no other bar in the tri-state with as much diversity of music as Lamasco. None. Amy has had everyone from reggae to rock-a-billy and everything in between. Ska, funk, rock, americana, jam bands, even a beat-boxer, and the list goes on and on. Bottom line: we love this place. The full menu is reason enough to love this place. Did I mention they serve breakfast? And of course we can’t leave out Jessica Nuffer, the best bartender in town. Now, the one tiny draw-back? Size. Evansville has a lot of really great old buildings with a fabulous ambience. But unfortunately those buildings are all teeny-tiny. But I have to give credit to Amy for doing the best she can with what she’s got in that department. Knocking out the center wall has made an enormous difference. And the patio is great, too. For a great night out in Evansville you simply can’t beat this place. The music is incredible, the food and drinks are fantastic, and the atmosphere is so comfortable you’ll want to come back for more every weekend.

While these picks are my opinion, I stand by them. There are a lot of good places to go in Evansville for live music and I’ve visited them all. I’ll be following up this article with a review of each place I went to on my journey for the best, so stay tuned. And in the meantime, go visit these venues if you’ve never been. They are all great and deserve our patronage. I never again want to hear Evansvillians complaining about how there’s nothing to do. There’s lots. I just gave you some choices. Now get off your butt and go have fun.

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What does The Color Pharmacy taste like? (Right Brained Tour part two)

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Jamie Hettenbach

What does The Color Pharmacy taste like? Well, according to lead singer Jake Dilley it tastes like F# minor, the saddest of all the keys. It’s a cool, cloudy day as I sit in Penny Lane Coffeehouse with this completely amazing band and their partners on this tour, The Sudden Lovelys. The place is full for a weekday afternoon and above the chatter is the usual coffeehouse noise of coffee grinders and steaming milk. It’s about four in the afternoon, and like all typical bands, they just woke up. We are all at ease, occupying a fluffy couch and some easy chairs in the front of the establishment, while we talk about last night’s show and the one scheduled later that day. The two bands are on tour together for the first time, having just left the crowds and craziness of SXSW the previous week. After your third trip to Austin, you would think that Evansville would feel boring in comparison, but The Color Pharmacy keeps coming back for more.

The first time I saw this band perform at the Deerhead last fall I was completely engrossed in the performance. I was so surprised that these three guys were making those sounds with only a small drum kit, an acoustic guitar and a bass. Then afterward all they wanted to do was hang out with people. It was not possible for musicians who make such captivating music to be so down to earth. Once I got to know them a little and became familiar with the music the first thing I found myself wondering was, what kind of name is The Color Pharmacy anyway? Well, according to Dilley, it’s from his college days and a play on the title to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The project was to write an alternate soundtrack, and Dilley decided on that film, creating Jake Dilley and the Color Pharmacy. At least, that’s the factual answer. The “non-factual” answer is a lot more interesting and, in my humble opinion, creative. The name The Color Pharmacy is an attempt to create correspondence between the colors of the world (visual color) and the colors of music (aural color). Colors affect everyone differently, and Dilley wants to challenge the concept of what a band should sound, look, and taste like. At this point in our conversation, Dilley began going on about synesthesia, a disorder in which sensory perception is distorted and a person will see sounds and hear colors, and how that’s the experience they want the audience to have — similar to a hallucinogenic drug. Therefore, what does The Color Pharmacy taste like?

The band came together as a unit after Dilley finished his second alternate soundtrack to the 1956 film The Red Balloon. Dilley chose the film for its strong visual symbolism. The idea was to play the soundtrack to the film live. This, according to drummer Jacob Quam, was really, really difficult. Even though they no longer play the soundtrack to the film live anymore, the band stuck together and Jake Dilley and the Color Pharmacy became just The Color Pharmacy.

While Dilley is the “main” song writer of the group, they stress that it’s definitely a collaborative process. Dilley brings the lyrics, or chord structure, or both to the group and it becomes what they all contribute together. The arrangements of the songs are a result of each member’s individual ideas coming together into one cohesive idea. Sometimes a jam session rehearsal leads to a song, such as Violin Wind on the album Texatonka. “Music flows better when your brain’s less involved,” says Dilley, and I think any musician can agree with that. Dilley also remarked that songs often turn out completely different than he heard them in his head after drummer Jacob Quam and bassist Matt O’Brien leave their imprints on them. But this process makes for some outstanding music, the kind that makes you want to get up and dance or listen closely to every word of Dilley’s clever lyrical connections. With lines such as, “Before the night-time’s over I will find a way to sneak into your soul,” how could you not want to hear more?

Their new album Texatonka is named for a neighborhood in the band’s hometown of Minneapolis (at the intersection of Texas and Minnetonka Avenues). After their previous studio flooded in the middle of a three-CD project, they moved into Dilley’s basement (in that neighborhood) and the name for the album just seemed to make sense. And the album is definitely one of a kind. No two songs on the album sound the same, and it speaks to their ability to produce music from a wide range of influences and backgrounds. “I don’t think it’s necessary in this weird digital age we’re in to be so genre specific,” says Dilley. There was a consensus among us all that it’s more fun for the listener to be caught off guard when a band has many different sounds, whether that’s all on one album or  spans across many different albums.

In fact, one of the band’s next moves is to explore more of a folk sound. This is a drastic move away from their current songs which provides more of “psychedelic” experience. They also want to be more collaborative – both amongst themselves and with other musicians- and experimental. Whatever is “more exciting” is what they will try, where they will go. The fact that they’ve just begun working in a new studio with a few other bands will certainly aid in this process. Because, if you’ve been paying attention lately, you’ve noticed that their are a ton of great bands coming out Minneapolis. (Why so many great bands from cold climates, you ask? Five months of winter, of course! What else can they do but sit inside and practice?)

But there’s not going to be much time at home to work on this new sound. The band wants to tour as much as possible in 2011 with a goal of 150 shows. They hope to be on tour for the rest of the year, including the entire west coast. Coming off the heels of SXSW it’s no surprise that they guys are in the mood for more. This was their third year at the fest in Austin, Texas and they’ve already booked shows for next year. “It’s pretty much the best ten days of our year,” says Dilley. Each year has been a great experience, but this year was the best yet. They feel like they know the city better, and they definitely knew more people down there this time.

The band will be back in Evansville on Saturday May 21st at Lamasco. The show starts at 10 p m, and if you haven’t yet heard these guys you’ll want to make a point to get down there and check them out. In the meantime get online and get their album. It’s available on iTunes and also their website.

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Fall in love with The Sudden Lovelys (Right Brained Tour part one)

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Jamie Hettenbach

On tour with The Color Pharmacy this spring were The Sudden Lovelys. This duo, also from Minneapolis, brings with them a unique blend of voices and instruments you won’t hear from anyone else. Together the two groups complement each other’s sound and performance with a unique blend of folk and psychedelic rock that creates an amazing experience.

Danny and Paige are more than just band-mates, they’re also engaged. After meeting and performing in a band together for about two years, the group disbanded, and the two decided to continue to perform together. Out of the music a friendship formed that turned to love. And when you see them perform, the emotion shines through.

Of all the bands I’ve seen come through here, I think these guys give one of the most unique and interesting live performances. And it’s largely due to the steamer trunk that serves as their bass drum. Danny’s reason for using a trunk instead of a traditional drum is that he was “looking to make more noise.” He didn’t like the sound of a bass drum and found the trunk listed on Craigslist.com. Danny likes the sound the trunk creates. Originally it was just a trunk with a bar stool where Danny sat. But, the trunk has evolved over time and now there is a bicycle seat mounted on it with a tambourine around the post of the seat. Inside is a microphone so that when he stomps his foot it gives off a clear, rich sound that adds a flavor to their music that just feels right.

Their first EP, Songs From A Hallway, came out in summer of 2010 and was literally recorded in their hallway. Their latest album was just released in February, but this time it was recorded in the basement (in winter with no furnace on because it made too much noise!). The title Red Rose in a Yellow Army symbolizes more than the literal truth of Danny’s father bringing his mother twelve yellow roses with one red in the middle for his birth. The more important meaning to Danny symbolizes anyone who is a dreamer, because that is what he and Paige are, trying to build a life in music.

Danny is the songwriter; he creates the lyrics and the music. But Paige adds the rest of it: the color, the harmony, the percussion and ties it all together. They fully depend on one another for the sound they create and it shows. Paige’s voice floats gently above the melody adding colorful sounds that will melt your ears – in a good way.

While the latest CD is very mellow and folk-ish (or, “bedroom music” as Jake Dilley calls it), the next two will be very different – both from the first one and each other. Red Rose in a Yellow Army uses only guitar, minimal percussion and voices. The plan this summer is to record one, if not two, more CDs that incorporate the trunk more and they will be “louder.” Part of the motivation behind doing the low-key CD first was to get more familiar with the recording process. Danny and Paige own their equipment and just wanted to learn how to do it better. They also strive to sound like they do when you hear them live.

They came up from SXSW with The Color Pharmacy and it was a good, if overwhelming, first time experience. It was great fun, but it was definitely a week of “overwhelming insanity.” Danny says they will go back in moderation, but I’m sure they will be back next year. SXSW has a way of leaving its mark on you.

So, how did this mellow, quiet, loving musical couple get hooked up with The Color Pharmacy? Well, a few years back when Danny and Jake Dilley were both performing the same show as solo artist, they met and instantly hit it off. They formed a bond, like brothers, and have been friends ever since. Even though their music is very different, they respect each other and agree they the two contrasting sounds work together. “Danny’s my special boy,” joked Dilley. But the two do seem to have a high amount of respect and affection for one another that only a musician can fully appreciate.

You can stream and download all of their music here on their website. Be sure to keep checking back for new show dates. This is a group you will want to check out next time they are nearby.

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Casey Williams

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Jamie Hettenbach

When you start to name all the great musicians in Evansville there is a long list going back decades. But if you leave off Casey Williams, your list is incomplete. This young musician, originally from Santa Claus, IN, may be new to the Evansville scene, but he’s certainly not new to performing and the life of a musician. Growing up in a musical family allowed Casey to start early and thrive musically. There is not really any time in his life that he can remember not playing something. He started off with guitar and then began taking piano lessons at age eight. Along the way he picked up many other instruments including mandolin, ukulele, bass, drums and harmonica. “I wanted to immerse myself in as much as I could.” He began singing around age fifteen, but says he’s never really imagined himself as a singer.

Initially he went to Middle Tennessee State University to study sound engineering, but left after only one year. He decided to leave because with all the new technologies available to people, he believes recording studios will soon be a thing of the past. So he decided to come back to Indiana and enrolled at the University of Southern Indiana with a major in marketing (which he completed last December). His time at MTSU was not wasted, however, as he made good contacts in and around Nashville and the university. He now works for Social Life Marketing and Smoke-Free Communities.

He’s been playing solo acoustic gigs for about five years in places like Bloomington, Jasper, Santa Claus, Louisville, and several spots in Evansville. Currently he plays twice a month at Ri Ra Irish Pub on Thursdays. His interest in continuing his solo career is waning, however. He’s been at it for so long now he desires change. How’s he going to do that? Join a band, of course! Casey is the newest addition to Andrea Wirth’s band, The Dirty Little Fun Havers. Casey met Andrea about three years ago while doing a gig at Hollywood Bar and Grill. He says she came up, introduced herself and played a few songs. From there it became mutually beneficial professional relationship and friendship. Andrea also introduced him to Scott Brown (who recorded her recent CD). “I think Andrea’s really unique and adds a lot to the music scene in this town.” Casey says she’s fun to play with and he is looking forward to being part of the Fun Havers.

In addition to the Fun Havers, Casey has made appearances with The Funk. Growing up learning to play jazz, blues and funk gives him the ability to jump in and play with a variety of bands. He says he’d also like to sit in with Skelton’s Montourage, but the opportunities with bands like that and The Funk are few and far between because they are all so good that everyone wants to play with them. Casey made a recent appearance at Spring Fest with Theo Akai, whom he also really enjoys playing with. He hopes to perform with Theo more in the future.

Casey counts his main influences as the greats of classic rock and Motown including Led Zepplin, The Alman Brothers, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder — to name a few. When writing songs he uses his influences and what he knows, but tries to make it as current as possible, songs you could hear on the radio. And you can hear these songs on his upcoming CD, which is set to release early this summer (hopefully). Casey says he feels successful in the project, which has taken over two years to complete and includes guest musicians Andrea Wirth and Monte Skelton. He recorded the CD in multiple places, using contacts he made at MTSU and here in town including Scott Brown’s studio and the famous Starstruck Studio in Nashville.

While good things are happening, Evansville’s music scene still needs a bit of a wake-up call and Casey wants to be part of that. “I don’t see the point of seeing a live musician if every band in town is going to play the same sixty songs.” And, he says, there might be some variety in the presentation, but it’s the same song either way. This hard working man is just one of the many new faces here in town hoping to flip the music scene on its head. The staples [of music] around town are good, he says, but they are on their way out. “There has been an assembling of young people that feel the way I do,” says Casey. And these young musicians are constantly working to keep the scene fresh and growing. Watch for Casey this summer because he’ll be everywhere with new projects and an upcoming CD. If you don’t already know his name, you soon will.

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Abbey Road presents Acoustic Night this Friday

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Jamie Hettenbach

On the corer of Virginia and Main Streets sits Evansville’s latest addition to culture and entertainment: Abbey Road Coffee Bean Emporium. Nestled in the heart of the city, just north of downtown, this little stop is sure to be a great addition to the community.  The owner, Jay Zimmer, had a 40-year career in broadcast journalism before a turn of events led him to where he is today. After being laid-off in January 2009 Zimmer made the decision to pursue his dream of opening a coffeehouse, and all the pieces fell into place.

The interior of the place is best described as “Early-American Yard Sale,” and is furnished with mis-matched sofas, tables, chairs and lamps. There is free wifi, local art for sale and even a spot reserved for regular customers to hang their mug on a peg for safe keeping. It’s cozy, warm and inviting. The coffee’s not bad either. It’s just the kind of place where you would want to relax and play your guitar, and on Friday May 6th that’s exactly what you can do.

Introducing:  the first ever Abbey Road Acoustic Night. Everyone is welcome to play or just sit and listen. There’s no cover, but please make a purchase. Bring your guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin, harmonica, upright bass, or any other acoustic instrument down for what is bound to be a great time. Bring your friends or your band, just be ready to share the spotlight. Zimmer’s hopes for the evening are high. In his mind he sees area musicians coming together to meet, jam, have fun and maybe even start new projects out of the event. It’s essentially going to be a hootenanny (although Zimmer hesitates to call it that). For this event the stress is on the word acoustic. There will be a small house PA system for microphones and to plug in instruments, but if you show up with an amp, electric instrument or drum set you will be turned away. It’s got to be a low-key evening in a place so small, and Zimmer won’t have it any other way.

Zimmer is very excited about the evening and hopes to have more in the future. In fact, it will ideally become a monthly occurrence. In addition to the acoustic nights, Zimmer plans on having other events such as art shows, poetry readings and open mic nights for comedians. Be on the lookout for events by checking in with them on facebook or their website this summer. And, be sure to bring your friends and guitars down this Friday for the first ever acoustic night. It’s sure to be a blast! Music starts at 6 pm and goes as late as it needs to.

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