Category: Indiana
Show Review ~ Like Minds Local Music CD Release Party with Max Allen Band, Landon Keller, & Root Hog
Hidden Relic Review by Joey Buttram
This past weekend was by far one of the best weekends I’ve ever had. Hosting the Like Minds Local Music Sampler CD Release Party was a highlight of the year for us. The bands absolutely destroyed Bloomington. The weather wasn’t on our side, but the universe aligned and the show went on. For students being out for Christmas break, I was very surprised with such a great turnout. The music started at 8:30pm with Landon Keller, and Max Allen Band didn’t finish his set until nearly 3am. Max Allen Band created so much energy on stage that the fans couldn’t stop dancing. I was very impressed with John Hollingshead’s light show, each band’s performance, and the overall vibe of the night in general.
Landon Keller is a friend of mine, and a veteran singer/songwriter. Landon and his band were one of the first bands Hidden Relic ever promoted. I’m happy to say Landon paved the way, and showed me a lot of the ropes within the music industry. It’s nice to repay him with a really fun show. Landon hopped on stage and tuned up his guitar. He played and sang his first song solo, but eventually brought his brother and guitarist Austin Keller to the stage. The first few songs brought back an array of memories from hometown Landon Keller shows. Late nights, good buzzes, and plenty of great music.
Landon creates a perfect mix of soul, folk, and rock. He songs are about his life, his love, and his pursuit of happiness. He has a way of writing lyrics that we all can relate to. I was very impressed with the new sound, and found myself anxiously awaiting his Sophomore album release. During “Ode to Midnight (sampler song pick)” I felt my feet beginning to move, and I knew I had to dance. Landon & Austin Keller are very soulful, confident, and always willing to try something different. I was very impressed with their set, and it was a PERFECT way to start the night.
After Landon, Lafayette’s Root Hog came up to the stage. I waited anxiously as they checked their levels. They began playing, and the venue vibe grew stronger. Root Hog does an amazing job of mixing so many sounds. They have 2 power house guitar players, a funky bass, delicate keys, and a drummer that never seems to miss. They mixed pieces of jazz, southern rock, roots, fusion, jam, Americana, and folk all into one.
They played mostly originals, but mixed in an Allman Brothers tune or two. I watched as guitarist Pat McClimans began playing slide guitar. I’ve always had a thing for the slide guitar, and Pat played like the best of them. One thing that blew me away with Root Hog was the musicianship within the band. Up front they had 3 guitarists playing together. Dru Alkire (guitar,) Ryan Smith (bass,) and Pat McClimans (guitar.) Ryan started off with a groovy bass line, and immediately Pat joined it.
Soon after Taylor Dunlap started in with the drum kit. I got lost in the spaciness of Dan Pullins keyboard, but was brought right back when Dru Alkire came in with a wailing lead. The quintet carried on this particular song as the crowd became re energized. The crowds eyes locked on the band as they carried on the song. Root Hog is far from your typical bar band, and I highly recommend catching their shows. They’re the type of band I could see at the top, and with this level of musicianship… it wont take long. Root Hog finished their set with a standing ovation.
Max Allen Band began the switching out their equipment. MAB is one of my absolute favorite local bands, and I listen to them on a regular basis. I knew what the first song was going to be by the tuning Max was doing before starting. Shaan France sat down at his kit and began warming up. Dace Robie grabbed his beautiful crimson 6-string bass, and made the crowd dance with tuning.
The trio was ready. They came out strong, fast, and energetic. One thing about MAB is how much energy they create, and then transfer into the crowd. Max was sweating by song two from getting down. Dace Robie (bass) is pretty much entertainment within himself. He bobs his head, dances, and laid some straight FUNK on Bloomington. Shaan seemed more then natural behind his kit, and I swear he is a human metrognome.
The crowd was 100% in love with their songs as everyone was dancing. John Hollingshead put lights in places you wouldn’t imagine, and with the help of MAB, made a truly psychedelic experience. After the trio played a few together they invited Shaggy Wonda’s sax player Teddy Jones to the stage. Dace slid his fingers up and down the bass starting the song. He had a disgusted cringing look on his face as his tune was flat NASTY. Max then picked at the guitar following Dace to create 100% improv. Shaan France (drums) followed suit and laid down a perfect beat for this magical experience. Teddy the master of improv that he is started with a few pushes through his horn. The now quartet came together as if playing together all along.
Once the song started the fans couldn’t stop…. it was on. The show continued with Teddy for awhile, and the crowd was quite pleased. Overall all 3 bands were absolutely fantastic. Not one fan left the bar unsatisfied, and the flood of emails on Sunday proved it. Because of talented musicians, crazy light work, a heady venue, and energetic crowd I left Bloomington with a once in a lifetime experience.
Widespread Panic Fall Tour 2009
From WidespreadPanic.com
“Known for their amazing live shows and the frequency at which they tour, blues-inspired southern rock band Widespread Panic have been creating a dedicated following since forming in the early ’80s. Based on the strength of their musicianship, songs like the Billboard charting “Can’t Get High” and “Hope in a Hopeless World,” and energetic live shows, they’ve managed to rank among the top 50 grossing touring acts for eight years straight without the aid of substantial radio play, television appearances, or retail store promotion.
In December 2003, after playing annually for 18 years (adding up to over 100 dates!) and breaking sell-out records for Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Philips Arena and UNO Lakefront Arena, the band decided to take a well-deserved break. But in 2005, fans nationwide were treated to Widespread Panic’s highly anticipated return to the road.”
2009 Fall Tour Dates
10/03/09 Sat Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Charlotte, NC – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/04/09 Sun Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Charlotte, NC – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/06/09 Tue Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/07/09 Wed NTELOS Wireless Pavilion – Portsmouth, VA – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/09/09 Fri BJCC Arena – Birmingham, AL – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/10/09 Sat BJCC Arena – Birmingham, AL – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/11/09 Sun Time Warner Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/13/09 Tue World’s Fair Park – Knoxville, TN – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/14/09 Wed Riverfront Park – Nashville, TN – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/16/09 Fri Superpages.com Center – Dallas, TX – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/17/09 Sat Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Woodlands, TX – w/ The Allman Brothers Band
10/30/09 Fri Austin Music Hall – Austin, TX
10/31/09 Sat Austin Music Hall – Austin, TX
11/01/09 Sun City Park – New Orleans, LA
11/03/09 Tue A. Chavez Theatre – El Paso, TX
11/04/09 Wed Dodge Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
11/06/09 Fri Orpheum Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
11/07/09 Sat Orpheum Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
11/08/09 Sun Orpheum Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
11/10/09 Tue Grand Sierra Theatre (Reno Hilton) – Reno, NV
11/12/09 Thu Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
11/13/09 Fri Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
11/14/09 Sat Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
11/17/09 Tue Midland Theatre – Kansas City, MO
11/18/09 Wed Midland Theatre – Kansas City, MO
11/20/09 Fri Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WI
11/21/09 Sat Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WI
11/22/09 Sun Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WI
11/24/09 Tue Royal Oak Music Theatre Royal Oak, MI
11/25/09 Wed The Murat Theatre – Indianapolis, IN
11/27/09 Fri North Charleston Coliseum – Charleston, SC
11/28/09 Sat North Charleston Coliseum – Charleston, SC
Websites & Links: WidespreadPanic.com | Dirty Side Down
Festival Review ~ River City Rock & Roll Festival 2009
Words & Photos by Joey Buttram of Hidden Relic
This past weekend we headed down to Madison, IN for River City Rock & Roll Festival. The festival itself was by far the most organized local festival I’ve been to all year. We took the promo/vending booth down, and had a great response. I haven’t received official numbers, but I’d guess around 1,000-1,500 fans showed up throughout the entire weekend.
We arrived on Friday, and with help of HRP Productions Manager (and Mellow Fellow Factory bassist) Jeremy Ochs we set up shop, and began listening to the tunes. The festival started with smooth rock work of Andrea Davidson, we then heard the bluesy shredding of Jimmy Davis Band. The third band to take stage was a straight funky jam-rock outfit called The Flavors. Headlining Friday night was Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, and I’ll tell you the apple doesn’t fall far from Daddy’s tree… Friday night we raged the campsite, and enjoyed a few brews until nearly daylight.
Saturday we woke up just in time to catch Nikki Gill perform her soulful acoustic set covering bands like Maroon 5 and Deana Carter. The day progressed with a couple more acoustic acts that were perfect for this early afternoon setting. Michael Kelsey came on with a spacey set of some AMAZING acoustic guitar work.
Following Kelsey was an HRP favorite Mellow Fellow Factory. MFF tore into a funky set full of originals, and it didn’t take long to move the relaxed acoustic crowd into an all out dance party. After MFF was Local Villains with an almost indie sound that was real good. Shaggy Wonda took the stage with a (like usual) nasty set of some great songs. Shaggy Wonda always leaves me satisfied, and I was nothing less on Saturday. Rusty Bladen & Designated Drivers came up after Shaggy, and played a great set of almost John Melloncamp-like songs. Rusty’s lyrics described hometown parties, run-ins with the law, and leaving a few secrets at Cumberland Lake, KY. I could tell the local Madison crowd sure loves Rusty.
After Rusty came Samesoul, and it was my very first Samesoul show. I was completely BLOWN away by this array of talent. They came on confident, and swayed the crowed into a bluesy, jammy, southern, and overall chilling set. I have yet to watch a local band that has sent chills down my spine so many times. After their set Joe DeVito (bassist) gave me a handful of their album “The Orange Album.” I have yet to take that CD out of my player. Get with me or Samesoul if you’d like to purchase their album…. You wont regret spending the money.
After Samesoul, Ekoostik Hookah took the stage with a wonderful mix of jammy songs of their ever-growing catalogue. Hookah is always a good headliner, and they sure through down in Madison. Clear Sound and Light did a great job, and I would definitely consider them for future events. Herm Productions also added a nice touch to the stage with their fantastic light work.
Video ~ Unearthed at Wuhnurth 2009
“A trailer for the upcoming documentary “Unearthed at Wuhnurth – The 2009 Wuhnurth Music Festival.” September 11th-13th, 2009, brought music, excitement, and over 2,800 fans to The Water Bowl in Muncie, Indiana.”
“Unearthed at Wuhnurth” will feature live concert footage and interviews with artists Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band, Cornmeal, Papadosio, Roots of Creation, The Diggity, Midwest Hype, Daphne WIllis, and MANY MORE!!!
Get more information on Wuhnurth Music Festival
Wuhnurth Recap 2009 at The Waterbowl
Words by Joey Buttram (Hidden Relic Productions)
I will have to say that this past weekend was probably the most fun weekend I’ve had all summer, from the Pre-Party with Shadyside to a late night dance party with Twin Cats at Wuhnurth! I for sure saw some amazing musicians THROW DOWN this weekend! Wuhnurth Music Festival was a complete success for Hidden Relic. We made new contacts, learned a few things, and most importantly we enjoyed the weekend with kindest family I’ve ever known.
Somewhere between 2,000-3,000 people flooded the Waterbowl to see good music, spread love, and support environmental initiatives. Smiling faces, dancing feet, and blue skies were the highlights of the weekend for me. All the bands were phenomenal, but I will say Pnuma Trio is now in my top 5 favorite bands.
More Reviews and Photos
Unearthed at Wuhnurth Video Documentary
DN Online “Ball State Daily News Online” Review
Wuhnurth Music Festival 2009 on Last.fm
Wuhnurth Music Festival 2009 with Cornmeal, Kyle Hollingsworth, Pnuma Trio & More
Announced Artists: Kyle Hollingsworth Band • Cornmeal • Pnuma Trio • Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band • Covert Operations • Family Groove Company • Future Rock • The Twin Cats • Roots of Creation • Papadosio • Ultraviolet Hippopotamus • Midwest Hype • The Werks • Euforquestra • Fresh Hops • Sweet Japonic • Daphne Willis & Co. • Shadyside Allstars • MC Sparkplug • The Diggity • Shaggy Wonda • Jaik Willis • The Hue • The Vessel • Chicago Farmer • Coyaba • 8 Stories High • The Galactic Sherpas • Derick Howard • The Liquid Beat Allstars • Third Floor Meeting • Root Hog • The Great Hookup • NYX Redemption • Mikial Robertson • And Many Special Guests
Websites & Links: Wuhnurth.com | Wuhnurth Entertainment
Knollfest 2009
Berkley Avenue Knoll ~ Indianapolis, IN
August 29th, 2009
About Knollfest
The 1st annual Knollfest took place on October 4, 2008 on the Berkley Avenue Knoll and was one of a kind! The goal last year was to raise money for tangible needs in art and music departments throughout several Indianapolis Public Schools while also promoting talented up-and-coming bands in the Midwest region. In 2009, they selected one school: Broad Ripple Magnet School for the Arts as the beneficiary. The hope is to be able to donate at least $1500 to BRMSA while also helping Indianapolis and surrounding areas discover young talent, underground groups and collectives taking positive initiatives throughout our community.
Knollfest would like people to recognize it not only as a fundraiser for Indianapolis Magnet programs (BRMSA, Shortridge Middle School and Crispus Atticks), but also as a venue where people can discover bands with a professional sound. Artists who are active in their communities, and creating a buzz both in the Midwest and throughout the U.S. Many of the bands featured at Knollfest can be found playing large festivals and venues around the U.S., such as Summer Camp, Rothbury, 10k Lakes, and many more! Most of the time, these bands perform in the shadows of more familiar names, however these festivals wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for the wide variety of musicians who play for the love of music and will rock you all day and all night!
2009 Artist Lineup: Groovatron, Twin Cats, Ladymoon, Shaggy Wonda, Midwest Hype, Daphne from Daphne Willis & Co and more to come!
Knollfest Sponsors: Art with a Purpose, Wuhnurth Entertainment, MIDWESTpeeps, Mousetrap, Jazz Foundation, IndyFringe, NUVO, and Earth House Collective.
Knollfest is still searching for support for this event. If you are interested in being a part of Knollfest 2009 as a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer visit http://www.knollfest.com/ or e-mail me at TheHippieSeed@gmail.com.
