Sunday, June 28, 2015

Chek-n' In: CRAMBONE Update - Southport Bar & Grill 6/27/15



 
What do chainsaws, toilet paper and firecrackers have in common? Answer, they are all part of the props you will be entertained with when you take in a live Crambone show. It is a sight and sound extravaganza....C-C-Crambone style! A mix of  'Black Betty' and 'Thank God I'm A Country Boy' would properly define the mania that is all part of the C-bone 'experience'. Only place in Indy that I know of that a gal can get a free, fresh paint job on her apparel....I use that word, because any piece is fair game. And stories? Ahhh...yes...Jeff has those too. The Christmas Eve Zayre story leading into Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb' is priceless!
 
 
So, in chek-n' in on these boys....I see none of the craziness has changed....that's a relief! I can't imagine that there is someone left in this city that hasn't seen these guys, but I imagine there are some CV's (that's a Crambone Virgin).  So, entertainment aside, what will tickle your ears musically? Motorhead (Ace of Spades), The Babys (Midnight Rendezvous), AC/DC (You Shook Me All Night Long), Megadeth (Symphony of Destruction), Iron Maiden (Run To The Hills), Alice In Chains (Man In The Box), Black Sabbath (Heaven and Hell), Rage Against The Machine (Killing In The Name), Motley Crue (Kickstart My Heart)....a Led Zeppelin tune and numerous other rockin' songs.  Expect a show like no other...you haven't really  rocked until you've been 'Boned....Cramboned! Carry on boys...yee...haw! *smile*
 
Crambone is:
 Jeff 'Nacho Daddy' Richey - lead vocals
 Marc (Marcenstein) Kiefer - lead guitar
 John (Pastor John) Gammon - lead guitar
 James (Jimmy V) Valdez - bass guitar
 Charles (TamaChuck) O'Reilly - drums
 
'Like' their Facebook page:


Chek-n' In....DECIBEL Update - Drifty's Live - June 27, 2015

 

 
Genre: Rock 'n Roll
Hometown: Avon, Indiana
 
Well, I was considering a relaxing weekend out to see a band or two...you know, just kick back and listen...be a club patron...blah, blah, blah? Well obviously, I don't know how to go see a band and not blog! But that's ok.  There are so many great local rockers, that I just can't keep away from it.  It's been awhile since I blogged on Decibel, so it's time for an update. I'm all for supporting local musicians.  Part of promoting them includes keeping them in the forefront of club patron's minds.  The best way I can do that is to write a blog.  There are still numerous ones I need to get to for the first time, but I'll be doing a lot of 'chek-n' in' over the Summer months.
 
So, I guess my first question is, have you seen these guys yet? Young and energetic...honing their musical skills and building a following....yes, they are getting there. There's definitely some hard rockin' here....and did I mention hair? Lots of hair...except for the drummer....Will must be the rebel of the bunch! *smile* So, what can you expect from these guys when you see 'em live? A lot of the 'older' rock and roll tunes...many that you don't typically hear out and about.
 
Led Zeppelin rules with 'Rock and Roll', 'Moby Dick', and 'The Ocean'. Rush 'Working Man', KISS 'Shock Me', Peter Frampton 'Do You Feel Like We Do', Rolling Stones 'Start Me Up', Ted Nugent 'Cat Scratch Fever', Judas Priest 'Heading Out To The Highway' and several original tunes, 'I Need Some Lovin'', 'Ready For Action' (my personal favorite!), 'Easier Said Than Done' and 'Ball And Chain'.
 
There is so much to Decibel, the band...more than intensity, sound and power.  Check them out....'like' their FB pages and YouTube....
 
https://www.facebook.com/DecibelTheBand?fref=ts  https://www.facebook.com/groups/403739849669427/  
 
Support them...buy a t-shirt...go see them play....they're very personable...chat with 'em...it will be a rockin' good time!
 
Decibel is….

Rafaey Ali – lead vocals/rhythm guitar
Lucas Krier – bass guitar/vocals
Caleb White – lead guitar/vocals
Will Curry – drums
 
 


Saturday, June 27, 2015

Indy's Rok Hollywood Goes To Hollywood - July 14th!




Lookin' for a quick get-a-way and wanna rock all at the same time? Well, you're in luck! There's still time to make plans and get connected. Local rockers Rok Hollywood are heading west...all the way to West Hollywood, California. A battle of the bands at Whisky A Go Go, Tuesday, July 14th. Phase one so to speak...this gig could land RH a spot at the Cathouse Live show in Irvine, California on Saturday, August 15th.  Get your tickets in advance for this first event for just $12.  You can do this directly by contacting Daren Short. https://www.facebook.com/RokHollywood?fref=ts or https://www.facebook.com/events/446267455546987/  The grand prize winner will open the main stage and the runner-up, as chosen by celebrity rock judges will open the second stage! What a fantastic opportunity. RH will take the stage to perform at 11:40 pm (PST).
Please consider checking this out....always help support local musicians.  'Like' their FB page, check them out on 'Reverbnation': https://www.reverbnation.com/rokhollywood Be a part of it!
 


 
 
 

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Indy Concert Review: Jeff Young & Sherri with Special Guest: Audio Hitmen - Radio Radio - 6/19/15


 
Audio Hitmen
 
Hometown: Indy
Genre: Rock, Classic Rock, Alternative
 

 
This is the fourth time this year for me to blog these guys, guess that means they're on my hit list! Ok, now before all y'all start talkin' that I'm playing local favorites, this blog is just a 'sawed-off' review of what to expect when you get the full effect from a whole AH show...a teaser!  Just so happens they were opening for Jeff Young (ex-Megadeth guitarist) and Sherri in Indy's Fountain Square area...so it's more by 'association' that they fall into my sights again!
 
Yes, I really like these guys...they're always adding songs to the list that keep me on my toes! I think I've learned and listened to more new-to-me songs in the last six months than I have in the last six years! Here is a sampling of what you'll hear....Flock of Seagulls (I Ran), J. Geils Band (Angel In The Centerfold), The Black Keys (Gold On The Ceiling), Kings of Leon (Sex On Fire), The Break Up Song (Greg Kihn Band), Royal Blood (Figure It Out), and The Charlie Daniels Band (Devil Went Down To Georgia).
 
The job is always done right and complete when the Hitmen are in action! Don't be afraid, they're really not as rough, tough and mean as they look! Keep it up guys...you R-O-C-K!
 



AH is:
 
Alex Torres - vocals
Marc Kiefer - lead guitar
Dave Conn - rhythm guitar
Jason Oldham - bass guitar
Danny Taylor - drums
 
Check them out on YouTube:
 
 
'Like' them on their Facebook page:
 
 
Jeff Young & Sherri
 
Hometown: Las Vegas/Dayton, OH
 

 
Embarking on their 'Love Is Here' tour, Jeff Young and fiancĂ© Sherri Klein performed an acoustic and electric guitar mix of covers and original tunes Friday night in Fountain Square in the intimate setting of Radio Radio. Perhaps 'quaint' would not be a synonymous  word that would come to mind when thinking of heavy/thrash/speed metal..one of the more noted backgrounds that Mr. Young experienced from 1987-89 as guitarist with the band 'Megadeth'.
 
The current show and music style is far from his yesteryear.  To hear him now it is easy to see how what you come up against in life can change your thoughts and path, providing a new journey and direction.  In reading the press release with this tour, I was certainly touched by his story. Many folks, including myself have been personally affected by cancer.  It is an enigma that somewhat defines lifestyles out of control in 21st Century America.  Family history, environment, diet and physical activity all play a role.  Not only did Jeff experience this disease in both his parents, but himself as well...testicular cancer hit him in 2003...thankfully, he is a survivor!  Although this is not a common cancer,  mainly affecting the male age group of 20-34, chances of men getting it are 1 in 263 and chances of dying from it 1 in 5,000.  It is treatable and curable when found early.  You can find out more about this and other forms of cancer from http://www.cancer.org.
 

I believe it is certainly a blessing to pursue that which is close to your heart, and as Jeff commented in the press release, he feels 'more musically accomplished'. It is evident in the evening's performance that his dedication and hard work as a guitarist, songwriter and producer can pay off.  The line up included originals 'Gypsy Soul', 'Maybe Tomorrow' and 'Love Is Here', along with a little ditty called 'Ozzy's Cure'. Cover tunes also graced the play list... 'Ramble On' (Led Zeppelin), 'Something' (Beatles), 'You're My Best Friend' (Queen), 'Rebel Yell' (Billy Idol) and 'Even It Up' (Heart) along with some funky numbers to liven up the night and keep patrons involved.
 
The live show is not as 'mellow' as some of the tunes I listened to beforehand in my research that I was not previously familiar with.  The finale brought AH bassist Jason Oldham and drummer Danny Taylor back to the stage for four songs, including another Led Zeppelin tune, 'Whole Lotta Love'. It was a great evening...quite the performers, and quite a performance. I hope you have an opportunity to catch this show at a venue in your area, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for stopping thru Indy Jeff and Sherri! Best to you in your travels...be safe and rock on!
 
'Like' Jeff's Facebook page:
 
Check out Jeff's websites:
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 



Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Indy Concert Event - Radio Radio - Friday, June 19, 2015 - Jeff Young (Ex-Megadeth Guitarist) & Sherri

 

One of the things I like about having my own blog is, I write the content...so this blog is a first.  I like to help promote local bands, and even the national acts when they play the small venues.  This event listed in the title will include Jason Oldham and Danny Taylor (Audio Hitmen) at the conclusion of the show, the final four tunes of Mr. Young's set.  Jason says this is a 'bucket list' opportunity for him... "Jam with a dude from Megadeth and have him stay at your house a few nights!" CHECK!   Rock out in Fountain Square with Audio Hitmen at 9 p.m. and stick around for Jeff Young and Sherri at 10!
 
Following is the press release for the show.  If you have a chance to check it out, I'm sure it will prove to be an interesting event.
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-29-15
EX-MEGADETH GUITARIST'S UNIQUE "LOVE IS HERE" TOUR IS, "NOT METAL" BUT DOES COMBINE GENRE SPANNING MUSIC & RADIO PLUS, LOCAL MUSICIANS EVEN GET IN ON THE ACT
Jeff Young burst on the music scene with his landmark soloing on Megadeth's platinum selling classic, So Far, So Good... So What! (Capitol Records). But just as the Ohio native's star was on the rise, life took a turn when his father was diagnosed with cancer. To make matters worse, the band around him was suffering from the excesses of rock-n-roll. So, after one critically acclaimed album and world tour, he walked away from it all and moved back to Ohio to help his mother in the family business.
"At that point, it's not about yourself or music or anything but the fact that your Dad just died and you need to step up and be the good son. So, I cut off my hair, got the three piece suits & ties, read every business book, even took some executive education courses at Wharton school. But as soon as the family business was stable, I was back on the guitar - this time studying Spanish flamenco & Brazilian jazz."
Young's dedication, world music studies and another decade led to another number one selling album on the respected Verve/PolyGram label. Serving as songwriter, arranger & producer, he worked with the sister of Grammy winning Brazilian guitar duo, Sergio & Odair Assad (Yo-Yo Ma) to craft the JAZZIZ magazine Reader's Poll topping album, Badi Assad - Chameleon. Jeff went on to perform on the Chameleon world tour which included highlight shows with Joe Cocker, Cassandra Wilson, Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair & Willie Nelson's Farm Aid.
"Forging a successful music career rarely happens once in this life and here I was enjoying a second go 'round and in a genre that was more musically accomplished and closer to my heart. I was on top of the world and very grateful. Nothing could go wrong now, right?"
Hollywood couldn't have written a more poignant tale than what was to happen next...
"We were on the Chameleon tour when I received the news that my mother was diagnosed with cancer. To make a long story short, the entire nightmare repeated itself. My mother passed, I had to go back and help our family business survive. And in the midst of all that, I started feeling ill and a quick doctor's visit diagnosed that I had testicular cancer. I felt like I was cursed. It was like I was living that movie, Groundhog Day - only mine wasn't very funny."
Flash forward to 2015 and it looks like there just might be a Hollywood ending after all for Jeff Young - a "guitar heroes" climax where love conquers all. This summer, his new project embarks on a trek across America, proving the third time's the charm. Stay with us here, folks...
Jeff has a new music project that's been stirring things up in Sin City for the past year. The new band is, Jeff Young & Sherri - think Les Paul & Mary Ford, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Buckingham/Nicks but with a sexier, funkier, even jazzy tinge.
Sherri (Klein) is a former lead dancer and vocalist in the Riviera's long running, mega-hit Vegas show, Splash and Young's fiancé. On stage, she comes off like a cross between Shirley Temple and Jessica Rabbit, possessing a voice that can wail like Robert Plant or Ann Wilson and smolder like Joni Mitchell.
Since coming together, the dynamic duo has performed on the Randy Rhoads Remembered tour, were nominated for Best Vegas Rock Band at the 2014 Vegas Rock Music Awards and their distinctive "crowd-filmed videos" have garnered countless fans & numerous features in the world music press. Now they're taking this show on the road.
The concept is simple: Jeff & Sherri are touring as a duo featuring 2 vocals, acoustic & electric guitars with live looping. "It's an acoustic-electric show with a rock/funk attitude & performance. There's an element of risk because of the live guitar looping & juggling, which is cool for both performer and audience.
What makes Jeff & Sherri's "Love Is Here" tour unique to any show that's likely to pass through your town this summer on next is two-fold. One would only expect that a duo from the gambling capital of the world would hit the road with an ace or two up their sleeves. Seems that Jeff also has a hi-fi internet radio show with a worldwide listening audience, celebrating 3 years of on air service.
"The radio show is called, Music Without Boundaries and we play every genre of music from the 1920s to the 2000s. In the space of a two hour show, you can hear numerous styles of music, juxtaposed and flowing together. We blend it all via interesting historical or interview segments, comedy and news. The show is different in its presentation and in how it is delivered to the listeners."
Jeff Young's Music Without Boundaries broadcasts on the SPREAKER network. The way SPREAKER works, the second a radio DJ or host signs on live, radio player widgets simultaneously pop up on Facebook, twitter, Google + and other social media. This makes the show very easy to find, listen & share.
"Back in the day, it took a broadcast center with a giant tower just to transmit a signal in a few hundred mile radius. Today, Music Without Boundaries can transmit to a worldwide audience from our tour bus, a truck stop, our hotel room, backstage, even onstage. So, the entire US tour experience is going to be really different & interactive, literally, bringing folks from around the globe on the road with Jeff & Sherri. We'll be sharing the road trip on the radio - old fashioned radio done a new fashioned way - and all the interesting people & places we encounter along the way become part of the story."
Another exciting aspect of this tour is that Jeff & Sherri have already recruited the hottest rhythm sections (i.e., drums, bass) in each town to play 4-5 classic songs to close each show. The extra added excitement of having the local musicians performing should bring some real curiosity & spectacle to the proceedings.
"I've toured the globe a few times before but it was always as someone's side-man. Part of what makes this tour so meaningful is that Sherri and I finally get to share our music, creativity & intent with the folks. We've selected each show and venue carefully. The places we're playing are vibey music listening rooms. Places where people go when they actually want to listen and share that communal experience."
You can catch the first leg of the Jeff Young & Sherri "Love Is Here" US Tour when it hits the following cities...
JUNE 11 - The Village Idiot - Toledo, OH
JUNE 12 - Oddbody's - Dayton, OH
JUNE 19 - Radio Radio - Indianapolis, IN
JUNE 20 - Hard Rock Invasion 2015 + VIP After Party - St. Louis, MO *with Queensryche, Tom Kiefer, Great White & Adler
JUNE 26 - The West Virginia Polo Club - Parkersburg, WV
JUNE 27 - The Blue Parrot - Charleston, WV
JULY 4 - Rockbar - San Jose, CA *with Eric Martin Band
JULY 11 - Sedona Creative Life Center - Sedona, AZ
JULY 25 - Firehouse - St. George, UT
 
JEFF YOUNG & SHERRI VIDEOS & TRACKS:
"Ain't No Sunshine" BRAND NEW VIDEO! >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmRSvl1F94w
"Love Is Here" ORIGINAL STUDIO TRACK featuring James LoMenzo (John Fogerty, Black Label Society, Slash) - Bass - Jeff Bowders (Paul Gilbert, Shakira) - Drums >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svb4HJq8WWc
"Wild Horses" STUDIO AUDIO TRACK featuring Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Billy Idol) - Drums / Ric Fierabracci (Stevie Wonder, Billy Cobham) - 6 string Fretless Bass
http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffnshe…/…/20438129-wild-horses
"Ramble On" - Led Zeppelin Cover >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQoZ1wscu5s
"You're My Best Friend" - Queen Cover >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTxdqKtBmLk
"Funk #49" - James Gang cover >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayRhHbdlxW8
"Dancing in the Moonlight" - Thin Lizzy cover >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n_fYoezCvQ
"Stranglehold" - Ted Nugent cover *NC-17 >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7afsiXziZB0
JEFF & SHERRI 'LOVE IS HERE' TOUR IN THE WORLD MUSIC PAPERS:
http://bravewords.com/…/former-megadeth-guitarist-jeff-youn…
http://bravewords.com/…/former-megadeth-guitarist-jeff-youn…
http://bravewords.com/…/former-megadeth-guitarist-jeff-youn…
FULL ONLINE EPK (ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/…

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Indy Band Review: Hellwagon - Drifty's Live - 6/13/15


 
 
Change...it happens all the time, sometimes rather quickly.  This time it's with local rockers Hellwagon.  When I blogged them last, it was cold outside.  Different playlist now and pared down to a foursome. Nothing wrong with tweeking your performance, and as I am finding out, expect the unexpected from these guys, but still raising a little Hellwagon! *smile* So, where do I start? There's so much here...and yet, I need to leave a little mystery for the club-goers so that you don't go in knowing it all. Can't have that, now can we?
 
 
Of course, you're gonna get KISS-ed from these guys...a little 'Love Gun' to start this evening on the South side of Indy.  Then just on and on....Stone Temple Pilots (Sex Type Thing), Nazareth (Hair of the Dog), Alice In Chains (Man In The Box), Judas Priest (You've Got Another Thing Coming), The Charlie Daniels Band (Long Haired Country Boy), Billy Idol (Rebel Yell, White Wedding), Motley Crue (Helter Skelter), Guns N' Roses (Mr. Brownstone), Buckcherry (Crazy Bitch), War (Low Rider), Ozzy Osbourne (Bark At The Moon), Beastie Boys ((You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)), Twisted Sister (I Wanna Rock), and AC/DC (You Shook Me All Night Long).  These are the predictable ones.
 
So, the highway to Hellwagon is paved with rock, r-o-c-k, rock, but let me tell you...you haven't heard Journey this way until you've heard it Hellwagoned (is that a word?) *smile* Once you catch this, you'll be believin'!  Now, keeping me on my toes, is that 'Grease'? What? Really, Tony? What band sings that anyway? *smile* Moving through with the surprising tunes, Simple Minds (Don't You (Forget About Me)), Gwen Stefani (Keep On Dancin'), Cameo (Word Up), Rick Springfield (Jessie's Girl), and even some Duran Duran....ha! I won't give that one away! Also included in the night's line up, Poison, Commodores, Cheap Trick and many others.  My song pick of the night was *drum roll please*...Poison (Every Rose Has Its Thorn).
 
So, the 'blumpkin' issue came up again.  I thought this was put to rest, however, this time it appears perhaps some peeps disappeared! I don't know, maybe it's not just an urban legend! The moral of this blog is, if you're gonna fall off the wagon, make it the Hellwagon! Rawk on, guys!
 
Hey, stop by, check out and 'like' Hellwagon's Facebook page...Let's get 'em 1,000 likes:
https://www.facebook.com/HellwagonIndy


Hellwagon is:
Tony Diekhoff - vocals
Craig (aka: Shred) Young - guitar/vocals
Stacey Ely - drums
Brian Coleman - bass guitar
Claude Brissart - lights and sound

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Indy Concert Review: Mike Tramp (solo acoustic) w/ Special Guest Big Roscoe & the Hammers - Southport Bar & Grill - 6/6/15



 
Big Roscoe & the Hammers
 
Genre: Party rock 'n roll
 
Hometown: Indy
 



Indy has such an abundance of musical talent, more than enough variety to cover individual taste...it's not all just 80's stuff anymore...and last night on the South side of the city, 'the hammer' fell on funk, soul, pop, rock, country, reggae and Indie rock tunes.  Big Roscoe took the stage to prep patrons for headliner Mike Tramp (former White Lion vocalist).
 
The evening quickly got into full swing with Wild Cherry (Play That Funky Music White Boy), Commodores (Brick House), Redbone (Come And Get Your Love), George Michael (I'll Never Dance Again), Three Dog Night (Mama Told Me (Not To Come)), Big & Rich (Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)), Nick Gilder (Hot Child In The City), Van Halen (Panama), Journey (Faithfully), Mark Ronson (Uptown Funk), Walk The Moon (Shut Up And Dance), Def Leppard (Pour Some Sugar On Me), AC/DC (TNT) as well as a Bon Jovi tune and several others. Wanna mix it up? Then you need Big Roscoe & the Hammers in your musical tool box!
 
Big Roscoe & the Hammers are:
 
Rob Weber - guitar
Mark Satterwaite - guitar/vocals
Jason Koch - bass/vocals
Drew Bill - keyboards/vocals
Gregg Deweese - drums
 
'Like' their Facebook page:
 
Check out their website:
 
 
 
Mike Tramp
 
Mike Tramp – Southport Bar & Grill – 6/6/15
Photo credit: Daren Short/Rising Star Photography
 
Spanning nearly four decades of rockin' and rollin' is quite an accomplishment, and Danish rocker Mike Tramp (Trempenau) has succeeded in doing just that! With an extensive discography dating back to 1977 in a band called 'Mabel' to 'Studs', 'White Lion', and 'Freak of Nature', Tramp eventually branched out on a solo career.
 

Mike Tramp – Southport Bar & Grill – 6/6/15
Photo credit: Daren Short/Rising Star Photography

It is interesting to follow this transition now with many of the defunct 80's bands, and even better seeing them play the smaller venues, it is a win/win situation for artist and fan. To experience success on such a tremendous level, then to get this up close and personal with people, many who have supported your career for a period of time, is something that our 21st Century 'reality tv' world craves and demands.
 

Mike Tramp – Southport Bar & Grill – 6/6/15
Photo credit: Daren Short/Rising Star Photography

 
It was an intimate setting at Southport Bar & Grill as Tramp opened the night with 'Hungry' from White Lion's 1987 'Pride' LP.  Some of the other songs performed included: 'And You Were Gone', 'Little Fighter', 'Cry For Freedom', 'Cobblestone Street', 'Trust In Yourself', 'Lady of the Valley', 'Hymn for Ronnie' (a tribute song to the late Ronnie James Dio), 'Wait', 'When The Children Cry' and ending with 'Radar Love'.
 

Mike Tramp – Southport Bar & Grill – 6/6/15
Photo credit: Daren Short/Rising Star Photography

It was a real treat to hear him recall his early days, his friendship relationship with rock legend Ronnie James Dio, and numerous other 'road' stories...it's all part of what one can experience it this type of compact setting. Finishing up the night included one-on-one pics with fans, as Mr. Tramp chatted, shook hands, and hugged patrons.  Evident he was enjoying this personal time, I was captivated with his interaction and genuine personality, sincerity and consistent smile.  It was an acoustic solo show that will long be remembered in the hearts  and minds of many here in Indy.  Thanks Mike...rock on!
 


Mike Tramp – Southport Bar & Grill – 6/6/15
Photo credit: Daren Short/Rising Star Photography

 
'Like' Mike's 'Official' Facebook page:
 

 
For further info check out his website: