Donald Fagen & The Nightflyers - Old National Centre - August 29, 2017

Just when I think I’m not going to blog a band, I find myself doing just that! But that’s ok! Had it not been for coming across the set list for this show, I probably wouldn’t have, as I tend to stick with what I know.  As I continue to expand my musical horizons, it reinforces my background as a rock music blogger.  It’s easy to stay in a comfort zone, but in order to grow, one has to expand on experience.  The 80’s was my era, majority of my followers know that.  Prior to that, I had limited opportunity to hear much music.  Too young to have a job, I had no monies to purchase albums.  With limited access to a radio, what I did hear came from ‘external’ sources, usually outings with friends, which was few and far between.  It wasn’t until I was in high school in the late 70’s that I was exposed to more of this style of music.  There were numerous 70’s bands that I really liked, so I was somewhat familiar with Steely Dan.  I certainly don’t mind researching some to blog, some of those more than others, but again this helps to stretch my knowledge of everything rock ‘n’ roll. It would be nice to think I could be considered an expert in the blogging realm, even though it’s just a hobby for me.  I don’t get paid for doing this, folks…I just love to write, and I love rock ‘n’ roll! Plus it’s a great way to promote local talent. Ok, ok….enough of that….on with the review!

Photo credit: Bob Drew

I always pay attention to the crowd, age group, interaction with performers and patrons, etc. There were a lot of older folk there really jamming, it was great to see! Mr. Fagen himself is 69, and I understand all the band members are under the age of 28! I like the exposure of ‘old school’ to a new generation…I believe it helps keep the music alive.  It seems to be a trend, and I am convinced that has to be beneficial to the music industry as a whole.  I certainly don’t want to see it fade into the sunset. Back in the day, Steely Dan encompassed a plethora of genres; crossover jazz, Latin music, blue-eyed soul, R&B, boogie and pop, so hearing Donald Fagen is no different, the influence is obvious in his solo career, which transpired in 1982 after Steely Dan broke up in ’81. Fagan’s bandmates the Nightflyers have embarked on an 8-show North American fall tour. Indianapolis was one of their stops at the Old National Centre in the heart of the city.  For nearly two hours they captivated the audience with several Steely Dan tunes, many which received standing ovations.  I actually remember more SD songs than I realized!  Following was the night’s set list:

Green Flower Street (1982)

New Frontier (1982)

Hey Nineteen (Steely Dan 1980)

Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead cover – 1978)

The Nightfly (1982)

Kid Charlemagne (Steely Dan – 1976)

FM – No Static At All (Steely Dan 1978)

Time Out of Mind (Steely Dan 1980)

Twin Peaks Theme

Third World Man (Steely Dan 1980)

Dirty Work (Steely Dan 1972 – lead vocals Connor Kennedy)

Black Friday (Steely Dan 1975)

Green Earrings (Steely Dan 1976)

Peg (Steely Dan 1977)

My Old School (Steely Dan 1973)

Bodhisattva (Steely Dan 1973)

 

Encore: Reelin In The Years (1972)

 

Photo credit: Bob Drew

 

Band Members:

Donald Fagen – vocals/keyboards (including melodica)

Connor Kennedy – guitar/vocals

Will Bryant – keyboards/vocals

Lee Falco – drums/vocals

Zach Djanikian – guitar/saxophone/percussion/vocals

Brandon Morrison – bass/vocals

 

I was unable to find a website or FB page for Mr. Fagen, but I did come across a link you can check out for their upcoming tour dates.  (https://www.jambase.com/article/donald-fagen-nightflyers-announce-summer-tour-2017) Because of this writing, I now know more about Steely Dan, and co-founder Donald Fagen.  I enjoyed the performance, and I would recommend catching one of their upcoming shows. You may not hear it, but you just might want to do it again!

 

Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band: Conner Prairie, Fishers, Indiana 8/19/17

 

 

'Rumours'

Genre: Pop/Rock 'n' Roll/Classic Rock

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Formed: Summer 2012

 



Tribute bands seem to be gaining in popularity these days.  I've blogged a few 80's era ones which cover numerous artists, but for those who pick one particular band, I find it fascinating not only the physical likeness of the members, but how they mimic the original musicians. I pretty much stick to the 80's, so I'm stepping out a bit with this one, but that's ok, because it takes me back to a time when I was just getting my teenage ears tuned to rock and roll. 

 

Photo credit: Bob Drew

 

Fleetwood Mac, a British-American band came together in the late 60's, remaining popular thru the 70's and into the 80's, 90's and early into the turn of the 21st century with a 'best of' compilation.  It is no surprise with such a following that someone today would pay tribute to them. I was in high school in the late 70's, and my claim to 'notoriety', such as it was, in relation to Fleetwood Mac, was my physical resemblance to vocalist Stevie Nicks...hence, that was my nickname as a sophomore.

 

Photo credit: Bob Drew

 

It was a treat to see this band, 'Rumours' last night.  It brought back a lot of memories, as well as FM songs I've not heard in a long time.  A nostalgic trip back through memory lane.  It was a beautiful evening in Fishers, Indiana, at Conner Prairie, and the crowd gathered represented all ages, evidence of a lack of a 'generational gap' when it comes to the unique musical style of Fleetwood Mac.  So, I thought to myself....'to blog or not to blog?' Well...you see what my decision was! *wink*

 

Photo credit: Bob Drew

 

The night's first set started off with 'The Chain' (1977), followed by, 'You Make Loving Fun' (1977), 'Dreams' (1977), 'Second Hand News' (1977), 'Say That You Love Me' (1975) (one of my favorites), 'Silver Springs', (1997 - intended for the band's 1977 album, but became a 'B' side to "Go Your Own Way") 'Gold Dust Woman' (1977), 'Don't Stop' (1977) and 'Landslide' (1975). 

 

Photo credit: Bob Drew

 

 

Set number two quickly progressed into the years and included 'Gypsy' (1982), 'Tusk' (1979), 'Sara' (1979), 'Hold Me' (1982), 'Stand Back' (1983 - Stevie Nicks second solo album), 'Holiday Road' (1983 - single written by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, was featured in the '83 film "National Lampoon's Vacation"), 'Edge Of Seventeen' (1981-82), 'Little Lies' (1987), 'Seven Wonders' (1987), and 'Everywhere' (1987). 

 

Of course, there has to be an encore, right? Surely there are a couple songs that still need to be sung! Yes...'Rhiannon' (1975) and 'Go Your Own Way' (1977) closed out the night. The light show was simple, yet effective, which defined performances of that period...a stark difference to the complex, cutting edge laser light shows of the 21st century. This is a great 'time warp' show to catch.  If you're a Fleetwood Mac fan, you won't be disappointed.  'Rumours' can be true!

 

'Like' their FaceBook page to follow their shows/news: https://www.facebook.com/rumourstributeshow/

 

 

'Rumours' band members

Ned Brower

Nicholas Johns

Rebecca Fishman

Jesika Miller

Taylor Locke

 

 

Note: Check out the Fleetwood Mac web page to learn more about the original band: http://fleetwoodmac.org/

 

 



Local Backstage Pass: Rok Hollywood

Back in the mid 80’s, I enjoyed reviewing local bands. ’Blogging’ hadn’t been invented yet! Newspapers were the main source of promotion, which in retrospect seems like snail mail today. However, those are some fond memories. The music scene was larger than life it seemed.  Indianapolis, considered the ‘crossroads of America’, was at that time a home-away-from-home to numerous bands from neighboring states.  It wasn’t just Friday and Saturday night gigs….Wednesday and Sunday nights were just as popular.  Shucks, you could rock 7 days a week, and draw a decent crowd!  There was no shortage of nightspots nor talent…and happy hour, ah yes, the 80’s ‘BOGO’ deals that got folks in early on to get the party started is now just a faded memory.  These guys and gals were mainly in their 20’s then. It was competitive, as so many, if not all were looking for that ever sought after record label deal.  Most bands mixed originals with the cover tunes. It was quite common to have an EP, and who knows what talent scout might be in the audience? It was a dog eat dog, may the best band win type of mentality.

 

Now, fast forward two to three decades. What’s changed? Who’s still playing? Where are the fans? Obviously, we’ve all aged some. It’s a different world.  Most married, had families, got ‘real jobs’.  It’s not the same market in 21^st century America. It’s amazing what 25 or so years does to a person. Many that back then walked, talked, slept, ate and breathed rock and roll, now are laid back and just like to entertain a crowd with cover tunes because they love to play music and perform.  They have careers and family, homes and different lives and priorities today.  That's not a bad thing.  The lure of a recording contract is no longer an interest.  I still like to see local bands play live.  And I like to blog.  The difference all these decades later, is with my blog, I can turn it around in less than 24 hours.  Much different than waiting a couple weeks or a month for the next newspaper issue to hit the stands. 

 

My goal with this blog series “Local Backstage Pass” is to bring  Indy bands more upfront and personal, especially for those who just come to listen to the music, and perhaps don’t mingle much with band members.  There is always more than meets the eye.  Today, it’s not uncommon to have ‘meet and greets’ with national groups, which makes the event more intimate, but not everyone can participate in that, and it typically carries a price tag. This, my first blog in about a year and a half, focuses on Rok Hollywood, true, master rockers.  I’m excited about delivering my first ‘virtual interview’ with originators, Daren and David Short.

 

 

 

Daren Short – Drums

David Short - Guitar

Duane Conn - Bass

Josh Johnson - Vocals

 

incogNITA!: What got you started in music?

RH: KISS, and friends.

incogNITA!: Why Rok Hollywood? Where did that name come from?

RH: (I) wanted to use the name Hollywood since right out of high school. Changed the name to Rok Hollywood in 2006 due to another band with the name Hollywood. 

incogNITA! How would you describe your music?

RH: Melodic rock/hard rock.

incogNITA!: Who writes your original tunes?

RH: All band members write.

incogNITA!: Where does your inspiration come from?

RH: Our inspiration is basically life. We write about what we go through and experience.  

incogNITA!:  What are your musical influences? (No surprise it’s hair/glam rockers!)

RH:  KISS, Van Halen, Ratt, Cinderella, Motley Crue, Skid Row, Tesla, Def Leppard, etc.  

incogNITA!: Your following...long- time fans and what age group?

RH: 30's, 40's, 50's mainly, but also some 20’s, which can be our generation’s kids.

incogNITA!: What can you do to bring new ones in the circle?

RH: Basically getting out and playing as many places as we can, and our friends and fans spreading the word will help bring us new fans.  

incogNITA!: What is keeping (Rok Hollywood) in the 80's style?

RH: That's where our hearts are. We play what we love. 

incogNITA!: Is a record contract a do-able/realistic goal?

RH: Yes.

incogNITA!: Can bands be 'newly' successful today trying to market new music with the 80's sound?

RH: Very much so.

incogNITA!: What advantages does the market hold today that wasn't available in the 80's?

RH: The internet for the most part. Word can spread quick and far. It sometimes can be easier to play shows with national bands. And it is also easier to communicate with those bands through the internet. 

incogNITA!: What disadvantages do you face?

RH: People being too comfortable in their ways, and not getting out of that comfort zone with only seeing certain bands. Not having financial backing. Not having an agent/manager makes it harder. We do it all on our own. Band members living an hour and a half away from each other. Makes it hard to get together, and to do more shows.   

incogNITA!: How important is Internet presence?

RH: Very important.

incogNITA!: Do you have band merchandise available?

RH: Yes, but we need to update it and get more, as well as expand it to other items. 

incogNITA!: Obviously, 80's music was big in the 80's...however, can it have new life breathed into it with fans of that genre...and do you feel there is a market for it today? Can you be 80's hair/glam in 2017?

RH: It can and has been given new life. There is still a market, just not nearly as big as it was in its prime. And things go in cycles. There is definitely a market for it today. June 25th at Klipsch Music Center will be one example of it. 

incogNITA!: Is 80's a 'marketable' look today? I know many like to re-live it, but can it be a 'lifestyle' of sorts for those (musicians) seeking to bring it back?

RH: It can be. But a lot of the bands/musicians from the 80's don't have the same look as they did "back in the day". Our band still has an 80's look though, no wigs needed! (Nita: HA!) 

incogNITA!: Is there a specific area of the country (US or abroad) where you are more in demand?

RH: Europe and Japan are always big for 80's rock/hard rock. Certain parts of the US seem to be more supportive of our genre than others. California, Las Vegas, Texas, parts of the East Coast and Midwest. Indiana people like 80's rock, but people here also are into 70's rock, Country, and other styles. I would not call Indiana an 80's state.   

incogNITA!: Dates of venues you've played.

RH: Way too many to list all of them. The band started in 2002 under the name Hollywood. We mainly played smaller, local bars. In 2006, we started playing bigger shows, opening for nationals. And we played for the first time in L.A. at the world famous Whisky on the Sunset Strip. We also played in Nashville with some popular 80's bands and musicians. We played Verizon Wireless Music Center (Deer Creek) for the first time. We played 8 Seconds Saloon with LA Guns, Faster Pussycat, and Jack Russell's Great White, among other bands. Beale Street, Southport Bar & Grill, the Rock House in Indy. Cincinnati, Chillicothe, and Columbus, Ohio. Louisville, Champaign, Ft. Wayne, and Bloomington.    

incogNITA!: What is your best memory from a live show?

RH: Again, too many to list just one. But playing the Whisky several times. Playing at Verizon/Klipsch Music Center, which we are getting ready to play for the 12th time in June. Playing a 3-ring circus/freak show at Carson's Pub in Indy, formerly Bentley's. That was a wild night. Too many more. Lots of memories. 

incogNITA!: What question(s) has no one asked you that you wish they had? And what is your answer?

RH: Would you like 10 million dollars? The answer would be, yes we would! (Nita: HA!)

incogNITA: Where are your upcoming shows?

RH: June 25 at Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana w/Def Leppard, Poison, and Tesla. July 21 at The Rose in Pasadena, California w/Lynch Mob and Electric Junkies.  

 

 

Be sure to check out the links below. Become a fan on Reverbnation.  You can purchase and download their originals.  Check out a show. They've got one coming up for Indy fans this month, and next month for fans on the West coast.

 

Links to pages with band info:

 

http://www.rokhollywood.net

http://www.reverbnation.com/RokHollywood

http://www.youtube.com/RokHollywood

http://www.facebook.com/RokHollywood

http://www.twitter.com/RokHollywood

http://www.instagram.com/RokHollywood

http://www.pinterest.com/RokHollywood