A rock show at an old-timey movie theater in Danville, IN? I was absolutely clueless as what to expect from the Friday, June 27th show featuring Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles. Despite my best efforts to set aside my metropolitan superiority complex, I was skeptical as to what kind of crowd Danville might turn out for the relatively unknown (at least in Indiana) group. I can’t imagine apprehension that the songstress and her band might have had leading up to their first Hoosier gig, given the always uncertain prospects for concert attendance at even the most urban of venues. But to use a metaphor that would appeal the to the rabid baseball fan in Borges, they knocked the cover off the ball, and those in the audience cheered heartily as the artists rounded the bases.

The weather was ominous and, at one point in the set, momentarily foiled the humble lighting rig at the Royal Theater. But there was to be no rain out. The band soldiered on and even when the stage lights went out Borges and Binky, her bass player, continued their thoroughly entertaining between–song patter. Much of the dialogue was helpful preface to the songs in her catalogue and to the several covers they played. But a great deal of it was perfectly timed comedy, some of their exchanges being Grand Ole Opry worthy in their homespun irreverence.

Throughout the set, much like on her first two records, Silver City and Diamonds in the Dark, Sarah and her Broken Singles moved effortlessly between songs bearing a traditional Nashville country sound, like “Lord Only Knows,” to compositions of a distinctly more rock and roll and even punk flavor. “Come Back to Me,” the song that gave the title to her latest release Diamonds is a cover of a song by the seminal West Coast punk band X. The connection between the punk influence and her country sound are not as far flung as they might seem since the members of X also recorded a country-western album under the name The Knitters.

At the Royal, a modest but engaged crowd sat in the theater chairs rather than dancing. But they were not stingy with applause and were rewarded with the chance to choose between two songs for the encore. When the audience implored her to play both, Borges graciously acquiesced and left everyone with sore hands from clapping along to her Texas roadhouse rave-up “Diablito.” Everyone in the house was eager and appreciative when the band mingled and signed records during a set break and after the show.

Binky, the comic sidekick during Sarah’s endearing digressions, counted this as one of the great benefits of playing in smaller towns and smaller venues. “You’re always a little anxious,” he said, “but getting to meet and talk to twenty or thirty people who you know will be there the next time you play is often better than playing gigs in Chicago or other big cities where the faces in the crowd are almost never the same.”

He described how some venues off the beaten track establish a reputation among touring performers as being good gigs, despite their distance from urban centers. “A good promoter or venue can establish a sense of trust with the local following, like a restaurant where the patrons know that the ingredients the owner brings in will be good and they have faith in the product.”

The Royal Theater is on the right track to establish themselves as such a place with shows like Sarah Borges, as well as the other concerts in their summer series. Given a little more attention from the press in the big city, they could easily develop an even broader following of patrons. They are certainly bringing in high quality product.

As great as Borges was on Friday night, she will sadly soon outgrow intimate venues like the Royal. A call up to the big leagues is not far away, so catch her and the Broken Singles on their way up.

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THE MUDKIDS

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: June 26 - July 2, 2008

Weekly best bets for the Indianapolis music lover. The Indy Top 10 Live is compiled by a selection panel of local print, radio, and internet journalists and is new every Thursday online and in print in Indy.com.

Text by Steve Hayes

1. Midwest Rockabilly Fest

7 p.m. June 28, $10, Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect. St. (317) 955-0995.

Local rockabilly fans must have been disappointed when the 2008 Rockabilly Rebel Weekend was canceled for financial reasons. Not one to let down the fans, Radio Radio put together a worthy replacement with Saturday’s Midwest Rockabilly Fest. The event brings together such Radio Radio mainstays as Bigger Than Elvis and Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes with other acts, such as Art Adams, the Swing Rays and Jerry King and the Rivertown Ramblers.

2. Susan Cowsill

8 p.m. June 28, $10, Indy Hostel, 4903 Winthrop Ave., (317) 727-1696.

For all of the recording and touring Susan Cowsill has done, it’s hard to believe that she’s just now releasing her first solo album. She brings her rootsy influences and songwriting skill to the Indy Hostel, where fans can experience her new material in a listening room perfectly suited for such music.

3. Steve Miller Band with Joe Cocker

8 p.m. June 28, $13.50 to $118.50, Verizon Wireless Music Center, 12800 E. 146th St., Noblesville, (317) 776-8181.

It just wouldn’t be summer without a visit by the Steve Miller Band. You already know the hits, and the band doesn’t stray far from its successful formula. For this tour, Joe Cocker opens, touring behind his latest album “Hymn For My Soul,” a collection of covers that includes songs from Stevie Wonder, George Harrison and Bob Dylan.

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Carolyn Wonderland

EPISODE 148: The Indianapolismusic.net Podcast

Let the sunshine in - it’s the first official podcast of the summer. Celebrate with Ryan, Rob G., and tracks from Edwin McCain, The Mudkids, Carolyn Wonderland, Deep Blue Organ Trio, The Madeira, and G-Stak.

By the way, we’re listed now on iTunes and Podcast Alley, Odeo, and Podcast Pickle, so tell your friends. It’s easier than ever to subscribe to our little slice of audio heaven.      

A) Subscribe using this link and a podcast aggregator ..OR..

B) Download directly by right-clicking and saving ..OR…

C) Listen to the PODcast in the IMN mediaplayer (Located in the upper-right corner of the page)!

Once again, all music on this podcast came from authorized downloads from artist or record company sites or from the Indy MP3 Collection.Theme provided by Background Trash. For all of your background trash needs, go to Background Trash.– Steve Hayes and Ryan Williams -

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The Madeira

IMN OnTrack: The Madeira

IMN OnTrack takes a closer look at one track a local artist has put on the web for your perusal, and give you a little history behind the music as well. We’re timing this look to coincide with that artist’s performance in the coming week, but our real goal is to get local music on your computer or portable media player. Think of this like the musical equivalent of a food court sample.

The sands of the desert and the sands of the beach aren’t too far apart. That’s the music of The Madeira - a powerful dose of surf rock with such the right amount of Middle Eastern flavoring. The band has crossed the nation with their live appearances, but they’re returned to Indiana to celebrate the release of their third CD “Carpe Noctrum” at the Melody Inn this Friday night.

Check out “The Saracen” from their new album at the band’s official website, and stick around for live tracks and selections from their earlier albums as well.

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The Pink Spiders

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: June 19 - 25, 2008

Weekly best bets for the Indianapolis music lover. The Indy Top 10 Live is compiled by a selection panel of local print, radio, and internet journalists and is new every Thursday online and in print in Indy.com.

Text by Steve Hayes

1. The Pink Spiders w/ Drive By, Beta Male and Mardelay

7:30 p.m. June 25, $8, Birdy’s, 2131 E. 71st St., (317) 254-8971.

The Pink Spiders represent all that is raw, fierce and tuneful in rock ‘n’ roll. The Nashville-based power trio’s music has drawn national attention, and the group is in the middle of a national tour while preparing for the release of a new album, “Sweat It Out.”

2. Dudefest 2008

4 p.m. June 20, 1 p.m. June 21 and 22; $15 June 20 or 22, $25 June 21 at the Emerson Theater, 4634 E. 10th St., $5 or free with wristband June 20 and 21 at Zanies Too, 5914 E. 10th St.

It would take every inch of this two-page spread to describe the 35-plus bands taking part in Dudefest 2008. Suffice it to say that this event brings together all of the best local and national hardcore and metal acts, and it’s a.must for fans of all things loud.

3. Return To Forever

7:30 p.m. June 22, $45-$69.50, Murat Theater, 502 N. New Jersey St., (317) 615-1500.

Return To Forever has seen many incarnations over its history, but the group remains best-known for pioneering jazz fusion in the ’70s. Formed by legendary jazz keyboardist Chick Corea, this version is touring with equally notable members in guitarist Al Di Meola (below), bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer Lenny White. This is a can’t-miss event for jazz fans just a week after the Indy Jazz Fest.

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Beta Male

EPISODE 147: The Indianapolismusic.net Podcast

Ryan and Rob G. guide you through the twists and turns of summer music. Oh, what a tangled web it is. Tracks from Beta Male, Hey Hey Melodica, The Mudkids, Steve Allee, The Coke Dares, Tremendous Fucking, and In The Face Of War. Gird your loins.

By the way, we’re listed now on iTunes and Podcast Alley, Odeo, and Podcast Pickle, so tell your friends. It’s easier than ever to subscribe to our little slice of audio heaven.      

A) Subscribe using this link and a podcast aggregator ..OR..

B) Download directly by right-clicking and saving ..OR…

C) Listen to the PODcast in the IMN mediaplayer (Located in the upper-right corner of the page)!

Once again, all music on this podcast came from authorized downloads from artist or record company sites or from the Indy MP3 Collection.Theme provided by Background Trash. For all of your background trash needs, go to Background Trash.– Steve Hayes and Ryan Williams -

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Hey Hey Melodica

IMN OnTrack: Hey Hey Melodica

IMN OnTrack takes a closer look at one track a local artist has put on the web for your perusal, and give you a little history behind the music as well. We’re timing this look to coincide with that artist’s performance in the coming week, but our real goal is to get local music on your computer or portable media player. Think of this like the musical equivalent of a food court sample.

Hey Hey Melodica is no stranger to pop hooks and quirky song structures that insinuate themselves into your ear. In the two years of their existence, the band has maintained a busy schedule and released the recording “A Song Of Broken Notes.” Your next chance to see them is Saturday at Locals Only’s Gemini Bash.

For a preview of the upcoming show, you can also check out the band’s official site and download a few tracks from their MySpace site.

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Death Cab for Cutie

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: June 12 - June 18, 2008

Weekly best bets for the Indianapolis music lover. The Indy Top 10 Live is compiled by a selection panel of local print, radio, and internet journalists and is new every Thursday online and in print in Indy.com.

Text by Steve Hayes

1. Independent Music + Art Festival

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 14, free, Harrison Center Courtyard, 1505 N. Delaware St., www.harrisoncenter.org

Topping off an incredibly busy weekend for music is the yearly Independent Music +Art Festival. Local and national acts are brought in to share a wide variety of music with the public; the lineup covers hip-hop, rock, rockabilly, jazz, blues, jam and the indescribable force that is Lord of the Yum-Yum. Eighteen acts will take the stage, and the price is exactly right.

2. Kroger Indy Jazz Fest

Opens 6 p.m. June 13 and 3 p.m. June 14 and June 15; $25 per day or $65 for a three-day pass; Military Park, 601 W. New York St.

This year’s event will once again gather some of the best names in jazz and related genres. Even casual music fans will recognize big names John Legend and Buddy Guy, while jazz afficionados will enjoy the chance to catch a rare set by Indy native and legendary trumpter Freddie Hubbard. Toss in acts Fourplay, Ramsey Lewis, Bettye Lavette and many more.

3. Death Cab for Cutie

7:30 p.m. June 14, $28.50-$35, Whitelies.tv Lawn at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., www.ticketmaster.com

It’s been 10 years since Death Cab for Cutie started its journey from Washington-state-based indie rock band to critical acclaim and a major-label record deal. The band has returned with its second album on Atlantic, “Narrow Stairs,” which promptly topped the Billboard 200 charts on its release last month. Opening the show is Rogue Wave, which released its third album last year on Jack Johnson’s Brushfire label.

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Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood

EPISODE 146: The Indianapolismusic.net Podcast

This is a long, long podcast. It features juggalo cultural studies, beat-boxing, and somebody saves Rob G.’s life. Oh, yeah - there’s a guest host, and he needs his life saved. Tracks from Jack Johnson, Death Cab For Cutie, Medeski Scofield Martin and Woods, Donita Sparks and the Stellar Moments, The Insane Clown Posse, Creepin’ Charley and the Boneyard Orchestra, Wye Oak, Everything Now, and Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes. Damn . . . Enjoy.

By the way, we’re listed now on iTunes and Podcast Alley, Odeo, and Podcast Pickle, so tell your friends. It’s easier than ever to subscribe to our little slice of audio heaven.      

A) Subscribe using this link and a podcast aggregator ..OR..

B) Download directly by right-clicking and saving ..OR…

C) Listen to the PODcast in the IMN mediaplayer (Located in the upper-right corner of the page)!

Once again, all music on this podcast came from authorized downloads from artist or record company sites or from the Indy MP3 Collection.Theme provided by Background Trash. For all of your background trash needs, go to Background Trash.– Steve Hayes and Ryan Williams -

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All Photos by Joel Faurote

The Avett Brothers:

The Everybodyfields

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