BEST BETS LIVE: July 24 - July 30, 2008
Neil Diamond
INDY TOP 10 LIVE: July 24 - July 30, 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. NEIL DIAMOND
No tag for this post.8 PM, Tuesday July 29, Conseco Fieldhouse, $55-120
Neil Diamond’s music has a permanent spot in the American songbook. Whether played in films like “Saving Silverman” or leading sing-alongs in sports stadiums, it seems all music fans have a soft place in their heart for the singer/songwriter. His legacy was further cemented this year when he earned the top spot on Billboard’s album chart with his latest record, “Home Before Dark,” and became the oldest artist to score a #1 album.
2. RUSH
7:30 PM, Thursday July 24, Verizon Wireless Music Center, $33.50-95.50
Few bands have earned the cult following Rush can claim. The Canadian trio’s blend of progressive rock and literate lyricism, hallmarked by bassist Geddy Lee’s banshee vocals and Neil Peart’s virtuoso drumming, has been filling concerts venues with loyal fans for nearly 35 years. Expect the band to pull out the stops for this show as it’s the final night of their current tour.
3. VULGAR BOATMEN & GENTLEMAN CALLER
9 PM, Friday July 25, Radio Radio, $5
A pair of area indie rock favorites team up at Radio Radio on Friday. Frequent Indy visitor Gentleman Caller makes the trip up from Bloomington. The group’s sound offers a blend of the drone and drive of Velvet Underground with shimmering elements of 80’s college rock. Vulgar Boatmen make one of their less-than-frequent live appearances. The group earned national recognition with their driving dance pop that’s heavily influenced by early rock & roll.
4. Pub Sigs w/ Hellwinkle, Right On John, Indiana Bandana9 PM, Friday July 25, Melody Inn, $6
It’s reunion night at the Melody Inn on Friday as a pair of area bands get back together after long hiatuses. Pub Sigs got their start in Muncie before making their name in Indy with their grooving hard rock. Hellwinkle also started out in the Muncie area, earning fans with their take on hard rock and metal. The reunited acts are joined by Right On John and Indiana Bandana (a band oddly enough from Chicago) for a night of rock.
5. Dave Matthews Band w/ Ingrid Michaelson
7 PM, Friday July 25 and Saturday July 26, Verizon Wireless Music Center, $40-75
Concert visits by the Dave Matthews Band are a summer tradition in Indiana. The group’s popularity is large enough they actually fill Verizon Wireless Music Center for two weekend nights. The band has also spent part of their summer taking part in what’s becoming a popular choice for summer tours. They’re performing at minor league baseball stadiums alongside country legend Willie Nelson. That tour’s closest stop to Indy comes on August 1 when they perform in Louisville.
6. Autovaughn w/ Mardelay & The Franchize
10 PM, Friday July 25, The Vogue, $5
The Vogue continues their Friday night live music series with a trio of bands familiar to local fans. Autovaughn is currently based in Nashville, TN, but claims ties to the Hoosier state. Two of the members were also in Anderson-based A.M. Drive. They’re using the show to celebrate the release of their new EP, “The Cycles.” Indy rockers Mardelay and The Franchize will be on hand to open the three-band bill.
7. Jimmy Buffett
8 PM, Tuesday July 29, Verizon Wireless Music Center, $33-133
A small army outfitted in Hawaiian shirts and possibly under the influence of margaritas will descend on Verizon Wireless Music Center in an annual pilgrimage to see their leader, Jimmy Buffett. The pied piper of wasting away ones days always packs them in at the amphitheater. Surprisingly the event was not sold out as of this writing (nine days before the show). Expect that situation to change closer to show time.
8. The Elms w/ The Last Good Year & Henry French and the Shameless
10 PM, Friday July 25, Spin Nightclub, $5
Though the members of The Elms are all young men, they look to classic rock as the main influence for their music. Listing acts like The Who and The Rolling Stones among their musical heroes, the group creates their own classic rock-styled sound featuring big guitars, big beats, and sing-along hooks. They appear at Spin Nightclub along with The Last Good Year and Henry French and the Shameless before taking their music overseas for shows in Holland and Sweden.
9. Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise
9 PM, Saturday July 26, The Bluebird (Bloomington), $8
Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise has a unique relationship with the Bluebird, Bloomington, IN’s long running live music venue. The group visits the club frequently and chose it as the place to record their 2006 live album, “What About That.” The band features vocalist Bradley, a blind street performer who was discovered by his backing band. Together they create a sound that mixes blues, soul, and alt rock.
10. Miller Lite Rock ‘N Racing feat. Goo Goo Dolls
4:45 PM, Saturday July 26, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, $15
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has made music a huge part of the days leading up to big races at the track. This event comes on the eve of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Modern rock hit makers the Goo Goo Dolls perform following a day of qualifying and practice for the Sunday race. Speedway gates open at 7 AM and racing starts at 10 AM. The music closes the day starting at 4:45 PM.
