The Foo Fighters

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: July 17 - July 23, 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. Spiritualized w/ the Dirtbombs

8 p.m. July 21, $16, the Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., (317) 259-7029.

In what arguably could be the best club show of the summer, and maybe the entire year, Spiritualized comes to the Vogue with the Dirtbombs opening. Spiritualized brings a trance/psychedelic wall of sound, while Detroit’s Dirtbombs, with their raw Motown rock sound, are a live-band legend. Either act would be an exciting headliner; together they make for a must-see show. In a late-breaking addition to the bill, Thunders will appear as a special guest.

2. Foo Fighters, with Supergrass

7:30 p.m. July 23, $25-$45, Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 Pennsylvania St., (317) 239-5151.

Once upon a time, arena shows were the norm in rock music. Now few bands have the following to fill an arena. Foo Fighters are the exception. The modern rock quartet, headed by ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, has landed 23 singles on the U.S. charts. Five of the band’s six albums have cracked the Top 10. British rockers Supergrass hold down opening duties.

3. Indiana Black Expo/Whitelies.tv Free Concert, featuring Cameo

6 p.m. July 20, free, American Legion Mall, 401 N. Meridian St., (317) 239-5151

Indiana Black Expo once again closes with an outdoor party that promises to be one of the best free concerts of the summer. Headliner Cameo is best known for its eternal party anthem, “Word Up.” Also appearing is ConFunkShun, which delivered 25 R&B hits in the ’70s and ’80s, including 1978 No. 1 hit, “Ffun.”

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FILM SCHOOL (photo by charles homo)

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: July 10 - July 16, 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. Film School w/ We Are Hex

9 p.m. July 16, Locals Only, 2449 E. 56th St., (317) 255-4013.

Indy-based Web site My Old Kentucky Blog has been exposing the world to up-and-coming indie bands since 2005. The site also has brought to town many of the artists it has featured. This mid-week, MOKB-sponsored show features Film School, a California-based band known for its dream pop sound. Its shimmery guitar and reverb-laden vocals are reminiscent of acts like Joy Division and My Bloody Valentine.

2. Action Strasse CD release show w/ We Are Hex

9 p.m. July 12, $7, Spin Nightclub, 6308 Guilford Ave., (317) 257-0000.

It didn’t take long for Action Strasse to win the attention of Indy’s music fans. The group features an all-star lineup of local rockers including Vess Ruhtenberg (Zero Boys, United States 3, The Pieces, Lemonheads), John Zeps (Acid Green, Burn It Down, Majhas) and Zeps’ Majhas bandmates Tony Reitz and Tommy Roosa. The foursome celebrate their first CD with a performance featuring their upbeat indie pop sound.

3. Tift Merritt w/ Cameron McGill & What Army

9 p.m. July 11, $14, Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect. St. (317) 955-0995.

Merritt burst into the public eye in 2002 with her album “Bramble Rose,” a collection that won high praise from Time magazine and The Times of London. Along the way, she has paired up with musical heavy hitters like Emmylou Harris and The Heartbreakers’ Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell. She tours in support of her 2008 record, “Another Country.”
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Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: July 3 - July 9, 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. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers w/ Steve Winwood

7:30 p.m. July 3, $29-$94.50, Verizon Wireless Music Center, 12800 E. 146th St., Noblesville, (317) 776-8181.

Quintessential American rock-’n'-roll band Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers visits on the eve of the most American of holidays. The 50-plus hit singles in their catalog are among some of the most recognized tracks on rock radio, making concerts fall easily into extended sing-alongs with the audience. Fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Steve Winwood, inducted for his work with the band Traffic, handles opening duties.

2. Sloppy Seconds CD release show w/ the Hollywood Blondes, the Villains and Up! Scumbag

7 p.m. July 5, $10, Emerson Theater, 4634 E 10th St., (317) 357-0239.

Add Sloppy Seconds to the list of Indy’s top exports to the punk rock world. The group has earned an international rep with its punk-rock tales of booze, porn and pop culture. After a long layoff from playing live, the hometown heroes return to celebrate the release of their first full-length album in a decade, “Endless Bummer.”

3. Mpozi Memorial Bash

10 p.m. July 4, $7, Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect. St., (317) 955-0995.

Mpozi Mshale Tolbert left his mark on Indy’s music scene in numerous ways. As a photographer for The Indianapolis Star, Mpozi was a regular fixture at large and small shows alike. As a DJ, he could be found spinning records in Indy’s clubs. This year marks two years since his sudden death. Mpozi’s friends gather on July 4 to honor his memory. Read more about this event here

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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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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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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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The Avett Brothers

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: June 5 - June 11, 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. LORETTA CD release show/farewell show
w/Red Light Driver & Miranda Sound

9 PM, Friday June 6, Birdy’s, $7

Neil Young noted “It’s better to burn out/than to fade away.” Rock act Loretta has chosen to neither burn out nor fade away to cap off their run as one of Indy’s favorite bands. They are simply retiring gracefully after this show. The night offers the chance to hear the quartet of three brothers and their best friend perform their emotionally powered rock one more time and celebrate the release of their final CD.

2. The Avett Brothers w/ The Everybodyfields

9 PM, Friday June 6, The Vogue, $18

The Avett Brothers introduced themselves to Indianapolis at the 2005 Midwest Music Summit where they instantly won over local music fans. Their music blends the front porch stomp of Carolina mountain music with lyrics that address modern life. The trio of the two Avett Brothers with bassist Bob Crawford stops in Indy before heading out on a steady stream of festival appearances throughout the summer.

3. Nada Surf & The Republic Tigers

8:30 PM, Monday June 9, Music Mill, $15

Nada Surf is labeled as “indie rock legends” in some circles, though the road to that status wasn’t easy for the group. After releasing a hit single and achieving early success with their major label debut, they found themselves back on the indie road with their second record. Unfazed, the group re-established themselves with a steady steam of quality power pop releases and regular touring.

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Sheryl Crow

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: May 29-June 4, 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. Nels Cline

7 & 9 PM, Wednesday June 4, Jazz Kitchen, $18

Guitarist Nels Cline picked up a sweet day job when he was asked to join Wilco for their 2007 album “Sky Blue Sky” and subsequent tour. Until then he’d been known primarily for his work in experimental/free jazz, noise/punk rock, and roots music. Actually, that combination adds up to a pretty good resume for a would-be member of Wilco. Expect to hear some of Cline’s more experimental music at this show.

2. RADIOactivty – A Fundraiser for WITT 91.9

2 PM, Saturday May 31, Locals Only, $10

Community radio station WITT 91.9-FM has a goal of being on the air in 2008. They’re building their financial coffers the same way they hope to build their listenership, by presenting music to the masses. This week they throw a fundraiser that features both a 21+ indoor stage and all-ages outdoor stage. Jenn Cristy, Gentleman Caller, and Thunders are just a few of the dozen acts scheduled to appear. Visit www.919witt.org for full lineup.

3. Eric Clapton

7:30 PM, Friday May 30, Verizon Wireless Music Center, $37.50 – 174.50

It’s been over 40 years since the iconic graffiti “Clapton Is God” decorated a train station in London. Though the painted message is likely long gone, Clapton’s reputation as one of the guitar greats has grown. The three-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee - with The Yardbirds and Cream and as a solo artist – was #4 on Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists” list behind fellow icons Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman, and B.B. King.

4. Sheryl Crow w/ Brandi Carlile

7:30 PM, Monday June 2, WhiteLies.tv Lawn at White River State Park, $35-72.50

The summer concert season at the Lawn at White River State Park kicks off with a visit from Sheryl Crow. A lot has happened in the singer’s life since her 2006 comeback show in Indianapolis following her battle with breast cancer. Crow adopted a child in 2007 and released her 6th studio album, “Detours,” in February of this year. She tours with Seattle-based singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile.

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Stone Temple Pilots, Re-united and Playing Carb Day

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: May 22-May 28, 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. North Mississippi Allstars w/ Jimbo Mathus

8:30 PM, Thursday May 22, The Vogue, $17.50

The North Mississippi Allstars have made their mark by performing the southern blues that helped inspire rock & roll. Over seven albums, the group has crafted a raw, electric blues sound that still captures the essence of the Mississippi Delta. They currently tour behind their latest album, “Hernando.” Mississippi-born blues artist Jimbo Mathus, who also performs with the group Squirrel Nut Zippers, opens.

2. Fez Fest ’08 feat. The Dockers, Vinyl Shriner, & Playboy Psychonauts

10 PM, Friday May 23, Melody Inn, $5

The fez is one of the more misunderstood members of the hat family. Favored primarily by Shriners and gentlemen of the Ottoman Empire, the fez has recently become a fashion statement of choice for certain Indy bands. A trio of fez wearers unites on Friday to celebrate their fez-ness (or is it fez-itude?). Punk rockers The Dockers, longtime favorites Vinyl Shriner, and sitar lounge act The Playboy Pyschonauts will compare sounds and hats throughout the night.

3. Memorial Day Cookout feat. Gates of Slumber CD release show

4 PM, Monday May 26, Melody Inn, $8

It’s become tradition for the Melody Inn to open up on Memorial Day for their annual cookout. This year along with free food from their grill, the club serves up a menu of hard rock topped off by doom rockers Gates of Slumber’s CD release show. Their joined by Chicago’s Bible of the Devil along with Indy acts Lafcadio, Denoggonizer, and Apostle of Solitude.

4. Carb Day feat. Stone Temple Pilots

3:30 PM, Friday May 23, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, $10

Carb Day’s move from the Thursday before the 500 to the Friday prior to the race has made it one of the biggest and best pre-race parties in the city. The event has attracted big name acts in recent years to cap off the music at the track. This year the recently reformed Stone Temple Pilots do the honor of performing for the Carb Day crowd. Expect a rundown of the popular alt-rock band’s hits.

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The Hives

INDY TOP 10 LIVE: May 15-May 21, 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 Hives w/ Jack Oblivian

7:30 PM, Saturday May 17, The Vogue, $18.50

When the garage rock revival took hold in the US earlier this decade, several Scandinavian bands picked up on the trend and exported rock as raw as what their American counterparts created. Count The Hives among the best of the Nordic exports. The Swedish group’s highly energetic live show landed them on the top 10 of SPIN magazines Top 25 live acts in 2006. They currently tour behind their 2007 release, “The Black and White Album.”

2. 38th Broad Ripple Art Fair

Saturday May 17 (10 – 6) and Sunday May 18 (10-5), Indianapolis Art Center, $15

Along with the work of the 225 artists showing at the Broad Ripple Art Fair, you can also take in music from some of the area’s best artists. Four outdoor stages, including one featuring kids’ music, provide a soundtrack for the weekend event. Cynthia Layne, blueprintmusic, the Duke Tumatoe Duo, Michael Kelsey, and Left Lane Cruiser are among the acts scheduled to perform. Visit indplsartcenter.org for full schedule of performers and set times.

3. The Pete Best Band w/ Bigger Than Elvis

9 PM, Wednesday May 21, Radio Radio, $10

Pete Best received what may be the most famous pink slip in history. Best was the drummer for The Beatles during their years in Hamburg and Liverpool. He was fired from the group in 1962 and replaced by Ringo Starr. Over the last 20 years Best has performed with his own band, recreating the sound of those early Beatle years. Perhaps your only chance to see a former Beatle perform in a club setting comes Wednesday.

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