Musical Family Tree

Last Friday night, August 11, began 18 hours of rock and roll for yours truly. First up was the Musical Family Tree showcase at Locals Only. This show, among many others last weekend, was part of the 2006 Midwest Music Summit. I guessed right that Locals Only would be the place to be on Friday night. The lineup included many bands that created and have kept Indy's local music scene alive the past 15 years or more. Musical Family Tree is a website dedicated to bands from Indiana. The idea is to collect info and songs from the past and follow the songmakers into the future, a family tree. Its well worth checking out. Of course with good music comes good friends as well. It was great to see a packed house for the lineup. Highlights for me where seeing old favorites the Mysteries of Life (ending their set with Naive Melody by Talking Heads!), Phyllis (a short set marred by heckling patrons...thanks Pete), Gentleman Caller, John Strohm (Blake Babies/Antenna), and Vess Rhutenberg (Pieces/United States Three). I called it quits before the Vulgar Boatmen hit the stage at 1a or later. Interesting tidbit I learned from Matt Speake, VB guitarist, that a documentary is currently being filmed on the famous band. The story and the art is there for a good doc, hope it sees the light of day. Check out the live show posted on MFT (note the date 5/20/2006...Jeff & Keri's reception night!)


Saturday at 1p brought me to the Melody Inn and the 4th annual Phyllis picnic. Free music and free food! This year's lineup was a real winner. ESW (wild bass, adam white drumming his heart out, and keyboard/sax player!! freaky good), Mckel Vee Kel (another John Sheets alter ego....samples, Richard Nixon, and Television furiosity with Phyllis boys!! Fabulous, thanks Johnny, er McKel Vee), Brian Deer and the Achievers (wow, very good roots rock from Brian..Brett on cuntry bass fiddle and high lonesome harmony), Fuglees (you know em, you love em), Born Again Floozies (come on Joe, you do no wrong, a righteous set), and Phyllis. I've seen a few Phyllis shindigs in my life, this was the best one yet. The boys were dead nuts on it. Thanks guys for rockin us. Can't wait for the new platter. Check out a rough mix from the studio on their myspace page.