The Butterfly Tour Birthday Edition, Part Two

Even though my for-real birthday was on a Monday (see previous post), I did most of my celebrating on Tuesday. It just-so-happened that this year my special day fell next to the December edition of Let Go! at the Lockerbie. Even more exciting? That night was also the official celebration of DJ Action Jackson's new residency at the monthly freak-out dance party. Naturally, a theme was attached: totally 90's!

After work, I met up with MoDub at Goodwill to search  for party attire. Normally, I don't partake in dress up themes but, hello, it was my birthday. After finding several key garments and multiple outfit incarnations, I was able to seal the deal with golden yellow skinny jeans. At home, I paired them with a black tank top, jean jacket, long golden chain, and black slip-on tennis shoes. Molly's key accessory was the white Coca Cola visor she found on the Goodwill shelves; she finished her outfit with a white t-shirt, black leggings, mom-style jean shorts, red Keds, and an old letterman jacket. And a side poneytail.

We made a quick stop at my friend's new apartment on our way to The Melody Inn. She showed us the ballin' outfit she was going to wear if she went (we were jealous!) but she wasn't feeling (our sounding) well and decided to stay home instead. We got the grand tour of her new bachelorette pad and soon thereafter were off to Juxtapoze.

Our time at The Mel was short. I saw some friends, gave out hugs, did some chit-chatting, and watched the clock. By 11:40 we were ready to get the (nineties) party started. The 15-minute car ride to the Lockerbie included, appropriately enough, copious amounts of Salt n Peppa and 20 Fingers (don't want no short dick, man!).

Once downtown,as per usual, the Lockerbie was hoppin. My regular Let Go accomplices were there, plus about six or eight others who ventured out for to celebrate with me. Glosticks were provided. Multi-color glosticks. We danced to a medley of familiar songs from our preteen days, squeezed onto the floor in a messy blob of neon colors and sweaty bodies covered in spilled beer. After an hour at Let Go! I was spent. I thanked all my friends from coming and headed home to catch a few hours of sleep before heading into work later that morning.

The Butterfly Tour Birthday Edition, Part One

My for-real birthday was on a Monday this year. Just as I had to last year... and the year before that... and the year before that... I had to take a final on my birthday. Never fails. Week-end. Week-day. It makes no difference. This year, it fell on Monday. After a day of work and a final exam for Financial Management 301, I met my boyfriend, a college buddy, and one of my best friends from mojoland at Chatham Tap on Mass Ave.

I ordered the salmon sandwich on black bean and salsa bread. The sandwich came with salad mix, gouda, avacado, and cilantro sauce. And a Sunking Cream Ale. I told my friends about my new job, we discussed music, and I think they even snuck in a little sports talk under my nose. I spent an extra 45 minutes at the table with my gentleman friend after the others left and then headed home.

Cards from my mom and aunt were waiting for me on the bookself by the door when I got home; the former had a check enclosed and the latter included a device that allows me to quickly instal a hook upon which to hang my purse from any table or bar. My roommate was in the kitchen finishing a sink of dishes. "Cookie and I didn't really get you anything for your birthday," he said as he clanked around a stack of plates. "But the fridge is clean, the trash is gone, recycling dropped off, dishes done, and garbage disposal is clean."

Since this post has been delayed for more than a week, I am also proud to report I scored a 77 on the final that day; I needed a 33 to pass the class.

Birthday celebration day one: success.

Up next: Butterfly Tour Birthday Edition, Part Two

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The Butterfly Tour hits Chicago

Last weekend The Butterfly Tour traveled to Chicago for one of the best weekends I've ever had in The Windy City.

Friday night I rode up with my boyfriend for the DJ Shadow show in Chicago. Read my full review here on NUVO.net.

After the show, we stayed the night at Kristin's new place. Brendon took off early in the morning while I waited for Swanny to wake up. We went to a handmade craft fair in the afternoon where I made a few purchases and crossed a few names off of my Christmas list. After that, we went out for dinner at a small Mexican restaurant where I learned about Chicago's BYOB policy. My understanding is that due to the high number of restaurants in a relatively small area, not all places of business are able to obtain liquor licenses. Consequently, a policy of BYOB is in effect at some establishments, allowing customers to literally carry in their own beverages. In leiu of margarita mix, we each purchased a lemon-lime soda to mix with the Cuervo we picked up at the Seven Eleven on the way there. BYOB FTW.

After dinner, we had time to kill and met up with some of Kristin's friends before heading to The Congress Theater to see Mutaytor. After two bars, two beers, and one shot each- we were ready for the show. Of the many things that put me in awe when I visit Chicago, public transit ranks among the top. After a relatively quiet train ride, I found myself on the bus listening to the guy behind us repeatedly remind everyone that Soul Train would later be on Infusion and that he couldn't wait to watch it as he shared his blueberry pie with his cat.

The Congress Theater was more striking than I could have imagined. A DJ was set up on the lobby's picturesque double-staircase and a small ragefest was in full swing on the floor below him. Inside the theater, the show was surprisingly under-attended. Nonetheless, the crowd was full of freeks and geeks- exactly the way I like it- and I had never felt more at home at a show in Chicago than I did in that crowd.

After Mutaytor, we headed back to the sports bar we were at earlier and rejoined the crew we had left before the show. Still in "dance mode" I entertained myself in the corner to the music supplied by the house DJ while everyone else played beer pong and continued the debauchery. The rest of the night is a collection of fragmented memories that includes a stop at a different bar full of creepers, falling asleep at the table over a plate of breakfast, and a heated debate about what's best: BJ's or handies.

Fully equipped with a massive hangover, I embarked on a three-hour bus ride home the next afternoon. I slept the entire time.

But hey- at least my car didn't get impounded and nobody went to jail this time.

Indy's Next Big Thing is... not The Twin Cats?

Last Friday Indy's beloved Twin Cats performed in a contest called "Indy's Next Big Thing" in which they competed against 3 other local bands for a large marketing package and studio time. The Cats were the obviously dominate band, evident by their massive fan base. Alas, the winner was chosen by three judges, not the level of audience support. After the announcement was made that The Last Good Year were the winning band, the entire venue booed the announcer. Minutes later, a group of people began chanting "Bullshit!".

Although I was just as disappointed as everyone else, I found the chanting to be incredibly inappropriate.

Admittedly, I chuckled a little when the crowd started booing after the announcement. It felt nice to sort of "stick it to the judges" to make it known that The Twin Cats had the biggest fan base and that we all felt they should win.

However- when that smaller group of people started chanting "bullshit!" I was a little appalled. That was a totally unprofessional representation of the Twin Cats fan base. As their biggest fans, our words and actions are a direct reflection of the band. Imagine how that would have felt to be one of the Twin Cats shaking the hands of The Last Good Year members and congratulating them while the crowd completely minimizes the amazing accomplishment they've just made.

If the roles were reversed, how would we (the local Twin Cats fans) feel if the guys took first place and some other band with a fan base that dwarfs our own came out and starting chanting bullshit to the fact that they won? We'd say, "Wow. Those guys are a bunch of pricks. I'll make sure I never go see them live."

The Twin Cats had an opportunity to enhance their already-massive local following last Friday and win over fans from a completely different musical genre. But because everyone got caught up in winning and losing, we overlooked the fact that the event was to support and celebrate local Indianapolis talent and be happy for the band that won.

The Butterfly Tour 11/5

Cyberoptix was at The Mousetrap on Thurzday and I went to bed around 3 or 4 that morning. Lucky for me, I scheduled Friday off of work.

I had a meeting with my editor at NUVO around 11 on Friday. We talked about a regular "Nightlife" column that will be added to the print version of the magazine early in 2011 and we brainstormed on what type of content should fill the space. Funny? Sarcastic? Heavy on photos? Advice, tips, and tricks? Reviews? Informative? Opinionated? Only time will tell...

The first stop on The Butterfly Tour that evening was at White Rabbit Cabaret in Fountain Square for the MarchFourth Marching Band. I'll be posting a review of that to my NUVO blog, so if it's not in that column along the left, then it will be soon.

After that, I drove north to the The Vogue for "Static Shock: where hair & fashion meet music & art". I was primarily interested in seeing AudioDax, but was curious to see the format for the event as well. Impeccable timing put me inside the venue minutes before AudioDax came on. Considering the amount of production put into the songs, their live show remained remarkably true to the original compositions. The set was active, but movement was limited to the two emcee's jumping around the stage and flailing their arms in lieu of instruments. I started in the front row, but quickly left the hoard of college frat boys I found myself immersed in. Literally... " 'scuse me," one said as he scooted in from the side with his camera. As if I'd asked for validation, he squealed at me with a burst of excitement, "These guys are in my fraternity!"

From my new position along the back of the concert floor, I observed a catwalk extending into the audience that was apparently used in the fashion show portion of the event. Except I personally only saw one really drunk girl use it in her attempt to maintain a sexy demeanor while stabilizing her intoxicated body horizontally on the catwalk. After less than half an hour inside The Vogue, I had seen enough.

Over on Guilford at Tru Night Club my good friend, fellow mofo, and fellow Jay County native Kelli Whitenack was having her birthday party. The overwhelming number of Indy Mojo members was fun and exciting, nostalgic and touching. When we do fun things in big numbers, we do it better than anyone else around. From massive events like The Zombie Walk, to co-ed strip club outings, to invading Tru Night Club on a Friday night to support Matt Allen and celebrate Kelli's birthday- its always more fun (and safe) in mixed company. "Who are you here with?" one of my non-mojo friends asked me on the side. I slowly made a large semi-circle in the air with my hand as I turned and faced the mass of mofo's that had swarmed the dance floor. "All of them," I replied.

John Larner's set was heavy on Top 40 music and proved to be annoyingly unpredictable;  those who had come to dance found it difficult to locate a solid beat. Furthermore, the tracks were uncomplimentary from one to the next and his choices lacked cohesiveness. Soon after Larner was done, however, we danced away Matt Allen's hour in the blink of an eye- an invigorating set that included both ample amounts of Weezy and a fun classic by Eurythmics.

Pro Tip #23

Planning a trip to the record store soon? Go through your collection of CD's and (if you have any) vinyl to see if there's anything you can part with. Luna usually offers generous trade value for your old and unwanted music, but it's worth a shot to ask any non-corporate music retailer if they'd be able to make a deal with you. It could shave a couple dollars off of that new album you've been wanting to pick up but couldn't quite make the financial splurge for. 

The Butterfly Tour 10/8

Last Friday, after the obligatory trip to my favorite local brewer (Sunking) for a $5 growler fill, I headed home to walk my dog and change clothes. Shortly thereafter, I was en route to meet up with the boyfriend and head out to my first haunted house of the season.

We opted for Nightmare on Edgewood on Indy’s south side. At $15 a head, the haunt is easily worth the money. This is primarily so because of NOE’s touching policy… or lack thereof. Fingers combed my hair, hands were laid upon my shoulder, my pant legs were tugged at, mechanized cutting devices were thrusted at my limbs, and there was even once an effort to pull me from the bear hug grip I had on my escort. While the haunt utilizes some familiar old tricks, NOE’s first room of terror is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in a haunted house before. Let me just say- so as not to spoil the surprise- you are locked in a small room for what feels like an eternity. And you will NOT be standing still.

After Nightmare on Edgewood, I trucked north to Broad Ripple to purchase some Christmas presents from my friend Ashley Woodrum and enjoy a short visit with she and boyfriend John. Looking for an affordable local visual artist to buy your next birthday or Chirstmas present from? Look no further. Also, check out her Alice in Wonderland series, as featured on Heavy Gun Blog.

Space Owls Series - Ashley Woodrum

Next on The Tour was a brief stop at The Mousetrap to see Catch Curtis for the first time; I unfortunately missed them at Wuhnurth in September, so I made a point to catch their early set here in town. Be on the lookout for an upcoming Thursday night Catch Curtis gig at The Mousetrap with improv/dance/livetronica group Embryonic Fluid.

30 minutes later, I realized I was falling behind my own schedule (hey, sometimes you have to be flexible on The Butterfly Tour) and headed back into the village to check out electro mashup DJ Matt Allen’s new weekly event at Tru Nightclub- Blend.

I had one last stop planned for the night: the final installment of Cultural Cannibal’s weekly event at Hyde. My sources on the scene told me before I was able to get there that the party downtown at Hyde was dead, even past the stroke of midnight. Such was the case for the previous week's event,  as well. To understate, this was depressing news to me, as the one night in the series that I did attend was ridiculously packed and tons of fun. I guess you can't win them all.

So instead of relocating downtown, we stayed at Tru and got dirty with Matt Allen all night long- including an unlikely dubstep version of Owl City's "Fireflies"- a mocking summarization of Matt Allen's feelings about the electronic sub genre. He did throw in a few legitimate womp wobbles, though. And I appreciated that.

In summary

1.)    Go to Nightmare on Edgewood.

2.)    Buy art from Ashley Woodrum.

3.)    Go see Matt Allen (with special guest Steady B) on 10/15.

Local music knowledge trumps spelling skills

Last night I was preparing an event preview for The Pass' show in Indy this Friday. Without even realizing it, while typing the names of the supporting acts, I subconsciously keyed in "Jookbox" instead of "Jukebox" and thought to myself, "Wait. That doesn't quite look right..."

VS.

The seasons, they are a-changin'

Three weeks after Wuhnurth, I finally put my camping gear away yesterday. It’s bittersweet; refreshing to have my living room floor space back, yet sad to pack up all of my outdoor living gear (even if it is covered in filth and stained with the smell of campfire). For some people, Labor Day signifies the close of summer and beginning of fall. For me, boxing up my tent, cast iron skillet, and portable gas grill is the official expiration of summertime.

This festival season has been my best yet, unquestionably. I ended my two-year relationship with Bonnaroo, but this was inevitable. The mediocre lineup saturated with mainstream artists was an instant turn off (Kings of Leon? Really, Bonnaroo?!). After a sizeable amount of experience at smaller, local festivals I’ve also grown to despise Bonnaroo for its colossal size. It’s ironic that it took my virgin festival experience at Bonnaroo 2008 to make me realize that there’s a massive underground culture of people who think, act, dress, feel, and live just like me… and that I don’t have to travel to Tennessee every year and bear their farcical temperatures to enjoy being a part of that culture.

That said, I did attend two smaller festivals with a balance of grassroots bands and nationally touring acts. Summer Camp (in Chillicothe, IL over Memorial Day weekend) was my first time working in the field. S-Camp had their shit together and conducted media relations with the highest degree of professionalism, including daily press briefings in the morning and afternoon. Five stages, all 5-8 minutes within walking distance of each other, and a supreme lineup of talent could only set a reporter up for success. My coverage resulted in three full-day reviews, a full set review of the Heatbox show, an interview with Boombox, an interview/review with Kinetix, and an interview with Ana Sia.

I also covered the All Good Festival in West Virginia. It was the farthest distance I had ever traveled for a music festival, but the drive proved to be more than worth it. All Good trumps Summer Camp for its camp-with-your-car policy, freedom to bring in your own beer and alcohol, picturesque mountaintop setting, no overlapping sets, and the realest crowd of hippies I’ve ever had the pleasure of festivaling with.

Other festival-related highlights of my summer included Springfest (standout performance: GARGANTA), Mojostock, Wuhnurth, and Knollfest.

I also got to see Lady Gaga this summer, one of the most beautiful, detailed, well-constructed, and energizing shows I’ve ever seen in my life. She really is an artistical, musical genius.

Heavy Gun mobs around Broad Ripple

I've been working closely with Heavy Gun Blog co-founder J. Brookinz lately to develop an educational article divulging the details of the upcoming Broad Ripple Music Fest Beat Battle. The story has developed into something bigger than originally thought and it looks as though I'm now writing the cover story for NUVO that will publish three days before the Broad Ripple Music Fest. No sneak previews here, but I do have a special behind the scenes video from the photo shoot that took place last Sunday.

Special thanks to Jay-P Gold for catching the candid footage and uploading the video.

Click here to watch.

Tuesday is the new Saturday

I've been saying it for quite sometime now, that Tuesday is the new Saturday. I sweartogod it's the truth.

Last Tuesday September 28th, I started my night at The Slippery Noodle with blues harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite. An excerpt from my review on NUVO.net:

Musselwhite’s harp style is unique and he impressed me with his dramatic crescendos, all the way down to a barely audible puff of air through his instrument. He threw his voice from a sing to a growl with zero effort in a matter of seconds. And while most of the music was upbeat and played at a comfortable speed, Musselwhite did express a certain fondness for more a more traditional sound. “Slow blues- gotta have it,” he said. “Gotta have some slow blues.”

After that, I headed to The Melody Inn for the weekly installment of their EDM night titled "Juxtapoze". Special guest drum and bass DJ Klute was the out-of-town headliner (I missed his set due to some technical difficulties as he began, my lack of patience, and a 7:30 start time for work the next morning), but I was really just there for the dubstep anyways. Altered Thurzdaze (IndyMojo.com and G9 Collective's bi-weekly dubstep event at The Mousetrap) resident DJ Kodama was set up in the back room when I arrived, busting out grimey tunage well past the scheduled close of his set. Win.

Bass face!

Butterfly_89000, That DJ Girl, and JK

The next morning on IndyMojo.com, I made this post to the Klute thread in the discussion forums:

I had an epiphany last night during Kodama's set. Allow me to put it into simile format:

EDM (specifically, dubstep) is to music, as chronic is to weed.

In other words...

All my life I've been content with what I knew in regards to music. I wasn't unhappy or displeased with what I was listening to. But once electronic music found its way into my life, it feels like now nothing else can ever compare. I still like and enjoy other types of music, but just a little less than electronica.

... just like smoking really good weed. Or having really good sex. The other stuff is still okay, but once you've had the best, nothing else can really compare.

T.Party launches local line of fashionable t-shirts

T.Party shirts are statement shirts, printed simply in just text, with the occasional small graphic- so that they are easy to fit into your wardrobe and into your life. They don’t demand a particular style or feel- just however your personal style dictates to dress it up or dress it down. Some of you are divas, DJ’s, designers, stylists, shopaholics, and showstoppers- and each of you has a different personality and lifestyle- T.Party makes it easy for you to show that.

As I stood at the bar, gazing to the elevated DJ booth while sipping on my Vanilla Kiss martini, I felt a genuine connection to the words being said about the shirt that I was wearing. Admittedly, I was inside of a swanky sushi bar (my maiden visit to Blu Martini, by the way) wearing holy jeans and flip flops- generally not giving a shit about others’ judgment of my style as I so often do. However, from the waist up, my outfit was all class. The foundational piece, of course, was my T.Party tee; a special-edition, early release from the EDM series which (T.Party founder and designer) Kaitlin Elyse and I have been collaborating on. The text (grey letters against a black shirt, designed by Herron print making student Adam Wollenberg) read, “Dubstep is my drug of choice,” referring to my personally favorite sub-genre of electronic music. The ultra-thin fabric unobtrusively clung to my body and the length stretched down past my belt line. A conservative, yet showy, V neck begged for an accessory; I opted for a long necklace of black beads wrapped around my neck three times. I finished with curls from my hot rollers (one of this girl’s best friends) and a small black clutch.

They don’t demand a particular style or feel- just however your personal style dictates to dress it up or dress it down.

“Yes!” I thought to myself as Kaitlin gave the heartfelt introduction to her line of fashionable tee’s before an army of models began to walk the runway. Any other time, my modern bohemian style would have been too casual for a posh spot like Blu Martini. But T.Party allowed me to incorporate a new versatile garment into my wardrobe that enhances my existing collection of clothing. The adaptive nature of the shirt facilitates accessories and layers to achieve a look appropriate for any outing, while still showing off a girl’s best feature- her individuality.

T.Party shirts work the other way, too. Additional women privileged enough to wear the same design to the launch paired the shirt with fitted black leggings, two-inch heels, big hair, and glamorous jewelry- looking sophisticated enough to party at any of the trendiest clubs in the city.

As Sally Singer, editor-in-chief of The New York Times Style Magazine, said Thursday morning on NPR (ironically, the day of T.Party’s official launch) about the contemporary female consumer- “She's shopping a curatorial way. She's shopping by the piece, not by the look.” In the radio interview, Singer continued to hypothesize that rather than buying an entire new wardrobe every season, “People are buying things that they want to wear because those things will change their look enough to make them feel connected to their time.” It’s become clear to me that T.Party has made it’s official debut in Indianapolis just in time to assist fashionistas across the city in making that connection.

For more information, photos from the launch party, and to find out how to get your own stylish t-shirt from Kaitlin Elyse, visit T.Party on facebook.

Read an exclusive two-part interview with T.Party on the Fashion Wrap Up blog here and here.

 Amy Beers, Kaitlin Elyse and A.J. Jones 

 

Free Art Wednesday

Art is a strange thing. It’s something that is dispensable to a lot of people yet for artists, creating is something we could never live without. I didn’t start creating things when I was younger because I had grandiose dreams of selling it to people. It’s just something inside of me that made me need to create things, for whatever reason or purpose. I don’t stop creating because people stop buying. In times good and in times bad, I’ve always given away art. - Nathan Monk

My friend and past collaborator Nathan Monk just recently commenced a weekly art give away. Basically, all he asks in exchange for you to own a piece of his creativity is... a piece of your own creativity. Simply comment on his blog with your title for the piece of art that he posts each week and wait to see whose he likes the most for the winner. 

Momma’s Got a Squeezebox (left)
Daddy Never Sleeps at Night (right)

Rebel Doll 'Zine

An excerpt from "Letter From Miss Jane" in Issue #1:

As I've gotten older, I've found myself becoming more and more of an analog girl. I've always shot with film, listened to records, and sometimes wish I could ditch the cell phone for a land-line again. I do enjoy the digital world every now and then, but lately feel that the technology that is supposed to be bringing us closer together as a community is making us drift further and further apart. Why call your friends when you can PM or text them? Why visit your friends to see how they're doing when you can leave them a message on their Facebook walls?

Don't get me wrong; I do my fair share of messages and tweeting, but I long for more porch sitting and grabbing a coffee. I think that digital has its place. I just don't want people to forget how to socialize and participate physically in their community.

- Miss Jane

From RebelDoll.com:

Rebel Doll is accepting Art, Photography, Prose, Poetry, Short Stories, How-to/DIY articles, Recipes, Band Reviews, Band Intervies, Show Reviews, Film Reviews, Comics, Games, etc. (if you are unsure about your piece send it in anyway).

Visit website for additional details, contact information, and specs to submit your art.

Wuhnurth (One Earth) Music Festival: Day One

September 17th-19th Stable Studios in Spencer, IN hosted the third annual Wuhnurth Music Festival. The event relocated in 2010 to the southern Indiana venue after complications between Wuhnurth's sister festival, Springfest, and The Waterbowl (located in Muncie and home to both events in previous years).

Follow this link to read my review of day one on NUVO.net.

An excerpt:

I listened in jealousy as I trudged past the main stage on my way into the woods in search of a campsite. Ladymoon was my official welcome to Wuhnurth 2010 but I didn’t have time to stop; we needed to set up before the sun went down. A well-decorated dirt path led through the woods and dumped into a clearing. Here, The Woodland Stage, porta johns, and a small village of vendors awaited. Multiple trailheads branched off of the opening and intertwined across the bohemian settlement coming to life in the trees.

The Butterfly Tour Goes Classical

Yesterday I was privileged enough to be invited to the closing ceremonies of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. Every four years since 1982, Indianapolis hosts 40 of the best young violinists from across the world as they compete in the Western Hemisphere's "Olympics of the Violin."

Remarkable performances, extraordinary prizes and a festival atmosphere characterize the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis (IVCI) as "the ultimate violin contest..." writes the Chicago Tribune. Laureates of "The Indianapolis" have emerged as outstanding artists in concert halls across the globe.

Although the contest lasts for 17 days, I was unable to attend any of the numerous events over the last two weeks. However, witnessing the closing ceremonies was something special and gave me a glimpse of the prestige that comes with participation in the competition. I watched thousands of dollars in prize money be distributed across seven people and even got to hear performances from each of the six final Laureates.

The ceremony was held at The Scottish Rite Cathedral, one of the most breathtaking pieces of architecture in Indianapolis. I got to see the inside of the structure a few weeks ago for Rob & Angie Snodgrass' wedding, but this time I also took a peek at the exquisite ballroom from the balcony.

Special thanks to Emily Tornquist and her family for the sweet ticket hookup and for the opportunity to see such an amazing event.

Animal Gangsta Rap, Phishy Sounds, and Face-Melting Funk

Lounge Soundsystem played on the deck of The Monkey's Tale from 8-9:30 last night. A surprise, special encore put the microphone in front of the band's drummer, Tyson Tiede (who usually remains vocally silent as he pounds out rhythm looking very much like The Muppets character Animal). What came next is really unknown to me; it was some kind of gangsta white boy rap full of incoherent, curse word-laden, verse. And it was awesome.

============================

Next, I took College Avenue downtown to the MassAve Festivall. It was after 10 p.m. and the single-day festival's headliner, UV Hippo, was on stage. I dressed my arms in glow sticks and headed towards the gate. Security let me pass without paying and without checking for credentials, since the event was nearing its close. 20 or 30 people remained, tightly huddled around the front of the stage while bopping around to the psychedelic sounds of UV Hippo.

It was cold. And windy. And I soon realized how much the band's wandering, unmethodical music reminded me of Phish. That meant it was time to go.

============================

Two hours later, I was standing in a cloud of smoke inside The Mousetrap before one of Indy's best bands, The Twin Cats. I've seen them play at countless festivals and multiple venues around town, but nothing beats a show at The Trap with The Twin Cats' face-melting funk. Although a lot of Indianapolis bands have strong local followings, no other group can guarantee a packed house that goes strong until 3 a.m. every. single. time.

Welcome to The Butterfly Tour

I write about a lot of the shows I go to here, in my NUVO blog. But sometimes I make a lot of stops in a single night and don't have more to say than a few sentences about each destination, or don't have a strong enough opinion about something to write an entire review.

So, considering the fast-paced world we live in full of attention spans no longer than an arm's length, I decided to start capturing those sporadic opinions and disjointed thoughts, however brief or lengthy they may be. It might be a mention of a CD I bought, the band I just discovered, the awesome new dance party I went to, or just a listing of all the stops on last night's Butterfly Tour. In other words- the little tidbits of information about me and my continual, music-related journey in Indianapolis that won't get published anywhere else.

Enjoy.