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LOCAL MUSIC NEWS COLUMN by Tom Lounges OK GO… Strive To Get Votes GO-ing
Recognizing that touring rock bands have more direct contact with young people in America than anyone else, and that an appalling two-thirds of the nation’s 18-30 year olds didn’t vote in the 2000 elections, the Chicago-based OK GO have decided to use their status to try to convince other bands to do the same. They are not just spouting off via press releases, but actually getting busy to promote political activism. Singer/guitarist Damian Kulash has written a fiery and inspirational “How To...” guide guide for bands interested in becoming politically active. Titled -- “How Your Band Can Fire Bush!” -- it is part passionate manifesto, part resource guide. Available as a PDF file at www.okgo.net, the guide lays out simple and compelling argument for why bands should be involved and what they can do, and provides simple tools for them to talk to their fans and the press. Whether you agree with Kulash’s politically or not, it is nice to see musicians taking the incentive to get young people thinking and taking an active part in the political process. OK GO also contributed the lead track to Future Soundtrack For America, a joint project of MoveOn.org, Music For America and Barsuk Records. The band’s buoyant cover of the Zombies’ classic, “This Will Be Our Year,” begins an incredible collection, compiled by John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants. The album’s line-up includes such artists as: Eliott Smith, R.E.M., Flaming Lips, Tom Waits, Blink 182, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Deathcab For Cutie and others. Copies available at: www.MoveOn.org One hundred percent of the sales profits go to non-profit progressive organizations, including Music For America, Common Assets and The Sierra Club.
LOCAL BAND BITS...
• Portage, Indiana’s recently opened, Hoops Sports Bar (located inside the Ramada Inn), will celebrate their official Grand Opening on August 14 with a five band heavy rock party featuring – Bullhead, Trauma, Orchestrated Chaos, Supercell and Oddity. Call for more information: (219) 764-9444. • Local singer/songwriter, Jeremy Williams, landed himself as opening act last month for the Tweeter Center’s Alanis Morrissette/Barenaked Ladies concert. Williams performed his original songs from his newly released album, 219, on Tommy Hilfiger Stage. • Northwest Indiana’s Planetary Blues Band, featuring the musical siblings -- Bobby, Martin and Michael Schaefer-Murray –– will release their new 14-song, self-titled CD the first week of August. This new original music collection, is the follow up to the PBB’s 11-song CD, Blues For Our Grandfather, a 2002 release of half covers/half originals. Though tremendously impacted by traditional blues, the brothers describe their own sound as an amalgamation of styles. “We’re like Bob Marley meets Jimi Hendrix sort of...with a little hip-hop,” said Bobby. “There’s some jazz and funk in there too,” chimed in Martin. • There’s a new five-piece teenage rock band out of Crown Point, Indiana called Asteria –– Seth Henderson, Sam Henderson, Brandon McQuen, Ryan Gullett and Terrence Kline -- starting to quickly make a name for themselves at local all ages events. After releasing their self-produced, 12-song original CD titled, Broken Hearted Lullabies and Hope Filled Dreams, this talented group of 17-year-old C.P. Bulldogs took first place at last month’s “The Ultimate Battle Of The Bands” held at the St. John Festival. Since then, they have maintained a high profile by partaking in a variety of multi-band showcase nights happening around Lake County. Sign on at www.purevolume.com/asteria to hear Asteria’s new song, “You Could Be My Mona Lisa.” Learn more about the young rockers at: www.asteria-music.com • In the good news department, the region’s punky and spunky, Coinslot, recently added Chris Seleski to their line up as full time keyboardist. But on the downside, the sprite young combo have decided to pull up roots and relocate downstate to Bloomington, Indiana this fall. Moving at this particular time, will help them capitalize on the frat party scene, since their eclectic Ska meets Salsa meets New Wave-style should make them a hit with college folk. Sadly we will miss them up here! • Gary, Indiana native and Chesterton High School alumni –– J.J. Garcia –– has landed a Taye Drums endorsement. Garcia has been residing in Los Angeles for the last six years and performs with the three-piece blues outfit, Stone, who have toured with the likes of Cheap Trick, Paula Cole and Tonic. Garcia also drummed on the track, “Dismemberment Blues,” from the soundtrack of the John Carpenter film, “Ghosts Of Mars.”
SOME COOL AREA EVENTS...
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• The Untouchable Motorcycle Club is hosting their “Rumble In The Jungle” on Sunday, September 5 from 12 noon to 11 p.m. at the Lake Etta County Park (29th Avenue) in Gary, Indiana. Proceeds will benefit the family of slain Indiana State Trooper, Scott Patrick. Music will be provided by The Steepwater Band, Fetish Dolls and Drop Gun. More information, (219) 742-4692 or at www.untouchablesmc.com • Fans of rock operas will not want to miss the Dunes Arts Foundation Children’s and Youth Theatre’s presentation of “Godspell” at the Dunes Summer Theatre. This writer has much respect for the DST folks and have always enjoyed their productions. “Godspell” runs the first two weekends of August with a variety of afternoon and evening performances. Admission is $7. Show schedule found at: www.dunessummertheatre.com That’s all for now. Catch me chatting with guitarist George Lynch and Blackie Lawless of W.A.S.P. as my “on air” guests –– August 8 and August 15, respectively – on NIGHT ROCK. The show is now airing live from 6-9 every Sunday on X-ROCK /103.9FM And tune in for my daily “Budweiser Rock In The Region” concert and club update segments, keeping you up to speed on what bands are playing where each weekend. | ||
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Amidst feverishly working on their eagerly awaited second album, OK GO, have taken some time out to serve their country by encouraging their fans, fellow musicians and everyone else to get politically active and involved. 
ABATE of Indiana Region Two is hosting their annual “Ride for MDA” on Saturday, August 28. Yours truly will emcee for the event, which will include live music by the groups –– Shuddup & Drive, Mr. Funnyman, The Highway Band and Marshall Law –– as well as field events and a bike show. There will be overnight camping provisions. More information: (219) 931-8433.