FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE...
by Tom Lounges
DON’T LOOK FOR US UNTIL FEBRUARY!
Remember folks, this issueis our annual double issue – December/January
– so do not look for a separate January edition on the street next month.
Instead, look for us the first week of February.
HARD & HEAVY CHRISTMAS JAMS...
We return to our old J.J. Kelley’s stomping grounds for our first bash
there in two years. And since we missed what used to be our annual holiday
showcase there last year, we’re making it up this year with a full weekend of
metal!
That’s right – TWO parties over TWO nights with a total of TEN bands!
Our good buddy Mike Meadows and the Undertow boys will serve as the host band
for both nights.
We’ll kick off the festivities on Friday, Dec. 21 with Undertow, X-SEED,
Brok “n” Halo, Coma and American Motherload. The slamfest will then carry
over to Saturday, Dec. 22 when Undertow is joined by Inzane, Lugnut,
B.L.U.D.D., Skunk 420 and Pitch Black.
BAND BATTLE TO BE WAGED...
In the past, I was never a big fan of “Battle Of The Bands,” because I
felt such events promoted rivalry instead of camaraderie among area musical
groups. However, I have been approached many times in the past about
presenting a “Battle” series and have finally been worn down enough to
accept the challenge.
Our BEAT-sponsored “Battle Of The Bands” will be held once a month on a
Sunday at Backdoor Lounge (811 Ridge Rd.) in Griffith, IN.
Most musicians I’ve spoken with about this idea feel that even though
there is a sense of rivalry generated, it is the friendly sort. So I head
into this series with a little trepidation but also with much excitement, for
I know it will give me a chance to catch many new bands.
That said, this new series is being co-presented by Midwest BEAT and The
Backdoor Lounge and is being produced by J.D. Leap of Zion Productions.
For more information, see the ad on page 4 of this issue and/or call J.D.
of Zion Productions at (219) 962-6563.
CHRIS NELKEN REMEMBERED...
Kudos to the management and work staff of the Prime Conveyor company in
Merrillville, IN!
They showed a LOT of class when they created a special living memorial to
late local guitarist Chris Nelken (Tyrant’s Reign).
Nelken had been employed by Prime Conveyor since the summer of 1997 and
stayed with them until the fall of 1999 when he became too sick with cancer
to continue working.
On October 2, 2001, the first anniversary of Nelken’s death, the Prime
Conveyor folks planted a beautiful Red Sunset Maple tree in the front of
their main building in Nelken’s memory. They dedicated it to his memory with
a special bronz plaque. Chris’ parents, Ernie and Shirley Nelken, were
invited to be a part of thecompany’s dedication ceremony.
“Chris is gone, but he is not forgotten,” said Marilyn Robinson on
behalf of Prime Conveyor. “Every morning when I come to work, I see his tree
and think of him. He left an empty space in our company that can never be
filled.”
BAND BITS...
• Chicago hit-maker Jim Peterik is well known for brandishing an inspired
pen that has written hit singles for the likes of .38 Special, Lynyrd
Skynryd, REO Speedwagon and his own Survivor, among other classic rock acts.
Showing that you’re never too old to write a great pop song for any
generation, the perennial hit-maker has penned what could be the teen hit of
the new year! His “The Kiss Off (Goodbye)” is the lead single from new
15-year-old pop music sensation Brooke Allison’s self-titled debut CD.
Peterik also composed the title track for .38 Special’s first ever
holiday CD, A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night, now in stores. He co-wrote a second
track – “It’s Christmas And I Miss You” – with .38’s guitarist, Don Barnes.
• It’s been reported that the Gary, Indiana-born Gloved One –– Michael
Jackson –– will make a cameo appearance in the movie “Men In Black 2.”
Jackson filmed his scenes last month according to our sources. The official
word is that director Barry Sonnenfeld personally invited Jackson to be in
the film, but everyone connected to it has been sworn to secrecy about what
kind of role Michael will actually play. One thing’s for certain – he will
not play one of the aliens.
Perhaps Sonnenfeld thought it would be typecasting, since Jackson has
morphed into such an alien-looking creature since leaving the Heartland. His
face is so whack from all he has done to it, that he couldn’t even smile on
his recent television special. Ahhh...but I digress.
This is the singer’s second close encounter of the third kind. Years
ago, he recorded a special story album connected to Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.”
• The Bedheads – who in October completed and released their first 9-track
demo CD, will head back into the studio in January to record another ten
original songs with well known region guitarist, Danny Giorgi (of Kill Your
Guitars) and Chad Clifford of The Crawpuppies guesting on selected cuts.
• Nobody’s talking, but there’s a street buzz that a few major labels have
been seriously sniffing around the Slitheryn camp lately. The red hot Chicago
metal teen band has been doing an awful lot of high-profile shows lately.
Could they be the next local act to step up to the big leagues? This writer
thinks... “Yes!”
• Speaking of “bubbling under” talent ready for the big leagues...
Steepwater Band will hopefully get their due soon. In the meantime,
Steepwater will open for Virgin Recording artists, Cracker, on Dec. 16 at The
Metro at 9 p.m.
• Speaking of happy people... Shuddup & Drive guitarist Marty “Carr”
Edmaiston was walking on air when I caught his band jamming at the new 2nd
Dimensions club in Schererville on Nov. 30. It seems just a couple hours
earlier the popular local string-bender was helping to deliver his new son,
Trey Edward Edmaiston. Both the baby and mother, Cindy Lou Edmaiston, are
doing well! Congrats to the proud parents, big brother Chance and Uncle Ray
too!
‘Nuff said... Happy Holidays to all!