David Vandervelde
In a time when much of indie rock seems to be getting more introspective, controlled, and beautiful, David Vanderelde presents such a raw and powerful view of rock-n-roll that it reminds us of our days gone by of bowing before pin-up rock stars and carving iconographic logos on desktops.
The guitars shout like Neil Young in his best "Crazy Horse" days and Vandervelde's voice mesmerizes like Marc Bolan's warbling howls. Vandervelde shows us that rock-n-roll is still here to stay.
- Where: The Bishop (Bloomington, Indiana)
- When: Sunday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m.
- How Much: $5.00 pre sale, $8.00 at the door
- What Else: Two bands, Paleo and Tilfod Sellers, open the show.
Vivian Girls
The vocals of this Brooklyn, New York trio is reminiscent of girl groups from the 1960's. Their instrumentals could have been pulled from a Jan and Dean album. And, the production sensibilities on their third album Share the Joy are lo-fi, dirty, and raw. All these factors combine to make a band that is expanding its strong local following to nationwide success.
The spot of drummer has been passed between three women: Frankie Rose to Ali Koehler to Fiona Campbell. Koehler now plays with the similarly lo-fi, surfer group Best Coast, and Campbell will be splitting her time between Vivian Girls and Coasting.
- Where: Max's Place (Bloomington, Indiana)
- When: Sunday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m.
- How Much: $5.00 pre sale, $8.00 at the door
- What Else: Two bands, Paleo and Tilfod Sellers, open the show.
The Donkeys
When I listen to The Donkeys, I immediately think authentic, fun, laid back, American rock. Their San Diego roots shine through with sunshine rock that is neither blatantly retro nor annoyingly ‘bubble-gum.'
Three of the four band's members take lead vocals on several songs, showing that they all have the chops to craft a lasting melody as well as the vocal prowess to take the helm. All members often chime in on choruses, showing that music so innately honest and playful sounds best when coming from a collective of friends.
- Where: The Bishop (Bloomington, Indiana)
- When: Thursday, May 19 at 9:00 p.m.
- How Much: $5.00
- What Else: Two bands, The Calumet Reel and Whipoorwill, open the show.