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Review & Photos By John Geiger Hailing from Seymour, Indiana, John Mellencamp has been a prominent figure in the music scene since 1976. With a Grammy Award to his name and a well-deserved spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Mellencamp is celebrated for his signature Americana and roots rock style, often weaving poignant lyrics about the common person's experiences. During his "Live and in Person 2024" tour, Mellencamp graced Ball State’s Emens Auditorium in Muncie with his presence, offering a unique blend of music and visual storytelling. Instead of the customary opening musical act, the audience was treated to a montage of classic black and white films, setting a nostalgic tone for the evening with titles like "The Misfits," "Grapes of Wrath," and "A Streetcar Named Desire." The final black and white clip before Mellencamp took the stage read, “Please Practice Theatre Etiquette." The intimate setting of Emens Auditorium, with its only 3,309 seats, made it feel like a special, small, hometown performance for Mellencamp. As anticipation mounted, the auditorium was bathed in police sirens and red beacon lights, signaling Mellencamp's arrival on stage. Dressed in his trademark blue coveralls, reminiscent of his appearance at Farm Aid 2023, Mellencamp kicked off the show with the song "John Cockers" from his acclaimed 2008 album, "Life, Death, Love and Freedom." Following the crowd-pleaser "Small Town," Mellencamp engaged with the audience, promising a diverse setlist that spanned familiar hits to his lesser-known gems, ensuring there would be “songs you know, songs you don’t know, songs you can sing to, and songs you could dance to.” After playing “The Eyes of Portland,” from his 2023 album “Orpheus Descending,” Mellencamp urged fans to cherish their time together, “so that the time we have here on Earth is our time.” A poignant moment came with "The Real Life," featuring recorded spoken word by Joanne Woodward, a tribute to their enduring friendship despite her battle with Alzheimer's Disease. After the classic song "Cherry Bomb," the artist invited a young girl from the front row onto the stage, guiding her as she sang “Hurts So Good” into the microphone while the audience joined in with enthusiastic support. Mellencamp's performance transcended the typical rock concert, delivering a heartfelt, intimate experience that resonated long after the final note faded. Truly, John Mellencamp Rocks Muncie Indiana's Emens Auditorium! BONUS:Who is Johnny Cougar?In 1976 MCA Records released Mellencamp’s first album, “The Chestnut Street Incident,” under the pseudonym “Johnny Cougar,” because they believed the name “Mellencamp” was not marketable. Mellencamp reluctantly agreed. After the success of his fifth album, “American Fool,” the musician began to slowly reclaim control of his name going by “John Cougar Mellencamp.” By the 1990s, “Cougar” was dropped completely and Mellencamp exclusively released music under his birth name, “John Mellencamp”. Setlist: John Cockers / Paper in Fire / Minutes to Memories / Small Town / Human Wheels / Jackie Brown / Troubled Land / Check It Out / The Eyes of Portland (Acoustic) / Longest Days (Acoustic) / Jack & Diane (Acoustic) / The Real Life (w/ Joanne Woodward spoken word) / Rain on the Scarecrow / Lonely Ol' Night / What If I Came Knocking / Crumblin' Down / Pink Houses / Cherry Bomb / Hurts So Good You can purchase music by John Mellencamp from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE!

It's that time of year again! It's the 2023 Edition of RECORD STORE DAY BLACK FRIDAY at Indy CD & Vinyl, as well as Small Business Saturday the following day! HERE IS WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU: - We will be open from 8am-7pm on Friday, November 24th, 2023. RSD titles will be sold inside our shop beginning at 8am, and we will be carrying all the limited edition and exclusive #RSDBF records! As always, Indy CD & Vinyl orders all the titles, and we order heavily so hopefully none of you don't miss out on what you want. - What else are we known for? Hundreds of thousands of quality used LPS! Indy CD & Vinyl will be doing a huge drop of freshly processed and priced used vinyl that will be hitting the shelves in time for RSDBF! - We will allow a few people at a time into the shop so everyone can get a chance to check out all the goods - everything will be alphabetized in the front of the shop. Once a shopper gets beyond the RSD stuff they are free to hang out and browse and shop as long as they please. - Goodie bags and door prizes will be handed out to the first people in line, while the free stuff lasts!! There will be a scavenger hunt for a free $100 shop gift card! If you buy the Grateful Dead or Jerry Garcia RSD releases from Indy CD & Vinyl you will also get a free pair of tickets to see Jazz Is Dead live at Old National Center, performing Grateful Dead songs with a jazz twist! - There will be sales throughout the shop: 10% off all new (non-RSD) vinyl with a purple sticker! 10% off all new CDs! 10% off greeting cards and postcards! 10% off all t-shirts (store shirts and artist shirts)! - You can win tickets to some of the year's biggest concerts and events! - The RSD List will be available for download on the recordstoreday dot com website - so print it out and check off the titles on your #RSDBF 2023 wishlist, then bring it to the shop on Record Store Day! - You cannot pre-order or have RSD items placed on hold, as this violates the pledge we have signed with RSD, so please don't ask. Your BEST CHANCE to get the limited records is to arrive early in person. If you line up really early and it is really cold we will supply an outdoor heater for you! - You can buy as much of your list as you want with the product we have, but only one copy of any title per person! We will continue to update those in line with items that have sold out. Again, you cannot pre-order or have #RSDBF items placed on hold, as this violates the pledge we have signed with RSD, so please don't ask. Please do not call the shop as we will not be selling the records until 1pm, or when the line is done, whichever is later. - We will begin to take phone orders officially at 1pm EST; however, we will serve folks in line first, so this time might be delayed. We will also be selling the items online beginning at 8am Saturday 11/25 at our branded eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/indycdandvinyl - Although we will begin phone orders at 1pm, be sure that priority is given to those in line, at the shop. RSD is dedicated to independent brick & mortar record stores and the products offered are designed to incentivize folks to go visit their local record store. - Not done shopping? Hang around the store and shop the regular in-stock items like 'normal,' we are open until 8pm inside so come shop and support local! Thank you for supporting Indy CD & Vinyl! Questions? We're here to answer them, within reason haha. Looking forward to seeing you on RSD Black Friday+ Small Biz Saturday at Indy CD & Vinyl! The next day is Small Business Saturday, on Sat November 25th! We will be having a HUGE sale throughout the store! All used LPs are 10% off all day! All new LPs with a purple sticker are 10% off all day, and even better: if you purchase three purple-stickered new LPs you can choose one free used LP (up to $20 sticker price) for a penny!

"Farm Aid: A Concert for Earth and Farmers" embodied its core mission in a captivating event on Saturday, September 23rd, at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana. This year marked the 38th annual gathering, where the festival's guiding board members – Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Margo Price, and the returning Neil Young – led a musical spectacle like no other. Farm Aid 2023 captivated farmers and fans in Indiana. Neil Young's return to the Farm Aid stage was a long-awaited moment after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His acoustic set, which commenced with "Comes A Time" and closed with the timeless song "Heart of Gold," marked a poignant and soulful reentry. The festival's co-headliners, including the surprise late-night appearance by the legendary Bob Dylan with the Heartbreakers, delivered a night of unforgettable performances. Dylan's presence held special significance as he had planted the seed for Farm Aid's inception back in 1985 during his Live Aid performance, sparking Willie Nelson's commitment to supporting America's family farmers. At 90 years old, Willie Nelson continues to prove that age is just a number as he headlined the event, showcasing his enduring star talent with classics like "Whiskey River" and a heartwarming rendition of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." His performance was both musically powerful and filled with the humor that has defined his incredible life. John Mellencamp, a native of Indiana, took pride in bringing Farm Aid back to his home state. His set, packed with hits, included the poignant "Rain on the Scarecrow," a reflection on the plight of displaced farmers that resonated with the festival's enduring mission. Farm Aid has a rich history in Indiana, with memorable past events like Farm Aid IV in 1990 and Farm Aid 2001: A Concert for America, which took place just weeks after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Beyond the music, Farm Aid continues to lead the way in hosting environmentally sustainable live music events. The festival featured organic cotton T-shirts, farming and environmental demonstrations, and a variety of locally sourced food options. Volunteers worked diligently to ensure food waste was composted, aligning with the festival's commitment to sustainability. Dave Matthews stood out with his acoustic guitar duets, showcasing sonic magic with fellow musician Tim Reynolds. As the sun set over the Indiana cornfields surrounding the amphitheater, Matthews performed "Virginia in the Rain" and emphasized the farmers' dedication to the planet and community, contrasting it with the profit-driven conventional farming system. Collaborations were a constant highlight, with artists seamlessly joining each other on stage. Allison Russell, Lukas Nelson, Kyshona, Bob Weir, Margo Price, and Sturgill Simpson created unforgettable moments, reminding everyone that Farm Aid is more than just a concert: it's a collaborative effort to support family farmers with music and camaraderie. Willie Nelson's vision from over a decade ago still rings true today: "We started out to save the family farmer. Now it looks like the family farmer is going to save us." In a time of climate crisis, regenerative farming practices offer hope, and Farm Aid continues to champion this cause. Margo Price eloquently summed up the interconnectedness of the climate crisis and food crisis, emphasizing the role each person plays with every dollar spent. Neil Young echoed this statement, stressing the importance of people supporting farmers for real change to occur. In the end, Neil Young reminded the crowd that Farm Aid isn't just an event; it's a collective effort. "Farm Aid is you," he declared, reinforcing the idea that it's the people who hold the power to make a difference and support the essential cause of family farmers. Purchase music by Willie Nelson from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Purchase music by Neil Young from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Purchase music by Margo Price from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Purchase music by Dave Matthews from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Purchase music by Nathaniel Rateliff from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Purchase music by John Mellencamp from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Purchase music by Lukas Nelson from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Purchase music by Sturgill SImpson from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Photos and Review by John Geiger for Indy CD & Vinyl http://JohnGeiger.com John@JohnGeiger.com Check out the full photo gallery:

ZZ Top announced a co-headlining tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd for summer 2023, titled ‘The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour,’ hitting Ruoff Music Center on August 20, 2023. On their stop in the Hoosier state, ZZ Top once again proved their status as musical icons, leaving concert-goers with an unforgettable night of timeless tunes and electrifying performance. The ZZ Top performance was truly blues-infused rock and roll, showcasing the enduring talent of this legendary band. The line-up included the phenomenal Billy Gibbons on guitar, Frank Beard on drums, and Elwood Francis on bass guitar, replacing the late Dusty Hill who passed away in 2021. Prior to Hill’s passing the band had the same lineup for 51 years. With their trademark beards and shades, the band members exuded cool confidence as they delivered a setlist brimming with classic hits like "Sharp Dressed Man," "La Grange," and "Gimme All Your Lovin'." The stage was alive with dynamic guitar riffs, gritty vocals, and seamless rhythms that had the audience grooving throughout the night. Purchase music by ZZ Top from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Lynyrd Skynyrd is a legendary American rock band known for their distinctive Southern rock sound and poignant storytelling. The band became prominent in the southern United States in 1973, and rose to worldwide recognition before three members died in an airplane crash in 1977 - including lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. Gary Rossington, the last original member of the band, died on March 5, 2023, leaving the current lineup of the band without any classic members; however, Lynyrd Skynyrd went on with Ronnie Van Zant’s brother, Johnny, leading the way with his musical prowess along with six other musicians as well as two backup singers. With a setlist that included timeless hits like "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Simple Man," the band's performance resonated deeply with fans: blending guitar solos, soulful vocals, and a sense of nostalgia. The atmosphere was electric as both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers reveled in the band's signature sound, carrying forward Skynyrd's legacy as true rock legends. Purchase music by Lynyrd Skynyrd from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour Rocks Ruoff Music Ctr Photos and Review by John Geiger for Indy CD & Vinyl http://JohnGeiger.com John@JohnGeiger.com Check out the full photo gallery:

Win an Indy CD & Vinyl shopping trip with Hannah Georgas! Real Kind Records recording artist Hannah Georgas is performing at local venue The Hi-Fi on October 3rd, 2023. You can win a FREE $50 gift card and go shopping that day alongside Hannah at Indy CD & Vinyl! How fun! Here is how to be entered to win: 1. Pre-order the new album "I'd Be Lying If I Said I Didn't Care" - out on Friday August 25th. You can either do this in person, or even easier you can order from us online HERE. 2. You will automatically be entered to win with your album preorder, in-store or online. 3. We will draw a winner completely at random on August 27th. 4. Winner receives a free $50 gift card to use to shop at Indy CD & Vinyl alongside Hannah Georgas herself! Talk about your recent favorites, give each other shopping suggestions, or just hang out and get a bunch of stickers and Manic Panic!

Mudvayne's Psychotherapy Sessions Tour hit Indy hard on August 8th, with supporting acts Coal Chamber, GWAR, Nonpoint, and Butcher Babies in tow at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. To simply say that Mudvayne is a heavy metal group is an understatement. Originating in Peoria, Illinois in 1996, Mudvayne is renowned for their daring sonic exploration, distinctive face and body paint, as well as masks and creative uniforms. Their global record sales surpass the six million mark, with a notable three million copies finding homes within the United States. Over the course of the evening at Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center, the anticipation and time waiting for the headlining act was filled with some extraordinary acts, and that is putting it lightly. One of the best sets of the evening was the first band in the lineup, Butcher Babies. Backed by their band, Butcher Babies singers Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey took control of the stage with such deep guttural command that I really had to do a double take to see that it was indeed a live performance. The women had so much kick-ass raw energy. The band was a crowd-pleaser with great songs that I witnessed audience members singing well after the band was off stage. For me, Butcher Babies were the surprise of the night, and a must-see for you if they are ever in your area. Pick up music by Butcher Babies from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Next up was Nonpoint, a “most excellent” heavy-metal band with vocalist Elias Soriano, who put on a great performance along with the rest of the band. Nonpoint is yet another fantastic live group that won’t disappoint if you spend your money on tickets. Pick up music by Nonpoint from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Sandwiched in the middle was a band that I’d heard about decades ago and thought would be entertaining to see - GWAR. GWAR is a band with completely over-the-top theatrics including grotesque outfits and masks based on space and warriors from other planets in science fiction stories. They use very extreme humor that involves violence, sex, and scatological humor mixed with jokes about society and politics. Notoriously acting out violent scenes on stage including spraying the crowd with fake blood, urine, and semen, the audience just loved it. Pick up music by GWAR from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. After they cleaned up the gooey-wet mess left by GWAR, Coal Chamber put on an ear-ripping performance with hard-hitting songs and an energetic stage performance. I knew I was at a hard-core nu-metal show when engaging and charismatic vocalist Dez Fafara gave me the finger. Twice. An exciting group to witness both audibly and visually, Coal Chamber stands out as yet another formidable band deserving of attention. Pick up music by Coal Chamber from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. After four supporting bands, it was time for the main event. I was fortunate enough to have seen Mudvayne last year at Ruoff Music Center, so I knew it would be a treat. The atmosphere was charged with excitement from the audience before the curtain dropped. From the side, I caught a glimpse of frontman Chad Gray waiting in the wings, dressed in his deranged and damaged clown costume. Standing behind the curtain in his getup was creepy and serene at the same time. After taking the stage the band started with a punching drive of music, and as the curtain dropped Gray unleashed a wrath of power and vocal fury onto the audience with their song “Not Falling.” He delighted the devoted and rabid fans by jumping onto the crowd barricade and interacting with and allowing the audience to be a part of the show. Transitioning between heavy riffs and melodic passages, Mudvayne seamlessly integrated complex meters and polyrhythms into their songs. In my opinion, Mudvayne's musicianship is truly remarkable, showcasing a level of talent that sets them apart from other nu-metal acts. Throughout the show, Mudvayne consistently pounded out rhythms and harmonies, crafting compositions that challenge conventional norms. Despite the crazy clown get-up, Gray displayed that he and the band are human and have a heart. At one point, he spoke to the audience asking them to take a deep breath and then let out the biggest scream they could. He told them that if they do that every day it will help them relieve some stress. Whether it's the syncopated rhythms of the drums or the interplay between the guitars and bass, Mudvayne's musical complexity adds depth and richness to their sound, making each listening experience a journey of discovery. Critically acclaimed by other musicians, Mudvayne's exceptional musicianship is firmly rooted in their ability to captivate audiences with their raw energy, their masterful manipulation of musical intricacies, and at the center of it, in some sort of way, warmth and kindness. Pick up music by Mudvayne from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Mudvayne Setlist: Not Falling / Under My Skin / Internal Primates Forever / World So Cold / A New Game / Severed Death Blooms / Fish Out of Water / Dull Boy / Determined / Nothing to Gein / Dig / Happy? Photos and Review by John Geiger for Indy CD & Vinyl http://JohnGeiger.com John@JohnGeiger.com Check out the full photo gallery:

Gov't Mule exposes the 'Dark Side Of The Mule' in Indy with opener Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening on August 3rd, 2023. Since 1995, Gov't Mule has established itself as a fundamental presence at music festivals throughout North America. The band's composition infuses diverse blues rock, southern rock, funk, and jam band components into their musical repertoire and the night of August 3rd proved to be an exceptional evening. It started off with the opening act, "Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening", which was an electrifying experience that brought the timeless music of Zeppelin back to life and captured the essence and spirit of the iconic band. Son of the legendary late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, Jason's incredible drumming skills were tightly intertwined with bassist Dorian Heartsong, combined with Jimmy Sakurai on guitar and the amazing vocalist James Dylan, who hit all of the notes that you‘d want to hear. The performance was a nostalgic journey through Led Zeppelin's greatest hits, leaving the audience cheering and singing along. If you're a fan of classic rock or appreciate great music, this show was a must-see for an unforgettable night of rock 'n' roll magic. At around 8 pm, Gov’t Mule started their evening with a six-pack of original songs that showcased the bad-ass guitar skills of Warren Haynes who was an integral member of The Allman Brothers Band beginning in 1989. Haynes is not only a recipient of a prestigious GRAMMY Award but also stands as a distinguished songwriter, vocalist, critically-revered guitarist, and an accomplished producer. The experience of witnessing someone I hold in high personal regard as a guitar hero performing just mere feet away was an absolute delight for me. Gov't Mule originated as a supplementary endeavor of guitarist Haynes and late bassist Allen Woody from the Allman Brothers Band. Currently, the band consists of Matt Abts on drums, Danny Louis on keys, and an amazing bassist Kevin Scott, and fans often refer to them simply as 'Mule.' Each Gov't Mule performance stands alone, as the band taps into their extensive repertoire of over 300 songs (often accompanied by a variety of special guests), creating an unparalleled experience on every occasion and this evening was no exception. As the sun began to set at Deer Creek... I mean Ruoff Music Center, the band's fearless approach to covering Pink Floyd's iconic album "The Dark Side of the Moon" was nothing short of spectacular. Their unique interpretation breathed new life into the classic tracks while staying true to the original's essence. The added improvisational elements showcased the band's musical prowess and ability to make each song unique. Instead of literal film interpretations on a screen, the mesmerizing laser light show created an immersive atmosphere, making it feel much more inclusive. The real magic of "Dark Side of the Mule" was how they managed to pay homage to Pink Floyd while injecting their own creativity. “The Great Gig in the Sky,” is a great song on the original Floyd album, but Mule’s rendition hit it out of the park due to the extraordinary ability of backing vocals of Machan Taylor and Sophia Ramos. The audience was up on their feet and I actually had goosebumps listening to those two amazing women sing. The encore, “Wish You Were Here” started at 10:49 and lasted 10 minutes. The venue has a strict 11 pm curfew, so the show was perfectly over at 10:59 pm; however, I have no doubt they would have played longer if given the chance. Even with 2023 marking the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s album 'Dark Side of the Moon,' Mule previously performed it live only 10 times in total. For fans of either Pink Floyd or Gov't Mule, this concert was a true gem. It was a celebration of musical craftsmanship, a blending of eras, and a testament to the timelessness of great music. "Dark Side of the Mule" wasn't just a cover show. It was a transformative encounter that happens when musical legends collide. Buy new music by Gov't Mule from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Check out Indy CD & Vinyl's massive selection of used collectible vinyl HERE, just type Gov't Mule in the search. Gov't Mule setlist: Bad Little Doggie / Blind Man in the Dark / About to Rage / Thorazine Shuffle / Made My Peace / Same as It Ever Was / Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-V) (Pink Floyd cover) / Have a Cigar (Pink Floyd cover) / Welcome to the Machine (Pink Floyd cover) / Speak to Me (Pink Floyd cover) / Breathe (Pink Floyd cover) / On the Run (Pink Floyd cover) / Time (Pink Floyd cover) / Breathe (Reprise) (Pink Floyd cover) / The Great Gig in the Sky (Pink Floyd cover) / Money (Pink Floyd cover) / One of These Days (Pink Floyd cover) / Fearless (Pink Floyd cover) / Echoes (Pink Floyd cover) / Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd cover) Encore: Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover) Photos and Review by John Geiger for Indy CD & Vinyl http://JohnGeiger.com John@JohnGeiger.com Check out the full photo gallery:

Fans of all ages gathered at the Ruoff Music Center in anticipation of the iconic Bret Michaels' and his PARTI-GRAS TOUR. Jefferson Starship opened the show with “Find Your Way Back” and continued with an impressive back catalog of tunes from the 1980s, including hits like "Sara," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and "We Built This City." This supergroup's roots trace back to the iconic band Jefferson Airplane, one of the most influential pop-rock groups of all time. As a tribute to their entire evolution, the performance also featured favorite classics like "White Rabbit" and "Somebody To Love." The “original-original member” David Freiberg, who has been a part of all iterations of the band - Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship/Starship/Jefferson Starship (again!) - commanded the stage with his extraordinary presence, giving a tremendous rendition of "Jane." Cathy Richardson took the place of the great Grace Slick as lead singer and delivered a stellar vocal performance. Purchase Jefferson Airplane-related music from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. The second band up, Night Ranger, consisted of Jack Blades (bass and vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums and vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards), and Keri Kelli (lead and rhythm guitars), and joyfully celebrated their 40th anniversary as a band. Blades and his fellow bandmates delivered an impressive setlist. Enthusiastic audiences were treated to a selection of Night Ranger's greatest hits, including "Night Ranger," "When You Close Your Eyes," "Sister Christian," and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me." Adding a special touch to the performance, the band even treated the crowd to a few songs from Damn Yankees, such as "Coming of Age" and "High Enough." The night was a fantastic tribute to Night Ranger's incredible four-decade journey, leaving fans delighted with unforgettable memories of their music. Purchase Night Ranger music from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Adding to the night's nostalgia, former Journey frontman and singer Steve Augeri took the stage to belt out soul-stirring renditions of Journey classics like "Separate Ways," "Don't Stop Believin'," and "Any Way You Want It." Purchase music by Journey from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Bret Michaels kicked off his part of the show with a high-energy performance of "Talk Dirty to Me." He wasted no time in engaging the audience, reminding us why he's a rock legend. The crowd sang along passionately, creating an infectious energy that spread throughout the venue. One of the standout moments of the night was when Bret performed "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." As the timeless ballad filled the air, the venue lit up with cellphone lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The emotion in Bret's voice resonated with the audience, showcasing his ability to connect with his fans on a deep, personal level. Michaels thrilled the crowd when he introduced his close friend Mark McGrath, the lead singer of the band Sugar Ray. McGrath's presence on stage was met with excitement, and he continued captivating the crowd with some a couple of his chart-topping hits, "Every Morning" and "Fly." McGrath's dynamic vocals and infectious energy filled the air, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and engaged. Michaels returned and got the crowd to light up the venue with their cell phones again to welcome a group of U.S. Military veterans onto the stage to honor all American veterans while he played “Something To Believe In." Michaels’ explosive encore of "Nothin' But A Good Time" further ignited the crowd. He then closed the night by inviting all three bands to join him on stage for a spirited rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," leaving the audience on an absolute high. Bret Michaels continues to prove why he remains an enduring rock icon, delivering a show that will be remembered by fans for years to come. Purchase music by Bret Michaels and Poison HERE. Ruoff Setlist 07-30-23 Bret Michaels: 1. Talk Dirty to Me (Poison song) 2. Ride the Wind (Poison song) Mark McGrath: 3. Every Morning (Sugar Ray cover) Bret Michaels: 4. Your Mama Don't Dance (Loggins & Messina cover) Steve Augeri: 5. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (Journey cover) Bret Michaels: 6. Something to Believe In (Poison song) Mark McGrath: 7. Fly (Sugar Ray cover) Bret Michaels: 8. Unskinny Bop (Poison song) Steve Augeri: 9. Don't Stop Believin' (Journey cover) 10. Any Way You Want It (Journey cover) Bret Michaels: 11. Every Rose Has Its Thorn (Poison song) 12. Nothin' but a Good Time (Poison song) All Artists: 13. Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd cover) Bret Michaels Brings Celebratory Vibes To Indy With Parti-Gras Tour 2023 Photos and Review by John Geiger for Indy CD & Vinyl http://JohnGeiger.com John@JohnGeiger.com Check out the full photo gallery:

Danny Brown & JPEGMafia brought a wild, chaotic, and hilarious show to The Old National Centre's Egyptian Room, to the delight of thousands of young Hypebeast-influenced gamers. It was a hot night in Indianapolis' Old National Centre Egyptian Room when rappers Danny Brown and JPEGMafia co-headlined a show with a four-song set of collaborative songs and then each performing a "mini-set" of their own hits for a crowd that sang along with all of them. The audience was overall quite young, yet well-versed in all things popular culture: fashion, music, video games were not only the obvious interests of the fans but a major part of the artists' lyrical repertoire, aptly playing off the Hypebeast-esque focus of the young folks who also spent a large portion of their night in the merch line that snaked around the second floor of the venue (with plenty of room to spare, as literally no one was in line at the bars). The excitement was real, though, and JPEGMafia (lovingly dubbed Peggy) specifically was feeling it that night, jumping and running across the stage, diving into the crowd, and hyping the fans with unbridled energy not replicated by his more demure and relaxed partner in rhyme Danny Brown (outfitted with ridiculous MSCHF Big Red Boots). Their first four songs of the set were collaborative tracks from their studio album "Scaring The Hoes," released earlier this year (and slated to be released on vinyl in October - you can get it HERE). The songs LEANBEEFPATTY, Burfict, Steppa Pig, and Garbage Pale Kids were performed during their first combined set, followed by a six-song solo Peggy set. After some fits and starts, they rejoined for four more collaborative songs including Run The Jewels, Kingdom Hearts Key, Shut Yo Bitch Ass Up / Muddy Waters, and Hermanos. After this second combined set, Danny Brown crushed with six of his own hits, including crowd favorites Ain't It Funny and Really Doe. The duo finished out the night with three more collaborative songs, Orange Juice Jones, Scaring The Hoes, and Fentanyl Tester to close out the night. A full band accompanied JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown, consisting of guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drums which was a nice addition to the stage look so it didn't appear as though the rappers were simply rhyming along to backing tracks. This accompaniment and the enormous LED panel display behind them was a great set design that allowed the rappers a fantastically large amount of room to run and dance, but didn't leave the viewer wanting for more in terms of visual engagement. The rappers themselves put on an entertaining show, but the hilarious visuals on the LED panel and live band ringing the stage provided just enough sensory overload for someone who wrenched themselves away from their gaming console to rap along with Penny and Danny. Danny Brown & JPEGMafia 1UP Sold Out Indianapolis Show Review and photos by Andy Skinner for Indy CD & Vinyl Purchase music by Danny Brown from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE and music by JPEGMafia from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. The Danny Brown & JPEGMafia collab album can be preordered HERE. View the full gallery of photos below:

On Wednesday July 26th Brooklyn-based band Big Thief played a massive sold-out show at the Old National Centre's Egyptian Room, taking the 2,000-plus fans in attendance on a lo-fi indie rock and alt-folk journey via eighteen of their well-crafted songs. Opener Nick Hakim's mega-mellow husky-voiced indie-soul stylings were well-received by the crowd, who didn't seem to mind that he introduced his backing band twice during the set - possibly forgetting he had already done so after only a few songs. With a drummer, bass player, and guitarist behind him, Hakim went back and forth between being seated at his keyboards and standing to serenade the crowd whilst playing guitar. It was an understated set, although quite soulful. What the stage show lacked in unique lighting and decoration it made up for a tight performance between the four band members. You can purchase music by Nick Hakim from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. The Big Thief crowd could be divided into two distinct groups: the front half being quite young and focused on holding their spot of carpet for the duration of the concert, and the back half of the room reserved for older beer-drinking urban professional alternatives - just as much a fan as a younger audience member but possibly not as invested in hanging on every word, every note, seen by the fans hugging the front rail and happily crying as Adrienne Lenker and the band took the stage. The chef's kiss belonged to Lenker at the outset, playing the solo track "Indiana," a clever homage to Adrienne's Hoosier roots that was not lost to those in the front along the safety barricade. It wasn't a particularly loud performance by the band, at times the crowd in front was more clearly audible with their singing along than Big Thief was themselves; however, this parlayed into a fantastic scene during the encore where Lenker and the crowd sang along together the song "Paul" in a-capella style after the band had been badgered throughout the night requests for the tune. The show was performed during a typically hot and humid mid-summer night in Indianapolis, creating an interesting, if not unsettling, moment which occurred during the fifth song of the set. The band stopped the tune "Not" about halfway through as Lenker requested help for a fan in the middle of the crowd in apparent distress from the heat. The spotlights from the stage shined on the middle of the crowd as the entire room fell into a hush. Truly the most interesting thing to me was, as security took the cue and rushed to help the overheated patron, that the band members stood still during the entire episode (about a full five minutes) and didn't talk amongst themselves nor to the crowd. They just stood there silently, as the staff did their thing. It matched a bit with the dour appearance of Lenker and much of the subject matter of their songs, the scene had a way of caring about the unfortunate incident in the crowd while keeping fully in character, and then showcasing the playing chops of the band by picking the song up exactly where they had left off with nothing more than a four-count from their drummer, James Krivchenia. Guitarist Buck Meek and bassist Max Oleartchik were right back into the thick of what might have been the meatiest song of the set, with a few flashy solos from Meek while Lenker's full-sounding rhythm guitar on the song filling out the sound. It was impressive. Big Thief Returns To Indy With Massive Sold Out Show Review and photos by Andy Skinner for Indy CD & Vinyl Purchase music by Big Thief from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE and music by Nick Hakim from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. View the full gallery of photos below:

It was a surprisingly cool midsummer Friday night at Ruoff Music Center as Live Nation presented the Foreigner Farewell Tour with Loverboy on July 21, 2023. Recently kicked off earlier in July in Atlanta, Foreigner expects their “Historic Farewell Tour” will take around two years to complete. Their plan to play in all the cities that they have visited previously since 2004, the year the band re-formed and began to tour again in earnest, brought them back to Central Indiana and the event at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville last week. Opening the show for Foreigner was the Canadian band Loverboy, originally formed in 1979, and they took the stage promptly at 7:30pm with all their original band members except for the late bass guitarist, Scott Smith, who was replaced by Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve. With Mike Reno on lead vocals, Paul Dean on guitar, Matt Frenette on drums, Doug Johnson on keyboards, and the aforementioned Sinneave on bass, Loverboy played for a solid hour. They blasted out their 1980’s hits including “Lovin’ Every Minute of It”, “Turn Me Loose”, and fan favorite “Working for the Weekend” to name a few. Every song had the crowd on their feet, erupting in applause and singing every word by heart. You can pick up music by Loverboy from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Foreigner Brings Historic Farewell Tour To Indiana: After a half-hour break to reset the stage, Foreigner came out loud, energetic, and kicking ass with “Double Vision” as their opening song. Whereas Loverboy has only one non-original band member, Foreigner only has one original: founding member Mick Jones on guitar. Their current line-up also includes Kelly Hansen on vocals, Jeff Pilson on bass, Michael Bluestein on keyboards, Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado on guitars, and Chris Frazier on drums. “Head Games”, “Cold as Ice”, and “Dirty White Boy” were just a few of their numerous hit songs on the setlist for the night. Midway through the evening they pulled up chairs and played a nice trio of acoustic songs. It took a lot of the energy out of the night, but at the same time some very touching sentiments about the band and its history from charming and funny front-man Kelly Hansen. Two more hits, “Feels Like the First Time” and then “Urgent” were performed before a keytar solo and then drum solo that I think the show could have done without. A keytar is one of those portable keyboards with a guitar-like fret-handle that artists used in the 80’s. They were certainly throwing it back in time, but it seemed to fall flat. Closing out the night with their smash hit, “Juke Box Hero” was a real treat. As I looked around throughout the night, there were hardly any fans that were not up out of their seat swaying and singing to the songs. After leaving the stage for just a few minutes, the band was back out for the encore with their number one hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” followed by the show closer “Hot Blooded” ended the night on a solid note, complete with pyrotechnics. You can pick up music by Foreigner from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. Foreigner setlist at Ruoff 07-21-2023 Double Vision / Head Games / Cold as Ice / Waiting for a Girl Like You / Dirty White Boy (Acoustic Set) When It Comes to Love / Girl on the Moon / Say You Will Feels Like the First Time / Urgent / Juke Box Hero (Encore) I Want to Know What Love Is / Hot Blooded John Geiger for Indy CD & Vinyl http://JohnGeiger.com John@JohnGeiger.com Check out John Geiger’s entire “Foreigner: The Historic Farewell Tour” concert photo gallery below:

Shania Twain Becomes Queen of Ruoff Music Center: concert review and photos by John Geiger for Indy CD & Vinyl. Live Nation presented the Shania Twain “Queen of Me” Tour on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville Indiana. The amphitheater looked to be at capacity as thousands of fans filled the seats and lawn - many clad in cowboy hats and boots – to see Shania Twain perform live, as well as the opening artist BRELAND. Daniel Gerard Breland, known by the all-cap mononym BRELAND, is a 27-year-old rising country artist who is relatively new on the country music circuit. He entered the scene with his first single, “My Truck,” released in 2019, and his debut album “Cross Country,” was released in September of 2022. BRELAND appeared on stage with the sound of booming drums, singing his new hit song “Cowboy Don’t.” His music is a hybrid of country, soul, R&B, gospel, and country rap, and BRELAND is becoming known for bringing an upbeat energy to country music. Check out his music at Indy CD and Vinyl HERE – it’s a new sound for county music fans, making BRELAND an artist to watch. When it was time for Shania Twain to take the stage, her band started performing with no sight of the star. Suddenly, she sprung out of a box behind the crowd near the rear of the pavilion singing “Wake-up Dreaming.” Shania spent the entire song with the audience giving high-fives and hugs as they pushed her through the crowd and she eventually went behind the stage for a quick wardrobe change. After the up-close and personal arrival, she took center stage singing “Up” while the crowd sang and danced along. The ‘Queen of Country Pop’ has been at this for over 30 years, and during her performance it showed. Despite recovering from recent bouts with Lyme disease and COVID, Twain put on an energetic crowd-pleasing show with a powerful message of womanhood. At Ruoff Music Center she ran up and down the stairs and performed choreographed dances with her band, while delivering a great vocal performance. The veteran performer knew how to get all her fans dancing as well. After finishing her set with a stirring rendition of “Rock This Country,” she came back out for a three-song encore including her smash hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Selling over 100 million records makes Twain one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the best-selling female artist in country music history. You can pick up music by Shania Twain from Indy CD & Vinyl HERE. John Geiger for Indy CD & Vinyl http://JohnGeiger.com John@JohnGeiger.com Setlist: Shania Twain at Ruoff 07-15-2023 Waking Up Dreaming Up! Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love You) I'm Gonna Getcha Good You're Still The One Giddy Up! Any Man of Mine Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under? Honey, I'm Home Inhale/Exhale Air (with BRELAND) Party for Two (with BRELAND) From This Moment On Nah! / She's Not Just a Pretty Face / Waiter! Bring Me Water! / When / Thank You Baby! (for Makin' Someday Come So Soon) Forever and for Always Pretty Liar Rock This Country! Encore: That Don't Impress Me Much (If You're Not in It for Love) I'm Outta Here! Man! I Feel Like a Woman! Check out John’s entire “Queen of Me” Tour photo gallery below: