Last October, Nick Mitchell (formerly of The Terrors, currently of Chick Pimp) spearheaded an incredibly diverse, mostly local music festival at the Southgate House. The two-night affair was dubbed "Adjust Your Eyes" and featured visual art alongside a remarkable roster of local acts, ranging from Rock and Hip Hop to Bluegrass and Jazz Funk.
You know how a successful movie spawns a blockbuster sequel, with more explosions and plot twists and all that good stuff? Well that's what's happening with this weekend's second installment of Adjust Your Eyes. Though unlike most sequels, this one doesn't suck.
This year, the fest is all ages and features an outdoor stage and even more performers. Taking place at the Loveland VFW Hall (visit myspace.com/adjust_your_eyes for directions), this year's AYE will also offer attendees the option of camping out, and proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Music starts Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m.
The lineups each day again run the proverbial gamut of genres. Friday night on the indoor stage, catch Ben Brown, Luke Pace, THEANTI, Sputnik Halo, TrifectaFunk and Crazy Legs. Outside Friday, My Goodness Gracious, BIGBIGcar, This Story, IsWhat?!
and Noctaluca perform.
Saturday's lineup is equally impressive (and a bit larger). On the indoor stage, performers include Glen May (of the band Dingo Brown), Michael McIntire and the Marmalade Brigade, hey hey melodica!, Chad Serhal, Norust, John William Gordon, Yakuza Heart Attack, Brothers Step/Psyko Circuit and Misty Boyce, a CCM grad who is currently living and working in New York City (Boyce plays the Northside Tavern Thursday as well). Saturday, the outdoor stage features Dr. Feel Good and the Skeetones, Chris Dunnett, Elijah Aaron, Twice Baked Potato, Indy's Everthus the Deadbeats, Chick Pimp, Harley Poe, Muncie's Arrah and the Ferns and The Rumpke Mountain Boys.
Getting to "Know" Them
Last weekend, I had a chance to check out The Underground, a new club/live music space beneath the Know Theatre in Over-the-Rhine (not to be confused with the all-ages venue in Forest Park). I enjoyed watching bands play in the club (as well as the upstairs theater) during the MidPoint Music Festival last year, so I was excited to learn it had been prepped to host live music on a regular basis. The vibe is casual and cozy, as patrons sink into the comfy seats and actors and actresses flutter around the bar area, expending energy from their post-performance buzz. The venue's house band — the O. yemi Experiment — played a sophisticated, playful set of Jazz and Blues (including an excellent "Straight No Chaser") and proved to be one of the more diverse young Jazz bands in town. Full bar, good mix of local, original bands — The Underground is a promising new music spot in a neighborhood that desperately needs it.
This Friday, you can check out the space for yourself. In fact, both floors will be featuring music for the first time since MidPoint. The occasion is the kick-off party for the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. After a free, 6 p.m. happy hour/photo exhibit featuring work from Art Academy students, the venue turns into a music club at 9 p.m. Music is provided by Jake Speed and the Freddies, the Jon Justice Band, The Newbees, The Late Circuit, Ellery, Chris Jacobs and the O. yemi Experiment. There's a $5 cover after 9 p.m. (which also gets you a discount on Fringe admission). (knowtheatre.com)
More Local Notes
· Superb, inventive Hard Rock band Another Tragedy has inked a deal with Zebra 3 Records (zebra3.co.uk) out of the U.K. The label has released the band's CD, The Beauty of Suffering, overseas and the band plans on going over to support the album this July. But, while they're still here, AT is hosting a local show for all of their fans this Friday. The group's all-ages gig at Campbell Country in Amelia (go to anothertragedy.net for a map) kicks off at 8 p.m. and also features performances from To Die In Arms, Fireside Chats, The Insurgents, Z.A.D. and DJ Heathen.
· It shouldn't be long before stellar Indie duo Bad Veins aren't home much and touring overseas, as well. The twosome's buzz is at a fever pitch and they've been getting some super-pro assistance in helping them explore record deal options. This Saturday at the Northside Tavern, the Veins promise a full set of new songs. A few of the new songs have also been posted on the band's MySpace site, culled from sessions the band did this past winter in Virginia. Check myspace.com/badveins to hear the great new tracks "The Lie" and "Gold & Warm."
CONTACT MIKE BREEN: mbreen(at)citybeat.com. Visit blogs.citybeat.com/spill_it.
