INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

A Very Standard Christmas Party

featuring Marla Hansen, Everthus the Deadbeats, Coinslot, Harley Poe, Prizzy Prizzy Please, Woodlands
The Underground (Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware)
Friday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
$7, $2 off with a dish for the pitch-in, all ages with adult beverages available

2007 has been a big year for the Underground at the Harrison Center for the Arts. Piradical Productions, along with their friends in Circle City Ska, have been able to keep the Indy punk rock scene alive and well for the past two years with a constant flow of local and touring shows.

On the softer side of local music, it has also been a big year for Indiana record label Standard Recording Company. Standard is home to Hoosier favorites Everthus the Deadbeats, Big Big Car, Harley Poe and a full lineup of solid acts. After seeing new releases from Harley Poe and Everthus the Deadbeats, as well as Marla Hansen, it’s clear that Standard is looking to have an even bigger 2008.

To celebrate the stellar year that was 2007, Piradical and Standard have combined forces to showcase the cream of the crop at this year’s “A Very Standard Christmas Party.” Featured on the bill are New York native Marla Hansen, who has performed her quirky indie-pop with big name acts such as Sufjan Stevens and Kanye West. Also representing the indie-rock sound is Muncie act Woodlands. Essentially a reconfiguration of Standard act Arrah and the Ferns, Woodlands are sure to please any and all Hoosier hipsters.

In stark contrast to Hansen and Woodlands are Bloomington act Coinslot. This female-fronted ska-punk band has been a favorite of all-ages shows across the state and has drawn comparisons to both No Doubt and Paramore.

Everyone’s favorite pop-freaks, Everthus the Deadbeats, will also be performing. Expect the best when the Deadbeats perform. Imagine the best Bowie songs rewritten by Andrew Lloyd Webber with a sprinkling of punk fervor, and you’ve got the essence of the Deadbeats. Local folk-creeps Harley Poe are also returning to the Underground to reclaim their throne as the most beloved act in the city.

But Harley Poe had better watch their back, because Bloomington funky punks Prizzy Prizzy Please have their eyes on the throne. 2007 was a huge year for Prizzy. They finished two East Coast tours and what could very well be the best album in the history of Indiana rock and roll.