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

Broad Ripple Fall Music Festival's first year

I have my fair share of Saturday nights that could be considered a complete waste of time.
They usually consist of me spending too much money and drinking too much beer, all while wearing uncomfortable shoes. Sure, I have a few laughs, but really nothing is accomplished.

This past Saturday was a different story. I was able to mix some of my favorite things and still come home feeling like I did a least a little good for my community. Local music, going out and philanthropy merged at the Broad Ripple Fall Music Festival. The event hosted hundreds of Indiana musicians playing at 19 venues in an effort to raise money for a charity of their choice.

My first stop of the evening, The Upper Room, raised money for Joy’s House, a local non-for profit providing physical, mental and financial relief for families caring for a loved one. Singer-songwriters Christian Taylor, Chad Mills and Chris Haskett sat perched on stools with guitars in hand. The atypical set-up perfectly juxtaposed each artist and showed their musical talents; Taylor produced slow, heartfelt melodies reminiscent of a young Neil Young; Haskett brought along a harmonium (India’s version an accordion); and Mills engineer-by-day style morphed into that of a lyricist on harmonica. This was a good start, but I had to push on as I winced at my bar tab but quickly remembered the few extra dollars were going to a good cause.

Twenty minutes later, I was wading through a packed house at the Melody Inn, wondering what curiously strong substance was causing my feet to stick to the floor. By the size of the crowd, I’ll bet a respectable amount of money was raised for Big Car Gallery, a local art volunteer collective. This was my first Peggy Sues show, I and instantly understood the appeal. It’s not everyday you see everyday an all-girl punk band. It’s a group even Debbie Harry herself could be proud of. These girls are loud — really loud — and energetic, with lyrics that are fun, but also weighty and smart. After a PBR, I made my way to the door and a quick jaunt over to Locals Only.

Jethro Easyfields and the Arrowheads were performing with a guest tuba player. In my opinion, anytime you can incorporate a tuba into a show, it’s got to be good music. This was a big change from the guys and gals wearing ripped tights, heavy eyeliner and studded jean jackets at the Melody Inn. It was that foot-stomping kind of music: blues, country, bluegrass and folksy rock.

By the end of the evening, the philanthropic music experience left me with warm fuzzy feeling, and I wished all my Saturday nights ended that way. A strong community where all members are respected yields from Indy’s productive arts and music scene, and the Broad Ripple Music Festival embraced such an atmosphere.