provided by Danielle Look
Over the last three months, The Acoustic Live Challenge has spawned more unexpected collaborations and local musical experimentation than one could have predicted from the schedule alone. Under the umbrella of “acoustic” music, a sea of sub-genres has appeared on stage at The Ugly Monkey over the course of Rob Snodgrass’ latest installment of his five-year-old annual competition.
Countrified guitar plucking, R&B vocals, face-melting psychedelic solos, acoustic pop, grimey blues, and comedic storytelling can only begin to summarize the spectrum of talent that has made The Acoustic Live Challenge, unquestionably, the only place to be in Indianapolis on Tuesday night.
This Tuesday January 5th, the best of the best from the past 10 weeks of competition will don the stage one last time as they attempt to earn the title of Acoustic Live Challenge Champion. Here’s a preview of what the night has in store for you:
8:00 – 8:25 Rory Connolly
Connolly, who provides vocals and rhythm guitar in local rasta-jam band The Great Hookup, has advanced to the finals as a soloist competing with nothing more than his own soothing voice, ridiculous guitar skills, and pure talent. Sources indicate that Connolly has a few tricks up his sleeve and rumor has it that he won’t be alone on stage at the finals.
8:35 – 9:00 Rusty O’Connor
O’Connor holds a range of vocal styles that adapt appropriately as he cycles through his arsenal of country and acoustic pop songs. Like Connolly, O’Connor braves the stage alone and easily consumes the spotlight using just a guitar and voice. With loud and clear projection, O’Connor’s proficiency as a singer/songwriter quickly becomes obvious.
9:10 – 9:35 Jamie Nichole
Jamie Nichole will take stage as the only female finalist at The Acoustic Challenge on Tuesday night, the second solo act of the evening. Jamie’s sound is slightly folk, heavily acoustic, and full of heart. Her lyrics are simple, yet tell detailed stories. Her voice, though delicate and gentle, is polished and strong.
9:45 – 10:10 Dead End Busted Broke Road
Hailing from Martinsville, Pat Kellar and Brent Anderson are proud of their country roots. Kellar boasts well over 200 written songs in his musical career and is adept at guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and piano. Anderson’s twangy backing vocals and supporting guitar give Dead End Busted Broke Road a uniquely rural sound.
10:20 – 10:45 Angel & The Preacher
Don’t let the name fool you; this ain’t no church music. Angel & The Preacher share the humorous lessons of real life experiences through song and creative story-telling. This duo, made up of “outlaw country western music stars”, is true entertainment- evident by a raucous fan base, an engaging artist-to-audience relationship, and hilariously raw and dirty lyrics.
10:55 – 11:20 Left at Blakemore
With heavy conga, wicked guitar playing, and vocals posessing an uncanny likeness to Days of the New singer Travis Meeks, Left at Blakemore bring a distinctive alternative sound to The Acoustic Challenge.
11:30 – 11:55 Drew Mowell & Henry French
In another case of spin-offs from original bands, Drew Mowell (of Records) and Henry French (of Henry French and the Shameless) join forces to create funky acoustic pop and blues. Together, their stage presence between songs is witty and engrossing. But when they music is on, they’re all business.
12:05- 12:30 Martin Luther & The King Jrs
Led by tall and slender Nate Deckard with Matisyahu-esque facial hair, Martin Luther & The King Jrs are the underdogs of this year’s Acoustic Live Challenge. Though the band itself is relatively new, collectively their experience spans years of playing and songwriting. With clearly projected, meaningful lyrics, a prolific conga player, and the only acoustic bass guitar in the Acoustic Live Challenge, you won’t want to miss Nate and The King Jrs.
The Acoustic LIVE Challenge Finals
At The Ugly Monkey, downtown
Tuesday January 5th at 8 p.m., $7
Contact:
Rob Snodgrass
Robsnodgrass23@yahoo.com
765-315-7480
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