Saturday night; about 8:00 p.m.; and after finally parking along a curb on Prospect Road around the church, I’m looking for a place to see a show (“Oh dear! I shall be late!”).
And the easiest way to find one? Just follow the little white rabbit through the hole (or the black glass door in this case).
Last Saturday night, Fountain Square’s White Rabbit Cabaret was home to a showcase sponsored by both IndyConcerts.com and the Fountain Square Brewing Co. Our entertainment for the night? Simple: two local rock outfits (The Dapper, Mark Alexander & The Good Shame) and a quartet that has made their name up and down I-65 (Peter Terry & The City Profits).
It’s around 9:00 p.m.; doors have been open for a little over an hour; the guests are starting to file in almost as fast as the locally-made beer from the Fountain Square Brewing Co. is flowing behind the bar; the sound of chatter heard from some of the patrons fills the room; and almost without warning, our first act for the evening has taken the stage to light applause from a few of their supporters.
I haven’t heard much about this duo known as The Dapper, consisting of friends Dan Porter and Aaron Lucas, but I’m anxious to see what they can do. What they lack in members they make up for in energy, enthusiasm and creativity (they don’t even have a drummer. Their only source of percussion comes from a tambourine and a kick drum underneath a keyboard). Yes, they’re the first band, and maybe most of the patrons seem more interested in socializing amongst each other than enjoying a good show, but for what it’s worth, the local duo seemed unfazed by it as they ran through a set consisting of both originals and covers and having the time of their lives while doing it. Heck, even a few get up and start dancing in front of the stage. They might not consider themselves as more than just two guys who write and play music, but it’ll be interesting to see what’s ahead. I’d keep an eye on them.
As the next band gets ready to go on, life moves forward around the cabaret. Some have set up shop on the couches towards the back of the room while others socialize at either one of the many tables or at the bar. Some move closer to the stage in anticipation of the next act. Heck, some even head towards the back of the building to take turns in a photo booth (yes, the White Rabbit Cabaret has a photo booth in the back of the building). The place looks like it’s getting more crowded, and maybe navigating is getting a little more difficult, but why go anywhere? It looks like band #2 is about to go on.
Up next is Peter Terry & The City Profits, the only band not currently set up in Indianapolis (though they do consider it to be their third home after originally being from Chicago and then moving further south to Nashville, TN). Clearly moving down I-65 was a good choice as they look to have built a fairly decent following. Time to find out why:
Having the chance to speak with them all before the show, they talked about being a band who prided themselves on not being manufactured and having a real sound. Even though I missed most of their first song, I have to say I agree with that statement. It’s not a matter of arrogance, but having the confidence to make a claim like that and being able to back that up. Peter Terry’s vocals were as honest as they were emotional, the musicianship was precise, and maybe above all else, the crowd was very much into it, dancing and singing the night away. Also, the cello makes everything better (see also, Murder By Death).
Peter Terry & Co. are soon packing away their stuff and all the while, the area in front of the stage starts clearing up more and more by the second. It’s been a great night of music, and we’re not done yet. Band #3 continues to get things set up while I make my way backstage for my final interview for the night (more on those later). As I wrap my last Q&A session, I’m hear a familiar sound:
That hook from “Kashmir.”
The guys in The Dapper have the same thoughts as I do at this point. Naturally, my curiosity has been peaked. Time to head back out to the main floor and check out Mark Alexander & The Good Shame.
In keeping up with tonight’s trend, I don’t know much about these guys other than they’re fronted by a guy named Mark Alexander, who has impressed many with his own blend of folk and rock he has dubbed “Midwest rock.” So what exactly is it? Simple: a crowd-pleasing Ray LaMontagne-meets-Dave Matthews-style to create a very real sound lacking from most of those artists you hear on Top 40 radio. Alexander’s honest performance style coupled with Nathan King’s precision drumming and the added layer of Allie Summers’ violin. As for the performance itself, Alexander led the audience through a set comprised of mostly acoustic songs (but threw in a few electric for good measure) while those who are left take it all in. A few actually get up to dance, most notably, Dan Porter from The Dapper. By the end of the night, there may not be as many hanging around as there were to begin with, but for those who stayed, they were definitely treated for a solid set. I’d keep an eye on these guys in the future.
Of course, the show doesn’t go on forever. As the last note rings out, some offer compliments to the band as they strike the stage. Some head outside for a cigarette. As for me, it’s time to leave this Wonderland of a cabaret and start heading home.
The final word?
Shows like this are going all the time, and you don’t have to travel down the rabbit hole to find one. Whether that’s a short walk from your home or across town, there are plenty of places to support your local artists.
Best of all? You won’t have to travel all the way to Wonderland to find one.