Monday, October 3, 2011

Hoosiers?

Have we ever done a show in Indiana before? I don't think so? Hm. Well, then I guess it makes sense we are embarking on three shows in Indiana! The first took place at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (co-sponsored by the progressive community non-profit Big Car and by IndyMOCA) and I think the band hit a stride with this show that added a little bit of experimentation to our steady lurching rock phase that we seem to be in on this tour! Since setting up the show at the IMA people who have been there kept telling us of how wondrous the museum is but I guess I had to see it with my own eyes to really understand!

The building is a sleek modern beauty and the grounds include acres of ponds, parks and public art (including an amphitheater that we were supposed to play in but ended up having to move indoors thanks to the quickly approaching Fall chill!). Given the nature of touring I, once again, didn't see a ton of the art on display but I did read a lot about what goes on in the space: a classic Old Masters exhibit, an entire project dedicated to exploring the local river ecosystem and the balance of our modern existence within nature, a sweet local pop artist's meditation on the nature of the childlike joy of space travel! Even the loading dock (pictured at top) was the semi-permanent home to a prime Robert Indiana piece while it undergoes a little maintenance! On top of all of this the huge theater we played in, The Toby, had the best sound I think we've ever had and such a great, super clean video projection, not bad for a space that only recently reopened after years of disuse! Who knew that Indianapolis had this little gem out here! Go to Indianapolis for the art! And stay for the sugary sweet bed & breakfasts (Mike pictured behind said b&b's baby grand!)