The local music scene feels a little empty with the recent passing of Pam Brown. Affectionately known as Lady Pamela, she was the matriarch of the musically talented Brown family, which includes Travis Brown, Dusty Brown, Sarah Mae Brown, and Crystal “C-Note” Clouse. 

When she wasn’t playing her Native American flute alongside her husband, Ted, and son, Travis, in Pop n Fresh, she was encouraging and supporting her children. 

She was the driving force behind the family’s weekly open jam, which originated from the blues jam at the Hot Spot Tavern. Even before that, she spent decades providing food and handmade clothing to hippie musicians. 

Her selfless spirit of care endured throughout her life, as she dedicated many years to feeding and clothing the less fortunate. Even at the age of 81, she was still jamming up to a couple weeks ago. 

A celebration of her life is set for Thursday, March 6, at The Bell Mansion, 420 W. Wayne St., beginning at 6 p.m.

Mixtape Roulette have you covered

Mixtape Roulette are a new cover act that you will want to keep your eyes on. 

The band comprised of Jerry Etnier on vocals, Matt Roussel on guitar, Eric Lanning on guitar, Scott Ayers on bass, and Matthew Didrick on drums play everything from Huey Lewis to The Killers to Pink and AC/DC —basically every party song you can think of that will get you shaking on the dance floor. 

You can check out Mixtape Roulette at Dupont Bar & Grill on Saturday, Feb. 15. 

Fifth Sun release pair of songs

The doom/industrial metal band Fifth Sun recently dropped a couple of singles for your listening pleasure: “Cut It All Away” and “Venetian Lady.” 

This is the first taste of their upcoming album, which is scheduled for release this year. 

Fifth Sun are The Bride on vocals, Spire on guitar, Grimss on keys, and The Feral on bass. 

As of right now, they have no shows booked because their focus is on the album. Do yourself a favor and hop on to your favorite streaming site and give these tunes a spin. 

Harp Condition cover ‘Starman’

Dan Dickerson’s Harp Condition have released an impressive cover of David Bowie’s 1972 hit “Starman” — a tune that propelled Bowie and his band, The Spiders from Mars, into the stratosphere. 

“Starman” has been covered by the likes of Culture Club, Garbage, and now our very own Harp Condition. 

The song and video can be found on The Harp Condition’s YouTube channel. There, you can gander through some of his other worthy projects. 

Schurger hosts jazz nights at Piere’s

Phil Schurger is hosting jazz nights every Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. in Stan’s Room at Piere’s. 

If you recall, Schurger had a successful run of jazz nights at The Ruin until it closed its doors. 

With the new setting, there is a much bigger stage and plenty of room for non-musically inclined folks to sit and enjoy. 

The Phil Schurger Trio typically kick off a set of standards, then host the jam session. 

You just need to bring your instrument and a Real Book and get ready to jam and develop your playing. It’s for all ages with a $5 cover. 

Put-in-Bay welcome Whoa, Man!

Our local women of rock tribute act Whoa, Man! have announced they will be taking over Put-in-Bay this summer, making their debut at the famous Beer Barrel Saloon, July 27-30. 

In case you didn’t know, this place has one of the longest permanent bars in the world, at 405 feet, 10 inches long. 

If ever there was a reason to head to the Key West of the Midwest, this is it. 

In addition, Whoa, Man! have been announced as part of the music lineup for the Grant County Fair in Marion from June 15-21. 

Left Lane Cruiser heading out on tour

Left Lane Cruiser are gearing up for another run of dates that will kick off Feb. 26 in Chicago and wrap up March 14 in Asheville, North Carolina. 

During their trek, the dirty blues duo will look different since drummer Brenn Beck is unable to perform those dates. Filling in will be Rick Kinney of Moser Woods and Pete Dio & The Old and Dirty. 

“When I saw the message from Joe asking if I was available for this tour, I lit up and immediately messaged him to confirm dates,” Kinney said. “I’ve been friends with these guys for a long time and have always loved their dirty stompy jams. I’m really digging this setlist we’re playing and can’t wait to get out on the road to rock these songs.” 

As of press time, LLC have no local shows booked, but you can always get your fix with their latest album, Bayport BBQ Blues. 

Ex-Reload frontman joins LiveWire

Former Reload frontman Meredith “Radar” Yoder has taken on a new role as guitarist/vocalist for the band LiveWire. 

You can check them out Saturday, Feb. 22, at Bar 13 in Pierceton, March 1 at the Latch String Bar & Grill, and March 8 at The Nickel Plate in Peru.