In 2012, the high-powered bluegrass punk act Old & Dirty hit our scene. Since then, the group led by Pete Dio has put out some top-notch music and has performed an abundance of shows throughout the Midwest along the way.

Recently, the band announced a whole new lineup and have rebranded themselves as Pete Dio and the Old & Dirty. Currently, it’s Dio on guitar and vocals, Mikey Morton on guitar, John Warner on banjo, DJ Riley on bass, Felix Moxter on fiddle, and Carter Ryan on drums. That’s the full version, but Dio says they will also be performing in smaller two- and three-piece versions. He aims at using the full band for bigger shows while the stripped down version will be used for small intimate settings and possible touring.

“I guess you could say I have different incarnations of the group,” Dio said. “I’m trying to make this project as accessible as possible as I plan on playing my tail off.”

So far, the band has a few dates booked and plan on writing some new material in the near future. They are scheduled to perform at Portside Pizza in Columbia City on Aug. 31, at Neat Neat Neat Records with The Waymores on Sept. 15, and Oct. 1 at the Brass Rail with Shawn James. Can’t wait to check them out!

The hits of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s

Who knew that we had a cover act that performs hit songs spanning three decades and sports the proper getup to boot?

Decade Divide is not your typical corner-of-the-bar cover band. In fact, every live performance is jam packed with decade-appropriate costumes and props, a high-level of energy, and good-natured banter that invites audience interaction.

During the first set of the band’s performance, you will relive the ’70s with classic cuts like “Radar Love” and “Two Tickets to Paradise” while the band wears big-collared shirts and long, feathered hair.

Set two covers the ’80s. The band sports vivid colors, leather, and spandex while performing tunes by Van Halen, Joan Jett, and more.

Their last set focuses on the carefree vibe of the ’90s with music from the Goo Goo Dolls, Gin Blossoms, and Alanis Morissette. I suspect there will be flannels, tank tops, and ripped jeans during those tunes.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, you can catch Decade Divide on Friday, Aug 23, when they perform at the Latch String.

HOp river and Nashville

Hop River Brewing will be host to a couple of Nashville singer/songwriters on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 8 p.m. Two talented ladies, Ashley Taylor and Megan Golden, will bring their heart and soul to the brewery patio.

Taylor was named “One to Watch” by the Nashville Songwriters Association International and her songs have placed in numerous songwriting competitions. She released her debut EP Bakersfield in January.

Golden is creating buzz with her insightful songwriting, beautiful voice, and electric performances. Also, her Facebook video, “The Evolution of Taylor Swift Car Jams,” has received more than three million views.

Tickets are available now through Eventbrite.

More to come at the Pavilion

I am sure by now you’re aware that the Allman Betts Band show slated for Aug. 30 at the Sweetwater Performance Pavilion is canceled. The band were forced to cancel all of their August and September dates to allow Devon Allman to recover from an appendectomy he had on July 30. He is expected to make a full recovery and be back onstage in October.

Sweetwater Pavilion has a couple of worthy shows still scheduled including Pat Metheny on Aug. 31 and Pink Droyd on Sept. 21. Tickets are available for both.

Out and About covers Northeast Indiana’s most interesting music and arts events. Send your announcements to info@whatzup.com.