It’s hard to fathom that it’s been nearly twenty years since Heavy Step released their debut, The Long Shot. Once known as Skavossas, the local ska outfit were turning heads in the late ’90s-early 2000s with their mixture of ska, reggae, soul, and vocals reminiscent of mid-’60s Motown.
Like many bands, Heavy Step ran their course and members went their separate ways.
If you were among the folks that used to pack local establishments to feast your eyes and ears on Heavy Step, here’s good news. The boys will regroup for one night on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Brass Rail. Original members Todd Hembrook (Deal’s Gone Bad), Todd Roth (Unlikely Alibi), Kevin Hockaday (The Orange Opera), Eric Rutowski (Burial Party), Justin Maloney, and Jay Freimuth will cram themselves onto the Rail stage. Things will start at 10 p.m. with an opening set by Jerome Schooley. The cover charge is $5.
Kyle Haller to Channel Dylan
Still riding high from their debut release, Boundless and Free, The Kyle Haller Band is gearing up for a special evening at The Alley at Pro Bowl West on Saturday, Oct. 19. That evening, Haller will pay tribute to one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Bob Dylan.
The band will perform original numbers with the second set devoted strictly to Dylan. You can expect their usual jam-influenced twists to the bard’s tunes and Haller informed me that special surprise guests will be joining in. With the deluge of material Dylan has under his belt, it will be interesting to see what Haller covers and how he crams it into one night.
Rockestra to celebrate Chuck Berry
Speaking of tributes, that same evening (Oct. 19), the 07 Pub will be alive with music from the founding father of rock n’ roll, Chuck Berry.
With Berry’s birthday on Oct. 18, KT’s All Star Rockestra have put together a celebration that will highlight the signature six-string licks, indelible chops, and songwriting talent. “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” “No Particular Place to Go,” and other toe-tappers will be featured that evening.
The Rockestra features Kenny Taylor, Mitch Frazier, Sam Clay, Tommy Saul, and Colin Taylor.
Sugar-moon art show Haunts downtown
The 10th Annual Sugar-Moon Halloween Art Show will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12, in the upstairs of 816 Pint & Slice. It’s awe inspiring that the show has been going on for ten years now and if you’ve ever attended, then you know why.
The family-friendly show will run from 6-10 p.m. and feature Sugar-Moon’s horror/fantasy/humor artwork from their 10-year run, a giant horror house display for a photobooth, and of course tasty pizza and beers available for purchase from Pint & Slice.
The show is free to attend with donations being collected for the SPCA. The artwork will remain on display through the remainder of October.
Out and About covers Northeast Indiana’s most interesting music and arts events. Send your announcements to info@whatzup.com.
