Auburn musician Joey Ortega and his band Start Me Up: The Rolling Stones Tribute have been selected to be part of a television series, Tribute Wars USA. 

Since the band’s formation in 2010, the band has performed some monumental shows all over the world. Tribute Wars USA looks for the best tribute bands in America and, with the help of millions of viewers, they will crown a winner. Along the way, bands can win prizes with the top one being a residency at a well-known resort/casino.

The competition will feature 26 tribute bands that pay homage to AC/DC, Kiss, Tom Petty, ELO, Poison, Jimi Hendrix, Cheap Trick, and more. As of press time, there is no information on where and when folks can tune in, but the Tribute Wars USA web says an announcement is coming on Oct. 25. Good job and good luck, Start Me Up! 

Taste of the Musical arts

Have you seen the list of acts set to perform at this year’s Taste of the Arts online streaming event on Saturday, Sept. 29? My golly, it’s a local all-star lineup of poets, musicians, dancers, and improv comedians, including Adam Baker and The Heartache, Alicia Pyle, Debutants, Exterminate All Rational Thought, Fields and Fortresses, New Horizons Band, The Mad Scatter & Michael Patterson, Ross Kinsey, Fort Wayne Ballet, Broken Pencil Improv Comedy, Fort Wayne Dance Collective, Our Name is Taken, and so much more. 

Along with watching online, you will have the opportunity to tip the performaers and make purchases from them. It’s unfortunate we won’t get to gather for the event this year, but organizers have done an outstanding job so that we can still enjoy it. To take part in the experience, go to artsunited.org/taste. 

Raspberry beer

Auburn Brewing Co. has a special beer release event on Saturday, Aug. 29, in honor of the rock/funk outfit Rekt. Little Rekt Corvette is the new concoction of raspberry, hibiscus, and green tea ale. Sound good? Then head up north to ABC that day and also take in a performance of Rekt beginning at 7 p.m. Cheers!

Livestream and EP

Rogues & Bandits recorded an EP titled The Thrill late last year with plans to release it this April, but like pretty much everything else this year, it didn’t happen. The alternative rockers instead chose to do a livestream where fans would not only see the band dive into their lengthy catalog but also allow them to purchase the EP. The guys performed a two-hour livestream a couple of weeks ago that you can find on their Facebook page.