Beginner’s guide to the Bloomington music scene

The 25th-anniversary edition of “Live From Bloomington” features local Bloomington artists, accurately highlighting the area’s eclectic music scene.

Every year, IU’s Union Board sponsors an album and large-scale concert in the name of charity, featuring local and regional bands.

Many types of musicians are included on the collection, ranging from traditional folk artists to edgier experimental bands, all representing the musically diverse city and its greater division. This album is one of the few places listeners can find both varying genres and wholeness of compilation.

Though there is a considerable distance from Snaarj’s free-flowing jazz to Andy D’s 1980s throwback rap, they both make their homes in Bloomington and on “Live.”
Despite such wide differences, the album feels cohesive and works as a cursory overview for newcomers and those familiar with the area’s music.

Such diversity is not only a testament to the melting pot of cultures in Bloomington, but to the varied musicians who represent the greater Midwest scene. The album is equipped to satisfy nearly any taste, ranging from the opera-influenced vocal performances of Pantree Owl to the progressive instrumental rock of Clouds as Oceans, all the way to the hard-core chamber rock of Hail Architeuthis!.

When played chronologically, “Live from Bloomington” creates effective transitions between artists, grouping similar bands and contrasting others. To encapsulate the entire Bloomington music scene in 20 songs is a difficult feat; however, the Union Board portrays the scene fittingly. Some groups have been featured on previous compilations, but there isn’t any redundancy to the lineups. Any band that applies is considered for a position.

Bands submit songs along with a $10 donation in order to be chosen by the Union Board. All of the proceeds from the album and concert go to Hoosier Hills Food Bank to feed needy individuals of Monroe, Martin, Owen, Orange, Brown and Lawrence Counties.

“Live from Bloomington” is great local music promoting a worthy cause: a perfect combination.