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The Indiana Daily Student

arts

Cover band to perform at Players Pub March 14

Local rock ’n’ roll cover band 8-Track Mind will perform at 8 p.m. March 14 at Players Pub.

Drummer Brian Baker and keyboardist and vocalist Allan Buhr said they met through St. Paul United Methodist Church and began playing together in February 2012.

Dan Helton, who attends services at St. Paul, said he quickly joined the band, playing alto-saxophone as well as singing vocals.

Baker also recruited Otto Ray, Vincent Aliano and Skip Daley to play bass, guitar and rhythm guitar and vocals, respectively.

“Every kid wants to be a rock star,” Baker said. “Most usually don’t wait until they’re older, though.”

The band played its first show June 14, 2012, at Players Pub, where it opened for local band Fistful of Bacon.

The March 14 show will be the band’s fourth time performing at Players Pub, and 10th show overall.

Tickets for 8-Track Mind’s show are $5. The band will play for four hours, performing hits by the Eagles, Steve Miller, REO Speedwagon, 38 Special, Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Tom Petty, Chicago and many other popular rock bands.

Additionally, the band promises there will be a special surprise guest to accompany them onstage.

Buhr said the Eagles are his favorite band.

“They did so much and have such a rich history,” he said. “They’re kind of a super band — each member can play tons of instruments incredibly well, and they made great music together.”

All of the musicians in 8-Track Mind said they mostly enjoy playing rock ’n’ roll music ranging from 1970 to 1985.

“This was the music we experienced in our carefree teenage years,” Baker said. “The songs we play represent emotions of that time, and that’s why we’re so passionate about the music we perform.”

Bands like 8-Track Mind are not uncommon at Players Pub, co-owner Joe Estivill said.
Estivill and co-owner Vicky Kilmer bought the establishment about eight months ago when the previous owner passed away.

“I’ve been dreaming of owning a bar playing local music since I was 12 years old delivering papers in the snow,” Estivill said. “It’s only taken me 38 years to get here.”

Estivill said he makes an effort to support local musicians every night by holding an average of 14 shows a week.

Additionally, he offers many different theme nights, such as Sunday’s Jazz Jam, Monday’s Singer Songwriter Showcase and Tuesday’s Blues Jam.

“You can’t pigeon-hole us,” he said.

Even before taking over, Estivill said he and his wife, Kilmer, were no strangers to the Players Pub, often coming to see local acts and talk with friends.

Baker said the pub is open to all, and many families come to enjoy the food and musical acts of the night.

This year is set to be a big year for 8-Track Mind, Baker said.

The band members want to play 30 shows this year, a few of which they have already done.

They said they do not plan to write any original songs, but they want to schedule a few shows outside of the Bloomington area and perhaps even record a CD in the future.

“Recording is a whole different animal than playing live,” Buhr said. “I think it would be a cool experience to get our covers out to a larger audience.”

Overall, the members of 8-Track Mind said performing for their loyal audience is very rewarding.

“Most of us are just doing this for fun,” Buhr said. “It started with just Brian and me, and I couldn’t be happier with what it has become.”

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