Eight Tracks

Welcome to your new local music column. No more shall the IDS be lacking in local music coverage! No more shall you be wondering, "Who is that band?"\n The goal is to unravel the myth of local music. It is an elusive but universal truth that Bloomington is home to a solid music scene. We have jazz, we have rock, we have funk, we have blues. We have venues and we have festivals. Now we have a way to make the music more accessible.\n Here is the place to find out not only what the musicians do, but why. Not only where, but how. The stories behind the music.\n Another lesser known feature of the local music scene is its diversity. Yes, you know about Danagas and Rich Hardesty. But did you know there is an active folk music following in Bloomington? Biweekly at Barnes and Noble, folk and Celtic musicians gather to procure traditional music in jam sessions, free and open to the public. \n Have you heard about the regular shows at Secret Sailor? Not only does the obscure bookstore feature many Bloomington area and regional acts, but the venue is open to all ages, a hard to find and valuable commodity for the younger music fan. \n Local music is not just the bands you see playing the bars around town. The scene includes every fan and musician no matter how eclectic his or her taste or talent might be. \n I welcome and encourage all comments and suggestions, good or bad. Know of an underrated local talent? Tell me. Hate last week's column? Yell at me. The column is for musicians and music lovers. It is for you.\n Welcome to Bloomington\'s new source for local music info. Welcome to Eight Tracks.