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Thursday, March 28
The Indiana Daily Student

Summer staples

Deciding which Bloomington bar or nightclub to hit up on any given night can often reflect on how cheap the cover and drinks are, or perhaps just where your friends might be. This issue, WEEKEND finds five regular 21+ events around town that highlight local, regional and national acts – from singer/songwriters to Jazz performers and DJs.

Some of these are B-town traditions, while others have just
started to pick up their feet.

Oh, and don’t worry – the cover and drink specials aren’t half bad, either.

Singer-Songwriter showcase
When: Mondays, 8 to 10 p.m.
Where: Players Pub, 424 S. Walnut St.
Cover: Free
Drink prices: Drafts $2.50 to $3.75; Wine $4 to $8;
Bottled beer $2 to $4

Inspired by Nashville, Tenn., songwriters’ showcase, this event was founded a little over a year ago by Stella and Jane band members Suzette Weakley and Bobbie Lancaster.

Players Pub owner Greg Hill said that each week, it showcases about four to six different singer-songwriters – mostly acoustic – in the pub’s quiet listening room. While Hill noted that IU students are not the primary spectators, he said it’s because they are just not aware of the event.

This week’s performers will include Steev Wisher, Aaron Persinger, Dale Gardner and Joe Persinger.

To listen to some of its past, present and future performers, and learn more about the event, check out the pub’s Myspace page, www.myspace.com/bloomingtonsongwritershowcase.

Total Trash Tuesdays
When: Tuesdays, 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Where: The Bluebird Nightclub, 216 N. Walnut St.
Cover: $1 to $3
Drink prices: $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon can special

Event promoter and booker, Jay McClurg said he hopes Total Trash Tuesdays is a weekly party for its attendees.
Indeed, Tuesday nights at the Bluebird this summer resemble house shows more than a typical night at the bar. Friends congregate while sipping PBR cans, while others jam to the performing bands or simply nod their heads. 
The night draws local, regional and national acts. Past acts have included Sticky and the Bees, The Delicious and Band of Annuals. McClurg added that it is also a good opportunity to highlight acts that are not necessarily a cover or national touring act to the Bluebird.
This Tuesday, entitled “Totally Dance Tuesday,” will feature Totally Michael and DJs Flufftronix and Action Jackson. 
To find out more about upcoming artists, check out the event’s Facebook group, “Total Trash Tuesdays @ the Bluebird.”

Hip-Hop Night
When: Tuesdays, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Where: Uncle Fester’s House of Blooze, 430 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Cover: $1
Drink prices: $1 well-drinks special

With Hip-Hop Night, DJ Wally Wonder, aka Jeff Barrows, hopes to “revive what was once a Bloomington favorite in 2003 to 2004.”

Barrows began spinning at the event in June, and Fester’s promoter Josh Johnson said its “been improving every time.” Hip-Hop Night draws from ’80s to ’90s hip-hop, and less from top 40 jams. The event began this June, and Johnson and Barrows are confident that it will only take a matter of time for the feel-good night to pick up. 

Barrows hopes to expand the event into a hip-hop forum by including the three other elements of the genre: breakdancing, MCing and graffiti. Some of Barrows favorite club songs are Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop,” Justice’s “One Minute to Midnight,” Estelle’s “American Boy,” Madonna’s “The Beat Goes On” and new material from Musiq Soulchild.

Jazz Fables
When: Thursdays, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Bear’s Place, 1316 E. Third St.
Cover: $5 to $8
Drink prices: $5.50 Long Island Ice Tea;
$7 Hairy Bear; $6 Hairy Beaver; $3.50 32 ounce domestics

Jazz Fables is a 17-year-old Bloomington tradition that was started by IU professor David Miller. Bear’s Place General Manager Jim Reef said that it has stood the test of time because of Jazz’s timeless nature, large worldwide following and American origins. He added that the most important factor is its proximity to one of the best music schools in the nation: Jacobs. Performing artists at Jazz Fables range from undergrad students to international recording artists. This Thursday, catch Dennis Riggins’ “Swing Thing.”

“He’s a local guy, but has also played with all the big acts, too,” Reef said.

Soul in the Hole
When: Saturdays (bi-weekly) 9 p.m. to 1 or 2 a.m.
Where: FARMbloomington’s Root Cellar, 108 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Cover: $2
Drink prices: Beer $2.50 to $4.50; Bourbon drinks $3.75+, depending on type of Bourbon

FARM might be best known for its locally produced organic food, but every other Saturday night, the sounds of soul emit from its underground bourbon bar.
While most modern DJs spin hip-hop and top 40 hits, this bi-weekly event specializes in “Soul/Funk/R&B from the days of yore,” Heath Byers, aka DJ White Light White Heath, said.

FARM Manager Amber Turner said that the Root Cellar is reminiscent of a speakeasy, and that it provides an intimate atmosphere where “everybody just kind of relaxes.”
“The music is piped into all the rooms, but it’s more so a place to relax than a pumping dance party,” Byers said. “But that said, there is also a small area in which to dance for those so inclined.”

The next Soul in the Hole will be July 26. Byers will be joined by Dan Coleman, aka DJ Junebug, and Jonathan Richardson, aka DJ Jonny Yuma.
For further information on upcoming events, or if you’re a local act interested in performing at the cellar, check out www.myspace.com/theroutecellar.

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