Bloomington involves bands in Election Day celebrations

Election Night Party canceled

Bloomington is no exception to the unpredictable nature of this omnipresent, historical election.

And in such a musically-inclined community, there’s no surprise that there are many concerts on and around Election Day. Instead of dwelling on the possible shortcomings, Bloomington has taken the bull by the horns in providing all-ages and 21 and older events for its audiences.

Perhaps no other event would have been as cohesive as the politically inclined performance of the New Jersey band Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and its Election Night Party at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

But when Ted Leo’s tour mates Against Me! were involved in a car crash Oct. 22, much changed for the front man. Although no one was injured from the crash, Leo canceled the rest of his tour with the Pharmacists because of the personal exhaustion the accident caused.

Those who purchased tickets are able to receive refunds at the Buskirk’s Sunrise Box Office, located at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., from noon to 5 p.m. daily.

According to an e-mail sent from Buskirk Executive Director Danielle McCelland, Leo is still required to play a show at the venue. Specific details have not yet been confirmed, however.

“Ted Leo will, in fact, reschedule his Bloomington show, but we do not have an expected date at this time,” McCelland said in the e-mail.


Now what? Other music events dominate Election Day

Although no event stands out as politically cohesive as the Ted Leo Party, this doesn’t stop B-town from providing other music events on and around election night.

In fact, it is giving Bloomington the chance to showcase otherwise overlooked local, national and international acts that IU alumnus Dan Coleman and senior Andy Goheen booked through Spirit of ’68 Promotions.

From small events throughout the week to larger concerts such as Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Girl Talk and last year’s Little 500 Feist performance, Spirit of ’68 has been greatly involved in booking and promoting shows in Bloomington.

Goheen expressed remorse toward the Ted Leo cancelation, but because no one was hurt, he also sees it as a shining light to showcase the other events in town.

“Basically, it is a shame that Ted has personal problems that required his canceling of the show,” Goheen said. “However, I admit that it is not quite a tragedy for Bloomington that this show is not happening. There are so many shows happening in Bloomington recently, and there are other concerts happening the night of Nov. 4, but the most important thing that day is the election.”

Election Night Rock Show
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: The Cinemat, 123 S. Walnut
More info: Bands include Either Orr, Chiemi Jones, husband&wife and Everybody. The cost is $4. See the Facebook event or
www.myspace.com/cinemat.


Events for your Election Night hangovers

Everthus the Deadbeats (Muncie), And The Moneynotes (Scranton, Penn.), Ugly Stick (Columbus, Ohio)
When: 9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Jake’s Nightclub (21+)
More info:  See the Facebook event, www.spiritof68promotions.com, www.jakesnightclub.com. The cover is $4.

Swedish songstress Frida Hyvonen
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: John Waldron Arts Center (all ages), 122 S. Walnut St.
Cost: $5
More info: See the Facebook event or
www.spiritof68promotions.com
The cost is $5.