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W I N T E R 2 0 1 4

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4

I FIRST FELL IN LOVE with downtown Springfield about four years ago. For the first time I felt the connection of kindred spirits all around me, like a spiderweb of kinetic energy. Bodies were moving, doing, seeing and being. People were expressing themselves in a way that I could identify with. I can still see the model and photographer in an enclosed alleyway, the hipster artist walking by with his portfolio bag on his back, the bands rocking the stages at the bars... There was magic, and I wanted to be a part of it. In this issue, the Deitra Crew and I wanted to capture a fragment of that magic in our pages. Can an image tell the story of our serene morning photoshoot of three hauntingly beautiful models in a quiet wooded meadow? Can written words express the flavors and sensations we experienced at French creperie, the Aviary? Can a magazine portray the passion and creativity of the artists around us?

In this issue, we wanted to explore just that. From the most delectable foods to the most controversial art. From comedy to music, and beauty to style. This issue touches on many aspects of our artistic culture. It is an amazing thing to be surrounded by such talented and driven people. We live in a generation that is driven by the need to follow our dreams and make a difference with our passions. At Deitra, we want to capture the essence of that spirit and give it to you. We hope these pages inspire you as much as creating them inspired us.

Thank you for reading!

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e d i t o r - i n - c h i e ft a m a r a s t y e r

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E D I T O R ’ S P I C K S

P L A Y L I S T :I’m newly impressed with Lorde’s Pure Heroine, with its intricate vocals and introspective writing. Also a new favorite, The Raconteurs - love every song. But I’m absolutely obsessed with Meg Myers. Her music is angry, sarcastic, poetic and insanely beautiful.

W I N T E R S T Y L E :Fingerless gloves, a red peacoat and boots - all you need to pair with jeans or that little black dress.

O N T H E S T R E E T :All you bearded and pompadoured men wearing scarves and peacoats... you got style. Thanks for bringing the sexy back in men’s fashion.

P I C K SB Y N I G E L K I N D R I C K L E EAS I SIT ACROSS the table from Krista Cronin at the Coffee Ethic on an early Sunday morning, I could not have prepared myself for the copious amounts of shadows before me. All sorts of highly pigmented loose powders in a variety of finishes and shades, from matte to glitter and duo chrome. Cronin, a licensed esthetician from Ozark, Mo. moved here four years ago from Des Moines, Iowa. While working on getting her license transferred over she wanted to stay relevant in the beauty industry. But what to do? Cronin, like myself had been buying shadows from Sephora, Mac and other retailers pricing anywhere

from $19 to $25 a shadow. She decided she could formulate and create her own pigments. After researching for months and trying out different formulas on her sister, she had her own FDA compliant line of pigments. Duo chromes, when put over a black base, reflect different hues as the light shifts. Most shades are inter-mixable, and can be used in a variety of ways. Eyeliner, lid color, mixed in clear nail polish… the options are limitless. For $9 you receive a five gram jar with a sifter for portion control. Most pigments do well on their own, but a shadow primer is always suggested. After sampling several shades I fell in love with “Cinnamon,” “Glimmer” and “Reverse.” You can find and order your own at etsy.com, Krista’s Beauty Bliss.

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comedy

HE’S THE TYPE OF ARTIST who works on his craft every day, analyzing life, the people around him and himself in order to write thoughtfully. Out of this ponderous and even psychological writing stems the subject material for his standup acts. Host of the M.E.O. Podcast and the originator of Laughing Stock, an open mic for local comics in Springfield, Mo., Mark Archambeault, also known to his friends and fans as Merr, is ready to take on the next phase in his comedy career: traveling across country doing standup on the road. Deitra got the chance to sit down with this comedic trailblazer, and delve into the mind of an ever evolving artist.

This last year I spent a lot of time analyzing comedy and why I do it. People always ask me why I do standup, and it’s a really hard question to answer. The easy answer is that it’s a high when you get on stage and you’re making people laugh and you experience that with them, and being able to evoke that type of response from people just using your words. That’s really cool and all, but honestly that’s not what drives you to work on it every day. Standup comedy is a philosophical and psychological critic. Philosophy and psychology are two things I’ve always been interested in. I’ve really been interested in studying society and the way people think, and social norms. It’s so fascinating to me, and standup is one of the only real platforms you have where it’s acceptable to preach your opinion, and what you think about these things.

Everybody talks about the confidence. You have to have confidence to get on stage, and you can really tell if a comic has confidence. But there’s such a fine line between confidence and cockiness. I feel like I’ve gone through all three. I’ve gone through the not confident enough, where I’m not comfortable getting on stage and you can tell and I’m not owning it, especially toward the beginning. And then I got confident on stage and knew I was good. And then I also have gotten on stage cocky, and I’ve gotten lazy. I think that’s one of the most difficult things to do as an artist is when you start being successful and you start getting good feedback and you start feeling good about what you’re doing, it’s really tempting to get lazy with it. And I’ve been guilty of that, I know I can get up and do it without even trying, which is never good for an artist to do ever, or for you to do in any walk of life. But at the same time it happens, especially when you get cocky with it. Arrogance is detrimental, especially in the creative process. But my arrogance with it led to a frustration with it that I think led me to a completely different way of looking at comedy now. When I talk about getting arrogant with standup, I noticed

when I was writing, I didn’t like what I was thinking, because I had this arrogance when thinking about things. I’m judging people and judging things and saying I’m better than them. I went through this arrogance thing where I just looked down on people as a whole. And the thing that’s weird about it, when you meet someone one on one and you talk to someone, everybody has their own story, and there’s a reason to talk to them. There’s something interesting about them. But when you step back and look at mass groups of people, you lose that. Like on Facebook, you see these lists of the stupidest things people have said on Facebook and other examples of just people being dumb. The intelligence level of society on a whole, and the interests of society, when you think of the group mind, it’s really depressing. Humanity is very depressing. I fed so much into that and thought about it that way that when I got up on stage it was like I was separating myself and almost like I got up on a pedestal. I was like “I’m better than these people,” and I was talking bad about people. But the thing I realized is that I’m saying this to people. Having that arrogance on stage that I’m better than this, it works for some people, but for me, I don’t think that’s the direction I want to go with my standup.

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There are two different things I’ve always struggled with. With any kind of art form, whether it’s music or standup or whatever, there’s definitely a platform for just getting up there and entertaining. It doesn’t have to be thoughtful, it just needs to be entertaining. People can think that musician’s music is shit, but at the same time he has 100 thousand people bobbing their heads. So there’s some validity to that. But at the same time you have the person who really makes you think and is really deep and takes responsibility of having that social platform, and takes it really seriously and uses it the best that he can to actually have a thought provoking type of material. Obviously that’s something that you want to strive for, but at the same time I don’t think that it has to necessarily be one or the other. I feel like, done correctly, any art form should have a little bit of both. I believe you can entertain a little better without the thought provoking. Are you going to try to stimulate the left side or the right side of the brain? So having a little bit of both, and laughing at something because it’s silly and not think about it too much, I think there’s a necessity for that in standup, but I also think there has to be the other side too, where it’s really thought provoking.

Which lends itself to be considered very tasteless sometimes, or very obscene or lewd humor because when you’re saying the opposite of what you mean, a lot of times it’s going to be shocking material. Which is why I don’t think there are any taboos in comedy. There can’t be. At this point everything has been done. If you’re saying something purely for the idea to shock someone or get a rise out of them that way, good luck at this point. What else can you do? It’s almost like you’re forced to see comedy in a different way, simply because it doesn’t work anymore. It’s diluted. If you go and see a comic and he’s doing a bunch of offensive material, it’s not funny anymore. And it’s not because they’re not funny or the idea behind it isn’t funny. It’s because we already know it, the trick’s already been played. I think that’s a fascinating thing when it comes to standup. There isn’t an infinite wealth of material for standup. There’s only so many things you can talk about, and the longer time goes on, the more things have been done and overdone. It’s like music and trying to find a new way to play a guitar at this point. Every way has been figured out. But what I really love about it is that there is an infinite wealth of material when you’re being honest about yourself. You can give four different comics one subject to talk about and if they put their own personality into it, it’ll be a completely different joke four different times. It’s the same thing with writing. Every book that you can possibly think of has been written, every story has been told, but it can be told in a different way.

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I like to relate to people, and I’m trying to make the focus of my comedy less about my judgement or critique of something, but rather trying to understand it. This is me trying to make sense of it. I feel like that’s what I did a lot with my early standup. It’s comedy of the absurd, where you find the truth in the opposite of what I’m saying. A lot of my humor comes from complete sarcasm. I’m saying one thing but it’s obvious that I mean something else, and therein lies the truth of the material, but the absurdity is what makes it funny.

40I’ve done a lot of thinking about life. Especially this year a lot of things came to fruition for me. I’ve always had a goal that by the time I turned 35 I would spend at least one year being a professional comic, booking shows, going out of town doing shows and that’s it, just 100 percent focused on doing that. I’ve got about a year and a half left. But it’s going to happen. I’ve got a plan and I’ve actually set stuff aside, and I’ve changed a lot of things. For a long time I was really concentrating on getting good and writing material and practicing. Then I changed the focus to trying to create a scene in Springfield, working with other people and putting shows together. Now I feel like I want to get selfish again. I really want to just focus on me. I’ve quit smoking, which is something I’ve wanted to do. I’ve smoked since I was 13, and now I’m actually quitting. It’s really cool because I’m starting to save money and I’ve got plans and I’m actually starting to do grownup stuff. I feel like by the time I’m 35 I’m going to actually be able to put life on hold and go around the country doing comedy. I’ve talked to a lot of people and made enough connections with out-of-town comics who can help me out. Just spend a year trying. It’s one of those bucket list things that I think if I don’t do it I’ll regret not trying. And even if I don’t succeed it’ll be a hell of a fucking story. It’s one of those things that I have to do.

UP AND COMING LOCAL artist Rachel Brown can remember the very first time she created something. It was simple, just some dots in yellow, orange and green, but it’s her first memory and would impact her path to artistic expression. For Miss Brown, there was never a doubt that she would find a way to make art professionally. She never worried about what she might do with her life; her path was chosen for her as soon as she picked up those markers. For some, it’s as simple as that, faith in what they love and a drive to do it no matter what. Brown has been making beautiful art her whole life and though for a while considered journalism, chose instead to study art in Springfield at Missouri State University where she is currently a senior set to graduate in the spring. Her work is lively and colorful and ranges in subject matter from political to whimsical, sometimes combining the two. As the cartoonist for the Missouri State student run paper, The Standard - a position she has maintained for the entirety of her collegiate career - and member of Students for a Sustainable Future, Miss Brown has found a way to combine her knack for activism and community involvement with her artistic agenda. “I’ve been doing a series on corporations that I’m not too fond of such as Nestle, Chiquita Banana and other corporations that have violated human

rights in various ways and I combine them with the female form because of some of the glamorous images these corporations try to portray as a veil for some of the evil things they are doing behind the scenes,” says Brown. Though she has created a successful series both political and sexual in nature, she is something of an artistic chameleon, unafraid to experiment with numerous ideas, styles and inspirations. Her animal series has led to a partnership with two companies that endorse her artwork, using the images on everything from T-shirts to shower curtains. “I did a long series of animals because I wanted people to feel the connection with the natural world and to realize how connected and beautiful everything is,” says Brown. “The further I got into it the more I started doing stylized wavy patterns with fur and found that a visual language had developed.” Both RaveNectar and DiaNoche Designs feature her work on their websites for purchase and while some artists might feel differently about their work finding its way onto something other than a canvas, Miss Brown’s opinion on the way her work has taken shape is both modern and refreshing. “I’m not a purist in the sense that I think my work has to only hang in galleries on white walls with white people drinking white wine. I’d like all sorts of people to see my work, have on a shirt, have on a product and I feel like that has more of an impact on people’s daily lives than my work only hanging in a gallery.” Visit paintmyworldrainbow.com to enjoy Rachel’s psychedelic and refreshingly bohemian portfolio and visit ravenectar.com or dianochedesigns.com to purchase a Rachel Brown original.

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heartsof fire

of fireTATTOOS AREN’T JUST FOR whores and sailors anymore. Hearts of Fire is one of those tattoo shops where, as soon as you walk through the front doors, you know you’re in for a good experience. The atmosphere is friendly and lively, and customers are greeted promptly upon entering. For the past 12 years, Hearts of Fire has been making an impact on the Springfield scene, adding flavor and flare to the local tattoo culture. The work that walks out of the shop is distinctive, unique and masterfully done. “It’s the place you can go where your opinion matters,” says owner and artist Ethen Jackson. Jackson says that part of the reason his shop has done so well over the years is due to the respect and care with which they treat people. “We just try to be nice and say ‘hi’ to everyone who walks through the door. We don’t treat people like an ATM machine.”

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The shop, as described by Jackson, is rooted in the traditional style and values of the culture. He emphasizes humility and traditional tattoo values within both himself and the other artists in the shop, making sure that ego doesn’t get in the way of art. “I want to take my apprentices through a respectable apprenticeship. Make them earn their way. I want all my artists to respect that and understand that it’s a great reward to be a tattoo artist. But I want them to make sure their craft is on lockdown first.” Jackson also traces some of the shop’s values to one of the most iconic figures in tattooing, Sailor Jerry. “Once you go deeper than the rum he makes, you find he never scarificed or sold out,” says Jackson. Sailor Jerry pioneered tattooing in some of its earliest days of popularity, leaving behind

a legacy of traditional tattoo values that ring true today and are evident in both the attitude and the approach of the artists at Hearts of Fire. For over a decade, Jackson has been honing his craft, developing clientele, and making a name for both himself and his shop. After apprenticing under the owner of Hearts of Fire at the time, Jake Dalton, Jackson bought the business in 2006. A year later, Jackson moved Hearts of Fire from their location on Kearny, to their current location at 212 W. McDaniel St., downtown. Hearts of Fire has grown from having just two artists, with a client base of mostly walk-ins, to a bustling business of seven artists, often times booked for weeks at a time. Jackson notes that he’s hired additional artists not simply for the sake of expanding, but because of the need. “We were having to turn people away because we couldn’t keep up with the demand,” he says.

Hearts of Fire’s impressive roster includes owner Ethen Jackson, as well as Jake Richardson, Joey Trent, Wayne Wells, Sarah Blinkhorn, Matt Willis and Steve Coble. This talented crew accommodates everything from “Tasmanian devils to full Japanese back pieces,” says Jackson. But regardless of the tattoo, from something the size of a quarter, to something taking up a quarter of your body, Hearts of Fire assures that each tattoo is treated with the same, deliberate care as the next. When asked about the tattoo culture, Jackson remarked that, indeed, tattoos are no longer for sailors and whores, which has become a sort of unofficial slogan amongst some of the artists. “It’s not the ‘80s anymore. Shops have changed. They’re no longer just hangouts for biker gangs.”

Today, tattoos are seen less as a social stigma, and more as self expression and art, with the only difference being the canvass. Tattoos have certainly picked up steam after the nationwide tattoo-fever which began in the mid-2000’s. Interestingly though, Jackson notes that people once got tattooed to be different. Now, the more people who get tattooed, the less they stand out in society. “I never want to be on TV. I never want to have my own show or get huge,” says Jackson. Hearts of Fire has become a staple of the local tattoo scene, respected by both customers and peers alike. Jackson says he enjoys being local and being able to provide quality art to the community. Hearts of Fire has been, and will continue to be, one of the best tattoo shops around, from the easy going atmosphere to artists who are passionate about their craft and happy to work with customers. The art speaks for itself, is excellent by any standard and the artists are just as eager to work on your tattoo, as you are to receive it.

GRAFFITI IS NOT A NEW thing to Springfield. Since the major surge of graffiti writers in the early ‘90s, artists have moved from being social pariahs and vandals to the artists behind iconic presidential campaigns (remember Obama’s HOPE poster, painted by famed graffiti artist Shepard Fairey?).

However, though some prolific graffiti writers have gained both fame and recognition for their art, graffiti is still illegal and widely regarded as delinquent activity. Deitra had the opportunity to sit down with two of Springfield’s more seasoned writers and hear first hand what they have to say about their work.

Deitra: Introduce yourself. What do you write, and how did you get your names?

Bonehead: I used to write Squeak, which is actually a nickname I got as a kid. I liked that name, but I wanted something that was a bit more in tune with the style I was working with. So I developed Bonehead. No one has really done anything like that around here. It’s a little longer, more unorthodox, which I like, and it definitely fits the sort of skeletal and organic stuff I work with.

Psudo: I write Psudo. It’s a name I picked out because it really fit a lot of my thoughts and beliefs at the time, and I really like the idea that it means fake or a false version of something.

Deitra: How many names have you had?

Psudo: A lot—more than I can remember. I’ve just played with a lot of letters. It’s more than just a name. You have to think about the combination of letters and how words flow together, how it’s written and how letters will stack against each other. There’s so much more to it than just picking a name.

Deitra: Can you tell me what some of your other names were?

Psudo: Not really, just for legal reasons. I don’t want to stack too much against myself. But the first name I ever wrote was Cerpin.

Deitra: What is the name of your crew?

Bonehead: FOS, From Outer Space. It’s just a little one we’ve been running together.

Deitra: How did you get into graffiti?

Bonehead: I don’t really know. It just happened. I’ve always appreciated it, being an artist my whole life, but I don’t remember a point where I was like, “Damn, I’m going to go start tagging shit.” I just thought I would try it and when I did, found I really liked it.

Psudo: Very similar. I had liked it for years before I started writing and I had toyed with some other letters and names. And only later did I figure out, “Oh, I can actually go out and do this whenever I want.” It was good for an angsty kid who just wanted to go out and fuck shit up.

Deitra: Graffiti is largely illegal. Do you see yourselves as criminals, outlaws, artists, etc.?

Bonehead: I would say artist, first and foremost. The criminal part just sort of comes along with that in this particular genre.

Deitra: Is being a criminal a side-effect of being an artist?

Bonehead: Yes, at least in this scenario. You definitely meet more ethically questionable characters in this line of art as opposed to a different setting.

Psudo: I’d say, really, almost outlaw and vandal before artist because, honestly, when I first started, I was just tagging for the hell of it. And even though it was a shit style, it was still fun to do and fun to get up. You know, that’s what it was for me before I realized, “Oh, I can actually piece this together to make it look good, too.”

Deitra: How do you view graffiti?

Bonehead: I view it in different lights. Some people will think that any kind of tag is awesome, but me, I’m a little more critical of particular styles. I love really good graffiti and good street art, but a lot of the sort of kid-tags, I’d rather not look at that sort of thing.

Psudo: Graffiti is something that is unique to its own self. I don’t lump it into street art at all. Those are separate categories. Graffiti is much more destructive and much more about vandalizing, and getting paint and getting up. Whereas, street art is more artsy and doing wheatpastes and stuff. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but a lot of people will lump those things together and they’re just very different.

Deitra: What does graffiti mean to you?

Psudo: Graffiti means a freedom of expression. It’s really one of the last ways that people can do art and truly be self-expressive, I mean, to the point that it’s illegal. And that’s slowly dying. People are starting to recognize it for art and its merits, and I feel that’s good and bad. But I feel like graffiti belongs on the street, and not necessarily on a canvass in an art gallery. Those are separate things. I mean at what point does graffiti become “art?”

Bonehead: For me, graffiti offers a completely new sort of medium, genre and atmosphere. You can get a lot of attitude out of graffiti or street art that you couldn’t get out of a gallery piece. Then there’s also incorporating the medium,

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incorporating the area around you into your piece and just get something that you simply could not get in a gallery piece when it comes to visual aesthetic.

Psudo: And there’s so much more to it than just visual aesthetic, especially if you think “Oh man, he got that piece, but how did he do it?” Well, he had to climb three stories and scale across a building and then paint on top of a freeway. And there is completely different emphasis that you get out of it than in a gallery piece.

Bonehead: There’s just something you get out of it that there’s no counterpart for in the art gallery world. You can’t emulate that.

Deitra: Can graffiti be a good thing?

Psudo: Absolutely. Look at Detroit. Detroit is the equivalent of a third-world country. It’s falling apart, and there has been a movement recently by a bunch of forerunner graffiti artists who are going through and painting it like crazy. And if you go and ask the people,

they’d rather have the city painted in these bright colors and murals, rather than have it be dilapidated and burnt down, and look like it’s about to fall off the face of the earth.

Bonehead: I can’t add a whole lot more to that. Other than that, it’s the questioning of authority and giving a sort of attitude to society that you don’t have to necessarily listen to these invisible walls that we put up.

Deitra: What has been your greatest accomplishment in the writer’s world?

Psudo: I think just meeting the people I’ve met. Regardless of if I’ve done a great piece or not, I’ve made some cool friends, met some cool people, and met people who I thought were way out of my league. And you meet people from all over, especially when you travel.

Bonehead: Like he was saying, the general community that you get involved with. Yes, you get some stinkers, but you also get so many talented people who are willing to work with you and are actually getting excited about your work. Then, being able to collaborate and trade pieces with them, that’s something I wouldn’t have gotten out of anything else.

Deitra: What is graffiti culture like in Springfield and its surrounding areas?

Bonehead: At least in the Springfield area it’s not really that big. There’re just a small handful of people running the scene. As far as other places, St. Louis is huge.

Psudo: Kansas City is really big, too. I would say St. Louis is definitely the capitol of graffiti right now. A lot of the graffiti in the Midwest, in general, is taking over and really has been a lot more prolific lately and, debatably, it’s taking over the East and West coasts. The thing with Springfield is we had a lot of good writers back in the early 2000s, and they got older and moved away. So now these younger kids are coming up and trying to do it, and some are doing well and some are not doing so well. Recently, we’ve had some good writers move down here so it’s been nice to have someone you can relate to with these things.

Deitra: Why would you say the Midwest has had such a boom in graffiti?

Bonehead: Who knows. Probably just cultural jetlag of it starting in the coasts and working its way here.

Psudo: I think that, and a lot of the recent notoriety of it.

Deitra: Is there an endgame to graffiti?

Bonehead: I don’t think so. It’s kind of like chasing perfection. You’re never going to get there but you’re always working toward it. Just improving yourself is the end game for any artist.

Psudo: I think it’s a lot of teaching yourself initiative and being a go-getter. Being self-motivated to go out there in the middle of the night when it’s fucking 30 degrees and 20 degrees, just going out there and paint by yourself to get that spot.

Deitra: What other cities are you guys up in?

Bonehead: St. Louis and Indianapolis. I don’t travel much, but I’ve done international trades to Australia, London, Serbia.

Psudo: St. Louis, Kansas City, Alabama, the Gulf and Melbourne. Then stickers and tags in five other states. And that comes from not really having time to do a big piece, but just quick little bangers and slaps.

Deitra: What would you say to people who might call you criminals, vandals or punk-kids?

Bonehead: [laughs] Anyone who knows me, knows I’m not a punk kid. I like to think I’m very unassuming. I’m very clean cut and straight forward. You’d never guess I’m a graffiti artist if you met me in person. I think people just need a perspective shift. People like to think graffiti artists are just some punk kids, scribbling on things, and don’t give a shit about anything else when, in fact, I’m quite contrary to that. As I said earlier, it’s a lot about the art for me. I do it for the appreciation of it. If people didn’t like what I was doing, I probably wouldn’t be doing it.

Psudo: They can call me what they want. That’s fine. They don’t know me. They can have whatever opinion they want. That’s nonsense.

Deitra: How does graffit translate into the art world?

Psudo: I think a lot is the drive it teaches you, the initiative, the self-motivation. When you’re doing graffiti and you’re really doing it, you’re really into it, it’s a hunger. You do a tag and you think, “Oh man, it looks alright but I could do better,” or you do a piece and think, “Oh, I need to clean that up, or balance that better, or these colors will make it pop more. You really force a lot of creativity on yourself because you want to be better and look good and be good at what you do.

Bonehead: It makes you faster, too. You start to figure out shortcuts of ways to be quicker and save time, since you’re usually pressed for time. And the drive that it gives you. Being out there, doing something illegal, for me, is very uncomfortable. That’s probably the one thing I dislike about it. But it’s really taught me how to get out of my comfort zone and do things I normally wouldn’t do. I used to be insanely timid, prior to writing. It was very difficult for me to go up and talk to people. But since I’ve started doing this and forcing myself to do something I’m uncomfortable with, I’ve gotten into the habit of being able to talk to people much easier. And it also helps with being able to talk to people in the actual art field and get your stuff noticed in, say, a gallery.

Deitra: Do you have art background?

Bonehead: Yeah, I’ve been doing art since I can remember. My father is a graphic designer so he had me drawing since I could hold a pencil.

Psudo: Yeah, same sort of thing with me. I’ve been doing art since I can remember. It’s been the only constant in my life. It’s definitely a motivation for me.

Deitra: Are you going to school for art?

Bonehead: Yes

Psudo: Yes

Deitra: So what should people know in order to open their eyes or minds to graffiti?

Bonehead: Not profiling people. People seem to, a lot of times, look at people and profile them a certain way. Or see something they’ve done and profile that person in a certain way, typically in a negative light. Realize that artists aren’t out there trying to cause damage or hurt people because, with me in particular, I’m trying to inspire people and give them something they can appreciate because when I was young and would see these things I would think, “Oh that’s really cool. I really like that. I can’t believe someone would go out of their way to do something like that, just for me to look at.”

Psudo: Definitely all that. But I think people need to take a moment to realize what it took for the situation they’re looking at to actually happen. People may see a throw-up and think, “Oh someone just did that, willy-nilly.” But, actually, these things are planned out, they’re borderline militant, and I think people need to understand the commitment that people have to this stuff.

Deitra: Anything else to add?

Psudo: Big ups to our homies in UAO (Up And Out)—Ruse and Feeble.

With graffiti growing in the Midwest and becoming more and more popularized by mainstream artists, the craft is slowly being recognized as more than just vandalism. Artists like Psudo and Bonehead are paving the way for other young artists to make their mark on society. To some, graffiti will always be a nuisance or just another attempt to get up and cause damage. But to others, graffiti can be appreciated just as much as any piece in The Louvre. Graffiti is the final frontier of self-expression, making a mark to be appreciated by all who may pass by.

THE AVIARY CAFÉ AND CREPERIE, nestled on the corner of Jefferson and Walnut in downtown Springfield, is one of those places you simply can’t imagine downtown without. After being open for only three years, Aviary has become one of downtown’s stars when it comes to local eateries. The restaurant was alive and buzzing on the Wednesday evening when the Deitra staff arrived for dinner. We’re welcomed first by the friendly wait staff who seats us in a corner table adjacent to an envelope mounted to the wall entitled “found love notes.” During the short wait for our food, we pick through the notes, some scrawled on the backs of receipts, some on scraps of notebook paper. Some notes are direct and specific, while others are much broader in scope. All, however, add to the fun, inviting and warm atmosphere of The Aviary.

are also paired with equally as delicious sides such as a creamy white macaroni and

cheese, cheesy polenta and classic, perfectly golden pomme frites,

served with an herbed aioli. And although The Aviary

is famous for its crepes, the menu offers a variety of non-crepe entrees that include Frenched lamb loins, scallops served over a beet and barley salad, and a sumptuous duck casserole. Lastly, we experience

some of the dessert crepes The Aviary

offers. These crepes alone are worth making a meal of. The salted caramel crepe, with homemade

caramel, is rich and full of

everything you’d expect in a dessert crepe

and the oozy caramel seems to sink into your soul. The limoncello is bright and tangy, filled with made from scratch lemon curd and mascarpone, and topped with sweet berries. Finally, and perhaps most notably, the poached pear and almond pastry cream crepe is one of the most well-designed and perfectly unexpected dishes I’ve had in recent memory. Tender slices of pears have been gently poached in red wine, giving the dish depth, richness and sophistication. The almond pastry cream pairs perfectly with the flavors of red wine and crème anglaise. The dish is thoughtfully constructed, beautifully presented and unforgettable.

The food is excellent and incredibly well thought out. Each ingredient, beautifully presented on the plate, is necessary and adds a dimension of flavor to the dish. The plating is stunning, a work of art in itself, and the flavor which translates is equally as incredible. We are treated first to a bowl of French onion soup, a perfect winter warmer that brings hearty flavor to what could be mistaken for an unassuming menu item. Next, we indulge in an appetizer of duck confit rillettes that is utterly sublime. The duck, slow-cooked in its own fat, is broken down into rillettes (with a texture similar to a pậté), and served in bite sized portions atop toasty sour dough, and topped with a zesty mixture of arugula, capers and baby pickles. It’s a dish we all wish we had more of, and all swear we’ll return for. Appetizers are followed by an incredible array of savory crepes including the robust and unmistakable Black and Blue, blackened steak and bleu cheese, and the incredibly savory Coq au Vin, whose tender meat packs more flavor than I ever knew chicken could deliver. We also enjoy a vegetarian option, the Venetian Garden that’s bright, fresh and accented by crème fraiche that brings the dish alive. The crepes

These incredibly crafted dishes and inclusive menu are the products of Chef John Allen’s vision and creativity. Allen, who grew up washing dishes and cooking in his mother’s restaurant in California, has left his mark on Springfield by the way of his inspired cuisine. Together, Allen and co-owners Mark and Debbie Burgess have created a noteworthy restaurant with food worth talking about and accented by a friendly, whimsical atmosphere. The restaurant itself is artistic and relaxed in feel. Owner, Debbie, says that the space is inspired to carry a sort of Anthropologie feel. “I want people to come in and just feel good,” she says. From the rustic, church pew style benches, to the walls made out of old doors, to the tiny birds in nearly every corner, the restaurant has a very unique and thought-out personality. And the décor, much like the menu, changes seasonally, with several fixed design accents, highlighted by seasonally

appropriate decorations. It’s a relaxed and inviting place to enjoy your meal. Owners Mark and Debbie say the restaurant is driven by customer service and in turn, a great and memorable customer experience. “We want this to be a place you want to eat at every single day,” says Debbie. “A customer having an, ‘okay’ experience here is the worst thing that can happen,” adds Mark. At The Aviary, the customer’s experience is paramount. The Aviary prides itself on both its uniqueness in menu and atmosphere, but also in the character of the food and flexibility it provides. Absolutely everything (barring Ranch dressing) is made in house and from scratch. They even make a gluten-free crepe batter to better accommodate as wide a range of dietary restrictions as possible. “There’s something for everyone,” says Debbie, “from the two 16-year-olds on their first date, to the couple celebrating 50 years of marriage.” In just three short years, Aviary has become a downtown staple and has expanded to include their food truck and catering service, “Aviary on the Fly,” as well as their newly-opened second location, open in the new Farmer’s Park off Republic road. At Aviary’s south-side location, you’ll experience more seating, as well as an emphasis on pastries and baked goods, crafted by French pastry chef, Bruno Marchandise. At The Aviary, expect the be impressed. Expect to be surprised. Expect to experience flavors and culture that whisk you away from Springfield. At The Aviary, expect an experience worth returning for, again and again.

Fun and lively. It’s a place for every event, from a romantic date, to a reunion of friends.

Excellent. The servers are personal, approachable and have an obvious passion for people.

Duck Confit Rillette; Beet and Barley Salad; Pure Comfort Mac & Cheese; Coq au Vin Crepe; The Farmer Crepe; Poached Pear and Almond Pastry Cream Crepe; Salted Caramel Crepe.

Appetizers average around $8; Non-crepe entrees around $20; Savory Crepes average around $11; and desserts around $7. Every bite is worth every penny.

Open Sunday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Recommended for larger parties but walk-ins usually find a table without much wait.

theaviarycafe.com or by phone at 417.866.6378.

a new culture of food

springfield’sIT’S HARD TO MISS the new mobile food park just north of Chestnut Expressway on Glenstone. The bright red double-decker bus parked on the corner is attention grabbing, and the lot, dotted with various trucks, vendors and patrons, quickly draws the eye. Since the beginning of May of 2013, food truck vendors from the Springfield area have been congregating in the empty lot adjacent to Transport Graphics on North Glenstone, and serving up one-of-a-kind food and a unique experience to Springfield residents. The park, currently in its first year of business, has trucks that sell food from down-home barbecue, to inspired Asian-Mexican fusion. Here, there is wonderfully crafted food that truly offers something for everyone. The park features food from local businesses The Wheelhouse, Bob’s Barbecue, Rolling Star Grill, London Calling, and The Aviary. The trucks operate each with their own hours and their own unique food. Lunch and dinner are the prime times to experience the park, and each truck has their own website, where their specific hours and previews of their menu can be found. You can also look up the park on Facebook by searching SGF Mobile Food Park. With each truck having such specific taste and style, it’s hard to do them all justice. Perhaps the best way to experience the food is, as owner of the lot, Ken Walker, says, “Just go out and give it a try. They’ll develop a relationship with you where it’s like Cheers, they’ll all know your name.” But before you give them a chance to know your name, here’s a chance to learn theirs.

food trucks

The distinctive cuisine at London Calling is one that’ll have you planning your next vacation in the UK, and bringing your friends and family to experience both the food and the atmosphere of this local vendor. Owner, Neil Gomme, a London native, opened London Calling with the intent of bringing a spot of British flair to the Midwest. Gomme markets the pasty (pronounced pas-tee), a traditional, British street food that Gomme describes as a hand-held pot-pie. Inside these pasties, you’ll find flavors which pay homage to England, such as the savory Classic Pasty, featuring beef, potatoes, and rutabaga, as well as flavors inspired by other cultures, such as the Chicken Pot Pie or the Chicken Enchilada. The restaurant has, in a way, become one of the more iconic spots

on Glenstone, featuring a red, double-decker bus which has been renovated to accommodate hungry diners. Here, diners can take a break from the elements to cozy up with some British tunes and a cup of tea while they enjoy their meal. Since opening in October of 2013, London Calling has seen tremendous business, with lines wrapping around the bus and buying up pasties as fast as they can be made. Operated by Gomme and his sister-in-law, Carrie, the business originated when Carrie first visited London and saw a case of pasties in a train station. She says she was overcome with the urge to try one and, from her first bite, was hooked. Hence, the notion of London Calling began. Now, years later, the dream has come across the pond to become a reality. This classic English fare has brought together much of Springfield’s English population, and has brought a little slice of the UK to the Midwest. The food is delicious, the service is fast and friendly, and the atmosphere is one unlike any place in Springfield. If a trip to London isn’t in your near future, London Calling is definitely the perfect place to experience a taste of the culture. Look them up on Facebook or visit their website at londoncallingpastycompany.com

Smokin’ Bob’s, run by Nixa native, Bob Carver, is the product of passion. Carver has been barbecuing and smoking meat for as long as he can remember, and in January of 2013, opened his restaurant. Also in 2013, Carver competed in the Rockin’ Ribs barbecue competition for the first time, earning respectable scores in the best sauce category. He says it’s simple, but its good. And Deitra agrees. His hickory-smoked barbecue comes in a variety of forms from the brisket sandwich, to the classic pulled pork, served up with homemade, signature sauces. But the menu doesn’t stop with Bob’s savory sandwiches. Bob’s also offers homemade baked beans and an indulgent smoked macaroni and cheese. Smokin’ Bob’s is the barbecue you’ve been looking for, the barbecue you want. It’s humble and delicious, juicy and tender. His distinctive flavor is one you won’t find anywhere else, and his humble attitude drives his product to speak for itself. Now a staple of the Springfield food truck park, Bob’s is one to watch in the years to come. Look Bob’s up on Facebook or visit the website at smokinbobsbbq.com

At the Rolling Star Grill, you’ll find classic, American flavors, served up with a smile. This family-owned and operated business is the product of over 60 years combined restaurant experience. Originating in Arkansas, Rolling Star Grill has made the move to Springfield to deliver quality food and hefty portions. What has become the Schend family business, has been driven by the freedom in creating their own unique menu, which features fried chicken, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled portabella sandwiches and much more. The face of the business, Johnathan Schend has been in the restaurant business for well over a decade and has held nearly every position in the industry. When it came time to open his own business, he told Deitra he wanted to do things right and in a way that made sense. Schend prides himself in his homemade sauces and seasonings and his from-scratch food that yields a quality product, evident in both the service and flavor. A passion for food and a knowledge of restaurants is what has driven Rolling Star Grill since June of 2013. Schend encourages anyone simply to come try his food, get outside of their box and experience the way he has brought his taste and experience to the food. Look them up on Facebook or visit their website at rollingstargrill.com. 63

At the Wheelhouse, the dishes created by brothers Steven and Zachary Smallwood will have you reassessing how you think about food and flavors. The the brothers serve up Thai-Mexican fusion dishes that are unlike any other establishment in the area. Their dishes are creative, innovative, fresh and above all, delicious. The brothers trace the roots of the Wheelhouse back to their family’s heritage in California. Growing up around a family-owned Mexican restaurant, the brothers became acquainted with both the business and the flavors. Steven also noted that the Californian attitude of eating green and staying healthy,

as well as the various Thai restaurants in the area, further contributed to the innovation behind the Wheelhouse. On the menu, you’ll find items like Drunken Noodles, which Steven says, is one of their best selling items, as well as Peanut Chicken Tacos, and the Green Mojo Burrito. They also offer an array of vegetarian options including Veggie Special Tacos, Spring Rolls and more. Add-ons are also available to add an extra kick of flavor or protein to your dish.At the Wheelhouse, there is a passion for people and delivering a quality product to the public. Wheelhouse has worked with several local charities including Dusty Feet, a humanitarian group which works to end human trafficking, by providing food to workers during campaigns. The flavors at the Wheelhouse are unique to themselves and unlike most everything you’ll find in Springfield. The food is crafted from the heart with each dish paying homage to the Smallwood brothers’ upbringing. If you’re looking for big flavor in unexpected yet sumptuous dishes, the Wheelhouse is serving up your next lunch. Look them up on Facebook, or visit their website at wheelhousefood.com.

65

If you’re looking for a way to spice up or class up your lunch hour, Aviary on the Fly is the perfect way. This extension of the downtown hotspot, Aviary, offers authentic crepes and savoy Paninis to anyone looking to experience The Aviary in a whole new way. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of The Aviary’s mobile food truck, is the fact that the kitchen inside the truck is actually larger than the kitchen in the Aviary’s original restaurant. However, Chef Allen of the Aviary tells Deitra that working in such a small kitchen in the restaurant, and then having a larger kitchen in their mobile unit, allows for fun, innovative and exciting catering opportunities. Allen tells us they’ve catered events with menus ranging from classic Americana, to traditional French, to barbecue. The Aviary on the Fly gives The Aviary an excellent opportunity to expand their business

there really is something for everyone, from innovative vegetarian dishes at the Wheelhouse, to British classics at London Calling. Even if your lunch hour isn’t just down the road, many of the businesses are open for dinner and on weekends. The park is also looking to expand with additional trucks bringing additional styles and flavors, says lot owner, Ken Walker. “But there’s no mean people allowed,” he says, laughingly. Walker emphasizes the importance of supporting small, local businesses, and states that because the vendors differ so greatly from each other, there’s no competition between them, even though they congregate in one location. But keep your eyes peeled for additional trucks to be added to the roster, as well as new events to be held in the park in the months to come. As winter sets in, these businesses are looking to become your new, favorite place for a bite to eat. It’s not typical. It’s fun, exciting and a break from the typical night-out at a restaurant. It’s a break from the routine that can be eaten at your leisure on site with friends, in your car on the way to your next stop or at home in your own space. In any case, Springfield’s Mobile Food Park is a new, fun and delicious place to enjoy your next meal.

and market themselves to broader demographics. With their mobile unit serving up fresh Aviary creations in Springfield’s Mobile Food Park, it allows their business to appeal to all areas of Springfield, from their new location in the Farmer’s Park development, to their original restaurant downtown, to their mobile unit on Glenstone. But beyond expanding their business, Aviary on the Fly also expands the restaurant’s menu. At their mobile unit, you’ll find many of the same sweet and savory crepes that you’ll find in the restaurant. However, you’ll also find salads, Paninis, burgers, and weekly specials that won’t appear as staples on some of the restaurant menus. For a delicious take on a French lunch, Aviary on the Fly offers up the same fresh, quality dishes that you’ll find at any of its other locations. Look them up on Facebook, or visit their website at aviaryonthefly.com.

rockyyoung

rockyyoung

AT JUST 21 YEARS OLD, Chicago native Rocky Young has captured the top of the Springfield hip hop scene with smart and wise-beyond-his-years lyrics and rapping style, where he turns his back on modern hip hop’s obsession with materialism in favor of a world of big ideas and passionate drive. A self proclaimed young man with great interest in words, Young writes about his love of music and stands for following dreams. In a genre that touts gold chains, guns and cars, Young stands true to the music and writes honestly, his lyrics telling a story of an aspiring artist trying to live up to his own expectations instead of rapping about things he doesn’t have, need or even want. In his lyrics, he states, To be the greatest / You’ve got to work like you’re the worst. His mission with this music is not to achieve wealth or fame, but simply to be able to do what he loves for a living: music. Completely new to the Springfield music scene, and his first time performing on stage, Young opened for Stevie Stone on his 2 Birds 1 Stone Tour in front of nearly 400 people whom had never seen or heard of him before. The show was sold out, and it was his moment to make a name for himself. Young nailed the performance, hyping the crowd as they chanted his name, all of them demanding an encore. Young has now burst upon the scene, everyone wanting to know who he is and what he’s about. We ran into Rocky Young for the first time at Hard Rock Coffee. Young approached us and introduced himself as a rapper. His self titled EP was full of sharp, inspired hip-hop music, and it was clear that Young would make a great addition to any music scene. He expressed a desire to work with other

emcees in town. Kyle Colson, formerly of Lucid, was the perfect fit. With Colson now acting as Young’s manager, long time friend Cory Sanders heading up design and Deitra pitching in with promotion, Young has gained a team that he feels has taken him to the next level. “I like to think I have a good close-knit circle around me,” says Young. “It’s awesome that it seems like everything is finally picking up. Things are snowballing. I’m not stuck like I was in one place. One thing is leading to even bigger things.” Young will be performing on April 2, opening for Wrekonize of Mayday, Strange Music’s 2013 MVP, at the Outland Ballroom in Springfield, Mo., and in Spring 2014, he will be releasing his debut album, Rebirth, with select guest artists such as Lando Beats, Kyle Colson and Brief. The project will be recorded by producer/engineer Adam Schoeler of Sound Under Studio. Young is excited to be delving into his passion for music, and has plans for multiple recording projects as well as live performances, including a summer tour. Though his talent is turning heads and ears of both listeners and musical peers, Young makes a point to thank those who have helped him along the way. “I’d like to give a shout out to Tamara Styer and Kyle Colson for helping me and continuing to help, my parents and all my family, Brandon ‘Slomo’ Allen, d-Prince of MSCNDC and of course the fans. To everybody who has supported me, listened, shared my music, anything.” Be sure to join #TEAMRockyYoung, check out his website at itsrockyyoung.com and give him a like on facebook.com/itsrockyyoung. “I can actually say for the first time that I have fans that I don’t even know,” says Young, “and that’s the best feeling in the world.”

THEBAR

DOWNSTAIRSDOWNSTAIRS THE BAR is crowded; people are drinking cheap beer and whiskey and trying to forget their work week. Upstairs Deitra Magazine is sitting down with one of Springfield’s most prolific performers, Ran Cummings of JM Buttermilk’s Hot Buttered Soul R&B Revue. Always dressed to impress, the front man of one of the most exciting blues revival bands in the Midwest joins us to talk about theatre, the art of performance, punk rock and R&B.

Ran Cummings got his start at a young age. He remembers taking the stage at 5 years old to play the Indian chief in a Thanksgiving performance at his school. It was then that his love of theatre and performing in front of an audience took flight and he hasn’t looked back. Performing in punk bands around Springfield in his early twenties and as a lover of R&B music, Cummings was looking for an outlet. The Detectives, a ‘50s and ‘60s tribute band had been performing a weekly show at downtown music venue, The Outland, for a little over a year when Cummings asked if he could get in on the action. When The Detectives didn’t have room for another singer, he took matters into his own hands and decided to start what would become JM Buttermilk’s Hot Buttered Soul R&B Revue. “The thing I always liked about The Detectives, especially in their initial stages was that they reminded you that there was a time that the music we now listen to in elevators and restaurants was considered to be so dangerous that people burned those records in the street, and that to me was sexy and exciting,” says

Cummings. “So many of these songs that are considered to be so innocuous that we would literally play them for children were at one time considered to be the downfall of western society, and if you listen to the songs without any context they really are pretty innocuous, but if you see them done with fervor and intent it’s just really sexy and people are really into it, and I wanted to do that too, so I just stole it.” Ran’s decision to take what The Detectives had started and twist it into a performance he could call his own stemmed from a love of making a statement. As a new performer on the Springfield scene his goal was to surprise people and to give them a reason to get excited or to get out. In his earlier days on the stage Cummings admitted to wanting to be “as androgynous and threatening as possible.” Music was in a transition. Like an ex-girlfriend that has moved out but still keeps a few of her things at your place, the early 2000s were getting their feet wet after the despondence of grunge and alternative music of the mid ‘90s, and the scene needed a jolt. “I had various long or short hairstyles, tons of makeup and glitter and one of my proudest moments was wearing a dress, this little totally crappy pink cotton T-shirt dress in The Outland with my hair slicked back and makeup on and standing there at the bar getting a drink,” says Cummings. “It’s like 9:30 at night and some guy comes in to get a drink and he walks through the door, starts to pay the tab, looks up and sees me and I swear to God he just goes ‘Aw hell no!’ and goes back out and leaves. I was just like ‘Oh I did it!.’”

THEBAR

DOWNSTAIRS

in the same way that any number of those things can be more extreme when it doesn’t go right. When it doesn’t go well, oh God, you just walk away and then you do want to drink and you just think, what went wrong? What happened? Because you have to fix it and escape it at the same time.” Whether on the stage or off, all of us are familiar with the sensation of seeing our favorite band live, that feeling when they’re about to perform the song you can’t stop singing and you just know it’s going to be a once in a lifetime experience. Whether you’re hearing that song for the first time or for the billionth time, that moment is special. Moments like that can change your entire perspective on a situation. The way that song is performed is as important as the song itself. “I get so pissed off when I see bands that sound so good when I close my eyes and then I open my eyes and they’re not performing. That’s what I always liked about punk music, just smash a beer on your head, pour stuff all over everybody then take off all your clothes and throw them around. If you didn’t do that then it was a bad show,” says Cumming. “So why not translate that to other genres that were already doing that in the first place? It’s like everybody just forgot.” Genres that were already doing that in the first place just happen to be the genre that Cummings chose to explore when he decided to start JM Buttermilk almost three and a half years ago. As soon as he was old enough, his father showed him the movie The Blues Brothers and he realized

That sense of rebellion and delight in the initial shock felt by someone experiencing something for the first time is one of the reasons Cummings is such a dedicated performer. “It’s the notion of really actually engaging an audience and making them potentially question whether or not they want to the be there. The delightful thing about soul music is that it allows you to press all of those extreme buttons but everyone just sort of acquiesces,” says Cummings. “It’ just rebellious in a way that everyone can be sexy and crazy together and you don’t have to be a total middle finger in the air. Not to mention it’s incredibly satisfying,” That urge to move an audience through performance is something that Cummings has been doing for a long time. He grew up in a house where music was always playing and learned later on that his grandfather on his dad’s side of the family was an instrumentalist. Ran grew up putting on small plays and puppet shows at his sister’s birthday parties. Finding that spotlight wherever he could is something Cummings readily admits to and says is extremely psychologically leveling. “It lets you get all that energy out in a good way and gets you that focus. I used to love to go party all night after a show but I don’t need to anymore because when I get done with a show that has gone well, I’m good,” says Cummings. “It’s as good a psychological, sexual and delicious an experience as anything because when you’re done and you think, I need to go have a drink and lay down now, it’s good

aren’t limited to any small selection that might make it difficult for them to find and keep up that energy they thrive on. But their crew isn’t small. There are typically anywhere from 11 to 13 people on stage during a JM Buttermilk show, and that makes for an expensive tour. Still, Cummings remains enamored with the lifestyle and shows such appreciation for the cards he’s been dealt. “I will play music my entire life,” says Cummings. “Right now I’m prepping the next JM Buttermilk show and an Iron Maiden show. The great pleasure at this point of my life is when you hear a song and you realize you’ve played that song, and you get to own that a little bit. I just really hope that I get to play music my whole life, no matter what happens, no matter what I do or where I go, professionally, artistically, whatever. I just really hope that I am capable and able to play music my whole life because it’s so much fun. I’ve done it since I was a little kid and there’s never been a time or a year in my life where I wasn’t playing music or doing music.”

that if you’re going to put on a show like that, you can’t just do it half way. “I read an article about a year and a half ago that discussed how there’s a natural graduation from punk to soul music, and I had spent all my better years performing in bands doing punk music, just garage punky music, and had been drawn to blues because it was music I liked growing up. As I got into punk bands, not only did I like the beat and think it was great, but frankly old soul screamers knew how to scream like crazy with just their old lo-fi microphones and some guy just wailing his lungs out,” says Cummings. “There’s no difference between Memphis 1965 and New York 1978, the fact that it’s still that same core notion of just letting go. And frankly to me the greatest crime that anyone can ever commit on a stage in front of a band is to not just have the greatest time of their life and take it to the limit.” As far as the future of JM Buttermilk and what Cummings and his band mates will do, nothing is set in stone. A band like theirs would be more than welcome in any city thanks to their extensive library of blues tunes to take with them on the road. They

78LISTENING TO TADDY PORTER’S latest album release, Stay Golden, is a little bit like stepping back in time. The opening track for the album rumbles in with a low growl and messy, bluesy instrumentals joined by front man Andrew Brewer’s old school rock and roll vocals on “Changes,” setting the tone for the album along with the message that despite the similarities this band may have with others, you’re going to hear something different. To back that up the following song on the album starts off with a twangy surf-rock beat combining elements of Doors-esque songwriting and simple, dance-worthy instrumentals. The rest of the album maintains a similar sense of surprise,

playing with different genres but remaining connected by a tight vocal presentation joined by fun, sing along lyrics and playful, clean performances by Kevin Jones on the bass, Joe Selby on lead guitar and Doug Jones on drums with Brewer joining in on guitar as well. Songs like “Emma Lee” are sweet and croon-worthy without giving up their edge while title track “Stay Golden” dredges up the perfect amount of throat-tightening emotion as an anthem speaking to where quality of life is really found and the bonds of family. Stay Golden is an album that will keep you dancing. Check them out on the Web at taddyporter.com for music, tour dates and more.

taddy porter

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THOUGH FAIRLY NEW TO the Springfield music scene, The Violet Lockets have definitely developed their sound and made a name for themselves, playing local art shows and wooing us with their sweet, melodic harmonies and dreamy lyrics. The accompanying instrumentals are surprising and keep up the energy of the band, saving the music from lying flat, trapped in one genre and giving them room to breathe and impress listeners with a sound ranging from light twee to soft surf rock. Tracks off of their EP like “Library” are soft and romantic and paint a picture of the band swiftly replaced by following track “Out of My Window,” that starts off slow but is quickly brought to life thanks to keyboardist Sara Pilz who also plays guitar and sings. She is joined by Midge Pickett, also responsible for vocals, keys and guitar. Matt Ballard takes lead guitar and Inge Chiles is on drums. The tempo remains upbeat for the next track, “Secret,” and relies heavily on vocal harmony reminiscent of early Eisley, but with pleasing pops from Chiles that set them apart. The Violet Lockets are the perfect band to take with you on a day with nothing to do but dream big daydreams. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for upcoming shows and the release of their EP.

the violetlockets

WITH A BAND NAME that sounds like a punk rock stripper made famous in the mid ‘80s and rowdy performances that often include pantslessness, Suzi Trash is somehow both the nicest and most offensive band in Springfield. The original members of the band have been friends since before they could play their instruments. Drummer Kyle Kowalczyk and lead guitarist Justin Braunagel grew up across the street from one another and when Justin got his first drum kit, Kyle started learning to play it. Their initial idea was to start a band mirrored after their favorite artists, true to form punk musicians like The Misfits, but over the years that idea

morphed into something that combines basic punk rock elements with weird Ozark twang and sludgy, grungy instrumentals. Justin and Kyle played together throughout high school in their hometown of Mountain Home, Ark. and after graduation they went on their first tour. It was just the two of them, broke and with nowhere to sleep but the truck that held the equipment. The money they made on the tour admittedly went to late night Denny’s and Taco Bell but it inevitably led them to Springfield where they hooked up with local bands like Knife Death and New Madrid then started playing shows.

When they got here, old friend Jeremy joined the band as their bassist and last April they brought on writhing lady singer Meredith Bryan, whose growling vocals and unabashed sexual energy really add a cohesive element to the band. Their latest album, Sleep Through This, sounds like the beginning of a personal breakthrough for the listener. The unapologetic beginning track introduces a character, an in-your-face portrayal of someone grossly out of touch with reality and leads into hard hitting instrumentals that accompany deeper lyrics telling the story of a loss of faith, a loss of self and a loss of interest. This continues through the album until the tracks turn defensive and hint at a little bit of pride. Where “Straight Shit” and “Nothing to Say” stand as loud, fast anthems to the stagnancy of small town Midwestern life, “Gay Bashing Trash” and “Ivy League” fight back and declare war on sexism, classism and homophobia in their own way. Of course at face value these songs are just loud, fun and aggressive which make them perfect to take on the road. Following the addition of Meredith and Jeremy to the band, they went on tour to promote Sleep Through This. Whether or not these guys have a serious agenda when it comes to their songwriting is up to interpretation, but their plan to make the most of their time on the road is quite deliberate. Visit suzitrash.bandcamp.com to hear music from their earlier releases and to keep up with their show schedule.

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FINDING A WAY TO meet the needs of eight band mates at a time is only one of the challenges consistently met by local genre chameleons 20 Acres From Pavement, a band comprised of friends who have been playing music together for long enough to understand that the most important thing is to have fun. Founding members Cary Harris and Bryan Roberts were playing music together under the name The Plus Ones until they received a cease and desist letter from a band of the same name out of California. That setback would unknowingly lead to the formation of what has become a jazz/funk/punk rock medley of musicians that seriously know how to enjoy the stage. The band has certainly rounded out since then adding six more members to their repertoire including Rochelle Gibbs, Celine Roberts, Blaise Jansen, Jake Stroble, Sean Asher and Chris Vanderpool. One can imagine how it might be tough to wrangle in eight different personalities with eight different musical directions and independent ideas about everything, but these guys have a diplomatic plan of attack. “We can draw music from so many places with so many years of work,” says Harris. “Everyone has their own style so we place all of them together to include punk, rock, bluegrass, jazz, it doesn’t matter. We’re all so different and we listen to so many different things it

makes sense to incorporate that into our style.” Their live performance is an energetic transition between genres, roles and energies while maintaining a good balance. The audience will definitely feel included and well represented thanks to the range of styles and talents in the band and because they’re all so close, it feels more like you’re invited to a party with good friends than a traditional show. Miss Gibbs, the band’s lead lady vocalist, is currently on holiday in Australia visiting family but the band has been hard at work writing new music and keeping up communication despite the distance. They plan on releasing a new single near the time of her return to the states. “We try to put as much as we can on one album, a little bit of everything and we’re amazed with the finished product,” says Harris. “We have been working for a long time and we’ve really come together in the last couple of years. “We get to play music together, hang out and have a blast.” Be sure to check in with 20 Acres From Pavement on their Facebook page for upcoming shows and the release of their new single.

82YOU’LL KNOW THESE DUDES from their previous bands including Thee Fine Lines, The Itch and Strangefellas, and while this is the side project rock & roll baby of those three bands, I’ve got to say this one might just be my favorite. The band is a perfect combination of the talents of the members in their other bands and with the freedom to create something completely new, they’re kind of killing it. It’s dancey, it’s surfey, it’s nasty and grungy, and sounds like something you might hear in a basement in a version of the Back to the Future alternate timeline set in 1964. Front man Dan Johnston delights and scares his audience with jutting and almost creepy vocals on tracks like “Born Mad,” and is also responsible for accompanying bursts of noise and percussion. He is backed by the talented Kearbey brothers, Justin on drums and Jason on guitar. Michael Parten joins them on bass rounding out the group. Their first two demos are available at introvertparty.bandcamp.com so be sure to take off your pants, pull up your socks and do some dancing until you can make it out to one of their shows. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates.

KILL CROWS BUSTED ONTO the music scene with a gruff, bluesy sound hinting at elements of vaudeville, older punk rock and alt-country twang. Their previous album Evil Thoughts was released last February and their next release is an ambitious thirty song album focusing on and separated by sister genres folk and rock, and will be released as two albums. While Evil Thoughts boasted impressive songwriting and a range of themes, this new endeavor by the band offers up a more playful and creative showcase of songs I think made easier by their decision to stretch the music between two albums. The vocals also seem grittier, more realistic and more definitive in the chosen direction of the band this year. I think we can expect great things from a band willing to take on such a big challenge. Their thirty song album is due out early this spring, so stay tuned to the band’s Facebook page for updates, show dates and sneak peak releases.

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JUSTICE ADAMS BAND is the newest country rock sensation in the Springfield music scene. Local seasoned musicians Justin Schafer, Adam Schoeller, Sammy Sharon, Tyler Montgomery and Ruben Smith joined forces on this project nearly a year ago, working to produce a polished album and a live show that has caught our attention with an energetic stage presence, quality vocals and solid songwriting. Reminiscent of the wave of rock musicians who recorded country-flavored records in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, beginning with Bob Dylan and The Byrds, their album offers the rawness of down home red dirt and country, while their live performance showcases the band’s rock side with their original songs as well as covers such as Beatles favorite “Back in the U.S.S.R.” With Schafer and Schoeller heading up the band with acoustic and electric guitars and vocals, Justice Adams Band is a must-see live show, and sure to keep you rocking. Check out their music and keep track of upcoming shows at facebook.com/justiceadamsband.