Tim’s Picks: For Jan. 25 and on …
Five of the best ideas heading into your Greater Lafayette weekend and beyond.
Thanks today for ongoing help from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette, presenting Uptown: Motown Remixed on Feb. 12. For tickets and more, here’s your link.
With five of the best ideas heading into your weekend and beyond, here’s …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
“Unexpected Indiana: Off the Beaten Path” opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, Haan Museum of Indiana Art, 920 State St., Lafayette — Haan Museum will embrace the odd and celebrate the atypical with the new exhibition “Unexpected Indiana: Off the Beaten Path.” The eclectic collection will feature a vast array of media and styles. There’s the surrealist works of Jody Franklin (New Market) and pop art from Malcolm Smith (Bloomington). Longtime Brookston artist and educator Louie Laskowski’s colorful and expressive works adds to the unique flavor “Unexpected Indiana.” Then, there are works where the artists themselves play a major part to the “Unexpected” story. An example, paraplegic artist Gerald Nees paints his impressive, whimsical street scenes by holding his brushes in his teeth. Art should challenge, mystify and bewilder, and “Unexpected Indiana” exemplifies this. The show runs through April 6.
Friday Night Live with Palace Kat, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, 102 S. 10th St., Lafayette — Young, funky jazz outfit Palace Kat has had a clawsome run the last year or so. Recently, it was the first live band to play at the new Eleventh House coffeehouse, which is primed to become downtown Lafayette’s first all-ages live music venue in almost a decade. This weekend, the cats in Palace Kat will get the Art Museum patrons grooving. This event is free but RSVPs are appreciated. Booze courtesy of The Fowler House.
Belushi Speed Ball with Master Hunter and Dwarf Among Midgets, 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, North End Pub, 2100 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette — An early contender for metal show of the year, Belushi Speed Ball is a regional force with unrelenting thrash riffs and tunes focusing on pizza, heavy metal tropes and social anxiety. The Louisville, Kentucky, band’s newest album, “This Is Actually What We Look Like,” features “Anchor Arms,” a refreshingly honest take on being a band dude plagued with social anxiety and having to navigate shows when not onstage. Opening will be the recently reunited Master Hunter. A Kokomo project from 15 years ago, original band members and some new ones are spread around Indiana — Kokomo, Lafayette and Noblesville — but the five-piece has been shredding well the last several months in house shows and some clubs. Inspired by the English translation of the polarizing liquor Jägermeister, Master Hunter is led by brothers Jesse and Tony Davis on vocals and guitar, respectively. Drummer Zac Flynn (Lucifist), guitarist James Gates (Born Under Burden, Salem’s Childe) and the mononymous Skubie (Eyes on Fire, Beyond Agony) round out the lineup. More Kokomo talent in the wild and unapologetic Dwarf Among Midgets is also on the bill. $10.
Cat’s Pajamas and Boston Counterpart with Weeklong Flight, 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, Guac Box, 308 State St., West Lafayette — Now in its third week, Guac Box is gaining momentum as West Lafayette’s newest live music venue. Its capacity could be tested when Purdue University bands finally grace the Chauncey Hill stage. Quirky indie rockers Cat’s Pajamas are fresh from debuting a new EP, “The Cat’s Out of the Bag.” One of Purdue’s best, Boston Counterpart recently rocked one of Purdue’s largest stages in Loeb Playhouse, but it should be able to stretch out a little more at Guac Box, which will become a bigger and bigger force in the live music scene with each passing week (and as weather improves). This show is presented by Rec Room Recording. $5.
Matthew McNeil with Indiana Commune, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, People’s Brewing Company, 2006 N. Ninth St., Lafayette — Matthew McNeil and his brand of Fort Worth, Texas, soulful indie rock returns to Lafayette after a pesky pandemic temporarily erased Lafayette from his tour itinerary. McNeil and his band will make up for lost time with a set led by McNeil’s guitar chops and soaring voice. Purdue rock act Indiana Commune will make its People’s live debut early. $10. Tickets.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Thanks, again, for ongoing help from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette, presenting Uptown: Motown Remixed on Feb. 12. For tickets and more, here’s your link.
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Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.