Featured music this week:
Friday - Karaoke
Saturday, August 3rd - Vinyl Groove


409 W. Jackson Street, Cicero, Indiana

Music to Soothe the Soul

Click here for the complete Waterfront Music Calendar

Looking for the best in live music... come to the Waterfront!

We feature the best area musicians on Saturday evenings, including:

Gordon Bonham* Greg Ziesemer & Kriss Luckett * Tim Wright
Rubix * Wrecking Crew * Vinyl Groove
Governor Davis & The Blues Ambassadors * Kolo Bell
Ari-West * Slim Pickens * Run Over Bob
Greta Speaks * Black Jack Jane * Harvie Crook

* Pictures from the 2005 Waterfront MusicFest *

Ari-West is an energetic country band, featuring talented brother and sister duo Patty Thornberry and Mike Haemmerle. Offering performances described as "pure magic" by country fans, Patty and Mike connect with their audiences on an emotional level that rivets one's attention to every lyric and note. They offer a long list of original songs along with some traditional covers, and their debut CD "This New Freedom" is set for release February 1, 2006.

Mike and Patty were separated for years. In their childhood their parents divorced and with that came the disassembly of a family. Eighteen years later they found each other. After developing a new relationship as adult brother and sister, they came to find that they shared a love for music, writing songs and performing. Their passion for music was not set on the premise of changing the world but connecting it.

On January 3rd, 2005, their little friend Ariana West was in an unfortunate automobile accident with her mother Callie. Ariana was miraculously unharmed. Callie, however, sustained significant brain injury. She spent five weeks in intensive care fighting for her life and is currently in a nursing home at the age of thirty-one. Callie is a friend of theirs and when they were trying to think of a name they decided Ari-West was perfect. Callie named Ariana after the word “aria” which means “an elaborate song for solo voice.” Callie chose this name for her daughter because of her love of music. With permission from Mike West, Ari’s dad, the band became Ari-West. Their story and their bravery and that beautiful baby continue to inspire Mike and Patty everyday. The name Ari-West has a deep meaning to them and they use it with honor and pride.

Ari-West is rapidly making a name for themselves within the Indiana music scene, with performances at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Wings of Angels benefit this past August, and a live performance on 97.1 HANK FM radio after winning the station's theme song contest. Subsequently, they were named "Official House Band" for 97.1's Wank & O'Brien's show. They have also performed at the Bluebird Cafe and the Broken Spoke in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Waterfront is proud to present Ari-West in performances for the following 2006 dates: January 28

Check out Ari-West's website at
www.ari-west.com

When you first walk into the Waterfront when Heart & Soul are performing, from the sound, you expect to see a 4-5 member band.

The husband and wife duo of Michael and Kimberley Shepard put out more sound than most full-sized bands, with a level of musicality and power that rivals any big band Indy sound. With a repertoire that covers blues, rock, jazz and country, Heart & Soul delivers the goods with sets that will get your foot tapping and put a smile on your face.

Kimberley Shepard delivers sultry, soulful vocals in a style reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt, Kim Carnes and Janis Joplin, while playing a driving bass line that really gets the house rockin' on every cut. Her vocal renditions of Joplins' "Me and Bobby McGee" and Mary Chapin-Carpenter's "The Bug" are the musical equivalent of a fine brandy: smooth with an attitude. In an age where many female performers spend more time working on slick dance moves than their music, Kimberley's performance is a refreshing reminder that the best music truly comes from the heart and soul of the performer.

In Heart & Soul, Michael covers vocals, lead/rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica, banjo and pedal steel guitar, also handling a dizzying array of MIDI and synth gear to deliver percussion and keyboard, combining to produce a sound which is tight and rockin' strong. His blues guitar performances on Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" and Gershwin's classic "Summertime" pour out of his classic Gibson RD like a warm delta breeze, and effortless arpeggios on rock lead riffs bear witness to why he's backed up some of the hottest national performers in the country. His banjo work is impeccable, and his cover of the "Theme from the Beverly Hillbillies" will put a smile on the face of any Earl Scruggs fan. There are a lot of musicians who "play" guitar, and then there are a select few for which the title "artist" may be applied. Once you hear Heart & Soul, you'll discover that Michael Shepard is definitely one of the few.

You can contact Heart & Soul at: heartnsoulproductions@hotmail.com

The Waterfront is proud to present Heart & Soul in performances on the following 2007 dates: January 20

Hoosier blues legend Gordon Bonham has been unofficially given the title "Bluesman Extraordinare". If you want to hear authentic, string bending, soul grabbing blues, he is The Man.

While living in Hammond in the early 80's, he frequented Chicago blues clubs and improved his skills by listening to and playing with many of the city’s great musicians.

He also made frequent trips to John Mellencamp's Bloomington studios, where his music was warmly received. He started sharing the stage with household names like REM, the Georgia Satellites, REO Speedwagon, and John Prine. Bonham has appeared as a regular with the growing Indianapolis Jazz Fest. In 2000, he split the bill with Robert Cray, John Hiatt and Al Green. He has worked with legendary musicians like Yank Rachell, Bo Diddley, Kenny Aranoff, Gary Primich, and Jimmy Walker. One high point was when he appeared with Robert Lockwood Jr. as part of the Grand Opening of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His band has also appeared as the opening act for B.B. King.

Sets from The Gordon Bonham Blues Band or his solo acoustic shows are certain to include a healthy dose of legendary blues man Robert Johnson’s songs (Gordon's cover of "Love In Vain Blues" is dead on 'a la RJ's original 78 cut), old standards and Delta blues. Tom Harold's blues harp performance is point blank the best you will hear anywhere - period.

His "blues Top 40" includes the best of Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, and he often throws in some of the Texas stuff like The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Real Texas blues—real guitar-driven with harmonica.

You can check out Gordon's sound on Low Down & Blue and Sliverbelly. Check out his website at The Gordon Bonham Blues Band site.

The Waterfront is proud to present Gordon Bonham in performances on the following 2005 dates: June 4 , July 2.  

The Gordon Bonham Blues Band

  
Gordon with Bo Diddley 1990

"The Governor" and his Blues Ambassadors are a high-energy blues act, injected with soul, R & B, funk and rock influences, based in central Indiana. The 4-piece act includes Governor (yes, that's his real name) Davis on guitar and lead vocals, Steve Robbins on guitar, mandolin and vocals, Ron 'RC' Coffman on drums and James 'Jimmy V' Valdez on bass.

Gov's blues-based roots stem from early exposure to the form in its native habitat, Chicago. Growing up in Chicago with the name Governor may be the main source of his energy. The name was traditional for the first-born son of each generation and it provided plenty of hassles. His first musical influences came from his family -- Gov's father played piano on weekends at Chicago's north side clubs. It was there that Gov got to see such blues legends as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Junior Wells and Little Milton perform.

The roots of Gov's Chicago blues background run deep, and his performances are steeped in Windy City guitar licks and vocals that mark him among the list of true blues legends. His performances combine outstanding original cuts combined with classic blues tunes from Muddy, B.B., and Stevie Ray. If you want to see a truly great blues performance, "The Governor" is ready to deliver.

Visit the Governor on the web at: http://www.governordavisandthebluesambassadors.com/

The Waterfront is proud to present Governor Davis and The Blues Ambassadors in performances on the following 2005 dates: June 17 | July 22 | September 3

Steve Robbins works his '59 Strat


Jimmy V slaps bass on "Gold Destiny"

Jimmy V, Mercedes Miller & Gov

Gov goes for a wireless stroll inside

Special guest Mercedes Miller, Frank & Gov
get the house rockin'

Frank Loyd works the beat on congas,
while RC Coffman keeps the joint
jumpin' on drums

Vinyl Groove is four-man high-energy band from Elwood, Indiana, featuring Carter Herndon (lead vocals), Matt Baer (guitar/vocals), Jeremy Hood (bass) and Mike Retherford (drums).

The Groove has been together since '98, making a fast-track rise in the music world, opening for a Lover Boy tour, and producing the CD "Burn" compilation of original music in 2002.

Touring and studio time on their CD took it's toll on personal relationships, and the band took an hiatus while re-evaluating the direction they wanted to the band to take.

Vinyl Groove is back with a renewed energy, rediscovering their smaller venue roots, and returning to what they enjoy most - playing live for local audiences.

Their performances span a wide range of cover tunes from the 60's through the present, delivered with an extremely tight sound meshing crystal clear guitar work from Matt Baer with Jeremy Hood's driving bass line and rock solid percussion from Mike Retherford.

Carter Herndon's vocals cover cuts from The Doors to Poison to U2 with equal ease. His multi-octave range, combined with Matt Baer's harmony, give Vinyl Groove a truly full-bodied lyrical delivery.

V.G. is not just a cover band, as their original music demonstrates formidable writing and instrumental skills, as witnessed by their cut "Starshine" performed for the late night Waterfront crowd.

The reborn Vinyl Groove offers a show that's fun to watch and easy to listen to, offering a sampling of musical styles that really fill the bill. This is a group which clearly enjoys playing for the audience (their last set offered 90 minutes of non-stop tunes), with rapid-fire sets that really got the Waterfront crowd goin'.

The Waterfront is proud to present Vinyl Groove in performances for the following 2006 dates: August 5

Vinyl Groove rockin' the Waterfront

Mike Retherford sets the pace
with his driving percussion work

Matt Baer takes his Schecter
for a wireless walk

Check out Vinyl Groove's website at
www.vinylgroove.net

Tim Wright's music pedigree is long and reads like a Who's Who of American music. As part of the legendary Wright Brothers Overland Stage Company, Tim honed his skills with such icons as Johnny Cash and Ronnie Milsap. Tim is a member the latest incarnation of the Wright Brothers Band, which includes his daughters, Emily and Lauren.

Tim's guitar work is outstanding, and anyone with an ear for good finger pickin' will thoroughly enjoy his performances. His chord transitions are smooth as velvet, and for lovers of acoustic sound, it "don't get no better than this."

It's rumoured that in the future, Tim may realize a lifelong dream and add keyboards to his repertoire to cover requests for "Piano Man"... so stay tuned.

The Waterfront is proud to present Tim Wright in solo performance for the following 2005 dates: September 2

Greg Ziesemer is an accomplished musician and 20+ year veteran of the central Indiana music community. A talented singer/songwriter, Greg's performance is a blend of killer acoustic guitar licks backed up with stellar vocals. When he picks up his steel guitar, you know "The National Road" is right around the bend, and his set closer cover of Steve Earle's "Goodbye" really tugs at the heart strings.

Greg's original compositions are excellent, reflecting on relationships, social awareness and self-discovery, and celebrating the trials and triumphs of that unlikely hero of the American experience, the underdog.

Greg and Kriss's live duet performances are delivered with a level of harmony and synchronicity heard in the style of the best cuts of Crosby, Stills & Nash, as if their souls were linked as one voice. They bring together a wealth of influences from Jerry Garcia and Woody Guthrie to Van Morrison and Lucinda Williams, from Bill Monroe and Alison Krauss to Steve Earle and Jay Farrar, to Patty Griffin and Bob Dylan. In the course of an evening they move fluidly from their many original songs to covers of classics, often dusting off and rendering a new shine to a seldom-heard gem of a song.

Greg has a great site at: gregziesemer

Here's an audio file (mp3 3.7mb) of Greg's hit The National Road

The Waterfront is proud to present Greg Ziesemer in a duet performance with Kriss Luckett on the following 2006 dates: February 24 | March 24

The four piece band, Kindred Souls, has been performing a unique blend of rock, country, folk and R&B music since 1978. The band features Kolo Bell on lead vocals, 6/12 string acoustic and Fender Strat, Alison Royem on keyboards and vocals, Tommy "T-Bone" Clark on bass, and Brian Paulson on drums.

Over the years, Kolo has added a wide range of original tunes along with covers of classic tracks played with his own special "twists". His opening sets feature acoustic guitar delivery which is warm and robust on cuts by Dylan, Buffet and Bill Wilson, backed by Alison's vocal harmony and keyboards.

In later sets, Kolo fires up his black Stratocaster pumped through an RP200 Digitech effects processor, and the energy level in the room goes up - set your rock 'n roll dial to "high". His booming vocals and backbeat licks on "Mustang Sally" are what Leo Fender had in mind when he designed the Strat! Tommy Clark's pounding bass work and Brian Paulson's driving percussion really put the rubber to the road, and Kindred Soul's collective sound truly gets the joint jumpin'.

You can tell that Kolo and his crew really enjoy performing, so if you're looking for a great evening of wide ranging tunes, come to the Waterfront when Kindred Souls are in session. You can contact Kolo at KoloBell@hotmail.com

The Waterfront is proud to present Kolo Bell & Kindred Souls in performances on the following 2005 dates: November 25

Check out the sound of Kolo Bell & Kindred Souls on "Boat to Jamaica"

Robert Nash (left), Ed Valasek (center) and Tony Valasek (right) combine to form the Wrecking Crew. All are Indianapolis residents and have been playing music most of their lives. The Crew has performed at many venues around central Indiana, including Birdy’s, Bourbon Street Distillery, and The Indianapolis Arts Garden. They’ve also been aired on Roots Diner syndicated radio. Their passion is to just play, anywhere, anytime.

The Crew covers a wide range of rock and blues tunes, producing a solid acoustic guitar sound backed by outstanding vocals from Tony and Robert, and paced by Ed's tight drum/percussion licks.

You can find out the latest on Robert and the Crew at: www.robertnashband.com

The Waterfront is proud to present Wrecking Crew in performances on the following 2006 dates: January 21 and February 18

Elvis sits in on percussion with the Crew
during their April 23rd performance.

Ricky King (lead vocal/rhythm guitar), Mike Riddle (lead guitar/vocals), Ryan Quear (drums/vocals) and Jack Cunningham (bass) form Rubix, a four-man rock 'n roll band out of Anderson, Indiana, specializing in 80's rock, funk and disco tracks.

Mixing a wide array of 80's sounds with music trivia between cuts, Rubix will have you waxing nostalgic for tunes from the Reagan era. Lead vocalist Ricky King has a multiple octave range, and his pipes cover sounds from Duran Duran to The Who to Devo with equal aplomb. Mike Riddle's lead guitar licks really rip on "Dirty Laundry" and "Addicted to Love". Check out their sound on "New Girl Now".

Rubix produces a sound which is tight and solid, dynamically driven by Cunningham's bass and Quear's drum work. If you're "Hungry Like the Wolf" or just feel the need to "Play That Funky Music", plan on a trip to the Waterfront when Rubix is in the house.

The Waterfront is proud to present Rubix in performances on the following 2005 dates: August 26 | September 10  

Check out Rubix on the web at
www.rubixband.com