Respond to the Calling

Planned or Unplanned, Just Go!

It really changes your perspective when you go out with the intention to write about the night. I really just like to see where the night will take me. What kind of opportunities will be created? Who am I going to meet? The performances are fun, but the crowd is the real show. The crowd is the energy, and that is where we all have fun. The moments before, after, and in between are what make the night interesting.

On September 16th, everyone in Louisville, Kentucky, was going to Bourbon and Beyond. The lineup was phenomenal, but I hate that venue. I went the year before, and you can barely find shade. The only way to get to the front of the stage is with a VIP pass. They separated the crowd from the performers with a massive metal barrier that put us 150 feet away from the stage.

Call and response is a very important part of music. It is in the instruments, the composition, the chords, and the show. Ultimately, the musician calls on the crowd for a response and vice versa. It creates the energy for the event. The reciprocation of art and emotion is why we go to the show, and it is why the musicians play. We want to experience a moment with one another — a moment of celebration and inspiration, so why would they put that much distance between the two?

Needless to say, I didn’t go. It’s a massive event, but I opted for a more intimate venue at Zanzabar, also known as Z Bar. My wife and I had plans to go see her new favorite band, Stop Light Observations. But, before I get into Saturday night’s planned event, I would like to tell you about Friday’s unplanned event.

Originally, I was just going to work in my studio and study production techniques through Producer Dojo because as much as I love dancing and being in the crowd, I am learning my creative process so I can be an artist. I like to be whimsical, and I like to think there is a method to my madness, but I am really just trying to organize the chaos and find my flow. Full disclosure... I get distracted easily. Friday night, I was distracted by Justin Martin playing at the Patron Saint in Indianapolis, Indiana.

I didn’t have anyone to go to the show with, but I was going. Unplanned adventures are fun, and sometimes, you just have to trust the process. I tried to contact several people and get them to go, but it takes a special individual to match my spontaneity. No one matches it like my daughter. We always have a good time together, and we were taking that energy to see John Larner and Justin Martin at the Patron Saint.

READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR: Secret Dreams and a Shared Reality

I will definitely recommend the Patron Saint with its New Orleans Voodoo Vibe. I love that the decks are inside what appears to be an old church organ. There isn’t any food, so you better eat before you go. Layla and I grabbed a bowl of Ramen and some Tempura shrimp at Wei Ramen. Wei Ramen was perfect for a quick bite to eat without being too heavy. I don’t want to dance on a full stomach.

I can’t remember who the opening DJ was. He had a good song selection, but It wasn’t until Local Legend John Larner arrived that the party really started. John Larner did not hold back. He was there to throw down. He was playing Disco-House and Acid-House and embodying house music's spirit. It really took me back to what it felt like at Raves in the 90’s.

The whole crowd was very friendly and respectful. This included the staff. I loved seeing that security was invested in our safety and having fun with everyone. They were more than bouncers — they hyped us up, watched over the crowd, and cheered us on. They were great.

I was really excited to get to meet John after his set. John was a truly gracious individual, and he even helped me get my picture taken with Justin Martin. I will go see John play again and again. I suggest you do the same. If you would like to check out his tracks, you can go to his SoundCloud.

When Justin came on stage, his smile just lit the place up. He brought a chill vibe we all needed at that moment so we could relax and grab a drink. I love seeing a professional DJ who can read the crowd and knows what they need. That is a skill taught by experience. His set did not remain chill. He is a Dirtybird Records co-founder, and his sound will envelop you with a mellow intensity and groove that settles into your bones. You will start swaying or bopping, and that is when he knows he has you.

Justin Martin’s set was amazing, and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, he flipped the switch and started playing Drum and Bass. I wish I had track IDs on what he played, but I will have to leave you some links to what I enjoy. He was pushing the boundaries of what that sound system could handle.

What a great night. I closed the place down and didn’t get home until four in the morning. I still had another night to go. I got four or five hours of sleep and was back at it. Well, I laid on the couch all day with my wife, and we got ready in time to almost be late to Zanzabar.

I always like to get something to eat before going to a show, and luckily Zanzabar has food until 11 p.m. It’s a nice little menu. I opted for some Gyoza and Kimchi, but if that isn’t your jam, they have all kinds of pub grub. They had a nice selection of craft beers and bourbon. I’m a fan of Willet myself, and they had it.

Zanzabar made me feel right at home, from the gentleman checking IDs to the bartenders serving drinks. I didn’t think I would have the energy to go out, but I’m glad I did. Otherwise, I would not have met Cody Dixon, aka Slim S.O.U.L.

I am a lover of music, and I did not expect to hear a Lo-Fi Hip Hop group opening up for Stop Light Observations (S.L.O.). Turns out that the drummer, Oleg Terentiev, and Noah Jones on keys play with Cody Dixon as Slim S.O.U.L. They all have side projects, and they are very talented artists. Slim S.O.U.L. did a great job of setting the vibe and raising our vibrations by encouraging crowd participation. I was happy to have a couple of glasses of Willet with Cody after his set. Make sure to check him out.

I know most of Louisville was at Bourbon and Beyond, but I felt fortunate to share such an intimate setting with such amazing musicians. I enjoy large festivals and the energy of the crowds, but Zanzabar is a place for fans and musicians to really connect. I love a show where you can tell the musicians enjoy playing for the crowd.

Noah Jones had my attention immediately on the keys. You can really see and hear how thankful they are to be artists. Will Mahoney danced as he played his guitar. Oleg Terentiev was laying down some serious beats and always had a very serious look on his face. I loved it when Cam Westscott started playing slap bass — just getting funky with it. The whole band is great, but Will Blackburn’s voice just elevates the whole experience. He is a real crooner. Stop Light Observation gave us a marvelous performance that could not escape an encore. The crowd demanded it, and S.L.O. delivered.

They all came out afterward to have drinks with us and sign our records. I’m not going to lie. My Wife and I bought all the merch. As I spoke to each of them, they were excited to be heading back home for a little break. I’m going to see them again at the Hi-Fi in Indy on Oct 12. Check out the tour and their songs.

After such a great show and an awesome opportunity to meet the musicians, security was trying to prepare for a rush. The Black Keys were stopping by for a record hop. Curiosity got the better of me. I stepped into the bar area, and the place was packed. I ran into my friend Jamie Harris and his son Donovan Harris, an extremely creative family. They can fix your car, give you a tattoo, and write a song about it, which is much more interesting than the Black Keys playing 45’s.

I like the idea of the record hop because I like to DJ, but most of the people there were just there to chase some fame. I asked the lady next to me what she thought of the show, and she said, “It’s alright,” as she pushed her way to the front. I would not end things on a bad note, so I bought my friend a beer and called it a night.

It was incredible to meet such wonderful musicians all weekend, and I hope to stay in contact with each of them. Make sure you appreciate the local legends and the up-and-coming artists just as much as the big acts because what I see time and time again is that the best performance comes from those artists who are thankful to be there.