A new trio is emerging on the Terre Haute music scene. Formed this June, Papa J. Otis features a creative mix of sounds derived from the worlds of rock, blues, R&B, funk and jazz.
The band’s repertoire focuses on its original compositions, which are mainly vehicles for instrumental jamming, with a liberal sprinkling of soulful vocals from PJO bassist Jon (JMac) McKinney. McKinney is a veteran of several bands in the Muncie area, most notably the blues-rock group One Side Later with whom he regularly gigged in Muncie, Indianapolis, Bloomington and Terre Haute.
For percussion this trio relies on the solid and multi-dimensional drumming of Otter Fundip, whose background as a bassist in the local bands Lowe Tide and Ace in the Whole makes for some unique interactions with McKinney’s funk-jazz bass inflections. The third voice in the PJO triad is saxophonist (and sometimes keyboardist) PapaPatty (Paul Burkett), who has been performing as a solo street player for several years while sitting in at shows and open jams with various other artists on the Terre Haute and Brazil scenes. Despite the common association of the saxophone with mainstream jazz, PapaPatty’s high-energy sound is deeply rooted in blues and rock with some influence from the free jazz movement. This is reflected in his original instrumental compositions, which are designed to make audiences move, as well as in his jamming on McKinney’s spirited vocal numbers.
As witnesses to PJO’s recent performances at Simrells, the Rock for Brazil Festival, and at Ambrosini’s Wednesday night open jam will testify, the absence of a guitar lends an interesting openness and flexibility to the band’s sound. This allows for a high degree of creative interaction among all three band members during their sets, so that their compositions remain fresh from one performance to the next. It is a high risk strategy but so far audiences seem to appreciate the originality of the project, partly because the band’s music remains quite danceable despite being largely improvised.
PJO hopes to continue the successful navigation of its unique musical high wire on Dec. 21 at the Coffee Grounds, 423 Wabash Ave., in downtown Terre Haute (no cover charge). The band will play from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Those interested in a sneak preview of PJO’s music can listen to the live recordings and practice tunes posted at the band’s music site: www.soundcloud.com/
papajotis. Music lovers can stay up to date on the band’s latest news by checking out (and “liking”) the PJO Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PapaJOtis.
Bash
New trio emerging on Terre Haute music scene
Papa J. Otis to perform Dec. 21 at Coffee Grounds
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‘A Song for Indiana’ to raise money for Dresser sculpture
Art Spaces will present “A Song for Indiana – The Paul Dresser Project” at 5:30 p.m. on June 6 at the Holiday Inn of Terre Haute.
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Sign up for Community School of the Arts classes
Summer is the perfect time to enroll children and teens in theater and visual arts and music classes at the Indiana State University Community School of the Arts.
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Travel to Marshall Public Library for summer reading activities, prizes
A good book is a window into another place, another time, another life. Join the Marshall Public Library’s summer reading journey, “Have Book Will Travel!”
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Gaslight Art Colony to showcase artist specializing in Japanese works
Gaslight Art Colony will present the artwork of Mary Jo Maraldo at the gallery at 516 Archer Ave. in Marshall, Ill., Saturday through June 8. An artist’s reception will be from 6 to 9 p.m. CDT Saturday at the gallery.
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Dancers, vocalists to raise money for Special Olympics Indiana
A+ All Star Productions/School of the Dance and vocalists from Community Theater’s Fall Production of “Hairspray” will be performing together to raise money for Special Olympics Indiana at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Tilson Auditorium on Indiana State University’s campus.
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The Ash Brothers to perform at Opry
Alabama fans are going to like what they hear this Saturday night at the Boot City Opry.
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Country Rhodes Fish Fry planned
Full Gospel Assembly of God will be having a Country Rhodes Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. May 25 at the North Terre Haute Firehouse on Park Avenue.
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Valley students showcase talents at Children’s Art Exhibition in Illinois
The 31st Children’s Art Exhibition is currently on view at the Tarble Arts Center, Eastern Illinois University, through May 26.
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Enjoy Bluegrass In The Park
Union Christian Church will host “Bluegrass In The Park” at 6 p.m. on June 2 at the Larrison Pavilion stage at Deming Park.
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‘Wabash Reflections Luncheon and Lore’ set
The Terre Haute Symphony League is hosting “Wabash Reflections Luncheon and Lore” at noon on June 19 at the Country Club of Terre Haute.
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Parke Chamber Golf Classic set
Players in this year's 13th annual Parke County Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic on June 5 will have the opportunity to win a new Chevrolet.
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Students to perform during ‘An Evening of Piano Music’ at church
“An Evening of Piano Music” will be performed by the University of Missouri-St Louis piano students at 7 p.m. May 24 at Unity Presbyterian Church, 1207 E. Springhill Drive.
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American Legion Riders planning 95-mile open motorcycle ride
American Legion Riders Post 104 is sponsoring a 95-mile open motorcycle ride on June 1 to benefit the Tom Newport Memorial Ride for the Wounded Warrior Project.
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Attend annual Boy Scout Cookout
The local Crossroads of America Council will serve lunch and dinner for the annual Baesler’s Boy Scout Cookout from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 5 at Indiana State University’s Memorial stadium.
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Concert listings: May 16, 2013
Cancellation
July 16 — BON JOVI, at Klipsch Music Center, Noblesville, 7:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets will be refunded to buyer’s account.
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Kayak on Lake Kickapoo during free Paddlefest
The Friends of Shakamak are sponsoring a free Paddlefest at 2 p.m. on Saturday on Lake Kickapoo in Shakamak State Park.
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Cruise-in Street Dance in Rockville
Again this summer, MainStreet Rockville will offer its Cruise-in Street Dance, combined with the Motorcycle, Scooter and Bike Show.
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Theater listings: May 16, 2013
Today-June 1 — “GREATER TUNA,” at Myers Dinner Theatre, Hillsboro. Dates and times vary. Tickets: dinner and show $36 and $25 students, show only $20, 765-798-4902, ext. 2.
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‘The Deming Dobbs Dash’ scheduled for Memorial Day
Join the Terre Haute Parks Department and First Financial Bank for the Memorial 5K run/walk and 1 mile fun run on May 27.
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‘No Divas Tour’ to feature Randle
Lincoln Trail College will present “The No Divas Tour,” featuring Roxie Randle and Jenn Franklin, on Friday in the Zwermann Arts Center Theater.
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Benefit supper, silent auction set
A benefit supper and silent auction for Amber Jones is planned from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Shelburn community building.
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National Road Yard Sale days coming up
The Historic National Road Yard Sale days will be from dawn until dusk May 29 through June 2, stretching from Baltimore to St. Louis, along the Historic National Road, U.S. 40.
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Fontanet Beef & Turkey Manhattan Dinner set
The Fontanet Action Community Team is having a Beef & Turkey Manhattan Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Fontanet Community Center.
- MUSEUMS/EXHIBITIONS: May 16, 2013
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Diamond Hill Station goes bold in ‘Katy Bar the Door’ album
On the second track of Diamond Hill Station’s new CD, the band deftly rambles through a catchy, love-gone-wrong song called “Same Old Thing.”
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Roxie Randle takes next step with single ‘Everything I’m Not’
The next step for singer-songwriter Roxie Randle is a single with the attitude and power to crack radio airplay lists.
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Local actors staging ‘Half & Half’ on May 17-19 at Harmony Hall
On the Line Productions, a local theater group, plans to stage the comedy “Half & Half” by James Sherman May 17 through 19 at Harmony Hall, 1257 Lafayette Ave.
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Opening reception Friday for ‘Mud Musings’
Indiana State University’s Community School of the Arts is scheduled to host an opening reception for an art exhibition from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday in the Gallery Lounge of ISU’s Hulman Memorial Student Union.
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TH dance troupe to interpret ‘A Little Princess’ May 31, June 1
The Academy of Dance of Terre Haute, under the direction of Patti Willey, will stage its annual spring concert at 6:30 p.m. on May 31 and June 1 in Tilson Auditorium at Indiana State University.
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TH’s The Blue News seeks to raise $15K through ‘crowdfunding’
The Terre Haute-based blues-rock band The Blue News has launched its first “crowdfunding” campaign for a new 10-track album, “In Your Dreams.”
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