ZapTown

Independent Music and Art Festival
Saturday, June 12, 2010

Article by Jasmine “Lovey” Allen. All photographs by Mariah Barlow.

I arrived at the IMAF a tad after 2pm, just in time to see Accordians, a four-piece Indianapolis based Folk/Rock band, on the Nuvo stage.  Being amazed by their musicianship, lead singer Benjamin Bernthal kept my attention with his poetic lyrics and energetic ukulele strumming. This feeling thickened when Wolfy, a seven piece band, performed next on the Apparatus stage.  They began the show saying, “We tune, cuz we care,” which tickled nearly everyone under the tent!  The players jammed out on guitar, bass, piano, drum set, violin, electric violin, and electric cello.  Their humor and cover of Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me A River” created a light atmosphere and chance to sing-a-long.

TJ Reynolds and the Freehand Orchestra schooled their audience on community issues like:  kids without guidance and hustling illegal substances.  At one point, TJ (the emcee), jumped off of the stage and into my face yelling, “YOUUUUU!” I was taking notes in the front row, which probably was not a great idea considering how embarrassed I was forced to feel after I cringed up so tightly!

Jookabox moved me in a way that I was not expecting at all.  I enjoyed their energy and ambient/electronic sound.  The crowd danced their way through an entire 30 minute set, swatting gnats, wiping sweat, and being loyal fans in the oddly humid weather we experienced that day.  I couldn’t stop tapping my foot and nodding my head in response to the energy!

Rob Dixon and Triology brought Nu-Jazz and Funk to the Apparatus stage.  The audience was the total opposite of Jookabox’s, but the “adults” still responded positively to the band’s groove.  Surprise guest poet Sonny Bates kicked things up a notch with his smooth lyrics.  He spoke of love as if he had fallen for it an infinite number of times.  Drinks went in the air, hands clapped together, happiness revealed smiles, and program flyers became fans as the band let their instruments speak to the listeners.

The festival concluded with performances by Elsinore, Mary Claire, Lord of the Yum Yum, Mandy Marie, Cabin, and Denison Witmer.  The IMAF has been going strong every year since 2002 on the second Saturday in June.  I appreciate the Harrison Center and other sponsors for coordinating this FREE event!  Both the music and art entertained me for hours!  I’ll be looking forward to next year’s artists and music!