The Rubber Knife Gang to release 2nd album entitled "Drivin' On" on September 10th, 2010

On Sept 10th, 2010 The Rubber Knife Gang will officially release their second album, entitled "Drivin' On". The album features 12 new tracks including 11 original compositions and a cover of Billy Joel's "Travelin' Prayer"

The band will be celebrating the release with a CD Release Party on Sept. 10th at the Southgate House in Newport, KY. Special guest will include Shiny and The Spoon and The Downtown County Band

Drivin' On (2010) was conceived in the hills along the Ohio River and recorded in-studio, in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. This album presents a collection of songs that openly reflect the musical growth of RKG, as a trio, and references the roadmaps of the region’s music, merging them into a sound for the modern roots music era. This second Rubber Knife Gang release captures the band traveling the byways of American music, driving toward new frontiers while hugging each bend of the Ohio River, like the roads that follow.

The production work on the album was handled by Mind Ignition's Robert Fugate.
Album Artwork by Keith Neltner of Neltner Creative
Photography by Roman Titus

           

Grand Night for Singing a Grand Success

Miami University's Grand Night for Singing has gathered rave reviews. Mind Ignition's Alex Lusht was on hand to assure the sound quality was top notch.

Here's part of the story from Miami's Music Department Website...
Oxford – A capacity crowd in Hall Auditorium witnessed a little history Saturday night, April 17.

A wildly successful evening of songs from on and off Broadway, dance and general entertainment, complete with soloists, small vocal ensembles, full chorus, a bit of dancing, full orchestra, a Broadway pianist, and full lighting and sound, graced the stage to enthusiastic applause and continued standing ovation.

It’s a Grand Night for Singing, the first production of its kind at Miami University, “was an amazing show, the best I have ever seen at Miami,”  said longtime concert goer and Oxford resident, Mary Ellen Dudley. ”My friends and I were absolutely enthralled with the whole evening.”

Sponsored by the Miami University Performing Arts Series, Miami Opera, and the Department of Music, the evening featured faculty, alumni, and 33 graduate and undergraduate students from across the MU campus. “You’d have expected that the ensemble would consist of music majors,” commented the evening’s director, Ben Smolder, at the beginning of the show. “But that isn't the case. Our singers tonight, chosen by audition, represent majors from all over our campus, a wonderful testament to the talent that we have here.”

The event brought several illustrious alumni back to campus as special soloists. Included in the lineup were countertenor William Sauerland (MU ’04), Laura Smith (MU ’99) and John Baldwin (MU ’00), all of whom are having active careers within the profession.

The three were featured in solo spots throughout the evening, Smith singing her signature operatic aria, Glitter and be Gay from Bernstein’s Candide and Somewhere Over the Rainbow (she brought the house down with both), Baldwin singing Being Alive from Company, and Sauerland singing Crazy World from Victor, Victoria and Smile from Modern Times.

Students, too, were wonderful in their solo and small ensemble roles. Especially exciting Rachel Adams in Forget about the Boy (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Celeste Day in God Bless the Child, And Christina Chenes in a heartwrenching version of Gershwin’s standard, Summertime.

Pianist Tedrin Blair Lindsay was featured on several solo pieces and accompanied the entire evening along with the orchestra. He proved to be a consummate professional with styles and technique well in hand. His solo version of Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera and Climb Every Mountain from Sound of Music were cascades of technique and dash, reminiscent of Liberace.

The vocal ensemble was featured as a solo vehicle (That’s Entertainment, Wheels of a Dream, Consider Yourself, There is Nothing Like a Dame, and Circle of Life) and as backgrounds to soloists and smaller ensembles. Just like Broadway, and terrifically done.

The orchestra was strong and supportive, with excellent arrangements written for the production by Johnie Dean and Tedrin Blair Lindsay.

The entire evening was put together, directed, and conducted by Smolder, an MU voice professor, whose clear understanding of the Broadway genre was evident in the pace of the show, the selection of music, the glitz of the aura, and the professional level of the presentation.

“The audience, which almost filled the place, was wildly enthusiastic,” says Smolder, who is already looking to next year for another production akin to this one. “It would make an amazing annual event.”

Mary Ellen Dudley agrees. “The only problem with Grand Night for Singing was that it played only one night!" With the success of this year’s event, that most likely will not be a problem repeated next time around. JO

Review Link

The Newbees release Live DVD/CD Combo

We are excited to announce the release of The Newbees' new live DVD/CD Combo. Mind Ignition's Tiffany Lusht was a co-producer along with the band's Jeff Perholz.

Here is an except from a Citybeat article by Mike Breen...

If you are a fan of hypermelodic Pop/Rock and you haven’t heard or seen local group The Newbees, what are you waiting for? The perfect chance to check the band out comes this weekend with the release of a gorgeous CD package, Live @ The Southgate House. The two-disc set includes a “Look” DVD with video footage and a “Listen” audio CD recorded at a show at the Newport concert venue in November of 2008.

The entire Live package is stunning on many levels. The packaging is top-notch and the video/audio recording is amazingly pro. Put together with help from area production company Mind Ignition, the product itself stands as an equal to anything put out by a rich major label record company.

Then there’s the music, a diverse, dynamic Pop sound (influence from everything from Tin Pan Alley to vintage Americana to the Fab Four can be detected) that is delivered flawlessly. With their impeccable musicianship and vocal abilities, The Newbees sound better in concert than most bands do on their carefully constructed recordings. The strings that augment the songs are so spot on you’ll be convinced they had to have been added in post production. As songwriters, the members of The Newbees long ago proved to be among the elite in the region and on Live the songs breathe and shine effervescently. The band fittingly works in some covers of classics in the Pop/ Rock realm, like their powerful, dazzling version of “I Am the Walrus” and a solid take on Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles hit “Maybe I’m Amazed,” sung brilliantly by vocalist/guitarist Misty Perholtz.

Mind Ignition announces initial dates for 2010 Cincinnati Reds Concert Series at Great American Ballpark

Mind Ignition is excited to announce the initial lineup for this year's Cincinnati Reds Concert Series at Great American Ballpark. The annual live music series features some of the region's top performers onstage before the game. Some come down early and catch some great live music before the game!!

*Must have game ticket to enjoy the concert.

Mon        April 5th-     Goshorn Brothers    -"Opening Day"

Rubber Knife Gang begins tracking sophomore release with Mind Ignition's Robert Fugate

Cincinnati based stringsters The Rubber Knife Gang are working with Mind Ignition's Robert Fugate on their follow up to their 2008 debut "A Rubber Knife Life".

 

StarDevils: Behind The Stove now playing On The MIC

Hi folks,

We recently dug into the vault and pulled out a performance by the StarDevils: "Behind The Stove" at the historic Rabbit Hash General Store in Rabbit Hash, KY for your rockabilly pleasure!

Click Here to watch the whole show (go full screen!)

Click Here to visit the StarDevils Artist Page for individual songs.

In a world that seems to be changing constantly, the Rabbit Hash General Store is a heaping slice of Americana from another... era. A working general store since 1831, the Rabbit Hash General Store is the heart of historic Rabbit Hash, a quaint little Northern Kentucky river-town whose fortunes literally have risen and fallen with the waters of the Ohio River.

The town of Rabbit Hash is perhaps best known for the fact that they elected a dog for their mayor. Not once, but twice! The town was also the central theme of the recent documentary by Jude Gerard Prest called "Rabbit Hash, the Center of the Universe". For more on the history of Rabbit Hash visit the web site at: www.rabbithash.com, or the Rabbit Hash Historical Society at: www.rabbithashusa.com.

Help the people of Haiti by donating to relief organizations

The people of Haiti are in their most important hour of need. If you would like to help by donating then we have provided a few links below to recommended relief organizations.

The Charity Navigator logo is a link to a watch group that has evaluated many relief organizations and provides information about their conduct so that you can be assured your money is going to the right place...

   

We thank all of you for considering to give comfort and help to the people of Haiti.

**Please note that Mind Ignition is not a relief organization and does not accept donations related to the relief effort in Haiti.


 

Send us a donation and we'll send you some STICKERS!!

Hi folks,

We are working hard to bring you free entertainment on the Mind Ignition Channel and will do our best to continually bring you live shows without any sort of subscription fee.

If you enjoy what we do and can spare a buck, please send us a donation. If you leave us your shipping address, then we'll send you some stickers!

All the best to all of you!!

Mind Ignition Channel Version 2.0 is launched

Mind Ignition is delighted to announce the launch of Mind Ignition Channel 2.0!

The site combines features from both of Mind Ignition's former websites. You can now watch all of the video content that was previously found at www.mindignitionchannel.com with full screen capabilities along with the return of Mind Ignition Radio that was previously available at www.mindignition.net.

The new launch also marks the beginning of a new URL address located at www.onthemic.net which we hope is easier for everyone to remember and is certainly easier to type into your browser.

Please stop by and check out the new content and celebrate along with us. We are promising a renewed vigor towards bringing some of the best new music on the planet to your computer screen!

All the Best,
The Mind Ignition Gang

Season Finale of AT&T Reds Concert Series

Hi folks,

As many of you know, the Reds organization has been a staunch supporter of the Cincinnati area music scene by presenting a season filled with some of the best musical talent in the region.

Come celebrate the end of another wonderful season filled with music as the Reds have added two additional dates to the Reds Concert Series on October 2nd and 3rd as the Reds finish off their domination of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Before the games in the Cincinnati Reds Fanzone

2009 Delhi Skirt Game

We are delighted to once again be providing the sound system services for this year's concert with Chuck Brisbin and the Tuna Project at the 2009 Delhi Skirt Game. Last year was a ton of fun and we are expecting the same. It's for a great cause.

Chicago style softball played in drag, Rozzi Fireworks, Post Game Concert. Come join us!!

more info...
     

Big Fun at 2009 Ohio River Way Paddlefest

Shot from the crowd at 2009 Paddlefest...

photo by Bryn Weller

Check out much more info and pictures from this year's Paddlefest at the official Ohio River Way Site...
www.ohioriverway.org/paddlefest

    

Chicken Tractor Deluxe's "Tin Can Holler" added to Mind Ignition Radio

Listen to Mind Ignition Radio right now!

More info about the release of "Tin Can Holler"

Gillette Civil Rights Game a grand success!

The 2009 Major League Baseball Civil Rights Game marked the first time that the game was played during the regular season. Cincinnati was a natural fit to host the game because of the area's rich history involving civil rights. Mind Ignition was once again right in the thick of things hosting the events at Fountain Square downtown as well as being involved in the entire weekend at events around town and at the ballpark. We would like to congratulate the Reds organization on a job well done!

   

Mind Ignition to provide sound system for WNKU stage at 2009 Ohio River Way Paddlefest

Mind Ignition is excited to host the WNKU stage at the 2009 Ohio River Way Paddlefest on June 26th, 2009. Paddlefest is the largest event of its kind in the United States.

Celebrate, promote and protect the beauty of the Ohio River at the 8th Annual Ohio River Way Paddlefest on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2009. Come to Cincinnati to enjoy two days of paddling, education, entertainment, competition and camaraderie.

With your help -- and the support of our many generous corporate, small business and non-profit sponsors -- the Ohio River Way will continue to sponsor events and raise funds to promote the Trail and help paddlers and power boaters alike experience the natural beauty and recreational benefits of the Ohio and its unique network of tributaries in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.

This is a family-friendly event!

Here's the lineup...
The Tillers
Strawboss
Jake Speed & The Freddies
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Backyard Tire Fire

    

Amy Bailey tells "Her Story"

Yet another project from our good friends up at Brown Dog Studios.

We are very proud to announce the release of Singer/Songwriter and longtime friend, Amy Bailey's debut album "Her Story". Amy has been the backbeat for countless acts from her Ohio roots to Wisconsin, Hawaii, and all points in between. We are delighted that this collection of songs, long thought to be destined only for jams around the bonfire,  were finally layed down with James Gettles up at Brown Dog and brought forth to the people.

The album was mastered by Mind Ignition's Robert Fugate

    

Okay Lindon Releases "Everything In Moderation"

The new album from Dustin Smith (formerly of Goodwen) and friends finds the songwriter looking inward and providing his reflections on adulthood.

The album was mainly recorded by Dustin himself and sent off to renowned producer/recording artist Jason Martin for mixing and mastering purposes and then brought to Mind Ignition's Robert Fugate for some final editing.

Rick "Bam" Powell releases "Eat the Fat, Drink the Sweet"

Rick "Bam" Powell is a longtime Cincinnati music scene veteran that has provided the beat for such acts as Tickled Pink, The Goshorn Brothers, The Bluebirds, and his very own group, Bucket. On any given day you will probably find him on a stage somewhere in the tri-state area offering up some of the highest quality music performed around town.

Powell recently brought a new album worth of recorded material to Mind Ignition's Alex Lusht for mixing and mastering and the result is a fabulous collection of groovy beats and quirky changes called "Eat The Fat, Drink The Sweet". 

"Eat The Fat, Drink The Sweet" is available at...
   

Freekbass releases Junkyard Waltz

Junkyard Waltz is four years in the making for Freekbass and company.  This highly anticipated album serves up funk in a big way brought to you by the Dr. Funkenstein himself, FREEK—–BASS.  The record also includes an array of special guests such as: Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell of P-Funk & Talking Heads, Buckethead, Mike Gordon of Phish, Jen Durkin of Rhythm Devils & Deep Banana Blackout, Gary “Mudbone” Cooper of P-Funk, vocals from Bootzilla recording artists Candice Cheatham and D-Jizzle and rap artists B-Czar & Piakhan.  Rounding out the bunch are Freekbass’ go-to guys and touring crew, Chip Wilson on drums and T-Sly on guitar.  And of course, the man behind it all, Freekbass, is on his funky, fresh bass.  - Skopemag.com   read the rest of the review

Freekbass frequented Mind Ignition studios during the recording process working on the project with Mind Ignition's Alex Lusht.  Click here for pictures of Freekbass and Phish's Mike Gordon at Mind Ignition Studios working on Junkyard Waltz.

Get the album at...

     

Mind Ignition slated to host AT&T Reds Concert Series at Great American Ball Park once again in 2009

Hey folks,

Summer is creeping upon us and that means another Cincinnati Reds baseball season is ready to begin. Once again we are proud to be hosting The Cincinnati Reds Concert Series presented by AT&T on the Fanzone stage at Great American Ballpark.

Come enjoy an afternoon or evening at the ballpark and show up early for some of the best musical artists that the region has to offer. The Reds have consistently shown their support for local and regional artists that write original music and those of you that know us also know that we are staunch supporters of the local music scene.

The concert series is starting to become a great local tradition. So come out and support the Reds and support the local and regional artists. It should be another great year.    

April 09
Monday April 6th            NY Mets                     Goshorn Brothers                      11:40am
Friday     April 10th        Pittsburgh Pirates        The G. Burton Story                  5:40pm
Friday     April 24th        Atlanta Braves             Kissing Pat                               5:40pm

May 09
Thursday May 7th          Milwaukee Brewers       Lo Fi                                        5:40pm
Friday May 8th              St. Louis Cardinals        Mike Milligan & Steam Shovel    5:40pm
Saturday May 9th          St. Louis Cardinals        The Newbees                           5:40pm
Friday May 22nd            Cleveland Indians         Freekbass                                5:40pm
Saturday May 23rd        Cleveland Indians         Muckrakers                              5:40pm

June 09
Friday June 5th              Chicago Cubs               Paul Otten                               5:40pm
Saturday June 6th          Chicago Cubs               Goshorn Brothers                     5:40pm
Friday June 19th            Chicago Whitesox          K Drama                                 5:40pm
Saturday June 20th        Chicago Whitesox             *MLB Civil Rights Game At Fountain Square

July 09
Friday July 3rd                St. Louis Cardinals         The Mistics                           5:40pm
Friday July 17th               Milwaukee Brewers       Sonny Moorman Band            5:40pm
Saturday July 18th           Milwaukee Brewers       The Rubber Knife Gang          5:40pm
Wed July 29th                 San Diego Padres          Kinsey Rose                          5:40pm
Friday July 31st               Colorado Rockies           Eclipse                                 5:40pm

August 09
Saturday August 1st        Colorado Rockies           Ark Band                            5:40pm
Friday August 14th          Washington Nationals    Stranger                             5:40pm
Saturday August 15th      Washington Nationals    Kevin Fox Band                    5:40pm
Friday August 28th          Los Angeles Dodgers     Tickled Pink                         5:40pm
Saturday August 29th      Los Angeles Dodgers     Screaming Mimes                5:40pm

Saturday Sept. 19th        Florida Marlins               Tropicoso                           5:40pm