Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
This Saturday, Dec. 16, the Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards take place at the Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City.
“The Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards is an annual event that started in 2010. I wanted to celebrate our local music community and show some love to the original bands and musicians,” said ETIMA founder Jerry Ryan, who also produces the annual Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival, which this year took place in October over three days/nights at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall.
Asked how the ETIMA voting process works, Ryan replied, “It’s an intricate process, honestly. It’s not necessarily about who’s the ‘best,’ but who I believe had the best year. If you’re releasing tracks or albums and touring as an original band, then your chances of winning become greater than someone who’s not.”
Asked if he had any particular categories at this year’s awards show he’d like to shine a light on, Ryan said, “Community Musician of the Year. This year’s recipient is Tom Maillie, aka: Vertigo Breeze. A great musician with a heart of gold.”
Whom does the ETIMA benefit? “This show benefits the touring bands from New York City who we’ve invited to play. But I’d also love to help local music and 420 lifestyle promoter Stephen (Weiss) and Noranne (Thompson) of NorStep Productions during these difficult times (their daughter Jordan is battling cancer).”
Ah, and the all-important, which artists and bands are actually performing at the awards show? “Arato Brothers, The Paynkillers, Castle Black, Wring Me Out, The Looms, Blanket Approval (pictured above), Heliocentric Overdrive, Second Half Comeback, and Quasimodo’s Bride.”
That’s a pretty nice cross-section of local talent performing original music and shows Ryan is very tapped into the local (and not-so-local) talent pool.
“The only other thing I’d like to add is that this is a celebration of our local music community and my birthday party,” concluded Ryan. “So, if you’re planning on bringing me a gift or buying me a drink, don’t. I’d rather you donate to Jordan’s Cancer Journey Fundraiser instead.
Go to gofundme.com and search for Jordans Cancer Journey to donate.
Any amount besides zero helps. There’s also an event happening on Jan. 20 at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. We may have our differences in the local scene, but we will always come together when it matters the most. Hang in there Jordan.”
GHOST MART Xmas: For a wild musical/culture ride, check out the Ghost Mart: Krampus Edition on Friday, Dec. 15, at the Anchor.
“GHOST MART is a new event that blends live music, DJs, artists and local artisans in one big cauldron,” explained promoter Maribeth Capelli. “The balcony transforms into a boutique where you can shop for original and unique alternative items that are uncommon in stores. Downstairs you can see and hear the variety of dark inspired acts that range from original 80s style goth to industrial, and a mix of all adjacent and in between. The event is scheduled to be held every September, December and March.
“Dec. 15 will feature GHOST MART: Krampus Edition,” Capelli continued. “This means a very special visit from the infamous folklore demon known for punishing naughty children during the holiday season. The legend of Krampus has become very popular amongst alternative style events and has been incorporated in many ways.
“At GHOST MART Krampus will be sitting from 9 to 10 p.m. for photos, and then joining in on the fun on the dance floor until he has to return to his legendary duties at midnight.”
Scheduled to perform are genCab, Faux Fear and Brad Scott. There will be a goth dance party from midnight to 3 a.m.
