Steve Poltz - 04March09 - Indianapolis, Indiana

Steve Poltz at Local's Only... If you ever wanted to see just one show of Steve's and had to choose one venue, this would have to be the one... Well this one and The Barn in Michigan, but that's 2 shows, so just go to both. Anyways, there is something about the atmosphere at Dave and Michelle's venue in Indy that brings the best (or worst) out in Steve, but regardless makes for an amazing night with Steve. For some reason, Steve doesn't have the ability to end a show in a timely manner here, but for those of us in the crowd, we will NEVER object. His set lists in Indy somehow always end up stretching to 35-45 songs even on week nights, which is a remarkable feat for any musician.

Somehow this show became one to remember for me and my family. Having took the week off from work to travel home and see friends and family before catching some of Steve's shows, I was able to get to the club early to talk to Steve during his sound check. I had been talking to my brother, Kenny, in Afghanistan, on a Voice-Over-IP program earlier in the day. Kenny and I talked about the fact that this was his daughter, Fiona's, 5th birthday. Kenny and I thought that it would be cool to have Steve wished Fiona a "Happy 5th Birthday" and sang her a song, and then played a request for Kenny as well. On this tour, Steve has been recording the audio from the live show, and his road manager, Chris Modle's been burning live audio CD's of the shows and selling them as soon as Steve is done with the last songs. So I knew I had an opportunity to get the recording of Steve's birthday dedication to Fiona, and have something to send to Kenny in a care package.

So I approached Steve before the show and explained my thoughts, to which I got a reply of "No!" with a sheepish chuckle. Steve asked a few minutes later if I liked that answer, and I said, "We'll see!" and then I reminded him that my family has guns and we know how to shoot them. That was the end of that conversation, as I let Steve continue to get prepared for his show.

Coming to the show in Indiana is a great chance to catch up with my extended family of Poltz fans that I only get to see a few times a year. This show brought back some of my closer friends, in Spring, who brought her fiance, Eric and about 8 others from work. Rob came and lured some friends from Illinois. Got to see Colleen and Nessa, as well as April and her friend Heidi who both sat with me through this show. Chris and Dianne Wolf made the trip, as expected, and Jay and others made it who I hadn't seen for a few shows.


Steve had Chris Wolf join him on the stage a few times, not only to help demonstrate the choreography of one of Steve's songs, but also gave Chris the opportunity to play a few of his own songs, including "Spotless" which can be heard on Chris's MySpace page. "Spotless" is a very entertaining song about Chris' invisible dog. This song was just selected from 15,500 songs as a finalist for a International Songwriters Competition. I highly recommend everyone reading this to go listen to the song. If you enjoy it, go vote for it. To vote, just follow this link, then click on the word "here" in the box that says "Click here to listen ot the finalists songs and cast your vote."

Steve was definitely in his element this night, as he was more than entertaining to all in attendance. He kept the atmosphere loose and fun, and kept the crowd involved the whole night. Keeping us involved had an unplanned effect as he realized while on stage that he was going to sell more live CD's if he made some of his banter and songs more personal for each person in the crowd. Upon realizing this, he stepped up his game and made it a personal experience for several of us.


During Steve's break, I took the opportunity to leave a note on stage asking again, well more like threatening Steve to play "Marsupial" for Fiona and wish her a Happy Birthday. Steve returned to the stage and played a few songs, but other than an occasional glance, made little effort to let me know that he acknowledged my note. Then during his encore, he finally made the dedication, but made it in a way that was entertaining to his crowd as well as addressing my note.

Fiona's Birthday Request-UNCENSORED Part 1.mp3

NOTE: This audio file contains some language and references that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Fiona's Birthday Request-UNCENSORED Part 2.mp3

NOTE: This audio file contains some language and references that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Fiona's Birthday Request.mp3



I got back to Elwood sometime after 2am and spent a few hours editing the audio down to try to get Fiona her song without any offensive humor included, but also wanted to provide the uncensored parts to Kenny in Afghanistan, as I knew he would love to hear it, as well as Steve's greeting to Kenny and congratulating him and Kelly on the future birth of their next child in July.

SOME PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW:






Don't ask... You really "had to be there" for sure!

Steve Poltz - 02.27.08 - Dayton, OH

For the first time, I brought a family member to a Poltz show. This may not sound like a big deal, but some of Poltz's shows tend to drift into a direction that sometimes you don't want to bring a parent in on. However, this show, this night, was a perfect oportunity to introduce my father to Mr. Poltz and his antics.



The show this night was nothing short of a great time. The Truckee Brothers (or Truckee Bothers as you can see on the paper sign behind Chris in some of the photos) were awesome. I was able to pick up a couple of the Truckee Brother's CD's at this show, and they have just moved up to the top of my "must have" list for anyone that is looking for a great rock album. "It Came from the Speakers" and "Double Happiness" both are awesome CD's and well worth a purchase. They have a sound that is unique and catchy that I think anyone could appreciate!

Steve Poltz - 10.20.07 - Lexington, KY

Another great road trip to see Mr. Poltz and friends, led me to Lexington, KY. It just happened to be that this Saturday road trip, Lexington was not only graced with the presence of Poltz fans, but also there was a little football game going on down the road from the American Legion Hall. So some of Gainsville, Florida's faithful were also in Lexington as their Florida Gators defeated the UK Wildcats 45-37 at Commonwealth Stadium.


Poltz has been touring with his good friend, Tim Flannery, who is coming off his '07 season as the 3rd base coach for the San Francsico Giants. But being in Lexington, Kentucky, this show was even more special because we were in Tim's brother Tom's neighborhood. So what started out as just planning for a Poltz show, ended up being as close to a Poltz-a-poluza" as we have had in the midwest.


Jason Quicksall came down from Columbus, Ohio to open the show, and did he ever. Jason impressed us all, I would have to assume. Those of us that had never heard Jason's sound, were just amazed. He has a sound that reminds you of a little of Jack Johnson, a little of Billy Harvey, but unique all around. Jason has a sound that is definitely worth a listen. I can honestly say, his CD, "Wiser Side" is still in my CD player in my truck today. Now as you browse the photos from this show, please note that Jason was also the sound man for this show, and actually completely reran the entire sound system, moving speakers and subs, about 5 minutes before his set began. So he was a little over excerted before going on stage, and a little sweaty.


Following Jason's set, Tom Flannery entertained us with a set that included him bringing his old son on stage to sign a song with ihim as well as play one song. Just proves the talent that this family has.


Tom finished his set, and brought Tim up on stage. This was my first time getting to hear Tim's music live, and being a huge baseball fan myself, I knew I would be entertained. Tim's entertaining banter and beautiful lyrics had me hooked. But he's a friend of Steve Poltz, so how could you go wrong.


Steve's set could be summed up with one word, "Hyperactive". Steve had taken his normal insanity and antics and taken it to a hole new level on this night. Steve performed some of his usual set and then brought Tim back up on stage and did some songs with him and started stepping up the antics. Then Tim and Steve had Tom come up on stage, and I am still unsure as to what Steve was doing through some of the songs, but I think I have a photo of him attempting to do the "running man" as well as at one point jumping up and down and completely out of frame of the shots I was trying to get. What can you say... It's Steve.


All in all, another great show, with wonderful people. Other than a little disagreement with one of the American Legion members, I think the show went well. This was Steve's 2nd American Legion venue that he has performed at, and I am sure it won't be the last time he comes to Kentucky! Ryan and Brooke were awesome hosts, and I look forward to coming and seeing them in Kentucky again.


img src="Poltz/Lexington/Poltz_38.jpg" border="0">

Shout, Sister, Shout - 09.23.07 - South Lyon, MI

So, you want to know a great formula for fun on a Sunday afternoon? Well here is one that made for one heck of a show.


First you take the somewhat southern, somewhat blue, old school radio sounds of Steppin' In It and then you add the beautiful, soulful voice of Ms. Rachael Davis and you get the amazing sounds of Shout, Sister, Shout! Add this mixture to the one-of-a-kind, never disappointing venue of Matt and Terry Maylen's "The Barn" and you have an amazing concoction for a great time!


Matt and Terry just know how to host a great concert. There were many first timers at this show, as well as some veterans of the Maylen's concerts. But I am sure that each and everyone of them left there not only with a smile on their face, but a story to tell to their friends. This show was just all around a great deal of fun, and if you ever have the chance to see a show at "The Barn", you'd best not pass it up. This was the 2nd concert hosted in "The Barn", as Steve Poltz had a show their earlier this year. But as expected, the Maylen's nailed it again, this show was well worth the drive!


This show also marked my first chance to meet the newest addition to the Shout, Sister, Shout family, as Rachael was just 3 1/2 weeks removed from giving birth to Virgil Ryman "Action" Davis. Now this kid is going to be something special, as he has had music in his blood from day one.






Matt and his tribute to the "Milkmen"































































Action... In "Grandma's Hands"


















"I cry over spilt milk" - Loved the shirt, Springer!






Click on the image to see this full sized.

Steve Poltz - 08.11.07 - Hightstown, NJ

Another amazing Poltz weekend! Steve performed another show, his 8th I believe, at Lou & Rain's house. A great evening started off with the beautiful Carrie Engdahl's set, which became apparent after the first few songs to be a perfect opening for the antics of Mr. Poltz. Carrie is by far New Jersey's best female singer/songwriter.


Steve played much more of his new music and announced his Australia tour at the end of this year (Dec 25 - Jan 11), as well as announced the date of the release of his new album(s). Apparently there will be 2 CD's released early next year, and for reasons obvious to most Poltz fans, I would prefer not to post the date, since it has changed soooo many times over the last few years.


Again, another fun and exciting trip to New Jersey (my 2nd this year), to Rain and Lou's humble abode. Again meeting many more great people along the way. This trip was my first Springer-less Poltz show, which was odd. "Springer, we miss ya, girl!"


I was able to spend most of my time in Jersey with Morgan and Megan, our Poltz friends from Chicago, which was really RAD! Had a great time all around, and not looking forward to the drive back to Ohio. Enjoy the photos, and Rob, "Sorry, but I don't think anyone filled your shoes as archivist for this show. So a set list may be hard to come by."


Again, many thanks to Rain and Lou for their generocity in hosting these great shows year after year, and thanks to them for allowing me the opportunity to come enjoy them and try to capture some of the moments for others to see! "You guys rock!"

Poltz Weekend 06.01.07 - 06.03.07

Another amazing Poltz weekend... Wow! I am still just blown away by Steve's antics and songs. He is an amazing musician and an even better man. Steve puts on an amazing show wherever he performs, but get him out in the Midwest and in some of these livingroom shows like the one that Springer Productions puts on in Frankton, Indiana, and like that the Maylen's host in South Lyon, Michigan, and you are in for a treat.


This weekend, Steve began with the Frankton show at the American Legion Hall. Albeit it was a little warm this time around, the show heated up more with Chris Wolf's comedic song lyrics and Steve's antics and passion for music.





After the Frankton show, Steve, Springer, Rob and I made the trek up I69 towards the Maylens. Several stops for Starbucks, and stops caused by my drinking 44 oz. Moutain Dews later, we arrived in South Lyon for the unveiling of "The Barn". This was the first show ever at "The Barn" and what a way to christen this great new venue.








The weekend concluded with the annual stop to Local's Only in Indianapolis, where for a Midwest bar venue, the Poltz fans seem to come out of the woodwork, including representatives from "The Bob and Tom Show," dedicated faithful fans, and this year, we were blessed with the surprise visit of Matt and Terri from the Saturday night show in South Lyon. An amazing show, in which Steve surprised us all with some unforseeable antics. We were blessed with a stage dive of sorts, right into our table, as well as a surprise guest duet with Chris Wolf and Springer, when Steve decided to take part in the crowds viewing of an amazing version of Chris' invisible dog song.

05 May 2007 - Rachel Davis w/ Chirs Wolf - Frankton, Indiana

What a night... This was a first for many people this night. This was the first time that Rachael Davis had come to Frankton, Indiana to perform at a Springer Productions show, this one hosted at Spring and Jesse's house. This was the first time that Chris Wolf got to share a stage a meet Rachel Davis. This was the first concert held out doors at the "Red Curtain Room", also known as Spring and Jesse's house.


Rachael, who's beautiful voice can take on a life of its own when you experience it live, blew away some of the Frankton faithful who were getting to see her for the first time. Her voice is one that cannot be compared to any. She has a sound that will just pull you into the soulful lyrics and smooth sounds of her music. I highly recommend anyone take the chance to go see Rachel live and go pick up her CD's.


Chris Wolf... What can I say... Chris continues to impress me each time I see him play. He has a lyrical style that will bring out the child in all of us, and keeps the audience smiling a laughing throughout his set. He is gaining a following each time he performs, and has found a new fan in me.


Spring and Jesse know how to put on a great show. The hosts for some of the best concerts I have ever been to, and two of the greatest people I know. Looking forward to their next production next month, as they bring Steve Poltz back to Frankton.