The Bluebird - IU

[Pages:9]The Bluebird ? 40 years and going strong 30--minute video documentary, outlined by Jim Krause

Overview: Since 1973 the Bluebird nightclub has hosted some of best musical acts touring the Midwest.

Artists such as Lou Reed, Dizzie Gillespie, Richie Havens, John Prine, and John Mellencamp have filled the house with energetic crowds spanning generations in age.

2013 marks the 40th anniversary of the popular downtown nightclub.

Located in Bloomington, Indiana, the Bluebird is an integral part of the music and cultural scene for both IU students and locals. Its long--standing success can be attributed to the variety of both music and audience. One day there might be bluegrass, on another R&B or hip--hop. The Bluebird also provides a venue for tribute bands, performance artists, and even hosts a stage for the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival. The broad musical diversity appeals to a wide audience of both young and old. Anyone who has gone to IU or lived in town has a Bluebird story to tell.

This documentary will explore the history and music of Bloomington's historic nightclub, and visit with some of the people who helped shape it into what it is today.

Note to RTVS Executive Team: This would be a fun and tight little half--hour documentary. A number of key elements are already lined up: archival footage of some classic Bluebird performances from the 1980s (taped as part of the "Late Night Snacks" show on CATS; and the following people have already agreed to be interviewed: Dave Kubiak (owner), Lorraine Farrell (logo artist), Lee Williams (Lotus) and Michael White (CATS). Dave Kubiak also informed me that the original owners are still around and would likely be willing to be interviewed. A number of musicians from past popular bands have also agreed to be interviewed. At the end of this document are some facebook posts you might find interesting. People of all ages and backgrounds love the Bluebird.

Treatment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scene 1 -- Introduction (2 minutes):

Open with montage of present day Bluebird sights and sounds: bands, people dancing & enjoying the music, folks chatting in booths, bartenders pouring drinks, etc. These clips are interspersed with Bluebird patrons (both young & old) talking about their favorite Bluebird bands & experiences (getting to see Umphrey's, participating in Party Mardi (Fat Tuesday), meeting future partners, etc.)

Title:

Scene 2 ? A Typical Night at the Bird (4--5 minutes)

We're at the Bird at the start of a typical two--act night. The first act is geared toward

older audiences; the 2nd targeted to the youth set. Sound bites from band members,

employees and audience members describe a venue that has cross--generational

appeal.

The music varies as much as the audience. During a single week there might

be hiphop, bluegrass, a Pink Floyd tribute band, etc.

Scene 3 ? Birth of the Bluebird (3 minutes)

Jon Ross started the Bluebird in 1973 with partner Doug Turnbull. (Interview with

John and/or Doug talking about opening and the very first few acts.) Artist Lorraine

Farrell was offered $30 to come up with the logo (amusing short story about coming

up with a logo.)

Ownership/History:

? Started by John Ross\Partner was Doug Turnbull (from 1973 ?

1981)

? Artwork designed by Lorraine Farrell ? Sold to his younger brother Steve Ross (1981)

? partner was Dennis Burress (until 2000) then it was

just Steve Ross. ? Dave Kubiak bought it in 2004

Scene 4 ? Rock of Ages (6 minutes)

Over the years the Bluebird has hosted some memorable musical acts. We re--live

some of the historic performances (through the CATS Late Light Snacks TV show)

and hear from some of the musicians, employees, and concertgoers who frequented

the nightclub over its 40--year span.

Some memorable musical acts (for reference):

Luther Allison

John Prine

Adrian Belew

Sun Ra

Elvin Bishop

The Ragin Texans

Dr. Bop & the Headliners

Lou Reed

William Burroughs

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

Iris Dement

Sonny Rollins

Steve Earle

Rods & Cones

Dizzy Gillespie

John Scofield (met his wife at the

Richie Havens

Bluebird)

Blue Hugh & the Colortones

Johnny Socko

John Hyatt

Toots and the Maytals

Kings of Leon

Weather Report

Leo Kottke

Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings

Damian Marley

Lucinda Williams

Umphrey's McGee

Keller Williams

John Mellencamp

Victor Wooten

Mumford & Sons

Artist posters hanging on wall (lining the stage) include: Elvin Bishop, Luther

Allison, Toots and the Maytals, John Mellencamp, Dr Bop & the Headliners, & Lou

Reed.

Scene 5 ? Popular Alternatives (3 minutes)

Outside of mainstream and roots music, the Bird has hosted a wide range of

alternative and world music. We visit with a notable tribute band with Andy

Hollinden, relive Fat Tuesday / Party Mardi with the Wild Raccoons, and hear from

Lee Williams about the Bluebird being a venue for international artists at the Lotus

World Music & Arts Festival.

Scene 6 ? Touching Lives (3 minutes)

Just about everyone who has gone to Indiana University or has lived in Bloomington

has a story to tell about his or her favorite band or a pivotal life--changing experience

that happened at the Bluebird. In this segment we hear a few stories of how the Bird

touched or changed someone's life (Rick Nagy meeting John Mellencamp & Lou Reed

in the alley, Gerry's Happy Hour, Jazz guitarist John Scofield met his wife at a gig,

etc.).

Scene 7 ? Conclusion (1--2 minutes)

We're back at the scene from the beginning-- a typical 2--act night at the Bird. We

hear from a few of the same people from the opening ending on a strong quote

about the Bluebird forever being an awesome place to hang out and hear music.

Credits

Jim Krause Hi Friends- I'm working up an outline for a documentary on Bloomington's Bluebird nightclub. Please let me know if you had any pivotal moments/experiences there. Maybe it was where you heard

your favorite act or where you met your husband/wife/partner... Thanks!

Amanda Biggs That's where I first heard Krista Detor play! That's pretty pivotal for me!Monday at 12:49pm via mobile ? Unlike ? 1

Andrew Cambron I split my pants doing a rendition of "Get up, I feel like being a sex machine" by James Brown at karaoke.Monday at 12:59pm ? Unlike ? 1

John Patrick Lowrie Ron and I played at the Bluebird at a campaign rally for the then mayor of Bloomington who, I think, went on to be in the House of Representatives. I forget his name. In between tunes I made the comment, "Politics is like going to the bathroom: it's kind of nasty and smelly and nothing you would want to do anywhere but behind a locked door, but on the other hand, if you don't take care of it on a regular basis it starts to back up on you." I am not sure if this observation was instrumental in his election, but our next musical offering was. Instrumental, I mean.M onday at 1:04pm ? Unlike ? 3

Betsy Greene Duke Tomato was playing at the Bluebird the weekend I graduated from Undergrad in May, 1979. He was also playing the weekend that I graduated from law school in 1982. I was there for both performances. I was also pretty good friends with Gerry and spent a lot of time at Gerry's Happy Hour.Monday at 1:10pm ? Unlike ? 1

Rick Nagy The old Monday Blues Jam was fantastic -- you should talk to Gordon Bonham and David Baas about it. As for me, too many memories to mention. One time Mojo Nixon and I took a pee side-by-side in the bathroom.M onday at 1:11pm ? Unlike ? 1

Rex Miller @ JP Lowrie,I organized that show for Pat Murphy and John Fernandez, who both were running for city council. We had several good local acts, and we raised over $1000 for their campaigns.They both won later that year.M onday at 1:13pm ? Unlike ? 1

Mark West-Bookwalter I told my wife i loved her for the first time after seeing Tallest Man on Earth there, met and got to get drunk with

Reverend Horton Heat there, saw mumford and sons there before they were famous (they still sucked even then), met the dudes from old crow medicine show there they were pretty cool though high as kites, it was one of the first bars i snuck into as a teenager (we used to pretend we were roadies for our older friend's bands so we could see them and also to get drunk), played on that stage so many times and heard some of the stupidest/funniest heckles there, so much more stuff that i can't even remember right now.Monday at 1:14pm ? Unlike ? 2

Rick Nagy How could I forget? I met Lou Reed and JCM in the alley behind the Bird that night. There was a line almost to Kirkwood, but my friend and I just walked through it to the alley, where the two were hanging out. We chatted briefly, then walked though the back door to see part of the show.M onday at 1:19pm ? Unlike ? 1

Carol Gulyas Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, so many more. Dizzy scolded the crowd for not listening properly.M onday at 1:24pm ? Unlike ? 3

Shawn Keller Hey Jim. Blue bird was where I first kissed my wife!M onday at 1:30pm via mobile ? Unlike ? 1

Jonathan Shull I lost some hearing in my right ear at a Johnny Socko concert at the Bird. Does that count?

(Also, do you know Aaron Lambert? I imagine he might have more than his fair share of pivotal Bird tales to recount.)Monday at 2:04pm via mobile ? Unlike ? 1

Steve Llewellyn Dr. Bop, Adrian Belew, Ween, dancing with the March 4th Marching Band girl, Samarrabalouf during Lotus Fest, first Elephant Quiz show in a bar, and on and on and on.Monday at 2:14pm ? Unlike ? 1

Jim Krause These are great (and a trip down memory lane)! I could do a doc just on these stories...Monday at 2:15pm ? Like ? 2

Chad Roeder My wife and I riding our bikes to a Ween show...very cool.M onday at 2:22pm via mobile ? Unlike ? 1

Llama Kremer Jim you are kidding right??? I was a most frequent patron, and roadie for Blue Hugh and the Colourtones for 7 years! Red Stripe Tuesdays, 10 cent Wedensdays, pickled eggs, are you kidding me? Steve (owner) was a good friend. What do you want to know? I have more private information that shouldn't be shared if you want to message me.Monday at 3:03pm ? Unlike ? 1

Evan John Fetherolf I don't have any stories right now, but I can use this as an excuse to go a lot more and maybe make some memories lolMonday at 3:31pm ? Unlike ? 1

David Baas Hi Jim, I'll talk to you about the Monday night blues jam any time. You definitely should contact Gordon, too.Monday at 4:24pm ? Unlike ? 1

Carol Gulyas Weather Report, 1977 or thereaboutsM onday at 4:31pm ? Unlike ? 1

Llama Kremer Don't forget in 1987 when John Mellencamp, John Hyatt, and Lou Reed got on stage together and did a set completely unannounced. I had just moved to Montana, but Hugh was there and called me to tell me just to piss me off.M onday at 5:12pm ? Unlike ? 2

Sue Schnaitter Oh My! The memories! Sun Ra! (ask Chet Chmielewski about how he met Sun Ra that night)-Airto and Flora Purim-Richie Havens-the Spirtles! My 21st birthday and the adventure in the alley! Mardi Gras with the Racoons! could go on and on.....M onday at 5:44pm ? Unlike ? 2

Mike Cagle You might talk to Lorraine Farrell - she designed their "bird" logo, lo these many years ago.M onday at 7:29pm ? Unlike ? 1

Carol Gulyas David saw Charles Mingus there around 1976Monday at 7:40pm via mobile ? Unlike ? 1

Carol Gulyas Sun Ra, awesome concert, 1976ish also Gary BurtonM onday at 7:42pm via mobile ? Unlike ? 1

Carol Gulyas Joe Henderson John ScofieldM onday at 7:44pm via mobile ? Unlike ? 1

Carol Gulyas Sonny TerryM onday at 7:47pm via mobile ? Like ? 1

Madeleine King The Bird got me through many a late night...would go dance after student-ing in the ceramics studio til late.M onday at 7:54pm ? Unlike ? 1

Chet Chmielewski Richie Havens, oh man. Airto and Flora Purim Buddy Guy and the 100 foot guitar cord.. Lee Scratch Perry. Tons and tons of great stuff seen, and maybe a couple of good Wild Raccoon shows too. Going to night of the Living Bird with my roomate dressed as the Invisible Man who was denied entry as he couldn't take off the bandages so the doorman could see his face. I think he's still pissed the rest of us went in. Something about that foul bathroom, I peed next to Sun Ra. Space IS the place.Monday at 9:25pm ? Unlike ? 2

David Baas Jim, another person you may want to contact is John Byrne. He played in the Mere Mortals, who packed the place on weekends for several years, back in the day. Todd Smith, too. He was the bassist.Monday at 9:53pm ? Edited ? Unlike ? 1

David Baas Some great shows by the Rods and Cones and the Ragin Texans are some of my favorite memories of world class local bands who played there!!! And lest we not forget (unless I missed it) PK's Jam, then Gordon's Jam during Jerry's Friday Happy Hours. And "Over the Rainbow", to signal the end of another one.Monday at 9:51pm ? Like ? 2

Bert Gilbert I've seen a lot of amazing acts there. Sonny Terry and Brownie Magee sure stand out. I remember helping install the metal bracing that reinforces the trusses in the back room. I will never forget doing early morning set up. The smell at 7 am of stale beer, cigarets, and vomit in that back room could bring on the dry heaves.M onday at 11:05pm via mobile ? Unlike ? 1

Chessley Sexton Talk to Carter Campbell.Y esterday at 4:12am ? Unlike ? 1

Llama Kremer What Chessley said!Y esterday at 8:51am ? Unlike ? 1

Jim Krause Guess I better talk to Carter! Thanks so much for all of the great tips- and some wonderful stories....2 3 hours ago ? Like

Russ Castillo Broke a few bands there... Good Times!23 hours ago ? Like

Sue Schnaitter The Texans!13 hours ago ? Like

Llama Kremer I don't think anyone has mentioned Toots and the Maytals yet.13 hours ago ? Like

Sue Schnaitter Luther Allison12 hours ago ? Like

Sarah Flint I've got pictures from PK's Jam and Blues night, Dr. Bop and the Headliners, The Mixxe, Lather-Rinse-Repeat. My gold shoes hang above the bar. Hanging with REM, Steve Earle, "I got two nerves left and you're on one of em".9 hours ago ? Like

Mark Robinson Wow-- too many to count, or remember, and some I'm hoping people have forgotten. Sun Ra on my 21st birthday, with a full moon. Me hand-walking the beam over the stage--wearing my guitar, and dropping onto a table full of drinks... Sue and I still have a print of a painting in our living room that we bought because it was over our favorite booth at the Bluebird.9 hours ago ? Like

Jeff Foster For awhile there, it seemed as if the 'Bird was my home away from home. It was back in the late 70s, during the heyday of the Farmers band, and we played there with agonizing regularity... back when country-rock was still cool before it went dead becau...See More8 hours ago ? Like ? 1

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