By Andy Foltz
NKyTribune contributor
Set aside April 9 on your calendar.
That’s when Local Vocal II will be taking place. The Music Mash Up, as it’s called, features five bands in the Sanctuary room of Southgate House Revival with a wide-variety of music once again.
Some acts are the same, such as Trademark Aaron, the Derek Alan Band, and headliners Zebras in Public. ZIP will be featuring some new material, which by itself is worth the $12 price of admission.
“Last year, we had a great show, but it was a learning experience,” said show promoter Joe Petroze. “We’re improving what needs to be improved.”
Two new bands, the rock/blues Silver Pockets Trio, and the country/Southern rock group County-Wide, will be joining the holdovers in this year’s lineup. Throughout the night, DJ Chin Chilla will once again be spinning in between acts, as well as from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., during the opening hour bourbon tasting, presented by Jim Beam.
“The Local Vocal was one of my favorite events of 2015. This is the same event that led me to crossing paths with many amazing people and making many new friendships,” said Brandon Masters of ZIP. “I’m excited that Joe was able to get the event together for the second annual Local Vocal. I’m looking forward to the great music, awesome barbecue, bourbon tasting and the amazing people this event will bring together.”
The focus is once again on local music, but Petroze is incorporating local businesses this year as well. sS acts are announced, $50 gift cards to local restaurants Mokka, Buona Vita, Dickmann’s, Longneck’s, and Lucky Kentucky BBQ. Kentucky beers will be on tap, including Braxton, Goodwood, Alltech, Country Boy, and West 6th.
Lucky Kentucky BBQ will be providing food for the event again this year.
“The whole point is to promote local bands and local businesses,” Petroze said. “We want people there early, we want people to see different bands and to have more exposure for the bands.”
County-Wide is based out of Corbin, but plays all over the state.
They were recently at Jerzees in Newport. The Silver Pockets Trio, composed of Brian Goins, Alex Miller, and Josh Donaldson, formed in the spring of 2014, and have been honing their sound and writing music ever since. They were the third place band in last year’s Madison Theater Band Challenge.
The blues genre is something that was not present last year.
“We don’t have as much of the folk aspect this year, mostly due to band schedule conflicts,” Petroze said, adding that he was at the recent County-Wide show and came away impressed.
“The music lineup shows just how diverse the Tristate area is and Zebras in Public is excited to be a part of this awesome event for the second year in a row,” said Masters. “Joe has done an amazing job organizing, promoting and has some of the best event sponsors I have seen for any local event. This is a show you will not want to miss.”
Tickets are $12, and are available here .