By Andy Foltz
NKyTribune Reporter
Music gets into your blood, and it never leaves. Joe Petroze can attest to that. The former member of the band Intertwine still writes music, and still goes to see his many friends play live shows. That wasn’t enough for Petroze, though, because he is putting on the Local Vocal Music Festival, sponsored by Lucky Kentucky BBQ, Jim Beam Fire, and Country Boy Brewing, May 16 at the Southgate House Revival.
His idea: Feature Northern Kentucky acts in a Northern Kentucky venue, and expose anyone who comes to the event to all different types of music.
The acts playing include Zebras in Public (Kenton County), Downtown County Band (bluegrass region), Trademark Aaron Music (Florence), the Derek Alan Band (Independence), Honey and Houston (Independence and Ft. Thomas) and DJ Alex Chinn Chilla spinning in between acts.
“I’ve always been involved in the local music scene, and had friends involved,” he said. “This had to be a local Kentucky thing. Nothing against Cincinnati, but I’m a Kentucky guy, especially Northern Kentucky.
“This is what I’m doing to feed the craving for music,” he added. “I don’t have time to write as much as I used to. I love all music that is done well, and when you tie that into the local aspect, it creates the perfect storm for this show.”
Part of the reason for that is because he is the owner/operator of Lucky Kentucky BBQ, along with his wife DeAnna. Petroze also works as the Budweiser representative in the Campbell County area, which has helped him to pull off the festival in six months time.
“The ties that I have with everyone helped,” Petroze said.
“With the venue, the history there and with the bands, it was a natural occurrence. The local artists need Southgate House Revival, there is no other venue like it with tat mix of local and national musicians.”
Another thing that sets this concert apart is that there is no opening act.
“We’re basing the lineup on energy, so it builds throughout the night,” Petroze said. “But I look at the bands as equals – they’re all headliners. They’ve all paid their dues and all deserve the spotlight.”
Zebras in Public is a soul/rock band, whose influences run from Louis Armstrong to The Doors to Jay-Z. Downtown County Band describes themselves as “Rockin Americana.” Trademark Aaron was compared to Yelawolf, a hot hip hop act from Louisville, by Petroze.
“He’s real, but he tells his stories,” he said.
The Derek Alan Band is more traditional country, and Honey and Houston were recently reviewed by the NKyTribune.
DJ Alex Chinn Chilla can only be experienced, not described.
Tickets from the show will also serve as admission to the after party, to be held at Bourbon & Broad on Monmouth Street in Newport.
Tickets for the show are only $10. To purchase prior to the show, click here.