December 12th. What a night! I am sorry to say, but if you missed this show you missed something pretty big. There was so much talent underneath one roof, performing and not-performing. But you still have time to go to the Hostel and check out my artwork that is on display. Indy Hostel is such a great place. It is tucked away in Broad Ripple and if you aren’t looking hard enough for it you just might miss it. My art will be hanging until mid-January so head on out to the Indy Hostel before you miss out!

Ligyro setting up some beats with my art hanging on the walls

I created six new works for this show, seven including the s.a.i.n.t. RECON EP art “Psalm Before The Storm“. All the works were inspired by music in general and also partly the hip hop community. I re-purposed old cassette tapes, cassette tape holders, 8-track tapes, a speaker, an old record player cover, and more. I wanted the work the fit the theme of the event instead of just putting some older work on the walls. That would have been a lot easier but I took the extra time and effort to create new work specifically for the show. I think it definitely payed off. I couldn’t be happier with the way everything turned out. So, if you have the time or if you are in the Broad Ripple area, please take some time to check out the work. I would really appreciate it. Indy Hostel is located at 4903 Winthrop Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46205. If you get lost, call (317)727-1696.

Lorax and his daughter hanging out before the show

Before I start my recap of the night, I just want to say big THANKS! to John, Gibson, and Neil for putting on such an amazing event. We are really fortunate that the Hostel, which is fully functioning takes the time to hosts events such as ‘Both Sides of the Beat’. I sure hope everyone else appreciated that gesture as much as I do. Also, thanks to s.a.i.n.t. RECON, Ligyro, Lorax, Dan Marquis, T.J. Reynolds and the Free Hand Orchestra, and Big Skittz for truly great performances. Alright, now for the recap!

Jesse from s.a.i.n.t. RECON getting there early to hang out

As I arrived early to hang my art before the show, I was greeted by Neil, Gibson, Dan, and Cory. It was my first time at the hostel but I could tell as soon as I walked in that it was something special. The atmosphere was really inviting and the space was well put together. John and everyone did a great job with the house. I wish I could have seen it before all the renovations.

Everyone hanging out, drinking some Upland beer. Thanks Upland!

The show took place in the main room on the first floor. I felt at home. I swear the color on the walls was the exact color I had on my walls growing up at my parents. The old hardwood floors took me back as well. Maybe someday I could find an old house to renovate and turn into my own.

Awesome poster created by Bonzo Rockaway. Go buy some killer shirts!

As I was unpacking my art, there was bubble wrap everywhere on the floor. Cory’s daughter was quick to grab a sheet and start poppin’! I swear she went through a 8 foot long piece of that stuff. She was having a blast. It was great to see little kids at an event like this, soaking up the creativity and uniqueness of such a show. I hope she grows up remembering and being inspired by all the great things her dad and his friends did in Indianapolis. When my son gets a little bit older, I would love to take him out more so he too can get to experience something that many people never get to. It takes a lot to put your creative being out there for everyone to see and I commend every artist of any discipline sharing their talents with the world. It needs to keep happening.

A.C.E. O.N.E. and Kinetic from s.a.i.n.t. RECON performing their first acoustic set

This wasn’t just your normal hip hop show. This show included spoken word, some freestyle, and the first acoustic performance by s.a.i.n.t. RECON. If you don’t know about these guys, you need to get hip with it. It was just Jesse with his acoustic bass, and A.C.E. O.N.E. and Kinetic with their rhymes. It was crazy to see a hip hop group perform with ease without a big beat behind them. Those dudes didn’t even need it, their words kept the time. I couldn’t believe it was their first time doing it acoustically because it seemed pretty flawless to  me. The crowd even helped out with some feet stompin’ and finger snappin’. It was one of those moments I couldn’t help but have a goofy smile on my face because it was just too good.

s.a.i.n.t. RECON performing their first acoustic set as lucky attendants take it all in

I hope there will be more shows like this in the future. Hopefully, next time will bring twice as many people. We need to share the love and creativity that is happening in Indianapolis. Take the time to click every single link on this page. All the artists are super talented so check out what they are creating. Also, if you know anyone who needs a place to stay whether they are passing through Indy or not, give Indy Hostel a call. A unique alternative to trite hotels. Until next time…