• Kammy's Kause Music Festival - Bands

Chad Mills

In talking with Chad Mills after a show, you may be surprised to learn that he is an engineer by day. After all, the engineer & the musician are two completely different breeds. The engineer is a problem solver...analytical, driven by facts, with little or no concern for emotion. The musician is more spiritual....creative, fueled by feel and passion. The unfortunate reality is that the engineer is typically the one bringing home a steady income. So for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week - Chad puts on his "mask" and works for a paycheck. But on show nights, when he walks into a joint with his guitar in hand...you can just sense that this is real for him. The stage is where he belongs. Somewhere towards the latter half of his five-year stint in college, Chad committed to picking up the guitar. His training was anything but formal...or sober. Watching his buddy Inder play, he'd try to pick up what he could. He tended to pick up songs a lot quicker than engineering. In the spring of '98, he left Rose-Hulman with a degree in engineering and a passion for playing music. A few short months later, he played his first gig at a bar in Cincinnati. After seeing the impact he could have on an audience, Chad would never be the same. The next few years saw many transitions. His commitment to music, however, never yielded. He worked endlessly on playing and singing, gigging at any place that would have him, and writing....a lot. In the last several years, Chad has written over 150 original songs...only half of which appear on the first five albums he's self produced - the last with his band The Rivalry. "My songs have never been about my guitar playing," Chad explains. "Nothing I play is complicated, and I've never pretended otherwise. The guitar is more of a backdrop...a canvas. The stories I tell are simple and from the heart...they are what I paint." When asked what he sees for himself down the road, he smiles and offers with a patient tone, "Every musician who's ever played....somewhere bouncing around their head...is a notion that they could make it. I'm up for whatever comes to me. I still am kinda' taken back when someone comes up to me and tells me they enjoyed a show I played, or liked one of my songs that they heard on a CD. To have something I can call my own have an impact someone like that...that's all I need. So long as there's someone out there that's willing to listen, I'll play forever."

Digs Bridges

Recently bursting on to the Americana music scene in late 2009, 'Digs Bridges' combine ear catching melodies, rich harmonies, and powerfully written lyrics to a rising in popularity genre. Compared to greats like Tom Petty and Phish, 'Digs Bridges' perform their heartfelt and genuinely well written songs beautifully with a 5-piece line-up involving industry giants at each instrument. This new, tight knit group is a pleasure to hear and watch!

Digby

After the release of Digby's second full length record three years ago, the band had been riddled with a series of troublesome events that had left them shaken. After one members divorce in the middle of an unsuccessful tour of the eastern United States, and another two members considering leaving to pursue other avenues, the band was feeling as though they had come to a final crossroad. This feeling was doubled after the loss of a close friend in an auto accident shortly afterward. They felt as though the end was near for them as well. This Digby EP, What's Not Plastic, and the following 2 EP's titled under the umbrella name of The Wake In The Street , were recorded in a small studio on the second floor of a working funeral home in Louisville, Kentucky over a two month period in the spring of 2006. It is the culmination of changes and endings. Two and a half years spent at a metaphorical wake for divorces, deaths of friends and departures of band mates. Time spent adrift in an icy sea, searching for land and perhaps a bit of whiskey.

Shadyside Allstars

Shadyside Allstars is a progressive, four-piece musical act hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana. This group has a proficiency capturing an audience's attention with warm guitar & piano tones and tight rhythm grooves. The Allstars employ these abilities through solid structure and vibrant improvisation. Known for well-rehearsed stage performances, the Allstars simultaneously astonish crowds with unpredicted melodies, harmonies and rhythm-based jams. Kristen Leep of Indianapolis Music.Net writes, "They are a talented, feel-good band that write strong songs, improvise well, but always a have a focus." This funky, jam band momentum sparks rapport with multitudes of enthusiastic, energetic listeners. As spontaneous melodies soar over rooted grooves, the Allstars' purpose prevails: a fan base grows.

Midwest Hype

Jennie Devoe

"Jennie DeVoe's voice is smoked honey on a sultry summer evening...smooth, sweet and warm, steeped in the kettle of blues/R&B - but with a rare and wonderful flavor all her own. Only a handful of girls will ever get to sound this good."- Krista Detor, singer/songwriter.



Jennie DeVoe's critically-acclaimed 5th cd, Strange Sunshine, has recently been released by Rubin the Cat Records (indie), with distribution by Sony Red. The new record comes to you straight from Bath, England, where it was produced by John Parish, who is best known for his work with PJ Harvey, The Eels and Tracy Chapman. This is John's second record with Jennie, and they are an awesome fit-delivering a work of art that's a fresh, edgy, raw throwback to the soul records that Otis & Aretha used to make. Says Howard Dukes of Soul Tracks magazine, "Strange Sunshine is a record for listeners who love good lyrics. DeVoe wrote or co-wrote every song except the fun "Foolproof," and her songwriting captures the wittiness, world weariness, hope and simple brilliance that is blues music at its best." The record doesn't sound like a soul you've ever heard, yet DeVoe sounds like a singer schooled by the best with a voice that let's you know she's no beginner and that she means exactly what she's saying. Agrees Dukes, "The star of this show is DeVoe's vocal instrument. It's not just her range and power that impresses. DeVoe sings with an honesty that makes the listener believe she is baring her soul on every track." Says singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer, "Jennie DeVoe is an artist who sings with genuine depth: she's strong and powerful, yet willing to be audaciously vulnerable. Strange Sunshine is a collection of beautifully written songs, expertly produced, performed and presented, and a testament to all she's lived, loved and learned. Jennie DeVoe is unmistakably the real deal, and so is Strange Sunshine. This album definitely has achieved that kind of quality we songwriters/musicians can only hope for; it's authentic, powerful and darn fine writing."



Stuff you should know: While she remains one of the Midwest's most highly respected and well-known singer songwriters, Jennie Devoe is just beginning to receive Triple A and other radio adds around the country-26 states and counting, plus the Virgin Islands. Jennie's song, "How I Feel," was the 1st place winner of Billboard Magazine's World Song Contest (Best Pop Song, 2004), just one of her many "Best Of" honors. Her songs have been added to rotation on Triple-A and college radio stations across the country, and been licensed to several well-known television shows (Dawson's Creek, Joan of Arcadia). She's performed all over the country, including at the last Lillith Fair, and opened for greats like Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, Lucinda Williams, Jack Johnson, Ray Charles, and many more. Attracting fans of all ages, the Indianapolis-based DeVoe is at her best in front of a listening audience, never failing to mesmerize and captivate with her talent, humor and personality. No matter the venue, DeVoe makes you feel like you're in your living room with old friends-until she knocks you flat with her amazing voice, and you forget where you are entirely. Jennie DeVoe is the kind of singer who makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand at attention. To watch her work is to fall in love with someone who is in love with what they do. Says Klipsch Audio, "Jennie DeVoe never fails to deliver intense, deeply personal songs that draw you into her impassioned world. One part power with two parts raw emotion. Jennie is the perfect blend of spirit, style and originality."

The Elect

The Elect is a six piece jam/rock band based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Its sound breaks the traditional mold of today's typical rock bands by combining the best of many genres: story-telling of folk, heart of blues, and energy of rock which creates a feel-good, moving jam. The band is currently playing throughout the midwest in support of their newly release self titled CD. The album is available via their website and through a variety of online retailers such as iTunes, MSN Music, and Tower Records.

Landon Keller

Landon & Friends' full length album "Curiosity" is now available! Digital download via the iTunes Store or order at www.cdbaby.com! Just search for Landon Keller or catch one of his shows! Also available @ Music Station in Avon, Luna Music, Select Border's Bookstores, as well as 6 Strings Down in Plainfield!

Jenn Cristy

Jenn Cristy is quickly gaining fans across the country with her talents as a singer, songwriter and musician. While seated at her piano, Jenn captivates the ears and eyes of audiences with her dynamic voice and energetic moves. Her strong melodies support passionate lyrics expressing how she sees the world around her both the good and the bad.

A former back up singer for Indiana native John Mellencamp, Jenn pours her heart and soul into her solo career. Its meant hours in the studio, writing and refining her unique sound with the support of her band members; Dave Dwinell, Oliver Wittman, and Andy Stocker. As Jenn has matured, her music and songwriting have evolved.

Jenn has shared the stage with such artists as Antigone Rising, Indigenous, John Eddie, Bree Sharp, Adam Kowalczyk (LIVE), Jeffrey Gaines, Danielia Cotton, Shurman, Girly Man, Michael Gabliki (Rusted Root), and many more. Now, with her second album's release, Jenn has developed an even larger following with her new sound, new songs, and her new rock band.

Breakdown Kings

Breakdown Kings roster: A.C.E. One - vocals , Big Skits - vocals , Alisha Renee - vocals , Jared Hiner - piano/vocals , Nate Muterspaugh - bass , Bryan Benson - guitar , Ryan Burwell - drums Breakdown Kings are charting their own course into mainstream hip-hop/rock implementing a full band element with a vibe that's all its own. They dip their musical writings into many ponds such as Jazz, Rock, Rap, Punk, Hip-Hop, Folk, R&B and Blues to create their truly unique style and delivery. With A.C.E. One and Big Skits ripping their way through verse after verse in each song, the lyrical content and explosiveness is second to none. Alisha Renee (Leeka) offers the sultry diva-esque female vocal that compliments many styles and forms of music. Jared Hiner (Red) pulls from his roots to bring the folk/singer-songwriter element on vocals and piano. Nate Muterspaugh (Spaugh) unleashes his passion for R&B and Hip-Hop upon his left handed bass to hold down the groove section of BDK. Bryan Benson (B-Twice) is a truly talented musician who's traveled through the Indy music scene and has made his home with BDK to showcase his punk rock style that takes their music to a whole new level. Last, but certainly not least, Ryan Burwell (Wild Stallion) is an incredible drummer who uses his impeccable timing and aggression to lay down sick beats that are laced with a Rock n Roll upbringing. Together they have created a new breed of music that is sweeping the Indy music scene. Their ability to go from rap to folk in a heartbeat keeps the crowd guessing and truly entertained. The singing styles of Jared, Alisha and Big Skits compliment each other in a smooth fashion that is as unique as the individuals who make up this band. With their freshman album in the works BDK is quickly becoming a force unlike any you have ever heard or seen.

Blue Moon Revue

Blue Moon Revue is one of the more promising modern rock bands to emerge from the midwest in the past few years. Blending both sonic innovation and textural diversity, the Revue writes songs that defy the logic of most new rock music while maintaining that crucial pop sensibility. How do they accomplish this? Blue Moon Revue boasts one of the more unique lineups one could wish for in a rock band. Utilizing unusual instruments like synthesizers, marimbas, banjo, and any number of percussion instruments from a wide variety of musical traditions, the Revue flips the guitar band concept around completely. With all the power of a more traditional rock band, they branch out in ways that offer a little something for everyone. Supporting their debut album "Home" , Blue Moon Revue has recently relocated from in Bloomington, Indiana to the windy city with every intention to continue bringing its music to their audience. Along the way they have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some of the best acts in the business including Santana, George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic, Widespread Panic, Galactic, Los Lobos, an OK GO to name but a few. With all that experience comes a tightly honed live act that is sure to entertain with out compromising. So that, in a nutshell, is what Blue Moon Revue is all about. With so much already accomplished, one is only left to wonder what awaits these young upstarts in the future. Cheers and success in '07!

The Twin Cats

The Twin Cats are a 5-Piece Jazz/Funk band based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. The band was formed in 1998 by identical twins, Adam (drums) and Seth (guitar/vocals) Catron. In 2002, Cameron Reel (bass guitar) and Phil Geyer (keyboards) were added to the group. After playing together for almost 2 years, The Twin Cats decided to add a new dimension to their music by bringing in Nick Gerlach (sax/flute), ultimately completing The Twin Cats' sound. They have played at multiple venues throughout the state and surrounding areas. From intimate venues to outdoor festivals, this group loves to entertain!! Best recognized for their innovative jams and funky grooves, and they never have trouble engaging a crowd. The Twin Cats continue to gain popularity with every show that they play... See for yourself, and check out their next show...