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Brett Holsclaw is going to have a busy Halloween weekend. On Friday, Holsclaw's band the Ladybirds will play a free show with Bad Blood at Longshots Tavern, 2232 Frankfort Avenue. On Saturday, the Ladybirds are part of a Halloween extravaganza that includes Johnny Berry and the Outliers, Woodrow on the Radio, and a costume contest at Headliners, 1386 Lexington Road. That'll set you back $10.
The heavy schedule is nothing new for Holsclaw. The 40-year-old drummer is known for being a member of multiple bands at the same time. His musical ventures have run the gamut from jazz to hardcore. At one time or another, Holsclaw has played with the Bangladesh Minors, Evil Twin Theory, the Glasspack, Crab Nebula, Trim, Litany's Last Call, and the Front Porch Campaign, to name just a few.
“I think they have 30 or 40 bands listed under my name on Louisville Hardcore, and that list is out of date because it ends with the Glasspack,” Holsclaw boasted. “Playing with different people, and in different styles, is just a way to grow as a drummer and not get stifled. That's been the idea all along.”
Holsclaw, who also plays bass and guitar, is currently playing drums in three bands: the Clawdads, Paul K and the Weathermen, and the Ladybirds. The Clawdads are a cover band Holsclaw started with his brother for fun. The Weathermen play infrequently depending on the whim of the band's leader, singer-songwriter Paul K. But Holsclaw says he's really committed to the Ladybirds, a band he joined only a few months ago.
“The first time I heard these guys they were playing a benefit for John Yarmuth outside of ear-X-tacy,” Holsclaw said. “I was driving down Bardstown Road when I heard 'Telestar' by the Ventures. It sounded so good that I pulled over in the parking lot across the street and listened to the rest of their set.”
The other members of the Ladybirds are Sarah Teeple (singer), Max Balliet (guitar), Anthony Fossaluzza (organ), and Jaxon Lee Swain (bass). Holsclaw joined the band after running into Sarah and Jaxon at a party. The group plans to record an album next year for the new indie label Departure Records.
“We are writing songs now, but most of the stuff we are playing is old,” Holsclaw said. “Classify it how you want, but I feel like every song is a hit single. I could hear them on the radio. I'm the oldest member of the group, the other members are in their 20s. I bring experience to the table, but they keep it interesting for me.”
Check it out for yourself.
A few other things happening this Halloween weekend and beyond:
Ingrid Michaelson with Matthew Perryman Jones, Oct. 30
Headliners, 1386 Lexington Road, $15
Michaelson is trying to repeat the success of her hit single, “The Way I Am.” She has a new album entitled, “Everybody.” Michaelson will also be playing Live Lunch on 91.9 WFPK on Friday.
Hambone, Oct. 30
Seidenfaden's , 1134 E. Breckinridge St., free.
I don't know anything about this band, but owner Jimmy Heck usually has good taste.
The Predators, Oct. 30 and 31
Stevie Rays, 230 E. Main St., $5.
If you like the blues, you'll like the Predators.
Wax Fang with special guest The Invaders, Oct. 30
Zanzabar, 2100 S. Preston, $7.
Wax Fang is a great local band that seems destined for bigger things. Catch them while you can.
The Monsters of Folk, Oct. 31
The Louisville Palace, , $33/$43.
This is a super group that includes Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), Yim Yames (aka Jim James of My Morning Jacket), M.Ward (Her and Him) and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes' producer). If you're into indie rock this is the place to be on Halloween. A dollar from every ticket goes to charity if that makes you feel better.
Zee Avi with Eremy-Jirvin, Nov. 2
Zanzabar, 2100 S. Preston St., $10.
Avi is Malaysian singer-songwriter and guitarist who toured with Peter Yorn. Her single “Bitter Heart” was a big hit in Japan and some of her music has appeared in “Private Practice,” the “Grey's Anatomy” spinoff.
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Michael L. Jones