By Kathi Reichert
The popular “Blues on the Bricks” concert series return to Zionsville for its second year, but under a new name of the Legion of Blues. This series is the brainchild of resident, Tim McLaughlin who has always had a passion for live music and has seen a need for it in Zionsville since he moved to town back in 2000.
“I was walking around town asking different people where is live music in Zionsville. And there just wasn’t any, “ said McLaughlin who has promoted successful concerts in other Indianapolis neighborhoods. “But you don’t need a concert venue. You just need a place who will turn on the lights.”
McLaughlin contacted Le Dolce Vita (formerly The Eagle Creek Coffee Company) last year to inquire about hosting Blues on the Bricks. And a successful partnership was born. He arranges the bands and the sponsorship, while Le Dolce Vita supplies the venue and the food – a win-win for both.
In 2013, McLaughlin organized four concerts at the venue to a full house every night. They had over 100 people at the first show held during a citywide power outage.
“So many people walk to the show. The first show we had a busload of people come down from Lafayette, because the opening act was from Lafayette. They rented an RV and they brought about 20 people,” said McLaughlin.
However, now that Le Dolce Vita is no longer on Main Street, the Blues on the Bricks has been renamed the Legion of Blues, and will be at the American Legion.
The first concert of 2014 kicks off from 8 to 11 p.m., April 26 at the American Legion in Zionsville. It will feature local bands Dicky James and the Power Trio, as well as guitarist Brian Keith Wallen.
Subsequent concerts will be held the last Saturday in April, July and October. McLaughlin said they have enough interest from bands to book out through 2017.
“There’s always a want for music,” said McLaughlin. ‘Music brings people into someplace. It gives them a reason to go somewhere. Music is something that people can get on board with.”
What: Legion Blues
Where: American Legion of Zionsville
When: 8 to 11 p.m. April 26
Who: performers Dicky Jame and the Power Trio
Cost: $5 Cash cover
Ages: All ages
Sponsored by: Farmer’s Insurance