Local singer songwriter Chris Bousquet plays under the moniker of American Elm. Armed with an acoustic guitar, AE played heartfelt original tunes. Chris played a hauntingly beautiful number that he usually " fucks up" and leaves out of the set. Another tune about blacking out in a hospital bathroom was excellent. AE brought local musician Frank Critelli on stage to sing on the final two songs. I recall seeing AE years ago, and it seemed that he abstained from playing out in recently. Positive crowd response may mean more gigs for AE.
Peter Oren is a singer songwriter from Columbus, Indiana home to the Cummins Engine company. He has a beautiful husky alto voice that reminded me of Terry Callier, Richie Havens, and the guy from Tindersticks. Environmentally conscious, progressive, anti-corporate are not qualities usually associated with Indiana, but Peter seems to be an atypical Hoosier. The group was a trio with Peter on guitar and vocals, a lefty guitarist, and a guy who played pedal steel and bass. The songs were slow and deliberate with the voice as a focal point. The inter song banter was great, Peter told one story of daydreaming about Molotov cocktailling an expensive car ( he has problems with wealth), another story about him puking and passing out at a party at Mike Pence's niece's house was hysterical. Final song was an ode to Crescent Lake in Washington state, which detailed a fond memory for Peter.
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