Convention Entertainment

The following bands will entertain you during Convention. For more information, please contact: Kevin Strunk, music@nss2007.com

Howdy Party:

Regional Favorites to play at Howdy Party.

The Howdy Party will rock to the sounds of Indianapolis-based Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts starting at about 7:45 PM following Opening Act and Indiana Caver Paul Michael Ash who will provide original acoustic sounds during the Howdy Party buffet beginning about 6:30 PM.

Tim Brickley is a multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer/studio- owner and vocalist. His multi-faceted career includes: composing and producing music for film, broadcast and theatre at his Hit City Recording; recording and performing his own music and a wide range of popular cover tunes with his rock band The Bleeding Hearts; and singing jazz with his Tim Brickley Quintet and 16-piece jazz Big Band. He won an Emmy Award in 1998 ("Outstanding Achievement in Musical Composition") for his score to the documentary "Hoosier Hoops: The Golden Era". He is an Addy Award-winning composer of music for numerous nationally aired television commercials. Since 1986, he has also been principal composer/musical director for the Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis. His 2005 independent album release of original material with the Bleeding Hearts, "Everything that ever was." He has performed regularly with his Quintet since 1990, singing standards, original material, and re-arrangements of more current pop. In 2001, he formed his 16-piece jazz Big Band. In 2007, one can find Brickely performing weekly all across Indiana at top line venues and charity and corporate events in a variety of lineups.

Paul Michael Ash (NSS 14723) is a native of Orange County, Indiana where he grew up caving with his late brother Don. A Vietnam Vet and political progressive, and long time member of the Fourth Estate as publisher of the Ferdinand News, Paul is married to NSS member Miriam and is a stepfather and father-in-law to NSS members. Paul uses 6 and 12 string guitars, harmonica and vocals to tell stories and paint pictures of his experiences and observations as a caver, vet, working man, farm boy, Hoosier, journalist, societal drop out and raconteur. His lyrical style would most likely be labeled American folk. Paul's songs tell a story, reminiscent of 12th century troubadours who would entertain and inform with their music. Songs ranging from “Daddy Was a Sailor”, the story of Paul's father, to “Common Working Man”, written on an envelope in a farm field during a plowing break, to “Miriam's Waltz”, a tribute to his wife, composed shortly after learning to waltz — written while she was brushing her teeth! — show a strong commitment and connection to this land and people. Ash says “I like meeting people and listening to their stories. Some of them come back out as songs.”

Open Mike Night:

Tuesday Evening Acoustic Open Stage and Jam

On Tuesday evening, July 24 a Caver Acoustic Open Stage and Jam will provide both entertainment for the audience and a chance for musically-inclined or otherwise talented cavers to perform on the Big Stage in the Expo Hall in the same space as the Howdy Party. Full professional sound and lightening will be available for those who bring their favorite instrument and talents to Indiana. Instruments may be available, but please being your guitars, banjos, basses, mandolins, fiddles, etc. Some liquid refreshments maybe provided, else it's BYOB.

The evening will start off with a sign-up period and Jam beginning by 8 pm, with the Open Stage starting around 9 PM and lasting until around midnight. Acoustic instruments are strongly encouraged. There is also a place for comedians, poets and acapella vocalists. Ad Hoc groups of silly cavers doing a few tunes or skits are also very welcome. Length of performances will vary from a few minutes to 15-20 minutes depending up the type and number of acts. Easy set-ups are key. Early registration and questions are welcome by emailing Kevin Strunk at kstrunk@indy.net prior to July 18, or by finding Kevin at the Convention prior to Tuesday evening.

Campground Party:

The Terminal Syphons is a caver band that began at the 1985 NSS Convention in Frankfort, Kentucky, and has been performing a blend of rock and roll, blues and R&B for fellow cavers at nearly all the conventions ever since.