Make Some Noise column has now been making noise for a full year

Make Some Noise column has now been making noise for a full year

By: Kevin Vickery

It hardly seems possible but it’s true. I started writing this column for The Courier Times (or Curious Times as my friend, Carol calls it) one year ago this month.  With that in mind, I thought it seemed appropriate to recap the year, offer some insight as to how it started and give credit where it is due.

Firstly, it never would have happened if not for the persistence – no make that insistence of my very good friend and fellow columnist, Blaise (The Baker) Doubman. He has a certain motivational technique that I call, “needling” until he gets what he wants. I must have told him at least 20 times that I wasn’t interested in writing an entertainment column but finally, I caved in and here I am, one year and 34 articles later. Honestly, I’m truly glad that he talked me into it and I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for helping me make it happen as I have genuinely enjoyed writing the “Make Some Noise” column for this past year.

I also owe my thanks to The Courier Times, Managing Editor, Travis Weik for taking a chance on me as a writer. I do have previous writing experience but not for any actual publications so I appreciate him for allowing me to gain that experience here. Plus, I can’t say how much I also appreciate his willingness to  give me carte blanche on what shows I choose to cover. Sure, he makes the occasional suggestion on something he’d like for me to feature but he still makes column space for any show that I want to write about, no matter whether it’s a local or national act or even if I travel out of state for a concert.  He makes space for all my long winded ramblings and hardly ever edits my copy.  He, even, puts, up, with, my, excessive, use, of, commas.

I have been humbled by all the positive feedback that I have received from the readers.  I would have never guessed that I would receive so many encouraging emails, Facebook messages, and comments from people who actually take the time to read my words.  

One message that has meant the most to me was from Sandra Allgood of New Castle who wrote to say, “You have such a talent and your writing is so good! I volunteer part time at a local nursing facility and I have three times now, taken your column and read it aloud to the residents and some of their families for happy hour events and everyone loves it! I am so glad they decided to bring someone into the paper that is talented and informative.”  

I even heard from an old friend from my Nashville days, Matthew Dunn, who now lives in Seattle, WA and reads online that said, “Dude, I’ve been reading a few of your write-ups.. that’s pretty awesome.. you’re the right guy for that…!!”

I never expected those type of messages but am always happy to receive them.  That along with my love of live entertainment is why I make the time to write this column.  I’ve also received several requests from readers to write about my past experiences touring and working with various artists during my years in Nashville and other experiences as a working musician.  I will do my best to tell some of those stories as the column moves into its second year of publication.

In the last year I have been fortunate to cover shows ranging from huge, national acts like Sammy Hagar, ZZ Top, KISS, and John Mellencamp to equally talented but lesser known artists like my favorites, Hayseed Dixie, The Mavericks, Chris Knight, and Mr. Big.

Honestly, for me, I’m just as happy to cover the performances of local, Indiana artists such as Flynnville Train, Walker County, The Why Store, Sherman Stockton, and Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band who are all out there grinding every day to make great music and deliver it to the people who appreciate it, while they strive to make their mark in the entertainment industry.  They all have their own unique sound, style and approach of delivering to their fans the best live shows they can offer and I feel lucky to witness that process in real time.

Many thanks to all of the artists who have made time to talk with me in the last year, answer my sometimes off the wall questions, and grant me permission to be a small part of how their stories are told.

If you have missed any of my articles or just want to go back and re-read them, they are all available with additional photos and video content on my website at makesomenoise11.com.  

So, thanks again to you for taking the time to read this or any other articles from my column and for making my first year as an entertainment journalist a really cool experience.

If you see me at a show, please say Hello, and if I’m standing in front of you taking pictures, please accept my apologies but don’t worry – I’ll move along as soon as I get a good shot.  Thanks and happy reading!