In the last couple of years, Mike Ingram has been a local music institution. If you don’t already know why, just go to his MySpace page and look at how many shows he’s playing and/or DJing in town in the next month. This week and for much of the next couple of months, he’s spending a good chunk of his time backing up Kayla Brown, who has a new album, Steady Now, available March 20.
Favorite C-U band past or present
Oh man, that’s so hard to answer. The last two years at the Great Cover Up I’ve taken on two of my favorites, Lorenzo Goetz and Temple of Low Men. But I think Absinthe Blind is the winner. Their last two albums were perfect.
Favorite C-U venue
This is such a noncommittal answer, but I like so many of them. Some shows just work better at certain venues. Playing at the Highdive or in the main room at the Canopy Club is cool, but a packed and attentive crowd at Cowboy Monkey or a warm night in the Mike ‘n Molly’s beer garden can be even better. The crowd is the main thing.
Favorite C-U restaurant/bar entree, dessert or drink
Currently it’s the Pad Kee Mao at Thara Thai.
Favorite album of all time (does not have to be from C-U)
This is another one that I always find hard to answer. I love so many albums for so many different reasons—the answer can change daily. I’m starting to sound like John Cusack in High Fidelity, though I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. I guess in terms of overwhelming number of listens, it would probably be The Dust of Retreat by Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s. That album is brilliant.
Why readers should come see your show on Friday
In general, Kayla Brown is the one that shines. I try to back her up well and not fuck things up too much. And this Friday happens to be her tour kick-off, which leads up to her CD release show at Mike ‘n Molly’s next Sunday (3/28). But you can get the CD early at the Bentley’s show.
Mike Ingram plays with Kayla Brown tonight (March 19) at Bentley’s at 9 p.m.