If you’ve got a group of friends together and someone suggests catching some music, chances are you’ve all got some varied tastes. So what to do? Well, if T. Martel & the Mix are playing I’d suggest you take them all there. The Mix refers to both the numerous genres of music you will hear from this band as well as the multi-talented musicians who make up the band. You will hear pop, country, blues, soul, Motown, and good old rock and roll at a T. Martel show. And, of course, some select Michael Jackson hits complete with a taste of the dance moves. These are all the ingredients you need for a real good night out.

You may have caught T. Martel on a Friday night when Utley’s was still around, guesting with Kenny Lee & the BBQ Band, and drawing pretty good crowds each week. After a bit of a hiatus T. Martel joined forces with The Mix. So when you go see them be prepared to hear songs you know and love, and bring your dancing shoes. This is fun music and it will get you in the mood to move.

Opening the show with the so appropriate “Get This Party Started”, then band mixed it up seamlessly all night long. I think you will understand what I’m talking about with a little look at a sampling of their extensive set list. “Billie Jean”, “Superstition”, “Poker Face”, “I Want You to Want Me”, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, and “Before He Cheats” cross many of those genres they do, and this was all part of just the first set. You also get past and present from this band, so the appeal should cross age groups too. Other interesting selections included “Purple Rain”, “Crossroads”, “Come Together”, “All I Wanna Do is Have Some Fun”, “Closing Time” and “Black Dog”.

Pulling all this off takes some talent, and this band has it. T. Martel is pretty well known in these parts as a great vocalist and sometimes dancer, but it’s not all about him. With three female vocalists plus other band members kicking in on vocals, they can offer all this variety. Kristen Eller and Tami Simpson took lots of turns on lead vocals (a third vocalist, Mindy Knight, was not performing this night), and backing up the rest of the time.  Lead guitarist David Sturgeon can play all those varied styles convincingly, and the rhythm section of Aaron Sturgeon on bass and Allen Simpson on drums provide the all-important support behind the scenes. It was a very entertaining evening.  You can get more info on T. Martel & the Mix at www.tmartelandthemix.webs.com, including upcoming shows. They play Bowling Green quite frequently so check the schedule and get to one of their shows. And be prepared to smile.

T. Martel & the Mix performed at the Bar Code Bar & Grill in Bowling Green, KY on 11/11/2011.

NEW VENUE ALERT: Well, not really, if you were familiar with Whiskey Dick’s on 31W. That location is now Bar Code Bar & Grill, and it’s a great place for music and dancing. Aside from the ample stage and nice-sized dance floor, there’s a large bar off to the side, and beyond that, a game room, with a couple of pool tables  and other assorted table games (like foosball), and a third area near the bar with an additional pool table. Also, they have some big screen TVs for catching live sports events. So there’s not much chance of being bored since there’s plenty to do at this place. Go check it out sometime.     

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman