MANSFIELD — Prepare to be transported.
The Newsroom After Hours series continues Friday with a jam-packed lineup of alternative and indie rock outfits — many with psychedelic stylings and thematic projects centered on journeys and fictional worlds.
This week’s concert, at the basement of the Richland Source building (40 W. Fourth St.), will feature live performances by Indoor Model, Hard Hat, Wanted Alien, Jonathan Hape and Jeff Ritz.
As always, the show is free, with free food and free beer on tap.
“If you’ve never been to after hours – the vibe is very welcoming and it’s usually a house-party atmosphere,” said Zac Hiser, head of newsroom product at Richland Source.
“Come as you are, all are welcome. You can stay for all five bands or stop by on your way to somewhere else. We want you to be comfortable and have a good time.”
Skate Ohio will be setting up ramps and rails in the alley behind 40 West Fourth Street, just outside the garage. Skaters are invited to bring their board and skate while the bands play.
Friday’s Newsroom After Hours performance is sponsored by Potent Studios, Phoenix Brewing Company and Doc’s Deli. Check out the Facebook event page for more details.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Music will start around 7 p.m. in the basement of the Idea Works building at 40 West Fourth Street.
Indoor Model
The concept for Ethan Kershner’s latest album has been floating around his head for a few years.
Kershner, who performs as Indoor Model, described his musical style as somewhere between folk and new-wave.
He believes his Newsroom After Hours debut will offer listeners a taste of something different from Mansfield’s typical music scene.
“The new album is actually a loose concept record centered around a group of people that find themselves all at the same motel and how their trauma and issues affect the way they interact,” he said.
“The sound of the project is pretty much designed to have everyone start dancing while they are crying.”
Hard Hat
Ashland-area band Hard Hat boasts a six-man lineup that infuses jazz, funk and metal influences into its indie/alt rock songs. Their performance will feature original music from their upcoming EP, to be released on Oct. 12.
Band member Kayin McDonald said audiences should expect high energy, a welcoming environment and costumes.
“We like to have fun, this is our passion and we hope to express that for those who come see us,” McDonald said.
Wanted Alien
Wanted Alien is an eclectic crew of alt-rockers unafraid to mix vintage rock-and-roll vibes with elements of funk, soul, blues and psychedelia.
“Thematically, we are space explorers. Adventuring forth exploring aural space and sensations rather than physically traversing the universe,” said Nate Wieland, the band’s guitarist and vocalist.
Wieland will be joined Friday by Aaron Kuenzi on bass and Thomas Morasco on drums.
He said the band’s goal is to transport listeners — hopefully to a one-of-a-kind moment that can’t quite be captured.
“Some songs are feelings, some are tales we’ve acquired along our trek, but they’re all fun and inspired by the cultures and sounds we encounter on our musical journey through space and time,” he said.
“We do a fair amount of improvisational jams, never to be played”again,” he added.
“Regardless, we plan on taking them along with us for that leg of our trip anyway, so we hope that they enjoy the ride.”
Jonathan Hape
Jonathan Hape is a teacher, audio engineer and multi-instrumentalist from the central Ohio music scene. The singer/songwriter began recording his own music at age 12.
Since then, he’s performed with a wide range of groups, so expect to hear a mix of EDM, folk and psychedelic pop.
“Most of my songs are about looking inside and examining one’s place in the universe,” he said. “The feeling of ‘otherness’ and how to realize that we are all one.”
Hape’s Newsroom After Hours performance will feature his newest fascination: live looping solo sets.
“I play drums, bass, guitar and sing and record those parts live on the spot. I usually set up a song with a drum part or guitar line and build it from there,” Hape explained.
Hape’s Friday set will include all original songs.
Jeff Ritz
Jeff Ritz is a folk punk musician from Ashland who prides himself on his artistry and lyricism.
The influence of Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin are evident in his work.
“I recently put out a 16-song album called ‘Soaked in Static’ with songs I’ve written over the past ten years, with everything from folk, rock and punk influences,” Ritz said.
“I’m excited to share some of my favorites with you all this Friday.”
