ION INDIE MAGAZINE July 2014, Volume 2 | Page 83

By Kiki Plesha Photography by J.B. Bridges EPIC MUSIC STORE in Phoenix hosted a private “meet and greet” for BUTCHER BABIES that was as sizzling as the Sonoran sand itself. Our congenial hosts and owners GEORGE CONTRERAS and LORRAINE KEITH held court and as fans poured in to have some “face” time with this popular band. Photojournalist for ION Indie Magazine, J.B. Bridges, was on hand to capture all the sights of the EPIC event. Although Butcher Babies were making an appearance at THE MARQUEE THEATER that evening, HEIDI SHEPHARD, CARLA HARVEY and the band they couldn’t have been more accommodating to the flow of admirers, as they tirelessly posed for pictures and signed autographs. Once the madness subsided, I sat with Heidi and we chatted about the band and her music—and a bit about her grueling schedule. She graciously looked through each page of ION Indie Magazine, pausing to comment on the content and remarking how impressed she was with our publication. She was engaging and open; no sign of fatigue or impatience with the incessant interruptions for autographs or to take a photo…the smile was unwavering! And there wasn’t a hesitation when a VERY young fan sheepishly presented herself—sporting the most adorable gothic tutu! Heidi sprang into action--and what ensued was an impromptu “Black Swan” pas de deux with the timid tot. Cuteness overload alert! Our visit ended with Heidi inviting us to join the gang, as they would be heading to The Marquee Theater for a performance and an “after party”. “At my age?” I quipped. “I might break a hip!” Learn more about Butcher Babies at: www.butcherbabies.net