LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Music by Kaz Hawkins “ I Just Wanna Make Love ”
They say that the month of March comes in like a lion — and goes out like a lamb . That may apply when referring to the weather , but when it comes to this edition of ION Indie Magazine , the roar is heard ( and felt ) throughout our pages all month long ! We are serving up an edition that is bringing some of the best independent music you ’ ve never heard . As always , it is presented in an interactive format that both informs and entertains … and we remain , the fastest growing all-genre independent music publication today ! Thank you for your support !
This March edition features China Grove , North Carolina native , country artist DARRELL HARWOOD — presented courtesy of Senior Photojournalist for ION Indie Magazine … GARY CAROTA ! Learn more about this hard-working , talented musician — whose drive and determination personify the independent spirit , inside these pages !
This editor has been out and about ! Besides attending the INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE in Memphis , TN--to support our February featured artist , KAZ HAWKINS , as she performed on Beale Street and made the semi-finals , I had the supreme pleasure ( along with Managing Editor / Senior Photojournalist JB BRIDGES ) of covering a sold-out show by the artist ZALE at EDDIE ’ S ATTIC in Decatur , GA . We were treated to a night of extraordinary music by this dynamic diva-licious artist ; an evening we won ’ t soon forget ! Check out JB ’ s fab photography and my interview with Zale inside this issue !
With this March edition , we are kicking off our coverage leading up to the AYERWAVES UNDERGROUND MUSIC FESTIVAL in Winfield , TN , of which ION Indie Magazine is a proud sponsor . The festival , which runs from June 1-4 of this year , is the brainchild of our valued broadcast partner JOSH AYERS of AYERWAVES RADIO . To support this momentous undertaking , which is providing an opportunity for some incredible independent music to be heard , each month , I will be spotlighting a band that is appearing at this important event . This month ’ s spotlight is on the multidimensional band , SUGAR LIME BLUE . Also rockin ’ our pages , we have iconic bands POP EVIL , SKILLET and ALTER BRIDGE , presented by Senior Photojournalists TIMOTHY SCHUMANN , LEE HOFFMAN and MARK MYERS ; respectively . Hear us ROAR !
Finally , a heart-felt note of gratitude goes out to PAUL BORDENKIRCHER , our columnist on the music industry , as he takes his leave of our staff . He has provided this magazine and our readers his wisdom and insight with his “ Songwriting Series ” for ION Indie Magazine . Paul is turning his attention to other pursuits . His time with this publication has been valued and appreciated , and we wish him and his lovely wife every happiness and fulfillment . He will remain a dear friend to this magazine !
“ Music isn ’ t what I do , it ’ s who I am . Music is a life force that beats within . It permeates the senses and encompasses the spirit . Music transcends . It heals the heart , purges the soul and provides refuge from pain . Music is immortal .” ~ The Fairy Rock Mother
Kiki Plesha
CEO / Editor-in-Chief The Fairy Rock Mother ION Indie Magazine
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