As summer fades and the days grow shorter, people here in Northwest Indiana are trading their shorts and t-shirts for jeans and hoodies. Outdoor concerts are moving to indoor venues, and tonight, I’m headed to Burn’em Brewery’s Back Room in Michigan City, IN, to catch a performance by Pushing Daisy’s Band from Indianapolis. This progressive rock group has graced Burn’em's stage many times, always delivering a stellar show. Tonight’s event is extra special, with the addition of a one-man band, 'Bobcat,' opening the night.
I arrive early for dinner, and the place is buzzing with energy. The crowd is enjoying great food and some of the best brews in the region. To my delight, I spot Max Heyob, Pushing Daisy’s lead guitarist, sitting nearby with his parents. One of the band’s most endearing qualities is the support Max’s family provides—his parents are frequent supporters, with his mom even crafting the band’s tie-dye shirts. It’s heartwarming to witness such a close-knit family dynamic in today's fast-paced world. We could all use that kind of support.
At exactly 7 PM, the music kicks off in Burn’em’s Back Room. Bobcat takes the stage, and it quickly becomes clear there’s no “fourth wall” in his act. We, the audience, are fully part of the performance. His musical style blends rockabilly with storytelling, as he stops between songs to share tales and interact with us, pulling everyone into his world. It’s no surprise when I learn he’s from New York, touring the country, aiming to play a new venue every night.
Bobcat’s tour is titled “Bobcat Was Abducted by Aliens,” and he weaves that narrative into his music. He’s also the lead guitarist for The Arkhams and is promoting both his solo work and the band. A true entertainer, he holds the audience captive until 8 PM, when Pushing Daisy’s takes over. Bobcat also sells his merch directly from a tub he hauls in himself—a true one-man operation. If you ever see his name on a playbill, expect an interactive, fun-filled experience.
As Pushing Daisy’s takes the stage, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The room comes alive with the powerful pulse of the rhythm section. Elijah Pollard (drums) and Mark Stinnett (bass) create a rock-solid foundation, moving in perfect sync like seasoned craftsmen. Elijah, one of the finest drummers I’ve seen, looks like he’s having the time of his life, pounding the skins as if they owe him money. Mark’s bass playing is the glue holding it all together—steady, reliable, and never overwhelming. Together, they form the backbone of the band’s sound.
Michael Mead (guitar) and Ethan Rupert (keyboard) round out the group, adding rich harmonies and dynamic solos that fill the room with their musical expertise. Max Heyob, the frontman, commands the stage with his guitar mastery and clear, grounded voice, driving each song forward. The entire band is committed to delivering a top-notch performance, and tonight is no exception—blazing riffs, soaring solos, and gritty lyrics keep the crowd energized.
The room is swaying and bouncing as the band digs in. Max and Ethan take turns shredding, and the audience grooves along, feeding off the energy. A few songs in, they launch into one of my personal favorites, Simply Twisted. This vibrant jam showcases the band’s ability to work as a cohesive unit, weaving intricate grooves around a central theme. The crowd pumps their fists as the dynamics rise and fall. Riding the high of this energetic number, the band hits us with one of their trademark covers—Crosby, Stills & Nash’s Almost Cut My Hair. They absolutely crush it. Max’s guitar and Ethan’s keyboard scream in unison, while the raw emotion of the song tears into the soul, evoking the counterculture spirit of the past. The audience is left breathless.
But there’s no time to catch our breath. The band jumps right back in with Eugene’s Pet, another staple from their original repertoire. The night progresses with each song building on the last, taking us higher and higher, like climbing a mountain only to find another summit waiting. That’s why Pushing Daisy’s is a band you don’t want to miss.
By the end of the night, Elijah is drenched, having peeled off layers as the show went on. He started the night dressed for snowboarding and ended it shirtless, a testament to the energy this band puts into their performances. I ask what’s next for the band, and more importantly, when we can expect another CD. They tease that maybe we’ll see something in the spring. But don’t wait—if you hear they’re playing near you, make sure to catch a show. Pushing Daisy’s will rock you through every season.
