January 17, 2009

The 5-year-old Big City band returns to Northwoods Saloon with special guest, Megan Nicole, a rising young country singer who has been turning some heads in Nashville lately.

Since its inception, the core of the Northwest Indiana-based Big City has been lead singer/guitarist Greg Pogue, guitarist Ricky Frasure and bassist Travis Fugate. Drummer John Ashe joined their ranks last year.

"All of us are seasoned musicians," Fugate said.

"Our live performances are powerful, energetic and a lot of fun. I've been in a lot of bands in my 20-plus years of playing music on a professional level and have never been in a band with so much chemistry."

The band has been focusing on writing its own music, which members mix in with a broad selection of covers and which has gotten strong audience response. A CD of their original songs is forthcoming.

While they began playing what Fugate calls "country with an edge," today's Big City performs a gamut of musical styles at every show.

"We still have deep Southern roots; however, we really enjoy playing rock.

"Along with our own music, we play a wide variety of rock from classic bands like The Allman Brothers, Joe Walsh, Kiss and Black Sabbath, to (modern rockers) Buckcherry and Nickleback."

Naturally, the rockier side of country is still there, along with classic country "outlaw" songs. After all, Fugate spent time in the 1980s and 1990s as a touring musician with country icons David Allan Coe and Freddy Fender.

Now, Big City has become Megan Nicole's official backing group for all live performances and tours these days.

"Ricky Frasure from our band has known Megan's family since she was born and when she started looking for a full-time band, our name came up because of Ricky. After hearing Megan sing, we jumped at the chance to work with her," explained Fugate.

At 18, Nicole is shaping up to be the region's answer to Taylor Swift, and has racked up an impressive resume that includes a national television performance, major market touring (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago), a spot at the CMA Fan Fair Week and the recent release of her debut indie album recorded in Nashville with veteran country producer Peter Bordonali.

Cuts from Nicole's album have been getting local air play since its release on "The Dawn Patrol" morning show hosted by Steve Zana on Northwest Indiana's country station, WLJE/Indiana 105.

"Megan will be doing her entire concert set (tonight) at Northwoods," said Fugate, who noted Big City will perform two sets of covers and originals, one before Nicole's set and one after.

"This was originally a Big City date, but we invited Megan to join us, because we want to help her build up her local fan base here in the region," he said.

"We really want people to see and hear her."

IF YOU GO
Big City with special guest, Megan Nicole
When: 9 tonight
Where: Northwoods Saloon, 8101 Indianapolis Blvd., St. John
Cost: $5 ages 21 and older
FYI: (219) 558-8130