Musical Family Tree Presents United States Three, Uvula, Connor McLaren at HI-FI
SHOW INFO
Saturday, July 19th
Doors 7:00 PM
Show 8:00 PM
Age Restrictions: 18+
TICKETS
General Admission Only
Advance: $25
Day of Show: $30
MORE INFO
Get more info and check the full concert calendar at http://www.hifiindy.com
Make a reservation at our restaurant, Easy Rider Diner, before the show: https://fanlink.tv/reservations
Have a question? Email us at boxoffice@hifiindy.com
PARTNERS
Sun King Brewery, Bacardí Rum, Brēz, Tour Water, Lemon Shake Up, Pepsi, Tour Water, Makō Hemp, Kolman Dental
United States Three
Indianapolis, 1994-1999
From the fertile grounds of Indianapolis’ 1990s indie rock scene emerged United States Three, a band that defied easy categorization and earned a cult following for their genre-blending sound and emotionally raw performances. Anchored by the talents of Vess Ruhtenberg (guitar, bass, vocals), Mark Cutsinger (drums), and a rotating cast of music legends—including Courtney Kaiser, LonPaul Ellrich, Andy Angrick, and Mark Maher, the band carved out a space where post-punk urgency met melodic experimentation.
United States Three thrived in the spaces between—between alt-rock and art-rock, between pop hooks and noise, between Midwest humility and unfiltered ambition. Their songs crackled with tension and tenderness, touching on themes of alienation, desire, and transformation. Drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Pavement and Sebadoh, the band was always more interested in forging their own path than chasing a sound.
They were a linchpin of the Indiana music underground, sharing members and stages with bands like Antenna, The Mysteries of Life, Sardina, and The Zero Boys. Their recordings, often shaped by the hand of revered producer Paul Mahern, captured a moment in time when anything felt possible in a basement, a bar, or a borrowed studio.
Though their time together was brief, United States Three’s legacy endures through bootlegs, burned CDs, and memories traded among those who were there. For fans of fiercely independent music born in the heartland, United States Three remains a symbol of what happens when creative freedom meets fearless collaboration.
Uvula
Simultaneously heroes and villains of the 90s Bloomington music scene, Uvula was born out of the ashes of weirdo band Fabric, which was born out of reviled cover band Situation Grey. Tina Barbieri (Mysteries of Life, United States Three) and Chris Kupersmith (Gentleman Caller), formed Uvula after Fabric went down in glorious flames during their one shot at fame and fortune, opening for Beck in NYC. After the debacle, Tina and Chris went on a 40 day vision quest, during which they found Jimmy Grillo levitating in Dunn Meadow. The three of them pooled their money to buy a dune buggy from Jorma Whittaker. Listening to the Violent Femmes first record on repeat, they drove around searching for a drumbeat so sexy that it could cause spontaneous orgies. One night in Broadripple, they cruised past CT Peppers and simultaneously climaxed when they heard the sensual pounding of Wade Parish (Lily and Madeleine, Healing Sixes, The Easthills). Uvula was born. Their album, About What You’d Expect, was recorded and produced by Indianapolis royalty, LonPaul Ellrich and Vess Ruhtenberg.
Connor McLaren
A psych-folk artist from Bloomington, Indiana.
Like an American Liam Gallagher, but friendlier, Connor builds his musical home on a faded denim foundation (think Dylan or The Who). His walls can tell a thousand stories (think Todd Snider or Lou Reed) and though it’s only apparent in some of the rooms, there’s a distinct love for Reggae, thanks to his yearly pilgrimage to Jamaica.
As you gaze upon the mostly vintage decor of Connor’s house, you’ll notice the occasional shiny item (think Mike Posner or Billie Eilish). Everything comes together like cutting edge comfort food for the ears. If you could live inside of a sound, you’d probably move here and stay awhile… Welcome to the home of Conner McLaren.
While attending Appalachian State University, Connor discovered a key building tool for his music; Cannabis. As his mind expanded, so did his desire to hit the road. Without a team or music biz knowledge, he and his brother Alec, began setting up outside of their favorite bands’ concerts. They’d play on the street amidst droves of music fans exiting venues, accepting generous donations to their “Weed Fund” tip box. These DIY antics got the attention of indie-icon Ben Kweller, who invited the brothers to Texas to write and record. In the spring of 2022, Connor signed with The Noise Company to release his forthcoming debut album, Innocence, in 2023.