Batesville, In. — As the Southeastern Indiana Musicians Association enters its 17th year for inductees, the organization has taken a new direction with regard to their award ceremonies. Historically the awards have taken place during the Aurora Farmers Fair on Wednesday nights. “We are grateful to the Aurora Lions and Farmers Fair for their support all of these years, but this year we are going to change things up,” says Andy Jackson SEIMA board treasurer. We would like to invite everyone to check out our brand new website. The new site offers background information as to the organizations’ purpose, future goals, and history, as well as displaying plaques from current “Hall of Fame Members.” The new website also provides opportunity for individuals to submit local musicians for Hall of Fame induction consideration as well as the ability for people or local businesses to make a tax deductable donation to our organization.
According to Caz Burdette acting SEIMA Board President, the annual award ceremony is being relocated to the historic Gibson Theater in Batesville, IN. “Our organization represents musicians from Dearborn, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland Counties, so we feel it’s important that SEIMA has a presence in those counties as well. We look forward to putting together a night of entertainment for our inductees, their families and current members as well as the public,” said Burdette. The ceremonies will include live performances by local artists, current hall of fame members, and special guests, along with the award presentations.
Southeastern Indiana Musicians Association’s Hall of Fame Class of 2018
Edith Bentle Blasdel. Greendale. (Posthumously)
Piano, Organ, Violin.
Member of the multi-talented music Bentle Family with some members in The SEIMA Hall of Fame. Member of a local Community Orchestra along with her husband, Elvin Blasdel and conducted by Raymond Mettler. Edith was the keyboardist for The Bright Christian Church and played at many area venues with Elvin. Very accomplished piano teacher with numerous talented students. Credited for not only teaching music, but gave them courage, patience, enthusiasm, boosted morale, and passed on the love of playing music. Passed away in 2014 at the age of 101.
Ed Krause. Batesville.
Keyboards, Percussion, Saxophone, Vocals.
Gained notoriety as the drummer member of The Dantes; a popular local band for many years. Co-founder of another popular local group, Matrix, with Deno Koumoutsos. Ed played many instruments including keyboards and saxophone as well as lending vocals on many of their songs. For many, Ed is a principle member of The Eureka Band from Batesville playing the sax. The Eureka Band is the longest established group of its kind in The USA. Ed and his wife Debbie are very active with various local community organizations donating their time to help out.
Randy ‘Rudy’ Mattox. Aurora.
Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals.
Played bass guitar with The Dave Baker Band. Played bass and backup vocals for Uncle Chub and The Mud Ducks. Considered by many to be the best lead singer in Southeastern Indiana, Randy formed The Ragin’ River Band in 1981 and won multiple rounds of the legendary Cincinnati Battle of The Bands. He has also performed at many Southeastern Indiana establishments, benefits, wedding receptions, and Harley of Cochran’s Party’s.
Joe Powell. Batesville.
Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals.
Very active in the music scene of The Southeastern Indiana for over 70 years. Was in the well-known local group, The Country Travelers, along with Bernie Gilbert and Carroll Stenger were around for nearly three decades. Before that, Joe was with the group, The Sundowners, with Jim & Margaret Kennedy and Bobby Mackey, in which Joe help mentor Bobby before moving on to stardom. More recently, forming the family group, The Powell Family Singers along with wife Doris, siblings, and other family members. Invited to and played at Renfro Valley, Kentucky. Well-respected not only for his musicianship, but also for church and community work.
Jeffrey ‘Poe’ Withered. Aurora.
Electric & Acoustic Bass Guitar, Cello.
One of the most respected bass guitarists in Southeastern Indiana, Poe has shared his talents with many groups including Visual Kaos, Stranger, Grimlock Fog, and Harley Day & The V-Twins. His group Visual Kaos has opened up for Warrant and his group Grimlock Gog opened for Overkill to a sold out show at Cincinnati’s Bogards. His music has been featured on Cincinnati’s WEBN and Class X. Poe is generous in helping filling in for absent bass players and helping out with charity events when asked. Poe’s brother, Zerbe, is also going into The Hall of Fame.
Garry ‘Zerbe’ Withered. Aurora.
Percussion.
One of the most popular drummers in Southeastern Indiana, Zerbe has thrilled the area for over 40 years in groups like Missing Persons, Borderline, Speedlimit, Fog, Withered, Harley Day & The V-Twins, and Just Faces. Currently with the group, The Indiana Mud Bogs. Zerbe is generous in helping out with charity events when possible. Zerbe’s brother, Poe, is also going into The Hall of Fame this year.
