Special thanks to Derek Johnson for providing all the photos included in this post.

If you ever had the opportunity to make it out to one of Stephen Peck’s Slip ‘N Shows, you know they were nothing short of "tacular" (a Speck-created word derived from "spectacular"). Each July, the warmhearted Fountain Square artist--known to many as Speck--transformed his yard into a summer wonderland, complete with a day of live music and art, hovercraft excursions, and slip ‘n slide bliss. Although he tragically passed away last October at the age of 28, Speck and his community celebration will live on this year, thanks to a group of people who were greatly impacted by his beautiful spirit.

This Saturday, Speck’s fourth annual Slip ‘N Show is in a new yard at 1419 Pleasant Street. In keeping with tradition, the daylong shindig is open to everyone, with a giant slip ‘n slide, arts and crafts, yard games, food, and more. On top of all this, those who attend can expect the biggest Slip ‘N Show lineup to date, including Peter & the Kings, Caleb McCoach, S.M. Wolf, Digital Dots, Jorma Whitaker, and many others.

Prior to this year’s Slip ‘N Show, I caught up with a few Indianapolis musicians who have played the event in the past, asking them to reflect on their love for Speck and his annual bash.

Derek Johnson, Solo artist and member of Ampersand Blues Band

Every Thursday night, Speck invited us to his house for Art Night, and multiple times a year he would expand the concept to house shows. There was the Halloween-themed “Dress Up Gut Mess Up!” in October, where “If you do not wear a costume, an embarrassing one will be provided for you.” There was November’s “Acoustic Friendsgiving,” where good friends, Thanksgiving leftovers, and great music were in abundance. There was the “April 1st No Joke Show” where, no joke, Speck fashioned a hovercraft out of a lawn chair and a leaf blower. At the zenith of summer fun in Fountain Square, Speck presented July’s “Slip ‘N Show” where the field at Olive and Prospect spawned a giant slip ‘n slide and his garage became the hottest stage in town.

Speck organized these events with an effortless mastery, fueled by a sincere love for art, music, and community. He gave us such a good model. I’m thrilled that we are continuing the legacy.

Chris Dance, Member of Chris Dance and the Holy Echo

Stephen Peck's Slip ‘N Show was special for me in a number of different ways. My band played our first show in Stephen Peck's garage for his third annual party. We painted our bodies and played our songs. I rode in a hover-chair, and Jorma improvised lyrics while crouching in a 32-gallon trash can. It was just a ridiculously fun day.

The songs that I played were inspired, crafted, and tested out on Stephen's couch during his weekly Art Night event. I would always come early to Art Night for a couple of reasons; I worked at 7 a.m. every morning, and of course I could talk with Stephen pretty much alone about art and whatever.
Stephen was a great facilitator of all things. He made everyone feel at home. He gave us all a reason to connect to one another, and made it happen in so many different ways. Thanks, Speck!

Jorma Whittaker

 

Caleb McCoach

I think it is a reflection of how love begets more love. I think it is a very nice gesture to Speck's family for Fountain Square friends to reciprocate his "open door" love by carrying his spirit through this event. I think Speck believed that everyone deserved to enjoy themselves and him hosting the Slip ‘N Show at his house was a staple manifestation of that.

Drew Malott, Member of Bonesetters and Scanlines

The first time I remember meeting Speck was at the first Scanlines show, back in summer 2013, at the Melody Inn. I think we were kind of shaky that night, but Speck loved it, and immediately after our set he came over and asked me if we would play the upcoming Slip ‘N Show. I hadn't gone to the first one but had heard stories and seen pictures and knew it was a good time. The stories and pictures were right; I had an awesome time that day. Speck was such a friendly guy, and we got along immediately. It was like we had been pals this whole time.

His friendship and appreciation for our music meant a lot to me. He got what it was about, and I saw something familiar in his art. I loved sitting in Speck's living room with him while he played me different stuff our music reminded him of, and I played him some things that had inspired our sound. Lots of great late night hangs and random adventures. Speck was always up to something, and down for anything.

I'm so happy that some of my favorite people in this neighborhood have come together to keep the Slip ‘N Show alive, and I hope it continues in the future.

Thadd Lawrence, Member of Jessica Albatross, Digital Dots and Jorma Whittaker's band

Amongst all the things that Stephen Peck was creatively involved with, the Slip ‘N Show was the apotheosis of the calendar year. Once every summer, he'd transform his garage into a music stage, his lawn into a giant slip ‘n slide, and his alley into hovercraft land. Once a week, every Thursday night, he'd open up his house for Art Night. For something that sounds pretentious, like an "Art Night," it was the contrary. Speck fostered a welcoming environment of creativity. He challenged me to be bold with my music and songwriting. This year we have come together to carry on Speck's legacy through music, art, and slip ‘n slides!

For more information on this year’s Slip ‘N Show, visit the Facebook event page.