Sunday, May 31, 2009

Interview with Foolsbane

Who: Foolsbane
What: In Concert for VIKTOR’S BIRTHDAY BASH
Where: Benton St. Bar & Grill - map
When: Friday, June 5, 2009
How Much: 18+ $6 / 21+ $5

Progressive rock band Foolsbane, from Twin Falls, is making their debut Pocatello performance this week. I caught up with vocalist David Chambers about the band's history and their upcoming show.


SLG: Describe your genre of music in as much detail as you like. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs? Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

DC: We are definitely progressive by nature. The vast influence that comes from the six of us drives that side of us. We have a song called “Infiltrator” which really gets the crowd going. It basically starts slow and then hits you in the face. Another crowd pleaser (Alpha) tends to be a quick bit off our current album, which is just a quick instrumental piece that has a good solid groove.

Foolsbane appeals to a wide variety of people because of the diversity of sound we provide. We’ll go from heavy hitting in-your-face to melodic and melancholy before you realize what has happened, all within one song. You can hear it all over our current album! We formed to play music we wanted to hear and hopefully pick up a few fans along the way. It is what it is, and we certainly hope people enjoy themselves while listening!

SLG: Band member first and last names / instruments. How long has this line-up been together?

DC: Our lineup is David Chambers on vocals; Shane Cotee is on keyboards and is the newest member of the band as of a few months ago. Tracey Emery and Jason Ramsey are on lead and rhythm guitars, Shane Hall keeps the beat on drums, and Chris Wiersema plays bass. The current lineup has been together since last November with the exception of Shane Cotee who only joined in a few months ago.

SLG: Tell us where you're from and currently based in what town?

DC: We are currently based out of Jerome, Idaho but members actually travel from as far away as Hailey and Pocatello for practices. The lead singer is currently living in Pocatello attending ISU.

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about? Past or future shows in the Pocatello area?

DC: Our first show was in an old haunted theater in Gooding, Idaho, and we actually practiced there for a bit. Our furthest show we have played was at Studio 7 in Seattle, Washington, where we were introduced at that show as being the “Biggest band of the night (by weight)”! We are all big guys, and Chambers alone stands 6’4”. It was a crazy fun time. Last summer we opened for Skid Row in Twin Falls, Idaho, where the crowd was great, and we had an awesome time. To date that has been one of our most memorable shows!



SLG: Describe this particular show(s) ... date, times, place opening acts? headline acts? time you hit the stage? what can ppl expect if they come to this show? All ages or 21+? Ticket prices or cover charge?

DC: The show on Friday the 5th is a Birthday bash for a member of two of the other bands playing. He (Viktor Wilt) contacted us and wanted us to come up and play, and we are ecstatic to do so. The current lineup is going to be Neckbrace, Dr. Seuss Is Dead/The Reptilians, Foolsbane, and Fault Paradox. VIKTOR’S BIRTHDAY BASH 18+ Cost: $5-$6 don’t miss this one!

SLG: Any comments about the local live music scene, the music industry in general? What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

DC: We (Foolsbane) have certainly dealt with some other bands in our past that showed very poor musicianship, but as far as the current scene is concerned we couldn’t be happier with the support bands are showing each other. We absolutely wish success for everyone in the music scene whether it is on a large or small scale.

Foolsbane is a complicated machine, and we buckled down last year to record our first album. We were only able to play one show, but we are hoping to up that frequency now that we have material completed, and we look forward to finishing more product. We were invited to play this show, we are grateful to be a part of it and look forward to playing for some new faces.

This industry is hard, and we knew that when we started. So our focus was to mature as a band, and eventually we built our own studio (Foolsbane Studios) in Jerome, where we lock down and get to business. We have not gigged very much, but we do hope to change that. Because of our having 6 members it is hard sometimes, when music is not your day job, to schedule shows that work for everyone. We will be playing in Boise on June 27th at Grizzly Rose Night Club with some of the local scene up there, and we are excited to hit that area as well.

We are excited to play in Pocatello and hope to play some other venues in the area as well, just as soon as we can schedule them. The Icon contacted us, but we were unable to commit to the date that they asked for, and we were sorry to let opportunity go. But we hope we will play there eventually.



(More Foolsbane video on YouTube)

SLG: Recordings? Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

DC: Our First album is called “The Curse of the Third Man---Alpha,” and we decided to make it a concept album where each song tells a part of a story. Rush did a concept with their album "2112" and Queensryche did a concept with "Operation Mind Crime," so we definitely played a unique card with our first self produced effort as a group. The album hosts many time and key changes and even a 15 minute song called “Revelation.” However, the concept does not end with the last song on the album because it is a two part concept, and we are currently writing the second half. “The Curse of the Third Man---Omega,” which we hope to have out by early next year, is our next focus. The first title of that album will be our show closer this Friday and is entitled “Grip.” It has been a crowd-pleaser for many years. It was an early song that we have resurrected for the concept albums.

Currently we are out of merchandise and CD’s (we know, shame on us) for this upcoming show, but we invite everyone to visit our web pages to learn more about what we are doing and where they can find our music. We are currently available for download through iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon mp3, and Napster, to name a few. Currently you can hear full length versions of some of our songs on our myspace page.

Our web pages are:
www.foolsbane.com
www.myspace.com/foolsbanemusic
www.reverbnation.com/foolsbane
www.facebook.com/pages/Foolsbane/24853877055

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Tickets On Sale Now

From SmithsTix.com

June 6, 2009
VIVA Salt Lake
Gallivan Center
$9.75
97.5 THE BLAZE Presents VIVA Salt Lake at the Gallivan Center.
Doors open at NOON.
All seats are general admission.
No Re-entry after 4:00pm.
Rain or Shine. No Outside Food or Beverages.
$9.75 + s/ch if ordered by Phone or Web.
No Service Charge at Smith's Tix Outlets.
Bands: ROYAL BLISS, 10 YEARS, POP EVIL, THE VEER UNION,
BROKE CITY, MULLET HATCHET, SPLIT LID AND THE SPENCER
NIELSEN BAND!
June 13, 2009
Broke City, Arm the Angels, Stay For the Summer
Kilby Court
$7
Broke City, Arm the Angels and Stay For The Summer in concert at Kilby Court.
Doors open at 7:00pm. All Ages Welcome.
$7.00 + s/ch


June 15, 2009
The Lemonheads
Liquid Joes
$13
Lemonheads at Liquid Joe's
1249 East 3300 South
Monday June 15, 2009 8:00pm
A private club for members
$13.00 + 4.25

June 19, 2009
Royal Bliss
Tracks Brewing Company
15 Adv/$20 Day Of
Royal Bliss at Tracks.
A Private Club - Must be 21.
Friday June 19, 2009 9:00pm
$15+4.25 in advance, $20+5.00 day of show


July 2, 2009
Car Show - Three Dog Night
Logan Cache County Fairgrounds
$39 VIP/$25 GA
Three Dog Night in concert at the Logan Cache County Fairgrounds.
400 South 300 West, Logan, Utah.
No Cameras or Videos.
No Coolers or Alcohol.
Thursday, July 2, 2009 - Gates Open at 6:30pm.
Concert begins at 8:00pm.
PRESALE PRICES:
VIP = $34.00 + 5.75 s/ch phone&web - $4.75 s/ch outlets.
GA = $25.00 + 5.00 s/ch phone&web - $4.00 s/ch outlets.
REGULAR PRICES:
VIP = $39.00 + 5.75 s/ch phone&web - $4.75 s/ch outlets.
GA = $25.00 + 5.00 s/ch phone&web - $4.00 s/ch outlets.
July 25, 2009
Secondhand Serenade
Thanksgiving Point
$17 Adv/$20 Day Of
PAKT HOUSE Productions presents Secondhand Serenade.
Thanksgiving Point Electric Park.
Special Guest: Parachute.
Doors open at 6pm/ Show begins at 7pm.
$17.00 + s/ch = Advance.
$20.00 + s/ch = Day Of Show
July 28, 2009
Blue October
Saltair
$34 Adv/$35 Day Of
Blue October w/ Switchfoot and Longwave at Saltair. All ages Welcome/Alcohol with ID. Doors open at 6:30PM. Tickets are available at SmithsTix outlets ONLY.
12408 W Salt Air Drive
Magna, UT
July 31, 2009
Air Supply
Sandy Amphitheater
$40/$37/$30/$27/$20
Air Supply in concert at the Sandy City Amphitheater.
Sandy Arts Guild.
8:00pm.
$30.00 + s/ch = Premium Seating.
$27.00 + s/ch = Priority Seating.
$20.00 + s/ch = Lawn GA Seating.
Get a 10% Discount if you purchase 3 or more concerts at the same time
by calling the Smith's Tix Concert Line 801-467-TIXX

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Rhiannon performs at the Idaho Falls Farmers Market

Who: Rhiannon
What: In Concert
Where: Idaho Falls Farmers Market - on the river next to the Key Bank parking lot, downtown Idaho Falls, ID
When: Saturday, June 6, 2009, 9:30am - noon

The Southeast Idaho-based trio, Rhiannon, performs Celtic and French music, waltzes, contra dance tunes from North America and the British Isles, with a few Scandinavian dance tunes thrown in for good measure, on accordion, fiddle, and flute. They are sure to get you up and dancing, for a romantic waltz or a lively, foot-stomping jig, reel, hambo or schottische!

Rhiannon members have been sharing their love of traditional, classical and dance music for several years. Sometimes the band might be joined by Irish step dancers, Scottish country dancers, Scandinavian dancers, waltzers, or bodhran-player Eric Limbach (the bodhran is an Irish drum).

David Combs of Idaho Falls has been playing classical piano since he was 10, taking up the accordion a few years later. Both classical and folk music have figured prominently in his life ever since, and he’s been playing various kinds of Celtic and American folk music for about 15 years. He can often be seen playing for contra dances in the group “Bellows Fellows” with fellow accordionist Dave Sealander, and in "Bandáge à Trois" with Kristi Austin and Tom Goodwin; he also performs Scandinavian and German music. A skilled arranger and composer, he's taken on the responsibility of working up tunes for all these bands and their unusual instrumentations.

Sheila Hadden has played the violin for more years than she cares to count, and finally got the chance to learn Celtic and other folk tunes after moving from her native Utah to Idaho Falls in 2002. She was one of the founding members of Rune Stone.

Kristi Austin hails originally from Seattle, where she began to learn to play classical flute at the age of 10. Eventually she was introduced to the delights of Celtic music, performing with the Seattle-based Welsh group Band y Ddraig Goch, Scottish band Keltoi, folk trio Greenwood, among others. She helped start the Monday night Celtic Jam session in Pocatello which began at Pub & Duds and continues at Portneuf Valley Brewing, and also helped found Pocatello’s Rune Stone. Currently she’s also a member of Bandáge à Trois, with David Combs and Tom Goodwin.

For more information about Rhiannon, call Kristi at (208) 232-8731.
For more information about the Idaho Falls Farmers' Market, please call (208) 339-3230,
email idahofallsfarmersmarket@gmail,
or check the website at www.idahofallsfarmersmarket.org.

We hope to see you there!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Interview with John Shipe

Who: John Shipe
What: Featured Performer
Where: The First National Bar* - map
When: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 10:00 pm
How Much: Free


*note - The First National Bar is open to 21+

Every Thursday night, the First National Bar hosts an open mic night. The weekly event is hosted by "Downtown"Dan Hillebrant, local celebrity. (inside joke) Anyway, this Thursday, John Shipe, who lives in Yellowstone, makes his debut Pocatello performance at the open mic.

In his own words:

SE Idaho is new territory for me. But it feels familiar in that it's rural and spacious (and only a bit different from Northern Idaho which is practically a second home for me).

I find that people who live in rural and spacious areas respond to live music with a more personal, relaxed attention span. There's less evaluating and judging whether the music is hip and edgy. Instead, there's more an honest appeal - one-listener-at-a-time feeling. I like audiences to hear the words and respond the stories I tell with my singing voice. Idaho audiences have always done that with me. Even the kids who listen to metal and rap tend to give my solo-acoustic act a fair listen.

Being from the Northwest (Eugene, Oregon with presence in Portland) and having been in bands most of my career, I have a blend of Indie Rock and American Jam Band with a hint of 90's Grunge that was impossible to avoid in the shadow of Seattle. But now that I'm solo acoustic, it has all been adapted to a Singer/Songwriter setting.

It's mellow enough for coffehouses and sit-down settings, but with an undercurrent of intensity that makes me unafraid to perform on big stages, which I have done often. Plus, I'll sometimes rock out, all by myself hitting the guitar pretty hard and singing at the top of my lungs.

I used to have a band called The Renegade Saints, which toured non-stop in these Mountain States. People still come up to me, recognizing me from that band, amazed that I'm still doing it. And of course, they request old favorites. (I still play them - decade old songs.) The Saints once opened for Bob Dylan. And some other famous bands like Hootie & Blowfish & Blind Melon.



Recently, I opened for Taj Mahal & Keb Mo. It was huge audience at an outdoor theatre. It felt good. I was playing new material, and the audience was with me the whole way. Later on, I found at that the ticket holders were expecting the famous and wonderful Susan Tedesci to open. The word got out that I did NOT disappoint them. That gave me a lot of fuel to keep going forward with this chapter of my career.

The show on Thursday at 1st National Bar is an unkown for me. Never been there before. I'm scheduled to go on at 10:00 pm. (Other acts haven't been posted yet.) It's acoustic showcase night, so I have an hour to show my stuff. Weekday shows at bars are usually fairly low key. But I'm ready for anything.

If an audience looks like they're itching for something kind of rowdy, I always do my best to raise the rocking energy as best as one man with an acoustic guitar can do.

Most of my material is original, but I have a few covers for people who insist on them. I'm not the kind of singer/songwriter who gets angry at an audience that makes requests. If I don't know how to play the song they're clamoring for, I'll at least pull out a song from my batch that has the same energy.

I have about 9 CD's out in a dozen years. I'm told that the best one is my latest: "Yellow House," which emphasizes semi-acoustic dimensions. It has received more airplay than others. But I also like "John Shipe & The Blue Rebekahs," my last electric album with a full band. It's unusual, and very much a team effort.

I bring my CD's to shows, but they're also available online at CD Baby and iTunes:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/jshipe8 http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=284358582&s=143441

Since the rise of the internet, the music industry has been leveled. A local act looks just as good as a world famous act on the web. And the music is just as good most of time. It has made a career in the arts less of a gamble on "getting discovered." There's more of a direct relationship between the work you put into it, and the income you can generate. So, if you're passionate about it, and hard-working, the endeavor is worth it.

Also, recording albums and shooting videos is getting cheaper and cheaper. Recently, my wife and a friend helped me make a pretty darn good video for "Yellow House." It's going up on the web soon. In the old days, there was only MTV. A video cost tens of thousands of dollars to make, and you had to get a record deal to be on MTV, which was damn near impossible.

Meanwhile, I've got web profiles all over the place (including a lot footage on You Tube):


http://www.myspace.com/johnshipemusic
http://www.johnshipe.com/
http://www.reverbnation.com/johnshipe
http://www.sonicbids.com/johnshipe
http://www.involushun.com/
http://www.youtube.com/johnshipe

My main website appears pretty antiquated, so I'm building a new one. But living here in Yellowstone Park for the summer kind of puts a damper on the use of technology. (It's good for me, 'cause you can't spend your whole life in cyberspace. You've got to get away and settle down every once in a while.)

John Shipe, Involushun Records & Management
(Currently in Yellowstone Park)

Column for May 27, 2009

The Bannock County Civitans host a free weekly concert series in downtown Pocatello every Wednesday, 5 pm - 8 pm, starting on May 27 through September 2, 2009. Concerts are held at the Old Town Pavilion, 420 N Main St., Pocatello, on the corner of Fremont and Main Streets, just across the street from Main Street Music. The series raises funds for civic-oriented projects. (2009 concert schedule)

This Wednesday kicks off the series with Cruise Control (full interview), a duo with Cam Lewis on keyboards and Sam Garner on guitar. Both sing with excellent harmonies in a Simon and Garfunkel kind of way. They play a fusion of folk, punk rock, and rap with a few other influences that vary with each song. Listen for "The Vain and the Mundane," exemplifying their style, and "Lori's Song," known for it’s string and conga accompaniments.

The duo formed in May of 2008 and has played at local coffee shops, the ISU Ballroom and at The Icon, opening for Jeremy Enigk. They recorded an EP with six songs, including a unique folk cover of the punk rock song "The Adventure" by Angels and Airwaves. Find out more at www.myspace.com/cruisecontrol76.

And on Thursday the 28th, Idaho State University begins their weekly outdoor concert series on The Quad. This week, the Pocatello-based Kratz Bros Band opens for Kris Orlowski. The event starts at 6:00 p.m.

The Kratz Bros Band (full interview) is Luke and John Kratz on keyboards and guitar respectively, with cellist Dorian Hitchcock, Chris Sherburne on drums and vocalist Lindsey Tucker. Their music is a blend of folk songwriting with electric and acoustic world music. For more, visit www.myspace.com/kratzbrosband.

Kris Orlowski, from Seattle, WA, plays pop-driven rock. In live performances, the band is known for their stage humor and antics, entertaining by performance as well as by their music. Expect edgy roots rock with influences from alternative rock and pop-jazz fusion. Find out more at www.krisorlowski.com.

On Friday the 29th, the new Vinyl Perk coffee shop and record store on Main Street continues their Friday Night Live music performances with Scratch Unplugged (a.k.a. Kenny Nelson) at 7:00 p.m. Learn more about Scratch at www.myspace.com/ifscratch.

On Saturday the 30th, head over to the Ross Park bandshell for a Battle of the Bands (full story), an event to raise funds for the Bannock House. The event starts at 1:00, and music starts at 2:00 p.m. It’s not too late for bands to sign up; call Danielle Swenson at (208) 380-5484.

So far there are six bands on the bill: Nyr Lif, 7 Feet Below, Ice Cold Crickets, Paint it Plaid, and more. The winner is decided on popular vote, where each vote is $1. The winner will receive a $150 gift certificate to Mike's music. There will be snacks and drinks available for purchase.

7 Feet Below (formerly Starbent) is a rock cover band comprised of young people from 12 to 14 years old. They are also beginning to write their own original songs: "Let's Run Away," "Scream," "Take This," and "Fight." But listen for crowd favorites "Wild Thing" by The Animals, "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple and "All The Small Things" by Blink -182. Find out more at www.myspace.com/7feetbelow.

On Saturday evening, May 30th, Portneuf Valley Brewing is pleased to present a special concert, Chicks with Picks, upstairs in the loft starting at 7:30 p.m, a collection of over a dozen of Pocatello’s finest women musicians and singer/songwriters. For more, visit www.myspace.com/portneufvalleybrewing.

Pink Floyd fans rejoice! The Floydshow (full interview)makes a triumphant return to the First National Bar on Saturday the 30th at 9:30 p.m.; $7 cover. The Floydshow is a Pink Floyd tribute band, playing radio favorites like “Another Brick in the Wall 2,” “Money” and “Wish You Were Here,” as well as some lesser known Floyd songs like “Astonomy Domain,” “Echoes” or “Not Now John.”

They will include screen projections and audio samples to give the audience their best interpretation of a Pink Floyd concert. Not every song is note perfect – expect Floydshow’s own twist on some songs. But then, that’s the beauty of a live music performance; each performance is a unique experience.

Floydshow, based from Salt Lake City, is a large production with eight performers in the full band. The group formed almost two years ago, and since that time has performed throughout the mountain region. They recently played at the Knitting Factory in Boise with over 300 people in the audience, singing along in chorus with every song. More at www.floydshow.com.

Further information, schedules and in-depth interviews at slowloosegravel.blogspot.com.

L. Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Battle of the Bands supports Bannock House

Who: Local Pocatello Bands
What: Battle of the Bands - Fund Raiser
Where: Ross Park Bandshell, Pocatello, ID - map
When: Saturday, May 30, 2009, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Why: Raise funds for the Bannock House


Organized by Danielle Swenson.

On Saturday May 30th from 2:00-4:00 pm, local bands will "battle it out" at the Ross Park band shell to support the Bannock House. Admission is free. The winner is decided on popular vote, and each vote is $1. The winner will receive a $150 gift certificate to Mike's Music. There will be snacks and drinks there for people to purchase.

As of now there are five bands, but its not too late for bands to sign up! If you're interested in participating, contact Danielle at (208) 380-5484.

On the roster:
Nyr Lif - indie acoustic bluegrass
Casey Cathey (Guitar)
Shawn Barkdull (Vocals, Guitar)
www.myspace.com/nyrlif


Seven Feet Below - classic rock covers
Spencer Ruchti (Drums, Vocals)
Joseph Bellegante (Guitar)
Drew Ruchti (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals)
Tristan Paz (Bass)
www.myspace.com/7feetbelow


Last Regrets - acoustic alternative rock
Brian Hermansen (Guitar, Vocals)
Rod Villalba (Electric Violin, Vocals)
Luke Wenzinger (Bass)
Jake Abernathy (Drums)
www.myspace.com/lastregretsmusic




Paint it Plaid - pop punk rock
Clint Doggett (Guitar, Vocals)
Kolton Jackman (Drums, Vocals)
Hemantha Waliliyadda (Bass)
Costa Savarikas (Guitar)
www.myspace.com/paintitplaidrock

Ice Cold Crickets
*no information available at this time*

The Bannock House is located at 620 W. Fremont St. in Pocatello, Idaho. Bannock House provides residential treatment for young people. It also provides recruitment for licensing and case management of up to six therapeutic foster homes.

Chicks with Picks, at Portneuf Valley Brewing

Who: Chicks with Picks
What: A collection of women musicians and singer/songwriters
Where: Portneuf Valley Brewing, Pocatello, ID - map
When: Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 7:30pm - 11:30 pm
How Much: Free !!


Portneuf Valley Brewing will be hosting a special night of music upstairs from their stage in the loft by many of Pocatello's finest women musicians and singer/songwriters. Diana Shipley has organized the "Chicks with Picks" concert featuring over a dozen women musicians in the loft at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 7:30pm to 11:30pm. No cover charge. PVB is located at 615 S. 1st Avenue. Call 232-1644 for more information.


Ramona Awes - Diana Shipley - Jessica McAleese - Penny Gneiting - Melinda Leiby - Sallie Sublette - Chelsey Robison - Felicia Banks - Olivie Wathne - Mary Boyer - LouAnn and Kathryn Barry - Tara Dergee - Carol Colonel - Evelyn Hitchcock - and more.

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Other upcoming events at PVB:

Tuesday - Acoustic Jam Session Upstairs at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 7:30pm to close.

Friday (5/29) - One of Southeastern Idaho's premier bands, Swingshift will be performing jazz, vintage rock and pop in the pub at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 8:30pm to 11pm. No cover charge.

Mondays - Open Mic Monday's at Portneuf Valley Brewing in the pub (downstairs) from 7pm to close and the Celtic Jam Session upstairs in the loft from 7pm to 9pm.

Tuesdays - Acoustic Jam Session Upstairs at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 7:30pm to close.

Friday (6/5) - The alt-country band, Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs from Ellensburg, Washington returns to Portneuf Valley Brewing to provide dancing and entertainment for the June First Friday Art Walk in the loft from 8:30pm to 11pm. No cover charge. See www.starannamusic.com/ for more information about Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs.

Saturday (6/6) - Portneuf Valley Brewing is honored to have local singer/songwriter Father Bob Forrest and a special guest return to perform in the pub from 8:30pm to 11pm. No cover charge.

Portneuf Valley Brewing Art Shows:
The featured artist for May is Sharon Holmer, who is exhibiting a lovely collection of oil paintings. See www.holmerarts.com for more information on Sharon Holmer's show. Linda Wolfe www.wolfedesign.com/ will be the featured artist for the June First Friday Art Walk.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Interview with Floydshow

Who: Floyd Show
What: Pink Floyd tribute band in concert
Where: First National Bar - map
When: Saturday, May 30, 2009 9:30 pm
How Much: $7 at the door


Floydshow is back for a return engagement in Pocatello May 30th. The Pink Floyd tribute band has been hard at work, changing their line-up and working on their show. I caught up with Floydshow recently about what they've been doing and what's in their near future.


SLG: Describe your take on Pink Floyd's songs. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs?

FS: We dedicate our show to Pink Floyd. The music we play is a lot of songs that haven't been heard by new fans but have been appreciated by old fans: songs like Astronomy Domain, Echoes, Sheep, Not Now John, and continuing into songs from The Wall, Darkside of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and so on.

The songs that majority of the crowd knows are the hits they mainly hear on the radio such as: Another Brick in the Wall 2, Money, Wish You Were Here, Hey You, Mother and so on.

I think the best appeal we give to the fans is that we are not a multi million dollar buget band (but not to say that would be great!), but we can get our fans close to what we are portraying.

We do things different in our show, with our screen projections and some of our audio samples to give a different "show" then what some other tributes might, just playing what the audience wants to hear. We have lots more energy and life when we play the Floyd, and we also put some "twists" on the music as well .. not to ruin ... but to make it more our sound as well. We are affordable to watch and fun to talk to after, so don't be afaid to come say hi to us. And we like to have a great time as the audiences has in the past with us. It's never a disappointment.


SLG: Band members and instruments?

FS: Tim Hollinger - lead and rhythm guitars and lead vocals, Eric Manning - saxophone and vocals, Amy Allred - on keyboards and vocals, Jason Giron - drums, Joe Lombrozo - rhythm guitars, Juli - back and lead vocals, Sweet Marie - back and lead vocals and Dee - bass and vocals.

SLG: Tell us where you're from and currently based in what town?

FS: We are from Salt Lake City, Utah. We are all gathering in Sugarhouse, Utah, to practice the Floydshow.

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about? Past or future shows in the Pocatello area?

FS: I think the last show we did in Boise, Idaho, was about the biggest we have had so far; it was at the Knitting Factory, and the crowd was huge along with the stage!! ... moving lights and our videos had people laughing and cheering, and our sound was enormous! There was about 300 plus people attending, and they sang every Pink Floyd song we played. And to hear the whole crowd sing "Wish You Were Here" was memorable. Not a show to forget!!

SLG: Describe this particular show ... what can people expect if they come to this show?

FS: We are coming to the famous 1st National Bar in Pocatello, so I hope everyone that "lives the Floyd" and is in for a good music time comes out and enjoys the night with us, May 30th at 9pm. Dont miss it!!

There are no opening acts; this is a 21+ venue so bring id's, and the price will be a cover charge of $7.00


SLG: Any comments about the local live music scene, the music industry in general? What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

FS: If you are an original band, just stay consistent with what you do musically. Don't try and ride the coattails of others to get a deal. People are looking for difference in music, and that's what makes a band stand out from others - that's what talent buyers are searching for. And play as many shows out of state that you do in. Make it work!! You want everyone to hear you and not just the same local bar you play at. And for God sakes, the most important thing is promote your band like it's a new beer!! Always and don't stop!! Remember, you want the world to know who you are.

SLG: Do you have any videos on YouTube? If so, what is the url?

FS: There are a couple, but I suggest that you don't go by what you see and hear in them, because with the different line up we have now, we are much better and more in tune with what we are doing now with the show. These were recorded about 3 years ago I think, but we have different ways of doing songs now. At least we can show you a small taste! You just have to come see us to believe it!!

Click here for Speak To Me/Breathe



SLG: Recordings? Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

FS: We are actually going in the studio May 24th for a small line up demo: doing Money and Pigs and Wish You Were Here, so I and the rest are excited. But since we are a tribute band, we can't sell CD's at this time, well, untill the DVD comes out - which is ... I'll let you know on the website!!


SLG: How can fans contact you? Myspace? or another website?

FS: Anyone can reach us at www.floydshow.com or you can chat with us at www.myspace.com/andersonscouncil. Maybe even request your favorite pink floyd songs?!!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Revive at Five 2009 schedule

The Bannock Civitans host a weekly concert series FREE in downtown Pocatello every Wednesday, 5 pm - 8 pm, starting on May 27 through September 2, 2009. Concerts are held at the Old Town Pavilion, 420 N Main St., Pocatello. The Civitans raised $10,000 towards building the Old Town Pavilion on the corner of Fremont and Main Streets, just across the street from Main Street Music.

There will be giveaways, T-shirts and drawings from the different weekly sponsors. The Civitans will be selling concert T-shirts and refillable 16 oz. mugs. Beverages are usually sold in 14 oz cups, so mug-buyers are getting two ounces for free.

Proceeds from these, beverages and ice cream sales are reinvested in the community. A few of the Civitans’ biggest projects are sponsoring a youth seminar: a four-day leadership seminar, financing the Jr. Civitan clubs, an annual Christmas party and snowmobile ride in support of the South Eastern Idaho Community Action Agency.

27 May - Cruise Control - (interview)
Sponsored by Ace Hardware & Outdoor Sports
Catered by Sandy's Ghetto Dogs

3 June - Plain Jane
Sponsored by Bang's Office Supply
Catered by Taste of India

10 June - Battery Park - (interview)
Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance and Syringa Wireless
Catered by Texas Roadhouse

17 June - Spawning Fondness
Sponsored by Westmark Credit Union
Catered by The Sand Trap

24 June - Country Drive - (interview)
Sponsored by PMC
Catered by Relay 4 Life

1 July - American Steel
Sponsored by AV Center
Catered by Texas Roadhouse

8 July - Soul Full of Blues
Sponsored by Community Care Clinic
Catered by Dutch Oven Delights

15 July - The Shape Shifters
Sponsored by Convergy's Health & Recruiting Fair
Catered by the Grecian Key


22 July - Rocky Watson
Sponsored by Idaho Central Credit Union
Catered by the Sand Trap

29 July - Ande Conda
Sponsored by the Idaho Food Bank
Catered by Out to Lunch

5 August - Spittin Lynt
Sponsored by Kruse
Catered by Dutch Oven Delights

12 August - Seven Feet Below
Sponsored by Zions Bank
Catered by the Grecian Key

19 August - Second Chance
Sponsored by First American Title
Catered by Indianettes Dance Team

26 August - KYD-J
Sponsored by the Fort Hall Casino
Catered by Sandy's Ghetto Dogs

2 September - Swingshift
Sponsored by New Day Products
Catered by New Day Products

Interview with Cruise Control

Who: Cruise Control
What: Revive at Five
Where: Old Town Pavilion, Pocatello, ID - map
When:
Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 5:00 pm
How Much: Free !!

I first caught up with Cruise Control in March of this year, a duo of guitar and keyboards based in Pocatello, ID. This week, Cruise Control opens up the weekly concert series, "Revive At Five," hosted by the Bannock County Civitans.


Our genre is really difficult to describe - it's a fusion between folk, punk rock, and rap with a few other influences that vary in each of our songs. We have 2 songs that people most know us for: our song "The Vain and the Mundane" really exemplifies our style with it's chill verses and harmonic melodies, and instrumentally it really shows off our influences with in how we transition from our folk rock influences to a heart pounding punk rock sounding rap section. Our other song that people know us for is "Lori's Song." It is most well known for the recording we did with it where I tracked a really pretty string section and conga drum pattern to compliment my piano melody and Sam's guitar noodling. People say they really enjoy our originality and especially our harmonies which seem almost Simon-and-Garfunkle-esque as we're told.

I (Cam Lewis) sing lead vocals and rap as well as play the piano. Sam Garner sings backup vocals and plays acoustic guitar. We've had this lineup since May of 2008 when we first got together. However, it's undergoing a change right now; we are adding a new bassist named Matt Schmuck, and we're really excited about the different musical aspects he brings to the table.

We both live in Pocatello and gig around as often as we can book shows, mostly at local coffee shops, which we enjoy.

We've mostly been playing coffee shops around town such as Mocha Madness and the College Market, but we've also played at the ISU Ballroom, and in November 2008 we played at The Icon opening for Jeremy Enigk.

We really love the music scene in Pocatello especially a few of the other local bands here. We really have a lot of love and respect for such as Greyhouse Effect and Nyr Lif. All of our dealings with local bands here though have really been great. We love to be a part of the great music that happens here. We also really like the support all the local bands get from our friends Jake and Aaron Ball from Ball Brothers Music. They are really great guys and I know those guys do a lot to help out local music in this area.

We have an EP recorded that we sell at every show for $3. It's got 6 songs on it including a really unique folk cover of a punk rock song called "The Adventure" by Angels and Airwaves.

I always respond to anything anyone sends me on MySpace. I love getting messages or comments from people, and I really appreciate it. Our link is www. myspace. com/cruisecontrol76. Also, our band email address is cruise_control@rocketmail.com, if they don't use MySpace.

From Blogs around MySpace Late-May '09

From The Eric Openshaw Band
We have been trying, trying, and trying some more to get enough people to come to a Liquid Joe's show (Salt Lake City) to land a Friday slot playing with some really great local bands that have gained some great popularity like Drop Dead Julio, Medicine Circus, and others. We want to PACK Liquid Joe's next Tuesday May 26th, and the TICKETS ARE FREE if you get a hold of us to either get your name on the guest list or get a hard ticket in hand! Besides, who can resist free things? Liquid Joe's is located at 3300 s and 1249 e. Come have a drink with us and hang out with us! We want a Tuesday party, and I'd love to see every one of your beautiful faces smiling in the front row!


From The Reptilians

You don't see a lineup like this around Poky very often. Be there.





From Going Second
We want to give a big thanks to Amanda over at In Weekly who wrote our most flattering article to date! You can check it out at InThisWeek.com. Make sure you leave a comment!!!


From Goodnight Sunrise
We're now at home, getting ready to release our new EP, "Stop, Drop, & Roll!" THE NEW EP WILL BE AVAILABLE JUNE 23RD! ... pre-sale bundles (at) our NEW official webstore GOMERCH.com! PRE-ORDER STARTS WEDNESDAY! MAY 27th @ 3pm PST!!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Latest news with Royal Bliss


607 Magazine had this to say about Royal Bliss' set, opening for Buckcherry at Broome County Arena, Binghamton, NY:
The show started off with some ambient-ish music followed by strangers to New York State, Royal Bliss. They opened up with a patriotic number called "Brave" which lead singer Neal Middleton (who from a distance looked like Weasel from VH1's "Daisy of Love") dedicated to "all the people who have laid down their lives." At this point the crowd was pretty small and seemed to basically just be feeling the Bliss boys out. Their second song "We Did Nothing Wrong" included a super sweet drum duet with Middleton and dummer Jake Smith. Way impressive to say the least. They followed it up with "Devils and Angels" and "Finally Figured Out", then ended their set with "I Was Drunk". All in all it seemed the crowd wasn't very familiar with the band, or maybe they were just saving energy for Buckcherry?
Video below from Rock on the Range in Columbus, OH, "I Was Drunk," May 17th 2009.



"We Did Nothing Wrong" is still holding strong at #30 on Billboard's Charts after 9 weeks, so the tour is working, boys. The tour is working. A little bird (named Taylor) told me that feelers have gone out to release "Devils and Angels," officially. When? Soon, fans. Soon. Keep an eye and an ear out for it.

Royal Bliss has been on the road solidly since the release of "Life In-Between" mid-January of this year with only a few scattered and brief breaks at home. They'll be back in Utah / Idaho for the following dates in June, and they plan to take a much-needed and well-deserved break from August 2nd through August 20th.

June 6, 2009 for VIVA Salt Lake at The Gallivan Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Jun 13 2009 at the Diamondz Bar in Jerome, Idaho
Jun 16 2009 at the Huka Bar & Grill in Murray, Utah
Jun 19 2009 at Track’s Brewing Co. in Tooele, Utah

Royal Bliss with the guys from 100.3 The X

Tickets On Sale Now

Visual Sound Production presents:
Tickets - refunds and exchanges here

Tickets - $37.50 (plus fees) - Buy Online

Reserved Floor and Balcony Tickets - $39 (no add. fees)
VIP Pit + Meet and Greet with MC Hammer AND Vanilla Ice - $99 (plus fees) - Buy Online

-----------------------------------------------------

Tickets also available at:
CD World in Idaho Falls, ID
Budget Tapes and Records in Pocatello

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Upcoming Events at Portneuf Valley Brewing

Who: From Penny Pink
What: Various Events
When: Week of 5/22 - 5/30
Where: Portneuf Valley Brewing -
map

Friday (5/22) - Almosta Band from Pocatello featuring the incomparable harmonies and musical talent of Bret Gordon, Steve Byers and Matt Murdock and percussion by Jack Jensen will be performing roots rock in the pub from 8:30pm to 11pm. No cover charge.

Saturday (5/23) - NEW!!! Acoustic Indie singer/songwriter Allison Sattinger will make her debut performance in the pub from 8:30pm to 11pm. No cover charge. For more information see http://www.myspace.com/allisonsattinger. Awesome talented singer/songwriter from California!

Next Week:

Monday - Open Mic Monday's in the pub (downstairs) from 7pm to close and the Celtic Jam Session upstairs in the loft from 7pm to 9pm.

Tuesday - Acoustic Jam Session Upstairs from 7:30pm to close.

Friday (5/29) - One of Southeastern Idaho's premier bands, Swingshift will be performing jazz, vintage rock and pop in the pub from 8:30pm to 11pm. No cover charge.

Saturday (5/30) - Portneuf Valley Brewing will be hosting a special night of music upstairs from their stage in the loft by many of Pocatello's finest women musicians and singer/songwriters. Diana Shipley has organized the "Chicks with Picks" concert featuring over a dozen women musicians in the loft at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.. or so. No cover charge.

Portneuf Valley Brewing Art Shows:

The featured artist for May is Sharon Holmer, who is exhibiting a lovely collection of oil paintings. See www.holmerarts.com for more information on Sharon Holmer's show.

Rise of the Falls Fest

Who: Various rock / pop artists and bands
What: Rise of The Fall Fest
Where: Shilo Inn, Idaho Falls - map
When: June 5, 2009. Doors open 5pm,
How Much: $10 advance, $15 at the door



$10 pre-sale tickets available at CD World in Idaho Falls. Participating bands also have pre-sale tickets available for $10 each. Cover at the door night of the show is $15.

For updates and news regarding the show, visit www.myspace.com/riseofthefallsfest.

For information on obtaining advance tickets, email evolucidsoundwaves@yahoo.com, call
Chris 949-933-9151
Joshua 985-285-3694
Jamie 985-807-4487
or contact any of the bands listed below at their MySpace:

Black Socrates - host
Evolucid - Experimental / Hip Hop / Fusion
Denots - Metal / Thrash / Rock
Abrupt Edge - Rock / Punk / Thrash
Dimmencha - Metal / Metal / Breakcore
MCCP - Hip Hop
Solar Roller - Funk / Rock / Other
Cvltvs Mortem - Black Metal / Death Metal / Metal
The Expo - Hip Hop / Rap
Scratch - Rock / Alternative / Blues
George Life - ?
Emergencee Sytruss - Reggae / Rock / Funk
Krazy Casey - Hip Hop

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