Column for May 13, 2009

What is it about music that goes so well with a tasty drink? Rock and a beer, blues with a shot o’ whiskey, jazz with a gin martini, pop with a pop or the sound of an acoustic guitar with a warm cup o’ joe - all that and more is on tap this week. Just belly up to the bar, or barrista, as the case may be.

Michael Garrison is the featured performer at the First National Bar’s Irish open mic night this Thursday. Show up at 8:30 to get the best seat and your Irish infusion. The Nash is located at 232 W. Center St. in Pocatello.

On Friday the 15th, Pocatello warmly welcomes a new coffee house to the downtown area. The Vinyl Perk has its Grand Opening with music by guitarist and vocalist Shawn Good, making his debut Pocatello performance with a surprise special guest performing.

Located at 150 S. Main Street in Pocatello, the Vinyl Perk features the largest selection of vinyl records around - from Johnny Cash to the Clash and everything in between, some Skynyrd plus several copies of Blues Image and the single Love Can Make You Happy by Mercy. They will be offering live music every Friday.

Vinyl Perk owner Jay Reeves played drums in a band in South Carolina, then took a 30-year detour to law school to practice law in NC and SC. “Now with Vinyl Perk, my wife and I are circling back to original passions: art, records, coffee,” Reeves said. “I also look forward to giving bands and artists a nice, appreciative venue (in which) to perform, because I am a music lover first and foremost, and I know that live shows can be magical.”

Raised in Nashville, TN, and now living in Idaho Falls, Shawn Good plays music from all around the block. You'll be hearing 70's rock classics, 60's jazz and blues, southern rock, country music from the 80’s and 90's and today’s music, as well as his original music. Good says that a few of his fans’ favorite songs are “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” and “Stand by Me.” Shawn, you’ll get no complaints from me there.

Good performs as a solo artist, but told me he has “a nice gal, Amber Lytle, who will be beginning to join me on set for a few songs. If you like Ani Defranco, Missy Higgins or Jewel, you'll love her.” Find out more at www.myspace.com/ifguitarman or email mysteriouso@live.com.

For those who want to rock, the Benton St. Bar & Grill on S. 2nd Ave. hosts a metal show on Friday night starting at 8 p.m., with Cvltvs Mortem (formerly Sonic Devastation), Nine Worlds, Dirtstar, and Salami Rocket. The show is open to 18+, bar open to those 21+ with valid id. Cost is $5.

Cvltvs Mortem started as Sonic Devastation in 2003 and has gone through several lineup changes, as well as a change in musical direction. A full-length CD, “The Proliferation,” was released in 2007 under the name Sonic Devastation. Since then, the music has become heavier and darker, resulting in the band’s desire for a more descriptive name.

The current members draw inspiration from many genres, but the musical focus is a fusion of death, black, thrash, and traditional metal. For more, visit www.myspace.com/cvltvsmortem.

Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Avenue has two kinds of rock and more kinds of beer to suit your tastes. On Friday the 15th, tap into some acoustic rock with the Aaron Ball Band. And on Saturday the 16th, Elvis Has Left the Building will, in fact, be in the building playing roots rock. Music starts at 8:30, no cover and the pub is open to all ages.

Speaking of taps, you can catch Kaught Lookin’ at Taps Bar on Garrett Way this weekend, Friday and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. Word on the street is that one of the bartenders at Taps is celebrating a birthday on Saturday, so a toast with your choice of poison may be in order.

Kaught Lookin’ is comprised largely of the founding members of the former band Exit 69 - Rick Veilleux on guitars, bassist Mark Clawson and drummer Tony Roberts, with vocalist Ed Horn. They play classic southern rock and current modern rock covers with a few originals, online at www.myspace.com/kaughtlookin.

Ande Conda completes the round of bars in Pocatello this weekend by taking the stage at the First National Bar on Saturday night, 9:30 p.m. For more, visit www.myspace.com.andeconda.

Lana Banana for Idaho
For a calendar of local and regional Live Music events, visit www.myspace.com/showmetheband