Friday, October 30, 2009

Phat Bone, new local band, plays Bourbon Barrel on Halloween

Who: Phat Bone
What: Pocatello-based blues & rock band
Where: Bourbon Barrel, 238 W Clark St., Pocatello, Idaho - map
When: October 31, 2009, 9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
How Much: Free


Phat Bone, with guitarist Steve Sullivan - website, Don Godfrey on drums and Russ Sidell on bass. "We play a combination or rock blues-ish rock and funk."

No cover. Just wear your costume and plan to have fun.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Column for October 28, 2009

You may be gearing up for Trick ‘r Treating on Saturday the 31st, but save your Thursday and Friday nights for live music.

On Thursday night, the 29th, the Ah Holly Fam’ly stops in Pocatello while on tour with Ohioan at the Flipside Lounge, located at 117 S. Main Street in Pocatello (map). The locally-based Kratz Bros. Band is also on the bill. Music starts at 8:00 p.m.; cost is $5. For more, visit www.myspace.com/ahhollyfamly and Ohioan at www.myspace.com/oryne.

Also on Thursday, the Los Angeles-based acoustic alt. pop band The Silent Partner plays at Senang Wine Bar & Tapas on S. 1st Avenue (map) at 7:30 p.m. This is just the first of several performances by the group in this area.

On Friday the 30th, The Silent Partner will play at Goranson Hall on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello (map), starting at 7:00 p.m. The free concert is a Parent’s Night Out, sponsored by ISU’s activities committee. On Saturday they play at Vino Rosso in Idaho Falls (map) and on Tuesday the 3rd, at The Cellar in Ammon (map).

The Silent Partner is a band centered on singer and songwriter Bradford Shaw. His debut album "Fall Away" was nominated 2005 Independent Rock Album of the Year for the Los Angeles Music Awards; it and a new EP release “Random” will be available for sale at the shows. Shaw also received a nomination for Singer/Songwriter of the Year in 2004 & won the award in 2007. He has been in several bands that have toured with The Go Go's, Brian Setzer Orchestra, and many more.

On tour, The Silent Partner is Brad Shaw and percussionist Fritz Zar. Expect a mix of piano, banjo, harmonica, and guitar looped for an acoustic rock sound. For more on this artist, visit www.sonicbids.com/thesilentpartner.

Also on Friday the 30th, The King’s Singers (website), a highly celebrated and Grammy Award-winning British a cappella voice insemble will be in concert at the Stephens Performing Arts Center at ISU (map). Concert starts at 7:30. Tickets are $28 to $32, online at www.isu.edu/tickets; call 208-282-3595 for more information.

The Benton Street Bar & Grill (map) is pleased to host the Salt Lake City-based rock group Drop Dead Julio on Friday the 30th, starting at 9:00 p.m. A local band will share the stage to finish out the night. Cost at the door is $5; concert is open to all ages, bar open to those 21+.

I met Gene Kennedy, of Drop Dead Julio, at a popular casual restaurant, The Blue Plate Diner, in Salt Lake City some three years ago, way Way WAY before Guy Fieri went there.

While waiting for a table, I noticed a gig poster hanging in the window and said to my dining companions, "Hey! Drop Dead Hoolio," I pronounced. "I've heard of those guys; they're getting really popular, playing at all the right local clubs and bars."

That's when Kennedy came over and corrected my pronunciation, "It's Drop Dead Joolio," with a "j," not with an "h" sound. We visited for a time and have stayed in touch. I thought then, and still think now, this is a band on the to-watch list.

Kennedy told me recently, “we write songs with (fans) in mind, songs that have energy and catchy choruses that people can sing along to.” DDJ is a rock band first and foremost, with a punk-pop side. Think Green Day meets Papa Roach. By popular vote, they played Warped Tour in Salt Lake City, sharing the stage with After Midnight Project. They’ve worked with The Lemonheads, Royal Bliss and 12 Stones, as well as being featured performers for several northern Utah radio stations.

Drop Dead Julio will have CD’s, “Lack of Direction” and “The Stories We Could Tell,” and t-shirts for sale at the show. For more, visit www.myspace.com/dropdeadjulio.

Back at the Flipside Lounge, No More Existence, Forgiveness Denied and Spawning Fondness are in concert on Friday at 8:00 p.m. And Portneuf Valley Brewing (map) brings the ever-popular Swingshift to their stage at 8:30.

Country fans will be pleased to hear that Moulton Jess will be playing at the Rubicon Bar in the Ramada Inn in Chubbuck (map) on Friday night. And Ande Conda will play rock covers at Taps Bar on Garrett Way (map) on both Friday and Saturday night, 9:00 p.m.

Considering an alternative to Trick Or Treating on Halloween? 7 Feet Below, Pocatello’s most popular band of under-17’s, is playing rock covers and a few originals in the loft of Portneuf Valley Brewing. Whew!

For in-depth interviews and more information, visit http://slowloosegravel.blogspot.com.

Linda Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Local Live Music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Monday, October 26, 2009

The First Ladies - video

Who: The First Ladies - read interview
What: A new video
Where: Boise, Idaho
When: October, 2009

Hi there, We just wanted to let you know that we have finished our new music video and it turned out really well.



The video was directed by our friend Aidan Brezonick. He is an up-and-coming director from Boise and winner of Boise's I-48 film festival this summer with his film 'Cached.' This video is the first of many that Aidan has planned with us. The main character is played by Evan Sesek, a local Boise actor.

Micah Smith

myspace.com/firstladiesmusic
firstladiesmusic.com

Ah Holly Fam'ly plays at new club in Pocatello

Who: Ah Holly Fam'ly, with Ohioan, Kratz Bros. Band
What: In Concert
Where: The Flipside Lounge - map
When: Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.
How Much: $5 at the door

There will be a great concert on Thursday, Oct 29th at 8pm at the new Flipside Lounge (117 S. Main) with Ah Holly Fam'ly on tour from Portland, playing Americana / Indie / Folk. They just released their first album on Lucky Madison Records, which is excellent. The band Ohioan will be playing with them, as well as the local Kratz Bros. Band as an opening act.

The cover charge is $5.

You can check out Ah Holly Fam'ly at myspace.com/ahhollyfamly and Ohioan at myspace.com/oryne.

Finn Riggins

Riot Act Media
5405 NE 39th Ave PDX, OR 97211
Finn Riggins Plays Pocatello, November 6th!

Hello,

Just a quick note to let you know Idaho's Finn Riggins is coming Pocatello on November 6th at Benton Street.

Celebrating the release of Vs Wilderness, the band has been on tour for two solid months with one more to go. They even managed to snag an opening slot with their fellow hometown rockers Built To Spill for their NW Tour.

If you haven't heard this trio's stellar take on elaborate indie rock yet, please let me know. The album has been garnering praise everywhere! Get in touch asap to speak with the band for your preview.

Thanks,

Nathan

TOUR DATES:

11.01.09 - PHOENIX, AZ @ The Ruby Room
11.03.09 - PROVO, UT @ house show
11.04.09 - SALT LAKE CITY, UT @ The Woodshed
11.05.09 - LOGAN, UT @ Why Sound
11.06.09 - POCATELLO, ID @ Benton Street
11.07.09 - REXBURG, ID @ Hogi Yogi's Attic
11.11.09 - BOISE, ID @ Neurolux
11.12.09 - MOSCOW, ID @ John's Alley

11.13.09 - PORTLAND, OR @ Wonder Ballroom *
11.14.09 - PORTLAND, OR @ Wonder Ballroom *
11.15.09 - EUGENE, OR @ Wow Hall *
11.17.09 - BELLINGHAM, WA @ The Nightlight *
11.18.09 - VANCOUVER, BC @ Commodore Ballroom *
11.19.09 - SEATTLE, WA @ The Showbox *
11.20.09 - SEATTLE, WA @ The Showbox *
11.21.09 - SPOKANE, WA @ Knitting Factory *

* DATES WITH BUILT TO SPILL 11/13 - 11/21

12.02.09 - SALT LAKE CITY, UT @ Kilby Court
12.03.09 - VAIL, CO @ Agave
12.04.09 - DENVER, CO @ Hi-Dive
12.05.09 - NEDERLAND, CO @ First Street Pub

Watch: "Wake (Keep This Town Alive)"

Directed and Shot by Jason Sievers

“Finn Riggins. The peak. They shocked and stunned: Truly amazing, like a locomotive storming into a barn... in years to come this could be the band you wish you were on the front wave of.”

Zaph Mann, OPB Music

"This exceedingly eccentric indie rock trio from Idaho knows an understated anthem when it sees one. Witness the amazing "Dali" which deceptively commences as a sexy neo-soul offering, then graduates to a full- fledged song of praise worthy of the mighty Bono."

Tom Semioli, Amplifier


Sunday, October 25, 2009

Interview with Drop Dead Julio

Who: Drop Dead Julio - website
What: Rock band, in concert, with 2AM Logic - interview
Where: Benton Street Bar & Grill, Pocatello, Idaho - map
When: Friday, October 30, 2009, 9:00 p.m.
How Much: $5 cover at the door


I met Gene Kennedy, of Drop Dead Julio, at a popular casual restaurant, The Blue Plate Diner, in Salt Lake City. I'm not sure exactly when it was, but it must have been early to mid 2007, way Way WAY before Guy Fieri went there.

As we waited for a table, I noticed a gig poster hanging in the window and said to my dining companions, "Hey! Drop Dead Hoolio," I pronounced. "I've heard of those guys; they're getting really popular, playing at all the right local clubs and bars."

That's when Gene came over and corrected my pronunciation, "It's Drop Dead Joolio," with a "j," not with an "h" sound. And we visited a bit about their upcoming gigs, where they've played and where they're going. When I got home, I sent a friend request on MySpace, and we've stayed in contact ever since.

Why it's taken me this long to get an interview, I don't know. And I expect Gene doesn't even remember that first meeting. But I do, and I'm now correcting a long-time oversight.


GK: Drop Dead Julio is about all of us having a great time together. We’re really a fan-centered band. We write songs with them in mind, songs that have energy and catchy choruses that people can sing along to. Whether there’s a crowd surfing blow up doll or we’re just poking fun at each other, the live show is where we connect and have fun with people. Come to our Oct. 30th show at Benton Street Grill in Pocatello or our Nov. 7th show at The Knitting Factory in Boise and see it for yourself!

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?

GK: We’re a rock band first and foremost but we do have that punk-pop side of us as well. You could say it’s a cross between Green Day and Papa Roach. Lyrically we tackle some serious subjects but we also have those party songs too. No matter what the topic, the songs are always upbeat and very melody driven with big harmony vocals. We do some occasional screaming too even though we’re not a “scream” band.

Fans really like “The Break Up,” “The Youth are Disillusioned” and “Breaking News.”

One thing our fans also really like is the fact that we take cover songs and put our own twist on them. For example, watch our version of "Hit Me Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears.
(Click here for video.)

Gene Kennedy – Vocals/Guitar
James Checrallah — Bass
Brian Jensen — Guitar/Vocals
James Julio (Julie-OH)- Drums

GK: We’ve been a band for 4 years now our name is a mocking joke on our drummer.

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

GK: I’m from Southern California, and the punk scene down there definitely influences my writing. I moved to Salt Lake City from Reno in 2006 and formed Drop Dead Julio shortly after. DDJ is a Salt Lake City band.

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

GK: We had an amazing summer locally. Drop Dead Julio just played Warped Tour in Salt Lake City, sharing the stage with After Midnight Project. We also opened for The Lemonheads, Royal Bliss and 12 Stones over the summer. 97.5 The Blaze invited us on their Wednesday Rocks concert series at the Gallivan Center. FOX 13 also recently featured the band in a live performance at Liquid Joe’s, and this is actually our 4th visit to the Pocatello/Idaho Falls area.

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

GK: We are playing an all-ages rock show at the Benton Street Grill, Friday, October 30. We’ll hit the stage at 10 p.m., play for an hour maybe longer, and then 2AM Logic from Idaho Falls will headline. It’s just our two bands, but we’re gonna throw it down and put on a great show for everyone. Even though it’s all-ages anyone over 21 can drink at Benton Street, and it’s only $5 to get in.

We are also playing Boise Saturday November 7th @ The Knitting Factory with our friends in Abrupt Edge.


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?

GK: It’s work, work, work but, it’s rewarding work! We treat Drop Dead Julio as a full-time job. Every day we promote online and I think honestly, the internet is the best way to get your music out. Playing tight, high-energy shows is also crucial to keeping your name alive, but you have to work hard to get people there.

We’re playing all-ages more and more, because the kids are great to us and they’re so excited about the music. We’re excited too and any chance we have to play for a crowd, any type of crowd, we make the most of those opportunities. All I can say is that we’re living our dream one day at a time!




Back in March we also did a short movie-trailor style documentary on the making of our latest CD, “The Stories We Could Tell.” (Click here to check it out.)

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

GK: We’ll have copies of both our CDs for sale, “Lack of Direction” and our latest, “The Stories We Could Tell.” Those are $5 each and our t-shirts are $10 each.

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

GK: Fans can text us by signing up at www.broadtexter.com/DDJ, OR They can email us @ dropdeadjulio@gmail.com.

We can also be reached at www.myspace.com/dropdeadjulio, www.twitter.com/dropdeadjulio and on Facebook. Add us, we’ll definitely write you back!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Interview with Brad Shaw of The Silent Partner

Who: The Silent Partner - website
What: Acoustic Concert - parents' night out
Where: Idaho State University in Goranson Hall Fine Arts Building - map
When: Friday, October 30, 2009 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
How Much: FREE!


The Silent Partner is a band centered around singer and songwriter Bradford Shaw. His debut album "Fall Away" was nominated 2005 Independent Rock Album of the Year for the Los Angeles Music Awards, while Shaw himself received a nomination for Singer/Songwriter of the Year in 2004 & won the award in 2007. Based out of Los Angeles, CA and originally from Detroit, MI this artist is a mix of piano, banjo, harmonica, and guitar looped for an acoustic rock sound all it's own.

When touring solo the music can be described more accurately as an acoustic piano and guitar rock show that encompasses a looping style similar to Howie Day and uses piano, guitar, harmonica and banjo within the show along with strong crowd interaction. Frontman Brad Shaw has been in several bands that have toured with Jason Mraz, The Go Go's, Chantal Kreviazsuk, Frankie Perez, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Keb Mo, The Why Store, Tyrone Wells, Ernie Halter, Jay Nash, Bushwalla, Agents of Good Roots and many more.


Accolades:

- L.A. Music Awards Independent Rock Album of the Year Nominee 2005
- Los Angeles Music Awards Singer/Songwriter of the Year 2004 & 2007
- Played on nearly 200 college/independent radio stations nationwide
- Toured in 28 states and played over 600 shows
- Alternate cast member for ABC’s “The One: Making a Music Star” Fall 2006
- “Fall Away” in movie release “Coffee Date” Summer 2006
- Garageband.com featured band June 2006
- Sonicbids.com featured band June 2006
- Godsofmusic.com featured band 2003
- Winner WIUS Songwriting competition

Colleges Played: Indiana University, Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Purdue University, Michigan State University, University of New Mexico, Northern Arizona University, Depauw University (IN), Santa Clara University (CA), Jackson College (IL), Wabash College (IN), Bridgewater State College (MA), University of California Santa Cruz, Northwest College (WY), Idaho State University, West Texas A&M, University of Texas-El Paso, Metro State College of Denver.

Radio Play:
200+ Stations playing The Silent Partner (25 charted)

I caught up with Brad Shaw to get more information on his music, his career, and his upcoming shows in southeast Idaho.

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?

BS: Typically we’d qualify the music as an alternative acoustic rock, but I’ve heard a lot of people say different things from “power piano rock” to Ben Folds Five crossed with a jam band. Personally, I like that one because I’m a huge Ben Folds fan. I definitely hear hints of Jason Mraz in the newer stuff.

The three most crowd pleasing songs we tend to play are usually Fall Away (off the debut album), Stephanie, and Drift.


On tour:
Brad Shaw – Vocals, piano, guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica
Fritz Zar – Drums, Cajon

BS: This is my line up for this tour, but I have a full band that I hire back in Los Angeles which includes Joe Ayoub (touring bassist for Enrique Iglesias and Liz Phair). I’ve also played as the guitarist for the Michelle Penn band.

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

BS: We’re based out of Los Angeles, California, and I’m originally from just outside Detroit, Michigan. Fritz is from Southern California.

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

BS: I’ve played in the past at the House of Blues in Hollywood, Anaheim, Chicago, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, and Orlando, and have toured in 28 states playing over 700 shows at numerous awesome venues beyond that. I hope to make it to all 50 some day.

This coming week, we are playing at Senang Wine Bar on Oct. 29th and at Idaho State University in the Fine Arts Building on October 30th. We’ll be up in Idaho Falls at Vino Rosso on October 31st and finishing up at The Cellar in Ammon, ID on November 3rd. All show dates and scheduled show times can be viewed at
www.sonicbids.com/thesilentpartner.

Oct 29, 2009 Thursday
7:30 PM
Senang Wine Bar & Tapas
815 South 1st Street
Pocatello, ID 83201
Set Time: 7:30-10:00pm
Solo Acoustic Show – All Ages
208.478.6732
www.senangtapas.com

Oct 30, 2009 Friday
Idaho State University (in Goranson Hall Fine Arts Building)
921 South 8th Ave.
Pocatello, ID 83209
Parents Night Out! – All Ages Free Show
Set Time: 7-9pm
Cost: Free!
Acoustic Show
www.isu.edu

Oct 31, 2009 Saturday
Vino Rosso Wine Bar
439 A Street
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 525-8466
Set Time: 8-10pm
Free all ages acoustic duo show
www.vinorossoidaho.com

Nov 3, 2009 Tuesday
The Cellar
3520 E. 17th Street
Ammon, ID 83406
(208) 525-9300
Duo Acoustic Show – Free All Ages
Set Time: 7:00-9:30pm
www.thecellar.biz

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?

BS: Playing live is the best way to get the music out there. There’s no doubt that it’s a labor of love though. Word of mouth is what gets the biggest spread for us publicity wise, so if you like our music, please let others know about us!



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

BS: Debut album “Fall Away” was nominated for Independent Rock Album of the Year for the Los Angeles Music Awards and will be on sale at shows as well as new EP release “Random” which is the first four EP’s to be released over the next year.

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

www.myspace.com/thesilentpartner
www.thesilentpartner.com
www.reverbnation.com/thesilentpartner
Facebook search: Brad Shaw – The Silent Partner

Friday, October 23, 2009

A benefit concert for Poky Free Bikes, Oct. 30, 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009
8:00 p.m.

No More Existence
Forgiveness Denied
Spawning Fondness

Wear a costume!
$4 cover at the door
A benefit for Poky Free Bikes

at

Flispide
117 S. Main Street
Pocatello, Idaho - map


Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Column for October 21, 2009

Two big concerts this week in southeast Idaho: tonight and tomorrow night. And there is plenty of live music at the regular haunts over the weekend.

Tonight, Boys Like Girls headlines a pop punk concert at the El Rey Event Center in Blackfoot (map). Doors open at 5:30; concert starts at 6:30. Tickets are $26.50 plus fees, available at CD World in Idaho Falls, Budget Tapes and Records in Pocatello or online at www.eastidahoconcerts.com.

Based in Boston, MA, Boys Like Girls is a four-piece band, with vocalist and guitarist Martin Johnson, lead guitarist Paul DiGiovanni, Bryan Donahue on bass and drummer John Keefe Their music is in the genre of Jimmy Eat World, Blink-182 or perhaps Dashboard Confessional.

Boys Like Girls’ first effort was a self-titled album in 2006, now certified Gold. The band is on tour in support of their most recent album, “Love Drunk,” released last month. It’s done well so far, hitting #1 on the U.S. Rock Charts. For more, visit the Boys Like Girls official website at www.boyslikegirls.com.

Cobra Starship is another pop punk band, perhaps best known for the single “Good Girls Go Bad.” And perhaps also known for a recent news story stemming from the MTV Awards show in Los Angeles. Mike Wentz, known for the Chicago-based Fall Out Boy and host of an MTV program, printed the personal phone number of Cobra Starship’s vocalist Gabe Saporta on a T-shirt and wore it to the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Saporta was inundated with phone calls, but got his revenge by revealing Wentz’ e-mail address at the Los Premios MTV awards in Los Angeles. Ah, youth.

For more on Cobra Starship, visit www.cobrastarship.com. The Maine is an emo/ pop punk band from Phoenix, Arizona, online at www.wearethemaine.net.

Thursday night’s big show is at the Idaho Falls Civic Auditorium (map), where Kenny Loggins joins with Jimmy Messina in concert at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $43 to $39, available online at www.idahofallsarts.org.

Loggins and Messina first joined efforts over 35 years ago, forming one of the most popular and successful duos of the 70’s, and they’re credited by many for defining the rock / country sound of that time. Expect them to play many of their classic hits, “Danny’s Song,” “House at Pooh Corner” and “Your Mama Don’t Dance.”

There has been a difficult 30-year break-up between Loggins and Messina, but recent talks cleared the air, making this 46-city tour possible. Now, they’re putting a fresh spin on their classic tunes. It's also about two musicians who have managed to turn friction into friendship. During the break-up, Loggins pursued a solo career and Messina worked with Poco. For more on the tour, visit www.kennyloggins.com/tour.

Over the weekend, several popular local and regional bands are hitting their regular spots. On Friday the 23rd, Ande Conda plays classic rock and hard rock covers at the Benton Street Bar & Grill on S. 2nd Avenue in Pocatello (map). Music starts at 9:00 p.m.

And on both Friday and Saturday nights, Kaught Lookin’ takes the stage at Taps Bar on Garrett Way (map), starting at 9:00 p.m.

At Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Avenue (map), locally-based acoustic musicians Bob Picard, Steve Byers and Greg Mladenka team up for a performance on Friday night starting at 8:30 p.m. There is no cover, and the venue is open to all ages.

On Saturday the 24th, Salt Lake City’s The Gorgeous Hussies will make their debut appearance at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 8:30 to 11:00 p.m. The group is known for their jam rock. The three-piece, with Jordon Olsen on guitar, John Chatelain on bass and drummer Ryan Smith, is best described as an alternative jam band. “To our knowledge we’re the first to describe music that way,” Olson commented, “but we think it’s the most fitting sub-genre that describes our live show.”

The group has inspiration from the likes of Umphrey's McGee, Perpetual Groove and fusion bands like Robert Walters and Galactic. “But we can’t escape our rock tendencies,” Olson said, “so we’ve done our best to find a balance of both worlds.” Find out more at www.myspace.com/thegorgeoushussies.

And on Monday of next week, the 26th, Attica, Dr. Acula, American Me, Chelsea Grin and Neckbrace are in concert at Studio 208, located at 633 S. 2nd Ave. in Pocatello (map). The venue is open to all ages; tickets for the show are $10. Find out more about the show and the new venue at www.myspace.com/studio208idaho.

Linda Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Local Live Music
www.myspace.com/showmetheband
slowloosegravel.blogspot.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Mike Schikora in Pocatello, Fri. Oct. 2

Mike Schikora
Country & Blues
Benton Street Bar & Grill, Pocatello, ID
Friday, October 2, 2009. 9pm - 2am

"If you can live without the necessities, you can afford the luxuries!"

This is the motto songwriter/artist Mike Schikora has been living by for over f ive years now. Since then he has ridden his horse twice over the Continental Divide where he lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, started a Half Arabian Sporthorse breeding business, became a partner in his own indie record label Front Range Records, and continues to write new songs for his own Publishing Company Tuck And Go Music.


Mike Schikora has come a long way since he first arrived in Nashville in 1987 where shortly after he landed a publishing deal as a staff songwriter. Fine tuning his writing paired with his powerful, unique high lonesome tenor Mike received a lot of attention during those 7 years spent in Nashville. Playing at all the clubs and getting passed on by all the major record labels didn't discourage his ambition. It made him stronger and more driven! Mike was ready to keep at it until a well known industry friend who he respected highly advised Mike he felt his songs were getting 'to Nashville' and some time spent off Music Row may do him some good. A hard decision, yet one Mike respected and honored. A move to the Rocky mountains of Colorado proved to be exactly what Mike needed. Getting back to the mountains was reminiscent of Mike's youth growing up in the northwest corner of Montana.



His lyrics are much better now than ever, and he still has that mature strong tenor to back up his catchy melodies. From the simple straight ahead country shuffle in his song 'Colorado Cowboy', to the amazing blues fiddle work on 'Poor Lonely Me', to the anthem feel of his tribute to his hometown "Montana Skies", showcase exactly that!

Mike Schikora has compiled enough original music to record his new CD "Whats Old Is New Again".

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