Column for November 18, 2009

We have a reasonably quiet week of live music in the Pocatello area – a fine time to catch some locally-based music acts that you may have missed in busier weeks.

On Friday the 20th Blind Autumn, an instrumental rock / jazz combo, performs at the Vinyl Perk, located on Main Street in downtown Pocatello (map). Music starts at 7:00 p.m.; free and open to the public of all ages.

“Our style is kind of a fusion of rock and jazz. We mix in some funk, reggae, blues, and other stuff. There's a lot of variety in our songs,” says Patrick Kennedy, drummer for Blind Autumn. “Some of our songs could be considered straight-up rock while others are a lot jazzier.”

Isaac Frantz plays alto sax with Blind Autumn, joined by guitarist John Hunt and Terran Engle on bass. The group has been playing together for about a year and a half. Listen for their signature song, “Topsy Turvy,” which starts out with a catchy melody on the sax, and the whole thing builds to a guitar/sax duo at the end.

Based in Pocatello, the members of Blind Autumn are all seniors at Pocatello High School. This is their second performance at the Vinyl Perk, they’ve played a few fundraisers and had a gig at the College Market last month.

About this upcoming show at the Perk, Kennedy said, “We want anyone who's curious to come check us out.” He went on to comment that Pocatello has a good music scene, particularly considering its size. “There are a lot of really cool local bands to see if you look for them.” And Kennedy sees the fact that the Vinyl Perk is open to all ages as a plus. “I don't think a person should have to be 21 to get a chance to enjoy live music.”

Well said. For more on Blind Autumn, visit www.myspace.com/blindautumn.

And later in the evening on Friday night, for the 21+ crowd, the locally-based rock cover band Kaught Lookin’ is scheduled at Duffy’s Bar on Main Street in Pocatello (map). No cover; music starts at 9:00 p.m.

On Friday starting at 8:30 p.m., singer / songwriter Fred Anderson will be performing blues, folk and acoustic rock at Portneuf Valley Brewing, located in the warehouse district on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello (map). And on Saturday the 21st, solo musician Pete Mason from Libby, MT returns to the brewery for a concert. For more on Mason, visit www.myspace.com/waysideblue. No cover for either show, both open to all ages.

On Friday and Saturday nights, Plain Jane, an oldies rock cover band takes the stage at Taps Bar on Garrett Way (map). No cover, music starts at 9:00 p.m., open to those 21+.

Saturday the 21st, it’s time for the ISU Marketing Association’s battle of the bands, Pokapalooza Warped. Only it isn’t so warped this time – most of the bands on the billing are metal bands, rather than the skater / post-punk bands of the Warped Tour. Nonetheless, it’s a great way to showcase local music talent.

Pokapalooza doors open at 6:30 p.m., in the Pond Student Union building on the Idaho State University campus (map). Tickets are $10 at the door.

The Pokapalooza project gives ISU marketing students some hands-on experience with event promotion. On the bill this year, a hardcore / thrash jamband Above And Below, you can find at www.myspace.com/calgotadoublepedal. Edessa, a hardcore / punk / metal project out of the members of Neckbrace is online at www.myspace.com/edessa47. The Associates, who I’ve never heard before and Crimson Overcast, an acoustic rock band with punk sounds, found at www.myspace.com/crimsonovercast. Also Sidelined, perhaps the mosted ‘warped’ band of the group, found at www.myspace.com/sidelinedrocks.

The winning band will be featured on K-Bear's "4 locals only" program. The first 50 people through the door will receive a free event t-shirt, complements of the ISU Marketing Association and local business sponsors, including Syringa Wireless, Salty's Ink Tattoo, The Buzz Shop, JBI Paintball, Play N Trade, Tough Guy Lanes, and E-Fresh.

For more on the ISU Marketing Association and the Pokapalooza Warped: Battle of the bands, contact Dan Hill at (208) 380-2648.

One last, quick grace note. Fans of Royal Bliss will be pleased to hear they’re releasing a new CD, “Live and Acoustic in Studio A.” The CD is now available for pre-order at www.royalbliss.com/store, available world-wide on November 24, 2009.

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