Column for December 30, 2009

With the Christmas holiday behind us, it’s now time to look forward to New Year’s celebrations. New Year’s Eve is on Thursday, and the area’s live music haunts are bringing in their favorite bands to usher in a new year, a new decade.

At Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello, they’re not only ushering in a new year, they’re ushering in a new band. The pub will host the initial eruption of Volcano, a newly-formed, locally-based five-piece dance band.

Open to all ages, the music starts at 10:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and continues after midnight. The brewery is offering dinner specials and complementary champagne, for those 21+, at midnight for the dance party.

Volcano combines the best of classic jazz, soulful R&B, and infectious Latin rhythms to create a sound that propels the listener to the dance floor. The members of the band are Rik Ballard on drums, Allen Ross on percussion and vocals, keyboardist Sean Jackson also sings with Collin Miller on guitars and Bob Tuell plays alto and tenor saxophones.

For more information on Portnuef Valley Brewing’s New Year’s Eve party, call (208) 232-1644 or visit www.myspace.com/portneufvalleybrewing or www.portneufvalleybrewing.com for reservations and show information.

Taps Bar on Garrett Way in Pocatello is ringing in the new with songs from the old, rock covers from the 60’s, 70’s and now from Plain Jane. Music starts at 9:00 p.m., and expect door prizes, giveaways and surprises from Taps at their party, open to those 21+. There is no cover.

Plain Jane, with the motto “Fun Music for Fun People,” was a hit area band some 10 years ago. They reformed last year; the current line-up has Jeff Hammer fronting the band on vocals, backed by Maurice Ross and Richard Henry on guitars, Darwin Edwards on bass and drummer Frank True.

Expect to hear covers of classic rock, blues and soul like “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Take It Easy,” “Long Cool Woman” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” With decades of stage experience, Plain Jane knows how to entertain, knows how to throw a party and knows how to please a crowd. The band is booked at Taps through the weekend.

Find out more about Plain Jane at plainjanemusic.com. Contact Taps Bar at (208) 233-0210 for more information.

Duffy’s Tavern on North Main Street in Pocatello is bringing in a bar favorite: Kaught Lookin’ takes the stage at 9:00 p.m. to get the New Year’s Eve party started. Duffy’s will have party favors, hats, noise-makers and champagne at midnight to welcome in the new year.

Kaught Lookin’ is fronted by vocalist Ed Horn, and backed by guitarist Rick Veilleux , Mark Clawson on bass, Tony Roberts on drums.

Originally formed in 2006, Kaught Lookin’ plays classic rock favorites from ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Foghat, Cheap Trick, 3 Doors Down, Nickelback, and more, as well as reviving Exit 69 originals from their 2002 CD. They’re booked through the weekend at Duffy’s. You can find Kaught Lookin’ online at www.myspace.com/kaughtlookin. Contact Duffy’s at (208) 233-9142 for more information.

In Idaho Falls, 2am Logic, an alt. rock, post-grunge band, is hosting a Jagermeister party at The 840 (formerly Chic’s Lounge). And Stiff Richard is scheduled to play rock covers on New Year’s Eve and through the weekend at Karen’s Park Avenue Club.

One of my favorite ways to release the old year and bring in the new is to visit Lava Hot Springs, have a soak and head over to the the Blue Moon Bar. They will will have New Year’s Eve party games, drink and food specials, door prizes and champagne at midnight. The house band, Mirror Image, is set to play classic rock covers from Tom Petty, Cream, Nickleback, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cake, AC/DC and many more.

Mirror Image is Tom, Chris and Travis Prather and Bobby Jones. The band is a regular at the Blue Moon and several other area music venues. Find out more at www.myspace.com/mirrorimageidaho or call the Blue Moon at (208) 776-5077.

Area local live music continues through the weekend. On Friday, January 1st, Bowman, Garrison and Bowman are set to play acoustic music at Portneuf Valley Brewing. And on Saturday the 2nd, singer / songwriter Fred Anderson plays the pub. Music starts at 8:30.

In Idaho Falls on Saturday the 2nd, Ixxion, Denots, 2am Logic and more play a hard rock / metal show at the Shilo Inn. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. Call the Shilo at (208) 523-0088 for more information.

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