Interview with 2 AM Logic

Who: 2am Logic
What: CD Release Party
Where: First National Bar, Pocatello, ID - map
When: Friday, April 3rd, 2009, 8:00 p.m.
How Much: $5 at the door

I caught up with Todd Thompson, guitarist and vocalist for 2am Logic about their new CD and upcoming shows in S. Idaho.

Peace and Rock, baby, Peace and Rock.

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

TT: 2am Logic is a modern rock band. Not too heavy, melody driven with thick guitar riffs driving our sound. With story songs like Private Hell, spiteful songs like Get Bent, and ballads such as Bottled and Gone, we can run an audience through a full range of emotions, while keeping a high energy level throughout. I think that explains our broad appeal when it comes to our fan base. We have older and younger fans, we have people from all walks of life and a wide variety of musical tastes that dig our tunes. And that's always a good thing.

SLG: Describe the new CD in particular. As best as you can, what kind of other bands can we compare this music to?

TT: Our CD, Shattered, is out this week. It's a twelve-track, full-scale view of 2am Logic as a band. It starts with Again (For the Moment) and rolls though a great snapshot of our influences, from the bluesy Italy to the acoustic Soul For Sale. Overall, Shattered reflects our style.

We even had our good friend Scott Taylor [The Unread] co-write and be a guest vocalist on Human, and we are extremely proud of the work he put into this album. Mad props to Mr. Taylor; he's one hell of a producer and a great musician to work with.

To compare to other bands: 3 Days Grace meets Seether, but with a touch of blues/jazz thrown into the mix.

SLG: Who is in 2am Logic and what do they play? How long has this line-up been together?

Dustin Thueson – Guitars

Shawn “Piklz” Ringel – Drums
Kathy Brown – Bass
Cody Scheer – Guitars
Todd Thompson – Guitars, Vocals

In my humble opinion, we are a great mix of seasoned vets and young raw talent, with 3 of our members being in several previous bands, and the other two in their first band.

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

TT: Rigby/Idaho falls, with 4 out of 5 born right here in Eastern Idaho.

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

TT: We’ve shared the stage with a couple of great touring acts already this year, Pop Evil and Rev Theory, and in July we get to open for Great White and Firehouse at Sandy Downs in IF. That show is called Rock The Falls and will be hosted by Ambre Lake (from Rock of Love 2).

Upcoming Pocatello shows include April 19th with Broke City and Witness the Forecast at Barrie's, which should be a great all ages show.

Our tour schedule is listed at www.myspace.com/2amlogic if you’d like more details on any of our upcoming gigs.

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

TT: Friday, April 3rd at The First National Bar is our CD release party. We snared some great bands to play along side us for this one: Scratch, an Idaho Falls straight-up rock band is kicking off the night, followed by Haxsaw Ridge, a solid heavy rock band, with The Unread next (those guys need no introduction, they’re one of the best bands out there) and then 2am Logic finishing off the night.

Basically we chose our favorite local bands to join us. And even though they all represent slightly different genres, the binding thread between all of them is great melodies with addicting guitar riffs, which is exactly what makes them great bands.

Doors are at 8pm, show at 9pm, and there’s a $5 cover charge. It’s 21 and up only, but if you are underage we encourage you to check out our show at Barrie's on the 19th; its all ages.

2am Logic - Photo by Scott Taylor

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?

TT: The local music scene? I can’t say enough about the quality of musicians here and what great guys and gals they are. When I first came to Eastern Idaho I didn’t think there was much in the way of local music. But the more opportunities we've had to work with other local bands, the more I saw that not only are there some really talented players here, but they are all really cool people and have the common goal of promoting not just their bands but the whole scene. That kind of unselfish mentality creates a great atmosphere – check your ego at the door and let’s jam

SLG: Amen, my brothuh. Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

TT: CDs, of course! T-shirts and necklaces as well. The necklaces are made by Kathy Brown and Alicia Thompson and incorporate guitar picks with 2am Logic’s logo. Each one’s unique; they’re really cool.

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

TT: Myspace is the way to go. But if you are at a show, we encourage you to come talk to us (we don’t bite, well, sometimes Piklz does but he’s had his shots). Its always good to talk to people face to face; the internet is too impersonal.

Interview with Cromwell

Who: Cromwell
What: In concert
Where: Barrie's at the Westwood Mall, Pocatello, ID - map
When: Friday, April 3rd, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
How Much: $7 at the door

Also playing at the New Song Underground, Salt Lake City, UT, April 2nd, 2009, 5:00 p.m.

Kenny Russell- Vocals / Keys

Markus Estrada- Guitar
Scott Deloyer- Bass
Marty Elliott- Drums

"Over the past few years, Cromwell has emerged as a veritable juggernaut among the hordes of rock acts in the Southern California area, contending for the same end. What sets them apart, though, is a keen determination and a sound/image that is tighter than…well, let’s get our minds out of the gutter. Suffice to say, it’s tight. Their fan-base is rabid (just check out the tattoos on their MySpace page), and the people immediately surrounding the band all attest to Cromwell’s unwavering dedication to their goal." ~ Cromwell

I asked Kenny Russell, vocalist for Cromwell, a few questions about their music, their upcoming appearance in Pocatello and just music in general.

SLG: Describe your music and what are some of your fans' favorite songs? Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

KR: Its kind of hard to describe our genre of music. I would say - melodic hard rock. Our 3 best crowd pleasing songs are Better Days, Cry, and Almost Midnight. All of them off of Illusion and Obsession CD. We appeal to our fans musically because what we play is diverse from a lot of other bands out there. Our music goes from one extreme to the next; its not repetitive. As far as appealing to them in our live show, it would be the crowd response and energy. Like most bands, we get hyped from our crowd and feed off them.

Formed some four years ago, Cromwell is based in Rialto, California, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles.

We dont like to brag. But we love playing the Whiskey A Go Go and The Key Club, both Hollywood, CA venues. We will be playing our first show in the Pocatello area on April 3rd @ Ball Brothers, and we are very excited to be coming to town!

SLG: Describe your concert. What can ppl expect if they come to this show?

KR: Well it is Friday April 3rd @ the Ball Brothers' new venue. It starts at 7 p.m.; the cost is $7 dollars. We are playing with Kill the Mockingbird, Riots of Eighty and Aaron Ball's Somewhere in the Middle. For other show info you can go to our myspace music page - www.myspace.com/cromwell or the venue's site which is www.myspace.com/ballbrothersmusic. You can expect us to be there with a smile on our faces and plenty of Cougar groupies.

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?

KR: There are many amazing bands coming out of the local music scene. There are tons of them also coming out of California; we were glad to be one of them. The music industry is cut throat and saturated, but it seems like new doors are opening everyday. My opinion as far as the best way of getting your music out there is touring!

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

KR: Yes we will have two CD's, one EP and one LP and also some merchandise, shirts, stickers, hoodies, etc.

SLG: What's the best way for fans to stay in contact you? Myspace? or another website?

MySpace is the best way. We still run our own MySpace, we love to talking to new fans and friends so feel free to write us any time!

Cromwell

Record Store Day, April 18, 2009

Who: Independent Record Stores
What: Record Store Day
When: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Where: Nationwide

ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2009, hundreds of independently-owned music stores across the country will celebrate Record Store Day.

On this day, all of these stores will simultaneously link and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.

Support music and locally-owned businesses on Record Store Day!

Participating Stores

In IDAHO:
Big Hole Music, Driggs
Record Exchange, Boise
The Long Ear, Coeur d'Alene

In UTAH:
Graywhale, Salt Lake City
Slowtrain, Salt Lake City
Positively 4th St Music, Salt Lake City
Groovacious, Cedar City
Sgt Peppers Music & Video, Moab

Recent Royal Bliss Tour News

Keep up-to-date with Royal Bliss on the Road

Streak of bad luck won't keep Royal Bliss from playing Tucson
By: Becca Lesser for the Wildcat in Arizona

There isn't much that will keep Royal Bliss from rockin', but that's not to say the band hasn't experienced their fair share of misfortune.

First, there was lead singer Neal Middleton's fall from a 35-foot balcony. Then, drummer Jake Smith flipped his car, and guitarist Chris Harding was left with his face split open and jaw wired shut after a skiing accident.

At the point when most bands would have called it quits, Royal Bliss soldiered on.

"We just kept playing through all that, and we were in the studio. We just kept dealing with the pain and pushing through it," said Middleton. When Royal Bliss takes the stage at the Rialto Theater on Monday night, fans can expect to hear the influence of these hardships in the band's newer songs.

"For us, all those things just made us stronger, made us a better band, and gave us more material," said Middleton. "In the beginning, when we started off, we were all eighteen or nineteen -high schoolers - just having fun. Partying, girls, sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It was all just about having a good time. As you get a little bit older and hit more serious things, you change your whole vibe and mentality," he said. "We went from being a bar band to just more serious (music). Music helped us relax. It was like our therapy. We never really sat down and focused or thought about a direction or a sound that we wanted to sound like. It was kind of just an evolution over the time of each record."

For Royal Bliss, that meant a little less of the hardcore rock they have become known for. Instead, the band's most recent album, Life In-Between, boasts a bit more variety.

"We have those hard rockin' songs on the album, and then you also have the acoustics that are kind of mellow, like 'By & By' and 'I Don't Mind,' which almost have, like, a love-song feel to it," said Middleton.

These mellowed out songs are what allow Royal Bliss to mesh so well with their fellow bands on tour, Jet Black Stare and Candlebox.

"Candlebox is a band that … can play any one of our songs," said Middleton. "Jet Black Stare has the mellower stuff, and the melodic rock and roll. We've played with them three times and I think every show we've gotten the comment that 'Wow, you guys fit perfect together.'"

The band, which has toured with Maroon 5, Kid Rock and Buckcherry, promises a strong set for concert-goers on Monday night.

"They're gonna see a good rock show! A lot of bands get up there and pretend, and go through the motions. A lot of bands can't even play their instruments because they rely on computers. With us, we just absolutely love it. You can tell we are having a good time up there. Same with Candlebox and Jet Black Stare - you can just tell that there is a passion and we absolutely love the audience."

Buckcherry and Royal Bliss announce Midwest and East Coast concert dates:
May 12 Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 13 State Theater, Detroit, Michigan
May 17 ROCK ON THE RANGE, Columbus, Ohio
May 19 Stabler Arena, Bethlemhem, Pennsylvania
May 22 Mid Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie, New York
May 23 House Of Blues, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Find Royal Bliss on Cage Rattle.

WE DID NOTHING WRONG (acoustic) LIVE ON 95 WIIL ROCK!

Interview with Danielle French

Who: Danielle French
When: Friday, April 3rd 2009 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Portneuf Valley Brewing, Pocatello ID - map
How Much: Free

Also at Vino Rosso, Idaho Falls ID - map - on Thursday, April 2nd at 7:30 p.m.

Photograph by Marc Rimmer

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?

DF: Well, my music has been described as "beautiful strangeness", cruising through the ether as well as the underworld with artists such as Tori Amos and Tom Waits. When I record, my music is fully/professionally produced and I often bring in surprise guests such as Burton Cummings (from The Guess Who), but as an independent artist I do not always have the resources to tour with a band, so strip it down to the essence of the songs- sort of unplugged if you will- and perform solo/acoustic, just me and my beautiful 1935 Martin Archtop, Miss Kitty! [that's a sweet acoustic guitar, if you didn't know. -SLG]

One of my most recent songs that has become a real crowd pleaser is "Time to Kill" from my latest CD, Shadows. It's my Tom Waits-inspired song, and when I perform back home, I often have a trio with me that consists of accordion/violin and tuba! Kinda circus-y and strange.

In fact, this entire tour was instigated because of this song! Last year I received a grant to self-produce/direct a short film to this song and it was recently accepted into the Sedona International Film Festival in Arizona. I found out about this in early January and thought, maybe I can tour my way down? As I started booking, the tour took on a life of its own and in less than a month I had 35 dates in about 10 different states spanning over 2 1/2 months! And here I am!

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

DF: I'm from Calgary, Alberta, Canada and currently based there as well. The tour I am currently on is 2 1/2 months long and will cover approx 10 states and 35 dates! And I can already name at least 3 places I'd love to move to if given the chance! (OK, I'll tell you where they are, Austin, TX, Sedona AZ, San Francisco, CA and maybe Santa Fe, NM).

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

DF: Hmmm, the big ones would be performing at the Calgary leg of Lilith Fair and being invited on the TV show Rita McNeil and Friends in Canada, but those were both many years ago. On this tour I had the pleasure of performing at the amazing Hotel Cafe in L.A. and Ben Stiller was there for a bit! That was cool.

And I got to do an unofficial showcase at this year's SXSW music festival in Austin for the first time! What an amazing weekend!

I did perform in Pocatello before a few times, years ago, at the First National Bar. The staff was always amazing and I remember one crazy night where my brother was on tour with me. It was 3am and the bar was closed, we were packing up. I went to the bathroom and when I came out the staff and my brother were are in fencing gear and dueling on the stage! Apparently they were all taking fencing classes and they would practice after the bar was closed. Very surreal! I'll never forget it!

SLG: What can people expect if they come to your show?

DF: There won't be any opening acts; these venues are restaurants ... [open to all ages -SLG]. No cover! People can expect a great atmosphere and some great music!

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?

DF: As for the music industry in general - it is really shifting quickly. The labels are going downhill and that means there are opportunities for independent musicians to carve out a niche, but you really have to have a DIY (do-it-yourself) mentality. You are running a business and have to treat it as such and be prepared to do your own marketing, bookings, publicity, fund raising, radio tracking, management, everything! I do all of these for myself and it's a lot of work and you need to be professional on all fronts!

But when you get on the road, and meet amazing people and get to see the country and share your music, it makes it all worthwhile.

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

DF: Yes indeed. I have 3 independent CD's out:
me, myself & i (1995)
Piece (2003)
Shadows (2007)
and a DVD of my short film Time to Kill. I also have download cards of my latest CD, Shadows. I will have all of these with me.

Shadows

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

DF: Best place to reach me is through my website at www.daniellefrench.com I do have Myspace at www.myspace.com/daniellefrenchmusic. And my music is available on iTunes and other digital distribution outlets.

I also recently acquired distribution through Dynasty Records as well, so selected stores will also have my product.

Music Video for singer/songwriter Danielle French, for her song WORTHY.
Directed by Clint Adam Smyth.

Benefiting Invisible Children

Find out more at http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php

BACKGROUND

Invisible Children: The Rough Cut is a film about the plight of child soldiers and night commuters in northern Uganda. The documentary was filmed in 2003 when three young men from Southern California—Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey and Laren Poole (then 24, 21, and 20)—traveled to Sudan "to find a story".

Instead, their adventure took them into the depths of northern Uganda where they discovered thousands of people affected by the brutality and attacks of a rebel group known as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The documentary chronicles their experience as young Americans learning firsthand about a conflict largely unknown to the international community, while also informing audiences about the great humanitarian crisis of child soldiers.

Movie Trailer:


Invisible Children Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by these three young American filmmakers in order to assist children and others coping with the civil war in northern Uganda, which was the subject of their 2003 documentary film.

ARTISTS WANTED

Contribute a song to be given away for FREE DOWNLOAD from the start of the campaign on March 25th to the actual event date on April 25th on http://www.biggestlabelever.com.

Let fans know they can unlock and download your track as well as many other artists for FREE simply by watching an INVISIBLE CHILDREN AWARENESS video which is built in to the downloading process, creating awareness to thousands about the child soldiers and inspiring them to take part in this global event.



Salt Lake's Broke City announced today they have the honor of working with The Rescue & Invisible Children. "We donated 'I Feel Alive' to the charity, where you can download it FOR FREE if you register on the site. If you don't have a copy of 'I Feel Alive' please go to Biggest Label Ever and download it for an extremely good cause."

Broke City

Column for March 25, 2009

The rodeo must be just around the corner, because cowpunk, rockabilly, blues and bluegrass seem to be the theme in southeast Idaho’s live music scene this week. Oh, and there’s more. Read on.

White Trash Watson is the featured performer at the First National Bar’s open mic night on Thursday the 26th. Show up around 9 p.m.; there is no cover at the door. As the name implies, this isn't a family oriented act. White Trash Watson plays loud, fast, old school country-punk for folks who want to drink, dance, and forget about their woes for a few hours in these troubled economic times.

Fronted by Scott "Clarence" Watson on vocals and guitar, White Trash Watson is not a band that plays in the background while folks visit with friends in a bar, “we are and love to be the center of attention when on stage.”

Cowpunk is a genre first made popular in the early 80's by the Los Angeles-based band, The Gun Club. The music essentially takes standard country chord progressions and lyric subjects, adds volume, speed and attitude. Think Hank Williams meets The Ramones in a rockabilly-influenced melting pot of reverb heavy guitar, frantic upright bass, wild harmonica solos, and over the top vocals written to provoke laughter and sing-a-long memories for show goers.

Based in Pocatello, the rest of White Trash Watson is Alyse "Judy Rehab" Zendrosky on upright bass, drummer Jordan "Richard Peter" Brooks, "Painless" Brad Samuelson on harmonica, and of course front man Scott "Clarence" Watson.

“The local music scene is alive and well at the First National Bar in Pocatello. Some unbelievable local talent can be seen there every Thursday night,” Watson said. Moreover he commented, “It makes us sick to see the malignant garbage that corporate Nashville is grinding out. We, along with many other acts like Hank III, Wayne Hancock, Old 97's, Drive By Truckers just to name a few, are trying to save country music from the pop stars on GAC and CMT. That is NOT country music, its WalMart driven dribble for the musically ignorant.”

White Trash Watson expects to release their first CD this summer. For more, visit www.whitetrashwatson.com.

If you haven’t heard, there’s a new all ages live music venue in Pocatello, operated, booked and promoted by and for local musicians. Check out the old Barrie’s Ski & Sport building at 1800 Garrett Way in the Westwood Mall on Friday the 27th. Madison Lights, Burnt Orange, Heber Skies and Aaron Ball’s band Somewhere In the Middle are scheduled to play at 7 p.m. for only $5. For a full schedule, visit www.myspace.com/ballbrothersmusic.

Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello has jazz, blues, rock and bluegrass on tap this weekend. On Friday the ever-popular Swingshift takes the stage. And on Saturday the 28th, Fred and Emily Frank play bluegrass. Both shows start at 8:30 with no cover charge.

If the Rat Pack were from Sparks, Nevada instead of New York City, they'd be The Saddle Tramps. “We're the Undisputed Kings of Mobile Home Rock…. We're like a cross between George Jones and The Dickies. We sound like nails on a chalkboard,” so says Scotty Roller, front man for The Saddle Tramps, in concert on Saturday the 28th at the First National Bar.

Reverend Scotty Roller (yes, he’s a real ordained minister) leads the Saddle Tramps on vocals and guitar. Bassist “Big John” Von Nolde, drummer Mike Young, guitarist Jon Perry and Suzy Switchblade complete the band.

Formed in 1999, the band has toured every state from Houston, Texas westward and has played some legendary rooms and stages including The Derby in Hollywood, The Continental Club in Austin, The Tractor Tavern in Seattle, The Bahia Resort in San Diego, The Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas and has set attendance records in the old Golden Phoenix and the Reno Hilton in Nevada.

Expect plenty of humor mixed with danceable punkabilly music at this show. The Saddle Tramps take the stage at 9:30 p.m.; $8 cover at the door at the First National Bar on W. Center Street in Pocatello. For more, visit www.thesaddletramps.com.

If rock is more your style, head over to the Benton St. Bar & Grill on 2nd Avenue for Metal Meltdown with Altar Edge, Dr.Seuss Is Dead, Neckbrace and Haxsaw Ridge. Cost is $6 for ages 18 to 20, $5 for 21+. Music from 8:00 p.m. to 2 a.m.

One final note: the Versa Emerge concert scheduled at The Icon for Monday, March 30 has been cancelled.

Linda Alexander
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Interview with The Saddle Tramps

What: The Saddle Tramps, in concert
Where: First National Bar - map
When: Saturday, March 28, 2009
How Much: $8 at the door

If the Rat Pack were from Sparks, Nevada instead of New York City, they'd be The Saddle Tramps. Frontman for the band Rev. Scotty Roller (and yes, he's a real ordained minister) said, "We're the Undisputed Kings of Mobile Home Rock. Do you like Pearl Jam or Nirvana? And I mean old Nirvana cause the last album sucked. Well we don't sound anything like either of those bands. We're like a cross between George Jones and The Dickies. We sound like nails on a chalkboard."

REV. SCOTTY ROLLER - Vocals, Guitar, weddings, eulogies, baptisms & lawn mower repair.
"BIG JOHN" VON NOLDE - Vocals, Bass, size 48 bibs & low-speed pursuits
MIKE YOUNG - Drums & new salad dressings.
JON PERRY - Guitar, palm-reading, big game hunter and Nevada state bunko champion.
SUZY SWITCHBLADE - Fishnets, cigarettes & welfare screening

Most of the guys are from the Reno / Sparks area. However Scott and John don't like to discuss too much about their current living situation, as they are on the lam from several angry husbands and a couple of ex-wives.

The Saddle Tramps

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

The Mustang Ranch brothel would be the the most interesting venue we played. It had all the charm of a first kiss, combined with the heat of a sweaty Spanish disco. I can't recall if we ever were in Idaho before. But I'm sure looking forward to making the Pokeafellow audience uneasy.

Will there be an opening act?

I believe Captain Geech and The Shrimp Shack Shooters are opening. I hear they kill it bro.

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?

We don't know a thing about the Idaho music scene. As far as the best way to get your music out there, probably FedEx is your best bet. That's who we use.

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

Yes. They will be for sale at the show. Shirts, hair pomade and posters as well. Bring some extra scratch, you're gonna want this stuff. Hell....I want it.

How do you keep in touch with your fans?

The fans can contact us over MySpace, our website thesaddletramps.com or by smoke signal. We can also be reached with two soup cans and a string. Skywriting also works.

Thanks and we'll see you on Saturday!

Events at Portneuf Valley Brewing this week

Who: from Brew Mistress Penny Pink
What: Various events
When: March 23 - April 4, 2009
Where: Portneuf Valley Brewing - map

Every Monday - Open Mic Mondays 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.

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

This Week:

Friday (3/27) - Southeast Idaho's favorite party band, Swingshift, will be performing jazz, blues, rock and pop in the pub at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 8:30pm to 11pm. No cover charge.

Saturday (3/28) - Fred and Emily Frank from the bluegrass band New South Fork, return for "The Day Time Stood Still Concert" at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 8:30pm to 11pm in the pub. Emily Frank has assured PVB owner Penny Pink that anyone that attends this concert will never get a day older, a personal favor to Penny since it's her last day to be young.... No cover charge.

Next Week:

Friday (4/3) - To accompany Mike Ryan's spectacular photography show for First Friday Art Walk Portneuf Valley Brewing is pleased to present their first international performer. Canadian singer/songwriter Danielle French will be performing alternative acoustic folk rock in the pub at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 8:30pm to 11pm. No cover charge.

Saturday (4/4) - High country bluesman and accomplished singer/songwriter Fred Anderson from Southeast Idaho will be in concert at Portneuf Valley Brewing from 8:30pm to 11pm in the pub. No cover charge.

Portneuf Valley Brewing Artists
The featured artist in March is Kenn Belanger, a recently retired and self-taught artist whose preferred mediums include oil, watercolor and digital manipulations. The featured artist at PVB for the April First Friday Art Walk is photographer Mike Ryan.

www.portneufvalleybrewing.com
www.myspace.com/portneufvalleybrewing

Promoting Live Music - Online Event Websites

Are you in a band? Then your band had better have a MySpace page. MySpace is for live music what E-Bay is for auctions, what Google is for search engines and what YouTube is for home videos. You'd be surprised how many bands I know who do NOT have a MySpace page - it boggles my mind.

But MySpace isn't enough. Not for promoting your shows.

As many people as there are on MySpace, there are just as many on Facebook, and if they're not on either, they're on Twitter. And as many as there are on those social networks, there are ten, fifty or a hundred times as many who are NOT on either one. Get the word out ....

POWERFUL

www.zvents.com (also known as www.when.com)

For about $10, you can call in to zvents and they'll post your event for you. Or you can do it yourself for FREE. You can create an Event Page, a Venue Page or a Performer's Page. This site coordinates with cityguide.aol.com - one of the most popular search engines for local entertainment.
www.eventful.com
Post your event for free. The site also has The Demand, encouraging users to connect with friends via other social networks, like Facebook, to bring favored performers to the area.

upcoming.yahoo.com
Anyone who uses Yahoo! as their homepage is alerted to local events simply by moving their mouse over the Upcoming Events area, top right-hand corner of the page. This is huge.
www.google.com/calendar
The Google Calendar incorporates Google Maps - anyone doing a map search in the area will see your event listing.

POTENT, but less powerful

www.pollstar.com
Any concert-goers looking for an event would have to go to PollStar.com on purpose to look for it. But PollStar is a standard in the industry, like Billboard is to charts - if you're a serious band or venue, you need to be on pollstar.

www.jambase.com
JamBase was one of the first sites to host free event listings. Create a performer's page or a venue page and list your events. Again, any concert-goers looking for an event would have to go to JamBase on purpose to look for it - but your events will show up on internet searches. So there's that.

www.sonicbids.com
Not such a good site for promoting your events, but it is a standard in the industry for electronic press kits. Unless you're looking for gigs, sign on for the free version and keep it up to date.

AND I'LL BET YOU'VE FORGOTTEN

Contact the local press and media - newspapers, radio and t.v.

There are tons of writers, like me, just searching and looking for things to write about. Sure, buy advertising in the paper if you want to. But better than that, find out who's writing in the local newspapers and free entertainment papers and magazines. Contact them directly with your press releases - and give 'em something to write about!

Contact the local radio stations for interviews. Give 'em something to talk about!

Contact the local t.v. stations for interviews on their morning or noon shows.

If possible, get on their upcoming events listings, especially if your event has a charity or community-oriented spin. Hey, it's free advertising.

KEEP IN MIND - Earlier is better than later

T.V. stations need about one month advance notice. Newspaper journalists need about a 10-day lead time. Radio stations are much more flexible, but give 'em as much lead time as you can so they can do their thing.

Update on Candlebox w/ Royal Bliss News

CommunityWalk Map - Royal Bliss on the Road

Royal Bliss makes a triumphant return home from the Salt Lake Tribune

Royal Bliss overcomes tough spots from the Deseret News

Re-energized Candlebox returns to Salt Lake City on Monday from the Daily Herald

Interview with White Trash Watson

Who: White Trash Watson - website

What: Featured performer at Open Mic
When: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Where: the First National Bar, Pocatello - map


Scott "Clarence" Watson, front man for White Trash Watson, was kind enough to answer a few questions about the band and their upcoming show at the First National Bar.

As the name implies, this isn't a family-oriented act. White Trash Watson plays loud, fast, old school country-punk for folks who want to drink, dance, and forget about their woes for a few hours in these troubled economic times. "We are not a band that plays in the background while folks visit with friends in a bar; we are (and love to be) the center of attention when on stage."

WTW is billed as a cowpunk band, a genre first made popular in the early 80's by the L.A.-based psychobilly band, The Gun Club. WTW music essentially takes standard country chord progressions and lyric subjects, adds volume, speed and attitude to deliver music that throbs with infectious dance rhythms. Think Hank Williams meets The Ramones in a rockabilly-influenced melting pot of reverb heavy guitar, frantic upright bass, wild harmonica solos, and over the top vocals written to provoke laughter and sing-a-long memories for show goers.


SLG: What are your three best crowd-pleasing songs?

SW: The most popular three songs WTW has that are fit to print are "White Trash," "Snotty Bitch," and "WalMart Sucks." This is an all-original music band that is able to pack the dance floor every song, unheard of in SE Idaho.

SLG: Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

SW: We aren't playing to make $50 a night to pay our heat bill. We play because we love this music and want to bring it to SE Idaho where it belongs. Fans know we mean every chord and love to see passion in music. We're just plain fun.

Alyse "Judy Rehab" Zendrosky – Upright Bass / Vocals
Jordan "Richard Peter" Brooks – Drums / Vocals
"Painless" Brad Samuelson – Harmonica / Vocals
Scott "Clarence" Watson*** – Vocals / Guitar

The members of WTW have lived all over the country, but are now based in Pocatello.

The band has been playing with national acts like Utah County Swillers and American Relay in Salt Lake City and has some high profile gigs coming up in Montana with the Dex Romweber Duo, .357 String Band, Goddamn Gallows, Tales of a Ghost Town and High Lonesome. They will be at the Testicle Festival this August outside Missoula and have a NW tour planned for this fall. "We also play the First National Bar in Pocatello regularly." And they are Downtown Dan's featured act on Thursday, March 26 for the Irish Night Open Mic.

"The local music scene is alive and well at the First National Bar in Pocatello. Some unbelievable local talent can be seen there every Thursday night.

A note on the music industry in general. It makes us sick to see the malignant garbage that corporate Nashville is grinding out. WTW along with many other acts like Hank III, Wayne Hancock, Old 97's, Drive By Truckers, just to name a few are trying to save country music from the pop stars on GAC and CMT. That is NOT country music, its Walmart driven dribble for the musically ignorant."

SLG: What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

SW: We're doing it!! Play with like minded bands in larger venues in front of sold out crowds. Too bad we have to travel so much but Pocatello is catching on!

White Trash Watson has two songs recorded on their website and will release their first CD in July 2009.

For more information, visit www.whitetrashwatson.com or www.myspace.com/whitetrashwatsonmusic

Column for March 18, 2009

Spring has definitely sprung in the local live music scene, with concerts large and small this week in southeast Idaho.

Maya, an alternative / experimental classical music group performs at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls on Thursday the 19th, starting at 7:30. The group is a trio of rhythmically driven flute, harp and percussion incorporating improvisation into every innovative classical and ethnic musical performance. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for students K-12. Visit IdahoArts.org for more information.

And the biggest news in town this week, David Archuleta, of American Idol fame, is performing with Leslie Roy with several concerts in southern Idaho and northern Utah this week. Don’t get too excited – all of the concerts are sold out.

If you are set on seeing this American Idol this week, I found a few tickets for sale online. Stubhub.com had one ticket on auction starting at $100 for the Idaho Falls concert on Friday the 20th. On the same site I found two tickets for $50 and one for $99 for the Boise concert scheduled for Saturday the 21st.

Demand was so high for Archuleta’s concert that another date was announced for the ISU campus show scheduled for Monday the 23rd. Yes, sold out. But I found two tickets on auction at e-bay – at the time of this writing, the current bid was $100 per ticket.

And if you miss all of those Idaho Archuleta performances, your last chance in the area would be on Friday the 27th at the E-Center in Salt Lake City. I found a few tickets at DavidArchuletaTickets ranging in price from $80 to $196 per ticket. Yowsers!

The First National Bar on W. Center Street has a three-day line-up of live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights this week. On Thursday, one-man-band Brian Ernst is the featured performer at Downtown Dan’s open mic.

On Friday, Seattle’s Led Zeppelin tribute band No Quarter returns to The Nash for a concert at 9 p.m. And on Saturday night, the local rock band Something Stirring takes the stage. And yes, I checked the First National Bar’s schedule very carefully this week to ensure these shows are accurate.

Portneuf Valley Brewing, on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello is embracing their world-view with one of Pocatello’s hottest new bands, Bender, on Friday night. Bender plays roots rock and reggae starting at 8:30.

And on Saturday night the 21st, the Wailing O’Sheas wrap up a week-long celebration of St. Patrick’s day at the pub. I spoke with Jordan Olson of the Wailing O'Sheas about their upcoming performance in Pocatello, about what the band has been doing, what their plans are and the local live music scene in general.

The Wailing O’Sheas is a tribute to Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly and other legendary Irish punk-rock outfits, so their whole catalog comes from those bands. "Flogging Molly’s music is so closely connected to the struggle of the working class; some of their lyrics are so deep and sad. And they tie it all together with amazing melodies, emotion and ruckus punk-rock. One of the funnest songs we play is ‘That Woman’s Got Me Drinking’ by Shane MacGowan of The Pogues."

Based from Salt Lake City, Jordan Olsen plays guitar, John Chatelain is on bass, Ryan Smith drums and the Wailing O’Sheas are completed with Andy Reiner on fiddle.

The first show they ever played together was at 1st National Bar in Pocatello on St. Patrick’s Day 2007. Three of the four members of The Wailing O’Sheas play in the alt-rock band The Gorgeous Hussies, and while playing a show at 1st National Bar in the winter of 2007 the promoter at the bar asked if the band new any Irish punk-rock bands to play St. Patrick’s Day. The guys didn’t know any but figured they could put one together for their St. Patty’s celebration. In less than 6-weeks The Gorgeous Hussies learned a 3-hour set of Irish punk-rock and played their first show at 1st National Bar as The Wailing O’Sheas. So Pocatello has a close connection to the formation of our band.


The Wailing O’Sheas have been very well received throughout Utah and Idaho. "We currently have roughly 20 shows booked throughout the west and will be coming back to 1st National Bar on April 17th."

One last note: on Monday the 23rd, Royal Bliss and Jet Black Stare open for Candlebox at The Depot in Salt Lake City. Tickets are $30 plus service fees, available at www.smithstix.com.

--L. Alexander

Full list of local concerts: www.myspace.com/showmetheband

There's a New Live Music Venue in Pocatello

Local musicians are putting forth a grass roots effort to book, manage and promote their own Live Music venue in Pocatello. Located in the Westwood Mall, 1800 Garrett Way in Pocatello, the old Barrie's Ski & Sport store has been refitted with stage, lights and more. Map


For now, visit this website for more information: www.myspace.com/ballbrothersmusic. Aaron Ball, of Ball Brothers Music, 5th Avenue, Pocatello, had this to say:

After nearly 12 years of watching venues come and go in Pocatello, we've decided it is finally time to put together a live music venue that is worth going to and worth playing at for our community. We have installed our concert stage, complete with a full 64K lighing rig and our concert PA system into the old Barry's Building in the Westwood mall.

Our Goal is to provide a great place for people of all ages to come and enjoy listing to music, and for the local musicians who are sick of the way people from out of town treat local musicians or who do not want to play Bars to come and play on a professional setup.

This is the finest venue in the area, and we are committed to making it the very BEST! This place is huge, and the sound is fantastic, as well as having a great light show and other things to do while you are inside! It is a 7000 sq ft building with a 24x24 main stage, and a 12x20 second stage, both have a full professional sound system provided, and a green room for the artists, a large area for merchandise for bands, concessions for sale, and we have tons of additional great ideas and exciting things to come like offering live recordings for bands, a 16 foot tall video projection wall, and rockband between sets!

It IS the place to go for live music in our community. We really want to cater to area musicians, and we really need the support of the area musicians to make this thing go. Lets keep our money and business in Pocatello, where it belongs. Lets work together to take pride in our local talent, and support each other.

For questions please e-mail us or stop in the store on S 5th. If you are interested in playing here, please contact us, this is for you guys, the musicians in our area - lets make the most of it!

The first show was Thursday, March 5th. This is what Bank had to say:

We got back to the venue with just enough time to load on stage and then play. The club in Pocatello looked to be big enough to fit about 1500 people in it there weren't that many people there. In fact, it was the first show that the Ball Brothers had put on in that location. The guys had two days to set up before we got there and they had done a magnificent job with the sound and the stage. Think House of Blues in an empty warehouse. There wasn't any sound treatment done yet so the room sounded like a beautiful cathedral when I sang into the microphone.

Interview with the Wailing O'Sheas

What: The Wailing O'Sheas
Where: Portneuf Valley Brewing - map
When: Saturday, March 21, 2009
How Much: Free

I spoke with Jordan Olson of the Wailing O'Sheas about their upcoming performance in Pocatello, Idaho about what the band has been doing, what their plans are and the local live music scene in general.

Jordan Olsen ~ Guitar/Vox
John Chatelain ~ Bass/Vox
Ryan Smith ~ Drums/Vox
Andy Reiner ~ Fiddle

The Wailing O’Sheas is a tribute to Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly and other legendary Irish punk-rock outfits, so theirr whole catalog comes from those bands. "Flogging Molly’s music is so closely connected to the struggle of the working class, some of their lyrics are so deep and sad. And they tie it all together with amazing melodies, emotion and rukus punk-rock. One of the funnest songs we play is That Woman’s Got Me Drinking by Shane MacGowan of The Pogues."

The first show they ever played together was at 1st National Bar in Pocatello on St. Patricks Day 2007. Three of the four members of The Wailing O’Sheas play in the alt-rock band The Gorgeous Hussies, and while playing a show at 1st National Bar in the winter of 2007 the promoter at the bar asked if the band new any Irish punk-rock bands to play St. Patricks Day. The guys didn’t know any but figured they could put one together for their St. Patty’s celebration. In less than 6-weeks The Gorgeous Hussies learned a 3-hour set of Irish punk-rock and played their first show at 1st National Bar as The Wailing O’Sheas. So Pocatello has a close connection to the formation of our band.

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

J.O.: All members other than Andy are from Salt Lake City, Utah. Andy Reiner is from Boston, Massachusetts and is currently in Salt Lake City as a ski bum for this winter season. Andy is a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music in violin performance. He also played fiddle on the most recent Dropkick Murphys album.

The Wailing O’Sheas have been very well received throughout Utah and Idaho. "We currently have roughly 20 shows booked throughout the west and will be coming back to 1st National Bar on April 17th."


The Wailing O’Sheas will take the stage at Portneuf Valley Brewing in Pocatello at 8:30 on Saturday, March 21st. Fans of Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly will recognize all the songs and will love to sing along. If you’ve never heard these bands you’ll love the ruckus show and unbelievable fiddle playing of Andy Reiner.

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?

J.O.: Although at times the Internet seems to have given a pedestal to mediocrity, it’s an amazing time to be an independent artist. In the early 2000’s it wasn’t very common for independent bands to even get a few thousand hits to their website. Today many bands are getting hundreds of thousands of people to their websites and sharing their music with people all over the world. It’s a great time to be playing music.

The best way to stay in contact with The Wailing O’Sheas is at www.myspace.com/thewailingosheas.

To book The Gorgeous Hussies & The Wailing O'Sheas
eMail: thegorgeoushussies@gmail.com
ePress Kit: www.sonicbids.com/thegorgeoushussies

Jordon also plays with a second Utah-based band called the Gorgeous Hussies. They are hard at work trying to release both a new live DVD and a new full length album. "In June 2009 we’ll be performing music full time throughout the west and plan to be in Pocatello at least once every 3 months. We’ve implemented some new looping pedals into our live show that makes our 3 piece group sound like 6 or 7 guys on stage. It’s a really cool live show that everyone needs to see and hear."

Column for March 11, 2009

On Saturday, March 14, Idaho State University’s KISU radio station is pleased to host a CD release party for the indie powerpop band Spondee. The concert in ISU’s Bengal Café - map - starts at 7 p.m. with opening bands Warbonnet, Pewter Dragons, Nyr Lif and A. W. Feldt. Cost is $2 for students and $3 for the public; the new album “Pop Your Socks Off” will be for sale for the first time, for a one-time reduced price, at the event.

Spondee takes styles from different daces and pieces them together to make their own music. There’s classic American folk and a few poppy dance tunes enough to please anyone. This is happy, feel-good music that’s fun to listen to. Keep an ear out for a few of their fans’ favorites, “Lovelorn Robot,” the title track “Pop Your Socks Off” and “Dancin' Shoes.”

Fronted by Cody and Clint on guitars and vocals, Spondee’s current line-up had Melissa on keyboards, Noah on bass, vocals by Lindsey and Seth and James on drums and percussion.

Spondee was based in Pocatello but has moved their base to Boise. “A lot of our favorite shows were in Pocatello because we got our start there, and people will get up and dance for us. That makes the whole concert experience more fun for everyone.”

While in Pocatello, Spondee opened for Secondhand Serenade at the homecoming concert at ISU, and they have played with Finn Riggins at the First National Bar numerous times.

“We were a part of the music scene in Pocatello for a while … You have to make it happen in Pocatello and anywhere else for that matter” Clint said. “No one else is going to put flyers up for you, nor call you begging you to play. You have to do it yourself and it takes time. Be smart about the places you play and the settings. There are a lot of opportunities to play, but not every venue is for you and your music. Make sure it fits you and where you want your band to go.”

"Pop Your Socks Off" has ten tracks, two of which were recorded with Lars Lindstrom, and the rest were recorded at the Coming In Second studio in Boise with Jeremy Jenson. Visit them online at Spondee MySpace or email spondee123@gmail.com.

On Friday the 13^th, solo acoustic guitarist, singer / songwriter David August returns to Portneuf Valley Brewing - map - on S. 1^st Avenue in Pocatello. Music starts at 8:30 p.m., no cover and is open to all ages.

August plays original folk and pop rock, often compared to the Goo Goo Dolls. Montana born and bred, August says, “It's a well known fact that the absolute best way to get your music out there is to perform, perform, perform. Relentless touring is definitely a main key in making a living at playing music. Though I'd like to be able to tour more, I try to get out and play as much as possible.”

August will have two CD’s available for sale at the show. "Waiting for Tuesday" released in 2005 and “Out of Place” released last fall. “Both records are pretty upbeat.” For more, visit David August MySpace.

On Saturday the 14^th, the brewery plays host to the Aaron Ball Band starting at 8:30. Listed as alternative, acoustic pop rock, Aaron Ball covers a mixture of radio-friendly songs. “Our influences are incredibly broad, and it is evident when we are on stage that we just love music, no matter what style it is.” They played at the famous South by Southwest Festival in Austin, TX and Fremont Street in Las Vegas, NV. The band has opened for Blessid Union of Souls and was listed as one of the top 100 unsigned bands in the country.

The Aaron Ball Band released their full-length album last month, called “Stepping Stones.” Recently they have played in Boise, and rumor has it a trip to Scotland and Europe may be on the horizon. “There are thousands of bands out there in a van making no money. We just want to be wise and make some smart choices about what to do next.” For more, visit Aaron Ball MySpace.

There is another all-ages concert this Sunday at the old Barrie’s Ski Shop in the Westwood Mall on Garrett way. Greyhouse Effect and Cruise Control are on the billing; music starts at 7 p.m. and is open to all ages.

And on Tuesday the 17^th Spittin’ Lynt plays a St. Patrick’s Day show at Hooligans on W. Center Street at 8 p.m.

L. Alexander

email: slowloosegravel@yahoo.com

MySpace