Column for January 20, 2010

A true-to-form Pocatello local live music this week, you’ll find a wide variety, a vastly eclectic mix of live music genres from which to choose for live entertainment in the area.

Friday the 22nd, Elvis Has Left the Building plays at Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st. Avenue in Pocatello. Music starts at 8:30, no cover and is open to all ages.

Formed in 1996, two Elvis Has Left the Building (or ELB, for short) founding members are still a part of the band; guitarists Angier Wills and Greg Mladenka are joined by Bill Chalmers and when available, Richard Inouye. Their original songs are largely written by Wills and Mladenka, falling somewhere between bluegrass, American folk and acoustic rock.

ELB’s members are all avid ‘outdoor people,’ passionate about appreciating and preserving our natural resources. From their website ELB writes, “having members from different walks of life gives a well-rounded perspective to the group that is reflected in their musical styles and songwriting.”

Available for purchase from www.cdbaby.com/cd/ehltb, Elvis Has Left the Building released a self-titled CD in 2007.

On Sunday the 24th, ELB has a mid-afternoon show at the Rock Bottom Saloon at Pebble Creek, starting at 4:00 p.m. They’ll be joined with special guest Jessica McAleese. For more on ELB, visit site.elbinfo.com.

On Friday the 22nd, The Clumsy Lovers make a welcome return to the First National Bar with The Bell Boys opening. Music starts at 9:00 p.m.; cost is $8 at the door and open to those 21+.

The Bell Boys, based from Portland, OR, are an acoustic / Americana folk group with Mike Quinter on vocals and banjo, Keef Simon on upright bass, guitarists Bear Parsons and Jay Cobb Anderson and Tyler Thompson on drums. Find them online at www.myspace.com/thebellboyspdx.

The Clumsy Lovers are one of the best-loved returning music acts in Pocatello. Their energetic and upbeat performances never fail to get the crowd up and dancing – be sure to wear flowers in your hair; Birkenstocks optional.

The group’s most recent release, “Make Yourself Known,” will be available for purchase night of the show, or it is available online at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheClumsyLovers.

The Canada-based acoustic folk and bluegrass group frequents Idaho State University’s outdoor concerts. But in the winter time, seeing The Clumsy Lovers at The Nash is the next best thing. Find out more at clumsylovers.com.

On Saturday the 23rd, Unstable Ground plays country rock at Portneuf Valley Brewing starting at 8:30 p.m. Based from Pocatello, Unstable ground is a four-piece band with guitarists Gene Taylor and Mark Holbrook, Chris Willock on bass and Eric Stanley on drums. All share in vocals.

Unstable Ground has a large list of cover songs from which to play, tailoring each set appropriately for the crowd and venue. Expect songs from the Eagles, Johnny Cash, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Bob Seger and more. The band can crank out AC/DC too, but perhaps next time, eh?

For more on Unstable Ground, visit them online at www.unstablegroundband.com.

Also on Saturday the 23rd, there is an all-ages rock concert at the Elk’s Lodge on S. Main Street in Pocatello, with local bands on the bill. Sworn To Uphold, Forgiveness Denied, These Cities Passing and Above & Below play for just a $2 cover, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Of the Saturday night choices, I think the Elk’s Lodge would be my pick. Young local bands, playing for pennies, self-promoting … sounds like my kind of gig.

And a similar (although more pricey) all-ages rock show will be at The Icon on N. Main Street in Pocatello on the same night, with WatchOut There’s Ghosts, Elective Valentine and All Bright scheduled to play. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $10 in advance through www.smithstix.com.

On Sunday the 24th, Silent Civilian, Blind Witness and Year of the Skies are the featured bands at the Icon, with These Cities Passing in an opening slot. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., open to all ages; tickets are $10 in advance, available at www.smithstix.com.

Also on Sunday the 24th, Sweatshop Union, a hip-hop / rap group from Vancouver, Canada, is scheduled to play at the Benton Street Bar starting at 8:00 p.m. Call first to verify 232-2222; find out more at www.myspace.com/sweatshopunion7.

And on Tuesday of next week, the 26th, Phat Bone, a locally-based funk and blues group is booked to play at Hooligans. Music starts at 9:00 p.m., open to those 21+.

L. Alexander
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband
http://slowloosegravel.blogspot.com