Column for July 28, 2010

There are concerts big and small this week in the Southeast Idaho live music scene, and several outdoor festivals and events with live music entertainment.

Downtown Pocatello's Revive @ Five summer concert series (map) continues tonight with music by Somewhere In the Middle (interview), food by Grecian Key and sponsored by the Fort Hall Casino Festival Week. Located at the Old Town Pavilion, the concert series continues through September 1.

Somewhere In the Middle is an active, locally-based 4-piece rock band. Their music ranges from acoustic to full electric with a mix of originals and covers. Their singles, "Better Man" and "Second Gear" are crowd favorites. The group has performed with Shinedown, Hawthorne Heights, Saving Abel, Blessid Union of Souls, Great White, The Clumsy Lovers, Too Slim and the Taildraggers, and more. Find them online at www.myspace.com/aaronballmusic.

Also on Wednesday the 28th, The Sammus Theory is in concert with 2am Logic at Blake's, corner of Oakland Valley Road and W. Broadway, in Idaho Falls. The show, open to all ages, starts at 7:00 p.m., $8 at the gate.

The Sammus Theory is fronted by vocalist Sam Hughes, a native of Southeast Idaho. The 5-piece band formed in 2004 is currently based out of Phoenix, AZ, playing hard rock and metal. They've shared the stage with The Exies, Smile Empty Soul and Saliva and more. They are currently on a full U.S. tour entitled the "Rise & Revolt Tour 2010."

Currently on a full U.S. tour, The Sammus Theory has been a featured artist on MTV2 since March of 2008. Their music video “Pure” set to premiere on MTV soon. Find out more at http://thesammustheory.net.

On Thursday the 29th, Idaho State University (map) wraps up their 2010 summer concert series with singer / songwriter Steve Means and hendr9 (website), a funkadelic jamband based from Great Falls, MT, opening. Music starts on the quad at 6:00 p.m., free and open to the public of all ages.

Steve Means is a regular on the college entertainment circuit. Based from Nashville, TN, Means is a solo musician playing acoustic funk-infused pop and soul. His music has been featured on MTV's The Hills, The Real World and NewPort Harbor. Expect smooth grooves, perhaps reminiscent of a young Stevie Wonder or John Mayer. Find out more at www.myspace.com/stevemeans.

The big outdoor event this weekend is the POW-MIA Awareness Rally (website) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 30th through August 1, at the Bannock County Fairgrounds (map) in Pocatello. Tickets are $15 for the entire weekend or $40 for a family; tickets for children 6 - 12 years old are $5. Military with proper ID and kids under 5 are free.



Kaught Lookin, one of Southeast Idaho’s favorite cover bands, will play on the day stage at the the 10th Annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally on Friday the 30th, 6 to 8:00 p.m. Playing classic rock favorites along with some of the best new rock of today, expect to hear favorites from Lynrd Skynrd, Marshall Tucker Band, Alice in Chains, the Black Crows, Buckcherry and more.

Kaught Lookin front man and vocalist Ed Horn and bass player Claw are veterans of the U. S. Air Force. The entire band is honored to be a part of the yearly tradition that is the annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally.

Other bands expected on the Rally's stage on Friday include Portneuf Gap and Monrovia. Find out more at www.myspace.com/kaughtlookin or http://powmiarodeo.org.

Also on Friday, The Unread, Shawn and The Marauders and more play "The Dog Days of Summer," (Facebook) a fund raising concert at the Old Town Pavilion (map) in downtown Pocatello. Bring the whole family; dogs are invited. Music entertainment starts at 5:00 p.m.

The big concert of the week is this Tuesday, August 3rd, at the Colonial Theater (map) in Idaho Falls. The big swing band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, is in concert. Show starts at 8:00 p.m.; tickets are $32. Call the Colonial Theater at (208) 522-0471 for more information.

I saw Big Bad Voodoo Daddy last summer in California. There's just something about that swing music that gets the heart pumping and the toes tapping. Based from Southern California, Voodoo Daddy's most notable singles include "Go Daddy-O," "You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)" and "Mr. Pinstripe Suit." The band played the Super Bowl XXXIII half-time show in 1999.

The band concentrates on the swing of the 1940s and '50s, and created a version of the opening theme for the sitcom, "3rd Rock from the Sun," used for the 1999–2000 season. Find out more at www.bbvd.com.

Linda Alexander

a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Live Music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
slowloosegravel.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Column for July 21, 2010

The Southeast Idaho live music scene has something for just about everyone this week, with country, blues, classic rock and hard rock concerts. Here are some tips on where to be when.

Tonight, Soul Full of Blues (myspace) provides the music at the Civitan’s Revive at Five event at the Old Town Pavilion, Main Street in Pocatello (view on map) from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Sponsored by Local First of Greater Pocatello, food will be catered by Ruby Tuesday.

On Thursday the 22nd, Idaho State University’s summer concert series continues with Boise’s Audio Moonshine opening for Zane Williams, a country honky-tonk singer / songwriter. The concerts on the quad (view on map) are free and open to the public of all ages. Music starts at 6:00 p.m.

Audio Moonshine plays a blend of rock, Americana and alternative country music. Think what might happen if Collective Soul collaborated with Tom Petty. By 2008, the group released their full-length CD, “Let's Be,” and had some 500 live performances to their credit, including sharing the stage with Built to Spill, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Tori Amos, REO Speedwagon and more. Visit them online at www.myspace.com/myaudiomoonshine.

Born in Texas, Zane Williams spent almost a decade in Nashville, developing his own country and honky-tonk style. His first CD, “Train of Thought” was released in 1997, garnering him praise not only a great musician, but also as a great storyteller. He is now based back in Texas and released his latest CD, “The Right Place,” this year. Listen for the song, “99 Bottles,” a critic’s favorite.

Receiving the highest praises from the music community, Williams wrote the top 20 hit single, “Hurry Home,” performed by Jason Michael Carroll. He has won several song contests, including Song of the Year in the John Lennon Song Contest and the grand prize from the CMT / Nashville Songwriter’s Association.

Williams was a Nashville Grammy Showcase finalist and has shared the stage with George Jones, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Aaron Watson and more. Find him online at www.zanewilliams.com.

And if that’s not enough country and blues, locally-based Rocky Watson plays at Rumors Bar on Garrett Way (view on map) this weekend, both Friday and Saturday nights. Music starts at 9 p.m., no cover, and open to those 21 and over.

Watson, a solo performer, plays a variety of country, R&B, blues and rock from the 50’s through the 70’s. Some of his most popular cover songs are “Pretty Woman” and “Brown Eyed Girl.” Also listen for his signature song, “Cowboy,” and his original, “Mamma Told Me.”

Watson won “Country Star Search,” earning him the privilege of a live performance at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. Find out more at www.rockywatson.com.

Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello (view on map) has Tom Murphy playing contemporary acoustic rock on Friday the 23rd, starting at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday the 24th, singer / songwriter Dr. Bob Fisher plays acoustic on the pub’s downstairs stage, and The Kratz Brothers Band (myspace) plays rock and folk upstairs.

Music entertainment at the brewery is free and open to all ages. Visit www.portneufvalleybrewing.com for more.

If it’s rock ‘n roll you’re looking for, the local live music scene has that too. On Saturday the 24th, The Unread, Salami Rocket and Neckbrace are featured in a hard rock concert at The First National Bar, W. Center Street in downtown Pocatello (view on map). 2 Inch Gap and The Brave are also on the billing. Music starts at 9:00 p.m., open to those 21+.

The big concert coming up soon is Bret Michaels, lead singer from Poison and of Celebrity Apprentice fame, in concert at the Civic Auditorium in Idaho Falls, Tuesday the 27th. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets, starting at $37, are available at 78productions.com, Budget Tapes & Records (map) in Pocatello and CD World (map) in Idaho Falls.

For 22 years, Bret Michaels was the lead singer and songwriter for Poison, selling over 25 million albums. His television show, “Rock of Love,” is a hit on Vh1, and his stint on the most recent “Celebrity Apprentice” series brought millions of viewers to NBC.

The rock band Poison charted over a dozen singles on the Top 40, including "Talk Dirty to Me," "Something to Believe In," "Nothing But a Good Time" and the iconic "Every Rose Has its Thorn." Find out more at www.bretmichaels.com.

In Pocatello, The Ataris headlines a rock concert at The Icon, N. Main Street, with Gasoline Heart on Tuesday the 27th. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets are available online through smithstix.com.

Linda Alexander

a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Live Music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
slowloosegravel.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Kaught Lookin' at POW-MIA Awareness Rally, 2010

Kaught Lookin Plays the 10th Annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally
Friday, July 30, 6 pm – 8 pm Bannock County Fairgrounds, Pocatello, ID

Pocatello, ID - Kaught Lookin, one of Southeast Idaho’s favorite party bands, will play on the day stage at the Bannock County Fairgrounds, Pocatello, ID Friday, July 30, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm during the 10th Annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally.

Kaught Lookin is a rock cover band from Pocatello, Idaho, known for the experience and energy of their amazing live shows! Kaught Lookin plays classic rock favorites along with some of the best new rock of today. Expect to hear Lynrd Skynrd, Marshall Tucker Band, Alice in Chains, the Black Crows, Buckcherry … and you’ll know every word to every song.

Kaught Lookin singer Ed Horn and bass player Claw are veterans of the U. S. Air Force and along with guitarist Rick Veilleux and drummer Tony Roberts, Kaught Lookin is honored to be a part of the yearly tradition that is the annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally.

The 10th Annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally and Motorcycle Rodeo
Schedule of Events for Friday, July 30th gates open 10AM (lots of vendors)

• Raising and Dedication of the World’s Largest POW*MIA Flag – 10 am
• Day stage concert – Portneuf Gap 1pm-2:30pm
• Day stage show - Lucky Daredevil Thrill Show – 4pm-5pm
• Loudest Pipes Contest – 5pm
• Day stage concert – Kaught Lookin 6pm -8pm “We Rock Because You Rock!”
• Day stage concert – Monrovia 9pm

The POW*MIA Awareness Rally Corp. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the financial support and public awareness of the Prisoner of War*Missing in Action (POW*MIA) issue, the Idaho State Veteran’s Home in Pocatello, Idaho and special charities in the local community that need support.

The POW*MIA Awareness Rally and Motorcycle Rodeo is a three-day annual event held at the Bannock County Fairgrounds in Pocatello.
To commemorate the 10th Anniversary, enter for your chance to win a brand new 2009 Harley Davidson FXD “Superglide” with a custom paint job donated by Stacy’s Paint and Polish. Tickets are $20 each. Join the POW*MIA Awareness Rally on Facebook to see where the bike will be displayed to get tickets! www.facebook.com/powmiarodeo.

Also for the 10th Anniversary the POW*MIA Awareness Rally will be bringing in the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute:
American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) travels the USA with the Cost of Freedom Tribute to provide a forum for the members of the community to come together to Honor-Respect-Remember all those whom we have asked to stand in harm’s way to protect and defend our great country and freedom as our way of life. They are the true American Heroes and we have an obligation to pay tribute to them by celebrating the freedoms they fought for and stand to insure. The traveling tribute is a true depiction of the great sacrifices made throughout the history of our country. It consists of:

• Displays representing statistics from every war/conflict that the USA has been involved in.
• A series of World War II panels portraying the entire timeline of events.
• A Korean War tribute representing the timeline of the entire conflict with corresponding battle maps and photos.
• The Traveling Vietnam Wall – 80% replica (largest replica) of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. The "wall" stretches over 380 ft long from end to end and contains all 58,253 names. The "wall" is current through 2009 and is constantly being updated to accurately pay tribute to those who died during the Vietnam War.
• A timeline, series of facts and figures, and a display of art from Vietnam veteran artists depicting patriotic and veteran themes.
• A display of USA founding and significant historical documents including the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and other historical documents.

Ticket prices are $15 for the entire weekend or $40 for the family. Youths aged 6 to 12 years, $5. Military with proper ID and kids under 5 are FREE! The Bannock County Fairgrounds are located at 10588 Fairground Drive, Pocatello, Idaho 83201

Kaught Lookin: www.myspace.com/kaughtlookin

POW*MIA Awareness Rally: http://powmiarodeo.org

Column for July 14, 2010

The Pocatello local live music scene is a little bit country this week, all the way from Chubbuck to downtown to Lava.

Tonight’s Revive at Five, at the Old Town Pavilion on Main Street in Pocatello (view on map), features music by Hot Flash, a locally-based, all-woman country rock band.

On Thursday the 15th, Recycled Rocks, a rock, blues, jazz and a little bit country band is playing at the Riverside Inn in Lava Hot Springs (view on map). Music entertainment outside by the river is free and open to all ages, from 6 to 9:00 p.m.

Also on Thursday, Idaho State University brings music from the north with Mountain Grip from Bozeman, MT opening for Canada’s The Clumsy Lovers. The outdoor show is scheduled on the quad (view on map) starting at 6:30 p.m., free and open to all ages.

Mountain Grip is a four piece jamband playing bluegrass rock, reggae and rockabilly. Guitarists Eli Madden and Bretton Vredevoogd front the band, backed by Sam Roche on drums and bassist Mark Vaughn. Find out more at http://mountaingrip.com.

The Clumsy Lovers are an area favorite, playing Celtic, bluegrass and country folk. The five-piece, with Jason Homey on the banjo and mandolin, bassist Chris Jonat, guitarist Trevor Rogers, Rebecca Smith on fiddle and drummer Tyler Thompson, have played all over Canada and in 48 of 50 American states over the past 10+ years.

This year, the Clumsy Lovers released “Make Yourself Known”, a 13-song collection showcasing their mix-up of styles. The CD is, in my opinion, the best Clumsy Lovers blend to date of studio smooth and spontaneous live energy. Pick up a copy at the show. For more, visit www.clumsylovers.com.

And on Friday the 16th, Kole Moulton of the regionally-based country group, Moulton Jess, is playing a one-night-only concert at the Green T, on Yellowstone in Chubbuck (view on map). Music starts at 9:00 p.m., $5 cover at the door and open to those 21 and over.

Moulton and his newly-formed country and acoustic rock band, Lonely Road, are based from Victor, ID. Find out more at www.myspace.com/kolemoulton.

Also on Friday, Benyaro is back in town, playing at the Vinyl Perk on S. Main Street in Pocatello (view on map). Music entertainment starts at 7:00 p.m., free and open to the public of all ages.

Benyaro, an acoustic roots rock duo, is originally from New York and currently based out of Jackson, WY. Ben Musser plays nylon string and steel string guitars, harmonica and percussion, and Bobby McCullough plays upright bass and percussion.

The Benyaro harmonies are tight, and the pair seemingly produces more music than one would imagine a duo could. Listen for fan favorites, "Feelin’ Low," "Cutting Words" and "Bullet-Like Belief."

Their 9-track, self-titled release was on the National CMJ Top 200 list in 2009 and will be available for purchase at the show, or online at www.benyaro.com.

This weekend, Elvis Has Left the Building is scheduled to play at Portneuf Valley Brewing, S. 1st Avenue (view on map), on Friday night starting at 8:30 p.m. And on Saturday the 17th, New Soul Authority takes the stage; music entertainment at the pub is free and open to all ages.

New Soul Authority, based from Idaho Falls, is fronted by vocalist Bryan Hinschberger, backed by Saul Chessin on keyboards, bassist Brad Beckwith and Jack Hoole on drums. They play original music, a mix of soul, funk, jazz and R & B. Find out more at www.myspace.com/newsoulauthority.

Marigolds Wine, located on Flandro Drive in Pocatello (view on map), has Cappi, a one-man band, scheduled on Friday and Saturday evenings, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Plain Jane is slated to play new and oldie rock covers at Rumors on Garrett Way (view on map) on Friday and Saturday nights, starting at 9:00 p.m. Rumors is open to those 21+.

And on Sunday the 18th, This Is Hell headlines a hard rock show at The Icon on N. Main Street (view on map). Doors open at 6:30; $8 tickets available through smithstix.com.

Linda Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Live Music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband
Live music calendar at slowloosegravel.blogspot.com