Column for May 27, 2009

The Bannock County Civitans host a free weekly concert series in downtown Pocatello every Wednesday, 5 pm - 8 pm, starting on May 27 through September 2, 2009. Concerts are held at the Old Town Pavilion, 420 N Main St., Pocatello, on the corner of Fremont and Main Streets, just across the street from Main Street Music. The series raises funds for civic-oriented projects. (2009 concert schedule)

This Wednesday kicks off the series with Cruise Control (full interview), a duo with Cam Lewis on keyboards and Sam Garner on guitar. Both sing with excellent harmonies in a Simon and Garfunkel kind of way. They play a fusion of folk, punk rock, and rap with a few other influences that vary with each song. Listen for "The Vain and the Mundane," exemplifying their style, and "Lori's Song," known for it’s string and conga accompaniments.

The duo formed in May of 2008 and has played at local coffee shops, the ISU Ballroom and at The Icon, opening for Jeremy Enigk. They recorded an EP with six songs, including a unique folk cover of the punk rock song "The Adventure" by Angels and Airwaves. Find out more at www.myspace.com/cruisecontrol76.

And on Thursday the 28th, Idaho State University begins their weekly outdoor concert series on The Quad. This week, the Pocatello-based Kratz Bros Band opens for Kris Orlowski. The event starts at 6:00 p.m.

The Kratz Bros Band (full interview) is Luke and John Kratz on keyboards and guitar respectively, with cellist Dorian Hitchcock, Chris Sherburne on drums and vocalist Lindsey Tucker. Their music is a blend of folk songwriting with electric and acoustic world music. For more, visit www.myspace.com/kratzbrosband.

Kris Orlowski, from Seattle, WA, plays pop-driven rock. In live performances, the band is known for their stage humor and antics, entertaining by performance as well as by their music. Expect edgy roots rock with influences from alternative rock and pop-jazz fusion. Find out more at www.krisorlowski.com.

On Friday the 29th, the new Vinyl Perk coffee shop and record store on Main Street continues their Friday Night Live music performances with Scratch Unplugged (a.k.a. Kenny Nelson) at 7:00 p.m. Learn more about Scratch at www.myspace.com/ifscratch.

On Saturday the 30th, head over to the Ross Park bandshell for a Battle of the Bands (full story), an event to raise funds for the Bannock House. The event starts at 1:00, and music starts at 2:00 p.m. It’s not too late for bands to sign up; call Danielle Swenson at (208) 380-5484.

So far there are six bands on the bill: Nyr Lif, 7 Feet Below, Ice Cold Crickets, Paint it Plaid, and more. The winner is decided on popular vote, where each vote is $1. The winner will receive a $150 gift certificate to Mike's music. There will be snacks and drinks available for purchase.

7 Feet Below (formerly Starbent) is a rock cover band comprised of young people from 12 to 14 years old. They are also beginning to write their own original songs: "Let's Run Away," "Scream," "Take This," and "Fight." But listen for crowd favorites "Wild Thing" by The Animals, "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple and "All The Small Things" by Blink -182. Find out more at www.myspace.com/7feetbelow.

On Saturday evening, May 30th, Portneuf Valley Brewing is pleased to present a special concert, Chicks with Picks, upstairs in the loft starting at 7:30 p.m, a collection of over a dozen of Pocatello’s finest women musicians and singer/songwriters. For more, visit www.myspace.com/portneufvalleybrewing.

Pink Floyd fans rejoice! The Floydshow (full interview)makes a triumphant return to the First National Bar on Saturday the 30th at 9:30 p.m.; $7 cover. The Floydshow is a Pink Floyd tribute band, playing radio favorites like “Another Brick in the Wall 2,” “Money” and “Wish You Were Here,” as well as some lesser known Floyd songs like “Astonomy Domain,” “Echoes” or “Not Now John.”

They will include screen projections and audio samples to give the audience their best interpretation of a Pink Floyd concert. Not every song is note perfect – expect Floydshow’s own twist on some songs. But then, that’s the beauty of a live music performance; each performance is a unique experience.

Floydshow, based from Salt Lake City, is a large production with eight performers in the full band. The group formed almost two years ago, and since that time has performed throughout the mountain region. They recently played at the Knitting Factory in Boise with over 300 people in the audience, singing along in chorus with every song. More at www.floydshow.com.

Further information, schedules and in-depth interviews at slowloosegravel.blogspot.com.

L. Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband