Column for February 17, 2010

Yesterday was Mardi Gras, but the celebration continues with the ISU Jazz Band in concert tonight, February 17th, at Portneuf Valley Brewing, S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello, upstairs in the loft. There is no cover; concert is from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Idaho State University jazz ensembles are under the direction of Dr. Patrick Brooks and Kevin York. The jazz bands host the annual ISU Jazz Festival, just held two weeks ago on February 6, 2010 with guest artist Andy Martin on trombone. Visit www.isu.edu/departments/bands to keep up to date on the ISU music department’s schedule of concerts.

On Thursday the 18th, Nyr Lif is scheduled to appear at Budget Tapes & Records on 5th Avenue in Pocatello. “We are playing a stand-in acoustic show at Budget,” wrote Nyr Lif from their website. The appearance is in support of their recordings, a full-length CD, “Two Legs Broken” and an EP, “Experimentallation,” both of which will be available for purchase at the store.

“(It) should be a fun chill time.” Start time is 4:00 p.m.; visit www.myspace.com/nyrlif for more information.

A number of locally-based and popular rock cover bands are playing the popular bars this weekend.

On Friday night only, the 19th, Kaught Lookin’ is scheduled to play at Duffy’s Tavern on Main Street in downtown Pocatello. Music starts at 9:00 p.m. No cover, and Duffy’s is open to those 21+.

Kaught Lookin’ is comprised largely of the founding members of the former band Exit 69 - Rick Veilleux on guitars, bassist Mark Clawson and drummer Tony Roberts, with vocalist Ed Horn. They play classic southern rock and current modern rock covers with a few originals, online at www.myspace.com/kaughtlookin.

American Steel plays Casey’s in American Falls this weekend, both Friday and Saturday nights, February 19th and 20th. Music starts at 9:00 p.m.

American Steel plays mostly cover tunes in local bars around the area. They fun with the crowd, small costume changes and sound effects add a theatrical and humorous element to the show. Expect to hear popular favorites, "Rebel Yell," "Mustang Sally" and "Low Rider." Guitarist Tracy Turner said, “we play classic rock, funk, blues, country rock and sometimes improvise. I think we most appeal to our fans as a band having fun; that is the secret for us - fun.”

Turner is joined by Darrell Martin on drums, vocalist Kat Whitnah, Marci Ridley on keyboards, and Ray Rodriquez on bass. The group has been performing together for a few years and is based from Pocatello.

Visit American Steel online at www.myspace.com/americansteel4u.

And Stiff Richard is playing rock covers at Muddy’s in Idaho Falls this weekend.

Back at Portneuf Valley Brewing, New Soul Authority is set to play jazz, funk, R&B and soul on Friday the 19th. Music entertainment starts at 8:30 p.m.

And the Pocatello-based group the Katz Brothers Band will play indie psychedelic rock and world music in the pub starting at 8:30 p.m. No cover, and the brewery is open to all ages.

The Kratz Bros. Band includes John Kratz on guitars and vocals, Luke Kratz playing keyboards and vocals, Dorian Hitchcock, cello, and drummer Derrick Strang. The band, now based in Pocatello , Idaho, was formed after John moved back to Idaho from New York City in the summer of 2008.

All of the Kratz Brothers’ original songs are written by John and Luke, fusing rock, folk and world music styles. They also play some familiar songs in a similar style.

"The Kratz Bros. Band is proud to be a part of the local original music scene of SE Idaho,” John said in a recent interview, and they encourage music lovers to support original music as much as possible by organizing and attending shows, buying albums, and giving feedback online and by dancing at the shows.

Find the Kratz brothers online at www.myspace.com/kratzbrosband.

On Saturday the 20th, Flying Monkey Booking presents a hard rock and metal show at the Elk’s Lodge, corner of Main and Benton Streets in Pocatello. Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Attila, These Cities Passing and more are on the bill.

Also on Saturday the 20th, the post-grunge alt. rock band 2am Logic is in concert at the Shilo Convention Center in Idaho Falls. Show starts at 8:00 p.m.

One last note: The First Ladies, a three-piece rock / pop band from Boise, Idaho has just released their CD, “How To Make Old Friends Instantly.” It is an 11-song album, officially released through their website, www.facebook.com/thefirstladies.

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