Column for May 5, 2010

Tomorrow evening, Thursday the 6th, the Pocatello-based fusion rock group The Kratz Bros Band is set to play at Senang’s Wine Bar and Tapas Bistro in the warehouse district of Pocatello. Music entertainment starts at 7:00 p.m. and is open to the public of all ages.

The Kratz Bros Band is the present day version of an original music project by Luke and John Kratz. Previously a duo with occasional guest musicians, they now have evolved into a full fusion rock band that blends 60's-style folk songwriting with electric and acoustic world music sounds and rhythms.

You can find the Kratz Bros Band playing concerts at festivals, parties, bars, benefits, and farmer's markets in East Idaho and Western Wyoming. Locally, they have frequented Senang’s, Portneuf Valley Brewing, Hooligan's, the First National Bar and outdoor concerts on Idaho State University’s quad.

In 2008, John Kratz released a CD, “Onewords,” and Luke Kratz released “Memories of the Future.” Both recordings as well as live show bootlegs are available for download from MySpace, or request to purchase them at the show. For more, visit www.myspace.com/kratzbrosband.

On Friday, May 7th, The Flipside Lounge celebrates their official Grand Opening with food catered by Pasta Vino’s and live music from singer / songwriters Dan Hillebrant, Travis Shipley and the barber shop vocals of Soundscape.

Located at 117 S. Main Street in downtown Pocatello, the Flipside Lounge is a beer and wine bar, open to those 21+. The Grand Opening events are in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and through the night. Find out more about the Flipside on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flipsidelounge.

Also on Friday the 7th, Portneuf Valley Brewing is pleased to welcome Crown Point to their stage. Acoustic music entertainment starts at 8:30 p.m., free and open to the public of all ages.

Formed in late 2009, Crown Point is an alternative pop/rock band from Portland, OR. Crown Point plays memorable, danceable rock. The band has impressively burst onto the scene, having played SXSW already and touring in over 30 states so far. A four-piece group, each member has lead-singer vocal quality, and all share in the songwriting and arranging process.

Expect a related blend of music styles from Crown Point, three or four rockers, some mid-tempo pop/rock tracks and a couple ballads. Guitarists Russell Stafford and Jon Davidson are joined by Robert Finn on bass and Tyler Chen on drums. Stafford and Davidson have perfomed in the area before, but this is their first time bringing the whole band.

“We've played some fun shows with artists like Mat Kearney, Augustana, Puddle Of Mudd, We As Human, Russell Crowe, A Change Of Pace and more,” Stafford said, “and played venues like the Knitting Factory and the Crystal Ballroom. All big shows and acts aside, we have a special place in our heart for smaller towns and smaller shows; getting the chance to meet and build relationships with fans is what it's all about!”

Crown Point is currently working on their debut release. Jeff Johnson (Jet Black Stare, Adelitas Way) has produced three tracks, and Grammy-nominated Travis Wyrick (P.O.D., 10 Years) is set to produce the rest of the album. The band travels to Vino Rosso in Idaho Falls on Saturday the 9th. For more, visit www.facebook.com/crownpointband or find them on MySpace.

Fans of the locally-based group Elvis Has Left the Building will be pleased to hear of their show this Friday at Marigolds Wine on Flandro Drive in the Gold’s Gym Plaza, Pocatello, a new venue for the band. Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Find out more at http://site.elbinfo.com.

This weekend, on both Friday and Saturday nights, Phat Bone is set to play at Taps Bar on Garrett Way in Pocatello, starting at 9:00 p.m., no cover at the door, open to those 21+.

Phat Bone was also formed in late 2009. Fronted by Steve Sullivan on guitar and vocals and backed by bassist Pete Snyder from Idaho Falls and Josh Owen on drums, the trio plays funked up rock and blues. For more, visit www.myspace.com/phatboneband.

Also this weekend, Pocatello’s rock cover band, Kaught Lookin’, is scheduled at Duffy’s Lounge on N. Main Street in downtown Pocatello. Music starts at 9:00 p.m., no cover and open to those 21+.

Kaught Lookin plays rock from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Alice in Chains along with favorites from today’s new rock, like Buckcherry. The band has forthcoming dates in American Falls, Idaho Falls and is slated to play the POW-MIA rally this summer. For more, visit www.myspace.com/kaughtlookin.

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