Column for June 9, 2010

After such cool spring weather, I think we’ll all be ready for a “Hot Flash” tonight at the Civitans’ Revive @ Five concert, Old Town Pavilion on Main Street in Pocatello (view on map). This week’s show show features Hot Flash, a locally-based, all-woman country rock band, with food from The Depot Sports Bar and sponsored by Portneuf Medical Center. Music starts at 5:00 p.m., free and open to all ages.

Tomorrow the 10th, Scratch Track is set to headline Idaho State University’s weekly Thursday night concert on the quad (view on map) – or in the Student Union Building in case of bad weather. Sober Down is scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m., free and open to the public of all ages.

Formed in early 2009, Sober Down, a reggae band based from Salt Lake City, has gained regional attention from their weekly performances at the very popular Huka Lounge and several outdoor festivals. Find out more at www.SoberDown.com.

Labeled as “acoustic hop-hop soul,” Scratch Track is a duo formed in Tennessee and now based from Kansas City, MO, comprised of DJ Lee and Jason Hamlin. Expect beatboxing, vocals (both sung and spoken) and guitar – an unusual but very popular combination that has brought Scratch Track to ISU’s campus several times.

Formed in 2000, Scratch Track built a following on many American campuses and now is making arena rounds with the likes of O.A.R. and opening for George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Los Lonely Boys, Living Colour and more, as well as a Sonicbids-supported entertainment tour for American Armed Forces overseas.

“We support our troops and wanted to really give back to them because they’re always in our minds and hearts,” said Hamlin, “… especially those who’ve been overseas for years.” Find out more at www.scratchtrackmusic.com.

Also on Thursday the 10th, the one-man-band “Cappi” is scheduled to play at Merigolds Wine on Flandro Drive (view on map), Black Breath headlines the bill at The Icon, N. Main Street (view on map) and Nick Jaina plus more are scheduled at The Flipside Lounge, S. Main Street in Pocatello (view on map).

John Shipe, a singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist, is set to play at Sandbaggers on Yellowstone Avenue (view on map) on Thursday, open to those 21+. Shipe was first introduced in Pocatello at the First Nash’s open mic night last year.

The bulk of Shipe’s music is original, but don’t be afraid to request a few covers. “If I don't know how to play the song they're clamoring for,” Shipe said, “I'll at least pull out a song from my batch that has the same energy.”

Shipe’s CD, "Yellow House," is a fan favorite. “But I also like ‘John Shipe & The Blue Rebekahs,’ my last electric album with a full band,” he said. “It's unusual, and very much a team effort.” More at www.johnshipe.com.

The big concert of the week is at the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center (view on map) on Friday, June 11. Richie McDonald (Lonestar) is in concert. Call (208) 317-5508 for ticket information.

From 1992 until 2007, McDonald was the lead vocalist for Lonestar, perhaps best known for the singles “Tequila Talkin’” and "Amazed," or any of the other twenty-seven Lonestar singles that made the Country Billboard charts. McDonald’s duet with Mindy McCready, "Maybe He'll Notice Her Now," topped at #18, and his 2008 release, “I Turn to You” at #19 on the U.S. Country charts. More at www.richiemcdonald.com.

The classic and oldie rock cover band, Plain Jane, is scheduled to play this weekend at Taps Bar on Garrett Way (view on map), but the bar is under new management and has changed their name. At the time of this writing, music entertainment for the weekend has not been confirmed.

And Bender is set to play their acoustic grooves at Marigolds Wine on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit www.myspace.com/benderpocatello for more.

Also on Friday night, Portneuf Valley Brewing brings 18 Switch Backs, a rock, Americana and bluegrass band, to their S. 1st Ave. stage (view on map) starting at 8:30 p.m. A new band based from Boulder, CO, this will be their first show in the area. Give ‘em a warm Pocatello welcome! Preview 18 Switch Backs at www.myspace.com/18switchbacks.

And on Saturday the 12th, the Just Friends Band, featuring Gene Galloway, Steve Byers, Bruce Bowman and Diana Shipley will play acoustic folk rock in the pub starting at 8:30 p.m. Music entertainment is free and open to the public of all ages.

Two last grace notes: Monday the 14th, Rufio is scheduled in concert at The Icon, and on Tuesday of next week, A Sudden Tragedy headlines. Doors at 6:30; tickets available at www.smithstix.com.

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