Column for August 25, 2010

This weekend, there are tons of options for music lovers to catch their favorite kind of live music entertainment. Here is just a brief review; for a full schedule, visit slowloosegravel.blogspot.com.

Tonight, Wednesday, August 25 at 5:00 p.m., Swingshift plays jazz, blues and rock at Revive at Five, the Civitans’ weekly community fund-raising event at the Old Town Pavilion, N., Main Street in Pocatello. Food will be catered by the Sand Trap, and tonight’s event is sponsored by the Idaho Food Bank and ISU Credit Union.

Swingshift, with vocalist Ramona Awes and bassist Mike Banks, has a repeat performance this week at Portneuf Valley Brewing, Friday the 27th at 8:30.

On Thursday the 26th, the 5th Avenue district of Pocatello, close by to Idaho State University, has their 2nd Annual Block Party, on E. Halliday between the 500 and 600 block of 5th Ave., in Pocatello (map of area). The event is scheduled from 3 to 8:30 p.m., with food, door prizes, giveaways, kids’ activities and more. Locally-based bands and solo musicians will provide music entertainment.

The 5th Avenue Block Party is sponsored by John Dixon of Global Wealth Management, 5th St. Bagelry, Mocha Madness, Jimmy Johns, Ball Brothers Music, Idaho Central Credit Union, Classy Car Club, Gold's Gym, Costco, Sign A Rama, #1 Nail Spa, Dave Shelton State Farm, ISU and Sunsations Day Spa.

Bands performing at the block party include Somewhere In the Middle, Unstable Ground and Soul Full of Blues, with acoustic sets by singer / songwriters Jesse Jones and Jake Tillo. All ages are invited to celebrate this important area of Pocatello’s independently owned and operated businesses and local musicians.

The big concert this week is at Sandy Downs in Idaho Falls (map). 78 Productions presents the 2010 Rock the Falls concert with glam metal bands Cinderella, Warrant and Kip Winger and Utah’s own alternative rock band, Royal Bliss, hosted by VH1’s Ambre Lake. Tickets are $38, available at CD World in Idaho Falls, Budget Tapes & Records in Pocatello or online at 78productions.net.

Royal Bliss has recently returned from Nashville, TN, where they spent several weeks recording a new album. Announced from Facebook, bass player and golden dreadlocked Tommy Mortensen has amicably left the band, to be replaced by a new bassist yet to be announced.

After Thursday’s concert, Royal Bliss takes a short tour to Twin Falls, Reno, NV and back to Salt Lake City. For more, visit www.RoyalBliss.com.

Also on Thursday, Elvis Has Left the Building provides groovy folk and Americana at Senang’s Wine and Tapas on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello (view on map) starting at 7:30 p.m.

Fans of rap and hip hop are eager for the Haystak concert in Idaho Falls, Friday the 27th at El Rodeo, N. Hitt Road (view on map). Locals 33 Deep, Universal Cypher and Boise’s Red Bone and the Congregation open for the Nashville-based rap artist. Tickets are available through inticketing.com.

Elsewhere around town, Elaine Mills plays acoustic at Marigolds Wine on Flandro Drive, Kaught Lookin plays rock at Duffy’s on N. Main Street, Jonathon plays blues at the Vinyl Perk on S. Main St., and the experimental alt. pop band Finn Riggins makes a triumphant return to the area at the FlipSide Lounge on S. Main Street, all on Friday night.

Plain Jane plays rock covers, oldies and new, at Rumors Bar on Garrett Way starting at 9:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights.

This weekend, the Bannock County Bluegrass Festival begins on Friday at 7:00 p.m., at the Bannock County Fairgrounds in Pocatello. It concludes on Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 for a one-day pass to $100 for a 5-person family weekend pass, available at Mike’s Music, Budget Tapes or at the gate. Campsites are also available at a moderate cost. Visit www.bannockcountybluegrassfestival.com for full details.

The three day, family-oriented bluegrass festival is filled with toe tappin’ bluegrass and gospel music with Cold Creek, Chicken Dinner Road, New South Fork, The Panhandle Polecats, The Bluegrass Coalition, Tradition, Red Desert Ramblers, Hammer Down and Strings Attached. Food and craft vendors will be on site.

On Saturday the 28th, Suffokate, King Conquer and Murder Death Kill are slated to play at the Eagles Lodge on Benton and Main (view on map). Open to all ages, doors open at 5:00 p.m. And starting at 8:30 p.m., the Brittany Reilly Duo play good old honky tonk at Portneuf Valley Brewing, S. 1st Ave. in Pocatello (map).

Lastly, on Monday the 30th, Hampton Sell plays country and roots music at the FlipSide Lounge. Visit www.myspace.com/hamptonsell for more.

Linda Alexander

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

www.myspace.com/showmetheband
http://slowloosegravel.blogspot.com