Column for November 10, 2010

There are all kinds of music in the southeast Idaho live music scene; jazz, folk, rock and Elvis are all in town this week. Here’s a peek at where to be when.

On Wednesday the 10th, the Idaho State University Jazz Big Band is in concert, upstairs in the loft of Portneuf Valley Brewing, S. 1st. Avenue in Pocatello’s warehouse district. The concert, from 7 to 9:00 p.m., is free and open to the public of all ages; food and beverage service will be available.

On Thursday the 11th, the Riverside Restaurant and Lounge, located on E. Portnuef Avenue in Lava Hot Springs, is pleased to welcome Kory Quinn, performing dinner music from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Call (208) 776-5504 for more information.

Quinn, a Chicago native now based from Oregon, plays folk and folk rock. The Vancouver Voice recently wrote, “Kory Quinn successfully caries a sound from a rocking chair on a worn wooden porch, to the bustling streets of Portland, which is a truly daunting transition.” Find out more at www.myspace.com/koryquinn.

Marigolds Wine, on Flandro Drive in Pocatello, has Recycled Rocks scheduled to perform on Friday and Saturday starting at 7:00 p.m. The band, based from Lava Hot Springs, plays vintage rock, blues, jazz and a “little bit country.” Marigolds is open to those 21 and over; music entertainment is free.

All the way from Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Matt Hopper and the Roman Candles are set to play at Portneuf Valley Brewing on Friday the 12th starting at 8:30 p.m. Entertainment at the pub is free and open to all ages.

Matt Hopper and The Roman Candles' first full length album, “Bang! Bang! Bang!” released in 2003, scored on CMJ charts when Hooper was a 24-year old college student in Anchorage, Alaska. The most recent release, “Jersey Finger,” was released on Hatcher Pass Records in June of this year. Hopper, a prolific singer-songwriter with a 300+ catalog of original material, has collaborated with musicians from Alaska to Nashville and most points in between, including several regionally-known artists in the Boise area. Find out more at www.matthopper.com.

On Saturday at the pub, Father Bob and Dr. Bob Fisher, a singer / songwriter duo, play an acoustic set starting at 8:30 p.m. And in the loft on Saturday night, Bender provides music entertainment for Mug Club members. Call (208) 232-1644 for more information.

Saturday night is a busy live music night in Pocatello. Starting at 6:30 p.m., Pokapalooza Warped 2010, a local battle of the bands hosted by the Idaho State University Marketing Club, gets under way at the Pond Student Union Ballroom on ISU’s Pocatello campus. Madison Lights is scheduled to headline the event. Tickets are $15 at the door, open to all ages.

Also at Idaho State University, Blue Suede Shoes, an Elvis experience, is scheduled at the Jensen Grand Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.isu.edu/tickets or by calling (208) 282-3267.

Scot Bruce and Mike Albert are a tribute team to the "King of Rock & Roll." Bruce performs as Elvis, the early years, followed by Albert who is superb as Elvis in his Vegas years. Find out more at www.a-c-t-s-inc.com.

And the First National Bar, W. Center Street in Pocatello, is hosting a benefit concert on Saturday the 13th starting at 6:00 p.m. Shawn & The Marauders, Catagory 3, State of Mind and Through Eyes Once Blind are set to provide music entertainment through closing. The event is open to those 21 and over.

"Jammin' for Tawnie" will raise funds for Tawnie Wigington, injured in a bizarre accident in July 2010. On her way home from a camping trip at Twin Lakes, Wigington was impaled by the fork of a front-end loader. There will be a potluck dinner, raffles and door prizes from a variety of local merchants, including Black Swan Inn, O'Dells Furniture, Carmike Theaters, Perkins, Big-O-Tires and El Herradero. A $5 donation is requested at the door.

Shawn & The Marauders are an up-and-coming, Pocatello-based rock, folk and funk group, lead by guitarist, singer and songwriter Shawn Barnby. Catagory 3 is a new, Pocatello-based band, with Dan Ditto on drums, Steve Graham on bass, Brian Miera on guitar and fronted by vocalist Brandy Anderson. Expect covers from ZZ Top to Janis Joplin, Shinedown to Gretchen Wilson.

State of Mind plays standard covers from the 70's to the 80's & 90's, and Through Eyes Once Blind is a local metal band.

And to wind up a busy live music weekend, Pineapple Crackers, a Hawaiian, reggae and rock group will play at the FlipSide Lounge, N. Main Street in Pocatello. Music starts at 7:00 p.m., open to those 21 and over.

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

Column for November 3, 2010

It’s all indie from rock to blues this week in Pocatello’s local live music scene, with local and national independent bands, duos and solo musicians performing in the area.

On Thursday the 4th, WahnderLust makes an appearance at the Flipside Lounge, located on S. Main Street in downtown Pocatello, view on map. Music starts at 9:00 p.m., open to those 21 and over.

WahnderLust, based from Los Angeles, CA, is a rock and funk duo featuring Kim Manning and Lantz Lazwell on vocals, keyboards and guitars. Expect a spirited performance, with bouncy, infectious , funky rhythms, groovy guitar riffs and A+ vocals.

Manning was a featured vocalist for George Clinton and the P-Funk Allstars, has appeared on The Grammy Awards, The David Letterman Show, Jay Leno, and VH1’s Flavor of Love, and has recorded with Snoop Dogg, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and recently with Sly Stone.

Lazwell has been compared to Jimi Hendrix, Jack Johnson and Stevie Wonder, taking home the L.A. Music Award for Best Rock Vocalist in 2007. WahnderLust has played at the House of Blues, San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall and SXSW. Find out more at www.myspace.com/wahnderlust.

On Friday the 5th, a new regionally-based band, Volcano, plays at Cynthia’s boutique at the Whitmore Hotel in downtown Pocatello, starting at 5:00 p.m. for First Friday Art Walk.

Also on Friday night, Soul Full of Blues, fronted by Ramona Awes on lead vocals and backed by Robert Miron, Dan Lauer, Steve Howard and Kerry Pepper, plays at Porntneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello, view on map, starting at 8:30 p.m. Music entertainment is free and open to all ages at the pub. Visit the band online at www.myspace.com/soulfullofblues.

And the locally-based rock cover band, Kaught Lookin’, who had a featured spot at the 10th Annual POW-MIA Awareness Rally, plays classic and current rock favorites at Duffy’s Bar on N. Main Street in Pocatello, view on map, on Friday night. Music starts at 9:00 p.m., no cover, and open to those 21 and over. Expect to hear favorites from Lynrd Skynrd, Alice in Chains, Buckcherry and more. Visit www.myspace.com/kaughtlookin.

On Saturday the 6th, 18 Switchbacks, a bluegrass, rock and Americana band from Boulder, Colorado plays at Portneuf Valley Brewing starting at 8:30 p.m., no cover and open to all ages.

18 Switchbacks blends influences from folk, rock, pop, jam, world music, jazz, and even country. Expect rich vocal harmonies, a dancey rhythm section, and a mélange of music styles to keep the set interesting and entertaining. Find out more at www.myspace.com/18switchbacks.

Also on Saturday, the First National Bar, W. Center Street in Pocatello, view on map, is pleased to welcome Aloud to their stage starting at 9:00 p.m. Aloud, from Boston, MA, is the young, dynamic indie-rock duo of Henry Beguiristain and Jen de la Osa. They are most known for their strong vocal harmonies.

Aloud is currently on tour in support of their most recent CD, “Exile,” released earlier this month on Lemon Merchant records. "Exile" is Aloud’s third full-length CD, fan-funded, and the debut album from talented producer engineer Daniel Nicholas Daskivich.

Aloud is excited to make their Pocatello debut as the fourteenth of over fifty performances on the Exile Tour. The duo has given up virtually all of their material possessions to make this tour happen. De la Osa told the Boston Phoenix, “instead of buying a house, we're touring cross-country.”

Expect to hear beautiful acoustic tones and vocals from the songs on "Exile," like the mid-tempo single “Old Soldier,” which starts with a whisper and grows into a brilliant, psychedelic and driven song, or the slightly sad and macabre “To Die At Sea.” Find out more at www.allthingsaloud.com.

Metal fans are eager for the upcoming CD release from Denots, showcased in a day-long Metal Extravaganza open to all ages at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls, Saturday the 6th, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Riksha, Ixxion, Rezination, Crimson and Shades of Interpretation are also on the billing. Denot’s fourth full-length CD, "Illusions of a Fictional Reality," went on sale on the 18th of October. Find out more at www.myspace.com/denots.

One last note: the ISU Marketing Club is searching for more bands to play this Fall’s Pokapalooza, set for November 13, 2010. The contest entry fee is $50, with $25 returned after a 20 minute set. Madison Lights is scheduled to appear as a guest band and will have a jam session with the winner. The winner will also get studio and air time on K-bear 101 and open for the Springfest concert at ISU. Interested bands should email Tyson Gunter at gunttyso@isu.edu for more information.

Linda Alexander

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

www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Column for October 20, 2010

We have a big week in store for the southeast Idaho live music scene, with concerts at large and small venues throughout the weekend.

Tomorrow the 21st, Destino is in concert at the Blackfoot Performing Arts center. Concert starts at 7:00 p.m., and tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students to age 18, available at Tweedy's Music or online at www.blackfootpac.com. For more information, call (208)317-5508.

Although Destino formed only a few years ago, their musical fusion blend of opera and pop music, coined as “popera,” has been received with praise from audiences and critics alike. A few of their peak performances have been at the 2008 Miss America Pageant, the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The Canadian-based group includes vocalists Terance Reddick and Joey Niceforo, pianist Roy Tan and violinist Rosemary Siemens, who draw on influences from gospel, soul, R&B, jazz and musical theater. Their debut CD, “Forte,” released in 2008 included the single "Show Me the Way Back to Your Heart," composed by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren. For more, visit www.destino3.com.

Ok, popera not your style? The FlipSide Lounge has a psychobilly / punk show that may be of interest. On Thursday the 21st, Trigger Itch and Demoni, both based from Boise, will crank it up starting at 8:00 p.m. The FlipSide is open to those 21 and over.

Demoni calls themselves “surfified punkabilly,” a collaboration of many different music styles. Find out more at www.myspace.com/demonipsycho. Trigger Itch plays alternative rock and punk. Find them online at www.myspace.com/triggeritch.

And on both Thursday and Friday, the 21st and 22nd, Sweet Rain plays at the Riverside Hot Springs Restaurant & Lounge in Lava. Music entertainment is free to the public of all ages and starts at 5:30 p.m. The Riverside is located at 255 E. Portneuf Ave., just off Main Street in Lava. Call (208)776-5504 for more information.

Sweet Rain is a guitar and piano duo of husband and wife, Vince and Jena, based from Colorado. Expect instrumental, easy listening music that ranges from nostalgic standards to light classical. “Of course I’ve done piano bar and corporate party type gigs as a single,” Jena writes from their website, “but playing in a duo setting with Vince has let me blend my classical training with his years of jazz, country and pop experience.”

Listen for their single, “Miracle of You,” which was used for Dateline NBC’s piece “A Long Way Home.” Read more at www.sweetrainmusic.com.

Two concert cancellations of note: folk singer Judy Collins’ concert at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls, which was scheduled for Friday the 22nd by an independent promoter, was cancelled last week. And Blood On the Dance Floor, the electronica / powerpop band based from Florida, has moved their Friday concert from The Icon on Main Street in Pocatello to The Basement in Ogden, UT, according to their website.

On a more positive note, Idaho’s Douglas Cameron is scheduled to play at Marigolds Wine on Flandro Drive in Pocatello this weekend, Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7:00 p.m. Music entertainment is free; Marigolds is open to those 21 and over.

Douglas Cameron released his first CD, “The Consequence of My Choices,” in 2004. His most recent CD, “Songs of September,” was released in 2009. Cameron plays folk, rock and pop with a twinge of country. Visit www.douglascameron.net.

At Portneuf Valley Brewing this weekend, located on S. 1st Ave. in Pocatello, the Kevin Young Jazz Quartet takes the stage on Friday the 22nd beginning at 8:30 p.m. Music entertainment is free and open to all ages.

Kevin Young has been playing saxophone for 35 years. In 2001, Young released his first CD of jazz standards, "Sax for the Soul," and a few years later released a collection of holiday songs. Expect to get up and dance; this jazz quartet has been known to swing. For more, visit www.jazzsaxrecords.com.

And on Saturday the 23rd, the locally-based roots rock and reggae band, Bender, plays at the pub starting at 8:30 p.m.

Bender has been a long-time area favorite band, appearing at many outdoor local events as well as on regular rotation at Portneuf Valley Brewing. Formed in 2008, Bender plays mostly original music, a few covers now and then, on guitars, lap steel, harmonica, banjo and percussion. If you haven’t caught one of their shows, Saturday night will be a good time to do it. They’re groovy, man.

Find Bender online at www.myspace.com/benderpocatello or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Bender.

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

Column for October 13, 2010

Marigolds Wine, located on Flandro Drive near Golds Gym, is fast becoming not only a center for wine and gourmet delicacies, but also for live music. On Thursdays, Marigolds’ is hosting an open mic night, from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Marigolds is open to those 21 and over. Visit www.marigoldswine.com for more information.

On Friday and Saturday, the 15th and 16th, Jory Dax performs funk-based blues at Marigolds starting at 7:00 p.m. Music entertainment is free. Jeff Young, guitar and vocals, and long-time friend Henry Evans, percussion, started The Jory Dax Band several years ago. The Jory Dax Band has been an on-again-off-again favorite band in the area, with fits and spurts of success and plenty of member changes. But every time they’ve played, the audience response has been encouraging and supportive.

Young, based in Pocatello, is an inarguably a talented guitar player; perhaps not in virtuoso technique, but certainly in passion and lightning-quick fretwork. I’ve sat in the audience surrounded by other guitar players and musicians who, in a soft whisper for my ears only, have compared Young’s potential to Robin Trower and Stevie Ray Vaughn. If you’ve missed Jory Dax in the past, now’s a good time to get in on the groove.

At Portneuf Valley Brewing this weekend, Train Wreck, based from Idaho Falls, takes the stage on Friday the 15th. Music entertainment is free and open to all ages, starting at 8;30 p.m. And on Saturday the 16th, Unstable Ground is at the pub playing rock and country.

Train Wreck is a duo project with Shawn Good and Amber Lytle. I interviewed Good last year for the Grand Opening of the Vinyl Perk, and shortly thereafter he began his collaboration with Lytle. Listen for covers of songs from Ani Difranco, Blake Shelton, Cream, Otis Redding, Lynard Skynard, Jack Johnson, Eric Clapton, Missy Higgins, Melissa Ethridge, and more.

“I think TrainWreck appeals most to its fans because of the diversity of music that we represent,” Good said. “Coming to a TrainWreck show, you're not going to hear just one type of music. You're more than likely going to hear a song from every radio station on the airwaves, except for the gospel channel. That’s why we call ourselves TrainWreck, because it's all these genres of music meshed into one set.”

The duo has played throughout southeast Idaho, either separately as solo musicians or together. They’ve played at Vino Rosso and The Cellar in Idaho Falls, Fort Hall and the Vinyl Perk in Pocatello. For more, find Train Wreck on Facebook.

Unstable Ground is a locally-based rock and country cover band, a regular favorite at the pub. The four-piece band is fronted by Gene Taylor and Mark Holbrook on guitars and vocals, backed by bassist Chris Willock and Eric Stanley on drums. The band is also scheduled at Marigolds in mid-November.

Keep in touch with Unstable Ground by email at contact@unstablegroundband.com, or visit their website at www.unstableground.com.

Some other big concerts coming up in and around the area soon include Destino, an opera and pop fusion group, performing at the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center on Thursday the 21st. Tickets for Destino are $20 for adults and $15 students under 18, available at blackfootpac.com, Tweedy's Music in Blackfoot, or by calling (208) 317-5508.

Judy Collins, pianist and folk singer / songwriter is in concert at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls on Friday the 22nd. Tickets are $35 in advance or $38 at the door. For more, call (208) 522-0471.

On Sunday the 24th , The First National Bar hosts a fund-raising concert for a recent house fire victim with Forgiveness Denied, Valley of Unrest, the Art of Repulsion and more. Call (208) 233-1516.

And tickets are on sale now for The Freakers Ball at the Old Ernst Building in Idaho Falls, presented by 78 Productions. Royal Bliss headlines with support from Anchored, Somewhere In the Middle and Some Day Sane. Tickets are $15 in advance, available online at www.78productions.net or at CD World in Idaho Falls. The concert is open to all ages; minors 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Royal Bliss recently spent six weeks in Nashville, TN, recording a new album, due for release in spring 2011. I heard a preview of the new record a few weeks ago, and it’s heavy, man. Fans will love it.

Also on the 29th, Straight No Chaser is scheduled to perform at the Idaho Falls civic Auditorium. Tickets are available online at www.idahofallsarts.org.

Linda Alexander
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
slowloosegravel.blogspot.com

Column for October 6, 2010

This week exemplifies, to some extent, the Pocatello live music scene. Available to the local listening audience this week, we have everything from instrumental rock / jazz fusion from a local band of young men, to indie pop imported from the northwest, an American blues legend playing “Booker’s Guitar,” to a metal “feast” in nearby Idaho Falls.

At the Vinyl Perk on N. Main Street this Friday the 8th, Blind Autumn has scheduled their CD release party from 7 to 10:00 p.m. Music entertainment is free and open to the public of all ages.

Blind Autumn is still just getting started in the southeast Idaho music scene. This group of young men, who went to Pocatello High School together, have plenty to which they can look forward. See interview.

“Our style is kind of a fusion of rock and jazz,” drummer Patrick Kennedy said. “We mix in some funk, reggae, blues, and other stuff. There's a lot of variety in our songs. Some of our songs could be considered straight-up rock while others are a lot jazzier. We have an alto sax player which makes us different than a typical rock band. Right now all of our songs are instrumental, but we hope to add in some vocals in the future.”

Isaac Frantz plays alto sax and keyboards, with John Hunt on guitar, bassist Terran Engle in Blind Autumn. The song "Topsy Turvy" is a fan favorite, “it starts out with a catchy melody on the sax, and the whole thing builds to a guitar/sax solo at the end. It was one of our first songs and kind of our ‘signature’ song.” For more, visit www.myspace.com/blindautumn.

Also on Friday night, Matt Murdock plays acoustic at Marigolds Wine on Flandro Drive starting at 7:00 p.m., and Cappi plays solo at the gourmet wine shop on Saturday the 9th. Marigolds is open to those 21 and over, and music entertainment is free.

At Portneuf Valley Brewing this weekend, Tom Murphy plays solo contemporary music starting at 8:30 p.m. And Hosannas, an indie pop band from Portland, OR, is also scheduled at the pub on Friday the 8th, upstairs in the loft starting at 9:00 p.m. Music is free at the pub and open to all ages.

Formed some three years ago, Hosannas (formerly Church) is best known for their haunting vocal harmonies, lyrics and unpredictable melodies. Church released “Song Force Crystal” on Tender Loving Empire Records in 2009, and this year released “Then & Now & Then” on Hush Records as Hosannas. For more, visit www.hosannasmusic.com.

On Saturday the 9th, the pub warmly welcomes the return of Hot Flash, a regionally-based, all-woman country rock band. Visit www.portneufvalleybrewing.com for their full schedule of music events.

And Smoochknob, pop-punk band also based from Portland, OR, is making a return engagement on Saturday night to the FlipSide Lounge, S. Main Street in Pocatello. Doors open at 8:00 p.m., open to those 21 and over. Find out more at www.myspace.com/smoochknobmusic.

And the big concert of the week is at the Stephens Performing Arts Center on the Idaho State University campus. Eric Bib is in concert on Saturday the 9th. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.; $14 to $18 tickets are available online at www.isu.edu/tickets or at the Performing Arts Center box office.

Eric Bibb makes a return to campus by popular demand. He plays American blues and folk, inspired by Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and the music of the pre-war Delta blues. His most recent CD, “Booker’s Guitar,” is inspired by the music of bluesman Booker White. The story goes that Bibb recorded with a 1930’s vintage Resophonic National guitar that once belonged to Booker.

Bibb recently told NPR that his inspiration is the culture that surrounded the Delta blues legends. "When we think of the prewar blues, we're concentrating on this wonderful music — this incredible sound born of all this pain and oppression," he said. "As a musician who feels connected to the blues tradition, I felt it was appropriate to make a reference to those things."

Bibb has received multiple Grammy nominations for Acoustic Blues Album of the Year and Acoustic Blues-Artist of the Year. For more, visit www.ericbibb.com.

And on Sunday the 10th, Synapse Defect headlines “Metal Feast” with local support from Denots, Ixxion, Shades of Interpretation, 10 Years Gone, Life Has A Way and more. The show is open to all ages; doors open at 3, with music from 4 to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.projectindependent.net.

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

Column for September 22, 1010

Good things happen in two’s? Poctello’s local live music scene has paired-up entertainment this week, Thursday and Friday or Friday and Saturday. Find a friend, buddy up and hit the town. Twice. Here’s where to be when.

On Thursday the 23rd, The FlipSide Lounge, located on S. Main Street in Pocatello, welcomes Phantoms, a rock band based from Seattle. Then on Friday the 24th, see Smoochknob headline with n.m.e. and special guests opening. Doors open at 8:00 p.m., open to those 21 and over. For more on the FlipSide, visit www.reverbnation.com/flipsidelounge.

Phantoms was formed in June of 2009, when singer / songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Johnny (just one name, like Sting or Prince) recruited guitarist John Luzzi, drummer Nick Anderson, Trong Nguyen on keyboards and bassist Doug Rehfeldt. With the support of a local Seattle-based radio station, Phantoms are playing to packed houses and touring the region.

Influenced by Jimmy Eat World, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Taking Back Sunday, Dashboard Confessional and Nirvana, expect Phantoms to play new and original music with a familiar, if edgy, feel. Listen for fan-favorite songs, “Take That, Karl Marx” and “Dust.” Find out more at www.myspace.com/whatisphantoms.

Smoochknob is a pop-punk band based from Portland, OR, led by dummer and vocalist Donnie Rife. He named the band after the Midwest slang for a suicide knob on the steering wheel of a car. His catchy tongue-in-cheek songs draw comparisons to Weezer or the Presidents of the U.S.A.

Smoochknob’s CD, “Jr. High Anthems,” is due for release in spring 2011. Find out more at www.myspace.com/smoochknobmusic.

Rumors Bar on Garrett Way in Pocatello returns Twisted Deuce to their stage. Music entertainment is free and open to those 21 and over. Twisted Deuce, a locally-based duo using loop technology, plays covers of all your favorites. Call (208) 478-2525 for more information.

Marigolds Wine, located on Flandro Drive in Pocatello, has paired up two, locally-based singer / songwriter, acoustic guitar-playing soloists this weekend. On Friday, Scott Balsai performs his fingerstyle techniques on the guitar from 7 to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturday, Randy Johnson plays folk and Americana. Visit Marigolds online at www.marigoldswine.com.

Scott Balsai two CD’s, collectively called "Acoustic Reflections," have been met with praise from Taylor Guitars. His first CD, “Waiting for the Sun,” was recorded in Pocatello in 1998 with the help of Steve Eaton. "Each piece," Balsai said, "reflects a sliver of my life, but taken together, they can be seen as musical diary of 'tone poems' which reflect my life as a whole." The second, “Falling Colors on Prairie Braid,” was recorded with the help of Dan Mihlfeith, in Pocatello in 2004. For more, visit www.acousticreflections.net.

Randy Johnson has been a consistent player in Pocatello’s acoustic rock and folk scene. He has collaborated with other locally and regionally-based musicians Dan Hillebrant, George Asboe, Angier Wills and more, as well as having been a member of the now-defunct Greybeard band.

My final musical weekend pairing suggestion is Portneuf Valley Brewing, where the very popular Swingshift takes the stage on Friday night, and the party of the weekend will be hosted on Saturday. Music entertainment inside the pub is free and open to all ages

Swingshift, fronted by vocalists Ramona Awes and Mike Banks, play jazz, blues and light rock. Their regular last-Friday-of-the-month appearances at the pub are eagerly anticipated; I would suggest arriving early for the band’s 8:30 p.m. start time.

On Saturday the 25th, Portneuf Valley Brewing celebrates Oktoberfest with a street party, all along the 600 block of S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello. Gates open at 4:00 p.m., with live music from 5 to midnight, featuring Soul Full of Blues, Elvis Has Left the Building and Jonny and The Electric Polka Dots.

The annual Oktoberfest block party helps raise funds for the Pebble Creek Ski Patrol. The Ski Patrol will cook hamburgers and bratwurst outside, and the pub will be open with Oktoberfest food and beverage specials for the occasion. Tickets are $5 in advance, available in the pub and at Scott’s Ski and Sport, Raven’s Nest, Barrie’s Ski and Sport, College Market or the Grapevine, or $8 at the gate, kids under 12 are welcome free.

Fronted by Ramona Awes on lead vocals, Soul Full of Blues includes Robert Miron, Dan Lauer, Steve Howard and Kerry Pepper. Elvis Has Left the Building, a trio with Angier Wills, Greg Mladenka and Bill Chalmers, plays original acoustic Americana.

Find out more on Soul Full of Blues at www.myspace.com/soulfullofblues; Elvis Has Left the Building is online at site.elbinfo.com. For more on Oktoberfest, visit www.portneufvalleybrewing.com.

Linda Alexander
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
http://slowloosegravel.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Column for September 15, 2010

If you haven’t been out in the Pocatello nightlife recently, this weekend will be a good time to do it. Several locally-based bands offer a wide range of music styles within the Pocatello city limits. And if you’re traveling this weekend, I have tips on where to be when for your favorite live music.

This Friday and Saturday, the 17th and 18th, Bender plays at Marigolds Wine on Flandro Drive (view on map), starting around 7:00 p.m. Music entertainment is free and open to those 21 and over.

Bender is a 7-piece eclectic collection of instruments and styles. They play a blend of American roots music, rock and reggae. Formed in 2008, Ken Aho and Will Peterson lead on guitar and vocals, with Dan Lauer on harmonica, percussionist TJ Latour and guitarists Ed Bala, Dave Jones with Rick Williams on banjo. Everyone is based from southern Idaho.

Expect original music, written by Aho, Peterson and Bala, who draw influences from blues, reggae and roots rock. “The only rule we try to enforce,” said Bala, “is that the songs need to have a groove.”

Regulars at the brewery, Bender has also played many outdoor fairs, fundraising events and at Marigolds. Bala commented, “We’ve actually never had a gig anyplace in Pocatello we didn’t really like, because audiences here are so receptive, and the bars and other venues are great.

“The local music scene is awesome. If anyone likes live music, they can find most any genre being played somewhere in town almost any time. From a band’s perspective, the local music scene is fantastic because everyone knows one another and are very supportive.” Find out more at www.myspace.com/benderpocatello or on Facebook.

Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Ave. (view on map) also has local favorites gracing their stage this weekend. On Friday the 17th, The Desert Flyers play folk and Americana. And on Saturday the 17th, Pocatello-based singer / songwriter Father Bob plays acoustic at the pub. Music entertainment is free and open to all ages, starting at 8:30 p.m. For more, visit www.portneufvalleybrewing.com.

And at Rumors on Garrett Way (view on map) this weekend, Plain Jane plays classic rock covers on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9:00 p.m. There is no cover, and it is open to those 21 and over.

Plain Jane recently closed out the Revive at Five summer concert series downtown. Lead vocalist Jeff Hammer said they went until 9:00 p.m., and in spite of some power failures at the end, the band was determined to get through that last song. The audience was dancing and had lots of fun. “It’s great to see Pocatelloans getting out in the sunshine, with great food, great drink and great company.”

Hammer fronts the 5-piece band, with guitarists Maurice Ross, Richard Henry, Darwin Edwards on bass and Frank True on drums. For more on Plain Jane, visit www.myspace.com/plainjaneinfo.

And to finish out a locals-only weekend, Shawn and the Marauders provide music entertainment for a masquerade party at the First National Bar on W. Center St. (view on map), Saturday the 18th starting at 8:00 p.m.

Shawn and the Marauders play a blend of folk rock southern style, pop, rock and roll. Some songs have a bluesy feel, and some a hip-hop funk groove. Listen for some fan favorites: “Scarface,” a tribute to the 90’s gangsta rap artist, “Hot Corn Cold Corn,” a beefed-up folk song about moonshining, and “Hoodrat Love,” a groovy, 70’s-sounding pop song about a hot girl who plays hard to get.

Shawn Barnby, a long-time solo artist in Pocatello, leads the Marauders on vocals and guitar, with drummer Casey Johnson, James “Bird” McCoy on bass forming the rhythm section. The power trio has played many times at the Flipside Lounge, The Nash and Hooligans in Pocatello, as well as in Island Park, Alpine, Victor, Twin Falls and Salt Lake City.

“Although our music is all original,” McCoy recently said, “the sounds are all very familiar to people who are used to hearing cover songs. We draw on influences from popular songs from the last 50 or 60 years.” Find out more at www.myspace.com/shawnbarnby or on Facebook.

Elsewhere in the region, Dala, a folk Duo from Canada, is in concert at the Carr Gallery in Idaho Falls, Thursday the 16th. On Friday the 17th, 2am Logic plays at the Peppertree Lounge in Idaho Falls, Great White is in concert at Cactus Pete’s in Jackpot, NV, and Smashing Pumpkins plays In the Venue in Salt Lake City.

And on Saturday the 18th, Royal Bliss plays the “Summer Decompression Festival” at the Ogden Amphitheater.

Linda Alexander

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

www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Column for September 8, 2010

The Eastern Idaho Fair has the big concerts this year: on Thursday the 9th, an evening with Foreigner at the fair in Blackfoot (view on map), and on Friday the 10th, the legendary Kenny Rogers with the Oak Ridge Boys. Shows start at 6:00 p.m.; ticket information at www.funatthefair.com.

Foreigner is a classic rock band formed in New York City in 1976 by English musicians Mick Jones, ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald, and American vocalist Lou Gramm. Foreigner has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide, including over 37.5 million in the United States.

The six-piece band released their debut album in 1977, staying in the Top 20 for a year with the classic rock hits “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice.” Their second album, certified 7x Platinum, had more hits with “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” and “Blue Morning, Blue Day.” And their third followed up with “Dirty White Boy” and “Head Games.”

The early eighties saw Foreigner pare down to a 4-piece, when they released their biggest hit singles, “Urgent,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You” and “Juke Box Hero” and their only number 1 album, “4.” And in 1985, “I Want to Know What Love Is” arguably became The Rock Ballad of the eighties. The hits, they just kept a-comin’.

In 2009, Foreigner released their latest record, “Can’t Slow Down,” which peaked at #29 on the U.S. charts. They have recently toured with Def Leppard, Styx and Kansas. Current members of the band include vocalist Kelly Hansen, Mick Jones and Thom Gimbel on guitars, Michael Bluestein on keyboards, Jeff Pilson on bass and drummer Jason Sutter.

For more, visit their official website at www.foreigneronline.com.

The Oak Ridge Boys were originally formed in 1945. They became popular in the 50’s as a gospel group, and in the 1970’s, concentrated more on country and pop music. The band's current lineup consists of lead Duane Allen, tenor Joe Bonsall, baritone William Lee Golden, and bass Richard Sterban.

Perhaps best known for the early eighties pop hit, “Elvira,” for which The Oak Ridge Boys won a Grammy, they have been awarded Top Vocal Group by the Academy of Country Music in 1978, Instrumental Group of the year by the Country Music Association in 1986.

The Oak Ridge Boys have charted three #1 country music albums and several in the top 50 on the country charts. Their most recent release, “The Boys Are Back,” released in 2009, peaked at number 16. For more, visit www.oakridgeboys.com.

Kenny Rogers, now 72 years old, is not only a singer and songwriter, but also a photographer, record producer, actor and entrepreneur. He has charted more than 120 hit singles across music genre map and has hit the country and pop album charts since the mid-1960’s.

Listeners of mainstream music first took note of Kenny Rogers in 1977 with his hit single, “Lucille.” It was a number one on the pop charts in 12 countries and has sold over 5 million copies. Rogers followed with a multi-million selling albums, “The Gambler” and “Kenny,” both considered highly influential albums in country music.

Rogers has paired with other music stars in what have become iconic music classics. In 1980, his duet with Kim Carnes, “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer,” his collaboration with Lionel Richie on “Lady,” “We’ve Got Tonight” with Sheena Easton and “Islands in the Stream” with Dolly Parton are unforgettable music moments from the eighties.

Kenny Rogers has won more music awards than I have room here to mention. For more, visit www.kennyrogers.com.

The southeast Idaho live music scene tends to slow down during the fair, but there are still some shows of interest in the area.

On Friday, The Starlings play at Portneuf Valley Brewing, located on S. 1st Ave., in Pocatello (view on map). Based from Seattle, WA, The Starlings play alternative country music and Americana. Music entertainment starts at 8:30 p.m., free and open to all ages. Visit them online at www.myspace.com/thestarlings.

And on Saturday night at the pub, Soul Full of Blues takes the stage, with vocalist Ramona Awes and Robert Miron on guitar. Find them online at www.myspace.com/soulfullofblues.

Plain Jane is scheduled to play rock and country covers that span from the 60’s to now at Rumors on Garrett Way (view on map), Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9:00 p.m. No cover, and open to those 21 and over.

In Lava, One Drop Redemption, an 8-piece Bob Marley tribute band, plays a reggae show from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday the 11th at the Swimming Complex. Find them at www.onedropredemption.com.

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

Column for September 1, 2010

Tonight, the 1st of September, is the last session of the Bannock County Civitans’ 2010 Revive at Five summer concert series. Plain Jane, a Pocatello-based rock cover band, provides music entertainment at the Old Town Pavilion, N. Main Street in Pocatello (view on map). This last session runs an extra hour, starting at 5 and ending at 9:00 p.m. The Health Department Preparedness Fair sponsors and food is catered by El Herradero.

Plain Jane, with the motto “Fun Music for Fun People,” was a hit area band some 10 years ago. They reformed a few years ago. The current line-up has Jeff Hammer fronting the band on vocals, backed by Maurice Ross and Richard Henry on guitars, Darwin Edwards on bass and drummer Frank True.

Expect to hear covers of oldies and classic rock, blues and soul like “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Take It Easy,” “Long Cool Woman” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” Find out more about Plain Jane at plainjanemusic.com.

On Thursday the 2nd at the Flipside Lounge, S. Main St. in Pocatello (view on map), Seattle’s folk / pop duo World History headlines a show with locals Nyr Lif and John Austin starting at 8:00 p.m. The FlipSide is open to those 21 and over.

World History formed in the winter of 2006 as a collection of songs written and recorded aboard several boats in Seattle, WA. The project evolved into a collaboration between Neil Campau and Jamie Menzel. Campau provides the majority of the vocals, also playing a rusty autoharp and guitar, while Menzel lends her soft vocals flute melodies and percussion.

Expect songs about historical characters and events and anarchist anti-politics, with strong vocals and entertaining, foot-stomping audience sing-alongs. BackForty Presents (Boulder CO) has this to say, “Neil Campau rocks the guitar and autoharp with strong vocal work. Jamie Menzel completes the duo with flute, melodica, drums and vocals. Neil’s voice possesses a warm and uncanny feeling of recognition but remains new and unique. Powerful and explosive at certain points, he has the ability to comfort and urgently bolt what he needs to say.” For more, visit www.worldhistoryband.com.

Nyr Lif’s music is a mix of indie rock and folk. There is acoustic layering of guitars, creative percussion, and great harmonies. They took first place in ISU’s Guitar Unplugged Battle of the Bands.

Listen for Nyr Lif’s popular singles, "Capoed," "Yani," and "The Bicycle of Fate." Casey Cathey and Shaun Barkdull form the duo, with other musicians filling in as needed. Find their recordings, “Experimentallation,” an EP released in 2007, and “Two Legs Broken,” a full CD released in 2008, on CDBaby.com. Find out more at www.myspace.com/nyrlif.

The Southeast Idaho live music scene has a number of regulars playing at their regular haunts this weekend.

Ray Rodriguez is playing acoustic at Marigolds Wine on Flandro Drive (view on map), Friday and Saturday the 3rd and 4th, 7 to 10:00 p.m. Marigolds Wine is open to those 21 and over, and they’re supporting ISU Back to School this weekend. Wear your orange and black to get some discounts.

At Rumors Bar on Garrett Way (view on map), Twisted Deuce takes the stage playing country and rock starting at 9:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Portneuf Valley Brewing (website) welcomes back some favorite musicians to their stage this weekend also. Bluesman Fred Anderson performs on Friday night the 3rd, and the country, folk and rock band, Unstable Ground, plays danceable music on Saturday night the 4th. Music entertainment starts at 8:30 p.m. at the pub, free and open to all ages.

Unstable Ground is a four piece band, based in Pocatello. Gene Taylor and Mark Holbrook front the band on guitars, bassist Chris Willock and drummer Eric Stanley keep the beat. All four contribute vocally. For more, visit http://unstablegroundband.com.

And if a trip up to Lava Hot Springs is in order this weekend, check out the classic rock cover band, Easy Street, at the Wagon Wheel this weekend. Music starts at 9:00 p.m., open to those 21 and over.

Based from northern Utah, Joe Chintawan and Mark DeLaurier front Easy Street on guitars and vocals, and Greg Newbold on bass with drummer Dan Stephenson back them up. Expect them to play favorite hits from the 60’s to the hits of today. Find the band online at www.easystreetrocks.com.

The Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot, ID, starts Saturday, September 4 and runs through the 11th. Tickets are now on sale for Foreigner on Thursday, September 9 and Kenny Rogers and the Oak Ridge Boys on Friday, September 10. Visit www.funatthefair.com for ticket information.

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

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

Column for August 18, 2010

There are only three weeks left in the Civitans’ weekly Wednesday night concert series, Revive at Five. The community fund-raising event is located at the Old Town Pavilion on N. Main Street in downtown Pocatello (map) starting at 5:00 p.m. This week, sponsored by Snake River Coffee, Kyd J provides music entertainment, while food is provided by Sandy’s Ghetto Dogs.

On Friday the 20th, Jon Davidson and Crown Point return to Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Ave. in Pocatello (map) for a concert starting at 8:30 p.m. Music entertainment starts at 8:30 p.m., free and open to all ages.

Crown Point, a pop / rock band from Portland, Oregon, plays memorable, dancey music. They are a vocally driven band, with an emphasis on harmony and lyrics. They are also fan-centered; expect them to connect with the audience. “It's not something we have to do,” vocalist Jon Davidson said in a recent interview, “it's something we love to do.”

Davidson fronts the band with Russel Stafford, originally from New Zealand, on vocals. “I usually have to translate,” Davidson joked, “so that the ladies can understand Russell's thick Aussie accent.” Robert Finn plays bass and drummer Tyler Chen rounds out the 4-piece group. The members have opened for such varied artists as Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, The Exies, Russell Crowe and more.

“The coolest experience I've ever had at a show,” Davidson said, “is when a fan came up to us after a concert and said that the lyrics to one of our songs had given her the courage to forgive her father and make amends with him. In the long run, those are the types of things that make shows matter, not the size or place.”

Crown Point will play three or four rockers, some mid-tempo pop/rock tracks and a couple ballads, sprinkled with some duo acoustic tunes. “I've always had an epic time playing in Pocatello. Penny Pink of Portneuf is arguably the nicest club owner in the Northwest, and our fans in the Poky/Idaho Falls area are second to none.”

Davidson feels the best to get his music out there is through touring the same markets repeatedly, getting press and radio play in those markets, and building a fan base one show at a time. “Barring the 'big break' everyone seems to be waiting for, luck seems to happen to those who work the hardest,” he said.

The band has a gig the following night, Saturday, August 21st at Vino Rosso in Idaho Falls (map). Find out more about Crown Point on YouTube, Facebook or at myspace.com/crownpointmusic.

On Saturday, Soul Full of Blues takes the pub’s stage at 8:30 p.m. Based in Pocatello, they are a classic, upbeat electric blues band. Soul Full of Blues covers the blues map from Texas swing and New Orleans funk to Chicago blues and beyond. Expect influences from Etta James, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Nora Jones.

Fronted by Ramona Awes on lead vocals, Soul Full of Blues features Robert Miron on guitar and vocals, Dan Lauer on harmonica, bassist Steve Howard and Kerry Pepper on drums.

Formed in late 2008, Soul Full of Blues has played throughout the Rocky Mountain Regeion, with steady gigs in and around Pocatello. They’ve also played festivals, private parties, and corporate functions in the region. For more, visit www.myspace.com/soulfullofblues.

Also on Saturday, a Locals Showcase is scheduled at The Icon, N. Main Street in Pocatello (map). Cost is $3, open to all ages, doors open at 5:00 p.m. Art of Repulsion, The Brave, Foreigners Denied, Above & Below, Safe & Easy, The Piss Shivers and Valley of Unrest are on the bill.

Safe and Easy is from Idaho Falls, playing alternative rock and reggae. Formed in 2007, the band has competed in many Battles of Bands, winning 2nd place in both the 2007 and 2008 Mike's Music Battles of the Bands, 3rd place in the 2008 Chesbro's Battle of the Bands, 2nd place in the 2009 Chesbro's Battle of the Bands, and 1st place in the 2009 Mike's Music Battle of the Bands.

Safe & Easy has released a self-titled full-length album and a four-song EP, “Standing on Cables.” Visit www.myspace.com/safeeasy for more.

Valley Of Unrest is based in Pocatello; visit www.myspace.com/valleyofunrest09. And The Art of Repulsion, a hardcore thrash band, is based from Blackfoot; visit
www.myspace.com/theartofrepulsion.

In Idaho Falls on Saturday, Adler's Appetite with Steven Adler, drummer from Guns 'n Roses, plays at The Peppertree Lounge (map). Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door, open to those 21+.

Linda Alexander

a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Live Music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
http://slowloosegravel.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Column for August 11, 2010

Western swing, bluegrass and soul seem to be the theme in Southeast Idaho’s live music scene this week with shows both outside and in.

Strings Attached provides the music at tonight's Revive @ Five, at the Old Town Pavilion, Main St., in downtown Pocatello (map). Food will be catered by Pasta Vino, sponsored the Bannock County Bluegrass Festival, which is scheduled August 27 - 29.

The big concert this week is at Sandy Downs in Idaho Falls (map). Asleep at the Wheel plays Texes country western swing on Friday night, August 13th. Races start at 5:00 p.m. with the concert to follow. The locally-based acoustic folk band Steelhead Redd (website) opens the show.

Asleep at the Wheel originally formed in West Virginia in the early 70’s and is now based from Austin, Texas. The group has won nine Grammy Awards, released more than twenty studio albums and has charted more than twenty singles on the Billboard country charts, including "The Letter That Johnny Walker Read," peaking on the U.S. Country chart at #10 in 1975.

Asleep at the Wheel’s band leader, Ray Benson, has been inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame and was given The Texas Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have been one of the strongest names in Country Music for the last forty years.

In 2009, Asleep at the Wheel collaborated with legendary Willie Nelson on the album, “Willie and the Wheel,” which charted at #13 on the U.S. Country charts. Find out more at www.asleepatthewheel.com.

Jazz is on the menu at Marigolds Wine on Flandro Drive (map) in Pocatello Friday night with Jimmy G. Music starts at 7:00 p.m., free and open to the public of all ages. At Portneuf Valley Brewing, singer / songwriter Bruce Bowman is scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m., playing everything from folk to rock.

On Saturday the 14th, Hooligans Pub & Restaurant on N. 3rd Ave. (map) celebrates their anniversary with a party in the parking lot starting at 4:30 p.m. The locally-based rock band Somewhere In the Middle takes the stage at 6, and Bluejack, an R&B and soul band based from Bozeman, MT, headlines starting at 9:00 p.m.

Somewhere In the Middle is a well-known local and regional favorite, featuring Aaron Ball on guitars and vocals and percussionist Jonathan Brownly. Find out more at www.myspace.com/aaronballmusic.

Bluejack has toured with B.B. King and has opened for Journey, CCR, Foreigner, Soul Asylum and more. They played at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and are a regular at the Sturgis Bike Rally in South Dakota.

Fronted by vocalist Paige Rasmussen and backed by a three-piece horn section, the eight-piece band is best known for delivering a high-powered, soul music experience, playing a mix of originals and covers from jazz, blues, Motown and funk. Listen for their fan favorite rendition of Otis Redding’s “Please, Please, Please.” Read more at www.bluejackband.com.

Also on Saturday, the Alder Street All Stars play Americana, bluegrass and rock at Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Ave. (map), starting at 8:30. Music entertainment is free and open to all ages at the pub.

The Alder Street All Stars describe their music as “thug-grass” or politically charged non-traditional bluegrass. “Our fans enjoy the hard drinkin, instrumentally driven political statements, along with the fiery stage presence of the band,” the band said in a recent interview.

Based from Eugene, OR, the All Stars formed in 2006 to support a benefit concert for a friends threatened with deportation. The benefit was a success, and since that time they have played regularly at festivals in Oregon and Washington and opened for The Devil Makes Three at the WOW Hall in Eugene.

Alder Street currently has 2 albums, “Beer Made and Too Drunk to Folk” and their most recent album, “Too Drunk to Folk,” recorded in Cottage Grove, OR. CD's and t-shirts will be available for purchase at the show. Find out more at www.myspace.com/alderstreetallstars.

And on Monday the 16th, Bufflao, New York’s Every Time I Die, formed in 1998, headlines a heavy metal concert with Fire In The Skies and Breaux at The Icon, N. Main St. in Pocatello (map). Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets available through smithstix.com.

Every Time I Die has toured with Killswitch Engage and Jackass and played Warped Tour in 2002 and 2006. For more, visit http://everytimeidie.net.

Dan Hillebrant and Randy Johnson play acoustic tunes at Ruby Tuesday (map) on Tuesday the 17th, 5 to 8:00 p.m.

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

Column for August 4, 2010

Tonight, Southeast Idaho’s Rocky Watson plays genuine country at the Civitan’s Revive At Five fund-raising concert event at the Old Town Pavilion in downtown Pocatello. Starting at 5:00 p.m., food will be provided by the Texas Roadhouse, sponsored by Idaho Central Credit Union.

Watson, a solo performer, plays a variety of country, R&B, blues and rock from the 50’s through the 70’s. Some of his most popular cover songs are “Pretty Woman” and “Brown Eyed Girl.” Also listen for his signature song, “Cowboy,” and his original, “Mamma Told Me.” Find out more at www.rockywatson.com.

This weekend, from Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, head up to Lava Hot Springs for the First Annual Portneuf River Bluegrass Festival, presented by Phil Meador Toyota.

Tickets are $15 per day; children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets are available at Budget Tapes & Records and Main Street Music in Pocatello, or at the White Wolf Restaurant in Lava.

Music entertainment includes local and regional bluegrass and folk music bands, including Portneuf Gap, Wild Coyotes, New South Fork, Chicken Dinner Road, Red Desert Ramblers and more.

The Portneuf River Bluegrass Festival kicks off Friday the 6th at 5:00 p.m. Saturday’s events run from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with an “All Star Jam” scheduled to follow at the White Wolf Restaurant in Lava. On Sunday, the festival starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. For more, visit http://portneufriverbluegrass.homestead.com.

There are several bands in a wide variety of genres playing in the downtown Pocatello area on Friday evening for First Friday Art Walk. Here are just a few:

At the Flipside Lounge, S. Main Street, singer / songwriter Dan Hillebrant provides his soulful vocals to some covers and originals starting at 5:00 p.m. And to follow, an intimate concert with The Unread, Southeast Idaho’s very popular grunge / hard rock band, starts a launch party for “The Bannock Alternative,” a new monthly publication highlighting the area’s edgier arts and entertainment.

For more on The Unread, visit www.myspace.com/theunread. And visit TBA at http://thebannockalternative.com.

And Portneuf Valley Brewing, S. 1st Ave., is welcoming the Taarka Band to their stage on Friday, starting at 8:30 p.m.

The Taarka Band, based from Lyons, CO plays what they call “indie-Gypsy chamber folk.” Their sound is a new millennia’s take on old world music. David Tiller plays mandolin and tenor guitar, with Enion Pelta-Tiller on five string violin. Ben Blechman plays baritone violin with Troy Robey on bass and percussionist Dale Largent round out the band.

Formed over ten years ago, Taarka’s fourth album, "Seed Gathering for A Winter Garden," released last March, is a collection of original instrumentals and lyrical tunes. Expect West meets and Eastern folk with jazz, rock, bluegrass, old-time, gypsy, Indian, and Celtic music

The members of Taarka have shared stages with members of the Grateful Dead, Phish, Garaj Mahal, Widespread Panic and more, and have performed at several well-known festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass, Groovefest in Southern Utah, and the Yellowstone Music Festival. Find them online at www.taarka.com.

Also on Friday, but some distance from downtown, Somewhere In the Middle plays at Marigolds Wine on Flandro Drive. Music entertainment is free and open to all ages, starting at 7:00 p.m. For more on SIMT, visit www.myspace.com/aaronballmusic.

On Saturday the 7th, Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers make a return engagement at the Fort Hall Casino. Music is scheduled from 8 to 11:00 p.m., open to those 21 and over.

Currently living in Santa Fe, NM, Gary Farmer is an actor, musician and was the founder of Aboriginal Voices Magazine, a magazine which was devoted to Native Canadian issues. He attended Syracuse University and is of the Cayuga Nation and Wolf Clan of the Haudenosaunee/Iroquois Confederacy.

Since the early 80’s, Farmer has appeared in dozens of films and television programs including Police Academy, The West Wing, Friday the 13th, Smoke Signals and Delivering Milo. Farmer fronts his blues band on harmonica and vocals. For more, visit www.myspace.com/garyfarmerandthetroublemakers.

On Monday the 9th of next week, the heavy metal band, Straight Line Stitch, headlines a show at The Icon, N. Main Street in Pocatello. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets available online at smithstix.com.

Formed almost 10 years ago and based from Knoxville, TN, Straight Line Stitch is fronted by Alexis Brown, a rare and talented female metalcore vocalist. The band plays upwards of 200 shows a year, with three EP’s and three full-length CD’s under their belts. Find out more at www.myspace.com/straightlinestitch.

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

Column for July 28, 2010

There are concerts big and small this week in the Southeast Idaho live music scene, and several outdoor festivals and events with live music entertainment.

Downtown Pocatello's Revive @ Five summer concert series (map) continues tonight with music by Somewhere In the Middle (interview), food by Grecian Key and sponsored by the Fort Hall Casino Festival Week. Located at the Old Town Pavilion, the concert series continues through September 1.

Somewhere In the Middle is an active, locally-based 4-piece rock band. Their music ranges from acoustic to full electric with a mix of originals and covers. Their singles, "Better Man" and "Second Gear" are crowd favorites. The group has performed with Shinedown, Hawthorne Heights, Saving Abel, Blessid Union of Souls, Great White, The Clumsy Lovers, Too Slim and the Taildraggers, and more. Find them online at www.myspace.com/aaronballmusic.

Also on Wednesday the 28th, The Sammus Theory is in concert with 2am Logic at Blake's, corner of Oakland Valley Road and W. Broadway, in Idaho Falls. The show, open to all ages, starts at 7:00 p.m., $8 at the gate.

The Sammus Theory is fronted by vocalist Sam Hughes, a native of Southeast Idaho. The 5-piece band formed in 2004 is currently based out of Phoenix, AZ, playing hard rock and metal. They've shared the stage with The Exies, Smile Empty Soul and Saliva and more. They are currently on a full U.S. tour entitled the "Rise & Revolt Tour 2010."

Currently on a full U.S. tour, The Sammus Theory has been a featured artist on MTV2 since March of 2008. Their music video “Pure” set to premiere on MTV soon. Find out more at http://thesammustheory.net.

On Thursday the 29th, Idaho State University (map) wraps up their 2010 summer concert series with singer / songwriter Steve Means and hendr9 (website), a funkadelic jamband based from Great Falls, MT, opening. Music starts on the quad at 6:00 p.m., free and open to the public of all ages.

Steve Means is a regular on the college entertainment circuit. Based from Nashville, TN, Means is a solo musician playing acoustic funk-infused pop and soul. His music has been featured on MTV's The Hills, The Real World and NewPort Harbor. Expect smooth grooves, perhaps reminiscent of a young Stevie Wonder or John Mayer. Find out more at www.myspace.com/stevemeans.

The big outdoor event this weekend is the POW-MIA Awareness Rally (website) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 30th through August 1, at the Bannock County Fairgrounds (map) in Pocatello. Tickets are $15 for the entire weekend or $40 for a family; tickets for children 6 - 12 years old are $5. Military with proper ID and kids under 5 are free.



Kaught Lookin, one of Southeast Idaho’s favorite cover bands, will play on the day stage at the the 10th Annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally on Friday the 30th, 6 to 8:00 p.m. Playing classic rock favorites along with some of the best new rock of today, expect to hear favorites from Lynrd Skynrd, Marshall Tucker Band, Alice in Chains, the Black Crows, Buckcherry and more.

Kaught Lookin front man and vocalist Ed Horn and bass player Claw are veterans of the U. S. Air Force. The entire band is honored to be a part of the yearly tradition that is the annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally.

Other bands expected on the Rally's stage on Friday include Portneuf Gap and Monrovia. Find out more at www.myspace.com/kaughtlookin or http://powmiarodeo.org.

Also on Friday, The Unread, Shawn and The Marauders and more play "The Dog Days of Summer," (Facebook) a fund raising concert at the Old Town Pavilion (map) in downtown Pocatello. Bring the whole family; dogs are invited. Music entertainment starts at 5:00 p.m.

The big concert of the week is this Tuesday, August 3rd, at the Colonial Theater (map) in Idaho Falls. The big swing band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, is in concert. Show starts at 8:00 p.m.; tickets are $32. Call the Colonial Theater at (208) 522-0471 for more information.

I saw Big Bad Voodoo Daddy last summer in California. There's just something about that swing music that gets the heart pumping and the toes tapping. Based from Southern California, Voodoo Daddy's most notable singles include "Go Daddy-O," "You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)" and "Mr. Pinstripe Suit." The band played the Super Bowl XXXIII half-time show in 1999.

The band concentrates on the swing of the 1940s and '50s, and created a version of the opening theme for the sitcom, "3rd Rock from the Sun," used for the 1999–2000 season. Find out more at www.bbvd.com.

Linda Alexander

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

www.myspace.com/showmetheband