Memphis performer Amy LaVere at Club Cigar
Memphis songwriter, singer and upright bassist Amy LaVere is in the midst of her first Montana tour, and she makes a stop at the Club Cigar on Friday, Oct. 28, at 9 p.m. There’s no cover charge.
LaVere appears with her husband Will Sexton on guitar and vocals.
In a recent phone interview, LaVere said any attempt to categorize her style is futile.
“It falls under the genre called Americana,” she offered, “and that’s what they call things when they don’t know what to call it. It’s kind of an amalgamation of all my favorite types of music.”
LaVere revealed that amalgamation includes classic country, gypsy jazz, and Southern soul.
“Somebody said once I sounded like Norah Jones with a razor in her boot,” LaVere chuckled. “I thought that was kinda clever.”
She noted the lyrical content of her songs is autobiographical for the most part, and she’s got a wealth of experience at her disposal. Lavere tours extensively, performing nearly 300 dates per year.
“I’m really addicted to the lifestyle of being a touring musician,” she asserted. “I’m a workaholic,”
While her lyrics and music are often deep and heartfelt, LaVere counters those attributes with a measure of balance during live shows.
“I definitely try to keep a sense of humor in my stage banter,” she explained, “and make sure that it stays light and fun for everybody.”
LaVere has released three albums dating back to her debut release “This World is Not My Home” in 2006. Her second album, “Anchors and Anvils” in 2007, hit No. 6 on the Americana Music Charts and earned an Americana Music Association Awards nomination for “Best New or Emerging Artist.” In 2011, LaVere was named “Best Singer in Memphis” by the city of Memphis for the second consecutive year.
LaVere proudly proclaimed that Montana will be the 47th state she has toured; Alaska, South Dakota and Hawaii remain.
“I’ve been wanting to come to Montana for very long time,” she explained, “so this is very exciting for me.”
Travis Yost at Bowser Brewing
Missoula singer-songwriter Travis Yost makes a return appearance at Bowser Brewing Co. on Friday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Appearing solo, Yost plays guitar and employs digital enhancements for additional instrumentation. He describes the style of his original music as “melancholy dream-pop.”
“It’s hopefully a blend of creativity but also fun,” he says, adding that he’s influenced by Wilco, Beatles, Elvis Costello, and Tom Waits.
Yost released his debut solo album, “Love is a Dog from Nebraska,” independently a couple months ago. It features eight tracks of original music, and Yost played all the instruments on the project: drums, bass, guitar, and pedal steel guitar.
Yost has been performing professionally for 18 years, starting on drums and tackling other instruments along the way. He also records film scores and stock music for commercials in his production studio. When he’s not performing solo, Yost keeps busy working as a side player in a number of bands, including fellow Missoula musician Tom Catmull and a trio with Max Hay and John Dendy.
DJ Brian Brummett at Cripple Creek Halloween bash
The Cripple Creek Casino, 801 Smelter Ave. N.E., hosts a Halloween costume party on Saturday, Oct. 29. The celebration kicks off at 9 p.m. with DJ Brian Brummett. A costume contest follows with first place earning $100 cash, second place taking home a booze basket, and third place winning a $50 bar tab. Halloween drink specials are featured.
Pete Swansonis a local musician and freelance writer. Reach him at 727-0438.