Better Catch The Makers Before They Go Bouncing Around The Globe

`This is going to be the year we travel,” says Vic Mostly, manager of The Makers. No kidding. By the time the year 2000 rolls around, these Spokane/Seattle garage rock kings will have enough frequent flyer miles for a free jaunt to the moon.

At the end of February, The Makers head to Europe for a month-long tour that includes 25 shows in Sweden, Italy, Germany and Spain (among other places). Then they head to Japan, and in October they go Down Under for a romp through Australia. Between all that jet-setting The Makers plan to make Brazil a destination.

It must be nice to be wanted around the world. If you aren’t acquainted with The Makers, just pick up their latest CD “Psychopathia Sexualis.” That should explain their global demand.

Before this foursome heads to the four corners of the globe, catch The Makers right here in their hometown. They rock Ichabod’s North tonight with The Weaklings and The Viles. Admission is $5. Show starts at 9:30 p.m.

Close to home

Speaking of tours …

“One city, one month:” That’s the motto for Tiana Gregg’s new tongue-in-cheek tour. Spokane’s talented acoustic rocker is hitting the local roads for “Tiana-rama” - a full scale assault on the Inland Northwest club scene.

During the next 30 days, Gregg will appear at bars and clubs throughout our area, delivering her acoustic show to all who care to listen.

If you haven’t heard her, you’re missing out. But you no longer need go without.

“The tour” kicks off Saturday night at Romeo’s Cafe, where Gregg performs from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $3. During the next month she’ll appear at places like Mootsy’s, The Mercury Cafe, The Satellite and Moon’s Shadow Lounge. Keep an eye on the club listings in Weekend for updates.

Blues News

Heads up to all you lovers of rockin’ blues. Rising star Tommy Castro swings by the Fort Spokane Brewery for a show Wednesday night.

Castro, who hails from the San Francisco area, plays a charismatic blend of Memphis soul and blues rock. He’s been named one of the Bay Area’s “Outstanding Blues Musicians” and has been praised by B.B. King and Carlos Santana for his dynamic guitar work.

Castro is on tour in support of his latest album “Right As Rain” on Blind Pig Records. The show starts at 9 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets are $12 ($11 for Blues Society members). Advance purchase at The Fort Spokane Brewery is recommended.

John Lee Hooker Jr. returns to Mad Daddy’s Blues Club in Post Falls for a show Saturday night. Yes, indeed, he is the son of the blues legend by the same name. Pat Coast and The Blue Light Special along with Paul Cowie open the evening.

For those who want to see the show but don’t want to party and drive, there is another option. Spokane Scenic Tours is offering a special “Blues Tour” Saturday night with bus service from Spokane to Mad Daddy’s in Post Falls and back.

“People want to get out and have fun but they’re so scared they’ll get pulled over, especially with the new (drunk driving) laws,” says Jerome Green, tour operator. Green says his blues tour not only alleviates driving concerns but also is a fun way to hit the road with a group of people. The bus holds nearly 50 people.

There are three pickup points Saturday: 6:30 p.m. at The Flour Mill, 6:45 p.m. at the Amtrack/ Greyhound station and 7:10 p.m. in the Rite Aid parking lot at Mission and Argonne. Seating is limited so reservations are needed. Contact Green at 625-9622. The cost is $25 per person and that includes admission to the show and round-trip bus ride.

Regular cover charge Saturday is $12. Music starts at 8 p.m.

Right now Spokane Scenic Tours are offered on a charter basis. However, Green hopes to soon begin offering a regular weekly “Entertainment Tour” with stops at various Inland Northwest live music venues. Look for more details in the future.

Pickled rock

Ocra Pickles - I’m not sure I’d want to eat such a thing. But based on the CD I heard by the so-named Sacramento, Calif., band, I’d definitely want to listen to it.

But how to describe this trio? Hmmm. Rock, funk, hip-hop, mega-loopy fun? I can say this: judging by their CD “No Lifeguard On Duty at the Genepool,” I reckon you’ll be shakin’ your booty to The Pickle beat all night long.

The Ocra Pickles headline the show at Ichabod’s North Saturday night. The boogie beats start at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5. Spokane’s own News A.D. opens the show.

Speaking of which … a big middle finger to the butt-rockers that booed News A.D. when they opened up for Motley Crue last weekend. So they weren’t your favorite band. Fine. Their brand of g-core/rap-metal probably didn’t mix all that well with your love of pop-schlockin’ Crue rock. Fine. But c’mon now. Those are our own local boys up there getting a chance in the limelight. Whatever happened to supporting our local music scene? Judging from your pathetic air guitar display, rock geniuses you are not. And by the way, if you think “Girls, Girls, Girls” is one of the greatest songs ever written - perhaps you’re the one whose music taste should be questioned.

A little bit jazz

The Don Goodwin Quintet performs at Hobart’s Jazz Lounge Thursday. Now here’s a group with a split personality. You know all these guys by the name BeeCraft. Here’s how it works though - different name, different music. The Don Goodwin Quintet is more jazz-oriented while BeeCraft is more rock-oriented.

The Hobarts show Thursday starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $4. And don’t miss their other persona, when BeeCraft performs Saturday, Feb. 27, at Ichabod’s North.

Feeling Irish?

If not, head on over to O’Doherty’s Irish Grille each Tuesday and Sunday evening. You’ll be seeing shamrocks by the time you leave.

This Irish-themed pub and restaurant now hosts an Irish music jam session, open to all players interested in Celtic music. There is no cover charge.

The music jigs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. O’Doherty’s is located at 424 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Not so sold out

Who says nobody supports live music on week nights in Spokane. Apparently that’s not the case this Monday when Godsmack (I dig that name), Pushmonkey and Grinspoon slap down their monstrous rock grooves at Outback Jack’s. The show is sold out.

Well, almost.

There is one more chance to catch these bands - Godsmack from Massachusetts, Pushmonkey from Texas and Grinspoon from Australia. The folks at Outback Jack’s say they’ll be putting a limited number of tickets on sale Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Drop by the club and get them before they’re gone. Tickets are $10. Show starts at 9 p.m. Monday.

Music for all ages

The recently-expanded Starbuck’s coffee shop on 29th has added more than coffee to its menu. Now you can sip a double-super-grande-latte to live music every first and third Friday of the month. Don’t miss Rick Andrews tonight. Starbuck’s is located at 2525 E. 29th. Music runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and there is no cover charge.

Praise the wonders of rock and roll at The Westminster Church Saturday night when four bands rock the very foundation of the building. This is punk rock for all ages a la The B-Sides, Six Degrees of Separation, Clabberhag, and Offset. Admission is $5. Services start at 7 p.m.

The South Hill Hastings store will be offering a couple of chances to hear live music this weekend. Tonight listen to local group Alkalyn starting at 7 p.m. The Carcinogens play Saturday starting at 7 p.m. They’ll perform songs from their new album “Fallout.” The store is located at Lincoln Heights Shopping Center.