Six bands compete Saturday night for a chance to be headlining acts at this summer’s Rendezvous in the Park Music & Arts Festival in Moscow.
With everything from classic rock to blues to electronica, it’s an eclectic array of musicians from around the region. Each audience member will receive two tokens to vote for their favorite acts of the night. Two groups will be chosen by audience vote. A third band will be chosen by the Rendezvous Board of Directors. Winners will be announced at the end of the showcase.
Here’s a look at the bands competing for a spot at the annual festival taking place July 19-21 in East City Park.
UPDATE 4/23: The winners of the April 21 showcase were: The Moscow Mules, Tone Sober and Will Fontaine and the Vital Signs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVP4eJDNZqY
Moscow Mules
The Moscow Mules is a four-piece string band playing an eclectic, hard-driving mix of bluegrass and acoustic music. Based in Moscow and Pullman, band members include Sean Long (guitar/vocals), Paul Hohenlohe (dobro/banjo/vocals), Paul Anders (mandolin/fiddle/harmonica) and Mark Snodgrass (bass/vocals).
Will Fontaine & The Vital Signs
Formed in 2016, this Moscow band is led by singer-songwriter Will Fontaine. Its funky, folk rock sound pits danceable rhythms against passionate reflections about living an authentic life in a materialistic world. While songs are inspired by weighty issues, the band aims to leave listeners with a sense of hope, purpose and forward momentum.
Electric Bent
Originally from New York, songwriter, lead guitarist and vocalist Nick Borsella is the foundation of this energetic blues-rock band based in Coeur d’Alene. Other members hail from Alaska (J.P. Weisenberger, guitar), California (Pamela Van Kirk, sax/flute/vocals) North Idaho (Tony Trulove, bass/vocals) and Seattle (Buddy Logan, drums).
The Palouse Project
Musicians from around the Palouse and the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley make up the Palouse Project, born more than four years ago as a way for aspiring artists to explore their talents. The group features seven female vocalists performing songs traditionally sung by a male lead. Their voices create a rich tapestry of harmony and background vocals. The group also revels in presenting familiar tunes in new ways, like converting Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” to jazz and giving a Marilyn Manson make-over to “Tainted Love.”
Tone Sober
The Colfax band Tone Sober cooks up its own versions of classic rock hits with a flare for the wild and a love for their crowds. Influences include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Guns and Roses and the White Stripes.
Arman Bohn
Raised in Palouse, Arman Bohn spent the ’90s playing with his band Eureka Farm, recording two albums for the Seattle record label Loosegroove. After a break from the alternative music scene to pursue other interests, the singer/songwriter began performing again in his hometown. In his live shows, he pairs his electronic, retro/futuristic sound with projected imagery programmed to react to and feed off his music.
IF YOU GO WHAT: 14th annual Rendezvous in the Park Music & Arts Festival Showcase WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 21, doors open at 6:30 WHERE: Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, 508 S. Main St. COST: $10 adults, $5 students and youth, at the door OF NOTE: Beer, wine and concessions will be available for purchase.
