nightlifesux.com : Siouxland’s Nightlife Authority

In the 90s, there was one local band that stood out from the montage of bar bands… JAIN JEFFER. Their unique blend of celtic rock and world music was a welcome sound to music fans in Sioux City. It was 1992 when Jerry Kessler, Ray McAvoy and Mindy Brown formed the band. Within a few months Buckley Mills was added to the line up and area listeners knew there was something special with this group. In a short period of time the band opened for several national tours including John Hartford, Warren Zevon and Steppenwolf. The release of their CD ” f in the ineffable” was met with a degree of success. Unfortunately, egos got in the way and the band broke up in the mid 90s.

Jain Jeffer reunion show, Saturday, August 15

Well, 13 years after their last performance, Jain Jeffer is back in Sioux City. Saturday, August 15 the band, with all of the orginal members, will be performing at the Sioux City Live Music Club. The “Rearview Reunion” is a not only a chance for music buffs to grab a bit of Sioux City music history, but also a fundraiser for the non-profit Music Club. Kessler said they had planned on a little get together, but as word got out, they realized the need for a larger venue. Tickets are only $5.00 at the door. The show is scheduled to start at 9:00 pm.

What: Jain Jeffer – “Rearview Reunion”
When: Saturday, August 15 – 9:00 pm
Where: Sioux City Live Music Club, 416 Jackson (former First Edition)

The old saying, “Variety’s the very spice of life,…” was certainly true of the musical offerings last week in Sioux City. From a Hall of Fame band from Texas to a miniature musician from Texas, I was fortunate to soak in a week of killer music.

Wednesday, August 5, ZZ Top performed 90 minutes of Texas rock and blues for a small, but enthusiastic, Tyson crowd. The trio stayed true to their roots with a basic stage set that focused on the power of the three-man barrage. After establishing the fact that Sioux City is a blues town, lead guitarist Billy Gibbons squeezed the Southern blues out of every guitar lick. They managed to jam most of their big hits and a tasty cover of Jimi’s “Foxy Lady” into the short set. A planned encore which featured the everlasting hit “La Grange”, brightened the spirits of the slightly disgruntled crowd. The “Lil’ ol’ band from Texas” still has some kick.

Fridays on the Promenade is enjoying a great season this summer, and this week’s performance by G.B. Leighton was no exception. The pop/rock group from the Twin Cities started out a little slow, but cranked it up as the scorching sun slid behind the skyline. The skillful instrumentals and wonderful harmonies earned the first standing ovation of the season. The hard-working Leighton and the band earned an FOTP first when the crowd worked them for an encore. The band performed one more as the crowd danced their way to the front of the stage.

Later that night, a small group of music fans were treated to an evening of acoustic music by a “little” guitar boy from Texas. Kyle Becker, was strumming his guitar outside the gates of the Promenade when he was invited to play at the local Eagles Club. The young man had 30 or 40 minutes of material he had obviously polished, beyond that the songs were hit and miss. Local musician Patio Patty joined in the fun, helping fill the night out. To his credit, the young troubadour kept the small and rowdy crowd entertained into the early morning hours. The four-foot-something, Becker proved that not everything in Texas is big.

An impromptu gathering of local musicians at a private birthday party topped off my musical martini. The trio of Rick Brienzo, Bob Snodgrass and Adam Chilton played a smoking set of funky instrumentals that proves there are some fantastic players in Sioux City. A young lady, known only as Angela, stepped in, layering the words from random songsheets into the complex tunes the boys were laying down. The icing on the, uh, cupcake, was an appearance by veteran musician Dave Brienzo. Dave was a big part of several local bands including, Big Boss Band. He sat in for a couple of songs, treating the birthday girl and her invited guests to some tasty blues/rock guitar.

If you get out into the scene, the Sioux City nightlife is a smorgasbord of entertainment. I recommend breaking out of your rut, try something new this week. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.