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Now that Christmas is safely behind us, the real party week begins. New Years Eve is on Monday night, and everyone is doing their best to bring top music entertainment to Pocatello. Here are my recommendations of where to ring in the New Year.

Rukkus is hosing the New Years Eve party at Taps Bar on Garrett Way in Pocatello. The party starts at 8:30 p.m.

Rukkus formed in 1990 as a classic rock band, covering mostly 70's rock. Over the years, they've increased their set list to include just about all styles. They mix it up, playing songs from current artists such as Maroon 5 and Jimmy Eat World, as well as classics from Boston to The Moody Blues.

They also play quite a bit of Beatles, always a crowd pleaser, and with a woman in the band to add her vocals, they have been able to add material from Nora Jones and Alecia Keyes. Rukkus is best known over the years as a vocally strong group. With four lead vocalists, the audience never tires of listening to the same singer all night. And they have great four-part harmonies.

Based in Idaho Falls and Pocatello, Rukkus is Keith Bronson, guitar, vocals; Jeff Hammer, guitar, vocals, drums & percussion, Adrian Chapman, bass, vocals, Elaine Mills, keyboards, vocals, percussion and Kevin McGavin, drums, vocals & percussion.

Rukkus has opened for Survivor and The Guess Who in the 90's, and for the late Ray Charles in 1999. And last year, Rukkus performed as the backing band for The Coasters during their appearance in Blackfoot.

At the Ramada Inn on Burnside in Chubbuck, Kip Attaway will keep the New Years Eve crowd entertained and in stitches with you country music and humor. The show starts at 9:00 p.m., and cost is $15. For dinner and room packages, reservations and information, please call 237 – 0020.

Kip Attaway describes himself as America's premier cowboy musical comedian. He plays all over the country. Kip has a few CDs, including "Hazardous Material," "Live at Teazer's" and "But Seriously Folks." And he has a DVD, "Live at the Casa Blanca."

You won't want to miss this one-night-only dose of Kip's hilarious, musically hazardous material.

The Mike Banks Band will be performing for New Years Eve at the Portneuf Valley Brewery in Pocatello. This event is a formal attire in the upper level of the brewery with an hors d'oeuvres buffet and complimentary champagne and party favors at midnight; doors open at 9 p.m. Limited advance tickets are available, $20 per person or $150 for eight tickets for your own reserved table with your friends. Call 232-1644 for more information.

The Mike Banks Band is lead by Mike Banks of the very popular Swingshift jazz and blues band. Banks will line up with a really hot sax player, keyboardist and percussionist for one great dance band, playing R&B, pop, rock and other dance music for the night.

Mike Banks, bassist and vocalist, enlisted into the Marine Corps in 73, where he played bass in the United States Marine Corps band until the end of his enlistment in 77. Banks has worked and performed with author and composer Kert Bestor and has participated in numerous cultural events that focus on jazz, R&B and soft rock in Idaho Falls.

The Shape Shifters Blues Project is playing at the First National Bar this year for one of the biggest New Years Eve parties in Pocatello. Tickets are $10 and include two free drinks, buffet, and champagne at midnight. Free rides home are provided by the bar, and ticket admission enters you into a raffle for digital cameras, an Ipod shuffle, a flat screen TV and more. Call The Nash at 233-1516 for more information.

Singer / songwriter Dan Hillebrant joins with guitarist Sherrod Parkhouse, bass player John Heckler, flautist / keyboardist Barbara Shaw to make some of the best rock, blues and light jazz to be found in the area. The songs and vocals are easy on the ears, skillfully done but not taxing on an audience. This is a really pleasant group of some of my favorite local musicians.

When the Shape Shifters Blues Project plays, expect wicked guitar leads, creative beats and soothing accompaniment, new twists on covers of familiar songs, and a few originals that will please an audience with diverse tastes, and will make for a terrific New Years Eve party.

Enjoy and be safe. Cheers to one and all!

L Alexander

slowloosegravel@yahoo.com

www.myspace.com/showmetheband