Great Falls Tribune from Great Falls, Montana • 40

Thursday, May 11,1 995 1 0E Great Falls Tribune Weekend cut Pirates of the Mississippi steal the show at JD's By PETE SWANSON For the Tribune It showcasing their home-grown Southern talent with no-frill three-part harmonies and playful stage antics during crowd- pleasers that included "Take it All Off' and "Blues for Blues." "This is our theme song," Alves proclaimed as1 the group launched into the rowdy show closer, "Redneck Rock 'n' Roll." After a desperate prod from the crowd, the group returned for one last song, its title lost in the joyous mayhem that featured solos from nearly every member of the band, including some soulful vocals by bassist Dean Townson. No one could have left this show doubting that the Pirates of the Mississippi genuinely love playing for audiences. Innocent Allies, a local four-piece country group, opened the concert with an energetic one-hourset. Swanson Is a local musician and free-lance writer. drummer Jimmy Lowe eased -through the intro to the band's Top-10 hit, "Feed Jake," a tear-jerking dedication to man's best friend.

By the end of the song, the crowd was on its feet, lighters held high, nearly drowning out the band with whistling, howling and clapping. Just as the song ended, McCorvey summoned the frenzied, sentimental audience to join in on one last chorus. Again, they responded overwhelmingly. The group then followed up with "Biggest Broken Heart in Texas" and "Paradise," as the near-delirious crowd swayed and jived with arms raised and waving to more infectious big-beat country rock. The Pirates even took a stab at political commentary with the good-natured "I Don't Think Globally, I Think Local." The remainder of the show featured everything from bluegrass to rockin' blues, the band further ping and screaming in elated approval.

From there, the band, dressed casually in blue jeans, denim shirts and cowboy boots, paced themselves confidently through a series of more country-sounding songs with a heavy back beat, including "Too Much," the happy-go-lucky "Bottle O' Beer" and "You Could Do Better." During the first ballad of the show, "Fightin' for You," the charismatic blond-haired lead singer Bill McCorvey displayed a thick, swooning voice projecting from a distinctive Hollywood smile, and pedal steel player Greg Trostle, a Fidel Castro look-a-like with a jolly personality, whined sincerity with lonesome, hopeful embellishments. "Here's to Montana," McCorvey bellowed as he kicked off "Speak of the Devil," and the audience ate it up. The concert reached a calculated peak as McCorvey and A fun-loving band of rowdy pirates sailed into Great Falls and earned the admiration of local fans. The Pirates of the Mississippi performed to a standing-room-only crowd at JD's Night Club last Thursday. "We're a party band, where you can come laugh, cry and raise hell," said guitarist Rich Alves aboard the group's tour bus before the show.

Alves kept his word as the Nashville band treated a howling audience to a seamless blend of country and rock 'n' roll during the 90-minute concert. 1 As fog machines flooded the stage with clouds of smoke, the five-piece band tested the waters by charging into the rockin' "9-1-1 Quickly sensing eager fans, they then segued into a pedal-to- Ptt wanton photo Rich Alves livens up the hall at last week's Pirates of the Mississippi concert at JD's. the-metal version of Hank Williams' classic "Honky Tonk Blues." The audience responded overwhelmingly, whistling, clap Pianist benefits from playing benefits reward for working hard," he says. "It's my most inspiring place." Advance tickets for the concert are $9 and may be purchased at Sound Pro, 1302 13th Ave. and Good Vibrations, 900 9th St.

S. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a donation of nonperishable food, such as canned goods, cereal or macaroni and cheese. Pianist George Winston is working to give something back to Montana, his home state, by helping the Great Falls Food Bank. Winston will perform at the Civic Center on Wednesday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m., and the proceeds from the concert will go to the bank. Winston's previous concerts have been "a great asset" to the Food Bank, according to Jack Thibaudeau, Food Bank spokesman.

Each of the last two years, the Food Bank has donated 1 million pounds of food to local agencies like the Salvation Army, Thibaudeau said. Montana remains a favorite destination for the pianist, who tries to make a sweep of the state at least every other year. "It's my "and Mother's Day Celebration Free carnation to the first 350 moms Win a trip for two to Mexico I 1 Women's Week sign-up set Mother's Day special: Fork Roast Dinner With all the trimmings i i Paneaka A Sllc hbum 1600 FOX FARM Rd. 761-2400 BOZEMAN Registration is under way for the 3 1st Women's Week at Montana State University-Bozeman. Sponsored by the Montana Association for Family and Community Education and MSU, Women's Week will include more than 60 courses and activities dur ing the week of June 12-16.

These include such things as watercolor for the beginner, river rafting, Montana history, jazz dance, and quilting and exercise classes. Deadline to register is May 26. For more information, call the local MSU Extension office or the MSU Office of Institutes and Conferences, 1-406-994-4930. KUPM. MONTANA POSUC RADIO WELCOMES A SOLO PIANO Montana's finest 1 30 redecorated rooms Cable TV-HBO Heated swimming pool Sauna Fitness rooms Guest Laundry24 hr.

valet Airport courtesy car Lounge wlive music dancing gaming machines Downtown close to shopping, medical, cultural METRA Lodging Fine Dining Indoor Pool Jacuzzi Great Falls Civic Center Wednesday, May 17 7:30 pm All seats $9 available at Sound Pro (1302 13th Avenue South) and Good Vibrations (900 9th Street South). Information 453-4363 ill Jiliif Please join in support of GREAT FALLS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK by bringing a donation of non-perishable food to the concert. Also appearing in Havre High School Auditorium Sat, May 13 8:00 Info 265-4383 SHELBY High School Auditorium Mon, May 15 7:30 Info 434-5712 LEWISTOWN 5 Fergus Center Fri, May 19 8:00 Info 538-9408 5 A Dancing Cat Production Scenic Golf Course Fly Fishing Horseback Rides rW" -111 Summer Packages A 800-468-0777 Ponderosa Inn 2511 First Avenue North Billings, Montana 59101 (406)259-5511 Property Direct Reservations 1-800-628-9081 CALL NOW! Lake, Montan i.