Bandwagon: Mudslide Charley, Aug. 10, 219 Lounge

North Idahoans know that Montana is often lovingly called Montucky (we’ve heard some folks refer to us as Idabamans, so all’s fair). Not for nothing, Big Sky Country has Southern swagger. Evidence: Mudslide Charley, the Missoula-based five-piece that comes to the stage with a tub-thumpin’ mix of roadhouse rock, rhythm and blues. 

The band plants its flag in the tradition of blues legends Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, and we’re not going to argue with that. Simmering with those masters’ sounds, Mudslide Charley stirs in ripping sax, fiery harmonica and no small hint of rock-a-billy punch. Nicole Cannavaro belts out the vocals with verve — there’s something of Aretha Franklin and Grace Slick in her delivery, both strident and sly. 

This is music that makes you want to kick off your shoes and get those feet muddy dancing on a riverbank. 

—Zach Hagadone 

9 p.m.-midnight, FREE, 21+. 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave., 208-, 219.bar. Listen at mudslidecharley.com.

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