'Black Hills rock' rolls into Cheyenne

By KATHLEEN ST. JOHN
Star-Tribune staff writer

South Dakota rockers Abby SomeOne visit Cowboy's Rockin' Rodeo Bar in Cheyenne this weekend, belting out their brand of "hard-hitting music from the Heartland."

Their sound's been compared to pop-rock favorites like John Mellencamp, Train and the Black Crowes, with one reviewer throwing Van Morrison into the mix.

The band is fronted by Shawn Michael Bitz, who's also their chief songwriter. The rest of Abby Someone's lineup was a bit nebulous in the past, having gone through an estimated 29 members in about six years of the band's existence. Today, though, there's a solid lineup: Brad Williamson on drums, Chambers Waller on lead guitar and Gary Rose on the bass.

In an interview with the Kearney (Neb.) Hub posted on Abby SomeOne's Web site, Bitz said that he sees all the changes as "an amazing adventure."

Their 2004 album, "Schizosonic," generated the single "Fall Down," which reached No. 3 on XM Radio's Unsigned chart and made the playlists in 22 states. Money from sales of the CD through Dec. 25 will be donated to the family of Kellen Strauser, a South Dakota newborn currently struggling with a congenital heart defect.

Abby SomeOne's shows at the Rockin' Rodeo will start at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday night, with a $2 cover charge at the door. For more information, call (307) 637-3800. To learn more about Abby SomeOne and Kellen Strauser, visit the band's website at www.abbysomeone.com.



Around Wyoming

Bar Nunn

*Chatters Bar and Grill, 1324 Prairie Lane, welcomes rock band Bad Habit at 9 p.m. Saturday. There's no cover charge. For more information, call 234-5329.

Buffalo

*The White Buffalo Bar, Highway 16 east of Buffalo, presents a free show by country band Open Range on Friday night and Saturday night. For more information, call 684-0101 or visit www.whitebuffalobar.com.

*The Cowboy Saloon, 177 Highway 16, hosts country-rock group the Whiskey Creek Band. The free shows start at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. For more information, call 684-5200 or visit www.cowboy-saloon.com

Casper

*All That Jazz at the Parkway Plaza, 123 W. E St., presents a free show by rockers Bad Habit at 7 p.m. Friday. For more information, call 235-1777.

Cheyenne

*The Crown Bar, 222 W. 16th St., invites Christmas revelers to watch Cheyenne's Christmas parade pass by the bar, and then enjoy a free set by the Hard Times Blues Band. The parade starts Saturday at 5 p.m.; the show starts at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call (307) 778-9202.

*The Outlaw Saloon, 3839 E. Lincolnway, features country singer James Lann at 8:30 p.m Friday and Saturday night. A $2 cover charge gets you in for the show. For more information, call (307) 635-7552.

Evansville

*Lucchi's Lounge, formerly the Lazy 8 at 13720 Highway 20/26, will show Sunday's NFL games on the big screen TV with snacks and drink specials. For more information, call 237-0032.

Gillette

*Jake's Tavern, 5201 S. Douglas Hwy., welcomes Black and White on Friday and Saturday night, playing a mixture of rock and blues. The free show starts at 9 p.m. For more information, call Jake's Tavern at (888) 253-7311 or visit www.jakestavern.com.

Staff writer Kathleen St. John can be reached at 266-0586 or Kathleen.Stjohn@casperstartribune.net.