Tidbits

Giant Bear presents Orchestral Funkabilly

You probably haven't heard of Orchestral Funkabilly, but the six-piece band Giant Bear wants to change that. The Memphis band integrates American roots music (folk, bluegrass) into an original sound with two guitars, some banjo and mandolin, bass, drums flute and cello.

Giant Bear will appear at Port Cape Girardeau on Nov. 4 at 9 p.m. For more information on Giant Bear go to www.giantbeartn.com.

Just the facts

What: Giant Bear

When: Nov. 4, 9 p.m.

Where: Port Cape Girardeau

Info: 334-0954

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LoDo's gets gussied up

LoDo's will celebrate its one-year anniversary this month with a special Dress to the Nines party on Nov. 10 from 8 to 11 p.m.

Entertainment will be provided by the Jerry Ford Quartet in the form of a Tribute to the Rat Pack.

This party is swank. Jacket is required. Limo service, valet parking and shuttle service are available in advance with reservation. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and can be purchased by calling 334-2007.

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Gunderson takes a trip south

One of St. Louis' hot local acts, the four-piece rockers Gunderson, are coming to Cape Girardeau on Nov. 11, playing at Port Cape Girardeau with openers Fists of Phoenix.

Gunderson bills itself as a modern alternative pop/rock act with "robust dynamics and catchy choruses that make your mouth water and your hips move uncontrollably." Unless that description is just some promotional hype, Gunderson sounds like a good show.

The band's newest CD, "MetroGnome, was released in April 2005 and receives airplay on St. Louis stations like The River 101.1, The Point 105.7 and 93.3.

For more information on Gunderson, check out www.gundersonmusic.com.

Just the facts

What: Gunderson with Fists of Phoenix

Where: Port Cape Girardeau

When: Nov. 11, 9 p.m.

Info: 334-0954

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Improv at the Arena; Drew style

Ever wanted to be in the studio audience for "Whose Line is it Anyway"? On Dec. 4, you can have the next best thing when Drew Carey and the Improv All Stars come to the SIU Arena in Carbondale.

Carey leads a rag-tag bunch of comics from the classic "Whose Line" show and his own "Drew Carey Show" and new "Green Screen Show" on Comedy Central. The show starts with some stand-up by Carey and quickly goes into a series of improv skits.

Be prepared to be part of the show, since Carey and Friends like nothing more than bringing the audience into the act.

Just the facts

What: Drew Carey and the Improv All Stars

When: Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Where: SIU Arena, Carbondale

Info: (618) 453-2000

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The Doxies bring "Gold" sound

St. Louis act The Doxies are making their first foray into the Cape Girardeau music scene this month when they play the Rude Dog Pub on Nov. 11 with The Dirty '30s.

The Doxies first two releases put them square in the alt-country tradition of bands like Wilco and Uncle Tupelo, but with 2005's "Weight of Gold," the band says it's branching out in new directions.

True to their vintage sound, the members of The Doxies prefer to use old tube amps and classic instruments. For more information on The Doxies visit www.thedoxies.com.

Just the facts

What: The Doxies

When: Nov. 11, 9 p.m.

Where: Rude Dog Pub

Info: 335-4447