Laura Rain and the Caesars are performing at the Blues on the Banks on Friday, August2, This show, presented by the Boise Blues Society, will be at Stewart’s Bar and Grill in Caldwell. It marks Laura’s return to the Treasure Valley after a very popular show in Boise last year. Laura Rain has been singing soul and R&B as long as she can remember. These days, Laura Rain and the Caesars keep a busy schedule, playing not only in 25 states in the US but also doing several tours through Canada and France. Traveling for music is a lifestyle that Laura and guitarist/co-writer and husband George Friend have adapted to. Laura answered some questions for The Boise Beat about herself, the band and the upcoming Laura Rain and the Caesars show at Stewart’s Bar and Grill..
Q: Are you happy to be returning to the Treasure Valley and headlining the Blues in the Banks in Caldwell?
A: Yes, we are thrilled! Our last show at the Sapphire Room back in November was a really fun show.
The blues community in Boise was extremely supportive and a super bunch of great people. We are looking forward to performing for the community again.
Q: Has Detroit rhythm and blues always been in your blood?
A: Well I think that whatever it is that is in me has been in me since I was young; always in my blood. I’ve always been drawn to soul music, gospel music, R&B ever since I can remember. It’s indescribable actually—it is a calling!*
Q: You are classically trained as a singer. How does that help you with soul and blues?
A: I think that to have exceptional training is always the way to go, regardless of the genre that you choose; because learning how to control your voice and execute your phrasing and your tone and to project your voice is a skill that you’ll have for the rest of your life. It helps in every aspect of my singing. I continue to learn as a musician and I think that the training I received has helped me immensely.*
Q: Who do you consider your main musical influences?
A: There’s a handful I think.Growing up, I was drawn instinctually to music that had a strong backbeat. It pulled me, like I was being pulled on a rope. I’d say my earliest influences range from Aretha Franklin, Buddy Guy, Al Green, Chaka Khan—there’s a huge mix of influences there, but those are the strongest ones that stick out. We had the pleasure of having Buddy Guy join us onstage twice at his club, so that was like a dream come true to have one of your idols perform with you.*
Q: What’s new that you’ve done since your last time in Boise?
A:We are working on a new album. Some of which you will hear at Blues on the Banks.
Q: You’re electrifying on stage. Do you think live shows are the best way to go?
A:I think now, with everybody watching YouTube and streaming music for free, I think the way to gain fans is through the live shows. Because you’re so inundated with artists, it’s like you have to sit through so much stuff on the internet that you can’t clearly decide. The artist may not just come forward—you may have a barrage of advertising stuff, so definitely the live show is the way to clinch the fans. It’s nice to treat the patrons to a live show. We try to engage every single person, go up to everyone and thank them for coming to the live show because it is so important that we’re on an ‘underground train’ here because live music and indie artists are such a small facet of the music business that every single person you come across is so important, so it really is the only way. I don’t sell my merchandise online, I don’t do any of that because I want people to come to the shows. If they want a CD, if they want a T-shirt, they have to come to the show and meet me in person!*
Q: What can the audience expect to see this time?
A: A seasoned show. We are bringing an additional member of our band with us on this trip especially for the Boise show. Jim Alfredson will be playing organ.
Q: Has your band changed from last visit?
A: Our band does change from time to time. We have Steven Bostick on bass as well as Jim Alfredson on Keys. Our original touring drummer Scott Veenstra will be joining us as well. All of the musicians have played on our third or fourth album. We’ve got George Friend who is on guitar—he co-writes the songs with me, he arranges for the recordings and engineers the music, drives the van, he does everything!
Q: Thanks, Laura, we’ll see you at the Blues on the Banks at Stewart’s Bar and Grill in Caldwell!
With their third album, Gold, Laura Rain and The Caesars brought their music to not only their original fans but also to a much wider range of audiences. The fourth album, released in 2018, Walk With Me, pushed the limited of her unique soul music and produced the hit single Pleasure Zone.
This will be an exceptional show for several reasons. First, Laura Rain is an incredibly dynamic performer who really connects with her audience. Second, the location, at Stewart’s Bar and Grill in Caldwell, is right on Indian Creek. Stewart’s has great food and drink and the view is hard to beat from the expansive outdoor patio. This is a show that is a must this summer for any blues and R&B fans!
Laura Rain and the Caesars
Blues on the Banks presented by the Boise Blues Society
Friday, August 2, 2019
Doors open at 6pm—show starts at 7:30pm
Stewart’s Bar and Grill
2805 Main Street
Caldwell, ID 83605
(208) 459-3308
Tickets available through Eventbrite or in person at Stewart’s Bar and Grill
Laura Rain website
Boise Blues Society website
Stewart’s Bar and Grill website
*Note: Starred questions were taken from Laura’s previous interview with the Boise Beat
Photos and video courtesy of Laura Rain
