Red Deer based indie rock band TenO2 returned to the Owl Acoustic lounge, Saturday, Jan. 20.

 While I missed Golden Lava’s opening set,  Ten02 laid down a solid ’00s ambient indie rock groove and some good vocal harmonies.

They had a lot of energy, especially the bassist who was leaping around the stage.

 They played their latest single “ Cherry Sunrise” to end their set on a hyperactive note.

 They were called back for an encore , which was a medley of about a dozen modern and 2000s era hits ranging from the Killers’ Mr. Brightside,”  Jet’s “ Are You Gonna Be My Girl” to Kings of leon’s ‘“ Sex is On Fire.”

— by Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor

 Calgary based ’70s inspired power trio the Static Shift returned to the Slice, Saturday, Jan. 20.

 The Slice was packed, though not as packed as their past Halloween show, but The Static Shift delivered a solid set of huge riffs, an unstoppable groove and  adenoidal vocals reminiscent  of Led Zeppelin , ’90s blues rock revivalists like the Black Crowes and new classic rock revivalists like Greta Van Fleet.

They were winding up a hot and sweaty, and early  show  as I arrived in the middle of “ Pay the Piper.” They were in the mood to try out some new music on  the receptive audience.

 They slowed things down for  the grinding, mid-tempo rocker “ Don’t Bring Me Down,” which segued into “Elephant in the Room,” which in turn turned into a jam with solos for everybody including a  brief bass solo from Kyle Tenove.

 Tenove and frontman/ guitarist  Mitchell Brady and bassist stepped off the stage so the audience could focus on a thunderous drum solo from Taylor Miles.

 The trio wound down their show  with their hot cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child ( Slight Return).

 They wore their influences on their sleeves. Their last  official song  was reminiscent of  Foghat.

 They were called back for an energetic cover of Led Zeppelin’s “ The Immigrant Song,” winding up the show at a quarter after 11 p.m.

 I missed the Decadent Phase’s opening set.

— by Richard Amery, L.A. beat Editor

The end of January rocks, with several excellent and rock and roll shows happening this week.

 But first, if you want to rock the Owl Acoustic Lounge stage, their weekly open mic is tonight at 8 p.m.

 Ease into the week with some smooth jazz at the Watertower Grill with Paul Holden and James Oldenburg playing from 6-8 p.m. They will also be hosting the monthly jazz jam at the Owl Acoustic lounge on Thursday as part of HBO3 with saxophonists Ryan Heseltine and  Michael Carter.

 If you think you’re funny, Megan Windle hosts pro-Amateur night at Good Times, Wednesday, Jan. 24. Natalie Norman brings the ha ha to Good Times on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $19.95.

The Slice’s weekly open mic rocks on Wednesday, Jan, 24 with host Mandy Fox.

 The Kingsman Ale House celebrates Robbie Burns Day , Jan, 25 with live music, haggis, bagpipes and Scottish fun. Tickets are $34.75. The evening begins at 6 p.m.

 Celtic Routes celebrate Robbie Burns Day at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Jan. 27 with The Scottish Country Dancers. The free celebration begins at 7 p.m.

The weekend will be full of rock and roll.

 Dave Chomiak’s hot new David lee Roth era  Van Halen  tribute  Runnin’ With The Devil returns to the Place on Friday, Jan 26. Tickets are $20 at the door. The rock begins at 9 p.m.

Local funk rock band 21st Avenue brought a touch of the funk mixed with rock   for an energetic show at the Slice, Saturday, Jan. 16.

 They’ve been drinking heavily from the well of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even tackled a cover of “Under the Bridge” which got a lot of applause.

 Most of their set was original funk tinged rock with a few covers mixed in.

 They played a new song due out Feb. 7.

 Throughout, bassist Tristan Smetana, guitarist Dayton Jans, drummer Quinn Schmick  and frontman/ guitarist Oztin they laid down a solid goove, that got the toes tapping and some seet bass and guitar solos.

  They were trying their hands at rap rock by the time I left.

— By Richard Amery,L.A. Beat Editor