Lively Entertainment: Ben Miller crew not your ordinary band

That's because Chelsea's has not one but TWO great bands, The Ben Miller Band on Friday night and Speakeasy on Saturday night.

FRIDAY

Hailing from Jopllin, Mo., The Ben Miller Band is a one-of-a kind trio that combines the frenetic energy of bluegrass, the soul of the Delta blues and the haunted spirit of Appalachian mountain music. Band members Ben Miller, Scott Leeper, and Doug Dicharry create a unique and modern sound while continuing the tradition of blending together many different musical styles, which has long been a trait of their native Ozarks.

A poet and songwriter since childhood, Miller started playing guitar at age 16. He soon left his home in Curlew, Wash., and began his musical career on the streets of Northern Europe, playing his distinctive Delta-blues slide guitar and honing his one-man-band performance style, which now includes guitar, banjo, harmonica, and foot percussion.

Washtub bass player Scott Leeper also sings backup vocals with pitch-perfect harmony for The Ben Miller Band. Comprised of a weed eater string attached to a wooden pole, this is not your ordinary bass.

Drummer and percussionist Doug Dicharry plays drums, trombone, trumpet, mandolin, percussion, electric washboard, and electric spoons for the Ben Miller Band.

Despite the eccentric and out-of-the-box appearance of The Ben Miller Band, "we're not some kind of gimmick band," says Miller. "Just because we use junk to make music doesn't mean we aren't serious about it. We are legitimately making real music, and when you hear us play I think you get that."

Together for the past eight years, and playing over two hundred shows every year, The Ben Miller Band has crafted a tight, dynamic, and amazingly original sound that captivates and embraces people of all generations.

SATURDAY

Speakeasy, which performs at Chelsea's Saturday night, is from Springfield, Mo.

Deitra Magazine writes of the band: "With an earthy, blues-rock sound, Speakeasy's fan favorite, 'Bad Apples,' and their newest single, 'Machine,' could both be hits off of a new John Mayer Trio album. Lead singer Eckles has a great reputation for his bluesy voice and serious guitar chops."

A great reputation is right. The group tours all over the country since forming over 13 years ago, and has become a staple in the jamband music and festival scene, performing at many major events including Wakarusa and opening for the likes of Umphrey's McGee.

With chunky, percussive guitars, razor sharp harmonicas, a funky bass, pinpoint three-part harmonies, and punchy rhythms, their music is infectious. Not one to leave a crowd standing in its proverbial shoes, Speakeasy has built an ever-loyal fan base by cultivating a party atmosphere at each and every show. The free-spirited nature of the band shines brilliantly in their live performances.

You can check them out for yourself this Saturday night at Chelsea's starting around 9 p.m.

Following is this weekend's entertainment schedule for Eureka Springs venues:

Thursday, Aug. 2

* Squid and Whale: Outernational (future rock from NYC), 8:30 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver Tavern (Highway 62): Bike Night with DJ Mark / Bike Wash, 7 p.m.

* Jack's Place / Centerstage Live: DJ Goose, 8 p.m.

* Chaser's: Tacos & Tequila, all night

* New Delhi Cafe: Big Bad Gina, 6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 3

* Chelsea's: Ben Miller Band, 9 p.m.

* Squid and Whale: The Tricks, 9 p.m.

* Berean Coffee House: Neil Ogle, 7 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver Tavern (Highway 62): Karaoke with Rachael, 7:30 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver Den (downtown): Jesse Dean, 7 p.m.

* Cathouse Lounge: Tommy Nolen, 8 p.m.

* New Delhi Cafe: Skillet Lickers, 6:30 p.m.

* Eureka Live!: DJ & Dancing 9:30 p.m. to close

Saturday, Aug. 4

* Cathouse Lounge: Tommy Nolen, 8 p.m.

* Squid & Whale: Blue Moon, 9 p.m.

* Chelsea's: Speakeasy, 9 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver (Highway 62): The Queens Drag Show, 7:30 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver Den (downtown): John Harwood, 7 p.m.

* New Delhi Cafe: Skillet Lickers, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Bella Donna, 7 p.m.

* Eureka Live!: Live DJ and Dancing, 9:30 p.m. to close

Sunday, Aug. 5

* New Delhi Cafe: Gospel Sunday Brunch with Brick-Fields, 11:30 a.m., Mule Ride, 4 p.m.

* Squid & Whale Pub: Laurie Morvan Band (blues), 8 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver Den (downtown): Open Mic Night, 5 p.m.

* Chelsea's: Steve & Chuck

* Eureka Live!: Customer Appreciation Night specials 5 p.m. to close

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Lively Entertainment is written and complied by Managing Editor Kristal Kuykendall. Deadline for venues to submit their events for inclusion is noon Mondays. Events should be emailed to ccneditor@cox-internet.com and/or phoned in to 479-981-9419 by noon Monday each week. Kuykendall also writes Kristal's Northwest Arkansas Live Music Blog, which includes video and song clips of band she previews each weekend, as well as additional previews and recommendations of major, not-to-be-missed live concerts throughout the region. The blog is at www.CarrollCoNews.com/blogs/livemusicinn....