The Halloween Goods: Fruition String Band, Anomoly: Vert-One & Richie Beats, WYOBass

The Halloween marathon continuesIn case you missed out on last weekend’s Halloween festivities, or you saved your festive flare for the holiday itself, there are still some parties happening this evening (Wednesday).If live music is what your bloodcurdling spirit desires, there’s one solid option in Teton County—Portland’s Fruition String Band. The quintet formed in 2008, primarily focusing on West Coast venues with a sound that aligns with a blend of contemporary jamgrass groups like The Infamous Stringdusters and the drummer-backed ensemble, Railroad Earth. With the element of drums, seems odd to still call it a string band, but maybe that’s how they roll in Oregon. The band’s live sound concentrates on raw, live energy that flows from acoustic whiskey-rock and shoe-stomp to ballad and anthem.After spinning last year’s seven-track EP, It Won’t be Long, three-part harmony is a strong force in Fruition’s sound. A female voice sandwiched between two male voices is the fruitful equation that extends beyond the high and lonesome into 60s pop harmonies. Great tracks like the swinging “Bent” and time wasted in chasing something you can’t have in “Wastin’ Away” are folksy goodness. There’s also solid balladry among their flirtatiousness with bluegrass and honky-tonk.Through the years, the company they keep is complimentary to their own sound, sharing stages with Hot Buttered Rum, Greensky Bluegrass, and Elephant Revival. And for a Western-based band, headlining both late-night sets at Northwest String Summit in 2011 was, as is, a big deal. This will be the Oregonians’ first show in the region. Fruition String Band, 10 p.m., Wednesday, at the Knotty Pine in Victor. Admission is $8 at the door. 208-787-2866. If hanging in Jackson on this Halloween 2012, raging dance parties are on tap. Deejays Vert-One and Richie Beats will instigate the party in the lobby outside of The Rose. The party kicks off at 9:30 p.m. (free).At Town Square Tavern, WYOBass deejays start at 10 p.m., and there will be prizes for costumes (free).  By Aaron Davis (for JHWeekly.com)