Local blues and rock guitarist B.D. Howes considers it a good time to be a musician in Utah.
"There is a great interest in people wanting to learn an instrument, play and get together with other musicians doing the same," he said. "There are so many great venues now that there is no lack of outlets for good entertainment."
Howes’ parents bought him a clarinet when he was young, but after he realized that he wanted to sing, too, he became interested in playing guitar. He taught himself guitar, as well as keyboards, and began playing as part of a duo. Then his band added drums and became a trio.
Most recently, a lead guitarist joined the band, which makes the group more capable of playing different styles of music at festivals and private gigs along the Wasatch Front. The band consists of Howes, Chris Schell on bass, Jay Thomas on drums and Chris Hamilton on lead guitar.
Howes answered questions about the creative process, his favorite films and sour cream.
Do you see your performances and music as "art"? Describe what art means to you.
Yes, because of the creative process. Art is a physical way of expressing creative talent to more than one person.
What are the last three films you’ve seen?
"In Time." It was a good way of showing the value of time, especially [for the] rich and poor. Maybe [the sci-fi elements are] not too far from today. "Inception." It had amazing special effects [and showed] just how far the mind can go before you don’t know the difference [between] reality and fantasy. "Machete." My wife made me watch it because she says it is a raw way of reality in Mexico and is a funny movie. We laughed a lot.
What makes you and the other band members click?
It would be the dynamics [and] creativity. We enjoy each other’s friendships.
Why is there expiration on sour cream? Isn’t it sour already?
It is because if it goes too far, it won’t be sour anymore. Like many things in the English language, [the term] doesn’t make sense.
Would you rather be half your height or double your weight?
Half my height. I can get my clothes in the kids’ department again — the styles look pretty good today.
Upcoming concerts by The B.D. Howes Band:
When • Tonight at 6
Where • SoDa Row, 4700 W. Daybreak Parkway, South Jordan
Admission • Free
When • Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
Where • White Rock Bay (part of the 3,000-acre open access area of Antelope Island Marina) at northwest end of Antelope Island.
Admission • Free, but you’ll pay a state park admission fee of $9
More info about the band • Visit http://www.myspace.com/bdhowes or www.facebook.com/pages/The-BD-Howes-Band/226129530754774
