John’s Alley Tavern, commonly known as The Alley, is known for its ping-pong table and live music.
Dave Sturing, otherwise known as “Vertical Dave”, said he was responsible for remodeling The Alley in 1998 after becoming a co-owner. The structural layout and many decorations seen in the establishment are still there from the original remodel. Sturing said the bar is named after John Yarno, who played football for the University of Idaho starting in 1973 and later went on to play six seasons for the Seattle Seahawks.
Marcus Johnson, a manager at The Alley, said it is known for being the local live music venue, and having bigger names come through like Afroman, Five Alarm Funk, Micky & the Motorcars and Jeff Crosby.
“We’re also an open and welcoming environment — you know — for everyone except for bigots,” Johnson said.
The Alley has long standing relationships with many bands, and usually when they go on tour The Alley is one of the first calls for scheduling a show. And The Alley is always on the lookout for local bands who might want to play there.
There is usually a $5 cover charge on the weekends, but for some bands, customers are allowed to come in and see if they like the artist before paying, Johnson said.
Last Friday night Crosby, a local to Idaho having grown up in Donnelly, played at the Alley. His father’s name is David Crosby, not to be confused with the musician from the Byrds or Crosby, Stills & Nash.
“Different guy, but very famous guy in the state of Idaho,” said Jeff Crosby, referring to his father’s construction career.
Crosby currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and has been there for the past two years. He originally moved there because he was looking for a music town and enjoys the collaborative nature of its residents.
ICYMI: Modest Music Festival transforms downtown Moscow
“It’s the only place I’ve ever played a gig, where multiple people come up to you after the gig and be like, ‘Man I really liked your set, we should write a song together sometime,’” Crosby said.
His first bar show was playing with a local band called Frame of Mind from McCall on guitar in The Alley. Coming back is a sentimental experience for him. He’s known Vertical Dave for over a decade and calls him “a really good friend and just awesome.”
Crosby grew up listening to a lot of his mother’s music in the car like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and Jackson Browne. His father on the other hand, introduced him to bands like the Scorpions and Judas Priest.
Within the music style his father liked he’s always enjoyed the guitar.
While he liked the style of song writing from his mother’s music taste, especially Jackson Browne, because of the story telling aspect that his music is influenced by.
“It’s weird how your parents’ stuff even unwillingly just kind of becomes part of your identity, whether you like it or not,” Crosby said.
Currently and as a teenager he listened to musicians like Sturgill Simpson, Son Volt, Wilco and Uncle Tupelo. He describes his band’s music as a rock and roll band at heart, but Americana and folk country story telling.
Crosby hopes people are having a good time when he plays, and the music is resonating with them on some level.
“Thank you, and thanks for hanging in,” Crosby said. “And hopefully you’re in for the long haul, ‘Cuz we’re not going to be stopping anytime soon. If you guys keep coming out, we’re going to keep doing it.”
Sam Bruce can be reached at [email protected]