Bounty Hunter Saloon mixes top bands, provides pleasant surroundings
By Brad D. Morley
Photo by Brad D. Morley
The Bounty Hunter Saloon is a live music club in Tigard. They opened in November of '07 and are about to celebrate their first year in business. Located at 11445 S.W. Pacific Hwy., the club is conveniently right off the I-5 Freeway heading south. At first glance, the club appears to be a country venue; however, they provide a mixed genre of Portland's top rock and country acts.
Your first impression when you enter the club is the pleasant surprise of an open feeling with room to spread out and find a seat in a cozy booth or belly up to a magnificent bar. The club just feels clean inside; the woodwork in this room is fantastic and lends to an atmosphere that reminds one of good-old American craftsmanship, furniture made by hand and installed by people who take pride in what they do.
A generous dance floor with a bandstand set up for entertaining make this a great place to spend an evening with your friends and significant other. The food is very good and the bar service is quick and professional.
This writer was lucky to stop by and catch Dixie Wrecked rocking the house. If you love classic rock, you have to spend an evening with these guys. Although they don't play the song, the best catch phrase for this ensemble is from the J. Geils Band (nothing but a house party). Dancing and having fun with Dixie Wrecked will take you back to a time when gas was cheap and you could tune up your own car, Harleys leaked oil and no one cared. All that's missing at the show is a paper cup and a line to the keg.
Uncle Dave Alvey is the lead singer and bassist. He appears to be having a blast, pumping out hit after hit, as he runs this band through the motions. On lead guitar Troy Thornton is a true guitarist, head down, long hair flowing and all the chops in place. This dude is everything a classic rock player should be.
To Alvey's left is Mick Montemurro holding down the rhythm guitar. He uses an acoustic guitar on a stand as well as a combination of electrics to give this band a diverse sound. Matt "the Hurricane" Banke pumps out the drums. He gets the job done and sets a constant track for his bandmates to travel down. All players help with backing vocals as these guys cover your favorite songs from bands like ZZ Top, CCR, AC/DC and SRV. Poison's Every Rose has its Thorn tops it off. Even the tough guys get dragged out on the dance floor.