A passion for live music has turned the back yard of a local bar into a well-known music venue for Laramie.
In 2008, Kerri Smith took a trip to Florida over the winter and was quickly inspired to build a stage in the back yard of her business after seeing outdoor live music. Since the stage was built, Alibi Pub has hosted all types of live music from Rap to Punk to Bluegrass.
“It has definitely grow since then,” said Alibi Owner Kerri Smith.
The Alibi hosted over 20 shows on weekends this past summer from all over the country.
Andy Radliff considers the Alibi’s backyard to be an oasis in Laramie.
“I try to go as much as possible,” said Radliff. “It’s a great place to hang out and it’s not your typical bar scene.”
Radliff said he enjoyed going on Thursdays for the Jeff Duloz and Friends shows.
“It’s a really cool atmosphere and it’s a show where you can sit and talk with people,” said Radliff, “and the weather is always so nice.”
Emily Madden, a graduate student in American Studies, went almost every Thursday over the summer.
“It’s a nice space,” said Madden. “There aren’t too many places you can have drinks outside other then the Alibi.”
Smith’s largest objective in having the stage and holding events is to support live music.
“We welcome all kind of genres, but we do bring in a lot of Blues and Rock,” said Smith.
Alibi’s crew likes to consider the residential area when there are shows and it seems that Blues and Rock work out best for everyone, she said.
“It does the best,” Smith said. “It keeps everyone happy and dancing and drinking.”
With over 20 shows throughout the summer, the Alibi had bands in from all over the country.
“They bring in some interesting bands,” said Madden.
Radcliff said it was hard to pick a favorite from the summer, but Afrosippi, a mother and daughter duo, and Andy Frasko, were two shows that he said stood out to him.
Smith said she will even catch bands that are just traveling through on Sundays and have them perform.
The last show of the summer series is slated for this Friday and a local music event called 10 by 10 for this Saturday.
“You get 10 bands for 10 dollars,” said Smith. “Its goes from noon to midnight and has a one time cover fee, so people can come and go as they like.”
Smith was not concerned about the game this Saturday being an issue with attendance at 10 by 10.
“We’ll be just fine or better,” said Smith. “I know there will not be a negative effect.”
Smith said all she wants to do is to support live music and that she wants to provide fun environment for people to enjoy that live music.
“The Alibi is about 4 blocks away from my house,” said Madden. “It makes it easy to walk over and take in some live music.”
Radliff said he has lived in Laramie for 13 years and has seen the music scene grow a great deal.
Smith said she is happy the Alibi can help foster the live music scene in Laramie. Alibi also serves as a venue in the winter with small inside shows.
