Published: February 20, 2009 10:12 am      

MUSIC: Bacon Brothers visit Niagara County this weekend.

When asked what label to apply to their music, the Bacon Brothers couldn’t easily offer an answer.

The band — led by actor Kevin and music composer Michael — is labeled country by iTunes (this, according to Kevin, is a mistake on the part of the application). When pressed, Michael responded with what he called his “wise-ass answer.”

“I’d call us Fo-Ro-So-Co” (‘Forosoco’ is also the name of the group’s debut album), he said. “We’re folk, rock, soul and country. Certain bands really do fit into that.”

Whatever the label, local music fans will get another taste of the band when they visit Niagara Falls this weekend.

While the band might perform a few covers — during a stop several years ago in Gateway Park in North Tonawanda, the band wrapped its show with a version of “Footloose” in honor of Kevin’s association with the film — most of the show will feature Bacon originals, including many songs off the band’s latest album “New Year’s Day.”

Both men have successful day jobs, but their stage calling isn’t about money, the Bacons agreed.

“We’re first and foremost a songwriting band,” Kevin said. “We want to see how people respond to songs, gauge their reaction ... We never sat down and said, ‘We need to form a band and have second careers.’ It just evolved.”

That evolution has continued for 14 years. Kevin and Michael have played music together informally since their childhood in Philadelphia — Michael is nine years older, while the two brothers share songwriting, vocal and guitar duties — and have toured as frequently as their schedules have allowed while releasing six albums. On the recently released “New Year’s Day,” the band’s composition process changed, as a couple songs were farmed out to every band member to master individually, as opposed to the Bacons doing most of the production.

“I think every one of our CDs has gotten better,” Michael said. “This album is probably a little more focused and a little less all over the map.”

Whether performing new songs or older arrangements, Kevin enjoys the change of pace that music provides.

“Making movies is a lot of fun, but it’s also kind of a safe environment,” he said. “I think it’s good in a creative light to have something that gives you some butterflies ... and puts you on the edge as a performer. Those kinds of things are what keeps you excited.”

Anyone who comes to this weekend’s show, Michael said, can expect to be entertained.

“Mostly when you come to hear us, you’re going to hear a lot of songs you haven’t heard before,” he said. “Of course, a lot of people probably haven’t heard any of our songs, either.”



IF YOU GO

WHAT: Bacon Brothers concert

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Casino, 310 Fourth St., Niagara Falls

MORE INFORMATION: Call 299-1100 or visit senecaniagaracasino.com