October 2007
Across the Desk
By Robin Noll
I’ve been thinking about the last 24 years of the Pennsylvania Musician Magazine. I just got done looking at our first few issues. It was rough back then. You had to type everything out and try to explain to typesetters what you wanted. When I went to buy our first Mac, the computer stores didn’t know what I was talking about. Back then it cost $10,000 for a Mac with a laser printer. I used it for a good 10 years or more.
We’re still doing what we started out to do, and that is promoting professional musicians and the music industry. Musicians, music stores, studios, clubs, big venues, small venues. If it involves music we would like the opportunity to help you promote it.
The Pennsylvania music industry has given us that honor the past 25 years. This November will be our 25th Anniversary of promoting the local entertainment scene as no other publication has been able to do for as long as we have been doing it. Many publications have come and gone and some have developed into off shoots of what we do but we keep pressing on keeping to the original vision of Whitey Noll which was and is; “a publicity magazine for musicians, agents and clubs. The interest it will and has generated sparked the renaissance of Pennsylvania’s local entertainment scene. That in turn will and has made the Pennsylvania Musician the most informative and entertaining magazine Pennsylvania has to offer”.
Over the years we have seen that happen. There has always been a “music scene” throughout history but what we strive to do is to unite that scene and let the general public know who and what is happening throughout the state and not in just one area. It isn’t easy, and I know we’ve offended many people over the years and we certainly do not cover ALL the music in Pennsylvania but we are here for those who want to utilize our pages to help develop and sustain their careers. It’ just one tool of many.
This past month I interviewed Dale and Gale from Dale’s Drum Shop as they too are celebrating 25 years. Then I got to thinking I’m going to have to do an article on Mike’s Music soon because he was in with the original BCR Music co-op who advertised with us in the beginning. It was Steve Creter, Mike Zinkan and Dale who all started in a small building across from the Colonial Park Mall. As I’ve been going over some of the first issues of the paper there are quite a few people I’m going to have to do articles on in the coming year as many have been loyal supporters the entire 25 years including Campbell’s Music in York, Joey Welz of Caprice Recording, John Harris Group (who will also have an interview in this month’s issue). The Village Night Club is another one as well as Schoolhouse Music. So many people over the years have stayed with us month after month through good times and bad times. We do appreciate each and everyone of you. Also we have businesses that have been with us consistently for 20 years including Gullifty’s, K&S Music, Player’s Exchange, City Limits, Data Music, Q-94, Creter Guitar Shop, Raintree and Bill Martin to name just a few that continue to support our pages. There are so many of you that have read each and every issue too. Some people have a better library than I do. I don’t think I have all of them but I’ve heard a few people do and I’ve also heard you can purchase old copies on Ebay. Rachel ran across a complete set at a yard sale one day.
The first band on the cover was Kix and they are currently on a regional reunion tour. They just played The Hardware Bar to a packed house and delivered a top notch show according to Glenn Hoffman who is a “Kix fanatic”. He said he has never been disappointed at a Kix performance.
Our second cover feature band was Silver City, they too are still going strong and Jim Johansen owns and operates Market Street Music that has moved to 5223 E. Simpson Ferry Road in Mechanicsburg now. His fiancÈe has a display of some gorgeous, unique jewelry there. Jim and his staff have years of experience as professional musicians and are always eager to answer and help you choose the perfect equipment.
Harpo was another band that was on our cover in the early stages and utilized our pages to market themselves. Which brings me to mention congratulations to Kathy and John Lloyd Kistner who celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on September 5th.
Another band that I would be silly not to mention is Paris who was on our cover for our First Anniversary. They went out to LA, hired a great publicist, Deb Rosner and changed their name to Poison. I was watching Bret Michaels on the “Love Rock Tour” on VHi. Whitey says Bret use to come to the Metron and all the girls wanted to know what band he was with. At the time he wasn’t with a band, the rest is history. It’s neat watching him on TV. Did anyone catch Halestorm on Jay Leno in September, that was cool. They also utilized our pages to help develop their career. Roger, their manager/father, came to the first Millennium Music Conference and took what he learned there and along with the help of his wife Beth have launched another national act from Pennsylvania.
A majority of the people in our original issue are still involved in the music industry. We still have a lot of volunteer help getting the paper out even though we do pay them a little something now (not near what they’re worth). Keith Hummel has been with us for the longest, then Jim Price (both have gold watches, not real gold but they’re nice). Deanna Trio (Johnstown /Somerset), Rusty Gun Revival (Clearfield /northern PA), Randy Wilson (Bedford), Christi Butler (Dubois/ Punxsutawney), Andrew Peters (Huntingdon County), and Fuzz McGirk (Greensburg /Pittsburgh area). Dave Blackledge, Andrea Greene, Rachel Rocks.
Many people have helped us over the years though and each has contributed and left their brand on our pages. But there are changes coming and hopefully we’ll be able to cover even more music throughout the state.
More on the past 25 years in the next issue. Let’s move on to the current month. Once again October’s issue is brimming with news, schedules and events that are happening in every corner of the state.
The State Theatre is bringing in Drive-By Truckers from Athens, Georgia. The Drive-By Truckers have over 10 years of performing and songwriting experience. Reading their bio proved to be very interesting. Apparently they don’t only display high quality music but have developed a tour to include a laid back atmosphere that is leaving audiences and the band itself with a high that only a great performance can deliver. The show is October 25th at The State Theatre in State College. Get your tickets now.
Johnny Winter and Leon Russell will be performing at The Whitaker Center in Harrisburg on Thursday, October 18th. I better call and get our tickets. Whitey mentioned that he wanted to get to that show. He sang Leon Russell songs to me when we first met in 1972. Those who love ‘big band’ music, Glenn Miller Orchestra is coming Tuesday, October 2nd and Queen Latifah is appearing Monday, October 29th with a ‘big band’ tour in support of her new CD “Trav’lin Light”. A great month at The Whitaker Center. The Whitaker Center has given Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania a wonderful place to enjoy “live music” in a relaxing atmosphere. We have enjoyed several performances over the years.
I wanted to remind you of the The Great American Guitar Show October 6th and 7th at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Someset, New Jersey. The events are hosted by Bee-3 Vintage and if you want to be surrounded by instruments or you’re hunting a good bargain or a rare find, it is the place to be. If you can’t make that one they are hosting another one close to Philly at Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington Delaware. You can get the details in this month’s issue.
If you’re in the market for purchasing a new keyboard this coming Christmas you might want to head to Wray’s Music House in Lemoyne on Wednesday, October 24th as they host a Korg M3 Clinic. Call to register as there is limited seating. Korg is a great company and they make wonderful keyboards.
The Clarks come to Gullifty’s October 5th. The Clark’s always deliver a fantastic show and they too have been around for over 20 years. Performing with them will be Son’s of William and Neil McClain. Redroom is coming out of retirement to perform at Gullifty’s on the 19th.and Deja Vudoo is releasing their debut CD, “Scratching the Surface” with guest Servingg the Industry, Dahli and Sherri Mullen. Costumes are encouraged at this event, it is October. The official Halloween party at Gullifty’s is happening Friday, October 26th with Money Shot with $2 Miller Chills, $3 Blood Suckers and Cash Prizes Costume Contest.
On October 19th and 20th Smokin’ Gunnz will be presenting a Southern Rock Tribute show performing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “One More from the Road”. The definitive live album from 1976. Don’t miss this chance to see Smokin’ Gunnz and special guest performers pay tribute to America’s southern Rock legends on the 30th Anniversary of that fateful night. Doors open a 7:30 and the show starts at 9:30 at The Ox in New Oxford. You can order advance tickets by calling 717-832-6154. Smokin’ Gunnz will be pouring their hearts and souls into this show. If you’re a Lynyrd Skynyrd fan you won’t want to miss this show.
Next momth there will be more history on the Pennsylvania Musician history and we also will be hosting our 25th Anniversary Party at Gullifty’s on Friday, November 9th. We’re providing pizza, stromboli, complimentary beer, cake, and of course music. All the details haven’t quite been worked out yet. Whitey will open the show and he wants to close the show with a huge “Jam Session” from 12:30 til they shut us down. Please mark your calendars and plan on being there with us, we’d love to see you all again and eat, drink and enjoy each others company. It won’t be a party without YOU!
News and views can be emailed to Rnoll@pamusician.net or mail PO Box 362, Millerstown, PA 17062. THANK YOU to all who use and read our pages.