June 2007
THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS
By Jim Price
Twenty years…240 articles…3 cars…and by my best estimation, well over 1,000 bands and artists. (I entertained the thought of actually digging through all my back issues to do an official count, but didn’t have a full week to spare…) To quote a Grateful Dead phrase, “What a long, strange trip it’s been.” This month marks two decades that I’ve reported on area music scene happenings here in Pennsylvania Musician.
It all started in June 1987. I was a greenhorn manager, publicist and booking agent for the Altoona-based hard rock band Tommi-Gunn. I had already begun advertising Tommi-Gunn in Pennsylvania Musician, and as I was quickly discovering the assortment of talented bands and musicians populating the Altoona music scene at the time, I noted that Altoona didn’t have an article in the magazine. I approached Robin about writing an Altoona article. She was lukewarm to the idea at first, and indicated there wasn’t really room in the magazine for any new articles. Undaunted, I sent one in anyway. And I’ve been here ever since, now covering live music in six counties!
In twenty years, what began as an idea to help publicize the band I worked for and my hometown music scene has become my passion and life! My life is all about local music; I write about it, play it on the radio, see, hear, eat, drink and sleep music! It’s what I’ve become. My first twenty years with Pennsylvania Musician have been fun and rewarding to say the least. I’ve enjoyed countless bands and shows, made many friends along the way, and have experienced a wealth of adventures I could (and maybe someday, will) write a book about! And as a devout heavy metal/hard rock/progressive rock fan who couldn’t be bothered with any other musical styles in 1987, writing for Pennsylvania Musician opened me up to a much wider world of music. Now I’m into many types of music; rock, blues, country, jazz, bluegrass, worldbeat and more. It’s been a learning and discovery experience, and I’m still learning and discovering! Every month is a new adventure. Now, I can’t imagine myself NOT writing about local music! As I’ve joked with numerous folks, I’ll be doing this from a wheelchair when I’m 80; just hook up the Genessee I-V bottle, I’m good!
Let me roll some credits…Thanks first and foremost to Whitey and Robin Noll for continuing to serve the state’s music community with this publication, and for allowing me to be a part of it for two decades. Thanks to all the local advertisers who have supported the magazine and my coverage of area music; especially Claudio and City Limits (Claudio has been in here just about as long as I have) and Dave Villani and Data Music Services. Thanks to all the bands and musicians who have inspired and supported my efforts; as I frequently tell musicians, “You keep making the music, and I’ll keep writing about it!” Thanks to all the area live music venues and their staffs for the continued hospitality through the years; it is always very much appreciated! And thanks to you, the reading audience, for indulging me every month; if I’ve inspired any of you to go out and catch a band or artist on a local stage, then I’ve done my job. Thanks for the support and the kind words!
Music activity has been busy lately in my part of the world. The 40th annual Blair County Arts Festival took place May 19-20 at Penn State Altoona, and brought a variety of musical performers. On Saturday, I witnessed State College-based smooth jazz group The Billy Test Trio, local Celtic rock foursome Full Kilt, The Michael O’Brian Band with their Irish pub songs and merriment, Festival favorite Jerry Haines performing folk sounds on guitar and autoharp, and State College-based Dixieland jazz group The Summit City Saints. On Sunday, I enjoyed traditional and original folk and bluegrass with Three Generations On Strings, another Festival folk favorite, Jay Smar, Williamsport’s Banjo Man, Jim Haner, a casual folk jam session with Jay Smar, Jerry Haines and Jim Haner, and State College-based blues rock group Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke. With the weather cooperating more often than not this year, attendance seemed to be stronger for this year’s Festival.
The Community Interest Group, a fledgling organization devoted to building the local community through cultural events and communication, presented their first Folk and Bluegrass Festival last month at Altoona’s Railroaders Memorial Museum. The Festival’s hosts, Oak & Ivy, kicked off the day with their blend of traditional, Celtic folk and more. Mama Corn’s Bruce Foor contributed additional acoustic guitar and backing vocals alongside guitarist/singer Kathryn Bullington and singer/mandolinist Matt Harrison. Mama Corn followed with their bluegrass sounds; performing numbers from Ralph Stanley, Flatt & Scruggs and others; traditional favorites such as "Wagon Wheels" and "Man of Constant Sorrow;" and an original song by banjo picker Jeremy Nelson's father, Ben, called "Shenandoah Mountaintops." Oak & Ivy's Matt Harrison returned the favor and contributed additional mandolin on Mama Corn's rendition of "Dear Old Dixie." With dobro player John Stevens serving double duty between the two bands, Mt. City Grass followed Mama Corn with more traditional bluegrass and early country sounds. Jim Horne filled in on banjo in place of Dean Berkheimer; and special guest Carter Cerully – son of singer/guitarist Denny and upright bassist Kate Cerully – sang lead on renditions of "Two Dollar Bill" and "The Big Courtroom." Next was solo performer Raggedy Hobo, who sang a variety of railroad-themed folk songs, plus acoustic selections by Neil Young, New Riders of the Purple Sage, George Jones and more. Highlights included Oak & Ivy's Matt Harrison providing washtub bass accompaniment during the rendition of the Allman Brothers' "Ramblin' Man," and Sav Sankaran playing upright bass during Raggedy Hobo's original song "Love Bug." Brennon John, with sister Breanne playing fiddle, then entertained the audience with a selection of acoustic blues and folk. This was a stunning performance, as both Brennon and Breanne complemented each other beautifully and harmonized very well; highlights included “House of the Rising Sun” with Breanne’s “Amazing Grace” intro and outro, and the pair’s duet performance of the traditional “John the Revelator.” Unfortunately, I had to depart this event early to partake in a wedding reception, and missed performances from Jean Roman and King Cotton Rounders. But the first Folk & Bluegrass Festival was a success; here’s hoping it becomes an annual event!
Several bands donated their talents in late April to help out a local cancer patient. The Lisa Baum Benefit Concert took place at Dignan's Firehouse Bar in Gallitzin, and featured Ruff Rodes, Acalasia, Beyond Reason and Tie Down. Ruff Rodes, featuring show organizer and guitarist Frank Rodes, guitarist Bob Ruffing plus several guests, blended acoustic songs with a freewheeling sense of humor. As they performed numbers from the Eagles, Fountains Of Wayne, Hinder, John Mellencamp, Black Crowes, Garth Brooks and more; they kidded with one another, and endured some funny good-natured highjinks from the Beyond Reason and Tie Down contingents. Next was Acalasia, showcasing their hard-driving brand of original modern rock. Singer Krystal Shore, guitarists Ryan Sheehan and Neil Deyarmin, bassist Stephen Wells and drummer Cory Aboud played driving, melody-driven original songs like "Contradictory," "So Much for the Railcar," "There's No Place Like Home" and more; along with select cover numbers from Flyleaf and Journey. I liked Acalasia's crispness and enthusiasm, as well as Krystal's vocal range and poise; this will be a band to watch out for! Beyond Reason triggered the first dance floor action of the night with their lively blend of rock'n'roll, performing numbers from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tom Petty, Chuck Berry, War, Black Crowes, Blues Traveler, Stray Cats and more. The group also included two of their own tunes, "The Rain" and "The Ballad of Johnny." And Tie Down picked up the party ball and ran with it for two sets to close the night. Singer Scott Walk, guitarists Brett O'Donnell and Tim Eckenrode, new bassist Bob Gailey and drummer Jason Grodis kept the dance floor busy from start to finish with their blend of classic and current rocking favorites. Tie Down gets stronger every time I see them; this band executed like a well-tuned party machine! An additional highlight was Tie Down's "musical chairs" segment, with their manager, Brenda Smithbower, singing and then sitting in on the drum kit, Jason singing lead, Scott playing rhythm guitar and Frank from Ruff Rodes on bass! This was a fun night, kept upbeat by the bands' bright performances and laughter provided by frequent chicanery between the bands. Over $1,000 was raised to help out Lisa Baum and her family.
Get Closer To The Music presented their fourth annual Music Festival in late April at the East Juniata Community Center in Altoona. This was again a fun time throughout the day, as youngsters and families discovered the world of music and instruments. It was rewarding to see shy young faces light up as they picked up drumsticks for the first times and banged on the drums. The drums seemed to be the most popular instruments; and during Generation Gap’s performance, a small army of young drummers was invited up to the stage to bang drums and cowbells on the group’s version of War’s “Low Rider.” Felix & the Hurricanes also welcomed youngsters up to the stage, including teenaged guitarist Bob Detwiler, who was beaming ear to ear as he got to perform alongside the group. There were also performances from Spirit Lost and Hair Force One, plus a cameo appearance by Nashville recording artist Ricky Lee. Thanks to all the volunteers and instructors who helped out, as well as all of the families who brought youngsters to the event. And a big thanks to Ed Murvine and Cathy Berg of Get Closer to the Music for organizing this event, and for the special plaque awarded to me; shucks guys, what a surprise!
Also in late April, the 17th annual Crazy Fest Amateur Talent Show took place at the Greenwood Firehall. Hosted and organized by Dennie Huber, Crazy Fest provided an opportunity for youngsters 21 and under to showcase their performing talents on stage in front of a supportive audience; to win trophies, awards, plaques and other prizes. This year’s top award winners included Eva Kline (ages 6-7), Cindy Piner (8-10), Chelsea Moses (11), McKenzie Wilson (12-13), Hailey Hallinan (14), Maura Murphy (15-17), and Luke Henry (18-21) In the duos, trios and groups category, first place was a tie between dance trio Moses, McCaffrey and Lykens and the instrumental duo of Henry and Crider. In the amateur band division, The 45-D’s took top honors. The Crazy Fest Future Star top honors went to Shannon Barnes (13-and-under) and Patrick Stalter (14-and-over). The new Crazy Fest Outstanding Musician Award was given to drummer Matthew Brantner, the Outstanding Vocalist/Female Award was given to Maura Murphy, and the Outstanding Vocalist/Male Award was given to Patrick Stalter. Cindy Piner won the Crazy Fest Outstanding Dancer Award, and Moses, McCaffrey and Piner won the Outstanding Variety Performer Award. Most Original Performer top honors went to Chelsea Moses (female) and Nick Finnuccio (male). The Fan Favorite trophies, as voted on by the audience, were awarded to Matthew Brantner (male), and Harley Saltsgiver (female); Harley also won the first ever Junior Miss Crazy Fest trophy, while Kirsten Lykens won the first Miss Crazy Fest trophy. Dancer Renee Brantlinger received this year’s Crazy Fest Hall Of Fame Award. We congratulate all of the Crazy Fest award winners, and thank all the contestants, the volunteers, the Greenwood Fire Company, and especially Dennie Huber for all he does to support and encourage area youth with the annual Crazy Fest.
Rock For The Troops, the ongoing initiative to record and send appreciation, love, special messages and greetings to our troops serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, continues to gather momentum, with more area bands taking part. Echo Chamber devoted their May 12 City Limits show towards the Rock For The Troops effort. Singer Ken Gray, lead guitarist Ricky McPhearson, rhythm guitarist Brian Banks, bassist Mitch Rockman and drummer Tim Layton rocked for the troops and the mid-sized City Limits audience with a mixture of favorites from Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Creed, Cream, Nickelback, Velvet Revolver, Drowning Pool, Metallica, Danzig and more. Echo Chamber picked up momentum as their show progressed, drawing more and more people onto the dance floor. An additional highlight during the third set was Hair Force One frontman Victor Synn taking over lead mic during Guns’N’Roses’ “Sweet Child O’Mine.” Echo Chamber’s first City Limits appearance was a successful one; watch for their increased presence on stages throughout the area.
I caught a double-bill at Aldo's in late April featuring two rising names, Skarma Sutra and Sakred Realm. Skarma Sutra opened with a hard-driving sound that blended elements of punk, rock and metal. Singer Rob Arista, guitarists Danny Mayhem and Jim Berkin, bassist Jason Oswalt and drummer Stan Korus showcased mostly original numbers such as "I Want Out," "My Door," "Bad S**t," "Burn In Hell" and more, closing with a rendition of the Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop." Hagerstown, MD's Sakred Realm then introduced their brand of melody-based hard modern rock. Singer Miguel Peraza, guitarist Tracy Weller, bassist Rodney McKay and drummer Pat Henson mixed sharp-sounding original songs like “Swallow It Down,” “Awakened” and “Forgive Me” with hard-rocking current favorites from Nickelback, Mudvayne, Hoobestank, Tool, Buckcherry and more. Miguel demonstrated a clear, strong and rangeful set of pipes, and his bandmates kept it tight and sharp throughout. Aldo’s clearly enjoyed it, as more folks populated the stage front dance floor as the night progressed. Sakred Realm opens for Drowning Pool early this month in Maryland; watch for both bands back at Aldo’s soon.
Dashboard Mary made their first visit to the area in late April, performing at the 4D's Lounge. From the Scranton area, Dashboard Mary features Chris Langan on lead vocals, percussion and acoustic guitar, Rob Roman on lead guitar and vocals, Joe DelRosso on bass and vocals, and Schroeder on drums and vocals. Dashboard Mary played a crisp selection of rocking favorites from the 70’s to present, spanning such names as Bush, Cracker, Sublime, Pearl Jam, Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Doors, Blind Melon, Flys and more. This band’s all-around execution was clean and strong both instrumentally and vocally; and despite light attendance for their first visit, they enthusiastically delivered the good time to the folks who did take the chance to experience a new band this night. Dashboard Mary is set to release their debut CD shortly. If they return to the 4D’s, check them out; based on this night, Dashboard Mary delivers a strong, upbeat show!
Another rising party force I saw for the first time last month was Harrisburg’s Asking Andy at The Arena in State College. Five members strong, Asking Andy turned a mid-sized Arena crowd into a festive frenzy with their spontaneous, high-energy show; jam-packed with current and classic rocking favorites. Singer Keith Hoppes, guitarists Brian Miller and Darrell Adams, bassist Patrick Riordan and drummer Luke Barnhart showed a knack for reacting to audience cues and adjusting the show to the audience; incorporating frequent requests along the way. And then there was the whole sheep thing; inflatable sheep serve as unofficial members of this band, providing the catalysts for additional onstage craziness, from antics between band members to audience drinking highjinks and more. All together, it amounted to an exhaustive good time. If you haven’t discovered Asking Andy yet, they have more shows lined up at The Arena during this summer and fall.
Harrisburg-based Southern and classic rockers Smokin’ Gunnz had their guns blazing during their first Altoona visit at Burgi’s Roundhouse last month. Singer/drummer Robert Morris, bassist Terry Sherry, and guitarists Chris DellaPorta and Mike Brady displayed top-notch musicianship and tight two- and three-part harmonies on classics from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, ZZ Top and more. I was particularly amazed at their work on Lynyrd Skynyrd's two most famous creations; the three-part harmonies and exuberant finish on "Sweet Home Alabama," and the heartfelt and fiery read of "Free Bird" to end the night. You could tell these four musicians had a genuine love for the music they were doing. Connoisseurs of Southern-fried rock should make a point to check out Smokin' Gunnz when they return to Burgi's June 30.
Another band I saw for the first time last month was Blues Moon, who frequently plays Fridays at Bar Bleu in State College. Guitarist Scott Bachman and drummer Andrew Jackson previously played together in Gypsy & the Crazymoon. Trace Moran and Chris Trasatti share lead singing duties, with Chris also blowing harp. Bassist Bill Brickley wasn’t available this night; Ronnie Lang filled in. As their name might suggest, Blues Moon does boisterous blues-based sounds from names such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Susan Tedeschi, Janis Joplin, Eric Clapton, T-Bone Walker, Willie Dixon, Jimi Hendrix and more. Trace is easily still one of the most fiery and passionate singers around, with a full-throttled voice and style that commands attention, puts a chokehold on your soul and doesn't let go! She and Blues Moon quickly had members of the Bar Bleu audience cheering and even dancing along. For a good healthy dose of fiery blues, watch for Blues Moon on various Fridays at Bar Bleu.
Also at Bar Bleu, I sampled something a little different when I witnessed Warref last month. The brainchild of Senegal-born singer and composer Alioune Guissé, Warref – meaning "Do the Right Thing" – plays an uplifting style of world music blending traditional West African, northern Senegalese "Yella" and mbalax musical styles. Alioune sings, joined by Mamady Mbow on guitar, Michael Dougherty on bass and Tom Connolly on drums. Warref's sound bears some resemblance to reggae and ska, but with an African rather than Caribbean foundation. Warref generated mesmerizing grooves, highlighted by Mamady's smooth and jazz-informed guitar work, and the playful rhythmic nip-and-tuck between Michael and Tom. Two trumpet players, Derek McDonald and Dave Jumper, joined for a few numbers. This was infectious, upbeat music, and by the third set, Warref had a nice dance party happening in front of the stage! Warref returns to Bar Bleu on June 20.
One of the more fascinating performers I witnessed recently was Andru Bemis, who visited Altoona’s Hitching Post last month. From South Haven, Michigan, Andru is a traveling folk singer who rides the rails from town to town to see America, meet new friends and share his music with them. Andru’s primary style is observational acoustic folk in the Woody Guthrie/Bob Dylan tradition. He mixed original and traditional folk songs; switching off from acoustic guitar to banjo from time to time to demonstrate his amazing clawhammer ability. Although the attendance was light this night, Andru made the Hitching Post audience his own, stepping out from the stage and playing to the audience members from atop one of the tables, and leading them in the playful singalongs “Kickin’ My Dawg” and the dizzying “Crocodile Hole.” Andru Bemis continues his treks throughout the Midwest and Northeast, and performs in Pittsburgh June 21; he’s a unique and fascinating performer well worth checking out whenever the rails bring him to Altoona again.
Sixteen months ago, Johnstown hard rocking mainstays Inside Out were ready to mail it in and go their separate ways. But the group changed their minds and decided to soldier on. Now, there’s new excitement in the Inside Out camp with the recent addition of a second guitar player, Kolt Green. I checked out the updated Inside Out last month at Crousey’s in Windber. Kolt, along with the group’s remaining founding member, Tim Frick, on lead vocals and guitar, Larz Philip on bass and Mark Gindlesperger on drums; enthusiastically rocked the house with their mix of hard-edged original songs and favorites, including tunes from Nine Inch Nails, Godsmack, White Zombie, Fuel, Breaking Benjamin and more. With Kolt’s addition, Inside Out is moving forward on their long-awaited third CD, and hope to release it by fall.
I caught up with Happy Valley party force Plush in late April at Mojo's in Clearfield. Lock Haven's Mark Stevenson was substituting for Plush bassist C Dub, whose father had passed away earlier in the week (we extend our sincerest condolences). Mark did a good job, and worked smoothly with drummer The Trav Show and guitarist Moltox in providing the rocking backdrop for singer Roq. Plush kept a good-sized Mojo's audience happy with their mix of new and classic rock/pop favorites; including tunes from Cheap Trick, Poison, Journey, Jimmy Eats World, Weezer, Bon Jovi, Buckcherry and more. Adding to the fun at Mojo's this night was a bachelorette party whose participants were decked out in pajamas; these ladies danced and sang with Plush onstage several times during the night. The show must go on, and Plush showed this night that they can still deliver the party even with a key member missing. Plush returns to Mojo's June 30.
With the possible exception of glass products, Corning, New York’s most popular export to our area these days is party rock force Agony Hill. During their late April visit to Pellegrine’s, Agony Hill kept dance floor activity steady with their brand of punk-fueled favorites from Bowling For Soup, Ramones, Good Charlotte, Pink Floyd, Poison, White Zombie and more. Highlights included their high-powered take on Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” a Green Day medley, and their lively encore read of Katrina & the Waves’ “Walking on Sunshine.” Eric Bleiler is a feisty frontman who blends energy, sass and a sense of humor into an infectious happy-go-lucky presentation. Guitarist Spam, bassist Joe and drummer Dickie keep the backdrop lean, tight and hard-rocking. Agony Hill’s area visits are becoming more frequent, with the group now showing up on State College stages as well. They return to Pellegrine’s June 10.
Local duo Half Baked made their first Burgi’s Roundhouse appearance last month. Singer/acoustic guitarist Bob Onkst and electric guitarist Bob Prosser entertained Burgi’s dinner crowd with a mixture of classic rock, blues, and country; including numbers from the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, Willie Dixon, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and more. These two Bob’s work well together; their guitars blended well, and their vocal harmonies sounded good as well. Half Baked is making more frequent appearances on local acoustic stages; they offer a pleasant, laid-back show worth checking out.
Also on the acoustic front, I caught up with Matt Wagner last month during his weekly Tuesday acoustic performance at the 4D’s Lounge’s upstairs Schnappes Shoppe. Matt was joined this night by his new guitarist sidekick, former Third Standard guitarist Joe Scott. The pair entertained a good-sized crowd with selections from Stroke 9, Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zombies, Third Eye Blind, Johnny Cash and more. Matt continues to display a strong and rangeful voice, while Joe showed tasty and jazzy guitar flair along the way. Matt Wagner continues to play every Tuesday and Wednesday at the