The Professor’s “Live Reviews”
by Jim Price
Once again, the increase in temperatures outside corresponded with an increase in activity on area live music stages in recent weeks; the action has been hot and heavy!
The area music scene again was at the forefront of helping out folks in need in recent weeks. In late March, the Benefit for Chance happened at The Cantina in Altoona, raising over $1,200 to help out Chance Dull, an 8-year-old Bedford area child battling a rare form of liver cancer. Six bands donated their talents to the cause, beginning with The Marauders, who played roots-rocking crowd-pleasers such as "My Revolver," "Late Night Livin'" into the Brian Setzer-penned "We Are the Marauders," their roots-geared spin on the Misfits' "Astrozombies" and more. With singer "Robo" Ron Riley running sound for the evening, Dragon Fire stepped up the evening's musical intensity with their brand of primal metal brutality as they mixed old and new punishing originals. The Embalmed maintained the intensity with their scathing set, as they previewed assaults from their forthcoming new CD, “Toetags & Bodybags”, expected out later this year. Dick Shack Posse then triggered an old-school punk rock celebration with their set, as they performed numbers from Agnostic Front, Minor Threat, the Clash, Sex Pistols, Rancid, Misfits, Ramones and more. Show organizer and FedUP frontman Brian Stotler provided additional vocals on a Pennywise number and a punked-up rendition of Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." Sever returned things to a heavier flavor with a technically-geared style of metal of the Shadows Fall/Killswitch Engage variety. This would be one of Sever's last performances with singer Matt Watson; Alexander Sipp has since replaced him. FedUP closed out the show with their punk/hardcore-infused brand of heavy metal. Brian, guitarists Dave Charlton and Scott Bush, bassist Roman Dell and drummer Matt Popp slammed forth outspoken original numbers like “How Many Times,” “Ignorance and Apathy,” “Jihad” and “Gang Violence;” and introduced several new assaults as well. Hats off to Brian, all six bands, the Cantina staff and everybody involved for making this a very successful and fun evening. Anybody who couldn’t attend the show who wants to help out Chance Dull can donate by making out a check and mailing it to: Trina & Greg Dull, 1014 N. 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601.
Four more bands donated their talents last month to help out an area music fan dealing with hardship. The Christine Kliciewicz Benefit took place at the Oriental Ballroom in Gallitzin, and raised over $6,000 to help out gastroparesis patient Christine with her medical bills plus travel/lodging expenses to and from Pittsburgh for treatments. The early evening benefit kicked off with Celtic rock sounds courtesy of Full Kilt. Singer/guitarist Mike Zerbee, fiddle player Mandy Passmore, bassist/bodhran player Chris Myers and drummer Pat Boland played rocked-up traditional Irish favorites, along with songs from Flogging Molly, Great Big Sea, and even a Celtic-flavored arrangement of U2's "With or Without You." Doing double-duty this night, Chris then moved behind the drum kit with the next band, Beyond Reason. He, brother Dan Myers II on guitar and vocals and Jamie Smith on bass and vocals played a variety of rock 'n' roll favorites from the 60's to 90's. Guest Mike Popovich played bass on several songs, and Dan showed off some great voice on the set-ending spin on Buster Bennett's blues classic "Reefer Head Woman." Atomic Blonde then shifted musical gears into 70's and 80's-era pop, rock, dance and disco sounds. Performing along a midi-generated rhythm section, singers Carol and Jennifer Kennedy and guitarist Jim Kennedy quickly filled up the Oriental Ballroom dance floor with numbers from Donna Summer, Queen, the Bangles, Chic, Cyndi Lauper, the B-52's and more. Then, introducing new bassist Steve Campbell, The Red Arrow finished the show with a fun blend of classic rock favorites. Steve, singer Deb Bush, guitarist/singer/show emcee Dick Kos, guitarist Jimmy Smith and drummer Mike Crocetti performed numbers from Bad Company, Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, John Mellencamp, Led Zeppelin and more. Highlights were frequent; including guest Brian Elliott (Arthur It is Blues Band) singing lead on Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man," Dick's and Jimmy's dual guitar harmonies on several Lynyrd Skynyrd numbers, and the Dick-fronted rendition of Ritchie Valens' "La Bamb
Early last month, a number of Altoona area bands and musicians again gathered at Aldo's to celebrate the memory of friend and guitarist Jeff Wallack and raise money for the St. Vincent DePaul Food Kitchen. This year's annual Jeff Wallack Tribute Show featured performances from The Flame Sky, Felix & the Hurricanes and Half Tempted; each featuring guest performers as they celebrated the music that Jeff Wallack used to play and enjoy. Singer Steve Oswalt and guitarist Scott Botteicher joined The Flame Sky for several Iron Maiden numbers, including "Wrathchild," "Transylvania/Remember Tomorrow" and "Phantom of the Opera;" keyboardist Phil Steele then joined the musicians on Ozzy Osbourne's "Mr. Crowley" and Pink Floyd's "Pigs (Three Different Ones)." Illuminating the stage with a rotating color light Jeff playfully donated to them years ago, Felix & the Hurricanes next performed a blend of classics and original songs; culminating in a free-for-all jam session edition of the Doors' "Roadhouse Blues" where they were joined by Phil on keys, Joe George and The Flame Sky's Jason Feathers on guitars, and Steve going full Morrison meltdown on lead vocals. After Half Tempted played a brief set with Joe helping on guitar, a special collaboration called Iron Sausage finished the night with a set of special song selections. Highlights here included a special rendition of Jeff's favorite song, Kansas' "Hold On," featuring Steve on lead vocals, Todd Lane on acoustic guitar, Phil on keys and backing vocals, Joe on bass, Ron Dalansky on guitar and Clint Carothers on drums; and the high-powered, night-ending rendition of UFO's "Lights Out." This was another evening of great musical performances and fond remembrances of Jeff Wallack, with several hundred dollars being raised.
One of the more interesting performances I witnessed last month was the Spring Concert by the Saint Francis University World Drumming Ensemble, which took place at St. Francis' JFK Auditorium. Arranged and directed by Rusted Root drummer Jim Donovan, the Ensemble features over 30 musicians of varying experience levels, hand drumming on djembes and ashikos and performing a wide repertoire of material. During this night's hour-long free performance, the Ensemble performed traditional African percussion numbers, as well as percussive renditions of Led Zeppelin's "Four Sticks," Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds," Rusted Root's "Back to the Earth," the Santana arrangement of "Jingo" and more. Several instrumentalists helped out with the Ensemble this night, including The Grimm's Kent and Kirk Tonkin on bass and guitar, Brandon King on keys, Kaylyn Oshaben on guitar, Rebecca Wojtaszek on vocals, and Jim Donovan with his own drum kit. The entire performance maintained a joyous, uplifting vibe as the performers – including St. Francis students, faculty and area residents – celebrated togetherness through rhythm. The Saint Francis World Drumming Ensemble will reconvene during fall semester, and welcomes new members, including beginners.
Glenn's Place in Claysburg hosted a Spring Bluesfest in late March, featuring Felix & the Hurricanes and Norman Nardini. This was an excellent show all around; kicking off with The Hurricanes' rousing set of original songs plus classic rock, blues and country favorites. Singer/guitarist Felix Kos, singer/bassist Jeff Clapper and drummer Bob Watters previewed a number of songs from their forthcoming new album, expected out later this year. Norman Nardini then invited the Claysburg crowd to "shake that monkey loose" as he, bassist Harry Bottoms and drummer Whitey Cooper played an assortment of Norman originals and select early rock'n'roll and R&B covers. The night was highlighted by the final set, when Felix joined in and played guitar alongside Norman on smoking renditions of Wilbert Harrison's "Let's Work Together," Big Joe Turner's "Shake, Rattle and Roll," Robert Parker's "Barefootin,'" the Whitey-sung version of Roy Head's "Treat Her Right," Muddy Waters' "Got My Mojo Workin'" and more. The Claysburg audience clearly enjoyed it, and Glenn's dance floor stayed busy through much of the night. The musical fireworks are always amazing when Norman Nardini and The Hurricanes get together; here's hoping we see another such summit soon!
Bedford’s Kun-Tajus last month released their new CD, Chrome Hog Saloon, with a special CD-release event at the Bedford Arts Center, with proceeds helping out the March Of Dimes. After a dinner opened the evening, singers/guitarists Mike Clapper and Chad Patterson, bassist Dave Wagner and drummer Jack Carrigan entertained the audience with a selection of original songs from both the new album and their first CD “No Cure”, as well as classic rock favorites from Lynyrd Skynyrd, BTO, CCR, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and more. The evening featured several highlights, including Mike’s daughter, Sarah, singing lead on a couple of numbers, numerous door prizes throughout the show, and a twist contest during Kun-Tajus’ rendition of “Twist and Shout,” with yours truly drafted to pick the winners! Kun-Tajus performs throughout Bedford County, western Maryland and West Virginia; and will perform at next month’s annual Thunder In the Valley motorcycle rally in Johnstown.
Lehigh Valley-based Ozzy Osbourne tribute band Rebourne made their first area appearance last month at the Anchor Inn near Patton. Of course, the most important element to any Ozzy tribute is Ozzy himself; and singer Tim "Oz" passed the test with flying colors; he nailed Ozzy's voice and mannerisms dead on, and even remained in character off stage! He, guitarist Redzy Rhoads, bassist Chaz Taylor and drummer Gary did Ozzy solo favorites such as "Mama I'm Coming Home," "Diary of a Madman," "Mr. Crowley," "Miracle Man," "Crazy Train," "No More Tears," "Bark at the Moon" and more; and also performed Ozzy-era Black Sabbath classics such as "Iron Man," "Into the Void," "Black Sabbath," "Children of the Grave," "War Pigs," "Sweet Leaf" and others. "Oz" had fun along the way; when Gary had to replace a broken drum head, “Oz” covered the pause by leading the crowd in the famous drunken Ozzy singalong version of "(Let's Go) Out to the Ball Game," and he chomped on a rubber bat during the later stage of the performance. As Ozzy tributes go, Rebourne is one of the better ones I've seen, and I recommend that Ozzy fans check this tribute out when they return to our neck of the woods.
Around the Corner in Johnstown hosted a hard-rocking four-band bill in late March. Indiana’s Solegion led off the night with their brand of high-velocity, metal-fueled rock. Singer Jarrod Bartock, guitarists Adam Getty and Kyle Cameron, bassist Simon Richard and drummer Nick Tercek again demonstrated their knack for merging rapid fire, hard-hitting rhythms with strong melodies as they performed their selection of original numbers. Introducing new saxophone player Marcus Brody, Johnstown’s Dubmissive performed their freewheeling blend of rock, punk, ska and reggae as they performed songs from their self-titled debut CD and new material. Marcus, singer/guitarist Bobby Dub, bassist Joe Sell and drummer Steve Hanik deftly mixed up their gumbo of styles, never staying in one place for too long and keeping things interesting. Next was Litany, who demonstrated a harder and heavier modern rock sound in the Tool, Deftones, Chevelle vein. Singer/guitarist Eric Decker, guitarist Nathan Shirk, bassist Kevin Williams and drummer Eric Ernst crafted heavier-leaning grooves with original numbers such as “Another Day,” “Slipping Away” and more. Brooklyn, New York-based foursome Fixer closed out the show by introducing their melody-geared, high-octane brand of rock. Lead singer Evan R. Saffer, guitarist Tommy Zamp, bassist J. Brown and drummer Rev Swank performed charged numbers from their just-released CD Before the Sun, demonstrating catchy hooks and go-for-broke intensity on such numbers as “Tell No One,” “Hillbilly Heroin,” “Dirty Girl,” the intensifying 9-minute epic “Tuxedo” and more. Fixer is currently touring the country in support of the new album, and their song “Mixing In with My Blood” was featured on the MTV show “The Hills”.
The Underground Television presented a hard-hitting triple-bill at Aldo's last month. As a number of folks decked out in costume during "Pirates vs. Ninjas night," White Witch, Blakkjak and Stuck In Kaos brought three different flavors of heavy rock to Aldo's stage. After overcoming early technical problems, Williamsport's White Witch kicked off the night with their classic 70's/80's-geared heavy rock sound, as they performed tunes off both of their CD's. Singer Jeff Pittinger, guitarist Doug Lehman, bassist Bill Zimmerman and drummer Carl Berry also did renditions of Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and Black Sabbath's "Paranoid." Young McConnellsburg-based foursome Blakkjak then introduced their brand of hard-edged rock. Singer/guitarist Trent Sowers, guitarist Hunter Homistek, bassist Zakk Deshong and drummer Logan Peck demonstrated a melody-geared, hard-rocking sound as they did original numbers such as "Haze," "Faded," the acoustic "Step Back" and the closer "Blitzkrieg Destruction." West Virginia's Stuck In Kaos then capped the night with their blistering brand of intense cyber-flavored metalcore. I was particularly amazed with drummer Chris Faircloth; this guy was an absolute maniac, slamming the splinters out of his kit and doing frequent stick acrobatics, yet displaying precision and not missing a beat! Stuck In Kaos won The Underground TV's Online Battle of the Bands contest, scoring a $1,000 cash prize.
Also at Aldo’s, I caught two-thirds of the hard-hitting triple-bill featuring Dragon Fire, Fistful of Hate and Limb By Limb. I missed Limb By Limb’s set, but arrived in time to catch my first look at Clearfield County thrashcore rockers Fistful of Hate. Lead vocalist Todd, guitarists Travis and Twang and drummer Jay brought forth a full-out, intense and focused sound as they roared out original songs such as “Lethal,” “My Demons,” “Limb By Limg,” “Finger on the Trigger” and “Gone Forever;” as well as a version of Slayer’s “Bloodline.” Todd’s feral howls were intense, and Jay’s forceful drumming packed ample wallop behind Fistful of Hate’s sound. Dragon Fire persevered over a blown speaker on stage to deliver their full-throttled set before a crowd of appreciative fans. Like Fistful of Hate before them, Dragon Fire’s caustic brand of hard-hitting music addressed serious themes from D.C. warmongering to abuse of our planet to the horrors of drug addiction. While their subject matter was serious and their delivery brutal and intense, “Robo” Ron, Chris, Eric and Steve never took themselves too seriously, and had fun with their fans along the way.
I saw Maryland roots rockers The Tonehounds at Aldo’s in late March, opening for The Marauders. Singer, guitarist Mike Colyer, bassist, singer Butch Moser and Juniata native Todd Hocherl on drums played a blend of rootsy rock’n’roll, blues and honky tonk; performing original songs and a few familiar favorites. All three musicians were top-notch on their respective instruments and delivered a tight and vibrant sound on original selections like “Living High and Wild” and “Marie Marie,” as well as renditions of “Shake Your Money Maker,” “Big Boss Man” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” The Tonehounds are recording songs at honky tonk legend Joltin’ Jim McCoy’s Troubadour Records near Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, for a possible CD release later this year.
I first learned about State College’s The Wilcox Hotel when the group contacted me last winter to be guests on Q94’s “Backyard Rocker.” Their intriguing music and story piqued my interest enough that I caught their live show last month at Zeno’s in State College. A student from Los Angeles currently studying anthropology at Penn State graduate school, lead singer/guitarist Jason De Leon spent some time traveling and researching in Mexico; and many of his songs are based on his stories and experiences while there. The group’s impassioned closing song this night, “Coyote Blues,” for example, is about “coyotes,” the nickname for people who traffic illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the U.S.; some are refutable, while others swindle money and even kill those they are paid to transport. Jason, guitarist Geoffrey “Jefe” Vasile, bassist Kevin Stacey and drummer Ryan Peterson performed an impassioned style and sound similar to 70’s-era Neil Young & Crazy Horse with varying punk, country and Latin edges; the group even did a version of Neil’s “Cortez the Killer.” Jason told stories and background on many of the songs, including numbers from The Wilcox Hotel’s latest CD The Sacred and the Profane such as “Looking Through Glass,” “Homecoming” and “El Mojado Acuadalada;” as well as new numbers from the group’s next album, to be released shortly. At the end of this month, The Wilcox Hotel will embark on a nationwide tour to promote the new CD; before parting ways later this summer.
Kitty Whip completed their all-female line-up recently with the addition of former Never Enough drummer Christi Roddy. During their late March show at Magoo's in Cresson, Christi, singer Chryssie, guitarist Dawn and bassist Kimi played a mix of modern rock and favorites from Green Day, Weezer, Jet, Wheatus, Offspring, Linkin Park and more. Kitty Whip also threw in a few female-fronted hits, such as Blondie's "One Way or Another" and Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams." Kitty Whip kept the mood playful and loose as they drew a few dancers onto Magoo’s dance floor and even spanked a few of them! Kitty Whip maintains a busy schedule throughout the region.
30 Something Restaurant & Lounge has started to feature live bands early Friday evenings, combined with a delicious dinner special. The Verge provided the entertainment to accompany one Friday evening’s baked tilapia special last month. The seasoned and skilled trio of singer/guitarist Jeff Renner, singer/bassist Matt Burns and drummer/singer Steve Brulia rocked the house with a crisp blend of rock spanning the 70’s to present. Matt and Jeff alternated lead singing duties along the way on their selection of numbers from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Steppenwolf, U2, Aerosmith, Guns N’Roses, Cheap Trick, Metallica, Lenny Kravitz, Steve Earle, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and more; while Steve growled out proud voice on numbers from George Thorogood and ZZ Top. The Verge’s arrangements on these tunes was simple but fresh, as Jeff cleverly utilized his array of guitar effects to vary the flavor on each number, and even broke out some slide on ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man.”
As I savored the eggplant parmesan dinner special the following Friday night, I caught my first look at Bedlam on the 30 Something stage. This trio also features a veteran cast of musicians; the ever-busy John McKelvey on guitar and vocals, bassist/singer Denny Frank returning from a 25-year hiatus from local stages, and drummer Duane Young. Bedlam mixed it up between current and classic rocking favorites and original songs. Their cover selection spans Tom Petty, Jonny Lang, Black Crowes, Weezer, The Clash, AC/DC, Ramones, Jimi Hendrix and more. They also performed a few of John’s original numbers such as the bluesy “The Heart Is in the Mind” and “714 Blues.” Denny proved that he still has the vocal range from his early 80’s Cut The Mustard days; and he and John looked happy to be jamming together this night. Bedlam rocks the dinner special at 30 Something every other Friday.
Hi-Tyde is partying down to the beat of a new drummer, as Erik Wardrup has taken over behind their drum kit position. During their late March visit to Pellegrine’s, Erik, singer Dale Nitti, guitarist/singer Rob Sottile, guitarist/keyboardist Ted Depto and bassist Mike Weber kept the dance floor busy with a hard-driving variety of hits from Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Buckcherry, Fountains of Wayne, Disturbed, Orgy, a disco/funk medley and more. Erik’s steady, hard-hitting beats kept the energy and pace constant through Hi-Tyde’s performance.
Carpal tunnel issues weren’t enough to slow down the party juggernaut that is Green Eggs during their visit to Pellegrine’s last month. His wrists bandaged after treatments for carpal tunnel, singer/keyboardist Brian Nicarry still brought the energy and enthusiasm with brother/singer/bassist Brad Nicarry, guitarist/singer Matt Day and drummer Doug Black. Green Eggs again filled up Pellegrine’s dance floor with nonstop grooves as they blended a wide variety of sounds spanning Buckcherry to Jackson 5 to Dexy’s Midnight Runners to Guns N’Roses and much more.
Live music has returned to Pellegrine’s on Monday nights. Armed with his keyboards,