Once again, it’s anniversary time for Pennsylvania Musician Magazine, serving the state’s music scene for 25 years this month!  Again, thanks to Whitey and Robin for continuing to provide this important link for connecting area bands, musicians and venues with music fans and the music industry!  With live music facing more and more competition for people’s attention these days, Pennsylvania Musician continues to be a valuable tool and resource for getting the word in front of readers about the state’s live music scene.  We thank all of our advertisers for the continued support, and the readers for their interest in the magazine and the state’s live music scene.

   Whitey and Robin will mark the anniversary with a special party Friday, November 9th at Gullifty’s in Camp Hill, with performances from X-Terra, Drop of Grey, Asking Andy and  a jam session and more.

   Closer to home, come celebrate with me Saturday, November 24th at City Limits during the annual Toys for Tots benefit concert; at press time, bands slated to perform include Felix & the Hurricanes, Spirit Lost, Tie Down, Slacker Theory and Nyne.  See the ad for more details.      

   Altoona’s second annual Roar In The Mountains motorcycle rally happened in late September, and involved several live music events, both indoor and outdoor.  One of those events was the Jackyl concert at Altoona’s Jaffa Shrine, with Wiskerbisket and Way Down East opening. This was the first I got to witness the new-look Wiskerbisket, with singer Joel DiPietro joining guitarist Jon Benevento, bassist Milhouse and drummer Harry Bleyer. Wiskerbisket kicked off the night and warmed up the audience with a lively mix of 80’s and modern rock covers. Unveiling their brand new CD, “Summon the Sea Hag”, McConnellsburg’s Way Down East further fired up the crowd by performing most of the songs from the CD.  Singer/guitarist Paul Wilson, guitarist Charles Harr, bassist Horse Gelvin and drummer Randy Wilson provided the perfect set-up for Jackyl’s raunch rock with their own unique brand of Southern/country-informed heavy rock, which had the crowd cheering and grooving wildly by set’s end. Jackyl then capped the evening with their wild, loud and rowdy set. Singer Jesse James Dupree, on the eve of his 45th birthday, kicked off the celebration early; armed with bottle of Crown Royal and his gift of gab, and telling wild stories in between songs. Jesse, guitarist Jeff Worley, bassist Roman Glick and drummer Chris Worley did many of the Jackyl favorites, such as “I Stand Alone,” “When Will It Rain,” “Push Comes to Shove,” “Dirty Little Mind,” “Redneck Punk,” the crowd sing-a-long version of “Down On Me;” and during the encore, their rendition of Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band” and – with Jesse brandishing his reliable Stihl chainsaw – “The Lumberjack!”  (No Jaffa Shrine furnishings were damaged during the chainsaw solo in the middle of the song!)  It was the hardest that the Jaffa Shrine has rocked in decades, and the crowd in attendance had an exhaustive, sweaty good time!  Afterward, the Jackyl crew came out to the Jaffa’s front lobby to sign autographs and greet fans.

   The following day, The Underground Television and Q94 presented the Backyard BBQ concert in the Jaffa Shrine parking lot.  The afternoon featured strong performances from Acalasia, Spirit Lost, Lies Inc. and the Tony Mollick Project.  During the final day of Roar In The Mountains, The Underground Television presented an all-ages metal fest in the Jaffa Shrine’s upper rear parking area, featuring performances from Dragon Fire, Stuck in Kaos, Ninetail, Bow Down, From Dissension and Choking Faith.

   The abundance of warm and pleasant weather thus far this fall has benefited many of the fall festivals and other outdoor live music-related events throughout the region. In late September, Ebensburg’s 16th annual Potatofest presented a wide variety of musical entertainment, from traditional and Irish folk to rock’n’roll to country and polka. I saw four different groups at Potatofest, starting with Johnstown’s Flood City Brass, doing their horn-driven classic rock sounds. These guys and gal dazzled with numbers from Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ides Of March, Wilson Pickett, Wild Cherry and more.  Saxophone player Jen Shuty pulled double duty this day, as she also performed with the next band I saw, Spoonchatter.  Jen, singer/keyboardist Dustin Rainey, bassist Adam Wolf and drummer Jason Olear played their unique brand of keyboard- and sax-driven jazz/pop-rock sounds. They introduced several new original songs, including “Einstein,” “Something Beautiful” and “Mind Games;” played earlier originals from their first CD “Homespun”, and did select cover material from the Beatles, Dave Matthews Band, Inxs and more. Next I saw Ebensburg’s Echoes, playing their bright mix of 60’s and 70’s rock’n’roll and pop favorites.  I finished my Potatofest experience by catching my first look at Johnstown Irish/folk trio Tree. Featuring Jen Harnett on fiddle and concertina, Matt Harnett on acoustic guitar and vocals and guest percussionist Wayne MacEwan (of Dead Irish Blues), Tree performed a blend of Irish and traditional folk.

   I also saw Flood City Brass trigger continuous dancing action at the second annual St. Rochus Parish Oktoberfest near Johnstown last month.  This performance saw a cameo appearance by Night Train singer Don Duriez, fronting the group on the Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Running.”

   I saw two bands during the first weekend of the annual Bedford Fall Foliage Festival last month.  Jersey City, New Jersey’s most popular export to our area, Blue Number Nine, made their Fall Foliage Festival debut. The group’s core line-up of singer/flute player Stefanie Seskin, bassist Marco Accattatis, drummer Jack Gourdine and new guitarist Igor Fejzula was joined by backing singers Paul Munoz and Dara Seitzman, trombone player Kevin McManus, sax player Jason Mescia and State College’s John “JT Blues” Thompson on keys.  Blue Number Nine won new fans with their pleasant, upbeat brand of pop, R&B and jazz grooves; combined with choreographed dance moves, instrumental fireworks, delectable three-part vocal harmonies and more. One of the highlights of their performance was the extended version of the lively “Love the Beat,” which showcased solo fireworks from all the instruments, plus Stefanie shaking off her shoes and dancing to the beat in the stagefront lawn!  I also witnessed Philadelphia’s Deb Callahan Band. Group namesake Deb Callahan is a feisty blues singer with a gritty and fiery vocal style in the tradition of Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt. Deb and her band; guitarist Allen James, bassist Garry Lee and drummer Doug Masters; performed an assortment of bluesy original songs from her two CD’s, along with an interesting selection of cover material.  Deb brought each song to life with ample soul and sass, from original numbers like “Fat Cat” and “Leave the Blues Behind” to renditions of Janis Joplin’s “One Good Man,” Ray Charles’ “Hallelujah, I Love Her So,” Paul Butterfield’s “Lovin’ Cup,” a jazzier spin on “I Don’t Need No Doctor” and more. Deb and her band were a hit with the Bedford audience, who demanded an encore at the end of her show. Deb is planning to record a live album in the Philadelphia area in late fall or early winter.

   Last month’s annual Fort Ligonier Days Festival in downtown Ligonier featured several bands and performers, including Pittsburgh’s Tony Janflone, Jr.  Tony and his band entertained an all-ages audience with a mix of classic and blues rock favorites. Armed with his cordless headset mic and Dillion guitar, Tony ventured throughout the audience surrounding the gazebo stage, inviting fans young and old alike to sing and dance along. Accompanied by his vastly talented corps of saxophonist Curtis Swift, keyboardist Richard Everett, bassist Matt Williams and drummer Jack Mrozowski; Tony played a variety of classic rock, funk and blues; often showcasing dazzling guitar work along the way.  The mood of the performance was continually upbeat, with Tony often deferring the spotlight to his bandmates and involving the audience in the show.  Tony will be taking a break from live performing after the end of the year to recuperate from some recent health issues, concentrate on teaching guitar to his students, and complete several recording projects.

    Hollidaysburg’s second annual Pumpkin Festival featured several musical performers, including Hollidaysburg Area High School power trio Pillow Fortress. Singer/bassist Pat Kelly, guitarist Austen Fradeneck and drummer John McLaughlin entertained a mixed-ages crowd with tunes from SR71, Pearl Jam, Weezer, Jimmy Eats World, Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day, The Offspring and more. Pat displayed a good voice, and the group was instrumentally solid; even inspiring the high school’s Golden Tiger mascot to bust dance moves along the way.

   Following the Pumpkin Festival, I headed to Hollidaysburg’s nearby Canal Basin Park, where the Olde Tyme Faire was wrapping up. Although I missed the Faire’s official entertainment, I did catch the tail end of area street musician D. Ernest Wachter’s performance in the parking area. Playing electric guitar and singing, Ernest performed an interesting mixture of material, including his own spiritually-informed original songs, and select folk, blues, spiritual and 90’s-era numbers from Meat Puppets, Nine Inch Nails and more. Ernest also fronts local spiritual rock/folk/blues/roots trio The Bridal Chamber, and teaches meditation and contemplation.    

   One of the more interesting outdoor shows I saw recently took place in late September at Dirt Soldiers, a dirt bike track facility near Loretto. Prior to my arrival, the all-day show saw performances from The Regrettes, The Scraps, Locked Inside, Tombstone Radio, In Our Defense and Dick Shack Posse. I arrived as Black River Circus was performing, as bike riders kicked up dust clouds along the adjacent hillside dirt track.  Comprised of singer/guitarist Luke Pfister, banjo player Kris Douglas, lead guitarist James McNulty, upright bass player Matt Wise and drummer Josh Ryan; Black River Circus did a lively sound that blended elements of Americana, punk, rockabilly/psychobilly and more.  Next was a short set from new metalcore foursome Drain the Sorrow, featuring Dave on lead throat, Shaun Barr on guitar, Brian Weibley on bass and Andy Hicks on drums. They introduced their harsh, hard-hitting musical terrain through such assaults as “Struggle Within,” “Enemy of My Life” and “Stand Your Ground.”  Chapter 5 followed with their driving brand of hardcore punk, including many of the songs from their new “A Great Day to Die” CD plus one new song. Choking Faith closed out the show with their style of bristling metal, including assaults from their “Thru the Ashes” CD and two new songs, “My Bloody Valentine” and “Six.”  This show was well-attended, and it was interesting to watch these bands play against the backdrop of dirt-bike riders doing their thing on the track; hopefully all the musical gear fared no worse for wear from all the dust!

   Inside, New York City’s Real Be Easys made their first visit to the Altoona area last month, playing a double-bill with 7th Gear at City Limits. Lead singer/guitarist Evan Jaffee, bassist Paulie T and drummer California Leighton generated adventurous and sassy funk-rock grooves, as they mixed original song compositions with funky takes on several classics. Highlights included songs from their “Lost Paradise” CD such as “Defunkt” and the playful “Ipso Facto,” the melodic and Beatles-inspired “Fool for You,” the rock-and-roller “Dry Martini” (inspired by Deuce Gibb of Harrisburg’s Martini Brothers), and the group’s spins on Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxey Lady,” “Redhouse” and Kool & the Gang’s “Jungle Boogie.”  Real Be Easys kept it lively and fresh, with constant instrumental communication and nip-and-tuck among the three members; sometimes stretched out into engaging and intense funky jams. Evan’s clever use of pedals and effects often gave the sound a psychedelic and experimental flavor. The group recently issued a “Lost Paradise” combination CD/DVD package, available at shows.  Harrisburg readers can see Real Be Easys perform at the annual Toys for Tots benefit at Shakey’s in Hershey Saturday, December 8th.

   Harrisburg’s Steel made their area debut last month at Bar 53 in Coalport. Establishing their collective hard-rocking resume through such previous bands as Savage Bliss, KareTaker, Scary Mary and Ashley Krump; singer Chris Redding, guitarist Aaron Zimmerman, bassist Dave Magaro and drummer Trevis Becker continue to bring the rock in Steel, mixing classic 70’s and 80’s hard rock and metal with a few surprises along the way.  This night, Steel dazzled on Iron Maiden classics like “The Trooper,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name” and “Run to the Hills;” plus other 80’s numbers from Metallica, Guns’n’Roses, Krokus and Dio; as well as 70’s rockers from Grand Funk Railroad, Rush, Uriah Heep, Aerosmith, April Wine, AC/DC and more.  They even broke out the full-length album version of Foghat’s “Slow Ride!”  Steel also offered their crunchy spins on recent favorites by Big & Rich and Buckcherry, plus did one of their own songs from their “Hammered” CD, “Black and Blue.”  They performed it all with ample tightness and dazzling instrumental skill, and triggered increasing amounts of dance floor activity as the night progressed.  If you like hard-hitting 70’s- and 80’s-styled rock done well, Steel delivers the goods; make a point to see them when they return to Bar 53.

   I took in some jazz recently, catching my first look at the Duke Morrison Quartet at Mimi’s Restaurant in Huntingdon.  Featuring Eric Barthmaier on bass, Chip Lovett on keys, Dom Peruso on drums and Paul Young on guitar; the Duke Morrison Quartet plays a mixture of instrumental jazz, funk and Latin sounds, from such sources as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Santana and more. Their repertoire is wide, ranging from Dizzy Gillespie’s “A Night in Tunisia” to John Coltrane’s “Mr. P.C.,” Miles Davis’ “Seven Steps to Heaven,” Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon,” Santana numbers like “Europa” and “Oye Como Va,” a calypso rendition of Erroll

Garner’s “Misty,” the night-ending encore version of the Meters’ “Cissy Strut” and more. It was fascinating to witness the instrumental interaction between these musicians, as they smoothly executed tricky arrangements and time signatures, constantly improvising and playing off one another for some dazzling displays. The Duke Morrison Quartet can be seen on stages from Johnstown to State College; watch for their return to Mimi’s soon.

   I also saw Dom Peruso in action last month with Johnstown-based jam rockers House Of Commons, performing at Dively’s Tavern. Dom on drums, guitarists/singers Jeff Perigo and Glenn Henry, and bassist Scott Jeffreys played an interesting mixture of rock, funk and jazz. There was no rulebook here; their performance was unpredictable, with unexpected twists and turns, and frequent improvisation as all four musicians played off one another and reacted to each other’s cues. House Of Commons’ set list included a number of free-jamming original workouts, along with interesting and unusual arrangements on numbers such as Pink Floyd’s “Breathe,” the Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle,” Marvin Gaye/CCR’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” the Doors’ “Soul Kitchen” and more. House Of Commons’ show was freewheeling and off-the-wall musically, yet frequently tongue-in-cheek and fun, never taking things too seriously. Watch for House of Commons to reconvene at Dively’s Tavern soon.

   Another interesting show last month was the double-bill of The Flame Sky and The Satanic Bat at Aldo’s. From Pittsburgh, The Satanic Bat led off the night with a heavy, groove-styled sound rooted in early 70’s-era Black Sabbath and doom rock. But lead singer/drummer Sven Sobeck, guitarists J.D. Howell and Dave Warren, and bassist Hector Milliren kept things interesting by incorporating tricky, jazz-styled dynamics and unpredictable side journeys into the mix; as they performed mostly original numbers from their newly-released CD, “Tales from the Southland”.  The Flame Sky followed with their own signature brand of rock experimentation. Singer/guitarist Ed Brinkel, lead guitarist Jason Feathers, bassist Shawn Shultz and drummer Nate Woods again displayed focus, precision and intensity as they performed original heavy-rock-meets-jam compositions like “Only In Your Head,” “The Price You Pay” and “The Creature,” plus select cover material from Motorhead and Metallica. It’s interesting to observe how this band has developed since their more free-form jazz/jam Flame Sky Orchestra beginnings a decade ago; The Flame Sky has evolved into one of this area’s most unique and inventive entities.

    Although they have seen the departure of their last two founding members over the past year, the Poptart Monkeys are still very much alive and well. This was driven home during the group’s visit to The Arena in State College last month. Now comprised of singer Tyson Clark, guitarists Chris Kurtz and Matt Lytkowski, Mike Bass on bass (!) and drummer Jason Massey, the Poptart Monkeys still deliver bounce-off-the-walls energy as they mix 80’s, 90’s and current favorites with original songs. This night, the musical action was tight-paced and nonstop, as the group provided the constant on stage party, complete with zany antics. Tyson donned a big hair wig during an 80’s block of tunes from Poison, Bon Jovi and Mr. Big; Chris led the band and crowd on a rowdy sing-along of Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places;” and the group intensified the craziness of a bachelorette party when they brought the entourage (and their playthings) on stage. By the end of the night, the Poptart Monkeys’ high-octane show again delivered the exhaustive, happy-go-lucky good time. The group recently opened for Yellowcard at Crocodile Rock in Allentown, and finished last month with a tour through venues in southern states.

   When I was seriously jonesing for a good rock’n’roll party last month, I headed to Houtzdale to see the first visit of Clearfield’s Serious Jones to The Alley Popper.  A good-sized crowd was in the house to party down with singer Dennis Wood, guitarists Tom Zattoni and Darren Elensky, keyboardist Rich “Doc” Horton, bassist Matt Hertwein and drummer/singer Calvin Walls as they mixed high-octane classic rock favorites from Night Ranger, Loverboy, Rare Earth, AC/DC, Kiss, Bon Jovi, Foreigner and more, topped with a few current favorites along the way.  Serious Jones are serious musicians whose execution is tight and on the mark; but their mood is anything but serious, as this band likes to have fun and give the audience a good time. Dennis playfully works the crowd, often improvising and reacting on the fly to audience members’ cues to work them into the show.  Highlights this night included Dennis recruiting a lady to be the “cowbellist” during Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” his poetry recital introduction to Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name,” Calvin fronting the group and Dennis going behind the drum kit for an AC/DC medley, and guest Darren Swanson playing drums on Night Ranger’s “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me.”  Serious Jones’ first Alley Popper visit was a successful one; their return is likely.

   I caught up with Johnstown blues favorites Who’s Your Daddy last month at the City View Bar & Grill at Johnstown’s Inclined Plane. Singer/guitarist Gene Sweeney, bassist/singer Rick Napolitan and drummer Bob Gironda entertained the dinner and bar audiences with a tasty mixture; spanning traditional blues numbers from B.B. King, Tinsley Ellis and Muddy Waters to Johnny Cash’s “Cocaine Blues” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” to classic blues-rock favorites like Peter Green’s “Black Magic Woman,” ZZ Top’s “I Thank You” and Buddy Miles’ “Them Changes,” to modern blues rock favorites like Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Blue on Black” and Jonny Lang’s “Rack ‘Em Up.”  With Rick and Bob providing the tight rhythmic backdrop, Gene offered a smooth and soulful singing voice, and demonstrated a wide array of guitar flavors electric and acoustic; enabling the group’s song selection to sound fresh and varied throughout the evening. Who’s Your Daddy maintains a busy schedule, and will open for bluesman Hubert Sumlin during the annual Night of Rock, Rhythm & Blues benefit at Ace’s Lounge November 21st.

   On the acoustic front, I caught my first look at singer/guitarist Justin Garman, as he entertained the dinner crowd at Johnstown’s Ground Round last month. Justin displayed an interesting free-form style both on voice and guitar. His singing style was very expressive and explored a varied range of moods, while his guitar work occasionally ventured into psychedelic stylings with reverb effects and more. Justin’s song selection was eclectic, ranging from B.B. King’s “The Thrill is Gone” and Paul Simon’s “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” to The Miracles’ “I Second that Emotion,” to Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” and a wild rendition of Kiss’ “God of Thunder!”  Justin Garman is a frequent flyer on Johnstown area stages, and is a unique performer worth seeing.

   Recently returning to action after a few years away from area stages are Dana and Art Martino. During a recent performance at Altoona’s Knickerbocker Tavern, the two former Swinghounds were joined by Rik Golden on bass, Jim Houser on guitar and Silver Sunday drummer Todd Harshbarger. This group performed a wide and eclectic range of favorites from Billy Joel, Jimi Hendrix, Sublime, the Beatles, Muddy Waters, Tesla, Johnny Cash, Oasis, and even a Rik-fronted Sam Kinison take on “Wild Thing!” Dana displayed an excellent voice, belting passionate blues on Jimi Hendrix’s “Redhouse” to rowdy rock on Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” and more. Dana and Art Martino perform between the Altoona area and Philadelphia, both as a duo and with the full group.

   Once again, so many performances to write about but only limited space: Other performers I saw recently included 7th Gear’s shows at the 4D’s Lounge and Pellegrine’s (before drummer Eric Wertz’ departure to join Bad Daze)…the headbanging double-bill of Hair Force One and Leadfoot at City Limits…Mt. City Grass and the monthly Bluegrass Jam at Altoona’s Hitching Post; also Rhyne McCormick’s recent Post appearance (Double Power!)…Hello Vixen at the 4D’s Lounge…Flight 19’s and Bad Daze’s recent parties at Pellegrine’s…Nothing Sacred at Aldo’s…Chris Vipond’s new post-Grade E project at Al’s Tavern…and Felix & the Hurricanes’ fall Blues Cruise aboard the Proud Mary on Lake Raystown, with special guests The Red Arrow…Phew!

   On a sad note, the area music scene mourned the passing of Carl Orr in late September. He was 32. Carl was the lead vocalist for the band Samara, and had previously fronted local metalcore band By Any Means Necessary.  A special benefit show to help out Carl’s surviving family will take place at the Pinecroft Firehall on Friday, November 30th, featuring the bands Samara, It Ends Now, Drain the Sorrow, Papa Carl’s Big Old Driver, Body Farm and more. We send our sincerest condolences to Carl’s wife, family, friends, present and past bandmates.    

   News and notes…A benefit show to assist the family of Jaclyn Koeck will take place Saturday, November 3rd at the Eldolyn Terrace in Altoona; Jaclyn, the 8-year-old daughter of longtime area musician John Koeck, is battling cancer. The show will feature music by The Fabulous Flashbacks and CK and The Boomers...Bad Daze singer Rob Carolus has started a new acoustic duo project with Red Arrow bassist Big Jim Ricotta…Citing recent changes in personnel that relegated their multi-generational name obsolete, Generation Gap has changed their name to New Tricks…The Opposition has reformed after a several-month hiatus…Happy Birthdays to Chris Peters (Underground TV/Dragon Fire), Jason Mittan (Choking Faith), Mike “Iceman” Bryant (Opposition), Kevin Price (3 Broken Dolls), Mick (Giants Of Science), Calvin Walls (Serious Jones), John Stevens (Mama Corn/Mt. City Grass), Mandy Coover, Carol Markel (Here We Go Again), Red Solinski, and Alison (The Ramada); belated Happy Birthday to Tom Zattoni (Serious Jones)…And a speedy Get Well wish to Broken Pony/T’n’A drummer Tim Yingling, on the mend after hip replacement surgery last month.

 

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