September 2007

 

By Jim Price

 

    Just a few days ago, I was sitting on a beach at North Carolina’s Outer Banks, enjoying sunshine and temperatures in the low 90’s. Now as I begin this month’s writ, it’s raining and 60 degrees…in late August!?  I guess it’s safe to say my vacation is over!

    Rain and storms wreaked havoc on several live music events I saw or tried to see in recent weeks. Showers and damp conditions were the order of the evening for the Triple-Play concert at Altoona’s Blair County Ballpark; but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of over 3,000 fans in attendance to see performances from The Counting Crows, Live and Collective Soul.  Collective Soul opened with a sharp-sounding set, doing several of their hits, including “Heavy,” “December,” “The World I Know” and “Shine.”  They locked into their grooves tightly and consistently, and their overall execution was close to CD quality.  Live then brought the passion as they played a mix of favorites and newer material. They varied the intensity throughout the set, mixing softer acoustic moments with fiery, anthemic rock.  Live did many of their best-known tunes such as “All Over You” (which they opened with), “Selling the Drama,” “Dolphins Cry,” “I Alone,” “Lightning Crashes” and “Lakini’s Juice;” singer Ed Kowalczyk also led the group on a surging rendition of Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line.”  As a brief downpour drenched the crowd in front of the stage, Counting Crows commenced their wide-ranging set that encompassed the full scope of their musical terrain, from softer ballads to upbeat rock. They did their popular hits such as “Mr. Jones,” “Accidentally in Love” (from Shrek 2), “A Long December,” and “Hanginaround,” highlighted by singer Adam Duritz’s two young sons playing along with the group on stage. They also broke out a funky read of “Big Yellow Taxi,” and introduced a number of new songs as well.  I was impressed with Adam as a frontman; he displayed voice, personality, and charisma, and held the audience in the palm of his hand from the moment the Crows took the stage. In his own freewheeling way, he offered insight on nearly every song the group did. I was also impressed with the Counting Crows’ public service campaign during the concert; between bands and during their own encore, band members focused attention on several local public service organizations in the Altoona area, and encouraged audience members to get involved and volunteer with these organizations.  Rainy weather notwithstanding, I thought this was an excellent; and hopefully attendance was strong enough to encourage more major concerts at Blair County Ballpark in the future.

   A sudden thunderstorm briefly interrupted the festivities during Donnie Iris’ performance at Altoona’s Railroaders Memorial Museum, part of the Museum’s Alive @ Five Summer Concert Series. The weather was fine early on for the other half of this Pittsburgh legend double-bill, Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, who commenced the evening with a strong set of blue-collar rock’n’soul.  Joe did several of his best-known songs, such as the Pittsburgh radio hit he sang with Bruce Springsteen, “Code of Silence,” as well as “Fingerprints,” “Sweat It Out,” “Searching for My Soul” and “Down the Road Apiece.” He and the Houserockers also did such classics as the Standells’ “Dirty Water,” the Temptations’ “My Girl,” and an extended hard-rocking jam edition of the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” to close out the set. Before and after the 20-minute thunderstorm interruption, Donnie Iris & the Cruisers did many of Donnie’s best-known hits, such as “Agnes,” “That’s the Way It Ought to Be,” “I Can’t Hear You,” “Sweet Merilee;” “Love Is Like a Rock,” an extended edition of “Ah! Leah!,” and for the encore, his hit with the Jaggerz, “The Rapper,” which veered into Deep Purple’s “Hush” to close the show.  For being 64, Donnie Iris showed he still has an incredible voice that can easily reach the high notes, and he still has energy, jumping around the stage like a teenager!  His band was excellent as well, especially Marty Lee Hoenes’ guitar work and Mark Avsec’s work on keys and guitar. This was my first time seeing either of these Pittsburgh rock legends, and I was thoroughly impressed by both!

   A thunderstorm also threatened, but only slightly grazed, the  edition of Alive @ Five, featuring Pork McElhinny & the Fender Benders and Velveeta.  A Brookville native now based out of Nashville, singer/guitarist/songwriter George “Pork” McElhinny and his Fender Benders; Dave Hawk on bass and Dave Foote on drums; opened the evening with a strong set of classic rock, blues and country, with a few of Pork’s own songs thrown in. Pork sang with a clear and hearty voice, plus displayed some dazzling and inspired guitarwork on tunes by the Allman Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and more.  My favorite highlight was the group’s rowdy renditon of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” which suddenly gear shifted into “Hot Rod Lincoln!”  Velveeta followed with their celebration of the cheezy 80’s, performing songs from Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Proclaimers, John Mellencamp, Soft Cell, Duran Duran, B-52’s, Prince and more.

   In late July, I roadtripped eastward to the annual Schuylkill County Fair in hopes of seeing fellow writer Sterling Koch and the Victory In Heaven Band.  The weather was fine when I arrived, and I took in some of the earlier performance of The Shoreliners, playing a variety of vintage rock’n’roll, polkas and more.  Dark clouds appeared on the distant horizon, though, and by the time V.I.H. was ready to begin, close lightning strikes made it too risky for them to perform.  (Thanks to Robin, Whitey and the Pennsylvania Musician Bed & Breakfast, I at least didn’t have to do the entire 3-hour-plus return trip home that night!)  Catch the Victory In Heaven Band while you can, as the group will disband at month’s end, with members pursuing new band projects.

   The final weeks of the Lakemont Park Wing-Off’s were impacted by rain.  A severe thunderstorm just an hour before left the grounds soggy and stunted attendance for Your Dad’s Friends’ Wing-Off performance. Undaunted, guitarists/singers Dave Misera and Rick Herbster, bassist/singer Don Bedell, keyboardist/singer Roger Corey and drummer Brett Fanelli entertained with their good-time mixture of vintage rock’n’roll from the 60’s and 70’s. Another severe thunderstorm forced Anthony Stauffer & Holy Smoke to withdraw from performing at the Lakemont Park Wing-Off the following week; they return to Lakemont Park to perform at the Altoona First Festival September 8. Rain also impacted Square One’s Wing-Off appearance August 17th.

   Heavy rains and unseasonal chilly temperatures didn’t thwart Johnstown’s Flood City Brass from entertaining at the St. Bernard’s Church Festival in Hastings last month. With the festival under tents, Flood City Brass dodged puddles as they delivered classics from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s with their own brassy edge. The horn section of trumpet/flugelhorn player Dan Perich, sax player Jen Shuty, trombonist/sax player/guitarist Jim Bilitski and trumpet player/guitarist Josh Covert (plus a special guest this night, Carl Walker on trombone) was in good form, sounding bold, brassy and sassy on Chicago classics like “Beginnings” and “Make Me Smile,” Cherry Poppin’ Daddies’ “Zoot Suit Riot” and more.  Singer Tom Pavic also did a great job, showing a sturdy and rangeful voice; I was especially impressed with his convincing David Clayton Thomas croon on Blood Sweat & Tears’ “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” and his high and soulful falsetto on Delbert McClinton’s “Standing on Shaky Ground.”  An added highlight was Jim offering his Satchmo growl on Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”  Along with keyboard player Luis Gonzales, new bassist Andy Heinze and drummer John Homerski, these musicians showed talent, variety and versatility.  If you miss classic horn rock, Flood City Brass excels at it and a whole lot more; they entertain at Ebensburg Potatofest September 29.

   When rain cancelled Michael Reich’s performance at Johnstown’s Roxbury Bandshell early last month, it enabled me to catch more of the hard-hitting six-band all-ages metal bill happening across town at Ace’s Lounge. I arrived too late to see openers Subdue, and caught the tail end of The Alluminati’s heavy-geared modern rock set. Next was The Embalmed, showcasing their brand of apocalyptic metal craftsmanship.  Guitarists/throats Chad and Jason Straw, bassist Greg Hatch and drummer Darren Byer defined their harsh metal terrain with complex tempo, rhythm and chord arrangements; as they introduced new scathing assaults such as “Heartworm” and “Toetags and Bodybags.”  Richmond, VA’s Saint Diablo provided an interesting slant, firing off aggressive metal with a Latin percussion edge.  Their set was action-packed, with vigorous song arrangements that mixed in frequent Latin percussion displays amid snarling rhythms.  Next was California’s Antagonist, performing aggressive brute-force heavy metal topped with detailed guitar finesse.  Their fast and rampaging assaults frequently featured clean, precision guitarwork and dual leads.  Closing the show was Silent Civilian, the Los Angeles metalcore foursome formed by former Spineshank frontman Jonny Santos.  Their sound was bristling, angry and torrid, made angrier by a technical problem that caused Jonny to frequently get shocked from the microphone.  He and the band toughed out the problem, and convincingly slammed the lid on the evening.  This was one of the latest in a series of multi-band concerts that Ace’s Lounge has hosted in recent months.

      Other outdoor events saw good weather, including two shows I caught during the Blair County Arts Foundation’s Summer Sounds of Jazz concert series at downtown Altoona’s Curtin Plaza. On July 27, South Saturn Delta brought their mix of R&B, swamp funk, rock and blues. Based in the Philadelphia/south Jersey area, South Saturn Delta features singer/percussionist April Iorio, singer/guitarist Dave Fecca, bassist Jerry Mayall, keyboardist John Tiberi and drummer Mike Newmiller.  They played a colorful mixture that included original songs such as the New Orleans-flavored “Special of the Day” and the funk-tinged “April;” classics from Wilson Pickett, Santana and more.  Highlights included a guest singer, April’s mother Silva, giving fiery vocal displays on “God Bless the Child” and “Stormy Monday.”  South Saturn Delta is currently recording their new CD at Altoona’s Data Music Services.

   The Summer Sounds of Jazz concert featured Altoona’s Randy Jackson Jazz Band, playing a blend of jazz, blues and soul.  This seasoned cast of area music vets featured namesake Randy “Jackson” Rutherford on vocals, guitar and bass, Bob Scholl on sax, Dave Villani on keys, Lee Appleman on drums and Blaise Michaels on percussion. This group showed excellent musicianship on jazz numbers by David Sanborn, Miles Davis and more; classics from Marvin Gaye, Santana and more. An additional highlight late in the show was guest singer Jerrone Barnes bringing his fiery vocal style to versions of Don Covay’s “Mercy Mercy” and the Miracles’ “Ooh Baby Baby.”

   Weather was also good when I finally caught up with Happy Valley favorites Body & Soul during their appearance at the Tussey Wing Challenge. Comprised of lead singer Chrissy Miller, guitarist Al Miller, keyboardist/singer John “JT” Thompson, bassist/singer Rene Witzke and drummer Mike Hohnka; Body & Soul entertained the wing-eating masses with a variety of favorites spanning classic and current rock, country and more. In between tossing candy out to youngsters, Chrissy displayed a powerful and rangeful set of pipes on numbers from Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, Heart, Pat Benatar, Journey, Melissa Etheridge, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and more. The musicianship was dazzling, with Al providing frequent fireworks on his guitar, and JT’s keyboard coloring providing mood and texture to the sound. Body & Soul provided a fun, upbeat show from start to end; catch them Saturdays at State College’s Saloon.  

   The weather was also sunny and bright when I roadtripped to the Harrisburg area July 21, first catching Smokin’ Gunnz’ outdoor performance during the Carlisle Bikefest Weekend festivities at Appalachian Harley-Davidson near Mechanicsburg. This group again amazed me with their passionate, heartfelt performances of Southern rock; in particular Lynyrd Skynyrd, as they delivered fire-and-brimstone treatments of Skynyrd classics such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Searchin,’” “I Know a Little,” and especially the show-ending blaze-of-glory rendition of “Free Bird.”  Singer/drummer Robert Morris, bassist Terry Sherry, guitarists Chris DellaPorta and Mike Brady were also impressive on numbers from .38 Special, Blackfoot, Marshall Tucker Band and more.  Smokin Gunnz vocals and harmonies were continually on target, and Chris’ sharp leads and Mike’s scorching slide work made for a lethal combo!  Altoona area fans can experience Smokin’s Gunnz fiery Southern sounds when they return to Burgi’s Roundhouse September 29th.

   Later that evening, I headed to Rumors in Enola for the audiovisual spectacle that was the double-bill of Witches In Bikinis and 7th Layer; two bands I had seen earlier in the year at the Millennium Music Conference.  7th Layer opened and closed the night with their theatric brand of urban-styled sounds. Both sets were cavalcades of continuous hip-hop-meets-hardcore rhythms and dancebeats, with costumed crazies Mal Havock and Filth keeping the action flowing with nonstop movement, rhymes, raps and dialogue.  Special guest “Crazy” John Kerecz provided some accompaniment on bass. The nightcap set eventually filled up Rumors’ dance floor, capped by 7th Layer’s popular anthem “Who Am I,” with even Witches In Bikinis joining in the dance floor fun!  In between 7th Layer’s sets, Brooklyn’s Witches In Bikinis lit up the house with two sets of their own theatric spectacle. True to their name, this group features six color-coordinated, bikini-clad ladies (who did don witches outfits at least once during the show), backed by a three-piece band. Their musical world is a blend of 60’s girl group and beach music combined with B-52’s-styled pop; blending with beach/horror movie imagery, Rocky Horror dynamics and Rockettes-styled dance moves!  Each song provided its own story line and dance routine; some of the songs included the group’s title “Witches in Bikinis,” “Mermaids in Outer Space,” “Video Vixen Vampire,” “Horror Flick Chicks,” “Subway Spooks” and more.  This was a fun evening of sight and sound well worth my roadtrip; thanks to Fetzer Music Management for putting it together!  

   One of the more unique performances I took in recently was Long Island duo The Two Man Gentleman Band, performing at a house party (actually a back porch party) in Altoona in late July.  Comprised of S. Andy Bean on vocals, banjo and lead kazoo and Fuller Condon on vocals, string bass and tenor kazoo; The Two Man Gentlemen Band travels around the country, playing old-time country, tin-pan alley, and Dixieland swing. Dressed in roaring 20’s-styled suits, hats and suspenders, the pair entertained a small backyard audience with a mixture of original songs and standards; including fun tunes from their latest CD, “Great Calamities”, such as “Let’s Make a Sandwich,” “War of Northern Aggression,” “Mouth to Mouth,” “On a Boat,” “The Titanic Disaster” and more.  They maintained a lively pace, and encouraged audience participation, handing out free kazoos, and encouraging some youngsters (and a dog) in the audience to provide squeeze horn and cymbal accompaniment. The Two Man Gentlemen Band offered a fun, nostalgic performance; thanks to hostess Jess for bringing this duo to the area!

   Indoors provided some highlights in recent weeks as well.  City Limits hosted a visit by Philadelphia-based trio Mischief Brew August 9.  Singer/guitarist Erik Peterson, bassist Shawn St. Clair and drummer Chris Kulp played a fiery brand of Celtic- and folk-flavored punk rock, mixing original songs with select covers.  Mischief Brew’s performance was hard-driving and explosive, led by Erik’s spirited howl. Mischief Brew successfully triggered some dance floor pogo-ing in the night’s latter stages. Mischief Brew performs at punk shows and other events throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

   Another group that does punk-driven Irish-styled music is State College’s The Clover, who headlined a triple-bill at Aldo’s early last month with Signal Lost and New York’s I Multiply.  Originally formed as 69 Leaf Clover to entertain Happy Valley audiences during St. Patrick’s Day, the group’s line-up has evolved into its present form: Greg “Mudzo” Mudzinsky on bass and vocals, Patrick Newby on lead guitar and vocals, Johnstone on rhythm guitar, Lance T. Burgess on acoustic guitar, and Matt Floravit on drums.  The Clover plays high-octane, punkified Irish folk and drinking songs, as well as original tunes in the same vein such as “Kiss Me I’m Irish Today,” “Drink This Problem Away” and “I’m Still Drunk.”  This group quickly whipped the Aldo’s crowd into a frenzy; their blend of high-velocity rhythms and pub-themed tunes becoming an instant hit.  The Clover provides a rowdy, rocking good time.

   Another new band I saw was Kee Kee Anderson, making their local debut at Altoona’s Victory Lane Saloon.  Kee Kee Anderson features four seasoned music veterans from several locations.  From Cumberland, singer Mary Crosten is known as The First Lady of Blues in Western Maryland.  Guitarist Dave Buzard last played in Altoona as a member of Clarion’s Ask A Stranger in the early 90’s. State College’s David Brown plays bass, and Altoona drum veteran Mark Panek provides the beats. Kee Kee Anderson shined with a blend of classic rock and blues. Mary demonstrated vocal power and versatility on a wide range of material, spanning Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz” to numbers by Stevie Nicks, The Pretenders, Black Crowes, Van Morrison and more. The band around her is musically tight, with Dave’s clever use of effects lending variation to the moods of the songs during each set. If you like blues and classic rock, Kee Kee Anderson offers a good variety and solid sound; watch for increased sightings of this band around the region.

   I caught up with The PassTime Band, performing at the Anchor Inn near Prince Gallitzin State Park during that area’s annual Mountain Days celebration last month.  Now featuring Jeff Leeper on lead vocals and guitar, Randy Lang on drums and vocals and Ken Civils on keys; The PassTime Band entertained with classic and vintage rock of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s; spanning Roy Orbison to Spirit to the Hollies, ZZ Top and Van Halen. Jeff quickly became the focal point on stage with his crazy antics and humor, as he donned a variety of wild hats throughout the show, from Viking horns to propeller caps and more. But on a more serious tone, this guy still has the voice, as he proved with his high-ranging Roy Orbison croon during “Crying” to close the set. The Passtime Band plays frequently throughout the area.

   On the acoustic front, I finally caught a show from local solo performer Ryan Matthew in late July at Hollidaysburg’s historic U.S. Hotel. Ryan entertained a good-sized crowd with a blend of acoustic rock, country favorites and original songs. As Ryan played numbers from Rusted Root, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Sister Hazel, John Mellencamp, Elton John and more; he kept the mood festive by mixing in music, television and sports trivia questions (good for free T-shirts, beverages and more).  Ryan demonstrated a rugged, gritty vocal style that handled his song selection well.  He also mixed in the occasional surprise, such a Paula Abdul hit and Toby Keith’s “Weed and Willie.”  Ryan Matthew has steadily evolved into one of this region’s best-known acoustic performers.

   Other bands and artists I saw recently included Rhyne McCormick at Altoona’s Hitching Post, Go Go Gadjet and Rise Phoenix Rise at Altoona’s 4D’s Lounge, the latest visits of Agony Hill, Bad Daze and Hi-Tyde at Pellegrine’s, the double-bill of Pittsburgh’s Sweaty Betty Blues Band and Felix & the Hurricanes at Burgi’s Roundhouse, and Scream’s return to Blair County, performing at Glenn’s Place in Claysburg.

    News and notes… The Day Of Rock Benefit will take place September 1st at Shawnee Park in Roaring Spring, with proceeds benefiting Easter Seals; bands donating their talents include Hair Force One, Fayted, Bad Daze, Way Down East, Spirit Lost and Lies, Inc.; Rock For The Troops presents a free day-long concert September  9 at downtown Altoona’s Heritage Plaza; bands taking part include The Rock Brothers, Silver Sunday, Spirit Lost, Generation Gap, Splink, Homer’s Army, Mama Corn, Tony Mollick Project, Red Letter Band, Slacker Theory and Felix & the Hurricanes; Altoona’s annual motorcycle rally, Roar in The Mountains, roars to life September 20-23; musical highlights will include concerts with Jackyl and Kentucky Headhunters at Altoona’s Jaffa Shrine, Q94’s outdoor Backyard BBQ in the Jaffa parking lot, plus other events throughout the area. Guitarist/singer Steve Nelson has departed Green Eggs to devote more time to family; former Badwrench/Stept On/In guitarist Matt Day replaces him. Singer Tim Kopelic has exited Pittsburgh’s Skell; his predecessor, Pat “Bones” Bono, replaces him. Two new bands to watch for starting this month; from the remnants of 4 Days Dirty and Saucemonster comes Slacker Theory, also watch for a new mostly female rock group called Kitty Whip. Harrisburg’s Cheez has reformed; joining lone founding member Joey G on bass is former Wiskerbisket singer/guitarist Doug Snook, and former Something Fluid drummer Len Lechene. Wheeling/Pittsburgh-based Dofka has found a new lead singer, Andrew D’Cagna; they’re working on a new EP called “Humanity Bleak”, available soon.

    Happy Birthdays to Bob Lee (The Grimm), Greg Majewsky (Roadkill), John McKelvey (Flight 19/Issues/The Front), Clint Carothers (Ricky Lee & the Mustangs/The Front), Mike Bordner (Balistic), Jack Servello (Servello Family), Rick Lienhard (Negative Space), Scott Barkhimer (V-Twin), John Buterbaugh (Here We Go Again), Eric Biter (King Biscuit Trio) Jamie Kmett, Ryan McCulley, Rod Hill, Tood Smith, Dean Sell, “Rachel Rocks”, Harry Pellegrine Jr. (Pellegrine’s), and my Q94 boss Adam Erickson.  Belated Happy Birthdays to Cheeze (Suicide Switch) and Joe Craig.

    As I finish up this article a few days after starting it, it’s now sunny and 90 degrees.  All is again right with the world...