Congratulations to my Mom and Dad, with the Pennsylvania Musician Magazine, for surviving in the music industry for 25 years! Think about how many bands they’ve seen change in those 25 years. I’ve been “paying attention” for the past year, and I can’t keep track of all the changes. They’ve endured through the good and the bad, and they are still alive. I was 4 and running around the neighborhood when Mom would be in her “Deadline” coma. (She’s endured 300 MONTHS of those comas!) I’m so thankful for the neighbors I had to help keep me entertained so Mom and Dad could get some much needed rest. Now all of us kids are all grown up. I want to thank our advertisers for seeing us through Field Hockey Camps, Basketball Camps, Weddings, Colleges, etc...by the way Mom and Dad still RENT, and Dad still drives the ’88 Olds to get the papers to the Post Office. This is no joke, this is the cold, hard truth. This is our “Bread and Butter,” this isn’t a job “on the side.” I got an e-mail this month that said I should stop chasing money and actually listen to some “good” music. (Uhh, yeah, that might work to get me to your show) I have to chase the money. They are the ones that pay our bills, ALL of them. I’m extremely grateful to anyone that graces the pages of the PA Musician Magazine. I’m sorry, but the best chance to get mentioned in this article is to advertise. I do cover bands that don’t advertise, but I’ll be brutally honest, if you advertise, I can’t guarantee it, but your chances are a lot higher that I’ll be at your show. Maybe this rant will help you understand why.

     The first band of the month is quite appropriate because it’s Emily’s Toybox. I don’t know how long they’ve been on the back of this magazine, but they’ve supported us for as long as I can remember. Thanks Mike and all the guys of ETB, past and present, for supporting us through the years. Consistency is key, if someone wants to know where ETB is playing they just grab our magazine and flip it to the back page, and they are off to a crazy night like I experienced at Frog’s Hollow in Lebanon. Frog’s Hollow separates their stage and dance floor with a short railing, so now Emily’s Toybox knows what it feels like to be an animal in a petting zoo. The front and both sides of the stage were surrounded by fans not missing a beat of the ETB show. They had some sound difficulties, but the show must go on, and it did go on to the best of their abilities. One thing that impresses me is how they display their merchandise between sets. They are one of the only bands I’ve ever seen that usually have a line at every show to buy their merchandise. I know that generates a lot of extra income for bands, plus when fans are out their wearing a shirt, like ETB’s, that alone will even generate more fans, or at least a hit on their website. You should go check out their display, and get some ideas for your band.

     This month I actually caught pieces of Black Mt. Jack twice. The first time was at Johnny Joe’s in Mechanicsburg. One thing I know going to one of their shows is that their ladies will be there and they will be ready to party. We always have a great time with them “trying” to teach me how to Country Line Dance. I’ve seen it where patrons come in and say, “Oh, a country bandÖ” Then before you know it, they are the ones having the most fun. These guys are so down to earth and easy to talk to. They are not only great musicians, but a great group of people just to go out and have a lot of fun with. Jeff Reigle, their drummer, thinks it’s hilarious that he’s been in “Rock” bands for years, now that he’s in a country band, he finally gets mentioned and sometimes even in the Hot Shots of the PA Musician Magazine. Once again I like to stress, this is a magazine for “musicians” not just rockers, or cover bands, or whatever. This is a magazine to help anyone or anything involved in the music industry to network and get your name out there to over 20,000 people. Later in the month I also had a blast with them at the Winner’s Circle Saloon in Grantville. Talk about Country Line DancingÖnot only did I have great music to listen to, but the dancing there is just amazing to watch. With the FREE Country Line Dancing Lessons at the Winner’s Circle they have beginners, all the way up to extremely talented dancers. If you’ve ever considered Country Line Dancing head on down to the Winner’s Circle and get your Free Boot Scootin’ lesson.

     On a Thursday night I headed over to the West Shore Hardware Bar to check out Sugarcoat. These guys were playing strong even after a hard day of work. I can’t imagine what it’s like to work a full day, play till ?? at night, and then have to go to work the next day. The dedication some bands have to entertaining us is amazing. I think I like to check out Sugarcoat the most just to hear BJ say, “How ‘bout some Pearl Jam?” The whole band nails Pearl Jam so well it’s really one of the only bands in the area that plays Pearl Jam, so it’s a nice change to a line up. Sean was also showing off a nice, new, bass drum, that definitely knew how to kick the bass to the crowd. Great show guys.

     That Friday I headed down to Gullifty’s to see Jealousy Curve opening for The Underwater. Matt at Gullifty’s has really been getting in some amazing, bigger, original acts ready to entertain you. Jealousy Curve is from Philly, I caught them once before and they amazed me, this time I only made it to their last 2 songs, but I still saw their insane drum player kickin it hard with their lead singer climbing on top of the kit. Who ever knew drum kits were so durable. Too bad Gullifty’s ceiling wasn’t. I think the tile went back into place after the show.

      Headliners,The Underwater just got back in the area from a long tour. They missed the local fans, who know them and truly appreciate them. It’s fun to be on the road, but it’s always fun to come home too. Derek Euston from Green Room Studios is now playing bass for them, and fitting right in. Dan is singing his heart out like usual. At one point someone decided to grab his beverages and throw them all over the place. It worked out in the end, because the fans prevailed and had a whole line of new drinks ready to go. They definitely wanted to make sure Dan had no excuse to end that set. It’s always unbelievable to see such great local musicians, right in our own backyards.

   Next event was an insanely crazy day at the Verus Music Festival held at The Chameleon Club in Lancaster. The whole festival was organized by Michael Rhoads, but it was backed by HM Concerts. The end result was definitely a well organized, and event filled day. The Chameleon has two stages, the main stage, and The Lizard Lounge. The festival was also “all-age” with a special 3rd floor with a bar and patio, that was 21+ only. I felt it was a great way to be able to safely involve everyone. Also the 3rd floor is basically a balcony overlooking the main stage, so the 21+ crowd didn’t have to miss any of the shows. It had a slow start to the day, but of course by the end of the night that place was packed on all 3 floors. Now, for the entertainment.

     I only got there around 4pm, so the first band I was able to catch was RoseMatter. They are a younger band, with the only female vocalist of the day. Actually it was the only female “musician.” She really did an amazing job, and the whole band is filled with intense energy. I don’t know how they weren’t all running into each other. The sets were only 20 minutes, so I’m sure it was hard for bands to just jump on stage, at their “full potential.” There was no time to get warmed up, you had to get up there and do your thing. RoseMatter was planning a CD Release for October 23rd, look for it.

     Enstride was up next, they definitely have a little bit heavier rock, but they know how to work their crowd. The lead singer was handing out CDs to the girls in the front row, which of course made the girls have even a better day. That’s a risky tactic, but the girls definitely seemed to be digging their set, so I’m sure it probably paid off in the end.

    Laid to Rest played more of an Alternative Rock set. They are from Mechanicsburg, and ready to entertain you. They’ve been working on the band for a while, but they got their guys and they are ready to go. They played their hearts out for their set and couldn’t believe when it was already over.

    Kilego Vert was just a 2 man band, but the sound that they could create was crazy. The lead musician was very resourceful and was using an old Ironing board to help hold his keys, and laptop he was using to create the music they were playing. It was definitely a different type of set-up then I’ve seen in the past, and it really blew me away.

     Finally a band I’d been wanting to see, Turning Point, took the stage. I saw them once before as an opening band, but the steps they’ve taken in just that short time is unbelievable. They definitely have improved their stage presence, Brandon is taking voice lessons which seemed to really help with his confidence. He was hitting a wide range of notes with a lot more strength and ease. Their song “DUI” was my favorite in their mini set. I just hope I can catch a longer show soon. The bass player even changed his hair to fit in with the younger generation. These guys are hot and on a roll. Go check them out before they are running all over the country, you’ll be glad you did.

     I ran up to the main stage for a couple minutes to check out The Mint. I need to apologize to them because my Hot Shots are already submitted with their shots labeled The Drama Club. They are actually The Mint. I’m so sorry for the mix-up. It was a busy day and hard to keep track. The Mint played a song called “Looking Glass” that was awesome. They had a keyboard player that added in that extra sound and sent them over the top for my ear. I’m glad I got to catch them, even if it was only a couple songs.

    7th Layer was supposed to be up next, but unfortunately they had some technical difficulties. It was such a tight day of events with only 20 minute sets, that any slight delay and the schedule just keeps moving. They did at least do a little Freestyle for us, introducing their newest member Creep EZ! They are now officially a 3-piece. The other little part was Ralph’s 2-year old son Jonathan singing along with Daddy for “Who Am I??” I’m a softie for kids. Maybe next time guys!!

      Next I headed back upstairs for Canto 6. They are currently working on a 14 track CD which I’m sure will be filled with amazing music. They were handing out 3 track sample CDs which was very cool. Mick was downing Rockstar Energy Drink and I think he had plenty of energy. He took advantage of his cordless mic and ran all the way upstairs and climbed up as high as he could go, still singing and not missing a beat. It was awesome especially once the light guy found him, and shined a big spotlight on him. They were at least up to 30 minute sets, but it’s amazing what a band can accomplish in only 30 minutes. What an action packed set! Congrats to the sound and light guys for helping pull off an unbelievable show.

    The Gorgonites were down in The Lizard Lounge and they actually changed the lounge over to only 21+ specifically for their set. Their music is interesting, but it’s also very vulgar. They can’t tone it down either, or it wouldn’t be the song everyone knows and loves so well. I was glad they changed it over to adults only, but I’m sure it still helped gain them some young fans, because they probably went home online to try and figure out why they couldn’t be in there. I know the first time I heard them I was probably standing there with my mouth gaping open in shock. It’s definitely different and one of a kind, just not my type of lyrics.

    Fourth Element was up next. They have done a lot of big things this summer including opening up for Fuel. They are technically from the Baltimore area, but they’ve been all around the mid-Atlantic region quite a few times. They are also a band that’s a ball full of energy. I love it when the band members actually move all over the stage and go crazy. It makes my job as a photographer so much more fun. At a festival, it helps to be crazy because it makes me want to stick around and see what you’re going to do next. I just love the intense feeling, not only from the band, but one that even everyone watching can feel.

    Negative Space graced the main stage, but I lost track of time downstairs and I only made it up there in time to listen to one song, but that one song was pretty amazing. The crowd was definitely packing in at this point in the main stage area, it was definitely getting a lot harder to get from one place to the next.

   Evolv was up next downstairs, and I haven’t heard them since the Millennium in February, except on their CD, so I was looking forward to another sampling of them live and in action. They recently got a new bass player, but the two brothers still have some crazy harmonies. The way they can nail them every time just proves that sometimes it’s in the genes. Tonight they were handing out free sample CDs of some new songs, and I definitely got one, it was a nice addition to my collection.

    The Thrives took to the stage next. I haven’t seen these guys for quite sometime, but it was definitely nice seeing and hearing them again. “Cannonball” was played again, which was again very cool, but they even broke out “I Said Huhh!” from the back of the shelf which was even more cool. That was the very first song of theirs I heard them sing and they had me hooked. It’s such a simple song, but the lyrics are just so true in any parents or teenagers lives. Kemper definitely knows how to take true life experiences and turn them into amazing heartfelt songs.

     Next up on the main stage was A Utopian Skyline. Their new “Elmamoore” CD is amazing. It’s definitely in the front of my CD case if you know what I mean. Anyway. They of course played a new favorite of the fans “OXYgen” this will soon be recorded on a new EP, so I’ve heard, so that’s very exciting. Once again I’ll be able to add to my collection. My friends are so jealous of my CD collection. I have some of the coolest CDs that are so unique and a mix of so many genres. It’s great being a writer for the PA Musician and getting the added perks.

    Codorus Cruise Line (C.C.L.) was already jammin’ by the time I got back downstairs. Brady has this crazy “rocker” voice that you don’t hear too much in todays local scene. It’s hard to describe, but it definitely rocks! They were selling CDs out of a case of beer box, talk about original. Currently they are only a 3-piece, but they are considering adding in another member.

The final band of a very crazy, yet fun-filled day was Hierosonic. Of course everywhere you looked it was stuffed full of people. The crowd was very excited to have Hierosonic playing at the festival. It was definitely a great way to end the day. They had special lights just for Hierosonic so it really helped add to their already amazing show. Congrats to Michael Rhoads and HM Concerts for pulling off such an amazing day of entertainment.

     Finally I’m back to my normal “Out and About” ramblings. On a Friday night I was able to catch Asking Andy at the Double K Tavern in Harrisburg. Asking Andy will be headlining for us at our 25th Anniversary Party at Gullifty’s on Friday, November 9th. It’s open to the public, so please come check out Asking Andy, plus X-Terra, Drop of Grey, and of course my Dad, Whitey, will be playing a little bit I’m sure.

     Back to Asking Andy... they’ve recently acquired a new bass player, Justin, to the band. It amazes me how versatile a lot of musicians are. There are so many “new band members” but yet they all fit in so well. Justin was jumping right along with the guys and having fun with all their regular fans. Every night with A?A is a crazy, fun time because you never know what they’ll do next. They can play a lot of the most recent top 40 songs, and then Darrell throws in the twangy songs, “Friends in Low Places,” and “Keep Your Hands to Yourself!” (if that’s not the title I apologize, that’s a weak area in my musical dictionary) Anyway. It was a lot of fun even with some ??pizza?? judging going on during the show. See ya on the 9th guys!!

   Scream finally came back to the Shade Mt. Inn in Middleburg, so it was time for another trek up there. Scream plays the ‘80’s Metal music, that just really helps you relieve some stress. There are plenty of songs that you can “scream,” cry, bounce or sway to. We had a special treat tonight because Lee Worthy, the sound and light guy, actually came out from behind the booth to sing a song with Scream. He’s really good, Jeff better watch out. Lol.

     One night I was clicking through myspace pages and I realized that Pub Rally got a new date at the Harrisburg Hardware Bar. I hurried up and ran downtown to check these guys out. That’s one thing for sure, schedules definitely change throughout the month. If you want to make sure a band is really playing where their schedule says, you might want to e-mail them, or even call the club. Pub Rally are actually from up north, by Knoebel’s, but they’ve been playing Harrisburg more lately. The most amazing thing about them is they play popular cover songs, but they play them with acoustic guitars. It really puts a different feel to the songs, it’s very interesting. At one point the crowd was yelling for Pantera, and they broke out with “Love Potion #9.” They definitely try to mix it up so they don’t sound like everyone else.

   Steel was playing at Angie’s in Highspire, and that is always a show I don’t want to miss. I got there right in time for a set break, and Chris was walking around the crowd asking what song everyone wanted to hear. It’s nice to see their flexibility as they try to keep their crowd happy, even though they have no problems doing that all by themselves. Steel will be playing on November 17th at Tubby’s in Duncannon. It’s a great venue and a great band, I sure hope I’ll be able to be there.

   Next I headed over to Johnny Joe’s to check out a new band, The Money Shot. I met Frank, their lead guitar player, a couple times on the street, and he always asked me to check them out, so I finally gave in. They have a full stage with 6 guys in the band ready to entertain you. At one point they were playing some Journey and a group of guys came in and started “moshing.” I guess they make their crowd do some crazy things. They are easily described as a “party band” because with 6 guys you are definitely going to have a party at their show.

   I’ve heard a lot about a club down in Wyomissing called, The Works, so I decided to go check it out when Green Eggs were playing there. It’s definitely an amazing venue. They call it the “Chuck E Cheese” for adults and they couldn’t be more right. You enter in to a full restaurant, behind that is an amazing arcade with even 4 lanes of bowling! Upstairs is the 21+ Lounge with the biggest TV I ever saw, with smaller TVs all over the place. You look over to another tier, and there’s the band. It’s all open so the ventilation and space are amazing. There’s even a VIP deck above the band. It’s really one of those venues you have to check out for yourself. It’s in the backyard of the VF Outlets so you can make a day of shopping, and a night of awesome entertainment, you can’t beat that.

   Green Eggs were up to their regular crazy selves. Brad even did a complete split at one point, without wincing. Can you say Ouch! The lighting was really cool in there, so I was actually finally able to get some nice shots of Doug. I always feel bad because he’s stuck back there behind his kit, and I usually can’t get very good shots of him. Matt was playing at one point and his string broke. He kept the song going and switched over to  a different song when he got the chance. It was great being able to check out Green Eggs at a different venue and see there is love for them all around the region, and I’m sure throughout the state.

   The final amazing show of the month was Deja Vudoo’s CD Release Party at Gullifty’s. It was a costume party and there were a lot of people there ready to support Deja Vudoo. They had so many little touches to help make their show that much cooler. They were selling Vudoo Dolls which were a big hit, they actually sold out. At one point the ladies were given little skeleton necklaces to go around and “bone” the guys in the audience. They also had a costume party where the winners all received a special bag of treats. Not only were all the “extras” amazing, but of course their show was even more amazing. They were introducing their new CD “Scratching the Surface.” Including great songs like “Whisper,” and “Making Angels Cry.” They had all kinds of press there, even the guys from Malice Radio were in attendance. If you haven’t heard of Deja Vudoo yet, you’ll definitely hear about them soon. They’ll be playing at this years Central PA Music Awards hosted by Harrisburg Online on Thursday, November 15th at Dragonfly.

   Wow! I think this is by far my longest article yet! It’s hard to not write more about every band. I want to be able to describe them as best as I can to get more people out to their shows. These bands and every band I see deserve all the fans they can get. It’s hard work just getting to a show, I can’t imagine actually being the show.

   Hope to see YOU at our 25th Anniversary Party on Friday, November 9th at Gullifty’s in Camp Hill. We’re going to have FREE Pizza, Stromboli, and Complimentary Beer starting at 8pm, so don’t be late!! Come on out and party with us because without you it won’t be a party.

  

 

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