By Keith Hummel

 

 

   December issue, 2007 will soon be over! Where did it go? We had a lot happen in the PA  music scene this year and look to 2008 for new young musicians coming into their own this upcoming year. A lot of “old school” musicians are making a come back as 80s metal is really coming back onto the music scene. Off the live scene, the record and CD sales across the U.S.A. are really in a bind. This past year two of my favorite new & Used record stores closed and it has me scared for the rest of them. I WILL NOT GO TO WAL-MART FOR MY MUSIC. Luckily we here in central PA have fine live music and musicians to go out to our favorite pubs and clubs to hear cover and original music. It’s up to us to support our local musicians and keep the music flowing in Pennsylvania. Again, I have read how music insiders are flocking to central PA to check out our music. We are doing something right here, so let’s support it, or we’ll lose it. Rock on!

   I did not make it to our 25th Anniversary Party last month as I had to go to Dubois on a service call. It was the first snow of the winter, so it was a really great drive. As I drove, I mentally waved to Jim Price as I knew he was heading east as I was heading west. Robin, Rachel and Jim will fill you in on the details of the party. Next September will be my 25th year with the PA Musician. I really hope to be around for that!

   Last month Liverpool was a buzz with Steve Whiteman and Funny Money playing at Sorb’s Place. A packed house and a full moon made for a hot night of rock with LeadFoot opening the show. Steve has been busy the last part of the year with Kix dates, interview on XM radio, and supporting “Stick It”, Funny Money’s newest release. I incorrectly reported last month that “skin to skin” was his newest and was corrected at the show. HmmmÖmaybe if I had a press release or a CD, it might keep this “old head” in line, I do ask at the end of my column to send me news and views, I even have email now, but I do not get enough info.

   Sorb’s Place rocks December with LeadFoot returning for their own gig December 15th. 80’s metal done great by these guys, heavy and hard!

   Sorb’s will have a local group. N.M.E. on December 8th. There will be no cover as he is introducing this band to the area. Coming in January N.M.E will help to raise money for a local family who needs a lending hand, they’re having a rough time. A.B.A.T.E. is joining Sorbs and N.M.E. to have a benefit to help them out. It is always a great thing when people combine their resources to help others out. All the details will be in next month’s issue. Sorb’s Place will be open Christmas Day and New Year’s Day beginning at 5pm.  New Year’s Eve will be a Dance Party with a DJ spinning the tunes and Food and Drink Specials all night with no cover being charged.

   If you’re up the valley on December 8th, you can stop at Rockstation Record Store in downtown Williamsport for a “Music Mecca”. Local valley musicians will play inside the store that evening starting at 3pm. Johnny J. Blair will play in supporting his new release, “Grateful”. Sarah Fleck & the Palpitations, sounds of the 60’s and 70’s original music and covers by them, will be supporting their release, “Blue Jeans & Daydreams”. Ron Fleeger will wow with his acoustic music. Earl Pickens has been around and has settled here in the valley. A real mix of music in his original tunes. He’ll be supporting his release “Turn on the Radio”. A free show to get some PA Musician’s music for that musician or fan for Christmas.

   Suicide Puppets, the last I heard were number three in the central PA best metal band contest. I’ve not gotten an update at press time. Suicide Puppets were in their glory October 30th at Allentown’s Crocodile Rock as they got to share the bill with The Misfits. December 14th Suicide Puppets share the stage with Mankind is Obsolete and Right Wing Death Machine at Rumors in Enola. New metal done loud and proud by these bands.

   The Acoustic Loons play Bloomsburg’s Bennigan’s December 1st and 29th. Then on December 15th they play The Pub in Danville. All those Loon’s tunes done acoustically and new and old rock also can be heard by them.

   Scream, those 80’s metal maniacs, will send out the year at the Shade Mountain Inn on Route 104 above Mount Pleasant Mills. This will be drummer Kevin’s last gig with them. Rumors of an old Bashful member filling the drum stool are about. We’ll just have to see in 2008. It’s better on top at the Shade Mountain Inn.

   I was shocked, stunned, and saddened by the news at presstime about Club 101 in Northumberland closing its doors in 2008. I was so happy that finally my hometown I grew up in had a really hot spot for music. This past year, Club 101 had a great roster of talent on stage. I really hope it was not my hometown of Northumberland that pushed Club 101 to close, as they did give the Club a lot of crap. I hope the next owners keep up the music as Club 101 did set a stage of good local and Pennsylvania Musicians. Get to 101 this month to check it out before it goes.

    Williamsport music news abounds this month, thanks J.J.B.! December 9th the Billtown Brass Holiday Concert will take place at the Community Arts Center, show time 2pm. Funky, swinging, jazzy Christmas tunes here. The Williamsport High School Concert Choir and Chorale will give their Christmas Concert at the C.A.C. on Decmeber 11th, show time 7:30pm. Clay Aiken will play the Community Arts Center December 15th with the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra for a Christmas show.

   That’s the info I had received this month. Have a safe, prosperous and healthy New Year. Give the gift of music and stop in and support your local music stores, shops, restaurants, and musicians.

 

 

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