Susquehanna Valley
by Keith Hummel
Where did April go? I did not like the wet month but April showers brings May flowers. But jeez, the month just flew by. Looking at last month on the live music scene, we had Funny Money play to a packed house at Sunbury’s Peppermint Ristorante & Music Club. They have excellent food and they start serving at 5pm so you can go out for dinner and then enjoy the show. Funny Money will return there this fall.
Looker, those rockers from the 80’s, did a fine show at Kulpmont’s Sobeski Club. Looker looks to return there soon. WQSU radio bluegrass benefit drew a lot of fans to help support the Bluegrass show Saturday mornings. Bluegrass is big here in the Valley. Christian rockers Everyday Sunday made a show in Milton in support of their new CD that has two top hits on Christian radio charts. Lewisburg’s Arts Festival is starting on a very wet note, but all the artists and musicians will persevere. They do every year. And hey, by the end of May we’ll see the Pub’s patios opening for live music for cool evenings so pick dates, pick your favorite PA musician and get out and support live music this month.
Tubby’s in Duncannon is hopping this month, oh yea! MC Frankie and DJ Johnny K will take care of the karaoke dance parties on Fridays this month. Do take note that the “Bull is Back” on Friday the 23rd. Get your bronco busted! Then Frankie and Johnny K move to Saturday the 24th. Live music with Pub Rally starts May 3rd. These guys get around central PA and have amassed quite a following. Check them out. Cyphor opens the show. Country Saturday on May 10th at Tubby’s with Mustang with openers Black Water will keep you kicking that night. May’s highlight is on the 17th when Harrisburg’s Martini Bros. hit the stage at Tubby’s. Opening the night, The Drag Addicts, which features Darren and Mik from the Inciters. Also in the band is Darren’s nephew Dustin and the Inciter drum tech, Bruce on drums. Also opening is the CCL, so get there at 9:30 to catch all the fine music the 17th. Don’t forget those Ac/Dc tribute ‘gods’ Back In Black May 31st, a show to be seen and heard.
My new hometown, Liverpool is going to be really jumping this month. This month is Liverpool’s Bicentennial. 200 years old and ready to rock! Along with the weekend of festivities, The Facktory in downtown will have a show of their own Sunday, May 18th. Pete Best, original drummer from the Beatles, will bring his band to Liverpool, PA for a show with Liverpool, New York’s band, The Fab Five. Now as you can tell, a lot of Beatle music will abound that day. The show is an early show from 4pm to 7pm at The Facktroy. Tickets are $15 and only 250 tickets will be sold. Backing up to May 10th, The Facktory will have a Facktory Fest Band Night. This is an All Age show and features Suicide Puppets and the Drag Addicts plus more. As always, either call The Facktory or web them up for info on these shows. Liverpool will be rocking in May. Check out the little town by the river for a great time.
Sorb’s Place in Liverpool will rock out May as well; then music will “go to sleep” until fall. Wiskerbisket rocks out May 17th at Sorb’s. Original members are back and “The Bisket” is back on track! Open Mic at Sorb’s Thursday May 15th with Mycenea Worley is a show to check out this month. Bob tells me this young lady has a big voice and should be checked out, so, let’s check out this show! The 24h those southern rockers Smokin Gunnz return to Sorb’s. The best of Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Allman Bros. and more by Smokin Gunnz. I think I sang along to every song they played the last time I saw them, great music from this band. Don’t forget about the great food at Sorb’s, steak, seafood, wings, and more. Come see what’s new in Liverpool, PA!
The Peppermint in downtown Sunbury is rocking again this month. May 2nd Rukati will play music from the 60’s and 70’s, so gas up the Chevy and get ready to rock and roll. May 9th the return of R.C. Yetter to The Peppermint will take place. Now if you like the blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan, then this is your show to see. R.C. plays, the best in hot blues and original blues; the strat will be smokin’ that night. Ending the month at The Peppermint Kinsey will play. These local guys are getting their new music , “Opposite’s Attack” out for fans to hear. You will hear a firm pop rock sound from Kinsey and you will always get a tried and true show from them. A new young band to keep an eye on.
Music Notes: The 3rd Annual Spyglass Ridge Winery Blues Festival will take place on May 17th 11am to 9pm. Outside Sunbury on Route 890. Nate Myers & The Aces; Burgess, Mitchell and Seal; Bluesmoon, Jonah Gregory; Blind Chitlin Kahunas; Ann Kerstetter and friends; and the headliner, The Tom Larsen Band.
After some changes, Timothy’s Burden have gone to their roots and are back to the classic rock sound. You can catch them live this month on the 3rd at A.J.’s in Sunbury, Maggie Malone’s in Sunbury May 10th and at Milton’s Arm Bar on May 17th. The “all new” Timothy’s Burden rocks!
Flashing sabers and whirling dancers will be on hand for Khachaturian’s “Saber Dance”, one of the highlights from Williamsport Symphony Orchestra’s May 13th concert, “A Night in Russia”. Guest trumpeter Rolf Smedvig and guest conductor Tomasz Golka will be on hand. The show starts at 7:30pm at Williamsport’s Community Arts Center.
Hybrid Ice return to Danville’s Washies Fire Company May 25th playing all your favorite 80s and 90’s rock and Hybrid Ice originals. Going strong and coming up on forty years as Hybrid Ice, these guys still rock!
Keep in touch. KAhummel@countryilink.net or mail CD and such to; K. Hummel RR1, Box 229H, Liverpool, PA 17045.