October 2007
Susquehanna Valley
By Keith Hummel
End of summer and the first day of fall, and it’s grand weather, yes! I would think most outdoor music is done now, and with Rocktober we move inside for hot music action. A lot coming and going around here in the valley. It’s up to you to choose which Pennsylvania Musicians you support but by all means, support live music!
Club 101 in my hometown of Northumberland has been going “big guns” lately. Local and out-of-town artists and musicians grace this fine musical establishment. Last month people were standing on the sidewalk to hear Drama Club’s Nick & Nate. They return this month for two engagements, Thursday the 12th and Thursday, the 18th, indoors of course. One of Harrisburg top Djs, Ray Rossi returns to 101 October 26th, and he will spin the best in dancing rock for you. Don’t forget the new fall hours at 101 now open Wednesdays through Saturday 3pm to 2am, and Happy Hour is 5 to 7pm. Young and old people from all around come to Club 101 on Duke Street, Northumberland to “drink in” the atmosphere.
Tubby’s in Duncannon will have DJ Mookie and Karaoke every Friday this month, so get up on the big stage and be a star! Live music on stage at Tubby’s this month starts with Harrisburg’s Martini Bros. with guest openers Perry County’s Coast is Clear and then from Altoona, The Maurauders. Fine rockabilly from the Martini’s and Maurauders (too very similar sounds). Plus you’ll hear straight ahead rock from the Coast is Clear. Start your month dancing at Tubby’s.
Get your spandex and hairspray out as Hair Force One lands at Tubby’s with 80’s rockin’ metal for you. Hair Force One has been playing all around the state as of late and the news of their rockin’ show is well known. Check them out.
Tubby’s turns one year old on October 20th and what a better way to celebrate than to bring in Perry County’s Dingleberry Shortcake, always a great night of dancing rock from D.S. opening band Fifth Shot from Lewistown are making their name known as a no holds barred rock band and are ready to show you what they’ve got. A great night to catch these hot bands at Perry County’s hot night club.
The Facktory in Liverpool is our little town’s Community Center based on full family entertainment such as; boxing, rock wall climbing, batting cages, pool, video and games galore, plus “live” music. On October 20th Facktory Fest will take place with bands playing all day into the night. Look for local favorites Suicide Puppets and Clarence and some heavy out of towners. Go to www.thefacktory.com and check out what’s up for Facktory Fest this month.
A celebration of life is happening at the Shade Mountain Inn on Route 104 above Mt. Pleasant Mills October 13th. Four bands and a pig roast will benefit the Lance Vadella family, so come out and support this cause.
The Loons return to Taylor’s in Unityville October 20th. Loon originals and rock from all the years played by them, so drive up the mountains above Bloomsburg to Unityville and dance with The Loons.
At last month’s presstime, I was so busy I missed a note I had and it did not make my article. September 5th was the 25th Wedding Anniversary of Kathy and Lloyd Kistner. Lloyd is the keyboardist and vocalist of Harpo. You can go to www.harporocks.com for pictures and Harpo merchandise. No idea when they will play out yet.
White Witch will fly Friday, October 26th to The Ritz Theatre in Muncy will rock all ages with guests 44 Mag plus more for a spooky night. White Witch have been busy on their new CD, “Never Dies the Dream”. This is an All Age Show and you can get the CD for only $5. Get yours at this event and get it signed by the band. They will then fly out to City Limits in Altoona to host a Halloween Party with the Tony Mollick Project, 44 Mag and Lucid. This show is an over 21 event and The Underground TV will be filming the final portion of “The Witch’s” brand new live DVD which will include a very interesting behind the music segment. For more into check out www.myspace.com/whitewitchrocks!
Some notes from the north: Bucknell University will host a FREE concert with the ‘Presidents’ own U.S. Marine Band on October 4th at the Weis Performing Arts Center. I’ve worked with the band before and when you have the Marines’ best on stage you get the best in show! Take the family out for a fine, fine show. It starts at 8pm. Now you must get tickets and only four tickets per family will be given out. Call the box office at 570-577-1000. Any unused seats will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
The 42nd season of the Williamsport Symphony will start October 9th with the “Season of Maestros”. Five talented conductors will be in front of the orchestra for five different concerts at the Williamsport Community Arts Center and one will be chosen as the next Music Director and Conductor. Opening the season The Susquehanna Valley Chorale will be on stage with the Symphony Orchestra with soloists Jake and Jill Gardner. Conducting will be Rebecca Miller, originally from California.
Jazz fans are invited to “fill the hall” at the Williamsport Community Arts Center October 14th at 2pm as The Bobby McCreary Big Band will give a rousing show to be recorded on camera and disc. Playing Basie, Ellington, Goodman and more. BMBB have been wowing Williamsport for over ten years. Prior to show time, there will a “sneak peak” at their upcoming DVD documentary. You can put in your order for it at that show. Bobby is from my hometown Northumberland, and he has traveled the world with his horn. Again, get the family out to this show. Tickets are $13 and are available at the Arts Center.
Well, it’s time to wind this down. I had a great time last month “closing “ the outside patio music scene. Bret Alexander and Jeremy Hummel “closed the Front St. Station patio and what a fine night of music from them. The Brass Key in Sunbury closed his outside show with Stompd’, Kinsey and Spitcan. I had a great time with Stompd’ even though they midday sun took its toll on them. Kinsey played some new originals from their upcoming CD. Look for the Brass Key to do more outside shows next year. Keep rocking. Send me news and views PLEASE to KAhummel@countryilink.net!