September 2007

 

By Keith Hummel

 

   Finally, I got some weekends off last month, and got to catch some live music in our valley. I stopped at Sorb’s and caught a couple of first set tunes of Wiskerbisket, more on them later. Then I bounced over to The Facktory in Liverpool to check out the new Suicide Puppets and got my fill of new heavy metal from them. Then I had to cleanse my soul with rock and roll as I headed up 104 to the Shade Mountain Inn to hear 80’s metal done best by Scream. What a night! Three different kinds of metal music and a good time had by all. Too bad I missed Fith Shot who opened for Scream. Jeff and the guys from Scream had all good reviews for me about them, so check out Fifth Shot when you can.

   The next week I got to cover a double booking for Mike Boyer Sound in Frackville (yes, sometimes this does happen) . Mike did sound in my backyard, and I went to his backyard so to say. Well, I got to work a block party with Yada-Yada-Yada. It was a perfect night for an outside concert, the heat wave had passed and a  cool night of music was in store. 80’s metal by Poison, Twisted Sister, Cult, and Motley Crue to name a few with 90’s rockin’ metal too, done great by Yada-Yada_Yada. I knew my night would be a good show because two of Yada’s members I’ve worked with before in bands gone by. Paul Reddon on vocals is best known as Poptart Monkey’s original vocalist, but I remember him from his days in Infinity. Bassist John DeLowery I worked with in Cool Daddy Groove. Now guitarist Todd Sterner was the voice of Oh Ruby years ago, and I have a tape of Todd singing with Dirty Looks. Todd now is a real shredder on guitar! I did not get to talk to second guitarist Rich Hook, but I’m sure we crossed paths before. He can hold the line, that’s for sure. Now the back beat of this band, drummer Ritchie Musio, is awesome on the kit; he’s a monster! Put all this together, and the band Yada-Yada_Yada will take you to new heights. Hearing Paul with Poptart’s was one thing, but hearing Paul now with his years of singing, he’s a vocal chameleon on songs.

   You can catch these guys live this month at Club Paparazzi on September 8th, Pepper’s Sports Plex in Berwick on the 15th and coming next month October 20th opening for Bret Michael’s at Goodfella’s in Pottsville. Don Hosler stood next to me most of the night (we talked 80’s metal the whole time) and you know if Don gives the thumbs up to a band doing 80’s metal, well, ‘nuff said!

   I had some time to hit the musical patio scene too last month. Local minstrel Chris Whitmer played his mix of originals and some covers at the Front Street Station in Northumberland, and Jerry Haines also played originals and covers at Club 101’s patio.

   Sorb’s of Liverpool is celebrating their second year in business. A lot of music has passed through Sorb’s doors. The week of the 7th, 8th and 9th marks the date, and Sorb’s “houseband” Wiskerbisket will play the 8th with “No Cover” being charged for their Anniversary celebration. Then, to metal things down, get ready for arena 80’s rock with LeadFoot on the 14th. I would say these two bands are the “house” favorites at Sorb’s, so whichever night you choose you can’t loose. Make a date and bring her or him for a great night of food and music as Sorb’s has a full kitchen and plenty of specials to choose from. That’s Sorb’s on Routes 11/15, Liverpool, PA – USA.

   Club 101 on Duke Street Northumberland has another full month of music. Friday the 7th Nick Coyle of Lifer now of The Drama Club and his bandmate Nate bring their duo to 101 (locals remember Nick from his days with Entendre). Whoa! What’s DJ Ray Rossi doing in my hometown?! Well, spinning the best 80’s music for you, that’s what. Local songstress Ann Kerstetter brings her band to 101 September 21st. Great music from Ann and friends. Don’t forget the art show the 20th with Julie Steiner and Kallie Milgram on the patio. Club 101 — the place to be.

   Music Notes: Bummer, another email of a band breaking up. V.I.H., the Victory In Heaven band will be disbanding. Members will now go onto other musical ventures. I wish them well. I’m bummed I did not get a chance to hear them live, but I will cherish the CDs they sent me.

   “Singer at large”, Johnny J. Blair has had a busy summer, playing with Davy Jones of  Monkee fame, finishing his own Cd, getting the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra’s news out, playing gigs from the east coast to the west coast. No wonder he drinks so much coffee! You can catch J.J.B. at B21 September 1st at 8pm  in Williamsport.

   The Loons return to Taylors in Unityville, September 22nd. Loons originals and cover music to dance to from the years abound from The Loons.

   Hybrid Ice will close out Lock Haven River Regatta September 3rd. A great way to spend your holiday, for you won’t see the Ice till November.

   Suicide Puppets with Fireburn and Werevilsdare play the Marysville Tavern September 28th, get your goth out.