Susquehanna Valley
by Keith Hummel
I really don’t go out to big clubs any more to see bands because at fifty-two years of age I can’t cope with the crowd and drunks. I was asked by some friends to go see an old favorite band from years gone by who are playing reunion shows. I thought about it, and since it was a Friday night and I had no gig that night, I thought, shy not? Well, my assessment came to be true. The club was packed. The crowd, half my age, was drunk and obnoxious. The kicker of the night was the security of this club. They were as rude as the drunks. In my face as I came front to take pictures, checking us 50 year olds to see if we were “smoking blunts”. And a simple question of where the restroom was, was answered by, where’s this? Who are you? What the ????. Well, such said city night club you will not see me again. And remember, one person tells twenty and so on and so on. Oh yea, the band was spot on, great! Too bad the club, youngsters and security were the bring down of the night. I’ll stick to local pubs, thank you.
Stop the presses! Kix returns to Sunbury Friday, April 11th! Well two members of Kix anyway, and the band Funny Money. Fronted by Kix vocalist Steve Whiteman and the beat held together by Jimmy “Chocolate” Chalfont of Kix. Funny Money has new original music and your favorite Kix tunes for you. New Funny Money music from “Stick It” will be for sale that night. Coming to The Peppermint downtown Sunbury, Steve and company will have a hot night of music for you. Opening the night on April 11th local, pop rockers Kinsey will have their new CD, “Opposites Attack” for sale also. The Peppermint has long been a place of great music in Sunbury. Saturday, April 18th music for the younger set comes to the Peppermint. Drama Club with Nick Coyle fronting the band comes to town with a Fetzer Management showcase. Smile 360 and Machina will fill out the bill. Three great bands to check out. Get your Funny Money tickets now as that show will be a sell out for sure. Steve and Jimmy haven’t played Sunbury since the Strand days.
Tubby’s in Duncannon will soon have a new owner, and that won’t stop the music! Tubby’s is going strong with DJs on Fridays and live bands on Saturdays, and that is what this place does best, live music. This month Fith fires forth the 12th with Perry County’s Coast is Clear opening the night. All styles of music flow from both bands here. Check them out. Dingleberry Shortcake, a huge hit in Perry County, play Tubby’s, and a packed house is always had by the guys. Playing new rock and originals, Dingleberry Shortcake is well-liked, and the crowd shows why, they like to dance, dance, dance. Well, even though the real Van Halen cancelled some tour dates you need not worry as Fair Warning, the Van Halen tribute band, is ready to rock Tubby’s April 26th. The best in Van Halen music done by these guys. Check out this tribute show, it’s a must see. Tubby’s is right off of Routes 11 & 15. It’s not hard to find for a night of great music this month.
I haven’t heard from Liverpoolian Mark McNelley for awhile, and he sent me his update on his new project, Coilcell. Coilcell is an amalgamation of style and substance. A band made up of Mark McNelly on vocals, Brian Kneasel on guitar, Mike Bordner on guitar, Dwayne Weaver on drums and Khoa Pham on bass. This combination of seasoned musicians are ready to give forth something new and fresh with familiar sounds. Be ready for the recoil from Coilcell coming to you with their CD release, “Degree of Tolerance” at Ski Roundtop May 3rd. It’s an all day event see their ad on page 10 for all the details. Coilcell starts out with a bang as there will be a fireworks display along with their performance. Coilcell, catch them soon.
Mount Carmel’s Looker return to the Jan Sobeski Club in Kulpmont April 19th. It’s been about twenty years since Looker played there. Looker got back together last year and practiced together, and the magic was still there, so they want to hit dates in 2008. Playing Journey, Styx, Genesis and a lot of 80’s rock. Looker has still got the chops. So get the ole fans together and make it a date April 19th. Relive memories and music with Looker.
Music Notes: White Witch will fly this month as they hit the Sterling Hotel April 19th and Aldo’s in Altoona the 18th. Check out Jim Price’s review of White Witch’s new CD, “Never Dies the Dream” in last month’s issue. You can pick up the CD at either show and at all Joe Nardone’s Galleries, K&S Music, Robert M. Sides and CDbaby.com/whitewitchmusic.
Some kind of Jam#3 takes place April 25th thru 27th in Kempton, PA. 23 bands, two stages, camping, and just fun. Go to www.jibberjazz.com for info.
Rock Therapy returns to the Arm Bar in Milton April 12th. Playing the best in 80’s metal, these guys rock! New vocalist Frank Bressi is doing great, and his Ac/Dc covers are to be heard. Rock Therapy is Tom Rhoads on bass, James Deisderati on guitar, Keith Balliet on guitar, Mike Hoffman on drums, and of course, Frank Bressi on vocals. Get your dose of Rock!
I’m sorry to say one of my favorite record stores closed last month. Rockstation in Williamsport closed its’ doors for good. A grand send off was given as musicians played “in house” for the send off. Good bye to another self-owned store of music we all loved.
Did you know next year Hybrid Ice turns 40? WOW! Hybrid Ice have been playing a reunion tour since 2002. They have been playing all through the state giving spot on shows of Hybrid Ice originals and the best in classic covers by Styx, Journey, and Yes to name a few. I went to a northern city last month to catch Hybrid Ice live and was wowed by their show. The secret to their sound is the blend of vocals. Everyone sings and everyone has their signature songs. Like bassist Jeff Willoughby’s take on Jethro Tull’s “Cross Eyed Mary”. Chris Alburger’s voice in renowned as he sings the Hybrid Ice hit, “Magdelene”. Drummer, Rick Klinger hits the high notes on backing vocals and does a mean Ac/Dc vocal when he fronts the band for that tune. Rusty Foulke, the songwriter and fast fretted guitarist, keeps the flow going as he pushes the Ice to “On We Go”. And the youngest member, Robert Scott Richardson keeps the youth flowing when he fronts the band doing Van Halen. If you want a great night of music catch Hybrid Ice live. This month see them at The Tourist Inn in Hallam outside of York, PA.
Can’t write about what I don’t know, so let me know please. KA hummel@countryilink.net. Mail CDs and such to: K. Hummel RR1, Box 229H, Liverpool, PA 17045.