[Jim Price]

WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 6/4/07

BROKEN PONY @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 5/30/07

Another Wednesday night meant another visit to The Hitching Post for Wednesday Country Night, this week featuring Broken Pony.

Broken Pony was a little "broken" this week, as regularly-scheduled electric guitar man Randy "Jackson" Rutherford was not available this night. But a capable replacement was filling in for him, Altoona legend Chuck Knepper.

It still made for a very good show, as Chuck, lead singer/acoustic guitarist Pat McGinnis, pedal steel player Kim Metzger and drummer Tim Yingling played their mix of country, country-rock and country blues. Pat was belting out the voice on Fabulous Thunderbirds' "She's Tuff" as I arrived, before steelman Kim sang lead on Jerry Jeff Walker's "Redneck Mother." Pat then sang lead again on The Nighthawks' "Louise," before Chuck did vocal honors on Eric Clapton's "After Midnight." Broken Pony then tapped the Poco catalog for "Crazy Love," before performing New Riders of the Purple Sage's "Panama Red." The interesting song selection continued with a Little Feat number, "Willin,'" followed by Broken Pony's rural arrangement of Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville," a John Prine number and Buck Owens' "Act Naturally." The group next performed Willie/Waylon's "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," followed by "Wagon Wheels" with Pat blowing some harmonica. Broken Pony then ventured into Bob Dylan territory with "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," followed by Crosby Stills & Nash's "Southern Cross" and Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" to close out the set. Audience demands for an encore coaxed one more tune from the group.

As said, this was still a very good show, even with the Randy being out of the roster this night. Chuck filled in quite well, and the show took on a fun vibe of musicians happy to be sharing time onstage together. The musicianship was excellent across the board, from Pat's and Chuck's blending guitar work to Kim's timely and smooth pedal steel flavorings, to Tim's brush strokes on the drum heads lending just the right textures to each song. Pat's voice was sturdy and on target, and the group's harmonies were working as well. Broken Pony's arrangements of the various songs were fresh, offering their own unique and consistent Americana slant to each number. The Hitching Post crowd was clearly enjoying the tunes, and the cheers became stronger as the night progressed.

Broken Pony could well be Altoona's best-kept secret, as this group only convenes at the Hitching Post on Wednesday Country Nights, and when they do, the cast of players always delivers a stirring, quality performance. If you've not yet seen Broken Pony, saddle up and give them a try; you'll not be disappointed!

With Chuck Knepper (right) sitting in, Broken Pony.

Pat McGinnis of Broken Pony.

Tim Yingling of Broken Pony.

Kim Metzger of Broken Pony.

Kim Metzger and Pat McGinnis of Broken Pony.

Broken Pony’s special fill-in guest this night, Chuck Knepper.

Tim Yingling and Chuck Knepper of Broken Pony.

MICHAEL HICKS MEMORIAL BENEFIT @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 6/1/07

This night, the area hardcore and metal scenes united to remember a fallen friend. Michael Hicks, an avid fan of local metal and hardcore, passed away unexpectedly in April. This night was the Michael Hicks Memorial Benefit, as several bands and a number of fans and friends came together to remember Michael and raise money to help his surviving family with burial expenses. Although I'm sure I probably saw him around at shows, I never officially met Michael; but nonetheless headed to Aldo's this night to help support the cause.

Vengence was onstage and most of the way through their set as I arrived. I only got to witness four songs from the group, but what I saw was intense and focused, as frontman Frank Rumfola, guitarists Brian Weibley and Shawn Doran, bassist Todd Clavarella and drummer Andy Hicks bristled with their brand of metal-laced hardcore. A good-sized crowd was already in place and cheering them on.

Vengence kicks off the Michael Hicks Memorial Benefit.

Again, Vengence.

After a short intermission, the next band, Clearfield hardcore specialists Not Without Resistance. In a show of solidarity and in memory of "Michael 2-Fists," the group took the stage with no shirts, and frontman Dave Steele told the Aldo's audience the story of Michael and Andy the Boot, relating how Michael got the "2-Fists" nickname. The group then commenced with their set of scathing hardcore originals. I didn't catch much as far as song titles, except for "Friendship's Over Part 2 (with Andy Hicks helping on lead vocals), and "Hardcore Highway" to finish out the set. Along the way, Dave and the group led the crowd in toasts in memory of Michael Hicks, and you could sense the true unity and solidarity as this community of musicians and fans came together to celebrate Michael's life and friendship.

Going shirtless in their salute of Michael “2-Fists,” Not Without Resistance.

Again, Not Without Resistance.

Not Without Resistance and friends.

Dave Steele of Not Without Resistance.

Angry and shirtless in memory of Michael “@-Fists,” Not Without Resistance.

Justin Strickland of Not Without Resistance.

Once again, Not Without Resistance.

Next on the bill was Suicide Switch, picking up where Not Without Resistance left off. As they performed their all-out metalcore assault, frontman Cheeze and the gang offered their own toasts and tributes to Michael along the way, and also rallied fans to raise their glasses in remembrance as well. Suicide Switch introduced several new assaults during this set, including "Conflicted," "Last Rites"and "Last Breath" (with Andy Hicks again helping with vocals).

Cheeze of Suicide Switch.

Suicide Switch, continuing their salute of Michael Hicks.

Again, Cheeze of Suicide Switch.

A large crowd congregates at the front of the stage for Suicide Switch.

Jay Mosey of Suicide Switch.

Again, Jay Mosey of Suicide Switch.

With guest Andy Hicks joining them onstage, Suicide Switch.

Once again, Cheeze of Suicide Switch.

Suicide Switch’s celebration of Michael “2-Fists” continues.

Suicide Switch and the crowd unite as one in a show of solidarity in memory of Michael Hicks.

Another short intermission led to the next group, Altoona's Chapter 5. Singer/bassist Tim Mort, guitarists Shaun Barr and Tom Noel, and drummer Billy Mort rampaged with their high-octane brand of metal and hardcore-fueled punk. The energy level of the night continued to escalate during their set, as Chapter 5 introduced songs from their new CD, A Great Day to Die, such as the opener "Inside Out," "Buried," "Hollow," "Compromised" and more. Again the band and audience continued to frequently celebrate the memory of Michael "2 Fists," building to the climactic set-closing rendition of Social Distortion's "Ball and Chain" which became a community singalong with fans and members of the other bands joining Chapter 5 onstage to sing along. Obviously this night was turning very special, a unique show of community and solidarity to remember a fallen friend.

Here is some rough video from Chapter 5's performance:

http://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV09648.MPG


Fans and friends converge in front of the stage as Chapter 5 (with guest Cheeze on the right) continue the celebration of Michael “2-Fists.”

Again, Chapter 5.

Tom Noel of Chapter 5 with guest Cheeze (Suicide Switch).

Tim Mort of Chapter 5.

Again, Chapter 5 and friends.

Again, Tim Mort of Chapter 5.

Shaun Barr of Chapter 5.

Once again, Tim Mort of Chapter 5.

Yet again, Tim Mort of Chapter 5.

Chapter 5 and their fans continue their rowdy celebration of Michael “2-Fists.”

A number of friends join Chapter 5 onstage.

Again, Chapter 5 and friends, celebrating Michael Hicks.

One more time, Tim Mort of Chapter 5.

One more time, Chapter 5 and friends.

Picking up the ball and running with it to finish out the night was Choking Faith. This set quickly turned into a further celebration of Michael Hicks, as band members and fans platooned on and off the stage as Choking Faith did scathing metal originals such as "Traniwreck of Life," "Wait," the new original song "The Devil is My Shepherd" and more. The set and night ended with another community singalong, as Choking Faith and the crowd finished the evening with Skid Row's "Youth Gone Wild."

Jason Mittan of Choking Faith.

Steve Seymore of Choking Faith.

With guest Cheeze helping on vocals, Choking Faith.

Again, Choking Faith.

Guest Cheeze alongside Dan Miller of Choking Faith.

Again, Dan Miller of Choking Faith.

Friends and fans join Choking Faith onstage to help salute Michael Hicks.

Once again, more friends contribute backing vocals to Choking Faith.

It’s packed in front of the stage during Choking Faith’s set.

Again, Jason Mittan of Choking Faith and a bunch of fans and friends.

One more time, Jason Mittan of Choking Faith and friends.

This became a very special evening. All five bands left it all on the stage in memory of Michael Hicks, and this evening became more and more of a celebration of his life as it progressed. Even though I didn't personally know him, I came away at the end of this night with a much greater appreciation of Michael Hicks and what he meant to the local hardcore and metal communities. Rather than a lament of his death, this was a celebration of his life. It was great to witness this kind of community and solidarity. A very memorable night.

RUSTY GUN REVIVAL @ CUSTOM SKIN ART 3RD ANNUAL “CHOPPIN’ LOT PARTY,” ALTOONA 6/2/07

Between 2 and 4 PM, the skies over Altoona opened up with a fury, delivering thunder, lightning and downpours. It was looking pretty grim for Custom Skin Art’s 3rd annual “Choppin’ Lot Party,” an outdoor event taking place at the skin art studio’s parking lot. My day job and night job collided this day, and arriving at 4:30 to set up for a Q94 Harley remote broadcast, it was still sprinkling on the premises; and I had journeyed through more heavy downpours coming down the mountain from Gallitzin to get to Custom Skin Art. Fortunately, though, the skies over Custom Skin Art were clearing, and the rain I encountered in Gallitzin passed to the south of the festivities, so the “Choppin’ Lot Party” didn’t get rained on.

A nice-sized crowd of bikes and riders showed up to partake in the festivities, including registering to qualify for Q94’s Harley Road King motorcycle being given away June 16, partaking in the complimentary food offered up by Fat Daddy’s BBQ, and enjoying roots music courtesy of Rusty Gun Revival.

Because I was tending to my remote broadcast duties, I couldn't pay too much close attention to Rusty Gun Revival, but did hear the group doing their roots-geared sounds. But the assembled crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts cheered and grooved as the Rusty Gunners performed favorites from their catalog such as "Step It Up N' Go," "That Girl is Hot," "Smoke," "Revival" and more; plus rootsy favorites from Old Crow Medicine Show, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Big Bill Broonzy and others.

Along the way, the weather cleared out nicely, and the rest of the day became sunny and clear. Awards were handed out for the best original choppers, and fun was had by all. A good time!

Some of the bikes gathered at Custom Skin Art’s “Choppin’ Lot Party.”

Again, some impressive machines at the “Choppin’ Lot Party.”

Cheeze’s custom chopper at Custom Skin Art’s “Choppin’ Lot Party.”

A good-sized crowd is in attendance for Custom Skin Art’s “Choppin’ Lot Party.”

Another view of the crowd and bikes at the “Choppin’ Lot Party.”

Some folks help themselves to the complimentary barbecue, courtesy of Fat Daddy’s.

Providing the musical entertainment, Rusty Gun Revival.

A couple of ladies groove along with Rusty Gun Revival.

Again, Rusty Gun Revival.

As viewed from through the food stand, Rusty Gun Revival.

Rusty Gun Revival + food + fans + bikes = good time!

NORMAN NARDINI @ BURGI’S ROUNDHOUSE, ALTOONA 6/2/07

This Saturday night was a no-brainer for me. Pittsburgh legend Norman Nardini was back in town, and I was headed to Burgi's to enjoy the party!

I arrived shortly into Norman's performance, and the party was on! Flanked by his trusty sidekicks Mark "Whitey Clyde" Cooper on drums and Harry Bottoms on bass, Norman was off and running, delivering his spicy blend of rock'n'soul, country and blues, laced with that trademark Nardini wit. Norman again extolled the virtues of "shaking the monkey loose" and opened "the church of rock'n'roll," doing plentiful Norman favorites such as "You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine," "Sick and Tired," "Mr. Right Now," "Ready Freddy," "Up Comes the Devil," "T-bird" and more.

The highlights were frequent, as Norman shared his wisdom and wit in between dazzling musical displays. He declared to the ladies of the house that "I wanna snap your girdle" following a rendition of "Shake Your Money Maker;" reaffirmed that he makes love "Face first, smacking my own ass" after "Are You Lonesome Tonight;" and improvised the lyrics on his rendition of Bob Marley's "Smoke Two Joints," crooning that he "Smokes two joints in the morning/smokes two joints at night/smokes two joints in silken undershorts..." He deferred the spotlight to Whitey and Harry several times, letting Whitey display his smooth falsetto on Otis Day & the Nights' "Shama Lama Ding Dong," and Harry showing his deep voice on "Pots'n'Pans" and Roger Miller's "King of the Road." Norman welcomed some guests as well, as Ryan "Rye" Clark (Rock & Rye) contributed guitar work on Big Joe Turner's "Shake Rattle and Roll," and Norman's former bass player, Gerry Stanek, played bass and sang lead on several songs.

Once again, it was a great show! The musicianship was constantly top of the line between Norman and his bandmates, sounding accomplished and smooth, yet making it all look so easy! Norman again demonstrated his skills as master showman and entertainer, bringing chuckles and cheers nearly every time he opened his mouth!

Again, the mid-sized Burgi's crowd enjoyed the festivities, and a number of folks stuck around for the duration. It was another fun Norman party, and I was again glad to be a part of it!

With guest Ryan Clark (Rock & Rye) helping on guitar, Norman Nardini and his band.

Norman Nardini’s trusty rhythm section, Whitey Cooper and Harry Bottoms.

Again, Norman Nardini and his band with guest Ryan Clark.

Ryan Clark.

Pittsburgh Steeler proud, Norman Nardini, Ryan Clark and band.

Some ladies bust their best dance moves behind Norman and the band.

Some happy ladies dance behind Whitey Cooper.

Again, Norman Nardini and the band.

More fun with Stormin’ Norman and band.

Stepping up to play bass and sing, Gerry Stanek.

Norman, Whitey and Gerry.

The man, the myth, the legend; Norman Nardini.

The pride and joy of Hollidaysburg, Mark “Whitey Clyde” Cooper.

THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS @ DELGROSSO’S AMUSEMENT PARK, TIPTON 6/3/07

I had always been curious about the Kentucky Headhunters ever since the group hit superstardom in the late 80's and early 90's with their cross-sectional blend of country and southern-styled rock. I had never had a good opportunity to see this group until this day, when they played two freebie shows at Delgrosso's Amusement Park. I headed down to the first show to check it out. It turned out to be a surprising and rewarding afternoon.

My initial game plan was to simply show up at Delgrosso's Park and take in the 3 PM performance. I would meet up with associates Big Jim and Guv'nor Jesse, and grab a bite to eat following the performance.

I arrived shortly into the Headhunters' performance. Despite overcast skies and some light rain, a large, all-ages crowd was in place in front of the Delgrosso's main stage as singer/guitarist Doug Phelps, rhythm guitarist/singer Richard Young, lead guitarist Greg Martin, bassist Anthony Kenney and drummer Fred Young performed their hits and other songs from throughout their career. I didn't know a whole lot of the Headhunters' song library, but noted a few songs they did perform such as "Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine," "Oh Lonesome Me," the set-closing hit "Dumas Walker," and during the encore, "The Ballad of Davy Crockett." Other highlights during their set included a solid, rocking rendition of Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky," and Fred's skillful and powerful drum solo.

I was very impressed with the Kentucky Headhunters' performance. The group smoothly shifted between country and southern/classic rock styles, sounding competent and confident on all of it. The group kept the mood festive and fiery throughout the set, with Doug rallying the crowd to cheer and clap along. These guys were all accomplished players who were strong on their instruments and executed tightly as a unit.

It was at this point of the afternoon - after the Headhunters' performance ended - that things became even more interesting and rewarding. Big Jim, Jesse and I were chatting after the show, and were soon joined by The Red Arrow entourage of singer Deb Bush, guitarist/singer Dick Kos, drummer Mike Crocetti and another friend. Dick told us he had met the Headhunters a few times before, and was heading backstage to try to again meet up with the band. He led the whole entourage of all of us back, and soon we were standing outside the group's tour bus. First emerged drummer Fred Young, who we all got to chat with for a few minutes. Doug Phelps stepped out, soon followed by Richard Young. All of us got photos taken with these band members and chatted with them about different stuff; they were all friendly and cordial, displaying that traditional southern hospitality. Big Jim had brought along his souvenir promotional can of Ski soda, a regional drink referenced in the lyrics of "Dumas Walker;" and had it autographed by the band.

Another interesting part of this backstage meeting happened between Richard Young and myself. I had randomly decided to wear my Witches In Bikinis T-shirt to Delgrosso's Park this afternoon; the shirt that the band tossed to me during their performance at the Millennium Music Conference. When Richard emerged from the tour bus, I was introduced to him, and the first words out of his mouth were, "What does that shirt say...Witches in Bikinis? I want one of those shirts!" I told Richard that although I didn't work for Witches In Bikinis, I could contact their manager and see about getting a shirt sent to him. Richard told me he would wear the shirt onstage if they sent him one. The following day, I emailed the Witches' manager, Julie Rozar, who was elated with the news, and put in an order almost immediately for some 2X and 3X shirts; one of the latter which would be sent to Richard! So I inadvertantly won Witches In Bikinis a new fan this day, and a high-profile one at that!

We hung out at the tour bus for about 45 minutes, before going our separate ways. It was a fun encounter, especially considering that I hadn't planned on going backstage to meet the Kentucky Headhunters this day! Thanks to Dick, Deb and The Red Arrow contingent for making it possible!

(The live show photos taken below were by yours truly; the backstage photos were taken by both yours truly and Deb Bush.)

Greg Martin and Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Entertaining a large audience at Delgrosso’s Park, the Kentucky Headhunters.

Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Again, Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Into his drum solo, Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Again, Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Again, the Kentucky Headhunters.

More Kentucky Headhunters.

Again, Greg Martin and Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Doug Phelps, Anthony Kenney and Richard Young of the Kentucky Headhunters. Shortly after this show, Anthony announced that he was leaving the band to devote attention to his family and business in Kentucky.

Anthony Kenney and Richard Young of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Once again, the Kentucky Headhunters.

After the show, the Red Arrow contingent.

Big Jim and his can of Ski soda, popularized in the Kentucky Headhunters’ song “Dumas Walker.”

Hey, you’re not supposed to drink that! It’s a souvenir can! Yours truly with the Red Arrow gang.

Deb Bush of The Red Arrow with Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Dick Kos and Mike Crocetti of The Red Arrow with Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters.

His brush with greatness; Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters with the Right Honorable Guv’nor Jesse.

Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters with yours truly and Guv’nor Jesse.

Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters, posing with a wheelchair-bound fan.

Richard Young of the Kentucky Headhunters with Deb Bush of The Red Arrow.

Richard Young of the Kentucky headhunters with Dick Kos of The Red Arrow.

Richard Young of the Kentucky Headhunters with yours truly. Richard really liked the Witches In Bikinis T-shirt; he wants one of his own!

For you gearheads, a look at Anthony Kenney’s bass.

A look at some the Kentucky Headhunters’ sound gear.

Doug Phelps’ guitar.

A look at some of the rest of the Kentucky Headhunters’ stringed arsenal.

The Kentucky Headhunters’ soundboard.

BAD DAZE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 6/3/07

My weekend again drew to a close at Pellegrine's, with Bad Daze providing the musical fireworks.

It was a typically strong Bad Daze party, as the corps of singer Rob Carolus, guitarist Kenny Murdick, bassist Paul Rainey and drummer Randy Wilson brought nonstop hard-hitting current and 80's rock. The group was firing up the Pelly's audience with Disturbed's "Sickness" as I arrived early during their second set, and the group kept the show moving with tunes from Saliva, Seether, Static X, Nickelback, Buckcherry, Bon Jovi, Poison, Metallica, Hinder, Tommy Tutone and more. Special guest Jinx took the stage to help with backing vocals during Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me;" and a couple of female birthday celebrants danced alongside the band onstage during Hinder's "Lips of an Angel."

Bad Daze continued the momentum into the third set, kicking off with Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name," and continuing with songs from Godsmack, Jimmy Eats World, Eminem, more Nickelback, Nirvana, and closing the set, Ozzy's "Crazy Train." When Pelly's demanded an encore, Bad Daze responded with a song that is becoming a favorite with the group's audiences; their rendition of an Overkill number, "Oldschool."

Bad Daze again delivered the goods, keeping the music powerful and nonstop, and never giving the audience any reason or opportunity to want to sit down. The group brought the rock, and the Pelly's audience enjoyed it. It took a while, but it appears that Bad Daze has established a solid foothold on Pellegrine's, with good-sized audiences for them the norm more often than not. A good show to slam the lid on the weekend!

Paul Rainey of Bad Daze, with guest Jinx helping with backing vocals.

Rob Carolus of Bad Daze.

Rob Carolus of Bad Daze, posing with a group of fans. Yes, that is Guv’nor Jesse standing behind him.

Rob Carolus and Paul Rainey of Bad Daze.

It’s an Old Skool pose of the night with Kenny Murdick, Rob Carolus and Paul Rainey of Bad Daze.

Randy Wilson of Bad Daze.

An increasingly more common sight; Bad Daze with a busy dance floor at Pelly’s.

Again, Paul Rainey of Bad Daze.

JP’S HAIKU

Michael "2-Fists" Hicks
Metal, 'core scenes remember
Tribute at Aldo's
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http://pamusician.net

[Jim Price]

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http://pamusician.net