Yes, ANOTHER two-parter…It was Roar in the Mountains weekend, with about a hundred bands and a thousand pictures. Okay, I exaggerated slightly…Still, too many pictures for just one post, or as Southern Culture on the Skids might say, “Too much pork for just one fork…” Enjoy!
VALENCIA/SING IT LOUD/CASH CASH/SINGLE FILE @ JAGGARD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, ALTOONA 9/15/08
I caught another of An Emergency Scene's all-ages concerts at Altoona's Jaggard United Methodist Church this Monday night. I missed the first two bands of the bill, Single File and Cash Cash, but arrived in time to witness part of Sing It Loud's set. A Minneapolis-based quintet signed to Epitaph Records, Sing It Loud kept a large crowd of young fans cheering and singing along as they performed hard-hitting punk/pop songs from their new CD Come Around. I arrived in time to see them perform “Bite Your Lip,” which turned into a crowd singalong; and the title song “Come Around,” which closed the set.
I had seen police cars, an ambulance and fire truck along 17th Street across from Sheetz as I was making my way around the block to get to Jaggard United Methodist Church, and I had hoped that none of the bands or young fans attending the show was involved in whatever accident had taken place. Unfortunately, we soon learned that indeed it did involve somebody from the show. One of the parents involved with the show made her way to the stage and addressed the young, mostly teenaged crowd, reporting that a 15-year-old boy named Steven had been struck by a car while walking back to the church from Sheetz. (Steven Weidlich had been in a coma, and at last word was showing progress from his injuries at a Pittsburgh hospital.) She then pleaded with the youngsters not to cross 17th Street to go to Sheetz during these concerts, as it is a dangerous thoroughfare (which is off limits to pedestrians).
Philadelphia-based Columbia Records recording artists Valencia then finished out the show with a strong set of driving, melody-geared rock of the Goo Goo Dolls vein. Singer Shane Henderson, guitarists Brendan Walter and J.D. Perry, bassist George Ciukurescu and drummer Max Soria mixed songs from their two CD’s, including their newly-released effort We All Need a Reason to Believe. They opened with “Where Did You Go?” off the new CD, and did songs from that album such as “Better Be Prepared,” “Holiday,” “The Good Life” and “All at Once;” they also did songs from their previous album, This Could Be a Possibility, such as “3,000 Miles,” “Will We Ever Know How” and for the encore, “Away We Go.” Supported with a nice light show, Valencia generated plentiful energy with their performance as they constantly worked all corners of the stage, and frequently had fans singing back their lyrics to them. Before set’s end, George launched himself off the stage for a crowd-surfing journey!
Shane Henderson of Valencia.
Valencia, rocking a packed crowd at Jaggard.
Valencia’s rhythm section, George Ciukurescu and Max Soria.
Max Soria of Valencia.
Again, Shane Henderson of Valencia.
Brendan Walter of Valencia.
Again, George Ciukurescu of Valencia.
A sea of young fans cheers on Valencia.
Bassist George prepares to body-surf.
The crowd-surf is on.
George of Valencia, enjoying the ride.
George surfs back to the stage.
One more time, Shane of Valencia.
After the show, as I was leaving the building, I heard acoustic music a short distance from the door and went to investigate. I ended up witnessing part of an impromptu acoustic performance by New Jersey’s Cash Cash, as they played outside the church to a circle of new fans, mostly female. These guys displayed some sharp vocal harmonies as they did what sounded like their title song, “Cash Cash,” and led a group of ladies on a singalong number, “The Party In Your Bedroom.” It was only two songs, but these guys sounded good – if they return to this neck of the woods, I’ll have to check it out and see what they sound like as a full electric band!
Entertaining fans outside after the show, members of Cash Cash.
Although the aforementioned car-pedestrian accident cast some shadow over the evening, what I saw of this show music-wise was still enjoyable. And as I’ve seen before at these Jaggard shows, a good-sized group of young music fans was enthusiastically supporting the bands, singing their lyrics back to them, and meeting band members and purchasing merchandise after each set. It was again a healthy and vibrant scene, as An Emergency Scene and Jaggard United Methodist Church again provided an opportunity for young fans to enjoy live bands.
BIG JIM & BAD DAZE ROB @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 9/15/08
With the Jaggard all-ages show over by 10 PM, I drove a few short blocks to Pellegrine’s for my weekly ritual of Monday night wings and more live music, this time courtesy of Big Jim & Bad Daze Rob.
Over the course of their three sets, Jim and Rob played a variety of hits and favorites, spanning the Beatles and CCR to 3 Doors Down, Nickelback, Blink 182 and more. The two honored audience requests where they could, and if they didn’t know the song, they took liberties with it anyway. Eric Wertz contributed some additional percussion during the performance as he banged on a plastic bucket. And during the third set, freshly stuffed on wings, yours truly was invited to assault audience eardrums with kazoo solos on the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” and CCR’s “Bad Moon Rising.”
Overall, it was a fun, happy-go-lucky vibe with fun tunes and funny moments along the way. Wing night was again a good time, ‘nuff said…
With Eric Wertz supplying additional percussion on plastic bucket, Big Jim & Bad Daze Rob.
Yours Truly, wailing kazoo with Big Jim & Bad Daze Rob.
Again, Yours Truly and Big Jim.
Again, Big Jim & Bad Daze Rob.
G211 @ THE BREWERY, STATE COLLEGE 9/16/08
I had yet to see the ‘new’ edition of Happy Valley rockers G211 after former members of the group split away to form Mia Mafia earlier in the summer. Guitarist/singer Dale Hart rejoined with two previous members of the band, bassist Chris Gallagher and drummer Tony Tamburini, to reform G211. I would finally get to see this edition of the group this night at The Brewery in State College.
Unfortunately, I was about the only one to see G211 this night, as the room was largely empty for much of the night. Either students were in their rooms studying, or the newly-imposed smoking ban had scared folks off.
Dale, Chris and Tony made the best of it, and the show went on. G211 played a rousing mixture of mostly classic rock favorites over the two sets I witnessed. Chris was belting out the Bon Scott voice on AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie” as I arrived, before Dale took over lead mic duties on Stone Temple Pilots’ “Sex Type Thing.” G211 then did one of their own songs (the title I didn’t catch), with Dale wailing some harmonica along the way. The group continued to rock the Brewery’s environs with tunes from ZZ Top, Buckcherry and the Greg Kihn Band, and started into Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” before a sudden technical problem ended the song early, and sent the group into a break.
After the group resolved the technical issue during intermission, they returned for their nightcap set. A few more folks had arrived by the start of this set, and G211 welcomed them with their version of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” The set continued with Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law,” Weezer’s “Hashpipe,” Stone Temple Pilots’ “Plush,” and Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” where Dale again played some harmonica. After the Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated,” G211 closed out the night with the Marilyn Manson take on “Sweet Dreams.”
In spite of the lack of crowd, G211 did a good job overall. They executed tightly as a unit, and Dale demonstrated impressive guitar solo fireworks early and often, putting his instrument through a freewheeling workout through the course of the night. Tony and Chris were a tight and tough rhythm section that provided the launching pad for Dale to do his thing.
Hopefully empty rooms like this are a rare anomaly for G211; they showed me this night that they are talented and exciting enough to keep folks happy and entertained when they do get a crowd.
Dale Hart of G211.
G211, rocking an empty Brewery.
Again, Dale Hart of G211.
Dale Hart, playing behind his head.
Again, Dale Hart.
More guitar fireworks with Dale Hart of G211.
Tony Tamburini of G211.
Again, G211.
Again, Tony Tamburini of G211.
Wailing some harp, Dale Hart.
Chris Gallagher of G211.
Again, Tony Tamburini.
Once again, G211.
One more time, Tony Tamburini.
7TH GEAR @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 9/17/08
The 4D’s Lounge has evolved into the Wednesday night hotspot in Altoona, with 7th Gear’s weekly Wednesday party drawing good-sized crowds every week. Enter the newly-imposed smoking ban, and since the 4D’s allows smoking upstairs, Altoona Smoker’s Nation descended upon the Dees this night!
It was a packed (and smoke-filled) room as I arrived towards the end of 7th Gear’s second set. Singer/guitarist Brendon Burns, bassist/singer Kelly Montgomery and drummer/singer Randy Servello were funking things out with Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” before finishing out the set with the Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Runnin’” and the Beatles’ “Twist and Shout.”
7th Gear’s final set launched with the three-way fusing of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69,” Outfield’s “Your Love” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.” After stirring up the dance floor activity with Buckcherry’s “Crazy Bitch,” 7th Gear broke out one of their own tunes, “I Got Nothing.” Following Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” Kelly sang lead on Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxey Lady,” before the group did another original, “Crazy Times.” The party continued with tunes from Steve Miller Band, Sublime, Violent Femmes, and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” to end the set. When the Dees’ party revelers demanded more, the group responded with an accelerated rendition of James’ “Laid.”
One again, 7th Gear sounded great. All three of these musicians were great on their instruments; Randy again demonstrated amazing skill behind the kit, from providing driving beats to busy fills, and making it all look effortless and easy! Kelly’s busy bass work kept pace with Randy, colorfully filling in the bottom end with fast, fat execution! And Brendon’s blend of good voice, sharp guitar work and nonstop energy again reaffirmed him as one of this music scene’s most exciting performers! Together, all three of these guys had this show in high ‘gear,’ and kept the packed Dees crowd and dance floor participants happy for the duration.
Based on this night, 7th Gear’s Wednesday night shindigs at the upstairs 4D’s show absolutely no signs of slowing down any time soon!
NOTHING SACRED @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 9/18/08
With school back in session at Penn State Altoona, Aldo’s has reconvened acoustic performers on Thursday nights. This night, I headed there to check in with Nothing Sacred.
Nothing Sacred has undergone a few changes since I last saw them. Bill Mort is now playing snare drum behind this acoustic project, while singer Cheeze now dons an acoustic guitar alongside Tom Noel on guitar and Tim Mort on acoustic bass.
I walked into Aldo’s just as Nothing Sacred was finishing their second set with their unplugged take on Rancid’s “Ruby Soho.” A good-sized contingent of folks was present and enjoying the night.
After a brief break, Nothing Sacred started into their nightcap set with the Man In Black’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” and proceeded to blend various acoustic takes on rock and punk numbers. I didn’t recognize the punk remakes they did, nor any possible original tunes they were doing. But I did recognize two familiar numbers, renditions of Social Distortion’s “Ball and Chain” and Prince’s “Purple Rain” to end the night.
As I’ve observed before, Nothing Sacred was kicking back and having fun this night. Their presentation was casual and a bit haphazard, as they made their setlist as they went along. They sounded good for the most part, having fun along the way and never taking things too seriously.
It was laid-back, acoustic fun…
With Cheeze (middle) now playing acoustic guitar and Bill Mort behind the snare drum, Nothing Sacred.
“HARDCORE HOEDOWN” @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 9/19/08
Motorcycle weekend in Altoona had arrived. The annual Roar In the Mountains motorcycle rally was taking place in and around Legion Park in Hollidaysburg; while the event’s former home, the Jaffa Shrine, was staging its own replacement event, Rumble Through the Alleghenies. Providing much more live musical activity, Roar clearly had my attention this weekend.
Unfortunately, workplace duties prevented me from checking out Roar’s Friday night kickoff party at Legion Field, which featured several area bands. But afterward, the “Hardcore Hoedown” after-party took place at 30 Something, featuring The Avantgarde, Dick Shack Posse and FedUP.
A good-sized crowd was already in place as I arrived prior to The Avantgarde’s opening set. As I’ve seen them do before, they launched the show with high-velocity, melody-geared punk rock, featuring original songs and a cover of a Face To Face number. Some of the tunes included “Nightmare,” “Mama’s Right,” and “Blue Collar Disco.” I again was impressed with The Avantgarde’s blend of melody and velocity; they were hard-hitting and forceful, but had song hooks that connected and hung in my head after their set was over. The crowd liked them, and The Avantgarde provided an appropriately agitated start to the evening.
Ben Riden of The Avantgarde.
Adam Smith of The Avantgarde.
Rob Gray of The Avantgarde.
John Brehm of The Avantgarde.
After a short intermission, Dick Shack Posse took the stage to celebrate old-school punk rock with a wild and bristling set. Singer Scoob Lanzendorfer, guitarists Jeff Reid and Brian Weibley, bassist Andrea Weibley and drummer Bob Brunner were as out of control as good punk ought to be, as they slammed forth tunage from the Ramones, Rancid, Circle Jerks, Agnostic Front and more. Some highlights included versions of Social Distortion’s “Mommy’s Little Monster,” Gang Green’s “Alcohol,” a song featuring Scoob and Andrea sharing lead voice duties, and the set-ending rendition of the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the U.K.”
Jeff Reid of Dick Shack Posse.
Again, Jeff Reid.
Andrea Weibley and Scoob Lanzendorfer of Dick Shack Posse.
Again, Scoob.
Brian and Andrea Weibley of Dick Shack Posse.
Dick Shack Posse lays down the punk during the Hardcore Hoedown.
And FedUP finished the night with their punk-infused brand of original heavy metal. Lead throat Brian Stotler, guitarists Scott Bush and Dave Charlton, bassist Roman Dell and drummer Matt Popp unleashed a torrent of heavy punk-meets-metal original assaults such as “My Will Is Strong,” “Ignorance and Apathy,” “Lay You Down to Die,” “Minion,” “Gang Violence” and more. FedUP rumbled the metal thunder like an out-of-control runaway 18-wheeler, with the guitars roaring, the rhythms hammering, and Brian barking his litany of socially-conscious lyrics. The crowd of music fans and bikers continued to cheer as the rampage progressed, slamming the lid on a successful night.
Scott Bush and Roman Dell of FedUP.
Matt Popp of FedUP.
Again, Scott and Roman of FedUP.
Dave Charlton of FedUP.
Again, Scott Bush.
Brian Stotler of FedUP.
Again, Matt Popp of FedUP.
Once again, Scott Bush.
Again, Dave Charlton of FedUP.
Matt Popp’s drum head says it all.
Q94’S “BACKYARD BBQ”/UNDERGROUND TV’S “BIKER BASH” @ ROAR IN THE MOUNTAINS, LEGION PARK, HOLLIDAYSBURG 9/20/08
As Roar In The Mountains continued the following day at Legion Field, music would be nonstop through most of the day; courtesy of two separate but successive concert events, the Q94-sponsored Backyard BBQ and Underground Television-sponsored Biker Bash.
I arrived in late morning, before the scheduled 12 noon start time of The Backyard BBQ. Shortly after noon, the music began with Hempfield High. Phil Wagner on guitar and vocals, Phil’s dad on guitar (and sound), Bill Nusom on bass and vocals, Dave Russell on drums and Adam D on lead vocals set the tone for the day with their mixture of rocking favorites from Sublime, Doors, Duran Duran, John Mellencamp, Romantics and more. Admittedly, I didn’t get to pay close attention to Hempfield High’s set as I was involved in conversation with a representative from New Jersey-based biker magazine Fast Lane Biker; but what I did hear from Hempfield High sounded good, and the earlybirds in front of the stage enjoyed their set. (Later in the day, I learned that these guys were changing their handle to Six In The Pink.)
Kicking off the Backyard BBQ, Adam D and Hempfield High.
Bill Nusom of Hempfield High.
Phil Wagner of Hempfield High.
Adam D with Hempfield High.
Canine fans were enjoying the day at Roar in the Mountains.
Next, shortly after the stroke of 1 PM, was a different highlight for a motorcycle rally, a biker wedding. The area in front of the stage was prepared, and wedding parties arrived for the nuptials, as former FedUP bassist Don Singer and Michelle Barnes Singer exchanged vows. More onlookers arrived as the ceremony took place, and a nice audience had gathered to cheer their congratulations as the two were pronounced husband and wife. Congratulations!
The confetti girls make their arrival at the biker wedding.
The ceremony begins.
The bride looks happy.
The ceremony continues.
The newlyweds embrace as the confetti flies.
The newlyweds share the official first kiss.
The next band, Square One, took the stage shortly after the wedding. I have seen Square One a number of times over the past several years; and while they have always been good, they were especially feeling it this afternoon! Singer/guitarist Don Osborn, bassist/singer Bill Smith and drummer Jeff Crownover brought their ‘A’ game for the entire set, as they rocked the classics with tunes from CCR, Edgar Winter Group, Cream, Grand Funk Railroad, Wilson Pickett, ZZ Top, Doobie Brothers and more. Square One sounded crisp and tight, and their performances were inspired throughout the set; picking up momentum as they went along. My favorite highlight was their rendition of Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music,” showcasing stunning bass and guitar solos from Bill and Don respectively, that brought resounding cheers from the gathering crowd. The group then brought their set home with the Bill-fronted rendition of Free’s “All Right Now.” Square One had raised the bar for the rest of the day’s acts to follow.
Square One.
Don Osborn of Square One.
Bill Smith of Square One.
Jeff Crownover of Square One.
Again, Square One.
Two fans take in Square One’s performance.
Bill Smith and Jeff Crownover of Square One.
Legion Park was abuzz…err…a-Roar…with a large crowd of motorcycle fans as Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band brought their own brand of excitement to the stage next. “Chris V” Vipond on acoustic guitar, social commentary and vocals, Mike Stanley on bass, Phil Wagner on electric guitar, Sam Thurau on drums and Mike Wertz on mandolin were ready to step their game up, as they played their funk-meets-folk-meets-alternative brand of original songs. As the group proceeded through such tunes as “Shine,” “Morning Souls,” “Freedom,” “Media Controls the World” and “False Flags,” Chris offered color commentary on various topics, indicting government conspiracies for everything from gulf hurricanes to sound problems earlier in the day. Ultimately, it was good, fresh-sounding music, and added a unique twist the music this day.
Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band.
Group ringleader Chris Vipond.
Mike Stanley and Mike Wertz of Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band.
Again, Chris V.
Again, Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band.
Sam Thurau of Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band.
Again, Mike Stanley.
Phil Wagner of Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band.
The last band of the Backyard BBQ, The Red Arrow, soon took the stage. Perhaps Chris V angered the government with his comments about the sound problems, and government agents secretly took out their frustrations on Dick Kos’ guitar, as Dick was plagued with ground hum problems early on. But such problems can’t keep a good man and band down, and Dick and The Red Arrow rose above the problems to entertain the crowd with their classic rock variety. Dick, singer Deb Bush, bassist Phil Kolarczyk and drummer Mike Crocetti did songs from Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and more. Highlights included the Phil-sung rendition of ZZ Top’s “La Grange” continuing into Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky,” and the group’s version of Ringo Starr’s “It Don’t Come Easy” seguing into Eric Clapton’s “Let It Rain.”
The Red Arrow.
Phil Kolarczyk of The Red Arrow.
Deb Bush of The Red Arrow.
Dick Kos of The Red Arrow.
Mike Crocetti of The Red Arrow.
Again, Dick Kos of The Red Arrow.
Wrapping up the Backyard BBQ half of the day, The Red Arrow.
One more time, Dick Kos.
At this point, the sun was shining, the temperature was in the low 70’s, and a multitude of bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts were enjoying the day and the festivities at Legion Park. It had become pretty clear by this point which of the two motorcycle events was enjoying the bigger success!
Mike Long, demonstrating chain saw carving art at Roar in the Mountains.
Again, Mike Long.
Some of Mike’s creations.
Some of the many bikes parked at Legion Park.
More bikes.
And more bikes.
The crowd steadily grew during Roar in the Mountains.
More crowd.
Some of the vendors at Roar in the Mountains.
The Backyard BBQ then yielded to the Biker Bash, which would continue on with five more bands. The first of those was Way Down East. This band was the perfect fit for Roar in the Mountains, as they unleashed their own loud and proud roar with a blazing set of heavy-hitting, Southern-flavored original rock songs. Opening with “Where Alfalfa Grows;” singer/guitarist Paul Wilson, guitarist Charles Harr, bassist Horse Gelvin and drummer Randy Wilson plundered and thundered with such tunes as “Modern Day Outlaw,” “Hillbilly Rock n Roll,” “My Home,” “Caught in the Crosshairs,” and a number of new heavy-hitting original songs as well. Way Down East stepped up the rowdiness factor for the afternoon, and the large crowd seemed to be digging it.
Way Down East, kicking off the Biker Bash.
Randy Wilson of Way Down East.
Horse Gelvin of Way Down East.
Paul Wilson of Way Down East.
Again, Way Down East.
Again, Paul Wilson of Way Down East.
Next was Lies, Inc., who sounded sharp on their set of hard-hitting rock. Singer J.D. Hicks was in good form as he fronted bassist Kent Tonkin, guitarist Jason “Dax” Berardi and drummer Ron Brode on the opening read of the Police’s “Message in a Bottle,” Buckcherry’s “Crazy Bitch,” Ozzy’s “Crazy Train,” Breaking Benjamin’s “So Cold” and Tool’s “Stinkfist.” Lies, Inc. also did several of their own tunes, such as “Vapor Lust,” “Don’t Blink,” “Hypnotic,” “Flawed” and “Plaster Apparent.” These guys were tight and together, and kept the energy level high as the Biker Bash progressed.
Lies, Inc. arrives onstage at the Biker Bash.
J.D. Hicks of Lies, Inc.
Kent Tonkin of Lies, Inc.
Jason “Dax” Berardi of Lies, Inc.
J.D. and Dax of Lies, Inc.
Ron Brode of Lies, Inc.
Once again, Lies, Inc.
During Lies, Inc.’s set, biker games were taking place in an open section of the Legion Park grounds. I went over to check these out; they were entertaining, including such events as the keg roll and the suspended weiner grab.
The biker games continue with the keg roll.
Taking the lead in the keg roll.
A contestant in the weiner contest.
The next band on the stage was young McConnellsburg foursome Blakkjak. These guys brought their own brand of hard-hitting thunder, as they rocked with original tunes and select covers from Black Label Society, Black Stone Cherry and more. Singer/guitarist Trent Sowers, lead guitarist Hunter Homistek, bassist Zack DeShong and drummer Logan Peck blended metallic crunch with melody and grit on original tunes like “Shining Star,” “Redneck,” the set-closer “Blitzkrieg Destruction” and more. I heard a number of observers who were blown away by their first look at Blakkjak; here’s hoping this young group keeps it together and continues to move forward!
Blakkjak rocks the Biker Bash.
Again, Blakkjak.
Trent Sowers of Blakkjak.
Logan Peck of Blakkjak.
Hunter Homistek of Blakkjak.
Once again, Blakkjak.
Again, Logan Peck of Blakkjak.
Zack DeShong of Blakkjak.
Again, Trent Sowers.
More of Blakkjak.
One more time, Blakkjak.
Night was arriving at the Legion Park grounds as State College fivesome The Clover took the stage. Armed with their favorite lager, Old German, and their newly-released debut CD, 13 Steps, The Clover ripped through a fiery set of Irish- and folk-flavored punk rock anthems, such as “Last Rock Soldiers,” “Let Em Go,” “Kiss Me I’m Irish Today,” “One Part Whiskey” and “Drink My Problems Away.” Guitarist Patrick Newby’s father, “Papa Newb,” chimed in on harmonica during one song, and The Clover also did renditions of “Whiskey in the Jar,” Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road,” and even a Keystone All Stars number. To the chagrin of the Roar organizers, two motorcyclists responded to the group’s tongue-in-cheek invitation to do burnouts in front of the stage by bringing their machines up to the stage to show how it’s done. Fortunately, the tire divots in the grass weren’t too severe.
The Clover kick off their set at the Biker Bash.
Greg Mudzinski and Patrick Newby of The Clover.
Again, The Clover.
Again, Mudzo of The Clover.
Matt Floravit of The Clover.
Once again, The Clover.
As the nighttime temperature cooled, the final band of the Bash, The Marauders, brought their roots rock-flavored sounds to the stage. Singer/guitarist Ben Dumm, stand-up bassist/singer Chris Lawson and drummer Abe Weber triggered grooving and cheers-a-plenty as they fired through their adrenaline-driven set, including such original song favorites as “She Put a Curse on Me,” “My Revolver,” “Oh My My,” “Late Night Livin,’” “Kill Pop Radio,” “New Tattoo,” “Rhythm Fix,” “Midnight Rhythm,” “Dead of Night,” “Alibi” and more. The group also threw in two cover selections; an Eddie Cochran number, and their popular roots rock-flavored treatment of the Misfits’ “Astrozombies.” This was a fiery performance start to end, and The Marauders had fun with the cheering crowd along the way. When the crowd demanded an encore at set’s end, the group responded with the Stray Cats’ “Rock This Town.” When the fans demanded a second encore, The Marauders finally relented and closed the Bash with “Roadkill.”
Chris Lawson of The Marauders.
Ben Dumm of The Marauders.
Again, Chris Lawson of The Marauders.
Abe Weber of The Marauders.
Again, Ben Dumm of The Marauders.
More of Ben Dumm of The Marauders.
Chris Lawson gets down with his bass.
Ben Dumm steps atop Chris Lawson’s bass.
This capped a successful day. Roar In The Mountains clearly proved it could not just survive, but thrive, after being ousted from its previous home from the year before. The bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts and fans showed that they knew where the real party was, resulting in a huge crowd from mid-afternoon on. At least from what I saw, Roar In The Mountains was a fun, well-behaved event, and here’s hoping that the Roar organizers can resume and grow this party again in 2009!
