Where do you think the music scene is headed in Altoona?

onegunguitar · Post by **onegunguitar** » Saturday May 09, 2009

XlifeNexus-hahaha,that post just made me laugh! That was classic.

Herman · Post by **Herman** » Saturday May 09, 2009

You know, this could really become a great site if people would act civil and give someone a benefit of a doubt. There is a very good chance that quite a few people are going to show up on this site that you don't know. This site depends on making or breaking the area.....anyway, that what I thought this site was for....to welcome people in the music area site of Altoona and beyond. In all aspects, in what happened to me, I never questioned any of you about WHO ARE YOU? etc.....and sometimes paybacks are a bitch, but who made it that way? I am working with one amazing band from Altoona and they have no doubts in me....they know I can get the job done. I can walk into any major or top indie labels door and bring in the goods....but they need to be great, not just good. I want to make the Altoona music area known for what's left of it. You all have alot to offer, but don't shot yourself in the foot by mouthing off just because you don't know someone....that will not help the area at all and only make matters worse than it all ready is. Guess that's it for now. Peace, Jim

felix'apprentice · Post by **felix'apprentice** » Saturday May 09, 2009

onegunguitar wrote:XlifeNexus-hahaha,that post just made me laugh! That was classic.

i couldnt agree more, i laughed and laughed. then read it again and laughed.

herman, good luck bro! if i came off as a jerk, i do apologize.

- kayla

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Herman wrote:You know, this could really become a great site if people would act civil and give someone a benefit of a doubt. There is a very good chance that quite a few people are going to show up on this site that you don't know. This site depends on making or breaking the area.....anyway, that what I thought this site was for....to welcome people in the music area site of Altoona and beyond. In all aspects, in what happened to me, I never questioned any of you about WHO ARE YOU? etc.....and sometimes paybacks are a bitch, but who made it that way? I am working with one amazing band from Altoona and they have no doubts in me....they know I can get the job done. I can walk into any major or top indie labels door and bring in the goods....but they need to be great, not just good. I want to make the Altoona music area known for what's left of it. You all have alot to offer, but don't shot yourself in the foot by mouthing off just because you don't know someone....that will not help the area at all and only make matters worse than it all ready is. Guess that's it for now. Peace, Jim

I can understand where you come from on this. It's just that Rockpage has been a breeding ground for trolls. You know, people that have a weird name, few posts, and just get on here to stir shit up. I'm usually pretty defensive about this site because it's been a part of the scene for so long. So, what band are you working for? It would be great to see a band from Altoona go somewhere.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Way back when this thread 1st started, I was going to respond with something like:

"The local music scene was last seen cruising down I99"

Instead, let me do a little H.G. Wells for you.

While I don't expect another great depression, I also no longer expect the economy to bounce back quickly as with other recessions. The 1-2-3 punch of the dot.bomb, 9/11 and the credit crunch have caused long term damage to our economy and it won't repair itself overnight. Add to that, $trillions$ of government debt/meddling and you have a clusterfoxtrot that will last for years before resembling "good times" again.

A Mad Max society? Nah, not that bad...maybe a little more like Jericho with a power grid.

What does this have to do with the music business? It has been said that there are a few recession-proof businesses and entertainment is one of them. That is true to a certain extent, but I don't think central PA can handle the sheer number of bands & DJs that have come about during the past decade or so.

Cheap equipment, crowd apathy for dexterity, and the popularity of simple vocal techniques like rap and vokills have created a band on every block.

To put it simply: Its shakeout time for the municipal rock star. The number of active musicians will return to more traditional, pre-Behringer levels.

As far as venues, we have the 1-2-3 punch of the economy, fear of DUI and the smoking ban. Don't forget the noise rule! There will be a shakeout there as well. By the same token, business closings of all types will make better venue locations available for the aspiring owner. I would expect that a few smart promoters might trade in their corner housebar for an empty restaurant or electronics store. If they do their homework as far as location, layout and business plan, we could see a return to the heyday of more, bigger, better venues like those of the mid 80s. Remember Cisco's? The Scorpion?

On to genre: As 80's pop (hair) metal begins to phase out over the next 2-3 years, I expect that we will have a return of popularity for grunge & alternative and to a lesser extent, classic rock styles.

In case you were wondering, I have never owned a pair of rose-colored glasses.

tornandfrayed · Post by **tornandfrayed** » Saturday May 09, 2009

well put Jeff! and very politically correct...

And come on who needs rose colored glasses when we have gels built it....

I am in agreement with you and I refuse to qualify my sarcasm any longer...

Wow, look at me 1066 posts in just 6 years!

JackANSI · Post by **JackANSI** » Saturday May 09, 2009

yeah what band? I'd like to get out and see them at a gig. Support 'the scene' at the basic level.

Don't stick to that 'shooting yourself in the foot' stuff. That lame shiot never helped a 'scene'. It also is bidirectional/circular, you might be pushing away some good musicians.

Just some helpful life advice

cucuplex96 · Post by **cucuplex96** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Victor Synn wrote:
RobTheDrummer wrote:I guess I'm just a hateful, mean, angry person that has nothing better to do than be an asshole. That is far from the truth, Jim. If there were a history of Rockpage, you would see why I reacted the way I did. I just wanted it straight up, and if that makes me a dick, then so be it.
Dude, seriously...Put your dick away and get out of the pissing contest. As someone else on here put so well, we've all been burned at one point. Christ, some crazy bitch that claimed to be our manager in the beginning told me she could get me the gig with Skid Row when they were out looking for a new singer. Imagine what that feels like to a 24 year old Skid Row fan and have that be just another line of horseshit from some crazy goof. Bottom line, everyone on here I'm sure has heard their fair share of promises. However, if this Jim guy is known to JP, who we all trust, then why are you snapping like you're everyone's white knight? Shouldn't it be individuals' choices in whether they believe what he's saying? Or are you on a mission to win over hearts and minds on this? If this man is connected like he says and others have said, I don't blame him for telling you to go screw. It's like telling your woman she's a bitch and expecting to get laid afterwards. Probably not going to happen in most cases. This is a major reason I rarely post on here anymore. Christ, if you aren't in the satus quo, you're an asshole or an idiot, or any other choice word you want to throw out there. I think there needs to be some major growing up happening on here in order for this place to be anything more than click-oriented sounding board. Who really gives a fuck what you play or if you cover material or make your own? You people ever think that maybe one of the reasons you're so godamn jaded is because you feel you deserve to be recognized for what you do? Guess what? We all do. It's why we do what we do. But letting your ego get the best of you, like this situation, is only going to earn you more enemies than friends. Trust me man. I've been there. Just let it drop. So you don't know if he's legit in your eyes. So what? Are you losing sleep? Did the world stop revolving? If you think he's shady, then don't deal with him. Simple as that. No need to continually go back to the well and keep the war going on. It just makes you look more foolish the more it goes on.

+1

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Saturday May 09, 2009

XlifeNexus wrote:
This thread received the "official bassplayer_25 seal of approval" (whatever the eff THAT means).

Whenever a thread becomes so asinine and epic, then one can say that "This thread delivers." That is, the thread is its own form of entertainment. It's kind of like watching a reality show play out in front of your eyes. Sometimes, a thread delivers so much that it needs an official seal of approval. It's kind of like winning a Peabody award...only for a thread on Rockpage.

It is the bassist_25 Seal of Approval, however.

Oh yeah, and +1 to everything Jeff said.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Saturday May 09, 2009

lonewolf wrote: A Mad Max society? Nah, not that bad...maybe a little more like Jericho with a power grid.

AND

Cheap equipment, crowd apathy for dexterity, and the popularity of simple vocal techniques like rap and vokills have created a band on every block.

To put it simply: Its shakeout time for the municipal rock star. The number of active musicians will return to more traditional, pre-Behringer levels.

.

Classic post, Jeff. "Pre-Behringer levels."

I had tears in my eyes, laughing. Man, some days you're just swinging for the fences.

For the record, I had nothing to do with any of this thread. I have neither pissed anyone off, nor kissed their ass. There's a first time for everything. You really do have to give Jim Alford one giant credit: Whether you agree with him or not, you sure as heck know who he is! --->JMS

Herman · Post by **Herman** » Saturday May 09, 2009

I'm amazed how a topic can bring out the best and worst in people, but what it really comes down to....we'll all is this together....like it or not...something to think about.....

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Saturday May 09, 2009

I had a discussion with a friend about signing local bands. In one way, when a good local band gets signed and goes away, isn't that in a way HURTING the local music scene. If you are a local yokel who likes to support local music, you have a loss if you liked that band. Can't just go out Sat. night and rock out with them. Just a perception.

I still think that more local bars and venues would help the local live music scene the most. There are now a few empty business buildings that I think would make a great location for a new "Cisco's" as Lonewolf posted.

The empty Riverside grocery store in Duncansville. Not many dwellings around to bother people.

The empty Value City building, lots and lots of parking, no body living near by to complain of noise.

The empty old Giant Eagle store building. Very large, could go with bar, club and even restaurant.

The empty Circuit City building. Again, at night, when Target is closed, a very large parking lot, and again no one to bother with loud noise.

There are probably more in just the Altoona area. What potential they could have. I could see them like a Jaxx type club in DC. That would be a huge boost to the local music scene, IMHO.

Big-H · Post by **Big-H** » Saturday May 09, 2009

mifflin county is alive and well .we have 6-8 places to have bands play right here in l-town.dont know why .but its alive and well!!!!

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Saturday May 09, 2009

undercoverjoe wrote:The empty Riverside grocery store in Duncansville. Not many dwellings around to bother people.

That would be a great location, but unfortunately, the building is in Duncansville borough and the borough is DRY!

Its parking lot along Rt 220 is in Allegheny township.

Post by **Jim Price** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Another possible venue location: the former Don Pablo's building near the Logan Valley Mall (I don't think anyone has taken over that structure yet).

PanzerFaust · Post by **PanzerFaust** » Saturday May 09, 2009

onegunguitar wrote:XlifeNexus-hahaha,that post just made me laugh! That was classic.

Yes... Very Funny....

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Edit: Not sure if I want to talk about that yet.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Jim Price wrote:Another possible venue location: the former Don Pablo's building near the Logan Valley Mall (I don't think anyone has taken over that structure yet).

That is a good buidling and location Jim. Maybe, we rockpagers form a collective, pool our money and buy one of these empty buildings. Turn it into a Crowbar, Cisco's or Jaxx type club. bring some bigger bands in for the weekends, rotate local bands to open for these headliners, and all at the same time, help revitalize the local economy.

During the week days, local bands play, jams, battle of the bands, open mikes, all age shows....whatever, and all of these would help out the live local music scene.

I think the old Giant Eagle building is a good spot, it has a full kitchen/deli and freezer area, if one wanted to have food sales with the bar. The Value city building is slightly more isolated, with a bigger parking lot and probably bigger inside. That one could even be portioned up into several smaller clubs.

MeYatch · Post by **MeYatch** » Saturday May 09, 2009

the problem with Don Pablos is that if you've never been there before, its almost impossible to figure out how to get there. Also its so close to that hotel, maybe even leased from the same property owners. I doubt they would want to affect their hotel business with a bar that specialized in live music.

Herman · Post by **Herman** » Saturday May 09, 2009

In all aspects, this is what I see coming....there are going to ba alot of underage clubs in the near future. I have friends in Bath, Pa that started an underage club and they are making big bucks...I believe they might even have 2/3 other underage clubs somewhere else. They get local bands/artists to play and every once in awhile throw in a 'name' band, to keep things going. I know everyone loves the bar scene, but it is far from what a year ago. The only big, major bar club that I know is Croc Rock in Allentown, Pa. [I get invited to alot of shows from Joe Clark, an old friend of mine via FB!] There's the Eagles Nest in Broad Top and Steele's in Hopewell and I know there are watching their step, too. Food for thought...

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Hi Jim, I have two questions. I checked out your MySpace. It's very interesting and I dig a lot of the music on it. You are asking your friends to come to Rockpage. Why is that?

Also, some people have spoken to your credibility. However, I know that you can't please everybody. Could you please speak to post #50, username Alan? I think that when it comes to business, one should look at both sides, and then make a cogent decision when all of the information is present:

http://books.dreambook.com/acousticafe/discuss.html

I don't want to seem like I'm on a witch hunt; that's why I editted my original post. I still just think that when an industry person comes around, everyone should be as educated as possible.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Saturday May 09, 2009

When Don Pablo's was built, that intersection was the most valuable real estate in Blair county, possibly central PA. It probably still is (excluding downtown SC). That's why they built an extravagant brick shell--if you are going to build, you may as well match the building to the location.

They still haven't finished the interior to suit a business to match the location/building. Don Pablo's was a great idea because they could leave the interior virtually a shell. A bar/band venue would be great too, except that, as MeYatch stated, access to that corner really sucks.

And then there's that little detail that the real estate taxes alone would shock most people. I haven't checked, but I wouldn't be surprised if that property was around $50,000 per year in RE tax.

The tax sale is coming up. If I see anything good for a venue, I'll post it (unless I can't resist it).

Last summer, the Tyrone Moose Club went for something like $18,000.

Herman · Post by **Herman** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Never Enough...Five Finger Punch....says it all....

mjb · Post by **mjb** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Herman wrote:You know being in the biz you can't please everyone....there is no sweet coating in being honest, straight forward and blunt....but, at a good level. Yes, I tell artists/bands, etc.....they suck if nothing there or if they want to sound like there rock stars....[ROCKSTAR the movie, over and over again hence Journey, etc....] There are 3 types of artists/bands and they are: bad, good and great....the bad need to start over from square one, the good have a chance of getting to great, the great need to go the next level, etc....you need to figure out where you're at, but at the same token be honest with yourself... do you believe your good or great, but you really suck and people are afraid to tell you that....I'm sure you got the picture.....by the way, some newcomers are on the way......please act civil, you never know who it could be......

why don't you just erase thais thread then ron?

Colton · Post by **Colton** » Saturday May 09, 2009

Thread Fixed! All better now!