LOW SPARK TRIO @ SOUTHERN ALLEGHENIES MUSEUM OF ART, ALTOONA 5/12/08
This week of live musical activity for me started with something a little bit different.
For a milder musical flavor, I headed to the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in downtown Altoona, where their “Blue Monday” event was taking place, and the Low Spark Trio was providing the sounds in the Shirley & Fred A. Pechter Gallery.
This trio, featuring Peter Wolf on guitar and harmonica, Charlie Leiden on keys and Charlie’s son, Chris Leiden (ex-Lampshades) on drums and percussion, became a quartet this night with the addition of Charlie’s other son, Sound Driven drummer Luke Leiden, switching off on drums and additional percussion. As visitors enjoyed complimentary food and browsed exhibits, these musicians did an assortment of instrumental jazz, pop and blues numbers. Early on, the musicians performed such selections as “Girl from Ipanema” and their adopted title song, Traffic’s “Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.” Charlie also performed some solo selections, including a tease for Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.”
Midway through, the Museum’s Altoona coordinator, Barbara J. Hollander, addressed the audience; talking about the museum’s new exhibit and upcoming programs, and thanking several dignitaries in attendance. I spoke with several of the musicians; Luke advised me that Sound Driven’s annual “farewell” shows were coming up in June (June 21 at the Belmar Hotel, and June 27 at the Hitching Post).
The Low Spark Trio resumed the music, continuing with instrumental renditions of numbers from the Beatles, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and more. Some of the more interesting selections included Lovin Spoonful’s “Daydream,” a jazz/swing-flavored spin on “House of the Rising Sun,” and Charlie’s solo performance of “Over the Rainbow.” At the close of the performance, Peter, Chris and Luke engaged in a lively percussion jam that provided some unexpected musical fireworks.
This turned out to be an interesting and entertaining early start to the evening that enabled me to check out “Blue Monday” and experience what the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art has to offer. And it was cool to see the Leiden family of musicians getting together to perform; this was my first time seeing Charlie in action, after meeting him numerous times while watching other shows. The Low Spark Trio performs from time to time, surfacing every so often at these “Blue Monday” events.
The next “Blue Monday,” featuring bluegrass and Americana music with Tom McCarty, happens June 9.
The Low Spark Trio, entertaining at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art.
Again, The Low Spark Trio.
Charlie Leiden of The Low Spark Trio.
More Low Spark Trio.
Chris Leiden of The Low Spark Trio.
Again, Charlie Leiden of The Low Spark Trio.
Once again, the Low Spark Trio.
A view from across the room of The Low Spark Trio.
SHARK BITE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 5/12/08
After returning from “Blue Monday” to log some additional work time at my broadcast employer, I headed to my justly Monday night reward, as wings and live music again converged at Pellegrine’s.
Shark Bite, the duo of Adam D on vocals and keys and “Big Jim” Ricotta on acoustic guitar and vocals, struck up the party once again to a nicely-populated Pelly’s bar audience. As I arrived and procured a table, the pair was performing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” and continued with numbers from George Thorogood, Buckcherry, Adam’s piano-ballad spin on Nirvana’s “Come As You Are, the Allman Brothers, Bryan Adams, Radiohead, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Neil Young and Styx.
The pair’s nightcap set kicked off in festive form with Jimmy Buffett’s ever-popular “Why Don’t We Get Drunk (and Screw),” followed by numbers by Poison, Violent Femmes, Puddle of Mudd, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’Roses and more. As the musicians and audience loosened up, several highlights occurred; including Big Jim joyfully proclaiming that everyone can kiss his donkey on Glenn Frey’s “Partytown,” the pair honoring requests for Frank Zappa and the Beatles, and special guest Jerrone Barnes spicing up the mood with his feisty vocal display on “Twistin’ the Night Away.”
The music was good. The wings were good. Thus, life was good.
Guest Jerrone Barnes helps liven things up during Shark Bite’s performance.
Big Jim of Shark Bite.
Once again, Shark Bite with guest Jerrone Barnes.
7TH GEAR @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 5/14/08
7th Gear lives again. A few months after going on the backburner following the advent of Shots McGee, 7th Gear returned to action this Wednesday night at the 4D’s upstairs’ Schnappes Shoppe. Actually, it wasn’t a far stretch to get 7th Gear up and running again. This edition of the group was Shots McGee minus Rhyne McCormick; with Randy Servello inheriting the 7th Gear drumming position from the drummer during the group’s previous stint, Eric Wertz. 7th Gear mainstays Brendon Burns and Kelly Montgomery again play guitar and bass respectively; both sing.
I arrived towards the end of 7th Gear’s second set to find a good-sized and happy crowd on hand. 7th Gear had it in high gear as they performed renditions of “No Woman No Cry” and Sublime’s “Santeria,” before Brendon introduced an original song he wrote and sang lead on, the fast rock’n’roller “Jealousy.” The group joked about the fast tempo of the song afterward, proclaiming they were now 8th Gear. Kelly then sang lead on the Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Runiin,’” before Randy sang from behind the kit on Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” to close the set.
This new edition of 7th Gear was sounding very good thus far. Brendon continues to emerge as a singer and performer, demonstrating a good voice, confidence and zip in his step as he proceeded through the songs. All three musicians were on target and executed crisply, and their vocal harmonies shined as well. The Dees crowd was clearly appreciating it, cheering and grooving along.
7th Gear went Phishing to open their nightcap set, kicking off with Phish’s “Down with Disease.” After Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” the group returned to the Phish catalog for their spin on Ween’s “Roses Are Free,” which drew some dancers onto the Dees’ stage front dance area. After versions of Sublime’s “Badfish” and Les Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” Randy again sang lead on a number, followed by Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones” and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” to end the evening.
This was a fun show, showing that Shots McGee minus Rhyne can easily shift it into 7th Gear and still bring the party to the Dees on a Wednesday night.
Bringing the party upstairs at the 4D’s, 7th Gear.
Brendon Burns of 7th Gear.
Randy Servello of 7th Gear.
Brendon Burns of 7th Gear goes airborne!
WITHOUT ZERB @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 5/15/08
After seeing Without Zerb perform electric just a few weeks before, now I had the opportunity to witness their acoustic this night at Aldo's. This was also my first opportunity to see this band with their new addition, “Deathmaster” Jamie Smith on rhythm (acoustic) guitar.
Jamie, singer/group namesake Brian "Zerb" Zerbee, guitarist P.J. Kelly, bassist Chuck and drummer Mike McGough again played an eclectic, fast-firing mix spanning classic and current favorites, obscure alternative, rocked-up pop favorites and original songs. Their set list this night included tunes from Jimmy Eats World, Romantics, Rancid, Bryan Adams, Stray Cats, Social Distortion, Metallica and more. Several interesting highlights along the path of this marathon set included an original song called “Memory,” the interesting coupling of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” with the Judas Priest double-shot of “Living After Midnight” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin,’” the Supersuckers’ “Pretty F**ked Up,” the driving rendition of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” into Waylon’s “Good Ol’ Boys,” and the night-ending rendition of Metallica’s “Fade to Black.” And during Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose,” the “Deathmaster’s” better half, Esa “the Weetmaster,” started into one of her hysterical laughter spells.
Just as they do in the electric setting, Without Zerb executed with a lot of enthusiasm and momentum, tying their diverse repertoire of sounds into a steady, consistent sound. This night sitting down and strumming on acoustics, Without Zerb locked into a rhythm and kept the music constant, while keeping it loose and having a good time along the way.
After the show, a little unexpected musical entertainment happened at Aldo’s main bar courtesy of the always zany Underground TV Street Team, as Rachel and Milyssa offered their unique spin on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” along with the version playing on the jukebox. Cheap thrills for all…
It was a good display, and with “The Deathmaster” now in the fold, Without Zerb appears to have taken another step forward. Electrically and acoustically, this is a band on the rise on the local circuit.
Sitting down and playing acoustics this night, Without Zerb.
With new addition “The Deathmaster” on guitar, Without Zerb.
P.J. Kelly and Zerb of Without Zerb.
The Underground TV Street Team contingent provides post-game entertainment.
DWANE EDMISTON @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 5/16/08
When I headed to Pellegrine’s to grab some supper this Friday night, I wasn’t expecting music. But as I made my way into the dining area and procured a table, I noticed Dwane Edmiston setting up speakers, getting ready to perform. A little later on, Harry Jr. informed me that Pelly’s was going to start running some live acoustic entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as some comedy on Saturdays. Cool!
So as I ordered up and enjoyed my baked haddock dinner, I looked on as Dwane performed a wide acoustic selection of songs spanning the 60’s through 90’s, including Dave Mason/Joe Cocker’s “Feelin’ Alright,” Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Blue on Black,” Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker,” Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil,” Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge,” Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” Pearl Jam’s “Black,” the Stones’ “Paint It Black,” the Eagles’ “Take It Easy” and many more.
Although there were just a few diners besides me in the room early on to watch, Dwane sounded in good form. His voice handled all the material well, and his work on the guitar strings was detailed and clean.
A few more folks began to arrive as I finished up my meal and departed Pelly’s. Hopefully they would enjoy Dwane’s dinner music as much as I did.
WAY DOWN EAST/LIMB BY LIMB/ONE WAY STREET @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 5/16/08
After departing Pellegrine’s, I headed to Aldo’s to check out a hard-rocking triple-bill. The Underground Television’s cameras were in the house to videotape the third band on the bill, Way Down East, on their song “Jager Shots for Par.”
I arrived too late to see Greensburg foursome One Way Street, who opened the night; but did arrive in time to see Orbisonia quintet Limb By Limb as they delivered bonecrushingly heavy brute-force metal originals. Featuring lead growler Mike, drummer Paul, guitarists Bryan and Kody, and a bass player (his name wasn’t listed on their Myspace); Limb By Limb performed such interestingly-titled assaults as “Vengeance Lies in a 6-Foot Hole,” “Water in Your Lungs,” “The Bitch Had it Coming,” “Left Handed Suicide” and more. Their rhythms thundered, their guitars crushed with swarming buzzsaw riffage, and Mike’s monstrous roar was intense. To put it into Orbisonian terms, Limb By Limb delivered their metal with the force of an East Broad Top Railroad steam engine boiler explosion; their brand of metal spewing more iron shards than two EBT steam engines colliding. Yeah, I think that sums it up…
Bringing the brutality from East Broadtop Railroad country, Limb By Limb.
Again, Limb By Limb.
Stacy from The Underground Television, practicing the mantra “When in Juniata, do as the Juniatans do.”
A mid-sized crowd was in attendance at Aldo’s to take in the fun and music, and the Underground Street Team was making their rounds with the audience during intermission, with audience members getting “lei-d” by the Team’ers.
McConnellsburg powerhouse Way Down East soon took the stage to thunder Aldo’s with their pounding and heavy brand of redneck-flavored rock. Singer/guitarist Paul Wilson, guitarist Charles Harr, bassist Horse Gelvin and drummer Randy Wilson performed material from both their Modern Day Outlaws and Summon the Sea Hag CD’s, including the title songs from both, plus “My Home,” “ZZ Deathbed,” “Hillbilly Rock and Roll,” the Motorhead-like “Caught in the Crosshairs,” “Freezer King” and more. Way Down East laid down a roaring wall of sound, and Paul topped it with a full-bodied bellow that was intense and yet tuneful. The set concluded with “Jager Shots for Par,” with the Underground Television cameras up front and rolling to capture the live footage. Fans cheered, hooted and hollered along, including several wearing and modeling the new line of Way Down East T-shirts, including one with Paul’s mug on it, as well as a “Where Alfalfa Grows” T-shirt!
Both of the bands I witnessed did well, resulting in a fun, hard-rocking good time. Again, hats off to Aldo’s and The Underground Television for their respective roles in staging and promoting this area’s original rock scene!
Those modern day outlaws, Way Down East, bringing the thunder at Aldo’s.
Again, Way Down East.
Charles Harr of Way Down East.
Paul Wilson of Way Down East.
Horse Gelvin of Way Down East.
Randy Wilson of Way Down East.
Charles Harr and Paul Wilson of Way Down East.
With a crowd of fans looking on, Way Down East.
The Underground TV Street Team contingent, again getting frisky in the night’s waning moments…
Yours truly gets pulled into the festivities.
BLAIR COUNTY ARTS FESTIVAL @ PENN STATE ALTOONA 5/17/08
Another spring tradition had arrived this weekend with the annual Blair County Arts Festival, happening at Penn State Altoona. This year, I lucked out by not having any radio station remote broadcasts to do, so I was free to catch a good part of this year’s musical activity at the Festival.
And as the Arts Festival itself is a spring tradition, lousy weather is usually part of Arts Festival tradition any more. Go figure, the weather at last year’s Festival was great, so you knew this year’s weather was going to suck! And for the most part, it did. Both days featured an odd blend of sun, clouds, win and rain. And usually, the latter two happened together, making it rough for musicians trying to perform, even under tents and pavilions.
And likely a result of rising food and gasoline costs, the food prices at this year’s Festival had gone up. I’ve always looked forward to enjoying food at this event, but with most food items checking in at $5 and above (including hamburgers, fries, sausage and steak sandwiches and more), I spent less time in the food court this year than in years past.
The first performer I came across at this year’s Festival was a familiar face, perennial Arts Festival favorite Jerry Haines, who was performing on the Misciagna Family Arts Center portico. Armed with his acoustic guitar and harmonica, Jerry performed a set of acoustic folk classics, along with a few songs from his new CD, On My Mind. I always look forward to seeing Jerry at this event, and again this year, he did not disappoint, as he performed songs from Hot Tuna, Arlo Guthrie, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, John Prine and more.
Again bringing his acoustic folk sounds to Penn State Altoona, Jerry Haines.
I soon made my way back towards the Food Court area; not for food, but to check out the latter portion of Bedlam’s performance. Singer/bassist Denny Frank, guitarist/singer John McKelvey and drummer Duane Young performed classic and blues-rocking favorites. During the part of the set I witnessed, the group did solid work on numbers from Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and their rendition of Jimmy Thackery’s “Cool Guitar.”
Bedlam, entertaining at the Blair County Arts Festival.
John McKelvey of Bedlam.
Duane Young and Denny Frank of Bedlam.
Skies looked threatening, and although it was spitting a raindrop or two, the wind presented more of a problem than the rain at this point. Setlists had to be held in place while Bedlam was performing, and after a brief shower went through the area towards set’s end, a rainbow appeared in the sky. Yes, it was one of those crazy spring weather weekends.
A Rainbow rising over the Blair County Arts Festival food court.
Frank “zappa,” posing in front of the rainbow.
I next headed back to the Misciagna Family Arts Center portico to get my first look at Port Matilda singer, songwriter and guitarist Ed McDade. Singing and playing an electric guitar, Ed performed a variety of pop, blues and folk numbers. During the portion of the set I watched, Ed did such numbers as Merle Travis’ “Sixteen Tons,” the Beatles’ “Rocky Raccoon” (where he used some pedal effects on his guitar), the Beach Boys’ “Sloop John B,” the traditional “Fishin’ Blues,” Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and more. Ed had a relaxed, good-natured presentation, as he displayed a smooth voice and playfully bantered with passers-by and applauding fans along the way.
His page on Rockpage gets visited a lot…Ed McDade.
I then arrived back in the food court area, where I discovered affordable food in the form of dollar hot dogs and two-dollar hamburgers from the smoothie vendor. I enjoyed these edibles while taking in the Dixieland sounds of the Summit City Saints. This Centre County-based ensemble celebrated the sounds of New Orleans as they performed such numbers as “Way Down in New Orleans,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” a version of “Dixie” that incorporated a stanza of “Swanee River,” “Washington & Lee Swing” and more.
The Summit City Saints.
Night was starting to arrive, and so was some more rain, as Your Dad’s Friends began their performance at the nearby Performance Pavilion. The rain turned out working in the group’s favor; when the rain sent people retreating underneath the pavilion near the start of Your Dad's Friends' set; the group turned it into a vintage rock'n'roll dance party. Singers/guitarists Dave Misera and Rick Herbster, bassist/singer Don Bedell, keyboardist/singer Roger Croft and drummer/singer Brett Fanelli soon triggered dance action with such rock'n'roll gems as The Outsiders’ “Time Won’t Let Me” into The Knickerbockers’ “Lies,” Music Explosion’s “Little Bit O’Soul,” the Monkees’ “Last Train to Clarksville,” Sam Cooke’s “Cupid,” the Rascals’ “Good Lovin’” and more. As the group did a medley of 60’s hits, a contingent from Altoona Community Theatre stepped forward and filled up the dance area in front of the stage, and the party was on! Additional highlights from their set included Roger singing Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” the singalong versions of “Mony Mony” and “Sweet Caroline,” and when the crowd demanded an encore, Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride” to close the performance. This was probably the strongest set I’ve witnessed from Your Dad’s Friends so far; their voices and instruments were on target, and their vibe was constantly upbeat and friendly as both band and crowd fed off each other’s energy to send this set above and beyond. It was a vintage rock’n’roll good time to close the first day of the Blair County Arts Festival.
Your Dad’s Friends whips up a rock’n’roll dance party.
Fans clap along with Your Dad’s Friends.
Your Dad’s Friends’ party continues.
Again, Your Dad’s Friends.
Dave Misera of Your Dad’s Friends.
Don Bedell of Your Dad’s Friends.
Roger Croft of Your Dad’s Friends.
LIVE WIRE @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 5/17/08
After resting up after the Blair County Arts Festival, my Saturday night live music destination was nearby 30 Something, where I would catch my first look at Johnstown trio Live Wire.
I arrived shortly into Live Wire’s first set. Although a relatively new name on area stages, this group features some seasoned vets of regional stages, as Eddie Bubner sings and plays drums, John Bunting plays guitar, and Matt Landis plays bass and sings. During their first set, Live Wire entertained a light crowd with numbers from Poison, Alice in Chains, Nickelback, AC/DC, Georgia Satellites, John Mellencamp, Buckcherry and more. Live Wire is one of only a few bands where the drummer handles most of the lead singing duties; Eddie served up some hearty and boisterous voice from behind the kit. Matt sang lead once during this set, on Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times.” While there weren’t many people in the house, at least a few of those who were got up and hit the dance floor when Live Wire fired off John Mellencamp’s “Authority Song.”
Live Wire mixed it up in their second set as well, doing songs from Tommy Tutone, Black Sabbath, Tool, AC/DC, The Clash, Deep Purple, Alice In Chains, Kid Rock, Kiss and more. For just three members, this group provided a fuller-sounding presentation more consistent with bigger groups; and delivered their song material with ample punch and vigor. It was too bad there weren’t more people in the house to experience them.
With only a handful of people remaining by the start of Live Wire’s third set, the group did a short five-song set before calling it a night. This set opened with Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak,” and continued with Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” Ugly Kid Joe’s “Everything About You,” Judas Priest’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” and Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever.”
Lack of crowd notwithstanding, I thought Live Wire represented well this night, and demonstrated that they are a powerful trio that should be able to generate the party wherever there is a crowd.
Live Wire tries to fire up the party at 30 Something.
Again, Live Wire.
Eddie Bubner of Live Wire.
Once again, Live Wire.
John Bunting of Live Wire.
Matt Landis of Live Wire.
Again, Eddie Bubner of Live Wire.
Yet again, Live Wire.
Again, Matt Landis of Live Wire.
Again, John Bunting of Live Wire.
BLAIR COUNTY ARTS FESTIVAL @ PENN STATE ALTOONA 5/18/08
I headed back to Penn State Altoona to take in more of this year’s Blair County Arts Festival. Although the sun was showing through a little more this day, scattered showers and winds again played havoc with attendance and performances.
I arrived midway through the performance by the Randy Jackson Jazz Band, entertaining in the Performance Pavilion. Randy on guitar and bass, Bob Scholl on saxophone, Dave Villani on keys and Lee Appleman on drums displayed exceptional musicianship on their selection of jazz numbers from such names as Doc Severinsen, Miles Davis, David Sanborn and more. All four musicians blended their skills well, and also showed stellar solo skills on their respective instruments. The Randy Jackson Jazz Band was a joy to watch; I wished I could have arrived earlier to see more of their set!
Here is footage from the Randy Jackson Jazz Band’s performance:
http://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV01035.MPG
The Randy Jackson Jazz Band.
Bob Scholl of the Randy Jackson Jazz Band.
Bob Scholl and Randy “Jackson” Rutherford of the Randy Jackson Jazz Band.
Lee Appleman of the Randy Jackson Jazz Band.
Namesake Randy “Jackson” Rutherford of the Randy Jackson Jazz Band.
Again, Bob Scholl of the Randy Jackson Jazz Band.
Next, I took in another performance by Jerry Haines at the food court as I did a steak sandwich. Jerry again sounded good on his selection of acoustic folk numbers.
I then headed to the Misciagna Family Arts Center to check out the juried art exhibit, lucking out as the skies opened up and poured rain while I was inside. I came out the door to discover Jerry Haines once again, now playing at the portico at the Arts Center.
It was a freak show outside the Misciagna Family Arts Center as Jerry Haines performed. I thought the lady in pink might have been Mary Huff of Southern Culture on the Skids, but she was a little too tall…
And folks were going ape crowding around this entertainer and his monkey.
I returned to the Food Court to see the one folk performer I hadn’t seen so far this weekend, another Arts Festival favorite, Jay Smar. I arrived late in his performance and only got to catch two selections from him, as he strummed an acoustic rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” and an original composition.
Another perennial favorite at the Blair County Arts Festival, Jay Smar.
After shooting the breeze with Chris V. of the Stanley Cajon Band fame, I headed to the Performance Pavilion one final time, as Dave and Paula concluded this year's Festival with their variety of past and present light rock and pop hits. It had been quite a while since I had witnessed the pairing of Dave Villani on keys and vocals and Paula Glunt on voice. Paula showed that she still has the pipes, as she belted out some fine voice on such selections as Kiki Dee’s “I’ve Got the Music In Me,” Bonnie Raitt’s “Love Me Like a Man,” an Alicia Keys hit and more. She and Dave blended their voices nicely on Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and Dave sounded good in his solo performance of MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine.” Dave & Paula offered a pleasant performance; it was too bad that the Festival crowd had thinned out by this point, and not too many folks remained to enjoy their set.
Closing out the Blair County Arts Festival, Dave & Paula.
Paula Glunt of Dave & Paula.
Dave Villani of Dave & Paula.
Once again, Dave Villani.
Overall, I don’t think the Blair County Arts Festival was strongly attended this year, at least not as well as last year’s Festival. The weather probably was the main culprit, although gas and food prices probably curtailed a few people from attending as well. What I witnessed musically was good. Overall, though, this year’s Festival probably won’t go into the books as one of the most memorable ones.
HOUSE ATLANTIC @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 5/18/08
Pellegrine’s was again my destination to finish off another weekend, and this night would provide me with my first look at new local rockers House Atlantic.
House Atlantic features former members of various local punk and rock projects. Singer/guitarist Jarrod Spinnazola, guitarist Barry Wicks, bassist/singer Pat Lang on bass and drummer Eric Wertz performed an invigorating mixture of sounds, spanning punk rock numbers to punk-infused takes on 80's and 90's hits. As I entered Pelly’s towards the end of their second set, the group was entertaining a mid-sized audience with tunes from the Foo Fighters and Fallout Boy to close out the set.
The group’s nightcap set gave me a fuller representation of what they were about. Pat and Jarrod both sang lead along the way, and both did solid jobs on voice. The group did a few familiar favorites such as Green Day’s “Brain Stew,” Blink 182’s “All the Small Things,” Gin Blossoms’ “Hey Jealousy,” Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right (to Party)” and others; but also broke out some interesting classics not often performed on area stages. Among those were punked-up adaptations of the Police’s “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” Eddie Money’s “Take Me Home Tonight,” Corey Hart’s “Sunglasses at Night,” Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and more.
House Atlantic’s execution was tight and together for just their second show, and their lively presentation kept Pellegrine's dance floor busy through much of the night. They seemed to hit it off with the Pelly’s audience right off the bat, and their first full night at this venue was a good one. Based on the success of this show, House Atlantic appears to be a band on the rise on Altoona and regional stages; keep an eye out for them.
Playing their first full show at Pellegrine’s, House Atlantic.
Pat Lang of House Atlantic.
Barry Wicks of House Atlantic.
Keeping the dance floor folks happy, House Atlantic.
Jarrod Spinnazola of House Atlantic.
Eric Wertz of House Atlantic.
Again, Jarrod Spinnazola of House Atlantic.
Again, Pat Lang of House Atlantic.
Again, House Atlantic and the stagefront crowd.
JP’s HAIKU
Blair County Arts Fest
Winds, rain hamper attendance
The show must go on
