ADAM D @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 6/2/08
For a while, it wasn’t a certainty that we would get to see Adam D perform during this installment of Monday Wing Night at Pellegrine’s. It was Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Championship series between the Red Wings and Penguins, and as the game stretched into its third overtime period, it was starting to appear as though Adam had set up his keyboard and sound system for naught. But Petr Sykora’s winning goal for the Penguins just shy of 1 AM meant that Adam did have at least some time to provide post-game entertainment for the happy Pens fans and wing-eaters in the house.
Adam started out his lone set this night in a milder, “acoustic” vein, replicating acoustic guitar effects on his keyboards on Foo Fighters’ “My Hero,” Live’s “Lightning Crashes” and Stone Temple Pilots’ “Plush.” After warming the Pelly’s crowd up, he stepped up the tempo with Alice In Chains’ “Man in the Box,” and continued with numbers from Bon Jovi, Steve Miller Band, the Hooters, Guns N’Roses, Pink Floyd, and the Aerosmith double-shot of “Train Kept a-Rollin’” and “Seasons of Wither.” After sending Buckcherry’s “Crazy Bitch” out to Natalie behind the bar, Adam broke out ELO’s “Telephone Line,” before finishing the night with Fuel’s “Hemorrhage.”
Although it didn’t fuel the same type of uproarious cheers that Petr Sykora’s overtime goal did, Adam D’s set was pleasantly received by the Pelly’s audience, and provided a good finale on what was a good evening for Pittsburgh hockey and Pelly’s wing-eating fans.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 6/5/08
After logging a late evening at the workplace, I decided to finish out the night with some Hurricaning during the ‘Canes’ weekly Thursday nighter at 30 Something.
Things had been slow for the Hurricanes the last two times I caught them at 30 Something; but this night was improved, with a few more folks in the house. I learned that this weekly show was now no cover, so a few more folks were taking advantage.
The Hurricanes’ nightcap set kicked off with the Jeff Clapper-sung “La La Land,” with Jeff inviting two lady ‘Caniacs up to the stage to help him sing the choruses. The Hurricanes continued with ZZ Top’s “Waitin’ for the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago,” and two more Jeff-fronted original songs, “Cut That Line” and “Black Widow.” The Hurricanes then welcomed special guest Joe George up to the stage to play bass on several songs, starting with Steppenwolf’s ever-classic “Born to Be Wild.” A guest singer named Lance joined Joe, Felix and Bob to belt out the voice on the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues.” Felix, Bob and Joe continued with renditions of Los Lonely Boys’ “Heaven,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire,” Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally” and Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever;” before Jeff returned to play bass on the final song of the night, the soulful ‘Canes original “Walking a Straight Line.”
The Hurricanes and their guests sounded good as expected, and the increased number of folks in the house resulted in some dance floor activity during this set as well. Hopefully more people will continue to take advantage of this now free Thursday night show at 30 Something.
With guests Joe George and Lance, Felix & the Hurricanes.
Lance and Joe George.
Hurricanes Felix and Bob.
RIBBON GRASS (ACOUSTIC) @ BOULEVARD GRILL, JOHNSTOWN 6/6/08
With gasoline dropping in price to $3.89 a gallon (albeit very briefly, as the news reported that the price on barrels of oil shot up by $10.75 earlier in the day), I “celebrated” by doing the roadtrip over the mountain to Johnstown to catch my first look at the acoustic model of Ribbon Grass, entertaining at the Boulevard Grill.
The Boulevard Grill was bustling as I first arrived near the end of Ribbon Grass’ first set and procured a seat at the corner of the main bar near the stage. The acoustic version of Ribbon Grass features Grass first couple, multi-instrumentalist/singer David Single and wife Terri on vocals and tambourine; along with former Jimmy Sweatpants/Petey Gets Around frontlady Ruschelle Dillon on vocals, guitar and lead egg, and in his first band situation, Mike Tomasko on guitar and bass. As I first arrived, the group minus Terri was performing Dave Matthews’ “Crash Into Me” with David singing lead. Dave and Terri then dueted on a number, before the full band finished out the set with the Ruschelle-sung version of Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel,” and the Proclaimers’ “(I’m Gonna be) 500 Miles.”
One thing that struck me about Ribbon Grass acoustic right off the bat was their vocal harmonies, especially between Terri and Ruschelle. Those harmonies would be in abundance during the group’s second set, which kicked off with the David-fronted version of the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Name,” featuring Dave and Mike without the ladies. The ladies then joined in for a full band rendition of Sophie B. Hawkins’ “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover.” Then David and Terri shared the spotlight on their Tori Amos spin on Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” very accurately and eloquently capturing the mood and feel of Tori’s version. David and the two ladies then did Pure Prairie League’s “Amie,” followed by the Springsteen/Pointer Sisters/Elmer Fudd-popularized “Fire.” After the full group did another number, the trio of Dave, Ruschelle and Mike performed Live’s “Lightning Crashes,” followed by the Ruschelle-sung version of Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.” Two more songs by the full group finished out the set.
I had noted the arrival of the Midnight Graffiti contingent of Natalie and John Kurchak during Ribbon Grass’ second set, and these two joined Dave to kick off the third set with a version of Janis’ “Me and Bobby McGee.” Dave and Ruschelle then shared the spotlight on Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” with Dave tinkling the ivories and singing, and Ruschelle playing the harmonica! Ruschelle then fronted the full group on another number, and dueted with Terri on the full group rendition of Prince’s “When Doves Cry.” The full group continued with Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” followed by a Dixie Chicks number, and the full group rendition of 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up” to close the evening.
Ribbon Grass acoustic delivered the goods! This group takes on a whole different style and personality from Ribbon Grass’ electric model, and keeps it fresh by mixing up their arrangements along the way. Also keeping things fresh were the diverse instrumental talents of this group, especially David as he played keys, guitar and bass along the way, as well as sang. And as mentioned before, this group’s vocals and vocal harmonies shined throughout; Terri’s bright and rangeful voice blended with Ruschelle’s soulful and sultry tones to create some excellent harmonies, and a clear treat to the ears! I also enjoyed the variety of song material, as well as the group’s unique variations on the material they performed.
The Boulevard Grill crowd seemed to enjoy the show and cheered and applauded along the way. More folks arrived as the night progressed, and in the latter stages of the show, I had to peer around people to see the band even though I was just seated a few feet away.
Bottom line, Ribbon Grass acoustic offers a different musical flavor than Ribbon Grass electric, but one that is still very enjoyable and well worth checking out.
Here is some rough video from Ribbon Grass’ acoustic performance:
http://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV01203.MPG
Ribbon Grass acoustic entertains at the Boulevard Grill.
Again, Ribbon Grass acoustic.
More Ribbon Grass acoustic.
David Single on the keys.
Terri Single of Ribbon Grass acoustic.
THE SCREAMIN’ DAISYS @ YESTERDAY’S PARTY, EBENSBURG 6/7/08
I had heard several impressive eyewitness accounts about Harrisburg/Lancaster area party band juggernaut The Screamin’ Daisys, but had never had a good opportunity to check them out. That opportunity finally arrived this night, as I did the roadtrip up the hill to Yesterday’s Party to find out what this band was about.
I arrived towards the end of the Screamin’ Daisys’ first set, and the party was just starting to heat up. Some dancers were on the Y-P dance floor as the Daisys – singers Melissa “Missy” Hernandez and Unique Lee Nyce, guitarist Greg Deshong, bassist Bill Fry and drummer Jim Rhoads – were rocking out on U2’s “Vertigo.” After another song, the group finished out the set with Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock’n’Roll” and Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Night.”
During the intermission, as I looked around the Y-P complex, I noted at least two bachelorette party entourages (I would later learn that there were 3 in the house this night), and women outnumbered men in this audience by at least a five-to-one margin. I had the feeling this party was going to get a whole lot wilder before all was said and done.
And it soon did. Screamin’ Daisys soon returned to the stage to commence their second set, lifting off with Buckcherry’s “Crazy Bitch,” with Missy and Unique displaying soulful vocal harmonies on the choruses, and Greg firing off a clean and fiery guitar solo. When the group got to Gwen Stefani’s “Ain’t No Hollaback Girl” early in the set, Unique and Missy beckoned one of the bachelorette parties to come up to the front of the stage, before joining the party on the dance floor and leading them in a singalong of the lyrics. The bachelorette and her entourage were all smiling ear-to-ear and having a blast; obviously the Daisys made their night a little more special! From this point onward, the dance floor stayed busy as the Screamin’ Daisys kept the party fired up with favorites from Prince, Bon Jovi, Guns N’Roses, Violent Femmes, 4 Non Blondes, Puddle Of Mudd and more.
I could easily understand why the Screamin’ Daisys’ party is highly-regarded after witnessing this show so far. This group was delivering a vibrant, high-energy party with lots of movement, two frontladies with demonstrated soulful, expressive voices, enthusiasm, energy and constant movement. Their support cast of Greg, Bill and Jim provided the instrumental punch behind them with tight, full-sounding rhythms. And owning one of Jim’s original project CD’s and talking with him via email a few times, this was my first opportunity to meet Jim Rhoads in person – cool guy!
When the Daisys returned to the stage for their third and final set, the dance floor instantly filled up with a mixture of bachelorette party contingents and other new fans. The group gave the dancers very little reason to want to sit down, as they mixed up favorites from Cheap Trick, Twisted Sister, Lit, Amy Winehouse, Wheatus, Alanis Morisette and more. In the middle of the set, the Screamin’ Daisys broke into an 80’s medley that featured portions of hits by Tiffany, Bryan Adams, Outfield, Pat Benatar and Tom Petty.
This show convincingly showed me why Screamin’ Daisys have become one of east-central PA’s top party forces. If they continue to bring parties like this to stages in this part of the world, they’re likely to become an onstage party juggernaut here as well. A fun band!
Screamin’ Daisys, bringing the party to Yesterday’s Party.
Triggering the dance floor party, Screamin’ Daisys.
A guest singer from the audience joins the Screamin’ Daisys.
Again, Screamin’ Daisys.
More dance floor fun with Screamin’ Daisys.
From a different angle, Screamin’ Daisys.
Yet again, Screamin’ Daisys.
Greg Deshong of Screamin’ Daisys.
Unique Lee Nyce of Screamin’ Daisys.
Unique and Missy of Screamin’ Daisys.
Dancing action on the stage and on the dance floor with Screamin’ Daisys.
Yet more dancing fun with Screamin’ Daisys.
More ladies on stage with Screamin’ Daisys.
Greg Deshong of Screamin’ Daisys fires off a solo.
Again, Greg Deshong of Screamin’ Daisys.
Rocking and grooving with Screamin’ Daisys.
Again, Unique and Missy of Screamin’ Daisys.
Screamin’ Daisys’ party continues.
Yet again, Unique and Missy.
Once again, Greg Deshong.
More of Unique and Missy of Screamin’ Daisys.
Bill Fry of Screamin’ Daisys.
From another angfle, Unique and Missy.
Jim Rhoads of Screamin’ Daisys.
One more time, with some dancing guests onstage, Screamin’ Daisys.
SPIRIT LOST @ DOUGIE D’S LITTLE HELPERS BENEFIT, PINECROFT FIREHALL, PINECROFT 6/8/08
Dougie D’s Little Helpers, associated with Dougie D’s Subs in Altoona, was presenting a benefit event this Sunday afternoon at the Pinecroft Firehall. The event featured children’s activities, games, raffle drawings and a 50/50, food and refreshments, and live musical entertainment from two bands, A Brilliant Return and Spirit Lost. Proceeds from the day would be used to help out needy area families this upcoming holiday season.
Since I had to work the day job most of the day on Saturday, I was behind on household chores, and getting some of those completed didn’t allow me to arrive at this event until after A Brilliant Return already performed. Hopefully I’ll get another opportunity to see them sometime soon.
Spirit Lost was under way with the first of two sets as I arrived. Minus guitarist Joe Harpster this afternoon (who was under the weather), the group entertained a wide-ranging age group from little kids to middle-aged folks with their mixture of current, 80’s and 90’s rock and originals. The remainder of this set featured tunes from Jimmy Eats World, Godsmack, Survivor, ZZ Top, Green Day, Blink 182, Better Than Ezra, Sponge and more; they also did one of their own songs, “Alone.”
After a brief intermission, Spirit Lost reconvened the music with Eve 6’s “Inside Out,” and continued with Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” and another of their own originals, “Dreams.” They then welcomed two guests to the stage, their soundman (I didn’t catch his name) on guitar and another guest on bass, to play Seether’s “Remedy.” Spirit Lost continued with Tool’s “Stinkfist,” Foo Fighters’ “Everlong,” another song, and their own “Soul Seeker” to close out the set.
The day then finished with show hostess Chris handing out door prizes, drawing a 50/50 winner and thanking everybody who helped to make the day happen. Although not a heavily attended event, some monies were raised to help needy area families during the holidays, and according to Chris, more such events are being planned.
Spirit Lost, entertaining at the Dougie D’s Little Helpers benefit.
Again, Spirit Lost.
Fans of various ages take in Spirit Lost’s performance.
Once again, Spirit Lost and some fans.
More fun with Spirit Lost and some fans.
Brian Smith and Austin Tepsic of Spirit Lost.
He wasn’t able to be there in person, but Joe Harpster of Spirit Lost was there in…effigy.
FLIGHT 19 @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 6/8/08
After completing my weekly Sunday night “Backyard Rocker” duties, I was ready to fly the Party Plane to slam the lid on the weekend, as Flight 19 was performing at Pellegrine’s.
This flight aboard the Party Plane was underbooked, as crowd was relatively light at Pelly’s this night; possibly because of the hot weather conditions, high gas prices or both. Anyway, Flight 19 concentrated in giving the folks who did show up a good time. I arrived during their second set, and heard as the group did a number of 80’s chestnuts during this set, including versions of Sly Fox’s “Let’s Go all the Way,” Styx’s “too Much Time on My Hands” (with keyboard man Phil Steele’s alarm clock keyboard effect finishing it off, cool), Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax” and Gary Numan’s “Cars.”
During the intermission, I learned that one of the Party Plane’s flight crew was missing this night, as John McKelvey was under the weather and departed earlier (the second guitar player who took ill this day; maybe it’s some sort of guitarist plague!) Also during intermission, I ran into somebody I hadn’t seen in ages, former area musician Asa Dickinson! The former Housepets and Beau Hunx member now lives in the Orlando, Florida area and works for a television station there, and was in town for a visit.
Flight 19 soon returned to the stage to cap the night. Their nightcap set featured tunes from Black Crowes, Puddle Of mudd, Nickelback, Poison, John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, Buckcherry, and their 70’s/80’s funk medley, which kept a group of young ladies dancing in front of the stage.
As Flight 19 shows go, this one was probably not one of the most memorable. A missing guitarist and a missing crowd meant a bit of a slow night; but the group made the best of it and delivered a good show for the people who did show up.
A few dance floor ladies get their groove on to Flight 19.
Out singing by the rear entrance, Guv’nor Jesse. No, his singing wasn’t a factor in people not attending Flight 19’s show this night.
JP’s HAIKU
Y-P Saturday
Three bachelorette parties
Screamin’ Daisys bloomed!
