SHARK BITE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 6/16/08
As they always do (except when Pelly’s is closed), my Monday again culminated in an appointment with wings, and again live music, at Pellegrine’s.
The dynamic duo of Adam D and Big Jim, better known as Shark Bite, provided the music and highjinks while my “Wing Eating Think Tank” contingent and I consumed mass quantities of cooked poultry limbs. The duo mixed up the song selection, as I heard some tunes I hadn’t heard them do yet. In addition to the usual dosage of favorites from Bryan Adams, Queen, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Puddle Of Mudd, Cars, Doors and more; the first set featured the interesting fusion of Bob Dylan’s “Serve Somebody” with John Mellencamp’s “Pink Houses,” with Adam tapping out percussion. Big Jim sang lead on a version of Marcy Playground’s “Sex and Candy” and Skynyrd’s “Ballad of Curtis Loew,” and Adam broke out a forgotten early 80’s hit, Moving Pictures’ “What About Me?”
Although the two musicians appeared to be in good spirits, Big Jim proclaimed early on that the pair was not gay, which prompted one woman at Pelly’s main bar to become vociferous for the duration of the night. So the two weren’t feeling happy this night, what’s the big deal?
Shark Bite’s nightcap set featured tunes from Live, Audioslave, Jimnmy Buffett, Guns N’Roses, Van Morrison and more. The pair also broke out renditions of Lita Ford’s “Kiss Me Deadly” and Styx’s “Come Sail Away.” Big Jim sang the lead on Glenn Frey’s “Partytown,” again allowing him the opportunity to proclaim that people can kiss his donkey; and Adam did one of his trademark lounge adaptations, this time of the B-52’s “Love Shack.” Towards night’s end, some frisky ladies in the dancing mood graced the pair’s night-ending rendition of Guns N’Roses’ “Sweet Child O’Mine.”
Shark Bite kept the mood jovial, mixing up the music and never taking themselves too seriously. The combination of musical chicanery and kickass wings again made for a good finish to another Monday night.
Adam D of Shark Bite taps out some beats while Big Jim strums away.
Two ladies party down as Adam and Jim play.
The Shark Bite dance party continues.
With his cordless mic, Adam is right in the middle of the dance party action.
More fun with Shark Bite.
WARREN DANE @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 6/18/08
It had been a while since I last did a Wednesday “Country Night” at the Hitching Post. But I had a hankerin’ for some of the Post’s barbecue ribs and fries this night, and noted on the venue’s marquee that Warren Dane was performing, so the Post was my Post-work destination.
This night clearly delivered the message that Warren Dane is one of those musicians who does it for the love of playing and providing a good time. To begin with, he roadtripped nearly 3 hours from his home base in Kulpmont (near Shamokin). And despite battling bronchitis and some laryngitis, despite playing to a largely empty room (except for the Hitching Post staff, management and hardcore regulars), and despite facing that same 3-hour roadtrip back home at the end of the night, Warren proceeded to whoop it up and deliver the good time nearly nonstop for WELL OVER FIVE HOURS!
Warren was just getting warmed up as I first arrived around 8:30 PM. He was already in a jovial mood and breaking out the country comedy songs, doing Rodney Carrington’s “Momma’s Got Her Boobs Out,” which prompted “Mama Buttcheek” to get loose on the dance floor. (I’ll let the definition of “get loose” up to your own interpretation.) Warren proceeded to mix it up through the course of this 5-hour-plus sojourn, with the emphasis of his setlist on the country side of the spectrum, with a few rock and folk favorites included along the way.
And a lot of comedy…I think every third song Warren did this night was “Tits in the Ditch” (“You sonuvabitch!”), an improvised original song punch line that featured the Hitching Post staff and patronage furnishing their own lyrics. He kept the laughs coming with several more of his tongue-in-cheek original songs and quick-hitters, often improvising words or letting the audience create the words along the way. He did a reprise of “Momma’s Got Her Boobs Out” later in the show (which again drew “Mama Buttcheek” out to the dance floor), and did other Rodney Carrington numbers such as “The Day My Wife Met My Girlfriend,” “All the Reasons (I Ain’t Queer)” and “Put Your Clothes Back On.” Warren also offered his own uproarious updates of Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire,”David Frizzell’s “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino,” Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” (complete with a “Tits in the Ditch” verse), Gaye Dalerme’s “Rodeo Song” and more. And when Warren’s part-time sidekick Steve Yetzko showed up, the two yukked it up on renditions of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and Kevin Fowler’s “Beer, Bait and Ammo,” before Steve did a solo rendition of Roger Miller’s “King of the Road.” Introducing Steve, Warren added, “He’s ugly enough to make a train take a dirt road.”
There was some good serious music during this show as well, as Warren applied his deep and rich voice to country numbers by Garth Brooks, Marty Robbins, George Strait, George Jones, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols, Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers and more. He also did a few of his more reverent original songs, such as the reflective “I Wish I’d Seen It in Color” (about his parents) and “Lonesome Lady.” And he also touched on the rock and folk sides of the spectrum, doing several numbers by both Harry Chapin and Warren Zevon, in addition to tunes from Bob Dylan, Dave Loggins, Jimmy Buffett, John Denver, John Mellencamp, John Prine and more. Additional highlights included Warren’s rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” and his convincing Roger Waters croon on a version of Pink Floyd’s “Mother.”
Late in the show, another guest, Hitching Post regular Darren, brought his acoustic guitar to the stage, and he and Warren did a rendition of “Wagon Wheel,” after which Darren played four songs solo. Warren then continued, playing Darren’s guitar for a few songs.
I think only the clock on the wall prevented Warren and his Hitching Post fans from going longer; at 1:45 AM, he finally called it a night.
It was a fun evening, as Warren and his guests kept the music and humor constant. The Post’s ribs were great as always, and brews and shots of “that red stuff” helped fuel the festive mood through the course of the night. As I’ve witnessed before, when Warren Dane comes to town, it’s a happy-go-lucky country party! And after experiencing this marathon and enjoying every minute of it, I definitely plan to be back at the Post for more whenever this guy comes back to town!
Warren Dane.
Warren Dane, with part-time sidekick Steve Yetzko.
Again, Warren Dane.
Warren Dane, joined by the Hitching Post’s Brandi and Butch.
Once again, Warren Dane.
Later in the show, special guest Darren brought his guitar to the stage and performed a few numbers.
Warren Dane and Darren play a few numbers together.
One more time, Warren Dane.
ROCKPAGE BENEFIT JAM @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 6/19/08
“Is there something going on tonight?” – J.P., arriving at 30 Something shortly after 10 PM…
Quickly cutting to the chase, I again want to express my heartfelt thanks to Hurricanes drummer Bob Watters for putting together this special edition of the Rockpage Benefit Jam, as well as Rockpage founder and operator Ron Nearhoof, Claudio and the 30 Something staff, all the bands, musicians and fans in attendance this night, as well as the bands and musicians who took up RachelRocks’ and Pennsylvania Musician’s suggestion and purchased a $20 business card ad to help out. The help in keeping my gas tank filled, the support and vote of confidence are greatly appreciated! This night again served as further evidence of what a great music COMMUNITY we have here in west-central PA. Again, many thanks to all of you, I deeply appreciate it!
I actually already had a ticket to the Altoona Curve game this night, so my game plan was to arrive at 30 Something after the game. I thought I would luck out and arrive early, as the game literally flew along through the first seven innings. Then things slowed down in the 8th inning (when Reading scored 3 more runs to extend their lead to 4-0). Just as I was entertaining the notion of cutting out of Blair County Ballpark early during the 9th inning, the Altoona Curve finally showed up to play and staged a comeback with two outs, before coming up one run short, 4-3. I thus arrived at my own party shortly after 10 PM, and missed the opening performance by Bad Daze.
Euphoria was onstage as I arrived. After seeing her guest-sing with Felix & the Hurricanes numerous times over the years, Lauren Johnson finally had her own band! Making their first public appearance, Euphoria features Lauren and another singer, Meagan Cook, along with three members of Holy Smoke Blues; rhythm guitarist Darryl Carter, keyboardist Doug Whitfield and drummer Bennett Hoffman; lead guitarist C.J. Castello, bassist Eric Burgmeier and saxophonist Scott Smith. Euphoria played a tasty selection of classic-geared rock, blues, pop, funk and country. Lauren demonstrated her powerful and soulful voice on numbers from Joss Stone, Carrie Underwood and more. The vocals and harmonies were strong, and the group sounded instrumentally on the mark. As their first performance, I could detect a little bit of shyness and apprehension during their set, but Euphoria clearly was off to a good start this night. I look forward to watching the progress of this band in the coming weeks and months!
Making their debut at the Rockpage Jam, Euphoria.
Meagan Cook and Lauren Johnson of Euphoria.
Again, Euphoria.
One more time, Euphoria.
After a short changeover intermission, Spirit Lost was next. Singer Austin Tepsic, guitarists Brian Smith and Joe Harpster, bassist Russ Patterson and drummer Lisa Fazenbaker played a half-dozen songs, including three original tunes from their forthcoming CD, expected later this summer. They also did select numbers from Offspring, Eve 6 and Godsmack. Spirit Lost sounded sharp, and drew a few fans up in front of the stage to groove along.
Posing for a fan’s picture, Austin Tepsic and Spirit Lost.
Again, Spirit Lost.
Once again, Spirit Lost.
Lisa Fazenbaker of Spirit Lost.
More Spirit Lost.
Austin Tepsic and Brian Smith of Spirit Lost.
Enjoying the evening, Bad Daze Rob and Bad Daze Shelly.
Up next was Slacker Theory, who did four songs. The latter two songs were their two recently-recorded original songs, “Over and “Over” and “Shake.” They also did Nickelback’s “Follow You Home” and another number. Slacker Theory was again powerful and edgy, with tight instrumental execution and singer Steve Danfelt’s blend of melody, causticity and swagger leading the way. It was another good display, and Slacker Theory received rousing applause from the large 30 Something crowd.
Adding their 2 cents to the Rockpage Jam, Slacker Theory.
Steve Danfelt of Slacker Theory.
Ryan George of Slacker Theory.
Again, Slacker Theory.
Following another short intermission, the revamped 7th Gear took the stage. Singer/guitarist Brendon Burns, bassist/singer Kelly Montgomery and drummer/singer Randy Servello did excellent work on a short selection of classic and current rock favorites. All three musicians took turns singing lead vocals; with Randy singing from behind the kit on the opening rendition of Billy Squier’s “Everybody Wants You” and the closing version of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” Kelly singing lead on the Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Runnin,’” and Brendon fronting the group on Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun” and Sublime’s “What I Got.” These guys sounded strong on all of it, and rocked their set with ample energy and enthusiasm.
7th Gear opens up their set during the Rockpage Jam.
Randy Servello of 7th Gear.
Brendon Burns of 7th Gear.
Kelly Montgomery of 7th Gear.
Again, 7th Gear.
One more time, 7th Gear.
After this, a punk-geared jam session took place, featuring FedUP frontman Brian Stotler,” Dick Shack Posse guitarist Brian Weibley and bassist Andrea Weibley, and Scraps drummer Justin Cuff. Unfortunately, I got drawn away by some musical conversation outside and missed most of their set, but arrived in time to catch the last song, as Brian had some audience members singing along in front of the stage.
A punk jam breaks out at the Rockpage Jam.
DirtySanchez gets some input from the audience.
Again, some punk jammin.’
DrumAndDestroy, slamming out the beats.
Again, DirtySanchez.
The night closed with a blues-rock jam, which featured members of the Hurricanes, BluesMoon and Broken Pony. Bluesmoon singer Trace Baker joined Hurricanes guitar man Felix Kos and drummer Bob Watters, and Broken Pony’s Pat McGinnis on bass and Kim Metzger on pedal steel. Together, these musicians lit up the house with renditions of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Cold Shot,” Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally,” Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll,” T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday” and more. This performance was a treat, with Trace going to town and unleashing her powerful, high-ranging and gusto-filled pipes! Felix, Bob, Pat and Kim were on the money, and it was also a treat to see Felix exchanging guitar licks with Kim’s pedal steel solos. It was tasty musicianship all the way, and a great way to cap this special night.
The night-ending blues jam gets under way.
Trace Baker, belting out the voice.
Bob Watters and Pat McGinnis.
Pat McGinnis and Kim Metzger.
Again, blues jamming at the Rockpage Jam.
Felix Kos and Trace Baker.
The organizer of the Rockpage Jam, “Hurricane” Bob Watters.
Again, Bob on the drums.
The blues jam continues.
Again, Trace Baker.
Again, Trace and Felix.
Hurricanes Felix and Bob.
The blues-jamming fun continues.
Again, Hurricane Felix.
Kim Metzger on pedal steel.
One more time, the blues jam.
Again, thanks to everyone for the support and vote of confidence. As I said on the stage, keep doing what you do (making music), and I’ll continue to do what I do – supporting, publicizing and writing about it here on Rockpage, in Pennsylvania Musician and the Altoona Mirror, spinning it on Q94’s “Backyard Rocker,” and doing whatever else I can to entice people to discover this area’s talented music scene!
SQUARE ONE @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 6/20/08
After a busy Friday evening in the workplace, I commenced my Friday bandwatching by heading to 30 Something to do dinner and see what was up with Square One.
Unfortunately, not a lot of people were in the house this night; but that didn’t stop Square One from celebrating rock from the 60,s, 70’s and 80’s. Singer/guitarist Don Osborn, bassist/singer Bill Smith and drummer Jeff Crownover kicked off their second set with Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music,” and proceeded to do nice work on numbers from the Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Edgar Winter Group, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, Rare Earth, Grand Funk Railroad, Bad Company, Cream, the Eagles and Roy Orbison. Don again displayed his clarity and vocal range, the latter especially on the set-ending rendition of Roy Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman.”
As I was completing my fish sandwich meal as Square One started into their last set, I only stuck around to catch the first two songs, John Mellencamp’s “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” before departing to find out what other musical activity was happening in the ‘Toona this night. But what I heard of Square One was good; I wish there would have been more people present to enjoy the band and the good food!
Square One entertains at 30 Something.
Don Osborn of Square One.
Bill Smith of Square One.
SEVER/BLAKKJAK/THIS CALLING @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 6/20/08
I headed across the railroad tracks to Aldo’s in Juniata, where The Underground Television was presenting a three-band bill featuring Sever, Blakkjak and This Calling. This night was billed as “Heaven vs. Hell” night, with people invited to deck out in devil or angel (or other heaven- and hell-related) garb. I had a little idea about making small cardboard JP angel and devil cutouts and putting one on each shoulder (like the cartoons where a character is trying to decide between doing the right or wrong thing), but didn’t have the time to put it together. Oh well…I didn’t see too many other folks decked out in heaven and hell gear, either, except for the reliable Underground street team contingent of Rachel and Milyssa, the former as the devil and the latter as the angel. Behavior-wise, it was hard to tell which was good or evil, they were both misbehaving!
To the music…I had hoped to see Sever with new frontman Alexander Sipp, but arrived too late and missed their opening set. A last-minute replacement when a previously-scheduled band on this bill pulled out, McConnellsburg’s Blakkjak was on the stage as I arrived. I was impressed by this young foursome when they played their first Aldo’s show in April, and they again delivered the goods this night! Lead singer/guitarist Trent Sowers, lead guitarist Hunter Homistek, bassist Zakk Deshong and drummer Logan Peck again played a hard, melody-geared brand of metallic rock in the Stone Temple Pilots/Godsmack/Black Label Society vein. Blakkjak again played numerous original numbers, including “Albatross and several others; they also did Black Stone Cherry's "Lonely Train," as well as a Black Label Society tune, “Graveyard Disciples.” These guys again were tight and powerful, and Trent’s vocal presentation was strong and confident. Blakkjak has clearly won some fans in their first two visits to Aldo’s, as they again received a good response from the audience this night.
Again lighting it up at Aldo’s, Blakkjak.
Hunter Homistek and Trent Sowers of Blakkjak.
Trent Sowers of Blakkjak.
Hunter Homistek of Blakkjak.
With bassist Paul Greiner, singer/guitarist Joe Neary and guitarist Chris Silva each decked in white T-shirts with a solitary black ‘6’ on the front (spelling out ‘6-6-6’ in keeping with the night’s heaven vs. hell theme), This Calling finished out the show with their hard-hitting set. Their sound was again a blend of bone-jarring metallic arrangements, busy song plots and melody-meets-rage vocals; as This Calling did original numbers such as “Let Me Breathe,” “A Thousand Words,” “Face to Face (The Taste of Victory),” the new assault “Witness the Fall” and more. The group welcomed singer Alex from Sever to the stage to provide additional voice on the original tune “The Day I Died.” They also broke out a number from Bullet for My Valentine. This Calling attacked their songs with intensity and furvor, keeping the action and agitation constant. Their execution was tight and sharp, and they were clearly focused and on the same page over the course of their set. It was another impressive display from This Calling, and this group seems to be solidifying into a taut, confident unit.
From what I got to see of it, this was a good night of hard-hitting music. Attendance was a bit lighter than usual for Underground-sponsored shows, but the folks who were in attendance appreciated the bands’ efforts.
This Calling kicks off their set at Aldo’s.
Joe Neary of This Calling.
Chris Silva of This Calling.
Joe Neary and Chris Silva of This Calling, with special guest Alexander Sipp of Sever.
During The Underground Television’s “Heaven vs. Hell” night, This Calling sports the fashionable 6-6-6 look.
Joe Neary of This Calling is joined by Alex of Sever.
Again, Joe Neary of This Calling.
Justin Fair of This Calling.
One more time, Joe Neary of This Calling.
SMOKE RUN BAND/D’n’A @ COALPORT STREET FAIR, COALPORT 6/21/08
This weekend found me straining brain cells again, as Pennsylvania Musician deadline time had arrived, and I needed to compose my thoughts and show recollections into another cohesive writ for a new month. Needing a break after spending the early part of this Saturday working on my article, I decided to head up the hill to Coalport to check out an annual event I hadn’t ever been to before, the Coalport Street Fair.
When I arrived and parked my car, I found that the Coalport Street Fair was a community event, this year with the theme of celebrating Coalport’s 125 years in existence. Taking place mostly along the main throroughfare through town, Route 53, the Street Fair featured local businesses, households and community organizations selling food and refreshments (mostly hot dogs, it seemed every other food stand was doing up hot dogs), doing yard sales and offering children’s games and activities. Much of Coalport Nation, from kids to seniors, was out and checking out the happenings.
And there was musical entertainment, too. The Sharptones had played earlier in the day; the Smoke Run Band was in progress in front of the Coalport Moose hall as I arrived. As I was jockeying for a position to view the band, I heard my name being called out, and turned around to find local bluesman E. Vincent “Fat Vinny” Kelly greeting me. Fat Vinny these days still convenes the Wiseguys from time to time, mostly for private appearances and functions. This day, though, he was in political mode, helping out Democratic senatorial candidate Tony Barr. We chatted for a few minutes about music, the radio biz and his political work; and then I was on my way to procure some non-hotdog styled grub and take in the Smoke Run Band’s performance.
This was a whole new Smoke Run lineup since the last time I saw this band two years ago. Group mainstay Wendell Hoolihen still sings lead; now flanked by Shawn Ammerman on guitar, Brian Beers on bass, and his son Charlie Hoolihen on drums. But while the roster has changed, Smoke Run’s music is still a variety of rock’n’roll and country favorites. During the period I watched them, the group did tunes from Green Day, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Willie Nelson, Chuck Berry, Tommy Tutone, Greg Kihn Band, the Rivieras, Chubby Checker, John Mellencamp and more. Wendell handled the vocal duties, but bassist Brian took over lead mic to do some rapping on Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby.” This particular edition of Smoke Run appeared to be a bit new, and there were a few rough edges along the way. Wendell’s voice worked best on the country and early rock’n’roll numbers; but was less effective on other material; his singing style really didn’t fit with Green Day’s “Basketcase.” Brian's howl on AC/DC's "TNT" didn't work very well, either. Again, it may have been the newness of this lineup; but it wasn’t one of the stronger displays I have experienced from this band over the years. But the crowd largely didn’t seem to mind or notice; they were enjoying the day, as the music provided the backdrop to this community gathering.
The Smoke Run Band entertains at the Coalport Street Fair.
Wendell Hoolihen of The Smoke Run Band.
Again, The Smoke Run Band.
Along the way, I was joined by my frequent partner-in-crime, Guv’nor Jesse, who decided to drive one of his Cadillacs up the hill to Coalport to partake in the festivities. (I didn’t ask him how much it cost to fill the tank this day; the last time he had driven this Caddy a few weeks ago, it cost around $76 to fill the tank half way!) After standing in the sun to watch Smoke Run for a little while, we retreated down the street to Bar 53, where D-n-A was performing inside. We walked in and watched the tail end of their performance, as Adam D on keys and Dwane Edmiston on acoustic guitar entertained a small bar crowd. We caught the last two songs, as Adam sang lead on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” and Dwane fronted the pair on Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You” to finish the show.
After chatting with Adam and Dwane, Jesse and I headed back out onto the street, where the Street Fair was starting to wind down. We chatted with Smoke Run briefly, stopped by a snow cone stand and ended up buying the crappiest snow cones we ever ate (we got the last of the ice, and the lady took so long putting the flavored syrup over the cones that the crushed ice had solidified into a hard lump by the time we had paid for and gotten our cones. It was just a buck, but it still sucked.
This brought to an end our big adventure in Coalport. I hopped into my car, and before leaving Coalport, decided to try to locate the town’s Coal Museum. A sign on a street corner along Route 53 pointed up a street and hill to where the museum was supposed to be. But when I drove up the hill, I saw nothing that looked like a museum, and the street actually came to a dead end with a dirt driveway off to the side. There was no signage indicating if this was the Coal Museum, and I didn’t feel like driving back the dirt driveway to find out. Memo to Coalport – do a better job with signage pointing out your museum so us out-of-towners can find it!
D-n-A, wrapping up their performance at Bar 53.
EVIL MISTRESS BIRTHDAY PARTY w/SLACKER THEORY/NITEKAST/FLOORED X @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 6/21/08
Strangely, my initial game plan this Saturday night was actually to return to Coalport, as Quarterstick was to be playing at Bar 53 this night. But midway through the week, I learned that the schedule had changed, and now My Turning Point – who I had just seen a few weeks before at Electric Avenue in Houtzdale – was there instead. So rather than drive back up the mountain to see a band I had just previously seen, I decided to stick around the ‘Toona this night, as there were four different shows that caught my attention. Sever, who I had missed the night before, was again at Aldo’s this night, opening for Dragon Fire. My Hero Zero, featuring two former members of Velveeta, was making their Altoona debut at the 4D’s. Rhyne McCormick’s new trio project, The Dirty Nomads, was making their Altoona debut at the Hitching Post. And at 30 Something, a three-band show was taking plase as part of a birthday celebration for Evil Mistress Pharrah of internet radio station Crossfire Radio. 30 Something had the ace in their hand, though, as Claudio’s mother was cooking up lasagna this day. So at least to start out the evening, I was doing the lasagna dinner special and at least the first part of the band triple bill.
As sometimes happens, though, when I entertain the notion of splitting the night between two shows, I ended up having such a good time at 30 Something, I couldn’t pull myself away to head elsewhere!
After 30 Something waitress Kristine served up my lasagna dinner and got my evening off to a good start, Slacker Theory soon took the stage to commence the music. Actually, singer/guitarist Steve Danfelt and lead guitarist Dalton McDonald first took the stage and did a special song which was sent out to the birthday girl. Their bandmates, bassist Ryan George and drummer Rob Bonsell, then joined them to launch the rock with Seether’s “Fake It.” Slacker Theory proceeded to rock the house with a mix of current rock numbers, a few originals and more. They performed Nickelback’s “Follow You Home,” the rocking Fallout Boy spin on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” Metallica’s “Sad But True” and more, along with their two original tunes “Over and Over” and “Shake.” They again sounded sharp, just like two nights earlier, and delivered ample crunch and swagger.
Ryan George of Slacker Theory.
Steve Danfelt of Slacker Theory.
RobTheDrummer of Slacker Theory.
Dalton McDonald of Slacker Theory.
Slacker Theory, opening the festivities at the Evil Mistress’ birthday party.
Ryan and Steve of Slacker Theory.
From a poster located near the stage; I didn’t know Carmine Appice had joined the Hurricanes!
Second on the bill was the band I most anticipated seeing at this show, Nitekast. I had heard rave reviews about Nitekast’s newest addition, singer and keyboard player Lily Taylor, and wanted to hear what she brought to this band. This was also my first time seeing Nitekast since former bassist Josh Oaks went behind the drum kit, and Bobby Boring took over bass duties. Josh, Bobby and singer/guitarist Brandon Scalese took the stage first, and opened with their original song “Happiness Pills,” following with Green Day’s “She” and Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love.” Then Lily made her entrance, and displayed a smooth and good-ranged voice on the Cranberries’ “Zombie” and Garbage’s “Stupid Girl.” Then Lily delivered a surprise, showing off a grittier voice as she tackled Bon Scott-era AC/DC with Nitekast’s version of “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” Lily then exited the stage, and Brandon again sang lead on The Cure’s “Lovesong” and a new original number, before Lily returned to front the group on Loverboy’s “Working for the Weekend,” Alanis Morisette’s “You Oughta Know” and The Offspring’s “Self Esteem.” Brandon again sang on a Sublime number and Modern English’s “Melt with You,” before Lily returned to belt out voice on ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man.” The set finished with another new original with Lily singing lead, and AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” I was impressed with Lily’s voice and stage presence, and Nitekast overall seems to have taken a step forward with her addition. Instrumentally they were competent, and should improve as Lily is further integrated into the group and Josh continues to settle into his new role as drummer.
Lily Taylor of Nitekast.
Bobby Boring of Nitekast.
Now behind the drum kit, Josh Oaks of Nitekast.
Nitekast continues the party at 30 Something.
Brandon Scalese of Nitekast.
Again, Josh Oaks of Nitekast.
Again, Nitekast.
Nitekast triggers some dance floor action at 30 Something.
Once again, Nitekast.
Again, Lily Taylor of Nitekast.
Bedford and Southern Huntingdon area rockers Floored-X then finished the night, escalating the party even more with their blend of current and classic rocking favorites. Singer Dustin Reisling was hobbled by an apparent leg injury and had to sit on a stool while performing, but it did not prevent Floored-X from generating the dance floor party as they performed numbers by the Black Crowes, Bon Jovi, Harvey Danger, Lit, Dead Or Alive, Buckcherry, Poison, AC/DC, Beastie Boys, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Puddle Of Mudd, Poison and Metallica. Dustin, guitarist Scott Diehl, bassist Larry Bishop and drummer Zac Grace kept the music upbeat and constant, and soon had ladies on the dance floor and then surrounding the band members on stage. Larry ventured out onto the dance floor and into the audience to intensify the party further. By set’s end, the 30 Something crowd wanted one more, so Floored-X responded with Guns N’Roses’ “Mr Brownstone.”
Larry Bishop of Floored-X brings the party out into the audience.
Again, Larry Bishop plays to the crowd.
Zac Grace of Floored-X.
With frontman Dustin Reisling confined to a stool this night, Floored-X.
Once again, Floored-X.
The Evil Mistress (in black top) and her friend dance alongside Dustin Reisling of Floored-X.
Go figure, the injured guy always gets the attention of the ladies!
Birthday lady Pharrah (the “Evil Mistress”) sings alongside Dustin of Floored-X.
The dance party continues onstage with Dustin and Floored-X.
The “Evil Mistress” and her friend dance alongside Scott Diehl of Floored-X.
The Floored-X party continues both on and off the stage.
More birthday party fun with the Evil Mistress’ entourage and Floored-X.
Back out in the audience again, Larry Bishop of Floored-X.
Judging by the amount of dance floor time she logged and the number of photos taken of her and her friends, the Evil Mistress appeared to have an enjoyable birthday evening, and was still standing at the end of the night, likely assuring that the morning after would not be too difficult. And the three bands on the stage this night made sure that Pharrah had a rocking good time, and a fun evening to remember.
RISE PHOENIX RISE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 6/22/08
After having them on as guests on Q94’s “Backyard Rocker” this night, I headed to Pellegrine’s to finish off my weekend with the sounds of Rise Phoenix Rise.
As I learned during their “Backyard Rocker” appearance, Rise Phoenix Rise has slimmed to a foursome with the departure of guitarist Jarrod Griffith; leaving Chris Bishop to handle all the guitar duties, along with Gibson on lead vocals, Ronnie Williams on bass and vocals, and Rob Hampton on drums.
A good-sized crowd was in the house as I arrived. Rise Phoenix Rise had a large number of those folks on the dance floor and having a good time as they rocked with a variety of current and classic rock and pop hits. It took me a little while to get out front to Pelly’s main band room, but I heard the group doing tunes from Def Leppard, Duran Duran, Pink Floyd, Kiss and more.
When I did venture out front during Rise Phoenix Rise’s nightcap set, the group had the dance party going with Sublime’s “Santeria,” followed by tunes from Blur, American Hi-Fi, Panic at the Disco, Violent Femmes and Bon Jovi. The group then launched into a rap/hip-hop medley that strung together portions of Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” House Of Pain’s “Jump Around,” Run D.M.C.’s “It’s Tricky,” MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This,” Tone Loc’s “Wild Thing,” Salt’n’Pepa’s “Push It” and more. Rise Phoenix Rise then ended the night with the unique fusion of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” with Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” playing the latter while using the former’s riffs – wild!
Rise Phoenix Rise seems to have adapted quickly to being a foursome, as Eric Bishop handled all the guitar chores well, while maintaining his high-flying energy. Frontman Gibson again showed his knack for working the stage and keeping folks involved in the show; and he and Ronnie both did decent jobs in their respective tours of vocal duty this night.
Bottom line, another good Rise Phoenix Rise party, and another happy crowd. A fun ending to the weekend!
Rob Hampton of Rise Phoenix Rise.
Gibson of Rise Phoenix Rise takes it to the Pelly’s crowd.
Ronnie Williams of Rise Phoenix Rise and the dance floor crowd.
Again, Rob Hampton of Rise Phoenix Rise.
Chris Bishop of Rise Phoenix Rise.
The party continues with Rise Phoenix Rise.
Going behind the neck, Chris Bishop of Rise Phoenix Rise.
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