SHARK BITE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 10/6/08
Providing wing-eating tunage this Monday night was Shark Bite with Bad Daze Rob. An evening of fun tunes and shenanigans abounded.
With three musicians present, the music was nonstop this night, as one of the three could take a bathroom break while the other two performed. Adam D on keys and Big Jim on acoustic guitar did many of the Shark Bite standbys from such names as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Beastles, Tom Petty, Audioslave, Cat Stevens, Guns N’Roses, Buckcherry, Kid Rock and more. Rob chimed in on voice for renditions of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” the Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There,” Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones,” Five Man Electrical Band/Tesla’s “Signs” and more. Rob also played Big Jim’s acoustic guitar on Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Guest Eric Wertz provided percussion accompaniment on Adam D’s digital percussion set-up on Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun.” And for “Roadhouse Blues;” Adam, Jim, Rob, Eric and yours truly on kazoo played as a quintet.
Besides all of that, the wings were good, the beer was cold, and the overall vibe was fun. Monday night was again a good time.
Bad Daze Rob sings with Shark Bite.
Again, Bad Daze Rob.
Adam D and Bad Daze Rob.
Big Jim of Shark Bite.
JOHN CHARNEY @ JETHRO’S, ALTOONA 10/7/08
Jethro’s Restaurant in Altoona hosts live musical entertainment through the middle part of the week. At present, Tim Kargo entertains there on Wednesday evenings, and Steve Summerhill strikes up the party on Thursdays. On Tuesdays, John Charney provides the entertainment.
As I was prerecording John’s interview for the premiere edition of Rocky 104.9’s “Homegrown Rocker” later on this night, I arrived at Jethro’s to do dinner and check out John’s solo performance. I only got to witness four songs in all before lack of audience ended things a little early, but what I witnessed was very impressive.
Singing and playing a double-necked guitar through an elaborate array of pedal effects, John took an eclectic musical journey spanning pop, rock, blues and more. John transformed each song into his own detailed and psychedelic-flavored journey. B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” culminated in a spacey guitar jam; The Beatles’ “Girl” and Supertramp’s “Breakfast In America” took an Electric Light Orchestra-styled progressive pop joyride; and The Doors’ “Riders on the Storm” transformed into a unique and captivating guitar and voice adventure before the performance ended.
John’s guitar displays were intricate and dazzling, and his effects took his musical setlist into cosmic and uncharted territory. His constant experimentation and improvisation kept this performance continually interesting and unpredictable; I didn’t know in what direction this journey would next veer.
Bottom line, John Charney’s show is definitely not your typical solo artist performance! Based on this display, I’ll be back for more!
THE JAGGERZ @ FORT LIGONIER DAYS FESTIVAL, LIGONIER 10/10/08
Continuing my annual tour of fall festivals around the region, I returned to a festival event I discovered for the first time last year; the Fort Ligonier Days Festival, held in downtown Ligonier. Headlining the music this afternoon was Pittsburgh early 70’s one-hit wonders The Jaggerz.
Last year, I had some difficulty finding the official parking area for this event, and this year was no exception. I again didn’t see the signage pointing to the official festival parking area, and wound up parking on a little side street several blocks from the festival. Not a problem; I needed the walking exercise!
I followed the crowd and noise to the festival’s main center of activity in downtown Ligonier’s traffic circle. There were lots of food vendors located around the circle, and at the edge of the circle on one of the streets, The Jaggerz were just under way on the main stage.
Eight members strong, the current edition of The Jaggerz features founding members Jimmie Ross on lead vocals and bass and Eugene Faiella on guitar; along with Jerry Coleman on keys, Dennis McAbee on guitar, Paul Martello on drums, and the three-piece horn section of sax player Rich Mansfield, baritone sax player Mike Caporizzo and trumpet player Ron Levi. The Jaggerz performed R&B numbers from their late 60’s/early 70’s heyday such as “Gotta Find My Way Back Home,” “Move Across the River” and “Ain’t No Love Like My Baby’s Love.” They also broke out various rock’n’roll and Motown favorites; including a Motown medley, Billy Vera & the Beaters’ “At This Moment,” “Stagger Lee,” Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.,” K.C. & the Sunshine Band’s “Get Down Tonight,” Hoyt Axton/Three Dog Night’s “Joy to the World” and BTO’s “Takin’ Care of Business.” Of course, the group saved its biggest claim to fame for last, closing out the performance with their lone legendary chart-topping hit from 1970, “The Rapper.”
This was a fun set, as Jimmie frequently reminisced with the audience about some of the western Pennsylvania venues the group used to play back in the day, and came out and greeted audience members during the performance. The group’s bright R&B sounds triggered some street dancing, and “The Rapper” turned into an all-out crowd singalong. The Jaggerz threw a good-time street party, and the mixed-ages crowd cheered heart approval.
With the show ending by 6 PM and the vendors closing up shop for the day, I returned to my car and started my way back up the pike towards Johnstown. My game plan this night was to catch more entertainment in the Cambria County vicinity later on.
The Jaggerz, performing at Fort Ligonier Days.
Jimmie Ross of The Jaggerz.
Jerry Coleman on keys, in front of The Jaggerz’s horn section.
Again, Jerry Coleman of The Jaggerz.
Jerry Coleman and Jimmie Ross of The Jaggerz.
Paul Martello of The Jaggerz.
Once again, Jimmie Ross of The Jaggerz.
Once again, Jerry Coleman and the horn section of The Jaggerz.
Yet again, Jimmie Ross.
Mike Caporizzo, Ron Levi and Rich Mansfield of The Jaggerz.
THE CHI @ CASTLE PUB, EBENSBURG 10/10/08
A few days earlier, I saw John Charney’s solo performance. This night, I would check in with John and his band The Chi at Ebensburg’s Castle Pub.
I arrived early enough to catch the very tail end of the evening’s dinner hour acoustic opener, Morgan James. I only got to see the former Stix and Stones frontman do one song, a version Hank Williams’ “You Win Again.” I’ll have to catch a whole show from Morgan sometime soon.
At the regularly-scheduled start time of 10:30, The Chi took the stage. John on guitar and vocals, Dave Distefano on drums and vocals and Brad Rhea on bass and vocals showcased a wide range of sounds; transforming rock, blues, metal, reggae and soul classics into their own unique groove and style. The first set started with Bob Marley’s “Exodus,” and the first hint that this would not be bassist Brad’s night. One of his bass strings broke. He replaced the string while John and Dave improvised a jam for a few minutes; then during the next song, their freewheeling go-for-broke improv spin on Motorhead’s “Ace Of Spades,” Brad’s replacement string broke. With no more replacement bass strings in the house, the show went on with Brad doing his thing with three strings. After Dave played the drums with one arm during my first encounter with this group in January, Brad’s bass string handicap this night was starting to establish an unusual trend of bad luck for these guys whenever I show up – coincidence? Maybe…maybe not.
The show must go on, and it did. The first set continued with the Rolling Stones’ “Bitch,” “Iko Iko,” B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone,” Led Zeppelin’s “Hot Dog,” Sly & the Family Stone’s “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” The Doors’ “L.A. Woman,” the Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” and “Gimme Shelter,” and more. All three musicians took turns handling lead vocal duties, and all three sang well.
The Chi’s nightcap set kicked off with a rocker, as Dave sang lead on The Kinks’ “Destroyer.” More Rolling Stones ensued with “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” with John bringing some sick game on guitar! Brad then displayed his voice on the Grateful Dead’s “Mr. Charlie,” before a song I most looked forward to hearing these guys do again, Eric Burdon & War’s “Spill the Wine,” with Dave D perfectly capturing Burdon’s free-spirited vocal. John then fronted The Chi on Led Zeppelin’s “D’yer Maker,” followed by Dave D singing the Black Crowes’ “Remedy.” A rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Run Like Hell” prompted dance floor ‘trains’ from various Castle Pub audience members, followed by a Dave D drum solo and the Brad-fronted rendition of the Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House.” During another song highlight I was anticipating, War’s “Me and Baby Brother,” John caught Brad’s affliction and broke a guitar string. But the night was nearing its conclusion; the group did their one lone original number of the night, closing their nightcap set with “Light the Fire, Get Down.” When the Castle audience demanded more, The Chi – broken strings and all – finished the night with a rendition of Bill Withers’ “Use Me.”
Needless to say, one aspect of this band’s show I always like is their diverse setlist. The Chi applied their own signature to the whole wide-ranging gamut of songs they presented this night, unifying it all into a cohesive whole effort. The Chi sonically hit the crowd from all sides, whether with Dave’s wildly spirited and soulful singing, John’s intricate guitar work and ever-changing application of pedal effects, to Brad’s hard-driving bass lines, even on just three strings after the string fracture early on! The good-sized Castle Pub contingent got into the grooves early on and enjoyed it, and I was floored by the variety and color of it all.
Bottom line: Whether you like sharp musicianship, a diverse setlist, or a band who can transform cover material into their own unique identity; The Chi delivers on all three counts. If you haven’t yet done so, make a point of catching this group when they get near your neighborhood!
The Chi, entertaining the Castle Pub.
Again, The Chi.
John Charney of The Chi.
Generating bottom end with three strings this night, Brad Rhea of The Chi.
Again, The Chi.
More John Charney.
Dave Distefano of The Chi.
Again, Brad Rhea of The Chi.
Again, John Charney.
Again, Dave D.
One more time, Dave D.
This couple wanted their picture in front of the band. Okay!
HOLLIDAYSBURG PUMPKIN FESTIVAL, HOLLIDAYSBURG 10/11/08
My original game plan this day was to return to the annual Hartslog Days festivities in Alexandria. But work duties called me at 2 PM, meaning I would have to stick closer to home so I wouldn’t risk running late for my new employment. Hollidaysburg is only a mile from my new broadcast workplace, and they were throwing a festival this day as well, the annual Pumpkin Festival. So I decided to go see what this year’s event was about.
In terms of live music, there wasn’t too much going on at this year’s Pumpkin Festival, but there was some. The Sharptones had already performed by the time I arrived, and acoustic entertainer Ryan Matthew would wrap up the afternoon later on. But during the time I was there, musical entertainment was in the form of local singer Kayla Hilton’s performance, as she displayed a good voice along a backing karaoke track on songs by Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Madonna, Katrina & the Waves and more. The other live musical entertainment I encountered was happening along the street, as I came across the interesting scene of young performer Ethan Eldred, singing and playing acoustic guitar while his father, Keith, sketched his picture on an easel next to him!
In between these two performers, I took in the rest of the festival, enjoying a few foodstuffs along the way. (This festival introduced me to pumpkin chili; chili with pieces of pumpkin – not bad!) The weather was nice, and the people were happy. In all, it amounted to a nice little community fall get-together.
At Hollidaysburg’s Pumpkin Festival, young Ethan Eldred performs alongside his father’s portrait of him. Cool!
Kayla Hilton displays her voice at the Pumpkin Festival. Kayla has been an entrant in Dennie Huber’s annual Crazy Fest the past few years.
Kayla Hilton entertains the Pumpkin Festival audience.
WAY DOWN EAST/SATANIC BAT @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 10/11/08
I had hoped to attend the special benefit concert in Tyrone for Naildriver singer Floyd Hunter’s brother early this night, but workplace duties prevailed and I didn’t escape until nearly 9 PM. After doing a quick supper, I was off to Aldo’s to check out another hard-rocking show happening this night, pairing Way Down East and Satanic Bat.
I arrived shortly into Way Down East’s opening set. Unfortunately, Aldo’s was relatively empty this night (probably due to the benefit in Tyrone). Fortunately, Way Down East frontman Paul Wilson didn’t care how many bodies were in the house. Paul was feeling it this night, and with a festive Abe Weber of The Marauders cheering him on wildly from the back of the room, it made for a wild and crazy set. Paul was the most animated I have seen him yet, as he fronted Way Down East through tunes from their song library such as “Where Alfalfa Grows,” “ZZ Deathbed,” “Deep in My Head,” “Hillbilly Rock and Roll,” “Jager Shots for Par” and more. Paul, guitarist Charles Harr, bassist Horse Gelvin and drummer Randy Wilson also introduced a few new songs along the way, including “Around Here,” the fast-paced “Copacabana” and “In My Beard.” Besides heartily rocking the house, Way Down East was entertaining; particularly Paul. At one point, while a broken string was being fixed, Paul offered some poignant commentary regarding the Pittsburgh Penguins. And while introducing “In My Beard,” Paul remarked, “Horse used to have a big beard, then she married him.”
Paul Wilson of Way Down East.
Randy Wilson of Way Down East.
Charles Harr of Way Down East.
Again, Paul Wilson of Way Down East.
Way Down East opens the night.
After Way Down East set the tone and broke the ice with the small crowd in the house, Pittsburgh’s Satanic Bat finished with their brand of heavy, psychedelic-geared rock. Singer/drummer Steve Sobeck, guitarists Dave Warren and J.D. Howell, and bassist Hector Milliren mixed new and older material during this set, with the emphasis on newer. Some of the new selections Satanic Bat unleashed on the Aldo’s audience included “Ballentine,” “Chronic Night Owl,” “Kalahari Dreamin,’” “Jethro’s Tollbooth” and the set finisher “Troglodictation.” The group also did songs from their Tales from the Southland CD such as the instrumental “Skull Bong Rock,” “Dead Dixie Driver,” “Southern Rock Plantation” and “White Gypsy/Dirty Talkin’ Flower.” Through their distortion-laced, thunderous sound, Satanic Bat channeled elements of early Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, Clutch and even a slight Jim Morrison Doors demeanor; all incorporated into the group’s own distinct voice and flavor.
Satanic Bat brings their heavy sounds to Aldo’s stage.
Again, Satanic Bat.
Dave Warren of Satanic Bat.
Steve Sobeck of Satanic Bat.
Again, Steve Sobeck.
J.D. Howell of Satanic Bat.
Dave Warren and Hector Milliren of Satanic Bat.
Once again, Satanic Bat.
Again, J.D. Howell of Satanic Bat.
I thoroughly enjoyed both bands this night, and this bill was as interesting, hard-rocking and entertaining in reality as it looked on paper. Too bad more folks didn’t show up to see what these two groups were about.
CANDLELIGHT RED @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 10/12/08
After kicking off the new era of local music on the airwaves with the debut of Rocky 104.9’s “Homegrown Rocker,” I headed to Pellegrine’s to celebrate…not only the “Homegrown Rocker’s” debut, but my birthday!
Candlelight Red was providing the music, and this would be my first opportunity to see this group since they changed singers. Alaskan singer Charlotte Kopp was gone, and replacing her was former In frontman Greg Locke. Needless to say, this would change the dynamic of this group from a female-fronted band to a male-fronted one, and it would be interesting to see how their direction had changed.
I arrived toward the end of Candlelight Red’s second set. Greg, guitarist Jeremy Edge, bassist Adam Zimmer and drummer Josh Hetrick were doing Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock’n’Roll,” and completed the set with Papa Roach’s “Last Resort,” Buckcherry’s “Too Drunk” and an original song, “Free.”
Candlelight Red started their nightcap set with Buckcherry’s ever-popular “Crazy Bitch.” Adam then sang lead on Danzig’s “Mother,” and the group kept the dance floor crowd cheering with tunes from Limp Bizkit, Beastie Boys, Poison, Three Days Grace, Drowning Pool, Linkin Park, Rage Against the Machine, Pantera and more. Along the way, the group broke out the title from Jeremy’s former band, “Til December,” and also broke out a version of Dio’s “Holy Diver.”
Greg seemed perfectly at home in this new band situation. But then again, it hadn’t been that long since In exited the stage, and this group reunites Greg with two players from that situation. Candlelight Red confidently moved forward this night, and it appeared that this project hadn’t lost any momentum since their summertime beginning.
With an audience member providing accompaniment, Greg Locke of Candlelight Red.
Again, Greg Locke of Candlelight Red.
Adam Zimmer of Candlelight Red.
Candlelight Red rocks Pellegrine’s.
Again, Adam Zimmer of Candlelight Red.
Josh Hetrick of Candlelight Red.
Jeremy Edge of Candlelight Red.
Jeremy Edge and Adam Zimmer of Candlelight Red.
Again, Josh Hetrick of Candlelight Red.
Once again, Greg Locke.
Again, Jeremy and Adam.
More rocking craziness with Jeremy and Adam.
Again, Jeremy Edge.
Yet again, Greg Locke of Candlelight Red.
One more time, Jeremy Edge of Candlelight Red.
JP’s HAIKU
Hard-hitting twin bill
Way Down East, Satanic Bat
You missed kickass show!
