SO FAR FESTIVAL @ SLEP CENTER, PENN STATE ALTOONA 11/15/08
By mid afternoon, I was back at Penn State Altoona’s Slep Center to take in the second and final day of the So Far Festival.
So Far’s second day showcased electric bands, with an emphasis on the eclectic. The day started metallic, though, and The Battle was under way as I first arrived. I only got to witness two songs, but The Battle demonstrated a caustic, death- and thrash-geared metal sound. They sounded together on what they did, and overall, they showed potential. I wouldn’t mind catching them again sometime.
The Battle, kicking off the Saturday So Far proceedings.
Again, The Battle.
The Defining Hour continued the metal. It was also my first time seeing this band in action, although I have witnessed frontman Matt Watson in action in past projects. These guys also delivered a brute force sound rooted in the Pantera tradition, with Matt barking and snarling out fierce voice up front. The Defining Hour showed a strong sense of melody amid their brutality, with strong, well-constructed songs. Two of the song titles I caught from this group’s original song arsenal were “Endless” and the Sabbath-tinged “Six Degrees Of Torture.” Again, I was pretty impressed with my first encounter with The Defining Hour, and look forward to hearing more in the months ahead.
The Defining Hour.
Again, The Defining Hour.
Matt Watson of The Defining Hour.
Scott of The Defining Hour.
Lew of The Defining Hour.
Young Everett-based quintet Union then set up to perform. A five-piece, this group demonstrated an all-instrumental symphonic power metal sound similar to Dream Theater and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. They displayed enthusiasm, intensity and focus as they fired off their selection of original compositions. The gathering audience of fans paid full attention, mesmerized by this young group’s tightness and drive. An interesting style and sound; it will be interesting to see how this band progresses in the months ahead.
Union.
Again, Union.
More of Union.
Once again, Union.
One more time, Union.
Next was a Philadelphia-based fivesome called Clarity, who happened to be passing through the area and landed a slot on the So Far itinerary as they journeyed between shows. Clarity introduced a melody-geared alternative pop/rock sound, powered by a balance of guitar and keys. Their songs were mostly catchy and pleasant. On the down side, their sound was overpowering and distorted, so there was little clarity in hearing Clarity’s vocals or understanding their lyrics. Sound notwithstanding, though, a good band.
Passing through from Philadelphia, Clarity.
Two members of Philadelphia’s Clarity.
Once again, Clarity.
Some campus students by the door get caught up on the latest issue of Pennsylvania Musician.
Up next, The Flame Sky introduced new bassist Eric Koller on their set of hard improvisational rock. Eric, singer/guitarist Ed Brinkel, lead guitarist Jason Feathers and drummer Nate Woods mixed original songs with select classics. They did original favorites like “Alright” and “And Eventually,” and also did a Gov’t Mule number and Thin Lizzy’s “Emerald.” Eric sounded good in his first live duty on bass, and as always, The Flame Sky’s musicianship was dazzling and dead-on precise. Good showing…
The Flame Sky.
Ed Brinkel of The Flame Sky.
Again, The Flame Sky.
The newest Flame Sky member, Eric Koller.
Jason Feathers of The Flame Sky.
Once again, The Flame Sky.
Then it was time for something completely different…Pittsburgh duo Nancy Drew, comprised of Mitchell on bass and Tyrel on drums and vocals, then blasted forth a low-fi cacophony of all-out hardcore distortion and mayhem. Low-fi as in all bass, minimal treble, and much distortion and feedback…It sounded like a battle pitting the two musicians against their amps, and the amps won! Their songs were largely not discernable through this cacophony, Nancy Drew’s set largely amounted to short bursts of distorted, overdriven noise. But this duo obviously had some fans, as people crowded around their set up and cheered them on. Nancy Drew clearly stretched the parameters of this day’s eclectic flavors.
Nancy Drew.
Again, Nancy Drew.
The electric incarnation of Heavy Radio – featuring Harold Taddy on vocals and guitar, Heather Taddy on bass and vocals, Colin Lennox on didjeridoo and hand percussion, and Josh Karli on drums – followed with their own wildly eclectic sound that merged elements of progressive, alternative and folk. Their sound was experimental, and defied categorization other than being based in rock. Also interesting was their stage décor, with several mannequin heads adorning various parts of the stage. After observing Harold’s acoustic incarnation of Heavy Radio, it was interesting to see how the electric full band version fleshed out the songs and mood.
Colin Lennox of Heavy Radio.
Heather Taddy of Heavy Radio.
Harold Taddy of Heavy Radio.
Harold and Colin of Heavy Radio.
The full band edition of Heavy Radio.
One more time, Heavy Radio.
With another show in town I wanted to catch this night, I departed the So Far Festival at this point; and missed performances from The Pax Cecilia, Seas We Fear to Sail and Acalasia. But based on what I observed, the So Far Festival provided the opportunity for a diverse range of bands and artists to get their music in front of new faces. And at least a few folks were in attendance to experience the musical diversity. Hats off to Harold Taddy and Colin Lennox for putting this event together; hopefully there will be more editions of So Far in the months to come.
DIRTY LOOKS/HALF TEMPTED @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 11/15/08
From the So Far Festival, I headed to 30 Something to finally catch my first look at Dirty Looks. Henrik Ostergaard had visited this stage in other projects such as Rumbledog and Burning Orange, but never with Dirty Looks.
Half Tempted kicked off the night with a strong set of classic rocking favorites from Kiss, Judas Priest, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix and more; my favorite highlight was when the group teased Dirty Looks’ “It’s Not the Way You Rock” before kicking into Judas Priest’s “Living After Midnight!”
Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted.
Clint Carothers of Half Tempted.
Half Tempted kicks off the party.
Again, Ronny D.
Joe George of Half Tempted.
Again, Clint Carothers of Half Tempted.
Once again, Ronny D of Half Tempted.
Again, Joe George of Half Tempted.
Dirty Looks then took the stage; this night’s edition of the group featured singer, guitarist and ringleader Henrik Ostergaard, flanked by guitarists Eric Brewer and Chris Shaner, bassist Doug Phillips and drummer Ron Sutton. Henrik’s high-ranging polecat howl was very much alive and well as he and Dirty Looks did such classics as “It’s Not the Way You Rock,” “Not Enough,” “Cool from the Wire,” “Nobody Rides for Free” and more. This edition of Dirty Looks cranked on all cylinders, kept the action constant and the crowd cheering; and Henrik is still a charismatic personality with a fiery voice and sense of humor. Highlights included guitar and drum solo displays, Henrik welcoming his ‘sister’ onstage to dance with him on “Oh Ruby,” and Half Tempted frontman Ron Dalansky fronting Dirty Looks on a night-ending rendition of AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock.”
Henrik Ostergaard of Dirty Looks.
Chris Shaner and Doug Phillips of Dirty Looks.
Chris Shaner of Dirty Looks.
Doug Phillips of Dirty Looks.
Ron Sutton of Dirty Looks.
Eric Brewer of Dirty Looks.
Dirty Looks and fans.
Again, Ron Sutton of Dirty Looks.
Again, Henrik Ostergaard of Dirty Looks.
More of Henrik and Dirty Looks.
Once again, Henrik.
Henrik Ostergaard and Eric Brewer.
More Henrik.
Again, Dirty Looks and fans.
Again, Chris Shaner of Dirty Looks.
Henrik Ostergaard and his ‘sister.’
Henrik and sis having a good time...
The party continues.
Sibling fun and excitement...
Half Tempted’s Ron Dalansky joins the party.
Ron and Henrik.
Ronny D singing with Dirty Looks.
Ron Dalansky and Eric Brewer.
Again, Ron with Henrik and Dirty Looks.
One more time, Dirty Looks.
JIM PRICE ROCK-A-THON @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 11/16/08
Thanks especially to the music community of Rockpage for organizing the special JP Rock-a-Thon event at 30 Something. It was indeed a special and unforgettable day, and it was great to see so many friends in the house, including my magazine cohorts Robin and RachelRocks (with friend Cherie) making the roadtrip in! All six bands were excellent as well; Slacker Theory, Lies, Inc., Bad Daze, Vs. the Earth (thanks to singer Adam Marino for bringing me onstage for the kudos and hanging his guitar on me!), Felix & the Hurricanes (hopefully neither Felix nor Jeff will have any extended back problems after lifting me atop that big amp for a picture) and Halestorm. It was especially cool to touch base with the Halestorm gang, fresh back home in Pennsylvania after spending 19 months in Los Angeles recording their first studio album for Atlantic Records! Halestorm lit up the house and crowd with their powerful set of rocking original tunes. Lzzy Hale set the tone early with her fiery, high-ranging a cappella intro into “It’s Not You.” She, brother Arejay on drums, Joe Hottinger on guitar and Josh Smith on bass sounded great on all of it, including such tunes as “Innocence,” “Love Hate,” “Conversation Over” and “The Hand;” additional highlights included Lzzy’s Robert Plant howl on Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog,” and Arejay’s drum solo that expanded into a full band drum circle! Thanks to all the bands, Shawn Hocherl and his crew for journeying in from Frederick, Maryland to provide sound, Scott Zillinger, Claudio and the 30 Something staff, everybody who had a hand in putting this day together, and to everybody who attended…THANK YOU for an absolutely great day!
And thanks to the Steelers for beating San Diego in that weird 11-10 game…Icing on the cake!
Pictures from the festivities:
The reason folks were gathering this day…
Master of ceremonies for the JP Rock-a-Thon, Kevin “ToonaRockGuy” Siegel.
Kicking off the festivities, Slacker Theory.
Again, Slacker Theory.
A couple of youngsters try their hands at 30 Something’s Guitar Hero.
More youngsters take on Guitar Hero.
Lies, Inc.
He’s not looking grimm this day…Bob Lee of Lies, Inc., hanging with Arejay, Lzzy and Joe of Halestorm!
Bad Daze Rob and Eric Wertz.
Lzzy Hale meets Rose Storm…Hale-Storm!
Bobbi tries her hand at Guitar Hero.
Yours truly with new friend Cherie, part of the Pennsylvania Musician entourage roadtripping to the ‘Toona for the celebration.
Rob Carolus of Bad Daze.
Bad Daze Rob sings to the fans.
Bad Daze Rob serenades Lzzy Hale!
Bad Daze Rob serenades Pennsylvania Musician editor Robin Noll!
Yours truly, Robin and Bad Daze Rob.
Paul Rainey of Bad Daze.
Again, Bad Daze Rob.
Bad Daze, bringing the party.
One more time, Bad Daze Rob.
Yours truly with Halestorm.
Vs. the Earth kicks off their performance.
Mike Ritchey of Vs. the Earth.
Adam Marino of Vs. the Earth.
Elliott Wiley of Vs. the Earth.
Again, Adam Marino of Vs. the Earth.
Dawg of Vs. the Earth.
The Jager bombing begins…
Celebrating another one down the hatch…
Ritchey and Dawg help the celebration along.
Yours truly with Adam Marino of…what’s the name of that damned band again!?
Serving millions from atop the speaker stack, Adam Marino.
Rocking at high altitude, Adam Marino of Vs. the Earth.
Once again, Adam of Vs. the Earth.
Former Fayted drummer Zac Grace and Yours Truly.
The Hurricanes, giving me a lift…hopefully their resulting chiropractic bills weren’t too high!
Yours truly with the Hurricanes.
Guest Bill Hocherl with Jeff Clapper of the Hurricanes.
Hurricane Felix with Priscilla the Tambourine Lady.
The Hurricanes with guest Priscilla.
More Hurricanes.
Guest Trace Baker steps up to sing with the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes with guests Priscilla and Trace.
Again, Trace Baker.
Obviously I’m having a good time!
Joe Hottinger of Halestorm.
Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.
Again, Lzzy Hale.
Bad Daze Rob gives his salute of approval to Josh Smith of Halestorm.
Again, Lzzy Hale.
Arejay Hale of Halestorm.
Halestorm, rocking the JP Rock-a-Thon.
Again, Arejay Hale.
Once again, Lzzy Hale.
More Halestorm!
Again, Josh Smith of Halestorm.
Once again, Arejay Hale of Halestorm.
More of Lzzy Hale!
More Arejay Hale!
More of Lzzy!
Again, Joe Hottinger of Halestorm.
Again, Josh Smith of Halestorm.
More of Lzzy Hale, playing guitar.
More Arejay!
The Halestorm drum circle begins.
Halestorm’s drum circle intensifies.
Josh Smith pounds the drums.
The drumming continues.
Yes, more Lzzy!
Again, Josh Smith.
One more time, Lzzy and Arejay Hale.
CANDLELIGHT RED @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 11/16/08
After the festivities at 30 Something concluded, I decided to continue the party up the road at Pellegrine’s, where Candlelight Red closed out the weekend.
A good-sized crowd was in the house to take in the party, and Candlelight Red rocked them with favorites from Green Day, Buckcherry, Black Crowes, Papa Roach, Rage Against the Machine, Eve 6, Beastie Boys and more. An additional highlight was Bad Daze frontman Rob Carolus singing lead on Disturbed’s “Sickness.”
A fun, hard-rocking close to an unforgettable weekend!
Josh Hetrick of Candlelight Red.
Greg Locke of Candlelight Red.
Jeremy Edge of Candlelight Red.
Again, Greg Locke of Candlelight Red.
Adam Zimmer of Candlelight Red.
Once again, Greg Locke.
Again, Jeremy Edge of Candlelight Red.
Guest Bad Daze Rob sings with Candlelight Red.
Again, Bad Daze Rob.
Jeremy Edge and Bad Daze Rob.
Once again, Bad Daze Rob.
Once again, Jeremy and Rob.
Yet again, Rob with Candlelight Red.
More of Greg Locke.
Again, Josh Hetrick of Candlelight Red.
One more time, Josh Hetrick of Candlelight Red.
JP’s HAIKU
JP Rock-a-Thon
A day I’ll never forget
Thanks everyone!
