ADAM D, BAD DAZE ROB, JESS P AND FRIENDS @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 1/18/10
Closing out the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, this week’s Monday wing night at Pellegrine’s was another crazy affair, with Adam D, Bad Daze Rob and Jess P at the root of it all.
With Pelly’s popular Martin Luther King Jr. tree as the backdrop, the fun had already started by the time I arrived, with Adam and Rob joined by guest Shawn on congas. Jerry “Gambino” Gamber arrived and was immediately drafted by Adam to step up to the mic and do his weekly rendition of Looking Glass’ “Brandy,” this time before he could get any adult beverages in his system! Adam, Rob and Shawn continued with faves from Men At Work, Nickelback, Red Rider, and Adam’s rendition of Bob Marley’s “Smoke Two Joints.” Jenn the Heckler was in the house, and literally booed the musicians off the stage to make way for an arriving performer.
By this point, Jess P was in the house and ready to do her thing on acoustic guitar. Jess has assembled quite the fan following since she first started showing up on Monday nights last fall; evidenced by a healthy contingent of fans from her Altoona Hospital workplace (pun intended; as one person observed, this was the night to have a medical condition develop at Pelly’s, as hospital staff was right there!). Jess spotted the other musicians a break while she performed tunes from Peter Paul & Mary, 4 Non Blondes, James, John Denver, Cyndi Lauper, Rod Stewart, Sublime and more.
The party continued to escalate as Adam, Rob and Shawn returned to action. Big Jim was in the house, and joined in on acoustic guitar to help with renditions of Peter Frampton’s “Baby I Love Your Way” and the Eagles’ “Hotel California,” before singing the lead on Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.” Harry Pellegrine Jr. and yours truly were beckoned to the stage to help with the ensuing rendition of the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues,” with Harry on vocals and me buzzing the kazoo. The festivities continued with Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away,” before Big Jim did his solo treatment of Marcy Playground’s “Sex and Candy” (which Adam declared was one of the most disturbing things he ever witnessed). And it seemed that everyone in the house chimed in on a rowdy edition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” before the assembled musicians again relinquished the floor to Jess P.
Jess this time did songs from Carrie Underwood, Van Morrison, K.T. Tunstall, James Taylor, Violent Femmes, Johnny Cash and Jimmy Buffett. Adam, Rob and Big Jim returned for the homestretch, doing songs by Tim McGraw, Bon Jovi and Audioslave. A musical hospital guest, Missy B, stepped in to do her thing on congas. Adam and Rob then closed out the night with their heavily-requested version of Styx’s “Mr. Roboto.”
The musical chicanery, the delicious wings, the rowdy audience and a riotous edition of Aqua Teen Hunger Force on the tube adjacent to the stage area made this a memorable and crazy Monday wing night.
Shawn on percussion, Adam D and the Gambino.
Shawn, Jess P, Adam D and Bad Daze Rob.
Adam, Shawn, Big Jim and Rob.
Harry Pellegrine Jr., Big Jim and yours truly on kazoo help out on “Roadhouse Blues.”
Again, the “Roadhouse Blues” crew.
Again, Shawn, Adam, Jess and Rob.
Missy B joins in on percussion with Adam D and Big Jim.
Again, Missy, Adam and Jim.
Bad Daze Rob attempts to sing under adverse conditions, while being accosted by Rupp.
JAM NIGHT @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 1/20/10
Inspired by the recent success of Monday nights at Pellegrine’s, Adam D and the Pelly’s folks decided to try to start up a jam night event Wednesday nights. The Altoona area needs a bonafide long-running weekly jam night to give musicians the chance to rub elbows, trade licks, make music, and for new musicians breaking into the scene, give them the chance to play alongside seasoned veterans.
This night was the maiden voyage. I was already in place and enjoying my weekly Wednesday Pelly’s pizza fix when Adam D arrived. Soon after, Eric D (of The Busted Drunks fame) arrived, followed by Big Jim and soon, Don Osborn. Gear was set up, and soon the music began.
Eric D led off with a succession of acoustic-geared favorites and bar songs. Among his selection was Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil,” Oasis’ “Wonderwall” and Todd Snider’s “I Can Drink Any Woman Pretty.” Adam D, Big Jim and Don Osborn all kicked in to help out when Eric started into Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” All four continued with the Stones’ “Paint It Black” and an audience request for “Free Bird.” Don, Jim and Adam continued with songs from CCR, Rick Springfield, the Beatles, Allman Brothers, Wilson Pickett and more. Adam broke out a version of Donovan’s “Season of the Witch.” The night ended at midnight with Big Jim’s rendition of the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”
It was an ordinary Wednesday bar crowd at Pelly’s, with at least a few folks in the house. The jams themselves were low-key fun, and the musicians had a good time.
Hopefully the momentum can pick up for this over the next few weeks so it can continue. If you’re a musician or music fan looking for something fun and interesting to do on Wednesday nights, come to Pellegrine’s jam night…and bring your friends and fellow musicians, too!
It’s a jam! Adam D, Big Jim, Eric D and Don Osborn.
Eric D (of the Busted Drunks) on harmonica.
Once again, Adam, Jim, Eric and Don.
3 BROKEN DOLLS @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 1/22/10
The band 3 Broken Dolls has been in existence since 2001. They have been together off and on, and have gone through some different line-ups. Dormant over the past two years, 3 Broken Dolls had been seeking the right replacement parts to their lineup. Based on what I saw this night at 30 Something, I believe they have found them.
Now joinng founding members Kevin Price on vocals and bass, and Mike Ross on drums; are former Shift/Smoke Run Band guitarist/singer Shawn Ammerman and guitarist Bob McGarvey. This roster did a good, solid job at 30 Something over their 3 sets, performing a strong blend of current and classic rock favorites.
I arrived shortly into 3 Broken Dolls first set. The group was in the midst of Greg Kihn Band’s “Break Up Song.” They proceeded with favorites from ZZ Top, Georgia Satellites, Great White, Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper and a punkish take on J. Frank Wilson’s “Last Kiss.” They finished the set with the Outfield’s “Your Love.”
Although not strongly attended, there were at least a few people in the house, and they were cheering the group after each song. And Rockpagers grimmbass and Big Jim were representing and checking out what 3 Broken Dolls had to offer.
The group’s second set kicked off with Ugly Kid Joe’s “(I Hate) Everything About You.” This set featured songs by Poison, Golden Earring, Ataris, Violent Femmes, Bryan Adams, 3 Doors Down, Green Day, AC/DC and more. And the first dance floor action of the night commenced when the group did their fusion of Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.”
This edition of 3 Broken Dolls appeared to be gelling pretty well so far. The group was pretty together on their instrumental execution, and Kevin, Bob and Shawn could all carry a tune. And they looked more and more like they were having fun on the stage, something that rubbed off on the folks present and inspired sporadic dance floor action as the night went along.
Kicking off with Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy,” 3 Broken Dolls’ nightcap set again fired up the current and classic rock’n’roll, as the group did songs by Poison, Green Day, Lenny Kravitz, Buckcherry, Stone Temple Pilots, Seven Mary Three, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Seether and more. Late in the set, Kevin introduced an original song, “My Prozac Ain’t Working.” With folks on the dance floor, 3 Broken Dolls closed out the night with Velvet Revolver’s “Slither” and Theory Of A Deadman’s “Bad Girlfriend.”
In all, this was a respectable showing for 3 Broken Dolls. The Dolls’s pieces seem to fit well together, and there was some swagger in their steps on the stage. Hopefully this band can keep building on nights like this and keep things moving forward.
Fixed with some good replacement parts after a few years away, 3 Broken Dolls.
Kevin Price of 3 Broken Dolls.
Shawn Ammerman of 3 Broken Dolls.
Mike Ross of 3 Broken Dolls.
Again, Kevin Price.
Again, Mike Ross.
Again, 3 Broken Dolls.
With a fan studying his technique, Kevin Price of 3 Broken Dolls.
Bob McGarvey of 3 Broken Dolls.
Again, Bob McGarvey.
Once again, 3 Broken Dolls.
Once again, Mike Ross.
Again, Shawn Ammerman.
Once again, Kevin Price.
One more time, 3 Broken Dolls.
NATE MYERS & THE ACES @ ELK CREEK CAFÉ, MILLHEIM 1/23/10
I had heard some good things about the Elk Creek Café in Millheim, and noted that this venue had hosted some prominent regional blues, folk and Americana artists in recent months. But with Millheim – about 20 miles east of State College along Route 45 – just a little beyond my self-imposed one-hour travel radius for live music, I hadn’t yet made this roadtrip to check out a band. But when I learned that excellent Harrisburg blues and soul group Nate Myers & the Aces were coming to play at Elk Creek, I decided that a roadtrip to this venue was in order.
Not being observant, I didn’t notice on the Elk Creek Café website that the show hours were 8 to 11 PM. By the time I rechecked the site and realized the early show time, I realized I wouldn’t get to Millheim until about halfway through the show. But undaunted, I decided that half of a Nate Myers show was better than none at all, so I did the roadtrip anyway.
After completing the one-hour, five-minute roadtrip and parking my car, I entered the Café and saw a full house enjoying Nate Myers & the Aces’ performance. With Sean Farley of Williamsport-based bluesers Black-n-Blues subbing for Chris Purcell on guitar, the group launched into the song “When Are You Coming Home” off Nate’s latest CD, Persist. The group then welcomed a guest harmonica player, Frank, to join in on two numbers, the latter a version of “T for Texas.” The group continued with several original numbers, inspiring dancing in the aisles with one of the more uptempo songs. They then arrived at another song from the Persist disc, “Beauty All Around,” before closing out the show with “Shake That Thing.” The Elk Street Café crowd wasn’t ready to call it a night yet, and demanded more. Nate Myers and company quickly returned to their instruments, and finished with a bit of a surprise; explaining that he wanted to tap his roots, Nate went back not into blues, but early rap, performing a spirited read of Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” to cap the night.
It all sounded great. Nate’s voice was clear, bold, and soulful; and his harmonica wailing was top notch. Sean did an admirable job on guitar in his fill-in role, and bassist Pete Netznik and drummer Mike Noll provided the rock solid foundation with sturdy, full-sounding rhythms. Their presentation was welcoming and cordial, and made the crowd feel at home and want to let their hair down.
I didn’t try the food there, but what came out of the kitchen for other customers smelled good. I did try one of Elk Creek’s self-brewed beers, good stuff!
I enjoyed what I saw of Nate Myers & the Aces’ performance, and Elk Creek Café left a good first impression on me. I’ll be back!
Nate Myers & the Aces, entertaining at the Elk Creek Café.
Group namesake Nate Myers.
With Sean Farley (far left) subbing on guitar, Nate Myers & the Aces.
Dancers and the house look on as Nate Myers & the Aces perform.
Pete Netznik of Nate Myers & the Aces.
BLACKWATER @ THE ARENA, STATE COLLEGE 1/23/10
With Nate Myers’ performance done before 11, I had plenty of time to catch another band this night. I backtracked to State College, and decided to head to The Arena to see what was up. It would provide me with my first opportunity to see Blackwater.
The group already had a good party going as I arrived. Slimmed to a trio last year, the current edition of singer/bassist Pat Naylor Sr. (formerly of Crossover), guitarist Dustin Pollock and drummer/singer Mel Bollinger were jamming out on the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” with a few folks on the dance floor and busting some moves. The group followed with Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock’n’Roll” and Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See,” before arriving at their set-closing rendition of Grand Funk Railroad’s “Some Kind of Wonderful.” During the song’s “Can I get a witness” homestretch, Pat tried to instigate a dance partner swap among the four pairs of dancers on the floor; this would have worked, had these dancers known the difference between ‘clockwise’ and ‘counterclockwise’ when Pat called out instructions on which direction the partners were to move. It at least made for some laughable fun to close the set.
During the ensuing break began my misadventure with what I could best describe as the trailer park couple from hell! After first arriving, I situated myself in an unoccupied booth in one of The Arena’s elevated side levels adjacent to the dance floor. I noted this couple sitting in the booth in front of me, acting a little frisky and seemingly having fun with one another, as couples often do. I didn’t think anything about it as I watched the band onstage. Then I noticed the woman staring back at me. Again, I didn’t think too much about it, perhaps she had a lazy eye or was looking past me at somebody behind me. After a few minutes, she comes back to me and asks if I have a lighter for her to borrow. I happened to be carrying one, so I got it out and handed it to her. She said she would bring it back; I noted a slight slur in her speech, suggesting she had imbibed some adult beverages already this night. A few minutes pass. Suddenly, the couple gets up from their booth and advances to my booth, and to my shock, move in on me! The woman, full-figured and holding a newly poured full pitcher of beer, seats herself next to me in the booth, pushing me back toward the wall in my seat, and her boyfriend – a scrawny punky-looking dude with facial jewelry – sits down opposite me. “A little friendly, aren’t we?” I think to myself as I wonder what the hell this is all about. Within seconds, this couple begins arguing with each other about the pitcher of beer; the boyfriend demanded the woman pour some for him, while she responded that she bought it for herself. I just sat mum and watched. Eventually she poured a glass for him, and started fingering my knee! I was feeling very uneasy at this point; I didn’t sign up to be in the middle of a beer dispute and domestic spat when I paid my cover at the door! The woman starts saying some stuff to me, but the combination of the band playing and her alcohol-induced speech impediments made much of her monologue unintelligible. And I soon noticed a strange odor, suggesting that this woman either didn’t fully bathe, farted, or perhaps soiled herself in her drunken bliss. Wonderful, trapped in my own booth by a rotund, smelly drunk woman! She then ups the ante, suddenly standing atop the seat and sitting down on the top of the booth, her butt balancing on the thin ledge that separated the booths. I suddenly felt anxiety, either that she would teeter over backwards and crush the couple sitting in the booth behind me, or teeter forward or sideways and crush me! The boyfriend just put his hand over his forehead and looked off toward the dance floor, clearly embarrassed by this woman’s behavior. After a few seconds, she sits back down into the seat. Strangely and unexpectedly, the boyfriend suddenly leans forward and asks if I have a cell phone he can borrow! Although I had mine in my pocket, I sure as hell wasn’t lending it out to this dude, and I politely told him I left it in my car. Then, when Blackwater launches into their cover of AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long,” the woman instantly grabs my arm and wants to dance. My defense mechanisms kicked in, and my recently-twisted right knee conveniently started aching. I told her that my knee wasn’t in good shape to dance, and after several attempts, she soon gave up.
As this whole scenario was unfolding, I was looking for a way to escape, before boyfriend reached his limit with girlfriend and I’m suddenly and unintentionally in the middle of a domestic fracas. The opportunity soon came when the woman decided to get up to head outside for another ciggie. My beer was nearly empty (this couple’s invasion of my booth privacy no doubt drove me to drink it a little faster), and I spotted my opportunity for escape. I got up, and made sure to limp my way over to the bar for a refill. Fortunately, Mindspine’s manager saw me and started chatting with me, giving me a timely excuse to delay my return to the booth. (Thanks, dude!) I remained down on the Arena’s dance floor area to watch the band for the remainder of the show. (I later had to go back to retrieve my coat and camera case out of the booth, waiting for this couple to again vacate the booth for a cigarette break. I eventually did, and took my belongings to the safety of another unoccupied booth closer to the stage.)
Through this dilemma, I still was able to pay some attention to Blackwater. The group demonstrated tight excecution and good vocal harmonies as they played their mix of classic rock and country favorites; and they showed the ability to amp it up or tone it down depending on the needs of each song. Pat and Mel split lead singing duties, with Pat handling the lion’s share; both carried their respective tunes well. After I made my escape to The Arena dance floor sans nut-job couple, I watched as Blackwater did good work on the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody,” a request for Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” Alabama’s “Mountain Music,” a ‘60s rock’n’roll medley, songs by CCR, Billy Idol and Lynyrd Skynyrd. For the final song of the night, Blackwater gave a spirited Chuck Berry-styled rock’n’roll spin to Charlie Daniels’ “Leave This Long-Haired Country Boy Alone.”
After show’s end, I grabbed my coat and camera case from the booth, and with my limp totally healed (miraculous!), beat a hasty retreat toward the door of The Arena. I stopped off at the men’s room on the way out, and as I emerged, I noticed several Arena staffers moving toward the booth area with some haste. Methinks I escaped at the right time, before the unstable couple possibly detonated into a domestic fracas. I never did get the lighter back. But the sacrificed lighter was a small price tag to pay to achieve freedom from this nut-job couple!
That misadventure notwithstanding, I enjoyed Blackwater’s performance, and they held up their end of the good time.
Blackwater, entertaining The Arena.
Pat Naylor Sr. of Blackwater.
Dustin Pollock of Blackwater.
Mel Bollinger of Blackwater.
Again, Blackwater.
Again, Pat Naylor Sr.
Singing some lead, Mel Bollinger.
Once again, Blackwater.
Once again, Pat Naylor Sr.
Again, Dustin Pollock.
One more time, Blackwater.
MIA MANIA @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 1/24/10
Pellegrine’s was again my destination to close out the weekend, with Mia Mania on the stage.
Admittedly, I didn’t get to see much of their performance up close this night. First, I arrived late, not getting there until midnight and well into the band’s second set. And when I got there, Pelly’s doorman Tony and I started mulling over garden seed catalogs back by the rear entrance, as well as watching two movies on the wide screen television, Final Destination and Rambo.
But I was paying some attention from the back room, and eventually made my way out front to see the group during their last few songs of the night. Mia Mania sounded good on their sets of favorites; this night including tunes from All American Rejects, Violent Femmes, Green Day, Sublime, Weezer, Rage Against the Machine, Michael Jackson, Deadeye Dick, Bon Jovi, Buckcherry, Poison and more.
The combination of monsoonal conditions and the NFC Championship Game likely kept attendance down this night. But the folks who showed up seemed to like what Mia Mania brought to the stage this night. Again, I hope Sunday night crowds start picking up at this venue again, because there weren’t nearly enough folks in the house this night.
Closing out the weekend, Mia Mania.
Again, Mia Mania.
Brian Storm of Mia Mania.
Chris Lee of Mia Mania.
