Yes, it’s back! Finally the “Weekend Recap” feature has returned.
But don’t get your bowels in an uproar just yet. I offer no guarantee of regular appearances of this feature, or what form the recaps will take if I can continue to do them. Since I will be teaching two sections of my class starting in mid-January (compared to one section I’m teaching now), my available time for writing recaps and “Final Cuts” will be even more limited. So understand up front that my recaps could be very abbreviated in form, perhaps even limited to just pictures and captions from the shows.
And economic hard times mean cutting back…As such, I am cutting “JP’s Haiku” to conserve time.
Time permitting; I’ll see if I can keep this going with some semblance of regularity. Wish me luck!
(I hope I can still remember how to do this…)
ADAM D & JESS P @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 11/23/09
On recent Monday nights, Pellegrine’s regularly-scheduled tandem of Adam D and Bad Daze Rob has been joined by a wide range of guests, from Bryan “Zerb” Zerbee of Without Zerb and Dwane Edmiston of Wood-n-Strings/D-n-A fame to aspiring guest singer/guitarist Jess P., former broadcasters Gerry “Gambino” Gamber, Terrance on accordion and more. This night, though, due to sparse crowd turnout, Bad Daze Rob called it an early night, and Wing Night entertainment amounted to an impromptu unplugged and un-amped edition of Adam D and Jess P., with Adam coaching Jess as she learned and sang tunes from Poison, Carrie Underwood, Bon Jovi, the Beatles, Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones and more. It was casual and informal, and with only a handful of people in the house, the two musicians could be heard fine without the amplification. It was what it was…
“NIGHT OF ROCK, RHYTHM & BLUES” BENEFIT @ ACE’S LOUNGE, JOHNSTOWN 11/25/09
With the late fall weather cooperative this night, I headed over the mountain to again partake in the Thanksgiving Eve tradition, the “Night of Rock, Rhythm & Blues” benefit concert at Ace’s Lounge to help out the Johnstown Free Medical Clinic. This year’s event was a Pittsburgh doubleheader and blockbuster, featuring the Billy Price Band and Glenn Pavone & the Cyclones.
Glenn Pavone was already under way as I first arrived and instantly ran into Mike “mjb” Borstnar. Soon Mike spotted Hurricane Felix Kos and “undercoverjoe,” and we joined them as we took in the remainder of Glenn and the Cyclones’ set.
It was inspiring to see Glenn Pavone back in action. Glenn was recently declared cancer-free, after battling cancer of the stomach and esophagus earlier this year and undergoing surgery to have a tumor removed. Judging by his powerful and commanding presence on the guitar this night, Glenn was happy and thankful to be making music once again. His guitar tone was broad and strong, and he made those strings sing! Glenn, singer/bassist Tom Valentine and drummer Frank Sperentz heated up the full house Ace’s audience quickly with blazing blues-rockers like “Bang Bang Baby,” “Get Rhythm,” “Shake That Thing” and “Sunday Shivers,” as well as scorching reads of Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary” and “Manic Depression.”
Glenn Pavone & the Cyclones.
Tom Valentine of Glenn Pavone & the Cyclones.
Again, Glenn Pavone & the Cyclones.
Glenn Pavone.
Frank Sperentz of Glenn Pavone & the Cyclones.
Again, Glenn Pavone.
During the intermission, as Mike and Joe purchased copies of Glenn’s CD, I helped myself to the Ace’s food spread, an additional highlight of this event. Meatballs, ziti, kolbassi and kraut, macaroni salad, chips and more were available to satisfy the tastebuds and tie me over until the roasting of the big bird the following day.
The Billy Price Band’s set started with a reunion, as Glenn Pavone was invited to join in with Billy and the band. Glenn, as you may recall, was Billy’s guitar player back in the Keystone Rhythm Band days. Glenn again sounded great as he played with Billy and band on their first six songs, including the driving R&B of “Who You’re Working For,” the slow blues rendition of “Merry Christmas Baby” and more. Billy and his band proceeded to tear it up over two sets of cooking R&B and Memphis-styled funk. Billy’s voice was in top form through it all, as he lived up to “undercoverjoe’s” proclamation of “the funkiest professor I ever saw.” His band – guitarist Steve Delach, bassist Paul Thompson, keyboardist Jimmy Britton, drummer David Dodd, and the hot horn section of sax men Rick Matt and Jason Kutch, and trumpeter Joe Herndon – blazed full fury, offering up frequent instrumental highlights throughout the night. Song highlights included such Billy faves as “East End Avenue,” the title to his latest album with French guitarist Fred Chapellier, “Night Work,” his rendition of Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” and more. The Ace’s crowd packed the dance floor for the duration, and didn’t want the party to end. Billy and company were called back to do a two-song encore.
Billy Price watches as Paul Thompson, Steve Delach and Glenn Pavone perform.
Again; Paul, Steve and Glenn in action.
The Billy Price Band.
Billy Price’s horn section.
Billy Price.
Billy Price sings to a packed dance floor.
Again, Billy Price.
Billy belts out more blue-eyed soul.
Paul Thompson and Steve Delach.
David Dodd.
Again, the Billy Price Band.
Billy again croons to Ace’s crowded dance floor.
“Night of Rock, Rhythm & Blues” again lived up to its promise, as Glenn Pavone & the Cyclones and The Billy Price Band delivered ample musical fireworks, and made this year’s event one of the most memorable.
DAKOTA ROSE @ AMVETS, PORTAGE 11/25/09
Following the conclusion of Billy Price’s set at “Night of Rock, Rhythm & Blues,” Hurricane Felix suggested stopping in to see his brother, Dick Kos, in action with his band Dakota Rose at the Portage AMVETS hall. I had been eager to check out Dakota Rose, so I followed Felix’ suggestion and headed to Portage for the nightcap.
I actually didn’t know what venue Dakota Rose was playing at, only remembering Felix mention that it was on the main drag in Portage and across from the VFW. At first I couldn’t find the place, then located the VFW, but thought the AMVETS club across the street was closed. But upon listening out the car window, I soon heard the sound of a ‘warm-up’ guitar chord from within, and after coaxing the bartender to let me in (it’s a private club), I was able to witness Dakota Rose’s nightcap set.
This was the first I got to hear Dakota Rose singer Laura Peach. This lady has a voice! Laura offered good range, power and a lively style as she belted on tunes by Robert Palmer, Free, Joan Jett, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and more. Dick Kos blazed on guitar, while bass man Phil Kolarczyk and drummer Tim Magill held the fort down with sturdy rhythms. Although the crowd was small, a few folks were lively and dancing in front of the band.
It was a good finish to the night, and gave me enough of a teaser to want to see a full night of Dakota Rose sometime in the near future.
THE HURRICANES’ “TURKEY NIGHT JAM” @ SHAW’S, ALTOONA 11/26/09
I spent a peaceful Thanksgiving Day mostly by myself, roasting my own turkey breast dinner with fixings while watching AMC’s Godfather movie trilogy on my kitchen television. In essence, I spent my Thanksgiving with the Corleone family!
Thanksgiving night meant reprising the tradition of the Hurricanes’ Turkey Night Jam at Shaw’s in Juniata. A good crowd was in place as I arrived toward the end of the ‘Canes’ first set. The Hurricanes were four strong this night, with Jeff Clapper playing bass and Pat McGinnis providing additional guitar duties alongside lead ‘Cane Felix and Bob Watters behind the kit. A guest trombone player was adding his two cents’ worth on Ted Nugent’s “Great White Buffalo” as I procured a seat in front of the stage. Felix demonstrated some fiery slide guitar on a rendition of “Wagon Wheels,” before Blackfoot’s “Highway Song” closed the set. During this song, I noted that the Hurricanes have become such a popular institution in this town, that slow-dancing couples are now asking me to take their pictures in front of the band!
The nightcap set featured numerous highlights. One was an extended jam session edition of War’s “Low Rider,” with the trombone player returning to the stage, and Priscilla the Tambourine Lady assisting with the rhythm out front. Felix then did his slide guitar train whistle build-up teaser to Blackfoot’s “Train Train,” only to suddenly veer into the theme from the Petticoat Junction TV show, before returning to the regularly scheduled “Train Train.” A guest drummer named Rocco from Florida then sat in on the ensuing renditions of Steve Miller Band’s “Take the Money and Run” and Led Zeppelin’s “Moby Dick,” before the Hurricanes blazed the night home with an extended jam edition of “Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights).”
The Hurricanes’ Turkey Night Jam lived up to its billing. It was a jam, and a good time for all in attendance!
This couple wanted me to take a photo of them dancing in front of the Hurricanes. No problem!
Jeff Clapper of the Hurricanes has company as he sings “La La Land.”
Bob and Jeff of the Hurricanes, with guest trombonist behind them.
Felix Kos trades off licks with the trombone player.
The trombone player and Hurricane Bob.
Hurricane Felix, with guest trombonist and guest drummer Rocco from Florida.
Again, Felix and Rocco.
Again, guest drummer Rocco from Florida.
More musical fun at the Hurricanes’ Turkey Night Jam.
GREEN EGGS @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 11/27/09
Although I considered roadtripping to State College to take in a band or two, I decided that with some snowflakes falling around the area, I would stick to the ‘Toona and check in with Green Eggs’ Thanksgiving weekend party at the 4D’s.
The crowd was already big as I arrived at the Dees, and steadily grew as the night progressed. Green Eggs had a good portion of the crowd on the dance floor and partying down. The Nicarry brothers, Matt Day and Doug Black again did what they do best, stringing together a wide range of hits and favorites into bouncing dance-friendly grooves that kept folks in rug-cutting mode through the duration. Along the way, the group ventured into 80’s pop medleys, hip-hop flourishes, hair band rock, modern rock, Jackson 5 resets and more. Some highlights included the group’s fusion of the Beastie Boys’ “Girls” with the Isley Brothers’ “Shout,” Matt on keys for Billy Joel’s ever-classic “Piano Man,” and for the encore, Green Eggs’ pulsating rendition of Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer.”
Green Eggs provided a good dance floor blowout party that continued the festive vibe of Thanksgiving weekend.
A familiar sight: Green Eggs and dancing ladies.
Again, Green Eggs and dancers.
Brad Nicarry of Green Eggs.
Matt Day of Green Eggs.
A filled 4D’s dance floor parties down with Green Eggs.
Brian Nicarry of Green Eggs.
Doug Black of Green Eggs.
The party continues with Green Eggs.
Again, Matt Day of Green Eggs.
MYA’S MIRACLE AUTISM BENEFIT @ BAVARIAN HALL, ALTOONA 11/28/09
Another highlight of this year’s Thanksgiving holiday weekend was the third annual Mya’s Miracle Autism benefit at the Bavarian Hall, marking the swan song performance by local British rock celebrants The British Invasion. The group was playing their final show before going their separate ways to pursue other musical endeavors.
Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band were already under way as I arrived. Tight grooves abounded, as Chris on keys and voice, Phil Wagner on guitar, Mike Stanley on bass and Jacob Smith on drums featured original songs and select covers. Their groove-infused spin on Bill Withers’ “Use Me” was a highlight, as well as original tunes like “Religion,” “End” and the upbeat closer “Shine.”
Kicking off the night, Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band.
Group namesake Chris Vipond.
The other group namesake, Mike Stanley.
Again, Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band.
Phil Wagner of Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band.
Again, Chris Vipond.
I partook in the dinner buffet between bands, and was properly fueled up for the British Invasion’s three-set finale. Singer Bob Gates, guitarist Rick Wertz, keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Harold Hayford, bassist Kent Tonkin and drummer Beau Saller celebrated British rock together one last time, performing a variety of ‘60s, ‘70s and early ‘80s hits and classics from such names as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Free, David Bowie, Uriah Heep and more. Top-notch musicianship was a frequent highlight, as these guys were all at the top of their game. Some of my favorite song highlights included the Moody Blues double-shot of “The Story in Your Eyes” and “Nights in White Satin,” Harold’s and Rick’s respective solo fireworks on the Deep Purple double-shot of “Hush” and “Highway Star,” and the work The British Invasion did on some of British rock’s more complex classics such as The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” and Pink Floyd’s “On the Run/Time.” The British Invasion saved one non-British classic for the night-ending encore, celebrating one of Rick’s former band homes with a version of Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.”
The British Invasion came, saw and conquered one last audience, and made it a memorable night. A good-sized crowd appreciated the effort, and money and awareness was raised toward the battle to cure autism. A good night for a good cause.
No, it’s not Hannity and Colmes…It’s Joe and Bill, NOT deliberating over political issues this night.
The British Invasion’s last stand.
Kent Tonkin of The British Invasion.
Rick Wertz of The British Invasion.
Cranking out a solo, Rick Wertz.
Bob Gates of The British Invasion.
Beau Saller and Kent Tonkin of The British Invasion.
Harold Hayford of The British Invasion.
Bob Gates taps out some percussion while a dancing fan watches.
Bob also plays guitar.
One more time, Bob Gates of The British Invasion.
SLACKER THEORY @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 11/28/09
From the Mya’s Miracle benefit, I decided to finish out my night at 30 Something, where Slacker Theory was performing. A good-sized rowdy crowd was in the house to witness a good rowdy band.
The Slackers were doing what they do best – rocking and slacking – fueled by the jubilant crowd, copious amounts of Jager and some off-duty members of Hello, Vixen in front of the stage. Slacker Theory rocked it with tunes from Pantera, Nickelback, Seether, Metallica, Theory Of A Deadman, Fuel, Breaking Benjamin and more. Several highlights included guest singer Dan (from the band that opened the night, I believe called Wild Guess?) fronting the group on Guns’N Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and the Hello,Vixen contingent of singer Mark Simanski, guitarist Bill Maguire and drummer Steve Holtz partaking on renditions of Breaking Benjamin’s “Polyamorous” and Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So.”
It amounted to a slopped-up, slacking good time party.
Slacker Theory rocks a busy dance floor at 30 Something.
Ryan George of Slacker Theory.
Slacker Steve Danfelt.
Some members of Hello, Vixen join in on the slacking.
Mark Simanski and Steve Holtz of Hello, Vixen sing alongside Ryan George.
Again, Mark Simanski sings with Slacker Theory.
BAD DAZE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 11/29/09
I spent Sunday afternoon doing my annual raid on Hershey Chocolate World, roadtripping to Pennsylvania’s chocolate capital and not wounding my credit card too badly. Upon arriving back in the ‘Toona, I drove straight to Pellegrine’s, to watch the Steelers lose the Sunday night game, and then see if Bad Daze could lift sunken Steeler fan spirits afterward.
Provided any fans showed up, Bad Daze lifted their spirits. But it was slow early on, before a late crowd arrived. I’m assuming that Bad Daze lifted the crowd’s spirits, since I spent the whole night in the back room by the door, watching the DVD of the new Star Trek movie (with young Kirk and Spock). I couldn’t pry myself away from the on-screen action, sorry.
But I did note the glorious return of drummer Jim Bagrosky from his recent shoulder woes, and Bad Daze Rob being a bit under the weather. I was paying enough attention to hear renditions of Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy,” Pearl Jam’s “Black,” Buckcherry’s “Too Drunk to F***” and Cavo’s “Champagne” among Bad Daze’s hard-rocking salvos of favorites from Finger Eleven, Green Day, Theory Of A Deadman, Rage Against the Machine, Puddle Of Mudd, Theory Of A Deadman, Seether and more.
Steeler loss notwithstanding, it was still a good time. The new Star Trek movie rocked, and from what I could hear from the back room area, Bad Daze rocked the crowd as well.
