JESS P. w/ADAM D & BAD DAZE ROB @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 12/21/09
Live music took a couple of Mondays off at Pellegrine’s the past two weeks due to lack of crowd. But with more people in place this Monday night, the trio of Jess P. and guests Adam D and Bad Daze Rob were performing as I arrived for my weekly wing indulgence.
Jess P. performed for the majority of the night (at least the time I was there). She strummed her father’s blue acoustic guitar and sang a variety of tunes from the Rolling Stones, K.T. Tunstall, Johnny Cash, Poison, Sublime, John Denver, Journey, Joan Jett, 4 Non Blondes, Carrie Underwood and more. Jess continues to introduce new songs; this night she did Social Distortion’s “Ball and Chain” and the Stones’ “As Tears Go By” for the first time.
In between Jess’s intermission performances, Adam D and Bad Daze Rob hammed it up. Rob sang his adapted Journey ode to Pelly’s evening hostess, Natalie (“Faithfully”), along with the cavalcade of syrupy ballads such as Billy Joel’s “Honesty” and Engelbert Humperdinck’s “After the Lovin.’” Adam lounged it up with a super-slow lounge rendering of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly.” The duo waited clear to the end, but closed out the night with their signature spin on Styx’s “Mr. Roboto.”
And along the way, there was plentiful banter between the performers and the audience, and usually the performers got the short ends of the exchanges.
In all, another good time Monday wing night at Pelly’s. Hopefully the holidays will keep Monday crowds up so that we wing eaters get to enjoy live musical entertainment.
Strumming and singing, Jess P.
With Harry Pellegrine Jr. looking on, Adam D and Jess P.
Again, Adam D and Jess P.
Adam D and Bad Daze Rob.
THE BEATLEMANIACS @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 12/23/09
Dateline: Altoona, PA on Wednesday, December 23…The night before Christmas Eve is becoming almost as big a night for bar attendance as Thanksgiving Eve. And local law enforcement is on it!
I actually did a live music doubleheader for Christmas Eve eve, starting out at Pellegrine’s for pizza supper and Fab 4 music courtesy of the Beatlemaniacs.
Soon into the Beatlemaniacs’ first set, word was circulating through the Pelly’s complex that DUI checkpoints were being conducted at several points in the Altoona area, including the vicinity of the Hench Plaza on Pleasant Valley Boulevard (near where I live, uh oh), also near 22nd Street and the Altoona Area High School area. Gotta make sure people aren’t having too much fun in the ol’ city tonight…
In spite of the checkpoint threats, Pellegrine’s enjoyed a big crowd of Beatle fans and holiday revelers. People were still filing in as the Beatlemaniacs – singer/drummer Jerry Carnicella, singer/bassist Bob Helbig, guitarist/singer Johann Von Schrenkel and keyboardist/singer Harry Young – started into their Beatle festivus. Over the two sets I witnessed, the group focused primarily on the earlier part of the Fab 4’s career, playing hits such as “Do You Want to Know a Secret,” “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” “If I Fell,” “All My Loving,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Day Tripper,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “I Feel Fine” and more. The group did a few later favorites such as “Get Back,” “Back in the U.S.S.R.,” “Hey Jude,” “Birthday” and more. And the Beatlemaniacs did their homework, and broke out some Fab 4 deep cuts such as “Tell Me Why” and “Hippy Hippy Shake.”
The Beatlemaniacs aren’t just a Beatles cover band that haphazardly rehashes Beatle songs. These guys sweated the details. Their vocal harmonies were largely dead on and bright, complete with two- and three-part harmonies. And instrumentally, Bob and Johann both use vintage instruments consistent with what the Fab 4 used, and they also learned the actual guitar and bass parts rather than cutting corners and going for simple chords and arrangements. It made all the difference in Beatlemaniacs sounding close to the real deal rather than just a bunch of Beatle hacks.
After their second set finished, and satisfied that the Beatlemaniacs’ latest party was well in hand, I departed Pellegrine’s to check in on the second half of my doubleheader.
Bob Helbig and Johann Von Schrenkel of the Beatlemaniacs.
Jerry Carnicella of the Beatlemaniacs.
Bob Helbig of the Beatlemaniacs.
Johann Von Schrenkel of the Beatlemaniacs.
Harry Young of the Beatlemaniacs.
SOUND DRIVEN @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 12/23/09
From Pellegrine’s, I made my way to 30 Something to finish out the night, and enjoy the latest reunion get together of Altoona jam-rockers Sound Driven. (No DUI checkpoints were harmed in my travels; it’s good to know city streets and alternate routes to get from point A to point B…)
Like Pellegrine’s, 30 Something was packed to the gills with revelers and fans, there to catch that rare Sound Driven get together. And the reuniting foursome of singer/guitarist Brian Pavlic, bassist Dan Condrin, singer/keyboardist Denny Karl and drummer Luke Leiden made it well worth the crowd’s attendance and support.
Different jam-styled bands have different ways of doing things. Some know going in how they’ll map out their performances, and improvise their jams and side journeys knowing where they’ll eventually arrive, and don’t stray too far off the path getting there. Other jam-styled bands throw caution to the wind, knowing where their musical destinations are from song to song, but not knowing how to get from point A to point B. For them, the journey is half the fun and adventure of getting there, and anything goes. I think Sound Driven leans more toward this latter scenario.
Sound Driven took freewheeling and unpredictable journeys getting from point A to point B throughout the night. But for them, the musical journey was half the fun, and their audience was very much game for the journeys! After I arrived, the group blazed their own spontaneous trails to traverse between such songs as Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London,” Ween’s “Roses Are Free,” The Band’s “The Weight,” Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man” (with a female guest singer), the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues,” Bob Dylan’s “Mighty Quinn” and more.
Their nightcap set launched with the Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll,” and bounced through several songs before arriving at Robert Palmer’s “Sneaking Sally Through the Alley,” which evolved into an improvisational jam interlude that arrived at Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride,” followed by more improv which led into Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” The crowd on the dance floor kept grooving nonstop through it all, and demanded and received a two-song encore from the group.
It was fun experiencing Sound Driven’s journey, and hearing and seeing how the group got from one song to the next. It was also fun watching Brian’s guitar and Denny’s keyboard continually trade off, and push each other and the respective jams into heated crescendos.
The group has this thing with gnomes, too. Scattered about the stage area are gnome statues, perhaps associating some sort of dark magic with the grooves this band engages in.
I don’t know when we’ll see the next Sound Driven reunion, but based on the fun this band appeared to have during this night, I fully expect to see another reunion some time down the road.
Sound Driven.
Dan Condrin of Sound Driven.
Brian Pavlic of Sound Driven.
One of several gnomes that populated the stage while Sound Driven played. I think this one was the Travelocity Roaming Gnome.
Dan Condrin and Brian Pavlic of Sound Driven.
Again, Sound Driven.
Denny Karl of Sound Driven.
Luke Leiden of Sound Driven.
Again, Denny Karl of Sound Driven.
Another of Sound Driven’s gnomes.
Another look at Sound Driven.
Once again, Brian Pavlic of Sound Driven.
Once again, Denny Karl of Sound Driven.
Again, Luke Leiden of Sound Driven.
One more time, Denny Karl of Sound Driven.
The anemone in Claudio’s salt-water aquarium near 30 Something’s front door.
Posted near the stage, this poster is from one of Sound Driven’s early shows in 1999 when they were young teenagers.
Again, Sound Driven circa 1999.
MAXWELL MASH-UP @ THE PHYRST, STATE COLLEGE 12/25/09
After spending a quiet Christmas Day at home, I roadtripped to State College to spend Christmas night. Live music was afoot at the Phyrst. And to my knowledge, it was one of only two live music events happening in the entire region this night. (The only other show I knew about was Hello Vixen performing at Yesterday’s Party in Ebensburg.)
The event was billed as the “Maxwell Mash-Up.” It featured several members of Maxwell Strait teaming with several other State College area musicians to create some musical memories.
Shortly after I arrived, the second set started. Tommy Wareham on guitar and vocals joined the Maxwell Strait contingent of singer/keyboardist John “JT Blues” Thompson, drummer Jack Wilkinson and bassist Rene Witzke; and the group opened with the Beatles’ “Day Tripper.” The group proceeded to play a colorful blend of classic rock, R&B, country, blues, funk and more. John sang lead on the Boss’ “Pink Cadillac” while Tommy stepped off the side of the stage to play his guitar to a group of ladies sitting nearby. After John and Tommy sang dual lead on “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” the group welcomed Natalie Berrena up to the stage to sing on several numbers. Natalie flexed her strong, soulful pipes on renditions of Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man” and Big Brother & the Holding Company’s “Piece of My Heart,” and teamed with Tommy to sing “Beast of Burden.” She sang back-up alongside JT Blues’ lead on Dr. John’s “Right Place Wrong Time.” Tommy then led the crowd on a singalong version of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,” before drummer Jack flexed his voice on Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London.” This led into a JT Blues keyboard solo interlude that launched into “Highway 61.” Grand Funk Railroad’s “Some Kind of Wonderful,” sung by Tommy, closed the set.
For State College being a ghost town this time of year (the students are gone until Jan. 11), the Phyrst was busy on this Christmas night. It wasn’t a huge crowd like this place usually gets on Fridays when school is in session, but there were enough folks there to create a constant buzz of voices, laughter and celebration.
Soon the musicians returned to the stage for the final chapter of the evening. Natalie joined them to kick off the set with an interestingly funky read of K.T. Tunstall’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.” JT Blues then led the group on the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Tommy then took over voice duties to launch a three-song R&B medley; starting with Tyrone Davis’ “Turn Back the Hands of Time” and leading into the Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” before Natalie sang lead on a fiery read of Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” and Patsy Cline’s “Walking After Midnight.” The voices then took a break as the musicians did two instrumental numbers, the second with a Spanish flavor. JT Blues then led the group sans Natalie on the Doors’ “Break On Through,” before welcoming Jonas Brothers guitarist John Taylor to the stage to sing T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday” to close out the night.
It was great-sounding throughout the evening, as these musicians brought their respective A games and blended their talents nicely. It was one of those occasions where with the high level of individual talent assembled on the Phyrst stage, there was no way this wouldn’t sound good! Not only were these quality performances, but a lot of the renditions took on unique flavors apart from the original versions; these musicians stamped their own signatures on these songs!
This night made it well worth the roadtrip through the misty rain to enjoy…good stuff!
Natalie Berrena and John “JT Blues” Thompson.
Natalie Berrena.
John “JT Blues” Thompson.
Jack Wilkinson.
Tommy Wareham, Natalie Berrena and John “JT Blues” Thompson.
Tommy Wareham.
Again, Natalie and “JT Blues.”
Rene Witzke.
Once again, “JT Blues.”
Special guest singer, Jonas Brothers guitarist John Taylor.
Again, Tommy Wareham.
The “Maxwell Mash-UP” with guest John Taylor.
JOHN McKNIGHT CHRISTMAS JAM @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 12/26/09
When Johnny comes marching home…for the holidays…a jam session may occur.
And this night, it was OFF THE MAP!
Former Hurricanes drummer/singer John McKnight was in town for the holidays from Atlanta, and wanted to get together with his local musical brethren. So he set up a special Christmas jam night at 30 Something, and invited musical brethren to attend. And they did. And so did a huge crowd of music fans and friends!
The night started off simply, with John sitting at the foot of the stage with his acoustic guitar, flanked by his former Hurricanes bandmate Felix Kos on electric guitar, Pat McGinnis on bass and Harold Hayford on keys. John started off singing what I believe was an original number, “Shape of My Heart.” This was followed by renditions of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” and the Allman Brothers’ “Sweet Melissa,” before John and Felix sang an original song from their stint together in the Hurricanes, “Way Behind.”
John then stepped back behind the drum kit, and things quickly heated up. The musicians launched into Robben Ford’s “Start It Up, and continued with renditions of the Allmans’ One Way Out,” “Freeborn Man,” John’s signature read of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Tin Pan Alley” and “Pride and Joy,” before Pat sang lead on “Louise.” Felix then welcomed Latrobe’s Tony Mollick to the stage, and Tony fronted the musicians on renditions of the Charlie Daniels Band’s “Trudy” and the Allman’s “Whipping Post.”
At this point, a brief break in the action allowed the first group of musicians to exit the stage and the next group to configure and prepare to further escalate the proceedings. Soon, the line-up of Felix and Ron Dalansky on guitars, Mark Rossi on keys, Ed Murvine behind the drum kit, Pat on bass, Matt Brown on trombone, and Priscilla the Tambourine Lady on…what else?…tambourine – started into Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey Joe.” The jam was on! “Preston Lance” stepped up to sing lead on the Doors’ “Love Me Two Times” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” before Felix sang lead on Jonny Lang’s “Rack ‘Em Up.” Tom Rhodes joined in on guitar for Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” and Don Osborn joined in the fun for Dave Mason’s “Feelin’ Alright.” John returned to the drum kit for “Mustang Sally,” and Phil Wagner stepped up to sing lead on Blackfoot’s “Train Train.” After Don sang lead on the CCR double-shot of “Green River” into “Suzie Q,” it was time for another changeover of musicians. A new corps of players – Harold on keys, Brian Elliott on vocals, Colton Fouse on guitar, Pat on bass, Terrence on accordion (and later, harmonica), Randy Servello on drums and Priscilla on tambourine – continued the magic with Lightnin’ Hopkins’ “Have You Ever Been Mistreated.” After two more numbers, more musicians entered the festivities, with Brian Cupples joining in on guitar and vocals, Chuck Knepper taking over on bass and Steve Bidoli stepping in behind the kit. This line-up continued with Chuck Berry’s “Reelin’ and Rockin,’” before Phil returned to strap on a guitar for Willie Dixon/Link Wray’s “Tail Dragger.” Yet more musicians joined in, including I think Chad Buterbaugh, another guitar player I didn’t recognize and a harmonica player whose name I had forgotten (sorry, so many names over the years, I lose a few along the way!). The resulting entourage did “Somewhere Between Right and Wrong.” The show host, John McKnight, hopped back in behind the drum kit to provide the beats and vocals, Patty Helbig stepped in to provide backing vocals and Kathy Tornatore spotted Priscilla a break on tambourine for the night’s finale; kicking off with Billy Preston’s “Will It Go Round in Circles,” transitioning directly into Parliament/Funkadelic’s “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off)” and Steve Miller Band’s “Fly Like an Eagle” before returning to the Preston starting point to finish.
Or at least we thought finish. After a few moments, John, Felix, Ron, Pat, Brian and Priscilla returned to the stage to deliver one more, Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold,” to end the night.
WOW!
At least 25 different musicians graced 30 Something’s stage this night. The merry-go-round of musicians and music was fast-firing and nonstop. Most all of it sounded great, with the musicians bringing out the best in each other, and the enthusiastic crowd and busy dance floor inspiring their efforts even further. It was magic from start to end; a night that rode a high crescendo for the duration and never let up!
Besides the music, it was very cool to meet up with a lot of people I hadn’t seen or spoken with in a while, including fans from the old U.S. Hotel days, former high school classmates, and other folks back in town for the holidays. This is what parties are about!
Afterward, John suggested that he might have to do this every Christmas season. Needless to say, whenever the date is announced for next Christmas season, it will be inked into my calendar, and I will be there!
As for this night…KICK YOURSELF HARD IF YOU MISSED IT!!!
Kicking off the night: Felix Kos, Harold Hayford, John McKnight and Pat McGinnis.
Singing and playing drums, John McKnight.
Again, John McKnight.
Priscilla the Tambourine Lady and Tony Mollick join the festivities.
John McKnight and Tony Mollick.
Priscilla, Harold and Felix.
John McKnight’s Christmas Jam!
Felix, John and Tony.
Ron Dalansky and Ed Murvine.
Felix, Ron and Ed.
Priscilla, Mark Rossi and Felix.
Preston Lance steps up to sing.
More Christmas weekend jamming!
Ron Dalansky and Preston Lance.
Don Osborn joins in on guitar.
Mark Rossi.
Don, John and Priscilla.
Once again, John McKnight.
Phil Wagner and Kathy Tornatore join the party!
Phil and Kathy.
John McKnight and Phil Wagner.
The jams continue with Brian Elliott, Colton Fouse (crouching), Harold, Priscilla, Terrence and Randy Servello on drums.
Priscilla and Terrence.
The jams continue.
Colton Fouse.
Colton, Priscilla and Terrence.
Pat “Pmac” McGinnis.
Again, Colton.
Colton, Steve Bidoli, Priscilla, Brian Cupples and Chuck Knepper.
Brian Cupples.
Steve Bidoli.
Brian Cupples and Chuck Knepper.
A harmonica player joins the festivities.
The jams continue!
Again, Brian Cupples and Chuck Knepper.
Once again, Brian Cupples.
It’s musical chairs as the jam session continues.
Kathy Tornatore and a guitar player I don’t recognize. (Who is this? Somebody PM me if you know!)
Patty Helbig, Felix and Terrence.
John McKnight, belting out some soul!
The fun continues!
…and continues...
What a party!!!
7TH GEAR @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 12/27/09
It had already been a fun Sunday for me. My “Homegrown Rocker” year-end special “memorexed” and “in the can,” I was free to enjoy some holiday weekend activities. First was an afternoon holiday get-together at a friend’s abode to exchange gifts and watch the Steelers beat Baltimore. I had originally wanted to venture to Johnstown for the Chris Klym Memorial Tribute at Ace’s Lounge, but the forecast for light snow on Sunday evening spooked me into staying on the ‘Toona side of mountain. On top of that, Harold Hayford and his wife were hosting their annual Christmas party, so I headed there and had a great time chatting with more friends and area musicians. An unexpected highlight of this party was an impromptu reunion of Dave & Paula; as Dave Villani and Paula Glunt did a few songs together in Harold’s practice/jam room. (And Paula still has the pipes!) Several good jams happened here, with Dave, Paula, Don Osborn, Eric Wertz, Randy Rutherford and others taking part.
After departing this party, my destination was Pellegrine’s. Bad Daze was originally billed to play this night, but guitarist Kenny Murdick was under the weather, and 7th Gear replaced Bad Daze on the stage. Triggered at least in part by the holiday weekend, a good-sized crowd was in attendance at Pelly’s as I arrived after midnight.
7th Gear had them partying. Singer/guitarist Brendon Burns, bassist/singer Kelly Montgomery and drummer/singer Randy Servello were nearing the end of their second set, and had some revelers on the dance floor for renditions of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in (Pellegrine’s) World,” REO Speedwagon’s “Take It on the Run,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire” and the original tune “Jealousy.”
After a 20-minute break, 7th Gear was back for their final chapter, launching with Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” and continuing with favorites from Buckcherry, Jimmy Eats World, Kidd Rock, Led Zeppelin, Soft Cell, Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith and more. Brendon and Kelly did their fancy footwork maneuvers during Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” and executed some dance floor acrobatics during the night-ending version of Nena’s “99 Redballoons.”
The dance floor was busy through it all, and Pellegrine’s was partying; thus providing a fun close to my fun day and Christmas weekend.
7th Gear caps the weekend at Pellegrine’s.
Brendon Burns of 7th Gear.
Again, 7th Gear.
Fans cheer as Brendon and Kelly bust their moves during “Walk This Way.”
Again, Brendon and Kelly of 7th Gear and fans.
Brendon Burns and Kelly Montgomery.
More 7th Gear.
Finishing his night-ending jump, Brendon Burns.
Somebody wanted her picture taken with me…Okay!
