D’n’A @ THE BELMAR HOTEL, ALTOONA 1/4/05
When live music began on Tuesday nights at the Belmar Hotel back in February, it was first the brainchild of Half Tempted singer/guitarist Ron Dalansky and former Sidewalk Romeo/Jack Daddy keyboard man/soloist Adam D. The duo became a trio with the addition of “Big Jim” Ricotta, and this weekly get-together became a small jam night of sorts, where musicians were welcome to show up with guitars and join in the fun. As this weekly get-together continued, Ron’s presence diminished due to job situation and availability, and for a while, Adam and “Big Jim” hosted the proceedings. Then, with “Big Jim’s” employment situation changing late in the year, he was no longer available to take part on a regular basis. Enter the busiest player on the Altoona music scene these days, singer/guitarist Dwane Edmiston (Acid Reflux, Wood’n’Strings, Broken String, and possibly soon the reunited Cosmic Lounge), and you have D’n’A (Dwane’n’Adam), getting together every Tuesday to play tunes at the Belmar. Not having been at the Belmar for a couple months, I was due for a look.
As I ordered up a round of Belmar Cajun wings and a brew, Dwane and Adam performed a wide variety of tunes, with both musicians alternating lead voice duties. Dwane sang Cracker’s “Low” before Adam fronted Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” and then broke out solo keyboard stab at Green Day’s “Basket Kase.” A guest, Dan Martino, then stepped up to the stage area, strapped on the guitar and teamed with Adam on a couple of country songs (both by Rascal Flatts). Adam then offered one of his lighthearted lounge piano excursions, giving a schmaltzy read to Disturbed’s “Sickness.” Dwane then dug a little deeper to do a song by The Calling, “Wherever You Will Go,” and continued with a scat-laced rendition of Peter Frampton’s “Show Me The Way,” followed by Grand Funk Railroad’s “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home).” Adam then proceeded with his version of the Rolling Stones’ “Time Is On My Side,” followed by Dwane’s take on Alick In Chains’ “No Excuses” and another Adam lounge treatment; the victim this time being Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy.” The musicians continued to swap back and forth between songs; Dwane singing The Flys’ “Got You Where I Want You,” Adam countering with Warrant’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” Dwane singing Matchbox 20, Adam following with the Police, Dwane performing Switchfoot and Live, Adam singing Supertramp, Dwane doing Maroon 5 and Adam finishing with The Doors’ “The End.”
D’n’A offered something slightly different from Adam’s previous Tuesday projects at the Belmar, as well as another extension of Dwane’s musical personality. I thought the constant alternation between Adam’s keyboard renditions and Dwane’s guitar treatments kept the show fresh; with both musicians taking their turns in the spotlight while the other provided accompaniment, a touch of humor or both. I liked the song selection as well, as both musicians brought songs or treatments of songs not often heard into the mix.
The Belmar audience seemed to appreciate the performances, applauding after each song. It was another interesting variation into Tuesday live music at the Belmar (while it lasted; the Belmar discontinued live music on Tuesdays not long after this show).
Dwane Edmiston and Adam D; together as D’n’A.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 1/6/05
After a late night at the workplace, I stopped in at Peter C’s to catch the return of Felix & the Hurricanes, back in their normal weekly Thursday time slot after a month of touring the state prison system.
There was a pretty healthy crowd present to welcome the Hurricanes back. And as I arrived at Peter C’s, a guest was onstage and singing with the ‘Canes – Adam D, belting the voice on the Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post.” The Hurricanes then kept it in the Allmans vein with “One Way Out,” showcasing hot solo displays from bassist Jeff Clapper and drummer Bob Watters. The group then continued with two of their own, “Keep On Rockin’” and “The Feeling.” After Dire Straits’ “Sultans Of Swing,” Jeff flexed his vocal cords on a rendition of the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody;” before the Hurricanes finished out the night with a country flavor, concluding with Eddie Rabbitt’s “Driving My Life Away,” with Hurricaniac Harry Bottoms singing backing vocals.
It was a happy, homecoming-type vibe at Peter C’s, as the audience cheered the Hurricanes’ return, and the group returned the love with upbeat, spirited performances. There were a lot of smiles on and off the stage this night, as normalcy was returned to Thursday nights at Peter C’s, and all was right with the world again.
Adam D, belting out voice with Felix & the Hurricanes.
Adam and the Hurricanes.
Jeff Clapper of the Hurricanes.
Harry Bottoms chimes in with Jeff Clapper and the Hurricanes.
Jodie K, Mary and Gary, partying down with the Hurricanes.
FAT VINNY & THE WISEGUYS @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 1/7/05
After performing Pennsylvania Musicianpaperboy duties in rain and sleet conditions early on, I arrived at The Hitching Post to check in with Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys.
Despite the sleet and rain, a respectable-sized Friday night crowd was at The Hitching Post as singer/guitarist E. Vincent “Fat Vinny” Kelly, bassist/singer Randy Ketner and drummer Jeff Van Clief had just begun their first set of blues-driven sounds. As I seated myself near the stage, I was surprised to hear the group offering a blues adaptation of Prince’s “Kiss.” The trio then broke out John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom” and Jonny Lang’s “Rack ‘Em Up.” Fat Vinny then introduced one of the group’s brand new original songs, “Lucky Charm.” The group shifted into the southern rock vein with Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See,” before introducing another new original song, “Just Some Things.” Vinny then introduced one of the group’s older original songs, “The Phone Call,” but technical problems cut “The Phone Call,” short, forcing a delay (translation: beer break). After the mic and mixer board snafus were resolved, Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys returned to the stage and rewarded the Hitching Post audience for their patience by honoring a request for the ever-popular “Sweet Home Alabama.” The group turned this Skynyrd classic into a three-song medley, morphing into Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves Of London” and Spin Doctors’ “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” before reprising “Alabama” to finish. The trio then officially concluded the set and headed into their regularly-scheduled intermission with John Lee Hooker’s “Jesse James Blues.”
Fat Vinny and company continued to work on the aforementioned technical glitches during the break. These problems aside, the group otherwise was doing a good job thus far. Jeff and Randy were in the pocket and setting down dome tasty rhythms and grooves, setting the foundation for Vinny to go to town with his brawny bluesy growl, stinging guitar solo work and fluid slide work.
Soon the group was back for their second set, and kicked back into the music with Hank Sr./George Thorogood’s “Move It On Over,” with Vinny again demonstrating his slide talents. Bassist Randy assumed lead voice duties for the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women,” and the group again shifted bluesy for Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster.” The group pulled out one of their original favorites, the boisterous “Picked the Wrong Day,” and returned to the Thorogood catalog for “Bad to the Bone.” At this point, another new original from the trio’s upcoming new album, Tight Play, called “Shuffle Up and Deal.” Next was Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Cold Shot,” before Vinny, ‘feelin’ the King,’ introduced Elvis’ “Jailhouse Rock.” This became an Elvis double-shot, as the trio followed with a bluesy read of “Teddy Bear,” which them slyly shifted into ZZ Top’s “Jesus Just Left Chicago.” The group then took things into the second official intermission with their bluesy version of AC/DC’s “The Jack.”
I chatted with the band members again during the break, and stuck around long enough to see the Wiseguys into the first song of their last set, Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally.” Since I had another band I wanted to take in this night, I departed the Hitching Post at this point.
Again, I enjoyed what I witnessed of Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys this night. The new songs sound very promising; bluesy, yet distinct from what the group has done before. This show reaffirmed that Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys still offers blues that kicks butt, and made me more anxious to hear what else the new album has to offer.
E. Vincent “Fat Vinny” Kelly of Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys.
Fat Vinny and Randy Ketner of the Wiseguys.
Fat Vinny, demonstrating his slide technique.
Randy Ketner of Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys.
Jeff Van Clief of Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys.
THE FLAME SKY @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 1/7/05
From The Hitching Post, I proceeded over to Peter C’s to check in with The Flame Sky. I had seen the group’s practice session a few weeks earlier; now I would witness that practice put into practice.
Immediately upon entering, The Flame Sky – singer/guitarist Ed Brinkel, lead guitarist/singer Jason Feathers, bassist Shawn Shultz and drummer Nate Woods – was doing one of the songs I saw them rehearsing at that practice, Iron Maiden’s “Phantom of the Opera.” Attendance was sparse, with only a few Flame Sky fans and Peter C’s regulars/irregulars braving the wintry precipitation mix to be in attendance. The Flame Sky shifted into a Southern direction with the Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post,” highlighted by Jason’s scorching midsong guitar solo. From there, the group entered Santana terrain, performing the instrumental “Incident at Neshapur.” The Flame Sky then closed out the night with one of their own, “Adding Up My Time.” Jason ended the performance with this interesting plug for the group’s gig the following night: “Tomorrow we will be at Aldo’s Bar and Grill…where the beer will flow and the blood will spill.”
Instrumentally, The Flame Sky were strong as usual, effectively taking each tune and pushing their performance of it to the limit. This band’s presentation continues to be highlighted by their escalating intensity, riding each tune to a powerful crescendo. On the vocal front, Ed was struggling a little this night, particularly with the higher range vocals. But musicianship and instrumental ability have always been The Flame Sky’s forte over vocals, and that aspect of the group’s performance again shined and dazzled this night. New man Shawn seems to have adapted well to this band’s environment; I will be interested to see how The Flame Sky continues to evolve with his addition and input.
The Flame Sky rocks down Peter C’s.
Jason Feathers of The Flame Sky.
Once again, The Flame Sky.
Ed Brinkel of The Flame Sky.
Nate Woods of The Flame Sky.
RIBBON GRASS @ YESTERDAY’S PARTY, EBENSBURG 1/8/05
With the weather cooperative this weekend, and no snow in the forecast, I decided to do an Ebensburg doubleheader this night, kicking off with Johnstown party favorites Ribbon Grass at Yesterday’s Party.
Y-P was packed as I arrived during the intermission between Ribbon Grass’ first and second sets. I jokingly told frontlady Terri Single that the band was being graded this night. Soon, I would see if Ribbon Grass’ party made the passing grade this night.
I’m happy to report that yes, not only would Ribbon Grass make the grade this night, but their party passed with flying colors. Terri, keyboardist/singer (and as I would learn this night, multi-instrumentalist) Dave Single, bassist/singer Ron “Gooch” Gallucci, guitarist Jim “Chico” Mirkovich and drummer/singer Mark Vatavuk started their second set in the 80’s vein; with Dave singing lead on Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” and Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” sandwiching the Terri-fronted version of Lita Ford’s “Kiss Me Deadly” in between. Ribbon Grass fired off the medley of Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself,” Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock’n’Roll;” with Dave, “Gooch” and Terri singing lead respectively. The Y-P dance floor quickly filled up, and Ribbon Grass’ party was definitely on! Next, the group donned an assortment of cowboy hats and started into Escape Club’s “Wild Wild West;” setting the stage for my favorite highlight of the show. Dave positioned a violin on his shoulder, and with cowboy hats still on, he and Ribbon Grass continued with Charlie Daniels’ “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Dave proved he could sizzle with a bow, while drummer Mark sang lead. Dave stayed on the violin for another song, as Ribbon Grass performed Big & Rich’s (Save a Horse) Ride a Cowboy.” At this point, Ribbon Grass launched into a 5-song dance/funk medley, with Mark handling the rap/hip hop leads, and Terri flexing her incredible power and range on the sung leads. Terri then sang Alanis Morisette’s “You Oughta Know,” before “Gooch” fronted the group on Ugly Kid Joe’s “(I Hate) Everything About You” to close out the set.
I was very impressed by what Ribbon Grass had done so far. The group had stepped up the energy level since the last time I caught a full show from them. The group’s song repertoire has expanded to include a bigger variety of sounds, spanning classic and current rock/pop, 80’s, dance/hip hop and even country. Ribbon Grass’ pacing is tighter, with the music nearly nonstop and the action continuous. And Dave’s violin display, the cowboy hats and other plot twists and nuances have also freshened up Ribbon Grass’ overall presentation. I was liking it, and judging by the busy dance floor, so was Yesterday’s Party!
Soon the party resumed, with Violent Femmes’ “Blister In The Sun” drawing the Ebensburg masses back onto the dance floor. Dave broke out the violin again, this time to provide accompaniment on Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ “Come On Eileen.” At this point, Ribbon Grass welcomed a guest onstage; (former?) Jimmy Sweatpants frontman Brad Cobaugh took over the lead mic on Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” ending the song by leading the crowd in hollering the Steelers chant. Terri then took over the spotlight by fronting Ribbon Grass on Salt’n’Pepa’s “Push It,” and the band continued the urban dancebeat groove with Young MC’s “Bust A Move.” It was again “Gooch’s” turn to sing, and he busted some high notes singing The Outfield’s “Your Love.” The group continued in the 80’s vein with Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” and Brownsville Station/Motley Crue’s “Smokin’ In the Boy’s Room.”
At this point, satisfied that Ribbon Grass’ party was kicking ass and taking names, I departed Yesterday’s Party, as there was another band in the vicinity I wanted to get a look at this night.
Again, this was the strongest show I have seen from Ribbon Grass yet, demonstrating lots of energy, solid vocals and musicianship, varied songlist, thrills and chills, and more. If you haven’t taken in a Ribbon Grass show in a while, I suggest you get updated on these guys and gal; you’ll likely be pleased and impressed with the party this band is bringing to the stage.
Visiting the wild wild west, Ribbon Grass.
Displaying his violin talents, Dave Single of Ribbon Grass.
Ron “Gooch” Gallucci of Ribbon Grass.
Mark Vatavuk of Ribbon Grass.
Terri Single of Ribbon Grass.
Once again, “Gooch” of Ribbon Grass.
A guest steps on stage; Brad Cobaugh sings with Ribbon Grass.
Once again with guest Brad Cobaugh supplying lead voice, Ribbon Grass.
Jim “Chico” Mirkovich of Ribbon Grass, playing bass while “Gooch” sings.
404 @ THE CASTLE PUB, EBENSBURG 1/8/05
From Yesterday’s Party, I proceeded into downtown Ebensburg to catch the remainder of 404’s maiden voyage performance at the Castle Pub.
From northeastern PA, 404 was well into their final set of the evening as I procured a brew, located and took up position near the stage alongside some Ebensburg music friends in the house. While not as crowded as Yesterday’s Party, the Castle Pub still had a healthy mid-sized crowd as 404 – frontlady Kat Rees, lead guitarist Mike Kealey, keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Adam C., bassist Ted and drummer Ron Snyder – played a party mix of current, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s tunes. Kat displayed good vocal power and range as she fronted the group on tunes from Sublime, Twisted Sister, Alanis Morisette, Puddle Of Mudd, and for the encore, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” The band was tight and powerful, and maintained good energy and a tight pace during what I witnessed of their show. I only got to witness a few tunes, but enjoyed what I saw. This was enough of an appetizer that I hope to catch a main course from 404 again sometime soon.
In the latter stage of their show at the Castle Pub, 404.
Mike Kealey of 404.
Kat Rees of 404.
Once again, 404, partying down the Castle Pub.
Once again, Mike Kealey of 404.
Once again, Kat Rees of 404.
The 404 party continues at the Castle Pub.
NONE OTHER @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 1/9/05
Again, Pellegrine’s served up the conclusion to my weekend, with None Other providing the tunes.
For bands attempting to earn a foothold in the Altoona market, there always seems to be an “initiation” night, where the band has to play to all the freaks and weirdos the Altoona area can throw at them. For None Other, this was apparently that night at Pellegrine’s. The freaks were in the house and in full force.
To the band at hand, though… As I arrived, None Other was into their second set, and was playing a mix of current and classic rocking favorites. As they had demonstrated in their prior visit to Pelly’s, None Other offered their own distinct high-powered style and slant to favorites from Good Charlotte, White Stripes, Cheap Trick, Guns’N’Roses and more. Singer/rhythm guitarist Clint Wiley, lead guitarist Jacob Reid, bassist Mike Thornton and drummer Len LeChene presented their selection of cover material at differing tempos and keys, and interesting styles apart from the original versions. The group often demonstrated crisp vocal harmonies, and Len’s blasting beats drove None Other’s set with ample power and velocity.
None Other’s final set also offered its fair share of high-powered favorites, including tunes from Jet, Maroon 5, Lit, Everclear, Sugar Ray and more. Curios and highlights during this set included None Other’s interesting slant on INXS’ “New Sensation,” the group’s unique medley of song intros (culminating in Ozzy’s “Crazy Train”), and an original song, “You’re Not Welcome Here.” Along the way, it took most of the evening for None Other to successfully break the ice with the fickle Pelly’s crowd (another “initiation” rite that Altoona conducts on new bands, making them work for their approval). By the time the group reached the home stretch, dancers were finally populating the dance floor, including some of the aforementioned “crazies” – including a wilder-than-usual ‘Scotty,’ a group of ladies who danced their way clear back into the restroom hand-in-hand, several hippie-types performing their own private groovefests and more.
In all, None Other made another impressive Pelly’s showing; their performance was crisp, powerful and fresh. But this is Altoona, and it takes new bands several appearances in this neck of the woods before fans warm up to them; such is the case with None Other. Pelly’s was relatively lightly populated, and it took until the third set for any serious dance floor action or applause to occur. My gut feeling still is that it’s only a matter of time before the ‘Toona warms up to None Other’s high energy show, and slow, tentative crowds like this one will be a thing of the past.
None Other, wrapping up the weekend at Pellegrine’s.
