Missing Home

[facingwest]

Imagine doing better than you could ever imagine in life, but miss the home that you left to do it. This year, I've played 212 gigs (4 hour shows without breaks) and have made a great Pennsylvania statement by making the bar I work for more money during the shifts I do than anyone else could here.

From playing here, I found out that Pennsylvania musicians are more dedicated to their craft than any of the musicians I've talked to here. Irregardless to our differences, we still find a way to always care, respect each other, and not back stab (for the most part). I love the facts, but it can never beat the passion we put into what we do and the dedication that goes into it.

I am proud to say that I come from PA and that each and every day I try to find new ways to improve as a musician. Something I truely miss is the support from folks that lose sleep during week days and week ends just to hear something or someone they like and believe in. As it stands, I've played for 20,000+ people, but it's not the same thing to as people that come to see you time and time again supporting your vibe and what sacrifices you give each and every time you take the stage.

Each year we grow and change hoping to better ourselves, but please never forget those that come out and whole heartedly schedule their lives around you.

I'm not sure what the new year will bring or where I'll be. It could be playing at the bar next door, in the same bar, or back home playing to people that care about you and vice versa. All I know is that my roots are strong and will remain the same person I've been and always will. Living here over the past 12 months has opened my eyes to appreciate what's been left behind to persue a greener pasture.

Bottom line, it's musicians caring about musicians and people caring about people. We might have our individual differences, but will toast each other over a nice cold beer and laugh about the good times.

Pennsylvania has Rockpage.....Can any other music scene compete? Hell no. Also, a Jim Price is one in a billion and is the glue that holds such a great community of musicians together.

[RAM Z]

Yes sir , you hit the nail on the head there! I 've never played that many shows or in front of that amount of people but , it has to be awsome. I have traveled alot , met all sorts of people, seen some crazy stuff and enjoyed most of it but, come'n back home was always the best part. The interaction between a band and a smaller crowd has to be one of coolest things there is IMO. The things Ron and Jim have done for the music scene in PA. are second to none! Rockpage doesn't cost any of us a dime and neither does PA. Musician Magizine. These are things they dedicate their time any money to do for all of us, not mention having to put up with some of the stuff on here. The Underground also does some really cool stuff for us too! I saw my first episode last week and it was pretty fuh-king cool. Don't forget about J.P.'s work on the Backyard Rocker also.

You are right for sure, there is a huge amount of support in PA. for bands.
The fans here are the best and party harder than anyone IMO.
If it was'nt for the support from some of our fellow musicians there would be venues that we may have not known about or even gotten into in the first place without thier help. A million thanx to all who have helped me and our band through the years!

Glad to here you're doing well facingwest and hope you continue to do so for many years to come! Sounds like ya could use a lil' R&R though. l.o.l

What a cool thread !

[Marsman365]

I would like to echo "Facingwest's" message. I too moved my family to NC over this past year in pursuit of "greener pastures", but there's no place like home, and that will always be PA!

My professional career brought me to NC, and I haven't had time to get involved with a band yet, but I have to agree that the music scene in Raleigh is "different" than in PA. I always knew there were good musicians in our area in PA, but I now appreciate the wealth of "excellent musicians" that reside in central PA. You just don't see the depth of talent here.

I do see musicians supporting different causes, but it doesn't have the feel of a "musical family" like it did in PA. A perfect example was the "drum night" I attended about 1 1/2 years ago in PA. There was such talent in that room, but yet the egos were non-existent. Everyone learned something from someone else and I really felt welcome even though it was the first I attended. You just don't see that down here!

I know making a life in central PA can be hard at times and the pastures do seem greener, but greener isn't always better. I knew this before we moved, but family, friends, heritage... that's what life is about.

May the Christmas Season bring you happiness, joy, and peace!

Merry Christmas and may all of you have a very prosperous New Year!!!

Emil

"Take time to listen to the music!"

[songsmith]

Great posts. I've said all along that there's a lot of talent in the area, and the Central PA work ethic is untouchable. I came from this area, moved away, then moved back to Altoona because of the music scene. Love it, or hate it, it's a community I'm proud to be a part of.----->JMS

[bassist_25]

John, as always I'm glad to hear about your success!!!

But for me, personally: If I got out of Central Pa tommorow, it still wouldn't be soon enough.

*still counting down the days until I leave for graduate school and can forget this place forever*

[plumcrazy]

I've lived in Pennsylvania for the past 13 years and was never in the live music scene until about 2 1/2 years ago. Since then I have been truly amazed at how everyone involved in music comes together as one. The fans support the musicians like I've never seen before. There is such an out pouring of compassion and love among everyone it's awesome.

The musicians - well they are in a league all their own. I've been so very fortunate to meet a number of you and I tell myself time and time again, how absolutely wonder all of you are. Very genuine and true to yourself and the other musicians. You guys and gals are all so greatful for each other and your fans.

I've never met a "family" of people like the ones I've met through the live music scene and I look forward to meeting many, many more.

Thank you to all the musicians and the fans that I've met over the past 2 1/2 years for truly wonderful times and even better friendships.

May everyone have the best of holidays and here's hoping the new year brings good fortune to all.

[TJ Kelly]

John are you coming home for the holidays? If so we need to hook up for a Jager or two! Plus you can check out the new project!

[Banned]

Great posts. I've said all along that there's a lot of talent in the area, and the Central PA work ethic is untouchable. I came from this area, moved away, then moved back to Altoona because of the music scene. Love it, or hate it, it's a community I'm proud to be a part of.----->JMS

JS, I've been saying this for years. This area is amazing. I travel a bit with my company, and whenever I can, I go out and see what local music is playing.

Nothing EVER beats what you can hear around here every night. I have been to some top notch Blues Clubs, several Houses of Blues, jazz clubs.....whatever and the bands I see at these cool places would just be an average Blair county band. REALLY

I think the local bands in Blair, Cambria and Centre counties are exceptional, and especially the guitar slingers.

I grew up in the Scranton, NE Pa area, with lots of good musicians, but I never saw the quality of guitar playing like there is here.

[YankeeRose]

A little something to make the exPAtriates feel a bit better...the low tonight according to Q-94, at least in Altoona, is going to be ZERO! It'll be colder up here on the mountain. The Merriest of Christmases and Happiest of New Years to y'all! bassist_25, once upon a time, I couldn't wait to leave PA either, but many times I will STILL sing "Sweet Home Pennsylvania"...and I changed a few other lyrics, too.
(facingwest, I realize that is one of your "all-time favorite" tunes! )

[lonewolf]

Hey John, I was just thinking of you this morning. Yesterday morning my alarm went off and I switched the TV to the weather channel..."the..temperature..is..seven..degrees". Geez it isn't even winter yet, I thought...it will have to warm up. This morning my alarm went off and I switched the TV to the weather channel..."the..temperature..is..three..degrees". I started thinking about where in Florida to move and the housing bubble and the hurricanes and alligators and was wondering how you were doing. The next thing that came to mind was Space Truckin' and whether you were "meeting all the groovy people" over in Southbeach.

Anyway glad to see you are doing well. Always remember, you may be lying in the sun sipping pinas, but up here, we still have...um...we still have...uh, you know.

[Jim Price]

Although I’ve never given it serious thought, I’ve sometimes wondered if I would ever be able to do the things I do in a music scene other than this area’s.

The inevitable conclusion is always: HELL NO! Admittedly, part it is that my roots are entrenched here; I’m a hometown guy, and this is my hometown. At this stage of my life, I just don’t see myself pulling up roots and trying to start all over from scratch elsewhere.

But a large part of it is that we have built – and are still building – something special here. We have passionate musicians who are dedicated to giving their all during each and every performance. We have an infrastructure that supports music scene growth – including Rockpage, Pennsylvania Musician Magazine, The Underground TV, Q94’s “Backyard Rocker” (I’m continually thankful to station ownership and management for allowing me to keep this show on the air going on eight years; in the current climate of corporate-run broadcasting nationwide, shows like this are growing fewer and farther between), and a supportive network of musicians, bands, and music enthusiasts that continues to grow. And we have musicians and people dedicated to continuing to grow and develop what we have; whether it be Dave Moses and his “One Voice Musical Showcase” to showcase performers creating their own music, or Get Closer To The Music, or Dennie Huber and his “Crazy Fest,” encouraging youngsters to get on stage and show their talent.

And part of it is also the challenge...I like the challenge of seeing that hot new band playing to four walls, and trying to convey the right words to encourage folks to go give that band a chance. And I like the challenge of seeing a group doing something different, and telling the world about it so others can discover it...or playing their music on Sunday nights and letting Central PA hear that yes, there is creativity and imagination on this area's music scene!

Sure, we don’t have a perfect area or scene. The money to play here can be better; fan support isn’t always here every night, and in any music community, there will always be the occasional squabbles, skirmishes and disagreements. But as somebody who has followed and studied this music scene for over 18 years, I have seen growth and progress. It is gradual and doesn’t happen overnight, but it is here.

I was just discussing this with a prominent area musician last night…look at the diversity that exists on our music scene these days. We have modern and classic rock, metal, blues, country, jazz, folk, traditional, punk, hardcore, alternative, and various hybrids of all of the above! Musicians are more willing to take chances and stretch out these days, whether it be groups exploring roots and traditional sounds like Blind Jonny Death, .00 Buck, Mudbone or The Marauders, or The Flame Sky and The Grimm with their experimentation, or Spoonchatter blending jazz and rock, or solo guys and gals who dig into the “back of the rack” to explore like Matt Burns, Fat Vinny, Denise Baldwin, Maureen Duffy and more! And as musicians continue to stretch the parameters of their craft, audiences are likewise opening up to it.

Again, it’s gradual progress, and we still have work ahead, but this scene is heading in a good direction. We DO have something special happening here. Keep the faith and stay the course, everyone, good things are happening around here.

[Bit*chenWomen1029]

As always JP has the wisdom for all to continue doing what you are doing!!!


WELL SAID JP!!

[bassist_25]

The next thing that came to mind was Space Truckin' and whether you were "meeting all the groovy people" over in Southbeach.

Jeff, only you could sneak a Deep Purple reference in like that.

[songsmith]

Excellent post, JP. That gets my vote for post of the decade.--->JMS

[TJ Kelly]

Yeah I agree and he even mentioned .OO Buck!

[facingwest]

How about if everyone in the western PA scene bombards Key West?!?

Something great about this year was getting to see the Beach Boys at Disney World during the evacuation of hurricane Wilma. I'll have to scan the pictures for you guys to see.

If anyone plans to visit Key West, lemme know. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and unfortunately, I can't come home.

The next time I do come home, I'm going to book some gigs. I gotta get a Bose system first. It's the best investment an acoustic musician could make. Imagine hearing what you do as clear and as loud as the person sitting in the middle of the room and it's not overbearing to your ears.