HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH @ THE BREWERY, STATE COLLEGE 4/17/07
This Tuesday night, I checked out something a little different…rock music theatre! Mad Muse Productions, the Happy Valley-based independent theatre troupe that staged The Rocky Horror Show last October at The Brewery in State College, was doing it again. This time, they were tackling John Cameron Mitchell’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch, also at the Brewery.
Without getting too specific, Hedwig is a Jerry Springer-like tale about a German dude named Hedwig, a botched sex-change operation (resulting in the Angry Inch), and Hedwig coming to terms with who he is. Bret Sarlouis, who played Frank N. Furter in Rocky Horror, portrayed Hedwig. Alicia Starr was Hedwig’s accomplice Yitzhak, and behind them was a stage band (“The Angry Inch”) featuring Jess Snapinski on keys, Greg “Mudzo” Mudzinsky on guitar and vocals, Patrick Newby on bass, Dusty Walizer on guitar and Danny Brumbaugh on drums. Most of the production featured Hedwig, now a nightclub singer relocated to the U.S., delivering a monologue as he addresses his plight to the audience. There were occasional exchanges with his foil, Yitzhak, and at several points Hedwig would front the band doing hard-rocking, punked-up songs from the production.
In all, it was interesting and entertaining, as the Brewery audience witnessed a theatric portrayal of a mental breakdown. Bret Sarlouis threw heart and soul into his portrayal of Hedwig (the character suggested a hybrid of Carol Burnett and Freddie Mercury), and kept the audience attentive. The production flowed along smoothly, and with part of the plot referencing Germany, The Brewery lent a fitting, German rathskeller-like atmosphere. It was cutting edge music theatre, and Mad Muse Productions again did a good job with it.
Mad Muse Productions has other productions happening soon, including various cabarets and another staging of The Rocky Horror Show this coming October. Check out what they’re up to at their Myspace site, www.myspace.com/madmuseproductions[/u]. ... V09609.MPG
JP & Greg, entertaining at The Saloon.
JP & Greg, with a wild dancing woman.
JP Mills.
Again, JP & Greg.
Guest Joey Dalto sings lead with JP & Greg.
Mike Lee of Velveeta and Zippy of Mr. Hand join Gerg Folsom onstage.
Again, Mike, Greg and Zippy.
George Powell sings lead with Mike and Greg.
Again, George, Mike and Greg.
Joey Dalto returns to the stage with Mike and Greg.
Mike and Joey sing onstage, while Greg and a fan watch from the side.
Mike Lee and Joey Dalto.
Once again, JP & Greg.
Again, JP Mills.
Again, Greg Folsom.
Again, JP & Greg.
Once again, Echoburn bandmates Joey and Greg.
MAMA CORN @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 4/18/07
This night, The Hitching Post's Wednesday Country Night presented the long-awaited debut of new local bluegrass collaboration Mama Corn. Although the group had performed on Q94's "Backyard Rocker" Acoustic Jam Special the month before, they had yet to officially play on a live stage. This night, the seeds of Corn would be planted.
I anticipated that it might be a busier-than usual Wednesday at the Post, but I wasn't expecting the jam-packed, near-capacity crowd on hand as I arrived just before the start of the show. Without yet playing a note on a local stage, Mama Corn already had a healthy legion of "Children of the Corn" to watch their official debut.
Guitarist/singer Bruce Foor, banjo player/singer Jeremy Nelson, dobro player/singer John Stevens, bassist/singer Brett Fanelli and mandolin player Brad Floyd kicked off their new venture with an uptempo rendition of Little Jimmy Dickens' "Cornbread and Buttermilk." The group proceeded with the Old Crow Medicine Show-popularized "Tell It To Me," followed by "Man of Constant Sorrow." The Corn then teased the audience with a grassed-up stab at Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," before returning to more traditional fare with "Catfish John" and George Jones' "Race is On." The traditional "Working on a Building" then finished out Mama Corn's first set.
So far, Mama Corn's performance was getting a rousing response from the packed house. The group was sounding good in the early going, with Bruce handling the lion's share of the vocal work.
The group soon returned for their nightcap set, again blending traditional bluegrass and old-time country with a few surprises along the way. The group did more traditional numbers such as "Salty Dog," "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms" and "Mountain Dew;" also a rendition of Waylon Jennings' "Good Ol' Boys," and they tapped the Bob Dylan catalog for a rendition of "Easy Chair." The Hitching Post crowd's enthusiasm didn't wane during the course of the set, and the crowd demanded an encore at the end, resulting in an encore performance of another traditional number recently popularized by Old Crow Medicine Show, "Wagon Wheels."
Needless to say, it was a very successful debut for Mama Corn, as the packed house crowd was happy from start to end. With an opening slot for the Hillbilly Gypsies' return visit to the Heidelberg Country Club just a few weeks away, Mama Corn seems to be off to a bright start, and their fan legion of "children of the Corn" should only grow larger.
A packed house at the Hitching Post looks on as Mama Corn plays their first public performance.
Again, Mama Corn.
More pickin' and grinnin' with Mama Corn.
Brett Fanelli and John Stevens of Mama Corn.
Jeremy Nelson and Bruce Foor of Mama Corn.
DUSTIN BURLEY @ CITY LIMITS, ALTOONA 4/18/07
After Mama Corn's show finished, I headed to City Limits to check in with Dustin Burley during his weekly Wednesday acoustic workout.
It was a quiet night at City Limits, populated by just a few Dustin fans and City regulars. Dustin was into original song mode this night, doing a number of his own songs. He did a number of newer songs I hadn't heard before, along with one I had heard before, "Yesterday." And of course, Dustin sprinkled in some interesting classics along the way, including Bob Dylan/Manfred Mann's "The Mighty Quinn," and the interesting fusing of Toadies' "Possum Kingdom" with Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" and Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again."
As always, Dustin gave his signature style and sound to each song, exploring on his acoustic guitar as he went along. The mood was laid back and relaxed, as Dustin entertained his friends and had fun playing tunes.
Dustin Burley, entertaining at City Limits.
SKARMA SUTRA/SAKRED REALM @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 4/20/07
After a grueling day dealing with listeners celebrating "4-20" (memo to JP - make the 4:15 "Classic Rock Clip" real, real easy next April 20!), my destination was Aldo's this Friday night, for a double-bill featuring two new bands on the area scene, local rockers Skarma Sutra and Hagerstown, MD's Sakred Realm. Originally, Sakred Realm was supposed to be the opener for Lies, Inc. this night, but drummer Ron Brode hadn't yet fully recovered from his recent back surgery, forcing Lies, Inc. to pull out of the show. Sakred Realm remained on the bill, and Skarma Sutra was added.
Aldo's again showed that it is Altoona's home for original rock this night, as a good-sized crowd was steadily growing as these two bands performed.
Skarma Sutra was first. Singer/rhythm guitarist Rob Arista, gutiarists Danny Mayhem and Jim Berkin, bassist Jason Oswalt and drummer Stan Korus introduced a hard-driving sound that mixed elements of rock, punk and metal. Their style suggested a middle ground between Alice In Chains and The Cult, with a touch more aggression. Skarma Sutra mostly showcased original numbers, such as "I Want Out," "My Door," "See Why," "Bad "S**t," "Burn In Hell" and more. The group closed out their set with a version of the Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop." Skarma Sutra represented well; the group was fairly solid on their instruments, and Rob showed good voice with some range and power. Still relatively new, Skarma Sutra showed some promise with this set; I'll be interested to monitor this band's progress in coming months.
Skarma Sutra, opening up the evening at Aldo's.
Danny Mayhem of Skarma Sutra.
Rob Arista of Skarma Sutra.
Again, Skarma Sutra.
One more time, Skarma Sutra.
After an intermission to change over gear, Sakred Realm was ready for their Altoona debut. Featuring singer Miguel Paraza, guitarist Tracy Weller, bassist Rodney McKay and drummer Pat Henson, Sakred Realm introduced their brand of hard, melody-geared modern rock. This band sounded sharp as they mixed numerous original songs with hard-edged modern rock favorites. Miguel displayed a strong, clear, rangeful voice, and his bandmates executed cleanly and sharply, delivering a lean and tight sound throughout their set. Among the original titles the group performed were "Swallow It Down," "Awakened" and "Forgive Me." The group also did numbers from Nickelback, Mudvayne, Hoobestank, Buckcherry, Tool and more. Sakred Realm drew more people up to the stage front as their performance continued, and by night's end, the crowd demanded an encore, which the group rewarded with one of their original songs.
It was again a good night for original music, and it was good to see two new and mostly unheard-of bands get a good-sized crowd and decent response. Hopefully we will see both of these bands back on Aldo's stage soon.
Miguel Paraza of Sakred Realm.
Sakred Realm draws a dancing and cheering crowd during their first Altoona visit.
Again with new fans looking on, Sakred Realm.
Pat Henson of Sakred Realm.
Again, Sakred Realm.
Again, Miguel Paraza of Sakred Realm.
Rodney McKay of Sakred Realm.
Tracy Weller of Sakred Realm.
Again, Rodney McKay of Sakred Realm.
Again, Pat Henson of Sakred Realm.
Once again, Sakred Realm.
One more time, Sakred Realm.
LISA BAUM BENEFIT CONCERT @ DIGNAN’S FIREHOUSE BAR, GALLITZIN 4/21/07
This night, I was taking part in a special evening devoted to helping out a former co-worker. Lisa (Sherry) Baum worked on Q94's sales staff a few years ago; and I worked with her a few times at live broadcasts during our annual Harley-Davidson giveaway promotion. Shortly after leaving Q94, Lisa was diagnosed with bone cancer, and has been fighting the brave fight against it. Frank Rodes - "Booter" - organized the Lisa Baum Benefit Concert, with proceeds from the concert (and bowling tournament held upstairs at Spare Time Lanes) going towards helping Lisa and her family with her medical expenses. Q94 was one of the co-sponsors of the event, and the station and I were glad to be a part of this show, and to help Lisa out any way we could.
The night began with a performance from the group Ruff Rodes. Featuring show organizer and guitarist Frank Rodes, guitarist Bob Ruffing plus several guests, Ruff Rodes blended acoustic songs with a freewheeling sense of humor. As they performed numbers from the Eagles, Fountains Of Wayne, Hinder, John Mellencamp, Black Crowes, Garth Brooks and more; they kidded with one another, and endured some funny good-natured highjinks from the Beyond Reason and Tie Down contingents. Musical highlights included an original number, "May Just Be the Love You're Looking For," and their fusing together of John Cafferty's "On the Dark Side," John Mellencamp's "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." and the Romantics' "What I Like About You."
Ruff Rodes and their friends kick off the music at the Lisa Baum Benefit.
Again, Ruff Rodes and their friends.
One more time, Ruff Rodes and their friends.
Next was my first look at the up-and-coming Altoona/Penn State-based band Acalasia, showcasing their hard-driving brand of original modern rock. Featuring singer Krystal Shore, guitarists Ryan Sheehan and Neil Deyarmin, bassist Stephen Wells and drummer Cory Aboud; Acalasia's sound bore some resemblance to Evanescence, as they played driving, melody-driven original songs like "Contradictory," "So Much for the Railcar," "There's No Place Like Home" and more; along with select cover numbers from Flyleaf and Journey. Krystal displayed good vocal range, power and poise, and I liked Acalasia's overall crispness and intensity. Acalasia gave a strong, confident performance, and based on this set, will be a band to watch out for in the coming months.
Next on the bill, Acalasia.
Singer Krystal Shore of Acalasia.
Again, Acalasia.
Neil Deyarmin of Acalasia.
One more time, Acalasia.
Next was area classic rocking favorites Beyond Reason. Singer/guitarist Dan Myers II, guitarist/singer Tom Urbain, bassist/singer Jamie Smith and drummer/singer Chris Myers triggered the first dance floor action of the night with their lively blend of rock'n'roll, performing numbers from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tom Petty, Chuck Berry, War, Black Crowes, Blues Traveler, Stray Cats and more. The group also included two of their own tunes, "The Rain" and "The Ballad of Johnny." Highlights included Beyond Reason's rowdy take on Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," and the Urbs-fronted rendition of Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," which the group sent out to a bachelorette who was celebrating in the house this night - Esa! The Ruff Rodes and Tie Down camps continued the chicanery, returning fire for some of the shenanigans that Beyond Reason carried out earlier on. Beyond Reason's set escalated the party and the mood, setting the stage for Tie Down's finale.
Here is some rough video footage from Beyond Reason's performance.
http://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV09622.MPG
Beyond Reason further elevates the mood of the evening with their good-time rock'n'roll mix.
Jamie Smith of Beyond Reason.
Dan Myers II of Beyond Reason.
Chris Myers of Beyond Reason.
Once again, Beyond Reason.
Door prizes are awarded during Beyond Reason's set.
And Tie Down picked up the party ball and ran with it for two sets to close the night. Singer Scott Walk, guitarists Brett O'Donnell and Tim Eckenrode, new bassist Bob Gailey and drummer Jason Grodis kept the dance floor busy from start to finish with their blend of classic and current rocking favorites. Tie Down quickly build momentum as they rocked the house with tunes from Billy Idol, Ace Frehley, Lenny Kravitz, Robert Palmer, Poison, Georgia Satellites and more. A highlight during their first set was Tie Down's "musical chairs" segment, with their manager, Brenda Smithbower, singing and then sitting in on the drum kit, Jason singing lead, Scott playing rhythm guitar and Frank from Ruff Rodes on bass! The lighthearted highjinks continued, with members of Beyond Reason stepping atop the speakers to do a striptease act during Tie Down’s rendition of Lenny Kravitz’ “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” Their second set featured more favorites from Dead Or Alive, Buckcherry, Big & Rich, the Doors, Green Day, Drivin’n’Cryin,’ Stone Temple Pilots, Seether, Metallica and more; all keeping the dance floor crowd in a constant frenzy. By night’s end, the crowd wanted more, and coaxed two encores from Tie Down, Rage’s “Bulls on Parade” and White Zombie’s “Thunder Kiss ’65.” Tie Down gets stronger every time I see them; this band executed like a well-tuned party machine. It was clear to me why this band is gaining popularity in these parts; they deliver the party! They provided a strong and upbeat finish to the night.
This was a fun night, kept upbeat by the bands' bright performances and laughter provided by frequent chicanery between the bands. The vibe was positive all evening, with the bands and audience celebrating Lisa Baum and showing solidarity with her in her battle. Over $1,000 was raised to help out Lisa Baum and her family. According to Frank Rodes, he’d like this to become an annual event to help out in the battle against cancer. If it does become an annual event, this year’s was a very good start.
Tie Down fills up the dance floor at the Lisa Baum Benefit.
Some Beyond Reason chicanery atop the speakers during Tie Down's first set.
Tie Down's manager, Brenda Smithbower, sings some lead.
Brenda and Scott Walk sing together with Tie Down.
Again, Brenda Smithbower of Tie Down.
Looking particularly jolly, Scott Walk of Tie Down.
It's musical chairs, Tie Down style; with Jason Grodis singing lead, Scott Walk on rhythm guitar, Frank Rodes on bass, and Brenda Smithbower on drums.
Tie Down, with Booter on bass and Jason Grodis singing lead.
Brenda Smithbower, keeping the beat for Tie Down.
Brett O'Donnell of Tie Down.
Tie Down's musical chairs continues.
Once again, Brenda Smithbower.
Frank Rodes and Brett O'Donnell exchanging guitar licks during Tie Down's set.
More musical chairs with Tie Down.
Tim Eckenrode of Tie Down.
They're dancing atop the speakers during Tie Down's set.
Scott Walk of Tie Down.
Bob Gailey of Tie Down.
Again, Scott Walk of Tie Down.
Bob Gailey and Jason Grodis of Tie Down.
Tie Down continues to rock the house at the Lisa Baum Benefit. Note the Deathmaster, Beyond Reason's Jamie Smith, demonstrating his headbanging abilities in the background.
Note the Deathmaster's headbanging form, as he thrashes his head forward with neckbreaking velocity.
The Deathmaster then brings his head back with equal velocity in a perfect arc, getting full extension from his mop-like hairdo.
When the Deathmaster achieves his full velocity on the forward thrash, it becomes a blur...
TIL DECEMBER @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 4/22/07
After serving my weekly “Backyard Rocker” duties at the radio station, I headed to Pellegrine’s late to cap the weekend, and get updated on the musical adventures of Til December.
Til December was already into their last set of the night as I arrived. A healthy crowd of fans was present as singer Matt “Goody” Goodreau (sporting an interesting spike hairdo that resembled the Statue of Liberty), bassist Jamie Morral, guitarist Jeremy Edge and drummer Tony Esposito fired through numbers from Johnny Cash, Cheap Trick, Hinder, Dead Or Alive and Pantera, plus their own original tune “Falling.” After the crowd demanded an encore at the end of the set, Til December responded with a new original, “Cross My Fingers.”
It appeared pretty much business as usual for Til December; they rocked, and the crowd in front of the stage got crazy to it. At least for the part of the show I got to witness, another strong showing.
Jamie Morral of Til December.
Sporting his Statue of Liberty 'do, Goody of Til December.
A familiar sight; Til December rocking a crowd at Pellegrine's.
Again, Til December.
Tony Esposito of Til December.
JP’S HAIKU
Mama Corn's debut
Bluegrass packed the Hitching Post
Children of the Corn
![www.myspace.com/madmuseproductions[/u]. ... V09609.MPG](www.myspace.com/madmuseproductions%5B/u%5D.%0A%5Bimg%5Dhttp://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/pics/h/Hedwig_Angry_Inch_Brewery_0417071.jpg%5B/img%5D%0A%5Bcolor=cyan%5DGreg%20%22Mudzo%22%20Mudzinsky%20of%20the%20Angry%20Inch.%5B/color%5D%0A%5Bimg%5Dhttp://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/pics/h/Hedwig_Angry_Inch_Brewery_0417072.jpg%5B/img%5D%0A%5Bcolor=cyan%5DPatrick%20Newby%20of%20the%20Angry%20Inch.%5B/color%5D%0A%5Bimg%5Dhttp://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/pics/h/Hedwig_Angry_Inch_Brewery_0417073.jpg%5B/img%5D%0A%5Bcolor=cyan%5DHedwig%20and%20the%20Angry%20Inch.%5B/color%5D%20%0A%0A%5Bb%5D%5Bcolor=yellow%5DJP%20&%20GREG%20@%20THE%20SALOON,%20STATE%20COLLEGE%204/17/07%5B/color%5D%5B/b%5D%20%0A%0ASince%20%5Bu%5DHedwig%20and%20the%20Angry%20Inch%5B/u%5D%20concluded%20before%20midnight,%20that%20left%20me%20some%20time%20to%20check%20out%20some%20other%20State%20College%20nightlife%20this%20night.%20So%20I%20walked%20a%20few%20blocks%20to%20The%20Saloon%20to%20catch%20the%20acoustic%20duo%20of%20JP%20and%20Greg.%20%0A%0AJP%20is%20JP%20Mills,%20who%20plays%20acoustic%20guitar%20and%20sings,%20plus%20airs%20dance%20music%20videos%20on%20a%20wide%20screen%20during%20set%20breaks.%20Greg%20is%20Greg%20Folsom,%20current%20guitarist%20for%20Echoburn%20and%20former%20member%20of%20Sona,%20Juiced%20and%20other%20popular%20regional%20bands.%20%0A%0AThe%20Saloon%20was%20jumping%20as%20I%20arrived,%20and%20the%20party%20was%20on!%20It%20was%20intermission%20and%20music%20vids%20were%20playing%20as%20I%20arrived.%20I%20was%20quickly%20recognized%20by%20several%20off-duty%20musicians%20in%20the%20house,%20as%20members%20of%20Echoburn,%20Velveeta,%20Mr.%20Hand%20and%20Moustache%20Ride%20were%20present.%20I%20found%20out%20that%20this%20was%20commonplace%20during%20Tuesday%20nights,%20that%20a%20lot%20of%20Happy%20Valley%20musicians%20congregated%20here.%20Amd%20as%20I%20would%20witness%20this%20night,%20a%20few%20of%20them%20would%20take%20part%20in%20the%20music%20as%20well.%20%0A%0ASoon%20JP%20and%20Greg%20started%20into%20their%20next%20set,%20commencing%20with%20a%20Dave%20Matthews%20Band%20number%20before%20Greg%20went%20solo%20for%20a%20rendition%20of%20Tenacious%20D%27s%20%22F**k%20Her%20Gently.%22%20JP%20then%20returned%20for%20Sublime%27s%20%22Santeria,%22%20before%20Greg%27s%20Echoburn%20bandmate,%20Joe%20Dalto,%20joined%20the%20duo%20to%20sing%20the%20lead%20on%20Journey%27s%20%22Don%27t%20Stop%20Believin.%27%22%20This%20started%20the%20musical%20chairs%20of%20guest%20musicians%20on%20and%20off%20the%20stage;%20after%20JP%20&%20Greg%20did%20Gin%20Blossom%27s%20%22Hey%20Jealousy%22%20and%20Bryan%20Adams%27%20%22Summer%20of%20%2769,%22%20Velveeta%27s%20Mike%20Lee%20brought%20the%20musicians%20a%20round%20of%20%22landmines%22%20from%20the%20bar.%20The%20duo%20then%20fused%20together%20Lynyrd%20Skynyrd%27s%20%22Sweet%20Home%20Alabama%22%20with%20Spin%20Doctors%27%20%22Pocketful%20of%20Kryptonite.%22%20More%20guests%20such%20as%20Mike,%20Zippy%20from%20Mr.%20Hand,%20George%20Powell,%20Joey%20Dalto%20and%20Greg%27s%20brother%20and%20Echoburn%20bandmate%20Doug%20Folsom%20joined%20JP%20&%20Greg%20as%20they%20did%20songs%20from%20Green%20Day,%20Johnny%20Cash,%20Pearl%20Jam,%20James,%20Cracker,%20John%20Mellencamp,%20Smashmouth,%20Wheatus,%20Van%20Morrison%20and%20more.%20The%20mood%20was%20like%20a%20drunken%20campfire%20without%20the%20fire%20or%20the%20marshmallows;%20the%20gathered%20guest%20musicians%20even%20do-si-do%27ed%20with%20one%20another%20as%20JP%20&%20Greg%20performed%20John%20Denver%27s%20%22Take%20Me%20Home%20Country%20Roads.%22%20It%20was%20nonstop%20fun!%20%0A%0ASans%20guests,%20JP%20and%20Greg%20handled%20their%20tunes%20well.%20Both%20could%20sing,%20and%20both%20blended%20well%20on%20their%20acoustics,%20with%20Greg%20showing%20off%20some%20solo%20work%20from%20time%20to%20time.%20%0A%0AThe%20vibe%20remained%20festive,%20with%20the%20Saloon%20patrons%20getting%20into%20the%20spirit%20of%20the%20party%20as%20well.%20I%20even%20observed%20a%2021st%20birthday%20pukefest%20in%20the%20men%27s%20room!%20Bottom%20line,%20this%20was%20one%20of%20those%20nights%20that%20simply%20took%20off%20and%20became%20a%20crazy,%20acoustic%20blowout%20party.%20If%20this%20night%20is%20representative%20of%20what%20a%20typical%20JP%20&%20Greg%20show%20is%20about,%20I%20may%20have%20to%20partake%20in%20this%20craziness%20again%20soon;%20it%20was%20a%20blast!%20%0A%0AHere%20is%20some%20video%20footage%20from%20JP%20&%20Greg%E2%80%99s%20performance:%20%0A%0A%5Burl%5Dhttp://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV09609.MPG){kind=link}