FLYING MONKEYS @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 10/27/08
Simians were airborne again this Monday night at Pellegrine’s, as Flying Monkeys provided the tunes to devour mass quantities of chicken wings by.
Adam D and Bad Daze Rob were already under way as I arrived during their first set, and were putting the finishing touches on a version of Prince’s “When Doves Cry.” Tunes from Collective Soul, Elton John and Queen finished the set.
Adam and Rob resumed the party in the second set with tunes from the Beatles, Eagles, Bryan Adams, Talking Heads and more. A guest sang lead on Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” and yours truly was drafted to wail some kazoo on Guns N’Roses’ “Sweet Child O’Mine.” Other highlights included Adam’s curious keyboard stylings on several numbers; as he gave a circus/carnie flavor to Styx’s “Mr. Roboto,” a church organ spin on Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian,” and a medieval harpsichord tone to Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” to close the set.
The nightcap set kicked off with Buckcherry’s ever-popular “Crazy Bitch,” and continued with tunes from Whitesnake, Ramones, James Brown, more Prince and more. Adam again lent interesting keyboard backdrops to a few tunes, giving more medieval tones to Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open” and Staind’s “Outside.”
Rob’s gritty vocal wail and Adam’s variety of keyboard flavors kept things interesting throughout, as the two musicians fielded audience requests and had fun along the way. Again, good tunes and spicy wings made it another fun Monday night.
7TH GEAR @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 10/29/08
Halloween festivities resumed this night, as 7th Gear turned their weekly Wednesday night show at the upstairs 4D’s Lounge’s into a Halloween party. It was a packed house, with an assortment of angels, devils, schoolgirls, nurses, pirates, wenches, clowns and more populating the premises. There were musicians in attendance as well, with members of Mama Corn, My Friend Frankie and Slacker Theory representing.
Singer/guitarist Brendon Burns (decked in a hilarious dwarf-standing-atop-a-speaker get-up), bassist/singer Kelly “Captain Morgan” Montgomery and devil-horned drummer/singer Randy Servello entertained a good-sized crowd of fans and costumed crazies with current and classic rocking favorites; including songs from Def Leppard, Buckcherry, Soft Cell, Maroon 5, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith and more. 7th Gear again showed they are a strong unit; all three members again demonstrated that they could carry a tune, and instrumentally they were tight and on the mark.
As is the case every Wednesday night, this band generated the fun; before night’s end, ladies were dancing alongside the band members, and by night’s end the scene was a community singalong during The Outfield’s “Your Love”!
The Devil made him do it…Randy Servello of 7th Gear.
Captain Morgan himself, Kelly Montgomery of 7th Gear.
Kelly Montgomery and 7th Gear.
Kelly Montgomery and a naughty schoolgirl.
Randy Servello of 7th Gear has a visitor.
Kelly gets a visit from the nurse.
Brendon Burns of 7th Gear also has some company.
The schoolgirl and a pirate’s wench, having a good time.
Kelly and Brendon of 7th Gear.
Guest Steves on the mic, Steve Danfelt of Slacker Theory and Steve Holtz of All The Hype.
Yet again, Kelly Montgomery of 7th Gear.
Brendon Burns of 7th Gear, after too many caffeinated energy drinks stunted his growth.
Again, Kelly and Brendon of 7th Gear.
7th Gear gets a clean bill of health from the nurse.
“THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW” @ THE BREWERY, STATE COLLEGE 10/30/08
As has been the case the past few years, Rocky Horror was a part of my Halloween season this year as well. Love and Light Productions staged a production of The Rocky Horror Show over three nights at The Brewery in State College, and I was in attendance to check it out this night.
This edition of Rocky Horror took on a brisk pace and prevalent punk rock flavor, with several State College area musicians performing as characters and in the band. Duste Walizer (Wentletrap) brought a slight Iggy Pop demeanor to his portrayal of Dr. Frank’N’Furter, while Patrick Newby (The Clover) served a double role as both Eddie and Dr. Scott. Dan Johnstone (The Clover) was the narrator, while Courtney Mudzinski (The Chaos Method) was one of the Phantoms. The backing band, “The Cocky Whores Pimps and Ho’s,” featured Greg Mudzinski (The Clover) as bassist and musical director, Joey Lenze and Erik Krieg (The Deuces) on guitars, and Matt Floravit (The Clover/The Deuces) on drums. Other cast members included The Chad as Brad, Rhiannon McClintock as Janet, Bradley Johnson as Riff Raff, Alicia Starr as Magenta (and assistant director), Amy Silverman as Columbia, Matt Wyzykowski as Rocky, and Jessica Makufka and Mandy Lee Olewnik as Phantoms. Emily Romani was director.
This performance of The Rocky Horror Show was energetic and fun; this cast was enthusiastic and enjoying their respective roles. And The Brewery’s small stage setting put the audience right on top of the action, resulting in a closer connection between performers and audience. I also got a laugh out of some of the props, including a tossed “used” condom after one of the bedroom scenes, and a dildo used as a ray gun.
After the presentation ended, the Rocky Horror cast staged a costume contest with the audience members. My favorite was a costume straight out of the news headlines; one guy dressed in a business suit and wearing a placard saying “Will Day Trade for Food”…a scary outfit for sure, a down-and-out stockbroker!
The Love and Light Productions Rocky Horror logo.
Janet and Brad (The Chad and Rhiannon McClintock) arrive, while The Cocky Whores Pimps and Ho’s play behind them.
Janet and Rocky (Matt Wyzykowski) have a heart-to-heart chat, while The Cocky Whores Pimps and Ho’s provide the musical backdrop.
Dr. Scott (Patrick Newby) makes his stand during the Floor Show.
The Cocky Whores Pimps and Ho’s.
Dr. Scott looks over the carnage.
Dan Johnstone as narrator and singer.
The Rocky Horror cast, singing at the end of the show.
MAXWELL STRAIT @ THE PHYRST, STATE COLLEGE 10/30/08
After The Rocky Horror Show festivities concluded, I walked up Beaver Avenue to the Phyrst to catch Maxwell Strait’s Halloween party during their weekly Thursday night show.
Singer Molly Countermine donned angel wings and a halo, while keyboardist/singer John “JT Blues” Thompson wore devil horns; Ted McCloskey sang and played guitar, Rene Witzke played bass and Jack Wilkinson provided the drumbeats. Maxwell Strait provided constant musical excitement, entertaining a packed house of students and costumes with a rousing mixture of classic rock and funk.
As I arrived midway through their first set, Maxwell Strait was entertaining a packed house of students and constumed celebrants with Bob Dylan’s “Serve Somebody.” As I located Rockpage Ron amid the mass of humanity, the group continued with Buddy Miles’ “Them Changes” with JT Blues singing lead, which then led into another Dylan classic, “Like a Rolling Stone.” CCR’s “Fortunate Son” and the song brought the set to a close.
During the intermission, a large order of fries arrived at the table Ron, his friends and I occupied. And I lean LARGE, this was one huge tray of fries! We started into the fries, but as we started to slow down, the packed populace of the Phyrst took over, and soon we occupied the community fry table as passers-by finished off the fries we didn’t have room for.
Soon Maxwell Strait returned to continue the musical festivities, opening with the Ted-fronted version of the Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women,” which led into a second Stones number, “Miss You.” Molly then sang Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll,” before guest singers Kate Twoey and Natalie Berrena stepped up to provide backing harmonies on Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” and a funk/jazz rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog.” Maxwell Strait then launched into a robust read of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” before drummer Jack sang lead on Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.” The group then closed the set with Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy,” during which Ted and JT Blues dueled on guitar and keys.
The mix of fans and Halloween revelers was still enjoying life as Maxwell Strait returned for their nightcap set. With JT Blues singing, the group kicked off with Dr. John’s “Right Place Wrong Time,” before Molly fronted the group on the Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden.” Ted then sang on two Prince numbers, “Kiss” and “Purple Rain,” and the group continued with tunes from the Doors, Ray Charles, Pat Benatar and the Stones’ “Brown Sugar” to end the night.
Maxwell Strait constantly took their cover song selection and made it their own, doing each song with their own style and groove. This band constantly displayed killer chops on their respective instruments and voices, and continually had fun while they were doing it. They kept the festive fans up front and having fun in front of the stage for the duration.
Maxwell Strait again showed that they are five musicians at the top of their game, and they always make any Thursday night journey to the Phyrst well worth it. And this show reminded me that I don’t get to see this band in action nearly enough!
John “JT Blues” Thompson of Maxwell Strait.
Maxwell Strait with guests Kate Twoey (wearing scarf) and Natalie Berrena (holding mic).
An angel and a devil; Molly Countermine and John “JT Blues” Thompson of Maxwell Strait.
Ted McCloskey of Maxwell Strait.
Again, Maxwell Strait.
Again, Molly Countermine of Maxwell Strait.
Rene Witzke of Maxwell Strait.
Ted McCloskey jams in front of the stage.
Again, Ted McCloskey.
Jack Wilkinson of Maxwell Strait.
One more time, Maxwell Strait.
PUNCHLINE @ HOT TOPIC, ALTOONA 10/31/08
My Pennsylvania Musician delivery duties called this day, so I was in the process of delivering the new November issues to Altoona locations when I arrived at the Hot Topic in the Logan Valley Mall. A band was performing acoustic in the front of the store as I arrived. It was Pittsburgh’s Punchline, there to promote both the release of their new CD, Just Say Yes, and their show later on this evening at Jaggard United Methodist Church.
Two members of the band were performing, and a large group of young fans was watching them. After finishing the song they were doing, the pair acknowledged “Jesus” in front of them, and mentioned that since his birthday was not far away, they would do a song for him, before launching into Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad.” Then what I witnessed was the craziest memory I carried away from this year’s Halloween season, as Punchline bassist Chris Fafalios, dressed in flowing robes and a crown of thorns as Jesus, danced in front of his two bandmates as they played the song. Insane! After “Feliz Navidad,” Punchline did one more song to close their performance, “The Hit” off the new CD.
This teaser was enough to get my attention, and prompted me to pay a visit to Jaggard United Methodist Church a short while later.
ACALASIA/WE ARE FOREVER/SAFARI SO GOOD/THE HOPE FALLACY/LIKE A MOVIE/PUNCHLINE @ JAGGARD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, ALTOONA 10/31/08
Halloween itself, Oct. 31, was busy. First, An Emergency Scene presented a six-band Halloween party at Altoona’s Jaggard United Methodist Church. With a number of local and regional names performing, and enticed by the aforementioned Punchline in-store performance at Hot Topic, I was curious to see what was up.
Acalasia kicked things off soon after I first arrived, demonstrating their blend of detailed melodies and explosive hard-rocking firepower. Singer Krystal Shore, guitarists Neil Deyarmin and Ryan Sheehan, bassist Stephen Wells and drummer Cory Aboud opened with “So Much for the Railcar,” and continued their original song selection with such numbers as “Endless Waltz,” “Barely Breathing,” plus new numbers like “Four to the Floor,” “What Are We Fighting For” and “So Fitting.” The new and old material alike all sounded clear and powerful, with Krystal’s voice sounding smooth and crisp atop the rocking backdrops. Acalasia displayed abundant energy as well, and were constant movement on the stage. Their set provided an energized opening to the show.
Acalasia kicks off the Jaggard Halloween party.
Ryan Sheehan of Acalasia.
Neil Deyarmin of Acalasia.
In ritzy garb, Stephen Wells of Acalasia.
Again, Acalasia.
Krystal Shore of Acalasia.
Second on the bill was Altoona-based fivesome We Are Forever. These guys played driving, punk-fueled rock originals, triggering some lively mosh action in front of the stage along the way. I didn’t catch much in the way of song titles, except for two new tunes, “Never Enough” and “No One to Talk To.” We Are Forever’s performance was frenzied and full of action, with band members bouncing all over the stage. Audience members were bouncing as they moshed in front of the stage. One mosher careened into an unmovable object, me! (I think he was stunned for a moment, like a deer after it smacks into the side of a car.) In all, it was a good set that further fired the young crowd up.
Grant Gochnaur of We Are Forever.
We Are Forever’s drummer.
As it was a Halloween party, I noted some costumes in the house, including a pair of matching robots, and still in his flowing robe and crown of thorns, Punchline’s Chris Fafalios as Jesus. (In a church, how fitting!) The crowd steadily grew during the first two bands, and it appeared this was well on its way to being a successful show.
Making their first-ever Altoona appearance, Harrisburg’s Safari So Good introduced their own agitated brand of punk-infused pop/rock. The group threw a curve ball off the bat, doing a hip hop number to kick things off. From there, though, these guys rocked the place, performing original songs including tunes from their CD Every Fight Is a Food Fight When You’re a Cannibal. This band also generated a lot of action onstage and was constantly on the move. The Altoona crowd seemed to enjoy Safari So Good, and stayed in front of the stage throughout the set. The group closed with the first cover song of the night, a version of the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right (to Party).”
Making their Altoona debut, Harrisburg’s Safari So Good.
Safari So Good enlisted a substitute singer this night.
Again, Safari So Good.
Dan of Safari So Good.
Once again, Safari So Good.
More Safari So Good.
Neat shades!
Next was my first look at Altoona up-and-comers The Hope Fallacy. This group offered up punk-infused rock/pop sounds, and performed a selection of original songs. Some of the titles I caught included the set-opener “Caroline Street” and the set-finisher “Behind Closed Doors.” Throughout the set, The Hope Fallacy demonstrated catchy melodies, strong vocals and harmonies, and tight playing. These guys were obviously favorites with this crowd, as the fans crowded up front and sang several of the songs back at the group. The Hope Fallacy gave a solid performance, and showed that they are a band to keep an eye on.
The Hope Fallacy continues the party.
Adam Mueller of The Hope Fallacy.
Ty Ayers of The Hope Fallacy.
The Hope Fallacy, keeping the crowd happy.
Again, The Hope Fallacy.
Again, Adam Mueller of The Hope Fallacy.
Trey Carruthers of The Hope Fallacy continues the party.
Next was another band I was seeing for the first time, Altoona’s Like A Movie. Formerly known as Dropout High; singers/guitarists Jeff Wendle and Jimmy Mowery, bassist Andy Cosnotti, keyboardist Jon Somerton and drummer Jeremy Jock displayed their style of power pop and rock. Like A Movie did a mixture of selections, including some from their CD Say It Again and newer original songs. Their songs were strong overall with developed melodies, clear vocals and harmonies. These guys were tight on the instrumental execution, and used clever key and guitar phrasing to change up the flavor of each song. Like A Movie exuded confidence and poise, and impressed me with this performance; I now understood why this group has generated the buzz that they have.
Looking Crue-like, Jimmy Mowery of Like A Movie.
Jeff Wendle and Jimmy Mowery of Like A Movie.
Like A Movie rocks the crowd.
Again, Jeff Wendle of Like A Movie.
More of Like A Movie.
One more time, Jeff Wendle of Like A Movie.
One more band remained, Pittsburgh’s Punchline. Singer/guitarist Steve Soboslai, bassist/singer Chris Fafalios, guitarist/keyboardist Jon Belan and drummer P.J. Caruso finished the show with their high-velocity brand of power pop. The group introduced a number of songs from their new CD, Just Say Yes; including “How Does This Happen?” “Get Off My Train!” “The Hit” and “Castaway.” Punchline showed the ability to quickly and smoothly gearshift between tempos and moods, and showed a strong knack for melodies and harmonies. These guys too were on the move, and generated a lot of enthusiasm in their performance. And it was just fun watching Chris as Jesus, jumping up and down and jamming on the bass. At one point, he addressed the crowd, creating two new commandments to add to the original ten; profound! The Jaggard crowd was responsive and totally enjoyed it, and demanded an encore at night’s end.
Good Lord, it’s Chris Fafalios of Punchline!
Again, Chris Fafalios of Punchline.
P.J.Caruso of Punchline.
Jesus’ crown of thorns falls down over his face.
Punchline rocks the house.
Steve Soboslai of Punchline.
Again, Punchline and their fans.
Jon Belan of Punchline.
This was another well-attended show that featured lots of interaction between bands and audience. Thanks to BloodyFingers for the free pizza, and hats off again to An Emergency Scene and Jaggard United Methodist Church for providing these opportunities for young fans to enjoy live bands!
THE O.C.B. @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 10/31/08
Afterward, I headed to the nearby 4D’s Lounge to catch part of The O.C.B.’s Halloween party. The Dees was sparsely populated as I first arrived; but it was early, and hopefully things would pick up as the night progressed.
The costumed Original Cover Band lineup; lead singer Lexanne Berich, guitarists/singers Chad Caprio and Mike Mitchell, bassist/singer John Cimino (dressed as a Star Trek character, complete with working communicator) and drummer Steve Arnold; generated the party with their mixture of rock and pop favorites. The O.C.B. kept the mood fun and lively with tunes from No Doubt, Nickelback, Kid Rock, Joan Jett, Finger 11, Weezer, Bryan Adams and more; and broke out some lesser-heard hits such as Eddie Money’s “Take Me Home Tonight” and Tom Cochrane’s “Life Is a Highway.” Lexanne handled most of the lead voice duties; but Chad, John and Mike all did respectable jobs with their singing assignments. The O.C.B.’s harmonies were tight as well, especially on Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself.”
A few more folks arrived during the time I was at the Dees; and although not crowded, there were at least a few more faces for the band to play to. As I had another Halloween party to check in with, I departed the Dees shortly after midnight.
The O.C.B., Halloween style.
Lexanne Berich and John Cimino of The O.C.B.
Mike Mitchell of The O.C.B.
Bass player of the Starship Enterprise, John Cimino.
Lexanne Berich of The O.C.B.
Chad Caprio of The O.C.B.
Steve Arnold of The O.C.B.
The O.C.B. parties down.
Again, Lexanne of The O.C.B..
Again, Mike Mitchell of The O.C.B.
SLACKER THEORY @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 10/31/08
I headed to 30 Something to catch the remainder of their Halloween party, with Slacker Theory providing the music. And although I had already been to two Halloween parties this night already, I held off donning my hip-surgery-impaired JoePa get-up until this one. It was fun watching various folks wondering who was behind the JoePa mask, and then their laughter when they realized who it was!
Onstage, singer/guitarist Steve Danfelt, bassist Ryan George, lead guitarist Dalton McDonald and drummer Rob Bonsell were rocking a good-sized crowd with their mix of hard-hitting current, 80’s and 90’s numbers, including tunes from Breaking Benjamin, Bon Jovi, Alice In Chains, Weezer, Pearl Jam, Tool, original songs and more.
During their third set, the group hosted a costume contest, handing out prizes for best guy, gal and sexy costumes. JoePa was in the running in the guy costume division, but ended up runner-up and didn’t place in the prizes, damn! (But I did offer Mike “Iceman” Bryant a four-year football scholarship!) In the lady costume contest, a Raggedy Ann edged a sexy nun for the prize. And in the sexy costume contest, a female racer (Danica Patrick?) topped a curvaceous cop.
Altogether, these festivities nicely slammed the lid on Halloween night, and it was a good time.
A lot of costumes were in attendance for Slacker Theory’s Halloween party at 30 Something.
Rob Bonsell of Slacker Theory as a medic.
Again, Slacker Theory.
The lady costume contest unfolds during Slacker Theory’s show.
Slacker Steve and some lady contestants.
SPIRIT LOST @ SHAW’S BAR, ALTOONA 11/1/08
It was the Saturday after Halloween, but Halloween parties were still occurring. I started out the night attending the Halloween festivities at the abode of the Deathmaster and Death’s Mistress in Gallitzin. The food and drink was great, the Wii games were fun, and a good time was being had by all as I departed toward midnight to catch yet another Halloween party.
That party was happening at Shaw’s in Juniata, with Spirit Lost providing the music. The group – singer Austin Tepsic, guitarists Brian Smith and Joe Harpster, bassist Russ Patterson and drummer Lisa Fazenbaker – was fresh back from performing and debuting their The New Beginning CD at Providence, Rhode Island’s Rock the Ink Concert, and it was the local premiere of the new disc.
In front of a packed house, Spirit Lost performed songs from the disc, along with modern and 90’s hard-rocking favorites from Green Day, Weezer, Offspring, Godsmack, Foo Fighters and more. During the third set, special guest Tyler Hull joined Spirit Lost to sing lead vocals on Alice In Chains’ “Would?” and Seven Mary Three’s “Cumbersome.” JoePa on crutches was well-received at this Halloween festivus as well.
With Lisa attending school at Berklee School of Music in Boston, Spirit Lost appearances locally have been a rare commodity of late. So I was glad to check in with the group this night. Rocking show, good time!
Looking sinister, Austin Tepsic of Spirit Lost with guest singer Tyler Hull.
Spirit Lost’s Russ Patterson as Gene Simmons.
Spirit Lost rocks Shaw’s.
Brian Smith of Spirit Lost.
Again, Austin Tepsic of Spirit Lost.
Joe Harpster of Spirit Lost.
Austin and Brian of Spirit Lost.
Once again, Spirit Lost.
One more time, Spirit Lost.
MIA MAFIA @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 11/2/08
One Halloween party still remained for this year. Capping this year’s Halloween season was Pellegrine’s annual Halloween party on this Sunday night, with State College party machine Mia Mafia performing.
Singer Brian Storm, guitarist Chris Lee, bassist Mark Holland and drummer Travis Kramer again lit up Pelly’s stage with high-octane current and 90’s rock favorites, including numbers from Nirvana, Toadies, Nickelback, Sublime, Blur, Green Day, Rage Against the Machine and more. Brian was again a wildman up front, displaying crazy antics and frequently venturing off stage to take the party out to the crowd.
During the last intermission, Mia Mafia hosted Pelly’s annual costume contest. JoePa with crutches finally hit paydirt and won, shameless brag! I didn’t have to buy wings for a week!
Again, Mia Mafia demonstrated fun and excitement, and showed their credentials for further development into one of this region’s premiere party forces.
Mia Mafia entertains Pellegrine’s Halloween party.
Travis Kramer of Mia Mafia.
Mark Holland of Mia Mafia.
Brian Storm of Mia Mafia enlists some audience participation.
More of Brian and the fans.
Brian Storm of Mia Mafia.
More Mia Mafia.
Chris Lee of Mia Mafia.
Pelly’s security man Forrest as a jailbird.
JoePa continues to recover from his hip injury.
JoePa samples a more modern look.
Candidate Obama sways the Gumby vote.
Stumping for the last minute Altoona bar vote, candidate Obama poses with JoePa.
Candidate Obama visits Natalie behind the back bar.
Obama notes his appearance on television from a rally held earlier in the day.
Little Bo Peep, Bobbi and Gumby. What a crew!
JP’s HAIKU
Halloween mayhem
Parties, costumes all over
JoePa wins Pelly’s!
