Rockpage Benefit Kicked Ass

pxprocks · Post by **pxprocks** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

I just wanted to say...WOW...The local music scene was out in full effect tonight at Peter C's. This had to be one of the best shows I have seen in a long time. It was great to see so many talented musicians out partying and playing together and I have to say i had a blast. And I have to give Ron a shout out...keep up the good work man rockpage kicks ass...But anyway just wanted to say if you missed it, you're stupid. To all the bands that played the show...you guys kick ass...I have been lucky enough to work with alot you!!! So to all the Bands from the past, the Bands of the present and All Bands up and coming...keep up the great work and everyone else SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!!!

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Agreed, I had most fun. Even though I only got to rock the Sweet Home Alabama and a sound check funk jam with Otto from the Grimm I had a great time. I gather that people enjoy my posts, which is cool. I also got to see my old Relative Minor bandmates, which is mega-cool.

So now I'm making mozzarella sticks and watching Conan O' Brien.

Though, I was pretty disappointed by the absence of Aja.

tom · Post by **tom** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

I am amazed by the pool of talent in ths area. It was great to see everyone come together for a good cause. Looking forward to the next show.............

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Wow. I was honored to even be there. It was a real eye-opener... this area always had some top-notch pickers, but I was astounded at the amount of talent in the room.
I really enjoyed the dual-drum attack-- ToonaRockGuy, and RobTheDrummer, you guys smoked. The blues jam I got to play on was SOOOO much fun ('til the breaker kicked!) and Facingwest turns out to be one of those guys you hate because he's so good at EVERYTHING (he's probably hung, too, the jerk). FatVin was in rare form, joining in on "Suckupon", and giving his trouser-cucumber to a pretty girl. Dafunkt was great, even though they're closer to punk than funk... I was afraid for Hurricanes drums, I thought the Iceman was going to turn them into kindlingwood! Nice bunch of guys,too.
PnEumatic was really kickin'... one of the bands I'd never seen before... wow. Great singer with a different energy, he really feels it and the originals are first-rate. Woo's lighter touch was a breath of fresh air, and Colton also changed things up tone-wise. Definitely going to see them soon.
It was also my first time seeing the Grimm, and I'm a new fan. Hella nice guys, and they hit it hard. Big Bad Bob is the f*#king man. A minute or two into his set, it hit me that he and I are something of kindred spirits onstage... the way he engages the audience, how he approaches the craft of performing, his stage banter... it was creepy how much we did alike. Maybe he's my big ol' baldheaded twin, born at least 10 years after I was to a different mother. More likely he connects with the art of music performance on the same levels I have. My next CD purchase will be Resurruption, guaranteed.
One of my favorite moments was something few people noticed because of the lighting... Jimi Hatt doing a Hendrix-inspired freeform solo with a Gene Simmons boot... absolutely inspired. Hair Force One showed why they're a big draw... at least I thought I saw why sticking out of Jimi's kilt!

One thing was missing last night. Nobody, and I mean nobody, displayed any bad attitude whatsoever. Zilch. A tripped breaker was just an excuse for a drum solo. People happily played the blues through a Peavey XXX metal monster amp. People dug acoustic music, blues, 80's retro, old-school metal, Tool-style rages, all of it was just sick. A bunch of really good guys (and gals) got together to support something that supports them, and I think that it would have been magic even if there were no non-musician audience. I talked last night with 313 about the connection musicians have in a jam situation like this... how we know the song (sort of), we know the basic direction things may go, but there's still enough wiggle-room for it to be different and exciting every time; and how we're not only connected by the song we're collaborating on, but by the sheer joy of playing that song as a team. To those non-pickers reading this, there is a certain look that musicians on a stage give one another, most audience members seldom see it, if ever. Maybe the drummer drops a stick, or a guitarist hits a clam, and he looks up and and the other guys are giving him "the look." Or the drummer nails some sick fill, absolutley picture-perfectly, and we all grin and give him "the look," knowing how hard it was to nail. Or some young lady makes an obscene (but welcome) gesture. Bam, "the look." Because we can't stop the song to celebrate a tiny victory, or a painful mistake, we give "the look." Most people never recognize "the look," but everybody there at Peter C's last night is very familiar with it. I'm glad I'm one of those people.--->JMS

MOONDOGGY · Post by **MOONDOGGY** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

I APOLOGIZE FOR THOSE WHO HAD TO HEAR THE BASS IN THE WARM-UP SESSION W/ ROB AND MR. VINNIE. FOR THOSE WHO DONT KNOW I WAS THE GUY ON 6 STRING BASS THAT ATTEMPTED TO PLAY SOME DREAM THEATER WITH ROB AND MY BROTHER. MY FINGERS ARE FAST, BUT I HAVE ZERO IMPROV SKILLS, I CANT READ MUSIC, AND DONT KNOW MUCH THEORY. I AM WELCOMING ANY ADVICE.

OTHER THAN MYSELF, THE SHOW WAS A GREAT INSPRIATION.

P.S. - ANOTHER APOLOGY FOR THE PIECE OF CRAP BASS RIG. THAT WAS ALSO MINE!

THANKS

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

I thought you AND the bass rig sounded pretty good.--->JMS

Post by **Jim Price** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

I'm sure Ron the Webmaster will have some thoughts about the benefit, but I just want to thank EVERYBODY who made this the special night that it was. I counted AT LEAST 38 different musicians onstage during the night - from seasoned vets to players just making their start in the area music scene - all having fun, pooling their talents onstage, networking, getting along...As I said onstage, we saw a local music COMMUNITY - which is what Rockpage is all about!

And who could have expected to see the onstage debut of three different bands - Defunkt, Stillframe and the Troy Earnest-fronted Dream Theater tribute (I didn't catch the official name)? It was great to see guys like Troy, Rich Piccerillo and Hu Bast back in action! The whole night was one big adrenaline rush, I can't wait to watch the video footage over the weekend!

And a BIG THANKS to Bob Watters for his work in organizing and coordinating this event! This jam night will make Felix sorry he was in Jamaica on vacation and had to miss it!

Based on the runaway success of this show, expect to see more events of this type in the future. Several ideas were already being bounced around during the show for more jam night events and at least one outdoor summer event - we'll let you know as the plans come together!

This area's music scene kicked major ass Thursday night! Thanks again everyone!

(And it was even cool to see The Reason in the house, although I would have never suspected the person wearing the name tag was him!)

Diavolo · Post by **Diavolo** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Dom, The Grimm drummer, here. Last night was absolutley one of the highlights of my experience in the Central PA music scene. It's rare to be in such a positive and supportive environment not to mention the diversity of music: Dream Theater (!), Maiden, blues, Hendrix, funk, etc. I had the chance to reconnect with people I haven't seen in several years and meet several more great musicians I knew only by reputation. My only regret is that I wasn't able to get there until nearly 11 PM and had to duck out a little early because the alarm was set for 6 AM. I wish I had more time to jam with the immense talent assembled there. It was a treat for me as both a musician and fan of music. I hope a similar event happens again soon. Thanks to the organizers for allowing me to take part.

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

A great thing happened last night!! A bunch of great musicians and people started to become one. No matter what style or genre of music, it all came together. I like the fact that I got to meet who I was talking to and responding to on the rockpage, and really it all comes down to Ron and what a great job he has done here on the rockpage. I'm verry pleased that a bunch of you crazy nuts on here came out and you are all awesome regardless of differences. Thanks to Ron. Jim Price, and Bobby, you guys are the best.

Post by **Ron** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

I can't put into words how much I appreciate everything about last night.
One night made the 7+ years of working on Rockpage worth every minute.

I've got so many people to thank, including all of the players who showed up, and everyone else who walked through the door.

Special thanks go out to Bobby, JP, Big John and Jody, Rich Johnson, Rob the Drummer, Otto, Brian, Moondoggy, Craven, and everyone else who let us use their stage equipment, and helped out in general.

My apologies also go out to anyone who showed up and didn't get to play, especially the guys from Acid Reflux.

This is definitely just the beginning, and as JP mentioned, future events are already being planned. With the success of last night, the next shows should be even better and more organized.

Once again... THANKS!
Last night was a night I'll remember fondly for the rest of my life. Now I'm really looking forward to the next show.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

JP, hurry and post those pics, I can't wait to see 'em ------>JMS

Post by **Jim Price** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

I'll try to get them posted sometime this weekend. Keep checking "JP's Corner"...

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

MOONDOGGY wrote:I APOLOGIZE FOR THOSE WHO HAD TO HEAR THE BASS IN THE WARM-UP SESSION W/ ROB AND MR. VINNIE. FOR THOSE WHO DONT KNOW I WAS THE GUY ON 6 STRING BASS THAT ATTEMPTED TO PLAY SOME DREAM THEATER WITH ROB AND MY BROTHER. MY FINGERS ARE FAST, BUT I HAVE ZERO IMPROV SKILLS, I CANT READ MUSIC, AND DONT KNOW MUCH THEORY. I AM WELCOMING ANY ADVICE.

OTHER THAN MYSELF, THE SHOW WAS A GREAT INSPRIATION.

P.S. - ANOTHER APOLOGY FOR THE PIECE OF CRAP BASS RIG. THAT WAS ALSO MINE!

THANKS

No, I wanted to thank you last night for bringing the rig, but I didn't get a chance to. The Dream Theater stuff you played rocked. John Myung isn't exactly a slacker. I also enjoyed meeting and playing with your brother. He was a very cool guy.

grimmbass · Post by **grimmbass** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Kent from Grimm here....what more can I say that hasn't already been said? Backbiting? Ego's? Bias? All the musicians in the house came with none of the above and laid it down smooth and solid last p.m.! I was honered to be a part of such a wide open event.....we definitely should make this AT LEAST an annual event! It was also great to put faces with the online names of so many people whose comments I've enjoyed over the years....the nametags were a great idea LOL! It was also awesome to get to see some bands and players that my own playing schedule has prohibited me from seeing (Ice...Vinny.....Pneumatic.....hell, everybody was on!).

I guess that because we live in a small area, it's easy to forget sometimes what a great support infrastructure we have in Altoona. We've got the BEST local music program in the state (hosted by the best DJ, I might add...Pittsburgh and Harrisburg get a paltry 1/2 hour per week on their "extreme" radio stations), a club that's friendly to original music (thank YOU Big John!), and a diverse community of talented musicians. What more could you ask for?

A suggestion for next time around: Put all of the players' names in a hat and randomly assign people to jam together. Who the hell knows what we could come up with!

Thanks for the great time!
Kent

J Michaels · Post by **J Michaels** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Last night was soooooooooooooooooooo amazing. No question - one of the highlights of my musical life.

As I believe I have told a couple people already, I am blown away by the Central PA music scene. I grew up on the west side of Cleveland, and I lived a significant portion of my life in the Cincinnati area, playing in bands throughout. While the scene in Ohio is happening, with LOTS of really talented people, it does not even compare to the situation here.

There is such a terrific infrastructure (like this totally kick-ass website, PA Musician Mag, etc.) and a feeling of community here that it kicks my ass. Ohio is cool, but for the most part it's everyone-for-themselves, with little "public" support like ther is here from people like Ron, JP, Big John, etc. Don't get me wrong - the Buckeye state is cool, but things here are so much more organized, and the members of the scene - musicians, roadie-types, girl/boy-friends, club owners, etc. - share a much stronger sense of togetherness and mutual support. Guys and girls just came up to me out of the blue, saw my nametage (told ya that was a good idea!)

, and said "Hey - I know you!" or remembered that I sing for CHucklehead, or asked who I was playing with or what I played, and we just talked, got up onstage and jammed, etc etc etc the whole night. Totally incredible experience, made possible by the totally incredible people that make this scene what it is.

I've lived here for 3 1/2 years, and wish I could have grown up in this kind of environment musically. I'm glad I'm here now.....

PeterStiffens · Post by **PeterStiffens** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

This is my first post ever here on Rockpage. It was a wonderful evening indeed. Seeing so many great players of old and new was very uplifting. I have been somewhat dormant in the music scene for a few years until joining the ranks of Hair Force One. I am honored to play in events such as last evening. It makes me glad that I have chosen to jump into the nite club scene again. I am most eager to be part of another event as I am sure all of you are. Hopefully next time I will know some Dream Theater on the keys and jam with Troy and the other guys. A shout out to Ron for finding me a channel on the board for my keys. Until next time folks.

ToonaRockGuy · Post by **ToonaRockGuy** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Wow, what can I say that hasn't already been said?? Last night was absolutely AMAZING. The immense amount of talent gathered in one room was great, and humbling! I think that Bobby Lee of The Grimm said it best, when he said "When you're in a band, you don't get a chance to see bands, so I'm really looking forward to it." I got to see/play with some folks last night I've never seen before, and I was in heaven the whole night!!

Pneumatic was amazing, The Grimm just tore it up! I finally got to see John and Kenny play, and they were great!! (Learn that John Prine, boys!! LOL) It was awesome and humbling for me to watch some unbelievable drumming from Rob, Woo, Bobby, Hu Bast, Iceman, and Dom Peruso. I need to practice. Badly.

I just wanted to say thanks to Rockpage Ron for having this site, Bobby Watters for taking the reins of this thing and making it a wonderful night, thanks to Big John and Jodie for giving us a place to do our thing! Thanks to everyone also that made kind comments on the debut of Stillframe, we really appreciate it!

I really think that if we all take just one thing away from the Rockpage Benefit, it's this:

To all the people who look down on musicians as devil worshippers and slobs, drug addicts and losers, prima donnas and dicks in general: You missed out. Here's a big flip of the middle finger to ya, because as musicians, we are a positive force in our own lives, the community, and the world. We're here, we're growing, and we are NEVER going away, no matter what you do.

Rock on, everyone!

Kevin (ToonaRockGuy)

WitchChic · Post by **WitchChic** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Guys I have to tell ya, I know I just may be a groupie(LMAO) but I had one hell of a fun night it was great....I think my old body cant take all that dancing anymore,lol....But It was a blast and I had a great time and it should be done again and again...as a fan it was fun to see all the different bands and different music together....
I finally got to hear Ice play he is as awesome on the drums as he is as a person, I love ya..... The Grimm of course always rocks , Love ya guys, HF1 of course always a blast letting me relive my high school days,lol....TROY I have missed you up there it was sooooo nice seeing you up there again as well as Kevin, you rock and its been a long time since I got to see you on stage....Bobby(Watters) YOU rock I havent seen you for awhile on stage either, and Ron it was nice meeting you.....And everyone that I missed or just saw for the first time you all rocked and I would def be out again.....
HUGS
Chell

Chevelle7982 · Post by **Chevelle7982** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

congratulations everybody!! By the sound of things it was a great night. I wish I wouldn't have had to work. Hopefully I can make the next show!! Again, CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THAT PARTICIPATED AND ALL THAT WERE IN ATTENDANCE AS SPECTATORS!!

Punkinhead · Post by **Punkinhead** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Chevelle7982 wrote: By the sound of things it was a great night. I wish I wouldn't have had to work. Hopefully I can make the next show!! !!

same here....

Victor Synn · Post by **Victor Synn** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Hey all. Vic from Hair Force One here. I just have to say that last night was by far the best experience I've ever had thus far in my fledgling career on the central PA music scene. I saw some absolutely amazing musicians and, most importantly, amazing human beings all in one room. It was so nice to not only perform, but also sit back and enjoy all the flavors this scene has to offer. Not only that, but I also had a chance to talk to some people I have wanted to talk to for a while. John Solinski, you are the man! (Rock Guy!) You and Kenny smoked! I was glad to finally get to see PnEumatic. You guys (and girl) rocked. Great to see The Grimm as well. Ever since your Resurruption CD release, I've been a fan of you guys. Awesome job on the Metallica medley as well. Still Frame was bad ass as well. Kevin, I REALLY wish we could have gotten "The Trooper" together for last night. That would have been truly awesome. Maybe sometime in the near future. To everyone else I'm missing, it was an emense pleasure to hear what you have to offer. I walked into Peter C's last night and felt as if I was walking into the "Central Pa musician's all-star game" and that's exactly what it was. Special thanks to Ron for giving us musicians a place to network and feel like the community that we showed we were last night. JP for supporting local music in all its forms, and Bobby for putting this whole thing together. Whenever the next Rockpage show happens, you can bet Hair Force One will be in attendance. Thanks again everyone and keep on Rockin'!

redawg · Post by **redawg** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Man, am I bummed out. That was one show I did NOT want to miss. I had another gig last night and could not attend. No chance of you guys ever doing one of these on a Wednesday is there?

HurricaneBob · Post by **HurricaneBob** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

Wow, big thanks to all the musicians and bands that showed up last nite. I really didnt think it would be as big as it was. You could smell the chops in the room! Big round of applause for eveyone making it a truly great nite. Sorry i really didnt have the jams organized like i should have but i felt leaving it up to all to mix and match worked out great!

Best part of the nite was when Ron and JP anounced the proceeds would go to John Mcnight as he is still in bad shape. That was a great gesture on your parts!

Great meeting all of you also, Rockpage members are a very special bunch!

Thanks!

aMindBesideItself · Post by **aMindBesideItself** » Friday Jan 30, 2004

It can't be said enough...but I had no idea that there was so much talent in Blair county. Thanks to everyone for respecting the equipment (ie Mesa amp). You guys are really disciplined musicians. All of you!!! Thanks for making one of my first gigs out a blast.

FatVin · Post by **FatVin** » Saturday Jan 31, 2004

What a kick that was. That was just fun. The only way that could have been better is if Felix woulda been there, maybee next time. I had a ball just meeting and talking to people who had been nothing more than a screen name minutes before.

Moondoggy, lighten up on yourself, bud. While the irony of a guy who can play Dream Theater, ( I been playin 25 years and I can't play that shit) but doesn't know anything about the blues isn't lost on me, improv is pure craft and if you work at it you can develop it. I hope there will be another one of these maybe in 3 to 6 months and you'll be better.

That was part of the fun tho, from Me and Bobby and Kevin, and Songsmith and who ever the bass player was jammin on an ad-hoc blues riff to The Grimm and "suckuponit" to Hairforceone and "we're not gonna take it", ( sorry to say I lost my cucumber, guys) it was all good. part of the point was to play with people you've never played with before, playin songs you've never played or haven't played in years ("Born to be wild" are you kiddin?)

We bacame a real community that night and that's thanks to Ron and Rockpage, Jim and the Backyard Rocker, and Big John and his staff.

Let's do this again and soon