“WADESTOCK” WADE CORBIN BENEFIT @ CAFÉ 210, STATE COLLEGE 12/14/09
They’re very few and far between, but there are occasionally situations in life that take priority over satisfying my weekly Monday night Pellegrine’s wing addiction, that can actually make me delay my wing festivus for a few hours.
Wadestock was one of them.
I told Natalie at Pellegrine’s to keep my wings warm in the kitchen, because I would be arriving late this night. My first destination was Café 210 in State College, where musical friends, bands and fans were converging to enjoy live music and raise money to help out Emily’s Toybox drummer Wade Corbin, who suffered a serious head injury in a November auto crash. Wadestock turned into a very special evening.
A good-sized crowd was already in place when I first arrived, and it would steadily grow as the night progressed.
The first band of the evening was performing, a new State College-based metal foursome called Collapse. I only got to see them do three songs, but they sounded strong. Playing just their third show; singer/bassist Peter Buckland, guitarists Aaron Pontzer and Gary Owen, and drummer Justin Bonnett crushed on songs from Sepultura and Slayer. Tight and powerful, I hope to catch a full set from Collapse sometime very soon!
Opening Wadestock, State College metallists Collapse.
Peter Buckland of Collapse.
Aaron Pontzer of Collapse.
Gary Owen of Collapse.
Once again, Collapse.
During the intermission, John Cimino of Loudmouth led me over to a table along the wall, where a T-shirt was being signed for Wade. I affixed my ‘John Hancock’ and wrote some encouraging words for Wade, one of many music scene-related folks to do so this night.
The special T-shirt being autographed by musicians and musical folks for Wade.
Velveeta was soon set up and ready to go on short order. Although known for their ‘80s cheese,’ Velveeta’s short set was more ‘70s geared this night. Keyboardist/singer Brent Martin, singer/guitarist Brian Kriley, bassist/singer John Matthews and drummer/singer John Harper fired up the party with crisp renderings of songs from The Who, Wild Cherry, Rancid, Tom Petty, ZZ Top, the Monkees and AC/DC. The group also tossed out generous doses of local beer distributor-donated swag, including Jack Daniels T-shirts and jerseys, ballcaps, keychains and other cool stuff.
Stepping up the party, Velveeta.
Brent Martin of Velveeta.
A large crowd is already assembled as Velveeta performs at Wadestock.
Again, Velveeta.
John Matthews of Velveeta.
John Harper of Velveeta.
Brian Kriley of Velveeta.
Again, Brent Martin of Velveeta.
During intermissions, various band members raffled off a ton of donated gifts and merchandise on the stage. Later in the night, some serious electronics was raffled off in the form of iPods and other items.
Wade’s bandmates, Emily’s Toybox, took the stage next. Greg Reigle has been subbing behind the drum kit in Wade’s absence; Toybox head nutcase Mike Wise ribbed Greg during the set, since Greg hadn’t publicly played behind the kit for 3 or 4 years. Mike, Greg, bassist Milhouse (appearing back to 100% after also getting banged up in the accident with Wade) and Rick Lienhard on guitar mixed music and chicanery as only they can, firing up the crowd further along the way. Highlights included the shotgun marriage of House Of Pain’s “Jump Around” with Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” the original song showstopper “Bionic,” and as a dedication to Wade, Pantera’s “Cowboys from Hell” (which Wade always requested the band do during shows). After his usual zany and animated performance, Mike admitted at set’s end that he was holding back tears and appreciated the huge showing of support for Wade.
Mike Wise of Emily’s Toybox.
Emily’s Toybox rocks Wadestock.
Mike Wise sings to the Wadestock crowd.
Again, Mike Wise of Emily’s Toybox.
More Emily’s Toybox.
Again, Emily’s Toybox.
Rick Lienhard of Emily’s Toybox.
Providing the beats for Emily’s Toybox until Wade can return, Greg Reigle.
Mike Wise serenades the crowd.
Milhouse and Mike Wise of Emily’s Toybox.
With Milhouse fronting on “Rebel Yell,” Emily’s Toybox.
Once again, Mike Wise of Emily’s Toybox.
One more time, Mike Wise stares down the crowd.
The crowd kept growing, and the atmosphere and joyous vibe escalated as the night progressed. A number of off-duty musicians were in the house to support the cause, including Dawn from Kitty Whip, Chuck from Represent The Lie, Steve from Slacker Theory, Eric Wertz from Monster Party and more. A group of women near the front of the stage held up a “We (heart) Wade” placard, while another lady near where I was standing broke out a separate placard for audience members to sign and send well wishes to Wade. It was cool to observe all the love in the room; obviously Wade made a lot of friends and fans in his time with the Toybox.
After more items were raffled off, Loudmouth kicked into their performance. Guitarists/singers Chad Caprio, Brandon Giuffre and Mike Mitchell, bassist/singer John Cimino and an unidentified drummer (filling in for regularly-scheduled stick man Michael Hughes) mixed new and classic rock, doing tunes from U2, Gin Blossoms, Fallout Boy, Maroon 5, Oasis and more. Loudmouth’s vocals and harmonies especially shined, driven home on their unique funky take on the Beatles’ “Come Together” and their set-ending rendition of Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son.” It was a good, strong set that kept the energy level of the evening elevated.
Loudmouth continues the music at Wadestock.
Brandon Giuffre of Loudmouth.
Again, Loudmouth.
John Cimino of Loudmouth.
Once again, Loudmouth.
Chad Caprio and Brandon Giuffre of Loudmouth.
Chad Caprio of Loudmouth.
Brandon Giuffre holds up a sign from the audience.
Yet more items were raffled while the next band set up. I stuck around for a couple of songs by Mr. Hand, departing after their version of Smash Mouth’s “All Star.” Singer Brian Lubrecht and company kept the mood and spirits high. One more band, My Hero Zero, would follow, and a jam session of the musicians in the house was slated to close out the event.
Mr. Hand kicks off their set at Wadestock.
Again, Mr. Hand.
Brian Lubrecht of Mr. Hand.
Brad Fisher of Mr. Hand.
Once again, Mr. Hand.
Wadestock was a huge success, with well over $5,000 raised to help Wade through the door cover, raffles, the Café 210 staff donating 10% of their tips, and other at-large donations made through the night. Besides the monetary help, this night had to be a huge morale boost for Wade once he learned the amount of friends, support and love shown to him this night. Here’s hoping for his speedy and full recovery, and an eventual return to the drum kit.
A well wisher signs a placard for Wade Corbin.
7TH GEAR @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 12/16/09
I had completed my fall semester teaching duties this night, having administered my final exam news writing assignment earlier at Penn State Altoona. It was time to boogie. It had been the better part of two months since I had paid a visit to the veritable smokehouse that is the upstairs 4D’s Lounge on a Wednesday night. Besides the ciggie smoke, though, Wednesdays at the 4D’s lately means either 7th Gear or Slacker Theory performing, and usually a number of buzzing young ladies celebrating something…it could be a birthday or anniversary, St. Barney’s Father’s Circumcision Day, whatever…they’re celebrating, and mankind is all the better for it.
This night, 7th Gear was providing the entertainment, and one of the ladies, Randi, was celebrating a birthday. Party! A strawberry-themed cake was being served up later in the evening, and the mood was very festive as I arrived early into 7th Gear’s second set. Singer/guitarist Brendon Burns, bassist/singer Kelly Montgomery and drummer/singer Randy Servello were laying on the tunes thick and heavy, keeping the dance floor busy with favorites from Blues Traveler, Sublime, Violent Femmes, Stevie Wonder, REO Speedwagon, Kid Rock, Beatles, Doobie Brothers, a version of James’ “Laid” that accelerated to high speed by song’s end, and an original tune to end the set.
7th Gear was sounding good as usual. Brendon’s voice and guitar work were in fine order; and he, Kelly and Randy were again executing like a well-oiled machine. Randy’s drum work was again incredible; he could drop in jaw-dropping fills at the drop of a pin, and sang some decent voice besides!
After the intermission and a serving of birthday cake, 7th Gear’s nightcap set kicked off with Billy Idol’s “White Wedding,” and the dance floor party was again on! The dance floor was again full and festive as 7th Gear did favorites from Def Leppard, Buckcherry, Ozzy, Jimmy Eats World, Soft Cell, their popular pairing of Steve Miller Band’s “Swingtown” with Haddaway’s “What Is Love,” Phish’s “Down with Disease,” Aerosmith and more. Brendon and Kelly did their little sidestepping maneuver during Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” and Brendon teased and eventually did his high-flying jump to finish the night-ending version of Nena’s “99 Redballoons.”
It was a maximum humpday festivus, that made me glad I decided to stop by to partake. And Happy Birthday Randi!
The dance floor is busy as 7th Gear performs.
7th Gear.
Brendon Burns of 7th Gear.
Kelly Montgomery of 7th Gear.
Again, Brendon Burns.
Again, 7th Gear.
Again, Kelly Montgomery.
Randy Servello of 7th Gear.
Brendon Burns takes it into the crowd.
MINDSPINE/IT IS WRITTEN @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 12/18/09
I had entertained the idea of roadtripping to the Pony Lounge in Johnstown this night to see Harrisburg’s Asking Andy. But the forecast of snow showers after midnight from an advancing winter storm made me think twice about that idea. I thus remained ‘Toona-bound, and headed to Aldo’s to witness the double-bill of Centre County rock band forces Mindspine and It Is Written.
I arrived at Aldo’s just after It Is Written started their set. From Centre County, It Is Written kicked off with a terse sound that merged hardcore rage with dark funereal melodic metal. Vocalist Paul Savannah, guitarist Ken Hawkins, bassist Bob Krebs and drummer Darl Johnstonbaugh played for half an hour, demonstrating multi-speed original song compositions, including tunes from their 4-song EP. The only song title I caught was the final one, “Crawl.” Their presentation was appropriately tight and punishing, and they received a polite response from the Aldo’s audience.
Snowflakes started arriving outside as Mindspine launched into the first of their two sets. Mindspine unleashed powerful modern rock, metal and originals, and showed a wide variety of hard-hitting sounds. Keyboardist David Eyer emulated bagpipes in his intro to Korn’s “Shoots and Ladders” to launch the first set; I haven’t heard a band cover this tune since the ‘90s! Mindspine proceeded to mix original numbers and heavy-hitting modern rock. Their range spanned from punishing, progressive-leaning originals like “Move,” “Forgotten You” and “Monster” to well-executed versions of Godsmack’s “Bad Religion,” Shinedown’s “Sound of Madness,” Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” Rammstein’s “Du Hast,” Apocalpyptica’s “I Don’t Care” and more.
Singer Jason Eyer’s voice ran the gamut from soaring crescendos to snarling rage; while his surrounding instrumental corps of brother David on keys, guitarist Erik Smakulski, bassist Spencer Puzak and drummer Adam Rider displayed tightness, versatility and power. In what is becoming an anticipated highlight of Mindspine shows, David broke out a baseball bat and a beer keg to ring out bell-like percussion on one heavy number in the late going.
The mid-sized, enthusiastic crowd, which along the way included representatives from the Kitty Whip, Represent The Lie and Bad Daze organizations, cheered louder as Mindspine continued. When the crowd demanded an encore at night’s end and Aldo gave his blessing, Mindspine closed with System Of A Down’s “Sugar.”
Mindspine and It Is Written both delivered the goods, and soundman Steve “Cmor” had both bands sounding appropriately thunderous and sharp. Both of these bands will be worth keeping an eye on in 2010; this show signified that both have bright futures ahead.
Mindspine commences their performance at Aldo’s.
Jason Eyer of Mindspine.
David Eyer of Mindspine.
Erik Smakulski of Mindspine.
Jason Eyer and Spencer Puzak of Mindspine.
Again, Jason Eyer.
Adam Rider of Mindspine.
Again, Erik Smakulski of Mindspine.
Again, Adam Rider.
Again, Mindspine.
Roll out the barrel...
It’s time for Mindspine’s David Eyer to beat the beer barrel.
Fans cheer as Mindspine rocks Aldo’s.
Again, Mindspine and the fans.
David and Jason Eyer of Mindspine.
Again, Spencer Puzak of Mindspine.
THE HAWKS @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 12/20/09
With the Steelers playing a late afternoon game this Sunday, I did not have to be at my broadcast employer until 8 PM. This gave me the opportunity to enjoy some dinner, the Steelers game on the wide screen television, and live blues at 30 Something, with The Hawks providing the latter.
The group was into their first set as I arrived, procured a table vantage point and ordered up the day’s dinner special of baked ziti from main man Claudio. Singer Brian Elliott, guitarist Colton Fouse, bassist Pete Caccamo, keyboardist Tim Bodt and drummer Bill “Hawk” Hocherl proceeded to serve up some nice-sounding traditional electric blues. The group did tasteful and robust work on a number of canons of the blues genre; such as Willie Dixon’s “Hoochie Koochie Man” and “Let Me Love You Baby,” Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago,” Albert King’s “Born Under a Bad Sign,” B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone,” Sonny Thompson’s “I’m Tore Down” and more.
The Hawks’ musicianship was in good form. Brian’s voice was sounding clear, full-ranging, gritty and soulful. Bill and Pete held down the fort with tasteful and full-sounding rhythms, while Colton and Tim each dazzled with their respective solos during each number. It was laid back and relaxed, but these guys were still injecting heart and enthusiasm into each tune, making a pleasant experience for the small audience of diners and onlookers.
The Hawks’ performance was strong enough to keep my mood positive even after the Steelers attempted that botched on-side kick in the 4th quarter!
This is a good setting to enjoy blues, early on a Sunday evening. This needs to continue and build into a regular happening; spread the word to your friends, and round up some people to check out The Hawks’ blues Sundays at 30 Something, and do your part to help these shows to continue!
Brian Elliott of The Hawks.
Pete Caccamo and Tim Bodt of The Hawks.
Tim Bodt of The Hawks.
The Hawks.
MIA MANIA @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 12/20/09
After finishing up duties at the broadcast employer, I headed to Pellegrine’s to finish up the weekend with Centre County party animals Mia Mania.
With Sundays increasingly slow for attendance over the past few months, sacrifices could be expected, and one of them went into effect this night at Pellegrine’s. Pelly’s is no longer providing the production for their bands; the bands performing there will now have to provide their own production. Mia Mania had their own sound gear set up along with some minimal lighting. Experience has shown that bands with lesser production usually don’t fare well at this venue in front of crowds accustomed to better quality production. However, although the crowd was again on the smaller side, Mia Mania’s fun and unpredictable show largely made this audience disregard the production issues.
Singer Brian Storm, guitarist Chris Lee, bassist Jason Dumm and drummer Justin Betz managed to keep the underlit dance floor active through much of the night, thanks to their upbeat mixture of modern and classic rock hits and favorites, and happy-go-lucky stage persona. Brian again was a personality who communicated with the audience and made them feel a part of the show; and his unpredictable antics, such as pulling female audience members onstage to help sing and occasionally stepping onto the dance floor, kept things interesting and exciting. His bandmates executed tightly and were constantly moving about onstage; running, jumping and maintaining a high energy level. At one point during Mia Mania’s version of Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun,” Jason hurdled a crouching Jason for some added cheap thrills. The dance floor participants weren’t to be outdone; one guy did a ‘worm’ move across the dance floor during the group’s night-ending edition of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.”
Although limited in number, this Pellegrine’s audience appeared to be quite content with Mia Mafia’s performance and party. With scaled-back production likely to be the rule at this venue for the near future, the burden will be on the bands to win the night with quality and fun performances that can overshadow the production limitations. Mia Mania appeared to triumph over the elements this night to win some new fans.
Brian Storm of Mia Mania.
Justin Betz of Mia Mania.
Mia Mania, putting on the party at Pelly’s.
Jason Dumm of Mia Mania.
Brian Storm with guest singer Erica on Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag.”
Again, Jason Dumm of Mia Mania.
Again, Justin Betz of Mia Mania.
Chris Lee of Mia Mania.
Mia Mania entertains the fans up front.
Again, Mia Mania.
Another gratuitous picture of Mia Mania in awkard poses.
Brian Storm another female guest.
Again, Chris Lee of Mia Mania.
One more time, Mia Mania and fans.
