ADAM D, BAD DAZE ROB, JESS P AND BIG JIM @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 1/4/10
After a grueling evening of delivering the January issues of Pennsylvania Musician along the slick and snow-covered streets of Altoona, I found solace at Pellegrine’s…and enjoyed an unpredictably wild and crazy evening…with the tag team of Adam D, Bad Daze Rob, Jess P and Big Jim…and some audience shenanigans to boot!
I savored wings and split attention between the musicians and the Fiesta Bowl on the tube as the festivities began. Music-wise, this night was totally acoustic, with Adam D’s keys not in the house, and Big Jim underscoring much of the night with his acoustic guitar (except when Jess played hers). Adam, Rob and Jim starting things off, with Jess spotting Jim a break and performing both solo, and with Adam and Rob. Song-wise, it was the usual variety of favorites from the classic and current rock worlds.
A few times, all four performers played together, on versions of Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me” and Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.”
With more of Pellegrine’s regular rowdies showing up during the course of the night, things got crazier as the night progressed. During the homestretch, by audience chants of “JER-RY! JER-RY!” Jerry ‘Gambino’ Gamber was welcomed to the lead microphone to sing Looking Glass’ “Brandy,” during which a bra was flung at him! Jerry then celebrated this accomplishment with the crowd at the main bar. Not to be outdone, ‘Scotty’ and a female audience member engaged in a striptease contest atop their chairs at the bar.
It all amounted to cheap thrills and good times on a wintry Monday night, and a fun reward for me after dealing with magazine deliveries on slick city streets!
Adam D, Jess P and Bad Daze Rob.
Jess P.
Jerry “Gambino” Gamber sings while Bad Daze Rob listens.
Jerry checks his phone for messages in midsong while Rob ponders why nobody tosses bras at him.
The Gambino…gonna fly now!
RAIN MUST FALL/OUT OF THE BLUE @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 1/8/10
Piquing my attention this Friday night was a band doubleheader at Aldo’s featuring two bands I hadn’t yet seen, Rain Must Fall and Out Of The Blue.
Although a Centre County band by the same name graced area stages in the ‘90s, I figured this Out Of The Blue was probably not the same band. And I was right. Under way as I arrived, this Out Of The Blue hailed from Rhode Island and played high-velocity power punk/pop. Four members strong, they sounded fairly solid and together as they did original songs, including several from their CD, which one band member mentioned that the group had just picked up from Philadelphia prior to traveling to Altoona. I caught two song titles the group performed, “Self Destruct” and “This is Rock & Roll.” The good-sized Aldo’s crowd liked Out Of The Blue’s efforts and cheered strong approval after each song.
Opening the night, Providence, Rhode Island’s Out Of The Blue.
I was curious about Rain Must Fall, a new local band featuring two names I encountered before; lead guitarist Jarrett Bickel, who used to play with Generation Gap a few years back, and Hunter James, who I saw more recently performing acoustic at the Commonplace Coffeehouse. I knew Hunter and Jarrett had performed together at the coffeehouse, and was curious to see and hear what they were now doing together.
I would shortly find out. Jarrett, Hunter, lead singer Michael Kensinger, rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Bree Gearhart and drummer Bobby Ziegler introduced a fresh sound largely rooted in ‘80s era alternative like The Cure and R.E.M. Most of their hour-long set was comprised of original songs, which took on a variety of tempos and flavors, and exhibited inventive melodies and lyrics. Some of their original song repertoire included the anthemic-flavored “Come On,” the reggae-textured “Parallel,” “6 Years Later,” “Between January,” “Better,” “Burned,” the funk-tinged “Borderline” and more. The group included some eclectic cover song remakes as well, including their own spin on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” a Lady GaGa single, and Deadeye Dick’s “New Age Girl” with ‘Roadie Mike’ helping with backing vocals. This group sounded tight and charged, and delivered their tunes with abundant fun and enthusiasm. The Aldo’s crowd dug what Rain Must Fall did and cheered after each song; and demanded two encores at the end of the night. The group first responded with their reggae-flavored, guy-fronted take on No Doubt’s “Spiderwebs,” and answered the second round of encore demands with another of their own songs, “Superficial Stain.”
I liked Rain Must Fall’s fresh approach and direction, and their enthusiasm in delivering that sound. The band members informed me that they are recording a debut EP at the newly-opened studio facility operated by Stephen Wells of Acalasia. Based on what I witnessed this night, Rain Must Fall offers a fresh sound, and might be a group that can spark some new excitement on local stages in the months ahead.
Rain Must Fall.
Michael Kensinger of Rain Must Fall.
Jarrett Bickel of Rain Must Fall.
Jarrett Bickel and Hunter James of Rain Must Fall.
Again, Michael Kensinger of Rain Must Fall.
Bree Gearhart of Rain Must Fall.
Again, Hunter James of Rain Must Fall.
Again, Jarrett and Hunter.
Again, Bree Gearhart of Rain Must Fall.
Once again, Hunter James.
Once again, Jarrett Bickel.
Hunter James and Bree Gearhart of Rain Must Fall.
SILVER SUNDAY @ GLENN’S PLACE, CLAYSBURG 1/9/10
After carefully mulling over several in-town and out-of-town live music options this Saturday night, I decided on one of the latter, heading southward to Claysburg to check in with Silver Sunday, in action at Glenn’s Place.
After witnessing this show, I can safely proclaim that THIS BAND IS READY FOR PRIME TIME on one or more of the marquee Altoona stages, like Pellegrine’s or the 4D’s. This group has paid their dues, earned their stripes, and the current line-up has evolved into a quality party force!
I arrived just before the group started into their second set, triggered by the sounds of the John Sebastian song “Welcome Back” playing through the P-A. A respectable mid-sized crowd was in the house, and it didn’t take long for some of the folks to venture onto Glenn’s dance floor once the Silver Sunday corps of singer Ashley Bee, guitarist/singer buck, bassist London Joe and drummer Todd Harshbarger launched into the set-opener “Here for the Party” by Gretchen Wilson. Ashley’s voice was quickly in good form, sounding clear and powerful as the group continued into Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Just Walk Away” and another Joan Jett hit, “I Love Rock and Roll.” This latter song started a medley of same-key tunes; including the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction,” Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” John Mellencamp’s “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” the Romantics’ “What I Like About You” and Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself” (with Buck singing lead). Ashley again flexed her pipes on Journey’s “Any Way You Want It,” and Silver Sunday kept the tempo upbeat with Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and Katrina & the Waves’ “Walking On Sunshine.” As the group then did Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me,” Ashley and Buck did a lap around the entire Glenn’s complex, serenading and playing to the patrons as they went. The set wound down with Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and the Cranberries’ “Zombie.”
As stated earlier, Silver Sunday has achieved their full stride as a party force and are ready for bigger stages. Their performance so far was poised, confident and versatile. Their pacing and execution were tight, and Ashley’s voice was sounding superb. And with this mach version of Silver Sunday together well over a year, Ashley’s poise and confidence has grown…She and Buck were taking the party to the dance floor fans, mixing it up and making everyone a part of the party! I also noted the group’s wardrobe, including the guys wearing custom monogrammed Silver Sunday green ties – cool!
After the piped-in theme from the television sitcom Good Times signified the start of their nightcap set, Silver Sunday resumed the musical action with Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music,” and people again returned to the dance floor. The group stepped up the party with P!nk’s “U + Ur Hand,” before Ashley stepped behind the keyboard and again gave her voice a workout on Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.’” After Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy,” Silver Sunday honored a request for one of their original songs, doing “Thank You.” More favorites continued the party, including 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” P!nk’s “So What,” Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl,” Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” and more, with the group soon ending the night with an Ashley/Buck duet version of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love.”
Again, Silver Sunday stepped their game up this night, delivering a confident and fun party that kept Glenn’s dance floor busy until the end. Here’s hoping that 2010 finds Silver Sunday finally getting the respect they deserve from Altoona’s marquee venues; this night showed me they are clearly ready!
Silver Sunday, rocking Claysburg.
Buck Dickson and Ashley Bee of Silver Sunday.
Ashley and London Joe of Silver Sunday.
Again, Ashley Bee.
Again, London Joe of Silver Sunday.
Again, Silver Sunday.
Todd Harshbarger of Silver Sunday. Note the monogrammed green Silver Sunday tie – sharp!
Again, Todd of Silver Sunday.
Once again, Ashley Bee.
Buck and London Joe of Silver Sunday.
Yet again, Ashley Bee of Silver Sunday.
Keeping the Glenn’s Place crowd dancing, Silver Sunday.
VENT @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 1/10/10
Centre region rockers Vent were gracing Pellegrine’s stage for the first time this night, so I decided to head there to finish out my weekend.
I learned quickly that Vent had changed singers since the last time I saw them early last year. And their new singer was a name I hadn’t witnessed on area stages in several years; Tom Getz, former frontman of Tyrant and Gun Runnin’ Amish (still one of the best names for a band ever to surface from the local area). Tom now has teamed up with guitarist Dave Plisco, bassist Rob Staph and drummer Jason Houser.
Vent was on break as I first arrived, but shortly launched into their second set. The group started with an Audioslave number, and continued with hard rocking favorites from Stone Temple Pilots, Candlebox, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Toadies, Saving Abel and more. Tom appeared to fit this new band situation well; he displayed a capable voice, and exhibited energy as he paced the stage. The group continued with Bloodhound Gang’s “Bad Touch” and Billy Squier’s “Everybody Wants You,” before triggering the set’s first dance floor action with My Chemical Romance’s “Teenagers.” The set continued with songs from Seven Mary Three, Duran Duran, Green Day, Blink 182, Jimmy Eats World and a Pearl Jam ballad to close out the set.
Not surprising given that a new band was playing here this night, Pellegrine’s was lightly populated, consistent with recent Sunday nights in this room. But there were at least some folks in the house, including representatives of the Bad Daze, Represent The Lie and Kitty Whip organizations.
Vent’s nightcap set started off with Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Suck My Kiss,” and people returned to the dance floor almost immediately. Hits by Nena, Fountains Of Wayne, Puddle Of Mudd, Ugly Kid Joe, Don Henley (The Ataris), CCR, Soft Cell, Finger Eleven and Lit kept the party going, before the group wrapped up the set with the Social Distortion take on Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” The Pelly’s dance floor crowd wanted one more, so Vent answered with Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun” to cap the night.
In all, Vent did a fairly good job, and kept the Pelly’s dance floor crowd pleased. Running their own sound and lights, the group did a respectable job on their own production end, with the instruments and Tom’s voice distinguishable in the mix.
Overall, a good job for Vent’s first Pelly’s foray; and hopefully it will lead to some return visits. Outside of discovering another patron’s technicolor conversation with “ROWWWWPPPHHHH!!!” on the men’s room urinal late in the night, it was otherwise a good time.
Dave Plisco and Tom Getz of Vent.
Back in action, Tommy Getz.
Making their Pellegrine’s debut, Vent.
Dave Plisco of Vent.
Again, Vent.
Again, Tom Getz of Vent.
Jason Houser of Vent.
Once again, Tom Getz.
Rob Staph of Vent.
Once again, Vent.
Again, Dave Plisco of Vent.
Yet again, Tom Getz of Vent.
More of Tom Getz.
Once again, Dave Plisco of Vent.
Vent’s party continues.
Again, Rob Staph of Vent.
