OPEN MIC/JAM NIGHT @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 10/13/10
I arrived at the weekly installment of Pellegrine’s Wednesday Open Mic/Jam Night to find a good-sized contingent of musicians already in the house, as well as a decent-sized crowd on hand to watch them perform.
Jeff Renner and John Buterbaugh on guitars, Adam D on keys, Jamie Shumac on drums and Priscilla the Tambourine Lady were performing as I arrived, doing The Who’s “Squeeze Box” and Ian Hunter/Great White’s “Once Bitten Twice Shy.” A guest drummer named Alan stepped behind the kit to perform on Jethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath.”
At this point, a collaboration called Tres stepped up to perform; featuring Rich Edmundson, Alex Russo and a third musician. Tres started off improvising on one of Rich’s freestyle numbers, which transitioned into a version of “Wild Thing.” Rich dedicated the next song in memory of his uncle, the late Jim Rossi. Jim’s brother, Mark Rossi, stepped up and joined in on keys. This group of musicians continued with some of Rich’s original songs such as “Open Highway,” “Bar Stool,” and his amazing “Percussive Guitar” display to close Tres’ set.
Tres, with some help from Mark Rossi on keys.
Again, Tres with Mark.
Mark remained on the keyboard to do several songs, including a birthday request from yours truly for Harry Chapin’s “Taxi, which he tagged afterward with “Happy Birthday.” Mark then did Elton John’s “Your Song,” before Jeff, John, Jamie, Priscilla, and new arrival Eric D joined him for a rousing rendition of “Stormy Monday.” Jeff then howled out lead voice on AC/DC’s “The Jack,” and Adam D fronted the musicians on Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me.”
Again, Mark Rossi.
The jam session kicks in.
The percussion tandem of Jamie Shumac and Priscilla.
Harmonica Dave then spotted the other musicians a break by stepping up to do a couple solo harmonica instrumentals, including a bluesy-flavored one. Jess P stepped up to play and sing two acoustic numbers, Ringo Starr’s “No No song” and 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” with Rich Edmundson gracing the latter tune on djembe. Eric D then took over to do a set of acoustic rock, folk, blues, Americana and more. He broke out many of his usual faves, such as “Wagon Wheel,” Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Paint It Black,” Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil” and more.
Harmonica Dave.
Rich Dasch then sent the night home with his acoustic flavors, doing songs from Rolling Stones, Tom Petty and Poison; before Jeff and arriving Rich Piccerillo joined in for numbers by Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and AC/DC to end the night.
Yours truly takes up the djembe alongside Eric D.
Left to right: Rich Dasch, Eric D, John Buterbaugh, yours truly, Mark Rossi and Jamie Shumac.
Showing his drumming skills, Rich Edmundson.
Jamie and Rich.
Jeff Renner.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 10/14/10
I was back at Pellegrine’s again this night to partake in some Thursday Hurricaning with Felix and co., joined by Dave Villani on keys.
This night was one of the best yet since the Hurricanes made Pelly’s their Thursday night home. There were folks in the house, and musical fireworks on the stage.
I arrived just as the Hurricanes were doing a song by the late Glenn Pavone, performing his “Postal Jack.” Already I could tell this would be a good night, as Felix’s guitar and Dave’s keys were having a spirited conversation early on during this song! Next was the Allman Brothers/Molly Hatchet’s “Dreams,” with Dave’s underscoring organ groan giving the song a more powerful presence recalling the Hatchet version. Dave then had the organ’s leslie effects going on the ensuing ‘Canes original song, “Such a Fool.” Jeff Clapper’s bass then took over the spotlight on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “That Smell,” prompting me to dub Jeff the ‘Polamalu of bass,’ because his bass work was all over this tune like the Steelers’ defender is all over opposing offenses! (Come to think of it, if Jeff would frizz his hair out, he’d…never mind.) Jeff followed this up by singing strong lead on the Eagles’ “Take It Easy.” The Hurricanes then dug out an old Peter Green number, “Ooh Baby,” showcasing more hot tradeoffs between Felix’s guitar and Dave’s keys. The ‘Canes continued with two of their own, “Talk About Love” and ‘Jeff’s 1985 hit’ “Black Widow,” before closing the set with the Beatles’ “Something.”
Felix and the Hurricanes were in a Stevie Ray Vaughan mood when they commenced the nightcap set, firing off four Stevie Ray classics during the set’s first five songs; they did “Cold Shot,” “Rude Mood,” “The House Is Rockin’” and “The Sky Is Crying,” with their own “Walking a Straight Line” sandwiched in the middle. The group then did Santana’s “Europa,” before Dave took the vocal spotlight to sing Stephen Stills’ “Love the One You’re With,” James Gang’s “Walk Away” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run.” The Hurricanes then returned to their original song catalog for “I Just Had to Play the Blues” and “Strength and Courage,” before honoring audience requests for Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “The Needle and the Spoon.” Guest Ray Springsteel then stepped up to front the Hurricanes on another Skynyrd number, “Simple Man.” ZZ Top’s “Just Got Paid” featured a mid-song rhythm section display from Jeff and Bob. Dave then sang lead on the Doors’ “Love Her Madly,” before the group honored another audience request with Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever,” and closed out the night with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Ballad of Curtis Loew.”
This was a superb display, as the Hurricanes hit their stride early and never let up; fueled by rowdy and appreciative fans in the house. Instrumental displays and musical conversations abounded, and the Hurricanes pushed each song skyward. Always a treat!
Dave Villani exchanges keyboard licks with lead ‘Cane Felix Kos.
Again, Dave Villani.
Dave and Felix.
Guest Raymond Springsteel sings lead with the Hurricanes and Dave Villani.
Felix and Raymond.
One more time, Dave and Felix.
G211 @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 10/15/10
My Friday night destination was 30 Something to check in with the latest exploits of Centre County power trio G211.
The G211 cast of singer/guitarist Dale Hart, bassist/singer Barry Hamilton and drummer Tony Tamburini were just finishing up their first set as I arrived, entertaining a small audience with favorites from Beastie Boys, Jimmy Eat World and Theory Of A Deadman. Although there were only a few people in the house, it quickly became apparent that several of them were tipsy women freely imbibing…always a good thing.
Soon G211 resumed with their second set, opening with Green Day’s “Basketcase.” As they continued with tunes from Billy Idol and Poison, G211 attacked their song material with fun and enthusiasm. Dale then introduced one of the group’s original songs, “Stone Cold Love.” They proceeded with more favorites from Tommy Tutone, Def Leppard, Poison and Violent Femmes; before Dale demonstrated some behind-the-neck guitar solo work on Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” and shredded out a distortion-laced solo out of Stone Temple Pilots’ “Between the Lines.” G211 then closed the set with their spin on Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams.”
A contingent from the Hello, Vixen organization arrived during the break; I soon learned this night was frontman Mark Simanski’s birthday.
G211 commenced their final chapter of the night with Foo Fighters’ “Everlong,” and continued with Alice In Chains’ “Man in the Box.” They then broke out another original song, “Syncopation Nightmare,” and rocked down the homestretch with Judas Priest’s “Hellbent for Leather,” Blink 182’s “All the Small Things” and Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” with Dale going out on the floor and jamming guitar on his knees and behind his neck for the Hello, Vixen contingent.
G211 had fun and delivered a fun show. This band gets it; that no matter how many or how few people are in the house, a band should always give its all to provide the maximum good time. Dale took his performance out onto the dance floor and through the room, playing guitar solos behind his neck, generating intense Pete Townshend-styled windmill strums and more. He and G211 interacted with the small audience this night, making each person a welcome part of the experience.
A pleasant sidelight of the evening was meeting with Barry’s wife, who was the cook at my fraternity house during my senior year at Penn State in the early ‘80s. We reminisced the wild and crazy times at Zeta Psi Fraternity; very cool!
Barry Hamilton of G211, with guest Denise McCulley on vocals.
G211 with Denise on vocals.
More fun with Denise and G211.
G211.
Dale Hart of G211.
Barry Hamilton of G211.
Tony Tamburini of G211.
Once again, G211.
Playing guitar and harmonica, Dale Hart of G211.
Once again, Dale Hart.
Going behind the neck, Dale Hart.
Out celebrating, Mark Simanski (second from left), Steve Holtz (far right) of Hello, Vixen and friends.
EVERYBODY FEST @ ORIENTAL BALLROOM, GALLITZIN 10/16/10
The main event for this weekend was happening in Gallitzin. Organized by former Central PA Hoedown mastermind Raymond Springsteel, the inaugural Everybody Fest at the Oriental Ballroom provided two days of live music and unforgettable highlights.
Due to an assortment of duties, I got a late start to Everybody Fest this day, and thus missed the first two groups of the afternoon, Mama Corn and 7th Gear. But I did get there in time to see The Hawks. Singer Brian Elliott, guitar man Colton Fouse, keyboardist Tim Bodt, bassist Jim “Big Jimi Cee” Colyer and drummer Bill Hocherl played a good-sounding selection of classic blues standards; including Willie Dixon’s “Hoochie Koochie Man,” Albert King’s “Born Under a Bad Sign” and more. The Hawks’ musicianship was tasteful, sharp and on the mark; I especially liked a Broadway-esque intro that Tim tapped out on his keys to lead into one song.
The Hawks.
Bill Hocherl, Jim Colyer and Tim Bodt of The Hawks.
Colton Fouse and Brian Elliott of The Hawks.
Brian Elliott of The Hawks.
In a room corner adjacent to the main stage area, Dwane Edmiston and Ed Brinkel provided acoustic entertainment during intermissions between bands. Dwane and Ed performed a selection of favorites; due to being embroiled in conversation at this point, the only song I thought to write down on the notepad was Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.”
Dwane Edmiston and Ed Brinkel.
The next band on the mainstage would provide a radical departure from the mild-mannered blues of The Hawks. Naildriver brought their metallic taste to the Oriental Ballroom, performing their selection of original heavy-hitting sounds and a select cover or two. Singer Floyd Hunter barked out his fierce vocal presentation atop a rigid wall of sound drilled by guitarist Scott Botteicher, bassist Scott Bush and drummer Kevin Siegel. Naildriver pounded out scathing originals such as “The Enemy,” “In God We Trust” (which Floyd dedicated in memory of Gallitzin native son Ralph Fabbri, a Marine lance corporal killed in action in Afghanistan) and “The Executioner.” The group also broke out a scorching edition of Budgie/Metallica’s “Breadfan.”
Bringing the metal to Everybody Fest, NailDriver.
Scott Bush and Kevin Siegel of NailDriver.
Kevin Siegel of NailDriver.
Scott Botteicher of NailDriver.
A couple of headbanging fans groove to NailDriver.
Again, NailDriver.
Again, Scott Botteicher.
Floyd Hunter of NailDriver.
Dwane and Ed then continued the intermission acoustic entertainment; their selection this time included renditions of Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up in Blue,” Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer,” “Wagon Wheel,” Grand Funk Railroad’s “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)” into Sublime’s “What I Got,” and more. A few folks gathered in front of the pair to groove, dance and sing along.
Again, Dwane and Ed.
All the entertainment so far set the table for the anticipated special highlight of the evening, a local “all-star” Led Zeppelin tribute featuring 14 different area musicians. By the time all was said and done, the cast included fest organizer Ray Springsteel, Steve Oswalt and 15-year-old Aislinn Feathers on lead vocals; Aislinn’s father, Jason Feathers, on lead guitar; Jeremy Nelson on guitar and mandolin; Todd Holes and Dave Odelle on guitars; Dwane Edmiston on acoustic guitar; Brett Fanelli on keys; Kelly Montgomery on bass; Randy Servello and Nate Woods on dual drumkits; Shawn Gority on bagpipes, recorder and flute; and in a cameo role, John Stevens on harmonica. Opening with “Communication Breakdown,” these musicians tackled a wide range of Zeppelin song material, spanning from more popular fare like “Misty Mountain Hop” and “Ramble On” to some of the more challenging compositions of the Zeppelin catalog. The musicianship was often jaw-droppingly spectacular with numerous highlights; including Jason taking a bow to his guitar strings during “Dazed and Confused,” both drummers lighting up their respective kits on “Moby Dick,” the acoustic mini-set of “Gallow’s Pole,” “Tangerine” and “Battle of Evermore,” the Steve and Aislinn duet on “In The Light,” remarkable renditions of “Kashmir,” “Ten Years Gone” and “No Quarter,” and Aislinn singing solo lead on the climactic homestretch version of “Stairway to Heaven,” which brought unanimous cheers of approval from the entire house! The audience in front of the stage steadily grew as people realized the special event they were witnessing, and cheers grew louder and more numerous as the performance continued. This entire performance was amazing, and was one of those performances where people sat and stared off into space for ten minutes afterward, recovering and letting their minds float back down to Earth. This was a quite remarkable feat, especially given the relatively short time frame for organizing and rehearsals. I heard more than a few observers not only praising this performance, but expressing hope for a sequel sometime soon, perhaps with bigger production on a marquee stage.
The Led Zeppelin tribute begins.
Again, the Led Zeppelin tribute.
Steve Oswalt.
The dual drum section of Randy Servello and Nate Woods.
Jason Feathers.
Again, Jason Feathers.
Again, Randy Servello and Nate Woods.
Ray Springsteel and Kelly Montgomery.
Randy and Nate take the spotlight on “Moby Dick.”
Nate Woods.
Randy Servello.
Again, Randy Servello.
Jeremy Nelson and John Stevens.
Again, Jeremy and John.
The acoustic Zeppelin interlude, featuring from left to right: Jeremy Nelson, Ray Springsteel, Shawn Gority, Kelly Montgomery, Randy Servello, Dave Odelle, Nate Woods, Jason Feathers and Dwane Edmiston.
Again, the acoustic passage of the Led Zeppelin tribute.
Jeremy Nelson, Jason Feathers, Aislinn Feathers and Steve Oswalt.
Again; Jeremy, Jason, Aislinn and Steve, performing “In the Light.”
Jeremy, Jason, Aislinn, Steve and Dwane.
More of the “In the Light” performance.
Again; Jeremy, Jason, Aislinn, Steve and Dwane.
Steve, Nate and Shawn.
More of the Led Zeppelin tribute.
Shawn Gority.
Kelly, Jeremy, Ray and Steve.
Steve, Nate and Shawn.
The Led Zeppelin tribute continues.
During the “Stairway to Heaven” finale, Aislinn Feathers.
Again, Aislinn Feathers.
Brett Fanelli.
Once again, Jason Feathers.
Aislinn, Nate and Dave.
The audience looks on during the “Stairway to Heaven” finale.
Again, the “Stairway to Heaven” finale.
Once again, Aislinn Feathers.
One final time, the Led Zeppelin tribute.
After another intermission acoustic interlude with Dwane Edmiston solo, Mysterytrain then sent the euphoric crowd home with their freewheeling musical hoedown. Sans keyboardist Gina Riggio this night (who was on the disabled list and logging some hospital time), the remaining Mysterytrain cast of singer/guitarist Dan Klock, bassist Kevin Share, drummer Chuck Bailey and percussion specialist Jacob Haqq-Misra took the remaining audience on a colorful musical journey with a wide-ranging selection of original song material. Some of the songs this night included Mysterytrain’s opening pairing of “Overgrow” into “That’s Alright,” “Flow River Flow,” “Step It Up,” “Long Way to Go,” and the expansive finisher “Sundown Jam.” Although some folks filtered out of the Oriental Ballroom due to the late hour, those who stuck around stayed in front of the stage and grooved out with Mysterytrain until the end.
Mysterytrain caps the first night of Everybody Fest.
Again, Mysterytrain.
Jacob Haqq-Misra of Mysterytrain.
Once again, Mysterytrain.
Chuck Bailey of Mysterytrain.
Dan Klock of Mysterytrain.
Again, Chuck Bailey.
Playing vibes, Jacob Haqq-Misra.
This closed out the first day of Everybody Fest. I headed back down the hill to catch some rest, in advance of more music at the Oriental Ballroom the next day…
EVERYBODY FEST @ ORIENTAL BALLROOM, GALLITZIN 10/17/10
I traversed back up the hill to Gallitzin’s Oriental Ballroom by mid afternoon for the resumption of Everybody Fest. I thought I might have missed some earlier performers on the bill, but later learned that things were late in getting re-started. The day’s first performer, Nick Miller, was still onstage as I first arrived.
For those who haven’t experienced him, Nick Miller offers a unique and captivating performance. Using floor loop pedals, he records and weaves together digital loops of percussion and bass lines into rhythmic backdrops, which anchors his performance of various classics and original compositions. This day, I only got to see Nick’s final number, “Hey Joe,” but it sounded strong, and drew cheers from the scant few audience members in the house during the early going.
Loop specialist Nick Miller.
Rich Edmundson provided some acoustic sounds during the ensuing intermission, doing his blend of original songs, freestyle compositions, his popular instrumental “Percussive Guitar” and more.
Rich Edmundson.
Kid rockers E.V.K. were next. The sibling duo of drummer/singer Chelsea Moses and guitarist/singer Stevie Moses, plus bassist Emmett Eldred, ignited onlookers with their spirited set, including several of the group’s first original songs such as “The Angry Song,” “Fun” and “The Sad Song.” They also broke out a mix of feisty classic and modern rock cover material, including Judas Priest’s “Living After Midnight,” Queen’s “We Will Rock You” into Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me,” Bowling For Soup’s “1985,” AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” Guns N’Roses’ “Sweet Child O Mine” and more. E.V.K. seemed to have awakened this Sunday crowd, as more people gathered near the front of the stage to watch these youngsters’ spirited performance along the way.
E.V.K. entertains at Everybody Fest.
Again, E.V.K.
Lead Hurricane Felix Kos looks on as Stevie Moses of E.V.K. performs.
Chelsea Moses of E.V.K.
Again, Stevie Moses.
Stepping out from behind the kit to sing, Chelsea Moses.
Again, Chelsea Moses.
Stevie Moses brings his show out onto the ballroom dance floor.
After another Rich Edmundson acoustic interlude, the Hurricanes took the stage, joined by two special guests, The Desperadoes’ Mark Middleton and John Buterbaugh on guitars. This turned into a hearty guitar jam workout, as lead ‘Cane Felix Kos and his two guests went to town on a variety of rock and blues classics, original songs and more. Mark fronted the ‘Canes on several numbers; including the Allman Brothers’ “One Way Out,” Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” The triple-guitar army lit up the house on the aforementioned, as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “That Smell,” Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well” and more. At one point, Felix told the audience the story of how seeing Mark and the Desperadoes in action first inspired him to do his own 3-piece band. It was good to see these three area guitar meisters sharing a common stage again, and the constant six-string fireworks turned the Hurricanes’ set into the big highlight of this day of Everybody Fest.
The Hurricanes with guests John Buterbaugh and Mark Middleton.
Again, The Hurricanes with distinguished guests.
Triple guitar threat: Felix Kos, John Buterbaugh and Mark Middleton.
Again, Felix, John and Mark.
More fireworks from the Hurricanes and their guests.
Several onlookers take in the Hurricanes’ performance.
More of Felix, John and Mark.
Guitar jams a plenty!
More triple guitar threat jamming!
Yet more of Felix, John and Mark.
More of The Hurricanes and their guests.
Mark Middleton, singing lead.
Radio station work duties prompted my early departure from Everybody Fest at this point; The Fatman Band and Chris Vipond & the Stanley Street Band closed out the weekend.
As advertised, this inaugural Everybody Fest provided a celebration of this area’s vast musical talent; and provided many highlights over its two days. here’s my vote for a sequel.
JOHNNY DANGER @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 10/17/10
Following my weekly “Homegrown Rocker” duties, I ended my weekend again at Pellegrine’s, this time with Johnny Danger supplying the musical entertainment.
As I arrived during their second set, Johnny Danger was on a mission to get the small-ish Pellegrine’s crowd up in front of the stage and having a good time. Keyboardist/singer Adam D, guitarist/singer Greg Larrimore, bassist Tim Kelly and drummer Steve Brulia celebrated the ‘80s for the remainder of this set; doing Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home,” the Romantics’ “What I Like About You,” Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” B52s’ “Love Shack” and the GoGos’ “We Got the Beat” to end the set.
For the homestretch set, I divided my attention between the stage and the DVD player in the rear room by the door, which this week was showing the original Predator. In between the blood and guts of the latter, I witnessed Johnny Danger generating more of their party with tunes from Journey, Bon Jovi, Buckcherry, Beastie Boys, 4 Non Blondes, Puddle Of Mudd, Blur, and George Michael’s “Faith” to close the night.
Although Pellegrine’s again wasn’t crowded for a Sunday night, Johnny Danger appeared to keep the folks who were there in a festive mood.
