HOMEGROWN ROCKER 3/20/11 (JEFF WALLACK JAM PREVIEW)

[Jim Price]

Hello Everyone,

Here is the recap of the March 20 edition of Rocky 99 and Rocky 104.9's weekly local music program, "The Homegrown Rocker," which airs every Sunday night from 8 to 10 PM on WRKW-FM (www.rocky99.com) and WRKY-FM (www.rocky1049.com).

It was on April 2, 2005 that the Altoona music scene lost a valued member and friend with the unexpected passing of Jeff Wallack at age 40. Jeff was one of the area’s top guitarists, and he touched the lives of many both with his talents and friendship. The first Jeff Wallack Memorial Jam took place shortly after his passing, and has taken place every year since; the 7th annual edition will happen on Saturday night, April 2 at 30 Something in Altoona, with proceeds benefiting the Jeff Wallack Music Education Fund. We spoke with guests Matt Picanno, Steve Oswalt, Greg Turchetta and Joe George about this year’s benefit; discussing the show details and sharing Jeff Wallack memories along the way. Since Greg Turchetta was one of the guests, we dug a song from Greg’s past for a “Local Music Flashback,” a 1989 song by Greg and Tommi-Gunn. We also debuted new songs from Saving Jake and The Whatleys, updated “Local Music News,” and in honor of St. Patrick’s weekend reviewed Full Kilt’s Ride On Celtic Spirit CD in “The Professor’s CD Corner.” It was a busy and exciting show!

Here is this week's playlist:

HOUR ONE:

THE CLOVER – “Kiss Me I’m Irish Today”
MICHAEL O’BRIAN BAND – “Whiskey in the Jar” (live)
RAPID FIRE – “Black Star” (performed live 5/86 at Cisco’s, Altoona)
RAIN MUST FALL – “Borderline”
SAVING JAKE – “Candle Light”
THE GOOD SEEDS – “She’s Half a Pill”
JEFF WALLACK – (untitled blues jam)

HOUR TWO:

FELIX & THE HURRICANES – “Slug In a Puddle”
SPIRIT LOST – “Misery of a Wounded Heart”
FULL KILT – “Fat Bottom Girls”
JEFF WALLACK – (untitled blues jam)
TOMMI-GUNN – “Dead Kitty Blues” (1989, Local Music Flashback)
NAILDRIVER – “Executioner”
THE WHATLEYS – “Whiskey and Failure”

On our next program, our guest via phone will be “Homegrown Rocker” frequent-flyer guest and slide guitar specialist Sterling Koch. We’ll learn the details behind Sterling’s new CD, Slide Ruler, and his collaborative efforts with former Stevie Ray Vaughan bassist Tommy Shannon and former Doobie Brothers drummer Chet McCracken! We’ll also update “Local Music News,” dig into the archive for a “Local Music Flashback,” and review PA Crude’s Under the Wrecking Ball CD in “The Professor’s CD Corner!” Sterling Koch returns to the “Homegrown Rocker,” next Sunday night!

Upcoming guests and specials include:

APRIL 3 – MATT OTIS
APRIL 10 – EAST COAST TURNAROUND
APRIL 24 – E.V.K.
MAY 1 – DAY OF ROCK PREVIEW
MAY 15 – CITY HOTEL “BATTLE OF THE ACOUSTICS” WINNER
MAY 22 – GYPSY CARAVAN
MAY 29 – MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL
JUNE 5 – THE WHATLEYS

For regular updates on what is happening on the area music scene, pay a visit to Rockpage (www.rockpage.net). Rockpage features band links, a message board, "Homegrown Rocker" updates, live show and CD reviews in “JP’s Corner," and other local music scene information.

Bands and artists interested in having music aired on "The Homegrown Rocker" are invited to send their broadcast-quality recordings to: WRKY Radio, One Forever Drive, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648; ATTN: Jim Price. Or drop the recordings off at the station during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM. You can also email me with inquiries about the show at profjp@rocky1049.com.

Jim Price

In Local Music News…

Two upcoming benefit shows are seeking bands to donate their talents to perform…One benefit is for the Cambria/Somerset County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, which helps neglected and abused children in those counties to find safe and loving homes. That concert will be held on June 11 at The Crow's Nest in Tire Hill near Johnstown. Interested bands may email JillMcDonoughe@yahoo.com, or call her at (814) 242-9985.

Another benefit seeking bands will take place May 21 along Cooper Saw Mill Road in Hopewell for the New D-Day Organization, a non-profit that helps other charities raise funds. This concert will follow a half day canoe-kayak float. This year all proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House. Interested bands may contact Kent Tonkin by emailing grimmbass@gmail.com.

And some good news for any area ukers…A ukulele jam session will happen twice a month at the Hollidaysburg YMCA beginning in April. The ukulele jams will start on Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m., and happen on the first and third Tuesday of every month. A donation of $3 per session will support facility rental and programs at the Hollidaysburg YMCA. Beginning uke players are welcome, and the emphasis will be on beginners. Loaner ukuleles will be available.