FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 4/29/04
My initial game plan had me heading to Happy Valley this night to commence the weekend, but a heavy workload at the day job quickly dashed that idea. So it was off to Peter C’s to catch the latest chapter of Thursday Hurricaning…
As always, Hurricaning is never disappointing, and this night had its fair share of highlights. Dick Kos onstage with the Hurricanes, plus other guests musicians in the house were the recipe for a good time. Dick and brother Felix were having some heated conversations on their respective guitars on the Allman Brothers’ “One Way Out” as I arrived, and lit up the fretboards just as impressively on “Whipping Post” to end their set.
The night’s final set kicked off with a guest behind the drum kit, as Alan Newberry furnished the beats on Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and ZZ Top’s “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers.” The rest of the way, the ‘Canes and brother Dick jammed on tunes from the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Marshall Tucker Band and more; highlights included the extended jam version of the Allmans’ “Dreams,” the original ‘Canes rocker “Keep On Rockin,’” and their particularly spirited version of “Can’t You See.”
A happy mid-sized crowd was on hand to take it all in, and good vibes were prominent throughout the rest of the evening. In a nutshell, everything that a night of Thursday Hurricaning is supposed to be…
WIDE OPEN @ KELCE’S BAR, PHILIPSBURG 4/30/04
Day-job duties had me doing a live remote broadcast at Kelce’s Bar in Philipsburg early this night. It was a live Harley broadcast, as Q94 was qualifying contestants to win the 2003 Special Edition Harley-Davidson Night Train motorcycle. Kelce’s was off the map, with a wall-to-wall crowd of Harley fans, pumped up about getting a chance to win the bike. A band was set up to play immediately after our remote broadcast – Wide Open. I didn’t know until I arrived at Kelce’s, but Wide Open is the new band collaboration featuring former Slammer/Me Nate & Spike frontman/guitarist Matt Socoski, veteran guitarist Vince Youngbauer, veteran drummer Spike Morelli and bassist Quinton Hughes. Once the remote concluded, I stuck around for a while to see what Wide Open had to offer.
This was my first time ever witnessing a band at Kelce’s, and it quickly became apparent that this room wasn’t the best for acoustics. The general set-up of the room is similar to Beerbellies in Duncansville, but the acoustics are more like Magoo’s in Cresson. The room has hard walls and floors, with nothing much other than the crowd to soak up the sound; thus everything sounded brash. Kelce’s is also one of those rooms where the acoustics change from one part of the room to another. In the rear of the room, the band sounds like somebody’s stereo system; you don’t experience the full force of the band until you’re past the bar and directly in front of them. Soundman Al Kephart did what he could to get a good mix; and given the less-than-ideal acoustics, he was able to get a balanced – if still brash – sound this night.
The band itself kicked serious ass from the get-go. As I’ve come to expect over the years, any band with the Socoski brand name attached to it is going to be in-your-face, full-tilt, 150% intensity, and throw caution to the wind. Such was the case here. Wide Open slammed forth the classics, opening with Kiss’ “Detroit Rock City,” and maintained the energetic pace with Ted Nugent’s “Free for All,” Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak” and Bad Company’s “Rock’n’Roll Fantasy.” Matt was doing the bulk of the lead vocal chores, and the group’s delivery was charged and hard-hitting. A female fan stepped up to the stage area and did a decent job singing lead on AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap),” before Vince assumed lead vocal and lead guitar duties on Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.” Vince and Matt traded guitar leads for the first time of the evening during ZZ Top’s “Tush,” and the party kept firing with Blackfoot’s “Train Train” and the Hollies’ “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress).” Vince again sang lead on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “That Smell,” before the group pounded the set to intermission with a surprise – a fiery, dead-on execution of the Edgar Winter Group’s instrumental classic, “Frankenstein.”
So far, I was blown away. Wide Open’s performance was strong, and highly energetic. These four players weren’t afraid to break a serious sweat, go for broke, and leave it all out on stage. Matt, Vince and Quinton were letting it all out, but smiling and having fun in the process; and Spike was backing it all with aggressive, booming beats. This enthusiastic display was not lost on the still-large Kelce’s crowd, as the dance floor had become busier as the set progressed, and cheers erupted after every song.
I should note at this point that Kelce's came close to witnessing a partial Slammer reunion this night. Former Slammer frontman Todd Giornesto was in the house this night, but declined Matt Socoski's offer to come up onstage and sing. Damn, that would've been cool!
More highlights awaited in the second set. With Vince Youngbauer’s guitar effects leading the way, Wide Open resumed the rock with The Who’s “Baba O’Reilly.” From there, the group instantly launched into Golden Earring’s “Radar Love,” featuring a wild and wonderful midsong guitar duel meltdown between Matt and Vince; with both players going full-tilt, stating their side of the argument on their respective fretboards, and the other answering back. This was the big highlight of the show for me, these were two seasoned axeslingers breaking a sweat and having fun doing it. After this heated display, Wide Open slowed things down, with Vince crooning lead vocal on another Lynyrd Skynyrd number, “Simple Man,” as Kelce’s dance floor area quickly filled with slow-dancing couples. That slowdown breather was temporary, though, as Wide Open heated things right back up with Free’s “All Right Now,” Rick Derringer’s “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo” seguing into Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town,” and Vince fronting on another Skynyrd song, “Sweet Home Alabama.”
At this point, since I had planned on taking in a second performance later this night, I forced myself to leave Kelce’s and Wide Open’s party. But what I witnessed to this point was great, and it was good to see this group of veteran players feverishly rocking out and having fun doing it. Wide Open plays Kelce’s every month, and they also perform a monthly Saturday matinee show at #1 Cycle Center near State College. If you have the opportunity, definitely catch these guys in action; it’s a rock’em, sock’em, pedal-to-the-metal good time!
Wide Open commences the rocking party at Kelce’s Bar.
A female fan sings lead on AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds.”
Vince Youngbauer of Wide Open.
Spike Morelli of Wide Open.
Once again, Vince Youngbauer of Wide Open.
Matt Socoski of Wide Open.
Wide Open, slamming out the rock at Kelce’s Bar.
Quinton Hughes of Wide Open.
Once again, Matt Socoski of Wide Open.
PORK McELHINNY @ THE R-BAR, HYDE 4/30/04
I had learned earlier in the week that acoustic performer Pork McElhinny was performing at the R-Bar in Hyde this night. Since I would be doing a live broadcast from the R-Bar in several weeks, and my travels already had me close to the Clearfield area to begin with, I headed from Kelce’s to the R-Bar to discover the venue and see what Pork McElhinny was about.
A good-sized crowd was already on hand as I arrived. Since I had posters for Q94’s upcoming remote to deliver, I promptly got to meet R-Bar owners Bill and Joni – very nice folks! I also knew another member of the staff, as former Wildwood Inn hostess Tina was tending bar this night. It quickly became apparent to me that this was a nice, friendly place – a realization that continued to unfold as I found a seat and watched Pork McElhinny’s performance unfold.
A Brookville native, George “Pork” McElhinny has been playing guitar since age 3, and previously was a member of northwestern PA-based blues rockers Four On The Floor, who put out an album in 1997, Both Sides Against the Middle. Nowadays, Pork is an acoustic performer who mixes light rock, folk, country and blues flavors; and he has recently issued his debut solo album, The Boy in The Man.
Pork was in the midst of a rockabilly/honky-tonk styled jam as I arrived. Obviously he loved to play, as over the course of the next 3½ hours, Pork delivered the tunes nonstop, without a break! Pork mixed it up nicely, venturing between classics, folk, blues, country, original songs from his album and more. Pork’s singing style was powerful and intense, as he sank full voice into everything he did. But his mood was laid-back, friendly and cordial, and he comfortably bantered with the audience between songs, and solicited requests along the way. Pork’s lengthy song smorgasbord this night included favorites from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mark Cohn, Bob Seger, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd, James Taylor and more from the classic rock side of the spectrum; Alan Jackson, David Allan Coe and Johnny Cash from the country side of the spectrum; occasional newer numbers from Matchbox 20 and John Mayer; and from his album, original songs such as “The Train,” “Change and Rearrange,” “Blue Eyes” and “Easy Way Out.” Highlights were numerous, including Pork’s convincing Johnny Cash voice on “Ring Of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues;” singalong versions of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” and Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” (yes, on acoustic guitar, and he had the crowd dancing!); and his versions of Mark Cohn’s “Walking to Memphis,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Red, White & Blue” and “Ballad of Curtis Lowe,” Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and more.
The R-Bar audience was obviously enjoying Pork’s show, enough so that when he was slated to finish at 1 AM, the hat was passed around and quickly filled with cash, and he played the additional half hour!
I liked the wide assortment of song material Pork McElhinny had to offer this night, and his genuine enjoyment and enthusiasm in performing all of it. This was a fun, relaxed good time, and well worth my extended journey to the R-Bar to witness.
Pork McElhinny is quickly becoming a busy performer; playing over 20 shows in June alone. Based on this night, a return visit to the R-Bar is likely; and watch for more Pork sightings elsewhere throughout the region as well.
Pork McElhinny, singing and strumming at the R-Bar.
Once again, Pork McElhinny.
From a different angle, Pork McElhinny.
DUANE HARDY BENEFIT w/SOUND OF SILENCE @ COUNTY LINE INN, MOUNT UNION 5/1/04
This Saturday night’s travels found me heading to the County Line Inn near Mount Union. It would be my first opportunity to see the band Sound Of Silence, plus help out a good cause.
The cause was Duane Hardy and his family. Duane was seriously injured in a vehicle accident involving a lumber truck, which reportedly left him in a coma for several days. His friends in Sound Of Silence helped organize this benefit dance for Duane and his family. I was informed about the benefit several weeks prior at the station, so I had it marked on my calendar as an event to possibly attend.
The County Line Inn was very busy as I arrived; obviously people were out to support the cause. Upon entering, I was almost immediately introduced to Duane himself. Duane is back on his feet and on his way to recovery. He walks with a cane, and is undergoing therapy three times a week. Duane was in good spirits, though, and expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who was at the County Line this night to help him and his family.
I was unaware that there was an opening band this night, and it was a few days later that I learned that Flord had opened the show, introducing their new drummer, Randy (it was his first and last gig with Flord, as Rick Fisher rejoined the band a few days later). Obviously, I arrived after Flord’s set, and stepped inside the County Line just as Sound Of Silence was finishing their first set with Motley Crue’s “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away).”
Various door prizes were given out during the intermission, and eventually, Sound Of Silence returned to their instruments to commence the next round. Frontman Kody Thomas, guitarists Eric Scott and Jason Ramsey, bassist Curt Nearhood and drummer Bob Fogelsonger rocked and rampaged the full house County Line Inn audience with a wild mixture of tunes, spanning Metallica, AC/DC, the Black Crowes, Beastie Boys, Nazareth, Static X, Drowning Pool, Nazareth, Godsmack, Ugly Kid Joe, Puddle Of Mudd, original songs and more. One interesting highlight was the group’s “hate” triple-shot, commencing with Ugly Kid Joe’s “(I Hate) Everything About You,” and continuing with Puddle Of Mudd’s “She Hates Me” and what I believe was an original song, I think called “I Hate You.”
On the performance end, Sound Of Silence dispersed lead vocal duties primarily among frontman Kody Thomas, guitarist Eric Scott and bassist Curt Nearhood; guitarist Jason Ramsey fronted the band once, on Nazareth’s “Hair of the Dog.” The aforementioned band members and drummer Bob Fogelsonger were fairly steady on their respective instruments, and their presentation was fiery and enthusiastic. Soundman Lee Worthy did a masterful job bringing forth this band’s thunder. While there was room for general purpose tightening-up and a crisper presentation overall, Sound Of Silence still succeeded in generating some decent rocking thunder and enthusiasm.
Sound Of Silence mixed it up between new and old, in the process keeping the County Line dance floor busy with old-school and new-school fans alike.
In the end, it was a successful evening, and a good chunk of change was raised to help out Duane Hardy and his family. Sound Of Silence turned in a respectable performance in helping out the cause, and this young band will be one to continue to watch for in the coming months.
Kody Thomas of Sound Of Silence.
Curt Nearhood of Sound Of Silence.
Rising above his drum kit, Bob Fogelsonger of Sound Of Silence.
Jason Ramsey of Sound Of Silence.
Eric Scott of Sound Of Silence.
Once again, Kody Thomas of Sound Of Silence.
Once again, Bob Fogelsonger of Sound Of Silence.
Kody Thomas and Sound Of Silence keep the dance floor busy at the County Line Inn.
Once again, Curt Nearhood of Sound Of Silence.
Anything but silent, Sound Of Silence cranks out the rock at the County Line Inn.
Once again, Kody Thomas of Sound Of Silence.
Rocking old and young alike, Sound Of Silence.
Eric Scott and Kody Thomas of Sound Of Silence.
Once again, Eric Scott of Sound Of Silence.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES/DAVE BLACKLEDGE @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 5/2/04
During the course of his appearance on Q94’s “Backyard Rocker” this night, Bloomsburg singer/songwriter/guitarist/humorist Dave Blackledge had indicated to me that he wanted to check out and meet Felix & the Hurricanes after the show, during the group’s weekly Sunday Hitching Post performance. Although I had initially planned to take in the Poptart Monkeys at Pellegrine’s (I was even wearing a PTM T-shirt!), I could not refuse the lure of Sunday night Hurricaning, and the possibility of Dave Blackledge getting up and performing as well. So Dave and I proceeded to the Hitching Post after the “Backyard Rocker.”
It was a good night. The Hitching Post was very full as we arrived, and procured a vantage point directly in front of Felix and brother Dick. With a birthday in the audience, the Hurricanes started into their second set with a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” which led into the Tennessee national anthem, “Rocky Top.” Faithful Hitching Post hostess Faith then showed up at the ‘Canes’ microphone to sing backing vocals on John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident).” The Hurricanes continued to heat it up with tunes from the Allman Brothers, Blackfoot, Grand Funk Railroad, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Butterfly, Steppenwolf and more. Highlights along the way included Grand Funk’s “I’m Your Captain” and Allman Brothers favorites such as “Blue Skys” and “Jessica;” all featuring generous dosages of guitar interplay between Felix and Dick.
After the Hurricanes reached intermission, it was Dave Blackledge’s turn. Dave set up his acoustic guitar, and played four songs for the Hitching Post audience. Dave brought laughs with his first two songs, “Syphilis Sue” (sung to the melody of “Runaround Sue”) and “Your Butt’s Too Fat to Dance Like That.” Dave then dug into the 1960’s vault for Barry McGuire’s “Eve of Destruction,” before finishing with his ode to retirement home hanky panky gone awry, “Whoops, I Pooped My Pants.” Dave’s performance was received well by the Hitching Post audience; and his brand of unplugged musical humor brought some smiles and cheers. Hopefully this sampler may lead to more Dave Blackledge sightings at the Hitching Post at some point down the road.
Soon The Hurricanes were set to resume the party. This set would take a slightly different twist, thanks to an audience member, who brought an Ovation acoustic guitar up to the stage for Hurricane Felix to try out. For Felix, this was like a kid with a new toy on Christmas morning; he immediately strapped the axe on and put it through some maneuvers, resulting in a predominantly acoustic-leaning final set. At one point, drummer Bob remarked that the guitar now belonged to Felix!
This development resulted in the Hurricanes breaking out a number of songs usually not heard during a ‘Canes electric performance. It was the first time I had ever heard this group break out Emerson Lake & Palmer’s “From the Beginning.” The group also broke out acoustic-geared favorites like Marshall Tucker Band’s “Heard It In a Love Song,” Dr. Hook’s “Cover of the Rolling Stone,” the Beatles’ “Something” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Ballad of Curtis Lowe.” With guest Harry Bottoms staffing the lead mic, the ‘Canes also broke out “You Say I Say” from their first album, The Feeling; they also performed the title song. The pace quickened and the party intensified in its latter stages, as the Hurricanes drew fans towards the tiny stagefront dance area with versions of Lincoln Chase/Black Oak Arkansas’ “Jim Dandy,” Rufus Thomas’ “Walkin’ the Dog” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well.” Dick Kos fronted the group on “Rock Me Baby” and his own bluesy original tune, “Living on a Poor Man’s Pay.”
The Ovation guitar owner did get his instrument back at the end of the night, and the magic that Felix performed on it was not lost on the owner, who remarked to me, “I wish I could do THAT with that f#$%kin’ thing!”
Dick and Felix jams, Dave Blackledge, and an acoustic Hurricanes journey combined to make this Hitching Post show a memorable one, and a nice exclamation point on the end of the weekend.
The Kos brothers, Dick and Felix, tearing it up again at the Hitching Post.
”The guy ain’t right” – Bloomsburg’s Dave Blackledge makes his Hitching Post debut.
With Ovation acoustic in hand, Felix and the Hurricanes resume the action.
Harry Bottoms takes the lead mic during the Hurricanes’ final set.
Another guest (I think this is the guy who lent Felix the Ovation acoustic) helps out on backing vocals.
Dick, Felix and the ‘Canes slam the exclamation point on the evening at the Hitching Post.
