HOMEGROWN ROCKER 4/13/14 (THE LUX REPUBLIC)

[Jim Price]

Hello Everyone,

Here is the recap of the April 13 edition of Rocky 104.9 and Rocky 99's weekly local music program, "The Homegrown Rocker," which airs every Sunday night from 8 to 10 PM on WRKY-FM (www.rocky1049.com) and WRKW-FM (www.rocky99.com). The show can also be streamed via either Rocky website, www.rocky1049.com or www.rocky99.com.

Thanks to our guests this week, Johnstown-based modern rockers The Lux Republic (http://theluxrepublic.wix.com/online-epk), for an interesting and insightful interview! We met the band members and learned their story, and featured songs from their two latest EPs, Limitless and Insolitus. Along the way, we debuted new songs from Progmium, One, and C. Lee Simmonds & Leeja Stark. We also updated “Local Music News,” dug a 1986 song by Altoona’s Shock Zone from the archive for this week’s “Local Music Flashback,” and we reviewed Inside Out’s Unbreakable CD in “The Professor’s CD Corner!”

Here is this week's playlist:

HOUR ONE:

PROGMIUM – “Invincible”
GROUND RESONANCE – “Crashing Down”
THE LUX REPUBLIC – “Divitia”
ONE – “Tidal Forces”
THE LUX REPUBLIC – “Define”
C. LEE SIMMONDS & LEEJA STARK – “Charming Arms”
THE LUX REPUBLIC – “Drowning”

HOUR TWO:

LIES, INC. – “Losing Ground”
THE LUX REPUBLIC – “Consurge Parts I & II”
INSIDE OUT – “Grow Up”
THE LUX REPUBLIC – “Blind”
SHOCK ZONE – “Critical Eyes” (1986, Local Music Flashback)
THE LUX REPUBLIC – “Amor”

On our next program, we’ll chat with our band guests, Altoona-based metal rockers NailDriver! We will find out the latest NailDriver happenings, and hear songs off their new EP The White Devil Chronicles Volume I! Along the way, we will update “Local Music News,” dig into the archive for a “Local Music Flashback,” and review Progmium’s Project Diagnosis CD in “The Professor’s CD Corner!”

Upcoming guests and specials include:

APRIL 27 – MATT OTIS
MAY 4 – RHYNE McCORMICK
MAY 11 – PAINTED BY MILLIONS
MAY 18 – PROGMIUM
MAY 25 – MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL
JUNE 1 – MODERN COLOUR
JUNE 15 – FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL
JUNE 22 – COVER SONG SPECIAL

Bands and artists wanting to submit news items for “Local Music News” may email their news to homegrownrocker@gmail.com (new email address). Indicate “MUSIC NEWS” in the subject heading!

The “Homegrown Rocker” is available for digital download off either Rocky website after each and every show. Just check on either (www.rocky1049.com) or (www.rocky99.com) and download your copy of the show! If you live beyond the signal range of Rocky 104.9 and Rocky 99, you can now download west-central PA’s longest-running local music show!

Also, bands and artists are welcome to add their upcoming shows to the “Homegrown Rocker” event calendar! Go to the “Homegrown Rocker” section of either Rocky website and click on “Events,” and add your shows for free!

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 giants of Pennsylvania blues and blues rock are converging on Altoona for a special fundraising concert in early May. Pittsburgh great Norman Nardini and Harrisburg blues harmonica master Nate Myers will perform on Saturday evening, May 3, at The Church in the Middle of the Block in Altoona. The show will be a benefit for Monica’s Heart Greyhound Adoption, an organization that finds homes for retired racing greyhound dogs. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-concert reception with appetizers and refreshments, and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person; advance tickets are available by calling 814-502-4767, and will also be available at the door the night of the show.

Blues fans should also note that a popular Altoona native son will be back in town to perform during a special show in mid-May. Drummer and singer John McKnight, whose local resume includes stints with Felix & the Hurricanes and Slammer, will return as part of national recording artists The Chris Duarte Group. That show will happen at 30 Something in Altoona on Saturday night, May 17. Felix & the Hurricanes will open that show. Advance tickets are available at 30 Something.

And a special concert event is coming together in Bedford County for late May. Bedford musician Matt Otis is organizing the first-ever May Daze Festival for May 31 at the Wills Mountain Festival Site. The music will begin at 2 p.m., and will feature performances from Matt Otis & the Sound, Painted By Millions, RyCo, Lies, Inc. The Nick Miller Project, Jacob Horton, Jud Bussard, Tommy Fix, Bucketlist, Sally Starflower, Kenny Fetterman and Charles William McClanahan. There will also be visual arts presentations, films, games and recreation as well. Early bird tickets are currently available for $10 through Matt Otis. Matt will be on the April 27 edition of the “Homegrown Rocker” with more details about this show.

(Bands and musicians with local music-related news to report on the “Homegrown Rocker” may submit their news items by emailing homegrownrocker@gmail.com.)