HOMEGROWN ROCKER 4/20/14 (NAILDRIVER)

[Jim Price]

Hello Everyone,

Here is the recap of the April 20 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, Altoona-based metal rockers Naildriver (http://www.naildrivermetal.com), for a fun and informative interview, recorded on location at McGarvey’s in Altoona! We were updated on the latest Naildriver happenings, including their quest to be included on this summer’s Warped Tour, and their new EP, The White Devil Chronicles Volume 1, which we heard track from! Along the way, we debuted a new song from Hate Grenade, updated “Local Music News,” dug a 2004 song by Flord from the archive for this week’s “Local Music Flashback,” and we reviewed Progmium’s Project Diagnosis CD in “The Professor’s CD Corner!”

Here is this week's playlist:

HOUR ONE:

GIORNESTO – “Restless”
INSIDE OUT – “Taking My Life”
NAILDRIVER – “Enemy”
HATE GRENADE – “Lies”
NAILDRIVER – “Hypocrite’s Anthem”
WRITING OFF TOMORROW – “Wither, Bleed & Scream”
NAILDRIVER –“Seal the Exits”

HOUR TWO:

44MAG – “Hands of Misery”
NAILDRIVER – “Phoenix”
PROGMIUM – “Rejected”
NAILDRIVER – “Executioner”
FLORD – “The Next Level” (2005, Local Music Flashback)
NAILDRIVER – “In God We Trust”

On our next program, we’ll be joined by Bedford’s Matt Otis! Matt has a busy spring and summer season coming together, including a major festival event he is organizing in late May, and a nationwide tour during the summer! We will find out the details on these and his other happenings, and hear songs from his CDs, perhaps even a song or two live! Along the way, we will update “Local Music News,” dig into the archive for a “Local Music Flashback,” and review The Strayers’ self-titled CD in “The Professor’s CD Corner!”

Upcoming guests and specials include:

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…

A band that has become a state institution for more than two decades has announced the end of the road. After an illustrious career that yielded multiple albums and several renowned hit singles, The Badlees announced that they will not be performing or recording after they finish out their current series of performance dates. The announcement comes shortly after longtime members Bret Alexander and Paul Smith announced their departure from the band. According to the group's website, badlees.com, the final Badlees show will be on October 10 at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, PA. Following their departure, Alexander and Smith have announced the formation of their new band, Gentleman East. Besides Alexander and Smith, the group also features Badlees bandmate Ron Simasek on drums, violinist Nyke Van Wyk and former Breaking Benjamin guitarist Aaron Fink. The group is working on new music with a new focus, and will be recording music for an upcoming release. They will also announce tour dates soon.

And another reminder that the 24th annual “Crazy Fest” Amateur Youth Talent Show happens next weekend. This year’s event will take place on Sunday afternoon, April 27, at 1 p.m. at the Greenwood Firehall in Altoona. Youngsters up to age 21 can enter to perform and show off their talents, and compete for a multitude of trophies, plaques and other prizes. Any talents are welcome; including singing and playing instruments, dancing, twirling, magic, acting, poetry, or any other talent young minds can come up with. Youngsters may enter for free, and can apply to compete by calling show organizer and emcee Dennie Huber at (814) 942-2516. Admission for the general public is $2 per person; proceeds help fund the trophies and prizes, and food sale proceeds help out the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company. Food and refreshments will be available; no alcohol will be permitted or served at Crazy Fest. The “Homegrown Rocker” will have the results of “Crazy Fest” during next Sunday’s “Local Music News.”

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