BIG JIM & ADAM @ BELMAR HOTEL, ALTOONA 6/15/04
A relatively easy Tuesday night at the workplace enabled me to stop by the Belmar in Altoona to check in with Adam D and “Big Jim” Ricotta.
As it turned out, there were three subplots to this night’s adventure. First, the trio performing onstage and what direction the music would go in this night. Second, the NBA Finals were on the tube, with Detroit one win away from the championship. Third, Adam D’s impromptu edition of “Stump the Professor,” as he lobbed several keyboard lounge renditions of tunes at me to see if I could figure out the song and artist.
Make that four subplots – shortly after I arrived, new Bad Daze drummer Kevin Siegel showed up at the show fresh from practice, which was held in Big Jim’s basement; Kevin accidentally locked his house key in Big Jim’s basement after practice, and needed Big Jim to unlock it so he could retrieve the key.
Regarding the first subplot, Adam and Big Jim again played an interesting mixture of favorites and requests. Highlights this night included Adam’s take on Warrant’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” his slow gothic take on the B-52’s “Love Shack,” versions of Bon Jovi’s “Living On A Prayer,” Bush’s “Comedown” and more. The duo even broke out an impromptu polka, having fun with “In Heaven There Is No Beer.”
As far as the second subplot, excitement built throughout the evening as Detroit’s lead grew on the Los Angeles Lakers, and a number of audience members erupted as the final seconds ticked away and Detroit won the NBA Championship. I’m not a hoops fan, but even I found myself paying more attention to the game as the plot thickened; I was just happy to see a team from the East win it all after the West has dominated for so many years.
In the third subplot, Adam D tested me twice – and stumped me twice. But in all fairness, he picked relatively obscure tunes – Cheap Trick’s “Ghost Town” (Cheap Trick’s Lap of Luxury album was never one of my favorites, so I only barely recall that song) and Ultravox’s “Vienna” (I never listened to Ultravox, even though they were influential to the techno movement; I couldn’t name an Ultravox song if I tripped over one on the way home!).
And in the fourth subplot, Kevin patiently waited for the show to end so Big Jim could retrieve his house key. I told him that this show usually finished up between 11:30 and midnight. It didn’t this night, with audience demands for encores carrying the show over to about 12:15. I think Kevin whittled his fingernails down to the bone and prayed heatedly for the show to end, so he could get his key, get home and minimize his doghouse time with the missus for coming home late. Oh, that married life…
And then after the show eventually did end, several fans from the audience wanted to get up and freestyle with Adam D. So the show lasted about another ten minutes as Adam accommodated these fans’ request, and the pair freestyled versions of Bush’s “Glycerine,” Led Zeppelin’s “What Is and What Should Never Be” and Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.”
It was a fun evening, with the music and subplots making it an entertaining time.
Big Jim and Adam D entertain the Belmar.
Content to be “stumping the Professor” this night, Adam D.
After the show, “freestylin’ and profilin’ with Adam D.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 6/17/04
Another Thursday, and another late night at the office resulted in my arriving at Peter C's well after midnight, in time to catch the third set of this week's edition of Thursday Hurricaning.
A musical guest was in the house, Kent Martin. Armed with his flute, Kent joined the Hurricanes onstage for the entire final set. Kent's woodwind tooting added an extra flavor and dimension to the Hurricanes' renditions of Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath," War's "Low Rider" and the Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See;" the latter song featuring an extended Kent/Felix Kos flute/guitar trade-off and jam display. The Hurricanes' fireworks continued with Al Green's "Take Me to the River" and the finale, the Allman Brothers' "One Way Out."
Once again, the virtuosity of the Hurricanes and their onstage guest was amazing; four musicians at the top of their game and having fun this night. And, after seeing a few slow Thursday crowds during the late winter and early spring, it was good to see another decent-sized audience at Peter C's this night to witness the magic onstage.
Special guest Kent Martin plays the flute with Felix & the Hurricanes.
Once again, Kent Martin.
Hurricane Felix and Kent Martin.
GIANTS OF SCIENCE @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 6/18/04
It was the eve of my employer's biggest day of the year – Q94's 7th annual giveaway of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Life at Q94 is always crazy in the week and days preceding the Harley giveaway, and this year it was even crazier. An oversight by the front office had me and the rest of the air staff scrambling and cramming to reach the goal of 947 Harley qualifiers in the last two days before the giveaway. This, combined with unqualified Harley hopefuls in panic mode and trying to qualify any which way they could for the coveted motorcycle made things especially hectic, not to mentioning exhausting and even stressful. But by 10 PM on this Friday night, 946 of the qualifiers had been attained (the station owner himself would take the 94th caller at midnight to become the 947th qualifier). Except for the giveaway party the following day, my work with this year's Harley promotion was done, and – heaving a big sigh of relief – I was ready to PARTY!
Eyeing over the options happening in the 'Toona this night (cleaning up after the last Harley remote and a supper break pushed my start time back to 11:15 PM, too late to consider any out-of-town options), I settled upon a band I hadn't seen in a number of months, the Giants Of Science, playing at the 4D's Lounge.
Arriving just into the first of the Giants’ two sets, the 4D’s was somewhat quiet in the early going, as the audience was still arriving and those already present were still a beer or two away from hitting the dance floor. A few people were dancing early to the Giants’ mix of mostly 80’s favorites with a few newer songs thrown in. Bassist Mick and keyboard man Crow swapped lead voice duties, while Johnny 5 played guitar and Kevin furnished the drumbeats. The Giants were in ‘unmasked’ mode this night, not wearing their infamous facepaints or labcoats (a band associate cited old age; the Giants still don the outfits during higher profile shows and crazier settings). The group was solid as they performed 80’s tunes from Soft Cell, Georgia Satellites, John Mellencamp, Billy Idol, Bryan Adams, Modern English, Aha, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Nena and more; and included current/recent numbers from Nickelback and Matchbox 20. As their set progressed and more people arrived, the dance floor became busier for the Giants Of Science.
Unlike most bands, The Giants opt to do two longer sets of music, with a break in between. The intermission this night was a bit long, 40 minutes, but it was the only break of the night, and the Giants returned and played straight through the rest of the way.
Like their first set, the Giants Of Science’s second set kept the emphasis on 80’s music; the lone current number during this set was James’ “Laid;” and the 90’s were represented the Giants’ set-opening version of Alice In Chains’ “Man In The Box,” Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and the Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle.” Otherwise, the Giants celebrated the 80’s with tunes from Gary Numan, Bon Jovi, Don Henley, more Bryan Adams, Violent Femmes, J.Geils Band, Men At Work, Rick Springfield, more John Mellencamp, Dead Or Alive, the Outfield, Bruce Springsteen, Guns’n’Roses, and – to end the night – the Bangles’ “Walk Like An Egyptian.” The dance floor stayed busy through it all, and several ladies from the audience even stepped onstage to bump and grind alongside the band members.
Overall, this was a decent show. The Giants did a respectable job throughout the night, giving a workmanlike treatment to their song material and keeping the mood pleasant and upbeat. The Giants didn’t offer flash or frills, bells or whistles this night, but kept the music flowing and were consistent. On the vocal end, Crow seems to have the stronger of the two lead voices, and displayed a little more range and intensity where needed, particularly on Nickelback’s “Figure You Out” and Guns’n’Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle.” Instrumentally the Giants Of Science aren’t flashy players, but they were solid and consistent, and kept the show moving. In all, this was a respectable showing.
Ultimately, something needs to be said for longevity and survival. The Giants Of Science are closing in on (or are they already there?) their first decade of action on area stages. They have survived – they weathered several line-up changes along the way, and even the death of a band member a few years ago. They saw their initial explosion in popularity (when their facepaints, labcoats and retro 80’s setlist were fresh and new) subside; yet they adjusted with the times, worked in more current rock, and continued to keep their party rolling. And that consistency and continued presence has paid off – the Giants are busy every month, not just playing club dates, but being hired by community festivals, fire companies, picnics and other events as well. Along the way, the Giants Of Science have developed a reputation for providing a good, basic, fun 80’s-geared rock’n’roll party. This band has survived, and they continue to prosper.
And based on this night at the 4D’s Lounge, the Giants Of Science – with or without facepaints and labcoats – show no signs of slowing down.
Johnny 5 of Giants Of Science.
Johnny 5 and Mick of Giants Of Science.
Again, Johnny 5 of Giants Of Science.
Giants Of Science entertain at the 4D’s Lounge.
Kevin of Giants Of Science.
Some ladies join the Giants Of Science onstage.
Surrounded by ladies, Crow sings lead for Giants Of Science.
Johnny 5, Crow and several ladies having fun onstage at the 4D’s
More Giants craziness at the 4D’s.
HAIR FORCE ONE @ Q94 HARLEY GIVEAWAY, LAKEMONT PARK, ALTOONA 6/19/04
Some two months and 947 qualifiers after it began, Q94’s 7th annual Harley Davidson campaign culminated at Altoona’s Lakemont Park, where one of the 947 qualifiers would win a 2003 Anniversary Limited Edition Harley-Davidson Night Train motorcycle. Another qualifier, the runner-up, would win a Harley mini-bike. And as in years past, a fun party accompanied the giveaway, with the music provided by Hair Force One.
First, cutting to the chase – 947 names went into the barrel; 50 semi-finalists were then drawn; and those names went back into the barrel. Ten finalists were drawn from the barrel, and those names went into the barrel. One-by-one, eight of those finalists were drawn and eliminated, leaving two names in the barrel – one the winner of the big Harley, the other winning the mini-bike. Bill Heininger of Altoona’s name was drawn, making him the winner of the mini-bike; and the last name remaining in the barrel, Mary Stewart, won the big bike.
Leading up to the drama of the actual giveaway itself was Hair Force One’s performance. This may have been the sharpest performance I’ve seen this band deliver yet, despite singer Victor Synn being hobbled by a broken ankle and having to stand stationary onstage for the whole performance. Hair Force One was on the money for their entire performance, obviously fired up by the huge crowd of Harley hopefuls and friends awaiting the giveaway. The band pounded 80’s hair-band “concrete classics” from Motley Crue, AC/DC, Guns’n’Roses, Bon Jovi, Quiet Riot and many more. (It didn’t dawn on me until it was too late, but I should have asked the group if they could learn TNT’s “Harley Davidson” for the occasion!) Instrumentally they were tight and on the mark, and Victor Synn was nailing it on the vocal end. A number of people remarked to me about how good the group sounded, and it is very likely Hair Force One picked up a number of new fans this day.
There were other highlights, too – including Q94 listener and wildman “Wolfie,” who calls himself the Wolfman and howls on the air whenever he wins something – dancing like a wildman in front of the stage. (He may have looked crazy and zany, but before the day was over, he had several Q94 Calendar Girls dancing with him – crazy as a fox, he knew what he was doing!) Speaking of the Calendar Girls, a number were present and representing in fine form, and Hair Force One guitarist Jimi Hatt – donning his trademark kilt – was declared an honorary Q94 Calendar Girl by Adam Erickson.
As expected, it was a good time – filled with kickass 80’s rock and the drama of who would win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. On behalf of the station, thanks to everybody who came out, it was fun!
Q94’s Craig Andrews and several Q94 2004 Calendar Girls.
Hair Force One heats the crowd up for the Harley drawing.
Victor Synn of Hair Force One.
Once again, Hair Force One.
Hair Force One and one of their newest fans, Wolfie.
Wolfie continues to bust some moves before the Harley is given away.
Again, Wolfie – what a wildman!
Crazy like a fox! He may be crazy, but Wolfie gets to dance with the girls!
Wolfie, being observed by the Right Honorable Guv’nor Jesse.
The moment of truth – Mary Stewart of Hollidaysburg wins the Harley Night Train.
Mary Stewart of Hollidaysburg sits aboard her new prize.
RELAY FOR LIFE BAND JAM @ SHADE GAP PICNIC GROUNDS, SHADE GAP 6/19/04
After the Harley Giveaway was completed, I felt like getting out of town for a little while and relaxing. It just so happened that a Relay for Life benefit concert, the Relay for Life Band Jam, was happening a little over an hour away, at the Shade Gap Picnic Grounds in Shade Gap in southern Huntingdon County. There were several bands and performers I wanted to see, so I was there!
Since I left the Q94 Harley festivities around 3 PM, and the roadtrip to Shade Gap from Altoona was an hour and fifteen minutes, and I had to ‘trial and error’ to find my way to the Shade Gap Picnic Grounds, I arrived at the show around 5 PM, after earlier performances from Daily Special, Dishonest John, Flord and Sound Of Silence.
I entered the grounds as Gypsy & the Crazymoon were finishing up their set on the second stage near the entrance. I only got to witness their final song, as the trio – Gypsy on lead vocals and keyboards, Brian McHugh on guitar and John Hillgrove on bass – finished their set with a blues number. Gypsy’s voice was smooth, powerful and soulful, and the group instrumentally sounded solid. There were only a few people present to check out Gypsy & the Crazymoon’s performance (most people were congregated around the food stands and the main stage), but those folks present were paying attention and politely applauded at the end of the song and set. Although I only saw one song, I was intrigued enough with Gypsy & the Crazymoon that I will have to make a point of catching one of their full shows sometime soon.
I then made my way over towards the main stage to see what was going on. As I did, a young solo performer was just beginning her set on stage. That performer was 10-year-old Brianna Sheeder, and she would become my big discovery of the day! Brianna is the daughter of veteran area musician/radio guy Tom Sheeder (who played and sang in Pipedown and a few other bands in the 80’s and 90’s). As her 30-minute set unfolded, Brianna floored the Shade Gap audience with an incredible voice with power and range, combined with a good stage presence and poise. Brianna sang a combination of light rock and Christian-geared music, including songs from her debut CD released last year, Go Now In Peace. Brianna took the time to introduce every song along the way and give some background about the song. “Let Me” was the first song Brianna ever wrote, written when she was 6 years old. Since this was a Relay For Life benefit event and the proceeds helped in the fight against cancer, Brianna sang her song “The Smile,” written about her friend Whitney McConaughey, whose life was claimed by cancer three years ago. I spoke with Brianna’s proud father, who is encouraging his daughter along her musical journey. According to Tom, if Brianna stays interested in music when she reaches her later teens, he hopes to take her to Nashville to explore musical career opportunities and options. Like much of the Shade Gap audience, I was amazed at this young lady and her skill level already, and can only imagine what she will sound like when she reaches her late teens and early 20’s! Brianna recently sang the National Anthem before an Altoona Curve game at Blair County Ballpark in Altoona, and she will be performing throughout the summer and fall at church events, festivals and fairs (including Morrison’s Cove Family Fun Day in Martinsburg Aug. 7 for Altoona/Blair County folks). You can read more about Brianna on her website, www.briannasheeder.com.
The band I was most interested in seeing this day was playing next, Spitshine. Spitshine appeared on Q94’s “Backyard Rocker” two summers ago, but I had never yet seen this Lehigh Valley-based band perform live. I was already impressed that this band traveled in from some 4 hours away to donate their time and talents to helping out Relay For Life; the group had performed at another show in Huntingdon County last year, and went over well enough that they were invited to take part in this event. Singer Bryan Harmony, lead guitarist Larry Werner, bassist Jeff Hasz and drummer Doug Moye took charge from the offset as they fired through a crisp set of original tunes. Spitshine’s base sound is driving, pop-geared modern rock, situated somewhere between the Goo Goo Dolls, Foo Fighters and INXS. The group performed a number of songs from their second CD released earlier this year, Transaudio; including fiery rockers like “Satellite,” “Even More,” “Far Away,” “I-H8-U,” “Don’t Stop” and the punkish “No Good;” also the lighter and more acoustic-geared “Dancefloor,” and the second single from the CD, “Mandalyn.” Spitshine also performed several selections from their self-titled 2001 album, such as the funky “Everywhere You Go,” “Pieces” and “Whisper.” And the group ended their set with one remake, a version of Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band.” Spitshine’s presentation was sharp and edgy, tight and on the mark – yet continually friendly and personable. Frontman Bryan is a take-charge performer who confidently moved about the stage and established contact with the Shade Gap audience early and often; it didn’t take too long for several ladies and kids to come forward and sit at the base of the stage and watch Spitshine up close. Spitshine’s songs were catchy, direct and to-the-point, and performed with zest and enthusiasm. Guitarist Larry seemed to be particularly inspired this day, as he fired off heated solos throughout the set, and even kept jamming after some of the songs ended. Spitshine went over well with the Shade Gap audience, and a number of new fans – particularly younger ones – made their way over the Spitshine’s merchandise stand after the set to meet the band and purchase CD’s. Based on what I saw during this set, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Spitshine with a widespread fan base – perhaps even in the national arena – someday soon.
Wrapping up the day’s musical festivities was Scream. Opening with Kiss’ “Detroit Rock City,” Scream did what they do best, firing off hard rock of the 70’s and 80’s; including tunes from AC/DC, Ratt, Grand Funk Railroad, Kix, Def Leppard, The Cult, Poison, Judas Priest and more. Scream was fired up to be playing for this all ages audience, even though the chilly evening valley air was keeping much of the crowd in their seats or at the food booths. Singer Jeff Hoover was frequently reaching for the heavens on the vocal end, and was especially effective on Kix’ “Cold Blood,” Def Leppard’s “Love Bites” and Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health.” Guitarists Ed Miller, Skip Henry and bassist Robert Port excitedly moved about the stage, with Ed and Skip firing off clean and precise leads on their respective weapons – obviously age is not slowing this band down!
About an hour into Scream’s set, I decided to start on my trek back to the ‘Toona, and left as Scream was rocking the picnic grounds with Motley Crue’s “Live Wire.” The Relay For Life Band Jam was a good event, with a steady number of people in attendance throughout the time I was there. Not only was this event beneficial in raising money for Relay For Life, it was also a successful community gathering, as people young and old came out to check out the music, socialize with their neighbors, and support the cause.
Gypsy & the Crazymoon, finishing up their set at the Relay For Life Band Jam.
10-year-old Brianna Sheeder.
Spitshine takes the stage at the Relay For Life Band Jam.
Bryan Harmony of Spitshine.
Bryan Harmony and Jeff Hasz of Spitshine.
Once again, Spitshine, rocking the Relay For Life Band Jam.
Larry Werner of Spitshine.
Several fans sit at the foot of the stage for a closer look at the band.
Once again, Bryan Harmony of Spitshine.
Once again, Larry Werner of Spitshine.
Providing the nightcap, Scream.
Jeff Hoover of Scream.
Once again, Scream rocks the Relay For Life Band Jam.
Jeff Hoover and Skip Henry of Scream.
Robert Port and Skip Henry of Scream.
THIRD STANDARD/APRIL UNDER ICE @ CITY LIMITS, ALTOONA 6/19/04
Once in a while, things don’t go as planned. And sometimes, weird things happen. Enter this night at City Limits as a prime example.
The story actually began two hours before I arrived at City Limits from the aforementioned Shade Gap Relay For Life Benefit. As Third Standard was setting up their gear for their maiden City Limits voyage this night, another band showed up at the venue, April Under Ice. With members from Philipsburg, DuBois and other towns, April Under Ice was scheduled to play a show in Pittsburgh this night, but learned upon arrival that the show was cancelled. Headed back home, the group stopped in City Limits, and seeing Third Standard setting up, asked if they might be able to play a short set of tunes during one of Third Standard’s intermissions. Both parties consulted with City Limits main man Claudio, who gave the green light to April Under Ice.
That set the stage for what turned into a WEIRD evening.
As I arrived, Third Standard was in the midst of their opening set. The audience was small, not surprising given Third Standard’s first appearance in this new room and town. Still, the group had a warm, friendly vibe going with the people who were thee, as they mixed classic and current rock favorites from Tom Petty, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, Matchbox 20 and more; and also did the power ballad “One More Time” from their Rabbit Run CD.
But then intermission arrived, and April Under Ice set up their gear on stage. Whatever warm and friendly vibe Third Standard had developed during their first set was quickly shattered when April Under Ice launched into their set. Performing their brand of agitated emo-core, April Under Ice slammed through five songs, chock full of angst-ridden, full spleen-venting vocals; snarling, hostile guitars; torrid drum slamming and more. By their third song, several couples got up and hastily made their retreat out of City Limits; and by the time April Under Ice was done, the only audience left in the main band room was one couple, a band girlfriend, Zilly the soundman and me. To be fair, though, April Under Ice was good at what they did, were fairly tight as a unit and convincing on their brand of aggressive, angry rock. In the right show setting, I could see these guys easily stirring up a mosh pit. But this wasn’t the right show setting, and their music wasn’t compatible with the melodic, mainstream-geared rock that Third Standard was performing. The guests unintentionally disrupted whatever momentum Third Standard had built.
Good sports that they were, though, Third Standard took the whole succession of events in stride, returned to the stage and set out to entertain the few survivors that were left. The group resumed things in a funk vein, opening with their take on Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On,” and segued it directly into their funky-edged title song from Rabbit Run. Third Standard followed with another song from the CD, “Outside Wiregrass,” before continuing with their mix of classic and current favorites from Van Morrison, Jimmy Eats World, Cheap Trick, Weezer, the Doors, Poison and more. Singer/guitarist Tyson Ruhlman, lead guitarist Joe Scott, bassist Andy Heinze and drummer Manny Barbazenni performed two other original songs during this set, “Right Now” (which actually drew the only two ladies in the audience onto the dance floor) and – by request from the only Rockpage staff writer/photographer in the house – “14 Days In a Bender.”
After a short intermission, Third Standard returned for an abbreviated final set, performing Better Than Ezra’s “Good,” Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones,” Spin Doctors’ “Two Princes” and Billy Joel’s “Rebel Yell” to end the night.
Despite the adversities they encountered this night, Third Standard still did an impressive job, maintaining their poise and personable presentation without letting the sequence of crowd-diminishing events get them down. This band again executed tightly as a unit, all four musicians blending their skills nicely. Tyson’s voice was again in good form throughout the show, and the rest of the band harmonized with him well. Joe’s guitarwork was clean and precise throughout the show, whether he was generating tasty riffs or dazzling with bursts of shredding solos. In spite of the problems this night, Third Standard still demonstrated why they are one of the band names to watch for from the westcentral PA music scene.
Claudio at City Limits apparently agreed, as the group has been scheduled for a few more shows throughout the summer and early fall – including opening for Vs. the Earth on July 17.
Opening up the evening, Third Standard.
Tyson Ruhlman of Third Standard.
Brad Woodring of April Under Ice.
April Under Ice rampages onstage at City Limits.
Picking up the pieces of their broken evening, Third Standard.
Tyson Ruhlman of Third Standard, joined onstage by a female guest.
Andy Heinze pf Third Standard.
Manny Barbazenni of Third Standard.
Again, Tyson Ruhlman of Third Standard.
Joe Scott of Third Standard.
Again, Manny Barbazenni of Third Standard.
Once more, Tyson Ruhlman of Third Standard.
Once again, Third Standard rocks four walls at City Limits.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 6/20/04
After spending this Sunday afternoon roadtripping to Keystone State Park near Latrobe with the Right Honorable Guv’nor Jesse and several other members of the Pellegrine’s Monday Night Wing-Eating Think Tank, we celebrated by heading to the Hitching Post to end the weekend with some Sunday Hurricaning.
The Hitching Post was again packed as I arrived – obviously the Hurricanes at the Hitching Post has caught on as a viable option to a lot of Altoona music fans on Sunday nights! A lively party was already under way, with several ladies dancing in front of the stage as Felix, Bob and Jeff played Marshall Tucker Band’s “Heard It in a Love Song,” Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page,” and the ‘Canes’ original tune, “Grow.” The trio then stormed the show to intermission with the Outlaws’ “Green Grass & High Tides” and Ted Nugent’s “Great White Buffalo.”
During the intermission, I discovered that somebody I hadn’t seen in ages was in the house this night, former Rodeo Lounge doorman Chris Wagner. Chris and I shot the breeze about old times at the Rodeo (now a charred lot after fire put the place out of its misery several years ago).
When the Hurricanes returned to the stage area a few minutes later, they had a guest with them, as Missy Bailey took up position behind some toms and tapped out some additional percussion during the entire final set. As the ‘Canes resumed the action with Joe Cocker’s “Feelin’ Alright,” the stagefront dance area quickly refilled with several ladies grooving to the tunes. Missy and Hurricanes drum man Bob Watters engaged in a percussion jam during Jimi Hendrix’s/Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.” Hitching Post hostess Faith helped with backing vocals on the ‘Canes’ read on Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See.” The group continued in a southern vein with Blackfoot’s “Train Train,” before launching into Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well.” Coming out of this song, the unexpected, as the group suddenly veered into the “Chicken Dance,” providing a funny moment as several people around the Hitching Post environs scrambled to do the wing-flapping thing with their arms. The party continued with the popular ‘Canes original “Walking a Straight Line,” with the stagefront dance area now packed. Chris Wagner then stepped to the microphone to sing lead on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” before the Hurricanes finished out the evening with Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy.”
The packed house, onstage guests and large population of dancing ladies directly in front of them added spark to the Hurricanes’ show this night. The trio was clearly inspired by this happy-go-lucky crowd, and responded with a happier, more freewheeling performance. Anybody who has frequented the Hitching Post on Hurricane Sundays recently can attest, Altoona now has TWO happening live music venues on a Sunday night!
With Missy Bailey assisting on percussion, Bob Watters and Jeff Clapper of the Hurricanes.
The Hitching Post’s Faith helps Hurricane Jeff with vocals.
Hurricane Jeff discovers the George Michael tune is correct, “You gotta have Faith” – helping out with backing vocals.
Guest Chris Wagner, singing with Hurricane Felix.
Felix Kos of the Hurricanes.
