CANDY FOR STRANGERS @ LOMBARDO’S PUB, ALTOONA 5/26/05
I kicked off my Memorial Day weekend by checking out a new name in town this night, Candy For Strangers, performing at Lombardo’s Pub.
I arrived towards the end of their first set, and watched as singer/guitarist Tracy Hnatkovich and singer Missy Vella performed Barry McGuire’s “Eve Of Destruction,” two more songs and the Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” to close out the set.
Tracy and Missy split lead vocal duties throughout the night. Tracy handled all guitar duties, while Missy assisted with tambourine and shakers. Both ladies could sing, and blended for some effective harmonies as the night progressed.
Lombardo’s wasn’t particularly busy, but there were some folks in the house, and response was favorable for Candy For Strangers so far.
Candy For Strangers’ second set featured an interesting mix of songs, spanning current rock, classic rock and folk, with a few intriguing twists along the way. After Missy sang Jewel’s “Down So Long,” Tracy introduced an interesting edition of Nirvana’s “Rape Me,” which she sang using a Courtney Love-styled voice. Both Tracy and Missy combined their voices on the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” and R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” and offered a politically-edged rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.” After an Alanis Morisette number prompted some crazed dancing by a lady carrying an inflatable snake, Candy For Strangers continued with the Rolling Stones’ “Dead Flowers” and a Foo Fighters number; before ending their second set with Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.”
Candy For Strangers (who, by the way, offer a small chest filled with candy – for strangers from the audience – in front of the stage) mixed it up in their third set as well; this time including Hole’s “Doll Parts,” Tom Petty’s “Yer so Bad,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones” and more.
Overall, I liked what I heard from Candy For Strangers. This duo’s performance grew stronger and more confident as they proceeded, and the crowd responded more as the show progressed. Both ladies’ voices worked together well, their song selection was fresh and varied. Candy For Strangers offered a different style and slant on acoustic sounds; and their show is a welcome addition to this area’s growing acoustic scene.
Tracy Hnatkovich and Missy Vella; Candy For Strangers.
Candy For Strangers perform while wild fan Shelly shows off her inflatable snake.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 5/26/05
After departing Lombardo’s Pub, I headed to Peter C’s to check out the remainder of Felix & the Hurricanes’ weekly Thursday performance.
It was the Hurricanes foursome this night, with Dick Kos providing additional guitar muscle alongside brother Felix, bassist Jeff Clapper and drummer Bob Watters. Into their third set, the ‘Canes stuck to the Southern rock lexicon for the duration of the show; performing Blackfoot’s “Train Train,” the Allman Brothers’ “No One to Run With” and “Whipping Post,” with Felix demonstrating some hot slide guitar work before dueling solos with brother Dick. A female guest from the audience, (Gina?), was invited up to the stage to sing lead on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” The Hurricanes then finished up the night with another Skynyrd classic, “The Ballad Of Curtis Loew.”
It was an average Thursday attendance for the Hurricanes, but the crowd was attentive and appreciative. The group delivered the goods as always, with Felix and Dick lighting it up on their guitars, Jeff mesmerizing with his busy bass lines, and Bob providing the steady, hard-hitting beats.
The Hurricanes again provided a quality show, and delivered a good, rocking close to my evening.
With a special guest singer helping out, Felix & the Hurricanes.
Once again, the Hurricanes with their guest.
With Harry Bottoms helping out on vocals, Felix & the Hurricanes.
BIG BANG THEORY @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 5/27/05
This night, I investigated the new band in town, Big Bang Theory, making their Altoona debut at Peter C’s.
With crowd magnet powerhouses Vs. The Earth and Hair Force One playing at the 4D’s Lounge and City Limits respectively, it wasn’t surprising to find minimal crowd present at Peter C’s as I arrived. Big Bang Theory – singer J. Michaels, guitarist Tony Scaltz, bassist Paul Barsom and drummer Hu Bast – were just starting into their second set. Big Bang Theory mixed hard-hitting current and classic rock; including tunes from Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam, AC/DC, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and more.
This band was on target, with Tony showing off precision guitar leads, and J. Michaels demonstrating good vocal power and range. And Hu Bast – in a past life known as John Passarelli, the drum thunder behind the legendary Bashful – brought that familiar booming drum thunder to Big Bang Theory’s sound.
Their setlist was interesting, too, as they jumped between past and present. This just-completed set even included a version of Black Sabbath’s “Hole In The Sky.”
Big Bang Theory continued the hard-rocking mix in their final set; opening with Filter’s “Hey Man Nice Shot.” The group mixed it up between Black Label Society’s “Suicide Messiah,” AC/DC’s “Shot Down In Flames,” Fastway’s “Say What You Will,” U2’s “Vertigo,” Velvet Revolver’s “Fall to Pieces,” Ozzy’s “Flying High Again,” Cracker’s “Low,” Judas Priest’s “Living After Midnight,” the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” and Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog.” Although a few more fans ventured in and out, Peter C’s remained largely empty for the duration of Big Bang Theory’s performance. Welcome to Altoona.
I was impressed overall with what I witnessed from Big Bang Theory. As players, these musicians delivered the goods and rocked the house. The consensus of the few who were there to witness the show was positive. As with any band playing the ‘Toona for the first time, it will take additional gigs and patience to earn a fan base in this town. But this group has the chops to do it. We’ll keep an eye on them.
Tony Scaltz and Paul Barsom of Big Bang Theory.
J. Michaels of Big Bang Theory.
Hu Bast of Big Bang Theory.
Big Bang Theory, making their Peter C’s debut.
Again, Hu Bast of Big Bang Theory.
Tony Scaltz of Big Bang Theory.
Again, Big Bang Theory.
Paul Barsom of Big Bang Theory.
Again, J. Michaels of Big Bang Theory.
Big Bang Theory rocks at Peter C’s.
While Big Bang Theory rocked onstage, Jeff the bartender was engaged in a heated game of chess.
HAVEN @ HURRY SUNDOWN, BEDFORD 5/28/05
After perusing the live music options for this Saturday night, I decided to venture to Bedford to catch two firsts: I would catch my first glimpse of Haven, the new collaboration featuring members of Half Tempted and Power Play. And I would also set foot inside the Hurry Sundown to see a band for the first time. Legend had it that this place could get wild on Saturday nights; I would find out if this still held true.
I was the designated driver, and the Right Honorable Guv’nor Jesse was the designated drinker as we arrived at the Hurry Sundown midway through Haven’s first set. A mid-sized crowd graced the room, and we easily procured a table near the back of the main band area to take in the show.
Haven – featuring Half Tempted’s Ron Dalansky on vocals and guitar and “Big Jim” Ricotta on bass, plus Power Play’s Larry Grube on guitar and Johnny Jones on drums – fired up the party with mostly classic rock favorites with the occasional current song thrown in. Haven was into Free’s “All Right Now” as we arrived, and continued with Drivin’N’Cryin’s “Fly Me Courageous” as Big Jim took his bass out into the crowd. After doing Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny,” Ron jokingly read an audience note requesting Snoop Dogg, before he and Haven continued with Puddle Of Mudd’s “She Hates Me.” A guest then stepped up to the stage, Larry’s and Johnny’s Power Play bandmate, Artie Burtnett, to sing backing vocals on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” before the first set ended with Seven Mary Three’s “Cumbersome.”
Thus far it was a good show, with everybody clicking and on the same page. Haven was in good spirits, rocking out and having fun. The Bedford crowd seemed to be enjoying the show thus far, with a few ladies periodically dancing in front of the stage.
With Larry singing lead, Haven soon resumed the music with a current number, Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl;” before continuing with Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever.” Artie Burtnett returned to the stage to sing backing vocals on Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me,” before donning Big Jim’s bass to play and sing lead on Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and John Mellencamp’s “Hurts So Good,” spotting Ron and Big Jim a break. Ron and Jim returned to the stage for Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” and proceeded with 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite.” Haven then offered up a funk/blues-flavored take on Violent Femmes’ “Blister In The Sun,” before finishing their second set with three rocking 70’s classics: Eric Clapton’s “Cocaine,” Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Night” and Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion.”
The Hurry Sundown was filling up nicely as Haven's show continued, and a pretty good crowd was in place by the time the group finished up their second set. Although the Sundown had a reputation of being a wild place in years past, it seemed pretty friendly and orderly this night. Apparently the current ownership/management has cleaned things up and made this into a more appealing establishment.
I did note, though, that the restrooms were situated up a long stairway on the second floor. It made me wonder how many drunken patrons - particularly during this venue's storied wilder past - descended those steps without using their feet. (I noticed a few banister bars missing.)
As Haven started their third set, Artie Burtnett turned in one more guest appearance, this time singing and playing bass with Larry and Johnny on ZZ Top's "Beer Drinkers and Hellraisers." Ron and Big Jim returned to the stage to perform AC/DC's "The Jack," Judas Priest's "Living After Midnight" and two more AC/DC numbers, "Whole Lotta Rosie" and "You Shook Me All Night Long." Haven kept rocking with Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' About Love" and the Kinks' "You Really Got Me," before ending the night with the Larry-fronted rendition of Accept's "Balls to the Wall."
Haven provided good rowdy rock and roll on a Saturday night, and kept this Bedford audience happy and satisfied. For my first time experiencing Haven and the Hurry Sundown, I came away with pretty good first impressions of both.
With Guv’nor Jesse posing in front of the stage, Haven.
Ron Dalansky of Haven.
”Big Jim” Ricotta of Haven.
Larry Grube of Haven.
Haven, rocking the Hurry Sundown.
A happy Guv’nor poses with his stringer of beer bottles.
FAT VINNY & THE WISEGUYS @ BURGI’S ROUNDHOUSE, ALTOONA 5/29/05
After spending this particular Sunday doing my annual Memorial Day weekend ritual of watching the Indianapolis 500, I was up for some entertainment. The Sunday night before Memorial Day presented several options. Obviously, Pellegrine's with Green Eggs on the eve of a major holiday would be jam-packed, with a sauna atmosphere at least early on; I didn't feel like dealing with that size of crowd. There was always Felix & the Hurricanes at the Hitching Post, but I had just seen them on Thursday (I did almost go there later when I heard that former Korruption singer Frank Dixon was putting in a cameo appearance there). There were a few bands playing out of town, but I wasn't really up for a roadtrip. I hadn't caught a full set from Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys for several months, so I decided to head to Burgi's Roundhouse for some blues that I couldn't refuse.
As I headed north on Business Route 220 on the approach towards Burgi's, I saw some flowering fireworks in the distance, illuminating the general vicinity near Burgi's. As I neared the venue, I realized the fireworks were emanating from Burgi's itself – cool! After pulling into the parking lot, I stood by my car and took in the fireworks display being set off over Burgi's Back Nine golf course area. After taking in my fill of fireworks, I headed indoors to see what Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys were up to.
Inside, a good-sized crowd was on hand to take in Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys and some of the sports on the televisions at the central bar. The Wiseguys were mixing classic blues rock, blues and original songs; most of the latter from their brand new CD, Tight Play. The trio did blues standards such as John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom" and B.B. King's "The Thrill Is Gone" during this first set; also a song from the new CD, "Barroom Floor," and a ZZ Top triple-shot of "Tube Snake Boogie," "La Grange" and "Tush" to close out the set.
The group's second set upped the tempo slightly, as ringleader/singer/guitarist E. Vincent "Fat Vinny" Kelly, bassman Randy Ketner and drummer Jeff Van Clief mixed more blues rock from George Thorogood, the Rolling Stones and Stevie Ray Vaughan; another original song from Tight Play, "My Girl Or My Guitar;" a southern rock interlude courtesy of Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See;" and a blast of early rock'n'roll, Elvis' "Jailhouse Rock," to close the set.
Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys were in good form thus far. While Jeff kept the ever-busy beat and Randy maintained the lean bass line, Fat Vinny provided his trademark, boisterous voice, running the gamut between bluesy groan and barrelhouse roar; plus providing constant fireworks on his guitar, from inspired solo passages to fiery slide work.
As Burgi's clientelle tends to be a little older, a few folks had filtered out of the venue as the evening progressed, and a smaller crowd was on hand to witness Fat Vinny's final chapter for this night. The group made it worth the crowd sticking around; first opening with an upbeat read of Tom Waits' "Jockey Full Of Bourbon." The group stepped up the pace with Jonny Lang's "Rack 'Em Up," before launching into their medley fusion of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," Warren Zevon's "Werewolves Of London" and Spin Doctors' "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong." The trio entered the homestretch with a head of steam, doing Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally" and the Doors' "Roadhouse Blues," before closing the night with their tongue-in-cheek original "Vet Bill Blues."
It was an appropriate bluesy blast to usher in the Memorial Day holiday. Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys were solid as always, and their balanced mix of blues, classic rock and wit made for another enjoyable show.
Jeff Van Clief of Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys.
Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys, bluesing it up at Burgi’s.
Again, Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys.
Randy Ketner of Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys.
One more time, Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys.
GREEN EGGS @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 5/29/05
With some time still left in the evening, I could resist the spectacle no longer.I proceeded from Burgi's to Pellegrine's to see what this year's Memorial Day Eve mass of sweaty humanity looked like.
As expected, it was a jam-packed house, and madness. Like a spectator at an accident scene, I had to get a closer look, so I did my best linebacker maneuvers through the crowd and advanced to the front. Green Eggs had the jam-packed dance floor sweaty and partying down as they proceeded like clockwork through their diverse party set. The brothers Nicarry, Brad on bass and Brian on keys; guitarist Steve Nelson and drummer Doug White effortlessly and seamlessly fused together Lit's "My Own Worst Enemy," Abba's "Dancing Queen," Garth Brooks' "Friends In Low Places," Beastie Boys' "Brass Monkey," Violent Femmes' "Blister In The Sun," the Proclaimers' "500 Miles," Run DMC's "It's Tricky," Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," the Beasties' "No Sleep Til Brooklyn" and Joan Jett's "I Love Rock and Roll." Green Eggs maintained the same enthusiasm, energy and consistency through it all, which just continued to feed the festive frenzy of the crowd. Green Eggs has the art of taming huge dance crowds down to a science; and they were practicing that science with great effectiveness and efficiency this night.
It was again another holiday eve spectacle at Pellegrine's; but ultimately a good time.
A massive crowd of revelers watches Green Eggs perform.
Again, Green Eggs and their crowd.
Brian and Brad Nicarry of Green Eggs and their crowd.
Brian Nicarry and Steve Nelson of Green Eggs.
Brian Nicarry of Green Eggs.
Brad Nicarry of Green Eggs.
