Jim Price
Moderator
Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA
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 Posted: Wednesday Jul 18, 2007 |
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WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 5/21/07
ANDRU BEMIS @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 5/16/07
I did a rare Wednesday evening doubleheader this night. I would be headed to Happy Valley later on, but first I headed to the Hitching Post to check out a traveling minstrel by the name of Andru Bemis.
From South Haven, Michigan, Andru travels around the nation via train, playing gigs in various towns along the way. He rode the rails to Altoona from his previous gig in the nation's capitol. I arrived towards the end of his second set, in time to hear him do two folk songs, including the traditional "Hard Times (Come Again No More)," before switching from acoustic guitar to banjo to play an instrumental number to close the set.
It was disappointing to see only a handful of people present at the Hitching Post this night to see what Andru had to offer. People in this town won't give new names a chance, even if there isn't a cover charge and no risk!
Soon, Andru returned to the stage to entertain the small crowd with one more set. As this set unfolded, I found Andru to be a fascinating performer, a throwback to the Woody Guthrie/Bob Dylan type of folk performer, doing observational acoustic folk songs and quipping with the audience as he went along. He mixed his own original songs with traditional folk numbers. Some of the songs he did included Buck Owens' "When You Get to Heaven" and Tom Paxton's "Home to Me (Is Anywhere You Are)." He also again switched off to banjo a few times to display his excellent clawhammer talents on "Ol' Dan Tucker," "Save Your Savior" and a faster variation on The Carter Family's "Wildwood Flower." As Andru neared the end of his performance, he stepped off of the stage and headed out to the tables where the small audience was, and sat stop one of the tables to lead the audience in a playful singalong number called "Kickin' My Dawg," rallying the crowd to shout the words of the chorus. He then got everybody to stand up, spin around and get dizzy (he described it as his cost-effective method for getting high) for his next number, "Crocodile Hole," before finishing out his performance with the Monroe Brothers' "Two Dollar Bill."
In spite of the miniscule crowd, Andru Bemis' first Hitching Post performance was a lot of fun. His presentation was relaxed and cordial, and he proved he was a skilled singer, songwriter, storyteller and banjo picker. The small Hitching Post audience appreciated his performance, especially when he came out to the tables and brought the show directly to the fans. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope more people will show up if or when the rails bring Andru Bemis back to Altoona again.
Andru Bemis.
Again, Andru Bemis.
Again showing his banjo talents, Andru Bemis.
Andru Bemis brings his show out to the small Hitching Post audience.
Performing from atop a chair, Andru Bemis.
Serenading the Hitching Post audience, Andru Bemis. Mama Corn's Bruce Foor provides accompaniment on acoustic guitar.
Providing a dizzying good time, Andru Bemis.
Will they go round in circles? The Hitching Post audience is, prompted by Andru Bemis.
ALIOUNE GUISSE & WARREF @ BAR BLEU, STATE COLLEGE 5/16/07
After Andru Bemis' performance ended, I headed to State College for the second half of my live music doubleheader. My destination was Bar Bleu, to experience the unique sounds of Alioune Guisse and Warref.
A little background first...Alioune Guisse (pronounced AL-ee-oon GEE-say) was born in the African nation of Senegal to a musical family, and he followed suit, honing his musical skills in local school and community shows and ceremonies. After finishing high school in 1993, he attended the Senegalese National School of the Arts for three years. He performed in several bands that blended traditional northern African musical forms with elements of hip-hop, rap and reggae. He relocated to New York City in 2001, and eventually arrived in State College, where he assembled his current band, Warref. Along with Alioune on lead vocals, Warref features another Senegalese musician, Mamady Mbow, on guitar; Michael Dougherty on bass and former Dr. Naqleus drummer Tom Connolly.
I arrived at Bar Bleu midway through Warref's second set, and watched as the group performed an uplifting style of world music blending traditional west African, northern Senegalese "yella" and mbalax sounds. Their sound bore a resemblence to reggae and ska, except with an African rather than a Caribbean foundation. Through the remainder of their second set and all of their last set, Warref crafted energized, mesmerizing grooves that featured lots of smooth musicianship. Mamady demonstrated clean, jazz-informed guitar work, and he mixed it up with Michael's and Tom's rhythms to keep the grooves interesting and busy. Two trumpet players, Derek McDonald and Dave Jumper, added to the musical adventure on two numbers. Alioune sang and rallied the audience along, and as the third set progressed, the grooves became more infectious with the Bar Bleu crowd, with a nice dance party happening as the night drew to a close.
I enjoyed Warref and their unique brand of music, and came away from this night with a slightly wider musical vocabulary after witnessing what they had to offer. Warref appears on various Wednesdays at Bar Bleu; watch for them at various Happy Valley community and cultural events as well.
Alioune Guisse (left) and Warref.
Alioune Guisse of Warref.
Mamady Mbow of Warref.
Warref.
Michael Dougherty and Mamady Mbow of Warref.
Again, Alioune Guisse.
Once again, Warref.
Tom Connolly of Warref.
Dance floor action picks up during Warref’s nightcap set.
Warref’s party continues.
Once again, a festive dance party with Warref.
HAIR FORCE ONE @ YESTERDAY'S PARTY, EBENSBURG 5/18/07
This Friday night, I was in the mood for some 80's decadence, so I headed up the hill to Yesterday's Party in Ebensburg to take in the latest adventures of Hair Force One. This would also be my first opportunity to see the band with their newest addition, keyboard player Roman Fyngerz.
I arrived early into Hair Force One's first set, and a healthy mid-sized Y-P crowd was watching as Hair Force One fired through 80's hair-band favorites from Tesla, Firehouse, Bulletboys, Cinderella, and acknowledging the music journalist in the house, Queensryche's "I Don't Believe in Love" (thanks guys!).
As Hair Force One started into their next set, the mood was festive, with one birthday-celebrating young lady carrying on with the band onstage as they played Bon Jovi's "Born to Be My Baby," Great White's "Once Bitten Twice Shy," Poison's "Nothing But a Good Time" and Warrant's "Down Boys." From Warrant the group went into another Bon Jovi number, "You Give Love a Bad Name," and I had noticed the young lady going back to her friends and table and sitting down. Next thing I notice. a group of guys are airlifting the lady - apparently now passed out - out the door! Apparently she was partying a little too hardy! But at least she was living up to the billing of the "Decade of Decadence!" Hair Force One continued the party with tunes from Skid Row, Dio, Faster Pussycat, Guns N'Roses, and AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" to finish the set.
The night's final set started late in the night and was a bit shorter; Hair Force One continued to rock Y-P with renditions of Accept's "Balls to the Wall," Motley Crue's "Girls Girls Girls," Poison's "Talk Dirty to Me," and the Def Leppard double-shot of "Armageddon It" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me." When the Ebensburg crowd demanded more at night's end, Hair Force One responded with a song they were publicly performing for the first time, spotlighting new keyboard man Roman - Europe's "The Final Countdown."
It was a rowdy, energetic, decadent Hair Force One 80's Headbanger's Ball good time! The band was on target throughout the night, and new man Roman on the keys seemed to fit in well, adding extra depth to the group's balls-out attack. Victor Synn's voice was again in good form, as he easily achieved the Geoff Tate, Sebastian Bach, Ronnie Dio and Axl Rose vocal highs, and maintained the in-your-face presence with the stagefront dance crowd.
Except perhaps for the morning after of the birthday girl who had to be carried out the door, everybody at Yesterday's Party appeared to have a good time with it all. This night showed that Hair Force One has built a healthy Cambria County fan base, and enabled me to witness Roman Fyngerz's addition and what he brings to the group's show. A good night.
Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One and a happy birthday celebrant at Yesterday’s Party.
The newest member of the Hair Force, Roman Fyngerz.
Again, Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One and the birthday lady, in her last moments of consciousness.
Again, Roman Fyngerz of Hair Force One.
Again, Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One.
Again, Roman Fyngerz of Hair Force One.
Hugh “G” of Hair Force One.
Victor Synn and Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One.
Hair Force One and happy fans at Yesterday’s Party.
Once again, it’s a party with Hair Force One.
Again, Victor Synn and Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One.
Phillip DaPussee and Iva Biggin of Hair Force One.
Again, Phillip and Iva of Hair Force One.
Once again, Roman Fyngerz of Hair Force One.
More party decadence with Hair Force One.
Once again, Hair Force One.
Again, Victor and Michael of Hair Force One.
Ebensburg rocks with Hair Force One.
Once again, Phillip DaPussee of Hair Force One.
The post-game celebration; yours truly with Hair Force One.
BLAIR COUNTY ARTS FESTIVAL @ PENN STATE ALTOONA 5/19/07
The annual Blair County Arts Festival has become one of those temporal markers along the way that indicates that spring has fully arrived. With the Blair County Arts Foundation posting the entertainment schedule beforehand on their website (www.mishlertheatre.org), I was looking forward to catching both days of this year's Festival. And in a rare instance, my workplace live Harley remote duties largely didn't interfere with the performances I wanted to witness at this year's Festival, with the exception of Blue Number Nine's Saturday evening set (I had to anchor a remote broadcast at the studio, drat!). But I was able to witness most of the rest of this year's Festival, and there was some great stuff going on!
I arrived at Penn State Altoona and made it to the performance pavilion in time to catch part of the Billy Test Trio. Young namesake Billy Test plays piano; Nathan Santos plays upright bass, and Mike Verlosky (sp?) plays drums. This trio played smooth and improvisational jazz sounds, displaying stellar musicianship along the way. Not well-versed in jazz, I didn't know much of the material this group was doing except for the compositions Billy identified; among the titles I caught were "Cork a Bottle" (an original?), Dizzy Gillespie/Charlie Parker's "Anthropology," and Ned Washington's "My Foolish Heart." All three musicians blended their skills nicely, and the arrangements allowed for all three to stretch and display their solo skills along the way. This was good-sounding stuff, but in the disappointing tradition of the Blair County Arts Festival in recent years, not too many folks were seated in the pavilion to enjoy this group.
Entertaining with some smooth jazz, the Billy Test Trio.
Again, the Billy Test Trio.
Nathan Santos of the Billy Test Trio.
The trio’s namesake, Billy Test.
Again tapping on the ivories, Billy Test.
After the Billy Test Trio concluded, I headed across the Penn State Altoona campus to the performance tent near the Community Arts Center, to catch my first look at local Celtic rock group Full Kilt. This group featured several familiar names: Mike Zerbee, already known as half of the Irish/Celtic folk/pub song duo the Michael O'Brian Band, sings lead and plays guitar; Beyond Reason drummer Chris Myers plays bass and bodhran; Pat Boland plays drums, and Mandy Passmore plays fiddle. I arrived in time to catch the latter half of Full Kilt's set, and was much impressed with their fun, energetic presentation. Particularly impressive was Mandy, who tore it up on the fiddle; this is a talented young lady to keep an ear open for! Full Kilt did an interesting selection of numbers, including Blackthorn's "Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal," Great Big Sea's "Ordinary Day," a song by Floggin' Molly, and in a slight deviation from the Celtic songlist, a scorching read of Charlie Daniels' "Devil Went Down to Georgia," with the spotlight on Mandy's fiddle sawing skills. This was good stuff, and it's cool to see a full-scale Celtic rock group to complement the acoustic Michael O'Brian Band in the area. I hope to check out this band again soon!
Here is some footage from Full Kilt's performance at the Blair County Arts Festival:
http://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV09640.MPG
Getting their Irish up at the Blair County Arts Festival, Full Kilt.
Again, Full Kilt.
Mandy Passmore and Mike Zerbee of Full Kilt.
Pat Boland of Full Kilt.
Again, Pat Boland of Full Kilt.
Chris Myers of Full Kilt.
Mandy Passmore of Full Kilt.
Again, Chris Myers of Full Kilt.
One more time, Full Kilt.
From the performance tent, I walked a few feet away to the entrance of the Community Arts Center, to catch up with a friend and a favorite at the Blair County Arts Festival, Millerstown folk artist Jerry Haines. Jerry was passing the time as a strolling artist, sitting at the entrance of the Community Arts Center and strumming his guitar and autoharp, entertaining the passers-by. Jerry switched back and forth between the two instruments and played a gentle selection of traditional folk instrumentals and standards, including a rendition of the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun." A few folks stopped and watched Jerry's performance, including a group of teenagers who were fascinated with the autoharp. I chatted with Jerry in between songs and we got caught up on goings on in both of our lives; it's always cool to catch Jerry's performance, one of the things I look forward to at this festival every year.
Jerry Haines.
Skillfully strumming his autoharp and blowing harmonica, Jerry Haines.
Soon the music in the performance tent started up again, and it was more Celtic sounds courtesy of the Michael O'Brian Band. I could only take in a couple of songs, as I wanted to go grab a bite to eat and soon exit the festival to head to the workplace. But I watched as Mike Zerbee and Brian Anderson playfully bantered with the audience and did two songs, "Mary Mack" and the Clancy Brothers' "Johnson's Motor Car."
Again lightening up the Blair County Arts Festival with Irish merriment, the Michael O’Brian Band.
I then headed to the food court, located in the campus' Juniata Gap Road parking lot, grabbed some food (a humungous smoked turkey drumstick and some sweet potato fries), and took in the sounds of the Summit City Saints. Started in Indiana (state) but now based in Happy Valley, the Summit City Saints did a blend of Dixieland and jazz sounds and standards. I watched as the group did such standards as "St. James Infirmary," "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," "Do You Know What It Means to Be from New Orleans," an original number, "Oxymoronic Down Low Rhythm Happy Blues" and more. With their full horn section of trumpet, flugelhorn, tuba, trombone and clarinet, the Summit City Saints gave a full brassy sound, and appeared to have fun performing their sounds for the diners and passers-by.
At this point, I had to depart the Arts Festival for this day; but I planned a return trip for Sunday's slate of entertainment.more later.
The Summit City Saints, playing some Dixieland sounds.
Again, the Summit City Saints.
Casey the soundman.
INSIDE OUT @ CROUSEY'S, WINDBER 5/19/07
After doing my workplace duties and logging some production room time, I was ready to take in this Saturday night's live music endeavors. Having "been there and done that" with everything happening on the Altoona side of the mountain this night, I decided to make a long-overdue trip to the Johnstown side of the world to see what was new. I was surprised and disappointed to see how dead Johnstown's live music scene was this night; with only three live performing acts on a Saturday night in all of this city! The surprise was compounded when I checked the listings for Windber, and found that there were just as many live performing acts in Windber this night - three - as there was in the much bigger Johnstown! The decision came down to two choices that stood out for me; John Charney & White Mojo at Dively's in Johnstown, or Inside Out at Crousey's in Windber. A coin toss settled the issue, and Inside Out won.
Part of the appeal of seeing Inside Out this night was checking out the band with their recently-added new guitarist, Kolt Green. I arrived during Inside Out's second set, and Kolt, lone remaining I-O founding member Tim Frick on lead vocals and lead guitar, bassist Larry "Lars" Phillip and drummer Mark Gindlesperger were rocking a smallish crowd with hard-edged 90's and modern rock favorites, plus several originals. The group was doing Nine Inch Nails' "Head Like a Hole" as I arrived, and continued with Godsmack's "Keep Away." I witnessed Kolt's guitar solo capabilities for the first time during Alice In Chains' "Man in the Box." Inside Out then broke into a hard-rocking take on Cameo's "Word Up," before continuing with one of their original rockers, "Taking My Life," followed by White Zombie's "More Human than Human," Linkin Park's "One Step Closer" and the Larz-fronted version of AC'DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" to finish the set.
It appeared that Inside Out was playing with a little more swagger and purpose this night. Kolt's addition seemed to give this band some renewed spark as their double-guitar attack has returned.
This was my first time in Crousey's as well. This seemed like a friendly place overall, although not especially busy this Saturday night. One interesting thing about this place that I did notice; you've got to like a bar that leaves issues of Weekly World News out on the counters for patrons to read!
Soon Inside Out was ready to resume the action with their final set of the night. The group opened with another of their own songs, "Devils In Your Soul," and continued with tunes from Fuel, Breaking Benjamin, another original tune, "Demons Inside" (what's with all these original songs about devils and demons?), and more hard modern rocking tunes, eventually closing out the evening with Drowning Pool's "Bodies."
Kolt Green's addition definitely makes a difference in Inside Out's performance. The group again seemed to play with renewed energy and purpose; Tim's lead guitar work seemed to have more zing, and Larz and Mark's rhythms appeared to be more charged overall. The new original songs sound strong and consistent, blending heavy-rocking dynamics with good melodies and strong vocal harmonies. Although small in number, the Crousey's crowd seemed to appreciate Inside Out's efforts this night, with at least a few folks enthusiastically rocking out on the dance floor along the way.
It will be interesting to see where Inside Out takes their music now that their long-sought second guitar player is in place. According to Tim, work is now back under way with the group's long overdue third CD; and they hope to have it out by this fall. From being on the verge of throwing in the towel altogether early last year, it is good to see Inside Out back to a four-piece, and playing with a little more swagger once again.
Inside Out.
Again, Inside Out.
Inside Out’s newest member, Kolt Green.
Larry “Larz” Phillip of Inside Out.
Once again, Inside Out.
Again, “Larz” of Inside Out.
Inside Out’s lone remaining founding member, Tim Frick.
Mark Gindlesperger of Inside Out.
Yet again, Inside Out.
Larz and Tim of Inside Out.
Providing Inside Out’s dual-edged guitar attack, Tim Frick and Kolt Green.
One more time, Tim and Kolt of Inside Out.
BLAIR COUNTY ARTS FESTIVAL @ PENN STATE ALTOONA 5/20/07
I headed back to Penn State Altoona for the second and final day of the Blair County Arts Festival. This day, the emphasis of the musical entertainment seemed to be on traditional American sounds; in particular, folk, bluegrass, and blues.
I first headed to the performance tent near the Community Arts Center to catch in progress the performance of Three Generations On Strings. This trio features three generations of performers as advertised; Tyne Replogle (of Tyne & the Fastlyne fame) on banjo and lead vocals, her mother Teia on upright bass, and her grandmother Erma on autoharp. Again these ladies were amazing in their performance of traditional and original folk and bluegrass sounds. As I arrived, Tyne introduced an original song called "Flowers in the Wood," a song she wrote in school inspired by Katey Stanton. The women continued with renditions of "Shady Grove" and "No Man's Land," before Tyne closed out the performance with her bow-on-banjo-strings rendition of "Amazing Grace." Three Generations on Strings was excellent, as these three ladies' talents blended beautifully and harmoniously. In between selections, Tyne gave insight about the songs, and the three ladies shared some playful arguing and bantering among each other. A very good performance; and I was glad to get over to the Festival in time to witness some of it.
Here is some footage from 3 Generations On Strings' performance at the Blair County Arts Festival:
http://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV09641.MPG
Erma, Teia and Tyne; 3 Generations On Strings.
Again, 3 Generations On Strings.
Erma on the autoharp.
Once again, 3 Generations On Strings.
Tyne Replogle of 3 Generations On Strings.
Again, 3 Generations On Strings.
Doing her bow-on-banjo rendition of “Amazing Grace,” Tyne Replogle of 3 Generations On Strings.
Once again, Tyne Replogle.
One more time, 3 Generations On Strings.
From here, I went into the Community Arts Center to check out the juried art exhibit. I always see at least a few works of art that capture my interest and imagination, and this year was no exception. And on an exhibit of painted doors, I was elated to see local entertainer/balloon artist Dennie Huber immortalized in paint!
Immortalized in door painting art, Dennie Huber.
A door painting art tribute to the blues.
After taking in the exhibit, I headed back to the performance tent to watch folk singer/guitarist Jay Smar. Another favorite of this arts festival, Jay performed an interesting selection of folk, blues and instrumentals. Jay introduced "Fake Train," his own derivation from the traditional "Freight Train;" before doing his own instrumental variation of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." On the banjo, Jay then introduced "Sail Away Ladies" and George Tucker's "30-Inch Coal." Switching back to acoustic guitar, Jay then did Blind Boy Fuller's "Rattlesnake Daddy," before introducing another of his own compositions, the instrumental "Socket to Me," done socket slide acoustic. Joking that he always has people tell him that his songs sound like other songs, Jay then introduced a number called "Hey That Sounds Like the Other One," before he closed out his performance with a fiddle number, "Goodnight, Goodnight." Jay showed good skill on all three instruments he played, and his presentation was relaxed and insightful. Again, there were only a handful of people under the performance tent to watch his performance, but some of that audience included teenagers who were interested enough to ask him questions about his instruments.
Picking on his banjo, Jay Smar.
Sawing on the fiddle, Jay Smar.
Once again, Jay Smar.
At this point, I headed to the food court area near Juniata Gap Road to take in the performance of the Banjo Man. Before I continue any further, a confession…When I wrote about the Banjo Man at last year's Arts Festival (in Pennsylvania Musician, I have yet to post the recap of last year's fest on Rockpage), I wrongly identified him. This rarely happens to me, but it did in this case. After seeing the Banjo Man at last year's festival, I went online to try to find out more about him. However, if you try to look up "The Banjo Man" on a search engine, you get a number of people who claim that name. One of them is Frank Cassels from the Washington, DC area. The picture of Frank seemed to resemble the Banjo Man I saw at the arts festival, and his song list and show description were similar to what I saw. And DC is close enough to Altoona that it was feasible to assume that Frank was the "Banjo Man" that I saw. (And you know what they say about what happens when you assume something...) It wasn't until a few months later, when I received a polite correction note in the mail from the actual Arts Festival "Banjo Man," Williamsport's Jim Haner (who doesn't have a website) that I realized I had made a mistake. I wrote back to Jim and apologized for the gaffe, and told him I would get his name right this year!
So I went to the food court and obtained edibles, and sat and watched as JIM HANER "The Banjo Man" performed a selection of folk, bluegrass and banjo tunes. As he did last year, Jim gave friendly insight and background on much of the song material he played. Jim played such numbers as "Mountain Dew," John Prine's "Paradise," "Feuding Banjos" (better known as "Dueling Banjos"), "Rocky Top," the "Beverly Hillbillies" theme, "John Hardy," "Poor Man's Lament," The York Brothers' "Mountain Rosa Lee," and his own original piece, "Punkin Patch Rag." Again, it was a fun, informative performance, and at least this year, I was sure I was watching the correct "Banjo Man." Afterward, I went up and officially introduced myself to Jim, and told him I would indeed get his name right this time around!
Jim Haner, “The Banjo Man.”
Once again from Williamsport, “The Banjo Man.”
I then followed the Banjo Man over to the entrance of the Community Arts Center, where he was teaming up for a friendly little jam session with Jay Smar and Jerry Haines. This was a very informal and impromptu performance, as the three musicians sat on the concrete wall outside the Center, chatted and played some common tunes together, including "Red Wing," Arlo Guthrie's "City of New Orleans" and more. This session continued off and on, in between sound checks happening at the nearby performance tent for the next scheduled act there, Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke. Once that performance officially began, the jam session ended, and I headed inside the tent to see what Holy Smoke was about.
A friendly little folk jam session with Jay Smar, Jerry Haines and Jim Haner.
Again; Jay, Jerry and Jim.
Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke performed a set of blues, blues-rock, classic rock and original songs. Namesake Anthony Stauffer sang and played lead guitar, flanked by Darryl Carter on rhythm guitar; Doug Whitfield on keys; Kevin Sliman on bass; and Bennett Hoffman on drums. Lori Stauffer and other members of the band sing backup vocals. The group played an interesting variety, including renditions of Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Pride and Joy," Ian Moore's "Satisfied," CCR's "Travelin' Band," J.J. Cale/Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Call Me The Breeze," Elmore James/STevie Ray Vaughan's "The Sky Is Crying," Robert Johnson's "Sweet Home Chicago" and more. Anthony also introduced several original songs, including "Superhero" and "Love WIll Make You a Loser." Their performance was strong; Anthony showed some impressive chops on guitar, and his bandmates were skilled performers who supported him with sturdy, rock hard rhythms. They built momentum as they went along, and the mid-sized Arts Festival audience cheered this group more and more as the set progressed. It was a good solid performance that provided an upbeat finish to my Arts Festival experience.
Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke.
Again, Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke, with Anthony’s wife, Lori, helping out on backing vocals.
Anthony Stauffer.
Doug Whitfield of Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke.
Again, Anthony Stauffer of Holy Smoke.
Darryl Carter of Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke.
Once again, Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke.
Darryl Carter and Anthony Stauffer.
More Holy Smokin’ blues.
Bennett Hoffman of Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke.
In the midst of a drum solo display, Bennett Hoffman of Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke.
Once again, Anthony Stauffer.
Anthony Stauffer, making that guitar sing.
Yet again, Anthony Stauffer.
Some more Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke.
One more time, Anthony Stauffer.
TIL DECEMBER @ PELLEGRINE'S, ALTOONA 5/20/07
My weekend ended at Pellegrine's, with Til December providing the tunes and party.
This was mostly a typical night at the office for Til December. As I arrived during their second set, Til December was rocking a mid-sized crowd with a mix of hard-hitting current, classic rock and originals. The group did their original song "Hollow," before heading into the 80's catalog for Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name" and Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me;" following with another song before ending the set with Drowning Pool's "Bodies."
The nightcap set provided more of the same, with Til December mixing it up with rocking renditions of tunes from Johnny Cash, Cheap Trick, Hinder, Pantera, Jimmy Buffett, another original tune, "Fallen," and more.
Til December's performance was strong overall, but their setlist is getting a bit predictable. I can almost set my watch to the time they break out the Jamie-fronted version of Pantera's "Walk" into their Jeckyl-and-Hyde rendition of Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville;" and even their original song selection seems to be limited to only a few songs anymore. The Pellegrine's crowd still enjoyed it this night; but for me, I'd like to see Til December shake things up a bit and mix some new and different numbers into the equation. I'm getting a little bored with the reruns.
Matt “Goody” Goodreau of Til December.
Jeremy Edge of Til December and some Pellegrine’s fans.
Again, Goody of Til December.
JP'S HAIKU
Andru at the Post
Rides the rails and sees new towns
Makes friends with his tunes
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