Jim Price
Moderator
Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA
|
 Posted: Thursday May 08, 2008 |
|
|
WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 3/31/08
BROKEN PONY @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 3/26/08
Another early evening escape from the workplace this Wednesday allowed me to head to the Hitching Post to catch another session of tastefully done Americana sounds, courtesy of Broken Pony.
Or, as singer, acoustic guitarist and bass pedal man Pat McGinnis referred to them this night, “3-Legged Broken Pony.” Lead guitar man Randy “Jackson” Rutherford wasn’t available this night, so Pat, pedal steel player Kim Metzger and drummer Tim Yingling were going it as a three-piece. But the level of overall musicianship remained high, and this trio dazzled the small Hitching Post audience with smooth and tasteful sounds on their selection of country, folk, blues and rural-flavored rock.
I arrived just before the start of Broken Pony’s second set. The three musicians started off the set with a John Prine number, “That’s the Way That the World Goes ‘Round,” and continued with a request for a Bob Dylan number, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.” Pat demonstrated his harmonica skills on “Wagon Wheels,” before the group did Little Feat’s “Willin.’” The group honored another request, this time for Guy Clark’s “Homegrown Tomatoes,” and continued with Merle Haggard’s “Today I Started Loving You Again,” before Kim strapped on a guitar and sang lead on Commander Cody’s “Smoke That Cigarette” and another Merle number, “Sing Me Back Home.” Pat then sang yet another Merle tune, “Mama Tried,” before closing the set with Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother.”
Again, the “3-legged” Broken Pony was making it all sound good with smooth all-around musicianship, with Pat’s full-bodied guitar strumming and sturdy vocals, Kim’s tasteful pedal steel flourishes, and Tim’s gentle but guiding brush strokes behind the drum kit. Once again, the group nicely mixed it up between their various musical flavors, keeping the performance fresh as they went along.
The group welcomed a guest to the stage to start their final set, as Phil DeVecchis provided additional guitar on the Rolling Stones’ “Dead Flowers,” Poco’s “Crazy Love” and the Grateful Dead double-shot of “Friend of the Devil” and “Me and My Uncle.” The set continued with Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” and Roger Miller’s “King of the Road,” before concluding with Willie Nelson’s “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”
Even just as a trio, Broken Pony delivered a quality performance; and again, I came away learning about some more tunes I hadn’t heard before. This coupled with a round of Hitching Post ribs and fries made for a fine way to unwind after work.
Here is some video from Broken Pony’s performance:
http://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV00537.MPG
Going it as a three-piece this night, Broken Pony.
Pedal steel player Kim Metzger of Broken Pony, singing and playing guitar.
Once again, Broken Pony.
SHOTS McGEE @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 3/26/08
From the Hitching Post, I crested the hill and headed to the 4D’s Lounge, where Shots McGee was entertaining in the upstairs Schnappes Shoppe.
I arrived just before the start of the group’s first set, and procured a table along the wall to watch as Rhyne McCormick on vocals and acoustic guitar, Brendon Burns on vocals and electric guitar, Kelly Montgomery on bass and vocals and Randy Servello on drums and vocals performed their blend of upbeat classic rock favorites. The group greeted the arriving crowd of 4D’s revelers with the Rhyne-fronted version of Tom Petty’s “Learning to Fly” to open the first set, and continued with songs from Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Black Crowes, Jimi Hendrix, Tommy Tutone, John Mellencamp, Gregg Allman, Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash and more; also doing an original song, “Say Tonight.” Rhyne sang the lion’s share of lead voice during this set, with Brendon singing lead on Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Blue on Black” and Kelly doing the lead on Jimi’s “Foxey Lady.”
More folks continued to arrive during the 30-minute intermission. Soon the group returned to their instruments and resumed the music, with Kelly singing lead on another Jimi Hendrix number, “Fire.” Rhyne then sang on Gin Blossoms’ “Alison Road” and Brendon sang and sent James’ “Laid” out to a lady named Melissa celebrating her 21st birthday. At this point, two shaved apes didn’t see eye to eye and got into a skirmish, which was quickly defused by 4D’s security. The band continued the music as the melee was quelled, doing Eric Clapton’s “Lay Down Sally” before offering their impromptu variation of Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry,” singing the words “No punch me in the eye.” Kelly then sang lead on Blues Traveler’s “Runaround,” before the group headed to their second intermission with “Twist and Shout.”
33 minutes later, Shots McGee returned for their last set of the night, starting the music back up with Van Morrison’s “Wild Night.” Randy then sang lead from behind the drum kit on Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” and the party continued with favorites from Sublime, Violent Femmes, Doobie Brothers, Queen, the Who, and the Randy-sung version of Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music,” before the group closed out the night with Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
As they have shown before, Shots McGee again put in a strong showing this night. All four players were instrumentally on target, and all capably carried a tune when singing duties called. Their harmonies sounded crisp along the way. The sizable 4D’s crowd enjoyed it, with folks dancing along the way. Heck, two guys started throwing down during their performance; in this town, that means they like the band!
It was an entertaining finish to another hump-day, and showed that Shots McGee continues to strengthen their following in the Altoona area.
Shots McGee, picking up the tempo on a Wednesday night at the 4D’s.
Rhyne McCormick of Shots McGee.
Randy Servello of Shots McGee.
CHRIS V. & THE STANLEY STREET BAND @ AL’S TAVERN, ALTOONA 3/27/08
After putting in a late night at the workplace, I headed to Al’s Tavern to see what I could of Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band. Arriving at around midnight, I thought I’d be able to catch a good full set.
But due to a slow night at Al’s, the group did only an abbreviated set for their finale. Singer/guitarist Chris Vipond, bassman/singer Mike Stanley and cajon specialist Mike “Z” Zelnosky showcased three original songs; performing “Freedom,” “Media Controls the World” and “False Lies” to close out the night.
What the group did sounded good. Memo to myself, get to Al’s earlier on Thursday nights…
SOLEGION/DUBMISSIVE/LITANY/FIXER @ AROUND THE CORNER, JOHNSTOWN 3/28/08
With winter weather finally beginning to clear out for the season, I was eager to head back to the Cambria County side of the mountain to get caught up on Johnstown music scene happenings. After receiving Fixer’s CD from the Altoona Mirror (and reviewing it, review will be posted in a Final Cut soon), I was curious to see what they were like live, so I headed to Around The Corner in Johnstown to see them and three other bands.
I had never been to Around The Corner before, and it took me a few minutes to first locate the venue (not that difficult) and an available parking space (more difficult, I parked along Route 56 a block up from the venue).
I entered the venue as openers Solegion were nearing the end of their set of high-velocity, metal-fueled rock. Singer Jarrod Bartock, guitarists Adam Getty and Kyle Cameron, bassist Simon Richard and drummer Nick Tercek again demonstrated their knack for merging rapid fire, hard-hitting rhythms with strong melodies as they performed their selection of original numbers. I three their last three numbers, and caught one song title, “Sovereign Mantra.” A number of fans were in front of the stage and cheering Solegion on, including one fan wearing an Anarchaos T-shirt (referencing Jarrod’s and Adam’s past band).
Adam Getty and Kyle Cameron of Solegion.
Jarrod Bartock of Solegion addresses the fans.
Kicking off the evening at Around the Corner, Solegion.
I looked around Around The Corner during the intermission; this looks like a cool room for shows. There’s a decent stage area, and enough space to hold some people. Although not packed, there was still a decent-sized contingent of patrons and music fans in attendance to take in the show.
Next was Dubmissive. Introducing new saxophone player Marcus Brody, Dubmissive performed their freewheeling blend of rock, punk, ska and reggae as they did songs from their self-titled debut CD and new material. Marcus, singer/guitarist Bobby Dub, bassist Joe Sell and drummer Steve Hanik deftly mixed up their gumbo of styles, never staying in one place for too long and keeping things interesting. I caught a few song titles along the way, including established Dubmissive favorites such as “Exodus” and “Rebel Song,” and the ska/punk-flavored “Everyone’s Beautiful.” Marcus’ addition added another dimension to what Dubmissive was doing, and should allow the band to stretch the stylistic range of their repertoire as well.
Dubmissive continues the rock at Around The Corner.
Marcus Brody of Dubmissive.
Again, Dubmissive.
Bobby Dub of Dubmissive.
One more time, Dubmissive.
I then got my first look at Litany. Singer/guitarist Eric Decker, guitarist Nathan Shirk, bassist Kevin Williams and drummer Eric Ernst demonstrated a harder and heavier modern rock sound in the Tool/Deftones/Chevelle vein. The group crafted heavier-leaning grooves with original numbers such as “Another Day,” “Slipping Away” and more. Eric showed a solid and rangeful voice, and the group executed with tightness and confidence. It was a good, strong set, and a number of fans again cheered Litany along the way.
Eric Decker of Litany.
Eric Decker and Kevin Williams of Litany.
Nathan Shirk of Litany.
Up next to finish the show was the group that first attracted me to attend this night, Brooklyn, New York-based foursome Fixer. Lead singer Evan R. Saffer, guitarist Tommy Zamp, bassist J. Brown and drummer Rev Swank closed out the show by introducing their melody-geared, high-octane brand of rock. Their sound was contemporary in the vein of Nickelback or Shinedown, but they also possessed a raw energy and adrenalin reminiscent of early Guns N’Roses and Aerosmith. Evan had that upfront, in-your-face stage presence and charisma, and displayed a strong and high-flying voice in addition. Evan and Fixer performed charged numbers from their just-released CD Before the Sun, demonstrating catchy hooks and go-for-broke intensity on such numbers as “Tell No One,” “Hillbilly Heroin,” “Dirty Girl,” “Home Again,” the intensifying 9-minute epic “Tuxedo” and more. The group also showed their more melodic side with the milder-mannered “Down Without It,” also from their CD. Fixer’s performance was charged and uptempo, and all four members displayed plentiful heart and enthusiasm. At the end of the set, when the Johnstown crowd demanded an encore, Evan showed his enthusiasm for the crowd in explaining, “Our job is to get here early and stay late – if you want another song, you’ve got it!” He then introduced one of the group’s new songs to close out the night. This date was one of the first on Fixer’s current tour in support of the new album, and judging by the response this night, the group easily won a number of new fans.
Evan R. Saffer of Fixer.
Again, Evan of Fixer.
Once again, Evan R. Saffer of Fixer.
J. Brown of Fixer.
Again, Tommy Zamp of Fixer.
Fixer's frontman, Evan R. Saffer.
Again, J. Brown of Fixer.
More Evan R. Saffer of Fixer.
Fixer, rocking Around the Corner.
Again, Fixer.
Once again, Tommy Zamp of Fixer.
Evan R. Saffer of Fixer, firing up his new Johnstown fans.
One more time, Fixer.
After their set concluded, I chatted with the members of Fixer briefly; cool folks! As I left Around The Corner, a number of fans were swarming Fixer’s merchandise table to obtain CD’s and get photos autographed.
This was a good show, and all four bands brought something interesting and unique to the stage this night. I also was pleased with my first experience at Around the Corner; it certainly will not be my last!
KITTY WHIP @ MAGOO’S, CRESSON 3/28/08
With the Around The Corner show finishing at exactly midnight, I had some time to catch part of another band’s performance somewhere. I drove back up Routes 219 and 53 to Cresson to check in with lady rockers Kitty Whip at Magoo’s.
This was actually a double-bill featuring Kitty Whip and Nitekast, but the latter band had already performed earlier in the night. I was curious to see this updated edition of Nitekast after bassist Josh Oaks switched to drums, Bobby Boring took over on bass, and Lily Taylor joined the group on lead vocals and keys. Hopefully I’ll get another chance to see them sometime soon.
I arrived just before the start of Kitty Whip’s nightcap set. This was the first time I had seen Kitty Whip since last summer’s Rock For The Troops concert in downtown Altoona, and also the first I had seen this group since former Never Enough drummer Christi Roddy took over behind the kit. Christi, singer Chryssie, guitarist Dawn and bassist Kimi soon began their closing set, and played a mix of modern rock, 80’s and 90’s favorites. Their song selection during this set included Danzig’s “Mother,” Green Day’s “American Idiot,” Blink 182’s “All the Small Things,” Blondie’s “One Way or Another,” Weezer’s “Hashpipe,” Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag,” Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy,” Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams,” The Offspring’s “Self Esteem,” Linkin Park’s “One Step Closer” and more. Kitty Whip seemed a bit timid as they came out the gate of this set, but became more comfortable and confident as the set progressed, and became more playful and loose along the way. Near set’s end, as they drew a few dancers onto Magoo’s dance floor, they even spanked a few of them! When the happy Magoo’s crowd demanded an encore (of the music, but perhaps the spanking as well), the ladies responded with Flyleaf’s “I’m So Sick.”
At least based on this set, Kitty Whip seems to be progressing along well. They appeared more confident overall, solid on their instruments, and more relaxed and having fun. Their busy live show schedule should enable them to continue to get better, and I’ll be interested in hearing some of the original songs the ladies are developing.
Kitty Whip, putting a whipping on Magoo’s.
Chryssie of Kitty Whip.
Kimi of Kitty Whip.
Again, Kitty Whip.
Crow In The Snow guitarist-turned-paparazzi Tom Brown, taking a photo of Kitty Whip.
Once again, Kitty Whip.
Dawn of Kitty Whip.
Again, Chryssie of Kitty Whip.
Behind the kit, Christi of Kitty Whip.
Again, Kimi of Kitty Whip.
Chryssie of Kitty Whip prepares to administer a spanking...
After the show, I marveled at not just Kitty Whip themselves, but also the new décor behind the stage, with a wild painted mural of Magoo himself on a motorcycle crashing through the wall. Wild!
Part of the Magoo’s painted mural behind the stage.
The entire Magoo’s mural.
It looks like Magoo is hauling a keg.
Funny story time…After departing Magoo’s, since my food intake for the day was a small hot sausage sandwich and fries at Around The Corner, I was still a little hungry and decided to take in breakfast at the 6th Avenue King’s Restaurant in Altoona – still a popular after-hours eatery for the bar and band crowd on Friday and Saturday nights. I arrived around 2:30 AM to find King’s parking lot nearly full, but decided to take a chance on getting breakfast and hoping I would not have to wait too long. Entering the restaurant, there was one vacant seat left near the front counter, so I claimed it and waited for service. Sitting next to me at the counter was a party of five people, three guys and two women. The guys had obviously done some imbibing prior to getting there, and were in a bit of a rowdy mood; that mood intensified by the fact that they had apparently been waiting for close to an hour for their meals. One guy, a nerdy-looking dude with glasses, was especially vocal, yelling to passing waitresses demanding his meal. King’s was swamped this night, so the wait staff was doing what they could to try to accommodate everyone. Eventually one waitress showed up at the counter, told the party of five that the computer had lost their order, thus the delay in their meals; she then gave me a coffee and took my order. I wondered how long I would have to wait for a meal, given how long these folks next to me had already waited. As the minutes passed, the guys continued to loudly gripe about the long wait for their meals, and I could tell the waitresses were noticing it. Eventually, the clincher…About 20 minutes after placing my order, the waitress came out with a plate of breakfast food – MY ORDER! She set it down in front of me, and the three guys went ballistic, immediately put on their coats and left! (The two ladies apparently were there separately and remained, receiving their meals a few minutes later.) I had to contain myself from laughing at this until after the three guys had exited the building! (And for the record, this waitress did not know who I was or what I did, so the “local celebrity” angle didn’t play into my getting my food before the rest of these folks.) I have to wonder if there actually was a computer problem, or if these buzzed folks said something to tick off the wait staff and prompt the lack of meal service! Hilarious!
“BENEFIT FOR CHANCE” @ THE CANTINA, ALTOONA 3/29/08
The area music scene again was at the forefront of helping out folks in need this night. Six bands were converging on The Cantina in Altoona to help raise money for Chance Dull, an 8-year-old Bedford area youngster recently diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer. Although the Hillbilly Gypsies were playing in the area this night, I figured that I would have other opportunities to see them in action (especially since they sold out their show this night, they’ll be back!), and this was a one-time special event for a great cause. So I headed to the Cantina to witness the Benefit For Chance.
When I first learned about this show, one of my first thoughts was: How were six bands going to fit inside The Cantina? I had recalled this place being rather small the last time I was here to see a band 3 or 4 years ago. But upon entering the facility, I discovered that there had been some renovations done since my last visit, and a separate, partitioned off area – I assume usually serving as the deejay booth – was serving as the stage. This area was separated from the rest of the facility by a bar counter/wall, serving as a barrier to separate the crowd from the bands, and also serving as a place where fans could lean and set down their drinks to view the show!
A large crowd was already in place as the first band of the evening, The Marauders, kicked things off. The reliable trio of sweater-clad singer/guitarist Ben Dumm, upright bass player Chris Lawson and drummer Abe Weber got the benefit off to a rousing start with their upbeat roots-flavored rock sounds, including original songs such as “Kill Pop Radio,” “Hell on High Heels,” “My Revolver,” “Late Night Livin’” into the Brian Setzer-penned “We Are the Marauders,” “Dead of Night,” “Rhythm Fix,” “Oh My My” and “Alibi;” along with their rockabilly-styled spin on the Misfits’ “Astrozombies.” The crowd was a little timid early on and stood back from the partitioned stage area, but a few folks could be seen tapping toes and soon grooving to the Marauders’ sounds. It was a good, fun set; and got the evening off to a bright start.
With built-in crowd control already in place, The Marauders kick off the night.
Ben Dumm of The Marauders, pondering why he wore a sweater this night...
Chris Lawson of The Marauders.
More folks continued to arrive, making me thankful that I was able to get a seat close to the stage early on. I was noting a number of Rockpagers in attendance and supporting the cause, including Naga, the Underground Television contingent, Yankee Rose, Soundman8199, Drum and Destroy, and of course, all the musicians already involved in the show.
With singer "Robo" Ron Riley running sound for the evening, Dragon Fire was next on the bill. Ron, guitarist Chris Peters, bassist Eric Shumac and drummer Steve Stuckey stepped up the evening's musical intensity with their brand of primal metal brutality as they mixed old and new punishing originals. The group did new assaults such as “Locked Inside,” “No One” and “Decorations on Dark Days;” along with older favorites such as “Rush” and “Cutting Dead Weight.” Dragon Fire was in appropriate caustic form, with Robo Ron’s gargle-with-thumbtacks howl topping the group’s primal, bludgeoning, blunt-force-trauma metal cacophony. Bassist Eric was sounding especially sinister this night, his bass notes rumbled like he was using bungy cords for strings! Dragon Fire left their fans wanting more, as shouts for the group’s Armageddon take on Green Jello’s “Three Little Pigs” rang out at the close of their set.
Chris Peters of Dragon Fire.
Robo Ron and Eric Shumac of Dragon Fire.
Eric Shumac and Steve Stuckey of Dragon Fire.
Robo Ron of Dragon Fire, who also ran the sound board this night.
Eric Shumac of Dragon Fire. Eric's bass sounded wicked this night, like he was using bungy cords for bass strings!
Dragon Fire rocks the Cantina during the Benefit for Chance.
Robo Ron of Dragon Fire addresses the crowd from atop the partition.
Again, “Robo” Ron Riley of Dragon Fire.
More maximum metal would follow in the form of the next band, The Embalmed. The Straw brothers, Jason and Chad on guitars and vokills, bassman Greg Hatch and drummer Darren Byer maintained the intensity with their scathing set, as they previewed assaults from their forthcoming new CD, Toetags & Bodybags, expected out later this year. Chad set the mood with his proclamation that the bands and crowd were together this night to save a youngster’s liver while destroying their own; and Jason followed suit by declaring, “You f**kers are predestined to burn; but he’s just a kid!” Exercises in metal brutality such as “Murder Made Easy,” “Morgasm,” the forthcoming album title track “Toetags and Bodybags,” “Heartworm,” the new (de)composition “Crucifixation,” the vintage “With Arms Both Broken,” “Spoonfed” and more hooked much of the Cantina crowd on demonics, as the audience roared more approval with each passing number. I was again impressed with this band’s intensity and precision, particularly the surgical sharpness the Straw brothers offered up on their respective axes. And The Embalmed’s tongue-in-cheek dimestore demonism references kept the mood lighthearted even as they demolished on their instruments, with Jason sending the set to a close with the words of wisdom “Drink beer, f**k chicks, hail Satan!” Insane!
Show organizer and emcee, Brian "Sanchez."
Chad Straw of The Embalmed.
The most evil Amish bass player alive, Damian Lazarus Crowley LaVey Stoltzfus of The Embalmed.
Two crucial ingredients of the Embalming process, Jason and Chad Straw.
Again, Chad Straw of The Embalmed.
Again, that sinister-looking Amish dude from The Embalmed.
Jason Straw of The Embalmed.
Darren Byer of The Embalmed.
Again, Jason of The Embalmed.
Hooking the Cantina crowd on demonics, The Embalmed.
Once again, the Straw brothers of The Embalmed.
Jason of The Embalmed, going behind the neck.
During the ensuing intermission, I noted the interesting music emanating from the sound system; kind of a wild modern electronica-geared spin on lounge-styled music. I never did find out exactly what this was, but it was interesting stuff!
Dick Shack Posse soon took the stage. Actually, this would provide my first real look at this group; as I only saw two songs from them the first time I witnessed them at Aldo’s last fall. Dick Shack Posse triggered an old-school punk rock celebration with their set, as they performed numbers from the punk rock and hardcore archives. Lead howler Scoob Lanzendorfer, guitarists Jeff Reid and Brian Weibley, bassist Andrea Weibley and drummer Bob Brunner kicked into action with Agnostic Front’s “Crucified,” and proceeded with such classics as Minor Threat’s “Good Guys Don’t Wear White,” The Clash’s “White Riot,” the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the U.K.,” Black Flag’s “Rise Above,” plus tunes from Rancid, Killing Joke, Misfits, Buck-o-Nine and more. My favorite highlight of this set was when Dick Shack Posse broke out the Ramones’ “I Just Want to Have Something to Do,” a chestnut from the old Steve Kelsey era of WFBG’s “All Night Album Rock” that I’ve never heard a local band cover before – great! Another highlight occurred near the end of the set, when show organizer and FedUP frontman Brian “DirtySanchez” Stotler provided additional vocals on a Pennywise number and a punked-up rendition of Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." Dick Shack Posse clearly fired up the party and had the house cheering wildly, enough so that the crowd demanded an encore at set’s end. The group responded with their spin on Danzig’s “Twist of Cain.”
Behind the sound console, “Robo” Ron.
Scoob Lanzendorfer of Dick Shack Posse.
Jeff Reid of Dick Shack Posse.
Scoob and Jeff of Dick Shack Posse.
Andrea Weibley of Dick Shack Posse.
Again, Scoob of Dick Shack Posse.
Again, Jeff Reid of Dick Shack Posse.
Dick Shack Posse steps up the party.
Brian Weibley of Dick Shack Posse.
Andrea and Brian of Dick Shack Posse.
FedUP frontman Brian “Sanchez” Stotler crashes Dick Shack Posse’s punk party..
“Sanchez” stares in amazement after hearing the vocal skills of “Drum and Destroy.”
While singing, “Sanchez” mines for a long booger...
Once again, Sanchez assists the Dick Shack Posse party.
Returning things to a heavier metal flavor was the next band, SeVer. This was the first time I had seen this band since their hiatus and subsequent reformation with a new lineup. Now featuring singer Matt Watson, lead guitarist James Lewis, rhythm guitarist Joe Kruczynski, bassist Devin Walsh and drummer Paul Butler; SeVer delivered a technically-geared style of metal of the Shadows Fall/Killswitch Engage variety as they performed their set of originals. Their sound blended all-out hardcore-styled aggression with technical-geared arrangements and musicianship for an overall bristling presentation. Songs SeVer did this night included “Inside of Me,” “Broken Soul,” “Creatures,” “Fear of Constant Failure,” “Grudge,” “Lifeless” and “Cremation.” Although the crowd began to thin out a little at this point, SeVer connected with a number of the folks who remained, and their contribution to the night was applauded and appreciated. This would be one of Sever's last performances with Matt; Alexander Sipp replaced him as frontman shortly after this show.
From a beer bottle's perspective, Matt of Sever.
Putting pedal to the metal, Sever.
James Lewis of Sever.
Joe Kruczynski of Sever.
Paul Butler of Sever.
Once again, Sever.
Again, Matt Watson of Sever.
Again, James Lewis of Sever.
One more time, Matt Watson of Sever.
One band remained, as FedUP closed out the show with their punk/hardcore-infused brand of heavy metal. To the cheers of the remaining appreciative Cantina audience, the FedUP roster of frontman Brian, guitarists Dave Charlton and Scott Bush, bassist Roman Dell and drummer Matt Popp slammed forth outspoken original numbers like “How Many Times,” “Ignorance and Apathy,” “Out of My Way,” “Jihad” “Been to Heaven,” “Don’t Turn Around” and “Gang Violence.” The recent addition of Scott to the lineup has given this band a fuller, more forceful sound with a thicker guitar presence and searing leads along the way. This was probably the most animated performance I have witnessed from Brian so far, as he took his game to the crowd frequently, even climbing atop the bar partition and getting in folks’ faces. The Cantina crowd enjoyed FedUP enough that they demanded another song at show’s end, and the group responded with “Pride” to close out the night.
Brian “Dirty Sanchez” Stotler of FedUP.
Again, Sanchez of FedUP.
Dave “Charltor” Charlton of FedUP.
Roman Dell of FedUP.
Scott Bush of FedUP.
FedUP rocks the Cantina.
Scott and Roman of FedUP.
Matt of FedUP.
Again, Roman Dell of FedUP.
Again, Scott Bush of FedUP.
The tale of the tape...The Benefit for Chance raised over $1,200 to help out Chance Dull and his family. This was an excellent all-around evening, as all six bands brought their ‘A’ game and made their performances count, and the audience brought its ‘A’ game as well, enjoying the tunes and camaraderie, with no problems despite a lot of people crowded into a small-ish venue. Hats off to Brian, all six bands, the Cantina staff and everybody involved for making this a very successful, fun and memorable evening.
Lastly, anybody who couldn’t attend this show who wants to help out Chance Dull can donate by making out a check and mailing it to:
Trina & Greg Dull
1014 N. 6th Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
BAD DAZE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 3/30/08
My weekend again finished up at Pellegrine’s, with the monthly visit of Bad Daze providing the weekend’s partying finale.
I arrived early in Bad Daze’s second set, and found a good-sized crowd at Pelly’s, including a bunch of folks already populating the dance floor. I procured a seat towards the front of the stage near accomplice Big Jim as Bad Daze rocked the crowd with versions of Puddle Of Mudd’s “She Hates Me” and Buckcherry’s “Crazy Bitch.” Singer Rob Carolus, guitarist Kenny Murdick, bassist Paul Rainey and drummer Eric Wertz kept the party charging with favorites from Poison, Fuel, Alice In Chains and Nickelback, before pulling out a surprise and doing a rocking take on Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds.” The rock re-intensified with Disturbed’s “Sickness,” and remained intense til set’s end with Rob Zombie’s “Dragula,” Godsmack’s “Whatever,” Drowning Pool’s “Bodies” and Saliva’s “Click Click Boom” to close the set.
Bad Daze’s final chapter of the night launched with Fallout Boy’s “Sugar We’re Going Down,” which quickly refilled Pelly’s dance floor. This time the party continued with numbers from Jimmy Eats World, Eminem, Godsmack, Rage Against the Machine and Bon Jovi. Bad Daze then pulled out another song I hadn’t heard them do before, Kiss’ “Strutter,” before the group closed the night by honoring a request for some Metallica, doing “Seek and Destroy.”
As usual, Bad Daze’s presentation was high-octane and in-your-face, with Kenny, Paul and Eric packing the instrumental wallop and Rob taking the party out into the crowd. Their pacing was again tight, as Bad Daze didn’t give the dance floor revelers any excuse to want to sit back down.
Bad Daze’s fun, rocking show convincingly slammed the door on the weekend.
Rob Carolus of Bad Daze with air-jamming party animal Pat.
With assistance from Debbie, Paul Rainey of Bad Daze tries to make his bass levitate.
Paul ponders if he trusts his psychic levitation skills enough to tell Debbie to let the bass go.
Again, Bad Daze, bringing the party.
Eric Wertz of Bad Daze.
Rob of Bad Daze gives the official Juniata salutation.
Bad Daze Rob teaches the Juniata salutation to the Pellegrine’s audience.
Kenny Murdick of Bad Daze.
JP’s HAIKU
Benefit for Chance
Six bands make a difference
Twelve hundred bucks raised!
_________________
http://pamusician.net |
|
