[Jim Price]

Hello Everyone,

Here is the recap of the March 9 edition of Q94's weekly local music program, "The Backyard Rocker," which airs every Sunday night from 8 to 10 PM on WBXQ 94.3.

We kicked off our eleventh year of bringing local and regional music to the radio airwaves of central Pennsylvania with the latest installment of the ever-popular “Acoustic Jam Special,” where we welcome acoustic musicians into the studio to show their stuff and jam out on common songs. This edition took on a more rural and bluegrass flavor courtesy of our guests, Altoona’s Mama Corn (www.myspace.com/mamacorn1) and Cambria County picker and grinner Rick Ramsey. We found out the latest Mama Corn and Rick Ramsey happenings and left both perform separately. Then in the show’s last half hour, we left them rip on some common tunes, and the results included grassed-up Stones and Guns N’Roses classics, a Hee Haw classic and more! Along the way, we also updated Local Music News, and reviewed Zupe & Nichols’ instrumental CD Speechless in “The Professor’s CD Corner.” (The review can be read in the “Backyard Rocker” section of the message board area on Q94’s website, www.wbxq.com.) It was a fun and jam-packed two hours; thanks to both Mama Corn and Rick Ramsey for sharing their talents!

Again, you can download mp3’s of both hours of the broadcast on the home page of Q94’s website, www.wbxq.com. The mp3’s should be posted sometime on Monday.

Here is this week’s playlist:

HOUR ONE:

RHYNE McCORMICK – “Soul Dust”
LOWJACK – “Stand Up”
MAMA CORN – “Salty Dog Blues” (performed live on the air)
MAMA CORN – “Shenandoah Mountaintops” (performed live on the air)
MAMA CORN – “Shenandoah Mountaintops” (studio…oops!)
MAMA CORN – “These Old Blues” (performed live on the air)
VALERIE NICOLE – “Fed Up”
MAMA CORN – “Zoom Zoom Zoom” (performed live on the air)
JANA LOSEY – “Have You Made It”

HOUR TWO:

ROB WALLACE & THE MESS – “Harvestin’ Time”
THE WILCOX HOTEL – “Coyote Blues”
RICK RAMSEY – “I Walk the Line” (performed live on the air)
ZUPE & NICHOLS – “Caterpillar”
ALL-STAR JAM – “Down Home Girl” (performed live on the air)
ALL-STAR JAM – “PFFT You Were Gone” (performed live on the air)
TED McCLOSKEY – “The Last Independent Record Store”
ALL-STAR JAM – “Sweet Child O’Mine/Two Hits” (performed live on the air)
ALL-STAR JAM – “Catfish John” (performed live on the air)

Next Sunday night, we'll become acquainted with Reading-based singer, songwriter and musician Valerie Nicole. Valerie was the lucky winner whose CD was drawn from those submitted to the "Backyard Rocker" during last month's Millennium Music Conference, so she gets to be in the show's spotlight next Sunday! From an interview recorded on site at the Millennium Music Conference, we will learn Valerie's story and career to date, and we'll hear tracks from her debut EP, Soul Searching! We'll also hear from other bands and artists, plus review a new local CD or two in "The Professor's CD Corner!" Learn about Valerie Nicole on the “Backyard Rocker,” next Sunday night!

Forthcoming guests and specials include:

MAR. 23 – My Turning Point
MAR. 30 – Dollarz-n-Sense
APR. 6 – Ledbetter Heights
APR. 20 – Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band
APR. 27 – Zupe & Nichols
MAY 4 – Solegion
MAY 11 – JustMegan
MAY 18 – Rise Phoenix Rise
MAY 25 – Memorial Day Special
JUNE 1 – Sarah Fleck & the Palpitations
JUNE 8 – Evelyn’s Ashes
JUNE 15 – Father’s Day Special
JUNE 29 - Rockabilly Junction (tentative)

The "Backyard Rocker" is happy to announce its continued partnership with "The Underground TV," the local/regional music television show airing on WWPC Fox 8 Sunday and Monday mornings at 1 AM. Check out "The Underground" as it features different unsigned local and regional bands every week; and watch for "Backyard Rocker" updates on the show each week as well! Their new television season is under way!

For regular updates on what is happening on the area music scene, pay a visit to Rockpage (www.rockpage.net). Rockpage features band links, a message board, "Backyard Rocker" updates, the online 'zine publication "The Final Cut," and other local music scene information.

Bands and artists interested in having music aired on "The Backyard Rocker" are invited to send their broadcast-quality recordings to: WBXQ Radio, 2513 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601; ATTN: Jim Price. Or drop the recordings off at the station during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM.

Q94’s “Backyard Rocker” has been introducing listeners to the region’s best musical talent for over ten years, and we plan to do it for many more. Help guarantee the program’s future, and consider becoming an advertising sponsor of the “Backyard Rocker.” If your business involves music, a “Backyard Rocker” sponsorship can get your message in front of listeners interested in music. To inquire about becoming a sponsor of the “Backyard Rocker,” call Diane Boslet during regular business hours at (814) 943-6112, or email diane@wbxq.com.

Jim Price

In Local Music News…

Former Hair Force One keyboard player Michael Troy has landed another tour slot with Swedish guitar master Yngwie Malmsteen. Michael will play keys alongside Yngwie later this year when Yngwie tours in support of his upcoming new album. Also part of Yngwie’s touring band will be Tim “Ripper” Owens, the one-time singer for Judas Priest. Tim also graced Altoona stages back in the 90’s as singer for the Judas Priest tribute band British Steel.

Several band personnel moves to report…First, Hair Force One has found their new guitar player to replace Michael J. Cox, who left the band at the end of last year. The new guitarist goes by the name Nikki D’Priest. Altoona fans will get their first look at the new addition this Saturday when Hair Force One returns to 30 Something in Greenwood.

Slacker Theory is searching for a new bass player to replace Paul Greiner, who left the group to rejoin two of his former 4 Days Dirty bandmates, drummer Justin Fair and guitarist/singer Joe Neary, in the new band This Calling. Paul replaces Bill Fischer in that lineup.

Local music website Rockpage is organizing another benefit jam night to help out an area musician. The jam will be taking place on Thursday night, March 20, at 30 Something Restaurant & Lounge in Greenwood, and will feature Rockpage member musicians and bands joining forces and making music. Proceeds will help out Half Tempted drummer Steve McCulley with medical expenses he has incurred after back surgery. Steve has been out of action since the surgery, while Clint Carothers has been filling in behind Half Tempted’s drum kit. So far, members of Half Tempted, Felix & the Hurricanes and The Red Arrow are involved; for more information, see the “Benefits” section on Rockpage (www.rockpage.net).
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