[Jim Price]

WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 8/7/06

PETER FRAMPTON @ CLEARFIELD COUNTY FAIR, CLEARFIELD 8/1/06

It had been a long, long time since I had attended the Clearfield County Fair. And the last time I attended this fair; I almost didn’t live to do it again…

Age-wise, I was in my single digits and knee-high the last time I saw the inside of the Clearfield County Fair, as my parents took me to the Fair sometime in the mid-60’s (before my dad passed away in 1968). I don’t remember a whole lot about the fair itself except riding a few rides and eating some fair food. I do remember more about the trip home, though. My dad was driving us back home to Altoona on Route 322, and at Wallaceton crossed the railroad track. For whatever reason, just a split second after we cleared the track, we heard a loud train horn, and the back of our car barely cleared the crossing before a coal train came barreling through. I don’t know if it was a faulty crossing signal or my dad not paying enough attention, but I remember us pulling off the road, and both my mom and dad white as ghosts from the near-miss. The Professor’s story could have come to an end that night had the car been a split second slower…

Anyway, I had wanted to catch concerts at the Clearfield County Fair in recent years, but the schedule never quite worked out, and other things got in the way. But this year, the planets finally aligned correctly, and I planned on catching Foreigner at the Fair on this Tuesday night. Then word came down that Foreigner suddenly had to pull out of the show, and that a replacement was being sought. For several hours, Billy Idol was tabbed as the replacement, but then he pulled out as well. The Fair folks promised ticket-holders that a suitable replacement act would be found, and with time running out before the Fair’s arrival, the Fair organizers had found their replacement: Peter Frampton.

I had seen Peter Frampton perform once before, several years ago at Star Lake as an opener (I can’t recall who he was opening for at the moment). I recall seeing the last half of his set, and he and his band performing the marathon “Do You Feel Like He Do,” during which he used his guitar talkbox to tell female members of the audience, “I wanna f**k you!”

Wheelman Sparky D’Engineer and I arrived at the Fair and found parking close by in some lady’s backyard for $3. We entered the grounds and arrived at the grandstand just as the show was getting started. We heard Frampton and his band start off with a blues/funk jam and then do his hit version of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed Sealed Delivered” as we made way to our seats. Our seats were in a great location; lower bleachers, dead center in front of the stage behind the floor seats.

After a slower number, Peter joked with the audience, apologizing and saying he and his band didn’t have a chance to do a sound check “because of the damned horses” – a reference to some horse races that happened at the grandstand earlier that afternoon. Peter and his band – featuring his longtime sidemen Gordon Kennedy on guitar and John Regan on bass, plus a drummer from Clearfield – then did one of his biggest hits, “Show Me The Way,” which brought some fans up in front of the stage to dance along. Peter then announced that he had a new CD coming out shortly called Fingerprints, and that his next two selections were from the upcoming album. The first number, “Float,” was a slow and bluesy instrumental, featuring tasty guitar harmonies and exchanges between Peter and Gordon Kennedy. Peter then introduced the second number simply as “one you know,” and commenced an instrumental update of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun.” This was an interesting rendition, with Peter’s guitar providing the melody; in the latter part of the number, Peter used his talkbox effect on the song’s chorus. Frampton then dug a little deeper into his archive to perform “I Wanna Go to the Sun.” Then, from an “I’m In You” intro, Peter and band shifted into “Baby I Love Your Way,” which drew a big crowd of fans to the front of the stage to cheer the musicians on. The group then closed out their set with the song everybody had been waiting for – “Do You Feel Like We Do.” As expected, this was a marathon edition of the classic, timing close to 20 minutes – complete with lots of Frampton guitar talkbox dialogue, a mid-song audience clap-along, Peter introducing his band members, and more. It all fired up the audience, and left the crowd voicing thunderous applause as Peter and his band left the stage.

An encore was imminent, and soon Peter and his band returned, strapped on instruments and proceeded to do two more songs. First was a famous number from Pete’s former band, Humble Pie – “I Don’t Need No Doctor.” The last song of the night was Frampton’s rendition of the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

This was a very good show. Peter and his band sounded great throughout the show, displaying abundant chops and tight musicianship. Peter’s guitar work was impressive; technically adept, yet tasteful and serving the song. Peter himself was friendly and appreciative of the audience, joking and bantering with audience members along the way. The response was pretty much unanimous – Peter Frampton was a hit in Clearfield!

My return visit to the Clearfield County Fair was a pleasant one, as Peter Frampton’s strong performance made it well worth the roadtrip!

Peter Frampton.

Peter Frampton and his band entertain at the Clearfield County Fair.

Again, Peter Frampton.

Again, Peter Frampton and his band.

As night descends, Peter Frampton’s rock and roll party continues.

Once again, Peter Frampton and his band.

Revelers celebrate in front of the stage for Peter Frampton.

Gordon Kennedy and the keyboard player of Peter Frampton’s band. (I couldn’t find out his name.)

More festivities with Peter Frampton and his band.

A wider look at the audience and Peter Frampton.

Peter Frampton salutes the crowd.

RUSTY GUN REVIVAL @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 8/2/06

Although Wednesday is my usual “hell night” at the workplace, I was able to escape early enough to catch the latter portion of Rusty Gun Revival’s bi-weekly Hitching Post hoedown.

I arrived as Slim, Red and Tom were ending their second set with a feisty rendition of Big Bill Broonzy’s “Long Tall Mama.”

During the intermission, I ordered up a round of ribs and fries to wash down my brew with (!), and awaited more Americana chicanery from the Clearfield trio, along with the rest of the mid-sized crowd in attendance.

We were soon rewarded. Rusty Gun Revival resumed the music with a song from their brand new CD called “Honky Tonk Woman.” The trio followed that with “That Girl Is Hot,” the rockabilly-ish “Step It Up N’Go,” “Revival,” the surf-ish instrumental “LF/T,” and their update of the traditional “Tell Old Bill.” The group had built momentum, but suddenly had to end the night after Slim broke a guitar string and didn’t have any replacements. Bummer!

But the show was fiery while it lasted, and gave the Hitching Post audience a preview of the upcoming album. And my attendance this night was beneficial in setting the stage for my return visit to the Clearfield County Fair later in the week.

THE NIGHTCRAWLERS @ TUSSEY WING CHALLENGE, TUSSEY MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT, BOALSBURG 8/3/06

Along with the Lakemont Park Wing-Off and the Conemaugh Township Fire Company Wing Fling, I wanted to complete the regional wing event hat trick and attend the Tussey Mountain Wing Challenge. This night, I headed to Happy Valley to do just that.

Initially, I was excited about the musical menu this night, featuring Happy Valley favorites The Nightcrawlers. I had noted on the schedule that Poker Face was opening for them; I initially thought it was the established Lehigh Valley-based freedom rock foursome, who I hadn’t seen in a few years since their last showcase performance at the Millennium Music Conference and their “Backyard Rocker” appearance 4 years ago. But I soon learned that this Poker Face wasn’t the Lehigh Valley-based band, but rather a new Happy Valley-based band with the same name.

It was a moot point, as my day job duties didn’t allow me to arrive at the Tussey Wing Challenge until after Poker Face had already performed. I arrived during the intermission between bands.

Another side plot to this evening was the new Wing Challenge cover charge of $5. This event had been free admission in previous years, and I was curious to see what effect the sudden new cover charge would have on attendance. It did appear to reduce attendance some, but the new $5 cover had a bit of a silver lining; the cover included one free drink. Since drink tickets were $3, attendees were in essence just paying $2 overall for admission if they had already planned to purchase a drink.

After staking out my turf and setting up shop with my folding chair, I went and procured my first wings, sampling Beulah’s smoked buffalo and original barbecue wings – both tasty. Out of the three regional wing events, the Tussey Wing Challenge offered the best price for wings, four for a dollar ticket. (The Lakemont Wing-Off was six wings for a $2.50 token, while the Johnstown Wing Fling was $7 for a dozen.)

Soon The Nightcrawlers began. Singer/guitarist Noah Figlin, keyboardist/flutist/singer Aeb Byrne, drummer Steve Arnold and an unidentified designated hitter bassist started off with Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing,” and proceeded with renditions of Tom Petty’s “Learning to Fly,” the Police’s “Roxanne” (with Aeb’s flute accents giving this tune a unique and distinct flavor), and the Aeb-fronted rendition of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots.” The group then broke out one of their own, “Desert Sun,” followed by Men At Work’s “Down Under” and another original song, “Lover’s Test.” The Nightcrawlers then did the interesting fusion of the Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street” into “When the Saints Go Marching In” and back; before wrapping up their first set with their popular local hit, “African Echo.”

Along the way, I opted for some more wings, this time trying the Allen Street Grill’s ‘Sweet Heat’ and chipotle wings – again, both varieties uniquely tasty. Sixteen wings for $4, good deal!

Aware that the weather forecast called for thunderstorms this night, I noted faint flashes of lightning in the distance as the Nightcrawlers proceeded through their set. The flashes grew brighter during the intermission, and accomplice Sparky D’Engineer and I decided to make our exit during the early stages of the Nightcrawlers’ nightcap set, after impressive renditions of Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” and Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee.” I ran into the brunt of the storm as I proceeded between Boalsburg and Pine Grove Mills on Route 45; apparently I left the Wing Challenge not a moment too soon.

What I experienced at this Wing Challenge was good; both The Nightcrawlers and the wings provided some pleasure before the storms cut my evening short.

POISON @ CLEARFIELD COUNTY FAIR, CLEARFIELD 8/4/06

Although I was interested in attending Poison’s concert at this year’s Clearfield County Fair, I hadn’t actually planned on seeing it, especially after it was announced that the show had been sold out. But thanks to Red from Rusty Gun Revival, I learned two nights before the show that I did have a pass to get in to the show, so I was there!

Although I expected that I might encounter some heavier traffic getting to the fair this night, I was still surprised by the lengthy gridlock I encountered as I made my way into Clearfield, and inched my way towards the fairgrounds. It was looking grim for my being able to get to the grandstand in time for the concert’s scheduled 8 PM start time, as the parking area near the fairground entrance filled up to capacity just before my car arrived. I proceeded past the entrance, fearing I would have to park in some town in Egypt and have to walk a long distance to the gate. Fortunately, though, I was able to park in a backyard just past Clearfield Middle School, about a five-minute walk from the gate…not bad. And as I hooked up with Red for my pass into the concert, I learned that due to the gridlock, the start time of Poison’s performance had been pushed back half an hour.

Needless to say, the grandstand was jam-packed with the sold out attendance. With my pass, I was able to watch the show from an excellent vantage point, right next to the soundboard, directly in front of the stage!

With the crowd already ecstatic and riding at a high adrenaline level, Poison made their entry to the stage and set the crowd into a cheering frenzy as they launched into their first song, “Look What the Cat Dragged In,” amidst a lively backdrop of flashpots and pyro. Singer Bret Michaels then addressed the Clearfield crowd, telling them, “It’s good to be back on PA ground, man!” He and Poison then launched into “I Want Action,” with the audience happily clapping along. Next was Poison’s rendition of Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band” from their newly-issued greatest hits set, The Best of Poison: 20 Years of Rock. Bret thanked the crowd for letting Poison live their dream for 20 years, and the group continued with another hit, “I Won’t Forget You.” After “Ride the Wind,” C.C. Deville did a guitar solo, before fronting the group on the next song, “I Hate Every Bone in Your Body But Mine” from Power to the People. Poison then dug back to their early years for “Cry Tough,” before sending out “Something to Believe In” to our armed forces. The group picked the tempo back up with “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” with Bret breaking out the harmonica;” and continued with “Fallen Angel,” before the spotlight shifted to drummer Rikki Rockett, who fired off a drum solo as his drum riser elevated above the stage. Bret then introduced one of the evening’s most anticipated songs, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” before the group finished the set strong with “Unskinny Bop” and “Nothing But A Good Time.” The crowd went ballistic and quickly demanded an encore, and they soon got one, as Poison returned to the stage and ended the night with “Talk Dirty to Me.”

Poison delivered an all-out, entertaining show. They did all the hits, and mixed their performances with an exciting light and pyro display that kept the action nonstop. Overall, I thought they sounded good; Poison has never been about musical virtuosity, they’re about delivering the hits and the good time, and they succeeded on both counts. Poison entertained, constantly taking their party to the crowd, establishing eye contact, providing energy and excitement and feeding off the crowd’s energy. The group showed appreciation along the way, thanking the audience for the support over the years. At show’s end, Bret walked along the front of the stage and greeted fans.

Bottom line, Poison gave the Clearfield crowd the party they had endured the gridlock to see, and the crowd’s energy level rode at a constant high from start to end.

I apparently left my spot at the grandstand area a little too early, as I later learned that a nasty catfight between two blondes erupted mere moments after I departed. Damn, I could have gotten some pictures!

Again, I had a good time at the Clearfield County Fair this night. And having never seen Poison’s live show before, I was glad to finally be able to witness one of this state’s most commercially successful bands on the live stage and experience what their show was about. Thanks again Red for the hook-up!

Bret Michaels and Rikki Rockett of Poison.

Poison plays to a sell-out crowd at the Clearfield County Fair.

Bret Michaels of Poison.

Have some pyro with your Poison.

C.C. Deville of Poison.

Again, C.C. Deville of Poison.

In the midst of a solo, C.C. Deville of Poison.

Again, Poison.

C.C. Deville and Bobby Dall of Poison.

Rikki Rockett of Poison.

Ascending on an elevating riser, Rikki Rockett of Poison.

More Poison and pyro.

The sellout crowd watches as Poison’s party continues.

Once again, Poison.

In the show’s latter stages, the audience’s hands are raised for Poison.

Once again, C.C. Deville of Poison.

Bobby Dall of Poison.

Showers of sparks add to the excitement as the Poison party continues.

Moments after the concert ended, Bret Michaels of Poison greeted fans along the front of the stage.

BANDITOS @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 8/4/06

After departing the Clearfield County Fair, I arrived back in Altoona with enough time to catch the last set of Banditos’ performance at Aldo’s.

I arrived shortly into their third set; Aldo's was only lightly populated, and Banditos were doing a workmanlike job entertaining the folks who did show up. Singer Wally Archer, bassman/singer Billy Nusom, guitarist/singer Phil Wagner and drummer Dave Russell were performing ZZ Top's "Beer Drinkers and Hellraisers," and continued with Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" and Scorpions' "Rock You Like a Hurricane." After a punk-flavored number I didn't recognize, Banditos launched into Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World," which segued into Bush's "Everything Zen." Phil then sang lead on a punk-flavored original tune, I believe called "Making History," before Banditos ended the night with Sugar Ray's "Answer the Phone."

As expected, Banditos' performance was solid, with everybody instrumentally and vocally on the same page. The group kept it as upbeat as they could, given the absence of a crowd to watch them this night.

It wasn't a particularly memorable Banditos performance, but in all, it was a respectable one.

Banditos rock Juniata.

Wally Archer of Banditos.

On vacation from the Vegas casino circuit, RobTheDrummer Bonsell.

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA HOEDOWN near LINCOLN CAVERNS, HUNTINGDON 8/5-8/6/06

I have heard much about the Central PA Hoedown over the past few years, but had never checked it out for myself yet due to scheduling conflicts and more. This year, finally, the planets aligned correctly, and I would take the plunge and see what the Hoedown was all about.

One obstacle did surface to prevent me from arriving at this year's event sooner; the new August issue of Pennsylvania Musician hit the streets late in the week. Duty thus called, and I spent much of Saturday delivering magazines around the Altoona area. This did yield one positive result regarding the Hoedown, as I purchased a small pop-up tent while doing my deliveries, so I could officially camp out at the Hoedown later on. I then made my way to the Hoedown site, a large field and hillside located next to Lincoln Caverns near Huntingdon. I arrived at around 7 PM on Saturday evening, over halfway through the event.

As I arrived and pondered the Hoedown environs, I caught the last two songs from The Fat Man Band, doing acoustic-geared renditions of Paul Simon's "America" and Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man."

After a small break in the musical action, the Feathers family performed next. This would mark the first public performance of young Aislinn Feathers on cello; Aislinn's father is Flame Sky guitarist Jason Feathers. Completing this line-up were Jason's wife, and friend Dave. This line-up performed two selections; Emerson Lake & Palmer's "Lucky Man," and Paul McCartney's "Mull of Kintyre."

The Feathers Family.

Again, the Feathers Family.

The sun began to set as the next performers stepped on the Hoedown stage. I didn't catch their names, but they were an unscheduled rap/hip-hop duo from the Lancaster area who just happened to show up. This duo performed 3 or 4 songs.

Noting that the sun was setting, I began to set up my new tent at the edge of the Flame Sky tent village; kudos to the Flame Sky contingent for helping me set it up.

It was at about this time that I learned of some tragedy surrounding this year's Hoedown. Mike Gingrich, singer for the band The Chaos Method, was killed on Friday morning in a traffic accident; The Chaos Method was to perform at the Hoedown that day. I would later learn that Mike's mother passed away later that same day; a very sad circumstance.

Next up on stage at the Hoedown was a new State College band, Lowjack. I didn't know much about this band going in, but soon recognized the key players as former members of Katsu and Voodoo Bullet. Singer and acoustic guitarist Dennis Fallon, bassist Frank Yarnal, guitarist Burk, drummer Jonathan Hoffman and keyboardist Jeremiah Reyes (at least; I know a few other folks were onstage with these gents during the course of the set) performed a multi-flavored original music mix of rock, blues, folk, country twang and more. I didn't catch much in the way of song titles except for the set-closer, "Vacation." But it sounded good. It was an entertaining set; the band was passionately playing their tunes, and the audience was digging it, including one trucker who was sounding off his air horn at various times during the performance. Various dogs were running around the grounds, including on the stage while the band was playing. And at one point, the right side of the stage collapsed under the weight of speakers and people; nobody was injured, but some hasty repairs had to be completed before Lowjack could fully continue their set. Chaos notwithstanding, I enjoyed what I witnessed from this first look at Lowjack; and I plan to catch more from them soon.

Making their Hoedown debut, Lowjack.

An unidentified mandolin player during Lowjack’s set.

A temporary interruption during Lowjack’s set occurred when the right side speaker platform collapsed under the weight.

Firing up the Hoedown crowd with their fresh mix of sounds, Lowjack.

Once again, Lowjack.

Hoedowners watch Lowjack’s performance from the stagefront lawn.

As I witnessed the craziness unfold during Lowjack's set, I realized that the Central PA Hoedown had a very similar vibe to another event I have enjoyed in years past – the now extinct Freaker's Ball in western PA!

Next was an acoustic performer who played a song or two, Brian Eckberg. Brian represented Eckberg Guitars from Pittsburgh, and was chancing off an acoustic guitar during Hoedown weekend.

After another short break, the next band to take the stage was Blackseed. One person told me that this band had been a part of every Hoedown thus far through the event’s eleven-year history. Blackseed was a four-piece band who mixed up generous dosages of heavy and classic rock spanning the 70’s through 90’s, plus original songs too. Some of the bands and artists Blackseed covered included Iron Maiden, Alice In Chains, Van Halen, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Guns’N’Roses, White Zombie, Pink Floyd and more. Blackseed gave a respectable performance that kept much of the Hoedown populace fired up and rocking along. These guys weren’t finesse players, but were solid on their instruments and provided some solo fireworks and highlights along the way. For late on a Saturday night, Blackseed provided good, sloppy hard-rocking fun.

Blackseed rocks the Hoedown.

Blackseed’s guitarist.

Again, Blackseed.

Once again, Blackseed.

Blackseed’s drummer.

By this point, it was well after 2 AM, past standard bar scene quitting time. But this was the Hoedown; where the night before, Felix & the Hurricanes rocked the hillside campers ‘til sunrise. This night/morning, it was The Flame Sky’s turn to entertain the graveyard shift. Going on at 2:40 AM, singer/guitarist Ed Brinkel, lead guitarist Jason Feathers, bassist Shawn Shultz and drummer Nate Woods started into their mix of original compositions, classic rock, metal and more. The instrumental fireworks were plentiful as The Flame Sky executed their material with a jam band spirit, riding many of their numbers out to passionate and heated crescendos. During their first set, The Flame Sky tackled such numbers as the Robin Trower double-shot of “Day of the Eagle” into “Bridge of Sighs,” Thin Lizzy’s “Emerald,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression,” Led Zeppelin’s “Ten Years Gone,” numbers by Gov’t Mule, Miles Davis and more. At one point, Hoedown organizer Ray Springsteel stepped up to sing backing vocals on the Beatles’ “Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds.”

The group took a small breather midway through, during which former and founding Flame Sky member Scott Hicks plugged in his guitar and performed some spacy guitar passages, topped with some conceptual, poetic lyrics.

The Flame Sky then returned to the stage, and performed a freeform reunion jam with Scott. The group then continued with more of their classic rock/metal/jam mixture; this time doing Ozzy’s “Mr. Crowley,” Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” the Metallica double-shot of “Fade to Black” and “Call of Ktulu,” the Ray Springsteel-fronted rendition of the Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post,” and original numbers as well. Before long, the darkness began to fade as the sun approached the horizon. As sunrise grew nearer, the humidity in the air gave the brightening horizon an orange tint, an actual flaming sky! The group entered into its final song, “Spirit,” as sunrise arrived with its orange glow – very cool! Revelers who pulled the all-nighter, including Rockpagers undercoverjoe, zappa, YankeeRose and yours truly, celebrated both the band’s and our own accomplishment. Then, with the Flame Sky’s performance concluded and the sun now above the horizon, I retired to my tent to catch a few hours of Z’s before the music would resume again.

The Flame Sky rocks the graveyard shift at the Central PA Hoedown.

During The Flame Sky’s intermission, Scott Hicks performs some spacey guitar music.

Again, Scott Hicks.

With founding member Scott Hicks helping out on guitar, The Flame Sky.

With Hoedown organizer Ray Springsteel singing lead, The Flame Sky.

As sunlight dimly begins to light the horizon in front of them, The Flame Sky.

Again playing to the rising sun, The Flame Sky.

Once again, The Flame Sky.

As the sun begins to color the horizon with an orange “flame sky,” The Flame Sky concludes their Hoedown performance.

After the Flame Sky’s performance ended, the sun’s flame sky took over.

Once again, the orange flame sky.

Since I was retiring just before most everybody else was rising and stirring on the Hoedown grounds, I didn’t get much sleep, perhaps 4 hours tops. As entertainment was to resume at high noon, I climbed out of my tent and struggled to get awake. Coming to my assistance was a group of campers from across the road. Tom, Jen and their group of campers invited me over to do some coffee, scrambled eggs, grilled spam and more. Definitely the spirit of community was alive at the Hoedown!

As I completed breakfast at around noon, the day’s first band, Nine Planet Tour, was ready to begin. I stuck around for most of their set as singer Erika Marino, guitarists Brendan Burns and Eric Wertz, bassist Kelly Montgomery and drummer Evan Rutherford played their mix of classic, modern rock and originals. Erika’s voice was again in very good form, and her bandmates sounded a little tighter and more on target than the first time I saw this band the preceding weekend at The Bar. Highlights included Erika’s soaring pipes on renditions of Janis’ “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Piece of My Heart,” Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet,” Guns’N’Roses’ “Sweet Child O’Mine” and Heart’s “Barracuda;” their rousing version of the Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” and several original songs, including “Up and Away.”

Since I had live guests scheduled on the “Backyard Rocker” later on, I had to bid farewell to the Hoedown near the end of Nine Planet Tour’s set. But my first Hoedown experience was a good one, and I plan to spend more time at this event next year; in fact, I likely will even devote at least one vacation day towards Hoedown weekend next year so I can log more time at this event. I tip my hat to Ray Springsteel for throwing this musical celebration for eleven years running – count me in for number 12 next year!

Commencing the Sunday afternoon Hoedown music, Nine Planet Tour.

Eric Wertz of Nine Planet Tour.

Erika Marino of Nine Planet Tour.

Again, Erika Marino of Nine Planet Tour.

Again, Nine Planet Tour.

Evan Rutherford of Nine Planet Tour.

Kelly Montgomery of Nine Planet Tour.

FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 8/6/06

Since I missed their Hoedown all-nighter earlier in the weekend, I decided to finish out my weekend by catching Felix & the Hurricanes’ weekly hoedown at The Hitching Post.

A sizable and lively crowd was on hand as I arrived at the Post near the midnight hour. Felix, Jeff and Bob were in the midst of Robin Trower’s “Too Rolling Stoned” as I procured my first brew and eventually located an empty seat towards the back of the room. Felix then showed off some fine slide work on his guitar during Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker.” The group seamlessly glided through renditions of Al Green’s “Take Me to the River,” the Allman Brothers’ “Dreams” and Grand Funk Railroad’s “I’m Your Captain.” The ‘Canes continued the party with CCR’s “Proud Mary,” double-timing the last verse before gearshifting into Cream’s “Sunshine Of Your Love.” After the group fired through an instrumental, they performed the Jeff-fronted original rocker “Black Widow,” before slowing things down for the Allmans’ “Sweet Melissa.” At this point, a guest took over the drum helm, Rob Bonsell, back in the area from his current gig in the Nevada/Utah casino circuit. Rob and the ‘Canes did Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle,” before the group finished out the set with Stevie Ray’s “Pride and Joy.” The calls for an encore were immediate, and the Hurricanes answered the crowd demands with Felix doing a solo rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “The Ballad of Curtis Lowe,” and the whole band finishing out the night with Ted Bugent’s “Free for All.”

What I got to witness of it was a good party. Felix & the Hurricanes had the crowd fired up and partying, and kept the dance floor busy all evening.

With RobTheDrummer Bonsell behind the drum kit (and my camera on a night setting, thus the funky effect on the lighting), Felix & the Hurricanes bring the party to The Hitching Post.

Again with Rob Bonsell behind the kit, Felix & the Hurricanes.

RobTheDrummer.

JP’s HAIKU

JP's first Hoedown
Music, campouts, friends and brew
Dogs everywhere
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[Jim Price]

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