[Jim Price]

MY BIRTHDAY WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 10/16/06

BLUEGRASS JAM @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 10/11/06

My usual Wednesday night "hell night" at the workplace wasn't as hellish as usual, so I was able to escape fairly early and head to the Hitching Post to take in the latest installment of the Post's Bluegrass Jam.

With Songsmith directing the sction and playing dobro, several musicians was present and taking part during most of the night; including Denny and Katie Cerully of Mt. City Grass on acoustic guitar and upright bass, Jeremy Nelson of Wood-n-Strings/Texas Toast on banjo, and Bruce Foor of Resonators on mandolin. The evening also saw cameo appearances from Flight 19's Tim Kelly on upright bass and Nine Planet Tour's Eric Wertz on acoustic guitar.

The musical flavor was undeniably bluegrass, with numerous canons of the genre performed, such as "Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms," "Will You Be Loving Another Man," "Man Of Constant Sorrow" and more. There were also numerous early folk, blues and old-time country songs performed as well, including "Blue Ridge Mountain Home," "John Hardy," "9-Pound Hammer," "Take Me Back to Tulsa" and more. (Still a novice to bluegrass and roots sounds, I'm still learning many of these titles.) The musicianship was steady and respectable as these players had fun creating their roots sounds. Attendance was a little light this night, but the folks who did attend were enjoying the music.

Bluegrass jammin' at the Hitching Post.

Bluegrass jam ringleader John "Songsmith" Stevens.

More bluegrass jammin.'

Musicians enjoying some good 'grass at the Hitching Post.

INDIGENOUS/MATT MAYS & EL TORPEDO @ THE WHITAKER CENTER, HARRISBURG 10/12/06

It was my birthday, so I should have been taking it easy, right? Wrong. Indigenous was performing at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg this night, so I decided to take the roadtrip to see this band for the first time.

Despite my best-laid plans to arrive in downtown Harrisburg in time to catch the whole show, parking hassles once I arrived caused me to miss most of the opening act, Matt Mays & El Torpedo. I did arrive in time for the last three songs, though. From Halifax, Nova Scotia, this group’s style and sound was Americana-infused heartland rock. The group did songs from their three albums, finishing the set with “Mornin’ Sun,” “City Of Lakes” and “Cocaine Cowgirl.” This group showed strong, well-constructed melodies, along with good vocals and harmonies. The large Whitaker Center audience seemed to appreciate their performance.

Matt Mays and El Torpedo.

Intermission gave me a chance to wander around the Whitaker Center lobby area, where people were lined up to purchase beer, as well as merchandise from both Matt Mays and Indigenous. I picked up a Whitaker Center program schedule and returned to my seat, and took in the surroundings of this modern performance theater.

Soon, Indigenous was ready to begin. Since they surfaced several years ago as a sibling band, guitarist/singer Mato Nanji has inherited Indigenous as his own, and the group is now a trio with a bassist and drummer. Indigenous quickly lit up the house with a set of hard-hitting, bluesy rock not far removed from Stevie Ray Vaughan territory. The group did a number of songs from the new CD Chasing the Sun, including “Runaway,” the slow and intense “I’ll Be Waiting,” the rowdy “The Way You Shake” and “Number Nine Train.” The group did some past material as well, and during their encore performed a smoking rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House.” Of course, the spotlight was on Mato Nanji and his scorching guitar work; his playing was soulful and passionate, and he made his guitar sing out in a variety of voices. Indigenous executed as a tight unit, and their style was swaggering, powerful blues rock. Their set drew louder applause from the Whitaker Center crowd as it went along; obviously Indigenous had an easy time winning over this crowd.

Indigenous impressed me enough in my first experience seeing them that I purchased the new Chasing the Sun CD afterward. This trio played blues rock the way I liked it; full bodied, powerful and rowdy. It was the perfect birthday gift to myself - thank me very much! (Thanks to Robin at Pennsylvania Musician for the hook-up as well!)

After the concert, I thought I’d check out some live musical entertainment along downtown Harrisburg’s 2nd Street party district. Unfortunately, live music was nearly non-existent in this part of the world this Thursday night, with deejays the prevalent form of entertainment, and the only live music event being a rap concert with KRS-One at Dragonfly. I didn’t feel like parting with a $12 cover charge to witness rap this night, so after verifying that there was no other live music happening in the 2nd Street nightspots, I returned to my car and headed home. The rest of my birthday celebration would have to continue the next day.

Indigenous rocks the Whitaker Center.

Again, Indigenous.

Mato Nanji of Indigenous.

4 DAYS DIRTY/CHOKING FAITH @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 10/13/06

My destination this night was Aldo’s, to witness the official unveiling of the new CD from Choking Faith, Thru the Ashes, in a CD-release double-bill with 4 Days Dirty.

A sizable crowd was already present as I arrived early into 4 Days Dirty’s set. Several female fans were already in front of the stage, getting throttled as 4 Days Dirty hammered with a blend of established and new original tunes. From their Raise Your Hand…If You Feel Like Dying CD, the group played “Downtime,” “Worthy,” “Shot Gun” and “Killbox,” with Choking Faith frontman Jason Mittan getting warmed up for his band’s set by howling backing vocals on the latter. 4 Days Dirty also introduced several bristling new numbers, which displayed similar aggression, punishment and brutality to their established material. It was another quality display of 4 Days Dirty’s firepower, and suitably set the stage for the remainder of the night.

Rocking dozens from atop Aldo's pool table, Joe Neary of 4 Days Dirty.

4 Days Dirty and some fans.

The cameras were out in full force this night for 4 Days Dirty and Choking Faith.

Once again, 4 Days Dirty and some fans.

Again, Joe Neary of 4 Days Dirty.

Steve Danfelt of 4 Days Dirty.

Justin Fair of 4 Days Dirty.

The Aldo’s crowd continued to grow during 4 Days Dirty’s set and intermission, and a number of musicians were in the house, including members of Suicide Switch, Second Offense, Yum and more. As Choking Faith’s new CD was being issued by Altoona-based indie label Heartless Mockery Records, that label’s proprietor, Matt Winrick, was also in the audience to celebrate the label’s newest release.

Soon Choking Faith was ready to go. Jason Mittan, guitarist Dan Miller, bassist Steve Seymore and drummer Joe Richards came out the gates with guns-a-blazing, in succession playing the five songs from the new EP: the fast-charging “The Train Wreck Of Life,” an update of “Porno Tongue” from their earlier EP, and “Wait” and “Oblivion,” both with Suicide Switch frontman Cheeze howling backing vocals. Then frontman Jason introduced his sister, Michelle Santora, onstage for the CD’s epic seven-minute title track “Thru the Ashes;” with Michelle providing melodic backing vocal counterpoint to Jason’s feral lead howl. Choking Faith continued to do more originals, including “all Away,” “Sex” and “Freedom in a Body Bag,” before closing their set with two cover numbers, Motley Crue’s “Shout At the Devil” and Slayer’s “South of Heaven.” The rowdy and supportive Aldo’s crowd quickly demanded an encore, and Choking Faith delivered; first launching into Pantera’s “Walk,” with 4 Days Dirty guitarist Joe Neary barking out backing vocals. The group then finished up the night with another tune (which I didn’t recognize, I think called “Wake Up”).

Inspired and fired up by the occasion of their CD release, Choking Faith unleashed the beast and played one of the strongest shows I've witnessed from them since their return to area stages. Jason howled out his words with maximum ferocity and intensity, again proving himself as one of the most lethal throats in local metal. His bandmates were equally intense on their instruments, letting it all out onstage in a volatile and explosive display.

Choking Faith's celebration of their new recording set the stage for an excellent and memorable night of punishing local metal, and provided further proof of the healthy state of the area metal/heavy rock scene.

Jason Mittan of Choking Faith.

Jason Mittan of Choking Faith and his sister, Michelle Santora.

Again, Jason and Michelle.

Michelle Santora.

Choking Faith rocks the fans at Aldo's.

Dan Miller of Choking Faith.

Jason Mittan of Choking Faith.

Once again, Choking Faith.

Once again, Jason Mittan of Choking Faith.

A fired-up Choking Faith rocks Aldo's.

Again bringing the metal, Choking Faith.

Yet again, Jason Mittan of Choking Faith.

With Cheeze of Suicide Switch and Joe Neary of 4 Days Dirty offering vocal and moral support, Choking Faith.

Steve Seymore of Choking Faith.

Jason Mittan of Choking Faith and 4 Days Dirty's Joe Neary.

When she wasn't helping with backing vocals this night, Michelle Santora staffed Choking Faith's merch table.

RON SHAWVER & THE DIVELY FAMILY @ HARTSLOG DAY, ALEXANDRIA 10/14/06

Another October weekend, another fall festival...This day, I headed to Alexandria in Huntingdon County for the annual edition of Hartslog Day, to partake in some foodstuffs and live entertainment.

It was overcast and chilly as I parked at the Lower Trail parking area and walked into the Hartslog Day festivities along Alexandria's main drag. After procuring some initial food items, I headed to the entertainment tent next to the Hartslog Museum. I first saw the tail end of an acoustic performance by Anita Roseborough, who sang and played guitar. Assisting Anita was a familiar face from the local television world, WTAJ-TV 10 weather gal Regina Miller, who sang backing vocals. I watched as the two ladies did two folk songs, the latter called "Grandma's Bed." Although it was only two songs, what I heard from these two ladies sounded good, and the audience appeared to enjoy it.

Regina Miller and Anita Roseborough.

I stuck around for the next and final performing act of the day, the Shawver and Dively Families. I first saw these folks perform last year, and was impressed by their rural bluegrass and gospel sounds. Last year, though, the weather during Hartslog Day was on the warm side and comfortable. This day, it was overcast, breezy and chilly, with temperatures in the mid-40's. Readying to play his banjo, Ron Shaw3ver remarked, "I hope my fingers work." They did. Ron, wife Missy on upright bass, John Dively on mandolin and vocals, and his wife, Jo Ann, on acoustic guitar and vocals played their mix of old-timey and gospel bluegrass, original songs, banjo tunes and more. Some of the gospel numbers included "Over in the Gloryland," "The Old Country Church," "Shoutin' on the Hills of Glory," "Standing on the Rock," "When We All Get to Heaven," "Steal Away and Pray," "This Little Light of Mine," and "Where the Soul of a Man Never Dies." Ron demonstrated his banjo skills frequently, from his precise clawhammer picking to emulating animal sounds on his instrument on banjo numbers such as "Chicken Reel" and "Kickin' Mule." Besides their instrumental talents, these folks could all sing as well, providing some nice harmonizing along the way. Despite the chilly and breezy conditions, the musicianship was tight and on target, and the onlookers enjoyed the music enough to brave the chill and stick around.

The Shawver and Dively Families have been performing at Hartslog Day every year for the past 15 years. After seeing their performances the past two years, I can easily understand why they have become regular favorites at this event.

Braving chilly conditions to make music, the Shawver and Dively Families at Hartslog Day.

Once again, the Shawver and Dively Families. Besides braving the cold this day, Jo Ann Dively (seated) postponed elbow replacement surgery until winter so she could do this show...what a trooper!

Again, the Shawver and Dively Families.

Pickin' and scratchin' banjo in the cold, Ron Shawver.

FLIGHT 19 @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 10/14/06

I arrived at the Hitching Post early this night. I wanted to see Flight 19 with new bassist Tim Kelly, yes...but that's not why I was there early. This evening was THE GAME; the contest around which my whole college football season was centered. Michigan vs. Penn State at Beaver Stadium, in front of a national television audience...Would JoePa finally notch a win over Lloyd Carr? Would the Lions make a statement by knocking off the undefeated Wolverines, throwing a wrench into the dream battle of unbeatens between Michigan and Ohio State? And most importantly for yours truly, would I finally collect a case of Genesee from Kevin "ToonaRockGuy," or would I have to shell out money for another MGD 30-pack? Although the Lions played Michigan tough, the defense held the Wolverines to 17 points and they didn't turn the ball over except for one freak play late in the first half that didn't affect the score, Michigan's defense also came to play, and held the Lions to 10 points. Bottom line, I had to buy Kevin another case of beer. Damn.

As Flight 19 began their performance late in the 3rd quarter, it was already starting to look bad for Penn State winning the game; so Flight 19's work was cut out for them, cheering up the blue Penn State fans in the house. Singer Brian Thomas, guitarists John McKelvey and Scott Imler, Tim on bass and Darrin Hand on drums opened their first set with their bluesy original rocker "Unlock;" and got down to the work of rocking the mid-sized Hitching Post crowd. The group rocked with numbers from Jimmy Eats World, Lit, Deadeye Dick, Clash, Audioslave, Weezer and more. The group also broke out an 80's new wave/pop medley featuring Men Without Hats' "Safety Dance," Inxs' "Devil Inside" and Soft Cell's "Tainted Love."

By the end of the first set, the game was over, so yours truly and the Hitching Post crowd could now focus full attention on the band. It was Flight 19's first-ever Hitching Post appearance; and coupled with the Penn State game, I thought the room would be packed. Although it was a busy night, it wasn't a packed house.

Soon Flight 19 was back for round two. This time around, the group opened with Kenny Wayne Shepherd's "Blue on Black," and continued the rock'n'roll with a John-fronted version of Gary Numan's "Cars" and Kiss' "I Was Made for Loving You." They continued with favorites from Stone Temple Pilots, ZZ Top, Jet, Nickelback, Billy Idol and more. John fronted the group again on a rendition of "Wild One;" and Flight 19 also did one of their own, the party anthem "Hands." The second set ended with a slight touch of country, courtesy of Big & Rich's "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy."

So far, Flight 19 was sounding reliably solid. Tim Kelly was fitting in well on bass, and otherwise the group was instrumentally strong. Singer Brian was successfully chasing away the blues of the Penn State fans in the house, rallying them around the music instead.

Flight 19 decided to trigger some dance floor action to begin the nightcap set, starting off with the Commodores' "Brick House," and continuing with a funk medley tying together Ohio Players' "Love Rollercoaster," Tone Loc's "Wild Thing," The Gap Band's "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" and finishing with a "Brick House" reprise. Flight 19 then kicked it back into hard-rocking mode with tunes from Saliva, Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, AC/DC and more; throwing in another original song with "3 of a Kind," and closing out the night with White Zombie's "Thunder Kiss '65."

While Penn State's loss cast a shadow on my evening, Flight 19's spirited rock'n'roll lifted spirits and provided an upbeat end of the night.

Flight 19, with new bassist Tim Kelly, makes their Hitching Post debut.

Tim Kelly and Scott Imler of Flight 19.

John McKelvey takes his turn piloting the Party Plane...

Once again, Flight 19.

Again, Tim Kelly of Flight 19.

During the post-flight celebration, Tim Kelly and his better half with Hitching Post main man Butch.

FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 10/15/06

My birthday weekend came to a close at the Hitching Post, as I decided to finish it with some birthday weekend Hurricaning.

A good-sized contingent was in the house as I arrived just before the second set got under way. I was quickly informed that I had just missed the action, as a female reveler who got a little too rowdy was tossed from the premises moments before I arrived. As it turned out, that wouldn't be the only action at the Post this night.

Felix, Bob and Jeff soon started into the set with ZZ Top's "Blue Jean Blues," and proceeded to rock the house with their mix of classic blues rocking favorites and originals. After the original tune "Who's Fooling Who" and Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Cold Shot," bassman Jeff sang lead on Kenny Wayne Shepherd's "Blue On Black," which transitioned into Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love." The Hurricanes proceeded with the Allman Brothers' "Ramblin' Man," followed by their soulful original "Walkin' A Straight Line," and Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Couldn't Stand the Weather" to end the set.

After the intermission, the 'Canes kicked into their nightcap set with the Allman Brothers' "Soulshine." Jeff again sang lead on Free's "All Right Now," before the group slowed it down for Brooks & Dunn's "Neon Moon." The action then picked up musically and otherwise during Ted Nugent's "Free for All," as appropriately enough, an actual free-for-all broke out during the song. An elderly patron had gotten a few too many drinks into his sytem, and began hitting on a few younger ladies in the back of the room, to the chagrin of one or two of their boyfriends, who made overtures to start hitting on the hitter physically. A scrum broke out over one of the tables, and the patron quickly got the bum's rush out of the door. This sequence of events did not go unnoticed by the Hurricanes. Lead 'Cane Felix remakred "Did you see that?" Bob the drummer responded "You could just SMELL the testosterone!" Not to be outdone by the mini-fracas, the Hurricanes kicked into an instrumental number, and Felix demonstrated some slide guitar abilities using a toilet plunger! After a rendition of CCR's "Who'll Stop the Rain," the Hurricanes provided the finale, starting with the Allman Brothers' "Whipping Post," and bridged by some hot Felix distortion effect histrionics into Jimi Hendrix's "Third Stone from the Sun" to end the night.

As usual, the Hurricanes provided abundant musical fireworks throughout the course of the night. The alcohol-driven audience fireworks provided additional thrills and chills during this Hurricanes joyride.

Demonstrating his toilet plunger slide talents, Felix Kos of the Hurricanes.

Rocking the weekend home at the Hitching Post, Felix & the Hurricanes.

JP'S HAIKU

'Canes at Hitching Post
Beered-up Steeler fans go wild
Drunk oldster gets tossed
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[Jim Price]

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