log in · your profile · private messages · members · search · help · register
   
· Home
· Band Pages
· Show Schedule
· The Forums
· The Final Cut
MILLENNIUM MUSIC CONFERENCE RECAP 2/22/10 PART ONE
Post new topic   Reply to topic
ROCKPAGE Forum Index » JP's Corner
previous topic :: next topic  
Author Message
Jim Price
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA

 Post Posted: Saturday Feb 27, 2010 
Reply with quote

MILLENNIUM MUSIC CONFERENCE WEEKEND RECAP 2/22/10 PART ONE

JAM NIGHT @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 2/17/10

After putting in a late night of getting “Homegrown Rocker” stuff ready for the coming weekend (translation: prerecording the show since I was attending the Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg from Thursday through Sunday), I headed to Pellegrine’s to see if I could catch the last part of Wednesday Jam Night, and if I was really lucky, snag a remaining slice or two of pizza before the kitchen closed. Fortunately, I lucked out on both counts.

I arrived to find that this was easily the busiest jam night thus far since Adam D commenced it several weeks ago. Present and representing were Adam, Big Jim, Ryan Clark and Dan Simpson from Hard Drive, Eric D, Kirk “Otto” Tonkin from KottonMouth, and guest singer Bryan. I thought I might have missed most of the jams and that things were winding down, but these musicians kept the tunes going until close to closing time!

With Adam directing and conducting traffic to and away from the microphones, various combinations of the musicians platooned in and out to perform. The song selection included hits from Bon Jovi, Pink Floyd, Neil Diamond, Eagles, Rolling Stones, Steve Miller and more. Adam tried to recruit a kazoo player for Emerson Lake & Palmer’s “Lucky Man,” but still battling my cold bug, JP Kazoo was on the disabled list this night (I don’t think the audience would have been enthused to see snot rockets fired through a kazoo…).

Eric D performed several solo numbers, including the Stones’ “Paint It Black” and “Sister Morphine,” Neil Young’s “Down By the River” and more.

Other interesting highlights included Adam’s acoustic spin on Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades” and his Carole King lounge-flavored take on Disturbed’s “Sickness,” Big Jim and Otto pairing up on Charlie Daniels’ “LeaveThat Long Haired Country Boy Alone,” and eccentric Pelly’s regular “Doc Brown” getting loose and hooting and hollering along with the music.

Bottom line, Pellegrine’s Wednesday jam night seems to be picking up some momentum; and hopefully more and more musicians will come out to take part. Who knows, maybe I’ll even break out some of my percussion toys and join the festivities…

Dan Simpson, Adam D and Big Jim partaking in a jam.

Adam D, Dan, Big Jim, Bryan and Ryan team up on a tune.

Half of Hard Drive kicks out a jam.

Eric D, being assisted by Otto on guitar.

MILLENNIUM MUSIC CONFERENCE RECAP

NIGHT ONE, 2/18/10

The 14th annual Millennium Music Conference started Thursday night with two showcase events in the Harrisburg area. One took place at Gullifty's Underground in Camp Hill, and the other happened at the Appalachian Brewing Company near downtown Harrisburg.

After arriving and checking into my hotel room at the conference's host facility, the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center in Camp Hill, I ventured across the Susquehanna River into Harrisburg to catch the Appalachian Brewing Company showcase event.

Heading into this year's Millennium, I already had a few artists and bands circled on the schedule that I was intent on seeing. Harrisburg singer, songwriter and guitarist Mycenea Worley was one of them, and she had just begun her 20-minute set as I first arrived. Worley's debut EP from last year, Love, introduced a rural rock and blues sound at times recalling Bonnie Raitt or even Janis Joplin. I'm happy to report that Worley's live performance didn't just live up to expectations based on the EP; it exceeded them! She sang her songs with a gutsy, emotion-packed intensity; you could tell this lady's heart and soul were in her music. She performed several numbers from the EP; including "Nothin' Like I Thought," the upbeat "I Love You" and the darker and lowdown "Low." I actually had a different Mycenea Worley showcase appearance for later in the weekend circled on my schedule, and this one was a late addition to the showcase listings. But based on what I saw here, I seriously considered catching Worley's Saturday showcase performance as well.

Mycenea Worley.

Coming to a Rocky 104.9 “Homegrown Rocker” near you later this year, Mycenea Worley.

Next was a full band, Johnny Action Figure from Philadelphia. Four members strong, this group was impressive as well, offering a piano-driven pop/rock sound. The group played selections from their newly-released second CD Good Eye; displaying playful, catchy melodies, vibrant vocal harmonies and a style that worked in elements of boogie and even swing. This was good-sounding stuff, and Johnny Action Figure is a band I wouldn't mind seeing again.

From Reading but also calling Philadelphia their home base, Johnny Action Figure.

Chris Sheehan of Johnny Action Figure.

Another solo performer was next. She simply went by her last name, Jennings (her first name is Mary), and she calls both New York and Nashville her home bases. She sang and played keys, and also delivered a stunning performance. Jennings demonstrated a strong, multi-octave voice and a knack for alluring melodies and song hooks. She also displayed a passion and intensity, and sank heart and soul into each song. And again, this was a performer I hope I get to witness again before the weekend is through.

Her name is Mary, but you can call her Jennings. Whatever name she goes by, she sounded excellent during her first-night performance at the Millennium Music Conference!

Once again, Jennings.

Another band I had circled on my schedule was Lancaster-based quintet The Sketties. Their debut CD from last year, Up?!? Yes!! merged a playful and quirky modern rock sound with an almost circus or carnival presence, with songs that took unexpected twists and turns. Although The Sketties didn't do any songs from the CD, the material they did perform offered much the same type of unpredictability. Their sound came off as eccentric at first, but as the melodies fully kicked in, it was clear that this group knew exactly what they were doing.

From Lancaster, The Sketties.

Again, The Sketties.

Ben Honey-Hartranft of The Sketties.

Alissa Amer of The Sketties.

Johnnie Wechter of The Sketties.

Rockville, Maryland-based soloist Ryan Hammer followed with his display of acoustic folk-rock. Originally from Reading, Hammer displayed a strong voice as he sang songs about the ins and outs of relationships such as the bluesy "I Just Fell In Love with You," "Never Be Back," "I'm Sorry and "Freedom."

A Reading native who now calls Rockville, MD his home base, Ryan Hammer.

Again, Ryan Hammer.

Closing out the showcase was Connecticut-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Karen Zimmer. Zimmer demonstrated her style of acoustic folk/pop on songs such as "Something," "Heaven Can Wait," "Would You Love Me" and more. Zimmer appeared a little stiff and tentative at first, but picked up momentum and confidence as she went along. (She later told my cohort RachelRocks that she arrived from Connecticut just a half hour before performing, so road fatigue might have been a factor.)

Karen Zimmer.

My first night of Millennium showcase performances complete, I retired back to the hotel, to rest up for Friday and the first day of conference business sessions.

DAY ONE 2/1910

The business portion of the Millennium Music Conference got under way on Friday, with music business panels, mentoring sessions, the trade show, and a musical keynote address and performance.

I spent most of the day watching, photographing, and sometimes coordinating the parade of musicians performing on Pennsylvania Musician Magazine's acoustic stage. Bands and musicians could bring instruments and perform 2-4 song sets to show trade show participants what they musically had to offer, plus promote their upcoming showcase performances later in the weekend. Some of the performers who made the biggest impressions on me this day were singer/songwriter Brian Xander, New Jersey singer/songwriter Jill Cagney, New York's Finespun, Lancaster singer/songwriter Adam Blessing, Ithaca, New York folk/blues artist Marc Berger, Reading's Valerie Nicole & Jon Rossi, and Saskatchewan-based singer/songwriter J.J. Voss. I also got to see two performers I had witnessed the night before at the Appalachian Brewing Company showcase, Jennings and Karen Zimmer.

This plaque, positioned on the floor adjacent to the trade show acoustic stage, offered some food for thought.

Dillsburg-based singer/songwriter Dave Moran performs on the Pennsylvania Musician-sponsored acoustic stage at the Millennium trade show.

From Neffs, PA (near Allentown), singer/songwriter Brian Xander.

Gracing the trade show acoustic stage with her excellent voice, Jennings.

Once again, (Mary) Jennings.

Rested up and sounding good this day on the acoustic stage, Connecticut’s Karen Zimmer. She’s from Stamford, home of the WWE.

From New Jersey, singer/songwriter Jill Cagney. Besides demonstrating a solid voice, Jill also is a good lyricist, and her songs were topical and interesting.

From Ephrata, singer/songwriter Ivan Swangren (on left, with accompaniment).

Returning to the trade show stage this year, New York’s Finespun. The group admitted that last year’s appearance on the trade show acoustic stage was the first time they ever publicly performed acoustic.

A few international performers attend the Millennium Music Conference each year. Logging the most miles to be at this year’s conference was Yokohama, Japan-based Christian metal band Imari Tones. Here their singer, Tak “Tones,” performs a couple of acoustic numbers on the trade show stage.

Lancaster singer/songwriter Adam Blessing.

Again, Adam Blessing.

A band that attended Millennium but did not showcase this year was this group, called Mississippi. They are based near the York area, but their singer (on left) is originally from Mississippi.

Two members of Harrisburg’s Chasing Darwin. This band will be featured on Rocky 104.9’s “Homegrown Rocker” on March 21; their CD was the one randomly drawn from all the recordings submitted to the “Homegrown Rocker” drop box during the trade show, so they won a guest slot and interview on the show.

Tim Farley of northeastern PA rockers Pan.a.ce.a. This is a band I need to get out to see sometime soon!

Demonstrating one of his many interesting percussion instruments, Millennium trade show regular Fredrico of Fredrico Percussion. His display located across the room from the acoustic stage, Fredrico would occasionally pick up one of his instruments and play along with the performer on stage.

From Ithaca, New York, Marc Berger. Marc was an old-school folk performer, and caught my attention right off the bat with a train song!

Again, Marc Berger.

Entertaining passers-by and RachelRocks, Against The Current.

Again, two members of Against The Current.

A crowd of musicians, including Valerie Nicole, some Mindspine guys, Avi Wisnia and others, look on as Against the Current performs.

Making her third annual Millennium Music Conference appearance, Reading’s Valerie Nicole. This year, Valerie came to the trade show acoustic stage armed with a cajon player, Jon Rossi.

Again, Valerie Nicole.

Again, Jon Rossi. This guy could play that cajon; he makes me want to brush the dust off of mine and learn to play it!

Once again, Valerie Nicole. Her new songs sounded great!

Providing a pleasant surprise on the trade show stage, Suzy Brown. A guitar player with showcasing Harrisburg-based performer Stacey Dee, Suzy demonstrated some amazing fingerstyle playing on her acoustic guitar.

From north of the border, Saskatchewan-based singer/songwriter J.J. Voss.

From Nashville, singer/songwriter Adam Smith.

I attended one of the seminars. "The New Music Industry Paradigm," presented by Drexel University's Marcy Rauer Wagman, Esq., provided insight into just how much the music industry has changed in the past 10-15 years, and is still changing. The old music industry business model of performers getting signed to record labels, selling albums and making their income with royalty checks from their music has largely become obsolete. People aren't buying albums and CD's any more with the advent of downloadable music, iPhones, YouTube and other technologies that have rendered record companies almost obsolete. As Wagman bluntly put it, "The music industry has become technology's bitch."

Wagman discussed these changes, and offered thoughts on how musicians need to adapt to the changes. Musicians and their music have changed from being the product to being the "brand," according to Wagman, and that musicians should concentrate on avenues for marketing that brand and selling it, via merchandise and other innovations. Even more, musicians have to treat their careers as a business if they wish to make a living at it, and devise angles to market their business to convert their fan bases to income.

Presenting the “New Music Industry Paradigm” seminar, Marcy Rauer Wagman, Esq.

The business portion of the day closed with a musical keynote address and performance by Harrisburg's Rich Clare Pentagon. Clare has been active in music for over 40 years, and tasted some success in the late '60s when he joined the group The Soul Brothers and was signed by Soulville Records. The band became the Soulville Allstars and had two single releases, the second which charted and became cult hits overseas. In the early '70s, Clare formed Rich Clare Pentagon, and has since enjoyed a performance career that has taken him across the country on the casino circuit; and even earned him an appearance on a Steve Allen special on Showtime.

Clare gave a brief address to the audience, recapping his career and offering this advice to hopeful musicians: "If it's in here, if it's in your heart, you've got to go for it."

Clare and Pentagon performed a 30-minute set of classic rock including medleys from two of their favorite groups, the Doobie Brothers and the Beatles. Clare’s voice was clear and soulful, and his band sounded sharp and polished; I guess over 40 years of performing experience will do that for a group!

The Rich Clare Pentagon.

Namesake Rich Clare.

Again, Rich Clare.

Again, the Rich Clare Pentagon.

Once again, Rich Clare.

Al Cook of the Rich Clare Pentagon.

Tim Marks of the Rich Clare Pentagon.

NIGHT TWO 2/19/10

Having carefully perused the Millennium Music Conference showcase schedule for this Friday night, I decided to head to downtown Harrisburg’s vibrant 2nd Street area, and check out the showcases happening at The Quarter.

A New Orleans-themed bar and eatery, The Quarter had Millennium showcase activity happening on three floors. The third floor featured a deejay, “DJ O’Dini,” providing dance floor music. On the street-level floor, several jam-oriented bands were slated to perform; while in the basement “Gin Mill” portion of the facility, hard rock and heavy metal bands were on the musical menu.

Since the “Gin Mill” band slate didn’t begin until later in the evening, I caught the entertainment on the street-floor level first. As I first arrived, a Brooklyn-based band called Already Gravity was performing. Unlike the later bands on this bill, Already Gravity wasn’t jam-geared; their sound was electronica-geared rock. The group’s two members – a singer/programmer and a drummer – played through several experimental song selections. However, technical problems plagued much of their set, and the sound engineer was visibly frustrated as he tried to get the mix right without feedback and distortion. Possibly due to the technical issues, Already Gravity didn’t appear confident or polished; and although they sounded good when it all came together, more often than not things didn’t come together, and their set was rough at best.

Brooklyn’s Already Gravity.

But conditions remarkably improved when the next band, Gallons To Ounces, took the stage. Based near Washington, D.C., this trio shifted the musical flavor into a jam and funk direction; demonstrating wicked-sounding grooves and sharp instrumental execution. Lead singer/guitarist Matt Cummings, bassist Andrew Griffin and drummer Zach Miller laid down captivating, improvisational grooves that mixed elements of funk, rock and jazz. Each band member displayed abundant solo abilities, and all three played off one another in constant displays of mesmerizing musicianship. Gallons To Ounces clearly kicked up the tempo of this Millennium showcase party, and set the tone for more musical fireworks to come.

From the D.C. area, Gallons to Ounces.

Matt Cummings of Gallons to Ounces.

The next volley of those musical fireworks came from a California-based trio called GrooveSession. Like Gallons To Ounces, GrooveSession also generated improvisational grooves that blended funk and rock. Their presentation was more uptempo and followed progressive-leaning arrangements, and their songs often escalated into heated and intense jams. Drummer Manny Sanchez sang lead vocals, and demonstrated a quality for combining precision drumming with soulful singing that I haven’t witnessed since John McKnight populated Altoona area stages! He, brother Ronnie Sanchez on bass and Sarven Manguiat on guitar constantly mixed things up into a spicy, tasty stew of sounds; further elevating the mood in the room. By the time they reached their last song, the funky singalong “Get Loose,” GrooveSession had The Quarter cheering and jumping. This band was talented and generated the party; hopefully I’ll come across them again in my musical adventures.

Brothers Manny and Ronnie Sanchez of GrooveSession (no relation to Rockpage’s own Dirty Sanchez).

Sarven Manguiat of GrooveSession.

Manny Sanchez of GrooveSession.

Ronnie Sanchez of GrooveSession.

By the time GrooveSession’s set had concluded, the showcase in the Gin Mill had begun. I ventured downstairs to catch the latter part of that showcase’s first band, Iroquois Confederacy. Named in deference to local history regarding the group’s home base of east-central Pennsylvania’s Lykens Valley, Iroquois Confederacy demonstrated a hard-nosed sound that blended elements of raw southern-styled rock with grunge and modern elements. Singer/guitarist Jeff Heilman sang with a gritty growl reminiscent of the late Danny Joe Brown (Molly Hatchet); flanked by lead/slide guitarist Andy Adams, bassist Eric Spotts and drummer Chris Underkoffler. The group blended newer songs from their forthcoming CD with material from their first album, The Left-Handed Peace Pipe; and closed their set with “Cellophane Blues” off that disc.

From the Lykens Valley, Iroquois Confederacy.

Jeff Heilman of Iroquois Confederacy.

Again, Iroquois Confederacy.

Andy Adams of Iroquois Confederacy.

Again, Jeff Heilman.

After Iroquois Confederacy’s set ended, I hastily retreated back upstairs to catch the next band on The Quarter’s floor level, Altoona’s own Chris Vipond & the Stanley Street Band. Although some sound issues delayed the start of their set, once the group began, the party quickly heated back up. Namesake Chris Vipond on lead vocals, keys and acoustic guitar; co-namesake Mike Stanley on bass, guitarist Phil Wagner and drummer Jacob Smith generated a freewheeling mixture of rock, funk, soul and blues over the course of their original song selection, and triggered the first dance action of the evening along the way. The group shined on original songs such as “Shine,” “Be,” “Freedom,” “Media Controls the World” and “End”; and also mixed in their own distinctive spin on Bill Withers’ 1971 classic “Use Me.” Altoona’s lone band participants in this year’s Millennium Music Conference represented well, and clearly won some new fans by the time their set had concluded.

Making their Millennium debut, Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band.

Chris Vipond.

Mike Stanley.

Again, Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band.

Phil Wagner of Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band.

Patrons and fans look on as Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band performs.

I then returned down the steps to the Gin Mill to catch my first look at the band performing there, Waysted Sylence. (I missed the set by Harrisburg’s On Faith Alone, which took place while I was witnessing Chris Vipond’s set upstairs.) Four members strong, it quickly became clear what this band was all about – heavy metal! Sporting long hair, studs and black leather, Waysted Sylence performed original heavy rock rooted in the classic ‘70s/’80s metal tradition of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Dio. Lead singer/bassist John Slade, guitarists/singers Bobby Blaze and Rick Wylde, and drummer Joe Steel demonstrated thunderous rhythms, scorching guitar leads and dual guitar harmonies, howling vocals and power through their assault; doing songs from throughout their discography. The central highlight of their set, though, had to be during the song “Understand,” when muscular frontman Slade was presented with a metal frying pan, which he then proceeded to curl up with his bare hands, fruit roll-up style, and hand back out to a female fan in the audience (this reminded me of a national band from the ‘80s called Thor, whose muscular singer used to bend iron bars on stage). Now that’s metal!

Harrisburg metal rockers Waysted Sylence.

John Slade of Waysted Sylence.

Rick Wylde of Waysted Sylence.

Again, Waysted Sylence.

John Slade begins to curl up a metal frying pan with his bare hands!

Don’t try this at home, kids!

John hands the rolled-up frying pan out to an audience member. Wow.

Bobby Blaze of Waysted Sylence.

One more time, Waysted Sylence. Listen for this band to be guests on Rocky 104.9’s “Homegrown Rocker” later this year.

I watched the duration of Waysted Sylence’s set, which closed out the downstairs showcase. Unfortunately, I missed the last band of the first floor showcase, whose set transpired in the meantime. I then returned to the hotel to rest up for the next day of business at the Millennium Music Conference.

(CONTINUED IN PART TWO)
_________________

http://pamusician.net
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Jim Price
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA

 Post Posted: Thursday May 26, 2011 
Reply with quote

...
_________________

http://pamusician.net
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
ROCKPAGE Forum Index » JP's Corner
Post new topic   Reply to topic All times are GMT - 4 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

©Twisted Technology, All Rights Reserved