[Jim Price]

WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 3/29/10

ADAM D & ERIC D @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 3/22/10

This Monday night, following the craziness of recent ones, was calm. Gamber Gone Wild went to Virginia on vacation. Jess P. had something else going on and couldn’t be in attendance this week. So music-wise, it was Adam D, joined by Eric D and Dwane Edmiston.

As a result, this week was more about the music than the merriment. The three musicians alternated and blended their talents throughout the evening, providing an interesting range of material along the way. A few highlights included Eric’s renditions of “Wagon Wheel,” Charlie Daniels’ “Leave That Long-Haired Country Boy Alone,” David Allan Coe’s “Jack Daniels (Old No. 7),” and his night-closing version of Led Zeppelin’s “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”; Adam’s versions of U2’s “Bullet the Blue Sky” and B-52’s “Love Shack”; and the Dwane and Eric (D’n’E?) version of Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page,” with Dwane playing keys!

Again, no cheap thrills, but still a good time…and good wings.

Adam D and Dwane Edmiston – D’n’A – entertain at Pellegrine’s.

Trying to find out who next Sunday night’s band is, Guv’nor Jesse does a Vulcan mind-meld on Natalie the barkeep.

JAM NIGHT @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 3/24/10

After missing the previous Wednesday Jam Night due to plentiful other St. Patrick’s night happenings, I was back at Pellegrine’s for this week’s Jam Night. And again, it was a good time!

Participants this night included a number of the recent usual suspects; Adam D, Eric D, Rich “Allheart” Edmundson and Don Osborn. Also participating were Jamie Shumac on his digital drum kit, Terry Wilt on drums, Jess P, Dwane Edmiston, guest singers Kira Burley and Bryan, and just playing bongos this night, yours truly. My favorite highlight was probably when “Allheart” improvised some songs freestyle, and the rest of us – Don, Jamie, Adam D and I – joined in and improvised our own accompaniment. Rich remarked that these were some of the best jams he was involved with yet! Another highlight and surprise before I joined in was Adam, Don and another musician or two answering an audience request for Savoy Brown’s “Hellbound Train”…too cool!

The Pellegrine’s Jam Night seems to have found its own style and flavors, and a growing cast of weekly participants. Again, I’m starting to look forward to Wednesday night’s jams almost as much as Monday night’s wings!

Kira Burley and Jess P. team up for a duet during Pellegrine’s Jam Night.

Again, Kira and Jess entertain the crowd of onlookers.

Once again, Kira and Jess. Kira is a former contestant from Dennie Huber’s “Crazy Fest” Amateur Youth Talent Show.

JOY IKE @ EVE CHAPEL, PENN STATE ALTOONA 3/25/10

After wrapping up my Penn State Altoona teaching duties this night, I headed to the campus’ Eve Chapel to see the performance of Pittsburgh-based singer, songwriter and pianist Joy Ike, sponsored by Students About Living Truth (S.A.L.T.). I had seen Joy perform at last year’s Flood City Music Festival in Johnstown, and liked that performance enough to want to hear more of what she had to offer.

Joy’s performance was actually a part of S.A.L.T.’s weekly get-together. The night started with the 11-piece S.A.L.T. Praise Band (I’m not sure if that is their official name, but that’s what I’ll go with) performing a rousing version of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.’” This energetic read of Journey’s classic took on a revival flavor, with S.A.L.T. members clapping along enthusiastically as the song progressed. S.A.L.T. coordinator Curt Wright then presented some announcements and led the audience in prayer, before introducing Joy Ike.

Joy performed a selection of original songs that blended elements of pop, soul and jazz. She demonstrated a delicate and ornate style on her digital piano, and sang with a clear, strong voice and personality. Joy mixed songs from her first CD, Good Morning, with songs from her new CD expected out in May. Along the way, she shared thoughts, insights and inspirations behind her music. A few times, she encouraged finger snaps from the audience, but discovered that the Penn State Altoona crowd weren’t the best at keeping rhythms! Her lyrics were often thoughtful and observational about herself, as well as the social and human condition. She demonstrated her lyrical talents through such songs as “Unconditional,” “City Lights,” “Give Me Truth,” “Sweeter,” “Remember” and more.

After her performance, Joy remained on stage and sat in with Curt and the S.A.L.T. Praise Band as they performed a short set of four praise songs. This ensemble sounded good, complete with three singers, three guitarists, two sax players, bassist, drummer, and keyboardist.

There was a touch of sadness during this late portion of the program, though, as Curt tearfully announced to the S.A.L.T. members that he would be leaving them and Penn State Altoona at the end of this semester and school year, to follow his path and career to Pittsburgh. He encouraged some of the older students to consider stepping into the leadership role of the organization. The audience showed their heartfelt appreciation for Curt and his service to the organization and Penn State Altoona.

Joy Ike’s performance was the centerpiece of a pleasant and uplifting presentation; she and S.A.L.T. provided positive messages and happy vibes.

Pittsburgh’s Joy Ike.

Again, Joy Ike.

FUSE @ YESTERDAY’S PARTY, EBENSBURG 3/26/10

I decided to head up the hill to Ebensburg this Friday night to see a new band I hadn’t yet witnessed, Fuse, performing at Yesterday’s Party.

Because I know somebody is wondering this…No, this isn’t the old Altoona-based Fuse that Crystal Cameron used to sing with. It’s a totally new Fuse, based out of Ebensburg and Johnstown. Formed last July, Fuse features former Bonfire guitarist Tom Buck, singer/harmonica player Nick George, bassist Rich George, drummer Bob George and keyboardist John Stackhouse.

As I arrived, Fuse was finishing up their second set with two Bon Jovi songs, “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Runaway,” both sounding good. The Y-P audience was clearly digging it, as the dance floor was well-populated.

After a short intermission, Fuse returned for the nightcap set, kicking off with Loverboy’s “Working for the Weekend.” The group did mostly uptempo classic ‘70s and ‘80s fare from Romantics, Billy Idol, Kiss, Badfinger, Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more. Bassist Rich sang lead voice on Great White/Ian Hunter’s “Once Bitten Twice Shy.” Again, Fuse had the Y-P dance floor busy with activity through much of the set; enough so that the crowd quickly called for an encore at night’s end. Fuse responded with Jackyl’s “Down On Me” – singer Nick nailed the Jesse James Dupree polecat howl perfectly on this one!

Fuse gave a good performance. Their execution was tight and on mark, and vocally they were strong as well. They clearly lit a fuse under the crowd to get up and dance. My first impression of Fuse was good; based at least on this night, this group would appear to have a bright future on area stages.

Fuse brings the party to Yesterday’s Party.

Again, Fuse.

Nick George of Fuse.

Bob George of Fuse.

Tom Buck of Fuse.

Again, Tom Buck.

Again, Nick George.

Rich George of Fuse.

Again, Nick George.

Again, Rich George.

John Stackhouse of Fuse.

FETZERFEST III @ THE STERLING HOTEL, ALLENTOWN 3/27/10

What if, for your birthday, you could book a venue to stage a birthday party, and have 40 or 50 bands/performers show up to provide the entertainment?

Jim Fetzer did.

Two years ago, the eastern PA-based promoter/manager had a band or two play for his birthday party. Last year, a few more. This year, bands were contacting Jim about playing his birthday bash, called FetzerFest; at one point, over 50 bands and performers were on the list to perform; including Black Label Society side project Cycle Of Pain (who later pulled out of the show)! This year’s Fetzerfest III originally was to happen at Crocodile Rock in Allentown, but that venue turned out to be double-booked, and the other booking – national recording group Third Eye Blind – got the nod. So Jim moved the event to the nearby historic Sterling Hotel in downtown Allentown, itself in the process of opening under new management. The event had to be scaled back a little bit to accommodate this alternate venue, but some 39 different bands and performers were still on the list to perform. Still on the list, a number of bands who partook in the recent Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg; as well as New York City’s The Cringe, whose singer, John Cusimano, is the hubby of TV cook Rachael Ray!

With a bunch of bands on the schedule that I wanted to see – even after the band I most wanted to check out, New Jersey’s Rahway, withdrew – I decided to take advantage of the decent weather to get out of Dodge (Altoona) and do the roadtrip to the Sterling Hotel.

This journey was also noteworthy in that I had never driven this far eastward before, and hadn’t set foot in Allentown in more than 25 years (back in 1982-83, a roadtrip with my college fraternity).

My itinerary for this roadtrip was to get an early start, and on the advice of Pennsylvania Musician cohort RachelRocks, stop off at the Cabela’s superstore in Hamburg (near Reading) to eat at their restaurant, which according to Rachel was very good. (And a good restaurant in addition to a huge fishing lure and outdoors store, you don’t have to ask me twice!) Unfortunately, a slight miscue on my part forced me to abandon the Cabela’s end of the plan.

Harrisburg, I still don’t totally know your interstate system. My miscue was following the signs for Route 22 East when I reached the big interstate interchange in Harrisburg, rather than hopping on I-81 north and then I-78 east. I ended up on old Route 22 eastward, which sent me through northeastern Harrisburg’s Colonial Park shopping district and multiple stop lights (Harrisburg’s equivalent to Monroeville for you Pittsburgh-oriented folks). This ate 30-45 minutes out of my schedule, so I wouldn’t have time to stop and browse/eat at Cabela’s. I settled instead on grubbing at a gnarly trucker eatery called the Midway Diner along I-78. The meal was what it was, a chicken cordon bleu special for $6.98…and it tasted like it! I’m not sure if they used melted cheddar cheese on top of the chicken, or melted plastic! Polymers are a good thing, but not in my digestive system.

Anyway, I arrived at the Sterling Hotel around 5:30, in the process missing the first band, and one of the group’s I most wanted to see, recent “Homegrown Rocker” phone guests A Crucifying Feeling. It was still cool to meet singer Paris Kalimaris in person; sorry I didn’t get there in time to see his band!

There were already people in the house rocking in late-afternoon. FetzerFest was apread out over three stages in three different rooms. A fourth room in the Sterling was the merchandise room, with a long row of tables set up so the many bands could hawk their wares. And besides being Jim Fetzer’s birthday party, this event also had a benefit side to it, as food items were being collected for the Turning Point organization and local women’s shelters. And it was also the Sterling Hotel’s re-grand opening and 120th anniversary celebration. Needless to say, a busy show!

At this point, rather than even attempt to do a play-by-play of my progress from stage to stage during this show, I will simply list each band I saw in chronological order, along with a sentence or two or three about my impressions of their performance. The bands were staggered to start every 15 minutes, so there was always music happening on at least one of the stages at any given time…One band would finish, I would step away from that stage and head toward the next place I heard music coming from!

Empire Escorts – A five-piece group from New Jersey, they were on stage and into their last song when I first arrived. Based on the one song I heard, they did hard-edged, contemporary modern rock and sounded good at it.

SickleEye – I saw these guys perform twice; their early performance was in place of somebody else who withdrew from the gig at last minute. Both times, this Chambersburg-based group sounded good on their sets of hard-driving, ‘90s-geared rock, as they did tunes such as the “Homegrown Rocker”-played tunes “The Day My Old Man Dies” and “Tremble,” some newer original tunes, and a few select covers. Hopefully you’ll get to see these guys at Aldo’s soon. Good stuff.

During their earlier set after I first got there, SickleEye.

Sam Hudson of SickleEye.

Again, SickleEye.

From their nightcap set a few hours later, SickleEye.

Sam Hudson of SickleEye, joined by FetzerFest mastermind Jim Fetzer.

Once again, Sam Hudson of SickleEye.

Willpowerless – This Philly-based foursome was good, delivering an explosive, Chevelle-like modern rock sound. I like how their songs lured you into the groove, before exploding into incendiary fury at midsong. A lot of movement and energy, impressive stuff!

Philadelphia’s Willpowerless rocks FetzerFest.

Again, Willpowerless.

Ryan Panfil of Willpowerless.

Again, Willpowerless.

One more time, Willpowerless.

The Sobriquets – Also from Philadelphia, this group introduced a style of acoustic-driven, melodic alternative rock. Their melodies were interesting, and they offered some tasty vocal harmonies as well. Comedy highlight of their set was when a fan exclaimed “Balls deeply!” after one of their songs, and the group started freestyling a song from it!

Philadelphia’s Sobriquets.

Again, the Sobriquets.

Mindspine – Happy Valley represented at FetzerFest and kicked ass! Mindspine crushed it with their powerful original tunes and explosive stage show. I walked in as they were doing “Forgotten You,” witnessed David Eyer banging the musical beer keg during “Shadow,” and witnessed David and brother Jason Eyer deliver dual keyboards during the set closer “Monster.” Mindspine had the crowd cheering them on, good stuff!

Mindspine represents at FetzerFest.

Again, Mindspine.

Tapping his keg, David Eyer of Mindspine.

Once again, Mindspine.

Jason Eyer of Mindspine.

Spencer Puzak of Mindspine.

Again, David Eyer.

The Eyer brothers, David and Jason.

The guy who put on this shindig, Jim Fetzer.

A Clear Blurr – A foursome from New Jersey, A Clear Blurr did punk-driven modern rock. Good tunes and melodies, done with enthusiasm.

A Clear Blurr.

Silas – From Reading, Silas generated contemporary metal-geared modern rock. Four members strong, these guys displayed explosiveness and aggression with songs featuring combustible arrangements that could detonate into rage-fests at any moment. Silas left it all out there on the stage, going for broke and not holding back. Yet another strong band on the FetzerFest bill.

Reading-based rockers Silas.

Benjamin Youtz of Silas.

Once again, Silas.

The merchandise room at FetzerFest did a brisk business throughout the night.

Kagero – And now for something completely different…This was another band I eagerly wanted to see again, Brooklyn “Japanese gypsy rock” trio Kagero. Singer/guitarist Kaz Fujimoto, bassist Robbie Simpson and violinist J.W. did music they call “cultural confusion,” merging gypsy-style folk music with Asian, Mediterranean and rock flourishes. Their tunes were entertaining, as they did numbers like “Back to Jakarta,” “2 + 1 Is Almost 5,” “Grappa” and more. Kagero was engaging and entertaining, and their music was off the wall and different enough that their audience kept growing during the set, to a full room cheering them on by the time they finished. A guest tambourine player joined in with Kagero during a few songs later in the set. Johnstown’s Flood City Music Festival or the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in State College needs to give these guys a serious look!

Brooklyn-based "Japanese gypsy rockers" Kagero.

Kaz Fujimoto of Kagero.

J.W. of Kagero.

Again, Kagero. Definitely a different type of band!

Again, Kaz Fujimoto.

One more time, Kagero.

Evolve 180 – This was a teenage, female-fronted band from northeastern PA. Their singer displayed a clear, strong voice as she fronted the group on original songs and a rendition of Alanis Morisette’s “You Oughta Know.”

Evolve 180.

Again, Evolve 180.

Tyler Rice of Evolve 180.

Deezle Church – I only got to witness half a song from these guys, and kicked myself because what I heard sounded great and I wish I had gotten there sooner! This band formed from the ashes of former Harrisburg country-rockers Tripp McNeely. Hopefully I’ll have another opportunity to catch a full set from this band soon, the half-song I heard them do kicked ass!

SingleSpade – A power trio from Long Island, SingleSpade did tension-filled, heavy modern rock with a bit of a Tool/Helmet slant. Their performance was tense, gritty and no-nonsense. Their tunes were engaging, and singer/guitarist Matt Abbate sold them with raw power and ferocity. Another impressive band, and powerful stuff!

Long Island’s SingleSpade.

Again, SingleSpade.

Matt Abbate of SingleSpade.

Comic Book Heroes – The first I’ve seen this group since last year’s Millennium Music Conference, Reading’s Comic Book Heroes have evolved well in that year span. They seemed tighter and more poised, and their brand of melodic hard rock connected with the crowd nicely. These guys have some cool stuff happening; they landed their music on the Winter XGames and on NASCAR telecasts for the 2010 season!

Ned Goldman of Comic Book Heroes.

Collin MacGregor of Comic Book Heroes. Collin’s father is former Foghat bassist Craig MacGregor.

Comic Book Heroes.

One more time, Comic Book Heroes.

Gee Davey – I missed seeing these guys at this year’s Millennium Music Conference, so FetzerFest provided my opportunity to catch up with Long Island’s Gee Davey. They did a number of songs from their forthcoming CD, coming out this summer. I liked the direction of the new material, a little darker and heavier. Singer/guitarist D.J. Pearlman clearly knows his way around a guitar fretboard! Hard-hitting, no-nonsense rock!

Long Island’s Gee Davey.

Again, Gee Davey.

D.J. Pearlman of Gee Davey.

Mike Bontempi of Gee Davey.

Ray Kuhner of Gee Davey.

One more time, Gee Davey.

Stereogrove – This band turned out to be one of my favorite new discoveries at FetzerFest. From Beantown (Boston), Stereogrove combined new-school and old-school rock elements into their collective sound. Each song was different; one had a rockabilly vibe, and their closer, “Down in the Water,” had a hard, swamp-bluesy vibe to it. I was impressed enough with Stereogrove that I bought their CD for $5.

Boston’s Stereogrove.

A.J. Butler of Stereogrove.

Again, A.J. Butler.

A couple of fans start getting their pogo on to Stereogrove.

The Stereogrove dance party continues.

Demonstrating some greasy blues slide guitar, A.J. Butler of Stereogrove.

Lemongelli – Another discovery I was impressed with at this event was Wilkes-Barre power trio Lemongelli. Their sound was rooted in classic ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s blues-driven rock, with an emphasis on Zeppelin and Black Crowes. Frontman/guitarist Dustin Drevitch went to town on the fretboard early and often, and could sing as well. Just good, fundamental hard-hitting rock!

Dustin Drevitch of Lemongelli.

Jay Hudock of Lemongelli.

Lemongelli.

Jamey Fisk of Lemongelli.

Again, Dustin Drevitch of Lemongelli.

One more time, Lemongelli.

The Cringe – This New York City-based band has one huge distinction that has gotten it more attention than their music so far…Their lead singer, John Cusimano, is the lucky hubby of television cook Rachael Ray! Musically, they were good, offering a ‘90s-geared melodic rock flavor slightly hinting Pearl Jam. One of their road crew was handing out copies of The Cringe’s CD to everyone in the audience, cool!

The Cringe.

Again, The Cringe.

“Mr. Rachael Ray,” John Cusimano of The Cringe.

OutReach – Five members strong from Baltimore, OutReach did a hard, punk-driven modern rock sound. Their singer was animated and constantly moving around the stage and even into the crowd.

OutReach.

Dead End Cruisers – I was anxious to see these guys again, after witnessing their rousing performance several weeks ago at the Millennium Music Conference post-party. Again, they did not disappoint! The Cruisers again did badass punk-driven roots rock and rockabilly, including several of the songs from their A Thousand Miles of Whiskey and Sin CD, plus a few impressive new numbers. Singer Greasy Phil delivered the brawny howl up front, and the rest of the band was full-throttle beside and behind him. These guys would be a great fit for the 814 Riot, or at least at Aldo’s on a rockabilly/punk bill. Here’s my vote for making it happen…

Greasy Phil of the Dead End Cruisers.

Jay Daddy of the Dead End Cruisers.

The Dead End Cruisers.

Psycho Benny of the Dead End Cruisers.

Again, Greasy Phil of the Dead End Cruisers.

From a different angle, Greasy Phil.

Again, Psycho Benny of the Dead End Cruisers.

Greasy Phil and Jay Daddy of the Dead End Cruisers.

Sunsets North – I saw two songs from this Philly-based trio, who did a brand of power punk/pop. Their singer knew how to work the crowd and involve them in the show. The two tunes I heard weren’t bad.

Warren North of Sunsets North.

From Philadelphia, Sunsets North.

Once again, Sunsets North.

Drenalin – This band made me feel good, knowing that at least somebody logged more mileage to attend FetzerFest than I did. Drenalin is a hard-rocking five-piece from Akron, Ohio. They were to play with Mindspine in State College the night before, but their van overheated once they hit the Pennsylvania mountains, and they had to turn around and head back. After fixing the van, they were back on the road to Allentown to rock FetzerFest, and they did! Drenalin was volatile and explosive, playing heavy modern rock of the Papa Roach/Linkin Park variety. They were agitated and constantly moving, and whipped the crowd up into a good frenzy. Simply put, Drenalin tore it up.

Akron, Ohio’s Drenalin.

Again, Drenalin.

Josh Surgeon of Drenalin.

Dan Gutter and Josh Surgeon of Drenalin.

Dick & the Deer Gutters – Providing comic relief during FetzerFest was this wild group from Philadelphia. Donning hillbilly motif and singing redneck-flavored psychobilly, Dick and the Deergutters had the crowd laughing with their wild wit. They closed with their spin on John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads,” closing with a Brother Love-like “We loo-oo-oove you,” and telling the crowd if they wanted more Dick, to visit their Myspace page. Wild tongue-in-cheek fun!

Dick and the Deer Gutters.

Again, Dick and the Deer Gutters. These guys were a hoot!

bob – From the nation’s capitol, bob delivered stormy urban-flavored metal rock of the Rage Against the Machine/Hed PE/Limp Bizkit variety. These guys were volatile and raging, and kept the crowd agitated for the duration.

From the nation’s capitol, bob.

Again, bob lights up FetzerFest.

Adam and Matt of bob.

D.C.’s bob fires up the fans.

Absolution – From northeastern PA, Absolution rocked the house with explosive modern rock/metal of the Mudvayne and Breaking Benjamin variety. The next-to-last band of FetzerFest, these guys actually triggered the first moshpit of the entire shindig! Absolution was tight, together and caution-to-the-wind, and their set rode at a high boiling point for the duration. Another impressive discovery for me at this event!

Brian McDonald of Absolution.

Absolution rocks FetzerFest.

Mark Wojtkiewicz of Absolution.

Again, Absolution.

Again, Mark of Absolution.

One more time, Absolution.

Showin Tell – Closing out FetzerFest, Philadelphia’s Showin Tell provided one of the more surprising moments for me. Having seen this group twice before during past Millennium Music Conferences, I was expecting volatile female-fronted grrrl punk. But since the last time I saw them, Showin Tell underwent a transformation. Lead lady Jeska still fronts the group, but the rest of the roster is now guys, and the musical focus has moved from straight-up-the-gut punk-driven rock to a more mainstream rock sound in the Hole vein. Jeska showed a wider-ranging personality and dramatic singing style up front, and the new band was sharp around her. Showin Tell did some original songs, but also broke out tunes from Theory Of A Deadman, Nickelback and Cranberries.

Philadelphia’s Showin Tell.

Jeska of Showin Tell.

Again, Showin Tell.

Again, Jeska of Showin Tell.

One more time, Jeska of Showin Tell.

Twenty-four bands in seven hours! My brain was feeling pretty scrambled by this point (and I didn’t have anything to drink during the whole night, since I had a 90-minute-plus roadtrip to my overnight sleeping accommodations afterward). And thankfully I had my earplugs, as the acoustics of the Sterling Hotel’s three band rooms this night was a bit on the harsh side. But I had a good time…FetzerFest exposed me to a lot of good bands I hadn’t seen before, and hopefully I’ll get to see some of these groups again. Jim Fetzer knows how to pick ‘em, I didn’t see a weak band in the bunch that I saw! Thanks to Jim for the invite; and based on the fun I had this year, I’d be inclined to attend the fourth installment if Jim does this again next year.

ALLEGHENY UKULELE KOLLECTIVE OPEN JAM @ SLEP CENTER, PENN STATE ALTOONA 3/28/10

St. Francis University has their World Drumming Ensemble. Now Penn State Altoona has…the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective!

I saw the posters advertising the Kollective’s first open ukulele jam, happening this Sunday afternoon at the Slep Center. After departing the “Pennsylvania Musician Bed & Breakfast” (my overnight accommodations after leaving FetzerFest in Allentown), I headed straight for this jam upon my arrival back in rainy Altoona.

Started by Penn State Altoona associate English professor Steve Sherrill, the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective’s first open jam saw a decent turnout; some 9-10 uke players in attendance. Most were campus students, plus one high-schooler whose mother brought him. Some brought their own ukuleles, while others strummed ukes that Steve brought along. There were ukes of varying sizes and shapes, including a metal resonator uke! I don’t know if it saw any action prior to my arrival, but there was also a large washtub bass in the room as well!

With a laptop computer projected on a movie screen, the Kollective played a variety of popular songs, bringing up the chord arrangements on the laptop and following along. Participants often called out the tunes, just like in a bluegrass jam, and everyone strummed along. Some of the tunes that were given uke treatments while I observed included Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville,” the Monkees’ “I’m A Believer,” Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads” and more.

According to Steve, he hopes to do two open ukulele jams a month, probably on the first and third Sundays of each month. The first jam was a good start; hopefully this will continue to grow!

The first gathering of the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective at the Penn State Altoona Slep Center.

Again, the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective. Note the washtub bass at the far left.

GANISTER @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 3/28/10

I closed out my weekend by again heading to Pellegrine’s, where Ganister was paying their latest visit.

I learned that it was now official…former Hi-Tyde guitarist Rob Sottile has joined up with Ganister, after sitting in with them the last two times I saw them. Rob, singer Ken Gray, guitarist Eric Smith, bassist Dan Lukens and drummer Randy Wilson did their best to rock a mostly empty house with their blend of modern rock favorites.

As I first arrived toward the end of Ganister’s first set, the group was blasting out Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades,” and finished the set with tunes from Stone Temple Pilots, Green Day and Buckcherry.

“Not to be confused with ‘Gangster’ or ‘Banister,’” Ganister sounded in good form during the second set, as they did tunes from All American Rejects, Finger Eleven, Nickelback, Saving Abel, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Theory Of A Deadman and more. The group broke out their hard-rocking take on Cameo’s funk anthem “Word Up.” With attendance still sparse, Ganister faced a challenge to get bodies on the dance floor, but they were at least getting applause from the seated fans in the band room.

Pelly’s finally woke up a little more during the nightcap set, and some more folks graced the dance floor with their presence as Ganister did songs from Lit, Buckcherry, Nickelback, Fuel, AC/DC, Maroon 5, Big & Rich, Godsmack and more. A number of ladies joined the band onstage in the latter stages of the night. There was enough activity by show’s end that Ganister got called back to do an encore, answering with Nickelback’s “Figure You Out.”

Ganister kept their end of the deal, delivering good-sounding rock once again. Now if only the Altoona crowd would keep their end of the deal and start showing up at this place on a Sunday night again!

With official new fifth member Rob Sottile (on right), Ganister rocks Pellegrine’s.

Rob Sottile of Ganister.

Ken Gray of Ganister.

Dan Lukens of Ganister.

Again, Ganister.

More Ganister.

Eric Smith of Ganister.

Again, Ken Gray of Ganister.

Ganister, joined by a bunch of ladies onstage.

Ganister and ladies, partying down.

The Ganister onstage party continues.

Again, Rob Sottile of Ganister.

Randy Wilson of Ganister.

One more time, Ganister.
_________________

http://pamusician.net

[Jim Price]

...
_________________

http://pamusician.net