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WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 6/28/10
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Jim Price
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 Post Posted: Friday Jul 16, 2010 
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WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 6/28/10

DOUBLE-D @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 6/21/10

This Monday night, it was the duo of Adam D and Eric D – Double D – providing music for wing-devouring at Pellegrine’s.

The result was a departure from the usual setlist performed when Jess P is in the house, resulting in a few different songs. Adam and Eric alternated singing duties, providing a constant contrast between Adam’s lounge-styled keyboard arrangements and Eric’s folksy acoustic guitar numbers. Some of the Adam highlights included his spin on Bruce Springsteen’s “Because the Night,” Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” The Flys’ “Got You Where I Want You,” and his surprise take on Vicki Lawrence’s 1973 hit “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” Eric highlights included Todd Snider’s “Conservative Christian, Right Wing Republican,” the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil,” and Don MacLean’s “American Pie.”

The lowlight of this night happened quite unexpectedly…in Pellegrine’s apparently cursed men’s room. Fortunately for me, it happened after I finished eating my wings; otherwise, I’m sure my appetite would have been totally ruined. I innocently advanced to the men’s room to wash my hands after finishing my wings. When I opened the door, I was greeted with the sight of one of Pelly’s semi-regular elderly patrons, standing up after “making a deposit” with the STALL DOOR OPEN! This was obviously too much information after just finishing my wing supper, and some things you just can’t un-see…this was one of them. So traumatized I was by this sight, that I forgot my leftover wings when I departed Pelly’s a short time later, and had to backtrack to the eatery to pick them up!

That atrocity notwithstanding, it was a good night…

JAM NIGHT @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 6/23/10

Another Wednesday Jam Night at Pellegrine’s provided another new participant. Former Banditos frontman Wally Archer was onstage and performing as I first arrived. Wally sang versions of Neil Young’s “Old Man,” Hootie & the Blowfish’s “Let Her Cry” and more.

The jam session actually kicked in early this night, with Wally, Jam host Adam D, Big Jim, Don Osborn, Jamie Shumack, Ron Russell, Eric D, and Bloody Fingers all platooning on and off the stage as the night progressed. The bongo and kazoo-playing Professor participated as well, with Adam dubbing my kazoo persona “The Great Kazoo” when I chimed in on Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind.”

In all, good clean fun…

Another Pellegrine’s Jam Night…Left to right, Don Osborn, Adam D, Jamie Shumack, Ron Russell and Big Jim.

Wally Archer, making his first Pellegrine’s Jam Night appearance.

THUNDER IN THE VALLEY, JOHNSTOWN 6/24/10

When most people think of Thunder In The Valley, a celebration of motorcycles comes to mind. And of course, thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts descend upon Johnstown every year for this event. But the musical slate for Thunder In the Valley is never shabby, either, and that’s what draws me over for at least part of the weekend every year.

And so I made my sojourn to Thunder In The Valley in my trusty 4-wheeled mode of transportation. After parking my ride in the first parking garage I came to (I don’t mess around looking for parking spaces when I go to Thunder; it’s much less hassle just to ante up the 5 bucks, throw it in the parking garage and walk), I first made my way toward the Train Station area. I heard the unmistakable sound of Robin Trower’s “Day of the Eagle” emanating from that area’s stage; I only knew one area band outside of the Hurricanes that does that number – Mark Middleton and the Desperadoes!

I arrived at the stage as Mark on guitar and vocals, Mike “Soupy” Suppes on bass and Harold Knappenberger on drums finished that Trower number and proceeded with classics and audience requests by George Thorogood, Doors, Black Sabbath, Coney Hatch, Mamas and Papas and Led Zeppelin. The Desperados’ take on Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” was powerful, and this group wasn’t afraid to take on Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” to close the set. Mark again dazzled on the guitar, and Soupy and Harold backed him with tight, lean and mean rhythms. The Desperadoes’ set served up a proper greeting for my arrival at Thunder In The Valley.

The Desperadoes.

Again, The Desperadoes, rocking another Thunder In The Valley.

Mark Middleton of The Desperadoes.

Mike “Soupy” Suppes of The Desperadoes.

Mark and Harold of The Desperadoes.

One more time, Mark Middleton.

In search of an official Thunder program (I never did find one this day), I ventured across the orange river to the Biker Mall area, where acoustic duo Take Two was finishing up their performance. They finished up a version of the Outlaws’ “Green Grass and High Tides,” introduced an original tune called “Wrong Side of the Weekend,” and concluded with Bon Jovi’s “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”

Acoustic duo Take Two.

Near the Biker Mall performance tent, I happened upon the squared circle, and stopped to observe a match from local wrasslin’ federation promotion All Or Nothing (AON) Wrestling. My Rocky 104.9 coworker The X-Man served as ring announcer, and introduced the next match, Justin Starr vs. Adam Gnostic. Starr appeared outsized by Gnostic, and Gnostic had his chances to gain the pinfall but sqaundered the 3-counts to try to dish out more punishment. It was ultimately his undoing, as Starr executed a sunset flip on Gnostic and got the pinfall. For a local wrasslin’ promotion making a go of it, not bad…

Let’s rumble! AON Wrasslin’ action pits Justin Starr (left) vs. Adam Gnostic (right).

Justin leg-scissors Adam to the mat.

Adam tries a backbreaker on Justin.

Justin tries to flip Adam off the top rope.

Justin gets ready to put away Adam.

Adam bounces back and prepares to slam Justin.

Ring announcer The X-Man, hard at work (or hardly working?).

I then returned to the Train Station stage to check out part of The Conniptions’ set. David Meiklejohn on guitar and vocals, Duaine Detrich on bass and vocals and Tom Romanak on drums and vocals performed mostly classics; but threw a few surprises in along the way, such as White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” Devo’s “Whip It” and Bon Jovi’s “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” This group’s execution was airtight and clean, and their vocals were sharp and on the mark. What I saw from The Conniptions was good, and the crowd under the tent seemed to enjoy their efforts as well.

The Conniptions.

David Meiklejohn of The Conniptions.

Duaine Detrich of The Conniptions.

Tom Romanak of The Conniptions.

The Conniptions, rocking and rolling.

I departed the Train Station area to make my way to the Central Park area. En route, I used one of the porta-jonny facilities. I observed that these porta-jonnies were manufactured using #2 recyclable plastic…Which begs the question: If I were to put one of these porta-jonnies out in front of my house in the recycle bin, would my garbage hauler take it? Twisted, inquiring minds want to know…

I arrived at the Central Park stage in time to see the second of two sets by The Johnstown Classic Rockers. Armed with their four-vocalist attack, the group did a wide range of classics. Tom Pavic led the group on the set-opening rendition of Styx’s “Too Much Time on My Hands” and The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Melissa Nagle fronted the group on Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.” Denise Trautman-Karwoski sang lead on Golden Earring’s “Radar Love” and Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit.” And Ron Piljay evoked The King on Elvis’ “Burning Love.” But for a special occasion such as Thunder In The Valley, the Johnstown Classic Rockers broke out their secret weapon this night, as Tom Pavic surfaced on stage decked out in his Alice Cooper get-up, and did two Cooper classics – “Be My Lover” and “Eighteen” – to finish out the set to the raucous cheers of the crowd. This was the first time I had seen Tom in full Alice regalia in several years, so this was a treat for me as well. Wild stuff!

The Johnstown Classic Rockers.

Denise Trautman-Karwoski and Tom Pavic of The Johnstown Classic Rockers.

Again, Denise and Tom.

Denise, Tom and Melissa Nagle.

Again, The Johnstown Classic Rockers.

With Ron Piljay singing lead, The Johnstown Classic Rockers.

Ron, Steve Spack and Melissa.

Again, Tom Pavic.

Alice Cooper makes his arrival at Thunder In The Valley.

Tom Pavic as Uncle Al the Kiddies’ Pal.

Alice talks to a dead baby.

Alice, with a little help from Melissa.

Once again, Tom Pavic as Alice Cooper.

The main reason I traversed to the Central Park stage this night, though, was to see the spectacle of Mini-Kiss. You probably saw them on the Dr. Pepper Super Bowl TV ad back in February, the dwarf version of Kiss standing alongside the real Kiss members. The dwarf version, Mini-Kiss, actually performs a Kiss show, and I was curious to see how this diminutive Kiss tribute was.

Mini-Kiss was running a little late, due to participation in the official Thunder kickoff parade. The crowd kept growing up front as we awaited Mini-Kiss’ arrival. As the delay approached 30 minutes, some members of the crowd grew antsy. The guy next to me started running midget smack, yelling “I wanna see MIDGETS!” Another section of the crowd started chanting “Short bus! Short bus!” I couldn’t help but laugh!

Eventually, everybody’s wait was rewarded. Escorted by police, the members of Mini-Kiss started taking their places on the stage. Then the moment we were waiting for, as “Mini-Gene” (Joey Fatale, the founder of the group) yelled to the crowd “You wanted the littlest, you got the littlest, Mini-Kiss!” The group then started into “Shout It Out Loud.”

To be honest…Musically, Mini-Kiss was a trainwreck. It became clear early on that the group was largely playing along with recorded tracks. “Mini-Peter” (that name keeps cracking me up!) was the only band member actually playing his instrument, and he did a drum solo after “Strutter.” “Mini-Gene” was holding and fake-playing a SIX-string (not a bass), as was “Mini-Ace.” And these guys weren’t faking all that well…you could see them stop strumming their instruments on stage, yet you could still hear guitars playing; and the recorded tracks faded out at the end rather than cold endings…No, I don’t think this was the real thing! Then there were the vocals…”Mini-Gene” was the closest to the real thing, his voice was in the neighborhood of “The Tongue,” and he flashed his own long tongue a few times during the show. “Mini-Paul” (clearly the shortest member of this entourage, he was half as tall as “Mini-Ace”) pretty much shouted and screamed everything. And when “Mini-Ace” opened his mouth to sing, he made the drunken real Ace that showed up at New Sebastiano’s in the ‘90s sound like Luciano Pavarotti; this Ace sounded like he fell back off the wagon and directly into the drunk tank!

Mini-Kiss did their thing to most of the primary Kiss canons like “Love Gun,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Cold Gin,” “Deuce,” “Lick It Up” and more. “Mini-Peter” stepped out from behind the kit to sing lead on “Beth,” before tossing a rose to the crowd. But in another interesting departure from the real thing, Mini-Kiss did numbers from outside the Kiss catalog; “Mini-Gene” donned a Slash tophat for a version of Guns N’Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine,” and the group also sang and synched to the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” and Slade/Quiet Riot’s “Cum On Feel the Noize.” Perhaps inspired by Mini-Kiss’ cover selection, one smart aleck in the crowd yelled out those magical two words – “Free Bird!”

At one point, “Mini-Gene” remarked that the group was planning to issue a CD soon. Based on the sound emanating from the Central Park gazebo stage this night, I’m not sure I want to hear it, lest my perceptions of Kiss’ catalog of music gets forever tarnished. Some things you just can’t un-hear!

While musically a shambles, Mini-Kiss was at least entertaining, and had me howling and laughing the whole time (with Nick from Solegion as my witness). The combination of their clamoring musical performance with crowd reactions was so bad, it was great entertainment! It was almost like staring at a gruesome car accident!

“You want the littlest! You got the littlest!” Mini-Paul of Mini-Kiss.

Mini-Gene of Mini-Kiss…Yes, ‘playing’ a six-string.

Mini-Gene and Mini-Paul of Mini-Kiss.

Again, Mini-Gene and Mini-Paul.

Mini-Ace of Mini-Kiss.

Again, Mini-Paul.

Showing his own sizable tongue, Mini-Gene.

Again, Mini-Gene.

Mini-Peter steps forward to sing “Beth.”

Again, Mini-Peter. At least he actually played his instrument.

More of Mini-Peter.

Mini-Slash???

Once again, Mini-Paul of Mini-Kiss.

Again, Mini-Kiss.

Side by side, Mini-Ace “dwarfs” Mini-Paul (pun intended).

A large Thunder In The Valley audience takes in the spectacle of Mini-Kiss.

Once again, Mini-Gene.

We don’t want to sell you short…Once again, Mini-Gene and Mini-Paul of Mini-Kiss.

One more time, Mini-Kiss.

But I eventually managed to turn away from the spectacle of Mini-Kiss and depart, as there was one more band I wanted to see this night at Thunder. Johnstown party favorites Yum were wrapping up the festivities at the Train Station stage, and they had a huge crowd partying down as I arrived. Two young ladies were on stage and singing along with the group; guitarist Darren Buchko – apparently already informed about Mini-Kiss’ use of backing tracks – dubbed the young ladies “Mini-Yum,” and remarked that they didn’t use backing tracks. Darren, singer Dan Vavrek, bassist Shawn Mock and drummer Brian Scaletta triggered vigorous dancing and grooving with their blend of favorites from Gin Blossoms, John Mellencamp, Blur, Shop Boyz, Georgia Satellites, Bush, Finger Eleven, Bobby Brown and more. Kudos to Dan and the group for keeping their version of Buckcherry’s “Crazy Bitch” PG-13 with lots of young’uns in the crowd. Yum turned the Train Station stage area and lot into a huge street party, and it was all good.

Yum, with two young ladies (at left) helping with vocals.

Darren Buchko of Yum.

Again, Darren Buchko.

Yum and fans.

Once again, Darren Buchko.

Shawn Mock of Yum.

Dan Vavrek of Yum.

Brian Scaletta of Yum.

Again, Yum and fans.

One more time, Darren Buchko.

Some glowing bikes parked near the train station.

Another glowing bike.

And another...

Although I had initially only planned to take in one day of Thunder In The Valley this year, I had such a good time this first night that the decision was reached on my walk back to the car that a return visit the following day was in order…

THUNDER IN THE VALLEY, JOHNSTOWN 6/25/10

I again traversed over the mountain to Johnstown for another round of Thunder In The Valley merriment and live music. And as was the case the first day, I was not disappointed.

This time, I was able to procure a copy of the official Thunder program guide, and noted that Altoona country favorite Ricky Lee was performing at the Train Station stage, so I advanced there to see what was new with Ricky since the last time I saw him. As it turns out, half of his band was new! Only bassist Fritz Wyland and lead guitarist C.J. Castello remained from the last time I saw Ricky; his other guitarist and drummer were new. I watched as Ricky and his new Mustangs did versions of Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” Dwight Yoakum’s “Fast As You,” the reminiscent original song “Back Then” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Play Something Country.”

Fritz Wyland and Ricky Lee.

C.J. Castello of Ricky Lee and the Mustangs.

Ricky Lee’s new guitar player (whose name I can’t find anywhere) and Fritz Wyland.

The man himself, Ricky Lee.

Lots of motorcycles are lined up near the train station.

I then headed to the Biker Mall, and decided to take in some more squared circle action courtesy of AON Wrestling. This time I watched two matches. First, Black Lightning was pretty dominant in getting the pin over “The Pledge” Michael Moreton. And second, Sherrod Hall (wearing purple duds reminiscent of former WWF star Mabel) slammed “Klassik” Erik Hassell for the win. Again, entertaining stuff, as AON has enough of a following that crowd chants and call-backs to the wrestlers were commonplace through both matches. I’m not versed in the AON plots, feuds and other intricasies; but what I saw was good.

Let’s rumble again! AON Wrasslin’ action this time pits “The Pledge” Michael Moreton (left) vs. Black Lightning (right).

Black Lightning finishes a hearty bitch-slapping of Michael Moreton on the mat.

Black Lightning positions for the easy pinfall.

But Moreton battled back, and Black Lightning goes for the slam.

Who’s going to flip who? “Klassik” Erik Hassell (left) or Sherrod Hall (right)?

Hassell goes for the pin on Hall.

Hall has Hassell in a corner hassle.

Hall goes for the slam and the pin.

The ref delivers the 3-count.

I then headed to the nearby performance tent for a brew and more music, courtesy of Midnight Graffiti’s acoustic edition. Singer Natalie Kurchak and company sounded good on tunes from Tracy Chapman, 4 Non Blondes, John Prine and more.

The Midnight Graffiti acoustic trio.

Rick and Natalie of Midnight Graffiti.

When they went on break, I decided to head back to the Train Station stage to see the next band there, The Wheels. A Pittsburgh-based group that plays in Johnstown from time to time, The Wheels showed a strong Americana rock style and sound as they mixed original songs with select cover material. Featuring Joe Piacquadio and Jake Breiding on guitars and vocals, T.J. Connolly on keys and vocals, Brad Barron on bass and Matt Vucic on drums, The Wheels were impressive on their selection, demonstrating a sound not far removed from the Black Crowes and even The Band. Joe, T.J. and Jake swapped vocal duties, and Joe even went behind the keys for a song or two. I didn’t catch too many of the group’s original song titles; but some of their cover fare included the Black Crowes’ “Remedy,” Eric Clapton’s “Watch Out for Lucy” and The Wood Brothers’ “Glad.” I liked The Wheels’ strong and passionate performance, and I hope to catch these guys in action again sometime when they visit Dively’s or other Johnstown area venues.

From Pittsburgh, The Wheels.

Joe Piacquadio of The Wheels.

T.J. Connolly of The Wheels.

Again, The Wheels.

Jake Breiding of The Wheels.

Again, Jake Breiding.

After swapping instruments and stage positions, The Wheels.

The main attraction I was anticipating this night was performing next at the Central Park stage. I made my way there to see Glenn Pavone and the Cyclones. As documented previously, Glenn has been waging a tough battle against cancer over the past two years. I was inspired to see him last November at the “Night of Rock, Rhythm & Blues” benefit at Ace’s Lounge, and I looked forward to seeing him and the Cyclones in action this night.

Although Glenn looks a little more frail these days, his guitar work was certainly not frail, as he went to town and scorched some incredible solo work throughout the course of the group’s two sets. He, bassist/singer Tom Valentine and drummer Frank Sprentz mixed original blues rock with select cover material, and dazzled through it all. The group did familiar original song favorites like “Shake That Thing,” “Bang Bang Baby” and “Sunday Shivers.” Glenn and bandmates also celebrated Jimi Hendrix numerous times, with renditions of “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Voodoo Chile,” “Manic Depression” and an audience request for “Little Wing.” They also performed renditions of Cream’s “Politician,” The Guess Who’s “Shakin’ All Over,” Johnny Cash’s “Get Rhythm” and more. Late in the performance, Glenn took a moment to address the Thunder audience, thanking them for the support of him and his wife over the past two years. The audience cheered back and showed their appreciation. Again, Glenn and the Cyclones gave a stunning performance, and it was heartening to see Glenn back onstage and making music; hopefully for more years to come. I was inspired enough that I finally got around to purchasing a copy of the group’s 2000 CD, Cyclones R.U.L.E., to show my support to Glenn. (Expect to hear plenty of that disc on the “Homegrown Rocker!”)

Glenn Pavone and the Cyclones.

Again, Glenn and the Cyclones.

Glenn Pavone.

Tom Valentine of Glenn Pavone and the Cyclones.

Again, Glenn Pavone.

Once again, Glenn and the Cyclones.

Again, Tom Valentine.

Frank Sprentz of Glenn Pavone and the Cyclones.

Once again, Glenn Pavone.

More of the Cyclones.

Again, Frank Sprentz.

From a different angle, Glenn Pavone and the Cyclones.

More Glenn Pavone.

Once again, Tom Valentine.

Again working his guitar magic, Glenn Pavone.

One more time, Glenn Pavone.

A motorcycle enthusiast moves in for a closer look.

The fountain at Central Park.

Thus closed my Thunder In The Valley experience for this year. The warm summer weather seemingly bolstered the turnout this year, even Thursday’s attendance was heavy, and Friday’s was heavier, as thousands of bikes and bike enthusiasts took in the festivities. I was glad to again take it all in…

DAY OF ROCK @ BLAIR/BEDFORD DIRT TRACK, BAKER’S SUMMIT 6/26/10

Although I had been aware of it for several years, I hadn’t yet attended the annual “Day of Rock” Easter Seals benefit concert, mostly due to other summertime events going on during the same weekend. But after having the organizer and several musicians involved with this year’s event on the “Homegrown Rocker,” I decided this would be the year I attended and saw what this show was about.

As it turned out, it might have been my final chance to see “Day of Rock.” More on that later.

The afternoon was hot and steamy as I pulled into the new “Day Of Rock” location, the Blair-Bedford Dirt Track facility near Baker’s Summit, just south of the Blair-Bedford County line. A decent-sized crowd was already in place as Way Down East was finishing up their set. Thanks to the Spirit Lost organization for offering me some quality shade space underneath their tent, in decent viewing proximity of the stage. I set up my chair, footrest stool and beverage cooler and looked on as Way Down East roared their set to a close with “Where Alfalfa Grows” and “Jager Shots for Par.” This was my first chance to see the current-look Way Down East, with the Gelvin brothers Horse and Justin handling guitar duties.

Way Down East.

Paul Wilson of Way Down East.

Again, Way Down East.

The music was nearly constant during “Day of Rock,” thanks to acoustic performers Saving Jake, who played mini-sets while the electric bands were switching out equipment and setting up gear. Featuring former Driven singer James Musselman on lead vocals and guitar, and Josh Michaels on guitar; plus Jordan Ferraro on guitar and vocals, Saving Jake did nice work on acoustic treatments of Puddle Of Mudd’s “Drift and Die,” Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.”

Some fans watch as Saving Jake performs.

Again, Saving Jake and fans.

Next was Shallow9, who brought the party and fired up some dancing in the shale and dust in front of the stage. Singer Erika Marino, guitarist Kenton Sitch, bassist Mitch Neuder and drummer Zac Grace hit it off with the crowd right away as they launched with the Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle.” Erika again demonstrated her excellent vocal power and range on both female and male rock numbers, belting it out on favorites from Pat Benatar, Gin Blossoms, Foo Fighters, Cranberries, Maroon 5, Lady GaGa, Seether and more. Dancing was widespread throughout the set, and Shallow9 successfully escalated the festive mood of the day.

Shallow9 fires up the party at Day Of Rock.

More fans advance forward as Shallow9 performs.

Zac Grace of Shallow9.

Again, Shallow9 fires up the party at Day Of Rock.

Erika Marino of Shallow9.

More people gather around as Shallow9 brings the party.

Again, Shallow9.

Again, Erika Marino of Shallow9.

Mitch Neuder of Shallow9.

Dancing continues with Shallow9.

Once again, Erika Marino.

One more time, Erika Marino of Shallow9.

Saving Jake again provided music during the gear changeover; this time doing songs from Poison, Violent Femmes, Social Distortion, Sublime and Guns N’Roses. Again they sounded good, convincing me that I will have to take in one of their full sets some night in the near future.

Once again, Saving Jake.

James Musselman of Saving Jake.

Naildriver then took the trailer stage to step up the metal aggression. Singer Floyd Hunter, guitarist Scott Botteicher, bassist Scott Bush and drummer Kevin Siegel unleashed their fury with a mostly original set, doing scathing original assaults such as “Suicide Messiah,” the Megadeth-toned “United We Stand,” “We The People,” “Ignorance,” “Supremacy Hour,” the patriotic “In God We Trust,” “The Executioner,” “The Enemy Within” and more. The group did break out one cover, offering their take on Budgie/Metallica’s “Breadfan.” Naildriver sounded sharp through it all; Floyd’s howl was both tuneful and caustic, and Scott Botteicher’s guitar leads were surgically precise and intense. You could tell Kevin was happy to be pounding out metal beats once again, and Scott Bush’s stern bass lines held it all together. The audience seemed to enjoy this blast of original metal; in all, an impressive set.

Bringing a taste of metal to Day Of Rock, Naildriver.

Scott Bush of Naildriver.

Kevin Siegel of Naildriver.

Floyd Hunter of Naildriver.

Again, Naildriver.

Scott Botteicher of Naildriver.

Once again, Naildriver.

More Naildriver.

Again, Scott Botteicher.

Again, Floyd Hunter.

Yet again, Naildriver.

Floyd Hunter and Scott Botteicher of Naildriver.

Another intermission meant another short set by Saving Jake, this time doing acoustic takes on numbers from Bryan Adams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 4 Non Blondes and more.

The new-look Spirit Lost was next. This was my first chance to see the group since Austin Tepsic moved aside from the lead mic to play rhythm guitar, and Tyler Hull took over the lead singer role. It turned out being a good move, as Tyler brings a strong voice to the front of Spirit Lost, and Austin’s rhythm guitar work gives more body to the group’s overall attack. Tyler, Austin, lead guitarist Brian Smith, bassist Russ Patterson and drummer Sam Thurau thundered on a variety of modern rock favorites; doing tunes from Rob Zombie, Orgy, Jimmy Eat World, Godsmack, Nickelback, Theory Of A Deadman, Blink 182, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine and more. Spirit Lost quickly won the crowd, and triggered much dancing and grooving in front of the stage.

Fans gather up front to witness Spirit Lost.

Again, Spirit Lost and fans.

Spirit Lost’s newest member, Tyler Hull.

Russ Patterson and Austin Tepsic of Spirit Lost.

Sam Thurau of Spirit Lost.

Again, Tyler Hull.

Brian Smith of Spirit Lost.

Again, Spirit Lost and fans.

Once again, Spirit Lost and fans.

Russ Patterson and Brian Smith of Spirit Lost.

Again, Russ and Brian.

Choreographed headbanging with Spirit Lost.

Again, Russ Patterson.

One more time, Spirit Lost and fans.

“Take our picture!” Okay!

As the sun began to set, all appeared to be rocking and right with the world. But that quickly changed…What happened next was chaotic…and crap. After Spirit Lost finished their set, I was sitting under the tent and conversing with a few folks, including two Rocky 104.9 listeners who recognized me and came over to chat. While we were talking, I overheard somebody passing by and making reference to a fight. I glanced back over my shoulder to note an increasingly loud scrum of people about 50 yards away from us, with an apparent altercation in progress – a likely side effect of free-flowing alcohol and generations of in-breeding. No sooner than we noticed this fracas, then we heard a voice come over the stage P-A, angrily yelling for the melee to stop, before quickly declaring the concert over and ordering everybody to be off the grounds in 15 minutes. I first thought this was Steve the organizer; I later learned that it was one of the owners of the dirt track facility, who reportedly was against the event taking place here from the get-go. The power was then cut to the stage. I soon heard somebody report that the soundman, Chris, had been clocked in the back of the head by a woman with a bottle (I later learned that the assault weapon was a glass lantern, and that Chris was assaulted when he approached the owner to inquire why power had been cut to the stage; he required stitches in the back of his neck and shoulder). Charges were expected to be filed against the assailant, also a likely by-product of in-breeding.

Things quickly headed south from here. More shouting, shoving and finger-pointing was happening at the site of the initial altercation. Members of Ganister, angry that they now would not get to perform, sternly started packing up their gear and removing it from the stage. Folks began to disperse from the concert grounds, some spinning tires as they angrily (or drunkenly) wheeled their way from the premises. Somebody set off an M-80 or two up near the altercation site, and show organizer Steve advanced up the hill to investigate. My conversation group and I quietly waited things out; I wasn’t about to try to depart the grounds amid this mess of angry people also trying to leave. I actually didn’t leave the grounds for another 90 minutes after the initial announcement.

Needless to say, a bulls**t ending to a perfectly good day of live rock, and a bulls**t ending to the Day Of Rock benefit, at least at this location. The early indication is that the organizers will try to locate a new site and try to keep this event going next year. My guess is that if the event does return, there will need to be improvements in security and communications with the venue operators to ensure that the show-ending incidents of this year are not repeated.

Day Of Rock was good while it lasted, I guess…

R2B2 @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 6/26/10

After departing the melee and chaos that Day Of Rock had devolved into, I headed to 30 Something to finish the night with R2B2. And hopefully no drama would ensue at this destination.

None did. Good music did, though.

This was my second opportunity to see this veteran local music “supergroup” in action. Named in deference to the first initials of the band members’ names, R2B2 features two R’s in guitarists/singers Rick Wertz and Rik Criste, and two B’s in bassist/singer Bill Smith and drummer Beau Saller.

A mid-sized crowd was in place as I arrived, just before the start of R2B2’s set. The group proceeded to mix things up with a wide variety of styles and eras, spanning classic rock to country to funk. R2B2 opened by fusing together a tidy medley of the Romantics’ “What I Like About You,” Devo’s “Whip It” and The Knack’s “My Sharona.” They quickly darted into country with Big & Rich’s “Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy” and Kentucky Headhunters’ “Dumas Walker.” As dancers populated the floor, funkmaster Rick then fronted the group on Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Hump De Bump,” quickly followed by the Commodores’ “Brick House.” Bill then sang lead as the group kept things in a funky vein with “Mustang Sally,” before Rick kept the funkfest going with Cameo’s “Word Up.” R2B2 then rocked the set to its close with the Cars’ “Just What I Needed,” Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and Billy Idol’s “White Wedding.”

So far, good stuff! I liked R2B2’s versatility and sharp musicianship; these guys executed well together, and spiced the energy level up nicely when needed to give the dance floor a kick.

Soon the group returned for the final stanza, starting off with Van Morrison’s ever-popular “Brown-Eyed Girl,” which quickly re-filled the dance floor. They then broke out a Huey Lewis chestnut, “I Want a New Drug,” and steadily amped up the set with Gin Blossoms’ “Hey Jealousy,” Foreigner’s “Dirty White Boy” and ZZ Top’s “Stages.” R2B2 started veering slightly funky with Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” before Rick led the group in a full-scale funkfest to close out the night, ending with an extended jam edition of Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.”

After the drama of Day Of Rock, R2B2 successfully salvaged the rest of my Saturday night and ended the day with good vibes. A fun show.

R2B2, making their 30 Something debut.

Beau Saller of R2B2.

Again, R2B2.

Rik Criste of R2B2.

Once again, R2B2.

Again, Rik Criste.

Yet again, R2B2.

Rick Wertz of R2B2.

Bill Smith of R2B2.

One more time, R2B2.

GANISTER @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 6/27/10

A day removed from their getting screwed out of performing at the Day Of Rock benefit and their soundman getting assaulted by a redneck psycho bitch, Ganister finally got to rock an audience to close out the weekend at Pellegrine’s. And fortunately, this night went considerably better…at least nobody was assaulted.

With “Slacker Steve” Danfelt filling in for Eric Smith on guitar this night, Ganister was late into their first set as I arrived, and finished things out with Godsmack’s “Whiskey Hangover” and their rocking take on Cameo’s “Word Up.”

During the intermission, the cast and crew of Ganister filled me in on the full scoop of what actually went down the previous day at Day Of Rock. Soundman Chris showed me his stitches; yes, broken glass lanterns can certainly create a nasty gash!

Ganister soon returned for the second set. The group mixed up copious portions of current and classic hard rock, triggering some dance floor activity with numbers from Maroon 5, Puddle Of Mudd, Three Doors Down, All American Rejects, Kiss, 3 Days Grace, Godsmack, Breaking Benjamin, Seether and more. Drummer Randy Wilson fronted the group late in the set on a rendition of Fight’s “Little Crazy,” the first I’ve heard that song in years!

The third set lifted off with Buckcherry’s ever-popular “Crazy Bitch,” and Ganister quickly fired the dance floor back into action with favorites from Lit, Theory Of A Deadman, AC/DC, Social Distortion, Alice In Chains and more. The night drew to a close with Seether’s “Remedy.”

In all, Ganister gave a strong performance. You could tell they had a sense of purpose, to purge the pent up demons of the night before, and let it all out in their performance this night. Ganister provided a solid, raucous close to the weekend.

“Slacker Steve” Danfelt of Slacker Theory, sitting in with Ganister.

After the disaster of the previous night, Ganister finally gets to rock.

Again, Ganister.

Ken Gray of Ganister.

One more time, Ganister.
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Jim Price
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 Post Posted: Thursday May 26, 2011 
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