HOMEGROWN ROCKER 4/16/23 (CRAZY FEST PREVIEW)

[Jim Price]

Hello Everyone,

Here is the recap of the April 16 edition of "The Homegrown Rocker," which airs every Sunday night from 8 to 10 PM on Q94 Classic Rock (www.q94classicrock.com), and from 10 PM to midnight on 107.1 and 101.3 Jack FM (www.1071jack.fm)!

It was in 1990 that local children's entertainer, magician and musician Dennie Huber introduced "Crazy Fest," an amateur talent show in the Altoona area that provided opportunities for youngsters to step on stage - many for the first time ever - to display their talents in front of a friendly and supportive audience for awards, trophies and other prizes. "Crazy Fest" had a healthy 25-year run which ended after Dennie's passing in 2016. This year, several of the past contestants and supporters decided to bring back "Crazy Fest" in honor and memory of Dennie, and the event will take place at the Juniata Civic Association in Altoona on Sunday, April 23. Two of those driving forces behind "Crazy Fest's" return, Elaini Arthur and Typhani Russo, joined us in the studio on this week's program to discuss "Crazy Fest," its return and legacy. We also aired lots of music from numerous past "Crazy Fest" participants, several who have continued to have successful entertainment careers locally, regionally and even nationally. And we also played Jack Servello's "Thank You Hubie," written and recorded in 2016 following Dennie Huber's passing. (For those who missed the program, a four-part podcast of this show is available for listening or download from Q94's website, www.q94classicrock.com. Click on "The Professor's Classroom," and then scroll down to "Homegrown Rocker Podcast" and look for the four show segments marked with the date, 041623.)

Here is this week's playlist:

HOUR ONE:

MIDNIGHT LIGHTS - "Wake Up"
CONNER GILBERT - "Here's to the Days"
JIMMY MOWERY - "Turn Out the Lights"
WALKNEY - "I Always Wanted You"
DON HUGHES - "Aftermath"
NICK FINOCHIO - "So Clear" (2009, Local Music Flashback)
ALPHA VIOLET - "Homecoming"
JOHN PEACEFIRE - "NDAA"
OK OTTER - "A Little Bit More"
RADIO 45 - Come Alive"

HOUR TWO:

THE BADLEES - "1,000 Melodies Without Words"
JACK SERVELLO - "Thank You Hubie"
ELAINI - "It's Every Moment"
ANGELA DODSON - "Ready and Willing"
CHE (CHET DENNY) - "Hustle Til the Morning"
SINGNATURE - "Time" (2003, Local Music Flashback)
HALESTORM - "Love Bites (So Do I)"
POST SEASON - "Never Tell Me the Odds"
EXECUTION DAY - "Flourish"
DRAGON FIRE - "You Thought" (2000, Local Music Flashback)

More guests join us on our next program, as several organizers of the upcoming Blair Creators Festival visit our studio. We will discuss the details of the Blair Creators Festival, which happens on Saturday, April 29 at downtown Altoona's Heritage Plaza, and we'll play music from some of the bands and artists taking the stage that day! We'll also debut a few new numbers, and dig into the archive for a "Local Music Flashback!" Hear the "Homegrown Rocker" this Sunday night (April 23) on Q94 Classic Rock - 94.3 FM and online at www.q94classicrock.com, and on 107.1 and 101.3 Jack FM, online at www.1071jack.fm!

Upcoming guests and specials:

MAY 14 - RADIO 45
MAY 21 - CRAZED VISIONS
MAY 28 - MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL
JUNE 11 - LONE CROW REBELLION
JUNE 18 - FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL
JULY 9 - WELL STRUNG
JULY 16 - COVER SONG SPECIAL
JULY 30 - DAVE MAYERSKY (UPSTAGE FESTIVAL PREVIEW)

(All dates are subject to changes as circumstances warrant.)

Bands and artists wanting to submit news items for "Local Music News" may email their news to homegrownrocker@gmail.com. Indicate "MUSIC NEWS" in the subject heading!

Bands and artists interested in having music aired on the show are invited to send their broadcast-quality recordings to: The Homegrown Rocker, 2513 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602 (ATTN: Jim Price). You can also email digital song files or inquiries about the show to homegrownrocker@gmail.com. And bands and musicians interested in being guests on the program can email their interest to homegrownrocker@gmail.com as well!

Jim Price

In Local Music News...

Organizers of Johnstown’s Classic Vinyl Concert Series have announced the albums they will perform for their next concert. Comprised of musicians throughout the greater Johnstown and surrounding areas, the Classic Vinyl Concert Band will next take on both Michael Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller and Prince’s 1984 album Purple Rain. The concert is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 28 at the State Theater of Johnstown. Tickets for the concert will go on sale on Friday, May 5.

In band personnel moves, Cambria County variety rock band Stacy & the Rejects are seeking a new drummer and bass player to start playing with the group in late summer or fall. The group’s current drummer and bass player, Mike Davis and Josh Yahner, are leaving the group to concentrate on their original music endeavors and their Alice In Chains tribute project, Deny Your Maker. Musicians interested in the openings may contact Tony Feighner with inquiries.

And singer Ryen Beam announced that he recently parted ways with Altoona area indie rockers The Nerves. Ryen left the group to focus priorities on his health and family.

That's a look at “Local Music News.� Bands and artists with news items to report on the program may email their information to homegrownrocker@gmail.com.