Jim Price
Moderator
Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4819
Location: Altoona, PA
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 Posted: Wednesday Jun 30, 2004 |
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WEEKEND RECAP 5/24/04
JOHN & KENNY @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 5/20/04
My weekend commenced with what turned into a Thursday night doubleheader. I first headed to the Hitching Post to see what John Solinski and Kenny Karlheim were up to.
Upon entering the Hitching Post, I discovered the duo had a guest, Kevin Siegel, providing conga accompaniment. This trio of musicians was obviously having a good time, as they finished their in-progress set with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Down on the Corner” and Neil Diamond’s “Cherry Baby.”
It was a lighthearted mood as the group commenced their final set of the evening, opening with Jimmy Buffett’s “Why Don’t We Get Drunk.” Kevin again joined John and Kenny during this set, providing percussion on congas and shakers. The trio mixed it up, performing favorites from J.Frank Wilson/Pearl Jam, Bob Seger, Nirvana, Doors, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Eagles and more. Highlights included the pairing of Sublime’s “What I Got” segueing into Stealer’s Wheel’s “Stuck In The Middle with You;” and the finale, a rendition of Don McLean’s “American Pie,” sent out to the Hitching Post’s kitchen matron, ‘Mom.’
As expected, John and Kenny were in good form, both on voices and guitars. The pair again demonstrated the knack of offering up dazzling guitarwork on their acoustics, while keeping their presentation lighthearted and fun. Kevin, aside from fleshing out the sound with his percussion contributions, provided the catalyst for extra joking, banter and chicanery during the course of the set, resulting in an even more playful vibe. Kevin would be retained by the duo for their following night’s show in the Johnstown area.
The mid-sized Hitching Post audience appreciated John, Kenny and Kevin’s jovial presentation this night. With the Hitching Post festivities completed shortly after midnight, the musicians and this writer decided that there was still time left for some Thursday Hurricaning to be done…
During intermission, John Solinski offers to search for potatoes in Kevin Siegel’s ear.
John, Kenny and Kevin entertain during the nightcap set.
From a different angle, John, Kenny and Kevin.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 5/20/04
In search of Grimm posters to tear down (just kidding!), I proceeded from the Hitching Post to Peter C’s, figuring I’d get some Thursday Hurricaning in on this young weekend.
A decent-sized crowd of Hurricaniacs and Peter C’s patrons was already assembled as the ‘Canes were into their final set of the night. With dancers populating the dance floor, bassist Jeff Clapper was fronting the Hurricanes on a smoking version of Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold.” Out of that, the trio instantly segued into Pat Travers’ “Snortin’ Whiskey.” The Hurricanes continued with tunes from Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers; and also included two originals from their first album, The Feeling – the upbeat “Keep On Rockin’” and by request, Jeff Clapper’s 50’s-flavored “Summertime Love.” The Hurricanes built things up towards a strong finish, with the Allmans’ “Whipping Post” segueing into the Outlaws’ “Green Grass and High Tides” to finish the night. In a moment of ‘Canes levity, lead ‘Cane Felix Kos started to tell a joke onstage, but said he couldn’t finish it because the clock had hit 2 AM. The law is the law!
The Hurricanes were in good form as always, having fun as they pushed and challenged each other on their respective instruments, resulting in constant highlights throughout the set. Arriving from the Hitching Post, drummer Kevin Siegel staffed the Hurricanes’ drum kit on Skynyrd’s “Ballad of Curtis Lowe,” and the Allman Brothers’ “Celebration” and “No One to Run With.” Banditos guitarist Phil Wagner also made a cameo appearance on this last song, which featured Felix, Jeff and Kevin trading off hot licks on their respective instruments in the closing moments.
The Hurricanes won at least one new fan this night, John Solinski of John and Kenny fame, who remarked that this was his first time seeing the Hurricanes after all of these years, “Where have I been?” For new fans and old fans alike, it was another impressive Thursday Hurricaning good time.
Hurricane Felix and Jeff Clapper.
On a smoky night at Peter C’s, Felix & the Hurricanes.
Kevin Siegel mans the ‘Canes drum kit.
More from Felix, Jeff and Kevin.
The couple on the right wanted me to take their picture. The lady on the left apparently did not.
Hurricane Bob, Hitching Post Shane, Rockpage JP and John & Kenny/Retro Johnny.
VS. THE EARTH @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 5/21/04
I was up for a party on this Friday night, and the logical choice was Vs. the Earth, paying a visit to the 4D’s Lounge.
The 4D's was already close to packed as I arrived early during Vs. the Earth's first set. A number of off-duty musicians were in the house to celebrate, including members of Infused, DaFunkt, Lost Ledny, PnEumatic, ex-Raghouse and more.
Almost instantly, Vs. the Earth drew fans onto the dance floor as the generated their high-octane mixture of current and classic rock favorites plus numerous original tunes. The group introduced a few new originals, and performed established favorites like "Forever Yours," "She Rocks Me" and the ballad "Should Have Known." The group also broke out tunes from the Black Crowes, Train and more.
The 4D's audience continued to grow during the intermission, setting the stage for a packed dance floor and a wild and rocking party the rest of the way.
Vs. the Earth stepped it up in the second set, breaking out a few more cover favorites and more hits from their own song arsenal. The one-two combo of Tom Petty's "American Girl" and their own local radio hit "Psycho" instantly filled the Dees' dance floor; and Vs. the Earth kept it filled with favorites from Don Henley/Ataris, John Mellencamp, Steve Miller Band, Santana, Nickelback and more, plus original tunes such as the ballad "Carolina Sky" and their newest hit, "Friend Zone." Other highlights included Shawn Hocherl's furious mid-set drum solo, and frontman Adam Marino addressing the crowd from stop the speakers during Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me."
The third and final chapter of the evening was equally raucous, as Vs. the Earth rocked even harder with tunes from Cheap Trick, Disturbed, Linkin Park, Smile Empty Soul, AC/DC, Kiss, Beastie Boys and more; and more original songs, including two new ones, along with "Untouchable" and the night-ending "The American Teenage Anthem" ("TATA" for short). The 4D's dance floor remained jam-packed through it all, as the band never relinquished the energy level or gave the audience any other reason to want to sit down.
Vs. the Earth again did what they do best. They generated constant excitement and enthusiasm from the get-go. They nailed it both instrumentally and vocally. They choreographed their setlist to put strong material up front in each set to pull the crowd onto the dance floor; and mixed it up nicely between classics, current favorites, originals; also rockers and ballads. Vs. the Earth had something for everyone.
This was a professional caliber party and rock show, from a band very much on the same page, focused and continuing to move forward. Adam, Ritchey, Big Dawg and Shawn have built this band and organization into a well-tuned, rocking machine, and their reign over Altoona area stages convincingly continued this night.
Vs. the Earth before a packed 4D’s Lounge.
Adam, Shawn and Big Dawg of Vs. the Earth.
Adam Marino of Vs. the Earth.
Shawn Hocherl of Vs. the Earth.
From atop the speaker stacks, Adam Marino of Vs. the Earth.
Again, Shawn Hocherl of Vs. the Earth.
Big Dawg of Vs. the Earth.
Mike Ritchey of Vs. the Earth.
Vs. the Earth and more delirious fans.
BLAIR COUNTY ARTS FESTIVAL @ PENN STATE ALTOONA 5/22/04
This was a busy Saturday for me, and it kicked off as I checked out the first day of the annual two-day Blair County Arts Festival at Penn State Altoona.
Which almost didn't happen. When the Festival's source for funding suddenly withdrew their support of the event several months ago, the Blair County Arts Foundation initially announced that the event was cancelled for this year. But several entities stepped forward and offered to sponsor the Festival, and the event was again on.
As it turned out, this was a good thing. The weather for this year's Blair County Arts Festival was great both days, and the entertainment slate for this year's event was stronger and more diverse than in recent years.
As I parked my car, I could hear Shift in the distance, in the final stages of their Arts Festival performance. After the group finished Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl," I cringed slightly when I heard Shift kick into their set closer, Puddle Of Mudd's "She Hates Me." After all, this was a family event; what was going to happen when Shift got to the chorus of this song? Fortunately, Shift frontman Martin Lybek was in control of the situation, and declared in the song's choruses that "She really hates me." Parents wouldn't need to cover their kids' ears and rush them from the grounds after all. I only got to witness these two songs from Shift, but the group sounded solid and had a festive vibe going for the handful of fans seated in the pavilion to watch them.
I proceeded to walk about and take in the rest of the Arts Festival. I briefly watched two strolling performers who were playing Americana/folk music along the craft tent route. I passed "Crazy Fest" emcee Dennie Huber, busy in his "Hubie" persona, entertaining young children with his array of balloon creations. I eventually arrived at the Campus' Community Arts Center, where I entered and checked out the juried art exhibits. One of the pieces of art I saw was a sculpture made using musical instruments, called “Basement Faction” – it was created by an area musician, D. Ernest Wachter, previously a member of Crawdad and Rolling Stones tribute band Jumpin' Jack Flash.
I then stepped outside and checked out folk singer Jerry Haines, who was performing outside the Community Arts Center entrance. From Millerstown (he's a nextdoor neighbor of Pennsylvania Musician first couple Whitey and Robin Noll), Jerry is a Blair County Arts Festival veteran, and has even achieved the designation as the Festival's favorite folk performer. I sat and watched as Jerry performed a relaxing mixture of original songs and folk/acoustic rock favorites, played on guitar, dulcimer and harmonica. Jerry's presentation was soothing, gentle and homey as he played songs from Hot Tuna, James Taylor, Bob Dylan and others.
I wanted to stay and catch more of the festival (Matt Wagner was scheduled to perform in just a few minutes), but day job duties beckoned me, and I faced an hour roadtrip to Clearfield County for a live Harley broadcast, and my next live music event of the day.
Shift, wrapping up their set at the Blair County Arts Festival.
More Shift at the Blair County Arts Festival.
Not clowning around, Dennie Huber creates balloon ornaments for the young fans.
At the juried art exhibit, ”Basement Function” by area musician D. Ernest Wachter.
The Festival’s favorite folk artist, Jerry Haines.
Playing guitar and harmonica, Jerry Haines.
Once again, Jerry Haines.
BIG JIM & ADAM D @ THE R-BAR, HYDE 5/22/04
I headed to the R-Bar in Hyde, where my day and night jobs would collide. The day job end of it was a Q94 live Harley broadcast, which was off the map as Clearfield Nation jammed into the R-Bar for their chance to qualify to win the Harley-Davidson Night Train motorcycle. As part of the R-Bar festivities, live music was scheduled for after the remote, courtesy of "Big Jim" Ricotta and Adam D.
Within minutes after the end of the live remote, Jim and Adam started into their repertoire of classic rock favorites, with Jim strumming acoustic guitar and Adam playing keys. Both took their turns singing lead, with Adam taking the lion's share of voice chores. The duo succeeded in keeping a good part of the crowd along a while number with tunes from Steppenwolf, Eagles, ZZ Top, Who, Georgia Satellites, Jimmy Buffett, Doors, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young and many more. A guest harmonica player stepped up alongside Big Jim and contributed harp licks on the Eagles' "Take It Easy" and Neil Young's "Heart of Gold." Jim put merchandise from his last band to work, as he gave out Outta Control beverage coolies, T-shirts and other goodies along the way (to the patrons of the R-Bar who had never heard of Jim's previous band, 'Outta Control' was just a cool phrase on a T-shirt or coolie, and they knew nothing about any band by that name). Other R-Bar patrons occasionally stepped up to the musicians to request songs. The duo built momentum as the first set progressed, and had a number of R-Bar patrons clapping and cheering along as the set drew to a close with Adam singing the Who double-shot of "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "Baba O'Reilly."
During intermission, Adam and "Tremelo Jim" gave out more free merchandise furnished by Budweiser, and fielded more requests from the R-Bar audience. I sampled a dozen of the R-Bar's jumbo wings, the regular hot wings were a good treat after two hours of doing a live remote broadcast and trying to talk above a loud crowd! This show was also a homecoming show for Big Jim, who graduated from Clearfield High School long ago (I think the year the Edsel came out, hahahahaha!!!) Also a former radio personality in Clearfield, Big Jim posed a trivia question to the audience to see if anyone could identify where he used to work in Clearfield (nobody figured it out).
Soon the musical action resumed, as Jim and Adam resumed with a requested rendition of Don McLean's "American Pie." Hearing that a Pink Floyd tribute was playing in Altoona that night (and that I was headed there next), Adam D offered up his own Pink Floyd tribute with versions of "Time" and "Run Like Hell." The duo continued to mix it up, with more favorites from the Eagles, Garth Brooks, Guns'n'Roses, AC/DC, ZZ Top and more. Highlights during this set included Adam's lounge lizard take on Radiohead's "Creep," and, responding to a certain Rockpage critic's allegations that he wimped out by only doing half the song at a recent Belmar Hotel performance, Adam did the entire rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," operatic parts and all.
Adam and Big Jim were a hit with the R-Bar audience, and it's likely they will be making more appearances there in the future. Content that all was going well, I decided to head back down the pike to Altoona to catch yet another show on this Saturday.
Adam D and Big Jim entertain at the R-Bar.
Adam D.
Big Jim.
A guest harmonica player chimes in…
Big Jim has some company…
Big Jim, chick magnet.
THE WALL (PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE) @ CITY LIMITS, ALTOONA 5/22/04
I had heard about Pink Floyd tribute band The Wall beforehand from several people who had witnessed he group and were blown away by them. So I eagerly made my way down the hill from Clearfield County and to City Limits to see for myself how this Floyd tribute ranked.
I had seen two other Pink Floyd tributes to date: a Canadian Floyd tribute called Ice Nine, who performed at Pellegrine's back in the early 90's. And a few years ago at Crowbar, I caught Floyd tribute The Machine. Both of these tributes were respectable, but were more celebrations of the music of Floyd rather than full-blown audiovisual tributes to the Floyd live spectacle. Would The Wall attempt to emulate the lavish Floyd stage shows, or would they just play the music? I would soon find out.
But it took a little longer than expected. Due to vehicular problems en route, The Wall didn't arrive at City Limits until roughly 10 PM, and were not set up and ready to begin their show until 11:30. Still, a mid-sized audience had built during the interim, and most patiently awaited the start of the show.
Eventually it was showtime, and the group slowly faded in the intro to "Shine On You Crazy Diamond." The City Limits crowd started cheering as they were ready for a night of Pink Floyd. The Wall continued by performing a slightly abbreviated rendition of Side One of The Wall, including "In The Flesh?," "The Thin Ice," "Another Brick in the Wall" and "Mother." The group then tapped Dark Side of the Moon for "Us and Them" and "Any Colour You Like," before visiting the Animals album for "Pigs (Three Different Ones)." Back to The Wall for "Empty Spaces/Young Lust," "One of My Turns" and "Comfortably Numb." As soon as "Numb" began, a number of fans instantly took up position at stagefront to witness The Wall up close. The group then visited A Momentary Lapse of Reason for "Learning to Fly." After "Is Anybody Out There?" from The Wall, The Wall revisited Dark Side of the Moon for "Breathe," "Time" and "Great Gig in the Sky," with their guitar player substituting a solo in lieu of a female singer. The group then jumped to Side Two of Dark Side for "Brain Damage/Eclipse." Strangely, just as The Wall was singing about lunatics in the grass, two lunatics on the dance floor, a guy and a gal, got into a shoving match, with the woman toppling onto the stage. (The two then headed outside, where the guy allegedly gave the gal a knuckle sandwich and bloody mouth, prompting a cameo appearance from local law enforcement and ambulance personnel.) The Wall the mellowed things out (perhaps in response to the shoving fiasco) with "Wish You Were Here," before ending the night with "Run Like Hell."
As Pink Floyd tributes go, The Wall ranks as the best I have witnessed to date. This group nicely captured the Floyd vibe, especially the David Gilmour-flavored Floyd sound. The Wall's sound was big, full and clear, and the group effectively incorporated Floyd-ian soundbytes and effects to strengthen the presentation. As musicians, The Wall's four members were precise and tight, and stayed true to the Pink Floyd-styled delivery without overplaying their roles. Their guitarist was especially strong; his solos were clean and performed with style and finesse.
Visually, The Wall didn't opt for theatrics, props, bells or whistles. They maintained a dark setting onstage, with the singer and guitarist clad in black, and only minimal lighting used for much of the show. In that regard, The Wall didn’t deliver any grandiose tribute to the large-scale theatrics of Pink Floyd’s concerts; but instead concentrated on the execution and performance of Pink Floyd’s music, with attention to sonic detail.
Overall, this was a strong show, and The Wall successfully captured the vibe and much of the sound of classic Pink Floyd. If they make it back into the area, I do recommend checking them out.
The Wall, celebrating Pink Floyd at City Limits.
The singer and bassist for The Wall (their website didn’t list any of the band members’ names).
The Wall’s guitar player.
The Wall’s keyboard player.
With some fans in front of them, The Wall gets comfortably numb.
Once again, the frontman/guitarist for The Wall.
The Wall’s drummer.
Once again, the keyboard player for The Wall.
Once again, the singer for The Wall.
BLAIR COUNTY ARTS FESTIVAL @ PENN STATE ALTOONA 5/23/04
With the spring weather again being pleasant and cooperative, I returned to Penn State Altoona to catch day two of the Blair County Arts Festival.
The primary reason I returned to the festival this day was into their set as I arrived, northeastern PA-based Louisiana zydeco band Zydecoal. Making their second appearance at the Festival, Zydecoal instigated their own upbeat Louisiana party with their rollicking, vibrant mix of zydeco, funk and blues. As they tossed out Mardi-Gras beads to the smallish audience, Zydecoal fired off a feisty rendition of the ever-popular “Iko Iko.” The group proceeded to do songs by Chris Jagger, Chuck Berry, original zydeco compositions and more. Although the audience was small, they were into it; grooving, chanting and singing along. Zydecoal featured a balanced attack, as singer/guitarist/keyboardist Bill Davis, guitarist Karl Kaminski and accordionist David Gonzalo drove the sound along in near equal doses. Bill demonstrated a capable and soulful voice, as he sang and rallied the band and fans along for the party. In all, this was a good set – too bad more people didn’t partake in Zydecoal and their party.
I then again toured the festival grounds, eventually arriving at the big tent stage near Penn State Altoona’s Community Arts Center, where the Travis Wetzel Trio was entertaining all of about five people. Based near Reading and led by singer/songwriter/fiddler/mandolinist Travis Wetzel, the group played a mix of folk, bluegrass, gospel and Americana music. Travis, bass player Ron Greenstein and guitarist Frank Whalen played numbers such as “Take My Spirit to the Wind,” “Live and Let Live,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” and a song from their latest album, “Trail of Tears.” The trio then ended their set with a rendition of “Orange Blossom Special,” with Travis and his fiddle veering into the “Charlie Brown Theme” in midsong. The lack of crowd didn’t faze the Travis Wetzel Trio, who eagerly played their instruments and seemingly performed just as much for their own enjoyment and fulfillment as they did for the audience. You could tell these musicians genuinely enjoyed performing together, and they were appreciative that even a tiny attendance like this meant that at least somebody was checking them out.
Day job duties beckoned me at this point, and I had to depart the festival after the conclusion of the Travis Wetzel Trio’s set. While it was encouraging to see the Blair County Arts Festival able to continue this year, and a decent attendance to the event as a whole over the two days, it was a shame that more people didn’t frequent the music stages to give these performers the audiences they deserved. Here’s hoping the Blair County Arts Foundation continues to provide an entertainment variety at the Blair County Arts Festival – one of very few events on the Altoona side of the mountain that attempts to provide such a diverse slate of entertainment.
Zydecoal, celebrating zydeco at the Blair County Arts Festival.
Karl Kaminski of Zydecoal.
Bill Davis of Zydecoal.
Once again, Bill Davis of Zydecoal.
Again, Zydecoal, partying down Louisiana style at the Blair County Arts Festival.
David Gonzalo of Zydecoal.
The Travis Wetzel Trio.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 5/23/04
I was up for some Sunday night Hurricaning to end the weekend, so I headed to Altoona’s Hitching Post for the weekend finale with Felix, Jeff and Bob.
A large crowd was in attendance and celebrating as the Hurricanes mixed classics and originals. The group was dipping into the oldies vault for the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” as I arrived, acknowledged the local music radio show host’s arrival with “Backyard Rocker Rocks” sandwiched between the Allman Brothers’ “Sweet Melissa” and “Statesboro Blues” (thanks guys!), and concluded the set with a new original, “Such a Fool.”
There seemed to be a lot of ladies in the audience this night, and a good number of them populated the small Hitching Post dance floor area during the ‘Canes’ nightcap set. After opening with Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight,” the ‘Canes welcomed guest Harry Bottoms to the lead mic for the original tune “You Say I Say,” before launching into ZZ Top’s “Waiting for the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago.” Felix brought laughs to the audience by pondering if drummer Bob was wrestler Eugene from the WWE. Guest Steve Shiffler then took his turn at the lead mic to sing Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See.” The Hurricanes finished up the night with John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” and the original ‘Canes rocker “Keep On Rocking,” with Hurricane Bob donning female garments on his head during the zany homestretch run. All in a crazed night of Hurricaning.
It was all good. The fans were happy and rowdy, and the Hurricanes responded with their own brand of fun rock’n’roll and debauchery. It was the good send-off to another weekend, and made me glad I chose to partake on this night.
Hurricaning at a packed Hitching Post…
Hurricane Bob tries on some women’s clothing.
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