Jim Price
Moderator
Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA
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 Posted: Friday Jun 03, 2005 |
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WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 4/25/05
COL. BRUCE HAMPTON & THE CODETALKERS @ CROWBAR, STATE COLLEGE 4/19/05
I noticed this show coming up on Crowbar’s calendar and market it – the first Crowbar visitation of The Codetalkers, the latest project by “The Godfather of Southern Alternative Music,” Col. Bruce Hampton. I wasn’t sure what this new project was about, but given Hampton’s resume – particularly with the Aquarium Rescue Unit – I was curious and willing to do the roadtrip to check it out.
Although I had wanted to see the opening act, State College jamsters Dr. Naqleus, day job duties didn’t enable me to arrive at Crowbar until after their set. Surprisingly, Crowbar was relatively empty as the stage was readied for The Codetalkers; I easily took up position on the stagefront floor level to check the show out.
Soon, decked in suits and ties, the members of The Codetalkers – Col. Bruce Hampton on guitar and vocals, Bobby Lee Rodgers on lead vocals, banjo and guitar, Tyler Greenwell on drums and Pittsburgh’s Ted Pecchio on upright bass – took up position on stage. Also decked in a suitcoat and tie and arriving with the group was Col. Bruce Hampton’s former Aquarium Rescue Unit bandmate and former Allman Brothers guitarist, Jimmy Herring. The Codetalkers and their guest proceeded to perform a blend of Southern-fried funk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, light rock and various fusions of these flavors. I didn’t recognize many of the tunes the group was playing, but liked the variety of flavors, the instrumental prowess and the overall vibe these musicians generated on stage. The Codetalkers were superb musicians, but also didn’t take themselves too seriously, and offered up a few surprises and touches of comic humor along the way. During one country-flavored number, after Bobby and Ted performed solos on banjo and upright bass respectively, all four guitarists started playing their instruments behind their necks – including Ted with his upright bass! Other highlights during The Codetalkers’ first set were the lightly funky original number “Saturn,” and the Latin-flavored original “Lima,” featuring excellent solo displays from Jimmy, Bobby and Tyler.
A few more folks had arrived during The Codetalkers’ first set and intermission, but the turnout was still disappointing given the stature of Col. Bruce Hampton and Jimmy Herring in the music world. But, the folks who did attend were enjoying the show so far; a number of them shook hands with the musicians as they exited the stage, and several folks – including yours truly – shelled out some greenbacks for The Codetalkers’ latest album, Deluxe Edition.
The group soon returned for the nightcap set, and again fused funk, blues, jazz and country/bluegrass sounds into interesting and catchy songs. Again the musicians showcased their talents, with Jimmy blazing hot and smooth guitar leads, Bobby showing equal credentials on his electric banjo, and Col. Bruce showing some nice slide guitar abilities. The set’s biggest highlight happened near show’s end, though, as Col. Bruce Hampton took the spotlight to growl and play harmonica on Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful.” After Col. Bruce’s performance, as the song entered its homestretch, the band suddenly veered off into a wild and chaotic space-jam-styled cacophony, before easing into the group’s playful and whimsical jazz-flavored original song from the CD, “Rice Clients.” The Crowbar audience was surprised by this weird turn of musical events, but cheered wildly in approval at song’s – and show’s – end.
The Codetalkers continued Col. Bruce Hampton’s tradition of tasty, innovative, and unconventional Southern music. Some parts of this performance were conventional and straightforward; other parts improvisational and adventurous; and still others were unpredictable and zany. For fans of instrumental ingenuity and prowess, though, it was all good. Except for the lackluster attendance, this was a fun show, and well worth making the roadtrip to see.
Highjinks during their first set, as The Codetalkers simultaneously go behind their necks to play their instruments – even Ted Pecchio and his upright bass!
While not big in number, at least a few fans were in attendance at Crowbar for The Codetalkers’ performance.
Jimmy Herring, bobby Lee Rodgers and Ted Pecchio of The Codetalkers.
Stepping out front, Col. Bruce Hampton and The Codetalkers.
Bobby Lee Rodgers, Ted Pecchio and Col. Bruce Hampton of The Codetalkers.
Once again, The Codetalkers.
Crooning out some blues, Col. Bruce Hampton of The Codetalkers.
Jimmy Herring of The Codetalkers.
Bobby Lee Rodgers of The Codetalkers.
Tyler Greenwell and Ted Pecchio of The Codetalkers.
Again playing his electric banjo, Bobby Lee Rodgers of The Codetalkers.
JOHN BAKER & SHERRY LENDER/WIDE OPEN @ ELECTRIC AVENUE, HOUTZDALE 4/20/05
From time to time, my day job and night job collide. A Q94 live Harley remote brought me to Electric Avenue for their inaugural Wednesday “Bike Night,” which featured both acoustic and electric musical entertainment. During and after the remote, I was enjoying live music!
During the remote, in Electric Avenue’s rear bar area, the acoustic entertainment was provided by John Baker and Sherry Lender. John and Sherry performed two sets of classics and surprises. In the early set, Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac were prominent, with Sherry celebrating Stevie’s voice and mystique on renditions of “Rhiannon,” “Leather and Lace” and “Dreams.” Sherry also flexed her vocal cords on Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” and in a move that took the Q94 crew by surprise, launched into Janis’ “Me and Bobby McGee” just as it was being played on the air! John strummed along on his trusty 12-string guitar and fronted the duo on renditions of Violent Femmes’ “Blister In the Sun” and Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” and complemented Sherry’s voice with some tight backing harmonies.
John and Sherry’s second set featured some surprises at the start. After giving away some “Bike Night” door prizes, Electric Avenue proprietor/main man Justin Powell stuck around to sing lead on the first song of the set, Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” – and Justin showed a decent singing voice and pulled it off well! Then an interesting change of pace, as Sherry fronted the duo on an acoustic rendition of Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.!” Another guest then joined the pair, as Vince Youngbauer – guitarist for the electric band that was setting up on Electric Avenue’s main stage, Wide Open – contributed additional guitar as Sherry sang Heart’s “Crazy On You.” John and Sherry continued with more unplugged classics, including The Pretenders’ “Middle Of The Road,” Indigo Girls’ “Closer to Fine,” and to end the set, a rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary.”
John Baker and Sherry Lender, entertaining bikers and revelers during Electric Avenue’s inaugural “Bike Night.”
Electric Avenue proprietor Justin Powell joins John Baker to give away some door prizes and sing Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock.”
Electric Avenue main man Justin Powell looks like a happy guy, as he is flanked by Q94 2005 Calendar Girls Stephanie and Jamie.
John and Sherry’s set ended in conjunction with the end of Q94’s live remote, so after helping break down and load the station’s gear (yes, I do roadie duty, too), I headed out to Electric Avenue’s main stage to catch the electric entertainment of the evening, Wide Open. This band soundly kicked my ass last year when I saw them perform after another Q94 Harley remote at Kelce’s Bar in Philipsburg, and I was looking forward to another musical ass-whoopin’ this night!
They delivered it.
Singer/guitarist Matt Socoski, guitarist/singer Vince Youngbauer, bassist Quinton Hughes and drummer Spike Morelli blasted the lid off the night from the get-go, kicking off with The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” and continuing with a high-octane, in-your-face torrent of classics. Their delivery was rapid fire, as they throttled the house with Kiss’ “Detroit Rock City,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “That Smell,” Blackfoot’s “Train Train,” and Bad Company’s “Rock and Roll Fantasy,” which triggered the night’s first dance floor activity. Wide Open continued to unleash with Ozzy’s “Crazy Train,” Rick Derringer’s “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo” segueing into Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town,” Ted Nugent’s “Free for All,” and the climactic first set closer, their all-out assault rendition of Edgar Winter Group’s “Frankenstein!”
Intermission allowed the band and the crowd to catch their breath. A good number of folks stuck around Electric Avenue after the remote to witness Wide Open, and the response was good thus far. Matt Socoski informed me that the group would be performing at the upcoming Chrome @ The Dome motorcycle event at the Clearfield Fairgrounds in June, and that Wide Open had started work on their debut CD, which should be available by the time they play at Chrome @ The Dome. This news excited me, I’ve been waiting to hear some new recorded tunes out of the Socoski camp ever since the Slammer years!
Wide Open soon started into their nightcap set, again beginning in the Who vein with “Baba O’Reilly.” The group again set a feverish, go-for-broke pace as they fired into the Hollies’ “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress),” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Call Me the Breeze” and Eddie Money’s “Two Tickets to Paradise,” which reignited activity on the dance floor. The party continued with Free’s “All Right Now,” with the group demonstrating some smooth harmonies to go with their firepower; the Vince-fronted edition of Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” Judas Priest’s “Livin’ After Midnight,” Head East’s “Never Been Any Reason,” and Vince fronting another Skynyrd classic, “Sweet Home Alabama.” After Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak,” the group slammed into their rendition of Golden Earring’s “Radar Love,” featuring Vince and Matt on dueling guitars during the midsong break, and a lady from the audience, Denise, helping on backing vocals. Wide Open slowed it down one more time for Bad Company’s “Shooting Star,” during which I got pulled onto the floor for a rare JP slow-dance moment. Wide Open kicked back up to speed with ZZ Top’s “Tush,” before soundman Al Kephart stepped up to sing lead on the set-closing edition of AC/DC’s “TNT.” Electric Avenue quickly called for an encore, and Wide Open returned in a few moments to close out their portion of the night with Cheap Trick’s “Surrender.”
Once again, Wide Open threw caution to the wind and went for broke on every song. Anchored by Spike’s thunderous beats, Wide Open made each of these classics kick ass with their high-velocity, full-throttled delivery, as they challenged the audience to hang on for the ride. Matt and Vince blazed on their guitars, and provided constant motion onstage. Wide Open kept a tight, nonstop pace with constant action and very little down time. Lesser-seasoned music fans might be left gasping for breath after trying to keep up with this high-octane rock and roll machine! Wide Open delivers a rock ‘em, sock ‘em, pedal to the metal classic rocking good time – brace for their all-out fire-and-brimstone rock when they visit your neighborhood!
Wide Open breaks the party wide open at Electric Avenue.
Matt Socoski of Wide Open.
Wide Open, putting pedal to the metal at Electric Avenue.
Again, Matt Socoski of Wide Open.
Spike Morelli of Wide Open.
Wide Open, heating up the dance floor at Electric Avenue.
Vince Youngbauer and Quinton Hughes of Wide Open.
Once again, Wide Open.
Firing off a guitar solo, Matt Socoski of Wide Open.
Trading off heated guitar licks during Golden Earring’s “Radar Love,” Vince Youngbauer and Matt Socoski of Wide Open.
Audience guest Denise, helping Wide Open out on vocals.
“Take our picture!” Denise and Paula, happily taking in Wide Open’s performance at Electric Avenue.
Quinton Hughes of Wide Open.
Vince Youngbauer of Wide Open.
Spike Morelli of Wide Open.
Soundman Al Kephart joins Wide Open onstage.
Soundman Al Kephart flexes his vocal cords on AC/DC’s “TNT.”
Once again, Vince Youngbauer of Wide Open.
The night was not over yet, though. Still just after 11 PM, acoustic music started back up in the rear bar area; John Baker and Sherry Lender were still in the house. Beckoned by guest singer Denise and her friend Paula to join them (how could I refuse?), I headed to the rear bar area to take in some more of John and Sherry’s performance.
John and Sherry were in the midst of doing Heart’s “Barracuda” as we procured a table in front of them. Sherry again celebrated Stevie Nicks on a rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” As the pair started into a rendition of Grand Funk Railroad’s “Some Kind Of Wonderful,” Denise stepped up and helped out on vocals. John and Sherry continued with tunes from Led Zeppelin, Green Day, and a Metallica “Seek and Destroy” tease before leading into Natalie Merchant’s “Carnival.” At this point, after soliciting a request from the lone ‘Professor’ in the house, John and Sherry performed one of their original tunes, “Rita’s Party.” Sherry belted out the lead voice on Five Man Electrical Band/Tesla’s “Signs,” before she and John ended their set with the Rascals’ “Good Lovin’” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”
Although the crowd had thinned out after Wide Open’s show ended, there was still a comfortable light crowd in Electric Avenue’s back bar area to take in John and Sherry’s late show. I started chatting with the couple at the nextdoor table, John and Jen, who were likewise having fun kicking back to John and Sherry’s performance.
After a brief intermission, John and Sherry returned to close out the night with their final set. As the pair kicked off with Al Green/Talking Heads’ “Take Me to the River,” Jen from the table next to me stepped up and provided some shaker percussion. The pair then performed Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times” and Charlie Daniels’ “Long Haired Country Boy,” before Sherry demonstrated her vocal firepower on Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker.” After a rendition of T.Rex’s “Get It On,” John and Sherry ended the night with Dr. Hook’s “Cover of the Rolling Stone,” with Denise returning to the microphone to assist with vocals.
Unlike their earlier performance, which was done in the midst of a packed room, John and Sherry’s later show was friendlier and more laid back. There was more of a one-on-one connection between the two performers and the small crowd; and more interaction, including the audience members stepping up to help out. The pair’s talents shined during both performances, though, and combined with Wide Open’s blistering show, made for a fun Wednesday evening in Houtzdale.
John and Sherry, with audience guest Jen helping on backing vocals.
John Baker with audience guest Denise singing lead; ABC-TV’s Ted Koppel looks on from the wide-screen TV.
Guests Jen and Denise assist John Baker with the party.
Two new friends I met this night, John and Jen.
GIN & JUICE @ CITY LIMITS, ALTOONA 4/21/05
After another late Thursday night at the office, I headed back to City Limits to get another glimpse of Gin and Juice.
When I saw them for the first time the previous Thursday, Gin and Juice were without a bass player. That was resolved this week, as Sound Driven’s Brian Pavlic picked up the bass and joined singer/guitarist Dustin Burley, guitarist/singer Travis Dunn and Kevin “ToonaRockGuy” Siegel behind the drum kit.
I caught the tail end of the evening. A light Thursday night crowd was present as I arrived; the group was finishing up some sort of jam; I thought I heard somebody say it was AC/DC, but since Dustin posts the setlists from each night on his website, I now know it was Phish’s “AC/DC Bag” (I really got to get caught up on the Phish lexicon!). The group then continued with the Dead’s “Sugaree,” and their unique edition of “All Along the Watchtower,” infused with “Must Be the Money” chorus chants. The group then ended the night with an extended jam version of Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” with veteran local axeman Richie “Valentine” Piccerillo joining in with some additional stringbending.
Although these four musicians were still becoming accustomed to each other this night, they did a respectable job. They were having fun, stringing together jams and playing off one another, seeing where each jam would lead. And although small in number, their fans were big in enthusiasm, dancing, cheering and grooving in front of the stage. Yes, it seems another weekly Thursday night jam has arrived in the Altoona area, this one with its own unique vibe and flavor. We’ll continue to follow its progress…
With Sound Driven’s Brian Pavlic supplying bass, Gin and Juice gets ‘em grooving at City Limits.
Once again, Gin and Juice.
Richie “Valentine” Piccerillo jams with Gin and Juice.
Once again, with Rich Piccerillo providing additional guitar, Gin and Juice.
TORN BLACK @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 4/22/05
It was another “been there done that” Friday night in the ‘Toona, and as I glimpsed the schedule of shows happening out of town, it turned out I had “been there done that” recently with most of those options as well. So I decided to stick in town, and check in with Torn Black to see how they had progressed since they first hit local stages in January.
Due to sound system problems early on, the first set was about 15 minutes late getting started. But when it did, it did not take long for Torn Black to get the dance floor party going. Opening with Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” Torn Black – singer Scott Mulligan, guitarists Ryan Dunkle and Tony Wimbush, bassist Ralph Stayer and drummer Al Kizina – quickly attracted the night’s first dancers with their mix of classic and current rock and roll from Goo Goo Dolls, Bryan Adams, Judas Priest, Loverboy, Seven Mary Three, Nazareth, Billy Idol and more. As the dance floor became busier, the band became wilder, with Scott working all parts of the stagefront area, and Ryan venturing out into the crowd to fire off his guitar solo during Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.” Torn Black’s rendition of Velvet Revolver’s “Slither” ended the first set.
The party intensified during the second set, with Torn Black upping the ante and the near-full house Peter C’s crowd responding. Dance floor activity resumed as Torn Black reconvened the music with Golden Earring’s “Twilight Zone,” and continued with Jackyl’s “Down On Me” and Collective Soul’s “Gel.” As the group fired off the hair-band double-shot of Poison’s “Fallen Angel” and Warrant’s “Down Boys,” things got wilder, with several women stepping onstage and dancing alongside the band members. AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds” and Flock Of Seagulls’ “I Ran” packed the floor even further. It was then medley time, as Torn Black strung together .38 Special’s “Hold On Loosely,” T.Rex’s “Get It On,” Duran Duran’s “hungry Like the Wolf” and Grand Funk Railroad’s “Some Kind of Wonderful,” culminating in Ryan again stepping off the stage and leading an audience “train” around the Peter C’s complex. Scott then demonstrated his vocal range and power with Quiet Riot’s “Bang Your Head (Metal Health),” before the group sent the show to its second intermission with three more recent rockers, Blink 182’s “All the Small Things,” Puddle Of Mudd’s “Control” and Nickelback’s “Figure You Out.”
Based on what I had seen so far, Torn Black has come together quite well since their first gig back in January. Instrumentally these guys were clicking on all cylinders, firing off their tunes at a rambunctious clip, and having fun doing it. This was the strongest I've heard frontman Scott sound in a while, demonstrating vocal power, grit and range - obviously he was settling in well with this latest project.
Helping Torn Black's party this night was a packed and festive Peter C's, including Peter C's regular Mary and her sister, Cindy, celebrating a birthday this night. Both band and crowd were fueling each other, resulting in an exciting slobberknocker of a party.
Soon Torn Black commenced the third and final set with Guns'N'Roses' "Sweet Child Of Mine," and instantly the dance floor was filled again. The Cult's "Fire Woman" found Ryan again bringing his guitar out on the dance floor, then up to Peter C's upper bar level and then stop the bar itself! An AC/DC "Hells Bells" tease led into another AC/DC number, "Moneytalks," and Torn Black kept the party going nonstop with tunes by Puddle Of Mudd, Lenny Kravitz, Alice In Chains and Poison. As the group arrived at Motley Crue's "Looks That Kill," ladies were again populating the Peter C's stage, with one helping drummer Al keep the beat. The roup then closed out the set with Bon Jovi's "It's My Life." The jubilant Peter C's populace quickly demanded one more, and Peter C's management allowed Torn Black to deliver one more - Stone Temple Pilots' "Sex Type Thing."
On what started out looking like just another ordinary Friday night in the 'Toona, Torn Black and the lively Peter C's crowd combined forces to turn it into a fun blastoff to the weekend! This show demonstrated to me that Torn Black has emerged as another fun party force on area stages, and their charged and uptempo rock and roll party is just the tonic for getting wild and crazy on a Friday - or Saturday - night. Check them out!
Torn Black fires up the party at Peter C's.
It's a party on and off the stage with Torn Black at Peter C's.
Ryan Dunkle, Scott Mulligan and Ralph Stayer of Torn Black.
Al Kizina of Torn Black.
Tony Wimbush of Torn Black.
Scott Mulligan of Torn Black.
Ryan Dunkle of Torn Black.
Scott Mulligan of Torn Black serenades some female fans in Peter C's upper peanut gallery.
Peter C's Mary and her birthday-celebrating sister, Cindy.
Ryan Dunkle of Torn Black, ascending his way on top of the bar.
Scott Mulligan and Ralph Stayer of Torn Black.
Again, Tony Wimbush of Torn Black.
Ralph Stayer and Tony Wimbush of Torn Black.
Torn Black continues to bring the party at Peter C's.
Torn Black, keeping Peter C's dance floor busy.
Al Kizina of Torn Black receives some assistance behind the kit.
THE MARAUDERS @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 4/23/05
It had been a while since I last saw local rockabilly favorites The Marauders perform (since last October, when they helped celebrate the launching of The Underground TV, so I headed to Aldo’s in Juniata to see what this trio was up to.
There was an opening band, The Crimson Outlaws, but they went on early at 10 PM and were already off the stage by the time I arrived near 11. Another time, perhaps…
The Marauders started into their first set just seconds after I walked in the door. While a nice crowd was assembled, it wasn’t the jam-packed crowd I had witnessed at other Marauders performances, and a few people who had been ardently asking me when the group was performing in Altoona again were no-shows this night. Either they didn’t know about the show or had other stuff going on. Oh well…
Singer/guitarist Ben Dumm, upright bass player Chris Lawson and drummer Abe Weber fired off roots rock and rockabilly from their two albums during their first set, including "Roadkill," "Late Night Livin,'" the set-closing "New Tattoo" and more. The group also played a number of new tunes as well. While the crowd was attentive and appreciative, they weren't in the dancing mood, so the floor are in front of Aldo's stage remained empty. A friend of the band who was soon headed to Parris Island for military duty brought a round of shots up to the band towards the end of the set.
The Marauders' nightcap set featured more original roots rock and rockabilly from their two albums, including "Alibi," "She Put A Spell On Me," the darkish and shadowy "Dead Of Night" and "My Revolver," "Kill Pop Radio," the night-ending "Prostitute," and by audience request, a repeat performance of "Late Night Livin.'" The Marauders also broke out two early rock'n'roll remakes during this final set, Ronnie Hawkins' "Forty Days" and Buddy Holly's "Oh Boy."
Ben, Chris and Abe have solidified into a tight, energized, focused unit. The group executed their tunes with grit, enthusiasm, and a playful, rowdy edge. Although this night's Aldo's crowd wasn't as crazy and animated as I have witnessed for the Marauders on other occasions, it was still a spirited Marauders performance, reaffirming this band as one of the freshest breaths of air happening currently on area stages.
Chris Lawson of The Marauders.
Chris Lawson and Ben Dumm of The Marauders.
Ben Dumm of The Marauders.
Again, Chris Lawson of The Marauders.
Once again, Chris Lawson and Ben Dumm of The Marauders.
Abe Weber of The Marauders.
15TH ANNUAL “CRAZY FEST” @ GREENWOOD FIRE HALL, ALTOONA 4/24/05
In the parade of annual events marking the arrival of warmer weather and springtime, the annual Crazy Fest Amateur Youth Talent Show has been one of those annual mileposts for me since its inception in 1990. But it was a raw and chilly day as I made my way to the Greenwood Firehall for Dennie Huber's annual celebration of up and coming youth talent.
As Dennie explained in his opening remarks, he started Crazy Fest to give kids their first opportunity to get on a stage and show their talents, whether the talent be music, dancing, or other endeavor. Someone gave Dennie that chance long ago; he in turn started Crazy Fest to give other youngsters that chance. Dennie also reassured parents and contestants that Crazy Fest was not American Idol, and Simon Cowell was not on the judging panel. Crazy Fest existed to encourage young performers, never discourage them. The judging panel, largely made up of former Crazy Fest contestants themselves, was there to offer encouragement and positive feedback, and the audience was friendly and supportive to all the contestants. These young entertainers performed and competed for a large number of trophies, ribbons, awards, plaques and other prizes to be handed out; everybody taking the stage this day would likely leave Crazy Fest with at least some hardware at the end of the day.
Show organizer and emcee Dennie Huber.
After Crazy Fest alumnus Don Hughes kicked off the festivities with his keyboard rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” Crazy Fest started with the youngest performers, the age 10 and under division. There were three contestants; two singers and a dancer. Eventual winner, 8-year-old Carley Ingold of Cresson, sang “Broadway Baby.” 9-year-old Chelsea Moses of Hollidaysburg did a dance routine to Phil Collins’ “Another Day In Paradise,” while 6-year-old Shannon Barnes of Hollidaysburg sang a religious number.
The first Crazy Fest contestant of the afternoon, Carley Ingold of Cresson.
Along the way, several former Crazy Fest contestants (and present-day Crazy Fest judges) performed in exhibition to mark the separation between age and other divisions. The first of these was Typhani Janelle Russo, who sang a rendition of Heart’s “Alone,” before presenting Dennie Huber with a special award.
Typhani Janelle Russo presents Crazy Fest organizer and emcee Dennie Huber with an award.
Next was the 11-12-year-old category. All five contestants in this division were ladies, and four of them – Athena Rice of Duncansville, Stella Longo of Altoona, eventual winner Kayanna Brown of Williamsburg and Kayla Hilton of Duncansville – sang. Melissa Haas of Altoona performed a selection on the violin.
Stella Longo performs during Crazy Fest. Stella's father is Infused drummer Ed Longo.
The lone violinist of this year's Crazy Fest, Melissa Haas of Altoona.
As the first amateur youth band of the afternoon took up positions with their instruments and got ready to perform, Davey Keller sang a country number in exhibition. Then the first band of the afternoon, Ashes Of Imminence from Lewistown, performed a punk-driven original tune.
Ashes Of Imminence performs during Crazy Fest.
This led into the 13-year-old division, featuring three contestants. Two of the contestants were singers; eventual winner Maura Murphy of Hollidaysburg and Kelsey Ingold of Cresson. The third contestant, Marcie Crawford of Claysburg, did a dance routine to Roxette’s “The Look.”
Dennie then lined up all the contestants thus far for the judging panel to consider for the “Future Star” award (given out to the performer they determine shows the best potential to go far in the entertainment field); before the next exhibition performer, 10-year-old Elaini Arthur, sang a country number.
At this point, the next amateur band contestant, Dropout High, performed one of their original songs, blending melody and punkish drive.
Dropout High performs during Crazy Fest.
The 14-year-old category then featured four contestants. After Tesla Rice of Duncansville opened with a clog-dancing routine to Toni Basil’s “Mickey;” eventual winner Nick Finochio of Altoona, Whitney Dodson of Altoona and Devon Ingold of Cresson each showcased their singing talents.
Crazy Fest contesant Devon Ingold.
With no 15-year-old contestants, Dennie then jumped to the 16-year-old division. (Dennie explained that he reserves the right to vary the age divisions from year to year, based on the availability of contestants in the various age groups each year.) Jamie Lee of Williamsburg started with a ballet dance routine; followed by two singers – eventual winner Megan Helbig of Altoona and Kira Burley of Roaring Spring. Casey McCorkle of Altoona closed out the division with her dance routine.
Eventual Crazy Fest 15-year-old division winner Megan Helbig. Megan is one of several children of area musicians who were entered in this year's Crazy Fest. Her parents are Bob and Patty Helbig.
Up next was another exhibition performer; a Crazy Fest alumnus who has become a popular attraction on the festival and fair circuit, Crystal Marie. After singing a number, Crystal and Dennie presented the Crazy Fest Hall Of Fame Award to Typhani Janelle Russo.
Crystal Marie and Dennie Huber present the Crazy Fest Hall Of Fame Award to Typhani Janelle Russo.
Next was the final contestant of the amateur youth band division, Murder The Stars from Altoona. All three members of this band were 14 years old, and performed an instrumental number.
Crazy Fest band contestants Murder The Stars.
Don Hughes then returned to the stage area to perform an original composition on the keys as an exhibition performer. Don was then presented with the Crazy Fest Outstanding Achievement Award by Dennie and Typhani Janelle Russo.
Giving his exhibition performance, Crazy Fest alumnus Don Hughes.
This brought the afternoon to the 17-18-year-old category. Three contestants performed here: Caitlin Baker of Altoona did a ballet-styled dance routine to John Lennon’s “Imagine;” Nikki Knepp of Huntingdon sang Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock’n’Roll;” and eventual winner Angela Dodson of Roaring Spring sang a country rendition of Barbara Belle’s “Sunday Kind Of Love.”
Nikki Knepp of Huntingdon performs during Crazy Fest.
Crazy Fest contestant and eventual 17-18 Division winner Angela Dodson.
The final age division was the 19-21 category. At first, it looked like an instant trophy for Altoona’s Anthony Harrison, who sang an original R&B number, “Heaven Always Knows,” as the only contestant in the division. But part of the “craziness” of Crazy Fest is that late entries are accepted, and when Dennie Huber asked if anyone else was entering, two more contestants raised hands and entered the contest; Luke Henry and Jeremy Merrick of Altoona. Luke sang and played electric guitar on his rendition of Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me,” while Jeremy performed an electric guitar rendition Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Cold Shot;” Jeremy was eventually chosen as the winner.
Singing his original song "Heaven Always Knows," Anthony Harrison.
Crazy Fest contestant Luke Henry.
Eventual Crazy Fest 19-21 division winner Jeremy Merrick.
At this point, Dennie brought all the 14-and-over contestants up to the stage to line up for “Future Star” consideration.
It was then time for the final division of the afternoon, the duo/group category. In past Crazy Fests, this division has often produced some of the most surprising and unusual performances of the day; this year was no exception. First was the duet of Nick Finochio and Maura Murphy, singing Jo Dee Messina’s “Bring On The Rain.” Eventual division winners Luke Henry and Jeremy Merrick teamed up on a guitar and voice rendition of .38 Special’s “Caught Up In You.” The Ingold Family – sisters Karley, Kelsey and Devon – sang an a cappella selection from Footloose. Then, the most unusual performance entity of the day; A four-piece drum ensemble, Crisco Inferno, marched their way forward to the stage area and did a percussion routine.
Eventual Crazy Fest duo/group division winners Jeremy Merrick and Luke Henry.
The Ingold sisters - Kelsey, Devon and Karlie - perform during Crazy Fest.
Crisco Inferno, bringing drum thunder to the Greenwood Firehall during Crazy Fest.
After a brief intermission to collect final scores and count votes, it was time to distribute the afternoon’s hardware. As mentioned earlier, Dennie Huber made sure that every Crazy Fest contestant left with something at the end of the afternoon; thus various ribbons and other awards were handed out to the runners up, along with the winners’ trophies in each age division. The duo/group awards were handed out, before Typhani Janelle Russo presented several Russo family trophies (sponsored by Typhani and her mother, Jackie). Typhani awarded her “TNT” (Top Notch Talent) awards to Caitlin Baker, Maura Murphy and Ashes Of Imminence. Her “Broadway Bound” awards went to Marci Crawford, Devon and Kelsey Ingold. Typhani’s “Rising Star” awards were given to Kira Burley, Nick Finochio and Jeremy Merrick. And her “Adorably Cute” awards went to all three 10-and-under contestants, Karley Ingold, Chelsea Moses and Shannon Barnes. The Crazy Fest Future Star top honors went to Maura Murphy in the 13-and-under class, and Anthony Harrison in the 14-and-over class. The “Fan Favorite” trophies (voted on by the audience) went to Murder The Stars in the band division, and Nikki Knepp in the individual division. Finally, Ashes Of Imminence was awarded top honors in the Crazy Fest amateur band division.
Another Crazy Fest had entered the books, and again the audience got to witness some very promising up-and-coming young area talent. Hopefully all the contestants will continue with their dreams and endeavors, and hopefully we’ll get to see all of these youngsters on various stages and entertainment situations down the road.
Dennie Huber commented that due to a change regarding the availability of trophies for Crazy Fest (the longtime trophy suppliers changed ownership, and the new owners have indicated they are not interested in being a part of Crazy Fest), there could be changes on the horizon for next year’s Crazy Fest event. But Denny assured everybody that even if there were changes, there would still be a Crazy Fest in 2006, and an opportunity for young amateur entertainers to step onstage and get a taste of the limelight.
On behalf of Dennie Huber, thanks to all the sponsors of Crazy Fest, soundman Dave Tornatore and After Dark Productions for donating sound and production for the day, the Greenwood Fire Company for the use of their facility, the judges and exhibition performers, the contestants, and everybody who came out to support the event.
Dennie Huber's van, the Hubiemobile.
FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 4/24/05
My guests on the “Backyard Rocker” this week were Noah Figlin and Steve Arnold, the guitarist and drummer from State College’s The Nightcrawlers. Both musicians expressed an interest in heading over to The Hitching Post to see Felix & the Hurricanes after the program. The possibilities of a Nightcrawlers/Hurricanes onstage get-together were enough to make me decide upon the Post as my destination to close out the weekend.
It was a near full house at The Hitching Post as I arrived and procured an empty seat at the corner of the bar facing the stage. Guitar man Felix Kos, drum man Bob Watters and bass man Jeff Clapper had the party well in hand, as they mixed a variety of original numbers, classic and southern rock, country and even some rockabilly. The group jumped from their R&B-geared original, “Walking A Straight Line,” to the uptempo Jeff-fronted rendition of Bryan Adams’ “Summer Of ’69,” to the Stray Cats’ “Rock This Town” to Eddie Rabbitt’s country-pop hit “Drivin’ My Life Away.” The flavor then switched to lowdown blues for the ‘Canes original “On The Bottom Again,” before reverting back to country for “T for Texas,” which triggered some dance floor action. After another country number, the Hurricanes headed to intermission with George Thorogood’s “Bad to the Bone.”
The third set delivered what I was anticipating, the musical summit of Hurricanes and Nightcrawlers. The Nightcrawlers’ Steve Arnold and Noah Figlin took over on drums and guitar, Acid Reflux/Wood’n’Strings’ Dwane Edmiston strapped on the bass; and with Felix singing lead, this meeting of musicians started off the third set with T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday.” Noah, Steve and Jeff then continued with a rousing edition of Dire Straits’ “Sultans Of Swing.” The full Hurricanes trio then returned for “Ride On,” before frequent flyer guest singer Lauren flexed her vocal cords on Journey’s “Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin.’” Jeff then sang on the Hurricanes’ rocking original “Black Widow,” and the group continued the party with Eric Clapton’s “After Midnight,” ZZ Top’s “La Grange,” Iron Butterfly’s “Innagaddadavida;” and, after a Black Sabbath “Electric Funeral” tease, finished the night with Al Green’s “Take Me to the River.”
It was musical fireworks galore, as the Hurricanes and their guests once again amazed the house with their wide-ranging array of musical flavors, instrumental and vocal finesse. The upbeat vibe and the anticipated electricity generated by Hurricanes and Nightcrawlers on the same stage made this a stirring close to the weekend.
Hurricane Felix sings while Noah Figlin and Steve Arnold of The Nightcrawlers play guitar and drums.
Noah and Steve of The Nightcrawlers join forces with Hurricane Jeff.
Noah Figlin and Steve Arnold of The Nightcrawlers, sitting in with Felix & the Hurricanes.
Noah Figlin of The Nightcrawlers, singing and playing guitar with Felix & the Hurricanes.
Steve Arnold of The Nightcrawlers and Dwane Edmiston of Acid Reflux/Wood-n-Strings, sitting in with Felix & the Hurricanes.
Guest Lauren belts some voice with The Hurricanes.
Once again, Lauren.
Bob Watters of The Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes, jukin' on a Sunday night at the Hitching Post.
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