Jim Price
Moderator
Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA
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 Posted: Sunday Nov 16, 2003 |
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WEEKEND RECAP 9/15/03
JAM NIGHT @ DIVELY’S TAVERN, JOHNSTOWN 9/10/03
For those looking for something to check out on a Wednesday evening, Johnstown has something special going on. Dively’s Tavern, in the Roxbury section of the city, presents a weekly Wednesday jam night hosted by Dave Distefano. After hearing lots of cool stuff about this jam night and Dively’s in general, I decided to do the roadtrip to J-town this particular Wednesday night to check it out.
Right off the bat, I was pleased to see a near-packed house as I entered Dively’s. An unidentified singer/guitarist was onstage, doing nice work on Robert Palmer’s “Addicted To Love” and the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” After this performer left the stage, jam night host Dave Distefano made his way to the stage and invited another performer, named Mitchell, to step up and play a few songs. The audience politely applauded as Mitchell took up position and played five songs; including an original song, versions of Led Zeppelin’s “Tangerine,” Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” the Beatles’ “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” and more.
Dave Distefano then returned to the stage and strapped on the guitar himself, and performed an interesting delta blues/funk-styled take on the Black Crowes’ “Hard To Handle.” Dave’s intensity increased as the song proceeded along, and the Dively’s crowd gave him a rousing response.
Another performer, B.J., stepped up and performed a selection of songs, kicking off with Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See.” The aforementioned Mitchell then joined B.J., and the two performed as a duet. Mitchell sang backing vocals on versions of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” and Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler.” Then, with Mitchell helping on backing vocals and percussion, the duo did a heated version of Led Zeppelin’s “Gallow’s Pole,” with Mitchell going off on a full Robert Plant-styled meltdown by song’s end. B.J. then finished off this mini-set solo with a version of Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer.”
Next up on this open mic/jam setting was Glenn, who was celebrating a birthday this night. Off the top, Glenn apologized to the house for the drunken sounds they were about to hear. But the audience celebrated with Glenn as he played several 60’s and 70’s classics, including the Byrds’ “Eight Miles High,” Crosby Stills Nash & Young’s “Wooden Ships,” the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s In The Cradle” and more. Despite his prior birthday celebration imbibing, Glenn actually did a decent job singing and strumming his acoustic on this set.
Entering the night’s homestretch, jam night host Dave Distefano returned to the stage to finish up the night, joined by a few guests along the way. Helped on vocals by a lady named Lori, Dave performed versions of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.” This duet worked nicely, as Dave’s and Lori’s voices harmonized well together, and Dave’s own unique style and flare put a distinct signature on these classics. A harmonica player named Wes then stepped up and joined Dave on versions of Bill Withers’ “Use Me” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll,” before offering a fresh-sounding acoustic take on Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades.” Despite Dave breaking a string, the duo finished out the night with versions of Bob Seger’s “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” and the Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil.”
I was pleased with my first experience taking in the Wednesday open mic/jam night at Dively’s Tavern. The atmosphere throughout the evening was supportive, and the various performers all received appreciative response for their efforts. The attendance was impressive as well, and many of these people stuck around until the end of the night. It took me a while to finally get to Dively’s to take one of these Wednesday jams in; it will not be my last.
Dave Distefano and guest Wes.
UNITY CONCERT @ HERITAGE PLAZA, ALTOONA 9/11/03
It was hard to believe that two years have already passed since the travesty of 9/11. As was the case the previous year, 9/11 saw a large number of remembrances and tributes throughout our nation. In the Altoona area, one of the biggest remembrances once again took place at Heritage Plaza, and the Blair County Community Action Agency again presented Unity Day. This event kicked off with a solemn morning remembrance, followed by a Unity Lunch, and for the nightcap, the second annual Unity Concert, featuring a variety of local performers and entertainers.
As I arrived, entertainment was under way, and concert hosts Big Mac’n’Fries were finishing up the first of two sets. Big Mac’n’Fries (named in honor of McDonalds, who provided food items throughout the Heritage Plaza Summer Concert Series) is a collaboration of musicians from the various bands that entertained at Heritage Plaza during the course of the Summer Concert Series. Guitarist John McKelvey (The Front/Flight 19); singer/guitarist Don Osborn and bassist Bill Hunter (Square One); singer/guitarist Jack Servello and drummer/singer Allan Robison (Prime Time Band) and keyboardist Ken Civils (Pastime Band) received rousing applause from the assembled audience with their version of Crosby Stills Nash & Young’s “Cost of Freedom/Ohio,” with guest Sean Osborn helping out on tambourine.
Big Mac’n’Fries’ intermission featured performances from a number of solo entertainers. Emcee Dennie Huber first introduced Typhani Russo, who sang and performed flute on three selections, ranging from classical to movie music. Dennie then introduced pint-sized youngster Elaini Arthur, who sang three country songs. She was followed by singer Henry Hansard, who performed several R&B/gospel-flavored songs, including the hit from American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, “Flying Without Wings.”
Emcee Dennie Huber himself then performed. Still a favorite among area youngsters, Dennie invited the kids of the audience to come sit up front, as he opened by performing a magic act. Dennie then took the microphone and sang, first crooning the Elvis Presley ballad “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.” With cordless microphone, Dennie walked along the circumference of the seating area, singing to several of the moms and grandmoms in attendance. Dennie then donned his red, white and blue top hat and finished his performance with a patriotic number, “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”
Dennie then introduced a dance performance trio, Signs In Motion, who did routines to several patriotic-geared numbers. Dennie then introduced the final performer of the intermission, Megan Ritchey. A special performer confined to a wheelchair, Megan started off by reciting a poem she wrote about the day’s tragedy, called “September 11.” Megan then sang her heartfelt rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA.” Megan brought tears to many eyes in the audience with her performance during last year’s Unity Day; this year, her rendition turned into a singalong, as the audience chimed in and sang along on the choruses, turning the song into a celebration of America.
Big Mac’n’Fries then returned to the stage area to finish out the event. The group performed five songs, spanning the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Their set opened with Bachman Turner Overdrive’s “Takin’ Care of Business,” followed by versions of Del Shannon’s “Runaway” and Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.” With John McKelvey singing, the group performed a John-penned original song, the bluesy “Heart Is in the Mind;” before the group finished out the night with the Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Runnin.’”
On this dark day in our nation’s history, it was heartening to see the large attendance at the Unity Concert, as people of all ages and backgrounds came together this night, and showed unity and togetherness during this remembrance of the day’s tragedy, and celebration of the freedoms and principles that bring us together as a country. As was the case last year, the Unity Concert was ultimately a feel-good event.
Big Mac’n’Fries, entertaining at the Unity Concert.
Unity Concert emcee Dennie Huber.
Typhani Russo entertains at the Unity Concert.
VELVEETA @ CITY LIMITS, ALTOONA 9/11/03
After the Unity Concert, I had some chores to perform at the day job, but eventually made my way to City Limits to check in with Happy Valley cheese rockers Velveeta. Attendance was disappointingly light as Velveeta neared the end of their second set; but the group had a few fans dancing to versions of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me.” Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and John Mellencamp’s “Jack & Diane” to close out the set.
Despite the sparse crowd, the overall mood of the band was festive, with reason – keyboard man/singer Brent Martin was celebrating a birthday this night. Brent was being further accommodated at the bar during the intermission, and was in good spirits as he and the band returned to the stage for the nightcap set.
With the aforementioned small crowd in the house, Velveeta played out the evening with versions of Guns’n’Roses’ “Sweet Child Of Mine,” Violent Femmes’ “Blister In The Sun” and Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Night;” with at least a few dancers on the floor and showing their appreciation. Those dancers quickly called for an encore after this mini-set, and Velveeta answered them with a night-ending version of Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock’n’Roll.”
Not a banner night as Velveeta shows go, but the band seemed to take it all in stride, and had fun with the fans who were in attendance. Such attendance doesn’t bode well for the future of Thursday live bands at City Limits, as it is becoming apparent that the crowds that used to populate the Altoona G-Man on Thursdays before its demise aren’t automatically flocking to City Limits to see bands – even popular bands like Backstreet Law or Velveeta.
Brian Kriley of Velveeta.
Brent Martin and Brian Kriley of Velveeta.
Velveeta, cheesing it up at City Limits.
XPENDABLE @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 9/12/03
Since I had a long day ahead of me the next day for Q94’s annual Q-Fest concert, I decided to stick close to home this night, and took in the return of Xpendable at Aldo’s.
Key defections from this band earlier in the year put Xpendable on the backburner for several months, and it was starting to look like this once-promising band was history. But according to drummer Danny Kenmore, the band members mutually decided to get things back together, and Xpendable was back in action.
Unaware there was an opening band this night, I missed the first group this night, the new project featuring former Feight guitarist Jeremiah Shafer (I did a lousy job keeping notes this night, and forgot to write down the name, my bad). Xpendable was unleashing their fury as I arrived, slamming out a version of Sevendust’s “Black.” Singer Matt Watson, guitarist Lerch, bassist Jay Herbert and drummer Danny proceeded to drill nu-metal mayhem from System of a Down, Coal Chamber, Drowning Pool, Static X, Slipknot and more. As before, Matt was all-out intensity, snarling out ferocious voice that at times threatened to leave shards of his throat strewn out in a bloody pulp on Aldo’s stage and dance floor. Lerch, Jay and Danny matched the intensity on their instruments; and despite the time apart showed little signs of rust. Eventually, Jeremiah Shafer joined Xpendable onstage to contribute some guitar leads on two Slayer numbers.
Obviously, this town’s metal fans didn’t forget about Xpendable during their brief absence, as a good-sized audience was in attendance at Aldo’s this night to witness their return. Xpendable’s brand of agitated heavy rock had a number of fans standing up front and getting rowdy.
The audience was also treated to some post-game festivities at night’s end, as an overexhuberant female fan triggered a brief episode of the Jerry Springer show; and soon was physically escorted from the premised by Aldo himself. Cheap thrills in Juniata on a Friday night!
Jay Herbert of Xpendable.
Guest Jeremiah Shafer of Xpendable.
Q-FEST 2003 @ CRESSON SPORTSMEN’S CLUB, CRESSON 9/13/03
As anybody who puts together an annual event knows, there are good years, and not-so-good years. Years when everything goes perfectly, and years when problems and setbacks are encountered. In the case of outdoor events, years when the weather is picture-perfect, and other years when the weather stinks.
In the case of Q94’s annual Q-Fest benefit concert, the past two years of the event were excellent – great weather, large attendance, great band performances and a good, happy, unified vibe throughout the day. So Q-Fest was due for an off year. This year’s was it. This year’s Q-Fest turned out to be a year of ups and downs. The “ups” happened onstage, as the bands and performers this year all put on strong and memorable performances. The “downs” happened offstage, from lousy weather to a scary auto accident, to other offstage problems.
The first problem actually happened half a year before Q-Fest, when the event’s previous venue, the PPG Pavilion in Tipton, announced early this year that it would not book parties or events of over 50 people. So suddenly, Q-Fest was in search of a new home. Eventually, it was decided to return Q-Fest back to where it began, the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club. The band line-up was assembled; and because the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club has a large, single stage, it was decided to run acoustic entertainment during the electric bands’ tear-down and set-up. But available acoustic performers were hard to obtain for this day, and it wasn’t until the eve of the show that the last pieces of the acoustic puzzle fell into place for this year’s event.
Then there was the weather. This will go down as one of the rainiest summers on record for this part of the world, and the rains impacted a lot of outdoor events. The weather was excellent three weeks prior for “End of Summer Jam” at the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club; but as Q-Fest drew nearer, initial forecasts for sunshine converted to the dreaded rainy day scenario. And as I awoke this day, the dreaded forecast achieved fruition – gray and rainy.
Nonetheless, the show must go on, and I drove to the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club to help with last-minute preparations for Q-Fest. As I arrived, Jim “Big Jimi Cee” Colyer of Lizzard Productions was already far along in having the sound ready to go for this year’s Q-Fest, and the first band of the day, Sound Driven, was already onstage and getting their gear set up. A misty light rain fell as the preparations were being completed, and it was hoped that the showers would diminish as Q-Fest got underway.
As I did my preparations for the show, I realized I was short on a few items and needed to head back into Cresson to make a quick stop at the Dollar General. I left the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club and traveled the wet and curvy road to my destination. While procuring the needed items inside Dollar General, I heard sirens and witnessed several police and emergency vehicles drive past, turning onto the Cresson-Loretto Road – the road I had just traversed moments earlier. As I attempted to drive back towards the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club following my purchases, I found that traffic was stopped, and several more emergency vehicles drove past me. It quickly registered with me what had happened – an accident, blocking the main thoroughfare leading to Q-Fest, less than an hour before the show was scheduled to begin. Excedrin time.
When it became apparent that traffic wasn’t about to begin moving any time soon, I carefully turned my car around and proceeded back towards Cresson, so I could phone Q94 and notify them about the situation, and then try to use another route to return to the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club. I was familiar enough with the roads to know I could get to the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club by using the Cresson-Loretto Road from the Loretto side; so I took the ‘scenic’ route to Loretto and made the journey back in, arriving back at the club roughly 15 minutes before Q-Fest was to begin. Upon arrival, several Cresson Sportsmen informed me that indeed there had been an auto accident, and a nasty one involving several vehicles.
Things were not going well. The rainy weather was likely to diminish attendance; and now on top of that, an auto accident was going to block anybody who was trying to get to Q-Fest. In addition, at this point, only two Q94 representatives were at the event – myself and soundman Jim Colyer’s better half, Sandi, who had only started working at the station two weeks prior. The accident separated us from the rest of the Q94 staff headed to the event, as well as more supplies we needed for the event. Excedrin and Rolaids time.
Cresson fire police soon began detouring concertgoers around the crash site and showing them a back road alternative route to get to Q-Fest, so a few fans began arriving as the clock hit 1 PM. Our wristbands hadn’t arrived yet for over-21 concertgoers, so Sandi took up gate duty and marked over-21 attendees’ hands with a Sharpie marker. For Sandi, this day would be baptism by fire, as she and I handled most of the duties during Q-Fest for the rest of the day.
The show must go on, and with Sound Driven ready to go, we started Q-Fest for the few fans who had arrived up to this point. We started about 20 minutes after the scheduled 1 PM start time, but given the circumstances, we were at least underway.
The offstage problems soon became worse. I phoned Q94 shortly after Sound Driven began playing, and learned some more bad news – the auto accident involved the vehicle carrying our station manager, Diane, her husband Bob and granddaughter; and all three had been taken to the hospital. Their conditions were not yet known, although an eyewitness or two said their injuries didn’t seem to be life-threatening. My stomach tightened up another knot. In addition, Diane’s car was carrying the rest of the supplies for Q-Fest, including the wristbands, T-shirts (which we were planning to sell to raise additional money for the charity), and materials for the Q94 Calendar Girl Contest. Excedrin, Rolaids and Alka Seltzer time.
Despite all the craziness of tending to these offstage emergencies, I did manage to pay at least some attention to Sound Driven as they performed. As expected, Sound Driven kicked out the jam to commence the afternoon’s music, performing original jam rock compositions including several from their debut CD, “View From the Attic.” Singer/keyboardist Denny Karl, guitarists Brian Pavlic and Mark Sinisi, bassist Dan Condrin and drummer Luke Leiden kicked back and had fun, spicing their lively jam adventures with elements of funk, blues, jazz and more. A number of fans came out to support Sound Driven, and braved the damp mountain mist to applaud their efforts. Although I couldn’t pay close attention to their set this day, what I did hear from Sound Driven sounded good, and provided an upbeat start to the afternoon.
Sound Driven kicks off Q-Fest 2003.
Denny Karl of Sound Driven.
After a few quick stage adjustments, Q-Fest was set for the first acoustic act of the afternoon, Hedgerow Red. As was the case with Sound Driven, I couldn’t pay as much attention to guitarist/singer Scott and percussionist Woo (half of local prog/math rockers PnEumatic) as I wanted to; but what I did hear sounded fine, as the duo performed acoustic original songs with a smattering of modern favorites. Towards the end of their half-hour set, Scott and Woo were joined onstage by their PnEumatic bandmates, Cramer and Colton, for a crisp set-ending version of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.”
Woo and Scott of Hedgerow Red.
As the day’s next performers, Felix & the Hurricanes, took the stage, at least a few small things started to improve. First, although still cloudy and soggy, the light rain had largely subsided; and eventually, even a few spots of blue sky appeared during the afternoon. (Unfortunately, it continued to rain and mist down the mountain in the Altoona area throughout the rest of the day, scaring most potential Altoona music fans from attending the event.) Also, my Q94 cohort, Adam Erickson, and official station roadie Jason arrived after doing a remote broadcast in Carrolltown. Adam spotted me some relief by emceeing the Q94 Calendar Girl Contest after the Hurricanes’ set, and helped try to obtain updates on station manager Diane and her family members’ conditions.
Felix & the Hurricanes quickly turned the afternoon into a party, as they mixed Southern and classic rock favorites with original songs from both of their CD’s. The ‘Canes opened strong with Robin Trower’s “Too Rolling Stoned;” and mixed in hard-hitting original tunes such as “Issues,” the Jeff Clapper-sung “Little Ears,” the soulful “Walking a Straight Line” and the bluesy “Free.” Lead Hurricane Felix Kos then decided to get a jump on Q94, and staged his own Calendar Girl contest; inviting several current Q94 Calendar Girls and calendar girl hopefuls onstage for an impromptu contest. Introducing each lady for each month of the year (“Miss January,” “Miss February,” etc.), Felix solicited cheers for each of the ladies (even a dog who ran across the stage; the dog received the loudest applause of all), and left the ladies dance and grace the front of the stage for the remainder of the set. The Hurricanes succeeded in stepping up the mood of the show, and providing some musical and comic brightness to a gray afternoon.
Felix & the Hurricanes, making their annual Q-Fest appearance.
Jeff Clapper of Felix & the Hurricanes.
Felix Kos of Felix & the Hurricanes.
Felix & the Hurricanes bring on the Q94 Calendar Girls (and Calendar Girl hopefuls).
Putting on the dance moves, the Q94 Calendar Girls.
The Q94 Calendar Girl Contest gave me a break to grab a bite to eat, and recharge for the rest of the day. Despite the gray weather, a sizable contingent of hopefuls turned out to state their cases for being picked for the 2004 calendar. An additional highlight of the contest happened when Adam Erickson introduced the current Calendar Girls in attendance, and Calendar Girl Ann demonstrated her vocal talents on a loud and proud solo rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz.”
Adam Erickson interviews the Calendar Girl hopefuls.
Q94 Calendar Girls Stephanie, Ann, Sara and future Calendar Girl Melissa, enjoying the day at Q-Fest 2003.
Calendar Girls just wanna have fun…and hang around.
Shortly after the Calendar Girl festivities concluded, Roadkill resumed the day’s music. Lead megalomaniac/singer/bassist Greg Majewsky, guitarist Sean McCracken and drummer Shawn “Teach” Evans opened with their musical mission statement, “I Don’t Care,” and proceeded with a set mixing power chord-driven original tunes, select classics, and Greg’s self-depreciating humor. The group broke out their original tunes “Fifth on the Fourth of July” and “Hardcoreo;” and Sean McCracken showed off some incendiary guitarwork on Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile.” Roadkill’s set reached a crescendo when they did Grand Funk’s “Some Kind of Wonderful,” during which they were joined by a guest: Halestorm frontlady Lzzy Hale stepped onstage and sang backing vocals. More fans continued to gather near stagefront as Roadkill finished strong, doing a version of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” and their rowdy original song “The Adam Stomp.” It was just what the doctor ordered from Roadkill; hard-hitting raunch rock mayhem that never took itself too seriously. If you didn’t believe Greg’s overly humble bashings of himself and his bandmates, you heard a fairly tight and together unit that knew its musical turf well. It was hard-hitting, funny and fun.
Roadkill, presenting three chords and the truth at Q-Fest.
Greg Majewsky of Roadkill.
Shawn “Teach” Evans of Roadkill.
Sean McCracken of Roadkill.
Lzzy Hale of Halestorm joins Roadkill onstage.
Once again, Greg Majewsky of Roadkill.
Roadkill with Lzzy Hale, singing “Some Kind of Wonderful.”
Another installment of the Q94 Calendar Girl Contest was to take place during this intermission, but since the concert was running slightly behind schedule, it was cancelled. Kudos en masse go to soundman “Big Jimi Cee” Colyer for doing his homework before the concert and having each band’s preparations quickly ready to go onstage; resulting in a near-nonstop day of music, and a surprisingly short transition between Roadkill’s set and the day’s next performers, Halestorm.
The last time Halestorm had performed at the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club – four years ago – pre-Lzzy Elizabeth Hale was 15, singing and playing keyboards; and 12-year-old brother Arejay played on a revolving drumkit that rotated him upside down while he was playing. As anyone in attendance at that year’s Q-Fest was about to see, these two performers have done some growing up in four years.
It had been ten months since Halestorm last performed in our neck of the woods, and a lot had happened with the band over that time. On the down side, PLCB problems that curtailed their ability to perform bar and nightclub gigs, and the defection of their bassist and guitarist. And on the up side, singer Lzzy Hale hooking up with veteran producer David Ivory, the eventual additions of a new guitarist and bass player, and the group hooking up with a major manager, Larry Mazer. Lzzy’s collaboration with David Ivory resulted in some brand new Halestorm music, and the new music and band lineup made Halestorm one of the more anticipated bands at this year’s Q-Fest.
Introducing new guitarist Joe Hottinger and bassist Dave Hartley, Halestorm opened with three brand new, hard hitting songs: “I Bleed,” “It’s Not You” and “Pieces.” The group then continued with covers from System of a Down and Evanescence, before switching back to more new original songs. The new songs were mostly short, direct and to the point; yet still allowing Lzzy an ample platform to showcase her powerful and rangeful pipes. The group arrived at the song “Psycho Princess,” which became the crescendo of their set when Joe and Dave broke out their own drums and toms and commenced a percussion jam in midsong; drummer Arejay Hale emerged from behind his kit and joined them, and the trio continued the percussion jam while circling the stagefront percussion array. This drew immediate and resounding applause from the assembled crowd of onlookers. The band continued with more original songs, including “Running with Scissors,” before blazing their set home with a torrid version of Heart’s “Barracuda.” The updated edition of Halestorm delivered as hoped; establishing an energized, aggressive pace and never letting up. Lzzy was confident and poised as she sang the new songs and flashed some crisp guitarwork along the way. New members Joe and Dave looked at home and comfortable in this setting, attacking their respective instruments and matching the energy and intensity level that Lzzy showed out front. Drummer Arejay demonstrated his continued growth and progression behind the drum kit; he has evolved into a reliable, confident, enthusiastic timekeeper. Clearly Halestorm is back; this set showed a band that has rebounded from adversity and is moving wholeheartedly forward.
Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.
Lzzy of Halestorm, flanked by the new guys, Joe Hottinger (left) and Dave Hartley (right).
Arejay Hale of Halestorm.
Calendar Girls and fans dance as Lzzy of Halestorm sings.
Joe Hottinger of Halestorm.
Dave Hartley of Halestorm.
Again, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.
Joe and Dave commence the percussion fireworks.
A drum circle, Halestorm style…
The Q94 Calendar Girls and Halestorm pose for a picture.
Following Halestorm, the day’s other acoustic act moved into position onstage to perform, as nighttime darkness began to arrive at the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club. The duo of John Solinski and Jim Zemlock, assisted by guest percussionists Red Solinski and Dan Way, did tasty work on their 30-minute set of current and classic rock favorites. The group opened with a surprising rendition of 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” with John displaying some high-ranged lead voice. The group did versions of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” The Indigo Girls’ “Closer To Fine,” and several renditions of select Dave Matthews songs. This unit clicked well, with John and Jim harmonizing nicely on the vocal end, and Red and Dan fleshing out the mix with some colorful conga and tambourine accompaniment. This foursome won unanimous approval from the Q-Fest crowd as well.
Jim Zemlock, John Solinski and friends take the stage at Q-Fest.
Jim Zemlock.
Dan Way, Jim Zemlock, John and Red Solinski.
John Solinski.
Nighttime brought many of the Q-Fest attendees either forward towards the stage or towards the bonfire that was lit midway back on the grounds. The onlookers moved into place for the final band of the day, The Marauders. Now slimmed to a four-piece, singer/guitarist Ben Dumm, acoustic guitarist/singer Ryan Sager, stand-up bass player Chris Lawson and drummer Abe Weber finished the day with their uptempo brand of punk-driven roots rock and rockabilly, doing a number of songs from their recently-released full-length album, “Alibi.” As their set progressed, increasing numbers of audience members could be seen tapping their feet along, and one couple was even bumping posteriors to the beat. Songs like “Roadkill,” the album title song “Alibi,” “Oh My My,” “She’s A Prostitute,” “New Tattoo” and more all sounded crisp. The Marauders provided just the right upbeat flavor to end the day, a feelgood set that ended this year’s Q-Fest with a happy vibe.
The Marauders, providing the finale to Q-Fest 2003.
Ben Dumm of The Marauders.
Chris Lawson of The Marauders.
Chris Lawson and Ben Dumm of The Marauders.
If a huge sigh of relief could be heard as Q-Fest ended, it was probably me. A day that had its share of drama and tension early eventually turned out okay in the end. While the wet weather kept much of the anticipated crowd away, enough people still showed up to give the performers a respectable audience, and in the end, several hundred dollars was raised for this year’s charity, the Emergency Services Support Fund (established after 9/11 to help out the surviving families of police, firefighters, and other emergency service personnel in our area killed in the line of duty).
Thanks again to all the bands and musicians, “Big Jimi Cee” and Harlan Cox for making the onstage side of Q-Fest the bright side of the day. Thanks also to the music fans who braved the soggy conditions to support the musicians and the cause this year; the support is very much appreciated.
Admittedly, this year’s Q-Fest was a rough one. Would I do it all over again? Damn right I would!
(Post-mortem: The powers that be at Q94 recently informed me that Q-Fest will not be returning in 2004, stemming primarily from the problems encountered with this year’s event. Although I do not agree with the decision, I respect the views of station management, especially in light of this year’s event, and am exploring options for a replacement event of some sort for next year. I’ll keep you posted.)
SILVER SUNDAY @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 9/13/03
After the day I had at Q-Fest, you would think I had seen enough live music for one day, right? Wrong. After descending Cresson Mountain through a hellacious fog, I arrived in rainy Altoona (it hardly rained in Cresson after 1 PM, but was still drizzling steadily in Altoona) and headed to Aldo’s to check in with Silver Sunday.
The Penn State/Nebraska football game was on Aldo’s big screen TV as I arrived; so I strategically positioned myself at a table that allowed me to view both the game and the band.
The big discovery as I sat down to take in Silver Sunday was a personnel change. P.J. Kelly had exited the group, and Jason Wechs had taken over on guitar. Silver Sunday was just finishing up their first set and was on their last song. So I spent the first intermission grimacing at the tube as Nebraska took an 18-10 lead in the 4th quarter and beat the Nittany Lions (little did I realize that night how much grimacing I would do because of Penn State this season, sigh).
Eventually Silver Sunday retook the stage, and commenced their second set. I’m starting to very much enjoy this band and the unique musical mixture they bring to the stage. With the bright, high-pitched voice of diminutive frontlady Cathie, Silver Sunday performed a number of female-sung current and classic rock numbers, including No Doubt’s “Just A Girl,” Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch,” Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock’n’Roll,” Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and Veruca Salt’s “Volcano Girls.” Cathie also applied her voice to versions of 80’s faves like the Romantics’ “What I Like About You” and The Outfield’s “Your Love.” And then there was the group’s eclectic rocking take on REO Speedwagon’s “Take It On The Run,” featuring guitarist Buck Dickson’s gruff, low register vocals. The mid-sized Aldo’s crowd seemed to be into Silver Sunday and their interesting music mix, and at least a few festive folks even took to the dance floor.
Silver Sunday’s final set of the night featured more of the same mixture; with Cathie singing lead on Madonna/Kelly Osbourne’s “Papa Don’t Preach,” Kim Wilde/The Muffs’ “Kids In America,” Led Zeppelin/Sheryl Crow’s “D’yer Maker” and the Buggles/Presidents of the United States of America’s “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Cathie and the group also broke out versions of Modern English’s “I Melt with You” and Alanis Morisette’s “You Oughta Know;” and they performed their original song, “Naked.” For the set’s oddities, Cathie and Buck dueted on Billy Joel/Me First & the Gimme Gimmes’ “Uptown Girl,” and Buck fronted the group on an alterna-flavored treatment of Loverboy’s “Working for the Weekend.”
In all, a pretty good show. Cathie seems to be gaining more confidence as the frontlady, and with new man Jason in the mix, Silver Sunday sounded instrumentally solid and energetic. Silver Sunday is steadily carving out their own unique niche on the area music scene, and it will be interesting to see what directions this group takes – especially their original song material – as their journey on area stages continues.
Todd Harshbarger of Silver Sunday.
Buck Dickson of Silver Sunday.
Frontlady Cathie of Silver Sunday.
GREATER PITTSBURGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 9/14/03
After the long and exhausting day before at Q-Fest, I needed to get out of town for a little while, experience a change of scenery and recharge. Since I hadn’t made it there yet this year, I decided this day to head to the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival near New Stanton.
Designated wheelman Sparky D’Engineer and I arrived at the festival mid afternoon, and began our sojourn back in time. At the entry gate, the female gatekeeper, decked out in medieval costume, raved about the “magic picture box” hanging around my neck (my digital camera). Yes, we were entering 16th Century England, minus the plagues and pestilence.
Set up on a field and tree-laden hillside (“Morelandshire”) near New Stanton, the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival features an assortment of sights, including artisans, craftsmen, stages with various entertainment, food stands, and other interesting sidelights. We first stopped and took in several minutes of a human chess match, where costumed performers took up the roles of King, Queen, Nights and Rooks, and volunteers from the audience played the roles of pawns. Each “chess” move was a mini-skit with players from both sides of the chessboard confronting each other, with unexpected twists of fate deciding the outcome.
We then headed past the food stands. My third time attending this festival, it’s become tradition for me to do at this festival something I can’t do at any other festival. I procured a roasted turkey drumstick. Yes, you can carry and chew on a turkey drumstick as you walk around the grounds of the Renaissance Festival. And you’ve gotta see the SIZE of these turkey drumsticks – what the hell did they feed these turkeys, steroids?
After procuring the drumstick, we took in the last part of the performance by one of the regular entertainers at this event, The Amazing Barto, Comique Acrobatique. If you didn’t figure out by that name, Barto does a blend of comedy and acrobatics, enlisting audience members to help him out. We watched through his finale, as he had audience members hold both ends of a tightrope while he did a balancing act and juggled flaming torches.
The Amazing Barto, Comique Acrobatique.
After this routine concluded, we headed down the hillside and came upon the Sheriff and Feck Mud Show. This was hilarious! Sheriff and Feck are a comedy improvisational trio (Sheriff, Feck, and a lady whose name I missed) who do comedy skits, riddles and other chicanery – each ending with at least one of the three getting dumped in a sloppy mud puddle! Often the skits would involve input from the audience (no audience members get dumped in the mud, although a few near the front of the stage might catch a few splashing droplets). By show’s end, Sheriff, Feck and lady were covered in mud head to toe, and the audience got some good laughs from it all. We were impressed by the abilities of all three performers to improvise their skits and gags, work off the cuff and instantly be able to produce funny material for the audience to enjoy.
Muddy as heck, Sheriff and Feck (plus female accomplice, even the women get muddy at this show).
We retreated back up the hillside, as the time had arrived for full contact jousting. Several times daily at the Festival, jousting takes place at the “King’s Field of Honor,” near the gate entrance. Two armored knights joust on horseback, preceded by a full medieval ceremony leading up to the battle. As the joust takes place, both knights eventually are knocked from their horses, and swordfight it out on the grounds until one is left standing. Sometimes neither is left standing (as I witnessed last year at the Festival).
One of the jousting contestants takes his parade lap before the main event.
The jousting gets underway.
Following the joust, we had about an hour before the festival’s close to peruse the rest of the grounds. We took in part of the performance by the Festival’s guest music troupe, the Gypsy Guerrilla Band, doing acoustic medieval music. We eventually wound up at the glass blower’s demonstration. This was fascinating, as the glass blower displayed his craft and narrated, step by step, as he created a glass tankard.
It was then time for the conclusion of the festival. All the costumed performers gathered at the front gate and sang a song of parting, and invited all the visitors to return to the Festival. Sparky and I were both impressed with this festival and what it had to offer, and we will likely be returning to check it out again next year.
En route back to the ‘Toona, while passing through Youngwood (outside Greensburg), we saw a sign for a church food festival overhanging Route 119. As Sparky hadn’t yet eaten, we decided to investigate. We arrived at the festival, and were reminded that we were squarely in the heart of western PA Steeler country! Set up in the church basement, the food festival was serving up pierogies, halushki and other Polish specialties, and a polka band called the Sundowners was playing in the corner. As we went outside to eat (the temperature inside must have been 110 degrees!), complete strangers were asking us about the Steelers (who lost to Kansas City this day). The food was good, and the festival was an unexpected ending to our day.
HI-TYDE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 9/14/03
As with most of my weekends, this one concluded at Pellegrine’s. Cambria County party force Hi-Tyde was making their first ever Pelly’s appearance, and they made it count.
Singer Dale Nitti, guitarists Rob Sottile and Ted Depto, bassist Mike Weber and drummer Mike Davis played a high-octane mix of party rocking favorites both current and classic. Pelly’s dance floor was already busy by the time I arrived, and only became more so as the night proceeded. Hi-Tyde kept the action nearly nonstop, with tunes from Lit, Van Morrison, J.Geils Band, House of Pain, Sublime, Billy Idol, Rick Springfield, Weezer, Beastie Boys, Bangles and more. Highlights included the shotgun marriage of Run DMC’s “It’s Tricky” into The Knack’s “My Sharona” and back; and the Mike Davis-fronted version of Seven Mary Three’s “Cumbersome,” during which Mike was serenaded by a group of off-duty exotic dancers onstage.
Through it all, one thing that stuck out to me about Hi-Tyde’s show this night was this band’s intensity. It was their first show at Pellegrine’s, and they were determined to make it count. You could see it in the band members’ eyes, Hi-Tyde was hungry and wanted to win this crowd over decisively this night. To that end, they were constant action and movement, taking the party to the dancefloor masses, doing whatever it took to keep the crowd interested in the show and dancing along. It worked, as the crowd stayed for the night’s duration, and kept the dance floor turbulent through it all.
Hi-Tyde made their statement, and presented their case for being one of this area’s top onstage parties. Their Pellegrine’s debut was a successful one, and will hopefully lead to increased sightings of Hi-Tyde on Altoona’s main Sunday night live stage.
Mike Weber and Ted Depto of Hi-Tyde.
Rob Sottile and Dale Nitti of Hi-Tyde.
Dale Nitti of Hi-Tyde.
Rob Sottile of Hi-Tyde.
”Take our picture!”
”Take our picture again!” Okay!
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