[Jim Price]

WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 8/16/04

HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN/WILLIE NELSON/BOB DYLAN @ BLAIR COUNTY BALLPARK, ALTOONA 8/11/04

For Altoona area music fans, this was a night that was long in coming…the first ever concert event at Blair County Ballpark, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league Double-A affiliate, the Altoona Curve. Ever since this stadium was constructed a few years ago, local music fans have been hopeful that Blair County Ballpark would eventually be able to host other events in addition to baseball.

Thanks to this summer’s tour of minor league baseball facilities by Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson (The Willie and Dylie Tour?), music concert events would make their debut at Blair County Ballpark. All eyes were on this inaugural concert event to see how it would go; if successful, it would open the door to future concert events to take place at Blair County Ballpark. I was interested in this show, not only because of the historical aspect of it being the first at Blair County Ballpark, but because it would be my first and best opportunity to witness two legends of American music, playing in my hometown! And with Willie Nelson now 71 and Bob Dylan now 63, there would likely be no better opportunity to catch these two in action while they are still with us.

It was also the first bonafide major rock-geared concert event to happen in the Altoona area in many a year. There have been occasional concert events over the past 25 years – such as Cisco’s, the U.S. Hotel and new Sebastiano’s (now City Limits) hosting touring national names in the 80’s and 90’s respectively; oldies and country concerts at the Jaffa Mosque, the Beach Boys at Mansion Park in the early 90’s, Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies at the Lakemont Casino a few years back – but no arena/stadium concerts of this scale and magnitude since the late 70’s (as I recall, the Atlanta Rhythm Section at the Jaffa Mosque in ’78, the last genuine “rock concert” the Jaffa hosted). So I was hopeful that this show would do well, as this town has been in need of a major concert venue for a long time.

It was a Wednesday evening, and I had to work until 6 PM. The show began at 6:30. And my workplace boss, Adam Erickson, doing a remote from the Ballpark parking lot, reported that parking spaces were very few and far between, and that people attending the show were already parking several blocks away and walking to Blair County Ballpark. So I was expecting that I might miss the beginning of this concert while searching for a parking place and walking myself. I lucked out. I found parking spaces easily, within a five-minute walk to Blair County Ballpark. I even managed to get my digital camera in through the gate. It was a pleasant summer evening. Life was good…

As expected, Blair County Ballpark was very busy, and a large crowd of fans was already present to partake in this historic night. As I made my way through the park in search of a vantage point (this concert was general admission, you could sit or stand anywhere), I ran into several area musicians in the stadium table/concession area behind first base, including Rick and Eric Wertz and Harold Hayford. We took in the show openers, Hot Club of Cowtown, from this vantage point.

I had seen the opening act, Hot Club of Cowtown, a few years ago when they performed at Johnstown Folkfest. Hot Club of Cowtown performed a blend of old-time country, jazz, and western swing music. I didn’t catch many song titles here, but did recognize “Liza Jean” and “Orange Blossom Special.” This group featured a fiddle player, a guitarist and an upright bass player, and the group’s members were dressed in appropriate western attire. Their performance was bright, pleasant and upbeat; and at least some of the audience seemed to be into what Hot Club was doing. Eventually, more people were paying attention, because when the group started into their final song, “Don’t Forget About Me When I’m Gone,” Willie Nelson stepped out on stage and sang along with the group.

During the intermission, Rick, Eric and I made our way down to the ballfield stagefront area and maneuvered as far forward as we could. We made it to within about 70 feet from the front of the stage as Willie Nelson and his band began their set. As Willie’s set unfolded, I was surprised at just how many of Willie’s songs I actually recognized and knew, being I was not a country music fan per se. It just went to show me how much of an American music icon Willie actually is, and how much of his music has become a part of American culture. Flanked by his band, including his sons Michael and Lucas on guitars, Willie performed many of his best-known hits, such as “Whiskey River,” “Crazy,” “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “Georgia On My Mind,” “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” “On the Road Again,” “Always On My Mind” and more. Willie also jammed some blues with his sons and band, doing “Working Man Blues,” “Texas Flood” and “Milk Cow Blues.” And Willie had fun with several other favorites, such as “Me and Bobby McGee,” and Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya,” “Hey Good Lookin’” and “Move It On Over.” The mood of the performance was informal, loose and laid-back; and Willie could be seen smiling frequently, obviously enjoying his time onstage with his sons, bandmates and the cheering, appreciative crowd. This set gave me a better appreciation of Willie Nelson and his contributions to America’s culture and musical personality.

Willie Nelson and his band.

Intermission served as crowd-shifting time. As soon as Willie Nelson finished his set, a number of Willie fans – primarily older folks – began to make their exodus away from the stage area, leaving the remaining audience to move forward. I think I gained about 30 feet during this forward progress, putting me about 40 feet from the front of the stage by the time Bob Dylan’s set was ready to begin. I also noticed that despite the relatively heavy police and security presence, including police dogs, some hippie lettuce still managed to make its way into Blair County Ballpark; the aroma of burning cannibis could clearly be detected in the stagefront area.

Soon it was Bob Dylan’s turn. Bob settled in behind his keyboard, and the rest of his band – guitarists Larry Campbell and Stu Kimball, bassist Tony Garnier, and drummer George Recile – took up positions on their respective instruments. As his set unfolded, Bob and his band performed mostly deeper and lesser-known material, and kept his standards and hits to a minimum. Opening with “Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat,” Dylan and his band performed “The Times They Are A Changin,’” “Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum,” “Boots of Spanish Leather,” “It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleedin’),” “Watching the River Flow,” “Man in the Long Black Coat,” “Highway 61 Revisited,” “High Water (for Charley Patton),” “Honest With Me,” “I Believe In You” and “Summer Days.” Bob remained behind his keyboard for the most part, playing keys, some harmonica and singing in his characteristic – and even caricature-istic – gruff voice and style. I was surprised by how much Dylan and his band jammed during the set; nearly every song featured at least some instrumental activity.

Much of the stagefront crowd was happily grooving along; even though the majority (myself included) probably weren’t familiar with everything Bob Dylan and his band played. I noticed one fan had managed to sneak a camcorder up front and was videotaping the show – but eventually security discovered this individual and made him shut the recorder off.

At set’s end, the audience loudly and quickly demanded an encore; and after several moments, Bob Dylan and his band returned to the stage, first performing “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.” Bob then stepped to one of the center stage microphones and addressed the audience for the first time the entire night, introducing his bandmates. The encore continued with “Like a Rolling Stone,” and finished with “All Along the Watchtower.”

The show over, the crowd began to clear away from the stage, while stagefront scavengers surveyed the area for possible guitar picks or other souvenirs. I spoke with one fan who told me he had seen Dylan perform ten times, and he ranked this show among the best. And happy as I was to have been able to move as close to the stage as I did during the concert, I was impressed to see wily Altoona area concert vet “Uncle Bud” make it all the way to the front row for Bob Dylan. According to “Uncle Bud,” he doesn’t go up front for many concerts any more, but for Bob Dylan he had to be up front.

As I made my way out of Blair County Ballpark, I spoke with several of the facility’s officials, and the consensus was that they were very pleased with this night and how this initial concert at the venue had gone. And the early word was that more concert events like this would be happening at Blair County Ballpark. Considering how comparatively smaller markets like Williamsport, Indiana and Somerset (Seven Springs) were consistently bringing in mid-level rock acts to perform, I’m glad that Altoona finally has a venue willing to give major rock concerts a try again.

Bob Dylan.

Bob Dylan and part of his band.

Bob Dylan and his entire band.

Once again, Bob Dylan.

At the end of their primary set, Bob and his band step forward to take a bow.

During the encore, Bob Dylan.

BACKDRAFT @ WING-OFF, LAKEMONT PARK, ALTOONA 8/12/04

Another Thursday, another Wing-Off…And once again, Mother Nature wasn’t smiling kindly upon another Wing-Off Thursday.

It was a gray, rainy afternoon segueing into evening as I first arrived to enjoy wings and music from this week’s entertainment, Backdraft. The rainy conditions badly stunted attendance, with only the die-hard wing and music fans braving the elements. I came armed, brandishing my one-dollar plastic rain poncho so I would keep my camera, notepad and myself somewhat dry.

The rain was just a light drizzle in the early going, so I procured wings and made it over to the stagefront picnic table area as Backdraft was wrapping up their first set. I heard the group’s original tune, “3-Hour Trip,” a version of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game;” highlighted by keyboard man Harry Young’s spacey backdrop; and Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love.”

I enjoyed my initial wings and brew during the first intermission, and as I finished my first round of wingage, the drizzle started to get heavier. The show must go on, and with only myself and a handful of other brave souls in front of the stage to perform to; Backdraft started into their second set. Backdraft again blended classic rock favorites, deeper tunes from the back of the rack, and several original songs along the way. After renditions of Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” and Greg Kihn’s “Break Up Song” launched the set, Backdraft dug deeper for a song I didn’t recognize, “Blind Side of a Two-Way Street.” Drummer Phil Harpster then sang lead on Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69,” during which one female fan with an umbrella danced in front of the stage. The group then went more recent with Uncle Kracker’s “Follow Me,” and ventured into Texas blues territory with Storyville’s “Don’t Make Me Cry.” Backdraft then shifted into a funkier vein with Bill Withers’ early 70’s classic “Use Me,” flavored by some spicy Harry Young keyboard solowork; before the group ended the set with their frequent show-closing original, “Gotta Go.”

With the rain coming down in buckets at this point, I retreated beneath the beer pavilion to chat with friends, and then visited the Cantina’s wing pavilion next door to do a second round of wings. I remained under there for half of Backdraft’s final set, but could still hear as the group performed Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally,” Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” the group’s reggae-flavored original tune “No Problem” and more. Eventually the rain tapered off some, and I returned to the stagefront to catch Backdraft’s final few songs; including the original tune “Let Me Love You,” Robben Ford’s “Prison Of Love,” and Willie Dixon/Howlin’ Wolf’s “Tail Dragger” to end the show. Besides myself, Backdraft’s immediate audience included one woman and her daughter, decked in rain gear and seated at one of the picnic tables. I guess you could tell who the hardcore music fans were this night!

Backdraft didn’t let the rain get them down, and weathered the weather to deliver a good show overall. Brian Cupples again shined on voice and guitar, executing both with a touch of southern swagger. Harry Young’s keys served a prominent role in setting mood beneath many of the songs, and Harry’s clever use of effects complemented the mood and atmosphere of a number of the songs. Phil kept the beats steady and upbeat, giving Backdraft’s blend of sounds the needed punchy edge. I was again intrigued by the song selection, as Backdraft continues to celebrate some lesser-known songs and artists along with the crowd-pleasing favorites and their own originals.

The rainy, raw weather put a damper on the crowd this week, but Backdraft’s performance made it worthwhile for those brave enough to stick around.

Backdraft, entertaining the rain-stunted crowd at the Wing-Off.

Clad with umbrella, a fan dances in the rain as Backdraft performs.

Harry Young of Backdraft.

Once again, Backdraft.

Being attacked by a huge transparent sphere, Brian Cupples of Backdraft.

Once again, Harry Young of Backdraft.

Again, braving the elements, Backdraft.

FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 8/12/04

After the Wing-Off, I headed back to the workplace to log a few more hours, before heading down the street to Peter C’s late to catch what was left of this week’s episode of Thursday Hurricaning…

It was an average Thursday evening crowd at Peter C’s, mid-sized and having fun as I arrived during the latter stages of the Hurricanes’ second set. The group headed to intermission with their original song “You Say I Say” and Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.”

The final set of the night had its share of drama and highlights. The drama happened two songs in…After the Hurricanes resumed the action with Blackfoot’s “Highway Song,” lead ‘Cane Felix Kos broke a guitar string midway through ZZ Top’s “Waiting for the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago” – but still managed to scorch out fiery solo work on his remaining five strings! But while less experienced bands might halt the action at this point to replace the guitar string, these seasoned stage vet Hurricanes did not. Instead, the group started into their rendition of Iron Butterfly’s “Innagaddadavida,” minus Felix’s guitar; with Jeff Clapper carrying the melody on voice and bass and Bob Watters providing the beat. And in the song’s midsection, of course – Bob commenced a drum solo, allowing Felix all the time he needed to replace the afflicted string. Felix returned to action, and the trio finished off the song with a triumphant ending. After that display, Felix and Bob relinquished their stage positions to two guests, as Banditos guitarist Phil Wagner and drummer Dave Russell joined Jeff Clapper. The resulting “Banditocanes” then performed John Mellencamp’s “Hurts So Good” and another ZZ Top number, “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers.” Felix and Bob then rejoined Jeff, and the Hurricanes ended the night with strong renditions of Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House” and Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold.”

Besides the musical highlights, the other highlight of this night was…Molson beer bottle labels. A number of Hurricaniacs in the house – myself included – were comparing various Molson beer bottle labels (the ones with the neat bar scenario expressions) and pondering the wisdom accrued from the labels. Cheap thrills on a Thursday night!

Bottom line – we saw the Hurricanes jam, we saw the Hurricanes cleverly get out of a jam, and we learned wisdom for the ages courtesy of our beer-brewing neighbors to the north!

The Bandito’canes: Phil Wagner and Dave Russell jam with Jeff Clapper onstage.

Jeff Clapper of The Hurricanes.

Having a good time, Felix & the Hurricanes.

Taking in the festivities, Frank “Zappa” and Dwane Edmiston of Acid Reflux.

A close-up on Frank’s shirt and Molson bottle reveal a match: the label says “How about that LOCAL sports team,” and Frank is wearing an Altoona Curve shirt! Aren’t Molson labels fun?

FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ SHAWNA & CARLA’S BIRTHDAY PARTY, HOLLIDAYSBURG 8/13/04

For the second night in a row, I took in Felix & the Hurricanes, this time entertaining at a private 21st birthday party for Shawna, at the estate of the Goddess of Photo Processing, Michelle, located near Hollidaysburg.

Since it was a private party, I was not carrying notepad or performing any official music reporter duties this night; just keeping mental notes. But I will remember this as the night when the Hurricanes got people dancing – yours truly included – to “Row Row Row Your Boat!” I kid you not! Felix, Bob and Jeff boogied out on this children’s sing-along, and had people dancing to it! Is there anything this trio can’t convert into a blues or boogie song?

A good crowd was on hand to help Shawna usher in her 21st. The food was good, the music was good, the brew was good, the hostess made everyone feel at home. It was a good party!

E-NATION @ THE ALL-AMERICAN RATHSKELLER, STATE COLLEGE 8/14/04

Due to a mountain of day-job duties to get done, it was approaching 11 PM on this Saturday night before I could venture out to partake in this night's slate of live music options. I had "been there and done that" recently with everything happening in the 'Toona this night, so I opted to head out of town. Taking advantage of the relative parking ease in State College in the lull before the Penn State populace arrived back for fall classes, I got my "round tuit" and finally decided to take in one of e-Nation's weekly Saturday shows at the All American Rathskeller.

Together for nearly a year, e-Nation is the band that formed from the ashes of State College favorites Sona. Former Sona guitarist Jeff Sabarese and drummer Scott Everhart were joined by former Alevela singer Seth Richardson and bassist Tal Peretz.

Although parking was easy to find at the nearby Pugh St. parking garage, I discovered the Rathskeller to be packed with Saturday night revelers as I arrived and squeezed my way back towards the band room. E-Nation was in the latter stages of their second set, and wound their set down with Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Under the Bridge," Queens Of The Stone Age's "No One Knows" and System Of A Down's "Sugar."

At least on these initial three songs, e-Nation sounded sharp and powerful, and their forte appeared to be harder-edged current rock. I was curious to hear what else was in e-Nation's arsenal, and if the group would break out any original songs during the remainder of this show.

After about a 25-minute intermission, e-Nation returned to action. Their final set featured heavy-hitting current/recent rock faves like Rage Against the Machine's "Bulls On Parade," Marilyn Manson's "Dope Show," Deftones' "My Own Summer (Shove It)," Tool's "Aenima," Nine Inch Nails' "March of the Pigs" and more. The group did perform one original song during this set, ending the show with the hard-hitting "Misery."

Overall, e-Nation gave a strong performance. Frontman Seth's voice was strong and clear, and his presentation varied from subdued to intense, rising and waning with each song. Jeff's guitar packed ample crunch, while Scott and Tal generated busy-sounding thunder on their respective instruments. Tal would frequently take his bass and step out into the Rathskeller mass of humanity to play to the fans. E-Nation played with ample energy, and kept a tight pace between songs the entire set.

The Rathskeller crowd was unanimous in their uproarious approval for the group; obviously e-Nation has amassed a loyal fan base in their first year together. The group is honing their original song arsenal at present, and should be recording and issuing their first recording within the next several months.

Although I only got to see one full set and a few extra tunes, I was impressed with what I saw from e-Nation; and I'll be interested to follow this band's progress as they continue to hone their originals and musical direction. And hopefully the group will begin to take their show outside the comfort zone of Happy Valley soon, and let the rest of the region and state see the firepower they have to offer.

Tal Peretz of e-Nation.

Seth Richardson of e-Nation.

Seth Richardson looks a little stunned by this onstage guest’s vocal ferocity on the microphone during e-Nation’s set.

Scott Everhart of e-Nation.

Jeff Sabarese and Seth Richardson of e-Nation.

Again, Tal Peretz of e-Nation.

”Take our picture!” Gladly!

ROCKPAGE SUMMER JAM @ RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM, ALTOONA 8/15/04

Just as he had started the ball rolling on the very first Rockpage Benefit Jam back in January, Hurricanes drummer Bob Watters triggered the idea of a Rockpage outdoor jam get-together in which the website’s registered bands and musicians could partake in an afternoon of music, performing apart and together in a jam session. Initially an Altoona area county park was approached for staging this event, but when the venue operators dragged their feet on responding, Bob contacted and enlisted the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum yard as the site of this all ages event. A line-up of interested bands was assembled to perform, and a jam session was scheduled for the end of the day for other Rockpage musicians wishing to take part. Along the way, it was decided that this event would be a benefit show, with proceeds helping out Pellegrine’s bar staffer Lee, who suffered serious head injuries from a freak fall from a ladder outside of Pellegrine’s several weeks before.

The day approached, and the weather was looking good for the event. Although it was a first time event, it was still hoped that a good crowd would be in attendance, especially given the number of registered Rockpage users that had expressed interest in the event, and the likelihood of attracting passers-by who observed music being performed in the Railroaders Museum outdoor yard.

I arrived just prior to the scheduled 12 noon start, and Lone Wolf Productions main man Jeff Renner was still putting the finishing touches on his preparations for the show. Several Rockpagers were in attendance early, including “Onetooloud,” “Tonefight” and wife, Songsmith, and shortly, the Homer’s Army, Grimm and Get Closer to the Music contingents. Attendance was very light early on, but it was hoped that as more musicians recovered from their Saturday night adventures/misadventures, that they would make their way over to the Museum and check out what was going on.

Lone Wolf himself was slated to kick off the afternoon, but as sound and stage preparations ran longer than expected, he opted instead to defer opening act honors upon Cambria County heavy rockers Ever Since Yesterday. Freshly a trio following the recent departure of bassist Jamie Smith, Ever Since Yesterday kicked off the afternoon with their set of modern-geared heavy rock sounds. Singer/guitarist Bill Pinos, bassist Matt Rakar and drummer Jason Nagy showcased a number of heavy original songs, such as “Gone for Awhile,” “Leech,” “What Are You Gonna Do,” “Without You” and more. The trio also included several covers, such as Danzig’s “Mother,” Tool’s “Sober;” heavy-handed interpretations of Tom Petty’s “American Girl” and Gin Blossoms’ “Hey Jealousy,” and more. Ever Since Yesterday did a respectable job, especially considering this was their first performance as a trio and the group admittedly felt awkward with this particular arrangement. It served as a good musical jolt to wake everyone up, the aural equivalent of two heavily-caffeinated cups of coffee.

Ever Since Yesterday kicks off the afternoon at the Rockpage Summer Jam.

Once again, Ever Since Yesterday.

Matt Rakar of Ever Since Yesterday.

Bill Pinos of Ever Since Yesterday.

It wasn’t a wild turkey, but a wild mushroom that Bob Watters of the Hurricanes found growing in the Railroaders Museum yard.

In between bands, acoustic entertainment would take the Railroaders Museum flatcar stage. Strummer Acoustic Show – a.k.a. John Stevens – set up his mic stand and amp, and soon started on a short set of acoustic favorites. Kicking off with Sammy Johns’ 1974 hit “Chevy Van,” Strummer recalled classics from Stealers Wheel, Dr. Hook and Tom Petty; before appeasing the headbangers on the grounds with a witty acoustic tease of Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health (Bang Your Head).” Before performing Kiss’ “Hard Luck Woman,” Strummer related the story of how hearing that song on a Huntingdon radio station inspired him to pick up a guitar for the first time. Strummer finished out his mini-set with his original song “Erma Jean,” and Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” leading up to the next band onstage, Homer’s Army.

Strummer Acoustic Show takes the stage during the Rockpage Summer Jam.

Like the other assembled Rockpager attendees, I too was curious to see Homer’s Army, the new Northern Cambria-based collaboration featuring four veteran musicians with nearly 120 years of performing experience collectively under their belts. Multi-instrumentalists/singers Tim and Keith Homerski, drummer/singer John Homerski, Jr. and bassist/singer Gerry Stanek battled technical problems early on, but eventually were able to provide the audience with an impressive selection of classic rock favorites, including Edgar Winter Group’s “Free Ride,” the Steely Dan double-shot of “Josie” and “Reeling in the Years,” The Band’s “Up On Cripple Creek” and more. As the group triumphed over the technical issues, their musicianship and overall skill grabbed the attention of the audience, especially when the group reached the homestretch performances of Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son,” Jackson Browne’s “Running On Empty” and The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again;” with Tim tapping out the opening riff manually – without an arpeggiator! The group’s vocals were solid, and their harmonies dead on target! Their first performance in the Altoona area, Homer’s Army made their mark with this crowd, and I for one will make a point of catching another performance from them in the near future!

Homer’s Army takes the stage during the Rockpage Summer Jam.

Gerry Stanek of Homer’s Army.

Keith Homerski of Homer’s Army.

John Homerski, Jr. of Homer’s Army.

Tim Homerski of Homer’s Army.

Once again, Homer’s Army.

Once again, acoustic entertainment provided the segueway between bands, and Strummer Acoustic Show returned to the stage, this time joined by Flame Sky bassist Matt Burns. Together, the two musicians performed versions of Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” and Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page.”

Strummer Acoustic Show, joined onstage by Matt Burns.

Getting closer to some live music this afternoon, Cathy and Ed of Get Closer To The Music.

Although a few more people arrived during the course of the event thus far, overall attendance was still surprisingly light. A few more Rockpagers arrived, including “Rug,” “Fatvin,” “Witchchic,” “Torn&frayed,” the Nightcrawlers contingent and others. But a number of the performers who expressed interest in taking part still had not shown up – at least yet.

Felix & the Hurricanes were soon set to go. The Hurricanes used this setting as an opportunity to do a completely original song showcase, as they performed songs from both of their CD’s plus some new material. The group opened with two from The Feeling, “Black Widow” and “Icy You;” before doing a pair from Travelers Not Forgotten, “Issues” and “Little Ears.” John Stevens (Strummer) then joined the group onstage to wail some harmonica on the ‘Canes’ blues rocker “Free.” The Hurricanes then performed one of their new songs, the Jeff Clapper-sung “Cut That Line.” The group continued with their ode to local music radio on Sunday nights, “Backyard Rocker,” proceeded with “Keep On Rockin’” and “On the Bottom Again,” and finished with another new song, “Such a Fool.” The Hurricanes were reliably sharp as always, with guitarist Felix Kos, bassist Jeff Clapper and drummer Bob Watters executing like a well-tuned machine. The group was poised, enthusiastic and confident as they delivered this all-original set, and succeeded in impressing the small audience of onlookers.

Joined by John “Strummer” Stevens on harmonica, Felix & the Hurricanes.

Lead ‘Cane Felix Kos.

Once again, Felix & the Hurricanes with guest John Stevens.

The non-musical highlight during the Hurricanes’ set was the arrival of pizza and wings, courtesy of “Onetooloud” and Domino’s. I demonstrated my voracious wing-eating technique, warning those in close proximity to be wary of shrapnel from the carnage.

Next on the stage was The Grimm. There was a temporary delay due to guitarist Kirk “Otto” Tonkin’s guitar cord problems, but eventually they were resolved and the group began, kicking off with “My God, It’s Full of Stars” from The Grimm’s self-titled album. Before the group continued, frontman Bob Lee addressed the still-small audience; commenting that after several recent complaint threads on Rockpage about people not supporting live music and local shows, that this day’s Rockpage Summer Jam illustrated the underlying problem. How can our area’s music scene get the public excited about checking out and supporting shows, when most of Rockpage’s registered members – over 900 total as of this day – won’t come out to support a show such as this? If members of the area music community can’t support their fellow musicians, how can we expect anyone else to support the scene? Soapbox over, Bob and The Grimm continued with “Enough,” before launching into a Metallica medley which weaved together portions of “Master of Puppets,” “Creeping Death,” “The Small Hours,” “Four Horsemen” and “Am I Evil.” The Grimm did Tool’s “Sober,” before finishing their set with two originals, “Fade” and “Angry and Shirtless.” As with the previous bands, The Grimm sounded sharp on their performance, in spite of Kirk’s recurring guitar cord problems. The group, and Bob especially, seemed inspired to be playing in this setting, in the sunny weather, to a small audience of appreciative fans and musical peers.

The Grimm state their case onstage at the Rockpage Summer Jam.

Kent Tonkin of The Grimm.

Dominic Peruso of The Grimm.

Working up a pot of ass sweat soup, Bob Lee of The Grimm.

Kirk Tonkin of The Grimm.

”Soup’s almost ready!” Big Bad Bob of The Grimm.

The Railroaders Memorial Museum itself had closed up shop for the day as The Grimm was hitting the stage. But although the Museum itself had closed, the Museum grounds were still open, and the show continued, with a few more people and musicians arriving. Although still not anywhere near crowded, this was still the most people the event had seen all day.

State College’s Nightcrawlers proceeded to set up for their set. As with Homer’s Army earlier, this would be The Nightcrawlers’ first live performance on Altoona soil. And although I had seen this group perform once before a few months ago during their weekly Thursday show at The Phyrst in State College, this would be my first opportunity to see the group’s full-time line-up, with keyboardist and flute player Aeb Byrne in action.

As a curious audience looked on in anticipation of what this new band with the flute player had to offer; The Nightcrawlers kicked off their set with one of their own, the multi-flavored instrumental exercise “The Nightcrawler.” The group mixed together several diverse styles in this extended piece, including rock, jazz, Latin, country flavors and more. The group performed another multi-flavored instrumental original as the audience looked on in amazement. One musician was amazed by the tone of Noah Figlin’s guitar. Another impressed observer described what he had seen so far as “the Flying Burrito Brothers meet The Outlaws.” It was neat to witness the process of discovery, as The Nightcrawlers enlightened the Railroaders Museum audience to their own unique style, slant and sound. The group then broke into some familiar terrain, offering their read on Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing.” The group introduced another original piece, “Latin Groove,” followed by The Police’s “Walking On the Moon.”

The Nightcrawlers take the stage at the Rockpage Summer Jam.

Steve Arnold of The Nightcrawlers.

Aeb Byrne of The Nightcrawlers.

Noah Figlin of The Nightcrawlers.

Unfortunately for me, impressed though I was with The Nightcrawlers and wanting to stay to see more, the clock (in my case, watch) dictated that I had to leave at this juncture to make my appointed rounds with a weekly entity called the “Backyard Rocker.” My Rockpage Summer Jam experience was ending, but the show itself would continue til dusk, with the day-ending jam session taking place after The Nightcrawlers’ set. (And the Nightcrawlers then joined Felix & the Hurricanes onstage later in the evening at the Hitching Post!)

Although the overall attendance was smaller than expected, several hundred dollars were still raised to help Lee at Pellegrine’s with his medical costs. And although turnout was disappointing, the folks who did attend appreciated the music and were supportive of the musicians’ efforts. This was still a good, fun time, and I enjoyed this show enough to want to see a sequel next summer. Hats off to all the bands and musicians who performed; everybody who DID support the event, Jeff Renner for running sound, Ray Buksa and Tony Feighner for their assistance, and Bob Watters for organizing the show. And if you chose to bypass this show, kick yourself hard, and resolve to support the next Rockpage-sponsored live event. As Bob from The Grimm said, we can’t bellyache about the general public not wanting to support live local music if we – the local music community – can’t pull together to support it ourselves. It begins with YOU.

TIN PAN ALLEY @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 8/15/04

With the Rockpage Summer Jam complete, there was one item left to take care of – getting the proceeds from the benefit to the beneficiary. Thus I headed to Pellegrine’s, to make the official donation to staffer Lee’s medical fund. Thanks to Chrissy and Tin Pan Alley for giving me the stage at the beginning of the third set to make the official presentation to Harry Pellegrine, Jr., and donate the money directly into the jar being used to collect money for Lee.

On either side of that donation, I got to enjoy the party sets that Tin Pan Alley had to offer. A nice-sized crowd was in attendance to let frontlady Chrissy and company slam the lid on their weekend, with a punchy mixture of current and classic rock favorites. Arriving during the second set, I witnessed Tin Pan Alley instigating a feisty dance floor party with tunes from Nena, Three Days Grace, Blink 182, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Guns’n’Roses. Chrissy’s presentation was confident and in-your-face, and the band around her executed tightly and crisply.

After I did my thing onstage, Tin Pan Alley’s last set picked up where the last one left off, with nonstop rock from Guns’n’Roses, Blur, Cranberries, Ozzy Osbourne, Bryan Adams, Good Charlotte, Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Twisted Sister, and finally, 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up” to end the night. Chrissy sang lead on mostly all of it, with the exception of bassist Craig fronting the band on Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69.” Again, Tin Pan Alley kept Pellegrine’s dance floor busy through it all, and once again provided a good party to cap the weekend.

Yours truly, making the official donation to Lee’s medical fund and Harry Jr. at Pellegrine’s.

Craig of Tin Pan Alley.

Scott of Tin Pan Alley.

Once again, Craig of Tin Pan Alley.

Chrissy of Tin Pan Alley.

Doug of Tin Pan Alley.

Tin Pan Alley rocks the dance floor at Pellegrine’s.

Joe of Tin Pan Alley.

Once again, Chrissy of Tin Pan Alley.

Once again, Scott of Tin Pan Alley.
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