[Jim Price]

HELPING HANDS FOR HASTINGS BENEFIT @ DAVEY’S LOUNGE, HASTINGS 6/26/05

Initially, I had planned to stick around Harrisburg the Sunday after the Millennium Music Conference finished; to possibly sightsee, fish along the Susquehanna River, meet up with friends and/or more. But a tragic event on May 14 altered that itinerary.

Obviously the low point of the “Helping Hands for Hastings” Benefit was the tragic May 14 house fire that made such a benefit necessary. Fire ripped through the house, and claimed the lives of four people: 49-year-old Delores Holland, 15-year-old Alisha McConnell, 3-year-old Jordan English, and 14-year-old Lindsey Depto (who died two days after the fire).

The house was located directly across the street from Davey’s Lounge; owner Dave Gunther and his bartender, Justin, were among the first people on the scene of the fire to assist with rescue efforts; they helped save the lives of those who survived the fire. The night after the fire, Bad Daze was booked to perform at Davey’s. The smell of smoke was still in the air, and the mood was somber and shock in the aftermath of the fire. Bad Daze and Davey’s turned that Saturday night into an impromptu benefit for the surviving families of the fire victims. But Bad Daze singer Rob Carolus felt that more needed to be done. And thus, the “Helping Hands for Hastings” benefit was born. Posting his idea for the benefit on Rockpage, Rob received immediate response from many area bands and artists willing to donate their talents, and the day’s slate of entertainment came together.

I departed Harrisburg shortly after 10 AM, and arrived in Hastings just moments before the show was ready to begin, shortly after 2 PM.

The concert would start outdoors, on a hillside site adjacent to where the burnt house had stood; the house had since been razed, and a small memorial stood in its place. The concert would continue on the outdoor site until dusk, before being moved inside Davey’s. Although the conditions were hot and steamy and temperatures were forecasted to hit 90, there were several trees providing shade and comfort over the concert grounds, making conditions favorable for kicking back and enjoying a day of music.

The host band, Bad Daze, kicked off the afternoon. Singer Rob, guitarist Kenny Murdick, bassist Paul Rainey and drummer Randy Wilson awakened the slowly-building hillside crowd with their mix of current and 80’s rock; leaning towards the more current side of the spectrum as the sound/production staff made their initial adjustments.

The host band, Bad Daze, gets the day started.

Rob Carolus of Bad Daze.

Rob Carolus takes Bad Daze’s party to the Hastings audience.

Situated between the outside stage area and Davey’s Lounge, the site where the burnt house stood; serving as a memorial and a reminder of what this day was really all about.

In piecing together the benefit, Rob strategically placed acoustic acts in between the electric bands on stage, to allow the electric bands time to set up their gear while the acoustic artists played. Northern Cambria acoustic duo Falling Higher made their first of several appearances following Bad Daze’s set. Singer/guitarist Ken Gray and guitarist/singer Ryan Gallagher battled early feedback issues, but still succeeded in performing a short set of acoustic current and classic rock, including renditions of Nickelback’s “Leader Of Men,” John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Sublime’s “What I Got,” J. Frank Wilson/Pearl Jam’s “Last Kiss,” Bad Company’s “Feel Like Making Love” and more.

Falling Higher.

Ken Gray of Falling Higher.

Once again, Falling Higher.

Feedback problems also plagued the next full electric band of the afternoon, Billy & the Inmates. But the problems didn’t plague this band’s spirits, as singer Don Duriez, lead guitarist Jason Shevock, rhythm guitarist Jerry Carnevali, bassist Ken Pompa and drummer Bill Stauffer were hellbent on rallying the hillside crowd with their good-time rock and roll from Stevie Ray Vaughan, 3 Doors Down, Guns’N’Roses, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Doobie Brothers, Allman Brothers, Jimmy Eats World and more. As the feedback problems were slowly resolved, Billy & the Inmates generated some momentum and drew steadier applause as their set continued.

Billy & the Inmates, rocking and rolling at the Helping Hands for Hastings benefit.

Don Duriez of Billy & the Inmates.

Bill Stauffer and Ken Pompa of Billy & the Inmates.

Bill Stauffer of Billy & the Inmates.

During Billy & the Inmates’ set, I saw a Hastings police car pull up near the concert site, and a police official speak with Rob Carolus. My first gut reaction was that it was going to be a warning about noise violations, outdoor consumption of alcohol or some other legal issue. Instead, though, it was Hastings’ police chief, commending Rob and everybody for doing the benefit. According to the police chief, Hastings needed a day like this to lift its spirits and morale after the May 14 tragedy. The chief also assured Rob that the outdoor portion of this benefit could run as late as desired, no problem. We were starting to realize, this was turning into a very special day.

Hastings native John Baker then provided some more between-band acoustic entertainment. Armed with his trusty 12-string acoustic guitar, John mixed classics and original songs; including The Rascals’ “Good Lovin,’” AC/DC’s “The Jack” (yes, acoustic!), and a fiery gravelly-voiced take on “Ice Cream Man;” as well as his own “Rita’s Party” and “River Road.” Mixed with his own brand of friendly banter and narration, John’s presentation added to the warm and upbeat vibe of the afternoon.

John Baker, playing in his hometown for the very first time.

A good-sized crowd continued to assemble as the day progressed.

Shortly after John’s mini-set concluded, Felix & the Hurricanes were ready to go. The ‘Canes started off with a lighthearted country-styled jam, before shifting into a rendition of the Allman Brothers’ “Dreams,” which tastefully incorporated an “Amazing Grace” midsection. The Hurricanes proceeded to showcase a number of original songs, including “Icy You,” “Little Ears,” “Grow,” the somber but appropriate ballad “Courage,” “Lonely One,” “Walking A Straight Line” and “Keep On Rockin;’” and included one other cover number, Los Lonely Boys’ “Heaven.” As expected, the Hurricanes’ musicianship was top notch, with Felix, Jeff and Bob making it look easy and keeping the hillside audience happy.

Lead Hurricane Felix Kos.

Jeff Clapper of The Hurricanes.

Felix & the Hurricanes, donating their talents to the Helping Hands for Hastings benefit.

At this point, Falling Higher returned to perform some more acoustic modern rock, doing songs by Tool, Green Day and more. It was also at around this time that I learned that a few relatives of the victims of the May 14 fire were present; one of the grandfathers of the victims introduced himself to me, and tearfully thanked me, Rob and everybody for doing the benefit. He also told me that one of the fire survivors, (NAME), might be in attendance later on. While it is always a good feeling to be involved in a benefit like this, being able to meet some of the people directly affected by the benefit added purpose to the day, along with enabling us to show support and solidarity for these folks. It was indeed turning into a very special day.

Flight 19 took the stage next. Right off the bat, frontman Brian Thomas announced to the audience that all July sales of the group’s 4-song EP, Pumpkin Fogger, would benefit the families of the Hastings fire victims. The group proceeded to showcase original songs, including all four from the EP: “Unlock,” “Migraine,” the party anthem “Hands” and “3 Of a Kind.” The group also introduced several new original songs from their forthcoming full-length album, Hobo Stew, including “Liquid Courage,” “Promises” and “Hard On Me;” and mixed in a few select favorites from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens Of the Stone Age, the Clash and more. Flight 19’s performance was strong as well, especially bassman Sean Johnson, dishing out dazzling bass grooves right and left. This set continued to escalate the happy vibes of the afternoon.

Flight 19 lifts off during the Helping Hands for Hastings Benefit.

Once again, Flight 19.

Sean Johnson of Flight 19.

Brian Thomas of Flight 19.

The next acoustic entertainer of the day was Jeff Leeper. Jeff knew all too well about house fires; he and his family barely escaped a house fire last October, and he was the beneficiary of the Leeper Fire Benefit last November at City Limits. Jeff opened by expressing his own support and solidarity with the Hastings fire victims’ families, and again thanked the area music scene for helping him out last fall. Jeff then proceeded to perform a diverse set of sounds. At first, Jeff apologized because he didn’t have much of a voice to sing this day, but then proceeded to flex his vocal cords nonetheless, nailing the high notes on Roy Orbison’s “Crying!” Jeff also performed a 1935 song called “Sleep,” a Jim Croce number, some instrumental selections, and Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” which triggered the first official dance action of the afternoon on the stagefront lawn.

Jeff Leeper.

Showing that he did have a voice this day after all, Jeff Leeper.

Gin & Juice then took the stage, and from the get-go turned the Helping Hands For Hastings benefit into a jam dance party! As expected, a good portion of Gin & Juice’s set was comprised of Phish or Phish-related tunes, which the group extended into heated, energized jam excursions. Singer/guitarist Dustin Burley, guitarist/singer Travis Dunn, bassist Brian Pavlic and drummer Kevin Siegel performed Phish’s “Carini” and “Story Of The Ghost” into “Sand,” along with the Phish-ified arrangement of Ween’s “Roses Are Free.” The group also kept the dance party going with a jam excursion arrangement of Dustin’s original tune “Broken Mirror,” and the group’s title song interpretation of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice.” Gin & Juice’s performance was constantly energized and enthusiastic, as the group sustained a tight pace and upbeat tempo through it all. Based on this set, Gin & Juice is rapidly evolving into a special band entity on area stage, and their stock is rapidly escalating.

Gin & Juice launches their jam excursion set at the Helping Hands for Hastings benefit.

The dance party begins during Gin & Juice’s set.

Gin & Juice’s dance jam continues.

Dustin Burley of Gin & Juice.

Kevin “ToonaRockGuy” Siegel of Gin & Juice.

From behind the stage, Gin & Juice.

Once again, Gin & Juice.

Ken Gray from Falling Higher then returned to the stage to perform several more numbers, this time including the Badlees’ “Fear Of Falling,” Pearl Jam’s “Black,” Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open” and more.

Guitar cable problems delayed the start of the final outdoor band of the day, Atomic Blonde, as the sun began to set on Hastings. But eventually the problem was resolved, and their set was ready to begin. Normally a five-piece, Atomic Blonde was operating as a family trio this day, with guitarist Jim Kennedy, and wife Carol and daughter Jennifer Kennedy singing and playing keys. I was curious about how this 3-person edition of Atomic Blonde would play out onstage; the trio quickly answered my curiosity by turning their set into an 80’s-era synth/pop dance party! After opening with a Savage Garden tune, gals and guy triggered another dance party as they fired through favorites such as Katrina & the Waves’ “Walking On Sunshine,” Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade,” the GoGos’ “Vacation,” and Berlin’s “No More Words.” Atomic Blonde had fans dancing on the stagefront lawn, and even other musicians dancing and grooving near and behind the stage! The party shifted into disco mode as Atomic Blonde performed KC & the Sunshine Band’s “Get Down Tonight” and Chic’s “Le Freak,” before ending their set with Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” Atomic Blonde brought the party, keeping the pace upbeat and the music nearly nonstop. As this group achieved full groove, Carol’s and Jen’s voices were clicking on all cylinders; both ladies were belting out the voice, and combining for some tight harmonies as well. Atomic Blonde provided a fitting close to the outdoor portion of this benefit; sending the over-21 revelers inside Davey’s Lounge to continue the party on an upbeat note.

Atomic Blonde kicks off their set.

As the sun sets, Atomic Blonde’s dance party rises.

Iceman and ToonaRockGuy bust their best dance moves during Atomic Blonde’s set.

Once inside, it was only a matter of moments before Razen Kane kicked off their set and reignited the party. These days a foursome, Razen Kane mixed hard-edged current and classic rock favorites from Bush, Lit, Nirvana, AC/DC, Ozzy, Jackyl, Jet, Nickelback and more. Singer Dan was a rowdy howler who especially excelled on AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and Jackyl’s “I Stand Alone” and “Lumberjack.” Instrumentally the group was solid, as they rocked it hard and ignited a good amount of dance floor activity. This had been my first time seeing Razen Kane in several years; it was good to see this veteran force continuing to crank it up onstage.

Razen Kane, raising cain with the fans.

Once again, Razen Kane.

The bass player for Razen Kane.

Razen Kane’s guitarist.

A slight change in itinerary at this point…Roadkill had been slated to perform, but it turned out that only bassist/frontman Greg Majewsky was available this night. So Greg instead reunited a band he jammed with prior to Roadkill, Piranha. Playing their first gig together after 13 years; Greg, guitarist Ryan Dunkle (Torn Blak) and drummer Scott Sass got reacquainted with one another as they rocked the crowd with favorites from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ted Nugent, Poison, Seven Mary Three, Georgia Satellites and more. This set turned into a fun free-for-all, with a few memorable highlights. Bad Daze drummer Randy Wilson was brought up to flex his vocal cords singing lead on Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love.” Later in the set, when Ryan’s guitar experienced technical problems during the intro to AC/DC’s “Sin City,” Greg quickly converted the song into a “Kumbaya” sing-along with the audience, segueing into Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” before Ryan and his repaired axe returned to the game to finish out the AC/DC classic. Despite the layoff since they last performed together, Piranha delivered a playful, rocking set that kept Davey’s dance floor full.

Scott Sass of Piranha.

Greg Majewsky of Piranha.

Again, Greg Majewsky of Piranha.

Some ladies join Piranha as the party heats up.

More dance action onstage and on the dance floor as Piranha rocks on.

Once more, Greg Majewsky of Piranha.

Piranha’s party achieves meltdown.

Greg Majewsky of Piranha, shocked that a lady requested to have her picture taken with him.

Greg Majewsky of Piranha.

Ryan Dunkle of Piranha.

Again, Ryan Dunkle of Piranha.

Bad Daze drummer Randy Wilson belts out some voice during Piranha’s set.

Once again with Randy Wilson singing, Piranha.

Once again on throat, Randy Wilson.

Once again, Ryan Dunkle of Piranha.

The Helping Hands for Hastings Benefit ended as it began; with the host band Bad Daze providing the finale. Bad Daze kept the dance floor churning as they rocked out on current favorites from Rage Against The Machine, Staind, Velvet Revolver, Jimmy Eats World and more. The group then fired up their Motley Crue medley, before letting drummer Randy again demonstrate his vocalizing skills on Pantera’s “Walk.” After a brief hip-hop interlude, Bad Daze finished out the set with favorites from Tommy Tutone, Poison, Disturbed and Drowning Pool. Despite the lengthy day, the Hastings crowd still wanted one more, and Bad Daze answered with Godsmack’s “Whatever” to end the concert.

Randy Wilson of Bad Daze.

Bad Daze keeps them dancing at Davey’s.

The Bad Daze festivities continue.

Rob Carolus of Bad Daze.

Kenny Murdick and Rob Carolus of Bad Daze.

Once again, Randy Wilson of Bad Daze.

Paul Rainey of Bad Daze.

Bad Daze singer and videographer Rob Carolus.

Kenny Murdick of Bad Daze.

As they did outside, Bad Daze fires up the party inside Davey’s.

Again, Randy Wilson of Bad Daze.

Once again, Rob Carolus of Bad Daze.

Davey’s Lounge main man Dave Gunther and his bartender, Justin. These two were among the first on the scene to help with rescue efforts during the May 14 fire.

The Helping Hands For Hastings Benefit raised over $2,400 for the families impacted by the May 14 fire. But more importantly, this concert provided an opportunity for musicians, fans, townspeople and others to show solidarity and support for the families. It let those families know that they have friends and are not alone in their time of need; that there is a community of people in their corner who care.

Once again, hats off to Rob Carolus and Bad Daze for organizing this benefit, Dave Gunther and his staff at Davey’s Lounge, Rich Johnson and the production crew, the bands and musicians, Hastings’ police chief, and everybody who attended and supported this very special day.
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