[Jim Price]

4TH OF JULY WEEKEND RECAP 7/6/05

ANYTHING JANE @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 7/1/05

I started my 4th of July weekend by checking out the new band in town this night, Huntingdon foursome Anything Jane, making their Altoona debut at Aldo’s.

As expected for a first-time band at Aldo’s on a Friday night, attendance was minimal for Anything Jane’s first Altoona sojourn as I arrived early during their first set. Singer/guitarist JD Sonic, lead guitarist/singer Joshua Miles, bassist Joe Shriner and drummer Dave Wessels played a hard-hitting mixture of original tunes, current and classic rock favorites over the course of their three sets. J.D., Joshua and Joe swapped the lion’s share of vocal duties. The first set featured the punkish original tune “Backstage” and the heavier modern-flavored original “Novocain;” as well as a driving rendition of Stealer’s Wheel’s “Stuck In The Middle with You,” plus tunes from Jimmy Eats World, Lit, Green Day, Live, Violent Femmes, Blink 182 and more.

Anything Jane’s second set kicked off with another punk-flavored original tune, “Talk;” and the group introduced another original later in the set, “Rock Star.” Anything Jane again mixed up their cover selection, including tunes from Bryan Adams, Green Day, Refreshments, Doors, Sublime, 3 Doors Down and more. More attention was focused on drummer Dave Wessels in this set; as he performed an impressive drum solo display that culminated in the Josh-fronted rendition of The Doors’ “Break On Through,” and Dave stepped from behind the kit to front the group on Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls On Parade” while Joe played drums and J.D. played bass. Another highlight was the Josh-fronted, uptempo rocking take on Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker.”

Anything Jane was doing a good job in their maiden Aldo’s performance thus far. Instrumentally the members were on the same page and were solid, and they each did respectably well on vocals. While some moments could have been tighter, Anything Jane was more on target than not, and their presentation was upbeat and enthusiastic.

To this point, it was a typically slow Friday night at Aldo’s, with just the band and the small crowd and not much else happening. But as Anything Jane kicked into their third set with Staind’s “Mudshovel,” an apparently intoxicated individual careened his way onto the stagefront dance floor, and with his butt crack showing, danced wildly and started stripping off his shirt – to the chagrin of venue owner Aldo, who stepped over and escorted the individual from the dance floor. Anything Jane kept their best straight faces and continued, mixing more favorites from Audioslave, Nickelback, Ramones, Seven Mary Three, Tonic and more; plus original tunes like “The Clap,” “Save Yourself” and “War Of Hands.” About midway through the set, as Anything Jane powered through a ripping rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire,” the raging drunken stripper dude careened his way back onto the dance floor and started disrobing again, this time prompting Aldo to vigorously escort him from the building. Anything Jane, welcome to Juniata!

Anything Jane’s first Aldo’s sojourn was respectable, and the group demonstrated some good reasons to warrant repeat performances on this stage. The group’s interesting mix of current, classic rock and originals; coupled with their lively performance, should make them a band worth keeping an eye on as they log more hours onstage.

Joshua Miles of Anything Jane.

J.D. Sonic of Anything Jane.

Dave Wessels of Anything Jane.

Anything Jane makes their Aldo’s debut.

Again, J.D. Sonic of Anything Jane.

Stepping out front to sing lead, Dave Wessels of Anything Jane.

Three quarters of Anything Jane.

Once again, Joshua Miles of Anything Jane.

One more time, Anything Jane.

AAA BLUES BAND/ALLIGATOR ZYDECO BAND @ CAJUN’N’RIB FEST, TUSSEY MOUNTAIN AMPHITHEATER near BOALSBURG 7/2/05

There were a number of live music activities and events slated for this 4th of July weekend. I had contemplated driving to Harrisburg to catch the American Musicfest, getting started this day; but instead opted to stick closer to home this afternoon, and partake in Tussey Mountain Amphitheater’s Cajun’N’Rib Fest, which combined blues and zydeco music, barbecued ribs and steamed shrimp into one setting – how could I go wrong?

Besides the food, part of this event’s lure for me was an opportunity to get an extended look at an area blues band I hadn’t truly experienced yet, the Triple A Blues Band. I caught a couple of songs from this group a few years ago when they opened for a national name at Crowbar, but I hadn’t witnessed a full performance from them yet – until now.

Upon my arrival, my first order of business was food. The Cajun Ribfest offered two main courses to choose from – steamed shrimp or Clem’s barbecued ribs. I chose the shrimp to start with; they were hot, steamy and numerous; good eatin!’

After procuring initial foodstuffs and drinkstuffs, I sat down in the grass in front of the stage (not the usual Tussey Amphitheater stage, this was a smaller stage set up a short distance up the hill from the main stage) to take in the Triple A Blues Band. The veteran cast of singer/guitarist Andy Tolins, singer/harmonica player Pete Sheridan, keyboardist/singer John Thompson, bassist Bill Stetz and drummer Curtis Krebs performed an interesting and varied mixture of blues-rooted sounds. One of the first tunes I heard was their rendition of the old Stick McGhee/Jerry Lee Lewis chestnut “Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee.” With Andy, John and Pete sharing lead singing duties, the Triple A Blues Band continued with numbers such as “Bad Bad Whiskey,” “Hambone Blues,” original blues tunes from their two albums and more. Eventually, guest singer Bill Besecker stepped up to croon voice on “If The Shoe Fits, Wear It” and “If It’s Wrong to Love You.” The group welcomed another guest, Johnny Scales from Atlanta, up to play guitar and sing on two numbers. In honor of the Cajun theme of this event, the Triple A Blues Band did “Back to Louisiana,” before breaking out the Fabulous Thunderbirds’/Jerry McCain’s “She’s Tough” and two more numbers to close out their set.

The Triple A Blues Band dazzled with their musical mastery while keeping the vibe relaxed and casual. Each of these guys could play their instruments, and a number of their songs allowed these musicians to stretch out and demonstrate their impeccable solo abilities. As area blues practitioners go, the Triple A Blues Band delivered a more laid-back, jazz and R&B-informed brand of the blues, but it smoked nonetheless. Very good stuff!

The Triple A Blues Band.

The Triple A Blues Band, providing music to suck on ribs and shrimp to.

John “J.T.” Thompson of The Triple A Blues Band.

Andy Tolins of The Triple A Blues Band.

Pete Sheridan of The Triple A Blues Band.

With guest Bill Besecker singing, The Triple A Blues Band.

I stepped back into the food line to do some ribs as the second band of the day set up and prepared to play. Since this was the Cajun Ribfest, it was only appropriate to have a zydeco band onstage; this day it was the Alligator Zydeco Band from Philadelphia. As the Alligator Zydeco Band began their performance, singer, accordionist and ringleader Greg “The Snakeman” Troiano explained to the audience that the group would start off with some older, 80’s-era zydeco selections before working their way forward to the present. A fivesome, the Alligator Zydeco Band performed a musical gumbo of zydeco and zydeco-flavored sounds, including such songs as “Murdock the Mule,” “Waltz to Suzanne” (which Greg sent out to his wife), “Choo Choo Boogie” and more. Drummer Dan Cole sang lead on a ‘zydecated contemporary’ update of Canned Heat’s “Going Up the Country;” while Greg’s daughter, washboard player Laura “Zydeco Girl” Troiano, sang lead on “I Wish It Was Me.” Overall, the Alligator Zydeco Band was very good, generating an upbeat, Louisiana-styled vibe that kept the crowd happy.

With the sun setting, and other evening band exploits to explore this night, I left midway through the Alligator Zydeco Band’s set. My first Tussey Mountain Cajun Ribfest was an enjoyable day, and I expect to be back to take in this event again in future years.

The Alligator Zydeco Band kicks off their performance at the Cajun Ribfest.

Once again, The Alligator Zydeco Band.

Greg “The Snakeman” Troiano of The Alligator Zydeco Band.

Laura “Zydeco Girl” Troiano of The Alligator Zydeco Band.

DREAM CATCHER @ MAGOO’S, CRESSON 7/2/05

As I left Tussey Mountain Amphitheater, I pondered the live music options for later this Saturday evening. Pretty much everything in the Altoona and State College vicinities was “been there and done that” for me, as I had seen mostly all of the bands onstage this night recently. I did notice, though, that Dream Catcher was playing at Magoo’s in Cresson. However, there are two bands called Dream Catcher operating in western PA, and either one might be performing at Magoo’s this night – the Altoona-based Dream Catcher, a trio performing classic rock and country; or the Pittsburgh-based Dreamcatcher, featuring Cresson favorite “Bobby Lee” Rubaker, who entertained at last year’s End Of Summer Jam benefit. I had no idea which Dream Catcher I would find at Magoo’s, but I decided to head there to find out.

Upon arriving at Magoo’s, I discovered it was the Altoona-based Dream Catcher, featuring singer/bassist Jim Hemcher, guitarist/singer Ric Criste, and a new drummer since I last saw them, Tom MacDonald (formerly of the Fabulous Flashbacks). The group was into their first set, entertaining a near empty room with a mixture of 60’s and 70’s rock’n’roll and country favorites. All three members handled vocal duties, with Jim doing the lion’s share; as the group played such favorites as The Standells’ “Dirty Water,” Dion’s “The Wanderer,” Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” Kentucky Headhunters’ “Dumas Walker,” Robert Palmer’s “Bad Case of Loving You,” the Animals’ “Bring It On Home to Me” and more. It was a slow night at Magoo’s, though; few people were in the main band room, and those who were there were very quiet – you could hear a pin drop between songs. But one couple did grace the dance floor as Dream Catcher performed a country number late in the set.

Dream Catcher’s performance was good. Jim in particular was good on lead vocals, singing with soul and grit. Ric flashed some nice crisp guitarwork along the way; and new man Tom provided an additional vocal edge, both as a lead singer and with his timely harmonies along the way.

A few more folks arrived as Dream Catcher performed their second set, again mixing up vintage and classic rock’n’roll and country. Opening with the ever-popular “Mustang Sally,” the group played favorites from Chuck Berry, Elvis, Dion, Roy Head, Tim McGraw, the Beatles, the McCoys and more. By the time the group arrived at Dion’s “Runaround Sue” late in the set, a few more people were beginning to populate Magoo’s dance floor. It was still a dead night, but at least busier than the first set.

After Dream Catcher’s second set ended, I decided to vacate Magoo’s and check in with one more band this night…

Dream Catcher, entertaining at Magoo’s.

Jim Hemcher of Dream Catcher.

Once again, Dream Catcher.

THE FLAME SKY @ VICTORY LANE SALOON, ALTOONA 7/2/05

From Magoo’s, I descended the mountain back to Altoona, and arrived at the Victory Lane Saloon during the intermission before The Flame Sky’s third set. Although not a packed house (I’ve never seen the Victory Lane packed yet), there were a few Victory Lane regulars and Flame Sky fans congregated in the rear band room to witness The Flame Sky’s musical pyrotechnics this night. As I arrived, the band started into Iron Maiden’s “Phantom Of the Opera,” and held the room mesmerized (especially the Victory Lane “regulars,” who probably never experienced anything like that before) as they intensely drilled the complex metal classic. The group did another song (possibly a new original) before taking their final break of the night.

It was already fairly late in the evening, so after a short intermission, The Flame Sky returned for an abbreviated final set. Guitarist Jason Feathers, bassist Shawn Shultz and drummer Nate Woods took up positions on their respective instruments, and while awaiting singer/guitarist Ed Brinkel’s return to the stage, launched into an impromptu blues-styled jam they jokingly dubbed the “Waiting for Ed Blues.” Once Ed returned to the stage, The Flame Sky launched into an interesting double-shot, fusing together Thin Lizzy’s “Emerald” with Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song;” riding the latter song to an intense, go-for-broke ending. Jason then assumed the frontman role for The Flame Sky’s night-ending rendition of the Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post,” as the band again pushed this song to the brink with their impassioned, focused performance.

At night’s end, the Flame Sky fans reveled in the fiery performance they had just witnessed, while the Victory Lane “regulars” – congregated at one table towards the front of the stage – got into a short shoving match. No fists were thrown, but it was good for a few subtle snickers.

The Flame Sky launch their third set of the evening at the Victory Lane Saloon.

Ed Brinkel of The Flame Sky.

AMERICAN MUSICFEST @ RIVERFRONT PARK, HARRISBURG 7/3/05

I was up for a road trip this day, and decided to drive to Harrisburg to experience the annual American Musicfest for the first time. I hoped to catch at least some local Harrisburg area entertainment, and satisfy my curiosity about one of the headlining attractions this night, Proto-Kaw.

I actually took the “scenic route” to get to Harrisburg this day: I headed east on Route 22 to Mount Union, got on Route 522 and headed south to Shade Gap, and then took Route 641 east all the way to Camp Hill. This was an interesting route, as I traversed two mountains and saw a bunch of little towns along the way I had never been through before. It was a little more time consuming, but I still arrived in Harrisburg at 6 PM, which was when the first band I had planned to see, Hugh Jass, started performing anyway. I had to battle some gridlock due to the Harrisburg Senators baseball game at City Island, but once I pulled into downtown Harrisburg, I had no problem securing a parking space in one of the local garages (where a special event parking fee of just $2 was in effect, good deal!).

American Musicfest stretched out over 12 blocks along Harrisburg's Riverfront Park - including the same area where I sat along the Susquehanna River the previous weekend during the Millennium Music Conference. There were six stages offering constant music spanning many different styles, along with food booths, craft and business displays and more. The general set-up of this event reminded me some of Johnstown Folkfest.

One of the bands I had hoped to check out was Hugh Jass. After getting my bearings and realizing what stage I needed to head to in order to see them, I headed up Front Street to check them out.

Upon arriving, I discovered the Hugh Jass had a decent-sized crowd taking in their performance. The group was in the midst of performing their set of current and classic rock favorites, and was working the audience to get them fired up and partying. One of the first things I noticed about the group was guitarist Rich, apparently the madhatter of the group, changing headgear on almost every song. He and his bandmates – bassist Ray, drummer Jeremy, singer Steve and guitarist Jami – charged through favorites from Harvey Danger, Seven Mary Three, Green Day, Men Without Hats, Blink 182, U2, Bryan Adams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bryan Adams, Duran Duran and more; with everyone except Jeremy taking turns on lead voice. Hugh Jass would mix in various onstage antics to keep the show fun and upbeat; the big highlight occurring when the group broke out hula hoops and tossed them to the audience, inviting them to bust their best hoop moves in front of the stage during Dead Or Alive’s “You Spin Me (Like a Record).” Hugh Jass’ blend of past and present rock and roll with a touch of chicanery brought to mind local party favorites Shift and Yum; this band parties out in a similar vein, and were fun to watch.

Hugh Jass brings the party at American Musicfest.

Hugh Jass, entertaining the riverfront crowd at American Musicfest.

Hugh Jass triggers a hula hoop party.

After watching Hugh Jass for a little while, I decided to proceed up the street to the food booths to grab a bite to eat before checking out Proto-Kaw’s set, which began in about an hour. Along the way, I noticed an acoustic performer playing under a tent, so I stopped to take in part of his performance. The artist was Mike Banks, and I watched as he performed an original tune, and renditions of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe” and Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away.” Mike showed some good skill on his guitar, and a decent singing voice as well.

Mike Banks entertains at American Musicfest.

After grabbing a pulled-pork sandwich and some fries, I headed back down Front Street towards the area near the Comfort Inn, where the stage presenting Proto-Kaw was situated.

First, a little bit about Proto-Kaw. Back before the band Kansas struck international fame and fortune in the mid-70’s with hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust In The Wind,” there were two prior editions of Kansas formed by founder/guitarist Kerry Livgren in the early 70’s. After the second edition broke up in 1973, Kerry joined a band called White Clover, which soon changed their name to Kansas, and went on to fame and fortune. A few years ago, some early recordings from the second Kansas line-up surfaced, and Kerry Livgren issued a compilation of those recordings, Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-1973. This led to the reunion and reformation of that second Kansas line-up, which took the name Proto-Kaw; proto meaning “early” or “pre,” and Kaw being a Native American term for Kansas. Proto-Kaw issued their first studio album, Before Became After, last year, and were touring in support of that album as they arrived at American Musicfest this night.

After a representative from a new Harrisburg area radio station, Mix 106.7, came out and introduced them, Proto-Kaw started into their first selection; the lead-off track from Before Became After, “Alt. More Worlds Than Known.” As the song unfolded, we discovered that Proto-Kaw – like the more famous edition of Kansas – was into improvisation and detailed song structures. And like the more famous Kansas, they have the musicians to pull it off. On this number, John Bolton demonstrated his talents on flute, eventually doing trade-off solos with Kerry Livgren. Singer Lynn Meredith then addressed the crowd, explaining how these musicians regrouped after 30 years apart. He then introduced an early Kansas song that appeared on the Early Recordings… CD, “Totus Nemesis.” Here John Bolton demonstrated his impressive saxophone abilities. Proto-Kaw then continued with a number of compositions from Before Became After; including “Axolotl,” the jazz-flavored “Quantum Leapfrog,” the ballad “Word Of Honor” (a patriotic-themed song which Lynn said was almost used during the 2004 Presidential campaign), “Occasion Of Your Honest Dreaming,” “Heavenly Man” and “Gloriana.” The group then shifted the attention to keyboardist Dan Wright for another early Kansas number, “Skont,” before ending their nearly 90-minute set with an unidentified composition. The gathered audience – numbering a few hundred – called for an encore, and after a minute or so, Proto-Kaw returned. After beckoning the crowd to come forward and gather at the front of the stage, the group performed two songs for their encore, starting with their remake of The Cryan’ Shames’ satirical ode to lawyers, “Greenburg, Glickstein, Charles, David, Smith and Jones.” Proto-Kaw then finished the night with a number from the first self-titled ‘official’ Kansas album, “Belexes.”

Proto-Kaw’s musicianship was dazzling, as this group continually played off one another, improvised and blended their talents. As expected, Kerry Livgren frequently impressed on guitar; but the rest of this cast was skilled as well. John Bolton showcased his flute and sax skills several times, and keyboardist Dan Wright and bassist Craig Kew were given moments in the spotlight as well. Singer Lynn Meredith displayed a voice not too far removed from better-known Kansas frontman Steve Walsh; and while he sang and narrated occasionally, he left the instrumentalists have the lion’s share of the spotlight. This band was impressive, especially given that prior to their reforming, a number of these musicians hadn’t seriously picked up their instruments since their stint as Kansas ended 30 years ago.

This longtime Kansas fan was pretty impressed by it all, enough so that I purchased a copy of the Before Became After CD. Proto-Kaw’s performance capped my first experience at the American Musicfest; I enjoyed this event enough that I expect to check it out again in coming years.

Proto-Kaw kicks off their show at American Musicfest.

Lynn Meredith of Proto-Kaw.

In the early stages of their set, a freight train passes behind the stage as Proto-Kaw performs.

Kerry Livgren of Proto-Kaw.

Again, Proto-Kaw.

John Bolton of Proto-Kaw, demonstrating his sax abilities.

Demonstrating some keyboard skills, Kerry Livgren of Proto-Kaw.

Dan Wright of Proto-Kaw.

Again, Dan Wright of Proto-Kaw.

Again, Kerry Livgren of Proto-Kaw.

Once again, Kerry Livgren of Proto-Kaw.

Lynn Meredith and Kerry Livgren of Proto-Kaw.

In the heat of a guitar solo, Kerry Livgren of Proto-Kaw.

Yet again, Kerry Livgren of Proto-Kaw.

John Bolton of Proto-Kaw, displaying his flute talents.

Craig Kew of Proto-Kaw.

Again, John Bolton of Proto-Kaw.

Once again, Dan Wright of Proto-Kaw.

One more time, Kerry Livgren of Proto-Kaw.

Proto-Kaw, performing their encore.

At show’s end, Proto-Kaw, taking their curtain call bow before the Musicfest audience.

BACKSTREET LAW @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 7/3/05

Although I left Harrisburg after 10 PM, I made good time driving back to Altoona on Route 22, and arrived with enough time to catch the third set from Backstreet Law at Pellegrine’s.

Not surprisingly, since it was the eve before a major holiday, Pellegrine’s was jam-packed with holiday revelers. I squeezed my way to the main bar to procure a brew, before linebacking my way up near the stage to witness the remainder of Backstreet Law’s party. The group was into their popular ode to servicing the opposite sex, “Seatbelt,” as the mass-of-humanity Pellegrine’s crowd surged with the booming beats. The group then followed with Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock’n’Roll” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” before performing “Shake” off their Hollow CD. Now a tradition at Backstreet Law’s regional shows, the group invited their groupie, Doug, up to the stage to sing Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.” Frontman Goody then introduced a song from the group’s new CD, Frustrated, performing “Open Your Eyes.” The party continued with Linkin Park’s “One Step Closer,” as a multitude of Pellegrine’s ladydom joined the band onstage to dance along. The group then fulfilled audience demands for their original song “Hockey Helmet,” and closed out their set with the bassist Jamie Morral-growled rendition of Pantera’s “Walk.” Pellegrine’s wanted an encore, and Backstreet Law answered with their Jeckyl-and-Hyde rendition of Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” to end the night.

Par the course, it was another over-the-top, Backstreet Law-meets-holiday-eve-Pellegrine’s blowout party, with a sea of humanity grooving in front of the stage and having a good time. Backstreet Law’s confident, powerful performance again confirmed why they remain one of the region’s surefire crowd magnet bands.

Jeremy Edge, Choke and Goody of Backstreet Law.

In the midst of a guitar solo, Jeremy Edge of Backstreet Law.

Again, Jeremy Edge and Goody of Backstreet Law.

Mike “Choke” Oakley of Backstreet Law.

Jamie Morral of Backstreet Law.

Jeremy Edge and Jamie Morral of Backstreet Law.

Performing amidst a crowd of dancing ladies, Backstreet Law.

The Backstreet Law dance party continues.

Backstreet Law and a sea of ladies.

Flanked by dancing ladies onstage, Jeremy Edge of Backstreet Law.

Immersed in a sea of Pellegrine’s ladies, Goody of Backstreet Law.

Once again flanked by ladies, Jeremy Edge of Backstreet Law.
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