[Jim Price]

WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 8/22/05

GIN & JUICE (unplugged) @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 8/16/05

An early exit from the workplace, a craving for tacos, and the fact that it was Tuesday acoustic night instead of Tuesday karaoke night at Pellegrine’s prompted me to stop by Pelly’s to enjoy taco night and enjoy acoustic sounds from Dustin Burley and Travis Dunn of Gin & Juice fame.

It was a quiet night at Pellegrine’s, and only a handful of patrons and music fans populated the house. Dustin and Travis were under way with their first set. As I munched on tacos, the pair played an interesting assortment of classics, including Traffic’s “Light Up or Leave Me Alone,” Men At Work’s “Down Under,” Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” and more. The duo also did one of Dustin’s original songs, “Broken Mirror.” As they do in their electric incarnation, Dustin and Travis stretched a few of these numbers out and explored the songs’ terrain on their guitars.

After a brief intermission, the two musicians returned for their second set. This time, the pair dug into the Phish lexicon for several songs, including “Suzy Greenberg,” “Timber,” and the Phish-fried take on Ween’s “Roses Are Free.” The duo also performed the Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin,” Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun,” Pearl Jam’s “Black,” and the group’s fusion of Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” with “Must Be the Money.”

Although a few more people trickled into the venue during the course of the evening, Pellegrine’s was still very much empty as Dustin and Travis entered their third set. I stuck around long enough to watch the duo perform the Grateful Dead’s “Sugaree,” “Phish’s “Gumbo,” the pair’s acoustic adaptation of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice,” a Nirvana number, and by request, a repeat performance of “Psycho Killer.” At this point, content with some good tacos and good music, I called it a night and departed.

Travis Dunn and Dustin Burley; Gin & Juice unplugged at Pellegrine’s.

THE MARAUDERS @ WING-OFF, LAKEMONT PARK, ALTOONA 8/18/05

Time flies when you’re having fun. And time flies when you’re enjoying wings and music on sunny Thursday afternoons at Lakemont Park. Already six weeks after it started, we had arrived at the final Lakemont Park Wing-Off of the summer, with the Marauders providing the tunes.

All throughout this year’s Wing-Off’s, I noticed that the wing pavilion for Beerbellies in Duncansville always had the longest lines. Because their lines were always long when I first arrived, I usually bypassed Beerbellies and went to other pavilions where the lines were shorter. But as I arrived this day, the line at Beerbellies was short, so I finally sampled their wings. And I could now understand why their lines were consistently long – Beerbellies’ wings kicked serious butt! I had ordered a dozen hot and a half dozen butter garlic wings, and the counter person put them both in the same container. Usually I’d be griping about this, as I like to keep my flavors separate. But once I tasted the flavor combination as hot met butter garlic, I was enjoying life – this blend was great! If Beerbellies is back at next year’s Wing-Off, I won’t mind waiting in a few longer lines to do that wing flavor combo again!

Due to my hot butter garlic wing-eating bliss, I didn’t take notes during the Marauders’ first set. But singer/guitarist Ben Dumm, upright bass player Chris Lawson and drummer Abe Weber did what they do best, rocking and rolling with roots rock originals. A growing crowd of wingeaters gathered at the stagefront picnic tables, including Abe’s parents, who were at the table I was seated at.

The Marauders opened their second set with one of their most popular tunes, “Late Night Livin.’” After Abe did an impromptu Myron Cope impersonation, the group continued to mix roots rock original tunes with a few select early rock’n’roll remakes. The Marauders introduced a new song, “Tearin’ It Up Tonight;” and played established original favorites such as “My Revolver,” “Kill Pop Radio,” “She Put A Curse On Me” and “Dead Of Night.” They also introduced another new original tune (whose title I didn’t catch), which displayed a Bo Diddley-like flavor. And the group performed two remakes, Buddy Holly’s “Oh Boy” and Elvis Presley’s “His Latest Flame.”

The crowd continued to gather around the stage and picnic table area as the Marauders continued to play. I noticed a lot of younger fans, as well as some older fans intrigued by the group’s early-styled rock’n’roll sounds.

When the Marauders returned to the stage for their nightcap set, they brought along a guest, former Ten Sent Wings frontman Grant Matthews, who fronted the group on their first song. The Marauders continued to mix up original songs from their two CD’s, along with some new songs. Among their selection were such tunes as “Oh My My,” “Roadkill,” “Last Call,” “New Tattoo,” and by request, a repeat performance of “My Revolver.” After the group finished their set with the title tune off Alibi, the crowd called for an encore. In an interesting twist, the Marauders delivered an encore by returning to their own pre-roots rock roots, finishing the night with an old-school punk rock cover, which inspired some good-natured slam dancing by some younger fans in front of the stage.

Thus closed the lid on the Lakemont Park 2005 Wing-Off season. The Marauders represented themselves well, and likely won some new fans with their Wing-Off performance.

Overall, business seemed a little slower this year than in past years at the Wing-Off’s. Surprising, given the weather cooperated for all six of this year’s events, and the entertainment slate was overall stronger and more diverse than last year. And I was relieved not to catch any whiffs of “the stench” this year, the smell of cooking rancid chicken frying oil that stifled many an appetite during the past two Wing-Off seasons.

The Marauders provided a fun, lively close to the Lakemont Wing-Off season; and their performance likely won them some new fans.

The Marauders, entertaining wing connoisseurs at the final Lakemont Park Wing-Off of 2005.

Ben Dumm of The Marauders.

Chris Lawson of The Marauders.

Abe Weber of The Marauders.

Once again, The Marauders.

A young fan gets down with the Marauders’ early rock-styled sounds.

Again, Chris Lawson of The Marauders.

Grant Matthews puts in a cameo appearance with The Marauders.

Meanwhile, over at the beer pavilion, Josh Anspach proves his two-fisted drinking credentials.

FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 8/18/05

After the Wing-Off, I logged a few hours at the ol’ day job, before heading to Peter C’s to close out the evening with some Thursday Hurricaning.

The mood was festive, and the good-sized crowd was on hand – not just to bear witness to the Hurricanes’ fireworks, but to help Peter C’s main lady Jodie K celebrate her birthday. The basic bare bones trio this night, the Hurricanes were in the midst of the Grateful Dead’s “Alabama Getaway” as I arrived, and morphed the tune into ZZ Top’s “Heard It On the X.” The group continued with another song I wasn’t familiar with; it might have been a new original tune (“Troubles?”); before the ‘Canes closed out the set with “The Feeling.”

After a short intermission, the Hurricanes returned to resume the music and Jodie K’s birthday celebration onstage. After Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Ballad of Curtis Loew,” a round of celebratory Wild Turkey shots was brought to the stage and promptly quaffed. The ‘Canes continued with CCR’s “Green River,” after which bartender Clinton brought another round of Turkey shots to the stage. Hurricane Bob responded, “Tip him before we tip OVER!” The party continued with Stevie Ray’s “Pride and Joy,” and the ‘Canes’ ode to the best two hours of radio on the Altoona airwaves every week, “Backyard Rocker Rocks.” The trio let it rip with the Outlaws’ “Green Grass and High Tides,” before singing “Happy Birthday” to Jodie K. The night then ended on an upbeat note with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ever-popular “Gimme Three Steps.”

It was a typical happy-go-lucky Hurricanes party, made more festive by the birthday celebration. Good tunes, fiery playing, lots of smiles, and a few Wild Turkey and “ta-kill-ya” shots making the rounds for good measure – results, a fun night!

The Hurricanes get ‘em dancing at Peter C’s.

The birthday girl, Jodie K.

Frank “zappa,” holding up the heads of two new friends at Peter C’s.

SMOKIN’ JOE & THE WILD HORSE BAND @ BELLEFONTE ARTS & CRAFTS FEST, BELLEFONTE 8/19/05

I had planned to burn a vacation from the workplace this Friday for a while, with several options under consideration about how I would spend this vacation day. But I forgot to consider a Pennsylvania Musician article deadline staring me in the face, so I spent a good part of this vacation day in front of the computer and battling writer’s block. It was overcast and a bit on the cool side anyway, and not an ideal day for fishing or other activities I had been considering.

But on my radar was the annual Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Festival, happening in downtown Bellefonte. I had never attended this event before, and there was some live music happening there. One of the scheduled acts was Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band; although I’m not a big country music fan, I still decided I would take in this group and see what they were about.

Upon arriving, I limped my way up the hill (damned knee injury from Lakemont was still affecting me at this point) to the downtown area where the band performance tent was set up. Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band was entertaining a seated audience with a mix of original country songs and contemporary country favorites. Singer/acoustic guitarist/namesake Joe Meholick, lead guitarist Russ Regart, rhythm guitarist Denny Iorfida, bassist Dennis Hildebrand, keyboardist Cindy McMurray and drummer Ryan Brant showcased tunes from their latest CD, American Made; including “Beer Bottle Brown” and several other numbers. The group also did at least one song from their first CD, Time Will Tell, while I was there; I think entitled “Women (You Can’t Live With Them).” The group also performed numbers from Alan Jackson, Alabama, Garth Brooks and more, devoting Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” to the veterans in the audience. The group also performed one non-country number while I was there, Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.”

Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band’s performance was strong and confident. Joe and Dennis (who underwent surgery earlier in the day, what a trooper!) did the lion’s share of vocals, and both demonstrated good singing voices and casual, mild-mannered personalities on the microphones. Keyboardist Cindy also showed good voice on one song. The group’s instrumental performance was tight and clean, and their overall presentation was easygoing and personable, connecting well with the mixed-ages audience.

Overall, Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band made a good first impression on me. This was a solid, pleasant set of country sounds; and the group showed me why they are one of the more established country names on the regional music scene.

Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band, entertaining at the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Festival.

”Smokin’ Joe” Meholick of Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band.

Dennis Iorfida of Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band.

Once again, Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band.

Cindy McMurray of Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band.

Once again, Joe Meholick of Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band.

With the historic buildings of downtown Bellefonte as a backdrop, Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band.

INVERSION/AT HOPE’S END @ LION’S DEN, ALTOONA 8/19/05

After leaving the Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Festival, I headed back to Altoona to take in some music of a radically different flavor. I headed to the Lion’s Den in Juniata, where a four-band all ages show was under way.

I arrived perfectly midway through the show, missing the first two bands, The Bridal Chamber (who I understand were quite interesting and original with their brand of acoustic-geared sounds) and Suicide Switch (who I understand kicked ass as usual). I was primarily there to see the third band on the bill – Inversion, making their official return to live action with a new line-up after a two-year layoff.

Now comprised of Rug on guitar and vocals, Ryan on guitar, Mike on bass, Erin on cello and Shaun on drums; Inversion returned with a vengeance, in the process delivering a style and sound totally different than anything else currently happening on area stages. It a word: otherworldly! Their opening tune, “Memories of the Dead,” started off with Erin’s cello seeing the melancholy mood, before she and Mike sang co-ed, almost poetic recital-styled lead voices, building up to the apocalyptic metallic climax, with Mike and Rug alternating full-vent screaming passages. Percussion is still a key element of the new Inversion sound, based on the following number, “Krust,” an instrumental interlude centered around tribal drum and percussion passages, incorporating various effects and samples. Inversion then vented full-out metallic rage on the stern “As the World Burns,” followed by the dark-textured “Shadows.” Then a surprise, as Inversion broke out a cover; a monstrous, Mike-fronted read of Weezer’s “Undone – The Sweater Song.” The group continued with another terse original called “Bloodline,” followed by another percussion passage and the original tune “Undone.” Inversion then closed their set with a number sent out to Suicide Switch frontman Cheeze. Inversion’s set was haunting and intense; with Erin’s cello helping establish the dark mood and backdrop, and building up musical tension for the eventual explosive metallic releases. The group’s creative use of soundbytes and effects further sets the eerie mood and impact of their music; again, the results were otherworldly and intense. Inversion’s return was well-received; and this intriguing set whet my interest to see how this group continues to evolve with future performances.

Mike of Inversion.

Rug and Erin of Inversion.

Shaun of Inversion.

Once again, Rug and Erin of Inversion.

Inversion, returning with a vengeance at the Lion’s Den.

Once again, Inversion.

Rug, Erin and Mike of Inversion, pounding out some tribal beats.

One more band was left on the bill, Clearfield metalcore specialists At Hope’s End. As the group started off their high-velocity set with their title song, I saw their legion of moshers spring into action in front of the stage. These guys were wild, with arms flying and gyrating in martial arts-styled mosh moves that would make Jackie Chan jealous! At Hope’s End – frontman Frank Rumfola, guitarists Ken Wagner and Mark Passarelli, bassist Tom Herring and drummer Aaron Musser – gave these fans plenty to mosh to; with torrid, slamming original assaults such as “Good, Bad,” “Frontline,” “Child’s Eye,” “Leave It All Behind,” “Deathbed,” and more; including at least one new number, “Foundation.” At Hope’s End was all-out intensity and velocity, with no-holds-barred, slamming walls of metalcore sound underscoring Frank’s rabies-infested savage vocal bark – pitbulls, Dobermans and Rottweilers have nothing on this guy! The martial arts-styled moshing displays continued out front, with one fan even attempting to pull a cardboard statue of Joe Paterno out into the pit – to the chagrin of Lion’s Den management, who thwarted the attempt.

After Inversion’s successful return to the live stage, At Hope’s End successfully slammed the lid on the evening. From what I got to witness of this quadruple-bill, a good, charged show.

Aaron Musser of At Hope’s End.

At Hope’s End unleashes their fury.

Ken Wagner of At Hope’s End.

Frank Rumfola of At Hope’s End.

Once again unleashing the beast, Frank Rumfola of At Hope’s End.

At Hope’s End, slamming the lid on the evening at the Lion’s Den.

Just as entertaining as At Hope’s End were the group’s high-flying, volatile mosh-happy fans.

Scouting out some of the mosh participants for possible Nittany Lion linebacking positions, JoePa looks on…

HAIR FORCE ONE @ CITY LIMITS, ALTOONA 8/19/05

After departing the Lion’s Den, I headed across the railroad tracks to City Limits, to enjoy some 80’s metal decadence courtesy of Hair Force One.

A large crowd was in the house and on the dance floor as I arrived; Hair Force One was well into their first set of the evening. The group was blazing through a rendition of Def Leppard’s “Rock of Ages,” with singer Victor Synn brandishing a guitar. The group blazed through 80’s hair band era favorites such as Ratt’s “Lay It Down,” Tesla’s “Little Suzi,” Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock,” Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” and Cinderella’s “Gypsy Road” to end the set.

Round two of the festivities kicked off with Motley Crue’s “Shout At The Devil,” and the dance floor instantly refilled. Hair Force One stepped up the tempo with Kix’s “Blow My Fuse,” before slowing things down for Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” The group picked the pace back up with Firehouse’s “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” Bulletboys’ “Smooth Up In Ya,” Guns’N’Roses’ “Sweet Child Of Mine” and “Night Train,” Motley Crue’s “Girls Girls Girls,” Britny Fox’s “”Girlschool,” Quiet Riot/Slade’s “Cum On Feel the Noize” and Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me” to end the set. Hair Force One executed like a well-oiled machine; with tight, fiery playing and Victor Synn’s high-flying vocal howl.

Pushing late into the night, Hair Force One’s nightcap set was an abbreviated one, kicking off on a slower pace with Skid Row’s “I Remember You,” before kicking back into high gear with Kiss’ “Heaven’s On Fire,” Skid Row’s “Youth Gone Wild,” Guns’N’Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” and Great White/Ian Hunter’s “One Bitten Twice Shy” to finish out the night. The dance floor was again filled, and people were having a decade-of-decadence good time (although I didn’t witness anything extremely decadent this night, damn!).

It was the quintessential Hair Force One 80’s rock party tour de force, with blazing rock, sweaty bodies and happy faces. A good time was had by all. And thanks to the Hair Bears for the hospitality, reminding me that I need to get out and see this band more often!

Jamming back by the sound board, Iva Biggin of Hair Force One.

Victor Synn of Hair Force One.

Again, Iva Biggin of Hair Force One.

Hair Force One, keeping City Limits’ dance floor happy.

Also playing some guitar, Victor Synn of Hair Force One.

Phillip DaPussee, Michael J. Cox and Iva Biggin of Hair Force One.

Rocking another packed dance floor at City Limits, Hair Force One.

Iva Biggin and Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One.

Phillip daPussee of Hair Force One.

Victor Synn and Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One.

Once again, Hair Force One, rocking out.

Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One.

Again, Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One.

Hugh G. Rection of Hair Force One.

Making a rare appearance on backing vocals, Hair Force One stage manager Heywood Jablome.

Hair Force One’s musical decadence continues.

Heywood Jablome and Michael J. Cox of Hair Force One.

In the house and enjoying Hair Force One’s debauchery, former Q94 2003 Calendar Girls Ann and Stephanie.

Those wild and crazy gals, the Hair Force One “Hair Bears.”

SECOND OFFENSE/CYPHIN @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 8/20/05

My game plan for this night was to split time between two bands not often seen in this town; Huntingdon’s Cyphin, making their first-ever ‘Toona appearance at Peter C’s, and Happy Valley’s Plush, making their second appearance at City Limits.

As I arrived at Peter C’s, though, I learned that a third band had entered the equation, as Altoona metalcore sluggers Second Offense were opening for Cyphin. I watched as Second Offense – frontman Myke Long, guitarists Travis Bohn and Brian Faychak, bassist Jes Mattern (apparently hobbled by an injury and playing her bass seated on the front of the stage) and drummer Wally Fiedor – blasted out the remaining half-dozen original songs of their set. Although I was still getting familiar with the group’s song material and didn’t recognize song titles here, I was most impressed with this band’s tightness, intensity and energy. Obviously these musicians were on the same page; their overall delivery was crisp, focused, passionate and intense. Myke again barked his monstrous vocals with power and intensity, and even mixed it up with a few of the stagefront moshers as he sang! Based on this set, Second Offense appears to be gelling quite well as a unit, and progressing well.

Second Offense, kicking off the evening at Peter C’s.

Myke Long of Second Offense.

Travis Bohn and Myke Long of Second Offense.

Jes Mattern of Second Offense.

Mixing it up with some stagefront moshers, Myke Long of Second Offense.

Although the crowd at Peter C’s this night was on the small side, they were supportive, and gave Second Offense’s set rousing applause.

Up next was Huntingdon’s Cyphin, making their first Altoona appearance. Singer Jason Satta, guitarists Eric Smith and Roman Dell, bassist Rich Cupillari and drummer D.J. Dearmitt mixed hard-hitting current and 90’s rock favorites from Breaking Benjamin, Godsmack, Bush, Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Metallica, Greenday and more. At least initially, I detected somebody’s instrument out of tune, but this was resolved a few songs in and the group built momentum from there. Cyphin’s performance overall was solid, and the band members weren’t shy about taking their show into the crowd, frequently venturing off the stage and through the audience. The Peter C’s crowd seemed to get more into it as the group delivered favorites like Alice In Chains’ “Main In The Box,” Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” into “Whiskey In The Jar” and more. At least based on this initial set, I concluded that Cyphin is a fairly strong unit that delivers a rock ‘em, sock ‘em good time. A band to keep an eye out for.

As the group arrived at their intermission, I decided to depart, and catch the other half of my planned double-header…

Cyphin, making their Altoona debut at Peter C’s.

Jason Satta of Cyphin.

Once again, Cyphin.

Roman Dell of Cyphin.

PLUSH @ CITY LIMITS, ALTOONA 8/20/05

I arrived at City Limits, in the hope that Plush might have some crowd there to see them on their second Altoona visit.

Wasn’t happening. Only a handful of folks was present.

I ran into the Wiskerbisket contingent upon my arrival. They were there as a result of miscommunication; they were to open for another band, but that band’s show got cancelled, and Wiskerbisket never received word of the change. So the group arrived to find Plush in the house, with 4 Days Dirty opening. Although disappointed not to be playing, the Wiskerbisket contingent took it all in stride, and reportedly discussed future shows there with main man Claudio. The ‘Biskets soon departed City Limits to explore other ‘Toona music scene happenings.

I also ran into a rather panic-stricken Chris Peters from Dragon Fire/The Underground TV, who informed me of some sudden bad news: the venue operator for the upcoming “Music to the Masses” concert event, which was to happen Sept. 24 in Titusville, had pulled the rug out from under the event earlier in the day, withdrawing his venue from the concert due to insurance concerns. Chris and I brainstormed possible alternate locations to stage the concert, but the prognosis for salvaging the concert (which had just added national artists Mushroomhead to the bill) didn’t look good. (The concert was eventually cancelled.)

As best I could, I tried to pay some attention to the band on stage. Plush was struggling to entertain what pretty much amounted to Zilly the soundman, Claudio and his staff, Chris, myself, and a few scattered fans and patrons. From what I heard, Plush sounded solid on songs from The Clarks, Incubus, Collective Soul, Deadeye Dick, Rage Against the Machine, Tool and more. Instrumentally they were on the money, and singer Brian’s voice and energy were in good form.

But this show was what it was, a relatively unknown band playing to four walls on a Saturday night. The night came to a relatively early end, with Plush chalking up the experience to another night of “payin’ dues.” Ultimately, not a memorable night for either band or venue.

Plush, rocking four walls at City Limits.

Moltox of the clan Plush.

C-Dub of the clan Plush.

GREATER PITTSBURGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL, NEW STANTON 8/21/05

With the “Backyard Rocker” “in the can” this week (thanks to Anything Jane for pre-recording their interview), I was free to do some traveling this Sunday. So the roadtrip team of Sparky D’Engineer, Big Jim, the Right Honorable Guv’nor Jesse and yours truly made our annual sojourn to the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival near New Stanton.

This particular weekend of the Festival was “Celtic Heritage Weekend,” so the activities and events followed more of a Celtic flavor, including the Steel Thistle Pipe Band – a bagpipe ensemble – on hand to serenade and perform. But many of our favorite shows and features were still in place. Sticking with tradition, I began my Renaissance Festival experience by procuring a roast turkey drumstick from the food concession wench (hey, that’s what they called women back in those medieval times!), and we proceeded around the festival grounds.

We made our way to the Loggia Del Arté stage to catch the “Wicked Wenches” show. Here, three medieval lasses sang songs, cracked jokes and recited poetry and dirty limericks about their misadventures with the opposite sex, picking out various male audience members for targets. Fortunately, none of us got fingered for any misadventures this time around.

We then watched as Guv’nor Jesse procured a huge medieval sword. As part of the purchase agreement, Jesse had to sign a paper declaring that he would not use the sword against anybody in an aggressive manner while on the festival grounds. This made us all feel substantially safer. That, coupled with the fact that Jesse had to leave the sword with the vendor until he was ready to leave the festival grounds.

Eventually, we proceeded to the hillside Bogges stage, where the ever-popular “Mud Show” took place. This is always one of my favorite highlights of this festival, as three actors/comedians improvise skits and audience participation games, all which culminate in one, two, or all three cast members taking a bath in a vat of sloppy mud at the front of the stage. By show’s end, all three cast members are coated head-to-toe in mud, and at least a few audience members near the stage wind up wearing some mud, too. Absolutely hilarious!

In the late afternoon, we took in the jousting match on the Festival “Field of Honor,” pitting the Red Knight vs. the Blue Knight. (I assume the Red Knight was the good knight because everybody cheered for him, but I like the color blue, so I cheered on the bad knight). Both went at it on horseback; this joust ended in a draw, as both knights ultimately did each other in, and laid mortally wounded on the grounds at joust’s end.

And before departing the Festival, we spent a few minutes checking out the glass-blowing demonstration. We watched as the glass-blowing artisan blew and shaped a colored tankard; pretty fascinating stuff!

With the Festival closing at 6:30 PM, we made our way out the gates, and Jesse tested his new sword on the hillside (we all stayed about 100 feet away from him, for good measure). We then left the festival, and decided to head to Pittsburgh to grab a bite to eat.

Unlike the last time we attempted to do this on a Sunday – when Jesse’s New Yorker broke down near Sewickley Hills – we were using a more reliable mode of transportation, Sparky’s Pathfinder. So no automotive adventures this time around. We headed into Pittsburgh, and I finally got to do something I had been wanting to do for a long time; eat at a Primanti Brothers establishment. Primanti Brothers has been shown on sports telecasts as one of the food landmarks of Pittsburgh, especially for their sandwiches; and I had always wanted to try one. We hit the Primanti Brothers location on Market Square. We each devoured a Primanti Brothers sandwich, except for Jesse – he did two. I did the kolbassi, topped with cole slaw – damn good!

Afterwards, we strolled around Market Square, and made our way over to the fountains at PPG Place. This turned out being very cool; we watched as children were dancing in the geyser fountains as the sun was setting. We got to chatting with a PPG security guard, and this guy was very friendly, even showing us how to have our picture taken from inside the fountain without getting wet! We chatted with him for a while, and he gave us some tips for visiting and parking in Pittsburgh. Definitely this visit to the ‘Burgh was turning into a good time!

We then returned to our car, and dealt with the only negative of this particular Pittsburgh experience; a loudmouthed panhandler, who tried to bum money off of us. We turned him down. He stalked away over to a group of equally loudmouthed folks and started arguing with him. We hopped in the vehicle, and started back to Altoona.

The Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, Primanti Brothers, PPG Place and a panhandler…In all, an enjoyable and interesting adventure.

Not dressed very medievally, Sparky, Big Jim and Jesse.

No, I wasn’t dressed very medievally, either – yours truly, Sparky and Big Jim.

Guv’nor Jesse tests his skills with the axe throw. If his skills here were any indication, we’re glad he didn’t try throwing his new sword!

Jesse, twirling his new sword. No limbs or appendages were lost during the photographing of this shot.

The Festival glass blower. This artisan is always interesting and insightful.

Highjinks during the Mud Show. This show is always hilarious!

The joys of taking a mud bath…

Guv’nor Jesse poses with one of the Mud Show participants.

Knocked from their respective steeds, the jousters go at it mano-a-mano.

One of the knights gets the upper hand.

The fatal throat shot is delivered…

One of the rose vendors. Aren’t zoom lenses wonderful?

Yours truly, after conquering Primanti Brothers.

BAD DAZE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 8/21/05

Since our travel entourage had assembled at the parking lot at Pellegrine’s, I immediately went inside Pelly’s upon returning to see what Bad Daze was up to.

Pellegrine’s was only lightly populated as I entered, and Bad Daze was into their first set. Frontman Rob Carolus, guitarist Kenny Murdick, bassist Paul Rainey and drummer Randy Wilson were pounding out favorites from Good Charlotte, Disturbed, Linkin Park, Godsmack, Puddle Of Mudd, Billy Idol and Blink 182 during their first set. But with the low turnout this far, only an occasional person would venture onto the dance floor early on.

Undeterred, though, Rob and Bad Daze kept working the crowd as their second set got started. A few more folks started arriving, and Rob made his way around the Pelly’s environs, serenading fans and trying to kickstart the crowd into venturing towards the dance floor and stage. Bad Daze finally achieved success by the time they got to Rob Zombie’s “Dragula” in the second set, and some dancers started busting their moves on the floor.

Bad Daze was sounding tight and crisp thus far, and had definitely hit their stride. Randy and Paul were packing some power and flare into their rhythmic barrage, and Kenny was crunching chords and searing off solos left and right. Rob’s voice and presentation were in good form, and once he and his bandmates drew folks onto the dance floor, they kept them there. The pacing was tight, with very little down time between songs. Bad Daze was executing their tunage like a well-tuned, precision machine.

By the third set, enough ice had been broken with the Pellegrine’s crowd that the dance floor saw steady activity. Bad Daze rocked the party home with tunes from Godsmack, Jimmy Eats World, Eminem, Rage Against the Machine, and Pantera’s “Walk,” before embarking on their Motley Crue medley. During the latter part of the medley, Opposition/Cucuplex guitarist Phil Wagner joined the group onstage to help with backing vocals. Bad Daze then closed out the party with Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me” and Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right (to Party).”

While not an ideal night crowd-wise, Bad Daze still managed to get some bodies onto the dance floor as the night progressed, and eventually won the night. Hopefully, if they continue to deliver shows like this, low turnouts for Bad Daze should soon be a thing of the past.

Kenny Murdick of Bad Daze.

Randy Wilson of Bad Daze.

No, it is not a Borg from Star Trek; it is Randy Wilson of Bad Daze.

Paul Rainey of Bad Daze.

Rob Carolus of Bad Daze.

With Phil Wagner assisting on backing vocals, Bad Daze.

Phil Wagner of Opposition/Cucuplex, helping Bad Daze on backing vocals.

Again, Kenny Murdick of Bad Daze.

Once again, Kenny Murdick of Bad Daze.

Bad Daze gets ‘em partying at Pellegrine’s.

Yet again, Kenny Murdick of Bad Daze.
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