[Jim Price]

Hello Everyone,

Here is the recap of the February 19 edition of Q94's weekly local music program, "The Backyard Rocker," which airs every Sunday night from 8 to 10 PM on WBRX 94.3 and WBXQ 94.7.

The first time our guest, Justin Mackovyak, was on the program back in 2002, it was one of the “sickest” editions of the “Backyard Rocker” to date – sick in that we were both coming off bouts with the flu, and both probably had no business anywhere near live microphones. That particular “Backyard Rocker” turned into “survival of the sickest” to see who could make it through the 2 hours of the program.

This time around, both of us were in much better health, but our equipment took ill! After the preceding program, an In The Studio Southern rock special, pushed back the start time of the “Backyard Rocker” by 15 minutes, the guest microphone set-up Justin was speaking into developed problems, first cutting out on the left channel, and then dying altogether! Thanks to Biff the Engineer for speedily coming to the rescue, and diagnosing and repairing the problem so we could salvage the second hour of Justin’s interview!

Aside from the technical issues, we got caught up on Justin Mackovyak’s life and career. Since 2002, the Portage native graduated from Penn State, and relocated to Fort Lauderdale and then to his current home base, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he performs solo acoustic and is building a recording studio. We heard one new song from Justin, and reflected back on his past music, both solo and with his recent band, Noise Machine. Justin also provided our “Local Music Flashback” feature, as we dug back to 1997 for a tune from his band Korkworm Cyanide.

We also updated Local Music News, and reviewed Fayted’s debut CD, The Aftermath, in “The Professor’s CD Corner.” (The review can be viewed on Q94’s website, www.wbxq.com, in the “Backyard Rocker” section on the message board.) Justin Mackovyak, technical problems, Local Music News, “Professor’s CD Corner,” Local Music Flashback…how much more action-packed can this show get?

Here is this week’s playlist:

HOUR ONE:

FELIX & THE HURRICANES – “Issues”
HI-TYDE – “You Lied”
JUSTIN MACKOVYAK – “Long Black Veil”
SPOONCHATTER – “Simon Says”
JUSTIN MACKOVYAK – “The Long Thin Line”
THE GRIMM – “Forced Reflection”

HOUR TWO:

WISKERBISKET – “Just Like”
GREEN EGGS – “My Band”
JUSTIN MACKOVYAK – “Lost”
FAYTED – “Mystery Man”
JUSTIN MACKOVYAK – “And Fade”
KORKWORM CYANIDE – “Shelf” (1997, Local Music Flashback)
NOISE MACHINE – “Call Me”
JUSTIN MACKOVYAK – “In The End”

Next Sunday night, it’s the return of Somerset County-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Michael Reich! Michael has been north of the border in Toronto recording his latest studio album; we’ll hear tracks from the new album, and get Michael’s thoughts on his music, career, the Steelers’ Super Bowl win and more! Michael Reich returns to the “Backyard Rocker,” next Sunday night!

Forthcoming guests and specials include:

FEB. 26 – Michael Reich
MAR. 5 – Felix & the Hurricanes (8th Anniversary Special)
MAR. 12 – Acoustic Jam Special 5
MAR. 19 – Icarus Witch
MAR. 26 – Grade E
APR. 2 – Ledbetter Heights
APR. 16 – Ken Gray
APR. 23 – Silver Sunday
MAY 7 – Sherri Mullen
MAY 21 – White Witch
MAY 28 – Memorial Day Special
JUNE 18 – Fathers & Sons/Daughters of Local Music Special (with Greg and Dustin Burley)

For the second year, the “Backyard Rocker” is happy to announce its partnership with “The Underground TV,” the new local/regional music television show now airing twice weekly, on WWCP-TV Fox 8 Saturday evenings at 6 PM, and Monday mornings at 1 AM on WATM ABC 23. Check out “The Underground” as it features different unsigned local and regional bands every week; and watch for “Backyard Rocker” updates on the show each week as well!

For regular updates on what is happening on the area music scene, pay a visit to Rockpage (www.rockpage.net). Rockpage features band links, a message board, "Backyard Rocker" updates, the online 'zine publication "The Final Cut," and other local music scene information.

Bands and artists interested in having music aired on "The Backyard Rocker" are invited to send their broadcast-quality recordings to: WBXQ Radio, 4000 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602; ATTN: Jim Price. Or drop the recordings off at the station during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM.

Q94’s “Backyard Rocker” has been introducing listeners to the region’s best musical talent for over seven years, and we plan to do it for many more. Help guarantee the program’s future, and consider becoming an advertising sponsor of the “Backyard Rocker.” If your business involves music, a “Backyard Rocker” sponsorship can get your message in front of listeners interested in music. To inquire about becoming a sponsor of the “Backyard Rocker,” call Diane Boslet during regular business hours at (814) 944-9320, or email diane@wbxq.com.

Jim Price

In Local Music News...

Several band break-ups top our look at local music news.

After nearly 10 years of writing, performing, and recording, and following the recent departure of guitarist Scott Botteicher, The Grimm has decided to step away from area stages indefinitely. For the time being, the remaining members of the Grimm have chosen to pursue other musical ventures. Bassist Kent Tonkin has joined up in a new trio with former Grimm drummer Ron Brode and guitarist Jason Berardi, called Lies, Inc.; while drummer Dom Peruso is playing in a jazz/funk group called the Duke Morrison Quartet. The Grimm will be playing a final show before their hiatus, an all-age event on March 11 at the Lion's Den in Juniata. Grimm alum Kirk "Otto" Tonkin will reprise his role on guitar for this special show.

Hexhed, the band that reunited several members of former Altoona area heavy rockers Saucemonster, announced their break-up after being on stage only a few months. The split was on friendly terms, as the band members are moving on to other projects. Singer and guitarist Steve "Dig" Danfelt will continue on with 4 Days Dirty, who soon will release a CD; drummer Rob Bonsell has taken over the drum duties in One Gun Salute; and guitarist Chris Silva and bassist Greg Hatch are reportedly collaborating in a new, as-yet-unnamed band project.

And the short-lived band The Vengeance Of Carl Lee has disbanded after only a few shows, including the recent Rockpage Benefit Jam at Peter C's. Watch for members of this group to surface in new projects.

On the other side of things, a new metal band called Condemned Existence is coming together. The group presently features Keith Reyn on lead guitar and vocals, Keith Rice on guitar, and Von Baas on lead vocals. The band is working with drummer Rob Bonsell in the studio, and is still seeking a bass player.

Some changes for the band In. Singer Greg Locke and bassist Adam Zimmer are leaving the group for personal reasons; the partings are on friendly terms. Former Five Nations/Heaven Tonite singer Scott Robleski is taking over In's lead vocal duties; the group is still searching for a replacement on bass guitar.

After several weeks of soliciting name suggestions through their website, Clearfield Americana and roots trio Blind Jonny Death has announced their new name. Henceforth, the group will be called Rusty Gun Revival. The group is making the name switch for marketing reasons.

The band White Shadow will perform the music at a special benefit dinner and dance to help out 12-year-old Brett Andrew Doughty. The dance will take place next Friday evening, February 24, starting at 7 PM at the Coal Car Saloon in Dysart. Brett has been diagnosed with Stargardt's Disease, which affects his eyesight; proceeds from the evening will help fund his medical treatments. Donation at the door will be $10 per person.
_________________

http://pamusician.net