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Vol. 35 # 404 JUNE 2017
EAGLE HOTEL’S CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT ICON FOR HIRE, MISSIO, OTHERWISE AT CHAMELEON METAL KILLING CANCER FEST AT GETTYSBURG KIRK FOLK, PRISON EARTH, TEXAS HOLD ‘EM & more at RACEHORSE TAVERN GREAT AMERICAN GUITAR SHOW IN PHILLY CARVERTON RETURNS TO CHAMPS ~ALL AGE
FREE take one...and turn the page...
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Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
CHAMELEON CLUB www.CHAMELEONCLUB.NET / (717) 299 -9684
223 NORTH WATER STREET, LANCASTER, pa
lancaster, PA FREEDOM HALL25 south queen(717)street, 239 -1600 www.CHAMELEONCLUB.NET
Tickets at Ticketmaster.com, All Ticketmaster Locations, charge-by-phone 800.745.3000 & at each venue’s box office. VISIT FACEBOOK.COM/SLPCONCERTS OR SLPCONCERTS.NET
June, 2017
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
3
Original & Rock ‘N’ Roll Favorites Created through Emotion & Passion
July 22nd DOUBLE K, Harrisburg, PA July 29th BOURB0N BAR & GRILL, Hanover, PA
JUN 10th Chambersburg Pride - U-Belong 10:45am Wilson College Chambersburg, PA JUL 22nd -ComplITKenya Fundraiser at St Johns UCC 6pm St Johns UCC, Red Lion, PA
www.lancasterfierce.com
Mary Emelio 717.413.0204 Roadboots55@yahoo.com
DAN STONEROOK Now Booking 2017-2018
Original & Covers of Hard Rock/Classic Metal
“The Red Album”, “Wolves” & “X-Nihilo” CDs at: Wayne’s World, 419 Memorial Hwy. Dallas, PA, Hoffman’s Music 381 Bennett St. Luzerne, PA
“EXPERIENCE THE POWER” Now Available at CDbaby www.cdbaby.com/cd/xterra7 Bookings: 570.654.4758 Facebook.com/X-terra
www.xterrarockband.com
Solo Acoustic Music
“Bearded Acoustic Bluesy Storytellin’ Music”
814.270.7662 Facebook.com/Dan Stonerook-Music Email: danstonerookmusic@gmail.com
August 12th THE VALLEY TAVERN, Seven Valleys, PA Bookings Call Pj at 717.887.6471
Facebook.com/latimoresky
latimoresky@gmail.com
wings that buzz New Album “Every Pretty Thing” Now Available at ITUNES, Amazon & CD Baby Jun 01 - 7pm Roy Pitz Beer Stube, Chambersburg, PA Jun 10 - 11am Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax, VA Jun 10 - 10pm Garryowen Irish Pub, Gettysburg, PA
for bookings call trish kipe
717.328.9354
www.wingsthatbuzz.com www.facebook.com/Wings-That-Buzz
Acoustic Duo performing Original & Cover songs - Country & Rock BACKLINE & DJ SERVICES ~Live set up to 4 Hours~ Any show, Any time, Any place... WEDDINGS, PUBS, FESTIVALS, PARTIES ~ We aim to please. Call/text 865-227-2293 or 717-504-5737 for rates & booking
www.hallowcreekmusic.com facebook.com/HallowCreekBand
This space available to promote your business... $60 per month.
Call 717.444.2423
to reserve in our next
issue
THANK YOU! 4
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
For more information vist our website & follow us on facebook.com/Steel
Sat Jun 3rd 5:00pm DAM PARTY - Boiling Springs, PA Sat Jun 10th 9:30pm RACE HORSE TAVERN Thomasville , PA Sat Jul 15th 9:30pm DOUBLE K TAVERN Harrisburg, PA Sat Jul 22nd 9:30pm TOURIST INN - Hellam, PA Booking:
“Steel Hamm ered” Availabl e at All gigs & on our website
Chris 717.659.9356 or Aaron 717.580.0218 Email: info@steelrocks.com ~ Hope to see YOU at one of our shows! ~
www.steelrocks.com
JUNE!
FACEBOOK.! COM/! TIMEBOMB! BANDPA June, 2017
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
3RD,10TH,17TH WORKING ON NEW ORIGINAL TIMEBOMB SONGS !!! !
23RD FAT DADDYS YORK,PA! W/ CAN’T B SAVED! 24TH THE 717 CLUB LEWISTOWN,PA! CONTACT FOR BOOKINGS AND INFO:!
(717)226-4470
5
THE BACKYARD ROCKERS Acoustic Classics & Fun... Classic Rock, Folk & Blues from Tom Petty, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Santana, Johnny Cash, Rolling Stones, Steve Earle and more!
We Welcome our Newest Member - BIG JIM! Upcoming Shows: Sunday, June 11th - ROXBURY BANDSHELL with RED PAINT, we start at 5pm EVERY TUESDAY – We host OPEN MIC NIGHT at D’OTTAVIO’S GRAN SASSO, HOLLIDAYSBURG;
Bring your instrument, voice and songs and join us, starts 8pm!
Need Live Acoustic Music For An Upcoming House Party, Reunion Or Other Event? Booking for 2017 Call THE BACKYARD ROCKERS: 814.330.1883 / Email: rd1950@aol.com VISIT US ON FACEBOOK & ROCKPAGE.NET/BANDS! June 9th - Bless The Woods Music Festival, Faitplay MD June 11th - Bourbon & Branch, Philadelphia PA July 2nd - Riptide Pool Bar, Ocean City MD
CROSSROADS DUO
July 13th - Flour City Station, Rochester NY July 14th - Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo NY August 5th - Dockside Bar at Dave & Busters, Philadelphia PA August 6th - Riptide Pool Bar, Ocean City MD
More dates TBA / FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK Booking now! Contact CTC for booking 717.979.9234 NEW Email: ctcdub@gmail.com
“CONSIDIRATION” & “CHEMICAL the EP COCKTAIL” Available at: closetoconsideration.bandcamp.com FREE downloads, Music, Videos, Pictures & more visit... REVERBNATION.COM/CTCNATION Facebook.com/Close to Consideration Follow CTC on Twitter@tweetctc 6
June 2 June 7 June 9 June 16 June 18 June 23 June 25 June 30
St. Thomas Roasters, Linglestown, PA 8:00 PM Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson, Hbg. PA 5:30 PM Berks-A-Palooza Summer Jam, Reading, PA 5:00 PM The Lodge at Sharp Mountain, Pottsville, PA 5:00 PM Lansford Park, Lansford, PA 6:00 PM The Lodge at Sharp Mountain, Pottsville, PA 5:00 PM Stone Mountain Winery, Pine Grove, PA 1:00 PM The Lodge at Sharp Mountain, Pottsville, PA 5:00 PM
For Booking & info: FULL FORCE MUSIC 570.205.1350 P.O. Box 67 Friedensburg, PA 17933 Email: steelguitar01@hotmail.com
www.reverbnation.com/crossroads duo
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
101 East Main Street • Fredericksburg, PA • 717.865.4672
OPEN JUKEBOX during HAPPY HOURS
www.smokingunnz.com
Buy Our CDs at One of our shows, Itunes, Amazon or CD Baby
June 03, 1pm-4pm HUNTER’S VALLEY WINERY, Liverpool, PA
Monday thru Thursday 3pm-6pm/ Friday 3pm-5pm
16 Oz. DRAFT BEER SPECIALS ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!
TWELVE ICE COLD CRAFT-MICRO & DOMESTIC BEERS ON TAP
(TWO GUNNZ Acoustic -Mke & Bob)
June 03, 7pm-8pm DAM PARTY tx. at damparty.net - Boiling Springs, PA June 10, 7pm-8:15pm JUNE JAM, Houston, DE June 17, 7pm-11pm GOOFY’S EATERY & SPIRITS, Spring Grove, PA June 23, 7pm-10pm LATIMORE VALLEY FAIR, York Springs, PA June 24, 12noon-5pm BATTLEFIELD HARLEY DAVIDSON, Gettysburg, PA July 01, 7-10pm Stars & Stripes (Honoring our Veterans)... SUNSET BAR & GRILL, Gettysburg, PA
11am-9pm (your signature burger could make our menu)
Smokin Gunnz is Currently Auditioning for a LEAD/RHYTHM GUITAR PLAYER Must be able to Sing & Harmonize. Must be willing
• TACO THURSDAYS 4-9pm
& able to play guitar parts as close to the original song as possible. Must already be familiar with Southern Rock. Must want to play, and be able to play Must have a Professional Attitude & Gear. DRUG FREE, NO ALCOHOL ABUSE ISSUES PLEASE.
Call Vickie at SOUTH SOUND PRODUCTIONS:
• ALL U CAN EAT SPECIAL (eat in only/NO to go boxes) All Day Tuesday: Our famous WINGS 10 at a time. • MONDAYS: CHEATERS NEVER PROSPER TRIVIA 7-9pm • BUILD A BURGER/CHICKEN WEDNESDAYS! (build ‘em yourself Hard or Soft Shell, Beef or Chicken)
• All Day Sunday: WING
717.832.6154
SPECIALS...
• ALL DAY EVERY WEDNESDAYS OPEN POOL TABLE JUNE ENTERTAINMENT & DINNER SPECIALS AT THE EAGLE Friday, 06/02 - CRAB NIGHT 4-10pm; Acoustic 5:30-8:30 with... DJ CHRIS w/TakeOver Entertainment 10pm-1am... Saturday, 06/03 - DJ MIKE w/ AUDIO WERKS ENTERTAINMENT 9pm-1am SUNDAY, 06/04 - Acoustic on the Deck 5pm-8pm w/ THURSDAY, 06/08...6pm (no cover)
JOZEF
738 N. Biesecker Rd. Thomasville, PA 17364
717.792.9838
CORTY BYRON
Friday, 06/09-STEAK NIGHT 4-10pm/ 5:30-8:30 w/...
SAL BIONDOLLA DJ STU 10pm-1am
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY FREDERICKSBURG FIREMEN'S PARK
HAPPY HOUR 7pm - 9pm EVERY DAY!
12noon - END OF SILENCE / 2:30pm - NATE MYERS & THE ACES 6pm BLIND THEORY See website of facebook for details...
SUNDAY, 06/11 - Acoustic on the Deck 5pm-8pm w/
Food & Drink Specials Every Day!
Friday, 06/16- FEHO LOBSTER NIGHT 4-10pm/ acoustic 5:30-8:30 w/...
Every Sunday - TEXAS HOLD ‘EM 3pm & FREE POOL ALL
Fri. 2nd - KIRK FOLK
DAY!
Fri. 16th - tba
Sat. 17th - DOG POUND
Sat. 3rd - PRISON EARTH Fri. 23rd - BLACK WIDOW Sat. 24th - SONS OF MAN Fri. 9th - JOE PRICE Sat. 10th - STEEL
Fri 30th - tba
10pm1am
Saturday, 06/17- DJ MIKE w/ AUDIO WERKS ENTERTAINMENT SUNDAY, 06/18 - Acoustic on the Deck 5pm-8pm with... (no cover)
Friday, 06/23 - FEHO PRIME RIB 4-10pm / Acoustic 5:30-8:30 w/
JASON BARSHINGER
DJ CHRIS w/ TakeOver ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday, 06/24 9pm - 1am - DJ STU
SUNDAY, 06/25- Acoustic on the Deck 5pm-8pm w/ 10pm-1am
www.racehorsetavern.com Hours: Mon. 3pm-11pm / Tue. & Wed 3pm-12mid Thu thru Sat. 11am-2am / Sun. 12pm-12mid
9pm1am
MYCENEA WORLEY 10pm-1am
ASKING?ANDY
Friday, 06/30 - CRAB NIGHT 4-10pm; Acoustic 5:30-8:30 w/
~Enjoy our food & drink on our DECK~
June, 2017
THE TWO DJ STU AARON DAVID GAUL (no cover)
Every Thursday - TRIVIA with DJ JEFF
Live Entertainment in June..
Saturday 06/10 Gates open 11am/ Hotel & Kit. open 4pm
DJ MIKE w/ AUDIO WERKS ENTERTAINMENT
STOKED
Saturday, 07/01 - DJ MIKE w/ AUDIO WERKS ENTERTAINMENT
9pm-1am
~ Handicap Accessible~ Hrs: Mon. thru Sat. 11am-2am /Sunday 11am-12mid. Kitchen Hrs: Mon. thru Thur. & Sun. 11am-9pm /Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm
FACEBOOK.COM/FREDERICKSBURG EAGLE HOTEL
www.fredericksburgeaglehotel.com
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
7
ACROSS THE DESK By Robin Noll
June is a month of celebration for us in the Noll household. Whitey’s birthday is June 16th and also on June 10th is the day we started our life journey. Whitey hitched to New Jersey to come and get me with my 63 Ford van and we moved to Annville, PA in a two bedroom apartment for $90 a month. 45 years later and we’re still on our journey. It’s been interesting and I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else but him. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! It’s also the month Rachel married Kris Boob and on June 12th they will be celebrating 18 years of marriage. WOW! We are blessed. Thank you Jesus for being in our marriage and in our lives. We thank you for blessing our family throughout those 45 years. We give you all the credit for keeping us together. Just to let you all know I am all better health wise. Still have kidney stones but they have calmed down and I’m a little dizzy but other than that. It’s no fun getting older. Also in regards to the PA Musician Magazine Jim Price (aka The Professor) started writing for us and reporting on live music in the month of June this year is his 30th year doing so. WOW, thanks Jim for all you do for the music community and for the PA Musician Magazine. June 3rd in Liverpool, PA, where we are physically located, there will be another benefit to raise funds for the Tubby employees. Bands include; Can’t B Saved, Grumpy Old Men, Nothingmen, Escape, Suicide Puppets, Chasing the Day, Shiner, Dave root Band, Threat Level Midnight and Switchback. This will be an all age, byob event. They are asking for a $5 donation at the door and will be selling food and there be be auctions
and raffles. Tubby’s is in the process of rebuilding and have completed the tear down of what was left and are now obtaining permits. (we all know how long that takes). This experience does remind us to appreciate what we do have because when it’s gone, it is missed and we do miss have Tubby’s in the Harrisburg area. Close to Consideration has returned from their tour and had a blast and made a huge amount of new fans with their unique style of music. They will be at Bless the Woods Festival and Maryland on June 9th and in Philly at the Bourbon and Branch on June 11th. Customer Appreciation day is happening June 10th at Fredericksburg Firemen’s Park. It is being put on by the Eagle Hotel and will help to raise money for the community. It’s a $25 donation but includes all the food and beer you can drink and three great bands including End of Silence who goes on at noon, followed by Nate Myers and the Aces and Blind theory will be going on at 6pm. I was able to attend one year and the food is excellent. It’s good they’re having it at a bigger location so they can accommodate more people. Check out the Eagle Hotels schedule and see all the great events that are happening there. They have excellent food. Did you notice that the Union House is having an Irish Music Session on June 17th (I wonder what that involves) sounds interesting. Union House
is into providing fun times for their clientele. I could write on with little tidbits of information but instead I’m going to let you go through the PA Musician Magazine and read all the ads and figure out what you want to do this month, there are a number of choices. Last month someone commented that they would advertise with us if we would cover all the music that is happening and not just our favorites. I have heard this for 35 years that we have been publishing. The only way we can print and distribute the PA Musician magazine is by the amount of money we get from our advertisers. Therefore I feel our editorial space should be used to promote their events and happenings. I feel I fail at that, we can always do more. We cannot possibly cover all the music that is happening in PA it is just too much. One couldn’t print a big enough paper to do that. What we do do is offer a paper for the ENTIRE music industry to use if they so choose to promote what they do and the events they are having. There are so many great musicians and events that are deserving of coverage. Jim Price does an excellent job of covering many bands and events who have never invested a dime in our publication as well as Eric Hoffman in his national column. Rachel tends to stick to our advertisers because she’s my daughter and knows what the desire of my heart is. I really do appreciate all the businesses that keep my lights on. We do need more money as does everyone. I wish more musicians would use the paper so we could let you all know where they are performing and what is going on. Not everyone owns a computer, we’re just another tool to help people know who and what is happening. Have a great month and enjoy a bunch of live music…gotta get this issue to the printer so I can get it to you. THANKS for reading and using the PA Musician Magazine. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PA Musician Magazine. Call me at 717.444.2423 if you would like to start advertising or if you have an idea for the mag. “Use it, or lose it.” Love and hugs to one and all.
Whitey & Robin camping - 1972
Bernie’s Guitars, LLC • Buy • Sell • Trade Used / New / Vintage
213 Linden Road, Hershey, PA 17033
2 Blocks off of 422 (Chocolate Ave.) at Hershey Museum
(717) 500-5126
www.berniesguitars.com 8
Over 200 New & Used Guitars in stock. With over 50 brands to choose from. Over 60 Amplifiers. Also Drums, Banjos, Mandolins and Ukuleles. Also Straps, Picks, Strings, Effect Pedals and much more! • Tuesday-Friday 11-6 • Saturday 11-4 • Closed Sunday & Monday Find us on Facebook!
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EASTERN LEBANON WESTERN BERKS
• 6/10 - Stoked 9PM-Midnight • 6/17 - Irish Music Session 5PM-8PM • 6/17 - Run For Cover 9PM-Midnight
• 6/16-6/18 Check Out Our Father’s Day Specials All Weekend Long • 6/24 - All Ages Country Line Dancing
Stop in for dinner, check out our beer selections, and then stick around for the Area’s greatest entertainment! Follow us on Facebook for upcoming specials and events Facebook.com/unionhousetaproom
12 E. Main Street • Richland, PA 17087 • 717 866 9394
Just minutes from the Eastern Lebanon / Berks County Line • Make us your New Favorite!
The PA Musician Magazine is solely funded by our precious advertisers. ONLY AD DOLLARS CAN KEEP US ALIVE!!
DEADLINE
for the July, 2017 issue is
Tuesday, June 20th
Don’t delay call us today 717-444-2423 and reserve your space. Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
OUT ‘n’ ABOUT By Rachel Rocks
brina had an extra ticket so they invited me along and I’m so glad they did! All of the pictures in my Hot Shots are from my friend Nellie Stinson. She was brave and brought her camera in to the show. I’ve been rejected trying to take my camera in to so many shows, that I didn’t even consider bringing mine. Thanks again Nellie for the amazing shots! The Millersville University Student bands were the openers for the night. All
together they had 5 bands open. Each band had their own color name, and each of the colors had a different style and sometimes a completely different genre of music. The Pink Band played more 80s style music and totally rocked Blondie’s song “Call Me.” The Aqua Band held their own and even sang Billy Joel’s. “You May Be Right”. The Silver Band was the hardest rocking band of them all. They continued on next page...
Sum! Sum! Summertime!!! I can’t believe Summer is finally here. Our weather has been so wack-a-doodle, but hopefully soon the sunny days will be here to stay for a month or two. I know the seasons are what I love most about Pennsylvania. Right around the time you get tired of one kind of weather, the next season is not far behind. We truly are blessed right here in our amazing state. I’ve been busy this month celebrating Mother’s Day and doing some other fun family events, so I didn’t get out much, but I did get to have some fun, listening to amazing music! My first awesome musical experience was a trip to Millersville University to see Joan Jett & the Blackhearts perform as part of the Millersville Music Business and Technology’s special “Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame” show. My friends Patty and Sa-
Joan Jett
Our 2nd release,
at Millersville University
“LEFT BEHIND” Available on ITunes
6/17/17 - Agora Café @ Blue Church 2100 Morgan Hill Rd, Easton PA 12-5 w/ Thinks of 3, & Frank Rocks Jesus. 7/22/17- Greater Grace Coffee House 245 E County Line Rd, Hatboro, PA 19040 7:00-9:30 8/11/17 - Freedom Biker Church, 22 Parkway Circ #9, New Castle DE opening for Christian Soldiers National tour 6pm - 8:30 come out & support their new CD
Photo By
Nellie Stinson
www.HEADSTONE118.com
June, 2017
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
Bookings: 610.420.9401
9
Out & About continued... even took the time to call everyone out of their seats and up to the stage front to rock along with them. Of course I’m sure security just loved that as they then had to usher everyone back to where they belonged. The Orange Band had a full brass ensemble which is always something I enjoy. They sang some Hall & Oates and had a male and female lead singer. Last but not least was the Mauve Band they played more modern rock and really got us ready for Joan Jett to take the stage. I was impressed all night with the production of the show. All of the bands were extremely organized and ready to rock! Some of the bands even had special dancers come out and help with their performance. All of the changeovers were super fast. They even had two huge screens on each side of the stage where the students would introduce themselves and talk about why they are playing music, or what music they are playing, or whatever they wanted. They also had a countdown so you knew exactly how much time you had to grab food, or go potty or whatever you needed to do. I thought that was definitely pretty awesome! When Joan Jett & the Blackhearts took the stage I was instantly amazed with how down to earth she was. She kept complimenting all of the bands that played before her. She talked about how she grew up in Pennsylvania and got her first urges to play music right here in the state of PA. I noticed a lot of the performers were wearing “Meet and Greet” stickers. My guess is she probably took the time to meet all of them. I had two friends Nellie (my photographer) and Sandi that were at Millersville in line by noon the day of the show. It didn’t start til 6pm… when the tour bus pulled in they saw Sandi and Nellie sitting there and they came out and gave them each Meet and Greet passes. How cool is that?!? Sandi is a HUGE Joan Jett fan, so of course she was over the moon excited. When she met Joan Jett she said she asked her quite a few questions and they had an amazing conversation. It was definitely a night she will never forget. It was so awesome to see and hear. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts rocked the stage for a good hour and a half to two hours. She played all of her classic hits, “I Love Rock N’ Roll,” “I Hate Myself For Loving You,” “Crimson and Clover,” and many more. I was impressed from the beginning to the very end. Her energy was impressive. It’s hard to believe she’s 59 years old and she was super sweet to Nellie. I’m so glad Sabrina and Patty had the extra ticket and I got invited to this show. It’s crazy to think how many amazing shows there are in the area that I just never even know about. I wish more people advertised their special events. One great feature of the PA Musician Magazine is we don’t make you sign any type of contract. If you have a big event like Joan Jett coming to town, or you are releasing a CD, or maybe you are coming to town for one special night, you can advertise for just that one event with no questions asked. We do give you a 10% discount if you pay for 6 months or more in advance, but besides that you still get our SUPER low rates for one month or 100 months! If you have a special event coming up that you want the state of Pennsylvania to know about, give us a call and get your space reserved, 717-444-2423. Our deadline is always right around the 20th of each preceding month. I was thrilled to see Smokin Gunnz back on Double K’s schedule, and obviously I wasn’t the only one. When I arrived it was pretty much just breathing room only. It was awesome to see so many people out and excited to see Smokin Gunnz again. They’ve been through the ringer lately with health problems and with their hunt to find a new guitar player, but they were as ready to rock as we were to watch them rock. Luckily Rick, the bass player, has a twin brother, Randy, that knows how to play the guitar, and he’s been temporarily filling in for them until the new permanent guitar player can be found. I’m so glad the doctors have all the guys patched back up and ready to serve up some of their deep fried southern rock!! Bob and Mike have also been playing some shows as 2 Gunnz Unplugged. Sometimes it’s a lot easier to just play the smaller venues as a two-piece. You can check out their schedule in this issue and see where they will be rockin’ next! My next night out I headed over to what is now called Blarney’s. It used to have many other names, some of the more popular ones were The West Shore Hardware Bar, or many moons ago, Wanda’s, to see Emily’s Toybox. Blarney’s stage area for this show was out on their deck area. It was pretty cool because even tho it’s completely under roof, it also has all the sides open so there is plenty of air moving through. The outside portions of the deck area even have little fire pit areas to sit around where you can still enjoy the music. They have two different full bar areas with plenty of seating if you are the sitting type. The dance floor isn’t huge, but there was enough room for everyone to dance along and have fun with Emily’s Toybox. As if ETB needs another excuse to party, but it was also House’s birthday. House and Mike were also celebrating another milestone, 10 years of playing on the stage together. The four of them, Mike, Milhouse, Reece, and Erik are all insane on stage. You really have no idea what to expect next out of these guys. I’ve interviewed plenty of bands that say they just want to be different and not sound like anyone else. Emily’s Toybox is definitely different. I don’t even know if “different” is a strong enough word to describe these guys. If you enjoy being entertained with some off the cuff humor, you need to check these guys out! My next day out was a trip in to Artsfest on Front Street in Harrisburg. Usually we are out camping Memorial Day weekend, so I don’t get to go, but this year I at least squeezed in a couple hours on Sunday. Of course it rained when I was there checking out Morse Coda, so I didn’t get out my camera, but even through the pouring rain, the show went on. Artsfest is definitely used to rain. Most people were barely even phased by the rain, it’s just something that happens at Artsfest. I sat for a while and enjoyed the Central PA Friends of Jazz tent. They were having continued on next page...
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Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
Out & About continued... their own JazzFest mixed in with the Artsfest. It was nice because their tent was set up with all of the tables and food trucks so people could sit, eat, and enjoy some music. It was definitely a perfect combo. For me it was a struggle not to go try a little bit of every kind of food. It all smelled amazing!! I was there in time to enjoy their All Star Jazz Band set led by Gavin Horning on guitar from Pittsburgh. I always enjoy just sitting back and listening to musicians play, jam together, and have a good time. The next band to take the stage was the Trez Music Jazz Band. All of these amazing jazz players were from the Trez Music Education Center. They not only teach jazz they teach all forms of music in many different ways. You can have individual or group lessons, they offer Summer Camps, and they teach everyone at any age or level. Their studio is located in the heart of Mechanicsburg. You can check it out for yourself at trezmusicedu.com. I don’t know how long these jazz students have been playing, but they were definitely entertaining. It was awesome to see so many people out supporting Artsfest. There was plenty of amazing art to look at and listen to. I was shocked that Harrisburg had free street parking on Sunday and Monday. Plus it was free to park on the island before 4:30pm. So overall you
could have a very cheap way to spend the holiday with family and friends. Plenty of free entertainment for young and old alike. I’m glad I was in town and was able to at least stop by for a bit. My next night out was a special Sunday night show at Hollywood Casino before Memorial Day to see Smokin Gunnz. I’m still trying to get my camera in to Hollywood, but unfortunately they won’t allow it. It was cool they had this special show on a Sunday since so many people had off Monday for Memorial Day. I was glad so many people came out and supported Smokin Gunnz. Hopefully they will be able to get in the regular rotation at Hollywood and other casinos. It’s definitely a great place to go see a band. My last day out was a special private party invite by Rex and Deanna Rothrock. They had a Memorial Day picnic and invited up some amazing musicians to help entertain their friends. The musicians were Angie Keilhauer, who made it through 3 rounds of “The Voice”, and performs regularly on Carnival Cruise Lines, she also
just signed a contract with Disney, she is one of the vocalist singing in the “Happily Ever After” song when they do the big fireworks and have the show on the walls of the castle in Disneyworld’s Magic Kingdom in Florida. She was amazing enough herself, but they also invited Frank Myers who is the writer of 12 #1 hits, and 20 Top 10s! He was the writer of “You and I”, “I Swear”, “I’m Already There”, “My Front Porch Looking In” and many more. It was cool because both artists were on the stage together and they kept switching back and forth and between songs they were telling the history behind why and how the songs were written. Frank sits down with some of the artists he writes songs for and basically interviews them and finds out what’s happening in their lives and bases his song on what they tell him and and then writes amazing music to go with it. He makes it sound so simple, but it’s quite an accomplishment. You can check out both artists for yourself at www.angiekeilhauer.com and www.frankmyersmusic.com. continued on next page...
JULY & Greater Philadelphia Expo Center / Oaks, PA Route 422, Exit at Oaks • 100 Station Ave Saturday 10–5 & Sunday 10–4
Robert Morris / Smokin Gunnz at Double K Photo by Rachel Rocks
HUNDREDS OF DEALERS COLLECTORS & MANUFACTURERS WILL BE BUYING ★ SELLING ★ TRADING THOUSANDS OF NEW ★ USED ★ VINTAGE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS & ACCESSORIES
Bring an Instrument to SELL or TRADE! Turn Unused Gear Into CASH$$$ Admission: Saturday $12, Sunday $10
~JUNE 2017 LIVE~
SADDLE HORN Sat. 3rd - COMMON GROUND Fri. 9th - AFTER PARTY Sat. 10th - TICKLED PINK Fri. 16th - STEALING TIME Sat. 17th - EBENEZER SCREW Fri. 23rd - KARAOKE Fri. 2nd -
Sat. 24th - to Fri. 30th -
be announced
DJ DANCE PARTY
EBENEZER SCREW
June, 2017
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
11
Out & About continued...
Rex and Deanna met Frank at the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival. This year it is held from September 22nd – October 1st down in Fort Myers, Florida and Sanibel Island. It sounds like an amazing week and a half of music and more music and these amazing Songwriter meetings and conferences that can’t be missed. Hmm.. the beach in Florida in the Fall.. I just might have to look into this a little bit further myself! One quick little side note, June 3rd they are having another benefit for Tubby’s Employees at The Facktory in Liverpool. The bands start at 1pm and continue throughout the day. Check out the ad in this issue for all of the information. According to the buzz on Facebook, the old Tubby’s is completely demoed and they are working on attaining permits to build a brand new 6,000 sq. ft. facility!! They are hoping to have it re-opened by the end of the year!!! This is amazing news for the central PA music community. I know many of us miss Tubby’s. I can’t wait til it’s back up and running!!! Well it is June and June means it’s the birthday month of someone super special, my Daddy, the one and only Whitey the Mighty! Birthday months are always super special in our family, because we know how super special each and every
one of us are! Happy Birthday Daddy!! I love you oh so much!!!!! This year I’ve had the privilege and the honor to have Dad teaching my son guitar. On June 8th, my 14 year old son will be doing his first ever solo performance in his school’s talent show, singing and playing Shinedown’s “Second Chance”. Quite a task for a new artist, but with a great teacher and lots of practice, he’s making it happen. So proud of Zack, and so happy he can have this amazing experience with his Grandpa. Dad actually teaches students weekly from his home up in Liverpool. At only $15 for an hour lesson, it’s well worth the trip. He teaches guitar, ukulele, harmonica, voice, etc.. He really knows how to build up their confidence and gets them playing music they love and enjoy. I’m so blessed to have someone so talented teaching my son. Dad teaches everyone young and old. You can call him directly at 717-444-2291 and let him teach you next! Happy Birthday and Happy Father’s Day Daddy! I don’t know how I got so lucky to have such an awesome Dad, but I’m sure glad I did!!!! XOXOXOXOX Happy Father’s Day to my hubby Kris too. He is an amazing father, provider, and Scout Leader for our boys. I know growing up I didn’t appreciate my Dad nearly enough, and hopefully someday our children will understand just how good they have it. Thank you Kris for all you do for us. I love you very much, and our
Central PA Friends of Jazz Events 2017 June 14 - 17
CENTRAL PA JAZZ CAMP Messiah College, Mechanicsburg PA
Student Concert 6/17 3PM - FREE FRIDAY, JUNE 16th 7:30PM
BEN WOLFE TRIO w/ VICTOR GOULD & DONALD EDWARDS
Tribute to Thelonious Monk’s 100th Year Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, PA
August 10 - 13 37th Annual
CENTRAL PA JAZZ FESTIVAL
DELFEAYO MARSALIS GRETNA THEATRE - SAT., AUG. 12 7:30PM Kickoff Concert @ Strawberry Sq. 8/10 Noon Riverboat Cruise 8/10 5:30PM Jazz Party @ HMAC 8/11 7PM-12:30AM Jam Session & Workshop 8/12 Picnic @ Indian Echo Caverns 8/13 1-7PM
FALL CONCERT SERIES - Friday, September 8th DAUPHIN COUNTY JAZZ & WINE FEST
JOEY DeFRANCESCO + the PEOPLE & the Jost Project - Fort Hunter Park, Harrisburg 6:30PM
children do too!!!…HAPPY ANNIVERSARY as well…18 Years goes by fast!!!!!!!!! Well that’s all for this month. If you see me Out & About please stop me and say Hi!! If you have any questions or comments you can e-mail me directly at RachelRocks@pamusician.net. You can check out more Hot Shots in color on our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/PAMusicianMagazine. You can also check out our website, www.pamusician.net. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!!!
NATIONALS By Eric Hoffman
Greetings Rockers ‘N’ Rollers! The past month began with vintage heavy metal bands playing smaller local venues in preparation for the huge annual M3 Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Rhinobucket visited Fish Head Cantina outside of Baltimore promoting their latest release ‘The Last Real Rock N Roll.’ The Los Angeles based band began in 1988 and still consists of original singer Georg Dolivo and bassist Reeve Downes. Rhinobucket also includes guitarist Brian ‘Damage’ Forsythe from KIX, who joined in 1998 and drummer Dave DuCey since 2012. They are an amazing straight forward hard rock band reminiscent of AC/DC. Legendary Ratt performed the next evening in Stroudsburg, PA at the Sherman Theatre. Original members Stephen Pearcy, Warren DeMartini and Juan Croucier have reunited and legally gained control of the band’s name from former drummer Bobby Blotzer. An incredible show with notable songs, “Round and Round,” “You’re in Love” and “Slip of the Lip.” Ratt headlined the M3 Festival the following day with Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo who has been in Ratt since 2008. Central PA was beyond fortunate to host an intimate concert from musician Ryan Adams. The indie rocker was to begin his worldwide ‘Prisoner Tour 2017’ with two sold-out nights at New York City’s Beacon Theatre. But Adams reached out to promoter Live Nation for a warm-up show in which Harrisburg’s Whitaker Center was chosen. It was reported as possibly the fastest sold-out show in Harrisburg history in just minutes. Adams 60+ tour dates this year will visit arenas of thousands but began with Whitaker’s 700 capacity. Alternative band, The Cult began their ‘Live 2017’ tour on May 3rd at Baltimore’s Rams Head Live. The group known for songs “She Sells Sanctuary” and “Fire Woman,” put on a really great show opening night. The Cult originated in their native England in 1983 and visited Harrisburg in 1990 opening for Metallica on City Island. Last summer in 2016 The Cult opened for Guns N Roses on select shows. Local greats Dead 50s reunited for the first time in 3 years on May 5th at Harrisburg’s Abbey Bar opening for garage rock Supersuckers. An incredible turn out of familiar faces showed up for the Dead 50s, who played as if a day hadn’t passed. A great sight to see Chris Moody, Brad Grissinger and Logan Summey back on stage again. Supersuckers also delivered their signature songs including “Pretty F’d Up.” The month of May also brought back the yearly reassemble of 80’s band Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers. The Philadelphia legendary band has been getting together annually at the Ardmore Music Hall. Tommy Conwell frequented Central PA in the late 80’s at Metron when they had a #1 US mainstream rock hit in 1988 with “I’m Not Your Man.” The band took a sold-out crowd down memory lane on May 13 with hits “Love’s On Fire” and “I’m Home.” Lastly, Australian legends Midnight Oil returned to North America with their first visit in over 20 years. A fantastic performance from the alternative band who were an MTV regular visual in the 90’s, with songs like “Beds Are Burning” and “Blue Sky Mine.” Singer Peter Garrett was beyond impressive at the age of 64 still giving his unique and eccentric dance style, while the entire band created an immense wall of sound. The Oils current tour, The Great Circle 2017, has sold out every show since starting in Brazil in April 2017 and will continue until November. NATIONAL NEWS: Chris Cornell, of the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, killed himself April 17 by hanging in a Detroit hotel room, according to the city’s medical examiner. He was 52. The singer’s death stunned his family and his diecontinued on next page 14...
Sunday, October 15th 3PM
JEREMY DAVENPORT Live from New Orleans! Ware Center, Lancaster, PA
The best in jazz since 1980!! TICKETS & INFO: 717-540-1010
WWW.FRIENDSOFJAZZ.ORG EMAIL: friends@friendsofjazz.org Eric, Tommy Conwell, Marjorie Mary 12
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
FAMILY FRIENDLY FESTIVALS SPREADING MUSIC & LOVE Family, friends, great music, and camping - the best way to kick off the summer! Two dynamite, family-oriented music and arts festivals that offer meaningful music, a relaxing atmosphere, and a safe environment for everyone include GRATEFUL GETDOWN 2 and the 12th Annual BEARS PICNIC Family Reunion. Both events showcase local and national artists with a unique blend of genres, food and craft vendors, and a traveling art gallery provided by GOLDEN ROAD ART GALLERY and SHAKEDOWN ART GALLERY, featuring iconic art from the 60s 70s and 80s including originals of Jerry Garcia and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, blotter art of Ken Keesey and Timothy Leary, and much more. Traditional camping provides a family atmosphere with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy nature and all that the festival has to offer. Car parking & camping is free. RV spaces are available. The Grateful Get Down kicks off its second year at South Mountain Fairgrounds, Biglerville, in the heart of Pennsylvania Apple country, near historic Gettysburg, and is within a two hour drive of Washington DC., Baltimore MD, and Harrisburg PA. This awesome lineup features two nights of Melvin Seals (one night with JGB), two nights of Terrapin Flyers, and two nights of Dead Phish Orchestra. Other artists include Flux Capacitor, Willie Jack & The Northern Light, Mountain Ride, Brokedown Hustlers, Hexbelt, Steal Your Face, House With a Yard, MysteryTrain, Better Off Dead, and more. Music on the main (indoor) stage continues until 4 am. Just in case you’re not familiar with Melvin Speals following is some information garnered from the web: Melvin Speals is best known for his long friendship and musical partnership with cultural icon and guitarist Jerry Garcia and the smile of his that lights up the room. Melvin spun his B-3 magic with the Jerry Garcia Band for 18 years and in doing so helped pioneer and define what has now become “Jam Band Music”.
challenges genre boundaries. Their chemistry is the focus from which they create a spontaneous and high art where the sky is the limit musically. They offer an exciting, often psychedelic musical journey that changes nightly and keeps the audience dancing and smiling (and some staring in amazement) for hours. Adding his rock-gospel-soul-rhythm and blues touch with his funky style of playing, no wonder Jerry nicknamed him “Master of the Universe”. Melvin continues to treat music lovers to his unique brand of melodic flavor with JGB. Come see and hear for yourself!
Activities include community campfires, late night drum circles, food and craft vending, workshops, professional fire performers, night time movies, artist meet & greets, and the Bear Cub Den for daily children activities. Music continues until 4am. Children 15 and under are free and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pets are discouraged and will require pre-approval and a permit fee. Weekend passes and VIP tickets are available online at the gate, and at the following ticket locations: GOOD HABITS, LEWISBURG; OLD SCHOOL PIZZA, WILLIAMSPORT, & LOT MADE GALLERY, MECHANICSBURG. Further details are available on respective websites:
www.gratefulgetdown.com www.abearspicnic.com
Terrapin Flyer with Melvin Seals Melvin and JGB brings an intuitive, expressive style, soul, spontaneity and remarkable chops to the table. With acoustic and electric ingredients and unique combinations of Dave Hebert’s guitar and vocals, Pete Lavezzoli’s hearty drums and, of course, a heapin’ helpin’ of the wizard’s magic on Hammond B-3 Organ and keyboards. Along with backing vocals, the result is a most satisfying blend of natural organic grooves that
Hexbelt June, 2017
Call the hotline at 570-898-5525 from 12 Noon until 10PM.
Riders of the Purple Sage
“Get in the groove and let the good times roll, we’re gonna stay here till we soothe our soul if it takes all night long”
12th Annual Bears Picnic Family Reunion returns to Sunsational Family Campground in Millmont, PA. It is a gorgeous 45+ acre campground nestled along Penns Creek with swimming holes, great fishing, kayaking, bathrooms, showers, playground, and a salt water swimming pool. This years event showcases John Kadlecik Band, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Midnight North (featuring Grahame Lesh), Tom Hamilton’s American Babies, Strung Like Horse, Scott Pemberton Band, Willie Jack & The Northern Light, David Gans, Reverend Jefferson, Moonlicker, Kind Dubs, Dr. Slothclaw, Mountain Ride, Still Hand String Band, Cousin Earth, and more. Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
13
Tubby Employee Benefit
SATURDAY, JUNE 3rd
THE FACKTORY
at
Entertainment Center
101 Chestnut Street • Liverpool, PA 17045 1pm - 11:30pm
~ALL AGE EVENT~
SWITCHBACK 2-2:45 THREAT LEVEL MIDNIGHT 3-3:45 DAVE ROOT BAND 4-445 SHINER 5-5:45 CHASING THE DAY 6-6:45 SUICIDE PUPPETS 7-745 ESCAPE 8-8:45 NOTHINGMEN 9-9:45 GRUMPY OLD MEN 10-? CAN’T BE SAVED 1-1:45
BYOB event. If you drink, please drink Responsibly and have a designated driver to get you home safe. Remember why we’re here. ~ Armbands will be used for those 21 & over ~ Security will be checking ID
NATIONALS continued... hard fans, who Cornell just performed four hours earlier at a show in Detroit. Cornell was a leader of the grunge movement with Seattle-based Soundgarden, who’s tour kicked off in late April and was planned to run through May 27. Chris Cornell’s wife disputes her husband’s suicide, saying he may have taken too much prescription anti-anxiety medicine. Cornell was a recovering addict and had a prescription for Ativan. A full autopsy and toxicology tests have not yet been completed. Jay Z and Beyoncé are estimated a combined worth of $1.16 billion. Forbes magazine reported Jay Z’s fortune at $810 million and Beyoncé has amassed $350 million. Forbes says most of Jay Z’s money is involved in Roc Nation and his other companies. Jay Z also signed a 10-year pact with Live Nation to partner on concert events worth $200 million. The billion-dollar couple has a 5-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy. Beyoncé is pregnant with twins. Country music legend Loretta Lynn suffered a stroke on May 4 while at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., and is expected to make a full recovery. The 85-year-old singer and songwriter has been advised by doctors to stay off the road while she recuperates, and upcoming scheduled shows will be postponed. Lynn is currently in a rehabilitation facility and expressed her thanks to everyone on her website, for their “prayers, love and support.” Lynn’s sister, the Grammy-winning singer Crystal Gayle, said in a statement, “She’s a strong woman and I know she’ll come out of this. We pray for a speedy recovery.” Blink-182 and Linkin Park have teamed up for a pair of co-headline dates that are being called “Blinkin Park.” The gigs are slotted for July 28 at New York’s Citi Field and July 30 at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pa. Last month Linkin Park locked down dates for the North American leg of the “One More Light Tour” with special guest Machine Gun Kelly. Linkin Park’s seventh studio album, One More Light, was released May 19. That’s the same day Blink is releasing a deluxe version of its 2016 album, California, featuring 11 brand new songs. This is Linkin Park’s first tour since 2015 and promises a Philadelphia show to be announced later. Janet Jackson had to cancel her “Unbreakable” tour after discovering she was pregnant with her son, but now she has announced a new tour with Eric & Chris Moody make-up dates for all her previously axed shows. The 56-city North American “State Of The World” shows will include tunes from Janet’s most recent album, “Unbreakable”, and hits from throughout her career. Janet’s fans will be delighted, as she had rescheduled her “Unbreakable” dates three times since 2015. One fan was so upset she even filed a class-action lawsuit against Live Nation over the refusal to provide refunds. There is unfortunate news that Jackson has separated from her husband and the two are in court. Their son, Eissa, was born in January. The War On Drugs just released the single “Thinking of a Place” and are about to announce a new LP, and hit the road for two-plus months this fall. Frontman Adam Granduciel will be joined by core members Dave Hartley, Robbie Bennett, Charlie Hall, Anthony LaMarca and Jon Natchez, kicking off in the band’s home base of Philly, at the Dell Music Center Sept. 21. The War On Drugs’ 2014 LP, “Lost In The Dream”, garnered rave reviews with its sweeping walls of sound, earnest vocals and heartland rock influences reminiscent of Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen. The Godfather of Goth – Peter Murphy has been forced to postpone his San Francisco residency to 2018 because he needs to undergo treatment for a serious issue on his vocal cords. During a routine checkup Murphy’s doctor discovered nodules on his vocal cords. The English musician will be undergoing treatment followed by an extended period of recovery. Murphy wrote a message to fans, “I am not allowed to sing or speak for a while, doctor’s orders,” he writes. “I must rest my vocal cords. See you soon when this is over, Love Peter.” UPCOMING SHOWS: The Biters / Jet Silver Harrisburg Abbey Bar June 2. Iron Maiden Philadelphia Wells Fargo June 4. Rusted Root Harrisburg Sawyer’s June 8. The Explosion Philadelphia Boot & Saddle June 9. Bush Baltimore Rams Head Live June 10. Greg Kihn Harrisburg Joe K Brewhouse June 16. U2 Philadelphia Linc Field June 18. Sebastian Bach Reading Reverb June 21. Fuel / Marcy Playground Jim Thorpe Penn’s Peak June 24. Eddie Money Kittanning Murtha Amphitheatre June 24. Lucero Harrisburg FedLive June 28.
Eric & Georg Dolivo of Rhinobucket
$5 Donation requested at the door Auctions & Raffles at the event facebook.com/Tubby’s Benefit at The Facktory 14
www.pamusician.net
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
THE PROFESSOR By Jim Price
The story began in the summer of 1986, when a young radio announcer and aspiring writer was drafted into managing and handling promotions for an Altoona area hair band. In his quest to find gigs and spread word about the band, the new manager took note of a magazine that started showing up on local record store shelves called Pennsylvania Musician. He started advertising the band’s schedule in the magazine. As time progressed, he noticed that while PA Musician had columns for other towns across the state, there was no such column for his hometown Altoona music scene. On a whim, he called and inquired with the magazine’s editor about starting an Altoona column, but she replied that the magazine was not seeking new writers at the time. Undaunted, the hopeful writer decided to send a sample column to the magazine anyway. It would cost all of five sheets of typewriter paper (this was in the age before the internet and email), a large envelope, a few postage stamps and a few hours to type the column. What was the worst that could happen? It might end up in the round file. Or…it might get published. The “Altoona” column made its PA Musician debut in June, 1987. This month, I mark my 30th anniversary of writing for PA Musician Magazine! I never could have imagined that I would be writing for this magazine 30 years! PA Musician has been a game-changer in my world, and has become a central thread in my life and career. It cemented music and writing as centerpieces of my existence. I have met countless friends over the years through my work with PA Musician. This magazine helped me build my radio career, and I landed several jobs – including my current college teaching position at Penn State Altoona – through people I met through my work with PA Musician. I became a fan of a broad spectrum of music through my coverage of events for this magazine. I even became a working musician myself! As I reflect over the past 30 years, I think of numerous adventures while covering shows, doing monthly deliveries and more. And as last month marked the 20th anniversary of the passing of my mother, I think of how I used to take her along on some of my delivery trips, hitting five-and-dime stores and eateries as we delivered magazines to small towns throughout Blair, Cambria, Bedford, Centre, Clearfield and Huntingdon Counties. It has been an incredible ride! Big thanks to Whitey and Robin Noll for letting me hop on board for this sojourn 30 years ago! Thanks to all the area bands and musicians for inspiring me to do what I do each month, and to all of the readers and members of the music community for your support throughout this journey! Many things have come and gone during the past 30 years, while a few things have endured over that span. One of the latter has been the annual Blair County Arts Festival, which celebrated 50 years last month at Penn State Altoona. I attended both days this year; arriving during Saturday’s half as Chris Vipond & the Stanley Street Band performed at the Food Court Stage. The group performed as a four-piece this day, with namesake/singer Chris handling keyboard duties alongside new guitarist Brian Pavlic, bassist Bill Smith and drummer/singer Randy Servello. After opening with their distinctive take on Prince’s “Kiss,” the group performed original grooves with the emphasis on their latest CD, “Trinkets &Time Travelers”. I next headed to the Misciagna Portico Stage to catch a succession of acoustic-geared performances, starting with traveling trio The Coteries. Originally from New Jersey but now calling Colorado their home base, The Coteries – singer/ harmonica player Emily Parasiliti, guitarist/mandolin player Matt Runciman and guitarist/mandolin player/percussionist Ben Brosh – shined with a spirited blend of acoustic original songs, folk and some classic rock tunes, mixing their music with an upbeat personality and sense of humor. Some of their original songs included “Run, Run Elmira,” “I’m Travelin’ On” and a new tune, “Time to Run”; they also covered numbers from Marshall Tucker Band, Tom Waits and the Irish folk tune “Galway Bay.” Next was Dan Hulse with guest Ben helping on bass. Dan picked banjo and did an interesting assortment of original tunes, classic folk and bluegrass, and tunes from Pennsylvania history. After breaking the ice with the audience with his improvised singalong “Blair Art Show” to open the set, Dan sang tunes about the Allegheny Portage Railroad, western PA frontiersman Sam Brady, Revolutionary War-era protest songs and more. Following Dan was Arts Festival frequent flyer Jay Smar, who demonstrated his skills on guitar, banjo and fiddle as he mixed original folk tunes and select folk and bluegrass favorites. He showed fingerpicking ability on his instrumental read of the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” to open the set. Jay also performed several numbers he wrote about eastern PA coal mining history, including “Rise and Fall of the Molly Maguires,” “30-Inch Coal” and more. Jay also shared some history and insight with his tunes as well, and dedicated the song “Good Man” in memory of another Arts Festival frequent flyer, singer/songwriter Jerry Haines, who passed away in January. I caught the last few songs from Walkney, the creative vehicle for singer/songwriter/guitarist Derek Mrdjenovich. Derek performed a set of alternative-geared original songs, both with full band and solo acoustic. I returned for Sunday’s half of the Arts Festival, arriving in time to witness Mama Corn serve up their brand of bluegrass and folk sounds at the Food Court Stage. Singer/guitarist Bruce Forr, singer/banjoist Jeremy Nelson, singer/upright bass player Bryan Homan and singer/dobro/harmonica man John Stevens continued on next page...
June, 2017
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
15
Camara Drum & Dance photo by Jim Price
The Professor continued... mixed original songs with select covers from Flatt & Scruggs, Si Kahn and more. I then headed to the Misciagna Portico Stage, where I observed perhaps the liveliest dancing of Arts Festival weekend, courtesy of Camara Drum & Dance. A Guinea, West Africa native now based in Pittsburgh, group leader Yamoussa Camara sang and played djembe this day, joined by Tasana Camara on balafon (a wooden xylophone-styled instrument), Mito Camara on djun-djun (West African bass drum), and Paul Turner and Dolores Heagy on djembes. Dressed in authentic costumes, the group performed a variety of West African songs and dances. Their presentation had a continuous joyful vibe, and Yamoussa encouraged audience participation. During the set’s homestretch, he drafted a group of young passers-by to dance along, triggering a lively audience dance party to end their performance. Camara Drum & Dance will host the a free West African Drum Circle at downtown Altoona’s Heritage Plaza every Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. throughout the summer. I then returned to the Food Court Stage to see Felix & the Hurricanes as they mixed original songs and classic/southern rock favorites. Although closing in on the 30-year milestone themselves, the Hurricanes are still being discovered by new fans; it was fun to hear reactions from first-time observers this day! Another recent outdoor highlight was the “Ivyside Off the Rails” concert in late April at Altoona’s Railroaders Museum. Organized by Penn State Altoona students, this show featured two headliners picked by the student body via a survey conducted earlier in the school year. The two acts selected were Khalid, a modern
pop/R&B artist who scored a Top 20 hit single last year with his song “Location,” and The Strumbellas, a rising Canadian alt-country/indie folk rock group. I arrived in time to see the last few songs from an opening artist, New Orleans-based artist Arthur Baxter, who has been supporting Khalid on tour. Performing along with digital backing tracks, Arthur blended pop, R&B and hip-hop into his own performance style, and displayed a good singing voice and pleasant personality. Accompanied by a lead guitarist, drummer and keyboard/sample performer, Khalid then took the stage, opening with the song “Let’s Go.” Khalid’s style is modern-day R&B, but he gives it his own distinctive flavor and personality. He was a confident performer who instantly owned the crowd, singing catchy songs from his debut album, “American Teen”, largely about being a teen and the adventures of growing up. Some of his songs included the album title track “American Teen,” “Another Sad Love Song,” “Shot Down,” “Young, Dumb and Broke” and “8Teen.” Khalid’s band was strong, and during “Saved” and his hit “Location,” the guitar player cut loose with some impressive shredding solo work. After the intermission, The Strumbellas took the stage, presenting a musical flavor totally different from the two artists before them. From Ontario, The Strumbellas – singer/guitarist Simon Ward, keyboardist/singer David Ritter, lead guitarist Jon Hembrey, violinist Isabel Ritchie, bassist Darryl James and drummer Jeremy Drury – mixed alt-country, folk, roots rock, rockabilly and pop flavors into a high-energy, tasty mixture all their own. The group opened with their song “Wars,” and continued with their popular song “Spirits” (which they performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last year). Shortly into their set, Simon greeted the crowd and acknowledged the uniqueness of performing at a railroad museum, prompting David to fire off a succession of train-related puns throughout the set. The Strumbellas generated a pleasant, upbeat vibe as they performed original songs such as the rockabilly-driven “Rhinestone,” “The Long Road,” “Sheriff,” “The Fire,” “Lakes” and more. The energy level between band and crowd escalated as the show proceeded; at one point, students and band engaged each other with the enthusiastic “We Are! Penn State!” back-and-forth chant. The weather was great and the mood was festive, with a multitude of students laughing, making huge bubbles with large bubble wands, creating art and painting a large graffiti wall tapestry on the side of the rail yard, enjoying food and refreshments, and celebrating the live music they helped to pick for this night. Craft beer enthusiasts and live music fans converged on Altoona’s People’s Natural Gas Field early last month for the tenth annual Pints for Pets Brewfest fundraiser for the Central PA Humane Society. Cold, damp weather did not thwart the fun as The Chrome Hearts and Born & the Beanstalk provided the music during the first session, while Nobody’s Heroes and Chris Vipond & the Stanley Street Band entertained during the nightcap session. Opening the music, The Chrome Hearts
blended original songs with rock, pop and country favorites. Singer Stephanie Onkst has emerged into a poised, confident and energetic performer, displaying spunk as she sang tunes from Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes and more. Guitarist Bob Onkst also sounded strong as he belted out tunes from Bruce Springsteen, Eagles and more. Chad Buterbaugh showed some dazzling guitar solo work, while bassist Brian Baum and drummer Doug Fetter anchored with strong, driving rhythms. Born & the Beanstalk followed with their fast-firing blend of acoustic favorites. Singers/guitarists Sean Osborn and Ben Bower plus percussionist/singer Ed Hofer sparked cheers as they did numbers from Black Keys, Lumineers, Foo Fighters, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and others. Preceding both public sessions, the duo of Lauren Johnson and Joe George entertained at special VIP sessions in the stadium’s upper concourse. Lauren did most of the singing as Joe played guitar; both did nice work on classic and modern rock, pop and country favorites spanning Adele and Elle King to Fleetwood Mac, Melissa Etheridge, Journey, 4 Non Blondes, Janis Joplin and more. Pleasant surprises included a version of the Roberta Flack/Fugees hit “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and the Guess Who’s “These Eyes.” Nobody’s Heroes launched the evening session’s music with their raucous mixture of original punk-inspired acoustic Americana and select covers. They performed numerous songs from their “One Foot on the Gas, the Other in the Grave” CD, plus versions of The Coasters’ “Yakety Yak,” Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” Hank Williams’ “My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It” and more. And the five-member edition of Chris Vipond & the Stanley Street Band – with Nathan Beatty on keys and trumpet, and namesake Chris on acoustic guitar and vocals continued on next page...
Ron Russell & Jim Price of Running Creek Photo by Kevin Siegel
Listen to 105.9 Qwik-Rock’s weekly local music program,
THE HOMEGROWN ROCKER SUNDAYS 8-10 PM You can STREAM the HOMEGROWN ROCKER LIVE on
www.1059QWIKROCK.com! JUNE 11 - THE WHATLEYS JUNE 18 - FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL JUNE 25 - 13 SAINTS JULY 2 - COVER SONG SPECIAL To have music aired on the HOMEGROWN ROCKER, submit Broadcast-quality recordings to:
MAGNUM BROADCASTING 315 SOUTH ATHERTON STREET STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801
Attn: Jim Price/Homegrown Rocker
www.1059QWIKROCK.com! 16
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
The Professor continued... – finished out Pints for Pets with their mix of funk-laced grooves. Highlights included Nate’s feisty trumpet solo on the group’s original “Tupelo Tree,” as well as a new reworking of one of their early songs, “False Flags.” Although the weather wasn’t the best, this year’s Pints for Pets was another big success. The Altoona In Bloom Street Fair debuted last month at downtown Altoona’s Heritage Plaza, and featured activities, businesses and vendors, food and refreshments, and live music. Among the musical entertainment was Free Donuts. While they did not bring free donuts, the Bedford-based duo of singer/guitarist Kenny Fetterman and singer Michal Wiles did bring free acoustic sounds and sunshine to push out cloudy skies through most of the day. Kenny and Michal performed a wide variety of pop, country and rock standards, spanning Johnny Cash & June Carter’s “Jackson” to Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee, to the pairing of Merle Travis’ “Sixteen Tons” into the Ray Charles hit “Hit the Road Jack.” Other performers during this inaugural event included Deuces Wild, Asbury Lane, the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective, Lauren & Joe and Questionable Methods. Performance duties with my two bands, the Backyard Rockers and Running Creek, limited the amount of entertainment I could take in during this year’s Huntingdon Mayfest in late April, but I was able to see some music in between and following gigs. Mayfest favorites Dan & Galla again sparked smiles with their variety show as they mixed rock’n’roll, pop hits and standards, and provided fun activities for youngsters. And I got to see Hawestone as they performed country original tunes and favorites in front of the Clifton 5 Movie Theater in downtown Huntingdon. Singer/guitarist Ken Gray Jr.’s voice was in great form, and he engaged passers-by, audience members and dancing children with a happy, up-front presence. Lead guitarist Eric Smith, bassist Dick Shoemaker and drummer Tim Guthridge provided the tight backdrops behind him. Hawestone’s original songs impressed me – tunes like “Had You For a Day” and “White Knuckle Ride” featured powerful hooks and melodies, and blended perfectly with the group’s cover material, which included hits from Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Johnny Cash, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dustin Lynch and more. Indoors, the ukulele again took the spotlight during the fourth annual Allegheny Ukulele Soiree in late April at Laurel Lodge near Altoona. The weekend featured ukulele skill workshops, open mics, vendors, and concerts and from several noteworthy names from the ukulele world. The Saturday night concert started with Vermont’s Ben Carr, who demonstrated his fingerpicking prowess on the ukulele as he performed original compositions and “tone poems.” His style was often improvisational, and he also incorporated loop pedals to generate backdrops to some of the songs. Late in Ben’s set, another of the weekend’s featured
June, 2017
performers and clinicians, Lil’ Rev, joined in on harmonica for the bluesy set-closer “A Song for Tina.” Brandishing her unique harp ukulele, Gracie Terzian performed the middle leg of the concert, demonstrating a jazz-folk sound with her selection of original songs as well as select covers from Jimmy Rogers and Bob Dylan. Assisted by Rotem Sivan on standard uke, Gracie sang as she worked all corners of her harp ukulele, and also played a bass uke during a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Finishing the concert was Stuart “Stukulele” Fuchs. Stu demonstrated great technique and stylistic variety as he blended his own original tunes with select covers, including the Beatles pairing of “Norwegian Wood” into “Something” and more. He also did a song he wrote about his ukulele called “My Little Jumping Flea.” When the audience called for an encore, Stu responded with the instrumental “Julia Florida” to end the night. McGarvey’s has been busy lately with a number of noteworthy shows. Former Misfits singer Michale Graves returned in late April to headline an all-acoustic triple-bill. Unique acoustic sets from One Adam 12 and Railroad City Murder Machines opened the night. As demonstrated during previous visits, Michale Graves’ acoustic shows are more laid-back and intimate, and allow him to share more insight about his music and inspirations; such was the case at this show. Michale did several established favorites from both his solo and Misfits careers, such as “Halloween,” “Dig Up Her Bones,” “We Are the Wicked,” “Lucifer, I Am,” “Crying on Saturday Night” and his follow-up to it, “Dying on Sunday Morning,” and “When Worlds Collide.” He stage-tested a few newly written songs such as “All the Troubles” and “The Worst Day of My Life.” And he also performed such numbers as “All the Hallways,” “Train to the End of the World” and “The Best of Me.” Toward the end of his set, he shared the inspiration of his song “Man Versus Train,” relating a story of learning about a train-pedestrian accident up the street from him, heading to the scene and seeing the victim with injuries, and he explained how the traumatic experience shaped his appreciation of enjoying the moment and savoring the opportunity to share his music with fans. Afterward, Michale remained and greeted fans clear until closing time. Michale returns to McGarvey’s on October 7, sharing the stage with C.J. Ramone for the after-party following Zombietown USA! Another big highlight at McGarvey’s was Agent Smith’s “Agent In Chains” tribute to Alice In Chains frontman Layne Staley in late April, marking the 15th anniversary of Staley’s passing. For this tribute, the full roster of Agent Smith – singer Steve Oswalt, guitarist/singer Phil “Philly Grooves” Wagner, bassist Mike Stanley and drummer Shawn Gioiosa – were joined by two special guests, Black Sun/ Small Town Horror Show frontman Todd McKeone and his Black Sun bandmate, guitarist Jason Feathers. Simply put, this tribute was incredible! The vocals and harmonies between Todd, Steve and Phil were spot on, as was Phil’s and Jason’s
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
guitar tones and the driving rhythms laid down by Shawn and Mike. These musicians nailed the nuances in their Alice In Chains selection, and it was clear they did their homework heading into this show. “Agent In Chains” tackled 16 canons of the Layne Staley-era Alice In Chains catalog: “We Die Young,” “Them Bones,” “Dam That River,” “Grind,” “Down in a Hole,” “Sea of Sorrow,” “It Ain’t Like That,” “Again,” “Heaven Beside You,” “Got Me Wrong,” “Dirt,” “Angry Chair,” “No Excuses” and “Rooster.” When the crowd demanded more, the group encored with “Would?” and “Man in the Box.” And the non-Alice part of Agent Smith’s night wasn’t shabby either, with the group doing strong work on tunes from Faith No More, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Silverchair, Screaming Trees, Cracker, Queensryche, Tonic, Soundgarden, Live, The Cult and more. Following the excitement and huge crowd for this special show, Agent Smith is discussing a sequel with some additional songs from the Alice In Chains catalog. Other shows I saw at McGarvey’s in recent weeks include the return of Tennessee’s Husky Burnette and his raw, gritty brand of blues rock…Pittsburgh’s Legendary Hucklebucks and their over-the-top rockabilly/psychobilly firestorm…Shallow 9’s feverish dance party (with drummer Todd Harshbarger’s new lighting array, this group gets bigger and brighter with each show!)…Johnstown’s The Crew Of The Half Moon with their unique mix of original indie folk-rock and select covers… and From Nowhere, the new duo featuring area singer/songwriter Drew Dodson with drummer Cody Fickes. continued on next page...
Jay Smar photo by Jim Price
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The Professor continued... Several area bands and performers stepped up to help out an area family early last month. The Benefit for Candy Barger took place at Altoona’s Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society and raised money for the children and surviving family of Candy, who passed away unexpectedly in March. Deuces Wild, pairing singer/harmonica player Randy Karle with Mo Yon on acoustic guitar and vocals, opened the afternoon with a selection of classic rock and pop hits. Randy showed some tasty harmonica solo work, especially on versions of Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” and Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads.” Sans singer/guitarist Rich Dasch this day, new acoustic group Running Creek nonetheless continued with their unique mixture of classic rock and folk hits. Guitarists Ron Russell, Bob Welsh and Mo Yon all sang, with Mo switching between acoustic guitar and bass; yours truly provided percussion on djembe and bongos. Running Creek this day did numbers from Bob Dylan, Blues Image, 4 Non Blondes, Traffic and Bob Seger, as well as one of Ron’s original songs, “Drunk Girl.” Making their debut next was Fortune & Glory, a new quintet showcasing two musical families
and generations. The husband and wife tandem of guitarist/singer Art Martino and singer Dana Martino front the group, with son Nicholas Martino playing bass; Brian Starr plays drums, with son Nick Starr playing guitar. Fortune & Glory presented an interesting mix of classic rock and pop favorites, spanning Social Distortion’s “Ball and Chain” to Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” to Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and also threw in two surprise ‘80s rock numbers from Tesla and Enuff Z’nuff. The Sitch then cranked up the party with their blend of rock and dance favorites. Singer Ashley Thompson belted premium voice as she fronted the group on numbers from No Doubt, Journey, Outfield, Lita Ford, Republica, Guns N’Roses and more. Providing the backdrop to her vocal fireworks were guitarists Art Martino and Tim Michrina, bassist Ryan McCracken and drummer Kevin Siegel. And I got to see part of Tyrone-based duo Into the Storm’s set. Guitarist Jon Wafa and drummer Nathan Secrist launched a series of short, riff-driven original metal/hardcore original compositions during their set, each conveying varying tempos and levels of intensity. Some of their titles included “Epic,” “Dawn” and “Running from Bullets.” Closing out the benefit were sets by local Christian rock group Forge and Shawn & Dylan. Hollidaysburg’s U.S. Hotel hosted a visit by Nashville-based duo Steel Blossoms last month. Opening the evening was Ed N’Born, comprised of two-thirds of Born & the Beanstalk. Sean Osborn and Ed Hofer spotlighted original songs during their set, mixing them with acoustic favorites from Ed Sheeran, the Black Crowes and more. While based in Nashville, Steel Blossoms features two PA natives – Altoona’s Hayley Prosser and Pittsburgh’s Sara Zebley – who have been performing together since 2011. Their performance was pleasant, as they mixed catchy, country-toned original songs with audience requests and select covers. Their voices and harmonies were bright; both women played acoustic guitars, with Sara switching between guitar and fiddle. I didn’t catch all of their original song titles, but some of them included “You Ain’t Sleepin’ Over No More,” “Twenty Something” and “You’re the Reason I Drink.” They eagerly honored audience
requests, doing renditions of Elle King’s “Exes and Ohs,” Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” Dixie Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier,” Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” and – sending greetings from now famous area native Josh Gallagher – a version of his “Pick Any Small Town.” The moment that quickly won me over was when Steel Blossoms unleashed their acoustic country take on the Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post,” making this rendition totally their own! For a pleasant surprise encore, both Steel Blossoms and Ed N’Born joined forces to deliver a happy rendition of “Wagon Wheel!” to end the show.
Felix Kos of The Hurricanes
photo by Jim Price
And I caught up with Rust last month at Slammin’ Sams in Johnstown. This trio generated a powerful sound – Mike “Griff” Griffiths on bass and vocals, Aaron Wolf on lead guitar and vocals, and Rick Rock on drums hammered out tunes from AC/DC, Ted Nugent, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and more. Their presentation was exciting and excellent; Aaron’s voice and guitar solo work were stunning, Rick’s drum mix was deep and booming, and Griff’s bass lines were sturdy and his polecat howl on the AC/DC tunes was on target. Song highlights included Rust’s takes on Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold,” the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter,” Deep Purple’s “Highway Star,” Iron Maiden’s “Run to the Hills,” Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way,” and they slammed the night home with a fiery version of their ‘title’ anthem, Neil Young’s “Rust Never Sleeps.” News and notes…The Clarks open the season for the Alive @ Five Summer Concert Series at Altoona’s Railroaders Museum on June 2; Ten High Five will open… The Clarks will also headline the Rock for A Cure Festival at Tussey Mountain Amphitheater near Boalsburg on June 10, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society; also performing will be Biscuit Jam, Echoes Never Lie and Fÿre… The 11th annual Day Of Rock Benefit happens June 10 at the Saxton Sportsmen’s Pavilion near Saxton, with proceeds helping out the We Care Foundation; bands performing include Rick Ramsey & Co., Hawestone, Downshift, Teazed, Late Last Nite, Bone Jacked, Backlash, DD & the Pub Crawlers and Urban Myth…A special benefit for area musician/soundman Alan “Delbert” McConnell will take place at the Park Avenue Pub in Patton on June 16; Delbert is battling several forms of cancer…Following up from last month’s article, the “wild card” entry into the finals of 105.9 Qwik-Rock, Miller Lite and The Arena’s recent “Battle of the Bands” – Medusa’s Disco – won the battle, with Asialena taking second and The Bigs finishing third…Drummer Rob Bonsell has joined Johnstown-based blues group Black Cat Moan…Locked & Loaded has added former Hello, Vixen guitarist Bill Maguire and former Untyed drummer Dan Way to their roster…The Backyard Rockers have added bassist/singer Big Jim to their roster…Johnstown’s Inside Out has a new guitarist, as Cody Williams replaces Kolt Green. Please send correspondence and recordings to: Jim Price, 1104 S. Catherine St., Altoona, PA 16602. You can also e-mail me at jptheprofessor@gmail.com. And if you’re into social networking, look me up on Facebook or Google+. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!
Chris Vipond & Bill Smith of Chris Vipond & the Stanley Street Band photo by Jim Price 18
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
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PA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE CD REVIEWS Reviewed by Jim Price RAHWAY – UNDEFEATED (no label) Named after the industrial city in northeast New Jersey where they originated, and named by none other than Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, Rahway has been honing their brand of clever, tough-hitting rock. Nine years and two member changes after their first full-length CD, Snitches Get Stitches, Rahway unleashes their latest disc, Undefeated. New frontman Nick Hade and bassist Chigger join founding brethren David Cardenas on guitar and Steve Cardenas on drums. Rahway lays down heavy-hitting rock rooted in 1980s bad boy metal and 1990s grunge; merging tough, chunky guitars and rhythms with captivating melodies and street-savvy lyrics. Opening the album, the title track “Undefeated” sets the table as it celebrates individual survival and personal resolve. With its wall of roaring guitars, “Racecar” also champions surviving against the odds, while the shuffling “Cage the Animal” fights to maintain self-control. Sexual innuendo drives hard and sassy anthems like “War Machine,” “Hot Stuff” and the disc-ending “Drive Me Crazy.” Rahway offers a softer side, too – the hook-driven “Aching” deals with heartache, while the acoustic-driven “Yesterday” yearns to return to the past. Nick delivers a gritty voice and fast-firing sass up front, while the rest of the band backs him with swaggering, abrasive, distortion-edged rhythms. Produced by the band, and engineered, mixed and mastered by singer Nick, Undefeated sounds full and balanced, with the rhythms given ample thunder and a corrosive edge. Rahway delivers infectious, slick, mean and lean rock with Undefeated, a bold set from a hungry band with their sights set on bigger and better things in the music industry. (The CD can be purchased through the group’s website, www.rahwayband.com.) GUN METAL GRAY – ISLAND OF THE DAMNED EP (no label) Since 2011, Harrisburg’s Gun Metal Gray has built their credibility on the live performance stage, and evolved their classic-geared brand of heavy metal music. Their latest CD, Island of the Damned, is a swashbuckling concept EP based on the high seas three centuries ago, and demonstrates the group’s powerful style and sound, rooted in the classic metal tradition of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, with a nod to the aggressive style of modern metal purveyors like Bullet for My Valentine and Avenged Sevenfold. Singer David Damone, guitarist Christian Koch, bassist Ed Allison and drummer Jeff Stumpf lay out a hard-hitting, seafaring tale of deceit, vengeance, battles, desolation and more. Rhythms rampage and hammer, guitars slash and shred, and David snarls with vocal range and intensity. The voyage starts with the charging assault “Revenge,” blending metal aggression with instrumental virtuosity. “Cursed for Eternity” pummels with brute force and gang shots, while the power anthem “We Are One” takes listeners into the heart of a sea battle with an infectious shout-along chorus that sticks in your cranium long after the first listen. The brooding “Shipwrecked” then sets up for the explosive title track “Island of the Damned,” which then culminates in the finale, “The Final Battle,” and an uncertain future. David sings his words with range and rage, and the rest of the band executes their roles tightly with all-out aggression. The mix sounds full, balanced and crisp, enabling Gun Metal Gray to fire on all cylinders. Island of the Damned unleashes Gun Metal Gray’s sonic fury and creativity, and displays this group’s quality chops and firepower. (The CD can be obtained through the group’s website, www.gmgband.com.) RON RUSSELL – SHADOWS OF ME (Hollywood Dreams Publishing) Huntingdon-based singer/songwriter Ron Russell has been creating music ever since the 1980s, and issued his first solo album, Walk Away Girl, in 1999. His latest album, Shadows Of Me, reveals an artist who has honed his art of pop songcraft to a fine, polished edge. Ron writes or co-writes all of the disc’s dozen tracks, demonstrating tight, concise melodies with bright payoff choruses. The prominent flavors are light rock, pop and country with occasional touches of harder rock and blues. Ron sings these numbers with a clear, sturdy voice and soaring range, assisted by an assortment of studio session players. His lyrics sell loose lyrical themes of life and love; the disc-opening title track, “Shadows Of Me,” ponders the aftermath of a just-ended relationship and what could have been. Offering a slight Steely Dan tone, “Bring the Dream” yearns to turn a “midnight Facebook rendezvous” into something more, while Ron blends Nashville history with a message of giving on the uplifting “The Song Hank Started.” Ron takes things in a punchier direction on “Meant to Be,” and flexes his country-rock muscle on “Still Burning for You” and “Always and in All Ways.” “Pillows and Perfume” offers a mellow romantic theme, while the melancholy “Now That She’s Gone” laments the loss of love. The performances are strong throughout the disc; Ron’s expressive voice convinc-
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ingly sells each song’s theme, and the arrangements support each song with colorful blends of guitars, keys and rhythms. The overall sound is polished smooth, and any of these songs would sound good on a radio. Having studied songwriting with industry professionals in both Nashville and Los Angeles, Ron Russell shows what he has learned on Shadows Of Me, a set of quality ear candy that provides a pleasant listen. (The CD can be obtained through the website www.ronrussellmusic.com.) SHINE DELPHI – IN THE MORNING… (Delphi Records) Born in Pennsylvania and raised in California, Shine Delphi is the modern-day traveling minstrel, journeying around the country with a resonator guitar and sharing his music with anyone who will listen. Now based in Harrisburg, Shine shares his musical world and outlook on In The Morning…, a set of happy-go-lucky acoustic folk, bluegrass and blues, informed by New Orleans and Tin Pan Alley-era flavors. Singing, playing guitar, harmonica and tambourine, Shine sings upbeat odes to life and living, with viola player Free Feral, violinist Walter Prettyman and upright bassist Taylor Smith fleshing out the sound. The disc-opening title track “In the Morning…” sets the tone, establishing a theme of embracing each new day and appreciating life’s simple pleasures. “Breathe” offers encouragement to keep trying and not give up when times are rough. The whimsically-toned “Tiny Little Seed” nurtures positivity and cooperation to make the world a better place. Other songs offer more serious tones; “Untitled” warns to choose words wisely or reap what you sow, “Brother” contemplates forgiveness, and the dual-toned disc-closer “Mine to Be” ponders life’s exit strategy. The melodies are sturdy and catchy, and the arrangements are simple and serve each melody. Shine
SANE ADVICE By John Kerecz
As you continue to learn and read throughout your life, one of the things that you come to appreciate is just how insightful the author of Ecclesiastes was: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” We are often struck, even sort of tickled, by how much the hopes, observations, and complaints of people of decades, even centuries, ago sound just like the hopes, observations, and complaints of modern folks. It’s uncanny! This can be seen with every form of art, worn with every trend in fashion, and heard very clearly in music. I have often gone from listening to an old country song to a new hip hop beat and realized, “Hey! The two are singing about the same things.” Human life has not changed that much, nor is it that different, no matter where or when you are from. So, as you sit down to write your next song, maybe look for inspiration in an old song? Maybe songs that were your parents’ or your grandparents’ favorites? The same theme or message that made it great to them might also make it great to your listeners?! Sometimes in order to innovate we need to look behind instead of ahead.
sings his words with a rugged, raspy and spirited delivery, and his personality and enthusiasm shine through each song. The overall sound is crisp and balanced, with Shine’s words and the varied instrumentation sounding clear and clean in the mix. In the Morning… offers a feelgood, uplifting listening experience, and welcomes listeners into Shine Delphi’s optimistic, hopeful musical world. (The CD can be obtained through the website www.shinedelphi.com.) BLACK CAT MOAN – THE SAINT, THE MUNK & THE MOAN (no label) Since 2011, Johnstown-based trio Black Cat Moan has been evolving their brand of “New Vintage Blues” and spreading it to stages across western PA and beyond; even representing the Blues Society of Western PA in the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. On their first full-length album, The Saint, the Munk & the Moan, Black Cat Moan showcases their distinctive blues-rooted sound. Early recorded blues informs their music, establishing the platform from which singer/harmonica player T.K. Mundok, guitarist and resonator player George Byich and drummer Zach Bodolosky explore folk, jazz, funk flavors and more. George’s prominent slide guitar and finger picking blend with Zach’s jazz-rooted drumming style, establishing the backdrops for T.K. to express and emote. His voice can quickly dart from subdued moans to soaring howls to fast-firing James Brown-flavored rants; lending a touch of unpredictability into Black Cat Moan’s blues turf. The CD features 11 originals and two covers. Delta-styled blues drives the disc-opening number “Is What It Is,” “Burns Like Hell” and “Catfish Blues.” Black Cat Moan shows a rockabilly flare on “Any Day,” gentle folk tones on “Feelin’ Free,” a blues-rock stomp on “Medicine Man,” and delta-driven funk on “Ballad of Anna Lee.” The group takes the classic “House of the Rising Sun” for a jazzy spin, and offers a folk blues take on “Statesboro Blues.” And they have fun with two instrumental tracks, the slide guitar-fueled “Messin’ ‘Round” and the country-toned romp “Stoney Creek Rag.” Black Cat Moan’s arrangements are stripped-down and basic, letting the talents of all three musicians take front and center throughout the disc. The performances are bright and inspired, and listeners can tell by the group’s freewheeling approach that they had fun creating this set. Recorded by Ray Calfo at Studiophonix in Mount Pleasant, the CD sounds clean, full, straightforward and uncluttered. The Saint, the Munk & the Moan offers a comprehensive introduction into Black Cat Moan’s bluesy landscape, and shows why their unique approach to the blues is gaining more and more attention. (The CD can be obtained through the group’s website, www.blackcatmoan. org.)
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
JERRY HAINES
A favorite of the Pennsylvania folk music circuit, singer/songwriter Jerry Haines passed away on January 3rd, 2017 after a brief illness. Jerry’s career spanned more than three decades. He performed at venues and festivals throughout the state and mid-Atlantic region; including the Pennsylvania State Farm Show in Harrisburg, Blair County Arts Festival in Altoona and more. He shared stages with notable performers such as Tom Chapin, Leo Kottke, Leon Redbone, Livingston Taylor, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and more. A gifted songwriter and performer, Jerry sang and played 6 and 12-string guitars, harmonica and autoharp. Jerry sang with a gentle, pleasant tone and smooth voice. His performances celebrated traditional folk legends, and his original songs celebrated day-to-day life, love, happiness and the simple pleasures in life. He released three CD’s during his career: Hope the Next Town Is Mine, Into My Life and On My Mind.
GEORGE WELSH
George Welsh passed away unexpectedly on March 25 at age 41. From Altoona, George sang and played guitar, and was a member of several Christian-themed rock projects, and appeared on two albums by the Kittanning-based Christian rock group Anvah. George was well-liked in the Altoona area community. He is survived by his wife and three children.
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CLASSIFIED NOTES BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS WANTED: WE PAY CASH for used guitars, amps, effects, etc!!! Call Matt at Creter Guitar Shop, Jonestown at 717-865-3677. We also do guitar repair and have a variety of lessons available. WANTED: Vintage guitars, basses, amps, banjos, etc. Fender, Gibson, Martin, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, etc. Top dollar paid! Call Player’s Exchange at 717-975-2385 or stop by and see us at 225 S. Third St. Lemoyne, PA. Email: bslotus@aol.com
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THE BEST VALUE FOR YOUR RECORDING DOLLAR: Celebrating our 30th year in business. Pro Tools, HD3/Accel, 192k Interface, 2 inch 24 track analog, 16 channels of API outboard mic pres, Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute kit, SWR 7 GK bass amps, Marshall half stack, Fender twin & Bassman guitars amps, Hammond B-3, Yamaha C7 grand piano, Authorized Pro Tool dealers. CD/DVD duplication on site 3 CCC Video Services. 5.1 surround mixing. $300 per day. www.datamusicves.com, Altoona PA. Phone 814944-2406. AVAILABLE: Experienced Female Vocalist Available for Recording Sessions (leads, background vocals) and seeking Live Performance opportunities.
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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE FOR SALE: Taylor NS74 $2,400, please call 215-906-5103, cash only. FOR SALE: JCM 800 Marshall stack, $1,000. Ibanez RG920 6 string custom purple with gig bag, $650. Joe Satriani 1st Production blue with case, $600. 484-769-4283. FOR SALE: Peavy SP 2, Speakers, $350; DJ rig, $350. Records 45s, albums, CEDs cassettes, various artists. 570-462-2526. FOR SALE: Selling 2007 American Les-Paul studio electric guitar, mint condition, $450. Fender “Beatle” bass guitar outfit, $295. New 4 channel PA, $350. Others, Gratz area. Steve, 717379-8010. FOR SALE: Peavey LB1200 par 64 midi and dmx controlled lights with gels, 2 bars with 4 lights each. work great $250 Ph. 717-248-8739 email: superstarr55@mail.com FOR SALE: Acoustic Amplifier model 115 w/ Foot switch $150; Acoustics corp guitar amp model# 125 $200; Heavily modified 1966 Hilgen B250 combo $700. Mount Union call Tom 814-386-2239.
FOR SALE: Kurzweil PC88mx keyboard with flight case $750. Korg 01/wfd synth $600; Yamaha AW16G professional audio workstation, $300. Call John 717-732-4903. FOR SALE: Korg triton studio 76 key keyboard with dust cover and hardcase. Fully loaded with cd disk drive, moss board and memory upgrade and all sound upgrades!! $1200. 717-2488739 e:mail superstarr55@mail.com FOR SALE: Hammond Proline 860 Leslie, With foot pre-amp and Leslie 11 pin cable, All in great condition! $650 Phone 717-248-8739 e:mail superstarr55@mail.com FOR SALE: Tascam 380 24 track recording board with V.U. meters, $500. Call 717-627-4800. FOR SALE: Mastering cassette recorders like new, $35 each. Call 717-6274800.
MUSICIANS WANTED The Spoils seek a versatile, high-energy drummer. We practice once/week in Lititz. Punk, funk, ska, swing, and rock’n’roll originals. https://thespoils2.bandcamp.com/ WANTED: The Ultimate Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath Spectacle– featuring former members of Paranoid as well as local favorites Alison Standby , Canto 6 , Yada Yada Yada and Lights Over Ashfield – is aggressively seeking a professional committed frontman capable of selling the audible and visual
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Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
persona of Ozzy Osbourne. Must be a team player free of ego and substance abuse issues with the drive to make this a force to be reckoned with on the regional tribute circuit. This is a phenomenal money making opportunity for the right person as contacts are already established and venues are waiting on us. If you or someone you know has what it takes please call 570 449-1933 or email dch329@comcast. net as soon as possible. WANTED: Looking for another for covers and originals, Williamstown pa, vocals a must for harmonies, 717-9744894, Jesse
WANTED: Thunderlizard (weird metal) seeks musicians to round out line-up. I have 2 cds already out a third on it’s way. Call Shannon 717- 300-9269 WANTED: Band Musicians for original music. Percussionist, Guitars, Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic to Hard Rock 35 Songs. Have Engineer and Full 32 Track Pro Tools Studio. 814- 495-2552. Wanted: Lead Guitarist, vocals are a plus for a Southern/Classic Rock Band. Playing in the Williamsport to Lock Haven Areas. Contact Brett @ 570-850-0736, call or text.
Do you play guitar and love Southern Rock? Smokin Gunnz are Currently Auditioning for a LEAD/RHYTHM GUITAR PLAYER
Must be able to Sing & Harmonize. Must be willing and able to play guitar parts as close to the original song as possible. Must already be familiar with Southern Rock. Must want to play, and be able to play as much as possible with occasional travel with some overnight jobs. Must have a Professional Attitude and Gear. DRUG FREE, NO ALCOHOL ABUSE ISSUES PLEASE. If this sounds like YOU, call and set up your audition... SOUTH SOUND PRODUCTIONS:
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www.smokingunnz.com
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June, 2017
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
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WANTED Looking to start acoustic duo, or trio 2 guitars one bass to perform ANY music that is rockin’ call Jesse 717-974-4894
complete established classic, modern rock variety 3 piece band. Must have gear, transportation. Reading, Berks Counties. 610-451-3824
auditioning for guitarists. Band signed with Diminished Pitch Entertainment. Age between 28-45. Original music and some cover songs. 717-414-6105.
band seeks agent to handle bookings. Generous compensation for each new venue booked. Call Carl: 570-9255690.
party rock from 80’s Please contact Mike if interested. (570) 9913670 or liv2drumm@verizon.net Serious inquiries only.
WANTED: Good, solid, reliable, funky versatile drummer with experience to
WANTED: Guitarist Original hard rock band from Carlisle/ Newville area
WANTED: BOOKING AGENT. Established, experienced, and excellent tribute
WANTED mature 40’s-60’s musicians, female vocalist to jam with 50’s-70’s Oldies, Blues, Country possible few gigs. Me: 60y/o guitarist, singer, Monroe Co.area lmlcorp@hotmail. com 570-460-9494
WANTED: Metal-Progressive rock vocalist for album project. A singer with a tenor voice and melodic. Reading, pa 610-334-7649 pro’s only.
30 Main Street, Montgomery Pa.
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Low prices-Vintage Gear
570-547-6007 Facebook:Tickle Music
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WANTED Female Vocalist, Costumed, Established Oldies band minor choreography, back-up, leads. Occasional travel. Prefer 30-50 y/o 50+ dates year Allentown PA e-mail mntony@ hotmail.com WANTED: Musicians. Singer/Guitarist seeks musicians for original/cover, blues/rock band. ALL MUST SING! No exceptions. No drugs/issues. Wilkes-Barre area. John 570-287-3954 WANTED: Bass player needed. Practice studio is in Dickson City. We play hard
WANTED: Thrash Metal band looking for bass player and vocalist. We are all in our 40s and are looking for members that are into similar music. including Testament, Coroner, Sacred Reich, Metallica etc. Call Victor 717903-3155. We practice in Dover Pa. WANTED: Guitarist 54 looking to put together new Line-up of players for 2017. Great place to rehearse more than enough equipment. Common Goals to satisfy all. 717-303-4211. WANTED: Volunteer Christian female co-host for non-profit over the phone broadcast ministry, any location. No travel, no experience. Will train. Do Ministry, help others. 717-379-8010. WANTED: Drummer seeks frontman to collaborate on writing. Ask for George. 570-837-6903. WANTED: Guitar players for Southern Rock, Outlaw, country band. Have
Bring TH
IS Ad &
drums, vocals, bass. We need YOU to round out the band. If interested please call Kevin 717-258-8719. WANTED: Bass player wanted for Oldies group, “Fabulous Flashbacks”. vocals helpful, Altoona area call Ed 814-946-1350
MUSICIANS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE: Guitar Player. 15 Years experience looking to join or create rock band. Very versatile. No drama, lots of influences. Around Reading area. I wanna rock! 484-599-1219. AVAILABLE: Bass player from Shippensburg looking to jam some classic heavy metal (Maiden, Priest, Ozzy, Dio, etc.) Please Contact Adam 717300-0148 email adamonbass01@ gmail.com AVAILABLE: Drummer looking to form something different. Looking for other musical mad people to do something. Have name in mind. Shannon sdrummer@innernet.net AVAILABLE: Singer/Bass player looking for working band. 40+years experience. Altoona Area. Email me at bassplayerd1@yahoo.com or call 814-502-8629
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“Your Music Journey Starts Here”....
• REPAIRS • LESSONS • BUY • SALE • TRADE 58 West Main Street • Mechanicsburg, PA
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The Demo Factory Recording Studio
Quality Recording/Affordable Prices Scott Sobel - Owner Myerstown, PA 17067 Call 609-933-9124
Email: Scott@thedemofactory.com
www.thedemofactory.com
Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
AVAILABLE: Experienced Drummer for professional gigs, studio work, all styles. pmw117@psu.edu Blair County area 814-943-2865. AVAILABLE: Experienced Female Vocalist Available for Recording Sessions (leads, background vocals) and seeking Live Performance opportunities. Versatile in many genres. Contact: info@daisieghostflower.com AVAILABLE: Experienced vocalist looking for band in or around Northumberland county, experienced in many genres, I’m drug free, contact frontman_classic_rock@yahoo.com, lets talk… AVAILABLE: Disabled Drummer looking for 30+ to 55 Age (or something) friends kind of get together for fun band. Rock, Country, Blues, or mix possible. You must have equipment & practice place. Possible reformations of two Bands I have, or New. Lancaster or Hershey, PA area or around. If we get good we’ll play out some now and then, no worries. RickyElwoodFranklin@aol.com AVAILABLE: Female Guitarist / Singer / Songwriter. Bluegrass, folk, r&b, blues, funk background looking to collaborate with other like-minded musicians. Looking to create a unique sound. Call Alisha 717-344-2279 AVAILABLE: Altoona area Professional drummer looking to join an established rock band. Hard rock, Three
Days Grace Seether, Foo Fighters, Shinedown. Over 35 years Experience. Erik @ 814-381-5312 AVAILABLE: Keyboard player professional attitude and equipment. Looking for a steady working band. Will play everything from blues,soul, country, variety and oldies. Contact Jack 570-579-4377 AVAILABLE: Experienced bass guitarist in Lancaster, PA area seeks existing band or others to start a new project. Call or text me at 508-735-8197. AVAILABLE: Chances are I can play, beat or match almost anything you can deliver. Show up at my place, put it to the test, no disappointments. 717303-4211. AVAILABLE: Experienced drummer looking for established metal or trash metal band. No ego easy to get along with. Over thirty years playing. Contact rschinkle@verizon.net. 814 327 5662. AVAILABLE: Singer with 30 years experience into classic rock, alternative, power pop, hair metal, looking for established or forming band in Northumberland County, contact: lookin2sing@yahoo.com AVAILABLE: Experienced Bass Player. Many years experience, pro gear,pro attitude. Looking for serious band to join will travel out of state it’s what I do. Call 570-337-9965. I learn very fast and team player.
America’s Original Indie Label Celebrating 6 Decades
Get Released on Summer Radio CD released to 9,000 plus Stations. Call for details... 717.627.4800 Join Us for: 1. Worldwide Radio Releases 2. Worldwide Distribution 3. Shopping Deals at Conventions 4. Manufacturing on C.A.R. 5. Submissions to Movie Music Super 6. Publishing ASCAP & BMI
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WE BUY USED INSTRUMENTS
Old Guitars, Amps, Drums, Effects, Sound Gear, parts.. BAND INSTRUMENTS BRING IT TO US! We also TRADE & BUY Collectibles come see Jerry
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Hours: Mon. thru Fri. 11am-7pm / Sat. 10am-4pm www.GuitarsonGeorge.wordpress.com June, 2017
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New & Used Guitars, Amps, Drums, Effects, Sound Gear, Sound Systems & More... Great Deals Everyday!!
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Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
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Pennsylvania Musician Magazine
June, 2017
“THE ROAD TO FIREFLY TOUR” Mid-Atlantic Dates: June 11th, VELVET LOUNGE, Washington DC June 13 - BOURBON & BRANCH, Philadelphia, PA June 14 - THE CHAMP, Lemoyne, PA June 15 & 16 FIREFLY MUSIC FESTIVAL, Dover, DE
NEW EP COMING SOON!! Email: booking@carverton.com • Phone# 615-681-0468
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