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Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015

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OUT & ABOUTby RACHEL ROCKS!

Summer is HERE!! Yippee!!! My feet will be in the

sand before I know it. I can guarantee you that the PA

Musician website will be updated by Friday, June 5th,

because after that day it is the official start to Summer,

and I am leaving with my family for VACATION!!! I am

so excited it’s crazy!!! I have tons of stuff to get done

between now and then, and the first step is getting this

article done, so here goes nothing!

First and foremost, I have to say Happy Birthday to

my Daddy, Whitey the Mighty (wytmyt) Noll!! June is

his birthday month. (We celebrate month long birthdays

in the Noll family). I wouldn’t be out here supporting

live music or doing anything that I love doing if it wasn’t

for you and your brilliant idea to create this amazing

magazine. It was an awesome vision, and I’m grateful

that I can help keep it going. I know I don’t tell you

enough, but you are truly an awesome Dad and I will

always love you. You are truly our rock and you help

keep us grounded. I’m so proud to call you my Daddy!

XOXOXOXOX! Happy Birthday and Happy Father’s

Day!!!!!

The month started out at The Abbey Bar for an all

original show. I unfortunately got there late in the night,

so I missed the first few bands, but I did get there in time

for The Bird Reserve. This four-piece is a very tight

group that definitely had the crowd on their feet and

filling the dance floor. It was awesome to see such a

great crowd out supporting original music. The Bird

Reserve had amazing harmonies and their music was

upbeat and very entertaining. It’s one of the bands that

you can’t watch without having a smile on your face, and

I definitely did.

The main reason I came to this show was to catch the

next band, Close to Consideration. They were on our

cover last month. It had been a long time since I actually

got out to see these guys, and I’m glad our schedules

finally matched up. During the interview they were

telling me about these shows they’ve been putting

together with a few other bands and how successful

they’ve been, it was great to see it for myself. It was

awesome to see so many people at The Abbey Bar

supporting original music. I know I don’t get out there

very often, and it seems like I don’t support original

music enough, but I do try and support those that support

me as much as possible. When Close to Consideration

took the stage the crowd was immediately back on their

feet and crowding the dance floor. CTC’s faster tempo,

funky songs had the crowd dancing along. For only

being a three piece these guys pull off an amazing sound.

They have a lot of big shows coming up throughout the

summer at a lot of really cool sounding festivals. Check

out their schedule in this issue and get out there and

support original music.

The following weekend I headed to Chick’s in

Hummelstown for Element 22. It was great seeing these

guys rockin’ out again. Element 22 play so many sing-a-

long songs that people love. There were people jumping

out of their seats because they were so excited by their

songs! Needless to say they had plenty of people on the

dance floor, dancing along, including me! It’s also been a

long time since I saw these guys. I still missed their lead

guitar player Dave, he was missing because his son was

graduating from college. Congrats to all the graduates

out there! Welcome to the working world!! Darrel

Adams was filling in on guitar so the show could go on.

With the decks opening for the summer Element 22 and

E22 Acousitc have some great gigs coming up in the

next month and beyond. Check out their schedule in this

issue and get out there and dance the night away!

The next night out was a long one, I first headed down

to New Oxford Social Hall to interview The

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Happenstance Band, and to catch some of their show.

These guys perform two shows in one, they start the

night with a more acoustic set, and then for the 2nd and

3rd sets they turn up the volume and really start rocking!

I only had time to stay for their acoustic set. It worked

out great because there were still a good amount of

people finishing their dinner when they started playing at

8pm. For those that were done they came up and started

slow dancing and singing along. It’s nice to be able to

ease the crowd into your music gradually like that. To

read all about their show and them, check out this

month’s cover story and check out their ad to see their

full up to date schedule and plan your next night out on

the town!

My night wasn’t over yet, next I zoomed up to

Tubby’s for the Kix show. I was bummed I missed

Voodoo, but I heard that as usual they had an amazing

show. I was shocked and saddened to hear that Voodoo is

calling it quits after one more final show on June 27th at

Tubby’s. Their farewell show starts at 8pm with special

guests, Dirt Cheap, Bad Mr. Kitty, and Frayed Nott.

I’m sure that’s going to be one heck of a show that you

don’t want to miss.

When I did get there, Take 147 was still on the stage. It

was definitely a packed house at Tubby’s. I’m glad the

ladies of Take 147 got the opportunity to play in front of

such a huge “rock” crowd. It’s so easy to pigeon hole

Take 147 because they are an all female band, but they

can rock just like any all male band out there! Ro has

been a huge fan of Kix since they first started, so it was

quite the accomplishment for her and for all of them to

open up for Kix. They rocked their set and gained some

new fans in the process. Take 147 is taking a nice long

summer break so they can work on some new songs and

revamp a few things in their show. If you need your

Take 147 fix don’t forget they still have their CD

“Nothin’ to Lose” for sale. Support local music and buy

a CD today!

Finally the last band of the night was Kix. Kix is

definitely making a comeback with their latest CD

“Rock Your Face Off”. They have been touring all over

the US. Their next PA date is July 11th at Moose Park in

Gettysburg. Every time I see these guys I am truly

amazed at their talent. They definitely do ‘rock your face

off’ at every show! It was great rockin’ out with our good

family friend, Glen Hoffman. Glen started out as one of

the very first Kix fans back in the early 80s with my

brother Chris. They followed them everywhere. Every

Kix show I see I definitely miss Chris and wonder what

he would be up to if he were still here on earth. I love

and miss my big brother, even tho it’s almost been 25

years since he died. He was ran off the road while

driving a motorcycle. Remember with Summer and this

beautiful weather keep an eye out for motorcycles! They

are everywhere!!! Tubby’s did a great job hosting a big

show. Steve required the main rock room to be smoke-

free, so they opened up the side door and corded off an

area for smokers. It worked out really well, and I

personally loved having it be no smoking! Maybe

someday we can get all venues to be smoke free! That

would be awesome!!

This was a crazy month as usual, so I didn’t get out

again until the big Krankin’ for the King event at Moose

Park in Gettysburg. It was a benefit for Randy

Robertson, former owner of Triple R Guitar, and

fellow area musician. He was recently diagnosed with

cancer, and had to undergo a major surgery at John’s

Hopkins and when he gets strong enough, he will also be

going through chemo. It’s a long road, but he is ready to

fight, and we are all right here fighting by his side! It

was an all day event. Throughout the day there were just

over 1,700 paying people through the gate. There was

Out & About continued....

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tons of donated food and raffle baskets, all in all the

event raised over $9,500 for Randy’s family. It was so

beautiful to feel the love throughout the entire Moose

Park. Everyone was there for a common goal and that

was to support Randy and his family. It was awesome

that Randy himself made it to the event for the full day!

He posed for lots of pictures and signed autographs

throughout the day. Before the last band, Steel, he even

got up on stage to thank everyone for coming and for

organizing the event. Needless to say, it was pretty

emotional. It was amazing how well run the entire event

was. It was organized and ran by the Women of the

Moose, which also mainly happen to be the Wives of

Steel, plus a few of their friends. So many people were

pitching in to help any way they possibly could. Aaron

and Scott from Sonic Productions did the production

for the day, and Jonny from Rebel Lighting Works lit

up the stage! It was an absolutely amazing day. Mom and

I both got to go to the show together, so that was pretty

special too. I always love hangin’ with my Mommy.

Even from the very beginning there was a decent crowd.

People were all spread out with chairs, blankets, coolers,

etc. They were there for the long haul and ready to a

enjoy a great day of music.

Scarlet Angel started of the event at 1pm unfortunately

we weren’t able to be there at 1 but it looked like they

started the event with a great performance. The first band

we saw of the day was Gun Metal Gray. I haven’t seen

these guys in a while. They recently underwent some

member changes, they have a new bass player and

drummer, but that didn’t slow them down, they still had

that stage rockin! It was awesome to see the kids with

their devil horns rockin’ out with the band too! Gun

Metal Gray have so much energy and an amazing stage

presence. They were a great band choice to help get the

party started!

The next band was Single Barrel. I’ve written about

these guys a few times now. They are taking Central PA

by the horns and getting their name out there and getting

their time on area stages. They’ve played quite a few

shows as openers, and I’ve seen their name on quite a

few benefits as well, and now they are headlining shows

too. Single Barrel is definitely a band that has grown on

me. The first time I saw them I was tyring to figure out

the songs they were playing, I honestly thought they

Out & About continued....

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Randy, Rachel & Molly Robertson

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were originals, I was quickly corrected that it’s more just modern southern rock, and

Outlaw Country that you don’t hear on the radio everyday by great bands like

Blackberry Smoke, Shooter Jennings, Gov’t Mule, and many more. Once you hear and

experience their music you realize that their musicianship is top notch which makes

for a great show! You also

learn some things about life

that you might’ve wanted to

say before, but just didn’t know

how to say it! Check out Single

Barrel’s ad in this issue to get

them booked at your venue,

you won’t be disappointed.

They will be playing at Double

K on June 20th with special

guests, The Ride, starting at

9:30pm.

Even before Single Barrel

was over, Mom and I got

whisked into the kitchen for

kitchen duty. It was great to see

all of the donated food. It was also overwhelming trying to get the orders all right as

we were doing in by shouting them out to all the wonderful crew that was helping, it

was chaotic! Thanks to everyone that came

and stood in line, I know it got long at times,

but I hope the deliciousness of the food

made you forget all about it in the end.

Unfortunately, because of being in the

kitchen, I pretty much missed Ebenezer

Screw and Voodoo. I ran out and snagged a

couple of quick pictures, and I could see that

there were still plenty of people out there

enjoying the show. By the time we made it

out of the kitchen I was amazed at the

amount of people there. The crowd more

than doubled while we were in there!

We made it out of the kitchen

in time to hear Smokin’

Gunnz. If you read my articles

you know I write about these

guys very often. I love seeing

them every chance I get! It

was great seeing Mom see

them and enjoying their music

too. Smokin’ Gunnz plays in

the Gettysburg area quite a bit

for bike nights, etc. and you

could tell a good chunk of the

crowd was there to see them.

These guys are a well-oiled

machine. If you haven’t seen them perform, you really should. They play throughout

the state and beyond. In September they will be down at Ocean City Maryland’s Bike

Week. Check out their schedule in this issue to see where they are rockin’ next and get

out there and support some deep fried southern rock!

The next band of the night was Penntera. I absolutely love these guys. Dave Garry

has been a great addition to the band as their new bass player. I’ve seen him on lots of

stages, and I have to say he really seems like he is finally where he belongs. My good

friend Terri was there, so needless to say I probably banged my head a little too much.

Aaron —sound man extraordinare

June, 2015 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE 13

Organisers: Lisa, Joanie, Joanie’s Mom w/ Randy

The Wonderful Crowd hung in there all day - STEEL’S performance

Randy Thanking Everyone

cont inued on page 1 4 . . .

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OUT & ABOUT continued...

I’m still paying for it today, even tho it was truly worth

it! Johnny is so crazy on vocals. I honestly have no idea

how he can sing like he does and bounce around the

stage. He has so much energy! I was able to sneak up on

stage and get some great pics of Space! Make sure and

check out the Hot Shots in color at www.pamusician.net.

Penntera’s boat cruise on the New York Harbor has

been changed to Friday, September 18th, that just means

it’s a week closer to my birthday! I can’t wait to share

such an awesome experience with these guys! I hope you

can all hop on the bus and come and join us, it’s going to

be a great time and New York City will never be the

same! Hahaha! Check out their ad in this issue for all of

the details.

Before Steel, the last band of the night, took the stage,

Randy himself made his way up on the stage to express

his thankfulness for everyone there and everyone who

organized this amazing event. It was very emotional for

everyone there. Randy still has a very long road ahead

of him, but I think he knows without a doubt, he’s got

lots of people looking out for him and cheering him on!

There are two more benefits for Randy, I am

unfortunately out of town for both of them, but on

Sunday, May 31st there is one at Fed Live in Harrisburg,

I understand that will be an all age event and June 6th at

Gullifty’s where Pentagon will be performing. It’s $15

per person, but all proceeds go directly to Randy and his

family to help with medical bills and living expenses. So

far with the benefit and the Go Fund Me account, over

$22,000 has been raised for Randy. So completely

awesome! And if you don’t have time to go to any of the

events you can still contribute through Go Fund Me.

Now onto something else awesome… Steel!! They

were originally scheduled to play first to get things

started, but I’m glad they played last to end the night. It

seemed like a perfect way to end the day. I know they all

must’ve been extremely exhausted. They were all

running around along with their wives and friends to

keep everything running smoothly. They were running

sound, manning the gate, working in the kitchen,

emptying trash, and just making sure everyone was

having a good time all day long, plus they had to help

prepare things ahead of time, and clean up after! What a

super group of people!! So besides for doing all of that,

they also had to find some ultra reserve of energy to rock

the stage at the end of the night and they did one HE**

of a job!! Steel goes above and beyond at every show

and this was no different. Kudos to you all for an

excellent show and an overall amazing event! Check out

Steel’s schedule in this issue and get out there and rock

with these guys soon!! You will be glad you did! You can

also check them out online at www.steelrocks.com.

It’s time once again for my yearly, my boys’ Daddy is

great speech… Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful

husband Kris. I would not be able to be “Out & About”

having the time of my life if it wasn’t for him holding

down the fort. He supports me in all kinds of crazy ways,

but the best way of all is the Daddy that he is to our

boys! He is one of the “kids” always playing with them

and convincing Mom to buy the latest gadget or game.

He loves us all unconditionally and I can’t believe how

lucky I am to have hooked my fingers into this guy! We

also are celebrating our 16th Wedding Anniversary while

we are at the beach on June 12th!!! Time sure does fly

when you are having fun! Thanks Kris for loving me

like you do, I love you too!!!!!

Well that’s all for this month. I will be gone for a good

part of June, so you all have to fill in for me and get out

there and SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!!! I hope you all

have a fabulous month. Happy Father’s Day to all the

Dads, especially mine! If you have any questions or

concerns, e-mail me at [email protected].

Also, check out our website at www.pamusician.net.

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The Happenstance Band is a two-piece band from south central PA. Yes, that’s

right I said two-piece! Rich Johnson and Jordon Reese came together through none

other than ‘happenstance’. Similar people loving similar music, they both loved

playing it, and they both wanted to get out there and perform, and here they are!

Rich Johnson has over 30 years guitar experience, playing in multiple bands since

the 80’s, but he is very happy where he is now. He plays many different types of

guitars, but two of his favorites are an acoustic twelve string, and his beautiful Strat.

He’s confident he can bring the classic rock back to the bar/club scene and bring you

one heck of a show!

Jordon Reese is the other half. He’s their lead vocalist, and also their light man and

sound engineer. Jordon has been singing and playing music ever since he heard

Nirvana’s “Nevermind” album back in 1991. He doesn’t have the same amount of

band experience as Rich, but Rich has definitely taught him a lot. One of the most

important lessons is to appreciate more of the classics, like The Beatles and The

Rolling Stones. After months of practice Jordon is finally confident enough to

perform some songs from these great artists. His one rule though is he tries to make

them sound as authentic as possible.

How do two guys make The Beatles sound “authentic”? Through lots of trial and

error Jordan and Rich have finally found great programs or backing tracks to play

with. They can now cover at least 20-30 different artists, everything from Beatles to

Megadeth to even some current radio hits! You might think playing to a track is easy,

but it’s actually even more difficult. You can’t “make it your own,” you have to keep

everything the same as the original artists, the same tempo, same style, everything!

The Happenstance Band has learned to embrace technology. They don’t have just a

little drum click track backing them up, they have a full band with many different

instruments: piano, violin, cello, you name it, and it’s probably there somewhere! The

best part is you never have to worry about them playing too loud, or not practicing

their part, and if they ever get an ego you can just fire them with the push of a button!

Rich and Jordon both understand how important stage presence is, and trust me,

they have it! They definitely know how to put on a show. They have a full light show

that is also computer driven, including a spot light! At a full show they usually play

three different sets. Their first set is a calmer acoustic set. A lot of venues they play

usually have a dinner crowd, like the New Oxford Social Club where I saw them.

That first set allows people to finish their food and get ready to party. Their second set

turns up the volume a bit and they start playing more of their dance favorites to get the

party started and get the dance floor moving. They also add in another element of

surprise, during their second and third sets they play music videos from the original

artists on TVs on both sides of the stage. You can watch the original music video while

watching the music live! It’s quite interesting and something I’ve never seen done

before. By the third set their funk is funking and the speakers are crankin! They also

play a lot more rock ‘n’ roll to keep the party thumping all night long!

With only a year of playing together they’ve already accomplished a lot. In their first

year they’ve already played over 35 shows. They already have at least 60 songs on

their set list, and they learn at two or three new ones every week. Even though they are

playing with a program they are still available to take requests from their fans, they

even encourage it. Obviously they want to make sure the crowd is having a good time.

They cover so many different genres of music, and they can easily still change their

set lists with the push of a button depending on the crowd. One thing they don’t play is

country. The closest thing they get to country is “Wagon Wheel!” Overall they can

play up to four hours of music. Even though learning new songs is important they

know that people are looking for more than just a show, they want an experience, and

The Happenstance Band is ready to give them one!

Getting started in the music industry is not easy to do, especially when no one out

there is doing what you do. They’ve been hitting the pavement talking face to face

with many club owners throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland, and it has paid off.

Once they convince them to give them a try, they can pretty much guarantee they’ll

also get another booking in the process. They are also very versatile in where they can

play because they only need about 5 square feet of space and enough equipment for 4

Channels, not too many “bands” can say that! Their shows can be as small or as big as

the venue will let them.

They have had some help by other bands allowing them to open for them, and

getting their foot in the door, they wanted to send out a huge thanks to Blakkout and

Disorderly Conduct. Having bands that are already established in the area vouch for

you definitely helps make finding a gig a little easier. They also wanted to send a huge

shout out to all the venues that have given them a chance too! Obviously without the

venues to play in, they wouldn’t have a show. The Happenstance Band is just getting

started. Their minds are constantly reeling with new ideas, and they are ready to

entertain the masses!

You can check out The Happenstance Band’s ad in this issue to see how you can

get them booked at your venue! You can also check them out on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/thehappenstanceband or on their main website ,

www.thehappenstanceband.com. You can also call them direct at 717-421-1095.

The Happenstance Band is ready to bring the show to your venue! Don’t delay and

give them a call TODAY!

The Happenstance Band: More Than Just a Show, It’s an Experience!Article & photos By: Rachel Rocks

Jordan Reese

Rich Johnson

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June, 2015 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE 17

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18 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE June, 2015

overwhelming support when tickets went on sale April

20th. More than 300,000 tickets sold in five cities, with

four cities sold out in minutes. Promoter Garry Van

Egmond added four new dates. The final tally could

eventually match the record-breaking 700,000 sold for

2010’s Black Ice tour. On that tour, AC/DC set a new

record for Australia’s fastest-selling tour.

Social Distortion’s summer tour will feature the band

playing its 1990 self-titled album front-to-back along

with many of the band’s classic songs. This year marks

the 25th anniversary of the LP that brought the band a

wider audience. Songs such as “So Far Away,” “Ball

and Chain” and “Story Of My Life” as well as Social

D’s treatment of the Johnny Cash hit “Ring Of Fire.”

Mike Ness & Co. visit Philadelphia’s Festival Pier on

August 19th. “We are very excited about this tour,” Ness

said. “It was a great feeling to play songs that I hadn’t

played in twenty years, or more. All I can say is ‘it’s

gonna be a kick ass show!!!!”

Axl Rose wrote to Indonesian President Joko Widodo

April 27th asking him to stop the impending executions

of three individuals convicted of drug trafficking, which

carries a mandatory death sentence. The wordy, 15-

paragraph missive questions the efficacy of capital

punishment in fighting drug trafficking, and ask that

Widodo “give [these three individuals] a permanent

stay of execution and ... change the course of your own

life and place in both your country’s and world history.”

Rose says he did not know these men personally, but

“their story has touched me deeply.” He adds that, “I

realize I am no one and no one to get involved with your

affairs or those of your government.” The news came out

April 28 that they were both executed as scheduled, but a

third person slated for execution was pardoned.

UPCOMING SHOWS: Jerry Joseph & the

Jackmormons Harrisburg Abbey June 13. Local H /

Anthrophobia Lancaster Chameleon June 14. The

Rolling Stones Pittsburgh Heinz Field June 20. The

Killers Atlantic City Borgata June 20. The War On

Drugs Washington DC 9:30 Club June 21. Fuel

/Everclear / Toadies Bethlehem Sands June 25. Dave

Matthews Band Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center

June 27. MixTape Festival featuring NKOTB, Nelly,

TLC, Salt n Pepa, Vanilla Ice Hersheypark Stadium

June 27.

Hey music lovers! June has arrived and summer is

almost here. So much going on in our area this month

both inside and outside check out all this info...

The First Annual BBQ blowout at The Stage 5 on the

river in Williamsport takes place on the 27th. Music from

Eric Val, Just Bob, Scott Bird, Dug Out, The

Keystone Ska Exchange and All Else Fails.

LT’s Tavern in Milton has some great live rock music

this month including Black Sabbath tribute band

Paranoid on the 6th, Red Halo on the 13th, Broken

Fayth on the 20th and Cosmic Jelly on the 27th.

Tony Harlan’s Random Axe returns to the American

Legion Post 104 in Montoursville on the 19th and the

American Legion Post 617 in South Willliamsport on

the 27th.

Vocalist Nick Coyle has teamed up with guitarist Mike

Orlando from the band Adrenaline Mob and drummer

Chad Szeliga (formerly of Breaking Benjamin) to form

a new project called A Beautiful Disaster, look them up

on online for more info.

Audio Box returns this month with a few shows check

them out at The Trout Run Hotel for Bike Night on the

11th, and The Mill Tavern in Montoursville on the 27th.

The Hummels Wharf Fire Co. also known as “The

Wharf” welcomes in the legendary Queensryche on

the 12th along with Lynch Mob and Gun Metal Gray

opening the show!

Speedy’s Place in Milton has Unncutt on the 13th.

Williamsport area band Strawberry Alley have

undergone some member changes as well as a name

change, now a three piece and going by Strawbridge

Road, they will be debuting at Knoebels Grove

Amusement Park in Elysburg on the 25th.

The Flu Shots are taking advantage of the summer

weather this month with some outdoor shows check them

out at the Turbotville Fireman’s Carnival on the 3rd,

the Hughesville Fireman’s Carnival on the 6th and at

the American Legion Post 268 in Muncy on the 26th.

A great new band, Gentleman East comprised of

former members of the Badlees as well as guitarist

Aaron Fink (formerly of Breaking Benjamin) released a

new 6 song EP entitled “Oh Yesterday” last month, look

them up on Facebook and give it a listen!

Prairie Dogma a great acoustic duo featuring Mike

Lundy and Dave Jackson roll into the Smiling

Chameleon in Lewisburg on the 4th, Barrel 135 in

Williamsport for a Lycoming Co, SPCA Fundraiser on

the 17th, the Fero Winery in Lewsiburg on the 19th and

NATIONAL continued... SusquehannaValley NEWS

By Jeff Kreitz Jr.

cont inued on next page . . .

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June, 2015 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE 19

the Mill Tavern in Montoursvile on the 26th.

Jeff Pittinger is set to release his new project next

month. Singer/songwriter Eric Val has just finished up a

new single entitled “Beautiful Lie” a video and release

date will be forthcoming. Hard rockers, Quarterstick

invade the Millheim Hotel on the 6th and the Crossfork

Inn on the 27th.

Some big news for you people that don’t know the

new Breaking Benjamin album ‘Dark Before Dawn”

drops on June 23rd!

That’s all I have for this month, please send any info,

news to me at [email protected] or look me

up on Facebook. As always get out and support live

music as well as the Pennsylvania Musician Magazine!

Susquehanna Valley continued...

THEPROFESSOR’S“LIVE REVIEWS”

By Jim Price

It was 28 years ago. I was managing and promoting an

Altoona-based rock band called Tommi-Gunn, and was

already advertising Tommi-Gunn’s schedule in PA

Musician Magazine. Noticing that most other parts of

the state had their own writers and columns but that there

was no Altoona-based column, the light bulb went off in

my head to start penning a column to report local music

happenings in my part of the state. Although Robin

nixed the idea when I first proposed it, I decided to send

her a sample article anyway. It would cost me a few

sheets of typing paper, a big envelope and a few postage

stamps. The worst thing that could happen was that my

sample article ended up in the trash can. It didn’t. My

first PA Musician writ appeared in June, 1987, and

hasn’t missed a month since. Thanks again to Robin and

Whitey for letting me do my thing in PA Musician each

month; this magazine was a game-changer for my life

and career, and opened doors to multiple new

friendships, job opportunities, musical sojourns and life-

long memories. I have been part of PA Musician for

more than half of my life!

Last month, I enjoyed two things I had waited at least

30 years to experience. One was the new Mad Max

movie, Mad Max: Fury Road. (What a FANTASTIC

flick; I have already viewed it twice as I type this, and

will likely have seen it at least once more as you read

this!) And 35 years after first purchasing and hearing the

vinyl import version of their “Strong Arm of the Law”

album, I finally got to see 1980s New Wave of British

Heavy Metal pioneers Saxon in concert! When I learned

Saxon was spotlighting music from their classic “Strong

Arm of the Law”, “Wheels of Steel” and “Denim and

Leather” albums during their current tour, I knew I had

to do the roadtrip to Reverb in Reading to bear witness!

Several groups opened for Saxon; I missed the first, Red

Halo, but arrived during Small Town Titans’ set.

Singer/bassist Phil Freeman, guitarist/singer Ben Guiles

and drummer/singer Jonny Ross introduced a number of

new hard-hitting songs that should be on their

forthcoming new CD. Two Philadelphia-based groups

followed; playing their second show, Salems Outlaws

generated a strong, melody-based take on 80s-styled

metal, while Corners of Sanctuary thundered with a

classic metal sound rooted in the tradition of Judas Priest

and Black Sabbath. Allentown’s MindMaze then rallied

the growing crowd, performing original, classic-styled

power metal. Sarah Teets delivered a strong, clear voice

up front, with Jeff Teets demonstrating detailed,

precision lead guitar work, and drummer Kalin

Schweizerhof and bassist Rich Pasqualone driving the

attack with thundering, pummeling rhythms. MindMaze

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20 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE June, 2015

did songs from their latest CD, “Back From the Edge”,

such as “End of Eternity,” and mixed in older material as

well. With the sound of motorcycles setting the tone,

Saxon arrived on the Reverb stage and revved up their

classic “Motorcycle Man” to launch their performance.

As advertised, Saxon spotlighted songs from their early

career; doing numbers from the aforementioned albums

plus songs from their “Power and the Glory” and

“Crusader” albums as well. Singer Biff Byford,

guitarists Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt, bassist Nibbs

Carter and drummer Nigel Glockler played nearly all of

their classics - “Power and the Glory,” “And the Bands

Played On,” “To Hell and Back Again,” “This Town

Rocks,” “Strong Arm of the Law,” “20,000 Feet,” “The

Eagle Has Landed,” “Princess of the Night,” “747

(Strangers in the Night),” “Heavy Metal Thunder” and

more. Every Saxon favorite fired up the Reverb crowd

more, and the group honored requests handed to them at

the front of the stage. Their epic about the assassination

of John F. Kennedy, “Dallas 1 PM,” was a clear-cut

favorite, and when they honored requests for the title

song from “Crusader,” Biff explained that the song had

been banned in some nations due to its history-based

lyrics. When the Reverb crowd demanded an encore,

Doug reappeared on stage to fire off a guitar solo, which

led into the two-song encore of “Wheels of Steel” and

Saxon’s shout-along anthem “Denim and Leather” to

close the night.

When I journeyed to State College early last month to

pick up and commence deliveries of the May issues of

PA Musician, I never suspected I would end up at a

Garth Brooks concert! But when a friend in town texted

and informed me that he had a free extra tickets with my

name on it, I found myself at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan

Center to see Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood in

concert. Opening the evening was one of Garth’s

backing singers this night, singer/songwriter Karyn

Rochelle, who performed a short set of several of her

original songs. A North Carolina native now based in

Nashville, Karyn has written songs for such country

music heavyweights as George Jones, LeAnn Rimes,

Ronnie Milsap, Reba McIntyre and others. She did such

numbers as the catchy and punchy “Jezabels,” “Better

Off,” and a song she wrote for former American Idol

contestant Kellie Pickler, “Red High Heels.”

A chaotic cyber malfunction-themed intro led into

Garth Brooks’ opener “Man Against Machine,”

followed by his proclamation “Let’s kick the s**t out of

this place!” and his driving honky-tonk hit “Two of a

Kind (Workin’ on a Full House).” From there, Garth

took over the house and had the huge Bryce Jordan

Center audience eating from his hands as he and his

band - keyboardists David Gant and Steve Cox,

guitarist Johnny Garcia, fiddler Jimmy Mattingly,

pedal steel player Bruce Bouton, bassist Mark

Greenwood, drummer Mike Palmer, and backing

singers Karyn, Vicki Hampton and Robert Bailey -

performed hits from throughout his career. “Beaches of

Cheyenne,” “The River,” “Two Piña Coladas,” “Ain’t

Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up),” “God’s Greatest

Gifts,” “Thunder Rolls” and “People Loving People”

were among the songs performed early on. As Garth

performed “In Another’s Eyes,” his wife, Trisha

Yearwood, stepped onto the stage to join him, before

performing her own mini-set. Trisha sang several of her

best-known songs, including “XXX’s and OOO’s (An

American Girl),” “How Do I Live,” the title track to her

latest album “PrizeFighter” and “She’s in Love with the

Boy.” Garth then returned to continue with more of his

hits, including “Shameless,” “Callin’ Baton Rouge,”

“Friends in Low Places” and “The Dance” to end the

set. The Bryce Jordan Center crowd quickly erupted to

demand not one, but two encores. The first encore

featured a fast-firing version of “The Fever.” For the

second, Garth and his band honored requests from the

audience, doing a solo rendition of “That Girl Is a

Cowboy,” “Mom,” “All American Kid,” “Much Too

Young (to Feel This Damn Old)” and “Standing Outside

the Fire.” Admittedly, I was not a big Garth Brooks fan

and knew only his major hits entering this show, but he

made a believer out of me this night and proved he is a

top-notch entertainer! He was personable and

appreciative of the crowd at all times, and worked all

sides of the stage, even crouching down at one point to

grab a lady’s cell phone and do a selfie with her at the

edge of the stage. He was conversational, humorous, and

owned the venue and the audience.

Outdoors, downtown Huntingdon hosted its annual

Mayfest celebration in late April. After helping to kick

things off with my Backyard Rockers bandmates on the

Desert Garden Day Spa stage, I checked out some of the

other live musical entertainment happening throughout

the event. Next on the Desert Garden Day Spa stage,

Dan & Galla provided a fun midday party as they did

joyful versions of 1960s hits from Herman’s Hermits, the

Turtles, Monkees, Mamas & Papas, Three Dog Night,

Spencer Davis Group, the McCoys, Doors and more.

Dan played keys and sang, while Galla sang, played

guitar and flute. Galla was also drafted to step across the

street to emcee a series of dachshund drag races, and the

duo provided fun for the kids with limbo, hula-hooping,

bubble-blowing and bubblegum bubble contests. Further

up Washington Street, I then saw the trio of Chris

Matthews, Tom Shaffer and Rich Stomackin. Chris

sang, Tom played guitar and sang, and Rich played

harmonica. This trio performed a pleasant mixture of

The Professor continued...

Saxon by Jim Price

cont inued on next page . . .

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June, 2015 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE 21

classic rock and folk hits from the Band, Rolling Stones,

Beach Boys and more, plus touches of gospel. I then

returned to the Desert Garden Day Spa stage to witness

the Nick Miller Project with guest singer Gabe Green.

I have witnessed Nick’s brand of musical looping before,

where he uses loops of guitar riffs, percussion and other

sounds to build song arrangements, tunes and jams. He

has pushed this art to a brand new level; here he took a

number of Gabe’s original pop/R&B-flavored numbers

and created looping arrangements for the songs, setting

the launching pad for Gabe to display her expressive and

soulful voice. Nick also unleashed some incredible

spacey bow-on-guitar solos. Besides original songs like

Gabe’s “Love Me Long Time” and “Curbside Blues,”

highlights included an inventive take on Sonny & Cher’s

“Bang Bang,” Nick pulling out his sitar for a couple of

solo numbers, and a dazzling version of “All Along the

Watchtower” near show’s end.

Last month’s 48th annual Blair County Arts Festival

again provided a wide variety of live music throughout

the campus of Penn State Altoona. I arrived during the

Beatlemaniacs’ performance at the Food Court stage, as

singer/drummer Jerry Carnicella, guitarists/singers Bob

Helbig and Johann von Schrenkel, and bassist/singer

Andy Rhody celebrated the hits of the Fab Four and

honored audience requests along the way. Next on the

Food Court stage was Mama Corn, doing what

guitarist/singer Bruce Forr described as “bluegrass-ish

music.” Bruce, singer/banjo man Jeremy Nelson,

upright bassist/singer Bryan Homan and singer/dobro

player John Stevens (mandolinist Chuck Cox was

missing this day) mixed original songs from their latest

CD, “Hold That Crooked Line”, with select traditional

bluegrass and folk favorites. Their voices and harmonies

were bright, delivered with grins and frequent touches of

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22 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE June, 2015

witty humor. Tyne & the Fastlyne followed with their

own folk-based sound. Tyne on vocals and banjo, Bill

“Wiggus” Wilgus on guitar and mandolin, and John

“JK” Kennedy on upright bass did a diverse range of

song material in their own unique flavor, including tunes

from Indigo Girls, Dolly Parton, Steve Earle, and a

version of Mick Ralphs’ (Bad Company’s) “Oh,

Atlanta” (made popular more recently by Alison

Krauss). Tyne displayed an amazing, impassioned voice

and dazzling banjo skills. Johnstown’s Flood City Brass

then brought brass-driven rock and funk to the Food

Court stage, doing numbers from Chicago, Aretha

Franklin, Steely Dan, Ides Of March, Gary Moore, Jesus

Christ Superstar and more. While the horn section of sax

player Jen Shuty, trombonist/sax player Jim Bilitski

and trumpeter Dan Perich was frequently in the

spotlight, singers Tom Pavic and Natalie Kurchak

demonstrated stellar voices, and Randy Rutherford put

on a guitar clinic with tasty, fluid leads. Your Dad’s

Friends then brought their vintage rock’n’roll party to

the Laurel Pavilion stage. Chris Gallagher filled in on

bass, joining singers/guitarists Don Bedell and Rick

Herbster, keyboardist/singer Roger Corey and

drummer Dave DeCapria as they performed numbers

from the Isley Brothers, Monkees, Tommy James, Neil

Diamond, a Lieber & Stoller medley and more. Chris

Woodward & Shindiggin’ closed out the festival’s first

day with a country party, mixing original songs with

current and classic country favorites. Their set built

momentum as they did songs from Miranda Lambert,

Brantley Gilbert, Blake Shelton, Johnny Cash, Lee

Greenwood and more; leading to the climax, where all

four band members - Chris, bassist/singer Brianna

Sheeder, guitarist/singer Mike Gambardella and

drummer/singer Zac Grace - brought instruments off

the stage and played among the audience.

I caught part of Sunday’s Blair County Arts Festival

slate as well, starting with new State College-based

group Frackwater Jack on the Food Court stage.

Although this group features Your Dad’s Friends’

guitarist/singer Don Bedell and YDF alumnus Dave

Misera on lead vocals and guitar, this band does not

play your dad’s music, instead specializing in

1990s/2000s-era rock and alternative. Dave, Don,

bassist Chris Gallagher and drummer John

Cunningham performed tunes from Red Hot Chili

Peppers, Weezer, Nirvana, Jet, U2 and more. I then saw

Pat McGinnis and Jason McIntyre perform on the

Misciagna Portico stage, playing a mix of original songs

from Pat’s recently-issued self-titled CD, plus select

numbers from John Prine, Lowell George and more.

This was one of Jason’s final area appearances before

he relocated to Denver, Colorado at month’s end.

Craft beer proficienados and live music fans

converged at Altoona’s People’s Natural Gas Field last

month for the 8th annual Pints for Pets Brewfest

fundraiser for the Central PA Humane Society. Pints for

Pets convened over two sessions, an afternoon and

evening session, each featuring beer sampling for more

than 75 brewers, and two bands each. Tree the Band led

off the afternoon session with uptempo folk and Celtic

rock sounds. Singer/guitarist Matt Harnett, fiddler Jen

Harnett, bassist John Penrod and drummer Mike

Dixon performed tunes from Old Crow Medicine Show,

Flogging Molly, amped-up traditional Irish and folk

numbers, and more. Shallow 9 fired up the dance party

during the latter half of the first brew-sampling session,

mixing modern and classic rock, pop and funky

favorites. The Perkolators’ Eric Milinchuk now plays

guitar for Shallow 9, joining singer Erika Marino,

bassist Mitch Neuder and drummer Todd

Harshbarger. Before Pints for Pets’ second session

The Professor continued...

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24 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE June, 2015

HIGHWAY 4 - UP IN ARMS (no label) Butler-based

foursome Highway 4 gives their own fresh kick to

anthemic, classic-styled hard rock on their first album,

Up In Arms. Highway 4’s hard-driving sound is firmly

rooted in 1970s and 1980s-era guitar rock, especially

AC/DC. Mike

Angert’s guitar

f l a v o r i s

informed by the

s t y l i n g s o f

AC/DC’s

Malcolm and

Angus Young,

and the rhythm

section of bassist

Tylar Parker

and drummer

Graham

Huselton packs

aggressive

horsepower and wallop behind Highway 4’s attack.

Singer Kelly Brown fronts the group with a potent,

high-flying voice that recalls classic rock women such

as Pat Benatar, Lita Ford and Heart’s Ann Wilson. The

songs and riffs are catchy, dealing with commonplace

topics of relationship ups and downs and life in a rock

band. Much of Up In Arms is pedal-to-the-metal, with

the band survival disc-opening ode “Day By Day”

setting the tone. The group infuses a funk edge into

“Come Down,” and “You Can Find Me Here” delivers a

slight rockabilly punch. The high-octane “Red Handed”

is one of several songs unleashing scorn over

relationship deception; others include the stern “One of

These Days” and “Somewhere Caught (In the Middle).”

The group muses about the apprehension of stepping

away and hitting the road on the burner “Headin’ “Out”

and the slower “Break on Free.” And music dreams and

aspirations are the focus of “Long Road Home” and

“The Rhythm.” Highway 4 slows it down once on the

final track, the Pat Benatar-flavored “Where’s Your

Faith.” Highway 4 plays for keeps, and their delivery is

aggressive and tight. The guitar chords snarl, the guitar

solos slice and dice, and the rhythms drive and hammer.

Kelly Brown’s voice rings high and clear throughout the

set, and she delivers her voice with heart and passion.

Recorded by Doug Kasper at Pittsburgh’s Soundscape

Studio, Up In Arms sounds big, crisp and full; allowing

Highway 4 to show their teeth without compromising

their melodic edge. Those longing for classic-flavored

rock will savor what Highway 4 brings to the table on

Up in Arms, a bold introductory salvo designed for

cranking loud on big sound systems. (The CD can be

obta ined through the group’s websi te ,

www.highway4band.com.)

COASTAL REMEDY - TO THE WORLD (no label)

Indiana’s Coastal Remedy raises the bar on their

songwriting skills on their sophomore full-length CD, To

the World. The sound generated by singer/guitarist Max

Bizousky, guitarist Adam Hess, bassist Matt Snyder

and drummer Matt Magill is rooted in contemporary

alternative and indie rock in the spirit of Incubus, yet

displays structured and infectious melodies and ambient

tones through the disc’s 14 tracks. Coastal Remedy

plays with a variety of song arrangements and dynamics

on the album; the disc-opener “Cozy” quickly builds to

its punchy, infectious chorus in its offer of foldaway

comfort, while the title track “To the World” is a

dynamic, dual-speed affair. The group gets heavy with

the explosive, tension-and-release arrangement of

“Bones,” and experiments with escalating arrangements

on “Thought” and

the jazz-informed

“Golden Place.”

Coastal Remedy

is also adept at

slower paces;

constructing an

infectious, soulful

g r o o v e o n

“Gloria,” taking

listeners on a

dreamy acoustic

ride on “The

River” a n d

painting darker shades on the atmospheric and ambient

“She’s in Love.” Bizousky varies his delivery, from

high-soaring vocal acrobatics to soft-spoken, poetic

passages. Instrumentally, Coastal Remedy mixes up

their textures and tones, layering guitars and changing

up rhythms to keep the entire set fresh-sounding from

start to end. Produced and engineered by Klint Macro

at Cobblesound Recording Company in New

Kensington, To the World sounds clean, crisp and full,

and lets the band expose their expansive musical

personality with minimal studio bells and whistles. The

result is a fresh, captivating listen; Coastal Remedy

elaborates on their style and sound on To the World,

revealing to the world an adventurous band unafraid to

explore and push the boundaries of their musical realm.

(The CD can be purchased through the group’s website,

www.coastalremedy.com.)

WRITING OFF TOMORROW - FLIRTING WITH

DEATH EP (no label) A dual-state collaboration

featuring musicians from Somerset County,

Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia, Writing

Off Tomorrow formed nearly five years ago. The

group’s sophomore seven-song EP, Flirting with Death,

defines and refines the group’s unique and tenacious nu-

metal dynamic. Casey Ringler’s caustic guitar work and

feral vocal snarl

counterbalance

the me lod ic

siren-like voice

of the group’s

lead singer and

lyricist, Megan

Edison; w i th

b a s s i s t Bill

Wiltrout a n d

drummer Joe

Canfield

powering brute-

force rhythms.

Writ ing Off

Tomorrow runs the gamut between pounding metallic

aggression and bursts of shadowy melancholy. Fitting of

the title, Flirting with Death is a dark album, following

a loose theme of personal wars and struggles pushing

the soul and mind closer to the edge. The disc begins

with death, as against a wall of strings, “Funeral for a

Lie” observes an ended life, its separation from pain,

and the emotional wreckage left behind. It leaps into the

pummeling “Kick Your Body Cold,” where patience is

wearing thin and the game is getting old. The explosive

“Wither, Bleed and Scream” savagely addresses

domination and possession, while the disco beat-

powered “Pick My Bones Dry” ponders head games. In

perhaps the disc’s darkest moment, the ballad “Another

Day” explores inner demons and suicidal struggles. The

clarity and focus of Megan Edison’s voice convincingly

sells the set’s dark themes, as her performance is full and

steady throughout. The band throttles with velocity and

precision, with the mix allowing them to bare their full

teeth while retaining the dark melodic tones. Writing

Off Tomorrow strengthens their musical identity on

Flirting with Death, raising the bar on their creativity

and intensity. (The EP can be obtained through the

group’s website,www.writingofftomorrow.com.)

CLOSE TO CONSIDERATION - CONSID-I-

RATION (no label) Formed nine years ago when the

members were young teens, Close to Consideration has

evolved their unique fusion of reggae, funk, jam, punk

and ska. Their latest CD, Consid-i-ration, mixes all of

these flavors into a punchy, catchy blend over ten tracks.

Singer/guitarist

Chad Wright,

drummer/singer

Austin Weaver

and

bassist/singer

S a m H u g

generate often

infectious song

hooks, and mix

up tempos ,

chords and

rhy thms to

br ing those

hooks to life. Wonder and hope inform much of Consid-

i-ration’s lyrics; the reggae-driven disc-opening title

track is philosophical and ponders direction in life, while

the funkier “Uncontrolled Flow” muses about creativity

and freeing one’s mind. The group ponders a pot bust on

the darker reggae of “Probation Song,” and offers a

hopeful tone on the relaxing R&B-flavored “Floating.”

Close to Consideration fires their ska/punk chops on

the playful “Yabba-Dabba-Do” and the disc-closer

“Chee-Woah,” and generates some Rolling Stones-

flavored hard rock on “Counting.” The group delivers a

spontaneous vibe and feel with their performance,

executing with a go-for-broke attitude but displaying

instrumental tightness. Chad Wright demonstrates a

fast-firing, freewheeling singing style that serves the

material well, occupying a middle ground between Bob

Marley and Anthony Kiedis. Recorded in an auditorium

at York College, Consid-i-ration has a cavernous

resonance to it, yet the components of Close to

Consideration’s mix sound clear and distinct. Wright’s

vocals could stand to be more prominent in spots, but

overall this is a good-sounding set. Close to

Consideration’s lively, carefree approach makes

Consid-i-ration a fun and rewarding listen, and suggests

that this group’s live show may offer a similar sense of

adventure and spontaneity worth checking out. (The CD

can be obtained through Close to Consideration’s

Reverbnation page, www.reverbnation.com/ctcnation.)

PA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE CD REVIEWS

Send your CDs & Recordings

for Review to:JIM PRICE

1104 S. Catherine St.

Altoona, PA 16602

CDs reviewed by Jim Price

Page 25: Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015

June, 2015 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE 25

The Professor continued...

numbers from their four-song EP such as “Irish Pride,”

“Lead Sled,” “Tale of a Sailor” and “Bar Fight,” and

introduced newer tunes such as “Beer Run,” “Family”

and “Chase the Snakes.”

Pure Cane Sugar also visited McGarvey’s in recent

weeks. The vocals and harmonies generated by Kate

Twoey, Natalie Race and Molly Countermine are

always incredible, backed by stunning guitar work from

Junior Tutwiler and precise and often complex

rhythmic passages laid down by Daryl Branford and

Bob Hart. Besides their obvious musical skills, Pure

Cane Sugar has the knack for not only crafting

infectious original songs, but turning cover material into

their own distinctive flavor. The group pulled off a fresh

and invigorating take on Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog”

that stripped the song down to its bare blues roots and

reconstructed it into a whole new entity far removed

from the Zeppelin version! Pure Cane Sugar also

served up musical sweetness with inventive versions of

The Band’s “The Weight” and a freewheeling medley

version of Buffalo Springfield’s “Mr. Soul,” plus

original song favorites like “No Regard,” “Get a Leg

Up” and “My Favorite Song.” audience requests and

more.

The new mach edition of the Chris Bell Band is now

operational, and I caught them in action last month at

The Arena in State College. Long established as a blues

guitarist and singer, Chris has now expanded his

repertoire to encompass a broader roots and Americana-

based sound. Flanked this night by guitarist Brian

McHugh, drummer Ben Leaper and bassist Jaco

Gassler, Chris delivered hard-edged country and

Americana, southern rock, original tunes and more.

They did multiple songs from Chris’ latest CD “Bell

Countyline” such as “Take it Outside,” “No Big Deal”

and “(That’s How) Country Girls Do It,” along with

numbers from Jason Aldean, Allman Brothers,

Blackberry Smoke, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more. Chris

demonstrated a gritty singing style and his guitar work

dazzled; he and his band attacked each song with vigor,

and took many of the tunes on freewheeling, intense

jamming joyrides. See the Chris Bell Band when they

perform outdoors at Lemont Village Green on July 10.

Also at The Arena, I caught the hard-rocking

doubleheader of Big Bear Chase Me and Inside Out

early last month during local skin/body art business

Ikonic Ink’s second anniversary celebration. I arrived

during Big Bear Chase Me’s set; the group has changed

guitar players since I last saw them, with Arena sound

engineer Steve Shutt now playing guitar, joining

bassist/singer Adam Zimmer, singer Brian Storm and

drummer Adam Rider. Big Bear Chase Me had the

party going pretty well with their blend of ‘90s-era and

modern hard rock favorites; performing numbers from

Fuel, Silverchair, Tool, Rage Against the Machine, and

even breaking out a song I’ve not heard in ages,

Sponge’s “16 Candles!” Making their first Arena

appearance, Inside Out then slammed the lid on the

night with their powerful set, winning the Arena crowd

with their mix of heavy modern rock, metal and original

tunes. They did several songs off their “Unbreakable”

disc such as “Giving Myself Away,” “Taking My Life,”

“Inside of Me,” “Vampire Eyes” and “Sacrifice,” as

well as tunes from Three Days Grace, Seether,

Disturbed, Static X and more. Jim Bagrosky continues

to settle in well behind Inside Out’s drum kit, packing

thunder behind the crunch generated by singer/guitarist

Tim Frick, guitarist/singer Kolt Green and bassist Larz

Philip.

Half Tempted reliably continues to churn out the best

in classic rock. With guest Steve Oswalt singing lead

vocals during the group’s visit to Altoona’s Family

Pizza & Pub last month, Half Tempted struck up the

party with their classic rock mix, delivering a few

surprises along the way. Steve, guitarists/singers Ron

Dalansky and Jim Mincin, bassist Joe George and

drummer Shawn Gioiosa kept the dance floor busy with

tunes from Grand Funk Railroad, Tom Petty,

Steppenwolf, AC/DC, Queen, Scorpions, Aerosmith,

Kiss and more. The surprises included a version of Wild

Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” with Parliament and

Prince side journeys, a version of Rick James’

“Superfreak,” and a dance floor-filling edition of Iron

Maiden’s “Running Free.”

This Albatross also knows how to throw the party,

evidenced by the good-time display I witnessed last

month at Altoona’s Belmar Hotel. Singer Autumn

Shiffler, keyboardist/guitarist/singer Paul Johnson Jr.,

lead guitarist/singer Phil “Philly Grooves” Wagner,

bassist Mike Stanley and drummer Les Beatty mixed

female-fronted rock and country hits with other classics

and a few surprises along the way. Autumn’s voice was

in fine form as she sang numbers from Blondie, Pat

Benatar, Scandal, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Alannah

Myles and more. The group broke out versions of

Jefferson Starship’s “We Built This City” and “You’re

the One That I Want” from Grease, and kept the dance

floor packed through it all. This Albatross performs

during Central Blair’s Relay for Life event at Altoona’s

Mansion Park on June 12, and opens for Bon Jovi

tribute Bad Medicine at Altoona’s Railroaders

Museum June 19.

Other performers I saw recently included Felix & the

Hurricanes, launching the Belmar Hotel’s annual

anniversary weekend last month; and a variety of

performers at the weekly Tuesday Open Mic Night at

D’Ottavio’s Gran Sasso in Hollidaysburg including

Amy Yatta, James Lee, Ron “The Music Man”

Balestino, the Jailhouse Rockers, Playground

Hijinks, Phil Baskin, Dan & Warren Peters, Rich

Edmundson and 22 East.

News and notes: Bret Michaels launches this year’s

Alive at Five Concert Series at Altoona’s Railroaders

Museum on June 5, with proceeds helping out the Heart

Institute of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Jo Dee

Messina headlines this year’s Summer’s Best Music

Fest, happening June 6 in downtown State College. Big

Head Todd and the Monsters headline the

performance menu for this year’s annual AmeriServ

Flood City Music Festival, which takes place Aug. 7-9

at People’s Natural Gas Park in Johnstown; other

performers announced so far include J.J. Grey and

Mofro, Eric Lindell, Joe Grushecky and the

Houserockers, Eric Tessmer, Feufollet, Horseshoes

and Hand Grenades, Tree, Crew of the Half Moon,

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing and more. Jeff Clapper is

retiring from his long run as bass player and singer with

Felix & the Hurricanes after July; the Hurricanes will

soon hold auditions for possible replacements. The

Backyard Rockers have added a fourth member, as Mo

Yon comes aboard to share lead singing and guitar

duties, plus play bass and sing backing vocals; Mo’s

first official performance with the group was during

Huntingdon’s Mayfest in late April. State College-based

indie musician and open mic host Harold Taddy is

leaving the area to relocate to the Rochester, New York

area.

Happy Birthdays to Greg Malec (Red Alert), Zac

Grace (Chris Woodward & ShinDiggin’), Jill Simanski

(Pistol Peg & the Beer Kegs), Kolt Green (Inside Out),

Norman Nardini, John “JT” Thompson, Zupe, Brett

O’Donnell (Untyed), Adam Pielmeier and Eric McCrum

(The Hope Fallacy), Jaime Dubetsky (Acoustic Stew),

Todd Alper (Bite the Bullet), Chris Verbano (Whiskey

River Panhandlers), Erika Marino (Shallow 9), Beth

Hoover (No Angels), C’Jay Castello (Chris Vipond &

the Stanley Street Band/C’Jay’s Music), Johnny Bayush

(Painted By Millions), Ernie Peterson (Southside

Strays), Ken Gray (Twelve), Luke Pfister, Chris Conrad

(Syrins), Ed Somerville, Kayla Feaster (Rhythm

Sharks), Bob Krebs (It Is Written), Ken Slovikosky

(Cottonmouth), Whitey Noll, Joan Shrenkle, (John &

Joan), Mike Holzer (Allegheny Ukulele Kollective),

John Ciccarella (Wreathbearer), Scott Imler, Mike

Holzer, Bryan Zerbee, Kira Burley, P.J. Kelly, Jason

Berardi, Tom Seidel and Bob Sr. (4D’s Lounge).

Please send correspondence and recordings to: Jim

Price, 1104 S. Catherine St., Altoona, PA 16602. And

if you’re into social networking, look me up on

Facebook or Google+. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!

Check out our website for more Hotshots...

www.pamusician.net

Page 26: Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015
Page 27: Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015

June, 2015 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE 27

BUSINESSCLASSFIEDS:WANTED: WE PAY CASH

for used guitars, amps,

effects, etc!!! Call Matt at

Cre te r Gui ta r Shop ,

Jonestown at 717-865-3677.

We also do guitar repairs 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: [email protected].

THE BEST VALUE FOR

Y O U R R E C O R D I N G

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 guitar 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.datamusicsvcs.com,

Altoona PA. Phone 814-944-

2406.

RIGHT C O A S T

RECORDING: State of the

art vintage recording

environment with years of

experience and a long list of

s a t i s f i e d c u s t o m e r s .

www.rightcoastrecording.co

m Phone 717-560-1530.

WANTED TO BUY: Piano

sheet music. Call 717-250-

4798.

FOR SALE: Music Store,

complete stock and displays.

Moe’st Everything Muse 825

Ann Street, Stroudsburg, PA

18360.Call 570-223-6900

shop or 570-350-2962 cell.

DRUM LESSONS: Altoona

area. Drum lessons from Jim

Bagrosky. Any music or

songs . Beginners to

advanced. Any age. I can

come to you if needed!! Call

814-215-3541.

Please say, “I saw your ad in

t h e P E N N S Y LVANIA

MUSICIAN MAGAZINE”

DRUM LESSONS: Altoona

area. Drum lessons from Jim

Bagrosky. Any music or

songs . Beginners to

advanced. Any age. I can

come to you if needed!! Call

814-215-3541.

WANTED: Practice space for

Fridays through Sundays.

Sporadic weeknights after

6pm. 40-mile radius of

Harrisburg. One person.

Thanks, 708-776-3567 Kent

EQUIPMENTFOR SALE

FOR SALE: Peavey

Classic 30 112 combo Amp

Tweed, like brand new, paid

$650 will take $500. Leave

message 570-648-8092.

FOR SALE: 7 pc. 1977

White Rogers drum set, 3

rotos included, 3 cymbals all

stands, 1 snare, 1 Rock’n’soc

seat, both pedals, Paid

$3,800, Sell for $2,000 or

best offer. 717-303-4211.

FOR SALE: Marshall MA

series 100w Tube amp with

1960 top cabinet, nice combo

to play through. Also Peavey

Supreme 100 solid state with

Hartke four 12 cab. 717-303-

4211.

FOR SALE: Bose L1

compact PA. Beautiful clear

sound. Easily fills a church

or club. 35lbs. Great for

small or solo performers. Call

814-931-4905.

F O R S A L E : P o w e r

Conditioners 3 EQ Pro VLA

Crossovers speakers, Hollow

Spot Senheiser 421’s, rack,

cases, Yamaha Drums, mics,

cables and much more. 814-

692-2114.

FOR SALE: 2 Peavey

TLS4X 2 Peavey bass bins,

Road case PRWN 14x

Yamaha MG 16/4 2 Amps PV

2600, QSC, GX5 Lexicon

MX200 furman M-8 x 2

DBX223XL $3,000. Call

717-513-6671.

FOR SALE: Nice vintage

Rogers Drums with all

hardware of not, your choice.

I’m looking for smaller

cheaper set to purchase. Also

Amp cabinets for sale,

combos 717-303-4211.

FOR SALE: Vintage Five

piece Rogers Drum set; 3

Rogers cymbal stands, rogers

Hi Hat stand, Rogers bass

drum pedal, Rogers stool,

excellent condition, $1,200

firm. 717-737-8443 or 717-

315-8789.

FOR SALE: Elation Light

Show. Smokin Gunnz is

selling their light show 16 par

56s , 4, 415 packs, 1 board, 4

trees & cables. Ready to Plug

& Play. Call Bob 717-832-

6154. Asking $900 or best

offer only 2 years old we paid

over $1,900 new

FOR SALE: Tascam 380 24

track recording board with

V.U. meters, $500 717-627-

4800.

CLASSIFIED NOTES

continued...

Page 28: Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015

28 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE June, 2015

FOR SALE: Mastering

cassette recorders like new,

$35 each. 717-627-4800.

FOR SALE: Acoustic foam.

Great for studio, control

rooms, stages, rehearsal

space. (4)sheets 2-3” thick,

54” square. $50 takes all.

610-488-0914

F O R S A L E :

Studio/apartment refrigerator.

Keep your drinks cold while

you rehearse! Small Sanyo

refrigerator. $50. 610-488-

0914

F O R S A L E :

Compressor/limiters. Aphex

720 Dominator II, DBX

266XL,Drawmer 241L.

Leave message. 610-488-

0914.

FOR SALE: Microphones.

(2 ) AKG C-391 B

condensers.

Excellentcondition, low

price. Bass roll off and-10db

attenuation. Includes clips,

foam windscreen, cables and

protectivecases. 610-488-

0914.

FOR SALE: Multitrack

recorders. Tascam. (3) DA-

88’s, (1) DA-38 and (1)RC-

848. Includes sync cables

w/balanced snakes, rack

cases and custom oakremote

control s tand. Leave

message. 610-488-0914.

FOR SALE: Multi effects

processors: t.c. electronics

M5000 w/digital options..

Lexicon LXP-5 w/MRC.

Leave message 610-488-0914

FOR SALE: DI box. ProCo

CB-1. $20

Leave message 610-488-0914

FOR SALE: Record video of

your band from the stage or

Front of Housesound board.

Attach any camera to these

unique CAMERA MOUNTS.

Leave message 610-488-0914

FOR SALE: DAT Recorder.

Panasonic SV-3500 in very

good working andcosmetic

condition. Includes power

cable, wired remote and

or ig ina l sh ipp ingbox .

Records at 44.1 khz. 610-

488-0914

FOR SALE: Mic stands and

tons of cabling. Mic cables,

instrumentcables, snakes

(RCA, ?”, XLR etc),,monster

speaker cables, balanced

EDCO to multi-pin etc.

Leave message. 610-488-

0914

FOR SALE: Hammond

Proline 860 Leslie, With foot

pre-amp and leslie 11 pin

cable, All in great condition!

$600.00 Phone 717-248-8739

Email: superstarr@hot-

shot.com

FOR SALE: Peavey LB1200

par 64 midi and dmx

controled lights with gels, 2

bars with 4 lights each. work

great $250 Ph. 717-248-8739

email: superstarr@hot-

shot.com

FOR SALE: 1 Pair of JBL

TR Series Tower speakers,

dual 15” subwoofers and

horn speakers $500.00 570-

765-2227 Don.

MUSICIANSWANTED

Keyboardist. 70’s 80’s up.

Funk Rock. “Silverhawks”

members new five piece band

“AURORA”. Have all

players, two sets. Weekly

Lancaster practice, bi-

monthly gigs. Warren (717)

286-3262.

WANTED: Lead Singer

Harrisburg. Auditioning lead

vocalist. old school heavy

metal band. Originals some

C o v e r s , m u s t h a v e

dependable transportation,

Pro equipment, serious

inquiries only!! 717-614-

9887

WANTED: Hard-hitting

drummer with experience and

good instinct wanted for

working band. Must be

willing to travel. Originals

and mostly KISS, Poison,

Crue, Joan Jett covers. Full

drum kit available. Call

Sharon 717-465-8119.

Se r ious Oppor tun i ty !

Clearfield, PA: “Apocalyptic”

metal project needs Drummer

and 2nd Guitar. Versatility a

plus. Influences: Sludge,

Black, Grind, Death…etc.

C o n t a c t S a i n t F r a n c i s

Apocalypsis. 814-205-4288.

WANTED: Music ians .

Drummer looking to form

original, instrumental group.

South central PA region.

Shannon

[email protected] 717

264-9951

WANTED: Frontman needed

for Full Time band, 21-30

years of age, Pop/Rock band

Covers and Originals.

Page 29: Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015
Page 30: Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015
Page 31: Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015

30 PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE June, 2015

SINGER WANTED: Wilkes-

Barre area male vocalist for

established party band

(covers). Please email a link

to some vocal samples email

[email protected]

WANTED: Looking for

players to jam with Lehigh

Valley blues rockabilly call

johnny suede 484-862-6513.

WANTED: Band based in

NEPA with published original

material and signed with a

major promoter; is currently

seeking a Keyboardist,

Vocalist and Guitarist with

vocal ability for recording

and concert venues. (Serious

inquiries, please) Dennis 570-

704-8131.

WANTED: Keyboardist witth

vocals for classic / original

rock-n-roll band: Full size

Hammond B-3 with 147

Leslie cabinet provided.

Rehearsal Space located in

Milton, PA for $20 per hour.

leave name, number, brief

message; We will return your

call 570-412-4312.

WANTED: Music ians .

Forming all original black

metal group. Seeking like

m i n d e d p r o f e s s i o n a l

members. Musical abilities,

image conscience. Drums,

bass and lead. Interested

gouls feel free to email, or

717-770-9621

DRUMMER WANTED: for

originals studio project. hard-

edged, melodic, progressive

rock. Electronic set a big

plus. Newer stuff is waiting.

[email protected]

WA N T E D : LYRICIST

searching for an imaginative

lyrics writer to put his/her

words to my original music

compositions for studio

recordings. Dark, deep,

passionate.

[email protected]

WANTED: Singer and

guitarist wanted for all

original band._We play

rock/hard rock._Must have

equipment, transportation,

and experience. Practice in

Manchester (York area). 717-

712-2008 or _717-418-0020.

WANTED: Frontman /

Vocalist Lancaster-based rock

band seeking frontman/

vocalist. proficiency with

rhythm guitar and / or harp a

plus. Larry after 5pm 717 252

2616.

WANTED: Working Band

Looking For Lead / Rhythm

Guitar Player & Keyboard

Player For Autumns Golden

Oldies. Positive Attitude And

Team Player A Must. Call

Randy @ 570-898-6888

WANTED: Piano Player/

Keyboardist for original rock/

folk/ blues project. Singing

and songwriting a plus.

Contact

[email protected] or

717-813-5158 for details.

WANTED: Musicians. All

f e m a l e r o c k b a n d

Streetwalker is reforming in

Pittsburgh , seeks female

bass , drums. over 21. Must

have talent. Your equipment.

We have agents and

promoters waiting 717-364-

5660.

WANTED: Music ians .

Seeking lead guitar, drums,

bassist, keyboards. All

original black metal group.

Prefer experience, will deal if

none. Male or female

Image attitude dedication a

m u s t . 7 1 7 - 7 7 0 - 9 6 2 1

dsadler131@gmail.

WANTED: Music ians .

Original goth metal band

seeks male or female Drums,

keyboard, lead guitar, bass.

Dedication and image a must.

Type O Nightwish Moonspell

D i m m u B o r gir.

dsadler131@gmail. 717-770-

9621.

WANTED: Lead guitarist

wanted for working Central

Pa rock band Disorderly

Conduct wanna make some

money and have some fun

email

[email protected] or

call Scott 717-318-1725

WANTED: Lyricist seeks

composer: Many songs, many

genres, rock, rap, country.

Need set to music. E-mail me

at [email protected]. Bob

MUSICIANSAVAILABLE

AVAILABLE: Classic rock

l e a d v o c a l i s t i n

Northumberland county

available, many years of

stage experience. I have live

video available, contact:

frontman_classic_rock@yaho

o.com

AVAILABLE: Keyboard

player all styles to sit in with

working band. No startups.

Call Dean 570-784-2689

email [email protected].

AVAILABLE: Keyboard -

Piano player, Danville area,

well seasoned can also sing

some lead. Can sing

harmony. Also can play left

handed bass . Working

situation only, any style

Joe 570-356-2390.

AVAILABLE: Guitarist

between York and Lancaster

Counties. Primarily into hard

r o c k t o m e t a l .

[email protected]

m

AVAILABLE: Guitarist

playing old out-dated

material but doing it

extremely well. Looking for

same playing out, heavy

rehearsal time. I’m not

i n t e r e s t e d i n t h a t

arrangement. 717-303-4211.

AVAILABLE: Male vocalist,

excellent range. Some rhythm

guitar skills. Best at singing

50s-60s oldies rock and roll

or 80s-90s country songs.

Carlisle-Harrisburg a r e a .

717-533-5263

AVAILABLE: Rock Vocalist.

Kevin Dubrow, Robert Plant,

Bon Scott, Layne Staley type

voice. Rhythm guitar skills

also. Prefer established

original or cover. HBG area.

Reply:

[email protected].

AVAILABLE MUSICIAN:

Playing 35 years lead, slide,

and acoustic guitars. Solid

lead or back up vocals if

needed. Solid personal stage

e q u i p m e n t . S o l i d

transportation and D.L.

Playing Married, clean cut,

semi retired with lots of time.

Please no heavy, punk or hard

rock. West York, Haover and

Gettysburg areas. Please call

Dave Lanich. 717-817-2165.

AVAILABLE: Guitarist from

Harrisburg area looking to

put together band at my

location or yours. Weekend

rehearsals only. Covering

70’s I0’s material. Easy stuff

to start. 717-303-4211.

What we Offer YOU for YourMarketing Investment:

• 12,000 Copies distributed in Major Clubs,

Music Stores and Malls throughout the state(that’s 12,000 FLYERS out there WITH YOUR

NAME on them! People collect each issue)

• Link to www.pamusician.netWE SCAN YOUR AD ONTO OUR SITE

and place a link from your ad to your website or

myspace (over 10,000 hits and more per month!)

• When you advertise with us, Like us at

www.facebook.com/PA Musiciaan Magazineand share your events and what is happening and we

will share them on our Timeline as well.

• Lets Club Owners know you’re Serious about helping to PROMOTE YOUR GIGS and

GET YOUR FANS and NEW FANS to the show.

• Puts Your Phone Number & Website at the tips of club owners & fans.

You have the talent, you have the band,

the equipment, the CD, now you

just need to let people know.

Let us help you.... 717-444-2423

USE ‘the paper” that the Music Industry USES!

m a g a z i n e

Page 32: Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015
Page 33: Pennsylvania Musician Magazine June 2015