WhooHOO! Summer has begun for sure here in PA. These temperatures are all over the place, just like the music! I was insanely busy once again, but still managed to catch a few snippets of music.
It all kicked off at the first Tuesday of the month at Copper Pub for the monthly open mic hosted by Megan & Dave. This month the open mic was co-hosted by the Central PA Music Hall of Fame. The CPMHOF has been bouncing around to different open mics, co-hosting, so they have the opportunity to hear different artists perform. This open mic did have a lot of acts I never even heard of before. I unfortunately missed most of the new musicians, but I did get there for the last few acts. When I arrived Crash & Cross were on stage. A lot of times you see Crasher out there flying solo, so it was nice to hear him perform with “Cross” again. Hank the Buffalo was up next Stephen and Chris played a couple songs, and then Chris Auxt, Derek Avalon, Megan Miller, and Brandon Valentine all mashed together to do an amazing version of “Teenage Dirtbag”. It was a perfect ending to a beautiful night. I always love seeing the fun jam at the end, and seeing everyone work together and just have a good time!
After a busy weekend away I made it back in time for part of Sunday Funday at Flinchy’s with Matt Jameson Live. Believe it or not, it had been quite a while since I saw Matt play, especially at Flinchy’s. The deck was packed on this amazing Sunday, and people kept requesting songs and Matt kept on playing them. He continued playing so long, that I couldn’t even stick around til the end. I had places to go and a person to see…
That person was Slade Heller, playing a solo show up at Shermans Creek Inn, under the tent. The crowd in the tent was sparse, but thankfully I filled my car to go to his show, so we brought the energy and huge smiles to Slade’s face! We had a blast singing and playing along! It’s always a blast getting so many musicians together supporting each other. Slade is an amazing musician that plays in so many bands! Most of which are lsted in this magazine: Slade Solo of course, then The Night Howls, Ragged Grace, Hank the Buffalo, and I’m probably missing another band or 3. Ha! No matter what band he’s playing with he always pours in 150%! Not only a great musician, but also a super cool human!
Next up was the month’s first stop down at Blue Sky Tavern’s open mic hosted by Matt Jameson Live! I of course stopped by for the end, when I arrived I heard Crash Acoustic, Stephen Robert, who was also joined by Chris Auxt on Cajon, Bill Lang, Ben, Derek Avalon, and then of course the Jam! Jams are always fun to witness because you just never know what you will see, and it’s also a great way to get to hear at least some of the first musicians I missed. I really never make it in time to see Matt kick off the night in the beginning, but I at least get to see him jam with the group and let loose and have some fun!
On a Friday, I heard that Penntera was rocking out at Double Barrel Roadhouse. I never went down there before, and my trusty metal sidekick Matt was out of town, so I called our friend Scott Troup, and convinced him to be my ride-a-long! It was wayyy too long since I’ve seen Penntera. Double Barrel Roadhouse is a church converted into a venue, so even when we were right beside it, we were still confused as to exactly where it was! The “sanctuary” is a huge room, and they painted everything in black. The acoustics in there are awesome! It’s also super high-tech with these fancy wristbands that let you pour your own beer out of taps. It’s a strange system, but yet effective!
Penntera is always so much fun to watch. I’m sure there’s drama because every band has drama, but every time I see these guys I can’t help but notice how much they are truly smiling and laughing at each other and themselves while on stage, they are having just as much fun as the rest of us! There was plenty of headbanging, moshing, and overall good fun happening all night long! The saddest part of a Penntera show is that they are over so quickly! It felt so good to rock out to a full band!
Saturday after some work I headed out to the Fredericksburg Eagle Hotel for Roger Bowyer. When I got there Keith Randall was rockin’ the stage with Sean on the Cajon, while Roger was taking a little break. I’m glad I got there in time to catch a little bit of Keith jamming out! If you haven’t seen Keith & Sonya yet, you should check them out! After Keith played a bit it was back to the star of the night Roger! Roger plays such a great mix of classic rock and country, he fits right in to the FEHO crowd.
I finished the night swinging in to Hollywood Casino’s H-Lounge for Dave Bray USA. Most of you already know, but Zack, my oldest, shipped out for Army Boot Camp on June 2nd. I’m making it, but for 13 days I didn’t hear from him and it was absolutely wrecking me mentally. Obviously, Dave Bray USA’s shows are very patriotic, especially on Flag Day, so it was extra emotional for sure! Dave and the band put on an amazing show. My heart could only handle so much, so I didn’t stick around long, but what I did see was very powerful, especially when he played the “Star Spangled Banner.”
The following Wednesday I escaped back to Blue Sky Tavern where Megan and Dave were filling in for Matt while he was on vacation. It was cool to see some new faces at the open mic, one of which was Megan Sheibley. Megan started out in the scene singing karaoke, but a few months ago she decided it was time to learn how to play guitar, and now here she is already rockin’ out at open mics! I also saw “Max Jones” I figured out thanks to Pete Netznik that Max used to play in a band with Pete, because I was trying to figure out who this cool guitar playing dude really was! I’m also super proud of Megan of Megan and Dave every time I see her break out her guitar. It always reminds me I really need to play the uke again. Then of course the usual suspects: Derek Avalon, breaking hearts with every note he sings; Merv rockin’ out on his acoustic guitar, and Andre. Then one heck of an open jam that had everyone on their feet rockin’ along! I zoomed in one more time down to open mic and I saw a few acts before I headed to Flinchy’s for Marshall Stone. One of those acts was Ricky Lee. I’ve seen Ricky playing at open mic quite a few times, and I’m thrilled to report he has his first gig scheduled for July out at Snitz Creek. Definitely keep your eyes open and see Ricky when you can. It’s awesome to see these guys develop their skills at open mic and then head out into the “wild”!
Speaking of “WILD”.. I zoomed out of open mic and up the road to Flinchy’s for Marshall Stone. If you haven’t caught a Marshall Stone show yet, you are really missing out. His range and vocal talent is something no one else in this area can even get close to doing! It is always a jaw dropping experience.
In between open mics I also went to Falls Crab Shack on a Tuesday for Derek Henry Acoustic. It was nice to finally cross paths with Derek again. Cindy came with me and we definitely livened up the Crab Shack with our crazy singing and dancing. Derek just loves it.. HA! Derek recently recorded a new video to release with their studio recorded version of “Where is My Mind” by The Pixies. One of my all-time favorite songs! Thanks for getting it recorded Derek, so I can enjoy it all the time!
Last but not least I headed out to Snitz Creek in Annville for not only Hank the Buffalo, but also Cindy’s birthday celebration. I came straight from camping with the family so I could make it to Cindy’s party. When I opened my car door I heard them just starting “What’s Up” by the 4 Non Blondes, so I came a running! It was awesome to see such a great crowd out supporting Hank and Cindy! Happy Birthday Cindy!!
Well that’s a rap for this month! Short and sweet and to the point! I’m planning on being around a little bit more in July, but we shall see. If I’m not out traveling, I’m usually working somewhere!
Don’t forget to check out our website at www.pamusician.net, and of course get out there and SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!!!! ~all photos in Out & About by Rachel Rocks~
