THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS
By Jim Price
To lead off this month’s writ, PA Musician Magazine marks another anniversary, serving this state’s music community for 43 years! Thanks again to publisher/editor Josh Noll and consulting editor Robin Noll for keeping the fire burning, and for allowing me to do my monthly thing in these pages for more than 38 of those years!
With the arriving colder temperatures of fall, the live music scene has again moved back indoors. But I did get to enjoy some final outdoor events in recent weeks, including a return trip to the Bloomsburg Fair in late September to see legendary rockers Styx in concert. Arriving early, I got to enjoy some performances on the Free Stage before the main event, getting there in time to see the last few songs from Pottstown’s Richie & the High Street Band, an excellent show band celebrating vintage rock’n’roll of the 1950s and 60s. Decked out in suits, namesake Richard “Richie” Thomas on lead vocals and guitar, bassist John Pachnos and drummer Austin Bright delivered the vintage rock’n’roll experience with renditions of Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World,” Buddy Holly’s “Oh Boy” and their encore version of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” Next up was Reading’s Erich Cawalla and the Uptown Band, who also roused the large fair audience with their wide variety of rock, soul, country and pop hits. Nine members strong, this group brought the joy with sharp and upbeat renditions of hits from Adele, the Temptations, Whitney Houston, the Miracles, grooving hit medleys and much more.
I then made my way to the fair’s Grandstand stage to see Styx, and I wasn’t disappointed. Now featuring founding members James Young on guitar and (part time) bassist Chuck Ponazzo, singer and guitarist Tommy Shaw, singer and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, guitarist Will Evankovich, drummer Todd Sucherman and new addition Terry Gowan on bass; Styx celebrated rocking numbers from throughout their catalog, including most of their hits, a few deeper cuts, and some songs off their brand new album “Circling From Above.” From the new album, they opened with “Build and Destroy” and later introduced “Michigan.” With backdrop imagery of their classic albums showing behind them, Styx visited those albums; doing “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Rockin’ the Paradise” and “The Best of Times” off 1981’s “Paradise Theater,” performing “Miss America,” “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” and the title track from 1977’s “The Grand Illusion,” “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)” and “I’m OK” off 1978’s”Pieces of Eight” (the latter song performed live for the first time since 2017) and more. Styx also did their early breakthrough hit “Lady,” “Lorelei,” “Crystal Ball” and “Mr. Roboto” during their main set. When the audience demanded the encore, Styx responded with “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade” to end the night. Styx brought the energy and majesty to each of their song creations, and delivered an uplifting performance through it all.
Delgrosso’s Amusement Park in Tipton closed out their summer season in late September with two popular weekend events…The first was the 35th annual Italian Food & Heritage Festival. Obviously, food was a big highlight here, as several community organizations and the kitchens of Delgrosso’s served up a variety of tasty Italian cuisine from lasagna and pasta samplers to Italian wedding soup and pasta fagioli, meatball and Italian sausage sandwiches, pizzelles, desserts and more. Live music was part of the festivities – the main stage featured alternating sets between local singer Brandis Ajay and “The Graceful Tenor” Vittorio DiCarlo. Accompanied by David Villani on keys, Brandis displayed a soaring, smooth and full-ranged voice as she sang such selections as the Dean Martin-popularized “Arrivaderci Roma,” David Foster’s “Caruso,” Italian language renditions of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” and Andrea Bocelli/Sarah Brightman’s “Time to Say Goodbye” and more. Making his return visit to this festival, Vittorio DiCarlo brought his clear and strong voice as he performed a mix of American and Italian hits. Among the songs he performed were “I Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Turna a Surriento,” Frank Sinatra hits such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Strangers in the Night” and “My Way.”
During the following weekend, I attended Delgrosso’s final day of operation for the year, which was also the final day of their 38th annual Harvestfest celebration. This celebration featured a multitude of art and craft vendors, area businesses, community organizations serving up a variety of foods, kids’ rides and activities, and more live music. I first encountered strolling one-man band performer Nick DiSanto. Nick’s “band” featured ukulele, harmonica, various drums and percussion, cymbals, horns and more. Nick played standards and favorites as he strolled around the park; I witnessed him as he performed the Frank Sinatra-popularized favorite “Just A Gigolo.” I also caught the final set by West Virginia-based bluegrass performers the Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band. This group’s style was traditional-flavored bluegrass, and they performed a mix of traditional favorites plus some of their originals, including some off their latest album “Live on Location.” Lead singer and upright bass player Libby Files, mandolinist Brett Smeltzer, banjo player Rylan Rissler, guitarist Kenton “Red” Catlett and a fiddle player (whose name I didn’t catch) sounded solid and together, and displayed crisp vocal harmonies.
Altoona’s Railroaders Memorial Museum closed out their summer music series with their “Railyard Roust” event early last month. Acoustic duo Nis-n-Nat kicked off the music before I arrived, and Altoona’s 7th Virtue had just begun. Lead singer Lynne Deyarmin, drummer Randy Deyarmin, lead guitarist Rob Lynn, bassist and singer Kelly Montgomery, guitarist Dale Perino and keyboardist Therese Perino mixed rocking favorites from the 1970s and 80s; bringing the energy on numbers from Janet Jackson, Scorpions, Pat Benatar, Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, Lita Ford, A-ha, Soft Cell, Pink Floyd, Roxette, Men At Work, Blondie, Bon Jovi and more. 7th Virtue delivered their music at a brisk pace and maintained the excitement level from start to end.
I returned to Prince Gallitzin State Park early last month for their annual Apple Cider Festival. This festival now gives you the option of avoiding traffic gridlock by taking the free pontoon boat shuttle from across Glendale Lake to arrive by water. I arrived as live music got under way with Johnstown trio From The Top. Lead singer and bassist Liddy, guitarist and singer Lou Nagy and drummer Doug Lohr mixed classic and modern rock, pop and country favorites. Liddy again demonstrated her powerful and high-ranging voice on numbers from Lady Gaga, Dixie Chicks, Gretchen Wilson, Cranberries, Elle King, Alanis Morissette, 4 Non Blondes and others. Running sound, Don Reese joined the group on stage to play bass on the Joan Jett double-shot of “I Love Rock n Roll” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” as well as REO Speedwagon’s “Take It on the Run.” Next up was Portage-based foursome the Midnight Sons. Featuring lead guitarist Erik Thrower, bassist and singer Frank Swires, rhythm guitarist Ian Thrower and drummer Greg Thrower, Midnight Sons served up sturdy classic rock favorites from the Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, Grand Funk Railroad, George Thorogood, The Clarks, Spirit, Redbone, Bob Seger, the Sweet and more.
I also made it to the final day of last month’s annual two-weekend, 61st annual Bedford Fall Foliage Festival in downtown Bedford. Live music was again part of the festivities, and I saw performers on both the downtown Gazebo stage and the River stage along the Juniata River. I first checked out Bedford-based acoustic duo MC Union at the Gazebo stage. Mark Bollman sings and plays acoustic guitar while Chris Bollman sings; they both nicely blended their smooth singing voices into soothing harmonies. MC Union mixed numbers from Fleetwood Mac, CCR, Dwight Yoakam, also versions of Michael Murphy’s “Wildfire,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Spirits in the Night” and Five Man Electrical Band/Tesla’s “Signs.”…I then headed to the River Stage to check out this festival’s annual visit by Chuck Blasko & the Vogues. The Vogues performed several of their hit songs from the 1960s as well as 1960s and 70s hits from Ringo Starr, the Spinners, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the Temptations and more…Western Maryland-based singer and songwriter Ben Benson then closed out the music on the Gazebo stage with his brand of acoustic country sounds. Armed with guitar, Ben delivered a sturdy voice as he sang numbers from Alabama, David Allan Coe, Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and more.
After playing with my two musical groups (The Joy Drummers and the Backyard Rockers) earlier in the day at Hollidaysburg’s annual Pumpkinfest, I headed to The Grove near Belsano that night to savor some tasty wings plus spicy blues and southern rock with the Jukehouse Bombers. This group – singers and guitarists Jimmy Roach, Joe Roach and Andy Kirsch, bassist and singer Troy Laney and drummer Harry Rainey – continues to be amazing…They deliver a fiery three-guitar army who know how to bring the maximum tone from their instruments, also powerful and meaty bass and drums, and four of these guys belt out great and gritty lead voice as well! I was in the mood for some smoldering blues, and the Jukehouse Bombers brought it with their blend of original songs plus southern and classic rock favorites. The original songs came from all of their albums; including their early favorite “Born to Hard Time,” also “Best I Can,” “Mountain Water,” “All Night Long,” “Rooster Gets to Crowing,” “Midnight Blues” and others. They also scorched on numbers from ZZ Top, Marshall Tucker Band, Black Crowes, Bob Seger, Allman Brothers (Jimmy and Joe’s harmony guitar leads on “Jessica” were amazing), Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty and others…And the surprise of the night was when these guys broke out a version of Spirit’s early 70s classic “Mr. Skin” – the first time I’ve ever witnessed anyone covering that one! The Jukehouse Bombers presented the perfect blend of stormy rock, blues and soul, instrumental prowess and grit this night. And thanks to the Bombers and the Grove audience for singing “Happy Birthday” to me once my big day started at midnight!
Rochester, New York-based Celtic-meets-punk rockers 1916 are currently touring regionally in support of their brand new CD, called “Conscience Of Kings” (produced by Flogging Molly founding member Ted Hutt). That tour brought them back to McGarvey’s last month, and it was a fun time. Lead singer and guitarist Billy Herring, mandolin player and singer Karl Kersey, upright bass player and singer Ryan Hurley and drummer Chad Paetznick played numerous songs off the new album, including such feisty numbers as “O’Rorke,” “The Mollies,” “Tallest Tower” (dedicated to Billy’s dog), the title song “Conscience Of Kings” and more, along with some of their older numbers, and a Celtic-rocking take on Johnny Cash’s “Cocaine Blues.” Singing with purpose and grit, Billy shared stories and inspirations behind the songs, many which were inspired by family heritage and ancestry. The McGarvey’s audience totally appreciated 1916’s music and performance this night, and the group earned a number of new fans on this visit. If you’re in need of a hearty Celtic punk rock kick, keep an eye out for when 1916 returns!
I also caught my first look at new area rockers Model Citizen at McGarvey’s early last month. Rising from the ashes of the now defunct Second Hand Monkey, this group features lead singer Rebecca Paige Evers, guitarist Toby Mercer, bassist JR “Worm” West and drummer Toby Hunter. Model Citizen generated dance floor traffic with their potent mixture of rock and pop favorites from the 1970s to now. One audience-interaction feature that this group brings to the show is “second set songs from a hat,” where fans can drop requests into a hat and the group randomly picks the requests out of the hat to play during their second set. Model Citizen honored a number of requests this night and kept folks dancing with numbers from P!nk, Pat Benatar, Katy Perry, The Killers, Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy, The Darkness, Journey, Jet and more. Rebecca showed an excellent singing voice this night, and the band around her executed with tightness and enthusiasm. Model Citizen showed that they are a rising name in the Altoona music scene; keep an eye open for them!
In the mood for some 1990s-era rock, I checked out Altoona’s Captain 90s last month at McGarvey’s. Comprised of lead singer and bassist Colin Lennox, guitarist Tim Beahm and drummer Shaun Shumac; Captain 90s brought forth a wide selection of hard-rocking 1990s favorites. They presented each tune with go-for-broke energy and enthusiasm, drawing cheers with their hearty renditions of numbers from Bush, Lenny Kravitz, Local H, Smashing Pumpkins, Butthole Surfers, Alice In Chains, Toadies, Cake, Soundgarden and many more. They pulled out several numbers not frequently heard on area stages, such as Spacehog’s “In The Meantime,” Silverchair’s “Israel’s Son,” Helmet’s “Unsung” and more. If 1990s alternative, rock, grunge and industrial are your thing, Captain 90s is well worth checking into.
With the seasonal Halloween-themed parties starting up just prior to PA Musician deadline time, I got to see part of Toy the Band’s performance at McGarvey’s as part of a Halloween event. Singer and guitarist Christian Douglas, guitarist Julian Saborio, and Toy’s new rhythm section of bassist Nik Mik and drummer Kaden Scott Anthony did several edgy alternative-flavored numbers from their recently-issued 5-song EP, plus mixed in a few select covers from The Backseat Lovers, Green Day and Nirvana. Toy’s intriguing mild-to-wild dynamic captivated the McGarvey’s audience and drew several Halloween-costumed celebrants onto the dance floor.
After indulging my railfan itch with a splendid Saturday at the East Broad Top Railroad near Orbisonia (southern Huntingdon County), I stopped by Juniata Brewing Company in Huntingdon on the way back home to check out folk, bluegrass and roots music duo Strait and Miller. Chris Strait on lead vocals and acoustic guitar plus Dylan Miller on mandolin and vocals performed a variety of numbers, including several of their original songs, plus classic folk, country, bluegrass, gospel and other songs from the Great American songbook. Chris displayed a hearty voice and fronted most of the songs; doing nice work on numbers from Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, the folksy blending of “I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But the Blues” into Jimi Hendrix’s “Redhouse,” and two renditions of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” (the second rendition was by request to close out the night). Strait & Miller also did their own numbers, including the title track to their 2015 “Steal My Soul” CD, “Alcohol and Pills” and some newer creations.
News and notes…One of the state’s most heralded bluegrass festivals is no more; the annual Smoked Country Jam Bluegrass Festival is closing the book after 22 years. Organizers Ron and Teresa Kodish cited the uncertainty of the economy, rising costs of producing the event, along with the physical and mental demands of the festival as factors in their decision to discontinue the event, which took place during June in recent years at Quiet Oaks Campground near Cross Fork in Potter County. With the festival’s goals to promote Lupus awareness and raise money to support Lupus research, treatment, and education, the festival’s Lupus Auction and other fund raisers raised nearly $70,000 for the Lupus Foundation…The “Benefit For Adam D” will take place on Sunday, November 2 at Altoona’s Unter Uns Musical and Entertainment Society, with proceeds helping out longtime area musician Adam D – Adam DiFlaviano – as he battles a serious health situation. The event runs from noon until 8 p.m., and will feature performances from The Backyard Rockers, The Bomb Cyclones, Felix & the Hurricanes, Bone Jacked, DD & the Pub Crawlers, Half Tempted and 7th Virtue…The 15th annual “Patched Together: A Day of Music to Benefit the Healing Patch” event takes place on Nov. 22 at the Altoona’s Bavarian Aid Society (upstairs hall). The event starts at 4 p.m., and will feature performances from Bruce Schettig, Open Ends, Autumn Rising and Jim Donovan & the Sun King Warriors…AnEmergencyScene and the Brass Factory are presenting a special show on Nov. 29 at Liberty Hall at the U.S. Hotel Tavern in Hollidaysburg. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of AnEmergencyScene, the show will be headlined by Pittsburgh’s Punchline, making their first Altoona area appearance in 15 years. Also on the bill will be reunion performances from Like A Movie and The Hope Fallacy plus sets from Walkney and Eternal Boy…Area musician, songwriter and composer Zupe has again gained recognition from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc.; his piano solo composition called “Two Ships Passing” has been officially accepted for consideration as Best Instrumental Composition for the 2026 Grammy Awards…The area music scene and broadcasting community mourned the passing of Craig Shaffer on October 2 at age 69; born in Reading, Craig had worked for a number of area and regional radio stations. As a musician, he involved with several bands over the years; including as a founding member, vocalist and bassist for the Spoon River Band, and later as a singer and bassist with Your Dad’s Friends…Also passing on Oct. 2 was Gil “The Duke” Snider, the keyboardist for Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers. He passed away at his home in Trafford at age 72. Gil was a lifelong musician, artist and showman, as well as a founding member of the Iron City Houserockers and the Mystic Knights.
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. Happy Thanksgiving, and continue to SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!
