Post by jptheprofessor on Feb 1, 2008 4:12:01 GMT -5
17TH “END OF SUMMER JAM” @ CRESSON SPORTSMEN’S CLUB, CRESSON 8/26/07
(I know this is being posted a little late, but better late than never...)
The 17th annual End Of Summer Jam benefit concert happened on August 26 of last year at the Cresson Sportsmen's Club, with proceeds going to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Q94 was proud to again be a sponsor of the event, and your friendly neighborhood Professor was on hand to emcee and take in the musical happenings at the concert.
Spirit Lost kicked off the afternoon, awakening the mountains with their brand of multi-textured, dynamic modern rock, mixing original songs with select current rocking covers. The group sounded sharp on original tunes like “Pieces of a Stained Glass Mind,” “Misery of a Wounded Heart” and “Alone;” plus tunes from Bush, Live, Collective Soul, Foo Fighters, Tool and more. These guys and gal - singer Austin Tepsic, guitarists Brian Smith and Joe Harpster, bassist Russ Patterson and drummer Lisa Fazenbaker - sound stronger each time I see them; their kickoff set at this year’s “End of Summer Jam” was no exception.
Spirit Lost kicks off the 17th annual End Of Summer Jam benefit for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Again, Spirit Lost.
Lisa Fazenbaker of Spirit Lost.
Once again, Spirit Lost.
Austin Tepsic of Spirit Lost.
Again, Lisa Fazenbaker of Spirit Lost.
Again, Austin Tepsic of Spirit Lost.
Second on the bill was The Red Arrow, and my first chance to see this group following the addition of Big Jim Ricotta on bass. Jim, singer Debbie Bush, guitarist/singer D ick Kos and drummer Mike Crocetti fired things up with their fun mixture of classic rock and roll, which picked up momentum as the set progressed. Deb and D ick swapped lead vocal duties, with Deb kicking things off with the Bad Company double-shot of “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On,” followed by Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me with Your Best Shot.” D ick then took the spotlight to growl out ZZ Top’s “La Grange,” which diverted to a Norman Greenbaum “Spirit in the Sky” journey before returning for a “La Grange” finish. After D ick sang Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” my favorite highlight of the set; a feisty rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Say You Love Me,” with D ick, Big Jim and Mike picking up the song where Deb left off, and elevating it to a heated finish. Eric Clapton’s “Let It Rain,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” Robert Palmer’s “Bad Case of Loving You” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” closed out the set. This updated edition of The Red Arrow was gelling together well based on this set, and the End Of Summer Jam crowd howled approval along the way.
D ick Kos of The Red Arrow.
Making their End Of Summer Jam debut, The Red Arrow.
Debbie Bush of The Red Arrow.
Again, Deb of The Red Arrow.
Big Jim Ricotta of The Red Arrow.
Again, D ick Kos of The Red Arrow.
Mike Crocetti of The Red Arrow.
Once again, Deb Bush of The Red Arrow.
Again, Mike Crocetti of The Red Arrow.
The Red Arrow keeps it rocking.
Again, The Red Arrow.
Once again, D ick Kos of The Red Arrow.
Next was my first look at The Verge. Singer/guitarist Jeff Renner, singer/bassist Matt Burns and drummer Steve Brulia played a crisp-sounding set of classic and modern rock, kicking off with Robin Trower’s “Day of the Eagle.” With Matt and Jeff alternating lead vocal duties, the trio played songs from Badfinger, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Earle, AC/DC, Aerosmith, U2, Poison, Great White and Ted Nugent, Aerosmith. Their execution was sharp, with Matt’s busy bass work and Jeff’s precision guitar playing mingling and swirling around Steve’s punchy drumbeats. Both Matt and Jeff did capable jobs on the singing front as well. The Verge delivered a solid and energetic set that kept the building crowd festive and attentive.
Jeff Renner of The Verge.
The Verge, playing their first End Of Summer Jam.
Matt Burns of The Verge.
Again, The Verge.
Again, Matt Burns of The Verge.
Steve Brulia of The Verge.
Jeff Clapper of the Hurricanes looks on as a youngster plays along on his toy guitar.
Again, a youngster with his toy guitar.
Pittsburgh area rockers The Tony Mollick Project (who played at Q94's Harley giveaway earlier in the summer) then took the stage to deliver their blend of blues-rocking favorites and original songs. Tony on guitar and vocals, Fuzz McGirk on bass and David Blake on drums were fired up as they played original songs such as the set-opening “Likely Story” and “Rusty Angel,” and spirited and powerful renditions of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Willie the (P)imp” and “Couldn’t Stand the Weather,” Peter Green/Santana’s “Black Magic Woman,” ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses,” The Stray Cats’ “Rumble In Brighton,” “The Peter Gunn Theme,” Gov’t Mule/Allman Brothers’ “Rockin’ Horse” and AC/DC’s “Beating Around the Bush.” TMP’s execution was tight, and ringleader Tony confidently brought his A game on the guitar with some scorching lead work. It was another reliably fiery End Of Summer Jam set that kept the mood of the afternoon at a pleasant high.
The Tony Mollick Project.
Namesake Tony Mollick of the Tony Mollick Project.
Fuzz McGirk of the Tony Mollick Project.
Again, Tony Mollick.
Again working his strings, Tony Mollick.
Taking in TMP’s performance, show organizer Mickey Luckenbaugh.
David Blake of the Tony Mollick Project.
Once again, the Tony Mollick Project.
Felix & the Hurricanes then kept their streak of consecutive End Of Summer Jam appearances alive (they’ve done all 17 of ‘em) with their blazing set of blues rock and original songs. Felix, Bob and Jeff did new and established original tunes, kicking off with “Hurtin’ People,” and also doing “It’s Not Me,” “Issues,” “Black Widow,” “La La Land” and “Keep on Rockin.’” They also broke out renditions of the Allman Brothers’ “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” and a Johnny Winter number. One of their highlights was an interesting medley featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Ballad of Curtis Loew” and their soulful original song “Walking a Straight Line,” bridged by their lively new instrumental “Wild Turkey.” Again, the Hurricanes were well-received, and their set inspired some dancers in front of the stage.
17 End Of Summer Jam benefits, and 17 consecutive appearances by Felix & the Hurricanes.
Lead Hurricane Felix Kos.
Again, Hurricane Felix.
Jeff Clapper of Felix & the Hurricanes.
Again, Felix & the Hurricanes.
Seated onlookers take in the set by Felix & the Hurricanes.
Once again, Felix, Bob and Jeff.
Bob Watters of Felix & the Hurricanes.
Again, Hurricane Jeff.
A nice-sized crowd enjoys the music and festivities of End Of Summer Jam.
A dancer grooves and has fun during the Hurricanes’ set.
This young lady relaxes on a stump during the Hurricanes’ performance.
With their regularly-scheduled rhythm section unavailable due to work and medical issues, Half Tempted continued with a different roster this day; singer/guitarist Ron Dalansky, former bassist Jim Ricotta handling bottom end and Josh Imler behind the drum kit. Opening with Drivin’ N’Cryin’s “Fly Me Courageous,” Half Tempted rocked the Cresson Sportsmen’s grounds with tunes from AC/DC, Kiss, Free, Black Sabbath, Poison, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick and the Doors. This edition of Half Tempted did well and executed tightly, and kept folks dancing and rocking at the stagefront for much of the duration.
Another year, and another incarnation of Half Tempted rocks End Of Summer Jam.
Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted.
Again, Ronny D of Half Tempted.
Making his second tour of duty on stage this day, Big Jim Ricotta of Half Tempted.
Once again, Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted.
Once again, Half Tempted.
More Ronny D of Half Tempted.
Again, Big Jim of Half Tempted.
Sitting in for the injured Steve McCulley, Josh Imler of Half Tempted.
Several ladies cut the rug (lawn) as Half Tempted rocks.
One more time, Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted.
The sun was setting as Northern Cambria power trio Nitekast took the stage. Last year, as you may recall, Nitekast was scheduled to be the last band of the weekend at End Of Summer Jam, but weather conditions had gone downhill and so much of the crowd had left that the show ended early, with Nitekast showing up before they could be notified of the early ending of the event. As a result, they were one of the first bands invited to be a part of this year’s event. Singer/guitarist Brandon Scalese, bassist/singer Josh Oaks and new drummer Josh Sheesley carried the show into the evening with their uptempo mixture of 80’s, 90’s and current rock favorites and originals, starting with REM’s “The One I Love.” The group also did numbers from Judas Priest, Greenday, The Cure, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana and more; and did their own original songs such as “Rise Again,” “Humidity,” and a playful new original, “Poker in the Rear,” which finished the set. Nitekast delivered a strong and confident set, especially considering that drummer Josh had only been with the group a short time.
Josh Oaks and Brandon Scalese of Nitekast.
Brandon Scalese of Nitekast.
Josh Oaks of Nitekast.
Again, Josh Oaks and Brandon Scalese of Nitekast.
The new guy behind Nitekast’s drum kit, Josh Sheesley.
Again, Nitekast.
Once again, Josh Oaks of Nitekast.
One band remained to close out this year’s End Of Summer Jam, Tie Down. After opening with Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band,” guest Jamie “Deathmaster” Smith from Beyond Reason joined in with Tie Down to play bass on John Mellencamp’s “Authority Song” and Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny.” Singer Scott Walk, guitarists Brett O’Donnell and Tim Eckenrode, bassist Bob Gailey and drummer Jason Grodis continued to slam the lid on the proceedings with hard-nosed rock’n’roll from the 70’s to present; including tunes from AC/DC, Neil Young, Ace Frehley, Soft Cell, Dead Or Alive, Greenday, Big & Rich and Lynyrd Skynyrd. One surprise was Tie Down’s unveiling of an old Sweet classic, “Little Willy.” The group kept the stage front lawn busy with dancers and people cheering the group on, and at set’s end, those fans demanded more. Tie Down responded with Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” to close out the show.
Closing out this year’s End Of Summer Jam, Tie Down.
Jamie “The Deathmaster” Smith makes a cameo appearance on bass with Tim Eckenrode and Tie Down.
Tim Eckenrode of Tie Down.
Scott Walk of Tie Down.
Scott Walk and Brett O’Donnell of Tie Down.
Again, Scott and Brett of Tie Down.
Brett O’Donnell of Tie Down.
Again, Scott Walk of Tie Down.
Jason Grodis of Tie Down.
Tim Eckenrode and Bob Gailey of Tie Down.
Tie Down, keeping the fans happy.
Graced by beautiful late summer weather, this year’s End Of Summer Jam saw a respectable turnout overall. Attendance still wasn’t up to the numbers this event generated in the 90’s, but given the shorter amount of time to promote it this year, it was still a good crowd, and a good amount of money was raised for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. And it seemed the folks who were here wanted to be here, to support the bands and live music, and enjoy the nice weather and fun in the sun while it lasted. After all, it was nearing the end of summer. The crowd had fun, and they were well-behaved, with no apparent problems the entire day.
The whole day ran smoothly and on schedule, save for a 30-minute late start to resolve sound issues. But the bands all brought their ‘A’ game and had fun, and that fun carried over to the audience. Jamie Shumack did a good job on the sound end, after overcoming a few small technical issues in the early going. It all ran smoothly and easily; thanks to Jamie and all the bands for making my day as stage manager and emcee an easy one!
Organizer Mickey Luckenbaugh said this event will continue on next year. Hats off to Mickey for again devoting his energies to this event every year for a good cause, and for fighting the good fight to keep this tradition going. Thanks to everybody who came out and supported the event, it was a very good day!
(I know this is being posted a little late, but better late than never...)
The 17th annual End Of Summer Jam benefit concert happened on August 26 of last year at the Cresson Sportsmen's Club, with proceeds going to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Q94 was proud to again be a sponsor of the event, and your friendly neighborhood Professor was on hand to emcee and take in the musical happenings at the concert.
Spirit Lost kicked off the afternoon, awakening the mountains with their brand of multi-textured, dynamic modern rock, mixing original songs with select current rocking covers. The group sounded sharp on original tunes like “Pieces of a Stained Glass Mind,” “Misery of a Wounded Heart” and “Alone;” plus tunes from Bush, Live, Collective Soul, Foo Fighters, Tool and more. These guys and gal - singer Austin Tepsic, guitarists Brian Smith and Joe Harpster, bassist Russ Patterson and drummer Lisa Fazenbaker - sound stronger each time I see them; their kickoff set at this year’s “End of Summer Jam” was no exception.
Spirit Lost kicks off the 17th annual End Of Summer Jam benefit for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Again, Spirit Lost.
Lisa Fazenbaker of Spirit Lost.
Once again, Spirit Lost.
Austin Tepsic of Spirit Lost.
Again, Lisa Fazenbaker of Spirit Lost.
Again, Austin Tepsic of Spirit Lost.
Second on the bill was The Red Arrow, and my first chance to see this group following the addition of Big Jim Ricotta on bass. Jim, singer Debbie Bush, guitarist/singer D ick Kos and drummer Mike Crocetti fired things up with their fun mixture of classic rock and roll, which picked up momentum as the set progressed. Deb and D ick swapped lead vocal duties, with Deb kicking things off with the Bad Company double-shot of “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On,” followed by Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me with Your Best Shot.” D ick then took the spotlight to growl out ZZ Top’s “La Grange,” which diverted to a Norman Greenbaum “Spirit in the Sky” journey before returning for a “La Grange” finish. After D ick sang Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” my favorite highlight of the set; a feisty rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Say You Love Me,” with D ick, Big Jim and Mike picking up the song where Deb left off, and elevating it to a heated finish. Eric Clapton’s “Let It Rain,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” Robert Palmer’s “Bad Case of Loving You” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” closed out the set. This updated edition of The Red Arrow was gelling together well based on this set, and the End Of Summer Jam crowd howled approval along the way.
D ick Kos of The Red Arrow.
Making their End Of Summer Jam debut, The Red Arrow.
Debbie Bush of The Red Arrow.
Again, Deb of The Red Arrow.
Big Jim Ricotta of The Red Arrow.
Again, D ick Kos of The Red Arrow.
Mike Crocetti of The Red Arrow.
Once again, Deb Bush of The Red Arrow.
Again, Mike Crocetti of The Red Arrow.
The Red Arrow keeps it rocking.
Again, The Red Arrow.
Once again, D ick Kos of The Red Arrow.
Next was my first look at The Verge. Singer/guitarist Jeff Renner, singer/bassist Matt Burns and drummer Steve Brulia played a crisp-sounding set of classic and modern rock, kicking off with Robin Trower’s “Day of the Eagle.” With Matt and Jeff alternating lead vocal duties, the trio played songs from Badfinger, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Earle, AC/DC, Aerosmith, U2, Poison, Great White and Ted Nugent, Aerosmith. Their execution was sharp, with Matt’s busy bass work and Jeff’s precision guitar playing mingling and swirling around Steve’s punchy drumbeats. Both Matt and Jeff did capable jobs on the singing front as well. The Verge delivered a solid and energetic set that kept the building crowd festive and attentive.
Jeff Renner of The Verge.
The Verge, playing their first End Of Summer Jam.
Matt Burns of The Verge.
Again, The Verge.
Again, Matt Burns of The Verge.
Steve Brulia of The Verge.
Jeff Clapper of the Hurricanes looks on as a youngster plays along on his toy guitar.
Again, a youngster with his toy guitar.
Pittsburgh area rockers The Tony Mollick Project (who played at Q94's Harley giveaway earlier in the summer) then took the stage to deliver their blend of blues-rocking favorites and original songs. Tony on guitar and vocals, Fuzz McGirk on bass and David Blake on drums were fired up as they played original songs such as the set-opening “Likely Story” and “Rusty Angel,” and spirited and powerful renditions of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Willie the (P)imp” and “Couldn’t Stand the Weather,” Peter Green/Santana’s “Black Magic Woman,” ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses,” The Stray Cats’ “Rumble In Brighton,” “The Peter Gunn Theme,” Gov’t Mule/Allman Brothers’ “Rockin’ Horse” and AC/DC’s “Beating Around the Bush.” TMP’s execution was tight, and ringleader Tony confidently brought his A game on the guitar with some scorching lead work. It was another reliably fiery End Of Summer Jam set that kept the mood of the afternoon at a pleasant high.
The Tony Mollick Project.
Namesake Tony Mollick of the Tony Mollick Project.
Fuzz McGirk of the Tony Mollick Project.
Again, Tony Mollick.
Again working his strings, Tony Mollick.
Taking in TMP’s performance, show organizer Mickey Luckenbaugh.
David Blake of the Tony Mollick Project.
Once again, the Tony Mollick Project.
Felix & the Hurricanes then kept their streak of consecutive End Of Summer Jam appearances alive (they’ve done all 17 of ‘em) with their blazing set of blues rock and original songs. Felix, Bob and Jeff did new and established original tunes, kicking off with “Hurtin’ People,” and also doing “It’s Not Me,” “Issues,” “Black Widow,” “La La Land” and “Keep on Rockin.’” They also broke out renditions of the Allman Brothers’ “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” and a Johnny Winter number. One of their highlights was an interesting medley featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Ballad of Curtis Loew” and their soulful original song “Walking a Straight Line,” bridged by their lively new instrumental “Wild Turkey.” Again, the Hurricanes were well-received, and their set inspired some dancers in front of the stage.
17 End Of Summer Jam benefits, and 17 consecutive appearances by Felix & the Hurricanes.
Lead Hurricane Felix Kos.
Again, Hurricane Felix.
Jeff Clapper of Felix & the Hurricanes.
Again, Felix & the Hurricanes.
Seated onlookers take in the set by Felix & the Hurricanes.
Once again, Felix, Bob and Jeff.
Bob Watters of Felix & the Hurricanes.
Again, Hurricane Jeff.
A nice-sized crowd enjoys the music and festivities of End Of Summer Jam.
A dancer grooves and has fun during the Hurricanes’ set.
This young lady relaxes on a stump during the Hurricanes’ performance.
With their regularly-scheduled rhythm section unavailable due to work and medical issues, Half Tempted continued with a different roster this day; singer/guitarist Ron Dalansky, former bassist Jim Ricotta handling bottom end and Josh Imler behind the drum kit. Opening with Drivin’ N’Cryin’s “Fly Me Courageous,” Half Tempted rocked the Cresson Sportsmen’s grounds with tunes from AC/DC, Kiss, Free, Black Sabbath, Poison, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick and the Doors. This edition of Half Tempted did well and executed tightly, and kept folks dancing and rocking at the stagefront for much of the duration.
Another year, and another incarnation of Half Tempted rocks End Of Summer Jam.
Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted.
Again, Ronny D of Half Tempted.
Making his second tour of duty on stage this day, Big Jim Ricotta of Half Tempted.
Once again, Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted.
Once again, Half Tempted.
More Ronny D of Half Tempted.
Again, Big Jim of Half Tempted.
Sitting in for the injured Steve McCulley, Josh Imler of Half Tempted.
Several ladies cut the rug (lawn) as Half Tempted rocks.
One more time, Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted.
The sun was setting as Northern Cambria power trio Nitekast took the stage. Last year, as you may recall, Nitekast was scheduled to be the last band of the weekend at End Of Summer Jam, but weather conditions had gone downhill and so much of the crowd had left that the show ended early, with Nitekast showing up before they could be notified of the early ending of the event. As a result, they were one of the first bands invited to be a part of this year’s event. Singer/guitarist Brandon Scalese, bassist/singer Josh Oaks and new drummer Josh Sheesley carried the show into the evening with their uptempo mixture of 80’s, 90’s and current rock favorites and originals, starting with REM’s “The One I Love.” The group also did numbers from Judas Priest, Greenday, The Cure, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana and more; and did their own original songs such as “Rise Again,” “Humidity,” and a playful new original, “Poker in the Rear,” which finished the set. Nitekast delivered a strong and confident set, especially considering that drummer Josh had only been with the group a short time.
Josh Oaks and Brandon Scalese of Nitekast.
Brandon Scalese of Nitekast.
Josh Oaks of Nitekast.
Again, Josh Oaks and Brandon Scalese of Nitekast.
The new guy behind Nitekast’s drum kit, Josh Sheesley.
Again, Nitekast.
Once again, Josh Oaks of Nitekast.
One band remained to close out this year’s End Of Summer Jam, Tie Down. After opening with Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band,” guest Jamie “Deathmaster” Smith from Beyond Reason joined in with Tie Down to play bass on John Mellencamp’s “Authority Song” and Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny.” Singer Scott Walk, guitarists Brett O’Donnell and Tim Eckenrode, bassist Bob Gailey and drummer Jason Grodis continued to slam the lid on the proceedings with hard-nosed rock’n’roll from the 70’s to present; including tunes from AC/DC, Neil Young, Ace Frehley, Soft Cell, Dead Or Alive, Greenday, Big & Rich and Lynyrd Skynyrd. One surprise was Tie Down’s unveiling of an old Sweet classic, “Little Willy.” The group kept the stage front lawn busy with dancers and people cheering the group on, and at set’s end, those fans demanded more. Tie Down responded with Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” to close out the show.
Closing out this year’s End Of Summer Jam, Tie Down.
Jamie “The Deathmaster” Smith makes a cameo appearance on bass with Tim Eckenrode and Tie Down.
Tim Eckenrode of Tie Down.
Scott Walk of Tie Down.
Scott Walk and Brett O’Donnell of Tie Down.
Again, Scott and Brett of Tie Down.
Brett O’Donnell of Tie Down.
Again, Scott Walk of Tie Down.
Jason Grodis of Tie Down.
Tim Eckenrode and Bob Gailey of Tie Down.
Tie Down, keeping the fans happy.
Graced by beautiful late summer weather, this year’s End Of Summer Jam saw a respectable turnout overall. Attendance still wasn’t up to the numbers this event generated in the 90’s, but given the shorter amount of time to promote it this year, it was still a good crowd, and a good amount of money was raised for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. And it seemed the folks who were here wanted to be here, to support the bands and live music, and enjoy the nice weather and fun in the sun while it lasted. After all, it was nearing the end of summer. The crowd had fun, and they were well-behaved, with no apparent problems the entire day.
The whole day ran smoothly and on schedule, save for a 30-minute late start to resolve sound issues. But the bands all brought their ‘A’ game and had fun, and that fun carried over to the audience. Jamie Shumack did a good job on the sound end, after overcoming a few small technical issues in the early going. It all ran smoothly and easily; thanks to Jamie and all the bands for making my day as stage manager and emcee an easy one!
Organizer Mickey Luckenbaugh said this event will continue on next year. Hats off to Mickey for again devoting his energies to this event every year for a good cause, and for fighting the good fight to keep this tradition going. Thanks to everybody who came out and supported the event, it was a very good day!