The best local cover band that you may not have heard of is Nothing Sakred.  These five performers love music and their audiences, both of which this SkookOwl would argue, they deem as sacred and such designation is evident in their shows.

Self-deprecating humor is one of the main ingredients in the entertainment package offered by the band, but clearly upon first listen, these men have nothing to be self-conscious about regarding their music or ability to rock a crowd.

With the energy-packed performances and down-to-earth manner in which Nothing Sakred performs there is no way you could sit through a performance without becoming involved through dance, singing or drinking along as they tell a story of the everyday man.

The band has been touring local venues for just over four years, and in that time has seen some turn-over of members as do most groups. 

The current members work well to bring audiences to their feet, entertaining them with everything from Korn to Billy Joel and tailoring their shows to the audience present. 

Nothing Sakred offers a combination of lead vocalists in Sean Boylan and TJ Taylor. 

Boylan stalks the stage, prowling as he emotes through the music as the front man, but also doubles agilely as a guitarist. 

Taylor jumps with both feet on the gas peddle into the drivers seat when provided the mic, both through the song performances and his interaction with the crowd but will often be found back-to back with guitar in hand next to primary guitarist, Mike Crawford. 

Crawford ferociously fingers his guitar, supporting the tight sounds of Nothing Sakred while Jeff Sallada provides a powerful bass-line and dishes out deep back-up vocals.

To round out the band, newest member Brian Herig drums like a man on a mission but often intent on his task, shies from the crowd.

The band has been slowly moving to play new venues, but often refers to Striker’s Pub in Pottsville as their homebase.  Plans are also in the works to make Club 54 in Mahanoy City a frequent stop.

Nothing Sakred has promised to debut their first original at an undisclosed upcoming show, and this SkookOwl is waiting with thin patience.

To match the collective talent of the group as a whole, it should be said that it is imperative for the band to begin to move to the next level and entertain us with their own material as well as that of bands from which they draw influence.

After back-to-back nights of reviewing bands that performed primarily or exclusively covers, I can say nothing more than powerful than this: Nothing Sakred is absolutely one of the top three must see acts for summer 2009 for any Skooks who love music.

This SkookOwl can’t say enough about the ability of Nothing Sakred to put a smile on the faces of audience members, either during the performance or during set breaks where they interact with the crowd, showing a deep appreciation for the fans and newfound friends.

SkookOwl is also happy to report that members from the group will also make a regular appearance at skookowl.com as bloggers focusing on an insider’s perspective of being in a band.

Look for their blog as well as videos and photos of recent shows at Club 54 in Mahanoy City and Striker’s Pub on this site.