Featured Artists/Bands for 2012

This was the return of the Features after it being dropped the previous year.

2012 Featured Artists/Bands

Sherry Marchefsky, Jason Mitchell, After Hours Duo, Sterling Koch,
Avenging Autumn, Crobot, Ricky and the Ricardo's 

APRIL 2012: Sherry Marchefsky



There's a fire starting in my heart, Reaching a fever pitch, it's bringing me out the dark. These were the first words I ever heard come out of the lungs of our First Featured Artists of the Month. This lady is not only the most incredible singers but also a phenomenal song writer and performer, not to mention a born and raised Skook. She performed all over the area down the Eastern Sea board. and play an astounding 200 shows in 2011, PLUS she will be playing at least 150 in 2012. This is why our Featured Artist of the Month for April is Sherry Marchefsky. I have personally worked with Sherry on a few occasions and her level of professionalism puts her above most in the Skook music scene. To say Sherry is impressive would be an insult. She started career at age 3 playing the piano classically soon after putting her own art into the world. Shockingly she has a degree from Full Sail University in Audio Engineering (Is anyone really surprised?) While at school Sherry entered a competition for a spot on a Compilation disc for the Label "Fitzgerald Mystic Records" Another shocker, she won. In her early career Sherry worked for ABC News, National Public Radio and in her own back yard at T102.

In 2003 She dropped her first disc that got Marchefsky radio play at college radio nationally and in the Great White North. The single "Nick of Time" hit #1 in Long Beach then lightning struck twice when "Another Valium Day" hit #1 in the NYC giving her national notoriety and sponsorships from Jägermeister and Yuengling by 2009.

Sherry plays all over and I mean all over. Bars, Clubs, Casinos, Festivals, VIP parties and even some of the finest Dining Establishments showing her versatility both on the stage and in her business since Sherry is her own booker, manager, marketer, publicist, and just the all of us her own Roady best of all though Sherry Marchefsky knows the value of playing it forward  teaching music lessons.

Something that most people don't know (including me until I read this) Sherry had Emergency surgery Fusing her spine in May of 2010. once again showing her professionalism and drive, she was back on stage 11 days later for a time as a duo.  Since then she books 2 types of shows one being just Sherry the second her duo called “Mona Lisa & the Mad Hatter”. both projects play the same music just in different venues. 

Sherry is currently involved with a project called "Howl at the Moon" that is dueling pianos. To prepare for this she has been practicing in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Power Plant.

At the beginning of 2012, Sherry headed back to Florida when she gone to school only this time to Orlando, Florida she didn't come to see Mickey and Minnie though but instead to record her first full length album, 11:11. That is coming to the people of the world this month. She is having her official CD release in the heart of Skook at the Sovereign Majestic Theater in Pottsville on April 13th show time starts at 7:30pm. Right after there is going to be a CD signing at the Greystone just up the street. 

National Public Radio said this about Sherry: Sherry Marchefsky is that rare artist who sings with her heart and  her soul wide open. Her voice and her phrasing are like a welcoming host, inviting listeners to 'come on in and make themselves comfortable.'   I've had the pleasure of getting to know Sherry and in person there is quiet reserve about her that apparently melts away when she sits behind a  keyboard or steps in front of microphone.  Sherry's a storyteller, a weaver of  rich and layered tapestries who sings of love and friendship and heartache without pretense or irony. Her lyrics evoke a strong sense of place...  you can taste the snow on your tongue and feel the weight of a winter that  has worn out its welcome in December. And her arrangements are at once  playful and grand. In the song December, Sherry imagines an old flame and  wonders "Do you remember me." With talent like this, how could they ever  forget.

-Michele Norris

Host of National Public Radio's                                                                                     

All Things Considered

What we at the Schuylkill County Musicians Group have a little something different than the Republican Herald wrote is. We asked One of her best friends to give us his thoughts on Sherry. These are the words of Former Seven Theory Bassist, and one of the best damn bassists I have ever played with personally, Mike "Booty" Baiocco:

"I'd love too. 

I remember the very first time I heard Sherry sing. It was at Trippin' Billie, and I had goosebumps from how good she sang that night. At this point I didn't really know her nor have I ever heard of someone play a piano live at a bar before. It was a really cool atmosphere with her closest friends all there to give her support. I could remember thinking to myself why is she here playing when she has the talent to be somewhere much larger than a small bar in Pottsville. 

It has been over 4 years since that day and we have become really close friends. She is someone whom I can say I admire. I've seen every side of Sherry. The good the bad and the really awkward. Haha! I can honestly say that her drive to make it as a musician has inspired me in many ways. To see how she books herself, puts herself out there and how she is determined to be someone. I think the thing that is really funny is that before her I really didn't have that many friends that were musicians. If it wasn't for Sherry I myself wouldn't be a musician. She was the person who introduced me to Donny Frantz and if it wasn't that chance meeting I myself wouldn't be a musician nor would the band Seven Theory exist as it is today. 

I remember driving in the car back from a Halloween party in Scranton and listening to some of the unfinished tracks that Thorium were currently putting together. To me it sounded pretty good. To her there was a lot missing. I'm really proud that she didn't stop until she found what she was looking for in her CD. This CD is truly amazing. It reminds me a lot of Tori Amos. It is a very powerful story she tells of her life when it is converted into music. She has a great nack for being able to translate her experiences, no matter how painful, into music. 

Sherry you're a great friend and I wish nothing but the best for you and I hope this CD gets you noticed. You have the talent and the will to run with this and I hope it happens for you! One last thing, I want to say thank you, if it wasn't for you and the person who you are I would t be the person I today. You're probably one of the only people that has ever made a big impact in my life for the positive. I don't know where I would be in life right now if it wasn't for meeting you. There definitely would be no "Booty" and I would've never learned how to play bass if it wasn't for you. You have changed my life in countless ways and I'm eternally grateful for that. Good luck in the future and the next chapter in your life. 

 Rock it out like I know you will!! \m/, ,\m/"




Here are some questions we asked Sherry personally.

And yes we Stole the first ten off James Lipton from Inside the Actor's Studio

What is your favorite word?  Twatwaffle

What is your least favorite word?  Tits

What turns you on?  Determination

What turns you off?  Arrogance 

What sound or noise do you love?  Fire Crackling

What sound or noise do you hate?  Parrot Squawks

What is your favorite curse word?  Fuck

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?  Culinary

What profession would you not like to do?  Teaching (school)

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?  You used all the gifts I gave you to Glorify Me.  I’m Pleased. 

Thanks to Mike, Sherry, and the other members of the Musicians Group for letting me do this months write up.

Be sure to check out Sherry's Website at www.sherrythesongwriter.com and her page on Facebook


MAY 2012: Jason Mitchell


 For the featured Artist of the Month for May 2012 we chose a guitarist that not only plays better than some professionals but he plays acoustic shows as well as two full time bands. He has made his career being one of the best Skook has to offer and raises his own bar whether it be musically or as a performer. With all his success he has the attitude of a rookie and few would have a bad thing to say about him personally or professionally. That is why we are proud to say our next Featured Artist of the Month is the Phenomenal Jason Mitchell. -Jason Mitchell was born December 3rd 1975. He grew up in Pottsville in the heart of Skook. Jason began playing guitar by the age of 12 and rapidly realized that music was his passion. Jason honed his skills while practicing 5 hours a day; studying with private guitar instructors in classical, jazz, blues, and modern rock theory. Some of his earlier influences were Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Dream Theater, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Jake E. Lee, Van Halen and Rush.

 -He also attended The Braun School Of Music for formal vocal training during 1993 and received a Grant upon high school graduation. Post high school, Jason was accepted into the Berkley College Of Music with a scholarship.

 -Jason’s career took him on a journey encompassing studio recording and countless east coast tours. He would go on to receive noteworthy press in such publications as the PA Musician and the Shinbone Magazine.

 -In 1991 while with the band Pyramyx, Jason released “Define The Difference” with Donny Frantz of Seven Theory, Chris Kurtz of the Poptart Monkeys and Feld Entertainment, Sam McGowan and Keith Collins Jet City Vega (among countless others). The album was a four song demo rooted in progressive rock. It was recorded at Savior Studio in Pennsylvania, engineered by Jamie Parker and given a helping hand by then music instructor John Hahn (Leviathan Records).

 -In 1996 Jason played with Skook punk-based band Stickman Morley. Mid 1997, Jason and Stickman Morley took some time off to record “Farmer Brown’s On The Take” with Drummer and SCMG member Kenny Moyer, as well as Gary Schaeffer and Troy Adams of Black Diamond and the new band Ricky and the Ricardo's. It landed commercial radio airplay and a spot on “PA’s Finest Compilation CD” Vol. 4. The band continued performing through 1999 riding on the success of the recording.

 -From 1999 to 2009 Jason appeared in regional and east coast touring acts such as Slyde 1999, Hinge 2000-2002, Five-P 2007-2008, Kill Valentine 2008, Finding Isaiah 2008 and What some musicians he's played with feels was the perfect fit for his personality Emily's Toybox 2009.

-Currently Jason lives in Drexel Hill, a suburb of Philadelphia, nestled within Delaware County. He can be seen in the Philadelphia based group, The Zone, with band mates Chris Mazzoni, Mike Mazzoni and Alex Staff (formerly Crystal Roxx) He also plays in the Journey Tribute band Separate Ways with band mates Dan Gagliano, Mick Loro, Mike Llewellyn and Richie DeCarlo.

 -Jason also hosts a solo acoustic show since 2007 while sporadically recording and releasing his acoustic treasures. He has appeared at Penn's Peak, many of PA's rock venues in Harrisburg, Allentown and

Philadelphia all the way to Key West, FL., Put-In-Bay & Akron, OH., Atlantic City, NJ. and Fed Ex Stadium. Jason has performed everything from intimate acoustic shows to rock festivals with his bands reaching 8000 people capacity venues, MLB and NFL stadiums.

 -Jason is proudly endorsed by In Tune Guitar Picks and SIT Strings.

* As a new thing we'll be doing this time around we have our list of questions for your enjoyment.

What is your favorite word?

Hyperbole.

What is your least favorite word?

Whether.

What turns you on?

Fine dining.

What turns you off?

Cigarette smoking.

What sound or noise do you love?

Those quirky sounds a dog makes when they're dreaming.

What sound or noise do you hate?

Screeching tires.

What is your favorite curse word?

F*%K... And, I like to get creative by mixing and matching curse words so they sound in meter.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Restaurant/Bar owner with two locations. One place would be modern, nice, upscale menu, etc... The other would be relaxed. The kinda place

where you can kick your shoes off and everyone feels welcome.

What profession would you not like to do?

Work for corporate America. A persons work life will account for roughly a third of their day. Spend it wisely.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive

at the pearly gates?

The bar is stocked, we've been expecting you.

 Nick name:

My grandmother called me Jake. Some friends called me J-Dog. I've also been called Dickfoot in smaller circles (that's a whole nother story)...

 Birthday:

12/3/1975

 Home town:

I was raised in Saint Clair, PA til I was 5. Then we moved to Pottsville, PA.

 How long have you been playing the guitar, and how long have you been

playing in a band?

I've been playing guitar since I was 12-13ish. I've been in bands since I'm 15.

 Why you started playing?

I had a childhood friend, Bill Rossachacj. He had a Gibson Futura and a small practice amp. Bill was a total metal-head and got me switched

onto Wasp, Iron Maiden, Man-O-War, etc... We'd stay up late, watch Headbangers Ball and get into trouble. Something was really cool about

that music. I wasn't into sports so I begged my parents for a guitar. Then, I discovered my grandfather was musically gifted as was my

uncle... Everything just clicked.

 What song(s) have influenced or inspired you?

Ani Difranco's "Napoleon".

 Who are some people that have influenced you?

I've gotta give props to my parents, school teachers, music instructors, friends, fans and colleagues. They're the real inspiration for everything.

 What was the first album you ever bought?

I'm not sure... I remember my dad letting me buy Guns & Roses "Appetite for Destruction" under the conditions that he'd preview it

and we'd keep mom in the dark. We both listened to it over a few games of checkers. I'm guessing he wasn't into the music or he was more

invested in checkers. Either way, it slid past the goalie and I got to keep it.

 Who are some Bands that you never get sick of hearing?

Dream Theater, Ani DiFranco

 What are some albums you could listen to 24/7?

Ani Difranco- Little Plastic Castles, Ani DiFranco- Knuckle Down, Catherine Wheel- Adam & Eve, Kill Creek- St. Valentine's Garage, Kill Creek- Proving Winter Cruel, The Replacements- All For Nothing/Nothing For All, Dream Theater- Systematic Chaos, Alice In Chains- Unplugged

 What is your favorite song(s) that you never get sick of listening to?

The Hamster Dance.

 What is your favorite song(s) to play?

I really dig playing 'Escape' and 'Keep On Running' with my Journey, Tribute band, anything progressive in nature and 'Time After Time' acoustic.

 Where is your favorite place to play?

Lock 3 in Akron, OH. It's a huge outdoor venue. We typically play for 8000 people.

 What is your favorite TV show(s)?

Lately, I've really been into Sons Of Anarchy... Before that, Nip/Tuck.

 What is your favorite Movie(s)?

Comedy- The Big Lebowski, Spinal Tap, Chick Flix- You've Got Mail, The Devil Wears Prada, He's Just Not That Into You, Musicals- Annie, Moulin Rouge

 Who is your favorite actor(s)/actress(es)?

Christopher Walken cracks me up.

 What is your favorite cartoon(s)?

GI Joe, Jem And The Holograms and Transformers were cool when I was, young. Now a days I like American Dad.

 What's your Favorite Book?

The Catcher In The Rye.

 What is your favorite food(s)?

Peanuts, Reuben Sandwiches and all things involving Cheese, Meat & Spice!

 What is your drink of choice?

Guinness or vodka.

 What is your favorite color(s)?

Lavender.

 What is your favorite outfit(s) on stage?

Ripped up jeans.

 What is your favorite time of year/holiday(s)?

Cinco De Mayo!

 What is your favorite thing(s) about being a musician?

It's always stimulating. I get to travel the east coast, work and meet with different people and earn a living doing what I enjoy.

 What is your favorite quote(s)?

"Look out below"!

 What do you want to be when you grow up?

A better version of myself.

 What was the first concert you attended?

Testament, Megadeth & Judas Priest at the old Spectrum.

 Do you have any pets?

Madison, a 4 year old Min Pin/Chihuahua.

 What are your hobbies?

Cooking.

 What is your favorite ice cream(s)?

Ben & Jerry's- Chubby Hubby, Cinnamon Bun and Late Night Snack.

 What was your first band? if any.

Pyramyx.

 What was the first time you played live?

I actually have this on video. A benefit in Forestville, PA 1992.

 What was your favorite show you ever played?

Lock 3 is always good. I've had many memorable nights solo acoustic at The Wooden Keg too...

 What is the funniest thing(s) you've ever heard?

Too many to list... I find humor in a lot.

 Experience:

I was born to do this...

 Equipment:

Ibanez & Ovation Guitars, ADA Amplification, Rocktron Processing, Marshall Cabinets.

JULY 2012: After Hours Acoustic Duo, Jason Knorr & Jim Munster

After Hours Acoustic Duo is the collaboration of former Seventh Hour band mates Jason Knorr and Jim Munster. They've been taking Skook by storm from day one and anyone that would see them would know why.

  After Hours Acoustic Duo is a tasty recipe consisting of two seasoned veterans to the music scene, pepper in some upbeat music, add a dash of fun, and you are ready to dig into some scrumptious entertainment to liven up any event, party, or venue. The duo is comprised of Jason Knorr & Jim Munster. When you hear the seamless harmonies and watch the silky smooth fret play, there is no doubt that this pair have been strumming six strings together for almost a decade. After Hours focuses on providing quality entertainment with the emphasis on "FUN!" Come out and unwind with an icy cold beverage while listening and singing along to all the songs that you've ever loved. After Hours Acoustic Duo: music with a passion and a passion for music!

  Jim has been playing guitar professionally for over 20 years. He graduated from Kutztown University in 1994 with a B.A. in music. Also an accomplished sax player, he has played sax in Hershey Park's Sweetest Parade on Earth for 3 years. He also had the honor to play for President Bill Clinton. He has currently played guitar in Bethesda E.C. church praise team for over 5 years. Through his career he has shared the stage with many national acts.

  Jason has been playing guitar for over 20 years. With a passion for songwriting, he has written hundreds of songs, and has recorded 2 professional cd's. He has played in various bands throughout the years, logging countless shows around the state.

For everything After Hours be sure to check out: www.afterhoursacoustic.com

Join their group at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/124603674317/

and check them out on youtube by searching After Hours Acoustic Duo.

We asked the guys a few questions and here is what they shared with us:

What is your favorite word(s)?

Jay – Carpe Diem

Jim - Dinner

 What is your least favorite word(s)?

Jay – Someone telling me I can’t do something or it is impossible.

Jim - Broken

What turns you on?

Jay – Being inspired.  I love totally losing myself in a project or idea. My latest passion is working on a small hobby farm with my kids, we started recycling, composting, planting a garden, and we are planning on getting some ducks and goats to start.  The kids are totally into it, and I think we are all going to learn a lot.

Jim – A great guitar solo

What turns you off?

Jay – Dream Killers, people who are afraid to dream or try new things.  I loathe people who tell you a million reasons why you shouldn’t do something or try something new, even though they have no relevant experience with it at all.

Jim – A lousy guitar solo

 What sound or noise do you love?

Jay – I would have to say it is the sound of my daughters telling me they love me, that and the sound of a V-twin Harley engine.

Jim – Soft crinkling of bags

What sound or noise do you hate?

Jay – Out of tune guitars

Jim – Someone chewing on tin foil and snoring

What is your favorite curse word?

Jay – I try not to curse too much in front of my kids, although sometimes they do slip out.  I usually try to say something silly like “Pickles & Prune Juice”, or “Cheese and Crackers” then my kids starts to laugh and that instantly puts me in a better mood.

Jim – FUDGE!

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Jay – Someday I would love to own my own business.

Jim - Radioactive Underwater Scuba Diver

What profession would you not like to do?

Jay – I would hate to be a construction worker or a mechanic.  I admire people who can do either of those jobs, but I know for a fact neither of them are for me.

Jim – Septic Tank Inspector

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

(yes we stole it from Inside the actors studio)

Jay – I would like to hear him say that I lived life to the fullest and I was a good person.

Jim – Well Done.

Nick name:

Jason – Jay

Jim – Freakboy or Munst

Birthday:

Jay – October 13th, 1977

Jim – June 24th

 Home town:

Jay - Rock, PA (Between Schuylkill Haven and Pine Grove)

Jim – Raised in Minersville, PA…currently live in Laky Wynonah, PA

 How long have you been playing the Guitar, and how long have you been playing in a band?

Jay - I started playing guitar when I was about 14 years old.  I played sax in the school band and a music store opened in the Schuylkill Mall.  I traded my sax in on an amp and electric guitar.  Actually Jason Dampman who was in the band Dead Leaves worked there and gave me my first lessons.

I was always afraid I wasn’t good enough to play in a band.  I used to jam with my neighbor who had a set of drums but we were pretty bad.  I didn’t get in my first band until I was 21 or 22.

Jim – I picked up the guitar in 1986. Shortly thereafter I was in a band.

 Why you started playing?

Jay – I just always remember wanting to.  When I was younger I tried sax and piano, but I always gravitated towards guitar.  I remember playing air guitar to Metallica when their Black album came out. As soon as I got a guitar and learned a few chords I started writing songs relentlessly, I would play for hours every day.

Jim – I wanted to sound like Jimmy Page

  What song(s) have influenced or inspired you? 

Jay – My inspirations constantly evolve, but I always loved Pink Floyd, Gilmour’s guitar playing and solos give me goose bumps.  Some of the songs I love are

Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Loving You

Pink Floyd – On the Turning Away, Shine on, Coming Back to Life, The Final Cut

Damian Rice – The Blowers Daughter, Amie

Jeff Buckley – Mojo Pin, Halleluiah

The Beatles – Pretty much every song.

Jim - Stairway To Heaven was the first song I ever learned to play on guitar.  Ironically, I’m never allowed to play it again.

 Who are some people that have influenced you?

Jay – Definitely David Gilmour, John, Paul, and George of The Beatles, Dave Matthews, Kenny Chesney.

Jim - My playing? Jimmy Page, Slash, John Petrucci, James Hetfield

 What was the first album you ever bought?

Jay – Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet

Jim - Kiss-“Destroyer”

 Who are some Bands that you never get sick of hearing?

Jay – I sound like a broken record, but definitely Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles

Jim - The Beatles, Dream Theater, Rush, Van Halen

 What are some albums you could listen to 24/7?

Jay – The Final Cut – Pink Floyd, Ziggy Stardust – David Bowie, Houses of the Holy – Led Zeppelin, The Beatles – The Beatles

Jim - Pink Floyd “The Wall”, Dream Theater-“Images and Words”, Led Zeppelin-“Houses of the Holy”

 What is your favorite song(s) that you never get sick of listening to?

Jay - The Final Cut – Pink Floyd

Jim - John Denver-“Rocky Mountain High”

 What is your favorite song(s) to play?

Jay – Learning to Fly – Pink Floyd, What Would You Say – DMB

Jim - DMB-“Ants Marching”

 Where is your favorite place to play? 

Jay – We are very fortunate to have some great venues.  Playing in acoustic duo affords you the opportunity to play in rooms that have never seen a band.  The Greystone is a great room with a built in crowd that really appreciates your music.  The Wooden Keg in St. Clair has come a long way, I started playing there when they first started having music, it has really built up over time.  The Brickhouse in Orwigsburg always has great people to play to as well. I love summers at Blue Ridge Hotel on their outside stage. They each offer their own dynamic, and it is a different show at every place.

Jim - Sunset, on a deck somewhere where the breeze is lightly blowing…ahhhh

 What is your favorite TV show(s)?

Jay – Me and my wife watch a lot of shows, Greys Anatomy, Vampire Diaries, True Blood, I love Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones, Revenge, Gold Rush, Ice Road Truckers, Tosh.0,  I can’t wait for the next season of Homeland.  I would say my absolute favorite though is Dexter.

Jim - Curb Your Enthusiasm

 What is your favorite Movie(s)?

Jay – Legends of the Fall

Jim - Star Wars and Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory

 Who is your favorite actor(s)/actress(es)? 

Jay – Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Denzel Washington, Michael C Hall

Jim - Louis C.K.

 What is your favorite cartoon(s)?

Jay –Phineas & Ferb, South Park

Jim - Spongebob, Adventure Time and Regular Show

 What's your Favorite Book?

Jay – I love inspirational and motivational books, whenever I start a new project I get a bunch of books on the subject.  I have a million books and magazines on home remodeling.  But anything that empowers you and makes you feel like you can accomplish anything is a page turner for me.

Jim - Angels and Demons

 What is your favorite food(s)?

Jay – The Tumbleweed Burger at The Brickhouse in Orwigsburg.  I am a big fan of crab legs, sushi, and scallops.

Jim - Chinese

  What is your drink of choice? 

Jay – Coffee, water, wine and beer is pretty much all I drink these days.

Jim – Beer or Sprite

 What is your favorite color(s)?

Jay – I like the color combo of Black and Red

Jim - Black

 What is your favorite outfit(s) on stage?

Jay – Jeans and a dress shirt.

Jim – Unitard and Bellbottoms

 What is your favorite time of year/holiday(s)?

Jay –It is definitely Christmas.  It is such a magical time with the kids decorating and baking, just seeing how excited they are makes me excited. 

Jim – October to December

 What is your favorite thing(s) about being a musician?

Jay – I love being able to express how I feel in a song.  Sometimes I don’t even know something is bothering me or is on my mind until I start to write about it.

Jim - Getting to play live and having people sing along or get excited along with you.

 What is your favorite quote(s)?

Jay - “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy” – Benjamin Franklin

Jim - “It’s colder than a mother-in-law’s kiss at a shotgun wedding” –Al Munster

 What do you want to be when you grow up?

Jay – RICH!!!

Jim – About 6’-1”

 What was the first concert you attended?

Jay – I think it was Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill tour in Hershey.  Taylor Hawkins was on drums, great show.  I have been to quite a few concerts so I can’t be sure.

Jim - Metallica

 Do you have any pets?

Jay – 2 Golden Retrievers (Bailey & Penny), 1 Cat (Jingle), 2 Turtles (Ick & Petunia), Fish

Jim – A fish named Thomas that won’t die.

 

What are your hobbies?

Jay – Working on my house and property, projects with the kids, songwriting.

Jim – Fishing, running, video games.

What is your favorite ice cream(s)?

Jay - Ben & Jerry’s – Chunky Monkey

Jim - Turkey Hill’s “Phillie’s Graham Slam” is pretty amazing.

 What was your first band? if any.

Jay – Allstar

Jim - Crambone

 What was the first time you played live?

Jay – We were just forming my first band and me and my drummer went to The Stadium to see a band and they knew us.  They invited us onstage to play a song.  We went up and played Unglued by Stone Temple Pilots.  I was scared to death!!!haha

Jim - It was at a block party somewhere.  St. Clair maybe?  This was in the late 80’s.

 What was your favorite show you ever played?

Jay – I was in an original project called Us vs. Them and we only played one show, but my kids came to the show and my wife surprised me by getting them shirts made with the bands name on and in the back they said “My Daddy Rocks”.  They were so little then, but they stood in front of the stage and danced, it was awesome!

Jim - My favorite show was when I was in Area 57 and we opened for Slaughter and Firehouse at Fiddlestyx in Milton, PA.  Mid ‘90s sometime.

 What is the funniest thing(s) you've ever heard?

Jay – geez I don’t know.  Usually either something Jim says or my brother says.  When I talk to either of them my belly usually hurts from laughing.

Jim - Big Jim Slade!  And “frogwurst”

 Experience:

Jay - Playing guitar for 20 years

Bands – Allstar, Seventh Hour, Us vs. Them, Shovelhead, After Hours Acoustic Duo

Jim - Oh snap.  Bands:Crambone, Area 57, Seventh Hour, The Pony Bottles and After Hours Acoustic Duo.  I also play guitar in Bethesda E.C. Praise Team for the last 6 years.

 Equipment:

Jay - Taylor 310CE Acoustic Electric Guitar

Jim - Martin DC-1E acoustic guitar, Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, Vox AC30CC2

SEPTEMBER 2012: Sterling Koch

When I was growing up and starting my music career there was one, and I mean ONE, guitar teach that everyone went to in Tamaqua. You could tell which guitarists and bassists went to him because the first songs you learned at this teacher were the same for everyone. You learned Living After Midnight and Sweet Child O’mine. And EVERY Tamaqua band that was starting out played these songs. The first time I personally heard him play live was at a benefit for the Tamaqua band Nemesis. He was the Co-headliners (other bands were Capone, Likk Ginger, Misdemeanor, and Hard Knoxx). Even before this show I had a copy of his bands release “Force This” One of his students had a pile of Records, Yes RECORDS, his song “Down on Love” is to this day one of my all-time favorite songs I have EVER heard. This man is a hero to all Tamaqua guitarists of my age and many, many more all around. Of course his reputation precedes himself Mr. Sterling Koch.

Sterling Koch (pronounced "Cook") is a graduate of West Hazleton High School class of 19**, and attended Philadelphia University where he studied Business Management and Marketing (perfect for any musician). He currently is the heart of Full Force Music Services. Sterling is a nationally recognized lap steel guitarist who is a touring and recording artist. Sterling specializes in playing traditional, Chicago style blues in a contemporary style on the lap steel guitar. He has recorded 4 solo albums of steel guitar music. The latest release titled "Slide Ruler" features legendary blues bassist Tommy Shannon (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter) and Grammy nominated drummer Chet McCracken (Doobie Brothers). The single from the album, "If You Wanna Rock & Roll" was featured on the nationally syndicated radio program "Blues Deluxe." He currently tours with his band surprisingly named “The Sterling Koch Band” that includes Gene Babula (bass) and John Goba (drums) and was formed primarily to support the album “Slide Ruler”.

Sterling has performed at many nationally known venues including The Bitter End, Kenny’s Castaways and Cornelia Street Café (all in New York City), the well known blues nightclubs Stanhope House and Bubba Mac’s Blues Shack (both in New Jersey) as well as outdoor events including Daytona Bike Week 2005, several Harley-Davidson Open Houses, Gathering Of The Tribes and more. He has released 4 solo CDs including “Slide Ruler,” “Steel Guitar Blues,” “Steelin’ Home” and “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.” 

The Sterling Koch Band’s classic, blues/rock sound is guaranteed to rock away any audience’s blues.   





Like with all of our Features we Asked Mr. Koch our questionnaire that we STOLE from Inside the Actor’s Studio with James Lipton and the old Biography pages of the Band the O~Zone Babies (Thanks to Kenny)

What is your favorite word? Guitar

What is your least favorite word? No

What turns you on? great blues

What turns you off? auto tune

What sound or noise do you love? a slide guitar

What sound or noise do you hate? auto tune          (The man is apparently not a fan of Auto Tune lol)

What is your favorite curse word? I try not to use it but the "f-bomb"

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? professional baseball player (pitcher)

What profession would you not like to do? My previous "real" gig: Chemist

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Well done good and faithful servant

Birthday: Dec. 4, 19XX. Yep, old!! (We have more respect for the man to post his actual age)

Equipment: MSA 8 string lap steel guitar, Johnson J-Station amp modeler, Steve Vai Bad Horsie Wah Pedal

Home town: Conyngham, PA (Poor Guy)

How long have you been playing, and how long have you been playing in a band? Bass since age 14, Guitar since age 24, Lap steel since age 48

Why you started playing? To impress the girls. Why does any guy start playing?

What song(s) have influenced or inspired you? Blue Sky (Allmans/Duane Almman)

Who are some people that have influenced you?Duane Allman, Elmore james

What was the first album you ever bought? Are You Experienced/Jimi Hendrix

Who are some Bands that you never get sick of hearing? Most any good blues band

What are some albums you could listen to 24/7? Elmore James, Allmans, George Thorogood

What is your favorite song(s) that you never get sick of listening to? It Hurts Me Too, Elmore James

What is your favorite song(s) to play? Double Trouble/Otis Rush

Where is your favorite place to play? Any place that likes the blues, Vito's

What is your favorite TV show(s)? Seinfeld

What is your favorite Movie(s)? CHinatown, The SHining

Who is your favorite actor(s)/actress(es)? Jack Nicholson

What is your favorite cartoon(s)? Simpsons

What's your Favorite Book? The Bible

What is your favorite food(s)? Pizza

What is your drink of choice? Snapple Peach Tea

What is your favorite color: Blue

What is your favorite outfit(s) on stage? *** (none given)

What is your favorite time of year/holiday(s)? Christmas

What is your favorite thing(s) about being a musician? The attention

What was the first concert you attended? Savoy brown, Jo Jo Gunne, Bang, St. Joseph's Gym, hazleton, 1969

Do you have any pets? Cat, Kosmo

What are your hobbies? Music

What is your favorite ice cream(s)? Black Raspberry, Heisler's

What was your first band? if any. Raven, Philly based 3 piece

What was the first time you played live? Private Party 1976

What was your favorite show you ever played? Opening for Kix 2 nights in Harrisbug

What is the funniest thing(s) you've ever heard? Sam Kinison, Back To School

Favorite Quotations:

"The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive." Pearl S. Buck

"The steel guitar is a great instrument. It can do precision work or, in the wrong hands, it can do damage." Phil Campbell (The Campbell Brothers)

"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

"Writing about music is like dancing about architecture." Thelonius Monk

 Check these sites for more info on Sterling and His Band.

 http://www.facebook.com/skbandrocks

http://www.reverbnation.com/sterlingkochband

personal: http://www.facebook.com/steelguitarblues

OCTOBER 2012: Avenging Autumn



This month is the first time that we did not pick the Feature of the month, instead you did. I post stuff often asking you all who should we look at and other than the few we already were, the one name that popped up was not only a band that is incredible but filled with talent, experience, energy and most of all the love and respect of their peers. I have personally seen these guys live now and in old bands, and in some cases I had the pleasure to have played with them. This band is so together that when they gave me their info, it was so detailed and so well written that I didn't have much work to do. So that being said I’m thrilled to say that our featured Artist/Band of the month for October 2012 is AVENGING AUTUMN!

Avenging Autumn formed in October of 2011 when, former Yada Yada Yada band mates, Troy Moserand Dave “Dazz” Danishefsky contacted, former Harpo drummer, Kyle Gilbert about the possibility of joining up and putting a new project together. Danishefsky had recently left the Schuylkill County based band, Gas Station Disco, and Moser had left Yada Yada Yada a few months earlier. From the time he had decided to depart Gas Station Disco, Danishefsky had been speaking to Moser about putting a new band together. The two spent a few months trying to track down the right musicians to complete the formula they had in mind and had actually contactedKyle early on. Gilbert was very receptive to the idea but, unfortunately, was currently committed to another band in the State College, PA area. So the search continued…Until one day when Danishefsky received a message fromGilbert saying that he had suddenly become available, if the guys were still interested. So a “relaxed” jam session was set up where the three would just bang out a few songs that they all knew and see how it felt. The result was more than any of the three could’ve expected! They locked together instantly! In fact, a handful of the songs from that first jam actually made it into the permanent set list. Then came the search for a vocalist…

                After placing an ad on Craigslist, the band were contacted by, Hazleton Area vocalist, Chas Perugino.Perugino’s voice and style fit very well with what the band were looking to do and, after just one audition, he was asked to join the band. After kicking around literally hundreds of possible band names, the guys finally settled upon a suggestion made by Moser…the title of the Derek A. Schneider novel, “Avenging Autumn” (Book 1 of 4 in the Seasons Change series), a horror/action/romance dealing with vampires and the undead. The next two months were spent rehearsing with this lineup and the band started booking some shows for early 2012. Unfortunately, there was one issue looming in the background. When Perugino joined, he was very upfront and made it clear that he was also involved in an original project called White and Grey. But that band had been seeking a new drummer for 6 months at that point and their future was a bit uncertain. So the guys decided to just roll with Perugino. Well, as fate would have it, White and Grey found their new drummer about a month before Avenging Autumn were about to play their first show. Chas offered to honor all the bookings the band had until they found a suitable replacement but, the more the guys thought about it, they came to the realization that it didn’t really make much sense to debut the band with a vocalist they were going to be replacing right away. So they decided to cancel all the dates, give Perugino his leave with their blessing and best of luck wishes, and begin the search for another vocalist.

                Surprisingly enough, after Chas Perugino’s departure, it only took the guys about two weeks to find their new front man. Enter, New York native, Rick Morrison. Morrison, had been in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, but made the drive and blew the guys away! Rick knew the material perfectly and had a great look with a killer voice! It didn’t take very long at all to bring Morrison up to speed. Within a month or two, the band got their feet wet with some opening gigs, multi-band shows, some gigs of their own and recording. The response from audiences was instantly incredible and completely overwhelmed the guys in the band. This just inspired the guys to work even harder on refining their show and their performance of the music.

                For the first half of 2012, the band continued to refine their sound while keeping a consistent, albeit fairly light, performance schedule. This was largely due to two factors…First, Gilbert had his own sound production company and had quite a few bookings he still needed to honor and Dave had agreed to help out his former band, Gas Station Disco, and fill in on guitar for quite a few dates, including a few multi-state tours, over the next several months until the band were able to locate a suitable permanent guitarist. During a week long stint at The House of Blues in Myrtle Beach-SC with Gas Station Disco in late July, Danishefsky was contacted by Gilbert who informed him he had decided to leave the band to pursue other musical interests and would, unfortunately, be unable to commit to the upcoming Avenging Autumn dates. The remaining three members, keeping in touch via everything except carrier pigeon and determined not to cancel dates again and go on another hiatus, immediately started the search for a fill-in drummer for the next few shows. The one day while sitting around the band house in Myrtle Beach,Danishefsky was talking to, Gas Station Disco drummer, Rob Hampton about the dilemma. Hamptonsuggested, current Jet City Vega and former Psycho Bettie drummer, Keith Collins. Collins was immediately contacted, agreed to fill in, and started work on the material. About a week later and after only one rehearsal withCollins, the band was playing the Keystone Fire Co. Block Party in McAdoo-PA. A show that was broadcast, live, worldwide by OTR -Hazleton Our Town Radio, (Cheap plug: www.ourtownradio.net) and had over 4,500 listeners! According to Dazz, “Keith really stepped up to the plate and the band gelled perfectly that night!” This show also lead to a very strong friendship and working relationship with OTR, who have since named Avenging Autumnthe “official” band of the radio station!

                The success of the McAdoo show reinvigorated the band who, even though they didn’t have a permanent drummer, decided to plow ahead full speed! The next month saw the release of a third single from the band, a cover of the 1983 Styx hit “Mr. Roboto”, as well as a few more performances with Keith Collins on drums and even one with, Gas Station Disco lead singer, Jason Dumm. There was no shortage of drummers interested in auditioning but, due to some last minute shows popping up here and there and Danishefsky still filling in with Gas Station Disco, scheduling drummer auditions was becoming a bit of a problem. Then, in late September, a show popped up that Collins was unavailable for and the band decided, already knowing his ability, to ask one of the drummers who had shown an interest in auditioning to fill in for the show. That drummer was veteran PA drummer Don Hosler who, as it turned out, had already learned quite a few of the band’s songs in anticipation of auditioning. So, once again, it was back to the “only one rehearsal before a performance” scenario. But Hosler performed at that rehearsal as if he had already been with the band for a year or more! The following show, at The Roundhouse in Saint Clair-PA, proved to be a stellar performance for the band and started Moser, Morrison and Danishefsky wondering if they hadn’t found their drummer without even holding any auditions. When another last minute show popped up for the following week at Goodfella’s Entertainment Complex in Pottsville-PA, the guys decided to ask Hosler to fill in once again and hold another rehearsal with him before making a final decision. Once again, Hosler’s performance was flawless and, being that he already had a reputation for being very dedicated and a hard worker, the guys decided to make it official. Thus solidifying the Avenging Autumn lineup once more!

                So what does the future hold for the band? Well, now that the lineup is in place and Gas Station Disco have found a permanent guitarist, freeing Dazz up to dedicate his full time to Avenging Autumn, the band have been focusing on tweaking their set list, writing and recording original material, not to mention filling out their schedule! Their first music video will be their version of the 80’s hit “Sunglasses At Night” and full original CD Coming in the near future.



I contacted a few fellow musicians from the area that have played with some of the guys for their take on Avenging Autumn. This is what they had to say:

Bug (Gas Station Disco)

They're a great bunch of guys with a great selection of songs. Rick has a real diverse voice. He can wine like Zack De La Rocha and croon like Corey Hart. Dazz's solos are as smooth as they are fast and I Don't know anyone besides Peter Frampton that could out talk box him. Troy is amazing player. He can make the most difficult bass lines seem effortless to play. The band is like a Mack truck on nitrous. A fast, well-oiled heavy machine that will run you over.

 Jamie Rodgers (Searching for Gladys & Lights Over Ashfield)

I think they are really great. Overall though these guys are a very talented bunch. But all these guys are great players. I have played with Troy for a long time in Searching For Gladys and later Lights Over Ashfield. He is as good as they get. With Dave and the rest of the guys you have one serious band there. I see good things coming from Avenging Autumn.

 Keith Collins (Psycho Bettie, Jet City Vega, PTM’s, and a host of MANY others over the years)

Dave and Troy I know for many years.... When I was in Psycho Bettie, at one point when we were looking for a bass player we almost took Troy. I've always been a huge fan of him. His playing is so solid and he plays what needs to be heard, he knows when to shine, and when to just play in the pocket!!! For years I've always wanted the chance to jam with him. I finally had that chance, when Dave asked me if I'd be interested in filling in with avenging autumn bout a month ago. I jumped at the chance, my schedule is very busy with my band Jet City Vega, so when I check my schedule and seen we were off I was ecstatic!! Then there's Dazz.... I had the pleasure of working with Dave for some time when I was asked to front the reunion shows for "The Original Poptart Monkeys"!!! What a blast that was...!!! Daveand I really connected and just clicked right from the start. We actually did some acoustic shows together as well. Then along comes Rick.... I never met Rick until the avenging autumn show... But I immediately saw why Dazz andTroy selected him!!! His personality, his energy, his vocal range, and his hunger to make every person in the audience just fall to the floor at the end if the show because there is just nothing left but sweat, from rocking their asses off!!! All seasoned vets and well accomplished musicians in their own respect, but more than that a group of guys who I've been able to develop such great friendships with as brothers who i can hold in high respect, because they are humble people!!! I wish them the best to their future whether it’s on the stage or just in life!!

 Jason Dumm (Gas Station Disco)

I filled in on drums for a show with them once in Hazelton. Great band! I would like to add that Dazz filled in with GSD for quite a while and he is spectacular. Their recordings are great quality, and I love the covers they do. Definitely going to be a main attraction once they really get their name out. Looking forward to doing more shows with them.

 Paul Reddon (Poptart Monkeys, Yada Yada Yada, Alison Standby)

My take on the band is that they are a much needed fresh new band in the area covering songs that people haven't heard in a long time....the remakes they recorded are incredible and sound great...they are great musicians as well as my brothers...Dave and i have a brotherhood history with PTM and I played with Troy in Yada3 and got to know him very well...I think of Troy as a brother, not just a musician...He is def. one of the most "If not the greatest" bass player in the area...He's underated and DESERVES more credit in my book.....I Don't know Ric that well but he seems to carry his own very well, has a good vocal and is a new frontman to reckon with.

Karrie Collins (Adrenalyn, and a TON of others)

They are a talented bunch of musicians and awesome friends with great song selection with a personal twist!!

Like with all of our Features we Asked the boys of Avenging Autumn our questionnaire that we STOLE from Inside the Actor’s Studio with James Lipton and the old Biography pages of the Band the O~Zone Babies (Thanks to Kenny)

What is your favorite word?

Rick: “Antidisestablishmentarianism”

Dave: “Floccinaucinihilipilification” (Look it up.)

Troy: “Pussy”

Don: “Bombastic”

 What is your least favorite word?

Rick: “Poodles”. It reminds me of poop and cheese doodles combined.

Dave: “I”

Troy: “Can’t”

Don: “Rap”

 What turns you on?

Rick: Girls……with vaginas.

Dave: A good laugh

Troy: Music

Don: nice legs, behind and cleavage

 What turns you off?

Rick: Girls…….without vaginas.

Dave: Mean People

Troy: Liars

Don: drunk, obnoxious people

 What sound or noise do you love?

Rick: Loud, distorted guitars.

Dave: “I Love You, Dad!”

Troy: the Bass guitar

Don: a big loud kick drum

 What sound or noise do you hate?

Rick: Bitching women

Dave: An over-processed guitar sound, UGH!!!

Troy: Loud feedback at a show

Don: someone saying "turn it down!"

 What is your favorite curse word?

Rick: F**k or C**t….it’s a toss-up.

Dave: Bollocks!!!

Troy: “F**k”.  Cuz its so versatile.

Don: Tits

 What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Rick: Rocket Science

Dave: Acting

Troy: Building instruments from hand

Don: Alligator Wrestling

 What profession would you not like to do?

Rick: Bull Riding

Dave: Wedding Videographer. (Did it for many years. Hated it.)

Troy: working in the sewer. There’s too much shit down there.

Don: Plumbing

 If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at

the pearly gates?

Rick: I hope you Don’t mind that the girls are all naked.

Dave: “You did good, Kid!”

Troy: I hope you brought your bass because Mr. Hendrix needs a new bass player ... LOL

Don: you finally made it...welcome home !

 Nick name: (some of you guys need more imaginative friends lol)

Rick: I’ve had many. A few are: Hacker, Slick, Pussy, and TRicky Dick.

Dave: Dazz

Troy: Troy Boy

Don: Don the Pagan God

 Birthday:

Rick: 04/02/1983

Dave: November 7th (FYI people if you read all of this you can figure out the year)

Troy: July 29th 1975

Don: March 29th 1969

 Home town:

Rick: Susquehanna, PA

Dave: McAdoo, PA

Troy: St. Clair

Don: Pottsville (Originally from St. Clair)

 How long have you been playing your instrument, and how long have you been playing in a band?

Rick: I’ve been playing guitar for about 18 years, singing for about 8 years and playing in bands since 1998.

Dave: 27 years/ 23 years

Troy: Playing bass for 21 years and in bands 20years

Don: playing drums since age 10, so 33 years - in bands since age 16, so 27 years

 Why you started playing?

Rick: My stepfather’s band had a guitarist that was so awesome that I had to play after I saw him. And chicks! J

Dave: Saw the video for the Scorpions song “Rock You Like A Hurricane”. Once I heard those power chords, I knew what I wanted to do!!!

Troy: My uncle’s best friend was the original bass player for the Mixx (Jeff Summers). He intrigued me to play, I will forever be grateful to him. R.I.P Jeff

Don: Heard KISS

 What song(s) have influenced or inspired you?

Rick: “Madhouse” by Anthrax greatly influenced my guitar playing.

Dave: To many to list

Troy: When I saw the “Sweet Child O’ Mine” video. Duff McKagan played the opening bass line and got me excited for playing bass.

Don: “Don't Stop Believin'” (Journey), “Rock in America”  (Night Ranger), “Green Tinted Sixties Mind”  (Mr. Big)

 Who are some people that have influenced you?

Rick: Anybody and everybody.

Dave: My Parents, Groucho Marx, Randy Rhoads, Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden), Adam Gontier (Three Days Grace),  Nikki Sixx.

Troy: Jeff Summers, Duff McKagan, Flea, Billy Sheehan, Jocko

Don: Eric Carr (KISS), Rod Morgenstein (Winger), Pat Torpey (Mr. Big), Daniel Adair (Nickelback), Steve Smith (Journey), Neil Peart (Rush), Animal (The Muppets)

 What was the first album you ever bought?

Rick: “Spreading The Disease” by Anthrax.

Dave: Kiss – “Love Gun” (It was actually a birthday present.)

Troy: Prince – “Purple Rain”

Don: KISS "Love Gun"

 Who are some Bands that you never get sick of hearing?

Rick: Slayer, Alkaline Trio, Anthrax, Iron Maiden, Megadeth.

Dave: Scorpions, Iron Maiden, Three Days Grace, Sixx: A.M., Pink Floyd, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, Cheap TRick, Dio, Rainbow, the list goes on!

Troy: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden, The Beatles or anything by Paul McCartney, The Police

Don: Firehouse, TNT, Night Ranger, Kiss, Loverboy, Mr. Big, Foreigner, Daughtry, Shinedown

 What are some albums you could listen to 24/7?

Rick: Slayer-“Divine Intervention” and Megadeth-“Countdown To Extinction”.

Dave: Pretty much any Iron Maiden album, Cheap TRick: “Sex, America, Cheap TRick”, many more.

Troy: “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns n Roses,  Anything from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “Purple Rain” by Prince , “Live After Death” by Iron Maiden, “Synchronicity” by The Police

Don: Paul Stanley KISS solo album 1978, Firehouse (s/t 1990), Danger Danger (s/t 1989), Mr. Big - Lean Into It, Nickelback - Dark Horse, Daughtry - Break the Spell; Loverboy - Just Getting Started; Shinedown - Sound of Madness

 What is your favorite song(s) that you never get sick of listening to? Rick: “Radio” by Alkaline Trio.

Dave: Wow! That’s a tough one!

Troy: “Love Song” by Paul McCartney. The bass line sucks me in. I could listen to it a million times.

Don: "Green Tinted Sixties Mind" Mr. Big; "Reach for the Sky" Firehouse; "Who Wants to be Lonely" Kiss; "Something in Your Mouth" Nickelback; "Louder than Ever" Daughtry

 What is your favorite song(s) to play?

Rick: Our version of “Sunglasses At Night”.

Dave: Pink Floyd – “Young Lust”, Foreigner – “Juke Box Hero”, Cheap TRick – “Dream Police”, and Iron Maiden – “Wrathchild” are 4 that come to mind immediately.

Troy: As of now, in my current band, it’s “Hysteria” by Muse …Challenging but fun.

Don: "Limelight" Rush; "Daddy Lover Brother Little Boy" - Mr. Big; "Separate Ways" Journey; "Pull Me Under" Dream Theater

 Where is your favorite place to play? (No offence to the other places out there.)

Rick: So far…The Roundhouse (Saint Clair, PA)

Dave: The House of Blues (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Troy: I had the pleasure to play CBGB’s in New York. That was rad!

Don: Reverb, Strikers Pub, Tubby's

 What is your favorite TV show(s)?

Rick: Game Of Thrones…..Epic!

Dave: Sherlock, Mystery Science Theater 3000, NCIS, Forensic Files, The Daily Show, Colbert Report, and tons of classic tv (Dragnet, Sanford & Son, Benny Hill, Columbo, Good Times, Three’s Company, etc.)

Troy: I Don’t watch much t.v.

Don: Vampire Diaries, Revenge, Knight Rider, The A Team

 What is your favorite Movie(s)?

Rick: Snatch

Dave: Twelve Angry Men (original version), any Mel Brooks film, any Marx Brothers film, any Sherlock Holmes film.

Troy: Spiderman

Don: )? Hot Tub Time Machine, 21 Jump Street, Insidious, Halloween

 Who is your favorite actor(s)/actress(es)?

Rick: Jason Statham

Dave: Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Mel Brooks, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Groucho Marx, Peter Falk….

Troy: ***

Don: Bruce Willis, Elisabeth Shue (as she was in Cocktail - smokin'!)

 What is your favorite cartoon(s)?

Rick: Thundercats has to be my favorite.

Dave: Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Pink Panther, Family Guy, South Park, Spongebob Squarepants, etc.

Troy:  Family Guy, American Dad, and The Regular Show

Don: Road Runner

 What's your Favorite Book?

Rick: “Swan Song” by Robert McCammon

Dave: “A Boy’s Life” by Robert McCammon

Troy: “It’s So Easy” - Duff McKagan, “Off The Rails”- Rudy Sarzo

Don: the phone book !

 What is your favorite food(s)?

Rick: Tacos…hands down!

Dave: Lasagna

Troy: Chinese

Don: pizza, flounder, burgers, steak

 What is your drink of choice?

Rick: Yuengling

Dave: Guers Iced Tea

Troy: Water, Swiss Miss Iced Tea, Amp Lemonade

Don: Dr. Pepper

 What is your favorite color(s)?

Rick: Deep Green

Dave: Deep Red

Troy: Black

Don: Red

 What is your favorite outfit(s) on stage?

Rick: Pants and a shirt…I think.

Dave: I just try to dress stylish, but sometimes I prefer the shirt and tie look.

Troy: ***

Don: ripped acid wash jeans, leopard print shirt

 What is your favorite time of year/holiday(s)?

Rick: Halloween!

Dave: Christmas and Halloween

Troy: Christmas

Don: summer vacation - THE BEACH, BABY!

 What is your favorite thing(s) about being a musician?

Rick: Being able to perform for people who want to hear me play.

Dave: The creative process and also the connection with the crowd during a live performance.

Troy: Water, Swiss Miss Iced Tea, Amp Lemonade

Don: getting a chance to do something you love doing while entertaining other people and actually getting paid for it!

 What is your favorite quote(s)?

Rick: “If at first you Don’t succeed, try another chick.”

Dave: “The creative process and also the connection with the crowd during a live performance”.

Troy: “It is what it is”

Don: "Be true to yourself because ultimately that's the only person you'll ever have to answer to. Those who tell you that you can't do something are probably telling you that because they failed...when you see an obstacle either go around it or go through it! Fans mean more than critics, because fans pay for their music."

 What do you want to be when you grow up?

Rick: I am grown up (kinda), so I wanna be me.

Dave: A little kid again.

Troy: A bass player

Don: aren't I grown up yet !... a musician !

 What was the first concert you attended?

Rick: Winger/Bullet Boys with my dad when I was 5 or 6.

Dave: Judas Priest w/ opening act, Cinderella at Hershey Stadium.

Troy: Guns n Roses, Skid Row and Pantera

Don: Bryan Adams - 1984 - Allentown Fairgrounds-"Reckless" Tour

 Do you have any pets?

Rick: Nope.

Dave: Yes. A Golden Retriever named Sherlock.

Troy: 1- Dog 1-Cat

Don: 6 cats Klingon, Starlight, Wookie, Gizmo, Wildwood, Avalon

 What are your hobbies?

Rick: Guitar, Writing Music, playing MW3 and Skyrim.

Dave: Recording, Woodworking, Repairing Computers, Cooking, Baking, Gardening.

Troy: Playing bass, writing my own music, playing basketball

Don: playing drums, beaches, swimming, water parks, quality time with my wife

 What is your favorite ice cream(s)?

Rick: Chocolate Mocha Cookie Dough

Dave: Chocolate

Troy: Chocolate Chip

Don: Chocolate soft serve

 What was your first band? if any.

Rick: Disgruntled Butt Dwarves

Dave: Bigg Trouble

Troy: First real band was Runaway Train

Don: Legal Addiction, in high school

 What was the first time you played live?

Rick: At a school benefit in 1998.

Dave: With Bigg Trouble at The Oscar (Hazleton, PA) in 1989. I was 17.

Troy: 1996 at Tiffany’s Lounge in Shamokin, PA

Don: 1985-Pine Grove High School talent show with Legal Addiction

 What was your favorite show you ever played?

Rick: At Deathfest in Maryland.

Dave: Back in 1999 or 2000, while with Poptart Monkeys, we played three shows in one day starting out in Western PA, somewhere passed Altoona, and ending up at The Plaza in Pottsville, PA. That was a really cool experience!

Troy: The first professional stage I played on was opening for Breaking Benjamin @ CBGB’s. .. I looked across the stage and the guitar player looked like an ant.

Don: Fiddlestyx 1998 with Aslan, showcase for Sony Records

 What is the funniest thing(s) you've ever heard?

Rick: That I’m gay.

Dave: Pretty much anything that comes out of any news pundits mouth. They all seem to be clueless.

Troy: ***

Don: A drummer is a person who hangs out with musicians ! got any root ? got bit by a goddamn copperhead and got a buzz off the venom ! you have the same stage show as Oz and the Blizzard Band ! my guitar player in Runaway Train getting a blow job during my drum solo back in 1994 backstage at the Rail in Lock Haven, PA

 Experience:

Rick: Are you hitting on me?

Dave: 23 years in the music business, performing and recording with such bands as Bigg Trouble, Kartune (twice), Rock Candy, Enjetta, Nemesis, Friends of Adrian, Teacher’s Pet, Poptart Monkeys, Hinge, Yada Yada Yada, Gas Station Disco and, currently, Avenging Autumn.

Troy: In 21 years and 7 bands and years of Studio experience and playing on other people’s CDs

Don: BANDS: Legal Addiction, Blitz, High Voltage, Gemini, Runaway Train, Romeo, Severed Ties, Aslan, Cherry Pie, The Don Hosler Project, Reemer, Balistic, Roxxon, Xhibition, Made in Iron, Avenging Autumn

STUDIO: GEMINI "4 track demo" (1991);RUNAWAY TRAIN "Somewhere Down the Road" (1994); ROMEO "That New Romeo Album" (1996); ASLAN (s/t) (1998); NYPA "DEMO" (1999); DON HOSLER "Boardwalk of Broken Dreams" (2001); XHIBITION "Taking Back the Power" (2008)

Also: GAVE DRUM LESSONS TO AREJAY HALE, DRUMMER OF HALESTORM, WHO ARE NOW SIGNED TO ALTANTIC RECORDS ! I THINK HE WAS ABOUT 12 OR 13 AT THE TIME !

 Equipment:

Rick: EV Cobalt Co8 Mics, Hand-Made SX Custom Super Strat, Schecter Tele w/Duncan Stacked Blades, Fender Mustang V Modeling Head, Laney Iommi Custom Slant Cab 4x12

Dave: Instruments: 2 Gibson Les Pauls, 1 Gibson Explorer, 1 Hamer SATQ, 1 Kramer Focus, 1 Kramer Pacer, 1 Washburn acoustic/electric, 1 Ovation acoustic/electric, 1 New Yorker acoustic/electric mandolin, 1 Santa Rosa acoustic mandolin.

Gear: Hughes & Kettner Switchblade 100 watt head, Hughes & Kettner Switchblade 50 watt combo, Carvin 4x12 cabinet w/ Celestion Greenbacks.

Effects Pedals: Heil Talk Box, Digitech Whammy/DT pedal, Morley “Bad Horsie” Wah pedal, Boss TU-3 Tuner, Boss GE-7 Equalizer, Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor.

Troy: 15 Basses. My main basses live are a Spector Euro NS model and a Fender USA Jazz Bass. GK Bass Amps , Homemade Speaker Cabinets with Eminence Speakers. Various Digitech and Boss Effect Pedals, and Jim Dunlop Bass Wah Pedal.

Don: TAMA ARTSTAR 13 PIECE KIT, TAMA ROCKSTAR 6 PIECE KIT, TAMA STARCLASSIC 5 PIECE KIT, 4 TAMA OCTOBANS, ZILDJIAN AND SABIAN CYMBALS, IRON COBRA PEDALS, PRO MARK STICKS, TAMA AND GIBRALTAR HARDWARE

NOVEMBER 2012: Crobot



Our November “Featured Artist/Band we have a band that has taken the music scene by storm. These guys are so put together we didn’t have to do much in the area of writing since they have pretty much anything you would need at the ready. After you read this you’ll see what I mean.We asked our friend Mike about these guys having shared the stage with them and attends their shows when he’s not kicking ass in Seven Theory so we thought why not start with his thoughts.

Mike Baiocco

 “At first I want to say how much of an honor it is to be able to say something about a band that I can't wait to see make it big. 

The very first time I ever saw Bishop and Brandon play together was at Trippin Billie. They had an acoustic thing going on while they were making stir fry food at Trippin. I'm pretty sure it was a Wednesday night and although I've seen Bishop play before I never heard Brandon sing. After listening to the first song they did together that night I was blown away by the talent I was watching. Never in my life have I ever heard anyone sing Prince the way he did. Brandon's got the range to do whatever he wants and his voice is just amazing.

When I heard they were looking for a Bass player because they wanted to start a band I couldn't wait to hear what they would come up with, I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't think about auditioning for them but at that time I was already in a band and only playing bass for about a year and a half at that time and was no where near what they needed talent wise. 

I knew Chris was an excellent guitar player. Watching him play makes me want to learn how to play guitar. There isn't many guitar players out there that can make me say that. Watching him play is like poetry in motion. You can feel the groove that he is playing just by watching him and you can tell he is loving every moment of it. I still think the most amazing thing he does is that crazy guitar spin. If you blink you'll miss it and your ears can't even tell he did it if you weren't watching. It is something to see if you have not ever witnessed it. 

I met Sam the first time they started playing and I was shocked to learn that he was a guitar player before and never really played the Bass. Being a loyal fan of theirs it has been neat to actually see how far he has come playing the bass. At first he started out just using a pick and show by show I saw him getting more comfortable with playing and eventually he started playing finger style, in which is the best way to play in my own opinion. Listening to the Bass lines I can definitely hear a little bit of funk in them which I think makes this band unique. They have a sound rarely duplicated. When I listen to them I can compare them to Wolf Mother, Clutch and a bit of The Black Keys. 

I know Tony is a new drummer for them but I think he is doing an excellent job picking up and learning everything they do. He seems like he was the person that was missing from this band. He's got talent and you can tell he definitely has love for playing the drums. It something cool to be able to see an all original band jam it out and have a great time doing what they all love to do.

I wish these guys every bit of success. They deserve it! 

If you don't know who Crobot is, your life isn't complete until you hear the music these guys make.”

That being said and quite well I might say we are happy to name CROBOT our new Featured Band/Artist.

From FaceBook, Crobot is:

Brandon Yeagley - Vocals, Harp

Bishop - Guitar, Vocals

Sam Grim - Bass

Tony Kobel - Percussion

The sounds of dirt pouring out of old souls that were sold for the sake of rock n' roll. Space rock n' roll. Whatever it is, you can't help but to feel your ears being dipped in nostalgia then taken to another dimension and back again with the songs of Crobot. A quartet from central Pennsylvania, conjure up sonic ghosts and stories that seemingly were interpreted from crop circles.

For fans of Clutch, Wolfmother, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Rage Against the Machine, or Soundgarden, and if ten more bands that influenced Crobot's sound were needed to be named, they easily could be.

The powerful packed punch of the vocals of lead singer Brandon Yeagley is a great one-two with the spellbinding, head bobbing guitar riffs of Chris Bishop; not to mention the stellar solidity of the low frequencies of Sam Grim on bass guitar. Bishop brings his unique style of art to the table to add images to the stories unveiled by lyricist and frontman Brandon Yeagley. The two also plan on creating a graphic novel based on the songs from the album, set for an undetermined future release. 

Crobot have spilled their sweat and tones on such stages as Philadelphia's Theater of Living Arts and Xfinity LIVE, The Paramount in Huntington, NJ, the Stanhope House in Stanhope, New Jersey, and Anchorage, Alaska's Chilkoot Charlie's and plan on embarking on a tour not limited to the venues listed previously.

Description: Dirty. Groove. Rock.

Band Interests: Greyhounds, Leafhounds, Boozehounds, and Groovehounds...

Artists We Also Like: Clutch, Wolfmother, Soundgarden, Led Zeppelin, Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, Earthless, Orchid, Black Sabbath, Eagles of Death Metal, Deep Purple, Rainbow, The Bakerton Group, Truckfighters, Unida, The Toadies,

Crobot is a quartet from central Pennsylvania which formed a little over a year ago who have honed in on their high-energy, riff-driven retro-rock niche.  The powerful, intense vocals of their dynamic frontman Brandon Yeagley compliments the nostalgic, yet modernized songwriting of main songwriter and guitar player Chris Bishop.  These two, along with Sam Grim on bass and Tony Kobel on drums, maintain a tight, aggressive sound and stellar live performance.  When it comes to their live show, Pop-break.com's Bill Bodkin had this to say

"When the Harrisburg, PA quartet known as Crobot stepped onto the stage at The Wonder Bar, they were virtual unknowns to the Jersey Shore music scene. 45 minutes later, completely drenched in sweat, Crobot emerged as the new favorite band of everyone in attendance. Their absolutely dynamite set evoked memories of The Parlor Mob, Clutch, Queens of the Stone and all the great fuzzy stoner metal from the 70s. These guys are an absolute, with equivocation, must-listen to band. 

Pottsville, PA September 17, 2012 - Crobot's debut full-length album "The Legend of the Spaceborne Killer" is scheduled for an October 30th release date and will be available to purchase at iTunes, Amazon.com, and many other digital retailers along with physical copies of the CD atwww.crobotband.com. Fans can also purchase physical CDs at the band's live shows starting October 31st at the Funhouse in Bethlehem, PA.

The 11-song release was recorded, mixed, and produced by Paul Trepal at Thorium Productions, LLC in Saint Clair, PA, who stated that "people are foaming at the mouth for this record."  Paul attended Full-Sail University, of the nation's premiere recording schools and has been engineering for a number of years.  Mastering was done by Jason Shaffer at Full Tilt Productions in Mechanicsburg, PA, another Full-Sail graduate, who has worked alongside Bill Grabowski (Bon Jovi).   

 "The Legend of the Spaceborne Killer" cd title

 The first single for Active Rock Radio will be "The Legend of the Spaceborne Killer". 

Full songs can be streamed from various sources including Soundcloud (soundlcoud.com/crobotband) and Facebook (facebook.com/crobotband).  Press and radio should contact Crobot for downloadable MP3s and broadcast quality wav files

  Crobot's exhilarating, nonstop high-energy live shows have been seen all over the area from Philly to NYC and more

 And have shared the stage with national acts Saving Abel, Lit and Buckcherry

*These guys pop up all over the place to keep your eyes and ears open!

For more information, contact Crobot at 570-294-8690 or crobotband@yahoo.com.

www.crobotband.com

From Crobot’s Press page of Crobotband.com:

"When the Harrisburg, PA quartet known as Crobot stepped onto the stage at The Wonder Bar, they were virtual unknowns to the Jersey Shore music scene. 45 minutes later, completely drenched in sweat, Crobot emerged as the new favorite band of everyone in attendance. Their absolutely dynamite set evoked memories of The Parlor Mob, Clutch, Queens of the Stone and all the great fuzzy stoner metal from the 70s. These guys are an absolute, with equivocation, must-listen to band."

- Bill Bodkin, Pop-break.com

"Like some sort of collective Rock N’ Roll stigmata, those who entered Pop-Break.com’s Shipwrecked At The Shore Showcase within The Wonder Bar on Thursday evening had the holiest of musical blood spew from their aural orifices in a Metal-induced cascade as torsos spasmed, knees twitched, and necks realigned on spinal columns as Harrisburg, PA’s Crobot forced this reporter to pop in ear plugs, a career first, while performing the loudest, soul singing set I’ve ever had the fortune of covering…"

- Chris Rotolo , Speak Into My Good Eye (Feb 07, 2012)

"Fronted by the charasmatic Brandon Yeagley, unquestionably one of the strongest and talented on the circuit, Crobot is creating a buzz in the contemporary rock scene. As a band in their early twenties, Crobot is turning heads in clubs and excecuting some of the most commanding and convincing performances."

- Media Five Entertainment

"How can something that has a classic sound be new? You don’t hear music like this anymore. A breath of new life in a timeless sound, Crobot is new in an old way. With remnants of Zeppelin and Rush, Crobot shows that 70’s Rock & Roll is timeless and can stand its own in today’s Rock scene. This is why “Legend of the Space Born Killer” by Crobot is your GOM Song Of The Day."

- Game of Mau Entertainment (Mar 21, 2012)

 Like with all of our Features we Asked the boys our questionnaire that we STOLE from Inside the Actor’s Studio with James Lipton and the old Biography pages of the Band the O~Zone Babies (Thanks to Kenny)

 What is your favorite word?

Riff

 What is your least favorite word?

Quieter

 What turns you on?

 A candle-lit dinner for two, the sweet smells of Burgundy wine and coals on the fire with the sounds of Burt Bacharach playing on vinyl…suddenly the needle skips…we turn on our amps and crank 'em to eleven and watch as the innocent women and children run in fear for their lives…Whoa, what a rush!

  What turns you off?

 We don't have an off switch...

 What sound or noise do you love?

Dirty, distorted, octavated, fuzzy, warm, gainy, bassy tones to feed that soul!

 What sound or noise do you hate?

The voice of whoever asks us to turn down...

 What is your favorite curse word?

Fuck….with so many classy ways to use it…you can always be grammatically correct!

  What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Professional eater

 What profession would you not like to do?

Porn-set custodian

  If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

 "Ummmmm….sorry…I think there's been some kind of mistake."

  Nick name: Beardos

 Birthday: The seventh month of the two thousand and twelfth year

 Home town: In the deep depths of a nebula near Orion's Belt

 How long have you been playing your instrument, and how long have you been playing in a band? We've been a band for a little over one Earth year…humans have no concept of our measurements of time; so, to tell you how long we've been musicians would be futile.

 Why you started playing? The sounds of riff-rock are our very existence.  It fuels our every step and every inch that our beards grow…it is all that we are! So crank up the riffs and put that ship on auto-pilot…everything's gonna be alright with Jesus on the dashboard!

 What song(s) have influenced or inspired you? The list is way too long to list everyone but specifically Led Zeppelin's "In the Light"; when that groove change comes you better be holding on to your britches! Black Sabbath's "Hole in the Sky" is just balls out the entire song…there's something commendable about still remaining dynamic, while having the pedal to the floor.  Clutch's "Big News" influenced one of our very first songs we ever wrote.

 Who are some people that have influenced you?

 Randy Travis…before we start any day, we ask ourselves, "What would Randy Travis do?"

 What was the first album you ever bought?

 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II Soundtrack on cassette tape…Go Ninja, Go Ninja, Go!

 Who are some Bands that you never get sick of hearing?

 Clutch, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Beatles

 What are some albums you could listen to 24/7?

 Any Clutch album, any Led Zeppelin album, any Black Sabbath album with Ozzy…(Yes! Even "Technical Ecstasy")  any Beatles album, any Queens of the Stone Age record (or anything related to Josh Homme), any Rage Against the Machine, Only Living Boy "Hide Nothing", Lynyrd Skynyrd "Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd" & "Second Helping", Foxy Shazam "Introducing…" & "Foxy Shazam", Corrosion of Conformity "Deliverance", cky "Infiltrate. Destroy. Rebuild.", The Sheepdogs "Learn & Burn", Truckfighters "Mania", Orange Goblin "The Big Black", Graveyard "Hisingen Blues", Monster Magnet "Monolithic Baby!", Danzig "II: Lucifuge",  Frank Zappa "Apostrophe" this list could go on and on and on and on….whoops it has!

 What is your favorite song(s) that you never get sick of listening to?

 Anything from the above albums...

 What is your favorite song(s) to play?

 Tap Dancin' on a Tightrope….we become absolutely possessed

 Where is your favorite place to play?

 Everywhere that doesn't tell us we're too loud…

 What is your favorite TV show(s)?

 South Park, Eastbound and Down, Metalocalypse, Trailer Park Boys

 What is your favorite Movie(s)?

 Almost Famous, Dazed and Confused,  Pink Flamingos

 Who is your favorite actor(s)/actress(es)?

 Robert Downy Jr., Will Ferrell, Zack Galifianackis, Clint Eastwood

 What is your favorite cartoon(s)?

 South Park, Metalocalypse

 What's your Favorite Book?

 1984 - George Orwell

 What is your favorite food(s)?

 Burritos!!!! Oh and buffalo chicken egg-rolls!!!

 What is your drink of choice?

 Anything but water…fish have sex in water...

 What is your favorite color(s)?

 Red, blue, yellow…the origins...

 What is your favorite outfit(s) on stage?

 Thrift store specials!

 What is your favorite time of year/holiday(s)?

 Each and every night we have a show…

 What is your favorite thing(s) about being a musician?

 Creating the most beautiful thing in this and all other universes…oh and justification for being weirdos

 What is your favorite quote(s)?

 “Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.” ― Frank Zappa

 What do you want to be when you grow up?

 ALIVE!!!

 What was the first concert you attended?

 KISS's farewell tour they did on the moon...

 Do you have any pets?

 Greyhounds….the only pet that can survive an intergalactic relocation

 What are your hobbies?

 Baking...

 What is your favorite ice cream(s)?

 Ice cream is our kryptonite...

 What was your first band? if any. 

 Phat Heart and the Phunk Attacks

  What was the first time you played live?

 Playing a rendition of "Free Bird" for the 6439th Annual Interstellar Youth Chili Cook-off

 What was your favorite show you ever played?

 The last one...

 What is the funniest thing(s) you've ever heard?

 Any David Lee Roth, James Brown, or Rick James interview

 Equipment:

 Bishop uses: 72 Telecaster Deluxe Reissue, Orange Dual-Terror, Electro-Harmonix POG 2, Bad Horsie Wah, and Vox Time Machine

 Sam uses: Vintage Modified P Bass & Jazz Bass, Acoustic Model 122 amp, Acoustic Model 402 cab, Electro-Harmonix Big Muff

 Tony uses: DW Drums, Sabian cymbals

 DECEMBER 2012: Ricky and the Ricardo's


 Last year when we started our “Featured Bands” we approached and had planned on having the band “Black Diamond be our 4th feature. Due to problems with getting info from other bands we decided to abandon the features for the time being. Black Diamond’s most recent run had started with a 15 year reunion show but not long after they had a small problem when drummer Troy had to leave do to obligations with the U.S. Military and would out of action for a time. They then had the great opportunity to snag a long time figure in Skook music, Tom Bartasavage. Through the summer the guys were a machine having great shows with the Schuylkill County Nights Summer Bash and opening for national recording artists Saving Able. This was short lived though and the guys called it quits shortly after losing their guitarist John to a career opportunity. So you ask why all of that for a band that has been done for months? Well, I had done a LOT of work talking to the singer Tim on their write up last year and it always bothered me that a great band like them had so much going on and it got cut short. That is why we make it up to the guys and do the next best thing. Our Featured Artist/Band for December and our last of 2012 is 75% of Black Diamond playing again. Troy Adams, Gary Schaeffer, Tom Bartasavage, and new guitarist Matt Nyer. Ricky and the Ricardo’s!

 I have had the extreme pleasure to have shared a stage with Gary and Troy in Stickman Morley, right after Black Diamonds first run. It was one of the best experiences of my career. Both have a dedication that few bands have today or that I’ve seen since. I have known Tom for my entire life and had the pleasure to have him be a band mate in 10-4 and the Electrons. Not only is Tom one of the nicest people I know he is an incredible drummer with a love of music that would impress anyone.

The band started in September 2011 after the end of Black Diamond as I said before. The guys wanted to do something new and different so they took their time to develop what they needed. The guys are now out and going strong with a show of great music being done in their own style. Ricky and the Ricardo’s have already showed incredible drive having debuted on live radio on October 11th playing on WXLV 90.3FM, for 2 hours. If that wasn’t enough, the show was rebroadcast on November 1st. Then 2 weeks later the boys performed in the Tamaqua Halloween Parade snagging 3rd place. In just the month before their first live show at Cactus Jack’s on Nov. 17th the Ricardo’s had done more than some bands ever get the chance.

From their Facebook page: “Ricky and the Ricardo's is the brainchild of four formerly retired musicians who each had epiphany's in life to drive them to get where they are today.

Troy Adams was formally the drummer of Black Diamond and lead vocalist for Stickman Morley. Upon the breakup of Stickman Morley, Troy set out to realize his 

real dream to become a Professional Golfer and Subway Spokesperson. This dream was to be cut brutally short when Happy Gilmore suddenly appeared on television sets and movie theaters across the country. 

Matt Nyer was formally the guitar player for many bands, among them, Buck2Eighty. Matt was retired from the music scene only to have a covert operation conducted on his compound. Special Operations personnel swooped in, kidnapped him and threatened unspeakable things if he refused to come back and play guitar for Ricky and the Ricardo's. Unfortunately for him, even after he agreed, there is rumor they still did the unspeakable things to him before releasing him back to his family. 

Gary Schaeffer was the bass player for Black Diamond and Stickman Morley. Even though he couldn't play a single chord, both bands relented and let him in the band just because he wouldn't leave them alone. Once Stickman Morley completed their last show, Gary tried very hard to become Ron Jeremy's fat and hairy stunt double. Unfortunately for Gary, Ron Jeremy does all his own stunts. 

Tom Bartasavage spent many years playing for different bands such as Buck2Eighty, Missing Lynz, Black Diamond and the Blue Mountain Buckaneers. Tom's life and music career has seen dramatic ups and downs, mostly due to the traumatic events that have followed him since his childhood. While in kindergarten, Tom was cutting out a snowman from a piece of paper, when the scissors slipped and he cut the snowman in half. The documentary "Walk Hard" is loosely based on Toms life.”

 Be sure to Join the Facebook page of Ricky and the Ricardo’s to keep up with what the guys are up to.

Now everyone’s favorite part of our features. Like with all our previous Features we Asked the boys of Ricky and the Ricardo’s our questionnaire that we STOLE from Inside the Actor’s Studio with James Lipton and the old Biography pages of the Band the O~Zone Babies (Thanks to Kenny)

What is your favorite word?

Troy… French fries, I don’t care if it is two words

Tom… cruise

Matt…. smurfed

Gary……Cool

What is your least favorite word?

Troy…. No more French fries, again, I don’t care how many words it is!

Tom…. catheter

Matt….. no

Gary….Why (comes with being a parent…LOL)

 What turns you on?

Tom…… fast cars ,loud drums, Lisa Bartasavage

Matt….. My wife (no Seriously no joke)

Gary….Old Cars, motorcycles, and music

 What turns you off?

Tom…. stupidity

Matt…… Guys (sorry Tom)

Gary…..wasted time

 What sound or noise do you love?

Troy…. Waves crashing at the beach

Tom….. V-12 Ferrari engine at 6000 RPM

Matt….. 5 liter mustang exhaust note

Gary…..Loud motors screaming and tires squealing

*(I take it the guys like cars)*

 What sound or noise do you hate?

Troy…. My alarm clock

Tom….. dripping faucet

Matt….. Fork against a knife !!

Gary…..feedback!!!!

 What is your favorite curse word?

Tom…… i don’t curse

Matt…… Me curse I would never F***tard

Gary…..SOB

 What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Troy…. Musician

Tom….. Being a Blacksmith

Matt….. Motorcycle or Car Racing

Gary….Wood working, carpentry

 What profession would you not like to do?

Troy…. Hiney wiper

Tom….. Podiatrist ( not a fan of feet)

Matt…… Rock Star

Gary….truck driver (cannot stand driving in traffic)

 If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Troy…. Well done, my good and faithful servant

Tom…. Well done good and faithful servent   *(Jix, you owe Troy a Coke)*

Matt….. You’ve got 30 seconds explain yourself (of course it would take more than 30 seconds)

Gary….I would just want him to tell me I lived a full life according to His terms

 Nick name:

Tom…..Bart

Matt…. Spot

Gary…..none suitable for mentioning.  LOL

 Birthday:

Troy…. October 23

Tom……11/16/1975

Matt…. 5-17-1976

Gary…. July 20, 1968

 Home town:

Troy…. Schuylkill Haven, PA

Tom…. Tamaqua

Matt….. Pine Grove, PA

Gary…….New Ringgold

 How long have you been playing the drums, and how long have you been playing in a band?

Troy….25 years drumming, 1 year singing, this time around.

Tom….. playing drums for 30 years playing in bands  for about 21 years

Matt…. I’m a guitarist? Wtf.. playing in bands for 16 years, I can pretend to play the drums though.

Gary….Off and on, been playing in bands since 1988

 Why you started playing?

Troy…. Other friends wanted to start a band

Tom…. loved music wanted to play an instrument wasn’t talented enough to play something with strings so drums it was

Matt…… My brother bet me I could never play Eddy V. when I was 18 at a Van Halen Concert. I love a challenge but as much as I hate to admit it he won.

Gary….when we were kids, friends needed a bass player to fill out their band….they offered to teach me. 

 What song(s) have influenced or inspired you?

Troy….. It is well - Kutless

Tom….. Rock n Roll by Zep,Fortunate Son /CCR,

Matt….. When I come around – 1st song learned on guitar

Gary…..I’m inspired by old country, bluegrass, punk and heavy metal. 

 Who are some people that have influenced you?

Tom…. Tommy Lee,Alex Van Halen,Dave Grohl,Taylor Hawkins,Lee Iacocca, My father Tom Bart Sr.

Matt…… Eddy VanHalen/Randy Rhoads/Billy Joe Armstrong/Kirk Hammet/Stevie Ray Vaughn

Gary……Vince Lombardi, Johnny Cash,

 What was the first album you ever bought?

Troy…. The Cure – Head on the Door

Tom….. Twisted Sister  Stay Hungry

Matt….. Aerosmith Pump

Gary…..Agents of Fortune by Blue Oyster Cult

 Who are some Bands that you never get sick of hearing?

Troy…. Casting Crowns, Kutless, Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Tom…. Any Kutless, any foo fighters, any Hillsong, any Van Hagar

Matt….. Green Day/ME first and the Gimme Gimme’s/Breaking Benjamin/System of a Down

Gary……Foo Fighters, Johnny Cash, UFO, Thin Lizzy,, 357 String Band and of course Ricky and the Ricardo’s

 What are some albums you could listen to 24/7?

Troy…. TSO Christmas Eve and Other Stories

Tom….. Hillsong the I heart revolution,5150 VH,Motley Crue’s disc with out Vince,Soul Asylum let your dim light shine,there are many many more

Matt….. Toxicity/We are Not Alone/Dookie

Gary……Any Johnny Cash, Foo Fighters Color and the Shape, UFO Strangers in the Night

 What is your favorite song(s) that you never get sick of listening to?

Troy….. Give us clean hands - Kutless

Tom……. Change of season by Dream theater

Matt….. Vicinity of Obsenity (System of a Down)/Johnny Be Good

Gary…..Everlong by Foo Fighters, Lights Out by UFO, Got No Shame by Brother Cane

 What is your favorite song(s) to play?

Troy…… Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show

Tom…. What the world will never know /Hillsong

Matt…. Our version of Shania Twain - I feel like a women

Gary…In this band, Ricardos version of Coal Miners Daughter.

 Where is your favorite place to play?

Troy…. Matt and Gary’s garage

Tom…… Country Corners/Calmtown tavern ,it always felt like home

Matt…. Home

Gary….Anywhere where there are people that want to rock and have a great time. 

 What is your favorite TV show(s)?

Troy…. Anything on Investigation Discovery

Tom….. MASH

Matt …. Johnny Test

Gary…….Law and Order, NFL Football (Go Packers)

 What is your favorite Movie(s)?

Troy…. The Princess Bride

Tom…. Braveheart

Matt …. Anything Marvel Comics

Gary….. Walk the Line, Walking Tall, Brians Song, We are Marshall…..movies that are true stories

 Who is your favorite actor(s)/actress(es)?

Tom…… Tom Hanks

Matt ….. Bruce Willis/Meg Ryan

Gary……Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell

 What is your favorite cartoon(s)?

Troy….. Scooby Doo

Tom……. phineas and ferb

Matt ….. Calvin and Hobbes

Gary…..Speed Racer, Flintstones. 

 What's your Favorite Book?

Troy…. The Bible

Tom….. wild at heart/John Eldridge

Matt…. Circus McGircus

Gary…..Cash…Autobiography on Johnny Cash

 What is your favorite food(s)?

Troy….. French Fries

Tom….. Grande pizza or Chili Dog Cheeseburgers

Matt….. Pizza

Gary……I’m a meat and potatoes guy…plus pizza.

 What is your drink of choice?

Troy….. Diet Green Tea – Turkey Hill

Tom…… Guers Green tea

Matt ….. Dr. Pepper

Gary……Old Crow and water

 What is your favorite color(s)?

Troy…. Red, Blue, Black

Tom….. orange

Matt ….. Blue

Gary…..Green, Black

 What is your favorite outfit(s) on stage?

Troy…… Only had one so far, Leisure suit

Tom….. mango orange leisure suit

Matt ….. We play naked

Gary…..My Bright Red Sport Coat with yellow shirt

 What is your favorite time of year/holiday(s)?

Troy….. Christmas

Tom…. Christmas favorite holiday ,But I love the summer love the heat

Matt…… Thanksgiving

Gary….. Spring/Christmas

 What is your favorite thing(s) about being a musician?

Troy….. Am I a musician?

Tom…… being able to spend time with people with similar interests and the ability to share the music I love with people everywhere

Matt ….. The music

Gary…..Being able to experiment with songs, change them around to fit your taste.

 What is your favorite quote(s)?

Troy…. Have fun storming the castle!

Tom….In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.  A.Lincoln

Matt….. In similibus Asinus Kong

Gary……..Winning is not a sometimes thing, it is an all the time thing…..Vince Lombardi

 What do you want to be when you grow up?

Troy…… A good father

Tom….. I want to be cool when I grow up actually I don’t plan on growing up

Matt…. Never growing up.

Gary……A Philanthropist

 What was the first concert you attended?

Troy…. The Hooters at Martz hall

Tom…. Rolling stones /steel wheels

Matt….. Green Day

Gary……..The Scorpions with Bon Jovi as the opening act……June 1984

 Do you have any pets?

Troy….. A Dachshund - Fudgie

Tom….2 cats

Matt…. Cats/Kids

Gary…..yes…a dog….Norweigian Elkhound

 What are your hobbies?

Troy…… Playing with the kids

Tom…. playing with Jeeps,camping,walking around junkyards looking at cars

Matt…… Rickey and the Ricardo’s/Motocross/Snowboard/Baseball/Drums

Gary….old cars, working around my house, spending time with my daughter.

 What is your favorite ice cream(s)?

Troy…. Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles from Kohr Brothers in OCNJ

Tom….. cookie monster@ Rollies in New Tripoli

Matt…. Black Raspberry

Gary….Breyers Peach

 What was your first band? if any.

Troy….. I don’t remember the name, I’m old

Tom…. Dry Ice

Matt…. Buck2Eighty

Gary…..Black Diamond

 What was the first time you played live?

Troy….. In a friend’s basement for a party in High School

Tom…..? I think the East end Park in Tamaqua

Matt ….. Tough to play when your dead but I’d give it a shot

Gary……Private Party in 1988 at the New Ringgold Firehouse

What was your favorite show you ever played?

Tom…. The Cry convention with the band Hallel @ The Jamestown Hockey arena in Jamestown NY  close 2nd  filling with the band Eagles Wings athe the blue MTn  Christian retreat

Matt …… Croc Rock

Gary…..don’t really have a favorite…….if the people are having a good time, it makes them all enjoyable. 

What is the funniest thing(s) you've ever heard?

Tom….. Wow the water smells really salty here….Lisa its Lake Erie.

Matt…… Somebody wanted to do a feature on our band Rickey and the Ricardo’s.

Gary……”You should call your band Ricky and the Ricardos”….former co-worker

Experience:

Troy…… Lifetime singing, 25 years drumming

Tom…..31 years of playing. Bands: Dri Ice, Midnite Rain, Camoflauge Peachtree, missing Lynx ,Buck 2 eighty, Jonathan Factor, Hallel, Blue mtn Buccaneers, Black Diamond also spent time behind the sound board with Oh Ruby and 10-4 and the Electrons.

Currently playing at The Lighthouse Church every other Sunday.

Matt …..18 Years Classic Rock/Heavy/Alternative/Blues/PUNK

Gary…..Been playing since 1986, played in bands from 1988-1999.  Started back up again in 2009. Bands were Black Diamond, Stickman Morley and Ricky and the Ricardos

Equipment:

Troy…..Shure SM-58 Mics

Tom…… with the Ricardos: Tama Artstar II kit 16x24 Bass, 9x12 Tom, 16x16 floor tom, Sabian AAX 18” explosion crash, 18” metal crash, 8” splash, Zildjian 21” rock ride (I switch between a platinum A and a hollow logo A) hi-hats usually 14” Zildjian A custom projecton top and Sabian fusion bottom (occasionally I will play Sabian Will Calhoun Mad hats. 

* If I am not playing my Tama kit I will be rocking my Yamaha Rock tour Custom Kit in similar sizes I am always mixing and matching cymbals .Promark 747 natural sticks /nylon tip

Matt….. Paul Reed Smith/VOX/Dean Markley Strings/Sure Wireless

Gary…..Harke Amps, Ibanez and Dean Bass Guitars