July 2010 shows & news

June 2010 shows & news

May 2010 shows & news

 Two new videos and photos from Saturday, two songs each by the Groove Clinic (at McMenamy's) and Rick Hartley & the Ghettobillyz (Blue Magoo's). Groove Clinic floored me with their classic rock, specially their delivery of the Cars "Let's Go", in the video... Rick has found an amazing rhythm section in this latest version of the Ghettobillyz - he borrowed bassman Jared Craig from Todd Cutshaw's open mic, and you can see drummer Rocky Thurston playing in other videos on this site with the Terry Barrett Band and Stage & Co. (5/3/2010)

The Electracons graciously sent original songs for the Mahoning Valley Live Music player. Check out the thoroughly enjoyable "Extra High" and "Heavy Third". You can hear the band in person at a benefit for Janet Applegate at Fairway 12, Conneaut Lake PA this Saturday. Thanks, guys!

Jones For Revival performed last night at the Lemon Grove with acoustic guitar, bongos, and djembe, a new and different flavor to their cool jams. Hear how it sounds on "16 Dollars" in the two videos (necessary due to YouTube video length restriction). Next week will be your last chance to attend Revival Mondays, so don't miss it. And mark your calendar for JonesFest III at the Nelson Ledges Quarry Park on Memorial Day weekend. (5/5/2010)

This week's videos: Mortisha's Secret at Metter's. You can watch more at the band's own YouTube site, www.youtube.com/mortishassecret. Missy and Todd Shay have a couple of really cool original songs in the MVLiveMusic player so check those out, too... Sideshow at the Little Wing Cafe. Bill Scudier proves he can still rock out in this Led Zeppelin song... I took a chance and shot a video of Get Back despite the low stage lighting at McMenamy's. Glad I did. I knew the audio would still demonstrate the band's accurate Beatlesque harmonies, and I believe my experimental effect salvaged a low-res video. See what you think... Photos of the above bands, and the Earth Band (Metter's) and John Dante & the Inferno (Blue Magoo's), can be viewed in the slideshow. (5/10/2010)

Steve Acker, the "A" in 70's band L.A.W., has moved to the hill country way south of Lisbon. He requested MVLiveMusic's presence and camera for a video shoot, at his home studio - Pesta Palace, of performances of original songs and blues standards. You can view the results of a very productive and enjoyable afternoon on his video site www.youtube.com/tunesmith3000. He's still processing all the videos so keep checking back for more.

Seven new videos: In a Circle playing two fine originals, "Ohio Song" and "The Mill", at Deuces Wild... Magma (again!? Yeah, I really like the way these young dudes rock) performing their song "Run" at Faces... Ditto (except a little older) for the Dennis Drummond Trio at Blue Magoo's... TSB shakin' up Rudy's (formerly That Sixties Band and Victory Lane Lounge, respectively)... I helped send Randy Bass packing to Nashville at Tully's, and shot a video of the River Saints and another of Randy fronting the band... As usual, photos are also available in the slide show. By the way, there will be new songs by In a Circle (also the BreezeWay and the Double Barrel Boys) in the site player as soon as I get a chance to upload, so come back soon, ya hear? (5/17/2010)

"Ripple Music is also proud to announce the release of the 1972 lost classic,Let Me In, from Poobah. Featuring the guitar wizardry of Jim Gustafson, Poobah has milled about in the same circles as classic rock icons Hawkwind, Blue Cheer, and Iron Butterfly. This deluxe re-issue will be available in jewel case CD, digital download, and multi-colored double 12" vinyl formats . . . and all will include bonus tracks from "lost tapes" of the Let Me In recording sessions. Look for the album this summer, and in the meantime, feel free to listen to some of the music that you have missed over the years."

Finishing up the month of May with new band videos: Steve Vuich and Art Bain playin' some blues at Steve's Nick Rizzi SOI open mic... A Deuce Acoustic reunion, Michael Starkey's nimble fretboard fingering and Madam Weez's perfect voice at the Chuck Hake Benefit, also at the SOI... MVLiveMusic finally met Leanne Binder and recorded her awesome vocals at Steamers Stonewall Tavern... Acoustic Juggernaut's and Hoss Jarman's soulful performance at Blue Magoo's, including a different and interesting take on Tom Petty... Shotgun Willy's cool rockin' groove on a Doors' song at Metter's. (5/31/2010)

April 2010 shows & news

Videos from the past week - Jeff Welsh performing an original song at the Austintown Quaker Steak & Lube and Geo C & Tha Storm at the Lemon Grove. New photos, too - Jimmy Martin at Nick Rizzi SOI, Dan Drummond, Brandon Giovanni, Tim Drummond, Larry Nell, and Rick Hartley at Dan's open mic at the Horseshoe, and Nick Carpenter performing with Larry Bondy, Steve Marenkovic, and Butch McCracken at the Tongue In Groove jam at the Ice House Inn.

A humungous "thank you" goes out to all my friends who joined me at my Blue Magoo's gig this past Saturday - on stage: Bill Scudier and Chuck Gisewhite of Sideshow, Rick Hartley, Mike Starkey, Matthew Owen Dreher of Spiderweb Music, Ginger, and Mickey O'Gallagher (who just happened to stop in and wound up playing congas and singing harmonies the whole night), and in the audience: Adam Jacobs, Don and Diane Drummond, my sister, brothers, and sister-in-law, and the rest of the rowdy partiers. (4/5/2010)

A great-news message from Tom Sailor via Facebook:

"Youngstown’s The Guilty Pleasures Top ReverbNation’s Web List in First Week of Site Launch!

ReverbNation, http://www.reverbnation.com a global online website that offers free promotion for bands, fans, clubs and other music industry services, currently lists four area rock groups at the top of their regional list.

According to their regional stats the top 4 bands are: The Guilty Pleasures, Dizzy Whore , Barflies and The Kellys. All are based in the Youngstown, Warren, and Sharon area.

Much like American Idol, stats are based on fan attention: How many hits each website receives; how many times their songs get played; their videos are viewed and the amount of downloads. They are also linked to their hits on Facebook, MySpace, and ReverbNation.

The Guilty Pleasures band includes: Sonny Boy Hopchick (Sacksville R & B ) Timber Gilliland ( 8 Balls) of Youngstown and Amy Young (Swagger Kings) Tom Sailor (Illuminatus) of New Castle. ReverbNation has over 600,000 acts listed: The Guilty Pleasures rank in the top 2% globally in across all genres rating 2894 global rock category."

Congratulations!

New video and photo uploads, with something for everyone: classic rock with BCH Band at Faces Lounge and Three Miles Out at Blue Magoo's... another C/W original song by the Double Barrel Boys at Deuces Wild... soulful originals by Hoss Jarman at Blue Magoo's... jazzy blues with the Shedrick Hobbs Experience at Cedars... and also at Cedars, rockin' originals by Album (happy birthday, Viking Jim!). Also new photos of Gary Pirrung at Metter's, Magma at Faces, and the John Harrow / LJ Fortier Freeman Sound reunion at Quinlan's. (4/12/2010)

You might have heard about the recent Go Go Girls Cabaret problems. I was surprised to find the club open and busy Friday, including Chasin' the Blues at their scheduled gig. The band excels at the real thing - authentic blues - as you can see and hear in new videos, one of which is a live performance of their original song "Crazy Lady", also featured in the MVLiveMusic player... It's not an easy job keeping track of band permutations. Last month I filmed EchoWorm at the Little Mustangs benefit at Yankee Lake Ballroom. Friday I got to enjoy hearing the same band, with minor changes, as the Saltines at O'Donold's (video available)... Steve Olinger is one of the busiest guitar players around, leading four bands at last count - Bermuda Triangle, Crossbow, Rough Edges, and the Road Dogs. I captured the last group's cool classic rock on video at Julie's Down the Street.

Saturday, and another benefit at Faces Lounge, this one for Relay for Life and featuring the One Forty Ones and Shades of Gray. I missed the first band, but you can watch Alton Cooley's group playing a couple classic rock standards in the new video with special guest cowbell player Audra, daughter of drummer George Javersak... Then hittin' the interstate for the eighth annual chapter of the Zou's Nouveau Rock Festival at Cedars, with a wall-to-wall packed house listening to eleven bands on two stages. The crowd and the dim lighting made for difficult video shooting, but MVLiveMusic managed to capture Third Class and the headliner each performing outstanding original tunes... A block away and another low-light stage at the Lemon Grove, where Stage & Co. laid down cool keyboard-sax-drums jazz for the MVLiveMusic camera... Photos of all the listed bands and Sewing Machine War (also at Cedars) can be found in the "on the Road" slide show above. Videos and photos can also be found in the performers' Musicians page profiles. (4/19/2010)

Cover bands take note:

"DO YOU AND YOUR COVER BAND HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? DO YOU KNOW A BAND THAT DOES? This summer, Leon's is hosting the first ever battle of the cover bands! We're looking for at least 9 of the area's cover bands to compete over 3 dates this summer, with finals being held sometime in August, for cash and prizes. You will be required to play 1 set of music, approx 1 hour, and be judged on fan response, music style and performance. The 3 finalists will receive prizes of various amounts, with the winner getting $500 cash and 2 guaranteed gigs!! To enter your band, call 330-856-3627 and ask for Donna. All bands must be entered by May 24th. Sorry NO originals bands at this time. We're looking for DANCE/ROCK cover bands."

New original songs in the MVLiveMusic player: "Without You" by Saylor/Lynn, and "Encore" and  "Shock My Heart" by SicKasMe. If you missed SicKasMe at Cedars Saturday as I did :-( , here's your chance to catch up. I've been following guitar slinger/vocalist Kianna Cameron since I shot a video of her jammin' with Tongue In Groove last year. You can also view videos of the band. Thanks so very much, Saylor/Lynn and SicKasMe, your cool songs are a fantastic addition to this site... Player song policy has changed. New uploads are now complete songs rather than shortened samples. As requested, Jim Meese's "Stone Unturned" has been reloaded in its entirety (you might have to clear your browser cache to hear the full version). All other songs will remain unchanged unless I receive specific requests from the artists.

Woah, that took a while! From last weekend - videos and photos include: Adam Jacobs and Vito's Lot at Blue Magoo's, the Blue Collar Band at O'Donold's, the Bridge at Up a Creek, Makayla Dawn at University Pizzeria, Pipe Dreams at the Lemon Grove, and the Infidels and the Robbie Jay Band at Cedars. New photos of Tim Drummond w/ cousin Dan (the Horseshoe), Skull'rz Bane (UPie), and Sideshow (Leon's). Lots of fine live music! It's a tough job but someone has to do it :-)  (4/26/2010)

If you missed Vito's Lot at Blue Magoo's last Friday this is your lucky week to catch up. Not only can you watch them perform two songs in videos (see below), but now you can hear two more from their "the trees" album, "Paint a Picture" and "Someone Out There", in this site's music player. Then you can pick up the CD at their Barley's show on May 7th. You can also experience two cool songs from In Harms Way's "Good Times Bad Times" album - "Angel" and "Reality Trip". Good thing, too, because IHW doesn't play out much, though that might change soon. I'll keep you posted. Until then, check out the links in their profile page for more about the CD. Remember to use that little scroll bar on the right side of the player to select songs if you don't want to wait for them in random play. Enjoy the music!

March, St. Patty's Day, and a movie review

Back to Up a Creek to shoot a video of GSK's second and final show. Bassist Bill Kennedy is moving to a sunnier climate. Best wishes, Bill, and we're going to miss you in GSK, Aunt Esther, and Rudy & the Professionals! Jim Golen and John Sferra will be looking for a similar musical symbiosis with a new bass player but not in time for their 3/31 gig, so it's been canceled. I'll let you know when you can hear GS(?)... Southern Justice plays every Friday at American Legion 737. We were extremely impressed with their new playlist, and Johnny C explained they are branching out and now want to be recognized as a variety band. But boot-stompers and line dancers needn't worry, the band still kicks out on your beloved C/W songs, as can be seen in the new video... I sipped my favorite Bianco at Mastropietro Winery while enjoying the music of Thanx. The band has undergone many changes in its 30+ year history, and is now a four-member group with rockin' acoustic guitars, soaring harmonies, and cool flute accompaniment... We're not used to seeing Jerry Centifanti dressed up in tie and jacket, so that was a bonus on our McMenamy's visit to hear Dom Tocco and the New Brotherhood. The "New" name change is due to the new lineup, with Jerry on guitar, Steve Lawrence on drums, and Pete Pylypiw on keyboard, and, of course, Dominic Tocco's soulful crooning, as evident in the new video... Photos from all the above shows are also available... Two open-mic cancellations - sort of: Dan Drummond sent me a Facebook message to let me know his Horseshoe gig was being replaced by Karaoke, but then he quickly followed with a report that he was back in the schedule due to customer complaints - live music wins! Good timing, too. Look for a special guest next Sunday - Dan's brother Dennis will be in town on spring break from Berklee. On the flip side, Jim Golen decided to end his Up A Creek open mic after a futile three week attempt to get Howland natives to come out on a Sunday night. (3/8/2010)

You can often find Tom Sailor at Cedars, sometimes listening but mostly playing - solo, or with the Guilty Pleasures, or with friends in other band configurations. Tom has shared stages with many famous acts, including one of my music heroes, Roger McGuinn! Tom has an albumful of cool original songs at ReverbNation, and two of them, "Wintertime" and "Willie Wright Went Wrong" are now available in the MVLiveMusic player for your enjoyment. Use the player scroll bar to find the songs if you don't want to wait for them in random play. Visit his ReverbNation page to hear the complete songs and his other selections.

I previously reported that Boom Boom Mancini's movie "Youngstown, Still Standing" features three songs by Poobah, and that it will premier at the Cleveland Film Festival this month. The additional good news is that it will also receive a Youngstown premier showing at the Butler Art Institute on March 23rd, and Jim "Poobah" Gustafson will perform an acoustic set as part of the presentation. The bad news is that attendance is by invitation only. For this special circumstance MVLiveMusic will become a one-time film review site, and I will report back about both, the concert and the movie, after the show.

Sunrise Entertainment is now hosting the summer concerts series at the Warren Community Amphitheatre, and the new promoters want to emphasize more performances by local bands. Their "WarrenStock" event on June 12th is a platform for area bands to demonstrate their talents in 30 minute (approximate) slots preceding evening entertainment by Stanglehold and Thunderstruck. First priority will be Warren / Trumbull County bands, then bands from nearby counties will be considered for available slots. Interested bands are required to complete an application, available at Mickey's Army Navy Store, 239 Main St. SW, Warren OH 44481, or requested by email at warrenstock@gmail.com. More information is available on the application. Visit www.riverrockattheamp.com for concert series information.

Eight continuous evenings on the road for Mahoning Valley Live Music, thirteen new videos, and many more photos, including: The Guilty Pleasures at Cedars... St. Patty's Day with Shotgun Willy at ITAM #30 and Matt Boser at the Horseshoe and Nick Rizzi SOI... a very cool and different experience instore at Indie Wax Records with Indian Catastrophe, Braille, Horses Have People Teeth, and Red Sun (and I found a Mom's Apple Pie album with original cover art in the discount rack!)... the SmokeHouse Band at McMenamy's and the Dennis Drummond Trio at Kracker Jacks... FastLane at Top Notch Bar & Grill, Strings Attached at Metter's, the Dennis Drummond Trio (yeah, one more time before he headed back to Berklee) at Little Wing Cafe, and Wet Lemon at the Champion Beach House Bar. Great bands and great shows, every one of them! (3/22/2010)

The movie? It's a documentary, narrated by Ursulinite Jim Cummings (voice of Winnie the Pooh and other animations), and includes interviews of many locals - famous, semi-renowned, and neighborhood bar patrons. Ed O'Neill, of "Married With Children" fame and also from Ursuline, entertains through much of the commentary. Historical photos and videos enhance the fascinating narrative, and bind the memories of us locals who are already aware of most the bits and pieces of Youngstown's story. Of course, most of the movie's run-time deals with the two most infamous aspects of the area - organized crime and the demise of the steel industry. But "Boom Boom" was careful to end the film on a upbeat note, with hope for a brighter future.  (3/25/2010)

The Huckin' Fillbillys, Back Alley Band, Sideshow, and EchoWorm rocked the Yankee Lake Ballroom for the Little Mustangs Football Benefit. Thanks to Beth Clancy for putting it all together and inviting Mahoning Valley Live Music to record the festivities - videos and photos are uploaded.  (3/29/2010)

Slip Slidin' Away around the Valley

Rockin' into 2010

On the road December '09

Facebook and YouTube

I've been wondering why bands promote on Facebook. It seems to me that your audience is limited to your friends, your Facebook URL is a confusing "www.facebook.com/yourbandname/some-long-meaningless-string-of-numbers", you can't install a music player, and there's no convenient way to display your show schedule except to write on your "wall". Maybe I'm wrong on these points, but if so, could someone explain why. Sure, MySpace isn't perfect (I get tired of waiting for cluttered "pimped" pages to load just so I can view a schedule), but your page is open to the public, you have a fairly-convenient URL, and MySpace Music has a built in music player and a show schedule box. Please understand that this isn't a Facebook slam. In fact, I have a personal page for family and friends. And bands should use every means of promotion, specially freebies. But, in my opinion, Facebook should be the last tool utilized, not an exclusive replacement for your own website or a MySpace page. Anyway, I'll soon start an MVLiveMusic Facebook page to communicate with musicians. I'll let you know when it's ready.

Lately I've been seeing a problem with the MVLiveMusic videos on YouTube. When I click to play some clips from the homepage the video appears with another video's title. The instant remedy is to click on the video again from the list on the right side of the page. I'm not sure how to avoid the errors other than, possibly, uploading one video at a time. Is anyone else having this problem?

November '09 Views and News...

UPDATE: John Schmidt sent his Christmas song "The Only Wish, a Christmas Wish" and the full track is now in the player. John writes songs in support of members of our armed forces, and he uses CD sales donations to send CDs to our troops overseas. He performed his song "This Is America Our Heart and Soul" at the Covelli Center on Veteran's Day, and you can watch the video here. Great job, John!

News from the Live Music front: Bill's Place's new management changed scheduling so Tongue In Groove's open jam has moved to the Dash Inn, still on Wednesdays... Joe Fritz's Wednesday open mic at the Rig is cancelled until, possibly, the beginning of next year... Dennis Drummond is coming home from Berklee for T-Day so you'll be able to catch the Trio on Black Friday (Metter's) and Saturday (Blue Magoo's).

New videos and photos from the benefit for the Mosquito Lake Cooperation Station Dog Park at Blue Magoo's - Take II, Rick Hartley with Emily, Doc, and Lenny, and Skull'rz Bane performing their original "Silence". 2 For the Road, Bill Seifert, Bruce Fox, and MVLiveMusic's Professor Steve also played for the benefit. There was enough time afterward to visit Fester Presley (new photo) at Captain Kelly's, and the Professor blew harp on "Mary Jane's Last Dance" with Sideshow at the Holiday. Great shows, everyone!

More (bad) news from the Live Music front: All events have been cancelled at Victory Lane Lounge due to the venue's citations for excessive noise. Yes, you read that right - although bands play inside the front lounge with a bowling alley behind, and the closest neighbor is a block away across a wooded field, the bar is in violation because music can be heard 50' FROM THE BUILDING!... The aforementioned Tongue In Groove jam at Dash Inn was a one-time occurrence. The band is looking for a new venue... The Rosetta Stone's Thursday Ladies Night with the FOG has been cancelled (however, the Rosetta Stone is still one of the most active supporters of live music in the Valley, with three events weekly)... Jimmie D's open mic at the In Between Lounge is cancelled.

MVLiveMusic friends recognition

Well, it's the beginning of the month, and time to copy gigs from 500+ websites again. I'll be busy the next several days, and the enjoyable part of all the work is seeing so many bands with links and comments for MVLiveMusic.com on their sites, and seeing my band photos and videos show up everywhere with notes like "Thanks to MVLiveMusic.com." Also, many, many fans and musicians are spreading the word among friends, and even mention this site over the microphone during gigs - whether I'm there or not :-) . I can't tell you how much I appreciate the acknowledgement and, frankly, the love I'm getting back for my efforts. You're too numerous to mention individually, but I know who you are! Thank you, very, very much. (11/3/09)
 

October '09 MVLiveMusic road trips

MVLiveMusic had to stop by Metter's to shoot another photo of the Earth Band, now that Frank Castellano is applying his amazing 6-string expertise for the group. Never fear, Frank is still performing his cool solo gigs, too... Back at Metter's on Wednesday, for (finally!) the return of Tim Drummond's open mic. I hung around long enough to listen to Tim and Rick Hartley perform, and play a couple songs myself, before heading to Austintown for... the Tongue In Groove jam at Bill's Place, recently moved from Monday nights. Actually, I'm not sure if that's still the host band's name, after a change in personnel. I'll find out and keep you informed. Meanwhile, back on the road and cross-county to Hubbard for... another returning Wednesday open mic, at Barkley's. Well, sort of. The establishment has a new owner and a new name - Killin' Time. Are you confused? Did you read "Barley's" above, not "Barkley's"? The new name should fix that problem once and for all. Actually, we thought it should be called "Bar Down Under" due to the fact it's in a plaza basement and so hard to find. Anyway, the open mic has a new host, too. Well, again, sort of. Ray Huber was the original host, then Crazy Eddie, and now Ray's back. Is your head spinning yet? Mine is. Ray is a gracious host, he and Robert Anthony Johnson put on a great show, and Ray backed me up on a few songs... We took a hungry chance on Alberini's again (read about our previous visit below). This time we arrived earlier and managed to grab a table in the lounge before it became SRO, which also gave us time to enjoy a fine meal by the time Chookie, Dan Shapira, and John Longberry began the entertainment. Chookie apologized for the absence of his lead guitar player, but he performed so well I wouldn't have considered that he needed another guitar if he hadn't mentioned it. Of course, Dan's keyboard skills added another dimension to the performance, even presenting a remarkable replacement for the saxophone in "Born To Run" (my, and I believe Chookie's, favorite song of the evening). John's bass and vocal harmonies rounded out the presentation. Chookie has such a great time on stage I have to wonder if he's in the restaurant business just so he has a reliable place to play! You can watch videos of Chook, Dan, and John here, and view new photos of most of the musicians in this discussion. (10/5/09)

While I'm busy copying October gigs from 500+ websites, enjoy videos and photos from some outstanding shows I visited this past week... Danny & the Fog at the Rosetta Stone, Joe Fritz and Water Rocket Band at Blue Magoo's, Skull'rz Bane at the Hollow (sorry, photo only), the Wyatt Davis Outfit at Kracker Jacks, and Neil Hogue, Eugene Rutan, and Dave Rowe at Mid Life Crisis' Deuces Wild open stage (photos only). Remember, you can also watch videos from the performers' listings in the Musicians page, and current photos display in the slide show on this screen. (10/15/09)

Another weekend, more shows, videos and photos - Sound Bite (w/ Lee Syrjanen and Bill Brown subbing for Carl Jaklic and Lou Greco) at the Highland Ave. NAUS and Nauvoo Road at the Holiday Sports Bar.

MVliveMusic was honored with an invitation to the Paws for Peace Battle of the Bands at the Ranch, an all-day event benefiting the New Castle K-9 Corps. It was an opportunity to meet and hear, for the first time, several great bands from western PA, many already listed in this site's Musicians page (and to reconnect with my friends John Dante & the Inferno). Host Dorey announced that it was a very close contest, and congratulations go out to Rezistance, who came out on top in a day filled with excellent music and talent. Other performers were Shame, Chip DiMonick, Villainy, Reel-a-Peel, Fillmore Jive (check out their song "4-2-2" in the MVLiveMusic player!), Thunder God, Trestle Jumper, and Dead City Dealers. Toad Psycho Cafe kicked off the festival but didn't compete. Of course, photos and videos are available. Dorey, you put together a great show! (10/18/09)

Other than all the open mics in the area and the occasional Margherita's gig, you'll find Mahoning Valley Live Music's "Professor" playing at many benefit shows. This past Saturday I joined my fellow musicians and good friends Madam Weez (Louise Hathaway) and Rick Hartley at Harley-Davidson BikeTown, helping raise money for breast cancer survivor Kelly Bloomingdale. We were joined by an acoustic version of the One Forty Ones, a group of Warren city policemen performing Wayne Mackey's cool original songs. Weez and Rick soloed, and also pleased the crowd with a couple amazing duets... I started off the afternoon at University Pizzeria's Oktoberfest, listening to those rockin' 12-year-olds, Magma, on the outdoor stage, and finished up the late evening back inside U-Pie for one of my favorite original bands, the Kellys. For the grand finale, I finally got to meet and hear Raise The Cannon ... In between Austintown and Youngstown I just had to drive to Warren to accompany my good friend and incredible musician Jeff Welsh on the Mocha House stage... There's new uploaded videos and photos of Magma (with Viking Jim emceeing), the One Forty Ones, Rick and Louise, the Kellys, and Raise the Cannon. I'm sure you'll enjoy viewing as much as I enjoyed taking them. Remember, you can now watch all performers' MVLiveMusic videos in their Musicians page listings. (10/24/09)

While running all over the Valley dressed as Willie Nelson the last several days I managed to shoot another video - Katelin Deutsch performing at her birthday party at the Reef with her music instructor DJ. Great job, you two! Magma supplied the rest of the evening's live music, and I got a chance to tell them about their recently-posted video. Man, they have an extensive fan base! Once the word got out their video hits jumped by another hundred within a few days. (10/31/09)

Live music or "noise"

(9/28/09)
These are tough times for the businesses that employ local musicians to provide live music entertainment. Regardless of your feelings about the smoking ban, it is a fact that it created a hardship for one industry in particular - bars / nightclubs, followed by a lousy economy that has delivered the coup de grace for many venues. A previous Warren O'Donold's owner explained to me, a few years back, why they were moving from the city to the current location on the Strip - after investing tens of thousands of dollars into a smoker-friendly outdoor patio, neighbor complaints shut down their live entertainment. Since then Jimmy Metter reopened the establishment under his own name and invested in expansion and improvements. He tried to appease by featuring outdoor music only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and only until 11 p.m. (and only in the Summertime, of course). But, I've been seated on the patio, listening to bands, and witnessed yelled complaints and obscenities from one neighboring household. Those objectors couldn't legally stop the music so they've attacked from a new direction - a petition for a vote to ban on-premises alcohol consumption within the precinct. It's a direct attack on Metter's, but it will also destroy another business - Crest Lanes, also a live music promoter. Ironically, Kracker Jacks is located between the two threatened businesses but on the "right" side of the street, and will be unaffected, or more likely, will reap bonus sales because of the neighboring precinct's alcohol ban. Hopefully this issue will be resolved without causing additional job and income loss in the already-distressed city of Warren.

On the road again

(9/21/09)
MVLiveMusic stayed home most of last week to finish up all the videos and photos from Tommy McCoy's Blues Benefit Reunion BBQ. The entire event was recorded on reel-to-reel, so look for a CD release in the near future...

We finally hit the road on Thursday, stopping at Margherita's Grill (where yours truly, Professor Steve, played last Saturday) to listen to LJ Fortier's bluesy guitar, vocal, and harmonica stylings. LJ played drums in Freeman Sound, and demonstrated his harp talents at the Benefit BBQ last Sunday. Then on to the Firehouse, where Timmy (yeah, he wants to be called simply "Timmy") was hosting the open mic this week. It was supposed to be John Koebel's turn, but he couldn't make it. Timmy does a great job playing and singing a unique selection of covers that are rarely heard at area shows...

First stop Friday - Alberini's, but, unfortunately for us (but great for the restaurant), we missed Chookie's show because we couldn't find a place to sit in the packed lounge. We were starving, so we stayed on 422 until we arrived at - Margherita's again, for the third time in one week! Hey, the food's great and inexpensive, and I love the people there. And I got to hear Simon (Kenneally, but he also prefers using only his first name!) again for the first time since Strength of Strings 9. Simon seems to have been born in the wrong era, or maybe it's just his song selection for us old customers. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed his presentation of some of my favorite music. Finally we arrived at Cedars for First In Space's CD Release Party. Well, not quite finally - the music hadn't started so we walked around the corner and found the House Band playing at Rosetta Stone and (surprise!) Ron Chick's Friends at the new Lemon Grove Cafe. On weekend band nights the Rosetta is always packed wall-to-wall with enthusiastic dining and dancing customers, and this night was no exception. I squeezed my way through the crowd to say "hi" to House Band guitarist Mike Baranski, who had performed with his Fuzz bandmate John Sferra at the Blues Benefit. I hung around the Lemon Grove with my friend Madam Weez to hear, for the first time, the Friends' way-cool jazz - too long, as it turned out, because I missed hearing and meeting Michele Lynn at Cedars. Fortunately, I returned in time to catch Pete Drivere & the Pretty Demons' catchy countrified-pop originals and the rockin' main event, First In Space. If you missed the show you can catch up by watching the videos. And check out the new First In Space CD, "Geronimo" - I'll bet you'll like it as much as I do...

Saturday night found me at the new Champion Beach House, in a building that has displayed several restaurant names over the years. In fact, I ate there with my parents when it was called Heidi's Dairy in the early '60's. The new owners' cool decorating demonstrates that the old building should have been a bar all along! The Beach House will be offering live acoustic music every Saturday, so check it out. This week my old friend Jay Wonders played. I used to drive Jay and Rick Hartley home from teen dances. I also coached Jay's sons in YMCA soccer, one of who, Jesse, was helping his Dad tear down Saturday. Jay performs in memory of his son Garrett, a world-class bicyclist who was hit from behind by an inattentive driver, and Jay donates his gig earnings to Share the Road. Last stop for the week - around the corner at Victory Lane Lounge, for Bullseyes' final show. Yeah, that's right - if you haven't heard the band's excellent country/rock yet, you're too late. Damn shame, too! Maybe, if we keep our fingers crossed and pray to the Fickle Fates of Band Reunions, they'll reconsider.

News from the live music front... Football trumps live music! There's not too many places to go Monday nights in the Valley if you want to hear live bands. The Henceroth/Boston open mic at the Manor has been cancelled, but you can still listen and play on Wednesdays. The Tongue In Groove open jam at Bill's Place has also been moved from Mondays to Wednesdays.

Best of LAW CD Release

(9/14/09)
In an email from my good friend Steve Acker...

Tommy McCoy's Blues Benefit Reunion BBQ

(9/8/09)
Tommy McCoy, Howland native and renowned world-touring blues artist, visited his hometown for a whirlwind week, stopping at many local music venues with his friend Madam Weez. He headlined a show with Madam Weez and Fester Presley on the Blue Magoo's stage on Friday, and climaxed his visit with a Blues Benefit Reunion Barbeque / Ohio Musician Gathering at Up a Creek on Sunday, which raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer treatment at TMH's Ireland Cancer Center. Up a Creek donated food, and other supporters included the Music Center and the Youngstown Club, donating, respectively, a guitar and show tickets for raffles. The continuous 8-hour music fest included performances by Tommy and contemporary performers Madam Weez, Fester Presley (featuring Damian Knapp), the Kellys, the Bridge, the Fuzz, and Jim Golen. Tommy successfully called for appearances by many well-known musicians from area bands from the 60's and 70's: Bob Miller, John Sferra, Gary Sloas, Dave Pack, Kurt Sunderman, Billy Lohr, John Harrow, LJ Fortier, Tommy DeScenna, John McGreevy, Tim Lane,  Steve Acker, Jeff Spencer, Bill Hazlett, Carl Cook, and Sam Marino. Tommy intends to make this event an annual affair, and MVLiveMusic will be anxiously awaiting another chance to hear Tommy in person, and to meet with old friends again, next year.

Vexfest and other videos, photos, and music

(8/25/09)
Lots of new stuff this week: Original songs by Dream Maker ("Real You" and "Solid Ground", which you can watch performed live in the Videos page), and Jimmy Martin ("Mother Nature P.A.B." and "Summer Days"). Hear them in random play or select from the music player list... New videos of Seven Saturdays (performing "The Flood") @ the Dive Bar, Southern Justice @ American Legion 737, and Katelin Deutsch backing Rick Hartley @ Blue Magoo's, playing a perfect Paul McCartney bass line. Katelin's family is touring NYC this week, where Kate shared the stage with some almost-renowned musicians at Arlene's World Famous Rock & Roll Karaoke... New photos of Southern Justice and Warren Police Dept. band - the One Forty Ones @ the Horseshoe, in the Photos page and the slide show.

Enjoy the new videos of AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck at the Austintown Quaker Steak & Lube, one of which features Katelin Deutsch on bass. A photo of the band can be seen in the Photos page, in the band's Musicians page listing, and in the slideshow above. Also uploaded - the Mortal Souls performing their original song "Home to Stay" at the Disabled Vets benefit at B&O Station.

Vexfest videos (click here) are uploaded: Jordan DePaul & the Reputations, Subourbon Sun, and 5 Elements. Vexfest photos of these bands are in the slideshow and the Photos page, along with Centrifuge, Frequent Season, Acoustic Juggernaut (including Dennis Drummond), Jones For Revival, and Drenalin.

You can now view all of a band's videos from their listing in the Musicians page. By the way, have you noticed that embedded videos, such as on MySpace, don't play as well as the originals on YouTube? You can go directly to the source by right-clicking on any embedded video and selecting "Watch on YouTube".

YRRH Rockfest 09, Loghurst Festival

(8/18/09)
Three days of peace, love, and brotherhood in Ellsworth, the Youngstown Rock & Roll History Rockfest 2009 has ended. The stage is silent and the nomads have folded their tents, but the memories will live on for at least 40 Woodstock years among the friends - musicians and fans - who shared the experience. There were far too many musicians and bands, music icons of the Valley, to list here, but you can view videos and photos of many participants from the Rockfest and also the follow-up party at Bill's Place. You can also read about many of this year's performers in the Rockfest '08 article. And if you want to share fond memories of area bands and venues from the '60s and '70s, get a Yahoo ID and request to join YRRH. Hurry - Rockfest 2010 will be even bigger and better!

The Loghurst Music Festival ran concurrent with Rockfest, leaving me with little time to travel down the road to Canfield. Fortunately, I did manage to catch JD Eicher & the Goodnights' last few songs. Louis Simeone's violin lends a distinctive edge to the fascinating lyrics and composition of JD's original songs. Enjoy this site's video and photo of the Goodnights, and then give yourself a listening treat and experience the band live.

Young Talent Night

(8/4/09)
From an unplanned "young talent night" at Bill's Place last week: Videos of 10-year-old Katelin Deutsch playing bass on "Highway to Hell" with Tongue In Groove, Magma's 12yo band members performing "Rock & Roll All Night", and father-and-two-sons band the Nobodys on "Texas Flood". Pics of all three also are available, in the Photos page and the slideshow, along with two members of WHO NU playing with TIG (they took me by surprise, so, sorry, no video). All were amazing, and almost make me want to sell my guitars and take up kazoo.

I could use your help. If you have a YouTube ID (and if you don't - get one), please rate the kids' videos, along with any others that interest you. I'm not asking for 5 stars for everyone, just honesty. There obviously are people out there who have nothing better to do than surf YouTube and give out lowest ratings. They're not being fair, and their maliciousness needs to be offset by objective ratings. Thanks.

Dave Grohl Alley / Music Is Art Festival

(8/2/09)
By now you've probably read all the news reports, seen all the photos, and viewed all the videos of Dave Grohl's appearance in downtown Warren. Well, here's my 2 cents worth...

I met David when I got my backstage pass. Even though I had emceed the event Tuesday and Friday I almost didn't get inside the fence on Saturday, so I wasn't going to take any chances without one. I asked David to autograph my pass, and when Michelle introduced me and mentioned Mahoning Valley Live Music I had a reason to give him my business card - thanks, Michelle! The rest of the story has already been told in all the newspapers and radio stations - Dave was very friendly, greatly appreciative, humbled by the honor and adoration that our area was bestowing on him, and he's one helluva musician!

I don't know if Dave kept my card or left it on a table. I'm hoping he put it in his pocket, will find it later, and will take a look at this website. Maybe he'll listen to some of the songs in the music player, check out the band videos, and click on some band links from the Musicians page. Maybe he'll realize the extent of music talent in this corner of Ohio and contact some of our outstanding musicians. If so, and you're one of the lucky ones, please let me be one of the first to know!

For those who asked for introductions from me - sorry, he probably wouldn't have recognized me two minutes after I met him. For those who wanted me to pass on your CDs, same thing, and you'll have to hope for the scenario I described in the previous paragraph. And to the lady behind the fence who noticed my autographed pass as soon as I came out of the door, no, it's still not for sale!

We all owe a debt of gratitude to Sgt. Joe O'Grady of the WPD for conceiving David Grohl Alley while partaking of liquid refreshment 1-1/2 years ago, and pursuing the dream beyond all setbacks. Thanks to Michelle for supporting and aiding Joe in his quest. Joe finally found his sponsor in Main Street Warren, the wonderful folks, particularly Jennifer Campbell, who put it all together and stayed all week to help pull it off. Trumbull Art Gallery members received David's personal attention and thanks for their amazing artwork in the Alley. Congratulations to Love Turns Hate for the honor of hosting Dave on drums. Great job - you made us proud! So many local bands and musicians gave up their time for the week-long fest, including traveling, setting up, and breaking down for a short 1/2 hour show. Please don't feel overshadowed by all the attention on Dave Grohl - MVLiveMusic.com will proudly present videos and photos of many of you as soon as I can process. LeifCo's sound was incredible all seven days, and Leif can finally sleep at home instead of in a pickup bed, and shower at home instead of bathing in the Mahoning River :-) Beth Glancy, full-time sports mom, part-time (so far!) band manager, was the tie that bound the whole package together. All those other people would have been lost without you, my friend!

Mahoning Valley Live Music knew the "secret" of the Music Is Art fest since Sunday but was asked not to publicize. So, you found out from a newspaper, or a radio station, or the Rolling Stone website. I would have liked to have been the first to reveal that David was definitely going to appear and that he wanted an extra drum set and a guitar, but I honored the trust bestowed upon me. Sorry, but that's more valuable than a "scoop".

Dave Grohl / Music Is Art videos and photos are available.

Lots more local live music

(7/28/09)
As many readers already know, Asleep hosts an open mic at Aces Wild Wings on Wednesdays. I played a couple songs this past visit, but, most importantly, I shot a photo of the band and also a video of their cool original song "Craters".

Also check out the slideshow and the Photos page to see Guys Without Ties filling the Rosetta Stone stage wall-to-wall with their horn-based rock last Friday... A few blocks away, jam-band Jones For Revival was rocking the jam-packed Federal Plaza. I've been enjoying their new songs in the MVLiveMusic.com player, but the recorded versions don't come close to a live experience, the way they were meant to be heard. If you missed the show, two videos, "Stanky" and brand-new song "Blue", will put you in the Plaza without getting gum on your soles... Later, a few more blocks uptown, Viking Jim and I were digging Mr. Kyle at University Pizzeria (U-Pie to the cool folks). The name "Mr. Kyle" has a dual identity - it can be the three-piece band or Kyle himself. I've covered both bases with videos of Mr. Kyle solo, and also the band performing his rockin' original song "Blame".

I was on Mahoning Avenue, headed back to the Rosetta Stone Saturday night, when I heard music coming from the B&O Station grounds. Realizing the "Youngstown River Fest for Vets in Distress" was still going on, I circled the block and found Mortal Souls finishing up the night. I had the band listed in the Shows page but I didn't know if they were local or from out of town. To my surprise I discovered Mortal Souls embraces three members of the late-80's version of the Human Beinz! I'm waiting to hear back from the band so I can include them in the Musicians page (and anxiously waiting for approval to upload a video of one of their original songs - I'll keep you posted),  but for now you can view a photo in the slideshow and the Photos page... I still had time to catch Rhythm Nation's last set at Rosetta Stone. The band's core members are from well-known Valley dance-band Vegas, and Rhythm Nation continues the tradition of delivering booty-shakin' R&B, funk, and disco, along with hip pop covers from the 80's to the present. They expertly manage to project a full-band sound from only three pieces, augmented by excellent vocals from all band members. While Monica handles lead voice for most songs, Joe, Rick, and Billy each have their own moments in the spotlight. Rhythm Nation Band pleases both your ears and your eyes, punctuating their solid sound with a state-of-the-art light show. My new video and photo of the band don't do justice, so be sure to check out Rhythm Nation in person.

I can't get enough of the Dennis Drummond Trio so I stopped by Metter's Sunday night, and took a new photo for this site. I didn't shoot any video because it would be hard to improve upon my previous clips of the band's amazing show at Blue Magoo's - if you missed them, go back a page after clicking on the Videos button above. Reminder - you have only one month left to catch the band before Dennis and drummer Nick Sainato head back to Berklee School of Music... One of my favorite places to play is Rick Hartley's open mic at the Nick Rizzi SOI. Last night, as usual, Rick allowed me to experiment on some of my favorite songs with his skilled accompaniment on bass, guitar, and vocals.

Well, I better wrap up this ramble and get ready to head to Bill's Place. If everything works out it will be quite a night. I'm expecting to finally meet the young band I've been hearing so much about lately - Magma. And my little friend Katelin Deutsch is planning on playing bass on a few songs with Tongue In Groove.

Okay, I'm home from Bill's Place, and WOW, what a night! The jam turned into a young talent show. Katelin and Magma were fantastic, and two other groups of young people showed up to play also - father-and-sons band The Nobody's came from Lisbon to amaze the bar crowd with some Stevie Ray, and another couple of teenagers held their own on guitar and drums while jamming with Tongue In Groove. I'll have more info on everybody as soon as I hear back from the parents. I also have lots of videos and photos to edit and upload, so stay tuned.

Music Player update

(7/22/09)
Have you noticed the new songs in the player yet? (you might have to clear your browser's cache to load the updated playlist) Mahoning Valley Live Music is extremely pleased that so many musicians request to be included for your listening pleasure! Jimmy DeCapua sent me a brand-new Jones For Revival studio track, "West Side Willie", and "Tojo", recorded live at JonesFest II. Another email, from Jerry Centifani, brought me Jim Meese 's "Stone Unturned", featuring Jim's vocals and keyboards, Jerry's guitar, Tim Graziano's bass, and Jim Richley on drums. LJ Fortier graciously mailed his CD "Lost Songs Volume 2", and I've included two here - "Just Right" and "Letter From My Baby". Remember to visit these musicians' websites to listen to full versions of their songs, and...

Another rockin' weekend

(7/14/09)
Are humans cloned yet? Has time-travel been discovered? I needed help Saturday - Mahoning Valley Live Music wanted to be in too many places at once! There were plenty of solo gigs by local bands, including Damian Knapp's opener for Tinsley Ellis at the Dash Inn. There were plenty of multiple-band events also: Salty Grog's "Halfway to X-Mas Festival", the Pig Iron Festival, Rock the Champion Roller Rink, and the "Slave to the Metal Tour" at the Firehouse. I opted for staying close to home - the Highland Ave. NAUS 20th Anniversary Party, hosted by Daniel John and Jeff Welsh. I finally got to see,  hear, and enjoy, for the first time, Nite Life's country / classic rock stylings and the danceable rock of Pvt. Partz. The Jeff Welsh Band, Sideshow, Drivin' Wheel, and After Midnight were also featured. The JWB hosted several on-stage guests including Sideshow's Bill Scudier, Kevin Ciambrone, MVLiveMusic's "Ginger", and extra-special guest vocalist Janice Parkinson, owner of the NAUS. Previous Sideshow members Bob "Rollo" Miller and Al Cooper, now both of the Bridge, threw additional excitement into the evening. Al applied his experience to the mixer while Rollo joined in on the stage, with JWB and in a recent/past version of Sideshow with Scudier, Chuck Gisewhite, and JWB's Bill Falkner. Hundreds of visitors managed to find parking spaces and endured the elbow-to-elbow clubhouse to settle down with great food, great music, and great service by the busy-but-cheerful staff.

Fourth of July Weekend

(7/9/09)
Several new, KILLER videos have been added to the collection: Sacksville Rhythm & Blues Band kickin' up (literally!) a party at Cedars... Another amazing performance by Tongue In Groove on one of my favorite covers, at Bill's Place... Sideshow rockin' the Amvets 106 as the sun sets, including (finally!) a guest appearance by 10-year-old Katelin Deutsch playing a perfect Paul McCartney. Check 'em out - it's almost as good as being there.

New photos of the bands above are also available for viewing in the Photos page and in the homepage slideshow, along with: Skull'rz Bane, now the full band hosting bassist Bruce Fox's open mic at Big Mike's... The "Circle Rehab Band", a last-minute replacement (and last-minute band name) for the ailing Jeannette Jones and her band at the Newton Falls 4th of July celebration, featuring JJB's Rick Spahlinger, Mike Talanca (well-known musician and proprietor of Tune Town Recording Studio), Rick's visiting brother Ron, and Bob "Big Time" Bacha... The Jim Martin and Christine Witt acoustic duo hosting the Music Center open mic at the Dive Bar... Rick Hartley , with a special appearance by his visiting son Chris, at the Nick Rizzi SOI open mic... 2 For the Road, with Andrea Hale's earthy, but heavenly, vocals at Kracker Jacks... Bristolville's high-energy Agrivahr lighting up the party at Villa Madrid... Prairie Dog Parade 's wall-to-wall, stage-to-front-door sonic blanket at Blue Magoo's, in a concert presented by the dislodged Boom Room including the way-cool cosmic rock of Adamo Drive from Harrisburg.

July updates are ready

(7/9/09)
MVLiveMusic is done copying 1,000 gigs (through the first week of August) from 500+ band and venue websites. For live music fans, this means you can look ahead for your favorite bands' shows and plan your future nights out. Bands, musicians, and venues, you can check your listing and notify me of any updates or changes.

A good friend and musician asked me "Why do you work so hard to find and list gigs for bands that don't take the time to contact you personally?" After a little thought I had the perfect answer for him - because if I only listed gigs from emails and phone calls, MVLiveMusic.com wouldn't be any more comprehensive than the newspapers and the other web sites, and in that case I would have no reason to continue with my efforts. MVLiveMusic was the second site of its kind in the Valley (I didn't discover Youngstown Local Music, the first, until later), and, as stated in the About page, was conceived "... to create a site consolidating information on ALL musicians/bands in the Mahoning Valley, and ALL their scheduled performances ..." I'm pleased to present songs, videos, and photos of my visitors' favorite bands, and I appreciate the interest in my attempts at entertaining verbiage, but I'm most proud of all the musician data available on this site. MVLiveMusic.com presents the most complete, accurate, and up-to-date performance listing of local night-club bands, a fact appreciated by its thousand weekly visitors. In fact, one of the other local sources must agree because they occasionally copy a weeks-worth, day by day, of this site's data to their own listing. Please continue to utilize all sources available, particularly for DJ's, Karaoke, orchestra concerts, restaurant specials, and other items of interest that are not a part of our core purpose. Mahoning Valley Live Music even makes that easy for you - it's the only website that offers all other local music sites' links right on the homepage (see the "Cool Sites" sidebar). Just remember, changes happen fast in the music business, so make sure to check with the band or venue before you head out to a show, even if you read about it here - get updated info from the Musicians and Venues page listings.

Are you ready for a sizzlin' weekend?...

(6/24/09)
I'm not talking about the weather, though that might be true, too. Along with all the usual shows at venues all around the valley, there's plenty of fairs and festivals featuring live music. Jeff Welsh Band is making their annual appearance at the Cortland Street Fair on Friday, and Mortisha's Secret and Gary Pirrung are playing on Saturday. Many local bands will be entertaining at the Mahoning Valley Rib Burn Off, Thursday thru Sunday - see the Shows page for a complete listing. On a disappointing note, the Boom Room is moving out of Yamoto's and Randy and Jen are looking for a new location for Boom Room II. Thursday night will be their last open mic until further notice, and then they will be closing the doors after a rockin' goodbye party on Friday with Jann Klose!

I know, I feel the same way - too much info and too many places I want to be. Here's how I narrow down my weekend itinerary: I grab a highlighter and click on the "Print the displayed schedule" link for each day in the Shows page. And while you're out, if you see me taking photos or videos of your favorite band, please come over and say "hi, Professor".

UPDATE: Mahoning Valley Live Music's weekend started Thursday, listening to Daniel Shapira's piano stylings at Leo's Ristorante. Next stop - the Rib Burn-Off to catch the end of Dennis Drummond Trio's set and the beginning of Ke-Nip-Shen's, only to discover the second band cancelled and Dennis started an hour late, which meant I got to enjoy more of the Trio's set while sampling ribs. Rumors have it that more bands might be dropping out of the Burn-Off, so it might be a good idea to check with the scheduled band before you head to the Eastwood Mall parking lot this weekend. Finally, a short drive up Youngstown Road brought us to the Boom Room's final open mic. Thursday's guests included distinctive jam-band Valerian Riddle and Shapira (I was hoping he would take my earlier hints). Rick Hartley, Madam Weez, Randy Stan, and yours truly all experienced the pleasure of jamming with Danny. The jam almost became a game to try to stump Rick and Danny with a song they didn't know how to play, to no avail. Both of them must know every song ever recorded! Stay tuned - I will soon be posting an interview with Shapira here on these pages.

Friday's weather was perfect for the Cortland Street Fair and Jeff Welsh Band's performance. As usual, the band attracted guest musicians and vocalists. Yours truly declined to join in, preferring to shoot photos and videos while sampling fair food. Bill Scudier sang and blew sax and his Sideshow sidekick Chuck Gisewhite gave Daniel John a break on bass and vocals for a few songs. Other guests included Jesse James Allen on vocals... Later in the evening visiting musician Jann Klose "klosed" the Boom Room as the final act in the current location inside Yamoto's. Jann stuck around for the farewell party afterward and jammed on the bar stage with Randy Stan and Nate Mackey... Between Jann's performance and the jam I went a block up the road to Kracker Jacks to catch Fester Presley's last couple songs, and there was Scudier again, accompanying Damian Knapp's guitar licks on his saxophone! Man, that guy gets around as much as MVLiveMusic.

We got a late start Saturday and only had time to take in Michael Starkey's acoustic gig at Big Mike's and Crossbow's last set at Blue Magoo's. Michael recently teamed up with Madam Weez as the new Deuce Acoustic, but Louise had a prior commitment at the Rig so he asked me to join in for a while tonight. This was his second gig of the evening - earlier he played the Rib Burn-Off with the Back Alley Band. I always enjoy the way Mikey fills in on my songs with perfect guitar and vocal accompaniment, and tonight was no exception... Crossbow rocked Blue Magoo's with classic tunes punctuated by Steve Olinger's flute and red-hot guitar.

I had every intention of presenting video of 10-year-old bass phenom Katelin Deutsch, but it didn't work out Sunday evening. Maybe some of you lucky readers caught her sitting in with the Huckin Fillbillys at McMenamy's the night before! I'll put her video shoot at the top of my to-do list and let you know as soon as I get it posted... Dream Maker was supposed to start playing at 6 p.m. but rain delayed the bike festivities in Newton Falls and the band didn't strike their first chord until hours later. Finally, Gary Markasky, Sunnie B, and company proceeded to show the Faces crowd what high-energy rock & roll is all about. Oh, and we got to experience Fast Freddie's vocal talents(?) on Roadhouse Blues!

Monday I had the pleasure of playing a few songs at the Manor with Richard Boston and Mark Scheuring (subbing for a vacationing Bill Henceroth) before heading for Bill's Place and a very special Tongue In Groove jam (I know, it's "Tongue 'n Groove" on other sites, but I list the correct name). Jerry Centifani, Steve Lawrence, Chip Byers (the Sensations), Jim Meese, and Mike "Giz" Gizmondi are the core of TIG, assisted by regulars Steve Marenkovic (Hern Brothers), Dan Hullihen (Filthy McNasty), Marty Melone, and Chris Frederick. Monday's guest musician list also included Bobby Catlin (Chasin' the Blues), Jeff Greene (the Sensations), Jim Stevens, the young, beautiful, and extremely talented Kianna Cameron, and featured Steve Acker's return to his roots here in the Valley. Steve arrived at the jam directly from his landing at Pittsburgh Airport! He and Steve Lawrence were 2/3 of the original lineup of 70's band LAW, so Monday's jam could be thought of as a LAW almost-reunion. MVLiveMusic captured Steve A. and Kianna on videos - check 'em out!

Steve Acker last performed in his hometown 31 years ago. He has since lived in Nashville and, most recently, Jackson, Mississippi, working as a songwriter, producer, copywriter, and, of course, musician. He's currently writing the last chapter of his book "A Songwriter's Story". Of course, there's much more to his fascinating life's journey than I can relate here, so check out his website www.steveacker.com for more info. Steve posted a message to his friends in the Youngstown Rock & Roll History and Blue Ash Yahoo groups and his Facebook page:

"Great to Be Home Again
I want to thank everyone who has so warmly welcomed me back home after 32 years in the wilderness. I was hanging out at New York Music yesterday and five (count 'em, five) different people approached me to tell me how fondly they remember LAW. One even saw us perform with Chuck Berry in Lake Milton in 1972. I am deeply touched by all the love and affection I have already received here and I am looking forward to making great music, seeing old friends, and making many new friends, as well. Thanks especially to Steve the Professor for the Hoochie Coochie Man video.
Steve Acker"

I stopped in Rusty's Tuesday for a photo of the Sensations, who had the packed restaurant on their feet and groovin', then listened to guitar virtuosos Mark Scheuring and Dave Morgan trading lead licks at Slammin' Sam's. Last stop - Cedars, for a blues jam featuring Sonny Boy Hopchek, Randy Bass, "Chicken Bone", and 75-year-old drummer Shedrick Hobbs. When I asked Sonny about the band's name, he replied (off-the-cuff, I believe) "the Shedrick Hobbs Experience". Well, Sonny, you're stuck with the name now - it's set in stone here on this site and in the MVLiveMusic video of the band!

Whew!  All the photos of the bands and musicians listed in the article above are finally uploaded. You can view them in the slide show above and in the Photos page. Most videos have also been uploaded, accessible from the Videos button.

Poobah at the Boom Room

(6/14/09)
Mahoning Valley icon Poobah, featuring Jim Gustafson, put the "boom" in the Boom Room Saturday night. You can see Jim perform "Peace", from Poobah's soon-to-be-released CD "Salad", from the Videos link above. Champion OH band Its All Been Done, minus their drummer, opened the show with an enjoyable acoustic set. Pictures of both bands are in the slideshow and the Photos page.

Artists of the Rust Belt Festival

(6/8/09)
Artists of the Rust Belt presented their talents this past weekend at a festival at the B&O Station, to the accompaniment of live music from many bands and individual performers. Sunday's acoustic stage line-up opened with Teddy Pantelas' fantastic presentation of jazz and blues standards and original songs, followed by outstanding performances by Tim Drummond, Katie Ferrall (Just Teasin' Arounds), Madam Weez, Alex and Chris of McKelvy Raygun, and Ralphie Rich. Oh, yeah, I played an hour in there somewhere, though you wouldn't have known about it by reading the newspaper. Youngstown's best kept secret was only published here, on this site. ARB spokesman Daniel Horne explained it to me - they were afraid that if too many people found out that I was playing there wouldn't have been enough parking for the crowds!

The musical talent wasn't limited to the inside stage. Gary Markasky of Dream Maker entertained Sunnie B's customers on acoustic guitar as they browsed her collection of stained glass stepping stones, lanterns, and really cool kaleidoscopes. I even had the pleasure of accompanying Gary with some chords and harp under the tent.

You can view pictures of the performers in the Photos page, and videos from the Videos link. Sorry, circumstances kept me from getting vids of Katie and Ralphie, but I'll try to make that up to them as soon as I can. Previous videos of Madam Weez can also be seen from the Videos link, and on her page at www.youtube.com/Madamweez.

A special thanks goes out to Rust Belt Brewing for keeping the musicians wet and happy. Love the Stout!

A Message from The Music Center

(6/8/09)
*************************************************************
We want to THANK everyone that supported our Hospice Benefit, especially those that came out to The Dive Bar Sunday. It was such an awesome way to celebrate our Dad's (what would have been) 60th Birthday and raise money for such a great organization! We were able to raise $445 for Hospice of the Valley and want to let everyone that helped us know just how much we truly appreciate their kindness!!

We also want to thank everyone that participated in our Open Stage: John Ruman, Zach Cogley, Steve Wittkugle, Christine Witt, Jimmy Martin, Joe Barbutes, Ryan Lubin, Katelin Deutsch, Rick Hartley, DJ DePanicis, Michael O'Grady, Madam Weez, Jeff Huth, Gary DeFrance, and Dennis Drummond! You guys just prove how much GREAT talent we have here in the Valley!

To view all of the pics from Sunday, please visit our myspace @ www.myspace.com/musiccenterohio

Thank you,
Kathy and Cindy
The Music Center
(330) 652-1300
www.musiccenterohio.com
*************************************************************

And, yes, the rumors are true, I did win BOTH gift baskets. If I would have won the guitar I would have played the lotto!

Ten-Year Old Bass Player

(6/4/09)
10 year old Katelin Deutsch has been showing up for an early hour or so at open mics, layin' down perfect bass grooves for Rick Hartley and others. She's taking lessons from Rick's former student and current Music Center instructor, DJ. She'll knock you out on Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds! Check out the pic, with Frank Castellano and Rick, in the slide show above and in the Photos page.

Even More Open Mics!

(4/9/09)
I just found out about another open mic (they're cropping up everywhere!) and went all the way across the county to Hubbard to check it out ... at Barkley's (no, not Barley's) with Crazy Eddie. It's hard to find. After two trips down West Liberty Street I finally asked someone at a gas station. The bar is in the basement of a plaza, below a Subway, and the entrance is on a side street. The bar crowd is receptive and enthusiastic, and Eddie is a great host - he gets everyone on stage in a timely manner and doesn't try to turn his open mic into a solo gig. I met several cool musicians, and I was thrilled to meet up with old friends, too.

After closing down Barkley's I had an hour left to follow US 62 to the Royal Oaks, one of my very favorite bars and open mics. Last night was John Koebel's off week so his co-host (someday I'll remember his name) was in charge. That late in the evening (or early in the morning?) most of the crowd was already gone, but I still got to play a couple songs and to enjoy listening to other fine musicians. Oh, and I found out about ANOTHER open mic - Thursdays at One-Eyed Willie's, with the same two Oaks hosts. Looks like I have another place to get to tonight.

U-Pie Open Mic

(4/4/09)
In case you haven't been paying attention to my rambling muses, I usually spend Friday and Saturday nights listening to local bands (one to four places a night), but the rest of the week I can almost always be found hanging around open mics (again, up to four a night!), strumming my 12-string Carvin, accompanied by my half-octave vocals with a few attempts at harmonica thrown in. One of my favorite stops for oh-over-a-year is Mr. Kyle's jam at U-Pie (University Pizzeria, for the uninitiated). Unfortunately, Lincoln Ave is quite a ways from my home and there's lots of other happenings on Thursday nights, so I can't make it as often as I would like. Well, this past week a mix-up in the Boom Room's scheduling put me back on the road with a couple hours left before closing time. The most logical direction to head was straight down good old US 422, with a left on 5th and a right on Lincoln, where a convenient parking spot put me in the U-Pie door before midnight.

This was my first visit to the expanded U-Pie. I was surprised to see that the removed wall was, in reality, only half-removed, which still allowed viewing of the spacious new stage from most of the old back room. The new floor space was effectively hidden from the bar and featured some couches and candle-lit tables, which gave the appearance of an inviting make-out spot (oh, to be a young college student again)! U-Pie outfitted the stage with a house PA, and Kyle made sure to point out the addition of monitors because of previous bitching from this old deaf guy.

The short walk from the front door to the stage took quite a bit of time as I stopped to say "hi" to Denny London, Chris Rutushin - the house bongo player :-) , gorgeous Alex Ahren of McKelvy Raygun (don't mistake my orientation, she's "Alexandra"), and Matt Palka, before finally greeting Mr. Kyle himself, hidden behind the wall at the mixer board. Dave Rowe of Bourbon Brothers, another open mic regular, followed me in the door a short while later with Whitey, his band's bass player. I got to hear Courtney's beautiful, distinctive voice and imaginative original music when I arrived, and in the course of the night I also enjoyed performances by Denny, Matt, and Alex, among others. Alex's and Kyle's short a cappella duet of "The Sound of Music" was a way-too-cool interlude.

I met Matt last year at a previous U-Pie open mic. I was already aware of him, his music, his VW Bus Tour, and his book "Moment in the Sun", and had him listed in the Musicians page. It was a pleasure to finally shake his hand. That night he helped me with harmony on "The Weight", as he did the next time our paths crossed, at Royal Oaks. So it was natural for me to ask again at U-Pie. We were aided by Chis' rhythm and Kyle's vocals from behind the board. I asked Matt to stay for "Mary Jane's Last Dance", which he did, and then he left the stage. He hurried back up, though, when he heard me start my next song, "Here Comes the Sun", and stayed for "Get Back". Matt is originally from western Ohio and adopted the Rust Belt as his second home (so to speak - he's at home throughout the US). He's a cool guy with a great outlook and philosophy, and I plan to someday get away from all this website work long enough to read his book. He's got some other neat things in the works, too much to mention here, so keep updated through his website and MySpace.

It will be too late by the time you read this, but Mr. Kyle, Denny London, and McKelvy Raygun are appearing in an Acoustic Showcase tonight at U-Pie, along with Tim Drummond. Hope you didn't miss it!

Another typical MVLiveMusic.com Weekend

(3/15/09)
So here it is, 2:30 AM, Saturday morning, March 14th. Earlier I was going to stop in the Niles O'Donold's for a short while to say "hi" to Frank Castellano and take a new photo for MVLiveMusic. com, but I was enjoying his solo act so much I didn't leave until it was over. I always knew Frankie was an exceptional guitar player and a superb vocalist, but tonight's show was his best performance that I've witnessed. Frank uniquely adds incredible finger-style solos, often in conjunction with his loop pedal rhythm background, in such a way that makes each of his cover songs his own without distracting from the tune's familiarity. Tonight I was doubly impressed with his ability to further inspire an already-enthusiastic audience group. It's not often you see a crowd of spirited dancers in front of an acoustic performer. Frank is in my personal A-list of local musicians, and if I didn’t have hundreds of others to try to visit in the interest of my web site I would go out of my way to catch every one of his gigs.

Afterward, a short drive up Youngstown-Warren road took me to Alberini’s Restaurant for a duo of whom I had just recently become aware. Tony Peluso (guitar and vocals) and Matt Yovich (12 string guitar, bass, and vocals) played in different local bands in past years, and united a few months ago as Wasted Youth. I had stayed too late at O’Donold’s and only caught their last few songs, but if they were any indication, I missed a pleasurable evening of vocal and guitar harmonies. I’ll certainly make time for a longer listen at a future Wasted Youth gig.

I met James Morrison and his Stone Ridge Band only a short month ago at Papa Nick’s, and tonight I just had to return with my C&W-loving traveling companion for another listen. I knew she would be impressed. There are several excellent country-style bands in the Valley, but Bert DeSanzo’s fiddle makes Stone Ridge unique among the crowd.

Back up Niles-Warren road to complete the loop, and a final stop at Blue Magoo’s and Madam Weez. Louise Hathaway has been demonstrating her lovely vocals in area country, rock, and blues bands for over 30 years. She is currently performing solo, sometimes over recorded background tracks, but my personal preference is her self-accompaniment on a sweet-sounding 12-string Ovation, and particularly when she covers Bonnie Raitt. New photos and videos of these performers will be posted here soon.

On an unrelated note: I highly recommend the wings with Papa Nick’s Special Sauce, Buffalo-style with Parmesan and whatever-else. Delicious!

Back on the road Saturday evening - a night of Kick-A** Rock & Roll, with Shakedown at Leon's, Sonic Age at McMenamy's, and Sideshow at Tommy Dogg's. I swear I felt the ground shake while driving past the Waffle House on SR 46. Later analysis proved that spot to be the confluence point of subterranean sound waves emanating from three of the rockinest bands in the Valley. Don't believe me? Hey, you read it on the internet so it must be true!

I took photos of Shakedown and Sonic Age, and videos of Sideshow. They'll all be uploaded to MVLiveMusic. com within a few days. Chuck Gisewhite sat in on bass and vocals for a couple songs with Sideshow. He and Bill Scudier will be joining me at my Cafe 83 gig this coming Wednesday. I can't wait - it'll be a gas!

4 out of 10 ain't bad!

(2/19/09)
Ten open mics yesterday - MVLiveMusic made it to 4...

8PM: Grist Mill w/ Bermuda Triangle, Steve Olinger-guitar, Dave Tacsik-drums, Jeff Weston-bass, every other Wednesday. Played with the band, and heard another guest play great harp. When I told Steve about the 10 open mics, he mentioned another one! Dave, thanks for the kind words over the mike about MVLiveMusic. com. I took photos, to be published in the slideshow soon.

9:30PM: Khaled Tabbara's Drunken Mic Night at the Austintown O'Donold's, with Zou bandmate Dean Anshutz, who backed me on drums. I stayed for the cheap drinks, and took more photos.

10:45PM: Stopped at Dash Inn to check out Steve's rumor. It was a jam between friends, no open mic. I talked to a couple musicians and the manager, gave them my card, and asked them to check out MVLiveMusic.com and keep me updated.

11:15PM: Downtown 36 for Denny London's open mic. Very cool decor in this new club. I played between Mr. Kyle's and Dave Rowe's sets. Other visitors included Chris Ahren of McKelvy Raygun, Chazz Sutton, and Ken Blair from Rust Belt Brewing (no free samples, dammit!)

1:00AM: This was John Koebel's turn to host at Royal Oaks. Great late crowd! Sonny Hopchek and Matt Palka were there, and Dave Rowe followed me in the door from Downtown 36. Matt previously did a fantastic job backing me up at U-Pie on "The Weight", so I just had to ask him to join me again!

Thanks to all for allowing me to play in the short time I visited. I realize I broke the unspoken open mic rule, and I appreciate your understanding and tolerance. To those whose gigs I missed - sorry, and I'll be back around soon.

MVLiveMusic.com 2nd Birthday Bash

(2/1/09)
MVLiveMusic.com 2nd Birthday Bash / the Professor acoustic show ... was a blast! Thanks to all the friends who joined me, on stage and in the audience, and all those who sent their best wishes. Photos are in the slideshow, and can be viewed full-size in the Photos page.

Uncharted Course and Danny Lynch

A few weeks ago I stopped at Up a Creek just in time to catch Uncharted Course's last set. After some picture-taking (one of which is currently in the slideshow) I talked to Kate (Marvenko) and Ed (Parady), and the conversation turned to their friend Danny Lynch. I was aware of Danny as an occasional member of Steve Vuich's River Saints, but I never had much opportunity to talk with him until one day in Spring 2007, when the Saints played at Cliffhangers. I told him about my new website, and the concept must have appealed to him because we started an ongoing email conversation. He graciously linked to my site from his, and I listed his name and "All Night Rhythm Band" site on the Musicians page. I visited his site often, to see if he had added any gigs to his schedule, of course, but also just to enjoy his sense of humor as reflected in his posts. The River Saints don't get together very often and I didn't see Danny again until Steve's birthday bash at Tulley's several months later. As it turned out, that would be the last time I would have the honor of hearing Danny play. He left this world just before Christmas last year.

I kept Danny's web site listing for a few months, but finally deleted it. Sometime before he passed he had inserted a final, foreboding comment on his home page. I thought about his site as I talked to Ed and Kate, and afterward found out it still exists out there in cyberspace. Seeing it is hosted by an ad-supported server it will probably last as long as the hosting company. If you knew Danny and want to keep the memory alive, you can visit his site at www.angelfire.com/pq/rhythm. Rest in peace, Yerdog.

Ed has graciously answered my call for original songs for the MVLiveMusic player, and in a BIG way! He sent me three fantastic tunes: "Time Flies" (Uncharted Course) makes me want to get up and embarrass myself Calypso dancing; grab your surfboard for Ed's great retro instrumental "Ocean Commotion" (and see why he has performed with the likes of the Coasters, the Diamonds, and more); experience an Uncharted Course collaboration with the late, great Danny Lynch in his "If I Only Knew Your Name". All three songs are in random play, and can be individually selected from the drop-down list. After you enjoy these samples you can hear (and purchase) more from the links in Uncharted Course's Musicians page listing. (11/8/08)

Thanks for your support!

Mahoning Valley Live Music has experienced amazing growth since its inception a little less than two years ago. When I went online with MVLiveMusic.com on February 2nd, 2007 I expected to find a only a few dozen working musicians throughout the area, at a couple dozen gigs weekly, and a relatively small fan base interested in visiting this site for updates on their favorite bands. To my surprise, the Musicians page has grown to 252 listings, and I'm still adding several more each and every week. Last week, 104 gigs were listed in the Shows page. And the fan base? Outstanding! Here's a synopsis of my website report for the past week:

1200 unique visits, and 3325 page views. Visitors viewed individual performers' info from the Musicians page 1030 times, and looked at the Shows page 471 times to see who was playing, and where.

I assure all my faithful viewers that I will continue to search out every event where a local performer plucks a guitar string, taps a drumhead, or sings into a mic, in every nightclub in Warren, Youngstown, and the surrounding area, and get it into the Shows page in a timely manner. I will also strive to find performers who aren't yet in the Musicians page and correct that situation immediately. Thanks again! (11/2/08)

A Legendary Evening

photo courtesy of Jac Riblet and Youngstown Rock & Roll History

Saturday, October 4th, 2008: As my friend Jack Riblet pointed out, "Three of the area's greatest guitar players performing in one night!" I didn't make it to see Gary Markasky and Dream Maker, but I caught two out of three...

Last stop of the night - Faces Lounge, for Mahoning Valley icon Poobah. I met up with several of my Youngstown Rock & Roll History buds to witness fellow member Jim Gustafson's return to his home area. Newton Falls hasn't rocked to this extreme for many, many years - in fact, probably since the last time Poobah was in town back in the 70's. Jim might look a little older now but his energy and his chops haven't declined - instead, they've improved with age! Bandmates George DeGiovanni and Mike Fortino pounded out a solid rhythm behind Jim's mix of Poobah originals and cover songs. Read more about Poobah, with links to the band's websites, in the "Youngstown Rock & Roll History ROCKFEST" article below.

Back to the beginning of the night - Packard Music Hall for a free concert sponsored by the Jordan River Band, who rocked the rafters (well, the ornate ceiling, anyway) after a special guest opened the night - more about that later. JRB is Bobby Ocean (guitar/vocals), Jay Byrd (lead guitar/vocals), John "SG" Spanos (drums), and Aaron Randal (bass). The band usually presents its faith-based rock originals and perfectly-executed popular covers in concert-type venues such as universities, the Warren Ampitheatre, and the Packard stage. Visit the Jordan River Band's MySpace page to catch their future shows (and to view videos of the Packard concert).

One of the night's surprises was the number of empty seats at a free concert featuring a local music legend. I don't know where you were, but I didn't miss it! I haven't seen opening act Phil Keaggy perform since New Hudson Exit at the Champion Rollarena (no, I'm not going to mention the year, take a guess) - he was good then, and he's improved a little since. Okay, that was a poor joke. He was amazing then, and now - well, I have NEVER witnessed anyone getting so much out of an acoustic guitar, so many perfectly intoned chords, notes and bends, with flawless flat and finger picking. And the speed of those nimble fingers, which floored me back on the rink stage, held me mesmerized once again (I would love to know exactly what Phil did with two simultaneous capos while drop tuning his bass "E" string!) After Phil's outstanding solo presentation Glass Harp drummer John Sferra joined him onstage for a thoroughly enjoyable guitar / vocal duet. Phil also came from the wings to play electric blues guitar with the Jordan River Band on a few songs. Unfortunately, the surprise that emcee Thomas John enthusiastically revealed at the beginning of the night never materialized. Although Dan Pecchio and Sferra were both in the hall, the Glass Harp grand finale was cancelled, probably because of Phil's long day and jet lag. (10/10/08)

Click here to view pictures of Poobah, JRB, Phil Keaggy, and John Sferra

 Related links:
www.glassharp.net
www.philkeaggy.com
www.myspace.com/johnsferramusic
Fuzz - John Sferra, Dan Pecchio, Mike Baranski (update - website no longer available)

ruKus - the Sequel

August 24^th, ruKus – the Sequel, was a day of firsts for me - first visit to the Warren Amphitheater (no, I haven't seen any of the tribute bands, I've been too busy covering local musicians), and, I'm almost ashamed to admit, my first encounter with Jones For Revival and the Zou. Hey, I said I've been busy, and besides, Youngstown's a long way from Braceville Township, and there are too many bands and not enough days in the week, and blah, blah, blah - okay, lousy excuses. Of course, I've met Jim DeCapua (JFR) and Khaled (Zou) and played at their open mikes - Barley's and O'Donold's Austintown respectively - and I'm certainly aware of Jim's contributions to the local music scene through Vexfest and Jonesfest and his Youngstown Local Music page. Anyway, back to the bands. Jones For Revival is a "jam band" par excellence, tightly cohesive throughout their musical explorations. The Zou impressively demonstrated their mixture of pop stylings defined by their retro instruments. Our audience group had a continuous discussion over which well-known vocalist Khaled reminded us of in each of Zou's songs. Words fail to describe my enthusiasm and I can only reuse an overworked superlative - both bands were FANTASTIC, and I will have to make time to catch some of their future shows.

I found myself hurrying between the two stages at ruKus just so I could catch part of each performance. I even played a short set at Stage 2, a small tent pavilion on the lawn, where I also met, and enjoyed listening to, other local talent: Courtney and Nell, who are "sometimes called Eiffel Tower", and Ron and Spyder of Breakin Even. My open-mike bud John Falgiani also entertained the audience at Stage 2.

Jason and the Punknecks - man, that name grabs your focus almost as readily as their appearance. If you can still ignore them, their unique music won't escape your attention. They're not a local band, but I just have to tell you about them. I met the Punknecks at a ruKus radio broadcast / open mike at Royal Oaks a couple months ago. They somehow found out about it while driving by Youngstown, and came in the door while I was doing my set. We talked some, a few words before they took the stage and then a little longer conversation after they were done performing. They made a connection with Moe Angelo and Trevor Quillan that night and were invited back to the area for the festival. When they saw me at the Amphitheater Jason and Woody recognized me and remembered my 12-string Carvin, and Polly even knew my first name! I had another opportunity to get to know them the Wednesday following ruKus, back at Royal Oaks, where Jason and I had an interesting conversation that ranged from the music business to religion. After the gig the Punknecks loaded up their green ex-schoolbus and headed for New York City. They're great musicians and great folks and I love 'em and wish them safe and lucrative journeys as they travel all around this Country.

Other ruKus performers include ZR (Trevor Quillan and members of the Kellys), Reznik, Winslow (from Kent), Jets To Red (Columbus), and Eclyptic (Hudson). Last, but by no means least - the Kellys, and Kelly McCracken's great vocals of course, were up to their usual impressive, distinctive performance. I thoroughly enjoyed watching and listening to each performer, and I was deeply impressed with the excellent musicianship demonstrated throughout the day. If there was any downside, it was only when I read in the program that festival sponsor Valley24 "...is the biggest supporter of local music..." My computer-worn butt and fingers object - rephrase that to "commercial" supporter! Anyway, I digress. The Kellys sponsored an outstanding day of entertainment, and I'm anxiously looking forward to next year's ruKus - the Sequel - Part II.

Click here to view pictures of the festival.
Also check out the following ruKus - related links:

the Kellys, www.myspace.com/rukusthefestival, ruKusradio.net
Jones For Revival, Jim DeCapua, Youngstown Local Music
Trevor Quillan, the Zou and Khaled
Jason & the Punknecks' website and MySpace
Courtney, Breakin Even, John Falgiani
Reznik, Winslow, Jets To Red, Eclyptic (9/5/08)

Youngstown Rock and Roll History
ROCKFEST

YOUNGSTOWN ROCK AND ROLL HISTORY is a collection of Yahoo! Music groups dedicated to the Youngstown-area bands of the 1960's and 70's. Moderator Jac Riblet created the first group in 2004, and has since added three more to accommodate extra volumes of files. The YRRH members list includes many, many musicians from bands of the era, most of who are still performing locally or in their current locations elsewhere across the country, and fans who still fondly remember those bands and musicians and the venues where they “hung out”. The original group currently boasts 198 members, and is where all message activity occurs. YRRH holds an amazing collection of music recordings and photos from the era, and other fascinating information such as a database of bands and musicians and links to other memorabilia. You can view the YRRH action by clicking on the following links:

Youngstown Rock and Roll History (original)
Youngstown2
Youngstown3
Youngstownsrocknrollhistorytwo

A Yahoo! ID and an approved YRRH membership request are required before you can participate in the groups.

YOUNGSTOWN ROCK AND ROLL HISTORY held its first Rockfest August 9^th and 10^th. YRRH members arrived from all over the Mahoning Valley and the rest of Ohio, and as far away as Florida and the West Coast, some of them camping overnight at the invitation-only event. The two days were filled with great music - a 24-hour jam fest. Jim Gustafson of Poobah capped off the event Sunday afternoon playing his own material, backed by LJ Fortier on second guitar, Chris Frederick on drums, and Chris’ brother Greg on bass. The four musicians laid down such tight licks that many in the audience didn't realize this was the first time they ever played together (including the Frederick brothers!) You can enjoy sample video and audio clips of the jam here:

Toolshed Blues (Gustafson) (mp3 audio - 5MB)
Not Amusing / Mushroom Man (Gustafson) (mpeg video - 170MB)

LJ Fortier played in Freeman Sound in the 70’s, and currently performs his solo act at many local venues (check the Shows page for LJ’s gigs). You can hear a sample clip of his song “Lost Ways” in the MVLiveMusic player.

Greg Frederick played in area bands before relocating to Oregon, where he currently lays down perfect bass lines in the band Rogue Suspects, who have appeared on tour with James Brown, Bo Diddley, Robert Cray, and many, many others.

Jim Gustafson IS Poobah, “the world’s most collectible psych rock band”, whose original albums have sold among collectors for as much as $900. Poobah holds the record for the most shows at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where Jim was recently interviewed for Goldmine magazine’s National Record Show program. Jim started playing in high school in Daze Endz before forming Biggy Rat with bandmates Scott Hunter and Gary DiPasquale (who were also at the Rockfest), and then Poobah in 1972. Jim currently tours with Mike Fortino on drums and George DiGiovanni on bass. Poobah will be playing a free show along with Eddie Money at the Parkersburg (WV) Homecoming Festival this Friday, August 15^th. Poobah’s most recent CD “Underground” was a three-year recording project, and can be found on Poobah’s website and MySpace page, along with other music clips, upcoming shows, and Poobah merchandise.

Additional YRRH member/performers at this year’s Rockfest: Jerry Centifanti (Next of Kin), Lee Stone (Merry Christmas), Mike Smith, Gary DiPasquale (Biggy Rat), Scott Hunter (Biggy Rat), John Bates, Mick Malone, Steve Lawrence (L.A.W., Coconut), Dick Scullin.

Phil Keaggy (Squires, New Hudson Exit, Volume IV, and of course, Glass Harp) and Steve Acker (L.A.W.) couldn't make it to this first Rockfest, so they sent greetings, which you can listen to here:

Steve Acker message to YRRH (mp3 audio - 2.4MB)
Phil Keaggy message to YRRH (mp3 audio - 3.4MB)

Jac plans to make the Rockfest an annual event, and promises to bring additional, very special, musician guests next year. Don't miss out - join YRRH and be invited to Rockfest 2009. (8/13/08)

Who was who
at the Who's Hoo?

Who? How 'bout an assortment of outstanding local musicians, capped off with a fine performance by popular Columbus performer Mike Perkins.

Adam Jacobs has been singing and playing around this area since high school except for a few years out of town, including time spent in Columbus where he met Perkins (a few Who's Hoo attendees noted the similarity of rhythmic style between Mike and Adam... coincidence?). Adam has been playing Thursdays at Uncle Butter's for several months, and struck an agreement with the tavern to hold a music festival - the Who's Hoo. Well-known local musician / promoter Trevor Quillan and bassist Moe Angelo (the Kellys) were recruited to broadcast the live festival over their RuKus internet radio. Adam also asked several of his musician friends to join in for half-hour sets.

Trevor must have had some rain left over from his recent Furthermind festival, and he brought it along to Mahoning Avenue in Warren that night. The first storm threw hail at the electronic equipment on Uncle Butter's patio, but the sun peeked out just after the 5 o'clock start time and proceeded to bake the first few performers, French Blue (actually "Seven Saturdays" - see below), yours truly - the Professor, Tony T., and Joey B. At that point the wind-driven rain returned, sending the visitors to shelter while Adam, Trevor, Moe, and Tony scrambled to keep their equipment dry. Rick Hartley played during the next semi-dry interval, accompanied by Larry Nell on soprano sax and flute and Vince Monti on conga. Another storm caused the gang to give up on the portable gazebos and regroup under the permanent bar roof. Denny London started the next set, followed by Trevor, and then Adam took the stage for a few numbers. A short break for Mike Perkins' setup turned into a half-hour battle with an intermittent hum accompanied by an occasional nerve-rattling screech from the PA. Finally, after solving the problem by disconnecting most of his effects, Mike proceeded to entertain the crowd, bringing them out of their seats to dance on the deck. The party lasted until 1 AM and the many faithful visitors gave all the performers a standing ovation.

French Blue is Jennifer Lamb (from Warren, via Austintown) on vocals, and Steve Pownell (Niles) on acoustic rhythm guitar.  At Who's Hoo they were accompanied by Jimmy Martin (Warren) on lead guitar and harmonies, Sam Petillo (Niles) on bass guitar,  and Robb Byron (Howland) on drums. Jennifer explained that she and Steve are the cover duo French Blue, and the full band (who's name, Seven Saturdays, became official right there at Who's Hoo) was formed to perform their original material. French Blue hung around long enough to listen to the Professor's set, then hurried off to their other gig of the evening. Robb also had a later gig with his band SHAKEDOWN. You can check out French Blue at www.myspace.com/frenchblueohio.

Read about and listen to some of the other Who's Hoo musicians on their websites:
Adam Jacobs - www.adamjacobs.net and www.myspace.com/adamjacobsmusic
the Professor - mvlivemusic.com/musicians/professor/professor.htm and www.myspace.com/mvprofessor
Tony T - www.myspace.com/ekoosticmusic
Joey B - www.myspace.com/joeb786
Rick Hartley - www.myspace.com/therealrickhartley
Denny London - www.myspace.com/dennylondon
Trevor Quillan - www.myspace.com/trevorqmurphy
Mike Perkins - www.myspace.com/mikeperkinsmusic

If you missed the festival and the live RuKus broadcast you may be able to catch some of the performances on rukusradio.net. (7/28/08)

Mahoning Valley Live Music is a year old!

Conceived, created, and published to the web (as a Road Runner personal page) in February 2007, and soon after moved to current URL - http://mvlivemusic.com.
The Shows page is the most popular, averaging more than 45 views per day.
The Musicians page has grown to 144 perfomers and their website links.
Over 5000 "hits" to date, averaging over 30 visitors a day, and growing fast!

Vote for Mortisha's Secret!

Missy and Tod have submitted two really cool video commercials for a Heinz 57 ketchup contest. Here are links to the videos:

Rate and leave a comment on YouTube, and watch for the final vote.

Joe Fritz visited the Mardi Gras many times with his previous band, In Harms Way, and they penned a song, "Houma Girl", about a lady they met there. A Louisiana newspaper has published an article about the band and their song - you can read it here, and listen to "Houma Girl" from a link from this article (right-click the link in the article and select "Save Target As...".

I mentioned Nate Scott in a previous comment, and I recently found his MySpace site and have been communicating with him. Nate is from Virginia, toured with major Nashville stars, and wound up in this corner of Ohio. I recommend that you visit his site - click here - and read his story. I'll keep you posted on any gig updates.

Two new songs have been added to the player - John Ruman's "Ain't Got Time To Bleed" and the BreezeWay's "A Perfect Life". John is a well-known local musician, and, although the BreezeWay now call Nashville home, they are originally from Salem, and two of the members are sons of Bill Henceroth of the Professors. Check this site's schedule tomorrow for their Salem gigs this weekend. Thanks to John and the BreezeWay for allowing me to post their songs. Enjoy the music. (8/8/07)

Richard Powell...

is a Newton Falls singer/songwriter who retired after 30 years of performing all over the US and parts of the rest of the world. He recently came out of retirement to perform at Veterans' Park, where I had the opportunity to enjoy listening to Richard's acoustic guitar and vocals. I looked up his website when I got back to my computer and discovered that Richard is an exceptional songwriter, and that his current album was recorded with help from guest musicians Phil Keaggy and John Sferra! You can read the lyrics to his songs, listen to a clip, and buy the CD from his website. (Click photo to enlarge) (8/7/07)

Steve Vuich Birthday Bash

It was a helluva party at Tulley's in Sharon, with great music from Vooch, Randy Bass, Danny Lynch, and a fantastic lineup of guest musicians. Click here to see pictures... (8/7/07)

A MySpace introduction

I've found many Mahoning Valley bands and performers that don't have an internet presence, and I try to convince them of the benefits. MySpace.com offers a fantastic (and FREE) method of internet promotion. Sure, having your own web address, like YourBandName.com, has advantages over myspace.com/YourBandName, but against the money you would pay for site development and domain space, it's worth the trade-off. But it's also a great idea to establish a MySpace identity even if you already have a website, because of the "community" concept, and the interaction between musician friends and their fan base, through features like "Friends", "Comments", "Messages", "Blogs", and so on. Here's some things to consider before you venture into MySpace...

Musicians - make sure you sign up into MySpace Music! It's just for performers, while plain old MySpace is for everyone else ("Music" offers special categories and features, though MySpace and MySpace Music are all one big, happy, interactive community). I didn't know that initially and wound up deleting my first identity to create a new one in "Music", but I couldn't register with the same email address I used in the first attempt.

You need to give a name to your MySpace Music account. Ideally it would be your band name, and your URL would be MySpace.com/YourBandName, but, in all likelihood there's already a band out there somewhere with the same name as yours, and they already registered. In that case, you can add numbers or another word - YourBandName007 or YourBandNameMusic (that's why I'm at myspace.com/mvprofessor). You'll also need a password for account administration - DON'T FORGET IT!

Once you have an account, you can log in and fill in the blanks such as "Band Members" and "Influences", upload pictures and songs (MySpace will install a music player on your page), and maintain your gig schedule. Start searching  for your friends' MySpace identities, and send them friend requests (you have to wait until they respond to the request). Then you can send comments and messages.

There are two views of your MySpace page - the editing (managing) screen and the page that everyone else sees, and you, too, at the address MySpace.com/YourBandName. To manage your page you have to first log in, by going to, simply, MySpace.com, or by clicking "Home" on the upper left on any MySpace page. You can go to your normal page view from the editing view by clicking on the address at "My MySpace URL:". You can navigate all over the place and not have to log in again unless you close your browser.

If you contract MySpace envy after viewing your friends' fancy pages, you can "pimp" your space. Those fancy fonts and backgrounds are programmed in something called Cascading Style Sheets, or CSS. You can search the web to learn how to do it yourself, or to find code to copy, or click on an advertising link on someone else's page for one of the CSS generator sites. Or, you can have someone else do it for you. I'm willing to help with a basic background change and with inserting MySpace's slideshow. Check out my page or the page I created for Jeff Welsh Band for examples. If needed, I'll even give you an email address to register - YourBandName@MVLiveMusic.com. Happy MySpacing! (8/5/07)

Where was I?

Been a while... my recent excursions include: Bustin' Loose at the Fireplace, Chasin' the Blues at Dash Inn, Following June at Bill's Place, Guys Without Ties in the Newton Falls Memorial Park, Jang a Lang in Warren's Courthouse Square, Kevin Ciambrone at the Harrison St. SOI and Margherita's (w/ yours truly), Krazy Bone and open-mike with Zeke and Dan, both at the Ice House, Little Ambition at Toey's, Silvertone at Jumpin' Jack's, the Smackdaddys at Club Leon's, TIm Drummond at Clancy's, Tommy Chris and the Cats at Drunken Jacks', and last, but not least, Wildwood Express on the McKinley Memorial lawn. I've also revisited many musician friends that I've previously mentioned in this blurb (and played a few songs here and there). Wow, is this a great job, or what?!!

By the way, my open-mike is canceled. I'm thinking about some other gigs - watch here for updates. (7/18/07)

Music player additions

Alton Cooley graciously sent me his CD, "My Woody", and I've added the first track, "Going to Chicago", to this site's playlist. After you whet your appetite for Alton's excellent blues/rock on this sample, go to his website and order the CD... Neil Hogue of Drivin' Wheel surprised me with a visit to my open-mike last week. I was looking forward to including one of Neil's original songs here, but I haven't received it by the time of this writing. Keep checking the music player - I hope to have it soon... Thursday was full of surprises for me - Todd and Missy Shay, Mortisha's Secret, also stopped in and played for the Bushwackers crowd, and they brought along their CD "Us Against the World". You can hear a clip of their inspiring 9/11 anthem, "Never Forget This Day" on the player, and then buy the CD from their website. Missy and Todd also gave me a promo DVD. I'm extremely impressed with the production and I planned to add a video clip here, but I found out they have a video on YouTube, which you can watch by clicking here... Last (but not least), I'm putting in a family plug - my son Bill's roots are in the blues and rock that his Dad always listened to, but he makes money selling rap beats, composed in his Buzzhawg Productions studio. I've uploaded a fantastic example of his talents, his rock-inspired "Flying High". Click on "Free Rap Beats" on this site's "Cool Links" sidebar to hear more of his rock, blues, classical, and folk compositions... I'm still trying unsuccessfully to get the player to cycle through all clips - until then you can select another song to play from the drop-down list and then click on the ">" button.

Thanks Missy, Todd, and Neil, and all the other professional musicians who took time out of their busy lives to play at my open-mike. Everyone at Bushwackers has been impressed with the quality performances, particularly me! By the way, I finally caught up with Tie-1-On (at Tangier), the Professors (Jumpin' Jack's), and Redline (Fireplace), and thoroughly enjoyed each of the shows (and I know you will too). Visit their websites and check Mahoning Valley Live Music's "Shows" page to find out where they are playing next, and "be there or be square". (5/6/07)

More of the Professor's Ramblings

A spider has found MVLiveMusic's forum and keeps posting spam, which I delete daily. Please ignore posts titled "Article...". Remember - the best way to fight spam, email or whatever, is to NEVER click on a spam link. If they don't make click money they'll go out of business. UPDATE: You now have to answer a simple question to post to the forum, and that has stopped the robot spammers.

Musicians: I apologize if I haven't been around to meet you yet. I never imagined the total number of local acts when I started this site. Every week I find at least one musician or band that I wasn't aware of before, and there is a large group of performers - I'll call them "twenty-something" for lack of a better description - that I've barely investigated. Since most live music is on Friday and Saturday, and I can only make a couple places each night, it will take me a long time to see everyone at least once. Meanwhile I've been trying to revisit new musician friends,  keep up with old friends, and play at a few open-mikes. Speaking of open-mikes, mine is moving to Tuesdays, starting May 15th (at Bushwackers), and here's two new ones - Sinners and Saints at Jumpin' Jack's on Thursdays and Steve Vuich at Big Mike's on Sundays (wow, that's seven open-mikes I'm trying to make, counting Club Khameleon in Kent!)

New friends: Check out the Groove Dawgs - "Rock with a bite!" - and their website, and the Look, who are working on their own site, and do one HELLUVA job on Meatloaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights"! (4/25/07)

This is not a shameless plug, really!

I had a very pleasant surprise Thursday at my open-mike...

Tino Navarro III and his cousin Joe arrived early with their guitars, ready to play and sing for us. I met Tino a year or so ago at another open-mike. I've been hoping to meet up with him again soon, and there he was, at Bushwackers! Tino and Joe are young and extremely talented, so I believe that in the near future I'll be bragging "Those famous Navarros played at my open-mike!"

Shortly after Tino and Joe took the mike, I was doubly surprised to see Jim Golen, Rick Hartley (and DeeDee), and Joe Fritz walk in the door! I had been corresponding with Jim by email, and I explained that I didn't expect working musicians to perform for free at my open-mike, but, that said, I would love to see him visit Bushwackers some day. Well, not only did Jim show up, but he brought most of the "Clancy's" gang with him! Jim, Rick, and Joe treated the Bushwackers crowd with solo and duo performances (and Rick and I finally got to play duo guitars and harmonize on some Byrds songs, a real thrill for me). Rick and I go waaaaaay back - I used to give him a lift home from dances when he was too young to drive. I never met Joe before (though I knew of him from typing his shows into the schedule), so that was a real treat. We had much in common to talk about - it seems we've been running in the same circles for years, just missing meeting up until now.

Of all my Thursday visitors, only Jim has a web site (come on guys, get with the times!) In my opinion, Jim Golen stands out as one of the very best of all the fantastic guitar players in the area. Visit his site http://www.jimgolen.com, listen to his song clips, and see if you don't agree. (4/14/07)

Signs

Is life full of coincidences, or are there no coincidences, only a coordinated scheme? Sometimes I have to wonder...

I never heard of Samantha St. Ives until a few weeks ago, when I first saw her name in the newspaper entertainment schedule. A few days later I met up with Randy Bass for the first time in a couple years, at a River Saints gig. He told me he was also performing with Samantha, as "Sinners and Saints"! Well, this past Saturday I happened to be way down in North Lima jammin' at a friend's house, and "Sinners and Saints" was playing in town that very night. I stopped in at Jumpin' Jack's, said "Hi" to Randy, and he introduced me to Samantha. I told her about this site and then sat down at the bar, eating chicken planks while listening to Samantha's beautiful voice. A guy came over to me and said he overheard me talking about my web site and it sounded interesting. He introduced himself - Bill Henceroth - and explained that he and another KSU instructor were performing as ... the Professors! We both had to laugh at the irony. Anyway, who knows when I would have found out about the Professors, and when Bill would have discovered MVLiveMusic.com, if I hadn't been in North Lima, if Samantha wouldn't have been performing that night, if Bill hadn't stopped in to listen and didn't have such excellent hearing, if the planets weren't aligned... Oh, and one more coincidence(?) - another musician friend, Gary "Angel" Jones, also walked in the door that night, driving all the way from Warren to hear Samantha.

Well, both Samantha and the Professors are now listed in this site's Musicians page along with links to their respective Myspace pages, and their gigs will be in the schedule in the Shows page. Check out the songs on their web sites, and make sure to get out and listen to them perform. By the way, Bill's son is in a band out of Nashville, the BreezeWay, on the verge of breaking out into the big time. They're playing in our area this week. Visit their web site at thebreezewaymusik, check their schedule, and go see them at local venues. (4/4/07)

Swimmin' the Mahoning Valley

Years ago there was a movie where Burt Lancaster swam across the Hollywood Hills, one backyard pool at a time. I kinda feel like I'm doing the same, except I'm not getting wet (well, maybe on the inside). Here's what I've been up to lately...

Davis & McKay at the Mocha House - great acoustic Beatles and more. Jim Golen at the Austintown Quaker Steak on St. Patty's Day - another great acoustic set, and then some fantastic electric work (Stevie Ray!) afterward when we both stopped in to see Jeff Welsh (earlier, I had just walked in to the Lube when Jeff called to me over the mike to play a couple songs while he and Dan took a pit stop. I balked - I hadn't even had time for a shot to bolster my confidence - and blew a chance to brag that I had played to a St. Pat's packed house at the Lube!) A soulful night of blues with Burnt Barrel - loved the Buddy Guy! Checked out Smokey's Martini Bar while reuniting with my friend Damian Knapp. Mortisha's Secret at the Wagon Wheel, another St. Patty's stop. Country-rock at Big Mike's with Drivin' Wheel. Frankie and the Sensations at Avalon Gardens. Joe Lexso at the Wet Spot (he dropped by my open-mike,  introduced himself, and played a few songs for us). Take II at Bachos. No Xcuse at the Powerhouse. Gary Pirrung at Victory Lane Lounge, with Nate Scott (another open-mike visitor, who absolutely FLOORED me. If you haven't met Nate yet, ask around - amazing story, and you might have seen him on TV). Teddy Pantelas Trio several times (see below). The Shagadelics and the Hern Brothers, also at Victory Lane Lounge. I belted out "Daaaaaaaaayoh" with Rudy and the Professionals at Up a Creek. And last, but not least, I reconnected with my bud Steve Vuich at his new open-stage gig at Cliffhanger's, and Steve, Danny, Greg, Randy, and Jason when the River Saints played another night there.

WOW, there's great music in the Mahoning Valley! Hey, Burt, dry off and join me. This isn't Hollywood, but you'll hear better music and meet better folks. (3/26/07)

Jazzin' at Cedars - the Teddy Pantelas Trio

It's 3AM Wednesday morning and we just got off the slippery turnpike, back from listening to the Teddy Pantelas Trio at Cedars. The music was certainly worth having to follow a salt truck home afterward. I'm not all that familiar with jazz, and I'm amazed - at Teddy's incredible chords, scales, and dexterity, Dan Murphy's keyboard bass patterns between his spotlight passages, and Glen Schaft's outstanding percussion. Several songs also featured an excellent sax player (sorry I didn't catch your name - I was going to talk to you afterwards but you slipped away when I wasn't looking), and a rotation of fantastic stand-in drummers who I believe might have been some of Glen's YSU students. I was also stunned by the cohesiveness of the musicians. There are so many changes within a song and I managed to catch a few of the cues, but most of the time I had to wonder "How did they all know THAT was coming?" Oh - and I gotta mention the great homemade potato chips served by our favorite Youngstown bartender, Bill (ask him how my traveling companion got her beads). Check Teddy's, Glen's, and Dan's websites from the links in the "Musicians" page, and go and listen to the Trio perform at Cedars on Tuesdays. (Click photo to enlarge)

I've been sitting at this computer for hours out of every day since I started putting this site together (Thursdays, when I update the schedule, are particularly butt-numbing). But the most enjoyable part of this labor of love comes in the evenings, when I go out to promote the site to musicians. I've been visiting several venues each night, catching new (to me) bands and individual performers, and I am totally impressed by the quality of nightlife music in our corner of Ohio. There's a slew of performers out there playing whatever style you may prefer - jazz, rock, blues, country - to perfection. I will be featuring different musicians on this page from time to time. Meanwhile, I have to put in a personal plug for my open-mike at Bushwackers this Thursday. And I'll also be playing a few songs with my friends Kevin and Kenny at DJ's and the Harrison St. SOI, and Jeff Welsh and Daniel John at the Highland NAUS and Jade's Villa. Stop by if you have a chance, and let me know you're visiting MVLiveMusic.com. (3/7/07)