What better place for a gig that at 8 Great Tuesdays? Well, I could probably say Madison Square Garden and a bunch of other stages, but for an Erie Summer, I can’t think of a better place.  With a great crowd, perfect weather, and being right on the lake, the trio sang classic songs as well as today’s hits.

Monica Lewis, Emily Foht, and Angie Myers sang ballads from the Bengals, Adele, Lady Gaga, The Weather Girls, and more.  What was pretty cool to see and hear was how the trio would take turns to showcase each other’s voices with certain songs. Early in the show, Emily sang Barracuda by Heart and I think it was right on the money.

You would think that these ladies were in the radio business, because as soon as a song was over, they did not waste time with dead air.  The provided banter as the rest of the band was getting tuned up for the next song. Keeping the crowd entertained the entire time could be a chore, but they did it like it was nothing.  If you want music entertainment, then you need to check out Stiletto.

If you have seen Stiletto before, but with different band members, you weren’t losing your mind. Many of you may have seen one of Erie’s best vocalist, Lindsay Vendetti, was with the group, but she has moved out west to pursue her music career.  Whether it is three members or four, if the music is great, there’s no need to worry.  If the shoe fits, right?

Be sure to check our their facebook page and be sure to check out the full photo gallery (43 photos) on GoErie.com.

See you guys at Celebrate Erie! Tons of music this weekend!

-Steve Puskar

Cell Block was the host for these two musicians whose names everyone has come accustomed to. Rick Magee of the Roadhouse Rockers is no stranger to the stage in Erie, or anywhere else. He and his band play at bike nights, rib fests, fairs in Erie and throughout the country.  They have even shared the same stage with acts such as Ted Nugent, Nazareth, Eddie Money, Molly Hatchet and more.  With Rick being a finalist two times in the Jimi Hendrix Competition, teaming up for an acoustic show with Jake Banta is a show you must see.

Who is Jake Banta you might say? Unless you live under a rock, he is one of Erie’s favorite, most talented musicians hailing from our gem city.  This Rock Erie Music Awards winner has recorded with Double Trouble, which was the late Stevie Ray Vaughan’s personal band.  Not only has he served eleven-plus years of tunes for Erie music lovers, but he has served countless years in the military for our country we call home.

Jake is truly the All-American Man.  It’s amazing how he is still in Erie, given the talent he has.  Quite frankly, I’d like to see him make it big, and I have full belief he can make it there.  I’m sure he’d love to trade is his rifle for his guitar to support his family.

Speaking of family, Jake and Rick were not the only ones displaying their music last week.

Jake’s son, Steve, vocalized his love of music on a few cuts.  A little shy, but once he starts singing, he seems to forget about who’s watching.  You can tell from his face alone that he gets lost in the music.  That’s my favorite part about music.

You listen to music it to make your day go by quicker, or to slow down…to forget about things and to remember them.  Just losing track of time is probably the best thing about music.  Loosing track of time with Jake and Rick in a live performance is the best way to spend a summer evening…especially on bike night.

Before I leave, I’d like to talk briefly about Jake’s Blues manager Lisa Bower.  She has been named the official entertainment booking agent for the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail. So if a business is showcasing a grand opening or is having a party and needs music talent, they contact her and she contacts local bands.  So if you’re looking for a place to book a show, give her a shout!  She also runs dirtydoglive.com where she features original music from the local area on Armstrong Cable.  Last but not least, you can catch her every Thursday morning on COOL 101.7 FM as she discusses local music events.

Be sure to check out the entire photo gallery (69 photos) on GoErie.com and keep a look-out on where I might be next.  If you’d like me to see a show of yours and snap photos, shoot me an email at info@rockerie.com.  Until then, be sure you sign up for the Rock Erie Music Awards! Friday, July 1st is the deadline!

-Steve Puskar

Coconut Joe’s on Fridays host happy hour deals along with a side of live music.  This past week was, well, you can guess who played. Despite the intermittent rain, the multi-winning RockErie Music Awards group played classic hits from the 80s, all the way up to the latest music you will hear on the radio.

These geeks know how to play and entertain.  Who else can pull off suspenders, plaid shorts, and showing off some extra leg? By looks alone, you can tell they are an easy going, good time band that’s there to have as just as much fun as you are.

Being one of Erie’s favorite cover bands, it’s not just looks that brings in fans…you have to sound good as well.  Lead singer, Terry Wood has a wide range of vocal capabilities which makes playing different songs in different genres possible.  Professor Grimes on the guitar knows how hammer away your favorite guitar riffs and solos from your favorite songs.  Dennis Rockberg on the bass plays it cool and collective while Chuck on the drums is not afraid to hammer out with emotion (just watch his facial expressions and you’ll know how much he loves playing).

Needless to say, if you’re an Erie citizen, chances are you’ve seen them play. Even if you are not a fan of cover bands, you have to hand it to them…they know how to play.

Don’t forget to see the entire gallery on pictures (78 of them) by clicking here.  You can buy the photos as well, so…buy some! Crazy music weekend folks: Block Party tonight with Chrome, Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony at the Metro on Friday, and don’t forget the tattoo convention going on at the Bayfront Convention Center with all-female rockers Lez Zeppelin kicking it off!

-Steve

When seven musicians take the stage, often it is a collaboration, but this wasn’t a collaboration with another band. Yes, that’s correct…East Ave has seven band members.  With so many members, they can specialize in certain sounds and instruments to give you a sound that is unique.  This unique sound makes it hard to say they sound like anyone else.  They’re styling is fused with jazz, reggae, rock, funk, and a little bit of folk/country.  That’s a lot of genres, but they make it seem easy.

The multi-genre influences East Ave has creates a sense of good feeling music.  The Vermont Tavern was a perfect place to play. The relaxed environment in the bar is enhanced with easy going, foot tapping tunes that East Ave plays.  I have to say, my favorite song they played Friday is called, “Going Home” if I’m not mistaken on the song title. It had everything you need in a song: rhythm, great lyrics, great vocals, and the sense of not worrying about anything else in the world…just living in the moment.

I advise those who haven’t seen them to check them out.  They are a familiar name around the Erie music scene, and with good reason.  Be sure to check out the photos from the show in the online gallery by clicking here. You can purchase the photos too.

One last thing, if you would like to have your band or group covered by RockErie’s Show of the Week, shoot me an email at info@rockerie.com and tell me where and when you are playing! Thanks everyone and enjoy the REO Speedwagon show this weekend! It’s FREE!

-Steve

According to his facebook page, Marcus Harris (MH) the Verb has shared the stage with artists such as Kid Cudi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, the Roots,&  Lifehouse to name a few.  This former winner of Pitt’s Battle of the Bands brings a crossover sound of electro-pop and hip-hop.  They use their art to shift listeners thinking, striving to change lives and promote positive change.  You can check out more information and listen to tracks on their website.

Joining the stage was Kuf Knotz, hailing from the city of brotherly love.  His album, “Boombox Logic” has grabbed the attention of Philadelphia, with many reviews posting the album #1 in the local music scene. Knotz uses a weaponry of old school hip-hop with a fresh up beat sound that grabs your attention with the first few lines within his rhymes.

You can listen to his tracks from “Boombox Logic” free on his website and even download a free track.  If you want something new and different to listen to, then I suggest you check out Kuf Knotz online, or better yet, on stage.

To the viewers out there, you may have noticed that Gene Stovall was on the card for this show, and not on stage: Due to a transportation issue, he could not make it to Erie.  According to his facebook page, he plans to reschedule soon.  Keep a look-out for his name in the around town list on RockErie.com.

See all 92 photos from the show on goerie.com by clicking here. Be sure to check out Smoke and Mirrors this Saturday at the Crooked i along with Black Lung Choir, Glaucon, & Ivera.  They will be our show of the week and it should be an awesome show! Don’t forget to submit for the RockErie Music Awards! Nominations are going on now! Click here for more.

-Steve

On stage was Cover Gurl, a band you may have recently seen pop up in the scene or played in a few venues. The four-piece band has a recognizable face, as Anthony Cox from the band Money Shot was anchoring the bass-lines.  But when you hear a band, it’s not the face that sticks with you, it’s the sound.

As their name suggests, Cover Gurl plays cover songs, but with female lead singer.  That female is Chelcie Gette. Never in a million years would I think I’d hear songs by Tina Turner, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson sung by a band in Erie and sound awesome.  Now, those artists have a vocal range on another level then most of us, but Chelcie’s talent is right on par with them.  She was hitting the mark on songs that most people don’t even try to sing.

Other artists that were covered Thursday was P!nk, Jewel, Des’ree, Katrina and the Waves, and even Mylie Cyrus with a combination of Corey Heart’s Sunglasses at Night. Cover Gurl adds their own flavor and style to the songs they cover, so it’s not like listen to the radio. So if you are looking to see a band that has a great singer, some songs to sing along to, and a band to jam out to the heavy riffs, then Cover Gurl should be on your list.

Be sure to check out the full photo gallery from the show (67 photos) and don’t forget, you can purchase different size prints too.  Let me know what show I should check out next by letting me know via e-mail at info@rockerie.com.  Until then, support the scene!

-Steve

Well, let me correct that…because other artists are like family.  At Devious’ King Kong CD release party, it wasn’t just friends, but a big family.  I say this because other hip-hop artists came out to support each other.  Showing support were artists such as Colonel Clink, Hectic, Alberian Kelevra, Hectic, J-Roc the Don, and Swagger Rich Entertainment to name a few. They were there in full support of Devious and Afficial Killaz. With all of these artists, it’s hard not to have a good time. Out of all the shows I’ve been to thus far, Devious’ show was the most fun I’ve had.

There were barely any breaks in between sets, and there was still not enough time for everyone to showcase their rhymes.  So instead of not performing, they joined the crowd on the stage and all rapped together.  Like I said, it was hard to not have a good time.  You find yourself dancing, nodding your head, and shouting out parts of the lyrics.  I swear Devious was on stage for 3 hours straight, playing all the way up until 2:00 A.M.  Probably my favorite song of the night was right around that 2:00 A.M. mark. Get Low had people in the crowd and on the stage going crazy.  Like they say, times flies when you’re having fun, and the night was wrapping up.

By the shows end, I had a new CD for my collection, new friends, and a whole new perspective on the hip-hop scene in Erie. I suggest you buy Devious’ 20-track album King Kong. If you want to have a great time, meet some new people, and be entertained with live music, I suggest…wait, no, I DEMAND you to see a hip-hop show.  When they have a show, they will go all out. Hopefully, more venues will accommodate the rising hip-hop scene.  Who knows, the next Wiz Kalifia (who played at the Metropolitan a few years ago) may be right here in Erie.

Be sure to check out the entire photo gallery (132 photos) from Devious’ show.  If you have a show suggestion that I should cover, give me a shout at info@rockerie.com.  Until then, SUPPORT THE SCENE!

-Steve

Alright, curse me out, but it’s true, I never saw them play. I haven’t heard any of their songs either.

[Pause for gasps, anger, shock and perhaps cursing…]

Every time they were in Erie or anywhere near, I found my self busy with prior engagements. What a bunch of mistakes those were.  For those diehard fans, you know what I’m talking about.  They put on a great live show and nothing but a sea of people wherever they play.  If you haven’t seen a show of theirs, its best you take my advice and catch a show when you can…cancel that appointment and pencil-in The Clarks.

Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, The Clarks are a four-man rock group that regularly sell-out venues around the region.  But what people may not know is that they sell-out venues in the thousands, they have appeared on David Letterman, sold over 300,000 CD copies, and they have been together for over 20 years. Let’s just say they know what they are doing.

You won’t see them working the stage, wearing fine threads, or tons of jewelry; instead they let their music entertain the crowd.  They never started that way, yet they are still successful, so why change? Jeans, an old t-shirt, and some Converse shoes will do just fine.  Less I forget…some live music does the trick too.

Lead singer, Scott Blasey, provided some banter in-between songs.  One of his stories was about how they were at a concert and Bruce Springsteen was walking around with several people following him at every step. Scott told the crowd that there wasn’t a real joke tide to it, it was just his only Bruce Springsteen story he has. At that moment, Scott explained that he told the story only because they just played a Springsteen song.  I, along with the crowd, laughed on and then enjoyed the rest of the show.

Although I never saw a show of theirs, nor heard any of their songs…I did see a You Tube video for the song, “Cigarette”. I was hoping they were going to play that song, seeing that Sherlock’s is a smoking bar.  Well towards the end of their play list, I was right. Scott light up in front of the crowd as they cheered and sang along with him.  As they ended the show, the crowd chanted, “One more song!”

Bassist Greg Joseph came back on the stage and spoke on the microphone and said, “Well, we were going to do 3 more, but if you only want one…”  In response, the crowd chanted, “3 more songs!”

I am definitely going to see more shows of The Clarks and listen to more of their music, as I had a blast at the show. They are an Erie favorite, a Pittsburgh gem, and treat for the region and country that follows them. Get their album, “Songs in G” on iTunes now!

Be sure to check out the full gallery from the show and let me know what shows I should cover next! info@rockerie.com

-Steve

Lights…check. Fog machine…check. 7 LCD monitors…what? I have never seen a band perform where they have a TV, let alone 7 of them playing as they play music.  What made it better was how they played the video of the band they were covering, and completely synced to their performance.

Ok, they have the set up that is like none other, but can they play and perform? Answer: yes sir. Not only can they play the songs to a T, but their performance had the crowd’s eyes glued to them.  It was the first time I’ve been to a show where the seats at the bar where a plenty, because the whole place was on the dance floor. I found myself navigating the crowd as if I were driving in an Erie blizzard…slow, dodging people, and trying to get a great view. But rather than traveling through a snow storm, it was more like traveling through time 20-30 years ago.

The crowd was filled with 30-40 year-olds, but they were dancing the night away as if they were in high school again. Lead vocalist Jay Secrest’s charm had a few ladies in the front stage smiling and cheering like a modern day Jonas Brother’s concert. Ok, maybe not that extreme, but none the less, they were definitely having fun being next to the stage. It wasn’t just Jay’s charm working the crowd; guitarist Ken Harding entertained the youthful fans.

Just like the rest of the band, Ken had the 80s look down. Aviator sunglasses, bandannas, and a guitar that screamed tunes that kept the crowd nodding their heads (and dancing of course). He was as energetic as Jay, but he played it in cool/chill way that made guitar playing look easy. Just like the chill-style of Ken, bassist Randy Horn played it cool and easy going, but he’s not one to be left out. When songs like Billie Jean start to play, all eyes are on Randy.

Easy going and chill is not what describes drummer Michael Scott Nelson when he performs.  His hard hitting, energetic, and show-stopping talent demands your attention. It’s hard to get a full effect of a drummer because they are further away from the other band, but I was able to get a couple of shots near the side-stage entrance to get the full experience of the drumming talent.  He plays the drums with a smile and his excitement on his face was like a kid in a candy store.

Like that kid in the candy store, New Wave Nation is a treat for anyone who loves 80s music. They hit you with different flavors of entertainment: looking the part, sounding the part, and performing the part.  If you have a sweet-tooth for 80s music, then New Wave Nation is your fix.

Don’t forget to check out the full photo gallery of the show.  You can purchase the photos too. We offer different sizes and even magnets. Let me know what shows I should cover next and who knows, you might see me there!

-Steve