Another Fun Saturday Night and the Pictures to Prove It

So, I went on a road trip this weekend to see a show.

And I took a few pictures.

And as usual I had stuff to say about it. Check it out here: Jimi Jamison and Hybrid Ice Rock Hard Again

It was fun and highly recommended.

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You Should Be Dancing... yeah YOU

Dance music. ugh, Not ever in my rotation. But today, it's time to have some music about dancing. And yes there is a difference.

No, it's not that I don't dance. There was a time when moving my feet was something that happened quite often. It's the club scene music I can't handle. But I digress.

Today, we celebrate Spring, today we celebrate renewal, today we celebrate a birthday. Yep. It's been three months since mine, so that means today the Drum Mama is as old as me. (happy dance) And sorry to burst her bubble, but it is the uglier number, the one her mind blocked out. Suck it up sista. Because while we are old(er), we are definitely better. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Now five+ weeks after foot surgery, she is still not ready for the dance floor. So here are a few songs for mo-ti-va-tion.

And because... well, Jersey.

Happy birthday my rocker ninja sista. A lot of miles in the rear-view mirror, looking forward to many road trips ahead. Love ya.

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Wanna Rock Til You Drop?

Sometimes, you have to take the time to support those friends who have supported you. So, next Saturday, if you are in the mood for a real fun time, and I do mean a real fun time, then check out this little announcement and get your butts down there for the show.

Hybrid Ice, Jimi Jamison in Encore Performance

Hybrid Ice, Jimi Jamison, Holy Hannah

March 22^nd at 8pm

Washie’s, Danville PA

Local veteran rock band Hybrid Ice along with world acclaimed vocalist Jimi Jamison return to Danville for a highly anticipated one-night only show at Washie’s on March 22^nd.

Danville Pennsylvania area natives Hybrid Ice “The Most Famous Unknown Band in the World,” return to the local music scene for a full night of knock-you-down rock and roll. After the night starts with opening act Holy Hannah, Hybrid Ice will take the stage for a full set of their best known original and classic rock cover songs. Following their set, Hybrid Ice will support Jimi Jamison, the voice behind such hits from the 80s as: “High On You,” “Burning Heart,” “The Search Is Over,” and “I’m Always Here (The Theme from Baywatch.)

Tickets for the show at Washie’s, 400 Railroad Avenue, Danville PA, are $22 in advance and $25 at the door. The show begins at 8 pm, and the venue is expected to fill quickly. Tickets are available locally at Washie’s, or at Reichart’s Mardi Gras 1416 Montour Boulevard, Danville PA. For more information contact Rick Klinger at 570-441-2040 or check out the Hybrid Ice website.

Hybrid Ice built their fan base over years of supporting such bands as: The Beach Boys, Toto, Bad Company, Ted Nugent, Hall & Oates, Todd Rundgren, Kansas, Foreigner, Joan Jett, Steppenwolf, 38 Special, and The Outlaws. Known for their “Classic Rock Show,” Hybrid Ice delivers a first rate musical event which also features music from their three original albums.

Tennessee native Jimi Jamison first gained recognition with the local Memphis band Target, later becoming the voice behind Cobra, and Survivor. Still in demand world-wide as a solo artist, Jamison has played with Hybrid Ice many times over the past few years. The March 22^nd show will be a preview of the “Legends of Rock” vacation package to be held this May in Mexico.

With the usual above average support expected from the local community, this show with Hybrid Ice and Jimi Jamison is expected to be one night to remember.  Purchase your tickets early and get ready to rock.

www.hybridice.net

www.jimijamison.com

Washie’s 400 Railroad Ave. Danville PA (570) 275-2200

Rick Klinger (570) 441-2040

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Twisted MixTape: Cover Me This Batman

I'm back. It's been a few weeks and I admit, I've been a rude guest. I've been really busy and I didn't even send back my RSVP to Jen at My Skewed View, that I wouldn't be hanging out at the MixTape party. But here I am, and I brought a hostess gift.

This weeks Twisted MixTape theme is cover songs. I.Love.Covers. Just really enjoy hearing one artist interpret another. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but tonight... all winners.

The first song was written in 1969 by American musician Steve Young. I first heard it covered by Rita Coolidge in 1970, but the best cover I've heard is the one with the five-part harmony.

The Eagles "Seven Bridges Road"

The Everly Brothers have had their songs covered endless times. One of the most interesting is this.

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant "Gone, Gone, Gone"

I used this next song in one of my "Got It Covered" features, that sadly I haven't done in a while. My dear S-I-L the fab Ms. G turned me onto it, and without a doubt it's one of the best covers I've ever heard. Originally by Cheap Trick, it's hard to believe it's the same song.

The Holmes Brothers "I Want You To Want Me"

I cannot do this list without something from one of the greatest song interpreters, Joe Cocker. But which one to choose? "With A Little Help From My Friends," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Feelin' Alright," "Summer In The City," "Something," are all worthy choices. But I think I'll go with the girl who worked in fifteen clubs a day.

Joe Cocker "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window"

Now I just have to throw an old blues number in the mix, but which one. There are literally hundreds to choose from and I love them all. So, I think I'll pick a blues cover which helped me start to dig deeper into the genre. Originally by Big Mama Thornton, who does a great job herself, this is from Janis.

Janis Joplin "Ball And Chain"

My last selection is just incredible. Some of you may be aware of this video, it's gone viral. It's just two guys, on guitar and bass, sitting in a pizza joint singing one of the best covers. Check out the number of views. Top rock stars would die for those numbers. I actually had the pleasure of interviewing him, it will be posted over at Earth Hertz as soon as I get it finished. It's a great story even without the music. Anyway, this is just wonderful.

Mike Masse and Jeff Hall "Africa"

Covers... I got a million of 'em, but that's enough for tonight.

From Garbage to Nirvana, Director Wendy Schneider Tells the Smart Studio Story

When you think of Nirvana, your mind goes to the Seattle music scene. So what would you think if you discovered the demos for Nevermind were cut in a nondescript recording studio in Madison, Wisconsin? Well, you might be interested in finding out how many other musical secrets were contained in that recording studio. And the answer would be… a lot. In 1982, Butch Vig and Steve Marker of alt-rock band Garbage created Smart Studios, and for the next twenty-eight years, an improbable amount of music which would come to define the era, emerged from that same studio. From Nirvana, to Smashing Pumpkins, L7, Garbage, Death Cab for Cutie, Tar Babies, Killdozer, and many more, the imprint of Smart on the alternative music scene is large and deep.

Director/Producer Wendy Schneider worked at Smart Studios in the early 90s and has maintained a lasting friendship with both Vig and Marker. In 2010, after the closing of the studio, she began gathering video interviews of musicians who had recorded at Smart. With each interview it became apparent Smart Studios had touched every artist who spent time there. It also seemed the time might be right to really focus on creating a feature length film, so the entire scope of the story of Smart Studios could be documented. Schneider is now in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign to raise funding for the project, The Smart Studios Story.

I recently spoke with Wendy Schneider about the documentary, the Kickstarter campaign, and the unlikely center of music in the midwest, Madison, Wisconsin.

Check out the full interview over at Earth Hertz Records.

Mardi Gras. Letting the Good Times Roll on Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday. Yep, the last day of fun before forty of not so much. At least for those observing Lent. So if you are observing Lent and if you will be abstaining and repenting and all some shit like that, today and tonight until midnight marks the last taste you will have to "laissez les bons temps rouler" for quite a while.

While I have no say in just what types of gluttony, lasciviousness, or general debauchery you may engage in over the next 16+ hours, I do have a say in how best to get your feet moving.

Sugar Boy Crawford - "Jock-A-Mo"

Queen Ida - "Jambalya"

Neville Brothers - "Fire On The Bayou"

Buckwheat Zydeco - "Throw Me Something Mister"

Professor Longhair - "Go To The Mardi Gras"

And how could you not finish it off without Satchmo...
Louis Armstrong - "When The Saints Come Marching In"

Grab some beignets, a plate of crawfish and experience a little 'joie de vivre' for the last time, for a long time.