Nieds Hotel band

Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival PARS577

John Vento joins Bill on episode #577 of the Pennsylvania Rock Blues Show to talk about the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival and more. Featuring music from: The Bail Jumpers, John Vento, Miss Freddye, ZMW, Nied’s Hotel Band Interview Session 1 – Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival and Corbriwoodstock John, before we get too deeply into the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival, can you tell us a little bit about both Band Together Pittsburgh‘s and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh’s missions and programs? How did this annual event start? The event takes place on Saturday July 31st and Sunday August 1st at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center. What musicians will be taking part in the fundraising event? How can our listeners purchase tickets? What if they cannot attend, but would like to make a donation? Let’s talk about another benefit show that you host, Corbriwoodstock. Can you tell us a little bit about the benefactor, Allegheny Clean Ways. How did Corbriwoodstock get its start? This event takes place on Saturday September 4th and Sunday September 5th at one of the coolest venues I’ve ever been to, your backyard. How did you end up with a full concert stage at your house? What bands will be participating this year? How can our listeners purchase tickets to Corbriwoodstock? Interview Session 2 – John Vento’s Endeavors There’s a lot to get out of the way before we discuss John the musician, so let’s move on to your “All Volunteer” listening room, Steamworks Creative. How would an artist schedule a show there or take part in one of the open stages? I’m sure I’m barely touching upon all the things that you’re involved in in the music scene, but let’s talk about John Vento the solo artist and frontman for the Nied’s Hotel Band and the Bmen. How often do you get to play out with your busy schedule? The B-men in particular specifically for charity events, how did that come about and how can a charity get them involved? I have to fit one normal PA Rock show question in: Who is your Dave Grohl? (what famous artist would you like to get up on stage with and perform one of their songs?) What does the future hold for John Vento and all his ventures in the music scene? 2021 Scheduled LINEUP Saturday 7/31 Pavilion Stage 1:30 – 2:15  Band Together PGH Performers 3:00 – 4:00  Soulful Femme 5:00 – 6:00  Jim Donovan & The Sun King Warriors 7:00 – 8:15  Billy Price Band 9:00 – 10:15  Joanna Connor Roots Stage 2:15 – 3:00  Kip London 4:15 – 5:00  Cherylann Hawk 6:15 – 7:00 Chet Vincent Sunday 8/1 Pavilion Stage 1:30 – 2:30  Bill Toms & Hard Rain 3:30 – 4:30  Blue Spectrum Band 6:00 – 7:15  Vanessa Collier Band w/ special guest – Laura Chavez 7:45 – 9:15  Anthony Gomes Roots Stage 2:30 – 3:30  Band Together PGH Performers 4:45 – 6:00  Clinton Clegg’s “Mon Hound”   I cannot attend but would like to donate send a check to: Band Together Pittsburgh 364 Freeport Rd. Pittsburgh, Pa 15238 Attn: John Vento

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Dave Molter PARS469

Dave Molter joins Bill to chat about his newest release, Mid-Century Man, on episode 469. An accomplished veteran of the Pittsburgh, Midwest and East Coast music scenes since 1965, Dave counts The Beatles as his primary influence. Dave’s bands have released singles on Buddah Records (“I Hear You Knockin’” by BlueByrd, 1970) and Western World Records (“Boogie, Boogie, Boogie” by Pyewacket, 1973). His bands have opened for The Rascals; Chicago; The Allman Brothers Band; Bloodrock; Night Ranger and others. He continues to play with his own band, Retrograyed, and the Danny Gochnour Band as well as subbing with Bill Toms and Hard Rain. In the recent past he has played with Johnny Angel & the Halos, the Paul Martino All-Star Band, Mojo Jojo (a British Invasion-era cover band) and Johnny Angel’s All Star Jam Band. Segment 1 with Dave Molter I want to get this out of the way right off the bat, not only are you a musician, but you’re an award winning columnist. Have the 2 things ever clashed? If we were going to hang out, and you were in charge of the music, what would we listen to? How did you get started as a musician, and who has been your biggest supporter over the years? I teach social studies, if I were to find you in one of my textbooks, what would the topic be that I’d be teaching? If you could go back in time and follow one band around for a year, who would you follow? Tell me about your song, Mid-Century Man. Segment 2 Having been a musician for a number of years, what advice would you give to someone that wanted to start a band in today’s environment? How has the invention of the internet changed the music business? Who are the unsigned bands that you think we should check out? What is something that your fans would be surprised to learn about you? If you could live the movie Rock Star, which band would you front? Where can we get a copy of your music and do you have any upcoming shows that you’d like to mention?

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LIVEBURGHSTUDIO PARS461

Bill chats with Chris Leya of LIVEBURGHSTUDIO LIVEBURGHSTUDIO is a venue, tour house, studio, you name it. This is Episode 461! Liveburghstudio Segment 1 What is LIVEBURGHSTUDIO and how did it come about? How do bands contact you? Is there a backlog to play at the studio? Are there any fees? We had a conversation about John Vento and his endeavors, including Corbriwoodstock. We talked about how Bad Custer and Smokey Bellows recorded at the studio. We talk about venues for a bit, too. Segment 1 Where is LIVEBURGH located? What is the capacity of the house? Conch shells?

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Project 52

Johnny Walyko and Pete Peters from Project 52 joined Bill on the show for the first time to discuss what Project 52 (songs) is and how Pete hooked up with Johnny. We talked about the complications of recording a song weekly. They talk about the bassist Daniel who they use on the tracks as well. Johnny actually met Daniel for the first time when they played a show together a few weeks ago. We talked about how to incorporate Johnny’s girlfriend into the recording process.  We talked about their military backgrounds. In segment two we talked about their newest song “Stuck” and what it is about and how they recorded it. We talked a little bit about their style and recording process as well as where people can download the 52 songs that they are creating. The songs have been recorded at the Light House Project and the University of Pittsburgh.

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The Band Jam

Utah Burgess joins us to discuss 97.7FM WLER The Grass Roots Show‘s 5th annual Band Jam brought to you by Shady Lady Productions. He gives us some insight into the show’s history, as well as, giving us a run down on what to expect when you attend it. There are 20 bands for $20 in a 2 day format. We also talk a little bit about the local music scene, the Rock Done Right Tour and his band, the Noble Hops Band. Friday’s Lineup Beginning at 5pm Mary Lou Scherder Noble Hops Band Sumpn’ Fierce WoJo Highland Brothers Band The Redlines Anger the Ant Saturday’s Lineup Beginning at 11:30am Donny Eozzo Isaac Cole Stationary Pebbles Trigger Happy Lions in America Castashadow Acoustic Fingers Nied’s Hotel Band Zone 8 Juvenile Characteristics Shag Dog Melon Head Red Room Effect TeraChain Sky   What is the Band Jam? The Band Jam Grass Roots Music Festival is a weekend long celebration of local music and artists. It was started as a way to commemorate the yearly anniversary of the “Grass Roots Show”, which airs Sunday nights at 7pm on The Rock Station 97.7fm (WLER – Butler, PA), and as a way to showcase the incredible talent featured on this show in a “Live” setting for music lovers of all genres to enjoy. The Festival is held at Cooper’s Lake Campground, located at 205 Currie Rd in Slippery Rock, PA, right off of I-79 Exit 99 (New Castle Rd / US Route 422), and is sponsored this year by: Sloan’s Guitar & Super Monkey recording Company Cooper’s Lake is the perfect place for a family friendly outdoor music festival, with over 450 acres of wooded areas and mowed fields. Amenities include over 100 electric and water hookup sites, activity areas, campground store, full bathroom facilities including showers, laundromat, picnic tables and pavillions, and a 10-acre lake for fishing and canoeing. Cooper’s Lake is world renowned for such events as Pennsic, The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, and the Pyrotechnics Guild International Convention. The 2017 Band Jam will take place July 14-16, with live music beginning Friday the 14th at 6pm, and beginning again on Saturday the 15th at Noon. There will be plenty of other activities for young and old including Belly Dance lessons by Malissa, Hooping with The Hoop Bear, Balloon Art with Dragonfly Balloons, Taekwondo demonstration from Master Connell’s ATA, fishing, biking, and more… Attendees are encouraged to come camp for the whole weekend, however day pass only admissions will be available. Camping fees must be purchased separately through Cooper’s Lake Campground and can be purchased HERE. Admission Prices $20 Advance / $25 At The Gate Kids 17 and Under are FREE Band Jam Festival Tickets Available Through ShowClix by clicking HERE or by calling 1-888-71-TICKETS Tickets also available through Butler Media Group at 252 Pillow Street, Butler PA or through the bands and Shady Lady Productions Camping Passes must be purchased through Cooper’s Lake Campground and can be purchased by clicking HERE. Please visit their website for more information.

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Soul Alliance

Jordan and Angus Elder, cousins, from the band Soul Alliance joined Bill on the show for the first time. We talked about the unique way in which we were introduced to each other (they were in a dodgeball tourney). We discussed their new single “Holes” and things like their favorite venues, best supporters, their writing process and more. Who is Soul Alliance? Soul Alliance is a hard rock/alternative band from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The band consists of Jordan Elder on guitar/vocals, Gus Elder on bass, and Dakota Thomas on drums. since forming officially in 2015, the band has played live shows all over their local area, and released a 5 song EP titled “Critical Phases” and a single entitled “Holes.” Each one of their influences and backgrounds can be heard in every song.

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Rock Charities

One thing that I have always admired about our local music scene is the bands’ willingness to give back to the community through benefit concerts. In this episode, I am joined by special co-host A Pro Radio‘s John “The American Hilljack” Lane. John is not only a staunch supporter of the Akron and Western PA Local Scene’s but he is the front man of Akron’s The Hellfire Club. John has played in a ton of charity shows, so we’ll be using his experience as the background for our show. Tune into this episode to learn more about these shows and why musicians are so willing to help out. John Vento, Chris Dittman, and Ozz all joined us in this episode to talk about their respective shows and charities. Rock for Life 17 Back in April we did a show on the history of the Rock for Life Concert Series, be sure to check it out as well. Donations can be made at the Leechburg Moose 102 located at 102 Market St. Leechburg, PA 15656. Mary Ann Vento Memorial Concert aUGUST 21, 2016. John Vento from the Nied’s Hotel Band joined us to discuss the Mary Ann Vento Memorial Concert that benefits the Lupus Foundation that will be held on August 21st at the Baja Bar and Grill in Fox Chapel, PA. Suggested Donation: $10. If you aren’t able to make the show but want to make a donation, please visit the Nied’s Hotel Band website today. Party for the Preemies August 27, 2016 Chris Dittman of the bands Flashback & Rokbot joined us to chat about the Party for the Preemies on August 21st at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille featuring Wexford School of Rock House Band, ZuZu Petals, Slant 6, Flashback, Bon Journey, and Torn & Frayed. The show has a 7pm start time with an $8 cover. It benefits Zoe’s New Beginnings. A Concert for Anna September 2-4th Ozzy chatted with us about A Concert for Anna’s lineup and history. He also gave us some incite into Brittany Zilka’s current situation and how much this concert will help her in her fight with Uterine Carcinosarcoma. The Charities Rock for Life Concert Series Lupus Foundation Zoe’s New Beginnings A Concert for Anna Rock for Life It is the mission of Rock for Life to provide financial support to needy individuals residing in Western PA who are suffering from life threatening diseases. Rock for Life sponsors music festivals and other music-related and general fundraising events to raise the monies necessary to support its purpose. Recipient(s) of support will be determined annually, utilizing selection criteria guidelines as adopted by the Directors. Financial support may be provided to a needy individual or a non-profit organization that supports the mission of Rock for Life. Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania The Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania has a history of service since 1975 and has provided funding for local and national lupus research. The Foundation also provides comprehensive patient services, including support groups and education and awareness activities. For up-to-date information about lupus or to learn how you can help, visit www.lupuspa.org. Zoe’s New Beginnings Zoe’s New Beginnings is a pittsburgh area based non profit organization dedicated to helping parents of premature babies during their first few days at home. We supply the parents with a basket of essential needs. This was created after our daughter, Zoe Joan, was born 8 weeks premature in 2007. We learned along the way the struggles of raising a premature child, and are now making it our mission to help equip future parents for what lies ahead. Zoe is now a healthy 3-year old beautiful, very intelligent little girl, but still deals with problems due to prematurity. If you need someone to help you through this, you are not alone! We want to help YOU in any way we can A Concert for Anna In April 2008, Anna Lee Piroch was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The original Concert For Anna was put together by the local music community, of which Anna was an avid fan, as a way to help her pay her bills while she was unable to work as she battled the disease. Anna knew of the show to be held for her over Labor Day weekend 2008, and looked forward to attending. Sadly, in August 2008, Anna succumbed to the disease… But the music community would not let her spirit die. They came together in an incredibly moving act of kindness and held the show in her honor. When all was said and done, 17 bands had graced the stage that weekend, as well as numerous local businesses donating prizes, etc., and paid for Anna’s funeral expenses. That spirit of generosity and kindness in our local music community lives on in honor of our lost sister Anna, as a continual way to help others in our area in her name. Please help us every Labor Day weekend as we make a difference in someone’s life and ease the struggle that unfortunate circumstances can bring.

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