John Solinski - JP's Corner Weekend Recap 04/26/04

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Ken Karlheim and John Solinski.

Ken, John, and guest Matt Burns.

In yer face, Kenny and John.

Once again, Kenny and John, with Faith and Matt Burns.

WEEKEND RECAP 4/26/04

JOHN SOLINSKI & KEN KARLHEIM
@ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 4/22/04
This weekend kicked off in an acoustic vein, as I headed to Altoona’s Hitching Post to see what the dynamic duo of John Solinski and Ken Karlheim was up to.

A small-ish, happy audience was on hand as John and Kenny mixed up unplugged favorites old and new. Kenny was singing, pickin’ and grinnin’ out his version of Charlie Daniels’ "Devil Went Down to Georgia" as I arrived. Kenny then sang lead on the Monkees’ "I’m a Believer," and the duo continued with favorites from Blind Melon, Marshall Tucker Band, Steve Miller Band, Dave Matthews, Doobie Brothers, Violent Femmes and more. Highlights during this set included Marshall Tucker’s "Can’t You See," with Trace Moran Band bassist Tim Kelly contributing bottom end and Hitching Post main man Butch singing backing vocals; the Foundations’ "Build Me Up Buttercup" (the Dennis Stahl theme song), with Hitching Post hostess Faith helping on vocals when the Post’s resident wildman, Dennis Stahl, refused; and Acid Reflux/Flame Sky bassman Matt Burns sitting in for the last half of the set.

As expected, John and Kenny (and guests) were delivering the good time. Their presentation was friendly and lighthearted, but backed by skillful fretboard work by both performers. Both voices were in fine form; John even tackled Melissa Etheridge’s high range on "I’m The Only One."

The nightcap set was equally freewheeling, as John, Kenny and Matt Burns played tunes from the Indigo Girls, Tom Petty, Rolling Stones, Green Day, Jimmy Eats World, John Mellencamp and more. Highlights included the tasty harmonies on Indigo Girls’ "Closer to Fine;" some comic relief with a version of "Momma’s Got Her Boobs Out" from the Bob & Tom Show; and the finale version of the Eagles’ "Hotel California," with the Hitching Post’s Faith again singing lead voice.

It was a friendly, casual, kick-back-and-forget-the-troubles-of-the-day type party; as John and Kenny kept the mood happy and the music crisp. It was a fun kickoff to the weekend, and more evidence of why John and Kenny’s popularity continues to rise on area acoustic stages.

Adding a little acid reflux to the musical menu, Matt Burns.

Ken Karlheim.

The Hitching Post’s own Faith staffs the lead microphone, next to guest Matt Burns.