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THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS - August 2008 By Jim Price On the acoustic front, former RetroActive siblings John and Red "Redawg" Solinski took a vacation from their day jobs - entertaining tourists daily at Irish Kevin's in Key West, Florida - to visit their families and friends back home in Pennsylvania last month, and bring their Key West party to several local stages. When they visited the Hitching Post, the pair whooped it up with a zany, adrenaline-rush acoustic party with thrills around every corner! With John on guitar and Red on zendrum (a MIDI percussion instrument), the pair tackled a wide range of song material; incorporating crazy antics, improvised lyrics, wacky headgear and constant audience participation. Highlights included the pair’s super-redneck edition of Charlie Daniels’ "Devil Went Down to Georgia," Red’s rendition of Denis Leary’s "A**hole Song," and even John’s broken string during the Eagles’ "Hotel California," which turned into a ‘Final Jeopardy’ interlude! John and Red provide one of the craziest acoustic parties I’ve ever witnessed; no wonder they stay so busy in Key West! |
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THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS - August 2005 By Jim Price While Hurricane Dennis was wreaking havoc on the Florida panhandle on July 10, Felix & the Hurricanes and some musical guests were bringing the musical storm to Altoona's Hitching Post. After guitarist/singer Felix Kos, bassist/singer Jeff Clapper and drummer Bob Watters heated up the house with their mix of blues-rocking original songs, classic and Southern rock favorites, several guests added to the fireworks. Coincidentally, on vacation from his current home base of Key West just as Hurricane Dennis was lashing that region, John Solinski performed a bright set of acoustic favorites, soliciting constant participation from the audience and escalating the party as he went along. In town to appear on Q94's "Backyard Rocker" earlier in the evening, western PA's T.M.P. (Tony Mollick Project) introduced the Hitching Post crowd to their hard-nosed brand of rock and blues. Then, the homestretch finale, as Felix & the Hurricanes welcomed several musical guests on stage; guitarist Steve Todesco from Boston-based blues band Mission Of Blues, Tony Mollick on guitar and drums, and Kent Martin on flute. This session reached optimum meltdown on renditions of Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Tin Pan Alley," the Allman Brothers‚ "One Way Out," Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Green River" (with Felix, Steve and Tony dueling on their axes), and Ted Nugent's "Stranglehold." In a word, magical! As I've said before about Felix & the Hurricanes: On any given night. To check out Felix & The Hurricanes, click here. |
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THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS - July 2004 By Jim Price Note: Retro Active was an all 80's band we were in. The wildest party I witnessed last month was RetroActive's farewell blowout, in front of a jam-packed house at Ebensburg's Castle Pub. Singer Dean Gittings, guitarists/singers John Solinski and Ken Karlheim, keyboardist/guitarist Keith Little and drummer Red Solinski capped their successful 6-year run as one of this area's top 80's music parties with a wild and freewheeling show complete with all the 80's music you could handle from new wave to pop to hair band; supersoakers, giveaways (including John's trademark Kiss moon slippers), John trashing a guitar Pete Townshend-style at night's end and more. Several special guests helped send RetroActive off to retirement this night, including founding members Kent and Kirk Tonkin (who left the group to form what eventually became The Grimm), and singer Victor Synn and guitarist Jimi Hatt of Hair Force One. After RetroActive, Dean is expanding his family and businesses (including the Castle Pub); Keith is venturing into creating music for video games; John and Ken will continue to perform as an acoustic duo and as members of the original band project Right Side Thief; and Red will continue to be the house soundman and deejay at the Castle Pub, but hopes to join another band soon. We wish all five musicians good luck, and thanks for six great years! I also caught John and Ken's acoustic duo recently during their monthly visit to Altoona's Hitching Post. Joined this night by new Bad Daze drummer Kevin Siegel on percussion, John and Ken offered a playful mix of unplugged classic and recent hits from CCR, Jimmy Buffett, Nirvana, Doors, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sublime and more. The performance was bright, upbeat and often humorous, with unpredictable twists and turns, audience requests and more. John and Ken play a busy schedule throughout this month, before heading south for a working vacation at Sloppy Joe's in Key West, Florida July 27-31. THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS - June 2004 By Jim Price Other performers I saw recently included John Solinski & Ken Karlheim at Altoona's Hitching Post (more on them next month!); Felix & the Hurricanes at Peter C's and the Hitching Post (their May 2 Hitching Post show included a cameo appearance from Bloomsburg singer, songwriter, guitarist, humorist Dave Blackledge, in town for an appearance earlier that evening on Q94's Backyard Rocker); Backstreet Law's latest Pellegrine's visits (the group's new Jagermeister-sponsored 3-song EP is now available); and Ron Dalansky & Adam D at Altoona's Belmar Hotel. THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS - March 2004 By Jim Price A big highlight recently was the Rockpage Benefit Jam, which took place at Peter C's. What began as a simple idea among Rockpage member musicians after learning that Rockpage owner Ron Nearhoof recently incurred expenses while moving the nonprofit local music website to a new server; the Rockpage Benefit Jam blossomed into a monstrous jam session, with close to 40 musicians taking part. The night saw the debuts of several new area bands, including Dafunkt, Stillframe and a yet-untitled Dream Theater tribute; also performances from John Solinski & Ken Karlheim, The Grimm, PnEumatic, Hair Force One and a night-ending free-for-all jam with a whoâs who of area musicians blending their talents on stage. And since the benefit's proceeds quickly covered the costs of maintaining Rockpage for another year, Ron donated the remaining proceeds to a medical fund set up to help out former area musician John McKnight. (John, the popular former drummer/singer for Felix & the Hurricanes who relocated to Atlanta several years ago, underwent emergency surgery just before Thanksgiving. He is uninsured. The initial surgery and scheduled follow-up operation will sideline John for at least six more months, during which he will not be able to earn his living behind the drum kit.) Based on the runaway success of this first Rockpage Benefit Jam, more are being planned; the next will happen at Peter C's April 24. |
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RetroActive: CELEBRATING THE 80's - COVER FEATURE - February 2004 By Jim Price Ahhh, the 80's. Lest we forget, 80's music wasn't just about hair bands and metal. It was new wave, dance and synth pop, post-punk, early alternative, early rap and pre-grunge. It was The Cure, Dexy's Midnight Runners, the GoGo's, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, U2, Billy Idol, Katrina & the Waves, Beastie Boys, The Escape Club and Prince. It was the advent of MTV; and Duran Druan, Thriller-era Michael Jackson and Robert Palmer making fashion statements in videos. It was a period of fun music and fun imagery. The Ebensburg based rock band RetroActive remembers the 80's well, and they celebrate that decade with the ultimate 80's party during every performance. Lead singer Dean Gittings' keyboardist, guitarist Keith Little; guitarist John Solinski; bassist Ken Karlheim and drummer 'Red' Solinski have evolved into one of Central Pennsylvania's most popular on stage parties by cutting loose every night with a wide variety of great "Big 80's" music, performed with feverish high-energy musicianship, go-for-broke stage movements and antics, constant costuming and prop changes, ever-present smiles, and an overall happy go lucky vibe. Retro's set list on any given night celebrates the names and tunes from the 80's you know and love, from synth and dance pop to new wave to hair-band metal and more. You'll hear music from names like the Talking Heads, the J. Geils Band, Billy Idol, Simple Minds, Bon Jovi, Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister, Rick Springfield, Dead Or Alive, Men Without Hats, The Outfield, Blondie, Prince, Huey Lewis & the News, The Bangles, and much more. Songs such as "Melt With You," "Love Shack," "Should I Stay or Should I Go," "We Got the Beat," "Authority Song," "Jessie's Girl," "Call Me," "Walk Like an Egyptian," Dancing With Myself," "Boys of Summer," "Separate Ways," "Livin' on a Prayer," "Relax," "Whip It," "Safety Dance," "Centerfold," "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Kiss," "Your Love," "You Spin Me Right Round (Like a Record)," "I Want Candy," "Sunglasses at Night," "Hungry Like the Wolf," "We're Not Gonna Take It," "Wild Wild West" and "Talk Dirty to Me" are just a sampling of the vast 80's setlist RetroActive performs on any given night. Founding members Dean and Keith started RetroActive 5 years ago, along with future Grimm members Ron Brode, Kent and Kirk Tonkin (John and Red joined in 2001; Ken in late 2002.) RetroActive formed from the ashes of a previous theme/era band, Deano & the Emotions; who specialized in pre-Brittish invasion Rock'n'Roll, sporting suits, ties, and authentic instruments. The experience with that prior band taught Dean the effectiveness of being a tribute act to a whole genre of music, as opposed to a single artist from a genre. According to Dean, "People tend to associate themselves with genres of music and so when we say we're an 80's band, they know right of if they're going to like what we play before they even see us. We've already half sold our product. All we have to do from there is deliver the goods and do it with some quality." Once RetroActive decided upon an 80's direction, everything else fell into place easily. As Dean explains, "For Keith and I, it was no stretch to come up with 80's type clothing and know which songs to play because we're both "children of the 80's" as the term has become popularized." RetroActive is careful in their selection of song material to perform, basing their choices not upon personal favorite songs from the 80's, but what they believe the audience will respond to. The group keeps an eye on what 80's songs have survived the test of time, and they try to take advantage whenever a good 80's song is re-made, such as Talk Talk's "It's My Life" or Don Henley's "Boys of Summer." That performance energy every night is another big reason for RetroActive's growing success. Retro always uses professional sound and a huge light show, along with smoke machines, toilet paper guns, bubble-makers and more; because as explained on the group's website, "Over-the-top is what the 80's were all about after all." Dean adds that the band members, lively, out going, and playful personalities add to that energy. "I really think that's the thing that's made us so popular; being up on the bars, dancing with the crowd, wearing the goofy hats and slippers, the toilet paper gun, the head-banging, the dancing, the coordinated movements; all those things just add energy to the room. I always tell people that the reason this band is so popular is because everyone in it is a total goof. The fact that they can all sing, and are very talented musicians helps too, but it's the goofiness the people love." Dean also acknowledges his bandmates, vocal skills, and is thankful for their talents, which enables RetroActive to perform some of the material it does. "We pull off female vocal songs and stuff like "Mr. Roboto", and "Separate Ways", and even "Love Shack", because we actually have five guys that could sing lead in a band themselves." If "retro" is your bag and you like to dance and party, the RetroActive is the band for you. This group delivers the total package: upbeat, tight 80's grooves, on-stage energy and motion, enthusiasm, excitement, and ultimately, FUN. They put it all together into a seamless, airtight, explosive 80's party that will leave you hot, sweaty, exhausted and happy at the end of the night. RetroActive has clearly hit their stride, and will continue to prosper on this region's stages and beyond. To find out more about RetroActive check their website and get to their next show and catch them "live". www.retroactiverocks.com |
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THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS - October 1994 By Jim Price And the Labor Day finale at new Sebastiano's, as Dangerous Toys and Nightwing rocked a lackluster crowd. Nightwing played the hottest set I've seen them do yet...They were on fire, especially drummer "Red" Solinsky, who looked hellbent on pounding his drumkit into kindling! Definately a rising force, check out Nightwing's ad and catch this trio live this month! Dangerous Toys was at Sabs promoting their new 3rd album, Pissed. Former Dirty Looks axe Paul Lidel and former Salty Dog bassist Mike Hannon have joined the Toys lineup. Singer Jason McMaster enslaved Sabs for an hour set, including new tunes like "The Law Is Mine," "Paintrain," the CD title "Pissed" and the poer ballad "Promise The Moon;" and older Toys tunes like "Bones In The Gutter," "Teas'n Pleas'n," the combo "Gimme No Lip/Sport'n A Woody," and the show ending "Scared." Both bands were exciting; WHERE WERE YOU!? THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS - September 1994 By Jim Price Enroute from that show, while traversing Carrolltown with car window down, I heard the unmistakable sound of Nightwing drummer "Red" Solinski screaming Judas Priest's "You've Got Another Thing Coming"...So I parked the car and, sure enough, Nightwing was concluding an all-ager at the Carolltown Fire Company for the Cambria County Firemen's Convention. According to lead Winger John Solinski, Nightwing's show will heat up - literally - in the near future. See their ad! THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS - August 1994 By Jim Price I saw some young and hungry Cambria bands as well - Barnesboro trio Nightwing rattled rafters at Ebensburg's Laural Lounge June 25. Those wildmen Solinski brothers, John and "Red" also sang this area's only cover version of Denis Leary's "Asshole." Unofficial fourth wingman Michael A. Davis (also with the group Membrane) sang some lead voice as well. Young, wild, crazy and FUN - see Nightwing at the Laural Lounge, Abie's in Spangler, Johnstown's Airport Tavern and Peter C's." THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS - May 1994 By Jim Price Welcome aboard to Abie's in Spangler, the latest area nightspot to stock Pennsylvania Musician. Abie's runs live bands every weekend, and one of their favorites is hometown force Nightwing, who had the place partying wildly March 25th. Nightwing is John Solinski/guitar and vocals, Dave "Red" Solinski/drums and vocals, and Bill Nelson/bass. High energy rock from Poison, Neil Young, Cheap Trick, Judas Priest and more kept things lively. Highlights included Nightwing tratments of Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World" and Marshall Tucker's "Can't You See." Lowlights were an unexpected medical emergency that interrupted the third set, and the impromptu WWF ladies' title match at stage front which brought the night to a crashing halt. (Abie's regulars assured me this was not a normal night!) Nightwing will be rocking everywhere; Ebensburgh's Laural Lounge May 7th, Abie's again May 13th and opening for Mr. Crowley at Sebastiano's June 4th. |
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Western Region - October 2004 by Deanna Trio First thing first. My sincerest apologies to John Solinsky, Kenny Karlheim and Shooters. Their jam night is Tuesday NOT Thursday, as I stated last month. So let's try this again. John Solinsky and Kenny Karlheim host jam night every Tuesday at Shooters on Scalp Avenue in Richland. Check out John and Kenny on the 7th at the Backdoor Café in Cambria City plus several other locations. Western Region - June 2004 by Deanna Trio Wow, John and Kenny from RetroActive, what a duo. John and Kenny are involved in this little side thing that brings peace and happiness. Instead of hard rocking, heavy, or be-bopping music, this duo put me at ease with acoustic flair at the Johnstown Brewing Company in Westmont. Ken Karlheim is on bass guitar and John Solinski is on guitar. John and Kenny will be at the Backdoor Café in Cambria City on Friday, March 11th, at the Hitching Post in Altoona on Saturday, March 12th, on Sunday, March 13th, at the Johnstown Brewing Company in Westmont, and Saturday, March 19th at The Bar in Altoona. |