Blair
The Union X part of Toys for Tots
Feb 19, 2009
10th Annual Toys for Tots Benefit by Rogue Stork Entertainment at Shakey's in Hershey, PA. It was once again more successful then all of the previous years!! There were not only plenty of monetary donations provided, but also well over 800 toys!! Rogue Stork Entertainment was personally able to help over 625 children have a better Christmas thanks to all of the support they got from not only the musicians and local media, but especially from all the people that came out to support such a great event. I always thought they just gave the proceeds to the Marines and off they go, but that is NOT the case. I had the behind the scenes look and was able to deliver some toys myself this year. It is definitely a very humbling experience. Teresa and Rich get all the toys, and then some, dropped off at their house, keep in mind, that's over 800 toys! Then they get a huge list of families that went through the application process, and then they have to decide which kid gets which toy…over 625 KIDS!! I get confused and I have 2!! Then they have to somehow deliver all of those toys!!! Local musicians and people have helped with the deliveries, but Rich still does a majority of the deliveries himself. We're so blessed to have a couple like Rich and Teresa in our community donating all their time and energy to support such a great cause. Oh, yeah, before they can get any toys, they first have to organize the entertainment, and make the event as much of a success as it was and has been. This year they were able to find 8 bands to play Pro Bono. Some of these bands not only showed up and played their set, then they had to reload and unload at a later gig that night.
The first band of the night was Knotfal. (They actually stepped up at the last second to help cover for the Luv Gods who couldn't perform without Shea.) I saw Knotfal a couple of months ago and I was impressed at how much the band improved in such short time. Each member of the band now takes their turn at singing lead so Roy gets his work cut out for him playing bass and guitar, and still singing a majority of the songs. Austin helps out with lyrics, but he stays behind his kit. It helps maintain your interest when the band members keep changing places and moving all around the stage. Knotfal also had to cover later in the night for Psycho Bettie who couldn't make it at the very last second. John had to leave early, so Blair from Union X stepped in to help cover the set. I always love it when you see a band's desire to play as much as they possibly can wherever and whenever.
Mitchell was very excited for the next band to arrive! Union X has a female lead singer, Holly, that knows how to rock! For the average Harrisburg club goer I'm sure you've met or at least seen Mitchell. He can give you complete stats on almost any local band, all the way back to their High School Days. To have Mitchell as a fan is a true honor, because he is definitely a devoted fan! Union X has amazed people throughout the area. I saw Blair in another band playing the guitar and keys all at the same time. He spins his guitar like a maniac and keeps the crowd going crazy. Holly's stage presence is amazing. Keeping the crowd singing and dancing along.
I decided to head out at this point. It was only 10:30, but the crowd just kept coming through the door so I didn't think I was needed anymore. Rogue Stork Entertainment definitely organized another fantastic night of entertainment, and Shakey's was definitely the happenin' place to be!
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from the blog on Rachel Rocks Myspace page....
Feb 19, 2009
To finish off our night we headed out to Snappers in Mech. to see PotionX. Even though they didn't really have a "stage" area, PotionX did an excellent job at keeping the crowd entertained. When we got there Noelle was singing Shania Twain's "Feel Like a Woman" I haven't heard too much country since I've been Out & About, but the crowd seemed to love it! Talking about women, some of PotionX's friends are from Mustand Sally's, so you never know what you'll see at their shows! Joel on guitar helped nail Van Halen's "Jump" and Blair ..s came out with his guitar to jam out on "Barracuda." Blair was crazy spinning his guitar around several times, but still managing not to miss a note. Todd on drums kept the rhythm going and the show moving right on track. Jeff "J-Funk" on bass kept playing all night even though he had a majorly abssesed tooth (anyone in the band knew he was covering for being doped up and drunk!) that felt like a lightning bolt was shooting through his head. It goes to show you how close knit PotionX is...he didnt' want to let down the rest of the band. The PotionX members are all extremely friendly, mingling with all their fans between sets. You can check out PotionX's schedule this month in the PA Musician. They are new to the scene so for all you club managers out there, get 'em while they're hot!
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In High Gear With Instant Tranzmission
Feb 19, 2009
Instant Tranzmission, based in the York area, is a five-piece modern rock band featuring solid originals and covers from the 80's, 90's, and today.Not trying to sit on a high pedestal, Instant Tranzmission is fine with being"Central PA's 2 Party Band". The guys are fun and approachable with their own self-depreciating sense of humor that can be found on and offstage. Instant Tranzmission jumped onto the scene 2 ½ years ago with a strong desire of forming a party band that does more than just music, it entertains. While music is in the forefront of every show, be prepared for quick and lively banter between Bob Patterson, lead vocals, and drummer, Scott Reisinger. These self described "smart-asses" of the band create comic relief segues that should not be missed. Bill Sweitzer, bass and vocals, Rich Blymire, guitar and vocals, and Blair Karsnitz, keyboards, guitar, and vocals, round out the sound and join in with the misfits. What else would you expect from a band that travels from gig to gig in a short bus? The humor knows no bounds with the jokes that follow. The short bus fits them, providing a standard for them to rally their crazy antics around. The band enjoys a diverse musical experience with each member being involved in one band or another over the years. It is evident in talking and witnessing their performance that music is a passionate part of their lives. Scott describes it best. "It's a lifestyle it's not just a thing to do We all work full time jobs, play 2 or 3 shows a weekend and practice 2 or 3 times a week. Between full time jobs and playing, you have to give up alot. I don't see my friends or family unless they come out to shows. People don't understand, they think it's a hobby, it's much more than that."While being a party band to the masses Instant Tranzmission also indulges the creative monster within by preparing a modern rock blend of original material that will hopefully be ready for the general public by the end of the year. Original fans can get an early taste at www.instanttranzmission.com with downloadable MP3's "Don't Tell" and"LostLife". In writing original music, everyone in the band is invited to bring ideas to the table with an open mind. Bob and Bill are influenced by Breaking Benjamin. Bill also looks for driving music with a thick bassline, think Metallica. Rich is more eclectic turning to Incubus, Weezer, and Nirvana for inspiration. Scott is loyal to B;link 182 and Green Day. Blair is listening Dixie Chicks and the Wiggles…just kidding…make that old Static X, Rob Zombie, Skinny Puppy, and Wumpscut. The guys' musical influences are a smorgasbord full of modern rock, which in turn works well in the creative process. The variety of styles in the music arsenal helps develop material that is not only original but also still "radio-ready"to everyday mainstream. Scott, Drummer "We realize we are entertainers aside from being musicians. It is more than us just playing. When I go see a show I want to see a show. We all feel that way. It is as important as playing well" At the GladCrab, outside of York, I was able to experience all of the above in action. Song selection is an important part of making a successful cover/party band and Instant Tranzmission does not disappoint. They showered the audience with Green Day's "American Idiot"; a hard edged "99 Red Balloons"; Nickel back's "Figured You Out"; and more. They even threw in their original "My Breakdown" another self-indulgence perhaps, but it still grabbed the crowd. The band is not afraid to wear the label, 'a drinking band with a music problem', which helps bring out the funny side. True to their word Bob and Scott had us laughing. I'll leave the humor out, but it is something to experience. Come prepared for excellent dance music and comedy from 'the guys on the short bus', Instant Tranzmission.
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