Area Musicians Take the Fight to Cancer This Weekend

Sadly, cancer always seems to be fresh on many folks’ minds, as any given day presents news of a famous person or a loved one battling, winning or losing their battle against the dreaded disease. Former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno’s passing on Sunday morning due to lung cancer is fresh on many people’s minds, and thousands of people continue to fight their valiant fights against various forms of cancer.

Two different benefit concert events happening in the local area this weekend are tied to cancer. Organized by two members of the band Allegory as their senior class project at Windber High School, the “Rock Out to Knock Out Cancer” benefit takes place this Saturday evening, January 28, at the Solomon Run Fire Hall in Johnstown. The all-ages event begins at 5 p.m., and will feature performances from five up-and-coming young Johnstown area bands: The August Response, Saving Elizabeth, One Pump Chump, Allegory and Hot Mess. The donation at the door is $10 per person, with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Food and refreshments will be available; no alcohol is permitted. Allegory lead singer Brittany Berkebile and guitarist Josh Maurizio – who both organized the event – hope to raise at least $5,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Pellegrine’s in Altoona will host a benefit this Sunday afternoon and evening, January 29, to help out local cancer patient Jackie Cone. The “Kick the Cancer Benefit” will start at 2 p.m., and a wide variety of area bands and solo performers will donate their talents: The Hawks, Phil Steele, Boris & Natasha featuring Holly Eve, Big Mac n’ the Fries, Karma, Breaking Bad, The Jam, Lies Inc., Harmonica Dave & Rich Dasch, No Angels, Adam D, Johnny Danger, Rock N Roll Gypsies, R2B2 and Kip Woodring. Donation at the door will be $5.

Although tickets to the event are now sold out, “Heart Of Gold: An Evening of the Music of Neil Young” will take place this Saturday evening at the State Theatre in State College, to raise money for Easter Seals and the State Theatre. This event will celebrate the music of Neil Young, through performances of Young’s compositions by a variety of area bands and performers: Pure Cane Sugar, the Screaming Ducks, Tyne & the Fastline, Ted McCloskey & the Hi-Fis, The Rounders, Miss Melanie & the Valley Rats, Brian Lubrecht, Pat McGinnis, Jason McIntyre & Junior Tutwiler, Tim Whitehill, Erin Condo, JR Mangan, Richard Sleigh, Jerry Zolten and Tommy Wareham.

Live music happenings on area stages this weekend:

FRIDAY NIGHT:

Slacker Theory at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

Ben Dumm and the Deviants at Aldo’s, Altoona

The Hawks at Rubine’s, Altoona

Felix & the Hurricanes at City Hotel, Northern Cambria

Ghostown Revelry at Yesterday’s Party, Ebensburg

Washington Slept Here at D’Hitchin’ Post, Mann’s Choice

SATURDAY NIGHT:

Slacker Theory at 30 Something, Altoona

Vision to None at Aldo’s, Altoona

Artifact at Fat Daddy’s, Altoona (8-11 p.m.)

Half Tempted at Family Pizza, Altoona

Chris Vipond & the Stanley Street Band at the Belmar Hotel, Altoona

One Brick Shy at Pellegrine’s, Altoona

Giants Of Science at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

The House Band at Molly Maguire’s, Altoona

“Rock Out to Knock Out Cancer” Benefit with The August Response, Saving Elizabeth, One Pump Chump, Allegory and Hot Mess at Solomon Run Firehall, Johnstown (starts 5 p.m., all ages)

“Heart Of Gold” Benefit with Pure Cane Sugar, the Screaming Ducks, Tyne & the Fastline, Ted McCloskey & the Hi-Fis, The Rounders, Miss Melanie & the Valley Rats, Brian Lubrecht, Pat McGinnis, Jason McIntyre & Junior Tutwiler, Tim Whitehill, Erin Condo, JR Mangan, Richard Sleigh, Jerry Zolten and Tommy Wareham at the State Theatre, State College (Sold Out)

Hair Force One at Glenn’s Place, Claysburg

Locked & Loaded at Blue Moon Saloon, Cresson

13 Stories at Yesterday’s Party, Ebensburg

Hot Damn! at the Castle Pub, Ebensburg

RTL (Represent The Lie) at Kelce’s Bar, Philipsburg

The Jam at Club Squared, Philipsburg

Backlash at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob Ski Resort

Flight 19 at the Alley Popper, Houtzdale

SUNDAY AFTERNOON/NIGHT:

Kick The Cancer Benefit (for Jackie Cone) with The Hawks, Phil Steele, Boris & Natasha, Big Mac n’ the Fries, Karma, Breaking Bad, The Jam, Lies Inc., Harmonica Dave & Rich Dasch, No Angels, Adam D, Johnny Danger, Rock N Roll Gypsies, R2B2 and Kip Woodring at Pellegrine’s, Altoona (starts 2 p.m.)

Felix & the Hurricanes at Shaw’s, Altoona

(More shows may be added to this list as information becomes available. Feel free to check back.)