Founder Ron Dalansky makes no apologies for keeping the repertoire free of country, rap and polkas.

“We play rock. It’s simple,” he said. Keeping the set list to classic rock bands like AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Leonard Skinner, Wild Cherry, Poison and a host of others. Dalansky (guitar, vocals) is joined by guitarists Jimmy Mincin and bassist Todd Batzel with Dan McConnell on drums.

“We love playing,” Dalansky said. “We play 40 different artists in one night. We play the gamut. It’s nice to have enough material that you can switch it up a bit depending on what you think is working or not working. Then there are some nights where nothing works and so you just play what you like to play. And, that’s usually the best night because then you have fun.”

Their extensive catalog of hits proved challenging to McConnell — the band’s newest member.

Drummer Dan McConnell Courtesy photo

“I had to learn a lot of new songs, but it’s coming together. I had played with Ron and Todd in other bands so that made the transition pretty easy. So, I only had to mesh for Jimmy. So it’s been working out. Jimmy’s a good guitar player so they had me stressed out for the first month and a half because you don’t want to be the one who makes a mistake.”

McConnell, 48, said he comes from a line of drummers, most notably his uncle Bobby Watters, a long-time drummer for Felix and the Hurricanes.

“The drums jumped out at me and chose me,” McConnell said.

Dalansky, 60, started playing guitar decades ago when he enlisted in the Marines. He played to entertain himself and other soldiers.

Mincin, 53, said he took guitar lessons from the likes of Pat McGraw, Ken Ernest and others.

Batzel, who at 62 is the oldest, started playing guitar later in life — about 15 years ago.

“I always wanted to, but I didn’t ever really seem to have the time.”

“The beautiful thing about music is you don’t have to grow up,” Dalansky said. “If we grew up we probably wouldn’t still be doing it. The music keeps us young.”

After four decades of playing and having a following of fans, Dalansky said there’s nothing left to prove to himself or others. AT the same time, they don’t hold any aspirations to grandeur like landing a recording deal.

“I’m having fun with it,” Dalansky said.

Mincin has a bit of a different view: “This isn’t just something we do on the side. It’s blood, sweat, and tears. We put our hearts and souls into this.”

Staff Writer Patt Keith is at 814-949-7030.

To listen to Half Tempted, visit:

7-10 p.m. July 2, Columbia Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Firemen’s Fair,

140 Curtain St., Osceola Mills

7-10 p.m. July 11, Trianon Bar and Grille,

500 N. 2nd St., Altoona

6 p.m. July 31 S’Wing Fest at the Altoona Curve, gates open 5-9 p.m.

6 p.m. Aug. 8 Rockin’ the Yard, upper lot at the Jaffa, Broad Avenue and Second Street, Altoona; gates open at 5; bring lawn chairs; $20 per person tickets

4-9 p.m. Aug. 9, BBQ at Railroaders Memorial Museum, gates open at 3 p.m., $5 admission; 1200 9th Ave., Altoona

For more information, visit the Facebook page “Ronald Dalansky Half Tempted.”