DM&V Show and The Salute To Soldiers Benefit Concert

Labor day weekend was filled with music, laughter, and fun times with friends that I've made over the past year. On Friday, August 30, I enjoyed the soul stylings of Darry Miller & The Veil at Fat Daddy's Bar/Nightclub in York, PA. I always enjoy the five-member R&B band's blend of 60's soul and modern pop, with some hard-hitting rock thrown in to keep things interesting. A night of familiar covers and creative original songs ensured a great time was had by the band and audience alike.

The following day, I took a trip to Wrightsville, PA for the Salute To Soldiers benefit concert at Moon Dancer Vineyards and Winery. The event was created to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that provides aid to injured military service members and veterans. A slight rainfall didn't deter the guests, and through contributions from ticket sales, merchandise, and food and drinks, over $2,700 was donated.

The original band lineup was Small Town Titans, Bullet Method, Graces Downfall, and She Said Fire, all of whom I had seen live in the past and was anxious to see again. However, She Said Fire had scheduling conflicts and were replaced by another New York-based band, Woods of Arden, while Graces Downfall had vehicle trouble the day of the event and was unable to make the trip from Scranton, PA.

Woods of Arden kicked off the show against a backdrop of an overcast sky highlighted with rainbows. Their moody vocals and thrumming rock rhythms were accentuated in songs such as "Bury You" and "Crazy". (see video below). I wasn't very familiar with their music beforehand, but I enjoyed their set and look forward to seeing them next time they're in the area.

As evening approached, local hard rock band, Small Town Titans took the stage and led the crowd through an energetic set full of original and cover songs. I had gotten to know this group well over the past few months and became a member of their "Flight Crew" for my contribution to their album funding and promotion of their music. They played a sample of the new album with songs such as "Within The Heart Of War" (see video below) and ended the set with one of their biggest hits, "Party In Hell".

Bullet Method closed the event, performing songs in a mixture of genres. With stage lights blazing, the band members showcased their instrumental and vocal talents. "Powertrip" and "On Your Knees" (see video below) were hard-hitting tunes that kept the crowd on their feet, but the mood was softened by the addition of the lead singer's wife, son, and niece on stage at various moments.

The evening ended on a high note and attendees departed, feeling satisfied with the success of the event. The bands gained new fans and celebrated with old ones. That weekend was the most fun I'd had in a very long time, thanks to great friends and great music.

NRM 10/17/13

An Evening at The Cove with Small Town Titans

Central PA has a lot of talent that the outside world hasn't quite discovered yet. I saw Small Town Titans perform for the first time at Fat Daddy's nightclub in January, but a majority of their shows take place several hours away from York, so I have been unable to attend since then. However, I've kept myself updated on their events and activities on Facebook and Twitter, and participated in their 'Operation Flight Plan' album-funding project. I came to admire the band's determination and the individuals' work ethic and appreciation of their fans, so I became more active in promoting and sharing their info and music links on my own social networks to spread the word. I was glad to see that they would be in town for two shows in June so that I could speak to them in person and hear their songs live once again.

On June 7, 2013, STT made an appearance at The Cove, a bar that I had passed by many times in previous years, but never ventured into. Lead singer, Phillip Nathaniel Freeman, frequently hosts an Open Mic Night in the Whiskey Bar as The Lone Wolf Project, but that evening featured the full hard rock sound of Small Town Titans. I was curious to try another local venue and experience a different atmosphere, and it was certainly more relaxed and casual than a nightclub. A set of double doors at the back of the main bar led to the Whiskey room, which featured holographic-surfaced tables, several big screen TVs, and a pool table. Slightly cramped in some areas, but an acceptable setting for an intimate night with friends.

I chatted with some other patrons sitting at the long, wooden bar who had never seen the band before and enjoyed well-made (and inexpensive) mixed drinks while waiting for the show to start. I met up with some friends that love the local music scene as much as I do, and that made the evening all the more exciting. The band was friendly and approachable and because they were stationed at floor level, rather than on a raised stage, it was easy to interact with them from the makeshift dance floor. The sound from the speakers filled the small room but was not overpowering.

A mix of old and new original songs, as well as covers from popular artists like Tool and Awolnation, populated the set list and demonstrated the group's ability to play many different styles of music. I was delighted to hear one of my favorite old songs, Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love," and STT's own, "A Beautiful Lie," from their upcoming album, 'From Fight To Flight'. Other highlights included "Amnesia", "Sky High", "The End Of The World", "Within The Heart Of War", and the crowd-pleaser, "Party In Hell". The band played three sets with breaks in between, and at one point Phil did a humorous solo bit, covering Tenacious D and others. Jonny Ross twirled his drumsticks with flair and produced beats with speed and precision while his long hair shadowed his face. Ben Guiles excelled on lead guitar and played complicated riffs and smooth melodies. Bassist Eddie Roberts kept up a strong rhythm as he moved across the floor to jam with the other musicians.




The band's charisma and performance of their art entertained the crowd through the three-hour concert. Long-time fans sang along to the familiar tunes and new fans purchased copies of their current EP to catch up. I had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to hearing the new album in its entirety and seeing another live show very soon.

*** A group photo with the band ended the night ***

You can catch Small Town Titans at Fat Daddy's in York on Friday, June 21 and at the CD Release Show at Tubby's Nightclub in Duncannon, PA on July 13. They will be unveiling their signature drink, The Titan Bomb, as well as playing songs from the new album and introducing new merchandise. Also check out the horror movie, 'Slew Hampshire', which features STT's song, "Party In Hell".

For more information on the band, visit their Official Website and sign up for their newsletter.


NRM 6/15/13