A little late getting to it, but can’t let too much more time pass by before commenting on the last year. It certainly had some great moments, and a couple really bad ones. What was shaping up to be the best year yet ended with a kick to the teeth. That’s ok though. After seriously considering to “hang it up” and enjoy more personal time, I’ve decided to dust myself off and am looking forward to 2011.

Some highlights certainly include:

- Release of the 3rd CD on Shady Lady Records… “Cold Silence” by (kaj)…

Wasn’t easy by any means, but this CD is something to be proud of, and certainly sets a very high standard in the Western PA music scene. The songwriting, performance, production and recording quality are nothing short of stellar. Billy Rossi, of Billy Rossi Recording, recorded, mixed, engineered and co-produced the CD, along with supplying some supporting performances. If you haven’t heard this CD or purchased your own copy yet, I stronly encourage you to do so.

- Turning the National Booking corner…

It has been a goal for a while now to start booking some National acts, and in 2010 we did it. I’m fortunte that I have the trust and working relationship that I have with a great venue, Peter B’s in Sarver. This is an awesome place for live music, with a great staff and a lot of character. Make sure you get out to The Rockin’ Red Barn to see a show in 2011.

I also made a new friend over the last year+ in Brian Drusky, who has been nothing short of kind in his assistance, advice, and support. I had reached out to many in the music community here in Western PA to try and work together and get around that corner, only to be totally ignored or taken advantage of. Drusky was the complete opposite. Go see one of his shows, you’ll love it. www.druskyentertainment.com

Anyways, we couldn’t have started things off any better than we did with Shannon Curfman. Not only an incredibly gifted musician, but a genuine soul. From there we just kept rolling… Tantric, the Coal Men, Paul Thorn, FLAW, Texas Hippie Coalition, Gary Hoey, and more.

Paul Thorn was definately my favorite, and I found him to be as real and down to earth as his music. I have been a fan of his for a decade now, so to have him come to Sarver PA was just huge for me.

My favorite surprise was the Coal Men. Can these guys play and write great music! I probably listened to their CD “Beauty Is A Moment” more than any other CD in 2010. Don’t miss them (or any of the bands above!) if they come back to see us.

I have to throw in a special mention for Gary Hoey also, and his Ho Ho Hoey Christmas Show. Fantastic!

In parting on this subject, I do have to give a huge and heartfelt thanks to Jeff Knabb of Knabb Sound. Without his knowledge, wisdom, experience and quirky jokes, there is no way we could have gotten Peter B’s off and running in the National music scene.

- Mellon Square Summer Concert Series

It has been a real honor and a thrill to get to be associated with this event the last 3 years, put on by BOB FM, Q92 and The City Paper. The bands, all from the Pittsburgh area, are nothing short of tremendous. One band in particular last year that really caught my attention was Gramsci Melodic. Aside of “Cold Silence” by (kaj), probably the local CD I listened to the most in 2010. In fact I’m still listening to it a couple times a week when I’m running around. Great melodies, great hooks, killer bass playing. This is just a fun CD.

- Dude, I’m putting the band back together

As much as I wish I could say BUM was getting back together, that sadly isn’t the case, however the next best thing is up and running. The acoustic duo The Bluegrassholes are back! I’ve joined forces with a good friend and ex vocalist of many prominent AK Valley bands to resurrect a fun little pasttime. Playing somewhere near you in 2011, keep an eye out for us.

- Continuing to work with and meet such great local bands

This probably is my favorite part of doing this. The really cool thing about it too is that I have met very few jerks in the scene. It’s like 90% of all the musicians I meet and work with locally and regionally are really just cool, down to earth, honest and hard working musicians. How many people can say that about the people they work with? I’m sitting here tempted to start giving shout-outs to everyone, but I know I’ll forget someone and at the risk of them thinking they might be the other 10%, I will refrain. I think all the bands and musicians I’ve worked with over the years knows where we stand. Support Local Music people… there is a lot of it out there, and it is really damn good stuff!

So, those are some of the Shady Lady highlights for the year I guess. I’m not going to bring up the bad, it really isn’t worth discussing. I learned some valuable lessons and learned what type of person to watch out for in this business. Hopefully the lesson sticks.

So on to the random stuff now…

I’m bummed Freudian Hips and Knucklehead broke up.
I miss Rockabilly Junction.
I love Lovebettie.
I have witnessed true DIY from the guys in XFactor1.
It was awesome seeing people wearing my shirts and jackets all around town.
Raymond the Amish Comic is freakin’ hilarious!
As promised in my emails to them, I have not watched CNN or listened to NPR since I notified them of my stance.

Local CD releases of note:

Cold Silence – (kaj)
Travel Lightly – Rising Regina
Under The Peach Tree – Ben Valasek

New CD in 2011 expected from the following bands:

Big House Pete
Brewer’s Row
The Hitchcock Curse

I mentioned it above briefly and will say it again… Support Local Music. In fact, Support Local in general. That was definately a theme I tried not to just preach, but live by last year as well, working directly with local businesses in regard to the events we do (and I want to thank all of the local businesses that open their doors to us). I didn’t buy any music gear online last year either, instead making all my purchases at my local music stores- Apollo Music Outlet, Drums N More, Pianos N Stuff, and Smail’s Custom Drum Shop. About 70% of the music I listen to anymore is local/regional music. It’s as good if not better than anything you will hear anywhere else.

As for live music… there is nothing like it. You can listen to a stripped down mp3 anywhere (in the shower, on your way to work, at work, etc). Why on earth would you go out for a night on the town to listen to someone play an mp3 you can listen to anywhere/anytime, when you can hear, see, and be a part of the real deal! Get out and see a band in 2011.

With that I guess I’ll close out my review of 2010. I’m sure there is much more I intended to put in here or make note of, but for now this is going to have to be good enough. I want to thank all my great friends and supporters of the local music scene who continue to come out and support live music, the great musicians I’ve gotten to work with, and those who really got behind Shady Lady in 2010:

LaRusse Distributing
Goin’ Postal
Twisted Draggin’ Designs
Peter B’s
Knabb Sound
Drusky Entertainment
Steel City Media
Butler Media Group
Valley News Dispatch

Go Packers, Go Jazz, RIP Ronnie James Dio…

-Utah