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All the right moves

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Cedar Rapids-based Nite Moves have certainly “been there” and “done that.

In fact, after 31 years of gigs, they’ve started playing at the wedding dances of the grandchildren of some of their first weddings.

These days they have 10 to 12 gigs a month within a 100-mile radius of Cedar Rapids. It’s nowhere near the hectic  schedule of the past. In their 31-year run, Nite Moves has performed at virtually every major event and or function in and around the Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa — including the All Iowa Fair in Cedar Rapids, the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, RAGBRAI, the BBQ Roundup in Cedar Rapids and 16 straight years at the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello. They also have the distinction of being the very first local band to play at Cedar Rapids’ annual Freedom Festival.

Formed in early 1980, the band borrowed their name from the 1976 Bob Seger hit, “Night Moves.” Original members Don Daugherty and Glenn Dean were both in the Iowa Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame bands the “Legends,” and later the regional favorite “American Legend,” dating all the way back to 1962. Nite Moves evolved after that group disbanded in 1979. Randy Combs joined several years later, after playing all through the south with his groups. Kim Bean was formerly with “The Toys” and other bands in Cedar Rapids for many years.

They’ve been honored with a number of awards and accolades over the years, but they are particularly proud of the ones bestowed upon them by every governor of the state of Iowa since the early 80s. Don and Glenn were even honored by the Senate and House of Representatives on the floor of the House with the passing of House Resolution No. 56 for lifetime musical achievement in the state of Iowa.

“We truly love what we do, and appreciate the opportunity to keep entertaining live audiences where ever it may take us,” says Don Daugherty. “Because for us it has always been about the journey. If we can keep repeating gigs at these wonderful clubs and events and along the way pick up a few new ones that always seem to pop up, then were are happy and hope to see you all there sometime.”

– Pete Looney

 

LISTEN UP

  • WHO: Nite Moves  –  Glenn Dean (lead vocals), Randy Combs (guitar, vocals), Don Daugherty (bass, vocals), Kim Bean (drums, vocals)
  • WHAT: Classic Rock, country and blues
  • WHEN & WHERE: 9 p.m. Saturday (9/3), 3 Finger Saloon, 115 W. Main, Lisbon; 9  p.m. Sept. 23 , Rumors, 400 F.  Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids

 

Don’t be late to hear Eleventh Hour

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Eleventh Hour

After years of playing in bands – from Waterloo to Las Vegas – Brittin Meany had retired from the music scene. You might even say, it was the eleventh hour of his music career.

But then, he heard Sheena Ford sing.

“I had never heard a better singer, and I had to get her voice out there for people to hear,” Meany says.

So formed a new band, appropriately named Eleventh Hour.

“I decided this would be my last go round in the business, so I was in my ‘Eleventh Hour’ so to speak,” Brittin says.

Beginning as an acoustic trio, they started performing in the Waterloo area. After some line up changes, including the addition of drummer Mike McNamee and powerhouse bassist Nick Hippert, the band was complete.

“Our band is pretty high energy,” Ford says. “Nick and Brittin really rock out on stage, and I throw my heart and soul into the songs. Anytime I can look out into the audience and see that I’ve moved someone with my singing, I know that it’s working.”

Primarily a rock band, Elevent Hour plays a wide range of rock, pop and country music, with a rock edge.

“I don’t particularly like country music,” says Brittin. “But Sheena loves it, so as long as I get to ‘rock up’ the song I’m cool with it.”

“We really want high energy on stage,” continues Brittin. “We like to interact with the crowd, get them up dancing and involved in the show. We have spots where we all jump or do something on the stage that grabs the attention of the crowd. We want to give you the sights and the sounds. Sheena comes over and covers my eyes during the quite fast and lengthy solo for ‘Heartbreaker,’ or we will all wear our sunglasses for ‘Sunglasses at Night.’ People go nuts when we do ‘Ice Ice Baby.’ It’s crazy.”

Eleventh Hour often plays in the Waterloo area at places such as Jameson’s and Screaming Eagle, fans can also find them on Cedar Rapids stages, such as Chrome Horse and Cedar River Landing.

“We opened for a Guns and Roses tribute band at the Cattle Congress, and that was great! Huge stage with the full professional sound and light,” Hippert says. “Brittin had three dudes dressed as Slash jamming out in front of him. It was a surreal moment!”

– Pete Looney

LISTEN UP

  • WHO:  Sheena Ford (lead vocals), Brittin Meany (guitar, vocals), Nick Hippert (bass, vocals), Mike McNamee (drums)
  • WHAT:  Rock, pop and country
  • WHEN & WHERE:  9 p.m. Friday (8/12) at Red Baron, 62 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids; 9 p.m. Saturday (8/13) at Prime Time, 4001 Center Point Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids; 9 p.m. Aug. 19 at Tailgators, 450 First Ave., Coralville
  • MORE:  Facebook, Reverb Nation or YouTube

REVIEW: Seether, Hinder rocked the Great Jones County Fair

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Seether (Photos by Ron Thole)

The Great Jones County Fair in Monticello, long known for the big name country acts they bring to eastern Iowa, has steadily been increasing their attention to rock and classic rock acts. This year’s fair featured not only country sensations Lady Antebellum and Jason Aldean, but Saturday night was dedicated to some of today’s best hard rock bands.

“This year we are able to hit a broader market by offering a night of alternative rock,” says fair General Manager John Harms.

Although the weekend’s thunderstorms flooded the track earlier in the day, by the 7 p.m. showtime the area in front of the stage was packed with music lovers. KRNA 94.1′s Jaymze Larson introduced the first band, My Darkest Days, which instantly brought the crowd to life.

My Darkest Day

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, singer/guitarist Matt Walst got a jumpstart from his older brother Brad, from the rock band Three Days Grace.

 ”I learned to work hard and practice from them,” says Walst. “I learned how to write songs by watching how they took catchy riffs and put memorable melodies to them.”

This young, energetic band is obviously loving their time on stage. Songs from their 2010 self-titled album included “Set it on Fire” and “Come Undone,” a song originally written by Duran Duran. They also threw in an interesting keyboard and drum duet.

At one point Walst pulled out his camera, taking pics of crowd, exclaiming, “We wanna be friends with each and every one of you!”

Not surprisingly, “Porn Star Dancin” was the crowd favorite. The music video for the song has been recognized as the most downloaded video in iTunes history, as well as hitting the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks ranking.

Hinder

Oklahoma City-based band Hinder – vocalist Austin Winker, drummer Cody Hanson, guitarists Joe “Blower” Garvey and Mike King and bassist Mike Rodden – took the stage next. In the middle of their current midwestern tour, the band recently hit their 10-year anniversary. Popular for their big ballad, “Lips of an Angel,” they also brought plenty of straight-ahead hard rock tunes to the show.

Starting off with “Two Sides of Me,” Hinder fans also enjoyed hearing the hits “Get Stoned” and “How Long” from the band’s first album, the latter which featured the crowd participating in a massive one-finger salute. Other bluesy, gritty songs included “Better Than Me,” “Up All Night” and “Use Me” from their second album.

Hinder, who certainly haven’t lost their bad boy edge, left fans satisfied by finishing up their performance with “All American Nightmare” from their 2010 album of the same name.

Seether

Headlining the show and taking the stage next was Seether. Doing what they’ve done since 2002 – when they released their U.S. debut album — the band is capturing the attention of their fans with epic riffs, thunderous rhythms and insightful lyrics.

Led by guitarist/vocalist Shaun Morgan, the trio is rounded out by bassist Dale Stewart and drummer John Humphrey. Recording as a trio for many years, this is the first time for Seether touring without a second guitarist on stage.  The music held up just fine.

The band, which formed in 1999, says they are “South Africa-bred and L.A.-based.” Front man and principal songwriter Shaun Morgan has the uncanny ability to grab people’s attention, and could easily be a cult leader if the rock star thing wasn’t so time-consuming.

Playing songs from their hit albums, “Disclaimer,” “Disclaimer II,” “Karma and Effect” and “Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces,” every song was recognizable and enjoyed by the crowd. Songs from their newest album, “Holding Onto Strings better Left to Fray,” released in 2011 were also enthusiastically received.

Seether finished up the night with their No. 1 hit “Remedy,” after which the sweat-saturated but happy crowd headed for home.

 – Pete Looney

Music in his veins

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Did you grow up around music?

I come from a family of musicians and music lovers. My father and his two brothers performed live on the radio in Dubuque many, many years ago.

When did you start performing?

I’ve played guitar and sang for a long time — more than 20 years — including in the Army — but it was only after my wife and I became empty nesters that I could find the time necessary for rehearsing and performing.

How did you get started?

Connie Greene, the owner of the Angle Inn (in Walford) gave me my first time at performing, around five years ago. It’s kind of like the bar on Cheers, where everybody knows your name.

Is it a thrill to play and sing in public?

I love to perform, and I almost always get people up dancing when I perform, which I really enjoy seeing. And, occasionally, my son happens to be home when I’m doing a gig, and he almost always joins me in singing on a song or two, which, of course, I love.

Describe the music you perform?

I play the best of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s classic rock and pop, with a tiny bit of country and blues thrown in.

Who are your musical influences?

The Eagles, the Beatles, the Stones, James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Eric Clapton, John Mellencamp.

How has your music evolved over the years?

I am a bit more diverse than I used to be. I used to dislike country, but now I play a few country hits at every gig.

What places are you playing these days?

I’m still at the Angle Inn in Walford — frequently, I’ve played at Melsha’s Tap in Swisher, Rose and Thorn in Middle Amana, and City Beat in Cedar Rapids. And private parties on occasion.

What’s unique about your performances?

Usually when I play a gig, I like to do at least one “Audience Participation” song, And I also use a pair of copper pipes for the girls to use in the song Knock Three Times (“twice on the pipes …”).

– Pete Looney

 

LISTEN UP

  • WHO: John Kostle
  • WHAT: Classic acoustic rock
  • WHEN & WHERE: 8 p.m. Saturday (5/21), Angle Inn, Hwy. 151, Walford; 6 p.m. Thursday (6/9), City Beat, 302 Third Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids
  • MORE: Facebook.com/John Kostle

Jack & The Rippers don’t murder music

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Jack and the Rippers has been bringing high energy classic rock to Eastern Iowa since 1987.

Russ Taylor and Jack Linnell are original members, and Jeff Harr joined them about a year ago. Hoopla had a chance to sit down with Jack recently, and learn about the Iowa City-based band’s music.

Describe the music Jack and the Rippers play.

We play top 40 classic rock and roll. Artists include Bob Seger, ZZ Top, BTO, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Badfinger, Beatles, The Who, Bob Dylan, Doobie Brothers, Blackfoot and many more.

Where are you playing these days?

We travel around and hit the places that are known to provide good music — the new venue, Jo’s Roadhouse in Solon, Rhino’s Sports Bar in Tipton, Knuckleheads Bar in Anamosa, Shuey’s Restaurant and Lounge in Shueyville. We love Otis’ Tailgators Sports Bar in Coralville and Cedar Rapids. And J&A Tap in North Liberty is fun, with a great stage.

What other events do you like to play at?

We love outside gigs, we have played biker runs in Toledo and Chelsea in the past couple of years. We’ve played lots of parties and wedding dances in the past. They’re always a lot of fun.

What sorts of strange things have happened during performances?

We always have people who want to sing a song with us, but when they get up to the mic and start singing, they’re usually tone deaf, and it sounds like crap. Otherwise it’s just funny to watch how drunk people get, then they try to dance and usually make complete (idiots) of themselves.

What’s ahead for the band?

We took the month of April off to learn new material, write some originals, and do some recording. And we like to go hear other bands out there, and see what they’re playing.

– Pete Looney

 

LISTEN UP

  • WHO: Russ Taylor (lead guitar, lead vocals), Jack Linnell (bass guitar, vocals), Jeff Harr (drums)
  • WHAT: Classic rock
  • WHEN & WHERE: 9 p.m. Saturday (5/14) at Jo’s Roadhouse, 101 Windflower Lane, Solon; and 9 p.m. Saturday (5/21) at Rhino’s Bar & Grill, 524 Cedar Street, Tipton
  • MORE MUSIC: MySpace and Facebook and ReverbNation

This is no Gimikk

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With four rock-solid musicians laying down the beat, and an energetic singer who seems to be all over the place, Gimikk knows how to delight an audience.

“I want our fans to get the most bang for their buck. One of my pet peeves is watching another band take forever in between songs telling corny jokes, pushing (merchandise), and constantly tuning their guitars. That just kills momentum,” says frontman James Brinker.

The Des Moines-based band plays in central Iowa often. They recently opened for Rick Springfield at the Seven Flags Event Center in Clive.

“But we always love, love, love playing Cedar Rapids,” Brinker says. “I even met my girlfriend in Cedar Rapids.”

“We have a great relationship with (the Chrome Horse) and have been playing there since before the flood. My other favorite venues are small-town Iowa gigs,” he says. “You could be playing on a hay rack drinking tall boys of Busch Light, but you’re getting the rock star treatment. They’re typically very genuine folk who make you feel very appreciated. ”

Gimikk is also a staple at bike rallies. They’ve played at the Romper Room rally a couple years in a row, and regularly performed at Hawgstock in Winterset.

This summer they’ve added the IARocFest in Keosauqua to their schedule. “It should be a blast,” Brinker says.

The band members’ personal tastes can be heard in their original music.

“Billy 7 loves Guns n’ Roses, Jimmi loves Yngwie Malmsteen, Cy loves Firehouse, Josh loves Carter Beauford and I love Van Halen. What you hear is the result of those influences being thrown together,” says Brinker. “I’ve always likened our sound to Pantera and Air Supply.”

— Pete Looney

LISTEN UP

  • WHO: James Brinker (vocals), Jimmi V (lead guitar), Cy Chan (rhythm guitar), Billy 7 (bass), Josh Tilten (drums)
  • WHAT: Hard rock
  • WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday
  • WHERE: Chrome Horse, 1202 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids
  • MORE MUSIC: www.gimikk.com and Facebook

Almost the greatest rock and roll band in the world

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Having earned the moniker “The Greatest Rock & Roll Band in the World” years ago, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards continue to write new music, and the hugely popular band goes on tour regularly.

But it’s the Stones’ classic hits that form the set list for a new Cedar Rapids-based band, Tumbling Dice. Named after the hit song from the Rolling Stones “1972 Exile on Main Street” album, the Tumbling Dice has no shortage of material to choose from.

Coming from area bands such as Bad Boyz, MoJoe, Hyperfuzz, Deuce Coupe, The Quarymen, The Surf Zombies, Meerkats, Flaming Camaros and Sarah Cram & the Derelicts, these musicians have dug deeply into the Stones’ archives, and remain true to the original feel and sound of each song.

Hoopla tracked down Mick and the boys — well, actually Freddie and Brook, and asked a few questions.

How did you get together?

Freddie: I have always liked doing Rolling Stones songs, and I thought that these guys could do a good job playing the Stones. I asked Brian, David and Joel, and Joel suggested Brook, who has been in high demand as a guitarist for some of the Corridor’s favorite bands for many years.

Do you do any originals?

No. Wait — yes, we do all original Rolling Stones songs.

Describe the energy that the audience will see on stage?

Freddie: Tons of energy; lots of influence from all the players.

Have you found any surprises within the Stones’ music?

They did a lot of really great covers on their first few records. And what we thought were Brian Jones solos and fills were actually Keith Richards, who was and is quite a blazing lead guitar player.

It’s easy to see the passion that you guys have for this music.

Brook: I was skeptical about joining another band, but Fred is such a rock star to hang out with and really nails the gritty Jagger vocals. Brian is an excellent Keith Richards, and knows the guitar parts to such a fine degree, I was really impressed. David does such a killer Charlie Watts. And I have never seen Joel get so obsessed with learning the bass parts right off the record. All the elements are there. It’s really about as close to jamming with the Stones as you can get, dude!

– Pete Looney

LISTEN UP

  • Who: Freddie Seltrecht (lead vocals, percussion), Brian Laurio (lead & rhythm guitar), Brook Hoover (lead & rhythm guitar), Joel McDowell (bass guitar), David Laurio (drums)
  • What: Rolling Stones tribute band
  • When: 9 p.m. Saturday (4/23) at Cocktails & Company, 1625 Blairs Ferry Rd., Marion
  • More music: Facebook

Don’t disregard these guys

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How did Reckless Disregard come to be?

Joe ‘DRED’ Hartgrave and Ja Weatherwax came from past bands such as 100 Watt Halo, Numbered Existence and Dueling at Dawn. We started throwing new ideas in 2008, after our most recent band, Mistake of Nature retired. We stumbled across Jarvis begging for a challenge, and it became what we are today.

Describe the music you play?

I suppose it would best be described as a progressive raw metal. We write and play all original stuff. People have compared us to bands ranging from Alice in Chains to Soulfly, but we think we sound like Reckless Disregard. We write everything as a band. Joe usually comes up with some riffs, and we all write lyrics, then we fit them to the music without compromising their meanings.

You perform all originals?

Of course. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Where did the name Reckless Disregard come from?

Jarvis suggested it, and it seemed to fit our attitude, so it stuck.

How often are you playing these days?

Even though we’re Cedar Rapids-based, Jarvis resides in Minneapolis, so its not like we can play on a regular basis. So for now, we just book something once a month or so. And we usually can only practice in the hours before the shows. We seem to have had a six-month hiatus from the last show, but once you learn to ride a bike..

This weekend is going to be big?

This weekend will be a blast for metal fans — we’re playing both Friday night and Saturday night, and several other bands will be on the bills as well. Two nights; two bars; five bands.

What’s the future hold for the band?

Packed houses, and lots of bodies. We strive to be heard by everyone. Love us or hate us, you can’t ignore us.

– Pete Looney

LISTEN UP

  • WHO: Joe ‘DRED’ Hartgrave (guitar, vocals), Jarvis Gardner (bass), Ja Weatherwax (drums)
  • WHAT: Hard rock/metal
  • WHEN & WHERE: 9 p.m. Friday (4/22) at Tornados, 1400 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids; 9 p.m. Saturday (4/23) at Just Jules, 835 Center Point Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids
  • MORE MUSIC: MySpace and Facebook

Can’t get anything past these masters

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Last year, Bart Carfizzi and Chad Johnson noticed that something was missing in the Cedar Rapids music scene — live dance music for people who like to listen and dance to music from the ’60s and ’70s.

So they decided to put a band together. The search for musicians began. Experienced area musicians from bands such as Last Call, 5 of Hearts, 8 Seconds, Me & Rosie B and Strangely Familiar stepped forward and signed up. Finally, on New Year’s Eve 2010, the Past Masters band was complete, the tuxedos were ordered and the band hit the stage. Now booked almost nightly, Hoopla tracked down the Past Masters and learned a little more.

Where did the band name come from?
Bart came up with it. The Beatles have an album named Past Masters, and we would like to say we were equally brooding and deep and so similar to The Beatles. But Bart is neither brooding nor deep.

Describe the music you play?
We play specifically ’60s and ’70s dance music. No psychedelic music, no heavy rock. Everything from The Twist, to Buddy Holly, to Shaun Cassidy. We want people to come see us, and we want them to come back, so we play the music they know and love.

What is an evening with Past Masters like?
Fun! Bandmates joking with each other, everyone’s dancing, and the crowd’s having fun. Did we mention dancing? On a good night you may even see synchronized dancing.

Where can people go to catch your shows?
Oh, almost anywhere! We’re mostly playing in Cedar Rapids, at places like Rumors, Cedar River Landing, 6th Gear, Checkers. Anywhere our friends and fans can come see us easily, because we make the music and they make the party.

– Pete Looney

LISTEN UP

  • Who: Chad Johnson (lead vocals), Bart Carfizzi (keyboards/vocals), Mark Allen (bass/vocals), Kevin Wimer (guitar/vocals), Keith Lindsey (drums)
  • What: Classic ‘60s and ‘70s dance music
  • When: 9 p.m. Friday (3/25) at Rumors, 400 F Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids and Saturday (3/26) at 9 p.m. Sundown Bar And Grill, 112 E. State St., Williamsburg
  • More music: Facebook and www.past-masters.com

Music Notes: The Jodie Foster Connection

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Five years of bringing rock music to the Corridor area has earned The Jodie Foster Connection a loyal following. Hoopla wanted to learn more, and asked the band a few questions:

Tell us about the music you play?

We are an all-encompassing ’80s band. If it’s from the decade, it’s on the table. We do a variety of dance/pop, new wave, alternative, hair metal and straight-up rock. We don’t do slow songs! Every JFC show is high energy. The audience can dance or rock out to each one of our songs. Spider is great at rallying the crowd, and has been known to dance on tables or join the dance floor. And we are in the midst of creating an entirely new show for 2011. We have some songs in our current set that we’ve been playing since we first started. We decided it was time to give our audience something new. We are dropping 60 of our 67 songs and learning all new material. It will still be all ’80s pop and rock that people will want to dance to.

 What’s the story behind the band’s name?

 We wanted to come up with a name that was reminiscent of ’80s pop culture, and Jodie Foster’s name came up. Someone blurted out, “Well, there’s always The Jodie Foster Connection,” and the name stuck. The Jodie Foster Connection was originally coined after the 1981 assassination attempt of President Reagan. John Hinckley Jr. wanted to impress Jodie Foster and apparently thought that shooting a U.S. president was the way to do it.

There aren’t many 6-member bands in the area.

 We think it’s worth noting that over the past five-plus years, we haven’t had any membership changes. This is the original lineup. Even though each band member has a lot going on, we continue to make the JFC a priority. To us, it is more of a hobby and a lot of fun, which is why we don’t play more than a couple of gigs a month. This approach may be a contributor to the longevity of the band, or it could be that our personalities just jive enough to keep it going.

What places are you playing these days?

 This time of year, we play mostly at bars. We like to play at 1st Avenue Live and Hamburger Mary’s in Cedar Rapids; Tailgators in Coralville; and The Mill in Iowa City. In the summertime, we enjoy outdoor shows/festivals. We especially like the small town gigs. It’s fun because we get to see new places and bring our show to all new people. And charity events are particularly rewarding. “Relay for Life” is one that comes to mind. We love entertaining the crowd and the walkers, and the proceeds go toward cancer research.

 — PETE LOONEY