The Eerie Horror Film Festival has snagged a couple name actresses for its next event in October.
Adrienne Barbeau and Dee Wallace Stone will appear. Barbeau was everywhere in the 1970s -- on TV in "Maude" and "Love Boat," among others, and the big screen with "The Fog," "Escape From New York," and "Creepshow," among others.
Stone played Eliot's mom in "E.T.," of course, but also appeared in "Cujo," "The Howling," and original "The Hills Have Eyes." Both Barbeau and Stone will be in Rob Zombie's re-imagining of "Halloween," due out later this year.
Special effects guru Tom Savini will also appear at the event, and more guests will be announced later. See the Weekender on Feb. 3 for more on horror film festival developments.

Of course, another famous Stone -- Sharon Stone -- is bound for Erie. She's the guest of honor for Edinboro University's eighth annual Frank G. Pogue Honors Scholarship Luncheon set for March 7 at 11:45 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott at the Ambassardor. Stone, an Edinboro graduate, most recently earned good reviews for her work din the ensemble film "Bobby." She shot to fame with her role in "Basic Instinct. Stone has become an increasingly active spokesperson for social causes in recent years -- especially for AIDS research.

Tickets for the luncheon are $100. For more information, call (814) 732-2992. Reservations are due by Feb. 21.

Good news looms for Eagles fans, says Billboard magazine. The Eagles will release their first studio CD since 1979's "The Long Run" within two or three months, according to Don Henley.
A 28-year span between CDs is pretty lengthy, but Eagles' reputation is so high -- and they kept up fans' interest by touring -- that it'll likely be one of the year's major hits. Especially if they go out to support it this summer with another tour.

Looks like we've got Dierks Bentley headed to Erie, which is cool. He was all but set to play here last fall but the date fell too close to another country show that was already booked. Now his web site lists a date for Erie on March 30 -- a Friday night. Miranda Lambert and Eric Church will open, assuming the date is confirmed.

Docksider has two national acts for March that couldn't be more dissimilar. Bluesman Chris Beard will play on March 10. Then, on March 16, the Slider will feature ... the Bay City Rollers? They had a huge hit with "Saturday Night," way back when.

The Eerie Horror Film Festival has snagged a couple name actresses for its next event in October.
Adrienne Barbeau and Dee Wallace Stone will appear. Barbeau was everywhere in the 1970s -- on TV in "Maude" and "Love Boat," among others, and the big screen with "The Fog," "Escape From New York," and "Creepshow," among others.
Stone played Eliot's mom in "E.T.," of course, but also appeared in "Cujo," "The Howling," and original "The Hills Have Eyes." Both Barbeau and Stone will be in Rob Zombie's re-imagining of "Halloween," due out later this year.
Special effects guru Tom Savini will also appear at the event, and more guests will be announced later. See the Weekender on Feb. 3 for more on horror film festival developments.

Of course, another famous Stone -- Sharon Stone -- is bound for Erie. She's the guest of honor for Edinboro University's eighth annual Frank G. Pogue Honors Scholarship Luncheon set for March 7 at 11:45 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott at the Ambassardor. Stone, an Edinboro graduate, most recently earned good reviews for her work din the ensemble film "Bobby." She shot to fame with her role in "Basic Instinct. Stone has become an increasingly active spokesperson for social causes in recent years -- especially for AIDS research.

Tickets for the luncheon are $100. For more information, call (814) 732-2992. Reservations are due by Feb. 21.

Good news looms for Eagles fans, says Billboard magazine. The Eagles will release their first studio CD since 1979's "The Long Run" within two or three months, according to Don Henley.
A 28-year span between CDs is pretty lengthy, but Eagles' reputation is so high -- and they kept up fans' interest by touring -- that it'll likely be one of the year's major hits. Especially if they go out to support it this summer with another tour.

Looks like we've got Dierks Bentley headed to Erie, which is cool. He was all but set to play here last fall but the date fell too close to another country show that was already booked. Now his web site lists a date for Erie on March 30 -- a Friday night. Miranda Lambert and Eric Church will open, assuming the date is confirmed.

Docksider has two national acts for March that couldn't be more dissimilar. Bluesman Chris Beard will play on March 10. Then, on March 16, the Slider will feature ... the Bay City Rollers? They had a huge hit with "Saturday Night," way back when.

If you want to celebrate that Indianapolis Super Bowl win -- or drink away the Bears' loss -- the Docksider is a good place to hang out tonight.

Buckwheat Zydeco will be there, ripping up the place with high-energy infectious tunes, straight from the bayou. Yankee Zydeco Company has been added a special guest; they start around 7 p.m. Look for Buckwheat to take the stage around 8:15 p.m. The early start is a good idea. You can have fun, but still get up for work the next day.

Tickets are $20 at the door.

I was glad to see Prince not get electrocuted during his Super Bowl halftime show. He can still tear it up on guitar, but that downpour had me worried for him. Still, he put on a pretty electrifying show that benefitted from its unpredictability. He wove in a little Creedence, some Foo Fighters and more with his own mega hits. That kept the set moving. Closing with "Purple Rain" -- considering all the rain - was also nice, if coincidental, plan.

Now, after McCartney, then Stones and Prince -- three titans in a row -- who should play the next Super Bowl? Personally, I think it's time a woman rocked the house. How about Aretha, maybe, or Mary J. Blige? Gwen Stefani? Let me know what you think.

Anyone else besides me going to catch Pink Floyd Experience perform at the Warner on Wednesday? I'll let you know my thoughts in my block on Thursday.

This just in: Political comedian Lewis Black has confirmed an April 21 show at Penn State Behrend's Junker Center. Ticket information will be available soon.

Chautauqua Institution has booked its first amphitheater special for summer 2007. Country star Jason Aldean will perform on July 6.
Look for more shows to be added in the coming weeks. Chautauqua ordinarily puts all its amphitheater shows on sale the same day -- April 1.

Crawford County Fair will announce its second major show the first week of March. Trace Adkins and Gary Allan are already booked for Aug. 23.

What a shame the Buckwheat Zydeco show for Docksider on Monday was canceled. But with bitter cold and swirling cold, few folks would have ventured out that night -- even for world-class zydeco. The day of week didn't help, either. After partying for the Super Bowl on Sunday, not many folks apparently were in the mood to do it again the next night.

Sherlock's annual Battle of the Bands will start on Feb. 14. Tonight, Feb. 7, is the draw for bands that made it. So, check back for the list of which bands will compete on Feb. 14 and beyond.

Congrats to Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle, who represented northwest Pennsylvania in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis last week.
Yarosz and his band placed second in their competition at B.B. King's club, and only the winner at each site advanced to the finals.
Mighty Lester, which beat out Yarosoz and the Vehicle, wound up placing third in the finals.

Maybe Erie expected just a laser light show; I don't know. But the few folks who braved the cold on Wednesday -- about 700 or so -- got that and plenty more, a terrific band playing the best of Pink Floyd, on Wednesday at the Warner Theatre.
Pink Floyd Experience delivered a powerful show, capturing the majesty and scope of Floyd, along with all the whirling sound effects -- helicopters, cash registers, etc. -- in ear-pleasing surround sound.
Floyd isn't the easiest band to recreate; they don't just write epic songs, they sculpt them, creating emotion-laden songs in which the space between notes, and the guitar phrasing, especially -- are paramount.
Guitarist Tom Quinn acquitted himself admirably in the David Gilmour department, playing with grace,nuance, exceptional tone, and most of all, feeling. He especially shined on "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," the epic from my personal favorite Floyd album, "Wish You Were Here."

No one in this band was a weak link but special mention must go to saxophonist Jesse Molloy, who played fluid, Gilmour-like solos. His strong work helped take songs like "Another Brick in the Wall," "Young Lust," and "Time" to new heights.

Lead singer Graham Heath did a great job -- especially on the difficult wailing/caterwauling close of "Great Gig in the Sky." PFE left its exceptional, extended "Dark Side" set for the second half -- except for "Astronomy," a Syd Barrett salute -- and 15-minute encore.

PFE delivered visually, too. An oval-shaped screen, pitched over the band, flashed psychedelic videos, film, and lava-lamp like effects throughout the night. At times, band members stood silhouetted in cones of light. Lasers lit up the Warner, too, but never too blindingly or obtrusively. As promised, a huge, radio-controlled pink pig floated over the crowd during the finale, "Run Like Hell."

The emphasis was on best-known Floyd; the band also navigated "Have a Cigar," "Hey You," and, during the encore, "Comfortably Numb." Tossing in an obscurity or two might have satisfied the diehards but we're fed "Dark Side," "WYWH," "Animals," and "Wall" so often through classic-rock radio you can't blame PFE for accentuating them.

Hopefully, PFE will give Erie another chance. The band sold out in Wilkes-Barre, and has drawn exceptionally well in other markets. Word of mouth alone will help. I'm normally not a tribute-act kind of guy, but, man, these guys were amazing.

Looks like new-age pianist and Windham Hill perennial George Winston is headed back to Erie. He's penciled in for an April 16 show at the Warner Theatre.

Sherlock's and Rocket 101 have firmed up the lineup for the sixth annual Rolling Rock Battle of the Bands. This year's event will feature a few changes -- all for the better.
Each week's winner -- four in all -- will advance to the semifinals. The two non-winning bands with the highest scores will also move on as wild cards. This helps avoids situations where a particular night might feature three killer bands.

Two rounds of semifinals -- with three bands, each -- will take place on March 14 and 21. The finals, set for March 28, will feature just two bands, but each one gets to plan an hour set.

The battle starts Feb. 14 with the Jungle (formerly Channel 4), Hello Kitty Death Squad, and Otis at 10, 11 p.m. and midnight, respectively.
Feb 21: Beneath the Scars, Moving in Stereo, Matty B and the Dirty Pickles.
Feb. 28: I Am Frankie Scrap Metal, KnifeFight the World, AK 37.
March 7: On the Ashes of Angel Wings; Years from Yesterday; Misery Bay.

Just 12 bands made it from 50 or so entries.

Erie native Chris Vrenna -- who played with Nine Inch Nails, during that band's early years -- will perform on the Grammy Awards on Sunday night He's the drummer for Gnarls Barkely, which is up for four awards, including Album and Record of the Year.
Vrenna joined Barkley's touring band last year. After the Grammys, Gnarls Barkley will resume its current tour with Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Train leader Pat Monahan is in Los Angeles, working on tracks for his first solo album. This doesn't mean Train is breaking up. Like Rob Thomas did with Matchbox Twenty, he's cutting a solo CD that'll allow him a little room outside the Train parameters. Look for more on this in an upcoming Showcase.

Thanks to Sue Fischer for sending word that beloved Cleveland band Molkie Cole will reunite with all five original members on April 20-21 at the Winchester in Cleveland. All tickets for April 21 are already sold out, but tickets remain for April 20. Check www.molkiecole.net for more information.

Some late concert listings arrived Friday afternoon. Widespread Panic plays Cleveland's State Theatre on March 31. Tickets go on sale Feb. 16 at tickets.com.Harry Connick, Jr. also plays the State on April 9. Tickets are on sale Feb. 16.

John Legend and Corinne Bailey Rae team up April 16 at Akron Civic Theatre. Tickets go on sale Feb. 16 at Ticketmaster. And M. Ward will open for Norah Jones on May 9 at Cleveland's State Theatre on May 9. Those tickets go on sale Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. at tickets.com.

Connick also plays Pittsburgh's Benedum Center on April 11. Those seats go on sale Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. at www.livenation.com.

Ozzfest sure shocked the world with its announcement that all 25 dates of its summer 2007 tour will be free. Ozzy will headline. There's no word yet how Oz will distribute tickets; obviously demand will far exceed supply. Some lottery system will likely take place. But you can bet this move is making promoters extremely nervous. How can they justify crazy prices when a mega tour like this can offer free tickets?

Dixie Chicks became the Grammy chicks on Sunday, walking off with all five awards for which they were nominated, including the three big ones -- song, record, and album of the year.

Vindication doesn't get much sweeter than that. But it's deserved. "Taking the Long Way" isn't only musically strong but showed the Dixie Chicks also have integrity by standing behind what they believe in. What a shame they were basically blacklisted by country music. By awarding them so much, it's as if the music industry apologized.

The show itself was all over the place, which is the nature of a beast this sprawling -- rock, country, classical, hip-hop, jazz, and more, by old stars, new stars, and sometimes, no stars at all, as that young girl who won an online contest to sing with Justin Timberlake on "My Love."

She did okay. But that was hardly the performance of the night.

I liked Christina Aguilera's ballsy take on James Brown's "It's a Man's, Man's World." Dressed in all white, she poured herself into that one, flailing on the stage, hitting notes that almost didn't sound human. Grammy then went one further, brigning out James Brown's jacket, the one his emcee wrapped around him at the end of every performance. That was poignant.

You'd think Grammy might have found Red Hot Chili Peppers a more fitting choice to salute Brown than Aguilera. But I thought she was fine and fittingly over the top---as he often was, too.

Mary J. Blige acquitted herself nicely on an orchestrated "Be Without You,": similarly Gnarls Barkley (with Erie's Chris Vrenna on drums) blew up "Crazy" big time with a chorale. Gnarls lost out on Record of the Year but fittingly won for best urban alternative performance and best alternative album. Shakira and Wyclef Jean were pretty lively with the overplayed "Hips Don't Lie"; at least they seemed into it.

Chili Peppers were rather ordinary during "Snow"; except for Flea's bounding around, though the fluttering newspaper snow looked cool. You expect chaos and manic energy, but they were surprisingly low-key, even in their acceptance speeches.

Did Justin Timberlake need to show us how many nose hairs he has, while camcording himself during "What Goes Around?"

I have no clue what Imogen Heap was wearing; did she pick it up at department store or greenhouse? The Eagles' tribute was overblown and unnecessary. Rascal Flatts, you are no Eagles. And Chris Brown may not have won Best New Artist but he deserved Best Floor Routine. Bet he sells tons of tickets after that gymnastic routine.

Strange seeing Al Gore and Queen Latifah up there giving out Best Rock Award; who thought that up?

As for the Police, during a strong "Roxanne," Sting looked all buff and healthy, as if to say, 'Really, we can manage a grueling world tour; we aren't over the hill.' That tour was announced today and shockingly includes no dates for Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Buffalo. So far, Toronto is the nearest city, though the press release states Columbus, Ohio, will be added later.

Ticket prices will be $250, $90 and $50. See www.thepolicetour.com for more details.

As tipped in Showcase a few weeks ago, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and Eric Church are confirmed to play Tullio Arena on March 30. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 23, at Tullio Arena box office, Ticketmaster outlets, and by phone at 452-2857. Prices will be $34.75 and $29.75.

Even as Bentley is confirmed for Erie, another major country show may loom for Erie. Both Pollstar and the web site for Martina McBride list an Erie date for the singer on June 23. According to Pollstar, Little Big Town will open. McBride lists an April 13 on-sale date for the concert. She was last here with a Christmas show in November 2003. The Tullio Center has not yet confirmed this date.

I'm not going to a go-go tonight; that'd imply Smokey Robinson is in town. But I am going to see the Temptations at the Warner. Sure, just one original member -- Otis Williams -- remains. But you can't beat the catalogue of songs they'll likely play -- "Wish It Would Rain," "I Can't Get Next to You," "Just My Imagination," and, I hope, "Papa Was a Rolling Stone."

Look for a review on Friday's blog.

Despite a frigid night -- plus Valentine's Day to compete with -- Battle of the Bands opened Wednesday at Sherlock's to a respectable crowd. Hello Kitty Death Squad moved on to the semifinals. They placed third overall last year.
But the Jungle (formerly Channel 4) and Otis aren't out of it, yet. Remember, this year's format includes wild cards. Two non-winning bands with the highest scores will move on.
The Jungle made a supreme effort to get here, by the way. Band members had to travel from Pittsburgh, which wasn't easy with mounds of snow.
Beneath the Scars, Moving in Stereo, and Matty B. and the Dirty Pickles will compete next on Feb. 21.

Billboard reports that Rush will release "Snakes & Arrows" on May 1, then embark on a tour. With the Police, Genesis, Van Halen, Eagles, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Roger Waters, Kenny Chesney, the Who and now Rush all on the road, as well, this looks to be an amazingly strong 2007 touring season.
Let's hope some of the traffic stops here. Let's also hope artists don't get too greedy and keep prices somewhat affordable. While we're at it, let's hope for world peace -- that may be more likely.

How sweet it was Thursday at the Warner Theatre: the Temptations, one of Motown's most hallowed bands, warming up a small but boisterous crowd of about 1,000 fans with an avalanche of hits.
Time can never diminish their sweet soul stylings, whether it's on romantic fare such as the eternal "My Girl," smokin' dance workouts like "I Can't Get Next to You," or sensitive, introspective ballads such as "Just My Imagination" and "I Wish It Would Rain."
Just Otis Williams -- and he never was a lead voice -- remains from the original Temptations but that hardly mattered. This group -- dressed in classy black suits, with red carnations -- not only had the Tempts' vintage dance moves, spins, and hand jive down pat but demonsrated considerable chemistry together, too. They smiled throughout, slapped each other on the shoulder. They also showcased their stunning vocal chops during a short a capella segment.
Temptations also interjected plenty of welcome humor into their concert -- kidding each other about charging champagne on credit cards, for instance. But the focus -- especially in a hit-jammed opening 20 minutes -- was on delivering the classics that fans wanted to hear. Backed by a 10-piece horn section, in addition to the usual keys/drums/bass and guitar, the Tempts delivered dynamic, bold arrangements. They didn't reinvent the songs, but they did re-energize them.
Ron Tyson, a Temptation since 1983, and former Spinners' singer G.C. Cameron handled most the lead vocals and acquitted themselves well. The ballads are hardest to conquer; the Tempts created masterful, nuanced, emotional fare that could stretch the upper register -- especially on "Imagination." Cameron especially shined on crowd favorite "My Girl."
Just a few major hits didn't surface -- notably "Cloud Nine" and "Runaway Child." And "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" could have been longer; the Tempts instead delivered a taut, compelling but abbrevitated version. Still, this was a satisfying, entertaining stroll through Motown, with the Tempts offering a bow to their own by opening with Marvin Gaye's "How Sweet It Is" and closing with his superb "Can I Get a Witness."
Too bad they didn't get more witnesses for their highly enjoyable 90-minute set.

Looks like Lareau -- the modern-pop band with two Erie natives -- has a hit on its hands.
"Changes" -- the title cut from its Rust Records' debut -- leaps to No. 33 from No. 39 on the latest airplay chart for adult-contemporary stations, as compiled by trade publication Friday Morning Quarterback.

Lareau includes Pete Gool, who still lives in Erie, and Darrin Payne, who was born here and later relocated to Jamestown. N.Y. Other members -- including band leader Larry Lareau -- hail from Warren.

"Changes" is perched between a sliding hit -- Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" and Nickelback's "Everyone," which shows what company they're in. The current No. 1 is John Mayer's "Waiting on the WOrld to Change."

Yes, that's the Bay City Rollers from Scotland who'll roll into Docksider on March 16 -- a Friday, not a Saturday night. But whatever. "Saturday Nite" was their biggest American hit, back in 1975. It reached No. 1.

Rochester blues man Chris Beard will return to Erie for a March 10 show at Docksider. And Big Leg Emma heads back for a Slider show on March 3, so March is blowing in like one rocking lion.

The video for "Ressurection," the title track of Chimaira's upcoming CD, will debut this Saturday on MTV2's "Headbangers Ball." They play Cleveland's Agora Theater on April 5 with Killswitch Engage.

If you love movies -- not to mention beer -- the Great Lakes Film Festival has lined up something cool for Saturday. It'll host a kick-off cabaret at the Roadhouse Theatre.

Weirdo Theatre, Viotech, Final Rest, and Greg Ropp will all perform, while DJ Jake and DJ Bussiere will spin tunes. You can also exepct the Temple of Bast Tribal Fusion Bellydancers to belly up to the party, plus some magic and poetry, too.

Popping in for fun: pro wrestler Blue Meanie, who's starred in several Erie-based films by KillerWolf Productions.

Tickets are $5, which includes all the brew you can drink. The cabaret starts at 10 p.m.

Here's a shocker: Guns 'n Roses has postponed the March 6 release of "Chinese Democracy," the CD that has been rumored for, oh, about a decade now.

Tool has postponed its spring tour, due to Danny Carey's arm surgery. No word on when the tour will resume. Wish we could get an Erie date for Tool.

Matty B. and the Dirty Pickles beat out Beneath the Scars and Moving in Stereo on Wednesday at Sherlock's in the Battle of the Bands. The Pickles move on to the semifinals.

Here's good news for area Police fans. The trio's big reunion tour will hit Cleveland after all.
Live Nation on Tuesday announced the Police will play Quicken Loands Arena on July 16. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster outlets and they will sell out, quickly. Every other Police show -- including stadium concerts -- has sold out instantly.

Tickets will cost $200, $90, and $50. The original Police itinerary indicated the band would play Columbus, Ohio, instead of Cleveland. Luckily for us, those plans changed.

The Police have announced they will return in November for more North American dates, starting with one in Toronto. But other cities have not been announced yet.

Fiction Plane -- which features Sting's son -- will open the Cleveland show.

Erie Celtic band Ischabaha will play a CD release party for "Celi Dreams & Other Things" on March 10 at 8 p.m. at Molly Brannigans. As you'd expect, it's a fun, lively, exuberant set that includes not only traditionals but original songs, as well, such as "Halfway to St. Patrick's Day." Look for more on the band in the March 8 Showcase.

Congratulations to Key West Express, which will play Jimmy Buffett's Margarativille in Key West, Fla. from March 6-12. More than 100 area KWE fans plan to support them on the trip -- and to also enjoy warmer weather than we have here.

Key West's long association with Peter Mayer, plus Club Trini -- which features members of Buffett's back-up band -- certainly had a lot to do with the group earning the invite. But they wouldn't get one if they weren't also good. Here's hoping Mayer or the man himself joins them on stage during their gig. That'd be amazing.

Also, fans of local music will find something new on rockerie.com starting March 1. Dr. Rock will talk about five local songs he likes -- and also air them, in their entirety. The podcast will be available for listening the entire month. On April 1 and then every month after, the Doctor will talk about five more songs.

Crawford County Fair has announced its second country show -- Sugarland with special guests the Wreckers on Aug. 21.

Tickets go on sale Monday at noon (online and by phone) at 1-800-585-3737 and www.crawfordcountyfair.net.

Crawford County Fair plans to announced two more concerts -- one more than usual -- in the coming weeks.

Good news from Beer Mug: the excellent Americana/roots-rock band the Jack Fords will return on April 14. That's the band with guitarist Bobby Latina, formerly of the Cowslingers. Last time here, they played an amazing four hours straight, rocking out not only their own killer originals but songs by the Faces and Rolling Stones, among others. Latina says they'll tear it up for another four hours. Remember when Springsteen used to do that?

There's still no official confirmation but trust me -- we have a very hip concert headed to the Warner on May 18. Fans of Canadian rock will especially like this choice. Wish I could say the name right now but if I release it early the results could be tragic for me.