Congrats to Misery Bay, which won the 2007 Sherlock's Battle of the Bands contest on Wednesday night.
I liked the new format for the finals -- just two bands, each one getting a full hour to showcase their material and stage presence. I also liked the fact I wasn't a judge for this thing. Misery Bay and Matty B. and the Dirty Pickles come from opposite places in rock's solar system, and both were mightly impressive in their respective genres.
Matty B. plays souped-up rockabilly and garage rock with an excitement and genuineness that's palable. After opening with a blistering version of Eddie Cochran's "C'mon Everybody" -- an inspired choice -- this trio tore it up on originals that suggested a cross between Buddy Holly and the Clash.
Their set could have been paced better; they seemed like they had to stretch out to fill up the hour. But they were mighty tight musically and won me over with their zeal and passion and infectious energy. This is a band to watch.
Misery Bay went all out, bringing a killer light show and projected visuals. But they didn't neglect the music, nor how
to bring it. They played with palpable intensity and also a sense of joy; you can tell this band -- young as it is -- loves being on stage and inspiring rampant fist-pumping and head-bobbing.
Both bands were worthy, and showed -- once again -- just show strong Erie's musical scene really is.
Some new concert listings rolled in today. Country star Jo Dee Messina, who's had nine No. 1 hits, will play Edinboro's McComb Fieldhouse on April 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $20 and go on sale Monday at www.edinborotickets.com and at the school's University Center SGA Convenience Store in Lawrence Towers Lobby.
An opening act will be announced later.
Also, hip-hop artist Jim Jones will perform at Waldameer Park's Rainbow Gardens on April 26 at 5 p.m. Opening acts include GPG, A-Boiz, and J-pad da Juggernaut.
Tickets are $25 advance, available at Ladies Nite, 1144 E. Lake Road; Sundance Records, 2102 Parade, and by phone at 460-2427 and 455-2874.
Chautauqua Institution added one more show to its summer lineup -- Smothers Brothers with Kingston Trio on June 29. Those tickets go on sale Monday, as do tickets for other already announced amphitheatre specials.
Finally, Dave Matthews Band unveiled its summer itinerary late Thursday. Area dates include DMB with opening act Toots & and the Maytals at Pittsburgh's Post Gazette Pavilion on Aug. 10 and DMB with Pete Yorn at Blossom Music Center in Ohio on Aug. 20.