SPRING/SUMMER 2014
INSIDE:
WILDMAN WALKER’S OPENING DAY MEMORIES
HE OWNS THE CINCY MEDIA RECORD!
SUMMER FESTIVALS BIG ROCK NAMES = FREE SHOWS!
PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE WILDMAN WALKER Sports Rock Weekdays: 3-6 PM COUCH Weekday Mornings: 6:30-9:30 AM
Congratulations go out to ClassX Radio™’s owner/ president, Bill Spry. Mr. Spry has been named NonCommercial/College Program Director of 2014 by New Music Weekly. This will be the second win for Bill; he won previously in the same category in 2012. He and his wife, Rhonda, will have the distinctive honor to walk the red carpet in Hollywood, CA. later in the year to accept this award!
JIM SHOE AND THE BLONDE BOMBSHELL HOST THE CONCERT CON-X-TION Friday’s: 10 AM-3 PM EDDY MULLET Local Bands, Music, Interviews The Kindred Sanction Show Monday Nights: 7-10 PM BRYAN B. Aisle Of Plenty, Progressive Rock Saturdays: 6-8 AM BOB THE PRODUCER Weekdays: 8:30 AM & 4:30 PM
The New Music Awards are recognized worldwide and represent the pinnacle of achievement for all music artists, radio stations, and programmers.
BEATLES-A-RAMA 2 Hours of Nothing But The Beatles Saturday: 8-10 AM
The entire staff at ClassX™ are proud and honored to work for such a dedicated and deserving person.
DOUG LEE: The FM Show 3 Hours of 70’s, 80’s & 90’s Rock Thursday: 7-10 PM
Saturday February 1st, 88.9 & 89.1 FM - ClassX Radio™, threw a party, rock concert, dinner blast and radio benefit all rolled into one, for a few hundred of our closest friends at the Thompson House in Newport. As we celebrate our 8th year on the air in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky area, we just wanted to say than-X, to all the people who have supported us through the years! At our February Benefit, six hot local bands donated their sets, so that we could sell tickets for our general fund! ClassX™ wants to thank; JESTER, SATELLITE FLIGHT, LEMON SKY, DV8, HERECOMEHERE, and THE GREAT AFFAIRS for their support and for using their talents for our benefit. We also want to give a shoutout to Les Sebastian for organizing and working this project to fruition. ClassX Radio™ is a 501(c)3 public radio station, which means we rely on our listeners and underwriters for our operating budget.
DEBBY MANNING Pet Connection & Rescue Show Fridays: 3-4 PM THE FRIDAY NIGHT MORNING SHOW With Eddy Mullet and Special Guest appearances by Bob The Producer and Brian Baker of City Beat with his weekend local concert rundown Friday Nights: 6-8 PM THE FRIDAY NIGHT ROCK SHOW With Doug Singleton and Eddy Mullet 2 Hours of Hard Rock, The Way You Love It! Fridays: 8-10 PM FLOYDIAN SLIP : Hosted By Craig Bailey A Solid Hour of Pink Floyd Saturdays: 6-7 PM
Watch for the many ways you, too can help; from our annual Spring and Fall on-air Pledge Drive/Fund Raiser (several days of on air guests, special programming and auction items) to our online swag available year round at www.classxradio.com including mugs, T-Shirts, Mouse Pads and more.
PLUS:
Wear your own ClassX Radio™ tee shirt, support our efforts, and tell the world that you are part of The New Breed…
BOB SADLER Sundays: 6-8 AM
2 HOURS OF BLUES EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 8-10 PM LADY J Wednesdays: 6-8 PM
Jim Shoe & The BBS Friend us on:
3 Pages of news, contests, and giveaways! ClassX Radio™ GROUP PAGE ClassX Radio™ FAN PAGE L VE Magazine™ FAN PAGE
2
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
PUBLISHER
Spryex Communications, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit tax exempt organization
L VE™ MAGAZINE EDITOR Kimberly Whitaker Reilly
ADVERTISING MANAGERS William Spry Thomas Kennedy Wildman Walker
ART DIRECTOR
SPRING/SUMMER 2014
KGH Design
CREATIVE CONTENT DIRECTOR Jim Shoe
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PHOTOGRAPHER Sabrina Cain
OUR COVER STORY
PAGE
12
COVER PHOTO
Sabrina Cain
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Thomas Kennedy William Spry Wildman Walker Jim Shoe
JOIN OUR TEAM
Writers, Artists, Photographers and Sales People classx@classxradio.com
COMMENTS?
Share your thoughts, feedback and compliments with us: classx@classxradio.com
ADVERTISE WITH US
classx@classxradio.com or call 513-436-0089
STREAM US LIVE NOW
www.classxradio.com/listen/
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
facebook.com/ClassXRadio™ facebook.com/NKY L VE™
FOLLOW OUR TWEETS classx/twitter
PAGE
16
ClassXradio.com receives over 6 million hits per month. L VE™ is published with a circulation of more than 100,000 (print and digital). Available at various locations all over the Tri-State and at select sponsors retail locations and ClassX events. Jump on Board…Advertise in our next issue: classx@classxradio.com All contents of this publication, including social media platforms, Internet blogs and feeds are the exclusive property of ClassX Radio™ and may not be reproduces or used without written permission from the publishers.
classxradio.com
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
3
THE PET
CONNECTION
By Angie More
PAWS & CLAWS ANIMAL RESCUE, INC. FIRST ANNUAL “FUZZ BALL.” Mark your calendars and join Paws & Claws Animal Rescue Inc for their First Annual Charity Fundraiser, the FUZZ BALL. It will be held on April 12, 2014 at the Highland Country Club in Ft Thomas KY from 6pm to 10pm. Tickets are $40 if purchased before April 4, 2014 and includes dinner, beer, and wine. There will be music, dancing, silent auction, and MORE! Come join them and support this wonderful non profit. Please visit www.pawsclawsanimalrescue.com to purchase your tickets or for more information. Please visit www.pawsandclawsanimalrescue.com to purchase your tickets or for more information.
They are also looking for business sponsors for this wonderful event as well as silent auction items. If you are interested in sponsorship or would like to donate to the silent auction, please contact pawsandclawsanimalrescue@gmail.com
PAWS A PALOOZA Looking for a family friendly event this summer? Join PAWS Adoption Center for their 2nd Annual Paws A Palooza on June 14, 2014 from 10am to 4pm. This event will be held in Downtown Middletown at the corner of Verity Pkwy and Broad St. There will be 35+ vendors, food, and music. The event will be MC’d by your very own CLASSX RADIO™! Don’t forget to bring your dogs!! Amore Dog Obedience Training, LLC will also be holding the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test. The cost of the test is $20 per dog, and 50% of the proceeds will be donated to PAWS Adoption Center. Please visit www.amoredogobedience.com for more information.
New vendors for Paws A Palooza are added daily so check www.pawsapalooza.weebly.com for a complete list of vendors for this family friendly event!!
PLEASE CHOOSE TO ADOPT www.amoredogobedience.weebly.com www.pawsclawsanimalrescue.weebly.com 4
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
FEATURED ADOPTABLE: Meet Vander. He is a 2 year old Pittie. He has had a rough start to life. The first part of his life, he spent it in a crate and endured both physical abuse and neglect. He was seized from his abusive owner, and spent the next year of his life in the shelter. He went months without any interaction or socialization with people. Thanks to two very caring volunteers and animal lovers, it was brought to the attention of two local dog trainers. After weeks of training and working with Vander at the shelter, he has made giant strides. He is currently in a foster home with a trainer and is doing wonderful
If you are interested in giving Vander a furever home, please contact pawsandclawsanimalrescue@gmail.com for more information.
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
5
EDDY MULLET
LOCAL MUSIC GURU Pizza, Ninjas, Comics and Ice cream. Not necessarily the first things that typically come to ones mind when you think, “Rock n ROLL!”, but then again, The Last Troubadour are, admittedly, not your typical band. The Last Troubadour is a four piece local outfit comprised of Frankie Hill (vocal, guitar, saxophone, piano), Bernie Hill (drums, horns), Patrick Lynch (lead guitar) and Eric Burgstrom (bass, backing vocals). The Cincinnati based concept band more closely resemble musical versions of a mild-mannered Clark Kent or Peter Parker rather than rock-n-roll versions of their enigmatic superhero alter egos. TLT’s first album, Act One; Stereo Ground (2010), first introduced a concept story that takes place in a futuristic Orwellian society that has outlawed music and prohibits freedom of expression and individualism. The songs are built around a story; Symphony of Time, where it is prophesized that a hero will emerge and bring about great change by starting a revolution to restore society’s lost freedoms. At this point, it should be noted that while there is a story concept, it never overshadows the music. Each song stands on its own merit as an individual piece of melodic, hook-laden art! The band is currently gearing up for the release of their second full-length album, entitled “Act 2; A Thousand Wars”, due this spring. The journey to creating their sophomore effort saw our heroes traveling to Arizona, to the studio of Mitch Wyatt (Hawthorne Heights, Foxy Shazam, Ellison, Look Afraid), all of whom also recorded albums there.
6
While fans often romanticize the recording process as being a nonstop party fueled by excess, debauchery and an occasional studio performance; the guys in The Last Troubadour had a slightly different approach to life in the studio. Frankie Hill laughed as he explained, “Our idea of fun is not other people’s idea of fun. We had Chicago-style pizza…in Arizona. A lot of PG-13 fun.” “I think we made cookies a few nights and watched Back to the Future” joked guitarist Patrick Lynch. During the recording process the band literally lived at the WSU studio, even enduring the occasional rogue scorpion attack. However, unlike the infamous spider bite that transformed Peter Parker into Spider Man, drummer Bernie Hill has yet to gain any super-human powers from the arthropod’s sting. Bassist Eric Burgstrom flew out from Cincinnati to record all of his bass and vocal parts in one day, “Totally rock star,” quipped Frankie. Burgstrom says that being able to live in the studio added greatly to the band’s efficiency. ‘Act 2’ marks the first time the current lineup of TLT has recorded a full album together. The sound of this record closely reflects the true sound of this incarnation of the band, while continuing the progression of the story from the first album. Frankie elaborated, “On this album we definitely didn’t lose the poppy edge that we had, but it’s more ‘metalesque,’ darker, more guitar driven than the first album and more progressive.” Lynch added, “We’ve figured out what we’re good at, what works and doesn’t work.” Songs from the upcoming album, such as the guitar-fueled anthem “Bullet”, the sax-drenched, “My Therapist Says It’s Your Fault” and the epic, emotional title track “A Thousand Wars”, have become immediate fan favorites. The Last Troubadour is preparing to open the curtain on ‘Act 2’, and give what is expected to be a command performance of their musical revolution. Frankie Hill’s heartfelt lyrics and inspired vocals are beautifully punctuated by Patrick Lynch’s fiery, melodic guitar riffs. The rhythm section, consisting of Eric Burgstrom’s jazz-inspired bass lines (the heart of the band according to Frankie) and Bernie Hill’s rhythmically impulsive drumming, assure fans of an evening of musical ecstasy. To see when and where the band will be performing follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LastTroubadour.
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
ROCK NEWS
By Melodi C. Moon Heard twice daily on ClassX Radio
QUEEN TOURING WITH AN AMERICAN IDOL
Queen will be touring North America this summer with former American Idol runner-up, Adam Lambert, on lead vocals. They performed together once before on the 2009 American Idol season finale. The tour starts in Chicago on June 19th and runs through July 20th. “I’m honored to be able to pay my respects to Freddie’s memory,” said Lambert. “He’s a personal hero of mine, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band.”
TOTO IS NOT HOLDING THE LINE
Toto have announced the release of a live package from their 35th Anniversary Tour, extensive tour plans and recording their first studio album in almost a decade! The new live package, “35th Anniversary Tour - Live In Poland,” was recorded last year in Lodz and will be released on April 29th, in various formats including a DVD and a 60-page book. This April, they return to Japan for a seven show head-lining sold-out arena tour; this fall they will co-headline with Michael McDonald, for their most comprehensive North American tour in years. The band also announced that they are currently in the midst of recording a new studio album, their first since 2006’s “Falling In Between”. It is rumored to make its national debut exclusively on ClassX Radio™ in Cincinnati on 88.9 & 89.1 FM, later this year Toto remains one of the top selling tour and recording acts in the world, and as individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums. Toto band members have even been South Park characters and recently Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake did a comedy sketch around their hit “Africa.” www.totoofficial.com.
OZZY’S WATER SOGGED
Ozzy Osbourne’s UK Buckinghamshire mansion has been severely damaged by recent floods. Ozzy spends most of his time in L.A., but also owns the £5million house located in the affluent village of Jordans. Ozzy said: “It’s been completely flooded. The rain has battered down the walls and seeped through everything. There is water everywhere. We’ve been told it’s going to cost £300,000 to repair but we can’t even go about getting it fixed because apparently it’s going to take nine months to dry out. The place is ruined.” The mansion has been bad luck for Ozzy. Back in 2003, he broke his collarbone, eight ribs and a neck vertebra in a quad bike accident in the grounds of the mansion. A year later, in November 2004, the house was burglarized and the thieves got away with valuable jewelry. Ozzy will be on stage at the tenth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert in L.A. on May 12. At the event Ozzy will be presented with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award in recognition of his efforts to support the cause, which helps provide addiction recovery resources to musicians. “I know firsthand about the ravages of addiction and I also know that the MusiCares MAP Fund is a vital safety net for people in the music industry who need help with substance abuse,” said Osbourne.
Melodi Moon can be heard (M-F) twice daily on, 88.9 and 89.1 FM ClassX Radio™, with her Rock News reports, covering the latest; gossip, rumors, innuendos, blatant lies, as well as actual news from the world of rock and roll! Follow her on TWITTER at; #Melodi C Moon.
AXL IN 3D!
Guns N’ Roses have announced the release of the concert film Appetite for Democracy-- which will contain almost 3 hours of footage shot at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino back in November 2012…and it will be in 3D! The elaborate Vegas style production features Axl Rose and the crew performing some of GNR’s biggest hits including ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine,’ ‘Mr. Brownstone,’ ‘November Rain,’ ‘Chinese Democracy,’ Dylan’s ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,’ ‘Night Train,’ and McCartney’s ‘Live and Let Die.’ 88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
7
8
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
THE
BERRY REPORT
By Robert J. Berry
Why yes I would bet on Pete Rose. I think it is a safe bet, a sure thing. I know I can count on him. True, Pete’s a bit of a card. And I have a little Rain-man in me; I like counting on cards. Definitely like counting cards. Definitely. Soo, Pete’s a card and I’m a real caution! Pete likes to say, “To Hell with caution!” But I don’t take it personally. But enough about me. This is about Pete. Pete Rose. The man. The myth. And Pete didn’t mith much; not as the ‘Hit King”. But as the ‘Bit King’, I was mithin all over the place. Whiffin. Lispin. Swishin. But always swinging!! I remember following Pete Rose as a Reds rookie. He was different. Most with no experience were green. Most, who were wet behind the ears, were…Mexican, and later, from the Dominican Republic. Pete was local. A west-sider, just like me. The closer I followed him, the more Pete’s peeps asked me to back off. 100 yards was the number I was served up. Bumping into him next to a urinal didn’t help. But I stuck it out and hung in there, keeping the Big Red Machine well oiled. “A well-oiled mitt is a hit.” I used to demonstrate, my high-five, slip-sliding away. By now Pete’s legend was growing. His influence was all over me. I’d been ‘working on my hitting’, but
still was banned from the bus. I even borrowed from Big Doggie, especially “I see the ball; I hit the ball” and was no longer allowed in the locker room. It was ironic because where I showed the most improvement was ‘Hitting the showers.’ It was like I wanted to be Pete. I found myself diving head-first…off stages, for pennies I’d spot, off diving boards, even though I couldn’t swim, into dates, lap-dances, and dumpsters. I especially liked the field trips with Pete. I LOVED ‘playing the ponies’. Was never much of a gambler. I enjoyed ‘pretending I was a pony’, especially if I was carrying a lil jockey in lil jockey shorts. Prancing, I called it. Pete got a kick out of how my nostrils would flare when excited. Of course you can’t mention Pete Rose without citing all the records he held. On the downside, you can’t ignore all the records he broke. I think he tried to hold too many at once. Thank Jesus I had multiple copies of my Beatles records. Butterfingers!! He loved ‘em and dropped those too. Well, like I said, I’d bet on Pete any day. I also said I’m not much of a gambler. But that’s not a contradiction. Betting on Pete Rose is not much of a gamble.
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
9
MIN
Prentice and Duncan Mullins on bass, Tommy Hardin on drums and Catherine Marx on piano. What a sweet sound they make!
TURN IT UP! LOCAL MUSIC REVIEWS
By Toran S. Erickson MAX
TRACK 1, “She’s On Her Way To Florida In The T-Bird.” opens up with a good country dance number sporting a cool country instrumental backdrop. With quality string-picking and pleasant piano interludes paired with Bobby’s good old boy vocal, this is a tune that rocks country. TRACK 2, “Kind Of Place Toby Would Love” shares snippets of Toby’s lyrics with an old school country instrumental. With a good chorus, Toby, himself, might enjoy this one.
COUNTRY MUSIC LIVES ON Bobby Mackey
Bobby Mackey’s is a cute little honky tonk nestled in Wilder, Kentucky. Their motto is, “Where everything gets wilder in Wilder.” Catering to both young and old, this country music institution is home to Mr. Bobby Mackey and The Big Mack Band. Recently, Mackey was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame for his lifetime of serving up country music in its truest, purest form. He has released a new CD with the full intent and purpose of keeping country music, well…country. I hope you enjoy my review and get yourself some good old boot-stomping, line dancing, fiddle playing, guitar picking country!
TRACK 9, “Where Hank And His Left Off.” is a quick-paced audience participation number. Good rowdy fun! TRACK 10, “You Can’t Stop Love.” Every album contains one cliché, and for me, this was it. It was not my favorite track. The good news is that good CD’s have only one.
TRACK 3, “That Jones Boy Is Gone” is upbeat with plenty of boot-stomping beats to fill this tribute to George Jones. Subtle reference to everyone’s “Achy Breaky.”favorite, Billy Ray…Nice.
TRACK 11, “She Walks These Hills.” touts sophisticated strings with great storytelling lyrics. The instrumental accompaniment is thoroughly enjoyable. This would be a great flip side on a single as it leaves the listener smiling.
TRACK 4, “Song About Haggard.” is an old school, twangy instrumental with pleasant story telling lyrics that would make Mr. Haggard proud.
TRACK 12, “Poor Pearl, Poor Girl.” carries a strong instrumental backdrop with an interesting story piece. It made a unique ending to this artistic work.
TRACK 5, “Country Music Lives On.” is a little old-timey and could be a fan favorite. I definitely envisioned this one as a Soggy Bottom Boys tune. I loved the feel and it left me wanting more. Oh Brother Where Art Thou 2? Maybe an entire CD next time, Mr. Mackey.
Out of a Five Star rating system, I give this artistic work 5 Stars.
TRACK 6, “I Saw Jesus On The Wall.” It is not country without the Gospel and this one doesn’t disappoint. This song leaves the listener with plenty of food for thought, as it should.
Charming and twangalicious!
Country Music Lives On, written solely by Bobby Mackey and produced by Bobby Mackey and Danny Bailey for Shaunita Productions. Recorded at Red Brick Recording Studio Columbia, Kentucky. Engineered and mixed by Danny Bailey, all promos by RJ Promotions. This artistic work features the talented, instrumental musicianship of Kerry Marx on electric and baritone guitar, Pat Severs on steel, dobro and acoustic guitar, Glenn Duncan on acoustic, fiddle, mandolin and banjo, Mark
10
TRACK 7, “Will You Fly With Me.” is a musical walk down memory lane. Reminiscent of early Johnny Cash, this is a walk worth taking. TRACK 8, “Paycheck Was A Shove It Kind Of Guy.” is country storytelling at its best, an expression of the true heart of country.
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
I will be honest in saying that I did not expect to like this CD, let alone LOVE it. If you have been searching for old school country gold, this is it.
As always...Paying it forward, rocking it out.
THE
SPOTLIGHT
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
MARSHA MALLICOAT of Springdale, OH is featured as the CLASSX RADIO™ FAN SPOTLIGHT. Marsha learned about ClassX Radio™ after she saw friends posting about the station all over Facebook. She started listening in December 2012 and won tickets to see Signs of Life the first time she tuned in. Needless to say, she is addicted! Marsha says she “loves the style and groovy laid back feel of the station. ClassX™ has the class and the X factor covered! The music and people have helped me through some hard times in the past year.” Ms. Mallicoat listens to ClassX™ on EVERY device she owns! Online at www.classxradio.com, on the dial at 88.9 & 89.1 FM, and on her smart phone app. She attends ClassX™ sponsored benefits and shows on a regular basis, supports the station and interacts with the DJ’s and staff on Social Media. Marsha’s favorite album? Eighteen with a Bullet Favorite Band? Cheap Trick and Ghost Man on First (her son Logan is a member) She also loves local band, Lemon Sky. She and her soul mate, Leo, love spending time together and listening to ClassX™. Marsha will receive a ClassX™ FanatiX Pack, consisting of a station coffee mug, t-shirt, bumper sticker and a $20.00 gift certificate to Everybody’s Records!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE THE NEXT FANATIX? IT IS EASY TO WIN! LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGES, WE HAVE 3!
Join ClassX Radio, Like ClassX Radio™, and Like L VE™ Magazine… keep your radios tuned to 88.9 and 89.1 FM and interact with your favorite station personalities to be noticed and win! Thanks to A New Rooftime for sponsoring FanatiX. For all your roofing, attic insulation, or gutter needs visit their page at time2roof.com, or call for a free estimate, 513.753.8463
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
11
OUR
COVER STORY
By Wildman
That list of my favorite Reds opening day moments would include:
No city in America celebrates the beginning of the baseball season better than Cincinnati. It’s not even close. Oh, some cities have tried, but they fall short in comparison to Cincinnati’s welcoming back party for the Reds. The excitement starts early on March 31st. Opening Day, with a parade through the streets of Downtown Cincinnati. School children have been known to play hookie to attend the annual Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. The parade and the game should be on every sport rocker’s bucket list. The 2014 parade will be the second year in a row for 88.9 & 89.1 FM ClassX Radio™ to rock the streets of Cincinnati. When the ClassX™ parade float comes to a halt, I will then make the trek to Great American Ballpark to attend my 48th straight Reds opening day game! My 48 years ranks me number one among all radio, TV and print media for coverage of the most Reds opening day games. I have a seven year lead on Red’s Hall of Fame broadcaster, Marty Brennaman, who didn’t see his first opening day until 1974. I have attended Reds opening day games in all three ballparks: Crosley Field, Riverfront Stadium and Great American ballpark. In my 48 years I have endured all kinds of weather, from sunny blue skies, to rain, snow and frigid temperatures. My Reds opening day victory record stands at 27 wins, 19 losses and 1 tie. My streak began in 1966 when I attended the Reds/Dodgers game. Pete Rose was playing left field and went 1-3 with a run scored. Deron Johnson, Vada Pinson and Dick Simpson all went deep. Simpson’s homer was of the holy-cow variety, as it came as a pinch-hitter! Simpson was one of the 3 players the Reds got in return for trading hall of famer Frank Robinson in 1966, (to this day still one of the worst trades in Reds history). I am often asked, “Hey, Wildman, what are some of your favorite Reds baseball memories?”
12
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
APRIL 7, 1969 Reds lose to the Dodgers 3-2. Pete Rose and Bobby Tolan hit back to back homers in the first inning off hall of fame pitcher, Don Drysdale. Rose playing centerfield (that’s right) went 1-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Rose would go on to have his best offensive season, hitting a league leading .348 to win his second straight batting title, and hit a career high 16 homers with 82 RBI. APRIL 6, 1970 Reds 5 - Expos 1. This was last opening day game at Crosley Field and the first for new manager, Sparky Anderson. Pete Rose played in right field went 2-2 with a double and a triple, a run scored and a walk. Lee May, Bernie Carbo and Bobby Tolan all homered. April 4, 1974 Reds beat the Braves 7-6 in 11 innings. Hank Aaron in his first at bat against Jack Billingham cracked career homerun #714 to tie Babe Ruth on the all-time list. Pete Rose went 3-5 with 3 runs scored. April 7, 1975 Reds 2 - Dodgers 1 in 14 innings (there’s that number again). Pete Rose in left field went 2-5 with a run scored. George Foster, who would have a big impact for the Reds later in the season, had a pinch-hit RBI single.
Third-base umpire, Tom Hallion, had followed the ambulance to the hospital, leaving umpires Steve Rippley and Jerry Crawford to decide whether to proceed with the game. Shaken and tearful players on both teams consoled the grieving umpires, and ultimately it was decided that it would be best to postpone the game. Reds manager, Ray Knight, recalled a comment from shortstop, Barry Larkin: “Barry told me very quietly and with very much emotion: ‘Ray, I’ve had a lot of deaths in my family. In good conscience, out of respect for life, I can’t go out there.’” Cincinnati Reds owner, Marge Schott, was quoted as having said, “Snow this morning and now this. I don’t believe it. I feel cheated. This isn’t supposed to happen to us, not in Cincinnati. This is our history, our tradition, our team. Nobody feels worse than me.” April 8, 1976 Reds 11 - Astros 5, Pete Rose playing third base hit 3-5 with 2 RBI. Tony Perez went 2-4 with 4 RBIs. April 2, 1984 Reds 8 - Mets 1. This was the first Reds opening day game I covered for WEBN radio. Mario Soto tossed a complete game, 7 hitter, striking out 12.
The Reds and Expos did play the following day. The Reds defeating Montreal 4-1. April 1, 2002 Reds 5 - Cubs 4. The last Reds opening day game at Riverfront stadium. Todd Walker 3-4, a homerun and 2 runs scored.
March 31, 2003 Pirates 10 - Reds 1. The first Reds opening day game at Great American ball park. Sport bar trivia question; win a free beer from your buddies with this tidbit! Who had the first homerun and who got the first hit at GABP? Former Red, Reggie Sanders, smacked the first round tripper at GABP. Ken Griffey Jr. had the first hit at GABP, a single. April 4, 2005 Reds 7 - Mets 6. Joe Randa hit the first walk-off homerun in Reds opening day history. Adam Dunn belted 2 homeruns and drove in 5 runs. March 31, 2014, (there’s that number again), Reds/ Cardinals, my 48th straight opening day! What can we look forward to? Time will tell! I will see you at opening day. Give me a shout-out during the Findlay Market Parade when I pass you by and remember; Play Ball!
Share your opening day memories, talk sport, or make a request for your favorite rock tune with the Wildman, weekdays on 88.9 & 89.1 FM, ClassX Radio™
April 8, 1985 Reds 4 - Expos 1. This was the first opening day game for Pete Rose as Reds manager. Rose playing first base went 2-3 with 3 RBIs. Pete Rose’s opening day managerial record is a perfect 5 wins, no losses! April 1, 1996 Marge Schott makes national headlines. A sad day, on April 1, 1996, the Reds were playing the Montreal Expos, and McSherry was assigned to work home plate. Seven pitches into the game, McSherry called a timeout, spoke briefly to Reds catcher Eddie Taubensee, and walked slowly towards the Reds’ dugout. Moments after signaling for the second base umpire to come in and replace him, McSherry stumbled and collapsed. Resuscitative efforts were begun on McSherry and he was taken to University hospital in Cincinnati, but he was pronounced dead within the hour. He was 51 years old. 88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
13
JIM SHOE
IS COMING TO ROCK THIS
Photos by Mick Chandler
Looking for a fun and free weekend activity? Then make plans to spend time at Bechtold Park for the 22nd annual Festival in Sycamore. The free event will be held on July 11th and 12th, from 6:00 P.M. to Midnight, at 4312 Sycamore Road, 45236. The Festival will feature great music, a wide variety of food and drink booths and plenty of rides and games for kids. Admission and parking are FREE! The festival has become well known for booking the best classic rock bands year in and year out, but this year long-time festival helmsman, Mike Mckeown, may have outdone even himself. Friday night will feature BOSTON former lead singer, Fran Cosmo, along with his very talented guitarist (and son), Anton Cosmo. The five piece band performs the entire Boston catalog of hits in true note-for-note fashion; driving fans wild on a hot summer night under the stars! Saturday night boasts a double bill with two longtime township trustee’s favorites, AMBROSIA and The GUESS WHO, led by original members Garry Peterson (Drums) and Jim Kale (Bass, Vocals).
14
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
Photos by Mick Chandler
The Guess Who remain a staple on rock radio stations like 88.9 & 89.1 FM ClassX™, where hits like, ‘Clap For the Wolfman’ and ‘Share the Land’ can be heard on a regular basis. The classic ‘American Woman’ (with the B-side ‘No Sugar Tonight’) went straight to # 1 when first released, earning The Guess Who the honor of being the first Canadian group to crack the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The band has remained a fan favorite ever since, and the songs are a staple of their live shows. Derek Sharp has been the group’s lead singer since 2006, and enjoys fronting
Photos by Mick Chandler
the classic band, but deciding to join up full time was not an easy decision to make, “I had a full plate. My wife (singer SASS JORDAN) is such a powerful performer. It’s a treat to perform with her. I miss it when I can’t be there like I want.” The Guess Who has become renowned for their live performances (regularly performing for over 10,000 fans). Using a double guitar attack by singer, Derek Sharp, and lead guitarist, Laurie MacKenzie, the band runs through their hits in almost perfect note for note recreations of the records. A typical concert crowd will have boomers singing along to the hits, side by side with teenagers, who have been introduced to the band from games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. “Oh yeah,” said singer Derek Sharp,” the songs are being rediscovered all the time, it’s amazing how many young faces are there, and by the last 30 minutes of the show, they are right up against the stage.” The show features all the songs the crowd has come out to hear, plus some new treats. The band has been rehearsing a new CD and has promised to preview a couple in Cincinnati. Derek knows how to entertain and deliver the hits the crowd wants, especially the ladies. “When we do ‘These Eyes’, it’s absolutely magical,” he said“, the crowd sings along word for word, ladies start crying, hopefully it’s not ‘cause I’m out of tune!” he laughed. “And when the guitar line from ‘No Time’ starts up, you see the whole crowd whip out their air guitars and jam with us. It’s incredible, it gets us excited, so we ramp up, the crowd gets going even more, you hafta be there to feel it!” The group remains gracious, staying late after shows to have a word, sign an autograph and pose for a Facebook picture with their fans. “I personally love the chance to meet and have a word with people after the show,’ Sharp said, “Jim, Garry and everyone in The Guess Who are really just genuine and solid people who love what they do. We’re looking forward to coming back there to play; it really is one of our favorite spots!”
DID YOU KNOW?
Record collectors and hard-core fans alike chase the holy grail of Guess Who records, an album called “A Wild Pair”. Released as a split Lp in the late 60’s, it featured The Guess Who on side one and The Staccatos (soon to become The Five Man Electrical Band) on side two. The album was only available for purchase via mail order for the price of 10 Coca Cola bottle caps and $1 (to cover shipping expenses)!
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
15
THE
BLOND BOMBSHELL
By Missy WareShoemaker Winter is finally over and it is time to start looking forward to festival season! Beginning in May, and continuing through the fall, one can have their pick of a plethora of fests nearly every weekend. A favorite of ClassX Radio™, The Festival in Sycamore, continues to deliver a rocking weekend every year. What started out over twenty years ago as a community picnic with 300500 in attendance, has grown into a two-day event drawing crowds from the entire tri-state. Park director, Mike McKeown, has been a part of the festival since its humble beginnings twenty two years ago. At that time he was a member of the band, The Gamut, who are still going strong today. The local Cincinnati band played the festival the first two years along with other local area acts. Mr. McKeown was provided with the opportunity to come on as Park Director and he accepted. When asked by the committee what he would do to improve the festival, his response was “Bring in national acts”. The first national act to play the fest was the Box Tops.
Mike remembers persuading the committee to bring in Little Feat and this drew the festival’s first big crowd. Year after year, the festival continued to deliver with bands like Grand Funk, Pure Prairie League, Poco, The Guess Who and many more. Last year, with the help of Rick Warner and RWA tickets, the festival drew a record breaking crowd. Nearly 13,000 fans spread across the field for the band, America. The second largest crowd was for the Guess Who, with an estimated 11,000 people in attendance. It’s not only the national acts that draw fans for this festival though. Local bands still rock out and get the crowd primed for the night. Among those who have performed: DV8 and The Refranes. Mike’s son, Andy Mckeown, is a member of The Refranes, carrying on his father’s love for music. The festival has a good track record with the ever changing weather conditions in the area. Only two shows have been stopped early. Blue Oyster Cult…the band had just started “Don’t Fear the Reaper” when dark ominous clouds produced severe thunderstorms
WHERE: Bechtold Park 4312 Sycamore Road Cincinnati Oh 45236
BRING A BLANKET OR LAWN CHAIR
WHEN: July 11th and July 12th, 2014 with Boston former lead singer Fran Cosmo and Anton Cosmo on Friday/The Guess Who and Ambrosia on Saturday
COST: Concert is FREE. A wristband can be purchased for five dollars and children can “RIDE FOR FIVE” all day. Vendors and food booths accept cash
PARKING: On-Site
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.sycamoretownship.org
NO PETS AND NO COOLERS
16
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
and they were asked to leave the stage for safety. The other was Poco and Pure Prairie League, which ended early with two inches of rain pouring down. After 22 years of service, Mr. Mckeown is deservedly retiring from his fulltime position as Park Director, but will continue on part-time and will be involved in the planning of The Festival in Sycamore.
Check out these FESTS! MAIFEST MAY 16TH-18TH 2014 COVINGTON KY Maifest is the first major outdoor festival of the year! In its 35th year, this festival always draws a huge crowd. German food, beers, wine and over 70 arts and crafts vendors. Entertainment from German bands, rock and country. www.mainstrasse.org OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI SEPTEMBER 19TH - 21ST 2014 Covers six blocks of Fifth Street from Vine to Sentinel Downtown Cincinnati Largest Oktoberfest celebration in the country. Food, Beer, wine and seven stages of entertainment www.Oktoberfestzinzinnati.com MERCHANTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 27TH 2014: 2-11PM TOWER PARK FORT THOMAS KY Merchants, vendors, wine tent, and entertainment: Trick Pony www.merchantsandmusic.com NAVY BEAN FALL FESTIVAL OCTOBER 10TH - 11TH 2014 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN RISING SUN IN Navy bean soup, cornbread, rides, parade, and entertainment. www.enjoyrisingsun.com
Cincinnati has always been known in the music industry as a must stop tour destination. While things got a little sketchy in 1980, (The Who Concert Dec, 79), we quickly reclaimed our place on rock bands’ tour itineraries. In 2013, music fans had the chance to see 219 national acts play the tri-state, and it looks like 2014 is on pace to equal if not exceed that number! So how can music lovers hope to sort out which shows are playing when and where and which shows they can see (and afford)? 88.9 & 89.1 FM, ClassX Radio™, has a show dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the concerts coming to town. Tune-in on Fridays between 10AM-3PM to the Concert Con-X-tion, to discover the when and the where, and maybe score free tickets and meet and greet passes, too!
This year, these shows are the top picks to mark on your planners to attend. Why? Because they are FREE! Red, White and Blue-Ash has Midnight Special and Cheap Trick on, 7-4. The Festival in Sycamore brings Fran and Anton Cosmo, formerly of Boston, on Friday 7-11 and Ambrosia and The Guess Who play Saturday 7-12. Taste of Blue Ash has The Charlie Daniels Band on Friday August, 22nd, and Michael McDonald along with TOTO on Saturday August 23rd. Labor Day weekend will rock with NIGHTRANGER on Saturday night at the Saint Cecelia Festival in Independence Ky. The Lawrenceburg Fall Festival takes place on the third weekend in September every year, and features two days filled with national acts. Last year on just their Saturday alone, they had Richie Furay, Dave Mason, Burton Cummings, The Outlaws and Dickie Betts! Merchants and Music Festival’ in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, also throws a free concert with a country flair on the third Saturday in September. This year they have; Frankie Ballard, Trick Pony, and Dustin Lynch. The end of the outdoor free show season wraps up in Rising Sun, Indiana, with their annual Bean Fest on October 10th and 11th. In the past, Foghat, Grand Funk Railroad, Mark Farner and Poco have all performed free shows!
Join The BBS - Missy Shoemaker, along with Jim Shoe every Friday between 10-3, on the Concert Con-X-tion show at 88.9 & 89.1 FM to find out who is playing where! 88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
17
JACK WILLIAMS
ROCK AFICIONADO ‘Let’s
PLEASED TO MEET YOU…
Spend the Night Together,’
beckoned Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones lead singer. ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand,’ crooned Paul McCartney from the Beatles. It was the Sixties and the British Invasion had begun in earnest on the young and impressionable ears of America’s screaming youth. British music helped to establish a higher standard of what rock music would become; influencing millions of fans along the way. The Stones and The Beatles led the invasion then and if further validation of their impact were needed; are still viable bands today, in an industry that all too often first elevates and then forgets its own. On Saturday May 31st, at Covington’s answer to England’s Royal Albert Hall, The Madison Theater, in an 88.9 & 89.1 FM ClassX Radio™ sponsored event, two tri-state area tribute bands TUMBLING DICE and The Sweet Beats, will entertain and dazzle your senses recreating the sights and sounds of the Beatles and The Rolling Stones! Both bands will perform together on one stage, face to face. “It’s a music battle where we ask you the audience; are the winners The Beatles, or is it the Rolling Stones? It’s a musical. They’re amazing, fantastic… what can I say? They’re fab,” says Guy McFadden, organizer of the Battle for the Ages, as he describes The Sweet Beats, the Beatles tribute band. “They are squeaky clean, they dress like the Beatles and speak like the Beatles; onstage they become the Beatles.” A sly grin comes across his face, “then
18
there’s Tumbling Dice.” The 5-piece ensemble band re-creates the notorious bad boys from London, the Rolling Stones. “We’re not squeaky clean; we represent the other side of rock.” McFadden quipped with a Jagger-like sneer. “We don’t look like the Stones, well Denny looks and dresses like Keith…” Dennis ‘The Baron’ Lyons, is the spitting image of Keith Richards, and musical director of the band. “I got into the Rolling Stones around the time the Love You Live Album was released,” said Dennis. “I was 14, and the guitar sound coming from the speakers stood out. Then with the release of the Some Girls album, I began to play the guitar. To learn Keith’s guitar, I kept lifting the needle on my record player and replaying the guitar parts again and again. Back then, sheet music wasn’t as available as it is today. I made it my business to learn the guitar I was hearing. It spoke to me.” Dave Strehle, who covers Bill Wyman’s bass, is a longtime friend of Lyons. They play together in other bands as well. “I was at home. The phone rang, it was Dennis. He says to me, ‘I’ve got something I want to talk to you about.’ He thought it a good idea for me to join the band”. “I wanted Dave in Tumbling Dice. When Dave joined, things began to gel in a way that they weren’t prior.” Guy McFadden created Tumbling Mick Jagger’s singing and swagger. the songs Tumbling Dice performs, it would be “Midnight Rambler.”
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
Dice and provides unique renditions of the A musician in his own right, Guy says of all if he had to narrow it down to one favorite, In addition to table dancing, Guy lends his
“We’re not squeaky clean; we represent the other side of rock.” Guy McFadden
harmonica talents to the tune. “It’s our Blues Opera. Battle for the Ages grew out of the idea of a Showcase repertoire of many acts appearing on one stage. I was watching a Motown Special, and the Four Tops were squaring off against the Temptations, on stage together, song to song. That’s where the idea originated.” The respect these bands have for each other comes out in their music onstage. Strehle added, “We capture some of the essence and passion. The urgency or message the Stones put out. I think we bring that to the stage when we perform.” Pointing over to Dennis (Keith), Strehle said, “Any Rolling Stones tribute band in this country, on this planet, would be lucky to have him as part of their act.” McFadden added, “It’s an organized event, but it allows for the spontaneous combustion that occurs when Tumbling Dice roll. Where else are you going to see the likes of Mick Jagger & Paul McCartney on stage singing back-up on Keith’s tune, “Happy”?” Members of Tumbling Dice recently released an original song entitled, “So Wrong,” by The Lyons-McFadden project. The single has been added on ClassX Radio™, much to the joy of its creators. Guy wrote the lyrics, Dennis wrote the music, and the band recorded it. “Me? I’m floored by the attention it’s receiving,” said McFadden, who also mentioned more singles being on their way. “Bill Spry (ClassX™ President and recent winner of the New Music Awards-College/Non Commercial Program Director of the Year in for 2012 and again this year for 2014) is a beacon of light for local musicians. Bill is amazing and his decision to add us to the rotation is humbling really.” Guy also explained it was Jim Shoe and Missy Shoemaker from the Friday Concert Con-X-tion, who first discovered his tune. “They are wonderful people and have a genuine love and interest in supporting local musicians who just want a chance to be heard. People have no clue how many bands they are helping to land gigs and get attention,” McFadden gave a heartfelt, “Thank you ClassX™.” ClassX™ features local musicians on their regular format in HOT ROTATION across the all of their playlists and has two shows that feature local music in special showcases. A rare occurrence in today’s same ole-same ole, FM-music waste land, “We must be doing something right, “Bill Spry, P.D. of the Year laughed, “I mean just recently, three of our competitors have been forced to at least pretend they are interested in local music too.” We went from being the only outlet for locals when it comes to airplay, to having these copy-kats now saying they want to play them too.” Spry does not seemed concerned by the others copying his programming ideas and concepts. “No, I’m not at all,” he sighed, “I support local artists, always have
and always will. So on one hand, I am happy there are more opportunities for them to be heard on the air, but I am suspicious, that it won’t last down the dial.” To enjoy hours of classic rock mixed with exciting new music from local artists, be sure to tune into 88.9 & 89.1 FM, or stream online at www.classxradio.com. Make plans to be at the party that is The Battles of the Bands, Tumbling Dice vs. The Sweet Beats, on May 31st. See you at the show! The May 31st gig marks the 1 anniversary of the Battle for the Ages. Go to their website to learn more: www.battlefortheages.com. st
Learn more about Tumbling Dice at www.tumblindicerox.com and the Sweet Beats at www.sweetbeats.com. Visit the ClassX Radio™ Facebook pages (there are 2!) for all the details about the battle and to keep up to date with Bill Spry’s next big announcement.
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
19
ON THE ROAD WITH
RAMBLING ROSE
By Rose Reilly It wouldn’t be Reds Opening Day in Cincinnati without the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade! The 95th annual parade will liven up the streets of downtown Cincinnati March 31st. This year’s grand Marshal will be none other than former Red, Davey Concepcion. This shortstop great spent his 19-year baseball career with the Reds from 1970-1988, earning five gold glove awards. Concepcion was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000 and his number 13 jersey was retired by the Cincinnati Reds in 2007. The first Reds Opening Day parade was held in 1890. Findlay Market made its first appearance on the parade route in 1920, and its merchants organize the parade to this day. Opening Day is so widely celebrated in the tri-state, that there is currently a petition to declare
20
Opening Day a national holiday. With all the Reds fans who call off sick each year to join in the festivities, we might as well make it a legitimate day off!
“It’s a holiday… a baseball holiday! Ain’t no other place in America got that!” Sparky Anderson
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
“The Findlay Market Parade is Opening Day! Without the parade, it just wouldn’t be Opening Day!” Former Reds Owner, Marge Schott
ADVERTISE IN THE
SAVE!
AND
1/2 1/4 1/8 PAGE PAGE PAGE LOW AS
LOW AS
$180
$149 PER MONTH
PER MONTH
LOW AS
$325
PER MONTH
FULL$600 PAGE LOW AS
ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE 3-6 DAILY 15 SECOND MENTIONS ON
PER MONTH
IN CINCINNATI AND NKY
classxradio.com 88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
21
Advertise in this section for as low as $100 per month and receive radio spots for FREE! Nowhere else can you get both print and radio for such a low price!
22
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
88.9/89.1 FM • WWW.CLASSXRADIO.COM • THE NEW BREED OF ROCK
23