An American Idol Finalist In Town This Weekend!

Some readers have probably entertained the desire to someday go to Hollywood and perform on American Idol. This Friday night, a former American Idol contestant comes to Altoona to perform.

The Next, a Philadelphia-based band featuring American Idol season 9 Top 24 finalist Tyler Grady, will perform at the 4D’s Lounge. Grady plays guitar and some drums; and shares lead singing duties with bassist Joe Berndt and guitarist/keyboardist Jordan Demarest. Anthony Baker, who has won drumming awards nationally, provides the beats. The Next started their journey on stages in January; Grady previously performed with the band Wailing Waters.

A few other noteworthy bands are making their first visits to area stages this weekend as well. Pittsburgh-based hard modern rockers Identity X will arrive on the stage at Glenn’s Place in Claysburg on Saturday night. Fresh off showcasing at last month’s 16th annual Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg, Identity X brings a bristling, action-packed performance to the stage, with a powerful sound that infuses elements of punk, industrial and hip-hop. Formed in 2003, the group cites Incubus and Shinedown among their influences, and will perform songs from their 2009 debut CD “Perception Is Reality” plus other material.

If brassy blues, soul and jazz is more your flavor, the Blue Moon Saloon in Cresson presents Johnstown-based ensemble The Groove Gathering this Saturday night. Eight members strong with two-piece horn section, The Groove Gathering will get the funk out with a wide variety of material, spanning Herbie Hancock to Jaco Pastorius to Frank Zappa and more. This group’s roster features longtime Johnstown area bass man Scott Jeffreys, versatile area drum master Domenick Peruso, T.K. Mundok on vocals and harmonica, Rebecca Mundok on backing vocals, Joe Tirpak on guitar, Steven Azami on keys, and the horn section of sax player Greg Maiocco and trumpeter Josh Hillard.

Making their first Altoona incursion on the stage of 30 Something this Saturday night will be State College’s SIN, a foursome featuring former members of Voodoo Bullet, Unchained, Midian and Blackseed. SIN will blend groove-based hard-rocking original songs with select cover material spanning the ‘80s to present.

Helping close out the weekend will be a benefit show at Pellegrine’s this Sunday night to help out cancer patient John Twoey. The benefit will start at 5 p.m. and feature performances from four bands: Mr. Dasch & Harmonica Dave with The Professor, Limited Slip, Thrown Together, and the first Pellegrine’s appearance by Bad Daze since former The Zoo frontman Tim Howsare took over the group’s lead singing duties at the end of last year. Donation is $5 at the door.

Here is the listing for live music on area stages this weekend:

FRIDAY NIGHT:

The Next at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

On The Run at Aldo’s, Altoona

Adam D at Pellegrine’s, Altoona

Felix & the Hurricanes at the Iron Horse Bar & Grill, Gallitzin

SATURDAY NIGHT:

Black Sun, Samara and Assault Method at Aldo’s, Altoona

SIN at 30 Something, Altoona

The House Band at Family Pizza, Altoona

Half Tempted at Shaw’s Bar, Altoona

All Natural at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

Flight 19 at Belmar Hotel, Altoona

Identity X at Glenn’s Place, Claysburg

One Brick Shy at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob Ski Resort

The Groove Gathering at Blue Moon Saloon, Cresson

Giants Of Science at Yesterday’s Party, Ebensburg

The Jam at Castle Pub, Ebensburg

Punk Fiction at Sankertown VFW, Sankertown

Bad Daze at Woody’s BBQ, Huntingdon

Ganister at City Hotel, Northern Cambria

SUNDAY AFTERNOON/NIGHT:

John Twoey Benefit with Mr. Dasch & Harmonica Dave with The Professor, Limited Slip, Thrown Together and Bad Daze at Pellegrine’s, Altoona (starts 5 p.m., donation $5)

Felix & the Hurricanes at Shaw’s Bar, Altoona

(More shows may be added to this list as information becomes available. Feel free to check back.)

To report additional shows or corrections to this listing, email information to jptheprofessor@gmail.com.