New Bands for Easter Weekend!

Two alumni from prominent area ‘90s rockers Stix and Stones reunite onstage in their new band project this weekend. Singer/guitarist Morgan James and drummer Jamie Kmett are resurfacing in Toast, which will make its debut Saturday night at Jay’s Place (formerly the Lakeview Motel) in Ebensburg. Joining James and Kmett in this new endeavor are Angelo Pompa and Denny Lloyd. The show begins at 9:30 p.m.

A new Johnstown trio specializing in the music of the 1990s will arrive on the stage at Altoona’s Eldolyn Terrace this Saturday night. That 90s Band features guitarist Mel Deneen, bassist Scott Allan and drummer Ken Deater; all three sing. The group will perform a variety of ‘90s sounds spanning pop, punk and grunge rock.

And for fans missing popular Altoona area modern pop rockers The Hope Fallacy after they bid farewell in January, one of the group’s former members, singer and guitarist Eric McCrum, returns to the stage of Aldo’s in Juniata this Friday night in a new project he has formed with Jake Makin, called Makin Mc Crum. McCrum promises good times with the new endeavor.

For anybody who missed their debut last month, Philadelphia party rockers The Next – featuring former American Idol finalist Tyler Grady – returns to Altoona’s 4D’s Lounge this Friday night. As anybody who attended their Dees debut can attest, The Next puts on an exciting, airtight, high-quality performance; highlighted by Grady’s clear and soaring voice, renowned drummer Anthony Baker’s precision beats, and a unique light show that gives the presentation almost a live studio television show vibe. The Next’s set list contains something for just about everyone, spanning the Isley Brothers’ “Twist and Shout” to ‘80s hits like Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and Guns N’Roses’ “Sweet Child O’Mine,” to present-day hits by Lady GaGa, Foster The People, Kings Of Leon and more.

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

FRIDAY NIGHT:

The Next at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

kBand at Pellegrine’s, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)

Makin Mc Crum at Aldo’s, Altoona

Jim Zemlock at Castle Pub, Ebensburg (starts 6 p.m.)

Highway Divide at Thirsty Dawg Taverne, Patton (starts 9 p.m.)

Felix & the Hurricanes at Iron Horse Tavern, Gallitzin

Sin at The Arena, State College

SATURDAY NIGHT:

Blameshift and It Is Written at Club Squared, Philipsburg (all ages, starts 7 p.m.)

Worthless Now, Xs For Eyes, Drain the Sorrow and Railroad City Murder Machines at Aldo’s, Altoona

Half Tempted at Family Pizza, Altoona

Johnny Danger at Pellegrine’s, Altoona

Hello, Vixen at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

Chris Vipond & the Stanley Street Band at Belmar Hotel, Altoona

Buck Dickson and the Felons at Buccinese Club, Altoona

Flight 19 at Champs Sports Bar, Altoona

That ‘90s Band at Eldolyn Terrace, Altoona (starts 9:30 p.m.)

One Brick Shy at Glenn’s Place, Claysburg

Full Throttle at Blue Moon Saloon, Cresson

Sunset Strip at Magoo’s, Cresson

The Jam at Kelce’s Bar, Philipsburg

Never Enough at Madhatters, St. Boniface

Giants Of Science at Yesterday’s Party, Ebensburg

Without Zerb at Castle Pub, Ebensburg

Toast at Jay’s Place, Ebensburg (starts 9:30 p.m.)

John Stiffler at City Hotel, Northern Cambria

Hi-Tyde at Bakerton Inn, Bakerton

The Conniptions at Our Place Pizza & Pub, Colver

SUNDAY NIGHT:

Sunset Strip at Pellegrine’s, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)

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.