Turning the Page...

We close the book on 2012 and open the first pages of 2013. If you wish to do so to the soundtrack of live local music, numerous opportunities abound during this New Year’s holiday weekend and week.

In noteworthy shows prior to New Year’s Eve, Altoona-based progressive hard rockers Lies, Inc. return to the live stage after a several-month hiatus this Friday night at Aldo’s in Altoona, as half of a double bill with Black Sun. The show will mark the official debut of the group’s new guitarist, Nate Nagle.

And Buffalo, New York classic rocking favorites The Ozone Rangers will make their first Altoona appearance in many moons this Saturday night at Pellegrine’s. The Ozone Rangers were a longtime mainstay on Altoona area stages from the late 1980s through 1990s, and have long been known for their ZZ Top tribute.

Again, State College will host the annual First Night celebration throughout the day and evening Monday. See the First Night website link elsewhere on this page for the complete entertainment schedule.

Numerous live music events will take place Monday night, including the three-band party at the Altoona Ramada featuring Felix & the Hurricanes, Without Zerb and kBand in three separate rooms.

Of course, if you plan on doing any heavy-duty celebrating this New Year’s holiday weekend, please designate a driver or call a cab. The “Take A Cab, We’ll Pay the Tab” program will again be in effect from 9 p.m. Monday night until 2 a.m. Tuesday morning. Those who have had too much to drink may call 947-6805 for a free cab ride home during that time period.

And if you are into New Year’s resolutions, consider resolving to show your support for local live music in 2013. Your support at live band events helps to guarantee that they continue to happen in our area, and that musicians and bands continue to have shows to play on weekends, rather than sitting at home on a Saturday night.

Here is a full listing for live music on area stages this weekend and the coming week:

FRIDAY NIGHT:

Stephen Johnopolos at Raphael’s Steakhouse, Altoona (starts 6:30 p.m.)

Black Sun and Lies, Inc. at Aldo’s, Altoona

Lucky You at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

A.X.E. at Pellegrine’s, Altoona

Scott Mangene at Champs Sports Grill, Altoona (starts 9:30 p.m.)

Ground Crew at Underdogs, Bellwood (starts 7 p.m.)

Bodacious B at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob Ski Resort

Dakota at Magoo’s, Cresson

The Sitch at Jay’s Place, Ebensburg

SATURDAY NIGHT:

AnEmergencyScene presents Paper States, On The Run, Seas We Fear to Sail, A Faster Ride, Godfrey Lane, Lone Wolf and more at Archway Center, Altoona (all ages, starts 5 p.m.)

Stephen Johnopolos at Raphael’s Steakhouse, Altoona (starts 6:30 p.m.)

Flight 19 at Belmar Hotel, Altoona - CANCELLED

The Boomers at Family Pizza, Altoona

The Ozone Rangers and Left For Dead at Pellegrine’s, Altoona

Green Eggs at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

Born & the Beanstalk at Shaw’s Bar, Altoona

Inside Out (ex-Kyx members) at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob Ski Resort

Sunset Strip at Glenn’s Place, Claysburg

Washington Slept Here at Schellsburg VFW, Schellsburg

Been There Done That at Castle Pub, Ebensburg

Ghost Town Revelry at Yesterday’s Party, Ebensburg

Tom “Ying” Yannitelli at Madhatters, St. Boniface

SUNDAY NIGHT:

Felix & the Hurricanes at Shaw’s Bar, Altoona

Ty & Matt at 4D’s Lounge (upstairs), Altoona

Chris Vipond & the Stanley Street Band at Belmar Hotel, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)

MONDAY (NEW YEAR’S EVE):

First Night, State College (see website link elsewhere on this page for details)

MONDAY NIGHT (NEW YEAR’S EVE):

The Hope Fallacy at 4D’s Lounge

Felix & the Hurricanes, Without Zerb and kBand at Ramada Inn, Altoona

Half Tempted at Unter Uns, Altoona

Yesterday’s Classics at Heidelberg Country Club, Altoona (members and guests, starts 9 p.m.)

Flood City Brass at Jaffa Shrine, Altoona (doors open 8:30 p.m.)

White Shadow at Bellwood Eagles, Bellwood (members and guests, starts 9 p.m.)

DD & the Pub Crawlers at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob Ski Resort

The Backyard Rockers at Mug Shots, Gallitzin

Hot Wax at Oriental Ballroom, Gallitzin

Locked and Loaded at Sokols Club, Lilly

hot damn at Magoo’s, Cresson

The Fabulous Flashbacks at Cassandra Social Hall, Cassandra (starts 10 p.m.)

Sunset Strip at Yesterday’s Party, Ebensburg

Fuse at Nanty Glo Firehall, Nanty Glo

Dakota at Schellsburg VFW, Schellsburg

Fueled By Ignorance (F.B.I.) at Bedford Moose, Bedford

TUESDAY NIGHT:

Ty Ayers (acoustic) at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:

Black Mask, With Increase, Axis, Coastlines and more at Pellegrine's, Altoona (all ages, starts 6 p.m.)

7th Gear at 4D’s Lounge (upstairs), Altoona

Open Mic/Jam Night at Mugshotz, Gallitzin (starts 8 p.m.)

THURSDAY NIGHT:

Steve Summerhill at Jethro’s, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)

Felix & the Hurricanes at Pellegrine’s, 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.