Erie Music History Podcast
83 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 19 ratingsThe Erie Music History (EMH) podcast focuses on interviews with local musicians who actively played out in venues in and around Erie, PA in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Its purpose is to highlight some of the vast musical talent that Erie had to offer during this time and to allow the musicians to share their stories of playing back then. Hosted by local musician Chip Schell, the author of “9 Years Of Rock: The Story Of The Concerts At The Erie County Fieldhouse,” the EMH podcast does not cover the current Erie music scene. The choice of guest also does not imply some type of ranking of who was better or more important during this period; Chip simply chooses guests based on who he wants to interview. His goal is to include musicians who played covers and originals in a variety of styles (e.g., rock, punk, country).
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Episodes
030: Marty Lee
July 10, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 37.2 MBBefore Marty Lee — or Hoenes — joined Donnie Iris & The Cruisers, he played in multiple Erie bands such as Red, White, and Blueberry; Reel to Reel; The Fabulous Nobodies; and The Pulse. I interviewed Marty years ago for my book on the Erie County Fieldhouse and a subsequent blog I wrote in 2015. Each time, he’s been super accommodating and patient with me, and I appreciate him taking the time to chat with me. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podca...
029: Barry King
July 01, 2022 20:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBWhen Barry King moved to Erie in the early 1970s, he almost immediately starting playing in bands like Sky’s The Limit and any others he could get involved with. He loves the Blues, but he’s played plenty of R&B and classic rock over the years, sometimes playing 52 weeks a year. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The goal of the foundation is to provide education scholarships to grade school-age children as well as annual giving to local o...
028: Keith Veshecco
June 25, 2022 23:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBThis is a special episode dedicated to a musician who touched the lives of so many other musicians and music lovers alike in Erie during the 1970s and 1980s. Keith Veshecco is frequently mentioned on this podcast by various guests who knew him as a band mate, teacher, studio owner, or just a friend. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this episode. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The goal of the foundation is to provide education s...
027: Tony Ferrara
June 12, 2022 12:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBNot many Erie musicians can say they played 32 days straight ... at the same venue! But Tony Ferrara can. He a veteran of bigger bands that played top 40 music predominately at hotel lounges — bands like Skylift and The Moonlighters. Today he plays guitar in The Groove, and in this episode he shares what led him to join these kinds of bands as well as some strange and funny moments while on the road. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The...
026: Mike & Marie Miller
June 04, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBAlthough Mike and Marie Miller knew each other in middle school, they didn't end up playing together until each had been in multiple music acts many years later. They each discuss their musical journeys, with Marie playing in a traveling lounge act while Mike played in rock and country bands primarily in the Erie area. Find more info on them at these links: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandmarieacoustics https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxMjRKALZ96CjnukBl1qBEA https://www.acousticearcandy.c...
025: Bob Burger
May 28, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 35.2 MBThrough bands like Kelly's Cellar, Eddie C & The Bees, The Cows, and The Fabulous Nobodies, Bob Burger was a staple of the Erie music scene in the 1970s. Then, with The Pulse, Burger and his band mates had radio hits with "You Want To Know Why" and "Little Bit 'o Soul." Since leaving Erie in the early 1980s, he has continued to play and record, and since 2012 has played in the popular Beatles-inspired band, The Weeklings. Find more info on Bob at www.BobBurger.com The Weeklings "The Domino ...
024: Derf Hopsecger
May 21, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 52.4 MBFrom clarinet, to guitar, to piano, to bass, Derf Hopsecger has tried them all, although most people in town know him as a piano or bass player. Since his early teens, Derf has been playing live in bands such as The Image and Silverlight, and over the years he has turned into the go-to guy if you need a bass player in a pinch. Today he's still very active in music, and plays bass for the Fabulous Leftovers. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcas...
023: Dennis Henderson
May 15, 2022 01:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBFrom funk, to R&B, to rock and gospel, bassist Dennis Henderson has played in a bunch of bands over the years, including his current one, The Legend Band, which has been around, off and on, since the 1970s. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The goal of the foundation is to provide education scholarships to grade school-age children as well as annual giving to local organizations and charities. The foundation also has a large hall that hos...
022: Marty Coe
May 07, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBOne of the founding members of Friction, Marty Coe talks about what it was like to play in one of Erie's most popular and successful rock bands of the 1980s and how the band came so close to signing that big contract. Check out Marty's YouTube channels: Let's Talk About Friction Coe-Vid Outstanding! Rock Guy O.R.G. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The goal of the foundation is to provide education scholarships to grade school-age chi...
021: Jon Ims
April 10, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 39.5 MBAfter acting as a fill-in singer for various Erie bands like The Calientes and the Arkay IV, Jon Ims eventually joined CJ Bri. He later would leave Erie and go onto a successful songwriting career in Nashville for artists such as Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, and the Dixie Chicks. He talks about those early formative years in Erie; going on the road for 10 years opening for the likes of ZZ Top, Richie Havens, and Randy newman (among many others); and eventually teaching songwriting in Nash...
020 Jamie Shaw
April 02, 2022 00:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBFrom Satin Steel to ...The O'Needers? Jamie Shaw is our guest this week, and he talks about playing guitar in the 1980s in popular metal band Satin Steel, which even played a gig at the world-renowned Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA. Jamie played in more than just Satin Steel, though, and he talks about how he even transitioned to playing drums in the The O'Needers for the last 13 years. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The goal of the f...
019: John Mazza
March 27, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBAs co-owner of Twang Recording Studio (TRS), John Mazza met and recorded countless Erie musicians from the 1970s to the mid 1990s. John talks about the evolution of the studio, his friendship with business partner Keith Veshecco, and some of his most memorable recording sessions. Be sure to check out the episode page on the website where you'll find some previously unreleased tracks from a project Keith was working on before he passed away. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsori...
018: Greg Palmer
March 19, 2022 17:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBGreg Palmer started playing guitar in the early 1960s, and he would go on to play in multiple R&B bands like Eddie Cee & The Bees, Connections West, and The Entertainment Department through the mid 1970s. He remembers almost every band member he’s ever played with and is of the generation of musicians who were playing — oftentimes — six days a week. www.ErieMusicHistory.com https://www.facebook.com/ErieMusicHistoryPodcast
017: Chris And Julie Moore
March 13, 2022 14:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBStarted in 1980 and still playing today, Tennessee Back Porch is likely the longest running band in Erie history. Over the years, the band has gone through numerous members, but the husband-wife duo of Chris and Julie Moore has been a constant since the beginning. In this episode, we touch on the band’s origin story and some of the highlights of the past 42 years for this musical couple. www.ErieMusicHistory.com https://www.facebook.com/ErieMusicHistoryPodcast
016: Ricky Carr
March 06, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBRicky Carr is one of those guys who knows people in this town. As a drummer in the 1970s and 1980s, he played in some of the most popular country bands in Erie, including Jerry Tubb’s Lil' Bit of Nashville, Billy Thunder and the Thunderbolts, and Country Legend. He went on to play in oldies bands such as The Classmates, The Upperclassmen, and The Graduates. After suffering a stroke in 2000, he continued in local music by helping to create and promote various events and fundraisers. www.Er...
015: Pati Williams
February 25, 2022 03:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBIn the early 1980s when Pati Williams was going to Edinboro, she barely knew how to play guitar much less the bass she had just bought. That didn't stop her friend from recommending her to a band called Ventura that was playing the Kings Rook Club and was in need of a bassist. She quickly taught herself three songs, passed the audition and began playing with a group of musicians she would join on stage for the next 30+ years. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Mu...
014: John Novello
February 20, 2022 14:00 - 47 minutes - 24.7 MBJohn Novello is on that list of Erie musicians who went on to be successful in the music industry. In the 1960s and early 1970s, before he gained international notoriety playing organ in the jazz fusion band Niacin with Billy Sheehan and Dennis Chambers, he was in Erie playing in bands like the Jades, Symon Grace & The Tuesday Blues, and CJ Bri. John’s now 74, and in addition to music, he’s an author and a personal development mentor. http://www.keysnovello.com/ https://johnnovelloauthor.co...
013: Janice Sands
February 13, 2022 14:00 - 34 minutes - 18.3 MBThroughout the 1970s, you could hear Janice Sands singing in Erie bands like Holy Smoke and Mercy Sakes. In the 1980s, she moved to Las Vegas to continue to pursue her musical career, playing in bands, as a backup singer (including a short stint with Wayne Newton), and as a solo act. She continues to perform in Vegas today and was a lot of fun to interview. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The goal of the foundation is to provide educati...
012: Ed Russell-Pooton
February 06, 2022 14:00 - 40 minutes - 22.7 MBGrowing up in Erie, Ed Russell-Pooton played in bands such as The Image, Twang, and Mercy Sakes. He has been a working guitarist in New York City since 1978. In 1980 he was awarded the position of lead guitarist for George Usher and the Decoys, one of the major rock bands of the era. While doing studio work he also played the iconic clubs of the time, including CBGBs, Max's Kansas City, and the original Peppermint Lounge. In 1981, he formed the original "School of Rock" which led to the Ch...
011: Paul Eisert
December 26, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 32.7 MBAs lead singer of Lincoln in the early 1970s, Paul Eisert became a fixture on the Erie music scene at the time. He would go on to join bands like Kid Id and the Egos and eventually learn guitar and join his wife in the acoustic duo Fire & Ice in the late 1980s. Click here for a link to Paul's Spotify page. Click here for a link to Paul's YouTube page. Live show for Make Music Pittsburgh 2021. Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The goal ...
010: Dick Buckel & Ron Guzek
December 17, 2021 01:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBThese two guys made up half of the original lineup of the Cows, but each of them have played in multiple bands and even toured the country together. Friends since they were very young, Dickie and Ron talk about everything from that infamous Cows photo in their underwear to the many reunions the band has had over the years. Check out a video history of The Cows and photos here. Ricky and the Redstreaks - featuring Dick Buckle - Surf Medley The Hailers – featuring Ron Guzek – “Crazy”, “Wo...
009: Mark Nelson
December 12, 2021 14:00 - 58 minutes - 31.3 MBBefore Mark Nelson, Ph.D. earned those initials after his name and was given the "Distinguished Alumni Award" from Gannon University, he was just a drummer in a bunch of Erie bands like Live Wire (with John Rainey) and eventually the ever-popular Wiggling Judies. Mark talks about his time playing everything from heavy metal, to "modern" original music, and even some country. Don't miss his stories about meeting Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong or what happened when he and his band mates had to go to...
008: Tony Stefanelli
December 05, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBA lot of Erieites know Tony Stefanelli only for the great chocolate he makes at Romolo Chocolates. What they don't realize is that he's been involved in the local music scene since the late 1960s, first as a guitarist and guitar teacher, and then as one of the area's premier jazz bassists. In this episode he talks about everything from playing guitar in some rough bars back when he was a teenager to joining in the popular band Wave and finally meeting up with his long-time jazz band mates F...
007: Walt Slivinski
November 28, 2021 15:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBMany people in Erie, PA know Walt Slivinski from his Honeybear Recording Studio or from when he was a member of the Epics, who played for the Beatles at the Peppermint Lounge in 1964. But that meeting with the Fab Four was only one of the highlights of the Epics' career and one of many interesting stories Walt has during his time with the band and then touring the country for 20+ years with his next band, Orange Colored Sky. You won't want to miss this episode! Listen to songs by The Epics ...
006: Jeff Crock
November 20, 2021 16:00 - 48 minutes - 24.7 MBHard rock and heavy metal have always been Jeff Crock's specialty, especially with a voice like his! Jeff talks about his days in bands such as Damien Steele and Strutter (he tells the infamous story of John Rainey falling off the stage at Dr. Feelgoods), playing in the 1980s, and touring with an AC/DC cover band. See photos of Jeff throughout the years at https://eriemusichistory.com/episodes/jeff-crock videos of Damien Steele on "Erie Rocks" cable access show: https://www.youtube.com/wa...
005: Steve McConnell
November 13, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 59 MBAlthough a lot of people remember Steve McConnell from his days as the drummer in The Snowmen, his music career has included stints with plenty of well-known Erie acts, including Ruby Port, ATV, Mr. Gone, and the Rhythm Method. He also played drums for Donnie Iris for a few years and was involved in the early days of Dirty Looks with Henrik Ostergaard. Steve talks about pursuing his musical passion and then later in life switching gears and entering the healthcare field. Check out the Snow...
004: Tom Weber
November 07, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 34.5 MBHe was a part-time journalist, he ran his own recording studio, he’s a filmmaker, and of course, Tom Weber was a guitarist in one of Erie’s most popular and iconic bands from the 1980s, The Dogs. Tom shares how he got started in music and film and how he unexpectedly was asked to join The Dogs. Links related to Tom and The Dogs: The Dogs live at We Love Erie Days, Aug 1992 The Dogs – “Frank Sutton” — Erie Cablevision The Dogs – 1988 Electric Banana, Pittsburgh Tom Weber Films Facebook p...
003.5 Paula Holmes' Son
November 04, 2021 11:00 - 12 minutes - 7.32 MBIn this short bonus episode, Paula Holmes (episode 3) talks about her son Paul and his early interest in music through to taking lessons with Frank Singer, going to Berklee, and pursuing a professional career in music. Here's a few links to some of Paul's music: "Radio" by Pitty Sing "Cheap Kimono" by Cheap Kimono New LP by The Whinnys Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The goal of the foundation is to provide education scholarships to ...
003.5 Paula Holmes' Son
November 04, 2021 11:00 - 12 minutes - 7.32 MBIn this short bonus episode, Paula Holmes (episode 3) talks about her son Paul and his early interest in music through to taking lessons with Frank Singer, going to Berklee, and pursuing a professional career in music. Here's a few links to some of Paul's music: "Radio" by Pitty Sing "Cheap Kimono" by Cheap Kimono New LP by The Whinnys Thanks again to the JPT Foundation for sponsoring the the Erie Music History podcast. The goal of the foundation is to provide education scholarships to ...
003: Paula Holmes
October 31, 2021 16:00 - 49 minutes - 25.9 MBVocalist Paula Holmes talks about her early bands while still in school and then joining the Ruby Port Band in 1971 right after graduating from Strong Vincent. Ruby Port became the house band at the Calabrese Club in Little Italy. Later she covers her time playing in christian rock band Clockwise and meeting her husband, who was a touring musician at the time. Paula would continue to sing in bands throughout the years and reconnect with some of her former bandmates whenever she would retu...
002: Tim McLaughlin
October 24, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 34.2 MBA great storyteller, Tim McLaughlin covers everything from his first bands to his time with Quill Eller and their trip to LA to his stints with Tennessee Back Porch, Major League and more. Tim still plays today and may be the only guy in town with a guitar that rotates 360 degrees! Check out his band Shoreline on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/377492776530149 Special thanks for the financial assistance provided to the podcast by the JPT Foundation, which supports local organi...
001: Christine Lorraine Morgan
October 17, 2021 23:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBBass player for the Generic Beat (and others), Christine was part of a very eclectic and creative Erie music scene in the 1980s. She's also a local historian, writer, photographer, and one of the moderators of the "Past Rockin' Bands And Musicians Of Erie, Pa." See photos of Christine now and then at www.ErieMusicHistoryPodcast.com. Postproduction assistance for this episode provided by Ally Schell. Check out her awesome resin art on Etsy by clicking here. For information on what bands/mus...
000: Welcome To The Erie Music History Podcast!
October 15, 2021 01:00 - 3 minutes - 2.49 MBA brief introduction to learn what the podcast is all about -- and what it won't be. New episodes will drop each Sunday. Postproduction assistance for this episode provided by Ally Schell. Check out her awesome resin art on Etsy by clicking here. For information on what bands/musicians are playing in Erie, PA and the surrounding area, please check out Jack Stevenson's 2 Man Happy Hour podcast and webpage. To help support the Erie Music History Podcast, please consider becoming a patron...