CONCERT EXTRAVAGANZA FOR MARCH 22nd THROUGH THE 24TH, 2017: THIS WEEKS FEATURED ARTISTS:

Hysteria Def Leppard Tribute performing (Hysteria)

With so many concerts scheduled in this 3rd week in March 2017, it makes it hard to go to them all, let alone pick which show or shows to attend? This article is going to reflect on the 3 concerts I attended including the concert I put on with Rock$tarzz Hospitality Promotions, but there was much more and much competition this week but for the fans, there was something for everyone. The three shows I decided to check out were, "The Iron Maidens" on Wednesday night March 22nd, at The Palomino, then "Slaughter" with "Great White", Thursday night at Northern Quest Casino, then lastly but certainly not least my own show with "Hysteria" with "Jackhammer" at The Roadhouse, Friday March 24th, 2017. This week has certainly been an exhausting week for me, I'm getting too old for 3 nights in a row, attended all while still promoting my show, but I partied like it was 1999 all over again.

Hysteria Def Leppard Tribute performing (Love Bites).

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Hysteria Def Leppard Tribute performing (Animal)

To start off my excursion for the week I went and checked out "The Iron Maidens" all female tribute to, "Iron Maiden". My main reason for attending this show is I like to support as many bands and music venues as I have the energy for, and also to scout for bands and in search for a good story and concert review. This was the first time I had ever seen the "Iron Maidens" live, I had watched videos on Youtube, but that is no comparison to a live show. The Maidens put on a great show, the fans were really enjoying it. Also performing on this bill were "Dimestore Cowboys" a tribute to "Pantera", a local Spokane tribute band I really wanted to check out but I arrived at the show too late as they were the opening act. Also Performing was another Spokane local "Supervillian" with a blues/rock sound this was the second time I have seen them and I really like these guys. When I go to a concert I check out how well each musician plays their instrument taking into consideration sound quality at the venue, stage performance with audience participation, and of course, vocal sound and creativity of the bands own written songs, "Supervillain" has it all. Also on the lineup of band performances was another Spokane local "Dogtown" formerly known as "Marry The Mistress". They have changed up things in the band with a new lead vocalist I have personally known for years, and some flashy stage performances. The members from "Dogtown" are seasoned musicians and have played in many other bands since the 1980's. All in all, if you are into the 80's metal bands then the fans got what they came to see and for a Wednesday night in Spokane, the crowd turnout at the Palomino was decent.

With The Iron Maidens.

The Iron Maidens (The Trooper, Iron Maiden Cover)

Thursday night I ventured to Airway Heights to Northern Quest Casino to see "Slaughter" and "Great White" perform. The last time I saw these 2 acts was in 2014 when I traveled over the Cascades to see them at The Snoqualmie Casino as I hadn't been to one of their shows since 1998 when I met Mark Slaughter in Wichita, KS as I was living there at the time. I arrived again late, better late than ugly I always say lol. Slaughter was already over halfway through their set and I only caught the last 2 songs. There, unfortunately, were some sound issues during "Slaughters" set but when "Great White" took the stage the sound issues must have been worked out. I was able to talk to Mark Slaughter after their set as the band was out meeting fans after their performance. I waited until almost everyone went back into the venue for "Great White" so I could talk to him for longer than a minute. He remembered me from the show in Wichita, KS back in 1998 when I asked him for directions not knowing it was Mark Slaughter at first until I talked to him, then ended up getting VIP to the Slaughter concert that evening. it is nice when those memorable moments make an impression. I also wanted to talk with the rest of the band as I caught Zoltan Chaney trying to sneak past the fans without being noticed with a backpack strapped to his back. I was talking with friends as we noticed him walk through the lobby heading for his room as we were hot on his heels and caught up with him by the escalators. He stopped and took pictures with us and I stuck around and talked to him for a few minutes about some shows I am putting together. If you don't know who Zoltan Chaney is? Well he is just one of the best drummers around, he really can beat the drums, he kills it every time. You can catch "Slaughter" and "Great White", April 1st, at The Snoqualmie Casino and they are also on the lineup of performers at the yearly summer Rockin The Rivers Festival in Montana, August 11, 12, & 13th.

With Zoltan Chaney.

With Mark Slaughter.

Finally, the show we were all waiting for "Hysteria" Friday night, but too tired from the other concerts earlier in the week that attendance was not what it had been the last time "Hysteria" played in town last fall. There was a lot of competition with concerts this week and the funny thing is when I booked this show none of the others had been confirmed yet? Not only were there the other shows during the week that fans went to then had to get up and go to work the next day as to be burnt out for the weekend shows, but Friday night had at least 3 other big concerts to choose from. There was "Bigfish" a tribute to "Sublime" playing at the Knitting Factory and shows going on at The Pin, and The Big Dipper with a few in Idaho a few hours away not to mention live music at all the other clubs and bars in town, it was a big night for music.

Hysteria is a tribute to "Def Leppard" they put on a high energy stage performance and create the full "Def Leppard" experience at every show they play no matter the circumstance. They play to packed casino halls, venues, and clubs all over the Seattle area and have also played Portland. This was "Hysterias" 2nd time in Spokane, there was a smaller crowd than expected with some lighting and sound issues with the club this time but "Hysteria" still delivered, the crowd was really enjoying the show, dancing and interacting with the band. You can't ask for anything more the guys in the band have great stage performances, the sound and look to "Def Leppard" and are just a great bunch of guys I am honored to work with. Hysteria has perfected the full Def Leppard experience you will find at every "Hysteria" show you attend. They closed the night out with, "Photograph" but got a request to do "Mirror, Mirror" and came back to the stage for an encore performance. They are always appreciative of all the work I put into a show for them and it is so nice to be noticed for the behind the scene work that goes into setting up these concerts. There were 2 birthdays in the house, Marco Lago-Ferrari as Rick Savage from the band and my photographer for the show Bryce Cain what a great way to celebrate your birthday with "Def Leppard". Band Members for "Hysteria"Shawn Worra - Vocals (Joe Elliott), Doug Cisler - Guitar (Phil Collen), Dan Kehoe - Guitar (Steve Clark), Marco Lago - Bass (Rick Savage), Vance Nurkala - Drums (Rick Allen). Also be watching for these members with their new project, "Dr. Crue" and you guessed it a tribute to "Motley Crue" coming your way soon. Opening the show was locals "JACKHAMMER" playing some good old 80's metal tunes from Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ronny James Dio, to Quiet Riot. They got the crowd pumped and ready to rock. With Rob Howe's screaming guitar solos that will amaze you, Chris Krzywda's pounding drum solo, Joel Zivic's thumping bass, to Kip Gilbert's strong vocals you can't go wrong. Both "Hysteria" and "Jackhammer only play in Spokane a couple times a year so make sure you catch a show when you hear it announced.

JACKHAMMER (War Pigs, Black Sabbath Cover)

I only put a dent in the performances from the shows I attended this week. By the time my show on Friday night kicked off I was so exhausted from all the other concerts I had caught earlier in the week. I usually have my concert reviews written at least by the morning after the show but I needed at least a day to recuperate this time around. Do you ever get a strange feeling that just hangs with you for a few weeks that you just can't shake or put your finger on what might be causing it? That is exactly what has been going on with me these past weeks and it's still holding on tight, either it's going to be something great or not so great when it shows it's head. I tend to lean for greatness so stay tuned for future events and remember to support musicians and live music venues and the promoters who work hard to making these shows happen for everyone, it's not as easy as you might think. Life's too short get out and buy those concert tickets. Take it easy until next time Rock N Roll.**Peace**js**