Nestled deep in the woods of Route 30 E-PA you will find a small dwelling named rightfully The Runaway Tavern. Across the street is a runaway truck ramp set up for the trucks that come down this huge mountain within the Laurel Highlands of PA.
I arrived to the Runaway Tavern around 1pm. Not knowing what to expect during my 3 hour road trip. I was scheduled to play the Perigopalooza at 4:20pm.
Pulling up to the Tavern it didn't look like much. A small bar at that. But as I started my jaunt around to the back of the Tavern where I noticed Tie Dye's, smiles, and an awesome sound. When coming around the corner of the Tavern I finally realized that this was it, I had made it.
Not even finding Jeff Perigo, I immediately stood and took a listen. EvenSteven was jamming out on his keyboard. Beautiful tones with amazing vocals. I hadn't seen a solo keyboardist jam like that in awhile and was impressed. Yet this wouldn't be the last of EvenSteven for the night. He continued his set then would appear in other sets during the evening.
Finding Perigo, getting settled, and listening to great jams, I found that there was more to this festival. With the addition of a great stage, pavilion for a outside bar, a pavilion with Perigo Pirogies and other edible delicacies, Sugar Magnolia had a tent set up too. There also was a huge camping area in the back of the venue.
Could this be true? A venue that has it all? A venue that wants a successful show for the people and not so concerned about the bar? AMAZING!!!!
After talking to the owner of the venue, Marc, he stated "If people are having a good time, being safe, and the music is great, I would do this everyday of my life."
Marc never stopped for 2 days. From helping the bands with gear to making sure the bars were stocked with the coldest Yeungling, Marc was everywhere. The man is the owner and was working like he was putting on the show.
After EvenSteven completes his set Glenn Henry hits the stage with his looping genius. Making it sound as if he had a full band behind his skeletal appearance. Finding four part harmonies behind one vocalist is amazing. Glenn is also known for playing in the House of Commons.
Andy Tauber from Pittsburgh approached the stage once Glenn and EvenSteven finished their last jam together. Andy brought a different appeal to the show. Starting off his set with an awesome RadioHead cover. Powerful vocals pound through the PA system. A great mix of vocal and guitar is what made this one for me. His instrumental moment really blew my mind. This is someone you want to check out if you hit the Burgh. And again EvenSteven brought his set to a close with another awesome jam.
Trevor Quillan is next on the chopping block, but since I am writing the story I can leave out my details. Although I wish EvenSteven would have jammed with me. "Next year." Steven said.
What was to happen next really amazed me. As for every festival that I have attended this year so far, rain. Rain, rain, rain, and for the next 36 minutes we watched a storm roll in and roll over our heads. Only to cry upon us for 30-40 minutes. The bands were up next and nothing was stopping them.
The bands were a mish mosh of members from other bands throughout the night. Different members of bands working together? Where have I heard that before. Bands included: Wine of Nails, The Chi, Periwinkle Shag, House of Commons, The Wheels, and Eddy Dyer.
If you wanted to be somewhere where the jams were long, thick, and meaningful, Perigopalooza is where you wanted to be. As the night went on, despite the rain, the venue was full. Rain doesn't stop a soul in Jamestown PA. They came in droves. The spirits were high and I don't think anyone gave a shit if there hair got wet. Hoola Hoops were spinning, people were dancing, the campfire was raging, and all thoughts were on the bands and not the weather. Youngstown needs to take a couple of lessons from these great souls.
I will return with Perigopalooza Part 2 soon.
The Fear of Zero
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