2006 Knabb's Attic Christmas Concert Ticket Article November 2006 11-23-06
Local musicians join together to raise money for charity and share in the spirit
What: It's Christmas Time Again'
= Benefit concert featuring
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Casino Theatre,
Admission: $15; tickets can be purchased at Ross Pharmacy or Pomfret's Paint and Variety in Vandergrift, or at the door.
CD: $15; can be purchased at the concert, from any band member or from any of the four animal shelters that will benefit from its sales
Details: 724-845-1295; box office, 724-567-5000; www.casinotheatre.org
By Rex Rutkoski
Valley News Dispatch
That's because the Leechburg musician and producer got an early start -- a very early one -- this year. He's had to be in the holiday spirit since May.
"I have to say that it has been a little strange listening to Christmas music since then, but it also has been a very rewarding and satisfying six months," Knabb says.
The result is a first-of-its-kind album -- "It's Christmas Time Again!" -- which he produced at his home studio, dubbed Knabb's Attic. It showcases the talents of
Calling it a labor of love doesn't even begin to cover the time, money and talent that was donated by all the participants to pull off this project -- which will benefit four area animal shelters, as well as the Casino Theatre Restoration and Maintenance Fund.
Proceeds of the CD ($15 each) will go to Orphans of the Storm, Kittanning; Animal Protectors,
Many who contributed to the CD, joined by other guest musicians, will perform numbers from the album in a 7:30 p.m. concert Saturday at the Casino Theatre, Vandergrift. Proceeds from the $15 tickets will go to the theater. Leechburg native Shawn Israel, a DJ on Star 100.7 FM radio, will be master of ceremonies.
It all started one day when Knabb's niece, Allyson Mitchell, and his sister-in-law, Doreen Bonner, both of Leechburg, and his wife, Lynette Knabb, approached him with the idea of raising money for charity.
They asked him whether he thought it would be possible to get local musicians involved in recording a Christmas CD. "The second they asked, I thought it was a great idea, and after talking with several local musicians and seeing such a positive reaction from all of them, I went ahead with the project," Knabb recalls.
The response from musicians wanting to participate was overwhelming, he says. He could not fit them all onto one CD, which is why he thinks a two-CD package might be in order next year.
"It just goes to show how eager all of our local musicians are to do what they can to help where help is needed," he says. "To work with all of these musicians and to be lucky enough to record such great talents was incredible. I can honestly say there is no better musical talent anywhere in the world than what we have right here in the Valley."
The CD and concert lineup is a virtual who's who of leading musicians in the Alle-Kiski.
Knabb himself deserves congratulations, many of those artists say. "Scott has a big heart," says singer Deanna Dawn Denning, of
"I really feel honored to work with other artists who take the time to support local causes. When so many people come together for one purpose, and it's helping others, it's a wonderful thing to be part of. To just grab a guitar or break out into song, it's the simplest form of joy for us," she adds.
Denning recorded an original called "Wonderful Christmas" and also put her stamp on "All I Want For Christmas Is You."
The members of The DaPhunk Band created a funk version of the classic "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," retitled "Funky Tidings," for the album.
"Knabb's Attic is the perfect place to relax and let your creative juices flow," says veteran musician Heath Kipp, of Fawn Township, vocalist and bassist in DaPhunk, which plays classic dance funk and disco music. "Scott was very good at getting the best performance out of each musician."
While she certainly has performed them, pianist Mary Deschamps, of
A few weeks later, she was asked to write a holiday song for the CD, so, assisted by her son, Erik Deschamps, she finished the composition, calling it "When You Come Home."
"It's a little bit Ray Charles piano, country guitar, Latin drum beat (and) female voices in four-part harmony, like Crosby, Stills and Nash -- who knows what style it is," she explains.
She thought of her nephew who is serving in
"Music is a gift. If the music makes us feel good, then someone out there would feel good listening to it, too," she says. "It is our gift to humanity. It is our duty (as musicians)."
"That means more than making money on music," assures Bill Vulgris, of Gilpin, who is in the Kiski Valley-based Amber-Alexis Band. The group recorded "Blue Christmas" and "Oh Holy Night" for the album. Vulgris says he is looking forward to the opportunity to interact with other musicians at the concert.
"That will be one of the things that is going to be fun about doing this show," he says.
The Fat Henry Band, of which Knabb is a member, will open and close the show with its own brand of funky blues. They will be joined for the finale by all of the musicians on the bill, who will lead the audience on a sing-along.
Fat Henry has two cuts on the CD: the title track and "Thank You Mr. Santa Claus," both written by the band's keyboardist, Skip Bennett, of
Guitarist-vocalist Linda Boarts, of Vandergrift, and Dennis DeLuca (guitarist and vocalist), of
The 20 songs on the album also include performances by jazz duo Minus One; rocker Lenny Collini; jazz and blues vocalist Erin Burkett; East Side Jazz; Pat Zalonka, who performs light rock; and Discrete Signal and Jim LeVier, who perform acoustic folk rock.
"The fun and excitement associated with Christmas is very much like the fun and excitement we feel playing music," says DaPhunk's Heath Kipp. "With this project, we get the best of both worlds. Playing Christmas music keeps us young at heart."
(Rex Rutkoski can be reached at rrutkoski@tribweb.com.)
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By Rex Rutkoski
When it comes down to it, says Julie Irwin, music is a passion within us that most artists are eager to share. "It is a unique outlet for reaching people," adds the Hyde Park resident, a professional vocalist. She will be among Alle-Kiski Valley artists from many genres putting that theory to what promises to be an entertaining test at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift. It is the second annual family Christmas concert which again will raise money for the historic venue's restoration and maintenance fund and three "no kill" Alle-Kiski animal shelters -- Animal Protectors, New Kensington; Orphans of the Storm, Kittanning; and Pet Connection, Avonmore. Last year's concert and CD sale raised nearly $5,600 for animal shelters. In addition to Irwin, performers include The Fat Henry Band, Rockabilly Junction, Bill Duff, Lenny Collini and The Christmas Experience, Amber Alexis, Devalyn and Disa Rollinger, Pat and Dave, Deanna Dawn Denning, Doppler Affect, ZMW, The Tax Man & Martha, Jim LeVier and Discrete Signal. The acts will be presenting music from "Hey Hey Ho Ho It's Christmas," the latest fundraising CD of original holiday tunes, as well as new looks at old favorites. Irwin will perform "He Chose Faith," an original song she wrote with veteran Kiski Valley artist Jay Zanotti, and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." "Music is a connecting of souls, and it bridges many barriers, so I take my role in that very seriously," she says. And she isn't alone in her thinking. It's an all-volunteer effort that makes the album and concert possible. "It takes passion on everyone's part to want to make this project work. I am grateful that we have so many passionate people willing to help," says Scott Knabb of Leechburg, who again devoted the better part of a year to producing the CD in his Knabb's Attic studio at his house. People who see the concert or listen to the CD will experience some of the best musical talent the Alle-Kiski Valley has to offer, he says. If the second concert is anything like the first one, says Apollo resident Pat Zelonka of Pat and Dave (Franzi) of Plum, "it will be an unbelievable experience." "The music is awesome in its originality," says Doreen Bonner of Leechburg, one of the fundraiser's coordinators. "People will be surprised at the wealth of musical talent this Valley holds," says folk-rocker Jim LeVier, an Apollo native who is a Pittsburgh police sergeant assigned to the motorcycle unit. He will perform two original songs Saturday, including "One Last Shot of Crown," which he wrote in tribute to his friend, Vandergrift native Anthony Massari who died this year. Although not specifically a holiday song, LeVier says it fits the spirit of the CD. The spirit exhibited in last year's debut of the CD and concert exceeded Bonner's expectations. "The best part was listening to the audience as they were leaving the concert. It was good to see the spirit of Christmas spread through the theater," she says. The need is great, especially for the animal shelters, Bonner says. "Working with them has been very rewarding. Their hard work and complete dedication is amazing. They need so much, and there are so many animals that are available for adoption," she adds. Christmas is about sharing, and often pets are forgotten, says Lars Rosell, a dog owner and guitarist in the Alle-Kiski Valley band Rockabilly Junction. The Southern rock-styled band will perform the original "Finally Christmas Eve." Vandergrift resident Eric Mrasz, drummer-vocalist in the rock-blues band ZMW, says it is important for him to be involved, "because I'm an animal lover." The group will do the original blues number "Santa Claus is Crying" and offer its interpretation of "Please Come Home for Christmas." Musicians from a few other bands will join Jay "Jayme Z" Zanotti of Hyde Park, ZMW's lead guitarist and vocalist, in "This Is Christmas," a number he wrote for the CD. Mrasz says last year's concert was memorable for all participants. "The feeling of playing in front of a full house was remarkable," he says. That "house" should be stretched to its limits this year with more participating bands. Twin sisters Devalyn and Disa Rollinger, 16, are making their debut at the event, performing in various contexts. "We always want to put a big smile on people's faces and let them share the joy of the music, which we bring to them," Disa says. "We love sharing our music and just doing it for fun," Devalyn adds. The Kiski High School sophomores released their first CD, "Disa & Devalyn" this summer. Long-time Vandergrift rocker Lenny Collini will introduce a new group of entertainers and special guests with his Christmas Experience Band. "What makes this such a special show is that you will see all the different entertainers and musicians sharing the stage together for the love of song," says Collini, who is releasing a new CD, "The Nation Under God." Collini and his band submitted a rock-influenced interpretation of "Do You Hear What I Hear" for the "Hey Hey Ho Ho It's Christmas" album. A gathering like this brings out the best in all musicians says guitarist-vocalist Bill Duff of Kiski Township, who will perform fresh arrangements to holiday selections with his band Kramerlover. "We have each been blessed with the ability to make music. It is wonderful to be able to share that gift with so many people through the CD and concert." Music works its magic in many ways suggests Linda Boarts of Vandergrift, who returns to weave vocal harmonies with Dennis DeLuca of Bethel Park in the duo, Taxman and Martha. "You can love music whether you have talent or not," she says. "We've all heard people belting out a song without hitting one note in tune, but they feel it and it makes them feel good," she says. She and DeLuca will perform "Treasures in Time," which Boarts wrote. The music in your heart can only be heard by you, says Gary Ritenour of the band Discrete Signal, which will perform their original composition, "Christmas." "But if fortune smiles upon you, it can be heard by everyone around you. Anyone with an appreciation for music will leave with a song in their heart," says the Washington Township resident. DeAnna Dawn Denning, also of Washington Township, says she's looking forward to performing "We'll Think of You" with its writer, Skip Bennett of Allegheny Township. He is keyboardist in the Fat Henry Band. "It is dedicated to everyone, including the men and women serving our country, that can't be with us this holiday season. I hope when people hear it, it brings them peace in knowing that we haven't forgotten," she says. Rex Rutkoski can be reached at rrutkoski@tribweb.com or 724-226-4664. |
2008 Knabb's Attic Ticket Article December 2008
What: Third annual benefit Christmas concert with 14 Alle-Kiski bands
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; doors open 7 p.m.
Where: Casino Theatre, Lincoln and Washington avenues, Vandergrift
Admission: $15
Notes: The benefit CD is $15 or $20 total for last year's album and the new one while supplies last.
Details: Tickets: 724-568-2317; CD: 724-845-9422
Rex Rutkoski can be reached via e-mail or at 724-226-4664.
Skip Bennett likes to write songs that help people relive important memories and events in their lives.
"A song can become part of your soul and can stay with you your entire life," the Allegheny Township musician says. "Happy songs, sad songs, flashy songs, funny songs and songs that light up kids' eyes. That's what it is all about!"
That's why the Christmas season is a natural for Bennett, his pen and his keyboards. "Writing a good song can be very complex, but once you have it musically formatted it comes down to the idea that you want to express through your music," he says.
For the past three years, the member of The Fat Henry Band has been expressing the many moods of the holiday season in a labor of love for the annual family Christmas concerts -- this year, it is 7:30 p.m. Saturday -- at the Casino Theatre, Vandergrift, and albums showcasing the talents of Alle-Kiski Valley musicians. A total of 14 area bands and artists are scheduled to perform at the holiday show.
Proceeds benefit three no-kill animal shelters: Orphans of the Storm, Kittanning; Animal Protectors, New Kensington; and Pet Connection, Spring Church, Kiski Township.
In a sense, say organizers, Bennett is the songwriting Santa of this project. He has written the title songs -- this year's is "Who's The Man" -- for all of the shows and CDs, and for many of the tunes recorded by the participating artists on the albums.
"He also has spent countless hours in the studio with me recording and mixing these tunes." says Scott Knabb of Leechburg, who spent most of the past year producing the CD at Knabb's Attic Studio -- in his home. "Without Skip and his knowledge of music and his desire to help in so many ways, this project would not happen at the level that it does."
The Studio has incorporated as a nonprofit organization. "Santa's the man, but so is Skip Bennett!" Knabb says.
Bennett says he is just one among many busy people, Knabb included, who are willing to give of themselves for "things that really matter."
"It is especially satisfying to know that your music can have a positive impact on people and things that really matter," Bennett says. "This large group of people pulled together with their talent and dedication to enhance the Christmas season and make our world a better place. That is amazing."
Knabb says the music organization hopes to grow each year to be able to expand its contributions to more shelters and animals.
"It is important, because there are so many innocent, loving animals without homes that desperately need our love and who are, in return, willing to give us their unconditional love back," he says. "There is nothing like the love of a pet, and there are way too many of them out there that are not loved that should be. It is a commitment that every person needs to make. These animals all need us."
The musicians taking part in the concert and CD "all get it," Bennett says. "They all see the need for what we do, and they all love doing it."
"We do not have to go out and look for anyone to be on our CD, they come to us," says Doreen Bonner of Leechburg, one of the project coordinators. "They probably are already working on next year's songs."
Knabb believes this year's CD is the best so far. "There are a lot of great songs that may become new household Christmas tunes for our area," he says. "The musicians in this area are some of the best you will find anywhere."
The 20 tracks offer a variety of styles, including rock, pop, country, blues and jazz.
Twin sisters Disa and Devalyn Rollinger, vocalists from Allegheny Township, appreciate that this is music that comes from the heart. "It puts you in the holiday spirit, and it rocks," Disa says. It's an honor to be part of, Devalyn says.
When he was asked to participate again this year, Bill Duff of Kiski Township didn't have to think twice. "It's a good cause and a great opportunity to give something back to the community through the most personal way an artist-musician can give," he says. This is the first year that he composed songs for the CD.
"The past two years have been an unbelievable experience between recording the music and then being able to perform it in front of so many people," says Dave Franzi of Plum. "The atmosphere is unbelievable," says Patrick Zelonka of Apollo. Together they form an acoustic rock duo that will have a full band accompanying them for this concert.
"The amount of work that goes into this CD and show is staggering. It's amazing how precise everything is. Everyone, musicians and those behind the scenes, lends in to help. To me, that speaks volumes, and I am honored to be a part of it," Franzi says.
So is Hyde Park vocalist Julie Irwin. "I am glad to be a part of any cause that benefits my furry friends and also gives local musicians the opportunity to showcase their original music," she says.
Linda Boarts of Vandergrift and Dennis DeLuca of Bethel Park, who make up the duo Taxman and Martha, hope to reach people with the song "Shine." It is one that Boarts wrote about the birth of Jesus.
The Vandergrift Presbyterian Handbell Choir will accompany them in "The First Noel."
Returning singer-songwriter Jim LeVier, an Apollo native who is a Pittsburgh police sergeant, will perform two original songs. The newest, "Good Lord Willing," is about a couple he met by chance on a cross-state drive.
"I like to tell stories with my songs," says LeVier, who works in the folk genre. "It is a privilege to be asked to work with some of the most talented artists in the Valley on this project."
It really is a wonderful show, says Mark Weber of East Vandergrift, a member of the veteran ZMW blues and classic rock band, which will unveil an original song, "Dear Santa." "Everyone in the band is a pet owner, and the money we help raise will go toward making the lives of a pet and hopefully a family or person happier," he says.
There are no egos on this stage, he assures. "Everyone is in the holiday spirit and coming together for a great cause," Weber says.
Alle-Kiski musicians come together for creature comforts
By Rex Rutkoski, VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH
Thursday, December 3, 2009
'Paws for Claus'
What: Fourth annual benefit Christmas concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Casino Theatre, Lincoln and Washington avenues, Vandergrift
Featuring: The Fat Henry Band, Marva Josie, Deva and Disa Rollinger, Amber-Alexis, Linda and Friendz, Discrete Signal, Jim LeVier, Vandergrift Presbyterian Church Bell Choir, Julie Irwin Tribute Band, ZMW, Pat and Dave, Bill Duff and Kramerlover, Mia Zanotti and the Misfits, Mark Weber, Rising Regina, DeAnna Dawn Denning, Mason Embry and Lenny Collini
Admission: $15
CD: The benefit disc is $10 or $20 total for all four holiday discs. Information: 724-448-0097
Details: Tickets: 724-568-2317 (Pomfret's Paint and Variety store, Vandergrift) or www.knabbsattic.com
About the writer
Rex Rutkoski is a Valley News Dispatch staff writer and can be reached at 724-226-4664 or via e-mail.
Local musicians with big hearts are about to make the Alle-Kiski Valley a more welcoming place for some of its youngest residents.
For the fourth consecutive year, area musicians from rock, pop, country and blues, will donate their time and talent to raise funds and awareness for three no-kill animal shelters in a family Christmas concert of traditional and original songs Saturday at the Casino Theatre, Vandergrift.
This year, the show -- and accompanying CD produced by Scott Knabb of Knabb's Attic studio in Leechburg -- is called "Paws for Claus."
Orphans of the Storm, Kittanning; Animal Protectors, New Kensington; and Pet Connection, Spring Church, Kiski Township will receive the proceeds.
"The shelters have volunteers that work so hard all year long, and they need so much. Perhaps we can help in a small way and just maybe an animal might be adopted into a happy home," says Doreen Bonner of Leechburg, one of the project organizers.
A total of $18,500 has been raised in the first three years.
It all comes down to quality of life for these less fortunate animals, Knabb says. "We are all dedicated to helping them live a better life and to finding them loving homes."
He credits Jeff Knabb of Vandergrift with pulling it all together behind the scenes. "He donates so much time and effort to making sure the concert goes off without a hitch, coordinating the bands and doing most of the rigging of the sound that makes everyone sound so good," he says.
Washington Township native DeAnna Dawn Denning is returning from Nashville and preparing for a December concert tour in China with the Christian band Difference United.
"I feel it is important to support your hometown, and I'm glad to be back for this show," says Denning, who will be accompanied on piano by her musician-husband Mason Embry. They offer an intimate version of "While Shepherds Watched," which they recorded for the "Paws for Claus" CD.
"I'll also be a guest vocalist for a few classics with a twist with the Fat Henry Band," she says.
Denning and her husband say it is an important cause to support. "We love animals. He grew up on a farm, and my family always had at least one pet. It is a good feeling to know you're helping to save a living creature," Denning says.
Making their debut at the concert is the band Rising Regina, performing a new interpretation of "Away in a Manger," as well as a surprise number. "They are an acoustic folk band, and they are amazing. They will definitely get everyone's attention," Scott Knabb says.
Linda Boarts of Vandergrift has formed the impromptu Linda and Friendz for the show to offer two songs she wrote. "The first ('The Gift of a Song') is not a Christmas song exactly, but is written in the spirit of giving a gift of love," she says. Boarts will be backed by Scott Knabb, Jay and Lorey Zanotti and Bob DiCola.
"I try to keep it simple, easy to listen to with a tune and a message that will stay in your head. I love vocal harmonies," Boarts says.
Jay Zanotti of Hyde Park will be one of the busiest musicians at the show, playing guitar for five acts, including for the very youthful Mia Z and the Misfits.
Mia Zanotti of Hyde Park, who just turned 11, already is a three-year veteran of the show, following in the footsteps of her mother, keyboardist Lorey Zanotti and uncle Jay Zanotti who are in the band ZMW.
She began as a backup singer and is being featured with Dylan Zelonka, 8, of Apollo and Megan Franzi, 7, of Plum. "We want to keep the children involved, so they can keep this legacy going," Jay Zanotti says.
Mia loves performing and writing her own songs. "It means a lot to me to be helping the animals," she says. Her mom will be among those in her band.
Megan Franzi's dad, acoustic guitarist Dave Franzi of Plum, also will be in that band, as will Dave's acoustic rock duo partner, Pat Zelonka of Apollo. Pat is the father of Dylan Zelonka.
Dave Franzi says it already has been a special experience to record with his daughter for the CD at Jay Zanotti's studio. "To be able to share that with Meagan was a feeling I will never forget," he says.
He and Pat Zelonka will be performing "Christmas All Through the Years," an original song that Franzi wrote in memory of his parents.
Allegheny Township resident Skip Bennett's arranging will come to life in an uptempo version of "Rudolph," requiring six vocals and multiple harmony parts. The Fat Henry Band member also will perform "White Christmas" with Clairton jazz vocalist Marva Josie. "Her vocal style is unique and should add a nice change to the musical format," Bennett says.
Whatever the combinations, Bill Duff of Kiski Township, who will offer two original arrangements of traditional material, says the audience will "hear musicians who play for the love of music.
"People come out to support the cause and listen to the music. It's a musician's greatest pleasure to perform for a receptive audience," Duff says.
Veteran Vandergrift musician Lenny Collini, who will introduce his new "The Christmas Experience" project, says the Casino Theatre show will be the night's hot ticket.
"The concert covers a lot of musical styles and incorporates songs that people are familiar with," he says. "If you need to get in the Christmas spirit, this is the place."
In memory of Julie
The late Julie Irwin's love for animals and for people is what drew her to taking part in the annual concerts at the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift, raising funds for no-kill animal shelters.
She had planned to perform again this year, but lost her spirited battle with cancer in May.
The musical community that she so loved will sing for her Saturday. A tribute band comprising musicians who have performed with Irwin in the past will perform. "We are a band of brothers and sisters, and it is very important not to ever forget those who have passed on and keep their music alive," says guitarist Jay Zanotti of Hyde Park.
Two of Irwin's friends, twin sisters Disa and Devalyn Rollinger of Allegheny Township, will sing "Jesus Lover of My Soul," a song that Irwin sang and performed for the benefit CD associated with Saturday's show.
"She was such a faithful person and stayed true to herself and singing this song is a blessing," Devalyn Rollinger says. "She definitely will be singing with us."
"This year's show is going to be emotional for me, because Julie is going to be missed," says her sister Disa Rollinger.
"I hope this show promotes the many fond memories that so many of us have of her," Vandergrift musician Lenny Collini says.