The River – 1st Annual Toys for Tots
Written by Gerry Ulicny & Gina Tutko-Usalis
PA Music Scene
November 2009
The Toys for Tots benefit, held November 7 at the classy and intriguing Abbey Bar of the Appalachian Brewing Company (ABC) located at 50 North Cameron St. Harrisburg, was possibly the best time that could be had early on a Saturday afternoon. Four excellent bands dished up an entire day of energetic rocking & rollicking at ABC on Saturday, none of them were paid a dime.
The four up-and-coming musical acts that generously donated their time were, in order of appearance: Darcie Miner, The Jellybricks, Nate Myers and The Aces and The Martini Brothers. A 4PM start is tough but not for Americana/Roots/Alternative Folk singer, Darcie Miner who had a crowd there enjoying the show and dinner which was also available for the benefit of the US Marine Corps Toys For Tots program. Darcie’s vibe is sometimes elicit, sassy and raw. Darcie finds it very easy to sing about the heartaches of life. She has just released her new CD Loneliness Anonymous.
The entire benefit concert was mainly sponsored by radio station WRVV 
“The River” 97.3 FM, which gave away many amazing door prizes. They encouraged everyone to have a great time. The radio personalities from ‘The River’ were also seen having a great time as well!! The station has made a commitment to continue this endeavor, evidenced by the fact that the Nov. 7 event was billed as the “First Annual”… way to go!
The Jellybricks rolled out next, shaking up the scene with their mix of rock and whatever-they-want-to-do. They talk quietly but play loud and vulnerable. Like all of the other artists there that night, they had their albums available, but also like the others there is nothing like seeing a band live. A band that is very committed to original music, they did few covers, ending their set with a jam into Baba O’Reilly. An energetic and proud yet grounded group, they coaxed the audience out on the antique hardwood floors at an hour when most folks are still deciding where to go Saturday night.
Of course, the adult crowd may also have been starting to enjoy some of the multitude varieties of beer offered at the locale. These include over 50 Belgian beers in bottles as well as about 20 beers made regularly right there at the on-site microbrewery, those and many others on tap along with the standards. While ABC ‘brand’ names like Susquehanna Stout and Water Gap Wheat are a bit kitschy, there’s nothing to make you grimace about the taste of their beer, and they aren’t lying when they say each beer is unique. For example, ABC’s Trail Blaze Brown Ale is now certified by PA Certified Organic and USDA Organic, Dom Blonde Kölsch has a hint of pear, and Jolly Scot Scottish Ale is brewed from the quite old recipe for “Jolly Scot” - a famous local beer previously produced only by R.H. Graupners Brewery, formerly located at 10th and Market – one block away – and now property of ABC. OK, this is about the benefit concert, not the beer, yet sometimes it’s also at least partly about the beer, and there’s really just no way to mention this place without wanting to go on and on about the beer. On the website, ABC calls itself a brewpub, and the name is apt. With glass walls all around patrons can actually see beer being brewed on the floor below while eating dinner. Upon showing a photo license ID at the entrance, adults received a bracelet designating them as 21 years of age or over. The bar area was off limits to children as everyone involved was responsible in providing the appropriate atmosphere for this all age event.
Sunset is a great time to be at ABC, but by the time bluesy and funky Nate Myers and The Aces set up at 7:15 no one was watching outdoors anymore. Warmed up by the Jellybricks, the crowd of 450+ guests at this place was hopping by Saturday evening. (Or, perhaps jumping is a better word - the Aces get a lot of action on the old standard ‘Jump Around’). And the rumors are true: the girls DO love Nate! He has a voice that doesn’t quit, though that is actually much to the relief of the rest of the band, which is dragged along by him at times as he insists on doing songs his own way. Guitarist Chris Purcell made an especially sharp showing that night, soaking his trademark beanie and actually turning down some of the drinks that were repeatedly sent to the band. At least you get everything promised. At most … well, no one actually swooned… Perhaps best: Nate Myers and The Aces cancelled another (paying) show to perform at this benefit, which I think says quite a bit more all by itself than I could say if I prattled on about it…
The finale for the evening was the Rockabilly/Pop vibe of the Martini Brothers with front man Deuce Gibb, bassist Mike Mead along with drummer Rej Troup who performed as fiercely as ever to the attendees which is what makes them one of the local legends in the local south-central Pennsylvania area. Many of the children gathered around the front of the stage … one young lad had some awesome spiked-up hair going on which we all know it what the Martini Brothers were well-known for. The crowd was groovin’ right along with each and every song that the Martini Brothers belted out!
Four very different artists – all were satisfying one very diverse crowd for one very good cause – what a night!! To view some pictures of the event and listen to some video from all four musical acts you can check out the PA Music Scene MySpace.
Overall, this was an awesome show at an awesome venue that also happens to be really easy to get to. Plenty of free parking was readily available on the street or in several side lots. It also boasts perhaps the best ’smoking lounge’ in the area – a huge, outdoor second floor deck that offers splendid views of Harrisburg and fine alfresco dining in the warm weather months.
To elaborate about the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation – The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. They seek to send a message of hope to the less fortunate while encouraging them to become patriotic, responsible and productive citizens. They consider our children our nation’s most valuable resources. For more details and ways to help – check out the link listed below.
For his dedication and determination in putting this event together, we send out a special “thank you” to Glenn Hamilton! Even Papa Hamilton chipped in by manning the merch table for the musicians. Glenn’s wife, Nancy and daughter, Emmalee were also able to attend this event since it was an “all age event”. An event to benefit children which was attended by children also gave parents some quality time out to share the music together. Glenn has been in radio for over 25 years and we at the PA Music Scene support Glenn in all his efforts to help support the local music scene. It was a great time and according to Glenn Hamilton – they had an outstanding turnout… 450+ people showed up and donated over $5000 in cash and toys. Kudos!! Glenn has some photos linked up on his page – check ‘em out.
Thanks to Appalachian Brewing Company for providing the venue, the talented and generous musicians and to everyone who came out to support 97.3 – The River’s First Annual Toy For Tots Benefit.
Great job everyone!!
See you next year!!
More links to check out:
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