George Lucas

JOHNSTOWN — George Lucas got to show off his musical talents last week in Nashville, Tenn., when he was invited to perform during the Country Music Association’s annual music festival.

The Richland Township resident, who has been playing country music with his band for more than 12 years, said that being asked to play during the event was a wonderful experience.

“It was unbelievable,” Lucas said.

“It was such an honor for me to be there with the big boys and girls of country music, and for up-and-comers in the business it’s a great opportunity because it can open doors – and you never know what can happen or who will be listening.”

Lucas, 45, said he was approached by his record label, Nashville-based Dixiana Music, to represent the studio in the artists showcase it was holding during the festival June 10-12.

“We went around to local hotels in Nashville and played for the guests,” he said.

“We did 10 shows in three days and we got to play for a lot of people, not just country music fans, and everyone was really appreciative.”

Most of the sets were done acoustically, and hotel guests received a CD comprised of Dixiana Music artists that included Lucas’ song “She Don’t Fight Fair.”

Lucas has traveled to Nashville a few times to record and has put out his compilation CD titled “Now, Then & Again” from various recording sessions.

It is available for download through iTunes and can be purchased on Lucas’ website, www.georgecountry.com.

The site also includes more information on Lucas and his upcoming shows.

Lucas said his fan base is sporadic and he isn’t widely known locally.

Cumberland, Md., is where the band has its biggest following.

“We roll into town and you’d think someone like Alan Jackson just came to town,” he said. “They love us there.”

Closer to home, Lucas will play at Thunder in the Valley on Thursday. He’ll also perform at the Roxbury Bandshell on Aug. 8.

He plays at fairs and festivals across Pennsylvania and in surrounding states.

Plans are in the works for next year’s Dixiana Music showcase, and Lucas has already agreed to be a part of the festival.

“My record label had only seen videos of me and had not seen me play live, and they were quite impressed,” he said.

“This was the first time the label did this showcase, so I?will definitely be a part of it.”

As for hitting the big time, Lucas said he would welcome that if it comes but has no regrets if fame and fortune pass him by.

“I’d love a big recording deal and be out there touring the country in a 40-foot bus, and if that deal comes, terrific. But if not, I’m happy with what I’m doing and enjoying it,” he said. - Johnstown (PA) Tribune-Democrat

By TOM LAVIS

Tickets for Johnstown’s Brooks & Dunn concert sold out in less than two days.

Country music’s biggest duo will appear at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St.

“We had 3,100 tickets for the public and they were gone in a day and a half,” said Jim Vautar, arena manager.

“Prices ranged from $40 to $60 and we could have sold more and we are still getting calls.”

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn are juggernauts in country music and the duo are holding nothing back in bringing the show to Johnstown.

“They have six tractor-trailer loads of equipment and they are bringing it all,” Vautar said.

“One of the fastest-selling shows was last year’s Brad Paisley concert. Tickets were gone in one day.”

Brooks & Dunn have the distinction of being the biggest-selling duo in country music history.

Known for their rambunctious honky-tonk and the ability to produce touchy ballads, the duo teamed up Jan. 29 to open for arguably the greatest rock ’n’ roll band in the world, the Rolling Stones, in a sold-out Quest Center concert in Omaha, Neb.

The Johnstown show is being produced by McAneny Bros., an Ebensburg-based produce and wholesale business.

The company is hosting its annual trade show Wednesday at the Pasquerilla Conference Center, which is across the street from the arena.

Stephen McAneny, president of McAneny Bros., said the company retained 1,500 tickets to distribute to trade-show customers.

“The response from our customers has been fantastic,” McAneny said.

The Brooks & Dunn concert exceeded his expectations.

“The key to getting them in Johnstown is having them perform on a weekday,” McAneny said.

“If we wanted a weekend date, that would have been virtually impossible.”

McAneny’s co-sponsored the Martina McBride concert in March 2005 as part of its spring trade show.

Arena gates open at 6:30 p.m. with a local band, George Lucas and the Allegheny, taking the stage at 7:30. Vautar expects Brooks & Dunn to be introduced at 8:30.

Lucas, 41, of Richland Township, who has been toiling in the music business for more than a decade, sees this performance as an opportunity for his band to make a “big splash.”

“I’m told there will be 4,600 people at the concert and that is by far our biggest audience,” said Lucas, who is no stranger to opening for a nationally known country group.

In early February, the band opened for Diamond Rio at the Pepsi Road House in Burgettstown, Washington County.

“Opening for Brooks & Dunn is exciting and we are confident that the audience will enjoy our music,” he said.

The group is scheduled to perform six songs, four of which were written and arranged by Lucas.

Brooks & Dunn have performed at the Olympics, several presidential inaugurations and Farm Aid, as well as appearing on the Corn Flakes box.

The duo released its debut album, “Brand New Man,” in 1991, and it was a smash, selling more than 5 million copies.

The title track, “My Next Broken Heart,” “Neon Moon” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” all hit No. 1 on the country charts.

In 1996, Brooks & Dunn produced another double-platinum success which yielded more chart-toppers in “My Maria,” “A Man This Lonely” and “I Am That Man.”

The duo’s success continues with its 2005 release of the rowdy “Hillbilly Deluxe” album.



Tom Lavis can be reached at 532-5054 or tlavis@tribdem.com. - Johnstown (PA) Tribune-Democrat

By FRANK SOJAK
CNHI News Service

JOHNSTOWN— Brooks & Dunn thrilled nearly 4,700 fans with their music in Johnstown on Wednesday night, but it was their autographs on a special guitar that will keep on singing.
Harry Carson of Butler told the country music stars before their appearance of his plans to donate the guitar to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. The guitar is to be auctioned with proceeds aiding patients and their families.
Carson, whose 18-year-old son is doing well after battling a brain tumor, said he since has been on a mission to help the hospital.
Although the duo was not signing autographs, Carson said he was impressed that they made an exception to do so for the sake of others.
Many fans interviewed on their way into the Cambria County War Memorial Arena in downtown Johnstown said they came because Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn are nice people.
“I just think they are good family men,” said Janet Keelan of Everett, who was at the sold-out show with her husband, Tom. “I love Brooks & Dunn.”
Jadene Tarabrin of Johnstown and her friend, Patty Pongrac of Central City, took advantage of a night off from their jobs to see the concert. They work for The Bon-Ton at The Galleria in Richland Township.
“I like Brooks & Dunn,” Tarabrin said. “They’re just a real good, wholesome, fun act.”
Pongrac said the duo’s songs are great.
“They’re fun,” she said. “It’s good music.”
Kathy D’Agostino of Richland Township said it was nice to see big-name stars come to Johnstown.
“They’re awesome,” she said.
Dorothy Brooks of Johnstown has seen the duo perform live twice before and said they are fun to watch.
Debbie Mowrey traveled from DuBois to watch the show.
“I grew up country,” she said. “I like the music.”
Before Brooks & Dunn made their appearance to a standing ovation, a Windber band, George Lucas and Allegheny, thrilled the crowd.
Kristin Holler of Carrolltown said Lucas’ band was great.
Holler was at the concert with her mother, Linda, and sister, Jenna.
Shane Valko of Sidman said he enjoys Lucas’ style and that the performer is a good musician.
“He’s funny. We have all of his CDs,” Valko said.
Debbie Paxton of Johnstown likewise said Lucas’ band was good.
“It was nice having someone from the Johnstown area (perform),” she said.
Ken Lubinsky, who was working security for the concert, said every fan that he spoke with was having a great time.
Ray Asfar, an usher, said the fans were excited.
“The crowd is having fun,” he said. “This area loves country.”

Copyright © 1999-2005 cnhi, inc. - Johnstown (PA) Tribune-Democrat

JEROME - Leonard "Bucky" Brown has seen his share of house fires and car wrecks.

A firefighter since 1961, Brown is the oldest member of Jerome Volunteer Fire Company.

Recovering from a recent stroke and wearing a hearing aid, Brown no longer storms burning buildings. He shares in the workload by directing traffic at fires and car wrecks as a member of the fire police.

"I had a stroke and only missed a couple of runs," Brown, 60, said in an interview at the fire company.

"I'll keep doing this until they bury me."

Brown and Jerome's 24 members are celebrating the department's 100th anniversary by hosting the 2004 Somerset County Firemen's Convention.

The convention started Wednesday and runs through tomorrow, when Brown will be the grand marshal in a parade of fire companies.

Men like Brown are keeping active at a time when small fire companies struggle to raise money and attract new members.

"Volunteerism is down," Jerome Chief Nick Panasci said. "Some people don't care."

The steady decline of firefighters on the active roll makes Brown's contribution equally astonishing.

"He's a fixture here," Panasci said. "This place is his life."

The 80th annual county firemen's convention continues 6 to 10 p.m. today and tomorrow afternoon.

A carnival staged by Swank's Steel City Amusements will be in full swing until tomorrow night.

With food and rides, the carnival will keep crowds entertained on grounds next to the fire company on Route 601 in Jerome.

A memorial service was held yesterday at Living Way Mennonite Church, 1st Street, Jerome, followed by local country and western performer George Lucas on the fire company grounds.

The Characters will perform at 7 p.m. today. Hundreds are expected to line the street at 2 p.m. tomorrow for the parade, featuring Brown as grand marshal.

The Fabulous Flashbacks perform at 7 p.m. tomorrow followed by a 10:05 fireworks show.

For Brown it's a time to reflect on his many years as a volunteer.

A tireless worker with an endearing personality, Brown won over many residents in this leafy village in Conemaugh Township, firefighters said.

Brown said he also has worked with Krings and Ideal fire departments in the past. He shares a home with one of two sisters.

"He's one of those guys, rain or shine, he's here," said Patty Coleman, a firefighter and Conemaugh Township emergency medical technician.

Brown is an important part of the fire company's centennial celebration and is often at the fire hall even when he is not on duty. He said he has no plans to retire as a firefighter anytime soon.

"I'm getting older and the reflexes are slower," he said. "I'll keep doing this as long as I can." - By PATRICK BUCHNOWSKI, TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT SOMERSET BUREAU

CUMBERLAND - This weekend only, Saturdays Live! at Canal Place ex-pands its hours to showcase three bands.

Free musical entertainment continues Friday through Saturday in the Queen City as part of Charter Media's Summer in the City with Friday After Five, Farmer's Market, Saturdays Live! at Canal Place and Concerts in the Park.

This week's Friday After Five, sponsored by Allegany Aggregates and Allegany Concrete, presents PT Cruiser Night at Town Centre. Friday After Five also welcomes Bishop Walsh Classes of 1979 and 1989 and Fort Hill Class of 1979.

Starting off the music for the evening will be entertainer Johnny Moore, performing a vast repertoire of classic standards on the Liberty Street Stage from 5 to 7 p.m. Entertainment from 7 to 10 p.m. includes George Lucas and Allegheny on the George Street Stage. Described as part George Strait and part Garth Brooks, Lucas, who has recorded in Nashville, will showcase his love for country music. Also from 7 to 10 p.m., Full Circle will play electric and acoustic, classic and contemporary rock and roll on Centre Street Stage and Midnight Rodeo will perform music ranging from Alabama to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Elvis on Mechanic Street Stage.

Return to Town Centre on Saturday for Farmer's Market and enjoy a performance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by Driftwood, a versatile band that specializes in traditional country.


A special evening of music will take place on Saturday at the Shops at Canal Place as Saturdays Live! at Canal Place showcases three bands from 5 to 10 p.m. Beginning the evening will be the one man band, Don Robinson, from 5 to 6 p.m. followed by the gospel sounds of Souls Won from 6 to 7 p.m. and the traditional Irish tunes of Shanty Irish from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Don Robinson will also perform from 7 to 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 to 10 p.m.

On Sunday, Shanty Irish will return for a performance as part of the Concerts in the Park series at the Constitution Park Amphitheater from 7:30 to 9 p.m. An eight-member band based in Allegany County, Shanty Irish will share their love for Irish music with the crowd. The current configuration of the band came into being in 1997, although the nucleus of the band has been together for much longer under different names.

The Summer in the City music series features over 70 free musical events and continues through Sept. 25. Summer in the City is a partnership between the Downtown Manager's Office, which hosts Friday After Five and Farmer's Market concerts, Canal Place Authority which presents Saturdays Live! at Canal Place, and the Allegany Arts Council which organizes Concerts in the Park.

A complete schedule of events is available from the Downtown Manager's Office, Canal Place Authority, the Allegany Arts Council, Allegany County Visitors' Center, and many locations throughout Downtown Cumberland or by visiting www.downtowncumberland.com or www.canalplace.org. - By submission for the Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND - Charter Media's Summer in the City in Town Centre continues this weekend with free concerts Friday through Sunday.

Canal Place will be the location for Friday After Five and Saturdays Live! this weekend with Constitution Park continuing to host Concerts in the Park.

Friday After Five, tonight at Canal Place, is sponsored by M&T Bank and Downtown Cumberland Business Association. George Lucas and Allegheny will kick off the evening at 5 p.m.

Described as part George Strait and part Garth Brooks, Lucas, who has recorded in Nashville, will showcase his love for country music. From 7 to 9 p.m., Takoma Park, the area's newest dance and party band, will perform a unique selection of country, Top 40, and classic rock hits. The Pittsburgh Pirate Parrot will be on location from 6 to 8 p.m., giving out schedules, photographs, and prizes, so parents are urged to bring the children and experience the first Coney Island Hot Dog Shoot.

On Saturday after visiting Heritage Days, stop by Canal Place to enjoy the contemporary rock of Chip Burkey and Brian Wilson Project from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Shops at Canal Place.


Bringing the event-filled weekend to a close, Concerts in the Park presents Bop Goes the Weasels, a branch of the Cumberland Jazz Society that performs contemporary big band jazz, Sunday at Constitution Park amphitheater from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The Summer in the City music series features over 70 free musical events and continues through Sept. 25. Summer in the City is a partnership between the Downtown Manager's Office which hosts Friday After Five and Farmer's Market concerts, Canal Place Authority, which presents Saturdays Live! at Canal Place, and the Allegany Arts Council, which organizes Concerts in the Park.

A complete schedule of events is available from the Downtown Manager's Office, Canal Place Authority, the Allegany Arts Council, Allegany County Visitors' Center, and many locations throughout Downtown Cumberland or by visiting downtowncumberland.com or canalplace.org. - By submission to the Cumberland Times-News