The Seneca Allegany Casino Events Center has been bringing in some great acts throughout the summer, and this weekend is no different. The legendary Meat Loaf will be making an appearance at the events center on Sunday as part of his Mad, Mad World tour to promote the release of his new album "Hell In A Handbasket," and I got to speak with him before the concert. The full feature will appear on Saturday, but in the meantime, I thought I'd get you excited about the show by offering a few juicy morsels of Meat Loaf goodness.
I think it's safe to assume that the majority of the public at least recognizes the rocker's alias Meat Loaf, and many may even have heard a song or two of his since he started making music 47 years ago, but many may not have realized that there is a man behind the Meat.
Marvin Lee Aday, also known as Meat Loaf, is now in his 60s and is still rocking hard. Not only does he continue to impress fans at every live performance, but he still releases culturally relevant records that set standards and challenge the social norms we consider to be entitled to. He has watched the record industry suffer at the hands of the internet, creating a world devoid of artists who are relevant.
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Dusten Rader
"There is nobody of any relevance at the moment," said Meat Loaf. "The closest you can get to anybody that is relevant is in to the hip hop rap world. And, even that has dwindled within the last year. Adele, who sold 22 million copies of her album "21" worldwide, would have sold 50 in '94. But, there are no Beatles, or Rolling Stones, Elvis, Springsteen or U2. There's nothing out there that is creating any kind of relevance to music. And, it's because of countries that pass laws that make it legal for them to download. It's like the artist doesn't matter. Does that mean I can walk into the Louvre, take the Mona Lisa and not get into any trouble?"
Meat Loaf believes that many of the problems exist because families are losing traditions, people are no longer reading or listening, and education is failing.
"I was watching a show where they walk up to people on the street to ask them questions and these two young girls were asked what they thought of the Founding Fathers, and they said, 'Who are the Founding Fathers?' that's when I turned off the TV," said Meat Loaf.
And, according to Meat Loaf, there doesn't appear to be a solution coming anytime soon. He spoke more about the sense of entitlement that the world has grown accustomed to, and you'll want to check out the feature article for those details. Because, they concern, you, me and everyone you know. But, I will tell you that it has something to do with the cover art and subject matter of his new album "Hell In A Handbasket." Which, if you're interested in learning more about, check out his website at meatloaf.net where he has more than 80 videos, including 28 Q&A sessions, music videos, live footage and more.
The show is scheduled at the Seneca Allegany Casino Events Center at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $65 per person. All ages are welcome but those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The Seneca Allegany Casino Events Center is located at 777 Seneca Allegany Boulevard in Salamanca. For more information visit senecaalleganycasino.com or call 888-913-3377.
And, now on to the highlights and happenings ...
HIGHLIGHTS
Remedy Drive To Play The Crown Friday: Community Helping Hands and the Family Life Network present Remedy Drive, live at The Crown Theatre on Third Street in Jamestown on Friday night. The show will begin at 8.
Opening artist Jordan Biel will be kicking off the evening followed by the chart topping, high energy, Christian rock band, Remedy Drive.
Advanced tickets are $8 each for groups of 10 or more, $10 for students and seniors, and $12 for adults.
Tickets at the door are $12 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults.
To purchase tickets, call 664-1516 or visit iTickets.com
Southern Tier Brewing Company To Host Free And Fun Saturday For Summerfest: There are summer festivals, then there is the Southern Tier Brewing Company summer festival. Witness the spectacle of keg bowling at the annual Summerfest, this Saturday. This year Mosaic Foundation and Kevin Kinsella will lay down reggae beats. They were crowd pleasers last year, and this year the band includes Kinsella, founding member of John Brown's Body. There will be beer, a barbecue, frisbee and more. Admission will be free. For more information visit stbcbeer.com.
Chris Smither's Hundred Dollar Valentine Release Tour Show Is Saturday: As part of the Chautauqua Belle "Rock the Decks Cruise" program Chris Smither will present his new record from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday.
According to Smither's press kit, his 12th studio record is a masterwork. It sports the unmistakable sound which has become his trademark: fingerpicked acoustic guitar and evocative sonic textures meshed with spare, brilliant songs, delivered in a bone-wise, hard-won voice. It is also his first recording to feature all self-penned, original songs. Along with longtime producer, David "Goody" Goodrich, other featured musicians on "Hundred Dollar Valentine" are drummer Billy Conway (Morphine, Treat Her Right), Jimmy Fitting on harmonica, and Goodrich's ex-Groovasaurus bandmates, Anita Suhanin (vocals) and violinist Ian Kennedy (Page/Plant, Lemonheads, Juliana Hatfield, Peter Wolf, Susan Tedeschi).
Adult admission is $59. It includes a three-hour cruise and a chicken barbecue dinner. Cruise-only admission is $39. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 269-2355. The Chautauqua Belle is located at Lakeside Park, Steamboat Village, 78 Water St. in Mayville. For more information visit 269belle.com.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email drader@post-journal.com or call 487-1111 ext. 253 by Tuesday.
Tonight
Ken Hardley and the Henways: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lakeside Park in Mayville.
Blue Grass Jam: 7 to 10 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron. Area bluegrass musicians are welcome to sit in and play.
Friday
Ken Hardley: noon to 1 p.m., Farmers Market, next to the Renaissance Center, Third Street, Jamestown.
Doc and Bill: 4 to 5 p.m., Westfield Arts & Crafts Festival at Moore Park, US 20/NY 39 in Westfield.
Mosaic Foundation: 6 to 8 p.m., Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.
The Spellcasters: 8 to 11 p.m., Bellini Lounge at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville.
BandHanna: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Goodtime Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown.
Kris Meekins: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Webb's on the Deck in Mayville.
Ken Hardley and the Henways: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St., Jamestown.
Saturday
Doc and Bill: 1 to 2 p.m.,Westfield Arts & Crafts Festival at Moore Park, US 20/NY 39 in Westfield.
Wind River: 7 p.m., Busti Hamlet Development Group's "Concerts at the Gazebo" presents a bluegrass band. The event is free and open to the public.
Money Shot: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron.
Matt Homan & The Bluegrass Disciples: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Webb's on the Deck in Mayville.
Rustic Ramblers: Woodside Campground at 8248 Griswold Road, Cassadaga. Performance includes a Christmas in July theme.
Cindy "Love" Haight: 7 to 10 p.m., The Patio on Main Street in Mayville.
Ken Hardley: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Steener's Pub, Route 430, Greenhurst.