Mongo’s Corner

Tonight we are at Big George’s Bar in Plain City once again.  This week with Highway 70.  This  week we have a surprise opener… Last Big Town.
The band is on stage and setting up.  I’m looking forward to finally hearing a band I’ve heard so many good things about.

I’m excited to have Crystal behind the bar again, she is the only bartender anywhere who will come out from behind the bar to see if I need anything at the sound board.  I love Big George’s. 

BIG NEWS..  Joe Hahn just came in with his new “fiancee”. Congratulations Joe and Susy.  The ring is awesome.

Last Big Town has taken the stage and all I can say is OMG!!  These guys are absolutely incredible.  The talent on the stage is over and above anything I could have expected outside a large concert hall.  Why these guys aren’t playing in front of thousands of adoring fans, I have no idea.  For the first time in a very long time,  I’m speechless…. We are now at the end of their set, and I swear, they kept the excitement going non stop throughout the whole thing.  This is one band I can’t wait to hear again. You definately Don’t want to miss them if you ever get the chance. One thing to mention is the keyboardist for Last Big Town is the same keyboardist from Highway 70.  Watching Gary is always a thrill.

Keith Miller from Karma 10 is in the house!!  It’s always cool to see members of other bands coming out to support each other.  As you all should already know by now,  Jimmy; the owner of Lonewolfsound, is the drummer for the main band tonight,  Highway 70. Yours truly will be running the soundboard this evening.

All right everybody,  it’s time for HIGHWAY 70.  I’ll be giving my report between sets. 

I can sum up Highway 70 in one word… KASHMIR!!!!  This band has definately got the magic, and the talent to be one of the best if not THE best band Ohio has to offer.  I don’t know who else can pull off Shania Twain, and follow it up with Led Zepplin’s Kashmir and have the versatility to do both styles as if it were their own. Being related to 3 of the members of the band, you would expect me to give them a rave review, but ask any of them.. I’m always honest.

I’ve been running sound for this band for a year now, and I can only say each gig they get better and better.  The harmonies are right on time, and having the keyboardist singing a few songs here and there is a nice addition.  Gary’s rendition of Steppenwolf’s Magic Carpet Ride and Warron Zevon’s Werewolves of Londen are perfectly done, and something you don’t hear everyday which makes it even better.

Lisa as lead vocalist takes the band to a new level. To quote Big George. THIS LADY HAS SOME PIPES.  How many people can sing Play that funky music, Redneck woman, Black Velvet and Kashmir and pull them each off giving you goosebumps with each song. 

Of course you all know who my favorite member of this band is… JIMMY HAHN.  Being married to him I am probably more critical of him and at the same time his biggest supporter.  I love the way he plays drums.  He has the snappiest snare and hardest hitting Kick around. Not to mention his awesome fills.  His favorite is a Phil Collins drum roll that everyone recognizes.  Everytime I hear him play I get excited as if it were my first time, and still get giddy knowing I get to go home with him.

Joe Hahn on Bass, and Phil Gariety on Lead Guitar make the band absolutely ROCK.  I can’t wait to see what they do next year.  I only hope I can keep up with them on the sound.