Visit Amy at http://www.amydalley.com

Philly boys Kevin and Michael Bacon of The Bacon Brothers (yes, that Kevin of the silver screen and yes, that Michael, the composer for film and TV) meld their lyrics and musical compositions into gritty rock with a touch of Philly soul. You’ll hear more of that on their newest CD, New Year’s Day, releasing 24 March (Forosco). Sometimes, as Kevin tells PopMatters 20 Questions, the best album ever, is the one you made yourself – as in your family photo album.  Brothers in blood and spirit, indeed.

1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?
Michael: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. You see, you can make a great movie about anything as long as you end up caring about the characters at the end. Same goes for songs.

2. The fictional character most like you?
Michael: Papa Smurf.
Kevin: I play fictional characters for a living so I don’t think in these terms, or more to the point they are like me.

3. The greatest album, ever?
Michael: The Band’s Music From Big Pink.
Kevin: The photo album that has the early shots of my kids.

4. Star Trek or Star Wars?
Michael: Star Wars.
Kevin: I like light sabers, but then again I like pointy ears.

5. Your ideal brain food?
Michael: Gin martini.
Kevin: Music.

6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?
Michael: Forty years of making music and making a living at it. I’m a lucky person who loves what he does.
Kevin: I think my kids are turning out pretty well. Why am I proud of that? Because it’s so easy to mess that one up.

7. You want to be remembered for . .?
Michael: Being a good husband, good father and good brother.
Kevin: I won’t be around so I don’t care.

8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?
Michael: Igor Stravinsky, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell.
Kevin: At every step, and every day someone inspires me. Today I saw an old man on the subway singing his heart out for coins. How could I leave him off that list? And so it becomes a long list.

9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?
Michael: Igor Stravinsky’s ballet, The Rite of Spring, and the musical, West Side Story.
Kevin: God Father II?

10. Your hidden talents . . .?
Michael: Lightening speed, killer shot from the right side.
Kevin: I’m a good decorator.

11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Michael: Drop out of college and sing in my band.
Kevin: Floss!

12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?
Michael: Zoom, my son’s early ‘50s racing boat.
Kevin: Land.

13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or …?
Michael: Levi’s.
Kevin: I live in Levi’s. Wearing Armani is a vacation.

14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?
Michael: Are you kidding? My wife.
Kevin: Bob Dylan.

15. Time travel: where, when and why?
Michael: I’d invite the 1968 Beatles with George Martin to my current studio and blow their minds.
Kevin: Let’s go back to early man so I can see dinosaurs …Oh wait.

16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?
Michael: Prozac.

Kevin: Good food, fresh air, exercise, good wine. But when push comes to shove… sex.

17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or …?
Michael: Bombay Saphire Gin.
Kevin: Same as above.

18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?
Michael: New York City, the Adirondacks, the Bahamas.
Kevin: There is nowhere else to live except New York City, even though many have tri

ed.

19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?
Michael: Don’t try to please everyone.
Kevin: Listen to your heart, not to celebrities

20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Michael: We’re promoting our latest CD, New Year’s Day.
Kevin: Finishing this list!

Tony is selling the sound system, please pass along to anyone you think may be interested. Any technical questions, please call 570-868-0946 after 7pm to speak to him. For Sale Yamaha EMX 5014C plus 2 Peavy PR 15 Speakers – Excellent Condition!
Extra long cables, extra power cord, carrying case for board, all accessory hook ups , stands etc. extra microphone cords, and other accessories included. Only used 1 year and handled with care. Books and Warranty info available. Purchased at Guitar Center 9/8/07 Asking $1200 for all.

Click on their page in the left column to get their info and links.  This is a good band and worth going out to see!  They will be returning to the Winner’s Circle in December.  I plan to be there.

• Silverthorne is based in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania (Allentown area) and plays contemporary country music and country/rock.
• Booking information – Tammy Joy Eisenhart at 610-965-9595
• E-Mail – SilverthorneBand@aol.com
• Website – http://silverthornemusic.com/

Six Shooter

• Plays a mixture of country, Southern rock, classic rock and rock ‘n’ roll.  Together for four years, the band performs both cover songs and originals. “We do everything from all the top country people,” he says.   The group plays out throughout Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and has performed with several country luminaries including Leroy Parnell.   Whether they’re performing as Six Shooter or Circuit Breaker, one thing remains constant: the band’s efforts to connect with the audience.
• Booking
• E-Mail

Smokin’ Joe and the Wild Horse Band

• Smokin’ Joe has been North Central Pennsylvania’s hottest country act, for the last five years, and has carried that distinction into the new millennium. “The Wild Horse Band” provides hard driving country music. Smokin’ Joe and The Wild Horse Band have opened for country music stars, Charlie Daniels, Ty England, Daryle Singletary, and Ken Mellons to name a few. The band specializes in the music of Garth Brooks.  Talented lead singer, Joe Meholick, does an exceptional job on songs by Alan Jackson, John Michael Montgomery, Dwight Yoakam, and Montgomery Gentry. In addition, fiddle player John Powell sings songs by Brian White, Vince Gill, Lone Star and more.
• Booking information – John Guthridge- 814-768-3517
• E-Mail -theband@smokinjoeband.net
• Website – http://www.smokinjoeband.net/

Snake-Oil Willie Band

• We are a four piece band based in the Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania. It has been our pleasure to entertain throughout the entire northeastern region of our home state and many areas of New Jersey.  The Snake-Oil Willie Band’s philosophy is simple – be the reactive agent in bringing the best of times to you all with a combintation of country, R&B, classic rock, and party music – mixed with just a touch of personality, a dash of professionalism, and a great deal of energy.
• Bookings – 1-570-894-0539
• E-Mail – mailto:webmaster@snakeoilwillie.com
• Website – http://www.snakeoilwillie.com/thesnakeoilwillieband.html

Southern Breeze Band

• This six member band from York, PA performs classic country, light 70′s, classic rock and new country.
• Booking call (717) 246-1763.
• E-Mail -
• Website -

Southern Comfort Band

• Formed in February 1986 the Southern Comfort Band is a variety dance band. The band has been together 14 years performing a variety of Country and Southern Rock music
• Booking Call 315-668-8600 or 1-800-724-6715
• E-Mail  picker6@AOL.com
• Website -

Southern Reign

• Southern Reign has Quickly become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most popular country bands, playing hits from today and yesterday’s country favorites, they draw large crowds at every venue they play. In the past three years they have gone from a handful of jobs in a year to close to 100 jobs every year. Southern Reign has opened for such country stars as: Toby Keith, Kevin Sharp, Sammy Kershaw, Gary Allen, James  Bonomy, Sons of the Desert and The Warren Brothers. Most Recently for “CMA Horizon Award Winner” JoDee Messina.
• Bookings: Dave Rider 1-610-867-5128
• Music: “Double Live 2000″ (CD)
• E-Mail:  sreign@ptd.net
• Website -

STAMPEDE

• JR Riker is the Leader of the 4 piece band which he organized back in 1999 and is the band’s lead guitarist and lead vocalist. JR brings 35 years of experience into the band playing a wide range of music, from country to oldies to classic rock.
• Bookings – 908-835-1761 in NJ, 610-252-7275 in PA
• Website -

Stonee Ridge Band

• -insert bio-
• Booking – Kim Brown – 724-547-8597 or 724-787-0853
• E-Mail – stoneeridge@aol.com
• Website

Tandem

• Up and Coming Country music artist”s which perform locally in the Lehigh Valley and Tri-State Area.
• Bookings -
• E-Mail -
• Website -

They Might Be Cowboys

• Country band based in Beaver County, PA
• Booking: Can be booked as a regular three piece band for one to three hour gigs or as a special one to two hour concert package featuring the three-piece group plus a female singer- Rhonda Watson and TMBC
• E-Mail:  tmbc@theymightbecowboys.com
• Website -

Rickey Lee Watson & Black Jack

• There are something you ought to know about….Rickey Lee Watson Thousands of people will have the opportunity of being entertained by him this year in a series of live appearance in concerts, conventions, television and special performances that will carry Rickey Lee Watson and his show on tour Regionally…..for all age groups … country music that will make you dance, hoot holler and feel loved ,and bring memories get close , and see your on life come to light . also country rock for those who are just leaning to like country.  Catching him on the circuit these days, Rickey Lee Watson’s audience’s have the promise of being thoroughly entertained and delighted by a talented artist whose best days and best musical contributions are not in the  ‘yesterday’ but in the ‘here and now’…it’s obvious at first glance that this crafted entertainer and his fresh air- spirit continues to delight his audience’s whether he’s on stage , in personal contact,or on television.  Rickey Lee Watson has matured —beautifully– in his ability to touch audience’s hearts through his music.
• Booking information – Blackjack hotline 1-585-784-1782
• E-Mail -rickey@rochester.rr.com
• Website -

Unbridled

• Bio
• Booking information -Jim Lishego, 724-836-2837
• E-Mail – unbridled@unbridledband.com
• Website -

The Wanted Band

• Back in 1999, a rag-tag group of friends joined together to compete in the annual Colgate Country Showdown. Dan, Andy, Sandy, Joe and their friend Jared Comastro called themselves ‘What Exit’, a goof on a Jersey saying. With only one song under their belt, they made it to the local leg of the contest and got to play at WXTU’s Annual Anniversary Show. After the contest was over, they walked away with second place… not good enough to continue in the contest, but enough to realize that they had something. Thinking nothing of it, the group disbanded.  The next year, Dan somehow convinced Joe to get back playing as lead guitarist and Bill joined the group as the drummer. Sandy returned shortly after to play rhythm guitar. After his (very) short lived stint in Oregon, Andy came back to Jersey and then picked up a bass to join with the group with Kenny coming into the group about a year later.  In May of 2002, the band got together to write their first original and decided that it was good enough to try the Colgate Country Showdown once again. Even though they came up short in the contest, the band won the ears of a few bar owners and the XTU radio station. Within a short amount of time afterwards, the band was steadily booked for bars and events all over the tri-state region.
• Booking information -  Dan or Cathleen Webster 856-627-5619
• E-Mail -  info@wantedband.com
• Website – http://www.myspace.com/wantedcountryband

Whikey Grin

• Whiskey Grin is a Pittsburgh based Country cover band with a
  serious Rock attitude. We play in Allegheny County, Beaver County and Indiana County at places like Mystic Bay, Kendrews, Auggies Roadhouse, Fredericks, Guitars & Cadillacs and Kay Arena to name a few. Want to see where this Pittsburgh country band is playing next? Visit our Whiskey Grin country music calendar. Did you enjoy our last country music gig in Pittsburgh? Leave a message on our message board.
• Booking Link: www.whiskeygrin.com/contact.htm or call (724)462-4164.
• Email: theband@whiskeygrin.com
• Website – www.whiskeygrin.com/

The Who Knows Band

• Who Knows is a configuration of musicians that are anything but what the name implies, They are  always solid,  thus the satire.   Based on an ever present core of five musicians they bring vast experience from many years of playing in the Pocono Mountains and the greater Northeastern US.
• For information call 570-646-1232

• E-mail at kcnaylor1511@yahoo.com

• Website -  http://www.whoknowsband.com/
  

Wildfire

• Biography – WILDFIRE is a high energy, country-rock band based in Western New York,
  playing the top fairs, festivals and venues throughout Western and Central New York and Pennsylvania. WILDFIRE offers some of the best in country music, ranging from the new country sounds of  Tim McGraw, Toby Keith and Alan Jackson to the classics of legends such as Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. They also feature some of the hottest fiddle numbers around, played with a high-spirited and zesty style, consistently rousing audiences to standing ovations. Also recognizing the popularity of other genres that have close ties to country music, from such icons as Elvis, John Mellencamp and the Eagles, the band fully realizes the importance of being versatile.
  Capturing the attention of listeners and offering them the opportunity for a great time is of utmost importance to them, and something they truly take to heart.
• Schedule link
• Booking information – (716)662-2345
• E-Mail – wildfire@wildfirecountry.com
• Website – http://www.wildfirecountry.com/

Craig Wilkins

• Craig Wilkins, as single act. Craig has performed throughout the United States and Canada. He has opened shows for some of Nashville’s greatest stars. Craig’s appearance list includes: The Grand Ole Opry, Jamboree USA, The Appalachian Jubilee and numerous television and radio shows. Craig Wilkins has performed extensively at fairs, conventions, grand openings, state and county parks, churches, fire departments, recreational departments, etc. He also enjoys performing for senior groups and for people with special needs. Craig finds no job too big or too small.  Craig Wilkins with his band, The Western New Yorker’s. The group members make their homes in Western New York and their stage outfits are of the western Style. It is only fitting the group is known as the Western New Yorker’s.
• Booking information: 35 Eckerson Ave, Akron, NY  14001
• E-Mail  cwsinger@juno.com
• Website – http://www.craigwilkinscountrytraditionalist.com/

McKenzie Wilson

• At age 14, McKenzie Wilson has already established herself as a Country and Christian musician in Central Pa. performing at numerous fairs and carnivals within the area. She not only sings and performs songs on her guitar, she even writes her own original songs. Out of the 11 songs included on her debut album “Open Your Heart”, 3 are original songs that she wrote. Her performances include songs from the current contemporary country chart lists and even includes songs that go way back before even her parents were born. She enjoys performing the old country songs just as much if not more that the modern ones. Some of the artist’s songs that she sings include; Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Kelli Pickler, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and Jeanne Pruett just to name a few.
• Bookings- -Contact:Stacey Wilson at  or 814-448-2938
• E-mail – mrwsinger@earthlink.net
• Website – http://www.myspace.com/mckenziewilson

Chris Woodward

• Brief Biography – Chris Woodward brings to his audience every emotion that he is feeling. The songs that he has written and sings comes right from the heart. He brings simplicity back to country music; just a man using his vocal talents and song writing abilities to give you all he’s got. Chris will deliver a powerful performance that satisfies everyone’s appetite for country music.
• Booking information – PO Box 406, Three Springs , PA 17264
  Phone (814)-448-3799
• E-Mail – chriswoodwardmusic@yahoo.com
• Website – http://www.chriswoodwardmusic.com/

XCountry – A Modern Country Band with a Rock & Roll Attitude

• Formed in the spring of 2004, this Wilkes-Barre , PA band has been hot right out of the gate. Even before they played their first gig, they landed sponsorships from FROGGY 101, Northeast PA’s #1 rated radio station, and Coors Light.  FROGGY 101 invited them to play at their July Jam and the Ford Amphitheater at Montage Mountain in Scranton, along with Scotty Emerick, Lee Ann Womack, and Pat Green, and six thousand screaming fans! That gig has led them to open up for Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich, and to warm up the crowd at the Watkins Glen SIRIUS NASCAR race in New York.  XCountry’s set list is comprised of today’s modern country hits. Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Big & Rich, and Brooks & Dunn are just some of the artists they cover to get the crowd on their feet dancing and parting all night long!
• E-mail: cannon@ptd.net
• Bookings: (570)719-9986
• Website - http://www.xcountry.biz/