Crankdaddy -- Saturday June 5 at the Half Penny Pub with The Velmas and The Blisterz

Albany bands the Blisterz and The Velmas, join Crankdaddy on the mighty Half Penny stage Saturday, June 5. Doors at 8, music at 10.

Staples of the Albany scene, The Velmas, have been voted the Capital Region’s “Best Alternative Band” and “Best Rock Band”  in  2006, 2007, and 2009.

And our punk compatriots, The Blisterz, will bring their straight-up power-pop sensibilities to complement the rock fury of yours truly, Crankdaddy.

See you there…

With the holidays nigh, it’s time to start thinking about which holiday parties you’re gonna attend, and which ones you’re going to blow off with excuses like “I have a thing.” Well, this is one you’ll want to lock into your calendars now: Crankdaddy’s annual holiday bash at the Half Penny, lovingly known as Channukalooza!

This year brings Channukalooza 6, and it happens Saturday, December 12 at the Half Penny Pub. Check out this line-up:

Crankdaddy

Brand New Sin

Dead Holiday

You read correctly, friends. This is going to be our best Channukalooza yet, especially with Syracuse legends Brand New Sin bringing their unique brand of ass kickery to the mighty Half Penny Pub. And just when you thought the evening couldn’t rock any harder, our good friends Dead Holiday will close the evening in their inimitable beer-drenched fashion.

Naturally, there’ll be everything you’ve come to expect from Channukalooza: Presents, Slim Jims, Bagels, and more.

SEE YOU THERE!

PS — If you’re one of the last few numbnuts on the planet who aren’t familiar with the new, “Distilled” Brand New Sin, check this shit out, yo:

First, Undergang. We’ve played with these guys several times, and they never disappoint. This time, they seemed to have found some new magic. Gone is the Poland keyboard, which resulted in a rawer, more powerful sound. Even better, ditching it gave frontman Al Smead (Syracuse’s finest, btw) more room to roam on stage. His facial contortions, jerky movements, and “dramatic interpretations” of each tune kept your eyes glued to the stage at all times. At one point, he pantomimed making a caesar salad on stage. I am not kidding. If you haven’t seen Al and crew yet, you’re missing out.

Next up was Planeside. I had hyped this trio up as the “real deal,” and they did not disappoint. A tight, tight rockin’ unit that absolutely OWNED the stage. Their songs are amazing, and each guy in the band is incredible at their instrument. The bassist Ken, in particular, was a frickin’ beast! Their originals were catchy and memorable, and their covers — including the Descendents’ “Coolidge” — were great to hear as well. (Good thing Chris from the Half Penny paid off the ASCAP thug who shook him down.) On top off the kick ass set, they were all great guys as well. I hope we can get ‘em back to Syracuse again sometime.

While I’m on the topic of Planeside visiting the ‘Cuse, I have to share an interesting observation. They’re one of many bands we’ve brought in from out of town, and they said the same thing we’ve heard from every one of them: That Syracuse is VERY COOL town to play. They get a great reception from the audience, even if its not that huge. Apparently, places like the Half Penny are getting fewer and farther between — clubs that are willing to let bands come in and play originals. Bands like Planeside, the Blisterz, Suburban Vamps — they’re always glad they made the trip to Syracuse. And so are we.

Finally, Crankdaddy took the stage at about midnight:30. (Why does Rock have to happen so damn late????) It was the first time we had actually played together in over a month, and yeah, it showed. The word “sloppy” is actually one of Crankdaddy’s core values, and we reveled in it last night. But, we forged on, hit it hard, and had a blast. I promise to be a little more rehearsed by our next gig. (Which is December 12, btw. Channukalooza 6. Put it in your calendars now…details to follow.)

So thanks Undergang, thanks Planeside, and thanks to all our friends who came out to get stoopit with us.

Poster for Crankdaddy Show - Half Penny Pub Saturday 11/14/09

Saturday, November 14
9 PM Doors/ 10:30 Rock
The Half Penny Pub
Armory Square Syracuse

We put together a special show for our return to the mighty Hizzle Pizzle, so mark your calendars now and start catching up on your sleep! Sharing the stage with us will be Syracuse’s own UNDERGANG, and a band all the way from New York City — PLANESIDE.

You probably know about the ‘Daddy and the ‘Gang, so I’ll give you a little info about Planeside. This band is the real deal…having played shows with bands like Queens of the Stone Age, Death from Above 1979, and Helmet among others. They’re amazing musicians and their songs are amazing, and quite frankly, we’re not worthy of playing with them! But we’re stoked they’re traveling all the way to Syracuse to rock our collective asses off, so we hope you’ll come on out and show ‘em some luv.

Wanna know what they sound like? Take a listen to this Crankcast and see what you will NOT want to miss on Saturday, November 14. Hope to see you there!