There was a spirit of camaraderie and anticipation in the capacity crowd before the Gil Mantera’s Party Dream reunion concert Saturday at Penguin City Brewing.
About a thousand people from 35 states turned out to see – as Ultimate Donnie put it – “the stupidest band that ever walked the earth.”
Donnie (a.k.a., Richie Bernacki, co-owner of the brewery), was genuinely touched at the size and enthusiasm of the crowd.
GMPD started as a gag about 25 years ago, but things got real as the act achieved cultlike popularity before it broke up 15 years ago.
The duo’s bizarre and hilarious antics were so fun they almost overshadowed the music. But the fact is, GMPD has great songs – even if it seemed like they were not taking things seriously. Just listen to their 2005 album “Bloodsongs” without imagining what might have been happening on stage.
At Saturday’s concert, those songs were delivered at a slightly relaxed pace. It was surprising at first but as the crowd settled in, it felt wholly appropriate.
A long time had gone by since the band last played, and the more chill tempo might have been GMPD’s way of saying, “that was then, this is now, and it’s all beautiful.”
The show, which barely reached the 90-minute mark, included a serious moment or two when Ultimate talked to the crowd. But only briefly.
Before last weekend, Gil Mantera himself hadn’t been seen in these parts in many moons. The silent keyboard-synth mastermind walked on stage in Western gear and a cowboy hat, more muscular than in his younger years but as smooth as ever with the dance moves. He swung his vocorder cord like a lasso.
The only downside to the show was the sonic distortion in the industrial warehouse turned concert hall. It was pretty bad, especially at the rear of the massive room. Thankfully, Donnie’s guitar solo in “Elmo’s Wish” cut through the echo, loud and clear.
After the concert, most fans walked over to the brewery taproom for the afterparty – still aglow with good vibes.
CANFIELD FAIR
In the Mahoning Valley, Labor Day weekend means the Canfield Fair.
After tonight, the weather will be ideal, so no excuses for not going.
Country superstar Brad Paisley will headline a concert at the fair’s grandstand on Sunday evening, while the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd will bring the event to a close on Monday night.
Skynyrd has been together for half a century. In June, the Southern rock act released “Celebrating 50 Years: Live at the Ryman,” a new live double album recorded at the landmark Ryman Theater in Nashville. It features the final performance of founding guitarist Gary Rossington and collaborations with artists like Jelly Roll, Brent Smith (Shinedown) and Marcus King.
For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or the box office in front of the grandstand.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
A few other entertainment highlights this weekend.
The post hardcore band Ice Nine Kills, with Kim Dracula and Dayseeker, are at Covelli Centre tonight.
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers will play their final two home games of the season tonight and Friday. Tonight’s game is a Buck Night – $1 general admission tickets, $1 hot dogs, and $2 beers. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. Go to mvscrappers.com.
The Youngstown State University football team kicks off its season tonight against Mercyhurst University at 6 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium. Tickets at ysusports.com or the stadium box office.
For a complete look at everything going on in the Mahoning Valley, check out The List.
Gil Mantera’s Party Dream is silhouetted on stage during its performance Aug. 23 at Penguin City Brewing.
