2008 Highlights
Thunderbird Cafe
November 13th, 2008 was far from unlucky for John Vento & the Nied’s Hotel Band. Appearing for the first time ever at the world famous Thunderbird Café, the band electrified the audience with a fast paced, powerfully delivered performance. the crowd was surprised and thrilled as Pittsburgh greats, Robbie Klein (saxophone) and Steve Trettle (drummer) joined the band for a killer rendition of Elvis Presley’s version of the blues classic ”Little Sister “. From the very first notes of this night, it was clear to all in attendance that the Nied’s Hotel Band was on their rock-n roll game. Good friend and country western legend Slim Forsythe shared the bill.
Corbriwoodstock ‘08
On a beautiful fall day (Saturday October 4th) in the woods of western Pennsylvania, over 35 great musicians gathered and performed at an all day music festival called “Corbriwoodstock 08″. The Nied’s Hotel Band was proud to share the stage with so many talented bands & acoustic artists; James, Rheme Cleo, The Devil’s Oxide, The Businessmen, Bill Hibbert, Stephen Christopher, Rockin’ Ray Abel, Jimmy Franciscus from Shot O’ Soul, and so many others.
Catholic Girls Video Shoot
Director/Producer Frank Ferraro brought his talented staff; Ben Hernstrom (camera man), Andrew Russell (camera man), Andrew Vento (camera man), Jamie Erin Murphy (choreographer) & Kelly Del Greco (costumes) into the inner sanctum of Nied’s Hotel for the filming of the band’s “Catholic Girls” music video. Actors Billie Jo Powers, Monica Davis, Kathy Ebitz, & Brian Weyant starred in this production, though the Nied’s Hotel Band looks great in their supporting role. Photos below provide a behind the scenes glimpse into the making of the video. To see the video click here.
Nied’s Hotel Amphitheater Grand Opening
On June 6th the incredible Nied’s Hotel Amphitheater opened to rave reviews. Dignitaries from the entire music industry turned out to celebrate this great new live venue. John Vento & the Nied’s Hotel Band headlined an all star line up that included Rheme Cleo and Shot O’ Soul.
Sylvan’s Bar in Verona
The streets of Verona, PA were rockin’ and rollin’ on August 29th as Rheem Cleo kicked off a benefit concert to honor Ricky Howard followed by the Nied’s Hotel Band. An inspiration to all, the town lost Ricky to Leukemia back in 2006, but we all got together to let him know how special he was and to raise money to help others struggling with the same illness.
Baja Bar and Grill - Fox Chapel Yacht Club
On March 8th, 2008, the snow didn’t keep the Nied’s Hotel Band from another stellar performance. The Baja Bar and Grill was blazing as Kenny Blake teamed up with the sounds of Carmen Petote’s sax to create an absolutely jaw dropping horn section for the night. The place was rockin’!!
White Star Club - Freeport, PA
On Saturday February 23, 2008 the Nied’s Hotel Band hit the road for its first full show with the new rhythm guitarist/vocalist Joe Birch. The concert was a benefit for the Freeport Area Little League and Softball Association.
It was a very special night for “proud dad” and lead singer John Vento, as his sixteen year old son Andrew joined the band on the Bob Dylan classic, “Like A Rolling Stone”. Later in the evening, twelve year old Steven took over the drum kit for “High School Dance”.
The show closed with half the audience joining the band on stage to sing and dance to “Play That Funky Music”. A GREAT time was had by all!!
