706 Union is a band with a vision, a mission, a slogan and a goal.
“Our vision,” explains band leader Dave Zielinski of Irwin, “is to combine honky tonk and blues music, both classic standards and originals, so that we reach as wide a demographic as possible – young and old – with foot-stompin’ American roots music.
“Our mission,” he continues, “ is to play our music live in front of as many people as possible, and our goal is for our audiences and us to have as much fun as possible.
“Our slogan is simple,” he concludes. “Honky Tonk n’ Blues.”
The four veteran musicians play clubs, lodges and festivals throughout Western Pennsylvania and have just completed their first CD in Zielinski’s studio, Lonely Bull. Ask Zielinski to explain the genesis of the band and he warms to the task.
“This band came together for all the right reasons,” says Zielinski, whose band name is ‘Diesel.’ “We enjoy playing together and in front of people, we’ve got a unique and fresh approach, and we’re having a ball.”
A typical 706 Union set combines honky tonk standards such as Hank Williams’ “Honky Tonk Blues” and Carl Perkins’ “Honey Don’t” with blues standards like Lowell Fulson’s “Reconsider Baby.” Zielinski’s originals, which combine elements of swing, honky tonk, jazz and country rock, punctuate the sets. Crowd favorites are “Hard To Say,” “Do What You Do,” and “High Life.” All three will appear on the band’s CD.
“There’s something for everyone in the audience,” Zielinski says, “and it’s all music to have a good time to. Basically, our shows are big parties.”
In order to keep the music as authentic as possible, the band employs a number of authentic instruments. This isn’t your typical rock band lineup. Zielinski sings lead and plays electric and acoustic guitars, steel guitar, and blues harp. Brian “Plowboy” Mizikar of Mt. Pleasant plays standup doghouse bass and sings. Jerry “Moneyman” Coyne of the North Hills plays drums, and Bill “Slingblade” Allan of New Kensington plays electric and acoustic guitars and sings.
“Our music fills the room, but it’s not overpowering,” Zielinski says. “That’s important – you can carry on a conversation and hear yourself think at our shows.”
Future plans include starting a second CD and booking 706 Union into larger festivals and fairs.
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
The Jason Martinko Revue will be opening up for the Dropkick Murphys on Monday, June 29 at the Ches-A-Rena located at 22 Adams Drive, Cheswick, PA 15024. Tickets are $25 through ticketmaster. You can also order by calling 1-800-745-3000 or by going to www.elkoconcerts.com. Doors open at 6:30. The JMR starts at 7:00 and the Dropkick Murphys start at 8:30. Hope to see you there!!
Monday, June 29 at 6:30 Ches-A-Rena 22 Adams Drive Cheswick, PA 15024 1-800-745-3000
I recently put up a video on the 65 Amps "Lil' Elvis" that will be shown at NAMM that Dan Boul the owner of the company narrated. I thought you might be interested.
"Sounds like wind blowing in a wheatfield, train rolling down the line, rain coming down on a old tin shed, steel, wire and a rusty heart. Boots of leather and dust and ash. Mollasess and coal and stone. Wedding rings and buried bones of love broken and burnt. Tales and the footprints, ravenswings and souls are earnt"
Join us at Mr. Smalls Recording Studio Sunday, December 16th from 5-9pm for our open house! We will be giving tours of the studio and information sessions throughout the evening. Instruments will be set up for open jam sessions as well.
Looking for the perfect holiday present for the musician in your life? Mr. Smalls Studio gift certificates are now available! These little beauties will get the music flowing with automatic discounts on studio time. For more information contact Larry Luther by e-mail larry@mrsmalls.com or by phone at 412-657-2545.
Come help us celebrate the one year anniversary of the Sunday Night Hayride this weekend at Howler's Coyote Cafe! We've got the Cocktail Shakers, Slackeye Slim, Buddy Nutt, and Ye Olde Royal Shithouse players returning to the Hayride, and as always, there is NO COVER, a FREE VEGAN BUFFET, and CHEAP YUENGLING. And for this anniversary, we've got give-aways and all kinds of other fun stuff. Come early, stay late, and tell your friends.
Sunday, August 12 - Howler's Coyote - 4509 Liberty Ave. in Pittsburgh
