Mushcup

On 11/01/18 I had the pleasure of checking out the always fun Jimmies Chicken Shack of Annapolis Maryland at the Crafthouse in Pittsburgh, PA. Celebrating 25 years as a band they set out for a small grouping of regional dates in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

​The night started off with some local support from a band featuring some kids, that it sounds like it was unfortunate that I missed out on but more on them later. Followed up by a healthy dose of 90s friendly radio rock by Sour Wine Cult.

​Next up was Beaver County/Pittsburgh PA music veterans Mushcup continuing their tradition of periodic reunion appearances. With their palm muted crunchy guitar grooves and soulful singing accented by the scratching of their turn tables and a bit of screaming to give it a bit of an edge. They sweated through their set catching some ears and bobbing heads along the way. Powering through their set, which included their take on the 1993 JCS Classic “Return to Sender” and the 1992 EnVogue hit “FreeYourMind” which seemed to go over well with the audience amongst songs from the various parts of their catalogue they jammed their way through.

Mushcup

​Following Mushcup was a band that if im remembering correctly stated that they had only been together for a couple of months. Named SaVenger from Gibsonia PA, outside of Pittsburgh.

Mushcup

Impressively tight. A solid, straightforward modern rock band. With guitars that are heavily driven by skillful drums keeping things moving forward and smooth.

​Then finally returning to Pittsburgh after several years was the headliner for the evening, Jimmies Chicken Shack. Performing a set that mostly consisted of songs from the two albums “Pushing the Salmonella Envelope” and “Bring Your own Stereo” they proved, as they have time and time again, that they are a band that commands their stage. Not taking themselves too seriously either, they focus on playing their songs and having fun.

The crowd effortlessly singing along with old favorites like “Dropping Anchor”, “This is not Hell”, “Lazy Boy Dash”, and “High” amongst others. The crowd continuously was yelling out some of their own requests. Some of which were granted. They continued on through their set with their unique brand of riffing and funky bass lines and drum beats. With some of my favorite lyrics and their unique approach to songwriting.

Jimi Haha – Jimmies Chicken Shack

A couple of familiar gags were done, keeping the crowd laughing as front man, Jimi Haha directly engages the audience members and teases fellow band members. They all have to wear the “wig of shame” if they screw up on any parts of a song. This night, Jimi himself was the only one who had to wear the wig. The other being his performance of the greatest guitar lick of all time which you’ll have to catch live, to believe it since the

Island Styles – Jimmies Chicken Shack

picture didn’t make the cut for this article.

Jimi towards the end of their set engaged the children I spoke of earlier in this article. Joking about how great they were and picking on them for not having a name and eventually he pulled them all on stage to sing “High” with him. Consistently working to keeping the crowd engaged and having fun all while rocking their way through their signature post grunge/funk sound with their unique riffing style and funky bass parts. Extended versions of songs with jam sessions seamlessly worked in all came together for a show that is always rocking and entertaining. If you get a chance to catch them do yourself a favor. You wont be disappointed. It’s just a fun rock show.

You can find all the bands on Facebook, check there for upcoming dates where you can check them out, and if you’re in the Pittsburgh area on 11/17/18 You can catch Mushcup on another reunion gig at Kendrews Lounge in Aliquippa , PA

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Jimmies Chicken Shack “Another Day”

Jimmies Chicken Shack “Dropping Anchor”

About Author

JJ Ulizio

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

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