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The Rocky Allen Band, a three-piece band located outside of Nashville, returns to Central Pennsylvania to play at the Cell Block, 154 W. Third St., on Feb. 18.
The Rocky Allen Band has performed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia. They also will be performing this spring in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Iowa.
Because the three band mates are originally from the Williamsport area, they like to play in their hometown when they have the opportunity.
Linden native Phillip McCoy brings his talent of bass guitar, mandolin and vocals to the band. His love for music began at a young age: "I started playing music as a kid, but it gradually became more serious in high school band and choir," said McCoy. "When I was at college I had given up music but I enthusiastically took the opportunity to perform again after meeting Rocky." McCoy's musical influences include Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Neil Young and Waylon Jennings.
Hailing from South Williamsport, Kevin McAndrews keeps the band together from the drum set. "Growing up, my dad was a drummer so I always had a drum set in my house that I could practice on. At about the age of 8, I started to grow to love percussion and the way it made me feel. It seemed I always had a beat in the back of my head that would fuel me for the next session. It's a great release of accomplishment to relay that to a physical sound," said McAndrews. "I feel versatile in several genres of music such as jazz, alternative rock, country-pop, hip-hop and classic rock."
McAndrews continued, "The freedom Rocky Allen Band gives me to perform where I'm most comfortable is satisfying and greatly rewarding. When Rocky contacted me saying there was a position open to play with them, I knew it would be an adventure and an opportunity to showcase the passion for music we all share." McAndrews credits artists like Blink 182, Styx, Red Hot Chili Peppers and MGMT for influencing his musical journey.
Lead man Rocky Allen (vocals and guitar) grew up in South Williamsport and traces his musical inspiration back to his family: "Throughout my life, my mom and sister have always been involved with music and played an influence on my musical career." Allen is a fan of musicians like Jim Croce, Brothers Osborne and Garth Brooks. While attending Penn State Altoona about seven years ago, Allen said, "I had the opportunity to see Jason Aldean perform live. I knew after that I wanted to pursue a career in music. The following week, I left school and purchased my first guitar."
From that moment on, Allen explained, "I grew to perform with various artists and musicians all over central Pennsylvania. Over the years, the band's music has had different sounds and styles, but I feel like the chemistry and creativity between myself, Phil and Kevin has given us the unique style we have today."
And it's that unique style that Allen encourages aspiring musicians to strive for: "Don't be afraid to be different. Stay true to yourself and perform the songs you truly want to play."
Allen believes that the biggest challenge facing musicians today is being able to perform in new venues. "It's not always easy branching out into a new area, but every opportunity you get a chance to play is a chance worth taking," he said.
While the Cell Block isn't a new venue for the Rocky Allen Band, it is a favorite. Fans can expect an "energetic atmosphere of country music," according to Allen.
"We have had huge crowds attend our shows at the Cell Block. We anticipate this show to be one of our biggest shows yet," said Allen.
On Feb. 18, the Cell Block doors open at 9 p.m., with the opening act performed by Coal Town Boys starting at 9:30 p.m. The Rocky Allen Band starts at 10:15.
For more information, visit www.rockyallen band.com