The RED ARROW

Courtesy Jim Price via Rockpage,

12 Dec'08

The last band of the Backyard BBQ, The Red Arrow, soon took the stage. Perhaps Chris V angered the government with his comments about the sound problems, and government agents secretly took out their frustrations on Dick Kos’ guitar, as Dick was plagued with ground hum problems early on. But such problems can’t keep a good man and band down, and Dick and The Red Arrow rose above the problems to entertain the crowd with their classic rock variety. Dick, singer Deb Bush, bassist Phil Kolarczyk and drummer did songs from Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and more. Highlights included the Phil-sung rendition of ZZ Top’s “La Grange” continuing into Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky,” and the group’s version of Ringo Starr’s “It Don’t Come Easy” seguing into Eric Clapton’s “Let It Rain.”

The Red Arrow

Phil Kolarczyk of The Red Arrow

Deb Bush of The Red Arrow

Dick Kos of The Red Arrow

Wrapping up the Backyard BBQ half of the day,

The Red Arrow

Jim Price via Rockpage;13 Apr. 08

The Christine Kliciewicz benefit at the Oriental Ballroom was an excellent time! The benefit was well-attended, and all four bands - Full Kilt, Beyond Reason, Atomic Blonde and The Red Arrow - represented well, and gave the audience an all-around good time. Once again, the area music scene pulled the community together to help out somebody in need! Hats off to all four bands, Jimmy Smith and White Lightning Audio for making everybody sound great, Dick Kos for a fine emcee job, and everyone who attended.

Here are some pictures from the festivities:

Getting the night started with their Celtic-flavored rock sounds, Full Kilt.

Triggering the first dance floor action of the show, Beyond Reason. Drummer Chris Myers pulled double-duty this night, he also played bass and bodhran with Full Kilt.

Celebrating pop, dance and disco sounds of the 70's and 80's, Atomic Blonde.

Carol and Jennifer Kennedy of Atomic Blonde. These gals can harmonize!

Atomic Blonde kept the Oriental Ballroom dance floor busy.

Dick Kos of The Red Arrow. Dick also emceed the concert.

Jimmy Smith of The Red Arrow. Jimmy also multi-tasked at the show, running sound.

Deb Bush of The Red Arrow. Thanks for the VIP press table and food tickets, Deb!

A highlight during The Red Arrow's set was Brian Elliott of the Arthur Itis Blues Band belting out lead voice on Skynyrd's "Simple Man."

Jimmy Smith and Dick Kos, serving up some dual leads!

Again, The Red Arrow with guest singer Brian Elliott and guest bass player, Steve Campbell.

Click here for link to PA Musician Magazine

17TH “END OF SUMMER JAM” @ CRESSON SPORTSMEN’S CLUB, CRESSON 8/26/07

(Review by 'The Professor', Jim Price via Rockpage,1/31/08)

Second on the bill was The Red Arrow. Singer Debbie Bush, guitarist/singer Dick Kos and drummer fired things up with their fun mixture of classic rock and roll, which picked up momentum as the set progressed. Deb and Dick swapped lead vocal duties, with Deb kicking things off with the Bad Company double-shot of “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On,” followed by Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me with Your Best Shot.” Dick then took the spotlight to growl out ZZ Top’s “La Grange,” which diverted to a Norman Greenbaum “Spirit in the Sky” journey before returning for a “La Grange” finish. After Dick sang Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” my favorite highlight of the set; a feisty rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Say You Love Me,” with Dick and Mike picking up the song where Deb left off, and elevating it to a heated finish. Eric Clapton’s “Let It Rain,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” Robert Palmer’s “Bad Case of Loving You” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” closed out the set. This updated edition of The Red Arrow was gelling together well based on this set, and the End Of Summer Jam crowd howled approval along the way.

Dick Kos of The Red Arrow.

Debbie Bush of The Red Arrow.
Again, Deb Bush of The Red Arrow.

Again, Dick Kos of The Red Arrow.

Once again, Deb Bush of The Red Arrow.

Once again, Dick Kos of The Red Arrow

PA Musician Magazine

Courtesy PA Musician Magazine, Oct. '07

THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS

By Jim Price

Another outdoor season draws to a close, and live music begins to head back indoors for the cold weather season. But as is always the case in this part of the world, a multitude of outdoor activities are slamming the lid on the 2007 outdoor season. Welcome to the monthly diary of a local music-aholic…

One of the first of those events was the 17th annual End Of Summer Jam, which happened at the Cresson Sportsmen’s Club in late August, with proceeds going to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. This year’s event saw strong performances throughout from Spirit Lost, The Red Arrow, The Verge, The Tony Mollick Project, Felix & the Hurricanes, Half Tempted, Nitekast and Tie Down. After Spirit Lost awakened the mountains with their brand of multi-textured, dynamic modern rock, The Red Arrow fired things up with their fun mixture of classic rock and roll. My favorite highlight of their set was a feisty rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” with guitarist Dick Kos and drummer picking up the song where singer Deb Bush left off, and elevating it to a heated finish

THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS
By Jim Price
3 July 07

If you're a local history and/or railroad buff, you likely have heard of the Red Arrow, the Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train that derailed at Bennington Curve near Gallitzin on Feb. 18, 1947, killing 24 people.

Based out of Cresson and Gallitzin, a band called The Red Arrow has been bringing their mix of classic rock, blues and country to area stages over the past few months.

The Red Arrow features five seasoned area stage veterans; Deb Bush on lead vocals, Dick Kos and Don "Turk" Schnars on guitar and vocals, Larry Smelley on bass and Mike Crocetti on drums. On stage, this band is anything but a train wreck; during their Memorial Day weekend performance at the White Lady Tavern near Altoona, The Red Arrow did smoking classics from
John Mellencamp, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pat Benatar, ZZ Top, Fleetwood Mac, Journey and more. Deb demonstrated some range, grit and spunk on the vocal
front, while Dick flashed some feisty and inspired guitar work along the way. Although attendance was light this night, The Red Arrow still succeeded in drawing a few people onto the dance floor. The Red Arrow maintains a busy schedule on Cambria and Blair County stages; they're back at the White Lady Tavern Aug. 11.

The following review and photos courtesy Jim Price via Rockpage:

THE RED ARROW @ WHITE LADY TAVERN, BUCKHORN 5/25/07

I had been wanting to check out Dick Kos' new band project, The Red Arrow, ever since it first surfaced last winter; but schedule conflicts didn't allow me to do so until this night, when I headed up the hill to the White Lady Tavern to see this band for the first time.

It was a quiet Friday night up on the mountain, and the White Lady was mostly empty as I first arrived and touched base with Tammy behind the bar to procure my first frosty brew. The Red Arrow - Dick on lead guitar and vocals, Deb Bush on lead vocals, Don "Turk" Schnars on rhythm guitar, Larry Smelley on bass and Mike Crocetti on drums - were on break, and getting ready to return to the stage for their final set of the night.

Although only a handful of people were in the main band room, The Red Arrow got a few of them up and dancing as they resumed the music with John Mellencamp's "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." Deb also fronted the band on AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long," before Dick sang lead on Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama." Deb again sang lead on Robert Palmer's "Bad Case of Loving You" and Pat Benatar's "Hit Me with Your Best Shot;" before the group gearshifted into country mode for the Dick-fronted rendition of Hank Williams Jr.'s ""Little Less Talk, Lot More Action." Dick then broke out his low growl on ZZ Top's "La Grange," before his Spanish-styled guitar lead-in triggered Richie Valens' "La Bamba." The dance floor again saw some action as the group did another John Mellencamp number, "Hurts So Good," before Deb fronted the group on a series of Fleetwood Mac favorites; "Don't Stop," "Rhiannon," "Go Your Own Way" and "Say You Love Me." The Red Arrow then finished out the night with Journey's "Lights" and Jimi/Bob's "All Along the Watchtower."

Anyone versed in local railroad history knows that the Red Arrow was a famous Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train that plunged over Bennington Curve near Gallitzin in 1947, killing 24 people. I can happily report that the Red Arrow onstage at the White Lady this night was not a train wreck, and in spite of the small turnout, did a decent job. Deb demonstrated some range, grit and spunk on the vocal front, while Dick flashed some feisty and inspired guitar work along the way. It was good solid, sturdy rock'n'roll, delivered with a smile.

With members still settling in, The Red Arrow is getting up to speed. But this band is poised to bring some hearty rock'n'roll to area stages, and this night showed that they are definitely on their way.

The Red Arrow, entertaining at the White Lady.

Again, The Red Arrow.

Deb Bush of The Red Arrow.

Again, Deb Bush of The Red Arrow.

Once again, The Red Arrow.

Deb Bush and Dick Kos of The Red Arrow.

Dick Kos of The Red Arrow.

Once more, The Red Arrow.

Once again, Deb Bush of The Red Arrow.

The following review and photos courtesy Jim Price and Deb Bush via Rockpage:

THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS @ DELGROSSO’S AMUSEMENT PARK, TIPTON 6/3/07

I had always been curious about the Kentucky Headhunters ever since the group hit superstardom in the late 80's and early 90's with their cross-sectional blend of country and southern-styled rock. I had never had a good opportunity to see this group until this day, when they played two freebie shows at Delgrosso's Amusement Park. I headed down to the first show to check it out. It turned out to be a surprising and rewarding afternoon.

My initial game plan was to simply show up at Delgrosso's Park and take in the 3 PM performance. I would meet up with Guv'nor Jesse, and grab a bite to eat following the performance.

I arrived shortly into the Headhunters' performance. Despite overcast skies and some light rain, a large, all-ages crowd was in place in front of the Delgrosso's main stage as singer/guitarist Doug Phelps, rhythm guitarist/singer Richard Young, lead guitarist Greg Martin, bassist Anthony Kenney and drummer Fred Young performed their hits and other songs from throughout their career. I didn't know a whole lot of the Headhunters' song library, but noted a few songs they did perform such as "Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine," "Oh Lonesome Me," the set-closing hit "Dumas Walker," and during the encore, "The Ballad of Davy Crockett." Other highlights during their set included a solid, rocking rendition of Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky," and Fred's skillful and powerful drum solo.

I was very impressed with the Kentucky Headhunters' performance. The group smoothly shifted between country and southern/classic rock styles, sounding competent and confident on all of it. The group kept the mood festive and fiery throughout the set, with Doug rallying the crowd to cheer and clap along. These guys were all accomplished players who were strong on their instruments and executed tightly as a unit.

It was at this point of the afternoon - after the Headhunters' performance ended - that things became even more interesting and rewarding. Jesse and I were chatting after the show, and were soon joined by The Red Arrow entourage of singer Deb Bush and guitarist/singer Dick Kos. Dick told us he had met the Headhunters a few times before, and was heading backstage to try to again meet up with the band. He led the whole entourage of all of us back, and soon we were standing outside the group's tour bus. First emerged drummer Fred Young, who we all got to chat with for a few minutes. Doug Phelps stepped out, soon followed by Richard Young. All of us got photos taken with these band members and chatted with them about different stuff; they were all friendly and cordial, displaying that traditional southern hospitality. Someone had brought along his souvenir promotional can of Ski soda, a regional drink referenced in the lyrics of "Dumas Walker;" and had it autographed by the band.

Another interesting part of this backstage meeting happened between Richard Young and myself. I had randomly decided to wear my Witches In Bikinis T-shirt to Delgrosso's Park this afternoon; the shirt that the band tossed to me during their performance at the Millennium Music Conference. When Richard emerged from the tour bus, I was introduced to him, and the first words out of his mouth were, "What does that shirt say...Witches in Bikinis? I want one of those shirts!" I told Richard that although I didn't work for Witches In Bikinis, I could contact their manager and see about getting a shirt sent to him. Richard told me he would wear the shirt onstage if they sent him one. The following day, I emailed the Witches' manager, Julie Rozar, who was elated with the news, and put in an order almost immediately for some 2X and 3X shirts; one of the latter which would be sent to Richard! So I inadvertantly won Witches In Bikinis a new fan this day, and a high-profile one at that!

We hung out at the tour bus for about 45 minutes, before going our separate ways. It was a fun encounter, especially considering that I hadn't planned on going backstage to meet the Kentucky Headhunters this day! Thanks to Dick and Deb of The Red Arrow contingent for making it possible!

(The live show photos taken below were by yours truly; the backstage photos were taken by both yours truly and Deb Bush.)

Greg Martin and Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Entertaining a large audience at Delgrosso’s Park, the Kentucky Headhunters.

Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Again, Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Into his drum solo, Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Again, Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Again, the Kentucky Headhunters.

More Kentucky Headhunters.

Again, Greg Martin and Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters.

Doug Phelps, Anthony Kenney and Richard Young of the Kentucky Headhunters. Shortly after this show, Anthony announced that he was leaving the band to devote attention to his family and business in Kentucky.