Andy Day of HardKnocks performs at Shelley's Place. Photo by Pennman 4/16/2010.

A re-configured HardKnocks has returned with a vengeance to the Bowling Green music scene. Tonight’s debut at Shelley’s quickly revealed this band is back, and better than ever. HardKnocks is a high-powered cover band that plays lots of popular tunes and specializes in Southern rock, although there is so much more. Energy just oozes from the stage and at some points had the audience up on their feet dancing.

All the band members should be pretty familiar to followers of the Bowling Green music scene, and all but one currently play in other bands as well. Steve Sanders handles the lead guitar with a real nice bluesy touch, Andy Day is the master of the keyboards, Mark Johnson plays a popping bass, and the inimitable Chris Hardesty smokes the skins. Alan Bays sings lead on many of the tunes and sits out intermittently when one of the other boys does vocals. All but Bays also perform in The New Fender Benders, and there are other connections (both past and present) to Chuck Wells & Stone Cold Blues. So these guys are well known in these parts.

You might think HardKnocks sounds something like those other two bands but you’d be mistaken. All three of the above-mentioned bands has a totally different focus, and the one here is rock. As I said, Southern rock is big with this band and they do it well. So favorites from groups such as the Allman Brothers and ZZ Top abound. A little Elvis was in the house, and I believe that qualifies as Southern too, albeit a different form of Southern. However, the rock is not limited to Southern rock, as a mini Pink Floyd set was performed too. The previous configuration of HardKnocks was sort of known for this, because who else plays Pink Floyd, and who could play it all so well?

Highlights in the sets I saw were “Jailhouse Rock”, “Soulshine” (real nice feel on this by Sanders), the Allman Brother’s “Melissa”, and ZZ Top’s “I Thank You” and “I Need You Tonight”. The aforementioned Pink Floyd featured Andy Day on the keyboards, and gave the tunes that trademark spacey sound.

If you like classic rock performed well (with an emphasis on the South), and maybe like to kick your heels up a bit, go see these guys. Check them out at www.facebook.com/pages/HardKnocks/105893669441653.

New Venue Alert

Shelley’s is a good-sized place with a large bar, plenty of tables, friendly staff and a well-placed stage for viewing a band. There is a cozy dance floor in front of the stage. They have a decent menu and I’ve heard the food is great. They serve lunch and dinner and have plenty of appetizers to snack on while enjoying your favorite live bands. So pay them a visit real soon. A good time is in store. They are located on Louisville Road across from the Smoky Pig near the intersection of Old Louisville Road.

HardKnocks played at Shelley’s Place on 4/16/2010. 

Pennman’s Picks

• Local (Bowling Green)
  •  Every Sunday @ 6 – KY Blues Jam – Wha Bah’s
  • 6/2 – 6/30 – Concerts in the Park – Wednesdays at Noon – Fountain Sq Park, BG
  • 6/4 – Poison Karma – Three Brothers II, Thee Japanese Schoolgirls – Crow’s Nest
  • 6/5 – Fibromyalgia Benefit Shows – Tidballs and State Street Pub
  • 6/6 – Scottsville Conservatory Spring Recital – Allen County Intermediate School
  • 6/11 – New Fender Benders – 440 Main, Andy & the Rockers – Russellville Square 7 PM
  • 6/12 – Poison Karma – Woody’s Pub, Vet Jam – Glasgow
  • 6/19 – Canago/Thee Japanese Schoolgirls – Tidballs
  • 6/24 – Karmadons – Tidball’s
  • 6/29 – Thee Japanese Schoolgirls – Lava Lounge
  • 7/2 – Poison Karma – 440 Main
  • 7/9 – 8/6 –  Concerts in the Park – Fridays at 6:30 – Fountain Sq Park, BG
  • 7/9 – 8/6 –  Concerts in the Park – Fridays at 7:30 – Circus Sq Park, BG
  • 7/29 – Mellow Down Easy – Tidballs
  • 7/31 – Grateful Gathering – Wha Bahs (Outside) 3 – 9 PM (search for it on Facebook)
• Road Trips (Nashville)
  • Bridgestone Arena (Sommet Center) – Poison/Ratt – 7/10, Tom Petty/CS&N – 8/12.
  • Wildhorse Saloon – Puddle of Mudd – 6/4 (Grand re-opening), Ted Nugent – 7/14, Great White – 8/19 (Rescheduled)
  • Ryman Auditorium – Neil Young – 6/1 & 2, Imogen Heap – 6/5, Hole – 6/29, Crowded House – 8/2, Primus – 8/6, Heart – 8/17, Black Crowes – 9/12, Sheryl Crow – 10/1 

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman