(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Los Angeles, California — Thursday, February 28th, 2023 — Chuck Wright and company were back at the Whiskey for the Ultimate Jam on February 28th and the lineup was insane. This was a dedication to the “Red Rocker” himself ~ Sammy Hagar. There was so much music and so much jamming. It went on until morning.
Starting out in the early hours of 8:00PM, Gain of Function got things going. Michael Stone on bass, Sean Topham on drums and Pharaoh Barret singing. This housebound for the night was Chuck Wright, Joe Travers from Frank Zappa’s band,Brandon Paul from Lizzy Borden,Chris Turbos from Boys of Summer, John McCloy from the Contenders, and the very funny (I think) Hal Sparks hosting.
Susie Major from the Rag Dolls sang one with powerful vocals. Next up was a band from Northern California called Red Voodoo Band. Everyone was into these guys. One of the big moments of the night was Orinathi. She pulled out all the stops with a sick version of Rock Candy that featured Tracii Guns, Kenny Arnoff, Chuck Wright, and Mijenko Matijevic. Amazing performance.
Kenny Arnoff (drummer) stayed on and was joined by Sean Mcnabb (bass) from Quiet Riot (after Chuck), Chris Turbis (keys) from Mr Crowley, and Dave Amato from REO Speed-wagon (lead guitar) and the amazing Paul Zablidowsky, AKA Pauly Z, sang “I Can’t Drive 55” and blew the lid off the place.
Matt Starr (drums) from Ace Freely Kiss Army fame, brought home the UJN 2023 vibe. Also Greg Coates, Mike Vanderhule, Patrick Kennison (Lita Ford) to play a Van Hallen tune from the Hagar era.
Next, more Van Hallen. Hal Sparks (lol) on vocals, Jeff Page, Caleb Rapoport. And Sean Mcnabb played “Right Now”. Very powerful. Great tune. Scott Coogan from 6ft Nurse sang and played drums. Amazing performance.
Next was Ricky Bonazza ( Butcher Babies) on bass, Jake Faun (Winger) on guitar, Mike Vanderhule on drums played Bad Motor Scooter. Top notch performance.
Ultimate Jam favourite August Zadra performed to everyones amazement. He’s currently playing with the Dennis DeYoung Band. Always a favourite at the Whiskey. Gregory Alan Coates played with Steelhead guitarist Uros Raskovski, Coogan, Vanderhule, Rivetskull and Chad McMurray on Vox. The backing vocals really make Ultimate Jam with Linn Holmstedt, and Katriona Lehman Lorme. James O’Brien does an incredible job as the sound man. Thanks to everyone at the Whisky for supporting Ultimate Jam and see you at the next one!
