Weekend Spotlight

Screaming Ducks play 15th anniversary show

When the Screaming Ducks started playing State College, many of today's Penn State students weren't even old enough to attend preschool.

Fifteen years later, the rock 'n' roll cover band is still going strong. It will play its 15th anniversary gig at 10 p.m. today at Players Nite Club, 112 W. College Ave. Fans will be able to buy commemorative T-shirts.

Every February, the Ducks get together with a handful of local musicians for this special anniversary show. The show includes a five-piece horn section as well as appearances from members of other local bands, such as Sideshow Bob and Mike Swavely and the Chrome Magnatones.

Playing State College for so many years has made life interesting for the Ducks members, who have seen generations of fans pass though their shows.

"Sometimes entire families go to Penn State," Cunningham said, "so someone will tell us how their older brothers and sisters, or even aunts and uncles, saw us years ago."

The Ducks' ordinary lineup includes local barroom staple John Cunningham and Andy Tolins on vocals and guitars, John "Bubba" Beschler on drums and vocals, and Ronnie Wasco on bass guitar.

Over the years, the band has built a repertoire of over 350 tunes spanning the '50s through the '90s. The Ducks cover material from bands such as the Rolling Stones, Neil Young and Stevie Ray Vaughn along with a handful of original songs.

Such an extensive repertoire of songs helps the band to keep its shows original and exciting.

"We can play for nights without having to repeat a song," Wasco said. "It keeps the show fresh for us and the audience."

-- by Tony Roberts