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bobhelbig — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:39:09 CST

thanks to P.J. for taking the photo
L to R: Babaloo Helbig, John Koeck, Megan, Dave Nichols, John Stevens

Hear recent LIVE BOOMERS RECORDINGS!
(updated Dec 3, 2003)
Click here for AUDIO

SEE THE NEW SLIDESHOW OF RECENT PHOTOS!

making the Alleghenies rock

"We lived it. We love it. We play it!"

HEADLINES . . .

THIS WEEKEND:

Saturday Dec 26: Huntingdon VFW, 9p to 12am
NEW YEAR'S EVE @ LEWISTOWN MOOSE, 10PM TO 1AM!
New songs are here from the Boomers:

Freeze-Frame, J. Geils Band
Sounds of the Season: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, and Please Come Home for Christmas
I Love Rock and Roll, Joan Jett
I'm Too Sexy, Right Said Fred
In the Summertime, Mungo Jerry
Mama Told Me Not To Come, Three Dog Night
Shake it Up, The Cars
Workin' For The Weekend, Loverboy
This Love, Maroon Five
Maybe I'm Amazed, Paul McCartney
Would I Lie To You?, The Eurythmics
Don't Know Why, Norah Jones
We Got The Beat, The Go-Go's
Everybody Have Fun Tonight, Wang Chung
Rock the Boat, Hues Corporation

Check the Songlist page for a complete active listing.

Hey everybody, it's Priscilla the Tambourine Lady!

photo courtesy of Jim Price
You can usually see Priscilla with us at the Newburg.

A great performer . . In memory of Jerome

La da dee . . .

. . . and, ALSO BROUGHT TO YOU BY . . .

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE, SOLDIER! JOIN BOOMERS' ARMY! (not affiliated with Homer's Army--the band founded by the great John Homerski, our friend)
Boomers' Brand CKnB Special Roast--a fine blend of 60s, 70s, 80s, and more . . .

. . . good to the last note!

THE BOOMERS HAVE FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES!

The Honorables Nancy Pelosi, Jack Murtha and Boomers' contributor and friend Janey

Congratulations Jaynelle on your graduation and new job at the US House of Representatives!

WE HAVE FRIENDS IN OTHER HIGH PLACES, TOO

ALTOONA MICK JAGGER LEGEND, SKIP STONE (hmm . . . He bears a strong resemblance to site contributor Dick Swagger, don't you think?)

Our friend Jerry Carnicella from The White Shadow Band has written a fun new book. Click the cover and check it out.

lovetheboomers.com

It kind of says it all, don't you think?
And, we have a new email address:lovetheboomers@gmail.com.

Of course, you can still reach our site with the old web and email addresses for another year.

CELEBRATE! DANCE TO THE MUSIC!

LovetheBoomers.com site passes 10,000 hits! And,like beer, one can never have enough of a good thing, so here we come 11,000!

BOOMERS CALENDAR

We want you to join the Boomers' Community!

Join the conversation and make new friends.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome Lyres! A great guy and a great musician, too. See his posts in the comments.

Many thanks for the promotional efforts of our friend Bill Heil. Bill and Pauline are the best friends a band could have.

Thank you Jaynelle your continued work on the Boomers MySpace site. Your dedication is a testament to Bakerton's one and only "The Machine."
Jaynelle's "The Boomers" MySpace FanPage It's really snazzy, isn't it?

MOBILE PHONE/DEVICE USERS: Want to keep in touch when you're mobile? On your device's browser, go to Google Mobilizer at www.google.com/gwt/n You can convert the Boomers site to an easy to load mobile format! It's so easy, even a caveman can do it! (sorry, Mango)

Hey man, until next time . . . the Dude abides.

Song List

bobhelbig — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:46:27 CST

Ain't Too Proud to Beg, The Temptations, The Rolling Stones
All Summer Long, Kid Rock
Authority Song, Jon Mellencamp
Baby, You Can Drive My Car, The Beatles
Back on the Chain Gang, The Pretenders
Bad Case of Lovin' You, Robert Palmer
Black Horse and a Cherry Tree, K.T. Tunstall
Black Velvet, Allanah Miles
Brass in Pocket (I'm Special), The Pretenders
Breakup Song, Greg Kihn Band
Brick House, The Commodores
Brown Eyed Girl, Van Morrison
Build Me Up, Buttercup, The Foundations
Couldn't Get it Right, Climax Blues Band
Crazy Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, and others
Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Queen
Don't Dream it's Over, Crowded House
Don't Know Why, Norah Jones
Don't Stop Believin', Journey
Easy, The Commodores
Everybody Have Fun Tonight, Wang Chung
Everything, Michael Buble
Evil Woman, ELO
Folsom Prison, Johnny Cash
Footloose, Kenny Loggins
Freeze-Frame, J. Geils Band
Funky Town, Pseudo Echo
Get Back / Back In The USSR, The Beatles
Hang on Sloopy, The McCoys
Harden my Heart, Quarterflash
Heartache Tonight, The Eagles
Heatwave, Martha and the Vandellas
Heart of Glass, Blondie
Hey Bartender, The Blues Brothers
Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Pat Benatar
How Long (has this been going on), Paul Carrick / Ace
Hurt So Good, Jon Mellencamp
I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honeybunch), The Four Tops
I Ran, Flock of Seagulls
I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
I'll Stand by You, The Pretenders
I’m a Believer, The Monkees
I'm Too Sexy, Right Said Fred
In The Summertime, Mungo Jerry
It's In His Kiss (Shoop Shoop Song), Cher
It's Still Rock & Roll To Me, Billy Joel
I Saw Her Standing There, The Beatles
Jenny Jenny 867-5309, Tommy Tutone
Jessie's Girl, Rick Springfield
Jet Airliner, Steve Miller Band
Just a Gigolo, David Lee Roth
Knock on Wood, Otis Redding / Carla Thomas
Lay Down Sally, Eric Clapton
Listen to Her Heart ,Tom Petty
Long Train Runnin’, The Doobie Brothers
Love, Look What You've Done To Me, Boz Scaggs
Love Shack, The B-52s
Mama Told Me Not To Come, Three Dog Night
Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffet
Maybe I'm Amazed, Paul McCartney
Mustang Sally, Wilson Pickett
Old Time Rock & Roll, Bob Seger
One Thing Leads to Another, The Fixx
One Way Or Another, Blondie
Ooh, Baby Baby, Linda Ronstadt
Play that Funky Music, Wild Cherry
Pretty Woman, Roy Orbison
Rebel Rebel, David Bowie
Rock The Boat, Hues Corporation
Rock This Town, The Stray Cats
Shake it Up, The Cars
Sharp Dressed Man, ZZTop
Simply Irresistible, Robert Palmer
Sleepwalk, Santo & Johnny
Smooth, Santana
Something, The Beatles
Soul Man, Sam and Dave / The Blues Brothers
Stuck in the Middle with You, Stealers’ Wheel
Summer of '69, Bryan Adams
Takin' Care of Business, BTO
The Last Time, Rolling Stones
The Way, Fastball
This Love, Maroon Five
Time After Time, Cyndi Lauper
Tuff Enuff, The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Tulsa Time, Eric Clapton
Two Tickets To Paradise, Eddie Money
Up Around The Bend, CCR
Venus, Shocking Blue
Wake Me Up (Before You Go-Go), Wham!
Walking on Sunshine, Katrina and the Waves
White Wedding, Billy Idol
Wonderful Tonight, Eric Clapton
Workin' For The Weekend, Loverboy
Would I Lie To You?, The Eurythmics
You Can't Hurry Love, The Supremes
You May Be Right, Billy Joel

The Boomers (active) Songlist,12/11/09

The Boomers Calendar

bobhelbig — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:41 CST

The Boomers' Events for Nov and Dec 2009

Slideshow

bobhelbig — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:07:37 CDT

Top: July 4, 2009 at Nanty Glo Park; Bottom: December 2008 at Blair Co. Convention Ctr.

Pictures

bobhelbig — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:37:47 CDT

Facebook

bobhelbig — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:15:13 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Audio

bobhelbig — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:52:03 CDT

Thanks to our friends at Dog & Pony for the mobile recording. They did such a good job the last time, we figured we'd give them the business again.

This selection of songs was recorded live at The Snowflake Ball, Feb. 2009, Ebensburg, PA

Contact

bobhelbig — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:07:44 CST

For information on booking us for your event or club,

call John Stevens at 814-242-8515.

You can also email us:
lovetheboomers@gmail.com

We promise not to spam you!

We'd love to hear from you! Tell us where you saw us, or would like to see us!

Home

About Us

bobhelbig — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:20:42 CST

John Koeck (PianoMan) is a talented guy who can play and sing r&b, rock, and even piano bar. John adds expertise in vocal arrangements and adds sweet harmony to our vocal lineup. He cut his pop music teeth on the 80s synth bands' music and played with numerous Altoona area bands. John's keys add texture and color to the Boomers' musical spectrum.
John Stevens (The Machine) is the rock and roll veteran drummer of the band, playing state-of-the-art Roland electric drums, faithfully reproducing the famous drum sounds that made us all get up and dance. John is a highly skilled drummer and is solid as a rock.

Dave Nichols (Red Tele) is one of the finest guitarists around. He lives in Somerset, where he runs his store Nick’s Music, but makes the trek for the Boomers’ gigs. He is a first-rate guitar player who could play with anyone and is dedicated to performing.

Bob Helbig (a.k.a Bobby Bacala, Bobby Bonaduce, Bobby Barista and many other last names) is an accomplished guitarist, singer, and bassist. Like the others, he has spent nearly forty years performing and developing as a singer and guitarist. Bob delivers a wide range of vocals--belting out rock & roll screamers to golden-throated soulful R&B stylings.

Megan is blessed with a great voice and adds youth and vitality to the band. An experienced singer, performer, and actress, Megan sings the gamut of rock and roll to pop dance to classic ballads.

Home

Ask Dr. Alan

bobhelbig — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:17:36 CST

Greetings and Salutations,
If you have issues or questions about life, love, happiness, and strudel, fear not fellow travelers! Just click "Add a Comment" below and leave your question. I will reply with advice that had helped countless persons over my 25 days in private practice.

(Dr. Alan O'Rugby is not a medical doctor and, as such, gives advice that is not intended to replace that of a licensed professional. Rather, it is intended to be at least mildly interesting. Dr. Alan has a Certificate of Attendance for a 3 hour seminar from the Duluth School of Animal Husbandry, and has legally changed his first name from Alan to Dr. Alan. He lives with his mother and his Great Dane.)

Hello my dear friends! Let's see what's in the mail bag today. Ah, here's one . . .

Dear Dr. Alan,
While I was on the Boomers’ site, my five year old daughter inadvertently saw a post from RON “THE REAL” DIEHL and his photo. She shrieked and told me his picture frightened her. After comforting and assuring her that he was probably a nice man, despite his penchant for torturing his detractors, I figured she would be alright. Well, Dr. Alan, she has been having recurring nightmares, seeing his image in her dreams. Could you please help?

Signed:

Afraid of things that go bump in the night

My dear "Afraid,"
Relax, it's quite normal for children to experience these kinds of anxieties. I , myself, as a child was gripped with fear after seeing a photo of Carol Channing. She'll eventually outgrow her fear of large men with lime green hair and no necks. In the meantime, whenever your child and you are anxious, just look at this:

There, don't you feel better already?

***

Afraid, lonely, desperate, rich and attractive? Dr. Alan O'Rugby is here for you.

Dr. Alan's Answers to Life's Mysteries

bobhelbig — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:36:53 CDT

(Dr. Alan O'Rugby is not a medical doctor and, as such, gives advice that is not intended to replace that of a licensed professional. Rather, it is intended to be at least mildly interesting. Dr. Alan has a Certificate of Attendance for a 3 hour seminar from the Duluth School of Taxidermy, and has legally changed his first name from Alan to Dr. Alan. He lives with his mother and his great dane.)

People search their entire lives for the answers that seem to elude them. After spending years in Tibet (village outside of Klondike, PA and pronounced "TIBBUT" by the locals) at the feet of the Deli Lama, who makes a terrific club sandwich, (not to be confused with the Dali Llama, or however he spells it) I have come up with, what I think to be, the answers to life’s mysteries, volume 1. Here are the questions that you’re probably asking yourself:

What will happen if Barack Obama wins the election?
Dogs and cats will live as one, the sun will shine 18 hours a day everywhere, and Sheetz will finally make a good tuna MTO.

What will happen if John McCain wins?
70 will become the new "50," Viagra will become the new One-a-Day, names like "Bertha" and "Agnes" will become popular again, and Sheetz will finally chase away those pesky teenage hoodlums for good.

Is there a cure for cancer, and is it deliberately being kept from us?
Yes and yes. It’s Scotch Whiskey. Even if they told us, not many of us could get past the taste, so it’s of no use.

Is there life after death?
Yes, but the waiting time varies. If you want to be reborn as someone rich and famous or with stature, like, say, the Pope, the waiting time is 1000 years. To be reborn as an average citizen, it’s 100 years. However, if you’re willing to come back as a rabbit, there is no wait. This is quite an attractive option since your days will consist of eating and mating.

How can you get a ketchup stain out of a white shirt or blouse?
Scissors.

Will Social Security run out of money?
No. The government will always find the money to pay the elderly. They have to. Everyone knows that old people will whine and whine until everyone around feels so exasperated and guilty and just gives in—anything to get them to shut the hell up!

Who really killed JFK?
JFK did. He had terrible eating habits that made his blood pressure go so high that it finally blew a hole in the back of his head, like when you blow up a balloon and it breaks.

Is Pro Wrestling fake?
No. These guys are actually hitting each other as hard as they can; they’re just so muscle-bound that their punches have very little force behind them.

If I practice for four hours a day on my guitar will I be able to play in a band as good as the Rolling Stones?
No. To be in a band comparable to the Stones, you would need to drink and smoke constantly, stay out all night, and only bathe when you’re not making public appearances. (Dick Swagger, you're on your way!)

Is there life outside of planet Earth and if so, have we ever been visited by these creatures?
Yes there is, and yes we have been visited. They don't feel particularly welcome and claimed that we were "bitter" and that we "cling to our guns and religion."

Can dogs think?
Yes they can. I have a great dane named Max, and one day he left his planner on the coffee table.

Is chicken soup actually a cure for the common cold?
Not a cure, but a prevention! People who eat a lot of chicken soup don't get colds. That's because they smell like chicken soup!

Will bin Laden attack us again?
I doubt it. Actually Osama is under attack himself. Not from U.S. troops, but beard lice. He has it bad. His ceremonial dress collar is really not a religious symbol. Rather, it is a custom-made flea and tick collar made for him by Dow Chemical in the United Arab Emirates. It was a gift from Dick Cheney, who wants bin Laden not to infect CIA agents when they waterboard him.

The "We Like" Page

bobhelbig — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:55:23 CDT

Bill Rogers Digital Photography
Listen, one picture IS worth a thousand words, but Bill's pictures will leave you speechless! Enough said, check it out!

Family Pizza and Pub is as the name says: a place for great pizza and sandwiches, friends and families, and the best local music.

Zupe
Zupe is a very talented musician and performer who has performed locally and everywhere else for decades. He also writes and produces music and has had national exposure on some of his pieces. He is also a friend of the band.

Steve Summerhill
Like Zupe, Steve is a consummate entertainer and has given us great support. He deserves the same. Plus he's a computer genius!

Stevens Carpet One
The C.K.&theBoomers official stage and flooring sponsor
207 East Carroll StreetCarrolltown, PA 15722(814) 344-8689

South Hills School of Business & Technology--Altoona
CKnB says: Hey kids, stay in school, get those job skills, and get to work! There'll be plenty of time for rock and roll after school (after you get your homework done!).

SET LIST

bobhelbig — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:54:19 CDT

If you are a member of the CKnB Community you can participate in editing our show! Email your best list based on our songlist page to us at mail@lovetheboomers.com . The sender of the "best list" gets a collector's item CK&theBoomers tshirt!

The Way I See It

bobhelbig — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:10:43 CDT

This page is a link to Bob Helbig's Blog.

Bob Helbig: The Way I See It

CKnB Promo Flyer

bobhelbig — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:53:33 CDT

Boomers in Jim Price's PA Musician Reviews

bobhelbig — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:19:22 CDT

Thanks to the Professor, Jim Price for his review of the band, published in the April 2008 PA Musician:

"I finally caught up with CK & the Boomers [sic] during their early March performance at Altoona’s Family Pizza & Pub. This group features several seasoned vets of the area music scene; Bob and Patty Helbig both sing; Bob plays bass and Patty plays some acoustic guitar and percussion.The group also features former Stillwater keyboardist/singer John Koeck, Dave Nichols on guitar, and John Stevens plays drums. From CK & the Boomers you’ll hear rock’n’roll, R&B and country hits from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. With Bob, Patty and John Koeck all handling lead singing duties, the group spans a wide variety of sounds, from the Four Tops and Eddie Floyd to Billy Joel, the Stray Cats, Quarterflash, Johnny Cash, B-52’s, the Beatles, Pat Benatar and more. Highlights were numerous; including songs I didn’t expect to hear such as Bob and Patty’s Ike & Tina spin on “Proud Mary,” John singing Hall & Oates’ “Kiss on My List” and Hot Chocolate’s “You Sexy Thing,” and special guest Jerrone Barnes lending his soulful falsetto on the Miracles’ “Ooh Baby Baby.” CK & the Boomers did it all well, showing ample versatility in bringing this wide range of songs to life. CK & the Boomers maintain a busy performance schedule throughout central Pennsylvania; watch for their return to Family Pizza & Pub."

RON "THE REAL" DIEHL FOR PRESIDENT

bobhelbig — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:01:41 CDT

"Bringing our country back to the way it used to be."

DRAFT RON "THE REAL" DIEHL IN 2008!

NEWS:

March 17, 2008:WILL DIEHL DENOUNCE REVEREND WOOD?
Reverend I. L. Wood of the First Church of the Presumptuous Assumption in New Washington, PA was quoted recently as saying that ALL the candidates were "a bunch of a**holes" because none of them would "bring about Armageddon soon enough . . . probably not until at least their second terms."

March 9, 2008: DIEHL REFUSES TO EXIT RACE. WILL HE BE A SPOILER?

December 18, 2007: ACTOR CHUCK NORRIS DUMPS HUCKABEE AND ENDORSES RON "THE REAL" DIEHL FOR PRESIDENT.

"DIEHL or these bad boys, take your pick, punk."

Says Norris," I was onboard with Huckabee, having put him through a rigorous two-year training schedule including exercise and diet. He lost over 180 pounds! But recently, I've seen Wendy's bags in his car and even spotted him in Safeway loading up on Little Debbie's. If I am to endorse anyone, I demand integrity and faithfullness to the training program. Frankly, I'm a little disappointed in Mike.

Therefore, I am giving my celebrity endorsement and support to RON "THE REAL" DIEHL. Violence is my last option."

November 7, 2007:RON "THE REAL" DIEHL ENDORSED BY

International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) and Demolition Workers of Somerset County, PA (DWOSCPA)

"DRAFT RRD" MOVEMENT GAINING MOMENTUM!

Here's what the leading contenders are saying about RON "THE REAL" DIEHL:

I really hope he changes his mind and doesn't run. America's not ready for someone with lime-green hair, especially if it looks better than mine.---John Edwards

I know how he feels; I myself would kinda like to run, too.---Fred Thompson

While it's true that RRD is quite handsome, it takes more than looks and charm to run a country--just consider our last two presidents.---Hillary Clinton

We lost a good man on 9/11. RON was a tower unto himself. What? He's not dead? Oh, . . . never mind.---Rudy "Remember 9/11" Giuliani

Is HE running? You mean I lost 200 pounds for nothing! Dang! Take me to Denny's STAT!---Mike Huckabee

(expletives deleted by The Dude Abides)

He has proved himself to be quite capable, but a fellow from New Jersey claims that he has been repeatedly tortured by Mr. DIEHL. Given my experience at the "Hanoi Hilton," I can't endorse anyone who engages in this despicable practice---does he need a running mate?---John McCain

I'm all for his candidacy. Color isn't an issue. What color is he, anyway? See, it doesn't matter, does it?---Barack (a.k.a. "Barry") O'Bama

I'm not running, but I really hope he doesn't make it. He's the LAST thing we need. Did you ever see those old Raid commercials with cartoon bugs screaming "Raid!" when the can walks through the door? We gihadists fear HIM even more than we fear soap and water.---Usama Bin Laden

Events Photos

bobhelbig — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:06:24 CST

Tom, VP of Operations

Justin Elliot and Brett Roneberg up a hundred feet! Don't look down!

Video--CK&theBoomers Live!

bobhelbig — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 02:37:15 CDT

Zupe Becomes a Temporary Boomer

bobhelbig — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:17:47 CDT

from Zupe.net, July 7, 2007
written by Zupe home

The Altoona music scene will never be the same. I went out to dinner, with my family, at Burgi's Roundhouse (http://www.burgisroundhouse.com). Besides the food, we were there to hear my friends in their brand new band, "CK & The Boomers" (http://ckandtheboomers.wetpaint.com/). Well, due to a family emergency, Boomer keyboardist John Koeck couldn't do the show. Talk about timing! There I was. There they were. A quick trip home to fetch my gear, and suddenly I'm playing the show!!!!

I had a great time! The fact that I've played with Bob and Patty Helbig numerous times at the UVA Club didn't hurt. And of course, my right hand man and co-writer, Dave Nichols, handles lead guitar duties with this band. We've been working together in the studio for 19 years. Playing with him on stage was the most comfortable transition ever. What a pro!

Since I was set up right next to drummer John Stevens, I was especially glad he uses an electronic kit! I still have nightmares about my band in Germany, and drummer Terry Storm smashing the hell out of the cymbal that was 14 inches from my head!!! (I won't even talk about the time he lost a grip on the drum stick!!!!)

Another of my studio co-writers, Chuck Knepper, also sat in with the band. So the stage was a bit crowded, which made it all the more fun!

Our prayers go out to the Koeck family. As fun as it was to be a Boomer for the night, I only hope you can retake your rightful place soon.