Thursday, July 10, 2008

Seether has local opener

By Sarah Poulton

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YOUNGSTOWN — After weeks of “back and forth” talks between local promoters and record labels, it was announced at 7 p.m. yesterday that local band, Haven, will be opening for Tuesday’s Club Chevrolet Backyard BBQ with Seether and Finger Eleven.

The Chevy Centre’s Web site advertises a 7 p.m. start time, but as of now, Haven is scheduled to go on around 6:15, says Dave Commesso of Third Arm Promotions (3AP). There’s a possibility that may change, but Haven fans should arrive no later than 6 p.m., he said.

“This was a decision that needed to be made by their tour manager,” Commesso said. “We just kept pushing the issue until they finally came around. It worked out; that’s all that matters.”

Commesso said 3AP was approached by Eric Ryan, executive director of the Chevy Centre, to help promote the event because they are very involved in the local scene. Since 3AP was more “on the street,” a partnership would benefit both parties while still being a huge opportunity for them, he said.

Commesso said he and his business partner, Jason Tibolla, chose Haven for this show because they have a strong fan base and their sound fits with the featured acts.

“Why Haven sticks out in our minds is because they’re a band with a great fan base,” Commesso said. “They’re honestly the best fit and the best sound for it.”

Brothers Neal and Joel Benedict couldn’t agree more. Guitarist Joel said he’s ecstatic to share the stage with a band that he admires.

“We’ll be opening for one of my favorite bands ever,” he said. “Seether’s one of my heros. They’ve inspired me to write tunes.”

Haven has opened for national acts before, but not on this level. So far, they’ve opened for Drowning Pool and Die Cast at The Wedge in Austintown and for Operator at The Cellar in Struthers.

“This is a huge step up for us,” said brother Neal, a bassist. “We’ve had some nice shows, thanks to [3AP], but this is a different place all together.”

While this will be a short show for the Pittsburgh-based band — 30 minutes — the New Castle natives said they will be playing songs from their CD, “Calling All Conflicts,” as well as a couple new ones.

“We’re going to do what we’ve been doing,” he said. “It’s working for us and we’re not going to change that.”

While Haven agrees they’ve been progressing as artists, the brothers agree that their live performances don’t exactly reflect their studio-recorded CD.

In Commesso’s eyes, that’s not necessarily a bad thing: ”The CD doesn’t capture what they are live. You can listen to it and enjoy it, but the live performance is definitely better.”

Tickets to the all ages event are $27.50 if purchased in advance and $30 the day of the show. Also performing is Sick Puppies from Sidney, Australia.