Mahoning Valley Historic Music Society to Release Compilation CD Featuring Local Musicians

Many of the Mahoning Valley’s most prominent songwriters and performers have contributed to a new 14-track collection. Produced by Tommy McCoy and Gary Sloas (drummer for the Howland-based band the Holes in the Road), the CD was recorded at Youngstown’s Ampreon Studio.

The first in a series of Rustbelt Legacy Recordings, it represents the area’s wealth of talent.

“Mahoning Valley and its surrounding areas does have a rich legacy of pop and rock music going back 50 years or more,” McCoy explains in a press release announcing the album’s release. ”Many top rock and pop stars, from the Edsels to Phil Keaggy to Joe Walsh and Dave Grohl, started their careers as kids performing in area clubs. This CD is a celebration and continuance of that legacy.”

Area artists appearing on the CD include Doug Thomas, Gary Sloas, Steve Acker, Dave Mazzochi, Frank Castellano and Carmen Horvath.

The ninth annual Benefit Reunion Concert that takes place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3, at Up a Creek Tavern in Howland serves as a release party. The Historic Music Society will distribute the release. Cost of the CD is $10, and there is a $10 donation at the door for the all-day concert.

Proceeds from both the CD sales and the concert will benefit regional songwriter and performer Louise Damstoft-Hathaway (aka Madam Weez. Damstoft), who's battling cancer.