THE SECOND HELPING BAND: NEWS

Thank You to all the many fans of Lynyrd Skynyrd who showed up and helped to make our show such a success.Hope to see each and every one of you next year.Keep the Free Bird flying--------S.H.

I would like to anounce the birth and welcome my niece (my littlist and biggest fan) to the world Allie Renee Miller. Born to Robbie and Renee Miller June 19,2010. ..........xoxoxJames Jones........ Welcome home Allie Cat

Chris was very fortunate to make it home to his mother yesterday. His mother died suddenly from a stroke while Chris, Agat, and their two children were visiting in West Virginia. The family is deeply mourning her. The two children were present when she died. We would ask your thoughts and prayers be directed to them and for them at this time.

 

The Second Helping Band

It is with heavy heart and regret that I must resign from Second Helping effective immediately. My mother is gravely ill. Mom has a terrible heart condition and my Step-Father is getting to old to take care of her. As a result, my family and I will have to travel to West Virginia more and more. It is believed that mom may live a few months to a few years, we simply do not know. I am having a difficult time watching this vibrant, Sicilian woman, who is my rock, fade away. We Italians are a tough group of folk but this has overwhelmed me. My mom means everything to me and at the same time I can not commit to shows with SH. I hope everyone understands that this is something I must do. I must be there for my Mother. The band will replace me with an amazing guitar player within the next few days. They will announce this soon. I would like to say it has been a humbling experience for me to have played with such an array of talented musicians like yourselves. Each one of you are special in my eyes.

 

Gary Muchmore  - Second Helping is your baby, you pushed us to do this in 1988, when no one elses was doing this. You took us from the garage to the national level. You truly are brother.

J.D. – Your are still missed by me today.

Hefty and Wing – I love you guys as much as I love my own kin. See you this summer.

Freddy George – There is no song in the world I love more that “Physical Addition” and “Ibuprofen Blues.” To have written music with you was a privilege…especially when other bands recorded our songs!  J

Brian Jefferies – Wow brother, what can I say you still are amazing on that Les Paul

Bam Bam – Dude you are a thumper---loved touring with ya!

James Jones – What great passion you have for guitar playing. Your passion has rubbed off.

D.B. Edwards – You are a brother.

Tinker – Clearly one of the nicest friends a friend could have.

Joey Gillette – Simply the best…just wowed by your playing.

Tojo – My dear brother in more way than one, what excellent tone you have on that Strat!

Jackie Johnson – The sweetest man I know. I have always treasured your friendship and fellowship.

Billy Davis – I would have been lost more times than none without you. Thanks for being a buddy, a dad, and a brother.

Harry Tueting – You, Ricky, and Debi were the funniest people in the world to travel with.

Nate Campbell – Eventually we will get together again…sorry we could not get together a few weeks ago. You are a solid friend.

Mark Basile – Nobody plays Rossington like you. You have always impressed me in more way than one. We had many, many fun shows. I enjoyed just hanging around you.

Vinny Flash – Always a gentleman and a great soundman. You were always a breath of fresh air. I have always thought highly of you.

Tom Perry – I love ya like a brother.

Richard Lustig - My buddy...22 years Richard...this is all your fault. Thank you for all you have done for Second Helping. You are the greatest.

Eric Tolnes – Buddy I want to be just like you on the guitar when I grow up. You are a freak. I always enjoyed our philosophical talks the most.

Rich Tancredi – From the moment I meet you I liked you. You have made me laugh till I had stomach cramps. It was a privilege to have played next to you. Your musicianship is like no one I have ever heard. I would swear you are Billy Powell incarnate…You are amazing!

Rick King – A dear friend, my traveling buddy, my roommate, I love ya like a brother…You are an amazing player. Thanks for always telling me what I needed to hear good or bad.

Bob Long – You most of all you. I am speechless where do I even begin? You mean a lot to me and over the years you have helped me and my family out so much. No one can sing Ronnie like you. I was always impressed by your songwriting skills…and a little thing everyone may not know and that is that you are a fantastic guitar player. I luv ya man :-)

The Girls – Fleeta, Lauren, Debi, Kathy, Snowflake, Pamand Trish…you sing like angels!

 

If I missed someone, I do apologize. Thank you to each one of you. I wish all of you great success and loads of happiness. Thank you for the fond memories, keep Skynyrd music alive wherever you are.

 

I am your biggest fan,

 

Chris McCallister

The band would like to say thanks to everyone that came out. It is always a good time for us to play at home. From Second Helping to all of you, here is to a more prosperous, healthy, and happy New Year. Live fun everyone!

Second Helping hit yet another benchmark in the Tribute band world. Last night, Second Helping played The Seven Springs Music Festival, over 1500 people attended to raise money for two local families in need. Chris McCallister, the bands founder commented, "its just a great feeling to help The Roddy and Warters families and we were honored to donte our performance. The band really put it out there for them". Last year, the band experienced logistical problems and could not perform because of schedule conflicts. This year, Second Helping blew the roof off. The event was a tremendous success raising more than $10,000. Other bands participating in the event included Ragged Edge, Spare Change, Presence, Avalanche, Diggerfoot and the Kevin Lee Band.

A side note to the event, former Second Helping piano player, Jackie Johnson, filled in for Rich Tancredi who had a family obligation and could not perform with the band. Jackie did a great job, and the band enjoyed playing with him again.

Cheryl Lynn, a patron and attendee of the event said , "I attended the benefit event last year hoping to hear some quality music. I was disappointed last year. What I heard and saw tonight was much better than other Skynyrd tribute bands from this area. Actually better than Skynyrd itself since I just saw them last month. There is a real difference, and if you know Skynyrd music, you will definitely hear it. We were blown away."

The band is now heading to Tennessee to play several shows before returning to the east coast and shows in New York and New Jersey in November.

This saturday night, Second Helping will be playing a star studded music festival in Kinston North Carolina. Last year, there was a conflict in the bands schedule and the band couldn't play the show. This year, through the band's founder Chris McCallister's efforts, Second Helping is proud to appear and help the community raise money for people in need. The band has several of its members flying in from New York to particpate in this great event. A lot of people do not know how charitable Chris McCallister is and what a big heart he has. The band is excited to play this event and honor Chris for all of his efforts on behalf of the less fortunate in Kinston.

Great news, we will trucking up to Chicago in 3 weeks. Everyone is psyched to get some deep dish pizza in the windy city. We just came off a great show in Atlanta and we have added a song or two to our set list. We also just received some offers from venues in Arizona and New York City, so we will let you know when the contracts are signed.

Remember, to find out exactly where we are playing, you will have to join our mailing list.

The band has been booked by the largest club venue on the eastern seaboard - Wild Bill's Atlanta www.wildbillsatlanta.com The band will be adding several new songs to its authentic 1970's Lynyrd Skynyrd show. "We are going FLAT OUT for Wild Bill's," stated Chris McCallister, one of the guitar players for Second Helping. Wild Bill's is the premiere concert venue on the east coast, and the band is working several new things into its show, including a video tribute.

What a wonderful weekend in West Virginia, the food, hospitality and shows were great. The band had the honor and good fortune of meeting its newest fan, Dreama Denver, the wife of television icon, Bob Denver (a/k/a Gilligan). We spent a lot of time with Dreama, who came to both of our shows, and we all spent time with her, learning about Bob and her wonderful contributions to music and the arts. Dreama runs a radio station called "little buddy radio" which you can enjoy from your desktop by going to www.littlebuddyradio.com Its a wonderful station that plays all types of music.

It was a pleasure meeting you, and we promise to keep in touch. God bless you and Bob.

It is with sad news and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Rick's mother Jean King. Jean was an absolutely sweet lady that all will miss deeply.

The band announced today that it has bought a White Baby Grand piano that will take the stage next weekend in West Virginia. Skynyrd was known for dragging around a white grand piano and the piano was a permanent fixture of Skynyrd's. Second Helping is now the ONLY Skynyrd show to use a white baby grand piano. The piano, a Samick, is being delivered to the band in time for next weeks shows. When asked about playability, the piano answered "I heard about this guy Tancredi but I haven't played with him yet, so I'll let you know after the shows". The piano has been covering piano parts for the last 14 years and is excited to try its hand at the legendary Billy Powell parts. "I can handle the parts, its up to Tancredi not to mess me up", it stated. "I am glad the piano joined the band and I think it will make a great addition, but I am going to have to put it in its place", noted Rich Tancredi, Second Helpings piano player. "These are the hardest rock piano parts that have ever been written, so it will have to lose its attitude REAL FAST!", noted Tancredi.

In two weeks, Second Helping will be playing two shows in West Virginia, at the Coalfield Jamboree, and The Magnolia Fair. Attendance at those two shows is expected to put this years Second Helping concertgoers over 10,000 strong. The band estimates that its total 2009 attendance will reach 30,000 fans, but that number can grow to 50,000 depending on weather.

Rich Lustig, the band's booking agent, expects an increase in the number of shows the band plays annually from around 12 to 40 over the next 12 months.

Second Helping performed with its new line up this past friday night at the famous Maynards Entertainment center in North Carolina. The performance of the band was as described by attendee's as "WHITE HOT." "Every single little guitar riff and lick was there, as well as all the piano parts," stated Colton Billinghame, a long time Skynyrd fan. "I have seen numerous tribute bands, but this was like seeing Skynyrd in person, no,...... it was much better," stated Billinghame.

Nate Campbell just finished playing his first show with the band, and all three guitar players walked off stage basically speechless. "I have played with lots of drummers, including Artimus Pyle and Bob Burns, both of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Nate just naturally combines the warmth, strength and feel of both, while adding a precision to the parts that is just UNBELIEVABLE," noted Mark. We all walked off the stage and we didn't know whether we should high five each other or rush home to practice.....Nate was.....as Brennan said in the movie "Step Brothers" - THAT GOOD!

Rich Tancredi has joined Second Helping. Rich is another alumni of The Saturday Night Special Band, and Rich has played with Lynyrd Skynyrd members Randall Hall, Mike Estes, Bob Burns and Artimus Pyle. Although bitter sweet, Rich replaces a friend and our brother and a great piano player, Jackie Johnson. Rich's first show will be May 22, 2009.

Mr. Bob ( Bob Long's father)went home to be with the Lord yesterday morning. He was a man's man that loved the Lord, his church and his family. He left behind a family that admired and loved him. Those that knew him loved him as a brother. He truly was someone to be admired. He will be sorely missed by all.

Rick King has joined Second Helping as the bassist. Rick is a most sought after talent in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. We are privileged to have him join our band.

We as well wish to thank Dennis White for stepping up and playing with us through the summer tour. You are always one of us!

Eric Tolnes has joined Second Helping and is reunited with Mark from SNS. Eric brings to SH over 25 years of playing Skynyrd music. Eric has played with Skynyrd members BOB BURNS, ED KING, JOJO BILLINGSLEY, LESLIE HAWKINS and artimus pyle. Ed King, also from SNS, has said "Eric is a freak of nature....just an unbelievable guitar player". Eric's frist show with the band will be August 18th in Ironton, Ohio.

Today Mark Basile joined Second Helping. Mark has been a friend of ours for a few years. He is a great guitarist with a great big heart. We are proud to have him join up with us.

Mark was the founder of the Hybrid Lynyrd Skynyrd band, Saturday Night Special. Everyone come on out and say "hey!" to Mark in Wilmington on the 3rd of June.