For Immediate Release

Nied’s Hotel Band releases new original album, Side One

PITTSBURGH, Pa., March 12, 2012 — Pittsburgh muscle rock experiences a grand return with the release of Side One, an original studio recording from The Nied’s Hotel Band (NHB), a new band formed from a who’s who of Pittsburgh rock musician.

Side One was recorded live in the studio just like the old days of rock and roll.  The band set up and played the songs.  There was no over-dubbing and no digital tricks.  Every track is distinctive, a product of true collaboration a jam session in the studio.  The songs are rooted in real life both playful and serious.

It may seem a little odd to start a rock and roll band in Pittsburgh at the age of fifty, but John Vento, the Lead Vocalist, has been preparing for this day for most of his life.  The band is named for Nied’s Hotel, a local establishment in Lawrenceville owned by Jim Nied.  John met Jim through a mutual friend and business partner ‘Colonel’ Bob Lokar and turned Jim’s stories into a song called Nied’s Hotel, which is now one of the most popular songs the band plays.

NHB began playing together in the last year and Side One, which will release on March 16 with a special night at the Moose in Glenshaw, PA, is the culmination of the efforts of a group of creative, talented and experienced Pittsburgh musicians. The Band will play the new album live in its entirety.  The following Saturday, March 24, the band will play a special show at The Hard Rock in Pittsburgh’s Station Square.

Ron Beitle was the key, coming on-board in 2009.  Beitle made his debut as the drummer for Wild Cherry and played on their platinum hit in 1976, Play that Funky Music.  “The Nied’s Hotel Band is veritable all-star band in every sense,” said Lokar, who helps manage and book the band.  John gave him his moniker of ‘Colonel’.  “He said Elvis has a Colonel and so do we with Bob.”

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Vento and Beitle are joined by Tim Hadley and Jim McCullough on guitar, Russ Oblinger on bass and Fred Delu on keyboards.  The band is rounded out and has that true Pittsburgh bluesy sound thanks to Ed Jonnet on saxophone.  Ed has played with the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, Gregg Allman and Three Dog Night and locally with legendary soul/rock outfit The Rhythm Kings.

“Each band member has a stake in Side One,” said Vento.  “It shows in the performance and the passion in the music.  There are no digital tricks, the recording is just the band in its natural state and that comes through loud and clear.”  NHB is the epitome of hardworking, blue collar, muscle that has made Pittsburgh a legendary rock-n-roll city.

“As far as I am concerned, playing with these outstanding musicians; with friends like Jim, Bob and Buddy; and playing for such great fans and following is what Pittsburgh rock is all about.  Side One is proof of that.”

More information on Nied’s Hotel Band is available at www.niedshotelband.com.

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For more information contact:

Christopher Whitlatch
412-979-9742
cswhit@yahoo.com

Moondogs 1\13\12

Friday, January 13th, 2012 proved to be a magical and historical night in the annals of Pittsburgh rock-n-roll. So many great musician’s came out to Moondog’s in Blawnox to perform in support of fire victim Billie Brenner (Moondog long time bartender). This incredible evening was hosted by the “Uncrowned King” of Pittsburgh rock-n-roll,  Norman Nardini. What an honor it was, for  the Nied’s Hotel Band to share the stage with; The Igniters, Billy Price & Jim Britton, Miss Freddie, JJ Burner, Larry Siefers, Mark Stutso, and so many more.

It will be a night long remembered by those in attendance!