"Millennium Music Conference 2000: Gullifty's Underground, February 12th"
by Paul Autry, editor, "1/2 Creeper" magazine
2000 Feb 12

The Millennium Music Conference was an event that featured over 200 different bands on 30 different stages in a time span of three days. In other words, this was an event that was not to be missed. Since I have to pay the rent, I couldn't take three days off to experience MMC 2000 as a whole, which is what I would have liked to have done. But, I did manage to make one of the most talked about shows, which was held at Gullifty's Underground in Camp Hill Pennsylvania.

This was my first time visiting this establishment and I must say, I was rather impressed. The staff was friendly, everyone from the guy at the door to the waitresses. No attitudes, they might have been working, but, they were there to have a good time just like everyone else. As I get more involved in the Pennsylvania music scene, I plan on making Gullifty's Underground one of my more frequent hang outs (even though it takes me about an hour and a half to get there). I applaud the staff for a job well done.

The show got off to an explosive start with Halestorm, who just happen to be the most talked about band in the Pennsylvania scene. As they hit the stage, they proved to everyone in attendance that, YES, they do live up to all the hype and, tonight, this was Halestorm at their best. Sixteen year old vocalist/keyboardist Elizabeth Hale pushed her voice to the extreme. She gave each song everything she had...and then some. Bassist Roger Hale was in fine form, as always. This man is a pleasure to watch, he always has a smile on his face and it's so obvious to see that he's having a good time when he's in front of an audience. Twelve year old Arejay Hale has, I'm sure, caused many a jaw to hit the ground. He's a mini Lars Ulrich and Dave Lombardo all rolled into one. Not only does he have a thunderous drum solo, he also has a rotating drum kit, which is a sight to behold. As the band played one of their most popular tunes, "Time Man," Arejay goes around and around and upside down without missing a beat. Arejay is quickly becoming legendary in the Pennsylvania scene and the roar of approval from the audience only confirmed that more. Last, but not least, there's sixteen year old guitarist (and newest member) Leo Nessinger, who gives the band a more complete sound (their debut CD, "Don't Mess With The Time Man," was recorded without a guitarist and thus lacked a "full" sound). He shoots fire from his guitar, plays with his teeth while it smokes. Plain and simple, his playing is absolutely amazing. He ranks up there with the likes of Ace Frehley and Slash.

Halestorm played less than 45 minutes, but, when it was all said and done, it took the audience a few minutes to realize what they had just witnessed. No, it wasn't a dream, this was the real deal. In less than 45 minutes, Halestorm proved why they're the most talked about band in Pennsylvania. They came, they saw, they conquered...end of story

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