My ballpoint sketch pens were moving and grooving again recently at the Castle Pub in Ebensburg, capturing the duo of Denny and Ken Pompa in action. Both strummed acoustic guitars and sang, with Ken switching between six and 12-string guitars. They entertained with a variety of mostly classic rock, pop and country favorites. They played tunes from Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Badfinger, REO Speedwagon, Tom Petty, Lumineers, America, Poco, CSNY, Collective Soul, Zac Brown Band, Doobie Brothers, Gin Blossoms and more. Denny and Ken pulled out some song surprises you don’t hear very often – such as Randy Meisner’s “Hearts On Fire,” John Stewart’s “Gold,” Crowded House’s “Something So Strong” (I haven’t heard that one in a LONG time!), Barenaked Ladies’ “It’s All Been Done” and Corbin/Hanner’s yinzer country hit “Work Song.” Other highlights included Ken singing lead on Marshall Tucker Band’s “Fire on the Mountain,” the pair’s harmonies on Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind,” their blending of Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” with the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” their first stab at Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s “From the Beginning,” and for the finale, Denny sending the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” out to his wife, Peg. The pair also welcomed an audience guest, Saint Francis University student Jackson, up to sing a humorous original tune and a John Mayer number. It all sounded good, and Denny & Ken’s performance was much appreciated by the Castle Pub onlookers.
