ROCK MUSIC Harm's Way will provide tasty licks

The band will play songs from its new CD at the Rib Burn Off.
BY SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Since its inception, the annual Rib Burn Off at the Eastwood Mall complex has made a name for itself not only through the food, but the entertainment.
Local, regional and national acts grace the stages every night, providing the soundtrack for those making their way from one booth of barbecued treats to the next.
But this year, one band's performance is about more than just entertaining the crowds. It's about releasing yet another CD.
In Harm's Way will debut their latest recording, "This Match Strikes Anywhere," today, the same day the group will perform at the 20th Annual Mahoning Valley Rib Burn Off. In Harm's Way is one of the opening acts for national recording artists Spin Doctors. The group takes the stage from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The band -- comprised of bassist Jim Nestor, vocalist Andy Joe Fritz, Dave Myers on guitar, Harm Andrews on drums and Joe Altobelli on keyboards -- formed in 1996, primarily as a studio band.
Most of the members come from various bands in the area throughout the years, explained Fritz. In Harm's Way was started out of the members' combined appreciation of classic rock and blues, he said.
Songs
To date, the group has amassed a catalog of more than 75 original songs, many of which appear on their available CDs: 1999's "Cheaper than Therapy," 2001's "Alligator Necklace" and 2003's "It's All About Her."
But the band is quite ready to perform the new material, Fritz said.
"There are at least four songs from the new CD on our set list for [tonight]," he said.
For information on In Harm's Way, check the band's Web site at http://members.aol.com/harmiii/ihw.html.
slshaulis@vindy.com