First Posted: 8/5/2013

Cover band Somethin’ Else will return to the Tomato Festival after a one-year absence.

The band of 39 years has played the Tomato Festival since it was held in the Burger King parking lot and has entertained its audiences by performing the top 40 hits on the radio while never forgetting the classics from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.

Although times and performers in Somethin’ Else have changed over the years, original base player Guy Fasciana said the goal of having fun has always remained the same.

Related Video

“I’ve always been into music and seeing people having fun to songs I’m performing is what it’s all about,” Fasciana said.

Somethin’ Else originated in Pittston and played in night clubs for 20 years often five to six times a week. Fasciana recalls listeners coming up to him and asking what the meaning was behind the band’s name.

“I, along with the original members, couldn’t agree on any of the names we were coming up with. Every time a name came up, we kept saying ‘no something else’ and that’s what everyone was trying to be in 1974,” Fasciana said. In the end, Somethin Else just clicked and its been our name ever since.”

Currently, Somethin Else performs at the Pocono Tonight Show and is famous for its Woodstock and Rock of Ages cover concerts. The two performances have karaoke and allow audience members to dress in costumes while performing with the band.

Fasciana said the band is always looking to try something different and highten the entertainment alure for its audiences.

“The cover concerts are unique because the karaoke allows you to not just look at a screen but also be in the shoes of a performer,” Fasciana said. “If anyone gets stage fright or becomes embarrassed, we begin to sing with them.”

In 2005, the band hit the national stage and had the opportunity to perform on the Late Show with David Letterman. Fasciana said it was quite the experience.

“Not only did we get to perform on a national show, but we also got to sit down for an interview with Dave. Not a lot of bands get a performance and an interview. It was a big honor and a lot of fun.”

Although Somethin’ Else has focused on the Pocono Tonight Show for the past year, Fasciana said band members are excited about coming back to the Tomato Festival. The band has also added former Cadillacs’ performer Dave Williams.

“He’s an amazing performer and a great friend,” Fasciana said. “Playing for friends and family at home presents a warm feeling and caring for the performer next to you is why we are still together after all of these years.”

Somethin’ Else performs at the Tomato Festival from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 18.