The 10,000 Maniacs tastefully wove the new with the old Friday night as they played a benefit for Jas on Chase at the Jamestown Community College Physical Education Complex.

The proceeds of the concert will go toward medical expenses incurred by the family of the 15year-old Jamestown-area boy who was shot in the head with a BB-gun last year and is now disabled.

A sparse crowd greeted both the Jamestown-bred band and Jim Scott, composer-guitarist, who opened the show. Much of the audience was made up of students who were there to see a good show. And by the number of people dancing on the gym floor, it appeared as if they got what they wanted. As always, The Maniacs get a large number of people to dance.

The band opened with What's the Matter Here?, went right into A Campfire Song, then let the audience hear Move, a new song from their upcoming album.

Some of their new songs were upbeat, while others were slow, ballad types.

"Their new music was brooding," said Bemus Point resident Tom Wight, 26. "Some of it didn't have that upbeat dance feel, like their old songs. I think their music is moving into a new direction. I still like it. I think Rob Buck's guitar tone and overall sound is great."

Familiar songs they played included Trouble Me, Eat For Two, Like The Weather, and Hey Jack Kerouac. New songs showcased included Stockton Gala Days, More which is really upbeat and driving, May Day, and Noah's Dove.

At one point, singer Natalie Merchant told the audience the band was taking requests and someone screamed out Alright Now, made famous by the 1970s rock group Free.

They went right into it, with no delays.

Some fans came from St. Bonaventure University to get a glimpse of the band.

Michael Dabia, 19, a St. Bonaventure student, said, "I thought it was a great show. This is the first time I ever saw them. They sounded good in this really small place."

Another St. Bonaventure student Tony Domzio, 19, agreed.