Author: Kathy Stockbridge

Enter the Haggis Perform at The Westcott Theater on December 28th

On December 28th, The Westcott Theater will once again host fan favorites Enter The Haggis, an extraordinary group of musicians who never cease to amaze their fans through their inspirational music that captures current events in life and the world.

Enter the Haggis’ latest release, The Modest Revolution, was born entirely of stories found in the the March 30, 2012 edition of The Glove and Mail, a Canadian newspaper. From this album, many hit songs were born from the stories they read. One single, “Blackout”, tells of the frustrations of Toronto Maple Leafs fans in their beloved team and their inability to win the cup. The single is currently in the running to become Canada’s new hockey anthem and has made it to the next round of voting.

With a busy touring schedule, they have once again embarked on a new and creative project, The Black Penny Project. This album will feature songs written entirely from stories submitted by fans. These stories can be of any topic and the only catch is that they must be written down on paper, the old fashioned way, and mailed in. Why write songs about the fans? Because Haggis Heads are “some of the most diverse, eccentric, eclectic, and interesting people that they know.”

We will be sitting down with Enter the Haggis before their performance at the Westcott this night, and fans have been asked to submit questions for the band. Questions should be unique and special, so we are turning to Haggis Heads to drive this interview in the same way the band is driving their next project.

December 19, 2013
Acoustic Magic: Ed McCain’s Trio

Mohawk Valley Community College’s Rome campus was the perfect venue to showcase the Ed McCain Acoustic Trio and the sold out crowd was treated to an amazing performance. Ed McCain, best known for his songs, “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask For More”, played these crowd favorites along with many more that spanned his 20+ year career. Joined on stage by Craig Shields on saxophone and wind instruments and Larry Chaney on lead guitar, the three performed seamlessly together.

Many times you see acts that sound awesome from the studio and their live show doesn’t live up to the hype. Not in this case with Ed McCain. The live show sounded as good if not better than the recorded versions. Ed’s strong voice and personal presence wins over the crowd immediately, and his personal narration of songs and their road to the studio makes the song more meaningful as though it was now a personal story for the listener. When Ed shared stories of how the songs came about, the subjects they covered, or the people he introduced to you through the songs there was no way you could hear the song again and not reflect back on the story.

Never again will I be able to hear Marvin Gay’s “What’s Going On” without thinking of RJ’s Barbecue and the story Ed told of this amazing man and his friendship. Nor will I ever not think sax players have it going on since hearing the story behind the song “One Thing Left” and how no matter how charismatic Ed was that evening, it was Craig that had the pretty girls attention. Then there was the song “Sign on the Door” that came about after Ed lent an ear to someone sitting next to him one night at the bar. Songs are written by artists for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are to celebrate, sometimes to heal, but no matter how they came to be, we tend to apply to our personal lives. It’s this gift of story telling that makes Ed McCain an amazing writer, performer, and entertainer.

It was a pleasure sitting down and talking to Ed about music, life in Greenville, and his passions for every day life. This passion that comes across in his music, as well as his genuine love of family, music, and surroundings are what makes his music so personal and loved by many.

December 19, 2013
Completely Unchained – Completely Off the Hook

Completely Unchained, one of the most well known and loved Van Halen tribute bands once again returned to the Central New York region to rock the house at the Turning Stone Showroom. If looking to travel back to the 1980’s during the height of hair bands and rock and roll, all one had to do is close their eyes and they were be transported right back in time to a Van Halen concert as they played songs like “Jump”, “Hot For Teacher”, and “You Really Got Me Going” to name just a few.

Completely Unchained – Turning Stone 2013

Talented musicians Eugene Henriksen on lead vocals, Johnny Roggio on guitar, Mason Swearingen on bass, and George Pagonis on drums have perfected not only the sound of Van Halen, but the look and energy that fans have loved for decades. These accomplished musicians are true performers and a must see for tribute bands fans.

December 18, 2013
CNY Gets Early Christmas Gift – Trace Adkins’ ‘The King’s Gift’ Tour

Central New York was recently honored to kick off their holiday season with a very special guest, Trace Adkins, who is currently touring and promoting his new Christmas album ,The King’s Gift. The Stanley Center for the Performing Arts was honored to be on the list of venues he is visiting during this tour.

Trace, best known as an award winning country performer and the winner of the All Star Celebrity Apprentice, surprised fan club members and special guests with a special pre-performance and question and answer session. With his wit and down to earth mannerisms, he answered questions, shared stories of his family and spoke of his projects and past events as though he was just like ordinary folk. However, once the show began, it was apparent just how much of a superstar this man was and how respected and loved he is by his fellow bandmates and audiences all over the world.

The setting for the show looked as though it was straight out of a Currier and Ives Christmas card. Trace entered bearing gifts and throughout the night shared not only his musical renditions of popular Christmas tunes, but also the history behind each tune. The Celtic flavor of the night added a special uniqueness to the music appreciated by the audience, and his rendition of “We Three Ships” with the Celtic intro by Andrea Zohn was one of the most impressive renditions of the tune ever sung. Traveling with some of the most talented musicians, audiences are also being treated to an introduction of up and coming musician Lily Costner whose angelic voice together with Trace’s bass blends so beautifully on numbers such as “Silent Night”.

With a night filled with music, humor, and nostalgia, Central New York thanked Trace Adkins and for making a stop at The Stanley and kicking off the Christmas season.

December 16, 2013
Chicago Joins Forces with Utica Symphony Orchestra and Raises The Roof In Utica

Few bands can maintain the longevity that Chicago has over the last 44 years and can still pack the house as they did November 5th at The Stanley Center for the Performing Arts in Utica along with the Utica Symphony Orchestra. It’s amazing how this band has stood the test of time and persevered in the beginning through tumultuous times that revolved around war, peace, equal rights, and continued throughout the next few decades evolving as artists and still connecting with audiences through generations to come. It is their innate ability to transcend us to a specific time and place the moment we hear them. Few bands have the ability to say they accomplished this throughout several generations.

This comes as no surprise though as their background outlines how cutting edge and unique that have always been. In 1969 a group of talented young men had a vision for music to combine rock and roll, swing, and jazz in a way that showcased these genres in a new edgy way. Radio did not know how to market them as their sound was so unique and different, It didn’t fit into any one genre; so airtime was limited. Still this didn’t hinder the group in continuing to write, record, and perform and soon an underground college scene had embraced them as the next best thing on the music scene. Even more unique was their first album debuted as a double album, due to the abundance of music they had to share. Even the graphics on each album indicate their continuance for quality and uniqueness, featuring their logo in new and different ways.

For Chicago is was always the music that was the focus. In the years following, Chicago continued to tour and record more than 34 award willing albums. Their sound as distinct as it is, evolved with the times and their flexibility and ability to remain creative has endured like few other bands have. Even through difficult times and loss of bandmates, this band continues forward, and to this date records and performs like no other. It is the individual talent that each member brings to the table, that makes this band work. They are truly great as a “whole” because of the sum of their talented parts.

James Pankow

It is under this umbrella that Munson Williams Proctor qualifies Chicago as “Great Artists”. For over 70 years, Proctor has brought the Central New York region the most talented artists in their Great Artist Series. Chicago exemplifies this designation. Founding band members Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow,, and Ray Hermann still see the vision of what they began, and new members Tris Imboden, Lou Pardini, Keith Howland, and Walfredo Reyes, Jr. continue to follow suit and bring audiences to their feet with favorites such “Saturday In the Park”, “25 or 6 to 4”, “Beginnings”, and/or “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is”. The magic however is their ability to reach audiences of multi-generations with both favorites and new music. In the studio recording, even while touring is not out of the norm for these talented musicians. However, pairing them with the Utica Symphony Orchestra definitely put an already amazing performance over the top and raised the bar for all over venues to follow during their 2013 tour.

Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider, James Pankow

Forty Four years is a long time to continue in any field of work. However, you can tell while experiencing their live show that to them this is not work. Their energy and love of what they do is apparent and infectious. Audiences worldwide thank you for sharing this love and your uniqueness for generations past and future. Central New York thanks you for joining forces with our very own Utica Symphony Orchestra to provide the most memorable performance ever.

November 12, 2013
Hard Promises Rock The Gig at Turning Stone

When Central New York wants to rock to the best of 80’s and 90’s rock, they don’t have to look any farther than hometown favorites Hard Promises. The band is infused with talent beyond compare and have shared the stage with the likes of such artists as Eddie Money, Dickey Betts, Blues Traveler, Joan Jett, Blue Oyster Cult, Great White, Spin Doctors, and the legendary B.B. King, to name a few.

The setting for a night of 80’s and 90’s rock couldn’t have been chosen better than Exit 33 at the Turning Stone’s The Gig. For those of you that haven’t had the opportunity to check out Exit 33 at Turning Stone Resort and The Gig, it’s a must see venue and the perfect spot to feature the rock and roll talents of many talented artists. With a killer venue, Hard Promises took the stage and began right into getting the crowd pumped and out on the floor dancing with numbers such as Bon Jovi’s “Born to Be My Baby”, Journey’s “Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin” and REO Speedwagon’s “Roll With The Changes”. But it was the interactive Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian” and Van Halen’s “Jump” that sealed the crowds fate as they traveled in time back to the days of hair bands.

With band members Jeff Gordon on vocals, Kevin Farrell on electric guitar, John Goodwin on keyboards, Pete Levante on drums, and Todd Troubetaris on bass , they continued to draw in the crowds and rock them throughout the night with their talents. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, special guest George Nastos, bass player for Rick Springfield, who was also playing at the Turning Stone, decided to sit in an accompany Hard Promises on “Running Down a Dream”, a Tom Petty song that put the performance over the top.

If you haven’t had a chance to take in either Hard Promises or The Gig at the Turning Stone, both are worth the drive for a night of rock and rolling and reliving the days of hair bands and all that was great in the 1980’s and 90’s

October 30, 2013
Chris Trapper at Syracuse Jazz Central, October 11th

Every once in awhile you see a show that just evokes blithesome emotion within you. Chris Trapper’s performances accomplish just this for his audiences. Embarking on his fall tour, Chris Trapper made a stop to Jazz Central, located at 441 East Washington Street in Syracuse, to share his talents with the Central New York region before heading out to numerous major cities such as NYC, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, Minneapolis, Chicago, Madison, and Duluth.

Jazz Central

Opening for Chris was multi-talented newcomer Ariel Strasser. Ariel, a singer and songwriter hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota had the opportunity to grow up in a musical family. Her love of music extended to become her focus at Boston Conservatory where she concentrated on musical songwriting. Her talent in songwriting was apparent immediately as she began to belt out songs soon to be released on her new album Crooked Line. This petite young lady with such a strong voice and melodic sound, blew the audience away. She is one artist to keep tabs as on, as her career unfolds. Give a listen to her debut CD.

Ariel Strasser

Chris Trapper, a member of the band The Push Stars, has quite the resume of musical talent. As a teenager, Chris, like many of us do, used music as a creative outlet. Chris picked up a guitar at the age of 13 and taught himself how to play. In addition to being self taught, he also began his career at this time as a talented songwriter. Chris is humble and doesn’t like to pat himself on the back for his talent in songwriting, but he deserves these accolades as many of us have heard his songs throughout the years in a number of films and television. In 2008 his song “This Time” was featured in the film August Rush and was nominated for a Grammy. His songwriting ability has been featured in other movies such The Devil Wears Prada, There’s Something About Mary, Say It Isn’t So, and Gun Shy. In the event you don’t catch films very often, you can always catch his music on television shows such as All My Children, Malcolm In the Middle, ER, Rescue Me, or television movies such as The Elevator Girl, to just name a few. His songs have been performed by the likes of such acts as The Great Big Sea, Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, and Antigone Rising.

Chris Trapper

His live show is, however, much more than just a performance. He develops a relationship with the audience and he shares his songs not only by performing them, but also by narrating the message behind the music. This ability of storytelling and humor he shares gives you an ownership in the song you may never have had by just listening to it on your own. Examples that come to mind are the comical story of the frat house party he arrived late to in which he was the only sober being in the house at the time was the basis of the song “Drunk Is Better Than Dead”, or the song “Skin”, which tells how easy it is to write songs about falling in love, but a real accomplishment of staying in love is what it’s all about . Yes, we all adapt music to fit whatever situation it may pertain to us, but by sharing his innermost thoughts on the songs allowed the audience to embrace his songwriting skills on an entirely different level by getting to know him better.

Chris Trapper

By the end of the night, the audience joined in the final number “Keg On My Coffin” as though they were all celebrating his life till the end. For a peak into what you are in store for at a Chris Trapper performance please check out his site and see Chris in action with his audience performing “Keg On My Coffin”.

As Chris narrates throughout the show, one story he told resonated within. He claimed to wonder and envy what it feels like to achieve “Bliss”. Bliss being defined as complete happiness within one self and ones life. I believe the audience achieved this “Bliss” throughout the night. Chris’s achievement is sharing his love of songwriting and music with each and everyone he comes in contact with demonstrates this perfectly. This my friend is a gift, and in this is Bliss.

October 17, 2013
Recap: Utica Music and Arts Festival 2013

The Utica Music and Arts Festival delivered without a doubt a one-two punch that the community needed in order to highlight the Mohawk Valley‘s growing music and arts scene. Founded several years ago by Joe Sweet and Zee, their vision to bring an eclectic mix of music musicians and artists to Central New York has slowly but surely taken seed. Over the last six years the community has come to embrace this movement to make this a destination for attendees and artists alike with more than a thousand performers submitting their music for review to become part of the 2013 history. With a bright blue sky as the backdrop and a canvas the size of a billboard, the artists created their masterpieces as audiences watched their visions unfold right in front of their eyes.

This year’s partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College was the perfect setting Saturday for the Greens Fest activities and artists to showcase their work. Interactive art projects allowed children in attendance to be part of the art themselves while face painting creations by Kitty Glitter made them walking works of art. Special chalk artist from upstate New York, Eric Muruscak, known for his amazing 3D murals, created a life size hole that many dared to cross while snapping photos of their fearlessness. The activities were numerous and wherever one looked there were musicians, magicians, jugglers and dancers who provided non-stop entertainment throughout the day. The scent of Green’s stone baked pizzas and Polish cuisine wafting through the air made it difficult to choose just where to eat while vendors displayed and sold their handcrafted creations to those strolling through the grounds. From one side of the city to the next, venues opened their doors welcoming musicians from all over the world to perform. Attendees traveled all over the state to catch glimpses of their favorite performers and were not disappointed in the least.

Hotel Utica

Friday night began at the Hotel Utica, an absolutely perfect gem of a space. Once hailed as the premier location for the rich and famous that passed through the central New York region, its newly renovated interior became the perfect setting to check in, grab the schedule and head out to the venues featuring your favorite artists. Performances were non stop throughout the Hotel all weekend and as patrons stood above on the mezzanine watching performances in the lobby, one wondered why this wasn’t utilized more. The beautiful sounds of Arielle, carried throughout the lobby as patrons sat comfortably tapping their toes and enjoying this bohemian feel. It is even said that perhaps a ghost was sighted throughout the evening.

O’Donnell’s Pub & Grill

O’Donnell’s Pub & Grill, located on Varick Street welcomed artists throughout the weekend. Artists such as locals The Upstate Outlaws, a rock band featuring Andrew C. Styles on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Brice Dunn on bass/backup vocals, John Swiech on drums and tin whistle, Mike Frantz on weirdness guitar/backup vocals, and Matt Pett on lead guitar lead off a weekend of rockers to take the stage in the pub. Also performing there was Fred Gillen Jr, who came from the Hudson Valley region has a folk style of music and playful banter that amused the audience while his tunes eased them into a comfortable swaying back and forth. Suns of The Empire, a local band from Rome, NY that has played together for the last 13 years rocked the house with opening number “Stuck in the 80’s” as well as some of their tunes like “Wrong is Right” and “Beating a Dead Horse” while new tunes like “Falling Down” will appear on their upcoming CD scheduled to be released soon.

One highly anticipated band this year brought back by popular demand all the way from Denmark was Miss Marlow. Miss Marlow is fronted by Marleen Pfeiffer, and accompanied by Søren Larsen on guitar, Trine Wester on bass, and drummer Jon Clausen. This band brought the house down with their unique and sultry vibes of rock and roll reminiscent of the Pink Floyd era. With each number, the crowd gathered clapped and cheered inciting them to continue to play even when their set was over. Due to the amazing response to their Friday night performance, the festival was able to talk them into squeezing in “just one more set” Saturday night for those that couldn’t make Friday’s stellar jam session and before they moved on for their national tour of America. Miss Marlow was a must see show and you have to hope they return next year for those that may have missed their performances this time around.

Nail Creek Pub & Brewery

The Nail Creek Pub & Brewery also located on Varick Street once again opened their doors this year to a multitude of artists over the weekend. Seth Adam, a Connecticut native returned to the festival this year after Central New York and Utica made a lasting impression on him at last years event. Joined onstage by John Jackson on Mandolin, Violin, Guitars and Vocals and Gerry Giaimo on Guitars and Vocals, this trio’s unique blend of rock, alternative country, and folk sound moved the audiences they played for both at the Nail Creek and at the Greens Fest Stage. If you missed either of these sets, make sure you don’t miss their new release of their latest single “Push and Pull”, off of the new record, “Steel Tempered Pride,” coming out Oct. 1st.

Also performing at the Nail Creek was Los Angeles based Poeina Suddarth. An energy radiated from her as she prepared to take the stage. Her warm welcoming smile and playful attire put the audience at ease immediately. When she began to sing, her sultry, strong voice mesmerized and captivated those listening. Preparing for an upcoming European tour, you can check out Poeina’s music on iTunes and find out more about the tour on her Kickstarter campaign.

Saturday afternoon brought one of the most talented guitar players currently touring to the Nail Creek. Based currently in Williamsburg VA, Mark Kroos’s unique style of playing two guitars simultaneously amazes audiences. This type of performance is unique and his one of kind musicality and vivacious personality won over the crowd immediately. It is no wonder UMAF quickly booked Kroos to join them this year and his performance surpassed the anticipation of those who snuck a peek at his videography online in advance. Audience members became more engrossed after each number and yelled encouragements and love after each song. His playful banter and interesting stories outlined each number and amused those in attendance. This insight to Mark’s writing and performing only made audience members more engrossed with each number. The only downfall to his visit to UMAF was the fact that his set was so short and he couldn’t stay longer to play longer as he had another gig in Pennsylvania early the next day. Check out Mark’s video performing “Dueling Banjos”, solo.

The Green Onion Pub

Friday night ended at The Green Onion Pub on Genesee Street with UMAF returning favorite Randy Niles. Randy has participated in UMAF now for four years and has become family. Randy is based out of New York City and his eclectic sound is reminiscent of a mix of soul, rock, pop, folk, and blends to into an Indie sound that is unmistakably remarkable. When I first saw Randy play last year, I was amazed at his musical genius and mesmerized by his one man band sound that is known as looping technology. With a few beats, strums, and clicks he lays down a background accompaniment that compliments and grooves along with his lyrics. This sound is unmistakably unique and wows audiences wherever he plays. When asked his thoughts on UMAF and his experiences with the event he stated “UMAF is not just a festival, its an idea that has opened up not just opportunity for the arts but for a community and I’m glad to call myself a part of that community.”

MVCC – Greens Fest

Saturday kicked off the Greens Fest at the perfect venue, MVCC. The collaboration this year with MVCC was genius and was the perfect setting to showcase the artists as they painted, the vendors showcasing their handmade wares, the food vendors specializing in everything from pizza, to fries, to pierogis and of course greens. This family filled event had magicians, jugglers, Kitty Glitter, and interactive activities that amused the children while parents enjoyed the stages with more UMAF selected artists. From the moment it began, the crowds were constant and the energy was felt by all in attendance.

Saturday Afternoon shows on the main stage featured Jenna McDaniel, Ray Mazza and The Gutter Bandits, Seth Adams, The Rick Short Band, and My Pet Dragon. My Pet Dragon is always a crowd pleaser with their unique sound that is a mix of rock, pop, and indie elements. Their music is the type that gets the crowd moving and dancing each and every time. My Pet Dragon is led by singer/guitarist/producer Todd Michaelsen and actress/dancer Reena Shah. Together they give audiences a high energy, feel good performance each and every time. Check out their latest hit “Moonshine” and see for yourself how toe-tappingly pleasing they are.

Hanna Park

Throughout the city, venues continued to showcase talent with artists of every genre of music imaginable over the weekend. However as a special treat this year, KROCK and GPO Federal Credit Union brought to Central New York nationally known artist Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts. Hanna Park buzzed from the moment the first opening band, Red Hush, took the stage. The band’s performance set the bar high for an evening of rocking energy. Hometown favorite Nineball followed with a performance that incited the crowd even more, preparing the them for the main event and special guests Scott Weiland and The Wildabouts. After many years of performing with Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, the crowd was anxious to welcome him back with open arms. Never skipping a beat, his transition to performing with his new band The Wildabouts was seamless and the performance outstanding. His sound was spot on and his performance of the utmost showmanship. He was truly a superstar singing to a Central New York crowd as though it was a sold out Central Park event.

Hotel Utica

Finishing out the night at the Hotel Utica, crowds joined in the explosive performance of the band, Moon Zombies upon returning. With a name such as Moon Zombies you were assume they are dark and ominous, yet they are nothing like their name. They were a wallop of high energy rocking tunes that hit you in the face like a wave crashing on a rock. When asked what genre of music they consider themselves, they stated “FunSkaPunkFunkPowerPopiliciousness”. Hailing from Rochester, NY, Moon Zombies have participated for two years now with the UMAF and what a diamond of a group. The energy level was brought to you by Majic Wand on Vocals, Guitar and whatever happens to be laying on the stage; The Letter J on Guitars, vocals, foot work; DJ Late Payment on Bass/Funk Harvester; Danny O’Wallop on Drums, percussion, vocals, bottle returns; AdRoc on Keys, Buttons, Knobs, Glockenspiel; and last but not least Hard Work on Saxophone.

With an anticipation of the crowd nearing the final hours, everyone made their way upstairs to the ballroom to see local band Floodwood perform. Introduced to everyone as a “progressive string band” the introduction truly downplayed what the audience was in for over the next two hours. High energy banjo, fiddle, and mandolin pumped up the audience with each number as bass and drums lay down the back line beat. As each number the band played, the audience danced, stomped, clapped, yelled, and became part of the music. The crowd cheered and begged to continue as the night wore on, especially when members of the band joined the crowd and played the floor.

Floodwood is the perfect mix of talent to bring the perfect mix of music to the audience. For upcoming tour dates and their latest cd please visit www.floodwoodmusic.com. Floodwood closed UMAF like no other possibly could. Their performance celebrated what Utica Music and Arts Festival was all about, the love of music, culture, art, and community.

October 8, 2013
Syracuse Irish Festival 2013 – Review and Photo Gallery

The Syracuse Irish Festival has once again outdone themselves in providing a wonderful experience to all that attended this Friday and Saturday, September 6-7 2013. From social media posts galore, the evenings performances did not disappoint.

Performances Saturday continued to meet and exceed expectations for festival goers. Tom Dooley Choraliers in their dapper kelly green jackets began the day while Attractive Nuisance, a local band who brought their own flair to Syracuse of Celtic Rock made their festival debut this year on the Magner’s Main State. The Moxie Strings joined Syracuse Irish Festival this year all the way from Ann Arbor, Michigan with a new vibe using traditional instruments. The much loved and adored Blarney Rebel Band also did not disappoint in their Celtic mix of ballads, folk songs, jigs and reels. As much as the music they play rocks, their playful banter between band members is just as entertaining to the audience. Rounding out the early hours of the main storage was another local group, The Causeway Giants, who began the windup for the night with their high energy and fun flair and made Syracuse proud. In between sets traditional Irish Dancers performed and wowed the crowd making years of practices and performances look as though it was as easy as can be.

At every festival, there is a breakout group that wows the audience with something new. This year was no different. !!!ToTs!!! and The Pale Green Stars were this years WOW factor. Michael John Heagerty, self proclaimed rapper of all things spuds, totally took the crowd by storm rapping “Twice Baked” and a few other tunes all about potatoes, while Jeff Jones, Brian Coyne and Jeff Tripoli accompanied on bass, drums, and guitar. If you weren’t a potato lover in the beginning, you definitely were by the end.

As Gaelic Storm began to get closer to their performance, the sky began to set the stage for an upcoming show of its own. In the meantime though our favorite Canadians, Searson, took the stage and began to whip the crowd once again into a frenzy as they had the night before. Erin and Colleen Searson, sisters and musical and step dancing partners since childhood, along with Danno O’Shea on drums and newcomer Oriana Barbato Guerrero on bass won the crowd over time and again with their performances. Playing tunes such as “Footstomp”, that lived up to its name, and “Highway of Heroes”, which pays tribute and tradition to those that have served their country proud. Syracuse favorites and regular performers at the local Kitty Hoynes Pub, Searson exclaimed that “Once again the Syracuse Irish Festival 2013 was an amazing festival to perform for! Energetic crowds, welcoming fans and fantastic production. We absolutely love Syracuse and it always feels like coming home.” Searson, Syracuse and Central NY love you too and this will always be a home away from home for you.

Rounding out the night and gearing up for the final act was return Syracuse Irish Festival performers from Annapolis Maryland, Dublin 5, formerly known as The Rovers. The festival could not have chosen a better band to go up against mother nature, because the moment they took the stage, the skies opened up and down came the rain. But the crowds, they loved them and no where did they go. And why would they when the Dublin 5 were playing up a storm? Fronted by Ray Murphy on lead guitar and vocals, Jenn Garman on fiddle and vocals, Eddie McGown on bass, bagpipes and vocals, Jim Martin percussion and Kevin Shook on drums, they played crowd favorites like “Galway Girl” and “Devil Went Down to Georgia”, but it was numbers such as “Raggle Taggle Gypsy” and “Nancy Whiskey”, and finishing off the set with “Tell Me Ma” that brought the crowds to their feet stomping and dancing in puddles. By the end of the performance the crowd had been won over by the Dublin 5; they had them at hello. The most memorable number was “Back Home in Derry” that sealed the fate of those yet unconvinced. The reminiscent tune from Gordon Lightfoot, “The Wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald” the story behind the tune written by Bobby Sands while imprisoned was a beautiful ballad and sealed any uncertainty that may remain. Well played Dublin 5, well played.

As the Dublin 5 ended their set and the clouds took a break, the stages were set for the final act of the night. And how fitting that in these storms, Gaelic Storm would be finishing out the 2013 Syracuse Irish Festival. From the moment he began his banter, Patrick Murphy charmed the crowd. So witty and expressive, his ability to engage was apparent. Steve Twigger was the hell raiser on stage. Living up to this title with vocals and guitar jamming, he convinced you if there was no one out in the audience, he would still be doing the same thing because he is a true rocker. Walking around back stage with hands taped up, anyone noticing Ryan Lacey would wonder if he had injured himself. Within the next hour though he proved that this was the farthest thing from the truth. His amazing ability to tap out a beat on anything would amaze and incite the audience into a roar. Pete Purvis, introduced to everyone as “The Canadian” brings to the table so much more than beer and hockey, as he plays a multitude of instruments such as the Highland pipes, Uilleann pipes, Irish whistle, bass and the occasional tambourine. This piper is not just a bunch of hot air. He totally rocked the crowd with each instrument he played. Finally rounding out Gaelic Storm was the beautiful and talented Kiana June Weber. The newest member of the group, Kiana balances out these gentlemen with amazing strings and steps that win over the audiences hearts and souls the moment she takes the stage.

From the moment they began, Syracuse crowded the stage and screamed and hollered as though they were teenage girls watching The Beatles at Shea Stadium in 1965. Their choices for their setlist were a perfect flow to keep this crowd engaged. And engaged is even too calm a word for the reaction they displayed. True performers, they included the crowd as part of their show with two young ladies dueling a dance to “Darcy’s Donkey”, and when the crowd insisted on one more song, they began pulling a multitude of concert goers on stage for the final number. There were two numbers that stood out though, “Me & the Moon” and “Blind Monkey”. As they began to play “Me & The Moon”, the crowd was divided down the center to chant along as they sang and held up lighters/cell phones as though the moon was right there. “Blind Monkey” was the most entertaining Celtic jam session ever witnessed. Each performer showcased their ultimate talents together and individually. It was here that Ryan Lacey became an ultimate hero as he played a wooden box, while Patrick and Kiana waged a Celtic step session battle of sorts. Gaelic Storm proved once again, as the storm blows through, they were the fiercest of all storms and played through to the end with full crowds despite the conditions.

What makes the Syracuse Irish Festival so outstanding? The volunteers, the collaborative efforts with the City of Syracuse, the local businesses that sponsor the event and the attendees. It is one local festival that doesn’t charge for admission because all they want to do is share the music, the food, the fun and make you part of their Irish family. Irish fans are a different breed; there’s something about those that gather to celebrate Irish music, for the events bind them together as though they’ve known each other forever. They’re a family of sorts and through thick and thin, they push through the adversity to celebrate life, love, and traditions each year at all the festivals they attend, and Saturday’s crowd outdid themselves. They endured the pouring rain to cheer on and partake in a party celebration of traditions of centuries from some of the best entertainment around. What makes Central New Yorkers special? Well since the 1960’s at Woodstock, we have proven that no matter how much rain…for good music they’ll stay for the duration.

September 16, 2013