Category: UpstateLIVE Archives

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
TURN THE TIDE Stir Quite a Storm With New EP

After months of delays, Turn the Tide‘s breakthrough EP, Black & White, is finally here. This Rome/Syracuse area band has been pounding away with shows and recording over the last year, and are finally able to bring their sound to life on this impressive debut. Released on September 13th, the EP has already seen tremendous feedback and support from the local scene, and even a few nods from the nationals. But, does it live up to the hype that earned them the Upstate Music Award for “EP of the Year” before the record was even released? In short, yes.

Teaming up with renowned local producer Justin Spaulding at Octopus Studios, TTT have gone into the recording process with no holds barred. Everything they’ve come to be known for, from the complex rhythms, to the shredding guitars, to the alternating gorgeous and brutal vocals, they’ve brought it all to be highlighted on this EP, and have so much more in store. From the first few piano notes of the intro track, “The Armada”, you can immediately tell that this EP is about to get serious. Adding synths, pianos, bass drops, and other fun little additives, their sound is opened up like never before, and expands greatly into new creative territories, where their first single, 2012’s “Whirlpools”, seemed to fall a bit short.

The first single from the EP is “Blackjack”, a song the band has been teasing us with for months before the EP’s release to demonstrate just a hint of the musical ventures to come. Unafraid to experiment with sound effects and emotional lyrics, “Blackjack” is as catchy as it is heavy, providing something for everyone. These trends continue into the other songs, but they hardly sound reminiscent of each other. In fact, TTT have used this EP as a chance to display a few different stylistic choices, opening up their wheelhouse to hone in on one true sound in a later release.

Every song stands out in its own way, and the record is filled with highlights. Such highlights include the breakdowns of “Karmageddon”, the brutal ending of “NMO”, the chorus of “White Widow”, and the sad, atmospheric synth breakdowns of “Hour 51” displaying that there is no shortage of memorable moments. The best part is that these highlights lie within consistently good songs that are finely-crafted and take no shortcuts. Every single sound on the record is meticulously groomed, displaying the band’s talents as well as the dark atmosphere it is meant to create.

Ignore the fact that I know this band personally and have done many pieces on/interviews with them before. Ignore the fact that there is a lot of hype and buzz about them right now. Ignore everything about who they are and just listen to the music, and you will see for yourself just how powerful and beautiful this EP is. This is everything a band should want from a debut, and what every band should strive to achieve in their songwriting and production. The most exciting thing about Turn the Tide is that they’re just getting started. They have their eyes set on the long-term, and still can grow in their sound. If they already sound this good, I can’t even imagine what’s in store for us in the future.

You can “like” Turn the Tide and find out how to get a copy of Black & White here:

https://www.facebook.com/TurntheTideband

September 16, 2013
Fireworks Fly at Formula 5 Show, Shepard’s Cove, August 29th

When summer arrives and the town of Lake George bustles with scores of vacationers and locals alike, Shepard’s Cove, a bar and restaurant nestled on the Western Shoreline, hosts a series bands on Thursday nights to coincide with the town sponsored fireworks shows that run throughout the summer. However, Thursday August 29th, the real fireworks were on display inside this lakeside establishment as Formula 5 played what may be one of their best show to date.

photo by Adam Pensel

As the fireworks display outside drew to a close, Formula 5 kicked off their three-set show with ‘Catch Me’, an original bluegrass tune that sticks to a high tempo guitar riff coupled with quick stops and starts, and features improvised sections by Mike McDonald on keys and Joe Davis on guitar before looping back around into its original form and closing out with an impressive composed ending that is high in energy and difficulty that this band appears to have mastered.

However, the real masterpiece of the night came in the second set. As the band reconvened, Greg sat down at his kit and played an impressive drum solo that launched the band into ‘Pedro’, a point at which the dance floor seemingly flooded and the give and take between band and audience was ignited. ‘Pedro’, a song with multiple jam structures shifts from its origins of heavy rock to spacey ambience before slowly swinging full circle back to heavy rock, tension and release style. Just when the smoke began to clear from the hoosker doo (Joe Dirt’s preferred fireworks) that the band had set off, they lit a stick of dynamite and launched into ‘2001’; fueled by the energy coming off of ‘Pedro’, this was one for the books. Often times, a band can attempt to pull off a cover and when it isn’t better than the original or at least equally as good, it can really turn off an audience. This was not the case here, and yours truly is hoping and praying for the band to release this sequence of songs on archive.org so that you can listen for yourself.

The verdict: Formula 5 is growing fast. Their prowess as a jam band continues to expand and find new roads. They are extremely talented, extremely fun, and at this time, extremely affordable. Get out to see them as much as you can while the latter of these three things lasts. You will not be disappointed.

For a great version of “Pedro”, check out their set from The Big Up on archive.org

Setlist

Set 1: Catch Me, The Clear, Happy Hour Hero^, Excalibur, This Place -> 3 Ring Circus -> Paella, Rising Tide

Set 2: Drums -> Pedro -> 2001, Mister Elixir, Grey Seal*

Set 3: Epiphany -> Earthbound, Perch Above the Earth@ -> Uh Oh Love Comes to Town% -> Hot Box, The Fall, Goin’ Down

^moe.
*Elton John
@ “Walk the Dinosaur” (Was Not Was) Teases
% Talking Heads

September 13, 2013
The Felice County Fair at Opus 40 in Saugerties

The storied history of the Woodstock community is as rich as the lush green mountains that cradle the artistry of the region. Radio Woodstock, a staple of the community, is just such an example of the past greeting the present. The radio station was once the video studio of Todd Rudgren on the property that was the brainchild of Albert Grossman – manager to many of the great folk stars of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The creative flow has been carried through, nurtured and passed on to the next generations. On the weekend of August 31, however, a new tradition was born – The Felice County Fair.

Opus 40

The Catskill region encourages artistic endeavors through a grow-your-own mindset. The organic atmosphere culminates in a booming fervor in a world of the arts. Radio Woodstock hosts a number of events around the area, most notably Mountain Jam. The Felice Brothers had a vision and with the help of Radio Woodstock, a fair of the arts came to fruition. True to form of the local natives, they don’t host the usual agricultural event; their idea of a fair is music and art and culinary divinity. “Location, location, location” is generally the mantra when purchasing a home, but in this case, prime realty for just such an event came in the form of a sculpture park.

Festival Fun

The grandeur of Opus 40 is nothing short of a miraculous feat of sweat, tears, and sadly, blood. Its massive display of stonewalls, secret passages, and deep pools provided an ideal location for an unadulterated marriage of music and art. The daylong event began with Paul Green’s Rock Academy. The students performed various cover songs of their favorite rock stars, adding a touch of their own improvisations. The Academy is located in Woodstock and serves as a shining example of the mindset: the idea of developing artistic abilities to foster the creation of beautiful music. Academy staff member and guitar player Conor Kennedy took the stage shortly after. Aside from his on stage performance, his youth and exuberance are impressive. Conor Kennedy played a set well versed in various genres showcasing his musical agility. Kennedy is Woodstock’s next generation cream-of-the-crop ripe for the picking.

Connor Kennedy

The Felice County Fair also encouraged the family feeling. The event hosted bouncy bounces, make your own tee shirts and a play area for the kids. It was only fitting that Marco Benevento’s two young daughters helped warm up the piano keys during their load in – future musicians perhaps. Shortly after 3 pm, Marco, Dave Dreiwitz (bass) and Andy Borger (drums) took stage. The crowd counted: one, two, three, four and the threesome started on cue. Marco Benevento promoted his latest disc, playing the set with songs from TigerFace. Almost entirely wordless music, the trio waned back and forth between heavy rock and psychedelic. A tiger head prop was used for the last song, “Limbs of Pine.” Each of the threesome took turns wearing the head while dancing and playing to an electro-pop dance beat.

Marco Benevento

There are many adaptations of Amy Helm whether she is the Amy Helm Band, The Dirt Farmer Band, or the Midnight Ramble Band. However, her vocals are unmistakable and distinctly her own in each of her performances. She often travels with Daniel Littleton on guitar, Byron Isaacs on bass and Justin Guip on drums. However, they did not need to travel far as Opus 40 is practically their backyard. As veterans of the Woodstock music scene, the Amy Helm Band invited many to the stage encouraging collaborative creative flow and maintaining that family like tradition.

Amy Helm Band

An ironic and historic fact regarding Opus 40 is that its sole creator, Harvey Fite, was killed after he fell into his own massive stonework sculpture. He is now buried in the hillside of his own property, just behind the stage location. Hauntingly beautiful and chilling, Amy Helm gave new meaning to “she walks these hills over my bones” in “Long Black Veil” with husband and wife duo, Mike + Ruthy joining in on the old time favorite. Another classic, “It Makes No Difference”, would be enough to bring anyone to their knees or at least tears to their eyes. Amy’s soft and sultry vocals harmonized with Elizabeth Mitchell, Daniel Littleton, and Mike + Ruthy seemingly channeled her late father giving his soul life making his presence strong. The Amy Helm Band ended on a positive note with Sam Cooke’s “Good News.” Conor Kennedy joined the already packed stage and a folk-rock revival exploded on the hillside.

The Felice Brothers

Ending their set in this manor served as a perfect primer for the closing band, The Felice Brothers. The high energy Felice Brothers got right down to business as the rain started to fall with a melodic rock violin intro. In an instant the fellas jumped around, stood on chairs and engaged the crowd. The soggy but jubilant crowd belted out “I put some whiskey in my whiskey”, as the brothers led the sing-a-long ballad. However, the band resigned to the weather, as there was lightning in the area. After a short postponement, the band resumed as if they bottled up the electricity from the storm and shot bolts from their fingers. The onstage shenanigans were a site to behold and the music was to be experienced. In its inaugural year, The Felice County Fair successfully captured the essence of Woodstock. From veteran players to newcomers, the stage performances shined. The musicians continue to harvest the artistic mentality as their songs fell upon welcoming and equally nurturing ears.

September 13, 2013
Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger Live at the BSP Lounge Kingston September 28

Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl are the eclectic duo the make up the Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, also known as’ Goastt’. The pair’s 2010 debut LP Acoustic Sessions emphasized atmospheric and well arranged songs, spectral harmonies, and diverse instrumentation. The alchemy induced by the combination of Lennon’s inherent gift for melody, and Muhl’s multinstrumental and literary abilities is mysterious and alluring. While their music is rooted in the wooden realm, their 2012 LP Le Carotte Bleue spotlighted an electric side of the couple, accented with a funky, out of sight cover of Serge Gainsbourg’s ‘Comic Strip’.

Ghost of a Sabre Tooth Tiger

The ‘Goastt’ will be performing an intimate concert at the BSP Lounge in Kingston, NY on Saturday September 28th. The performance comes in the midst of their tour opening for the Flaming Lips, and finds the pair playing a smaller room than the larger venues they are visiting with the Lips. This will be a great opportunity to witness a penetrating performance in an environment conducive to the detailed music being performed.

The evenings concert will also feature special musical guests Brother JT and Parakeet. Grateful Dead lyricist John Perry Barlow who composed a bio for the ‘Goastt’, I believe said it best when he stated about the duo’s music, ‘It is beautiful and strange and new. Let us watch it grow together’.

Ticket prices for the Saturday September 28th show are $12 advance or $15 at the door and are available at Outdated Cafe in Kingston and Jack’s Rhythms in New Paltz. The show begins at 9:00.

September 12, 2013
Album Review: Natalie Cressman jazzes it up on “Turn The Sea”

Natalie Cressman on her new album Turn The Sea opens boldly with the title track and an intro featuring a riff championed by the bass and keyboards. Horns enter with gumption, playing an arrangement that perfectly fits the song. Cressman’s sultry jazz vocals seem to rhythmically play with the band’s accents and swells. Natalie’s harmonies provide an airy dissonance that one comes to expect in a jazz/fusion track.

The album transitions into “Fortune’s Fool”, a more R&B inspired track with heavy kick drum beat emphasis. The backing band offers many distinct instrumental layers that complement Cressman’s vocals. The track comes to a close with an inspiring ascending vocal line that is matched by the band.

“Do Not As I Do” offers a departure from the rest of the album. The bass introduction creates a surprising tension. The track segues into a wondrous electric guitar solo. The bass clarinet additions during the solo really set this track apart. The vocal chorus hits hard and strong. It’s amazing how Natalie’s vocals can take the words “Do Not As I Do” and make them sound sweet and positive.

“Checkout Time” is a true testament to Natalie’s vocal prowess. She holds down the whole track without any percussion or substantial backing instrumentals. The keyboards, bass and guitar serve to add subtle licks and lines that elevate Natalie’s precision vocals. I also really appreciate the orchestration and production on this track. The different vocal parts and harmonies seemed to be pieced together strategically to evoke emotions in the listener. The atmosphere that Natalie creates in this song is truly incredible.

Finally, “Stolen Away” sends the listener off on a solid upbeat note. This track is an amalgamation of the different styles presented throughout the album. The track goes through many different sections and ends with an in-your-face funk jam. This track gives the listener the best overall sense of what Natalie Cressman and her band are all about.

As a whole, Turn the Sea demonstrates an awesome blend of jazz, fusion, funk, and R&B. Natalie and her band are an unbelievably talented group of musicians that crafted a jazz album that entertains from start to finish.

Key Tracks: Turn the Sea, Fortune’s Fool, Checkout Time, Stolen Away

September 11, 2013
The Biscuits are Back: City Bisco 2013, September 27-28

After a long anticipated wait, the daily lineup for City Bisco has been released, as well as a kick off date in Baltimore, MD. The long weekend will start at the Baltimore Soundstage on September 26th and end in the Disco Biscuits home town of Philadelphia, PA. Disco Biscuits fans from all over the country will convene at the Mann Center in Fairmount Park for two nights of astounding musical guests on September 27th and 28th.

After the great success of last year’s City Bisco, and the tremendous success of Upstate New York’s own Camp Bisco, it seems the buzz surrounding this festival is greater than ever. Over the past 18 years the Disco Biscuits have created a vast following that spans from coast to coast. The boys have played Mayan Holidaze on the Riviera Maya, hosted Bisco Inferno at Red Rocks, and brought world renowned artists to the quaint town of Mariaville that hosts Camp Bisco. City Bisco has become an urban installment of their beloved Camp Bisco which has grown with great intensity to accommodate 25,000 patrons annually. Since the early 90’s The Disco Biscuits have created their own genre of “Jamtronica,” as well as forged the path for the exponentially growing music scene that is home to many electronic acts from all parts of the world. City Bisco will bring together a diverse group of artists for an epic weekend of music in Philadelphia that should not be missed.

The lineup will include two nights of The Disco Biscuits, Method Man and Redman, Big Boi, Treasure Fingers, Kill Paris, Twiddle, Risky Disco, Horizon Wireless, Suspence, a Simon Posford Shpongle DJ set, Emancipator, Gigamesh, Killowatts, Less Foss, Pimps of Joytime, Space Jesus, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and the Cosmic Dust Bunnies. This is sure to be a weekend to remember, so grab your City Bisco ticket s now.

September 11, 2013
Michael Franti and Spearhead Coming to Upstate Concert Hall, Monday September 16th

Through his music, Michael Franti delivers a message of hope, justice, and peace. That message will ring loud and clear Monday, September 16th as Michael Franti and Spearhead bring their unique blend of hip hop, reggae, jazz, and funk to the Upstate Concert Hall (Clifton Park, NY). Special guest The Kopecky Family Band, will open the show.

Michael Franti and Spearhead continue to enjoy the success of their 2010 album release, The Sound of Sunshine, which reached the number 17 spot on The Billboard 200 list. It features 12 tracks including four hit singles, “Shake It”, “The Sound of Sunshine”, “Hey, Hey, Hey”, and “I’m Alive”. In July 2013, Franti released his eighth studio album entitled All People.

Ticket prices for Monday’s event are $25 in advance or $28 at the door and are available through Ticketmaster, the Northern Lights Smoke Shop (518-453-3402), or at the Upstate Concert Hall box office. Show time is 8:00PM.

September 10, 2013
The #Road2FarmAid is Headed to SPAC!

Farm Aid 2013 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on September 21st is right around the corner and will be covering this incredible event from our home turf! The show is sold out, but for those of you looking to watch on couch tour, you can tune in from as the live concert will be webcast on farmaid.org from 5—11pm EDT and live audio broadcast on Willie Nelson’s SiriusXM channel, Willie’s Roadhouse (56), beginning at 2pm EDT. The hashtag Road2FarmAid journey is a way to win tickets and prizes from Farm Aid.

This years lineup includes Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, Jack Johnson, Amos Lee, Jamey Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sasha Dobson, Carlene Carter, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Bahamas, Pegi Young & The Survivors, Jesse Lenat, Insects vs Robots and The Blackwood Quartet.

You can take part by following Farm Aid on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and their YouTube channel, by sharing your photo or video on one of those networks using the #Road2FarmAid hashtag. When you submit a photo or video be sure to include the hashtag #Road2FarmAid and @FarmAid for your chance to win Farm Aid 2013 t-shirts and be in the running to win two front row tickets to Farm Aid 2013! Get all of the contest details and more information on participating at farmaid.org/contest.

September 10, 2013
Bella Terra Brings Beauty and the Beats to Upstate New York

Driving through the winding back roads of Upstate New York, it was apparent that it would be a beautiful weekend for a festival. This would be Bella Terra’s fifth year, and fourth year at it’s current location on Gardner’s Farm in Stephentown, New York. The venue is home to people, plants and animals, and the name Bella Terra (beautiful earth) could not possibly embody a more perfect location for an upstate New York festival, and it definitely adds to the charm and allure of this late summer gathering.

The music was spot on all weekend. The moment your campsite was set up you were drawn to the Red Bull MXT stage residing on the edge of the woods. One of the best sets of the weekend was the back to back performance of Mentally Ill and Leila Harrison. The moment they took the stage, drum and bass reverberated throughout the campgrounds, drawing people out of their sites to dance in the cool August evening. Throughout the weekend the Red Bull truck stage pumped out a variety of different music spanning from early morning dub to late night dubstep. It was an excellent addition and created a balance between the campgrounds and the main concert area.

This year there were two main stages, much like most other quickly-growing festivals. It certainly makes it easier for the crew and it also eliminates the wait time in between sets. All of the headliners that played the festival absolutely blew the crowd away. The highlights of the weekend were definitely The Manhattan Project, Ghost Face Killah, and Robokop. The crowd did not seem to mind Ghostface Killah’s hour delay when he took stage and delivered an insanely high energy set. Ghostface Killah spoke in regards to the festival’s overall vibe saying, “It’s insane to be on stage and see the people singing your songs, knowing you, loving you, and you really can’t ask for anything else. I used to read about some of these places in text books and now I’m performing in front of them. It’s really a blessing.” That energy and that vibe permeated throughout the festival as each artist that took stage was met with so much love and admiration from the crowd. The overwhelming amount of appreciation and respect for music and art is very evident at Bella Terra. Robokop was especially an interesting act to bring to the Bella Terra stage; Clay Parnell of Brother’s Past and Allen Aucoin of The Disco Biscuits come together in an explosive collaboration creating something in the electronic music world that has not been seen before. Emancipator was another amazing and different act that stood out among the other talent. The smooth, ambient samples layered with live violin and down tempo beats made the crowd move in rhythmic waves within the hot tent packed with people.

Datsik took the stage drawing a huge crowd, in part because there were no other artists playing during his time slot, but also due to his huge following in the Upstate region. Although it was a great performance, another act was definitely needed because variety is the key to success at a festival. On the other hand, it is apparent why they chose to exclude any other acts during Datsik with the huge turnout for main stage during his performance. His set introduced hard womping beats that pulsated through the crowd and made the main stage area come alive. Turkuaz delivered a mind-blowing funk-filled set at the late night tent that had everyone moving in throngs from their sites to witness this erratic display of sonic-explosions. The stage was packed with a wide array of instruments Turkuaz brings to their signature sounds. The most interesting site within the tent was a festival goer who had casually fallen asleep atop a table ten feet from the stage using a volley ball as his head support. Interesting things can always be seen in late night tents at a festival, but this was surely a first. How one could take a cat nap during such a loud, energetic and funktastic set is a feat unto itself.

Cinder Block Hustle, true to fashion, had a large area near main stage filled with art installations. Scattered about were giant wooden cutouts of legendary figures that needless to say would tempt you to take some embarrassing pictures with that you would most likely find on your cellphone weeks later. Fantastic and vibrant displays of art were at every turn, adding even more beauty to the layout of the land. The installations also offered some shade and a place to rest during the hot afternoons. The festival also stayed true to nature with it’s eight foot Bella Terra Festival art installation created by some of the best graffiti artists in the game. Each year the amount of intricate detail only grows in this mind blowing centerpiece of the festival. Another spectacular aspect of the festival is the degree of effort put into making sure all of the children and families throughout the weekend are occupied. At one point a full troupe of larger than life puppets came strolling through the campsites riding on the tiny shoulders of the festival inhabiting children. It was certainly quite the sight to see.

Throughout the festival you could catch live painting and live graffiti from some of the best artists in the game. Bella Terra does a phenomenal job fusing the two worlds of music and art and bringing them together to be appreciated and respected in a community that promotes a wide array of talents. It was not strange at all to wake up in the morning and pass a group of jugglers, or unicyclists or even puppeteer- and that is the beautiful essence of Bella Terra. Taking a casual and slow stroll through the festival was a giant tortoise who visited camp sites and brought vast amounts of entertainment to the weekend. Only at Bella Terra would it be common place to see a tortoise wander through the camp grounds. If that was not enough diversity for you, there was also a field of grazing cattle all but a stones throw from the camp’s showers. These are the kinds of things you can only see at a festival in Upstate New York. Overall, Bella Terra was another great success and it is evident that with the growth and popularity this festival has already achieved this festival has become a staple for the East Coast Festival and music scene.

September 9, 2013