Category: News

  • Aura Music Festival Releases Initial Line-Up

    The Aura Music Festival has just released their biggest line-up yet for the fifth annual festival at the Spirit of Suwanee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. The festival will be taking place February 14-16. The eclectic lineup will include two nights of Lotus, two nights of Papadosio, Conspirator, Zoogma, two sets of the Werks, Mike Dillon Band, two sets of Kung Fu, two sets of Dopapod, The Heavy Pets, Superhuman Happiness, Brock Butler, Jimkata, and many more. There are a limited number of tickets now available for $125 and can be purchased online.

    Since its humble beginnings in Brooksville, FL, AURA has become one of the premiere multi-day boutique music events in the Southeast US, attracting fans from around the country. Now comfortably at home at the famed SOSMP, AURA comes to life in the midst of 800 acres of Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress trees along the Suwannee River and utilizes one of the most beautiful natural amphitheaters in the country only made more awe-inspiring by AURA’s attention to sound and lighting production. True to nature, AURA 5 will feature live painters, an interactive arts village, craft and food vendors, yoga & meditation, and inspiring transformational workshops. Stay tuned for additional details and artist announcements.

    AURA

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  • The Westcott Theater Promoters ‘Upstate Shows’ Take Over Booking for Lost Horizon

    Syracuse’s Lost Horizon has undergone some recent changes and fans can expect to see a lot more music there in coming months. Starting in September Upstate Shows – the promoters for The Westcott Theater, will take the helm at The Lost Horizon. The venue, located just off Erie Blvd. will expand its already popular hard-core metal lineup with new promoters.

    Eric Binion and Dan Mastronardi, are the owners of Upstate Shows and currently book shows exclusively at The Westcott, the F Shed and the occasional show at The Landmark in Syracuse, NY. The duo will be looking to expand the current calendar of metal and punk-rock shows at this smaller venue.

    With their success at the revitalization of The Westcott Theater – now one of Syracuse’s premier music venues, the team hopes to do the same for this historical gem. Lost Horizon has, for some time now, been considered the main venue for heavy metal, rock and punk-rock type shows; the new promoters told Syracuse.com that they look forward to booking their more intimate shows at the Lost.

    Fans of the current style of music coming to the venue need not worry, Upstate Shows plans to add to the calendar by bringing in a wider scope of musical taste. With its history in the city that dates back to the 1970’s – fans can now see local bands like Dark Hollow and local favorites like Driftwood in a more intimate setting than larger venues in Syracuse.

    We are always happy to learn about new places to see good music and our entire Syracuse Staff looks forward to covering more shows at this venue in. Shows are already being announced for the Lost, look for regional acts like Aqueous on October 23rd, the full schedule can be found at www.thelosthorizon.com.

  • Premiere Performances 2013-14 Concert Series at The College of Saint Rose Massry Center for the Arts

    The Premiere Performances 2013-14 concert series at The College of Saint Rose Massry Center for the Arts presents a full lineup of outstanding jazz, pop and classical concerts by some of the nation’s best contemporary and classical musicians. The series features such artists as Chick Corea, Toad the Wet Sprocket, The John Scofield Überjam Band, the College’s acclaimed Saint Rose Camerata, Chris Thile and John Medeski among others.

    Tickets for all performances are on sale now. Back this year: subscription packages that can save up to 30 percent on the cost of concert tickets and offer special benefits not available to single-ticket purchasers. Patrons may select their own custom-built packages. All performances will take place on the D’Arcy-Brady Stage in the Kathleen McManus Picotte Recital Hall, Massry Center for the Arts, 1002 Madison Ave., Albany.

    Opened in 2008, the critically acclaimed Massry Center for the Arts features the 400-seat Kathleen McManus Picotte Recital Hall, Esther Massry Art Gallery, choral and instrument rehearsal rooms, teaching studios, piano labs and classrooms.  Past performing artists include Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Ramsey Lewis, Maceo Parker, Tim Reynolds, Doc Severinsen, Livingston Taylor, Stefon Harris, the Boston Symphony Orchestra Strings, Yuja Wang, Paula Cole and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.  The $14 million, 46,000 square-foot gem is certified LEED Gold, ranking it among the Capital Region’s most energy-efficient and Earth-friendly buildings.

    For complete concert and ticket information, including subscription packages, visit www.massrycenter.org

    The complete Premiere Performances 2013-14 schedule follows:

    Sunday, September 15 – The John Scofield Überjam Band featuring Andy Hess, Avi Bortnick and Tony Mason. Show starts at 7:30 p.m, $30 general; $15 students

    Saturday, September 21 – The College of Saint Rose Camerata
    Family Weekend Concert: Celebrating  National Hispanic Heritage Month. Show is at 7:30 p.m. and is a free show.

    Tuesday, September 24 – New Gary Burton Quartet, 70th Birthday Tour with special guests Bopitude featuring Gary Smulyan. The show is at 7:30 p.m, $30 general; $15 students

    Saturday, October 26 – The College of Saint Rose Camerata
    Instrumental Chamber Music. Show at  7:30 p.m., this show is free

    Sunday, October 27 – An Evening with Chris Thile. Show at 7:30 p.m., $30 general; $15 students

    Sunday, November 3 – Toad the Wet Sprocket. Show begins at 7:30 p.m., $30 general; $15 students

    Friday, December 6 – It’s a Jazzy Christmas! A Celebration of Vince Guaraldi’s Holiday Jazz Music. Show is at 6 p.m. and $20 general; $10 students; free for children under age 5 (requires ticket)

    Saturday, December 7 – An Evening with John Medeski. show starts at 7:30 p.m., $25 general; $12.50 students

    Saturday, February 15 – Saint Rose Camerata Chamber Music with Voice. Show at 7:30 p.m., this show is free

    Friday, March 14 – Andrew Tyson Piano Performance presented with Renaissance Musical Arts and Young Concert Artists. Show begins at 7:30 p.m., $20 general; $10 students

    Saturday, March 29 – Saint Rose Camerata – Season Finale Contemporary Chamber Music with Amplified Instruments and Electronic Sounds. Show is at 7:30 p.m., this is a free show

    Saturday, April 5 – Guitar Foundation of America Winner Rovshan Mamedkuliev. Show at 7:30 p.m., $20 general; $10 students

    Friday, April 11 – Chick Corea – Solo Piano Performance. Show at 7:30 p.m., $40 general; $20 students

  • Aqueous Announces Extensive Fall Tour of New York, Midwest and Atlantic Coast

    Buffalo’s favorite intense groove rock experience Aqueous has announced an extensive fall tour that brings the band to many new markets as well as established ones. The band has been hitting the road harder then ever this year and this new batch of dates will bring them to over 120 shows for 2013.

    AQ-FALLTOUR

    Highlights include the tour kick-off at the esteemed Brooklyn Bowl with Turkuaz and Jimkata for the Catskill Chill music festival pre-party. Several Upstate NY dates follow as well as the band’s second international date in Montreal. October features a four-show North Carolina run and will also bring them close to one of their mentors; performing an after party for the Rochester Phish show (w/ Jimkata). Washington D.C. and Brooklyn will be treated to some undoubtedly well planned Halloween antics to start off November before a pilgrimage to jam-mecca Nectar’s in Burlington and another pair of upstate dates in Buffalo and Rochester.

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    The summer may fade, but the rage lives on. Check out the full schedule below!

    Aqueous Fall 2013 Tour Dates with Upstate NY highlighted
     
    9/4 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY * w/ Turkuaz & Jimkata
    9/7 – The Catskill Chill Music Festival – Hancock, NY
    9/11 – 123 Pleasant – Morgantown, WV * w/ The Main Squeeze
    9/12 – Thunderbird Cafe – Pittsburgh, PA * w/ The Main Squeeze
    9/13 – Night Lights Fall Festival – Sherman, NY
    9/14 – Barnaroo – Dover, OH
    9/20 – The Dubland Underground – Rochester, NY
    9/21 – Nietzsche’s – Buffalo, NY
    9/26 – The Waterhole – Saranac Lake, NY
    9/27 – Java Barn @ St. Lawrence University – Canton, NY
    9/28 – Gert’s @ McGill University – Montreal, QC
    10/2 – Papa Pete’s – Kalamazoo, MI
    10/3 – The Gramophone – St. Louis, MO
    10/4 – Hideaway Saloon – Lexington, KY
    10/5 – The Empty Glass – Charleston, WV
    10/8 – The Blind Tiger – Greensboro, NC
    10/9 – One Stop @ Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC
    10/10 – The Saloon @ NC Music Factory – Charlotte, NC
    10/11 – 185 King Street – Brevard, NC
    10/16 – Electric Haze – Worcester, MA
    10/17 – Thirsty Moose Taphouse – Portsmouth, NH
    10/18 – The Putnam Den – Saratoga Spring, NY
    10/19 – The Crooked I – Erie, PA
    10/22 – Water Street Music Hall – Phish After Party – Rochester, NY * w/ Jimkata
    10/23 – The Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY * w/ Tauk
    10/24 – Black Oak Tavern – Oneonta, NY * w/ Tauk
    10/25 – The Lot – Ithaca, NY * w/ Tauk
    10/26 – Jungle Boogie Festival – Lake George, NY
    11/1 – The Bayou – Washington, DC * w/ Tauk
    11/2 – The Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY * w/ Tauk
    11/6 – Urban Nest – Asbury Park, NJ
    11/7 – Nectars – Burlington, VT *
    11/8 – Shaskeen Pub – Manchester, NH
    11/9 – Church – Boston, MA
    11/15 – The Dubland Underground – Rochester, NY * w/ Tauk
    11/16 – Nietzsche’s – Buffalo, NY * w/ Tauk
    11/20 – Tonic Room – Chicago, IL * w/ Brown Bag
    11/22 – Scarlet & Grey – Columbus, OH
  • First Annual Woodstock Comedy Festival, Comedy for a Cause

    The first annual Woodstock Comedy Festival will open Friday night September 20th at the Woodstock Playhouse in Woodstock, NY. The festival will help to raise money for several charitable organizations. Ticket prices range from $10-$50 depending on the show, check out their website for full ticketing options. The festival will run September 20-22nd.

    Friday night’s lineup will feature improv and standup with, comedians Rick Overton and Eddie Brill.

    Saturday night’s benefits for Family of Woodstock and Polaris Project are a double feature. First, Stand Up and Sit Down: Comedy and Conversation from Dick Cavett and Bobcat Goldthwait, together on stage for the very first time. Hosted by Eddie Brill, show time is 7 pm at the Bearsville Theater.

    Closing out the weekend Sunday night is an all-star comedy lineup at the Colony Café featuring, Laughingstock: A Night of Local Stand-up Comedy, starring Verna Gillis, James Judd, Adam Mamawala and Audrey Rapoport, hosted by Rich Shultis.

    The first annual Woodstock Comedy Festival is a 501©(3) not-for-profit corporation with a mission: Comedy for a Cause. A weekend of laughter to benefit two charities that are no laughing matter: Family of Woodstock, for domestic violence and Polaris Project, for human trafficking. “All our net profits will be given to Polaris and Family,” said festival founder and executive director Chris Collins. . For tickets and more information, go to www.woodstockcomedyfestival.org

  • Conspirator Release Fall Tour Schedule with 3 Dates in Upstate New York

    It has been a while since we’ve seen Conspirator play the Upstate New York venues outside of a festival. After their January release of their highly anticipated new Album Unleashed, Conspirator has vastly expanded their fan base playing at many of the major festivals coast to coast. It is no surprise that there is a high level of excitement surrounding Conspirator’s fall tour, “Going Up.”

    Conspirator Fall tour includes stops on Friday October 11th, The Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY. Doors open at 8:00PM, show starts at 9:00PM, this is an all ages show. You can grab your tickets online at The Westcott Theater Online Ticketing.

    Thursday October 17th, Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, NY. Doors open at 8:00PM and show starts at 9:00PM, Ages: 18+ ($5 extra charge for under 21). Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 day of show. Purchase tickets online at www.putnamden.com.

    Friday October 18th, Water Street Music Hall in Rochester, NY. Doors open at 8:00PM, show starts at 9:00PM, Ages:16+. Get your tickets online at Frontgate Tickets. Tickets are $15.00-$20.00.

    You can also catch Conspirator at The Catskill Chill Festival.
    http://www.conspiratorband.com/

  • Chenango 21st Annual Blues Festival August 16th & 17th

    This year is the 21st annual Chenango Blues Festival draws thousands to a beautiful rural venue in Norwich, NY. This year’s festival will take place August 16th & 17th at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Tent Camping space is still available and can be purchased in addition to your festival ticket for $35.00 for the weekend (Camping Guidelines). Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $30.00 the day of the show, Ticket sale locations can be found HERE.

    Photo Courtesy Of: http://www.chenangobluesfest.org/2012-photos.html
    Photo Courtesy Of chenango blues fest

    Friday, August 16, 2013
    Frontier Communications – Free Friday Night show!
    Chenango County Fairgrounds – Tent Stage

    6:00 – 6:45 p.m. – Pinecone Fletcher
    7:15 – 8:30 p.m. – Tinsley Ellis
    9:00 – 10:30 p.m. – Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers


    Saturday, August 17, 2013
    Chenango County Fairgrounds
    Sheffield Bio-Science Infield Stage

    Gates open at 11:00 a.m.

    12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Chris O’Leary
    1:45 – 3:00 p.m. – California Honeydrops

    4:00 – 5:20 p.m. – Larry McCray Band
    6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Shemekia Copeland
    9:15 – Royal Southern Brotherhood


    Nelson & Flanagan/Grouse Ridge Kennel Tent Stage

    1:00 – 1:45 p.m. – Tas Cru
    3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Valerie June
    5:20 – 6:30 p.m.- Ben Prestage
    8:00 – 9:15 p.m. – Honey Island Swamp Band

     

    **Please be aware that no tickets for Saturday’s show will be sold at the Friday show this year. Will call only from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

  • Candlebox: 20th Anniversary Tour in the Syracuse on Sunday

    The Seattle music scene in the autumn of 1990 was still the Pacific-Northwest’s best-kept secret. At the time, it was better known for Starbucks than for music, and it would be another year before Nirvana’s “Nevermind” thrust the rainy town into the national spotlight. But in November of 1990, Candlebox was formed, ground their chops on the Seattle club scene, and within three years had a quadruple-platinum album, and launched the music career of Kevin Martin and company for years to come.  Following that success were two more releases, “Lucy” and “Happy Pills” that both sold well.  But the relationship with the record company went sour in 2000 and the band took a six-year hiatus. Syracuse
    In 2006 Rhino released a greatest hits album that led to a short tour that included all the original members of the band.  The tour led to a 2008 release, “Into the Sun” that peaked at #4 on the Independent charts. Candlebox also released a live CD+DVD the same year, “Alive in Seattle”.Their fifth album, Love Stories and Other Musings hit the stores in the spring of 2012 under Union Entertainment Group’s label Audionest.   Through some success and recent touring, Candlebox’s popularity has continued to rise back up enough to have the band scheduled for the ultimate rock cruise, “Ship-rocked” setting sail January of next year.  On the boat alongside Candlebox will be 5FDP, Papa Roach, Three Days Grace and Sevendust.

    This Sunday’s show at the new Oswego County Event Center will be Candlebox’s first time back in the Syracuse area since May 10, 2012, when they performed at the Westcott Theater. Prior to that they played the Lost Horizon in December of 2008 and have played other parts of Upstate New York every year since getting back together.

    Upstate Metal Editor, Jim Gilbert, asked Candlebox front man, Kevin Martin, about the fans in Upstate New York and why the band seems to make New York a regular stop. “First and foremost, we sold one and a half million records in New York alone.  It has been our biggest market since day one.  New York fans have always been very supportive and purchased CDs, tickets and t-shirts.  The main reason we play New York so often is the fans and to keep the market alive.”

    Next year might be the first time in quite some time that we won’t be seeing Candlebox in New York, so fans’ chance to see them on the 20th Anniversary tour is this week.  Kevin added that “next year we are going to take a break and work on being family members. We will be recording new materials and when we do release a new album we will go back on tour and New York State will be one of those places.  New York State is where we have our best shows. But it probably won’t be until 2015.”

    A lot has changed in the 20 years since Candlebox released their quadruple platinum self-titled debut album.  The fans have gotten older and social media and the Internet have taken over the industry.  “Fortunately for us, the fans that started with us in 1994 had children. While their fathers and mothers listened to our music their children came to know every word and that is great for us.  Now we see the parents and their kids at our shows.  A lot of touring and large festivals [like Rockapalooza and Shiprocked] make it easier to reach those new fans.  Also, with Instagram we can immediately share pictures of guitars, our music, and what is happening on tour.  It’s been beneficial, yet a frustrating experience at times. People have opinions, people feel validation and an instant connection. In this day and age, it is also important to answer emails, Tweets and Instagram messages.  We do our best to let fans know you are listening to them.  Occasionally we cannot get back to everyone though.  You do get fans that don’t understand that we get between 150-200 emails a day. We try our best.”
    The Internet has also helped Candlebox reach other new markets, namely Europe.  While the band only toured there three times, with social media and other ways of reaching out to fans the European fan-base continues to grow.  A Candlebox tour in Europe can be seen somewhere down the road.This Sunday at the Oswego County Event Center ( https://www.facebook.com/OswegoCountyEventCenter)  is a great chance for old and new fans alike to catch incredible musicians doing what they do best.  Some interesting discoveries that Upstate Metal also found when talking to Kevin Martin was that every song starts out acoustic.  Raw, unplugged, and from the ground up.  Kevin added that “shows like Unplugged was one of the best things for music. It showed what the music really sounded like, who had talent.  A lot of concert goers get used to hearing backing tracks, and live sets that are half ‘Pro Cuts’.”  With Candlebox you will get the real thing every time.  “Playing all live music is something special.”  We agree.

  • moe. to Play Albany on New Years Eve

    moe. has announced that they will be playing a 2-night New Years Eve run in Albany this year, December 30th and 31st at the Palace Theatre. On sale information is not available yet but you can stay up to date on all things moe. by visiting their website www.moe.org.

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  • The All-Inclusive Preview of Equifunk: The All-Inclusive Music Festival Part 5

    Equifunk: The All-Inclusive Music Festival is happening from August 16 to 18 and we have brought you over the past few weeks a preview of the bands that will be playing the festival.  We are wrapping up our preview with the daily schedule announcement as well as a preview of one of the Sunday headliners, Pork Tornado.

    Pork Tornado is a band co-founded by Phish drummer Jon Fishman and Dan Archer, who is a record producer and engineer and helped record Phish’s album Lawn Boy.  The band plays blues, country and rock covers as well as original material.  First formed in 1997, the band never really got moving until Phish’s first hiatus in 2000.  By 2002 the band had an album out and was touring regularly until Phish got back together.  The band does not perform much anymore so it is always a pleasure to get a chance to see them.  This is their only announced date for the rest of the year, so if you are a fan of the band you do not want to miss out on this show.

    Equifunk: The All-Inclusive Music Festival has been setting up some amazing events for the weekend.  There will be a 3 on 3 basketball tournament with one lucky team getting a chance to take on the guys from The Main Squeeze.  Tennis, kickball and softball games will also be taking place at the festival with artists joining in from time to time.  All food and beer is covered from when you step on to the premises on Friday all the way through Sunday morning’s breakfast, with plenty of food available to buy throughout the remainder of the day.

    equifunk music festivalThe daily schedule was released yesterday and can be found here, but we would like to give you some of the highlights of each day. Friday kicks off at 3 PM with the Woody Brown Project and does not stop until 3:30 AM with a set by Boombox. Throughout Friday there are no sets scheduled to overlap with The New Mastersounds headlining the night.  Saturday is the most packed day of the festival with music starting at 11 AM and going all day until a little before 4 AM.  The afternoon is looking great with back to back to back sets by Keller Williams & More Than A Little, The Heavy Pets, and Marco Benevento.

    The night is looking great too with Nigel Hall Band going into Anders Osborne with John Medeski followed by Soulive & The Shady Horns with Maceo Parker.  A late night Marco Benevento campfire set goes into The New Mastersounds & Friends set to close the day.  This will be the first time in six years that there will be music all day Sunday and the line-up for the day is great.  Music will be starting a little before 11 AM and go 12 full hours until 11 PM with no sets overlapping.  The day ending back to backs see The Revivalists go into Pork Tornado and the festival will close with The M&M’s, a super group made for the festival that includes Stanton Moore, Maceo Parker, Papa Mali, John Medeski, Robert Mercurio, and Marco Benevento.

    This is definitely going to be a great festival that you do not want to miss.  The levels of funk that will be coming from the speakers all weekend is going to be intense.  Tickets are available now here.  Check out our full preview of the Equifunk festival here.