Category: News

  • Rochester Fringe Festival Announces Complete 2013 Schedule

    Moe. NYE 2013The lineup for the second annual First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival, has been announced. The festival, now with double the amount of performers and double the number of days – will run from September 19-28, 2013.

    With nearly 120 free performances at this year’s Fringe Festival, City residents will have the opportunity to be a part of Rochester’s growing cultural experience.

    All tickets are now on sale at – rochesterfringe.com. Ticketed shows range from $5 to $16, and the $190 Fringe Fanatic pass includes entry to all except for the previously-announced Marc Maron ($20-$55), Dave Barry ($20-$65) and new Spiegeltent shows.

    This year’s multi-arts festival has divided its shows into seven genres: Children’s, Comedy, Cross-Genre, Dance, Music, Performance Art, Spoken Word, Theatre, and Visual Arts. A printed Fringe Guide will be distributed starting in August, but the complete schedule with prices, venues, photos and descriptions is now available at rochesterfringe.com.

    Venues This Year Are: Acanthus Café; Bernunzio Uptown Music; Blackfriars Theatre; Christ Church; Eastman School of Music’s Cominsky Promenade, Kilbourn   Hall, New Rehearsal Hall (Rm. 415),Sproull Atrium (by Max of Eastman Place) and Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre (headliners); Gallery r; Garth Fagan Dance   Studio; Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; George Eastman House’s Curtis Theatre, Living Room and Terrace Garden; Java’s Café; The Little Theatre’s Little 1 and The Little Café; Manhattan Square Park; MuCCC; RAPA; Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo); Rochester Museum & Science Center; The Space; Spiegeltent; TheatreROCS Stage at Xerox Auditorium, Writers & Books; and the UR Arts Bus.

  • Hearing Aide: Robert Randolph & The Family Band “Lickety Split”

    Robert Randolph and the Family Band have been around since the days of The Wetlands in New York City. The bands first release, Live at the Wetlands, saw the group capture one of their legendary performances at the venue, while Unclassified had the group capture that sound and energy in a studio setting.  Both Colorblind and We Walk This Road strayed from the sound that the group established, while broadening their overall musical horizons. Lickety Split is a great return to form from Robert Randolph and the Family Band that has them reaching back and bringing that original live energy back into the studio, while adding in the new musicianship from the previous two albums; the blend of these makes for a wonderful listen.

    The album starts off quick with “Amped Up”, signalling that the album is going to be one to party and dance to; it’s a rocker that shows off the band’s skills with each player getting plenty of room to work with.  The next two songs have a gospel blues feel with Lenesha Randolph owning the song completely; having grown up in the church, Robert is always one to include some gospel into his repertoire.  “Take the Party” features Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and blows the listener away thanks to great pedal steel work by Robert and Troy absolutely killing it on his horn – truly a wild upbeat song from beginning to end. A funky disco beat welcomes in “Brand New Wayo” that sees Robert team up with the legendary Carlos Santana.  The two guitarists trade licks back and forth throughout the song and you cannot help but dance around while listening to this track.  Two covers, “Love Rollercoaster” by The Ohio Players and “Good Lovin’” by The Young Rascals, appear in the second half of the album and give it a boost.  “Good Lovin’” especially is meant for Robert and the Family Band.  They stay true to the 60’s tune while still giving it their own trademark sound.

    Lickety Split shows that Robert Randolph and the Family band are refocused on their music and produced a very strong album.  The tunes will definitely come alive when he goes out on his upcoming tour that will see him hit the Upstate region this fall.

    Key Tracks: Amped Up, Take the Party, Brand New Wayo

  • Oneonta Hills Bluegrass Festival, August 9-11th

    Oneonta Hills Bluegrass Festival starts Friday at 2pm at the Susquehanna Trail Campground and Music Park in Oneonta, NY; today is the last day to get pre-sale tickets at $25, gate price is $35. You can purchase tickets online or by calling 607.432.1122. Hookup camping is sold out, field camping is still available and is free with your ticket. The festival will run from Friday 08/09/2013 – Sunday 08/11/2013 at 6:00PM.

    Headlining Oneonta Hills Bluegrass Festival Friday night will be The Nellies – Saturday’s headliner is The Barefoot Movement.

    Friday July 26th
    The Nellies-8.30-10.30 pm
    Stable Hands-6.00-8.00 pm
    Live Stock -5.00-5.45 pm
    Barrington – 4.00-4.45 pm
    Betwixt,Bothered and Bewildered 3.00-3.45 pm
    Gravel Yard 2.00-2.45 pm

    ACCOUSTIC AFTER 10.30 PM

    Saurday 27th
    Barefoot Movement-8.30-10.30 pm
    Betwixt,Bothered and Bewildered 6.00-8.00 pm
    Gravel Yard 5.00-5.45 pm
    Barrington 4.00-4.45 pm
    Stable hands- 3.00-3.45 pm
    Livestock -2.00-2.45 pm
    Melanie and the Boys -1.00-1.45 pm
    Hot Wings Cold Feet -12.00-12.45 pm

    ACCOUSTIC AFTER 10.30 PM

    SUNDAY WILL FEATURE GOSPEL 10-11 AM

    Full Details: http://www.reverbnation.com/show/9765049

  • Dan Smalls Presents Announces Fall Lineup at The Haunt in Ithaca, NY

    Dan Smalls Presents recently announced the fall schedule for The Haunt, in Ithaca, NY. Known throughout the Upstate New York Region as the premier concert promoter, Dan Smalls Presents is bringing the hottest musical artists in the country to our neck of the woods. Their shows are well run and highly organized and we here at are proud to announce the artists coming this Fall.

    Tickets for these Dan Smalls Fall shows in Ithaca go on sale Friday 8/9/13 and can be purchased online or at the venue box office.

    October 10 – Brooklyn based funk all-stars Turkuaz will start off the season with their appearance at the Haunt. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show is at 9:00PM, Ages: 16+.

    October 18John Brown’s Body brings their Roots based Reggae to The Haunt. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show starts at 9:00PM, Ages: 16+.

    October 27Tera Melos will introduce their punk/prog-rock tunes to Ithaca all the way from Sacramento, C.A.. Doors open at 8:00PM and show starts at 9:00PM, Ages: 16+.

    October 13 – Regulars to the Upstate scene Jimkata and their signature brand of song-oriented electro-rock, will be a rager for sure. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show starts at 9:00PM, Ages: 16+.

    November 11Spiritual Rez will light up the dance floor at The Haunt. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show starts at 9:00PM, Ages: 16+.

    December 13 – Bluegrass fans will be treated with the sounds of Driftwood and some good’old foot-stompin hootnany. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show starts at 9:00PM, Ages: 16+.

  • The All-Inclusive Preview of Equifunk: The All-Inclusive Music Festival Part 4

    equifunk Festival

    Equifunk: The All-Inclusive Music Festival is happening from August 16 to 18 this year and we are happy to announce a new series on that will bring you previews and interviews with bands that will be playing the festival.  The All-Inclusive Preview is happy to take a look at Marco Benevento to continue this series.

    Marco is no stranger to those in the Upstate region.  Living in Woodstock, he regularly visits Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo while out on tour.  His mastery of the keys along with his fun-filled jam-packed set always sets the floor into a dance party regardless of what venue he is playing.  Marco will be playing at least three times over the weekend with a solo set, a special late night camp fire set, and finally on Sunday he will playing with The M&M’s that also includes Maceo Parker, Stanton Moore, John Medeski, Robert Mercurio, and Papa Mali.  He is no stranger to the festival as this will be his 3rd appearance.

    Tickets are available now here.  Check out our full preview of the Equifunk festival here.

  • Catskill Chill Music Festival Announces “Dopadosio” Festival Closing Set

    The team at Catskill Chill Music Festival has announced a collaboration that all of the ChillFam is sure to love. An official “Dopadosio” set featuring all members of Papadosio and Dopapod together on one stage to close out the fourth annual event. As much fun as it has been for us fans to combine the two names “Papadosio” and “Dopapod,” finally we have a name that will stick. You surely will not want to miss this amazing festival closing set at Camp Minglewood in Hancock, New York.

    After the success of last year’s intimate Acoustic Junction and the response to Consider the Source’s first-time endeavor at the musical style, the festival organizers have doubled the offerings. This year’s roster features Consider The Source along with a mix of artists that regularly perform acoustic such as Brock ButlerThe Brummy Brothers and Dan Collins, along with acts performing stripped down sets for the first time. These performances by Tom Hamilton & FriendsPrimate Fiasco and MUN are definitely not to be missed.

    Yoga lovers will also be happy to hear that the Catskill Chill has expanded their program adding additional classes, some of which will be accompanied by live music from Cosmal  so  you can get down while getting downward dog.  Also, new to the ever expanding Vendor Village for 2013 is a local Farmer’s Market serving fresh, seasonal produce and other delicious specialties.

    Buy your Catskill Chill Music Festival Tickets Now and don’t miss Dopadosio

  • Keller Williams Comes to Upstate New York With Fall Tour Dates

    One-man-band Keller Williams hits the road this Fall performing his signature solo sets with stops in Upstate New York. Accompanied on stage only by a slew of instruments and musical gadgets. In his seemingly insatiable quest for constant musical evolution, Keller will also make very special select live appearances with any one of his creative collaborations.

    Keller_Kevin Burke

    Since he first appeared on the scene in the early ’90s, Keller Williams has defined the term independent artist. And his 16 recordings tell only half the story. Keller built his reputation initially on his engaging live performances, no two of which are ever alike. Williams’ solo live shows—and his ability to improvise to his determinedly quirky tunes despite the absence of an actual band—quickly became the stuff of legend, and his audience grew exponentially when word spread about this exciting, unpredictable performer.

    Keller will play 4 shows in Upstate NY on this tour, the first show will be held at Rochester’s historical, German House on September 12th. Doors open at 7:00PM The show starts at 8:00PM, tickets are $25 and all ages are welcome. To purchase tickets please visit KellerWilliams.net and for more information you can call 585-442-6880 or visit www.upallnightpresents.com.

    The following night, September 13th, Keller will play the Wescott Theater in Syracuse, NY. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show starts at 9:00PM. Tickests are $25 and all ages are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online at KellerWilliams.net or the venue box office. For more information please call 315-478-8634 or visit www.thewestcotttheater.com.

    September 14th Keller will play Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. Doors open at 8:00PM, the show starts at 9:00PM and this is an all ages show. Ticket prices range between $35-$55 and can be purchased online at KellerWilliams.net.

    The last appearance in Upstate NY will be a special treat as Keller will be joined by special guests and New York natives, Floodwood, for the October 10th show at Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, NY. Doors open at 8:00PM and show begins at 9:00PM, this is an all ages show. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online or at the venue box office.

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    @KellerMusician | Facebook | Web

  • Neutral Milk Hotel is Reunited and Bringing Their Music to The Capitol Theatre on January 22, 2014

    Some bands don’t last for a very long time.  It’s just how it goes in the music industry.  Whether there are creative differences or just being burnt out from too many shows on the road, bands tend to call it quits before their time is up.  However, some of these bands get back together many years later and send fans rejoicing all over the world.  One of those bands is Neutral Milk Hotel.

    Neutral_Milk_Hotel

    Neutral Milk Hotel has influenced many of the Indie bands popular today, from Arcade Fire to Franz Ferdinand to Bon Iver and countless others.  Their sound is unique with lots of experimentation, large instrumentation and beautiful lyrics woven throughout all of their songs.  The band has not played a live show together since 1998, but has shown up at each other’s shows from time to time.  Their two albums, On Avery Island and In the Aeroplane Over the Sea are both amazing records and should be heard by music fans all over the world.

    After being out of the public eye for many years, lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter Jeff Mangum has spent the last year playing solo acoustic shows to sold out audiences all over the country.  Earlier this year it was announced the band would be getting back together to play shows throughout the country.  They will be playing at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York on January 22, 2014.  Tickets go on sale Friday August 2nd at Noon here.  Do not miss this show if you can make it as there is no telling how long this reunion tour will last.

    Here is a video of Jeff Mangum playing “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” from earlier this year

  • Australian trio Sick Puppies invade Upstate New York

    Australian band, Sick Puppies, will be around the Upstate New York area a lot in August so there are no excuses allowed for missing this trio that is guaranteed to knock you on your ass.  August 3rd brings the Sick Puppies to The Paramount in Huntington, NY for our downstate and Long Island readers.  Central New Yorkers will be able to catch them on August 4th.  They will be part of 95X’s X-Fest along side Nonpoint, Otherwise and former 3DG lead singer Adam Gontier.  Along with 10 national acts there will be 10 local acts that you will not want to miss.  Then off to Delaware.  Upstate Metal’s Kate Drexel will be covering the August 2nd Virginia show to give an in depth look at the 2013 Summer Tour and what we can expect here in New York.  *here is a hint* Great music and a great time.

    The band then comes back to the Empire State to Poughkeepsie’s The Chance on August 7th and Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park on August 11th.  From there it is just across the pond from Plattsburgh, where they will be serving up two nights of chaos at Burlington, Vermont’s Higher Ground before coming back to Rochester for a kick-ass show at a kick-ass venue – The Armory.

    For more information on the tour go to: http://www.sickpuppies.com/events/

    To buy the new Album, Connect visit iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/connect-deluxe/id646984341

  • Rumpke Mountain Boys to Release New Album ‘Moon’ August 9th

    Award winning bluegrass group Rumpke Mountain Boys will be releasing their new album “Moon” August 9th, with a CD release party at Headliners Music Hall in Louisville, KY followed by an appearance at Miami Valley Music Fest in Troy, OH August 10th.

    Described as “foot stompin, whiskey spillin, old timey, psychedelic party music”, the Rumpke Mountain Boys  have taken the festival circuit by storm, garnering legions of faithful fans along the way with their signature brand of fiery bluegrass aptly named Trashgrass. Using banjo, mandolin, upright bass, and acoustic guitar, the Rumpke Mountain Boys have molded their own unique style and leave no genre of music untouched.

    Named after Rumpke Landfill, the highest point in their home of Hamilton County, OH, their remarkable energy and passion shine through in their live performances, their songwriting has won critical acclaim, and they’ve shared the stage with iconic artists such as Larry Keel, Leftover Salmon, Tim O’Brien, Ralph Stanley, Keller Williams, Yonder Mountain String Band and Del McCoury.

    Recorded in January at Royal Studios in Memphis, TN, the self-produced “Moon” is the follow up release to “Trashgrass”, which was released in late  2012.  According to upright bassist JD Westmoreland, who spearheaded the project, “”Moon’ is a more mature album.  There’s still a lot of the fun and joy that we are known for, but the songwriting is astounding.  All four of us had great material to bring to the table, and it came together better than I could have dreamed.”
    The band, Ben Gourley (mandolin),  Adam Copeland (acoustic guitar), Jason “Wolfie” Wolf (banjo), and J.D. Westmoreland (upright bass), Rumpke’s sound is refreshingly unique, drawing on influences such as the Grateful Dead, Ralph Stanley, Tom Waits, and Jimmy Cliff. They are a much sought after festival act, playing at venues across the United States, and they will be holding their own festival, called Snugglefest on October 4th at Sunshine Daydream Memorial Park in Terra Alta, WV.
    The “Moon” release will be available at the bands shows, on Homegrown Music Network, and on I-Tunes in the near future.