NYS Music 20​13

Category: News Desk

  • 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.

    road2farmaidThis 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.

  • 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.

  • It’s Back to Labor Day Weekend for moe.down in 2014!

    For the first 10 years of moe.down, Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin was the home and Labor Day was the weekend – an end of summer tradition everyone in the Northeast that called themselves a moe.ron looked forward to experiencing. Then there was the ill-advised shift to Mohawk at Gelston Castle for moe.downs 11 and 12, but fortunately fans convinced the band to move back to Turin, with a shift to mid-August for moe.downs 13 and 14. Now, things have come full circle in the past 5 years and moe.down 15 will return to Snow Ridge Ski Resort for moe.down 15 on Labor Day weekend.

    labor day weekend moeA message from moe.: “We are excited to announce moe.down is moving back to Labor Day Weekend! A lot of thought has gone into this decision. It wasn’t easy: so many people liked the new weekend, but a number of people also missed the advantages of the holiday weekend. We hope all of you can still join us. Watch for updates, 15 will be moe.mentous! August 29,30&31 2014 Snow Ridge Ski Resort Turin, NY”

    Fans were asked to vote on the preferred date for moe.down, and while Mid-August was the fan favorite, Labor Day was the decision fans went with. Looks like Phish at Dick’s  may have some competition for fans of both bands. Or maybe not.

    Read Amy Fischer’s review of moe.down 14. moe. plays December 30th and 31st at The Palace Theater in Albany. Pick up tickets here.

  • The Waterhole ‘Upstairs Music Lounge’ in Saranac Lake, NY Celebrates 20 Years

    On Friday, August 30th, The Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge in Saranac Lake, NY began what will be a two month celebration of their 20th year! National and regional bands will be a part of the party, including Hackensaw Boys, Max Creek, Conehead Buddha, Blind Owl and many more.

    Hackensaw Boys - Brian Gorby
    Hackensaw Boys – Brian Gorby

    A little more on the history of the venue – The Waterhole bar is a over 40 year old establishment. 20 years ago the upstairs apartments were renovated into one of the nicest midsized music venues in the North East. More importantly, the only consistent music venue in the Adirondack Mtns. during that time. Holding around 300 people and being located in a music market dead zone, in the center of one of the largest State Parks in the country, has attracted many national acts to the area.  Bands that have played the Waterhole include: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Leftover Salmon, Govt. Mule, The New Riders of the Purple Sage, Moe., Tens Years After, Soulive, Melvin Seals, Donna the Buffalo, Toubab Krewe, The Infamous Stringdusters, just to name a few.

    Advance tickets for The Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge are available at the venue box-office for Man Man, Max Creek and The Hackensaw Boys – These next two months are gonna be a blast and everyone at the Waterhole wants you to come celebrate with them during this exciting time at the Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge in Saranac Lake, NY.

    The Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge 20 Year Celebration Schedule

    August 30 – Kick Off Party
    With Sophistafunk and Funkwagon

    August 31 –  Hobo-Fest Pre Party feat. The Vermont Joy Parade, Big Slyde and More
    Feat. The Vermont Joy Parade, The Lucky Jukebox Brigade , Big Slyde and Doom%$#%%

    Sept 5 – Funktapuss – Party on the Patio – FREE

    Sept 9 – Man Man – $12 Adv $15Door 9pm Show (MONDAY)

    Sept 11 – Vana Mazi – (feat. Members of Wino Vino) Special WEDNESDAY PATIO FREE 8pm

    Sept 12- Tim Herron Duo – Party on The Patio

    Sept 13 – The Big Mean Sound Machine – $5.00 10pm

    Sept 19 – The Blind Owl Band – Party on The Patio

    Sept 20 – Capital City ADK Getdown feat.: Formula 5, Timbre Coup, Mister F

    Sept 26 – Aqueous – Party on The Patio

    Oct 3 – The Birdseed Bandits— Free Music in Fall

    Oct 4 – A evening with Max Creek $16.00 Advance $20 Door 10pm

    Oct 10 – Cooter and the Crawlies— Free Music in The Fall

    Oct 17 – Henery’s Rifle – Free Music In The Fall

    Oct 19 – Conehead Buddha— $8.00 10pm

    Oct 24 – The Rusty Doves— Free Music in The Fall

    Oct 25 – Lucid with Opener TBA

    Nov 2 – All Souls Day Romp
    Hackensaw Boys and The Blind Owl Band $12.00 Advanced, $15.00 Door

  • Dopapod is Coming to The Westcott Theater in October – Featuring Minority Report

    Experimental Funk Rock Band Dopapod is coming to The Westcott Theater in October, featuring opening acts – Auburn, NY natives Minority Report (Funk, Reggae, Groove and Rock) and whiskey jam rock band, Sassafras Jenkins from Utica, NY. This is a pretty impressive line up for local area musicians and should not be missed.

    Auburn local musical group Minority Report will be opening for the amazing Dopapod on October 4th at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY. This is an all- ages show doors open at 8pm show starts at 9pm, tickets are $12-$15. Also on the bill for the night is Sassafras Jenkins.

    Minority Report has been featured on the front page of Auburn NY Citizen Entertainment section and also will be playing at the Utica Music and Arts Festival (taking place September 13th & 14th). Influences of Minority Report include artists such as Bob Marley, Greg Howe, Marcus Miller, In Living Color, Ben Harper, The Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers and Stevie Wonder. Their song selection gives a little something for everyone of all different musical tastes. They really know how to make the audience move around and dance. Comprised mainly of Old Skool Funk, Reggae, Groove and Rock, and representing the city of Auburn,NY – this should be an awesome show that won’t disappoint.

    Tickets for this show are available from band members or online at www.thewestcotttheater.com and www.upstateshows.com. You can grab tickets at The Sound Garden in Syracuse, NY. Come out and support your local musicians at The Wescott Theater!!!!

  • Prepare for the Thrill of the Catskill Chill: Festival Preview

    As the dog days of summer are coming to an end, there’s still time for one last big bash to complete the 2013 festival season. The 4th annual Catskill Chill Festival is set to kick off next week, September 6th-8th, at the scenic Camp Minglewood in Hancock and we’ve got a preview for you!

    This camp was made for a music festival, given its secluded location with beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains overlooking a crisp blue lake with plenty of tent space and cabin rentals. One of the many ways the Chill manages to keep a cool and relaxed vibe is keeping the capacity under 5,000, creating an intimate festival experience for fans as well as the musicians.

    This year’s featured artist includes: The Meter Men featuring Zigaboo Modeliste, Leo Nocentelli and George Porter, Jr. with special guest Page McConnell; Lotus; Galactic; Conspirator; Lettuce; Papadosio; Tea Leaf Green; The Motet – Funk is Dead; Particle, Dopapod; Kung Fu; Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds and many more. The parking lot and campgrounds will open Friday at 9 am with music set to start at 3pm and lasting until the early morning of each day. Guests will be allowed to enter the parking lot and campgrounds whenever they are needed with shuttle services provided around the clock. There will be no car camping allowed, so be prepared to carry or wheel in all your gear.

    catskill2

    One of the newest additions to the Chill after last year’s positive feedback includes a bigger Acoustic Junction stage featuring returning acts Consider the Source,  Brock Butler, The Brummy Brothers , Dan Collins, and new comers Tom Hamilton & Friends, Primate Fiasco and MUN. There will also be a new campsite DJ stage playing host to such acts as Outlet, Horizon Wireless, and Speakerbot. Club Chill has an extended schedule this year giving fans longer sets and dance sessions with artists such as Solaris, Fikus, Shwizz, Aqueous, Spiritual Rez, and Lucid.

    There will also be additional yoga sessions with expanded classes, some of which will be accompanied by live music from Cosmal and a Local Farmer’s market serving fresh and local produce in Vendor Village. Returning guests, known as The Chill Fam, can look forward to the free parking and camping, the 3 covered main stages and 2 outdoor stages, live art, and on stage-open mic sessions.

    The Catskill Chill recently announced the festival closing act will be “Dopadosio” a collaboration featuring all members of Papadosio and Dopadod together, performing Sunday night at 2am. Guests have until Monday September 9th at 3pm to leave the campgrounds. Tickets are still available for $150 but will go up to $175 at the gate with VIP prices set at $235 which includes private viewing sections, commemorative gear, VIP Mimosa Brunches plus much more.

    It’s hard to believe that with a jam packed weekend schedule featuring a variety of talented musical acts and a limitless activities list, the last thing concert goers will be able to do is chill. However, the festival is going strong with a dedicated Chill Fam that continues to spread peace and love, knowing that when there is a will to Chill, there’s a way.

    ChillLineupArtFinal2013

  • Radio Woodstock Presents the Felice County Fair, August 31st

    Felice-County-Fair-PosterA six and a half-acre labyrinth, hand crafted from millions of pieces of bluestone known as Opus 40 is an attraction on its own. However, on Saturday, August 31, Radio Woodstock Presents the Felice County Fair, an event drawing upon the finest Hudson Valley musicians and food vendors.

    According to the Felice Brothers website, they have “always wanted to put on a festival in [their] backyard.” They will close out the day with a set ending just before dusk. The Felice Brothers are a folk rock outfit that began their career playing New York City Subways with roots in Upstate NY. Amy Helm’s soulful vocals are a breathtaking match for the artistry of the landscape for a late afternoon set. Jazz pianist extraordinaire, Marco Benevento will transcend the physical and create a soundscape that flows through his fingertips. Connor Kennedy has laid out the groundwork for his songwriting ability and is set to perform mid afternoon. His first disc, Nothing Lasts: Nothing’s Over, was released this summer. The daylong event will begin with Paul Green’s Rock Academy All-stars – the performance based interactive music school provides students with genuine opportunities to study and perform music.

    The Felice County Fair not only offers food vending and libations by Keegan Ales, but patrons of the event will be giving back to the community as partial proceeds benefit Catskill Mountain Keeper. The not-for-profit organization promotes sustainable growth and protects natural resources essential to healthy communities: an advocate preserving the beauty of the Catskill Mountains.

    The music will pause at dusk and resume Sunday, September 1.  The married Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn will perform together showcasing their clawhammer style banjo playing aptitudes. Another husband-wife duo, Mike + Ruthy will bring their grit to the Opus property weaving storytelling and acoustic music through the stone and trees.  Elijah and the Moon will kick off the day, greeting the sunshine (hopefully) with their intrinsic blend of roots music.

    Directions to Opus 40.

    Tickets to the Felice County Fair and Bela Fleck.

  • Mayoral Candidates in Albany Share Their Views on the Arts in the State Capital

    This past March, two business owners in Albany looked to open up a music venue in the Warehouse District, an area away from residences and perfect for a music venue. The Zoning Variance was denied in part due to concerns about parking (which were overstated by local bar owners) and complaints from one bar owner who now lives in the district. This venue was a great need in Albany, as there are venues for 100-300 fans (Valentines, Red Square, The Hollow), 1000 (The Egg) and up to 3000 (The Palace) as well as the Times Union Center (it’s still The Knick to us) for larger shows. There is a gap between the 300-1000 crowd sizes, and that stifles the growth of bands and groups, as well as limits the music that can come to Albany – once you outgrow a venue, you cant play here unless you become big enough for The Palace.

    mayoral candidates albanyThis leads to a lack of income that stays in Albany, sending bands to Clifton Park, Saratoga, Western Mass and Central NY, as well as Burlington, VT and NYC. It makes no sense that local bands should suffer because of a lack of a venue, and a zoning board that won’t allow for simple variances when all things are in order.

    We reached out to all 5 Mayoral candidates in Albany, asking them to share their thoughts on this issue, on the arts in general, as well as how they each hope to contribute to improving the arts in Albany. Covering music and arts across Upstate NY, takes this rare opportunity in a race for Mayor of Albany (that doesn’t involve a candidate named Corning or Jennings) to be a perfect time to enlighten our readers on an issue near and dear to their hearts.

    We reached out to all 5 candidates on the ballot, and Jesse Calhoun (R) Alex Poretti (L) and Kathy Sheehan (D) all got back to us with their thoughts, see below. Corey Ellis (D), declined to give a statement. Despite efforts to contact him, James Sullivan (C) did not get back to us with his take on this pressing issue.

    Jesse Calhoun, Republican Candidate for Mayor

    As both a musician and a candidate for mayor, this issue hits very close to home for me. It’s hard enough just being in a band. It took over a decade, to put together my band, The Ameros. It is hard to describe the feeling when you get the band that is a “perfect fit” but you know it when it happens. Due to the ever increasing legal restrictions on freedom and the oppressive bureaucracy here in Albany, two of my band mates are leaving the state. In addition, many of the venues we used to play have either picked up shop, or have been forced out of the area. The only thing that stands between Albany and a thriving nightlife is Bureaucracy. There are five local colleges. You guys reported in 2012 Albany had 154 musical acts per every 10,000 people. Let awesome places exist. Let the natural, young, musical environment that Albany is, thrive.

    Alex Portelli, Libertarian Candidate for Mayor

    I ran for mayor back in October because I grew up in this city and have seen what they’ve done to the nightlife. The libertarian philosophy is about live and let live, and families I grew up with made a living off of the bars and clubs. I want to abolish residential and commercial Zoning laws, throw out many permits that are hindering growth, and even abolish last call in a section of the city, essentially making a nightlife district. Though the “kegs and eggs” riot is most well known as causing a crackdown on the city nightlife, the city started the crackdown on the nightlife in around 2007 when a couple of women who had left a bar crashed their car going in the opposite direction on the thruway. After that happened, the city began to shut down a number of bars, sort of causing a ripple effect on the nightlife. A lot of young people turned to underground house parties, and the neighborhood known as the “student ghetto” became such an underground nightlife scene, drunken parties ended up rioting one St. Paddys day. But if the bars were never getting shut down and people had a place to go, there would be none of these problems.

    Kathy Sheehan, Democratic Candidate for Mayor

    “It would be premature for me to comment on a specific project, but I am an active board member of a large arts organization and a strong supporter of the arts. As Mayor, I will move quickly to create and implement a cohesive arts strategy. We must ensure that we have venues in our city that meet the needs of our diverse population. By engaging all of the stakeholders in our unique neighborhoods, I’m confident we can build vibrant entertainment districts that will improve quality of life and provide economic benefits to our City.”

  • Lookin’ at Lockn’

    Fine wine, craft beer, and pick-your-own orchards aren’t the only things that will draw visitors to Nelson County, Virginia this Fall.  Taking place September 5-8th,  Lockn’ Festival (formerly known as Interlocken) will draw thousands into the county for a weekend-long influx of music, featuring nothing but the finest Rock ‘n’ Roll and Jamband acts heard throughout the national circuit today.

    Lookin' at Lockn'Featuring sets from The Black Crowes, Widespread Panic, Gov’t Mule, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the festival pays homage to its southern-bred roots, but appearances by Furthur, The String Cheese Incident, and the Trey Anastasio Band interweave soulful, hard southern rock with mastery of improvisational jam, making Lockn’ the premier and most talked about festival of the season.

    Not only does Lockn’ offer world class music, but it offers it in a most picturesque setting. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, the festival will take place at the 5,000 acre Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington. Over 15,000 tickets have already been sold and organizers are expecting a crowd twice that size.  Ticket prices range from $285 – $1099, including camping, RV and VIP options. Lockn’ isn’t the first music festival to hit Central Virginia and the surrounding area, as the state is also home to Floydfest and The Festy Experience, among many others. Yet Lockn’ proves itself to be quite different.

    lookin at locknLonger sets from fewer artists will make the Lockn’ experience unlike any other. Organizers Dave Frey and Peter Shapiro have made the Oak Ridge Estate the final stop on Summer tour and whether one’s been following Furthur, or traveling from town to town catching the Crowes, come September the wheels will stop in Arrington for a cumulative and collaborative four day epic show with multiple artists, two main stages, no breaks, no overlapping sets – a weekend of continuous music.

    Thursday will feature performances from:  The String Cheese Incident (2 sets), Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes Band, Keller and the Keels, and Grace Potter.

    Friday, Furthur (featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir) will perform two sets, and the Zac Brown Incident,  String Cheese, Jimmy Cliff, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Soul Rebels, Pegi Young and the Survivors, and the Founding Fathers (featuring members of the Infamous Stringdusters) will share  the stage.

    Saturday, Furthur will perform Workingman’s Dead in its entirety and Widespread Panic will hit the stage with John Fogerty sitting in.  With the cancellation of Neil Young and Crazyhorse, the Trey Anastasio Band has been added to the bill and The Black Crowes, Punch Brothers, The London Souls, and Love Canon complete the Saturday line-up.

    On Sunday, Furthur , Widespread, and the Crowes will perform individual sets once again, joined with performances by  the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Col. Bruce Hampton and Friends with Oteil Burbridge, and the Hackensaw Boys.

    Jorma Kaukonen, Jeff Sipe Trio, and Indecision will also be performing as special guests and a live soundtrack cinema, featuring specially-selected silent films will compliment performances taking place throughout the weekend.

    Live music isn’t the only thing Lockin’ has to offer to its patrons either. New York based civic engagement group HeadCount is organizing Participation Row, an interactive Non-profit village. Anchored by the “Qello Lounge” the village will feature a number of organizations and provide a space within the festival grounds for people to gather consciously.  Upon entering the festival, patrons will receive a card they can bring to any non-profit booth on Participation Row.  Booths will be giving away stamps for taking specific actions, and once a card has four stamps, it can be brought to the Qello Lounge, where one will find couches and a sampling of the world’s largest library of on-demand music content.

    While Lockn’ may be the premier festival of the season, there is a simplicity that lives at its core.  This simplicity is a movement, an interlocking if you will.  Lockin’ brings together all that is worth celebrating in life: world-renown and regional music, local sustainably sourced food and drink, picturesque camping and so much more – all at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the quaint, quiet town of Arrington, Virginia. Nelson County better get ready.

    For more information, including ticket sales visit: www.locknfestival.com

  • Night Lights Festival in Sherman, NY Features a Wide Variety of Upstate Bands

    The 2013 Night Lights Festival returns  September 13th and 14th to Sherman, NY.  The festival, in its third year, is held at the Great Blue Heron festival grounds. A component of a larger effort, Night Lights at the Heron, the two day music festival plays off of the light installation set up thoughout the woods creating a unique mash up, touted to be “mind blowing” by many.

    Night Lights The Festival continues to add bench strength in their third year, bringing in both regional and nationally touring acts, including Marco Benevento, The Heavy Pets and Jimkata. Lazlo Hollyfeld, and Smackdab were both part of the original Night Lights lineup are joined by veterans Schleigho, Aqueous, Aircraft, DJ Cutler and John E. Old School , and new this year, Family Funktion and the Sitar Jams, Funktional Flow, Universe Shark, Haewa, On Beta and Space Junk.

    The festival aims to please offering a choice of woods or car camping, as well as RV and family camping options. Single day passes are also available for both Friday and Saturday. Pick up tickets in advance here

    Check out a 360′ view of the festival!

    The music schedule:

    Friday, September 13th

    6p-6:45p        Cafe                        John E Old School

    7-7:45p          Cafe                        Shotgun Jubilee

    7:45-8:45      Main                       Space Junk

    8:45-9:45       Cafe                        Family Funktion and the Sitar Jams

    9:45-11:15     Main                       Aqueous

    11:15-12:15   Cafe                        Universe Shark

    12:15-1:45     Main                       The Heavy Pets

    1:45-3:15       Cafe                         The Manhattan Project

    Saturday, September 14th

    2:00-3:00     Cafe                         On Beta

    3:00-4:15      Main                        Haewa

    4:15-4:45       Cafe                         Comedy and Wine Toast

    4:45-6             Cafe                         Aircraft

    6-7:15             Main                       Funktional Flow

    7:15-8:30      Cafe                         Smackdab

    8:30-10          Main                       Jimkata

    10-11:15         Cafe                         Lazlo Hollyfeld

    11:15-12:45   Main                       Marco Benevento

    12:45-3           Cafe                         Schleigho

    3-?                     Fire Pit                  DJ Cutler