Category: Utica

CNY Gets Early Christmas Gift – Trace Adkins’ ‘The King’s Gift’ Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James Pankow

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

Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider, James Pankow

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

November 12, 2013
Recap: Utica Music and Arts Festival 2013

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

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

Hotel Utica

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

O’Donnell’s Pub & Grill

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

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

Nail Creek Pub & Brewery

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

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

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

The Green Onion Pub

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

MVCC – Greens Fest

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

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

Hanna Park

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

Hotel Utica

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

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

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

October 8, 2013
Hearing Aide: Floodwood “This is Life”

From their endless touring with nationally-acclaimed jam favorite moe. to recording and playing together as the Americana based Al and the Transamericans, for Upstate music fans, Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico are two names that ring a familiar tune. But their new collaborative side project, Floodwood, is an act on the bill that may not but the name is buzzing. Less than two years ago, the two joined forces with New York natives Nick Piccininni, Jason Barady, and Zachary Fleitz to create a new, progressive string outfit who, in the short time since their inception, have swept through the live scene, playing countless festivals and shows in the region. And with the release of a new album this fall, Floodwood isn’t just a group merely drifting along the stream. They’ve jumped into the scene feet first, plucking strings and packing energy to rise them out of the tide.

The band’s newest release, This is Life, is an album simple in theme, yet complex in form. Showcasing the diverse talent of the Northern-bred quintet, it draws on elements of jam, jazz, bluegrass, and roots to capture the signature sound associated with the Floodwood name. Birthed out of the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, the album features Al Schnier (moe.) on guitar, Nick Piccininni (The Abrams Brothers, The Atkinsons, The Delaney Brothers) on banjo and fiddle, Jason Barady (Wooden Spoon) on mandolin, Zachary Fleitz (Wooden Spoon) on bass, and Vinnie Amico (moe.) adds a unique percussive dimension otherwise unseen in music of this kind. Al, Nick, and Jason all take lead on vocals, and the musical variation of the band makes each track on This is Life take on a form of its own.

“North Country Winds”, the album’s opening track, pays homage to the Floodwood’s northern roots. Schnier’s nostalgic lyrics paint the picture of an isolated Adirondack winter, and Barady opens up the number with a teasing of the mandolin – soon after the rest of the band follows suit; Piccininni’s fiddle stands at the forefront, and Fleitz and Amico’s rhythms drive the track. The album’s theme is reflected in the track, “Holy Sacred”, a playful tune with a simple message. The track showcases Piccininni on banjo and “This is Life,” are three words that repeat themselves throughout the tune.

Tracks like “Gravel Yard” and “Caught” are reflective of Schnier and Amico’s musical history of experimental jam. Weaving together improvisational, spacey elements with traditional bluegrass form, the tracks hit at the core of what classifies Floodwood as a progressive touring act. “Magnolia Road” is a tune with that signature moe. sound fan have grown to love, but the addition of Picinni’s vocals accompanied by strings give it a flavor of its own. “Stomp It”, “Spoon Kicks” and “Whiskey after Breakfast” are instrumental tunes whose energies are reflective of what one might find when catching Floodwood live. Naturally, these songs set themselves apart from the other tracks on This is Life.

While the album gives listeners a taste of the progressive powerhouse that is Floodwood, it merely skims the surface. They are a band not simply to be heard, but one to be seen. To appreciate Floodwood, one must dive deep, but not too deep. The spin they put on traditional form isn’t the only thing that characterizes Floodwood as progressive. These days, they’re moving along at a rapid pace, playing countless shows throughout the Northeast. And while touring and playing together may be fairly new for this Adirondack-born quintet, their music makes the message clear: for Floodwood, This is Life.

Currently, This is Life is available for digital download. To purchase the album, visit iTunes.

Key tracks: North Country Winds, Stomp It, Caught

September 26, 2013
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.

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.

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

August 22, 2013
Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth Fiddled Things Up at Saranac Brewery, August 3rd

Fittingly, for one evening, a cluster of stars were hosted on the Saranac Brewery Summer Stage as two roots based bands Railroad Earth and Yonder Mountain String Band energized the overlooked town.

Saranac, a name meaning “Cluster of Stars” is inspired by the Iroquois Indians, historically indigenous to the area now known as Utica and throughout Upstate NY). Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks, in the middle of this run-down, old industrial stopover city – a place where the buildings are so worn the brick look windburn and the hollowed shells of factories whisper a forgotten town – sits the lively Saranac Brewery with a massive American flag soaring above. Symbolic and geographically historic, the city-in-the-shadows reflects American folklore and does so in celebration with good brew and great music.

Steeped in Americana, Railroad Earth warmed up the crowd with a tantalizingly ominous “Forecast” but fortunately, the weather cooperated as the venue is open-air. “Stillwater Getaway” showcased instrumental mastery and perhaps served as a nod to Railroad Earth’s home base, engaging the crowd for an eight-minute dance around before slowing down in a soothing “A Day on the Sand.” Moving through a truncated but lovely set, the evening was beginning to take shape, the sun was setting, the temperature mirrored a typical August day in Upstate NY and the craft beer was joyously received and the songs unfolded. Gratitude would be the only acceptable emotion and that sentiment was echoed in “Livin’ the Good Life.” The segue that followed was a playful tease and a subtle hint at the soon-to-take off, cerebral jam, “Seven Story Mountain.” Railroad Earth’s folk like lyrics and organic tones make for a synchronous match for such a location.

Setlist: The Forecast > Stillwater Getaway, A Day On The Sand, Came Up Smilin, Saddle Of The Sun > Shockenaw Mountain Breakdown, Livin The Good Life > Seven Story Mountain, Hard Livin, Bringin My Baby Back Home

Listen to Railroad Earth’s set

After a rousing set by Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band kept the excitement high by launching right into “Ramblin in the Rambler” which easily transitioned into “Pretty Daughter” and just as cheers began hit right back into “Ramblin.” Stopping briefly to welcome the burgeoning crowd the band took little breathing room before launching into a more than 20 song set, stretching to the edges of their catalog, even including Frank Zappa’s “I am the Slime.” With the sun finally setting, the band welcomed to the stage Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth for “Funtime” a jammed out “Riverside” and closed the set with a tune many YMSB fans know far too well, “Two Hits and the Joint turned Brown.”

Taking a short break, Yonder returned to the stage for their encore adding to their ranks John Skehan, Andy Goessling and Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth. The three talented musicians added to the already robust sound to help YMSB close with “If You’re Ever in Oklahoma > No Expectations >Oklahoma.” Yonder Mountain String Band, no strangers to Saranac Brewery were perfectly complimented by Railroad Earth, making it a strong night of bluegrass, beer and dancing.

Listen to Yonder Mountain set

Setlist: Tuning Up, Ramblin in the Rambler>Pretty Daughter>Ramblin in the Rambler, New Deal Train, Don’t You Lean On Me, I am the Slime>Northern Song, Just Like Old Times, Katy Daly, Finally Saw the Light, Pockets, Irondale, Death Trip > Boatman, Going to the Races, Funtime* >, Riverside*> Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown*

Encore: Oklahoma# > No Expectations# > Oklahoma#

*with Tim Carbone on Violin
#with Andy Goessling on Guitar and John Skehan on Mandolin and Tim Carbone on Violin

August 16, 2013
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 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.

August 15, 2013
Widespread Panic announces their Fall Tour 2013

Widespread Panic has announced their Fall Tour plans for 2013.

After performing at the inaugural Interlockin Festival Sept. 7th and 8th, Panic will embark on a 2 part tour, the first through the Southeast and Midwest Sept. 20th – Oct. 5th, and then another 3 week run starting in Texas Oct. 25th that will bring them through the Southeast and up the East Coast ending at the Theater at MSG on Nov. 16th.

They will perform their only Upstate NY show of the tour on Thursday Nov. 14th at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse. The on sale date is Sept. 13th at 10am, $40.00 Reserved, available online at www.ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone 800.745.3000.

Fore more information visit the band’s website : www.widespreadpanic.com

July 23, 2013
Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth Make Tracks Through Upstate NY

Bluegrass all-stars, Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth will bring their respective signature bluegrass/jamgrass sounds to fans in both Buffalo and Utica this August. With both bands performing at nearly all the major summer festivals this year, the intimate settings in which these two shows will bring is something to look forward to.

The summer of 2008 with Yonder Mountain in Lafayette Square is one of legends, if you were there you remember the funky, sweaty, down right dirty dance party we all were in! Jeff Austin began the night with a thank you to Buffalo for the kickstart to their summer tour, while Ben Kaufman took time to thank the great people of the Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital for allowing him to still feel his fingers and toes after an ‘accident’ having fun in the ocean.

06/12/08 (Thu) Thursday at the Square @ Lafayette Square – Buffalo, NY

Set 1: Crow Black Chicken, Sometimes I’ve Won, Get Me Outta This City, This Train Is Bound For Glory, Ten, Town, Yes She Do (No She Don’t), Loved You Enough, On The Run, Up On The Hill Where They Do The Boogie, Keep On Going > Fine Excuses > Keep On Going

Set 2: Peace Of Mind, Just The Same, Long Time, Southbound, River, Night Is Left Behind, If You’re Ever In Oklahoma > Sidewalk Stars, 8 Cylinders, Redbird, How ‘Bout You?, New Horizons > Mother’s Only Son > New Horizons, E: Crazy, Bloody Mary Morning

This year Yonder Mountain returns and they’re bringing their equally admired and talented friends – Railroad Earth! The first show for the two nights they will be traveling through New York State is at The Canalside venue in Buffalo, NY on August 1st (Jerry Garcia’s Birthday). The show starts at 5:00PM and ends at 9:30PM. The concert is Free to the public and you can expect to have access to food and beer at the show. For directions to the venue please visit Canalside Buffalo.

Next up, both bands will play the Saranac Brewery in Utica, NY on August 3rd. The show starts at 7:00PM and tickets are $25.00. Grab your tickets online HERE to save yourself $5 off the price for ‘day of’ tickets.

For all their tour dates please visit Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth online.

July 18, 2013
moe.down 14 Announces Final Lineup for August Festival in Turin

moe.down 14 has announced their final lineup for their 3 day music festival in Turin, NY for August 9^th– 11^th, at Snow Ridge Ski Resort, located in Upstate New York’s beautiful north country. Joining moe this year will be Dr. Dog, Del McCoury Band, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, RAQ, Eastbound Jesus, Wolf! and The Stepkids. Earlier band announcements included Steve Kimock Band, Mike Dillon Band, Conehead Buddha, Pennyshine, Conspirator, Stanley Jordan Trio, Savoy and Floodwood.

Early bird tickets are still available for only $110 and for the first time, moe.down will be offering VIP tickets for $310. Guests can also purchase single day tickets for Sunday only. The festival offers camping, RV camping and a separate family-tenting area.

May 13, 2013