NYS Music 20​13

Category: High Peaks

  • The Blind Owl Band’s Road to Recovery

    Our friends and fellow Upstate New Yorkers, The Blind Owl Band need your help as recently while in Buffalo on the road for a show on October 23rd, their van was broken into and all of their instruments were stolen. This type of loss has been a huge blow to the hearts of the band and sets them back on their dreams to live off of making music.

    The band called in re-enforcements and attempted to find their instruments the day after the show but they were unable to recover those instruments. We here at are concerned for them and we want to do all that we can to assist them in purchasing new instruments so that they may continue blowing the roof off of venues all across the Eastern United States with their brand of bluegrass-americana music.

    The band recently posted this message on their FaceBook page:

    “Worst news ever. In coming back to our crash pad for tonight in Buffalo, we found our trailer broken into, all of our instruments stolen among many other things. We need a huge amount of support right now. We strive to find our instruments in these next few days among the city and hope to make as many upcoming gigs as we can, and find the answers we need to pull us through this situation. Our livelihoods have been taken from us. Stunned.”

    List of things stolen for any who are on the look out:
    (Take a look at our photos to see closer details)

    1 – Weber Mandolin (Gallatin) Light natural finish, 1 – 1942 Kay Stand up, Double Bass, 1 – Fender p-Bass Fretless Black, 1 – 2006 Stelling Banjo, 1 – Martin Guitar, 1 – Ashdown Bass Head, 50 or so Blind Owl Band T-Shirts, CD’s, Hot Sauce, and James’ suitcase of clothes and belongings.

    The band also posted this letter to fans and supporters –

    Our instruments and gear being stolen from us has felt like a big blow and quite a set back, but our fans have been more supportive and generous than ever!! We are now on the Road to Recovery, we have shows booked until November 24th, and do not plan on canceling any of them. Many folk have been coming out of the woodwork and have been asking where donations can be made. With the push for us to continue forward, we have opened up a Paypal account where donations can be made to help us get back to zero, below are the instructions

    We would like to thank everyone for their continued support. We are now starting the fund raising process, to support the replacing of our instruments.

    For all who are wondering where donations can be sent, here are instructions:

    Go to paypal.com

    or

    https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/send-money-online

    Go to “Send Money Online”

    Send it to emunley88@gmail.com

    or Log in to your account,

    Select the Send Money Tab

    Send to emunley88@gmail.com

    Select Send Money to Family or Friends

    Send Donation.

    You can also mail cash or check to

    The Blind Owl Band
    P.O. Box 260
    Bloomingdale, NY 12913

    Make sure to also include your name and address, we don’t know how yet but we intend to thank everyone and we want to know how we can get a hold of you and where we can send some stuff.

    – The Blind Owl Band

    Tour Dates:

    November 6, 2013 8:00 pm
    The Thirsty Moose
    Portsmouth,NH

    November 7, 2013 8:00 pm
    Unity College
    Phone:800.624.1024
    90 Quaker Hill Road,Unity,ME

    November 8, 2013 8:00 pm
    Billy’s Tavern
    Phone:207-354-1177
    1 Starr Street,Thomaston,ME

    November 9, 2013 8:00 pm
    The Dutch Treat
    Phone:603-823-8851
    317 Main Street,Franconia,NH

    November 10, 2013 11:00 pm
    The Pizza Stone VT
    Phone: (802)-875-2121
    RT 11 291 Pleasant Street,Chester,VT

    November 12, 2013 7:00 pm
    Pizza Boys
    Phone: 315-520-7111
    9 Clinton Street,New York Mills,NY

    November 13, 2013 8:00 pm
    Timber Tavern
    7153 State fair Blvd,Syracuse,NY

    November 14, 2013 8:00 pm
    The Gates – Bar and Venue
    Phone: 607-319-4198
    422 Eddy St.Ithaca, NY

    November 15, 2013 9:00 pm
    Salt Hill Pub
    Phone:603-676-7855
    7 Lebanon Street,Suite 103, Hanover,NH

    Thanks for supporting our FIGHT to LIVE off of making music!!!!

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  • Eastbound Jesus Will Join Lucid for A Halloween Costume Party, October 25

    On Friday October 25th Plattsburgh’s Lucid will be accompanied by the Capital Region’s Eastbound Jesus at the Waterhole in Saranac Lake for a costume party to celebrate Halloween. 

    This will be the first performance by Lucid at the Waterhole since their album release of Home is Where We Wanna Grow in June. Lucid has made their mark on the music scene with their unique blend of  blues, jazz, rock, ska and hip-hop. Eastbound Jesus will also bring their fresh sound to the stage with their six-piece acoustic and electric band playing bluegrass, Americana and Northern rock. The event is 21+, $10 at the door and doors will open at 9 pm. The Waterhole is located at 48 Main Street in Saranac Lake, so get your costumes ready for an epic night of music and dancing.

    Follow the Waterhole @SLWaterhole | Waterhole Facebook

  • 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

  • Fledging Crow Fest in the High Peaks Region, August 24th

    Fledging Crow Vegetables is a certified organic farm just northeast of the Adirondack High Peaks region. If you follow the mighty Ausable River you’ll find yourself among some of the greenest, most fertile land New York State can offer and Fledging Crow Vegetable farm is tucked away in the small town of Keeseville. Saturday, August 24th the crew on the farm threw a party – Fledging Crow Fest – for all of their fans. What was once a “Thank You” potluck is now an all out celebration of the good things in life, art, live music, endless dancing, locally crafted beer, and the simple act of sharing a nutritious meal with your neighbors.

    _MG_7954

    The weather for this gathering was 75′ and sunny. The sky was purely blue and the sun was shining down with all of its might. Everyone in the crowd was busy, buzzing around the dance tent, the food line, the artists, vendors, the kids area, the unveiling of the pit roasted pork, and the greenhouses. A local favorite, the band Big Slyde got on stage first and shared their ever-evolving music with the crowd as it poured in. They offered the friendly sounds of the guitar, cello, mandolin, banjo, cajon, various percussion instruments and the voices of multiple singers in the band- the perfect introduction to a jam packed day of music.

    As the food was served buffet style and the lines filled up, guests filled their plates and bellies with fresh greens, home made salads, breads, rolls, BBQ chicken, pork, and deserts. Some local breweries had a chance to share some of their finest brews as well. Much to guest’s surprise, the full-glass samples came along with the $30 ticket to get in and the flow of beer seemed endless! Co-owner David Bruce of Schroon Lake’s Paradox Brewery explained how delighted and honored he felt to be a part of something so wholesome and real; he described how it reminded him of the Woodstock generation, a time and place of freedom, self-expression, peace, and strangers coming together as family. What a way to eat, drink and be merry!

    Next up on the stage was one the north country’s finest bands, Lucid. Promising more to come later, they played out their day set with sophisticated jams and classy renditions of songs off of their latest album Home is Where We Wanna Grow. With special guest and friend Meadow on stage singing along, the group got the crowd moving and their words of wisdom filled the air, their lyrics like the anthem of the day. Crow Fest mixed things up a bit and invited a local troupe of Samba/Afro-Brazilian dancers along to perform. The ladies of the troupe danced a mesmerizing dance to the drumming of the congas and djembe. Colorful and lively, their energy was infectious and people young and old joined in the performance; the boundary of the performers and crowd disappearing.  Hands clapping, feet stomping, faces painted and smiles all around, the show went on like a sandy storm of color, worldly rhythm and pure joy.

    As dusk approached and the moon finally graced it’s presence upon the land, the true farm vibe was set into motion thanks to The Blind Owl Band. Dubbed “Adirondack Freight Train String Music”, these boys know how to bring any party back to its roots. With their true bluegrass sound, dusty ol’ display of character and hearty following of fans, this band brings a show through town that is hard to forget and the perfect fit for a farmyard get down. With the crowd asking for more, Crow Fest brought Spiritual Rez along for the ride too. With their island sounds that progress into straight up rock and true funk, Spiritual Rez turned the scene into a dance party. Their lyrics inspired and their beats ignited. The music moved on too fast but Lucid kept playing until sunrise and the vegetable fields filled with sleepy campers.

    _MG_3713

    Owners of the farm, Ian Ater and Lucas Christenson were busy all day greeting guests, keeping food and drinks flowing and soaking up the sights and sounds that were filling their quiet countryside farm. Crow Fest creates the backdrop for people to come together sharing their homegrown works of art, whether it be food, music, conversation, or any other organic creation. What a fine mix of dreams coming together, supporting your local neighbors in their endeavors to bring the power back to the land, and back to the people.

    Photos by Michele Trifunovski

  • 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.

    aqueousfalltour

    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

  • It’s All Good in the Woods! A Review of Backwoods Pondfest 2013

    The city of Peru hosted one of the best kept secrets of Upstate New York on August 2nd and 3rd 2013 at the Twin Ponds Campsite with the music festival Backwoods Pondfest. The intimate music festival was set at the tip of the North Country, only a few exits short of Canada, making for a scenic ride from any direction for dedicated music lovers. Offering weekend tickets as well as single day passes, Friday’s guests were treated with a double rainbow in the early evening after a brief rain shower. Visitors were allowed to select their own campsites with car side camping. Whether in the far off quiet area, woods or grassy field camping, any spot on the festival grounds offered plenty of cool afternoon shade with a full sky view of the bright stars at night. Bands were located either on the Main Stage next to the bright blue school bus, named Lucy (belonging to host band Lucid) or on the Tent Stage, next to the wooded camping, with a soft sandy dance floor.

    Friday

    With a name like Backwoods Pondfest, it wasn’t a surprise that the bearded quartet Blind Owl Band was one of the first bands to start the weekend on the Tent Stage. The Saranac Lake locals consist of Arthur Buezo on guitar, Eric Munley on mandolin, James Ford on banjo and Christian Cardiello on bass. Their aggressive string music mixed with rowdy harmonies greeted festival goers to their neck of the woods with open arms and dancing feet. Spiritual Rez made everyone forget that they were even in New York with their heavy reggae dance music. Toft Willingham spit out rebellious lyrics to the crowd while thrashing about his long blonde hair as Rob O’Block shredded on the guitar. Kory Stanbury on saxophone and Quinn Carson on trombone provided a strong horn section throughout the set as Mohamed Araki surprised fans everywhere with his keytar. Ian Miller kept the party going with a constant quick rhythm and Jesse Shaternick’s lighthearted bass notes. The band has great chemistry as they provide an energetic performance with never ending reggae funk magnitude. Be on the lookout this fall for their new album release, Apocalypse Whenever and upcoming shows at The Catskill Chill and Wormtown Festival.

    For the past seven years, Backwoods Pondfest has been hosted by the Adirondack “Woods Rock” band known as Lucid. Their sound is unique as it varies from classic rock to blues to funky jazz to reggae and even doo-wop, a little something for everyone. With the festival set in their neck of the woods, Lucid has a dedicated fan base that overflowed from underneath the Tent Stage on Friday night. “Whiskey Dream”, with steady beats and cymbals from Kyle Murray was a crowd favorite as Andy Deller kept the keys at a playful tone. One of the highlights of the set was Kevin Sabourin repeatedly singing out the chorus line, “Friday is the best day of the week because I don’t have to work tomorrow” resulted in a massive tent-shaking sing along. Lowell Wurster blared off on his harmonica especially during “Backwoods”, a song meant for that weekend.

    Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad sent out a psychedelic reggae groove that made it easy for fans to dance all night. The band, hailing from Rochester, consists of James Searl on bass, Chris O’Brian playing drums, Dylan Savage and Dan Keller on guitar and Tony Gallicchio on keys who bring a laid back vibe that relaxes and recharges listeners at the same time. The night was set ablaze from the fire spinners and jugglers from Cosmic Karma Fire located to the left of the Main Stage.

    Jimkata lit up the Tent Stage with their electrifying rock that is similar to a Mario Bros. soundtrack for adults, complete with beeps, boops and mind melting instrumental jams. It’s no wonder this up and coming Upstate New York band from Ithaca has been building up fans on their busy summer tour with big performances at Summer Camp and Gathering of the Vibes. The end of the night performance at the Main Stage was from the experimental techno funk group, Dopapod. Keyboardist Eli Winderman, drummer Neal ‘Fro’ Evans, guitarist Rob Compa and Chuck Jones on bass swirled together a set that was full of funky melodies with robotic harmonies and pure reckless rock.

    Saturday

    Few things taste better than fresh music in the morning. The Chronicles from Albany opened up the Main Stage with set full of hot hip hop and sweet jazz served best for a Saturday morning after an all night rager. The Metroland, Albany’s alternative newsweekly, acknowledged them as “Best of Jazz” in 2012 and 2013, paying tribute to their unique blend of all things jazz, funk and gospel. Tyrone Hartzog displays a cascade of notes as he glides over the keys. One of the best things about The Chronicles is their unpredictable jams, especially with the horn section of Bryan Brundige on trombone and Jeff Nania on saxophone. Daniel Lawson sneaks in the heavy bass notes and with Justin Henricks strumming along gives the way to a rockin funk wave. Andrae Surgick keeps a steady and chill rhythm that sends plenty of cymbals sparks flying.

    Rack Em Let’s Go! definitely catches your attention with their band name alone but their music will stay with you way after their show. Exploding out of Boston, the rock and roll quartet gave a high energy performance, combining old school rock with a twist of modern soul and funk. Switching up the scene on the Main Stage was Fikus, delivering an electronic rock show with complete with funky harmonies and fast paced extraterrestrial melodies. Catch Fikus this coming weekend at Bella Terra Music Festival in Stephentown, NY. The Capital District’s top jam band Formula 5 steamed up the Tent Stage with their original dance heavy tunes plus a hot rendition of Phish’s “Sand” with guest appearance by Justin Henricks of The Chronicles on guitar.

    A music festival isn’t complete without a Grateful Dead cover band these days and Backwoods Pondfest booked the best one in Upstate New York, The Garcia Project. The Saratoga Springs locals provided fans with an easy listening afternoon full of their favorite Dead songs, especially a treasured version of “Tangled up in Blue” with haunting vocals from Mik Bondy and Kat Walkerson. Capital Zen played a hard hitting set under the tent with uncontrollable beats from Rye Wylie, reckless guitar from Terry Scoville and wild bass bombs from Tony Leombruno.

    Fans were left speechless from the first few soulful notes belted out from Jennifer Hartswick and especially during an extraordinary cover of the Talking Heads’ “This Must be the Place (Naïve Melody)” and Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”. The Jennifer Hartswick Band overflows with musical energy that carries its own direction.

    Electronic hip hop trio Sophistafunk tore the Tent Stage to pieces with bass heavy notes from Adam Brown, groovy beats from Emanuel Washington and robust vocals from Jack Brown. Afterwards, one of the founding fathers of funk, Bernie Worrell, gave a thunderous performance on the Main Stage with his heart stopping piano solos. The Bernie Worrell Orchestra lays out the funk, one layer at time, each grooving into the next twilight zone. Later, the Vermont based quartet Twiddle carried out the party vibe onto the Tent Stage and through the crowd. Their improvisational jams can start with a heavy rock feel then blasting into a reggae melody all with a fiery passion. Keeping with tradition, Lucid ended the festival weekend with their annual second set to close the Main Stage. It was a true free for all as festival goers, staff members and musicians danced together to the unrelenting and lively music of Lucid.

    Throughout the weekend, musicians and fans alike had nothing but positive feedback about the festival given the wide range of musical talent and beautiful scenery. Amid a very chill environment where festival goers formed a close knit bond, dedicated music lovers reveled in their adventure up north to Backwoods Pondfest.

  • Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series Announces Reggae Night with Morning Sun & The Essentials on August 6th

    PineLakeMusicThe Pines Inn ‘Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series’ presented by Adirondack “By Owner” has announced the sixth performance in the seven week series, scheduled for Tuesday, August 6th, as Reggae Night with Morning Sun & The Essentials. The Mirror Lake Music Series is held at 7:00PM on seven Tuesdays throughout the summer at Mid’s Park on Main Street, Lake Placid.

    Morning Sun & The Essentials aims to create innovative yet classic sounding reggae and world music. The challenge was finding the right dynamic between the two distinct voices of Michel Aubertin and Phil Grajko. With conscious lyrics, unforgettable melodies, and two unique voices.

    These weekly performances, running from July 2 through August 13, feature local, regional and national acts in the scenic and historic setting of Mid’s Park on Main Street, Lake Placid, New York.  The series features local and regional emerging artists in a variety of musical genres and provides valuable exposure to these up and coming acts.  The music series is also an opportunity to introduce residents and visitors to a diverse range of musical genres in a scenic and relaxing setting.

    Admission to the music series is free, so grab your blanket and head on down to Mid’s Park on Tuesday’s for a fabulous time.  Parking is available at St. Agnes Church which is a short walk to Mid’s Park.  Should there be inclement weather for the performances the rain site is around the corner at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, 17 Algonquin Drive, Lake Placid.  If you would like to volunteer to assist with the concerts please contact Bill at bill@songsatmirrorlake.org.

    July 30, 2013 Local Jam Night with Lucid
    August 6, 2013 Reggae Night with Morning Sun & The Essentials
    August 13, 2013 Funk & Soul Night with Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds

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  • Hearing Aide: This Train I Ride is Made of Wood and Steel: The Blind Owl Band

    As original as the title, The Blind Owl Band presents their sophomore disc. A distinct set of vocal accompaniment would have one wondering if Tom Waits dropped in (he didn’t) for a batch of fiery bluegrass and dirty jams.  Using traditional instrumentation, Arthur Buezo (guitar, vocals), Eric Munley (mandolin, vocals), James Ford (banjo, vocals) and Christian Cardiello (bass), all transplants to Saranac Lake, NY, draw upon their youthful influences mostly defined by their fathers’ flare for the good stuff.  This Train I Ride is Made of Wood and Steel is a testament to their past whilst forging a path where their sound is becoming uniquely their own.

    bob

    “Sailor Song,” whether intentional or not, exemplifies the magical undercurrent of the past popping up in today’s music.  The disc intro gives a nod to a “House of the Rising Sun” look alike, but only for a few seconds.  From this point forward, the disc launches into a fun-filled, fast-paced, barnburner, ho-down of a good time.  They give a breather by slowing it down in “Missing My Home,” where Eastbound Jesus’, “Holy Smokes!” is given accolades.  A bass solo introduces “Jazzy McGee,” in a tune that sounds just like its title.  A neat little contrast in The Blind Owl Band is the depth of the tenor and bass vocals and the high-pitched use of the mandolin, where a balance is met and the band is defined.

    The Blind Owl Band is quickly gaining attention by both fans and other, well known musicians. Performing around the northeastern territory, rich in roots Americana, has helped launched these bearded boys in musical stardom.  With a new disc underway, an album release tour is scheduled.  Please visit The Blind Owl Band for a list of tour dates.

    Key Tracks: Missing My Home, Cherry Tree, Rain On

  • Rusted Root to play Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series in Lake Placid

    The Pines Inn ‘Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series’ presented by Adirondack “By Owner” has announced the second performance in the seven week series, scheduled for Tuesday, July 9th, as World Rock Night with Rusted Root in Lake Placid. The Mirror Lake Music Series is held at 7:00PM on seven Tuesdays throughout the summer at Mid’s Park on Main Street.

    rusted root lake placidThese weekly performances, running from July 2 through August 13, feature local, regional and national acts in the scenic and historic setting of Mid’s Park on Main Street, Lake Placid.  The series features local and regional emerging artists in a variety of musical genres and provides valuable exposure to these up and coming acts.  The music series is also an opportunity to introduce residents and visitors to a diverse range of musical genres in a scenic and relaxing setting.

    Rusted Root’s latest album – “The Movement” is a tribute to their fans. “The title itself is a testament to the community surrounding our music,” says vocalist and percussionist Liz Berlin.  Rusted Root created the Fortunate Freaks Unite! We Are Rusted Root campaign, a fan-funding campaign where fans contributed to the making of the album, while receiving some cool opportunities with the band.

    rusted root lake placidAdmission to the music series is free, so grab your blanket and head on down to Mid’s Park on Tuesday’s for a fabulous time.  Parking is available at St. Agnes Church which is a short walk to Mid’s Park.  Should there be inclement weather for the performances the rain site is around the corner at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, 17 Algonquin Drive, Lake Placid.  If you would like to volunteer to assist with the concerts please contact Bill at bill@sonsgsatmirrorlake.org.

    I would like to reach out my hand
    I may see you, I may tell you to run (on my way, on my way)
    You know what they say about the youngWell pick me up with golden hand
    I may see you, I may tell you to run (on my way, on my way)
    You know what they say about the young

  • Review: Lucid’s Album Release Party for ‘Home Is Where We Wanna Grow’, June 14

    Anybody who has spent quality time in the North Country and enjoys a bit of live music has heard of Lucid. Their vibrant and multi-faceted musical capacity is enough to make anybody stop for a listen. The band of six celebrated lots of hard work and the connections they have made along the way with their Home is Where We Wanna Grow Album Release Party on Friday, June 14th. The event was held at the infamous and well-loved Waterhole Music Lounge in Saranac Lake.

    The members of this band radiate the friendly, family-like vibe that Upstate New York’s live music scene is known for. They are always on the floor among the crowd before a show and during set breaks, greeting guests and interacting with their fans and this night was no different. As soon as I arrived I could spot percussion and harp player Lowell Wurster and had no problems getting his attention. We chatted for a moment and his excitement about the release of the new album shined. He explained that, “This one is for the people that want to get local. In a world full of so much doom and gloom, we want to represent something good, be people who aren’t just talking about it but actually doing something. We are working together to build good things and create change, and we have some good people helping us to do that.” Referring not only to connections made through live music, but also to the local organic food culture that is so prevalent here in the North Country, one that is getting bigger and better thanks to the people of Fledging Crow Vegetable Farm that the members of Lucid are so respectfully connected to. This is clear in the lyrics of the first song on the album “We can build this thing, from the ground on up, with a little bit of help from everyone”, that are chanted with such truth. Their inspiration and motivation is high and where there is a will, there is a way.

    There was excitement in the air as the band kicked off the night with a welcoming “World Full” that filled the room warm island sounds. They hopped from one genre to the next and busted out a few favorites before moving on to play the new album in its entirety. The songs were so diverse, showing how expansive and sophisticated their music abilities truly are. Every person at The Waterhole was dancing to the beats and singing along and I found myself in the middle of it all. During the new song “Highest Vibration”, the dance party turned into a 1950’s get-down. To my right I saw many familiar faces and to my left couples in Harley Davidson attire, the crowd as diverse as the music. There was truly something here for everyone. Keyboardist and singer Andrew Deller surprised the crowd with his accordion playing, while James Armstrong jazzed up the night with his sax. After a quick setbreak the music began again and some old favorites were played, including “Skipping like a Stone”, “Whoa Mamma”, “Psychedelic Circus” and a solid pair of Talking Heads covers, “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” and “Psycho killer” , both of which you can always count on hearing.

    These guys have an array of instruments as well as character. They have so much fun on stage and are clearly proud to share their music with anybody who wants to join in and become a piece of their colorful mosaic. Their new album reminds us all why we have a love affair with this band and why the North Country would just not be the same without them.

    Be sure to check out Lucid’s 7th annual Backwoods Pondfest, in Peru, NY on August 2nd-3rd!

    Download Home Is Where We Wanna Grow on iTunes for free

    Read Lindsey Jones’ review of Home is Where We Wanna Grow