NYS Music 20​13

Category: Regions

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

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

    Keller_Kevin Burke

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

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

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

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

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

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  • Dancing Amongst the Magic – Grassroots Festival 2013

    Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance was held on the 18th- 21st of July, 2013. Not really though. Really it began on Rabbit Run Rd. behind the Trumansburg Fairgrounds outside of Ithaca on July 17th. Anybody there will tell you. Cars, trucks, buses and RVs lined up early Wednesday morning to get in line and do their best in claiming a good spot on the grounds. Loyal fans spent the night on the side of the road in the humidity and July heat carrying Grassroots cheer with them, as they reminisced about past years. When Thursday morning arrived, the hard work had paid off and at noon, hot pink bracelets were on and gates were opened. People filled up the fields and both onsite and offsite camping almost full as the much anticipated music began.

    To many, Grassroots is a summer staple, a place where they return again and again, often times carrying new friends along, recommending the joy to others they meet on their travels. Musicians and crowds carry similar chants: “Grassroots is not like any other festival, it is in a class all of its own. Casting spells and sharing the whole wide world on four stages.”

    The popular new camping area dubbed “Next door camping” is a great place to stay while the festival unravels. You can hear sounds from the famous stage at the Infield, as well as be tempted by sights and sounds coming from the Grandstand stage. Thursday evening The Blind Spots kicked the festival into full gear, mixing oldies, funk, reggae, rock and the gorgeous vocals of lead singer Maddy Walsh up into the perfect brew. Their rendition of “Purple Rain” kept people talking through the weekend. Staying at the Grandstand would have kept anyone satisfied with bands like Driftwood, Rubblebucket, and of course Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad filling up the night with sound. At Grassroots though, a different world is a walk away. Down a dusty old path to the Infield, festival creators Donna the Buffalo was making beautiful music before handing the stage over to old time favorites Rusted Root. Meanwhile, the famous Grassroots dance tent was successfully being turned into a NYC dance club with newcomers DJ Bill Kelly & Richard McVay.

    Grassroots parties ‘til the moon goes down. So after a perfect night of raging, Friday comes too quick. Yoga in the dance tent tempts most festival goers but the early morning sun seems like too much and the crowds remain small (“maybe tomorrow?”) One of the perks to being a Grassroots flower is you get second chances. Everything happens twice. Any overlapping bands, events or adventure usually give you a second chance. There is the double-scheduled bands, the healing tent activities happening each day, ethnic and comfort food available all hours of the night, shuttle buses that leave every ten minutes to the forest at offsite, the free-flowing art in the barn and of course the forever tumbling gorges a walk away.

    Friday at Grassroots promised some of the biggest acts of the weekend including Jim Lauderdale, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Sim Redmond Band, and John Brown’s Body. If you are willing to look and listen you’ll find a few new favorites as well. The Spam Allstars from Miami, Florida rocked the Grandstand Friday evening taking festival goers from the hot Latin music of South America to the cool trance music of Canada.

    Saturday is the day to get down at Grassroots. Anyone who makes their way to this sweet spot will tell you, “If you’ve got some energy left, save it for Saturday.” It is the day to roam the grounds, do some shopping at the array of local artisan booths, and take a gander at the artistic creations that will leave you both impressed and inspired. Just stopping in the picnic area and taking a look at the sights that surround you are enough to fill your senses. The people are a work of art. Everyone dares to be different. There’s the dancers, the painted ones, the glitter goddesses, the families, the farmers, the jugglers, the musicians (everywhere) and the fairies on stilts; which will of course lead you to the kids play area, the drum workshop, the hula-hoopers, and the bubble blowers. Everywhere you go there is something to see, something to hear and someone to meet.

    Saturday music offered yet again a beautiful lineup. Elliot Martin of Black Castle and lead singer of John Brown’s Body satisfied the rootsy souls in the Dance Tent while Driftwood put on another stellar performance at the Grandstand. Festival au Désert Caravan For Peace shared music from across the world in the Infield. The Horseflies, a Grassroots favorite took over the crowd with their trance-like folk melodies and tempting beats, the Grandstand was overflowing with intrigue. Finally the one, the only, Samite of Uganda. Samite is a beloved Grassroots act whose African music and beautiful talent on flute and Kalimba (thumb piano) has not been enjoyed in the evening hours in years. The sights and sounds of faraway places and warm tones pour into your soul and have you begging for more beauty. The crowd was pleased pleasantly and gratitude was all around.

    As for the Dance Tent on Saturday night, it is legendary. Keith Frank & His Soileau Zydeco Band play their hearts out until the sun comes up. Colored paper lanterns lit the way as dancers swayed to the music and made their way to the stage. The crowd was thrilled to finally be there in that moment, a year’s worth of waiting finally paid off. And it was so worth the wait. There is something about that energy, some kind of passion found in that present moment that is like fuel. It keeps you burning, it keeps you going, dancing, feeling alive, ready for more music, and more memories.

    Then there was Sunday. The Happiness Parade filled the pathways of the festival with theatrical masterpieces, music from drumming, tambourines, harmonicas, guitars, chanting and laughter. This was the perfect day to make a visit, experience the festival in a nutshell and tap into your own creativity. Beyond that the mellow, sunny, open vibe that lingered on Sunday from the joy created all weekend was lovingly intoxicating and left us all begging to stay just a while longer. Who better to unwind in this feeling and under the bright sun with, than Sim Redmond Band. Their warm sound just mimics the atmosphere and makes you feel right at home.

    As neighbors fade away, crowds dwindle down, and reality starts calling, the Sunday party does anything but wind down. Bands like Preston Frank & His Zydeco Family Band, Miami natives Suénalo, and Donna the Buffalo kept things alive and full of energy until the end.

    All of Grassroots music, uniqueness, humbleness, talent and beauty not only have the locals coming back for more but also continues tempting music lovers worldwide, and making Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance one of the world’s top festivals of its kind.

  • Meet The Big Up Artists – An Interview With Eskmo

    The Big Up Festival is right around the corner and it’s time to start mapping out your festival game-plan so you don’t miss all of the awesome acts The Big Up has in store.  I had the opportunity to ask one of The Big Up’s recent additions to the already stellar lineup Eskmo, or Brendan Angelides. If you had the opportunity to catch Eskmo at Camp Bisco, you know you are in for a serious treat at his late night set at the Space Ball City Tent.

    Jennifer Wilson:  Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the music industry?

    Brendan Angelides: I’m from the east coast of the US originally. I started playing music with bands in high school and then slowly started working on solo projects with cheap electronic gear. Flash forward a number of years and with a series of singles on vinyl, I ended up signing with Ninja Tune to release the latest batch of music.

    JW: Can you tell us a story about a day in your life?

    BA: Nothing too fancy really. I do my morning ritual, take care of simple tasks and work on music. I always mix in hiking, meditating and (just as of recent) practicing Kenpo.

    JW: How would you describe your music to someone who had never heard it before?

    BA: I’m not sure really, but I could say melodic Earth and Water music.

    JW: Your musical technique seems to cross many different genres and styles. What goes into your process of creating a new song or album?

    BA: Honest reflection of what is going on in my life and growth process. It can come from a variety of places, but as long as it’s authentic  it is always the best route to take. Sometimes lyrics, sometimes melodies, sometimes it can be a cool recording I got at a train station.

    JW: You released a collaborative project with Amon Tobin, what was it like working with such an influential composer and producer?

    BA: Humbling and encouraging. I value his integrity and person a large amount. He is one of the best out there.

    JW: What do you want The Big Up goers to expect from your performance and how will it differ from what they may have seen at CampBisco?

    BA: Each set has a ton of improvised elements, live singing and happy accidents. I’m sure it will be its own experience. If anyone wants to bring me sound effects, go for it.

    JW: What advice would you give to other artists at The Big Up festival who have less experience playing live than you?

    BA: Be patient, stay focused and authentic; and breathe

    Eskmo on Soundcloud

    The Big Up Festival

  • Meet The Big Up Artists- An Interview with The Egg

    With The Big Up Festival just days away, I had the great opportunity of compiling a list of questions for Maff Scott of The Egg to answer before they take stage in Claverack, New York on Saturday August 10th. The Egg is an extremely influential and talented British electronic band formed in the early 1990’s and they have toured all over Europe as well as Australia and Brazil. It is truly a pleasure for Upstate New York to be able to experience such amazing music at a festival so close to home.

    Jenni Wilson: Can you tell us a little about each individual in the band and how you all met and got started in the music industry?

    Maff Scott:  Well there’s myself (Maff) and Ned.  Ned started getting better at the piano and I picked up the drums. We started jamming at home, using saucepan lids and a pedal that we made by attaching a rubber band to a marching band big drum (it only worked once and then fell apart.) We’ve played with a few others over the years. We used Ben Cullum’s (a great house producer and song writer) bass lines to play electronically.  We also wrote and toured a bit with Matt White who we met through Pete Doherty (whom we wrote the song “For Lovers” with). Drew is playing guitar with us mostly; he’s done quite a few tours now and co-written stuff (something to do) and he’s great.  Most musicians we generally meet through mutual friends. We also tend to meet a lot of people through the West London scene. We met Sophie Barker (Zero7) whom we’ve done lots of UK gigs, and even a recent gig with Mick Jones (The Clash) and Greg Hunter (Killing Joke, The Orb). We’ve done lots of recent production for a new release with him, and used his parts for a tune “Psyfunk” in the set. He’s on tour elsewhere but we will try to connect if we can. We also met a great trumpet player, Richard Wendel, while playing in Costa Rica. We jammed with him… and it was brilliant. He runs a great jazz club (The Bitter End) in NYC so we’ll be having him do some crazy trumpet at the Webster Hall show.

    JW: 

Can you tell us a story about a day in the band’s life?

    MS: Erm, well there was the time we were driving to Cleveland, famous for Spinal Tap’s scene where they get lost on the way to the stage (“Hello Cleveland”) – We’d overloaded the van’s alternator with all of our UK converters, laptops and phone chargers. The final straw was putting ‘Spinal Tap’ on the DVD player. We drew too much power and snapped the dynamo off which busted the van. We were stuck in a ‘Bennys’ for the night and missed the show. Ironic that it was Cleveland and Spinal Tap. How we laughed.

    JW: What goes into your process of creating a new song or album?

    MS: Years of hell and stress! Sitting up late playing with electronic bits and bobs. Sometimes it’s a loop or a chord structure Ned has created which we  can jam on and take the parts into rehearsal and make an arrangement. Of course, it changed when we play it live for a while. We’ve been known to stay up for days on one tune. Sometimes in hotel rooms or soundchecks or instead of actually rehearsing for a gig: we are VERY undisciplined.

    JW: 

What are the biggest obstacles for a band and what is the hardest part about working in the music industry?

    MS: Errr..  getting paid! It’s hard to get people to buy stuff when so much is given away. But we’re happy to give away live recordings. The hardest part is keeping the excitement levels up. Web stuff is hard because everyone is competing for your fans attention using the same tool.

    JW:What are some of your pet peeves when performing?

    MS: Time! We always run out of time and don’t get to play the entire set, and the best tunes are at the end.  We’re also really warmed up by then and so is the crowd. Maybe we’re too ambitious with set lists thinking we can do it. The best gigs we’ve done are the ones that have no time limit. The tunes have the time to develop without stopping to squeeze the next one in.

    JW: How do you feel about online music sharing and how has it changed for you as a band since your start?

    MS: We don’t mind sharing a few live shows and all, but as for albums, well, it’s hard to get paid for sales if people are downloading them for free. Sure it gets your attention to a bigger reach, but if everyone does that then it doesn’t really make you stand out as ‘the band who gives stuff away’ – Even though everyone expects it nowadays. The emphasis is now on live shows I guess. We’ve definitely found people who’d never heard of us elsewhere so in measure it’s a great thing (as long as you hold something back).

    JW: How was your experience playing a festival as huge as Glastonbury?

    MS: We’ve done it a few times now. It’s like a city that never sleeps and you don’t know who you’ll reach. There are massively long walks everywhere and it is sort of split up into villages really… mad crazy villages where everyone is the village nutter. There have also been some crazy muddy years, but that makes a comic bonding effect with everyone. We can all look at each other and laugh. This year was fun.. like another world. You feel weird going back to reality sometimes.

    JW: What do you want Big Up goers to expect for your performance musically/visually?

    MS: We have video triggers and a synced up set of dance music and electronics with lots of different styles and live musicians. Basically Moog baselines, an influence of deep house, but mostly eclectic house vibe: guitars, vocoders,  a bit of ambient bleeps, crunched up this and that… I think they’ll like it.

    JW: 

What advice would you give to other artists at The Big Up festival who have less experience?

    MS: Less experience is good! New bands have hunger and faith and blind optimism. That’s all you need! Generally, be good at what you do and don’t piss anyone off. Everyone’s ‘good’ in a way, depending on what music you like, so someone not liking you as people will have far more effect on your next booking than how good you are. Criticizing other bands doesn’t make your band better either. It’s a backfiring effect. I’m sure they’ll all know this.  I don’t want to patronize but I personally don’t bother with covers. It’s easy to think your music is so different that no one will get it, but that’s the reason they’ll notice you. Being yourself is always original, because we’re all different. So be yourself! I’ve often forgotten that. Anyway we’re crap at other people’s music and we can only do our own.

    Make sure you don’t miss these guys at the Space Ball City Tent on August 10th.

    Get The Big Up Festival’s Tickets 

    The Egg Facebook Page

  • Review: SEVENDUST Blacks Out Bearfest

    The crowd moved in closer and closer to the barricade, some could no longer contain their excitement and let out the occasional overeager cheers. Finally, the moment they were all waiting for at Bearfest Sevendust’s arrival. The lights dimmed to a dark red hue, a very daunting setting to the outdoor stage. One by one, the band members emerged from the shadows, Morgan Rose (drums), Vince Hornsby (bass), Clint Lowery (guitar), John Connolly (guitar), and finally, the one and only, Lajon Witherspoon. The way the red and green lights hit his features gave off a very bone-chilling, terrifying view of Witherspoon. The band began their set with “Pieces” followed by a track from their latest record, Black Out the Sun, “Till Death”, the fans waving their horns in the air to the beat of the song, mouthing along to the words whole-heartedly. After playing “Denial” and “Praise”, Lajon asked some of his ever-adoring fans not to mosh but to march in a circle to the rhythm of the next song, “Waffle”, purple lights complimenting the mood of the song, a very intimate feeling. The set was then slowed down with “Got a Feeling” followed by “Angel’s Son”, the fans with their loved ones holding each other from behind and swaying along. The pace was picked back up with “Black”, “Strong Arm Broken”, and Black Out the Sun’s leading single, “Decay”. Witherspoon walked toward the front of the stage and reached out for the fans, holding some of their hands.

    At the end of the song, the stage lights suddenly shut off and all of Sevendust disappeared into the darkness. The dedicated fans chanted for an encore for what seemed like a long while, every living soul hungry for more. Then the stage was lit with an orange and green-like hue as Lajon appeared on stage with the rest of the band and the familiar lyrics to “Bitch” filled the ears of the crowd, which encouraged them to roar with cheer and excitement. They all sang along loudly and some quite drunkenly. The set was then finished with “Splinter” and “Face to Face”, a great way to end the warm, lively summer evening.

    All in all, it was one hell of a performance. The band broke the country silence with their powerful classics as well as new and incredibly catchy songs. In the end, Sevendust let all of West Virginia know that they have left their mark. Be sure to check out their latest record, Black Out the Sun, available at your nearest music store and for digital download. More tour dates are on their website as well as their Facebook page, if you have a chance, see where Sevendust will black out a stage near you.

  • Review: DEVOUR THE DAY Heats Up West Virginia

    IMG_4130The outdoor music came to a screeching halt, bringing a moment of silence to the summer air, a strong hint that Devour the Day was ready to knock everyone out of the ballpark. The setting sun’s light hit the stage as one by one, each band member stepped out from behind; Dustin Schoenhofer (drums), Joey “Chicago” Walser (bass), Jeff James (guitar), and last but not least, Blake Allison (vocals). The band was more than eager to put the pedal to the metal as they started their set with the first track from their debut record, Time & Pressure, “Respect”, definitely the right way to begin the evening with such an explosive track. Following was “You and Not Me”, as the fellow concert junkies stared in amazement as the band rocked out like there was no tomorrow. As soon as “Get Out of My Way” started, the energy from Devour the Day combined with the fans’ was absolutely through the roof, fairly certain the residents across the Ohio border could hear and feel the band’s pulsating power. “Blackout” brought on the heavy head-banging and the drunken loud cheers of excitement. The fans watched with such a thrill as Walser rapidly spun around with his bass, jumping with such glee on his face.

    IMG_4146It was clear that Devour the Day was way past warmed up, as evidenced by the fact that they were dripping with sweat. The summer heat didn’t stop them from continuing their set with “Reckless”, as some of the fans waved their arms in the air to the beat of the song. The pace was nowhere near slowed down as they played “Oath”, finishing the set with “Hand Shakes to Fist Fights” and their current as well as the album’s leading single, “Good Man”, the music lovers singing along very passionately, some dancing to the rhythm. It was definitely the perfect track to end a killer setlist.

    IMG_4138Overall, no other words to describe Devour the Day’s performance except for: WOW. Absolutely mind blowing and an indescribable experience, one would have to witness these moments to get a better understanding of what a superlative show the band puts on. They will be hitting the stage at X-Fest in Syracuse this Sunday. Be sure to check out their debut record, Time & Pressure, available for digital download and to purchase at your nearest music store. Also, check their Facebook page for tour dates or visit their website (www.devourtheday.com). This is a band you will not want to miss!

  • Baroness and Royal Thunder coming to Water Street Music Hall August 7th

    Savannah, Georgia’s critically acclaimed stoner/sludge metal outfit Baroness has had a trying year. Sidelined just a month after the release of their latest album Yellow and Green by a bus accident in London that left several members injured, they are just getting back on the road again.

    This Wednesday, joined by label mates Royal Thunder, they will be bringing their fierce musical onslaught to Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall. Ticket’s are $15 and can be purchased here or at the Water Street box office. Doors at 7, showtime at 8. Throw on some black and come rage! 16+ w/ ID.

  • K-Rockathon 18: Photo Gallery

    Sometimes as a photographer you are lucky enough to shoot a decent band or two.  As a concert photographer I have been lucky enough to photograph some of the best in the business.  On July 27th, I was able to shoot a whole shitload of great bands in one place, just a couple hours from my home at K-Rockathon 18 at the Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds.  Bands like Sevendust, All That Remains, Chevelle, Skillet and many more shared the stage with Three Days Grace.  Luckily for me my relationship with 3DG helped get me access to everything to bring those photos to you… the fans.  The readers of Upstate Metal are the greatest fans in the world.  We know it, and every band that visits our region knows it too.

    I’m not going to spend a lot of time with words on this one… it’s all about the photos for me.  I hope you enjoy and I hope to see you at the next show.  If you see me out there in a vest, a couple cameras and my hair blowing all over the place, yell out “Upstate Metal” or “JT”.  I will be sure to answer!  Until then, “Horns Up!”

  • Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at Ommegang Brewery, July 25th

    Grace Potter and the Nocturnals brought out young and old alike Thursday night in Cooperstown as part of Brewery Ommegang Summer Concert series. Parking lots filled up quickly and tents were set up, taking advantage of the onsite camping and beautiful weather.

    Grace Potter ommegangThe easy-going folk tunes provided by Alpenglow, an indie rock group out of Burlington, added to the summertime flavor of the day. The band warmly welcomed everyone to the show and thanked family and friends for coming out to support them.  JD McPherson followed, providing catchy rockabilly and good old-fashioned Rock & Roll. With a saxophone and stand up bass, it was just what the crowd needed to get ready for the headliner.

    With the sun setting and the Brewery Ommegang providing a backdrop like no other, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals took the stage. Grace was resplendent as usual in a head to toe sequined gown, perfectly cut to show her trademark long legs. The band started immediately with “Stop the Bus”, a familiar tune to many, bringing the crowd to their feet. The area in front of the stage filled and there were fireworks in the distance as the sun began to set.

    Known for her broad musical talents, from vocals to tambourine, at many points in between, Grace and the band had no trouble vacillating between genres throughout the night. Pensive and heartfelt with “Apologies”, poppy and upbeat in “Goodbye Kiss”, and rolled comfortably into the Little Junior’s Blue Flames rocking “Mystery Train”.

    Deftly mixing in well-known tunes like “Joey” and “Medicine” with newer material from the 2012 release The Lion, The Beast, The Beat, the night was infused with a consistent level of energy. Grace’s excited squeal and frenetic stage presence incited the crowd to dance and cheer harder as the night wore on.

    Grace Potter ommegangClosing the night with the title track from the latest album, Grace quickly returned to stage with just her flying V guitar, launching into “Nothing But the Water”. Without the support of the band, she still shone bright, sequins glimmering in the stage light. As the brewery billowed steam in the background, The Nocturnals rejoined her for The Rolling Stones‘ “Paint it Black”, and finally into perhaps their most well-known song, “Paris (Ooh La La)”. The song was an all-out throw down including a drum solo in which the entire band joined in on the kit.

    Not ready to be done quite yet, a second encore of “Stars” aptly closed the night with the band’s lighting adding to the beauty of the clear and starry Cooperstown night. Fireworks exploded above the stage as the band exited, a perfect end to a wonderful summer night of music.

    Grace Potter ommegangSetlist: Stop the Bus, Turntable, Oasis, Apologies, Goodbye Kiss, One Short Night, Mystery Train (Little Junior Blue Flames), Atlantic City (Bruce Springsteen), Roulette, Keepsake, Joey, Medicine, Sugar, The Divide, The Lion The Beast The Beat.

    Encore: Nothing but the Water (I), Nothing but the Water (II), Paint it Black (The Rolling Stones), Paris (Ooh La La)

    Encore 2: Stars

  • Americanarama Rolls into Darien Lake

    On July 18, 2013 the Americanarama festival caravan kicked up clouds of dust into Darien Lake Performing Arts Center for an extended afternoon of eclectic and distinctly ‘American’ music. Featuring an impressive collection of talent, the tour spotlights rock and roll innovators My Morning Jacket, alt-country pioneers and sonic travelers Wilco, and the man superlatives won’t do justice for, Bob Dylan. The festival has been wagon training across the country (with Bob Weir hopping on for five dates) bringing a special collection of artists and a communal vibe to each stop.

    The intimate and friendly crowd at Darien slowly gathered under the blistering sun for early opener Ryan Bingham, who was well received. Following Bingham the venue was buzzing in anticipation of My Morning Jacket’s appearance. MMJ’s set contained silvery guitars and funky grooves, settling the crowd into a danceable yet experimental place. Live and in concert is the way to enjoy this band, as the energy just oozes off of the stage. Closing their set with the steamy pairing of “Off the Record” and “Phone Went West”, the crowd was primed properly and responded in kind with a fitting ovation.

    Wilco followed with an impressive cross-section of their storied career, which fit nicely into a truncated festival set. Opening with the always welcome “Cars Can’t Escape”, Wilco then unveiled a well-paced selection that included tasty samples from the entirety of their colorful pallet such as “Passenger Side”, “Bull Black Nova” and “I’m A Wheel”. A peak moment in the show was the collaboration between Wilco and My Morning Jacket for a sing-along version of Nick Lowe’s, (via Elvis Costello) “What’s So Funny About (Peace Love and Understanding)” that had everyone dressed in sun baked smiles.

    As the air cooled and evening closed in, Dylan and his swinging band took the stage for a concluding set filled with new takes on familiar classics. Dylan growled, spat and chanted his way through fresh arrangements of “Times Have Changed” and “Tangled Up in Blue”, and excitedly dictated new songs like “Early Roman Kings” and “Duquesne Whistle”. He also took some breathy harp breaks to the excitement of the crowd. While often an acquired taste these days, Dylan put on a diverse and crisp show covering all corners of his catalog, enjoyable for the uninitiated as well as the diehards.

    A wonderful evening of tunes and tales was had by all in attendance. All three of the headlining acts for the first ever ‘Americanarama’ festival shared the common thread of a love for song. While the music of the artists on the bill is as different as it is similar, their common respect for the craft of the tunes and their emotional effect brought them together for this summer of musical symmetry.