NYS Music 20​13

Category: Finger Lakes

  • Best of 2013 – Part 5, Bands on the Rise and Jams of the Year!

    2013 has been a great year. We have expanded our staff and coverage to bring more bands and live acts to the attention of fans and readers, and are looking forward to 2014 with great anticipation as we focus on the music coming out of all corners of New York State. The best of 2013 Music festivals and incredible tours and jams pepper the Upstate New York music calendar, giving broad musical choices for the 8 million New Yorkers who call Upstate their home.

    Our staff writers and photographers were asked to look back at the full year of music in Upstate New York and beyond, and weigh in with their best of 2013. We looked at 10 categories – Best Upstate Show, Best Show, Best Upstate Album, Best Album, Best Upstate Festival, Best Festival, Best Upstate Venue, Best Venue, Best Band on the Rise and Jam of the Year –  and came up with the best music we have seen and heard this year. Here’s part 5 of 5, looking at the Bands on the Rise and our Jams of the Year

    Best Band on the Rise

    Top Picks

    Aqueous

    best of 2013 jamsEastbound Jesus

    Rest of the Best

    Consider the Source

    Conehead Buddha

    Driftwood

    Lucid

    The Blind Owl Band

    Mister F

    Solaris

    Floodwood

    Turkuaz

    Gusto

    MaryLeigh Roohan

    Sarah Jarosz

    Lucius

    GOASTT

    Tame Impala

    The Acid

    RY X

    Bad Cello

    Aminal

    Did we miss a band on the rise that should know about and you think is great? Sound off in the comments!

    Best Jams of the Year

    Phish, “Crosseyed & Painless > Harry Hood”, Holmdel, NJ, 7/10

    Phish, “Tweezer”, Lake Tahoe, 7/31

    The Kollectiv and The Heavy Pets, The Hollow, Albany, 4/23

    Aqueous, “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”, Buffalo, 6/21

    Rich Robinson and Jackie Greene dueling guitars with The Black Crowes at Lockn’ Music Festival, 9/7

    Disco Biscuits, “Basis for a Day”, City Bisco, Mann Music Center, Philadelphia, PA 9/27

    Vampire Weekend, “Hannah Hunt”

    23 ft. Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J “Mike Will Made-It”

    Disco Biscuits,  “Tom Sawyer” City Bisco, Mann Music Center, Philadelphia, PA 9/28

    Keller Williams and Floodwood, Putnam Den 10/10

    Aqueous – “Uncle Phils Parachute”, The Dubland Underground, Rochester, 11/15

  • Best of 2013 – Part 4, Best Venues

    2013 has been a great year. We have expanded our staff and coverage to bring more bands and live acts to the attention of fans and readers, and are looking forward to 2014 with great anticipation as we focus on the music coming out of all corners of New York State. The best of 2013 Music festivals, venues and incredible tours pepper the Upstate New York music calendar, giving broad musical choices for the 8 million New Yorkers who call Upstate their home.

    Our staff writers and photographers were asked to look back at the full year of music in Upstate New York and beyond, and weigh in with their best of 2013. We looked at 10 categories – Best Upstate Show, Best Show, Best Upstate Album, Best Album, Best Upstate Festival, Best Festival, Best Upstate Venue, Best Venue, Best Band on the Rise and Jam of the Year –  and came up with the best music we have seen and heard this year.

    Here’s part 4 of 5, looking at the Best Venues of 2013

    Best Small Venue

    Town Ballroom, Buffalo

    Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs

    best of 2013 venuesBrewery Ommegang, Cooperstown

    Nietzsche’s, Buffalo

    The Purple Fiddle, Thomas, WV

    Bowery Ballroom, NYC

    Opus 40, Woodstock

    Red Square, Albany

    Club Helsinki, Hudson

    Schubas, Chicago, IL

    Massry Center at The College of Saint Rose, Albany

    The Crooked I, Erie, PA

    Fox Theater, Oakland, CA

    Glasslands, Brooklyn

    The Hollow Bar, Albany

    The Westcott Theater, Syracuse

    Best Medium Venue

    Turning Stone’s Showroom, Verona

    The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester

    Brooklyn Bowl

    Palace Theater, Albany

    Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo

    The Egg, Albany

    The Landmark Theatre, Syracuse

    Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ

    Best Large Venue

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    Red Rocks, Morrison, CO

    Bethel Woods, Bethel, NY

    Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ

    Artpark in Lewiston, NY

    Molson Amphitheater, Toronto, Ontario

    Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at EncorePark, Alpharetta, Georgia

    Double J Ranch, Rothbury, Michigan

    The Gorge, George, Washington

    The Mann Music Center, Philadelphia

    Got a favorite venue that we didn’t mention? Sound off in the comments!

  • Best of 2013 – Part 3, Best Festivals

    2013 has been a great year. We have expanded our staff and coverage to bring more bands and live acts to the attention of fans and readers, and are looking forward to 2014 with great anticipation as we focus on the music coming out of all corners of New York State. The best music festivals of 2013 and incredible tours pepper the Upstate New York music calendar, and give broad musical choices for the 8 million New Yorkers who call Upstate their home.

    Our staff writers and photographers were asked to look back at the full year of music in Upstate New York and beyond, and weigh in with their best of 2013. We looked at 10 categories – Best Upstate Show, Best Show, Best Upstate Album, Best Album, Best Upstate Festival, Best Festival, Best Upstate Venue, Best Venue, Best Band on the Rise and Jam of the Year –  and came up with the best music we have seen and heard this year.

    Here’s part 3 of 5, looking at the Best Festivals of 2013

    Best Upstate Music Festival

    Top Picks

    Catskill Chill

    Backwoods Pondfestbest of 2013 festivals

    Night Lights

    Camp Bisco

    Grassroots Festival

    Rest of the Best

    moe.down

    Mountain Jam

    Utica Music and Arts Festival

    The Big Up

    Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival

    Spring Revival

    Rock n Roll Resort

    Best Music Festival Overall

    Top Picks

    Equifunk

    Gathering of the Vibes

    City Bisco

    Rest of the Best

    Jam Cruise

    Rock on the Range

    Delfest

    Solid Sound

    Strangecreek

    The Festy Experience

    Pitchfork Music Festival

    Electric Forest

    Fledging Crow Fest

    Summer Camp

    Governor’s Ball

    Did we miss a festival this year that you thought was great? Sound off in the comments!

  • Best of 2013 – Part 2, Best Albums

    2013 has been a great year. We have expanded our staff and coverage to bring more bands and live acts to the attention of fans and readers, and are looking forward to 2014 with great anticipation as we focus on the music coming out of all corners of New York State. Music festivals and incredible tours and albums pepper the best of 2013 Upstate New York music calendar, giving broad musical choices for the 8 million New Yorkers who call Upstate their home.

    Our staff writers and photographers were asked to look back at the full year of music in Upstate New York and beyond, and weigh in with their best of 2013. We looked at 10 categories – Best Upstate Show, Best Show, Best Upstate Album, Best Album, Best Upstate Festival, Best Festival, Best Upstate Venue, Best Venue, Best Band on the Rise and Jam of the Year –  and came up with the best music we have seen and heard this year.

    Here’s part 2 of 5, looking at the Best Albums of 2013

    Best Upstate Album

    Top Picks

    Floodwood This is Life

    best of 2013 albumsSolaris Neon

    Donna the Buffalo Tonight, Tomorrow, Yesterday

    Rest of the Best

    Smackdab II

    Crows Cage Forgiven Sins

    Eastbound Jesus Northern Rock

    Jeff Bujak User Correction

    Blind Owl Band This Train We Ride is Made of Wood and Steel

    Bad Cello Finna EP

    Ocupanther Progressor

    Driftwood Rock-N-Roll Heart

    Formula 5 Formula 5

    Best Album overall

    Top Picks

    Daft Punk Random Access Memories 

    Arcade Fire Reflektor 

    Pearl Jam Lightning Bolt 

    Rest of the Best

    Phish Ventura ’98

    Alan Evans Trio Merkaba

    The Deep Dark Woods Jubilee

    David Bowie The Next Day

    McCartney New

    Imagine Dragons Night Vision

    Toro Y Moi Anything in Return

    Boards of Canada Tomorrow’s Harvest

    Oh Honey  With Love EP

    Vampire Weekend Modern Vampires of the City

    Phish Chicago ’94

    Lorde Pure Heroine

    Did we miss an album this year that you thought was great? Sound off in the comments!

  • Best of 2013 – Part 1, Best Shows around NYS

    2013 has been a great year. We have expanded our staff and coverage to bring more bands and live acts to the attention of fans and readers, and are looking forward to 2014 with great anticipation as we focus on the music coming out of all corners of New York State. Music festivals and incredible tours pepper the Upstate New York music calendar, giving broad musical choices for the 8 million New Yorkers who call Upstate their home.

    Our staff writers and photographers were asked to look back at the full year of music in Upstate New York and beyond, and weigh in with their best of 2013. We looked at 10 categories – Best Upstate Show, Best Show, Best Upstate Album, Best Album, Best Upstate Festival, Best Festival, Best Upstate Venue, Best Venue, Best Band on the Rise and Jam of the Year –  and came up with the best music we have seen and heard this year. We’ll bring you two categories each day this week

    Here’s part 1 of 5, looking at the Best Shows of 2013

    Best Upstate Show

    Top Picks

    Phish at SPAC, 7/5

    best shows of 2013Pearl Jam at First Niagara Center, Buffalo 10/2

    best shows of 2013 pearl jamPhish at Glens Falls Civic Center, 10/23

    best shows of 2013 phishRest of the Best

    Turkuaz, The Westcott Theater, Syracuse 2/28

    BB King, The Massry Center, Albany 4/14

    Ian McLagan Solo, Lovin Cup, Rochester 6/23

    Phish, SPAC 7/7

    John Brown’s Body, Grassroots Festival, Ithaca 7/20

    Railroad Earth & Yonder Mountain String Band, Saranac Brewery 8/3

    Woodstock Sessions with Alan Evans Trio 8/24

    Allman Brother’s Band with Steve Winwood, SPAC 8/28

    Aqueous with Lotus, Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor 8/29

    Jimkata, Marris Amphitheatre, Oriskany Falls 8/31

    Michael Franti, Upstate Concert Hall, Clifton Park 9/16

    FarmAid, SPAC 9/21

    Start Making Sense, The Hollow, Albany 9/27

    Bad Cello, The Cult of the Crying Moon and The Bird Calls, WERW Launch Party, Syracuse 9/28

    Pretty Lights Live in Albany, 10/31

    Chicago and the Utica Symphony Orchestra, The Stanley Center, Utica 10/5

    Rubblebucket, The Westcott Theater 11/20

    Best Show Overall

    Top Pick

    Phish at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City 11/1

    best shows of 2013 phish

    Rest of the Best

    Tenacious D, House of Blues, Boston 3/4

    Huey Lewis, Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown 5/11

    The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Great Googa Mooga Festival, Brooklyn 5/17

    Yonder Mountain String Band, Cumberland, MD 5/26

    Dirty Projectors, Lincoln Hall, Chicago 6/13

    The Rolling Stones, TD Garden, Boston 6/14

    Warren Haynes & The Boston Pops, Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration, Lenox, MA 6/22

    Tipper, Burning Man, Black Rock Desert, NV, late August

    Sound Tribe Sector 9, Bank of America Pavilion, Boston 8/31

    Elvis Costello and The Roots, Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn 9/16

    STS9, Landmark Theater, Syracuse 9/21

    Turkuaz, Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn 9/25

    The Disco Biscuits, City Bisco, Philadelphia, PA 9/28

    Steely Dan, Beacon Theater, NYC 10/5

    Nine Inch Nails, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ 10/15

    Phish, DCU Center, Worcester, MA 10/26

    Bernhoft, The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA 11/1

    Phish, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ 11/2

    Dark Star Orchestra, Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT 11/19

    Railroad Earth and Peter Rowan, Sherman Theater, Strousberg, PA 11/30

    Did we miss a show this year that you thought was great? Sound off in the comments!

  • Avett Brothers Energized Fans at CMAC on July 26th

    The Avett Brothers brought their unique punk-rock, rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll style of bluegrassy music to CMAC on July 26th – to a crowd that was pumped to experience the energy that this band brings to the stage, each and every time, increasing their antics to new levels without pause or hesitation.

    Opening with “Live and Die” – the bar was set high for the night, the crowd roared and cheered to this upbeat song about finding love to make it through a conflict. Seeing this band live is an interaction between artist and fans using the universal language of music, portraying emotions we can all relate to in one way or another, and this is why their fans adore them so.

    This is not a band that stands in one spot jamming out on their guitar; no no, The Avetts live and breathe the music they create, they leap around the stage with their instruments without missing a note, they jump on top of the piano and speakers, with the enthusiasm of a child; it is nothing short of a spiritual experience to see this band live.

    During a high energy “Kick Drum Heart” Seth leaped into the crowd and body surfed deep into the crowd. Fans went wild with excitement at the opportunity to be a part of Seth’s well-known rock-star behavior. Singalongs with the entire crowd on nearly every song fueled this fire as well. There was no time to sit down! Hell, there wasn’t even a setbreak. The band played their heats out and the crowd ate it up like musical dessert.

    Bringing the show full circle from hard-hitting ballads to down right drinking songs – the night ended with this gal’s all time favorite, “I And Love And You” the outpouring of emotion seen on Scott’s face was epic. With one finger pointed straight into the air the crowd and band together belted out: “Three words that became hard to say, I and love and you”. One couldn’t have asked for a more intense show if they dreamt it. The Avett Brothers came to rage! – game, set, match.

    The Avett Brothers July 26, 2013 CMAC in Canandaguia

    Set 1: Live and Die, Got To Sleep, The Fall, Slight Figure, 74, At The Beach, Head Full Of Doubts, Melody Anne, Winter In My Heart, Just A Closer, No Place To Fall, Paranoia, Kick Drum, Geraldine, Feb 7, Laundry Room, Old ??, Gimme a Kiss, Indolence, Life.

    Encore: Fireball Mail, Blue Ridge, Girl From Chile, ILY

  • Black and Blues: The Black Crowes and Tedeschi Trucks Band at CMAC

    The Black Crowes brought their long history of hits and booty shaking Rock n Roll to Canandaigua’s CMAC Amphitheater on a simply weather-tastic Wednesday, July 31st, along with Tedeschi Trucks Band. As the crowd made their way in from the lots and started to fill the pavilion and lawn, New York City’s London Souls provided some stupendous entrance music. The power guitar bass and drums trio formed in 2008 and has already climbed the touring ladder high enough to open for some major league acts. The band’s sound is largely based on a myriad of classic rock influences, with enough taste of jam to make a proper sandwich. Those that made it in early enough got themselves a treat and those that did not should make it a point to see these guys when they come back through. Catch them in upstate again October 22nd at Rochester’s Club at Water Street and October 26th with Umphrey’s McGee at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo.

    The Black Crowes
    The Black Crowes

    Next up was the husband and wife duo of Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi with eight other top notch musicians to fill out the self monikered Tedeschi/Trucks Band. Trucks is well known for being a young guitar prodigy touring with The Allman Brothers as a teenager and spending years in his own band until joining forces (in more ways than one) with fellow shredder and top-notch vocalist Susan Tedeschi in 2010. They tour with a full horn section, extra vocalists, and plenty of percussion. It’s hard to call this band an opener, as it was very apparent in the crowd that many were in attendance for them as much as the headlining act. There’s nothing cooler than watching a husband and wife lovingly try and out-shred each other and the crowd ate it up and asked for seconds.

    Tedeschi/Trucks Band
    Tedeschi/Trucks Band

    The Crowes hit the stage after about a 30 minute break and wasted no time getting into it with their classic “Jealous Again”. Chris Robinson, who seems even taller in person, was adorned appropriately in a white Buffalo Dead t-shirt and “skinny” blue jeans. Mr. Robinson, of course, is a longtime proponent and activist for marijuana regulation, so this reporter was not surprised to smell an interesting skunky scent emanating from the stage. The band ripped through hit after hit and a decent enough collection of deep cuts to please any fan. For the encore, most of the Tedeschi/Trucks Band joined them onstage for an incredible moment of jamtastic virtuosity covering Eric Clapton’s “Don’t Know Why” and Joe Tex’s “Show Me”. Twelve musicians all at the top of their game melding in unison was the cherry on the top of a sundae of an evening.

    Setlist: Jealous Again, Thick N’ Thin, Blackberry, Another Roadside Tragedy, How Much for Your Wings?, Bring On, Bring On, Wiser Time, She Talks to Angels, Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ (The Velvet Underground), Soul Singing, Thorn in My Pride, Remedy

    Encore: Don’t Know Why (Eric Clapton), Show Me (Joe Tex cover)

  • Review: Furthur at CMAC July 19

    Furthur has been enjoying a solid Summer tour with appearances at few music festivals and a larger concentration on playing their own shows, rather than filling up the festival scene this year compared to previous summers where we saw them at every major festival. With killer setlists in the previous shows leading up to Furthur’s July 19th performance at CMAC in Canandaigua, NY, fans were ready to shake their bones to the songs of the Grateful Dead. This was to be their last stop on this tour before they hit All Good Music Festival in Thornville, Ohio for the weekend. Anticipation was high and the scene was set for a good show. The lot scene was thriving with food vendors and heads selling wrapped silver as usual. The police presence was there but not as overwhelming as in past years.

    Furthur-CMAC 7-19-13 (25)

    Once the crowd began making their way towards the gates for the earlier than scheduled show, fans began to whisper about why the tickets said the show began at 8:00PM and they were being ushered in at 7:00PM. Apparently there was a misprint – if you weren’t one of the very few people who checked online that day for up to date show info on the venue’s FaceBook page, then you were most likely unaware of this last-minute change.

    Furthur-CMAC 7-19-13 (8)

    The show began with “Jack Straw” and the crowd received it well, and John Kadlecik took the lead on a fantastic “Dupree’s Diamond Blues”. With two songs in the first set about the rain – “Mission in the Rain” & “Box of Rain” – the scene was set with the first set ending in pouring rain.

    Furthur-CMAC 7-19-13 (11)

    Second set began strong, the dancing contagious and the rain pouring down on those in the lawn; “Playing in the Band > Any Road” got everyone’s blood pumpin’ and wanting more. During “Mountains of the Moon” the sound of concertgoers  belting out the lyrics, “Hey Tom Banjo” got the vibe heading in the right direction and then fans were treated with a dance-evoking, “Caution”, after which Bob Weir delivered the announcement that the show was being ended at that time due to severe weather storms heading towards the venue. He tried to explain that it wasn’t the band but the venue who had made the decision, he explained – “If we keep playing they’ll just unplug us anyway guys, we’re really sorry.”

    Furthur-CMAC 7-19-13 (36)

    The crowd reluctantly retreated to their cars and the many in attendance were heard expressing their distaste for the early ending and few agreed that it was a necessary measure. followed the crowd out to the lots and ended the night with heavy hearts.

    In an effort to compensate concert goers CMAC has announced they will exchange any Furthur ticket stub, at any other show during the 2013 concert series at CMAC (except Kenny Chesney) for access to the Headliner Lounge, one complimentary drink, and access to private restrooms and a private bar. Your ticket stub does not grant you entrance to the show, you must purchase a ticket to the show of your choice and redeem your stub then. If you have any questions regarding this opportunity you can contact CMAC by calling 1-800-745-3000

    07/19/13 (Fri)  Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY

    Set 1: Jack Straw, Dupree’s Diamond Blues, My Brother Esau, Mason’s Children, Mission in the Rain (1), Box of Rain
    Set 2: Playing in the Band > Any Road, Mountains of the Moon, Caution (2)

    (1) last time played by Furthur: 10/05/12, Los Angeles
    (2) show stopped short by the venue due to incoming lightning storm

  • Today is the day – Grace Potter and The Nocturnals at Ommegang Brewery

    Brewery Ommegang welcomes Grace Potter and the Nocturnals today, Thursday July 25th. The Vermont-based band released The Lion, the Beast, The Beat last summer and has toured steadily since in support of their 4th studio album.  The bands blend of rock, folk, soul and blues provides for a high energy and captivating show and there is no better place to see them.

    grace potter ommegang brewery

    Brewery Ommegang is a traditional Belgian brewery located in Cooperstown, NY is known for their wonderfully crafted brews but has also been providing a unique backdrop for live music since 2011. The Brewery has been the host to varied acts including the late Levon Helm, Old Crow Medicine Show, Cake and Wilco, and in addition to the live music, and brewery fresh beer, the venue also provides camping to complete the experience.

    Tickets for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at Brewery Ommegang are available at the gate for $40, and camping is also available for an extra $20.

    For more information please visit www.gracepotter.com and to RSVP to the FaceBook event you can visit Dan Smalls Presents Events.

  • The Black Crowes and Tedeschi Trucks Band headed to CMAC, Canandaigua NY July 31st

    Atlanta’s southern/blues rock legends The Black Crowes are bringing their arsenal of hits to Canadaigua’s Constellation Brands Performing Arts Center next Wednesday July 31st with Tedeschi Trucks Band. Closing in on their 25th anniversary next year, the band recently released their 4th live album Wiser for the Time.
    black crowes press image

    Blues shred-master Derek Trucks and his wife Susan Tedeschi will provide a delicious appetizer to the Crowes finale. Recently renamed the Tedeschi Trucks Band, this group provides much more then the name would indicate as a full 10-member touring extravaganza. Their new album Made Up Mind drops August 10th.

    Opening the show will be New York City’s classic rock loving improvisational trio The London Souls. Early weather forecasts look excellent and tickets are still available. Get on your dancing shoes and come on down to groove. $40 for pavilion, $30 for lawn. 6PM. All ages.

    Get tickets to Black Crowes and Tedeschi Trucks Band here or at the CMAC box office.