NYS Music 20​13

Category: Western NY

  • Review: 95 X Fest

    Twenty Two bands for $20! What!!! With a lineup that consists of Sick Puppies, Adam Gontier, Nonpoint, Trapt, Otherwise and more, how can you go wrong for $20!!! Add eleven of some of the area’s best local talent and you have this year’s 95 X fest.

    Held at the F Shed in Syracuse N.Y., I was kind of skeptical of this venue until I got there. The F Shed is like a big warehouse or, like its name, a shed. A huge shed, in fact, but really nice inside. So, like me, don’t judge the place until you actually see it, because it’s actually a really good venue for a concert.

    There were eleven local area bands, and they all sounded pretty good. So all you concert promoters out there looking for some good opening acts for future shows, check out the list of local bands that kicked @$$ on this show. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.

    First on the main stage was Another Lost Year. This is a really good up-and-coming band. Their singles are getting a lot of airplay on XM Octane. Their sound check went a little longer than they wanted, so they had to cut their set a little short, but this band still rocked the place. They connected and played to the crowd really well.

    Next up was a band I knew nothing about, but now I know very well. Allele took the main stage second. Front man Wally Wood has endless energy. I think he stood on the rail and sang with the crowd for half his performance.

    Girl On Fire is now the third band to play on the main stage. Their current single, “The Takedown,” is really hot. These guys put on a great live performance. During one song, singer Austin Held’s mic went dead, which prompted him to slam it on the ground in frustration. He then grabbed another mic and hit the next note right on cue.

    Mindset Evolution was the fourth band to play the main stage. Their current single, “Burn It Down,” is also played a lot on XM Octane. These guys won Battle Of The Bands in 2012, and they have really grown since a year ago when they were on the Uproar Festival. ME put in a really good live performance.

    Devour The Day was the fifth band to grace the main stage. Former Egypt Central members Joey Chicago and Blake Allison make up half the band. Their current single, “Good Man,” is in heavy rotation on the radio. I forgot how much energy these guys have. Insane! They will be touring with Hinder later this year so make sure you go and check them out.

    One of my favorite up and coming bands that were a late addition to this show’s lineup were slated in the sixth spot on the main stage. Otherwise took the stage next and brought the house down. Otherwise is one of the best live bands you could see. I love watching Adrian and the boys rock it. If you have never seen Otherwise, all I can say is what the hell are you waiting for? Adrian just connects with the crowd and pulls you in. Bassist Vassilios and Guitarist Andrew were so energized, I think they drank a whole case of Red Bull or something before the show. Vassilios even jumped in the crowd and played bass around all the fans for an entire song, which prompted Adrian to say “please don’t kill our bassist”.

    Disturbed members Mike and Dan, along with Evans Blue Member and singer Dan, make up the next band that were in the seventh spot on the main stage. Fight Or Flight were up next and they were better than I thought. I wasn’t feeling their cd that much yet, and their single, “First Of The Last,” is OK, but their live performance is really good. In fact, they were so good live you would think that they were a band for many years performing together.

    Trapt gets the eighth spot on the show. Trapt played a good mix of old and new tracks. They always put in a great live performance, but I prefer them on a more intimate stage setting. Singer Chris Taylor Brown makes you feel his emotions as he sings and is a great performer. Their current single, “Eye Of The Storm,” is starting to get a lot of airplay on the radio.

    This next band is another must-see band if you have never seen them. In the ninth spot on the main stage was Nonpoint. Elias and the boys are so much fun to watch live. They just come out and Kick @$$ form start to finish. I had the chance to hang out with the boys for a little bit on their tour bus, and we had a really random discussion about mushrooms. We also had a debate on who has better pizza, New York or Chicago?

    Former front man for Three Days Grace, Adam Gontier, was slated in the tenth spot for this show. I haven’t ever seen 3DG with Adam. Matt is a great fill in, but when I heard Adam sing those songs I was blown away. Adam said to the crowd, “Isn’t it nice to hear the guy who wrote the songs, sing the songs?” Adam is just amazing live, and at one point near the end of his set he climbed the scaffolding all the way up to the lights and just hung there for a bit. I thought he was going to jump into the crowd, but after hanging for a couple of minutes he came back down.

    Sick Puppies is slated as the headliners for this event. Shimon and the gang always put on a great show. I was watching them pump each other up backstage before their performance. Shimon really likes talking to the crowd before every song, which can be a little overkill. When you have been at a festival all day and you’re the last act please keep the talking to a minimum. A large stage means more room for Emma to jump and spin around on stage. This girl is just amazing live, and I don’t think I would ever get tired of watching her play. Anzai is of the best bassists you could ever see live.

    This was a really good event and one of my favorite concerts of the year. This event was very fan-friendly with all of the bands signing autographs at different times under the autograph tent. That, to me, is what a music festival should have. It’s really nice to shoot the $#!t with your favorite artist for a couple of minutes and get something signed or take a picture with them.

    Photographer JT Gilbert took a lot of really nice pictures of this event, and his one of Nonpoint is f’in awesome. If Nonpoint ever makes a live dvd, that pic should be the cover.

    I also got to exchange a few words with Dan from Disturbed/Fight or Flight. He was drinking some really good red wine in a plastic solo cup. After I asked him what he was drinking, he told me, “Hey I have to switch it up from beer every now and then.” Funny.

    I also got to hold Adam Gontier’s Terminator-inspired mic stand which had to weigh about fifty pounds.

    Congrats to 95 X for putting on a really great event, despite the fact that a rival radio station that had their own event a week earlier pulled a classless move and held a free concert the same time and day of this event. I didn’t matter though, because on this day this was the place to be.

  • The Rascals to Bring “Once Upon A Dream” to the Upstate Region This Fall

    Coming to the Upstate Region this fall is a show that is part concert and part Broadway production.  The The Rascals, the legendary group from the 60’s, will be coming to Binghamton, Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Albany during the third week of November.   The show, which is produced by Steven Van Zandt, goes through their tumultuous history with newsreels, old concert footage, and filmed segments playing behind the band both during and between songs.  Van Zandt had been trying to get the group back together for many years, but the members did not want to do it.  Finally, with this show, he convinced them to agree to come together and they have been playing shows since December 2012 when the show premiered at The Capitol Theatre. 1001456_10151628431272052_1554064091_n The group was a major force in the music scene in the 60s, starting out as The Young Rascals.  They were one of the few American Bands that thrived during the British Invasion.  Their brand of rock ranged from blue eyed soul to folk rock to protest songs, even dabbling in civil rights issues.  Some of their bigger hits include “Beautiful Morning”, “Good Lovin’”, and “Groovin”.  In the early 70’s they went their separate ways until they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a one night only performance until now.  The original members, Felix Cavaliere, Gene Cornish, Eddie Brigati, and Dino Danelli, are all here for these shows and these are can’t-miss events.  The Rascals are back and they are ready to bring a spectacular show to the Upstate Region.  For more information on ticket availability check here.

    Upstate New York dates

    November 19 – Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, Binghamton, NY

    November 20 – Auditorium Theatre, Rochester, NY

    November 22 – Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, NY

    November 23 – Landmark Theatre – Syracuse, NY

    November 24 – Palace Theatre, Albany, NY

  • Phish to Release a Classic Upstate New York Show: Niagara Falls 95

    Phish announced this past week that they will be officially releasing a great show from their 95 Fall Tour, better yet, one from Niagara Falls. This tour of course is one of the more well known tours in Phish’s history that saw the band play from October all the way through New Years Eve.  This tour is also special to the Capitol Region because on December 9 in Albany the band played one of their best versions of “You Enjoy Myself” ever.

    phish niagara falls 95

    The show in Niagara Falls took place on December 7th, two nights prior to that Albany show, and has first set highlights of a “Demand” “Rift” combo as well as a “Slave.”  The second set sees the opening “Split Open and Melt” get “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” teases, an early version of “Taste” while it was still being called “Taste That Surrounds”, a “Reba” with no whistling, and a set ending “Mike’s Groove” that ended in a “Digital Delay Loop Jam.”  This is great news and we here at always love when an Upstate show gets an official release.  This is said to be released in November, right after they come through the Upstate Region this year on their highly anticipated Fall Tour.

    Thursday, 12/07/1995, Niagara Falls Convention Center, Niagara Falls, NY

    Set 1: The Old Home Place > The Curtain > AC/DC Bag, Demand > Rift, Slave to the Traffic Light, Guyute, Bouncing Around the Room, Possum, Hello My Baby

    Set 2: Split Open and Melt, Strange Design > Taste That Surrounds, Reba1, Julius, Sleeping Monkey > Sparkle > Mike’s Song -> Weekapaug Groove [2] -> Digital Delay Loop Jam, Amazing Grace

    Encore: Uncle Pen

    [1] No whistling
    [2] Unfinished

    Teases:
    “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” tease in “Split Open and Melt”
    “Pop Goes the Weasel” tease in “Reba”

  • Review: Krockathon 18

    Krockathon 18 was held in the Chevy Court of the N.Y. State fairgrounds. The lineup for this show was just amazing! Sevendust, Skillet, Three Days Grace and Chevelle to name a few.

    Krock even tweaked some things to the venue so they could sell 500 more tickets. The show went pretty smoothly for the most part. The main drawbacks from the fans were that there was no tailgating allowed in the parking lot, and there were not enough beer and food vendor’s. They could have used about 30 more port-a-potties also.

    First up was Stars In Stereo. They got the crowd going for this one. They did a decent cover of Aerosmith’s Dream On. Singer Bec Hollcraft seemed a little reserved at the beginning, but came into her own by the end. She could be a star someday. If I had to compare them to another band, I would have to say that they are like Paramore kicked up a notch.

    All the way from the UK, The Virginmary’s were up next. They were pretty good. I really never heard anything by them, but I really enjoyed their performance. They can definitely rock it live.

    This next band was just amazing live. Aranda, to me, is one of the bands on this bill that stole the show. The Aranda brothers, Dameon and Gabe, have some fun with each other using one guitar and holding it in different positions while the other brother plays it!!! Pretty cool $#!^. I highly recommend Aranda’s “Stop The World“cd. It is just hot from top to bottom. I would really like to see this band play a longer set.

    The next band on the bill was Red. Red had their Graffiti brick wall set up behind them, which I love as a backdrop. Michael Barnes vocals were just right on point. The Armstrong twins just know how to rock, and they have a ton of energy. I’ve seen Red live of couple of times now, and they just bring it to every show. They are also some of the coolest, most down to earth guys you can meet.

    Skillet, who just dropped their “Rise” cd, was next. Here is another band that just stole the show for me. Skillet live is just f’in awesome. Watching Jen Ledger on drums is insane. She just kicks so much @$$ up there. Skillet had their usual co2 pyro in front of the stage. Korey Cooper on guitar and keyboard is just amazing. Watching her rock out is just really fun to watch. The crowd was just nuts for Skillet and John Cooper had them wrapped around his finger. Jen also threw her drumsticks to a fan holding a sign asking her for them, which I though was classy move.

    Asking Alexandria were up next and the crowd loved them. I personally am not a huge fan of theirs, but they do put on a good live set.

    Flyleaf was set to play next. I am really not feeling Kristen May live. The band itself is OK but she is the $#!^’s. It seemed like every song was butchered by her, and it made me sick. I saw them the night before this show, and again I was not impressed.

    Another band I saw the night before was P.O.D. This is when the first of two rain showers started, and it lasted for most of P.O.D’s set. Every time I see this band they kick @$$! I love watching Sonny on stage because you can see how he just feels the lyrics he is singing.

    Well up next, according to front man Phillip LaBonte, is the hardest band on the show! All That Remains took the stage next and, like usual, they just killed it. I’ve seen this band a couple of times now, and I love them more and more.

    One of my favorite bands ever, Sevendust, is now ready to rock the stage. The topless women are now starting to come out in full force. Lajon is one of the best front men in the business to me. I love him on stage. His emotions bring my emotions out more. The whole band just rocks from start to finish. Lajon said halfway through, “We are not rockstars, we just love to play music.” One classy guy, and a very classy band. You’re all rockstars to me!

    I was standing next to a girl at this show who was there for this next band only. Chevelle took the stage and the crowd just loved them. They were really good and sounded awesome.

    Last up is Three Days Grace. The second rain fall is now starting. This is where the only snag took place as 3DG took forever to come out and delayed everyone in the rain for about an half hour. After chants of “WTF” and “this is B.S,” the show finally started. This was my second time seeing Matt sing for 3DG and he is really good. I think I liked him better the first time I saw him, though. The crowd was really over for them and even though it was down pouring rain, it was still awesome.

    What a great event Krockathon was. A couple of things that I would like to see added to next year’s event—besides more vendors and bathrooms—is a more of a festival experience. I think the bands should have been more hands on for the fans. Don’t get me wrong, some were, but not enough. I think if they set it up like Mayhem/Uproar and they had different tents for the different bands. The facility sure looked like they had enough room for it. One thing I didn’t get was the sticker that they passed out at the gate that was for random meet-n-greets with the bands, but I noticed that the Krock staff was also grabbing people who didn’t have stickers instead of the ones who did, which annoyed a lot of people who got there early to get one of the stickers.

  • Review: Halestorm, Sick Puppies & 10 Years

    This show would have been better off as a two hour headline concert of Halestorm only! Halestorm invaded Upstate Concert Hall with Sick Puppies in Clifton Park, N.Y. Friday, August 9, 2013,  and that’s all who should have showed up for this show.

    The two opening acts added nothing to the show but boredom. I was trying not to fall asleep during the first band.

    7th Squeeze is the first band of the night, and nobody really cared that they were there. You could barely understand and hear lead vocalist, Nick. For some reason his mic was really low and, to me, he was trying to act like Lajon from Sevendust but came across more like Milli Vanilli.

    Highly Suspect were up next and, although they were better than the first band, the life was sucked out of the venue and everybody just wanted Halestorm to come on. Besides the first band putting everyone to sleep, the venue was overcrowded and really hot inside, and everyone just wanted Halestorm. I do give Highly Suspect credit as they did try hard to get the crowd back into the show and ready for Halestorm.

    Finally, Halestorm hit the stage to save the night. The crowd is just nuts now. The whole band seemed really pumped up for this show and had a lot of crazy energy. Joe was just insane on guitar. He was really feeling the mood and the crowd was eating it up. Lzzy was awesome and better than the first time I saw her perform. When she sat at the piano and played the song “Break In“ it was amazing. Halestorm sang all their hits and more. They even sang some of the tracks off their cover album, and Lzzy also paid tribute to Ronnie James Dio. Arejay has one of the best drum solos ever, and it’s a show of its own. He goes from regular drumsticks to bare fist. Then, when you think he’s done, he pulls out drumsticks the size of baseball bats and starts jamming with them to perfection!

    Even though Halestorm came on and saved this show with a great two-hour-long performance, this had to be one of the worst concerts I’ve been to this year, besides Bon Jovi.

    Even though I saw Sick Puppies exactly a week earlier at 95X Fest in Syracuse, N.Y., I was still pumped to see this show on a more intimate stage at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park N.Y., Sunday, August 11, 2013.

    The opening band for the night were locals Fort Rooster. They were decent, but you can tell that they are very green still. They put on a good performance, though, and are pretty good musicians.

    10 Years is the second of three bands of the night and, as usual, they kicked @$$! Lead vocalist Jesse Hasek is f’in sick live. I love the way this guy sings. His style and voice are so unique it just takes you over. One of these days, though, Jesse is going to give himself whiplash with the head whip move he does. Jesse had a white cross painted on his face for this show. Jesse at the end of the set brought out a yellow blow up pool mattress and crowd surfed on it all the way to the merch table.

    This was my second time seeing this band live, and I can’t wait until the next time. Don’t miss these guys if they come around your town. Tons of energy from this band, which is what I like to see from a band live on stage.

    Sick Puppies closed out the show with another great performance. Yes, they were good a week earlier, but this was a lot better. These intimate venues are awesome for bands, and I think the bands put on better shows in these type of environments. Lead singer Shimon Moore is like a big kid on stage and loves to talk to the crowd a lot. He has so much energy and drive.  Speaking of energy, Emma Anzai is just all over the place on stage. Emma is so fun to watch play live, and not just because she’s hot, but because she kicks @$$. She is in her own world up there on stage, and it’s awesome to see. The band played all their hits and a lot of new tracks from their brand new cd “Connect”.

    This was a good show. 10 years and Sick Puppies are two bands that everyone should experience live at least once.

  • Review: Rockstar Mayhem Festival

    Saratoga Springs may be known for its natural springs or its historic racetrack, but it’s time to talk about the annual Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival that invaded the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) July 20, 2013. What a perfect day for an outdoor music festival.

    With 15 bands, autograph stations, all the free Rockstar drinks you can handle and the other free stuff they give away, it’s definitely worth the price of admission to this one-time-a-year event.

    This was my first time attending the Mayhem Festival and also my first time seeing some of these bands live, so I was kind of excited.

    Kicking things off on the Musician’s Institute (MI) stage was Thrown Into Exile. They opened the show with great energy and front man, Evan, was really good on the mic, and set the tone for the rest of the show. After their set make sure to drop by the MI tent and meet the band. Some really cool dudes there.

    Next up kicking things off on the Jagermeister stage was Huntress. Jill Janus is just awesome. Her facial expressions are just priceless. She’s a metal throwback for those of you who don’t like the current direction of this genre.

    Back on the MI stage was Attika 7. Not part of the original Mayhem lineup replacing Behemoth, Attika 7 still kicked some @$$. Former front man of Biohazard, Evan Seinfeld, was pretty funny when he asked the crowed if they have ever seen them before. He said “bull$#!^, we have never been here,” when the crowd responded with cheers of yes. Believe me, it was funny.

    Battlecross was up next on the Jager Stage. This was my second time seeing them perform, and they just keep getting better. Tons of energy and a great bunch of guys, so make sure you go and check them out at their merch tent after their set.

    Motionless In White were performing next on the MI stage and had the younger crowd eating out of their hands. A fan dressed like MIW was holding a sign wanting to be brought on stage because it was his birthday, and Chris not only had him come up on stage for the second to last song, but he even gave him a mic and they sang the song together. After the song, Chris said “ask and you shall receive.” I thought that was some pretty cool $#!^!

    Next up on the Jager stage was the Butcher Babies. Nothing like some hot @$$ rocking out! Tons of energy! Heidi and Carla had the crowd going nuts. This was my first time seeing BB, and I was not disappointed at all.

    Born Of Osiris was next on the MI stage. I personally am not familiar with this band, but the crowd liked them and I thought they were good.

    Job For A Cowboy is now up on the Jager stage.  They brought a whole different attitude to this show. They did nothing but kick @$$. I thought Jonny Davy was going to jump of the stage and into the pit he was so hyped.

    It’s time now for Emmure on the MI stage. Tons of energy and drive in their set. I don’t usually listen to them, but I enjoyed them live.

    Closing things on the Jagermeister stage is Machine Head. Machine Head was really over with the crowd. I only like a few of their songs, but they put on a great live set.

    Closing things on the Musician’s Institute stage was Children Of Bodem. They were over with the crowd as well. CoB is another band I don’t listen to that much, but I enjoyed their live set.

    First up on the main stage is Amon Amarth. I just love their Viking ship stage prop that they had on stage. Amon was pretty damn good and should have had another 15 minutes added to their set time. Here’s a question I have, though: how the hell does Johan not spill one drop of liquid out of his Roordahuizum drinking horn?

    Mastodon was next on the main stage. Now, I don’t know if the heat was finally getting to me or if I was having an energy drink crash but I wanted to fall asleep during their set. Don’t get me wrong, they are great musicians, I just didn’t feel their set at all. The black wig Brent Hinds was wearing was pretty funny though.

    Five Finger Death Punch now takes the main stage, and they just bring it like no one else can. This was my third time seeing 5FDP, and the only thing I did not like was that their set was not long enough. Ivan and the boys are just so good live. The crowd was nuts for them. Ivan wasn’t as energetic as I’ve seen him before, but he still kicked @$$.

    It’s now time for Rob Zombie to close the show out. This was my first time seeing Zombie live, and I must tell you that I cannot wait until I get to see him again. What a show Rob puts on. With all of the different props and costumes it’s a show within a show. John 5 has two of the most bad@$$ guitar’s I’ve ever seen. One was totally transparent with an anti-freeze looking liquid inside it and the other one was made up of a couple hundred white L.E.D lights. Rob even left the stage and ran a lap around the inside of amphitheater. This was a really good show all in all. F’in awesome job, Rockstar, I’ll see you next year.

  • Review: Carnival Of Madness

    Monster Energy Drink’s Carnival of Madness is finally here, and what a tour it is. With a lineup that consists of Shinedown, Papa Roach, Skillet, In This Moment and We As Human, I think this tour should be renamed Carnival of Bad@$$! Held at the Constellation Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua, N.Y., you could not ask for a more beautiful day for a rock show.

    Walking into the venue, everybody was super stoked when we noticed that Papa Roach was in fact there. With all the things going on with Jacoby’s vocals and tour cancelations because of these issues, no one was sure if they were going to make it. Sevendust started the tour, and this is the first show Papa Roach was slated to play on. Rumors even had Avenged Sevenfold replacing them on this show, so with that added to all the vocal issues and the Carnival of Madness Facebook stating that Papa Roach would be there, nobody for sure knew what to expect.

    First up on the Carnival of Madness stage was We As Human. XM Octane has been playing their single “Strike Back,” which is a great song, so I was curious to see these guys live. Justin Cordle was just awesome on vocals. They did a great job getting the crowd ready for the rest of the show.

    In This Moment was up next. Maria and the boys always put on a great energy filled set. Maria is probably one of the only performers I can tolerate standing in one spot for the whole show. This is the first time I got to see Maria with backup dancers, which was pretty cool. The only thing I wish that was different is that they would play some more of their older stuff as well. Oh, well, maybe in November when I see them again on the Hell Pop Tour. In This Moment Also signed autographs in the Monster Energy Drink tent after their set.

    Christian rockers Skillet were slated in the third spot for this show. I really love this band live. I know some people think John Cooper can get a little preachy at times, but if you really listen they are just heartfelt stories he shares. Skillet brought all their props for this one. Yes, they had their usual CO2 blasters, but they also had a stage length l.e.d video wall in the background and two moving platforms next to drummer Jen Ledger that various band members would take turns riding up and down. This band has so much energy live it’s amazing. John was doing this crazy dance that looked like he is having a seizure. Jen literally was rocking the stage, her drums were on as you can see it move back and forth. Korey has an awesome stage presence and newcomer Seth looked like he has been rocking with Skillet for years. I had the chance to meet the band before the show and they are really awesome to shoot the $#!^ with. Jon was kidding with everyone, and Jen is just so nice and polite.

    Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach could be seen watching Skillet’s performance from the side of the stage. Barry Kerch of Shinedown was also seen watching Skillet from the other side of the stage.

    Just when you thought the crowd could not get any more pumped up, Papa Roach hit the stage. These guys brought the f’in house down. Jacoby was just on fire and sounded awesome. I could have watched them play all night. Energy turned up to max. They sang a good variety of old and new tracks. Jacoby even did a lap through the crowd during one song.

    Papa Roach also signed autographs under the Monster Energy Drink tent while We As Human were performing at the beginning of the event.

    Every time I see this next band I am never disappointed. Shinedown is the headliner of the Carnival of Madness tour, and this band always brings a show with them. Shinedown is one of the best live bands you could ever see. Flames, sparklers, pyro and fireworks. They also had a Gypsy/Circus troupe that were performing tricks as you walked into the venue, and also joined Shinedown on stage and performed tricks with fire as the boys played. Brent Smith is just vocally amazing live. He really knows how to take over everyone in the venues emotions. Amazing singer. Amazing talker. Amazing performer.  Zack and Eric just have so much energy moving around on stage. They make you want to go up on stage and start jamming with them. Barry is just kick @$$ on the drums. Thanks, bro, for giving me your drumstick after the show!

    This is an amazing tour that every rock fan must see. I drove over three hours to see this event, and it was more than worth it. Monster hit a homerun with this lineup, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year.

  • Blues Traveler opens up UB football season with a Tailgate Party

    I was really excited to see this date drop. Not only do I love live music, football and all things Buffalo, the thought of recording at a football tailgate party presented a unique experience. On a beautiful pre-fall day with the excitement of football in the air, University at Buffalo (UB) called upon the tried and true jam-rock road warriors Blues Traveler to kick off their first concert series.

    blues traveler UBNice job done by the University with the party setup, activities and concert site, which was set just to the side of the stadium with a view of the stage including the big blue skies and stadium stands as a backdrop. This was an intriguing experience as many of the college freshman were probably not even born when some of my fellow taper brethren and I attended the Blues Traveler Alumni Arena show just to the left of us back in October of 1995.

    Download Blues Traveler’s show from September 14th at UB

    An impressive crowd filed in, including both young students, alumni and plain ole Blues Traveler fans to show their support for live music. I’m sure the success and future of this event, hinges upon the response and the response was excellent. The band came out at 1:30 for this early afternoon set and kicked off with an upbeat “Things Are Looking Up” into a “What I Got” to warm up the amp’d football crowd. No time was wasted launching into “But Anyway” which featured a really nice extended bass solo in the middle clocking at over nine minutes and the second longest track of this quick 60 minute set. “You, Me and Everything > Run Around” was a neat combo and flawless segue. Popper paid tribute to his love for New York, even New York state as he got into his tale dubbed “Cara Let The Moon”. His voice was admittedly not in the best shape for the show but the heart and soul he poured into this vocal based track compensated for it. “La Grange > NY Prophesis > Hook” finished the show in style, included some really nice playing and a guest appearance by a harmonica player from Brazil Bruno Carvalho on “La Grange”. Dueling harmonicas were a treat as promised by Popper. The treats continued with the “Devil Went Down To Georgia” encore and not missing a beat with Popper’s never dull and mostly blissful harmonica playing filling the fiddle parts just perfectly.

    We are lucky in Buffalo as we almost get an annual BT show every year here, many being free like this one. Regardless of the location, whether in be Downtown, Lockport, on the waterfront or where ever, the band always brings the spirit and soul of their music in the way they know how. And folks always, always come out.

    Setlist: Things Are Looking Up> What I Got> But Anyway, You, Me and Everything> Run Around, Cara Let The Moon, La Grange> NY Prophesie> Hook

    Encore: The Devil Went Down To Georgia

  • Tallahassee Soothes at the Bug Jar

    Tallahassee strummed their tunes to an intimate Sunday night crowd at the Bug Jar in Rochester.

    Under dark lights the four-man band revealed their soulful sounds playing folk rock songs with an Americana twist.   Their haunting sounds kept the audience in a trance-like state only to be broken by the applause after each songs end.  This is not a band that gets lost in light shows and on stage spectacles.  They felt like home on stage, keeping it real from beginning to end.

  • 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