NYS Music 20​13

Category: Rochester

  • Iron & Wine Captivates at University of Rochester

    It was a night for a man and his guitar at the University of Rochester’s Riverside Campus.  Dressed in a suit and looking dapper as ever was Sam Beam, better known by his stage name Iron and Wine. Taking to a bare stage and flanked only by a stool on one side and a second guitar on the other, he captivated the sold out crowd of 900 for nearly two hours.

    Kelli_Marsh_Iron_&_Wine-1002a

    He started the acoustic performance with a crystal clear voice singing “Sodom, South Georgia” and immediately warmed the crowd with the gentle song.  Without the backing of his full band or the distraction of a vibrant light show, Beam’s talent stood on its own.  His whispery melodies swirled over the audience, drawing them into what sometimes felt like falling into a starry dream.  Singing slowly and softly, the crowd was happily lulled by his nostalgic words.

    Kelli_Marsh_Iron_&_Wine-1019

    Chatting in between songs, Beam remarked on how moving sucks (he recently relocated from Texas to the East Coast), learned about Rochester’s ‘Garbage Plate’ and quipped when he started to play old songs and found the words escaping him, “I spend more time writing new songs than practicing old ones”.  However, he did oblige the audience with numerous requests for old favorites such as “Naked as We Came” and “Boy With A Coin”. Songs from the most recent album, Ghost on Ghost,  “Caught in the Briars”, “Low Light Buddy of Mine” and “Grace for Saints and Ramblers” all made appearances as well.  Old or new, each song ended to an eager eruption of applause and more shouts of requests from the enthusiastic crowd.  Full of gratitude and good spirit, Iron & Wine joked with the audience and humbly thanked the the crowd after each song.

    At the last song, he ended in saying, “I’ve got to bail out, while the gettin’s good.” He graciously thanked the audience one last time and and closed with a fan favorite, “Such Great Heights”.

    Setlist: Sodom, South Georgia, Resurrection Fern, Jezebel, Caught in the Briars, Low Light Buddy of Mine, Lion’s Mane, Waves of Galveston, Mary Anne, Naked As We Came, Winter Prayers, Grace for Saints and Ramblers, Upward Over the Mountain, Jesus the Mexican Boy, Fever Dream, Boy With a Coin, The Trapeze Singer

    Encore: Such Great Heights

  • Review: Monster Energy Drink Outbreak Tour 2013

    Monster Energy Drink’s 2013 Outbreak Tour invaded the Mid-Hudson Civic Center Sunday, Oct. 20 in Poughkeepsie N.Y.

    Matt Tuck
    Matt Tuck

    Headlining the tour was Bullet For My Valentine with special guest Black Veil Brides, Stars In Stereo, and Throw The Fight.

    Bullet For My Valentine
    Bullet For My Valentine

    Opening the show was Throw The Fight. I have never seen this band before, but they totally rocked live.

    Matt Tuck
    Matt Tuck

    Lead vocalist James Clark gave a brief, heartfelt speech about being a cancer survivor and reminded everyone to chase their dreams, because five years ago he was in the crowd as a fan, and now he is on the stage living his dream.

    Matt Tuck
    Matt Tuck

    I recommend going out and seeing this band live if you get the chance. I had a chance to talk with them after their set, and they are a bunch of really cool down to earth guys besides great performers.

    Stars In Stereo were slated in the second spot for this event.

    Bullet For My Valentine
    Bullet For My Valentine

    This is now my third time seeing Stars In Stereo this year. It seems like they are opening for everybody these days.

    Throw The Fight
    Throw The Fight

    Bec Hollcraft is really starting to come into her own as a performer. Last time I saw her, I felt like she was a little bit reserved but not anymore.

    Guitarist Jordan McGraw has a lot of energy and is always playing to the crowd, pumping them up.

    The first two times I saw them, they played a cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” but didn’t touch it this time and just played tracks off their album.

    Outbreak Tour 2013
    Outbreak Tour 2013

    Up next in the three spot was Black Veil Brides. I know this band had their detractors, but every time I see them on a show, they give a really good live performance.

    Andy Biersack of BVB even said during his thank you speech to everyone in the crowd who is not a BVB fan, “Thank you for putting up with us and letting us perform for you before Bullet For My Valentine came out.”

    Just like some of the “boy bands” you see in the pop genre, I think the young female teenage following they have generates most of the negative press they get from fans. BVB seems to be the “boy band” of rock music.

    Welch metal-core rockers, Bullet For My Valentine, are up next in the headlining forth spot for this show.

    BFMV came right out and kicked @$$ from start to finish.

    This was one of the best live performances by a band that I’ve seen all year! This was my first time seeing BFMV and I was not disappointed.

    Bullet is a really solid band, and the crowd just ate up their energy. Lead vocalist Matthew Tuck is just amazing on vocals live, and Jason James was just as good with his screaming/growl backing vocals.

    From drums to guitar to bass, these guys are all very talented musicians.

    Near the end of the set, Matt invited out Jordan McGraw of Stars In Stereo and Ryan Baustert of Throw The Fight. Matt said that “tomorrow is these guys’ birthday,” and brought them out for a drink on stage.

    Throw The Fight
    Throw The Fight

    Matt made them do a head stand as members from BFMV held their ankles and poured a nice alcoholic beverage in a red solo cup down their throats. Ryan failed his first head stand attempt, which made Matt quip in with “you’re not to flexible, are you?”

    Bullet performed “Tears Don’t Fall” as the last song of the night. I don’t think they had a choice. When Matt told the crowd this was going to be the last song of the night, the crowd started an immediate chant of “Tears Don’t Fall,” which brought a huge smile to Matt’s face.

    This was a really good concert from start to finish. It might even be in the top 10 of best concerts I’ve seen in 2013. All the bands were really good on this show, and if you love music like I do, and you don’t get into the band bashing like some fans do because they don’t like a certain band’s image, go out and see these bands when they come to your area. Remember, it’s all about the music and having a good time!

    Black Veil Brides
    Black Veil Bride

  • Phish Brings Phamily Together at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester

    Tuesday night’s Phish show in Rochester was a hometown show for a lot of us – sharing in the groove, the night was a spot-on show for the band as well as the crowd. Phish hadn’t played the Blue Cross Arena (The War Memorial) in 14 years and phans had high expectations for how the night would go.

    The Blue Cross Arena is set in the center of the city, the home of the Rochester Amerks hockey team and capacity of 13,000. Although this was not a sold-out show the venue allowed for dance room and a perfect landscape for Kuroda’s spine tingling, face-melting light show. This show was a night when phriends and phamily got together for the love of live music.

    phish blue cross arena rochester
    Poster designed by Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff

    As a phan who saw two of their other shows here in Rochester, I knew this would be a solid show. What made this show the best of the three appearances was the fact that my 8-year-old daughter Ella was accompanying me and she shares my love for the band. Going to shows as a Mom is a hard choice for some people but for me its second nature. The joy it brings to not only her face and my face as she dances and sings along – but the joy it brings to the phans around us who adore that she is there, and thank me for giving her that experience –  that feeling of love and acceptance for the music and the scene is what I love sharing with her.

    In full Mom-mode, Ella and I set out to find the perfect dancing space in the venue, not too high up and not within the rowdy crowd. We found our spot in the opposite goal area from the stage. A small alcove with dreadys and spinners, the small crowd in there took turns high-fiving Ella and offering me accolades of, “you’re such an awesome mama” and “she’s the coolest little girl,” all of which made the night seem like perfection. With our spot secured and Ella perched on the ice rink wall, the lights went dim, the show had begun. Phish came right out of the gate with a much-needed, “AC/DC Bag” – the scene was set, the crowd was ready, this was going to be a spectacular show!

    phish blue cross arena
    Poster by Ryan Jerzy

    The “Moma Dance” set the crowd on fire, Axilla I brought on the lyric chanting, but what really got the groove goin was the – “Meatstick,Kill Devil Falls,Scent of a Mule”. This was one of several moments of the night that produced that energy we all seek at these shows; A hometown party insued, the days of ‘old have emerged in this tour and fans couldn’t be happier.  “Character Zero” ended the first set with expectations surpassed.

    Second set began with a 16:26 minute “Crosseyed And Painless” and Ella was holding her own at her now third Phish show since birth. She got down hardcore to this jam, feeling the freedom to dance and move about the sound of the music, we were sharing in the groove, sharing an experience of pure joy. “The Light > Golden Age” was nothing short of a miracle, glittered with the lights on the fans, Kuroda’s light show matched each note to a point, it was clear the band was feeling the crowds energy in a symbiosis of music and lights.

    The funk re-emerged with “Birds of a Feather, Halley’s Comet, Possum” – another part of the night that left fans speechless but dancing about in a undescible groove. With the night getting later and the little one getting more tired by the song, Possum would turn out to be our last dance-off for the evening, while seated with her on my lap during “Heavy Things”, it was clear we would have to call it a night.

    Finding out we missed a fantastic “YEM” and “Joy” was saddening but keeping in mind that going to shows as a Mama also means leaving shows as a Mama with a tired little girl. All in all, this show was a spectacular night for everyone in attendance – especially the coolest kid I am proud to call my daughter! Thank You Phriends and Phamily for a real good night, and Thank You to Phish for creating a community around music in which I am able to experience with the youngest of phans.

    Phish – October 22, 2013 – Blue Cross Arena – Rochester, NY

    Set 1: AC/DC Bag, The Moma Dance, Axilla I, Meatstick, Kill Devil Falls, Scent of a Mule, Timber, My Friend My Friend, Halfway to the Moon, Maze, Character Zero

    Set 2: Crosseyed and Painless, Light > Golden Age, Birds of a Feather, Halley’s Comet, Possum, Bug, Heavy Things, You Enjoy Myself

    Encore: Joy, First Tube

    Notes: Meatstick contained the Japanese lyrics. Scent of a Mule featured Fishman on Marimba Lumina. Page teased Baby Elephant Walk before the start of the second set. Golden Age began over the jam out of Light.

  • Umphrey’s McGee 2014 Winter Tour Announced

    Umphrey’s McGee has released their winter tour schedule for 2013 and  2014. The band will be making a stop in Buffalo, New York October 26th at the Town Ballroom and continuing their lengthy tour into 2014. Later in their tour, Umphrey’s McGee will be making a stop at Upstate Concert Hall February 2nd in Clifton Park, New York as well as the F Shed at the Market in Syracuse accompanied by Kung Fu on February 8th, and the Harro East Ballroom in Rochester, New York the following day on February 9th.
    UMp
    They will also be playing two nights at the Beacon Theater in New York City on January 17th and 18th.

    This tour celebrates 16 years of touring coast to coast and will be shared with many special guests throughout the tour including, The Werks, Kung Fu, Moon Taxi, and more TBA.

    October
    10.21 State Theatre, State College, PA
    10.23 House of Blues, Cleveland, OH
    10.24 Sherman Theater, East Stroudsburg, PA
    10.25 Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
    10.26 Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY
    10.30 State Theatre, Kalamazoo, MI
    10.31 The Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI (w/ London Souls)

    November
    11.1 The Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI (w/ Cosby Sweater featuring Joel Cummins)
    11.2 The Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI (w/ Boombox)

    December
    12.16-20 Mayan Holidaze, Puerto Morelos, MEX
    12.28 The Fillmore, Denver, CO
    12.29 The Fillmore, Denver, CO (w/ Joshua Redman + Dumpstaphunk) SOLD OUT
    12.30 Venue TBA, Denver, CO
    12.31 The Fillmore, Denver, CO

    January
    1.17 Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
    1.18 Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
    1.29 Track 29, Chattanooga, TN
    1.30 Tennessee Theater, Knoxville, TN
    1.31 LC Pavilion, Columbus, OH

    February
    2.1 The Fillmore, Detroit, MI (w/ The Werks)
    2.6 Upstate Concert Hall, Albany, NY
    2.7 Lupo’s, Providence, RI (w/ Kung Fu)
    2.8 F Shed at the Market, Syracuse, NY (w/ Kung Fu)
    2.9 Harro East Ballroom, Rochester, NY
    2.13 The NorVa, Norfolk, VA (w/ Moon Taxi)
    2.14 Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Asheville, NC (w/ Moon Taxi)
    2.15 The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD (w/ Moon Taxi)
    2.16 The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD

    Follow

     @Umphrey’s Mcgee |Facebook |Myspace|Instagram

  • Set the Gearshift to Upstate NY – Phish Return to Rochester and Glens Falls

    With the start of Phish’s fall tour in Hampton this past weekend, few things are more exciting than the anticipation of an Upstate New York show. Rochester and Glens Falls are gearing up for two raging Phish shows that have been 19 and 13 years in the making, respectively. Local businesses and fans are ready, and has your guide to all that is happening in Rochester and Glens Falls before and after the shows this week.

    phish rochester glens falls
    photo by Danny Clinch

    On Tuesday October 22, Phish will play the Blue Cross Arena (War Memorial) in Rochester. The documentary Bittersweet Motel, directed by Todd Phillips (Old School, The Hangover) features footage from the band’s December 11th, 1997 performance, including the rehearsal and debut of Ween’s “Roses Are Free”.

    The next night, Wednesday October 23, Phish will return to the Glens Falls Civic Center for the first time since October 31st, 1994, when they covered the Beatles’ White Album in its entirety. This epic performance not only started the band’s musical costume tradition, but also launched the band into the general mainstream.

    Tickets for the Rochester show are still on sale at Ticketmaster and at the venue box office, while the 6,806-capacity Glens Falls show is sold out! Use CashorTrade.org to find extras!

    Below is a list of pre and post show events, as well as maps of the area. Have fun and see you at the shows!!

    Upon arrival in Rochester, take the Plymouth and Broad exit off I-490. There is underground parking on Broad Street and an outdoor main lot on the corner of Court Street. and Exchange Street., but parking naturally fills up quickly as you would suspect. On Court Street you will find Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, an Upstate New York favorite for good reason, so get there early and grab a table and a bite to eat. In a rush – grab food at the bar and enjoy a great selection of beers.

    Rochester post-shows include The Goods @ Dinosaur BBQ (99 Court Street) and Universe Shark and The Blind Owl Band @ The Montage (50 Chestnut Street), which starts at 10pm and is 18+.

    Glens Falls has two big pre-show events planned, both within walking distance to the venue. 42º and Manifest Glassworks present glass blowers collaboration, special deals, a live broadcast with Jeff from WEQX’s “Jam-N-Toast” and refreshments at 42º, located at 23 Park Street, a mere 0.2 miles from Glens Falls Civic Center. The show goes from 12-6pm. There will also be an Art Show @ Aimiee’s Dinner & A Movie, located at 190 Glen Street featuring many Phish artists, including Isadora Bullock, Pin Me Down Designs, Bill Pompeii of Pompeii Prints, PhanArt, StuPINdous Creations and many more from 2-630pm. For food, The Post-Star has some suggestions on dining, but you can find many places to eat just wandering around downtown. It’s a small town, you’ll find good eats around every corner.

    Post show, Glens Falls has two great shows, both right in town and a short walk from the Civic Center. Twiddle and Mister F will be at Hot Shots Sports Bar, located at 45 South St. If you can’t get a ticket to Phish, this show starts at 10pm and is 21+. The other post-show is Touchpants at Sandy’s Clam Bar, featuring Jon Fishman! Sandy’s is located at 41 South Street and this show is SOLD OUT!

    Enjoy the shows in Upstate New York everyone!

  • Preview: Thriller A Metal Tribute To Michael Jackson

    Thriller Tribute Cd Cover ArtCleopatra Records is set to release a rather interesting compilation cd on Oct. 22, 2013. Thriller: A Metal Tribute To Michael Jackson, with artists past and present on this project, I am really hoping that this is going to be a really good cover album and not a bust. I guess it all depends on the musical arrangements for each track for success, and I can’t wait to see what these artists come up with.

    Although it’s labeled as “Thriller,” it is not a cover of the “Thriller” album itself, but rather many of MJ’s hits are covered instead. In fact, 13 songs are covered on the disc. I wish the Three Days Grace’s cover of “Give In To Me” made it on the cd and rounded it out at 14 tracks.

    Nonpoint’s Elias Soriano is on the track “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground).” Chris Jericho of Fozzy does a version of “Dirty Diana.” Asking Alexandria’s Donny Worsnop and Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan are one the track “Man In The Mirror,” and the cd would not be complete without the Alien Ant Farm cover of “Smooth Criminal.”

    Track Listing for Thriller : A Metal Tribute

    1. Thriller – Chuck Billy ( Testament )
    2. Man In The Mirror – Danny Worsnop ( Asking Alexandria) Billy Sheehan ( Mr. Big)
    3. The Way You Make Me Feel – Angelo Moore (Fishbone) Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) Rudy Sarzo (Queensryche)
    4. Black Or White – Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust) Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss) Tony Franklin (The Firm)
    5. Beat It – Pirya Panda (Diemonds) Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses)
    6. Billy Jean – Corey Glover (Living Colour) Phil Campbell (Moterhead)
    7. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) – Elias Soriano ( Nonpoint)
    8. Rock With You – Doug Pinnick (King’s X)
    9. Dirty Diana – Chris Jericho (Fozzy)
    10. Bad – Paul Dianno (ex-Iron Maiden) Craig Goldy (Dio)
    11. They Don’t Care About Us – Icarus Witch
    12. Never Can Say Goodbye – Lonnie Jordan (War)
    13. Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm

  • Keller Williams Plays to an Intimate Crowd in Rochester

    NYS Music was lucky enough to capture two Keller Williams shows in Upstate NY, a solo performance at German House in Rochester on September 12th and at Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, NY on October 10th with special guests, New York’s very own Floodwood sharing the bill.

    keller williams rochesterKeller Williams is truly a Renaissance Man of the music world. With an album repertoire including, to name a few –  a Children’s album, a piano infused Grateful Dead covers album (Keys) and a bluegrass treat with the Travelin’ McCourys (Pick) – all in addition to his noteworthy one-man-show events, set Keller far apart from the Jamband pack.

    Currently on tour across the East and West Coasts, Keller can be seen on any given night of the week as either his solo performance or accompanied by one of several bands like –  Floodwood, The Travelin’ McCourys or More Than A Little.

    The German House performance played to an intimate local crowd with energy that filled the air while permeating the dance floor with a flood of dancing shoes.

    keller williams rochesterArriving onstage barefoot in rolled-up khakis and strapped with a guitar, Keller beat on the strings of his guitar to a wordless jam with increasing intensity of sound. Whilst twirling around the stage in circles with silly faces and comical interactions with the crowd, Keller’s inner presence beamed from his gestures – it was clear the crowd was in for a fantastic evening.

    This particular night Keller was consistently impressing fans with sampling several different instruments at once and dancing around while creating music, amazing music! Many were in awe of how seamlessly he was not just making music, but he was the music, it was all-encompassing and a delight to be a part of.

    SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

    Keller’s version of Ani DiFranco’s “Freak Show” was an excellent first for me – Keller giving credit to the creators of the song he was making his own, saying – “bass line by the GD words by Ani Difranco”. Freaker by the speaker created a funky psychedelic jam that blew the roof of the house that night.

    During a drum beat infused Franklin’s Tower the crowd erupted into a sing along where Keller Williams improvised lyrics to say, “If you get confused listen to the fake trumpet play” – as he created trumpet sounds from an iPad on a stand. It seemed to be a spiritual moment in the German house where,  we as a music community in Rochester, NY, once  celebrated the life of a fallen brother, Scott Schojan – the words “may the four winds blow you safely home again” sends a warmth thru my body knowing at that moment, Scotty was in the room with us.

  • Review: Purple Pig Festival in Naples

    The Purple Pig Festival, a quietly publicized festival hidden away in the Finger Lakes, proved a force to be reckoned with over the last weekend in September. Under the full Harvest Moon, traffic lined the corn fields in Naples, NY, waiting for the opportunity to see what Odd Fellowes Farm had to offer for the second annual Festival. Set up with multiple stages, vending, food, and a fire pit, all within close proximity it gave the Purple Pig an intimate feeling right away. Benches provided perches for the main stage, and the barn stage was decorated aptly with flying pigs.

    Western NY ruled the night with Randle and the Late Night Scandals, AudioInflux, Axis Armada, and The Prickers. A truly local band based out of Naples NY, The Prickers brought with them a robust following, their own line of lovingly made screen printed merchandise, and unique mix of sounds. The multi-talented musicians melded bluegrass, rock, and even punk into their set, setting the stage for a weekend full of variety and energy.

    purple pig festival

    Late night favorites Jimkata took to the main stage while fire twirlers worked in time with the tempo of the Jamtronic quartet. While they were a new band to many in attendance, they quickly gained respect as the set wore on, ripping through their ever growing repertoire. Saturday brought rain, and lots of it. The main stage closed and tents set up over the already muddy grounds gave limited respite from the rain. Making the best out of a difficult situation, the schedule of the day went out the window, and bands and volunteers alike pitched in to keep the show going.

    The Campbell Brothers, an unlikely crowd favorite, stole the show on Saturday and while it continued to rain, spirits were lifted, and bodies danced to the African-American gospel band. Out of Rush, NY they have offering their version of worship to concertgoers nationwide. Joining them on the keyboard was another Naples native, Aaron Lipp. Known for their high energy and unstoppable grooves, the band brought the crowd to a roaring frenzy as they closed out the set. The diversity of the music was fully realized as Saturday night rolled in, from Gospel to the classic Americana-indie rock bluegrass sounds of The Horse Flies, back to the Jamtronica funk beats of Roots Collider.

    What a great weekend in the Finger Lakes at the Purple Pig Music Festival. Saturday’s marathon of music concluded with a smoking Giant Panda set that just about blew the roof off the barn. A slow Sunday morning start was to be expected after the late night rager. Yet once the music started, the energy kicked back into gear, providing an exclamation point on an already incredible weekend, one that brought with it major challenges, from the small size, the cool weather, and the rain and subsequent mud. But this little festival thrived and overcame the worst possible festival troubles, and were determined as the saying goes, to be “Happier than Pigs in Shit.”

  • Sirens & Sailors In The Finals For Best of Rochester 2013 Poll

    Photo Credit: Good Knews Photography

    City Newspaper, a newspaper local to Rochester N.Y., has nominated local Rochester metal band Sirens & Sailors for best local band and best local show in the Best of Rochester 2013 poll.

    “We were at practice, and I had just gotten behind my drum set to start warming up, and Kyle mentioned that we should go check out this survey that Rochester was having,” Doug Court, the band’s drummer, said. “So, we did and, sure enough, we were on there.”

    “It was a truly humbling and great experience,” Court said. “We love Rochester so much, and it’s a huge honor that Rochester loves us back.

    “If we do win, I think it will give the people who aren’t quite into the heavier music a bit of a reason to check us out, and also to carry on that honor outside of Rochester. And, rep for our city is seriously an amazing experience in itself.”

    “I found out that Sirens & Sailors were nominated because a few friends had posted the link to vote and mentioned that we were in the running,” vocalist Kyle Bihrle said. “I shortly after picked up a copy of the latest City Newspaper and saw our name in the running in that as well.”

    “I felt and still feel extremely honored. I’ve never seen a band of our genre nominated for the category before, and that truly means so much to us to be considered. A very humbling feeling.

    “We take gigantic pride in being from Rochester, N.Y., and we speak so highly of it everywhere we travel. To win would honestly be one of the proudest moments of being in this band. To have the city we love so much back us and support us enough to give us an award would just be mind blowing.

    “It would be great recognition for bands such as ourselves in Rochester.”

    Voting for the Best of Rochester 2013 will continue until Oct. 15, according to City Newspaper’s website, and the winners will be announced Oct. 30.

    To vote, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8NJ2K7H

  • 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.