The lineup for the second annual First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival, has been announced. The festival, now with double the amount of performers and double the number of days – will run from September 19-28, 2013.
With nearly 120 free performances at this year’s Fringe Festival, City residents will have the opportunity to be a part of Rochester’s growing cultural experience.
All tickets are now on sale at – rochesterfringe.com. Ticketed shows range from $5 to $16, and the $190 Fringe Fanatic pass includes entry to all except for the previously-announced Marc Maron ($20-$55), Dave Barry ($20-$65) and new Spiegeltent shows.
This year’s multi-arts festival has divided its shows into seven genres: Children’s, Comedy, Cross-Genre, Dance, Music, Performance Art, Spoken Word, Theatre, and Visual Arts. A printed Fringe Guide will be distributed starting in August, but the complete schedule with prices, venues, photos and descriptions is now available at rochesterfringe.com.
Venues This Year Are:Acanthus Café; Bernunzio Uptown Music; Blackfriars Theatre; Christ Church; Eastman School of Music’s Cominsky Promenade, Kilbourn Hall, New Rehearsal Hall (Rm. 415),Sproull Atrium (by Max of Eastman Place) and Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre (headliners); Gallery r; Garth Fagan Dance Studio; Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; George Eastman House’s Curtis Theatre, Living Room and Terrace Garden; Java’s Café; The Little Theatre’s Little 1 and The Little Café; Manhattan Square Park; MuCCC; RAPA; Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo); Rochester Museum & Science Center; The Space; Spiegeltent; TheatreROCS Stage at Xerox Auditorium, Writers & Books; and the UR Arts Bus.
I first heard of this band called Phish in the middle of my first year of college at SUNY Alfred from a fellow architecture student. He had a few tapes which he copied for me (which in turn I was able to trade for a box full which now resides in the “dusty memories” corner of my basement). This was back in the day where you couldn’t just turn on YouTube or cruise to the Phish spreadsheet to hear whatever show you wanted – you had to actually work for it! Despite my musical background, which was mostly metal and classic rock at that point, the band impressed me immediately. The juxtaposition of incredibly structured songs wrapped in periods of ‘anything goes’ was completely new to me and I became engrossed in learning about all things Phish.
It wasn’t until the summer of ‘93 that I finally had an opportunity to catch the band live, but by then I had heard dozens of tapes, knew the studio albums by heart, and was beyond psyched for my first experience. My friend Ron and I traveled up from Candor, NY, just south of Ithaca, up to Buffalo to meet some of his friends. As luck would have it, his friends parents were quite well-off and we spent the early afternoon in a gorgeous custom pool with attached hot tub before collecting everyone and heading towards Darien Lake. After a quick and delicious stop at Buffalo’s Mighty Taco we got to the venue a few hours before show time.
After scoring my first ever lot grilled cheese and a nice fan-made “Gone Phishin’” t-shirt, we wandered in to find a good spot on the lawn. The weather was perfect and the shrieks of nearby tourists in the next door amusement park only added to the overall excitement in the air. I was immediately taken aback by the crowd, while it certainly reminded me of the two Grateful Dead experiences I had gone on, there was something different about it, almost intangible…
The band wasted no time coming out of the gate with an especially “Taboot” version of “Llama”, arguably one of the greatest openers in the bands repertoire. While my ears remained transfixed to the auditory mastery unfolding before them, my eyes started to wander around the crowd around me, trying to quantify that intangible feeling I had noticed earlier. What I observed was astounding. Everyone stood, transfixed by the music. Chatting was minimal. The sea of people knew every word, every note, every nuance of the songs being performed. People danced to their own hearts, with no qualms of judgement. This was not a place to worry about mortgage statements, exes or bosses that make you work all weekend. This was a time to live in the moment and become immersed in the pureness of music mastery. The rest of the set was loaded with treats for new timers and seasoned veterans alike. From the simple recreation of “Bouncing around the Room” to the fierce peaks and improvisation in a “Reba>Maze” pairing, which remain as some of my favorite versions of those songs to this day.
Then stuff got awesomely weird as the first notes of Colonel Forbin’s ascent rang out and the crowd collectively shit their tie-dyed britches. The Colonel went on quite the journey this sunny August day, as Trey’s narration appropriately took us through the “roller coaster of the mind” as unknowing park dwellers went on their own metal and wood coaster journey’s nearby. Eventually the Colonel found the Famous Mockingbird and the band closed the set with a spirited version of classic set closer “Cavern.”
After far more than the 15 minutes Trey promised us, the band came back for the second set and launched into the familiar notes of Strauss’s “Also Spracht Zarathrusta”. More typical lengthwise to the 3.0 versions of this tune, it was a quick one and launched immediately into my very first experience with Mike’s Groove. Mike’s Groove has had a lot of variations throughout Phishtory, but the standard is the trio of “Mikes Song”, the segue instrumental “I am Hydrogen”, and the raging rock of “Weekapaug Groove” to close it. This particular Mike’s would stray far from the standard. Two distinct jams in the Mike’s section, with the second being so atypical it is often marked on setlists as “Irish Diddy Jam”. Sandwiched in the middle of this monster was my first experience hearing (or knowing about) the Jon Fishman penned poem “Kung”. We stood up, we ran to the hills, we imagined 1000’s of stampeding golf carts hell-bent on stealing our rich minerals. I gave Ron the 10th of what would be dozens of “Did that just really happen?” looks that night.
Little did I know, this Mike’s was just getting started. Instead of the typical segue into “I Am Hydrogen” the band went into yet another rarity, the beautiful and succinct Trey instrumental “The Man Who Saw Into Yesterday”. Continuing the groove madness, the Phish version of the Jewish prayer “Avenu Malkenu” came next. “Our Father, Our King, be gracious with us and answer us, even though we have no deeds; treat us with charity and kindness, and save us.” But who would save us? Instead of the typical “Weekapaug” exclamation point, “The Sloth” came down from the ghetto to slice our nipples. No one complained. In fact we all felt like laughing. And we laughed and laughed until we fell apart during the ensuing “Sparkle” which was set on super-holy-phuck-turbo speed. No bathroom songs in this show. The set continued with a well executed version of THE original Gamehendge song, “McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters” which segued into a hilarious take on Prince’s “Purple Rain” with the typical Phished up version of Argent’s “Hold Your Head Up” to follow. The set then closed with arguably Phish’s greatest show closing tune, a rip roaring, unrelenting “Run Like an Antelope” complete with fireworks and a laser light show from inside the theme park.
Two decades later this show still resounds as one of the greatest experiences I’ve had. Five Gamehendge related songs, a Kung, audience signals, the most atypical Mike’s Groove I have seen to this day, and just the overall experience of euphoria and belonging in the air made it something I will never forget. It was truly a life changing experience and Phish has endured as a major portion of my being ever since. I wear a handcrafted gold Phish ring on my hand. My car is adorned with a PH1SH license plate. I saw my 3oth show on my 30th birthday. My son was conceived during Coventry weekend. Twenty years later, I’m still upside down.
Set 1: Llama, Bouncing Around the Room > Poor Heart > Stash[1] -> Makisupa Policeman, Reba[2], Maze, Colonel Forbin’s Ascent > Fly Famous Mockingbird[3] > Cavern
Set 2: Also Sprach Zarathustra > Mike’s Song[4] -> Kung -> Mike’s Song > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Avenu Malkenu > The Sloth, Sparkle, My Friend, My Friend[5] > McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters -> Purple Rain > Hold Your Head Up, Run Like an Antelope
Encore: Carolina, La Grange
[1] Unfinished. [2] No whistling. [3] Narration dealt with the “Roller Coaster of the Mind.” [4] Aw Fuck! and Oom Pa Pa signals. [5] Beginning featured Trey on acoustic guitar.
One-man-band Keller Williams hits the road this Fall performing his signature solo sets with stops in Upstate New York. Accompanied on stage only by a slew of instruments and musical gadgets. In his seemingly insatiable quest for constant musical evolution, Keller will also make very special select live appearances with any one of his creative collaborations.
Since he first appeared on the scene in the early ’90s, Keller Williams has defined the term independent artist. And his 16 recordings tell only half the story. Keller built his reputation initially on his engaging live performances, no two of which are ever alike. Williams’ solo live shows—and his ability to improvise to his determinedly quirky tunes despite the absence of an actual band—quickly became the stuff of legend, and his audience grew exponentially when word spread about this exciting, unpredictable performer.
Keller will play 4 shows in Upstate NY on this tour, the first show will be held at Rochester’s historical, German House on September 12th. Doors open at 7:00PM The show starts at 8:00PM, tickets are $25 and all ages are welcome. To purchase tickets please visit KellerWilliams.net and for more information you can call 585-442-6880 or visit www.upallnightpresents.com.
The following night, September 13th, Keller will play the Wescott Theater in Syracuse, NY. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show starts at 9:00PM. Tickests are $25 and all ages are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online at KellerWilliams.net or the venue box office. For more information please call 315-478-8634 or visit www.thewestcotttheater.com.
September 14th Keller will play Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. Doors open at 8:00PM, the show starts at 9:00PM and this is an all ages show. Ticket prices range between $35-$55 and can be purchased online at KellerWilliams.net.
The last appearance in Upstate NY will be a special treat as Keller will be joined by special guests and New York natives, Floodwood, for the October 10th show at Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, NY. Doors open at 8:00PM and show begins at 9:00PM, this is an all ages show. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online or at the venue box office.
Savannah, Georgia’s critically acclaimed stoner/sludge metal outfit Baroness has had a trying year. Sidelined just a month after the release of their latest album Yellow and Green by a bus accident in London that left several members injured, they are just getting back on the road again.
This Wednesday, joined by label mates Royal Thunder, they will be bringing their fierce musical onslaught to Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall. Ticket’s are $15 and can be purchased here or at the Water Street box office. Doors at 7, showtime at 8. Throw on some black and come rage! 16+ w/ ID.
On July 18, 2013 the Americanarama festival caravan kicked up clouds of dust into Darien Lake Performing Arts Center for an extended afternoon of eclectic and distinctly ‘American’ music. Featuring an impressive collection of talent, the tour spotlights rock and roll innovators My Morning Jacket, alt-country pioneers and sonic travelers Wilco, and the man superlatives won’t do justice for, Bob Dylan. The festival has been wagon training across the country (with Bob Weir hopping on for five dates) bringing a special collection of artists and a communal vibe to each stop.
The intimate and friendly crowd at Darien slowly gathered under the blistering sun for early opener Ryan Bingham, who was well received. Following Bingham the venue was buzzing in anticipation of My Morning Jacket’s appearance. MMJ’s set contained silvery guitars and funky grooves, settling the crowd into a danceable yet experimental place. Live and in concert is the way to enjoy this band, as the energy just oozes off of the stage. Closing their set with the steamy pairing of “Off the Record” and “Phone Went West”, the crowd was primed properly and responded in kind with a fitting ovation.
Wilco followed with an impressive cross-section of their storied career, which fit nicely into a truncated festival set. Opening with the always welcome “Cars Can’t Escape”, Wilco then unveiled a well-paced selection that included tasty samples from the entirety of their colorful pallet such as “Passenger Side”, “Bull Black Nova” and “I’m A Wheel”. A peak moment in the show was the collaboration between Wilco and My Morning Jacket for a sing-along version of Nick Lowe’s, (via Elvis Costello) “What’s So Funny About (Peace Love and Understanding)” that had everyone dressed in sun baked smiles.
As the air cooled and evening closed in, Dylan and his swinging band took the stage for a concluding set filled with new takes on familiar classics. Dylan growled, spat and chanted his way through fresh arrangements of “Times Have Changed” and “Tangled Up in Blue”, and excitedly dictated new songs like “Early Roman Kings” and “Duquesne Whistle”. He also took some breathy harp breaks to the excitement of the crowd. While often an acquired taste these days, Dylan put on a diverse and crisp show covering all corners of his catalog, enjoyable for the uninitiated as well as the diehards.
A wonderful evening of tunes and tales was had by all in attendance. All three of the headlining acts for the first ever ‘Americanarama’ festival shared the common thread of a love for song. While the music of the artists on the bill is as different as it is similar, their common respect for the craft of the tunes and their emotional effect brought them together for this summer of musical symmetry.
Rochester’s annual International Jazz Festival is a pure musical delight, with stages nestled into the streets in downtown, serving as a temporary home for some of the world’s most talented jazz musicians. With nine days of music and nearly 300 shows to choose from, music lovers have their pick of a star-studded lineup. Among the headliners this year was Grammy Award winning Peter Frampton‘s Guitar Circus, featuring Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles.
Taking the stage in dark blue jeans, All Star sneakers and black shirt, Peter Frampton greeted the crowd in the Eastman Theater. With eager photographers from the media populating the center of the stage, looking for their perfect shot of a living rock legend, Frampton smiled back at the cameras and joked with the photographers – “My you have big lenses, we can compare mm later.. Are you trying to get my nostrils?”
The lights dimmed, the music began with energy, and his stage presence was thrilling; the audience was perched at the edge of their seats, basking in the glory of a true rock star. With an energetic start and a slower paced second song, “Show Me the Way” prompted a sing-along with the crowd and the energy was unbelievable. The song is one of his biggest hits, originally released on the 1976 album, Frampton Comes Alive! – featuring the iconic talkbox device made famous by Frampton; seeing this song performed live was like a step-back into the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
After a quick check-in with the audience – “How we doing tonight?”, the crowd returned a faint cheer, prompting Frampton to reply, “Can’t we make more noise than that?” and the crowd erupted with a roaring cheer, giving the band the energy they were looking for. The next song was the title track from Frampton’s 1972 solo album, Wind of Change. Now relaxed and fully enjoying the moment, Frampton belted out the lyrics, “Take me away, take me away, faking my way through,” the crowd participated in yet another energized sing-a-long.
The next treat was an instrumental jam that was an exquisite collaboration of guitars and drums. The Guitar Circus was more like a showcase of the sexiest guitar rifts with hard-hitting Rock ‘n’ Roll drums to keep the beat. Next, fans were treated with another hit off Frampton Comes Alive! – “Baby, I Love Your Way” – the classic song still continues to get air time on classic rock stations to this day.
Banter between band members and interactions from Frampton to the crowd had become part of the show, fans were engaged – participating in the energy that the music brought to a small theater, an intimacy that lacks in the stadium style concerts, making the fans part of the show. Frampton announced, “Well this is the circus and welcome to the guitar circus, we do have a lot of guitar ticks, but it is my honor to introduce Mr. Don Felder of the Eagles, to the stage,” andthe crowd erupted with applause from Frampton’s words and welcomed Felder to the stage.
Fans knew what the first song between the duo was even before a lyric was spoken, as nostalgia soaked the air for “Hotel California”, clearly the song they had all been hoping for, based upon the expressions on the faces of the concert goers which were reminiscent of teenagers cranking up the tunes in their car as they embarked on new journeys. To see these two legends on stage together was nothing short of a Rock ‘n’ Roll dream. The duo also played a sexy version of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy“.
The night showcased a few more well-known songs, several stories and jokes from Frampton, and then fans were told a tale of plane crashes and lost guitars – “I got this guitar back after 31 years. I thought it was in a plane crash but it had fallen out before the crash and then it was stolen and now it’s come back to me,” referring to the 1954 Gibson Les Paul he played on “Frampton Comes Alive!”, one of the best-selling live albums ever and the recording that established him as one of the great rock guitarists of the 1970’s.
The final song of the night was a score truly meant for this long-lost guitar that Frampton held firmly in his arms, “Do You Feel Like We Do”. The entire night was a step-back into the 1970’s for most in attendance. Peter Frampton’s Guitar Circus was a showcase of legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll history, well received by all who had the opportunity to attend. As the show came to an end and the lights went up, Frampton thanked the crowd for a terrific evening, arm-in-arm with his bandmates for a final bow and gracefully exited the stage.
Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! The Carnival of Madness is to start its fourth annual national tour August 11th with one hell of a lineup: Shinedown, Papa Roach, Skillet, In This Moment, and We As Human.
Carnival of Madness was founded by In de Goot Entertainment’s Bill McGathy in 2010 and has been sponsored by Monster Energy over the years. Previously the dates ran from mid-July till late August or till mid-September. Shinedown headlined the first tour in 2010 along with Chevelle, Puddle of Mudd, Sevendust, and 10 Years, starting from mid-July till the end of August. The second tour in 2011 was headlined by Theory of a Deadman, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way, and Empathic, however this started from the end of July till mid-September. Last year’s lineup was just as great as the rest; Evanescence, Chevelle, Halestorm, Cavo, and New Medicine, starting from the end of July till the end of August.
In celebration of announcing this year’s lineup, Shinedown’s Brent Smith had a live chat with the ecstatic fans. He said that this will be different from the other years that this will feel more like an actual carnival. “No one should think this is going to be the Carnival of Madness they have seen the three years prior. Everything is brand new.”
Carnival of Madness hits Canandaigua, NY August 16th. Be sure to check out the tour’s Facebook and website for more updates. This will be an event you will not want to miss out on!
Jam icons Phish officially announced their 2013 Fall Tour. The tour starts back at the mothership, Hampton Coliseum, on October 18, 19 and 20. The East Coast only run will also take the band to Rochester, NY, Glens Falls, NY, Worcester, MA, Hartford, CT and Reading, PA. Phish will then play a three-night stand at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ that begins on Halloween night, which will feature 3 sets including their usual 2nd set musical costume.
An online ticket request period for the tour is currently underway at http://tickets.phish.com and will end on Sunday, August 4th at 11:59PM ET. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning August 8th and continue through the 10th. For complete ticketing details, visit http://phish.com.
PHISH 2013 FALL TOURDATES
10/18 Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA
10/19 Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA
10/20 Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA
10/22 Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY
10/23 Glens Falls Civic Center, Glens Falls NY
10/25 DCU Center, Worcester, MA
10/26 DCU Center, Worcester, MA
10/27 XL Center, Hartford, CT
10/29 Sovereign Center, Reading, PA
10/31 Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
11/01 Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
11/02 Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
Upstate improvisational legends moe. brought their jam marathon’s to Rochester’s Party in the Park series June 20th. Often locally referred to as “Party in the Parking Lot”, this series deserves more credence. While it’s correct that the events take place in an area also often used to park cars, what is missed by local denizens is that there is ample space provided, an excellent “big-time” stage, copious amounts of affordable vending, convenient entry and exit points, a picturesque view of the Flour City bridge and tons of nearby parking. People must not care that much though, as this event was packed from end to end.
moe. came straight out of the gate at full speed with fan favorite “Happy Hour Hero”. The first set was a short one, but offered excellent takes on “Sensory Deprivation Bank” and “Akimbo” as well as some voice box fun from Chuck Garvey. During setbreak, fans enjoyed music from buskers, beer from Rochester based breweries Rohrbachs and Genesee, and several food trucks filled with tasty treats.
Second set began while the sun was going down, allowing fans a glimpse at moe.’s top tier light show. Also offered was plenty of shreddy guitar interplay between guitarists Chuck Garvey and Al Schnier. Highlights included a fiery “Wicked Awesome”, the always epic “Brent Black” and a top-speed encore combo of “Spine Of A Dog->Meat”.
Setlist: moe., Party in the Park, Rochester, NY – June 20, 2013
Set 1: Happy Hour Hero > Sensory Deprivation Bank, Understand, The Ghost Of Ralph’s Mom, Hi and Lo > Big World > Akimbo Set 2: Haze > Wicked Awesome, Puebla > Billy Goat > Tailspin > Brent Black Encore: Spine Of A Dog > Meat
Upcoming Party in the park shows include John Browns Body on 7/11, Great Big Sea on 7/18 and Leon Russell on 7/25
“That guy, you see that guy? He gets it. He knows how to support live music”, said Filter front man Richard Patrick as he was pointing right at me. “And wearing a Tool shirt, that band is awesome!”. People are slapping me on the back and handing out high fives. I give him the double metal sign back and the band blasts into another song.
Much of Filter’s June 18th show at Rochester’s Montage Music Hall went like this. As a more than 20 year vet on the national touring scene, Mr. Patrick certainly knows how to successfully work an audience. The band delivered an exceptional set full of energy, including classics like “Take a Picture”, “Do You (Trip Like I Do)”, and “Zero”, each of which were mixed in with enough deep cuts to make even the most jaded Filter vet (if such a thing could exist) ecstatic. Towards the end of their set the band delivered an angst-filled take on The Turtles classic “Happy Together”. After the song, front man Richard Patrick exclaimed they had never played that before and that we had all ‘made history together.’ This was a fantastic performance by adept performers that have managed against all odds to stay fully on top of their game. Syracuse’s Without Regret and Rochester’s Ghostfeeder opened the show with high energy performances of their own.
Filter is touring in support of their new album The Sun Comes Out Tonight. Released June 4th, the disc blazes through 12 songs in under 50 minutes. The disc opens with the headbanging track “We Hate it When You Get What You Wanted”, an obvious and excellent nod to those with envy issues. The rock keeps flowing through the following track and lead single “What Do You Say”. The lighter side of Filter is apparent with the family oriented “Surprise” and drug-haze-aftermath ode “Watch the Sun Come Out Tonight”. The entire album does an excellent job at merging the tapestry of Filter’s 20 year career of playing with different genres into one cohesive unit. Present are the full steam ahead headbangers, the introspective dark-edged softer tracks and forays into electronica influenced rock. The album ends with a twosome of songs, “It’s My Time” and “It’s Just You”, both of which invoke a non-copycat similarity to mega-hit “Take a Picture”. An excellent offering by seasoned veterans. Twenty years later, Filter has still got it. Check them out on the Summerland Tour throughout July.
Key Tracks: What Do You Say, Come Watch The Sun Come Out Tonight, Take That Knife Out of My Back
The lineup for the second annual First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival, has been announced. The festival, now with double the amount of performers and double the number of days – will run from September 19-28, 2013.
Taking the stage in dark blue jeans, All Star sneakers and black shirt, Peter Frampton greeted the crowd in the Eastman Theater. With eager photographers from the media populating the center of the stage, looking for their perfect shot of a living rock legend, Frampton smiled back at the cameras and joked with the photographers – “My you have big lenses, we can compare mm later.. Are you trying to get my nostrils?” 
moe. came straight out of the gate at full speed with fan favorite “Happy Hour Hero”. The first set was a short one, but offered excellent takes on “Sensory Deprivation Bank” and “Akimbo” as well as some voice box fun from Chuck Garvey. During setbreak, fans enjoyed music from buskers, beer from Rochester based breweries Rohrbachs and Genesee, and several food trucks filled with tasty treats.
Second set began while the sun was going down, allowing fans a glimpse at moe.’s top tier light show. Also offered was plenty of shreddy guitar interplay between guitarists Chuck Garvey and Al Schnier. Highlights included a fiery “Wicked Awesome”, the always epic “Brent Black” and a top-speed encore combo of “Spine Of A Dog->Meat”.
