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  • The Blind Owl Band’s Road to Recovery

    Our friends and fellow Upstate New Yorkers, The Blind Owl Band need your help as recently while in Buffalo on the road for a show on October 23rd, their van was broken into and all of their instruments were stolen. This type of loss has been a huge blow to the hearts of the band and sets them back on their dreams to live off of making music.

    The band called in re-enforcements and attempted to find their instruments the day after the show but they were unable to recover those instruments. We here at are concerned for them and we want to do all that we can to assist them in purchasing new instruments so that they may continue blowing the roof off of venues all across the Eastern United States with their brand of bluegrass-americana music.

    The band recently posted this message on their FaceBook page:

    “Worst news ever. In coming back to our crash pad for tonight in Buffalo, we found our trailer broken into, all of our instruments stolen among many other things. We need a huge amount of support right now. We strive to find our instruments in these next few days among the city and hope to make as many upcoming gigs as we can, and find the answers we need to pull us through this situation. Our livelihoods have been taken from us. Stunned.”

    List of things stolen for any who are on the look out:
    (Take a look at our photos to see closer details)

    1 – Weber Mandolin (Gallatin) Light natural finish, 1 – 1942 Kay Stand up, Double Bass, 1 – Fender p-Bass Fretless Black, 1 – 2006 Stelling Banjo, 1 – Martin Guitar, 1 – Ashdown Bass Head, 50 or so Blind Owl Band T-Shirts, CD’s, Hot Sauce, and James’ suitcase of clothes and belongings.

    The band also posted this letter to fans and supporters –

    Our instruments and gear being stolen from us has felt like a big blow and quite a set back, but our fans have been more supportive and generous than ever!! We are now on the Road to Recovery, we have shows booked until November 24th, and do not plan on canceling any of them. Many folk have been coming out of the woodwork and have been asking where donations can be made. With the push for us to continue forward, we have opened up a Paypal account where donations can be made to help us get back to zero, below are the instructions

    We would like to thank everyone for their continued support. We are now starting the fund raising process, to support the replacing of our instruments.

    For all who are wondering where donations can be sent, here are instructions:

    Go to paypal.com

    or

    https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/send-money-online

    Go to “Send Money Online”

    Send it to emunley88@gmail.com

    or Log in to your account,

    Select the Send Money Tab

    Send to emunley88@gmail.com

    Select Send Money to Family or Friends

    Send Donation.

    You can also mail cash or check to

    The Blind Owl Band
    P.O. Box 260
    Bloomingdale, NY 12913

    Make sure to also include your name and address, we don’t know how yet but we intend to thank everyone and we want to know how we can get a hold of you and where we can send some stuff.

    – The Blind Owl Band

    Tour Dates:

    November 6, 2013 8:00 pm
    The Thirsty Moose
    Portsmouth,NH

    November 7, 2013 8:00 pm
    Unity College
    Phone:800.624.1024
    90 Quaker Hill Road,Unity,ME

    November 8, 2013 8:00 pm
    Billy’s Tavern
    Phone:207-354-1177
    1 Starr Street,Thomaston,ME

    November 9, 2013 8:00 pm
    The Dutch Treat
    Phone:603-823-8851
    317 Main Street,Franconia,NH

    November 10, 2013 11:00 pm
    The Pizza Stone VT
    Phone: (802)-875-2121
    RT 11 291 Pleasant Street,Chester,VT

    November 12, 2013 7:00 pm
    Pizza Boys
    Phone: 315-520-7111
    9 Clinton Street,New York Mills,NY

    November 13, 2013 8:00 pm
    Timber Tavern
    7153 State fair Blvd,Syracuse,NY

    November 14, 2013 8:00 pm
    The Gates – Bar and Venue
    Phone: 607-319-4198
    422 Eddy St.Ithaca, NY

    November 15, 2013 9:00 pm
    Salt Hill Pub
    Phone:603-676-7855
    7 Lebanon Street,Suite 103, Hanover,NH

    Thanks for supporting our FIGHT to LIVE off of making music!!!!

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  • Avenged Sevenfold to headline UK’s Download Festival in 2014

    Avenged Sevenfold is confirmed to headline the 2014 Download Festival at Donington Park, in Leicestershire, England.

    Over it’s 12 years, Download Festival has steadily earned the reputation of being one of the hottest annual venues in Europe.  Last summer, the featured acts included Iron Maiden, Slipknot and Rammstein.

    Avenged Sevenfold’s appearance at Download is expected to be the band’s first show since the August release of “Hail to the King”, their sixth studio album, which garnered a No. 1 status in the United Kingdom. It will be the band’s second appearance at Download.

    Download is a three-day event that is scheduled for June 13-15, next year.

    Rob Zombie is also committed to appear, marking his second appearance at the event. He performed back in 2011, and is slated to take stage on opening night.

    Rumors are circulating on what other acts will headline the event.  Andy Copping, Download’s primary organizer, has reportedly said his dream headline would include Led Zeppelin, (the original) Guns ‘n’ Roses and Van Halen. However, the likelihood of either of these three appearing is slim, at best.  Robert Palmer will unlikely back down from his refusal to reunite Zeppelin, despite their historic show in 2007.  Van Halen recently wrapped up their A Different Kind of Truth Tour.  However, according to the Van Halen News Desk, they are “currently taking a break.”  And, as for as GNR is concerned, nothing will happen until Axl Rose and Slash make peace.

    Nonetheless, more announcements are expected to be made over the next few days.

    Meanwhile, in the Western Hemisphere:

    Veteran rockers, Twisted Sister recently announced that they will be headlining Hell & Heaven Metal Fest 2014 in Mexico City, on March 15th and 16th.

    Dee Snider tweeted his excitement over the event, as it also falls on his birthday.

    According to the event poster that accompanied Snider’s tweet, Twisted Sister appears to be the headline act, ahead of Lamb of God and Carcass.

    More information can be gleaned from www.hellandheavenfest.com.

  • Pop Evil is set to invade the Capital Region this fall with Eve To Adam, The Letter Black & Black Oxygen

    Pop Evil Fall 2013 Flier
    Pop Evil Fall 2013 Flier

    Pop Evil returns to the capital region this fall Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park, N.Y., and Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, N.Y. in support of their new studio album, “ONYX”.

    Special Guest also on the show include Eve To Adam, The Letter Black, and Black Oxygen.

    POP EVIL:

    From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Leigh Kakaty (vocals), Davey Grahs (guitar), Nick Fuelling (guitar), Chachi Roit (drums) and Matt DiRito (bass). In the last five years, Pop Evil has released three studio albums including Lipstick On The Mirror (2008), War Of Angels (2011) and current album Onyx (2013).

    THE LETTER BLACK:

    From Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the band consists of husband and wife Sarah Anthony (vocals) and Mark Anthony (vocals/guitar), Matt Beal (bass) and Justin Brown (drums). The Letter Black has released three studio albums and an independent album since 2007 including Stand (2007 independent), Hanging By A Thread (2010), Hanging By A Remix (2012) and current album Rebuild (2013).

    EVE TO ADAM:

    From New York, N.Y., this three-man band consists of Taki Sassaris (vocals), Alex Sassaris (drums) and Gaurav Bali (guitar). Eve To Adam now has four studio albums since 2001 including Auburn Slip (2001), Queens To Eden (2007), Banquet For A Starving Dog (2011) and current studio album Locked & Loaded (2013).

    Black Oxygen:

    From Kansas City, Missouri, this three-man band consists of David Lyle (vocals/lead guitar), Nick Lyle (drums) and Jordan Myer (bass). Black Oxygen has one studio album called, The American Dream (2012).

    Other Tour Dates Include:

    Nov 8 – Traverse City, MI @ Ground Zero

    Nov 9 – Libertyville, IL @ Austin’s Fuel Room

    Nov 10 – Wausau,WI @ The Fillmore

    Nov 12 – Battle Creek, MI @ Planet Rock

    Nov 14 – Johnson City, TN @ Capones

    Nov 15 – Greenville, SC @ The Handlebar

    Nov 17 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

    Nov 18 – Fayetteville, NC @ The Drunk Horse Pub

    Nov 20 – Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans Music Hall

    Nov 22 – Clifton Park, N.Y @ Upstate Concert Hall

    Nov 23 – Quincy, MA @ WAAF

    Nov 24 – Syracuse, N.Y @ The Westcott Theater

    Pop Evil also has posted on their Facebook page that the first 20 fans who show proof of purchase of the Onyx album at the Merch table will get to meet the band.

  • Chris Thile Celebrates ‘Bachtober’ in Upstate NY

    World renowned mandolin master Chris Thile held a special solo performance for ‘Bachtober’ this past Sunday October 27th, at The College of Saint Rose’s Massry Center for the Arts. The venue is a 400 seat capacity recital hall, ranked high in the Capital Region for its energy efficiency and Earth-friendly structure. With such an intimate setting, Chris Thile was able to interact more closely with the audience, conveying his sense of humor and gifted story telling thru music.

    When Thile isn’t performing solo, he is touring with his bluegrass band the Punch Brothers in addition to and most recently also performing with, pianist Brad Mehldau, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, guitarist Michael Daves and double bassist Edgar Meyer – to name a few. Thile paid tribute to one of his favorite musicians, Johann Sebastian Bach by performing pieces from Bach: Sonatas and Partitas, Vol. 1 and by dubbing October as his personal Bachtober.

    Chris Thile took the stage, singing aloud some scales as he tuned himself as well as his mandolin with the room grossly quiet. He laid out the agenda for the evening with explaining the layers of Bach, his “stuff”, Bach, more “stuff” and Bach in a friendly disposition. Thile was happy to celebrate the last Sunday of Bachtober in Upstate New York as he joked about the correct pronunciation of Albany. His Bach covers were observed in dead silence and a deep respect where as his original pieces caused rowdy outbursts from the crowd with delight and laughter.

    The music brought out the best in Thile whether he was balancing on the tips of his toes, stomping the stage, or in a wide and strong stance. The audience could feel everything that he was feeling, just by watching the countless facial expressions with every note. Despite being seated the entire time, Thile made the room spin and soar as he jerked recklessly on the stage with complete control of his instrument.

    Chris threw in a curveball when he covered Fiona Apple’s “Fast as You Can”, getting laughs as he sang, “And I’ll be your girl, if you say it’s a gift” and smiling at the crowd saying, “this is gonna be a fun night.” He took a moment to joke about how performers especially soloists must perform at least one  but no more than three songs about the Civil War.

    With that intro, he went into “Richmond is a hard road to travel”, an upbeat, catchy tune with fast spoken lyrics from Divided and United: The Songs of The Civil War, a collection of 32 Civil War era compositions with musicians from all generations. The audience was then asked to hunker down for the “Partita No. 1 in B minor”, a piece that Thile “absolutely adores” due the endless satisfaction he gets from how each movement has a double movement. He pushes himself to the limit with each note, occasionally wiping the sweat off his fingers onto his pants, receiving applause and a standing ovation that was deafening and well deserved.

    Divided&United

    Chris Thile concluded the evening with some light-hearted songs, “If You are Gonna Leave Me (Set Me Up with One of Your Friends)” also known as his campaign song if he were a politician and “Play You a Song on The Mandolin”. He commented on his love for the sound of the Massry Center, maybe due to its “waviness of things” noting on the protruding curved red wooden panels. Whether it’s Bach or bluegrass, Chris Thile is a spellbinding musician that brings life to contemporary and classic pieces as well as to his audiences around the globe.

  • Donna the Buffalo Performs at The Armory on Saturday 11/16

    Donna the Buffalo The Armory Donna the Buffalo’s upcoming performance in Rochester, NY at Water Street Music Hall on Saturday, November 16th with Sim Redmond Band has been moved to The Armory on East Main Street. Tickets already purchased for Water Street will be honored at The Armory.

    With Water Street under new ownership recently and going through some changes, this re-location of scheduled performers was inevitable. Donna The Buffalo has been a staple of the Upstate, NY music scene for 2 decades, so making sure this show still went on was critical to our local music scene.

    Donna The Buffalo will play the Main Street Armory with The Sim Redmond Band on Saturday, November 16th. Doors open at 8PM, tickets can be purchased at the venue box office or ONLINE for $20 in advance and $25 at the door, this is an all ages show. For more information you can contact the venue at (585) 232-3221.

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  • Jungle Boogie Gets Down Resort Style – October 25th-27th

    Jungle Boogie Music Carnival made its home for two days at Roaring Brooke Ranch in the heart of the Lake George region in Upstate, NY this past Halloween weekend. Guests checked in around 3pm on Friday, October 25th, and freely explored the grounds until the music on all three stages began just before sunset.

    DSCN0204

    The resort has a 1970’s, vintage vibe to it, complete with cabin style hotel rooms scattered around the secluded property – this ranch is fit for an adventure. A large pond sits in the middle of the site, surrounded by weeping willow trees, it’s  alive with wildlife and colorful autumn foliage. The festival attracted anyone who was into raging for a weekend in a beautiful resort area, and indulging in the Halloween spirit of the season.

    The energy overall was full of curiosity – each space offering something completely different. At every turn there was something new to explore, some energetic realm to indulge in. In the main lodge, the Boogie Stage was set up along with local arts-n-crafts vendors and live painters. A large bar sat next to the stage serving classy drinks during all hours of the night. Just around the corner, guests could explore the Psy-trance Room – this space was decked out with multiple geometric cloth tapestries and black light fixtures. Everything was bright, radiating color, and the crowd was a true blend of every kind.

    DSCN0229

    The Jungle Room with its electronic stage within a classy banquet hall, a perfect fit for a drum and bass get down. Lights, and fog filled the room, jungle flowers hung from the ceiling, and artists were selling their home-made t-shirts and glowing art pieces in the foyer.

    Like the most famous festivals of Europe, the Psy-trance stage got everyone’s feet stomping, body’s swaying, and hearts pumping. After chatting with Psy-trance artist Meg from Xena Linguist, it became clear just how dedicated this genre’s group of artists actually are to their realm of music. She explained she had been introduced to this style of music only a few months ago and was “Deeply moved by its fast paced rhythms and dedicated following.” Its creativity and flowing art, makes psy-trance music and culture truly intriguing and appealing to anyone who is looking to soak up raw talent while connecting with people of all kinds.

    DSCN0736

    In the Jungle Room electronic artists like Getter, Evac Protocol and JPHELPS, rocked the bodies of everyone who entered their domain Friday night. It was like walking into a European night-club with neon décor covering the space. Laser light shows kept things colorful and each artist had the finest beats to enliven the crowd and ignite some serious dancing. The rich design of decorating turned the industrial like space into a lively jungle, and had the most diverse group of people relishing in its sound all weekend long. With live dancers on stage, Saturday’s Jungle Room set was the most impressive with beats by Jennifer Haley, Trollphace, Megalodon, and of course the United Kingdom’s, Adam F.

    Creators chose to call the Lodge stage, the “Boogie Stage” for a reason. Every band that played this stage knew how to get funky. Friday night the acoustic duo, Jake and Doug showed off their natural talent with seemingly effortless playing on the guitar and djembe. Their Reggae-esque style was a call to all and their Sublime covers did not disappoint.

    DSCN0775

    High Peaks Band played an impressive set with a rich blend of originals and covers. The headliner of the fest, Twiddle, rocked out perfect phish-like jams. Formula 5 kept the crowd begging for more well into the early morning hours. Impressing even the most devoted Umphrey’s and moe. fans, this band proves themselves to be one of the best on the local jam band scene.

    Joe Davis has just about mastered the guitar and Mike McDonald’s skills on keys are unmatched. Their killer set had people talking all weekend. Day two brought Digital Dharma, Flux Capacitor, Shwizz, lucid, and Capital Zen to the party. All of these bands rocked the place in their own unique way. With the crowd dressed in costume and ready to party, the music on the Boogie Stage just kept coming.

    Flux Capacitor really impressed with their balanced blend of electronic and rock jams – a new up and coming band that is already taking the live music scene by storm. One could describe them as having a Lotus-like sound, but then when you least expect it they turn on the heavy, and you find yourself head banging.

    As always lucid covered just about every genre there is to cover and had the crowd happy and feeling right at home within their sound. With their finely crafted songs and rootsy lyrics, this band always has the power to reel everyone in, while  turning strangers into family in just one set.

    DSCN1103

    Having been built on the premise of partying for a purpose through creating funds to educate and support wildlife, this event embodies the dedication it takes to create something with such meaning and truth. By booking local as well as international acts who are capable of exploring multiple genres.  Scheduling allowed for the creation of music lasting until all hours of the night. This festival also employed some of the friendliest staff on the scene, welcoming all guests to after parties all weekend long, and offering safe cabins to retreat to, all while Halloween is heavy in the air. Jungle Boogie has it going on! Festivals of this kind are the way to go and the wide stretch of true talent is something to be celebrated –  This event is one for the books!

  • Album Review: The Chronicles ‘Spanning the Gap’

    spanningthegap

    The Chronicles, a progressive jazz band from Albany have released their second studio album this month, Spanning the Gap. Their newest album was produced and mixed by musician Alan Evans of Soulive, who even makes a guest appearance on a few tracks. The seven-piece band combines the flavors of funk, soul, jazz and hip hop to create a dynamite album that is not easy to put down. The album is available for free listening and immediate digital purchase on their website, where you can also order vinyl copies.

    The album kicks off with “Village Living”, a groovy attention grabbing guitar melody from Justin Henricks that soon meets up with the eruption of the full band sound. The horns get dirty as they jazz up the song with a wide range of notes with the organ blasting in full effect. “Interzone” switches into a smooth and chill retro groove with a slow tempo that increasingly picks up pace into a jumping back and forth dance party. “Way Back Home” brings in Tara Merritt for vocals for a sensitive yet tough twist, suitable for The Chronicles diverse sound. This song features a more sophisticated feel with the strong string presences of Iris Mulhern on harp, Phil Ducreay on Violin and Dylan Perrillo on String Bass. “Vibe” features strong cymbal playing and percussion for a relaxed funky feeling with a little help from Alan Evans.

    “Just Knew”, an upbeat song with a great blend coming from every musician making for a unstoppable funk machine. Philippe Chow brings his trumpet to the table for an extra and always appreciated boom. “Spanning the Gap” gets a dose of hip hop from Jeff Nania, spitting out lyrics in sync with the modern chill jazz with a light piano solo from Tyrone Hartzog to finish off the song, proving that The Chronicles have no problem bridging multiple genres. “Quartal” is where Nicholas Lue shines with heavenly piano peaks and a consistent locomotive vibe. “Bad,Bad,Bad” features vocals recorded by Tyrone Hartzog, organ player of the band, with funky guitar riffs giving off the bad boy charm. “Reprise” ends the album with robust, soulful keys and steady bass notes from Daniel Lawson, to fade out with echoes of the haunting harmonies.

    Key Tracks: Way Back Home, Just Knew, Spanning the Gap

  • Orchard Lounge Goes Late Night at The Putnam Den, October 25th

    A crisp late night in Saratoga began with DJ Leila and Jon Santolla (aka Mentally Ill) throwing down a heavy set to warm up the audience. Even from down the street it was obvious that this dynamic duo had taken the stage at Putnam Den with a vengeance. The set varied from hard drum and bass to more down-tempo trancy beats that layered into each other infiltrating the crowd with intensity. Leila and Santolla were the perfect opener to set the tone before Spencer and Bethany of Orchard Lounge took stage.

    OrchardLounge-14

    Orchard Lounge electrified the crowd into an all night dance party. The bar was pumping out glasses of water for all of the crowd, ragged form the hard dancing. Although the crowd was small, it left nothing to be desired in the way of energy. Bethany repeatedly looked up from her table and pointed out to the crowd mouthing “I love you guys,” clearly feeling the amount of energy the crowd was permeating out into the venue. A few times throughout the show, Bethany even jumped down off stage and let Spencer take charge while she fraternized and danced with her adoring fans. It is not very often that you see artists with as sizable a following that Orchard Lounge has being so down to earth and engaged with their fans. The entire set crossed so many boundaries and genres and took the night to levels of intricacy that are rarely seen from a set of DJs. One thing is for sure, when Spencer and Bethany take stage – there is no laziness and their stamina is impressive.  Orchard Lounge took no breaks and continued the party well into the early hours of the morning, as the crowd lost no steam for the dance party that raged on. There was absolutely nothing lackluster about their entire set, which is why Orchard Lounge holds the following and fan base that they do. It is evident that all parties involved had a great time for O-Lounge’s first Saratoga experience.

  • Meet Your NYSMusic Staff: Editor Tim O’Shea

    Tim “T-Bone” O’Shea currently resides in Westfield, NJ where he was also raised. He attended St. Joseph’s High School in Metuchen before studying Broadcast Journalism at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications of Syracuse University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2002. During his college years, he attended and reviewed many live shows in the Syracuse area at such venues like Armory High and Planet 505 amongst others.

    tim o'sheaHe currently works as a Paralegal at a large collections law firm in Morris County, NJ. Hobbies include reading, visiting the Jersey Shore and, of course, live music. This summer he celebrated his 100th Phish show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and has also seen acts like moe., The Disco Biscuits and Donna the Buffalo multiple times.

    Tim’s musical bucketlist includes Pearl Jam, The Allman Brothers Band and Furthur

  • Featured Band: GHOST B.C.

    Happy New Year, or Happy Halloween – which ever you choose. Today, Upstate Metal turns it’s focus on a band whose flamboyant theatrics for making a mockery out of the Catholic Church turns every day into Halloween. When Ghost B.C. takes to the stage, people notice.

    “What the hell is this?” recalls Upstate Metal photographer and editor, Jim Gilbert, who captured this Swedish heavy metal band earlier this year in at Rock on the Range in Columbus, Ohio. “It was Latin Catholic Church gone bad or gone good. It made me take notice.” Ghost B.C. are easily recognizable due to their unique on-stage presence. A six-piece band comprised of five musicians donned in hooded robes, while the vocalist appears in skull make-up, dressed as a Roman Catholic Cardinal. The nature of their identities is highly secretive and their names have not been publicly disclosed; the vocalist calls himself Papa Emeritus and the musicians are referred to only as Nameless Ghouls. Musically, the band is often compared to groups such as The Doors, Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Mercyful Fate and Kyuss.

    Off stage, they continue to shock. Should you dare visit their Facebook page, they describe themselves as a group who “performs pop hymns that glorify and glamorize the disgusting and sacrilegious. “Ghost is the name of a devil worshiping ministry, that in order to spread its unholy gospels and, furthermore, trick mankind into believing the end is ultimately a good thing, have decided to use the ever so popular rock music medium as a way to achieve their ends.”

    Gulp.

    The act hasn’t been off-putting. In 2010, they were nominated for a Grammis, which is the Swedish equivalent to our Grammy, for their debut album, Opus Eponymous.  Nonetheless, the subject matter by which the group sings is a bone of contention for many who worship Christianity, which has a following of 2.2 billion strong.

    Ghost-4

    “If Not For Those Satanic Lyrics, Ghost B.C. Could Be Superstars,” read a headline out of New York City’s The Village Voice in July. Though it appears that most critics recognize this as just an act.  The Voice likened Ghost B.C. to something familiar to KISS from the ’70s and early ’80s. Nonetheless, one of the nameless ghouls agreed how some perceive the band to be, and does not argue, “From a ‘Bible Belt’ point of view, yes we are [Satanics]. Because if you’re talking to someone who is a very God-fearing devout Christian with all that comes with it, obviously that person would deem us being complete blasphemy and an abomination to everything they considered dear and holy.”

    Perfect material to rebel against your parents.

    Infantissumam, their follow-up to their debut album, came out this April.