NYS Music 20​13

Tag: Blind Owl Band

  • 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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  • The Waterhole ‘Upstairs Music Lounge’ in Saranac Lake, NY Celebrates 20 Years

    On Friday, August 30th, The Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge in Saranac Lake, NY began what will be a two month celebration of their 20th year! National and regional bands will be a part of the party, including Hackensaw Boys, Max Creek, Conehead Buddha, Blind Owl and many more.

    Hackensaw Boys - Brian Gorby
    Hackensaw Boys – Brian Gorby

    A little more on the history of the venue – The Waterhole bar is a over 40 year old establishment. 20 years ago the upstairs apartments were renovated into one of the nicest midsized music venues in the North East. More importantly, the only consistent music venue in the Adirondack Mtns. during that time. Holding around 300 people and being located in a music market dead zone, in the center of one of the largest State Parks in the country, has attracted many national acts to the area.  Bands that have played the Waterhole include: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Leftover Salmon, Govt. Mule, The New Riders of the Purple Sage, Moe., Tens Years After, Soulive, Melvin Seals, Donna the Buffalo, Toubab Krewe, The Infamous Stringdusters, just to name a few.

    Advance tickets for The Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge are available at the venue box-office for Man Man, Max Creek and The Hackensaw Boys – These next two months are gonna be a blast and everyone at the Waterhole wants you to come celebrate with them during this exciting time at the Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge in Saranac Lake, NY.

    The Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge 20 Year Celebration Schedule

    August 30 – Kick Off Party
    With Sophistafunk and Funkwagon

    August 31 –  Hobo-Fest Pre Party feat. The Vermont Joy Parade, Big Slyde and More
    Feat. The Vermont Joy Parade, The Lucky Jukebox Brigade , Big Slyde and Doom%$#%%

    Sept 5 – Funktapuss – Party on the Patio – FREE

    Sept 9 – Man Man – $12 Adv $15Door 9pm Show (MONDAY)

    Sept 11 – Vana Mazi – (feat. Members of Wino Vino) Special WEDNESDAY PATIO FREE 8pm

    Sept 12- Tim Herron Duo – Party on The Patio

    Sept 13 – The Big Mean Sound Machine – $5.00 10pm

    Sept 19 – The Blind Owl Band – Party on The Patio

    Sept 20 – Capital City ADK Getdown feat.: Formula 5, Timbre Coup, Mister F

    Sept 26 – Aqueous – Party on The Patio

    Oct 3 – The Birdseed Bandits— Free Music in Fall

    Oct 4 – A evening with Max Creek $16.00 Advance $20 Door 10pm

    Oct 10 – Cooter and the Crawlies— Free Music in The Fall

    Oct 17 – Henery’s Rifle – Free Music In The Fall

    Oct 19 – Conehead Buddha— $8.00 10pm

    Oct 24 – The Rusty Doves— Free Music in The Fall

    Oct 25 – Lucid with Opener TBA

    Nov 2 – All Souls Day Romp
    Hackensaw Boys and The Blind Owl Band $12.00 Advanced, $15.00 Door

  • Grass in the Adirondacks is Blue: Oak Mountain Bluegrass and Arts Festival, August 17th

    The foothills of the Adirondacks are a perfect location for camping, hiking, kayaking and fishing, especially in these dog days of summer as the sun sets a little earlier each day. Oak Mountain in Speculator has been an all-seasons destination for years, but in the summer they have begun to attract a crowd for an annual event, Oak Mountain Bluegrass and Arts Festival. Smaller than Snow Ridge (moe.down) and Hunter (Mountain Jam), Oak Mountain has gentle sloping hills that lead to a comfortable base where music fans can set up tents, canopies and chairs and bask in the warm sunny Northern New York days and feel the chill come down the mountain once the sun sets.

    oak mountain bluegrassWith locally made arts and photography of the Adirondacks for sale, the crowd was very relaxed on this warm day, some hooping, others chatting with friends but all focused on the music and tapping their feet to the five bluegrass bands from Upstate New York that graced the stage. Birdseed Bandits got things kicked off with Lumineers-style bluegrass, paced and inviting, including “Wagon Wheel”, a popular cover by Old Crow Medicine Show. Pocket Change played tunes from Steve Miller Band, Justin Earle Townes, The Grateful Dead, Marshall Tucker Band and Neil Young, as well as original spread out in between these wonderful renditions of classic songs. Blind Owl Band performed more frenetic bluegrass tunes, notably “Missing my Home”, eliciting cheers with a shoutout to Eastbound Jesus. A gorgeous cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You” had Christian Cardiello swap his upright bass for electric one, while the strings of Eric Munley, James Ford and Arthur Buezo were in sync in a Greensky Bluegrass type of connectedness. Their high intensity and fast paced play for the full set is proof that Upstate NY bluegrass is its own subgenre.

    Two bands from the Utica area, The Rusty Doves and Remsen Social Club, closed out the night as the sun began to set, giving way to pink and purple hues in the sky. The Rusty Doves started off with a cover of Patsy Cline’s “After Midnight”, an intense “Rock of Ages” and a beautiful “Pretty Fair Maid”, by Tim O’Brien. Remsen Social Club polished off a splendid day with the campfire crackling nearby, playing “Over You Darling”, “Mountain Top Love Song” and “Gorge Road Blues”. Campers enjoyed the brisk Adirondack night and locals ventured back to town once night fell, setting up a perfect night in that area between the Mohawk Valley and the North Country, a perfect place for a music festival in August.

  • It’s All Good in the Woods! A Review of Backwoods Pondfest 2013

    The city of Peru hosted one of the best kept secrets of Upstate New York on August 2nd and 3rd 2013 at the Twin Ponds Campsite with the music festival Backwoods Pondfest. The intimate music festival was set at the tip of the North Country, only a few exits short of Canada, making for a scenic ride from any direction for dedicated music lovers. Offering weekend tickets as well as single day passes, Friday’s guests were treated with a double rainbow in the early evening after a brief rain shower. Visitors were allowed to select their own campsites with car side camping. Whether in the far off quiet area, woods or grassy field camping, any spot on the festival grounds offered plenty of cool afternoon shade with a full sky view of the bright stars at night. Bands were located either on the Main Stage next to the bright blue school bus, named Lucy (belonging to host band Lucid) or on the Tent Stage, next to the wooded camping, with a soft sandy dance floor.

    Friday

    With a name like Backwoods Pondfest, it wasn’t a surprise that the bearded quartet Blind Owl Band was one of the first bands to start the weekend on the Tent Stage. The Saranac Lake locals consist of Arthur Buezo on guitar, Eric Munley on mandolin, James Ford on banjo and Christian Cardiello on bass. Their aggressive string music mixed with rowdy harmonies greeted festival goers to their neck of the woods with open arms and dancing feet. Spiritual Rez made everyone forget that they were even in New York with their heavy reggae dance music. Toft Willingham spit out rebellious lyrics to the crowd while thrashing about his long blonde hair as Rob O’Block shredded on the guitar. Kory Stanbury on saxophone and Quinn Carson on trombone provided a strong horn section throughout the set as Mohamed Araki surprised fans everywhere with his keytar. Ian Miller kept the party going with a constant quick rhythm and Jesse Shaternick’s lighthearted bass notes. The band has great chemistry as they provide an energetic performance with never ending reggae funk magnitude. Be on the lookout this fall for their new album release, Apocalypse Whenever and upcoming shows at The Catskill Chill and Wormtown Festival.

    For the past seven years, Backwoods Pondfest has been hosted by the Adirondack “Woods Rock” band known as Lucid. Their sound is unique as it varies from classic rock to blues to funky jazz to reggae and even doo-wop, a little something for everyone. With the festival set in their neck of the woods, Lucid has a dedicated fan base that overflowed from underneath the Tent Stage on Friday night. “Whiskey Dream”, with steady beats and cymbals from Kyle Murray was a crowd favorite as Andy Deller kept the keys at a playful tone. One of the highlights of the set was Kevin Sabourin repeatedly singing out the chorus line, “Friday is the best day of the week because I don’t have to work tomorrow” resulted in a massive tent-shaking sing along. Lowell Wurster blared off on his harmonica especially during “Backwoods”, a song meant for that weekend.

    Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad sent out a psychedelic reggae groove that made it easy for fans to dance all night. The band, hailing from Rochester, consists of James Searl on bass, Chris O’Brian playing drums, Dylan Savage and Dan Keller on guitar and Tony Gallicchio on keys who bring a laid back vibe that relaxes and recharges listeners at the same time. The night was set ablaze from the fire spinners and jugglers from Cosmic Karma Fire located to the left of the Main Stage.

    Jimkata lit up the Tent Stage with their electrifying rock that is similar to a Mario Bros. soundtrack for adults, complete with beeps, boops and mind melting instrumental jams. It’s no wonder this up and coming Upstate New York band from Ithaca has been building up fans on their busy summer tour with big performances at Summer Camp and Gathering of the Vibes. The end of the night performance at the Main Stage was from the experimental techno funk group, Dopapod. Keyboardist Eli Winderman, drummer Neal ‘Fro’ Evans, guitarist Rob Compa and Chuck Jones on bass swirled together a set that was full of funky melodies with robotic harmonies and pure reckless rock.

    Saturday

    Few things taste better than fresh music in the morning. The Chronicles from Albany opened up the Main Stage with set full of hot hip hop and sweet jazz served best for a Saturday morning after an all night rager. The Metroland, Albany’s alternative newsweekly, acknowledged them as “Best of Jazz” in 2012 and 2013, paying tribute to their unique blend of all things jazz, funk and gospel. Tyrone Hartzog displays a cascade of notes as he glides over the keys. One of the best things about The Chronicles is their unpredictable jams, especially with the horn section of Bryan Brundige on trombone and Jeff Nania on saxophone. Daniel Lawson sneaks in the heavy bass notes and with Justin Henricks strumming along gives the way to a rockin funk wave. Andrae Surgick keeps a steady and chill rhythm that sends plenty of cymbals sparks flying.

    Rack Em Let’s Go! definitely catches your attention with their band name alone but their music will stay with you way after their show. Exploding out of Boston, the rock and roll quartet gave a high energy performance, combining old school rock with a twist of modern soul and funk. Switching up the scene on the Main Stage was Fikus, delivering an electronic rock show with complete with funky harmonies and fast paced extraterrestrial melodies. Catch Fikus this coming weekend at Bella Terra Music Festival in Stephentown, NY. The Capital District’s top jam band Formula 5 steamed up the Tent Stage with their original dance heavy tunes plus a hot rendition of Phish’s “Sand” with guest appearance by Justin Henricks of The Chronicles on guitar.

    A music festival isn’t complete without a Grateful Dead cover band these days and Backwoods Pondfest booked the best one in Upstate New York, The Garcia Project. The Saratoga Springs locals provided fans with an easy listening afternoon full of their favorite Dead songs, especially a treasured version of “Tangled up in Blue” with haunting vocals from Mik Bondy and Kat Walkerson. Capital Zen played a hard hitting set under the tent with uncontrollable beats from Rye Wylie, reckless guitar from Terry Scoville and wild bass bombs from Tony Leombruno.

    Fans were left speechless from the first few soulful notes belted out from Jennifer Hartswick and especially during an extraordinary cover of the Talking Heads’ “This Must be the Place (Naïve Melody)” and Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”. The Jennifer Hartswick Band overflows with musical energy that carries its own direction.

    Electronic hip hop trio Sophistafunk tore the Tent Stage to pieces with bass heavy notes from Adam Brown, groovy beats from Emanuel Washington and robust vocals from Jack Brown. Afterwards, one of the founding fathers of funk, Bernie Worrell, gave a thunderous performance on the Main Stage with his heart stopping piano solos. The Bernie Worrell Orchestra lays out the funk, one layer at time, each grooving into the next twilight zone. Later, the Vermont based quartet Twiddle carried out the party vibe onto the Tent Stage and through the crowd. Their improvisational jams can start with a heavy rock feel then blasting into a reggae melody all with a fiery passion. Keeping with tradition, Lucid ended the festival weekend with their annual second set to close the Main Stage. It was a true free for all as festival goers, staff members and musicians danced together to the unrelenting and lively music of Lucid.

    Throughout the weekend, musicians and fans alike had nothing but positive feedback about the festival given the wide range of musical talent and beautiful scenery. Amid a very chill environment where festival goers formed a close knit bond, dedicated music lovers reveled in their adventure up north to Backwoods Pondfest.

  • Hearing Aide: This Train I Ride is Made of Wood and Steel: The Blind Owl Band

    As original as the title, The Blind Owl Band presents their sophomore disc. A distinct set of vocal accompaniment would have one wondering if Tom Waits dropped in (he didn’t) for a batch of fiery bluegrass and dirty jams.  Using traditional instrumentation, Arthur Buezo (guitar, vocals), Eric Munley (mandolin, vocals), James Ford (banjo, vocals) and Christian Cardiello (bass), all transplants to Saranac Lake, NY, draw upon their youthful influences mostly defined by their fathers’ flare for the good stuff.  This Train I Ride is Made of Wood and Steel is a testament to their past whilst forging a path where their sound is becoming uniquely their own.

    bob

    “Sailor Song,” whether intentional or not, exemplifies the magical undercurrent of the past popping up in today’s music.  The disc intro gives a nod to a “House of the Rising Sun” look alike, but only for a few seconds.  From this point forward, the disc launches into a fun-filled, fast-paced, barnburner, ho-down of a good time.  They give a breather by slowing it down in “Missing My Home,” where Eastbound Jesus’, “Holy Smokes!” is given accolades.  A bass solo introduces “Jazzy McGee,” in a tune that sounds just like its title.  A neat little contrast in The Blind Owl Band is the depth of the tenor and bass vocals and the high-pitched use of the mandolin, where a balance is met and the band is defined.

    The Blind Owl Band is quickly gaining attention by both fans and other, well known musicians. Performing around the northeastern territory, rich in roots Americana, has helped launched these bearded boys in musical stardom.  With a new disc underway, an album release tour is scheduled.  Please visit The Blind Owl Band for a list of tour dates.

    Key Tracks: Missing My Home, Cherry Tree, Rain On

  • The 2nd Annual Fiddlers Picnic – A Good Old Ho’down in the Mud

    The roads were treacherous, the mud was deep, the sun was out and the sounds of bluegrass filled the warm summer air. The 2nd annual Fiddlers Picnic in Marion, NY brought us securely into full blown festy season. With a lineup that impressed bluegrass lovers young and old, this intimate festival nestled in the woods was of all things one hell of a family ho’down!

    Friday: Ahhh, the first day of the fest; always a wild card in my book. It can go two ways really, calm and chill and hanging with friends – gearing up for a late Saturday … OR it’s the night that we all get crazy and dance barefoot in the mud with a jar of pineapple moonshine in our hands till the sun comes up.

    Highlights from Friday included Eastbound Jesus with the sounds to bring people from setting up their camp to dancing in the hay covered mud. The Blind Owl Band who set the bar high for the two remaining bands that night, played their hearts out while a barrage of friends graced the stage.

    The night got better as it progressed with South Carolina’s Dangermuffin keeping the energy high! The straw dance floor atop the mud only added an old-timey feel to the family ho’down this festival had become. It was clear that this weekend was going to be filled with sit-ins and campfires, despite the weather just a few short days before. Late-night Friday belonged to Hogmaw from Pennsylvania who rightfully refer to themselves as ‘bringing a distinct abstract sound to string band music that can only be best described as THUNDERGRASS!’

    Hogmaw
    Hogmaw

    Saturday: The day began with The North and South Dakotas, a great sting band with a drummer and amplified instruments. It was quite relaxing and a beautiful way to start the day –  sunshine in your face sitting on the grassy hill, enjoying the people watching , and girls with hula-hoops and a jug o’ shine to set their dancing mood.

    Clinton's Ditch
    Clinton’s Ditch

    Saturday Afternoon brought us to the 3rd stage for the Aaron Austin Band which slowed things down a bit more than the previous act. For a lovely cover of “Tangled Up In Blue” we sat in the hammock and enjoyed the coolness of the shade. Late afternoon developed into a gathering of close friends and families; children in rain boots and hay strewn across the ground to make a dance floor above the muddy earth. Festival goers were also treated to sets by Still Hand String Band, Boots n’ Shorts and Rochester natives, Clinton’s Ditch.

    Boots n' Shorts
    Boots n’ Shorts
    Black Mountain Symphony on Saturday was another first timer for this gal and of course another delightful choice of bands, which has been the theme for the fest so far. Black Mountain Symphony features Annie Campo, a soulful singer/violinist with talent far beyond her years. Drummer Bill Palinski shared the duties of vocals and artistic drumming that kept the beat like a locomotive barreling down the tracks.  Bear Campo on keyboards also brought an intense sound to this performance. This band will be a welcome addition to any festival – their sound is all encompassing with strings, keys, guitar and drums.
    Black Mountain Symphony
    Black Mountain Symphony

    The real treat Saturday was the surprise first time live performance of Ms. Haley Rose (age 12) with her breathtaking rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” and a captivating “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, which brought festival goers to a stand still on the hill as she sang her heart out to the ears of fans and family alike. Natural talent runs in her family and it’s worth noting that Haley’s singing talents were equally impressive to that of her younger brother, Brayden Vaughn, whom MC’d the entire festival with the experience of a seasoned announcer.

    Also on the bill for Saturday was Boots n’ Shorts, Jatoba, Floodwood, the Rumpke Mountain Boys and a late-night jam with Free Grass Union. Saturday night’s Jatoba set gave us a fast-ass-jam-grass version of Phish’s “Rift” that had phans hootin and a’ hollerin for this Vermont-based festival favorite.

    Bands these days are creating side projects for themselves that seem to be crossing the genres in which they have been known in – Floodwood is no exception to this trending concept in music. moe. band members Vinny Amico and Al Schnier are credited for face melting jam-rock while also belonging to a down right kick ass bluegrass ensemble. Floodwood followed suit with the rest of the weekend and brought the roof down with their original brand of newgrass.

    After a set with Floodwood, the energy was high and the mud was deep – the Rumpke Mountain Boys, from Ohio, brought the music hungry crowd to the second stage for what turned out to be one of my favorite jams from the weekend. The band has molded their own style of bluegrass/jamgrass into what they call ‘trashgrass.’

    Unfortunately because of the severe weather warnings for Sunday, Fiddlers Picnic had to cancel the music for Sunday – when campers woke to down pouring rain early Sunday morning, we were sad about missing the music for that day but relieved that we got the warning early enough to pack-up. Gear loaded onto the back of a sleeping-bag, we embraced the mudslide down the side of the hill we were perched upon so happily the two previous days of the festival.

    This festival had a stellar line-up from morning till late-nights, the family-friendly vibe, and beautiful camping spots. Fiddlers Picnic should be on the radar of any bluegrass lover. Cheers!

  • Blind Owl Band | Kickstarter Project

    The Blind Owl Band has set out to raise funds with Kickstarter to promote their new album and 2nd recorded effort. The band returned to Granary Studio in Morrisonville, NY in March and April 2013 and recorded 13 unreleased original tracks with Larry Dolan returning as producer.

    blind owl band

    The album features songs that were born within the walls of the Granary recording studio during the recording of “Rabble Rousing” in the fall of 2011 such as “Jazzy Magee”, “Christians Head”, “Cherry Tree” and new songs that have yet to be played live, such as “Rain On”.

    Now as The Blind Owl Band gets ready for summer, they are looking for support to independently release this album. The recording is done, a release date of July 10th has been set.  The band now needs the help of their fans to fund the mastering, printing and advertising of this album.The Kickstarter project has a goal of $5000 and we think these guys deserve the help!

    The band is touring in support of their Kickstarter Project from May 16 to May 26, you can also Follow the release of the album via their Facebook page or at TheBlindOwlBand.com.

    The Blind Owl Band

    Arthur Buezo (Guitar, Vocals)

    Christian Cardiello (Bass)

    James Ford (Banjo, Vocals)

    Eric Munley (Mandolin, Vocals)

    Tour Dates:

    May 16 – Atwoods Tavern, Cambridge, MA
    May 17 – Pizza Stone, Chester, VT
    May 18 – Strawberry Jam, Northville, NY
    May 18 – Olive Ridley’s, Plattsburgh, NY with Lucid
    May 19 – The Wherehouse, Newburgh, NY
    May 20 – The Living Room, NYC, NY
    May 21 – Free Range Busking Day
    May 22 – Underground Arts, Philly, PA with The Brummy Brothers
    May 23 – The River St. Jazz Cafe, Wilkes-Barre, PA
    May 24 – Touch Fest 2013!! South ADK’s
    May 25 – The Dutch Treat, Franconia, NH
    May 26 – Rosa Flamingo’s, Bethlehem, NH
    May 26 – Red Square, Burlington, VT

  • Blind Owl Band at Winter Carnival, The Waterhole, Saranac Lake on February 9th

    Blind Owl Band played The Waterhole in Saranac Lake on February 9th as part of Winter Carnival 2013. This was one of the free shows, a post-parade party in the upstairs music lounge, and it was packed shoulder to shoulder.

    Everybody was jamming to the music, whether it was for the first or 100th time. The Blind Owl Band are local to Saranac Lake and play all over the state, as well as Vermont and several other locations. The band consists of Eric (mandolin), James (banjo), Arthur (guitar) and Christian (bass), and although they do not consider themselves a bluegrass band, they do play an eclectic mix of all music from all the sounds in their heads. While jamming, they brought out several guests to play with them,  such as members of Lucid, local fiddler Addison Bigford and many others. The most notable song of the night was a cover of Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer”

  • Late night in Albany: Hot Day at the Zoo with The Blind Owl Band, The Bayou Café, January 26th

    Last Saturday was a big music night in Albany: many downtown venues offered a genre of music complimentary to the sold out Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) show at The Palace Theatre.  Hot Day at the Zoo and The Blind Owl Band were scheduled for a foot stomping, hoedown of a good time.  Bluegrass at the Bayou stood on it’s own as if it were competing with TAB.  Each of these bands performing at The Bayou Café have a dedicated following which filled the venue.

    The hungry-for-more music aficionados left the Trey show and filed into the already bursting-at-the-seams café where Hot Day at the Zoo kicked off sometime around midnight. The deluge of music fans brought with them the carnival like atmosphere where they would boogie with their drunken hearts, ready for more.  While Hot Day at the Zoo is focused on traditional bluegrass, there are subtle change ups relatable in the progression of this genre.

    Throughout the set, each musician gave the others fair opportunity to take a solo, and yet, partake in a conversation through instrumentation.  Musically, the roots string band captured an underlying jazz progression.  Vocal harmonization with genuine lyrics could tug on the heartstrings.  Hot Day often add agreeable little nuances for a finishing touch to their showcased songs.  Those newly introduced to Hot Day were pleasantly surprised to hear “Ripple,” a widely known Grateful Dead tune.

    Opening for Hot Day at the Zoo was The Blind Owl Band. The four piece outfit is new to the scene, but not new to eclectic sounds, traditional instrumentation and influences of some more obscure bands in the business.  Geographically in the music world, location can often define a band.  Hailing from Saranac Lake, these bearded boys have characterized their sound as if they stood on top of their mountain reaching out their beat up instruments grabbing various concepts of music, holding it captive ultimately for a presentation unique to the scene.  On stage, they knocked the nit and grit right out of their strings.  Added vocal harmonies invite us to the darker realm, where we were lead through a journey of traditional roots, dirty jams and down right scary turns along the way.  Be brave and bold, these North Country boys can lighten it up a bit with Irish pub tunes as well.

    Surely, those meandering out on the street missed two great acts.  The energy inside was so alive you could reach out and hold on.  As was the rest of South Pearl Street, which was rather magical as if some music fairy sprinkled her dust and said, “enjoy.”

  • Trey Anastasio Band post-shows in Albany on January 26th – Hot Day at the Zoo,and more!

    Trey Anastasio Band comes to Albany on Saturday, January 26th, but the music doesn’t stop when Big Red leaves the stage. If you’re coming to town for the main show, stick around for three great late night options, all close by The Palace Theater. The Bayou is located a few hundred feet down North Pearl Street from The Palace while Red Square is on Broadway, a block east of North Pearl and about a 1/2 mile walk. A cab is recommended to get to Valentines.

    Bayou Cafe: Hot Day at the Zoo with The Blind Owl Band

    Hot Day at the Zoo (HDATZ) is the quartet of Jon Cumming (banjo, dobro, vocals), Michael Dion (guitar, harmonica, vocals,) Jed Rosen (upright bass, vocals), and JT Lawrence (mandolin, vocals). Dion and Cumming are the band’s two main songwriters. Both, with distinctive personalities, offer enough stories to fill a catalogue of songs that are whole-hearted and full of sincerity. Add in Rosen, who’s technical prowess allows him to hold down the beat and push the music along, and Lawrence, who’s youthful energy and stellar musicianship fuel his strength in fulfilling each song’s missing piece, and the result is a band who humbly creates something bigger than any of themselves.

    Rosen speaking about HDATZ’s live performance says, “Expect to see four guys up on stage playing their asses off and singing their hearts out.” All four members play with so much vivacity and vigor that an abundance of both baby powder to keep dry and superglue to prevent their fingernails from falling off is necessary. Whether they’re headlining or performing as special guest support for artists including The Band’s Levon Helm, David Grisman, Leon Russell, moe., and Hot Buttered Rum, HDATZ connects with their audience through their defiant high energy on stage. With improvisations that give songs new shape, signature arrangements of covers, and many special guests, concertgoers may expect to never see the same show twice.

    Red Square – Turkuaz with The Chronicles

    The Brooklyn-based funk army known as Turkuaz “is like tossing a lit match into a dumpster full of fireworks” (bestnewbands.com). Their stage show combines influences from Sly and the Family Stone to Talking Heads into an explosive auditory and visual circus, a full-frontal assault on the senses. After multiple residencies at NYC’s Brooklyn Bowl, two blowout performances at Bear Creek Music Festival, and tours spanning the east and west coasts, Turkuaz has developed a reputation from NYC to San Francisco as the band that plays louder, faster, and harder than all the rest. Learn more at

    Combining jazz, hip hop, funk, soul, and gospel, The Chronicles bring a unique sound that defies classification. Founded by upstate NY horn heavyweights, Bryan Brundige and Jeff Nania in October of 2009, The Chronicles have included and continue to feature the most talented up-and-coming musicians in the Capital Region. The Chronicles have been working hard to spread their music throughout the northeast with appearances at regional theaters like the New Hampshire Jazz Center and Proctor’s GE Theater. They have also appeared at major music festivals like Riverfront Jazz Festival, Tulip Festival, Bella Terra, African American Heritage Day, The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, The Big Up, and The BeatShot Music Festival. Albanyʼs alternative newsweekly, Metroland recognized them as “Best Jazz” in 2012, and in their 2011 “Best of the Capital Region” critic’s poll as the best in live hip hop with “jazz chops out the yin yang, and new tunes at their fingertips every time they pick up their instruments.”

    Valentines – Cats Don’t Have Souls, Oven Fresh & Formula 5

    While this is an after party, the music begins at 9pm. Formula 5 caps off the night, and they are a great up and coming jamband in Albany, with a great sound. Check out our interview with them.

    Cost is $10 to get in but only $5 with a Trey ticket stub!