NYS Music 20​13

Tag: buffalo

  • Chris Cornell Shines at University at Buffalo Center for the Arts

    Chris Cornell has been impressing audiences for decades and the Buffalo crowd on November 5th was no exception.  Before singing the first note, the singer of Audioslave and Soundgarden fame walked right up to the front row and warmly greeted the eager audience with handshakes and hugs.  The tone was set for an intimate evening with the legendary singer.

    Chris Cornell BuffaloHe started the solo acoustic performance with “Scar on the Sky” and treated the nearly sold out crowd to almost two and a half hours of musical talent spanning over 20 years of his musical career.  Stripped down to just a voice and a guitar, Cornell’s raspy voice stood out and with power and emotion.  Playing favorite tunes such as “Hunger Strike” and “Sunshower”, Cornell kept the crowds excitement at a high.  In between songs, Cornell told stories behind the meaning of each tune.  He explained, “Dandelion” was written for his unborn daughter while anticipating her arrival.  He also remarked that “Can’t Change Me” was written when he was tired of worrying about others perceptions of him.

    Cornell’s performance wasn’t without tribute to old friend Andy Wood from Cornell’s early days with his first band, Mother Love Bone.  When a man in the crowd yelled, “Play something for Andy!” Cornell acknowledged his late band mate in playing, the Mother Love Bone song, “Man of Golden Words”.

    With a heartfelt thank you to the audience, Cornell closed with a six song encore leaving the crowd on it’s feet in grateful applause.

    Setlist:  Scar on the Sky, Silence the Voices, You Know My Name, Dandelion, Original Fire, Sunshower, Halfway There, Fell on Black Days, Getaway Car, As Hope and Promise Fade, One, Seasons, The Day I Tried to Live, Two Drink Minimum, Can’t Change Me, When I’m Down, Man of Golden Words, Wooden Jesus, Hunger Strike

    Encore:  Cleaning My Gun, Doesn’t Remind Me, A Day in the Life, I Am the Highway, Imagine, Black Hole Sun

  • Dopapod Turns Buffalo’s Waiting Room into Raging Room 10/10/13

    The second time that I saw Dopapod was much different than my first as this was my first trip to the Waiting Room in Buffalo and I was happily impressed.

    The venue is spacious, clean and has a huge bar.  With great beer on tap, nice clean bathrooms and free parking, the Waiting Room has those nice little touches that help the concert experience along.  When Dopapod hit the stage, iconic looking drummer Neal “Fro” Evans was missing.  Scotty Zwang has stepped into the role for the rest of their fall tour (via their facebook page).  Apparently “Fro” is dealing with some personal matters and Scotty had just two days playing with the band under his belt.  I was thoroughly impressed with Scotty as he did not seem to miss a beat.  There were times during the show where he was not only holding the rhythm down, but helping to drive some of the jams.

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    The first set got things moving quite quickly, with “Black and White” and “Onionhead” as first set highlights.  Setbreak occurred after the band encountered some keyboard problems.  Following a quick intermission, the best music of night greeted the crowd of around 200.  The first two songs, “Sonic” and “French Bowling” provided an array of improvisational music that hit on many levels.  Dopapod was rocking, funking, and breaking jams all the way down before building back up to a fury.  “Trapper Keeper” was perfectly placed and punctuated the risk taking reward of the improvisation before it.

    Dopapod is a mixed bag for some.  Much of their music can makes one get down like an elevator with Neil Peart’s drum kit in it. Other times, especially during long “jamtronica” sections, you may drift off, perhaps thinking about which flavor of ice cream to eat when I get home.  With so many different genres that Dopapod delves into, that is probably to be expected.  Regardless, Dopapod really brings it with their excellent musical skills.

    Last time I saw Dopapod at Nietzsche’s on September 8th, 2012, I thought Eli Winderman (keyboards) completely dominated the show.  This time around, Rob Compa (guitar) and Chuck Jones (bass) were much more of a factor at the Waiting Room.  Rob is particularly impressive and tonight being his birthday, which the band seemed to feed on.  Compa’s playing is creative and technically strong; every solo, riff or melody seemed to be unique and inspired, leading to moments where Rob is leading the jams on top of a strong bass line from Chuck.  Eli was excellent during these Rob-led jams, using his creativity to enhance the sound rather than force the jam in a new direction.

    When Dopapod laid down the funk, the crowd danced like they were on Soul Train, if only the bell bottoms and leisure suits had been replaced by flat brim hats and patchy beards.  When Dopapod brought the hard stuff, the crowd’s energy was unmistakable.  People jumping up and down, sweat becoming as abundant as Buffalo Sabres losses – make no mistake, with every twist and turn during the show the crowd was into it.  Live Dopapod  proves to be great fun to be around each and every time.

  • Pearl Jam takes Buffalo to church

    Buffalo’s First Niagara Center was buzzing on October 12th for what was a rare opportunity to experience the amazing energy that is Pearl Jam.

    Fans were eager, despite a line of 20,000 and no opening band, they all filled their seats by the time the lights went down. The stage was artistically constructed to transform the arena venue to a more intimate atmosphere. The band came on stage under low lighting, and prepared their respective places. Eddie Vedder, on the other hand, intentionally looked around to take in the moment.  It was as if he wanted to see each of the thousands of faces in the arena. Was he giving the crowd a moment to enjoy the scene before the performance began? Or, was he soaking up the crowd’s love?  Either way, it was a pleasure to see a rock star appreciate the experience.

    As a Gen-X’er who “struck out on my own” when “Alive” was the rage, I gotta say I was a bit apprehensive about the new stuff. I mean, what could possibly top Ten, Vs. and Vitalogy? Then, the show opened with “Pendulum”, from their newest album, Lightning Bolt (released October 15th).Well, hearing the new stuff live for the first time at this show – I’m humbled to say, I’m sold.

    The performance contained thirty songs, including two live debuts from the newest release; “My Father’s Son” and “Swallowed Whole”.  The entire performance was a well-balanced compilation of PJ history, ranging from 1992 to 2013. All songs portrayed and was played with the same energy — many offering a painful reminder that bad parenting has an incredible effect. Speaking of parenting, Vedder shared a bittersweet, heartbreak moment when he announced that his youngest daughter had scored her first soccer goal that day. “I hated to miss that,” he said. “But, you all make it worth it.” It was a powerful reminder that the people on stage, in order to entertain us, make heartbreaking sacrifices.

    Pearl Jam still infects the audience with the same passion and energy they had in the ‘90s only with a more musically, and emotionally, mature sound. Vedder continues to show unabashed, raw emotion in his voice, which seems to have been the consistent draw and dominates the newest music.  Those at First Niagara all seemed to love it, and it reminded me, too, of why I fell in love with them twenty years ago.

    Things I loved:

    1. The lighting: The light show was designed to show off the crowd regularly. The band WANTED to see all 20,000 of us — often. Their stage lighting was a virtual work of art, while also focusing on one as well. Rising and falling “lamps,” colored to impress a given mood, drew attention alternatively to the musicians and the awesome sculpture hanging over the band.

    2. The sound:  What Pearl Jam is able to achieve with their music is what people seek from church. When twenty thousand people are — together — singing the same words, with the same conviction, at the same time – it’s an amazingly unifying experience.

    3. The set list: Two-thirds of my song wish list was satisfied. I wanted “Rats”, “Rearview Mirror”, and “Breath”. I got the first two (which NEVER happens), and “State of Love & Trust” replaced my need for Breath. But, honestly, with a set list like this (below), who could be dissatisfied? Now that it’s over and done with the song I am most glad I heard was “I Got ID (SHIT)”, which was accompanied by a very short explanation, that involved Neil Young.

    My Downsides:

    1. Eddie didn’t crowd surf.

    Set List:

    Pendulum, Low Light, Sometimes, Corduroy, Lightning Bolt, Mind Your Manners, Do the Evolution, Immortality, My Father’s Son (live debut), Even Flow, Swallowed Whole (live debut), Sirens, Once, Comatose, I Got Id, Infallible, Present Tense, State of Love and Trust, Porch

    Encore: Off He Goes, Yellow Moon, Future Days, Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town, Rats, Got Some, Rearviewmirror

    Encore 2: Go, Alive, Baba O’Riley, (The Who cover), Indifference

  • Night Lights Music Festival Lit up Western New York

    The Great Blue Heron, more widely known for their annual festival over the Fourth of July weekend, played host to the third annual Night Lights Music Festival September 13th and 14th. The sprawling acreage nestled in the Amish countryside of Western New York, was transformed into an interactive playground, tucking light displays along the wooded pathways, adding depth and interest to the already full weekend of music.

    night lights music festivalOver two dozen bands, many hailing from or with roots in Central and Western New York, drew a large local fan base and with that a community atmosphere missing at many larger festivals. The festival grounds and camping areas were full of surprises; drum circles, pop up campfires, jam sessions, and plenty of folks looking for adventures. Nationally touring bands The Heavy Pets, Jimkata and Marco Benevento provided a punch of energy to the already excited crowds, and more regional acts, Aqueous, Space Junk, Lazlo Hollyfeld, The Manhattan Project and Schleigho gave performances not easily forgotten.

    The two stages kept music running at a steady pace, a credit to the hard-working volunteers, lighting folks, and sound techs, allowing for little lapse between acts. Set far enough apart, the walk to and from each stage gave the audience the opportunity to wander through the lighting displays. The participation of the observer whether it be playing a drum, or simply watching the bonfire as it flickered and grew, was essential to the overall experience. Night Lights Fall Music Festival with its multifaceted entertainment, peaceful and well-organized camping and clean and friendly atmosphere should be on everyone’s fall festival schedule.

  • Buffalove Photo Review – The Sights of a Premier Festival Done to Perfection

    It’s around 10:30pm at the debut edition of the Buffalove festival and 3/4’s of Aqueous have taken the stage. Skins wizard Nick Sonricker is standing backstage enjoying a beer. Noticing the odd look on this reporters face, he offers “No worries man, they won’t need me for a while.” The rest of the band starts playing the familiar intro to Pink Floyd’s “Shine On (You Crazy Diamond)”. The crowd delivers a deafening roar and Nick finally makes his way to the drum set. What followed was one of the most spot on, goose bump inducing covers one could imagine. Simply perfect. (Check it out here)

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    This was just one of dozens of unforgettable experiences that this festival delivered over two days in late June at the Willow Creek Winery in Silver Springs, NY. From Aqueous’s top notch Friday night headlining set, to the sick Buffalove jam featuring musicians from multiple bands, to the one two punch of Funktional Flow’s “Wappy Spayberry” (Umphrey’s McGee) into Phish’s “Sand”, there was nary a dull moment to be found. Partners Richard Zanghi and Cody Conway’s Buffalojams  festival could not have had a more spectacular introduction. The staff and grounds of the winery were perfect, the sounds of board wizard Ryan Nogle were spot on, and the weather … given the apocalyptic nature of most every festival this year, the beautiful conditions could not have been dreamed of beforehand. But fear not, if you’re feeling some regret having missed this stunner, Buffalove 2 will be back next year!

  • Night Lights Festival in Sherman, NY Features a Wide Variety of Upstate Bands

    The 2013 Night Lights Festival returns  September 13th and 14th to Sherman, NY.  The festival, in its third year, is held at the Great Blue Heron festival grounds. A component of a larger effort, Night Lights at the Heron, the two day music festival plays off of the light installation set up thoughout the woods creating a unique mash up, touted to be “mind blowing” by many.

    Night Lights The Festival continues to add bench strength in their third year, bringing in both regional and nationally touring acts, including Marco Benevento, The Heavy Pets and Jimkata. Lazlo Hollyfeld, and Smackdab were both part of the original Night Lights lineup are joined by veterans Schleigho, Aqueous, Aircraft, DJ Cutler and John E. Old School , and new this year, Family Funktion and the Sitar Jams, Funktional Flow, Universe Shark, Haewa, On Beta and Space Junk.

    The festival aims to please offering a choice of woods or car camping, as well as RV and family camping options. Single day passes are also available for both Friday and Saturday. Pick up tickets in advance here

    Check out a 360′ view of the festival!

    The music schedule:

    Friday, September 13th

    6p-6:45p        Cafe                        John E Old School

    7-7:45p          Cafe                        Shotgun Jubilee

    7:45-8:45      Main                       Space Junk

    8:45-9:45       Cafe                        Family Funktion and the Sitar Jams

    9:45-11:15     Main                       Aqueous

    11:15-12:15   Cafe                        Universe Shark

    12:15-1:45     Main                       The Heavy Pets

    1:45-3:15       Cafe                         The Manhattan Project

    Saturday, September 14th

    2:00-3:00     Cafe                         On Beta

    3:00-4:15      Main                        Haewa

    4:15-4:45       Cafe                         Comedy and Wine Toast

    4:45-6             Cafe                         Aircraft

    6-7:15             Main                       Funktional Flow

    7:15-8:30      Cafe                         Smackdab

    8:30-10          Main                       Jimkata

    10-11:15         Cafe                         Lazlo Hollyfeld

    11:15-12:45   Main                       Marco Benevento

    12:45-3           Cafe                         Schleigho

    3-?                     Fire Pit                  DJ Cutler

  • Aqueous Announces Extensive Fall Tour of New York, Midwest and Atlantic Coast

    Buffalo’s favorite intense groove rock experience Aqueous has announced an extensive fall tour that brings the band to many new markets as well as established ones. The band has been hitting the road harder then ever this year and this new batch of dates will bring them to over 120 shows for 2013.

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    Highlights include the tour kick-off at the esteemed Brooklyn Bowl with Turkuaz and Jimkata for the Catskill Chill music festival pre-party. Several Upstate NY dates follow as well as the band’s second international date in Montreal. October features a four-show North Carolina run and will also bring them close to one of their mentors; performing an after party for the Rochester Phish show (w/ Jimkata). Washington D.C. and Brooklyn will be treated to some undoubtedly well planned Halloween antics to start off November before a pilgrimage to jam-mecca Nectar’s in Burlington and another pair of upstate dates in Buffalo and Rochester.

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    The summer may fade, but the rage lives on. Check out the full schedule below!

    Aqueous Fall 2013 Tour Dates with Upstate NY highlighted
     
    9/4 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY * w/ Turkuaz & Jimkata
    9/7 – The Catskill Chill Music Festival – Hancock, NY
    9/11 – 123 Pleasant – Morgantown, WV * w/ The Main Squeeze
    9/12 – Thunderbird Cafe – Pittsburgh, PA * w/ The Main Squeeze
    9/13 – Night Lights Fall Festival – Sherman, NY
    9/14 – Barnaroo – Dover, OH
    9/20 – The Dubland Underground – Rochester, NY
    9/21 – Nietzsche’s – Buffalo, NY
    9/26 – The Waterhole – Saranac Lake, NY
    9/27 – Java Barn @ St. Lawrence University – Canton, NY
    9/28 – Gert’s @ McGill University – Montreal, QC
    10/2 – Papa Pete’s – Kalamazoo, MI
    10/3 – The Gramophone – St. Louis, MO
    10/4 – Hideaway Saloon – Lexington, KY
    10/5 – The Empty Glass – Charleston, WV
    10/8 – The Blind Tiger – Greensboro, NC
    10/9 – One Stop @ Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC
    10/10 – The Saloon @ NC Music Factory – Charlotte, NC
    10/11 – 185 King Street – Brevard, NC
    10/16 – Electric Haze – Worcester, MA
    10/17 – Thirsty Moose Taphouse – Portsmouth, NH
    10/18 – The Putnam Den – Saratoga Spring, NY
    10/19 – The Crooked I – Erie, PA
    10/22 – Water Street Music Hall – Phish After Party – Rochester, NY * w/ Jimkata
    10/23 – The Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY * w/ Tauk
    10/24 – Black Oak Tavern – Oneonta, NY * w/ Tauk
    10/25 – The Lot – Ithaca, NY * w/ Tauk
    10/26 – Jungle Boogie Festival – Lake George, NY
    11/1 – The Bayou – Washington, DC * w/ Tauk
    11/2 – The Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY * w/ Tauk
    11/6 – Urban Nest – Asbury Park, NJ
    11/7 – Nectars – Burlington, VT *
    11/8 – Shaskeen Pub – Manchester, NH
    11/9 – Church – Boston, MA
    11/15 – The Dubland Underground – Rochester, NY * w/ Tauk
    11/16 – Nietzsche’s – Buffalo, NY * w/ Tauk
    11/20 – Tonic Room – Chicago, IL * w/ Brown Bag
    11/22 – Scarlet & Grey – Columbus, OH

  • Pearl Jam Fall Tour Will Bring Them to Buffalo

    East Coast Pearl Jam fans got some exciting news today – the band has announced their Fall 2013 tour dates and Buffalo, NY is on the list! The tour will travel through the North East for the first leg, starting in Pittsburgh on October 11th and then onto Buffalo October 12th at the First Niagara Center. With stops in major cities all over the country, the band’s hometown of Seattle will get their dose of Pearl Jam on December 6th for the final stop on the tour. Follow the latest news and updates with #PearlJam2013.

    Pearl Jam

    Pearl Jam will play the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY on October 12th, the show starts at 7:30PM. Tickets go on sale Saturday, July 27th at 10AM (EST) and can be purchased online at Tickets.com or by calling 888-223-6000. A special ticket pre-sale drawing for current Pearl Jam Ten Club members is being offered – for more information and com[plete details please sign into your account.

    Pearl Jam’s North American tour dates are in addition to the band’s previously announced sold out concerts in London, Ontario and Chicago, IL as well as the band’s headlining performance at Voodoo Music + Arts Experience in New Orleans (November 1-3) A full list of dates is available at www.pearljam.com/tour.

    Follow Pearl Jam

    #PearlJam2013

  • Dark Star Orchestra adds Buffalo and Rochester to Spring Tour East 2013

    If you were one of many Upstate New Yorkers’ who were bummed to learn that Dark Star Orchestra was not coming closer to Rochester or Buffalo on their way to Thornville, Ohio for the Jubilee on their Spring Tour East 2013 then cry no more my friends! With the cancellation of Mighty High Mountain Festival, the band has added shows and they’re commin’ to town.

    Dark Star Orchestra has added May 18th at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo, NY. Admission is $25, All Ages (Under 16 admitted with parent or guardian). Show starts at 9pm and you can purchase your tickets online Here via DSOtix.

    May 19th at Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall the show starts at 8pm, All Ages! Admission is $24 and you can pick up your advance purchase tickets via DSOtix Here or through the venue website Here.

    For more information on DSO’s Spring Tour East 2013 check out DSO Online.

  • John Brown’s Body Spring Tour 2013

    John Brown’s Body kicks off their Spring Tour this Thursday in support of Kings And Queens, which is set to be released on April 16, 2013. This tour will bring them to the the Upstate region twice with appearances in Rochester and Buffalo, N.Y. The band is excited to be headlining the Sugarloaf Mountain’s 25th Annual Reggae Festival in Maine this Saturday, April 13th with special guest Mighty Mystic.

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    The band will play Water Street Music Hall on April 26th for the JBB Presents: Big Upstate Reggae Festival also featuring, Dub Trio, Nevergreen, Among Criminals, and Axis Armada. Admission is $14 advance/$20 dos, Ages 21+. Doors open at 8:00pm and the shows starts at 9:00pm. You can get your tickets online here or at the venue box office.

    Their second Upstate appearance is at the Tralf Music Hall in Buffalo, N.Y. with special guests TBA. Admission is $14 advance/$16 dos, Ages:21+. Doors open at 7:00p.m and show starts at 8:00p.m. Get your tickets online at Ticketmaster or by calling the venue at 716-852-2860

    This week, reggae-rock music blog The Pier features John Brown’s Body’s brand-spankin’ new track “Dust Bowl” as their MP3 Leak of the Week! Head over to their website to get your first ever listen of “Dust Bowl”.

    You can pre-order your copy of  Kings And Queens  over at Easy Star Records, with bundling options available. All pre-orders will receive an MP3 download of the album along with your CD or Vinyl on April 16.