NYS Music 20​13

Tag: driftwood

  • Old Crow Medicine Show kicks off Brewery Ommegang’s 2013 Concert Series

    What do you get when you combine great music, delicious beer, and a beautiful setting? The Brewery Ommegang’s Summer Concert series. This year’s summer concerts at Ommegang kicked off with a Memorial Day celebration that allowed Sunday night camping and a bluegrass/Americana lineup headlined by Old Crow Medicine Show.

    Local bluegrass band Driftwood started things off. With great harmonies and well-written numbers, they greeted fans streaming in and finding spots in the open field. The sea of lawn chairs and blankets, along with tents set up in the back could only be appreciated from an aerial view. Fortunately, I was able to connect with Andy Trench from ZoomVideo.net and we went to get a helicamera setup, or, more appropriately, hell-of-a-camera setup. Flying it above the crowd, we were able to provide a birds-eye view of the crowd, the stage, the brewery and the beautiful Cooperstown area.

    After Driftwood was Chuck Mead and his Grassy Knoll Boys from Nashville. They were a little more traditional country than bluegrass or Americana, but as I spoke to one of their members after their set, we agreed that it was a good fit. Many shows mix similar genres to offer a little variety and draw from different groups of music lovers. The crowd was pretty much settled in at this point and enjoyed the steel guitar, upright bass and fun lyrics of the band. The highlight was a modern telling of the ongoings of the gang from Mayberry.

    As the sun set over the surrounding hills, beer-lovers had a chance to get refills of their favorite Ommegang brew, sweatshirts and coats got thrown on, and a last trip to the vendors for nachos or a burger and prepare for the seven-piece stylings of Old Crow Medicine Show. Starting out with “Carry Me Back” and “Alabama High Test” and moving onto “Take ’em Away”, the pace was fast and the bluegrass-induced Americana jams led to dancing, hula hooping and a whole lot of singing.

    If I asked concert goers before the show what were they coming to see, they would have said “Wagon Wheel”. While that song rocketed OCMS to fame, their repertoire of upbeat songs led most to understand that this is not a one-hit wonder, but rather a group that have been around for fifteen years and have compiled a music library of incredible songs that can lend themselves to a two hour set that no one gets bored with, begging for that one song everyone knows.

    What’s coming up at Ommegang this summer? Grace Potter and the Nocturnals will be there July 25th and Black Crowes on September 5th. Whether you come for the music, the beer or the atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with planning a trip to Ommegang this summer.

  • Bound for Great Music: Dan Johnson and the Expert Sidemen Album Release Party

    Last Thursday night was filled with string picking, bow strumming and warm bluegrass music at Valentine’s in Albany in celebration of Dan Johnson and the Expert Sidemen second album, Bound for Abiquiu release party. The hosts were joined by their friends, The Grassroots Rebels and Driftwood, two Upstate New York bands that combine Americana and bluegrass with plenty of attitude and flair. With Memorial Day weekend upon us, the show was a great way to relax with simple songs and prepare for the sunny days ahead.

    Driftwood

    I have a good amount of friends that hail from Binghamton, who are obsessed with Driftwood and now I can understand why. The four piece stringed band took the stage and wasted no time by starting a musical ruckus. Claire Byrne is a furious fiddle player, who shakes the ground with heart as she played all night with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen.  “Ooh keep it down for the banjo solo” yelled guitarist, Dan Forsyth, hushing the crowd and cranking up the banjo picking by Joe Kollar. The band has fantastic chemistry as there is constant communication on stage with words and instruments, everyone holding their own but still blending perfectly together. It isn’t until a few songs in that the crowd finally hears vocals and they were worth the wait. Driftwood has impeccable harmonies that give their melodies and lyrics a more heartfelt joy. The tunes had attention grabbing, sharp ends with steady, heart racing crescendos. Joey Arcuri brought out the bow on his standup bass giving the songs a new sound with darky, heavy notes.  As the set went on, Driftwood gave respects to Dan Johnson by repeatedly dedicating multiple songs to him as well as the venue.  Kollar joked that it was their best Albany crowd ever, considering they haven’t played the area in over a year and Claire added, “I like Valentine’s and Dan Johnson.”  My favorite song of the night was “Brother” which had a slight Celtic sound, complete with light, airy, long bow strokes.  Driftwood are touring all over the East Coast this summer and are most excited for a new album in the works, set to drop in this fall. Be sure to catch them at such festivals as Taste of Syracuse, The Great Blue Heron and Grassroots.

    DanJohnson&ExpertSidemen

    Dan Johnson and the Expert Sidemen gently opened their CD release party with their newest hit “Bound for Abiquiu,” and the venue was mesmerized. Johnson’s voice is mature and soothing, with a country twang that made the show feel like a warm summer night. “Garden Below” had some of my favorite lyrics of the night such as, “Sometimes I feel like an ocean looking for a river that I can’t find.” Brian Elsenbeck demonstrated his musical skills by alternating between the accordion and the banjo all night with great enthusiasm, and as Dan puts it, he is nicknamed “The Wizard of Accordion Mountain.”  Roger Noyes, on the pedal steel guitar, kept the crowd lingering on every easy going note with a laid back, southern vibe. Fans got a treat when Claire Byrne of Driftwood joined the boys on stage for their classic hit, “Baton Rouge,” adding an angelic vocal twist. One of my favorite moments of the night was during the song, “Dancing Fool,” a new romantic tune with guitar strumming so sweet it caused a few couples to slow dance around the venue.  Dan Johnson’s lyrics break your heart one moment and build you up with loving hope the next, a classic bluegrass rollercoaster. The former Albany local who now calls Vermont home, anticipates more visits to Upstate New York to share his newest album at such festivals as Rhythm on the Ridge on June 8th and Bellstock 20 on July 18th.

    Setlist: Bound for Abiquiu, Come on in My Kitchen, Adam and the Snake Oil Salesman, The Garden Below, My Three Friends, Baton Rouge*, Dancing Fool, Out of the Shade, Off on the Tide, Utica Blues, Another Good Thing is Come and Gone, Someone New, Sid Purple

    *with Claire Byrne of Driftwood

    Pick up Dan’s new album and great merch at his Bandcamp!

  • Rochester Lilac Festival May 10-19, 2013

    The 1,200 lilac bushes decorating the 22 acres of Highland Park Rochester Lilac Festival
    will put on a spectacular show May 10-19, 2013, exploding with color and fragrance during the Rochester Lilac Festival — showcasing the world’s largest collection of lilacs during the largest and oldest festival of its kind.

    The 105-year-old festival this year has a new name, adding the word Rochester to the title, plus a new logo, new events and attractions, high-profile national music acts,  and a new producer, The Springut Group.

    What’s new and notable for the Lilac Fest in 2013?

    Wine & Chocolate Tasting: 

    Three evenings of a Wine & Chocolate Tasting under the big tent, where you can sample more
    than 150 different local, regional, and national wines from more than 30 wineries — from 4
    to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 14; Wednesday, May 15; and Thursday, May 16.

    Craft Beer Garden: 

    A Craft Beer Garden will offer more than 20 varieties of eclectic regional and national beers on
    tap on a rotating schedule of five different beers per day, for sale alongside a variety of beers
    from Genesee Brewery. The featured breweries are Ithaca, Victory, Long Trail, and Pyramid.

    Kid Power!

    Each year a portion of the park is transformed into a mini amusement park during the Lilac
    Festival. And this year the children’s rides and entertainment will feature new mini rides and
    several bounce houses and inflatable obstacle courses. The kids’ stage will offer a variety of acts
    and is being relocated closer to the rides, in an area now being called “Kid Power!”

    Minicarousel

    Demonstration Stages: 

    Along the paths, a variety of demonstrations will be taking place, from gardening tips to
    woodworking.

    Lilac 10K and Family 5K: 

    This annual event, sponsored by MedVed, is a picturesque run through city streets on the final
    day of the festival, Sunday May 19. New high-tech additions help runners track their midway
    and final times, while automatically sending texts to family and friends.

    Art In the Park: 

    More than 130 artists will be exhibiting on the South Avenue Green in this year’s juried Arts
    and Crafts Shows, open 10:30 a.m. to 6 pm. Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Artists
    from more than 10 different states are participating, with art ranging from ceramics and glass to
    jewelry and metal/sculpture.

    purple-lilacs

    2013 Lilac Festival Event Schedule:

    Friday, May 10th

    Special Events
    10:30  Opening Ceremonies

    Center Stage
    10:30am     Le Roy Jr. High School Swingin’ Knights Jazz Band
    11:30am     Brockport 5th Grade Hilltop Singers & Top Brass Players
    12:30pm     Dr. Charles T. Lunford School No. 19 School Band
    4:00pm       Mr. Mustard
    5:30pm       The Fat City Band
    7:00pm       Skycoasters

    Children’s Stage
    5:00pm     Joe Cappon
    6:00pm     Joe Cappon

    Saturday, May 11th

    Special Events
    10:30am   YNN Lilac Parade
    10:30am-6:00pm     Art In Bloom – Juried Art & Craft Show

    Center Stage
    12:30pm         The Spanky Haschmann Swing Orchestra
    1:30pm           Zac Brown Tribute Band
    2:30pm          Deborah Mangone
    4:00pm          Mitty and The Followers
    5:30pm          Amanda Lee Peers and The Driftwood Sailors
    7:00pm          Spin Doctors

    Children’s Stage
    1:00pm         Dinner Dogs
    2:00pm         Gary the Happy Pirate
    3:00pm         Dinner Dogs
    4:00pm         Gary the Happy Pirate5:00pm         The Magical John Show

    Sunday, May 12th

    Special Events
    10:30am-5:00pm     Art in Bloom – Juried Art & Craft Show

    Center Stage
    10:30am        Alysia Groth Band
    11:30am        Blue Jimmy
    12:30pm       The Dirty Bourbon Blues Band
    2:30pm         Natalie B Band
    4:00pm         My Plastic Sun
    5:30pm         Teagan and the Tweeds
    7:00pm         Eddie Money

    Children’s Stage
    1:00pm         Dinner Dogs
    2:00pm         The Magical John Show
    3:00pm         Mike Kornrich
    4:00pm         Dinner Dogs
    5:00pm         The Magical John Show

    Monday, May 13th

    Center Stage
    10:30am       Abraham Lincoln School 22 Choir
    11:00am       Cobblestone School Band
    12:00am       Our Lady of Mercy High School Orchestra
    12:30pm       Bishop Kearney – Murder of Crows Band
    1:30pm         Greece Olympia High School
    4:00pm         MoChester
    5:30pm         Lake Street Dive
    7:00pm         The English Beat

    Children’s Stage
    12:30pm       “Farmer Tom” Walsh
    6:00pm         “Farmer Tom” Walsh

    Tuesday, May 14th

    Special Events
    4:00pm-8:00pm  Wine & Chocolate Tasting

    Center Stage
    10:30am       Paul Road Elementary School Band
    11:30am        Indian Landing School Band
    12:30pm       Palmyra-Macedon Middle School Honors Band, Jazz Band, Con Brio
    1:30pm          Spencerport High School Jazz band
    4:00pm         Audio Influx
    5:30pm         J.C. Brooks & the Uptown Sound
    7:00pm         Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express

    Children’s Stage
    12:30pm        Mike Kornrich
    6:00pm         Mike Kornrich

    Wednesday, May 15th  

    Special Events
    10:30am-4pm        Seniors Day
    4:00pm-8:00pm   Wine & Chocolate Tasting

    Center Stage
    10:30am       St. Joseph’s School Band
    11:30am        St. John’s Jam Band
    12:30pm        Twelve Corners Middle School Jazz Band & Select Choir
    1:30pm          Smugtown Stompers
    4:00pm         Meghan Koch and the Gentleman Callers
    5:30pm         Tommy Brunett Band
    7:00pm         The Marshall Tucker Band

    Children’s Stage
    12:30pm        “Farmer Tom” Walsh
    6:00pm         “Farmer Tom” Walsh

    Thursday, May 16th

    Special Events
    4:00pm-8:00pm     Wine & Chocolate Tasting

    Center Stage
    10:30am         Holly Elementary Chorus
    11:00am         Gates Chili Middle School Jazz Ensemble & Spartan Original Singers
    12:00pm         School #12 Concert Band and Hand Bell Choir
    1:00pm           North Christian Academy Concert Band and High School Choir
    4:00pm           The Moho Collective
    5:30pm           The Lawnmowers
    7:00pm           Rusted Root

    Children’s Stage
    12:30pm        Mike Kornrich
    6:00pm          Mike Kornrich

    Friday, May 17th

    Center Stage
    10:30am        Cosgrove Middle School 7th Grade Chorus
    11:00am        Rochester City School District “Bloomin Arts”
    4:00pm          Mikaela Davis
    5:30pm          Brian Lindsay Band
    7:00pm          The Smithereens

    Children’s Stage
    12:30pm        “Farmer Tom” Walsh
    6:00pm         “Farmer Tom” Walsh

    Saturday, May 18th

    Special Events
    10:30am-6:00pm  Art In The Park -Juried Art & Craft Show

    Center Stage
    11:30am        Teressa Wilcox Band
    12:30am       The Fools
    2:00pm         The Crawdiddies
    3:30pm         Driftwood
    5:30pm         The Lone Bellow
    7:00pm         The Prickers

    Children’s Stage
    1:00pm         Matt Episcopo
    2:00pm         Gary the Happy Pirate
    3:00pm         Matt Episcopo
    4:00pm         Gary the Happy Pirate
    5:00pm         Matt Episcopo

    Sunday, May 19th

    Special Events
    8:00am         5K Family Fun Run
    9:00am         10K Race
    10:30am-5:00pm     Art In The Park – Juried Art & Craft Show

    Center Stage
    11:30am       Flint Creek
    1:00pm         Dang!
    2:30pm         Big Sandy and his fly-rite boys
    4:00pm        The John Cole Blues Band
    5:30pm        Prime Time Funk
    7:00pm       The Campbell Brothers

    Children’s Stage
    1:00pm         Matt Episcopo
    2:00pm         Mike Kornrich
    3:00pm         Matt Episcopo
    4:00pm         Mike Kornrich
    5:00pm         The Magical John Show

    Visitorsjumpingforjoy

    For more information and updates on Rochester Lilac Festival 2013, visit lilacfestival.com

  • NYS Music’s 4/20 Show Roundup

    April 20th has evolved into a counterculture holiday, with ties to Deadheads and hippies and just about every person you probably know or will know. Music venues all over Upstate New York are using this as another reason to see live music! Here is our compiled list of 4/20 shows around the state.

    Lower Hudson

    Bethel Woods -Felice Brothers with Driftwood

    4/20 showsBinghamton

    Fitzie’s – Mantraverse, Inner Mission, The Benjamin Raubinsons, Hung Like Horses, The Quantum, Amber Martin

    Buffalo

    Nietzsche’s – Family FUNKtion and the Sitar Jams, The Heavy Pets

    Town Ballroom– Hellzapoppin

    The Tralf – The Maniacs

    U of B – Aqueous, Haewa, The Assortment of Crayons

    Canandaigua

    V Pub – 34 Feet Deep, In The Box, Fire Wheel

    Oneida

    The Madison House – Project Weather Machine

    Rochester

    Water Street Music Hall -The Manhattan Project

    Montage Music Hall – Groove Fest

    Lovin’Cup – 4/20 Bash

    Featuring: Hollands, Extended Family, The Filthy McNastys and The Buddhahood

    Syracuse

    Tipperary Square – Hot Day at the Zoo, Tim Herron Corp, and more

    Saranac Lake

    Waterhole – Cabinet w/ The Blind Owl Band

    Utica

    The Uptown Theatre– Childhoods’ End

    Downstate

    Port Chester – The Capitol Theatre– Furthur

    Burlington, VT

    Higher Ground Ballroom – Kung Fu, Twiddle

    Nectars – Touch Pants, Jon Fishman

  • Donna The Buffalo Drinks From The Waterhole at Winter Carnival 2013

    After a vibrant opening act with Driftwood to kick off Winter Carnival 2013, the well known and well loved band Donna the Buffalo took stage. They united everyone in the audience at the Waterhole Music Lounge in Saranac Lake Thursday evening, solidifying the energy left over from Driftwood. When you see them live exploring the realm of what it is they offer, you can’t help but feel at home. The folk-infused Americana band offered a common ground for everyone to dance on at a sold out show. Fans from all over the northeast traveled in disregard to warnings of record breaking snowfall to spend the evening with the band.

    Donna-the-Buffalo-NEW-Promo-e1330451730229

    Once the band was grooving, everyone was moving. They inspire rhythm within the soul and demand movement from the body. The most prevalent thing at a Donna the Buffalo show is the range of ages within the fanbase. With a country and bluegrass feel, they are able to give people what they know and love while still offering unique music that is fresh and new. When Tara Nevins, the lead vocalist, busts out the washboard or accordion, she kicks things up a notch by adding some Cajun zydeco spice to the mix. She is one of the band’s original singers and songwriters, staying true to the band for the past 21 years. The other lead musician in the band, Jeb Puryear, adds a vibrant poetic element to a Donna the Buffalo show. He is always sharing personal ideas and emotions with the audience, expressing ideas from within and subtly explaining the band’s extensive timeline. Having recently put out a new album Silverlined many new songs were played and a refreshed sense of the band was shared by all. The new songs stopped people in their two stepping and made them listen. They are masters at creating a powerful sense of love and positive energy at every show. Anybody who loves good music, genuine song writing, and an energizing rhythm loves this band.

    Donna the Buffalo represents a revitalization of an aging sentiment of the love generation. Their music offers a hash of multiple styles, perfect for satisfying the many demands of a mountain town. The sounds of the fiddle, accordion  washboard, tambourine, electric guitar and keyboard all combine to bring the audience satisfying sounds and a combination of truly loved genres. The event demanded the kicking off of boots, swirling of skirts and swilling of suds. Smiles were all around and the warm feeling of a family created was everywhere. To end the show the band finished with one of their well know ditties and what it is they stand for was chanted, “My, my, my, everybody gets high! On love, love, love, everybody gets high! My, my, my, everybody gets by Everybody gets high on love…”!