Author: zack luckin

moe.down 15 Goes out With a Bang as Festival Season Draws to a Close

As with all of the 14 years prior, this summer’s moe.down 15 festival held in Turin, New York was nothing short of a remarkable live music gala featuring acts from Upstate NY and across the country. This festival would not be in existence however, if it were not for moe. themselves. moe. has not only become a pioneer of the jam-rock genre, but the band has also influenced the festival scene like few others. Turin’s beautiful Snow Ridge Ski Resort has been the host of this event for 13 years now and has seen many different types of performers from all genres, but with one common theme… moe.!

The Snow Ridge Ski Resort, nestled just outside of Turin, is a prime location for such a festival. The area is somewhat secluded, with several parallel ski slopes serving as the festival grounds. Though smaller than previous years, the camping areas are located on the slopes along either side of the main venue. The main slope serves as a natural stadium, where festivalgoers can look out over the grounds and the two stages at the bottom of the hill. Though sometimes a hazard during heavy rains, this past Labor Day served up just the right kind of weather for a festival. As to be expected at any festival, there was some rain, but it came briefly in the wee hours of the morning on Sunday and did not seem to cause any issues for campers.

moe.down is not just your run-of-the-mill festival. In times where festivals try their best to get as many artists as possible, sometimes with upward of one hundred performers, moe.down keeps their lineup small, allowing artists to play two or three sets. This may not seem like big deal, but for anyone who has attended, they know that it gives listeners the opportunity for much more depth in their musical experience. Instead of festivalgoers seeing new band after new band and getting a bit overwhelmed in the process, one can get to know a band over the weekend by watching multiple sets and seeing how versatile a band’s music can be and how they have evolved as a group.

On Friday, Aug. 29the music began just after 6pm, but most campers had gotten there much earlier, some even showing up a full day before the festivities started. It did not take long for the adjacent hills to turn into a small tent city, especially since the main campground space had been cut nearly in half compared to previous years, eliminating one whole ski slope as a camping option. Ohio’s The Werks kicked off the fest with the first of their three sets. This jam quartet played almost their entire repertoire, as they alternated sets with Lotus and moe. themselves. The Werks played many of their popular songs including “Duck Farm”, featuring high-energy solos from lead guitarist Chris Houser. One of the group’s most distinct elements in their music is the presence of the electronic synthesizer and sound manipulations, creating what has been called “Psychedelic Dance Rock”. Each set proved to be more impressive than the last with several cover,s including a great rendition of “Pink Panther” that was a real treat for all in attendance.

Jam seemed to be the only thing on the menu Friday night as Lotus took to the stage, asserting themselves as one of the powerhouses of the genre. With a unique hybrid of jam/rock and electronic dance music, Lotus never fails to keep the crowd on their toes and dancing wildly, even after the music stopped. Similar to The Werks, Lotus incorporates many electronic samples that can be enjoyed by everyone, from classic jam fans to younger drum and bass lovers. After the dueling Lotus and The Werks sets, the air became heavy with anticipation as the moment everyone had been waiting for drew near. Yes, of course, that meant none other than moe.! The Upstate legends made their way to the Mountain Stage for their first set of the weekend and all the moe.rons (the name given to the die-hard moe. fans) were in a frenzy. There was not an unsatisfied person in the venue as moe. performed a set that can best be described as a “Meat sandwich.” moe. began with their song “Meat”, a song with a heavy rock feel that is filled with screaming guitar solos, lightning fast bass playing, and intense percussion throughout. This was a common theme throughout the set, returning to “Meat” in the middle and then ending the night with one final mighty “Meat” jam. There would have been no better way for the band to open the weekend and really get the party started.

moe.down has two very special groups that are there to support festivalgoers of all backgrounds. The first is a women’s support group, the Yodeladies, who have a tent set up in the venue to aid women in whatever way they can. The other group, the Happy Hour Heroes, is also there for those who choose to remain drug and alcohol free and need support and information on that choice. Both groups get their names from moe. songs, “Yodelittle” and “Happy Hour Hero.” The festival grounds is also filled with many vendors selling their local and handmade goods, as well as ecofriendly products made of various recycled materials. Though there is not an art gallery on the grounds like some other fests, the Snow Ridge Ski Resort has ski lifts running all weekend for those wanting to get a better view of the festival. From atop the slopes, one can see the beautiful rolling hills and Western Adirondacks of the surrounding area and it is a perfect spot to catch the sunrise and sunset.

American Babies started things off on Saturday with two sets of their soulful rock and roll, with Conehead Buddha playing in between. Conehead is known for their large presence with eight musicians on stage, creating an extremely energetic sound that is a mix of ska and funk. moe. wasn’t far behind, playing their first afternoon set, which seemed to be a warm up for their double feature later in the night.

Though the weekend was mostly filled with jam/rock performances, one act that certainly set itself apart was Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang. Claypool is known for his following of what might be best called “eclectic and extraordinary fans”, and his music clearly shows why. Best known for his music with Primus and Oysterhead, his Duo De Twang was much different, providing a much more mellow bluegrass and folk/blues feel, covering Jerry Garcia and playing some traditional Canadian songs. There was something a bit off with Les that day however. Maybe it was his lack of fondness for the hippie crowd or something personal, but his loyal fans could easily tell something wasn’t right. At one point, mid-performance, he stopped after attempting some of his famous “fancy finger waggling” and apologized to the crowd saying, “the devil’s inside me no longer”, referencing his inability to play the bass like he used to. The rest of the set was rather odd, with a lot of talking about his life and what seemed to be a hint of sadness. He ended by playing his South Park theme song several times and “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver”, one of his hit songs with Primus, before stopping not a minute after he was scheduled to end. Many including myself were somewhat baffled and hope that the devil will find his way back into Les’ fingers once more.

Saturday’s jams were far from over though, with up-and-coming festival favorites Twiddle playing three sets on the get.down stage. The trio’s endless jams explored the limits of jam, rock, and some of their own renditions of the classics, including a medley of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” with their song “When It Rains It Poors”. Between Twiddle’s sets, the late ’90s Gypsy punk rockers Gogol Bordello showed they still have all the energy they did fifteen years ago. The crowd was belting out the lyrics with the band to “Break The Spell” and “Wunderlust King”, and then finishing the set by yelling “Goodbye Forever!” as the band exited the stage in a dramatic fashion.

moe. came in with a bang, starting off with “Bullet” and its lyrics, “We are all waiting, for the main event.”, but it was obvious that this was in fact it. They were later joined by the Conehead Buddha brass section with moe.’s song “Nebraska” before ending their second set. Before the third and final set of the evening began, moe. guitarist Chuck Garvey took center stage to thank all who helped make the festival possible and all those in attendance for coming out. He finished by saying just how special moe.down was to him and the band, and that it was the highlight of their year. The third set saw some variation, starting off slow and bluesy and then morphing into a lighter Caribbean feel with Rob switching basses and Al getting out his double neck guitar. Then, for a very special solo, Chuck broke out a talkbox, an instrument used by Peter Frampton that allows the player to manipulate an instrument’s sound by using a plastic tube held in their mouth. Towards the end of the set, the Conehead Buddha horns reentered with a Paul Simon cover and “Threw It All Away”.

All the moe.rons were partying extra hard Saturday night and into Sunday morning, despite the filling in of “The Ditch”, an iconic part of the moe.down festival. There were even a few sorrowful chants of “Where’s the ditch?!”, but there were still a good number of people paying tribute to it by dancing atop the mound of gravel that now stands in its place. It seemed that most people were still asleep at noon when Wild Adriatic began their first set. Slowly, people made their way to the venue for Jerry Douglas Band’s bluegrass led by Jerry himself on the dobro. Staying on a somewhat blues theme, Soulive took to the Mountain Stage. The band is made up of Alan Evans of Alan Evans’ Playonbrother, his brother Neal who is typically seen with Lettuce, and is led by guitarist Eric Krasno, known for his work with Lettuce as well. The band played several songs off their album Rubber Soulive, and you could tell by the look on Krasno’s face that his sweet yet sorrowful solo during their cover of “Eleanor Rigby” came from somewhere deep within.

There was more in store for the bluegrass lovers at the fest with Al and Vinnie of moe. performing with one of their side projects, Floodwood. The group made their first appearance on stage at moe.down several years ago, bringing together veterans of the string-band world for this all-star ensemble. The moe.rons were especially excited to see their favorite moe. musicians and they burst into applause as mandolin player Jay Barady jumped down into the crowd for a solo during “It’s A Long Way To Virginia”.

It was right back to the electric jams after Floodwood, with O.A.R.’s rock and Americana tunes. The band covered Sublime’s “Pawn Shop” and ended with an incredible medley of “Revolution” and Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry”. Upstate’s own, Aqueous performed two sets, playing “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” just to make sure that no one in the crowd was thinking about going home early. Their groove-rock was a perfect recipe for dancing, letting festivalgoers let loose one more time before the weekend was over. Aqueous’ set was nothing short of over the top intensity as the mountain resonated with their infectious rhythms and solos.

It was then finally time for what could be either called the best or worst moment of the weekend… moe.’s final sets. After ending their second to last set with “Water”, the crowd didn’t budge as all the moe.rons made sure they locked down their spot for the second jam. Aqueous played for only about 30 minutes before giving way to moe. to finish things off. It was all about Chuck for the final set and the crowd could not be kept quiet. He led things off with “Puebla” and soloed for what seemed like an eternity, shredding every note as if it would be his last. There were only about five songs, each about fifteen or twenty minutes long, but it was an outstanding exhibit of the musicians’ impressive endurance. The guys took a short break to announce this year’s moe.down Mayor as the infamous “Rex”, much to Rob’s dismay, before returning to their final song. It seemed only right that moe. ended moe.down 15 singing the words “I’ll find my way back to you” from their song “Rebubula”. You could tell that the crowd wanted more, but the were only left with fireworks as they smiled thoughtfully, thinking about the unforgettable weekend that they had just taken part in.

It was another great year for moe.down and the moe.rons with good vibes and good music supplied all around. The Snow Ridge Ski Resort was happy to be home to moe. and we hope it will continue to host this great Upstate fest for many years to come.

All Photos by: Chris Cleary

FRIDAY

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September 11, 2014
moe.down 15 Comes Back to the Festival’s Original Time and Place

moe.down 15 is set for its return Labor Day Weekend at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, N.Y.

After moving to a different location several years ago, the fest is finally back to the original time and place where it all began. There’s no doubt that moe. fans and live music lovers are pleased by the announcement.

moe.down began at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort in 2000 with around 3,000 people in attendance and has since grown to become home to roughly 10,000 music revelers for Labor Day Weekend. More important than the time and location of the festival, is the band that started it all, moe.. The Rock/Jam quintet has had a revolving cast since their forming at the University of Buffalo in 1989, with Rob Derhak and Chuck Garvey being the only original members remaining. moe. has become a veteran and staple of the festival scene, getting their start at Gathering of the Vibes in 1998.

This year’s line-up will include moe., Gogol Boredello, O.A.R., Lotus, Soulive, Les Claypool’s Due De Twang, Jerry Douglas Band, The Rich Robinson Band, Everyone Orchestra, Twiddle, Floodwood, Aqueous, The Werks, Conehead Buddha, American Babies, and Wild Adriatic. Representing the Upstate New York area is Aqueous of Buffalo, known for their Groove/Rock style, Conehead Buddha with their Latin and funk rhythms hailing from Coxsackie, Floodwood and their unforgettable String Band sound from Utica, Wild Adriatic of Saratoga Springs, and of course moe..

The festival grounds at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort are a beautiful and well suited are for the event, with the ski slopes for seating. There are two stages on the grounds, with numerous vendors selling many different types of food and other goods. Two support groups for festivalgoers can be found; Yodeladies, a women’s support group and The Happy Hour Heroes, an AA Support group. Both being named after moe. songs. The adjacent hills are used as camping grounds, separated into Family and Sober, Quiet and Regular camping areas. A Kid’s Tent is set up during the day from 12-4pm for parents needing their young ones supervised. Snow Ridge Ski Resort is also right next to the local Steak N’ Brew for anyone wanting an actual meal at the fest.

moe.down has been host to many big name headliners over the last 15 years, besides moe. themselves. Past headlining acts include Stanley Jordan Trio, Umphrey’s McGee, Slightly Stupid, The Black Keys, Cake, Redman and Method Man, Ani DiFranco, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bela Fleck, The Roots, Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood, Ziggy Marley, Keller Williams, Tea Leaf Green, Violent Femmes, Blues Traveler, Mike Gordon, Michael Franti and Spearhead, John Brown’s Body, Donna the Buffalo, Soulive, The Wailers, Dave Grissam Quartet, and Les Claypool.

moe.down 15 will provide a nice mix of Jam, Rock, Funk, and Bluegrass for live music lovers from the Upstate area and abroad. The beautiful grounds, wholesome environment, and good music can be a perfect end of the summer getaway for any type of person. The fest starts Friday, August 29^th and will end Sunday the 31^st. Tickets are on sale now for $150 and may also be bought at the gate. Parking for the weekend will be an addition $10. More information can be found at the moe.down website.

moe.down 15 Festival Playlist

Warm yourself up for moe.down 15 with a preview playlist of this year’s preforming artists.

Performers on the playlist include moe., Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang, O.A.R., Soulive, Lotus, Floodwood, Aqueous, Twiddle, and The Werks. Be sure to check out the upcoming moe.down 15 Festival Preview via NYS Music Music Guide.

moe.down 15 will be held on Labor Day weekend, August 29-31, at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, N.Y. For tickets, please visit the band’s website.

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August 14, 2014
A Festival for a Cause: Grassroots 2014

This year marked the 24^th annual Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance and everyone in attendance at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds from July 17-20, 2014 knew they were taking part in something truly special. Every year, the Grassroots Festival donates the proceeds to local charities, not-for-profit organizations, and other groups in need. Musicians, artists, local vendors, and live music lovers alike come from far and wide to partake in this breathtaking event that gives back to local communities like few other events of its kind. From international music legends to newly started local businesses, all parties involved in the Grassroots Festival are doing their part to make a difference.

The extravaganza began on the Wednesday before the festival started, as Jeb and Tara of Donna the Buffalo and Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys kicked things off with the Pre-Grassroots Special Concert on the beautiful Grandstand Stage. Even though the festival was still a day away, you could easily feel the excitement and anticipation brewing on the fairgrounds.

Noon couldn’t come soon enough on Thursday, with people lining up and down the street, all waiting to get their wristbands and let the festivities begin. Within a matter of hours, nearly every campsite was filled as festivalgoers began to mill about the grounds, sampling some of the many types of cuisine and taking a gander at the various vendors. Finally, at 1pm sharp, Bubba George Stringband took to the Infield Stage to open Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance 2014. Bubba George is made up of a group of life-long friends whose greatest love is to play folk and bluegrass music, which is exactly what they did.

Often times, a Thursday night of a festival is a time when people are still getting settled in and maybe resting up for the weekend ahead, but at this year’s Grassroots, you would have thought it was a Saturday night, as folks filled every inch of dancing room available to flail about and belt their favorite lyrics until they could do so no longer. Local bands were a plenty, with the 585 and 607 areas being well represented.

Kevin Kinsella plucked his light, bouncing acoustic melodies that inspired spontaneous dancing and smiles throughout the crowd. Following Kinsella, Thousands of One performed their progressive hip-hop lyrics, accompanied by multiple music styles, including roots, acoustic jam, and funk. The Blind Spots began not long after at the Grandstand, but many stayed to lock down a spot for Donna. Since the very beginning in 1991, Donna The Buffalo has been headlining Grassroots, drawing some of the biggest crowds at the festival. Donna plays varying styles, but they started off with some slower songs such as “Siverlined”, warming up their fans for what they had in store for the rest of the weekend.

The Grandstand was the place to be, with a stacked lineup including Driftwood, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, and Sophistafunk. Driftwood, like Donna the Buffalo, started off with their down-tempo songs. Giant Panda picked up the pace considerably, bringing more people from the stands to dance. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad jammed some feel-good dub with their song “Love You More”, going very well with the warm Grassroots vibe. Late night heated up quick as Sophistafunk took to the stage. As soon as the first deep, funky bass note by Adam Gold was dropped, there was no doubt that the party was in session. Sophistafunk rocked the Bandstand for nearly two hours, with positive lyrics by Jack Brown and backed by tight rhythms that anyone can get down to.

After a cold night, morning broke on Friday and began to warm things up. Even though the music hadn’t started, there was still plenty to do on the festival grounds. Some took part in morning yoga to revive their sore muscles after a hard night of dancing, while others found their center in an open meditation in the Workshop Tent. Throughout the weekend, there were many other educational gatherings and workshops, focusing on drumming, dance, healing and more. Grassroots is about more than just music, it’s about art of all forms and engaging in the fullest experience life has to offer. And for the young ones, the kid’s area was open all weekend with music lessons and face painting.

This year’s Grassroots festival was different from many years past in one very noticeable way. The weather was exceptional, with temperatures near 80 degrees and rain just managing to hold off for the most part. Many people who had attended the fest before were commenting on just how lucky we were, compared to the scalding heat and torrential rains of past years. Even though it was not terribly hot, many people still took refuge in the beautiful river that runs behind the offsite camping area. The water was divine as many people meandered their way through the gorge. However, as nice as it was, local police were taking advantage of poorly marked areas that were off-limits and gave out thousands of dollars in fines to unsuspecting festivalgoers, putting a damper on the weekend for some.

Musical highlights for the day came in all genres. Ithaca’s Big Mean Sound Machine performed in the Infield, playing a mix of dub and Latin music with the depth and complex rhythms they have become known for. For those interested in music from around the world, Locos Por Juanas had everyone’s hips moving to their lively Columbian tunes. At the same time, another Grassroots veteran, Sim Redmond Band took to the Grandstand. Sim played a combination of African and Caribbean inspired songs, bringing a sound that has evolved over the decades. The main attraction for the night was undoubtedly John Brown’s Body. JBB has been a roots/reggae staple in New York and across the country since the mid ’90s and still never fails to put on an unforgettable performance.

As if Friday hadn’t been busy enough, with one top-notch band after another, Saturday would prove to be equally thrilling, if not more so. The day started in the Grandstand with the annual Grassroots Band Contest. This year’s winner was The Ruddy Well Band. The group specializes in folk music and will be a performer at next year’s festival. Driftwood played a considerably more upbeat set, pleasing their many fans that had been itching to dance since they saw them Thursday. More international music was in store with Samite and his East African music and Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate. Joey and Sekou are a French and American duo, having a very distinct sound that combines a 21-stringed African instrument called a Kora with American hip-hop lyrics.

Galumpha, an acrobatic comedy act from Ithaca, brought smiles to many with their silly antics and impressive human sculptures. To contrast Galumpha’s lighter fare, over in the Infield, Anders Osborne was playing his good ol’ rock n roll, and even some Southern blues with “Louisiana Rain”. John Specker drew quite an impressive crowd, though it was likely that many of them were reserving their spot for Donna The Buffalo’s second set. The band sounded completely different, with a radically different set-list that featured more electric guitar and big choruses. To close out the night, Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band played the Dance Tent until the wee hours of the morning.

As night turned to day, there were a surprising number of people out and about, many taking part in kickball at dawn. Sleep would prove to be a hot commodity on Sunday, as many groggy campers took advantage of the opportunity to peruse vendors, tasting some of the diverse selection of food, or check out the Art Barn and other artistic displays at the venue. The annual Happiness Parade began shortly after 2, with at least a hundred people carrying totems and a giant dragon processing around the grounds. Everyone stopped to enjoy the beat of the drums with a flute playfully tooting and children dancing about. It was just as fun to see, as it was to be a part of.

Returning for a second time was The Gunpoets, a local group with bold lyrics supplied by two MC’s. Jen Middaugh joined the rebel rappers before returning to sing with Sim Redmond Band directly following The Gunpoets in the Infield. For those who stuck around, or at least knew that the best was being saved for last, stayed for what would prove to be the best jam of the weekend. Around ten, Donna The Buffalo & Friends All-Star Review took to the stage for their last performance of the weekend. The night could not get better as one guest band after another joined them on stage. First John Specker’s soulful fiddle, then Big Mean Sound Machine’s funky bass, Hindu Cowboys, and Driftwood. The set was filled with classics like The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” and many other well-known covers.

After hours of musical bliss, Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance 2014 came to a close. As it has been for the last 24 years, this Grassroots will not be soon forgotten. And not only by those who attended, but by the countless people who will benefit from the donations being made to The Ithaca Free Clinic, Roots In Schools, and many more. Grassroots sets itself apart in being a music festival that has a lasting impact on thousands of people and the local communities, and still provides a superb array of outstanding artists.

All photos by: Brennan Fischer

Friday’s Gallery:

Saturday’s Gallery:

Sunday’s Gallery:

July 28, 2014
Sterling Stage Ameribeat Festival Blessed by Perfect Weather and Stellar Music

Sterling Stage’s Ameribeat Festival of Arts has again proved itself to be a small-time fest with lots of character that is prefect place for the whole family. The Ameribeat Festival was held at the Sterling Stage Kampitheater just outside of Sterling, New York during the weekend of June 26-29. The four days of roots, jam, and hip-hop music was the perfect accompaniment to the numerous other forms of art on display. The Sterling Kampitheater has two stages and over 22 performing groups for Ameribeat.

The music kicked off Thursday night with George Wesley’s I-tations, in the small wooded area and stage known as the Sinatra Lounge. The I-tations are a smooth Reggae trio that’s packed with extremely talented musicians and a surprisingly big sound. After a three-hour jam set with many covers by famous dub artists like Bob Marley and filled with keyboard and guitar solos by George Wesley himself, the crowd gave the band a standing ovation. Closing out the night was a Sterling favorite and one of the house bands, Tim Herron Corporation’s THC Duo & Friends. Herron played his well-known original acoustic blues that never fails in making festival-goers dance.

As dawn broke on Friday, the Sterling Stage Kampitheater began to fill in with more local vendors and live music lovers alike. One of the aspects of Sterling Stage that sets it apart from many of the bigger music festivals is the intimate atmosphere and wide variety of hand-made goods available for sale. With over a dozen vendors on site, one could purchase any item imaginable, from beaded jewelry to beer koozies customized with your favorite band logo. Local artists specializing in all mediums filled the Artists Village with live pottery making and a black-light painting gallery for those wandering at night. This special spot is a gala highlighting local talents of all sorts. Just outside the Artists Village is the Imagination Station, a children’s area filled with arts, crafts, and a homemade cardboard castle. This gives parents a chance to relax to and enjoy the festival while knowing their children are safe, which is just another reason Sterling Stage is a prefect place for music lovers of all ages.

The music resumed Friday afternoon at 2 with Paul Leclair, a local singer/songwriter. The day was filled with acts from all over New York State, focusing in the genres of funk/jazz and hip-hop. The up-and-coming band, Lap Giraffe, played several tracks off their recent debut album, Electric Vegetables. Some of the group’s unique funk can also be heard in Subsoil, who shares Adrien D’Angelo as their bass guitarist. Subsoil, also from the Rochester area, performed two sets of their hip-hop/funk fusion in the Sinatra Lounge. One of their closing tracks and a crowd favorite, “Market” tells of the ill effects of consumerism and capitalism on society and the world. Sandwiching Subsoil’s sets was Turkuaz, a Brooklyn based funk band that is quick becoming a veteran of the festival circuit. Their incomparable energy, soulful horn section, and beautiful backup singers made it one of the hottest acts of the weekend.

Saturday was the big day, with nine bands performing a wide array of music styles. The morning started with yoga, led by Sterling regular, Brother Jon. As the day heated up to over 90 degrees, festival-goers made a haven for themselves under giant umbrellas and the Kampitheater’s beautiful trees in an attempt to find shade. Roots/Reggae was in abundance, with music from The Greener Grass Band, Echo System, Root Shock, and Spiritual Rez. All are Upstate bands besides Spiritual Rez, who are one of the two Massachusetts-based groups, along with The Primate Fiasco. Two MC’s, who recited very progressive rhymes encouraging love and respect, accompanied Echo System’s dub. Mooney Faugh, better know as “Moon Rock” of Subsoil, joined the group for a verse as well. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Ameribeat Orchestra. The Orchestra was made up of 3 members of Tim Herron Corporation, all three members of Sophistafunk, 2 members of Our Friend’s Band, and 1 member of the Upstate favorite, Lucid. The ensemble played a mixture of covers, improvisational pieces, and songs written by some of the musicians, including Tim Herron’s “Tree” and “This Must Be The Place” by The Talking Heads.

With much of the day left, the extravagant party in the woods continued. The Primate Fiasco’s first appearance of the evening took the form of a parade that made a full circle around the festival grounds. The quintet jammed their one-of-kind psychedelic Dixieland as well over a hundred people danced behind them, many dressed in their best festival outfits. Shortly before 10, the main field began to fill in anticipation of Ameribeat’s headliner, Nahko and Medicine for the People. Nahko has turned into a growing phenomenon across the country, spreading their good vibes and positive message through acoustic trip-hop music. It was clear the crowd loved the performance as the applause continued for what seemed like forever. The night ended with a campfire jam session with The Primate Fiasco that stretched into the wee hours of the morning.

Festival-goers were slow to awake Sunday morning after a night of intense partying and only a few were up for morning yoga. As people began to pack up, the last round of bands began to play. The music was more relaxed with several sets of acoustic and jam music by all upstate artists. Those still there milled around the beautiful Kampitheater, many trying some of the deep-fried delights that has become a staple of Sterling Stage. Sterling’s non-for-profit raffle winner was announced, raising money for the Dollars for Scholars fund, supporting two local schools. To wrap up another amazing Ameribeat Festival of Arts was Our Friend’s Band, playing a song that some at the fest may relate to, “Can’t Find My Shoe”.

Sterling Stage truly is one of the better small festivals in upstate New York and this year’s Ameribeat Festival of Arts was no exception. One of the best parts is the shortage of overcrowded campgrounds and long lines, which usually results in over-marketing. Sterling Stage is devoid of both these things. Being so affordable and family friendly, there is no reason for upstate residents not to check out this unique and beautiful venue.

July 10, 2014
Sterling Stage Gets Ready for 2014 Ameribeat Festival of Arts

This year’s Ameribeat Festival of Arts will be the 77^th Sterling Stage music festival since its start on Memorial Day Weekend in 1995. The fest will take place at the Sterling Stage Kampitheater in Sterling, New York from June 26-29, 2014. Sterling Stage has been supplying good vibes and music to the Upstate area for almost 20 years. What makes Sterling Stage so special is its intimate atmosphere and beautiful location on an old Christmas Tree farm. With two stages and only around 1500 people in attendance, the small fest draws an eclectic crowd that always seems to be a recipe for a heady party in the woods.

Nestled in the quiet back woods of Upstate New York, Sterling Stage has been home to many local artists and others from the Northeast. Sterling Stage hosts four festivals each summer, each featuring a variety of music styles. Upstate bands such as Sophistafunk, Ryan Montbleau, The Blind Owl Band, Aqueous, Subsoil, AudioInflux, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, The Primate Fiasco, Big Leg Emma, The Blind Spots, House on a Spring, and Thunder Body have all performed at Sterling Stage. Other notable acts include Cabinet, Anders Osborne, Jatoba, and John K Band. Not only can you find a combination of bands that will satisfy anyone’s musical needs, but it also has many other attractions for festivalgoers.

This year’s Ameribeat Festival of Arts features bands from Upstate New York and across the country. The headlining band for the weekend is Nahko and Medicine for the People. Nahko is an acoustic Roots/Hip-Hop group from Portland Oregon. The group formed in 2008 and has been gaining immense popularity, touring and playing festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada. Spiritual Rez is a Boston based Reggae Rock band known for their soothing feel-good dub. Northampton Massachusetts’ The Primate Fiasco will be performing their all-original jazzy brass jam to keep things fresh as well. Local bands featured at Ameribeat are Subsoil from Rochester, Our Friend’s Band from Oswego, Jesse Collins Quartet from Syracuse, and Turkuaz from Brooklyn. A special treat for those local music fans will be a special performance by this year’s Ameribeat Orchestra. Members of Tim Herron Corporation, Sophistafunk, Our Friend’s Band, and Upstate favorite Lucid will be combining to create this all-star ensemble. The weekend won’t disappoint with its wide range of music, from Hip-hop Fusion to Jazz to Reggae, everyone will be able to find something they like.

Turkuaz – one of the many bands you’ll see at Ameribeat Festival of Arts

At Sterling Stage, one can find many local vendors selling clothing, jewelry, instruments and more. There are also several food stands that have out of this world breakfasts and a booth that will deep-fry anything you bring them. One of Sterling’s must see attractions is the Artist Village. Located between the Main Stage and the Sinatra Lounge, the Artist Village displays a number of local artists and even has a black light art gallery for those who find them selves wandering the grounds late at night. Other things to do while at Sterling Stage include daily yoga classes with Brother Jon or one of the seemingly endless drum circles that can be found scattered throughout the woods.

For only $70 for the advanced weekend pass, Sterling Stage’s Ameribeat Festival of Arts is a hidden gem in Upstate New York that wont break the bank, but will offer an unforgettable experience. Tickets are available online at www.sterlingstage.com or from select local vendors.

June 10, 2014
Not Your Average Summer Camp

This year’s Summer Camp Music Festival has once again proved itself as a one of the best music festivals in the United States, and Not Your Average Summer Camp. Over Memorial Day weekend, an estimated 15,000 people made the pilgrimage to the small town of Chillicothe, Illinois, for what can only be described as the experience of a life. Since 2001, Summer Camp has been one of the fastest growing festivals in the Midwest and this year was possibly the best one to date. Its seven stages and over 100 artists gave festival goers a non-stop feed of music with more options that one could wrap their head around. In the rare chance that those in attendance were not busy enjoying the music, there were countless other attractions to assure that they got the full experience.

Photographer’s Credit: © Jason Kaczorowski Photography
Website: http://www.jasonkaczorowski.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Kaczorowski-Photography/162737378305

There are numerous music festivals across the country with impressive lineups and exciting activates, but what sets Summer Camp apart is its blissful vibe. As soon as you enter the grounds of Three Sister’s Park, you are overtaken by a warm comforting sensation that starts deep in the stomach and radiates throughout your whole body. Being at Summer Camp felt like returning home after a long absence, which is something I have rarely said in my festival going career. I was in the parking lot for less than five minutes and a group of people approached me with hugs and greetings of smiles and gifts. It was as if everyone around was an old friend, all of them more excited to see you than the last.

Photographer’s Credit: © Phierce Photography by Keith Griner Website: http://www.phiercephotography.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhiercePhotography

Activities for Scampers were endless, ranging from a festival wide Treasure Hunt, to musical workshops with some of the top artists in the country. The Soulshine tent was home to most of the weekend’s many events. For those interested in lectures or other educational activities, there were classes and workshops focusing on Permaculture, Cob Building, Composting, Hula-Hooping, Sustainability, and Solar Energy. In the entertainment department, there were performances by members of LCD Soundsystem, Here Comes the Sun Stereo, Floodwood, and The Everyone Orchestra. There was also an art gallery with live art performances, daily raffles for charity, and a Non GMO March. Possibly the most exciting of all were the three carnival rides, supplying campers with non-stop thrills!

Photographer’s Credit: © Abby Fox Photography
Website: http://www.abbyfoxphotography.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyfoxphoto

Though General Admission tickets only covered Friday to Sunday, Thursday was still an eventful night for those early comers. Starting off Summer Camp Music Festival 2014 was Soul Census, followed by a mix of folk and electronic music. The main events for the evening were Twiddle, Future Rock, The Ragbirds, Sun Stereo, and Upstate New York’s own, Floodwood. Floodwood is a folk/bluegrass band featuring Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico from moe.. For a fairly quiet first night, there was still plenty of fun to be had at Summer Camp.

The floodgates opened Friday morning as ecstatic festival-goers came from far and wide. By noon, Three Sisters Park was brimming with smiling faces and the music had only just begun; you could feel the excited anticipation in the air. moe.’s first set was nothing short of stunning. For over an hour and a half the quintet rocked their heavy jams to thousands of Scampers. With solos ranging from metal to psychedelic, this was perfect headliner to kick off the fest. More rocking jams were supplied by Umphrey’s McGee as they played the first two of their six sets. Umph Love was in abundance as the band exhibited their immense repertoire, including tracks off their soon to be released album, Similar Skin. Primus also reigned in a massive crowd for their one and only performance of the weekend. Les Claypool’s stellar bass playing was the foundation for the headliners unique funky yet dark sound. Besides moe., featured bands from the Upstate area were Jimkata and The Manhattan Project. Both bands are specialists in the electronic jam sector and represented NY well with their hot digital jams.

Photographer’s Credit: © Jason Kaczorowski Photography
Website: http://www.jasonkaczorowski.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Kaczorowski-Photography/162737378305

Saturday was again a perfect festival day, with sunny skies and warm weather. Like the previous day, moe. and Umphrey’s showed they were unstoppable, playing another two sets each! Other must-see performances for the day were Lotus, Devil Makes Three, Mike Dillon Band, and The Werks. Each band seemed to be as good if not better than the last, spreading love and good vibes throughout Summer Camp. With warm hearts and bright eyes all around, it was not hard to tell that everyone in attendance was having the time of their life. There to show the true talent of New York State were Floodwood, Break Science, and the very popular Big Leg Emma. Big Leg Emma played a diverse set of some of their original grassy jam mixed with covers including The Beatles’ Hey Jude.

When you thought it couldn’t get any better, the heat got turned way up on Sunday… literally. The temperature was near 90 degrees at Summer Camp as music lovers convened for one last day of immaculate tunes. Sunday was the biggest day of the weekend by far, bringing in over 1,000 more Scampers. The day was packed with big names of all genres. Groups such as Yonder Mountain String Band, The Wood Brothers, Bassnectar, Gramatik, and Lettuce were all on the line up for the last day. Zac Brown Band and Trey Anastasio Band also blessed Summer Camp with two sets each. And of course, to close things off, Umphrey’s McGee and moe. each played a set, joining together for a short epic jam session. The shining lights from New York State for the day were Turkuaz and Auto Body from Brooklyn. Dopapod and Aqueous illustrated Upstate’s talent, each playing an hour of psychedelic jam-rock.

Photographer’s Credit: © Abby Fox Photography
Website: http://www.abbyfoxphotography.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyfoxphoto

An immense amount of work goes into putting on such a startlingly impressive gathering like Summer Camp Music Festival. Behind the scenes of all the fun, music, and art, was a volunteer staff of over 500 people who did everything from maintain a safe environment to sorting every single piece of trash generated by the immense crowd. Summer Camp’s Green Team was in charge of waste management at the festival, creating Earth friendly waste receptacles divided into trash, recyclables, and compost. All vendors also were required to use recyclable and compostable utensils and plates. Summer Camp is more than just a festival, it has become a movement for change and to bring awareness to important issues that affect us all. There was also a great amount of Non-Profit activity as well, mostly focused on sustainability and environmentalism.

For a seasoned festival-goer or a first timer, Summer Camp with leave you speechless with a smile on your face the whole way home. Three Sisters Park is the perfect venue for the fest and with the outstanding artist lineup, art, and weather, no one could possibly ask for anything more. Any chance there is to attend Summer Camp Music Festival is the chance of the lifetime and you are guaranteed not to leave disappointed. There is no festival with a comparable vibe.

You can download recordings from Summer Camp below.

The Motet, moe., Devil Makes Three, Slightly Stoopid, Fareed Haque & Mathgames, Bassnectar, Primus, Trey Anastasio Band, Future Rock

June 9, 2014
Summer Camp 2014 Will Warm Up Festivalgoers for a Hot Season

This year marks the 14^th year of the ever-growing Summer Camp Music Festival set to take place at the Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois during Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, 2014. The over 15,000 festival goers expected to attend will nearly triple the population of the small town, as it is infiltrated with music lovers from far and wide. Since Summer Camp’s start in 2001, it has grown from 1,000 people, 20 bands, and 2 stages to 15,000 people, 100+ bands, and 7 stages.

Over the years, Summer Camp has been the home of numerous world-renowned acts and artists including moe., Umphrey’s McGee, The Flaming Lips, Willie Nelson, Bassnectar, Widespread Panic, Les Claypool, Keller Williams, Pretty Lights, Skrillex, The Roots, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Medeski Martin & Wood, and many more. Not only can one find a combination of bands that can rival any big festival around, but it also has a considerable number of local NY acts in the lineup as well. Bands like Dopapod, Floodwood, Turkuaz, Auto Body, Jimkata, The Manhattan Project, Aqueous, Big Leg Emma, and moe. will be highlighting New York and the enormous amount of talented musicians that our state is home to.

moe. is a band that really speaks for itself. Since 2001, moe. has been making a name for themselves around the country and the world, playing festivals all over and even having their very own moe.down Music Festival. Dopapod, Jimkata, and Aqueous are becoming veterans of the music festival scene. They have made appearances at shows like Burning Man, Bonnaroo, moe.down, and Gathering of the Vibes, ever increasing their reputation as seasoned festival musicians. Big Leg Emma and Turkuaz and just now making their way to the bigger venues, such as Summercamp, as they continue to make a name for themselves as soulful funk and folk musicians that can be appreciated by all.

Besides Summer Camp Music Festival’s stellar lineup and prime location at the beautiful Three Sisters Park, there are countless activities for music lovers to partake in during their down time, if they choose to have any. There are five main stages and at least three smaller tent and indoor sights to see music as well. One of the big attractions for when your not out enjoying the wide selection of music, is the Soulshine Tent. This tent is an education and entertainment mecca for festivalgoers. The tent has everything everything, including a live art gallery, hands on permaculture display, yoga, hoola-hooping classes, and last but not least, live glass blowing.

Besides being one of the country’s top stops for music and fun this summer, Summer Camp Music Festival is always looking at the bigger picture through their sustainable initiatives and non-profit involvement. Known as “The Summer Camp Green Team,” hundreds of volunteers will be on sight to assist campers in disposing properly of their waste and to sort recyclables. The campgrounds are filled with clearly marked color-coded waste bins, many biodiesel generators, composting areas, and environmental education centers. There is also a special “Make a Difference” area at Three Sisters Park, where the many non-profit groups are set up for campers to donate and learn about local and global causes. It is obvious that the organizers of Summer Camp have more on their mind than music and profit and that the environment and local communities are deeply seeded in what is important to them.

Again this year, Summer Camp Music Festival is sure to prove itself as one of, if not the top music festival in the country. From the countless artists and performers both internationally and locally known, the numerous other spots for entertainment and education, and the general happy-go-lucky vibe that will make sure any person in attendance can feel the love, Summer Camp is undoubtedly the place to be this summer. It is a place people of all backgrounds and musical interests can go and enjoy themselves, have new experiences that will stay with them for a life time, and feel good about doing it, knowing your impact on the earth is as minuscule, yet as positive as it can be.

Tickets are available at Summer Camp’s Ticket Central or ETIX at 1-800-514-ETIX. General 3-Day General Admission tickets are on sale now for $214.50.

May 15, 2014
Jimkata Comes Home to Play The Haunt in Ithaca with Turkuaz

Ithaca’s The Haunt was the place to be on Friday April 11^th as Jimkata and Turkuaz broke it down for the locals. Ithaca locals Jimkata has just returned from a countrywide tour that included 18 states and over 35 shows, with a few more still to go as they prepare for festival season. The band has been exponentially growing in popularity in the past few years, as they have made appearances at some of the nation’s largest festivals and venues. From the Rockies to the East Coast, Jimkata has been featured at Gathering of the Vibes, Summercamp, Catskill Chill, and most recently, opening Colorado’s SnowBall.

Since Jimkata’s formation in 2006, the band’s style and overall sound has changed immensely. The band started as a jam/rock group with meaty guitar solos and psychedelic undertones, but since then has morphed into more of an electro/indie rock band. Jimkata’s influences can easily be detected in their music, with hints of MGMT, Talking Heads, and LCD Sound System. The unique electro-rock music that the band makes has somewhat forged a new frontier for this ever-expanding genre and is constantly evolving all the time.

Opening for Jimkata was the notoriously funky band Turkuaz. For those who have never seen or heard of the group before, your ears will be pleasantly surprised. The Haunt seemed almost too small for the energy and huge sound that Turkuaz produced. The band consists of nine members, including two saxophonists, both tenor and baritone, two guitarists, bass, trumpet/keys, two vocalists, and of course a rock solid drummer to keep all that funk together.

Starting off the set was an unreleased track titled “Typa-Lika,” exemplifying the power that the group has harnessed. The distorted guitar, groovy bass line, and driving rhythm are comparable only to funk music masters such as Lettuce. Their set continued with all original songs from their three studio albums and even a few more unreleased tracks. Besides giving the crowd outstanding dancing music, Turkuaz also had a soulful side that allowed the audience to feel the music on a whole new level. Lead guitarist and vocalist Dave Brandwein, in combination with the two female vocalist/dancers sang the blues like no other, ending their set with all instrumental jam, “20 Dollar Bill.”

With the crowd sufficiently sweaty and riled up, Jimkata wasted no time making their way to the stage. In contrast to the big-bad-funk of Turkuaz, Jimkata started off with a more laid back tune, “American Cars,” combining psychedelic bass and synthesizer. Their popular songs “Lighter” and “Nightshade” followed, featuring big choruses and breakdowns, as what seemed like the entire audience bellow the lyrics “You can let it go!” The band maintained the high energy set with more songs from their two most recent studio albums, Die Digital and Feel In Light. Winding down the show, Jimkata pulled out some of its older fan favorites, going back to their roots with a couple tracks off their self-titled debut album. These songs allowed one to see the transformation the group has made from the harder rock and heavy guitar solos that Jimkata started off their career with. As to be expected, the Ithaca natives drew a huge crowd, filling The Haunt nearly to capacity with a party that will not soon be forgotten.

Turkuaz Setlist: Typa-Like, Bubba > Coast, Chatte > Lookin Tough, Rules > M’Lady > Tiptoe Thru Crypto, Murder Face > Pickin Up, 20 Dollar Bill

Jimkata Setlist: American Cars, Lighter, Nightshade > Beat the Curse, Die Digital > Legoland, Electronic Stone, Feel in Light, Feed > Daytime Fiction, Low Low, Chainstore

Encore: Intro, Release > Mind Crossing

April 18, 2014
Hearing Aide: Hard Soul “Heart of Plaster”

The up-and-coming band, Hard Soul, from Albany NY is about to release their first full-length LP, Heart of Plaster. The band has been diligently gigging and recording since their formation in 2011. Hard Soul’s short history has included many shows in upstate and central NY as well as the release of two singles, “Love Eat the Young” in 2012 and “Seize the Year” in 2013. On April 8^th, Hard Soul is releasing their new album and will be celebrating at their release party at The Low Beat in Albany on the 11^th, which will also start off their 2014 tour season.

Hard Soul’s versatile sound can only be attributed to the dedicated musicians that make up this Pop/Punk Rock quartet. Music on their new album ranges from a heavy, up-beat hard rock, celebrating the pure fact of being alive, to quiet acoustic songs recalling life’s mistakes that we can all relate to. The group’s sound is very reminiscent of the punk-skater music that became popular in the late 90’s and mid 2000’s. Hard Soul’s lyrics are those that people of all ages can relate to, but would definitely be more favorable to teenage ears. Similar to bands like Green Day and Blink 182, Hard Soul has a raw, uncut feeling that holds nothing back in expressing the struggles and trying times in life that make us question our very existence.

Hard Soul’s talented members have written, played, and produced the entire album themselves with the help of Steven Goldman at Four Legs Records in Washingtonville, NY. Front-man Johnny Salka is the beating heart of the band. Not only did Salka produce the album, but he also provides vocals and lead guitar, which is a large part of what gives Hard Soul their appealing sound. Helping out are Nick Kossor on lead and rhythm guitar and Ryan Klaeysen on bass. And last, but certainly not least, is drummer Mark Podbielskim, who ensures that your foot won’t stop moving till the album is finished.

Heart of Plaster starts off with a track titled “Let Go!” and serves as a perfect opener to kick off their debut album. It starts off with a no-holds-barred driving rhythm intro accompanied by a public service announcement calling everyone to attention for “an important announcement.” The songs talks about the urge that everyone has known, where you just feel the need to escape from the real world and take time to figure out who you really are. Its high energy is a perfect vessel for the message to just let it all go and be yourself. The album’s big hit and popular music video, “Just Be Love,” is another fast tempo tune with a positive message. The song recalls the trials and tribulations of being “young and dumb” and reminds the listener that through it all, when you may be most conflicted, to “just be love.” The music video is the full band in a small room, with a crowd of loyal fans in the background dancing their hearts out to a tune they all love. The album’s tenth and last song, exemplifies the band’s stellar musicianship, versatility, and range of emotion that Hard Soul can evoke. “Sincerely” is an enduring eight-minute ballad that evolves from a solemn acoustic opening into a heart-wrenching electric guitar section that sends chills down the spine. This final track begs to know whether the love that singer-songwriter Salka has been feeling is real. He swears he will be fine with whatever answer he is given, but you know by the tone of his voice that heartbreak surely awaits him. All he wants to know is if she is sincere or if this feeling he has is nothing more than a fading memory.

Hard Soul’s new album can be found on Amazon or itunes. You can also follow the band online via Facebook or their website, thehardsoul.com.

Key Tracks: Let Go!, Just Be Love, Sincerely

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBZUR1k2eqM

April 9, 2014
Giant Panda Returns to Ithaca for an Epic Night of Dub and Dance with Beat The Grid

There was standing room only at The Haunt as Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad returned to Ithaca with Beat The Grid on Thursday, February 20th. Good vibes and smiling faces were in abundance, with fans coming from far and wide to see what was undoubtedly the best show around. Giant Panda has recently returned from an eight-show West coast tour, highlighting their new mixtape In Roots We Trust, featuring The Expanders and The Simpkin Project, which explores North American Reggae music.

Giant Panda is a Dub/Americana/Roots band from Rochester NY, but got their start in Ithaca about ten years ago. The band has gained immense popularity since then, touring the country and even getting spots at some of the nation’s largest music festivals, including Summercamp and All Good Music Festival. Giant Panda’s music is known for its positive and uplifting lyrics backed by infectious dub that soothes the soul. In addition to dub/reggae, they also released a country album displaying the band’s musical versatility.

Opening for the band was a local Ithaca group by the name of Beat The Grid. The band had a similar upbeat feel with some added funk that warmed the crowd up nicely.Their beautiful female vocalist had the entire audience mesmerized by her smooth voice and exotic dancing. Beat The Grid’s set included fan favorite “Her Cosmic Lines” and many other tracks from their 2013 self-titled album, as well as some new songs.

For a small venue, the sound at The Haunt was of very high quality and the place was busting at the seams with the huge amount of people in attendance. Giant Panda opened with “Not The Fool” and “Solution”, spreading the love and pushing towards making this world a better place. The night continued with songs old and new, with teasers from their upcoming album to be released this summer. Dylan Savage on guitar and Tony Gallicchio on keys displaying their mastery of their instruments as they traded solos that sent chills down the spine. Guitarist Dan Keller was also in his prime, presenting his saxophone skills and unforgettable vocals to add to the already amazing performance. Giant Panda mashed up some of their most popular songs, “Missing You More” and “Pockets” to make for some outstanding medleys and even surprised the crowd with a rendition of soul legend Marvin Gaye’s “Lets Get It On.”

After Giant Panda left the stage, chants for “One More Song!” were started up by the fans, who at midnight had a lot more left in the tank and were not ready to call it a night. Not long after, the band returned to play Jackie Wilson’s classic “Higher and Higher”, featuring Dan Keller on saxophone and “Mr. Cop” as every crowd member sang the chorus “They callin’ up the cops ‘cause it smells like Ganja!” There was not a still body in the house as everyone danced their hearts out for the fifteen-minute encore, leaving everyone sweaty, exhausted, and satisfied.

February 27, 2014