One of the most notable events from the Party in the Park lineup was Dark Star Orchestra’s event, which featured a random set-list, not a specific recreation of an authentic Grateful Dead show as they are famously known for. The set-list featured gems like “Loose Lucy” and “west L.A. Fadeaway” in the first set while the second set had highlights, “Foolish Heart” and encore “Dear Prudence”. Despite they did not choose a set-list from a show, the energy was still there and family was all around.
Summer has come and gone and the Autumn time is coming soon, when we look back to those hot summer nights, many in Rochester will surely think back to the superb Party in the Park concert series we enjoyed this year. The location had been brought back to the original spot at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square, and Rochestarians couldn’t have been happier about the re-location and the hot line-up.
Setlist – Dark Star Orchestra Party in the Park
Set One: Greatest Story Ever Told ; Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) ; It’s All Over Now ; Loose Lucy ; Lazy Lightning > Supplication ; West L.A. Fadeaway ; Big River > Mystery Train ; On The Road Again ; Let It Rock
Set Two: Feel Like A Stranger ; Foolish Heart > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance > Unbroken Chain > drums > space > Fire On The Mountain > Hey Jude > China Doll > Johnny B. Goode
Moogatu have more than just hit a major breakthrough as a band with the release of their debut album Meat, they’ve also opened doors for how smoothly different genres can blend amongst progressive rock and roll. Traditionally, progressive rock can be overpowering and often so dominating that it drowns out anything else musically that may be too mellow or tame. By teaming up with legendary saxophonist Ron Holloway, who has collaborated with the Allman Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Widespread Panic to name a few, Moogatu have found a solid medium of jazz and funk being tucked away into the thick progressive rock elements that they use to build their musical foundation.
The album opens up with “Orca” which is a perfect song to showcase their sharp precise musical breakdowns. After what sounds like a guitar pick being dragged across the strings, the band drops into a rock groove that intricately builds upon itself before Brian Raubacher (guitar, vocals) handles the lead vocal responsibilities. Steve Jacyna (drums) and Brian Zupruk (bass) lock in to a pulsating rhythmic section. Chris Lee (guitar) opens it up and lets his PRS rip through the last part of the song. As Lee shreds into parts unexplored, it’s clear that Moogatu have taken a page right out of Umphrey’s McGee’s book.
Dipping into their more jazz fueled approach, “Appreciation” surfaces next featuring Ron Holloway. Holloway takes the music to new bountiful levels as he leads the meandering jams with his Saxophone. Moogatu still finds room to exhibit their musical abilities with their note-for-note precise breakdowns. Moving into “Mary” the band wastes no time delivering a guitar fueled dueling solos and as the music drives itself forward the mysterious lyrics are firmly planted amongst a thick palate of funk and rock and roll. “Mary” tells the story of an antagonist plagued by overindulgence, with a complex twist.
The following three song segment of “Better Batter pt. 1” > “Powder Room” > “Better Batter pt. 2” leave endless possibilities of monumental exploration in a live atmosphere. Moogatu are known for their deep driving force of improvisation and these three songs do their reputation justice, even for studio cuts. The album closes on “Anniversary Dinner,” a high-energy number lead by Raubacher on the vocals. Packed full of stunning guitar work complimented by an adequate rhythm section “Anniversary Dinner” which will surely grow to be one of Moogatu’s well renowned staples.
The future is bright for Moogatu as they further establish themselves as a thriving progressive rock and roll jam band around the greater Washington, D.C. area. Having already supported band like Dopapod, EOTO, Keller Williams, Tea Leaf Green, Steve Kimock, The Werks and Papadosio; it’s safe to say that Moogatu will continue to be a driving force in the jam band community.
Key Tracks: Mary, Appreciation (ft. Ron Holloway), Orca
Hailing from Chicago, Mystery Crash is a three piece experimental psychedelic rock band that’s heavily influenced by electronic sounds. Formed in 2012 with the release of their first album Year of the Rabbit, Mystery Crash has said that “they want to explore the unexplored.” This psychedelic musical exploration has come to fruition in their newest EP Gimp Nation.
The EP has five songs, and coming in at a little over 18 minutes it showcases different styles throughout. Released in late 2013, Gimp Nation is the kind of album that could suit any mood. Their ambient sound is one that lends itself to a multitude of activities from driving, to doing school work, to dancing around your living room. Some parts have a nostalgic sound, like the last rainy day you had where all you did was watch movies in bed.
The two most notable tracks are “Waterlogged” and “While I Sleep,” where you can really hear their influences coming through. Influenced by bands like The Talking Heads, The Flaming Lips, and LCD Soundsystem, Mystery Crash has taken their own approach to that style of music and has brought it to unchartered terrain. “Waterlogged,” the first song on the EP sounds like an old school STS9 and Bonobo love child. Ambient but still upbeat, it could be the soundtrack for floating down a river or through space. “While I Sleep” reveals a different part of their style. With its bass heavy riffs and vocals that sound like David Byrne tripping on acid, it’s catchy and low key kind of like Radiohead.
Mystery Crash’s essence can be found in their motto, that they want express “new and exciting ideas in a striking, powerful way.” Their new EP is definitely on the right track, and with a little more delving into their own depths I think they could accomplish just that.
It was ironic to say the least, but perfect blue skies and sunshine were the backdrop for a band best known for their song “Sweater Weather”. This past Friday afternoon, the California indie rock band known as The Neighbourhood killed it on the stage of Chevy Court at the Great NY State Fair.
Even though they formed in 2011 and are relative newcomers to the music scene, the band was welcomed by fans as they took the stage to screams and applause. For just under an hour, this group of musicians gave a performance with their unique sound. The band has strong characteristics that come through in every song. They flawlessly combine an upbeat, pop rock style with catchy lyrics and sexy groove. Then, they top it off with just enough dark/mysterious edge that singer Jesse Rutherford’s vocals capture perfectly. The sensual tone in his voice is something so many strive to achieve, yet he does without any effort.
Chevy Court is in the heart of the Fair, surrounded by the buildings, people could enjoy the music as they walked between exhibits, activities, wine/moonshine slushy stands, beer gardens, and about the best fried food on the planet (Fried Specialties had the most incredible creation called the Twinx (Twix, stuffed inside a Twinkie, wrapped in bacon, and then deep-fried – Jim Hasbrouck you are genius).
These guys drew fans of all ages. However, these young men definitely had a strong fan base of females. The teenaged and 20-ish girls were heart-felt and passionately screaming at the band “I love you!”.
The attendees showed their appreciation for this free show by their pure energetic reaction to the melodies being shared with them. The excitement was due largely to the frontmans’ ability to get the audience engaged and participating – from raising their hands in the air to singing along with him.
Lead singer, Jesse Rutherford, smirked and absorbed his fans adoring yells with ease and a sense of cool aloofness that seem to make the girls want him more. As the first song “Female Robbery” started, the singer covered his face with his tattooed-covered arm, protecting his eyes. He later stated they had not seen the sun recently since they had been in Europe, chuckling, followed by saying, “This is awesome”.
Keeping true to their “look” of being a clean, monochromatic aesthetic, all members wore black and white with Rutherford somehow wearing a black beanie on the hot sunny day. The pale skin tone along with asking the audience to pretend it was night, leads me to believe these guys do not get to see daylight all that much. That did not inhibit their performance or energy.
A subtle demeanor from guitarist Jerry Freedman during his solo on the song “Baby Came Home” had a powerful, confident playing that captured the mood. Soft lingering notes seemed to float from the stage into the air, carrying them away in the imaginations of what the song meant to each person.
Their new song “Dangerous” was laid out in their set. While it kept with the band’s sound, it had a different groove and feel to make you want to find out what else they have in store next. This is a band to keep an eye on and watch bloom and boom into the music scene even more.
Set List: Female Robbery, Everybody’s Watching Me (Uh-Oh), Let It Go, Jealou$y, W.D.Y.W.F.M.?, Baby Came Home, A Little Death, Wires, How, Lurk, Dangerous, Sweater Weather, Afraid
Black Crown Initiate, hailing from Reading, PA, are poised to release their new album, The Wreckage of Stars, on eOne Entertainment. Only starting out in 2012, this band has made huge strides to get where they are today. They came out with their highly received EP, Song of the Crippled Bull and went on the Metal Alliance tour in 2013. Thanks to constant hard work and touring, they caught the attention of some labels, signing with eOne in 2014.
The first track, “Great Mistake” is a perfect example of what this progressive death metal band is all about. Meticulous guitar harmonies riff to huge heights, and the song explodes into crushing double bass attacks. The dichotomy of melodic choruses with the relentless death metal backgrounds conjure parallels to Dimmu Borgir in style, and can be found throughout the record. This is a perfect opening track for anyone who is unfamiliar with the band and what they have to offer.
The songs all have elements both ruthless and epic, the bulk of the tracks ranging from five to seven minutes in length. Guttural screams permeate the album’s sonic landscape, and they are very well produced. With frontman James Dorton and both guitarists tackling vocals, it provides a thick, black tar of growling projections and legendary melodies. Along with precision guitar techniques, and a tight as nails rhythm section, this album is the full package.
“Withering Waves”, another lengthy endeavor topping out at six minutes, gives you a building crescendo, constantly climbing higher and higher with a sense that you, the listener, might never get to the peak. That is the special treat that Black Crown Initiate brings to the table – you just don’t know what might be around the next riff, but you are heavily invested all the same.
This album, at its core is death metal with a technical focus, but there are many aspects that give you an enjoyable experience not found in the necessarily ‘normal’ genre releases. Songs like “The Fractured One” and “To The Eye That Leads You” are very generic at first listen, but still bring a quality that is rare in death metal. An acute attention to musical detail allow even obligatory four-minute death metal songs to sound like so much more.
The Wreckage of Stars, dropping Sept. 30, is an album made for the fans of the genre, not just the band itself. As the title track suggests, this is a thinking man’s (or woman’s) death metal album, where the intricate music speaks for itself in heavy volumes. They will be touring for this album with the band Rivers of Nihil, and coming to the Upstate New York area in Buffalo on Sept. 19 at The Waiting Room, Bogies in Albany on Sept. 21, and then St. Vitus in Brooklyn on Sept. 22. After that tour ends,they will be hitting the road with Origin, Darkest Hour and Unearth starting in October.
Key Tracks: Great Mistake, Malignant, Withering Waves, Linear
If you’re interested in pre-ordering the album, check out the band’s eOne page for various bundles.
The New York State Fair is always brining fantastic artists to Central New York. This year they struck gold when Rock And Roll Hall of Famers Joan Jett And The Blackhearts performed for free at the Chevy Court stage at the Great New York State Fair on Wednesday, August 27.
Joan Jett and The Black Hearts – Great New York State Fair Chevy Court
There was easily about seven thousand fairgoers gathered for their hour and fifteen minute set. No opening act. No nonsense. Just straight up classic punk. Currently, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts are touring in support of their latest album, Unvarnished. There were five songs off that album sprinkled into their set, along with their more notable hits and The Runaways’ classics.
The band opened with “Bad Reputation” and The Runaways’ classic “Cherry Bomb”. Joan Jett is clearly on her A game and sounded better now than she did seven years ago when she played the state fair the previous time. And very notably, the band was clicking on all cylinders as well. Keyboardist Kenny Laguna, guitarist Dougie Needles, drummer Thommy Price, and bassist Acey Slade all showed great chemistry and great backing vocals to the entire performance.
Some of the bigger highlights of their set would have to be “Touch Me There”, a new song that she co-wrote with Dave Grohl titled “Any Weather”, and her cover of “Crimson and Clover”, which the crowd went nuts for. Also, the crowd went crazy for “I Love Rock and Roll” as expected.
The band ended with a three-song encore, featuring “Reality Mentality”, “Real Wild Child”, and a cover of “Everyday People”
Overall it was a great show, and possibly the best Chevy Court concert in YEARS.
A European tour can do a lot for an artist or group. It can bring a performer to a new level of recognition and exposure. It can allow for a performer to invite a partner in crime to open for them and effectively “bring/put them up.” It can allow a performer to meet artists from all over the globe and form new collaborations and projects. It can also crystallize the love of one’s hometown where it all started, and bring an artist back for a nostalgic homecoming. For Sekou Kouyate and Joe Driscoll, Syracuse native and one-man “band” hero, touring Europe did just that.
Besides providing a fresh fan-base, touring Europe allowed Joe Driscoll to bring along fellow Syracuse-based hip-hop heads, and inexorable party-starters, Sophistafunk. This “Euro-tripping” also facilitated Joe’s acquaintance and partnership with an absurdly gifted musician by the name of Sekou Kouyate. Joe and Sekou met at the Nuit Metis (Mixed Night) Festival in Marseille, France and developed a unique, multi-cultural sound that gave birth to the album Faya. This album, like all albums, required promotion and therefore a tour schedule. This tour brought the family back together where the roots of these musical branches started: Syracuse, including and especially the Westcott Theater. On Friday, August 22, the Westcott packed itself while Sophistafunk, Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate, and a host of other supporting local musicians played their hearts out for the hometown fans.
Sophistafunk, led by the dual hype-man and frontman in one, Jack Brown, played time-honored songs from both full length studio albums, Freedom Is and Twentyeleven. As always, Brown laid down the intellect and positivity on songs like “Gotta Walk”. As expected, Emanuel Washington, known as E-Man, rocked the house with that heavy and tight drum sound, especially on songs like the dance-inspiring “Wil’ Out”. As presumed, Adam Gold churned out those chunky-funky lines on the keys/organ on songs like “Freedom Is”. And as a super-special, highly unexpected, and highly enjoyed surprise, Sophistafunk covered the soulful and sexy “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” by Outkast. “’Nuff said.”
After saying goodbye to Sophistafunk (temporarily), Joe Driscoll and Sekou wasted no time getting the audience back up and dancing. Joe’s funky, reggae-infused, hip-hop melodic style of guitar provided a solid grounding and space for Sekou to add his signature hummingbird-fast arpeggios and angelic riffs in between beats. Sekou, to understate it completely, plays the kora. The kora is an instrument made partly from a humongous gourd, called a calabash, covered with cow hide, and is “formally” classified as a “double-bridge-harp-lute.” When played masterfully, this “double-bridge-harp-lute” makes music that is silky, swift, exotic, and truly exquisite. This sound, along with Sekou’s vocals, sung in Soussou (with spot-on accompaniment by Joe), symbiotically fuse with Joe’s increasingly impressive guitar work to create music that is worldly and graceful, yet familiar and catchy.
Joe told stories, both between songs and lyrically, throughout the set. Joe commented on everything from loving and appreciating your roots; to the inevitably deepening experience of traveling the world and meeting special people with whom you connect; to the visualization of lighting a fire in your heart and then lighting someone else’s (the meaning behind the title song “Faya”). Joe’s reflective and socially conscious verses painted pictures of the many “vampires” in ghettos around the world in “Ghetto Many”, and warned of the “deepest threat”: the figurative Babylon in the song “Wonamati”; which means, “It’s got to stop.”
Joe also made sure to play a whole new (Sekou infused) take on classic Joe Driscoll favorites, like the sweetly melodic “Mixtape Champs” and the smooth, autobiographic “Origin Myth”. This song brought onstage Sophistafunk, DJ Afar, a Syracuse saxophone player named “Hollywood”, and a very talented female trombonist whose name was unfortunately missed by this writer…for an all out Syracuse hip-hop/funk/world-beat jam session. This multi-song jam served as a fitting conclusion to a night all about roots, collaboration, and love for one’s neighbor and neighborhood.
It was a rainy and miserable day on August 22 at the Great New York State Fair. However, some great hard rock rolled through the grandstand. There were some problems going into the show. First and foremost, Seether, Buckcherry, and These Raven Skies DID NOT appear at this stop due to outside conflict of interest, which may have hurt the ticket sales. On top of that, there seemed to be a lack of promotion behind this show. I would be worried if Rockstar Uproar will stop in Syracuse next year.
Doors originally were supposed to open at 2pm that day, but due to the amount of bands that pulled, the show started at 3pm. The first set of bands performed on the smaller “Festival Stage” which was set on the dirt track right next to the grandstand stage. I did like how the vender tents and autograph tents were positioned on the far side of the track. The stage itself looked and sounded great. There was only one problem. Dirt track and rain is a messy situation. But bloody hell, it’s rock and roll. The first band Blame Anchor did a fine job opening the set. There must have been only 400 people when they started. Blame Anchor was the band that won the battle of the bands competition to be part of Rockstar Uproar. I think their fifteen minutes of fame pending the rest of the tour will pan out for them. Blame Anchor played a very short set, but made it count. They had a Godsmack vibe to them.
Bad Seed Rising played their half hour set. They’re just kids, but they impressed. It’s really hard for bands in their teens to really take off with rock and metal, but I believe Bad Seed Rising can make it in this harsh industry if they stick to their guns. They’ve got some real heart and talent.
Canada’s Sons Of Reverly are definitely the odd band out of this line up, which is not a bad thing. It just shows they got something to prove as they’re an unsigned indie band. They were the winners of last year’s Rockstar Uproar battle of the bands. This year they made it on to a permanent slot. The fascinating thing about watching them is how they eventually won the crowd completely over by the end of their set. They seem to have a little flavor of Rush, but they have some heavy songs and songs that people can relate too. I would imagine this band will be signed within the next year. I had the privilege of interviewing them after their set.
Tattered and Three Years Hollow played good and heavy sets, but it was festival stage headliners Escape The Fate that really made that stage explode and laid the foundation. They played a fast and heavy set and egged on the crowed, too, to get them going. Clearly, a hungry band that continues to grow and make an impact on the radio and on the road. It was surprising they were not on the main stage because they clearly belonged there on this tour. By the time Escape The Fate finished, there must have been about three thousand people in attendance. Not exactly staggering numbers for a grandstand show at the fair, but the people who were there were lucky to see Escape The Fate perform.
After Escape The Fate graced the stage and the festival stage closed down, Pop Evil opened the main stage. There was only one problem. It was almost an hour before Pop Evil started. I understand setting up the stage and production is hard work, but there was no reason for it be that long. Especially the fact that this show had two stages. But despite the long wait, Pop Evil clicked on all cylinders and was definitely a highlight of the entire show. Their set consisted of songs from all three of their albums. Songs like “100 In A 55”, “Dance With The Devil”, and “Last Man Standing” were great and had awesome performances. Pop Evil is certainly making big splashes and really solidifying themselves as a premiere headlining act.
Because of the shortage of bands that were originally billed, it was yet another long ridiculous wait for Skillet. It may have been worth it though as Skillet was easily the best band on the bill. They’re production was bigger than it ever was. They had violinists on stage with them too; it was such a spectacle. There was a lot of energy put into their performance, and it was a nice change of pace to hear music with a positive message too. Skillet played most of their hits, but the song that stood out the most was definitely “Awake and Alive”, which had a slightly different take on it than we are used to hearing. I did find it a little odd that Skillet, who are strong Christian believers, were on the same bill with Godsmack because Sully Erna is a member of the Church of Satan. But it’s about the music, not the beliefs.
Godsmack, of course, headlined the show. Now don’t get it twisted, Godsmack ALWAYS puts on a great show. Even if they’re off a little on a night, you’re always going to get a great show from them. Now, I have seen Godsmack multiple times. For the past decade, the band has been no stranger to Syracuse and the rest of Upstate New York, so I’m sure there are a lot of people who have seen them multiple times. That being said, they seem to have lost a little fire in their performance that night. It was still a great show, but the energy that I am used to seeing from Godsmack over the years, I did not see at Uproar. Most notably in lead guitarist Tony Rombola. He’s very talented and was a nice guy when I met him a few years back, but it just seemed he lacked the passion he used to have on stage. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt though as maybe it was an off night or that the band is a little rusty from taking the last couple of years off. As far as their set, it was a good mixture of their classic hits and some songs off of their latest release 1000 HP. Of course, the one thing that stood out during the show was the dual percussion solo between Sully Erna and Shannon Larkin. Always enjoyable to see. And during “Whatever”, Erna threw beers at the crowd and invited some fans on stage – most notably the guy with the HUGE afro that fascinated Erna. It was pretty amusing.
Overall, it was a good lineup, but could have been so much more if Seether and Buckcherry were able to make the bill. I think fans would have gotten a much better bang for their buck and the show would have had MUCH better attendance.
Neuroceptor, a four-piece electronica fusion group from Rochester has just released their first EP as a band, Reuptake. The group released the album on August 30 while playing the Purple Pig Music Festival in Naples, NY. Reuptake features six tracks that blend organic sounds with electronic beats.
According to keys player Mike Lopresti, who also wrote and produced the album, “most of the tracks are inspired by some piece of nature or culture…the whole concept of Neuroceptor is blending electronica with these organic and natural inspirations.” With tracks like “Estuary Path”, “Roads of Spain”, and “Giant Earth Shattering”, Neuroceptor’s fascination between natural and synthetic dualities surfaces in both song titles and composition.
The opening track, “Anura” is named after the Greek term for the genus classification of “toad.” The tune has an underwater feel, setting a fluid tone for the EP. Beginning with fast, snappy drumming and a tight bass line, the addition of melodic keys shore up the full sound. As the track progresses, a plethora of croaking sounds, produced with analog synthesizers, create an out-of-this-worldly amphibious effect. The electronica track, nearly seven minutes in length, gets intense in the middle, but returns to the melody for a gradual comedown as it closes.
The aquatic vibe carriers over to the second track, “Ganges of Heaven”. Led by the guitar, this tune follows a more linear rock path than “Anura”. Third up, “Roads of Spain” introduces the band’s versatile side with a mix of reggae samples and ambient synth sounds. One could easily imagine blasting this jam at a summer beach party.
“Estuary Path” showcases Lopresti’s production skills. Both eerie and ambient at once, the song has the most personality of any on the album. It commences with the flowing theme introduced in the first couple songs. A few minutes in, however, sharper, more menacing synthetic sounds are incorporated. The track progresses through a Daft Punk-esque section before closing with strange samples playing over the dance party version of The X-Files theme song. As a whole, the nearly nine-minute long song is a captivating journey with distinct sections.
While Neuroceptor’s first self-titled EP was recorded solely by Lopresti, he recruited a band for a live show and they’re featured on the new album. “Reuptake is supposed to highlight us as a band,” Lopresti stated. “Giant Earth”, the fifth track, starts a bit slowly, but picks up with some funk in the middle and concludes with the most deeply layered and fullest sound on the EP. The finale, “Collective”, returns to reggae for an easy-listening ending to the album.
Overall, the six tracks on Neuroceptor’s Reuptake blend electronic and instrumental sounds to create a well-balanced, smoothly flowing album. Each song is both easy to listen and dance to, while there are certain nuanced points that may require a couple listens to fully appreciate. You can listen to more of Neuroceptor here, and they will next be playing live on September 20.
Starting The Great NY State Fair has started off with a bang, and some lightning, Kellie Pickler took the stage at Chevy Court to a packed crowd holding umbrellas and wearing ponchos. These hardcore country fans were in for a treat at the Fair’s first free show. Full of charm and talent, this young lady brought sunshine to the audience as she sang, shared stories, and gave an amazing performance to kick off the fair’s first show of the year.
Randy Houser – Grandstands Day 1
DAY ONE – Rain or Shine, The Show Must Go On
The one thing that stood out about Kellie was how personable she was with the audience. Whether it was waving to those shouting her name, holding up signs, or just waving her way, she made sure she acknowledged each and every one with a smile and a wave as though seeing an old friend once again. She even signed several autographs during her encore number. My first time and definitely not the last time I see this country girl perform.
Day 1 at The Great NY State Fair was chock full of country superstars. Country music fans hit the lottery with the Grandstand lineup Thursday evening with one of country music’s most loved entertainers, Brad Paisley headlining and he brought along some very special guests, Charlie Worsham, Leah Turner, and Randy Houser to join him.
I had the opportunity to cover these four performers earlier this year for NYS Music at the Taste of Country Music Festival down at Hunter Mountain in the beautiful Catskills. I immediately spotted Charlie Worsham out in the crowd doing what I loved about him most. He was down in the audience just hanging out and talking with all his fans, signing things, and being incognito right up until the time he put his earpieces in and jumped up on the platform and began singing and showing this audience just what he’s about. This young man is one hell of a guitar and banjo player. Sporting his signature orange converse, which he claimed he wore in honor of our Orangemen, he came right out in to the audience to pick and shred number after number. He told the crowd, “You may not know me….yet,” “yet” being the key word in that sentence as once you see Charlie in person, he’s really hard to forget. Yes Charlie, I was there for your first experience crowd surfing. It was epic and I have photos to prove it.
Immediately following Charlie was one of country music’s on the rise female artists, Leah Turner. The one thing that strikes me about Leah Turner is her strength. Her voice is strong, her presence is strong, and her impression is lasting. Rocking the audience and turning heads, the amazing performer is quickly making her mark in the country music business as a force to be reckoned with.
The next artist opening up for Brad was Randy Houser. I was happily anticipating this particular artist because this would be the first time I saw Randy perform his full show. Randy’s musical talent was put to the test this past June when on the way to the Taste of Country Music Festival, his bus broke down somewhere along the Pennsylvania highway. Making a split second decision, Randy and keyboardist, John Henry Trinko, packed it up and headed up through the mountains literally arriving five minutes before he had to go on. Playing an all acoustic set that was spectacular, I couldn’t possibly imagine how he would top that show. Well, the bus arrived this time, and he brought it. With a full band behind him, Randy whipped the audience into a frenzy, leaving it all out on the stage. One word, sensational. So happy I was able to see and hear him both full on with a full band and then stripped down acoustically. When it boils down to it, he is truly an amazing musician and vocalist, and talent such as that is unmistakable.
With the audience primed and ready to roll, the main event began. The one thing I must say about Brad Paisley’s show, is that it’s two shows in one. The perfectly choreographed video that plays behind Brad as he plays hit after hit, is spectacular and puts this show on a whole different level. I should expect no less, as Brad is truly on a different level. Brad is and amazing vocalist, but is also one amazing guitarist, I must add. I think it’s the one part of the show I look forward to the most. Shredding out like the rock star he is, you can’t help but love the new direction country music has been taking, getting back to their southern country rock and roll roots. For those of you who haven’t followed Brad and the comical tweets of late, Brad has been mischievous to say the least. With a new album, Moonlight In The Trunk, ready to be released this week, Brad took matters into his own hands allowing his fans bits and pieces of the album prior to the release date and against the wishes of his record label. This release was extremely important to Brad as his last album didn’t have the intended effect it was supposed to have. Brad felt that taking control and releasing on his terms would accomplish not only the message he wanted to send his fans, but thank his fans for being supportive over the years. Have to say, the comical scuttlebutt between Brad and his label was fun to watch unfold, almost making you wonder if it was a practical joke. In the end, Brad got his wishes did things his way, while the label did things their way and invited the fans to thank him personally by leaking his real email address. In the end, Brad, Label, and Fans all were happy.
DAY TWO – The Show that Could Possibly Break All Records
With Day One in the record books as an amazing start to the 2014 Fair, Day Two was bound to possibly be one of those days that beat some records. There are several factors that would assist in making a day at the Fair a record-breaking day….cooperating weather…special events going on…special day for select groups…or the acts at the stages…yep it was the act going on at Chevy Court at 8PM that would definitely shatter some records this day. This artist was one of those names that would surely draw a full paying crowd at the Grandstand, but instead the Fair treated their attendees to this act for free.
The Fair treated fairgoers to Jason Derulo. I am still waiting to see if Jason was able to break the Bruno Mars attendance back in 2011 of 35,000. Looking at the crowd that evening, I believe it may have come close. Attendees began saving their seats before the 2pm Smashmouth show, and by the time 6pm came along, the inner area was cordoned off. This wasn’t just an entertainer coming out to the middle of the stage and singing. This show had everything. Jason Derulo is already known for his amazing musical talents as a vocalist, but until you see him live, you can’t ascertain his true talents. He came out with a full entourage of professional dancers as he commanded that stage keeping up with each and every step they laid down. All I kept thinking of was how much he reminded me of Michael Jackson, with the voice and the moves. He definitely has something special. Dancing With The Stars would be handing him that trophy for sure if they included him in one their upcoming seasons.
DAY THREE – Mr. 305 Hit’s the 315- Everyone Loves Some Bacon, Brothers That Is
As Day Three began, the NY State Fair included two amazing shows at the Chevy Court stage. The 2PM show was Sean Kingston, which I unfortunately missed, as I’m still figuring out how to be in two places at once. However I was able to take in their 8PM show with The Bacon Brothers Band. What an amazing group of performers they were. Rocking with a bluegrass, country, jazzy, pop vibe this group were thoroughly entertaining and very talented with a big variety of instrumentation which included various percussion, harmonica, mandolin, electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards, etc. Was so pleased they made Central New York one of their stops on their summer tour schedule.
At the Grandstands on Day Three we had Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull. This distinguished performer is hugely talented and one of the best business men I have ever seen in the music business, taking the business by storm and branding himself as a worldwide superstar. He has appeared in numerous collaborations, taken home award after award (including a Grammy) and built himself an international empire in a ten year span. Taking the stage in a tailored suit and sunglasses, his charm, style, and charisma spilled over into the audience as they screamed and cheered his name. Singing hit after hit, Pitbull had a stronghold on the audience from the moment he came out.
As NYS Music covers the Great New York State Fair, we would like to point out a few notables to make sure you take the time to see. I always have loved the 25 cent milk, the butter sculpture, and all the animals, this year my new discovery was the butterfly exhibit. For a single $1, you can enter a tent filled with the most beautiful butterflies as they twitter and land on you. Was an amazing experience and such a cool find right inside the Horticulture Building. Oh, and while you’re there don’t forget to get your $1 baked potato.
Looking forward to the next three days there, the musical acts, foods, and adventures you too can share at the worlds first and best the Great NY State Fair.
Even though they formed in 2011 and are relative newcomers to the music scene, the band was welcomed by fans as they took the stage to screams and applause. For just under an hour, this group of musicians gave a performance with their unique sound. The band has strong characteristics that come through in every song. They flawlessly combine an upbeat, pop rock style with catchy lyrics and sexy groove. Then, they top it off with just enough dark/mysterious edge that singer Jesse Rutherford’s vocals capture perfectly. The sensual tone in his voice is something so many strive to achieve, yet he does without any effort.
Besides providing a fresh fan-base, touring Europe allowed Joe Driscoll to bring along fellow Syracuse-based hip-hop heads, and inexorable party-starters, 
The opening track, “Anura” is named after the Greek term for the genus classification of “toad.” The tune has an underwater feel, setting a fluid tone for the EP. Beginning with fast, snappy drumming and a tight bass line, the addition of melodic keys shore up the full sound. As the track progresses, a plethora of croaking sounds, produced with analog synthesizers, create an out-of-this-worldly amphibious effect. The electronica track, nearly seven minutes in length, gets intense in the middle, but returns to the melody for a gradual comedown as it closes.
