NYS Music 20​14

Category: UpstateLIVE Archives

  • Bella Terra, Back and Better Than Ever for 2014

    The beautifully scenic back drop of Upstate New York, art, music, and vendors means it must be time for another year of Bella Terra. Since 2009 Bella Terra has made its mark on the Upstate festival scene bringing a collaboration of multi-genre artists that span from Hip Hop, EDM, drum and bass, jam, bluegrass and much more. Since its start, Bella Terra has made its reputation known as a small town, tight knit festival with the capacity for major acts and artists.

    The festival will be held this weekend, August 21-24 on Gardner’s Farm in Stephentown, New York. Get your tickets for Bella Terra Music Festival now! Here is a look at the MUST SEE acts this weekend at Bella Terra.

    BT1
    Thursday

    Break Science (8:15-10): A Brooklyn based electronic duo who, since their first arrival on the scene has took the EDM scene on full force making themselves known as one of the best. Borahm Lee spinning and Adam Deitch (Lettuce) on the drums have quickly been acknowledged as one of the must see acts for any music festival.

    Indobox (10-11:30): Indobox is an energy packed electronic-dance-rock collaboration of Joey Zarick on guitar, bass and vocals, Mike Carter on guitar and vocals, Steve Learson on keyboards and synth bass, and Jules Jenssen on drums. These guys always bring a solid set of dancing and energy.

    BT2
    Friday

    Conspirator (8:30-11): A side project of Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein of the Disco Biscuits, Conspirator has attracted attention since their start on the music scene as an electronic-music power house. While their sound differs greatly from their roots in the Biscuits, Conspirator has done a phenomenal job of setting themselves apart and creating a new sound.

    Abakus (11-12:15): Russ Davies is a British electronic musician who goes by the alias Abakus as well as Cinnamon Chasers (He will be playing under the alias Cinnamon Chasers on Friday night, 7:30-8:30). Russ Davies separates the two aliases with very separate styles and sounds so it will definitely be interesting to see both acts and see the versatility of this artist.
    BT3
    Saturday

    Digital Dharma (4:30-5:30): Digital Dharma is an Upstate New York native band focusing primarily on improvisational electronic music. Deriving influences from the likes of the Disco Biscuits, The New Deal and Lotus, you will see the similarities in instrumental technique as well as the exponential talent from each member of the band.

    DJ Leila (5:15-6): Leila has taken on the drum and bass scene as perhaps one of the most well known female DJs in the Capital District. Don’t get it twisted: the fact that she is female doesn’t set her apart from the male dominated DJ world, it is her raw and unbridled talent and love for the dirty bass and beats that makes her one of the best. Make sure you check her out at the Red Bull Truck.

    Dr. Fameus(5:30-7:30): Dr. Fameus is Allen Aucoin, drummer of the Disco Biscuits, with a side project as an outlet to delve further into the melding of drums and electronic music. Obviously it is very drum-centered and it may throw you off to see that the only person on stage is sitting behind a drum set, nonetheless it is not an act you want to miss.
    BT4

    Sunday

    Jimkata  (4:30-5:30): A staple of the Northeast jam-scene since as early as 2006, Jimkata has made their mark in the world of music. With a devoted following and a unique sound this is one Sunday act you certainly do not want to miss.

    Mentally Ill (5:45-6:30): Mentally Ill takes the stage with vengeance and his sets are certainly not for the weak of heart. Leading the Albany drum and bass scene for years Mentally Ill (along with his counterpart Leila) have single-handedly introduced the Upstate music scene to a world of heavy bass and shattering beats. Make sure you get down to his Sunday set for some day-time dNb.

  • No Takers for Glens Falls Civic Center Sale

    Since its opening in 1979, the Glens Falls Civic Center has never turned in a profit, as said by the city’s mayor John Diamond at a Common Council meeting in July and it is now for sale.

    The Glens Falls Civic Center as represented on the city's property map. (Photo Credit: City of Glens Falls)
    The Glens Falls Civic Center as represented on the city’s property map. (Photo Credit: City of Glens Falls)

    Not exactly a shining endorsement to prospective buyers of the 35-year old sports and entertainment arena.

    The city had placed the property up for auction yesterday, and according to several news sources, no buyers showed.

    “We have discussed openly for several years about options on a regional basis,” said Diamond on July 22. “We, in City government, are about to engage in the budget process for next year. Since 1979 the building has never made any positive revenue. I look at it as more of a destination/quality of life initiative, but the economy of scale has changed since 1979. In order for us to be competitive within ideas of a tax cap, we have to make sacrifices. In order to continue to provide services that City residents are accustomed to or improving on, something has to change. I have come to the conclusion that the only option is to sell the Civic Center and put it into private sector, with the idea that whoever buys it will continue on as a recreational arena.”

    The city had placed a minimum bid of $1.5 million. Attached to the prospective sale were two contracts; a three-year lease with the Flames minor league hockey team and a management contract with Global Spectrum. According to Wikipedia, the Civic Center was built with $3 million. When factoring in the rate of inflation, it cost $9.75 million in today’s money, representing a near 85 percent loss that the city was willing to lose on the property.

    Former ESPN radio personality and present real estate agent, Brian Sinkoff, said the expected asking price just doesn’t meet present demand.

    According to the Albany Business Review, the minimum asking price at yesterday’s failed auction is equal to an offer the city had received from a local developer just a few years ago.  That same developer said, after now doing his due diligence, opted not to purchase.

    For ten years, the arena held a virtual monopoly in attracting larger musical acts for the Capital Region – Aerosmith, Metallica, Scorpions, Def Leppard, Rush, Motley Crew, Boston and 38 Special all headlined acts at the approximately 4,700-seat indoor venue.

    In 1989, The Who rehearsed there over a two-week period. And, The Grateful Dead played there three times during that decade.

    More recently, Phish performed The Beatles White Album in its entirety on Halloween in 1994.

    The seating capacity is no longer ideal for today’s demands, and the monopoly it once held was revoked when Albany opened a 15,000-plus seat arena of its own in 1990, now known as the Times Union Center.

    Prospective buyers were required to present 10 percent of the minimum asking price, or $150,000, to attend yesterday’s auction.

  • Bernie Williams and his All Star Band Friday at Paramount Hudson Valley

    Bernie WilliamsClassically trained in music from an early age, Bernie Williams kept his passion for music alive throughout his better known career. His first album, The Journey Within, was released in 2003 to critical acclaim – while he was still hitting home runs at Yankee Stadium. His even more acclaimed Latin jazz album Moving Forward, released in 2009 and featured guest appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Secada, and Dave Koz. From center field to center stage, Bernie Williams brings his music to the Paramount Hudson Valley this Friday with his All Star Band.

    To quote Bruce Springsteen when Williams joined him on stage for an acoustic version of “Glory Days”: “He may be over it for baseball, but he’s a spring chicken for rock ‘n roll!”

    The Paramount is offering premium meet-and-greet tickets for the show. All tickets are available from the Paramount’s website here. Don’t miss this one – his only other currently scheduled performance is September 20th  in Connecticut.

    Check out this clip of Bernie Williams performing at the House of Blues in 2004:

  • Aqueous Announce 2014 Fall Tour and Album Release Party

    AQ-PRESSPICBuffalo’s Aqueous just announced their 2014 Fall tour schedule and, even with losing long-time drummer Nick Sonricker, the band refuses to take their foot off of the proverbial pedal. Locked and loaded with the newest member, Ryan Nogle, the band made a solid showing at The Peach Music Festival this past weekend with a sizeable crowd that latched on to the band’s infectious sound. With summer still not exactly over, the band will head to moe.down next weekend for a prime slot and two sets on Sunday night opposite of moe..

    Getting back to the announcement, the band will embark on a heavy rotation throughout the Northeast on tour this Fall, touching down in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania among other states. The band will travel as far south though as North Carolina and as far west as Indiana, ultimately wrapping up at Nectar’s in Vermont. Along the way, Aqueous will be joined by their friends in The Mantras, The McLovin’s, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Knowing that the band has a great relationship with each, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw some fun guest sit-ins.

    If the tour itself doesn’t have you excited, the band will be debuting their newest album on October 25th in their hometown of Buffalo at Iron Works and will be joined by The Mantras. With their last album being almost two years old, this has been long-overdue and overly anticipated by fans.

    Check out the dates below and make sure to mark one down on your calendar as the new lineup has the band full of energy and ready to bring it to your hometown.

    AQ fall

  • Camp Creek: A Party Like it Used to Be

    Camp Creek makes its long awaited return to its home base in Mariaville, New York, less than 20 miles outside of Albany, at the Indian Lookout Country Club. After taking a few years off the band comes back for a party like it used to be. This means home grown music, bands you will not see from festival to festival, just friends of the band as well as some local acts. This party is taking place Friday, August 22nd through Sunday the 24th .

    The first act Casey Bloom, a natural born guitarist, who as a child said he wanted to grow up to be Eric Clapton, will start at 3:00. Midnight Chrome Muffins, a musical fusion of funk reggae and soul will hit the hill stage right after at 5:00,leaving the door open for the Marks Brothers, a band comprised of Max Creek‘s Marc Mercier on keyboards and vocals, Mark Paradis from his namesakes band on guitar and vocals, Scott Guberman from Rev Tor Band on Hammond B3, along with Dave Stoltz, formerly of Dickey Betts and Great has Southern on bass and Brian “Duke” Konopka, formerly from S.L.A.P. and The Mark Paradis Band on drums. This all-star line up sets the table nicely for Eastbound Jesus, who take the stage at 7:00. This is going to be a party in itself, bringing Jam-grass and Americana together for an amazing sound and even better time.

    When combining a keyboard extraordinaire such as Beau Sasser, percussionist and long time Frank Zappa collaborator, Ed Mann, along with Max Creek’s drummer Bill Carbone and Guitarist Scott Muraskwi, the possibilities are endless; a foursome not to be missed. These acts will all be on the more intimate hill stage to get the closer personal feel tot the acts.

    Saturday morning at 11, the festivities kick off with Max Creek Percussionist Jamemurrell Stanley and Creek Bassist John Rider for their take on some hot acoustic styling early in the day. Also performing is Matt Ziener, an exceptional keyboardist, known for his time with Dickey Betts. After four years of touring with Betts, Matt was ready to go back on his own and start making his own music. This will be brought to light as the first main stage gig at 12:30 Saturday afternoon.

    Jamband scene mainstay Ryan Montbleau will be performing his playful sound to the Hill Stage at 2pm, keeping everyone in good spirits. The Midnight Suns, who will be performing on the main stage at 3:30, live by the motto “Have fun, play good music and meet great people”. That motif is what every band should live up to and the perfect entity to have at this year’s Camp Creek. The ten piece Funky Dawgz Brass Band is the type of band that if someone in the audience isn’t having a good time, they don’t know what a good time is. The funksters bring it from every direction and bring it all over the Northeast. Blowing the crowd away at the recent Gathering of the Vibes Festival is just one of the many attributes these guys have on their resume.

    Saturday evening, it will be time for the men of the hour, and the weekend, Max Creek. The guys who have been playing for over forty years under the same name will be playing a set that will go over five hours. This is their set of the year, and they pride themselves on it. If there is a Creek number you want to hear, chances  are you will be hearing it on the main stage starting at 7:00 pm. Just in case that wasn’t enough, the late night action continues on the hill stage with Kind Buds. Bud and Budd Johnson, inspired by Jerry Garcia, play a mix of classic covers to enlightening originals, being which is the perfect way to end Day 2 of Camp Creek.

    Day 3 is going to musically start out in a serendipitous way as Jamemurrell Stanley & Drummers of Peace & Equality take the early risers on a musical trip of the African Culture. This group features drummers Bill Carbone and Kabisco Kafscba, men of many talents. Combined with other drummers TBD, will be an experiment with different fusions of sound and making a spectacle not to be missed.

    Spi Tune takes the hill stage next, and describe themselves as over aged children playing rock ‘n’ roll music. Being that its is 11 am on a Sunday morning, and Spi Tune seems to be like a band that would best be seen at 11 pm. Not to say the fans won’t have a good time, because Spi Tunes always delivers a good dose of fun, no matter what time the clock says.

    At 12:30 the main stage opens with Flipper Dave, a great delight for Connecticut natives. Flipper Dave’s last release Something Simple, was released back in 2002. Since then, band members have been focusing on other aspects their lives. It is a real treat to see them get back together for this one of a kind performance. There could not be a better stage for this reunion to happen then at Camp Creek.

    Fungus Amungus out of Providence, Rhode Island, focus on a jazz core with smooth saxophone , bouncy keys and a shredding guitar. These guys will bring the Hill Stage to a close for the weekend. Max Creek return to the Main Stage at 3:30 to play another nearly four hour set.

    The music stops at approximately 7:00 with the camp ground to be cleared out by 8.This is going to be fun. More like a family reunion than like a rock festival, may seem kind of weird. But if you stop and think about it for a minute, isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?

    Gates open at 9am on Friday and the music ends around 7pm on Sunday, with the campgrounds cleared at 8pm. See you all at Camp Creek!

  • Playonbrother Did Just That and Beyond at Larkin Square in Buffalo

    Despite a small setback and some unusual weather for the time of year, Alan Evans’ Playonbrother had the mixed crowd that attended their show in Buffalo on August 13th packed in tight and listening intently. Alan is a Buffalonian, born and raised, but this was the first time playing Larkin Square, and with the combination of the opening band and some enthusiastic fans, the homecoming couldn’t have went any better.

    Larkin Square is easily one of the newest gems in Buffalo. The mere revitalization  and beautification of area was astounding, proving that the city is on the verge of turning the corner. The venue, which opened up in 2012, had so many great things going for it that it’s hard to list them all. Two pickle ball courts with equipment provided, free parking, numerous food trucks on site, a beautiful covered area for the stage and music, and an all-around good atmosphere for congregating; this is how you host a concert and all venues in the area need to take note.

    The night got started when the Forealists took the stage, and if you couldn’t tell by the name, they didn’t just come to warm up the crowd. With special guest/semi-official member Nelson Rivera on saxophone for the night, the band came out strong and immediately grabbed those wandering around the venue and drew them in. You can mark my “Favorite Up and Coming Band from Buffalo” on my ballot right now as the ensemble had a perfect mix of raw talent and control over each and every song. The band laid smooth melodies on top of an ever-pressing rhythm that was propelled by the combination of drummer Deshawn Jackson and bassist Zuri Appleby. The band’s sound was sprawled across multiple genres without being watered down. A Snarky Puppy-esque vibe is all that’s needed to describe what they’re capable of. The band shined on some of their faster-paced songs and had the crowd moving right away. It wouldn’t be surprising if this band one day took off; they just need the right visibility. Knowing that, we worked with our good friends at WNYmedia Network who captured some of their set from last Wednesday for our loyal readers. With a new album due out this Fall, check back at soon for our interview with the talented Zuri Appleby.

    After the Forealists finished up, the crowd needed a collective breather to digest what they just heard and prepare for what was on deck. Alan Evans, Danny Mayer, and the newest member, Kris Yunker took the stage behind their respective instruments. The venue was packed, but that didn’t stop people from finding ways to fill in the cracks as the everyone seemed eager to welcome home one of their own. Playonbrother started things off with a song I had yet to hear live. “Tammi”, also the name of the band’s Tiger that sits on stage during their set, came out with a fierce, rhythmic onslaught. If it was any indication of the direction of the new album, you’re going to want to make sure you grab it as soon as it drops. The band paused for a four count before launching right into “Who Dares Knock at my Door”. The newest member Kris Yunker took his first solo with a tone that was muddied and modulated through various effects, creating a spacey feel, rich in the stench of funk that the band is known to dabble in. From new to old, Yunker slipped in without anyone knowing he was only twenty or so shows into his POB tenure.

    With the band locking in, the outdoor setting began to rear its head and provide some challenges. It started with the wind creating some noise on Alan Evans’ microphone. That was just a harbinger though as shortly thereafter, his mic completely dropped out on their song “Easy Meat”. It’s impossible to say for sure, but the band seemed to angrily throw themselves into the solo section, taking every note out on their respective instruments. You can’t always prepare for the elements, but the band played on without missing a beat. Their entire set weaved like a car in the thick Buffalo snow, touching on deep grooves before sailing smoothly out of them. Unlike a car though, the band was in tight control, driven by the rhythmic steering of Buffalo’s own Alan Evans.

    Leaving the set list on an off-the-cuff whim, Playonbrother took on a Jimi Hendrix cover in “Ain’t No Telling”. The deviation was akin to a quarterback calling the perfect audible. It was on that song that the band turned a corner, syncing up on an undeniable rhythm that transcended the entire crowd.

    The venue mid-set resembled a mini-festival with people dancing freely, kids playing catch, and hula hoopers spinning circles in the grass to the music that blanketed the entire area. More venues need to take this approach to shows as it created a spirit and environment that went hand in hand with the music. If adds a “Best New Venue” category to its end of the year writers poll, you know where my vote will lie.

    Guitarist Danny Mayer was the nexus between Alan and Kris the entire night, standing in the middle of the stage and using his experience with both to lead the way. There was no denying the effect he had on the crowd either. The guitarist made some easy side money as a fan felt compelled enough to rush the stage and start throwing singles during his blistering solo on “Buffalo”. Post-show, Danny mentioned to me that it was the first time that had ever happened to him. What’s there to say? Buffalo flat-out appreciates a man with a talent.

    As their set ended, the crowd beckoned for another showing, and to the surprise of many, both Playonbrother and Forealists joined the stage together, being dubbed as either the Foreal Playonbrother Superjam or the simpler Playonrealists. Either way, pupils were dilating at the expectation of what was about to start. Phones were up in the air recording the members setting up, not wanting to miss the start of jam. There wasn’t even enough room on stage for everyone and Forealists drummer Deshawn Jackson ended up setting up on the side of the stage, directly on the floor. Once everyone was set, the nine piece band dove into the Cream hit “Sunshine of Your Love”. The absolute climax of the night came blasting through the brass in the hands of Nelson Rivera. He cut through the other eight members on stage ripping a solo that exuded his feeling, the crowds collective spirit, and the night as a whole. It might have been a cold night in August, but there was no stopping the positive energy that this show thrust upon all who gathered. It was a great night to be a Buffalonian.

  • Billy Idol Album and Book Out Soon

    British punk rock legend, Billy Idol is busy putting the finishing touches on what will be his eighth studio release.

    Once released later this year, Kings & Queens of the Underground will be Idol’s first release in eight years.   The album features Steve Stevens, his long-time lead guitarist, Stephen McGrath on bass and Billy Morrison on guitar, with Eric Eldenius on drums and Paul Trudeau on keyboards.

    The 58-year old has kept his fans abreast of his on-going plans on his Twitter page.  Such plans not only include the upcoming album, but an autobiography as well.

    The autobiography, Dancing With Myself, promises to discuss his early days as front man of Generation X, to his life on top of the world during the 1980s.

    “I am hopelessly divided between the dark and the good,  the rebel and the saint, the sex maniac and the monk, the poet and the priest, the demagogue and the populist.” stated Idol, through a press release posted on his official website. “Pen to paper, I am putting it all down, every bit from the heart. I am going out on a limb here, so watch my back.”

    Release dates have not been announced as of date.  But, unofficial word through sources in the United Kingdom suggest that both the album and book will hit the shelves shortly before Idol tours Europe in November. His website also alludes to the possibility of a larger world tour.

    This is the latest Billy Idol album since Happy Holidays in 2006.

  • New Music Releases To Be Moved From Tuesdays To Fridays?

    How do you defend yourself against pirates? By moving to Friday apparently. According to sources, in order to reduce illegal downloading of music, leaks, and pirating, Billboard is looking to set a global release day to Friday for all new music releases worldwide.

    The whole idea came about when Australia saw success by moving new releases to Friday. In recent years, music has already hit torrent sites before albums even reach their street release dates. Especially in the U.S.

    According to Consequence of Sound and Ultimate Guitar, sources say the policy could go into effect as early as July 2015, but others suggest that it hasn’t been agreed upon completely by everyone in the industry. But there can be setbacks.

    “This global streetdate is necessary for the industry but unfortunately it will be awkward for the physical retailers to change their ways of doing business,” one label executive told Billboard.

    Personally, this makes Fridays even better. Not only is it payday for most hardworking Americans, now they can have something to look forward to investing to when they get paid.   I’m sure there will be plenty people who would much prefer to keep it on Tuesdays.

    What do you think? Keep it Tuesdays or embrace the change for Friday? Comment below.

    get-excited-its-friday-

  • Umphrey’s Night Two: Homeless in Hampton

    Waking up early on Friday, August 8th, the plan was to book it the three hours from Burlington, VT, to Hampton Beach, NH, check in to the hotel, then relax and regroup in the afternoon. My friend Chris and I started the day with high hopes and spirits. We had seen our favorite band, Umphrey’s McGee, last night, and we were going to see them again that night—and the following two nights. Our friend Sam, whom we had serendipitously met at the Catskill Chill Music Festival last year, had housed us in Burlington. With plenty of room to sprawl out the previous night and hot showers in the morning, all was well.

    Then, we got to Hampton Beach.

    The damnedest thing about checking into the hotel is, if one does not have a hotel, one cannot do that. As I drove in circles around the main Hampton Beach strip, Chris called every hotel, motel, and campground within a twenty-mile radius.  With each “sorry, we’re fully booked,” our spirits sunk.  Who would have thought that New Hampshire’s most popular beach town would be sold out of rooms on a midsummer Friday night?

    After we regrouped over a couple IPAs, I decided it was time to take to the streets and visit some motels in person.  For three hours, I walked up and down the strip, pulling out every trick I knew to lock down a room—and I’ve got tricks.  Nothing.  Not even a spot to pitch a tent.

    Time to regroup again.  I met Chris napping in the car.  He had resigned to the fact that we were homeless in Hampton, and he would have to drive the five hours back home after the show.  I was not giving up yet.  I headed back to the strip again.

    Instead of a room for the night, I came back with an earring.  The decision was part deliriousness, part booze-induced, and part my friend Putty’s voice in my head: “if you get your nipples pierced, you can never lose your tits.  It’s key for our type of music.”  At least this we could laugh about today.  (Un)fortunately, the piercer gave me a look of horror when I asked about nipples; I had to settle for knowing my left ear would not be blown off by the Umph-machine.  This time back at the car, Chris woke with a chuckle.  I still would not give up on the hope of getting us a room, and headed out again.

    Next, I came back with Kris Myers.  I noticed my favorite drummer hanging out in the parking lot and had to say hello.  Not only is he the hardest working man in music, he may be the most genuine and friendliest.  For fifteen minutes, Chris, Kris, and I talked about the previous night’s concert, the hapless hotel situation in Hampton, All In Time Productions, and our appreciation of music.  Before going to prepare for the show, he asked, “Hey, how’d you guys like to hear ‘All In Time’ tonight?”  Yes, please.

    Kris Myers and myself.
    Kris Myers (r) and my blingin’ self.

    Making it into the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom was a major relief.  The venue—a very long, open room with the stage up front and bars in the back—had wooden floors that acted as shoe magnets when beer was spilled and feet were shuffling.  When Umphrey’s started with a “Miss Tinkle’s Overture > Higgins > Miss Tinkle’s Overture” sandwich, all worries washed away.  From the first note to the last, UM brought their hard rocking hats and fed off the excitement of the exceptionally raucous crowd.

    During the first set, one of Kris Myers’ cymbals stood slightly out of reach.  After a stagehand replaced it, Myers went out of his way to visibly thank him without missing a beat.  After the band concluded a fiery version of “Little Gift” in the second set, there was an extra long delay. The crowd stomped, clapped, and yelled, and Myers sought me out, made eye contact, nodded, and shot into “All In Time”.  The tune started off upbeat and, as always, the final stanzas were powerfully emotional and uplifting and had me nodding along in pure joy.  With Bayliss wailing out the resonating words, “My blood, it boils with passions, they overflow from time to time, and I can see that when your eyes look down,” a perceptible oneness could be felt throughout the ecstatic crowd.

    Although the oddly long shape of the room was not ideal for the lighting wizard Jefferson Waful, the indoor Ballroom allowed for a more spectacular light show than the previous night outdoors in Burlington.  During “1348”, however, the boys on stage gave an atypically subdued shout-out to Waful—“let’s see light.” The tune turned into a fuzzy sandwich, with Umphrey’s showing off their vocal and musical ranges during “The Fuzz” and proving rock ‘n’ roll is still thriving with “1348” again.

    Umphrey's McGee
    Rock ‘n Roll

    The energy of the room was palpable all night; before Cinninger—“The Man Who Shits Arpeggios”— went to town in “Making Flippy Floppy”, Bayliss pointed out “You guys are fucking rowdy tonight!” Umphrey’s stretched “Bright Lights, Big City” into an uber-long dance jam in the first set, which closed with crowd favorite “The Song Remains The Same”.  While everyone danced hard, there was not a drop of ill will in the Ballroom; like most UM shows, if someone pushed you, it was to get you closer to the stage.

    Apart from the aforementioned Zeppelin cover and a few other teases, the band played a delicious assortment of originals that spanned their illustrious sixteen-year career. From “KaBump”, which they’ve played live since their South Bend days in 1998, to “Proverbial”, which debuted at the “Nothing Too Fancy Music” label release party in May, the Umph-love was aplenty. The highlight may have come when they concluded the second set with “Mantis”. Joel Cummins—who “plays with the passion of an unbridled horse running down the beach”—hammered his keys emotionally and Andy Xanadu Farag—the “chode and the balls of the band”— transitioned between sections with the most beautiful chimes in music.

    Unfortunately, there comes a moment in every UM show when you realize the end is nigh. The encore fittingly wrapped up with “Bad Friday”, and it was time to head home.  Chris valiantly drove us the 260 miles back to New Paltz and our own beds.

    On the bright side, of course, the run was only halfway over.

    Umphrey's McGee

    Setlist:

    Set One: Miss Tinkle’s Overture > Higgins(1) > Miss Tinkle’s Overture, Made to Measure > Bright Lights, Big City, Mad Love, Kabump > A Go Go >Proverbial, The Song Remains the Same

    Set Two: 1348 > The Fuzz > 1348, Making Flippy Floppy(2) > Little Gift, All In Time > Kula > All In Time, Preamble > Mantis
    Encore: Mullet (Over), Bad Friday

    1 with Masoka Tanga (The Police) jam

    2 with Divisions jam

    Purchase set 

    Kris Myers and Chris Cleary. This is why I write and Chris shoots.
    Kris Myers and Chris Cleary. This is why I write and Chris shoots.

  • Pink Talking Fish Swimming Through Northeast This Fall

    Pink Talking Fish, with the wonderful combination of musical influences from Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads, and Phish, will once again make their way around New York and the rest of the Northeast this fall.

    The band loves to weave in and out of all three bands’ repertoires without a pause, making this band one of the most interesting tribute acts out there today. It’s no secret how much New York loves all three of these bands, and the band is playing the most shows in that state to satisfy the crowds. The first New York date is on October 18 at New York City’s The Cutting Room. The following Thursday and Friday will see the band tackle The Wescott Theatre and Putnam Den respectively.

    “There’s some serious energy when it comes to live music in Upstate New York,” said Eric Gould, the band’s bassist. “I went to college in Ithaca so, between attending shows all around the region during my time there and touring with Particle, I have a special place in my soul for this music scene. So psyched about late night Bella Terra and the 1-2 punch of Syracuse/Saratoga. We are going to have no repeats between those 2 shows so that people have an opportunity for a multiple show run PTF experience and catch a bit of the “tour fever”.”

    The last time they were at Putnam Den was a great show and it sounds like this time will be more of the same. The full tour can be seen below.

    pink talking fish 2014