Category: News Desk

  • Greensky Bluegrass Announces 2014 Fall Dates – Opening in Buffalo

    Greensky Bluegrass released their 2014 fall dates today. The tour will start in Buffalo, NY on September 10th at The Town Ballroom. The tour will consist of 35 dates and will spread throughout the East coast and venture as far as the Northwest and California region and closing out in Mexico at Strings & Sol. Greensky Bluegrass  will be supporting their fifth album with this tour,  which will be due out on September 9th entitled  If Sorrows Swim.

    The show at The Town Ballroom is an all ages event, show starts at 8PM and tickets can be purchased for $16 in advance and $18 day of the show. Grab your tickets online or at the venue box office.

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    Greensky Bluegrass 2014 Fall Dates

    9/10 – Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
    9/11 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
    9/12 – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
    9/13 – Gramercy Theater – New York, NY
    9/16 – Headliners Music Hall – Louisville, KY
    9/17 – Americana Music Festival – Nashville, TN
    9/18 – Jefferson Theater – Charlottesville, VA
    9/19 – Ram’s Head Live – Baltimore, MD
    9/20 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
    9/23 – Rex Theater – Pittsburgh, PA
    9/24 – Ziggy’s – Winston-Salem, NC
    9/25 – Visulite Theater – Charlotte, NC
    9/26 – Orange Peel – Asheville, NC
    9/27 – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA
    9/30 – Duling Hall – Jackson, MS
    10/01 – 1884 Lounge at Minglewood Hall – Memphis, TN
    10/02 – Old Rock House – St. Louis, MO
    10/03 – Vogue Theatre – Indianapolis, IN
    10/04 – TBA
    10/22 – Wolly’s – Des Moines, IA
    10/23 – The Bottleneck – Lawrence, KS
    10/27 – Belly Up – Aspen, CO
    10/28 – Sol Santa Fe – Santa Fe, NM
    10/29 – Orpheum Theatre – Flagstaff, NM
    10/31 – Suwannee Hulaween – Live Oak, FL
    11/01 – 11/02 – Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV
    11/05 – The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT
    11/06 – Top Hat – Missoula, MT
    11/07 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
    11/08 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
    11/09 – Neptune Theater – Seattle, WA
    11/12 – Belly Up Tavern – Solana Beach, CA 11/13 – Troubadour – W. Hollywood, CA
    11/14 – 11/15 – TBA
    12/11 – 12/14 – Strings & Sol – Puerto Morelos, MX

    Town Ballroom- Buffalo, NY 2/5/14

  • Albany Playhouse at the Park Sounds Phishy This July

    The Park Playhouse recently announced 2013 Tony Award nominee, Hands on a Hardbody will be featured at the Lakehouse in Albany’s Washington Park this July.hardbody-final-272x300

    The news is of particular interest to Phish fans, as the musical score was written by none other than Trey Anastasio. Anastaio’s score received the 2013 Dramatist Guild Frederick Loewe award for Dramatic Composition, as well as a Tony Award nomination that same year.

    Anastasio is a guitarist, composer, and vocalist for the famous Vermont-based jamband, Phish; but he is no stranger to the classical arts, having his orchestral “Evenings with Trey Anastasio” performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony, and the Colorado Symphony.

    Hands on a Hardbody, based on the book written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Doug Wright, focuses on the events and drama that ensues after ten people prepare to win an automobile by being the last one to keep his hand on the car.

    Shows run Tuesday through Sunday, From July 1st to July 26th, starting at 8 p.m.  Seating is free in the amphitheater section, and blankets and low-backed chairs are permitted. Reserved Seats and Premium Bleacher Seats can be purchased on the Playhouse website, or by calling the box office phone at 518-434-0776.

  • Queen and Lambert On Tour of a Lifetime

    Queen embarked on their summer tour last night when they took the stage at Chicago’s United Center. This is the group’s first tour in eight years, and the first serial performance planned with Adam Lambert.

    The flamboyant frontman of American Idol fame paired up with the iconic rock band last September for iHeart Radio. The popularity of that performance set the wheels into motion for something larger, and by the following March, a tour was announced.

    The Once In A Lifetime Tour skirts our area this summer, with stops in Toronto, Montreal, New York City, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, East Rutherford, N.J. and Uncasville, C.T..

    Brian May and Roger Taylor (66 and 64, respectively) continue to rock crowds of fans who cross over several generations. Lambert, 32, steps in place of the late Freddie Mercury, who died in 1991.

    Queen started in 1970 and grew into fame in the era of glam rock, which also ushered in the likes of Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie). Today, Mercury is revered as one of the best performers in the history of rock, with his penchant for showmanship.

    Lambert, too, has developed a reputation for bringing a level of showmanship to his own shows.  His charisma and talent has seemed to translate well so far.  Though there may be few Mercury fans who will hesitate to embrace Lambert, there should be little question that he is the best in this generation to step in for the job.  Judging from the performance below, he owns it.

    The Once In A Lifetime Tour

    June 19 – United Center, Chicago
    June 21 – MTS Centre, Winnipeg
    June 23 – Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon
    June 24 – Rexall Place, Edmonton
    June 26 – Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta
    June 28 – Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena, Vancouver, B.C.
    July 1 – SAP Center, San Jose, Calif.
    July 3 – The Forum, Los Angeles
    July 5-6 – The Joint, Las Vegas
    July 9 – Toyota Center, Houston
    July 10 – American Airlines Center, Dallas
    July 12 – The Palace at Auburn Hills, Detroit
    July 13 – Air Canada Centre, Toronto
    July 14 – Bell Centre, Montreal
    July 16 – Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
    July 17 – Madison Square Garden, New York
    July 19 – Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.
    July 20 – Merriweather Post Pavilion, Washington, D.C.
    July 22 – TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
    July 23 – Izod Center, East Rutherford, N.J.
    July 25 – Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.
    July 26 – Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, N.J.
    July 28 – Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont.

  • Aura Music & Arts Festival Drops Stage One Lineup

    Those of us whom have lived our lives in the “brisk” springs of Upstate New York know there is no better time to travel south. Providing ample additional ammo for an early spring break trip is the initial excellent “stage one” lineup of the Aura Music & Art’s Festival announced today.

    Bisco fans can rejoice, The Disco Biscuits will be headlining with a full 2 set performance. Along for the ride will be a slew of NY based bands: NYC’s Grammy Award winning Snarky Puppy, Dopapod,  and Consider the Source, as well as Ithaca’s Jimkata. Additional artists announced include 2 shows by Papadosio, The Mantras, Kung Fu, RAQ and more.

    The festival will be held March 6th-8th in Live Oak Florida. Early Bird tickets go on sale July 1st and start at $135 for a 3-day weekend pass or $165 for a 4-day weekend pass which includes a Thursday pre-party w/ Dopapod and Kung Fu. Camping is included with purchase. Keep tuned to for further artist announcements and Aura news!

    AURA-STAGEONE

  • The Mad Tea Party Jam: A West Virginia Gem

    If you love live music but can’t leave home without your fishing pole and pup, The Mad Tea Party Jam is calling you. From June 19-22, Dopapod, The Werks, Papadosio, and 40+ other bands will rock in the summer solstice at Ashton Farms in Hedgesville, West Virginia.

    mad tea party jam

    The lineup features up-and-coming acts on the verge of blowing up. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Mantras, and Consider the Source will each jam for multiple sets. A couple of New York-based bands will also be on festival goers’ must-see lists. Joining the jamboree for two nights is Brooklyn’s Turkuaz—a 9-piece funk train driven by a full brass section. Another NYC quartet, TAUK, is sure to leave people talking. Their instrumental debut album, Homunculus, features soaring jams with emotional guitar licks, spacey keys, and tight percussion.

    “All the bands here are friends, and we’re all looking forward to playing and hanging together,” The Werks’ drummer/singer and Potsdam, NY, native Rob Chafin said of The Mad Tea Party . He went on, “This is such a good, loving family festival. It bloomed from my friends Taco and Elise’s wedding anniversary into this big party. Their love for music and art shines.”

    When a break from the music is desired, there are two trout ponds on the festival’s grounds to cast into and a watering hole to swim in. Even better, the fun can be shared with your best four-legged friend as long as she or he is friendly and leashed. Chafin advises, “This is one festival you don’t want to miss!”

    More information can be found on the festival’s official website: http://www.themadteapartyjam.com/

  • Initial Lineup of Artists for the PhanArt Poster and Pin Exhibition: Chicago

    It’s that time of year again, summer is here, the weather is warmer and Phish fans everywhere have solidified their summer tour plans and are looking to set out on their adventures to Phish shows near and far. The time has also come to enjoy yet another superb PhanArt Poster Show. The art show will be held Sunday, July 20th historic Congress Plaza Hotel,  at 520 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL located near Grant Park. Featuring exclusive Phish-inspired posters, pins, shirts and unique wares from a variety of vendors. The event will be held from 12pm-5pm. Admission to this event is FREE.

    phanart chicagophanart chicagoThis one of a kind art show, and will be held on the final day of Phish’s three night stand at Chicago’s First Merit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. The initial lineup announced for the PhanArt Poster and Pin Exhibition: Chicago represents a wide array of artists from among the Phish art community.

    Longtime Phish artists Ryan Kerrigan, TRiPP, Isadora Bullock, Michael Boyer and Jeff Nesbit are all familiar names with fans from past shows. Each artist will have a large portfolio of current and past concert poster art to exhibit from a wide range of musical acts.

    Phish Art shows have been held since 2003 with great success. Unique posters, pins, shirts, stickers and much more are made for Phish shows, making the PhanArt Poster and Pin Exhibition: Chicago, a must-attend event during Phish tour. Pete Mason, founder of PhanArt and author of PhanArt: The Art of the Fans of Phish, and presented by The Mothership Art Collective, a group comprised of artists and Morganizations who promote the art inspired by the eclectic band Phish, the art exhibition represents a continued effort to promote and exhibit original and unique concert art from a wide variety of artists.

    The PhanArt Poster and Pin Exhibition: Chicago is sponsored by Poster Scene, Philly Philms, The Barn Presents, Freedom Flask, and The Helping Friendly Podcast.

    In keeping with the great tradition and success of past art shows, the PhanArt Poster and Pin Exhibition: Chicago, will offer free entry to all patrons and tubes available for purchase. More artists will be announced in late-June, as well as special edition works only available at the show, which will be available for viewing on PhanArt.net.

    Artist websites

    Ryan Kerrigan – ryankerrigan.com

    TRiPP – trippsprints.com

    Isadora Bullock – isadorabullock.com

    Noah Phence – zenster.net

    stuPINdous Creations – stupindouscreations.com

    Michael Boyer – boyerart.com

    Jeff Nesbit – facebook.com/DenverPrintLab

    Adam Davidoff – phishcoins.com

    Melissa Goldenberg – adormidesigns.com

    Paul Bohensky – paulbohensky.com

    Pin me Down – pinmedowndesigns.com

    Phil Kutno – philkutnostudios.com

    The Mockingbird Foundation – mbird.org

    Party Time Pins – partytimepins.com

    PhanArt – phanart.net

    Screens ‘n’ Suds – screensnsuds.com

  • The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival 2014 Starts Friday June 20th

    XRIJF_MONAEIt All Starts Tomorrow! The 2014 Edition of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. We will have your continued coverage for all 9 days of the festival. Stay tuned for daily show reviews, photos and artist interviews.

    Headliner Show Tickets – Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre Tickets are available for Janelle Monae, Michael McDonald, Fourplay and Buddy Guy. Tickets are sold out for both shows of Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers featuring Edie Brickell and for Earth, Wind and Fire.  – Buy tickets online at rochesterjazz.com, at the door if not sold out, or at the Ticket Shop, 100 East Ave and Gibbs St., 10AM – 11PM daily during the festival, 585-454-2062

    Club Pass Shows: Exchange Club Pass tickets for Passes before getting in line to attend any show at the Festival Ticket Shop – Corner of East Ave & Gibbs St., the Kiosk at the Corner of Gibbs Street and Main St. (4PM – 10PM) or the Merchandise Tent on Gibbs Street (4PM – 11PM). Tickets cannot be exchanged for passes at venues. Admission to Club Pass shows is with the Club Pass or $20/ $25 Kilbourn Hall, cash only at the door, no advance sales for individual club pass shows. First-come, first-served for everyone!

    Free Shows – No tickets are required, all shows rain or shine.

    Check out Friday’s full lineup on the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival 2014 website!

    Follow Jazz Fest

     @XRIJF Facebook Youtube

  • Water Street Music Hall Welcomes Dan Smalls as the new Talent Provider for the Venue

    h2o streetWater Street Music Hall, which first opened its doors as the Country Warehouse in 1977, has gone through many changes over the years – owners have come and gone just as the name has changed from earlier years. Recently there was a change in the owners of the historical Rochester venue and they were unable to serve alcohol for some time, which led to several shows being moved to different venues within the city. Water Street Music Hall announced yesterday, the addition of Dan Smalls of Dan Smalls Presents, as the newest member of the Water Street family. Smalls will now be the exclusive talent buyer for the venue.

    Currently the exclusive talent buyer for the State Theatre in Ithaca, the summer concert series at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, and the prestigious Event Gallery in the Woodstock Museum at the Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts, Dan joins Water Street with more than two decades in the entertainment business.  This new addition  completes our team in providing a diverse lineup and a variety of genres.

    Anthony Marsocci, owner of Water Street said, “Dan is the consummate talent buyer, he is smart, dedicated and one of the most down to earth persons I have ever met.  We feel fortunate that Dan has joined our team and shares our vision of creating a memorable experience for both the artist and fan. Dan Smalls has brought shows to Water Street in the past, and with the upcoming renovations and the new management team in place, he is ready to bring music back to Water Street and to the city of Rochester.

    For more information on upcoming shows to Water Street Music Hall please visit them online.

  • You Me At Six to Tour N.Y. This Fall

    Alternative pop rockers from the UK, You Me At Six,  will hit New York State this fall to support their fourth and current studio release Cavalier Youth, which was produced by Neal Avron (Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Yellowcard) and released through Virgin RecordsThe 30 city tour will also feature fellow countrymen from the UK, Young Guns, who are currently in the recording studio laying down their tracks for their third studio release. Bec Hollcraft and the boys from Stars in Stereo will open the shows supporting their brand new album Leave Your Mark. This tour will have a ton of new music from all three bands to go along with their hits.

    New York will see the tour starting on Sunday October 19th at the Irving Plaza in New York, N.Y., the show starts at 6PM and ticket information can be found online through Live Nation.

    Thursday October 23rd at The Lost Horizon in Syracuse, N.Y., doors open at 6PM and the show starts at 7PM. This event is all ages and tickets can be purchased online for $15-$17 each.

    Friday October 24th at the Waiting Room in Buffalo, N.Y., doors open at 6PM and this is an all ages event. Tickets can be purchased online for $18-$20 each.

    Saturday October 25th at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park, N.Y., doors open at 7PM and the show starts at 8PM. Tickets are on sale at the club box office, all Ticketmaster outlets and also at The Northern Lights Smoke Shop. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 the day of the show.

    YMAStinfo

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  • Buffalove is in the Air: The Festival Returns for its Second Year

    2014 Buffalove pin
    2014 Buffalove pin

    This time last year, an ambitious Buffalo native was putting the final touches on the vision he had of throwing his own music festival. Of course, only local bands would be on the bill as this was intended from the get-go to be a celebration of the Buffalo music scene and its surrounding regions. The gamble paid off and the community responded in a big way, coming out in droves to share in the enthusiasm for Western New York music. The person I’m speaking of is Cody Conway and his ambitious goal, that likely seemed far-fetched to a lot of people, came to fruition and Buffalove Music Festival was established as one of the premier festivals in the area, calling Willow Creek Winery in Silver Creek, NY its home.

    This year marks the second year of the festival and the underdog status is no more. Throughout the region, music fans were waiting for the announcement of who they would be seeing on this year’s bill. Fast forward to the present and the start of the festival’s second year is upon us. Things kickoff Thursday (tomorrow) with the Intrepid Travelers starting things off at 6pm. The full lineup is pretty deep this year too, with over 20 bands on the bill. If you bought the full weekend pass, you can look forward to seeing acts like Jimkata, Aqueous, Funktional Flow, Mister F, smackdab, Lazlo Hollyfeld, Slip Madigan, Broccoli Samurai, and many more.

    Beyond all of the music, there are new features and personal touches added this year for the enjoyment of all of the festival-goers. Things such as fireworks, a 9-hole frisbee golf course, an Open-Mic Stage, kids activities, and a quiet zone for family camping are some of the great additions that are available this year, building upon the foundation of last year’s successes.

    Given the pride that the people and the band’s of Buffalo take in the Queen City being their hometown, last year’s festival alone saw some pretty unique moments as band’s pulled out their best material and all the stops for their sets. Last year’s bust out of the Pink Floyd cover “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” by Aqueous was noted as one of our Best Jams from 2013. It’s exciting to think what we’ll be treated to this year with so many returning acts looking to step up their game and really wow the crowd.


    There won’t be a better place to spend this weekend than at Buffalove. Here’s the full lineup of band’s you will see, all linked, so that you can keep up on your favorites by checking out their respective websites:

    JimkataAqueousFunktional FlowFormula 5Mister FsmackdabLazlo HollyfeldWhiskey ReverbSlip MadiganBroccoli SamuraiKid Splendor & The Royal FortuneThe Buffalove Superjam, Blue RootzUniverse SharkImperial BrownLittle Mountain BandWonder CrayonGroove ForceLuanjieJeffRepeaterGrace Stumberg BandAliver HallTropidelicRod Horning ProjectIntrepid Travelers, and Relics (WNY’s Tribute to Pink Floyd)

    If you’ve been dragging your feet and still need a ticket, click here to order yours now. With over 20 bands, 3 stages, free camping and parking, and all of the other activities and things to do, the $50 price tag really doesn’t seem like much for all that you get. Additionally, if you’d like to see the festival poster or understand the schedule for the weekend, check out the pictures below which should give you an idea of what is on tap for Buffalove’s much-anticipated second year.