NYS Music 20​14

Category: News Desk

  • Sterling Stage Gets Ready for 2014 Ameribeat Festival of Arts

    AmeribeatThis year’s Ameribeat Festival of Arts will be the 77th 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
    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.

  • Lucky Jukebox Brigade to Party on the Waterhole Patio

    Lucky Jukebox Brigade Waterhole The Lucky Jukebox Brigade plans to visit the Waterhole on Thursday, June 12, as part of the legendary Saranac Lake venue’s Party on the Patio free Thursday evening outdoor concert series. The band, a seven-piece from Albany, recently had a successful showing at this year’s Albany Tulip Fest.

    The band formed in October 2010 from what the band calls a “hopeful Craigslist ad.” Featuring a variety of horns, plus a bass, ukelele and two percussionists, the band, which bills itself as an indie cabaret band, has an old-school sound that invokes carnivals at times, and at others, ’50s swing, and is reminiscent of bands like Beirut, the Dresden Dolls, Gogol Bordello and Modest Mouse.

    The Lucky Jukebox Brigade is now promoting its sophomore album, Familiar Fevers ahead of their Waterhole performance.

    The Waterhole, at 48 Main St. in Saranac Lake, has a full slate of Thursday night bands set to play on its outdoor patio every Thursday night from 6 to 10 p.m. to get your summer weekends started. For more information about the summer season, find the Waterhole on Facebook or go to saranaclakewaterhole.com.

  • Plattsburgh ROTA Gallery to Showcase Poetry and Hip Hop

    The ROTA Gallery and Studios will host an evening of wordplay and music on Tuesday, June 17th, as Amherst, MA based artists Dann Lawrence and Brainwave Bionics perform in Plattsburgh as part of a summer tour.

    Sharing the bill will be North Country rappers Antwon Levee and Sarah Impalin, fresh off the release of their regional hit single “Solomun Grundy”. Audiences will be treated to an eclectic mix of poetry, hip hop, and other music stylings throughout the night.

    plattsburgh ROTA galleryLawrence promises to be “armed with a voice, a nylon strung guitar and a fist sized chip on his shoulder”.  He is known as an intellectual, and his often hilarious crooning style is sure to be a complement to Brainwave Bionics, who combines introspective hip hop lyricism with garage and indie rock elements.

    Levee and Impalin made waves over the winter with two music video singles, and are sure to bring a challenging and rowdy stage show to accompany their tongue-in-cheek rap songs.

    The event is open to all ages. Doors open at 7:30 pm and the show will begin at 8:00 pm.  A sliding scale admission is to be expected, within a range of $3 to $10. The ROTA Gallery is located at 50 Margaret Street. More info is available on their Facebook page.

  • Get Ready for Disc and Dance at this year’s Disc Jam Music Festival, June 13-15 2014

    Get ready for a weekend full of great music, disc golf and a fresh location at the 4th annual Disc Jam Music Festival on June 13-14, 2014 at Camp Coldbrook in Barre, Massachusetts. A little over two hours from Albany, NY and only a 1 ½ hour from Boston, Disc Jam is easily accessible in the middle of the New England area for those looking for a weekend getaway. You don’t need to play disc golf to attend the festival but everyone will have access to the beautiful 18 hole course with two tournaments taking place over the weekend. The family friendly festival will feature over 50 musical performances with 3 stages plus a late night silent disco as well as acoustic stage. Headliners include two sets each of Dopapod and Consider the source, plus performances by Kung Fu, Twiddle, a Particle and Friends Super Jam, plus many more. Disc Jam has released their daily schedule, sobe sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss a second of the jam packed weekend!

    DiscJam2

    Changing locations within a month of any festival is a very risky move but the new location of Camp ColdBrook allows festival goers access to more late night music at an indoor music hall until 3am, plus access to a full bar, arcade, swimming pool and the traditional golf course. “We know that it is kind of late in the game, but in the end, we feel that the move is the right decision and hope that all of our attendees will feel the same way once they have seen this beautiful new site,” said festival promoter Tony Scavone. “While we have enjoyed our time in Brimfield, MA, we feel that Camp Coldbrook is better suited for what we are trying to accomplish with Disc Jam and that this new site will provide for the enjoyable experience possible for our attendees, which in the end is our main focus.”

    campcoldbrook

    The intrigue 18 hole disc golf course is open to all festival goers wearing their Disc Jam wristband, with two tournaments taking place over the weekend. Saturday’s Tournament is a two round, singles tourney in three divisions: Pro, AM and Women, while Sunday’s tournament will be a one round doubles-partners event with prizes given out to those in all categories. Besides disc golf, the festival offers multiple activities such as yoga, wellness meetings, hula hoop workshops plus live painting and installation artists.

    Tickets are still available online with the 3-day music and camping pass set at $100 with VIP at $200. Those looking for a 1-day music pass for Saturday or Sunday, plus the disc golf tournament is $70. Day passes are available for each day at the gate only and allow you to see all the main and side stage acts but no silent disco or late night bands. It’s an easy walk from the parking lot to the campgrounds that are set up in a clean and dry flat area of land. Private woods camping is available in the VIP package plus there will be the quiet Family Camping area. Children under 12 years old are free but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

    Disc Jam is setting up to be the highlight of this year’s festival season with something for everyone of all ages, so be sure to grab tickets well they still last and check out ‘s top five must see acts of Disc Jam: Aqueous, Shwizz, Sophistafunk, Fikus, and Cosmic Dust Bunnies.

    Aqueous is one of Upstate’s own, representing Buffalo, NY with their high energetic funkified rock jams.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h_wZlUAJ9g]

    Shwizz is a progressive rock and jazz band from Nyack, NY that has been a part of major festivals on the North East music scene such as The Catskill Chill, Gathering of the Vibes and now, Disc Jam!

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t64c4YretvY]

    Sophistafunk, the trio from Syracuse combine old school hip hop with new age funk, making for a unique electronic and live band experience.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLBTa560NRU]

    Fikus uses electronic beats, edgy rock fused funk and crisp vocals to create tight jams.  Be on the look out for their new album, Living Life Through Multi Colored Scenery, coming July 1st.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaysX77oCxU]

    Cosmic Dust Bunnies intergalactic wavetronica, all improvisational jams have earned them a slot as Gathering of the Vibe’s Road to Vibes Contest winner and more importantly, this year’s Disc Jam.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjbGJb22oYs]

  • Yonder Mountain String Band’s Harvest Music Festival Announces Lineup

    Bluegrass heavyweights Yonder Mountain String Band have announced the lineup for their annual Harvest Music Festival being held at Ozark, AZ October 16-18 2014. This camping and music festival is bringing the top names in the industry to the picturesque Mulberry Mountain for a celebration of epic proportions.

    Joining the festival lineup this year will be – Yonder Mountain String Band with special guest Jerry Douglas, Trampled By Turtles, Railroad Earth, The Jayhawks, Lettuce, The Devil Makes Three, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jerry Douglas Band, Tea Leaf Green, Everyone Orchestra, Split Lip Rayfield, Elephant Revival, Cornmeal, and so many more!

    All tickets include camping, a family camping area with a “lights out” at 11pm policy is also available. Children 11 and under are free with a paying adult, VIP tickets and camping are available. Tickets can be purchased online HERE.

  • Taste of Country Music Festival 2014 at Hunter Mountain – June 12th-15th

    Coming out of the gate in 2013 as a new country music festival, the Taste of Country finished with a huge win for all involved.  With a field of winning performers in the first year, those in attendance at Hunter Mountain were in for a treat.

    Taste of CountrySet in the picturesque Catskill Mountains of New York State, only a few hours north of the NYC, and an hour off of the NY State Thruway, Hunter Mountain is centrally located and the perfect setting for a country music festival.  Just envision lush green foliage and cool mountain breezes along with your favorite artists, food, friends and family.  What could be better?

    Country music is said to have originated in the southern Appalachian Mountains of North America as immigrants brought over favorite instruments such as the Irish fiddle, the German-derived dulcimer, the Italian mandolin, the Spanish guitar, and the West African banjo.  This collection of culturally based music and instrumentation has evolved over the years into what is today’s country music.  

    Taste of Country
    Hank Williams Jr. – Taste of Country Music Festival 2014

    Country music is so diverse and appeals to so many listeners that we now see it crossing over to main stream radio, with hits topping both charts.  It just seems fitting to have this event in the foothills of the mountains, be it not its original Appalachian mountainside, it’s still truly the perfect setting for the only country music festival held in the Northeast.

    With a “Who’s Who List” of country musicians gracing the two stages this year, you would be hard pressed to choose which stage to be at at any given time.  However, don’t fret, because this festival has been organized by Townsquare Productions, LLC, a collaboration between Townsquare Media Group and Chet-5 Festivals.  “Townsquare Media Group is a diversified media, entertainment and digital marketing services company that owns and operates radio, digital and live event properties, and Chet-5 Festivals has produced the Mountain Jam music festival since its inception in 2005”.

    They have organized these two stages so that the musical acts are performing at staggered times and attendees can meander between the two and not miss a minute of either show. Having attended several festivals in the past, this option has me extremely excited as I can see everyone on my “must see” list, and not have to choose between which stage to spend my time.

    Taste of Country
    Taste of Country Music Festival 2014 Line Up

    Options for camping are numerous as well, however becoming limited in certain areas.  Passes can be purchased for the whole weekend event, with or without camping, and they recently released single day passes in the event you can’t make it for the whole three-day festival.  Wait…did I say three-day festival?  I meant four-day festival as they have just announced their “Campground Kickoff Party” to begin on Thursday, June 12th as a thank you gift to ticket holders.  And if you don’t feel like camping, visit the Taste of Country Music Festival website for a list of alternate lodging accommodations within the area.  Shuttles will run from local designated areas throughout the entire weekend and tickets are still available for the shuttle services.

    Like all great events with music, fun, and friends, there must be food.  Those attendees planning to eat at the event will have a smorgasbord of choices to choose from, with numerous vendors satiating appetites with foods as unique as grilled mac & cheese sandwiches to the perfect Chinese noodles and vegetables. Yes I said grilled mac and cheese sandwiches.

    For this who can’t sit still, there will be vendors and activities on site to saunter through and see all there is to see.  For the perfect view of the whole event, don’t forget to ride the chair lift to the top for the best vantage of all the goings-on below.

    Spectacular music is the focus of the entire weekend, with spectacular views, spectacular food, and spectacular friends and family.  Now that is what country living is all about.

  • Country Bids Farewell To Living Legend – George Strait

    George Strait, also known to the music world as the “King of Country”, closes out his 33-year career of touring with his final live show in Arlington, Texas tonight.

    The 62-year old musician and actor from Frio County, located just south of San Antonio, is going out in big style with special guests, Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, and Asleep At The Wheel.

    You could call this more than a concert, it’s a celebration of Strait and what he has meant to country music. His neotraditional style is credited by many critics for returning country back to its roots.

    GeorgeStrait

    As long as I have loved country music, I have loved George Strait.  His down home, country-boy good looks, sporting a Stetson and Wranglers with a crooked smile that draws you in immediately as he is the picture of what a cowboy looks like.  His dedication to his craft, staying true to the roots of the genre, and his dedication to his fans over his expansive career are a few of the reasons George is loved by all who have known him throughout his career.

    With a career that boasts 28 albums, 68 million in record sales, 60 No. 1 singles, and 82 nominations for Country Music Association Awards – 22 of which he had won, it is not surprising to see him inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

    This legend will continue recording and doing music on his own terms.  He is, however, done with the road and the touring with no “come back” stories to follow.

    For those lucky enough to be at tonight’s show in person, this moment in time should be etched in your minds forever, as his legend as the ‘KING OF COUNTRY” will forever be in ours.  Thank you, cowboy, for the memories. Enjoy your ride in to the sunset; you deserve it!

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnFs7SCI3ZM]

  • Intune Music & Lifestyle Festival Plans for a Huge Kickoff

    FLYER_updated_singleOn June 28th, Island Park in Williamsville, NY will become the center for a new, one-day festival, setting up shop right in the middle of suburbia. Intune Music & Lifestyle Festival will be laying down its inaugural foundation for a day of music, artists, workshops, and other various activities. Upon speaking with one of the organizers, Amanda Gutierrez, she said that the festival is a tribute to a friend, Zack Yambor, and their goal is to turn the pain of his loss into a positive for the community. The vision is truly inspirational and what they plan on encompassing within the gates is a large offering to satisfy anyone who plans on attending.

    Throughout the day, those in attendance will be treated to various musical acts such as Skyes, Sumkind, Steel Keys and Brass, Bertioga, Dysrupt, and Kooli. Headlining the festival though is none other than Break Science, featuring Lettuce drummer Adam Deitch. Besides the music, there will be eight free workshops, teaching anything from yoga to live graffiti. Local farmers and food vendors will be there as well to show off their latest with live cooking demos. The fest will take place from noon to 10pm and feature a jam-packed day for a great kickoff! Tickets are $20 presale and you can get them here.

    And if you’re a musician who’s interested in playing, there’s still TWO open slots that the organizers are looking to fill via a contest. Hit the link if you think you have what it takes.

    With so much to offer, here’s a summary of activities you can expect to see at the festival.

    Map of the festival grounds
    Map of the festival grounds

    Bands:
    – Break Science
    – Skyes
    – Sumkind
    – Steel Keys and Brass
    – Bertioga
    – Dysrupt
    – Kooli
    – The Goods
    – Satya Hinduja
    – Devon James
    – Lo-Ski

    Workshops:
    – Music Production
    – DJing
    – Yoga
    – Cooking
    – Screen Printing
    – Film
    – Musical Theatre
    – Art
    – Skating

  • Saving Abel Turn Bus Around: Albany show canceled

    Less than 24 hours before their scheduled concert at Monirae’s in Pennellville, NY  – while en route to Upstate New York – Saving Abel announced that they won’t be there.

    saving abelMembers of the band reportedly broke away from their recording sessions and were in the midst of traveling to Upstate New York once plans unraveled.

    Saturday’s show in Albany, The Take Back Tour, is advertised as an educational movement to inform concert goers on building a sustainable community. It also included information on recent federal legislation that tour promoters say allows the military to detain citizens without due process.

    A Washington Armory representative said the show is scheduled to proceed without Saving Abel.

    Saving Abel was reportedly dropped by the show promoter, Robert Rodrigo.  Attempts to contact the promoters for comment were unanswered.

    The band posted an announcement late last night on Facebook, but when approached The Washington Armory about the news this afternoon, the staff was initially unaware of the details.

    The venue representative explained they are not responsible for planning the event. As managers of the facility, they only rent out the building to show organizers.  Shows like Tuesday’s Skrillex show that was a huge success.

    Saving Abel still plans to play the Monirae’s show, but in September.

    Dedicated Central New York fans, like Tim S. were upset. The father responded to the band’s Facebook post to say he bought VIP tickets specifically for his daughter’s birthday.

    The band responded to clarify they would honor tickets from the show that was supposed to happen tonight.

    The band is dedicated to all their fans but they said a trip to New York didn’t make fiscal sense if they were only playing one show.

  • Norwood Village Green Concert Series

    The Norwood Village Green Concert Series  has spent the past four decades providing free music to the North Country community.

    Norwood, which is approximately ten miles north of Potsdam, is truly Upstate and well beyond the reaches of Interstates 87 and 90. Nonetheless, the concert series organizers are quick to boast that since 1974, they have entertained a half a million music revelers with a collection of music talent that includes Grammy, Juno and Emmy award winders, as well as two National Medal of Arts recipients, and several international, national, regional and local artists.

    Norwood Village Green Concert Series concerts are free of charge, but donations are encouraged by means of a “pass the bucket” approach.

    Each concert listed below starts at 7 p.m.

    THE NORWOOD VILLAGE GREEN CONCERT SERIES

    norwood

    Thursday, June 5 – The RPO Marimba Band (+ North Country Children’s Museum’s KidPower: Fun and Fitness Exhibit)
    Thursday, June 12 – Onyx Clarinet Quartet and Riverside Brass Quintet
    Sunday, June 15 – Sonic Escape
    Thursday. June 19 – Tas Cru
    Sunday, June 22 – Kleztory
    Thursday, June 26 – Northern Symphonic Winds, Scott LaVine, Dr. Brian Doyle, Conductors
    Sunday, June 29 – The Cathie Ryan Band
    Sunday, July 6 – All Star Big Band under the direction of Wally Siebel with guest Tony DeSare
    Wednesday , July 9 – The Susquehanna String Band
    Sunday, July 13 – Harpeth Riseth
    Thursday, July 17 – Sultans of String
    Sunday, July 20 – The Gibson Brothers
    Thursday, July 24 – Martha Gallagher and Harper’s Delight
    Sunday, July 27 Jamcrackers – Peggy Lynn, Dan Duggan and Dan Berggren
    Thursday, July 31 – The Brass Firemen
    Sunday, August 3 – Northbound with special guest, King Kong