Category: Upcoming Shows

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!

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.”

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]

June 9, 2014
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.

Set 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.

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 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.

June 8, 2014
Intune Music & Lifestyle Festival Plans for a Huge Kickoff

On June 28^th, 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

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

June 6, 2014
Dave Matthews Band Rolls into Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

As they make their way to Buffalo, the talk right now is about the stellar show Dave Matthews Band just put on with their two-night run at SPAC. The Dave Matthews Band will play Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on June 11th. DMB never seems to disappoint their loyal fan base in Western NY, and with the new two set format that includes an acoustic set and a full band, electric set, it will surely be an unforgettable experience. The band has been playing songs throughout their extensive catalog, making every show more unique and exciting night in and night out.

Darien Lake Performing Arts Center is the perfect backdrop to a summer concert and with the amusement park connected, you can enjoy some fun during the day before catching a great show at night. With the venue being a consistent stop over the years for DMB, the show is always the perfect start to the summer concert season for many fans in the WNY region.

Tickets can be purchased through Live Nation here.

To get you ready for the show, check out these highlights from SPAC:

“Minarets” (5/30/14)

“Pig” (5/31/14)

June 4, 2014
Road to Backwoods Pondfest: Lucid in the North Country on June 6th and 7th

With so many great festivals right in our backyard, we are lucky in the Upstate region to be able to pick and choose what we attend every summer. One gem that calls the North Country home and always has a solid lineup is Backwoods Pondfest. Now in its 8th year, this years fest will be headlined by Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na with his project Chali 2na and the House of Vibe. Other acts include bands like Twiddle, Spiritual Rez, Turkuaz, Alan Evans’ Playonbrother, Conehead Buddha, and of course, the gracious hosts, Lucid. With it still being two months away though, there’s still a lot of great music to catch in the near future before even thinking about that.

Welcome to ‘s “Road to Backwoods Pondfest” series. Through this, we plan on highlighting some of the shows in the region that we are sponsoring that feature Pondfest bands before its August kick off. Being that it’s our first installation, it made sense to tell you about the guys who host Pondfest every year, Lucid. The band hails from the Plattsburgh region and have been a gracious host over the years to the many bands that make the trip in August. As the winner of ‘s March Madness tournament, Lucid is gaining popularity throughout the region as one of the premier up and coming bands to catch.

On Friday, June 6th Lucid will be taking the stage at Olive Ridley’s in Plattsburgh. Joining them that night are two bands from the area that are local favorites in Doomf*ck and Trinity Park Radio. The following night, Lucid is making the short trip south to Saranac Lake to play Waterhole. Opening the night will be The Royal Noise whose powerful funk sound is a great fit for the show.

Lucid (Photo by Laura Carbone)

For both shows, doors open at 9pm with music beginning at 10, so head out and get a taste for what’s to come this August when Backwoods Pondfest kicks off its 8th year. And if you still haven’t picked up your Pondfest ticket quite yet, hit the link and grab yours now! There’s a reason why this is one of our favorites in New York.

June 4, 2014
Preview: Sold-Out 2014 Governors Ball To Deliver Strongest Lineup Yet

Governors Ball, relatively new to the festival scene, is hitting Randall’s Island in New York City with force this coming weekend, June 6-8 2014. Growing from humble beginnings in 2011 as a one day festival with a dozen or so smaller acts, the 2014 festival is bigger than ever, having sold out while there were still just over two weeks to go before the show and is headlined by the likes of Jack White, Outkast, and the Strokes, among many other well known acts. Even in its beginning, Governor’s Ball has attracted more people than even Dave Matthews’ Caravan tour stop at Randall’s Island.

Several bands who have made or will be making other big festival appearances such as Coachella and Lollapalooza will be headlining each of the days, mixed in with smaller bands you may or may not be familiar with but promise to deliver a strong performance set against the Manhattan skyline. The four stages will have something for everybody, from indie/alternative rock to hip hop and electronica. With 68 bands scheduled at this time – and who knows what last minute surprises there may be – there were be plenty to choose from. has a few acts of note to see, both on the headliner and supporting band side.

Day 1 Headliners: Outkast, Phoenix, TV On The Radio

Outkast reunited this year after a seven year hiatus, taking the opportunity to celebrate their 20^th anniversary (which passed in 2012 while on break). While they don’t have any new material since 2007 there is a bit of hype about their return. Try to be cool with Phoenix. The alt-rockers from France are still riding the wave of their chart-peaking 2013 release Bankrupt!

Don’t miss: Damian Marley, Bastille, Neko Case, Little Comets, Julian Casablancas & The Voidz

Day 2 Headliners: Jack White, The Strokes, Skrillex

The lineup for Day 2 is jam packed with festival goodness. Jack White and Skrillex both have sets going on simultaneously. Lazaretto, Jack White’s second solo album, will be officially released June 10, just a few days after the festival. What better way to get the ultimate live preview of some new tracks than in the company of thousands of others? Likewise, dubstep artist Skrillex released his latest album, Recess, in March.

Don’t Miss: Spoon, Broken Bells, Fitz and the Tantrums, The Naked & Famous, Sleigh Bells

Day 3 Headliners: Vampire Weekend, Interpol, AXWELL Λ INGROSSO

Governor’s Ball wraps up with the hometown talent of Vampire Weekend and Interpol along with Swedan-based house duo Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso. Vampire Weekend released their chart-topping Modern Vampires of the City about a year ago.

Don’t Miss: Head and the Heart, Cayucas, Wild Belle

With Governor’s Ball’s strongest lineup yet this year, festival organizers have done a decent job with scheduling the four stages such that festival-goers can catch most of what they’d like to see. Since it is difficult to be in two places at once, there are a few overlapping sets where you may have a tough choice to make between stages (i.e., Jack White vs. Skrillex). We suggest looking at the full schedule posted at lineup.governorsballmusicfestival.com and making an itinerary in advance. The website makes this easy, featuring an interactive tool that allows you to make your own festival schedule and share with friends on Facebook and Twitter. There’s even an iOS and Android app to help guide you through the lineup.

The music doesn’t stop at 11pm. Well, Randall’s Island will hush to the chatter of the crowd at 11 but there are a number of after shows going on starting anywhere between 9pm and 11:30pm at venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Output Club, Brooklyn Bowl, Irving Plaza, Knitting Factory, and Grasslands Gallery will host several of the supporting bands along with others. Some after shows are sold out already, but the rest still have tickets available, and you can enter to win tickets to all of them here. The Strokes only recently announced a warmup show at the Capitol Theatre on May 31^st, but tickets sold out rather quickly.

Governor’s Ball, 2013

Location/Lodging: Nestled on the East River between Queens and Manhattan (approximately parallel with the northern end of Central Park/115^th Street), there is certainly plenty to do on the off hours of the festival for those who would to spend the earlier part of their afternoon off of Randall’s Island, especially since there is no lodging on the grounds. Randall’s Island is easily accessible by subway, bus, Manhattan Ferry, the Brooklyn Shuttle, bike, and even car/taxi. Governor’s Ball has partnered with Hotels For Hope to provide brokerage services to help attendees find a room, and for every room booked through this service $2 is donated to Answer the Call, a charity benefiting the widows and children of fallen FDNY and NYPD service members. So, check out this hotel search tool before going direct to the hotel to help a great cause.

Governor’s Ball offers a wide array of activities suited for the whole family (and yes, the festival is quite family friendly). Art installations will be on display – “surprises are in store” according to the festival. A photo booth will be set up, taking both stills and motion GIFs set against a logo backdrop. Lawn games will be set up in a tailgate help-yourself setting, so grab some friends and meet new folks over some corn hole and bocce. A face & body painting station will be on hand to add to your festival flair. There will even be a silent disco – a dance party with a live DJ performance pumped through wireless headphones.

Hungry? So are we thinking about what’s on the menu. Hint: it isn’t your typical nacho and cheese concessions. Foodies will be in for a treat with over 54 NYC-area vendors – food trucks, caterers, restaurants – showcasing their grub. From specialty sandwiches to Lebanese and Asian goodies to coffees and Italian ice, just to name a few, the festival experience will be well rounded with this spread. Not to mention gluten free and vegetarian offerings.

Couldn’t get your ticket in time? General admission is sold out but there are a very limited amount of VIP and Cabana tickets available, but at a price.

Still not able to make it? Be sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for live updates from Governor’s Ball throughout the weekend!

Check out the Governor’s Ball Official Spotify Playlist to preview this year’s performers here or rdio lineup mix here.

June 2, 2014
Here are Your Phish Post-Shows at Putnam Den and The Parting Glass

Phish is coming to Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 3rd, 4th and 5th, and is proud to announce late-night shows brought to you by the Putnam Den at two locations: Putnam Den and The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs.

The post-shows in Saratoga have become a destination after seeing Phish at SPAC, with up and coming bands, as well as local bands ready to burst onto the scene and keep fans dancing into the wee hours of the night. The lineup for this year’s post-shows is yet another installment of great music that shows the vibrant scene of Upstate New York.

As a bonus, this year shows will be held at not one but TWO venues, located a very short walk from each other. See the map below.

On July 3rd, the hardest working band in the North Country, Lucid, takes the stage at Putnam Den. Careening across the musical spectrum as a V8 blend of genres, Lucid’s sound emerges from a blend of jazz, rock, honky-tonk blues and reggae. Always a Den fave, Lucid gets the 2014 Putnam Den Phish after-party series off to a rollicking start. Tickets are $10. Pick them up here. At The Parting Glass, catch Dead Sessions, a super-group of Vermonters covering the musical of the Grateful Dead. This show has sold out in recent years, so get tickets early!

July 4th brings us not only America’s birthday, but also Vermont Night! After celebrating our independence and the music of Phish at SPAC, come see Vermont’s Twiddle at Putnam Den and/or Waylon Speed at The Parting Glass.

Twiddle, a Vermont based quartet, spins tall tales over an intricate soundscape of hi-def shred. Their fresh multi-genre approach conjures up jazz, classical, and bluegrass, but above all, masterfully blends reggae and funk.

Waylon Speed’s genre is Underground Outlaw Dirt Rock, while the Washington Post has said, “Waylon Speed is a cross between Metallica and the Lumineers, with an unnecessary dash of Prince showmanship.” Not sure what to make of that? Pick up tickets to both shows and check out Twiddle AND Waylon Speed!

Tickets for this show at $10 each, or pick up tickets to both for $15 and go back and forth between the two shows!

Pick up Tickets for Twiddle and/or Tickets for Waylon Speed

On Saturday, July 5th, two rising stars in the jamband world perform late-night shows. At Putnam Den, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will take the stage at midnight, while The Parting Glass will host Albany’s Formula 5.

Based out of Baltimore, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (PPPP) has an undeniably unique and versatile live sound that combines funk, rock, and electronic with intense energy from their improvisational jams, bringing a party with their danceable electro-funk grooves. Opening for PPPP is Richard James & The Name Changers, a Boston-based rock band with a piano driven, song-oriented sound that appeals to adventuresome music lovers with genre bending tastes and a desire to dance.

Formula 5, Albany’s biggest jamband, will headline at The Parting Glass, celebrating the recent release of their sophomore album Edging on Catastrophe, bringing their funk-infused jamming to Saratoga. Their live performances combine elements of funk, jazz, rock and more to their own original music. Formula 5’s ever-changing melodies with familiar sounds and catchy lyrics are enough to turn anyone into a lifelong fan.

Tickets for this show at $10 each, or pick up tickets to both for $15 and go back and forth between the two shows!

Pick up tickets for PPPP and/or pick up tickets for Formula 5

May 29, 2014
The Strokes Coming to The Capitol Theatre This Saturday

This coming Saturday, May 31st, The Strokes are kicking off Governors Ball festivities at The Capitol Theatre. The show sold out in mere minutes of going on sale a couple of weeks ago, as the band last played together in November of 2011, and haven’t hit the New York tri-state area since April of that year. The band was a big influence to the early 2000 rock scene and still have an influence on bands today. While the band has been on hiatus, both Julian Casablancas and Albert Hammond Jr. have enjoyed success as solo artists, but fans have been clamoring for the band to get back together and have rejoiced with the announcement of these two shows.

Governors Ball is going to be gearing up to hyper speed starting with this show. One week after wards The Strokes will be playing to a much bigger audience as the sun sets on June 7th.

The Capitol Theatre is going to be a great stage for The Strokes to come back to and get their feet wet before taking over the main stage at the festival.

May 28, 2014
25th Annual Crawfish Fest in New Jersey to Host New Orleans’ Finest Musicians

A vast array of New Orleans’ finest musicians will be performing at Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest this weekend at Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ. The Crawfish Fest will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, with musical styles ranging from R&B to funk, Cajun, gospel and jazz. There will be four stages, including music workshops and children’s activities. New Orleans style food will be available, including fresh crawfish, Po-Boys and Jambalaya.

Famed jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins will headline the festival on Friday, May 30th on the Main Stage. Zydeco accordionist and singer Curley Taylor, Mia Borders, and The Tin Men will also be performing on Friday on various stages. Music starts at 5 pm Friday.

New Orleans’ legendary Funky METERS will be headlining on Saturday, May 31st, joined by Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Bonerama, and Terrance Simien. On Saturday night, The Nth Power will host a special 1-year anniversary party for Josh and Karen Raskin, who were wed by the Meters’ bassist, George Porter Jr. at the Brooklyn Bowl last year. Marcia Ball will be headlining on the Jager Pavilion Stage Saturday.

JJ Grey and Mofro headline on Sunday, June 1st, along with the funk powerhouse, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk. Earphunk, Royal Southern Brotherhood, The Crawdaddies, and Ray Abshire Cajun Band also perform, along with many others.

Tickets are $40 per day, with multi-day combo and group discounts. Camping tickets are sold out. Pick up tickets here. Parking is free. Please leave pets at home.

May 28, 2014
Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band’s First Time in Buffalo

Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band is a little lengthy of a band name in my opinion, but lucky for everyone, they’re also known, simply, as “Booty Band.” As much a mouthful the name is, their sound is a lot for your ears to take in as well. Their self-proclaimed raucous live show is a humble statement and their mix of deep funk with rock, soul, and rap makes for an interesting combination. Make no mistake, you might not take them seriously at first, but after hearing their spin on funk, you will begin to understand why they can put the fun in funky and showcase some serious chops at the same time. So, hearing all of this, are you ready for a last-minute Booty call?

Just announced today, the band is slated to hit the stage at Nietzsche’s next Thursday. The first-ever show for them in Buffalo is a great way to kick off the weekend a little early, and with a $7 ticket price, how can you argue? With the release of the latest album this past October and a heavy tour schedule, they are making their name known, regardless of length or variation. The show was put together by ECE Presents who have been doing a outstanding job in the Western New York area as of late, bringing quality talent and growing the scene organically, one show at a time. Joining Booty Band and opening the night will be The Wakos who were hand-chosen for the show as they are the perfect fit for Booty’s Band’s bodacious sound.

Check out a sample of Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty here and get a taste of what’s in store for next week:

[bandcamp width=350 height=470 album=3594562248 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false]

May 28, 2014