Category: Upcoming Shows

Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam XXVI: Jammin’ Around Ashville, NC

If you’re in the Tar Heel State this December, be sure to have yourself a Muley little Christmas, Christmas Jam XXVI that is.

Gifts come a little early as Warren Haynes 26^th Annual Christmas Jam is scheduled for Saturday, December 13. The renowned guitarist has hosted the event since 1989, donating the proceeds to charity; Habitat for Humanity has been the beneficiary since 1998. While Warren brings his soulful guitar-playing Upstate to Hunter, NY for Mountain Jam every summer, his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina gets him during the winter holiday season. Haynes’ relentless work ethic and benevolent personality have helped the event grow each year and Christmas Jam now takes place at the 7,500+ seat U.S. Cellular Center.

Past lineups have included The Allman Brothers Band, Counting Crows, Los Lobos, Umphrey’s McGee, and many more. Special guests like Karl Denson, Jackie Greene, Ron Holloway, and Susan Tedeschi show up each year. Americana Artist of the Year Jason Isbell, Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann, and Vince Gill join Gov’t Mule, The Revivalists, and Hard Working Americans on 2014’s initial bill, but there will be many more artists to join, both announced and unannounced.

Kreutzmann’s new super-group, Billy & The Kids, features The Disco Biscuits’ keys/piano guru Aron Magner, Tea Leaf Green bassist Reed Mathis, and American Babies’ Tom Hamilton. Magner and Hamilton’s chemistry was recently on display at Catskill Chill, where they played with fellow Disco Biscuit Marc Brownstein and Lotus’s Mike Greenfield as Electron. Magner also sat in during Hamilton’s American Babies set for a fantastic cover of the Dead’s “New Speedway Boogie;” with Kreutzmann running the show and Mathis joining in, fans can expect a killer set.

Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill makes his inaugural trek to Christmas Jam in 2014. Gill has a GRAMMY award for each finger and toe on his body and will add a twang of country to the Southern rock show. Drive-By Trucker Jason Isbell, whose own award collection includes this year’s Americana Music Awards for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“Cover Me Up”), and Album of the Year (Southeastern), brings his talent to Asheville as well.

The initial lineup is rounded out by Hard Working Americans and The Revivalists. Like Billy & The Kids, Hard Working Americans is another all-star band, consisting of singer/songwriter Todd Snider, Chris Robinson Brotherhood’s Neal Casal on the six-string, Widespread Panic’s Dave Schools on bass, Derek’s younger brother Duane Trucks on drums, Jesse Aycock on the steel guitar, and Chad Staehly on keys. Their 2014 self-titled debut album features 11 cover songs, and Asheville is their penultimate scheduled stop on a national tour. The Revivalists is a New Orleans group with a brass section and a huge sound. The band plays soulful funk that sparks dance parties. Christmas Jam is their final stop on a national tour reaching 20+ cities.

The aforementioned musicians alone would put on an incredible show, but there will be many more artists announced in the coming weeks. Pre-sale tickets go on sale October 13 and regular tickets become available October 17. They always go fast, so be sure to treat yourself to a happy holiday by joining Warren’s incredible event.

October 9, 2014
The Hello Strangers at The Linda on October 10

What happens when music emerges from Pennsyltucky by way of Austin via two lovely ladies with a fire in their hearts? Storied tales told through song in a style reminiscent of old-timey country yet dashed in modern indie folk-rock make up The Hello Strangers, that is what happens!

Currently, The Hello Strangers are on tour in support of their self-titled album. Featuring eleven songs and two originals, country giant and omnipresent, Jim Lauderdale sings “What You Don’t Know”. A slowed version of “Que Sera, Sera” is a hauntingly beautiful nod to the sisters’ lineage as their grandfather, Ronald Chace, sang with Doris Day.

An equally talented trio supports Larrissa Chace Smith and Brechyn Chace: Spencer Pheil, Trent Renshaw, and Tom Hoy. Don’t miss this opportunity to say hello, hear some tunes and perhaps, no longer be strangers. The Hello Strangers are sure to tickle your fancy. Local 518 band, Rebel Darling led by MR Poulopoulos, will open the show. Tickets are available at The Linda.

October 8, 2014
Super 400 Shreds Putnam Den

Putnam Den was the site of one of the hottest shows that is going to be seen anywhere, at anytime on Friday, October 3 with Super 400. The bar was packed, first with patrons surrounded around the TVs watching the baseball playoffs but when Suitable Groove took this stage the bar became sparse and the stage area began to fill up to get a better look at opening act of the evening.

Opening up with the hoppy dance track “Up to the Front”, which grabbed everyone’s attention with an energy matched by few. The solos where abounding as each member added their own uniqueness to the bands sound. The drummer, Ian Henderson, did not just hold the songs together with his rhythmic beats, he also sang lead vocals, a complicated task. Bassist Eric Johnson helped in this as well as he laid down beats in which keyboardist Chadd Portwine, who was filled with energy, danced around getting the crowd even more engaged then they already were. The guitar playing of Wayne Chaet, however, was a very high energy groove, a Suitable Groove if you will. They also had the ability to bring it back down to the songs original composition. This was the perfect opening act for what was to come next with Super 400 ready to take the stage.

The energetic “Be My Friend” opened up Super 400‘s set and had the crowd eating out of their hands from the onset and there was no turning back. This and many of their songs featured shredding guitar solos from Kenny Hohman, but unlike many bands where guitars solos are the feature of the band, this was not the deal with Super 400. They focused more on the songs, the lyrics and the melodies which complemented the songs to perfection. Lori Friday added a higher pitch and slower vocal that matched Hohman’s more raspy southern rock feel. Friday however was not just a backing vocalist by any stretch of the imaginations, taking leads on many tracks that still wasn’t her highlighted skill. She laid down sick bass solos and had the crowd in awe. She was tearing it up to the point drummer Joe Daly and her were almost dueling, which just brought the energy lever higher. The show was amazing in every aspect.

Playing covers of the Beatles “Don’t Let me Down,” to Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet,” and new renditions of standards that have been heard hundreds of times, but with Super 400 playing them it seemed as if it was the first time they were ever heard. Everyone in attendance was blown away, and although it was a free show, people said they would have had no problem paying to see this spectacle, a statement to just how fantastic the night was.

October 7, 2014
Curtain Call for Enter The Haggis – Final Show at Westcott Theatre

As the curtain is lowered at 7pm on October 11, 2014 on Enter The Haggis, at the Wescott Theater, in Syracuse, NY, attendees commonly known as Haggis Heads, will close a chapter to a much-loved book, and open a new one. The title of the new book? Jubilee Riots. A name that invokes chaos, but in a fun exuberant manner. Fitting as these five musicians are known to take a crowd and incite utter chaos with their electric, eclectic, gripping sound.

Enter The Haggis

As we bid them farewell we also welcome a new sound, a new path, and a new opportunity to support our friends in their new adventure. Enter The Haggis aka Jubilee Riots has extended to NYS Music’s readers the opportunity to win (Post) one of three sets of two tickets to their final show on October 11, 2014. All you need to do is go to the link on the NYS Music’s Facebook page, and follow the directions to enter. It’s simple..you must first “Like” the NYS Music Facebook page…then go to the Jubilee Riots page and “Like” them, and then comment in the post as to who you will bring.

Enter The Haggis

Be a part of history, and a part of the future by showing your support of live music in Upstate New York and Enter The Haggis as they move ahead to new adventures. The chance to win ends Sunday, October 6, 2014, at midnight so don’t hesitate to win your chance to be part of history at the farewell show of the year. Winners will be announced the morning of October 7, 2014 on the NYS Music’s Facebook page. Good luck to all who enter and see you there at the show.

Enter The Haggis

Enter The Haggis

October 5, 2014
Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela Celebrate 20 Years of South African Freedom at The Egg

South African legends Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela head to Albany on October 7 as part of the Rhythm International series at The Egg. These two musicians are freedom fighters and renowned musical icons in South Africa and beyond, and this night they will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the end of apartheid with a special concert.

Hugh Masekela is a legendary jazz artist who hit the top of the pop charts in 1968 with “Grazin’in the Grass” and Vusi Mahlasela – simply known as ‘The Voice’ in South Africa – is celebrated for his distinct, poetic, and optimistic songs. Separately, they are two of the most powerful performers on the planet – and together a tour-de-force.

Tickets are $34 and are available at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, by telephone at 518-473-1845, or online.

September 30, 2014
The Sea The Sea Wash Ashore at The Low Beat Tonight

Their single, “Love We Are We Love,” from their title track released in February has been spun at radio stations across the country and their album has been met with accolades from NPR and No Depression. The duo, The Sea The Sea, bring their brand of interconnectedness to the 518 for a show at The Low Beat Thursday, October 2nd. Be sure to check them out as they have relocated to the Albany area and they intend to become very active with the music community.

Their tale is a mystical story of fate and a series of mishaps that ultimately brought them together. It was by coincidence Mira Stanley held a sign with Chuck’s (E. Costa) name on it during a songwriter’s showcase years prior. Figuratively, it was sign. They didn’t reconnect again until almost five years later after each had been through their own trials. Borrowing their name from Xenophon’s Anabasis, a Greek tale of soldiers returning home, the name The Sea The Sea became their own battle cry of joy! Weaving storyline lyrics and an unmatched harmony, the folk power duo dig deep leaving the listener with an enlightened sense of Universal themes of love and faith. Great Mutations will open tonight’s show. Tickets available at the door.

September 30, 2014
Disco Biscuits to Host City Bisco in Philadephia

The Disco Biscuits are gearing up for the third installment of City Bisco this weekend in their home town of Philadelphia. This year the Biscuits have expanded City Bisco to include three nights spanning three different venues. The weekend kicks off this Thursday September 25th at The Trocadero. This show is only available with a three-day pass so get your tickets here.

Friday night they move to the Electric Factory where they will play with American Babies. The Biscuits will cap it all off Saturday night at the Mann Center with supporting acts Giorgio Moroder “the godfather of disco,” Orchard Lounge, and Risky Disco. The Biscuits always bring the heat to Philly so this is a weekend surely not to miss! Tickets to these shows can be found here and single day passes for the Mann center can be found here. Thursday and Friday night’s show start at 7pm. Doors are at 5pm for the Mann center, show starting at 6.

September 24, 2014
Black Crown Initiate and Rivers of Nihil set to bring explosive energy to Bogies in Albany

No stranger to bringing quality music to the area, Bogies in Albany is at it again on Sunday, September 21st. A co-headlining onslaught of heavy music in Rivers of Nihil and Black Crown Initiate, with some great local openers to round out the bill.

Rivers of Nihil and Black Crown Initiate at Bogies Albany

Forest of Remorse is a newly reformed project from Lyme, NY. Promising heavy riffs and brutal slam beats, it will be one of those rare times to see a show with a budding band, that could surprise you and blow up in the near future. King Pariah from Argyle, NY is another up and coming metal band, who have already shared the stage with some big names. They helped open the Summer Slaughter tour at The Palladium in Worcester, MA with Morbid Angel and Dying Fetus.

Troy locals The Final Sleep are playing just in their backyard and bring a progressive metal edge to the stage, and have just welcomed their new drummer, Mike VanDyne of Arsis. With a technical barrage of three guitars, this is an act not to be missed. Black Crown Initiate is just about to release their brand new record, The Wreckage of Stars, dropping September 30th. So you can expect them to bring all of their intricate epic metal to this show in support of that record. Making waves in the metal scene as of late, these guys might not be playing small clubs like Bogies for too much longer. Check out my review of their new album here.

Rivers of Nihil also comes from Reading, PA like Black Crown Initiate, and they also have a new record, The Conscious Seed of Light. After signing with Metal Blade Records in 2013, this is their debut album on that label, after a few years of hard work and relentless touring. The double bill of these two bands will be an incredible sight to see and an awesome show to hear. For any fan of death metal, hard, fast and heavy metal, this show is one of the few that has it all and is making it’s stop in Upstate NY.

Check out the details at the Facebook event here.

September 19, 2014
Times Union Center in Albany gets ready to host Five Finger Death Punch, Volbeat, Hellyeah and Nothing More

This fall marks one of the most sought after tours in recent memory. The incredible co-lining onslaught of Five Finger Death Punch and Volbeat has been an idea in the works for some time, with both bands finally hitting the road together after countless scheduling issues, stopping in Albany. The timing could not be better, as both bands are the premier heavy metal bands on mainstream rock radio.

Nothing More. Photo by Jim ‘JT’ Gilbert / JTGphoto.com

Joining them on tour will be Nothing More, the fast rising heavy groove metal project out of San Antonio, Texas. Chipping away at the game with their relentless barrage of work they finally have broken out with their single, “This is the Time(Ballast)” hitting #2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart in 2014. As they self proclaim with the inherent question, “Nothing more?”, they immediately answer back, “Accept nothing less.”

Hellyeah have recently dropped their most defining album to date. Blood for Blood allows the average listener to really get the best interpretation of this ‘supergroup’, and gives the die hard fan a new outlook on this incredible band. Made up of seasoned veterans of the stage Chad Gray (Mudvane), Vinnie Paul (Pantera, Damageplan), Tom Maxwell (Nothingface) and Kyle Saunders (Bloodsimple), they are poised to bring the hard hitting heavy rock to this tour.

Volbeat. Photo by Jim ‘JT’ Gilbert / JTGphoto.com

Hailing from Denmark, Volbeat is no stranger to the United States. The three-piece continues to tear up stages all over the world, and are primed and ready to co-headline this tour in support of their most recent album, Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies. Epic riffs and catchy melodies make each show an experience, and with new second guitarist Rob Caggiano (Anthrax) will have the entire crowd banging their heads and singing along.

Five Finger Death Punch (5FDP) has been wanting to do this tour for sometime, and scheduling has always gotten in the way, as is the case with hard working bands that tour constantly. But the planets aligned and this tour can finally be a reality. 5FPD are riding high off their two releases last year, The Wrong Side of Heaven and The Righteous Side of Hell, parts 1 and 2. The combined sales of those records made the band the highest selling rock band in America. Their live show is one of pure intesity and heavy metal chaos, and one not to be missed when it rolls into the OnCenter War Memorial Arena in Syracuse NY on Setptember 23rd. Then, on September 27th, the tour will hit the Times Union Center in Albany, NY. This, like so many other amazing shows in the Albany area, is being brought to this area thanks to the tireless efforts of Step Up Presents.

Five Finger Death Punch. Photo by Jim ‘JT’ Gilbert / JTGphoto.com

The tour kicks off in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 16 and goes until it’s Las Vegas on October 24th. Tickets and tour dates can be found on the bands websites or through TicketMaster.

Tickets for the Syracuse Show can be found here.

Tickets for the Albany show can be found here.

September 17, 2014
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony hit Lake George

Grunge bands aren’t the only performers from the ’90s making a comeback. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, a Hip-Hop act made famous in 1996 with their #1 single, “Tha Crossroads” will be at the brand new Charles R Wood Festival Space in Lake George on Friday, Sept. 19.

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony has sold over 40 million records worldwide and collaborated with widely popular artists including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, 2Pac, and the Notorious B.I.G..

With a new album in the works, the group has been gearing up for a resurgence. They recently made appearances at the BET Awards and the Beats Grammy Party with Eminem and Dr. Dre, and have participated in several festivals. Upstate fans can expect to hear the group’s big hits including “Thuggish Ruggish Bone”, “1st of Tha Month”, “Tha Crossroads”, “Notorious Thugs”, and more.

Saratoga’s DAO JONES and local phenom, DJ Playground will also be performing.

Tickets are available online or from 42 Degrees located at 23 Park St. Glens Falls, NY. $25 (advance; $30 gate) for general admission. $40 (advance; $45 gate) gets you VIP access to an “up front” tented area (with a private beer and wine vendor). An additional $80 gets you to the Meet~n~Greet.

The event is rain or shine and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Brought to you by Improv Records and Kamp David Productions, who remind fans that blankets are welcome, but coolers, animals and bad attitudes are not.

September 17, 2014