NYS Music 20​14

Category: Capital Region

  • Grand Opening Celebration of Grandma’s Studio & The Albany Barn

    The Capital District welcomed the newest addition to the music community on Friday, May 2nd, with the grand opening of Grandma’s Studio at The Albany Barn.

    The recently renovated St. Joseph’s Academy building was turned into a 22 low-cost live/work residence for artists in the area with the concept of creating affordable living and wide open, creative work space. The idea for bringing a community together to work towards the goal of building art, music and relationships gifted the appropriate title, The Barn. Within the walls of the new venue, Bryan Brundige owns and operates the multi-track recording studio, Grandma’s, dedicated to the creation and capturing of music in comfort.

    20140502 - Grandma's Grand Opening 1

    The fresh new venue has bright, white walls that were lit up with multi-colored changing bulbs and were the perfect highlight for the local art on display throughout the two floored area. The first concert at the new performance space kicked off with Palatypus, Kimono Dragons, Le Rubb and PJ Katz & the Fat Buckle Band. Guests could enjoy the music from the main floor in front of the grand stage or with the open aired, walkway of the second floor. New to the scene and already set to perform at this year’s Tulipfest, the Kimono Dragons bring a much need surfer rock vibe to land lovers in Albany with fast riding riffs and rhythmic swells. Le Rubb is a unique quintet that brilliantly fuses electronica and jazz creating their own sound with echoes of digital turntables, horns and wind instruments with the classic percussion set up and bass. PJ Katz, multi-instrumentalist and producer, joined forces with the Fat Buckle Band for a high energy rocking set to close out the event.

    20140502 - PJ Katz and The Fat Buckle Band 13

    There’s nothing like the thrill of a new venue opening that can send the heart racing with hope and imagination. Just think of all the new show possibilities that are now plausible. is a strong supporter for the growth of music in Upstate New York and beyond. We congratulate and thank Grandma’s Studio and The Albany Barn on their opening and efforts to create a space for artists to “live, work and inspire.”

  • Sycamore Slough String Band featuring David Gans – Tonight at Franklins Tower

    One of California’s finest exports, The Sycamore Slough String Band is coming to Albany NY for one night only, tonight, Friday May 9th, at Franklin’s Tower. These musicians share an affinity for the music of the Grateful Dead, and came together in an Oakland recording studio in January 2012 to see what they could conjure. Featuring David Gans on guitar, David Thom on mandolin and guitar, and Roger Sideman on upright bass, these three musicians represent a wide history of performances with other acts, and now bring their sound to Albany.

    Acoustically Speaking, featuring Kat Walkerson and Mik Bondy of The Garcia Project as an Acoustic Duo, will open the show.

    Stop in for dinner and catch the show. Music starts at 8pm

  • The Unveiling of Grandma’s Studio: A Multipurpose Venue and Studio

    Bryan Brundige is a man who wears many hats. He is a producer, musician, band manager, Grandma’s Studio owner and songwriter. He is most prominently known as a horn player in The Chronicles, but suffice to say, he is well versed in all things music. Brundige is not only cultivating his own dream of running a studio, but his efforts are inadvertently bringing a music scene to Albany. He is perhaps, the gatekeeper as well.

    20140502 - PJ Katz and The Fat Buckle Band 3

    Brundige has planned, developed and now executing his business of music. He has a multi-room studio with digital and analog recording options. He has a number of various instruments if needed from a baby grand piano to drums, providing accessibility for band-client options. Through the concept of the Albany Barn – a live and work-space dynamic – he is also able to give music fans a little something too.

    Tabitha Clancy: What is Grandma’s Studio?

    Bryan Brundige: It is a multi-faceted recording studio. I can multi-track record. I specialize in songwriting and arranging. I have a lot of connections with musicians so if somebody comes in and needed a horn section or a string section or a keyboard player or a guitar player, I can locate all those musicians. We’re not only a recording studio but also a production house in that we output music all the time. We have bands for hire, a rehearsal space, I can do voice-over work, I can mix audio to film, I can produce albums – I’ve done four at this point.

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    TC: Where did this idea come from?

    BB: My Grandma’s house. It’s the idea of the whole aesthetic of being comfortable while creating. You know, like when you go to your Grandmother’s house on a Sunday afternoon, and everything seems to be fine and dandy – chocolate chip cookies everywhere, that kind of thing.

    TC: As far as recording rooms, what do you have?

    BB: I have three rooms: I have an isolation booth, a live room and a control room as well as another closet in the control room for more isolation options. There is a venue out the front door in case I have to record an orchestra or something like that. I can do anything from a solo artist up to a 65 to 75-person orchestra.

    TC: The Albany area has been anxious for a new live venue. Is the bigger space available for booking shows?

    BB: Yes to a certain degree. The only hiccup is that it is attached to a residential suite, so it’s an interesting situation. Right now there is a curfew at 11pm; we’re trying to change that. This first show went really well and they are interested in having a concert series. I don’t think it will be a Thursday, Friday, Saturday night venue, but more of a concert space. For instance, once or twice a month. It is such a creative zone but the venue is also common space for every commercial tenant that’s there – all of our front doors go out to that space. It’s an interesting dynamic – a live-work-event space, and I’m excited to see what is going to happen.

    TC: Will alcohol be provided during live events?

    BB: There is not a bar attached and the Barn does not have a liquor license. The promoter is responsible for that kind of thing. It will have to be non-alcoholic events or it will have to be catered. Basically at all of our events will be local, probably Brown’s Brewery and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.DSC00281 (1) copy

    TC: What are the stage dimensions and venue capacity?

    BB: 30 feet wide by 20 feet deep. It holds 400 people. Shows will typically be from 6pm – 11pm.

    TC: What types of bands are you looking to get in Grandma’s performance space?

    BB: Some bands that have been discussed are Chris Thile, Dumpstafunk, Marco Benevento, Railroad Earth, Soulive – medium sized regional and national bands.

    TC: Is the live space recording area separate from the venue area?

    BB: Yes, yes. My suite is about 700 square feet. It is a little tight, but it does the job. I have about a 20 foot by 16-foot room for the live room.

    TC: How does this relate to the Albany Barn?

    BB: The entire building is The Albany Barn. Part of it is residential and part of it is commercial. There are 22 artist lofts and about 11 commercial tenants. They are all artists of some sort, and the idea is to all feed off and work with one another.

    Brundige is looking forward to a potential concert series in the works for the 2014 summer. The Chronicles have a few upcoming dates including a Sunday performance at the Albany Tulip Festival. Please follow links for more information.

  • Albany’s Alive at Five Concert Series Lineup for 2014 Announced

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    Albany’s Mayor Kathy Sheehan announced the Alive at Five Summer 2014 concert series lineup at a city news conference this morning. The Alive at Five Thursday tradition of free music brings together thousands of people to the Capital District each week featuring local and national acts of various genres. This year the series will return to the beautiful Corning Reserve in downtown Albany, overlooking the Hudson River and will run from June 12th to Aug 7th.

    The acts of 2014 Alive at Five are:

    • Fitz and the Tantrums, an Los Angeles-based pop act, headline the first show on June 12th with The Features.

    • Easy Star All-Stars headline reggae night on June 19 with John Brown’s Body.

    • Dwele, a Grammy-nominated singer, headlines R&B night on June 26 with Mirk.

    • Lord Huron, a Michigan-born folk singer, performs on July 10 with Mary Leigh Roohan.

    • Eastbound Jesus, Stellar Young, and Hard Soul will perform on Albany Invasion Night on July 17.

    • Dustin Lynch headlines Country Night on July 24 with Jacob Powell.

    • ’70s rockers Grand Funk Railroad plays on July 31 with local stars Wild Adriatic.

    • Sheila E. plays on Aug. 7, the final show with Conehead Buddha.

    For more information about Alive at Five, visit albanyevents.org and stay up to date on your music news with  on Facebook, twitter and Instagram.

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  • Venue Profile: Bogie’s in Albany, A Scene Coming Together

    While the venue is closer to 30 years old, for the last five years the local hardcore and metal scene in the Albany area have really called Bogie’s on Ontario Street home. To say that Bogie’s has character is like saying the Pope is a little religious – from the black walls and the sticker covered bathrooms, to the fliers thrown throughout the place celebrating past and upcoming shows. Above the bar there are signed drum heads and cymbals, each to tell tales of legends and start-ups alike coming through those doors, to play for the diehards that make up Bogie’s core clientele.

    This coming weekend Bogie’s is reaching out to the community for help. The music scene is not a lucrative one and to keep the metal and hardcore scene alive, Mike Valente is asking friends, family, and fans to come support the venue.  “Repair Fest” is a weekend-long show held at Bogie’s with some of the best local bands on the metal, hardcore and similar scenes. 

    Friday night headliners Sworn Enemy will be gracing the stage along with Valente’s own Troycore band, Brick By Brick.  Saturday will be headlined by local industrial rock band, The Clay People.  The music continues on Sunday with headliner, Full Blown Chaos.

    bogie'sNYS Music sat down with Mike Valente before a Goatwhore show last month and asked a few questions. Here’s what Mike had to say about Bogie’s and some of the memories inside those walls.

    NYS Music: How long have you run Bogie’s?

    Mike Valente: Five years.  

    NYS Music: What have been some of the more notable bands that have played here the past five years?

    Mike: Corrosion of Conformity, Tommy Tutone, Sepultura, Soulfly, Marc Rizzo, Stigmata, Black Flag, I could go on and on.

    NYS Music: What’s one memory that sticks out?

    Mike: Tommy Tutone (of Jenny/867-5309 fan) was blasted on something.  He was wearing sunglasses, chewing gun, he had the worst bus I’ve seen and he was hyped up really good.  He needed someone to sell merch, so Matt was helping him out and Tommy told him to sell signed photos for $3.  $1 for Tommy, $1 for Matt.  When Matt pointed out they were $3 and that only accounts for $2, Tommy ignored the question and told Matt that he should try to get a hummer from the girls.  Completely wasted.

    NYS Music: Repair Fest is coming up. What is it and what are some goals?

    Mike:  There are a ton of repairs needed here.  The bar is surviving, there is enough for salaries except mine and Ralph (Mike’s partner at Bogie’s) most the time.  The repair funds will go toward doors, floors, ceiling, bathrooms, coolers, etc.  This place has taken a beating over the years.

    NYS Music: Do you attribute the damage to the hardcore scene?

    Mike: Not the hardcore or metal scene.  Those guys are the most respectful, it is when we throw college parties that everything gets destroyed.  Like a tornado goes through here.

    NYS Music: Can you tell me about your affiliation with Black ‘n Blue out of New York City?

    Mike: Freddie and Cousin Joe, they are BNB.  They’ve helped a lot and have Black ‘n Blue Bowl, big names and they are only three hours away.  Upstate Black ‘n Blue is completely separate but we help each other out.

    NYS Music: What are some bands that played here before anyone knew who they were?

    Mike: State Champs. They played the first spot of six bands.  they started at the bottom but worked hard.  They are getting big and they are going to be big.  They deserve it.

    NYS Music: Any bands out right now to look out for?

    Mike: Sure.  Before I Had Wings, Collateral Damage and Ego Destroys.  There are others, too.

    NYS Music: Is there a difference between the Albany scene and the Troy scene?

    Mike: Not a difference anymore.  It is the same kids, they go wherever there is a good show.  Troy bands are very proud of their Troy connection though.

    NYS Music: What’s the scene like now?

    Mike: It is okay, all the promoters are working together.  Trick Shots, Upstate Concert Hall and Bogie’s.  We try not to book over top of each other.  None of us are getting rich off this and we all have other jobs to pay the bills.  We have to work together and we do.

    So this weekend, if you have a free day, free afternoon, or even a free hour, come down to Bogie’s at 247 Ontario Street in Albany and support the local venue. If you can’t make the festival, please consider to donate online at their GoFundMe account (www.gofundme.com/6k0qjw) and check out future dates at Bogie’s including these in May: Adrenaline Mob on the 14th, Vanna on the 24th and Blacktide on the 31st.

    Website: www.bogiesny.com

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Bogies-NY

  • Glenn Miller Orchestra to Perform at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on May 8th

    The Glenn Miller Orchestra, known for classics such as “In the Mood”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, “A String of Pearls”, “Moonlight Serenade”, and “Tuxedo Junction”, will bring the famed bandleader’s legendary music to to Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on Thursday, May 8th.

    Although bandleader Glenn Miller disappeared over the English Channel on December 15, 1944, almost 70 years after the public first embraced the successful Glenn Miller sound, the legend and the music live on. The Miller Estate formed the present orchestra in 1956 and the band, which includes two vocalists, has been touring constantly ever since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year around the globe. It returns to the Hall after selling out its 2011 engagement here!<

    Tickets range in price from $20 to $34 and can be picked up here.

  • Black Label Society, Down, Devil You Know, Butcher Babies lead Revolver Golden Gods Tour, Rocking Upstate Concert Hall Monday, May 5th

    Supporting the release of the well received new album Catacombs of the Black Vatican, Black Label Society returns to Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park for the first time in over a decade with Revolver Golden Gods Tour. Black Label Society returns with a new lineup with Zakk Wylde leading the way along with new drummer Jeff Fabb, (ex In This Moment) and new guitarist Dario Lorina (Lizzy Borden) and long time bassist John DeServio.blsWylde1

    New Orleans metal supergroup Down take the co-headlining slot in support of their upcoming EP Down IV Part II. Longtime guitarist Kirk Windstein left Down to focus on Crowbar fulltime and was replaced by their guitar tech Pat Bruders. This would mark the first time in five years Down invaded Upstate Concert Hall.Down-2014-Pic-2

    In a radio interview conducted back in February, Joe D of 95X, (WAQX) spoke with Zakk Wylde he confirmed that there may be a Pantera jam with Down’s Phil Anselmo on this tour. Check out the interview here.Devil-You-Know-2014

    Devil You Know, which features former Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones, makes their Upstate New York debut on this tour. Devil You Know is supporting their debut album The Beauty of Destruction which is out now. Butcher Babies are slated to open the show in support of their debut album Goliath which was released last summer.

    Doors will open at 6:30PM and show starts at 7:30PM. This show is expected to sell out so pick up your tickets here.

  • Albany Drive-In looking for speed

    The Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont opens its gates for the season tomorrow. (Photo Credit: Michael Hallisey/)
    The Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont opens its gates for the season tomorrow. (Photo Credit: Michael Hallisey/) Albany Drive-In 

    A welcoming harbinger of summer is the annual opening of the local drive-in theatre.

    The Jericho opens its gates Friday, April 25 with the showing of Captain America and Need for Speed, despite the chill that continues to linger here in Upstate New York. The drive-in has been a local landmark for several decades, and is currently seeking funds to upgrade their projector to handle digital format movies.

    The billboard signage off of NYS Rte 9 also advertises employment opportunities; however, the placement of that announcement along with the movie titles makes for an interesting statement: NEED FOR SPEED; ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

    It stands to reason that employers would rather obtain help who handle their responsibilities in a timely matter.  But, in this case, it just appears to be a simple coincidence.

    The Jericho will continue to open for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights only, until summer officially kicks-off on Memorial Day weekend.  For more information, please visit their website or call 518-767-3398.

  • Pink Talking Fish Brings a Fantasy to Reality

    Fans whirled around the Putnam Den in bewilderment on Saturday night asking questions such as: Are there three bands playing tonight? What are they playing? What is this going to sound like? All these questions were asked in a jovial way as very few could fathom the idea of one band playing the music of Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads and Phish. Everyone was excited to see how this could be done, and they would not be disappointed; Pink Talking Fish delivered a spot on fantasy performance.

    The High Peaks Band, a three-piece ensemble out of Saratoga Springs, opened the evening bringing a high energy jammy sound that mixed in lyrics of an alt-country band. The lead vocals of Rick Nelson were complimented wonderfully by Michael Hoffman’s backing harmony. Drummer Jason Vasquez held the band together as they ran through their set. Although there were very few, if any, low points, the highlight of the set was the cover of a moe. classic “She Sends Me,” a rocking tune that not only got the crowd going, but also showed the bands diversity.  It was a great surprise during a great set.

    The stage was now set to answer everyone’s question: What is this Pink Talking Fish all about? Well, from the onset, they were about tearing it up. Opening with a spacey rendition of “2001,” the audience knew what this band was all about and that they meant business. With the funk vibe of Phish and backing sounds that echoed Pink Floyd, the tone was set for the whole evening.  “Life during Wartime” came out of this extended jam as the entire room danced along with the bouncy lyrics. From there, things slowed down a little as the band performed “Have a Cigar.” Keyboardist Rick Umlah took lead vocals on this, hitting all the notes perfectly, resonating Floyd, yet with his own spin to it. Up to this point, the songs were played very well, but it wasn’t until “Possum” that they really shined. Eric Gould, founding member and the only one consistently in the lineup, took over the vocals and guitarist Dave Brunyak, of the Phreaks, showed the crowd his stuff. The lengthy jam was filled with shredding only comparable to Trey Anastasio himself. Brunyak’s sound wasn’t the only thing that was reminiscent of Trey, as he made body movements and gyrations similar to those of the Phish guitarist, but with his own style. He wasn’t copying Trey, he was just simply being Dave, and the crowd ate it up as they fed off his energy and enthusiasm. This continued throughout the set up until the closer “Cross Eyed and Painless.” This was a perfect way to end the first set, a high energy song that left the fans wanting more.

    Some may have thought there was no way the first set could be matched, but those people could not have been more wrong. Opening with a raging “Run like Hell,” Zack Burwick’s drums hit hard and heavy which set the atmosphere for the whole room and the whole set. “Run like an Antelope” was as solid and tight as it has ever been played. It seemed as though there was nothing these guys couldn’t do. They were nailing everything they tried and then some, but just like every great band, they were not done outdoing themselves. “In the Flesh,” went into “Mikes Song,” which in and of itself was a treat. The real treat however is when they went back and forth between seven different songs before playing “Weekapaug Groove,” going into “Eclipse,” and ending the set where they started it with “Run like Hell!” This was simply amazing. For the encore the boys had some fun mashing up “Makisupa Policeman” with “Brain Damage,”  and closing the night out with“Cities” and “Tweezer Reprise.”

    Many bands go out and try to cover other bands, usually falling short. These guys not only successfully covered one band, they covered three! The energy was high from the beginning and it only intensified with each song. The magic of not knowing what was coming next and being pleasantly surprised when it dropped was pure brilliance, brilliance in which this band should continue to do for a long time.

    High Peaks Band Set List 4/19/2014

    Walk to the Bar, Within Reason, Doesn’t Matter, Rice Petunias, Not on TV, Superman Above, She Sends Me*, Fade to an Echo#

    *- moe. cover #- Lively up Yourself teases

    Pink Talking Fish Set List 4/19/2014

    Set 1: 2001*>Life During Wartime, Have a Cigar>Posum, Slippery People>Sand>Slippery People, Another Brick In the Wall>Psycho Killer> Another Brick In the Wall, You Enjoy Myself>On the Run>You Enjoy Myself**>Crosseyed and Painless

    Set 2: Run Like Hell***>Run Like An Antelope, Burning Down The House, In The Flesh>Mike’s Song> Pigs(3 Different Ones)>Houses In Motion>Tweezer>One Of These Days>Lenghtwise>One Of These Days>Once In A Lifetime>Weekapaug Groove>Eclipse>Run Like Hell

    Encore: Makisupa Policeman/Brain Damage >
    Cities>Tweezer Reprise

    *w/ multiple Pink Floyd teases in the intro
    **w/ Mother tease
    ***w/ Careful With That Axe Eugene tease
    ****Back and forth between Makisupa and Brain Damage. Brain Damage was reggae style during the verse and classic style during the chorus. “Woke up on 420. Went to Putnam Den. I get to try out my brand new Vapo Pen.”

  • The Palace Welcomed the King of the Blues, B.B. King on the 17th

    The Palace in Albany hosted the legendary B.B. King, one of the greatest guitarist of all time, and King of the Blues, on Thursday the 17th of April, to a crowd of all ages and backgrounds who all shared a love for the blues. The venue buzzed with teens in blue jeans and adults in fur, parading in the lobby and the aisles, eager for the magic of B.B. King and his guitar “Lucille.” The band warms up the stage with instrumental jazz, each stretching their musical muscles as guests take their seats. The introduction was made and B.B. King was escorted onto the stage, making for a grand entrance as the crowd greets him with a standing ovation. He takes a seat at center stage and goes through the introductions of the band, poking fun and setting the laid back tone of the evening.

    “Here is something for the lovers tonight,” B.B. cooed as the band opened with “I Need You.” His voice is still strong as his vocals are crisp and echoed beautifully around the Palace. He plays each note on purpose with an incredible ease and care. The long exaggerated plucking is second nature to him and so are the blues. “You Are My Sunshine” started a massive sing-along that was adorable coming from everyone in the audience. As the lights would begin to darken, B.B. would request them to be brighter as he got a kick from looking out at all the fans trying to get his attention; this shifted the focus off of the music and was a bit irritating.

    But the show went on to “Rock Me Baby,” a sophisticated, sexy song with a slow tempo, consistent buildups from the band, and rebellious guitar riffs from B.B. The show came to an end all too soon as B.B. said his good nights with a very slow exit. B.B. King still performs with a smile, booming vocals and mighty hands, but it was a disappointment to have the show end so early with such a short setlist. Despite his distracted stage presence, the 88-year-old musician is still a must see act as he continues to spread the blues to Upstate NY and beyond.