Category: Capital Region

Help Mister F Become Mister A-OK

Albany’s newest Prog-Funk rockers Mister F need your help and have begun a campaign on indiegogo.com to raise funds for their forthcoming debut studio album. Formed in early 2013 from members of Upstate New York-based bands Timbre Coup and Capital Zen, Mister F is an eclectic, high-energy four-piece band that takes a no-holds-barred approach to blending genres while keeping your feet moving. Having performed at festivals such as Mountain Jam, moe.down, Summer Camp, Camp Bisco, and snoe.down with their previous bands, members of Mister F are no strangers to the live music community.

Some music lovers can be hesitant to engage in these sorts of fundraisers, and for those people I’d like you to lend me your ear for a minute. Consider the facts of a small band on the rise trying to make it to a level of success that simply pays the bills. Let’s consider the costs and rewards of one show, say it’s 200 miles away and pays a guarantee of $500 for a band of four. Immediately we have to subtract gas expenses. At roughly the 15 miles per gallon a tour van would get (if one is lucky) that brings the grand total down to $400. Of course most bands, whether they have a sound guy or not will have to pay one roughly $80-120. Now we are down to $320. A smart group will also have street teamers which need promotional material to spread for the show. Subtract another $30 and we are at $290. No one has eaten anything yet so let’s chop another $40 in miscellaneous expenses leaving us at $250 for four people for roughly 10 hours of work and travel. Roughly $60 a piece or $6 per hour. Band’s MUST consider this sort of campaign to stay fed and working. On top of that, you aren’t just handing over money as any amount of donation from $10 and up comes with a reward, at the least you get an excellent brand new album from a hungry band determined to succeed.

Mister F’s debut album pre-sale fundraising campaign starts with the basic level of perk packages – a digital download of the album upon release, or a hard copy of the album on compact disc. Scott Hannay, vocalist/keyboardist/guitarist/bassist for the band and creator of Umphrey’s McNES – a series of 8-bit ‘chiptune’ remakes of Umphrey’s McGee songs – has offered a package where he will create your likeness as an 8-bit Nintendo character and write an original 30-second 8-bit video game theme song for your character. Matt Pickering, drummer/vocalist, is offering a package where he will draw you a personalized picture. You can also get show-used drumsticks, guitar strings and bass strings used during the recording of the album, receive a private lesson from any member in the band – such as a guitar lesson from lead guitarist Andrew Chamberlaine – or have bassist/guitarist/vocalist/band chef Ben Pickering cook a meal for you. There are many other packages available, and more may be added as the campaign progresses. Check out the full list of perks and a pretty damn hilarious video on the indiegogo site here.

We’re all looking forward to autographed hard copies of albums and poster packages to come in the mail very soon. We hope you all will join in supporting one of our favorite bands.

February 3, 2014
Featured Band: Cry To the Blind

Walt Disney did it. William Shakespeare did too. It’s taking the metal of another one’s work, and spinning it into your own gold. It’s the alchemy of the creative mind. It’s declaring the statement, “I can take your idea, and make it better.” Cry to the Blind, a five-piece heavy rock band out of Rochester, NY, declared such a statement last month after walking into Oblivion Studios to record an already established hit. One month and more than 90,000 YouTube views later, the band has itself, what a growing contingent of fans and followers think, is gold.

“The past month or so has been pretty weird,” said Jon Lamanna, the band’s lead singer. Back in December, the band loaded up a studio video of their recording of Miley Cyrus’ mega-hit, Wrecking Ball. The reception to their hard rock version has been nothing short of exceptional, first leading to play time on local radio stations, and precipitating to national attention on Nikki Sixx’s syndicated show, and now satellite radio. It wasn’t long before they obtained mechanical rights from the copyright owner to allow them to perform and sell their version of the song.

“The energy and the excitement level at our shows, and online, are at a level I’ve never seen before. People just seem like they really believe in us now.”

It’s really inspiring to see.”

Rochester’s Cry to the Blind is basking in the glow of newly found attention. (Photo Credit: CTTB/Facebook)

The band has released three CDs independently since 2009. They are a heavy, modern rock band, who market themselves as a “therapeutic release” for their fans. They like to promote a “positive spin on the negative energy that surrounds us every day,” as stated on their Facebook page.

Jon explained that the inspiration to record the song came from a simple turn of his car’s radio dial, as he started his commute to work one November morning.

“The first time I heard the song, I thought it would make a great rock song. We’ve never done a cover. [This was] just a random idea. I texted Jesse (Maty), our guitar player, and said, ‘hey, have you heard that Miley Cyrus song “Wrecking Ball? I think it would be awesome as a rock song.’ He was like, ‘yeah, why not? Let’s give it a shot.’ He wasn’t into it as much as I was. But, when I polled the other guys in the band, they were really excited about it. .. As soon as we started rehearsing it, it sounded phenomenal.”

They changed up the second verse to make it rhythmic and heavy, which was (the band’s drummer), Jay Talarico’s idea. Together with Ryan Mcfaul on guitars and Kory Maclauchlan on bass, Jon said, “I think that’s what makes the song stand out.”

Since Cyrus released the song last August, Wrecking Ball has topped the pop charts in 13 different countries, including the United States. There have been a number of different cover versions released, including that from Rumer Willis, the 25-year-old daughter of actors Demi Moore and Bruce Willis.

Today, up to 40 radio stations, including Sirius Octane, is playing their song, and the positive feedback just keeps building. Jon said that the band has yet to be signed by a label; however, he says people who they’ve spoken to in the past, are coming back to talk.

“[We’re] pretty confident that things are going to continue to snowball in a good direction for us.”

Cry to the Blind play next at The Montage Music Hall in Rochester, NY on Saturday, February 15.

You can view their breakthrough video here: http://youtu.be/diL0I17RlCk

For more information, visit them on their Facebook or their website at www.Crytotheblind.com.

January 31, 2014
NY Living Legacy Project, The Egg Performing Arts Center – 50th Anniversary of The Beatles’ Arrival in New York

As part of its ongoing NY Living Legacy Project, The Egg Performing Arts Center will explore the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ arrival in New York with a number of performances and related events from February 6 through 15.The celebration will include a series of multi-media events in eight area community centers and be highlighted by two performances at The Egg.

The festivities begin with eight multi-media lectures held in various venues around the Capital Region. Led by ethnomusicologist, Beatles scholar and Skidmore College Professor Gordon Thompson, the program, entitled “She Loves You – The Beatles and New York” will explore the impact of the British invasion on New York, led by The Beatles in February 1964, their historic concert at Shea Stadium, John Lennon’s NYC connection and discuss how their music continues to be an inspiration to composers and performing artists today.

In addition to historic film clips, recordings and photos, the program will be highlighted by live, solo piano interpretations of Beatles classic songs by Cole Broderick. Well known for his jazz, classical and original piano stylings, Mr. Broderick devoted nearly two years of his life painstakingly interpreting some of the group’s most beloved songs on his recent recording “A Solo Piano Tribute to The Beatles.” These events will take place from February 6 – 13 and are free and open to the public at the locations listed below.

SHE LOVES YOU – THE BEATLES AND NEW YORK

Thursday, February 6, 7 PM: Guilderland Public Library

Friday, February 7, 7 PM: Albany Institute of History & Art

Saturday, February 8, 2 PM, Schenectady Public Library

Sunday, February 9, 2 PM, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library

Monday, February 10, 7 PM, The Arts Center of the Capital Region

Tuesday, February 11, 7:30 PM, Saratoga Springs Public Library

Wednesday, February 12, 7 PM, Crandall Public Library

Thursday, February 13, 7 PM, Bethlehem Public Library

Featured concerts at The Egg include All You Need is Love on February 14 and The Fab Faux on February 15.

For additional information visit www.theegg.org or call The Egg Box Office – 518-473-1845.

January 31, 2014
Sonny Landreth and Cindy Cashdollar at The Egg this Friday

Sonny Landreth and Cindy Cashdollar, two masters of the slide guitar, will perform together at The Egg this Friday, January 31st starting at 8 pm.

The duo will kick off the American Roots & Branches concert series with Sony Landreth on the electric guitar and Cindy Cashdollar on Dobro and lap-steel. Landreth hails from Louisiana and is a known as “the King of Slydeco”, for his strong Cajun musical styling. He has appeared on albums with Eric Clapton, Gov’t Mule, Little Feat and Jimmy Buffett. Cashdollar is one of our own, calling Woodstock, NY home, where she learned to play from such bluegrass legends as John Herald, Paul Butterfield, Levon Helm and Rick Danko of The Band. She is a five-time Grammy award winner and was the first female to be inducted into the Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.

Tickets for Sonny Landreth and Cindy Cashdollar are $28 and are still available at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, by telephone 518-473-1845 or online. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience blues music like you have never heard it before.

January 31, 2014
Mister F and Tweed Heat Up a Cold Night at The Red Square, January 25th

Mister F with special guest Tweed had Red Square in Albany all warmed up during one of the coldest weeks of the year on Saturday January 25th. Tweed is a self proclaimed psychedelic blend of funk, rock and electronic – and they were just that. For an opening band there was such an immense amount of energy from the stage and within the crowd that it is certainly evident that these guys could have easily been the headliner. Their keyboard set up was extremely impressive, and Jon Tomczak eased the synth into each song organically, creating a layering of electronic among the drums, bass and guitar. Each member in the band contributed great skill and talent within every facet of each song. These boys are certainly an up and coming band to keep your eye on for the upcoming festival season, and a must see band within the jam community.

Hometown boys Mister F took the stage once again with a great energy that exuded into the crowd and had everyone moving. Each member of Mister F holds such an immense amount of talent that these boys can literally do no wrong. They showed great versatility as individuals and varied their setlist from funk to harder guitar riffs and a more rock and roll sound, to jammy and electronic pieces that truly showed their capabilities as a band. Matt Pickering and his brother Ben Pickering stay completely in sync within the rhythm on drum and bass, even when Matt takes lead vocals on many of their songs. Andrew Chamberlain tears apart intricate guitar solos as if the guitar is second nature to him and Scott Hannay blends everything together on the keys and synth. At one point during the night Hannay left the keys to pick up the guitar, only further showing the amount of talent and capability these guys have as musicians. Mister F has definitely put their work in as an up and coming band in the past few months and are now easily considered one of the best acts to see locally, or at music festivals this summer.

Setlist: Everything You Say, Vocoder> Answer the Dawg> Vocoder> Oasis> Hedgehod, Get Used To It, Busters Revenge> Eye Level> Busters Revenge, Deal Breaker, The Flu (by Lettuce), Treadmill, Jump The Shark, Oh My Dayum, Unisex Collider

Encore: On and On

Listen to the the January 25th show here

January 31, 2014
Red Square to host Eastbound Jesus Live Album Recording Sessions this weekend

Northern Rock band, Eastbound Jesus will be taking over Red Square in Albany this weekend, where they will be recording their first ever live album. Eastbound Jesus most recently opened up for moe. for their New Year’s Run at The Palace Theater and this will be their first time playing in their home of the Capital Region in 2014. The six-piece band gains fans all over the Upstate NY region singing about cold weather, whiskey and women with fast picking strings and a hot foot stomping rhythm. Be on the lookout for their live album release, set to drop in late winter or early spring.

Each night, the doors open at 8pm with first acts on at 9pm. Driftwood will be kicking off Friday night and fiddler Claire Byrne will be sitting in for some tunes with EBJ. Binghamton’s Driftwood is an all string quartet with a burning passion for folk rock that is contagious almost instantly. The Blind Spots will open up Saturday night and keyboardist Tony Meier will join EBJ for some music later in the night. The female led vocalist, Maddy Walsh has been compared to every great female vocalist you can think of and is sure to catch you by surprise. This Rock Indie band from Ithaca has a bold sound that grows with every show.

Do not miss the Eastbound Jesus live album recording or these Guthrie Bell Productions shows that are proof that Upstate NY has the best home grown talent. Tickets are $10 online or $12 at the door.

January 31, 2014
Mötley Crüe Goes For One Last Ride and announce Retirement

There are bands that just don’t know when it is appropriate to hang it up. Tuesday, however, people witnessed Mötley Crüe‘s Vince Neil, Mick Mars, Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee in a Hollywood hotel at a signing ceremony for a “cessation of touring agreement” and their retirement.

The terms of the agreement are to take effect after what has been dubbed their retirement tour, which is to start later this year and conclude in 2015. In legal terms, once the tour ends, each member has agreed to never tour as Mötley Crüe again.

Livenation announced that general sales for tickets will start this Friday, with some tickets being made available for as little as $15.

This is not a time to mourn or cry. This goes for a celebration to a band that said, “Let’s do it our way.”

Mötley Crüe started out of Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip in 1981 to reach the successes of multiple Las Vegas residencies, car commercials, Hot Tub Time Machine, a New York Times bestseller, 80 million records sold, and famous girlfriends galore before all was said and done more than 30 years later. If Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll was in the dictionary, there, you would see “Mötley Crüe.” This band has done it all.

“If I was playing at small clubs and county festivals in front of a small crowd with just one or two original members, THEN I would be sad,” said Nikki Sixx, founder, main song writer, and the brains of the Crue operation. Which is why 2014 is a good time to call it quits.

Upstate New York is fortunate enough to have shows scheduled in Darien (CT), Saratoga, and Syracuse. Sharing the playbill will be legendary rock artist, Alice Cooper giving everyone in New York the last chance to FINALLY experience what a Mötley Crüe show is all about. And, it gives fans a chance to bid farewell and say “thank you” one last time.

Anyone who is a fan Mötley Crüe, or even if you’re NOT a fan of them, but are a big fan of rock and roll and metal should read the book The Dirt to really get a taste and an appreciation of how far this band has gone to reach success, and understand the hardships of being in a dysfunctional band.

Tommy Lee has been doing his thing as a DJ and has done some experimental music along the way.

Nikki Sixx seems to have struck thunder twice with his alternate band Sixx A.M., while Vince Neil is still touring with his solo band and releasing material.

Mick Mars deals with ankylosing spondylitis. According to the National Library of Medicine, Ankylosing spondylitis is a long‑term type of arthritis. It affects the bones and joints at the base of the spine where it connects with the pelvis. These joints become swollen and inflamed. Over time, the affected spinal bones join together. Despite his condition, Mars has some musical calibrations of his own.

In all fairness, The Crüe has nothing more to prove. It has all been done.

This will be one last time to “Shout at the Devil,” so catch Mötley Crüe with Alice Cooper in upstate New York at any of the following dates:

Aug. 26 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing. Arts Center

Aug. 31 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Performing. Arts Center

Oct. 29 – Syracuse, NY – The OnCenter Complex<

January 30, 2014
Bogies Starts Crowdfunding Campaign

Bogies executive, and Albany scene heavyweight, Mike Valente recently put out a call for donations to the renowned club for what he calls a “facelift.” The proprieter is seeking help in the tune of $10,000 to cover overdue upkeep costs and miscellaneous upgrades.

Specifically, Valente noted that the money would cover a leaking roof, bad floors, and general “rejuvenation.” And as any band who has played there knows, new mic stands would be great.

An account was established at gofundme.com to administer donations.

The 30-year old-club has gone into decline, and as Valente wrote, “there are some costs and expenses that go beyond our reach.” He further explained that he has never seen a profit off of the shows put on at the club — even those that have featured renowned talents as Black Flag and Born of Osiris. All money goes into expenses such as staffing — who have donated time before because of their love of the music over the tight finances, add Valente.

As such, the financial woes have clipped advertising for shows.

Located on Albany’s Ontario Street, Bogies is one of the most important venues in the scene, especially for up – and – coming bands. To keep it running, is a necessity.

Within the first 24 hours, $890 was raised by 29 donors. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so here, either publicly or anonymously:

January 30, 2014
Third Time’s the Charm as The Chronicles Continue Their Red Square Residency

The Chronicles continued their winter residency at Red Square on Thursday, January 23rd and paid tribute to musical legends Earth Wind and Fire with special guest Michael Wooten.

The Cedric Burnside Project opened up the event with longtime friends Cedric Burnside on drums and guitarist Trenton Ayers, who together make a Mississippi funk party parade. It’s no mistake that Cedric was born into music as his grandfather is North Mississippi blues legend, R.L. Burnside and started touring with him when he was 13 years old. The duo brought Mardi Gras to Upstate NY with soulful singing, swampy guitar riffs and fast paced tempo, a foot stomping good time. One of the highlights was when the duo brought up members from the Chronicles to sit in on “White Lightening”, bringing the flair of jazz and pure rock and roll. Burnside and Ayers had permanent smiles on their faces and so did everyone in the crowd, here’s hoping they come back soon.

The Chronicles welcomed Michael Wooten on lead vocals and guitar to join in their tribute to the mighty Earth, Wind and Fire. The set exploded with a funky “Getaway” followed by the popular hit and crowd pleaser, “September.” Wooten added a strong, mature tone to the group with his voice, hitting those ever famous high and low notes. It was fantastic to hear the classic brass melody from, Jeff Nania on Saxophone and Bryan Brundige on Trombone played with soulful execution. “Shining Star” got the most cheers the moment, guitarist Justin Henricks and Wooten strummed those strings and everyone began to sing and get down.

After the Earth Wind and Fire set, the crowd seemed a bit restless and not ready to call it quits just as the night and music was getting started. “We are just about to rage now,” Henricks assured the fans as they boys started their set with a smooth “Mr.Magic” with light yet complex key solo from Paulie Philippone. Andrae Surgick showed great control as he effortlessly slammed on the cymbals and drums. Closing out the set was “Village Living” extra heavy on the bass bombs thanks to Daniel Lawson. A break in between songs during the show gave the Chronicles’ sound guy a chance to mention to the audience that at 5 am, pretty much right after this set, the band was flying out to California for the weekend to play a gig before the Grammys and recording an album. The Chronicles have a supportive fan base in the Upstate NY area and it’s thrilling to watch them stretch their sound to new places across the country.

Don’t miss The Chronicle’s last show of their residency this Thursday, January 30th at Red Square when they pay tribute to J Dilla, with The Big Mean Sound Machine opening the show at 9pm.

Setlist: Getaway, September, Jupiter, Fantasy, Let’s Groove, Can’t Let Go, Shining Star, Way of this World, Can’t Hide Love , Mr. Magic, Purple Diesel, Mr. Clean, Scrasbourg, No War, Village Livin

January 29, 2014
Wild Adriatic Rocks The Hollow for Album Release Show

Wild Adriatic’s new album Big Suspicious was released on Saturday, January 18th in Albany and to celebrate, the band played an all-out rock and roll show to a sold out crowd at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. The band was feeding off of the energy of the crowd for their hour and a half long set; bringing everything they had in their musical bag of tricks and more to the frenzied audience.

The evening started with The Black Fox River Project and their country-flavored rock tunes filling the venue with slide guitars and harmonies. Their music is better meant for summer time instead of the bitter cold winter that was taking place outside, but it made everyone inside the venue feel that much closer to the warmer weather to come. Their set ended with a great up-tempo rock number that had the crowd dancing for the first time of the evening, in what would become the norm for the remainder of the night.

Buffalo natives Aqueous were up next and came out of the gates swinging with funky laced rock that kept the crowd going for almost an hour straight. Dave Loss switched from his guitar to his keyboard throughout the entire set, showing great skills on both instruments, while Mike Gantzer ripped solos on his guitar continuously bringing many cheers from the crowd. Evan McPhaden and Nick Sonricker, on bass and drums respectively, held down the grooves for the other two to work over. Aqueous showed the crowd during their set why they are on the rise and ready for a huge year.

The jam-packed crowd seemed to get even thicker by the time Wild Adriatic took the stage. Travis Gray’s distinctly soaring vocals were perfect during the entire set, as was Rich Derbyshire’s superb bass playing, and Mateo Vosganian’s drum kit rattled all evening as he pounded endlessly. The band was joined by Pat Daley on keys during the set to celebrate his inclusion on the album. On a couple of songs the band was also joined by a three part horn section that added an extra element to the already amazing music being played.

Covering almost their entire album, as well as a cover of the classic “Shout”, Wild Adriatic played a show to remember to start off a year that will see them go all over the country and play South by Southwest. Their brand of rock and roll reverberates to the 70s bluesy garage era of music that comes out and takes your breath away from all the dancing that goes on. Ending on a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” many members of the audience climbed onto the stage to dance with the band as they tore through the number. The show was being filmed by the band and hopefully we will all get to relive the show again soon.

Setlist: Your Man, Mess Around, The Fool, Holding You, Trouble, Cooperstown, Tight Grip, Lose My Mind, Because of Me, Shout, 40 Days, Heavy Soul, Letter, Lonely, Woe, The Spark, Immigrant Song

January 27, 2014