NYS Music 20​14

Category: Syracuse

  • Rock and Roll Dominates The Great New York State Fair

    With a wonderful start to The Great New York State Fair, we dug the rock and roll to bring more of what is to come.  Already covering Days 1, 2, and 3, we couldn’t wait to get back out to bring you more of the outstanding line up scheduled for Fair attendees.

    rock and roll state fair
    Bowzer’s Rock & Roll Party – Great NY State Fair Chevy Court

    DAY FIVE – Rap, Rock , and Country Collide to an Explosive Show

    Some basic musical math here – What do you get when you add Rap + Country + Rock & Roll? You get Kid Rock and Big Smo of course.  Rocking the Grandstands on Day 5, this unlikely pairing of the Detroit rocker and Tennesee country star seemed a bit out of place, but this trend of marrying those artists from Motown and those from the country music capital of Nashville just seem to work these days.  Big Smo came out and rocked the crowd getting them ready for the main event, Kid Rock.  This guy has a presence and attitude I just wouldn’t mess with, adding to the reasons I think these two were the perfect pairing.  Both are no nonsense, this is who I am, without apologies types.  Delivering country in a hip hop rap style, Big Smo certainly has found a way to deliver his music his way, to an audience that eats it up.

    As Kid Rock came out, he rocked the stage belting out hit after hit in his hip hop, rap, country southern rock style and he didn’t disappoint. Ever evolving, Kid Rock has made his mark on the music industry his own way with no excuses.  With a career, including multiple hits, multiple awards, and such a diverse catalog of music for followers, he continues to grow in the music field, and also in his merchandising field with his hands into his latest venture of brewing up some “Badass Beer”.  Kid Rock is about his fans.  Taking a stand on increasing pricing for live show tickets during his 2013 tour, Kid Rock went against the current of increasing prices and all tickets were $20 with each beer was $4, and without fees associated if purchased through area Walmarts.  This proved to be a huge success in increasing attendance and sales at shows, and putting the kibosh to out pricing tickets for regular joes who want to enjoy live concerts.

    These two unlikely performers give the impression of being rebels, and going against the current upstream; however what you don’t see behind the scenes is they are two of the best business men in the business with talents of not only musical skills…but producing, acting, merchandising, writing, and so many other talents. This translates to the stage and the energy felt from this show once again solidifies that although genres may be completely different, entertainers unconventional, the music comes from the soul and no matter where it originated, and by whom, music is a unifying language.

    DAY SIX –  Rocking Around the Clock at The Great NY State Fair

    Bowzer’s Rock & Roll Party.  For those of you who are unfamiliar who Bowzer is, let me introduce you. Bowzer, also know as Jon Bauman, was part of the famous group Sha Na Na. Sha Na Na introduced new generations to the world of the 1950’s and 60’s, poodle skirts, and the emergence of rock and roll. As I looked around the full crowd sitting at Chevy Court, it was apparent that his charm and timeless tunes are still transcending generations and being enjoyed by those young and old. Bowzer & The Stingrays along with Rocky & The Rollers brought a few of their special friends to the Rock & Roll Party. Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon, Johnny Cantardo (formerly of Sha Na Na), and the Duke of Earl Gene Chandler often joined Bowzer on the road over the years and on this day these gentlemen truly entertained the crowd with tunes such as “Lovers Never Say Goodbye” by the Flamingos, “Rocking Robin”, “Only Have Eyes for You”, and of course “Duke of Earl”. These spry young men still got it, and I must add Mr. Gene Chandler was one of the most dapper men I’ve ever seen with the greatest blue suede shoes ever made.

    This was my first time seeing Jon ‘Bowzer’ Bauman live, and he didn’t disappoint. Being in the audience when Grease was first released in the theaters, his appearance in the movie was one of my favorite scenes of the whole film. The twist, the jitterbugging, and of course the Hand Jive was electric and timeless. If transcendence was a reality, I would have been right there with them. Those in attendance at Chevy Court received a free lesson and/or refresher course on how to Hand Jive, and as I looked around seeing the entire audience participating was a bit nostalgic.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY5pmzmiDO8?list=RDfY5pmzmiDO8

    A little known fact about Jon Bauman: he is a classically trained pianist, studying at the acclaimed Julliard School of Music at the age of 12 in New York City. He treated the audience this day to a taste of Chopin’s etude in A- Flat Major, which was his mother’s favorite tune. Spectacular doesn’t begin to describe this moving performance. He is truly talented. His mother’s dream was to see him perform at Carnegie Hall. She was able to see this dream, as he joked 
“Even if the music was ‘Shama Lama Ding Dong’.” Despite the humid temps and scorching sun, it was fun to watch these legends and the audience enjoy these timeless classics.

    Over to the Grandstands on Day 6 we had The Wallflowers and Train.  Opening to a full crowd, Jakob Dylan along with his band, The Wallflowers, came out ready to make their mark and leave an impression. Unlike their name, they certainly didn’t blend in like a wallflower, instead they stood out. Being the first time I’ve ever seen him, I found myself very drawn to Jakob’s unique voice. To me it was the perfect blend of the family tone with a Bruce Springsteen’esq sound to it. It was strong, yet sultry, and addictive; it a pleasant surprise. Taking the last few years to tour solo, Jakob was ready to get back together with the band and tour this summer. Being known as the son of a legendary musician has to be difficult. I admire and respect how he’s carved a sound and presence out for himself that makes him stand alone as the gifted musician he is. The first, but definitely not the last time I’ll catch a show with Jakob, for sure.

    Warmed up and ready to hit the stage, Train barreled through onto the stage like the force they are. Emerging in the 1998 with their Top 10 hit “Meet Virginia”, these guys came right back in 2001 with the Grammy award winning song “Drops of Jupiter” solidifying their place in history as a force to be reckoned with. Here we are 16 years later, numerous hits, numerous awards, and miles and miles of touring on the road, Train is now known as one of the most loved groups out there today. With Pat Monahan on lead vocals, percussion, harmonica, acoustic guitar, trumpet, saxophone, vibraphone, megaphone; Jimmy Stafford on lead guitar, mandolin, ukulele, slide guitar, backing vocals; Jerry Becker on rhythm guitar, keyboards, piano, Hammond organ, slide guitar, percussion, backing vocals; Hector Maldonado on bass guitar, rhythm guitar, percussion, backing vocals; and Drew Shoals on drums these guys belted out hit after hit, with audience members singing along and rocking the Grandstands as though a freight train was barreling through.

    Set List – Calling All Angels > 50 Ways to Say Goodbye >If It’s Love > Get To Me > Meet Virginia > Bulletproof Picasso > What Is And Should Never Be > Look To The Sky > Bruises > Save Me San Francisco > Free > Angel In Blue Jeans > Marry Me > Wonder What You’re Doing For The Rest of Your Life > Soul Sister > Drive By > Drops of Jupiter > Dream On ( Aerosmith)

    Night Ranger – Getting pretty good at the dodging and weaving amongst the crowd, I high tailed it over to Chevy Court just in time to see the end of Night Ranger’s encore performance of “Sister Christian”.  Wow!  They still got it.  With the crowd on their feet cheering and singing along, I managed to grab a few shots for the readers to see these legends in action.

    Building on the momentum that had started this awesome entertainment lineup at The Great NY State Fair, I couldn’t wait to keep this going and capturing all the events planned ahead, all the sights there to see, and of course all the foods yet to try. Stay tuned as brings you more coverage of the 2014 Great New York State Fair.

  • Hot with Sweater Weather at the NY State Fair

    It was ironic to say the least, but perfect blue skies and sunshine were the backdrop for a band best known for their song “Sweater Weather”. This past Friday afternoon, the California indie rock band known as The Neighbourhood killed it on the stage of Chevy Court at the Great NY State Fair.

    Sweater WeatherEven though they formed in 2011 and are relative newcomers to the music scene, the band was welcomed by fans as they took the stage to screams and applause. For just under an hour, this group of musicians gave a performance with their unique sound. The band has strong characteristics that come through in every song. They flawlessly combine an upbeat, pop rock style with catchy lyrics and sexy groove. Then, they top it off with just enough dark/mysterious edge that singer Jesse Rutherford’s vocals capture perfectly. The sensual tone in his voice is something so many strive to achieve, yet he does without any effort.

    Chevy Court is in the heart of the Fair, surrounded by the buildings, people could enjoy the music as they walked between exhibits, activities, wine/moonshine slushy stands, beer gardens, and about the best fried food on the planet (Fried Specialties had the most incredible creation called the Twinx (Twix, stuffed inside a Twinkie, wrapped in bacon, and then deep-fried – Jim Hasbrouck you are genius).

    These guys drew fans of all ages. However, these young men definitely had a strong fan base of females. The teenaged and 20-ish girls were heart-felt and passionately screaming at the band “I love you!”.

    The attendees showed their appreciation for this free show by their pure energetic reaction to the melodies being shared with them. The excitement was due largely to the frontmans’ ability to get the audience engaged and participating – from raising their hands in the air to singing along with him.

    Lead singer, Jesse Rutherford, smirked and absorbed his fans adoring yells with ease and a sense of cool aloofness that seem to make the girls want him more. As the first song “Female Robbery” started, the singer covered his face with his tattooed-covered arm, protecting his eyes. He later stated they had not seen the sun recently since they had been in Europe, chuckling, followed by saying, “This is awesome”.

    Keeping true to their “look” of being a clean, monochromatic aesthetic, all members wore black and white with Rutherford somehow wearing a black beanie on the hot sunny day. The pale skin tone along with asking the audience to pretend it was night, leads me to believe these guys do not get to see daylight all that much. That did not inhibit their performance or energy.

    A subtle demeanor from guitarist Jerry Freedman during his solo on the song “Baby Came Home” had a powerful, confident playing that captured the mood. Soft lingering notes seemed to float from the stage into the air, carrying them away in the imaginations of what the song meant to each person.

    Their new song “Dangerous” was laid out in their set. While it kept with the band’s sound, it had a different groove and feel to make you want to find out what else they have in store next. This is a band to keep an eye on and watch bloom and boom into the music scene even more.

    Set List: Female Robbery, Everybody’s Watching Me (Uh-Oh), Let It Go, Jealou$y, W.D.Y.W.F.M.?, Baby Came Home, A Little Death, Wires, How, Lurk, Dangerous, Sweater Weather, Afraid

  • Joan Jett and The Black Hearts Rocked The Chevy Court at The Great New York State Fair

    The New York State Fair is always brining fantastic artists to Central New York. This year they struck gold when Rock And Roll Hall of Famers Joan Jett And The Blackhearts performed for free at the Chevy Court stage at the Great New York State Fair on Wednesday, August 27.

    Joan Jett and The Black Hearts – Great New York State Fair Chevy Court

    There was easily about seven thousand fairgoers gathered for their hour and fifteen minute set. No opening act. No nonsense. Just straight up classic punk. Currently, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts are touring in support of their latest album, Unvarnished. There were five songs off that album sprinkled into their set, along with their more notable hits and The Runaways’ classics.

    The band opened with “Bad Reputation” and The Runaways’ classic “Cherry Bomb”. Joan Jett is clearly on her A game and sounded better now than she did seven years ago when she played the state fair the previous time. And very notably, the band was clicking on all cylinders as well. Keyboardist Kenny Laguna, guitarist Dougie Needles, drummer Thommy Price, and bassist Acey Slade all showed great chemistry and great backing vocals to the entire performance.

    Some of the bigger highlights of their set would have to be “Touch Me There”, a new song that she co-wrote with Dave Grohl titled “Any Weather”, and her cover of “Crimson and Clover”, which the crowd went nuts for. Also, the crowd went crazy for “I Love Rock and Roll” as expected.

    The band ended with a three-song encore, featuring “Reality Mentality”, “Real Wild Child”, and a cover of “Everyday People”

    Overall it was a great show, and possibly the best Chevy Court concert in YEARS.

  • Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate with Sophistafunk; Syracuse Artists Collaborate and Fuse Worldly Sounds

    A European tour can do a lot for an artist or group. It can bring a performer to a new level of recognition and exposure. It can allow for a performer to invite a partner in crime to open for them and effectively “bring/put them up.” It can allow a performer to meet artists from all over the globe and form new collaborations and projects. It can also crystallize the love of one’s hometown where it all started, and bring an artist back for a nostalgic homecoming. For Sekou Kouyate and Joe Driscoll, Syracuse native and one-man “band” hero, touring Europe did just that.

    Joe Driscoll Sekou KouyateBesides providing a fresh fan-base, touring Europe allowed Joe Driscoll to bring along fellow Syracuse-based hip-hop heads, and inexorable party-starters, Sophistafunk. This “Euro-tripping” also facilitated Joe’s acquaintance and partnership with an absurdly gifted musician by the name of Sekou Kouyate. Joe and Sekou met at the Nuit Metis (Mixed Night) Festival in Marseille, France and developed a unique, multi-cultural sound that gave birth to the album Faya. This album, like all albums, required promotion and therefore a tour schedule. This tour brought the family back together where the roots of these musical branches started: Syracuse, including and especially the Westcott Theater. On Friday, August 22, the Westcott packed itself while Sophistafunk, Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate, and a host of other supporting local musicians played their hearts out for the hometown fans.

    Sophistafunk, led by the dual hype-man and frontman in one, Jack Brown, played time-honored songs from both full length studio albums, Freedom Is and Twentyeleven. As always, Brown laid down the intellect and positivity on songs like “Gotta Walk”. As expected, Emanuel Washington, known as E-Man, rocked the house with that heavy and tight drum sound, especially on songs like the dance-inspiring “Wil’ Out”. As presumed, Adam Gold churned out those chunky-funky lines on the keys/organ on songs like “Freedom Is”. And as a super-special, highly unexpected, and highly enjoyed surprise, Sophistafunk covered the soulful and sexy “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” by Outkast. “’Nuff said.”


    After saying goodbye to Sophistafunk (temporarily), Joe Driscoll and Sekou wasted no time getting the audience back up and dancing. Joe’s funky, reggae-infused, hip-hop melodic style of guitar provided a solid grounding and space for Sekou to add his signature hummingbird-fast arpeggios and angelic riffs in between beats. Sekou, to understate it completely, plays the kora. The kora is an instrument made partly from a humongous gourd, called a calabash, covered with cow hide, and is “formally” classified as a “double-bridge-harp-lute.” When played masterfully, this “double-bridge-harp-lute” makes music that is silky, swift, exotic, and truly exquisite. This sound, along with Sekou’s vocals, sung in Soussou (with spot-on accompaniment by Joe), symbiotically fuse with Joe’s increasingly impressive guitar work to create music that is worldly and graceful, yet familiar and catchy.

    Joe told stories, both between songs and lyrically, throughout the set. Joe commented on everything from loving and appreciating your roots; to the inevitably deepening experience of traveling the world and meeting special people with whom you connect; to the visualization of lighting a fire in your heart and then lighting someone else’s (the meaning behind the title song “Faya”). Joe’s reflective and socially conscious verses painted pictures of the many “vampires” in ghettos around the world in “Ghetto Many”, and warned of the “deepest threat”: the figurative Babylon in the song “Wonamati”; which means, “It’s got to stop.”

    Joe also made sure to play a whole new (Sekou infused) take on classic Joe Driscoll favorites, like the sweetly melodic “Mixtape Champs” and the smooth, autobiographic “Origin Myth”. This song brought onstage Sophistafunk, DJ Afar, a Syracuse saxophone player named “Hollywood”, and a very talented female trombonist whose name was unfortunately missed by this writer…for an all out Syracuse hip-hop/funk/world-beat jam session. This multi-song jam served as a fitting conclusion to a night all about roots, collaboration, and love for one’s neighbor and neighborhood.

  • Rockstar Uproar Rocks The Great New York State Fair, Despite Poor Weather and Lukewarm Ticket Sales

    It was a rainy and miserable day on August 22 at the Great New York State Fair. However, some great hard rock rolled through the grandstand. There were some problems going into the show. First and foremost, Seether, Buckcherry, and These Raven Skies DID NOT appear at this stop due to outside conflict of interest, which may have hurt the ticket sales. On top of that, there seemed to be a lack of promotion behind this show. I would be worried if Rockstar Uproar will stop in Syracuse next year.

    Doors originally were supposed to open at 2pm that day, but due to the amount of bands that pulled, the show started at 3pm. The first set of bands performed on the smaller “Festival Stage” which was set on the dirt track right next to the grandstand stage. I did like how the vender tents and autograph tents were positioned on the far side of the track. The stage itself looked and sounded great. There was only one problem. Dirt track and rain is a messy situation. But bloody hell, it’s rock and roll. The first band Blame Anchor did a fine job opening the set. There must have been only 400 people when they started. Blame Anchor was the band that won the battle of the bands competition to be part of Rockstar Uproar. I think their fifteen minutes of fame pending the rest of the tour will pan out for them. Blame Anchor played a very short set, but made it count. They had a Godsmack vibe to them.

    Bad Seed Rising played their half hour set. They’re just kids, but they impressed. It’s really hard for bands in their teens to really take off with rock and metal, but I believe Bad Seed Rising can make it in this harsh industry if they stick to their guns. They’ve got some real heart and talent.

    Canada’s Sons Of Reverly are definitely the odd band out of this line up, which is not a bad thing. It just shows they got something to prove as they’re an unsigned indie band. They were the winners of last year’s Rockstar Uproar battle of the bands. This year they made it on to a permanent slot. The fascinating thing about watching them is how they eventually won the crowd completely over by the end of their set. They seem to have a little flavor of Rush, but they have some heavy songs and songs that people can relate too. I would imagine this band will be signed within the next year. I had the privilege of interviewing them after their set.

    Tattered and Three Years Hollow played good and heavy sets, but it was festival stage headliners Escape The Fate that really made that stage explode and laid the foundation. They played a fast and heavy set and egged on the crowed, too, to get them going. Clearly, a hungry band that continues to grow and make an impact on the radio and on the road. It was surprising they were not on the main stage because they clearly belonged there on this tour. By the time Escape The Fate finished, there must have been about three thousand people in attendance. Not exactly staggering numbers for a grandstand show at the fair, but the people who were there were lucky to see Escape The Fate perform.

    After Escape The Fate graced the stage and the festival stage closed down, Pop Evil opened the main stage. There was only one problem. It was almost an hour before Pop Evil started. I understand setting up the stage and production is hard work, but there was no reason for it be that long. Especially the fact that this show had two stages. But despite the long wait, Pop Evil clicked on all cylinders and was definitely a highlight of the entire show. Their set consisted of songs from all three of their albums. Songs like “100 In A 55”, “Dance With The Devil”, and “Last Man Standing” were great and had awesome performances. Pop Evil is certainly making big splashes and really solidifying themselves as a premiere headlining act.

    Because of the shortage of bands that were originally billed, it was yet another long ridiculous wait for Skillet. It may have been worth it though as Skillet was easily the best band on the bill. They’re production was bigger than it ever was. They had violinists on stage with them too; it was such a spectacle. There was a lot of energy put into their performance, and it was a nice change of pace to hear music with a positive message too. Skillet played most of their hits, but the song that stood out the most was definitely “Awake and Alive”, which had a slightly different take on it than we are used to hearing. I did find it a little odd that Skillet, who are strong Christian believers, were on the same bill with Godsmack because Sully Erna is a member of the Church of Satan. But it’s about the music, not the beliefs.

    Godsmack, of course, headlined the show. Now don’t get it twisted, Godsmack ALWAYS puts on a great show. Even if they’re off a little on a night, you’re always going to get a great show from them. Now, I have seen Godsmack multiple times. For the past decade, the band has been no stranger to Syracuse and the rest of Upstate New York, so I’m sure there are a lot of people who have seen them multiple times. That being said, they seem to have lost a little fire in their performance that night. It was still a great show, but the energy that I am used to seeing from Godsmack over the years, I did not see at Uproar. Most notably in lead guitarist Tony Rombola. He’s very talented and was a nice guy when I met him a few years back, but it just seemed he lacked the passion he used to have on stage. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt though as maybe it was an off night or that the band is a little rusty from taking the last couple of years off. As far as their set, it was a good mixture of their classic hits and some songs off of their latest release 1000 HP. Of course, the one thing that stood out during the show was the dual percussion solo between Sully Erna and Shannon Larkin. Always enjoyable to see. And during “Whatever”, Erna threw beers at the crowd and invited some fans on stage – most notably the guy with the HUGE afro that fascinated Erna. It was pretty amusing.

    Overall, it was a good lineup, but could have been so much more if Seether and Buckcherry were able to make the bill. I think fans would have gotten a much better bang for their buck and the show would have had MUCH better attendance.

  • The New Mastersounds Kick Off Tour in Buffalo Next Week

    Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds
    Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds

    Over the years, music has become more accessible than it’s ever been. With internet radio sites, 160GB iPods, satellite radio, YouTube, and every other outlet, the amount of choices out there are near limitless. Listening to music in your headphones and in the car are one thing though, while actually experiencing the collective force of a live show is far different. Even with how accessible music is, shows are still something that unfortunately can’t be everywhere, all the time. We’ve yet to figure out the whole geographical boundary thing, outside of live streaming, which is ultimately a better-than-nothing alternative. The further a band is from you, the lower the chance you will see them. It’s still just as dead simple as that. Thankfully for one band, that is all about to change. This Fall, The New Mastersounds, a band whose roots in Leeds, England has limited their Stateside exposure, are making their rounds with a first-time stop in MANY Upstate cities with three nights in Brooklyn (9/11-9/13) and closing Catskill Chill (9/7), the band will be making first time trips to Buffalo (9/3), Rochester (10/7), Saratoga Springs (11/8), and Syracuse (11/9).

    The New Mastersounds are riding on the heels of their latest album Therapy, which was released back in March. While they will surely play a few off of the album, the depth of their catalog should bring out some longstanding favorites and a few surprises. The show in Buffalo will be the tour kickoff and is being held at one of Buffalo’s best venues in The Tralf. On the same stage where Lettuce played earlier in the year, the British funksters will bring their jazz-spiked flavor out for all to hear, and finally see. The anticipation around the city for fans is getting stirred into a frenzy with less than a week before the show. The band is known for their blending of old school tone and approach with pure energy. Their music’s simple mission is the passing of kinetic energy, whether through dance, foot tapping, or a neck-jarring head nod. There’s just no way to shake that.

    With the Catskill Chill Music Festival looming, the Wednesday night show is the perfect setup for anyone who is looking to get a sneak peek of what they’ll be in for down in Hancock. What you won’t find at The Chill though, and coming to Buffalo for only their fourth show, is West Coast-natives Orgone. The band calls Portland, Oregon home and, again, with the geographical divide, the band has not made it over on this side of the country as much as fans would like. With the funk scene thankfully growing stronger in every city, this band can now make a worthwhile trip to help spread their word.

    The combination that was put together by ECE Presents for this show is worthy of an applause. And while we’ll get the jazz side of funk from The New Mastersounds, Orgone plays on the soul side of funk’s fence. Regardless of style, both bands have been around a while and surely will not disappoint the expected packed house at The Tralf.

    The New Mastersounds

    Grab your tickets now to these shows throughout New York State:

    |  Buffalo  |  Hancock (Catskill Chill)  |  Brooklyn (9/11, 9/12, 9/13 Early, 9/13 Late)  |

    |  Rochester  |  Saratoga Springs  |  Syracuse  |

  • The Great NY State Fair Starts With a Bang

    Starting The Great NY State Fair has started off with a bang, and some lightning, Kellie Pickler took the stage at Chevy Court to a packed crowd holding umbrellas and wearing ponchos.  These hardcore country fans were in for a treat at the Fair’s first free show.  Full of charm and talent, this young lady brought sunshine to the audience as she sang, shared stories, and gave an amazing performance to kick off the fair’s first show of the year.

    Randy Houser – Grandstands Day 1

    DAY ONE – Rain or Shine, The Show Must Go On

    The one thing that stood out about Kellie was how personable she was with the audience.  Whether it was waving to those shouting her name, holding up signs, or just waving her way, she made sure she acknowledged each and every one with a smile and a wave as though seeing an old friend once again.  She even signed several autographs during her encore number.  My first time and definitely not the last time I see this country girl perform.

    Day  1 at The Great NY State Fair was chock full of country superstars.  Country music fans hit the lottery with the Grandstand lineup Thursday evening with one of country music’s most loved entertainers, Brad Paisley headlining and he brought along some very special guests, Charlie Worsham, Leah Turner, and Randy Houser to join him.

    I had the opportunity to cover these four performers earlier this year for NYS Music at the Taste of  Country Music Festival down at Hunter Mountain in the beautiful Catskills.  I immediately spotted Charlie Worsham out in the crowd doing what I loved about him most. He was down in the audience just hanging out and talking with all his fans, signing things, and being incognito right up until the time he put his earpieces in and jumped up on the platform and began singing and showing this audience just what he’s about.  This young man is one hell of a guitar and banjo player.  Sporting his signature orange converse, which he claimed he wore in honor of our Orangemen, he came right out in to the audience to pick and shred number after number.  He told the crowd, “You may not know me….yet,” “yet” being the key word in that sentence as once you see Charlie in person, he’s really hard to forget.  Yes Charlie, I was there for your first experience crowd surfing.  It was epic and I have photos to prove it.

    Immediately following Charlie was one of country music’s on the rise female artists, Leah Turner.  The one thing that strikes me about Leah Turner is her strength.  Her voice is strong, her presence is strong, and her impression is lasting.  Rocking the audience and turning heads, the amazing performer is quickly making her mark in the country music business as a force to be reckoned with.

    The next artist opening up for Brad was Randy Houser.  I was happily anticipating this particular artist because this would be the first time I saw Randy perform his full show.  Randy’s musical talent was put to the test this past June when on the way to the Taste of Country Music Festival, his bus broke down somewhere along the Pennsylvania highway.  Making a split second decision, Randy and keyboardist, John Henry Trinko, packed it up and headed up through the mountains literally arriving five minutes before he had to go on.  Playing an all acoustic set that was spectacular, I couldn’t possibly imagine how he would top that show.  Well, the bus arrived this time, and he brought it.  With a full band behind him, Randy whipped the audience into a frenzy, leaving it all out on the stage.  One word,  sensational.  So happy I was able to see and hear him both full on with a full band and then stripped down acoustically.  When it boils down to it, he is truly an amazing musician and vocalist, and talent such as that is unmistakable.

    With the audience primed and ready to roll, the main event began.  The one thing I must say about Brad Paisley’s show, is that it’s two shows in one.  The perfectly choreographed video that plays behind Brad as he plays hit after hit, is spectacular and puts this show on a whole different level.  I should expect no less, as Brad is truly on a different level.  Brad is and amazing vocalist, but is also one amazing guitarist, I must add.  I think it’s the one part of the show I look forward to the most.  Shredding out like the rock star he is, you can’t help but love the new direction country music has been taking, getting back to their southern country rock and roll roots.  For those of you who haven’t followed Brad and the comical tweets of late, Brad has been mischievous to say the least.  With a new album, Moonlight In The Trunk, ready to be released this week, Brad took matters into his own hands allowing his fans bits and pieces of the album prior to the release date and against the wishes of his record label. This release was extremely important to Brad as his last album didn’t have the intended effect it was supposed to have.  Brad felt that taking control and releasing on his terms would accomplish not only the message he wanted to send his fans, but thank his fans for being supportive over the years. Have to say, the comical scuttlebutt between Brad and his label was fun to watch unfold, almost making you wonder if it was a practical joke.  In the end, Brad got his wishes did things his way, while the label did things their way and invited the  fans to thank him personally by leaking his real email address.  In the end, Brad, Label, and Fans all were happy.

    DAY TWO – The Show that Could Possibly Break All Records

    With Day One in the record books as an amazing start to the 2014 Fair, Day Two was bound to possibly be one of those days that beat some records.  There are several factors that would assist in making a day at the Fair a record-breaking day….cooperating weather…special events going on…special day for select groups…or the acts at the stages…yep it was the act going on at Chevy Court at 8PM that would definitely shatter some records this day.  This artist was one of those names that would surely draw a full paying crowd at the Grandstand, but instead the Fair treated their attendees to this act for free.

    The Fair treated fairgoers to Jason Derulo.  I am still waiting to see if Jason was able to break the Bruno Mars attendance back in 2011 of 35,000.  Looking at the crowd that evening, I believe it may have come close.  Attendees began saving their seats before the 2pm Smashmouth show, and by the time 6pm came along, the inner area was cordoned off.  This wasn’t just an entertainer coming out to the middle of the stage and singing.  This show had everything.  Jason Derulo is already known for his amazing musical talents as a vocalist, but until you see him live, you can’t ascertain his true talents.  He came out with a full entourage of professional dancers as he commanded that stage keeping up with each and every step they laid down.  All I kept thinking of was how much he reminded me of Michael Jackson, with the voice and the moves.  He definitely has something special.  Dancing With The Stars would be handing him that trophy for sure if they included him in one their upcoming seasons.

    DAY THREE – Mr. 305 Hit’s the 315- Everyone Loves Some Bacon, Brothers That Is

    As Day Three began, the NY State Fair included two amazing shows at the Chevy Court stage.  The 2PM show was Sean Kingston, which I unfortunately missed, as I’m still figuring out how to be in two places at once.  However I was able to take in their 8PM show with The Bacon Brothers Band.  What an amazing group of performers they were.  Rocking with a bluegrass, country, jazzy, pop vibe this group were thoroughly entertaining and very talented with a big variety of instrumentation which included various percussion, harmonica, mandolin, electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards, etc.  Was so pleased they made Central New York one of their stops on their summer tour schedule.

    At the Grandstands on Day Three we had Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull.  This distinguished performer is hugely talented and one of the best business men I have ever seen in the music business, taking the business by storm and branding himself as a worldwide superstar.  He has appeared in numerous collaborations, taken home award after award (including a Grammy) and built himself an international empire in a ten year span. Taking the stage in a tailored suit and sunglasses, his charm, style, and charisma spilled over into the audience as they screamed and cheered his name.  Singing hit after hit, Pitbull had a stronghold on the audience from the moment he came out.

    As NYS Music covers the Great New York State Fair, we would like to point out a few notables to make sure you take the time to see.  I always have loved the 25 cent milk, the butter sculpture, and all the animals, this year my new discovery was the butterfly exhibit.  For a single $1, you can enter a tent filled with the most beautiful butterflies as they twitter and land on you.  Was an amazing experience and such a cool find right inside the Horticulture Building.  Oh, and while you’re there don’t forget to get your $1 baked potato.

    Looking forward to the next three days there,  the musical acts, foods, and adventures you too can share at the worlds first and best the Great NY State Fair.

  • Pink Talking Fish Swimming Through Northeast This Fall

    Pink Talking Fish, with the wonderful combination of musical influences from Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads, and Phish, will once again make their way around New York and the rest of the Northeast this fall.

    The band loves to weave in and out of all three bands’ repertoires without a pause, making this band one of the most interesting tribute acts out there today. It’s no secret how much New York loves all three of these bands, and the band is playing the most shows in that state to satisfy the crowds. The first New York date is on October 18 at New York City’s The Cutting Room. The following Thursday and Friday will see the band tackle The Wescott Theatre and Putnam Den respectively.

    “There’s some serious energy when it comes to live music in Upstate New York,” said Eric Gould, the band’s bassist. “I went to college in Ithaca so, between attending shows all around the region during my time there and touring with Particle, I have a special place in my soul for this music scene. So psyched about late night Bella Terra and the 1-2 punch of Syracuse/Saratoga. We are going to have no repeats between those 2 shows so that people have an opportunity for a multiple show run PTF experience and catch a bit of the “tour fever”.”

    The last time they were at Putnam Den was a great show and it sounds like this time will be more of the same. The full tour can be seen below.

    pink talking fish 2014

  • Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate to Set the Westcott on ‘Faya’

    Syracuse, are you ready for music that will intrigue your mind, soothe your soul and get you hyped and dancing? Music that stretches the globe in influence and is half-born of a Syracuse native? Music sparked from the collaboration of a local hero turned international performer, and an acclaimed master from a far off land? Then you are ready for Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate. Following an incendiary local performance at the Grassroots Festival in Ithaca, NY, Joe Dricoll and Sekou Kouyate are sure to bring a dedicated Syracuse fan base and many new followers to the Westcott Theater on Aug. 22.

    JoeDriscollSekouKouyate (1)

    Faya, Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate’s debut album and the impetus for the current international tour, is appropriately titled. Throughout most of the album, Joe lays down funky or reggae-based guitar chords while Sekou’s insanely beautiful and rapid kora riffs lick the rhythm like flames. For those of you who have never heard a kora, you are in for a treat. The kora is a West African instrument that plays like a super-fast yet elegant harp. Sekou, a native of the West African country of Guinea, is no average kora player either- he is a master in all senses of the word. He is recognized throughout African music circles as a phenomenon, and known in France as the “Jimi Hendrix of the kora,” for his intensity, flowing virtuosity and innovative use of effects. Joe’s recent years of successful recording and touring as a solo act throughout Europe and the U.S. have polished his skills as a musician and solidified his sound, thereby enabling synthesis of different languages and musical styles. Joe’s unique take on hip-hop, funk, and reggae ties seamlessly into his exploration of exotic Afrobeat and traditional West African grooves.

    Joe and Sekou share vocals throughout the album, which is a testament to both musician’s adaptability. Joe’s characteristic and insightful (English) hip-hop lyrics are broken up by full verses (sung by both) in French. When Sekou met Joe at the Nuit Metis (Mixed Night) Festival in Marseille France, neither of them spoke much of each other’s language; and yet, they were able to construct (in one week) an innovative and highly entertaining musical project that is most definitely hot like Faya.

    Come out to the Westcott Theater on August 26th at 9pm and experience a new take on an old favorite and a cultural coalition that is sure to burn down the house.

  • Electron Ready to Plug-In This Fall

    electron fall 2014Electron, the super group created in 2000 by Disco Biscuits frontman Marc Brownstein, is getting back together for a batch of shows this fall.

    This fall you can catch them at the Catskill Chill Music Festival on September 7th as well as B.B. Kings in New York City on October 17th. The next night they will take the stage at Syracuse’s beautiful Westcott Theatre.

    The group consists of fellow Disco Biscuits member Aron Magner, Mike Greenfield of Lotus, and Tom Hamilton of Brothers Past. This all-star group is always a favorite to go see as they do not tour as often as fans would hope since each member is usually busy with their main band.

    Other shows are spread throughout the Northeast and can be seen below. Make sure to catch them this fall as it’s unknown when the band will have the time in their schedule to come together again.

    September 5 Lancaster, PA—Chameleon Club w/The Beating
    September 6 Worcester, MA—Electric Haze
    September 7 Hancock, NY—Catskill Chill Music Festival
    October 15 Washington, DC—Howard Theatre
    October 16 New Haven, CT—Toad’s Place
    October 17 New York, NY—B.B. King’s
    October 18 Syracuse, NY—Westcott Theatre
    October 19 Philadelphia, PA—TLA