It was a long way from home for Nonpoint, but we couldn’t have been happier to welcome them to enjoy a winter night in Watertown. The Florida rockers braved the cold, December 8, at the Exhibition Hall. Joining them was Chasing Sokaris, Cry to the Blind, Glen Street, and Caustic Method.
Chasing Sokaris started the night. Although these guys are good, something seems to be missing. There wasn’t any wow factor to their performance.
Cry to the Blind took the stage after Chasing Sokaris. Jon Lamanna, Jesse Maty, Ryan Mcfaul, Jay Telarico, and Kory Maclauchlan are on top of their game as their new single, “Unbroken” sweeps the nation. It is the first single written and released since the original lineup was reunited. It is also my new favorite song. They describe the track as “an anthem to the preservation of the human spirit”. After seeing them perform I could not imagine a song that would fit them better. These guys are a band that has mastered the art of performing. Some bands will come on stage and just play music. Yes the music is good but why am I here? Not Cry to the Blind. They blew me away. Jon Lamanna has a presence that immediately commands your attention. I have never seen a group look so happy to be doing what they love. When these guys make it, because I promise they will, I hope they do not lose the energy that makes them so special.
I have to admit when Glen Street stepped on stage I was not expecting much. When you think five teenagers in a band your mind wanders to boy bands perfectly choreographed into teen heart throbs. When most teenage bands are playing in garages, lucky to play at a school dance, these guys are selling merchandise, recording their first single “Blue”, and opening for national names like Nonpoint. From the opening note you see what separates Glen Street from the boys in the garage. Incredible talent. Nick Vanderwood belts out a note that sounds like it came straight from an 80’s metal band. As impressed as I was by Nick the best surprise of the night was Alex Verbickas on the guitar. I can think of seasoned professionals that can not play like this kid. He looks like he has been doing this for decades. If these guys are this good now I can only imagine what the future will hold for them. Glen Street is going to do big things.
Caustic Method has been playing in Watertown since the beginning, and have yet to disappoint an anxious crowd. This has been a great year for Caustic between the release of their album, The Virus, their first music video, and now signing a worldwide marketing deal. As they played a variety of old and new tracks to a room full of friends it is easy to see what all the hype is about. Their music isn’t like anything you will hear in metal, which is quite a feat in this genre It is easy to root for them, not only because they are so talented and dedicated, but they are a group of all around good guys. Matt Caustic interacts with the crowd, remembering he started here, and he really feels like just an old friend. You can take this band out of NY, but I have a feeling this is a band that will never forget where they came from.
By the time Caustic exited the stage I was so pumped, I couldn’t imagine the night could get any better. Then came Nonpoint.I was concerned with the recent change in line up, BC Kochmit replaced Dave Lizzo in August, that the band would suffer but I think they have only improved. Elias Soriano, Robb Rivera, Rasheed Thomas, Adam Wosolyn, and BC Kochmit are touring in support of Nonpoint’s 8th studio album, The Return. Nearly two decades of performing has made Nonpoint a force to be reckoned with. This comes as natural as breathing to them. It is one thing to hear a Nonpoint song on the radio, your heart races, maybe you play a little air guitar, but its a whole other level hearing it live. I think it might be physically impossible to sit still at a Nonpoint concert. Hold on to your hats adrenaline junkies, Nonpoint is going to show you a rush.
For a decade, December 8 has been a reminder of tragedy and loss in the music community. On a night that marked 10 years since the loss of Pantera’s Darrell Abbott, ‘Dimebag Darrell’, Watertown celebrated life in style. A celebration that would make a legend proud.
Nonpoint will be coming to the Exhibition Hall in Watertown, NY, December 8.
The Florida natives are touring in support of their album released in September, The Return. Elias Soriano, lead vocals, has described their eighth full length album as “Nonpoint right the f*** now”. These guys are always evolving and bringing their music to a whole new level. Watertown should be ready to rock out with Nonpoint like never before.
When invited to cover the Second Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass & Arts Festival I did not hesitate to jump at the opportunity. What could be better than enjoying some amazing live music in the beautiful Adirondacks? Located in the Hamilton County hamlet of Speculator/Lake Pleasant, this day long event offered family fun with camping, music, vendors, and good eats. With a stellar line up of Swampcandy, Remsen Social Club, The Old Main, Sleep Man Banjo Boys, and Nick/Jay/Nigel from Floodwood, you couldn’t go wrong.
Nick, Nigel & Braids – 2nd Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival
Swampcandy – As the party began, first up was Swampcandy, the duo of Joey Mitchell and Ruben Dobbs, who brought the beat with their stand up bass and ganjo, rocking those early attendees who had arrived early to secure the perfect spot up front . These two young men bring to an audience a full piece band as they play and sing original tunes that express life as they know it.
The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys – 2nd Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival
Remsen Social Club – These four young men, Bryan Davies on tenor banjo, guitar, wash tub, bass, and vocals; Tim Slusarcyzk on upright bass, harp, and vocals; Ben carrier on guitar, mandolin, harp, 5 string banjo, and vocals; and Chris Taylor on Gatling harps, mouth harp, harmonica in a beer can (yes you read that correctly) and vocals bring something unique with their bluegrass, Americana sound. Playing a mix of original music, such as “Over You Darlin” and “Am I Best” along with some all time favorite covers such as “Stuck In the Middle With You” by Stellars Wheel, they had the crowd wound up and ready for their day long of music and fun.
Remsen Social Club – 2nd Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival
The Old Main– The Old Main showed up ready to give the attendees a show and then some. With Seth Becker on guitar, harmonica, and vocals; Robb Nash on upright bass, tin whistle, and vocals; Gavin Bailey on piano, accordion, and backup vocals; and Mitch Eckler on drums and backup vocals, this quartet certainly sounded as though they had been playing together for ages. With two full sets to be performed, Seth and Nash took the stage first doing a whole set that included many originals and several covers of some of my favorite songs, such as “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Crazy” and “Winding Road”. The versatility of these two to be able to switch from bluegrass to rock to country was seamless, just as their transition to the second set when the whole band joined them on stage to entertain the attendees for the remaining time. Continuing the party for another hour, they were joined on stage by Chris Taylor from the Remsen Social Club on his harmonica in a beer can contraption that produced a unique reverberation and sound I must add . Audience members could be found volleying beach balls, singing, and dancing along with the quartet for the entire time. If I had to describe their performance to someone who couldn’t be there…words such as fun, energetic, enlivened, would be a few words chosen to do so.
2n Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival Vendors
Sleepy Man Banjo Boys – For those who have yet to see these three young men, let me tell you there is nothing sleepy about them. The three brothers, Tommy, Robbie, and Jonny Mizzone, that make up The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, have achieved huge success in their genre, all by the ages of 16, 14, and 11 years old. Seriously? Oh you betcha ladies and gentlemen. As I stood there with my jaw gaping, these three totally mesmerized me with their musical prowess and skill. They are not new however to the music scene as they have just released their third album. Already appearing at The Grand Old Opry and on the David Letterman Show, Sleepy Man Banjo Boys have acquired quite the following, and now have even more with those that saw them for the first time up to Oak Mountain.
Nick, Nigel, & Braids – Always a favorite anywhere they attend, Nick, Nigel, & Braids closed out the Bluegrass Festival in true style. Their ability to bring the party everywhere they go makes them a favorite at every venue they play. With Nigel (Zach) on stand up bass and guitar, Nick on vocals, guitar, and banjo, and Jason (Braids) on mandolin and vocals, a dance party ensues each time they play. Bringing the true spirit of the bluegrass sound from the Appalachian Mountains all the way to our Adirondack Mountains, I can think of no one better to close the Second Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival than Central NY’s very own Nick, Nigel, & Braids. Whether playing individually, as a duo, or with the other members of Floodwood, their distinctive sound is the essence of true Americana music.
As the day wound down, the weather held out, the embers of the bonfire burned down, attendees departed and with a pep in their step and a tune in their heads, they looked forward to the Third Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival.
The one thing I never understood about music festivals was people who bring their dogs with them. How can a dog possibly enjoy a music festival with the loud music, heat/humidity and rain/mud?
It never made sense to bring a dog to a festival under really any circumstances. Service dogs aside, dogs and music festivals don’t go together, period.
Then I brought my dog to a music festival and saw it from the other side of things. Before I share that story, lets talk about service dogs and “service dogs”.
First, there are real, certifiable service dogs, the kind that go through training, stay with their master/friend, and have a purpose to their being there. These service dogs lead the visually impaired, can sense low blood sugar in diabetics, seizures in epileptics and a myriad of other conditions that are better served with a companion than medication or simply not being able to enjoy things like music festivals. The certification process is involving and can ensure that those with a service dog can attend a music festival; or concert for that matter.
Then there are “service dogs” – I put that in quotes because they aren’t service dogs per se, it’s just that the owners have figured out how to fill out a form and bring their dog with them. This dog is a pet and provides no health-related service to their owner, except perhaps curing separation anxiety on either end of things. Perhaps a place to stay better than a music festival was hard to come by, or a kennel wasn’t an option, but “service dogs” or pets that provide no vital service, do not belong at a music festival, period. This group of individuals take away from actual service dogs who are needed to be there to help their owner/master/friend.
Then you have festivals that are so small and camping centric, that service dog or not, dogs are welcome at the discretion of the promoter and land owner. I’m not talking about Bonnaroo, Summer Camp, moe.down or even StrangeCreek – those festivals wouldn’t let you into a festival without proper documentation – and why in the world would you bring a dog to Bonnaroo when it’s June in Tennessee? I’m talking about a music festival that is small enough to accommodate fans who bring their dogs and has an atmosphere and environment that makes bringing a dog a plus.
On Aug. 8, I brought my dog Halley to Backwoods Pondfest, a small music festival in Peru, NY, outside Plattsburgh. The festival is dog friendly, charges $20 per dog and asks they be leashed at all times. This was a fair deal and was a great location to bring dogs, as the weather is never too hot or humid in the northern reaches of New York in early August. The crowd is very animal friendly, with a fair amount of dogs but lacking a negative attitude towards them. Dogs are welcome at Backwoods Pondfest, so long as their respective owners are.
When I brought Halley to Backwoods, she took to the location quickly, watching me unpack what she had watched me pack the day prior, setting up the tent she was familiar with and making a home for the next 36-48 hours. She didn’t bark, she laid and enjoyed the outdoors, as well as her all natural tick remedy that I thought about at the eleventh hour. She enjoyed the crowd, the people and the environment. She is also 14 years old, healthy beyond light arthritis and always in good spirits. As she watched us eat, drink and enjoy our site, she relaxed on the ground and kept a watchful eye. It was like camping anywhere else, just with music playing 100 feet away.
Halley took walks, went inside the grounds, and having lost her hearing this past year, we ventured backstage where she found things comfortable. Any younger and I would not have brought her backstage, but the area was open to all with a media pass, even a girl with a giant Macaw. When I wanted to leave her at the site, Halley was already content. She went into the tent when it got cold and got under her blankets. I checked on her often, being so very close to the site, it took not even a minute to pop in on her and get back to the music. This went on all weekend and she was a happy dog.
But if I brought her last year, or three years ago, or to any other festival in her 14 years, she would have hated it and I would have hated the decision to bring her. Dogs need to run and play and sniff and be curious and explore. Halley has done all that. She was content to explore Backwoods Pondfest from the end of a leash in short walks and hang out at the campsite the rest of the time. With four friends camping with us, she always had someone checking on her and making sure she was having a good time – just like humans do for other humans at festivals.
Had I brought her earlier in the summer or to a larger festival, she would have dealt with heat and sensation overload and I would have seen little music. No fun for either of us. And that is why dogs aren’t meant for festivals. When they are at a festival, they are the focus and the one bit of responsibility a person can have to anyone but him/herself. I have always enjoyed that sense of ZERO responsibility at a festival and only needing to exhibit human decency for the entirety of the event. If I was covering a festival for a media outlet, I would take that responsibility in kind, but a pet, a dog, a friend to keep an eye on – that’s another story. Ever dealt with a friend who took too much of something and you had to babysit or alter plans as a result? Same thing with a dog at a festival, but it lasts all weekend.
When it came to music, I didn’t mind missing some of the acts, since I may see these bands again in the next four months, as many come through Albany on a regular basis. I didn’t mind checking in on Halley and making sure she was OK. I didn’t mind much of anything with her there. I had seen many festivals (60 or so) and was content not overdoing it. The same went for Halley. All of us hung out and saw music and I treated her like one of the regular festival crew I rolled with. She just didn’t see all the music with us and was cool with that. And at night she got cold so she napped in the car with the heat on. Being a dog has its perks.
I brought Halley at the right time to the right festival and the right environment. She is turning 15 in a few weeks. I would never bring her to a festival again, only because this time was perfect all around. But if she was younger and she made it through one Backwoods Pondfest, I wouldn’t mind bringing her to the fest a year later.
Even though she enjoyed the experience, I would not have brought her if it was not allowed and I hadn’t been there before to know what it is like. Knowing the festival and the venue in advance helped a great deal, and I’ll love going back next year and seeing the random gathering of dogs among 1,000 or so festival-goers.
But if you can, leave you dog at home with friends or family. Festivals are meant for humans to enjoy.
As far as music festivals in New York State go, there’s one that stands just a little more Upstate than all the others. Located in Peru, NY, a mere half hour from the Canadian border, Backwoods Pondfest truly lives up to its name. The festival features a scenic backwoods campground that lies, naturally, next to a large pond in the heart of the North Country. For the eighth year in a row, Twin Ponds Campsite played host to both musicians and campers for a weekend that was filled with beautiful weather and live Upstate music.
The festival seems to pride itself in offering a spacious, relaxing camping environment that’s both easily accessible and close to all the action. Campers in certain areas could easily hear the music emanating from the Main Stage without even leaving their site. Sets that alternated all weekend between the main stage and the Tent Stage, a smaller stage located a little further into the woods, helped make not missing a note of music all weekend a distinct possibility for some. Pondfest is also extremely dog friendly provided they’re kept on leashes, a rule that seemed to be respected by everyone. All these elements just help add to the appeal of a smaller festival like this one.
Even with only two days of music, the 2014 edition of Backwoods Pondfest was still able to produce a weekend full of top notch music that featured several memorable and impressive collaborations. Under the only slightly gray and overcast sky of the weekend, Friday’s action really seemed to elevate after a set from playonbrother featuring Alan Evans of Soulive. His new project features a new organ player, Kris Yunker, who was chosen to replace Beau Sasser who recently left the band to pursue other endeavors. Big shoes to fill indeed, and Yunker did a fine job along with guitarist Danny Mayer in accompanying Evans, who is a verified whirlwind on the drum kit, in crafting a sound full of soul, funk and the occasional hard rock. In addition to their spirited original songs, playonbrother has also been known to feature Cream covers in their sets and this was on full display here in the form a set closing “Sunshine of Your Love”.
Festival hosts Lucid then played an acoustic set over at the Tent Stage in front of a rapt group of fans of the Plattsburgh based band whose members are prominently involved in the setup and production of this festival every year. When they’re not helping out behind the scenes, Lucid traditionally plays one set each day of the festival and this year would prove to be no different. With guitarist Kevin Sabourin brandishing an acoustic model, the North Country rockers treated everyone to a set full of signature original songs and blues covers that helped keep the rising spirits and festival momentum going in the same direction.
Normally, a rap or R& B artist might have a “fish out of water” feel to them in a festival lineup full of jam bands and rock outfits like this one. However, Chali 2na was anything but this as he and his backing band House of Vibe led a now riveted crowd through a set of hip hop classics and originals on the Main Stage. A talented keyboardist on backup vocals and a more than sturdy rhythm section made sure this more than just set of rap songs but, rather, one that also encompassed elements of jazz, blues and even rock. This was also not even the first Pondfest appearance for one of the founding members of rap group Jurassic 5, as Chali 2na was also on the bill in 2010 by himself and in 2011 in a collaboration with Break Science. An act that may have raised some eyebrows at first glance seemed to win over the entire crowd and create nothing but smiles in the end.
With temperatures now beginning to dip in the North Country on a night that felt more like mid-autumn than late summer, the last act on the Main Stage was also no stranger to this Upstate festival. Twiddle, a Vermont based band that seems to be making a slow and steady ascension to national notoriety, played at the original Backwoods Pondfest in 2007. Their Friday night set showcased the group’s lighthearted yet poignant songwriting that compliments a cohesive and infectious bed of music quite nicely.
This set was also where the communal atmosphere between different bands and their members really began to take shape as several notable sit ins highlighted the performance. First, Kevin Sabourin of Lucid returned to the stage to lend his guitar work to a full on “Fire on the Mountain” jam. Next, Scott Hannay of Mister F joined the Pondfest veterans and eagerly supplied his signature keyboard style on a performance of “Apples”. Lowell Wurster, Lucid’s percussionist and one of the driving forces behind the entire festival, also supplied some musical assistance with strong harmonica play on a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”.
Campers on Saturday awoke to a bright, sunny sky that never let up all day. Not only was the climate on this second and final day of music a beautiful one, but the music itself had a true Upstate New York feel to it seemingly from start to finish beginning with Capital Zen opening the festivities on the Main Stage. The Glens Falls based group helped serve as the day’s first wake up call as they rolled through a set of high octane originals that showcased the band’s clear hard rock influences while being mixed with Primus and Red Hot Chili Peppers covers. Scott Hannay, a former Zen member, once again lent his services with a spot on Les Claypool impression on a take of Primus’ “Tommy the Cat”.
Afterwards, the Upstate music train kept rolling along with a fine performance from Formula 5 in the Tent Stage. This is a group whose four members are from various areas in the Capital region who still seem to be getting their feet wet in the live music scene, but are clearly moving in the right direction. With a new album Edging on Catastrophe recently released. Formula 5 treated revelers under the tent to selections from that as well as impressive Jeff Beck and Deodato covers which show a group cohesion and technical proficiency well beyond the band’s years. One of the highlights was a slow and extended “2001” that had everyone within earshot nodding in approval.
Things then got decidedly bluegrassy on the Main Stage as afternoon sets from Hot Day at the Zoo and Cabinet served as a breather of sorts before the closing acts of the weekend. Clearly picking up on today’s musical theme, Hot Day at the Zoo even included a song called “Upstate Girl” in their set as well as a string version of “Cumberland Blues”.
Established Upstate act Conehead Buddha later played on the Tent Stage and while they may be based downstate in Brooklyn, Turkuaz was one of the first heavy hitters of the evening and delivered the type of powerhouse set that’s now expected from this ascending big band. Highlights included a standout version of “Bubba Slide”, an original, as well as crowd pleasing cover choices in an up tempo version of The Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women”, a funked out rendition of The Band’s “The Shape I’m In” and a set closer of The Beatles’ classic, “I’ve Got a Feeling”.
Another veteran Pondfest act then took over the reigns on the Main Stage as Spiritual Rez, playing for the seventh time here, led the crowd through a set of incredible music that had everyone singing and dancing along to this group signature reggae-funk hybrid of sound. Lead guitarist and vocalist Toft Willingham is a verifiable ball of energy and doubles as a legitimate comedic presence on stage. The entire band seemed locked in from start to finish and seemed to not only play but move in unison at parts. A frenetic large scale jam that included members of Turkuaz served as the crest of an impressive wave of music that was truly one of the highlights of the weekend.
The festival would not be complete, however, without one last set from Lucid to help close things out. The North Country natives took to the stage once more, this time the Main Stage, for another set of beloved classics and blues inspired covers. Wurster made sure to also take some time to thank those who helped throw this annual backwoods bash as well as the crowd. He later brought up “the best man he knows”, his father George, to play some harmonica in what has come to be a festival tradition, if not a staple.
With music now completed on the Main Stage, the last act of the weekend belonged to Albany’s Mister F who treated fans to hits from their recent release The F Stands Four in a set that may have been lacking in attendance due to the time slot but one that certainly didn’t lack the energy this band seems to emit in every live performance. Songs like “This One Goes to 11” and “Vocoder” were executed almost perfectly as the Upstate psychedelic rockers offered one last go round on the dance floor before the book on this year’s Backwoods Pondfest was finally closed.
With no music scheduled for Sunday, people were able to leave at their leisure on what turned out to be another day of gorgeous Upstate New York weather. Another chapter of this burgeoning music festival was now complete. Backwoods Pondfest may not be on the largest plot of land or offer the most extensive music lineup as some as other festivals, but with a beautiful, established home and a proven ability to present the very best in regional music, it’ll undoubtedly be a fixture on the summer festival circuit for years to come as it continues to grow in size and splendor.
moe.down 15 is set for its return Labor Day Weekend at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, N.Y.
After moving to a different location several years ago, the fest is finally back to the original time and place where it all began. There’s no doubt that moe. fans and live music lovers are pleased by the announcement.
moe.down began at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort in 2000 with around 3,000 people in attendance and has since grown to become home to roughly 10,000 music revelers for Labor Day Weekend. More important than the time and location of the festival, is the band that started it all, moe.. The Rock/Jam quintet has had a revolving cast since their forming at the University of Buffalo in 1989, with Rob Derhak and Chuck Garvey being the only original members remaining. moe. has become a veteran and staple of the festival scene, getting their start at Gathering of the Vibes in 1998.
This year’s line-up will include moe., Gogol Boredello, O.A.R., Lotus, Soulive, Les Claypool’s Due De Twang, Jerry Douglas Band, The Rich Robinson Band, Everyone Orchestra, Twiddle, Floodwood, Aqueous, The Werks, Conehead Buddha, American Babies, and Wild Adriatic. Representing the Upstate New York area is Aqueous of Buffalo, known for their Groove/Rock style, Conehead Buddha with their Latin and funk rhythms hailing from Coxsackie, Floodwood and their unforgettable String Band sound from Utica, Wild Adriatic of Saratoga Springs, and of course moe..
The festival grounds at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort are a beautiful and well suited are for the event, with the ski slopes for seating. There are two stages on the grounds, with numerous vendors selling many different types of food and other goods. Two support groups for festivalgoers can be found; Yodeladies, a women’s support group and The Happy Hour Heroes, an AA Support group. Both being named after moe. songs. The adjacent hills are used as camping grounds, separated into Family and Sober, Quiet and Regular camping areas. A Kid’s Tent is set up during the day from 12-4pm for parents needing their young ones supervised. Snow Ridge Ski Resort is also right next to the local Steak N’ Brew for anyone wanting an actual meal at the fest.
moe.down has been host to many big name headliners over the last 15 years, besides moe. themselves. Past headlining acts include Stanley Jordan Trio, Umphrey’s McGee, Slightly Stupid, The Black Keys, Cake, Redman and Method Man, Ani DiFranco, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bela Fleck, The Roots, Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood, Ziggy Marley, Keller Williams, Tea Leaf Green, Violent Femmes, Blues Traveler, Mike Gordon, Michael Franti and Spearhead, John Brown’s Body, Donna the Buffalo, Soulive, The Wailers, Dave Grissam Quartet, and Les Claypool.
moe.down 15 will provide a nice mix of Jam, Rock, Funk, and Bluegrass for live music lovers from the Upstate area and abroad. The beautiful grounds, wholesome environment, and good music can be a perfect end of the summer getaway for any type of person. The fest starts Friday, August 29th and will end Sunday the 31st. Tickets are on sale now for $150 and may also be bought at the gate. Parking for the weekend will be an addition $10. More information can be found at the moe.down website.
moe.down 15 Festival Playlist
Warm yourself up for moe.down 15 with a preview playlist of this year’s preforming artists.
Performers on the playlist include moe., Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang, O.A.R., Soulive, Lotus, Floodwood, Aqueous, Twiddle, and The Werks. Be sure to check out the upcoming moe.down 15 Festival Preview via NYS Music Music Guide.
moe.down 15 will be held on Labor Day weekend, August 29-31, at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, N.Y. For tickets, please visit the band’s website.
The 8th Annual Backwoods Pondfest starts this weekend! For the next two days, the North Country will come alive with live music from more than 20 bands, art, a disc golf tournament, fire spinning plus much more at Peru, N.Y.
Voted one of ‘s top festivals, Backwoods attracts people from all over the East Coast for the intimate festival setting with the beautiful backdrop of the Adirondacks that is dog and family friendly. Growing strong in their 8th year, Backwoods knows how to book a solid lineup with this year being no different with such acts as Spiritual Rez, Chali 2na and the House of Vibe, Twiddle, Aqueous, Conehead Buddha plus many more.
Formula 5 hails from the Capital District, consisting of Mike McDonald on keyboards, Joe Davis on guitar, drummer Greg and their newest member, James on bass. The quartet has been heavily touring in support of their latest album, Edging on Catastrophe which is available for free stream on their site. (They also have many of their live show performances available for listening/downloading via archive.org.)
Their harmonies are on point with crisp and tight improvisational jams blending rock, jazz, funk, electronica plus much more to please anyone’s musical taste. Formula 5 will be performing TONIGHT at Shepard’s Cove in Lake George, NY before playing at Backwoods on the Tent Stage for a Saturday Afternoon set.
Tickets are still available at the festival gate for $85 but bringing a non-perishable food item for Strangers Helping Strangers takes $5 off your ticket price. Early Arrival Single Day Saturday tickets are available with a discounted price of $55 at 8am. Don’t miss your chance to experience the party by the pond and meet us in the backwoods. Be sure to like on Facebook, twitter and Instagram for Backwoods and all your festival coverage.
The 8th annual Backwoods Pondfest, held in beautiful Adirondack Region of Peru, NY only a short drive from Plattsburgh and neighboring Canada takes place this coming weekend of August 8th and 9th. The 2 day festival will feature live music, art, yoga, hooping classes and new this year, a Disc Golf Tournament. Backwoods Pondfest attracts people from all over the East Coast every year, looking for an intimate festival experience that is family friendly yet knows how to party. The festival offers a large range of musicians, supporting both national and regional acts with this year’s lineup featuring The Manhattan Project, Chali 2na and The house of Vibe, Twiddle, Alan Evans’ Playonbrother, Aqueous, and many more. This “Road to Backwoods” piece will highlight the local improv band, Doomf*ck.
Doomf*ck hails from Plattsburgh, NY with Backwoods Pondfest being right in their own backyard to rage the Tent Stage first thing Saturday morning. There is a consistent rotation of band members with main stable member and bassist Catherine-Harrison-Wurster leading the heavy improv band. The diverse lineup creates a unique show experience each time with a fusion of jazz, punk, funk and simply noise. Doomf*ck will be performing tonight Aug 4 at Club Metronome, located above the historic Nectar’s in Burlington, VT as part of Metal Mondays with RAIL, Mac Swan and Black Holly. Doors are at 9pm with a charge of $5 for 18+ and $3 for 21+ event.
Tickets are still available for Backwoods Pondfest on their site or at any show with Lucid, The Garcia Project, Capital Zen and North Funktree. The last day to purchase tickets online is Tuesday Aug 5th but will be available at the festival at the gate. With early bird tickets already sold out, don’t miss out on your chance to experience Backwoods Pondfest. Be sure to like on Facebook, twitter and Instagram for Backwoods and all your festival coverage.
It is nearly impossible to talk about the music community in Watertown without discussing the fun-loving guys of Wagner’s Agenda. The band started in 2010 and has struggled with various line ups over the years. In 2014, playing more than 160 shows a year, Andrew Willis, Mark Getman Jr, Gino Cappuccetti, and Bobby Perkins, have formed the perfect combination of talent. This foursome is not only incredibly talented but has proved to be a great asset to the community. From performing several benefits every year, including the annual Keith Brabant Music Scholarship Festival, to sparking a change in the music scene by hosting local jam nights and sharing the stage at their own gigs; Wagner’s Agenda are the kind of guys’ fans love to root for. While performing in a wide range of genres the band shows the versatility in their talent. It truly seems there is nothing these guys can not do. They have won the hearts of followers with their talent and showmanship. One is almost guaranteed a good time with Wagner’s Agenda. In the words of keyboard player Gino Cappuccetti, “Having fun is the name of the music game.” As I sat down to talk with them, I learned the fun doesn’t stop on stage.
Katrina Johnson: How did you guys get started?
Guitarist, Bobby Perkins.
Gino Cappuccetti: We started after we lost a buddy, Keith Barabant. I had been playing in a cover band with him. When we lost him my son was almost a year old, we were doing things that didn’t make us money, still playing a lot but it was like we need this cover band. Bobby and I were playing Queen August at the time with two other gentlemen and we decided none of us can sing, so we hired Ian Wagner. After he left I called Mark and Anthony Ubriaco and I said any interest? That was in 2011 and that lineup stayed for a while. So about a year ago when Anthony left we hired Andrew
Mark Getman: But that’s it,this is final.
KJ: So you guys have found the right line up?
Gino Cappuccetti: Bands are a funny thing. Before I always felt like if I did something wrong I’m going to lose this. I never felt like anything was solidified, with these guys I do. We are all friends, there is communication. I can’t find this anywhere else in Northern NY. I have played with a lot of people and this just feels right. It’s not even about the playing, I can sit and talk to them, but when we play its extra special.
BobbyPerkins: We are at that point now where we can listen to any song, any style and say I think we can do that somehow. We are just that band that goes for what other bands think is impossible
Gino Cappuccetti: At this point it isn’t just about the music. We are a live band going out, we have to entertain our age group as well as older generations. The talking, the jokes, the antics, that’s a huge draw for us. You work all week, you want to get away from it, you come see us. We bring that element.
KJ: Were you guys friends before or did you meet through the music community?
Andrew Willis: Gino and Mark knew each other growing up. They jammed together. Gino and I jammed once when we were kids. Like 15 or 16. We didn’t really hit it off. We weren’t necessarily the best of friends.
Gino Cappuccetti: He was talented; it had nothing to do with that. I was just young.
Andrew Willis: I met Mark through my fiance. She knew they had this band so I went to see them. It was just this energy that I wasn’t finding in any other band. A year later with some pushing and nudging I was in the band.
Gino Cappuccetti: Bobby and Mark really made the best move. I was apprehensive at first. He was busy. I was like how is this guy going to join the busiest band up here. But it has worked. Bobby started Wagner’s with me with the lineup from Queen August.
BobbyPerkins: We actually met at a music store. My brother and I were talking about music theory and Gino chimes in, talking our ears off. So he invites us out to see him play, it was the first time I had ever seen him play keyboard, and I thought he was really good. I moved away to Florida and when I came back 2 years later I ran into him. He had me come out and jam again. We started talking and he told me about Queen August.
KJ: I have noticed you guys play in a lot of different genres. Do you have a favorite?
Gino Cappuccetti: I don’t think we all agree on one. I like progressive and rock and fusion. But that’s my roots. Bobby’s is metal. I like everything.
Mark Getman: I appreciate progressive stuff,I’m not as crazy about that. I’m just hard rock. Rock and roll.
Andrew Willis: Maybe it’s just because I’m a bass player,but I like songs that I have to be present for, I have to pay attention for them. The thing I really like is the nights when we are firing on all cylinders. Even if it’s cheesy music, when we are on one of those streaks where man we just can’t go wrong.
Gino Cappuccetti: As long as we are getting that energy back from them, it really doesn’t matter what we are doing. You can bring an old song,do it a little differently and people are like aha! Mark Getman: Not much is off limits for us
KJ: Do you guys want to take this further or are you happy with where you are now?
Mark Getman: We do. We are trying to figure out what that is and how it is going to work. For me personally, I’m really curious. I want to get out there and test the waters and see how we stack up to all the other bands in the scene.
Gino Cappuccetti: We can do this anywhere. It’s not just us going ‘oh yea good job Bobby’. People tell us, you guys have it. I don’t think we are going to Hollywood but I know we can take this farther. This is the pivotal point because I can book everything for next year in the next month.
Bobby Perkins: Otherwise you get too used to what you are doing.
Andrew Willis: Even for the sake of keeping things fresh. Playing in a band that played the same set list in the same order night after night that started to get crappy. We had the songs down but we basically turned into a jukebox. So even if we aren’t growing we are always going to be changing and adding things.
Gino Cappuccetti: Next year we are definitely going to take steps to branching out. There is talent everywhere. I just think it’s this combination. There are better bass players, singers, keyboard players, hell they are up here. But you can get four of the best together and they can’t work together. We have something unique. But those are the risks you take in the music business, all that talent, it’s still a lottery ticket. You have to make sacrifices.
Bass player, Andrew Willis, on drums.
KJ: One of my favorite things about you guys is almost every show I have been to Mark and Andrew switch places at some point. Was that always the plan?
Drummer, Mark Getman.
Mark Getman: That started when Anthony and Josh were in the band. I like to doodle on the bass. I’m just a frustrated musician, can’t really focus on one thing. I just thought it would be an interesting gimmick.
Andrew Willis: It makes sense with us at least because we are both rhythm section.
Mark Getman: There are just some songs the rhythm section is just so simple. It gives me something to look forward to in the night. It gives me a chance to get up interact with the crowd. Its more of a challenge because it’s not my primary instrument. I think people like that novelty
KJ: Where did you each learn to play?
Bobby Perkins: A lot of us started in middle school. I picked up the trombone, and then the guitar about 3 years later, so music has always been part of my education.
Gino Cappuccetti: Mark and I had a really great band teacher in school. She encouraged me to play keyboard. She allowed us to stay after school with no supervision at 16, locked us in the band room and let us practice until 8 or 9 at night. Dawn Burnette was integral in our lives.
Andrew Willis: My uncle was a bass player, he taught me a couple of things. I was in 6th grade, I saw a kid playing bass in the jazz band and I told my mom I’m going to be in that band. So in 7th grade I joined. It got me in contact with a couple other guitar players. They wanted me to join their cover band. I thought it was cool because they were in high school and I was 11. I told my mom and she was like no. Eventually it worked out, she would come to all the bars so I could play, she had to I was 11. That was almost 20 years ago. When we were kids my mom had this learn piano Suzuki where you would listen to tapes, you have the music in front of you but you don’t know what you are looking at you just know how it sounds, I think that helped with being able to pick things up. We can all do that, I think that’s part of the magic. If someone comes up and pitches a song, ‘hey play this Dave song’, and we are like’ sure we’ve heard it once or twice’. It may not be perfect but it will be close.People who have gone to school and been trained properly I’m sure just look at us like a band of hooligans. But it’s the intangible things. Even if you have a problem with our technique, we can still put on a show and entertain you.
KJ: Who are your idols?
Bobby Perkins: As far as guitar is concerned, my Uncle Don. He heard I had an interest in the guitar and had me come down to the studio when he was playing. I just absolutely loved it. So I got a guitar, started learning the basics from him. I have too many influences to name, the list is so long.. Mark is into Rush so he exposed me to more of that kind of music and I started to gravitate towards that. Gino has opened a million doors for me coming from his background.
Gino Cappuccetti: I always liked music, I played video games as a kid, I always like the tunes in them. Id record them on a cassette tape so I could listen to that. I knew songs on the radio but it didn’t touch me. When you are a kid that’s what gets you. After that it was the band Genesis. I didn’t know a keyboard could make all these other sounds. I thought every weird sound on there was an instrument, it’s the keyboard. So I told my mom, I want a keyboard. From there it took off. Rick Wade and Keith Emerson are keyboard guys that influenced me. Steve Vibe was huge in my life, he was a guitar player. When I saw him, I was like I want to be able to command an audience like that. He’s just got something, that gimmick, that show, that presence, you need that. I don’t care if you are playing classical, if that’s the way you get rid of that energy there’s no rules.
Mark Getman: My mother always had rock music on so I grew up singing along to anything that would be considered classic rock now. The thing that made me want to play drums was Nirvana. They left their mark. The thing that I was drawn to was watching the “Smells like Teen Spirit’ video, there is a bunch of slow motion shots of Dave Grohl playing the drums, symbols going everywhere, hair is flying, and I was like man I want to play the drums. As I got older I moved on from Nirvana, and then I followed Dave Grohl into Foo Fighters, where he became front man. Dave Grohl is definitely a part of how I approach performing in front of people. He just gives his all, gets people pumped up, whether he’s playing on the drums or being front man. Once I got into college I got into this Rush obsession. I discovered a DVD of theirs and I was just blown away by their musicianship. They are awesome rock musicians. Geddy Lee is a big influence on how I like to sing, I have a higher voice I kind of emulate that in a lot of ways. I’m influenced by a lot of people. I like to think most anybody has something to offer.
Andrew Willis: My mom and dad played together. My dad wanted to be Jon Lennon, he had the white suit. My mom was awesome on the piano. So the only thing left in the house to form a trio was this bass. So I’m sitting their playing notes that don’t make ne sense, and my mom tells my dad just show him something. So he did. He started getting me into Jethro Tull and Frank Zappa. Tull in some of their early recordings the bass line pushed a lot of those songs. That’s where I started digging into bands that had bass players. Thin Lizzy, Red hot Chili peppers;Flea is a nutcase, if I could just tap into half of his energy. I started idolizing Jaco Pastrius for a while, a lot of these jazz greats who aren’t necessarily playing bass as much as they are playing another lead instrument. I cant play bass like a guitar.
Gino Cappuccetti: You could, I’ve seen you do solos. Most of the bass players up here are scared of him but he won’t tell u that, he doesn’t even think that. He is very accomplished. The guy is singing and playing like it’s no big deal, its hard to do.
Andrew Willis: I’ve never been comfortable playing in front of people. I feel like I’m doing something very personal. Its kind of selfish thing, I’m playing for me all the time, I’m like oh I like what I just did.
Mark Getman: I think Andrew being the way he is a nice counterpart to Gino and I.
Gino Cappuccetti: Andrew and I are probably the most different. Mark and I are alike when it comes to the business aspect. But when it comes to being an authoritarian, its Andrew.
KJ: So he is kind of like the dad of the group?
Gino Cappuccetti: More like the grandpa. We can get a little crazy, sometimes Andrew is like…a little too much. And he keeps things organized; he likes things to be in place. Mark doesn’t care. Bobby is right in the middle of it all. There are different personalities but the sense of humor is universal. We make each other laugh. But when Andrew first came along he didn’t assert himself. And it upset me. He kept saying it’s your band. It’s not. I just talk more than everybody else and make more phone calls. I can’t do this by myself.
Mark Getman: Andrew is such a kind, giving soul, so when he came in he was worried about stepping on peoples toes. But I’d like to think of us as a team. Everyone has their rolls, some more than others.
KJ: What do you want people to know about Wagner’s Agenda?
Gino Cappuccetti: One thing that has been said about us is that we have more guests than anybody in this area. Every night we have at least 5 people come in from other bands playing with us. We are very good at sharing the stage. We like to give back. We try to help our community because they pay our bills. We are very much into our music scene, it’s not like a competition.
Andrew Willis: We are trying to build things up instead of tearing them down.
Excitement continues to build as one of Upstate’s top music festivals, Backwoods Pondfest, is only a week away. The 8th annual 2 day festival will take place in Peru, NY on August 8 and 9 with live music, car camping, art and much more. Settled way up in the North Country, Backwoods attracts people of all ages from all over the East Coast each year with a family friendly environment and party loving attitude. The lineup is never a disappointment, making this year no different especially with Chali 2na and House of Vibe, Twiddle, Spiritual Rez, Turkuaz, plus many more. This “Road to Backwoods” edition will focus on the band hosting the festival itself, Lucid.
Lucid is versatile enough to perform in small bars or large outdoor stages with a strong stage presence that is fun and captivating. Given their Plattsburgh upbringing, their music is raw and honest that fuse together northern rock, funk and honky-tonk blues. Lucid will perform two sets throughout the festival weekend, an acoustic set on Friday night and an electric late night set on Saturday. This past year, Lucid was the winner of the March Madness tournament, a true testimony to their passionate fan base after going strong for 10 years together. Lucid will be performing TONIGHT at the Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs Aug 1, performing two sets starting at 9PM with a $7 cover for the 21+ event where you can also purchase tickets for Backwoods Pondfest.
Tickets are still available for Backwoods Pondfest and can be purchased on their website or at any show featuring The Garcia Project, Capital Zen and North Funktree. Tickets are only $70 including over 20 bands on 2 stages with 2 nights of car camping. Bring a non-perishable good and receive $5 off ticket price if you buy tickets Day of Show. Be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter for more to come from out “Road to Backwoods” series.
Lucid performing “Crazy Fucked Up World” from Backwoods Pondfest 2013
Cry to the Blind took the stage after Chasing Sokaris. Jon Lamanna, Jesse Maty, Ryan Mcfaul, Jay Telarico, and Kory Maclauchlan are on top of their game as their new single, “Unbroken” sweeps the nation. It is the first single written and released since the original lineup was reunited. It is also my new favorite song. They describe the track as “an anthem to the preservation of the human spirit”. After seeing them perform I could not imagine a song that would fit them better. These guys are a band that has mastered the art of performing. Some bands will come on stage and just play music. Yes the music is good but why am I here? Not Cry to the Blind. They blew me away. Jon Lamanna has a presence that immediately commands your attention. I have never seen a group look so happy to be doing what they love. When these guys make it, because I promise they will, I hope they do not lose the energy that makes them so special.
Then you have festivals that are so small and camping centric, that service dog or not, dogs are welcome at the discretion of the promoter and land owner. I’m not talking about Bonnaroo, Summer Camp, moe.down or even StrangeCreek – those festivals wouldn’t let you into a festival without proper documentation – and why in the world would you bring a dog to Bonnaroo when it’s June in Tennessee? I’m talking about a music festival that is small enough to accommodate fans who bring their dogs and has an atmosphere and environment that makes bringing a dog a plus.
