Category: North Country

It’s Time for March Madness!

Welcome to March Madness! This is our first year in creating this tournament-style competition between artists and bands that originated in Upstate New York and we think with Upstate New York’s history of incredible musicians, we have the potential for an interesting style of March Madness to share with you all.

For starters, there are four regions, made up of the four parts to Upstate NY – Western NY, Central NY, Southern Tier and Eastern NY. We broke them up by Area Codes – West Region covers 716 and 585, Central Region covers all of 315, South Region includes 845 and 607, while East Region is 100% 518, stretching all the way to Canada.

We chose these bands based on their historical presence in Upstate NY, their origins in Upstate, popularity, a selection of many genres (but no cover bands, sorry), focusing on who comes to mind in each of these four regions. We ranked them based on the best known band/artist from each region, 1 through 16.

Did we miss some? Let us know! There were some bands that didn’t make the cut, and some we might have overlooked in this process.

Voting will begin on March 17th at Noon with the first round, which ends on March 20th. Round 2 will start the 21st, with more announcements as each round progresses. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and .com for details and to see who advanced to the next round!

– Pete Mason, Managing Editor,

A note to moe. fans – we know they started out in Buffalo and then developed a larger following while in Albany, but have had 14 (soon 15) moe.downs in 315 – we split the difference to place them there.

Update 3/19 7pm: Due to an OVERWHELMING response to our Upstate March Madness, voting for Round 1 has been closed. The vote totals have been counted and we will share the winners of Round 1 tomorrow afternoon, with a complete bracket of all the teams.

The response has been greater than we expected, with THOUSANDS of votes cast by fans and bands. There are some upsets, a few Cinderallas to look out for and key Round 2 matchups to which to look forward to.

Stay tuned for Round 2 of Upstate March Madness!!

Update 3/21 12pm: Vote in Round 2 here!

518 East Region

1 Ominous Seapods
2 Blotto
3 Skinless
4 Peter Prince
5 Phantogram
6 Conehead Buddha
7 Stellar Young
8 Eastbound Jesus
9 Wild Adriatic
10 Stigmata
11 Titanics
12 Restless Streets
13 Mister F/Timbre Coup
14 Digital Dharma
15 Formula 5
16 Lucid

315 Central Region

1 Ronnie James Dio
2 Blue Oyster Cult
3 moe.
4 Joe Bonamassa
5 Joanne Shenandoah
6 Martin Sexton
7 Tony Trischka
8 Ra Ra Riot
9 Gym Class Heroes
10 Sophistafunk
11 Floodwood
12 Dexter Grove
13 Los Blancos
14 House on a Spring
15 Joe Driscoll
16 Birdseed Bandits

716/585 West Region

1 Goo Goo Dolls
2 Rick James
3 Ani Difranco
4 Cannibal Corpse
5 Dr. Dirty (John Valby)
6 Neal and Alan Evan (Soulive)
7 Snapcase
8 Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
9 Thunderbody
10 Buddhahood
11 Spyro Gyra
12 Aqueous
13 Big Leg Emma
14 Manhattan Project
15 Funktional Flow
16 Smackdab

607/845 South Region

1 Pete Seeger
2 Donna the Buffalo
3 John Brown’s Body
4 Perfect Thyroid
5 Sim Redmond Band
6 Big Mean Sound Machine
7 Jimkata
8 Driftwood
9 Solaris
10 Yolk
11 Wingnut
12 3
13 Revision
14 Spectacular Average Boys
15 Notorious String Dusters
16 Professor Louie and the Crowmatix

March 17, 2014
518 East Region: Vote in the First Round of March Madness!

Upstateology Breakdown: By square mileage alone, the 518 area code is the largest region in our bracket, covering 24 counties and 1,200 zip codes. Leading the empire of all regions is the Ominous Seapods, an all-time favorite jam band whose heyday lived out in the 1990’s. With a sound closely resembling Phish, their popularity extended throughout all of Upstate New York before disbanding in the new millennium. They are lead dog ahead of Blotto, influencers of new-wave bands who have come out of the woodwork recently to perform live shows. But prognosticators question whether these old-timers have the endurance to withstand a youthful pack that’s close at their heels. Skinless, at No. 3, represents the rising popularity of death metal, and a two-piece band by the name of Phantogram at No. 5 brings its spaced-out synths and samples, along with the following of a quarter-million strong on Facebook. But, the band with the glass slipper at this dance belongs to Lucid at the No. 16 spot. This versatile group from Plattsburgh will throw everything at the competition, incorporating traditional rock instruments with saxophone and even a harp! Jazz, rock, honky-tonk and reggae are all within their repertoire, guaranteeing to have opponents in fits. – Michael Hallisey

All 8 polls for the bracket are listed below – make sure you vote for each!

See the full field of 64 bands and artists!

1 Ominous Seapods v 16 Lucid
2 Blotto v 15 Formula 5
3 Skinless v 14 Digital Dharma
4 Peter Prince v 13 Mister F/Timbre Coup
5 Phantogram v 12 Restless Streets
6 Conehead Buddha v 11 Titanics
7 Stellar Young v 10 Stigmata
8 Eastbound Jesus v 9 Wild Adriatic

Polls are now closed! Stay tuned for Round 2 matchups coming Friday, March 21st!

March 17, 2014
Upstate Metal is Merging with UpstateLIVE

It is rare to find a music fan who devotes their time to only one type of music. When speaking with the musicians that you read about on our websites, you will find a huge diversity of bands that had influenced their love for music.

And, that is the basis behind our most recent change.

Upstate Live is excited to announce its merger with Upstate Metal. Each has focused on the same mission – to promote live music and the local talent here in the Empire State.

Through the years, we have come to recognize the best way to follow through with this mission statement of ours would be to combine our efforts. Music fanatics appreciate a wide spectrum of sound that carries them through different genres. As these tastes mature and musicians continue to push the envelope on the characteristics that define their given category, it has become difficult to discern where one genre ends and another one begins.

In the coming weeks, regular readers of may notice a few new names. With the merger, we welcome within the talented writers and photographers that helped earn success for Upstate Metal. This talented group of writers, photographers and editors will only enhance our ability to spread great music across the state to bring you the coverage you have already come to expect from us.

In addition, you should expect to see a new look to our website very soon. It is not all about aesthetics. We promise this will help all of our readers to navigate clearly by region, genre, and news category.

March 12, 2014
Chris ‘Hollywood’ English Joins Lucid as New Drummer

North Country Adirondack-rock, blues-fusion outfit Lucid is continuing their 10-year journey with a new drummer. Chris “Hollywood” English is deeply rooted in music as he comes from a family full of musicians. The addition of Chris only solidifies the growth and forward motion of Lucid. It is a match made in musical utopia.

Chris has an extensive musical background and attended The School of the Arts Performing School in Rochester. His musical upbringing, schooling and time spent playing on the road have shaped him into a musician who is not only a crowd-pleaser, but into someone that’s known and respected among his peers.

Throughout Chris’ career, he has shared the stage with Charlie Hunter, moe., Bobby Blue Bland, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Soulive, Robert Randolph, The Word and AudioInFlux, to name a few. Chris is currently working on his first solo album, which will showcase songs that he has composed and written, with plans to release in the coming year.

Chris plays drums with an intense rhythmic accuracy and skill that every drummer strives for, but few can deliver. His talent on the drums in concert with his incredibly powerful and soulful vocals contributes to any venture he takes on, aiding in creating a complete and euphonious musical experience for an audience.

Find yourself in the celebration that is a Lucid show, and you’ll quickly understand the infectious, unique experience that music fans are raving about. Come and join the party.

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March 6, 2014
Cosmic Jackson Storms the North Country

The Adirondacks are best known in the winter time as a destination for skiers, snow borders, ice fishing, and snowmobilers. So it was a pleasant surprise on my visit to Oak Mountain, in Lake Pleasant, NY on February 22nd to see how they have incorporated an entire music series for all of their patrons and locals to enjoy once the sun went down on the mountains, featuring Cosmic Jackson.

This is becoming a trend we see with other ski resorts as well, such as Woods Valley, who have taken to offering live music throughout the winter season for both visitors and locals to enjoy. I think it is a brilliant way to feature wonderful local talent and reach an audience of all ages that may not necessarily venture out otherwise for live music.

Starting off their winter music series at Oak Mountain was the Willie Playmore Band, followed by Jason and Nick from Floodwood, local favorites The Birdseed Bandits, and Marshall Stewart’s acoustical show, as well as many other talented artists. Excited to see this evening’s featured band, Cosmic Jackson, I settled in to a packed audience of many patrons who I had seen earlier on the slopes, as well as some new faces of snowmobilers that stopped for some food, drinks, and a good time. I was happily surprised at this band’s amazing musicality and harmony on the two guitars, bass, and drums. Playing such an eclectic set list of music, the dance floor didn’t stop all night. Cover songs varied from Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”, to Bob Dylan & Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel”, to Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion”. What really got the crowd going though was their cover of “What I Got” by Sublime and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Give Me Three Steps”. Again, the variety floored me as they were able to reach the entire audience with music they loved from genres and generations across the board.

It’s great to see small communities such as Lake Pleasant/Speculator thriving this winter with tourism due to the cooperating weather, but what makes me even happier is to see them offering amazing live performances all season long for everyone to enjoy.

February 26, 2014
moe.down 15 Announces Initial Lineup, Tickets on Sale Today

moe.down 15 has announced their initial lineup and some heavy hitters are in store for moe.rons! Joining moe. this year will be jamtronica gurus Lotus, Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang, Soulive, O.A.R., Vermont’s Twiddle and Buffalo’s Aqueous. Expect more bands to be announced over the next two months to round out an already stellar lineup.

Early bird general admission and VIP tickets are on sale now. Pick up tickets and RV passes here!

February 22, 2014
Photo Gallery: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, Part 2

What’s more fun then a parade of frozen leprechauns, fire breathing dragons and ladies doing synchronized dancing with lawn chairs? Add in sideshows of frying pan tosses, frigid golf, Frisbee flings, fireworks and free music and you have the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, and our photo gallery below from Laura Carbone.

This 10 day event is set in the “coolest” town in the US, Saranac Lake, located in the Northern Adirondacks. Initially started in 1897, it is complete with crowned royalty, an ice palace and a theme which changes yearly.

This year’s theme was deemed “The Celtic Carnival”, and having been crowned the second best Winter Carnival in the world by National Geographic Traveler, it’s a hidden gem in our own backyard. Buttons that celebrate the carnival theme are designed by Gary Trudeau, the creator of “Doonesbury” and a Saranac Lake native. For the duration of the festival, live music spills out of the small bars and venues performed by local favorites and touring regional bands. Notable acts include Sophistafunk, Conehead Buddha, Tim Herron Corporation and local favorites, The Blind Owl Band and Lucid highlight the musical festivities. Break the chill and come up to Saranac Lake.

Photos by Kara Zesky, review by Laura Carbone

February 20, 2014
Photo Gallery: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2014, Part 1

What’s more fun then a parade of frozen leprechauns, fire breathing dragons and ladies doing synchronized dancing with lawn chairs? Add in sideshows of frying pan tosses, frigid golf, Frisbee flings, fireworks and free music and you have the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2014.

This 10 day event is set in the “coolest” town in the US, Saranac Lake, located up in the Northern Adirondacks. Initially started in 1897, it is complete with crowned royalty, an ice palace and a theme which changes yearly. This year’s theme was deemed “The Celtic Carnival”, and having been crowned the second best Winter Carnival in the world by National Geographic Traveler, it’s a hidden gem in our own backyard. Buttons that celebrate the carnival theme are designed by Gary Trudeau, the creator of the comic strip “Doonesbury” and a true Saranac Lake native.

For the duration of the festival, live music spills out of the small bars and venues performed by local favorites and touring regional bands. Notable acts include Sophistafunk, Conehead Buddha, Tim Herron Corporation and local favorites, The Blind Owl Band and Lucid highlight the musical festivities. Break the chill and come up to Saranac Lake for Winter Carnival 2014.

February 18, 2014
Blues Singer Alexis Suter Performing at The Recovery Lounge and BluSeed Studios February 15-16

There are gems in the Adirondacks, hidden places for music, speakeasies of the forest, places where they appear to be normal businesses by day and then at night transform into underground music venues. Superhip shows occur, spread by word of mouth, donations at the door with shared communal liquids and solids. Two such venues, The Recovery Lounge and BluSeed Studios, are hosting visiting International Recording Artist Alexis P Suter and her band the weekend of Feb 15th-16th.

International recording artist and Blues Music nominee Alexis P. Suter and her band are returning to the Adirondacks. She is a true vocal phenomenon with a gale force wind of a baritone voice that will lift your soul right out of your body, leaving it limp, shaking and dancing. She has opened up at the Midnight Ramble in Woodstock New York over 90 times. Levon Helm has said of her “She is one of those wonderful spirits, she’s got her arms around you; you can feel that”.

Alexis is doing two different shows. On Saturday Feb 15th, The Upper Jay Art Center’s Recovery Lounge will open its doors at 7PM for an 8PM show. This will be with a full band geared toward the blues and their classic songs. Be prepared to stand up, dance and shout. At BluSeed Studios in Saranac Lake on Sunday Febuary 16th at 230 PM she will be bringing it to the heart with a Gospel Show highlighting her roots. Don’t miss this vocal powerhouse with her band of blues.

February 11, 2014
The Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge in Saranac Lake, NY Winter Carnival Lineup 2014

The Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge in Saranac Lake, NY has a very exciting line-up for the 2014 Winter Carnival events. Featuring some of the best music in New York State – including bands from Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca, New Paltz, Brooklyn, Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake.

The Winter carnival will run from Jan 31st to Feb 9th, Shows are all 21+ and doors are at 9pm and Shows are at 10pm unless noted otherwise. For more information about the event, including ticket sales, please visit the Waterhole Online.

Jan 31st Saranac Lake, Winter Carnival, Coronation Reception (Upstairs)
Yard Sale – Downstairs, Free Show
Feb 1 EMEFE and Mosaic Foundation – Upstairs, $10

Feb 4 The Blind Owl Band – Downstairs, Free Show
Feb 5 Sophistafunk and Groovestick – Upstairs, $10
Feb 6 Start Making Sense and The Big Mean Sound Machine – Upstairs, $10
Feb 7 Conehead Buddha and The Blind Spots – Upstairs, $10
Feb 8 The Blind Owl Band Post Parade Party – Upstairs 2pm, FREE SHOW
Feb 8 Lucid – Upstairs, 10pm
Feb 9 Tim Herron Trio – Bloody Mary Sunday, 2pm, Free Show

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January 18, 2014