NYS Music 20​14

Category: Regions

  • Preview: Sold-Out 2014 Governors Ball To Deliver Strongest Lineup Yet

    Governors Ball, relatively new to the festival scene, is hitting Randall’s Island in New York City with force this coming weekend, June 6-8 2014. Growing from humble beginnings in 2011 as a one day festival with a dozen or so smaller acts, the 2014 festival is bigger than ever, having sold out while there were still just over two weeks to go before the show and is headlined by the likes of Jack White, Outkast, and the Strokes, among many other well known acts. Even in its beginning, Governor’s Ball has attracted more people than even Dave Matthews’ Caravan tour stop at Randall’s Island.GovBall Poster

    Several bands who have made or will be making other big festival appearances such as Coachella and Lollapalooza will be headlining each of the days, mixed in with smaller bands you may or may not be familiar with but promise to deliver a strong performance set against the Manhattan skyline. The four stages will have something for everybody, from indie/alternative rock to hip hop and electronica. With 68 bands scheduled at this time – and who knows what last minute surprises there may be – there were be plenty to choose from. has a few acts of note to see, both on the headliner and supporting band side.

    Day 1 Headliners: Outkast, Phoenix, TV On The Radio

    Outkast reunited this year after a seven year hiatus, taking the opportunity to celebrate their 20th anniversary (which passed in 2012 while on break). While they don’t have any new material since 2007 there is a bit of hype about their return. Try to be cool with Phoenix. The alt-rockers from France are still riding the wave of their chart-peaking 2013 release Bankrupt!

    Don’t miss: Damian Marley, Bastille, Neko Case, Little Comets, Julian Casablancas & The Voidz

    Day 2 Headliners: Jack White, The Strokes, Skrillex

    The lineup for Day 2 is jam packed with festival goodness. Jack White and Skrillex both have sets going on simultaneously. Lazaretto, Jack White’s second solo album, will be officially released June 10, just a few days after the festival. What better way to get the ultimate live preview of some new tracks than in the company of thousands of others? Likewise, dubstep artist Skrillex released his latest album, Recess, in March.

    Don’t Miss: Spoon, Broken Bells, Fitz and the Tantrums, The Naked & Famous, Sleigh Bells

    Day 3 Headliners: Vampire Weekend, Interpol, AXWELL Λ INGROSSO

    Governor’s Ball wraps up with the hometown talent of Vampire Weekend and Interpol along with Swedan-based house duo Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso. Vampire Weekend released their chart-topping Modern Vampires of the City about a year ago.

    Don’t Miss: Head and the Heart, Cayucas, Wild Belle

    GovBall

    With Governor’s Ball’s strongest lineup yet this year, festival organizers have done a decent job with scheduling the four stages such that festival-goers can catch most of what they’d like to see. Since it is difficult to be in two places at once, there are a few overlapping sets where you may have a tough choice to make between stages (i.e., Jack White vs. Skrillex). We suggest looking at the full schedule posted at lineup.governorsballmusicfestival.com and making an itinerary in advance. The website makes this easy, featuring an interactive tool that allows you to make your own festival schedule and share with friends on Facebook and Twitter. There’s even an iOS and Android app to help guide you through the lineup.

    The music doesn’t stop at 11pm. Well, Randall’s Island will hush to the chatter of the crowd at 11 but there are a number of after shows going on starting anywhere between 9pm and 11:30pm at venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Output Club, Brooklyn Bowl, Irving Plaza, Knitting Factory, and Grasslands Gallery will host several of the supporting bands along with others. Some after shows are sold out already, but the rest still have tickets available, and you can enter to win tickets to all of them here. The Strokes only recently announced a warmup show at the Capitol Theatre on May 31st, but tickets sold out rather quickly.

    Governor's Ball 2013
    Governor’s Ball, 2013

    Location/Lodging: Nestled on the East River between Queens and Manhattan (approximately parallel with the northern end of Central Park/115th Street), there is certainly plenty to do on the off hours of the festival for those who would to spend the earlier part of their afternoon off of Randall’s Island, especially since there is no lodging on the grounds. Randall’s Island is easily accessible by subway, bus, Manhattan Ferry, the Brooklyn Shuttle, bike, and even car/taxi. Governor’s Ball has partnered with Hotels For Hope to provide brokerage services to help attendees find a room, and for every room booked through this service $2 is donated to Answer the Call, a charity benefiting the widows and children of fallen FDNY and NYPD service members. So, check out this hotel search tool before going direct to the hotel to help a great cause.

    Governor’s Ball offers a wide array of activities suited for the whole family (and yes, the festival is quite family friendly). Art installations will be on display – “surprises are in store” according to the festival. A photo booth will be set up, taking both stills and motion GIFs set against a logo backdrop. Lawn games will be set up in a tailgate help-yourself setting, so grab some friends and meet new folks over some corn hole and bocce. A face & body painting station will be on hand to add to your festival flair. There will even be a silent disco – a dance party with a live DJ performance pumped through wireless headphones.

    Hungry? So are we thinking about what’s on the menu. Hint: it isn’t your typical nacho and cheese concessions. Foodies will be in for a treat with over 54 NYC-area vendors – food trucks, caterers, restaurants – showcasing their grub. From specialty sandwiches to Lebanese and Asian goodies to coffees and Italian ice, just to name a few, the festival experience will be well rounded with this spread. Not to mention gluten free and vegetarian offerings.

    Couldn’t get your ticket in time? General admission is sold out but there are a very limited amount of VIP and Cabana tickets available, but at a price.

    Still not able to make it? Be sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for live updates from Governor’s Ball throughout the weekend!

    Check out the Governor’s Ball Official Spotify Playlist to preview this year’s performers here or rdio lineup mix here.

  • Boston Calling Music Festival, May 23-25, 2014

    Friday’s start of Boston Calling 2014 was a little far off from a “summer” music festival as the grayish-blue cloudy skies and chilly air swept through City Hall Plaza. “Banana Pancakes” singer and one of the most chill Dads out there, Jack Johnson ,noted humorously, “So Boston this is what you guys call summer? I had to put shoes on,” something that’s likely uncommon for the Hawaiian native. The weather however seemed to have no affect on the singer/guitarist as his voice sounded remarkably similar to what’s heard on his records and with his band including dazzling pianist Zach Gill, Johnson was able to bring the summer vibes to Boston. Upon one fan’s brief speech earlier in the night of discovering good music during Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros’ performance, Johnson responded during his own set, crediting Fugazi as the gateway introduction to his love for music.

    Prior to Johnson taking the stage, the crowd heard performances from Cass McCombs and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. The Edward Sharpe gang brought sing along tunes that kindled high spirits and enraptured the city in one feel good atmosphere. Still to this day, nearly five years since their first album released, one song remains as absolutely relevant as it ever did, and that’s the widely popular “Home.” The group played the song acoustically and there’s just something about the realness of front man Alex Ebert’s voice and lyricism that paraded a calming nature over the crowd. Their performance also featured storytelling from Alex Ebert as well as members of the crowd. At one point Ebert went over the railing and into the crowd to take a phone from a girl who was filming. The singer filmed back up on stage before returning the video to the delighted fan. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros carried out an involved show with their fans that broke down the barrier between audience and performer.

    Though Saturday’s rainy overcast weather hung over Boston, spirits were high amidst the crowd with acts like Death Cab For Cutie, The Decemberists and The Head and The Heart all putting on great shows.

    The last day of the festival featured some indie bands who been around for a while like Built To Spill, Brand New and Modest Mouse. Brand New front man Jesse Lacey credits both Modest Mouse and Built to Spill with much of their own band’s start up inspiration, saying that they likely wouldn’t be here without them. Brand New gave a straight up rock and roll show, smashing over amps and breaking off lights and using them to play their guitar for thunderous sounds. The night’s headliner, Modest Mouse, lit up Boston with everyone’s favorite dance party disco groove “Dashboard” and the well-known hit “Float On,” both of which had the audience in high applause. Tegan and Sara, another early 2000’s indie band, played Sunday to an excited crowd with heavy synths and stadium-like drums, fitting for their newest album.

    This May’s Boston Calling festival brought connections between bands and their inspirations, gave the audience an important role in performances, and fought weather with spirits aided by music- pretty impressive for only the third-ever event.

  • Dave Matthews Band Springs SPAC Into Summer

    It’s summer time again in Upstate New York which means a couple of things: the weather is gorgeous, people are hiking in our state parks, and another season of concerts at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is underway. Jack Johnson may have had the first major show of the season, but on Friday May 30th, Dave Matthews Band kicked off a two night stand at the venue. A regular stop on the band’s summer tour, the nearly-sold out crowd was ravenous all evening, standing, singing, and swaying along to every song the band played through two sets.

    20140530 - Dave Matthews Band 10

    To start the show, Dave Matthews came on stage solo for a special acoustic set that is starting every show this tour. Stating how “It’s always nice to spend a weekend here in Saratoga” and that SPAC is one of his favorite venues to play, he went right into a cover of Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” for the first time since July 20th, 2012. After the song finished, the rest of the band took the stage and they went into a rousing rendition of “Two Step.” Ending the set with “Stay (Wasting Time)”, Dave stated that they would be back shortly for the electric portion of the evening.

    20140530 - Dave Matthews Band 16

    After about a half hour break, the band retook the stage with a full light show and everyone plugged in for what would be a great two hour set of music that spanned his whole career. The one-two punch of “Don’t Drink the Water” and “American Baby” had the crowd loud and engaged right off the bat. One thing that cannot be understated is the relationship the crowd has with the band. There are few other crowds that have the devotion and love for the Dave Matthews Band that his fans do. The double encore of “The Space Between” and “All Along the Watchtower” capped off a great evening of music. Now that the annual weekend of Dave Matthews has come and gone, summer is here and it’s looking to be a great one in Upstate New York.

    Set One (Acoustic): A Whiter Shade Of Pale, Two Step, Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd, What Would You Say, I’ll Back You Up, Tripping Billies, Sugar Man, Stay (Wasting Time)

    Set Two (Electric): Don’t Drink The Water, American Baby, #27, Belly Belly Nice, Lie In Our Graves, Rooftop, So Much To Say > Anyone Seen The Bridge > Too Much, Proudest Monkey > Warehouse, #41 > Granny, Grey Street

    Encore: The Space Between, All Along The Watchtower

  • King Crimson Reunion Starting in Albany

    King Crimson is one of the most legendary bands in the prog-rock scene to ever take the stage and, they will have a reunion for a full tour for the first time since 2009.

    Albany, New York’s own The Egg has the privilege to be the first stop on the tour on September 9th and 10th. The tour will roll south to New York City’s Best Buy Theater on September 18th, 19th and 20th for a special three-night run.

    This has been a highly sought after show ever since Robert Fripp, the founding and only consistent member of the band, announced last September that the band would be getting back together. The line up is expected to include Fripp, Gavin Harrison, Bill Rieflin, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Mel Collins and Jakko Jakszy.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAAqAnCBNKQ

    The shows in Albany go on sale on June 6th at 11AM, and at noon for each New York City show.

  • Spectacular Average Boys Bring Good Times to The Dev

    Good times are abound anywhere and anytime the Spectacular Average Boys hit a venue.  Members, Ned Brower on vocals, guitar, and banjo, Joel Shue on vocals and bass, Jeff Landry on drums, and Justin Ploutz on guitar, fiddle, and mandolin, bring to the audience a spectacular show of folk, rock, and Americana tunes that are sure to get you up and moving.

    Performing April 25th at the Dev in Utica, the Spectacular Average Boys shared their special blend of music with a full night of original tunes, including “The Devil In Winter”, “What You Did”, “Parting Words” and “Fire, Copper, & Gold.” To balance that out, the band employed an eclectic mix of covers, including Uncle Tupelo’s “Acuff Rose” , The Black Keys’ “Stack Shot Billy”, “Jesse James”, Tom Waits’ “Make It Rain” , and the Stone Temple Pilots’ “Plush”.

    Currently working on new music, their fans will be happy to hear the heavy flavor of banjo in the new releases.  Keep an eye on their website for the completed recordings, and check out their Facebook site to catch them the next time they rock your neighborhood and see why they truly are “Spectacular”

  • 19th Annual Westport Concert Series Line-Up Announced

    Ballard Park is scheduled to host the 19th annual Westport Community Concert Series this summer with a solid line-up.

    Westport is a small country village located on the western shores of Lake Champlain, approximately halfway between the village of Lake George and city of Plattsburgh, at the intersection of US Route 9N and NYS Route 22.

    The 2014 summer series begins on July 3rd at 7:30 pm and continues every Thursday night through August 27th on the hillside amphitheater overlooking Lake Champlain. Each concert is free of charge. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, and patrons are encouraged to bring food to picnic on the grounds. The rain site is across Main Street in the historic chapel of the Westport Heritage House.

    ballard park

    “Soundwaves” The 19th Annual Westport Community Concert Series lineup:
    July 3:  Taylor Haskins’ ‘Fuzzy Logic’ – featuring Ben Monder, guitar
    with the Meadowmount School of Music String Orchestra
     July 10:  Ryan Montbleau (opening: Jay Fiegl)
     July 17:  Barika
    July 24:  Samuel Torres & Manuel Valera
     July 31:  Meadowmount String Quartets
     August 7:  Joe Brent & Sara Caswell’s ‘9 Horses’ (opening: Staber & Chasnoff)
     August 14:   Michael Chorney & Hollar General – featuring Brett Lanier, pedal steel; Magic
    City the songs of Sun Ra – 8-piece ensemble – featuring Miriam Bernardo
    (double bill)
     August 21:  Jason Lindner’s ‘Super Future Griot’ – featuring Nate Smith and Gilmar Gomes
     August 28:  Rebecca Martin & Larry Grenadier

  • Rock On the Range 2014: Day Two

    Columbus, Ohio promised sunshine for Day Two of Rock on the Range, and by early Saturday morning it was pretty evident that we had no such luck. Sponsors and staff manned each and every entrance to Crew Stadium, armed with ponchos to hand out to already wet and weary rangers. What looked like a sea of garbage bags was really a dedicated horde of music revelers who stuck it out right from the start, filling the Ernie Ball Stage up in preparation for some Christian rock.

    Kicking off the festivities was female fronted Stars In Stereo. With everyone’s ears still ringing from the night before, the melodic tone of front woman Bec Hollcraft’s vocals were a great way to ease into the harsher male dominated lineup to follow. Fellow Christian rockers We As Human hopped on next, wowing the crowd with their nonstop antics. Between climbing the scaffolding, towering high above the stage, and jumping into the pit for some crowd participation, the set was anything but dull.

    The Main Stage didn’t get off to quite as energetic of a start, with opener Rev Theory clearly growing frustrated by the lack of enthusiasm. As the rain poured down for the worst storm of the day, the band did their best to distract the crowd and finally succeeded when they broke into “Hell Yeah”, during which it was nearly impossible not to crack a smile.

    The Jägermeister Stage hosted one of the biggest breakout acts of the weekend next. Pennsylvania’s Crobot reminded rangers what true rock ‘n’ roll is all about – dirty, grungy hooks to bring the genre back to its purest form.

    The sun finally started to “Shimmer” when Fuel took the stage to rock out to some newer tracks followed by the old favorites. The second half of their set was a welcome throwback for twenty-something’s to reminisce their glory days.

    Winning the award for quirkiest band of the day was Sweden’s Avatar. The metal band’s short Jägermeister Stage set provided some unique entertainment while the main stage was set up for Pop Evil.

    With a recent string of #1 singles under their belts, it was no surprise that the main stage was packed when Pop Evil arrived. Drummer Joshua “Chachi” Marunde moved around more than most singers do, and frontman Leigh Kakaty made sure the crowd was awake by jumping in for “Last Man Standing”. The real show began, however, when members of the armed forces joined the band on stage to close the set with “Trenches”, featuring a jaw dropping collaboration with Run DMC that had everyone talking for the rest of the day.

    Another new act hit the Ernie Ball Stage next, Texas natives Nothing More. They incorporated some unique elements, including a separate small drum at the front of the stage that frontman Jonny Hawkins would drum and jump on throughout the set.

    Theory of a Deadman lit up the main stage with some entertaining singalong tracks, including “B***h Came Back” and “Bad Girlfriend”, as well as throwing in a more serious ballad, “Not Meant to Be”. With everyone bouncing and singing along to each of the songs, it was clear that the band was a Rock on the Range favorite.

    The Pretty Reckless, the second of two female fronted bands slotted for Day Two, hit the Ernie Ball Stage. Lead singer Taylor Momsen’s voice was a force to be reckoned with, and the overall charismatic nature of the band shone through throughout their set. Chevelle began what was to be a heavy night to follow, building up the energy level that would remain until the final band left the stage with nonstop crowd surfing and moshing. The band may be a trio, but lead guitarist/singer Pete Loeffler had no problem amping up the crowd on his own.

    With the side stages closed for the evening, it was finally time for Slayer.

    The pit suddenly transformed into a hulking mass of muscles and bald heads, scaring away the younger crowd for the duration of their hour long set. Holding nothing back, the band powered through an intense set, clearly unaffected by recent lineup changes. Closing out with “Raining Blood”, Crew Stadium exploded into a frenzy of bodies flying in every imaginable direction.

    Not to be outdone, Avenged Sevenfold brought their spectacularly haunting stage set up to close out Day Two. With too many hits to choose from, the band did their best to please everyone from the most diehard fans to brand new ones, making sure to include a few from each album. Without the addition of fireworks and pyrotechnics, the set would arguably be one of the best of the day. With them, it was a no brainer.

    Midway through the set, lighters filled the sky as the band slowed things down a bit to honor the band’s late drummer, Jimmy ‘The Rev’ Sullivan. Frontman M. Shadows took a moment to let the crowd know that they are not a band to usually use tracks in their live show, but revealed that that the vocals we had been hearing in the background all night, in fact, belonged to Sullivan. An impressive guitar solo preceded the final few songs of the night, wrapping up with “Unholy Confessions”.

    Stay Tuned for Day 3 coverage tomorrow!

  • Free Music on Tuesdays in Colonie

    The Capital Region is not short of live music during the summer months. Pay attention and you’ll find some gems, like the free weekly music series hosted by Colonie’s Frank A Leak Amphitheater for the Arts in Cook Park on Tuesdays.

    Each concert takes place on a Tuesday throughout the summer starting at 6:30 pm.  A different genre of music is represented with each concert, with some artists returning from previous years.

    Kicking things off this season will be The Beatles tribute band, Across The Pond, on June 10th.  The addition of this band out of Glens Falls seems most apropos with the recent announcement of Paul McCartney playing at Albany’s Times Union Center in July.  The remainder of the line-up promises an eclectic assortment; from polka to swing, from Sinatra to The Beatles, and from country to Celtic.

    And, speaking of Celtic, the ever-popular Hair of the Dog is slated to close out the series on August 26th.

    For map and directions, please visit the Village of Colonie website.

    Frank A. Leak Amphitheater

    Frank A. Leak Amphitheater Free Concert Series Line-Up:
    June 10: Across The Pond
    June 17: Jade
    June 24: Skeeter Creek
    July 1: Hallateu
    July 8: Pipe Kings
    July 15: Swing Docs
    July 22: T.S. Ensemble
    July 29: Grit & Whiskey
    August 5: Triskele
    August 12: Electric City Horns
    August 19: Rymanowski Brothers
    August 26: Hair of the Dog

  • Bret Michaels Out For Albany Show

    Bret Michaels - Turning Stone
    Bret Michaels – Turning Stone

    We have confirmed with the Times Union Center’s box office that Bret Michael’s will not perform in tonight’s show in Albany.

    Bret Michaels’ appearance at this time is still to be determined for a show scheduled in Albany, tonight at 7pm at the Times Union Center.  He is slated to perform along with The Charlie Daniels Band and The Marshall Tucker Band.

    In a statement yesterday from the Bret Michaels Team, he was diagnosed as having “complications involving insulin shock & severe low blood sugar, along with other conditions which doctors later determined included exhaustion, dehydration, fever and the noro flu virus”.

    On Thursday, in Manchester, NH, after three songs into the first set, Michaels became ill and was was immediately rushed by ambulance to a local hospital. Diagnosed since childhood with Type I Diabetes, Bret was unable to stabilize his sugar levels. Friday’s show in Wilkes-Barre, PA was cancelled as Michaels continued to be observed by doctors.

    Michaels, performed locally most recently in Verona, NY at The Turing Stone Casino Showroom on April 30th to a sold out crowd. His performance was action packed with an energy level and charisma that was off the charts.  Fans of all walks adore him not only because he’s an amazing performer and musician, but because he also is a community oriented performer, and an advocate for several causes, including Petsmart Charities, Operation Homefront, and the American Diabetes Association.

    Ticket holders and fans who are interested can follow his progress on his Facebook account and post their well wishes. Those fans who are currently following his progress are continuing their support in his recovery, and whether their shows go on or not doesn’t matter to them, as their love for his well being is their utmost concern.  NYS Music Music Guide concurs. Get well soon, Bret.

  • Jack Johnson Owns SPAC

    The crowd at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was treated to a fantastic season opener with Jack Johnson headlining the show while Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros handled the opening duties. This was the perfect pairing for a great summertime kickoff party.  Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros conveyed their abnormal, genre bending sound to the masses which was very well received. Everyone was very into the 10+ piece band and were unable to stop themselves from dancing to the exotic fun sound.

    This set the table perfectly for the man of the hour: Jack Johnson. He too has a sound in which bends genres. Early on in his career Johnson was an acoustic surfer dude from Hawai’i who just played his guitar and recorded albums, while laying in the sun, enjoying a nice warm breeze. This, however was not the man who played SPAC on Saturday night. There was a full band, which is his steady touring band, and they jammed hard. Highlighting the evening was Johnson playing his lively “Bubble Toes” and segueing it into Buddy Holly’s classic “Not Fade Away,” a well-received surprise to any fan of any type of music. Johnson had the crowd in his hands the whole night, even as the rain began to fall.  If this show is any indication of how the rest of the SPAC summer will be, we are all in for some good times.