Category: Regions

moe. Playing Two Nights in Syracuse at The F Shed

moe. will be bringing their A Game to The F Shed at The Market this coming weekend, February 14-15. Fans of all music will be in for a treat as moe. will bring their improvisational rock show to the Syracuse music scene.

Syracuse is no stranger to the band and being close to home for the group their should be plenty of faithful fans in attendance. moe. is coming off an incredibly showing when they played at The Capitol Theatre for the Wetlands 25th anniversary and will not be slowing down as they play for two nights to Syracuse.

moe. has also made the Wetlands 25th Anniversary soundboards free to their fans which can be downloaded from their website. The shows featured a lot of special guests including Jimmy Herring, Wayne Krantz, John Medeski, Conehead Buddha Horns, and many more.

Tickets can be purchased at The F Shed At The Market $30 General Admission $75 VIP.

February 13, 2014
Umphrey’s McGee Rocked The F-Shed in Syracuse

On Saturday, February 8^th, Umphrey’s McGee showed up to play a high-energy show at The F-Shed in Syracuse, NY. The crowd filed in through the narrow doors leading to the converted market shed venue. Umphrey’s eased into their set with “October Rain” seguing into “The Linear.” They kept their music selections relatively relaxed and atmospheric in the first set.

The set moved forward and the band launched into an epic version of “Wappy Sprayberry” in all its electro-jammy, hard rock-esque glory, including teases of Metallica’s “Wherever I May Roam.” Umphrey’s went on to close the set with a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains The Same.” The band did an unbelievably tight rendition of the tune, complete with guitar tones almost identical to Zeppelin’s. This setlist choice was certainly a challenging one to come through on, but Umphrey’s pulled it off with poise.

The second set really kicked off the party. As soon as Umphrey’s busted into “All in Time” the crowd seemed to shift into full-on dance mode. Umphrey’s dragged this one out, going into “No Comment” and then back into “All in Time.” After a soft, inspirational and brief “End of The Road”, the band launched back into rage mode with “Room To Breathe” and “Puppet String” before closing the set with “1348.” The momentum they had built up during the second set carried over to the encore. Umphrey’s came out on fire with a cover of Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher” in which the drummer Kris Myers sang the entire tune whilst keeping his heavy double-kick pattern. “Hot For Teacher” got a loud response from the audience that propelled the band to rock it even harder. Umphrey’s then finished up the night with a fun and steady version of “Front Porch.”

I was totally entertained and extremely impressed with the overall quality of this show. The sound mix was crisp and clear for the entirety of the set and the lighting direction was done phenomenally. Umphrey’s showed their fans once again that they can do any style of music and still get the fans moving and grooving properly. The combination of the jam-band style, heavier hard-rock style and even some experimental electronic was infectious. This show further proves Umphrey’s resilience in the live music scene and begs each fan to come out to their shows time and time again whenever they pass through town.

Umphrey’s McGee F-Shed Setlist:
Set 1: October Rain > The Linear, Plunger, Booth Love > Out Of Order, FF > Wappy Sprayberry > The Song Remains The Same
Set 2: Puppet String > Slacker, All In Time > No Comment > All In Time, End Of The Road, Room To Breathe > Puppet String, 1348
Encore: Hot For Teacher, Front Porch

Download the show here.

February 13, 2014
7th Annual Delfest Announces Lineup, String Cheese Incident Joins the Family

Bluegrass fans got what the were waiting for today from the folks at DelFest. The initial lineup announcement has once again struck a chord with the festival goers and the lineup brings DelFest into the spotlight once again. Returning this year are festival favorites Yonder Mountain String Band, Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder, Railroad Earth, 2 sets with the String Cheese Incident and of course the festival namesake and recent Grammy Winner – The Del McCoury Band.

DelFest continues to do what festivals must do from year to year to survive, they keep coming back with line-ups that bring the fans. This festival promises to be both a good party and a family-friendly vacation into the world of old-timey bluegrass bands and current popular bands that cross the genres of bluegrass and jam band.

The most notable new name on this year’s line up is The String Cheese Incident. Billy Nershi has been at almost every DelFest in one configuration or another, but rumors really started flying after the Del McCoury Band guested with String Cheese on New Year’s. The two bands have shared the bill several times and the mutual respect between the two camps led to this being a natural fit this year. The lineup also includes DelFest favorites Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, among others, along with everyone’s favorite emcee, Mr. Joe Craven.

Here’s a look at this year’s initial lineup (more acts will be announced in the coming months):

The Del McCoury Band
The String Cheese Incident (2 Sets)
Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder
Yonder Mountain String Band
Railroad Earth
Hot Rize feat. Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers
Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn
The Travelin’ McCourys
Greensky Bluegrass
Carolina Chocolate Drops
The Gibson Brothers
Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott
Sierra Hull
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Kruger Brothers
The Duhks
Joe Craven
The Deadly Gentlemen
Spirit Family Reunion
Cabinet
The California Honeydrops
The Unseen Strangers

Four day festival tickets are currently on sale at www.delfest.com along with DELuxe tickets. All RV passes with hook ups are sold out, and there are a limited number of “dry” RV passes still available. Early Bird Passes on sale now! https://delfest.eventbrite.com/

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February 13, 2014
The Fab Faux Coming to The Egg This Saturday

The Fab Faux, accompanied by the Crème Tangerine Strings and Hogshead Horns will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the arrival of The Beatles in New York with a concert at The Egg on Saturday, February 15th at 7:30 PM.

Unlike Beatles tribute bands who sport wigs and period costumes to recreate a Beatles concert, the Fab Faux instead features some of New York’s top studio musicians – Jimmy Vivino and Frank Agnello (guitar), Will Lee (bass), Jack Petruzelli (keyboards) and Rich Pagano (drums). With a commitment to the accurate reproduction of The Beatles’ repertoire, The Fab Faux will perform a concert of songs rarely or never performed live by the Beatles.

This will include a set of “unplugged” tunes. While the Beatles often used acoustic instruments on their recordings, they were hard pressed to play their quieter material in concert due to the volume of the ecstatic audiences who screamed and cheered through their live performances.

The concert will also feature works from their later recordings, which featured highly developed arrangements, often enhanced with strings and horns. By the time these works were written and recorded, the Beatles had stopped touring so they were never performed in concert.

Tickets are $35-$45 and are available at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, by telephone – 518-473-1845 – or on line.

February 12, 2014
A Packed Upstate Concert Hall Welcomes Back Umphrey’s McGee
Upstate New York only gets a few doses of Umphrey’s McGee in the cold of winter, but they sure heat things up at every stop. Kicking off their three nights in Upstate was a stand-out performance at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park. The venue was packed, more so than it was last time the Chicago prog-rockers came to town, as the word has gotten out and Umphrey’s is becoming a draw who may have outgrown their usual Capital District stomping grounds.

A “Catshot” intro built up the crowd as the six members took the stage. These instrumental intros are unique to Umphrey’s and serve as an excellent way to give the show a rolling start. Picking up a pair of Headphones (more on that in a bit) just as “Phil’s Farm” got going, the solid 15 minute rocker built off “Catshot”, with Bayliss and Cinninger hitting great peaks with start/stops that gave a jolt to the crowd as they began a night of dancing. “Miami Virtue” had Jeff Waful’s lights come alive in a dark jam before bleeding seamlessly into “Professor Wormbog”, which had some Boyz II Men acapella vocals thrown in for a curveball before returning to heavy prog funk.

Warm lights accompanied “Morning Song” alongside Bayliss’ full flex vocals amid soaring guitar peaks. And if “Phil’s Farm” was the first blow of the night, “Mantis” held the knockout punch of the first set, clocking in at a shade under 20 minutes, with a “Jimmy Stewart” section, complete with lyrics.

During the show, I had the unique experience to test out the new “Headphones and Snowcones” feature that is available all Umphrey’s shows this tour. Comfortable and easy to manage, these were quite frankly a welcome accessory to the show. Not only do you get to experience quality, soundboard sound, but the pristine audio environment that creates a 3-D experience for your ears. The sound is crystal clear, and if you have Tinnitus like I do, you can adjust the volume and prevent further damage, while keeping out that hiss that ultimately takes away from the music. The only drawback I can think of is the cost: at $40, plus refundable deposit, it might be out of budget for some, but you do get a UMLive download of the show, so it depends on your personal preferences for how you want to hear the show. Given an opportunity to try this again, I would certainly pay to hear the band sound the way it should be heard.

Opening the second set with “Miss Tinkles Overture”, Umphrey’s brought back a “Jimmy Stewart” jam with additional lyrics. The hard metal rock of Jake Cinninger and Kris Myers tore up “Tinkles”, which can serve equally well anywhere in a set, but stood out perfectly to welcome the crowd back. “Push the Pig” had a dark bass groove from Ryan Stasik, eventually leading into “Roseanna” by Toto. With Umphrey’s, you are virtually assured an 80’s cover and the rarer, the better. Looking around the venue, only the older fans seemed to know the song, mouthing some of the lyrics while the younger fans sang along only with ‘Rose-an-na!’

Although it wasn’t jammed out, “Roseanna” did melt into a full band jam that pushed into the shred-metal of “Go to Hell” and then “Der Bluten Kat”. The last time Umphrey’s was in town, “DBK” clocked in at 30 minutes. This version ended up at only 27 minutes, not including “The Fuzz” that was sandwiched in between. There is no bigger jam vehicle for Umphrey’s than a solid “DBK” and it was great to hear another fantastic version.

A second installment of ‘Hey, Remember the 80s?’ came in the second half of the encore with Kris Myers introduced as Glen Danzig (and Jake Cinninger heading behind the drum kit), as we were about to get the classic metal group’s “Mother”. Myers knows his metal and you haven’t heard a cover done with such accuracy, let alone a cover of Danzig, until you’ve heard Umphrey’s “Mother”. A hot show with electricity teeming throughout the crowd as they dispersed, fans began making plans for the weekend shows in Syracuse and Rochester, part of the luxury of Upstate New York’s proximity to great music towns.

Setlist
Set 1: Catshot > Phil’s Farm, Miami Virtue > Professor Wormbog, Morning Song, Crucial Taunt, Mantis
Set 2: Miss Tinkle’s Overture, Push The Pig > Rosanna > Go To Hell, Der Bluten Kat > The Fuzz > Der Bluten Kat
Encore: The Weight Around, Mother

Download Ed Guidry’s recording of the show from Archive.org
February 12, 2014
Hearing Aide: Irv Lyons Jr. “I Love the Night”

Oneida Nation Native Irv Lyons Jr. has just released his debut album, I Love the Night. Lyons’ three-man band hailing from Camillus, New York has a vintage Rock & Roll sound crossed with Americana love songs.

The trio consisting of Mike Casale on bass, Jim Bianchi on drums, and Irv Lyons Jr. on lead guitar and vocals, combine for an unforgettable album of love songs that are filled with passion and some psychedelic sound effects.

Lyons is no novice to Americana music however; he is part of another better known group called The Fabulous Ripcords who have a similar style incorporating blues, Latin, and roots music. Irv Lyons Jr.’s ten-track debut should solidify his name in the Americana Romance genre.

The opening track, “Wanna Be With You”, is a solid tune about a burning yearning for that dream women. All he asks is that through night and day, rain or shine, she will always be by his side. The song then goes into an amazing jam section where Lyons’ guitar solo, reminiscent of Carlos Santana, leaving the listener stunned. “Like A Machine” conveys Lyons’ insatiable urge to be with the woman he loves. From her hair to her perfume, everything reminds him of her unconditional love.

“Slide” is a driving rock song about being lost in a world without the love he once knew and all he wants to do is drive, leaving all his worries behind. “Why Can’t We Live Together” is a slower ballad expressing the sadness and confusion behind a problem that has troubled couples since the beginning of time. His love is unstoppable, but he just can’t bear to live without her. “Rude” is a fiery number about an impudent girl with a bad attitude and no manners that no man can stand.

“If You Love Me” is an acoustic jam featuring an unknown female vocalist. The song asks that if a person could love another so much, how could they keep doing those terrible things. All they want is to be treated right by the person they love. “Strong Hold” is another tune about a deep love featuring the female vocalist, but this time things are going a little rough. The only answer is to hold on tight and try and make it better. “Bedroom Eyes” is a fast paced number about making love to a dream woman. The distorted vocals makes for a psychedelic sound that adds a distinct flare to the album. “Be My Baby” is another acoustic jam with distorted vocals that stands out from the rest. This unique song tries to persuade a woman to give Lyons’ a chance to show how he can be better than her other man. The final and title track on the album, “I Love The Night,” reveals Lyon’s Latin influence with a fast groove and a message of how serene and blissful the night can be.

Irv Lyons Jr.’s new album can be purchased on Amazon or CD Baby. You can follow the band online via Facebook and ReverbNation.

Key Tracks: Be My Baby, Like A Machine, Wanna Be With You

February 12, 2014
Willie Nelson and Family With Co-Headliner Alison Krauss and Union Station Announce Tour

Willie Nelson & Family and Alison Krauss and Union Station with Jerry Douglas have announced a co-headlining tour that will pass through Upstate New York this June. With 35 shows happening this summer on the tour, New York is very lucky to have four chances of seeing this great pairing.

On June 7, the tour will hit The Artpark in Lewiston, while the next night will see the tour head down to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel. For those in New York City, the show will make a stop at the beautiful Radio City Music Hall on June 10. Wrapping up the month on June 21, the CMAC Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua will host this great show. Joining the headliners on these dates will be up-comer Kacey Musgraves.

This tour marks the first time Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss will have toured together. Ticketing info will be released shortly.

February 12, 2014
Robert Randolph and the Family Band are Bringing the Love to Bearsville on Valentine’s Day

Looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day in Woodstock? Whether you’re single or not, Bearsville Theater is the place to be as Robert Randolph and the Family Band bring their signature pedal steel dance party to town.

Fresh off his latest album Lickety Split and producing The Slide Brothers debut album, Robert Randolph is a sacred steel virtuoso, having made his mark for over more than 15 years, starting in the New Jersey/New York City area and spreading out to play Bonnaroo and dozens of other festivals, as well as opening up on tour for Eric Clapton, and that’s the short-short version of his musical resume. Seeing Randolph and his band in action will ignite your hips and get things shaking in no time. Expect a wild night in Woodstock

Doors at 8, show at 9. Reserved balcony seating is available for $45 and General admission tickets are $35. Pick up tickets for Robert Randolph here.

As a bonus offer, pick up tickets to Robert Randolph & The Family Band on Friday and The Blind Boys Of Alabama on Saturday and save $10. Click here to pick up tickets to both shows.

February 12, 2014
Sammy nominee Jeremy Miller is a rocker and an author

Last December, Upstate Metal’s Steve Strader took the opportunity to speak with Jeremy Miller, lead vocalist of Syracuse’s One Last Shot. Last week, One Last Shot was named among two Syracuse metal bands that are up for a 2014 Sammy Award.

The Sammys are presented each year by The Syracuse Area Music Awards Executive Committee. The committee is a not-for-profit organization that supports Syracuse musicians.

The award ceremony is scheduled for March 7th, at the Palace Theatre.

Jeremy Miller is a natural wordsmith and his band depends upon him for his writing skills as much as his singing ability. Like many writers, he falls victim to inspiration and often finds himself writing down ideas as they come, or speaking into a digital recorder. Over time, those notes have turned into song lyrics or have collected inside numerous notebooks. Those notebooks are now being worked into a book, about which he spoke to Upstate Metal.

Strader: So first off what made you want to write a book?

Miller: A lot of reasons actually. First, I’ve always wanted to have my own book. A lot of my favorite artists have put out books similar to this like Danzig, and William Control of Aiden. Most importantly my fiancee saw all these lyrics I have laying around in notebooks and pushed me to do it. I finally took her push and am doing it now.

Strader: How long have you been working on this?

Miller: I guess realistically since I started writing lyrics. I’ve been writing lyrics and poetry since around 11 years old.

Strader: You mentioned there will be un-used lyrics in it, is there any other cool content you’ll be displaying to your fans?

Miller: Yeah, so far it’s split in 4 parts. First part is unused lyrics/ poetry, the 2nd part is random short ideas, the 3rd part is passages I’ve written about important band situations, and the last part is stories from shows. There’s also flyer art inside/ art I’ve made throughout the book.

Strader: Will there be any embarrassing moments?

Miller: Maybe for other people, everything I do in life can be looked at as embarrassing. I’m okay with that, it makes life fun.

Strader: What are you hoping readers will get out of this by the end?

Miller: Maybe it can give some insight to people trying to start a band, and hopefully people in underground DIY bands will be able to relate these situations. Also people can have a laugh or two at some of the stories.

Strader: Anything you can “leak” about this book and what we can expect?

Miller: There’s situations with drugs (not my band mates obviously), bum fights, and violence all inside. It comes out late December or early January. Most likely early January. I may leak something around mid December-ish. Oh, and its 50+ pages long. (So far…)

Strader: How will this book be made available?

Miller: It will be a real physical book. It will be printed professionally like if you got it at Barnes and Noble. You will be able to get one online or at shows. Just follow us at Facebook or Twitter and you’ll get all the updates.

Strader: Any last thoughts or words?

Miller: If this goes well, I have other books planned. This is also “Volume 1”, so as more events happen and if things stay interesting, I hope to make a “Volume 2”. Just stay tuned, and thank you for talking to me about this.

February 12, 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