NYS Music 20​14

Category: Western NY

  • Alan Evans Playonbrother Ready for Free Show in Buffalo

    Alan Evans might be a seasoned vet in the Buffalo music scene and beyond, but with a new member recently brought into Playonbrother, there’s a freshness and excitement that has been propelling the band as of late. Just over a month ago now, longtime keyboard and organ player Beau Sasser left the group and was replaced by a new, yet familiar, face in Kris Yunker.

    alan evans buffaloTo backup, Alan originally met Danny Mayer, Playonbrother’s guitarist, when Danny’s On The Spot Trio went to record at Alan’s studio. The keyboardist for the group was none other than Kris Yunker, so when Alan had to begin looking for Beau’s replacement, he didn’t have to look very far.

    The energy within the rejuvenated band is at an all-time high with Kris adding an element of musical excitement. The band has always been a creative powerhouse, churning out two studio albums in their short existence, but they are visibly feeling it now with the latest addition. Just four shows in to Kris’ Playonbrother career, the band made a stop at Evergroove Studios in Colorado while on tour back on July 14. What was initially setup as a free, live webcast eventually turned into the first recording of the new arrangement.

    Listening to the show live, you could already hear the chemistry and potential the new lineup has. The album opens with two Playonbrother classics in “Who Dare Knock” and “Drop Hop.” It understandably takes those two songs for Kris to get his feet underneath him, but as the band dives into the new material on the remaining tracks, it’s clear to see what the newest member brings to the table. As a side note, the new music heard on this live cut will be part of their latest album that is set for release at the end of September. All and all, if you want to get a taste for this new lineup, you can listen or buy the EP here, or check out the video at the bottom of the article of the studio session itself.

    alan evans buffaloIf reading that get’s you excited, the band is set to play a free show in Alan Evans’ hometown of Buffalo, NY tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13 at Larkin Square. Being that it’s been over a month since the lineup change and having around twenty shows under their belt, Playonbrother is bringing a highly anticipated set back to where it all started for Alan. As for any show in his hometown, Al always seems to bring something extra on those nights, so make sure to head to Larkin and catch what the new lineup has in store for us.

    Opening the night will be Buffalo’s own, the Forealists. This is a band you’ll want to make sure to arrive early and check out. They feature one of the top up and coming musicians in the Buffalo music scene in bassist Zuri Appleby. Her ability on the instrument far surpasses what you might expect a local musician to be capable of. Her talent alone should put whatever project she is involved in on everyone’s radar, and that is on top of the other talented members of the band. What is extra special about the Larkin Square shows as well is the collaboration between the opening and headlining acts that closes each show. We saw local music critic Jeff Miers and his band mix it up with Aqueous just a few weeks ago and now there are high expectations, at least from me, to see what Wednesday’s collaboration will churn out. As the title states, the show is free, so there is no excuse why you shouldn’t stop down and check out two incredible acts tomorrow night. The show has an early start at 5pm, so don’t be late!

    Also to note, Playonbrother will be hitting a few other dates throughout Upstate New York in case you can’t catch their show in Buffalo.  Check them out at the following shows:

    8/14: Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse, NY
    8/16: Mazzstock in Marlboro, NY
    8/17: Newbury Life Food & Music Festival in Buffalo, NY (FREE EVENT)
    8/23: Bella Terra Festival in Stephentown, NY
    9/5: Catskill Chill Music Festival in Hancock, NY
    9/23: The Oncenter in Syracuse, NY**
    9/25: Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, NY**
    **in support of Tedeschi Trucks Band

  • Mayhem Festival Comes to Darien Lake

    The Rockstar Mayhem Festival always brings the biggest names in metal music to the masses and this year at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Western NY, everyone was fully prepared for the event. Mayhem Festival is one of those festivals that I try to attend every year because the atmosphere is meant for all the misfits. The fan base represented, elderly couples in band shirts to a five-year old on her dad’s shoulders rocking out to music.

    A lot of excellent, head banging bands filled the stages of Mayhem Festival; but the stage that caught a lot of attention was the Coldcock American Herbal Whiskey Stage. The two bands that I personally thought stood out the most were Mushroomhead and Miss May I. Mushroomhead fans waited and cheered when their stage was being set up. Without having any idea of what to expect, the band came out wearing gory masks and the sound they made was a mixture of metal, industrial and even a bit of rap influenced. Fans looked intrigued. Water covered the drums on stage and as the drumsticks hit each drum, water flew in the air to each beat. The vibe they gave on stage was rather ‘Slipknot’ like and I later found out that Slipknot and Mushroomhead fans had a feud for years about who copied the whole mask look;  regardless of the masks the band put on an energetic, horror metal show.

    A much younger crowd approached the stage as Miss May I was announced, as soon as the band took the stage I thought “Oh great. Here we go another screaming band.” But something about them was different from any other metal core band. They interacted very much with the crowd and their songs were catchy, yet meaningful. The lead singer, Levi Benton had very deep growls and screams but when he talked to the crowd his voice was very soft and sweet. He asked the crowd if anyone is currently in the military and many cheered and Benton announced to the crowd to buy them a drink. He dedicated a song called “Hero With No Name” to the troops from their new album Rise Of The Lion. The band ended their set with Benton going into the crowd to be closer with fans and said that he will be at their merchandise tent after the show to talk and take pictures with fans. Within minutes after the band left the stage, fans rushed to the tent and Benton was more than happy to greet fans. I even walked out of their tent area with a signed CD because I was so impressed by their performance and their dedication to fans.

    Finally, the moment that everyone was waiting for. Security was allowing people to find their seats for the main acts of the evening. I was thrilled to see KoRn and Avenged Sevenfold but I waited anxiously in my seat as two other bands were set to perform before the headliners. Trivium was the first band to take the stage and they brought everything they had. The band got the crowd going with frontman, Matt Heafy telling everyone to stand up and that Canada was the best show they had the other night. If you are from New York that would make anyone stand up and scream louder. Trivium played a total of seven songs including their singles ‘Through Blood and Dirt and Bone’ and ‘In Waves’. Even after the band left the stage, the crowd wanted more and so did I.

    I was already pumped with adrenaline after watching Trivium take the stage and I watched as the crew was setting up for the next act, Asking Alexandria. Two huge light up A’s were put up as red curtains also drapped the stage. The excitement level of the crowd was rising as the lead singer made his way on stage dressed in a white suit jacket with a scarf and jeans. Everyone stood up and cheered and the band went into their first song of the set, ‘Don’t Pray For Me’ their 2013 single from their album From Death To Destiny. I was not too impressed by the band’s performance as the singer Danny Worsnop casually walked around on stage and would go off on little rants about if the crowd did not like the band then they could drink more and forget about them. But to the fans that waited to see them, the band played all the songs that the crowd wanted to hear, ‘Moving on’ and ‘The Death of Me’. But other than that the band’s performance was nothing special.

    Finally, the performances everyone was waiting for. Korn unleashed the madness as they came out with a booming performance. . I was impressed at the professionalism of Jonathan Davis while the band opened up with ‘Falling Away From Me’ and Davis’s microphone was not working and he continued to sing and did not cause a scene until he received a new microphone and went straight into the chorus. Reginald Arvizu hypnotized the crowd with his neon green strings on his bass. After the band went into a few more of their hits. Davis brought out his bag pipes and the crowd roared with excitement as the band went into ‘Shoots and Ladders’. They also ended the show with ‘Coming Undone’, ‘Here To Stay’ and ‘Never Never’. But then the crowds favorite were played, ‘Freak On The Leash’ and ‘Blind’ and then as the band ended the show, they brought out their kids on stage and the kids head banged and threw guitar picks to the audience. Korn definitely will spread metal music to generations to come and they continued to show that the band still had the same level of passion that they had when they first came out in the music world.

    As Korn left the stage, a black curtain dropped along the stage and the Avenged Sevenfold symbol was shown on the front. My excitement was building and I knew Avenged Sevenfold always put on a mind-blowing show after seeing them twice. The lights dimmed once more and the curtain raised as the stage showed a massive skeleton sitting in a throne with a crown, obviously dedicated to the band’s Hail To The King album. The audience erupted as flames came out from the stage and the band opened up with ‘Shepherds Of Fire.’ Lead singer, Matt Shadows took the time to say how the stage was not very personal with the fans and he asked security to bring fans on to the stage and he made a promise that the band would not throw fire at them. The right side of the stage filled with fans as they jumped and screamed to the songs while every once in a while Shadows and guitar player, Synyster Gates would give high fives to the fans that were lucky enough to come up on stage. Avenged Sevenfold played well-known songs like ‘Nightmare’, ‘Bat Country’, ‘Almost Easy’ and then the song ‘So Far Away.’ Shadows took the time explaining the meaning behind ‘So Far Away’. In 2009, the band’s long time drummer, Jimmy ‘The Rev’ Sullivan passed away. The song ‘ was dedicated to Sullivan and fans held up lighters and their phones during the song as a memorial for the drummer. The band left the stage after their song ‘This Means War’ but the fans wanted more. The fans banged their hands on the back of the seats and started chanting ‘A7X!’ and I doubt was part of that also. Moments later, the band came out for a two song encore with one of their first ever singles, ‘Unholy Confessions’ and then ended with the kinda disturbing song, ‘A Little Piece Of Heaven’ which Shadows describing the song as ‘A song about love, death and sex in the afterlife.’ It was a huge crowd pleasure and the song almost resembles a play with commentary throughout the song and a story to go along with it.

    The crowd left the venue with sore necks, loss of voice and maybe a few bruises. But everyone could be seen with smiles on their faces and cheering. Korn and Avenged Sevenfold definitely brought back how metal and rock music should be and pleased every metal head in upstate New York.

    Also check out our coverage of the Saratoga Springs Mayhem Festival here.

  • Sammy Hagar Plays to a Packed Crowd at Artpark on July 29

    There is a reason that Sammy Hagar was so well liked and a shining star in the music scene. The Red Rocker who replaced David Lee Roth in Van Halen in the mid eighties brought along Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and rocked through a plethora of hits along side Jason Bonham on drums and guitarist Vic Johnson with the, Journey Through Rock Tour – which played to a packed crowd Tuesday, July 29 in Lewiston, NY’s Artpark.

    Opening the show was local musician Maria Aurigema Band, entertaining the crowd with some soulful blues. Maria Aurigema who fronts the band was an absolute joy to watch, filled with a ton of energy and this lady can surely play a mean blues guitar. She was on top of her game interacting with the crowd several times throughout the set.

    The anticipation for the main act was at an all time high by the time Sammy Hagar and his band came on stage. Hagar entertained the crowd with such an energy that some 20 year-olds would be shown up. Hagar and company played through hits from Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and Sammy Hagar songs. If you looked up how to be a rock star there would be a picture of Hagar, he epitomized what one would look and act, his show was top-notch and truly was something that should be on everyone’s list.

  • The Waiting Room Welcomes The Revivalists to Buffalo

    Tuesday, August 12 will be pretty busy downtown, especially at The Waiting Room in Buffalo. The Revivalists come to town and over the past few years have played a lot of shows along the way. The band who hails from New Orleans has really been turning heads as of late with constant air play and festival appearances. The seven piece band will surely get your blood flowing with lead man, David Shaw’s heart filled lyrics and the conviction in his voice. The band will be visiting just days before their appearance at The Peach Music Festival, giving everyone in Buffalo a sample of what they will bring to the very talked about Peach.

    The Revivalists_40

    Opening the show alongside The Revivalists will be Thomas Wynn & The Believers and Buffalo’s own Funktional Flow. Thomas Wynn & The Believers coming from the deep south in Orlando, Fla. are sponsored by Gibson Guitars. The six piece band has been named Orlando’s ‘Top Rock Band’ four years in a row; and with influences from the all time greats – Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and countless others, it’s no surprise they are so well liked.

    Funktional Flow also set to perform is no stranger to the Buffalo, NY music crowd. Playing for anyone and everybody they will bring their funky sound and jam with the best of them. Flow is coming off a very productive summer season with a big time showing at this year’s Buffalove Music Festival where they were the talk of the festival alongside Buffalo’s Aqueous. I would plan on getting to the Waiting Room plenty early to get a taste of the opening bands as they will definitely get you amped up for The Revivalists.

    Tickets for The Revivalists in Buffalo can be purchased through The Waiting Room for$15 and the doors open 8PM.

  • ROC Party in the Park Wraps Up August in Style

    It’s been an excellent year for DSO-21ROC Windstream Party in the Park Series. Finally back in it’s home – the recently revamped Martin Luther King Jr Park (formerly Manhattan Square Park) – the “party in the parking lot” moniker of years past has been shed. The new/old venue is filled with trees and shade, a bowl-like area filled with food vendors, local support acts, local breweries on site, and plenty of parking.

    Tonight, August 7, the quintessential Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra will man the main stage for two full sets. With 17 years and over 2000 shows under their belt, there is simply no band on earth that better recreates the live Dead experience for fans new and old. Will they play a classic Dead show or one of their original set lists? Stop down and find out! Only $5 and DSO goes on at 6PM sharp for their first set.  Rochester’s Extended Family will provide support before and in between sets in the bowl area. (Don’t get any idea’s Deadheads, this bowl is an architectural one!)

    After the show those who still want to dance can walk a half block to The Montage Music Hall and catch two of Rochester’s hottest live acts Ocupanther and Friday in America. Admission is free with a flyer (available at PITP) or a mere $2 if you can’t find a flyer.

    On August 14th PITP 2014 will wrap up with millions of peaches. What?? Of course I mean the popular alt-rock of The Presidents of the USA. Also along for the ride will be the slide guitar super group The Slide Brothers (featuring members of Rochester’s own Campbell Brothers) as well as the much buzzed about local alt-rock act Melia.

  • Aqueous Drummer Says Goodbye

    Aqueous, the four-piece groove band out of Buffalo, parts ways with its drummer.

    Nick Sonricker, both singer and drummer, released a statement today on the band’s Facebook page that he says goodbye, with a smile on his face.

    aqueous drummerTo my Aqueous friends and family –

    “This band has provided me with some of the best years of my life. Growing on a personal level from a being supporter of the band in high school, to playing percussion in the band, to playing drums in the band, and growing on a group level from getting kicked out of bars for being under-age as we’re setting up our gear, to playing our first out of town show, to touring a good portion of the country, it has all been an adventure-filled experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

    Being on the road with my 3 best friends (since before the band) is something I feel I am very fortunate to be able to say I’ve done. This decision I’ve made to leave this behind I cannot contribute to anything negative about the band or really anything negative at all. We are exactly how you’ve viewed us. We’re on stage smiling and laughing about whatever we were joking about earlier in the day, we hop off stage, the jokes continue, and we’re laughing about something new the next night in a different city. The positive environment that was created by being on the road with this band is something that I am proud to say I was a part of. My decision to leave was influenced by a change in me, and change in ideas, a change in direction. Knowing this band and all of its components so well, I know that Aqueous needs all parts of the machine to be in full force in order to move forward. I was no longer able to provide that. While I still would give full passion while on stage performing our songs, I just no longer had the drive off the stage.

    I have no doubts as I leave my throne to Ryan Nogle that he is the guy that is up for the task. Nogle has been here with us along this whole journey. In fact his first show working as “some sound guy we hired” in 2008 was the very same first show that I played percussion with the band. So if it would feel appropriate to pass the torch on to anyone else, it would be him. An incredible drummer, a good guy, and with the knack to fix just about anything anywhere, he will be quite an asset on the road.

    Possibly the most important thing I want to touch on would be the relationships I’ve formed with people that I otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths with if it weren’t for this band. I hope you all know who you are. Thank you. These people have never ceased to amaze me along the way with continuous support, understanding, and devotion to the band and the music it makes. It would always amaze me how Aqueous could ignite a room full of strangers. By the end of any show no one’s a stranger and everyone leaves feeling like they’ve made a new connection with someone that night. I’ve always been impressed with our fans. In the past year or two as the crowds started getting bigger, and even though I had not known as large of a percentage of the faces in the audience, I could see that these new faces were just continuing the positive trend that Aqueous emits. This is probably the best feature of the band and I hope that it never changes as the band continues forward.

    These last few shows I played with Aqueous are the best shows I’ve ever played personally, and I would consider the best shows the band has ever played as a whole. With the awareness of the situation between my band mates and myself, I felt that we communicated on stage better than we ever have. An unknown sense between the four of us that felt as if no words, cues, or signals had to be given for fluent improvisational music to be performed which is the exact reason Aqueous exists and doesn’t get tired of itself. I’m happy to know that this generation of Aqueous went out with a bang and performed a hell of a good run of shows before I hung it up.

    This isn’t the last you’ll see of me. My life wouldn’t feel right if music were not a part of it. If nothing else, those of you who are familiar with Boss Tweed and the Carpet Baggers – be expecting a showing of three weird dudes wearing lucha libre masks to be performing a show together at some point in the future.

    Thank you to all of you who have played a role in my irreplaceable life experience with this band.”

    We’d like to thank Nick for his years of amazing playing and friendship, and we promise to rock harder than ever as we move forward. Onward!

  • Dopapod Fall Tour 2014 Announced

    Brooklyn’s Dopapod announced yesterday an extensive 2014 fall national tour that includes several dates in Upstate New York.

    Early fall will find them headlining a show in Saratoga Springs on September 27.  They play Rochester on October 2 with supporting act Consider the Source opening.

    They come back through the state later on in October to support Umphrey’s McGee at Niagara Falls on the 23rd and in Binghamton on the 29th before finishing up with Space Carnival at the Oneonta Theatre in Oneonta on November 1.

    Check out the entire tour graphic below and mark your calendars for some Dopapod rage!

    dopatour

  • The Grapeful Getdown is the Place to be This Saturday at Willow Creek Winery

    Buffalive Productions and Willow Creek Winery team up one last time for the summer with a full day and night’s worth of Grateful Dead music. The all day event will be celebrating the music of Jerry Garcia, who would have been 72 years-old this past August 1 and Saturday will mark the 19th Anniversary of his passing. No better way to honor the legend with The Grapeful Getdown, which will take place Saturday, August 9 at the winery and will feature bands from the western, New York area.

    Workingman’s Dead, one of Buffalo’s premier Grateful Dead tribute bands will headline the event with two sets. The band is a must see as they replicate the sounds of ‘The Dead’ with precision and proving why the group is very sought after.

    HOGAN

    Joining Workingman’s Dead will be Groove Force, who will also be playing 2 sets. Groove Force is a jam/blues/funk driven machine that has an influence of Grateful Dead music and will be on display at The Grapeful Getdown. Grateful Dan’s will play two sets as well, the five-man band is a top Grateful Dead Tribute act in New York state and will surely take everyone back to the sounds of the Dead. Little Mountain Band will also share the stage for the event, the band heavily influenced by Garcia and can definitely be seen in the bands playing.

    A late night set will be played by Adam Bronstein and Paddy Donnelly performing the music of Phish as Adam Bronstein and the Watchful Hosemasters.

    An added benefit to the event is the free camping, so plan accordingly and stay for one final night at this must-see event. It’s going to be one strange trip!

    Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate. Advance $20 and $25 at the door.

  • Locals Only Festival at Oswego County Event Center Saturday

    Sixteen bands. Ten bucks. The exchange is in your favor, people. Syracuse’s 95X has put together the Locals Only Festival, a one-day fest hosted by the Oswego County Event Center, to take place Saturday, August 9.

    From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. the playbill promises a load of hard-rocking talent who dares people to call them anything buy “local” – If Hope Dies, Era, Stone Soul Foundation, Nasty Habit, After Earth, Snapmare, The Afro Nips, Ohne Ka & The Burning River, One Step From Falling, Ah! Ethernauts, Department, Feast of the Superb Owl, Human Lanterns, Bridge Under Fire, Damon Larus, and Civil Servants.

    “The boys in Era and I just wrapped up an awesome jam session,” said Barry Huribut last week through the event’s Facebook page, “and we are gonna be debuting some BRAND NEW brutality at this event.”

    Era, who earned Syracuse’s Sammie Award for Best Heavy Metal band back in March, is among the headlining acts from a quickly emerging music scene.

    “The local music scene in Syracuse is rich with talent,” said 95X radio personality, Scott Dixon. “We have a plethora of amazing bands in a multitude of genres.  From straight forward radio ready rock like Cry To The Blind and Jeremiah’s Razor to post rock stalwarts like How To Disappear Completely and Ohne Ka and the Burning River to hardcore from Thoughts In Reverse and Snapmare to college/indie rock standouts like Department and Feast Of The Superb Owl.

    And, those are just the bands that fall into an easy category.”

    Dixon is a veteran to the scene. In his 20 years, he proclaims having booked more than 2500 shows. He has seen almost every local band over each stage of their existence. He name drops Nathan Angell as an example of the “hard work pays off” idiom, but explains there are dozens of locals who have persevered and reaped the benefits from a strong work ethic over the years. Dixon finds inspiration in such examples.

    “That is what inspires me, seeing things move forward,” he said. “The better the scene gets, the more inspired I am to do more shows.”

    Labeling a band as “local” often times presents a limitation; watering down each complimentary adjective that follows, because it seems to suggest the band is only adequate for local audiences. But, the Locals Only Fest turns that moniker into something equivalent to “VIP”.

    “The goal of 95X Locals Only Fest is to demonstrate to the listeners in our area that we have a very talented and diverse local music scene,” said Dixon, “and that they deserve their own festival. … In a self-serving way, it’s also a chance for me to see 16 bands that I adore on a big stage with big production in front of what will hopefully be a big crowd.”

    Dixon also suggests that the festival provides an opportunity for these bands to network and collaborate on ideas to help each one succeed, a chance to establish a community.  A far different environment from the competitive scenes other locales endure.

    Wagner 3000 Out for Locals Only Fest

    Named on the original list of headlining acts, Wagner 3000 is a scratch from the Locals Only Festival’s playbill due to an accident that has left the band’s lead singer happy to be alive.

    “So, I got injured pretty bad,” stated Dan Wagner, on the band’s Facebook page on August 1. “[I] shattered my heel, fractured my pelvis, and shattered some back bone.

    No other details were released on the nature of the accident, or when it took place.

    Wagner 3000 is an alternative rock band that formed out of Syracuse back in 1997. They are known for providing a unique blend of music inspired by Cat Stevens, AC/DC, Nine Inch Nails and King Crimson.

    “We will be performing later on in the fall,” stated Wagner. “Really bummed to not be able to perform, really glad to not be dead. Be safe, Dan Wagner.”

    Damon Larus, a four-piece jam band that focuses on a wide variety of genres – blues, metal, funk, classic rock, alternative – was announced as a replacement on July 28.

  • Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad with Funktional Flow Close Out Another Great Weekend

    Music filled the air again at Willow Creek Winery this past weekend; two days filled with music to keep everyone happy. One of the greatest things about Willow Creek is that you get the festival experience in a smaller setting.  If you combine the great location with Buffalive Productions,  you’re getting the entire experience at a great value with Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad and Funktional Flow.

    Buffalive, who just recently was founded, is doing things in their first year that many promotors take years to accomplish, putting  great music out there for the fan to truly enjoy.  Friday and Saturday was no different with the crowd being treated to a stellar show by Badfish-A Tribute To Sublime, bringing everyone the music of Sublime  that they love, but most were not fortunate to see since the bands demise in the 90’s.Saturday brought music with reggae influence and started in the afternoon, going until well after midnight.

    Preach Freedom, Mosaic Foundation, Tropidelic and The B-Side Dubs all playing early on before the main event. Funktional Flow and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad played 2 sets each flip-flopping after each set. Funktional Flow started it off with  the side stage and GPGDS took over on the main stage. Flow has been playing the winery all summer and seemed to have quite the following since Buffalove Music Festival. Giant Panda was great and as the night wore on with darkness casting overhead and their lighting show, all made for a terrific night of music. Chad from Mosaic Foundation joined them on stage to boost the great reggae infused jam to the next level.

    Speaking with Chad as he came off stage he was happy as can be and he even said how it was a dream to be able to be on stage with Giant Panda, he had been huge fans of them since the beginning. Saturday night capped off another great weekend at Willow Creek  and with one more event to go who knows what Buffalive has in for store for next summer, it will be tough to beat their inaugural season. But First, up next will be The Grapeful Getdown on Aug 9, featuring a bunch of the area’s top Grateful Dead Tribute Bands with a day full of Dead songs.

    You can get more information about The Grapeful Getdown here and stay tuned for our preview of the upcoming show.