The post explained that it was a group decision and made with heartfelt conversations over the past few months. The decision follows the birth of Austin’s new baby daughter and a winter tour that did not include the founding member.
Austin has also been focusing on his solo career and it seems they are all in agreement that this is a positive move for them all.
All future tour dates will feature special guests in place of Austin, with a new permanent line-up in 2015.
The official statement: Yonder Mountain String Band is all about family, and through the support of our family of fans, we have been able to play music for you for the past 15 years. We couldn’t be more proud about our successes and experiences performing at the best venues and festivals in the country, and for the most dedicated fans any band could ever wish to have. With this said, YMSB would like to share some news about the future of the band. Collectively, after long, heartfelt discussions, we’ve all decided to move forth with a newly formed line-up due to varying career goals and creative pursuits. As of today, all future YMSB shows will be performed with Adam Aijala (guitar, vocals), Ben Kaufmann (bass, vocals), and David Johnston (banjo, vocals). We will welcome exciting special guests throughout the rest of the year and we look forward to a new permanent line-up in 2015. YMSB fully supports Jeff Austin and his emerging solo career.
Yonder Mountain String Band will perform all scheduled dates throughout 2014 with the new line up and special guests. Jeff Austin will be announcing more dates for his solo endeavors in the coming months. The band wants the fans to know that this decision did not come easily, and we’ll certainly keep all of our fans up to date with the new Yonder band- member line-up information.
We greatly look forward to seeing everyone out on the road this Summer and Fall!
Boston Calling music festival takes over Boston’s City Hall Plaza twice in 2014. The festival has grown since its first year to now be a 3 day festival twice a year instead of a 2 day festival twice a year. Making multiple stages on the plaza, the festival lets Boston shine in the background of all the groups performing. Although there is no camping, the city has so many hotels in the area that it should be fairly easy to find lodging.
The May portion of the festival is taking place over Memorial Day weekend from May 23rd to the 25th. Acts scheduled to play include Jack Johnson, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, The Decemberists, Bastille, Tegan & Sara, and Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls. Tickets are on sale now in various formats including single day, weekend only, all three days and VIP.
Today Boston Calling announced their September portion taking place from the 5th to the 7th. Taking the stages over that weekend will be The National, Lorde, The Replacements, Nas x The Roots, The Hold Steady, Lake Street Drive, White Denim, and Girl Talk. This is also looking likely to be one of the last east coast dates for Neutral Milk Hotel for the foreseeable future. Tickets for the fall festival go on sale tomorrow.
With these eclectic lineups, Boston Calling is spearheading the festival scene in the Northeast with something for everyone with a great mixture of – indie, rock, hip-hop, and EDM. Get your tickets for these now as they will likely sell out much sooner than later.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on all the festival announcements here at , or elsewhere on the Internet, today’s release of 2014 Austin City Limits lineup will offer you the opportunity to tell your friends, “I knew that.” There were no surprises when this year’s festival favorites, Eminem, Pearl Jam and Outkast topped the billing.
It still proves to be an impressive two weekends of music with acts ranging from Jimmy Cliff to The AvettBrothers. Add a few older favorites like Beck, Lettuce and the Replacements, mixed in with hot new names Lorde, Chvrches and Saratoga Spring’s own Phantogram, and you have one hell of a party. For ticket information, go to the ACL website, www.aclfestival.com.
Read the full line-up below; but, one warning – it is huge, and will take your whole coffee break this morning to go through it. It is guaranteed to off up at least a couple OMGs and a few well-deserved eye rolls. Enjoy!
Eminem
Pearl Jam
OutKast
Skrillex
Beck
Calvin Harris
Lana Del Rey
Lorde (weekend two only)
Foster The People
The Replacements
Zedd
Major Lazer
The Avett Brothers
Spoon
The Head And the Heart
Childish Gambino
Chvrches
Jimmy Cliff
St. Vincent
Phantogram
Juanes
The Glitch Mob
Fitz & The Tantrums
The Gaslight Anthem
AFI
Iggy Azalea
Rebelution
Icona Pop
Turnpike Troubadours
Capital Cities
Paolo Nutini
Jenny Lewis
Beats Antique
Sam Smith
Kongos
Real Estate
tUnE-yArDs
Kodaline
Jagwar Ma
Blackberry Smoke
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Mac DeMarco
Gramatik
Lettuce
Lake Street Drive
Poliça
Lucius
Temples
Ozomatli
Bleachers
Ana Tijoux
Hozier
Mø
J. Roddy Walston & The Business
Robert Ellis
Zoe
Saints Of Valory (weekend two only)
Jon Baptiste And Stay Human
Parker Millsap (weekend two only)
The Preatures
Falls
Reuben And The Dark
Tor Miller
Bernhoft
Nikki Lane
Bad Rabbits
My Brightest Diamond
Cults
The Rosebuds
Night Terrors Of 1927
The Chain Gang Of 1974
Young & Sick
Miniature Tigers
Spanish Gold
Empires
The Districts
Benjamin Booker
Blank Range
Asleep At The Wheel (weekend one only)
Ray Benson & Milkdrive (weekend two only)
Moats (weekend one only)
Melanie Martinez (weekend two only)
The Last Internationale (weekend one only)
Johnnyswim (weekend one only)
Future Unlimited (weekend one only)
Jon Pardi (weekend one only)
Beat Connection (weekend two only)
Los Colognes (weekend one only)
A Thousand Horses (weekend one only)
Snowmine (weekend one only)
The Lonely Biscuits (weekend two only)
Bully (weekend two only)
The Wans (weekend two only)
Colony House (weekend two only)
The Hunts (weekend two only)
Catfish & The Bottlemen (weekend two only)
Von Grey (weekend one only)
Mark Scibila (weekend one only)
Modoc (weekend one only)
Black Pistol Fire (weekend two only)
Blue Bear (weekend one only)
Wood & Wire (weekend two only)
Emily Wolfe (weekend two only)
The Nightowls (weekend two only)
Dawn And Hawkes (weekend one only)
Mike And The Moonpies (weekend one only)
Sphynx (weekend one only)
Penny & Sparrow (weekend two only)
Riders Against The Storm (weekend two only)
Hard Proof (weekend one only)
Arum Rae (weekend one only)
The Legendary Soul Stirrers
The Jones Family Singers
Shields Of Faith
The Levites
Ashley Cleveland (weekend two only)
The Stapletones (weekend two only)
The River City Christianettes
Gospel Silvertones (weekend one only)
Wesley Bray And The Disciples Of Joy
The Barton Hills Choir
Steve Songs
Ralph’s World
Elizabeth McQueen
Sugar Free Allstars
School Of Rock
The Q Brothers
Tony Distefano & Tor
Local favorite Dan Johnson recently announced an upcoming album that he plans to release on May 15th.
“I’ve been recording a new album of original material here at the shack up in the brambly foothills of the Green Mountain,” stated Johnson in his latest press release. “It’s got eight original songs and a whole lot of tender loving care.
I’m including “Mercury 85″ which has been a hit at shows lately, as well as a couple others I think you’re gonna like,” added Johnson.
The album will be released on May 15th through Bandcamp – and like Radiohead, Johnson is letting fans dictate the price of this release. The name of the album was not revealed.
See below for upcoming shows:
Upcoming Shows
April 22 – Rosendale Cafe, Rosendale NY
April 23 – Olde English Pub, Albany NY
April 24 – The Rose and Kettle, Cherry Valley NY
April 25 – Old Union Hotel, Binghamton NY
May 4 – Skinny Pancake, Montpelier VT
May 17 – Bagitos, Montpelier VT
July 20 – Troy Pig Out, Troy NY
August 29-31 – Cornstock, Tunkhannock PA
Ian Wagner is a local Watertown artist whose incredible talent has raised the expectations for musicians all over the North Country. Originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, Ian traveled the country and joined the military in 2001. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion 22nd Infantry Regiment Ft. Drum as a Combat Medic on May 13th 2003. He was medically retired after being wounded in action during his second tour. In 2009, Ian decided to pursue his dreams as a musician. He was a member of local bands Network and Wagner’s Agenda before going solo in 2011. Ian has made the North Country his home, and we are happy to have him!
With acoustic covers of artists like Luke Bryan, Shinedown, Tenacious D, and even Eminem, he hits every genre. He transforms every song into his own, performing with incredible passion and energy. His talent is unlike anything you will hear out of this region. You will remember the first time you saw him play, and you will be sure to see him again. I have been lucky to see him play many times and recently I sat down with him to learn more about this upcoming artist.
Katrina Johnson: I heard you were working on an album, is that true?
Ian Wagner: Not entirely. I have about an LP’s worth of original material that’s ready to be recorded. But I’m shy with my originals. You actually heard one on Saturday though, which is rare. That song is called “Deeds Not Words” and was written specifically for the families of fallen soldiers.
KJ: I loved that song.Very well done! What is the next step for you? What is your ultimate goal?
IW: Well, that’s still a little up in the air. I’ve played on every stage Jefferson County has to offer, and I consider this place my new home. I’m definitely interested in branching out though. It seems like the logical choice. We are fortunate to live in an area rich with musical talent. I’ve shared the stage with some incredible musicians, some of international notoriety. Most significant to me are Brian Purwin and Marcus Hagans. They have become my brothers both on and off the stage. If I had my way the three of us would be out on the road, but there are numerous obstacles preventing all of us from being able to commit 100% to the dream. I plan on spending my summer here in the North Country playing as much as possible.
KJ: Did you meet them here or did you serve with them?
IW: I met them both at jam nights in Depauville actually. Marcus was in the Army. He gets out this week actually. Brian is originally from New Jersey and wound up here visiting his childhood friend at Better Farm in Redwood.
KJ: When did you start playing and performing?
IW: I’ve been playing music my whole life. I didn’t start performing until I decided to resign from my position as a tactical medical instructor at the MSTC on Drum and pursue my lifelong passion as a musician. That was in 2009
KJ: Who taught you to play?
IW: I have approximately five years of state recognized education. For the most part I taught myself everything I know. That isn’t to say I haven’t studied everything I can get my hands on. My mom plays a bit and sings from the heart. I guess in a lot of ways I inherited that from her. I taught myself how to read tablature when I was 13 and immersed myself in learning my favorite albums front to back when I could afford the corresponding book. The five years I was in school I learned how to read music and play every brass instrument my school had. I also tried my hand at clarinet and tenor sax. When I was very young my mom had a keyboard that I began picking familiar melodies off of. It’s hard to say who “taught” me to play because my musical experiences are multi-faceted. At the end of the day, I believe I taught myself. Music is a personal experience for me, and even though I share it with every one else these days, I always try to put 110% of myself in everything I do.
KJ: Who is your idol?
IW: They change frequently. The list is way too long to get to them all. I attempt to get to every genre. Locally there is a guy named Ben Wisner that I aspire to play as well as. Stevie Ray Vaughn had a big influence on me as I began maturing as a guitar player. Bradley Nowell taught me that you don’t have to have an amazing voice to sing with passion. Django Reinhardt had incredible absolutely impeccable rhythm and played with two fingers fused together after a burn injury. I explored trying to recreate sounds that guys like Jimi Hendrix made without having the luxury of being able to afford expression pedals, which was ultimately impossible, but taught me so much about digging sounds out of the instrument. Lately I’ve been on a country kick. I recently had the opportunity to stand 10 feet from Brad Paisley’s Dr. Z amplifiers while he delivered a show to 10,000 adoring fans. Not only was I up front, but I got to hang out with him a bit backstage! An incredible experience. Marcus and Brian consistently blow my mind. I can cover hundreds and hundreds of songs; I tend to do them my way. These guys just feel it and make it happen, even if they haven’t ever heard the original song. None of us have rehearsed for a gig as long as we have played together. We literally built our shows making it up as we went, and that has been incredibly inspirational for me. If the roles were reversed and I were supporting them, I would be sure to disappoint.
KJ: That is impressive. You guys do an amazing job. Do you have any shows scheduled yet for this spring or summer?
IW: I think the show I’m looking forward to the most so far in May is Bella Brook Vineyards, May 24th. That’s in St. Lawrence County, and I have had an incredible time every time I have played there. This summer is starting to fill up with a lot of fun events, both public and invite only. I guess in closing I’d like to send a shout out to @musicology in Watertown. I play out multiple times a week and that takes a toll on my gear. I can always count on them t keep me ready for the next gig!
Check out Ian’s Facebook page to find out where you can see him next!
Central New Yorkers have ushered out the cold winter weather for the past three years with the help of Mohawk Valley Community College and Kiss FM 97.9/105.5 as they host their annual Spring Meltdown each April. This April’s event was even hotter than the previous years with the headlining British sensation, Cher Lloyd, and her special guest, David Correy.
Cher Lloyd
David Correy is more than just an amazing performer, he’s an inspiration to all of his fans world wide. Looking back on his life to date, David ‘s course of history appears to be predestined. Born in Brazil to a family in extreme poverty, his mother made the difficult decision to give David up for adoption to afford him more opportunities in life. This selfless act gave a couple in Annapolis, MD the opportunity to be a part of David’s life and love him as their own. Throughout his childhood David was always drawn to music and performing whether it was in school productions or singing and writing music where ever he could. David’s love for music was recognized and awarded with a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA. Off to refine his craft in Boston, David was dealt a horrendous blow in his sophomore year when he became ill and completely lost his voice. Having to give up school, David returned home to recuperate.
This, however, didn’t deter David though as he pushed through the roadblock to only bounce back with more determination to succeed. But shortly after that, fate once again had alternative plans for David when he was in a near fatal car accident. Once again David proved what he was made of and how much of a fighter he was, as he recovered and pushed back once again with even more perseverance. In 2012 David was a contender on the second season of the US version of the reality show, X-Factor, being a member of LA Reid’s team. Even thought he was eliminated, the appearance on the show lent a hand to fate once again and brought David and his birth mother back together as she recognized his baby photos on the show. Chronicling the reunion with all of his Facebook and Twitter fans as it unfolded, we all became part of his heart warming reunion with his mother and family in Brazil. Since the reunion, David’s talents have extended past the shores of America to incorporate fans world wide. He has had opportunities to work with greats such as Ne-Yo, Bow Wow, Omarion, and the likes over the last few years. This world wide acclaim has widened to now incorporate sports fans as David joins forces with Aloe Blacc on David’s new song “The World Is Ours”, the Coca- Cola 2014 FIFA World Cup Anthem.
In March of 2014, David once again was dealt with one of life’s unfairnesses with the passing of his adoptive mother. As he grieved, he picked himself up and pushed through the pain yet again. Joining us at MVCC for the 2014 Spring Meltdown only a few short weeks after his loss, he dedicated the show to his late mother and his Central NY family, the family that first embraced him at his first big show in 2012 at MVCC’s first Spring Meltdown, and the crowd welcomed him home with open arms.
Cher Lloyd
With the amazing talents of David Correy opening, Cher Lloyd could feel the love within the Jorgenson Complex as the crowd chanted and went wild in anticipation of the superstar to emerge. Cher Lloyd, at a young age of 20, hails from the UK and is best known for her appearance in the seventh series of the X Factor in the UK. Finishing fourth however didn’t deter her as she was signed immediately to Syco Music, Simon Cowell’s label. Releasing her first single “Swagger Jagger” the single went immediately to number one on the UK charts and five on the charts in Ireland. With a second release of her collaboration with Mike Posner on “With Ur Love”, her success was apparent as the single went top ten again. In October of 2011 Cher signed with Logan Entertainment and we saw the release of her premier album, Sticks & Stones here in the US shortly thereafter. The single “Want You Back” immediately went top ten and she was a household name in no time. In addition to her amazing musical talents, she’s a beauty. Signed as a model with the prestigious Select Agency, she began to appear on magazine covers as well.
Cher Lloyd
As Cher took the stage at MVCC, it was an amazing site to see how this petit firecracker took control of the stage and wrapped her audience around her little finger. Her stage presence spewed of passion, strength, and life on her own terms. As she sang many fan favorites from her first album Sticks & Stones interspersed with songs from the upcoming new album, Sorry I’m Late, (to be released by end of May 2014) it was apparent that her musical talents were unique and genuine to her vision. As she performed acoustic numbers such as “Goodnight” a ballad writen about her father, and “Sirens” you gathered an insight into this multi-talented artist as she is much more than a pop, rap, hip hop, contemporary R&B. She is a truly gifted songwriter and an amazing performer. When categorizing Cher Lloyd to any one genre, one would be pressed to select. She credits artists such as Nicki Minaj in trailblazing the unique sound she has created as well as legendary country artist Dolly Parton. With such a diverse inspirational background, it’s only inevitable that Cher would create an unique sound of her own.
Touring since 2011 with the XFactor tour, and then accompanying Hot Chelle Rae in 2012 and Taylor Switft in 2013 on her Red Tour validates her upward climb to success in the US. For those interested in catching her on tour this year, she will be out on the road with Demi Lovato on her 2014 Neon Lights Tour.
Cher Lloyd
Although Cher is only 20, her amazing talent and drive to the top signifies what a superstar this young lady is and will be in the future. Many artists rise to the top with a few hits, but it’s her diversity in music and the ability to stay true to her craft that will maintain Cher on the top for many years to come. It is the uniqueness of what she creates that makes her stand out above others. It is her honestly in her songwriting and performing. She’s definitely one that marches to the beat of her own drum, wearing her heart on her sleeve literally, proudly displaying her ink featuring her love of her father. Cher develops an aura at her show. By sharing details of her personal life with her audience she draws them in as friends and not just fans in an audience. If we were to make predictions on future stars to watch for that will stay true to their music, true to their personal beliefs, and true to their creativity, I would definitely place Cher on that list. If I were to choose one word to describe Cher, it would be honest. Cher is honest to herself and her fans, and that is why they love her.
Bad Company and Lynyrd Skynyrd will be back on a co-headlining tour this summer after their hugely successful 2013 tour.
The tour makes its way though the area when they each perform at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien, NY on July 13th.
“We’re looking forward to being out on tour with our friends, Bad Company,” said Johnny Van Zant (current lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd), “Last year was great! If you want to see good rock ‘n’ roll, come check this out.”
Paul Rodgers (lead singer of Bad Company) said, “Last year’s tour with our friends in Skynyrd was a fantastic time for all. We’re looking forward to spending ten dates with them and our fans again this summer.”
The tour kicks off in Bangor, ME on July 10th and will end on July 25th in Clarkston, MI. Tickets are on sale now.
Bad Company was titled a ‘super-group’ due to the band’s original line up. Free’s Paul Rodgers (Vocals/Multi-Instrumentalis), Mott The Hoople’s Mich Ralphs (Guitar), Free’s Simon Kirke (percussion) and King Crimison’s Boz Burrell (bassist), who passed away in 2006. Over the years, the band released six albums that sold millions of copies and having number one hits like “Can’t Get Enough,” “Bad Company,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and many other songs that were written by main songwriters Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs. Guitarist Howard Leese and bassist, Todd Ronning will join the original members on their summer tour.
Lynyrd Skynyrd who is led by Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals), Ricky Medlocke (guitar) and with drummer Michael Cartellone have been keeping their legacy strong and memorable which started over 35 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida. Lynyrd Skynyrd have recorded over 60 albums with sales reaching over 30 million worldwide and even their song “Sweet Home Alabama” becoming a classic rock American anthem. The band remains a classic, rock ‘n’ roll cultural icon.
Ithaca’s The Haunt was the place to be on Friday April 11th as Jimkata and Turkuaz broke it down for the locals. Ithaca locals Jimkata has just returned from a countrywide tour that included 18 states and over 35 shows, with a few more still to go as they prepare for festival season. The band has been exponentially growing in popularity in the past few years, as they have made appearances at some of the nation’s largest festivals and venues. From the Rockies to the East Coast, Jimkata has been featured at Gathering of the Vibes, Summercamp, Catskill Chill, and most recently, opening Colorado’s SnowBall.
Since Jimkata’s formation in 2006, the band’s style and overall sound has changed immensely. The band started as a jam/rock group with meaty guitar solos and psychedelic undertones, but since then has morphed into more of an electro/indie rock band. Jimkata’s influences can easily be detected in their music, with hints of MGMT, Talking Heads, and LCD Sound System. The unique electro-rock music that the band makes has somewhat forged a new frontier for this ever-expanding genre and is constantly evolving all the time.
Opening for Jimkata was the notoriously funky band Turkuaz. For those who have never seen or heard of the group before, your ears will be pleasantly surprised. The Haunt seemed almost too small for the energy and huge sound that Turkuaz produced. The band consists of nine members, including two saxophonists, both tenor and baritone, two guitarists, bass, trumpet/keys, two vocalists, and of course a rock solid drummer to keep all that funk together.
Starting off the set was an unreleased track titled “Typa-Lika,” exemplifying the power that the group has harnessed. The distorted guitar, groovy bass line, and driving rhythm are comparable only to funk music masters such as Lettuce. Their set continued with all original songs from their three studio albums and even a few more unreleased tracks. Besides giving the crowd outstanding dancing music, Turkuaz also had a soulful side that allowed the audience to feel the music on a whole new level. Lead guitarist and vocalist Dave Brandwein, in combination with the two female vocalist/dancers sang the blues like no other, ending their set with all instrumental jam, “20 Dollar Bill.”
With the crowd sufficiently sweaty and riled up, Jimkata wasted no time making their way to the stage. In contrast to the big-bad-funk of Turkuaz, Jimkata started off with a more laid back tune, “American Cars,” combining psychedelic bass and synthesizer. Their popular songs “Lighter” and “Nightshade” followed, featuring big choruses and breakdowns, as what seemed like the entire audience bellow the lyrics “You can let it go!” The band maintained the high energy set with more songs from their two most recent studio albums, Die Digital and Feel In Light. Winding down the show, Jimkata pulled out some of its older fan favorites, going back to their roots with a couple tracks off their self-titled debut album. These songs allowed one to see the transformation the group has made from the harder rock and heavy guitar solos that Jimkata started off their career with. As to be expected, the Ithaca natives drew a huge crowd, filling The Haunt nearly to capacity with a party that will not soon be forgotten.
Turkuaz Setlist: Typa-Like, Bubba > Coast, Chatte > Lookin Tough, Rules > M’Lady > Tiptoe Thru Crypto, Murder Face > Pickin Up, 20 Dollar Bill
Jimkata Setlist: American Cars, Lighter, Nightshade > Beat the Curse, Die Digital > Legoland, Electronic Stone, Feel in Light, Feed > Daytime Fiction, Low Low, Chainstore
Italian prog-metallers Lacuna Coil return to Syracuse for the first time in five years by playing at the Westcott Theater this coming Tuesday, April 22 at 7PM with Kyng. Lacuna Coil is touring to promote their latest album Broken Crown Halo, which came out April 1 and debuted with 13,000 copies sold its first week of release to land on No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Los Angeles based hard-rockers Kyng are co-headlining to promote their album “Burn The Serum” which came out on April 15,while New York City based alternative outfit Eve To Adam join the tour to promote their latest release Locked And Loaded which came out last November. New comers Cilver from New York City is slated to open the show.
Coming hot off of the heals of eight great performances at The Capitol Theatre and two at The Brooklyn Academy of Music, Phil Lesh and Friends have added a new show at New York City’s Rumsey Playfield in Central Park on Wednesday May 28.
For this performance Phil’s friends will be Warren Haynes, Joe Russo, John Medeski, and John Scofield. All of these amazing musicians have played with Phil in prior incarnations of the friends band over the years. This show is part of the deal that Phil Lesh made with Peter Shapiro at the beginning of the year that is letting New York City Deadheads reap the benefits with plenty of music from the 74-year-old bassist. Tickets go on sale on The Capitol Theatre’s website on Friday April 25th and Noon.
Photo Credit: Scott Harris at the Central Park Jazz and Colors Festival 2013
Jeff Austin and Yonder Mountain String Band announced today on their Facebook page, that Austin has decided to leave the band.
