NYS Music 20​14

Tag: putnam den

  • Road to Backwoods: Lucid

    Excitement continues to build as one of Upstate’s top music festivals, Backwoods Pondfest, is only a week away. The 8th annual 2 day festival will take place in Peru, NY on August 8 and 9 with live music, car camping, art and much more. Settled way up in the North Country, Backwoods attracts people of all ages from all over the East Coast each year with a family friendly environment and party loving attitude. The lineup is never a disappointment, making this year no different especially with Chali 2na and House of Vibe, Twiddle, Spiritual Rez, Turkuaz, plus many more. This “Road to Backwoods” edition will focus on the band hosting the festival itself, Lucid.

    BACKWOODSPONDFEST

    Lucid is versatile enough to perform in small bars or large outdoor stages with a strong stage presence that is fun and captivating. Given their Plattsburgh upbringing, their music is raw and honest that fuse together northern rock, funk and honky-tonk blues. Lucid will perform two sets throughout the festival weekend, an acoustic set on Friday night and an electric late night set on Saturday. This past year, Lucid was the winner of the March Madness tournament, a true testimony to their passionate fan base after going strong for 10 years together. Lucid will be performing TONIGHT at the Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs Aug 1, performing two sets starting at 9PM with a $7 cover for the 21+ event where you can also purchase tickets for Backwoods Pondfest.

    Lucid1

    Tickets are still available for Backwoods Pondfest and can be purchased on their website or at any show featuring The Garcia Project, Capital Zen and North Funktree. Tickets are only $70 including over 20 bands on 2 stages with 2 nights of car camping. Bring a non-perishable good and receive $5 off ticket price if you buy tickets Day of Show. Be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter for more to come from out “Road to Backwoods” series.

    Lucid performing “Crazy Fucked Up World” from Backwoods Pondfest 2013

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybYQHFfPWoQ]

  • Seth Yacovone Brings his Southern Style from the North to Putnam Den

    The Putnam Den has been a staple in the Upstate music community for quite some time and is known for bringing acts spanning many genres. This has not changed, in fact, it’s about the only thing that has stayed familiar. The walls have all been painted a dark red, sending a warming vibe throughout the club. The bras that once hung from above the bar are gone. Tables are placed methodically around the soundboard, leaving plenty of room for people to shake their stuff in front of the stage, which is now graced with a red velvet curtain. These changes, along with many made to the outdoor patio (such as ping-pong and baggo), have made The Putnam Den an even more desirable place to have a great time and see live music. Saturday night exemplified this tremendously. With a packed patio and even more patrons inside to see The Seth Yacovone Band, all of the ingredients for a fantastic night were in order.

    The Seth Yacovone Band, who hails from Burlington, Vermont with a sound coming from below the Mason-Dixon line, had the crowd hooked right away. “Tonight the Night”, a Neil Young song, was pure blue-blooded American rocking magic, with wailing guitar solos that set the mood for the entire night. Stellar musicianship was shown by the whole band. Steve Hadeka was on the kit while adding some vocals and Alex Budney slapped the bass, making a sound that was untouchable by many three-piece acts. “Botulism” was a high point of the set. Musically it held its own with the rest, but listening to the lyrics, which addressed nasty mayonnaise and other things that spurred the title, was very funny. If you didn’t listen close enough, the song was just another groovy danceable number. Closing the set out with Bob Dylan’s “Isis” was a treat. The band took the slow Dylan tune and sped it up a bit, yet didn’t stray too far from the feel of the original, a talent many bands do not possess.

    The second half of music opened with the bass-heavy, fast-paced “Storage Space”, a fantastic way to start the set, attracting people walking the streets of Saratoga to The Putnam Den. This vibe continued as the club became more and more packed of people who were digging the sound coming from the Vermont trio. “Gnashing Golgotha Footstomp Shindig Blues” was intense. Channeling the late Frank Zappa on this tune was completely unexpected as the rest of the night offered nothing similar. The slow start with a funky bass groove and drum beat kept the cool vibe going while Seth sang over it in a different tone than the crowd had grown accustomed to. As the solo emerged, the crowd was in awe. Shredding does not even begin to describe how hard and fast Seth was playing. It was as if he was on another sphere.  Slowly bringing it down enough to not lose the groove was just pure brilliance and, without a doubt, the high point of the show. Closing with “What Have I Done Wrong”, a song where the title pretty much sums it up, is about a man wondering what he did wrong and asking his lady with little or no response. Showing the more bluesy side of the band as well as some pure emotion was a great way to end the show. Not a single person was not screaming for an encore; the band gracefully obliged by playing “Little Richard Will Rise Again”, a song that sounds exactly how you’d picture it with a title like that. The band picked a fantastic way to end the show and was tops from the first note to the last.

  • Photo Gallery: Twiddle’s Post-Phish Fourth of July Show

    Vermont’s Twiddle played The Putnam Den, after Phish, on July 4th. Famed photographer Andrew Scott Blackstein was there to capture the show.

  • Max Creek Dries The Rain at Putnam Den

    The rain fell while a cool wind chilled the air, but this didn’t stop the masses from coming out to Putnam Den to support live music. The line was out the door while fans got wet, but the excitement of seeing Max Creek surely made the rain only a slight inconvenience. Inside the fans dried off and the mingling between all the Creek Freaks began. There was talk of the StrangeCreek Campout, hope of what songs they would play, how many times they have seen them and when they started seeing ‘The Creek’. It was a real family atmosphere, one that has transcended time, and will continue for years to come.

    Opening the evening were local favorites High Peaks Band, who on Thursday were playing as The High Peaks Trio. These guys have been playing Saratoga bars for a while and opening for many larger bands, so it is only a matter of time before these guys will be taking the main stage and having bigger name acts open for them. They mix it up every time they play and always have fun while doing so. Closing the set with the Phishy number “Within Reason,” got the Creek Freaks ready for a night of timeless entertainment.

    The Creek barrage wouldn’t start quite yet, however, as Black Mountain Symphony from Albany, brought their unique sound to The Putnam Den. People who were pacing around waiting for the headliners were drawn to the stage as this bombardment of sound thrown at them. Led by the fast-paced violin playing of Annie Campo, the other sounds complemented not only the violin, but the other instruments, making the sound as one. It was truly amazing and left a positive feeling on stage as Creek was getting ready to take the stage.

    For a band who has been around for over 40 years, one may think that a group may not be able to put on a show as they have in the past. Max Creek does not fall into that category. Having always been a band that mixed original with covers, they continued this pattern on Thursday night. Opening with the scratchy, distinguished vocals of Scott Murawski, singing the Creek standard “In Harmony”, a mayhem of movement started throughout the packed house and smiles for all. This was the Creek from old and the hundreds in attendance knew this. Bassist John Rider took lead vocals on “Gypsy Blue,” another original out of the Creek catalog, leaving long times fans of the band in great spirits! Marc Mercier, longtime keyboardist, on the Dylan classic “Tangled up in Blue” was a great treat for fans who were not familiar with many of the originals and helped them feel the groove and sing along.

    The band continuously switched vocals during songs, mixing it up, showing there was no single leader of the group; this has helped their longevity and their continued growth. Murawski’s solos though were the pinpoint of most songs and were what the crowd was waiting for, as his slow build up to a tremendous peak simply blew minds as fans jumped up when he hit the note. As Mercier and Rider left the stage, Murawski stayed on and played cowbell with drummer Bill Carbone and percussionist Jamemurrell Stanley. Not long after did Murawski leave the stage and let the percussion section do their thing. These two really rocked it playing beats from all different genres of percussion. This was a special treat as these two are the newest members of the group, but now one would know the way they so smoothly added their vibe to Max Creek. With playing like this in front of a packed house and being happy to do so, Max Creek will be around for as long as they choose to be.

    This summer, Max Creek will return to the area with Camp Creek at Indian Lookout Country Club, most recently the site of Camp Bisco. After a few year hiatus, Camp Creek comes home and will surely make waves throughout the music scene. Although no bands but the headliner has been announced yet, it is sure to be a great time. A limited number of pre-sale tickets are on sale for $80 dollars for the festival taking place from August 21-23. For more info click here.

  • Here are Your Phish Post-Shows at Putnam Den and The Parting Glass

    Phish is coming to Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 3rd, 4th and 5th, and is proud to announce late-night shows brought to you by the Putnam Den at two locations: Putnam Den and The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs.

    The post-shows in Saratoga have become a destination after seeing Phish at SPAC, with up and coming bands, as well as local bands ready to burst onto the scene and keep fans dancing into the wee hours of the night. The lineup for this year’s post-shows is yet another installment of great music that shows the vibrant scene of Upstate New York.

    As a bonus, this year shows will be held at not one but TWO venues, located a very short walk from each other. See the map below.

    On July 3rd, the hardest working band in the North Country, Lucid, takes the stage at Putnam Den. Careening across the musical spectrum as a V8 blend of genres, Lucid’s sound emerges from a blend of jazz, rock, honky-tonk blues and reggae. Always a Den fave, Lucid gets the 2014 Putnam Den Phish after-party series off to a rollicking start. Tickets are $10. Pick them up here. At The Parting Glass, catch Dead Sessions, a super-group of Vermonters covering the musical of the Grateful Dead. This show has sold out in recent years, so get tickets early!

    July 4th brings us not only America’s birthday, but also Vermont Night! After celebrating our independence and the music of Phish at SPAC, come see Vermont’s Twiddle at Putnam Den and/or Waylon Speed at The Parting Glass.

    Twiddle, a Vermont based quartet, spins tall tales over an intricate soundscape of hi-def shred. Their fresh multi-genre approach conjures up jazz, classical, and bluegrass, but above all, masterfully blends reggae and funk.

    Waylon Speed’s genre is Underground Outlaw Dirt Rock, while the Washington Post has said, “Waylon Speed is a cross between Metallica and the Lumineers, with an unnecessary dash of Prince showmanship.” Not sure what to make of that? Pick up tickets to both shows and check out Twiddle AND Waylon Speed!

    Tickets for this show at $10 each, or pick up tickets to both for $15 and go back and forth between the two shows!

    Pick up Tickets for Twiddle and/or Tickets for Waylon Speed

    On Saturday, July 5th, two rising stars in the jamband world perform late-night shows. At Putnam Den, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will take the stage at midnight, while The Parting Glass will host Albany’s Formula 5.

    Based out of Baltimore, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (PPPP) has an undeniably unique and versatile live sound that combines funk, rock, and electronic with intense energy from their improvisational jams, bringing a party with their danceable electro-funk grooves. Opening for PPPP is Richard James & The Name Changers, a Boston-based rock band with a piano driven, song-oriented sound that appeals to adventuresome music lovers with genre bending tastes and a desire to dance.

    Formula 5, Albany’s biggest jamband, will headline at The Parting Glass, celebrating the recent release of their sophomore album Edging on Catastrophe, bringing their funk-infused jamming to Saratoga. Their live performances combine elements of funk, jazz, rock and more to their own original music. Formula 5’s ever-changing melodies with familiar sounds and catchy lyrics are enough to turn anyone into a lifelong fan.

    Tickets for this show at $10 each, or pick up tickets to both for $15 and go back and forth between the two shows!

    Pick up tickets for PPPP and/or pick up tickets for Formula 5

  • Look Under Your Couch, You May Be Lucky to Find some Cosmic Dust Bunnies

    The streets of Saratoga Springs were jammed packed on Saturday, May 17th  night and there was little doubt that the Putnam Den would be receiving much of this overflow, especially considering the first beer was on the house, and two of the best progressive bands around, The Cosmic Dust Bunnies and the Squid Parade, were about to tear the place down. Yet somehow, the room was sparse, as fans of these bands looked around in befuddlement wondering if they were in the right place. They were, and regardless of how many people were there, the band did not mind one bit as they played some of the best sets seen at Putnam Den in quite some time!

    Squid Parade, formed at SUNY Oneonta, opened the evening with their own variety of jamtronica and a steady groove, setting the evening’s vibe. All the supporters of the bands knew they were in the right place: this was going to be a party! Guitarist Zac Westbrook had a very similar style to that of Chris Michetti, yet with his own soaring flow, showing his influences but also proving he is his own musician. The drums, played by Emmett Rozelle, and bass, played by Pete Piscitelli, played perfectly in sync with each other, leaving Westbrook to do his thing. Although many bands play to this formula, Squid Parade did it in a manner that exemplified practice and experimentation leading towards a new twist on what is becoming a tedious sound in a fantastic genre. The stand out track was a brand new song, among a set that showed extreme diversity, from speed metal, to classic rock, to electronica poppy choruses, yet never losing groove or the attention of the fans. This is a band that some may say are trying to find themselves, due to all the different sounds but they have already found themselves, in creating a new sound.

    Setlist: The Hammer, Out of Phase, Mutation Engine, Leave that Thing Alone,Never Odd Or Even, Frog Legs, S.S.R.A.S.B., Dualit

    New Haven, Connecticut natives The Cosmic Dust Bunnies then took the stage and hit the crowd with another type of a daring musical adventure. Their sound of new wavetronica seems like an anomaly in itself, but it wasn’t long before the crowd understood what this meant. With Chris Sellas spouting a synthesizer over the other instruments, it felt like 1984 all over again. Bassist Matt Beckett constructed the perfect bridge between Sellas and guitarist Matt Dempsey. A very fulfilling sound, giving both soloists time to slowly make their way to the spotlight. This concept is not used as precisely as the Dust Bunnies did it; they showed patience in that they were willing to solo at the right time, with no rush. This made the blissful compositions that much more significant. “Flood the Streets” was a very high point, starting out with a Talking Heads groove. It wasn’t until Sellas used the vocorder, that new wavetronica made complete sense. Erik Hyland’s drums were wailing away, as Demspey’s guitar screamed, and Sellas was just having a blast, along with everyone else.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2folv1H9Hs&w=420&h=315]

    When the band played “Mission: Possible”, they threw in a bit of dub, although it wasn’t clear if the dub sound was going to take away from the sound that was already a staple that evening. This seemed a tad disheartening, as it appeared there was no room for the darkness that dub brings to the happy bouncy feeling that had already been established. As with everything else, however, CDB knew what they were doing and used just enough to make it interesting. This tactic was used for the next few numbers, with a little more of the electronica then the new wave, but there were no complaints, as everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. The group continued to show their uniqueness by playing“Down”, a poppy radio friendly song. Sung by Beckett with passion, this song seemed like it meant more than words to him, as he sang from the heart. This would be the perfect song to hear on the radio, with a little guitar and key solos thrown in bit, but it wasn’t the focus of the song: the vocals and lyrics were. The Cosmic Dust Bunnies have started a new style of genre blending. This doesn’t seem to be a flash in the pan. New wavetronica could be the sound of the future.

    Setlist: Gotcha>Moleculo>Gotcha, Emerald Zone, Flood The Streets, Mission: Possible, Cosmonauts, Down, Jay in My Life, Hipster Champagne

  • Musical Force: Alan Evans Playonbrother and Turkuaz hit Putnam Den

    Putnam Den hosted two soulful bands, Alan Evans Playonbrother and Turkuaz, this past Thursday the 27th of March that rocked the roof off the venue. Both acts had new music to share with fans that eagerly filled up the dance floor.

    alan evansWith their most recent name change, Alan Evan’s Playonbrother started the night to prove that they are more than a jazz trio. Were they always this edgy? The new name was the boost the group needed to give them more of a dark rock sound. Guitarist Danny Mayer was relentless in his strong guitar riffs throughout the set, never slowing down as Beau Sasser on keys cranked out sharp notes for the familiar jazz like sound that fans have always loved. Alan Evan’s passionately beat his drums and cymbals with a new found fiery confidence, not his usual cool, calm and collected manner. One of the highlights of the night was their rendition of Cream’s “Sunshine of your Love” and subsequent jam, an out of control, hard hitting masterpiece. The trio recently released a new album, Woodstock Sessions, Vol 1. that is available online or at their shows on their current tour with Turkuaz.

    The well-oiled funk machine known as Turkuaz shook the crowd and Putnam Den with their explosive dance music. The 9-piece band from Brooklyn resembles a modern day Talking Heads but with more funk, some Motown flavor and a touch of techno. The band has harmonies coming from every direction and member, not to mention a great chemistry that makes each show fun and special. Their synchronized dance moves were contagious to the crowd and kept everyone pumped up throughout the night. Guitarist Dave Brandwein dances in the eye of the Turkuaz tornado, being a strumming, sturdy force. Geneva Williams and Sammi Garett showcased a wide range of vocals, both in unison and in the solo spotlight. Chris Brouwers was a treat to watch perform in that he can multi-task like a boss as he plays the trumpet and keys at the same time. They are set to release their newest album, Future 86,on April 1st with all pre-orders (digital or physical) receiving a code to download it the day it comes out, no joke. To quote one of their new songs, “The future is coming now” and it is Turkuaz. Be sure to see Turkuaz and Alan Evans Playonbrother at Rock n Roll Resort v4: The Dream Machine, and get your hands on their latest music.

    Setlist: Typa-Lika, Night Swimming, Coast, Rules, Murder Face, 20 Dollar, Chatte, Lookin’ Tough, Can You Handle It?, Tiptoe Thru Crypto, It’s Hard, Honky Tonk, Future, Bubba, Take me to the River, Monkey Fingers

  • Turkuaz and Alan Evans Playonbrother Celebrate Album Release at Putnum Den

    Turkuaz and Alan Evans’ Playonbrother (formerly known as the Alan Evans Trio) will each hold a CD release party at the Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, Thursday, March 27 at 9 pm. The party is organized through Nectars and tickets are available to those 18-years old and older for $8 (and $12 the day of the show) through Ticketfly.com or at the Putnam Den. Turkuaz launches their latest with Zerbert  at the double-CD release party.  While Alan Evans Trio sets out to release their Woodstock Sessions in tandem.

    Alan Evans TrioAlan Evans recently announced that the group would drop “Trio” from their name, despite remaining a three-piece band.  Evans supplies the drums and vocals, Beau Sasser is still on organ and Danny Mayer is on guitar. Though they have now adopted Playonbrother as part of their moniker, Alan Evans Trio will still appear on their latest album.  Please don’t refer to them as a jazz trio.  In fact, don’t try to put your thumb on them at all.  They are three musicians, who happen to play for other bands, but don’t dare call this a side project either.  In fact, they would just rather you just tune in and enjoy.

    Influenced by the funky ’70s groove and R&B of Sly & The Family Stone, Rick James, Parliament and Bohannon, Turkuaz take their self-described “jittery, world-pop-power groove” to the streets.  They just recently finished supporting Future 86, and will continue on the road for this latest installment.  Sporting a line-up of nine musicians, Turkuaz throws everything from percussion to brass to guitars in a live performance that can invoke the ghosts of rockers past. Don’t miss them and Alan Evans Playonbrother and check out our coverage of their show at Drom in NYC on December 30th.

  • Jesus Christ! and the Hallucinogenic All Stars Bless Putnam Den

    Some of the biggest problems in modern music today include the needless repetition of every theme. Unfortunately, most people have “seen it all before,” and local music is especially notorious for this. For example, go to a metal show, and you’ll probably see the guitarist put his or her foot on the monitor. It’s old and tired. On the other hand, there are certain acts that try their own thing. Imagine that you’re a member of Jesus Christ! and the Hallucinogenic All Stars.

    You’ve smoked so much weed that you can’t see straight and you’ve drunk so much you can’t stand. But more importantly, your musical ideas are quite different than others and you’re unafraid to showcase them.

    Although the part about being ‘too high’ is an exaggeration, Jesus Christ! is very clearly unconcerned with what pop music is, how much money they’ll make, or whether they’ll have a career in music. They’re on stage for the fans and for their enjoyment of music.

    If you love the sounds of Clutch and Mastodon, you’ll probably also like Jesus Christ! They’re technically a three piece band, featuring guitar played by Jon Imbo, bass and vocals from Dustin Alexander, and drums from Ross Kelch, but this is where things get tricky. Anyone who goes to a show will notice a bearded man on the left side. His name is Jacob Pederson. He stands behind a partition, so he looks like he is probably a keyboard player, or a DJ, but his job is not one that you typically see on stage. He is literally a bartender, and the new people in the crowd had no idea how to react when he stepped away from the partition to hand the drummer, Ross, a mixed drink. He shakes, stirs, and produces right on the spot.

    This is just an example of Jesus Christ!’s non-conformities. Other than this, their bartender works on the light show and handles roadie and driving duties for the band, and by the power of his drink making would be arrested if they even attempted driving. The man acts as a hype man, and is not afraid of the possibility of anyone questioning why a non – musician would be on stage.

    But Jesus Christ! and the Hallucinogenic All Stars aren’t all about getting high. There is a lot more to their show than might be apparent. For instance, their sound, although similar to other bands, has its own groovy nuances. You’ll recognize Clutch and Mastodon, as well as Kyuss, in the mix, but their use of tasteful harmonies and rough vocals sung into one of those old time radio microphones have an awe-inducing effect.

    The band played some of their usuals at their March 19th Putnam Den show like “the Mountain,” and “Shipwrecked,” and covered a song as well, but besides the headlining Mobile Deathcamp, the band was a highlight of the night and did not disappoint. Their sound was a lot different from Dark Matter and Satan Place, who also played the same show. Their presence in the studio easily carries over to a live setting, where the band gets heavy enough to yell, casual enough to sway, and doesn’t mind jamming a bit.

    Anyone who comes to their shows in the future can expect one thing: the ability to relax after a long week at work, have a drink, and sway to the music. You don’t have to be high to have a good time, but you do have to believe in miracles, because in a musical sense, that’s exactly what Jesus Christ! will give you.

  • Metal Night declared on Saratoga Springs

    Metal Heads in Saratoga Springs will be delighted to hear about METAL NIGHT, Wednesday, March 19th at Putnam Den.

    Mobile Deathcamp, and their vicious guitars, will be headlining the show with local bands Satan Place, Dark Matter, and Jesus Christ and the Hallucinogenic All Stars.

    Ohio’s own Mobile Deathcamp has been blowing audiences away since 2008. Todd Evans, known as “Beefcake The Mighty “, formed the band after a six-year stint with metal’s biggest shock bands,  GWAR.  Bassist Boe Skadeland and drummer Chad Smith teamed up with Evans to form this musical terror packet.

    Deathcamp’s music has been described by critics as “not overly flashy” and devoid of “self-indulgent, ego-stroking pretense” and a sound that will “blow your mind” with aggressive growls and a rhythm section that induces action from the crowd.

    Satan Place describes their own music as heavy ‘groove’ metal. They have an even measurement of old school metal combined with newer elements currently arising in the metal genre.  As for their inspiration to play, Satan Place took to their Facebook to say,  “We play because we all enjoy creating music and just simply melting faces.”

    Jesus Christ and the Hallucinogenic All Stars are directly from Saratoga Springs.  The band, described as heavy and psychedelic, gained local notoriety in 2011 when they organized a flash mob on Caroline Street as they performed from the back of a truck.

    Doors open at 8 pm with performers starting at 9 pm. Tickets at the door for attendees 18 and older. Prices start at $7 for 21 and over and $12 for underage. Putnam Den is located at 63A Putnam Street.