NYS Music 20​14

Tag: twiddle

  • Papadosio and Twiddle Transcend The Westcott Theater

    In typical jam band fashion, hundreds of deadheads and hula hoopers gathered outside the Westcott Theater doors Wednesday night with great excitement to witness Twiddle and Papadosio (or Papadiddle, as I like to call it).

    With a strong opening, Twiddle brought a variety of tunes from their album Somewhere On the Mountain , as well as a cover of “Big Country” by Bela Fleck and The Flecktones. In order, their setlist consisted of continuous jams with songs like “Polluted Beauty,” “Gatsby the Great,” “When It Rains It Pours” and “Frankenfoote”. I’m also pretty sure they threw in a Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” somewhere in there, too.IMG_0190

    With a well blended sound system and impressive light show, nobody could stand still, let alone sit on the Westcott’s new keg benches and tables. Along with their signature quirky hats and long flowing hair, band members Brook Jordan, Zdenek Gubb, Ryan Dempsey, and Mihali Savoulidis celebrated their Upstate stop on their Chilled Monkey Brains Fall Tour, dating from October 10 when they commenced in Charlottesville and plan to conclude the tour on November 26th in Fairfield, CT. If you’re in the Buffalo, Albany, or Connecticut area in the upcoming months, make sure you check out their fall tour dates and make sure you experience the greatness that is Twiddle.

    The blackout right before Papadosio’s entrance was one of the most chilling feelings I’ve gotten in Syracuse, not including the arctic tundra we get every winter. As the crowd cheered, a LCD screen abruptly lit up with a collection of nature, art, and historical images in a sequence to accompany the band’s startup jam. Along with their collection of songs from Day & Night (Live) commencing a dance party throughout the audience, the vibrant visual effects took us on an uplifting adventure. My highlight had to be when they performed “Cloud Found”, with their silhouettes faded to black while images of mountains and clouds filled the background of their set.

    IMG_0263

    With the release of their 2009 album Observations, their 2012 album T.E.T.I.O.S., and their 2014 release of Day & Night (Live), Papadosio certainly had some repertoire to choose from. With only a few years under their belt, this dynamic group has sailed through multiple prestigious festivals and venues, and have undergone their Imaginal Cells Tour, which only hits Upstate New York one final time on October 22 if you’re in the Buffalo area. If you’re prepared to experience the transcendental music of Ohio’s premier experimental band, make sure you see them live. Otherwise, keep up with their upcoming events at news at their Facebook and Twitter page.

  • Resonance 2014 to Keep Festival Season Rolling

    Not quite ready to admit 2014’s music festival season is over yet?  It does not have to be. The first annual Resonance Music & Arts Festival takes place from October 2-4 at the Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, Ohio.  Located 20 miles east of Columbus, the festival features two nights of Ohio natives Papadosio as well as Greensky Bluesgrass and Nahko and Medicine for the People as headlining bands.resonance_flyer_350

    The music starts Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m., and plays continuously for more than 12 hours per day on Friday and Saturday. Resonance boasts an eclectic lineup—from the multi-layered electronic beats of ESKMO to Twiddle‘s uplifting jams and The Mantras‘ heavy shredding to deep funk from The Main Squeeze, most branches of rock are covered.

    The Empire state will be well-represented each day.  Tauk and Aqueous play Thursday, Aqueous jams again Friday afternoon, and Consider the Source closes the music early Sunday morning after a long set from Dopapod Saturday night. Tauk has been touring furiously in support of their 2014 album, Collisions, while Consider the Source plans to release the first part of their new album, World War Trio, on Halloween.  Dopapod has a new album, Never Odd Or Even, scheduled to come out on 11/11/14.

    If the music is not enough, there will be visual arts, fire dancing, yoga, and The Amazing Giants will be hard to miss, donning colorful outfits and performing acrobatics on stilts. Each ticket also includes car camping, so you will never be too far from extra blankets or a quick heat source at this early autumn festival.

    View the complete schedule and purchase tickets here.

  • moe.down 15 Comes Back to the Festival’s Original Time and Place

    moe.down 15 is set for its return Labor Day Weekend  at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, N.Y.

    After moving to a different location several years ago, the fest is finally back to the original time and place where it all began. There’s no doubt that moe. fans and live music lovers are pleased by the announcement.md2

    moe.down began at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort in 2000 with around 3,000 people in attendance and has since grown to become home to roughly 10,000 music revelers for Labor Day Weekend. More important than the time and location of the festival, is the band that started it all, moe.. The Rock/Jam quintet has had a revolving cast since their forming at the University of Buffalo in 1989, with Rob Derhak and Chuck Garvey being the only original members remaining. moe. has become a veteran and staple of the festival scene, getting their start at Gathering of the Vibes in 1998.md3

    This year’s line-up will include moe., Gogol Boredello, O.A.R., Lotus, Soulive, Les Claypool’s Due De Twang, Jerry Douglas Band, The Rich Robinson Band, Everyone Orchestra, Twiddle, Floodwood, Aqueous, The Werks, Conehead Buddha, American Babies, and Wild Adriatic. Representing the Upstate New York area is Aqueous of Buffalo, known for their Groove/Rock style, Conehead Buddha with their Latin and funk rhythms hailing from Coxsackie, Floodwood and their unforgettable String Band sound from Utica, Wild Adriatic of Saratoga Springs, and of course moe..

    The festival grounds at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort are a beautiful and well suited are for the event, with the ski slopes for seating. There are two stages on the grounds, with numerous vendors selling many different types of food and other goods. Two support groups for festivalgoers can be found; Yodeladies, a women’s support group and The Happy Hour Heroes, an AA Support group. Both being named after moe. songs. The adjacent hills are used as camping grounds, separated into Family and Sober, Quiet and Regular camping areas. A Kid’s Tent is set up during the day from 12-4pm for parents needing their young ones supervised. Snow Ridge Ski Resort is also right next to the local Steak N’ Brew for anyone wanting an actual meal at the fest.md1

    moe.down has been host to many big name headliners over the last 15 years, besides moe. themselves. Past headlining acts include Stanley Jordan Trio, Umphrey’s McGee, Slightly Stupid, The Black Keys, Cake, Redman and Method Man, Ani DiFranco, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bela Fleck, The Roots, Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood, Ziggy Marley, Keller Williams, Tea Leaf Green, Violent Femmes, Blues Traveler, Mike Gordon, Michael Franti and Spearhead, John Brown’s Body, Donna the Buffalo, Soulive, The Wailers, Dave Grissam Quartet, and Les Claypool.

    moe.down 15 will provide a nice mix of Jam, Rock, Funk, and Bluegrass for live music lovers from the Upstate area and abroad. The beautiful grounds, wholesome environment, and good music can be a perfect end of the summer getaway for any type of person. The fest starts Friday, August 29th and will end Sunday the 31st. Tickets are on sale now for $150 and may also be bought at the gate. Parking for the weekend will be an addition $10. More information can be found at the moe.down website.

    moe.down 15 Festival Playlist

    Warm yourself up for moe.down 15 with a preview playlist of this year’s preforming artists.

    Performers on the playlist include moe., Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang, O.A.R., Soulive, Lotus, Floodwood, Aqueous, Twiddle, and The Werks. Be sure to check out the upcoming moe.down 15 Festival Preview via NYS Music Music Guide.

    moe.down 15 will be held on Labor Day weekend, August 29-31, at the Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, N.Y. For tickets, please visit the band’s website.

    [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/46505533″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Twiddle and Fikus Rock out The Hollow

    The Hollow in Albany was packed Thursday, February 20th when Fikus and Twiddle came to town. The crowd was full of dedicated fans and fresh faces eager to get their groove on. Fikus had a great loud start as they spiced up the bar with New Jersey funky flavor. Keyboardist Jon Schmarak was on the verge of breaking his right leg as he repetitively stomped and beat his keys with the heavy rhythm from drummer Kito Bovenschulte. Bongos were slapped by Pete Kozak adding a dirty rumba beat that they audience couldn’t get enough of as Fikus combined funk, electronic, soul and much more for an unforgettable set. For those that can’t wait for the next show, you can download their EP Plus + for free on their website.

    20140220 - Twiddle 2

    Twiddle, the quartet from Vermont, provided optimistic and groovy music that sent hearts soaring and feet dancing. Their energetic performance was light and upbeat, with hints of reggae and modern day funk. The band has great chemistry together as their music consistently build great waves for their music and fans to climb and dip upon. Mihali Savoulidis provided the heavy rock vibe with the wailing of his guitar and lead vocals that were quite catchy. Keyboardist Ryan Dempsey hit a wide range of keys as he showed contempt smacked the high notes before twisting nobs for a robotic melody with his synth. One of the highlights of the night was when the band made the insane transition into Phish’s “Divided Sky” catching the entire audience off guard and into heavy jam bliss. Be sure to catch Twiddle before they end out north to Smoke Signals in Lake Placid.

  • Twiddle & Fikus this Thursday the 20th at The Hollow in Albany

    This Thursday the 20th, The Hollow in Albany will host two up and coming bands that are sure to get those dancing feet moving. Both bands were big hits at last year’s Catskill Chill Festival and Backwoods Pondfest, making the Capital District eager to welcome Twiddle and Fikus. The doors open at 8pm with a cover charge of $15 and Fikus set to kick off around 9pm. The Hollow in Albany offers happy hour specials plus a full, diverse menu to those seeking fuel before the show.

    twiddle fikus

    Fikus, the five-piece electro funk rock band from New Jersey has contagious melodies and rhythm, setting up an easy groove to get the night flowing. Fikus will be hitting Albany as their last stop in NY in the middle of their tour before heading onto the rest of the Northeast. Twiddle, a quartet from Vermont, covers a wide range of genres with heavy improvisation to keep each show fresh and fun. The band will be heading out to Colorado, with multiple stops on their return trip home to end the tour in April at Ithaca. They will be performing at this year’s Summer Camp, Domefest and Wakarusa. Get tickets to Twiddle and Fikus now.

    20131231-TwiddleNYE-15-1024x819

  • Celebrating the New Year with Twiddle

    New Year’s Eve is not just a day that people reflect on the past twelve months and make goals for the new year, it is perhaps the single greatest live music night of the year.  The first signs of the holiday season means different things to different people. Holiday shoppers imagine Black Friday super sales, kids think of the presents under the tree, but diehard music fans start to salivate over New Years Eve shows in there area.  For Saratoga Springs, it was an easy decision – Putnam Den was hosting the jam party of the year with local favorites, Twiddle from Vermont and Albany’s own Way Down.

    Way Down lays down a funky, progressive jam with influences throughout the musical spectrum.  There were times that you could close your eyes and imagine guitarist Justin Hendricks being center stage jamming along side Jimmy Herring or Derek Trucks.  There was a hint of southern jam in the long jams and upbeat progressions that got the crowd dancing early in the night.  The dance floor was packed a couple songs into the set and stayed that way for the entire evening. While Way Down may be fighting popular appeal because of lack of singing (only two vocal numbers for the entire set), they make up for it in mastery of their instruments.  It is no surprise to discover that bassist Dylan Perrillo and drummer Kevin Urvalek graduated from the Crane School of Music.  Just before the end of the set Mihali (Twiddle) hopped on stage and jammed with the young trio.

    By the time headliner Twiddle took the stage, the Putnam Den was already packed.  The usual crowd that hangs outside for cigarettes or fresh air were hiding inside because of the subzero temperatures lingering around.  Inside it was nice and toasty and the drinks were refreshing.  The New Years party was in full swing and owners Tiffany and John Albert were behind the bar.  Twiddle’s jams build up and develop throughout the song.  Whether you are a jam fanatic or a jazz purist, you can rest assure you will be delighted by the complex nature of the band’s music.  While the crowd at the Putnam Den was geared toward twenty-somethings out for a night of gold skirts and gold shirts and gold shoes and any other gold accessory that you can imagine, the slightly older fans hanging out in the back or on the sides appreciating that these four artists are the real deal.  Delighting fans with favorites like  “The Box”, “When It Rains It Pours” and finishing with a special encore of “Frankenfoote”

    Thirty years ago another band formed in Vermont with adept control over their instruments and the understanding and appreciate on how to build a jam to the point that it quite literally split open and melts.  Mihali Savoulidis (lead vocals/guitar), Ryan Dempsey (keys), Brook Jordan, (drums) and Zdenek Gubb (bass) are equipped with the talent and state of mind to take the reins and start their own legacy.  New Year’s Eve at the Putnam Den is just the beginning of Twiddle’s journey in 2014.  Twiddle’s upcoming shows include a couple in New York and Vermont in January before traveling south to Florida to start the festival season off at AURA.

    Putnam Den is no stranger to incredible shows like the one they offered patrons on NYE. Look for these great shows coming up: Mallett Brothers (1/10), Ghosts of Jupiter (1/24), Particle (2/5), and Donna the Buffalo (2/6), and more giving way to an exciting new year.

    Setlist
    Set 1: Doinkinbonk!, Hattibagen McRat, Apples, Countdown-> Auld Lang Syne->  Mamunes the Faun, Wasabi Eruption, The Box -> Too Many Puppies -> The Box
    Set 2: Syncopated Healing, Polluted Beauty, Wildfire, Tiberius, Cabbage, Hattis Jam > When It Rains It Pours > Somewhere Over the Rainbow > WIRIP, Theme to “Friends”, Earth Mama
    Encore: Frankenfoote