Dark Star Orchestra celebrated a milestone playing their first stadium show while also setting an attendance record for themselves July 28, when they played Rochester’s Frontier Field. Set up on the third base line and facing the seats with no access to the field, DSO recreated the 1987 Dead show played at Rochester’s Silver Stadium on July 2, 1987.
Fans of the band took to social media shortly before the show began to spread the word that Frontier Field had announced they were not allowing concert goers on the field. Word spread quickly and people wondered how the stage would be set up.
All anybody had to do to squelch that concern was enter the venue and see the stage facing the third base seats. Concerns fell to the way side, the crowd was a cohesive body of dancing and celebration.
The unique set up allowed for an intimate feel of an indoor show, in a stadium, accompanied by a beautiful summer night with clear skies. They were dancing in their seats, on the grass and at the concession stands – ‘The music never stopped.’
As at all DSO shows, concertgoers scrambled to figure out which set list the band would choose to play at their first stadium show. Once “Bertha” began just after a rockin’ “Hell In A Bucket,” we all knew they had chosen the July 7, 1987 Silver Stadium show. A show that was near and dear to the Rochester Deadhead community, as it was part of a pair of shows played here by the Grateful Dead in 87′ and 88′.
Rochester couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful night of music and Dead tunes. The show was a family event for many in attendance with babies and big kids dancing and hula hooping by the sides of their mamas and papas, all glowing with happiness. DSO not only recreates the shows of the Grateful Dead but they embody the energy of the band and the community that surrounds them. Dark Star Orchestra is no cover band, they are an extension of the ones who played before them.
Dark Star Orchestra, recereating 7/2/87 Silver Stadium, at Frontier Field – Rochester, NY
Set 1: Hell In A Bucket > Bertha, Walkin’ Blues, Dire Wolf, My Brother Esau, When Push Comes To Shove, Tons Of Steel, Me & My Uncle > Mexicali Blues, Brown Eyed Women, Cassidy, Deal
Set 2: China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Samson & Delilah, Looks Like Rain, He’s Gone > Jam > Drums > Space > Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > All Along The Watchtower > Stella Blue > Sugar Magnolia, E: Black Muddy River
Dark Star Orchestra has one more stop to make in New York state before they head to Gathering of the Vibes this weekend in CT. Following a JGB set in Saranac Lake Sunday night, the band will return to Rochester for their first ever stadium show at Frontier Field tonight.
The band that seeks to recreate the set list of past Dead Shows is excited to share this moment with the Rochester Dead Head community and we plan to show them how excited we are to be a part of it. With the celebration of Jerry Garcia’s birthday fast approaching, they have been heating up shows all tour.
Tickets are still available for $15 and will increase to $18 at the door. This is an all ages show so bring the family for what should be a beautiful summer night of Dead tunes.
The Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance, taking place this weekend in Trumansburg, NY, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. What started as an event to raise funds for charity has evolved into the gem of the New York festival circuit.
Set within the Finger Lakes region, near Cayuga Lake and surrounded by the Taughannock Falls State Park, just 10 miles north of Ithaca the charitable, eco-conscious, music and art celebration will be held July 16-19.
Not only does Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance offer a stellar lineup year after year, and an interactive kids area, community based arts and crafts programs, and ties to charities — they work hard each year to move towards being a zero-waste festival. Every piece of table wear is compostable. Compost bins are located throughout the festival making it simple for festival goers to participate.
The charities that receive funding from Grassroots change from time to time but some of the most recent recipients include: Doctors Without Borders, State Theater of Ithaca, Ithaca Youth Bureau, Food Studies Institute, Sustainable Tompkins, Center for the Arts of Homer, Hospicare, Taughannock Soccer Club, and so many more. Grassroots is more than an annual festival to the Trumansburg community, its part of and an active participant of it.
With nearly 60 bands on four stages, this year’s lineup will have something for everyone, one of the characteristics of this festivals that ranks it so high on the list of ‘must see’ events in our area. The 25th anniversary headliners include: Donna The Buffalo, Steve Earle, and Trombone Shorty & New Orleans Avenue. Also appearing this year will be: Cabinet, Jimkata, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, John Brown’s Body, Sim Redmond Band, The Horse Flies, Thunderbody, Sophistafunk, and many more.
Tickets, both 4-day and single day options are still available online and at select ticket outlets, and at the gate for you late comers. Sadly, as it always does, inside camping is sold out, but there are still off-site camping options still available. Check the festival website for camping ticket details and availability.
NYS Music will be on site all weekend with live updates and highlights, follow us on social media for everything Grassroots. We are so excited to be a part of this beautiful event with all the other eco-conscious music lovers. See you there!
Yonder Mountain String Band will release their 12th album, Black Sheep on June 16, with a new sound and two new additions to the band. This album is unlike previous albums with a Yonder 2.0 feel with Allie Kral and Jake Jolliff making their recording debut. Black Sheep is Yonder’s move from a jamgrass boy band to a traditional sounding bluegrass ensemble.
There is no doubt that change and growth have effected this band in a very positive way. By adding Allie on the violin Yonder has embraced the power of a soulful female voice matched with her epic jams. Her violin was the missing link in their music previously in my opinion, I have felt this way since the beginning. Allie does a remarkable job of adding in her feminine touch.
While Jolliff is also a fantastic addition to the band, his mandolin playing is a completely different sound than Austin’s — making the transition virtually seamless without actually trying to ‘replace’ Austin or to duplicate his style. Jolliff brings a highly technical but light sounding vibe to the group.
Another change heard on Black Sheep is the lead that bassist Ben Kaufman has taken in many of the songs. No longer will you hear the energy that was once shared by Kaufman and former mandolinist Jeff Austin. The energy is still there, it’s just headed in a different direction, a direction in which I am happy to follow as a long time fan.
Black Sheep’s opening track is titled “Insult and an Elbow,” is a precursor to how Kaufman takes lead vocals to another level. He told RollingStone this is a reflection on his younger days when he was “… drinking and smoking for all the wrong reasons. But it is also written from the perspective of a person who is on the brink of a moment of growth and self-awareness.” This album most definitely debuts that growth.
On the album’s third track Yonder Mountain hits another cover out of the park musically, once again. The cover of punk rock band the Buzzcocks, “Ever Fallen in Love with Someone You Shouldn’t Have,” is reminiscent of their cover of the Misfits, “20 Eyes in My Head”. YMSB has a knack for taking these punk songs and masterfully turning them into bluegrass jams.
Bringing listeners back to a more recognized sound is “Analee,” reminiscent of Kaufman’s Bolton Stretch series — with less boyish shenanigans. He speaks of true love and deep heartache. Jolliff’s mandolin is gentle and a light presence.
“Landfall” is an Adam Aijala song. For the first time on the album, Kaufman has taken a backseat on vocals and lends his signature thumping bass line. Again, this song is a much more mature version of this band.
The songs on this album have a sense of deep thought and maturity, a refection of their lives — becoming men, husbands, fathers, has brought YMSB to a new level.
Finally on “I’m lost,” Allie starts light and feminine in her playing, then jamming hard to the end, a true moment for her to shine on this album. Allie also makes an impression with her soulful vocals on “Love Before You Can’t”.
It seems as though these boys have gained and lost love and friendships over the last year and half and they are expressing themselves lyrically in a much deeper philosophical way. This album definately is not a band of young bluegrass boys paving the path for the jam grass scene and telling stories of smoking weed and drinkin beer, they have grown up, they are men — and one woman.
As much as I love the new sound, this isn’t a Yonder album that I would jump out of my seat to dance to. It’s more for listening to in its entirety on a road trip to nowhere.
This album sounds like a romance novel reads. Given the level of energy that has been happening at Yonder shows lately, this album creates a very low-key vibe. One that makes you think, about your own love and regrets and how we all grow out of the ashes like a Phoenix and we carry on after tragedy, we don’t stay the same, we grow towards the light. YMSB has opened up their entire souls on this album while simultaneously exhibiting remarkable maturity in their musicianship.
Black Sheep will be available in stores and on iTunes on June 16 but you can get it now online and at tour merch shops.
Also worth noting is the updated website for the band which now includes bios for Allie Kral and Jake Jolliff, officially making them a part of Yonder Mountain String Band. Cheers!
Key Tracks: Insult and an Elbow, Analee, I’m Lost, Around You
Fans of the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance had been eager to hear this year’s lineup, and they were delighted at the May 2 announcement. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Grassroots is a celebration of music and dance, with a cause. Held annually at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds in Trumansburg, N.Y. this year’s festival will be held July 16-19.
Grassroots started as a concert at the State Theater in Ithaca, N.Y. to benefit an AIDS organization, AIDSwork. The festival has grown into one of the premier festivals in New York State, featuring the bands that helped get it all started like Donna the Buffalo, and The Horse Flies — keeping this festival intimate and true to its community roots.
This year’s lineup includes: Donna the Buffalo, Steve Earle, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, John Brown’s Body, Sim Redmond Band, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Cabinet, Driftwood, Marco Benevento, Jimkata, The Horse Flies, Thunder Body, Sophistafunk, Big Mean Sound Machine, Preston Frank & His Zydeco Family Band, LO’JO, A Tribe Called Red, and so many more.
Check back as we get closer to the festival for updated information and the full schedule once it is released. Tickets are available on the festival website. With so many family friendly price options, this festival is a MUST for any Upstate New Yorker.
After much speculation we finally have an official announcement about additional shows celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead, with members of the original band. Today’s announcement was for the anticipated shows at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The shows will take place June 27 & 28 and an online ticket request period is underway until Tuesday April 14. For all ticketing information please visit Santa Clara Fare Thee Well.
The line-up for these shows has also been debated among heads for weeks and today we learned that the line-up will include – Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzman and featuring Trey Anastasio, Jeff Chimenti, and Bruce Hornsby.
The core-4 made the announcement on the GD50.net site and personalized it to Deadheads and gave a heartfelt explanation of why they chose to add more shows after announcing originally that the Chicago shows would be the only ones.
Dear Heads,
Although none of us knew it when we walked off the stage at Soldier Field on July 9, 1995, the Grateful Dead’s long strange trip ended in Chicago that night. As you are aware, twenty years later, we’re returning to Chicago to properly say Fare Thee Well.
But every good ending must start with a beginning. For us, it all began fifty years ago when we grabbed a bunch of instruments off the walls of a music store in Palo Alto California and began banging away on them in the back room, at night after the store had closed for the day.
Since we made the decision to go back to Chicago to say our final goodbye, it has become clear to us that we first need to return to our beginnings, where we first said hello — to each other and to all of you.
And so it is that we have decided to plug in for two additional shows on June 27 and 28 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California — just a dozen miles south of where Dana Morgan’s Music Store once stood. At Levi’s — as at Soldier Field — we will have the pleasure of being joined by Trey Anastasio, Bruce Hornsby and Jeff Chimenti.
Ours wasn’t just a long, strange trip — it was a VERY long, VERY strange trip. We weren’t sure what it was going to be like to put a punctuation mark on the end of it. None of us anticipated the overwhelming outpouring of love and interest following our initial announcement of the shows at Soldier Field, and we were blown away by the response.
We have tried to do the right thing wherever we could for the Chicago shows by honoring the roots of where we came from, while dealing with the realities of the current times. But that’s hardly comforting when you’re shit outta luck for tickets and your only option is inflated prices on secondary ticketing websites. That would piss us off too.
From the moment these shows were first talked about, we have been thinking about what we could do to honor the roots of our Deadhead experience, even in the face of changing technologies. (Remember: Ticketmaster didn’t even go online until we got out of the game.) These shows were always intended as an expression of our gratitude, to both the music and the fans, so it’s important that we get things as right as we can.
We have always been proud of our in-house mail order ticketing process, and the phenomenal way our fans have built a tradition out of turning a standard envelope into a frame-worthy piece of art. Some 60,000 mail order tickets were issued for the Soldier Field shows by the good folks at Grateful Dead Ticket Sales — yet we were still crushed to see how many of your beautifully designed envelopes did not get tickets.
For shows of this magnitude, it’s impossible to eliminate every scalper. However, we offer you this: Working with our partners, we are using an online ticketing platform for the Levi’s shows that will help ensure that the tickets for these shows will get into the right hands, the hands of our true fans. We believe that this process is the best way to give each of you an equal opportunity to obtain tickets at the most affordable possible prices. We are are proud to announce that 65,000 tickets per night will be available via the “online mail order” for the Levi’s shows. For the nuts and bolts, go to Dead50.net.
We will not be adding any more Fare Thee Well shows. The three Chicago shows will still be our final stand. We decided to add these two Santa Clara shows to enable more of our fans to celebrate with us one more time. But this is it.
We love you guys more than words can tell, and hope to see you in the Bay Area or Chicago. If you can’t make it to the shows, we are working on ways for you to still experience our Fare Thee Well, from wherever you might be. Stay tuned for those details.
From the moment I learned that Garth Brooks was returning to recording and touring, I felt as though I finally had a do over. At the height of his career, Garth Brooks made a life changing decision to stay home and help raise his girls, further endearing him to all of the fans that loved him so much already. Not knowing if or when he decided to return to the music business he would be welcomed back, he never hesitated as it was a no brainer for Garth.
His family came first. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in 2013, he commented that “..if everybody was allowed that luxury, I think 99% of parents would take it..” I believe he is correct in his statement. As the girls grew up and the house become quiet, it was Ms. Yearwood (as he lovingly refers to her) that suggested to him that perhaps it was time to go back out on the road again. As a lifelong fan of Garth Brooks and Ms. Yearwood, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this chance of a “do over”.
Garth Brooks – Buffalo, NY 3/5/15
I will never forget where I was the first time I ever heard Garth Brook’s “The Dance”. As the music began I lifted my head up from what I was reading and my eyes went to the TV immediately where a newcomer sat with a guitar while clips of video played on behind him. As the music and lyrics progressed to say “And now I’m glad I didn’t know, the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance”, tears began to well up in my eyes. On the screen flashed images of Lane Frost, the famous bull rider who lost his life in 1989 while riding the bull for the full 8 seconds, Keith Whitley and his wife, Lorrie Morgan, as they danced at their wedding, the crew of the space shuttle Challenger as they walked to their journey that never retuned, and images of John Wayne, Martin Luther King Jr., and JFK reminding us of their moments in time that are embedded in our lives, you could not help but become so entranced in the lyrics and what they meant to these individuals at those moments, but also how it applied to us personally. It was Garth’s personal investment in each and every song after that moment that pulled me in farther and farther as I watched from the sideline a career that spanned more than a decade of outstanding moments in time given to us from this country music superstar.
As a country music fan since childhood, I followed his career via radio and purchased every cd he put out. I can remember standing at the fence at the NY State Fairgrounds in the 1990’s listening to his band doing sound check, and wishing I could catch a glimpse, or afford a ticket to see the show. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think that many years later I would be taking a selfie with the one and only Garth Brooks. So as I write this article, please forgive my gushing and star struck comments, as this was truly a surreal moment for me.
Arriving in the nick of time to the press conference with my Features Editor, Kristen, I prepared what I would ask him about. When normally preparing interview questions, I always think to myself, what would I, as a reader, want to know about the artist. It always comes down to personal feelings, thoughts, and moments. I know what I can see, and it’s the what I can’t see that I am most interested in. As Garth arrives to the venue, a whole group of us anxiously await for our opportunity to speak with him. Clad in jeans, sneakers, and a baseball cap, Garth’s presence exudes a feeling to us as he’s not just country royalty, but just one of us. As the news anchor gets the first opportunity to question him, he recalls her from other interviews, totally blowing my mind at his memory. As I raise my hand to question him, I introduce myself and our publication, and he stops me momentarily to confirm my name before proceeding. I was humbled that he cared that much to make sure he knew who he was talking to. I welcomed him back to New York State and asked him how his transition back into touring as been, and how he is doing mastering his new social media accounts. His response to touring was it was a slower start but as he rounded the first few months, it kicked in again, and everything that was before, was now again. As far as social media, something he never thought he would do, has become a wonderful tool to take down barriers with his fans, and communicate with them one on one. Something a superstar such as himself never really could before.
Garth Brooks – Buffalo, NY 3/5/15
As the press conference ended, and the crowds began to amass for his first night in Buffalo, I was impressed and pleased to see how seamless the First Niagara Center was at getting attendees in the venue and to their seats without any issues. The demographics you would expect at this show of those who knew and followed him varied from those who couldn’t have even been born at the time, to those of us who have followed him faithfully throughout the years. This first sold out show, would be one of six in a four-day stay in Buffalo for Garth, his wife, and his band.
As the show began, I as the photographer, was allowed to shoot professional photos for our article from the soundboard, of which the lighting and production of this show was outstanding for this task. Then after securing my camera I continued to get a few more photos from my phone for my readers. Sitting or should I say standing on the floor looking up at him performing, it was everything and more than I anticipated. I had seen his show on tv several years ago and the energy he gives on his performances are what makes his shows the best they can possibly be. The stage, set to give attendees a 360 degree view of him and the band does just this.
Garth plays every inch of that stage and to every audience member in that venue. Whether you have a seat in the nosebleed section or the front row, you get every bit of him he has to give in his performance. Playing favorites from his career such as “Ain’t Going Down,” “The Thunder Rolls” and “Standing Outside The Fire,” fans young and old joined in to sing along. When asked at the press conference his favorite songs to perform, he had two. “The Dance” of course, and then “Call It Baton Rouge” because that one is just so much fun to perform. Yes, it was so much fun to view as well. I can see why he loves performing that one. When asked what is it like to perform so many shows in so few days, he voiced his concern about his vocals by the last show, and thanked his audience when songs such as “Friends In Low Places” comes on and the audience takes over for him. It must be the most amazing feeling to just sit back and listen to thousands of fans singing your words together with you.
Garth Brooks – Buffalo, NY 3/5/15
Half way through the show, Ms. Yearwood joins him on stage to sing a duet, and then he steps off allowing her to sing her tunes, which I must add the audience takes over and sings along as well. This woman is such an inspiration to those that have followed her career. Not only is she one of the most talented musicians in country music, she is also an amazing writer and chef. Each Saturday morning I wake up and the first thing that goes on TV, is “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen”. Her cooking show features her favorite dishes, with guest such as Garth, her niece, her lifelong friends from college, her sister, her zumba buddies, and even her band members joining her to make some amazing traditional dishes. I can’t help but become hungry by the end of the show. I love her singing, but it’s her personality that exudes kindness, witness, and charm. Her outtakes are my favorite moments on the show. Like Garth, she isn’t shy about sharing who she really is with those that adore her. As she continues to sing, she too sings to every inch of that venue and to every member in that audience. She uses the jumbotron behind her to feature a “kiss cam” of sorts while singing “She’s In Love With The Boy”. I absolutely loved her set, and so thankful she sang my favorite tune, “How Do I Live”. I loved her new song, “PrizeFighter” and loved how she featured the photos from her participation in the Brest Cancer Walk. As she finishes singing her set, and Garth joins her on stage, the love between the two is electric, and before she leaves, he plants a kiss on her that steamed up all our glasses. Yes, it is so neat to see such love between them, and so thankful they feel like they can share that with us all. Yes, Garth and Trisha make the cutest couple ever.
I don’t want to give away all the show highlights as it’s almost like Christmas day. You don’t want to know the surprises ahead, because you just need to live that moment for yourself. As Garth continues to announce cities he will be coming to, I hope that a city close by will be on the list for you as well. I have seen many, many shows over the course of the last few years. This hands down was the BEST show I’ve ever been a part of. Everything is top-notch, and every moment is one I will cherish. Welcome back Garth Brooks to New York. We love you.
From The New & Curious Fan – Features Editor, Kristen Mack-Perry
Live music is my thing, going to concerts is my thing, I fancied myself as a seasoned concert goer. 100+ Phish shows, three Dead shows (with Jerry) and 25+ Furthur shows, Avett Brothers, Willie Nelson, Del McCoury, Yonder Mountain String Band and so many more – with several annual music festivals over the course of twenty years, and nothing, nothing could have prepared me for a Garth Brooks show.
I use the word show because it wasn’t just a concert, this was a gathering of cowboy boots and ten-gallon hats, all of whom knew every word to every song, and the audience became part of the show with the jumbotron kiss-cam whilst the biggest country star in history sung his greatest hits – stopping only to express gratitude or to connect personally with fans holding signs.
It was a finely manicured theatrical experience, littered with nostalgia for this country girl. The stage was set like a Broadway theatre stage, with the giant video screen that began the show with a countdown clock and became the kiss cam during “People Loving People,” and a motorized sphere with the drummer and drum kit inside – when the lights shone on the drummer, the color of the drums would change to the beat of the music, towards the end of the show the sphere lifted off the stage and spun around; theatrics you just don’t see at the concerts I have been to.
Having been told Brooks was an extremely animated performer, I was excited to see what he had up his sleeve. Every note, every word he sung could be felt through every inch of my being, I was instantly thrust back to the mid ‘90s riding in Jana Schmitz’s mother’s stationwagon on the way to the shopping mall, listening to the local country music station 92.5. That was really my only experience with country music, I heard it when I was with people who listened to it and when I began to drive a car I would listen to the same station and sing along to every ballad and beer drinkin song, and I never knew who the artist was, I just loved the songs. It was in that moment as I stood at the Garth Brooks concert belting out every word to, “We’re Two of a Kind, Workin on a Full House” that I realized, I DO love country music, and I know a lot of Garth Brooks songs too, I took off my sweater, folded up the seat of the chair and prepared to get down and dance. I reveled in that moment, feeling the music glide through my soul.
The show was a highlight of my concert going experiences, the togetherness the comradery of the fans, the choreographed moves of the band – we were all one. This is something Brooks spoke about in the press conference earlier that day, saying “now we have video during the show, we didn’t have video in the ’90s and you look in the camera and you see a guy and they think they are the only person in the entire world, so they’ve got their head back their arms are out and they’re dancing – I can’t tell you how many guys 6′ 6” 300 pounds, singing “She’s In Love With A Boy” louder than any sixteen year old girl and its crazy and so much fun to watch.” Brooks genuinely cares for his fans and it shows in his performance on stage.
Brooks was asked how he was mastering Twitter and with the same southern boy charm that he exhibits on stage he replied, “I don’t know if I mastered it, but what I love about Twitter is it wipes all the walls out between me and you, and what I really love is to respond and then get the response from that respond kind of thing.” Although it may not seem unique for an artist to use Twitter to connect with fans, the manner in which Brooks replies to his fans is what connects them.
It seems that the recipe for a great concert isn’t what the genre of music is, it’s how the musician connects to the fans, both at the show and through social media, how the words to the song ring true to your life and make you feel like the song must have been written for you. When we feel connected to the things that are most important in our lives, the things that make us feel alive, then we validate the existence we all share while seeing live music, and that is what it’s all about.
This show will go down in my personal history books as one not only to remember but one to cherish, for it was an experience you can’t find on the TV or in a book, its something you have to live and breathe and be a part of.
Vibes fans known as the #VibeTribe awoke with great pleasure today to the initial lineup from the festival, now celebrating its 20th year: #Vibes20. Gathering Of The Vibes will be held July 30 – August 2 2015 at the Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT. Held in six different venues over its eighteen years, Vibes 2015 will mark the festival’s eleventh return to Seaside Park. The festival which has roots in the Grateful Dead community will be sharing in the 50th celebration of the band with headliners Wilco, Weezer, Tedeschi/Trucks band, Dark Star Orchestra Ben Harper, Greg Allman, and the String Cheese Incident. Many more acts were announced and many more are coming.
Vibes offers a unique festival experience by taking place near the beach with an amusement park included, offering a communial experience, and a hard hitting lineup for festival goers. There are several options for tickets – ranging from single day tickets – VIP Packages, be sure to check out your options at gatheringofthevibes.com.
Past headliners at Vibes have included, Phil Lesh & Friends, Les Claypool, The Del McCoury Band, Dark Star Orchestra, Max Creek, Michael Franti, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bob Weir, Buddy Guy and so so many more! Come celebrate twenty years of a festival that celebrates the live music that touches all our souls. See you there #VibeTribe.
In just a week the music Gods will be bestowed upon us when music lovers in Rochester will descend upon the Historic German House for the Buddhahood’s 7th annual January Thaw tribute concert on January 24. The event is held in celebration of the life and music of local music legend, Tony Cavagnaro, who was tragically lost in a car accident in 2007. The proceeds from this event go towards the Tony Cavagnaro Young Musician’s Scholarship Fund, which benefits the Hochstein School of Music and Dance.
Keeping Tony in our hearts and minds and at the forefront of our spirit as a group has helped keep The Buddhahood alive. Celebrating his musical legacy — and his January birthday — has become an annual tradition.”
Buddhahood bassist Rick Whitney
The Buddhahood, a band founded by Cavagnaro, has hosted this event annually during the month of January in celebration of Cavagnaro’s birthday. The show features a variety of special guests and friends to share in the celebration. This year the Buddhahood will be joined by special guests, Teressa Wilcox & Nate Coffey. Also set to appear at January Thaw are friends, Frank Boehm, Chris English, Suzi Willpower, Opal Rose, Chrissy Beth Apples and so many more. The doors open at 7PM. Advance tickets are still available for $10 at Aaron’s Alley, the venue box office and any member of the band. Tickets will be $15 the day of the show so get them now and don’t be left out in the cold when you should be getting toasty inside.
I had an opportunity to sit in on a band practice and talk to the Buddhahood about what this event means to them and why they keep it going year after year. What I encountered was a casual conversation with a band I have been listening to since the good old days, when Park Ave. Fest meant two full days of music with the Buddhahood behind Hogan’s Hideaway. What I learned was what sustains the ever evolving love and light harnessed by Cavagnaro, that was and still is, The Buddhahood.
The studio where the band practices and records is a visual history of the band and all its incarnations. With concert posters from shows past, recording equipment, instruments, photos of Cavagnaro, photos of the band members and their families, and statues of Buddha. Simple symbols that represented the presence of the Buddhahood, an eclectic grouping of cherished memories.
Kristen Mack-Perry: Let’s talk about January Thaw, Tony, and how you got to where you are now. What is it that you all want to create in having January Thaw?
Pete Mugnolo: We want to give back to the community, and do it in a way that benefited young musicians. Because When we originally thought of this idea, Tony was always do that; he was always teaching, but he would do much more than teach. He would kind of take young musicians under his wing and not only show them how to play guitar but how to function in a band. Like with the Panda guys, he really helped them get started.
KMP: One really fun thing about January Thaw is how many guests you have come in, how do they all connect with this event?
Gabe Costanzo: Well a lot of them used to be in the band, and a lot of them used to be in Tony’s bands
KMP: Well it does seem that the members of the band are always changing and evolving, do you think that’s what the structure of the Buddhahood is? a band that doesn’t need to be a certain set-up, you’re just constantly evolving?
Pete: Well Tony would always say, “I’m the only member of this band that has to show up.” Because we got substitutes for everybody! But we never got a substitute for Tony. We always played with Tony, if he couldn’t play the gig then we didn’t do it. With every single lineup, Tony was the one constant. He would say, “I am the only one that can’t be substituted”… and then he died. As a band we were like, well do we keep playing? So we had Grape Fest booked and we cancelled everything else, and we played the Naples Grape Fest because that was a drum march. It wasn’t supposed to be but we did it anyway.
Gabe: We asked if we could just show up and do the all acoustic drum march, ya know the drum and horn march that was all acoustic, and we did, because we just couldn’t do the whole stage show.
Pete: But we put together the first tribute concert November 18, after Tony died. It was at Water Street Music Hall; which was kinda like the wake we all needed to have. We just got everybody together because we wanted to raise money for Jan and Calvin. So we did the tribute and we realized that the band is not just any particular person, it’s not any one personality, its kind of its own entity. It’s an energy that people gravitate to, and that’s what the band is. We thought, it couldn’t be the Buddhahood without Tony, but apparently it can be. It’s different, but ya know.
KMP: At last year’s January Thaw I remember Calvin coming up on stage to play with you, what does that mean to all of you to be able to share that? Do you think that’s something that would have happened if Tony was here, would he have just naturally brought Calvin on stage?
Gabe: It’s organic in a weird sort of way
Pete: It’s just the right, umm… of course!
Gabe: Well we weren’t the ones to suggest it, Jan came to us and said, “Ya know, Calvin is getting really good at the clarinet, and he wants to play.” Before he played on stage, he used to go up and tell jokes, he was our MC.
Pete: He sang Happy Birthday one year
Gabe: So it was just a continuation of that. He’s doing something again this year.
Pete: Having Calvin on stage with us, is like an assurance that the music will live on [through Tony] its like the next generation continuing to play Tony’s music ya know. I’m hoping there’s a Buddhahood when I’m like 100 years old and I’m just the old guy who shows up every now and then and plays a shaker.
KMP: So this is the 7th annual January Thaw?
Gabe: yup, the first one was in 2009
KMP: This is a benefit show, where does your donation go to? do you know who it benefits specifically each year?
Pete: We donate the proceeds from the show to the Tony Cavagnaro Young Musicians Scholarship Fund at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance
Gabe: And they are always keen to tell us, “your donation went to help a young guitar player” or you know, they don’t tell us who it is but, they do let us know how it helps, so that’s nice.
KMP: Is teaching music something Tony was always passionate about?
Gabe: Well I don’t know many people who have made a living at only playing music, and Tony was certainly no exception. One of the things he did do was teaching; he owned a music shop once too, he’s done a lot of things in the music business. But teaching was always there, it was one of the things he always did.
Jim Schwartz: Teaching young musicians, guitar players and mentoring other bands, like the Giant Panda Dub Squad.
KMP: That’s just so awesome, it’s like a family of music to be a part of the Buddhahood.
Gabe: I think it is a family, and ya know, different aspects of the show, like having Calvin and having all of our guests, and the scholarship donation, it really is in a way, closing a lot of circles and keeping the whole thing going.
KMP: [to Matthew] You’re the newest member of the band, the youngest, what is it like to come into a band like this?
Matthew Sieber-Ford: Yeah, the band has such a history and its like, the band is like a family and the history of the band is like a culture. I mean you could take a class and you know, you get to graduate on the history of the Buddhahood. Every time i sit down with somebody, and not the people in the band, I hear all about how “oh I saw them play this” or “I saw them do this once,” – so there is this whole history behind it. When I first started playing [saxophone] I was playing Jazz. Then I was just hanging out and playing music with the Buddhahood, not playing with the band, but just hanging out, and that just completely just opened up my ears and my mind to like a whole new world. Playing with them is a whole other thing, I mean I’m playing with people who are old enough to be my parents as opposed to my peers, its nice to play with people who have done it before and have been doing it a long time. It has totally changed my attitude about things. The family of the Buddhahood reaches far beyond just being in the band, and so many other bands support this band.
KMP: That explains all your fantastic guests at the show, they all seem so excited to be a part of the show, and doing something with all of you in celebration of Tony. With the show now in its seventh year, what has it become for you as a whole?
Gabe: It’s a reunion of sorts
Jim: It gives us the opportunity to rekindle our memories of Tony in a community setting when we have all of the people who are not a part of the band on a regular basis, all come together, for the purpose of playing Tony’s music and keeping it alive and keeping it vibrant. A lot of it is timeless, ya know, you can play it today or twenty years from now and it would still be valid.
After much gossip and speculation, this morning, Deadheads everywhere received the confirmation they had been waiting for; The four core members of the Grateful Dead will reunite for their Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 years of the Grateful Dead tour. The event will take place for a three-night run at Chicago’s Soldier Field, July 3, 4 & 5. Appearing with the original four members each night will be, Trey Anastasio, Bruce Hornsby and Jeff Chimenti.
The announcement came in a video by Trixie Garcia, founding member Jerry Garcia’s daughter. Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead nearly twenty-years to the day, of the last Grateful Dead show, which also took place at Soldier Field. These concerts will mark the Grateful Dead members’ final performance together, fans are illuminated with joy over the opportunity to celebrate with the band.
Tickets will be available through the traditional tickets by mail service on a first come first served basis, beginning on January 20. An online pre-sale through Dead Online Ticketing on Feb. 12, followed by a regular onsale via Ticketmaster Feb. 14. Detailed ticket info can be found at Dead50.net.
Fans of the band took to social media shortly before the show began to spread the word that Frontier Field had announced they were not allowing concert goers on the field. Word spread quickly and people wondered how the stage would be set up.
As at all DSO shows, concertgoers scrambled to figure out which set list the band would choose to play at their first stadium show. Once “Bertha” began just after a rockin’ “Hell In A Bucket,” we all knew they had chosen the July 7, 1987 Silver Stadium show. A show that was near and dear to the Rochester Deadhead community, as it was part of a pair of shows played here by the Grateful Dead in 87′ and 88′.
The band that seeks to recreate the set list of past 
Yonder Mountain String Band will release their 12th album, Black Sheep on June 16, with a new sound and two new additions to the band. This album is unlike previous albums with a Yonder 2.0 feel with 
