Category: Reviews

Luke Bryan and Friends ‘Kicked up the Dust’ at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

Entertainer of the year Luke Bryan showed fans there was more than One Direction to go Thursday night for an evening great music. Luke Bryan brought his Kick The Dust Up tour and friends to Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, as one of the final concerts of their season. Bryan, clad in a tight-fitting T-shirt and black jeans and shook his hips like a reincarnated Elvis. He was constantly taking in every bit of energy from his fans all across the venue.

While plenty of artists put on a strong show, how many of them toss beers into the crowd as they sing? Or catch a fan’s cellphone mid-song, snap a selfie and toss it back without missing a note? Bryan did it all, including rounding up his talented band and pouring tequila shots on top of his piano to toast the crowd.

Opening up the show was Dustin Lynch. The stage chemistry between Lynch and his band is one of a kind — delivering a breathtaking performance every time. While Dustin performed “Halo” and “Mindreader” off his iTunes #1 debut sophomore album Where It’s At. He kept the energy high straight through to the end, and finished things up with his hit “Cowboys and Angels” inspiring a sing along, making all the young women in the room swoon. This talented young man has charisma coming out of his ears and he really knows how to work a crowd.

After a short intermission, it was time to “Go Out With My Boots On” as Randy Houser fiercely entered the stage belting the party tune. Title track from his sophomore album “How Country Feels” stole the show as Randy cleverly performed it as a sing along, involving an eager crowd. Beginning with an acoustic version of the chorus, the #1 single “Goodnight Kiss” permeated the venue as his wildly talented band joined in and kicked it into high gear. He closed out with his latest hit single, “Like A Cowboy.”

From the lawn seats to the pit of the stage, every seat in the house for Luke Bryan and Friends Darien Lake was provided a unique view with a custom concert experience. With three of country music’s most adept stars on one ticket, you will definitely want to catch a ride on the final leg of Kick the Dust Up Tour.

September 8, 2015
Bryan Adams, Thirty Years Later And Still Reckless

It’s hard to believe that it was thirty-years ago that Bryan Adam’s fourth studio album, Reckless was released. This certified five times platinum album brought Adams around the world on his original tour in 1984-85. Unhappy with the original version, Bryan Adams actually took a month off in 1984 to recut several of its final tracks, including his duet with touring partner Tina Turner, on “It’s Only Love.” Happy with the final version, this perfectionist found that the final version brought him six songs off this album charting and earning a nomination for a Grammy in 1986 for “It’s Only Love.”

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

Fast forward thirty-years, a total of 13 hit albums, raising a family, and a side career in photography, Adams re-releases this album and brings all the Bryan Adams‘ fans back to those moments to once again relive times long forgotten. Including even more of Adams’ hits on the newly released version, Adams hit the road once again to celebrate the music that lives iconically in our memories forever.

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

Celebrating this reunion at CMAC during their summer concert series, I knew that this would be my chance to finally see one of my most favorite performers, and he didn’t disappoint. Playing all of my favorites from this entire album in addition to several of his others, Adams brought his “A” game. In fact, his ability to engage the audience was epic. My favorite moments, his serenading Christina, a girl from the audience that danced along with his version of “If Ya Wanna Be Bad Ya Gotta Be Good ” and his acoustic version of “Straight From the Heart”. The videography that accompanied this show was spectacular as it mixed videos of yesterday together with today and brought a visual treat to that auditory excellence.

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

Once again CMAC hit another show right out of the ballpark with this one as those in attendance from lawn to pit danced the night away and sang all night to their favorites.

Setlist: Reckless; One Night Love Affair; She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancin’; Run to You; The Boys; Night Out; Heaven; Kids Wanna Rock; It’s Only Love; Long Gone; Somebody; Ain’t Gonna Cry; Summer of ’69; Let Me Down Easy (Roger Daltrey cover); (Everything I Do) I Do It for You; If Ya Wanna Be Bad Ya Gotta Be Good; This Time; Can’t Stop This Thing We Started; Please Forgive Me; 18 til I Die; Cuts Like a Knife; The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You
Encore:; You’ve Been a Friend to Me; C’mon Everybody (Eddie Cochran cover); Fits Ya Good; She Knows Me; Straight from the Heart; All for Love (Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart & Sting cover)

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

September 7, 2015
This is the Moment that We Lived for: GhostxShip Farewell Show

In the midst of the hot August sun, there were a number of events happening in Syracuse. The New York State Fair was well into its fourth day and Hank Williams, Jr. was performing at the Grandstand. Just a few miles from the Fairgrounds at the St. Clare Annex, Syracuse’s own GhostxShip was getting ready to perform their final show. The band announced this past spring that they would be parting ways to pursue other projects. However, they promised their die-hard fans that they would have one hell of a memorable finale show.

GhostxShip’s, Keith Allen, Sean Mott, Chris Smith, Kyle Howe and Matt Travers kept their promise by pulling together a day-long celebration of music that included 13 bands, pool toys, dodge balls, air guitars and more hardcore riffs than you could shake a fist at.

Some of the day’s highlights included the band Caverns, kicking off the day’s festivities with a very intense set of music that included an awesome cover of “Caboose” by Snapcase. If you haven’t heard their version, check it out on YouTube. If you missed the performance by Brick by Brick from Albany, NY, then I feel sorry for you. They delivered an astounding set of powerful, blow you away hardcore songs. The band As This Body I Exist, was also celebrating their final performance together. They definitely went out kicking and screaming and leaving the audience wanting more. I would be remiss not to mention one of the fan favorites, the madcap marauders from Syracuse, NY, 40 Dead Men. They delighted the audience with their ultra-violent, “droogy style” performance.

A single light shines on the stage; the crowd is getting anxious as one by one the members of GhostxShip take the stage. Lead singer, Keith Allen, pauses for just a moment to express his gratitude to the fans who came out to their farewell performance, the feedback rings through the amps and the band explodes into “Burden to Bear” off their final album Cold Water Army.

The party begins: The fans erupt into a whirlwind of bodies everywhere, inflatable pool toys fly in the air, air guitars are blazing and watch out for the dodge balls. It’s all good fun. The fans make sure they take care of each other even in the midst of the chaos.

GhostxShip takes a moment between each song to express their undying thanks to the fans for all of their support. They also take the time to thank each other. It is a very emotional and intense set. The band acknowledged two ‘super fans’ who traveled all over to support the band and were there for them since they started in 2009. They honored them by inviting them on stage to help sing their favorites song, “Cold Truth.”

The set culminated with all of the fans piling on stage to help wish the band members well and close the evening in style with everyone singing along to the “Here and Now.” The evening ended with a barrage of bear hugs and well wishes. This true sense of camaraderie is why I love Syracuse Hardcore! The feeling can best be summed up by “These are the Moments That We Live For.”

Thank you GhostxShip for a phenomenal show and for giving us “moments to live for.”

R.I.P. GhostxShip 2009-2015

September 6, 2015
Great NY State Fair Kicks Off Rocking All Venues

The Great NY State Fair is one of the most highly regarded and visited fairs in America, providing fair goers with an enough crafts, food, rides, entertainment, musical performances and competitions to last 12 days. Each year, the first day is held high with expectations as staff look forward to seeing large crowds and hosting some of Americas’ best musical performers to fill the first day. This year was no exception, inviting ’90s rock group Everclear and singer/actor Rick Springfield to the Chevy Court along with rising country star Eric Church to the Grandstands to cap off the night.

Everclear has been traveling the world for many years, performing their hit singles such as “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “Everything to Everyone,” and “Wonderful” to name a few. With the release of their new studio album Black is the New Black this past April, the band has been on tour supporting and sharing their new songs with audiences all over the world. Their set, which was supposed to start at 2pm, kicked off late but rockin’ as the band came out in all black clothes with instruments in hand. The group played just a few select songs from their most recent release, but stayed strong with their hits and crowd pleasers.

Once the sun had nestled into the horizon, the Chevy Court had again filled with folks waiting to see the next performer. As 8pm approached, the audience kept growing by the large numbers, thus enhancing the excitement. Soon, the stage lights dimmed and a brief video began, showing a collage of video clips of highlights throughout Rick Springfield’s’ career. With the video screen flashing on a dark stage, to a crowded audience, Rick and the band quietly made their way onto the stage preparing to burst into song. This particular performance was filled with top hits and sing-a-longs including “Affair of the Heart,” “I’ve Done Everything for You,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Human Touch,” and “Love Somebody. During the evening, Rick even brought up some very young kids to help sing the chorus’ of “Don’t Talk to Strangers.” The quintet of rock stars took a short break to chug some water and let the anticipation of the encore increase. As cheering echoed in between the buildings, Rick and the gang boarded the stage yet again to end the “Opening Day” show with his top hit “Jessie’s Girl” and “Kristina.”

While Chevy Court was rocking to some good ole fashioned rock and roll from Rick Springfield, the filled to capacity Grandstands were preparing for what was to be the first of the last three shows to be performed at the venue. First up on the billing was Eric Church, one of country music’s biggest names in the business. The country music equivalent to Hollywood’s James Dean, this jean clad, sunglass wearing young man is definitely a rebel, but with a cause. Making his own music his own way and not apologizing for following his dreams, he has won the hearts of country music fans all over the world with his unique musical style. As the crowd began to fill in, it was apparent that the grandstands would be filled to capacity for the first of the last of shows here.

First up for the evening was opening act The Cadillac Three; three long-haired hell raise’n dudes that rocked the stage like a seasoned rock and roll band. Although they may appear to resemble members of Duck Dynasty, don’t let their appearance fool you as they are some of the most talented rockers in the business today. Playing their style of country with a southern rock and roll flare, it was the perfect pairing for the main event to follow and had the crowd a rocking when they came a knocking.

As Eric took the stage, he started us of with a “Cold One”, followed by a chaser or “Creepin”, and then eased into “Guys Like Me”. Contining to mesmerize the crowd, Eric played all of this girls favorites, including his newest “Like Wrecking Ball”, sentimental favorite, “Give Me Back My Hometown”, and even threw in a little Springsteen with “Dancing In The Dark”. How can you not love someone who plays “Dancing In The Dark”? Seriously. With a catalog of hit after hit, it was no wonder the crowd loves this hell raisin country bad boy. It was the largest “church” service I had seen in a while.

As Day One closed it’s gates, it was apparent that they definitely had set the bar high Day One and set the pace for the rest to the week to follow suit. If they continued to rock both venues, beat first day attendance crowds with their $3 Thursday promotions, it was going to be one memorable 2015 Great NY State Fair.

Set List: Creepin , Guys Like Me, How ‘Bout You, Talladega, Pledge Allegiance to the Hag, Jack Daniels, Livin’ Part Of Life, Drink in My Hand, Like a Wrecking Ball, Lotta Boot Left to Fill, That’s Damn Rock & Roll, Give Me Back My Hometown, Homeboy, Smoke a Little Smoke, Over When It’s Over, These Boots, Dancing In The Dark/Springsteen.

Encore: Loves Me Like Jesus Does

September 5, 2015
Roots Reggae Groups Root SHOCK and Mosaic Foundation Dig Deep and Bare Their Souls

The room was swarming with movement Saturday, August 29, at Funk ‘n Waffles downtown with Root SHOCK and Mosaic Foundation. The quintessential roots reggae mixture of djembe and melodica tones reverberated throughout the cozy, recently carpeted space. Lead vocalist Yao Foli of Mosaic Foundation expressed an exuberant passion for social issues close to his heart, proclaiming how the power of love is an important mechanism for effecting positive change.

Combining sequences of fluid dance moves with strings of powerful words, Foli’s band mates melodically bolstered his noble messages, adding a grace to a performance whose content could easily be formatted as a stripped down, straightforward public speech calling citizens to action.

Between songs, Foli offered positive pearls of encouragement to his audience. “To free Africa we must free ourselves” and “Love knows no boundary my brother.” Foli knows how to make his audience feel welcome and powerful all in one breath. Working up a decent sweat through all of his dancing, Foli brandished a small white towel to pat his face dry during song breaks, a testament to his hard work and dedication on stage. Mid-performance, Foli stepped to the front of the stage, grasping the mic with his other arm outstretched, getting as close to the crowd as possible, standing not only before them, but with them. Foli is not just a showman, but a leader and organizer in his own right, as his spirit brings people together to share a love of music and spread positive messages.

Following Mosaic Foundation, Root SHOCK delivered their own high-powered compendium of positivity. Bringing uplifting messages to an already revved up crowd. Opening their set with the always awe-inspiring love ballad to lead vocalist, Jessica Brown’s mother, “Sweet Reunion.” Prompting fans to reflect on and cherish their own familial relationships. Brown’s striking, soul-grasping vocals and incredible range continued to command the crowd. Daring them to dance harder and cheer louder during a bouncy performance of the upbeat “Sunlight of a Brand New Day.” The lyrics challenged listeners to “Live the life you want to live, love to live the life you want to give. Give the love you want to feel, the kind of love that empowers and heals.” The high-energy atmosphere fostered a connectedness and comfort level allowing several liberated spectators to remove their shoes, showing off some fancy footwork, toes unrestricted.

A crowd favorite cover of indie pop group Miike Snow’s highly danceable “Animal” continued to sustain movement as Brown took to the tambourine with guitarist Phil Grajko assisting on vocals. A rendition of “Rough Cuddle,” a song Grajko recorded with fellow reggae group Morning Sun & The Essentials, describes a dreamily mysterious and thought-provoking woman figure who asks, “what’s stopping you from seeing more?” This question is perhaps meant to awaken listeners and remind them to be more aware and present in their own lives.

A Stevie Wonder cover of “Master Blaster” followed, during which Grajko is known for sporting a set of shades as an ode to the beloved musical legend. Root SHOCK finished off their set with the more reflective Stephen Marley cover of “Pale Moonlight,” which tenderly recounts a love that has since been lost. Both reggae groups took the room on an awakening emotional journey where observers could connect more with themselves, the people around them, and reflect on their relationships with society as a whole.

September 5, 2015
Lee Terrace and Steep Stepped it Up for Farewell Show

Progressive rock groups Steep and Lee Terrace may not be familiar names to many, but they left a hearty impression on the calm and collected crowd Friday August 28at the Westcott Theater.

Steep was up first, with guitarist Dylan Lundgren front and center sporting a lime green guitar and infectious smile, full of pep as he intermittently bopped his head in beat with the music. After their first song concluded, Jack Jarvis, drumsticks in hand, offered the sparse crowd a small witticism, “One fish in a tank says to the other, ‘How do you drive this thing?’” Those not clustered around the makeshift beer keg tables in deep conversation happily chuckled in response.

Steep declared their next track, “Brain Fuel,” a dance tune, but the night was too young and most attendees weren’t loose enough to get their feet moving quite yet. “Brain Fuel’s” dynamic ebb and flow faded between genres, beginning as a moderate tempo rock jam before mellowing out into a jazzy breakdown where Elliot Jarvis’ metallic bass parts slyly hinted at the Seinfeld theme song, before the song intensified toward fast-paced rock.

As Steep finished their set, the crowd had filled in considerably, largely composed of a more mature demographic, the type that stand solidly in place and mindfully contemplate the instrumentation rather than dance like wild banshees near the front. A crew of four grey-haired audience members had camped out in matching green lawn chairs, just a half a shade off from Lundgren’s guitar hue. A few young rogue dancers did have a mind for letting loose and flailing freely to the music, and luckily for them the entire front half of the room was open for them to flit and bounce at will. The rest of the crowd clung to shadows, observing with keen eyes.

Fellow Futurama fans may have glimpsed the Zoidberg figurine resting pensively atop the amp next to the drum kit as members of Lee Terrace took the stage. Exposing a small glimmer of their inner nerdiness, the potent jam that quickly blossomed from the group of five musicians heightened their “cool factor” as obviously talented musicians and science fiction sitcom aficionados.

Playing a mix of originals and covers, a rendition of MGMT’s “Electric Feel,” sung by bassist Michael Sloan, appealed to younger attendees. Front man Kevin Metzger entertained the crowd with an anecdotal explanation detailing the origin of the title “Goldie’s Song,” and publicly exposing the time his father took the family cat to the vet and couldn’t recall it’s name. Bringing vocalist Nina Pelligra on stage to cover Led Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains the Same” created an exhilarating rendition worthy of a rambunctious round of applause at the end. Saxophonist August Cook and trumpeter Nick Coggiola and percussion accompanist Jon Kane enhanced a string of Michael Jackson covers including “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller,” which energized the room before Lee Terrace polished off their set with a crisp performance of their title track, “Deep Blue.” And for the encore? How about Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Yeah, it was a great night.

September 3, 2015
Shadows Fall Kicks Off Special Reunion Tour At Upstate Concert Hall

On Friday August 21st, Shadows Fall kicked off their special three date tour at Upstate Concert Hall. Just one year prior to this run, Shadows Fall announced they would be going on a hiatus from touring. With busy schedules and other commitments it didn’t seem like the members of Shadows Fall would be able to play any shows for a long time. Well, the planets aligned and everyone was available to do a special mini tour.

Fans got to the venue early and eagerly waited to see Brian, Jason, Paul, Jon and Matt all take the stage together again. Starting around 10:30pm, Shadows Fall showed no signs that they ever stopped playing together. Fans could easily tell that this group of guys just click together naturally. Although most of the band is still very active in the music world, they definitely don’t have the time to play their Shadows Fall songs on a weekly basis. That being said, the band was spot on from the opening note of the night.

Brian Fair (left) and Jonathan Donais (right) of Shadows Fall

As promised, Shadows Fall played a set filled with songs deep from their catalog. The band hit six different albums including Threads Of Life, Fire From The Sky, Retribution, Of One Blood, The War Within and The Art Of Balance. The energy didn’t stop at all throughout the 18-song set the band ripped through. That energy from the band poured right into the crowd, fueling the circle pits that were going all night. With no barrier between the crowd and the stage, fans were able to hop onto the stage and stage-dive into the crowd. The night ended with “The Light That Blinds” which only left the crowd wanting more. Afterwards, fans stuck around to thank the band for coming back to do this show. Each member of the band took time to hang out, take pictures and sign autographs for everyone.

Singer Brian Fair Of Shadows Fall

After their show at Upstate Concert Hall, Shadows Fall played a show in Providence, RI and then ended the tour in Lowell, MA. The shows were definitely a special treat to fans who thought they had seen the last of the band. First-timers who got to see a show on this tour got to find out first hand what they had missed for the last 15-years or so.

Setlist from Setlist.fm – The Power Of I And I, What Drives The Weak, Destroyer of Senses, Weight Of The World, Still I Rise, Redemption, A Fire In Babylon, A Public Execution, Crushing Belial, The First Noble Truth, Stepping Outside The Circle, King Of Nothing, Inspiration On Demand, Thoughts Without Words, Of One Blood, The Light That Blinds

To keep up to date with Shadows Fall and it’s members, be sure to like and follow their Facebook Page.

September 2, 2015
Show Number One: Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire at SPAC, August 29
After years of radio play and later, jam band covers from the extensive catalog of both bands, I was finally able to see Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire. Performing together and separately at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Saturday, August 29.

I am still surprised that I hadn’t seen either of them in the past, but a co-bill for the two bands that presented the bands in a ‘Don’t worry, you won’t miss a moment’ manner was as ideal as you can get for a late summer show at SPAC. The audience filled nearly every inch of the SPAC lawn with chairs for an incredible night of ’70s and ’80s funk and soul. Here’s my take on my first time seeing Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire.
- Both bands came out at the start of the night together singing “Got to Get You Out of My Mind” by The Beatles.
- Incredibly, and despite having 20+ musicians on stage, you can hear the sound clear as day. Great mix.
- Bassist Verdine White from Earth, Wind & Fire asked “Is there a Chicago/Earth, Wind & Fire dance party in the house?” and it was too cheesy to not laugh.
- Heavy ’70s soul groove with these two bands on the stage. You figure they had to share bills together back in the Nixon/Ford/Carter years.
- The stage is symmetrical with pianos, drums and horns spread out evenly – not a bad angle in the house.
- When Robert Lamm said “We had no idea we would be around this long,” I nodded my head in agreement. It’s even more surprisingly the band has toured every single year since they first formed.
- “Boogie Wonderland” – people were dancing or sitting – they couldn’t figure out what to do. Regardless, Earth, Wind & Fire was the set to dance to.
- After a few tunes, and knowing they had to be saving “Shining Star” and “September” for the encore, I realized I do not know much Earth, Wind & Fire and need to go through the full catalog soon.
- A solid mix of live footage and photos from the past were seen on the video screen throughout the set.
- The SPAC lawn was not that bad. Phish fans, myself included, complain about the sound on the lawn. Definitely not an issue tonight. I regretted not bringing earplugs.
- Band intros went on for a while, then they introduced the three original members of the band, Philip Bailey, Maurice White and Ralph Johnson.
- I know these songs, but not the titles, the result of years of casual radio play.
- Maurice can hit some HIGH notes!
- “Let’s Groove” was a perfect closer
- After a short set break, I realized I hadn’t been to SPAC with both my parents, ever. Last time I was here with my mom, I saw Huey Lewis and the News in 1989.
- “I’m so happy that you love me.” Sometimes, the song titles just write themselves.
- I’d estimate that half of this crowd had Chicago and/or Earth, Wind & Fire songs as their wedding reception music.
- Hell, half of this crowd had to make out/get laid to any of these songs. This is baby-making music for Boomers.
- “You’re the Inspiration” is such a dad rock song, if dad is serenading mom.
- Chicago covers “I’m a Man” by Spencer Davis Group. One of my favorite all time rock songs and it has had a second life this whole time. This is awesome. If I wasn’t a Chicago fan before.
- The drums section in “I’m a Man” was unexpected and impressive. This provided a perfect counterbalance to the overly mellow “Inspiration.”
- I have my mom’s copy of Chicago Transit Authority and she’s not getting it back.
- “Street Player” is a damn fine and energetic disco era song. Someone start covering this, please.
- Some of these songs do sound the same when played in succession. “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” is the spring from which all others grow.
- People are snuggling. This is cute.
- “Saturday Night in the Park,” was pretty spot on for being in Saratoga Spa State Park on a Saturday night. It’s like they were waiting all week to sing it here.
- Random pockets of dancing popped up throughout the crowd intermittently for Chicago, a band best enjoyed from a seat.
- No matter the song, someone in the crowd knew it and sang along. We all sang along at some point.
- “September” and “Sing a Song” started the final songs of the night, getting everyone back up again.
- “Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is?” was sweet and preceded “Shining Star”, leaving enough time for…
- “25 or 6 to 4” – I have loved this song since first listen when I was maybe 12 or so. It might be the first time I ever heard it played live, outside of a high school holiday concert in 2005. Beyond that, only teases from jam bands. Hearing this live was a treat.
- I need to get Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire back into my life – two fantastic bands crossed off the list.
September 2, 2015
Funky Jam Benefit Party Presents Mixture of Talent to an Intimate Crowd

Funky Jam at the Westcott Theater Friday August 14 saw the Syracuse music locale transform into a collaborative art space of opportunity for local crafters and musicians.

Painter Yegor Mikushkin planned the benefit show to raise money for supplies to execute a mural on the outer rear brick wall of the theater. The dark inner walls of the theater were brought to life with an array of Mikushkin’s vivid paintings, which were scattered throughout the 700-person venue. The tall canvases stood sentry, attesting to the skill and aesthetic the painter will be bringing to the mural, while also daring attendees to splurge and take home a Mikushkin original. Other crafters also sold their wares, including screen printed t-shirts, paper lamps and art books.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Pankau

To give the audience a taste of Mikushkin’s work style, he live painted a canvas on stage with help from fellow painter and musician Sara Potocsny, while local musicians serenaded the unfavorably sparse crowd composed primarily of friends and family. The stage supported various acts of artistic expression including performances by musicians Phil Grajko, of Grayak, Morning Sun and the Essentials and Root SHOCK, Jessica Brown of Root SHOCK, Christopher Woods of Root SHOCK and The Sauce, drummers Tyler Dattmore and Adam Ast, guitarist Chris Chiesa, violist Sara Potocsny, DJ Leonard Adams, Jamie Knittel of The New Daze, and freestyle vocals of Eric Dwyre. An on stage devil stick demonstration by local artist Breeze tied into the tangle of performers who came out to support Mikushkin’s cause.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Pankau

Even in a room replete with talent, some of the musical collaborations were disjointed. Musicians who have played together before, including Grajko, Brown and Woods, were able to deliver a more cohesive and satisfying performance. Grajko, performing several songs he has recorded with different bands, relied on Tyler Dattmore’s percussion skills on the cajon to backup a stripped down version of Grayak’s “Have a Beautiful Now,” which traditionally incorporates a more diverse accompaniment including elegant fiddle and upright bass parts. Mid-song, Grajko and Dattmore transitioned to a rendition of Morning Sun and the Essential’s uplifting number, “Love Agenda” before seamlessly returning back to “Have a Beautiful Now.”

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Pankau

As the song title, “Have a Beautiful Now” suggests, audience members and performers alike, all whom have personal ties to Mikushkin, relished in the splendor of the evening, soaking up the joy of filling the Westcott Theater with love and beauty, even in lieu of a small turnout.

September 2, 2015
Van Halen Kicks Off Second Leg Of Tour At Darien Lake

When news broke Sunday, August 23, that Van Halen had canceled their show at Hershey Park in Hershey, PA, fans must have been thinking to themselves “not again.” The official kick off to the second leg of Van Halen’s massive North American tour had been canceled due to singer, David Lee Roth, having the flu. With doctors orders canceling the show at Hershey Park, fans took to social media to express their concerns about the rest of the upcoming shows.

To the delight of everyone who was planning on going to any of the shows afterwards, Van Halen said the tour would be going on as planned and no other shows would be canceled. With that great news from the band, fans at Darien Lake prepared to welcome Van Halen for their new official start to the second half of their tour.

On Tuesday August 25, fans lined up early in front of the gates at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center with much excitement. While some fans waited in line on the chilly August day, others took to the park to help ease the excitement. Throughout the park, families could be seen wearing their favorite Van Halen memorabilia such as shirts and shoes. Concert goers inside the theme park seemed to cover many generations. Walking through the theme park, there were young children ready to see guitar icon, Eddie Van Halen, take the stage for what would probably be their first time. Teenagers were all around the park in their own groups sporting their classic VH shirts. Most of all, the parents who grew up listening to classic Van Halen albums such as Van Halen, Van Halen II, 1984, etc. were ready to see Van Halen for what would probably be their last time at Darien Lake.

The show started out just prior to 7:30 with the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. Most of the crowd seemed to be well aware of who Kenny Wayne Shepherd was. This blues guitar icon certainly came to impress and show off his guitar skills. Teaching himself guitar from the early age of 7, Kenny Wayne Shepherd could definitely give Eddie a run for his money. Backing up Kenny, was an all-star lineup of musicians who have played with some of the best in the world. Vocals duties for the band were handled by Noah Hunt, who had an outstanding voice to say the least. Bass player Tony Franklin was introduced to the crowd as a guy who had played with a band called, The Firm. For those who aren’t aware, The Firm consisted of Paul Rodgers of Bad Company and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. If that wasn’t enough, the drummer for the Kenny Wayne Shepherd band, Chris Layton, played with Stevie Ray Vaughan. Finishing off the lineup was keyboard player Riley Osborun, who had played alongside Willie Nelson. Together, these guys put on an incredible opening show. The set was ended with a stellar cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child,” that left the crowd standing on their feet cheering.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

After Kenny Wayne Shepherd exited the stage, every seat that was once empty inside had a new face standing in front of it. By this time of the night, everyone knew they were finally going to see Van Halen and there would be no cancellations. Alex Van Halen kicked off the show standing up at his drum kit welcoming fans, while his brother Eddie and Eddie’s son Wolfgang started the night off with “Light Up The Sky” from Van Halen II. Within seconds later, singer David Lee Roth came out on stage with all smiles.

Playing 23 songs from 7 different albums, Van Halen surely had enough to please everyone. From the new material, all the way back to the very beginning, Van Halen made sure to hit the songs everyone was there to hear. Fans got to hear classics such as “Runnin’ With The Devil,” “Everybody Wants Some,” “Dance The Night Away” and more. Alex Van Halen handled the drum kit better than any other 62-year-old probably could. Eddie’s son Wolfgang, who now handles bass duties, was simply amazing. Some people may think that Wolfgang doesn’t deserve to be in Van Halen just because of his dad, but he certainly proved it at Darien Lake. To go along with his excellent playing, Wolfgang handles the harmony backup vocals with ease. There’s no denying that Wolf, who’s only 24-years-old, has incredible amounts of musical talent. For those who don’t know Wolfgang is also the bass player for Mark Tremonti’s solo band when he’s not busy playing alongside dad.

David Lee Roth

Throughout the show, Eddie Van Halen showed why he’s considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Watching Eddie play songs from as far back as 1978 with no trouble at all left people mesmerized. Most of the time as bands age, the live show lacks what it once had. Guitar players get sloppy over time and improvise parts of songs they can’t play live anymore. This wasn’t the case for EVH. Eddie cruised through the entire setlist making it look easy. When it was time for Eddie to take the stage for his solo, he chose to toss in some licks from other Van Halen songs before playing “Eruption”. Most guitar solos can get boring quickly, but Eddie Van Halen is one guitar player that will never bore a crowd.

David Lee Roth, who was battling the flu, showed no signs of being ill on Tuesday night. DLR who’s been back with Van Halen since 2007 now, put on an unforgettable performance. While smiling all night and having fun on stage, David made sure the crowd was having just as much fun as him. There aren’t many performers who are as comfortable as Roth is on stage. For instance, not many performers can forget lyrics to a song like Roth can and still go with the flow. Many times throughout the set, David Lee Roth would admit he forgot a line and just laugh it off while giving Eddie and Wolf a head nod who would bail him out. Typically a crowd would be disappointed with such a vocal performance, but the overall show makes up for the mistakes. Many reviews online talk about how DLR lacks the vocal ability now, just like many other singers from his era. It’s true that Roth struggles at times, but Eddie and Wolfgang save the day. Together, the 3 of them take care of business and put on one hell of a performance no one could ever forget.

As expected, Van Halen ended the night with “Panama” and “Jump” leaving the crowd feeling like they just went back in time. Luckily for fans at Darien Lake, they didn’t have the same fate fans at Hershey Park had on Sunday. Van Halen continues their tour of North America throughout the month of September and has its final stop at the Hollywood Bowl, in Hollywood, California on Friday, October 2nd. Fans interested in catching Van Halen again before the tour ends can find all the dates and ticket information here.

Setlist: Light Up The Sky, Runnin’ With The Devil, Romeo Delight, Everybody Wants Some, Drop Dead Legs, Feel Your Love Tonight, Somebody Get Me A Doctor, She’s The Woman, Chinatown, I’ll Wait, Drum Solo, Little Guitars, Dance The Night Away, Beautiful Girls, Women In Love, Hot For Teacher, In A Simple Rhyme (Growth), Dirty Movies, Ice Cream Man, Unchained, Ain’t Talkin About Love, Guitar Solo, You Really Got Me, Panama, Jump

Eddie And Wolfgang Van Halen

September 1, 2015