Shana Falana has been making waves all over the United States and Europe officially since 2011, releasing two albums on Bandcamp and a cassette only document of earlier work, is now releasing her debut LP titled Set Your Lightning Fire Free. The album was put together in just a week and was taken with the approach of think of an idea, get it on tape, and move on, which has not hurt the record one bit. Shana usually is one to labor over arrangements and piecing takes together to make the perfect song, but she wanted to try something different for her first album. Joining Shana full-time now is Mike Amari on drums and he helps a great deal in filling the voids between Shana’s beautiful abstract ideas. Their creative force makes for a great pairing of sound that will make you revisit Set Your Lightning Fire Free again and again.
The album gets going with “Gone” and has Shana layering her own vocals on top of one another over dreamy synthesizers that is all chugged along by Mike’s constant beat and is a great opener for a record. Right off the bat you are diving head first into psychedelic pop and that is where you stay for the entirety of the record. In songs “Heavenstay” and “Know UR Mine” the ’80s new wave sound, that has slowly making a comeback, has been turned just a little askew and brought into the 21st century by Shana and Mike. “Go” is a heavy song both lyrically and musically, bringing in some middle-eastern instrumentation alongside a howling Shana. “Anything” sees the duo go for an industrial sound that give an early Nine Inch Nails vibe. “There’s Away” has some of the best instrumentation on the album to go along with Shana’s vocals sending the song continuously farther into the ether of psychedelia through the almost six minutes that it lovingly takes up on the record.
Shana on past tours has used visuals behind her to make the whole show more of an art piece than a concert. The music on Set Your Lightning Fire Free is set up to perfectly go along with these visuals. The pulsating guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and strong drumming on all the new songs that Shana Falana has laid down on the debut record will only be more pleasing in person. Starting with a week run in New York including April 2nd at The Low Beat, April 3 at BSP Kingston, April 4 at Shea Stadium, and April 7 at Bug Jar, the Kingstoners will criss-cross the country through May to support the record. Though it is officially released on April 7th, the band will have copies on tour.
Stratosphere All-Stars is a jam-band supergroup featuring members of Digital Tape Machine, Particle, Pnuma Trio, and formerly of STS9. They host various special guests including Todd Stoops (Kung Fu), Andrew Block (Gramatik), and vocalists Ben Combe (Particle) and Allison Singer at their March 26 debut. The Stratosphere All-Stars are: Mike Greenfield (Lotus), Steve Molitz (Particle), David Murphy (Seven Arrows/formerly STS9), and Marcus Rezak (Digital Tape Machine). Covers of the Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, LCD Soundsystem, and more, fuse with free-form improvisational jams creating an energy 51km high.
The Script is a band that will be timeless to me forever. We all have one. Perhaps because they were our first live show, perhaps they were our first crush, or perhaps they made music that moved us when we needed it most. Whatever the backstory, we each have that one band, that one artist that holds a special meaning to us. We may even have more than one, but no matter where we are, we know when they come to town we must see them and when we hear them on the radio, we must crank it up. The Script is that band for me. They hold a special place in my heart as they were the band that forever changed my life and my direction of photography.
The Script – Great NY State Fair 2011
Popular in their native Ireland and nearby UK, The Script hit American charts in 2010 with their single “Breakeven” and as they exploded on to the scene here, their American following began to amass. It was the summer of 2011 when I heard that they would be playing The Great NY State Fair. As a freelance photographer at the time, I wanted to see if I could get a photo pass for the day to cover the two free shows at Chevy Court. So with camera in hand and my nicest smile in the bag, off I went to try and secure one. I had heard a song or two from each band, and thought it would be really cool to add these photos to my portfolio of bands that I knew would one day be huge. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a journey that has led me to where I am today.
The Script – NY State Fair 2011
Thanks to a few kind souls that day, I lucked out and was granted a photo pass for the afternoon show to cover Hot Chelle Rae. In fact, little did I know that this day would be the beginning of my five seconds of fame as well. As I shot photos of the meet and greet, the Hot Chelle Rae team was also shooting footage for a new video they were creating for their next single, “I Like It Like That.” Included in that video was the footage from Syracuse and okay, it was more like one half of a second at 2:46/.47 that I was spotted in the frame, but hey, I’m in it! #superstar. As the day proceeded I hoped that management would allow me to stay on and photograph the evening show. As I began to leave the back stage area, a crew member for The Script, told me to hang on and thanks to him, I was allowed to shoot the first three songs for the evening show with The Script. I had shot other shows locally, of other bands, but this was different. This was a band that was international. This was a band that I just knew would be something larger than this moment.
As I positioned myself in the pit area, I knew I only had the first three songs to shoot so I hunkered down in my best angle to capture the moment when it began, when the band takes the stage and when the crowd erupts. The stage was darkened to complete blackness as the music began. As the intro to “You Won’t Feel A Thing” began all you heard was guitar, then some percussion was added, and then bass and back ground vocals were added. The upbeat tempo kept speeding up like a race nearing the finish line when all of a sudden it kicked into overdrive and spotlight bursts open and Danny bursts onto the stage as he exploded into the song. It was at this very moment that my life changed. To this day, there has been no other intro music that has ever given me that rush of adrenaline. To this day, every time I hear this song, it brings me back to that very moment in time and that high I felt. I can clearly say, that was the very moment I fell in love with band photography, and from that moment since, I have thrown my heart and soul into it like no other passion I have ever experienced.
Since that the initial day, I have happily sat back and watched this trio of Irish musicians grow their fan base, their catalog of albums, and expand their musical creativity to shine like the stars I knew they were. With four albums now under their belt and numerous tours, working along side some of today’s biggest stars, it was apparent that others also saw their talent and knew they were in the presence of great musicians. A pinnacle of their career had to be in 2009 when they opened for Sir Paul McCartney at New York’s Citi Field. I can only image how they felt having that opportunity to speak with Sir Paul about music, discuss their collective journeys, and garner advice from a legendary star. If that wasn’t enough, it was shortly after that that they had the chance to open for U2 in their hometown of Dublin as well. Since my initial show, it seemed as though The Script had continued to tour non-stop. Danny participated in the UK’s version of The Voice, and like a snowball rolling down hill, they never slowed down throughout the entire time. Keeping an eye on tour dates for areas in and around the surrounding states and New York, I just kept missing them. Whether my schedule conflicted, I couldn’t secure credentials, or they were not available to our area, I patiently waited knowing one day they would come back, or I would be able to travel to one of their shows. It was a happy day when I found out that they would be coming to the Main Street Armory in Rochester. It would be full circle for me to once again enjoy the show with the band that helped me fall in love with band photography.
Opening the evening was local musician Amanda Peers. Amanda’s set began the evening by rocking out the crowd with her strong soulful sound. A native to Rochester, Amanda was seen as part of Gwen Stephanie’s team on the seventh season of The Voice. Working with artists such as The Spin Doctors and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Amanda’s melodic sound was the perfect preface to begin the evening and get this eager audience primed for the following acts.
Amanda Peers – Main Street Armory, Rochester NY
Next up was Oh Honey. Oh Honey, named specifically after an episode on How I Met Your Mother, burst onto the scene in 2013, and since have been opening for artists such as The Fray, James Blunt, and American Authors. Their unique indie rock sound draws you in and hooks and before you know it. Their single “Be Okay” has been covered by the Glee cast, and has been featured in the ABC show Selfie, a Chili’s commercial, and commercial for The Hundred Foot Journey. Their first studio album is eagerly awaited by fans for release in spring of 2015. Their addictive sound and energetic performance is a certain indicator that they have a special quality and we will be seeing more of them in the near future.
Oh Honey – Main Street Armory, Rochester NY
The next act was one I had been waiting to shoot for a long time to mark off my bucket list. Discovering him through digital radio, Mat Kearney’s music was definitely part of my every day playlist. When Mat Kearney took the stage it was a wonderful surprise to learn that Mat’s family is originally from Rochester (Irondequoit). His grandfather and father, had quite the interesting and sordid past. It was fun to learn the details of what seemed to be a made for tv journey, was in actuality, his real life story. The story and journey begins with Mat’s grandfather running a gambling ring out of a fake cigar shop until being put out business by the mob, to his father following Pink Floyd through Europe, to living in Hawaii where he met Mat’s mother as they worked together as a ship hand and mermaid, to becoming a law abiding citizen and lawyer raising a family. Joking around in an interview once, Mat once said “you can’t make this stuff up”. It’s these first hand experiences that Mat has lived through that have helped propel his musical writing style. His heartfelt songs come from life, from feelings, and it’s this music that caught my ear, and piqued my curiosity about this musician. Not setting out to become a musician, it wasn’t long after arriving in Nashville that he just knew this was where he needed to stay and what he needed to do with his life. Now eight years and five albums later, Mat Kearney has established himself in the music business as a top notch songwriter and performer. Touring with greats such as John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Train, Owl City, and Brad Paisley, Mat has found his calling,. In 2007 VH1 labeled him as one of their “You Oughta Know” artists, and this I wholeheartedly agree with this designation. He definitely is someone I would suggest you listen to, as his quiet laidback style of music, has longevity and he will be around forever.
Mat Kearney – Main Street Armory, Rochester, NY
As the crowd eagerly awaited The Script to take the stage, I fretted, would it not live up to my memory of them? Had I taken a moment and placed it in a category that cannot be usurped? As they began their set with “Paint The Town Green” from their new album No Sound Without Silence, their entrance was grand!!! The one thing I love about these guys, is their lighting is top notch. As a photographer, it makes for the best photos having the subjects backlit. I also love their stage setup. With Danny O’Donoghue on lead vocals, keyboard, and guitar, he’s right front and center. Well at least while he’s standing still that is. He’s one of those musicians that truly plays to his audience. He has no problem getting out in the crowd with his audience several times throughout his shows and he’s very energetic. With Mark Sheehan on lead guitar and vocals, he plays both sides of the stage, and I have to say that man can shredd! One of my favorite things about their stage setup is where Glen Power who plays drums and backing vocals is situated. His drum kit is set side stage with the front facing inward so that the audience, and photographers, have a great vantage of him while he plays. Also touring again with the lads is Benjamin Sergeant who plays bass guitar and backing vocals. Was glad to see him there this time again, and new this time around was Rodney Alejandro on keyboards. These two accompanying musicians, although set back, are still accessible visually for everyone to see. Excellent placement guys. As the years passed by, and as I cover more shows throughout the state, I noticed that this was not the norm for both placement and lighting. So when I come across a band that has these features, I’m very thankful for making my job easier. Now add in that these guys can really write, sing, and perform, it makes for one hell of a show. Playing both new songs such as “Superheroes”, “The Energy Never Dies”, and “No Good In Goodbye”, and favorites such as “Breakeven”, “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, and “For The First Time”, the show flew by as the audience fed off of them, and they the audience. As they left the stage, I thought to myself, they lived up to the hype in my head. Then it happened…the stage was dark, the guitar began, the percussion was added, and then bass and back ground vocals began as Danny once again began and the lights went up. I was there again. I was standing side stage watching where my love began, with the song that began it. They did it. They surpassed my memories and made new ones, as the band that began it all for me. Thanks Danny, Mark, Glen, Benjamin, and Rodney for beginning my journey down this road of music journalism. It’s been the greatest journey, and the road lays in front of me for so many more adventures. Hope to see you again along the way.
Three Bands from the early ’80s reunited to recreate a fundraiser for the Stanley Theatre in Utica, NY March 21. Headliner The Todd Hobin Band, were once again joined by opening acts the Justice McBride Band and Dust Devil Band. This recreation of the original billing from back in 1981 came together to help save the historic Stanley Theatre who was in financial straights at that time. The past success was once again created by this trio of bandmates as they came together to raise money to help keep their beloved landmark open. The enthusiastic crowds rocked once again to a mix of originals and covers of each band throughout the evening. Even though 34 years had gone by, age had not slowed any of these bands down, or their following as the energetic crowds enjoyed their evening while supporting a good cause.
One of the Capital District’s loudest kept secrets is the powerhouse funk group known as Groovestick, who recently released their debut album, Groovestick. Lead by bassist Dan Gerken with Justin Henricks on guitar, Kevin Urvalek on drums, Dan Klug on percussion and Hammond organ star Chris Carballeira, these 5 musicians from Way Down, Timbre Coup and Dirty Paris create solid harmonies and high energy progressive funk that force you to groove. The eight track album reaching a little over half an hour is more than enough to convince you to see them live and get down to the funk. The album is available for streaming and a digital copy for $5 via bandcamp.com and was recorded at Telefunken Studios in Hartford, CT.
Groovestick is a quick listen to get the pre-party started for any night of the week. Henricks chillingly shreds classic rock chords as Carballeira adds vintage funky soul on the ivories. The album hits start with the jazzy quick tempo rock of “Horde”, a surge of rock to get the blood racing. “No Time for That” is a modern mo-town with a disco flair and strongly executed catchy lyrics from Dan Gerken and company. “Electric Shoes” is one of their fiercest songs, showcasing stand out solo work as well as mountainous peaks of melody, challenging the listener to break loose. Klug and Urvalek intertwine their controlled rhythm mania throughout the album for a nonstop tight groove. Groovestick is a boogie machine with rebellious soul, making this album of theirs a great soundtrack for the spring ahead.
Key Tracks: Not Time for That, Electric Shoes, Shark Bait
Check out Groovestick when they come to The Hollow in Albany with Lucid on April 3, The Monopole in Plattsburgh on April 24 and The Rustic Barn in Troy on April 25.
Although it may have been the first day of spring, the weather didn’t seem to know that. People were walking briskly to escape the cold and get into Putnam Den where it’s always hot and always a guaranteed good time. As the night started off there were more people huddled around the TV watching college basketball, but fans were about to be treated to another form of “March Madness” in the entity known as Particle.
Greenhouse Lounge, a trio out of Jacksonville, FL started the night off spitting pure fire – these three guys exemplified livetronica. While using samples and homemade beats covered with the sounds of the live band, there was little that could stop the groove. The two were so intertwined at some points it was difficult to tell which was the loop and which was the band, a skill very few have mastered but the boys were spot on, and it drew the crowd from the TVs to the front of the stage. They were getting down to the unmistakeable sound that may be the future of the genre. A perfect way to kick off the night for the Particle party that was about to ensue.
Particle came tearing out of the gate, with Ben Comb shredding his guitar and raising all the energy until everyone was up dancing and flowing to the fast paced groove. Bassist Clay Parnell and drummer Allen Aucion were the perfect back drop, keeping the rhythm solid and following along with the guitar which eventually lead into a keyboard solo from Particle’s leader Steve Molitz. The contrasting sounds he made with the keys were mind blowing – to the point that some of the audience had to stop and listen in wonder to work out where these amazing sounds were coming from. The pattern of drum and bass heavy rhythms continued as Ben and Steve swapped leads.
Although Particle are know for the instrumental jam, they are not a one dimensional band by any means. Ben Comb did more than shred the guitar, he also sang, which is no easy task when the beats are going so fast. He was also able to keep his voice in range and, impressively, in time. This mixture of sounds progressed from Pink Floyd to a Siberian saber dance. The proof was in the music that there is very little Particle can’t do.
The final night of the Bowlive run is akin to the last day of your wedding week. Seeing the same faces you have seen all week, reminiscing over all the great times you had, and looking forward to one final party to cap it all off. On this the eighth night, Soulive could’ve chosen any band in NYC to open the show. Instead they tapped Royal Potato favorite Wyllys to get the crowd warmed up ahead of Marco Benevento and Soulive. Wyllys still opts for the old school method of spinning rock, funk, and soul tunes on vinyl in addition to using the electronic devices at his disposal. If one thing was learned throughout this run it was the importance of the opener to not only set the stage for Soulive but to warm the crowd up. On this Saturday night in Brooklyn, the crowd was ready to have the best night of their lives.
Soulive took the stage for their final engagement with just the three members of the band. Eric Krasno (guitar), Alan Evans (drums), and Neal Evans (keys) hit the ground running with “Rudy’s Way” off of the 2002 album Turn It Out, then took it back even further with the 2001 tune “One In Seven” off of Doin’ Something. Only two songs into the night and The Shady Horns consisting of Benny Bloom (trumpet) and Ryan Zoidis (sax) joined in on the action on “Spark”, a tune penned as a tribute to American jazz blues guitarist Melvin Sparks. The next two songs “Backwards Jack” and “PJ’s” both came off of the 2009 release Up Here. The final guest of Bowlive 6, Marco Benevento, joined in the fun to occupy his empty piano at center stage and close out the first set with a psychedelic rendition of the appropriately named “Up Right.” He jammed away on his piano, giving the crowd a slight foreshadowing of how electric the remainder of the night would be. In between sets a montage was played on the screens at Brooklyn Bowl recapping the previous seven nights, the same you would find at a wedding, recapping all the good times spent together.
The second set began with the ensemble on stage joined by Maurice “Mo Betta” Brown (trumpet, Tedeschi Trucks Band) for the second time of the run for a heart filled rendition of George Benson’s “Soulful Strut.” As Marco delved into “Limbs of a Pine” off his 2012 Tigerface, it became apparent that no man was smiling wider then Benevento, his electric personality and smile energizing the audience and band in what would be their seventeenth and final set of Bowlive 6. Up next was “At The Show,” which featured Benevento leaving his bench and keys to prance around the stage like a exuberant child on Christmas morning, only making a pit stop to share a dance with his ivory tickling brother, Neal. Marco returned to his piano to close out the second set with the jammed out psych jazz “The In Crowd.”
For the final encore Soulive, The Shady Horns, and Marco Benevento went an interesting route and chose an instrumental version of Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean,” the same tune they closed out the previous Saturday night with, with Jennifer Hartswick on vocals. After the encore, Pete Shapiro came out on stage and gifted the band “61” necklaces to honor the 61 shows Soulive has played at Brooklyn Bowl to date. The evening was brought to an end with Wyllys continuing to keep the crowd grooving into the late hours of the night with his unique mash-ups and fan favorite tunes.
On Friday March 20, the Buffalo metal scene came together at the Rockin’ Buffalo Saloon in West Seneca, NY, to raise some money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The event was called “Metal Fights Cancer” and it was hosted by Brian Pattison, a longtime Buffalo show promoter and supporter. Six bands took the stage that night, playing to a packed house of other musicians and show goers. Each act put on a killer set and added to the Buffalo metal scene’s already sterling reputation for excellent musicianship and charitable contributions.
The night kicked off with Tyranitar, a Viking themed metal band from Rochester, NY. They ascended to the stage in full Viking attire, paying homage to the Nordic gods while playing flawless Euro-influenced melodic death metal. I’d recommend this band to any fan of Amon Amarth or Kings of Asgard. Tyranitar’s set ended with a great Amon Amarth cover, which set a nice mood in the audience for the next act.
Armageddon, Buffalo’s ‘young thrash attack’ took the stage next. This three piece ranges ages 12-18, but don’t let that discourage you. They can hold their own with the best of the best and put on a fantastic performance. Armageddon audiences are never disappointed. I like to think of their sound as being a rejuvenated Death Angel.
Following Armageddon, was Weaponex This band features guitarist, Mike Willard, a local idol in Buffalo’s guitar world. He’s a master of all styles and his riffs and leads are well complimented by a stunning rhythm section. Weaponex reminds me of a very progressive Megadeth, with song structures and dynamics that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Enthauptung (ent-owpt-oong) appeared shortly after, under haunting blue lights in an otherwise dark and silent room. It was my first time seeing them, but I can already tell you they are a true black metal authority in WNY. Their songs are long, symphonic and hypnotic with guitar work and drumming that resets the black metal standard. Fans of Emperor, Mayhem, Burzum or other local black metal lords, Hubris, will appreciate Enthauptung.
Seven Faces returned to the stage in Enthauptung’s wake, just in time to calm things down before the night could become too evil. They’re a solid rock metal band, with tight heavy riffs and clean singing, reminiscent of the great radio rock bands of the mid-late ’90s. A few songs reminded me of Alice in Chains’s heavier material. I give them 5 out of 5 stars for great musicianship and making me feel nostalgic.
The night concluded with Aspired Infliction, melodic thrash with breakdowns from Buffalo. They’ve been on the scene the last four years, only you’d never know it because of repeated hiatuses and a briefly spun carousel of guitarists. They came out with their usual heavy and gave those who came to mosh a reason to. The pit erupted during the first song and intermittently continued until the end of their set. It was a truly fitting end to a very successful night.
Brian Pattison ended up raising a good chunk of change for young cancer patients that night, and further upheld the Buffalo metal scene’s good name. Then, on the following night, Saturday March 21, he put on a second cancer benefit for the family of Jennifer Rinaldo, a dear friend of his who died of cancer a few years back. Regretfully, I was unable to attend.
Here are some links for donations to both causes:
glorioustimesdeathbook@gmail.com- Paypal for Jennifer Rinaldo’s family
Rolling around the northeast on their Spring Steady Tour, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad burned one down this past saturday with the help from the High Hopes Band and Danielle Ponder & the Tomorrow People at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY. High Hopes hit the stage at 8 p.m. sharp, not wasting a moment of the audience’s time. Ready as ever, they kicked off the first set with originals from their newly released album Forever Love. HHB serenaded the crowd for the their full hour with silky smooth lyrical stories accompanied by cavernous bass lines and rich drum rhythms. Luscious guitar melodies and keyboards were nothing short of ear pleasing for the 70’s era reggae lovers in the theater.
The second performance was delightfully owned by Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People. These Rochester, NY funksters brought with them to Syracuse a style of their own, blending Soul, Funk, R&B, and Hip Hop. The group practically tore down the roof with covers of “Killing Me Softly” by the Fugees and “Cherish the Day” by Sade, along with a mix of their own original music. Danielle belted out every lyric and syllable with precision and affection as a passionate singer should, which may have come easy being backed up by a modestly qualified band.
By the time the first two performances were finished, the crowd was warmed up and awaiting some Giant Panda love. A few moments later, the five members of GPGDS ascended the stage with instruments in hand and propelled into their set. Opening with a new song called “Make it Better,” the squad put their faith into the commendable crowd, which yielded a boisterous cheer. Graciously, the quintet pursued a monstrous segue jam that Chris and Tony kept glued together, consisting of “Seasons Change,” “Foundation,” “Mr. Cop,” “Pockets,” and ending with “Healing.” Without taking a breath, they dove right into “Steady,” the title track of their most recent release and the crowd displayed extensive joy as they sang along with Dylan and Dan’s unified harmonies.
Giant Panda flawlessly gave the people what they wanted with more fan favorites, such as “All Night Music,” “Whatever Cost,” and “Take Your Place.” The energy in the building was immense to the point that the band did not want to take a break, playing nearly a three hour set. Sparing no expense, the guys dropped a whopping “.45” with James leading on vocals and bass. After departing the stage for a brisk water break, the ensemble returned with a two song encore consisting of “Far Away” and “OK,” coupled with a fancy dub jam molded in the middle. Before anyone could appeal, the show was closing and the band was thanking the Salt City along with everyone in attendance for sharing their evening with them.
Amidst a lengthy northeastern run, these artists held their momentum and have not wasted one ounce of energy on their fans. As GPGDS continues their Spring Steady Tour through April with three more shows in Ithaca, Albany, and Buffalo, they will also be traveling to the west coast for a few appearances this spring, including the California Roots Festival on May 22.
At one time I had a friend who exclaimed before each concert she attended, that each band she heard must pass what she called “the sweat test.” That is to say, in order for her to feel satisfied with a band’s performance she should walk away with her clothes drenched in enough sweat from dancing that her attire would freeze stiff shortly after exiting a venue. This was during the early 1990s when I lived through a few rough winters in Rochester, NY. I didn’t go to shows at the time because I was attending a local seminary to get a theology degree and become a Baptist preacher.
Still, her standard for live music stuck with me through the ensuing decades as I grew into the live music scene. I was recently reminded of her on a chilly evening in Boulder, CO as the Rochester-native band, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad headlined with the Colorado-based funk band, Euforquestra. As I watched the venue full of twirling, jumping,wriggling, and flopping enthusiasts it became clear to me that both bands would easily pass the sweat test.
Euforquestra led the way with a scorching blend of brass-infused funk/Afrobeat music. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad has gained a devoted following to their improvisational roots reggae sound in the Rocky Mountain region, and their lively finishing set was part of a winter tour devoted only to stops in Colorado.
Shana Falana has been making waves all over the United States and Europe officially since 2011, releasing two albums on Bandcamp and a cassette only document of earlier work, is now releasing her debut LP titled Set Your Lightning Fire Free. The album was put together in just a week and was taken with the approach of think of an idea, get it on tape, and move on, which has not hurt the record one bit. Shana usually is one to labor over arrangements and piecing takes together to make the perfect song, but she wanted to try something different for her first album. Joining Shana full-time now is Mike Amari on drums and he helps a great deal in filling the voids between Shana’s beautiful abstract ideas. Their creative force makes for a great pairing of sound that will make you revisit Set Your Lightning Fire Free again and again.
One of the Capital District’s loudest kept secrets is the powerhouse funk group known as 
The night kicked off with 
Following Armageddon, was 
Seven Faces
