Old Boy Records is holding their 2015 Spring Showcase in the Center for the Arts of Homer – a repurposed church – on Friday March 27. The Upstate New York record label was founded in 2005 by Chris Merkley with a focus on representing the next wave of American Roots musicians.
Ten years later – Old Boy Records represents over a dozen artists from Upstate New York, Nashville and New York City. In addition to helping bands collaborate on shows and recordings – Old Boy also has their hand in creating custom music for television and film.
The showcase will feature acoustic performances from seven acts on two stages, including Driftwood who has created an exceptionally strong presence in the folk/Americana community. In addition to Driftwood – Merkley and band mate Stiv Morgan will be performing. Merkley and Morgan have been playing music together for over 15 years, and founded the band Digger Jones based out of Cortland, New York. Also on the list of performers is Los Blancos, whose eclectic mix of blues, funk, soul, country and Latin music has been a staple of the Syracuse music scene for years.
The music will start at 6pm, with performances taking place between the Community Room and Main Stage throughout the night. Tickets are available by calling the Center for the Arts of Homer at (607) 749-4900 or online. The Center is located at 72 S Main St in Homer, NY.
For a taste of what’s to come, here are some videos from this years Old Boy Records Showcase performers:
There’s a lot to be said about the state of Pennsylvania, and producing quality bluegrass is an undeniable trait. As most music genres spawn into different subgenres it’s easier now to seek out string bands that sincerely push the envelope of what the general public views as bluegrass. While that original Bill Monroe sound is relevant and active in the scene today, it has naturally evolved into a monstrous playground scattered with sounds of varying influences. The crossroads of this trend concerning progressive string music lies within acts with drummers like Railroad Earth, Hot Buttered Rum and a group that’s taking their turn to rise to the top from the Eastern hills of Pennsylvania, Cabinet. And on March 6, the first of two nights right over the border into New Jersey at the Historic Blairstown Theatre was not their introduction to the intimate space.
Hot off the heels of a new release entitled “Celebration” the first four tracks were mixed in with staples of this almost 10-year-old band. The diversity from song to song represents the sharing of songwriting duties but when you stack songs like “The Dove” and “Old Farmer’s Mill” against each other (both highlights from different sets) the explorative instrumentation and people behind them are the two remaining similarities. At certain points it’s hard to imagine you’re seeing the same band mid set. “Wine and Shine” comes off as light on its feet and compliments their feel good sound, but something like “Eleanor” gives off a matured emotional feel. After years of playing some of these songs in front of a bunch of people a bunch of times certain coined instrumental phrases stick to the song, like a snowball rolling down the hill.
Aside from the new album, “Treat Me So Bad,” is a favored new song that takes from both soul and funk to melt over the smooth plucking and vocals of Pappy and JP Biondo respectively. The night was filled with applaudable solos and an overall heartfelt performance that gives you that longing for more. However, as the hard work continues to pay off for these six musicians, you can’t guarantee that you’ll see them in small rooms for much longer, so catch them when they’re rolling by.
Listen to the Blairstown Theatre Show on the Music Archive – with many thanks to Keith Litzenberger
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.
Wynonna Judd and Friends brought their quaint classy show to the Showroom at the Turning Stone Casino. The stage was set with simple decorative accent furnishings in a beautiful inviting atmosphere.
Judd appeared on the stage alone with her guitar for her very first song in such a raw and personal performance. She truly loves her fans and shows that in the way she gives them bits and pieces of her personal life and is so frank while interacting with them.
Wynonna’s band joined her and the chemistry was so obvious. Like a family, they shared stories and laughter while giving the fans an honest emotional performance. Her feisty attitude and passion for what she does is truly amazing. Listening to her perform with such emotion gave me goose bumps. A true entertainer in every way, she draws you in and captivates you while her delivery takes you to another time and place where you relate to that song .
Opening for Wynonna was Peter Scobell. A former US Navy SEAL and close friend of the late Chris Kyle, Peter sang a couple of songs accompanied by only his guitar. Another personal performance that gave you a small glimpse into his life and travels. To close his set, Peter performed a song written for his late friends Chris Kyle and Chad Littlfield “Hearts I Leave Behind” and of course I witnessed several concert goers wiping tears from their cheeks as they listen to his tribute. I would have to say this show is definitely in my top 10 all time favorites.
Asleep at the Wheel pulled into The Egg along with openers The Quebe Sisters on Sunday night as the city began to thaw from its terrible winter. The groups seemed to not only bring nice weather with them, but they played some scorching hot “Texas swing” for the enraptured crowd. Having this wonderful genre of music played in such a great venue is a treat for Upstate New York, as it’s a rarity for it come around here. To make the evening even better, there was plenty of comedy coming from the stage from both bands throughout their performances.
First up were The Quebe Sisters, Grace,, Sohpia, and Hulda, whom all laid down some amazing fiddle work along with beautiful harmonies. The sisters were joined by Katy and Penny Clark who continuously traded instruments throughout the show including mandolin, piano, guitar, and banjo. The sound that was being made by these amazing women on stage could have been taken from a radio from the 50’s or right off the stage at The Grand Ole Opry. Their set went by in a flash, like their hands playing various instruments, and the crowd gave the ladies a standing ovation as they exited the stage.
Asleep at the Wheel strode on stage in all of their glory shortly after and took The Egg to the heart of Texas very quickly. 45 years on the road has not slowed the band down one note. Playing some great tunes like “Route 66”, “Big Balls in Cowtown” and “Miles and Miles in Texas” let the crowd hoot, holler, stomp their feet, and sing along. Throughout the night they paid tribute to Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys and they did a great job honoring the king of Texas swing, as they do on their latest guest filled album Still the King.
Ray Benson is of course the focal point of the band as he has been there since the beginning and he tells some great stories throughout the show, but everyone else was just as amazing. Eddie Rivers blew the crowd away throughout the night on the steel guitar, while Katie Shore did the same on fiddle. Emily Gimble’s hand flew on the piano and her voice was soaring over the crowd. Dave Sanger and Dave Miller on drums and bass respectively kept the train rolling all night. After the show was over, both bands were out in the lobby meeting and signing things for the audience. Hopefully more old-school country can come throughout New York State to keep us warm throughout the whole year.
Keg’s Canal Side hosted a country party featuring Joe Nichols. With a packed house and great entertainment, the below freezing temps didn’t seem to matter. Sam Grow took the stage before Joe Nichols and got the party started. Performing to the rowdy crowd seemed to just add to Sam’s excitement and the crowd was more than willing to share their love for country music with Sam as he opened the show.
Joe Nichols brought his humble yet charismatic persona to the stage and the fans couldn’t contain themselves. From the moment the band played their first note the fans were engaged and enjoyed the fun to be had by all. Performing hit songs “Tequila Make Her Clothes Come Off” and “Sunny and 75” the entire place sang along. Of course Joe had to add to the fun with his version of country rap while he performed “Big Butts”.
The fans just couldn’t get enough. After leaving the stage at the end of their set, the fans cheered until he and the band came back and performed two more hit songs.
I look forward to several more shows as Keg’s Canal Side in Jordan, New York. The staff was amazing and very attentive to all patrons. With the nice weather, they will host a number of acts at their new outdoor stage.
Asleep at The Wheel will be bringing their tour celebrating the music of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys to The Egg this Sunday, March 8. Their tribute album, Still The King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys came out this past week and included guest appearances from Willie Nelson, Del McCoury, George Strait, Amos Lee, The Avett Brothers, and many more. Asleep at The Wheel has been going strong for over 40 years and show no signs of slowing down.
Bob Wills is of course one of the originators of Western Swing and is considered “The King” of it. Throughout the ’30s and ’40s Wills and his Texas Playboys toured throughout the country becoming early stars of American country music. They were a dance band with a country string section that played pop songs as if they were jazz numbers. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Ray Benson has said that he is still amazed me how well this music, born in the 1920s and ‘30s, thrives in the present day.
This is the only Upstate New York show before the band heads south and west for the remainder of the spring. Tickets are still available at The Egg’s box office and online. The show has a 7 PM start time, so don’t be late for this great Sunday show to finish up your weekend.
Country duo Love and Theft will be will be performing at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, Destiny USA on Thursday March 5. The show is for all ages and tickets are just $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door.
Love and Theft is sure to bring down the house with songs such as “Whiskey on My Breathe” and “Night That You’ll Never Forget”. What a better way to start your weekend than a night out with friends enjoying this duo’s love for country music!
Music starts at 8:00pm and tickets can be purchased on line here.
The Blind Owl Band is Adirondack Grass music. Five bearded dudes with strings and electricity, howling down the mountains to put the final finis on Winter Carnival at the Waterhole in Saranac Lake NY. This band is composed of Eric Munley, picker of mandolin, Arthur Buezo sliding on guitar, James Ford rolling on banjo, and Christian Cardiello playing at breakneck speed on bass. And their performance at Winter Carnival 2015 was quite the treat.
All transplants to the area, they now define progressive bluegrass in the Adirondacks. But with two album’s, Rabble Rousing and This Train is Made of Wood and Steel, they have been spreading their blind owl wings to festivals and towns throughout the Northeast. Their musical style is blue-streak fast and furious tempos with impressive instrumental dexterity, then fall back into old-time string band stanzas. Experienced live, they move, twist and turn, fingers a flying, bass a spinning and the audience pressing closer to the stage, dancing and feeling the joy of what is The Blind Owl Band. Hoot!
The band played through a number of songs stretching through their growing catalog. The band seemed to hit on all strides providing some great jams and hearty Americana rock. The New Jersey band continues to give New York state some love as they make it out this way whenever they can and will be continuing their tour with a stop in New York City with three dates this weekend at Brooklyn Bowl.
Hot off the heels of a new release entitled “Celebration” the first four tracks were mixed in with staples of this almost 10-year-old band. The diversity from song to song represents the sharing of songwriting duties but when you stack songs like “The Dove” and “Old Farmer’s Mill” against each other (both highlights from different sets) the explorative instrumentation and people behind them are the two remaining similarities. At certain points it’s hard to imagine you’re seeing the same band mid set. “Wine and Shine” comes off as light on its feet and compliments their feel good sound, but something like “Eleanor” gives off a matured emotional feel. After years of playing some of these songs in front of a bunch of people a bunch of times certain coined instrumental phrases stick to the song, like a snowball rolling down the hill.
All transplants to the area, they now define progressive bluegrass in the Adirondacks. But with two album’s, Rabble Rousing and This Train is Made of Wood and Steel, they have been spreading their blind owl wings to festivals and towns throughout the Northeast. Their musical style is blue-streak fast and furious tempos with impressive instrumental dexterity, then fall back into old-time string band stanzas. Experienced live, they move, twist and turn, fingers a flying, bass a spinning and the audience pressing closer to the stage, dancing and feeling the joy of what is The Blind Owl Band. Hoot!