NYS Music 20​15

Category: Genres

  • Festy News: Festival in Berkshires Releases Schedule

    A festival in the Berkshires has revealed the schedule for the 2015 installment of the festival with headliners Lettuce, Electron, Dopapod, Cabinet and Twiddle leading a stellar lineup of musicians from the Northeast and beyond.

    They have also announced the addition of five artists-at-large who will be joining bands throughout the weekend, providing unique collaborations with artists both new and familiar. Artists-at-Large include Todd Stoops (RAQ, Kung Fu), Craig Broadhead (Turkauz), Garrick “Force” Perry (The Alchemystics), Mikey Carruba (Turkuaz) and Brian BT Thomas (Akashic Record).

    The fest is held June 11-14 at Gardner’s Farm in Stephentown, NY, a short 30 minute drive from Albany. The annual festival features 4 Days of Music, 50+ Musical Performances, Disc Golf Tournaments, 2 Main Stages, Carside, Grassy or Wooded Campsites, Food and Craft Vending, Kids Activities, Late Night Acoustic Sets, Silent Disco, Disc Golf Clinics, Live Painting, Art Installations, Yoga Sessions, Fire Performances, Hula Hoop and Flow Art Workshops and much more.

    Tickets are available now.

  • Is Korn Going Country?

    Johnathan Davis of Korn has worked on many music projects in the past which involved many different genres and styles of music, so why not try his hand at country? That’s right, Davis is shedding his black clothes and bag pipes for some cowboy jeans a red scarf and a rope. Well maybe not, but Davis is currently in the studio working on a ‘country music project’ with country superstars Big & Rich. Davis posted this photo on his Instagram.

    Working with Big and Rich on a country music project #Bakersfieldsound

    A photo posted by Jonathan Davis Official (@jdevil33) on

  • Turning Stone Does Country Music Fans a Solid by Keeping it Country

    For several years now, right in the heart of Central NY we have had one gem of a venue, that has continuously brought country music fans the latest and greatest music directly from Nashville. Proudly displayed on the walls within The Turning Stone Casino & Resort you’ll find show posters. Signed by each artist that have performed over the course of the almost twenty-two years since their opening in July 1993.

    It’s a good thing they keep expanding as they would run out of wall space. Some of country music’s most decorated stars have graced the stages at The Showroom and The Event Center. Audiences have enjoyed the likes of Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Loretta Lynn, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Wynonna, Trace Adkins, Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, Darius Rucker, Love and Theft, Gloriana, Scotty McCreery, Eli Young Band, and I can go on and on here.

    Constantly bringing audiences their favorites from both today and yesterday, The Turning Stone certainly has kept country music fans entertained.

    The first show I ever saw at The Event Center, would be the legendary Martina McBride. This sold out show was the perfect introduction for me to this venue as Martina McBride performed two full hour sets of award-winning music. Featuring some of the greatest country classics from her recently released Timeless album — later to be certified as Gold and Platinum.

    Ms. McBride’s performance took me back to my youth in Tennessee, as she sang country standards of Hanks Williams, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Johnny Cash to name a few. After a quick costume change, back on stage she came belting out her own hit after hit. This show and Ms. McBride made a lasting impression on me that evening.

    Eli Young Band - Turning Stone Showroom
    Eli Young Band – Turning Stone Showroom

    Fast forward to today, as a music photojournalist I absolutely love covering shows at this venue and still feel that excitement, the same feeling that came over me as I watched Martina McBride mesmerize her audience. The amazing lighting & sound staff, and the top-notch lineup this venue constantly brings to the country music fan base here in Central N.Y. is very much appreciated.

    These shows continue to sell out and the big acts continue to frequent this centrally located venue. In my opinion, I believe their ongoing success can be attributed to the fact that they continually listen to their audiences and bring to them the acts they wish to see. Turning Stone also provides these acts with top-notch technology to give their audiences the best performances possible.

    Tin Rooster - Turning Stone Casino Exit 33
    Tin Rooster – Turning Stone Casino Exit 33

    For those just looking for a place to relax, have some down home country barbecue for dinner, and hear some of your favorite local country musicians on the weekends. The Turning Stone once again listened to their patrons. In 2013 they added their Exit 33 Venues which includes the Tin Rooster, an establishment focusing on everything down home country. With a shiny bedazzled rhinestone clad saddle hanging from the center of the dance floor like a disco ball, locals have had the chance to chow down on down home country cooking, enjoy libations at the full bar areas, while working it off afterwards line dancing and shaking what their momma gave them country-style.

    Tin Rooster - Exit 33
    Tin Rooster – Exit 33

    The Tin Rooster, along with the other venues within Exit 33 provide a constantly packed venue for the local acts. Showcasing their music each weekend to an eager audience. On occasion you can even see some major national acts for little to nothing on the Tin Rooster stage.

    In fact, this past New Year’s Eve, the Tin Rooster treated their patrons for a night to remember. Ringing in the New Year with local favorites The Beadle Brothers. They kicked off the night and primed the already eager audience while they counted down the clock, waiting for the new year to arrive.

    To round out the eventful evening, national act and crowd favorites, Love & Theft took the stage. As Love & Theft performed, they rang in the New Year in country-style. Patrons celebrating the holiday and donning proper New Year’s Eve attire, goofy glasses on their “Angel Eyes”.

    This is just one of the treats we continue to get from our country music venue sources at the Turning Stone.

    Nashville may logistically be about 13 hours away. However for central New Yorkers, one of country music’s largest fan bases — it’s just a hop, skip, promenade, do-si-do, and two-step down the road and off of the thruway on Exit 33.

    For more information on weekly acts, please take a moment to visit the webpage for Exit 33’s Tin Rooster, where you’ll find the latest acts, menus, and information on how you can book your own parties.

  • Oak Mountain Announces Bluegrass Fest Lineup

    The Oak Mountain Bluegrass and Arts Festival is back for its third year, and it will be headlined by Utica-based Americana/folk group The Old Main.

    Also appearing will be Nick and Braids — banjo and fiddle player Nick Piccininni and mandolinist Jason Barady of Floodwood. The Deer Run Drifters, a bluegrass group from Virginia that features two sets of brothers, will also make an appearance, as will Swampcandy, a unique band from Maryland that features a singer/guitarist and a dude who plays upright bass while also using his feet to work a kick drum — creating a bluesy sound with a Louisiana swamp kind of feel.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nqoo7QkLgs]

    The festival takes place on Aug. 8 at Oak Mountain, a picturesque ski slope in Speculator that transforms in the summer to a great place for both music festivals and mountain biking. It is located at 141 Novosel Way in Speculator.

    Here’s how organizers describe this great festival:

    “This is Pure. Fun. and you don’t want to miss it! Join us for a celebration of music and arts in the mountains of the Adirondacks! Great food, great beer, lift rides and fun for the whole family!”

    Gates open at 12:30 p.m. and music starts at 1:30.

    • 1:30-3:30: Swampcandy
    • 4-6: The Deer Run Drifters
    • 6:30-8:30 Nick and Braids
    • 9-11: The Old Main

    They’re still looking for vendors. Those interested should email crystal@oakmountainski.com for details.

    Tickets are $20 with camping or $15 for the full day. Kids 12 and younger are free with a ticketed adult. Buy your ticket now.

    For more information, check out the Facebook event page.

    Screen Shot 2015-05-31 at 7.47.36 AM

  • The ‘New’ New Deal at The German House in Rochester

    Toronto trio The New Deal played to a packed German House in Rochester on May 28. With energetic local group Ocular Panther as the opener.

    With clear influence from Dopapod and The Disco Biscuits, Ocular Panther brings good funk into driving livetronica that is not too heavy, and not too light. Colin Jones pulls double duty on keys and guitar, pairing well with guitarist Mike Pantano. A strong opener for the night, they’re a must see as they play New York State this fall.

    While The New Deal continues to play fantastic livetronica shows, tonight and even their recent set at Summer Camp felt a little short of potential. With the addition of drummer Joel Stouffer joining bassist Dan Kurtz and founding member Jamie Shields. Stouffer keeps a strong beat, while Shields’ keys are tight as always, explorative and focused. All the while Kurtz’s bass drives the speed of the song. They let the crowd do their thing on the dance floor but didn’t engage them beyond buildups. Overall the nearly two-hour set was solid but felt dialed back from previous years.

  • Jeff Austin Band at City Winery ‘Y’all weren’t invited to any BBQ’s?’

    There are few musical stylings that can be considered more American than bluegrass, so seeing Jeff Austin on Memorial Day was the perfect fit. The meticulously set dining room at City Winery set the perfect ambiance for this intimate show.

    Austin, playing to the light crowd quickly quipped “I guess y’all weren’t invited to any Barbecue’s today?” — breaking the ice on what is sometimes an uncomfortable situation for artist and fan alike.

    Accompanied by legendary Danny Barnes (banjo), Eric Thorin (bass) and Ross Martin (guitar). Austin and Barnes alternated taking the lead on tunes and both brought their own special level of intensity.

    Barnes reeled listeners in with his bluegrass roots, and voice. Eventually succumbing to Austin, who was taking us on a perfectly drawn ride aboard his deep and heavy mandolin play.

    Despite both bluegrass legends throwing it down the highlight of this show was Thorin’s stellar upright bass play. The deep grooves he was laying down were reverberating throughout the room and rattling the wine glasses. The show came to a climax with a cover of the Chuck Berry penned “Promised Land” made popular by The Grateful Dead.

    While Austin was enamored by the cabs driving by in the heart of the big city he was also distracted by the cardboard cut-out across the street, which he believed was haunting him throughout the show. Jeff Austin made it a point to recognize each band member and giving them all time to shine — playing Barnes and Martin originals to bring the set to a close. If you weren’t invited to a Barbecue, a healthy dose of Memorial Day bluegrass does not play second fiddle.

  • Hearing Aide: Coal Chamber ‘Rivals’

    After being away for over a decade plus, Coal Chamber has rediscovered their furious chemistry and unleashed Rivals, released by Napalm Records and produced by Mark Lewis who has worked wonders with bands like Trivium and DevilDriver. This album delivers and lives up to the hype that was brought forth, however, does it enhance Coal Chamber’s legacy even further?

    It starts off with a fast stylish track “I.O.U. Nothing” which appropriately opens with screeching guitars from Meegs with a fast nu metal beat from Mikey Cox, and Dez Farara’s brutal vocals hasn’t aged one bit. The second track “Bad Blood Between Us” has a slower tempo but everything gets dark and haunting with “Light In The Shadows” something you would expect from vintage Coal Chamber. I saw an interview with Dez Fafara a few weeks back where he stated that this album isn’t a “throwback album” but honestly to me, it is. I’m not saying it sounds like the previous three albums, but it certainly sounds like classic Coal Chamber and everything you would expect from this band, however, they tastefully made this album for 2015 because it is more mature sounding.

    The track “Suffer In Silence” is a real behemoth track. Ministry’s Al Jourgensen makes a guest appearance on this track to make this one a real stand out. Another real stand out track is “Another Nail In The Coffin” because it’s a heavy and erratic. It speeds up, it slows down, it breaks down and Fafara’s vocal tracks are arranged all over the place. Kudos to producer Mark Lewis for being tactical on mixing this track. After the title track and single “Rivals,” the track “Wait” is a fun and catchy song with a real nice groove to it.

    Towards the end of the record “Fade Away (Karma Never Forgets)” is really catchy then it ends hard and fast with “Empty Handed” thus marking an album that is candidate for one of the best albums of 2015. This album proves Coal Chamber is back with a vengeance, picks up where they left off and has us all wanting more. I would highly recommend picking this one up and catch Coal Chamber play these songs live.

    Purchase Rivals here.

    Key Tracks: “I.O.U. Nothing,” “Suffer In Silence,” “Another Nail In The Coffin”

  • Hearing Aide: Eastbound Jesus ‘Hollerin’

    EBJhollarinIt was a long winter for all of us, especially with Eastbound Jesus in hibernation, dedicated to working on their third studio album, Hollerin, set to drop this weekend. Eastbound Jesus spent the cold days at Edie Road Studio in their hometown of Greenwich, NY with producer/engineer Marc Fuller to bring fans the best sounds of their northern rock music to date. The 10 track album captures the essence of an EBJ live rowdy performance as well as representing a more mature sound. Hollerin features special guests musicians Chris Carey (Sean Rowe, Rodeo Barons) and Lowell Wurster and Jaime Armstrong (Lucid) helping to elevate the jamgrass fusion.

    The album begins with blaring guitar rifts, beloved banjo strumming and rebellious lyrics from “Keep on Hollerin” that Eastbound Jesus is known for. Showing a softer side is “Better Things” more of a romantic ballad with an upbeat melody and gracious harmonious with a steady rhythm. “Shoes” features fast string picking, splashing tempo and flowing vocals with a erupting brass solo that is sure to be a crowd favorite. “Cold and Snow” perfectly captures the winter season in Upstate New York with a howling harmonica, diesel rhythm and bitter lyrics such as, “There’s nothing like the cold and snow to make you feel at home.” Hollerin has themes of the simple life about working hard and playing hard, with tales of heartache, good friends and the weather always playing a key role. Their music feeds to your frustrations of the world, forcing you to clap, stomp and howl with grand joy and relief. Get ready to holler for more!

    Eastbound Jesus will be throwing one heck of album release party this Saturday May 30 at Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs with special guests, Lucid. Tickets are available online (click here) for $12 and will be $15 at the door to the 18+ event with a showtime of 9:00pm. Be sure to catch Eastbound Jesus this summer as they will be touring all over Upstate NY to promote their new album.

    Key Tracks: Keep on Hollerin, Shoes, Better Things

    You can stream “Keep on Hollerin,” their first single off of Hollerin via soundcloud.

  • Stoops out, Sasser in as Kung Fu Keyboardist

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    In a shocking statement, funk group Kung Fu announced that the band and founding member/keyboardist Todd Stoops have parted ways, and that Beau Sasser, of the Alan Evans Trio and Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan, will be his replacement.

    Stoops co-founded the band in 2009, and Kung Fu has been a staple of the festival circuit ever since, with a unique blend of psychedelic funk, high-energy rock and jazz.

    Here is the band’s official statement:

    Change is exciting, challenging, and a constant part of life. It is the process of evolution and growth. We do our best to embrace change in our lives and the music we play, and it is in this spirit that we announce that Kung Fu and Todd Stoops are parting ways.

    Todd is our brother, a brilliant musician, and composer. This decision has been difficult for everyone involved. We wish Todd nothing but the very best for his family, his musical endeavors, and we are grateful for everything he has contributed as a founding member of Kung Fu.

    We would like to give a gigantic welcome to Beau Sasser as our new keyboardist. Beau is most notable for his work with Alan Evans Trio, Melvin Sparks, Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan, The Z3, Uncle Sammy, Ryan Montbleau and more. He is a beast of a different flavor on keys, with incredible song writing skills, and we are very excited to have him on the Kung Fu team. With Beau on board, we know that Kung Fu will continue to be one of the best live bands on the scene.

    We would like to thank you, our loyal and dedicated fans, for your continued support! We can’t wait to see you this summer!

    Peace, Love and Music-

    The Ninjas

    Stoops took to Facebook to issue his own statement, seeming to tell a bit of a different story. It appears the band kicked him out via email, and that it may not have been a mutual decision:

    Dearest Family, Friends, and Fans,

    This is tough, but here goes…

    It has been the utmost honor to have performed for all of you with Kung Fu for the past 5+ years. I have experienced some of the greatest highs of my life onstage with the band that I co-founded, and I consider myself one of the luckiest humans alive to have been able to share that energy with all of you.

    From the bottom of my heart, thank you…

    After an incredible run out to the midwest for sets at SummerCamp and Revival, I came home to an email Tuesday from the rest of the band informing me that I was being replaced. Effective immediately.

    Needless to say, it was as shocking to me Tuesday afternoon as it must be to all of you reading this now…

    I can only wish the best for the remaining members of Kung Fu as they continue their journey. They are good musicians. With only two original members remaining, I’m excited to hear the evolution of that collective.

    Moving forward….. 

    I have always kept a commitment to myself to perform with as many different artists and projects as possible. Always with the intent of broadening my musical vocabulary, personal growth, and most importantly, learning from everyone I have had the opportunity of performing with.

    I fully intend on continuing this mission.

    Much love!!
    Todd Stoops

    ‪#‎emailbreakupssuck‬ ‪#‎imwithstoops‬

    NYSMusic.com has reached out to Stoops and the band’s management for comment.

  • Brit Floyd Drops the Hammer on Syracuse

    There may come a time when your favorite bands become older and stop performing live or for whatever reasons. In order to hear those special songs in a concert setting again, you may need to go see a tribute band to get that nostalgic feeling back.

    You know, the music that you can just close your eyes, listen, and fall in love with all over again. Most tribute bands do a great job at replicating the signature sounds and production of the original act they promote, and one band in particular that is at the top of the list is Brit Floyd. This group is named as the ‘World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Tribute Show’ and now, I can see why.

    brit floyd syracuseOn May 20, Brit Floyd brought their 2015 Space & Time World Tour to the Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse and hammered the walls down, figuratively speaking. This world tour commemorates the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd and features music from their catalog along with tunes from the Syd Barrett era. The production of this show was nothing short of spectacular, featuring the arc lighting rig with the infamous circle rig in the middle, inflatables, smoke, projection screens, lasers, and much more.

    There aren’t really enough words to describe how incredible this performance was. Tho, the highlights of the night, in my opinion, are as follows. The evening’s performance started off with a silent, dark audience paying full attention to a “Speak to Me” video compilation similar to that used by Pink Floyd in the mid 1990s.

    The band covertly walked on stage, strapped in and slid into “Breathe,” segueing with “On the Run” into the ever popular ‘Time,” featuring Damien Darlington on vocals. For the next song, Angela Cervantes who is one of the backup singers, performed an intense, emotional version of ‘The Great Gig in the Sky” with Damian on Lap Steel guitar and Tom Ashbrook on Piano. Bringing “See Emily Play” from Floyds’ early days was a great treat for the crowd, as well. Closing out the first set was a polished version of Sheep, from the album Animals.

    brit floyd syracuseAfter a brief intermission, Brit Floyd hustled back to stage, eager to give us their all, and started with “One of These Days,” before playing “Louder Than Words” from the 2014 album The Endless River. Ian Catell on bass, locally from Syracuse, brought back some “Money” featuring some sexy Saxophone solos by Marcus Sholar, for his hometown. Soon came “Wish You Were Here” with Bobby Harrison leading the way on acoustic guitar. Warming the hearts of everyone present, the passionate crowd sang along to the words as if each person had written the words themselves. The band then gave introductions, including an intimate speech by Ian to his close friends and family in attendance. To end the set, came an enormous “Comfortably Numb” sang by the bass player.

    ‘The Show Must Go On’ kicked off the multi-song encore, paving the way for an incredible “In the Flesh” and “Run Like Hell.” To top off their performance in Syracuse, Brit Floyd gave an invaluable rendition of ‘Waiting for the Worms,’ ‘Stop,’ and “The Trial.” But before bidding adieu, the group assembled together in a row for a soft “Outside the Wall.”

    brit floyd syracuseIn a nutshell, Brit Floyd is the next best thing to Pink Floyd themselves. The production and overall show they bring to fans is simply amazing and worth far more than what their tickets cost. They’re currently in the beginning of their world tour and hopefully we can catch them back around Syracuse in the next few years. If you haven’t seen them before nor made it to this show, you can order a copy of their Live at Red Rocks DVD from 2013, filmed in front of a sold out venue.

    Set 1: Speak to Me, Breathe, On the Run, Time, The Great Gig in the Sky, Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-V), See Emily Play, The Happiest Days of Our Lives, Another Brick in the Wall (Part II), Keep Talking, On the Turning Away, Sheep

    Set 2: One of These Days, Louder Than Words, Money, Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun, Have a Cigar, Wish You Were Here, The Final Cut, Band Introductions, Comfortably Numb

    Encore: The Show Must Go On, In the Flesh, Run Like Hell, Waiting for the Worms, Stop, The Trial, Outside the Wall

    brit floyd syracuse