Category: Pop

Best of NYS Music 2015: Staff Picks for Out-of-State Festivals

While most might dream of tropical getaways when it comes to vacation time, music fans accrue their days to travel across the country—or world—for weekends jam-packed with live performances, indulgent food and experimental fun. From the east to the west coasts to the Midwest, NYSMusic staffers traveled near and far throughout the year to see their favorite groups in action. Here we give you our top picks for out-of-state festivals of 2015.

Best Small Festival: Arise Music Festival, East Coast Tsunami Festival, Grand Point North Festival and The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival

With the growing number of small-scale festivals that seem to pop up each year, it’s no wonder that our team could not pick just one or two as their favorite—so we decided to include the ones we felt deserved an honorable mention. First up is Arise Music Festival, an event in Loveland, CO, that according to Andrew Wyatt “offers a spicy jambalaya of multi-cultural live music, electronic performances, art presentations, along with numerous workshops centered around eco-activism, social justice, and spirituality practice.” With nearly 100 musical acts, the three-day festival now in its third year featured the likes of the Polish Ambassador, Rising Appalachia, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Lukas Nelson, Turkuaz, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Trevor Hall, Emancipator Ensemble, Ozomatli and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, among others.

Headlined by Wu-Tang Clan and Life Of Agony, the East Coast Tsunami Festival held in Reading, PA, treated hip hop, hardcore and metal fans to two full days of shows, including favorited groups Body Count, Mobb Deep, Murphy’s Law, Madball and more. And despite sound issues during day one, Jay Saint G. still dubbed the festival as “a wave of brutality that every music lover should experience.”

Up next is the Grand Point North Festival held in Burlington’s Waterfront Park with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Headlined by Vermont’s sweetheart Grace Potter, the fifth annual installment boasted two nights of music featuring Phish’s Mike Gordon, the Flaming Lips, Shakey Graves, Greensky Bluegrass, Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers, among others, and special guests like Kenny Chesney who joined Potter to perform their single, “Wild Child.” Alexandra Provost and Laura Carbone noted that “as Potter walked onto the stage, her skin glistening from raindrops, the audience went wild” and that she “put on an astounding performance, showing off her piano, guitar and bluesy vocal skills.”

And finally the Werk Out Music and Arts Festival at Legend Valley, a venue favorited by the Grateful Dead in the ’80s. With a stacked lineup featuring the Werks, Papadosio, Dopapod, Lettuce, Umphrey’s McGee, the Floozies, Consider The Source, Break Science and Tauk, the sixth year for the Thornville, OH, festival “was as always a ridiculously good time for all who made the journey,” according to Ben Landsman. With three stages, a silent disco and one fan wedding,Landsman noted that “between the beauty of Legend Valley, the bright spirit of the fans, the innovative music, this festival is one of the treasures of the Midwest.”

Best Midsize Festival: Green River Festival
Honorable Mention: Aura Music and Arts Festival, Boston Calling, Camp Bisco, DelFest, McDowell Mountain Music Festival

Held at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, MA, the sold-out 29th annual Green River Festival was “fresh, exciting and invigorating,” according to Eli Stein. Featuring four hot air balloon launches, the family-friendly July event pulled out all the stops with a craft tent, Frisbee dog show, acrobats, karate demonstrations, swimming, a Mardi Gras-style parade and exotic local fare like elk, boar and venison burgers, a Korean food truck and kabob vendors. Throughout the three-day weekend, more than 40 performers ranging from Americana to dance, blues and jam graced the event’s three stages nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires, including Eilen Jewell, the Wood Brothers, Rubblebucket, Marco Benevento, MAKU Sound System, Langhorne Slim and the Law, the Punch Brothers and tUnE-yArDs, which Stein noted was the perfect mixture:

Musically, the festival served up a heaping slab of New England comfort food. The rest aforementioned activity, as they say, was just the gravy. Not only were the band selections great, they were clearly hand-picked and not just pulled off the nearest passing festival train. The music flowed wonderfully from set to set, and built to a nice peak at the perfect times. There was an evenness to the passion and approach of the musicians that made for a smooth transition no matter where you went.”

Best Large Festival: Gathering of the Vibes and Summer Camp
Honorable Mention: Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Hangout Music Fest, Lockn’ Music Festival, Peach Festival, Rock Allegiance, Rock On the Range

Celebrating its 20th year, Gathering of the Vibes offered up an impressive lineup with headliners Wilco, Weezer, Tedeschi/Trucks Band, Dark Star Orchestra, Ben Harper, Greg Allman and the String Cheese Incident. The late summer festival returned to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT, and treated fans to a super jam called Vibes 20th Anniversary Spectacular featuring Gov’t Mule guitarist Warren Haynes, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, Meters founding bassist George Porter Jr., Marco Benevento on keys and Joe Russo behind the drum kit, plus Jackie Greene on guitar. Although the four-day festival will take a break in 2016, VibeTribers Julia Wolfe and Steve Olker recounted the last day of the 2015 event and dubbed this run as one that would set the pace going forward:

As the sun set over Vibes for the last time, [Ben] Harper closed out with his song “Better Way,” and it was finally time to head home. Seeing so many bands perform was both enticing and overwhelming at the same time, making leaving Vibes even more bittersweet. The range of genre, popularity, age and background is what makes Gathering of the Vibes separate from other festivals. After 20 years, Gathering of the Vibes has remained one of Connecticut’s most well-known festivals, and it’s attention to bringing about change while discovering your own inner peace is what will bring success for future gatherings to come. Until next time, thank you vibes for a real good time.”

With more than 100 bands over four days on seven stages, this year’s installment of Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, IL, saw a stacked lineup of bands like moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Steve Miller Band, Widespread Panic, STS9, Big Gigantic, John Butler Trio, Krewella, Trampled by Turtles, Keller Williams and Grateful Grass, Yonder Mountain String Band, Violent Femmes and many, many more. Festivalgoers also had access to on-site camping, the infamous late night Red Barn Shows, musician workshops, a nonprofit village, arts and crafts and unique food vendors, plus some impressive improvements. In Pete Mason’s review of the festival’s final day, he detailed what made the perfect ending to the much celebrated event:

The final set of the night to check out was North American Scum, an LCD Soundsystem cover band who might be the best band to close out Summer Camp. Members of the group are formerly of This Must be the Band, a Talking Heads band from Chicago, who have traditionally played one of the final sets at Summer Camp. This incredible two hour set featured the entire Sound of Silver album and, because everyone else was playing Grateful Dead songs, a spirited version of “Scarlet Begonias” to cap the night.”

Read more from Summer Camp Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4.

December 28, 2015
Elise Testone and Brian LaPoint and the Joints at The Hollow

Elise Testone has a voice to be reckoned with and she showed it off beautifully at The Hollow in Albany on the 17th of December. Her all-star band consisting of Todd Stoops, Eric Kalb, Jed Lingat, and Brad Williams played great funk, soul, and rock and roll behind her booming voice.

Unlike other recent shows they have done, Elise Testone stuck to playing mostly all original material. The songs were great and show that she has the “it” factor that is needed to succeed in the music industry. Only bigger and better things can be coming for her as we roll into 2016.

Opening the evening was Brian LaPoint & the Joints with set that mixed covers and originals. The Joints are always a rotating cast of Albany musicians and on this night included members of School Bus Yellow, and MONK. Brian is a great band leader and made sure each member got their moment to shine brightly in the various jams that occurred throughout the set.

December 24, 2015
Hearing Aide: Yankee Blood ‘Honey’

Nashville-based indie-pop trio Yankee Blood released their debut EP last month titled Honey. The Yankees, as they sometimes call themselves, are comprised of Kelly Ruth (singer/bassist), Adam Verone (drummer) and James Karp (guitarist). Seiji Itaru Inouye provides additional guitars and Juliana Richer Daily supplies vocal harmonies on the album. Honey was produced, mixed and engineered by David Brubaker at Studio 215, and mastered by Mark Trewella of Full Circle Mastering.

Airy vocals and ethereal harmonizations supported by bluesy, mellow guitar and drums, open the first song, “Sioux City.” Ruth poses an existential quandary floating through the minds of younger generations questioning their role in society. This notion is drawn out with the lyrics, “When you were 23 you said that you wanted to move to Sioux City, where everything’s pretty/ You said Ma don’t you miss me, I’ve gone to where I can see the sunset clearly/And everyone’s friendly to the new girl in town.” The song alludes to that idealistic mentality of many fledgling twenty-somethings seeking to explore the world and embark on adventure. Like viscous honey oozing down a smooth surface, the lyrics postulate, “Well you’ve always been chasing that dream of the beautiful scenes you’d clip out of magazines.”

“Reckless” offers eighties-inspired synth pulsating like lazy ripples, chased by Ruth’s femme power lyrics. She expresses, “I’ve been told I need a man to put me in my place/Every time one comes around he can’t keep with my pace/God made me the reckless kind.” Yet the next song, “Beekeeper,” with simple jazzy guitar evoking a daydream quality, expresses a desire for companionship through the lyrics, “Like bees to the queen, like tea to honey/I want someone to love.” Put together these songs personify a fiercely independent woman hard pressed to find a mate well matched for her fiery spirit. Honey will resonate with those who have been faced with the uncertainties of love and finding purpose.

Key Tracks: Sioux City, Reckless, Beekeeper

December 17, 2015
Hearing Aide: Kimberly Schad “Mystic Kingdom”

Kimberly Schad debuted her new self-produced, four-song EP, Mystic Kingdom, Friday evening at The Palace Theater, bookending her eighteen song set with the tracks from the new release. In this case I saw the concert before listening to the EP, it gave insight to the formal version and how Kimberly sees the music in a bigger picture.

Photo by Sandra Jackson for Sublunar Studios and NYS Music

She is an artist who has complete control over her music and how it’s presented. In the studio she handles all facets of the project, from vocals, piano, keys, to programming, mixing and producing, besides one tasty guitar track on “Secret” from Kevin Farrell (Hard Promises, The Hurricanes). Live, the lush stage production and instrumental ensemble represent her complete vision.

Her backing band consisted of her long-time partner Will Masiclat – keyboards, sampling and video, Travis Reed – piano, Andrew Greacen – guitar, Jim Lucas – drums and Gary Lucas – percussion. All of this tied together with her father, Tim Schad, mixing F.O.H. and her uncle, Steve Schad, as L.D.. The stage was set with flowing white drapes, an elevated, spinning riser at the center with an antique chaise lounge and access ramps on each side dressed in white. Dozens of moving light fixtures cast their colors in dramatic scenes accentuating the setting combined with a rich, full mix of ear candy for the highly receptive crowd that assembled. All of the songs performed were Kimberly’s compositions with the exception of four covers that will be noted along the way.

Photo by Sandra Jackson for Sublunar Studios and NYS Music

The show and EP opener, “Secret” has a Spanish note and feel, brought to bear through the acoustic performed by Andrew Greacen and the drums/percussion/sampling. Her vocal reading gives many hints at what was to come from her in both the concert and the EP. She has a tremendous grasp on what she feels, believes and practices. “After Midnight” is deep and proggy, while flexing her R&B and trip-hop chops. The breadth of Kimberly’s lyrical content becomes evident even more here, as she often does, speaking from her soul, deeply.

“Dirty/Money” features the piano of Travis Reed, a voice we’d hear from often through the show, a brilliant young talent who played as if he wrote the material. A deft touch with ease and a knack for the open spaces. Kimberly mixes in a taste of Drake’s “Star 67”, the code on your phone used to block your number when dialing someone. Stalker? Joker? You decide. The next song is one I’ve been told the background story for and it has twisted my listening a bit since. “Nothing But a Bitch” is a biting send-off to emotional attachment delivered with an appropriate bitch-slap. “Where R U Now?” was the first cover of the evening, the Skrillex/Diplo collab. featuring Justin Bieber is given a fittingly electro-pop read and hits right in her sweet spot.

Following a costume change, Kimberly took to the piano, solo, where her art truly comes from. Hitting on yet another mark of professionalism, that being the whole picture, the aesthetic, were well looked after. “Afterglow Confessions” is a post-show expression of love and emotion toward her muse. These moments directly after baring your soul to an audience can be some of the most reflective to an artist. One of the highlights of a show filled with them, this one stands out clearly. Travis took the stage again for Stevie Wonder’s masterpiece, “All Is Fair In Love” with more than a hint of Jennifer Hudson’s take on it. Immaculately executed, Kimberly’s voice and Travis’ piano brought the crowd to a height of exuberance, it was simply brilliant. “Look Outside” and “Twice,” a Little Dragon cover, stayed in the piano/voice form, lending clarity to the vocals and space to the piano, both flourishing within it.

“When I Think Of You,” “Might As Well Be Magic,” and “Solid Ground,” all being from Kimberly’s deep repertoire, grow and develop with time and perspective. They’re reflective of her maturing as an artist and a person, it’s remarkable to behold. “Two Weeks,” the final cover of the night, this time by FKA twigs, is emblematic of where she is now. Dream Pop, Trip-Hop, Prog R&B, Trap Nouveau, way too many different influences to pin-point, which is probably thee point.

“Fly” and “See Your Face” lead us to the final two songs of the night expressing more themes from her life. She exhibits her behind the scenes skills in tracking, sampling and triggers that become pillars of her compositions. It shows in every note. “One More Time” marks Greacen’s chance to bring his electric guitar to the ensemble, he does it well, perhaps a bit under the mix, but layering textures is what it’s all about. I’d like to hear more of him. The closer, “Mystic Kingdom”, is a signature piece that is perfect in its placement and character. It sums up much of what the performance was about and what we have to look forward to from Ms. Schad.

While Mystic Kingdom is Kimberly’s first officially released EP, it’s apparent that there is much more to be heard from her. She has plenty of material for two full length albums and her skills as a writer, performer, producer and engineer are growing in giant steps. Her consciousness toward the larger picture and vision are strengths many will never enjoy. At twenty-six, she has a very long way to go and all of the faculties to get her there. Congratulations on the magnificent work and we cannot wait to hear and see what comes next.

The EP is available for purchase on iTunes and CDbaby and can be streamed on Spotify.

Setlist: Secret, After Midnight, Dirty/ Money, Nothing But A Bitch, Where R U Now? (Skrillex/Diplo), Afterglow Confessions, All Is Fair In Love (Wonder), Look Outside, Twice (Little Dragon), When I Think Of You, Might As Well Be Magic, Solid Ground, Two Weeks (FKA twigs), Fly, See Your Face, One More Time, Mystic Kingdom

You can see many videos of the songs performed in earlier concerts on Kimberly’s Youtube page, and keep up with her on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

December 7, 2015
Hearing Aide: Ellie Goulding ‘Delirium’

November was indubitably a huge month in pop music. A number of artists like Justin Bieber, Adele, and One Direction each released new albums that are all getting a great deal of hype in the music world. In addition, Ellie Goulding’s Delirium was released on a New Music Friday with a whopping 23 tracks on the deluxe version. The album features the 2015 top hit “Love Me Like You Do,” which was featured the on the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack back in February. However, this album is filled with a lot more than just the big movie hit.

Delirium is one of those albums you don’t have to listen to in order; however, it’s best to listen to the wistful, wordless introduction track and its progression into “Aftertaste” before listening on. The two songs are nicely juxtaposed, contrasting a ballad with a more upbeat tune, and this foreshadows the variety of styles throughout the album.

In an article on Music Times, it says, “Ellie… has stated that she is trying to step away from indie and EDM to become a bona fide pop star.” This is made clear as Ellie’s last album, Halcyon Days, released in 2013, could be classified as indie pop/synthpop. New album Delirium falls under the category of plain old pop. Without being cliché, this album is definitely pop first and foremost because all the tracks are incredibly catchy. You’ll be whistling the choruses to “On My Mind” and “Around U” after each play. It also seems like each track is about the great or the no-so-great parts of a romantic relationship, which is standard for the genre. In addition, the album cover features the top half of her body in a somewhat provocative pose, which is in congruence with the often-sexualized portrayal of pop artists.

So how has her sound changed? Overall, her vocals haven’t changed much with her standard doubled lead vocals and her own voice harmonizing the backing vocals. The instrumentation is also quite similar to her other albums. It’s important to note that Ellie was a contributing writer on each of the tracks, and thus had a great deal of creative control. It seems like she wasn’t pushing for an entirely new sound, but rather a change in how the album was to be marketed. She desires to be known as a pop artist in the music scene, perhaps on a quest for more recognition.

Each song on the album was artistically produced by her producers with a number of electronic instruments. There isn’t really one song one would identify as a “banger,” but they’re each high-quality and deserving of a listen or two. The single releases of “On My Mind,” “Something in the Way You Move,” “Lost and Found,” and “Army” were decent picks in incentivizing listeners to check the album out. Overall, this album would be great to play as ambient music at a small party or to sing along to in the car.

Key Tracks: Don’t Need Nobody, Codes, Army

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_sDIQe6gk

December 5, 2015
REO Speedwagon Raises The Roof While Supporting The Stanley Center for the Performing Arts

Here in New York state, we are lucky to have some of the most amazing historical venues still intact, showcasing their spectacular architecture and the history that goes along with each one. One such venue is The Stanley Center for the Performing Arts, located in Utica.

Originally built to be a movie palace, The Stanley opened on September 10, 1928 with 2,963 seats. Constructed in just 13 months, it was designed by famous architect Thomas Lamb, who is considered one of the foremost designers of theaters and cinemas in the 20th century. His creations include the Fox Theatre in San Francisco and the Capitol Theatre in New York, both now demolished. It is one of three remaining Lamb theaters: The Stanley, Proctor’s Theatre, Schenectady, NY, and The Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, NY.

Today, The Stanley is host to shows presented by the Broadway Theatre League of Utica, and the Utica Symphony Orchestra as well as several promoters. Recent acts include Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Tony Bennett, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackson Browne, The Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day’s American Idiot and Shrek: The Musical.

Each year the venue strives to make ends meet and continue to bring those in the central New York region top acts in the entertainment business. Fund raising plays an enormous part in keeping their doors open. Local sponsors see the need in continued support and this year reached out to legendary performers REO Speedwagon to join with them in raising money to support the local Stanley Center for the Arts. It was no surprise to NYSMusic readers to learn their (REO’s) dedication to community support, as we recently learned when Neil Doughty spoke with readers in a two part interview this past summer. They have a reputation for rallying behind community in times of need. As the announcement for the October 17, 2015 show came out, patrons scrambled to purchase tickets to the sold out show.

Opening for the evening was local talent, Justin Smithson, perhaps best known as member of a favorite local band, Showtime. This dynamic musician belted out a few numbers warming up the crowd and literally hit it out of the park, reaffirming to patrons to get out and enjoy local music because today’s local artists are tomorrow’s national acts.

With the crowd sufficiently warmed up, REO Speedwagon took the stage and for the next two hours rocking the house in true rock and roll style, showing up their signature lyrics and instrumental solos they are best loved for. Playing hits from early days such as “Golden Country,” “Keep Pushin,” and “Music Man,” together with 80’s hit’s “Time for Me to Fly,” “In Your Letter,” “Back on the Road Again,” and “Tough Guys,” audience members were up out of their seats dancing and singing along for the entire evening.

It was good to see the venue filled to capacity. It is this support that music venues need to continue to bring us both local and national talents. As the holiday season is upon us, I can’t think of a better gift to give and receive; a night out with good music, time with friends and family, and community support. It’s a win/win.

Setlist: Don’t Let Him Go, Music Man, Take It on the Run, Keep Pushin’, In Your Letter, Can’t Fight This Feeling, That Ain’t Love, Tough Guys, Golden Country, Time for Me to Fly, Back on the Road Again (Bruce Hall on lead vocals), Roll With the Changes
Encore: Keep On Loving You, Ridin’ the Storm Out

November 21, 2015
Time To Reflect Back On The 2015 Great NY State Fair

As the dust settles and we begin to experience a last surge of heat for the season during this balmy November, it seems like the perfect time to reflect back and savor the amazing week of events, shows, and spectacular activities and eats offered this year at the 2015 Great NY State Fair. After all, the week immediately preceding is generally so busy with back to school running around, Labor Day celebrations, etc… you don’t really get an opportunity to sit down and digest what an amazing week (twelve days really) we really have right here in New York State. After all, it was voted the fifth best State Fair in the nation by USA Today in 2015. Nothing to sneeze at. We also can bolster that we hold the prize and honor of being the first State Fair ever. So take that Minnesota. Wait till next year, you’ll be looking up to us as we sit at number one.

Breaking records on Day One with more than 16,042 above last years opening day, it was a great start for the Fair, as crowds visited throughout the twelve day event. With gorgeous weather, stellar performers scheduled each day, and special $3 Thursdays, and $1 Labor Day, attendees were able to take advantage of the fun at an affordable family price. Day One’s attendance record could possibly be attributed to the first of only a few final Grandstand shows scheduled. With the new Lakeview Amphitheater opening across the street, it’s exciting to be able to offer patrons the best in the business with state of the art equipment once again in this region. But, it also was bittersweet to be part of the final days at this venue before it’s demolition this year.

Over the thirty eight years the Grandstands at The Great New York State Fair hosted shows to fair goers. Memorable acts such Whitney Houston, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, Neil Young, James Taylor, Ted Nugent, Rihanna, Brittney Spears, ZZ Top, Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys, and so many others graced the stage and filled the seats bringing Central New Yorkers some of the greatest names in the business while Chevy Court attendees were treated to free shows. Over the years the tide turned and the free concerts became the place to be.

As larger names were brought in to Chevy Court, records began to be set, with this years Steve Miller Band hailing the largest crowd ever at Chevy Court with approximately 36,900 attendees. Nonetheless, all good things do come to an end, while some have bright new beginnings. Next year fair goers will sadly reminisce about those days at the Grandstands, but will return to a brand new Chevy Court as national acts will once again treat those patrons to free entertainment with state of the art equipment and stage.

So as we reflect back on the final shows at The Grandstands this year, it was only fitting that country favorites Eric Church and Hank Williams Jr. held the last hooray and gave it a final farewell, fittingly deserved of those thirty eight years. The throw back ticket pricing for all acts including legendary Patti LaBelle and comedian Jim Gaffigan, and was a proper thank you to all attendees as they enjoyed the final moments at was once Central New York’s summer venue place to be.

Eric Church started the party off right with special guests Cadillac Three on Day One. This group of long haired rowdy boys, set the bar high with their country rock and roll and introduced those newcomers to their Cadillac Three style of in your face hard core rock with an edge of country thrown in. Eric Church, well of course this handsome mysterious country star shone bright as he filled to near capacity once again a venue paying homage to those before him. Playing hits such as “Cold One,” “Talladega,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Drink In My Hand,” “Smoke A Little Smoke,” and of course the hot and steamy song, “Like A Wrecking Ball.” Yep, this down home country boy did this crowd proud and started this party off right.

Hank Williams Jr. brought his rowdy friends to the Grandstands on day four of the fair and kicked up some some dust with his Honky-Tonk hits. The Louisiana born country star brought some of his most well-known songs such as Neil Young’s “Are You Ready for the Country,” “All My Rowdy Friends,” “The Blues Man,” “There’s a Tear in My Beer,” and “A Country Boy Can Survive.” The audience was ecstatic to have Hank visit Syracuse, and Hank was equally happy to be performing to grateful audience. Among the crowd favorites in the set, was an impressive collection of his father’s songs including “Move It On Over,” “Kaw-Liga,” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” Adding even more intensity to the show, were a few unforgettable mash-ups, the greatest one covering “Outlaw Women” > “Dinosaur” > “There’s A Tear In My Beer” > “All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down” > “Good Ol’ Boys” > “I Walk The Line.” Of course, the evening would not have been concluded without an epic sing-a-long version of “Family Tradition.”

While Hank was bringing down the house over at the Grandstands, Chevy Court had a few shows to bring in the crowds themselves on Day Four. Up first for the 2p.m. show was country favorites The Swon Brothers.

The Swon Brothers are perhaps known by most as the lovable country brothers on season four of The Voice. On team Blake, these two siblings made their way to third that season, but are number one with all their country fans. Singing their hits “Later On” and “Pray for You,” Colton and Zach revved up the crowd and had them singing along in no time. In fact, the crowd even became part of the show with a sound of cheers as to which brother they liked best. Like a good mother always says, I love you both the same.

As the evening began to roll around Chevy Court was filling up with eager fans awaiting the amazing Nate Ruess. Best know perhaps as lead singer of the indie group Fun, it seems like every song he touches becomes a hit.

With his new band the Romantics, their set list was ridden with hits from both his bands Format and Fun with songs “Oceans” > “We Are Young” > “Some Nights” > “Carry On,” to some songs from his new solo album Grand Romantic (“Great Big Storm” > “You Light My Fire” > “What This World Is Coming To” > “Nothing Without Love” > “Harsh Light” > “Ahha”), and covers (Prince’s, “Let’s Go Crazy”). This amazing musician may be best known for his strong vocals, but don’t count him out as his songwriting abilities are top notch as well. As part of a collaborative effort, Ruess partnered with Pink in 2014 on the number one billboard song “Just Give Me A Reason” which was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2014. Yes, the NY State Fair surely brought in the big guns on day four, for sure.

On Tuesday, Day Five, Chevy Court once again welcomed Bowzer’s Rock & Roll Party back to rock out the afternoon crowd. This lovable 50’s icon, known to most as a member of the popular 50’s Doo Wap group, Sha Na Na, has entertained us with not only his humor and personable demeanor, but his musical talents for more years. Jon Baumann, his real name, is a native of Brooklyn, New York and studied classical music at Juilliard at a very early age, and whether it was playing Mozart or with Sha Na Na, his mothers greatest moment was seeing her son at Carnegie Hall.

One Day Six, Chevy Court was packed with fans awaiting their favorite new 2015’s ACM New Artist of the Year, Cole Swindell. With such an amazing group of new artists this year to be nominated, what was it about Cole Swindell that stood out above the rest? One quickly learned it was his stage presence. He had the ability to draw an audience in like no other. Perhaps it was the eye contact, the waves, or the pointing to individuals that made you feel like he was singing right to you.

An accomplished songwriter way before releasing his self titled debut album, Cole Swindell, Cole was no stranger to the music business. Penning hits for other country artists such as “Roller Coast,” “Get Me Some of That,” and “This Is How We Roll,” to name only a few, Swindell had made his mark in country music and touching souls of those his words spoke to. Singing his hits “Chillin It” > “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey” > “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight” > “Let Me See Ya Girl,” he had this crowd in the palm of his hand. With a mischievous smile and a country charm, this down home country boy was definitely a crowd favorite at the Fair this year.

On Tuesday, September 6th, Day Six, country was once again represented by country favorite Joe Nichols at Chevy Court. Joe’s smooth country sound is clearly what some critics consider “traditional country” music and not the new “Bro Country.” His vocal comments against the turn of the tide has not gone unheard by many in the business and he even joked about it this year at the Fair. Singing Sir Mixx A Lot’s, “I Like Big Butts,” as only Joe could, the audience loved his countries version of rap as it confirmed why he is best suited for the country genre.

On Wednesday, September 7th, Day Seven of the Fair, Snoop Dogg was scheduled to perform but was forced to cancel the night before. To everyone’s surprise, the fair was able to bring in rapper Nas as Snoop’s replacement. The fair on Wednesday didn’t seem as packed as it had been the last week but that didn’t stop an estimated 30,000 people from coming to Chevy Court.

On Thursday, Day Eight, R&B superstar Jason Derulo performed for a packed crowd at Chevy Court. Derulo put on an excellent performance that included a backing band and a group of dancers. For a night that featured two other major artists at the Grandstand and the new Lakeview Amphitheater, Jason Derulo filled Chevy Court with no sign of any competition. As someone who just played at the fair last year, Jason Derulo drew an estimated 25,000 screaming teenage girls.

On Saturday, Day Ten, Chevy Court welcomed home many local talented artists right from our own back yard. At the 2pm Chevy Court Show, crowds welcomed Amanda Lee Peers; Syracuse native, Josh Batstone; and season eight’s winner of The Vocie, Sawyer Fredericks. It was heartwarming to be able to welcome all our hometown heroes to the stage and celebrate their music.

The 8pm show on Day Ten welcomed Motown greats, The Jacksons. Consisting of original members, Jackie, Tito, and Marlon Jackson, the crowd went wild as they danced and sang along with hits “Can You Feel It,” “Rock With You,” “2300 Jackson Street,” “ABC,” “Dancing Machine, ” Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and many, many more.

It’s hard to believe that this marks their 50th anniversary tour, but still today fans went crazy, dressed in costume, and got up on their feet to sing and dance along to all their favorites. For me, it was a walk down memory lane watching video clips of live shows and interviews and clips of their Saturday morning cartoon that I watched so many years ago. A fun evening of music, those guys still have the moves for sure.

The Steve Miller Band came to the Great New York State Fair on the second to last night and brought along a record 37,000+ (the largest crowd to date). As the quintet hammered down on Syracuse with their hits from the last five decades, the performance got better as the crowd sang louder to each song. Opening the show with “Jungle Love,” gave a great representation of the fair with how all of the fun, food, crafts, and entertainment can sometimes feel overwhelming. The show included major plays consisting of “Take The Money,” “Shubada du ma ma,” “The Joker,” “Fly Like and Eagle,” and “Keep On Rockin’ Me.” Little Walters’ own “Blues With a Feeling” made an appearance during the show and despite Millers’ tender age of 71, he showed some animation during a rendition of “Loving Cup.” Before the crowd knew it, the enhanced encore had arrived with the group playing “The Stake,” a very bouncy “Swingtown,” and ending the high ride with extended “Jet Airliner.”

As the final day approached, I knew that an early arrival was mandatory to secure my seat amidst the Millennium generation that was sure to have already staked out the best seats available awaiting teen heartthrob, Nick Jonas. Arriving at 11 a.m. I realized that I was in for the longest day ahead, on what was to prove to be the hottest day of the fair. Surprisingly enough, the crowd of Nick Jonas fans remained upbeat with little to no complaints, and by midday the NY State Fair staff began handing out free waters to those who refused to budge from their seats, lest give up the prime real estate while in absence. The refreshing donation hit the spot and spoke volumes on what a great event and what great folks work to bring this event to everyone.

As the time neared and Nick Jonas came out to the stage, he set right out playing his number one song “Chains” following it up “Numb” > “Levels” > “Wilderness” > “Good Thing” > “I Want You” > “Santa Barbara” > “Under You” > “Roses” > “Teacher” > “Take Over” and for an encore, “Jealous.” How he managed to wear that jacket through half the show was beyond me as I was literally melting into my seat. Jonas’ first solo tour, and one of the first times out by himself, it was a great ending to the Fair, and great beginning for his new upcoming tour to get his footing on stage with his ultra hip band.

Okay, so we’re number five in the top ten best state fairs in the nation. Perhaps you can see why this twelve day event becomes the traditional ending to New Yorkers summers’. Whether you come for the rides, the events and competitions, the exhibits and opportunity to buy some Ginsu knives, the food (you know you do), or the music, it proves each year to raise the bar and bring in what fairgoers want. Looking forward to the 2016 Fair, they will once again raise that bar, and hopefully continue to bring in the biggest names in the business to their ultra new and state of the art Chevy Court. I predict that next years shows will exceed this years, they’ll book much quicker than years past, and once again the Great NY State Fair will prove to be the place to be to end our summer on the highest note possible.

November 15, 2015
Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas Future Now Tour Predicted to Land in Buffalo

Fans of Disney’s Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas will be in heaven July 17, 2016, as the two will join forces to bring their Future Now: the Tour to Buffalo.

These two headlining acts would each fill the arena on their own, so their anticipated joint collaborative tour will most definitely sell out the First Niagara Center in record time. We wouldn’t hesitate to purchase tickets as soon as possible.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. A random handbill policy will be in effect. A limited number of handbills are available now.

Friday, June 24, 2016
Sunrise, FL BB&T Center

Saturday, June 25, 2016
Orlando, FL Amway Center

Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Atlanta, GA Philips Arena

Thursday, June 30, 2016
Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena

Saturday, July 2, 2016
Raleigh, NC PNC Arena

Sunday, July 3, 2016
Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach

Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena

Friday, July 8, 2016
Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center

Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Thursday, July 14, 2016
Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center

Saturday, July 16, 2016
Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium

Sunday, July 17, 2016
Buffalo, NY First Niagara Center

Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Boston, MA TD Garden

Friday, July 22, 2016
Montreal, QC Bell Centre

Saturday, July 23, 2016
Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Washington, DC Verizon Center

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 ]
Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center

Friday, July 29, 2016
Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center

Saturday, July 30, 2016
Auburn Hills, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills

Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Friday, August 5, 2016
St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center

Saturday, August 6, 2016
Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Denver, CO Pepsi Center

Thursday, August 11, 2016
Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena

Saturday, August 13, 2016
Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

Sunday, August 14, 2016
San Diego, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre

Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Anaheim, CA Honda Center

Thursday, August 18, 2016
San Jose, CA SAP Center

Saturday, August 20, 2016
Portland, OR Moda Center

Sunday, August 21, 2016
Seattle, WA Key Arena

Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Vancouver, BC Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena

Friday, August 26, 2016
Edmonton, AB Rexall Place

Saturday, August 27, 2016
Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome

Monday, August 29, 2016
Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre

Wednesday, August 31, 2016
St. Paul, MN Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Friday, September 2, 2016
Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena

Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

Friday, September 9, 2016
Houston, TX Toyota Center

Saturday, September 10, 2016
San Antonio, TX AT&T Center

Monday, September 12, 2016
Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater

Friday, September 16, 2016
Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Arena

Saturday, September 17, 2016
Los Angeles, CA The Forum

November 5, 2015
Hearing Aide: Sam Kogon ‘Before You Knew Me’

Brooklyn based singer-songwriter Sam Kogon and his band mates, featuring Frank Hegyi (drums/percussion), Dan Powell (bass guitar/vocals), Finnegan Shanahan (violin) and Joe Jakubowski (keys/timpani/marimba/glockenspiel/vocals) released their debut album Before You Knew Me mid-September, and have been touring around N.Y. promoting the release. All songs on Before You Knew Me were written by Sam Kogon. It was recorded and produced by Andrew Nerviano at Ishlab Studio in Brooklyn. Having honed in on a slightly whimsical, lazy surf rock sound, Kogon’s style is undeniably similar to Canadian fellow singer-songwriter Mac Demarco.

The album features a slew of love songs, some more overt than others, aside from “Odd,” the mischievous tale of a kid who experiences a violent encounter with a giant squid and is left wondering what would happen were they ever to cross paths again. Kogon’s cr
isp, anguished vocals are complemented by Jakubowski’s own echoed singing, which creates an airy feel to the track. Coupled with slightly haunting organ, the song exudes a rather ghoulish quality well suited for unfolding the account of an elusive sea creature.

The first track on the album, “Before,” describes a life gone to shambles and then redeemed. Kogon’s falsetto is mirrored by Powell’s backing vocals, and accompanied by simple guitar lines, and minimal drum beat and bass. Jakubowski comes in delicately with glockenspiel, and a looming intensity permeates the song, until Shanahan’s violin work kicks in right at the climax. The anticipation of the build releases in a swell of drums dancing with the billowing violin, which is very reminiscent of the erhu, or Chinese violin. Kogon’s vocals reemerge before violin once again swoops in with a quick crescendo, concluding the song in a climactic twizzle of strings and bow.

“I Could Never,” the first single off Before You Knew Me possesses a sauntering ’50s essence from the get go, with Kogon softly howling the lyrics, “I could never say goodbye to you/ and I could never tell a lie to you/ it’s love in your eyes it’s no disguise it’s true/ and I could never rectify hurting you.” Kogon’s crooning leads into a circus instrumental beat which surges forward, complete with glockenspiel, then slowing down for a brief, pensive, stoner rock moment before his crooning resumes for the chorus.

The cheery Beatles-esque track “Plans,” stands apart from the rest of the songs, maintaining a bouncy energy throughout with classic rock influenced guitar. Kogon sings of a love perhaps faded but not yet lost.“Baby Hear Me Out” is definitely the weakest song on the album. With a noticeably muddier quality, vocals and instrumentation seem to clash more than complement each other. Ironically, as the song composition begs for refinement, the lyrics beg a lover for forgiveness and to be taken back. Despite this blemish, the album functions much the same as a grandfather’s vintage suede fedora. Slightly dented but still a joy to wear and worth holding onto. Listen to and buy the album here.

Key tracks: Before, I Could Never, Odd

October 20, 2015
Glass Animals and Empress Of materialize from the Neon Fog

Flocks of leather jacket-clad twenty-somethings shuffled through the dim narrow corridor of Terminal 5 Thursday, Oct. 15 for the luminescent lullabies and dance beat ballads by Glass Animals and Empress Of. Fans donning zebra masks and those carrying pineapples (a Glass Animals emblem) all found their silhouettes shrouded in a hazy green light, with tropical flora caressing their shoulders as they trudged toward the music. Ticket stubs in hand they made their way to the high ceilinged gymnasium style venue, as a politely prompt Empress Of began trilling her gentle, innocent vocals right at 8:00 pm.

Though Empress Of, known off stage as Lorely Rodriguez, performs as a solo act, she was accompanied on stage by a keyboardist and live drummer. She stood close to the front of the stage with untamable confidence, her wild mane of curly hair giving her a distinct and eye-catching profile as she thrashed her head to the beat, corkscrew ends illuminated by vibrant hazy hues of purple, red and blue. After her first song, Rodriguez thanked the crowd with a breathy, unexpectedly sheepish “I’m so excited to be opening for Glass Animals.” Her soft tone between songs painted a distinct contrast to her bold presence while performing.

During her second song, “Everything is You,” the first track off her debut album Me, Rodriquez’s fluttery vocals delicately flickered as the audience swayed, processing the powerful bass beat tickling their leg hairs. With her left arm completely outstretched to the side with mic in other hand, Rodriguez created a prophetic presence, repeatedly singing the existential line “You are everything, everything is you.”

Next came “Need Myself,” a song describing an inherent need for independence. The lines “I think I’m the one I need” and “Just need myself/To love myself” were paired with a fierce sequence of rib cage-rattling bass. It got the heart pumping while the words invoked a more acute awareness of the metaphysical heart and the need for self-love. Distinctive beams of white light cascaded down upon the stage, illuminating Rodriguez at varying intervals, accentuating her singularity and independence as a performer.

Throughout her set, Rodriguez emitted an undeniable honesty and sincerity with her songs. She stood before fans as a young passionate artist, with a great deal of emotional prowess from which to pull inspiration for her music. There were times when she almost appeared to get lost in the throes of her own sentiments, head banging to the beat, yet still singing flawlessly. Her voice carried through the room, taking a willing audience along for the spirited journey.

Glass Animals followed, steeped heavily in fog, busting onto the scene with “Walla Walla,” which opens with a powerful and distinctive tribal drum beat before the bass adds to the heavy tone of the song. The incongruity of the convoluted lyrics add a fascinating contrast to the crisp, concrete beat. Lines like “Wiggle toes on wicker braids/Hanging with their nails so frayed/Mini fruits all bone dry/And a cape, black tie-dyed,” leave their meaning completely up to the listener’s interpretation.

“Hazy” offered a more nuanced beat riddled with subtle effects incorporating what sounded like a collection of snaps, rattling bones and exaggerated rain drops. Lead singer David Bayley, equipped with a tambourine, bounded around the stage in an explosion of animated energy. The crowd sang along to the chorus, providing additional background effects for fellow band mates Drew MacFarlane (guitar/keyboard), Edmund Irwin-Singer (bass/keyboard) and Joe Seaward (drums) to feed off.

The audience cheered wildly when crowd favorite “Gooey” oozed from the loudspeakers as gentle xylophone pirouetted with Bayley’s velvety vocals. After a few measures of vocals and percussion conducted their delicate dance, the bouncy drum beat pounced and the sea of humans in front of the stage erupted into motion. One gentleman sporting a white Hawaiian-style shirt dotted in small pineapples smiled sweetly to his lady as he impressively mouthed the lines of nonsensical lyrics.

Many other couples were too busy intimately enjoying the inner workings of each others mouths to sing along. For those still observing the stage, several large incandescent bulbs with what looked like satellite dishes ensconcing each, stood erect around the perimeter of the stage. Each time Bayley recited the words “peanut butter vibes,” the bulbs splashed a golden luminescence across every surface of the room. While visually encapsulating, the musicality of the live performance accurately captured the magic Glass Animals offers with their debut album Zaba.

The English indie group ended the evening with “Pools,” which renders moments of clarity with more direct language. The distinct possibility that it might be a love song was supported by the lines, “We sip the wind through lips of dust/And out it comes, warm wisps of love.” Bayley delighted observers during the energetic song by tossing a whole pineapple off stage, in an act of love and solidarity for all of his pineapple-brandishing fans. The playful gesture concluded the show with a warmth and satisfaction as audience members bonded over the sight of an airborne pineapple.

October 20, 2015