John Bradbury, drummer of legendary ska band The Specials, died on Monday, Dec. 28 at the age of 62.
Bradbury was the drummer from English 2-Tone and ska band The Specials, formed in 1977. He was known for his signature reggae and ska sound and seen as ground-breaking on the Specials’ early hits. He was an integral member of the Specials reunion in 2008. No cause of death was given when the band broke the news via Twitter.
The Specials were known for their ’60s mod-style suits worn on stage, and they had seven hits in the UK top 10, including “A Message to You, Rudy” and “Too Much Too Young.”
Bradbury was born and raised in Coventry, England where the Specials formed. When the band split up in 1981, he joined The Specials AKA. He also headed the JB All-Stars, a northern-soul revue act.
UPDATE 1/4/16: Craig Strickland was found dead today. Here’s the post from the Ponca City News:
The body of country singer Craig Strickland was found Monday north of Bear Creek Cove on Kaw Lake by a state game ranger…
Original post:
The search for Backroad Anthem vocalist Craig Strickland continues. Strickland, 29, and his friend Chase Morland, 22, set out for a late-night duck hunting trip on Sunday, Dec. 27 on Kaw Lake in Ponca City, Oklahoma.
Backroad Anthem posted on their Facebook page that Craig’s father, Randy Strickland, texted the band informing them that they haven’t had any contact within 24 hours from Craig or Chase and feared the worse.
Weather conditions that night saw a mixture of rain, sleet and snow with 45 mph winds making it around 15 degrees.
Morland tweeted what seemed to be a joke and not distress, even though they were traveling through some rough weather, turned serious hours later. Craig Strickland retweeted Morland’s post.
Morland tweeted late Saturday night:
Morland was found dead at the lake by State Troopers on Monday morning, Dec. 28, near Tulsa. Their boat was also found which seemed to have capsized in the water. Strickland’s dog Sam was found alive and well sitting next to the body of Morland. Police have stated that no flotation devices were found.
Strickland’s wife Helen, who is a former Miss Arkansas USA, has sent out several tweets over the last few days updating the search rescue efforts while remaining hopeful that Craig will be found and asking fans to pray for him.
Backroad Anthem released several statements through social media since they been made aware of the news of Strickland’s disappearance. In their statement, the band says that Craig is the most passionate person they know. The statement went on to say that his passion for music and the stage has kept them going miles and miles down the road. “Craig is an amazing person, husband, son, bandmate, and most certainly best friend.”
It’s hard to fathom that Phish has now been back playing together for longer than their “hiatus” (2000-2002) and “break up” (2004-2009) – combined. Phish 3.0, as this era is commonly called, is also days away from seeing its seventh consecutive New Year’s Eve of the band’s modern day. One of the most sought after tickets amongst fans and most lauded nights of the Phish year on the calendar is certainly one of celebration. As the band caps off a monumental, peak year, leading into the New Year, I break down the New Year’s Eve gags of 3.0, and what the band might have in store for 2016.
2009
The Gag:
From Phish.net: During DWD, as the clock turned midnight, hundreds of balloons were released upon the crowd, fireworks went off on each side of the stage, and a disco ball was lowered onto the pedestal. After DWD, Trey opened the ball and Fish climbed inside. Trey and Mike, with some help from stagehands, proceeded to put the ball in a giant cannon aimed towards a giant net hanging from the rafters with an illuminated “X” on it. Page hit the trigger and purportedly “blasted” the ball through, not only the net, but also the roof of the arena. A searchlight appeared to come through the roof and was accompanied by helicopter sounds. With Fish apparently shot out of the venue, Trey asked if anybody knew how to play the drums and ended up finding Sarah, a girl from Pittsburgh.
Trey asked how long she had played the drums and what her favorite song was and she responded with six months and Fluffhead respectively. Sarah was surreptitiously replaced by Fish, now wearing a dress identical to Sarah’s and a black wig, who played the entire third set and encore, but Sarah came out at the end of the third set and bowed with the band instead of him. Blue Moon was a Phish debut and was performed as an instrumental while Trey thanked the entire crew. After the show, the disco ball was revealed to have “crashed” into a white car that had been parked in front of the American Airlines Arena with a sign on the windshield stating “This car was driven down from Vermont” and “fueled by maple syrup.” After being “struck” by the “human cannonball,” the car was emitting smoke and leaking maple syrup and the entire area was cordoned off with police tape.
Post Auld Lang Syne/Midnight Song: “Down with Disease”
My Take: The first New Year’s Eve run of the current era of Phish returned to the American Airlines Arena in Miami. Having played this venue once before in 2003, it was a much welcomed change from the cold, Northeast New Year’s runs that the band played for their home fans seemingly every year throughout their history. Coming off their first, full year back together, Phish seemingly did it all in 2009: comeback shows in March, a full summer tour, a festival, and a fall tour. Needless to say, they were probably a bit tired by this New Year’s run, or at least didn’t leave much time or creativity for the gag, and one that’s rather forgettable, at least in my mind. The Miami run did see some fantastic bust outs and a super show on 12/30, and capped a great return to glory for the band.
2010
The Gag:
From Phish.net: Before midnight, several groups of multiethnic dancers appeared on stage and sang the Meatstick lyrics in their respective languages. The band joined the dancers and then stealthily disappeared from the stage, only to reappear at the other side of the arena in the giant hotdog from past NYE shows (’94 and ’99). As a result, portions of the Meatstick were pre-recorded. Appropriately, the post-show music was Captain Beefheart’s Tropical Hot Dog Night.
Post Auld Lang Syne/Midnight Song: “After Midnight”
My Take: The return to THE venue for New Year’s Eve shows in my opinion, Madison Square Garden, saw Phish and friends perform “Meatstick, the Musical.” Not only was this one the most enjoyable and creative New Year’s gags of 3.0, but it ranks up there for me with the all-time ones. The band put some serious thought into this one. Certainly drawing upon Trey Anastasio’s recent foray into the world of Broadway musicals, having been tapped to co-write the score for Hands on a Hardbody (which would open in the spring of 2012, and eventually 2013 on Broadway), the band enlisted some trained dancers for this awesome rendition of an old, Phish favorite. There was also no mistake that this New Year’s Eve show featured some of the band’s best playing, highlighted by an all-time version of “Ghost” in the second set.
2011
The Gag:
From Phish.net: Prior to Steam, a steam kettle and hot plate went off on stage, with Trey acting like he was attempting to put out the steam. Shortly after the song began, steam also came from the floor near the soundboard area. An amp (with the steam kettle on it), a keytar, a bass, a vacuum, and a few lights were then lifted off the stage. A woman in the front of the stage tossed a “Steam” sign into the front row, then rose with a barricade and security guard before eventually being lifted up over the band. Several other aerialists (clothed in various casual attire, equipped with black backpacks emitting smoke and lights on their backs) subsequently rose up from the crowd and ascended and descended several times. The first aerialist counted down to midnight, at which point balloons were released from the ceiling. The aerialists later returned with lights in their hands for Down with Disease, which also featured Trey and Mike being raised up and back down a few times before finally rising several feet on hydraulic lifts.
Post Auld Lang Syne/Midnight Song: “Down with Disease”
My Take: The second straight New Year’s back at MSG (and the second of four consecutive) saw Phish again take their gag to a higher level. In my opinion, the 3.0 stunts have been better when the band has not played a fall tour, allowing them more time to put energy and effort into their finale for the previous year.
A newer song “Steam” saw the band levitate both musically – and figuratively. A true sight to behold, the band capitalized on a great, new groove before tearing into the seemingly every-other-year, post-midnight, “Down with Disease.” I’ve said multiple times on the record that “DWD” has the single, most celebratory riff in the band’s catalogue, so there’s no accident that it often ends up being the first song of the New Year. Always welcome in my eyes!
2012
The Gag:
From Phish.net: Trey, Page and Mike came out for the third set in golf carts and began hitting golf balls into the crowd. Fish then arrived on a golf cart wearing donut pants and shirt, an argyle vest, and a golf hat. Golf carts were brought back on stage during Kung, then began racing past the stage periodically during Chalk Dust. During the Chalk Dust jam, golfers began getting out of the carts, hitting balls into the crowd and dancing on stage. One of the golfers did the New Year’s countdown from on top of a cart. Auld Lang Syne was accompanied by balloons dropping from the ceiling and ping pong balls fired from cannons.
Tweezer Reprise featured Carrie Manolakos on vocals and a number of backup singers. The remainder of the third set and encore featured song titles focusing on a golf theme. Wilson was preceded by an animated Wilson golf ball on the venue’s jumbotrons. Iron Man was preceded by Page coming to the front of the stage to wish the crowd Happy New Year and reference the start of the 30th year of Phish. In an apparent reference to Bob Hope, Page wore a blazer, USS Nimitz ball cap and carried a golf club. Driver was stopped and restarted. This show featured the Phish debuts of Garden Party and Fly Like an Eagle, the first full Phish performance of Iron Man (which was last played December 31, 2003, or 192 shows), and the first ever a cappella Lawn Boy.
Post Auld Lang Syne/Midnight Song: “Tweezer Reprise”
My Take: 2012 saw Phish try something different yet again. Deciding to focus more on a theme than a specific gag, I was impartial to the Golf stunt, mostly because I am a golfer. (My handicap is currently 9 and falling fast!) Featuring racing golf carts around the stage, and the debut of beloved classic rock tune, “Fly Like an Eagle,” this was again a New Year’s stunt that benefited from no fall tour, extra time to prepare and meticulous planning. If they ever do anything golf related again, the band should definitely take some lessons beforehand though. I’ll be waiting for my phone to ring, fellas. Fore!
2013
The Gag:
From Phish.net: After the conclusion of the first set, Trey and Page carried a keyboard-shaped cake out to the front of the stage (with a giant two-dimensional mountain behind it, this created a tableau of the cover of Phish’s Colorado ’88 release), and proceeded to slice and serve cake in honor of their 30th anniversary to fans near the front of the stage. After the cake was served, a video was played showing Fish collecting various props from the band’s previous New Year’s Eve concerts and driving a replica of the band’s “JEMP” truck down to New York City. The truck from the video appeared in Madison Square Garden and was moved to the center of the floor. All of the songs played during both setbreaks were from the year 1983. The band performed the second set standing on top of the truck, using a stripped-down stage setup including hockey sticks for mic stands. Melt contained a DEG tease from Trey. During Grind, the “days lived” stated by the band referenced how old they would be when they returned for their 60th anniversary. During the encore break, a video montage of photographs and film from throughout Phish’s history and previous New Year’s Eve concerts was shown. After the encore, a video image was shown of a “Save the Date” card for Phish’s 60th anniversary show (on December 31, 2043) with each band member digitally aged.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQpdHMbfeAI
Post Auld Lang Syne/Midnight Song: “Fuego”
My Take: 2013, and the fourth consecutive New Year’s Eve at Madison Square Garden, concluded the band’s 30th year together – a true milestone. It’s for this reason that they broke from convention and re-wrote the script to make this NYE extra-special, as only they could. Instead of a traditional gag or stunt where they were isolated at one end of the arena for the third set, the band treated fans to a subtle “thank you” of old school tunes for the second-set, in the middle of the World’s Most Famous Arena. I still get chills thinking about this show, as if offered time to reflect about the past 30 years of Phish –past, present and future – all at the same time. Truly magical.
2014
The Gag:
From Phish.net: The Phish debut of Dem Bones began a cappella, then Fish moved to vacuum. The song was then stopped because, Trey said, the vacuum had become stuck to Fish’s face. Brian Brown and Lee Scott (Trey’s guitar tech and Fish’s drum tech respectively) came out to assist in trying to remove the vacuum and then went behind the stage with Fish to fix the problem, with Mike suggesting they switch it “from suck to blow.” There was the sound of a small explosion and the lights went out. A giant inflatable Fishman then emerged from behind the stage and took off over the crowd, while the balloon drop, including Henrietta donut balloons, occurred and the band played Auld Lang Syne. Trey quoted Martian Monster during his speech at the end of Julius.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2ZTDjJRV-o
Post Auld Lang Syne/Midnight Song: “The Dogs”
My Take: 2014 saw a return to Miami, and the first New Year’s not held at Madison Square Garden since 2009. A notable let down in the gag department again, and holds true with my theory of sort of rushing it when they play a fall tour. Add in a super, mega, spectacular Halloween where the band tapped every creative bone in their body for an all-original crop of tunes based on the 1964 Disneyland album Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House, and it’s easy to forgive the band for having a holiday hangover. It was nice though to see some lasers and “The Dogs,” one of those creative Halloween debuts, ring in the New Year.
2015
So, what does New Year’s Eve 2015 have in store for Phish fans? The band returns to the Mecca of Madison Square Garden, where let’s face it – there’s just something extra special about Phish, New Year’s and New York. There’s more energy when you are in the center of the universe of one of the rowdiest nights of the year.
As for the stunt, there could be a Star Wars theme, as some fans are calling. I highly doubt that. There may be a nod to the upcoming shows in Mexico, with possibly a “Mexican Cousin” tie-in. Still seems unlikely, though. Maybe the theme of flowers enveloping the city has something to do with the gag, as it sometimes has in year’s past. Who knows? There could be an “Auld Lang Syne” > “Fluffhead” combo which would most-certainly invoke deafening screams post-midnight in MSG, especially during the “Fluff came to New York!” line. That’s the most plausible of the theories I, and friends have kicked around.
But, my guess is something entirely different. It’s something no one is expecting, and will be super-creative. (Remember, we didn’t get a fall tour this year). Exactly what will it be? I’m not sure, and that’s half the fun – being surprised and living in the moment.
So fellow fans, what do you think this year’s gag will be?
Whatever, the gag, remember to celebrate another year of Phish, friends and fun! Happy New Year!
Don’t have plans yet for New Year’s Eve? Music fans across New York State have got plenty of choices this Thursday. NYS Music helps you get there with the short list of NYE activities.
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad at the Historic German House with special guests Danielle Ponder & Tomorrow People and Funknut. Three Heads Brewing Tasting Party start at 7pm with an acoustic jam featuring members of GPGDS and Extended Family. Late night the party continues with Subsoil and Level 7 Hip Hop DJ Set. $20 in advance/$30 day of show.
Lemmy, born Ian Fraser Kilmister, the legendary frontman of iconic metal band Motorhead, died Monday at his home in Los Angeles due to complications from an aggressive cancer that was only discovered on Dec. 26, according to the band’s official Facebook page.
There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely…
If there were a definition of the term “badass” in the Oxford Dictionary, Lemmy’s picture would be it. The man lived a pure rock and roll lifestyle until his last breath. Famous for his deep vocals into a down-turned microphone and his unorthodox style of playing bass, Lemmy proved an inspiration to a generation of musicians of all genres. Many called his style of playing “lead bass” because he really wasn’t holding the low end as most bassists do. He was like a second lead guitarist in the Motorhead trio.
Lemmy had experienced a number of health issues in recent months, cutting shows short in Salt Lake City and Austin and canceling a show in Denver altogether. Prior to leaving the stage in Austin, he said, “I can’t do it,” before leaving the stage. The thin air of Salt Lake was named as the cause for Lemmy cutting the show short and also given as the reason for the Denver cancelation.
Musicians the world over have taken to social media to express their sympathies and appreciation for Lemmy, including original Motorhead guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke, who wears the unfortunate title of sole remaining original member of the band following the November death of drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor.
I have just been told that Lemmy has passed away in LA.Like Phil, he was like a brother to me. I am devastated.We did…
Lemmy was born in Burslem, England on Dec. 24, 1945. The infamous Hollywood club, Whiskey A Go Go, hosted a private, star-studded 70th birthday celebration for Lemmy on Dec. 13. The show featured a band consisting of Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke of Guns N Roses; Robert Trujillo of Metallica; Charlie Benante and Scott Ian of Anthrax; Zakk Wylde of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society; and Steve Vai, among others.
Comedian Jim Norton, who befriended Lemmy and had him as his band director on the short-lived HBO stand-up series Down and Dirty, tweeted the following:
Lemmy began his musical career in the early ’60s and was heavily influenced by the Beatles. He served time as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix and earned his chops in the early prog-rock band Hawkwind. On his exit from the band, Lemmy said in his autobiography that he was fired “for doing the wrong drugs.”
Motorhead and Lemmy’s legacy loom large on the metal scene and popular music as a whole. His death leaves a big hole in rock and roll. The world has lost a legend and as posted on Motorhead’s Facebook page:
Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself.
HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT.
Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister
1945 -2015
Born to lose, lived to win.
We’d say “Rest in Peace, Lemmy” but you’d tell us to “Eff off.” RIP anyway, sir.
Strangefolk’sGarden of Eden takes place this weekend in Jay, VT at Stateside Amphitheater, bringing back to Vermont the original festival that was spawned 20 years ago on nearly the same weekend. The Vermont foursome have teamed up with Percy Hill and Assembly of Dust for two days of music amid an idyllic setting that provides incredible views and sound in a remote location that encourages a weekend trek to the site.
Guitarist/Singer Jon Trafton spoke to NYS Music about his thoughts on the 20th anniversary event, the return to Eden, and what fans can expect from the weekend:
“This upcoming Eden festival at Jay Peak is the 20th anniversary – almost to the date – of the first one we did. What’s cool about it is that Jay Peak is about 20 miles down the road from the original site, in Eden, VT. So, twenty years later we come nearly full circle.
I’ve been spending a lot of time revisiting the Eden shows, checking out what we played, looking at pictures, getting back into that mindset. The early Edens were so free and easy and under the radar. They were more like a big party we threw for our friends and fans.
I remember at the first Eden it struck me that we had something bigger than ourselves happening. There was a group of 600 or so people who trekked into the middle of Vermont to be together and celebrate with us. We were just a part of it, maybe a catalyst but not necessarily the focus. It had a life of its own. That has always stuck with me. So many of those people have remained friends and we’ve all grown up together. I know a lot of them will be at Jay Peak, so going into it feels like a family affair.
It’s been fun looking back on those years. They seem so long ago and not long ago at all. I’m looking forward to this upcoming one and hopefully we can re-launch the Eden annual tradition.”
The music starts on Friday at 7pm with Percy Hill, followed by two sets of Strangefolk. On Saturday, fans have a wide variety of music and events to choose from. The VIP Strangefolk set takes place at noon, as well as a free performance by Dead Sessions, celebrating the August West Festival, with free Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and more throughout the day. There is also hiking, golfing, mountain biking and much more that Jay Peak has to offer, including the indoor water park! The music gets started at 7pm on Saturday once again with Percy Hill, followed by two more sets of Strangefolk, and at midnight, Assembly of Dust performs at Bullwheel Bar right next to Stateside Amphitheater until 2am.
Strangefolk formed in 1991 and began holding the Garden of Eden festival in 1996 in Eden Mills, Vermont. The festival was also held in subsequent years in Plattsburgh, various locations in Vermont, and Greenfield, Massachusetts, the latter morphing into the StrangeCreek Campout which continues to this day.
Strangefolk took a hit in 2000 when band founding member and guitarist Reid Genauer left to pursue a graduate degree. The founding members of the band joined forces again as Strangefolk Reunion in 2012 and continue to play shows each year.
While the Garden of Eden hasn’t been held since 2006, when Strangefolk played the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival in Burlington in 2013, they called the performance “Edge of Eden” as a hat tip to the fest.
Buffalo groove rock band Aqueous is once again on the search for a new drummer.
Drummer Tom Vayo has left the band to work on local projects. He officially joined the band this past August. The band will begin its nationwide search for a new drummer immediately.
Former Aqueous drummers Nick Sonricker and Ryan Nogle will cover all scheduled and future shows until a new drummer is selected. The two have remained part of the tight-knit Aqueous family and will assist in drumming duties. Aqueous’ New Year’s Eve show at the King’s Rook Club in Erie, Pennsylvania, and New Year’s Day show with Twiddle at Burlington’s Higher Ground will feature Sonricker.
Aqueous is launching a nationwide search for their new drummer. In a statement released by the band, they are choosing to publicize their search in the hopes of finding the right fit.
Full statement from Aqueous:
In an unfortunate turn of events, Aqueous’ new drummer Tom Vayo has decided to step down from the position for personal reasons. In the meantime, we’re pleased to announce that previous AQ drummers Nick Sonricker and Ryan Nogle will come back into the fold temporarily to fill in while we search for a permanent member.
It’s no secret that we’ve had some movement in the drummer department, and it’s getting harder to NOT think of it like the joke from Spinal Tap; but here’s the deal- The band has been through an awful lot in the past couple of years, and this is a truly stressful process to not only find what we hope to be the right player, but also the person that can truly fit in and join our brotherhood of friendship too.
That being said, we’ve decided to go fully public with the search and lay down some parameters to help ensure that no one’s time is wasted and to help us get closer to finding that person- Although being in a touring rock band is truly fucking awesome, it also comes with A TON of hard work and much sacrifice in almost every facet of life; this fact is not something we wish to sugar coat; We are here to work, to put on the highest quality shows possible, and to take this thing as far as we can. Integrity and work ethic are cornerstones in the AQ world, and friendship is everything to us. On the other side of the token, it has been the most gratifying, exciting, and certainly fun journey of my life, and it’s taken us to places we definitely didn’t think were possible when we started ten years ago. So here’s some outlines we’re putting in place, and with that said, DO YOU KNOW OUR NEW DRUMMER? Is it you? Is it a friend? We KNOW somebody has to want this seat, and it’s currently up for grabs!
Here’s what we’ll need from you, to be submitted to aqueousband@gmail.com-
-Playing/Touring experience (This is a full time position, are you available and ready for the road?)
-High Quality video of you playing drums, ideally creating a cover of an AQ song if possible!
-Thorough list of your BIGGEST musical influences and why, and songs you would love to cover in an ideal world
-A brief description of your approach to playing/style and why you think you’d fit in with AQ
-Current line of work/location/availability (Is moving to or near Buffalo a possibility for you?)
At the end of the day, while having “chops” is really important, the real thing we look for is feel, groove, and musical intuition; we improvise/jam a TON, so creativity and style are huge in this band, and we like drummers that play dynamically, but hit with purpose and authority; It’s all about seeing what we can create as a unit and listening as deeply as possible. And ROCKING of course!
So, with all of that, DO YOU KNOW OUR NEW DRUMMER?? Help us get the word out by sharing this post! Much love from all of us over here at camp AQ, and thank you ALL for an amazing year, this is just the beginning!
Mister F guitarist Andrew Chamberlaine is leaving the band.
Chamberlaine, also known as Mister A, announced the news on his Facebook page today. “Making music with my best friends Ben, Matt, Scott, and Mike while visiting at least 20 new states will always be one of the best memories I’ll ever have, however it is something I will not be continuing in 2016,” he wrote in the announcement.
He notes that he will continue his involvement with music, writing songs and playing as much as possible while building his student base at Parkway Music in Clifton Park.
The Albany-based jam band, which formed in 2013 with members of Timbre Coup (including Chamberlain) and Capital Zen, has two New Year’s shows lined up — Dec. 31 at the Monopole in Plattsburgh and a post-moe. show Jan. 1 at Albany’s The Hollow. They will be Chamberlain’s last two shows with the band. The band has an extensive tour schedule for January and February, but there is no news yet from the band as to whether Chamberlain will be replaced for those dates.
The full announcement from Chamberlaine’s Facebook page:
Dear Friends, Family, And Fans of Mister F, I’d like to start off by saying that this last 3 years has been one…
Phish will return to New York City’s Madison Square Garden for a four night New Year’s run. While Phish might be the main event, there are many shows happening around the city both before and after Phish that fans might interested in checking out. Here’s a rundown of those shows – both those being billed as Phish after-parties and those that are not.
Many New York bands are represented in those performing around the Phish shows, including some of the after-parties. On Wednesday night, Jersey City’s Lil Joe and the ill Picards will bring their funk to Leftfield on Ludlow Chromatropic will join forces with Sprocket to form ChromaSprocket. They will perform with special guests Natalie Cressman and Peter Apfelbaum of the Trey Anastasio Band at Lucille’s at B.B. King’s also on Wednesday night. Late night on New Year’s Eve, Snarky Puppy will play Irving Plaza.
On Friday night, Nyack’s ShwizZ will join forces with FiKus to perform as ShwiKus and play tribute to P-Funk at Lucille’s. Saturday night brings Elise Testone and an all star lineup, including Todd Stoops, Natalie Cressman and Michael Ray, leading a James Brown Dance Party at B.B. Kings. ShwiKus will also be at Lucille’s again, this time playing an ’80s set. One ticket gets you into both of those shows. Dopapod will be at the Grammercy Theatre. Finally, Ha Ha the Moose, made up by members of moe., will bring their off-centered musical theatre to Irving Plaza. You can expect nothing but the unexpected from “The Moose.”
Wednesday, Dec. 30 Post-Phish:
Tower of Power @ B.B. King’s Blues Club – 10 p.m.
Kevin Hedge and Louie Vega @ Cielo – 10 p.m.
Joseph King @ Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 – 10 p.m.
The Bad Plus @ Village Vanguard – 10:30 p.m.
*Start Making Sense @ Irving Plaza – 11 p.m.
Disco Biscuits w/ Horizon Wireless @ PlayStation Theatre – 11 p.m.
*Particle w/ New Riders of the Purple Sage @ The Cutting Room – 11:55 p.m.
*ChromaSprocket (Chromatropic x Sprocket w/ Natalie Cressman and Peter Apfelbaum) @ Lucille’s at B.B. King’s – 11:55 p.m.
*Rebirth Brass Band @ Highline Ballroom – 11:59 p.m.
*Lil Joe and the ill Picards @ Leftfield on Ludlow – midnight
New Year’s Eve, Thursday, Dec. 31 Post-Phish:
*Snarky Puppy @ Irving Plaza – 2 a.m. (technically on Jan. 1)
Friday, Jan. 1 Pre-Phish:
*Holly Bowling @ The Cutting Room – 4 p.m to 6 p.m.
Frank & Tony, Taimur Agha, Ray Zuniga, Nikola Baytala, Ted Krisko, Willie Graff, Alex Graham & More TBA @ The Panther Room – 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. (technically ends Jan. 2)
Post-Phish:
The Bad Plus @ Village Vanguard – 10:30 p.m.
Disco Biscuits w/ Animal Rexx @ PlayStation Theatre – 11 p.m.
*Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe @ Irving Plaza – 11:30 p.m.
*Dead Sessions @ The Cutting Room – 11:55 p.m.
*Pink Talking Phish @ Highline Ballroom – 11:55 p.m.
*ShwiKus plays P-Funk (ShwizZ + FiKus = ShwiKus) @ Lucille’s at B.B. King’s – 11:55 p.m.
The Motet @ B.B. King’s – 11:59 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 2 Pre-Phish:
PhanArt Presents: Skyscraper is Grand @ Hotel Pennsylvania – 12-7 p.m.
*New Mastersounds @ The Cutting Room – 4 p.m.
Touchpants @ American Beauty NYC – 5 p.m.
Post-Phish:
*Ha Ha the Moose (Rob, Chuck and Jim from moe.) @ Irving Plaza – 10:30pm
The Bad Plus @ Village Vanguard – 10:30pm
*Dopapod @ Grammercy Theatre – 11 p.m.
Disco Biscuits @ PlayStation Theatre – 11 p.m.
BIGYUKI @ Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 – 11 p.m.
Subset @ Webster Hall – 11 p.m.
*The James Brown Dance Party (Michael Ray, Natalie Cressman, Chris Bullock, Todd Stoops, Fred Thomas & Moussey Thompson, Adam Chase & Matthew Chase, Elise Testone) @ B.B. King’s – 11:55 p.m.
*ShwiKus plays The 80s @ Lucille’s at B.B. King’s – 11:55 p.m.
*New Mastersounds @ The Cutting Room – midnight
Walker Adams @ Rockwood Music Hall – midnight
Buffalo funk/rock/reggae fusion outfit Funktional Flow are giving fans a sneak peek at their upcoming album Time Will Tell. The band released an official studio video for the album’s first single, “Back Door.”
The band’s third studio effort, which will feature 12 tracks, is slated for release in March 2016. The official date and venue location for the band’s CD release party will be announced at the band’s New Year’s Eve show at Buffalo Iron Works.
Time Will Tell was recorded over three weeks at Sonic Farm Studios in Colden with producers Dan Brace and Scott Nadolinski. Although it’s Funktional Flow’s third studio release, it’s the first with Funktional Flow’s new lineup. In April 2015, the band took on a new life with the addition of Joey Lewis (guitar) and Matt Lester (keys).
Bassist Ben Whelan told NYS Music that the lineup change has been a positive step for the band’s growth. “The type of music we play really calls for the lineup we have now, and it has helped us grow exponentially,” said Whelan. “With the addition of Joey and Matt, we truly feel as though we gained brothers, not just band mates. It really has been a great time growing with them and having them add their flavor to the mix. It doesn’t always go that way with new additions, so we are really blessed in that aspect!”
Guitarist and lead vocalist Jeffrey Kuebler told NYS Music that the history of “Back Door” began prior to the song’s life with Funktional Flow. “Back Door started as essentially a riff that I had come up with in 2008 when Joey and I were in a band called Lake View Effect,” he said. “With me and Joey each contributing to the composition, it all came together and we played it a couple of times with LVE. After years of being on the shelf that was one song we decided to add to the Flow repertoire when Joey joined the band!”
The band chose “Back Door” as its first single due to the overwhelming response the song has gotten from fans at their live shows. The band is currently working on a spring tour to support Time Will Tell that they hope to announce after the New Year. Funktional Flow is slated to open for Twiddle at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Feb. 25.
Bradbury was the drummer from English 2-Tone and ska band The Specials, formed in 1977. He was known for his signature reggae and ska sound and seen as ground-breaking on the Specials’ early hits. He was an integral member of the Specials reunion in 2008. No cause of death was given when the band broke the news via Twitter.
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Guitarist and lead vocalist Jeffrey Kuebler told NYS Music that the history of “Back Door” began prior to the song’s life with Funktional Flow. “Back Door started as essentially a riff that I had come up with in 2008 when Joey and I were in a band called Lake View Effect,” he said. “