NYS Music 20​15

Category: Upcoming Shows

  • Twiddle and Kung Fu Team up for ‘Dirty Dozen Tour’ With Four Shows in New York

    The Dirty Dozen Tour features 12 massive performances from Co-Headlining musical acts of Twiddle and Kung-Fu. Syracuse will be their second date of the run, following Buffalo, before traveling to Albany, New York City and making their way for Atlanta. Due to the fact that both bands will be headlining the tour, fans will have to arrive early to the venue to see who will take stage first. These two groups have been dedicated to their growing fan base and the music community by scheduling non-stop tour dates, as well as planning to release soundboard audio of their live shows this spring and summer. Fans can also see both bands in June at the Saranac Brewery in Utica, NY opening for moe.

    Twiddle-City Bisco 2013
    Twiddle-City Bisco 2013

    Since emerging onto the music scene, Kung Fu has single-handedly redefined what it means to “bring the funk.” These gentleman have brought their own unique sound, fusing the unlikely genres of funk, electronic, jam, jazz and much more. Kung Fu has become a staple at many big name festivals as well as the smaller festivals, home town bars and venues. Seeing this band live is more than just a performance, but an experience. Kung Fu’s live performances have been referred to as “jaw dropping” and “musically mesmerizing.” Taking stage with the equally talented Twiddle will just mean that you’ll have to really brace yourself for a fantastic night of live music.

    Twiddle has taken the jam band music scene by storm, completely dismantling any preconceptions and notions on how far a group of guys from a small town in Vermont could really go. Over the past few years Twiddle has acquired a following to (no pun intended) beat the band. Fans of Twiddle travel far and wide to enjoy their live performances. Much like Kung Fu, Twiddle has also masterfully blended a unique array of genres including funk, reggae, jazz and bluegrass. The band has a very  unique understanding of each other on stage and off so their performances are nothing short of amazing. Each performance within the Dirty Dozen Tour will showcase two phenomenal bands who have redefined genres within their own respects and also made great strides for genres which may have been otherwise overlooked.

    Dirty Dozen Tour Dates:
    4/1 – Buffalo, NY | Iron Works
    4/2 – Syracuse, NY | Westcott Theater
    4/3 – New York, NY | Irving Plaza
    4/4 – Clifton Park, NY | Upstate Concert Hall
    4/8 – State College, PA | Levels
    4/9 – Pittsburgh, PA | The Rex Theatre
    4/10 – Philadelphia, PA | TLA
    4/11 – Baltimore, MD | Rams Head Live
    4/12 – Richmond, VA | The Broadberry
    4/14 – Greensboro, NC | Blind Tiger
    4/15 – Charlotte, NC | The Chop House
    4/16 – Atlanta, GA | Terminal West

    Tickets are expected to go quick so don’t wait to buy them at the door.

  • Sunflower & the Seeds, Tweed, &; Formula 5 @ Brooklyn Bowl 3/29

    Three tri-state area up and coming bands band will converge on Brooklyn Bowl this Sunday, 3/29. New Jersey based Sunflower & the Seeds will hit the stage first, the 7-piece band features Kyra “Sunflower” Schenck (vocals/guitar), Brittany Beckett (vocals), Victor Cornette (guitar), Karlee Bloom (keyboards), Joe Harris (bass), and Joe “Big Daddy” Huster. Schenck in hard rocking originals as well as covers from such legendary bands as Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac.

    Next on the bill coming to Brooklyn from the city of brotherly love is jamtronica band Tweed. Consisting of AJ DiBiase (guitar), Jon Tomczak (synth), Dan McDonald (bass), and Joe Vela (drums) their high energy performances and improvisational stylings have proven they can fill larger venues and hold their own with the best.

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    Headliners Formula 5 will be bringing their four piece ensemble down the thruway and are guaranteed to close this night of great music out in formidable fashion. James W (bass), Greg M (drums), Mike McD (keys) and Joseph D (guitar) are recognized as a classic four piece jam band and are coming off of the release of their latest LP Edging On Catastrophe. This evening will be filled with guitar shredding riffs, face melting jams, and special guest appearances.

    Tickets are still available here.

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  • Karyn Crisis Returns to Upstate with Gospel of the Witches

    It has been quite some time since trailblazing musician Karyn Crisis has played Upstate New York. She used to front the heavy rock band Crisis, and they made a few stops over the years in this area before disbanding in 2006. Now, she is set to bring her newest project to Trickshots in Clifton Park on Saturday March 28.

    Gospel of the Witches brand new album Salem’s Wounds was just released to the masses on Century Media Records. Karyn has laid low since leaving Crisis, focusing on her love or art and the occult. But after meeting her husband Davide Tiso, and starting to lend some vocals on his projects, she decided to venture forth into the world of music once again. The band started as an incantation between Davide and Karyn, and has morphed into a full on project with members of Immolation, Tombs and others join the ranks to bring this occult metal band to life. Upstate New York’s up and coming premier metal venue, Trickshots Billiards in Clifton Park, is lucky enough to house one of two special performances by the band on the east coast in support of their new record, thanks in part to the tireless efforts of Joelggernaut Productions.

    Also appearing on the bill will be local heavy bands Purifier, The Final Sleep and Black Iron Prison. Doors are at 7pm, and the $10 cover ensures you get a night you won’t soon forget, and shouldn’t miss out on, for every band brings something unique to the stage. Check out more details at the Facebook event here.

    For a taste of Gospel of the Witches new record Salem’s Wounds check out “The Alchemist”.

  • Sworn Enemy to Support Biohazard at Bogies March 28

    Queens, NY metal core titans Sworn Enemy, who are on tour in support of their newest release “Living On Borrowed Time”. On their current tour with Brooklyn’s own Biohazard, they will be making a stop at Albany’s legendary punk and metal venue, Bogies at the end of March. Sworn Enemy who formed back in 2001 has proven time after time that their blend of old school hardcore definitely withstands the test of time. By delivering that extra heavy crunch and killer riffs it’s no question as to why 18 years later these guys are still crushing it.

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    The Band – Sal Lacoco (Vocals), Matt Garzilli (Guitar), Mike Pucciarelli (Bass Guitar), Jeff Cummings (Guitar), Taykwuan Jackson (Drums).

    Sworn Enemy will play Bogies in Albany on March 28, tickets can be purchased online HERE.

    Links:
    Facebook Event

    Bogies Albany, NY

  • Theatre Nocturne: Horror. Melancholy. Metal.

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    Founded in September 2011, Theatre Nocturne has been a force to be reckoned with in Buffalo’s underground metal scene.

    They’re influenced by bands like At the Gates, The Black Dahlia Murder, Dark Tranquillity, and other authorities on dark melancholic riffing; so you know what you’re getting yourself into just a few seconds into your first listen. But they aren’t your typical euro-influenced note fest. Theatre Nocturne proudly stands for horror, melancholy, metal and a dash of teeth grinding death riffing of a style all their own. Having just recently parted ways with vocalist Justin Foley, their lineup is currently comprised of Erik Wagonblott (guitar), Kenny Zotara (guitar), Justin Herzog (bass) and Mike Paquette (drums).

    These boys have really raised the bar for other locals pursuing similar sounds in this already prevalent genre, having already shared the stage with bands like Arsis and Skeletonwitch. They’ve also already recorded two EPs, which more than secured their seats among Buffalo’s local metal greats. Anhedonia was recorded in August 2012 and Depictions of Life and Death followed in January 2014. Now, they’re on the hunt for a new vocalist, having just finished recording their first full length with Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY.

    The new album is currently untitled and features ten tracks that are said to be, “heavier and more diverse” than anything they’ve written to date. Every song is brand new and is being kept a closely guarded secret, until the band returns to the stage at Stamps Bar in Tonawanda, NY – April 22.  It’s been a prosperous and groundbreaking ride for Theatre Nocturne thus far, and with their new vocalist (whoever that turns out to be), they’re bound to keep on dominating Buffalo and beyond for years to come.

    You can check out their recordings and merch at www.theatrenocturne.bandcamp.com.

  • Old Boy Records 2015 Spring Showcase

    Old Boy Records is holding their 2015 Spring Showcase in the Center for the Arts of Homer – a repurposed church – on Friday March 27.  The Upstate New York record label was founded in 2005 by Chris Merkley with a focus on representing the next wave of American Roots musicians.

    Ten years later – Old Boy Records represents over a dozen artists from Upstate New York, Nashville and New York City.  In addition to helping bands collaborate on shows and recordings – Old Boy also has their hand in creating custom music for television and film.

    old boy records showcase

    The showcase will feature acoustic performances from seven acts on two stages, including Driftwood who has created an exceptionally strong presence in the folk/Americana community.  In addition to Driftwood – Merkley and band mate Stiv Morgan will be performing.  Merkley and Morgan have been playing music together for over 15 years, and founded the band Digger Jones based out of Cortland, New York.   Also on the list of performers is Los Blancos, whose eclectic mix of blues, funk, soul, country and Latin music has been a staple of the Syracuse music scene for years.

    The music will start at 6pm, with performances taking place between the Community Room and Main Stage throughout the night.  Tickets are available by calling the Center for the Arts of Homer at (607) 749-4900 or online. The Center is located at 72 S Main St in Homer, NY.

    For a taste of what’s to come, here are some videos from this years Old Boy Records Showcase performers:

    Driftwood

    Chris Merkley and Stiv Morgan

    Los Blancos

    The Falconers

    Nate & Kate

    Gabe Cummins

  • Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is Bringing the Spring Steady Tour to Syracuse

    Trucking across the country with their fourth studio album “Steady” on their shoulders, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad will be dropping by the Westcott Theater on March 21, to resurrect a night of deluxe reggae spirit for Syracuse.  Steady was released in september of 2014, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae chart, #1 on iTunes Reggae Chart, and is the Rochester, NY based quintets’ first collaboration with Easy Star Records.

    The GPGDS, as many fans know them by, have been writing, recording, and performing music since 2001 while they were still in high school. The band played local and regional shows, while focusing on performing live for the next few years. In 2005, friends and fans began taping their live shows for fun and sharing their progress with the live music community, which quickly built up a national fan base accompanied by continuous touring schedules.    Their hard work and success have nursed a rising career, which we are in store for this week and may even hear some new material from their upcoming album (due out in May), titled Bright Days!  Bringing with them to celebrate, are an extraordinary crew of  musicians, the High Hopes Band from Boston, MA and fellow Rochester, NY group Danielle Ponder and The Tomorrow People as special guests.

    With their Spring Steady Tour under way since March 12, the 20 date tour includes major highlighted events such as the California Roots Festival and Arise Music Festival in Colorado.  This run of shows will also bring the Upstate New York natives back home to Ithaca on April 9, Albany the following evening, and Buffalo on April 11. Saturday, March 21 the band will play the Westcott Theater in Syracuse with special guests Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People, High Hopes Band. Doors open at 7PM and the show starts at 8PM. This is an all ages show, tickets are $15 in advance and $18 day of the show.

    Websites:

    http://LivePanda.com/

    http://www.highhopesreggae.com

    http://www.reverbnation.com/danielleponderthetomorrowpeople

  • An Interview with Steve Molitz of Particle

    NYS Music recently has a chance to sit down and talk to Steve Molitz of Particle about all things going on Particle.

    Particle have always had an eclectic mix of musicians. From moe. guitarist Al Schiner to the legendary Joe Satriani, the pattern has remained unchanged. Beginning last year, Brothers Past bassist Clay Parnell joined the group, opening many new doors for the band to explore, and explore they did. This year the additions continue as The Disco Biscuits’ Allen Aucion joins the band on drums. Aucoin, who joined the Biscuits after winning a drum off in 2007 to replace founding member Sam Altman, has been playing under his moniker Dr. Fameus, while the Disco Biscuits tour schedule has slowed down. His sound, blended with Particle, can only lead to endless possibilities. The fast pace grooves that Particle provides will be complimented superbly.

    Particle and special guests, Greenhouse Lounge, are coming to town March 19 at the Putnam Den in Sarartoga Springs. Tickets are $15 dollars and can be purchased here. This is going to be a special evening that may not be repeated.

    Jimmy Chambers: How did Allen Aucoin end up on this tour with you guys?

    Steve Molitz: Allen and I had played a handful of shows together in the past (The Space Lab, Everyone Orchestra, etc.), and we’ve always gotten along famously (pun intended) – both on and offstage. Our bassist Clay Parnell has toured extensively with Allen in their electronic duo Dr Diesel, so when Particle discovered that we needed a drummer (our previous drummer was unable to tour), Allen was a very natural choice. He had a break in his Disco Biscuits schedule, so the timing worked out perfectly. We’re so excited to have him out with us, and we’re all really having a blast on the road together…

    JC: Has the Particle sound change since?

    SM: Fans can still expect to hear that classic Particle sound, but it has definitely evolved since Allen started playing with us. He’s such a skilled and powerful player, and he has such incredible pacing in the jams. He’s a very creative player, and I love the way he approaches the songs and elevates the music.  We’ve been getting into deeper electronic grooves on the recent tours, and this rhythm section lays down such a massive and dynamic foundation. Allen brings a fresh perspective to the songs from the Launchpad era, and he’s a perfect fit for the newer, more electronic songs…

    JC: Have you, having been in Phil and friends, been in contact with anyone for the Grateful Dead 50 celebrations?

    SM: I reached out to congratulate the guys when they made their big announcement, and I think it’s so cool that they are all so genuinely excited about the shows. I’m so happy for them that they have reached this epic milestone, and I know the shows are going to be really special. And although I can’t announce anything officially yet, I will say that there’s a very good chance you’ll see me and Particle both playing multiple shows in Chicago that weekend…

    JC:. How do you feel the band’s momentum has increased over the last year?

    SM: Things come in waves, and it’s been such a thrill to watch Particle pick up so much momentum in the last year. The band was on a sort of an unannounced semi-hiatus for the past seven years, but we’re 100% back in action now, and it feels so good to be completely immersed in Particle again. We’ll probably play 75-100 shows this year, and we are putting the finishing touches on a new album in the next few weeks. We’ve debuted a bunch of new original songs on this tour, and we’re really trying to write set lists that challenge us to explore uncharted territory in our improvisations each night. There has definitely been a noticeable change in the feeling at the shows, and the recent surge of energy and excitement from the fans has been so inspiring.

    JC:. What are the bands summer plans?

    SM: Write, record, release, rehearse, TOUR, rinse, and repeat

  • Bobaflex to Rock Putnam Den with Local Band’s CD Release

    The day after St. Patricks Day is a day of recovery, or in some cases, a way to keep the party going. The Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs will be providing a full night of rock and roll to ensure that the fun doesn’t stop. The March 18 show is Bobaflex with some ‘can’t miss’ music coming to this area.

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    First up will be Dead Superstar from Long Island. The band has played this area before, and be prepared to have their high energy, heavy alternative rock kick off the night in the right way. they have been playing shows with Bobaflex already, and have a brand new single, “Searching For the Sun” out on iTunes.

    Next up is the local juggernaut that is JCHA. (Jesus Christ and the Hallucinogenic Allstars). These guys have been bringing consistent quality rock shows with their residency at the Putnam Den, and this one is the culmination of all that hard work. The band is primed to release their new EP, Cosmic Annihilation at this show, and every single person that walks through the door gets to leave with a copy. NYSMusic premiered the single, “Dying in Leather“, and the rest of the EP will surely be revealed at this show. JCHA signature light show with on stage witch doctor is a spectacle in itself, and a live performance that no one should miss.

    Bobaflex is headlining this night of awe inspiring rock, and they will most likely tear the roof off the place. They are widely considered one of the hardest working bands in the industry, and have been relentless in touring the country since their formation in 1998. Their live performance is full of incredible energy and will be sure to get the entire crowd moving and having a hell of a time. Their seventh album is coming out in June of 2015, so hopefully the audience will be privy to some of that new material.

    The doors open at 7pm, and the show stars off at 7:30. $15 gets you in the door and a copy of the JCHA record in your hands. See more details at the Facebook event here.

  • moe. to Play Binghamton’s Forum Theatre

    The jam band titans that comprise moe. will play their first show in Binghamton since 1996 on Wednesday, March 11. A mainstay on the circuit for the past quarter century, moe. celebrates its silver anniversary in 2015. The group formed at the University at Buffalo in 1989 and has not slowed down since

    Wednesday night’s show at the Forum Theatre in Binghamton kicks off a four night New York run. Following the Upstate gig, moe. heads to New York City for three nights, including Friday and Saturday night performances at the Best Buy Theater. The Western New York natives show the Empire State plenty of love; they have hosted fifteen straight moe.downs in Turin, NY and recently rang in 2015 at Albany’s Palace Theater. The Binghamton show on March 11 is moe.’s only scheduled Upstate show on the calendar besides a Thursday night headlining set at Mountain Jam 11.

    Special guests Cabinet kick off the evening of music at 7:30. Tickets can be purchased here.