Category: Albany

Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin and Sevendust Show Rocks Alive and Well in Albany

Rock fans filled up the Times Union Center on November 23 as Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin and Sevendust heated up the Albany area arena with three incredible live performances by three of today’s top rock acts. Albany’s rock family was out in full force to witness the star-studded, Hall of Fame caliber rock lineup, that not only consisted of some of the best musicians in the business, but also three of today’s top rock frontmen: Shinedown’s Brent Smith, Benjamin Burnley of Breaking Benjamin and Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust.

For a Monday night, some would expect the crowd to be more laid back since it’s the start of most people’s work week, but that was not the case here as the fans in the arena were pumped and ready for a rock show. Even Upstate New York’s own Maria Brink from the band In This Moment, was in attendance as a fan with friends and family. Machine Head drummer Phil Demmel was also hanging out at the show.

First to grace the stage for the night was Atlanta, Georgia natives Sevendust. One by one each band member took the stage as the bass vibrated the whole building. Frontman Lajon Witherspoon stood front and center and asked the crowd “How y’all doing tonight?” The crowd screamed and once again Witherspoon asked the question to even louder screams from the crowd. Witherspoon then asked the crowd “Do you know who we are?” Witherspoon then shouted “We are Sevendust, let me see everybody’s hands in the air.” As the band went into the second song of the night “Driven,” Witherspoon asked the crowd if they were ready.

Before the band played the song “Not Today,” from the bands new album Kill the Flaw, the always emotional Witherspoon stopped for a minute to have a heartfelt talk with the fans. Witherspoon stated:

It’s a pleasure for us to be here. To be in your town. We’re a band, we go by the name of Sevendust. A lot of times, I feel like I have to build a relationship, with those that don’t know who we are. I’m not afraid of that. I like to say ah, you can love us, you can hate us, but you can’t fucking defeat us. With that being said, Were very proud to be out here with our brothers, from a band that goes by the name of Shinedown.

Witherspoon went on to thank everyone who helped on the tour, and those who have taken care of them by helping take situations that don’t feel like home, and that these people made them feel at home.

Witherspoon then asked the crowd, what do you guys know about Breaking Benjamin, to screams from the fans. Witherspoon then went on to say “Can you feel the energy? I said can you feel the energy, as fans yelled back. See now I feel like this relationship is starting to build.”

Witherspoon then asked the crowd if they wanted to hear a new song, and told fans to put their hands in the air. As the band played the intro, Witherspoon told the fans that were sitting in seats to put their hands in the air. Witherspoon then added “You get to sit down when you go back to your house tonight. Are you having a good time right now? Albany make some fucking noise.”

Witherspoon got all choked up when he gave an emotional speech about the recent tragedies in France before the bands song “Angels Son.” Witherspoon said:

Have you ever heard of the song ‘Angels Son?’ Tonight I’m dedicating it, because of the terrible things that have gone on in our world that we live in. The last couple of weeks, I’m talking about what happened in Paris. And I can’t believe it touched so close to home cause we had a few people that we knew that died over there, and what I’m trying to say is how very lucky, and how very blessed we are to be in this building together, and to be safe. See to me war is when you have someone on the other side and you know he has a gun, we have a gun and there’s a certain means, we have to do a certain thing. I don’t believe its a war when you go into a beautiful building (pauses as he chokes up for a few seconds) and you blow up people who have no freakin’ chance. Does that make sense to you guys? So what I have to say is, lets stay together, lets stay strong and lets not let them crazy motherfuckers scare us. Cause it’s not suppose to be like this, it’s not suppose to be like this, so we dedicate Angel’s Son to all those beautiful people that we lost.

Sevndust closed their set as Witherspoon introduced the last song for them of the night “Thank You,” by saying the song is a testimony to everything the band and he fans have been through together. He then added when it comes to fans of Sevendust, that he feels like they don’t have concerts, they have family reunions.

Sevendust Setlist: Black, Driven, Not Today, Angel’s Son, Shine, Thank You

Breaking Benjamin walked on the stage to the opening theme from the movie Star Wars, which frontman Ben Burnley is a big fan of. Burnley even sports the droid BB-8 from the upcoming Star Wars movie The Force Awakens. Breaking Benjamin then went from Star Wars to the first song in the setlist “So Cold.”

Burnley introduced the song Unknown Soldier by saying:

Right now I wanna take this time to send this next song out to every single man, and every single woman in this audience tonight that served this country. Your bravery, your courage, and your self-sacrifice, stand above all others in the world. It is because of those things, that America is the greatest country in the world. We are all indebted to you for your service. For without the service, of our soldiers and our veterans, we would not be up here playing rock & roll, you would not be out there listening to music, and we would not be having a concert tonight. Thank you or your sacrifices, thank you for the pain you have to endure in order for us to be here tonight.

Burnley then said to fans “Everyone of you, has a great heart, and you are thankful for the things that you have, you are thankful for the things that you have earned, you are thankful for the gifts that you are given. You have the things that you have, and you get the gifts that you get because of the service of our veterans and our soldiers.” This broke out a U.S.A chant from the crowd with help from Burnley.

Burnley decided to give his vocals a rest on the next song, and handed over the lead vocal duties to the fourth song in the set, “Sooner Or Later,” to guitarist Keith Wallen who sang the song as if was his own.

Breaking Benjamin then went into a small medley of songs that kicked off the “Imperial March Theme” from Star Wars. Burnley, from the catwalk behind the drummer sported a red light saber and said to the crowd that there is a new Star Wars movie on the horizon and showed his loyalty to the Empire.

In an amazing sight during the song “Give Me A Sign,” Burnley took a break to ask the crowd to pull out their cell phones and turn their flashes on. Burnley then went on to say “Alright, now were gonna do something. Were gonna turn off every light in this building, every single light on this stage, turn all of it off. Right now. Right at this moment. The only light that you see in this room, is the light that your shining yourself, and there is no other light than what you are shining right now. We are so grateful for that light. Without that light Albany, we would be in pitch black dark right now. Since you brought us into the light and out of the darkness, I want to sing this together as one. We’re gonna do this as one. And I wanna sing this so loud that we tear a hole in the roof. Can you do that Albany, New York?” Burnley and the fans then closed out the song together.

Burnley once again, then gave away the lead vocal duties for a song, but this time to bassist Aaron Bruch. Bruch then sang the song “Believe,” from the bands second studio album We Are Not Alone.

Burnley thanked the fans after the song “I Will Not Bow,” for their support. Burnley the told the fans that there is not a day that goes by, that he is not grateful to be up here on stage playing for you guys tonight. “You guys are so awesome. When you play for such an incredible audience, all of you fans in here, all of us up here, we’re nothing without you, we love you so much for that. Thank you so much.”

Burnley then reminisced to fans about growing up and going to concerts.

When I was young. I used to come to rock concerts just like this, and arenas just like this. I would stand here, I would stand there. When I went to go see my favorite bands, I would stare at this stage, and I would want to be up there so bad. I wanted to up there playing, or up there playing with my favorite band, you name it. I just wanted to be on this stage and it’s a dream come true to be on this stage. I want to thank you fans. Thank you for making all of our dreams come true.

Burnley then asked if there was some rebels (children) out in the audience who want to stand on stage with Breaking Benjamin for one last song. Breaking Benjamin closed out their set with “The Diary Of Jane,” with a stage full of kids rocking along side them.

Breaking Benjamin Setlist: So Cold, Angels Fall, Unknown Soldier, Sooner Or Later, Ashes Of Eden, Blow Me Away, Failure, Breathe, Medley (Imperial March, Schism, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Walk), Polyamorous, Give Me A Sign, Believe, I Will Not Bow, The Diary Of Jane

The National Anthem started to play throughout the venue followed by Jay-Z’s “99 Problems.” Only thing left was for the black curtain with a huge Shinedown logo to drop.

Shinedown came right out with authority. Looks like their pyro fit the fire code of the Times Union Center, as there were explosions, flames and sparklers throughout their set. Fans were ready for the bands high energy and Smith’s on stage theatrics to kick off.

Shinedown started off with the first single from the new album Threat To Survival, “Cut the Cord.” After the curtain dropped frontman Brent Smith stood on the catwalk and sang the song elevated behind drummer Barry Kerch.

After the opening song “Cut the Cord,” frontman Brent Smith asked the screaming fans, what’s going on? Smith then asked , whats up? Smith then said to the crowd “It’s been far too long wouldn’t you agree? It’s such a pleasure to be here tonight. Thank you so much for showing up on this cold, cold Monday night.” After cheers from the audience Smith then asked if everyone was in a good mood? Smith then asked the crowd if they had a wonderful week last week. After screams from the fans, Smith replied “Well we’re gonna start out with a phenomenal week, this week,” to more screams from fans.

Before moving on to the next song “Fly From the Inside,” Smith asked the crowd to give themselves a round of applause after he told them that he was always amazed by the fans that come out to a show. Smith then turned to drummer Barry Kerch in his hypnotizing voice “Mr. Kerch, so you have the floor. So why don’t you set the tone for what’s about to happen this evening.”

Smith told the crowd after the song “You see, you’re right about right here.” Smith held his hand flat out in front of him. Smith then added that where they need the crowd to be is right here, as Smith raised his hand and turned it into a thumbs up. Smith then added “Don’t worry, we’ll get you there.”

Now if you never been to a Shinedown concert, this is the part where Smith makes the crowd into one big rock family. Smith said to the crowd “Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girls. If this is you very first time ever seeing Shinedown raise your hands. Ok listen up, before we can go any further, we have to take care of something extremely important. So everybody in the building look to your left. Now look to your right. There’s a reason for this. See the person standing next to you right now. You may have never met them before tonight’s event. So we’re gonna change that. Everyone turn to you neighbor right now cause we want to see you shaking each other’s hands, giving each other high fives and telling everybody how nice it is to see them at the show.

Smith then went on and started shaking hands with the security team in front of him, and the photographers that graced the photo pit below as fans all got acquainted with each other.

Next song on the setlist, “If You Only Knew,” Smith told the fans that this song is for the ladies. Smith then said to the crowd “So guys, gentlemen, if your with your girl, grab her.” He jokingly added , ladies, if your with your girl, grab her, to laughter and cheers from fans. During the song Smith threw out a bunch of red roses to the ladies in the crowd.

Smith had the arena shaking when he asked fans to jump in unison to the song “Enemies.” Before the song Smith asked, “Ladies and gentlemen, do you know how we jump at a rock shows? Smith then said that this was the fans moment to reach for the stars. Smith then stated:

You see, there is already a ceiling on the building, but in Shinedown, we don’t believe I ceilings. They don’t exist to us. Smith then asked the fans to put their arms around each other and jump as one big family. So when I say go, we bounce as a family cause there is no such thing as a Shinedown fan. We don’t call them that. There is nothing in our world but Shinedown family, and that’s where you are tonight. That’s who is in front of you. So at this moment in time that person next to you, that’s your family.

Before playing another new song from their new album, Smith now took the time to explain to the crowd about the bands new record and why they go in the direction musically that the band choses to go in for each album:

So, I don’t know who wrote this down somewhere in history. Especially, the history of rock & roll, that you weren’t allowed to dance anytime like after the year 2000. Boggles my mind. On September 18 of this year, we released a record called Threat to Survival, which some of you might have. Thank you. Here’s the thing, we’re not hardwired to make the same record twice. We’ve never done it, never going too, cause that’s not growing. That’s not being artistic. When we write songs, we have to write about what we know.”

Smith then asked for the house lights to be turned down. As the arena went black, Smith then said to the crowd “Just listen to my voice. And if you don’t mind, would you show us that there stars out there in Albany.”

Smith went on to say “Here’s the thing. every lighter you got, every cell phone you own. Anything that shines. The whole place, and you gotta keep them up the whole time during the song and just follow us. Alright? Cause ladies and gentleman, it is officially time to dance.” Shinedown then played “State of my Head.”

Even though fans sung word for word, with every song during Shinedown’s set, fans were most vocal throughout the song “Second Chance,” singing every word loud and clear along wit Smith.

Smith and guitarist Zach Myers, stayed on stage for the bands cover of “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Smith and Myers kept looking at each other in amazement as the fans hit every note during the song. The way the fans sang the words “simple kind of man” back to Smith, who held the mic out over the crowd sent chills through Smith and Myers body.

Shinedown closed out the show in style with the pyro set on all cylinders to final song of the night “The Sound of Madness.” Smith closed the show by thanking Sevendust and Breaking Benjamin and the fans. Smith then stated that Albany was the most vocal crowd on the tour.

Class act Smith ended by saying “Thank you all so much for showing up. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Be good, be good to each other and God bless you all.”

Smith then said his signature line “It’s never goodbye, It’s just til’ next time.” Smith told drummer Barry Kerch to lock it down and ended the show with four pyro blast as Kerch hit the drums I sync with the explosions.

Shinedown Setlist: Cut the Cord, Fly From the Inside, If You Only Knew, Unity, The Crow & The Butterfly, Diamond Eyes, I’ll Follow You, Enemies, State Of My Head, Bully, How Did You Love, Second Chance, Simple Man, Sound of Madness

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December 1, 2015
Leftover Salmon Returns to The Egg on December 2

Jamgrass legends Leftover Salmon make their return to The Egg on December 2. Bassist Greg Garrison spoke with NYSMusic about the group’s first time back in Albany since the 2003, the group’s influence on the jamgrass scene, their songwriting process and release of the live album 25.

For fans of bluegrass and its speedier cousin, jamgrass, the welcoming atmosphere can be felt as “a happy, fun festival vibe,” as Garrison describes it. The upbeat, progressive improv nature of Yonder Mountain String Band and Greensky Bluegrass can trace itself back to Leftover Salmon, whose unique genre of Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass is an instant jolt of energy to audiences around the country. Bringing the audience to their feet at The Egg will be thanks in part to drummer Alwyn Robinson, a role often not filled in typical bluegrass acts. “The fact we have always had a drummer and looked to find a well-versed and good drummer, and with our current drummer Alwyn Robinson from Brooklyn, kept up with the tradition of energetic drummers that we’ve had,” noted Garrison.

There are of course other bands who preceded Leftover Salmon in their contributions to the jamgrass scene. Hot Rize, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Newgrass Revival paved the way for Leftover, marking a lineage that dates back to the early 1980s, connecting current jamgrass-descendants with their predecessors. Over the years, Garrison has seen bands come and go, and the sound changed ever so slightly over time. “The faces and names of the bands have changed, and some have done better than others, like Railroad Earth and String Cheese Incident, who are paving the way for how far you can push the genre as far as crowd and sound. The ones who stay a little truer to roots – Yonder Mountain String Band and Greensky Bluegrass and the like, you could listen to them 10 years ago and now, while the material might change and playing has gotten better, it has matured, it’s still the same.”

Greg Garrison, photo by Andrew Wyatt

The evolved newgrass sound can be found within their recorded albums as well. On their albums High Country and Aquatic Hitchhiker, listeners can find songs that change as they are performed live, whereas Garrison notes, “some will stretch out a little bit and we see where it takes us, and take a simple arrangement and continually use it as a vehicle live.”

Songwriting on recent studio albums has been fresh songs that had not been road-tested. Songs were written individually outside the studio and once in the studio, arranged as a band and lyrics edited to polish the final product. “Andy Thorn (banjo) was a live player since before he joined us. He used to see us when he was 15 years old. Now, he’ll come up with a tune that is a fully formed Leftover Salmon tune before we get a hold of it.”

25, a celebration of Leftover Salmon’s 25 years of music, was released over Thanksgiving weekend. Selecting the tracks was a feat, taking three years’ worth of shows and trimming the list down to 50-60 recordings to choose from. “It took a better part of a year to dig through it all and get what we wanted. Mario Casilio (sound engineer) spent time in the studio together mixing it and making sure it sounded good enough as a representation of the band. It’s the first album I’ve been able to produce for the band. I feel like we picked some interesting tunes that don’t get played very often, like an old version of “Blister in the Sun,” which we play once a year, so to capture a good one of those is great.

“Bill Payne (Little Feat) playing with us for the past couple years (all but one track features Bill) has helped us move in the direction of filling some spaces in a collective improvisation kind of way. We had a horn section with us at the Boulder Theater last year – it sounds like Leftover Salmon but the stuff is definitely unexpected and made it sound really good, and much better than just pulling something off of archive.org, but there’s nothing wrong with that, I do it too.”

Back in the Northwest for New Year Eve, Leftover Salmon will be joined by Skerik and Bill Payne in Portland, followed by shows in Alaska, Fort Collins, CO, a three week run in March and April, as well as the annual Ski Tour, which will include a mini-festival at The Stanley Park Hotel in Estes Park, CO. Unique to the Rocky Mountain-based band are events like Winter Wondergrass in Lake Tahoe, NV and Colorado, an outdoor bluegrass fest in the winter. “Everyone braves it and has a good time, plus we have a few shows in Chicago at The Vic Theater. We’ll be out and about doing our thing.”

Leftover Salmon continue their Northeast run with stops at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT on December 3, Brighton Music Hall in Boston, MA on December 4 and The Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT on December 5.

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November 30, 2015
Jam for Tots Brings Holiday Joy and Music to The Capital District

Jam for Tots, a music benefit series held throughout New York State each holiday season, returns with host Luke Weiler who has been holding the benefit shows 2008.

With events held at The Hollow in Albany, Putnam Den in Saratoga, Last Chance Cheese (Tavern) in Tannersville and Aaron’s Irish Pub in Gloversville, intimate shows are on tap with a variety of live music as well as a chance to donate gifts and raise money for the neediest this holiday season. Weiler feels encouraged for this year’s Jam for Tots. “I’m so excited to see what takes place this year as I am always excited about the events and the vibe that we can all create collectively as Jam For Tots keeps going strong another year.”

The impact of the donations raised by Jam for Tots is quite impressive. “We have donated about $20,000 worth of toys over the last 8 years. We’ve had exceptionally amazing years where we had $10,000 in toys total, and years where we only had two events that raised about $2,000,” shared Weiler. “All bands donate their performances and with four events this year, I am looking forward to a good amount of toy donations, hopefully at least $2,000. I set attainable goals and more the better if we surpass the goal.”

As a holiday event, Jam for Tots is something that is feel good and fun to be a part of. These intimate events help to bring joy to many kids over the Christmas season. Bring a toy and get free admission to each of the Jam for Tots events in November and December.

November 25, 2015
Updated: Wanda Jackson Cancels Dec. 5 Show at Cohoes Music Hall

Updated Nov. 30: Due to a recent knee injury, Wanda Jackson has had to cancel the Dec. 5 appearance at the Cohoes Music Hall. All ticket holders will receive a full refund through Brown Paper Tickets. There are no details on the possibility of rescheduling the performance.

We wish Wanda a speedy recovery and strong return to the stage.

The Queen of Rock is making her way to The Cohoes Music Hall on Saturday, Dec. 5.

A 2009 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Wanda Jackson returns to the Capitol District bringing a long career’s worth of material with her.

Jackson started playing music at a young age, encouraged by her father to learn guitar during the Second World War, also being exposed to artists like Tex Williams, Spade Cooley and Bob Willis at the same time. After she gained attention for herself through hosting a radio program on KLPR while in high school, her father continued to support her by becoming her road manager in her early career.

Over the years she has had incredible success, scoring hits early with “Fujiyama Mama” and a take on Elvis’ “Let’s Have A Party.” Though primarily a rockabilly singer, Jackson bounced around from that and country music from time to time, and released three gospel records in the 1970s.

After her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, Jackson connected with a younger generation of genuine rock and roll musicians and began working with Jack White on an album. That album became known as The Party Ain’t Over, released in January 2011, and included covers of Dylan’s “Thunder on the Mountain” and the Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good.”

Now, after 60 years of touring, Wanda Jackson brings a fruitful career of rock and roll to The Cohoes Music Hall on Saturday, Dec. 5. Local Albany rockabilly band The Lustre Kings will open the evening; they’ve joined with Jackson on many occasions over the past few years. Jackson herself is quoted on the Lustre Kings’ website:

I have worked with many bands around the world through the years, and none are better than Mark Gamsjager and the Lustre Kings. Their fine showmanship and musical ability make them the greatest in my book. THEY ROCK!!

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and are available through Brown Paper Tickets.

November 24, 2015
Darius Rucker Wheels Into New York and Brings The Party to Syracuse & Albany

Ever since having the opportunity to interview Darius Rucker for NYS Music, I was anxiously awaiting Darius’s arrival in New York as a little kid would be awaiting Christmas morning. His genuine easy going manner during his interview was only a mere foreshadowing of how dynamic this entertainer was. Raising the roof at the Oncenter War Memorial in Syracuse and the Times Union Center in Albany, he played to the crowd like a pro athlete. How could he not with the hat trick he had in store for us? The evenings lineup was definitely stacked to ensure winning performances as newcomers Cam and David Nail got the house a rockin’ before Darius came in to score the final winning goal.

Opening the evening was newcomer Cam. Hailing from California, this dynamic young lady has made her mark in country music in a huge way. Catching the attention of this journalist with her recent release of Burning House, she has been on my radar from the moment I heard her unique sound, her deep lyrics, and melodic voice. She’s fresh and energizing and took the stage like a ball of fire bouncing around delivering a set that didn’t disappoint. I urge you to remember her name as she will soon be head lining and selling out arenas all by herself as a top entertainer in the business. No tomato here.

Next up was David Nail. Nail’s persona was a bit more subdued, however don’t let his quiet demeanor hinder his ability to wow you. The moment he opens his mouth this strong sultry country crooner melts your heart and mesmerizes you. Singing his hits “Whatever She’s Got,” “Let It Rain,” and “Kiss You Tonight,” Nail nailed it.

As Darius took to the stage, his opening number was a celebration of lights and a bit reminiscent of Elvis’ “A Little Less Conversation,” minus the scaffolding. He continued on that momentum and revved it up a bit more playing all of his country hits while interspersing bits and pieces from not only his Hootie & The Blowfish catalog but also other favorite covers from the Black Crowes to Blackstreet. Have to say, my favorite ditty of the evening, hands down was “No Diggity.”

Darius has a way of connecting with his audience because he leaves it all out there on the stage. His comedic manner of asking people to stop taking photos of him when he comes over to sing to them, gave us a glimpse of his sense of humor. And just for the record, the man had groove. He could move it and didn’t have a problem shaking it while he sang. His no holding back continued throughout the evening as he shares intimate bits and pieces of inspirational moments that brought him to music; personal peeks into his life featuring video footage of his wife and children, and he ultimately shared moments of his true inspiration, his mother. It’s this sharing and connection that makes you feel as though you are a personal friend, and what makes Rucker a true country superstar.

My favorite moment of the night was the encore. As Darius and fellow bandmates returned to the stage for the encore, he shared with the crowd what he coined as “the most honest song he ever wrote,” “So I Sang.” The only song that could possibly have topped that in my book was his cover of Old Crowe Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel” which has become a signature song and which closed out the night.

It was truly a pleasure welcoming Darius Rucker back to the New York region in Syracuse and Albany. This Charlestonian demonstrates what I love most about him and all those I’ve ever met in Charleston, the hospitality they extend, their pride they take in all things family, tradition, and culture, and their honesty in what’s important in life amidst a culture so full of technology, hustle, and bustle. It’s Darius’s music that makes you stop and take notice of all those things around us that are matters. That’s his Southern Style, up front and personal.

November 18, 2015
Mike McDonald Departing Formula 5

Albany jam rockers Formula 5 announced Thursday that founding keyboardist Mike McDonald, is departing the group at the end of 2015 for personal reasons, so he can focus his attention toward building his family.

Here is the announcement as posted on their Facebook page:

Hi friends and fans,

We’ve reached a juncture here in Formula 5 camp and it pains us to announce that our own Mike McDonald will be stepping down as a member of Formula 5 at the end of 2015. Mike has been with us since the beginning and has been a big part of what we have built here with our music, business, and community. As a group, we have been discussing this change for some time now and while it is a very emotional and difficult decision for us all, we all support Mike with his decision to step down and wish him luck in his future endeavors. This decision was made on good terms – it was simply a personal decision that had to be made.

One thing we want to assure everyone of is that Formula 5 will continue on. Mike will always be a big part of Formula 5 but his decision was made to allow F5 to continue to grow, and keep making music and bringing joy to people. And that is what he has urged us to do. While bittersweet, we are accepting of the changes and excited to announce that we will welcome a new member and long-time friend Matt Richards to take over keyboards and vocal duties. Matt is an excellent musician that has experience playing with the prog-funk group The Assortment of Crayons and we are excited to see how this new chapter of Formula 5 evolves. We are very grateful to be able to perform music and appreciate everyone’s continued love and support for F5.

McDonald took to the social media site to express his sincere thanks for his time in the band.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will be stepping down as a member of Formula 5. This was not an easy decision and one that I (and the band) struggled with for quite some time now. First off, I want to say that I love music, I love performing, and I love this band. That isn’t going to change. Writing music with these guys, performing live, learning about the business, and traveling around the northeast and meeting some amazing people and musicians has been phenomenal and something that I will be forever be grateful for. The business side of music can be quite grueling and often not even close to profitable – But this band, the music, its members, our fans, and the northeast music community is something very special and has made it all worth it.

The struggle of balancing my family, my “other” full-time career, and the development of this band has become too much for me to commit to the countless hours I believe are necessary to keep pushing Formula 5 upward with the momentum we have seen over the last few years. Despite all this, it would pain me to see this band simply fade away because of my own personal situation changing. This is something that we, as a band, have discussed greatly over the last year or so. While a very difficult decision for me personally, we all have worked too hard to get where we are today and I would hate to see this band and community fade away – that is why I am stepping down.

But Formula 5 is far from done. These guys are my family and I know that they are making better music than ever before and the future looks very, very bright. The band is very excited to announce that a long-time friend and a fantastic keyboard player and musician, Matt Richards will be stepping in as a new member. He has written and performed with The Assortment of Crayons and I truly think he is a fantastic addition to push Formula 5 into its newest chapter.

Change is good. While still a somber situation for me personally, I strongly urge all of you to still support Formula 5 and the great music that they are and will continue to create.

I will be finishing out the rest of the calendar year playing the next 3 shows with Formula 5 – my last show being on December 12th at dinosaur bbq in Troy. If you feel so inclined, come on out and bid farewell to this chapter of F5.

** Sat Nov 14th – Monopole Bar – Plattsburgh, NY (2 sets) –https://www.facebook.com/events/990469491013152/
** Friday Nov 27th – Annual Black Friday Bash w/ Formula 5, The Jauntee & Sprocket – The Hollow – Albany, NY! – The Hollow Bar + Kitchen – Albany, NY (w/ The Jauntee, Sprocket) –https://www.facebook.com/events/825373814250781/
** Sat Dec 12th – Farewell Show – Dinosaur BBQ – Troy, NY (2 sets)

Thank you to my family, friends, and fans for supporting me throughout the last 5-6 years as I followed one of my dreams.

This post will be updated as more information becomes available.

November 13, 2015
Dave Rawlings Machine Cranks It Up In Buffalo

If you go see a Gillian Welch show, you’ll see her husband Dave Rawlings accompany her on guitar and vocals. If you go see a Dave Rawlings show, you’ll see Welch accompany him on guitar and vocals.

The difference is who’s driving. At a Welch show they’ll play mostly Welch songs, ceding the floor to Rawlings for a number or two. At a Rawlings show, the opposite. And most of the time, Rawlings will round out his band with a few more players. For the current tour they’re on, supporting Dave Rawlings Machine’s just released Nashville Obsolete, they were joined by Brittany Haas on fiddle, Paul Kowert on bass and Willie Watson on guitar, all who make appearances on the album as well.

Bedecked in head-to-toe denim, cowboy hats and long prairie dresses, they certainly dressed the part of the deep-rooted folk they were slinging. With an opening salvo of “Ruby,” “To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)” and “Candy,” they came out guns blazing. Rawlings immediately showcasing his impeccable chops, with Haas entering as the clear and capable second soloist of the group.

Welch grabbed her harmonica for the next song but Rawlings had her return it. “Dave wants me to sing a bummer of a song,” she remarked as they kicked into “The Way That It Goes” off of her Harrow and the Harvest album. This was Rawlings’ show after all. Later in the set he would prompt Watson to swap out his guitar for a fiddle mid-song. “More fiddle!” like the conductor of his own folk freight train.

Everyone, not just Welch, got their turn in the shotgun seat. Watson sang a pair of songs off his Rawlings-produced album Folk Singer Vol. 1 and Kowert was featured on a traditional gospel tune. All members but Haas sang, though she got numerous turns to highlight her fiddle playing throughout the night. Her accompaniment and harmonizing with Rawling’s complicated solos was the secret additive making the Machine run extra hot.

The Machine was most certainly Rawlings’. His clean yet furious picking of his 1935 Epiphone archtop created a highlight-reel’s worth of material. The audience hung on every note, collectively holding their breath as the solos wound to a peak, producing an audible exhaust of CO2 once he made the turn. Just a simple guitar, no pedals or tricks, yet he was able to elicit a library of sound.

During the second set the band would accordion back and forth from the full five-piece down to a couple different trio configurations, and all the way down to the Rawlings/Welch duo for a take on “Sweet Tooth.” Back up to a trio with Watson on banjo, they worked a “This Land Is You Land” perfectly into “I Hear Them All” that turned into a big old singalong just as Pete Seeger would have wanted. Rawlings noted “It’s starting to sound like a real folk concert in here!” To keep the spirit alive they kicked into a Watson-led rendition of “Stewball,” in which the crowd helped balloon the quintet to a band of hundreds.

Early in the set an audience member cried out, “Doesn’t have to be now, but can you play that Dylan song?” Welch quickly retorted, “Which one?!” before Rawlings sought to take back control of his show by stating “We’ve descended into chaos.” But they did play that Dylan song, closing with “Queen Jane Approximately.” They closed out the show in big fashion, with Rawlings grinning widely and bouncing up and down like a rock star, through a blistering solo. It was met with, what wasn’t the first, or last, standing ovation of the night.

Dave Rawlings Machine let Welch take the helm again for an encore of her “Look At Miss Ohio” followed by an a cappella take on “Didn’t Leave Nobody But the Baby” that finally got Haas behind a mic. The crowd wouldn’t let the Machine stop working there though. After another relentless ovation the band was back again for a cover of The Band’s “The Weight.” Another chance for everyone to do some singing, except Haas of course, who ‘sang’ a verse with her fiddle instead. And with that, the Dave Rawlings Machine finally came to a rest.

November 11, 2015
The Revivalists Prove Size Doesn’t Matter in Albany

Upon pulling up to find parking outside The Hollow on November 5, I noticed a familiar face taking a solo stroll down Pearl Street. The late 20s/early 30s man was staring up at the many abandoned buildings that seem to colonize the area as of late. With a closer look, I realized the stranger was Zack Feinberg, guitarist of The Revivalists, the New Orleans based rock hybrid group I was about to see.

Photo Credit: Rocco DeCarlo, 2015

“Oh God, this place must look so lame,” I thought to myself.

Here is a band whose tour has recently included the likes of Telluride and Red Rocks in Colorado, various festivals including Kaaboo, a sold-out Halloween show at the 9:30 club in Washington D.C., and poor Zack here can’t even find a pizza joint open in downtown Albany on a Thursday night.

Fortunately the Hollow was jam packed on this particular evening. A combination of the unseasonably warm weather and the rising popularity for the raw talent of the band. I felt at ease that “Smallbany” would at least provide an energetic crowd, ranging from backwards snap-back sporting college girls to business casual school district administrators who were attending a conference nearby.

Photo Credit: Rocco DeCarlo, 2015

To my surprise, our small city and relatively petite venue seemed to have provided an opportunity for the band to relax and have some fun. While initially pulled back, singer Dave Shaw literally let his impressively voluminous hair down as he bounced about the stage. At times he crouched down so close to the women in the front row, I could practically feel the heat coming from their blushing faces. Had he removed his shirt – as he is known to do – I would have questioned whether we were at a concert or an evening with the Chippendales.
With a few exceptions, the set was mostly tunes from their most recent album Men Amongst Mountains, providing plenty of solo opportunities for the horn section featuring Rob Ingraham on the saxophone and Michael Girardot on trumpet and keys. These two help provide the familiar NOLA sound, while the steel pedal guitar played by Ed Williams announced a twang all his own.

Photo Credit: Rocco DeCarlo, 2015

Shaw continues to woo the ladies by physically joining them in the crowd. Even Williams jumps up from his steel guitar to playfully ask “Why don’t you love me, baby” during “When I’m Able,” a song from their City of Sound album. This particular song provides room for improvisation and crowd interaction. Crystal clear notes rise from the keys, Shaw breaks out the tambourine and an intense faceoff ensues between Feinberg and Williams. These guys are clearly having a blast in Cap City.

After exiting momentarily to take a breath, the septuplet returned to the stage for an encore of “Need You,” an emotionally charged and powerful song from the new album. And finally the cherry on top of this Cajun sundae, the boys closed out the evening with Prince’s “When Doves Cry.” Although they weren’t dressed the part as they did for their Halloween show, the Revivalists nailed the cover while adding their own grit to this pop classic.

If the Revivalists were unimpressed with Albany, it certainly wasn’t evident by the intensity of their set. So there you have it – at least when it comes to cities and venues – size apparently doesn’t matter.

Setlist: Bullet Proof, Stand Up, Fireflies, Amber, Monster, When I’m Able, Keep Going, Fade Away, Criminal, It Was a Sin, Wish I Knew You
Encore: Need You, When Doves Cry

November 10, 2015
Mike Campese Christmas Show in Albany

Hey Albany area rock fans, are you in the holiday spirit? If so, guitar virtuoso Mike Campese will bring his heavy shredding style of hero holiday guitar playing to The Madison Theater in Albany on Saturday, December 5.

Campese and his band will play rock-themed holiday favorites such as “Deck the Halls,” “Grinch,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Auld Lang Syne” and “Silent Night,” to name a few.

Show time starts at 8:30 and tickets cost $10.

Campese has released eight studio albums in his solo career, but the holiday-inspired show will see Campese perform songs from his sixth studio album The Meaning of Christmas, along with some other releases. The well-received album was released in 2008.

Campese is a guitar virtuoso and composer. He is best known for his time as a member of the symphonic speed metal group Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Campese was chosen over several guitarists in 2004. In his first album with the band, Campese received a gold record for his work on TSO’s fourth album, The Lost Christmas Eve.

Campese is no stranger to the Albany area, born right in the New York capital and graduated from Shaker High School in Latham. Campese is an honors graduate from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Growing up around musicians, Campese started playing guitar at the age of 13. His father was a virtuoso violinist and his brother also played guitar.

Fans can also catch Campese in a solo performance at this year’s First Night 2016 in Saratoga Springs at Empire State College’s meeting room #1 – 103 starting at 7 p.m. At midnight, Campese will play to the First Night fireworks inside Congress Park to “rock” in the New Year.

November 9, 2015
Joan Baez Announces Ithaca and Albany Performances February-March 2016

Joan Baez, one of the most recognizable and beautiful voices in folk music will be making two appearances in early 2016 in Upstate New York as part of a tour spanning January through March.

Now 74, Joan Baez has reeled over 50 years of a memorable music career intertwined with activism in social and political movements, from the 1960s civil rights movement through the Iraq War and more recent Occupy Wall Street movement. With her first record released in 1960, she has released 23 more studio records and about half of that number in live recordings. A Staten Island native, Baez began her career spreading out from Cambridge, Massachusetts, where her father took a position at MIT before her professional career took root at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival.

Baez has recently announced several tour dates in early 2016. Her first New York stop will be at the State Theater in Ithaca on Feb. 26. Tickets are available in a pre-sale now, with a public on sale starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 6. Her second New York performance is March 25 at The Egg in Albany.

Baez also has a few other performances scheduled for the northeast including New Hampshire, Connecticut and Vermont. Check out her tour website for more information on her other performances.

November 5, 2015