NYS Music 20​15

Category: Albany

  • Guthrie Bell Productions and 102.7 EQX present “Howling on the Hudson” series this summer

    Guthrie Bell Productions and WEQX 102.7 just announced a new music series called “Howling on the Hudson” taking place this summer on the Dutch Apple Cruise Ship. The first round of bands features Eastbound Jesus, Conehead Buddha and Gubbulidis (Twiddle Duo). The series will feature six shows taking place on Tuesday nights. The Dutch Apple Cruise Ship is an ideal venue with three floors, both indoor and outdoor, offering a beautiful scenic view, a full bar and plenty of dance space. The ship boards at 6:30 PM in downtown Albany and departs promptly at 7, returning to dock at 10. Tickets are 22.00 in advance (Available May 1) and 25.00 at the door.

    DutchApple

    The Capital District is infamous for the weekly music events such as Rockin on the River in Troy and Albany’s Alive at Five. Here’s hoping this becomes a yearly tradition.

    Howling on the Hudson

    Tues. June 9 : Eastbound Jesus

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6hk8V4jy8U]

    Tues. June 23 : Conehead Buddha

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKuaIt6kywM]

    Tues. July 7 : Gubbulidis (Twiddle Duo)

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huGd6KGPV6I&w=560&h=315]

  • Josh Groban to Visit Upstate NY

    Multi-platinum recording artist, Josh Groban has announced a North American Fall Tour and will hit NY multiple times. Groban will make stops in Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo and NYC supporting his new album Stages. The Stages Tour will visit specially selected theaters to give fans a more intimate concert setting versus those accustomed to seeing him perform in arenas.

    Groban will serenade fans at The Beacon Theatre in NYC on Sept. 29,  The Palace Theatre in Albany on Oct. 3, The Landmark Theatre in Syracuse on Oct. 6 and Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo on Oct. 7. Tickets are currently on sale at livenation.com and with every ticket purchase – fans will receive their choice of a physical or digital copy of Stages.

    josh groban NYStages is a collection of Groban’s renditions of some of the best musical theater songs of all time. It was produced by Humberto Gatica and Bernie Herms in both Los Angeles and London’s Abbey Road (with a 75-piece orchestra taboot). The album features songs from Les Miserables, The Wizard of Oz, Sweeny Todd, Phantom of the Opera and much more.

    Groban describes the album as “gorgeously arranged songs that have stood the test of time.” An exclusive edition of the album will be available at Target containing two extra tracks. Until the Stages Tour kicks off in September, Josh Groban will be making plenty of television appearances on Good Morning America on April 28, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Live! with Kelly and Michael on April 29, and Dancing With The Stars on May 5. He will also sing the National Anthem at the 2015 Kentucky Derby on May 2.

  • Season Finale at The Massry Center with The Funky Meters

    Bringing the sounds of New Orleans to the Picotte Recital Hall in The Massry Center at The College of Saint Rose, the legendary Funky Meters closed out the season with extended solos and catalog staples. The audience was surprisingly seated for all but the encore of this performance, relegated to foot tapping and rocking back and forth rather than getting up and moving, with only a few souls dancing near the periphery of the stage.

    After a warm up opener of “Funky Miracle” followed by “The World is a Little Bit Under the Weather” Art “Poppa Funk” Neville was left for a solo but missed his cue, picking it up moments later saying, “I feel like Ray Charles, I can’t see nothin’ anyway.” Yet his fingers could still find the right keys throughout the night.

    “Honey Child” had a fair amount of banter between Neville and George Porter, Jr. as well as a solid drum solo from Terrence Houston, a great substitute for Russell Baptiste. The rest of the night featured extended jamming inside classics including “People Say,” “Cissy Strut,” where Art and George sat together as Terrence took his shirt off, draped it over his head and drummed blind as he tore it up for five additional minutes, and “Just Kissed my Baby” with George putting forth such energy and genuine excitement that you’d think he’d snuck off stage for a split second to find proper inspiration.

    The transition into “Ain’t No Use” was ultra smooth courtesy of George and guitarist Brian Stoltz. I happened to have seen Widespread Panic play this song as an opener two nights earlier in Columbia, SC, and with the jamming that resulted there it’s hard to say which version was better, reflecting on the potential for this song in any setting. This “Ain’t No Use” took a few turns as it stretched out and had hardly a hiccup throughout. The set ended on a high note just as the show I caught on Tuesday started, a testament to the music of The Meters

    An on stage encore had a short “Let it Roll” that worked into “Fire on the Bayou” with a jam into “White Room” at the end, to which George commented “I had to get my psychedelic on.” After the show while fans greeted the band, a fan commented “George Porter Jr. looks like the happiest person on earth,” a spot on assessment given that George and Art have played together for 48 years. You’d be happy too.

  • Festival Announces Final Lineup Additions, Pre-Parties

    A festival in the Berkshires announced today the final installments in the 2015 lineup. Additions include Phutureprimitive, Aqueous, Cosmic Dust Bunnies, Lucid, Teddy Midnight, Ikebe Shakedown, Ross Jenssen, Brightside, Wyllys, Subset, Of the Trees, Horizon Wireless, Aaron Fractaltribe, Robert Fractaltribe, Om Olak, Icaro, Wubson, Corey Brooks, Twist of Fate, Squanto, Cheatcode, Bells and Robes, Leila Harrison, Levitation Jones, Uncle Bob, Gater, Icculus, and Honeycomb.

    festival lineupThese additions join Lettuce, Electron, Dopapod, Twiddle, Kung Fu, Consider the Source, Cabinet, Soule Monde, Pink Talking Fish, Viral Sound, Roots of Creation, Dangermuffin, Spiritual Rez, Lespecial, Supersillyus, Schlang Live Band, The Hornitz, Viva La Hop, Bella’s Bartok, Wobblesauce, Fennario, Strange Machines, Hayley Jane & The Primates, Soul Rebel Project, Mister F, Blue Boy Productions, Formula 5, Broccoli Samurai, Krewe de Groove, West End Blend and Relative Souls. The 5th year festival kicks off on June 11 and runs through June 14 at Gardner’s Farm in Stephentown, NY, just over the border from Massachusetts.

    San Francisco based Phutureprimitive, fresh of a 40 show US tour supporting psychedelic electronic music pioneer Shpongle, is set to perform a late night set at Disc Jam on stages created by renowned stage designers Fractaltribe.

    Disc Jam 2015 features 4 Days of Music, 50+ Musical Performances, Disc Golf Tournaments, 2 Main Stages, Carside, Grassy or Wooded Campsites, Food and Craft Vending, Kids Activities, Late Night Acoustic Sets, Silent Disco, Disc Golf Clinics, Live Painting, Art Installations, Yoga Sessions, Fire Performances, Hula Hoop and Flow Art Workshops and much more.

    Disc Jam still embraces a small festival vibe while drawing larger bands from Boston, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont and beyond. The 5th annual Disc Jam once again features an incredible lineup of musicians and artists set to celebrate the Northeast’s diverse and thriving live music scene.

    Pre-parties announced across New York and New England

    In the weeks leading up to Disc Jam Music Festival, pre-parties are planned featuring bands on the lineup for the weekend. Pre-parties sponsored by Disc Jam will be held at the following locations:

    May 7 at Parish Public House, Albany, NY featuring Dangermuffin

    May 8 at The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, Albany, NY featuring Mister F

    May 14 at Garcia’s, Portchester, NY, featuring Roots of Creation w/ Hayley Jane & the Primates

    May 16 at Electric Haze, Worcester MA, featuring Pink Talking Fish

    May 29 at Penuche’s, Manchester NH featuring Lucid, ICCULUS, and Hayley Jane and the Primates

    Tickets are on sale now.

    Disc Jam on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

  • Robby Krieger Celebrates 50 Years of The Doors at The Egg

    Bryan Lasky - Robby Krieger 2The Doors were one of the biggest acts all over the world from 1967 to 1971, but the tragic death of Jim Morrison put a halt to that. The music still resonates with a lot of people and Robby Krieger is making sure fans can celebrate the band’s music this year, since it is the 50th anniversary of them first getting together. Wrapping up this leg of the tour at The Egg, Robby Krieger celebrates with his band. They tore through two hours of Doors hits and rarities to the delight of the crowd.

    Robby let loose on his guitar throughout the evening whipping the crowd into a frenzy with his great solos on songs such as “Moonlight Drive”, “When the Music’s Over” and “Maggie M’Gill”. About half way through the concert he played an extended stunning version of “Spanish Caravan.” His band were spot on with the music all night, while his son Waylon honored the lyrics with his best take on Jim Morrison. Near the end of the show, a good portion of the crowd flocked to the front of the stage to get an up close look at the band while they played their last few songs. Ending the night with “Light My Fire,” Robby, with a smile from ear to ear, thanked the crowd for coming and celebrating the great music.

    Set: Break On Through (to the Other Side), People are Strange, Not to Touch the Earth, Moonlight Drive, Horse Latitudes, Wild Child, Peace Frog, When the Music’s Over, Spanish Caravan, Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar), Five to One, Riders on the Storm, Touch Me, Wishful Sinful, The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat), LA Woman

    Encore: Maggic M’Gill, Light My Fire

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’145′]

  • Zappa Plays Zappa Celebrates 40 Years of Frank Zappa at The Egg

    It was a calm, cool, April evening in Albany when Zappa Plays Zappa descended on The Egg in Albany. The show was completely sold out and the crowd was tame but one could tell it was full of die-hard Frank Zappa fans who remained seated all show and absorbed every single note.

    The band featured Dweezil Zappa (guitar), Scheila Gonzalez (saxophone, flute, keyboards, vocals), Ben Thomas (vocals, trumpet, trombone, guitar), Chris Norton (keyboards), Kurt Morgan (bass guitar), and Ryan Brown (drums). The show was one long set with no breaks, which found the band play the landmark 1975 LP “One Size Fits All” in its entirety along with other Zappa and Mothers of Invention classics.

    zappa plays zappa the eggThe show started with a small speech from Dweezil who explained how they were honoring the 40th anniversary of his father’s iconic album “One Size Fits All”. The band then wasted no time before diving into opener “Inca Roads”, which features very unusual lyrics and tempo, but a soaring guitar solo by Dweezil. Next up was the prog rocker “Can’t Afford No Shoes” and the instrumental “Sofa”. The always weird “Po-Jama People” followed, with its lyrical satire and jazzy feels. Next up was the complex “Florentine Pogen” and the short, quirky, “Evelyn, a Modified Dog”. “San Ber’dino” was next on the album, a tune about the recollection of staying in jail and true love. The band was firing on all cylinders during a nice jam of “Andy” before finishing up the album with “Sofa#2”.

    Dweezil gave a brief explanation of the next song “Status Back Baby” (Mothers of Invention), before leading the band through a slew of other Frank Zappa and Mothers of Invention songs. The band cruised through classic Zappa tunes “The Grand Wazoo”, “Baby Snakes”, and “Society Pages”. With no setbreak and the show almost 1.5 hours in, some people were taking off already since the band had already covered the album. Those who stuck around were treated to a “Who Needs the Peace Corps?” and the rocker “My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama” which featured furious guitar work by Dweezil. The band finished off the night with a classic off the 1974 album “Apostrophe (‘)”, “Cosmic Debris”. The band also closed the night with the well-known “Carolina Hard-Core Ecstasy” and “Muffin Man.” The room acoustics are absolutely amazing, and no matter where you were in the room, every band member was loud and crystal clear. This added to the experience making it a truly intimate evening for the many Zappa fans in attendance,

  • Wild Adriatic to Play Bonnaroo

    It’s not everyday that an Upstate New York band has a chance to play Bonnaroo, but Wild Adriatic are getting just that opportunity.

    Over the past few weeks the band has been apart of a “March Madness” style tournament through Sonic Bids to get the most votes for the opportunity to play the festival. Winning in the first four rounds against bands throughout the country by 74%, 65%, 66%, and 64% respectively they were onto the final round of voting to decide which bands would be playing Bonnaroo. Winning with 55% of the vote in the semi-finals, Mateo, Travis, and Rich pulled out the victory and were officially awarded a slot at the prestigious festival. Happening from June 11 to 14, Bonnaroo will include Billy Joel, Mumford and Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Robert Plant, and many others. Wild Adriatic is psyched to be able to play the festival and represent Upstate New York. Their next area show will be taking place at Vapor in Saratoga Springs on April 18 celebrating their new EP Never Enough.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_R6VZny1kE]

    Update:

    In the final round of voting to see who would be crowned number 1 overall, Wild Adriatic took it with 69% of the votes to win the entire tournament. Congratulations are sent out to Mateo, Rich, and Travis on a job well done!

  • Shana Falana Start Their Tour on Fire

    Shana Falana who are releasing a fantastic album next week started their tour in support of it at Albany’s The Low Beat.

    Starting off the evening was local duo Moon Magick. With hauntingly beautiful vocals from Laura as well as some keyboard work and endlessly looping guitar work from Phil, the duo set the stage for the evening. Their set up was minimal and the music relaxed everyone into the long evening. Next up was Eternal Crimes who woke up the crowd with their version of English Punk via outer space. The band had a great light show to go along with their distorted vocals that pushed them towards psychedelia as the set continued on. Then despite some early sound issues, a packed house got the chance to witness Shana Falana’s new songs out in the open for the first time. Looping vocals underneath Shana’s beautiful voice merged with her ferocious guitar playing and were pushed along by Mike Amari’s drumming. Video in the background was a great way to make the evening feel like an art show with music at times, which suits the band perfectly. Catch them out on tour throughout the United States this spring.

  • Twiddle talks to NYSMusic about the Dirty Dozen Tour

    The twelve night ‘Dirty Dozen’ co-headlining run with Twiddle and Kung Fu kicked off last night in Buffalo at Iron Works, and continues tonight in Syracuse at the Westcott Theater.  Along with the Buffalo and Syracuse dates, there is a stop at Albany’s Upstate Concert Hall, teaming up with local favorites Mister F. The tour is full of surprises, with no set times being announced, which is exactly the kind of antics fans anticipate with two powerhouse bands such as these two artists. The two bands teamed up for a sold out show in December to benefit Toys for Tots and have both been touring extensively since then.

    Bryan-Lasky-Kung-Fu-11

    NYSmusic sent some interview questions to the Twiddle guys, and they all chimed in with their answers below. Be sure to catch them while you can!

    Jen Foster: First off, how excited are you for a no-holds-barred tour with Kung Fu?

    Twiddle: We’re always extra amped for any gig with Kung Fu.  They are role models for us in the scene, and have been amazing mentors/frends for Twiddle as we continue to grow.

    Jen Foster: When you imagine this kind of tour, what do you hope for more than anything?

    Twiddle: We don’t have any expectations. We are leaving the set times and schedule very open ended so anything can happen. We hope to do some really fun collaborative stuff with Kung Fu that everyone digs. The idea is to have as much fun as possible.

    Jen Foster: What will happen when Ryan Dempsey and Todd Stoops create the ultimate keyboard spaceship?

    Twiddle: It’s gonna get weird, in a really good way.  Expect that dirty alien funk.

    Jen Foster: The term Kungwiddle has been flying around like wildfire. Do you foresee this one of many co-billed shows and band crossovers?

    Twiddle: Yes. We especially love our annual Toys for Tots show with them in CT. It always feels good to play with incredible musicians, and help kids at the same time.

    Jen Foster: Twiddle just finished the “Donde Esta Norb?” tour, and now you’re headed to Costa Rica for Jungle Jam. It has already been a very successful start to the year. Are you at all surprised with the amount of success in the past year?

    Twiddle: We’re always blown away by our fans. They are building an amazing community that is turning into a family. As far as success is concerned, Madison House is doing a great job of getting us on some amazing show/festival bills. Especially Red Rocks with S.C.I.

    Jen Foster: Fans of both Twiddle and Kung Fu are over the moon about this upcoming tour. What kind of hijinks can we look forward to?

    Twiddle: The idea of not announcing set times is to send a message for fans to get there early and stay late. Anything is possible. We have a few filthy tricks up our sleeves but where would the fun be in telling anyone?

    Jen Foster: NYSMusic’s readers are very excited for the upcoming Upstate shows in Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany. Once the Spring tour is behind you, what summer music festivals are you most looking forward to playing?

    Twiddle: The upstate NY markets are slowly becoming marquis/anchor cities for us. Castleton, where we met, is literally on the NY border with Vermont. We love New York. As for the summer, we are making repeat appearances at big fests like Summer Camp, Wakarusa, The Peach and Gathering of the Vibes.  It is always humbling to see our name next to big time artists.  However, the smaller fests like Disc Jam and the Frendly Gathering allow us to see all of our New England frends and family. The Frendly Gathering is in Vermont and we spend the whole weekend there. It is home.

    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

  • 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.