Category: Regions

Ed Sheeran Sold Out Show Brings Down The (Lego) House At CMAC

The third event at CMAC’s 2015 Summer Concert Series, Ed Sheeran was what I would refer to as a winning musical trifecta wrapped in a “Lego House.” With the combination of stellar weather + stellar crowd + stellar music, CMAC couldn’t have planned it any better. This show sold out it’s 15,000 capacity within a 24 hour period of time as just one of several great shows planned for the series, the summer sure has kicked off with a bang.

Ed Sheeran – CMAC

As the long and winding crowds made their way in to take their seats, it was apparent that Ed Sheeran’s music held mass appeal to multiple generations. In a matter of minutes the green grassy area up above on the lawn filled in that you couldn’t see a blade of grass anywhere. Yes there were crazed teenagers everywhere sporting “X” t-shirts, carrying signs, and even letters to spell out ED! There were also adults of all kinds, and trust me they were not there just because their daughters needed rides. They too danced and sang along the entire night.

Opening the evening was the UK sensation Rixton. The energy level of these four young men blew me away. Was totally impressed by their musical talent and their showmanship. They had the crowd at hello. I’ve seen numerous opening acts prime an audience for the main show over the course of my career, however they were one song in and the audience was on their feet dancing and singing along. Amazing. With Jake Roche on vocals, Charley Bagnall on lead guitar and vocals, Danny Wilkin on keyboards, bass, and vocals and Lewi Morgan laying down the beat on drums, their energy levels were contagious. Singing hits from their recently released album, Let The Road, they engaged the audience by pitting section vs. section, pointing out audience members, and just rousing everyone out of the seats. It was fun to watch and even more fun to photograph.

Ed Sheeran – CMAC

With a quick set change, Ed Sheeran took the stage. A man, a guitar, some platforms, two mics, and a loop pedal. That’s all this amazing musician needed to put on a show that blew the roof off the place. This young man’s musical abilities astound me. He played non-stop, gave more than 110% on each song and was the whole band rolled into one. His writing ability and ability to mesh melodies together and sing/rap them seamlessly blew my mind.

Ed Sheeran – CMAC

As he sang, his eyes were closed feeling everything from within and projecting out to the audience where they took hold of it and became part of the show. The entire audience sang along, waved their arms, flashed their cell phones and became as immersed as he was in each and every number. One audience member was so emerged she stormed the stage to see him. Ed so graciously agreed to take a selfie prior to her being escorted out. His kindness and love for his fans is well known as he takes the time to join one fan recently on stage at a local mall while she performed his cover of “Thinking Out Loud.”

In addition to his outstanding performance, his visual production was top notch projecting animations and videography of Ed (with some amazing special effects) as he performed behind him on stage side screens. The moments matched the music perfectly and the show was an auditory and visual celebration. So glad I was there to celebrate with him. Okay CMAC, this show will be a hard one to follow. Can’t wait to see what’s in store next. Stay tune readers for our next show from CMAC.

Setlist: I’m a Mess, Lego House, Don’t/Loyal/No Diggity/Nina, Drunk, Take It Back/Superstition/Ain’t No Sunshine, Photograph, Bloodstream, Tenerife Sea, Thinking Out Loud, Feeling Good/I See Fire, I Was Made to Love Her (Stevie Wonder cover), The A Team, Give Me Love

Encore: You Need Me, I Don’t Need You/Fancy, Sing

June 17, 2015
JibberJazz Meeting of the Minds 8 Announces Lineup

Close out festival season with Meeting of the Minds 8, presented by Jibberjazz Productions and taking place Sept. 25-27, 2015, in Schuylkill Haven, PA. This full weekend of music and camping will showcase 30 eclectic musical acts across three stages along with numerous workshops and scheduled activities.

The 2015 lineup for Meeting of the Minds features Ozric Tentacles, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Skerik’s Bandalabra, Head for the Hills, The Big Dirty, Polyrhythmics, Deaf Scene, Dirty Streets, Genome, Formula 5, and many more notable acts. Jibberjazz unleashes a vast array of musical styles including jam, funk, folk, bluegrass, Americana, rock n roll, blues, world, reggae and more. Jibberjazz artists are drawn from various pockets of the USA. Tickets are $75 presale and are on-sale now through Jibberjazz.

Meeting of the Minds takes place on a beautiful 60-acre rustic fairground, featuring outdoor and indoor stages, plenty of camping space, permanent restrooms and showers, nature trails, trout fishing waters, and electricity access for RV’s. A great deal of both food and craft vendors will be on-site for the weekend. Additionally, a full slate of festival activities is scheduled for both adults and children.

June 17, 2015
Hearing Aide: Todd Rundgren “Global”

Todd Rundgren released his 25th album, Global, on April 7 and immediately set out on a 34 date North American tour. Having had the pleasure of seeing Todd in concert several times, reading some of the early reviews didn’t surprise me at all. If you expect to hear “I Saw The Light,” “Can We Still Be Friends” and “Hello, It’s Me,” TR never disappoints, but, he may make you wait and tease you a few times before giving in. I grabbed a couple of quotes from a good friend’s Facebook posting post-show, before delving deeper.

“Todd always brings his own cutting edge and set his own parameters, very few artists are this talented and confident. If fans struggle with change and evolution, they should choose another artist to follow.”

“It takes a lot of courage as a fan to follow him with an open-mind, but the rewards are worth the effort”, Tommy Allen.

“Just a killer show, filled with positive energy from the girls (The Global Singers) and the DJ (DaM FunK). Todd was in fantastic voice and delivered all of the songs with passion. The choreography and light show turned the whole thing into a very immersive experience. Don’t listen to the bad reviews on the internet, this is a very unique and futuristic show,” said Mark Doyle.

Honestly, it took several spins of Global to get the feel, but being familiar with his previous release, State, it warmed me quicker to the work. The opener, “Evrybody” sounds like a slap in the face to the entitled or a call to arms for the populace. Either way it sets the tone for the album. As on most albums, it’s all Todd, all of the time. Almost exactly the way he would take it on tour. “Flesh & Blood,” another EDM-like tome that pokes fun at DJs while showing what really can be done electronically with real lyrics that have something to say. The verses sting, the chorus, “You’ve got free will, but you’re flesh and blood” simplifies and drives the message. Keep in mind this man is one of the fathers of multi-media, usually several steps ahead of the game, ultimately disenfranchising some. A pity really. “Rise” is right to the heart of the state of things, yes, globally. He speaks directly to the Romanesque status of civilization, “Time’s ticking away, time keeps ticking away. If we don’t rise, then we will fall.” Pretty simple and right on the point. This leads into “Holyland,” a rhythmic adventure into the definition of what that is exactly. Everything. If this track doesn’t hit home, you’re simply not paying attention.

“Blind” slows the pace a blue-eyed, soulful bit and illuminates the false-flag of media. “I’m not a scientist, everybody likes to brag these days. And yet they still insist, twisting all the facts their way.” Directly aimed at climate-change deniers, god-trusting book wavers, that believe all will be taken care of for them, perhaps still on the entitled ones. Shielding their eyes from the reality in front of them. “You have to be blind, blind, blind. Eyes that will not see it. (Writing’s on the wall.)” “Earth Mother” kicks back into EDM as a anthemic call to action, from a Rosa Parks reference to the choruses repeated message, “Can I get a shout-out from my sisters, a shout out from my girls. Now go out there and change the world. “Global Nation” flows right into the theme of one world, one cause, one solution. “Calling out to the planet, calling out to the world. (Global Nation) I wanna wrap my arms around the world, wrap my arms around the world and dance.”

TR always has his moment when his heart bleeds out, “Soothe” is this record’s example. His lyrical emotions move you, the timbre of his wavering voice speaks directly to the listener, whomever it may be. Something TR does exquisitely. This is chicken-skin arms material. “Maybe I can’t make gray skies turn blue, but I can soothe you. When your lovers are untrue. And the whole world seems out to hurt you. Know that I would try, everything I knew, to soothe you. I will soothe you.” “Terra Firma” sequences forward analogously as a tale of the intrepid explorer casting-off to someplace unknown. With solid ground being the love and home he left behind, “I am off to great adventures, leaving you behind. Far beyond the border and I have no clue what I will find. But the thought of home never leaves my mind, no. Though the minutes stretch to hours and the hours stretch to days. With the trials and tribulations, well it seems like I’m so far away. And it’s just too high a price to pay. There’s one thing I can always say. Whenever I feel the rain I put my faith in terra firma. And I’m never far away, because you’re my terra firma. (terra firma) Whenever I feel alone, I go home to terra firma. (terra firma) The place I can call my own, because you’re my terra firma (terra firma).”

“Fate” poses destiny as a card game and addiction that everyone seemingly has. The future being out of our hands like a roulette wheel spinning out of control. No one wants to face up to the realities of our time, it’s easier to rely on fate than make an effort to change. Manifest destiny, worldwide. “Skyscraper” shines the light on the trappings of civilization. Buildings and cars, partying with friends, living in the moment with no regard for what’s ahead. “This Island Earth” closes and wraps it all up, neatly exposing what needs to be for change to happen, allowing the future a chance to exist beyond man’s current course. “There is no other place in this universe, like this island earth. We fantasize about this spoiling other planets, like this island earth.”

When taken as a whole, this album is yet another message from a very old soul, living on the cutting edge of technology. Drawing distinct lines between reality and fantasy, fate and destiny, what can and cannot be. A statement from one of the bravest, deepest songwriters of our time that is not to be ignored.

Of course TR has multiple platforms to read and learn from. Check out more on facebook and his website.

Key Tracks: They’re all key tracks, it’s Todd Rundgren! Check out “Terra Firma” and “Soothe,” they crush.

June 17, 2015
WEXT Benefit Concert In Albany June 20 To Highlight Local Music

On the eve of summer, three Capital District bands will come together to bring in the change of the seasons a benefit concert WEXT – Exit 97.7 FM. The show, with doors opening at 7 pm, will feature Accents, SubSlab, and Stockade Kids.

Accents, a folk-rock quartet to whom writing music has always been about sincerity. Featuring two husband and wife duos, the group showcases lush harmonies, soaring guitars and a unique show highlighted by the multi-instrumental abilities of the band. SubSlab is a rock quintet that writes songs with an upbeat ear tuned to stories of love and loss, redemption and hope. Influences span time and genre, creating powerful tunes with melodic hooks, thundering bass lines, harmonious guitars and rock-steady drumming. Stockade Kids present a fusion of Hip-Hop, Rock, and Jazz. With a unique duo-horn section, a heavy-grooving rhythm section, a lead singer with a powerful voice and passionate lyrics, and a rapper with a direct delivery and distinct point of view, Stockade Kids offers something for everyone, with unlimited possibilities.

Celtic Hall is located at 430 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY. Tickets $10 before June 15^th online and $15 at the door.

June 17, 2015
An Eclectic Taste of Syracuse

Venture into Downtown Syracuse any summer weekend and chances are you’ll wander into some type of cultural festival. The biggest of all these Clinton Square festivals is Taste of Syracuse, held the first weekend of June. I’d never been to the Taste of Syracuse Festival so I entered this year’s version totally green. Pre-fest research is a must, printing the artist schedule and reading up on the must-have food samples will help you make the most of your time.

This event is highly attended by all different types of people and gives a true Taste of Syracuse in that regard. The perfect weather also likely had a lot to do with the size of the weekend crowds.

Food vendors were plentiful, many with long lines to try the bevy of $1 samples being offered. And while I didn’t try the much hyped Bang Bang Shrimp, I did get my hands on the grape leaves from the Turkish Cultural Center booth and the vegetarian spring rolls with hot sauce from the Lao Village tent and both were delicious. The hot sauce, paired well with a Founders All Day IPA and the smooth Chicago style blues of The Nighthawks with Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin performing on the Main Stage.

The primary reason for my attendance at Taste of Syracuse was, however, the music. With 38 bands playing on three different stages over the course of the weekend, there were plenty of choices to be had for even the most fickle music fan.

Friday night featured Vinyl-Albums live, three different bands offering their interpretations of three classic albums: Paul McCartney and Wings’ Band on the Run, U2’s Achtung Baby and Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill.

One of the more uplifting bands of the weekend was the UAD Show Group/Kings of the Fall, performing on the Delta stage Friday evening. Their soulful sounds provided a nice diversion from the heavier rock and country artists performing throughout the weekend.

Syracuse rockers Under the Gun closed the night on the main stage, playing a mix of hard-charging rock anthems from the 80s up to the present.

Washington, DC blues legends, The Nighthawks with frequent special guest and former Muddy Waters band member, Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin grooved the main stage crowd on Saturday with a mixture of originals and blues standards.

Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin and The Nighthawks performing at 2015 Taste of Syracuse Festival

Pale Green Stars were a standout band. This Syracuse-based band is part country, part punk, part alternative, and all entertaining. Upon first listening, the vocals of Jeff Jones reminded me of Art Alexakis of Everclear, yet still has his own distinct style and great stage presence. This three-man crew of talented musicians performed many originals from their album The Honkytonk Years, which is available to listen to in full on YouTube. Do yourself, and the band, a favor and purchase the album outright. It’s a good summer soundtrack.

Another band that drew my attention was the Rochester band Teagan and the Tweeds. Steeped in country but dipping their toes in the sexy blues of Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin while donning some Bourbon Street pizzazz, Teagan and the Tweeds are difficult to categorize, which is a good thing. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Teagan Ward has a voice that’s raspy and soulful and one that demands the audience’s attention. Her band mates are formidable as well. Bassist Jeremy Stoner brought out a tuba for “Give it Up or Let Me Go” and quickly won over the hesitant crowd. Teagan and the Tweeds frequent the Dinosaur BBQ circuit and refer to themselves as a BBQ band. For more information, check out their website: www.teaganandthetweeds.com.

Teagan and the Tweeds winning over the crowd from the Clinton Square stage at the 2015 Taste of Syracuse Festival

For me, festivals are a way to discover new music, especially local music. While there seemed to be a dearth of cover bands on this year’s Taste of Syracuse bill, it was a treat to discover several bands out there doing original material and winning over crowds. Keep the local talent thriving and get out there and become won over, because, after all, every big artist was local at some point.

Friday Photo Gallery by Jim Houle:

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Bret Michaels Gallery by Mark McGauley:

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June 16, 2015
Family, Freedom and Phish: Mike Gordon Melds it all Together

Life is good for Mike Gordon these days, with Phish coming off arguably one of the most creative years in its 32-year history and his solo band gaining steam across the country.

On top of that professional success, the 50-year-old bassist says he has a wonderful family life, one that allows his wife and daughter to travel with him when he’s on tour. This time spent with his 6-year-old daughter has changed his perspective on a bevy of things.

“I waited until I was older to have a child,” Gordon said. “And I was so ready for it. I spend time with her every day and I don’t tour as much as I used to. It’s cliché, but I get to see the world through young eyes. It’s a unique and whimsical perspective.”

Gordon, who is in the middle of a tour with his band, treks through New York this week, stopping in Buffalo on Tuesday and Syracuse on Thursday, before stopping at the Egg on Friday in Albany. Accompanying Gordon is Max Creek guitarist Scott Murawski, Craig Myers on percussion, Robert Walter on keyboards and John Kimock on drums. This is the second tour Gordon has done since he released Overstep, an 11-song LP featuring songs such as “Say Something,” “Yarmouth Road” and “Tiny Little World.” Gordon and Murawski wrote all the songs over a handful of trips to places in New England, such as North Adams, Mass., where Gordon’s mother, Marjorie Minkin, owns a loft.

“With Overstep, our goal was to rock and display a lot of raw energy,” Gordon said. “Moving forward, we don’t want to stop that, but we want to be more experimental, maybe a bit thrashy. We’re exploring all sorts of themes.”

Gordon added that his daughter has been a big inspiration for a lot of the lyrics he’s written lately, and added that Tessa also influenced some of the writing on Phish’s most recent album, Fuego.

This band has become Gordon’s personal artistic outlet. Trey Anastasio and Tom Marshall are the “chief” songwriters in Phish, and this band gives Gordon the ability to do what he wants. Full creative control, if you will. He spoke of seeing the Trey Anastasio Band recently.

“Trey is great about running a tight outfit and I admire it a lot,” Gordon said. “I saw them recently and the horns really work great in the band.”

Seeing as how Phish fans are highly critical of just about everything anyone in the band does, it’s easy to draw comparisons between Gordon’s band and TAB, but none of that seems to affect the bassist.

“I want to be edgy, to push the limits further,” he said. “I love it when we’re tight and loose at the same time. I don’t have much to prove — we take chances, especially with the strange, angular parts. We try to just live in the moment.”

Gordon has been a fan of Max Creek for many years, and recalled the first time he saw Murawski and the band.

“It’s pretty cool,” he said. “Not just his playing, but his whole vibe. Seeing Max Creek play a long time ago – people say they sound a lot like the (Grateful) Dead. I see them as a tweaked version of country rock. Scott smiles so much and is always in control, yet he’s humble at the same time. Before I knew him, I noticed that he always looked so comfy (on stage) and I really like that influence.”

So in his two bands, Gordon plays with two different guitar monsters in the jam band scene in Murawski and Anastasio. On the surface, both guitarists share some similar themes and styles in their playing, but Gordon did his best to explain the differences between the two.

“Scott is very clever about outlining chord changes as they happen,” he said. “Trey is the opposite. He’s good at flowing over the changes, creating textures. Sometimes he sounds like a movie soundtrack in the way he flows. But I definitely think there is some cross influencing going on between them.

“One week after I met Trey, we went and saw Max Creek. Not long after, Trey got his Ibanez. Maybe it was just a coincidence. And Scott now owns a Languedoc. Trey is great at melody, and I’ve noticed Scott bring some of that in. Every connection is based on another connection.”

Gordon went on to conclude the topic: “Scott and I spend so much time together, it’s just organic. Scott is the one who wants to jam as long as possible and stretch things out. So I guess it’s apples and oranges.”

While Phish is lauded for the light show that accompanies its marathon concerts, Gordon’s band takes stage production to the next level. He and Murawski had special guitars built for last year’s tour, and they are all black with sensors on them that reflect the light, making them appear luminescent.

Gordon also revealed that he is going to debut another new bass sometime soon, which he dubbed it the “2.0 version” of the bass he had been playing in his solo band. The concept was designed by Gordon, who said it looks like a Modulus, but is a hollow body, which gives the appearance of a 3D effect. He said it has an EMG/Modulus sound. The guitar was built by Ben Lewry of Visionary Instruments, which Gordon gave high praise.

“This is very organic,” he added, saying Murawski’s guitar has basically the same concept. He didn’t specify when he will be debuting the new bass, but said it will happen on this tour.

Back in 2011, Gordon played The Egg, a venue nearly universally applauded for its stellar acoustics, uninhibited sight lines and friendliness to performers. It ended up being one of the few official Mike Gordon Band releases, and Gordon said he is quite excited to return to the venue.

“I loved that show,” he said. “The sound at the venue is conducive to what we do and it’s very technical. A lot of times there are different challenges at venues like unpredictability and that can make a lot of things pretty hard. We already have enough to think about and the Egg is just so easy to play. I can hear it all, both the loud and the soft, and it all resonates in a very controllable way.”

As for his work with Phish, Mike Gordon said that he’s mostly focused on his work on this solo tour, but did give a glimpse into what Phish has been up to recently.

“It’s hard to think about, because I have so much going on with this band, but I’ll tell you this: The guys in Phish all got together two months before our tour is starting, and this is the first time in a long time I can remember us practicing so much, this early before a tour,” he said. “Who knows, we may even have a handful of new songs.”

He even shared a brief thought on the upcoming Fare Thee Well shows, celebrating 50 years of the Grateful Dead.

“The Grateful Dead have obviously been a big influence, and it’s really nice they feel proud enough to commemorate the 50th,” he said. “All four of them still have the fire.”

Over the past two years, Gordon has been sharing his own version of Couch Tour with fans via his Facebook page, posting photos of him on various couches, often with a funny look on his face.

Is the couch tour going to continue? More importantly, has Gordon settled on a couch?

“Yes, I am going to continue it and yes I found a couch, but … it needs a little work,” he said.

June 16, 2015
Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival: So Much More Than Just a Music Festival

Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival, better known as The Clearwater Festival, is an event not to be missed Father’s Day Weekend, June 20 to 21. Founded by Pete Seeger more than 40 years ago, it’s no wonder this festival is still going strong. The gorgeous backdrop of the mighty Hudson River, the rolling hills and winding paths of Croton Point Park, and the glorious music beckoning you around every turn.

But beyond the natural beauty and wonderful tunes surrounding you is the knowledge that you are attending the country’s oldest and largest environmental festival, with plenty of opportunity to learn more about sustainable products and services, and the important watershed and environmental justice work being done by Clearwater right here in the Hudson Valley.

The Clearwater Festival is still definitely in an upward swing, attracting bigger and more impressive artists each year. Featuring what might be its most diverse line-up yet, in the span of just two days, you will be able to catch the banjoist power couple Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, acoustic-popsters Guster, Upstate New York’s own The Felice Brothers, and Tex-Mex legends Los Lobos and Neko Case, Ani DiFranco and David Crosby. Of course festival veterans of the more traditional folk background, including Tom Chapin, Tom Paxton, and David Amram will be there as well, adding a real sense of continuity to this long running event.

With seven sustainably powered stages stretched across the park, including the most lively Dance Stage of any festival I’ve ever been to, it will be hard to walk somewhere and not experience something wonderful.

One huge difference between Clearwater Festivals of yesteryear and those more recent is that festival founder Pete Seeger is no longer with us. However, his presence is still felt throughout the weekend, living on through his numerous musical protégés, and the many visible signs throughout the festival site that demonstrate his commitment to protecting the environment.

Perhaps the most noticeable environmental icon you will come across is the Sloop Clearwater itself. Built in 1966, this sailboat serves as an educational classroom, giving the opportunity for schoolchildren to spend a day on the Hudson River doing hands-on educational activities. Throughout the weekend, festival-goers will have the opportunity to go on a free tour while the boat is docked, or take part in a two-hour sail around Haverstraw Bay (separate ticket necessary).

For those looking for a more adventurous way to experience the Hudson River, head on down to the “Working Waterfront” area for a chance to kayak or canoe, or take part in “river seining” and see what types of critters inhabit the Hudson.

Although you will be plenty busy with the musical and natural aspects of The Clearwater Festival, it is critical that you spend at least part of the weekend taking in the environmental component of the festival as well. All proceeds from the festival goes toward supporting Clearwater’s non-profit organization, whose mission it is to support environmental research, education, and advocacy efforts to protect the Hudson River and its surrounding communities.

Check out the Activist Area to see how the efforts of over 50 groups are helping to heal the world, support local farmers by shopping at the Artisanal Food and Farm Market, stop by the Clearwater Environmental Action Tent to learn about the important work being done to keep our Hudson Valley area clean and visit the Green Living Expo to find out how you can make a difference in making the world a better place by making small simple changes in our everyday lives.

The Clearwater Festival is also a great place to do some guilt-free shopping for crafts and clothing, as you will be able to take comfort knowing that all of the products you buy in either the Juried Handcrafters’ Village or the Marketplace have been produced without the use of sweatshop labor or environmentally hazardous materials.

The Clearwater Festival is just about the most family-friendly festival around. With three stages which must have been planned with children in mind, there will be plenty of entertainment for the little ones. Children 12 and under get in for free, so bring the whole family out for this fun and educational event.

With performances beginning at 11 a.m., both Saturday and Sunday, on the Family Stage, you will find storytellers like Story Laurie spinning environment-themed tales and bands like Dog on Fleas geared toward the younger crowd. Kid-based entertainment will also be provided at the Story Grove and Circle of Song stages. Other amazing experiences for children include the Arm of the Sea Theater, featuring a mask and puppet show taking place at the edge of the Hudson River; two education tents with exhibits related to the Hudson River watersheds and the critters that live within it; and the brilliant Todd’s Musical Petting Zoo, where children (and adults too) can pick up and play just about any instrument you can think of, including exotic instruments like a zither or shofar.

As far as getting to the festival goes, there are a variety of options. If you are planning on driving, it is highly encouraged to park off-site at the Croton-Harmon Train Station. For a $5 fee there is ample parking, and there are free shuttles provided to Croton Point Park, a five-minute ride away. There is a limited amount of parking spaces available at Croton Point Park itself, where the fee is $10.

Being the green festival that it is, Clearwater has teamed up with Metro-North Railroad to offer a special package including a roundtrip train ticket to and from Croton-Harmon Station and a ticket to the festival, resulting in a substantial discount on entry to the festival — for example, a Metro-North Getaways ticket from Grand Central Terminal would cost $97 for a two-day admission, compared to a two-day festival pass which costs $110 not including transportation.

While the majority of Clearwater attendees tend to come for the day, there is also the option to camp on-site, tents only at this point (the RV campground has already filled up), with check-in to the camping area taking place on Friday, June 19, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday between 8 a.m. and noon. Camp stoves are permitted, but no open fires. And be sure to bring an instrument if you are planning on camping, because there are sure to be some folky jams popping up here and there.

Tickets are currently available on the Clearwater Festival website, with discount pricing available if you are or become a Clearwater member, which is definitely worth looking into, as the organization does a lot of important environmental work. Single day tickets currently cost $75 for single day tickets, $110 for a weekend pass, and $215 for a weekend pass with camping. The only real rules at Clearwater are related to their seating policy, so feel free to bring a picnic and a bottle of wine to enjoy throughout the day. As far as seating goes, you can set up your chair in front of the main Hudson and Rainbow stages beginning at 9 a.m. both days, but while you are off checking out the other festival attractions, the polite Clearwater way is to let others use your chair or blanket until you return.

If the idea of ringing in summer in the beautiful setting of Croton Point Park with the lovely Hudson River as the backdrop, on top of the astonishing variety of musical acts and the environmental lessons you will surely take away, appeals to you, then the Clearwater Festival is the place to be this weekend. So come get your folk on at this festival with a conscience.

Photos of David Crosby by Steve Malinski

June 15, 2015
Jonathan Jackson + Enation’s Radio Cinematic Tour Makes Debut at the Westcott Theater

Every once in a while the music industry often has break out artists that stand out, as a little bit different and unique. At times these musicians begin a new musical culture. We saw that as Elvis introduced rock ‘n’ roll. The Beatles took the Ed Sullivan show by storm, Diana Ross & The Supremes lead the Motown revolution, KISS began a hair-band revolution. Tupac made his mark in hip hop/rap, and Kurt Cobain became legendary as part of the grunge phase. It’s been a while since this musical culture shifted.

As I cover shows across the state I see a trend occurring. I notice more so often than not, a great majority of musicians are returning to the basics. You know, a good song, a great voice, a clear instrument, and not so much lighting that they become a figment amongst smoke and mirrors. Yes, these are the bands and musicians that seem to be making their way today in the sea of musical opportunities.

Jonathan Jackson + Enation – Westcott Theater

Enter Jonathan Jackson +Enation. Most of the readers know Jackson as Avery on ABC’s hit television show, Nashville, where he plays a musician. On the show Avery’s character stands out as unique and special, and not fitting the form of the traditional country music we’ve grown accustomed to.

Joined in Enation is Jackson’s older brother, also an accomplished actor, Richard Lee Jackson, and Daniel Sweatt — who is one of the most talented musicians out there. Together these three blend together in a perfect mix that makes up one heck of a rock band. Yes I said a rock band.

Jonathan Jackson + Enation – Westcott Theater

When I first came across this band I was surprised to learn how long they’ve played together, and although I was late to the party, I was so happy to have gotten there. Touring currently with their fourth album, these three have been perfecting their craft. Striving to capture that energy from their live show. Radio Cinematic I believe has achieved just that. Having heard their album before their live performance I questioned and hoped whether their live show would live up to my expectations. Well it did just that, and then far exceeded those expectations.

Jonathan Jackson + Enation – Westcott Theater

Opening the evening was a local Pop/Rock/Alternative/Indie band from the Ithaca area called Maple Hill. These four young men were quite energetic. Not only did they prime the crowd for the main event, they were actually quite humorous and entertaining throughout their own set. Their new album, Headspace will be released June 19, 2015. Joel Beckwith (Bass), St. John Faulkner (Drums), Max Gaeta (Lead Guitar), and Kristian Wood-Gaiger (Vocals/Guitar) amped up the crowd with original music and remixed covers such as Drake’s, “We’re Going Home”.

They thoroughly surprised and delighted me with their style, sound, and high energy performance. I highly recommend if you are in the area of The Dock (415 Taughannock Blvd. Ithaca, NY 14850) June 18, you should stop by and join them to help celebrate their record release party from 7-10pm. All ages are welcome and the cover charge is only $5.

Maple Hill – Westcott Theater

Then came Jonathan, Richard, and Daniel who from the moment the spot light hit Jonathan at the piano and he began to sing, I was totally blown away. Opening with “Young World’s Riot,” Jonathan’s voice along with his piano permeated your soul.

Jonathan Jackson + Enation – Westcott Theater

As they moved into the rest of the set, Richard’s percussion laid down a constant rhythm while Daniel’s bass and resounding vocals added to Jonathan’s, and together they found a synchronicity that not only encapsulated the live sound they were striving to achieve on the album, but far exceeded my expectations. From the moment they began playing right up to the end, I was in a hypnotic trance. In addition to mesmerizing the entire audience, they took the time to recognize a special guest on her birthday and dedicated a song to the sweet young lady.

Jonathan Jackson + Enation – Westcott Theater

These kind young men were gracious, appreciative, and as famous as they all are in their own rights between television and movie stardom, you wouldn’t know it as their humility was refreshing. As they wrapped up the evening, Jonathan took to the piano once again to close out the show as he began, with Young World’s Riot, moving me almost to tears.

Jonathan Jackson + Enation – Westcott Theater

I highly recommend if they come anywhere within driving distance (or if you’re up for a road trip) to take in one of the shows on the second leg of the Radio Cinematic Tour this year. If you can’t catch them live this time around, by all means head straight to their website to purchase this album. You will be glad you did.

Jonathan Jackson + Enation – Westcott Theater

Setlist: Maple Hill
Never Enough (original)
Well, Well, Well, How the Turntables (original)
Argyle (original)
Hold on, We’re Going Home (Drake cover)
Space to Grow (original)
Stomping Ground (original)
Jack Blinked (original)

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Set List: Jonathan Jackson +Enation
Young World’s Riot
Ascending
Things You’ve Never Seen
Kicked In The Head
The One I Love
Everything Is Possible
All The Best
Let The Beauty Out
I See God In You
The Hands of Your Drug
Let Me Out
The Fly
The National Anthem
Corduroy
In My Tree
A Far Away Reality
Keep Asking Why
The Morning Of The Rain
Eyes of Grace (Birthday Dedication to Miss Lily)
Young World’s Riot

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June 14, 2015
Fifth Annual Frendly Gathering

It is almost time to pack up the camping gear and head to Southern Vermont for the fifth annual Frendly Gathering, taking place June 26th and 27th. Set in the beautiful Green Mountains at Timber Ridge Resort in Windham, Vermont, this homegrown gathering has become one of New England’s premier festivals.

Founders, best frends and professional snowboarders Jack Mitrani and Danny Davis have created a safe, interactive, and most of all, frendly environment to enjoy a weekend of music, camping, yoga, skateboarding and delicious food.

The event got its start when Jack and Danny decided they wanted to throw a small festival with bands known and unknown in their home state of Vermont. With the motto, “there is no ‘I’ in Frends,” they hatched the Frendly Gathering. With a desire to create an intimate, easy-to-navigate festival, ticket sales are capped each year to ensure short lines and the opportunity to be front row for your favorite bands.

Vermont natives Twiddle have been the heart and soul of the Frendly Gathering since its birth, and continue to be the backbone in the festival’s fifth year. Twiddle will be headlining this year’s festival alongside the inspirational international music of Nahko & Medicine For The People. There is a little something for everyone in the lineup, with heavy-hitters Kung Fu and Turkuaz joining the ranks. But that is just a small taste of what this small, yet powerful festival has in store. Canadian multi-instrumentalist Mac DeMarco and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Valerie June will also be jumping on stage. Other artists include Rob Garza (Thievery Corporation), Kat Wright & The Indomitable Soul Band, Moon Hooch, lespecial, Dead Set and Spirit Family Reunion, to name a few.

Multi-day passes are available, as well as early-arrival passes for Thursday, for festival-goers who would like to set up camp in a prime location. There is a wide array of camping, from RV/car camping to luxury cabins for rent that are fully stocked and extremely convenient for a comfortable festival experience. A new feature this year also includes renting a campsite which is fully put together for you, so no need to fiddle around with tent poles.

Another theme at Frendly Gathering is the power of giving back. Jack and Danny’s “Frendly Crew” pride themselves on supporting each other through the ups, and most importantly, the downs. Through injuries and setbacks, the crew has managed to lift each other up though the power of positive thinking and friendship. When professional snowboarder Kevin Pearce was training for the Olympic Trials, he suffered a traumatic brain injury putting a stop to his dreams of becoming an Olympic snowboarder. Since the injury, the Frendly Crew has supported Kevin tremendously, while shedding light on how much an injury can effect the lives of others. Kevin is now a Sports Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society and an advocate for education and research on traumatic brain injuries. Love Your Brain is an organization which was born from Kevin’s story. It is a non profit organization aimed at “connecting, educating, and empowering people to prevent brain injury, support brain injury recovery and most importantly promote a brain healthy lifestyle.” Love Your Brain will be in full effect at Frendly Gathering, so be sure to stop by their tent and be a part of this amazing cause.

Another charitable organization was created this year called the White Light Foundation, which was conceived about six months ago. The idea grew from a group of like-minded Twiddle fans with charitable intentions who wanted to better serve their community. Their positive energy and gigantic hearts were the base of something bigger, starting with a fundraiser spearheaded by Jay Segal with the goal of collecting clothing, toys and supplies for a Head Start school in New Haven, Connecticut. Since then, with the blessing of Twiddle (since the organization’s name is a Twiddle song title), the idea has grown and will be officially launched at this year’s Gathering, with Jay and Steven Periah at the helm. The foundation will be auctioning off items during the festival, with proceeds being donated to charitable organizations like Kurn Hattin Homes for Children and Love Your Brain. Be sure to visit their Facebook page to see some items already up for auction, and to see what else they will be doing at the festival.

For more information and tickets visit www.FrendlyGathering.com. There, you can also check out Jack and Danny’s web series called “Following Frendly” which documents their adventures leading up to Frendly, including some of their snowboarding escapades and the work that goes into building a festival. NYS Music will be on site to give you recaps of the day, and a full festival review after the dust settles.

June 13, 2015
Mike Gordon Tours the NYS Thruway

Twitter conversationalist, hotline recorder, and Phish bassist Mike Gordon, taking a break from his ongoing couch tour, is on the road in NYS with his solo band. Next week they’ll hit upstate New York hard, with stops in Buffalo, Syracuse (technically Baldwinsville), and Albany. After a few shows outside of New York, Mike will return to play down in Port Chester.

The tour has already seen the band debut a few originals as well as take on new covers of Fiona Apple, Here We Go Magic and Robert Palmer. Keyboardist Robert Walter was added to the touring band though he won’t be the only one playing the keys. The stage will feature an interactive synthesizer available for the audience to join in the fun. This could be your shot to jam with one of the greats! Dates and details below.

Read a past interview with Phish bassist Mike Gordon here.

June 16, Town Ballroom, Buffalo
Doors 7pm, Show at 8pm
Tickets $28

June 18, Paper Mill Island Amphitheater, Baldwinsville (outside Syracuse)
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Tickets $30

June 19, The Egg, Albany
Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
Tickets $31.25

June 27, Capitol Theater, Port Chester
Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
Tickets $30/$45

June 12, 2015