Category: Regions

In Flames Ignites the Town Ballroom

On Friday, May 15, Swedish melodic death metal pioneers, In Flames, brought their special brand of heavy metal to Buffalo. The crowd was treated to a powerfully diverse setlist, which covered the majority of the band’s extensive discography. In Flames was joined by Maryland’s djent authorities, Periphery, and Massachusetts’ metal sons, All That Remains.

Periphery took to the stage first and instantly got the crowd moving with a few beloved tracks from earlier in their discography. Their crushingly heavy sound, laced with choppy breakdowns and intricate overlays, forced their diehard fans to get the mosh pit going right from the start. However, the general consensus from the first few rows of fans was disappointment in Periphery’s song selection, since the rest of their set consisted of all new material from their newest albums, Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega.

It seemed as though all the fan-favorite songs had been left behind for this tour, but as an opening band, Periphery’s stage presence made up for it tenfold. These guys know how to have fun and how to get the crowd involved. One lucky fan even got the privilege of being the lead man in a circle pit, orchestrated by Periphery’s lead vocalist, Spencer Sotelo.

All That Remains followed and got a great response from the still-growing crowd. Vocalist, Phil Labonte had a lot to say about the negative feedback their last few albums have been getting. “A lot of people say they don’t like us anymore because our new stuff isn’t heavy enough, but we’re in the band and they’re not,” he commented, right before the band started a powerful ballad with mostly clean guitars and singing. Diehard ATR fans were delighted after hearing the tracks, “This Calling” and “Six” from their cult classic album, The Fall of Ideals, but for the most part, the crowd was divided between ATR’s fans of old and new. It was easy to tell the two groups apart. Older fans looked bored half the time, but the majority of the crowd mostly newer fans loved the entire set and emotionally sang along with every lyric. Either way, ATR had a lot of energy and a tight sound, keeping the whole crowd head banging the entire time.

Afterwards, In Flames took to the stage and dominated. They opened with ‘Embody the Invisible’, a cult favorite track from their 1999 album, Colony. Other cult favorites followed such as, ‘Clayman’ and ‘Bullet Ride’ from IF’s year 2000 release, Clayman. Aside from those three 15-plus year old tracks, the rest of the set covered a lot of musical ground. They made sure to play ‘Cloud Connected’ from the album, Reroute to Remain, and ‘Take This Life’ from the album, Come Clarity. Both of those songs get a lot of criticism from older fans, but they also carry a lot of weight. ‘Cloud Connected’, released in 2001, was the first song to get the band serious Western exposure in mainstream US metal, while ‘Take This Life’, went on to appear in a version of Guitar Hero after its 2006 release.

In Flames receives a lot of criticism the world over, mainly because of their drastic change in sound after getting noticed in North America in the early ‘2000s, but there wasn’t a single miserable expression worn during their set this past Friday night. Vocalist, Anders Friden kept the crowd entertained with his witty personality and at one point, initiated the first of many crowd surfers. He also pretended to not realize he was in Buffalo. “Don’t be offended if I accidentally say Boston a few times,” he joked about halfway through the set. It also happened to be IF bassist, Peter Iwers’s birthday, so as he is a huge hockey fan, the band got him a Buffalo Sabres jersey autographed by every member of the three bands playing that night and presented it to him on stage. Needless to say, the sea of Buffalonians loved every second of it.

IF’s latest album, Siren Charms, was the main focus point for the set, but they also included tracks from the albums, A Sense of Purpose and Sounds of a Playground Fading. They closed the night with ‘My Sweet Shadow’, a synth driven fan favorite from the album, Soundtrack to Your Escape. ‘My Sweet Shadow’ was a brilliant closer and scored IF a loud, roaring ovation as the outro faded out. Afterwards, fans darted to the guard rail in the hopes of catching a guitar pick or a drumstick before the guys respectfully disappeared backstage. It was a fitting end to a successful night, as In Flames did what they always do best: They left their fans wanting more.

Rest assured In Flames, Buffalo, NY can’t wait for your next visit.

May 19, 2015
10 Reasons You Should Attend Disc Jam

Music Festival season is swinging into full gear as we speak. New York, in particular, is known for hosting a large number of festivals. Making its way to the top this year is Disc Jam. It has one of the hottest lineups, featuring some of the most talented up and coming artists, as well as some very well established bands. With more than 50 artists there is a lot to choose from. This article features a low down of 10 sets that should not be missed. If this piques your interest click here for the full lineup/tickets.

10. Spiritual Rez

Spiritual Rez is that luxurious feel good music that feels like sunshine. When dub reggae goes deep, that, is Spiritual Rez. This is the set to be at if you want to feel free, so come mix around.

9.Formula 5

Don’t miss New York State’s own Formula 5. These up-and-coming musicians released a live album in April. It is proof that they are generating tight sounding live performances chock full of ascending melodies and improvisation.

8. Bells and Robes

Bells and Robes is an electronic music duo coming out of Gainesville, Fla., whose sound is lush and kickback. They released a new EP in April of this year. Stocked with new material, they will try quenching the never-ending thirst for good livetronica.

7. Mister F

Mister F describes themselves as neat & clean, hard & dangerous. This young band of experienced musicians is the offspring of members of Timbre Coup and Capital Zen. I’ll say it myself: Mister F has been on fire, pleasing crowds all up and down the east coast and in parts of the Midwest. This is a set you do not want to miss.

6. Phutureprimitive

Phutureprimitive has been producing electronic music since the 90’s. His musical approach incorporates fuzzy bass lines and organic soundscapes. His music is known to enter into another realm of reality.

5. Twiddle
With a passionate crowd and hailing from nearby Castleton, VT, Twiddle has been making waves in the past two years, pe/king all across the East coast, Colorado and making for a fantastic NYE show courtesy of Disc Jam Presents. Don’t miss their two sets!

4.Pink Talking Fish

Pink Talking fish plays a combination of Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads and Phish by finding commonalities in grooves of these three musical powerhouses. This is them making a return to Disc Jam and they do a good amount of playing around the Northeast so some are likely to have experienced Pink Talking Fish and will catching the set. If not, make it a fresh experience.

3.Lespecial
Lespecial released a new album in April of this year. Their sound is wildly different with each song, giving Lespecial’s sets an unexpected feel. The multitude of flavors could allow for the set to be cohesive with Disc Jam vibes. This set is guaranteed to be exciting.

2.Electron
Who doesn’t love a supergroup? Electron Brings together Aaron Magner and Marc Brownstein, of the Disco Biscuits, with Mike Greenfield, of Lotus, and the talented Tommy Hamilton, of Brothers past. This band is an occasional side project that has been happening off and on for over a decade, making this a rare and formidable occasion.

1.Lettuce
Twenty years of experience has allowed Lettuce to become a staple of the live music scene. Lettuce is known for their old-school sound combinations but also their vision to take funk music out of the box. Featured as one of headliners, Lettuce will be flooding the sound waves with music that is soulful and sure to manifest good feelings inside the body. Don’t miss out!

Of the lineup, those which have not been listed in this article include Kung Fu, Dopapod, Consider the Source and Twiddle. This is a beautiful lineup and tickets are indeed still available right here. Hope to see a lot of shining faces at the 5th annual Disc Jam Music Festival!

May 19, 2015
‘Smell the Love’ Fundraiser at The Low Beat on May 23

A fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Smell the Love features Albany’s finest and most quirky, interesting, and fragrant, musical talent. The Low Beat is the place to be on the evening of May 23 if you love rock and roll and hate cancer.

Give cancer the glove and rock out with The Maraca Incident, Jillian “Keezamonkee” Matundan and Friends who ride insane distances on their bikes to raise money to fight blood cancer, The Sidd Finch Project, and Message From Vega. Cover change is $10 and donations to kick cancer’s ass are encouraged. The final performance of the night will feature players for all bands.

For the first 25 entrants, purple flashing spike bracelets will be given out, with posters on sale for $5. Door prizes and silent auction will be available throughout the night.

May 18, 2015
Pokey LaFarge Stops and Smells the Lilacs

The first Rochester Lilac Festival dates back to 1898. It added musical entertainment just a few years later in 1901. Over a century later, in 2015, Pokey LaFarge would grace the Lilac Festival stage playing music that harkened back to the festival’s humble beginnings. While his music does pull from many early music influences like Western swing, ragtime, old-time country and jazz, it manages to rise above a simple throwback. Still, Pokey LaFarge was bringing the festival way back. And he was doing it playing his new and original music, leaning heavily on material off his latest release, Something In the Water.

Everything about LaFarge fits into the persona of the music. His name, his hometown of St. Louis, the way he carries himself, his incredible voice and the company he keeps. His band, with Adam Hoskins on guitar, Ryan Koenig on harmonica, banjo and percussion, Joey Glynn on upright bass, Chloe Feoranzo on clarinet and saxophone, TJ Muller on trumpet and banjo, and Matthew Meyer on drums, kicked the set off with a jazzy intro for their time-shifting leader to waltz out to. LaFarge amassed the perfect outfit to suit his musical vision. Not only in the instrumentation, but the players he has chosen match and enhance the old-time nature of the music both in their playing and persona.

Musically, the band was able to adjust to the needs of every tune, giving each one it’s own individual character. Even in reaching its goal of sounding old, it came across quite fresh. The band contracted and expanded, forming different configurations. When Meyer took a break from the drums, it left the audience to fill in with a dance of claps and stomps on LaFarge’s instruction. The horn players each had a turn on the bench as well. A trumpet or harmonica could be swapped for a banjo or percussion. And they all chipped in with their voices, each taking at least one turn on harmonies. Of particular note was a duet with Chloe Feoranzo on “Let’s Get Lost” off of LaFarge’s self-titled album.

The festival was blessed with an unusually hot opening weekend, prompting LaFarge to declare, “Let’s forget spring and skip straight to summer,” before kicking into “City Summer Blues” featuring Adam Hoskins on slide guitar. “Wanna Be Your Man” got TJ Muller up front and center with some nifty trumpet work. They closed out the set with a cover, a rousing rendition of Bob Willis’ “What’s the Matter with the Mill” that gave every member of the band a chance to shine on a solo and the crowd one last chance to dance in the grass under the hot sun.

The crowd had steadily grown throughout the set, as passersby from the festival grounds were drawn in to the sweet sounds of old-time jazz and country. The music might even have transported some from a Lilac Festival past. I could have sworn I saw some flappers out there…

May 18, 2015
Scotty McCreery Still American Idol to Fans at Turning Stone Showroom

Scotty McCreery was only 17-years-old when he won the 10th season on American Idol in 2011. Perhaps this young man was new to those just seeing him for the first time, however Scotty had spent most of his life singing and playing and preparing for his moment on that stage.

Growing up in North Carolina, Scotty McCreery at the age of 5-years-old received a book from his grandmother about Elvis, and from that point on, he knew what he wanted to do. He began learning guitar immediately thereafter and throughout his school years participated in chorus and plays, as well as sang at his local church. No stranger to the stage, this young man competed in several contests throughout his teenage years, and participated in numerous benefit concerts raising money for different causes.

This young man is not only extremely talented, he is very well grounded. With his family and his faith supporting him, he has continued to pursue his dream of music while attending the North Carolina State University. This ACM, American Country Music, and CMT Award winning artist continues to grow musically, while keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

As the show at Turning Stone Casino began, I was in visual heaven as they had one outstanding video show playing in the background. As audibly appealing as each song was to me that Scotty sang, the visual effects behind him was the cherry on top for me. The timing of videography matched perfectly with his music and choreography. This was an extremely well put together production and showcased his talents perfectly.

Scotty McCreery – Turning Stone Casino Showroom

Looking around me I couldn’t help but take in the diversity of the crowd that evening. There was every generation there from young girls reaching and screaming out as though they were at Beatle mania, to their grandmothers who sang along with every song. It was crystal clear that this country crooner appealed to the masses. Whether it was an upbeat tempo, a dedication to those who we have lost serving our country, or belting out a mashup of some of country music greats: “King of The Road” by Roger Miller, “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard, “White Lightning” by George Jones, and “Mountain Music”, by Alabama. His music spanned generations and showcased his voice impeccably. All in all, this was one amazing show, and I see great things on the horizon for this artist. Already with three albums already under belt, fans can look forward to a fourth he’s currently working on that is expected by years end.

Touring this summer with Rascal Flatts on their RIOT TOUR 2015, catch him as he will be back to New York August 29, 2015 at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit www.darienlake.com/concerts/ for this and many other upcoming LiveNation concerts.

May 17, 2015
UPDATED: Toby Keith’s – We Loved That Bar & Grill – Closes Door Under Blanket of Darkness

Waking up to the news that our favorite country music venue in Syracuse, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, located in Destiny USA mall in Syracuse, packed up and moved out under a cloud of darkness was sad news for sure.

Parmalee – Toby Keith’s Syracuse

Covering the show Thursday night with Parmalee, I noticed nothing out of the ordinary, as the venue was packed to the gills to enjoy one of country music’s favorite groups. Wait staff was busily serving drinks and meals while patrons crowded the stage ready to party. Then again last night, country music star Chris Cagle was in town to perform to yet another packed bar. NYSMusic staff present covering the show were scooted out upon completion, raising red flags, while ladders littered the venue as signed guitars and memorabilia were beginning to be taken off the walls.

Chris Cagle – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill 5/16/15

Opening in 2013, the national chain who is named after one of country music’s legends, welcomed several national acts each month while featuring local country music artists throughout the years. Rumors of financial difficulties here and nationwide swirled around the venue. However, after the business caught up on local taxes last year, patrons thought those issues were behind them.

Although it’s named after country music’s Toby Keith, other than his name the country music star has no interest in the chain. Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill was truly one we “loved” to work with, and it will be surely missed by all. We raise our red solo cups to a great run and bid farewell to one of our favorite venues.

UPDATE:

After a few days of letting the news sink in, I couldn’t help but feel that there was so much more to be said about the clandestine closing of Toby Keith’s over the weekend. NYSMusic.com worked closely with the corporate office over the course of the last year so I wanted to reach out to get their side of the story.

John Thomas, Vice President of Marketing for Boomtown Entertainment, parent company to Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill’s graciously spoke with me today regarding the closing. He explained that it was a financial decision surrounded by tense relations with Destiny USA. Assuring me that all questions about past due taxes had been taken care of, he was confident in stating that through litigation all questions will be answered and patrons will understand the decision more so at that time.

I asked him, why so secretive? Why not tell patrons and let them celebrate by raising a red solo cup at a farewell party? He stated that after eight years in the business, there really is never an easy way of doing this. I can see this point of view. If Toby’s announced, there would be backlash, if they didn’t announce, there would be backlash. Either way it’s a no win situation for all involved. John Thomas took this particular closing difficult as he had spent several years up in our area (Rochester) in radio programming, so this location was one he had a personal interest in seeing succeed. The market itself was very receptive, and the shows and crowds outstanding. In fact they had some amazing shows lined up for the remainder of the year for this location, so the closing of the location was not a decision they took lightly when making their decision.

John Thomas asked me to please relay this message to all that frequented the establishment. “It’s a sad day. We are upset that we’ve had to cease operations in Syracuse. We thank everyone in Upstate and Central NY, all of guests, patrons, staff, musicians, country music lovers, and our partner B104.7. It’s an unfortunately situation that we had to make that business decision, but we felt it was in our best interest, and we hope to announce something new in the near future.”

Leaving me wondering what that “something new in the near future” would be, I truly will miss the great times and good music I shared with my readers from Toby’s, and hold out hope that soon a new country music venue to will come to town that I once again can bring my readers all the latest and greatest from Nashville.

May 17, 2015
Get Ready for MMJ, Beck and More at Boston Calling 2015

Forget trudging out to a field in the middle of nowhere to see a string of your favorite musicians at a festival. Boston Calling 2015 has all the music you want, and in an easy-to-reach urban setting that also lets you explore one of the best cities in the Northeast while you’re at it.

And oh, by the way, it’s got a sweet lineup including My Morning Jacket, Beck, the Pixies, Tenacious D and TV on the Radio.

Boston Calling 2015 will be held for the third time at City Hall Plaza – in the center of Boston – this Memorial Day weekend. The festival allows for re-entry, so festival-goers can hang out in downtown Boston while taking breaks from some great music.

On Friday, May 22, Sharon Van Etten takes the stage at 6:30. Tame Impala will play at 7:45, and Beck starts at 9:25. All acts will appear on the same stage.

Saturday will be headlined by My Morning Jacket and also includes Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, St. Vincent, Marina and the Diamonds, Gerard Way, Tove Lo, Run the Jewels, Mo, DMA’s and Krill.

Sunday’s lineup is headlined by the Pixies, and they will be joined by Tenacious D, TV on the Radio, Vance Joy, Jason Isbell, Chet Faker, The Lone Below, Ilovemakonnen, Halsey, and the Ballroom Thieves.

On Saturday and Sunday, the sets shift between two stages, and sets don’t overlap, so attendees can catch every minute of music.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday and Sunday. Music ends each day promptly at 11 p.m. Organizers recommend taking the T to Haymarket or State Street stations, then entering at the main entrance on Congress Street. For those who choose to drive, organizers offer a discount to the Government Center parking garage at 50 New Sudbury St.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes for lots of dancing and walking. Dress in layers, and be prepared for any weather — the event is rain or shine.

A variety of Sam Adams beers, Angry Orchard hard cider and Wicked Wines will be for sale. Food and non-alcoholic drink vendors will consist of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Tasty Burger, The Chicken and Rice Guys, Arancini Bros, Dean’s Concessions, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese and Burgers, Alltown and Polar Beverages. Concession booths are spread throughout the festival.

Tickets, including a few VIP options, are still available online. All ages are welcome, with children aged 10 and younger getting in free.

Organizers recommend those who don’t have accommodations arranged yet should check out Ames Boston Hotel. It’s steps away from the festival and is an award-winning, chic boutique hotel that attracts artists and celebrities.

There will be another fall Boston Calling Sept. 25-27, and organizers will announce the lineup at the May festival. Those who attend the spring edition will get a discount on a pre-sale for the fall fest starting May 26. Last year’s fall festival included The National, The Hold Steady, Lorde, Nas and the Roots, among others.

Boston Calling is also hosting block parties every Thursday until Sept. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Dewey Square, on Summer Street at Downtown Crossing.

May 16, 2015
Show Number One: The Legendary Fishbone at Westcott

The best moments in life are often those that come with little planning – so when my buddy hit me up last Wednesday about making a last-minute trip to see ska/punk/funk legends Fishbone at Syracuse’s Westcott Theater – I said “Funk ya!” California’s Fishbone has been touring since 1979 and still features three original members – lead vocalist Angelo Moore, bassist John Norwood Fisher and “Dirty” Walter A Kibby II on trumpet. Add in Rocky George of Suicidal Tendencies fame on guitar, John Steward on drums, Jay Armant on trombone, and Paul Hampton on the keys and they become a force to be reckoned with. This is no watered down state fair nostalgia act, this is the real deal.

Street Rock Mafia – a rap/funk/rock group from Utica. The Mafia’s genre is well stated as their sound lay somewhere in between Limp Bizkit, Ludacris and Syracuse’s own Sophistafunk. With ample guitar to go with the eloquent hip hop and subtle funk undertones – this band should have no trouble finding a varied audience as they continue to grow.

Finally it was time to grab one of the Westcott’s micro brews and get a spot up front for Fishbone. The audience was a bit sparse considering the history of this band, but that took little from the experience. The band came out to play one of their most well-known tunes “Party at Ground Zero” and immediately set the dance floor on fire. Showing no signs of age – vocalist/multi instrumentalist Moore was bouncing around the stage like an eighteen year old – and the rest of the band followed suit. The set featured a mix of old and new material and a spot on cover of the Sublime classic “Date Rape.” The band even managed to give a shout out to guitarist George’s old band – Suicidal Tendencies – with an extended head bang worthy jam around the tune “Institutionalized”. I, of course, immediately asked the bartender for a Pepsi, but he wouldn’t give me one.

Fishbone is touring heavily this year and was just announced as a headliner for September’s Last Daze of Summer festival at Sterling Stage in Sterling, NY. Put this band on your bucket list and find a way to see them. The last-minute journey to funkytown was well worth the five hours of sleep and the groggy morning after. And I finally got my Pepsi.

May 15, 2015
Get Ready to Head Back to Summer Camp

Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us and despite all the festival potential in store across the Northeast, the Midwest holds one of the best festivals of the year – Summer Camp Music Festival. Now in its 15th year. Summer Camp has become the Midwest’s number one destination for all things jam, rock, electronic, bluegrass and plenty of general partying and hollerin’.

There’s a lot going on this year at Summer Camp, including some just announced improvements and rules changes that fans need to be aware of. Read here for a detailed list, but take note of the following in particular:

Entry: A new main gate setup and more efficient entry procedures will allow for quicker and easier entry this year.

Vibe Tent: To accommodate some of the massive EDM artists playing this year’s festival, expect a bigger-than-ever Vibe Tent! From the production and sound, to the stage and the tent itself, Summer Camp has expanded and fine-tuned every element of the stage.

Charge your cellphone on site with Solar Go’s Custom USB Recharging Batteries: Order your battery now and it will be charged and ready when you arrive. Then, each day you can exchange it for a fully charged one, and at the end of the festival you take it home with you.

Chinese Fire Lanterns are banned!: Due to safety concerns (and common sense) these have been added to our prohibited items list, and will NOT be allowed at Three Sisters Park!

You can access the Summer Camp schedule here and use the app for IOS or Android to build a customized music schedule.

Of course, the music and activities at Summer Camp are the reason you are coming, not to block the view of Jeff Waful with your ragestick (leave those home too) so here are the Top 15 acts and events not to miss at Summer Camp 15.

15. Keller Williams / Keller Williams & Grateful Grass

With the release of his latest album Vape, Keller is back with new material and a Dead set with Grateful Grass that offers anything but the traditional Grateful Dead covers. Being the Dead’s 50th year, expect plenty of tributes to the Grateful Dead at this year’s Summer Camp. (2am Friday, Campfire Stage // 5pm Friday, Moonshine Stage)

14. Make a Difference

Increase your social and environmental awareness as you make a difference at Summer Camp this year in a variety of ways. Check out non-profits, help clean the grounds, take part in the treasure hunt, and spread the word! Summer Camp is a great way to have a blast and kick off the summer, as well as do a good part for your community! (Throughout the weekend, Soulshine Tent)

13. Pink Talking Fish

We have had the luxury of Pink Talking Fish playing a bevy of shows in their native Northeast, and checking them out at Summer Camp will be a real treat whether you have seen them or not already. Combining Phish, Talking Heads and Pink Floyd songs in unique ways – you won’t be disappointed. (2am Saturday, Soulshine Tent)

12. Krewella

I haven’t seen Krewella, but given the amount of vitriol some fans gave the female electronic duo when they were added to the lineup, even going so far as to start a petition to have them removed from the lineup, now I REALLY want to see them. I enjoy EDM and don’t pass judgment until I see music live, and with the duo hailing from near Chicago, IL, they are now a must see. (9pm Friday, Moonshine Stage)

11. Field Day
Akin to Camp Bisco’s Color Wars, Field Day is a great friendly competition that features dodgeball, capture the flag, a spelling bee, a Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas eating contest, and more! Pre-register here and Go Purple! (12pm – 5:30pm Saturday, 312 Beer Garden next to Vibe Tent),

10. Wild Adriatic

One of the best bands to come out of Upstate New York, Wild Adriatic has played SXSW and will perform at Bonnaroo this summer, and are well-known throughout the Northeast for rocking sets and choice covers, including “Ain’t No Sunshine”, featured on their new EP Never Enough. (5pm Thursday, Starshine Stage)

9. North American Scum

If you love LCD Soundsystem even a little bit, you have to stay awake on Sunday and catch North American Scum. I saw them in Chicago last July and was blown away – it’s as close to the real deal as you can get. Watch below and see for yourself (2am Sunday, Soulshine Tent)

8. Amazeballs Mini Golf

Music festivals have been waiting for this one – mini-golf! Amazeballs Amusements is an awesome addition to Summer Camp and will host a unique 15 hole miniature golf course in honor of Summer Camp Music Festival’s 15th Anniversary. Bonus: the mobile mini golf course will be free to play all weekend! Proceeds from Sunday afternoon will benefit a special Make a Difference Drive. Stop by the Soulshine Tent, cool down in the shade or avoid the rain while hitting some balls. (Daily 10am-6pm)

7. Aqueous

Making their return to Summer Camp with two full sets on Thursday and Friday, this Western NY jam has a great summer tour ahead of them and a thriving fan base that Umphrey’s fans have begun to take note of, and for good reason. See the band NYSMusic named their 2013 Band on the Rise. (8:30pm Thursday and 8pm Friday, Camping Stage)

6. Family Groove Company

Chicago has a presence at Summer Camp, and for good reason. The number of bands that have come out of the Windy City in the past 15 years is remarkable, and Summer Camp offers a chance to see some of the best. Family Groove Company is a stellar jam band, offering a complete sound, especially with Janis Wallin rockin the bass. (6pm Thursday, 12pm Saturday, Starshine Stage)

5. Umphrey’s McGee and GODBONER

Umphrey’s has played their festival since the beginning, so naturally they are on the list. With The London Session and UMBowl VI in their rearview, expect 4 incredible sets, along with a bonus – Gene Ween joins Umphrey’s for GODBONER! (6pm, 7:45pm & 9:45 pm Friday, 9pm & 11pm, Sunshine Stage)

4. Yonder Mountain String Band

With a lineup recently made official, adding Allie Kral (fiddle) and Jacob Jolliff (mandolin) and new album Black Sheep due out this summer, Yonder’s daytime set at Summer Camp is a must attend, and with a slightly different sound but the same vibe and jamgrassy goodness you love, you’ll want to see where the new lineup takes them. (2:45pm Sunday, Sunshine Stage)

3. Future Rock/Daft Rock

Future Rock is a fantastic electronic trio from Chicago and the fact they are playing two sets insists you see at least one of them – but their third set, as Daft Rock, is the one that is truly intriguing and why they are #3 on the list. A set of Daft Punk from this talented trio is going to be one of the highlights of Summer Camp, guaranteed. (Future Rock – 9:30pm Thursday, 12:30am Saturday – Starshine Stage // Daft Rock 2am Friday, Soulshine Stage)

2. Widespread Panic

The past two years have seen Widespread Panic turning out some of the hottest shows and tours in recent years with a strong connection between Jimmy Herring and Butch Trucks (filling in for Todd Nance on drums) leading to jams that are beyond what the Southern rockers have been known for in previous years. Get floppy with Panic! (7pm & 9pm Sunday, Sunshine Stage)

1. Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers/moe with Bruce Hornsby

Music legend Bruce Hornsby brings The Noisemakers, playing originals and covers with his iconic voice, but his set with moe. will be the most looked forward to set this Summer Camp, simply for the potential of what is in store. A band such as moe. playing along with the piano and voice of Bruce Hornsby is one of the best collaborations to come out of music festivals since Steve Winwood joined Widespread Panic at Bonnaroo 2002. Don’t miss this one! (1:15pm & 3pm Sunday, Moonshine Stage)

May 15, 2015
EXCLUSIVE: Eastbound Jesus Release “Better Things”, Second Track off “Hollerin”

With their second album Hollerin due out this summer, Eastbound Jesus has released exclusively with NYSMusic the second track off the album. We love where this album is headed…

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May 15, 2015