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  • Let’s Go Out to Dinner and See a Movie…All in One Location at the Newest Movie Tavern

    Township 5, a mixed-use shopping center and apartment complex located in the Syracuse suburb of Camillus, was designated as the location for the area’s newest movie house this past spring. This week, ground was broken on a Movie Tavern at the quickly growing development. Movie Tavern takes the work out of choosing dinner and movie by providing both in the same location.

    movie tavernWith 21 locations in nine states, each Movie Tavern features a full bar and an in-theater, “chef driven” menu for diners to enjoy with first-run movies. The Camillus location will be the company’s first in New York state and is expected to open in May 2016. Among the new theater’s amenities will be 11 screens, stadium seating, recliners and in-seat service.

    According to the company’s website, prices will be on par with the typical movie-going experience while entrees will be priced in the $12-15 range. Private groups will also be able to reserve special showings and reservations for seats will be required.

    For more information on the experience, visit the company’s website here.

  • Elton John Wants Sit Down With Vladimir Putin Over Gay Rights

    Music legend Elton John has offered to sit down with Russian president Vladimir Putin and discuss gay rights in Russia.

    Elton John

    Russia is trying to control homophobia in the country. In June of 2013, President Putin passed a law that made it legal to prosecute individuals promoting “homosexual behavior among minors.” Reports of homophobic attacks have recently exploded in Russia, which holds staunch views when it comes to gay issues.

    Putin has stated numerous times that Russia needs to “cleanse” itself of homosexuality. He claims Russia will run out of children if gays are allowed to marry.

    When speaking to BBC News, John said that Putin’s attitude towards gay people is “isolating and prejudiced” and “ridiculous.” He went on to comment about remarks Putin made in 2014 about gay people targeting children. John then added, “Give me a break. You are the president of Russia and you go and say stupid things like that?”

    When asked, Elton said, “I would like to meet [Mr. Putin]. It’s probably pie in the sky…He may laugh behind my back when he shuts the door, and call me an absolute idiot, but at least I can think I have the conscience to say I tried.”

  • The Catskill Chill 2015 Music Festival: A Farewell to Minglewood

    The sixth annual Catskill Chill Music Festival – A Farewell to Minglewood – is set to take place this weekend on Sept 18-20 with this year being the last time at Camp Minglewood in Hancock, NY. The Chill gathers fans from all over the North East to the beautiful, secluded Catskills for a three-day camping summer music festival finale. The Chill has called Camp Minglewood home since the beginning and it’s sleep away camp setting of multiple concert halls, cabins full of friends and tents scattered over the hills, all within short walking distance made for the ideal festival grounds. The Catskill Chill motto holds true to “All Love, All the Time” as you can see and feel it all around you with nonstop smiles, hugs, high fives and the radiating positive vibes that keep Minglewood clean and fun.

    catskillchill_logo_2015

    This coming weekend will be a time of reflection of all the wonderful moments of Chills past. We’ve endured all types of weather: perfect sunny days, light rain, the Tornado of 2012 and those cold, cold, cold early fall nights of NY. The little to no cell phone reception is a painful delight as we are given a chance to truly enjoy all that the Chill has to offer with both hands and a focused mind. The Catskill Chill lines up talented regional and national musical acts of all genres that connects us to each other and the dance floor. The bands love the Chill as much as the fans do with major returning acts such as Lotus, Dopapod, Particle, Lettuce, The Motet and Kung Fu.

    One of the best features about The Chill is the abundance of guest sit ins and collaborations from over the years such as Shwizz and Fikus will join forces to become Shwikus, the late late night Sunday set of Dopadosio, Bobby Paltauf with The Meter Men, Todd Stoops with Twiddle plus so many more. The number of artists has dramatically increased over the years with a jam-packed schedule that doesn’t stop til you do. With more bands comes more stages and those cabin porches serve more than neighborly meetups, Solaris is no stranger to the late night porch shows. Acoustic Junction was a great addition to The Chill with memorable acts from The Brummy Brothers, Consider the Source and Primate Fiasco, guaranteed to rock your socks off electronically or acoustically.

    Be mindful to savor every beautiful minute of music and scenery because we’re so lucky to have them together. Don’t miss out on one hell of a going away party and buy tickets now (available here). NYSMusic is grateful to share the bittersweet goodbye of Camp Minglewood and looks forward to more memories of The Catskill Chill.

    Check out past NYSMusic Catskill Chill Reviews and Photo Galleries: 2012, 2013 2014

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

  • Verona’s Fritz’s Polka Band Nominated for National Awards

    Central New York Polka legends Fritz’s Polka Band have two members nominated for national awards by the Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame. Accordianist/vocalist Fritz Scherz has been nominated in the Musician of the Year and Vocalist of the Year categories, while bassist Gabe Vaccaro has also been nominated in the Musician of the Year category.

    Accordianist/Vocalist Fritz Sherz of Fritz's Polka Band
    Accordionist/vocalist Fritz Scherz of Fritz’s Polka Band

    The Polka Hall of Fame ceremony is held annually at the Cleveland Downtown Marriot in Cleveland on Nov. 28 as part of Thanksgiving Polka Weekend. Fritz’s Polka Band is already scheduled to perform at the event on Nov. 27 and 28 and now have the awards ceremony to look forward to as well.

    The band formed in 1978 with Fritz’s father Fred Scherz Sr. on accordion, Scherz on second accordion, Vaccaro on bass and Al ‘Rebe’ Reber on trumpet. The band now boasts four members, with Mike Faraino on drums and Frank Nelson on guitar. Founding member Fred Scherz Sr. passed away in 2009 and the band has dedicated each performance to his memory.

    Bassist Gabe Vaccaro of Fritz's Polka Band
    Bassist Gabe Vaccaro of Fritz’s Polka Band

    Fritz’s Polka Band  has performed wedding receptions, world-renowned Polka festivals and the Woodstock ’99 stage in Rome. It prides itself as being the only Polka band ever to perform on a Woodstock Festival stage.

    The band has released 18 recordings and has been featured in the 2004 remake of The Manchurian Candidate as well as in two episodes of Breaking Bad. 

    In 2010, the band was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Hall of Fame and has been nominated for many Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYS), most recently in 2009 for Best Recording.

    For more information on the Thanksgiving Polka Weekend and the Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, visit their website.

  • REO Speedwagon and Fans Mourn Loss of Gary Richrath

    On September 13, 2015, REO Speedwagon‘s friend, band mate, and creative collaborator, Gary Richrath unexpectedly passed away.  Best known as lead guitar player for the band, Richrath joined the band in the early years, and wrote, produced, and played along side the band members until 1989 when he ventured out in a solo career.

    Gary Richrath 690fbcb294ffb5909ebc8e3a72a8d341

    Best known for his “Riding The Storm Out” and “Take It On The Run”, this guitar player’s solos were highlights in these and numerous other songs the band released over the years. In 1989, Richrath ventured out on his own and in 1992 released his only solo album Only The Strong Survive.

    In 2013, Richrath once again joined the band at “Rock To The Rescue”, a benefit to raise money for those effected by the tornadoes in Illinois that year.  Calling in a favor from his golf buddy, Larry The Cable Guy, Richrath and Dan (real name) headed to Illinois to join the group and several others to raise money to help those in need while their communities were rebuilt.  Joining the band on stage for the encore of “Riding The Storm Out”, the crowd went crazy and hairs stood on end as a moment that those there will never forget.

    Gary Richrath will forever be revered as one of the greatest guitar players in the business, an amazing songwriter, and his fans, friends, and family will miss him.

  • Street Performer Leif Solem Harassed By Albany Police Officer

    Street performer Leif Solem was recently harassed by Albany Police Officer Glenn Szelest while busking, another term for performing on the street.

    Solem was confronted by Officer Szelest in front of 7 North Pearl St. while playing his guitar.  A woman bystander witnessed and recorded a 43-second video of the confrontation, which Solem posted on Youtube.

    Officer Szelest claims the shirt Solem placed on the ground for tips in front of a vacant building looked like he was panhandling and ticketed him for disorderly conduct for blocking the sidewalk.

    After the bystander questioned the officer, Szelest calls for backup by saying he was dealing with unruly panhandlers. The officer even tried to grab the phone from the woman’s hands.

    Solem stated in an phone interview with News 10 that this was the first time he was ever stopped by police. He said the officer quickly became condescending. Solem told News 10 that the officer asked him rhetorically, “You were picked on in school weren’t you,” and became really demeaning and belittling.

    A police spokesperson stated that the department was made aware of the video on Monday and is currently conducting an investigation.

    Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox stated: “To my knowledge, there is no ordinance against busking.” Cox also stated that Officer Szelest has been reassigned to administrative duty while an internal investigation takes place.

    Szelest is a 21-year veteran of the Albany Police Department.

  • Nothing More Loses Drummer Paul O’Brien Due to Anxiety Over Spotlight

    The rock world lost a really amazing live drummer recently. Paul O’Brien of Nothing More has departed from his rock brothers in search of a life in music behind closed doors and away from the spotlight, according to the band’s Facebook page.

    In a message he wrote up for the post, O’Brien stated that depression is very real, and being in the spotlight triggered some major anxiety issues buried deep down inside of him, and it’s just too much of a mental struggle for him to carry on.

    Paul O'BrienO’Brien wrote that is was the hardest decision he has ever made to step down from Nothing More. He said the band has an amazing message and it was an absolute honor to be part of something so much bigger than himself.

    Being on the road isn’t for everyone, O’Brien wrote, and he learned through a very real experience playing live in front of thousands of fans that he is one of those individuals. With life on the road he felt that he would never escape. It was something O’Brien has been carrying with him for a long time, and he had to do what was best for him and his future.

    O’Brien wanted to thank what he called his brothers for life, Daniel, Mark, Jonny and Will. He said the things they been through, no one can take away from them, and and he loves his bandmates more than words can describe. O’Brien also thanked them for being very supportive through this difficult time and wrote that it means the world to him. “I know without a doubt, you guys will take this thing all the way to the top,” he wrote. O’Brien said he will always remember traveling the globe and seeing amazing things with them during that chapter of his life, and he will always be there for musical brothers and is eternally grateful to have such an opportunity that most could only dream of.

    O’Brien thanked all the supporters of Nothing More: the families, crew, friends, bands, label, management and all the fans, “every person who bought a shirt, put us up for the night, fed us, carried our gear, took us on the road, booked a gig…..you’re a massive reason for the success of this band” that he hopes help continue to let his former bandmates achieve the ultimate greatness that he knows that they are capable of.

    O’Brien plans to lay low for a while looking for a quiet life out of the spotlight. He said he has found happiness in that before and that he his lucky to have his lady, family and close friends at home to help support him through everything.

    O’Brien also stated that music will always be a huge part of his life and he would love to get into some studio for some session drumming. He said that he has always been fascinated by the recording side of things. O’Brien would always like to try his hand at producing and maybe some teaching, but first, he said he needs to get his head on straight and smile again. He closed out his statement, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for everything. Much love and respect.”

    Nothing More has chosen Pearl artist Ben Anderson to head up the drumming duties for the band’s current Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. Anderson has also drummed for Digital Summer and Letters From The Fire.

  • Hearing Aide: Jason Isbell ‘Something More Than Free’

    Two months ago roots-rocker Jason Isbell released his fifth studio album, Something More Than Free, and the record quickly topped Billboard’s rock, country, and folk charts after its July 17 drop date.

    Something More Than FreeA follow-up to his 2013 album-of-the-year, Southeastern, the former Drive-By Trucker teamed up again with producer Dave Cobb, and the two created something more polished, identifiable— dare we say, genre-saving for new Nashville to embrace. The album captures the sounds of  ’70s outlaw anthems, crooner acoustic ballads and small-town blues-rock with simple bass lines. Isbell’s raw vocals loosely dominate and demand careful attention. Never cryptic in his songwriting, Isbell “put down my fears on a page” and arranged those scribbled-down emotions into 11 solid tracks that pluck to the core of the human search for meaning.

    With SMTF Isbell takes listeners on a 43-minute mental flashback from a more mature musician “hell-bent on growing up if it takes a lifetime” to the rebellious “22-backwoods-years-old” determined to find his sound. In songs like “24 Frames,” “Life You Chose,” “Speed Trap Town,” and “Children of Children” (note the nod to Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You”), Isbell weaves his autobiographical experience of loss, learning, growing, and salvaging the good into tender hymns for the underprivileged rural South and those struggling with addiction. And it’s this unapologetic courage to sound like nobody but himself that secures Isbell as a front-and-center fixture on Americana’s stage.

    SMTF marks Isbell’s return as a focused, confident artist who’s at peace with his purpose and proves that a metamodern country boy can survive.

    Key Tracks: 24 Frames, Life You Chose, Something More Than Free

  • We can Werk it Out 2015

    The sixth annual Werk Out Music and Arts Festival in 2015 was as always a ridiculously good time for all who made the journey. This is the fourth year the festival has commenced at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio. The venue has been host to many famous acts since the ’70s. Most famously one of largest and favorite stops of The Grateful Dead tour in the ’80s. The festival includes three stages as well as a silent disco. The festival is a celebration of music, dance, and friendship brought to you by Columbus’ own — The Werks.

    Thursday night’s music included Papadosio. Which seems to be growing in popularity by the minute. After hearing them there’s no questioning the reason. The level of improvisation is incredible. Next up was Broccoli Samurai and then the much-anticipated first set from The Werks. The Rumpke Mountain Boys picked on into the early morning hours at the B stage. After the two main stages shut down for the evening, many headed over to the Silent Disco tent sponsored by The Untz.

    For those who haven’t been to a Silent Disco before, it’s really an interesting concept. In exchange for your id you pick up a pair of wireless headphones. There are two channels which feature EDM from two live DJs  in the tent. You can choose channel A or channel B to listen to. Then dance till the sun comes up in silence! The Silent Disco is gaining popularity at festivals that have to respect noise ordinances. It might be quiet but the party lives on.

    Friday afternoon welcomed Wisconsin’s own Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Their brand of progressive bluegrass is especially fueled by pristine songwriting, lightening fast fiddle, banjo, guitar and harmonica solos. Not to mention exceptional five-part harmonies. Their most recent cd Middle Western is a collection of original songs will be sure to get your feet tapping and your brain ticking. Some of their lyrics are down right philosophical and some might say the messages are transcendental. It will  be so exciting to see what these boys have in store for the future.

    Umphrey’s set Friday night was awesome as usual. The band even covered Prince’s “When Doves Cry”. Not only was the music incredible but the lighting was out of sight. Following Umphrey’s was the festival host The Werks. They played an evening set which featured former member Norman Dimitrouleas on keys. The band segued into their perpetual groves and would at just the right moment say the magic words “You are the universe”. Energy was high and hoopers, and dancers all moved as if they were under their spell.

    A peaceful silence fell upon the campground but shortly after the silence was broken by Blue Moon Soup. A Newgrass band from Yellow Springs Ohio. The harmony on their rendition of Manfred Mann’s “Fox on the Run” was spot on. Every solo was also crisp with accuracy and precision.  At the closing on their set it was time to head for the MBFP tent to catch Eoto and Friends. The tent was absolutely filled to the brim with dancers and fans alike. Some featured guests included Chris Houser, and Todd Stoops.

    Saturday I managed to catch Ekoostik Hookah’s set. Many die-hard fans gathered towards the front of the stage and sang along and danced. Next up was musical genius Zach Deputy. Just watching him ties my brain in knots. His dance-able and energetic originals flooded the concert area and his positive energy flooded the audience. He even played our favorite “Just the tip”. Other highlights from Saturday included Lettuce, Dopapod, The Werks final set, and Glostik Willy.

    The Werkout is a celebration of music, dancing and art. Who knows, you may even decide to wed there, as one happy couple did. The staff is super friendly and the music is some of the best ever heard. The overall energy is upbeat and positive. Between the beauty of Legend Valley, the bright spirit of the fans, the innovative music this festival is one of the treasures of the mid west. See you at Werkout 2016.

  • Hearing Aide: Ken Chapple ‘Crossing The Black’

    Oregon-based bluegrass singer/songwriter Ken Chapple is debuting his first album, Crossing the Black, September 18. It is a compilation of 10 original acoustic songs featuring his flatpicking guitar prowess and vocals, and collaborations with a collection of other local musical talent. Accompanying him on the album are Lex Browning (fiddle, vocals on Cutie Pie, See Where She Goes, Black River Cabin, Salvation and Sweet White Clover), Rob Wright (bass, vocals on Cutie Pie, Black River Cabin, Salvation and Sweet White Clover), Peter Schwimmer (banjo), Martin Stevens (mandolin) and Julie Schmidt (vocals on The Wheel). Every song is written, arranged and produced by Chapple, and the album was recorded at Big Red Studio with Billy Oskay engineering.

    Chapple has been playing guitar since he was twelve-years-old, and his proficiency on guitar is apparent. Having released two albums with bluegrass group Wayward Vessel, Chapple’s debut album has been a long time coming. His warm, gentle voice makes listening to his album a relaxing endeavor, which may be best suited for lounging on a warm summer’s night with a few candles burning nearby. His songs carry themes of love and following the heart.

    “Pair Of Twos” begins with an easygoing elegance, featuring Browning on fiddle. Uttering the words, “Why settle for a pair of twos. Mama said there’s so much more I can do. Be an artist or be a fool but don’t hold back now,” — Chapple seeks to inspire listeners to follow their dreams. “Without Your Warmth” quickly transitions from a pensive introduction, increasing tempo as Chapple sings of a deep need for a loved one, proclaiming, “Without your warmth I will die.” The title track “Crossing the Black” is an all instrumental piece opening with intimate guitar, followed by a simple but pronounced bass line. Fiddle soon joins, which momentarily takes a backseat for mandolin, and then guitar. All instruments have their moment to shine, and this track truly showcases Chapple’s guitar work, providing a wholesome, satisfying feel.

    A variety of limited edition music packages and pre-order options are available here. Check out Ken Chapple’s SoundCloud and Bandcamp profiles, or his Facebook page for more information about his work and upcoming events.

    Key Tracks: Pair Of Twos, Without Your Warmth, Crossing the Black