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  • Rochester Lilac Festival 2015 Lineup

    Every year thousands upon thousands of people flood Highland Park in Rochester to enjoy the annual Lilac Festival 2015. Featuring a full hillside of blooming lilacs and other spring flowers, two weekends of craft vending, and a whole week of the city’s finest high brow and low brow food (Thanks Tahous!) – the biggest draw is ultimately the stellar musical lineup the city offers to music loving denizens for free. And wow – kudos to the organizers as this years lineup is jam-packed with talent.

    Festival producer Jeff Springut of the Springut group on this years festivities:

    “It’s always a delight to plan the musical lineup for the Rochester Lilac Festival, it’s a wide-open canvas, a free stage that goes from 10:30 in the morning until 8:30 in the evening. It’s a pleasure to have this opportunity to bring in some of the best touring musicians in the country.”

    Running the gambit from the 70’s cowboy rock of The Outlaws, the funk-tastic Mingo Fishtrap and Dr Dog to jam favorites Blues Traveler and Rusted Root – this year will leave no music fan unfulfilled.

    LF_2-3_banner_concert

    As always local bands get the focus most afternoons with Rochester’s own Thunderbody, Buddhahood, and Extended Family in the mix. The festival runs May 8-17 and admission is free. Check out the full lineup and day by day schedule below.

    2015 Lilac Festival Lineup

    5/8 Outlaws, Tommy Brunett, The Blind Owls
    5/9 Zac Brown Tribute Band, Pokey LaFarge, Guthrie Brown and the Family Tree, The Blind Owls
    5/10 The Psychedelic Furs, The Blind Owls, Deborah Magone, Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band
    5/11 Dr. Dog, Adam Ezra Group, Extended Family
    5/12 Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Cracker, Buddhahood
    5/13 Blues Traveler, Davina and the Vagabonds
    5/14 Rusted Root, Nobel Vibes
    5/15 Mingo Fishtrap, Thunder Body
    5/16 Charlie Musselwhite, Joe Beard
    5/17 Ana Popovic, Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People, The Prickers, The Blind Spots, The Blind Owl Band

    Detailed Day by Day Schedule – Sahlen’s Stage

    Friday, May 8

    10:30 am Cosgrove 7th Grade Chorus
    11:30 am Passion For Purple Event
    12:30 pm TBA
    1:00 pm TBA
    4:00 pm The Blind Owls
    5:30 pm Tommy Brunett
    7:00 pm The Outlaws

    Saturday, May 9

    12:30 pm Cool Club with the Lipker Sisters
    1:30 pm Natalie B
    2:30 pm The Blind Owls
    4:00 pm Guthrie Brown and the Family Tree
    5:30 pm Pokey LaFarge
    7:00 pm ZBTB: Zac Brown Tribute Band

    Sunday, May 10

    10:30 am Fred Vine
    11:30 am Fat City
    12:30 pm Anonymous Willpower
    2:30 pm Kat Wright & The Indomitable Soul Band
    4:00 pm Deborah Magone
    5:30 pm The Blind Owls
    7:00 pm The Psychedelic Furs

    Monday, May 11

    10:30 am Webster Montessori School Chorus
    11:00 am Gates Chili Middle School Jazz Band
    12:00 pm Bishop Kearney High School: Murder of Crows
    1:00 pm Twelve Corners Middle School Jazz Band
    4:00 pm Extended Family
    5:30 pm Adam Ezra Group
    7:00pm Dr. Dog

    Tuesday, May 12

    10:30 am St. Joseph’s Elementary School Band
    11:00 am Holley Elementary Chorus & Band
    12:00 pm School 22
    1:00 pm Leroy Central School District Bands
    4:00 pm The Buddhahood
    5:30 pm Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
    7:00 pm Cracker

    Wednesday, May 13

    10:30 am Paul Road Elementary School Band
    11:00 am Richard Mann Elementary 5th Grade Band
    12:00 pm NRCS Select Choir and Wind Ensemble
    1:00 pm Twelve Corners Middle School Jazz Band & Select Choir
    4:00 pm TBA
    5:30 pm Davina and the Vagabonds
    7:00 pm Blues Traveler

    Thursday, May 14

    10:30 am Pal-Mac Select Ensembles
    11:30 am Indian Landing Singers
    12:15 pm School #19
    1:00 pm Northstar Christian Academy
    4:00 pm Noble Vibes
    5:30 pm TBA
    7:00 pm Rusted Root

    Friday, May 15

    10:30am – 3:00pm Rochester City School District “Bloomin Arts”
    4:00pm Sirsy
    5:30pm Thunder Body
    7:00pm Mingo Fishtrap

    Saturday, May 16

    10:30 am Clayton Band & Choir
    11:30 am Big Mike & The Motivators
    12:30 pm TBA
    2:00 pm Shine
    3:30 pm Prime Time Funk
    5:00 pm Joe Beard
    7:00 pm Charlie Musselwhite

    Sunday, May 17

    11:30 am TBA
    12:30 pm The Blind Owl Band
    2:30 pm The Blind Spots
    4:00 pm The Prickers
    5:30 pm Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People
    7:00 pm Ana Popovic

  • Twiddle and Kung Fu Team up for ‘Dirty Dozen Tour’ With Four Shows in New York

    The Dirty Dozen Tour features 12 massive performances from Co-Headlining musical acts of Twiddle and Kung-Fu. Syracuse will be their second date of the run, following Buffalo, before traveling to Albany, New York City and making their way for Atlanta. Due to the fact that both bands will be headlining the tour, fans will have to arrive early to the venue to see who will take stage first. These two groups have been dedicated to their growing fan base and the music community by scheduling non-stop tour dates, as well as planning to release soundboard audio of their live shows this spring and summer. Fans can also see both bands in June at the Saranac Brewery in Utica, NY opening for moe.

    Twiddle-City Bisco 2013
    Twiddle-City Bisco 2013

    Since emerging onto the music scene, Kung Fu has single-handedly redefined what it means to “bring the funk.” These gentleman have brought their own unique sound, fusing the unlikely genres of funk, electronic, jam, jazz and much more. Kung Fu has become a staple at many big name festivals as well as the smaller festivals, home town bars and venues. Seeing this band live is more than just a performance, but an experience. Kung Fu’s live performances have been referred to as “jaw dropping” and “musically mesmerizing.” Taking stage with the equally talented Twiddle will just mean that you’ll have to really brace yourself for a fantastic night of live music.

    Twiddle has taken the jam band music scene by storm, completely dismantling any preconceptions and notions on how far a group of guys from a small town in Vermont could really go. Over the past few years Twiddle has acquired a following to (no pun intended) beat the band. Fans of Twiddle travel far and wide to enjoy their live performances. Much like Kung Fu, Twiddle has also masterfully blended a unique array of genres including funk, reggae, jazz and bluegrass. The band has a very  unique understanding of each other on stage and off so their performances are nothing short of amazing. Each performance within the Dirty Dozen Tour will showcase two phenomenal bands who have redefined genres within their own respects and also made great strides for genres which may have been otherwise overlooked.

    Dirty Dozen Tour Dates:
    4/1 – Buffalo, NY | Iron Works
    4/2 – Syracuse, NY | Westcott Theater
    4/3 – New York, NY | Irving Plaza
    4/4 – Clifton Park, NY | Upstate Concert Hall
    4/8 – State College, PA | Levels
    4/9 – Pittsburgh, PA | The Rex Theatre
    4/10 – Philadelphia, PA | TLA
    4/11 – Baltimore, MD | Rams Head Live
    4/12 – Richmond, VA | The Broadberry
    4/14 – Greensboro, NC | Blind Tiger
    4/15 – Charlotte, NC | The Chop House
    4/16 – Atlanta, GA | Terminal West

    Tickets are expected to go quick so don’t wait to buy them at the door.

  • Interview: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Performing at Brooklyn Bowl April 1

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are bringing their own unique brand of funk to Brooklyn Bowl on April 1, and who knows what type of antics these birds are going to break out on April Fools Day. Based out of Baltimore, MD, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong have been hard at work on the road, following the 2014 release of their aptly named sophomore album Psychology. Greg Ormont (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jeremy Schon (guitar, vocals), Ben Carrey (bass, vocals), and Alex Petropulos (drumagic, electro-swag) came up with the name of their band from a BF Skinner video shown in a college psychology class. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will be supported by Shwizz and Aqueous, and Ormont took time out of his busy electro-funk tour schedule for an interview with NYS Music.

    interview pigeons playing ping pongGraig Adler: How long have you been on tour? When does it end? How many dates? When’s the last time you’ve been “home”?

    Greg Ormont: We just finished a 27-day tour and returned home this Sunday. Brooklyn Bowl is only one of two shows this week before we take off the weekend after a super busy March.

    GA: What has been your favorite venue so far? Which venue are you most excited to play?

    GO: Brooklyn Bowl is definitely up there. We also love playing the 9:30 Club in D.C., the Fox Theater in Boulder, CO, among many others. I’m most excited for festival season. I’m also interested in seeing New
    Mountain in Asheville, NC for the first time; I’ve only heard great things so far.

    GA: Who is the best/worst driver in the band?

    GO: That’s a touchy subject… let’s just say we’re all terrible drivers.

    GA: What do you listen to while driving from city to city?

    GO: On my last drive, I put on some Mitch Hedberg standup, followed by full albums of Sly and the Family Stone, Snarky Puppy, Deaf Scene, MGMT and Steely Dan.

    GA: What’s your daily schedule like? How much time do you spend driving? Practicing? Writing new music?

    GO: That depends on where we’re coming from and where we’re headed, but generally we wake up, grab local food and hit the road for 3-7 hours to soundcheck, where we’ll load in, soundcheck, grab dinner, rest up and rage a show. Sometimes we practice during soundcheck if timing and situation permits, and sometimes we practice in a friend of a friend’s house on our off days on the road, like we did in Lawrence, KS this
    past Tuesday.

    GA: If you could play in any venue/city in the country what would it be?

    GO: Red Rocks, Madison Square Garden, does JamCruise count as “the country?” If yes, then also: the moon.

    GA: We all know things happen on a long tour like this, what’s the worst thing that’s happened so far?

    GO: Last Monday, we were supposed to play in Lawrence, KS with Consider the Source, but their trailer’s wheel fell off or something and they couldn’t make it. So we just played two sets without them, turned out
    okay for us. If it’s not our van troubles, it’s another band’s trailer troubles…

    We actually had a really smooth tour this month. Perhaps the worst thing to happen was visiting New Orleans on our day off… We all fell in love with the city and did not want to leave, ended up staying a little too long and had to drive 27 hours straight to Colorado to make it to our sound check on time. But we made it! With no time to spare.

    GA: What band currently touring do you compare yourselves to or draw the most inspiration from?

    GO: I’m not one for comparisons… we do our own thing. We see so much live music though, so I guess we combine elements of all the acts we see… that said, I personally draw a lot of inspiration from Phish and Lotus, as well as Soulive, Snarky Puppy, the New Mastersounds, the Talking Heads and many more. But I have huge ideas, and haven’t seen them performed by anyone else yet. Les Claypool gets kind of close to what I’m thinking, but in his own way…

    GA: Have you had the chance to collaborate with any other artists/bands while on tour? Who was your favorite?

    GO: We had the great Tom Hamilton (American Babies, JRAD, Brother’s Past) sit in on guitar during our late night set at AURA Music Festival and we had the phenomenal Joey Porter (Juno What, The Motet) crush the
    keys in Denver and Boulder, CO. Both guys are tremendous musicians and awesome people, and they both sat in perfectly. Joey was particularly funky and meshed effortlessly in our musical pocket; it was like he had played with us 100 times. I’d love to have either gentleman come do it again if we’re in the same room.

    We also had a fantastic sit-in on a Sunday show in Frisco, CO by a young traveler named Gina Sobel, who showed up with her flute and threw down some high-quality jazz-funk riffs over two of our songs. Nothing says, “Never miss a Sunday show” quite like a surprise guest flutist… and she killed it! I believe there are some clips of her sit-in on YouTube, as well as Joey Porter’s and Tom Hamilton’s performances with us this month.

    GA: Who writes your setlists? How do you decide what you’re going to play night in and night out?

    GO: Our guitarist Jeremy Schon pens most of our set lists, and then we discuss it as a group and make any changes we see fit, prior to the set. Jeremy keeps a running document of every set we’ve ever played, so he can see what we played at our most recent shows in the area to keep the next show different and interesting for that crowd. Once we’re on stage, however, anything goes. We often cut songs on the fly, or insert new ideas based off the mood, and generally go with the flow.

    GA: As festival season approaches, which festival are you most excited about?

    GO: Domefest!! We throw our own festival every year and I’m always most excited for it. It’s the ultimate gathering of our fanbase, The Flock, and we invite all of our favorite band-friends to play and enjoy the
    weekend. We love watching Flockers meet each other for the first time, especially when they’re from different parts of the country. We’ve seen best friends meet and new romantic relationships form at Domefest, which is an amazing symptom of live music; we love bringing people together. This year, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong is playing three nights, along with performances by Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, The Heavy Pets, The Mantras, BIG Something and many more amazing rising acts on May 28-30 at Trip’s Farm in Terra Alta, WV. Domefest is where fans discover their new favorite band, and bands find their new die-hard supporters; it’s a beautiful, absolutely raging weekend.

    I’m similarly excited for All Good, which was my first major festival attended. Playing for that crowd on that stage will be a dream come true for most of us. I’m also super pumped for a few major festivals that we haven’t announced yet… as well as Summer Camp, which I’m told is too fun.

     Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

  • Lions On The Moon, Billy & The Kids ‘The Kids Are Alright’ at the Capitol Theatre

    As the doors opened to the historic Capitol Theatre in Portchester, NY your expected throng of dead heads waiting outside to get a spot on rail rushed inside the venue. Little did they know they were going to be treated to a full-blown rock show by openers Lions On The Moon. When you read about a band comprised of four young men ranging in ages 12 to 16 you may think it is a gimmick, but these four are far from that. Formed in spring of 2014, the band –  Brandon “Taz” Neiderauer (lead guitar, vocals), Nicky Dylan Winegardner (lead vocals, guitar), Dylan Niederauer (bass), Henry Thomas (drums) these four play with the precision and chops that you would expect from a veteran headlining band.

    Winegardner led Lions On The Moon on electric guitar through “Where Did We Go Right” and “Only Fun,” two original tunes before switching over to his acoustic guitar for “On Your Feet.” From there 12-year-old guitar prodigy generally referred to by his nickname “Taz” took over on vocals for his original penned tuned, the self titled “Lions On The Moon” inspired by The Nth Power’s “Walk on Water.” Winegardner went back to his electric guitar for “Party Mardi Gras” which featured bassist Dylan Neiderauer laying down some smooth, deep, melodic bass lines. Lions On The Moon followed up with a soulful cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” propelled by Thomas’ fast rhythmic drumming. What came next seemed to be a treat equally appreciated by the audience and the young band as they were joined on stage by pedal steel aficionado Robert Randolph for The Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post,” which featured a shredding guitar solo by “Taz” as he walked across the stage and played face to face with the veteran Randolph. Lions capped off their set with the original tune “Guitarmageddon” which sounded like it was penned by a group of young adults who still know how to have fun, not only on stage but in their song writing as well.

    Bryan-Lasky-Lions-on-the-Moon-9

    The headliner, Billy & The Kids, with only their third live performance as a supergroup, was put together by Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann. Kreutzmann called on Tom Hamilton (guitar, Brothers Past/JRAD), Reed Mathis (bass, Tea Leaf Green), and Aron Magner (keyboard, The Disco Biscuits) to put a new spin on classic dead songs, and more specifically on this night songs from the classic Europe ’72 tour. The constant theme for the night was apparent right from the set opening “Cumberland Blues” each artist would add a little bit of their own style while keeping true to the original tune. Mathis took the lead right out the gate and seemed to be the stand out of the first set taking the lead on vocals for many of the tracks. Kreutzmann led his band through classic tunes  “Tennessee Jed” and “Brown Eyed Woman” with Mathis taking the lead on vocals for both. “China Cat Sunflower” came next and led us through our first fully improvised jam of the night with Magner and Hamilton taking this one out for a long walk and bringing it back only to seamlessly segue into “Cassidy” followed by “I Know You Rider.” The group was finally joined on stage by announced guest for the night Robert Randolph who jumped right on his Pedal Steel and worked an instrumental version of “Not Fade Away.” Randolph then took the lead on the first set closer, and rarely covered Huey Smith’s “Rockin’ Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu.” This track was only covered by the Grateful Dead five times, all on their Europe ’72 tour.
    Bryan-Lasky-Billy-The-Kids-12

    The second set opened with just the core members of Billy & The Kids on stage with “Cold Rain and Snow” which had the crowd instantly back in the groove and singing along right out of the gate. It didn’t take long for Robert Randolph to join back on stage for “Dire Wolf” and “Sitting on Top of the World” which again featured Mathis working the vocals and his bass  to steal the attention away from the rest of the band, they then segued into “Big River.” Randolph once again took the lead on “Hey Bo Diddley “> “Who Do You Love,” providing high kick dance moves and alternate lyrics “Just playing here with Billy & The Kids” shining a light on Kreutzmann who showed he hasn’t lost a step with a roaring drum solo and a smile ear to ear.

    Mathis once again took the lead for “Ramble on Rose” before turning over the reigns to Hamilton on “Bertha” which featured the first stand-out keyboard solo of the night by Magner, showing everyone what he is truly capable of. Hamilton led the way through the remainder of the second set with  “Loser” >” Deal” > “Loser” and “Casey Jones.” All five came back on stage for an encore performance of “Brokedown Palace” each member of the band took a turn with a verse before the drove it home with the full ensemble closing out the night. Fare Thee Well, Billy & The Kids will next be playing “Spring 1990” at Red Rocks amphitheater in Morrison, CO on April 20 and will return to the east coast for Peach Fest where they will be joined by Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’133′]

  • Gospel of the Witches Cast A Strong Spell in First Ever Show

    With a winter that just won’t quit in Upstate NY, it was a warm reception for bands at Trickshots Billards in Clifton Park on Saturday March 28. Thanks to Joelggernaut Productions, Trickshots has been getting quality heavy music shows for some time now, and this was no exception. The crowd topped out close to a couple hundred strong for the night, and was eager to receive the musical offerings from all the bands on the bill

    BIP
    Black Iron Prison

    The show kicked off with the return of local heavy rockers, Black Iron Prison. Dual guitar assaults weaved in and out of precision rhythm section work. The band recently welcomed back their singer Eli Hargrave (ex – Skeletons In The Piano) to belt out guttural screams and wavering melodies alongside longtime guitarist and vocalist, Todd Hildebrandt. Eerie melodic passages were peppered into the heavy riff rock of each song to set the mood right for the entire night. After the show, I got the chance to talk with Eli, and he revealed the band is currently working on new material for an upcoming recording.

    TFS1
    The Final Sleep
    TFS
    The Final Sleep

    Next to take the stage was The Final Sleep, from Albany. Huge sounds and even larger talents permeate this band, and washed over the growing crowd. Jeff Andrews (ex-Held Under/IronWeed) does double duty as one of the three guitarists in the band, as well as the main vocal of a three part harmony. He continues to bring his unique blend of Slayer-like growls alongside high octave melodies that hearken Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. The band played through their set with few stops, creating a fevered mood of heavy music that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in attendance. Epic songs laden with mountaintop guitar solos and intricate time changes make their music not only fun to listen to, but incredible to see performed in front of you.

    P
    Purifier

    Purifier, also from Albany, rounded out the local talent on the night. This band has been working hard to bring their brand of doom and sludge metal to the area, and fully delivered at this show. Rich VanEgghen towers above the crowd even off the stage, and his presence is enhanced as he belts out the band’s signature tunes.  They had a stellar sound for the five piece, and that was largely due in part to the quality sound engineer’s the club has to offer. Purifier is part of the local record label family, Magnetic Eye Records, and their music can be purchased there.

    GOTW1
    Gospel of the Witches

    The main event, Gospel of The Witches, took the stage to a rabid crowd, all vying for a spot right in front of the stage. A few LED candle holders adorned the back of the stage, and an ominous air surrounded the stage as the members took to their instruments. The band was born as an idea from Karyn Crisis (ex-Crisis) and guitarist Davide Tiso (Ephel Duath), as they laid down the framework for the album Salem’s Wounds in a haunted house in Italy. With material written, the band filled out with touring members: bass and vocals Ross Dolan (Immolation), guitarist Bob Vigna (Immolation) and drummer Charlie Schmid (Vaura).

    Upstate New York is incredibly lucky to not only get one of the two shows this band is performing after releasing their album on March 24, but was able to witness the FIRST show ever from this lineup performing the songs of Gospel of the Witches. You could tell the happiness exuding from Davide as the band ripped through an amazing set. Many people in attendance were fans of Karyn from her Crisis days, because that band made sure to play the Upstate New York area a lot. Talking with Karyn before the show, she expressed her love of this area. “One of the things I love about this area is the interesting mix of bands. They have all different types of influences, and that comes through in the music here. There are really open minded people, really creative people, so it was more of a community thing as well. There are always stellar musicians to play with, and a lot of good clubs with a lot of heart, that are all about the music. There is a very cool community of people to speak with, and share with. That is something very special I found about this area.”

    The band was eager to play through their material, and tracks like “Mother” and title track “Salem’s Wounds” shone through as epic offerings from an incredible project. Karyn sang and screamed with equal measure, and the musicians all held their own. Bob lived up to his nickname (in certain circles) as the “magician”, playing heavy guitar riffs with flair and passion, igniting the crowd as the music drove forward. The band is working on finalizing a full tour or two, so stay tuned to their Facebook page. You can purchase Salem’s Wounds through Century Media, or in stores like Best Buy or Amazon.

  • Hearing Aide: Umphrey’s McGee ‘The London Session’

    Given twelve hours and the world-famous Abbey Road Studio 2 to work with, Umphrey’s McGee cranked out an album. The London Session, which releases on April 7, features ten tracks including some old gems, a few tunes off 2014’s Similar Skin, a Beatles cover and a new favorite. TLS showcases the band’s versatility; each track adds a unique element and, when stacked on top of each other, we get a glimpse into the multi-layered, ever-evolving and unmistakable visage of Umphrey’s McGee.

    We have all made memorable achievements in half a day or less, whether it was writing that 20-page final paper, painting the entire upstairs, or completing all the holiday gift shopping. Umphrey’s McGee has one-upped us all.

    Umphrey's McGee The London Session

    “Bad Friday” debuted on the last day of 2013 and made the cut for that year’s Hall of Fame album. Its popularity hasn’t waned and its flow has grown smoother each time played live. The London Session opens with its studio debut, a succinctly smooth, groovy jam. The vocals are on-point and riffs show off Umphrey’s funkier side.

    Umphrey’s changes gears with “Rocker Part 2,” which also debuted on New Year’s Eve (2007) and has only been previously featured on a Hall of Fame album (2010). This song may exemplify the band as well as any one song on the album. It opens with warm piano parts, features high-energy percussion, and ends with heavy shredding.

    The album’s tone shifts quickly again as the next three tracks originated on Similar Skin. Number three is an acoustic, yet fairly straightforward version of “No Diablo.” The acoustic arrangements added to the next tune, “Cut the Cable,” give it a folksier feel than its Similar Skin version and make it one of the most interesting new takes introduced in TLS. The fifth track, “Out of Order,” possesses one of the album’s supreme jams during its final two minutes.

    Perfectly situated in the middle of TLS is “Glory.” Listen to it, take a deep breath, and listen again. If you’re having a bad day, listen twice more. You’re wont to find a more aptly titled song. The staple of live UM shows loses none of its triumphant splendor when brought to the studio for the first time.

    “Plunger,” which is often a vessel into deep, heavy jams during live performances, comes next. TLS version is relatively tame, but perhaps the song that epitomizes Umphrey’s most on the album. With an upbeat tempo and similar vocal arrangements, “Comma Later” brings us back to the funky feel that “Bad Friday” opens the album with. The final original track on the album, “Eat,” delves once more into UM’s darker side.

    The London Session concludes with an homage to the band that made Abbey Road famous, a cover of The Beatle’s “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” A fan-favorite UM cover, the tune is an exclamation point at the end of a brilliantly produced album. Umphrey’s puts its own mark on the song while honoring the original. The first cover to make an UM studio album is the final piece to a diverse and delicious album.

    Less than a year after dropping Similar Skin, Umphrey’s McGee have unleashed another fantastic album that highlights UM’s versatility and originality. Whether your prefer their upbeat dance tunes, heavy rockers, folksier ballads, or prefer a cover, The London Session packs it all into ten tight tracks.

    Key tracks: Bad Friday,  Rocker Part 2, Glory

    Bonus key track: I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

  • Scott Weiland and Bandmates Devastated By Passing of Jeremy Brown

    In a Facebook message to his followers, Scott Weiland announced the passing of long time friend and guitarist, Jeremy Brown. Scheduled to perform Monday evening in Hollywood featuring new music from upcoming album, Blaster, Scott and bandmates became concerned when Jeremy was more than an hour late. Shortly thereafter, they received the call.

    “We received a call today about my friend Jeremy Brown that has shaken me to the core. We were all concerned this afternoon when Jeremy didn’t show up for a long-scheduled rehearsal for tonight’s album release show at School Night. An hour later, Jeremy’s family called us to say that he had passed away. I am in shock right now, everyone that knows him is devastated. It is a terrible loss that goes beyond words. He is one of my best friends, a truest friend and one of the most gifted guitar players that I’ve ever known. A true genius. It’s impossible to explain how much he will be missed and what a hole this will leave in our hearts. A post on Facebook feels so trite and small compared to the love that I have for him and for the talent that has passed on but I felt it was necessary to at least start here. Please keep his family in your thoughts.”

    Playing with The Wildabouts and Scott Weiland for seven years, Jeremy’s soulful style brought life to whatever he played. NYS Music and our readers send keeping family and friends our thoughts during this difficult time.

    jeremy brown
    Jeremy Brown – The Wildabout – Utica Music and Arts Festival 2013

  • Nigel Hall Leaves Nth Power

    Nigel Hall, The Nth Power’s keyboardist, has announced his departure from the band in a series of tweets.

    The Nth Power’s official Twitter responded

    Hall will be replaced by Courtney Smith, percussionist Weedie Braimah’s good friend. Smith, who plays in Kreative Pandemonium with Braimah, will man the keys and add vocals. He will slide into Hall’s place for the band’s recently started tour that runs steadily through mid-June and includes stops in Rochester and New York City.

  • NYS Music March Madness 2016 – Final Four

    Welcome to Round 5 or better known as the “Final Four” of NYS Music’s March Madness 2016! This tournament-style competition includes the remaining 4 bands and artists who call New York their home.

    This year’s 4 brackets were based on genres of music – Funk/Jam/Reggae, Metal/Rock, Bluegrass/Folk/Americana and Indie/EDM. Each bracket has 16 New York bands in their respective region, battling it out to reach the Final Four and claim this year’s title. Bands were chosen based upon their origins in New York and popularity in their respective genres. To look back on the battles, view previous rounds: Round 1 (64 teams), Round 2 (32 teams), Round 3 (16 teams), and Round 4 (8 teams).

    In Round 4 we had some close matchups, but ultimately only four survived and started the cross genre matches. Representing the Folk/Bluegrass/Americana/Country category is the 8th seed out of the Albany area, Eastbound Jesus.  They will be going against the winner of the EDM/Indie/Other genre 3) Jimkata.

    In the other matchup, the  Jam/Funk/Reggae genre winner and New York legends and the only 1 seed remaining moe. will be facing up to the winner of the Metal/Rock/Punk division Wild Adriatic.

    Round 5 voting begins Monday, March 30 at Noon and ends on Wednesday April 1st at midnight. Round 6, or the Championships, will begin on April 2nd at noon.

  • FESTY NEWS: 5th Annual Strawberry Jam Family Reunion and Food Drive

    Shake off those winter blues and get ready for Festy season. One of the first fests of the 2015 season is the 5th Annual Strawberry Jam Family Reunion and Food Drive at Edgewood Mountain in Laurens New, York. This family friendly event takes place May 15– 17. Tickets are on sale now for $65 presale or $75 at the gate for the entire weekend including on site camping and room for RVs. There is an additional Pre-party on Thursday May 14 for $15. VIP tickets will be announced in two weeks and stay tuned for some surprise guests on the bill. The festival includes jam bands from NY in addition to several bands from the Virginia Beach area. Headlining the event is central NY favorite SLUG who is preparing to embark on a national tour over the 2015 summer festival season.  A full weekend of activities are also planned in typical festival style – bonfires, spinning and fire dancing, a Kiddie Camp and family village with interactive arts and crafts for all ages. In conjunction with the event a food drive will be conducted to benefit local food banks and any profits from the event will also be donated to them as well.

    FULL LINEUP

    SLUG
    NEW CORDUROY COMMANDERS
    WHISKEY REVERB
    SPACE CARNIVAL
    UNIVERSAL TRANSIT
    DR. SLOTHCLAW
    APPALACHIAN GYPSY TRIBE
    SUBSOIL
    HANNAH’S FIELD
    HUNTER MURRAY
    NOAH MUNRO LEHRMAN
    CHRIS JAMES and MAMA G BAND
    THE QUANTUM
    EXPERIMENTAL SANDWICH
    THE SUNSHOWERS
    GYPSY HOLLOW
    MS D and CASEY BLOOM
    ENAJYRAM
    THE GRATEFUL HILLBILLIES
    PLEASANTVIEW PROJECT
    MOLLY EVELYN HAY
    OUT CHASING LIONS
    BARK EATERS
    BEAN
    FOXY