Tag: Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill Syracuse

From Stagecoach to Toby Keith’s, Central NY Welcomes Parmalee

On Thursday, May 14, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill will be welcoming one of country music’s hottest new groups, Parmalee, to their Syracuse location. Just off of the stage at 2015’s Stagecoach Festival, Parmalee will return to upstate New York to bring the rocking country music party to Central New York.

Parmalee – Stagecoach 2015 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Touring now with their debut album with Stoney Creek Records, Feels Like Carolina, and just finishing up a sound check at the Stagecoach Festival, Matt Thomas took a moment to say hi to NYSMusic.com readers and talk with me about the journey, and what it means to the group to be so loved by fans.

Kathy Stockbridge (KS): Hi Matt, so nice to speak with you. You guys have a huge following up here in Central NY and we are so excited to welcome you to Toby Keith’s in Syracuse.

Matt Thomas (MT): We can’t wait! It’s always fun up there seeing the crowds and all.

KS: Every band has a story on how they’ve made their way in the music business. Yours has been rather exciting along the way. Starting from the beginning, you hail from a small two-light-town in North Carolina where I read that when you guys practiced, the town was so small everyone knew it and you would have to end practices by 11pm.

MT: Yeah, everybody like us had to get up and go to work so we’d make sure we’d stop by 11pm.

KS: Now growing up in a musical family did your father and mother encourage your musical education?

MT: Oh yeah. I played with my dad in his band growing up. He was the kind of guy you always looked up to, and my mom played piano at church. They were always encouraging to us to play.

Photo Credit Unknown

KS: And when you were younger, what kinda places did you play? What was it like to finally get that moment up on stage?

MT: We would play anywhere anyone would have ya. That was the deal. We played back porches, trailers, private parties until we could get to where we could play the clubs. People would hire ya but pretty much starting out on the back porches though.

KS: Then your cousin, Barry, and friend, Josh, joined in. Were they with you both during those garage band days and joining your father on stage?

MT: Yeah, we were going out there doing what we could to get our name out there. You kinda just play for people that’ll have ya, then you start getting paid for it..and you move on up from there…take gigs and start writing music and I think most people start off like that in little hole in the wall places.

KS: Have you always been country, blues, and rock or did the sound you have today kinda evolve into your distinctive sound as you guys played together more?

MT: That’s what we were all brought up on, and we were influenced by everything. But that was the first stuff we heard; the country, soul, blues, sound while we were growing up. There’s a lot of stuff I love though, we listened to everything. Being a guitar player I was influenced by the great guitar players Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, and all those guys. Classic guitar players; I listened to a lot of those guys to learn how to play.

KS: Yeah, Stevie Ray Vaughn, that’s one musician I would have loved to see play. What an amazing musician.

MT: Yeah, me too.

KS: You’ve had a tumultuous time getting your music out there. Many artists take on a long and winding road trip, but your road was way bumpier than most. Take us on a road trip leaving Parmale, NC and tell us where it took ya

MT: Being based out of Parmale, we played regionally as much as we could. We played a lot up and down the east coast over the years tying to catch on and developing a fan base. Did a lot of shows up in New York. We never had an opportunity to play out west at all until we got signed and put out our first single to country radio. We never really had the chance till then to tour the country. Thankful for that hit that allowed us to go everywhere. We just took all the opportunities that we could at that time trying to make something happen. But mostly the southeast region where we would just burn it up. It was our top market. A lot of times we would play the weekends because we were working all week too. So we would only play three nights a week for a long time.

KS: While out on the road playing gigs, a horrible event occurred when two men decided to rob you one night after a gig at gunpoint. Briefly tell our readers that may no know the story, what happened that evening.

MT: We played a show and as we were leaving two guys tried to rob us by basically pulling us into our RV and wanting cash money. They fired on us, and Scott who has a license to carry, returned fire and we had a gun fight in the RV. Scott was shot three times and spent 40 days in the hospital . It was a bad deal. But we came out of it, and four months later we did our showcase for Broken Bow Records which got us our record deal.

KS: I read how your fans and the music community rallied around you and were very supportive. What did that mean to you guys?

MT: Oh it was great. We realized that we had connected with people on another level and that we meant something to them so much that they would get together and help us out. It was awesome. They helped pay for all our medical expenses, daily expenses, and really helped get us back on our feet. It was pretty awesome.

KS: Now that you have those dark times behind you share some highlights with our readers.

MT: We’ve been able to travel the country, number one single, and we’ve had four top 40 singles now, two are top five. It’s been great being able to achieve our life long dreams out here. Then there’s those cool things like traveling the country and going to the awards shows, just being a part of the whole experience.

KS: Well I’m so happy for you guys, and yes, talk to me a little about the ACM’s you attended.

MT: Oh my it was amazing, it was the biggest show. It was unbelievable how many people who were inside that arena, it was crazy. It was a spectacle to see, was great seeing all the other artists play and hang out…was such fun walking the red carpet. We had some good times.

KS: You excited about Stagecoach this weekend? Is this your first time performing there?

MT: Oh yeah, that’s gonna be off the hook. We actually just got done with our sound check. We’ve been wanting to get out here the last few years, and it just worked out that. But it’s going to be great.

KS: I will be front row watching you guys this weekend on AXS.TV. Where else will we see you guys at this year?

MT: Oh we’re playing all over the place this year…fans can just check out our schedule online. It’s hard to keep the schedule in our heads.

KS: It must be so hard on your guys trying to keep your bearings at where you ‘re at all the time as your touring everywhere. You guys are really fan oriented. I notice you are constantly retweeting and scheduling YouTube chats with fans. I think that’s amazing how you do that. How do you fit it all in?

MT: We make sure we put it on our schedule. We have a media team that helps too.

KS: It’s so good to have people. Well at each interview I try to give the fans an insight into the personalities of their favorite musicians with a social speed round…mind playing along?

MT: Yeah sure.

KS: You’re on the road…you’re super hungry…you see this and you make the bus pull off every times!!!

MT: Chick-fil-A

KS: You all get a day off and decide to go to the movies. The town you’re in is so small that I only has a Dairy Queen and movie theater that plays previously released movies. After discussion ensues..you all decide on a) National Lampoons European Vacation b)Godfather c)Die Hard or d)The Notebook

MT: National Lampoons European Vacation

KS: What’s on your playlist right now?

MT: I like to listen to Pandora so my playlists have the Frank Sinatra Radio on, Today’s Top Hits, Country, just about everything.

KS: ____________reminds me of home

MT: Smell of pine trees

KS: As a writer I need to describe each of you in one word only…What one word/adjective describes…
Matt: Scatterbrained
Scott: Neat
Barry: Messy
Josh: Prompt

As we completed our conversation I couldn’t help but be in awe of their determination and drive to achieve what they loved, music. I could totally relate to the working the 9 to 5 job to support their passion of music. By traveling countless hours, playing anywhere they could get an audience, these four men only had one goal in mind, reaching the country music fans worldwide and living their dreams. So happy to see that although a bumpy road, they’ve finally found the path that brings them to all country fans.

Hope to see everyone May 14, at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, at Destiny in Syracuse.

May 8, 2015
Billy Lord: Up and Coming Artist

For the last few years I have had the unique opportunity to cover music of many genres, at many venues, with both up and coming artists, and those national acts that are hitting the billboards. The one thing I notice about all the artists I cover? They love what they do and they love the audiences they play to. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small pub or a large stadium, the music is still the same and the passion behind it as well. What I have noticed is that some however tend to stand out more than others. Some just have a special quality to them that catch my attention and pique my curiosity. There’s something that sets them apart from the rest. A uniqueness that makes them shine a tiny bit more than the next star. Billy Lord fits this description.

Billy Lord – National Anthem Tour

Beginning his career in the music business mid-life, Billy Lord has become an inspiration to those who have always wanted to follow their dream, but let life and responsibility hold them back. What makes Billy unique is that he is not your typical musician. Working in New York City as a media executive for more than 15 years, Billy found himself without a job when his company eliminated his position. Down on his luck with nothing to lose, Billy took that leap of faith to pursue his dream. How many of us have a dream we would pursue…if only we won the lottery!!!! For Billy, he just went for it. The courage it took, and the passion he puts in to his music and song writing, is what makes Billy Lord my Artist To Check Out this month.

When I was introduced to Billy at his opening show at Toby Keith’s in Syracuse, I was extremely impressed by how passionate he was about his music and achieving this dream. Sharing a little of his back story with me, I could tell that this gentleman truly loved what he was doing and how fortunate he was to do it. I find of those in the business that have been able to pursue it as their career, when asked, they all would still do it, even if they weren’t getting paid. They do it for the love of it, not for the pay. For those lucky enough to begin their musical journey right out of the gate? Well, they never had a Plan B in place. It was only music. For Billy though, he started his journey after an original career didn’t work out. How lucky for us life threw him a curveball. Billy writes all his own music and lyrics. Making his performances standout that much more.

He has assembled some of the most talented musicians to surround him bringing out the best of all his music, and their chemistry is spot on. With Amos Sanfilippo on guitar, Colin Boughton on drums, Patrick Dowd on keyboards, and Roger Monteiro on bass, Billy’s band brings to his music a distinctive country rock sound that is unique even in the ever-changing country music scene today. Another thing I like about Billy is how he gives those locals a chance to sit in and join him on stage to showcase his music alongside.

I had a moment to speak with Billy to find out a little about him in his own words.

Kathy Stockbridge: How long have you been performing?

Billy Lord: Only about three years. To me, becoming a true top-tier stage performer is the next step on my evolutions an artist. Songwriting and guitar came first, then I worked on becoming a vocalist. Now in really learning the ropes of getting a crowd on their feet.

KS: How would you categorize your music…country…rock…?

BL: I always consider my music “American music,” though recently its leaning heavily toward modern country. Fans will hear that with the next album. Very country radio friendly stuff.

KS: What musicians have inspired you to this style you have created?

BL: Kid Rock, Bob Seger, Tom Petty and most recently Brantley Gilbert and Jason Aldean. But, I try not to listen to other people’s music too much because I never want to be derivative. I always want to be mine. Rock a Billy, if you will.

KS: Was this just a hobby ever or did you do it as a second job before?

BL: This was passion born out of losing everything… My career, my home, and my money. Music saved me during a very difficult time in 2009, when I was working homeless in NYC. It started as a way to keep me sane during a dark time. I didn’t look at it as a career until 2012. When I knew it was going to be my life, I quit my part-time jobs and gave myself to music fully. Jump and the net will open.

KS: What was your day job prior to this?

BL: I was a marketing manager in newspaper publishing for 15 successful years.

KS: How did that job end?

BL: I was laid off with several other managers when the economy hit the wall and the Great Recession took hold.

KS: How did you know that this is the direction you needed to go?

BL: When I was working homeless, I was unloading trucks at night and I’d get out at 3am and nowhere to go. I had an old guitar that I’d never learned to play. It was my last material possession. So when I got off work, I started teaching myself to play. Almost immediately I started hearing songs… Pure fits of inspiration, it was cathartic for me. But I really knew it was the right direction, when I got radio play on Z100 two days after recording my first demo. To me, it was a sign to keep going. And I have no plans to stop. There is no Plan B.

KS: Have you written all your life or is it something you just picked up as life went on?

BL: The funny thing is… My whole life I never knew I had this talent. And if I hadn’t been fired, I would have never known.

KS: Where do you get your inspiration for writing songs?

BL: I get asked this often because I’m such a prolific songwriter… And I tell people it’s like I have a radio station in my head. I hear full songs. Most recently, I’ve fallen in love, so that station is tuned in to the sound of endless summers and new love. I think listeners will live the new songs.

KS: What has been your support system throughout this venture?

BL: I’ve been very fortunate to have extremely supportive fans. The first two albums were crowd funded and our upcoming tour will be as well. I also have a few angels on my shoulder looking out for me.

KS: How did you assemble your band…what were you looking for? How long have you played together?

BL: Only a few months. My drummer Colin Boughton and keyboardist Patrick Dow and I have known each other since we were kids. We played little league baseball together. They both chose music and have been playing their whole lives while I pursued a business career. They were there ready to go when I needed a band. My guitarist, Amos Sanfillipo was a family friend and has had a long, successful career touring with major bands, and Roger Montiero, and amazing bass player with a similar touring career was suggested by Amos. We’re a motley, funny bunch. But we’re hard workers too.

KS: What is your advice to those that may be afraid of taking that step towards achieving their dreams?

BL: If you want to be something, give your self to it one hundred percent. Become it. Believe in yourself when others don’t, which will be always.

KS: Where can our readers see you in your tour?

BL: Our 2015 National Anthem US Tour dates are posted at www.reverbnation.com/billylord
While most new artists tend to perform 95% covers, slipping in a few of their own tunes, you find that Billy does the opposite. Billy’s set features the majority of his own music, rocking the crowd with his own sound, only to use the covers as exclamation points on his set list.

I highly recommend you taking the time to check out Billy at one of his live shows. His live show is worth the drive. For those in the Central NY area, Billy will be playing in Vernon this Saturday the 21st at The Stampede Steakhouse.

I see so many wonderful artists….but sometimes there’s just something unique that makes an artists stand out. Can’t pinpoint it to just one thing with Billy, Perhaps it’s the combination of his inspirational story, mixed with his prolific songwriting, and the energetic live show that makes him stand out. Whatever it is though, his unique style is what makes Billy Lord my Artist To Check Out this month. Not coming to a venue near you? Don’t fret you can purchase his recent album at www.reverbnation.com/billylord. From what I understand, the next one is right on the horizon!

March 21, 2015
Love and Theft Coming to Syracuse

Country duo Love and Theft will be will be performing at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, Destiny USA on Thursday March 5. The show is for all ages and tickets are just $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door.

Love and Theft is sure to bring down the house with songs such as “Whiskey on My Breathe” and “Night That You’ll Never Forget”. What a better way to start your weekend than a night out with friends enjoying this duo’s love for country music!

Music starts at 8:00pm and tickets can be purchased on line here.

March 3, 2015
Easton Corbin Brings the Heat to Syracuse

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill just keeps it coming! This time national recording artist Easton Corbin came to Syracuse and blew the roof off.

Opening was The Moonshine River Band who never fails to put on a great show. Performing to their largest crowd yet they did not disappoint. They rocked the stage and started the party with a packed house! Performing music by Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, they kept the fans dancing and smiling. I can’t wait to see them again.

Easton Corbin, where do I even begin? From the moment I met him, he was warm and friendly. A true southern gentleman offering a huge smile and genuine gratitude for coming out to see him.

He and his band were phenomenal. From the moment they took the stage they commanded your attention. Their high energy and love for what they do translated to a fun evening had by all. The band was just full of smiles and laughter. You could totally tell that what they are doing is in their blood. They were all fantastic entertainers!

Performing hit songs “Lovin’ You Is Fun”, “All About Tonight”, and “Where I Come From” had the crowd singing along word for word. The fans just couldn’t get enough. After leaving the stage at the end of their set, the fans chanted Easton’s name until he and the band came back and performed two more hit songs.

Thankful for his fans and being the generous young man he is, upon his exit from the stage he walked across the entire front row signing autographs, posing for pictures, shaking hands and just saying thank you. What a class act.
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January 27, 2015
Jana Kramer Shows Love to Syracuse Fans At Toby Keith’s

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill is one of Upstate New York’s premier venues and hosts some of the biggest names in country music today. Offering patrons the opportunity to get up close and personal with these artists, is what sets Toby’s apart. This intimate experience enables the fans to feel an ownership in the show. Partnering with Toby Keith’s is Syracuse’s B104.7, 2013’s CMA nominated Medium Market Station Of The Year and Medium Market Personality Of The Year. As December rolled around, it only seemed fitting for Tom & Becky to share the Christmas spirit with their fans at Toby’s with country music’s newest sweetheart, Jana Kramer.

Jana Kramer – Toby Keith’s Syracuse

Jana, relatively new to Nashville and the country music scene, is actually not new to the limelight as she had already established herself as an accomplished actress in Hollywood starring in shows such as One Tree Hill, 90210, and Friday Night Lights, to name a few. Excited to welcome Jana to Central New York, NYS Music had the opportunity to sit down with Jana and talk to her a little about her career and future plans.

Kathy Stockbridge: Hi Jana, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with NYS Music.

Jana Kramer: Thank you.

KS: So tell me, you are originally from Detroit, tell our readers how a girl from Motor City ends up in Country Music’s Capital, Nashville. Tell our readers a little about your journey from Detroit, to Hollywood, to Nashville.

JK: I grew up singing country music. I was born in Detroit but I was raised in northern Michigan. Grew up surrounded by country music, and have found that country music is everywhere, not just the south. I have always wanted to sing country music, but kinda shied away from it. I ended up going more the acting route, so I went to Hollywood. I knew my dreams weren’t going to come true if I stayed in Michigan. I had to go and really purse them so I moved to California. Once there, I realized that I really wasn’t doing what I wanted to do, so I packed up and moved to Nashville.

KS: Share with me who were some of your musical influences over the course of time.

JK: My early influences were Patsy Cline, she was amazing! I loved Loretta Lynn, and of course Garth Brooks and George Strait, and Tim McGraw were some of my favorites.

KS: Share with us some of those pinch me moments and some of the collaborations that have stood out since your arrival in Nashville.

JK: Being able to work with Blake Shelton for a full year was awesome. Working together with Darius Rucker too, he was a really cool guy. Just being able to meet some people I’ve met such as Vince Gill and Miranda Lambert; it’s just really nice to feel a part of the community.

KS: Future Collaborations: Anybody you would love to work with?

JK: I have just collaborated with Steven Tyler on my second album so I’m really excited about that.

KS: Oh SWEET, Stephen Tyler? I am really loving this crossover with rock and roll and country right now, and I can’t wait to hear this collaboration. You have also had a very exciting year with your engagement. We want to congratulate you on this.

JK: Thank you.

Jana Kramer – Toby Keith’s Syracuse

KS: You have a new song coming out as well, and you’ve been touring non-stop, tell us a little about this whirlwind you’ve been on this past year and some highlights for you.

JK: This past year has been amazing, I’ve had a new song come out, and have another coming out the early part of next year, so it’s been a great year on tour and perfecting our show as well as getting our new album together, which I very proud of.

KS: Well, we really love you here in Central NY and we thank you for taking the time to talk with our readers.

JK: My pleasure.

As Jana prepared for her set, Toby’s patrons welcomed opening act and Syracuse favorites, the TJ Sacco Band featuring Brianna Jessie. Playing original music and covers they pumped up an already celebratory crowd into a frenzy as they awaited Jana’s appearance.
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The minute Jana took the stage you could tell this petite lady was full of vim an vigor, and owned that stage, and the audience she mesmerized with her music. Playing both original music and some covers, it is apparent why 2013 ACM awarded this young lady the Best New Top Female Artist. Her dedication to her dreams, and her ambition to follow her heart where the music has lead her, sets her apart as an artist on her way to the top of the charts, and one to keep track of as she will achieve her dreams in a big way. How can you not “Love”, someone who follows their heart and never gives up on her dreams.

And for those of you wondering, yes that is Jana Kramer we see as the stealth Nationwide girl in the commercials.
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Setlist: Don’t Touch My Radio, Good Time Coming On, One of The Boys, Pop That Bottle, Ironic, Whiskey, Winter Wonderland, I Got the Boy, What I Love, I Hope It Rains, Mele, Love Boomerang, Why Y Wanna
Encore: Bullet/Shook Me

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January 25, 2015
The Moonshine River Band – A Great Syracuse Country Band

I headed out to Toby Keith’s at Destiny this past Friday night to check out a local country act I haven’t seen yet. Once I got there, I noticed these guys had a really good following. I spoke to a few groups of people and was told they make it out to as many of Moonshine River Band’s shows as possible and that the last time they played at Toby Keith’s a bus from the Altmar area was chartered to bring in their fans. Needles to say, this really sparked my interest and I couldn’t wait til the guys hit the stage.

They are a modern country band composed of three talented guys: Joe Battles (guitar/lead vocals), Mark Ramsden (bass/vocals) and Angelo Depasquale (drums/vocals). They play some of your favorites from Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Luke Bryan and Garth Brooks, just to name a few.

Once they took the stage I have to say I was quite impressed. They sounded fantastic. Not only did they have their scheduled set list, but they also took a few requests. The vocals were smooth yet powerful and they kept their fans engaged and on the dance floor. I am really excited to have another local country band to add to an evening out. You can see them open for Easton Corbin on Jan. 15 at Toby Keith’s – I Love This Bar and grill in Syracuse.

January 14, 2015