If you like a folk, jamgrass & newgrass cocktail then you’ll love Grassroots Rebels recently released album, Ad Vitam Meliorem—which is “Towards a Better Life” in Latin.
Ad Vitam Meliorem is a 14-track compilation of Grassroots Rebel’s original songs, mostly self-recorded in the first eight years of their time together as a band, with two tracks on the album that are new songs recorded at Blue Sky Recording Studio. Grassroots Rebels are a duo comprised of Jim Bonville and Jeff Tehan, but some of the songs on the album include their former bandmate, Jeff Lockmer, on bass. Bonville plays guitar, banjo, vocals and harmonica, while Tehan provides the mandolin and guitar.
The title track, “Ad Vitam Meliorem,” is the opener on the album and it’s my favorite piece; it is a slow melody that is coupled with yearning, poetic lyrics on the theme of letting go; like “you thought you had nothing, but it’s all right in your soul/ once you stop trying to find the things you cannot know/ you learn to love, when you learn how to let go.” The next track, “Here It Comes” features a great interplay between the light picking melody and Bonville’s strong, raspy vocals delivering a catchy tune, while also exhibiting his vocal range on the chorus. Some of the songs on the album evoked a feel of the Irish, and I was reminded of The Pogues when listening to songs like “Broken Soul,” “Salt of Our Tears” and “Sin and Gasoline.” The other songs were a range between rock and newgrass, creating a great compilation of musical experimentation and adventure.
Grassroots Rebels hail from the outskirts of Albany, NY, and perform locally at establishments such as, The Low Beat, The Hollow, Parish Public House, Madison Theater, etc. Their next show is set for December 30, for an Eve of New Years Eve party at The Hollow.
For more information and tickets, visit Grassroots Rebels’ Facebook Page. If you’d like a copy of Ad Vitam Meliorem, visit here.
Key tracks: Ad Vitam Meliorem, Here It Comes, Weight of the World
Spafford is a four-piece act from Phoenix, Arizona that has been steadily gaining recognition in the southwestern states since 2012. Following a successful “Breakout Tour” this fall in the Midwest, including two sold-out shows in Chicago, these Arizona funk rockers are ready to spread their horizon even further and head East, as they continue to grow on a national scale. NYS Music took this opportunity to make sure that you’re familiar with the name Spafford and the sound in an interview with their drummer Nick Tkachyk.
The group consists of Brian Moss (guitar), Jordan Fairless (bass), Andrew “Red” Johnson (keys) and Nick Tkachyk (drums). Their sound can be described as an electrofunk therapy, which combines deep sonic exploration and jam-heavy improvisation. With jams that stretch anywhere from 10 minutes to 30, their songs expand typical song structure, offering an original take on funk-dance-rock music.
In the past, they’ve shared the stage with prominent acts like Widespread Panic, Particle, EOTO, the Motet, and they’ve performed festivals such as Arizona’s McDowell Mountain Music and Gem and Jam Music Festivals. For the summer of 2017, they have already been announced on the bill for the Electric Forest in Rothbury, MI and Resonance Festival in Thornville, OH.
On New Years Eve, you can catch them on Dec. 30 & 31 for Phish after-parties with the Magic Beans, at the American Beauty Bar in NYC, and see for yourself why this four-piece is gaining momentum.
This spring, the Arizona act will hit the road with Umphrey’s McGee for their 2017 tour. Spafford will be fitting in gigs in between their shows with Umphrey’s, including a date in Philadelphia on Jan. 24 and in New Jersey on Jan. 25. For a full list of tour dates, tickets and information, please visit here.
Karina Verlan: Where did the name Spafford come from?
Nick Tkachyk: The word “Spafford” is the middle name belonging to our Lighting Designer/Social Media Guru/General Awesome Dude, Chuck Spafford Johnson. The original name of our band, or should I say “the” band because myself and Red were not in the band yet, was “Officious Tort Feezer… or Freezer”. Apparently this is a legal term for a general wrong doer. Either way, the tort thing didnt work out, Brian and Jordan decided to name the band Spafford, and the rest is the future!
KV: You’ve toured on the West Coast and central states for a while; how do you anticipate breaking through on the East coast?
NT:We were meant for the East Coast. We were meant for West Coast. We were meant for people… and their ear hearts.
KV:How excited are you to be joining Umphrey’s McGee on their tour this spring?
NT:My scale of excitement for this upcoming occasion can be explained in two words… Cannot. Explain. (mostly due to excess excitement, and the inability to explain myself when excessively excited)
KV:Who writes the music in your band and how do you decide on your setlists?
NT:Music is a collaborative effort. Always. Every song is different. Our song writing process is extremely personal and sacred for me, and “us.” Honestly, as a drummer, I don’t “write” songs per-say, however when coming up with specific parts for a Spafford song, I love contributing to the greater good (for lack of a better word) that is Spafford! Setlists are whatever.
KV:What has been the biggest challenge for you thus far as a band?
NT:THE MUSIC. (and “challenging” in a very inspiring, creative, and GOOD way!)
KV:Where would you like to see your band 5 years from now?
NT:Sharing as much positive, emotional and RAW energy with people through music as possible.
KV: Is there anyone alive or dead that you would do anything to have them sit in with you?
NT:Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. Nuff said.
KV:What was your favorite venue thus far? Favorite set that you’ve done?
NT:The word ‘Favorite’ when it comes to MUSIC, in my opinion, is poppycock. As an artist, I believe I don’t have the luxury of preference. All art IS. And all ART is GOOD. But okay… Favorite venue: Vinyl Las Vegas. Favorite set: First time we played there for a Further afterparty.
KV:If you added an another instrument to your band, what would it be?
NT:Another Brian Moss.
KV: Have you surpassed any of your early goals as a band thus far?
NYS Music is celebrating the end of 2016 by posting staff and reader picks on 10 various categories, and today we are highlighting the winners of the Best Show by Region and the Best Venue in New York State.
The number one venue, according to our staff pick, is the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).
SPAC is a focal point for music for areas like upstate New York, the Hudson Valley, Vermont, the Berkshires, and Connecticut. Originally instated in the late 1960’s, the concert venue has held some of the greatest acts of our age, including an iconic performance by the Doors in 1968, and others such as, Santana, Guns N’ Roses, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, KISS, Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Phish, Dire Straits and The Grateful Dead, to name just a few. Dave Matthews Band holds the title of the most sold-out performance at the venue.
This summer, SPAC had a full schedule of not-to-be-missed performances, in celebration of their 50th anniversary summer. NYS Music staff writer, Mike Kohli, wrote a preview to highlight the eventful 2016, that you can read here.
We are looking forward to seeing what summer 2017 at the SPAC will bring!
Our readers picked differently, however, and the winner this year for the Best Venue in NYS was the Brooklyn Bowl. The Brooklyn Bowl was opened in 2009 and has since become one of the more prominent venues in New York State.
Following closely behind it were The Capitol Theatre, SPAC, The Hollow and The Town Ballroom which all tied for second place.
Best Show by Region:
The staff pick for the Best Show by Region was Dead & Co. at the SPAC on June 21.
Pete Mason wrote the following in his review of the evening:
“With Dead and Company having started their fall tour in Albany this past October, Capitaland got the first taste of John Mayer in a Jerry Garcia role, one that brought criticism and concern from those who weren’t familiar with Mayer’s guitar prowess but experts in tabloid fodder. But to those in the know, musicians and real fans alike, convivial awe and heightened expectations were the emotions directed toward Mayer, and when the October show ended with “Touch of Grey,” any musical concerns were laid to rest.
And they were laid to rest over and over, as the tour wrapped around the country, culminating with New Year’s Eve in Inglewood, CA, and now a summer tour that began this month, including a stop at Bonnaroo. Four shows deep and the expectations for the performance at SPAC on June 21 were as high as ever, partially because three members of the original Grateful Dead were back in Saratoga for the first time in more than 20 years, and partially thanks to no repeats in the setlist during the previous four nights.”
To see a full recap and photo gallery by Jim Gilbert, go here.
The readers’ picks for the best show were Twiddle, TAUK, Holly Bowling and Matisyahu at Capitol Theater on May 7.
“Take the fastest rising jamband in recent years, add in a hot prog-rock band boiling over with talent, a classically trained pianist performing the music of Phish and The Grateful Dead, and a cross-genre reggae singer and you have the fixings for one of the best nights of live music The Capitol Theatre has seen this year, and that’s saying a lot.”
NYS Music had a chance to talk to Ryan Dempsey of Twiddle before the show, see the interview below:
Today we are announcing what the polls revealed was the Best New York Festival and what was the Best Out-of-State Music Festival of 2016.
Best New York Festival
Our staff pick for the best festival in New York was Catskill Chill. This year’s line-up featured acts like Mike Gordon, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Greensky Bluegrass, Electron, Lettuce, Dopapod, Perpetual Groove, Turkuaz, Kung Fu, Keller Williams Grateful Grass & many more!
The top choices after Catskill were Rock N’ Derby and Grey Fox, both tying for the second place.
NYS Music covered Catskill Chill this year, to see the review and photo gallery please go here.
The reader pick for the best NY Festival was an overwhelming win for the Mountain Jam Festival. This past year’s line-up included Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, Gary Clark, Jr., Michael Franti & Spearhead, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, The Revivalists and more. To see our review and gallery, go here.
The runners up for the reader’s pick choices for best NY festival were Buffalove, Mazzstock and Catskill Chill.
Best Out-of-State Festival
The staff & reader pick for the Best Out-of-State Festival was Lockn’, an annual festival held in Arrington, VA, which had a stacked line-up in 2016 that featured Phish, Ween, My Morning Jacket, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Phil Lesh & Friends, Umphrey’s McGee, Vulfpeck, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, EOTO, Lettuce, Galactic, and more.
NYS Music provided daily coverage of the festival this year, to see our review and gallery, go here.
If you like a little soul sprinkled into your funk, and you have a little jiggle in your step, then you’ll love D.C.’s emerging talent, Aztec Sun.
This eight-piece ensemble brings funk-groove-improvisation to their performances that is sure to kick dancing shoes into gear; the band is Stephane Detchou, on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Ryan ‘Catch’ Sarafolean, on keys/organ & backing vocals, Michael Dravone on trombone, Shane Weckesser on bass, Ray Lamb on lead guitar & backing vocals, John Heinze on drums, Adam Kent on trumpet and Dave Klein on the sax.
Originally conceived back in 2013, Aztec Sun has been steadily evolving and making a name for themselves; and 2016 was a big year for the group. For one, they were voted “Best Original Local Band” by the Washington City Paper, and performed in front of a significant crown at the D.C. Armory for the paper’s annual “Best of D.C. Celebration.”
In the past, they’ve shared the bill with other talented acts such as Pimps of Joytime, Burning Spear, The Suffers, Alanna Royale, Naughty Professor, Major and the Monbacks. AZTEC SUN talks about wanting to “push out their ‘Soul with Funk’ to diverse audiences,” and this year, they have done so at prominent D.C. establishments, like The Black Cat, Howard Theater, Rock & Roll Hotel and Strathmore.
In the future, however, they look to spread their love of funk further, into surrounding areas like upstate New York and Boston, for example; and their dreams extend to playing at bigger venues like Red Rocks, The Gorge, or maybe the Brooklyn Bowl or Fillmore West. Their name is one you’re sure to hear of again.
Their new studio E.P., titled Set You Free, a five-track, self-produced album, will be released tomorrow. The album is a recognition of their accomplishments thus far, and true to the band’s manifesto to “do whatever you can to make them dance,”AZTEC SUN invites anyone in the DMV area to come celebrate their newest project at their E.P. Release Dance Party at the Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe, tomorrow, Sat., December 10.
For more information and tickets, please visit here.
Karina Verlan: What is the origin of the name Aztec Sun?
Stephane Detchou: Once the founding band members decided to “become a band,” they wanted to come up with a name that would best represent the music they were writing. After a number of different noun pairings, we decided on “Aztec Sun”: a name which, for us, combined the indelible, fiery presence of Funk with the warmth and energy of Soul.
Ray Lamb: This has nothing to do with how the name came about but in researching about the ancient Aztecs, I learned that they were not one tribe, but multiple tribes unified together. I think our band dynamic and music have similar qualities.
KV: What genre of music do you consider your work to be, and who are your major influences?
SD: We call it “funk with soul.” It generally errs on the side of groove music with a focus on rhythms that will make you move. Our influences are as diverse as our bandmates — James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, Prince, D’Angelo, Ben l’Oncle Soul, Phish, Snarky Puppy, The Meters, Budos Band, Fela Kuti (to name a few)
RL: I agree with Steph. We incorporate a lot of different influences in the music we play. I guess sort of like a funk/soul stew with a sprinkle of jazz, rock, blues, pop, jam etc.
KV: I love that! funk/soul stew… How did you all meet?
SD: Aztec Sun was initially four guys (two guitars, bass, drums) who started playing together four years ago off of Craigslist. From there, we met and invited new bandmates through personal connections, referrals or random meetings at music events.
RL: I met Steph at a show that we both were performing in. We had a great conversation about music. About a month later my previous band was having a show and I asked if Aztec Sun wanted in. Steph accepted and asked if I wanted to sit in. I did and they haven’t been able to get rid of me since.
KV: Who writes your songs in your band? Do you typically write the music or the words first?
SD: Given the size of our group (eight+ musicians), most of our songs are written collaboratively in some shape or form. Someone will bring a demo to the group with draft arrangements, structure, direction and we’ll hash out details by playing through the songs in rehearsals. In most cases, we’ll have some words to accompany the music when we start working on a song (especially when one of our singers brings a demo); but there are times when a song is born out of an organic “jam session” and we’ll write lyrics afterwards.
RL: Yeah it’s really a cool process with this band. You can bring in an idea and you have seven other minds to help develop it. It’s quite a luxury. Also listening back to jams is great because there are eight different instruments that you can listen to get new ideas from.
KV: Very cool. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together? What’s your ultimate direction for your band– are you seeking fame and fortune?
SD: Our first batch of music was more like funk-rock (think some of Red Hot Chili Peppers). As we added horns and keys (piano + organ), our sound naturally expanded to include a dimension of classic ‘70s soul we could add to the danceable funk we were already playing. At this point, our band’s goal is to continue sharing our music and our live performance with new audiences within and throughout the DMV and add to the funk & soul movement in D.C.
RL: In the two years I’ve been in the band, I think we’ve all become better friends, which in turn helps with the music becoming tighter. We listen better and trust each other more. Fame and fortune might be a stretch. However, if it comes, that would be awesome. But that’s not our goal. We want to keep having fun and get as many people dancing to our music as possible. I think we want to ride the train as long as it stays on the tracks.
Ryan ‘Catch’ Sarafolean: We want to continue to push this as far as it can go, at this point, it feels like this project has a lot of growth left still in it and we’d all like to see where we can take this music. Outside of the D.C. area is our first step from here.
KV: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
SD: So many people have helped us accomplish what we’ve done so far. In terms of emotional support, probably all the friends and family who have been coming to our shows to support us, no matter how many times they’ve seen our live set.
RL: I’d like to thank family, friends, and old band mates.
RCS: I’d like to also thank all of our neighbors and roommates for dealing with our music into the wee hours – you all are the best!
KV: Haha. So, what advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
SD: Be honest and collaborative. Being part of a band is an opportunity to express oneself creatively, but that also means remembering to keep an open ear for others’ expressions and ideas.
RL: Have fun! I think that’s why most people play music to begin with. When you’re having fun, people can tell and it’s infectious. If you read about why most bands break up, they state that they stopped having fun.
RCS: Push yourself outside of your comfort zone, I’ve found that is where the most amazing growth comes from.
KV: What are your dream cities to tour? And who would you like to tour with, in an ideal situation?
SD: Aztec Sun is from D.C., but we aren’t all “from” D.C., so we’re going to be working on touring in cities closer to home: Montreal, upstate New York, Minneapolis, Boston, Chicago… And in terms of tours, it would be great to share a stage with any of the artists that influence our music.
RL: Touring is great. It’s always nice to play in front of new people. I’d love to play Red Rocks, The Gorge, The Fillmore West, Brooklyn Bowl, Electric Factory, Fox Theatre, Madison Square Garden (hey, gotta dream right!). As far as bands, Alabama Shakes, Vulfpeck, Trey Anastasio Band, D’Angelo, Turkuaz to name a few.
RCS: I’ll say it – it would be great to play at the 9:30 club, here in our backyard. That venue is continually rated as the best venue to go see live music in, and damn would it be a fun place for some funk. I’d love to open for Galactic, or Trombone Shorty, or Rebirth Brass Band – anyone out of New Orleans would be dope.
KV: Do you find it hard to balance music with your other obligations at this point in your career?
SD: At times, definitely. We try to balance a very accurate shared calendar that keeps track of everyone’s schedules which helps us determine whether or when we can book gigs. On top of that, we’re all working full-time — which can mean very late nights/tough mornings when we’ve got a couple of shows in the same week. We also need to ensure we’re taking our time to check with our families, partners and friends etc (and not just inviting them to our gigs)… so it can get to be a very busy time. But we really enjoy playing and creating as Aztec Sun, so it’s worth it.
RL: It’s definitely hard but music always manages to make itself a priority in my life.
The Other Brothers have been bringing a soulful twist to funk and R&B in the greater New York City area since 2012. They’ve since appeared on stage with artists like Goose, Bushicks, with members of Kung Fu and Deep Banana Blackout and more.
This six piece includes Brandon Bera (drums), Chris Owens (vocals), Gabe Marquez (organ and keys), Jared Nelson (percussion), John Morrison (guitar) and Jordan Mendelson (bass), all of whom are SUNY New Paltz students, both current and graduated.
They took out some time this weekend to answer a few questions for NYS Music about their origin, creative process, and future aspirations.
Karina Verlan: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
The Other Brothers: We would say we’re neo-soul, but with some jam flavor. Our sound is derived from a handful of records that we’ve been in love with for the past few years, including Voodoo (D’Angelo), Channel Orange (Frank Ocean), and Off the Wall (Michael Jackson). We take a lot of cues from Phish, who we’ve collectively seen a million times. The Band is also a big influence on us, especially since we live in the Hudson Valley where they set up shop.
KV: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
TOB: John & Chris met at a Phish show at Bethel Woods in 2011. Then John heard Chris jokingly sing Creed at a house party and was very impressed. In fall 2012 John met a then-freshman Brandon at a jam session at the then-house of Matt Richards (of Formula 5) where they had a memorable “Good Times Bad Times” jam. Brandon met Jordan through a mutual friend at the very start of college (2012) and they jammed together in the dorms as well as in jazz ensembles. Then in the past year we met Jared and Gabe through jam parties and mutual friends.
KV: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
TOB: Our goal has always been to write soulful tunes based in a real moment or feeling so that our audience can share that experience with us. Whether they are funky, slow and soulful, or dark, we try to keep the original emotion as raw as possible. We try to keep the tunes loose so that we can jam on them if the mood strikes at a particular show. The recent addition of Gabe (organ/keys) and Jared (percussion) has opened everything up. They’re both great musicians and they’re really elevating our sound.
KV: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
TOB: We have a cozy rehearsal space at Castle Studios in New Paltz, where we practice usually 3 times per week depending on schedules. We keep it mostly productive, working on new material or polishing up old tunes. We also spend a lot of time kicking it and jamming on covers we’ll never play – just having fun. The other nights of the week we are usually out seeing music in New Paltz or shredding with our favorite vinyl at our house (Brandon, John, and Jordan live together).
KV: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
TOB: Play music with people you love to be around. We’re always joking around with each other and we care about each other. The stronger your friendship is, the stronger the musical relationship will be. Also, support your friends’ bands and local scene as much as you can.
KV: What was the most exciting gig that you have done in 2016 thus far?
TOB: Our gig at American Beauty in NYC in support of the B.R.Y.A.C. Funk All Stars (of Kung Fu and Deep Banana Blackout) was too much fun. We had an amazing audience of friends and new fans. It was also our first full show with Gabe on keys, and he just crushed it. Halloween weekend at Neptune’s in Lake George was insane – the crowd was killer and Formula 5’s Lord of the Rings improv set was simply incredible music.
KV: What is your dream gig, venue, and supporting artist?
TOB: Someday we’ll host our own festival in the beautiful Hudson Valley with Breakfast for the Boys, Formula 5, and Let’s Be Leonard. Be on the lookout… We’re also looking forward to our gig at Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Eve 2023 with Anderson Paak opening.
KV: How can fans-to-be best gain access to your music?
TOB: If you sign up for our email list and we will send you a copy of our album which we’re recording in February at Art Farm studios in Accord. For now we have a few demos on our site. Also be on the lookout for our live release medium called Noach’s Roaches from chemist, brewer, and archivist Adam Noach.
KV: How do you feel about the influence of the internet on the music business?
TOB: It’s causing a shift in focus back to live performance because that’s where the money is now, which is fine by us because that’s where we thrive. We’re big Vulfpeck fans, and Jack Stratton is currently reinventing the game in terms of music marketing, which is cool to see.
KV: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
TOB: We don’t have a standard setlist and play mostly originals with some covers. We’ve played our song “Addicted to Weed” at pretty much every recent show because it’s such a fun groove. Also a big tune for us is called “In the City,” which is about all the social injustice our country is facing. We have a few covers that are in pretty heavy rotation including “Nothing from Nothing” (Billy Preston) and “Who Did That to You” (John Legend). We’ve covered a wide variety of artists from Eminem to Radiohead.
KV: Which gig are you most excited for before the end of the year?
TOB: We have three more shows this year. We’re playing Thanksgiving Eve at the Hollow in Albany with our good friends the Late Shift and Loveport. Then December 2nd we have a hometown banger scheduled at Snug Harbor in New Paltz with our best friends Formula 5. December 3rd we hit Rockwood Music Hall in NYC where we always enjoy a nice crowd.
This Fall, Nietzche’s debuts their first ever “Folkfest,” a 5-day festival featuring 48 musical acts from Wednesday, Nov. 9 through Sunday, Nov. 13.
Folkfest is a follow up to a successful Jazz-Fest this past spring, and a new direction for Allentown and Nietzche’s that aims to bring together a wide range of musicians, including local faces and nationally touring acts.
Music will kick off on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. with Tyler Westcott and his trio performing gypsy jazz and old-time swing. The headliner on Wednesday, Folkfaces, will take the stage at 11:00 p.m. Folkfaces, a local Buffalo band, is known for their energetic, whiskey-drinking Americana music, fused with beautiful ballads. Music will go until 1:00 a.m., alternating sets between the main stage in the back, and the front barroom. Other acts on Wednesday include Sam Marabella & band, The Brothers Blue and Nickel City String Band.
Thursday is a Singer-Songwriter Showcase, with 15 performances over the course of the night! Each set will be 20 minutes long, with music kicking off at 8:00 p.m. and going until 1:00 a.m. The showcase will feature new artists and well-known local faces to the Buffalo music scene, including Bobby Angel, Joe Bellanti, Jungle Steve, Jack Topht, and Jeff Goldstein.
Friday will feature both local artist and touring acts, and will begin with a happy hour led by The Neville Francis Band. The Shelf Life String Band will kick the night off at 10:00 p.m. in the front barroom. Rear View Ramblers, the first headliner of the night, will then take the main stage at 10:30 p.m.
Rear View Ramblers draw inspiration for their sound directly from Buffalo, playing music that reflects “struggling days being young and broke, to playing music in Allentown and the Elmwood Village, to finding true love in a dive bar on the most random occasions.”
The Observers takes the stage at 11:30 p.m. in the front barroom, taking you on a journey of the human experience through music. The next headliner, nationally touring act, DiTrani Brothers, begins at 12:30 a.m. on the main stage.
DiTrani Brothers, Bobby and Walker, originally hail from North Bend, Washington, but began traveling coast to coast with their songs in 2013. Since then, the duo has evolved into a full band, complete with Dana Hubanks on washtub bass, and Eddie Gaudet on drums. Together, the band plays originals inspired by ragtime, Roma swing, and the traditions of these genres. After DiTrani Brothers, Friday’s music wraps up with a final performance in the front barroom at 1:30am from TCBand.
Saturday’s festivities with the first headlining act of the evening, The Steam Donkeys, performing at 8:30 p.m. on the main stage. With a long and well documented history as one of Buffalo’s longest standing country rock/folk outfits, The Steam Donkeys have seen their fair share, with multiple national tours, album releases, and lineup changes since its formation in 1991.
Local acts Catskill Mountain Boys and Rob Falgiano continue the party, before headliner Tough Old Bird hits the front barroom at 10:30 p.m. Formed in Fillmore, NY by songwriting brothers Matthew and Nathan Corrigan, Tough Old Bird provides a blend of authentic folk and blues that create a vision of the rural landscape it comes from. The group features a mix of electric guitar, accordion, harmonica, and acoustics that provide a sound that is at once both ancient and modern.
Seth Faergolzia’s 23 Psaegz follows Tough Old Bird with a set at 11:30 p.m. on the main stage. Touted as the 2010 successor to Seth Faergolzia’s 13-year project, Dufus, 23 Psaegz carries on the warm, weird legacy of Dufus by “stretching the boundaries of musical experience with unmatched craze and care”. Although the group was originally formed to perform Seth’s puppet-rock-opera “23 Psaegz”, it carried on to eventually become a collaborative backing ensemble for Faergolzia’s web of musical endeavors.
After a performance in the front barroom by Twenty Thousand Strongmen, final headliner of the evening, PA Line, will wrap up Saturday night on the main stage at 1:00 a.m. PA Line exhibits an original performance with musical styles ranging from Mumford and Sons, to Simon and Garfunkel. Each performance aims to get the feet dancing and create intimate emotional connections between artists and fan.
After such a headliner-packed Saturday night, Sunday’s music starts in the early afternoon, with Michael Faltyn kicking off on the main stage at 2:00 p.m. Performers alternate between the front barroom and main stage until the festival concludes with the weekend’s final performance by Ann Phillippone at 6:00 p.m.
Ann Philippone
Singer-songwriters Kathryn Koch and Sam Sugarman will provide support for the headliner for the evening, Tiny Rhymes, who will perform at 5 p.m. on the main stage. Tiny Rhymes is a folk group that draws more inspiration from the classical, chamber, and indie worlds than the country of bluegrass realm of folk. On Tiny Rhymes’ song-writing abilities, Artvoice writes, “Some people like to write songs while others tell stories. Vocalist/guitarist Sharon Mok tells her audience a story. Her voice floats beautifully above the acoustic sounds of her ‘chamber-folk’ band only to be matched with the soothing sounds of cello and violin.” The group features members all classically trained, but remaining instinctive in their composition and arranging choices.
Gregg Allman has announced his winter tour, which will officially kick off at the end of December in Savannah, GA at the Lucas Theater for the Arts and go through January 21st in Macon, GA at the Grand Opera House.
Before hitting the road down South, Allman will be making a long stop in New York for his widely anticipated 10-night residency at City Winery, which will kick off this week on November 6th and continue until November 19th.
Per press release, Allman said, “I love coming to New York and staying a while. It feels natural.”
This year’s residency at City Winery is all the more anticipated, since his dates in New York sold out last year.
Following his stay in New York, Allman and band will do a two-night NYE run at the Lucas Theater for The Arts in Savannah, GA. The Lucas Theater is a beautiful, historic landmark; officially opened in 1921. The theater underwent an intensive restoration before it’s grand reopening in 2000.
Allman will hit Athens, GA on Jan 3-4 at the Georgia Theater; and then hit MS at the Beau Rivage Casino, LA at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles, a two-night run in Birmingham, AL at Iron City, before hitting another Mississippi casino, Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino, and Chattanooga, Tennessee at the Tivoli Theater.
The band will complete its tour with a four-night run in Macon, GA at the Grand Opera House Jan., 17-21.
Allman was forced to cancel a number of dates this summer due to a bout with pneumonia. Now recovered, he has also hinted at the possibility of the Allman Brothers Band returning to the road after a two-year hiatus.
GREGG ALLMAN –WINTER 2016-2017
NOVEMBER
6 – New York, NY – City Winery
7 – New York, NY – City Winery
9 – New York, NY – City Winery
10 – New York, NY – City Winery
11 – New York, NY – City Winery
13 – New York, NY – City Winery
14 – New York, NY – City Winery
16 – New York, NY – City Winery
17 – New York, NY – City Winery
18 – New York, NY – City Winery
DECEMBER
30 – Savannah, GA – Lucas Theatre For The Arts
31 – Savannah, GA – Lucas Theatre For The Arts
JANUARY
3 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
4 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
6 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage Casino
7 – Lake Charles, LA – Golden Nugget Lake Charles
10 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City
11 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City
13 – Robinsonville, MS – Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino
Brian Wilson announced last week that he will extending his Pet Sounds: The Final Performances 2017 Tour through 2017, with an addition of 37 new dates starting on March 27th at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, FL through May 28th at the Santa Barbara Bowl in Santa Barbara, CA.
The tour is in celebration of the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary, in which Wilson and his band perform the album in its entirety, mixed with additions from his solo work and other Beach Boys classics. Traveling with him are special guests fellow former band members, Al Jardine and Blondie Chapin.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Wilson commented on the tour saying, “It reminds me of the harmonies that we did,” Wilson said. “My favorite part of music is harmony. That’s the part of music I like the most. I like the full harmony.”
Wilson and band will be in Albany, NY on April 26 at the Palace Theater.
Brian Wilson Pet Sounds: The Final Performances 2017 Tour Dates
March 27 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
March 29 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theater
March 31 – Durant, OK – Chocktaw Casino
April 1 – Mayetta, KS – Prairie Band Casino
April 2 – Park City, KS – Hartman Arena
April 4 – Fort Collins, CO – Lincoln Center
April 6 – Boise, ID – Morrison Center for the Performing Arts
April 9 – Seattle, WA – Paraount Theatre
April 12 — Edmonton, CA – Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
April 13 — Calgary, CA – Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
April 15 — Winnipeg, CA – Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts
April 17 – Sioux City, IA – Orpheum Theatre
April 18 – Des Moines, IA – Civic Center
April 19 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater
April 21 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre of Columbus
April 22 – Northfield, OH – Hard Rock Live
April 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
April 25 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre April 26 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
April 28 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey P.A.C.
April 29 – Boston, MA – Lynn Auditorium
April 30 – Worcester, MA – Hanover Theatre
May 2 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – FM Kirby Center
May 3 – Washington, DC – Lincoln Theatre
May 6 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
May 7 – Chattanooga, TN – Tivoli Theatre
May 9 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
May 12 – Houston, TX – Revention Music Center
May 13 – Austin, TX – AC Live at the Moody Theater
May 16 – Tulsa, OK – Brady Theatre
May 18 – Albuquerque, NM – Kiva Auditorium
May 19 – Tucson, AZ – Centennial Hall
May 20 – Laughlin, NV – Harrah’s Laughlin
May 22 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre
May 24 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre
May 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Pantages Theatre
May 28 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
On Thursday, Oct. 20 catch Nothing But Thieves U.S. tour on their stop at Lucky Strike Social in Albany, for a free show presented by WEQX. They will be joined by special guests, The Wrecks.
Nothing But Thieves is a five-piece band from Essex, England consisting of old friends Conor Mason (vocals), Dominic Craik (guitar, keys), Joe Langridge-Brown (guitar), Philip Blake (bass) and James Price (drums).
The group offers an alternative/indie sound that has a ghostly, tender quality that flows well within their eloquent songwriting. They have shared the stage with artists like Awolnation, Arcade Fire, Twin Atlantic, and more.
This is the second tour they’ve done in the U.S. The first tour back in 2012 contributed greatly to their growth as an emerging band with its own original sound, according to the band’s Soundcloud. Their debut studio album through Sony Music Entertainment back in 2015 entered the official U.K. chart at number 7 and topped iTunes chart at number 3.
The group consists of Brian Moss (guitar), Jordan Fairless (bass), Andrew “Red” Johnson (keys) and Nick Tkachyk (drums). Their sound can be described as an electrofunk therapy, which combines deep sonic exploration and jam-heavy improvisation. With jams that stretch anywhere from 10 minutes to 30, their songs expand typical song structure, offering an original take on funk-dance-rock music.
This six piece includes Brandon Bera (drums), Chris Owens (vocals), Gabe Marquez (organ and keys), Jared Nelson (percussion), John Morrison (guitar) and Jordan Mendelson (bass), all of whom are SUNY New Paltz students, both current and graduated.
