Category: Reviews

Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed Kick Off Amphitheater Tour In Syracuse

Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin kicked off their co-headlining summer tour at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY on July 9. The tour will include stops in more than 20 cities across North America. Alter Bridge and Saint Asonia joined as special guests.

First up was Toronto’s Saint Asonia lead by former Three Days Grace front man Adam Gontier. Saint Asonia released their debut self-titled album in 2015. Since then, they have toured with Motley Crue and Alice Cooper and more recently opened for Disturbed on some of their Canadian tour dates. Their single “I Don’t Care Anymore” has gained some traction and has been featured on Vevo and Spotify.

The next band up was Alter Bridge. Alter Bridge brings a powerhouse lineup with Myles Kennedy on lead vocals/guitar, Mark Tremonti on lead guitar, Brian Marshall on the bass and Scott Phillips on the drums. Alter Bridge got the audience going with their short but dynamic set that included “Isolation,” “Come to Life,” “Addicted to Pain,” “Blackbird,” “Cry of Achilles” and “Rise Today.”

Co-headliner Breaking Benjamin took the stage next. The crowd filled in quickly as the first notes of “So Cold” hit the air. Breaking Benjamin released a new album in 2015, Dark Before Dawn. The album reached number one on both the Billboard 200 and the alternative and rock charts. The album proves that the newly formed Breaking Benjamin lineup is still strong and can produce hit singles. In fact, I forgot how many hit singles Breaking Benjamin has until they starting ripping through one after another: “Sooner or Later,” the new hit single “Angels Fall” and “Blow Me Away.” They took a brief break from their hits to pay tribute to some of their personal favorites kicked off by the “Imperial March” theme from Star Wars. They teased some short clips of “Schism” by Tool, Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit” and “Walk” by Pantera. Then it was right back to the hits, “Blow me Away,” “Polyamorous” and “I Will Not Bow.” Lead singer Ben Burnley showed a lot of love to the fans, thanking them profusely and alternating between devil horns and a heart symbol. The band ended with fan favorite “The Diary of Jane” and Ben Burnley told everyone that he hoped to come back to Syracuse again soon.

Set list: So Cold, Angels Fall, Sooner or Later, Blow Me Away, The Imperial March/Schism/Smells Like Teen Spirit/Walk, Polyamorous, Ashes of Eden, Breath, Failure, Until the End, I Will Not Bow, The Diary of Jane

It was time for the final band of the evening. Before taking the stage, Disturbed got the crowd primed with a highlight video showing footage that spanned their expansive career. The message: “Music is a Weapon” was repeated throughout the video and set the tone for the band’s powerful set. Disturbed took the stage amongst an onslaught of impressive pyrotechnics and opened with “Ten Thousand Fists.” Everyone had a fist in the air as front man David Draiman commanded the audience to do his bidding. Draiman is one of the most authoritative lead singers in the business. There is something about his voice, his presence and his words that make the crowd take notice. Disturbed’s set was also full of hits, “The Game,” “Liberate,” and “Stupify” got the crowd revved up. They slowed things down a bit and Draiman showed the fans that he has serious vocal talent with their cover of the Simon and Garfunkel song “The Sound of Silence” off their 2015 album Immortalized. Looking back from the pit, all that could be seen was a sea of glowing cell phone lights and some lighters swaying in the air.

The fun continued with more pyrotechnics and more hits, “Stricken,” and “Indestructible” before the evening ended with Draiman calling on the fans one more time with his signature mantra, “my brothers, my sisters, my blood…we are all Disturbed” and the fans responded by going crazy as the band performed “Down With the Sickness.”

Set list: Ten Thousand Fists, The Game, The Vengeful One, Prayer, The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover), Inside the Fire, The Light, Stricken, Indestructible, Voices, Down With the Sickness

[FinalTilesGallery id=’888′]

July 22, 2016
Tedeschi Trucks Band “Slides” Into SPAC For One To Remember

The Tedeschi Trucks Band returned to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on July 14, bringing along the North Mississippi All Stars and Los Lobos. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi led the show getting the crowd going right away. The band opened up strong with “Laugh It Up” and “Made Up Mind.” TTB surprised the crowd with “Swamp Raga,” a song from The Derek Trucks Band. The group followed up with “Within You Without You,” a song by The Beatles.

At the end of the show members of both North Mississippi All Stars and Los Lobos came on to play “The Sky Is Crying.” The North Mississippi All Stars also celebrated their 20th anniversary. The Tedeschi Trucks Band wraps up their Wheels of Soul Tour on August 7 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Red Butte Garden.

Setlist: Laugh About it, Made Up Mind, Darlin’ Be Home Soon, Swamp Raga, Within You Without You, Just As Strange, Right On Time, Goin’ Down to Mexico, Don’t Know What It Means, Idle Wind, The Sky Is Crying, Angel From Montgomery, Jam, Let Me Get By

ENCORE: Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring, Sticks and Stones

July 21, 2016
In Focus: Gregg Allman at Xerox International Jazz Fest

Gregg Allman graced the Xerox International Jazz Fest to kick off the July in Rochester. Gregg’s ability through his music took over the anxiously awaiting fans in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre to a free spirits and a peaceful loving vibe. Fans danced, smiled and let loose as the venues incredible acoustics floated the sweet sounds of each song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vxAQkiPdq4

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist headlined as a main draw to attend the annual festival. People from all over the world attended the community to support all of the bands, including this performance. Music brought people together, enjoying the harmony of the music and with one another.

Take a look at what visuals were captured by NYS Music from the Friday night show.

July 20, 2016
A Sober Saturday Night with Chris Young

Seeing an artist grow musically and gain fame over the years is truly amazing. Experiencing their headlining shows in a club is incredible, but as the sun set and the lights dimmed at the CMAC Amphitheater on July 2, Chris Young walked on that stage gleaming at a sea of his fans. A spectacular moment that induced goosebumps.

Tearing into his song “Underdogs” off of his latest album “I’m Coming Over,” Chris got the crowd going crazy, as his band’s riffs filled the amphitheater. Chris had three microphones set up, one in the middle of the stage and one on each side. This gave him the freedom to play his guitar and walk all around the stage interacting with the fans when he sang “Getting You Home.”

Chris performed more hits such as “Voices” and “Lonely Eyes,” which lead to the realization of how many hits Chris currently has on the radio. In between songs, Chris stopped to thank the audience several times making sure they knew that they were responsible for making his dreams come true.

About mid set Cassadee Pope, who opened for Chris, came out to sing their duet “Think of You.” The chemistry they have together on stage was simply mesmerizing. Chris and Cassadee sang in true duet form by facing each other and feeding off of each other’s energy to make the heartbreak of the song come to life. Once the song was over they embraced each other and Chris said, “Good Lord that girl can sing!”

From Chris’ stage presence, down to the way he interacts with his band members, shows how much he loves being a performer and musician. When Chris paused to thank his fans, he made it a point to introduce his band one at a time, treating the audience to solos.

Seeing Chris being so humble and sharing personal stories, shows that he is a great person as well as an entertainer. Before he performed “Who I Am With You,” Chris shared that he would be singing it at one of his friend’s wedding later this summer. He also shared a memory of having tickets on the lawn at a show with his mother in Murfreesboro, TN, where he grew up. Filling us in on his first gig, which was at a Mexican restaurant in Nashville, his payment was chips and a case of beer.

As the night went on Chris played “Aw Naw,” a ZZ Top cover, of “Sharp Dressed Man,” Keith Whitley’s, “When You Say Nothing At All,” “Neon,” and his latest single “Sober Saturday Night.” Ending the set with “I’m Coming Over,” Chris genuinely thanked his fans for making it his biggest hit that has changed his life forever.

After his touching “good bye”, the audience cheered bringing Chris back out to encore with “Save Water.”

[FinalTilesGallery id=’875′]

July 20, 2016
Trombone Shorty Holds Dance Off on Day 2 of Syracuse Jazz Fest

Day 2 of this years’ 34th Annual M&T Syracuse Jazz Festival held at Onondaga Community College Campus in Syracuse, was the night that over 5,000 plus fans were waiting for. With a large roster of highly awarded artists and performers sharing 1 stage throughout 2 days and nights turned out to be an incredible event. As New Orleans’ own Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and the Orleans Avenue braced the lineup, other national and local bands brought their “A game” to get the crowds energized for the headlining act.

Returning to this years fest, the City of Syracuse Parks & Rec All-Stars kicked off the day with their fluid compositions, directed by the highly regarded Joe Carello. The all-stars swung through a 45 minute set, all taking turns at solos and giving the crowd a piece of their heart and souls.

Second Line Syracuse Brass Band was second in command of day 2 of the fest. Led by the Juilliard School of music master jazz trombonist Melissa Gardiner, the core group features one other trombone, two trumpets, a saxophone, sousaphone, and drums. The eight-piece ensemble performed a various array of original scores and a few covers.

Paulie Cerra and Andrew Lippman led Groove Legacy through a fantastic set of jazzy tunes, sprinkled with bluesy twists and soulful harmonies. Increasing with energy as the evening sun settled, the steadily growing audience was getting loose on their feet and enjoyed a new song recently recorded with Utica’s own Joe Bonamassa.

Originally scheduled was Larry Coryell and the Eleventh House. Tho, Larry is currently in post-surgery and was unable to perform, son and master jazz guitarist Julian Coryell led the group with determination to show Syracuse how to have a good time. Performing a variety of covers and originals, the group shined through the evening with many tasteful guitar licks and drum fills. Just as the group was ending, Executive Director Frank Malfitano rushed the stage accompanied with a beautiful plaque to present to the band, giving thanks for continuing to show up and perform considering the circumstances of Larry condition.

Malfitano briefly returned to the stage to give warm welcome to Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. The band bounced onto the stage one by one as drummer Joey Peebles kicked up a funky groove. Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews dramatically appeared lastly with shades on, Trumpet in one hand and Trombone in the other. As the band got underway, they immediately cranked up the energy and didn’t let up until the their set was done. Aside from his skillful brass chops, Andrews danced his way across the entire stage, covering almost every inch replication the styles of James brown and Michael Jackson. At points, even gathering other members to march around in a huddle, while others shared solos and some spotlight. A memorable highlight of the nearly 2-hour performance was an intimate rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On,” along with accompanied with a crowd sing-a-long. Before closing out the weekend, Andrews eagerly invited Frank Malfitano up on stage to dance along to their mashup of “Mardi Gras Medly” and “When the Saints Go Marching In,” representing their hometown of New Orleans.

[FinalTilesGallery id=’865′]

[FinalTilesGallery id=’866′]

July 18, 2016
In Focus: Grace Potter at Xerox Rochester International Jazz Fest

Day one of the Xerox International Jazz Fest and Grace Potter gave an energized performance. Grace rocked the blues as the headlining act in the beautiful venue of Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.

The packed venue of seated fans were told by Grace in between songs, her performance will feed from their energy. She elaborated sharing that if people felt like like they wanted to stand, dance sway, tap their foot to feel comfortable with enjoying as they wished. The crowd loosened up as she continued through her set and took up her offer to get up close to the stage if they wanted to. Fans faces were lit up with smiles as they enjoyed her close interaction by reaching out to them from stage. The air filled with the excitement while she was on stage. A piece of that night stays with each person of the energy that was created by the performance, music and people.

Grace and each member of the band played the whole set with meaning and directed it to those there to see them. It was an incredible treat to have attended to see Grace in action whipping her hair as she moved to the music playing. Every song was given the attention, emotion, energy and soul as if it was the first time they played it, no mechanical movement or sound could be noticed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty7J5tJRZIQ[

Setting on her piano had a large crystal on one side and an alien figurine on the other, a sign she is filled with wonder, depth, love and channeling energy. It was unforgettable night because of Grace Potter coming to Jazz Fest. The tone had been set for the remaining 9 days of the festival after that show. The Jazz Fest had the positive vibe of people coming to enjoy music to dance, smile and have a good time with one another each day. Check out these moments caught from the night brought to you by NYS Music.

July 18, 2016
Hearing Aide: Tasha Taylor “Honey For the Biscuit”

Tasha Taylor’s third album Honey for the Biscuit

Tasha Taylor is bearing her heart and her love of soul and blues in her third album Honey for the Biscuit. Daughter of American vocalist Johnnie Taylor, Tasha released her third album in February 2016. The 13-track disc infused with soul and blues, funk and pop, is the perfect vehicle for Tasha’s powerful yet measured vocals and instrumentation.

“It’s soulful blues and good storytelling, but it also has something you can shake your butt to here and there,” said Tasha.

Honey For The Biscuit features a star-studded line-up. Tasha is joined by Keb Mo on Track 03 “Family Tree,” Robert Randolph contributes to Track 06 “Little Miss Susie” and Tommy Castro lends his vocals for Track 13 “Same Old Thing.”

“I think being on tour and doing so much live music with these blues artists inspired me on Honey for the Biscuit to find my own blues,” she said. “Most of the songs I wrote on my guitar. I felt inspired by these guys. If I heard something I thought they’d be perfect for, I’d call them up and ask them if they had time.”

Track 10 “Leave That Dog Alone,” features a sultry and salty duet with Samantha Fish about kicking a man to the curb.

“Had a Sweet Talking Man. Had to let him go. He wouldn’t leave other women alone. He wouldn’t stop, messing round on me. I had to throw his stuff out on the street. Better leave, better leave, cause his back, his back, his back ain’t got no bone.”

The Blues Caravan, featuring Ruf recording artists Ina Forsman, Layla Zoe and Tasha Taylor, rolls into Rochester at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at Abilene’s Bar in Rochester.

Nathan Watts, best known as Stevie Wonder’s bassist for 30 years, helped produce the album, pulling together a band for the studio recording including Tasha’s brother John Taylor on guitar. Tasha also collaborated with Richard Flemming and Grammy award-winning Buffalo native rock, country and blues artist Tom Hambridge on the songs “Weatherman,” “How Long” and “Leave that Dog Alone” during a traditional Nashville songwriting session.

A fireball of energy, actor/musician, Tasha is fresh off a European tour promoting her album and from starring in “The Heart of Soul…The Stax Musical,” about the record label with which her father recorded with Booker T. & the MG’s.

Tasha rolls into Rochester with the Blues Caravan at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at Abilene’s Bar in Rochester along with fellow Ruf label artists Ina Forsman and Layla Zoe. Click here for information and advance tickets.

Key Tracks: Little Miss Susie, Leave That Dog Alone, Family Tree, That Man

July 18, 2016
Doobie Brothers and Journey Chase Away Storms but Bring the Lightning to the Stage

As the Journey, Doobie Brothers, and Dave Mason tour made it’s way through New York state this past month, they made their final destination stop right here in Central New York at the newly constructed Lakeview Amphitheater.

This amazing structure, set on Onondaga Lake, features not only the most up to date, state of the art equipment, it offers concert goers a visual treat as well with an amazing picturesque backdrop. Although concert goers did not get to appreciate the spectacular sunset Lakeview offers on this particular night, the fiery stars were not absent as they shifted a little to the right burning up the stage with a heat and intensity. With a packed venue, both under the cover of the pavilion and out in the elements on the lawn, die hard fans were not deterred from attending by a few buckets of rain. After all, adverse weather for central New Yorkers, does not rain make.

As Dave Mason opened the evening, the concert goers of earlier years were up on their feet dancing and appreciative of this amazing songwriter/performers talents. Still rather early for those coming into the venue, it definitively was a treat for being prompt.

As the sets changed in what seemed to be record time, our hats are off to the stage crews as it was literally within minutes that Dave left the stage, that The Doobie Brothers took the stage. Starting off strong with “Jesus Is Just Alright”, this upbeat tempo set the tone for the rest of the set and an energy that proved that you can still rock and roll no matter what age you are. With a diverse mix of talent on the stage, each musician added their personal touch with vocals, personal comments, and of course some of the best instrumentals proving to all that they still have “it”. Entertaining the crowds with an extra long set and two encores, the fans were treated by some of the best music of the night making the Doobie Brothers a hard act to follow.

Again, within perhaps only enough time to fill your cup and make a pit stop, the stage was once again switched off and the scene set for the main event. Journey is one of those bands that is forever timeless. With a catalog of some of the most memorable songs, most covered songs, and most time poignant memories associated with them, it was a treat for this journalist to be present this evening as this was the first concert I ever saw back on October 9, 1981 at the Carrier Dome. Touring at the time for what is now celebrating it’s 35th anniversary, and first number one album, Escape was one of those albums and shows that one would never forget. That evening at the Dome, this teenage girl went through quite a bit to get to the nosebleed seats on the left side of the stage. Listening to the following set list, it seemed almost surreal to be in Syracuse once again watching and listening to almost an identical show.

Setlist from 1981 Show: Escape, Where Were You, Line of Fire, Don’t Stop Believin’, Stone in Love, Keep on Runnin’, Lights, Stay Awhile, Do You Recall, Lay It Down, Lovin’ You Is Easy, Walks Like a Lady, Guitar Solo, Dead or Alive, Drum Solo, Too Late, Who’s Crying Now, The Party’s Over (Hopelessly in Love), Wheel in the Sky, Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’, Any Way You Want It

There were a few changes though this time around for the better. I didn’t have to sneak out of the house and fear my parents grounding me, and this time I could see the stage and the performers. Present at both shows would be Neal Schon – founder & lead guitarist, Ross Valory – co-founder & bassist, Jonathan Cain – longtime member & keyboardist, Steve Smith – drummer; who is rejoining Journey for the first time since 1998, and newcomer Arnel Pineda – lead vocals; who was discovered via YouTube by Neal Schon. It’s difficult to compare the two shows as I really wasn’t close enough to notice, but to me it felt as though Arnel Pineda, who now is actually the longest running lead singer for the band, brought an energy that was lacking before. His spot on vocals, together with the most spectacular group behind him, made for one of the most high energy shows yet this year I’ve seen.

Ridden with solos from each musician, Neal proved why he is considered one of rock and roll’s all time greatest guitar players and Steve proved that his drum skills are off the chart. Drawn to keyboards, Jonathan’s beautiful playing as well as story he shared with his hit “Faithfully” moved me, while Ross laid down a bass line that often is overlooked but not under-appreciated by this crowd or this journalist. Contagious was Arnel’s energy levels as the band and crowd seemed to feed off of him. Humble too was he as he made an effort to shake hands, point and wave to fans, and make this show as interactive as could be. Yes, this was quiet an anniversary celebration for both the band, and this journalist.

All in all, it didn’t matter that storms blew over, as all the performers brought an air of electricity to the Lakeview stage. Faithful were the fans, as they welcomed these legends with Open Arms, and closed this evening out as another to go down in the pages as memorable. Dare we plan another anniversary show for 2051? I’m up for it!

Dave Mason Setlist: Only You Know and I Know, Rock and Roll Stew (Traffic song), The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (Traffic song), We Just Disagree, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Feelin’ Alright (Traffic song), and All Along the Watchtower

The Doobie Brothers Setlist: Jesus Is Just Alright (The Art Reynolds Singers cover) Rockin’ Down the Highway, Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) (Kim Weston cover, Another Park, Another Sunday, Sweet Maxine, Eyes of Silver, Spirit, Clear as the Driven Snow, Piano Solo, Takin’ It to the Streets, The Doctor, Black Water, Long Train Runnin’,China Grove, Encore: Without You, Listen to the Music
[FinalTilesGallery id=’881′]
Journey Setlist: Separate Ways, Be Good to Yourself, Only the Young, The Star-Spangled Banner (John Stafford Smith cover), Stone in Love, Any Way You Want It, Lights, Piano Solo, Open Arms, Who’s Crying Now, Escape, La Do Da, Drum Solo, Guitar Solo, Wheel in the Sky, Faithfully, Don’t Stop Believin’, Encore:Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
[FinalTilesGallery id=’880′]

July 17, 2016
String Cheese Incident and Twiddle Play to a Rainy Ommegang Crowd

Ommegang Brewery played host to jam heavyweights Twiddle and String Cheese Incident on Friday, July 8. Despite the rain, the crowd enjoyed fresh beers and the ideal setting for live music in Central New York.

Twiddle began their set with a 20 minute long “Gatsby the Great,” as fans packed the front of the stage. Ryan Dempsey was heavy on keys early in the jam and Mihali seemed to tease a Flecktones tune before seguing into “Jamflowman,” with “Layla” worked in towards the end. “Zazu’s Flight” followed, dedicated to Dylan, which moved into “Frankenfoote,” wrapping up a tight four song set of older Twiddle tunes.

As rainy as setbreak was, the crowd was treated to music referencing summertime and rain for the full 75 minute setbreak, making the extended break even more enjoyable, in addition to Ommegang’s beer selections.

SCI opened their set with “So Far From Home” > “Wheel Hoss,” raising the crowd out of the soaking rain that came through during setbreak and made brief appearances throughout their first set. The Michael Kang led “These Waves” is ideal island music with a jam that got extremely funky when Kyle Hollingsworth stepped up while Keith Moseley followed with “Until the Music’s Over,” both spacey and uplifting. Behind the band were impressive lights that matched up well with the band, a near perfect array and a highlight through the rain.

Of all the bands who cover the tune, String Cheese performs “This Must be the Place (Naïve Melody)” better than any other. The outro jam and crowd singing familiar lyrics were a huge highlight to the show. Seguing into “Hi Ho No Show,” a deep jam ensued after and led us into setbreak as a chill descended upon the crowd.

Set two was oddly mellower than set one, starting with “Climb” and beyond “Can’t Stop Now’, the set never seemed to reach the energy of set one. The newish “Falling Through the Cracks,” and jam ballad “Give me the Love” were relaxing and “Sirens” > “Miss Brown’s Teahouse” attempted to bring the energy back up, which peaked with “Land’s End” > “Colliding.” The encore of Pink Floyd’s “Fearless” > “How Mountain Girls Can Love” closed out the show with the same combo of mellowness and high energy that was found intertwined throughout the show, and wrapped up String Cheese’s first ever show in Cooperstown shortly before midnight.

July 15, 2016
Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy Pays Tribute to Keith Emerson

When it comes to rock and roll drummers, Carl Palmer joins the ranks of the most regarded drummers in the genre. Under the touring name of Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy, the drummer intended it to be a celebration of his 50th year as a professional musician. However, in early 2016 when tragedy struck his former bandmate Keith Emerson (who was set to join Palmer on a few shows), the show quickly turned around to a tribute to Emerson.

Palmer stopped by the Paramount Hudson Valley theater on June 16 with his performance, joined by Paul Bielatowicz on guitar and Simon Fitzpatrick on bass. Without Emerson’s legendary keyboard role in the mix of the sound, the group took a new form of power trio to interpret and present Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s music. Channeling the groundbreaking progressive rock format in this setting doesn’t seem like an easy task, but Palmer did it in a fresh way that was just as exciting as ELP’s recordings.

The two-set show started off with a punchy version of the Peter Gunn theme and continued with many of the iconic original and classical re-arrangements that make up the ELP library. Throughout the evening, Palmer took a moment between each song to break from the kit to share a story about the tune, particularly if there was a connection to Emerson. Most notably, he dedicated “Pictures of an Exhibition” to Emerson, which had been one of Emerson’s favorites.

Palmer’s band can properly be called a power trio — their sound was rich, robust, and complete to fill out the fresh take on ELP’s songs. In a way, it sounded like a really good garage band with a progressive rock influence.

Fitzpatrick alternated between bass and Chapman Stick, which coupled with Bielatowicz’s guitar recreated Emerson’s keyboard parts which defined many of ELP’s songs. Behind them (or rather, front and center on the stage), Palmer’s technical and powerful drum playing was just as, if not more, vivid than in his younger ELP years. Both Fitzpatrick and Bieltowicz had opportunities to show their chops with solos — an instrumental version of “Take a Pebble” by Fitzpatrick on Chapman Stick and Bielatowicz with a multi-part solo guitar solo right before the intermission.

Leading out of “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Palmer broke out an extended solo, fairly routine at the start. Building up the solo, he mixed in some electronic drums buried in the kit. After a few minutes navigating the kit, a grin grew on his face as he stood up to show off some Buddy Rich-style stick tricks that drew some quick applause.

Before calling it a night, Palmer introduced the encore by encouraging the audience to take their phones out and record and post a video of it in memory of Keith.

[FinalTilesGallery id=’845′]

July 14, 2016