NYS Music 20​16

Category: Reviews

  • THE PORTAL Opens at the Minetta Lane Theatre

    Off-Broadway “modern Shamanic journey,” THE PORTAL, opened this weekend to a spiritually minded audience at The Minetta Lane Theatre. Before stepping foot inside the half-filled preview, I was informed that this groundbreaking concept incorporated elements of a live concert, choreographed dance performance, and movie all in one. THE PORTAL soundtrack is now available and I feel that the show flows even better by pre-listening to the mythological themes presented in the lyrics and compositions by Tierro Lee and Luke Comer with Charles Newman and David Sisko.

    Frontman Billy Lewis Jr., most recently credited on Fox’s “Glee,” appears on stage and sonically narrates the dreamlike adventure of Dante, through inspirational and symbolic landscapes, Alex Grey-influenced imagery and psychedelic desserts that I assume were once visited by Jim Morrison.  The audience is introduced to the voyage with songs like “Eclipse” and “Greeting,” sung by Lewis as the film, starring Dante (Christopher Soren Kelly), is projected on the large screen behind him. The eclectic mix of tribal and electronic beats, modern dance music and monstrous rock riffs are brought to life by percussionist Gilly Gonzalez and guitarist Paul Casanova who also appear on and off stage from scene to scene.

    Dante’s inner-demons appear to be haunting him in the film as actors portraying the same characters can be found roaming the theatre floor to terrorize and intrigue the audience.Fans of electronic giants like EOTO, The Disco Biscuits, and Beats Antique will appreciate the deep and transformational grooves during songs like “Trance,” “Synth” and “Space Weaver” while Jessica Aronoff and Nicole Spencer interpretively dance their way on and off the stage in between songs and themes. While there is not much live acting of any kind, there is a ritualistic Burning Man-influenced dance routine in nearly every song bringing the art forms together in a very unique fashion.

    The only way to truly understand THE PORTAL is to expect the unexpected and dive right in. Creative Director, Luke Comer, has developed a new way to present a rock opera story off-Broadway. As an audience member, each person can relate to many of the human experiences presented on screen and on stage while still enjoying live music, dance and film. Tickets can be purchased for Wednesday-Friday performances at 8PM and for Saturday performances at 5PM and 9PM.

    https://soundcloud.com/theportalnyc

  • The Wizards of Winter Kick Off “Magic of Winter” Tour in Syracuse

    The Wizards of Winter kicked off their 2016 “Magic of Winter” tour at the Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse, NY November 23. The performance was the night before Thanksgiving and while I can think of no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by listening to some rocking Christmas music, the crowd was very light. I guess people were busy prepping turkeys, welcoming out of town guests or traveling to their holiday destinations. It is a shame though because they missed an amazing show.

    Chris Besaw wizards-of-winter-syracuse-2016-33-of-41

    The Wizards of Winter is a massive ensemble that started as a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute band in 2009. The band quickly gained popularity and decided to write their own music and have since released two albums. The twelve-member band is made up of Scott Kelly, the musical director and amazing keyboardist, Scott’s wife Sharon Kelly on flute and vocals, Greg Smith from Ted Nugent on the bass, Fred Gorhau on lead guitar, Steve Ratchen on the bass, TW Durfy on guitar, Mary McIntyre, vocals and keyboard, Shawna Marie, vocals, Vinny Jiovino, vocals, Jenn Hamilton rocking the electric violin and former members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Tony Gaynor as the narrator, Guy LeMonnier, vocals and Tommy Ference on the drums. The massive sound that this talented collaborative produces is extraordinary.

    Chris Besaw wizards-of-winter-syracuse-2016-21-of-41

    My five year old son had the pleasure of joining my husband and I for this performance and he loved it. He was on the edge of his seat the entire time and despite it being way past his bedtime, he refused to leave early. He loved the narrator, Tony Gaynor, who took the stage in between songs to tell a quick tale about where the audience was traveling to next. He loved the epic guitar solos, Mrs. Claus popping through the crowd and gifting him a candy cane and of course the flying beach balls toward the end of the set. Despite a few opening night technical difficulties, the band smiled and kept playing. The vocals were powerful and awe inspiring, the violin and flute melded flawlessly, the guitars were fierce and the drums held everything together in perfect rhythm. This is Christmas music with backbone and I loved it.

    Chris Besaw wizards-of-winter-syracuse-2016-16-of-41

    Notable favorites of the almost three-hour set included: “Flight of the Snow Angels,” “Special Feeling,” “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Savatage cover),” “March of the Metal Soldiers” and “Gales of December.” Thank you to the band who took the time to meet the fans and sign a poster for my son after the show. Thank you Fred Gorhau for giving my son his first guitar pick. The Wizards of Winter created a memory that will last a lifetime for my family and especially for our son.

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  • Lotus Fans Eat the Light at Playstation Theater

    On the night of November 25 at PlayStation Theater, an electronic jam band by the name of Lotus, set out to lift the hearts of many through musical madness. This five piece group has a way of capturing the attention of their soundwave-thirsty audience. A concert is one thing, but this was a performance.

    lotus playstationIt was quite refreshing to see this band live again. When you see a really good show live, you automatically wonder when you are ever going to get the chance to see them again. In that hiatus and chunk of time that you have not seen them, they have grown in many ways. Bands fashion and master fresh new tracks and work with each other to create something revitalizing and beautiful.

    Lotus commenced their musical power right at Playstation Theater before the turn of the 21st century. Since then, they have fabricated a style of unique instrumental post-rock and electronic dance, which makes their fans groove to the max.

    They dropped their newest album this past summer, Eat The Light. You better believe they killed it with a few fresh tunes off this energetic composition, such as “Sodium Vapor,” “I’ve Been a Fool,” as well as hits from the past including “Tip of the Tongue,” “Slow Cookin,’” “Basin to Benin,” “Juggernaut,” “Shimmer ‘n Out,” “Suitcases,” and many more. They also covered an awesome hit by Ratatat called “Cream on Chrome.”

    Lotus’ band members keep things alive and current all while adding flare to the mix to remain original. We must give thanks to Mike Rempel on guitar, Chuck Morris on percussion, Jesse Miller on bass, Luke Miller on guitar and keys, and Mike Greenfield on drums. These loyal members opened up the hearts of many like a blossoming lotus flower.

    This show made a grand impact on those who were destined to be there at that very moment in time. Each song mastered a journey of transcendence, telling a story unique to its own. The soothing lighting and delicate but strong jams of the evening had everyone feeling jovial, friendly, and dedicated – a true reflection of this amazing band’s powerful yet gentle nature.

  • The Salt City Plays Tribute to The Band

    The Central New York music community has always been a tight-knit one and one that has always held a fondness for The Band. Saturday night at the Palace Theater was the perfect example of this. The fourth edition of the Salt City Waltz gathered a bevy of local artists both young and young at heart to celebrate the music of The Band, whose The Last Waltz farewell concert occurred on Thanksgiving Day 40 years ago.

    Salt City The BandThe Salt City Waltz was created five years ago (the production took 2015 off) under the guidance of producer Stacey Waterman and music director Gary Frenay and has quickly grown to become a Syracuse must-see. Los Blancos, with honorary Blanco Scott Ebner, served as the house “Band” and, much like the musicians they were honoring, are well-versed in all forms of American music. If there is any band perfectly fit for this role, it is Los Blancos.

    Rather than a re-creation of the original farewell concert, the Salt City Waltz bills itself as a celebration of the music of The Band with a focus on the music and pageantry of The Last Waltz.  The original featured guest appearances from such musical luminaries as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond and Dr. John. The Salt City version showcases some of Central New York’s finest musicians.   

    Salt City The BandThe Levon Helm Studio Horns, with special guest trombonist Melissa Gardiner, graced stage left all night, adding a punch of majesty and soul to classics such as “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Don’t Do It” and “Such a Night.” The lineup of Jay Collins, Steve Bernstein and Erik Lawrence, along with Gardiner, provided the perfect accompaniment to the evening.

    The night began with the Salt City Waltz Ensemble performing “When I Paint My Masterpiece” and “Acadian Driftwood.” The latter was dedicated to the Standing Rock water protectors in North Dakota with an accompanying slide show. The lyrics of “Acadian Driftwood” were especially poignant as the images scrolled before the respectful crowd:

    They signed a treaty
    And our homes were taken
    Loved-ones forsaken,
    They didn’t give a damn.
    Try to raise a family
    End up an enemy
    Over what went down on the Plains of Abraham.

    Following the two-song intro by the Salt City Waltz Ensemble, the members of Los Blancos ascended to the stage, with Steven T. Winston’s bass dropping the opening notes of “Don’t Do It.” Winston’s soulful voice accompanied by the horn section’s punch had fans flocking to the front of the stage, getting the main portion of the show off to a funky upbeat start.

    Salt City The BandThe first guest of the night was Mark Gibson, singing “Who Do You Love.” This role is typically filled by Dugan Henhawk, who had to sit out this year’s show. Gibson gave props to Henhawk in his spirited rendition of the blues classic.

    Drummer and vocalist Bob Kane made his Waltz debut, performing “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” An obviously nervous and ultimately gracious Kane delivered with Levon-like aplomb, accompanied by the audience. See a side stage performance of this in the video attached below.

    The middle section of the set scorched as Joe Altier took the stage to belt out “Mystery Train” while Pete McMahon, founding member of local blues legends The Kingsnakes, lit up the room with some serious harp blowing. Carolyn Kelly then made Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” her own, changing the lyrics to suit the powerful female behind the microphone. Her soulful presence took over the room and was one of the highlights on a night full of highlights.

    Rex Lyonsof The Fabulous Ripcords traded licks with Colin Aberdeen as McMahon induced chills with an electric performance of “Further on Up the Road” to rival that of Clapton’s version, easily one of the night’s peak moments.

    Nick Piccininni and Jason Barady of Floodwood joined guitarists Penny Jo Pullus and Doug Moncrief with Liz Friedel on fiddle for an “Evangeline” that brought the tempo down just a bit from the high octane prior blues stomp. This one turned into another sing-along with audience members swaying along.

    No Waltz would be complete without the legendary Joe Whiting channeling his inner Van Morrison on a performance of “Caravan” that was equal parts manic, soulful and bluesy. Whiting is a veteran of the Syracuse music scene, having done everything from replacing Ronnie James Dio in Elf to performing with Van Halen and Savoy Brown. His stage presence and voice are powerful and demand your attention. His showmanship elevated the energy of the Palace to an even higher level.

    The main portion of the show closed with keyboardist and America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jonah Smith pulling off a haunting vocal performance of “I Shall Be Released.”  Smith was accompanied  on vocals by Donna Colton, Cathy Cadley, Pullus and Friedel for a rousing and fitting close to the main set.

    The ensemble returned for an “Atlantic City” and “Life is a Carnival” singalong before the host band returned to the stage for the encore, a Levon Helm favorite, “Get Out Your Big Roll, Daddy,” a song made famous by Jerry Lee Lewis.

    The Palace Theater is the perfect setting for this somewhat annual event. No expense is spared in the set design or the sound engineering. The room had terrific sound all night and the production crew deserves accolades for their efforts. Smiles were had; memories were shared and made. This town is blessed with superbly talented musicians and behind-the-scenes people. They gave The Band proper tribute and the sweaty, smiling, sold-out crowd waltzed out into the cool Syracuse air thankful for the talent they had just witnessed.

    Salt City Waltz Setlist: 

    When I Paint My Masterpiece – Salt City Waltz Ensemble (feat. Gary Frenay, Cathy LaManna, Jonah Smith, John Cadley, Liz Friedel and Chris Eves)
    Acadian Driftwood – SCW Ensemble
    Don’t Do It – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner
    Up on Cripple Creek – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner
    The Shape I’m In – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner
    Who Do You Love – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner and Mark Gibson
    It Makes No Difference – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner
    Such a Night – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner
    Helpless – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner, Jason Barady, Nick Piccininni and John McConnell
    Stage Fright – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner
    The Weight – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner and Carolyn Kelly
    The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner and Bob Kane
    Dry Your Eyes – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner and Tim Herron
    Coyote – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner, Donna Colton and Chris Eves
    Mystery Train – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner, Joe Altier and Pete McMahon
    Mannish Boy – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner, Carolyn Kelly and Pete McMahon
    Further On Up the Road – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner, Pete McMahon and Rex Lyons
    Evangeline – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner, Penny Jo Pullus, Dough Moncrief, Nick Piccininni, Jason Barady and Liz Friedel
    Ophelia – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner
    Caravan – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner and Joe Whiting
    Forever Young – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner and Sean Patrick Taylor
    Baby Let Me – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner and Ed Zacholi
    Follow You Down – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner
    I Shall Be Released – Los Blancos w/Scott Ebner, Jonah Smith, Donna Colton, Cathy Cadley, Liz Friedel and Penny Jo Pullus
    Atlantic City – SCW Ensemble
    Life is a Carnival – SCW Ensemble

    Encore:
    Get Out Your Big Roll, Daddy – Los Blancos

  • “Green Jello Suxx Live: The Movie” Lives Down to Expectations

    Once upon a time, there was a band who retold the story of The Three Pigs set to metal music, and the claymation video spent five weeks at the top of MTV’s Headbangers Ball. Fast-forward a couple of decades and you will still find Green Jello suxx and is up to their juvenile antics.

    Green Jello is a punk/metal band founded in the Buffalo area by Bill Manspeaker who combined his love of comics, cereal and puppets with his lack of musical talent in an effort to create the worst band ever. Since its inception in 1981, the band has been notorious for its crude humor, riots and lawsuits from the likes of Kraft Foods, the Kellogg Company and Metallica. When Joey Ramone was asked about the worst opening act, he named Green Jello.

    The feature-length documentary Green Jello Suxx Live  is a rip-roaring rumpus through a mini tour. It also contains historic footage and interviews. Created by band member Rob Gabriele on a menial budget of $5,000 raised from a Kickstarter campaign, the movie has the same DIY aesthetic as everything else the band has produced thus far.

    The documentary starts with a live performance of the iconic rendition of “Three Little Pigs.” Chaos reigned as a gaggle of band members wearing enormous homemade puppet costumes played with more gusto than talent. Frontman Bill Manspeaker stopped the show to talk to a drunken fan in the front row. And it’s all downhill from there.

    Between clips of live performances, viewers learn about the history of the band – Manspeaker’s first puppet costume at age five, the band’s riot at a rival high school, the performance on The Gong Show and the gig with The Ramones. Manspeaker also talks about how he ditched the model of a touring band and instead franchised band members in various locations across the US and Canada.

    Nestled in the midst of all the interviews and clips of performances are small interludes. A tutorial demonstrates how to make a puppet head like the ones used by the band. Lloyd Kaufman, co-founder of the independent production company Troma Entertainment, delivers a few colorful commentaries about the band and the music video industry.

    Manspeaker’s family plays a prominent role in the movie. Green Jello went on hiatus when Manspeaker became a father. Encouragement from his son Damien led to the revival. Damien has been touring with his dad, playing the banjo. Manspeaker’s wife and toddler have also come along on tour. For them, Green Jello is not just a band, it’s a lifestyle.

    And on a couple of nights per year, fans-turned-members from various franchises get in on the action, donning ridiculous costumes and wailing on instruments at deafening volumes to people intoxicated on lime gelatin shots. For 120 minutes, viewers of the film get a sense of what it is like to be at a live show. It’s loud and vulgar and full of drunken fools partying with reckless abandon. In short, it suxx.

    “Green Jello Suxx Live: The Movie” is available on DVD and limited edition VHS. A soundtrack will be available at a later date. Green Jello continues to tour and a list of upcoming shows can be found on the band’s website.

  • Photo Gallery: Mike Gordon Returns to The Egg

    Halfway through the second set of his November 26 performance at The Egg, Mike Gordon paused to remark, “I think this is the best sounding venue on the Eastern seaboard,” which led to thunderous applause from the sold out crowd. Gordon spoke of his affinity for The Egg in a recent interview with NYS Music, something residents of the Capital Region have known for many years.

    mike gordon eggThe two-set show opened with “Waking up Dead,” followed by “Jumping,” which featured strong interplay between Gordon’s bass, John Kimock’s drums and Craig Myers’ percussion, which broke down into a bluesy duel with Mike and guitarist Scott Murawski working up and down their instruments. A stand out jam was built by Kimock’s drums during the set closing “Traveled Too Far.”

    A six-song second set featured “Just a Rose” by Max Creek, a high energy number that added a spark to the crowd. A dark “Yarmouth Road” segued smoothly into “Let’s Go,” which brought out the interactive instrument REEL into the crowd, which fans touched to add to the jam (Mike got in a few touches too). Robert Walter’s nasty keyboard work was on full display during “Take it as it Comes,”  while “Tiny Little World” closed the set with “My Sharona” teases mixed in.

    Gettin weird with the audience during ‘Let’s Go!’ #mikegordon #nysmusic #518love #albanydoesntsuck

    A video posted by NYS Music (@nystatemusic) on


    An encore of “Sugar Shack” had Mike invite fans to dance on the front of the stage, perhaps to the dismay of security but with absolute joy from the looks of fans dancing and smiling to close out the night.

    Set 1: Waking Up Dead, Jumping, Morphing Again, Don’t Chin The Dog > Let Her Go > Traveled Too Far

    Set 2: Here Today, Just a Rose, Yarmouth Road > Let’s Go, Take It As It Comes, Tiny Little World

    Encore: Sugar Shack

    Download Scott Bernstein’s recording of the show

  • Five Finger Death Punch and Shinedown Rock Blue Cross Arena

    Nothing goes better with the holidays than a kick-ass rock show. Just days before families gathered to have Thanksgiving dinner, rock fans in Rochester, had the opportunity to go see one of the best concerts Blue Cross Arena has had in quite some time. On Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, Rochester welcomed Five Finger Death Punch and Shinedown alongside support acts Sixx:A.M., and As Lions. The entire night consisted of great music alongside magnificent production.

    FFDPSixxAMShinedownAsLionsMarkMcGauley-8424

    The night started early just after 6 PM with opening band As Lions. While the area was still filling in, As Lions had the task of getting this crowd ready for a long night of headbanging. The audience may have not been familiar with the band, but that’s probably due to the fact that the group just came together in 2015. As Lions is lead by vocalist Austin Dickinson. If the last name rings a bell, it’s because you’re thinking of Dickinson’s father Bruce, lead singer of Iron Maiden. The rest of the band is made up of members of Dickinson’s past metalcore group, Rise to Remain, which disbanded with the creation of As Lions.

    The 5-piece band played like they were playing in front of a sold out arena. The band has that radio-rock sound that could be found scanning the car radio. The band looked very comfortable on stage which isn’t common for an opening band. Their confidence should help carry them forward and land them tour gigs for many years to come. For anyone looking for a fresh new band, check out As Lions. Their debut album drops on January 20.

    The next band of the evening was Sixx:A.M., which features Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe. Joining Sixx in Sixx:A.M. is vocalist James Michael, guitarist DJ Ashba and drummer Dustin Steinke. Sixx’s band has been around since 2007, with the release of The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, but has always saw the back burner due to Sixx’s commitment with Crüe and Ashba’s work with Guns N’ Roses. Now that everyone is completely focused on Sixx:A.M. the band has their foot pressed against the gas pedal. Just this year, the band has released a double album which features Prayers for the Damned, Vol. 1 and Prayers for the Blessed, Vol. 2. The second of the two albums was released just days before Rochester’s show at Blue Cross Arena.

    FFDPSixxAMShinedownAsLionsMarkMcGauley-8835

    Now with five albums of material, the band has plenty to pick from for a setlist.  The set opened with “This Is Gonna Hurt,” which was the title track of their second album. The second song they played was “Rise,” which has been all over the radio since its single release. The rest of the set consisted of songs mainly from Prayers for the Damned, Vol. 1. It’s remarkable to see how much fun this band has on stage. The joy and happiness radiates from the band into the audience unlike any other band. Fans sing along with every song and have smiles on their faces from ear to ear.

    The set ended with “Life Is Beautiful,” which was off of the debut album The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack. Everyone in the audience surely knew this song and loved it. Sixx:A.M. surely had no troubles opening for Five Finger Death Punch. The heavy metal fans of Rochester welcomed Sixx and his band with open arms. The only thing that could have made the show better would have been a longer setlist. Hopefully once this tour wraps up, fans will have the chance to see a headlining tour around the country.

    Next up for the evening was hard-rock veterans, Shinedown. Opening for Five Finger Death Punch, it was a mystery to see how they would do with the crowd. Questions were answered with the opening track of “Adrenaline.” Coming out strong with one of their heaviest songs from their album Amaryllis, Shinedown was prepared to blow the roof off of the arena. The statement was solidified with the next two songs, “Fly From the Inside” and “Diamond Eyes.” The crowd was going nuts and the band was loving it.

    FFDPSixxAMShinedownAsLionsMarkMcGauley-8773

    Singer, Brent Smith, had Blue Cross Arena at his fingertips and could get the crowd to do anything. On top of that, the production that Shinedown had with them was ridiculous. The last few tours Shinedown has brought out the pyro, but nothing like this tour. Comparing Shinedown’s stage show to the legendary KISS, who just played at Blue Cross Arena just a few months ago, it was night and day. Shinedown did not leave anything at home this tour. The band did slow things down a bit with songs like “How Did You Love” and “State of My Head,” which are off of the bands latest album Threat to Survival.

    The crowd got to be up close and personal with singer Smith while he went out into the crowd to sing from the back of the floor. That wasn’t the only time Brent went out there. During their last song, “Sound of Madness,” Smith ended up at the soundboard platform, surrounded by fireworks. As the song ended, Smith ran back to the stage to say thank you and goodnight to the crowd in Rochester. This was certainly a performance that won’t be forgotten by anyone that was there.

    Things cooled down after Shinedown left the stage and got the crowd ready for the night’s headliner, Five Finger Death Punch. The band came out with their popular opening track, “Lift Me Up.” This is another band that has a ton of material now to make a setlist from, so it’s always exciting to see what the band will do each tour. The night was pretty balanced with tracks from American Capitalist, Got Your Six, The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Vol. 1+2 and The Way of the Fist. The crowd interaction with Ivan Moody is always fantastic. At the beginning of the show, Moody was inviting fans to watch on stage, signing autographs and waving hello to whoever he could. While Moody was saying hello through his microphone, bassist Chris Kael and guitarists Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook were throwing guitar picks at whoever they could.

    FFDPSixxAMShinedownAsLionsMarkMcGauley-9686

    Five Finger Death Punch is by far one of the most fan friendly bands out there. Halfway through their show, a fan was spotted with a sign that asked about playing guitar with them on stage for the song “Under and Over It.” Even though it wasn’t the song they were about to play, Moody invited the kid on stage. Hook gave the fan his guitar and Moody told him to play the intro to the song. The fan, Bathory and drummer Jeremy Spencer did a quick instrumental jam of the song and the kid nailed it. He was walking around stage like an absolute boss and got an arena full of cheers.

    The band also slowed things down like Shinedown, with a few acoustic songs like “Wrong Side of Heaven” and “Remember Everything.” The night ended with “Under and Over It” and the encore anthem “The Bleeding.” This was once again another stellar show from Five Finger Death Punch, who seem to never take a break from the road and recording. Speaking of recording, at the show, Moody announced to the crowd that their new album was completed. Not to be confused with last year’s Got Your Six, Five Finger Death Punch is ready to drop another album. For fans, this means to be on the lookout for new singles, an album release date and more tour dates!

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  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

    With the penchant for stage theatrics, laser beams, pyrotechnics, huge LCD screens, risers and rock opera music and story telling, Trans-Siberian Orchestra mesmerized fans, young and old alike, in Wilkes-Barre, PA this past Black Friday during the first of two sold out shows at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. TSO put on an enchanting and powerful Christmas performance as I caught them at their first of the two “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” shows at 3 p.m. in the Mohegan Sun Arena.

    The famous rock opera is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary and continues to grow each year with its performance, stage show, and more importantly, its fans who continue to return year after year bringing new generations of followers along for the yearly magical experience. The audience cheered in anticipation as the intro began with storyteller Bryan Hicks orating his tale describing “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” 10-piece chorus accompanied his narration as images flashed across the five massive LCD screens showing clips from the 1999 television movie of the same name along with famous historical figures, the solar system and enchanting yet uplifting messages. The multi-colored light and laser show kicked off the intro in true rock opera Christmas fashion.

    The audience was treated to Christmas favorites such as “O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night,” “This Christmas Day,” and “Christmas Canon Rock” as the spectacular production continued in sync with the music as the enormous five panel screens displayed the choreographed images. The laser spectacular, “digital” snowflakes, three platform risers along with a rising catwalk, and let’s not forget the explosive and stunning pyrotechnics that erupted from the entire arena from front to back all added to the excitment. Legendary conceptual composer, producer, lyricist and songwriter Paul O’Neill continues to make his grand vision of the TSO production a masterpiece for all that experience it from the intro to its dramatic conclusion. This ever-evolving group continues to weave, like tapestry, its lyrics, songwriting, music, storytelling and production into a timeless magical and enchanting journey filled with wonder and amazement.

    With super guitarists Chris Caffery and Joel Hoekstra flanking each side of the stage along with violinist Roddy Chong, bassist David Z, Mee Eun Kim on keys and drummer Jeff Plate on his throne, the audience not only experienced the amazing visuals of a TSO show, but an astonishing and stunning musical experience as well. At the beginning of the performance, Caffery, Chong and Hoekstra stood on separate risers that lifted them a good twenty feet above the crowd as they traded chops and riffed along in sync to the classic TSO hits keeping the rock show experience alive with their stage presence, dynamics and moves. TSO showcases different vocalists throughout the program lending to their unique rock/opera sound which included a special performance by Kayla Reeves and Paul O’Neill himself following the first set of traditional Christmas favorites.

    TSO opened with the intro, “Who Am I” then went right into “March of the Kings,” “The Lost Christmas Eve,” which featured Hoekstra on masterful acoustic guitar, followed by “O Come All Ye Faithful/ O Holy Night.” Also on the set for the show were “Good King Joy,” “Christmas Dreams,” and the mega popular hit which included the performers high above the audience on a catwalk playing “Christmas Eve (Sarejevo 12/24)” as fire and laser beams erupted from both the front and the back of the arena.

    TSO kicked it up a notch during their second, more rock and roll infused set, as they performed songs from their albums Night Castle, Beethoven’s Last Night, and Letters From The Labryinth going all the way back to the Savatage sounding days of yore. They did however slow things down a bit when the played “Music Box Blues,” “Find Our Way Home” and the cool number featuring O’Neill and Reeves, “Not The Same.” The super group/orchestra capped off the show as they crushed a rocking Beethoven’s “Requiem (The Fifth),” and a reprise of “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24).” Fireworks and more pyrotechnics ended the show leaving a powerful impression as both Caffery and Chong made their way through the aisles of fans. Included, was the recent addition of the pyramid at the rear of the crowd which opened up and shot flames high into the arena at the end of the set.

    The TSO experience now in its 20th year has grown in leaps and bounds since 1996. Having started out as a small production with a few cargo vans and some rock stars from previous bands such as Savatage with Jon Olivia, Al Pitrelli and Paul O’Neill at the helm, now boasts over 10 million concert ticket sales and over 10 million album sales.They are well known for their extensive charity work. At the beginning of the first performance, it was announced that over $13,000 from ticket sales would go directly to Candy’s Place – A Center for Cancer Wellness in Forty Fort, PA.

    TSO has both an East and West coast group with dozens of performers and have grown from hauling the show in a few vans to literally over a dozen semi tractor trailer rigs and multiple tour buses. This was my first TSO experience and was literally blown away with the size of the production, the amazing talent of the performers and musicians, the theatrics and show. It was like no other I had seen. A TSO show is a very family friendly experience with a very gracious and generous attitude that always gives 110% in every aspect of their show as if it were their first.

    As I recently heard from Al Pitrelli on social media he states “I’ve been playing with some of these people for thirty years now, the chemistry is amazing when this band gets together we get to the first rehearsal well, its like playing the first show, but we’ll do it 30 or 40 times so when we do blow up the building for the first time, it seems like the hundredth show. Everybody in that audience, it’s their first show, whether its our 10th, 100th, 2000th, it doesn’t matter, everybody in that audience deserves the perfect first show.” TSO continue both their east and west coast tours through out the remainder of the year at times playing two shows a day.

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  • Nitro Fest, featuring Beats Antique, Ignites Longmont, CO

    In retrospect, I am a bit surprised there was no carnival barker in candy cane-striped pants with a handlebar mustache shouting, “Step Right Up, Ladies and Gentlemen!” There was the obvious, the circus tent. And the carnie stilt walkers, acrobats and aerialists. But it wasn’t a circus. It was a beer festival. Or was it?

    Last week, local Colorado brewers, Left Hand Brewing Company, sponsored their annual Nitro Beer festival on the lawn of an open park in Longmont. There were long lines of people holding shot glasses of nitrogen infused craft beers from several craft brewers around the country. But that is where the resemblance to typical beer fests ended. Left Hand instead threw a vaudevillesque party in which every participant was in formal masquerade/steampunk attire. There were fire performers, jugglers, hoopers, and acrobats hanging from fabric attached to the high tent ceiling. And there was Beats Antique.  Their unique blend of Old World gypsy electronica, along with the dizzying visuals from fire and acrobat performances by Lunar Fire and Fractal Tribe, transformed a beer promotional event into a bewitching evening of stylish costumes, art and music.

    Beats Antique closed out the evening on an intimately-sized stage while celebrating the birthday of their percussionist, Tommy Cappel.

    Punctuated with a belly dancing stage show and throbbing gypsy beats, the stage shuddered with gale-force energy from inspired performers and rabid fans, jumping and clawing at the stage. Needless to say, I didn’t spend much time in beer lines for refills. The circus was in town, and I sure didn’t want to miss any of the razzle and dazzle. The Nitro Fest last week was the greatest show on earth of beer festivals.

  • Hearing Aide: A Tribe Called Quest “We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service

    Nostalgia has taken over modern pop culture. Star Wars and Ghostbusters are back in theaters, Dave Chappelle guest starring on SNL, and now one of the most influential  American rap groups rises again for the first time in 18 years to release their sixth and final album. It’s a product of the exact recipe of what makes a Tribe album so revolutionary,  but with a slight variation of every ingredient.

    The production value of A Tribe Called Quest We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service is immaculate. It feels like listening to a remastered, never released album, because Tribe led the public to believe their fifth album was their last breaking up in 1998. And even without all of the original members, their sound is still effortless and always moving. The passing of  Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor was an inspiration for the production of the album that includes a variety of unpredictable, unique jazzy grooves and heavy drum and bass beats, placed under quick and witty lyrics. Putting aside the negative feelings and thoughts was the best thing the members could have done for themselves because once again, the group has created something one of a kind a revolutionary, that listeners can only hope will inspire other artists to follow in Tribe’s footsteps.

    Key Tracks: Whateva Will Be, Lost Somebody, Solid Wall of Sound

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PdW50Vt4x4