Category: Bluegrass/Country

North Country’s Beloved Waterhole to Reopen

Saranac Lake’s go-to spot for fresh music and cocktails is set to reopen in grand fashion. The Waterhole will reopen its doors and dance floor to host a grand opening party on April 1. It will be Lucid‘s last show at the ‘hole, one of the band’s home venues, and new owner Eric Munley’s band the Blind Owl Band will play in support.

There will also be two shows prior to the grand opening, with the Honey Smugglers on March 25 and Still Hand String Band on March 31. Munley posted on Facebook that he expects the bar to officially open on March 22.

The Blind Owl Band

After decades of hosting bands and serving drinks, the Waterhole ceased operations in August 2015. With a hope to continue building a fan base in the Adirondacks for touring bands, former booking agent and local musician Eric Munley and girlfriend Kiki Sarko took over the business and have quickly turned things around. Just in time for Saranac Lake’s Winter Carnival in February, the Waterhole temporarily opened to host a packed weekend of music, including bands such as Swampcandy, Thunder Body, Funknut, Pained Sol and the Blind Owl Band.

With more and more closings of small, locally owned music venues, comes fresh faces and fresh perspective. Munley’s decision to continue the tradition is praised by people both in and out of the Adirondacks. Bands and fans in the Northeast are thankful that another piece of music history isn’t left to close its doors and collect dust. Since the 1990s, national acts such as Soulive, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, moe. and the Del McCoury Band have graced the Waterhole’s stage, among countless others in the 20 years the venue has been hosting music.

If you’re looking to celebrate with the rest of Saranac Lake’s inhabitants, the Waterhole will open their doors at 9 p.m. on April 1. Tickets are $10 at the door and music begins at 10 p.m. This is a show not to miss and a fantastic excuse to celebrate. Long live the Waterhole!

March 16, 2016
Free Friday Night Concert Series Returns to Lake George’s Shepard Park

The Free Friday Night Concert Series Fridays at the Lake: Band and Brews at Shepard Park in Lake George will feature bands from a variety of genres with the first show scheduled for Friday, June 24.

Now in its seventh year, the summer festival series has expanded to include a revolving schedule of restaurants/bars who serve as hosts of the beer/wine tent and food service.

With the exception of the first and last night, there will be an opener at 4 p.m. followed by a headlining act from 6 to 8 p.m. Kicking things off on June 24 is big/swing band Georgie Wonders Orchestra. They’ll play favorites from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s including covers from Glenn Miller, Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Harry James, Bunny Berrigan and more. Food and beverages will be sold by King Neptune’s Pub.

Other acts include the Refrigerators, Spiritual Rez and Funky Dawgz Brass Band. The concert series will close out on Sept. 2 with Skeeter Creek, five-time winners of No. 1 County Band and three-time winners of Best Cover Band by Metroland.

Admission is free and the events are family and dog friendly. There will be children’s activities including a bounce house, face painter and air brush artist.

New York Players 2012

Friday’s at the Lake 2016 schedule:

June 24: No opening act scheduled; Main act — Georgie Wonders Orchestra (big band/swing)
Food and beverages by King Neptune’s Pub.

July 1: Opening act— Richie Ortiz; main act — New York Players (funk)
Food and beverages by Backstreet BBQ.

July 8: Opening act — Jonathan Newell Band; main act — Audiostars (rock)
Food and beverages by King Neptune’s Pub.

July 22: Opening act — The After Fab; main act — The Refrigerators (Party Band)
Food and beverages by Duffy’s Tavern.

July 29: Opening act — The Tumbling Dice (Rolling Stones tribute band); main act —Emerald City (rock)
Food and beverages by The Boardwalk Restaurant.

Aug. 5: opening act — Meet the Mockers; main act — Grand Central Station (pop)
Food and beverage by Fire & Ice Bar & Grill.

Aug. 12: Opening act — Richie Ortiz; main act — Spiritual Rez (reggae/ska)
Food and beverages by Backstreet BBQ.

Aug. 26: Opening act — Jonathan Newell Band; main act — Funky Dawgz Brass Band (funk/jazz)
Food and beverages by The Boardwalk Restaurant.

Sept. 2: no opening act scheduled; main act — Skeeter Creek (country)
Food and beverages by Duffy’s Tavern.

March 15, 2016
Soulful Folk: The Wood Brothers at Carnegie Hall

On March 5, the Wood Brothers closed their 2016 Winter Tour to a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Oliver Wood reminded the crowd that even though the show was in Zankel Hall, we were to refer to the venue as the world famous Carnegie Hall, which is where this smaller room resides. (He mentioned, “…because it sounds fancier.”) Eleven years ago to the date in Manhattan, the Wood Brothers picked their first notes to a live audience. The recording of that show would later debut as their first official release, Live at Tonic EP. The soulful folk-filled family reunion from that evening in 2005 planted the seed for numerous records, dozens of tours and thousands of die-hard fans waiting to have their spirits moved at the next gathering.

The band entered the front of the stage with percussionist Jano Rix on his homemade “shuitar” and opened with an instant fan favorite, “Never and Always,” off their new album Paradise. The trio took advantage of the amazing acoustics of the room and stayed standing for the next song “Atlas” which they also performed at their first show more than a decade before. Oliver delivered the lyrics, “It’s no accident I landed here, eyes wide open and seein’ clear, I have come a long, long way,” which couldn’t be more true on this milestone show. Time travel seemed to be the theme of the evening as they jumped from new tunes to old tunes and everything in between. Rix sat down at the drums for their third song, “Mary Anna,” and Oliver made sure the crowd knew it was a Saturday night party during “Snake Eyes,” another one from their freshest batch.

During band introductions, Oliver referred to Chris Wood as his “little dancing brother” followed by Chris playfully firing back, calling Oliver his “older, but not more mature brother, and he meant that in a good way.” Over the years, we have seen the brothers create a signature sound while simultaneously forming a stronger bond with each other. The on-stage family banter always adds a bit of comic relief before returning to their deep and thought-provoking lyrics. “Heartbreak Lullaby” cooled things down before Chris Wood made his lead vocal debut for “Pay Attention.” Oliver thanked the crowd for embracing yet another Paradise tune, “American Heartache” before Chris grabbed his stand-up bass for an eerie, tripped-out intro to “Who The Devil?”

The band brought out their “fourth member, Big Mic,” which is an old-fashioned, “time-machine” microphone utilized by the band to create an intimate sound or as Oliver calls it “O Wood Brother, Where Art Thou?” “The Muse” was the perfect piece for their sonic time portal which led to a blast from the past with “One More Day.” Even a tame, well behaved, Carnegie Hall-dressed audience was having difficulty staying in their red velvet seats during the quiet rendition of this classic, also performed live at Tonic, way back when. The Wood Brothers from the future returned as Chris pulled out his electric bass, which Oliver noted, “Some say it’s an abomination, I say it’s the bomb!” They got electric-funky right off the bat with their intro and jam during “Wastin’ My Mind” and “Singin’ to Strangers.”

Once again, the band went back in time with an emotional “Postcards From Hell,” which was dedicated to their light designer, Heather, on her last night with the band. After they wiped the tears from their faces, Chris slapped the bass for the memorable cover of “Express Yourself” to get the crowd wiggling in their seats again. The energy reached an all-time high as the crowd began standing up and shaking for the set ending “Honey Jar.”

Rix came out alone for the encore and played a beautiful intro to “Luckiest Man” on the keyboard before Chis and Oliver joined to send this jazzed-up version home. The crowd was encouraged to sing along and there wasn’t one person that didn’t know every word to one of their most played songs. Oliver kept the time-travel theme alive by closing out the encore with “When I Was Young,” a song soaked with memories from the past. In the small, dark space that is Zankel Hall, the crowd leapt to their feet to give the guys a well deserved standing ovation as we all looked ahead to a big and bright future for the Wood Brothers.

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March 10, 2016
SAMMYS 2016 Induction Ceremony and Awards Event

The music world is a family, and no where more so than in Syracuse. Each year Syracuse area musicians and music lovers come together to celebrate their own. Submissions of new music for consideration inundate the committee each year, and through a painful process of choosing just four nominees, awards in all musical genres are given out at what has become the musical event to attend in Syracuse, the SAMMYs.

The night before the award ceremony is a special recognition event for those inducted into the SAMMYs Hall of Fame. There are many wonderful musicians who have roots in Central New York and have played huge roles in the Syracuse music scene. This years inductees, honored at a ceremony upstairs at the Dinosaur Barbeque Thursday, were George Rossi, The Bells of Harmony, Savoy Brown, and Jam Factory. Mark Copani was given the award for Music Education; and the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to the late great Mark Murphy.

Basking under the warm glow of orange-hued lighting, the room bubbled with conversation as patrons populated the bar and clustered around dining tables. SAMMYs committee member Liz Nowak gushed, “The award show is about honoring the music of 2015, but tonight is about honoring six decades of music.” Patrons and honorees reminisced and swapped stories over platters of pulled pork, cornbread and coleslaw before the formalities commenced.

The evening’s master of ceremonies, Dave Frisina of 105.9 The Rebel channeled attention toward the podium, effortlessly sashaying through heartfelt and witty dialogue. Frisina as emcee, had the privilege of introducing each inductor, who in turn introduced an inductee. Regarded as a special honor, each inductor’s relationship with their inductee afforded them an opportunity to share personal accounts of why the inductees deserved the distinction.

The remarks of the evening ranged from comedic genius to sublimely sentimental, projected toward a responsive crowd eager to empathize with laughter or somber head nods. Copani acknowledged his family’s presence in the audience gesturing, “They showed up without any prompting.” As Rossi spoke into the mic for his speech he jested, “Wow, a microphone- that’s new.” The Bells of Harmony concluded their acceptance with a quick gospel tune to the audience’s utter delight.

Following the ceremony, attendees were treated to a performance downstairs by Tennessee-bred funk, R&B and jazz fusion band Dynamo. The congregation of musicians clustered on the cramped stage infused the room with polished yet experimental dexterity as Dain Ussery’s vocals coasted elegantly on the surface. An air of mutual respect floated between the star-studded crowd and the talent pouring their hearts into the music. A tale of old meets new, Dynamo upholds the legacy set before them, all in the name of making music that moves people.

The sold out Palace Theater, hosted the 2016 SAMMY Awards Friday. The atmosphere afforded attendees the opportunity to indulge their chic fashion tendencies or embrace a more casual attitude. The spectrum of ballgowns to jeans was well represented in the diverse attire of guests.

Carolyn Kelly Blues Band warmed up with a quick jam before Kelly strolled to the stage in a silky black confection that swayed delicately with every soulful note. The first performance of the evening initiated an onslaught of striking computer-generated video projections, adding visual effect behind the bands. The extravagant visuals added an early 2000’s old school vibe. The blues band concluded its short set with an energetic rendition of “Amazing Grace,” as a flaming sunshine explosion flared across the screen behind them.

Instrumental rock group Ohne-ká and the Burning River brought a very different energy to the stage. Emitting a folk vibe clad in suspenders and a plaid button down, Ryan Jones widened his stance, the first indication of the big, skull-penetrating sound they exude. Though their musical style didn’t invite fluid dance like other genres represented that evening, their tone beckoned listeners to look inward and quietly contemplate from their seats.

Savoy Brown delivered a solid blues rock performance, not accurately reflected by the lack of dancing on the open floor space directly before the stage. Before exiting the stage, in a moment of jest, leading man Kim Simmonds put his glasses on, slightly recoiling as if his new-found sight brought an awareness to the fact that he’d just performed to an occupied theater.

Once Joe Driscoll‘s one-man reggae rap garnered the crowd’s attention, a handful of willing dancers finally got their feet moving. He cleverly paired looped beat boxing with live harmonica to compose a catchy rhythmic pulse, easy to nod your head or tap your foot to.

During the previous night’s induction ceremony, Jam Factory frontman Mark Hoffman qualified the band’s impending award show performance, proudly stating, “We’ve had three rehearsals and the band is kicking ass.” Their performance supported his confident assertion, topping off the award show with a sweetly nostalgic finale. Approximately thirty willing dancers, many Jam Factory followers since early adulthood, danced in front of the stage. They basked in time-honored soul alongside a handful of newly made fans.

Joining Hoffman on stage for the family affair was his son, contributing funky bass lines while his daughter added backing vocals. As the band members poured their hearts into a project they love, an adoring fan glowingly praised, “They’re still as good as they ever were.”

The SAMMY Awards of 2016

Rock – Joe Whiting
Folk – Austin MacRaie
Pop – Elizabeth Canino
Jazz – Andrew Carrol
Americana – Early Bird Trio
Jam Band – Jam Factory
Alternative – Professional Victims
Country – Lonnie Park
Hard Rock – After Earth
Hip-Hop/Rap – Mafiosa

The People’s Choice Awards for 2016

Best Band: The Horn Dogs
Best Festival: The Great New York State Fair
Best Venue: Dinosaur BBQ

The Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist: The Lightkeepers

March 8, 2016
Hearing Aide: Cactus Blossoms ‘You’re Dreaming’

Minneapolis based brother duo The Cactus Blossoms recently released their first full length album You’re Dreaming on Red House Records in January. In a nod to some of the great country classics, they deliver a beautiful album, complete with golden harmonies and thoughtful instrumentation. For those who still yearn for the simple, heart-wrenching melodies of an era long past, this is the album for you.

The first track “Stoplight Kisses” has a Buddy Holly feel, with an upbeat, uplifting tempo and strong harmonies right from the start. Within seconds, listeners are thrown back in time to an age when music was a little more understated. The clean guitar melodies and soft harmonies never aim to overwhelm; instead, it allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

“Clown Collector” energizes the album, giving listeners a taste of vintage rock ‘n’ roll. Without getting too over-the-top, they keep it controlled and purposeful. If you aren’t paying attention, you may think that you’re listening to something straight out of the ’50’s. However, their sound is very new and very now.

“Change Your Ways Or Die” is where the album takes a turn as it has a darker theme, with an eerie instrumentation and melodies that are reminiscent of Tom Waits. The duo wears a more brooding theme well, lending a spice to the album which is mostly sweet and wholesome.

Overall, The Cactus Blossoms deliver an endearing album, complete with sincere ballads and uplifting rock ‘n’ roll. In a time when complicated music is popular, this duo brings to life something that may have died off years ago, but just needed some reviving. There is a little something special for everyone, giving listeners a very full-circle experience.

Key Tracks: Clown Collector, Change Your Ways Or Die, No More Crying The Blues

March 8, 2016
String Cheese Incident to Play Brewery Ommegang

Beer and cheese lovers will rejoice at the String Cheese Incident‘s just-announced summer tour, which makes a stop at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown and Big Sky Brewing Company in Missoula, Montana. The tour brings them back to New York to close out at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre.

Following their three-night headlining appearance at Electric Forest, the String Cheese Incident will head out on tour starting with two back-to-back two night stands in Asheville, North Carolina on July 1 and 2 and an “Independence Incident” July 3 and 4 in Atlanta. A few days later, they roll into Cooperstown Friday, July 8 to play Brewery Ommegang, with Twiddle kicking off the night.

The tour includes a couple special multi-night runs, including three nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado and two nights at Big Sky Brewing Company. After two nights in Oregon, they take a couple weeks off before playing the Peach Music Festival in Scranton, Pennsylvania on Aug. 12. They close out their tour with two shows at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on Aug. 13 and 14.

String Cheese is in the process of recording a new studio album produced by former Talking Heads guitarist and keyboardist Jerry Harrison. They are about to embark on a March Madness tour of Nevada and California.

Tickets for the summer tour go on sale this Friday, March 11.

String Cheese tour dates:
June 24-26, 2016 – Rothbury, MI @ Electric Forest
July 1-2, 2016 – Asheville, NC @ US Cellular Center Exploreasheville.com Arena
July 3-4, 2016 – Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park
July 8, 2016 – Cooperstown, NY @ Brewery Ommegang w/ Twiddle
July 9, 2016 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
July 10, 2016 – Portsmouth, VA @ Portsmouth Pavilion w/ Yonder Mountain String Band
July 15, 2016 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre w/ TAUK
July 16, 2016 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre w/ Kamasi Washington
July 17, 2016 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre w/ Hot Rize
July 20-21, 2016 – Missoula, MT @ Big Sky Brewing Company
July 22, 2016 – Redmond, WA @ Marymoor Amphitheater
July 23-24, 2016 – Eugene, OR @ Cuthbert Amphitheatre
August 12, 2016 – Scranton, PA @ The Peach Music Festival Montage Mountain
August 13-14, 2016 – Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre

March 8, 2016
Not Your Momma’s Country – Brantley Gilbert’s Blackout Tour Doesn’t Disappoint

As Brantley Gilbert’s Blackout Tour rolled into the Turning Stone Casino this past week, Central New Yorkers came out in droves to see the hard core country rocker perform.

Starting promptly at 7pm, the Event Center at The Turning Stone was packed to the gills with rowdy fans. It was a pleasure to see the center utilized to it’s fullest capacity, confirming the importance of the venue to the area and the musical acts that bring them out. Brantley Gilbert is not your every day run of the mill act though. On the road with Brian Davis, Michael Ray, and Canaan Smith for the Blackout Tour, the opening acts definitely set the momentum for the night.

Brian Davis, a relative newcomer to the crowd set up his acoustic set front and center with a stool, guitar, and red solo cup. Thanking everyone for welcoming him, he proceeded to share a few songs, a few cheers, and few sips with the crowd. Although the set was short, it was sweet, and a taste of what is to come from this performer in the near future.

Michael Ray who Central New Yorker’s may recall opened for Carrie Underwood in 2014 at the Great New York State Fair, took the stage next. Wowing them that night with Underwood, he has since climbed the charts and made a lasting impression on everyone who has had a chance to see him over the last few years. A definite crowd favorite, Michael Ray and his entire band know how to crank it up and get the party started. Most impressive to me about this young man was his willingness to connect with fans spending a good deal of time signing hats, taking selfies, and shaking hands. Artists that take the time with their fans are class acts in my book, and puts them head and shoulders above the rest.

Next up was Canaan Smith. Never seeing Canaan Smith before, he can definitely be described as one ramped up, knee buckling, country boy, that has a special knack for reaching his audiences through his music and dynamic stage presence. Whether it’s a sultry ballad or hair raising boot scooting medley, Canaan has a way of reaching inside you and touching a part of you while he’s singing. Watching him on stage was like watching a thunderstorm roll in with it’s quiet lighting in the distance, turning into a thundering and lightening induced downpour. His apparent respect for those in the service was saluted through a full size flag being waved through the air, and the storm only ended when the final drum beat rang out and the storm flew off the stage in the form of a full sized drum. If you haven’t heard of this young man yet, mark my words, this rock star cowboy will definitely grab your attention.

As the lights went down, and the video began tor roll, Brantley Gilbert takes you along on a ride throughout the countryside on the back of his motorcycle. Amped up attendees went crazy as the momentum built for the band and Brantley to take the stage, and rightly so. Brantley Gilbert isn’t your every day normal country musician. He has a clear vision for what he wants his music to be. This no holds bar entertainer spoke to the crowd about not giving in to business politics, staying true to himself and his vision. Only thing he gave was the finger, and a song called “Grown Ass Man” that demonstrates his true character and strength and not caving to business expectations. To him, it’s about the music.

Brantley doesn’t follow the crowd by any means, he lives in his hometown in Georgia with his new wife, Amber, making a life for them outside of the spot light. As he began to sing “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do”, a song inspired by his wife, he told the audience “that was the best day of my life” as a the video clip began to roll and a glimpse inside the personal lives of Brantley and Amber were shared on the screen behind him. It’s this personal peek into who Brantley is, that tells you he’s a modern day Merle Haggard or Hank Williams Jr. He’s man that believes wholeheartedly in personal rights, family, friends, and faith and he doesn’t care if you agree because that just how he rolls.

Don’t get me wrong though, he’s a softy too. As the show came to a close he had his security guard bring a young Ariana Star Levin on stage. Little did Brantley know that this was the first concert for this young lady (well first that she remembered if you don’t count seeing Willie Nelson at the age of two) and he was one of her all time favorite country musicians.

Ariana’s Aunt Audreanna had been given two VIP ticket’s as a gift and was going to bring Ariana’s mom, Christina Trainham, but knowing that her daughter was huge fan, she gave up her ticket to the sold out show and decked Ariana out in a Brantley Gilbert t-shirt that said “Bottoms Up” and sent her off to see her hero. Before the end of the night, Ariana would be on stage singing along with Brantley to “Bottoms Up” and rocking it like a true rock star she is.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to Brantley’s band. Surrounding himself on stage with the best musicians out there you’ll find Noah Henson (of Pillar) on guitar, Ben Sims on drums, Jess Franklin ( the bandleader) on lead guitar, slide guitar, banjo, keyboard, and background vocals, Stephen Lewis on bass guitar and background vocals, and Mr. B.J. Golden a multi-instrumentalist on keyboards, mandolin, guitar, etc . etc. These men do not appear to be what you anticipate a country band to look or sound like. Metal describes them better with the dreadlocks, spiked hair, and a bandleader that can pass as Tommy Shaw’s doppelganger. Had to seriously do a double take a few times. One of my favorite moments of the evening thought was B.J. Golden playing opposite of Noah Henson and shaking his beard back and forth like Noah does his dreads. Epic moment. The fun they have on stage performing for the audience is apparent and definitely deserves mentioning.

All in all this was definitely not your run of the mill country show. The performances of the evening were sure electric, and were sure to win over any skeptics. Brantley Gilbert’s Blackout Tour is not your momma’s country music folks. It’s a true rocking event that is a must see to appreciate.

Brian Davis Set List: Hurt Like Hell Yeah, You And Me Against The World, and I Earned This Beer

Michael Ray Set List: Another Girl, Run Away With You (Big & Rich cover), Look Like This, Kiss You in the Morning. Everything In Between, This Love, Dust on the Bottle (David Lee Murphy cover), Drivin’ All Night (Jake Owen cover),and Real Men Love Jesus

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Canaan Smith Set List : Getting Into, Two Lane Road, Hole In a Bottle, Love At First, One of Those, Fire/Iris(Goo Goo Dolls cover), American Muscle, and Love You Like That

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Brantley Gilbert Set List: Read Me My Rights, Hell on Wheels, If You Want A Bad Boy, Dirt Road Anthem (Colt Ford cover), Stone Cold Sober, My Kinda Party, That Was Us, My Baby’s Guns N’ Roses, You Don’t Know Her Like I Do, Country Must Be Country Wide, Grown Ass Man (Acoustic), Them Boys (Acoustic), Outlaw Women (Hank Williams, Jr. cover), Small Town Throwdown (With Canaan Smith and Michael Ray), One Hell of an Amen, Take It Outside, and Kick It in the Sticks
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March 6, 2016
Saratoga Performing Arts Center 50th Summer Lineup

The state’s premier outdoor concert venue is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer as Saratoga Performing Arts Center kicks off its golden anniversary concert season with the fourth running of the SPAC Rock and Run, which offers 5k, 10k and half marathon distances, on May 15. Albany-area siblings Jocelyn and Chris Arndt, who were breakout artists at last fall’s Utica Music and Arts Festival, will perform as part of the SPAC Rock and Run Races.

Once the music takes over, highlights this season include a three-night run from Phish July 1 to 3 and a double bill of Dave Matthews Band July 15 and 16. Dead and Company pay a visit to SPAC June 21 with John Mayer laying down Jerry’s licks, and Mumford and Sons bring their electric brand of folk to a sold-out show on June 15.

The annual Freihofers Saratoga Jazz Festival, featuring headliner Smokey Robinson in addition to three 2016 Grammy Award winners, Jon Cleary, Christian McBride, and Eliane Elias, takes place June 25 and 26.

SPAC’s long-time resident the Philadelphia Orchestra takes up its annual residency beginning Aug. 3, and the New York City Ballet brings 16 ballet performances throughout July.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center 2016 Pop/Rock Schedule:

June 11 – Dixie Chicks
June 15 – Mumford and Sons
June 21 – Dead and Company
July 1 – Phish
July 2 – Phish
July 3 – Phish
July 5 – Journey, The Doobie Brothers, Dave Mason
July 10 – Steely Dan with Steve Winwood
July 12 – Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin with Alter Bridge and Saint Asonia
July 13 – Tedeschi Trucks Band with Los Lobos and North Mississippi Allstars
July 15 – Dave Matthews Band
July 16 – Dave Matthews Band
July 24 – Slipknot with Marilyn Manson and Of Mice and Men
July 25 – Josh Groban with Sarah McLachlan
July 26 – Janet Jackson
Sept. 3 – Zac Brown Band with Drake White and the Big Fire
Sept. 8 – Heart with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Cheap Trick

https://youtu.be/pJ9Hmy3fPK8

March 5, 2016
The Country Music Community Mourns One of Their Most Beloved As Joey Feek Passes

It is with a heavy heart that NYS Music reports Joey Feek has passed away today from cervical cancer. In her husband Rory’s personal blog dedicated to his wife and their life, he shares with family, friends, and fans, that “My wife’s greatest dream came true today. She is in Heaven.”

…some birthdays are more than just birthdays. They’re dreams coming true and prayers being answered.

A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on Feb 17, 2016 at 10:53am PST

Joey Feek, one half of county duo Joey & Rory, was diagnosed in June of 2014 with cervical cancer, following the birth of her daughter, Indiana. In 2015, after unsuccessfully undergoing treatments, Joey & Rory announced that they had decided to forgo further treatments and spend the rest of their time together with those she loved around her. Setting her sights on making it through the holidays, the Grammy’s (for which they were a nominee this year), daughter Indiana’s second birthday celebration, and Valentine’s Day with her husband, Joey and Rory shared each personal moment with all of us as we cheered them on and prayed each day for them. Gathering strength from her faith, and those around her, Joey’s fight was momentous and her courage beyond inspiring. For all that followed this country and bluegrass musical duo, you could tell the love they shared in their music, each other, and everything they did.

Joey & Rory came to the attention of Nashville and the country music world when they came in third in 2008 on CMT’s Can You Duet. With Joey singing lead vocals, and Rory background vocals and playing guitar, they recorded eight studio albums, were nominated and won multiple ACM, CMA, and Grammy Awards, and were well respected members of the country music community family.

We close with a song recorded many years prior to Joey’s illness, as she sings a message to inspire each of us after she’s gone.

March 5, 2016
Country Music Says Goodbye to the Legendary ‘Southern Gentleman’, Sonny James
Country music bid a sad farewell to the one they called ‘The Southern Gentleman,” Sonny James (James Hugh Loden).

Coined “The Southern Gentleman” due to his polite mannerisms, this country legend was raised in a musical family in Hackleburg, Alabama on his families farm. Dubbed “Sonny” shortly after a performance of “Sonny Boy”, this mandolin playing singing musical protege earned his nickname at the age of three. Country music was mostly live performances and the family group, known as “Sonny Loden and The Southerners” would frequently play local radio station shows, theaters, auditoriums, and school houses throughout the southern United States.

As time went on, the band disbanded and Sonny continued his musical career on stage and radio and then evolved with the time into television and even outer space. Sonny was the first country performer to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show, made appearances on both the Bob Hope Show, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Johnny Cash Show, as well a numerous others, hosted the first ever Country Music Awards show together with Bobbi Gentry, and even was the first to have country music in space as his recordings were requested to go along with the Apollo 14 space mission to the moon.

His career is an assemblage of honors and awards which include the following:
- 1961 – Became the first country artist (recording division) to be honored with a star in the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame
- 1962 – Joined the world famous Grand Ole Opry
- 1967 -Hosted the first CMA Award Show
- 1960’s and 70’s – Named Male Artist of The Decade by Record World
- 1987 -Inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame
- June, 2001 – Male Golden Voice Award – Golden Voice Awards
- November, 2001 – Master Achievement Award, R.O.P.E. AWARDS
- June, 2002 – Career Achievement Award – The Country Music DJ Hall of Fame and Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.
- August 30, 2006 – Country Music Hall of Fame
- 2009 – Inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame
Sonny James made a name in country music in the early 1960’s by introducing his new sound of R&B to the country music audience during a time of civil unrest and bringing light to number one hits such as Since I Met You Baby, It’s Just A Matter of Time, Endlessly, Empty Arms and Bright Lights, Big City previously recorded by Ivory Joe Hunter, Brook Benton, Clyde Otis and Jimmy Reed.

According to Billboard statistics, for almost 20 years (1960-1979) Sonny James spent more time in the Number One chart position than any other artist in country music — a total of 57 weeks, 16 Consecutive #1 Singles, a feat never before accomplished in Country Music, Pop or Rock ‘n Roll.

Sonny James could be consider the first country crossover as his 1957 hit “Young Love” made it way to number one on the pop charts.

In addition to his own musical talents, Sonny James could also be credited as an award winning producer. Working together with Marie Osmond back in the early 1970’s, James recorded Marie Osmond’s first three albums. The first single released, Paper Roses” was a song previously released by Anita Bryan in 1960 on the pop charts. Released in 1973 and promoted through country radio, Marie’s version climbed the country charts to number one, crossing over to the pop charts, easy listening, and international charts and earned her a Grammy nomination, making her a household name in the country music industry.

A legendary musician and well loved and admired by all that knew him, Sonny James truly left his mark on Nashville’s country music family.
February 24, 2016