NYS Music 20​16

Category: Genres

  • Anthology Will Host the Rochester Revival

    In early March, the new venue in the East End of Rochester, Anthology, will host a two-day celebration of roots and Americana music called Rochester Revival 2016.

    Pennsylvania’s emergent jam-grass heroes Cabinet will return to Rochester to headline the first evening of music on Friday, March 4. Also on the bill that night are fellow ‘grass and dust-kickers The Blind Owl Band from Saranac Lake and The Prickers from Naples.

    The party continues early Saturday afternoon for a full day and night of ear-pleasing, foot-stomping fun. Oyster Bay’s electro-prog instrumental powerhouse TAUK will provide a massive sonic cleanse when they close out the mini-festival late Saturday night.

    Leading up to the grand finale will include the introduction of two new Rochester groups and one of the oldest and most beloved bands of Rochester. Aaron Lipp, who has played keys for Robert Randolph, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad and the Campbell Brothers, has assembled a new band which will play their premiere performance at this event. Another Dub Squad player, guitarist Dylan Savage, will also introduce a new band with Wil McKenna of RootsCollider called the Medicinals. Rochester’s very own gospel legends The Campbell Brothers are slated to bring their classic sacred steel style that is tried, true and always a great time. Other announced bands include Josh Rollins, Personal Blend and the Honey Smugglers, with more to be announced soon.

    Mark March 4 and 5 down in your calendars. It’s a weekend that will showcase music from all across New York state including a dip into our neighbor Pennsylvania, so make plans now to come and show your support. Tickets are on sale now at the Anthology website. Admission is $12 for Friday and $24 for Saturday, or $32 gets you in for the whole weekend. A great deal for a great deal of music!

  • Thursday Nights in February at Funk n Waffles Presented by NYS Music

    We’re deep into winter, or somewhere at the start of spring, depending on how you look at it. The weather however, if great at Funk n Waffles in Syracuse, and NYS Music is proud to present Thursday nights throughout February at the popular downtown venue.

    February 4 – Normal Instruments

    A supergroup creating brand new music every single night – all improvisation, every time – kicks things off on February 4 in grand fashion. Featuring Michael Carter from The Indobox, Jules Jenssen from Ross Jenssen, Matt Beckett from Cosmic Dust Bunnies and Jeff Bujak of Bujak Live, Normal Instruments is one of the most unique jamtronica bands in the scene today.

    February 11 – Root SHOCK with West End Blend

    Root SHOCK blends roots reggae, dancehall, heavy drum & bass, and soulful vocals with conscious lyrics into positive dance music will make you want to move. The band has been surprising and delighting crowds across the Central New York region and beyond, bringing their unique high-energy style spearheaded by the stunning vocals of Jessica Brown to a wide range of settings. The band’s dedication to spreading music with a positive message has paid off in entertaining, elevating, and energizing music lovers of all walks of life! 2016 promises to be an explosive year for Root Shock, as they’ve finally made time to record their first studio album, are anchoring a monthly Syracuse reggae night designed to bring the best and most diverse acts that modern reggae has to offer to the area. They’re not stopping there though; the band is set to hit the road to spread their uplifting message and vibes and take their renowned live performances to the masses!

    Since their conception, ten piece band West End Blend has been playing their version of pop, funk and soul in venues all over the Northeast. Fronted by vocalist Erica Bryan, the band pays homage to classic throwback sounds while adding their own distinct vibe and flair. West End Blend boasts a four­piece horn section, two guitars, bass, keyboards and drums packing the group onto stages every night. From humble beginnings in an epic basement funk dance party, The Blend’s goal has always been to bring a party atmosphere to every show and venue ever since.The Blend just released their debut full length record, Rewind, on September 26. Recorded at Telefunken Elektroakustik with engineer Brendan Morawski in CT, the band is proud to present the kick off to the next step in their career. West End Blend is just getting started and there’s so much to do. But right now… it’s time for them to pile into the van. This juggernaut of a funk and soul band is ready to hit the pavement.

    February 18 – Bob Holz: A Vision Forward

    Composer/drummer Bob Holz is one of New York’s most experienced and in-demand band leaders. An alumni of Berklee School of Music, Bob majored in performance and composition with teachers Gary Chaffee and Michael Gibbs. He went on to study privately with Dave Weckl and Billy Cobham. He also found a mentor in drummer Wilby Fletcher Jr.( McCoy Tyner). Holz has composed and played on numerous live and studio recordings, movie sound tracks and theatrical productions. Perhaps his most well know movie sound track was for the major motion picture entitled Show Your Love directed by Edward J. Bruno for VCA films. Holz has also toured extensively as a band leader (The Bob Holz Band).

    Holz played at the 1999 Woodstock Music Festival in New York. He also performed along with Dr. John at a coveted awards ceremony at the 2006 M&T Jazz Festival in Syracuse, NY. In 2010 he traveled to Memphis to participate and perform as a finalist in the W.C. Handy Blues Awards.

    February 25 – The Moho Collective with Boots n’ Shorts

    The Moho Collective lives in a world with no words. In fact, they make it a point to convey their story without any vocals at all. The Rochester NY based instrumental trio knows how to push the envelope stylistically and tonally yet keep their audience engaged with exciting arrangements and a wide range of dynamics. Drummer Ryan Barclay, guitarist Kurt Johnson, and bassist Justin Rister combine disparate influences ranging from the Allman Brothers and the Meters to Sigur Ros and the visual loops of Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher. Expect to hear things you like and maybe something you don’t. The range of this band is vast yet accessible for all audiences. TMC at some points will move your feet and at other times challenge your ears. Don’t let the size fool you, TMC packs a huge sound into a 3 piece package that doesn’t disappoint.

    Boots n’ Shorts carries on the tradition of old-time music while making it relevant to a modern audience. Meeting at the crossroads of mountain music and the merry pranksters, they introduce new sounds to old-timers and old sounds to new-timers. Blending backgrounds in bluegrass, folk, old-time, jazz, blues, and psychedelic rock,BnS has a large repertoire of original music, classics, and traditional tunes.

    All shows start at 8pm each night. Visit Funk n Waffles for more info

  • Stepping Off the Bus — Lucid to go on Hiatus

    In what will surely cause a ripple effect across the Upstate New York and Northeast music scene, longtime North Country act Lucid will take a touring hiatus in the coming months.

    “We’re certainly not breaking up — that’s something we want to make clear,” said Lowell Wurster, vocalist/percussionist for Lucid. “Everyone is doing great and we’re as close as ever. We’re brothers and our musical flow is undeniable.”

    For the first time since their inception in 2004, the Plattsburgh-based sextet will be parking their trademark bus, Lucy. It is in an effort to focus more on their personal lives, and also take a new approach to climbing to the top of that unforgiving mountain this is the music industry.

    “Our songs are filled with powerful stories of love and life, important messages for the human soul,” Wurster said. “But somehow, as we go into our 13th year together, there just hasn’t been enough of a buzz to really be able to make it touring nationally, and make a living in doing so.”

    Wurster emphasized the sincere need to pump the brakes a little bit, especially for a band that has played hundreds of shows a year, every weekend, for almost a decade and a half.

    “At this time, the hiatus is going to breathe new life into us,” he said. “It’s a drastic change in policy, but we’re going to try something new, something we’ve never tried before. This time away will allow us to slow down, spend more time with family and loved ones, and to relax. Musically, it will allow us to take all the time we need to craft each song just the way we want it before we release it into the world.”

    Though, in a somewhat hushed tone, Wurster does admit part of this recent decision stems from a losing battle down a slippery slope between being a full-time musician and also finding footing in the industry.

    “I talk to older musicians who say they are getting paid the same now as they were 25 years ago. Unless you have a big name and the right industry types pushing you from behind, it’s very hard making a living doing this. I know that it may all sound sad and disheartened, and it is a bit, but it’s just hard out there,” he said. “Now we’re going to put our energies into pushing our music into uncharted territories and see what happens. If we have success in doing so, and it’s time to get Lucid back on the road, then that’s what we’ll do. If it doesn’t work, then we can safely say we tried everything and move on with our lives.”

    And yet, beyond Wurster’s explanation of the hiatus, one still has trouble wrapping their head around the idea of Lucid not being on the road, roaring up and down highways and back roads like some band of melodic pirates. Lucid was (is) the foundation of the North Country music scene. They are the torchbearers of artistic hopes and dreams. They are the guys who have given creative faith and genuine friendship to countless groups and social circles that came after them (and as a result of them). Lucid is the glue that holds much of the scene together, and having them take a step back from touring will leave a large hole in North Country music.

    “We’re family that will never be broken,” Wurster said. “We fight like brothers and we love like brothers, and I don’t see that ever changing. None of us are going to stop playing music, it’s just not possible and something that’s not in us.”

    And as an offering to their fans, the band will go on a short “Off The Bus” tour, which will go around the northeast in March, culminating with a show on April 16 at The Strand in Plattsburgh. Until then, Lucid is putting the final touches on their fifth studio album, Bonsai Zen, which is expected to drop sometime this spring.

    There are also plans currently in the works for a follow-up record to be released by the end of 2016.

    “We’re going to keep doing what we do, and we’ll see where that carries us,” Wurster said. “Lucid isn’t going away, we’re just changing course. The future is wide open and we’re excited to see what it brings — whatever it brings, anything it brings.”

    Lucid Off the Bus Tour

    3.3 Java Barn, Canton, NY

    3.4 Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smith, NY

    3.5 Olive Ridley’s, Plattsburgh, NY*

    3.11 Penuche’s, Manchester, NH

    3.12 Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs, NY*

    3.17 Smoke Signals, Lake Placid, NY

    3.25 Stratton Mountain, VT

    3.26 Nectars, Burlington VT*

    4.16 The Strand, Plattsburgh, NY

    *with support to be announced

    www.rulucid.com or www.facebook.com/rulucid

  • No moe.down Again This Year

    Despite many fans with hopes to the contrary, no, moe.down will not be revived this year.

    When the band announced that there wouldn’t be a moe.down in 2015, the first time in 15 years, fans were devastated. .rons started to have hope for the festival to return in 2016, especially after new owners bought the ski slope in Turin where the festival has been held most of its 15 years and expressed interest in making sure moe.down came back to their venue. But it turns out those hopes were misplaced.

    Jim Houle Photography - moe. New Years Day 2016-97-small

    Here’s the full text of the post on the moe.down Facebook page:

    We appreciate so many fans reaching out to tell us how much they miss moe.down music festival, and we know there have been many questions on whether or not we have plans to bring it back this year. At present, we do not have any plans for moe.down 2016. The moe.down discussion on bringing it back in the future is very much alive between all those involved. In the meantime, we will be announcing a few other special summer shows in addition to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – we hope to see you there!

    Here’s hoping that 2017 will see the return of the festival that many moe.rons refer to as, “My home, my heart, my best friend.”

  • Lotus and El Ten Eleven Electrify the F Shed

    It was a study in contrast Saturday night at the F Shed in Syracuse. Two bands took the stage, each playing their own electro-infused brand of instrumental rock. Two bands at the opposite poles of the same current. Listening to recordings of the bands, you might have a tough time discerning what is creating the sounds. Seeing the music created live on stage, could be an educational experience.

    Jesse Miller- Lotus

    Opener El Ten Eleven, a bass and drums duo out of Southern California, is probably best known for their soundtracks of Gary Hustwit’s trilogy of popular design documentaries, Helvetica, Objectified and Urbanized. Like Explosions in the Sky with Friday Night Lights, behind those movies’ sound is a hard-working band with multiple albums and a penchant for wowing crowds with their memorable live performances.

    Mike Rempel, Jesse Miller, Mike Greenfield, Luke Miller, Chuck Morris- Lotus

    Kristian Dunn, wielding either a double neck guitar and bass, or a fretless bass, has a massive bank of looping and effects pedals at his disposal, and Tim Fogarty with synthesized and standard drums in his kit, also makes use of looping and effects. Together they composed complex infectiously melodic rock nuggets, layering theme over theme over theme over impossible beats. The band of two becomes a quartet and increases in size and complexity, as the two humans are joined by their electronic echoes.

    Playing for the first time in Syracuse, El Ten Eleven ran through an early-starting yet energetic 45 minute set that had most in the filling venue either jaws agape or grooving happily. For those intrigued or wanting more, Western New York gets a chance to see them at full power in small clubs next month, with shows at Mohawk Place in Buffalo and the Bug Jar in Rochester on February 26 and 27 respectively.

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhjr8Htgtzw[/embedyt]

    No stranger to Syracuse, headliner Lotus were the 1 to El Ten Eleven’s 0, or perhaps more accurately, the 01 00 to their 10 11. The quintet features Mike Rempel on guitar, Jesse Miller on bass and keys, Mike Greenfield on drums, Luke Miller on guitar and keyboards, and Chuck Morris on percussion. By their set time, the F Shed was fully packed and ready to party.

    While their music isn’t devoid of looping, they make more sparse and subtle use of it than the front and center way El Ten Eleven employed it. Instead, Lotus relied more on their five strong lineup. The tunes were similarly electronic-leaning upbeat and catchy rock jams. With El Ten Eleven, the beauty lies in the creation and structure of the songs. With Lotus, on the other hand, the beauty comes when they broke through the song stucture. In tight four to six minute segments, El Ten Eleven ended their songs just as you were figuring them out. Lotus continued to explore a song until you couldn’t remember even where it began.

    There were times when what Lotus was playing could sound very similar to what El Ten Eleven had laid down earlier in the evening. But the way that each band arrived at that point was very different. Whether it be Fogarty drumming on Dunn’s bass for that perfect rhythmic loop, or the Miller twins switching back and forth between synths, samples and guitars, each band took unique approaches to cull the exact landscapes they desired.

    Luke Miller- Lotus

    Like a genre super computer, Lotus pulled from funk, house, hip hop, jazz and more, concocting perfectly groovy and unique blends on the fly, that kept the young crowd in constant motion. The deeper and further they stretched it, the better it got. The band steered the music expertly through twists and turns, discovering sparks of energy around unexplored dark corners. Rempel’s thoughtful and blistering guitar work was a consistent highlight, but each member contributed heavily in impressive full band improvisations throughout the show’s two sets.

    Lotus featured a spectacular light show. Color changing LED lanterns hung behind and in front of the stage and were also sprinkled around the musicians. Additionally, three different types of mobile LED lights lined the back, while additional lights lit up the ceiling above the band with moving patterns. The multi-dimensional lighting was able to match whatever the band was turning out, morphing the stage from song to song, jam to jam, note to note. All in all, it was plenty enough to turn a shed in the middle of a farmer’s market into a proper Saturday night dance party.

    Setlist:
    Set 1: Middle Road> Massif, Sunrain> Expired Slang> Sunrain, Pachyderm, Spiritualize
    Set 2: Suitcases And Sandwiches, Basin to Benin, Neon Tubes, Soma, Eats the Light, Philly Hit> 128> Umbilical Moonset> 128
    Encore: Behind Midwest Storefronts

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’607′]

  • Celtic Women Make Their Way Through New York on Destiny Tour

    It is not often that artists can say that their albums debut at number one, but it’s no surprise to learn that Celtic Women’s Destiny did just this; it was the ninth album to do so.

    Celtic Women 2015FallPublicityPhoto

    As the Destiny tour begins this March in Nashville, Máiréad Nesbitt, Mairéad Carlin, Susan McFadden and Éabha McMahon, also known as the women of Celtic Women, will grace the stage at more than 79 cities as they make their way across the United States.

    The multi-platinum, all female ensemble made its debut on PBS in 2005 and has achieved massive success encompassing 10 chart-topping albums, nine PBS specials, more than 8 million albums sold, and platinum sales in nine countries.

    Celtic Woman 2015_creditDavidConger

    They sing like angels and float like the wind across stage, as they bring to you a bit of Celtic history in their musical stories. Destiny will feature a fresh fusion of traditional Irish music and modern songcraft, including the Waterboys’ classic “The Whole of the Moon,” Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” from The Hobbit film, and Mutt Lange’s “Walk Beside Me.” Traditional Irish highlights include “Bean Pháidín,” “Siúil A Run” and “Óró sé do bheatha ‘bhaile,” an anthem closely connected with the 1916 uprising that led to Ireland’s independence.

    DestinyLogoLockupTHE DESTINY TOUR – 2016 ITINERARY

    3/4-5 Nashville, TN Tennessee Performing Arts Center
    3/6 Memphis, TN Orpheum
    3/8 Owensboro, KY RiverPark Center
    3/9 Louisville, KY The Palace
    3/11 Paducah, KY Carson Center
    3/12 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center Theater
    3/13 Rockford, IL Cornado PAC
    3/15 Rosemont, IL Rosemont Theatre
    3/17 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
    3/18 Fort Wayne, IN Embassy Theatre
    3/19 Wabash, IN Honeywell Center (2 shows)
    3/20 South Bend, IN Morris Performing Arts Center
    3/22 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
    3/23 Bowling Green, KY Sky PAC
    3/24 Cincinnati, OH Aronoff Center
    3/25 Dayton, OH Schuster Performing Arts Center
    3/26 Columbus, OH Palace Theatre
    3/29 Cleveland, OH PlayhouseSquare
    3/31 Williamsport, PA Community Arts Center
    4/1, 2, 3, Lancaster, PA American Music Theater
    4/5 Richmond, VA Altria Theater
    4/6 Norfolk, VA Chrysler Hall at SevenVenues
    4/8 Wheeling, WV Capitol Theatre
    4/9 Baltimore, MD Hippodrome Theatre
    4/10 Salem, VA Salem Civic Center
    4/12 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
    4/14 Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
    4/15 Winston-Salem, NC LJVM Coliseum Complex
    4/16 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
    4/17 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
    4/19 Columbia, SC Koger Center for the Arts
    4/21 Athens, GA The Classic Center
    4/23 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
    4/24 Gainesville, FL Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
    4/27 Daytona Beach, FL Peabody Auditorium
    4/28 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Broward Center for the Performing Arts
    4/29 St. Petersburg, FL The Mahaffey Theater
    4/30 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
    5/1 Niceville, FL Mattie Kelly Arts Center

    photo credit: Jason Clark (L-R) Susan McFadden, Lynn Hilary, Mairead Carlin (back right), Mairead Nesbitt
    photo credit: Jason Clark
    (L-R) Susan McFadden, Lynn Hilary, Mairead Carlin (back right), Mairead Nesbitt

    5/3 Mobile, AL CC Theatre
    5/5 Birmingham, AL BJCC
    5/6 Jackson, MS Thalia Mara Hall
    5/7 New Orleans, LA Saenger Theatre
    5/8 Houston, TX Revention Music Center
    5/10 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre
    5/11 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre
    5/13 El Paso, TX The Plaza Theatre
    5/14 Tucson, AZ Tucson Music Hall
    5/15 Tempe, AZ ASU Gammage Auditorium
    5/17 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena
    5/20 Eugene, OR Hult Center for the Performing Arts
    5/21 Yakima, WA Yakima Valley SunDome
    5/22 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
    5/24 Boise, ID Morrison Center
    5/25 Salt Lake City, UT Maverik Center
    5/26 Casper, WY Casper Events Center
    5/27 Greeley, CO Monfort Concert Hall
    5/28 Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center
    5/31-6/1Denver, CO Buell Theatre at Denver Performing Arts Complex
    6/3 Rapid City, SD Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
    6/4 Bismarck, ND Bismarck Event Center
    6/5 Grand Forks, ND Chester Fritz Auditorium
    6/7 Bemidji, MN Sanford Center
    6/9 La Crosse, WI La Crosse Center
    6/10 Prior Lake MN Mystic Lake Casino
    6/12 Grand Rapids, MI DeVos Performance Hall
    6/14 Kalamazoo, MI Miller Auditorium
    6/16 Warren, OH W.D. Packard Music Hall
    6/17 University Park, PA Eisenhower Auditorium
    6/19 Schenectady, NY Proctors
    6/21 Rochester, NY Auditorium Theatre
    6/22 Brooklyn, NY Kings Theatre
    6/24-6/25Orillia, Ontario Casino Rama
    6/26 Erie, PA Warner Theatre
    6/28 Lowell, MA Lowell Memorial Auditorium
    6/29 Providence, RI Providence Performing Arts Center
    6/30 Newark, NJ NJPAC
    7/1 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre
    7/2 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre

  • Acoustic Candlebox Performs to Sold Out Crowd at The Egg

    I’ll admit I was more than thrilled to see Candlebox on The Egg’s calendar for February 2, 2016. Having been a fan since the early 90’s and caught their show at SUNY Albany’s RACC (now SEFCU Arena) in February 1995, it was a chance to relive the glory days of senior year, before life happened.

    Acoustic Candlebox So when I found out earlier this week that it would be acoustic Candlebox, I gave pause because I was expecting the full band instead of something stripped down. Expectations were set on electric but acoustic performances of songs you’ve listened to for more than 20 years was a change I could get behind. Within moments of Kevin Martin discussing the story and the conditions behind writing “Sweet Summertime,” I became intently focused, more so than I would have been hearing the usual renditions from the Candlebox lexicon, without a little something extra on the side. Over the next two hours, Martin and Brian Quinn played a dozen Candlebox songs and gave insight into how these compositions were created amid turbulent paths taken by the band and behind the scenes.

    Acoustic Candlebox It only took two songs to get to the dark side of Candlebox, and just like that, I was 17 again. “Drowned” was introduced as the result of Maverick Records, who launched Candlebox’s first album to national acclaim, faced pressure from in an effort to produce Lucy, the follow up their 1993 self-titled debut. “Cover Me,” has a religious focus, as Martin doubted that one lone god was the right one among the many gods throughout history.

    Acoustic @candlebox_official @theeggpac performing ‘Cover Me’ #nysmusic #swyertheater #90srock

    A video posted by NYSMusic (@nystatemusic) on

    Casual drug talk accompanied the stories behind some of Candlebox’s songs this night. Martin didn’t overshare or have a story of a wild night in a hotel room leaving no detail behind – rather he referenced what particular substance was behind the writing of certain songs, without glorifying or defending the drug usage. If anything, it was matter of factly explained and accepted by the audience, just as spats with Maverick Records were taken as a frame for particular songs and not a rant for the sake of complaining. Drugs influenced a handful of songs as recalled by Martin, including “Change” (mushrooms), and “Blossom” (love). “Want it Back” was the lone new song of the night, appearing on the upcoming album Disappearing in Airports, due out in April. Martin made note that New York is still the state with Candlebox’s best all time album sales at 1.5 million, and thanked the sold out crowd in The Egg’s Swyer Theatre.

    Acoustic Candlebox Throughout the night, it was uncanny how the tone of Martin’s voice hasn’t changed a bit in 25 years; emotion packed lyrics poured out over intense guitar work from Quinn. Songs of longing, such as “Miss You,” was dedicated to his father, a WWII veteran, and “Love Come Back to Me” were stellar.

    Acoustic Candlebox He did decline a request to play “Breakaway,” regarding the suggestion with “Memories of the process are very painful and the process of recording Happy Pills was so raw,” that to revisit the lyrics in this point and time wouldn’t have the same power and meaning behind them. “Far Behind,” written in tribute to Andy Wood from Mother Love Bone, whom they first knew in the Seattle scene in 1991, was given a new frame from which to hear the song.

    Acoustic Candlebox After, Brian broke into “The Weight” to the surprise of the audience who sang along while a song off the forthcoming album, “Alive at Last,” closed the show. Without a doubt, acoustic Candlebox exceeded expectations and makes seeing the full live band a must with new light shed on songs that have aged well.

    Frank Palangi, a Queensbury native, opened the show with a 30 minute set of gritty acoustic guitar work and flexible vocals that captured the attention of the crowd. Palangi channeled Faith no More, Alice in Chains, Lifehouse and other late 90s rockers through a series of originals that must translate well in a live, plugged-in setting. For a local musician opening for Candlebox at The Egg, the thrill was visible in his smile and on stage presence.

    Frank Palagni Setlist: Break These Chains, I am Ready, Godsmack Mix, Working Man, Boohoo, Driving These Lines, Turn it All Around

    Candlebox Setlist: Sweet Summertime, Drowned, Cover Me, Change, Blossom, Want It Back, Miss You, Lover Come Back To Me, Sometime, You, Far Behind, The Weight*, Alive At Last

    *Brian Quinn solo

  • Greensky Bluegrass plays Horseshoes and Hand Grenades in NYC

    Bluegrass music may not be what’s on the radio, but the attendance at this past Saturday’s Greensky Bluegrass and Horseshoes and Hand Grenades show in New York City showed a healthy dose of support for one of the roots of what we’ve come to know as Americana music. With both bands visiting the East Coast from Michigan and Wisconsin, there was no local draw but definitely a packed house. Neither one had graced the stage of the Irving Plaza theater, but there was no sign of discomfort or unease from the opener or headliner.

    Horseshoes and Hand GrenadesAlthough most of the crowd were there for Greensky Bluegrass, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades were welcomed with a positive turnout early on. The five-piece acoustic outfit ran through their unique blend of bluegrass and country that brought bands like Trampled By Turtles and Old Crow Medicine Show to mind. One thing that sets this group aside from anyone else is their utilization of the harmonica and accordion in their arrangements. The fiddle blends well with the handheld instrument to deliver a strong high-end sound. Personal highlights came with covers of Pink Floyd’s “Time,” and Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright,” where they successfully turned two classics into their own sound.

    Horseshoes and Hand GrenadesKalamazoo’s Greensky Bluegrass took to the stage for two sets of well thought out and executed mayhem, running through early staples, showing off new work, and paying homage to their inspiration by taking on songs like Billy Joel’s “Big Shot,” Bruce Hornsby’s “King Of The Hill,” and the Allman Brothers’ “One Way Out.” Known for their playful covers and heartfelt originals, this band can go from dead serious to bouncing off the walls in a matter of one jam in between two songs.

    The smooth and familiar vocals of mandolinist Paul Hoffman layered with the crisp southern sound from guitarist Dave Bruzza are even more powerful when blended. Fan favorites like “Dustbowl Overtures,” “Just To Lie,” and “Don’t Lie” came in the first set, with the latter two taking off with instrumental exploration. Set two followed up with unique heavy hitters like “No Idea,” “Georgia Mail,” “Old Barns,” before closing out the second half of the show with “Leap Year.” Their encore of the Greensky original “Forget Everything” was followed with the Allman Brothers cover, just a few blocks away from where the old Fillmore East used to be.
    Despite Horseshoes and Hand Grenades being new to the area, it’s safe to say that they made a few fans at Irving Plaza thanks to the guys in Greensky Bluegrass. As the jam-grass brigade from Michigan continues to increase in venue size, it begs the question of what’s next, and where the green sky ends and the bluegrass begins.

  • Annie in the Water returning to Funk ‘n Waffles with St. Lenox

    On Friday, February 5 Annie in the Water will be returning to Funk ‘n Waffles with St. Lenox  who are sure to bring a unique mix to downtown Syracuse.

    Annie in the Water whose roots remain in Watertown NY, will be making their second stop on their 2016 Tour here in Syracuse NY, bringing their positive vibes to numerous venues throughout Vermont, Maine, Potsdam NY, Troy NY, Wilmington NY and their homestead Watertown. Founding members Brad Hester (vocals/percussion/guitar/looper) and Michael Lashomb (guitar/vocals) and featured member Dillon Goodfriend (keys) are sure warm the atmosphere with a mixture of high energy reggae/rock and uplifting lyricism.

    Andrew Choi is the incredibly talented singer/songwriter behind St. Lenox, with Chris Hills / Nick Fed (guitar), Jorge Vega/Brandon Vitruls and Todd Celmar (drums), Chris Bolognese (bass) and Fritz Chrysler (mp3 Player). St. Lenox is a smooth mixture of jazz, classical music and electronica. Andrew Choi’s will surely bring some depth to the stage with some powerful lyrics from his debut album Ten Songs About Memory and Hope released on January 20, 2015. Andrew hopes to release their newest album titled Ten songs from my American Gothic in the Spring of 2016.

    Doors open at 8:00 pm, show starts at 9:00 pm. Get tickets here.

  • Todd Nance Returns to Widespread Panic

    Widespread Panic drummer Todd Nance is back from his time away. He was seen behind the drum kit during yesterday’s soundcheck at their Panic en la Playa destination music festival in Mexico.

     

    Widespread Panic had announced that Nance would be taking a leave from the band prior to their fall 2014 tour to deal with personal matters. He has since performed with various projects, but hasn’t played with Widespread Panic since their performance at the Phases of the Moon festival in September 2014. Duane Trucks has been filling in during his absence. Nance, a childhood friend of deceased guitarist Mikey Houser, has been with the band since their incarnation in 1986.

    Nance’s return was announced on the Panic en la Playa Facebook page, where pictures of the soundcheck were posted. Panic en la Playa 5, the band’s festival in the Riviera Maya in Mexico, is scheduled to run Feb. 2 through 6. Upon returning stateside, Widespread Panic will embark on a short winter tour in February followed by a more extensive spring tour in April and early May. Tickets for their winter tour are currently on sale. Tickets for the spring tour go on sale Feb. 19 and 26.