Category: Rock

Rockin in the Heat, Vans Warped Tour Heats Up Darien Lake.

It was a balmy, cloudy start to the day for this years edition of the Van’s Warped Tour at Darien Center. Around twelve the weather turned and the sun decided to stay out making the weather quite enjoyable.

The Word Alive:

The five piece metal core band out of Phoenix, AZ; led by lead vocalist Tyler “Telle” Smith kick-started the day off from the second they took the stage. Immediately the crowd was engaged, singing along with Smith and the mosh pits starting immediately when the band took the stage. When the band played their hit track “Sellout” off their most recent album Dark Matter, the crowd went insane and a circle pit started and seamlessly didn’t end until the song was near its end. All in all, The Word Alive kicked off Vans Warped Tour with an enormous bang.

Four Year Strong:

The Boston, MA punk rock group, dressed in Hawaiian clad gear took the stage on the Journey’s right. From the jump off the band’s energy ignited the crowd. Playing a good combination of old and a couple new tracks, the band held high energy throughout their performance. With a crew member dressed up as Santa tossing out shirts to the crowd, Four Year Strong lived up to the performances of the past Warped Tour.

Ice Nine Kills:

The quartet metal core band took the stage and their set up was miraculous. With a giant skull set up with the drum set the middle, INK hands down had the best stage set up on the entire bill. Playing all of their hit songs like, Bury this hatchet in your head, and closing with Me, Myself and Hyde. From beginning to end INK crushed their time on stage and the crowd was involved right from the jump. Lead vocalist Spencer Charnas was the life of the stage as he came into the crowd and really ignited the place around him. Overall Ice Nine Kills put on one of the better performances of the day.

Every Time I Die:

The Buffalo, NY five piece in their first Warped Tour appearance in two years took the day. With it being their homecoming performance on the Vans Warped Tour the band did not pull any stops, with the Buckley brothers Jordan and Keith jumping into the crowd really exciting everyone in attendance for their performance. They debuted a new track off of their upcoming album Low Teens to be released on September 23 of this year. A special gift was given to anyone that purchased any merchandise from their tent, with any purchase a digital download of the new album was given. Overall, the hometown boys really brought down the hammer and heated up the already hot day with the best performance of the day, really showing that Buffalo metal will only live on through this band.

Sum 41:

In their first appearance in many years the Canadian quintet showed they still have the juice. Playing all of their classic hits and a new track off of their upcoming album Sum 41 definitely gave this writer the nostalgic feeling of being back in high school. With tracks like Still Waiting, In Too Deep, Fat Lip and The Hell Song; Sum 41 brought the crowd to life with all of their classics as their performance was towards the end of the evening. There wasn’t much room to stand as the revival of an old punk rock classic made their long awaited reunion. One of the most notable parts of their performance was when the band brought up fans from the crowd to party on stage with them, proving that this band is definitely ready to make their way back into the scene. Deryck Whibley looked like he never missed a beat and the band followed his lead and kept the crowd alive with their performance.

July 29, 2016
So Right on a Friday Night in Saratoga with Dave Matthews

Saratoga Performing Arts Center has been a staple for Dave Matthews Band for so many years and the band busted open the two night run with So Right, fitting perfectly and setting the tone for the weekend. The band is celebrating their 25th year this tour and with their upcoming break next year the band is putting it all on the table as they poured through their catalog with favorites as well as mixing in a few newer tunes. Fan favorites Recently and Crash followed and kept the energy flowing through, it seemed like the band was having an incredible time on stage and continued to pour it on throughout the evening. The Crowd was mixed with younger and older fans alike and was great to see families enjoying the great lawn together.

Setlist: So Right, Recently, Crash, Raven, Warehouse, Bob Law, Proudest Monkey>Satellite, One Sweet World , Crush, Samurai Cop , Seek up , Idea of the you, Grey Street*, Death on the High Seas , Typical Situation , Too Much , Pantala Naga Pampa>Rapunzel Encore: Sister, Granny, Tripping Billies

*w/ Dave Pietro

July 28, 2016
Photo Gallery: Happy Owl Fest 2016

This past Saturday, on one of the hottest days of summer, the Happy Owl Fest flew into the quaint, Grateful Dead-esque ‘venue bar’ known as American Beauty, located in the midtown section of Manhattan. Typically, I would not be very excited to be inside for a festival in the middle of the summer, but fortunately, this venue’s air conditioning battled the 100 degree heat without mercy. At times, there were rumblings of people actually being cold. Add to this the ample selection of good craft beer, and American Beauty’s only food offering, a free personal cheese pizza with each beer, and you have a lovely way to spend the better portion of your weekend day. I haven’t even talked of the line up yet, which of course was the reason I was there in the first place.

The schedule was ambitious, including nine acts between the hours of 3pm and 3am, with a bonus side hustle of the Phish webcast from Chula Vista, CA, which was projected in the main bar while the bands played on in the main stage area. I was one happy camper that I was able to catch the full sets of Polyvamp, Sylfox and the Hustler, Formula 5, and Sprocket. Alone across these four bands was an eclectic mix of music that should satisfy a majority of musical tastes. In sum, the Happy Owl Fest navigated improvisational rock, funk, and electronic with a dash of blues, not necessarily all at the same time.

Should this event take place again next year under similar circumstances, I wouldn’t hesitate to make the trip. The balance between venue, beer, food, music and price of admission was quite welcome. The only suggestion I would make is for the venue to make a small investment in a house lighting system. On one hand, the noir scene makes for a rare experience in dedicated club venues these days. On the other hand, a little lighting action would would inject some energy into the room, in this photographer’s opinion.

Till next year, enjoy my gallery from the first Happy Owl Fest.

July 27, 2016
Let the Hoppy Hour Hero Flow with moe. at Saranac Brewery

This weekend, moe. returns to Utica, NY for another glorious two-night stay at Saranac Brewery and prepare to bring Hoppy Hour Hero to the masses. The Utica staple will welcome Ryan Montbleau supporting on Friday, July 29 and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong opening on Saturday, July 30.

As fans already know, Saranac will be serving up some of their moe.st special brew, Hoppy Hour Hero, for the double event along with many other summer favorites. Fans can also stay tuned for a special taping of “Vinnie’s Kitchen” featuring a recipe that includes the band’s namesake beer, which will be taped at the Brewery with some lucky contest winners. Gates open at 5 p.m. both days.

The Buffalo-based jammers have been taking a short break to prep for this weekend as well as select Summer appearances and their Fall tour which includes a Red Rocks performance paired with Gov’t Mule, a Pink Floyd theme late-night set at The Peach Fest, and another 2-night run at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo.

July 27, 2016
WEQX Presents: White Denim @ The Hollow

WEQX presents… White Denim at downtown Albany’s The Hollow on July 23rd.

White Denim is a fusion rock band from Austin, Texas including James Petralli, Steve Terebecki, Jonathan Horne, and Jeffrey Olson. Their music is influenced by dub, psychedelic rock, blues, punk rock, progressive rock, soul, jazz, experimental rock with a home-based recording, jamming approach, intense looping work and unusual song structures. Their sixth record, “Stiff”, was just released this March and is jam packed with adrenaline-fuelled sing-alongs that show off the bands talents. This is their first live album, recorded with traditional equipment and techniques to achieve an authentic sound.

www.whitedenimmusic.com

Doors 8PM Show 9PM

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

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

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

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

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

July 21, 2016
WEQX Presents: Bloc Party playing Alive @ 5

Bloc Party will take the stage at Alive @ 5 with opening act Titanics on Thursday the July 21.

Bloc Party is an English indie rock band with artists Kele Okereke (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, sampler), Russell Lissack (lead guitar, keyboards), Justin Harris (bass guitar, keyboards, saxophones, backing vocals) and Louise Bartle (drums). Their danceable rock music has made them one of London’s biggest hits.

The band has performed on the Late Show with David Letterman and the Tonight Show, been featured on multiple magazine covers, and performed highly-anticipated sets at major festivals such as Coachella.

The band’s fifth studio album, Hymns, the first to involve Harris and Bartle, was released in January 2016. They have collectively sold over three million albums worldwide.

Check out this playlist to see what Bloc Party has to offer.

Mark Lombardo and Derek Rogers make up Titanics who were named “Best Best” by Albany’s Metroland, featured on San Francisco’s most prestigious music blog “Indie Shuffle” and Mercedes Benz’ September 2013 “Best New Talent” mixtape. Their use of synthesizers and electronic beats create tranquil sounds, spiritual feels and a pop sensibility. Check out their website below for news updates and music downloads.

You can get a taste for the Titanics at their Bandcamp page here.

102.7 WEQX is the real rock alternative

July 21, 2016
In Focus: Grace Potter at Xerox Rochester International Jazz Fest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 17, 2016
Jane’s Addiction Partner with Dinosaur Jr at the Capitol Theatre

Alt-rock founding fathers Janes’ Addiction’s Sterling Spoon Tour is celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversaries of both the band’s sophomore studio LP Ritual de lo Habitual and Lollapalooza, the eclectic festival co-owned and directed by Jane’s frontman Perry Farrell. The tour will stop at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on Sunday, July 17, with support from jangle-noise rockers Dinosaur Jr. The appearance will constitute the third consecutive night of NYC-metro area performances, following on the heels of tour stops at Coney Island and Asbury Park, NJ.

Playing in or near New York City is always a sort of homecoming for Perry Farrell, who left his hometown of Queens after high school to pursue dreams of surfing the California coast. The band’s only live album aside from their 1987 self-titled debut was recorded in NYC in 2013.

Jane’s and Dinosaur Jr both hail from the broad mid-80s world of independent, do-it-yourself music, but they represent opposite coasts and distinct stylistic leanings. Jane’s Addiction blazed a trail by combining heavy metal and post-punk sensibilities into an art-rock fusion music that retained its integrity even after being picked up by a major label. Dinosaur Jr made a name for themselves as the first notable indie band to infuse their songs with soaring guitar solos reminiscent of the seventies rock music that the punk movement had rebelled against. Thirty-plus years on from their formation, this pairing of bands offers audiences a chance to see two highly influential acts who are alike in having historically had difficulty staying together over the course of their respective careers but have recently been enjoying periods of stability and creative fruitfulness.

The string of eight shows that Dino Jr is set to play with Jane’s Addiction comes just weeks in advance of the August 8 release of their eleventh studio album Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not. See Dinosaur Jr playing “Tiny” from the forthcoming album on The Late Show with Jools Holland:

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwJN6Ac-dcE[/embedyt]

See live video of Jane’s Addiction’s jammed out masterpiece “Three Days” from Ritual performed last month in London:

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G0ZzaBadZU[/embedyt]

The Capitol Theatre, famous as a venue for classic rock acts and performers who follow closely in their footsteps, is an apt place for Jane’s Addiction and Dinosaur Jr to prove that they too are part of the unified history of rock and roll.

July 15, 2016