Category: News

  • Slightly Stoopid Stopping in Utica this Summer

    California reggae-fusion act Slightly Stoopid has announced their ninth annual cross-country summer tour, bringing them to Saranac Brewery in Utica on July 22.

    The Return Of The Red Eye Summer Tour will criss-cross the country, hitting amphitheaters and pavilions throughout North America, with supporting act SOJA announced as direct support for most dates. Zion I, the Grouch & Eligh and Fortunate Youth will also perform on select portions of the tour, with all acts aside from Fortunate Youth performing at Saranac Brewery on July 22.

    Return of the Red Eye Summer Tour Dates:
    6/15 Redmond, WA – Marymoor Park # *
    6/17 Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater # *
    6/24 Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre # *
    6/25 Irvine, CA – Irvine Meadows # *
    6/26 Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl # *
    6/30 Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex # *
    7/01 Las Vegas, NV – TBA # *
    7/02 Stateline, NV – Harvey’s Outdoor Arena # *
    7/03 San Luis Obispo, CA – Avila Beach Resort # *
    7/09 San Diego, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre # *
    7/15 Houston, TX – The Lawn at White Oak Music Hall # *
    7/16 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Amphitheater Pavilion # *
    7/17 New Braunfels, TX – Whitewater Amphitheater # *
    7/21 Portland, ME – Maine State Pier # *
    7/22 Utica, NY – Saranac Brewery # *
    7/24 Simsbury, CT – Simsbury Performing Arts Center # *
    7/29 Portsmouth, VA – Portsmouth Pavilion # *
    7/30 Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater # *
    7/31 North Charleston, SC – Riverfront Park # *
    8/03 Des Moines, IA – Brenton Skate Plaza # *
    8/04 Kansas City, MO – Crossroads # *
    8/06 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre # *
    8/07 Council Bluffs, IA – Stir Cove # *
    8/11 St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre # !
    8/12 Cocoa, FL – Riverfront Park # !
    8/14 St. Petersburg, FL – Vinoy Park # !
    8/18 Boston, MA – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion # !
    8/19 Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage # !
    8/20 Philadelphia, PA – Festival Pier # !
    8/21 Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion !
    8/25 Minneapolis, MN – Cabooze Outdoors # !
    8/27 Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion # !

    # with SOJA
    * with Zion I, The Grouch & Eligh
    ! with Fortunate Youth

  • Jimkata Goes Panda in New Music Video

    Ithaca-based band Jimkata got the Nerdist nod this week. The band used the website to release its first music video, for the single “Wild Ride,” from their latest album In Motion. The video features the members of Jimkata dressed in panda costumes, riding on scooters, and partaking in an animal dance party.

    Aaron Gorsch, Evan Friedell & Packy Lunn- Jimkata- Copyright Pat Tellier

    The video is currently exclusively only available through the Nerdist wesbite.

    After a brief hiatus this past fall, the three piece of Evan Friedell, Aaron Gorsch and Packy Lunn returned with the release of their second fan-funded album. The band is currently touring in support of the record.

    Jimkata returns to the Aura Music Festival this weekend before jumping back on the road. Their current tour is making several stops in New York state including Buffalo, Rochester, New York City and the band’s hometown of Ithaca.

    JIMKATA TOUR DATES

    Mar 03 — Live Oak, FL — Aura Music Festival
    Mar 05 — Savannah, GA — Barrelhouse South
    Mar 17 — Washington, DC — Gypsy Sallys
    Mar 18 — Asbury Park, NJ — The Saint
    Mar 19 — Hamden, CT — The Outer Space
    Mar 24 — Pittsburgh, PA — Club Cafe
    Mar 25 — Harrisburg, PA — Abbey Bar
    Mar 26 — Buffalo, NY — Iron Works
    Apr 01 — Rochester, NY — Flour City Station
    Apr 02 — Oneonta, NY — Oneonta Theatre
    Apr 07 — Boston, MA — Middle East Upstairs
    Apr 08 — Ithaca, NY — The Haunt
    Apr 09 — Brooklyn, NY — Rough Trade
    Apr 13 — Cleveland, OH — Beachland Tavern
    Apr 14 — Columbus, OH — Woodlands Tavern
    Apr 15 — Kalamazoo, MI — Shakespeare’s
    Apr 16 — Chicago, IL — Tonic Room
    Apr 21 — Fort Collins, CO — Hodi’s Half Note
    Apr 22 — Denver, CO — Larimer Lounge
    Apr 23 — Boulder, CO — The Lazy Dog
    Apr 25 — Lawrence, KS — The Bottleneck
    Apr 27 — Iowa City, IA — Yacht Club
    Apr 28 — Grand Rapids, MI — Founders
    Apr 29 — Lansing, MI — The Loft
    Apr 30 — Erie, PA — Kings Rook Club

  • Twiddle Announces Show at Capitol Theatre

    Vermont quartet Twiddle announced they will headline Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre on May 7. The announcement happened in front of a sold-out crowd Saturday night at the Irving Plaza in New York City.

    NYC’s instrumental rock-fusion band Tauk will open the Cap show.

    twidcap

    Although the band has played larger venues in support of other artists, headlining the historic Capitol Theater is just another indication that the band’s rising popularity is backed by growing crowds and bookings into larger venues. Saturday night’s Twiddle show at Irving Plaza sold out days before the event. All indicators point to the show at the Capitol Theater to do the same.

    Twiddle celebrated the big news by debuting a fan-inspired song called “Collective Pulse.” Guitarist Mihali Savoulidis posted an acoustic debut of the song via his Facebook page on Feb. 13. Fans that missed the announcement and the song’s full band debut can check out this fan-shot video that highlights both:

    Twiddle continues to announces big shows and festivals that have the band touring late into the summer including a slot at the Lockn’ Music Festival and opening for the Disco Biscuits at Red Rocks on June 4. The band has also announced that they will host Tumble Down July 29- 30, a two-day music event in Burlington, VT.

    Twiddle heads to Florida for the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival on March 4-6 before finishing up the last leg of their Plumperdump Winter Tour.

  • Frost Ridge returns! WNY campground can host concerts again

    After nearly two years, Frost Ridge, a popular outdoor venue in Le Roy has been cleared to host concerts again.

    Nestled deep within the farmlands and orchards of Western New York, Frost Ridge Campground lends to an intimate, outdoor venue for live music while also being accessible to the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, each about 40 miles away.

    frost ridge jam

    The Le Roy Zoning Board of Appeals reached a decision Wednesday, Feb. 17,  that will end years of disputes over the Frost Ridge Campground’s use of hosting outdoor concerts with amplified music.

    “We appreciate the diligent efforts of everyone involved to work through the obstacles presented during this process,” David and Greg Luetticke-Archbell, the campground’s owners, posted on their Facebook page last week, “and [we] are thankful to have this resolved so our lives may return to normal. Frost Ridge will continue to operate within the boundaries of the law, while bringing fun for the whole family to Our Little Slice Of Heaven at Exit 47.”

    maxresdefault2This week, the Luetticke-Archbells are entertaining a shortlist of potential acts: Charlie Daniels Band, Kenny Rogers, Oak Ridge Boys or Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
    frostridgetop

    The drama has been earnestly reported by The Batavian, an online news source for the local community. Through its investigation, the crux of the matter seems to lie on how the land was being used in 1967.

    Ownership of the grounds has changed hands a few times over the years. David and Greg Luetticke-Archbell bought the grounds in 2008. At the time, there was no confusion over how the land could be used; as the land was being sold nearly 20 years ago, its owner asked the zoning board to clarify how it was zoned. The ZBA supposedly responded in 1998 that the land was “pre-existing, non-conforming,” as the campground and existing land uses were established before the town devised its master plan in 1967.

    Starting in 2012, the Luetticke-Archbell have been throwing a robust summer music festival called Jam at the Ridge, luring music talents from across the country. According to the campground’s website, music has been played there since the days when it was known primarily as a ski lodge. The campgrounds, according to the two brothers, were established in 1963.

    In 2013, the ZBA had approved live music at the grounds, addressing complaints from local residents. The complaints, however, escalated through the threat of litigation. The town subsequently challenged its own ZBA’s ruling.

    The town, citing from their records, see only the ski lodge as being grandfathered into their zoning plans. Everything else, after 1967, would require a use variance, which would go through the ZBA.

    In summer 2014, the grounds’ owners were ultimately ordered to cease outdoor music by a New York State Supreme Court judge as both town and residents pursued litigation. More than a year later, the Daily News out of Batavia reported that another supreme court judge ordered the ZBA to host a public hearing on the topic.

    At the December 2015 public hearing, Town Attorney Reid Whiting said the town would not challenge the ZBA’s decision.

    The board’s decision appears to hinge on the campground owners’ argument that any issue residents have with outdoor concerts should be addressed through the town’s sound ordinance, and not land use. David Roach, the grounds’ attorney, argued this point in the December public hearing.

    Western New York is no stranger to disputes over sound ordinance. In neighboring Newstead, residents successfully shut down an outdoor venue in 2014 by means of the town’s sound ordinance.

  • Weird Al’s Mandatory World Tour Continues With Newly Announced NY Shows

    Last year, “Weird Al” Yankovic toured extensively in support of his latest album, Mandatory Fun. Recently he announced that he will be back at it again — this time with 78 shows between June and September.

    Mandatory World TourReleased in July 2014, Mandatory Fun marked Weird Al’s first number one album. He also took home a Grammy Award in the Best Comedy Album category for it. The album was well received by critics, and the virality of its music videos helped place it atop the Billboard Top 200 shortly after it was released. As NYS Music’s Michael Hallisey said, “Mandatory Fun is Al’s 14th release, and by far his masterpiece.  Like Warner Brothers through Looney Tunes, Yankovic is able to tie in current events with references to the past, allowing listeners from multiple generations to enjoy.” Mandatory Fun is likely Yankovic’s last normal length album as he shifts to releasing songs through EPs and singles over the internet.

    S Harris - Weird Al - Capitol Theatre-1

    Most of the 78 shows are now on sale to the general public, including his three New York stops:

    Sept. 4  The Budweiser Summer Stage at TAG’s, Big Flats, NY
    Sept. 17 Proctors Theater, Schenectady NY
    Sept. 24 Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY

    For a full list of Weird Al’s tour stops, check out his website. Weird Al’s tour begins June 3 and wraps up Sept. 24.

  • Daryl’s House Plans to Expand With New Outdoor Venue Space

    On Halloween 2014, Hall & Oates performed for the opening night of Daryl’s House in Pawling — owned by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Daryl Hall himself.

    This week, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported that the venue is in the planning process to add an outdoor venue space for more than 1,000 guests. The current house hosts a combined restaurant and music space similar to its former tenant, the Towne Crier Cafe, which relocated to Beacon in 2013.

    Dary’s House already has a few class acts lined up for what they are calling the Backyard Concert Series, including Todd Rundgren, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Lucius, Shovels & Rope, and Colin Hay, with more to be announced.

    While the prospect of the outdoor venue is being received well locally, the venue is still in the planning process. The property owners have to obtain the necessary permits, otherwise the outdoor events won’t be able to take place.

    Daryl’s House grew out of the “Live From Daryl’s House” series that Hall began as a web series in 2007.

    Read the Poughkeepsie Journal’s article, which includes a brief interview with Hall.

  • Reid Genauer, Children’s Author

    Reid Genauer is a well-known musician, best known as the frontman for Strangefolk and Assembly of Dust, and a tech executive. He can now add children’s author to his résumé.

    JeffreysJungle

    Jeffrey’s Jungle, as the book is titled, is Genauer’s first foray into writing books. The book, illustrated by Genauer’s friend Alan Close, is a playful, 24-page children’s book aimed at ages 4 to 9. The story chronicles a young boy, Jeffrey, and his imagination as he’s left at home while his mom runs some errands. The curious boy cranks up the heat in the house, sprouting a jungle throughout the home, waterfalls and all.

    Genauer was inspired to write poetry when he was 10 after reading Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends. As he moved towards songwriting, he drew inspiration from Jerry Garcia’s longtime songwriting partner, lyricist Robert Hunter. Genauer’s style is often compared to that of Hunter, Steely Dan or Neil Young. His writing style, which will feel very familiar to those who love his music, is very lyrical and bouncy.

    Screen Shot 2016-02-24 at 10.23.48 PM

    Bill Nershi of String Cheese Incident is quoted in the press release:

    Reid’s a great song writer. He has a natural approach to a song that is artful, lyrically acrobatic and accessible. He and I have always bonded about the role of song craft in the sea of musical improvisation. Writing a children’s book is a natural extension of what he does best. Not surprisingly his book comes off as mischievous and fun loving as he is.

    In addition to writing Jeffrey’s Jungle, Genauer has written more than 100 children’s poems and plans to publish a series of books over the years to come. Jeffrey’s Jungle is available now on Amazon.com.

  • 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.

    sonny jamesAs 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.

  • Ed Mann Joins Paul Green’s Rock Academy for Tribute to Frank Zappa

    Ed Mann, Frank Zappa‘s longtime drummer, will join forces with Paul Green’s Rock Academy for a special night of Zappa music at The Hollow in Albany on Saturday, March 5.

    Ed Mann Zappa Paul Green, founder of School of Rock and inspiration for Jack Black’s character in the movie of the same name, has been teaching children to play rock music, including that of Frank Zappa, since 1998. His students have played Lollapalooza, Carnegie Hall, CBGB and Austin City Limits. They have worked alongside many Zappa collaborators including Ike Willis, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Denny Walley, Adrian Belew and Mike Keneally.

    The Rock Academy is about to kick off a yearlong collaboration with Zappa drummer Ed Mann, who has appeared on more Zappa albums than any other member of the band. Mann has had a successful career post-Zappa as well, including teaching music at different colleges, recording for film composers and pioneering the development of holistic sound therapy. In 2012, he began working with various jam bands on percussion and as sound artist.

    The show takes place on March 5 at 8 p.m. at The Hollow Bar and Kitchen. Tickets are currently available for $12 in advance or $15 at the door the night of the show. Acoustic Trauma will play a late set beginning at 11 p.m.

  • All Good Music Festival Retired

    After nearly 20 years of great music and fun, All Good Music Festival & Campout is retiring.

    All_Good_Festival_2011

    Tim Walther and Junipa Conteno-Süslü began promoting and producing shows as a way to highlight the growing jamband scene in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore area. The All Good Music Festival, which commenced in 1997, was the culmination of their work, bringing many touring acts to a single location. The festival began at Wilmer Park in Brandywine, Maryland and, after bouncing around for a couple years, landed on the festival’s longtime home at Marvin’s Mountaintop in Masontown, West Virginia. It was held there until 2012, when it moved to Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio.

    The festival had become a mainstay in the early days of music festivals, but was not without problems. In 2011, a truck crashed through the camping area over some tents, killing one and severely injuring three others. The driver blamed the parking lot attendants and security guards who guided him to park on a steep grassy area near tents and other vehicles, but failed to guide him out of his space upon leaving. Families of the victims sued him, along with about a dozen organizers and promoters.

    All Good Music Festival has showcased both big names and newcomers to the jamband scene, as well as alternative rock acts. Well-known acts such as the Allman Brothers Band, Phil Lesh & Friends, Furthur, Primus, the Flaming Lips, and Cake have made appearances at the festival. Many popular smaller and regional acts have also been featured at All Good, including Brew, the Slip, the Werks and Brooklyn’s Moon Hooch. While Phish was broken up in 2006, the headliners were Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon with the Benevento/Russo Duo.

    The retirement was announced via a post on the All Good website.

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpiKzK12HWI[/embedyt]