Category: Central NY

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
Anders Osborne Beams at The Westcott Theater

On a night capping off a daylong deluge in Upstate New York, it was all rays of sunshine inside the Westcott Theater when Anders Osborne and Tom Hamilton’s American Babies took the stage. The two guitarists are both at the top of their game and were showing why to the well-packed and exuberant crowd.

American Babies got things started with their unique blend of Americana and electronica, showcasing Tom Hamilton’s history, present and future together in one jam-happy presentation. Classics like “Tangled Up in Blue” started in the Jerry Garcia Band style before evolving slowly into an electronica-based section. While the first single off their forthcoming album, “Synth Driver,” exhibited the electronica influence early before mellowing into a spacey improv.

After a solid hour-long set, the band thanked the audience and exited the stage while the house music took over. Seconds later, with no prompting from the crowd, the band came back out, “They said we can play some more.” And that they did! Another 30 minutes brought unexpected highlights like a lengthy “Old Time Religion” > “Joeline” combo, and a “What Does it Mean To Be” that blasted toward the finish line with a rocking jam. It was 50% more American Babies! What a deal.

With set-opening “Five Bullets,” Anders Osborne and his band were “coming in hot!” as a member of the crowd aptly called out. Osborne smiled and pointed, repeating, “We’re coming in hot!” In previous years he might have started high and kept the energy high all night. With his current band, featuring his long-time bass player Carl Dufrene, Brady Blade on drums, Eric McFadden on guitar and mandolin, and Danny Eisenberg on keys, he was able to put together quite a dynamic set.

Surrounding himself with such incredible players, Osborne wasn’t required to stand front and center every song playing blistering solo after solo. And because the band was so good, that was actually not a bad thing.

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Things were immediately taken down a notch with “47,” where Osborne’s recent forays with Phil Lesh’s band came to the fore in a beautiful reserved Jerry Garcia-esque jam. More Dead-influence was showcased in “Dyin’ Days” that featured some excellent work by McFadden playing off Osborne. The song wound its way up to ferociously before erupting into a quick “Down By the River” finish that left the crowd wondering if the set was already peaking three songs in.

With the bouncy blues of “Lafayette” and slow-building “Pontchartrain” from Osborne’s forthcoming album, it was clear this band still left room for surprises. Each song brought it’s own unique flavor, steeped in Louisiana’s musical cuisine.

Tom Hamilton and his backing rhythm guitarist Raina Mullen joined just Osborne and a mandolin-wielding McFadden for a mostly acoustic take on “Friend of the Devil.” Then McFadden and Osborne continued acoustically to play “Coming Down” as a duo. with Osborne scatting along with his guitar and McFadden trading licks on the mandolin.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGRXfgaQNw8[/embedyt]

The slinky reggae groover “Sarah Anne,” took a turn when Dufrene stepped to the front and blasted the groove into a dark space. A full-band improv ensued that could best be described as a beautifully controlled madness. It set your arm hair at attention. Osborne clearly felt it too. As soon as the song ended, he raised his arms in victory, looking excitedly around at his band. After a couple mid-set hugs, he stepped to the mic with a huge grin, “What is this place? Why haven’t we played here before? This is my favorite gig of the whole tour!”

The joy continued when they came back out for the encore. Osborne expressed his appreciation for the crowd, telling of his battles with addiction and how he’s built himself back up over the past seven years. This show, and the crowd’s enthusiasm, were vindication for all his hard work. He was truly excited about the amazing reception he was getting. On this rainy Syracuse evening. it truly was all sunshine on the inside.

Setlist: Five Bullets, 47, Dyin’ Days, Lafayette, Pontchartrain, Lean On Me/Believe In You, Friend of the Devil*, Coming Down, Move Back To Mississippi, Sarah Anne, Windows, Send Me A Friend
Encore: Call On Me

*with Tom Hamilton on guitar and Raina Mullen on vocals

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March 5, 2016
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

March 4, 2016
The Lightkeepers Serve a Hot Dish to a Hungry Shifty’s

Aside from their famous hot wings, Shifty’s in Syracuse is known for hosting some incredible musicians including local quintet The Lightkeepers. The 2016 SAMMY awards nominated group settled in last friday night and cooked up a heater to a packed house, hungry for more than just chicken. Nestled into one corner of the tavern, no bigger than a port-o-potty, is where the five-piece rock band stationed themselves allowing the most room possible for their fans to dance comfortably.

As folks trickled in, the band eagerly took the stage and kicked off the first set with the very groovy tune “Miracle,” from their recent self-titled album. Jes Sheldon led the band on this swinging song with her sassy, powerhouse vocals that rival the likes of Aretha Franklin and Amy Winehouse. Swaying and twisting her slender frame from song-to-song, provoked the crowd to boogie without hesitation. Aaron Fried escorted the parade on Bob Dylans’ “Serve Somebody” and their original, “Empty” with some distinct bass-influenced rhythms. Participation from the audience began to pick up as they helped sing a soulful rendition of “Come Together” by the Beatles. Having never played at Shifty’s as The Lightkeepers until now, the group collectively played their cards right, mixing up a balanced list of originals and covers.

After a short break, the troop of entertainers hit the stage once again and brought the fire with a funky original, titled “Bruteforce.” Following closely was an attractive trio of segued covers “Boogie On Reggae Woman,” “The Weight,” and “Hard to Handle.” P.J. Will governed the rhythm guitar on “Rock Steady” with funky-fast guitar wahs while Mike Vincitore tore up the proverbial rug with his untamed six-string guitar. Tucked neatly along the photo-blanketed back-wall, sat Jim Dunham on the drums, vigorously driving the Lightkeepers with his cognizant flow and time-keeping.

A slow psychedelic rendition of “Whole Lotta Love” featuring a heap of sensual vocals and swelling guitar licks brought the energy of the room to a lull only for brief moment before the band jumped into the riff-heavy, “Cryin’ Shame.” Before closing out the second set, the ensamble knocked down the Doors with “Light My Fire” and a new unreleased rock song titled “Damaged.” Nearly consumed by the supportive crowd, the band finished up the evening with a spot-on “Soulshine” segueing into “Sugaree” for one last heightening sing-a-long. Check out the full set list below and be sure to catch another show coming up where you can purchase their full length album and some cool swag.

Listen to “Mr. Coltrane” (written by P.J. Will) and “Snowflake” (written by Aaron Fried) performed at Shifty’s and recorded by sound engineer Patrick Allen.

Set I: Miracle, Birdie, Just Dropped In, Gypsy Lights, Serve Somebody, Empty, Come Together, Mr. Coltrane, Snowflake, The Thrill is Gone, Mae, Love the One You’re With, River of Atonement, Tried & True, Water Needs Wine, Gimme Shelter

Set II: Bruteforce, Boogie On Reggae Woman > The Weight > Hard to Handle, Rock Steady > Mr. Charlie, Mexican Plane, Save Me > Stormy Monday, Whole Lotta Love > Cryin’ Shame, Astronaut, Valerie, Light My Fire, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Damaged

Encore: Soulshine, Sugaree

Video by Lori Newcomb

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7XenJILrDg[/embedyt]

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March 4, 2016
Def Leppard Announce Extensive 2016 North American Summer Tour

Def Leppard will embark on a 55-city 2016 North American tour, which will include three New York dates, starting with the Moonstone Festival in Orlando, Florida, on May 1. The tour will extend all the way to the beginning of the fall season, ending at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 10.

Joining the boys from England for the extensive tour will be REO Speedwagon and Tesla. STYX will appear on select dates near the beginning of the tour, replacing REO Speedwagon on some dates.

Def Leppard will make three stops in New York. The first will take place on June 27 at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, then on July 11 they’ll play Nikon at Jones Beach in Wantagh and Darien Lake Aug. 31.

Def Leppard was formed in 1977. The band’s third studio album, Pyromania, and their fourth studio album, Hysteria, are both certified Diamond with more than 10 million copies sold. With smash hits like “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” “Love Bites,” the title track “Hysteria,” “Animal,” “Rocket” and “Armageddon It,” it’s not wonder that the Hysteria album alone has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.

Def Leppard has released 11 studio albums and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Def Leppard also holds the honor of being one of five rock bands to have two studio albums released in the United States to reach diamond certification.

Def Leppard, Reo Speedwagon, Tesla tour dates:

05-01 – Moonstone Festival – Orlando, FL
05-04 – Cajundome – Lafayette, LA*
05-05 – American Bank Center – Corpus Christi, TX*
05-07 – State Farms Arena – Hidalgo, TX*
05-10 – Century Link Center – Bossier City, LA
05-11 – Verizon Arena – Little Rock, AR
05-13 – Greensboro Coliseum – Greensboro, NC
05-15 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
05-17 – PPL Center – Allentown, PA
05-18 – Big Sandy Arena – Huntington, WV
05-20 – Amway Center – Orlando, FL**
06-22 – Xfinity Center – Boston, MA
06-24 – Darling’s Waterfront -Bangor, ME
06-25 – Videotron Centre – Quebec City, QC
06-27 – Lakeview Amphitheater- Syracuse, NY
06-29 – Hershey Park Stadium – Hershey, PA
07-01 – Klipsch Music Center – Indianapolis, IN
07-02 – Hollywood Casino – Chicago, IL
07-05 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
07-06 – Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI
07-08 – First Niagara Pavillion – Pittsburgh, PA
07-09 – Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
07-11 – Nikon at Jones Beach – Wantagh, NY
07-13 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
07-15 – DTE Music Theatre -Detroit, MI
07-16 – Molson Canadian Amphitheater -Toronto, ON
08-06 – Alliant Energy Center -Madison, WI
08-08 – Ford Center – Evansville, IN
08-10 – Jiffy Lube Center – Bristow, VA
08-12 – Aaron’s Amphitheater – Atlanta, GA
08-13 – Walnut Creek Amphitheater -Raleigh, NC
08-17 – Oak Mountain Amphitheater -Birmingham, AL
08-19 – Austin 360 – Austin, TX
08-22 – Cynthia Woods Pavilion -Houston, TX
08-24 – Gexa Energy Pavilion – Dallas, TX
08-26 – Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO
08-27 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – St. Louis, MO
08-29 – Blossom Music Center – Cleveland, OH
08-31 – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center – Darien Center, NY
09-14 – Metra Park – Billings, MT
09-16 – USANA Amphitheater – Salt Lake City, UT
09-17 – Pepsi Center -Denver, CO
09-19 – Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM
09-20 – Ak-Chin Pavilion -Phoenix, AZ
09-22 – Irvine Meadows Amphitheater – Irvine, CA
09-24 – Toyota Amphitheater – Sacramento, CA***
09-25 – Shoreline Amphitheater – Mountain View, CA
09-28 – Taco Bell Arena – Boise, ID
09-30 – Matthew Knight Arena – Eugene, OR
10-01 – Tacoma Dome – Tacoma, WA
10-04 – CenturyLink Center – Omaha, NE
10-05 – Xcel Energy Center – Minneapolis, MN
10-07 – La Crosse Center Arena – La Crosse, WI
10-08 – Huntington Center – Toledo, OH
10-10 – U.S. Cellular Center – Cedar Rapids, IA

*STYX to appear / No REO Speedwagon
**No REO Speedwagon
***No Tesla

March 4, 2016
Saturday Nights in March at Funk n Waffles Presented by NYS Music

Spring has sprung, and the funk is deep at Funk n Waffles in Syracuse. NYS Music is proud to present these great shows on Saturday nights throughout March at the popular downtown Syracuse venue.

March 5 – Gigantosaurus Rex with Baked Potatoes

Gigantosaurus Rex is angular, obtuse, and dynamic and while they are not a jamband, they bring a crushing sound created by three musicians.

Baked Potatoes is a 7 piece reggae band from Oneonta who love to put smiles on people’s faces. The Potatoes have been mastering their live performance with countless Upstate NY concerts playing with Sammy Adams, HR, The Sheds, The Fat Piece & many more. Having just released their debut EP, Waiting For The Weekend, Baked Potatoes is a band that will keep you dancing & wanting more.

March 12 – Our Friends Band with Folk Faces and Primo Ganso

Grooverockers Our Friend Band brings blues and funk and push musical boundaries through live improvisation and fresh takes on pre-existing material.

Folkfaces out of Buffalo play a rowdy blend of rootsy folk, jazz, and blues, fusing classic forms with contemporary feelings and irresistibly danceable energy. Their inspiration comes from the mountains of Appalachia to the deltas of Mississippi, the swamps of Louisiana to the Concrete Jungle of the Rustbelt. Specializing in merriment and sticking it to the system, Folkfaces make the crowd dance and the hierarchy shatter.

March 19 – Root SHOCK with Mosaic Foundation

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!

With a style as unique as its members are diverse, Mosaic Foundation is forward thinking reggae that stays true to the roots. Formed in 2009 and based in the Finger Lakes region of New York, the band has grown a loyal following, thanks to electric live performances and three studio releases. Blending roots, ska, dub, dance-hall and beyond, Mosaic is an exploration in reggae that is pushed to the limits and sometimes spills over. With lyrics that inspire dancing in the moment, and activate the mind in reflection, the songs encourage positivity, sustainable living and community.

March 26 – Big Mean Sound Machine

A thunderous dance party that fuses Afrobeat, Jazz, Funk,and Psychedelia, Big Mean Sound Machine is charting new musical territory with it’s latest release Contraband, recorded live in summer and winter of 2013. Big Mean continually re-defines the boundaries of dance music; meditation meets party time.

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

March 4, 2016
Is The Gig at Exit 33 The People’s Favorite Venue?

Only a week away, the Syracuse Area Music Awards are gearing up to be another amazing celebration honoring those musicians from the Central New York area.

Each year recipients in several categories are recognized for outstanding achievements in their genre and honored by a special category; The People’s Choice Awards. In addition to the Hall of Fame, Music Educator, and Lifetime Achievement Awards, people are allowed to vote for their favorite band, festival, and venue. Dwindled down to two choices in the final weeks, these finalists are put up for vote and announced at The SAMMY Awards.

This years People’s Favorite Venue includes a local that NYS Music covers frequently; the Turning Stone’s The Gig. The Gig is located at The Turning Stone’s Exit 33 venue, a venue that showcases all the local and region talent from right here in our very own backyard. This venue is the perfect choice for the people choice awards as they reaffirm the concept of celebrating local music.

Bands that play at The Gig are treated to state of the art equipment, while patrons are treated to affordable drink specials, craft beers, and pub snacks including their very own New York pizzas. Decorated in an urban rock style from the moment they enter, The Gig is a visual paradise for those both on and off the stage.

The Gig at Exit 33 is an affordable venue is the perfect choice for a night out with family friends or loved ones while celebrating rocking music. Voting ends Sunday, so don’t hesitate to go to the SAMMY’S Peoples Choice Page and cast your vote for favorite venue, festival, and band.

For more information on the induction ceremony and live awards show, please visit http://www.syracuseareamusic.com.

February 27, 2016
Twiddle Brings Plumperdump to Packed Syracuse Crowd

Twiddle rolled into Syracuse this past Saturday to a sold out crowd at the Westcott Theater. The third stop on the band’s Plumperdump Tour was also the third sold out show of the short winter run. An indication that the band’s stock is rising, backed by a continuously growing fan base.

The house wasn’t packed with just Twiddle fans from central New York. Before the band took the stage, the room was energized by swarms of fans from all over the Northeast. Some chatted about the half day drive or relived the tour’s first two shows in Maine and Rhode Island and many new fans simply waited in anticipation of their first Twiddle show.The evening’s set list showcased songs from the band’s latest release, PLUMP- Chapter One, as well as a playful blend of covers and Twiddle fan favorites. The music showcased a growth in exploration of self-education. Twiddle has found ways to weave together its new momentum and classic jams; a seemingly tricky task of bridging a new polished studio sound while exploring the space between the choruses.

Beyond the much hyped message of the band’s music, is a less discussed musical workmanship that sometimes get lost within the hype of “frends” and “pe^king”. What fans of the band are witnessing so far on the Plumperdump Tour, is the harmonious blend of the band’s musical journey; a tasty mix of hooky lyrics and feel good singalongs with whimsical improvisational composition while still creating an effective and intriguing blend.

Twiddle is on a journey, that if continued, will shine best during the summer festival season, where Twiddle is poised to play a mix of regional festivals and high profile events, such as this summer’s Lockn’ Music Festival.

The high profile growth seems to be giving the band a new approach to its performance. On this tour, Twiddle plays with an overwhelming sense of love for the journey.

In the show opener “Syncopated Healing” as well as in the evening’s extended version of the PLUMP single “Every Soul”, the band presented with a cleaner and brighter quality to their sound.

In “Carter Candlestick” and “Doinkinbonk”, Twiddle continued to showcase an onstage brotherhood by creating stand out moments for bassist Zdenek Gubb, who has eagerly driven the band toward a more dark, funky, but yet playful groove.

What makes Twiddle endearing is that, as highlighted in the evening’s version of the disco classic “Funkytown”, they explore a more playful space. Among their own original material, the song “Dr. Remidi’s Melodium” treated fans to the signature Twiddle reggae/funk/rock fusion that kept the crowd in a rhythmic bliss of engaging lyrics and danceable grooves.

Twiddle also seems to be finding new ways to take risks within its sets. The first set ended with not only a rousing rendition of the Beatles’ “Rocky Raccoon”, but also a seldom heard vocal jam. And although they may not be the first jam band to explore this technique, they are doing it their own way. The Twiddle vocal jam is a captivating blend of beat-boxing and vocal rhythms that mimics the best video game soundtracks and electronic grooves – a group of twenty something musicians playfully distorting and manipulating the sounds of its generation into a unique musical moment.

The only downfall of the evening was that the energy of the crowd felt too big for the venue. The Westcott Theater staff found themselves turning fans away at the door. And while continued sellouts are great to encourage the band to book larger venues, it’s that larger space that the band’s sounds is looking to fill. For a band like Twiddle that is clearly looking to attract a mix of fans while blending a variety of musical textural sounds, the band will only continue to grow if the size of the spaces they play grows as well.

Twiddle continues the Plumperdump tour Thursday, Feb. 25 at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo before heading to the Upstate Music Hall in Clifton Park on Friday, Feb. 26 with Formula 5 and Irving Plaza in New York City on Feb. 27.

Setlist: Syncopated Healing, Every Soul, Carter Candlestick, Five, Dr. Remidi’s Melodium, Dusk ‘Til Dawn, Doinkinbonk!!! > Funky Town > Doinkinbonk!!!, Rocky Raccoon

Encore: Hattibagen McRat

February 25, 2016
Hearing Aide: Major Player ‘Grift & Gum’

Jeff York and Liz Strodel of indie soul/rock project Major Player kicked back at a local bar to discuss wardrobe malfunctions, zodiac signs and how Major Player was almost a funk cover band. Amidst the silly antics, York and Strodel expressed serious enthusiasm about the recent release of their debut album Grift & Gum, which was recorded, mixed and mastered at More Sound Studio. Their playful demeanors in conversation slightly contradict the album’s make-up, which manifests a moodiness wrought with the emotional drudgery of deteriorating relationships.

The somber title track offers minimalist guitar and drum work with Hammond organ weaving through ambiguous lyrics. The song grapples with the need to persevere in the face of an uncertain fate. York postulates “I laid down by better days/Reach out for better days,” his words chased by echoing organ, produce a resounding emptiness to match the dark intangible hope for a better future.

York notes how the straightforward instrumentation on the record affords the musicians wiggle room to improvise and experiment with live performances. Improvisation may become most necessary in instances when Strodel’s sticks weasel their way into the tangle of bracelets on her wrist, causing her to obscure the beat. Such was the case during their December show at Funk ‘N Waffles downtown, much to the audience’s amusement. York views these occasional hiccups as happy accidents explaining, “When she messes up, it sounds good.” Strodel jokingly mused how she can play down offbeat occurrences with an “I meant to do that” attitude.

The second track, “Hailey,” careening through slightly more buoyant rhythm, questions the validity of a soured relationship, asking as many couples have, “Could this mean at last now/that we’ve past our/infatuated moment/What drew us so close in.” “Static Noise,” speckled with bluesy guitar riffs imparts a dejectedness often felt after a breakup. Heavily distorted instrumentation adds a sense of unfamiliarity akin to the newly single state in which one relearns how to act independently. “Hard From Now On” showcases the most progressive rhythm on the album. The lyrics allude to finding new love in religion, or some greater cause contingent on the listener’s perspective.

Despite the melancholy nature of the album content, the abbreviated collection of songs is alluringly presented in the vein of ethereal trip hop. York assembled this first taste of Major Player from a larger catalogue of material he’s already written. As York plans to release more songs in the spring, the entire band also plans to write material collaboratively and continue to characterize their musical identity. Though Major Player has strayed from becoming a cover band devoted to The Meters, as was the original intent, listeners might recognize a cover or two thrown into live performances in the near future. York and Strodel, along with bandmates Nick Mazzeo (keys) and Andrew Greacen (bass) are looking forward to performing more in the warmer months.

With beer glasses nearly empty and conversation winding down, Strodel sarcastically offers to disclose their zodiac signs for interview purposes. So for anyone curious, York is an Aquarius and Strodel is a Saggitarius. Both wryly smiling York added, “Take that for what it is.” A simple sentiment which also reflects the bands’ laid-back attitude for their open-ended future.

Key tracks: Grift & Gum, Hailey, Hard From Now On

February 23, 2016
Barry Manilow to Play Turning Stone Despite Emergency Surgery

It looks like Barry Manilow will be able to play his scheduled performance at Turning Stone after all.

The 72-year old singer/songwriter made a surprise return performance Sunday night at Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. He underwent emergency oral surgery on back-to-back days on Feb. 8 and 9 and, after performing in Memphis, Tennessee on Feb. 11, Manilow was rushed to a Los Angeles-area hospital for a third procedure due to complications from the first two surgeries.

ET Canada reports that Manilow’s third surgery was a success. Manilow was instructed by doctors not to talk, sing or rap for 48 hours after the surgery. According to ET, music producer David Foster said the recent hospitalization isn’t as scary as it sounded and Manilow will be fine, but it was something that he just had to deal with.

At Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party, Manilow performed his 1974 hit “Mandy.” Manilow told the audience, “I am glad to be here tonight. What a week.” Manilow then performed a duet, “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart,” with the late Judy Garland who appeared on the video screen behind Manilow.

Days later, Manilow resumed his One Last Time-One Last Tour Wednesday night at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Two dates in Tennessee were postponed due to the hospitalization. Central New Yorkers can catch their last glimpse of this music icon when he hits the stage at the Turning Stone Events Center at the Turning Stone Casino on Friday, March 18, in Verona, outside Syracuse.

From 2008-2011, Manilow held residency in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Hilton performing over 400 shows. Manilow has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide with several Billboard hits to go along with various multi-platinum selling albums.

Manilow has won various awards in his career including a Grammy for Best Pop Male Performance for the song “Copacabana,” EMMY awards in 1977 for Outstanding Special (Comedy, Variety or Music) – The Barry Manilow Special and 2006 for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program – Barry Manilow: Music And Passion, a Tony award in 1977 for Barry Manilow on Broadway and several American Music Awards.

February 19, 2016