NYS Music 20​16

Category: Central NY

  • Thompson Square Becomes Thompson ‘To The Third Power’

    Shawna and Keifer Thompson, better known to their fans as Thompson Square, welcomed to the world the arrival of little Cooper, their newborn son.  Taken along on this gestational journey, all their Thompson Square fans, shared personal moments throughout as they eagerly awaited his arrival.

    For those not familiar with this country music duo, Thompson Square is one of country music’s most loved couples and one of only a few that are duets.  Their musical talent began in Nashville as they both came to town to pursue a music career.  Immediately smitten with Shawna, Keifer knew she was the one.  At a recent show at Kegs Canalside in Jordan, NY, Keiffer took a moment to speak with NYS Music about their pregnancy, musical journey, and upcoming album.

    DSC_0484 copyKathy Stockbridge: Hi Keifer, so excited to be welcoming you and Shawna back to New York again.  You both have been together and performing together now for several years however your careers started as individual artists.  Explain the journey a bit to those that may not know the story.

    Keifer Thompson: Hey there, well we moved to town obviously not knowing each other as individual artists doing our own thing.  We dated three years and then were married three years before we decided that this was not what we wanted.  We wanted to be together all the time, so that is when Thompson Square was formed and that’s when everything started taking shape for us.

    KS:  Some things are just meant to be.

    KT:  That is true.

    KS:  Do you both come from musical families?

    KT: Shawna does, I do not. There is actually no musical talent at all in my immediate family.

    KS:  What drew you in that direction?

    KT: Well my grandmother was a poet and a writer and sometimes a singer.  I think I got everything I have from her.

    KS:  So, what were some of your early influences in music as you were growing up?

    KT:  It’s all rooted in traditional country music.  For me, my first exposure was Elvis, and Roger Miller , and all the traditional music.  For Shawna and I both, we had siblings that exposed us to 80’s rock and roll as well, but really we love everything, every genre.

    KS:  I can tell, you’ve got this rock and roll edge to your music.IMG_1689 copy

    KT:  Yeah we definitely lean more towards that than anything else.

    KS:  Can you give the readers a timeline perhaps of you coming to Nashville and your journey to today?

    KT:  We met in Nashville the very first week we were there.  We were doing our own individual things .  We met at the Nightlife in 1996, it’s kinda like a Nashville version of a karaoke bar.  They have a live band, they play whatever song you want, so you get up and sing.  So we met there and I hit on her the first night.  I had been dating someone else at the time for about five years and had broken it off when I moved from Oklahoma to Nashville.  I knew it wasn’t the right one for me, and at the time wasn’t planning on finding my wife, much less the mother of our children, but God works in mysterious way you know.  We were performing together in the house and I would play down on Broadway and she would come in and sit in with my band on the weekends.  I think we were too close to it at the time to see that what we had we extremely special (the singing together).  It was just unique and sounded different than everyone else.  But that wasn’t why we started Thompson Square.  Thompson Square was formed out of necessity to be together all the time.

    KS:  And congratulations to you both on your wonderful news on the baby.  I am so excited for you guys. Loved how you announced it to your fans on Instagram as well.  How did that come about?

    KT:  Yeah we were trying to figure out how we would announce it. I just happened to pick up a can of Diet Coke one day that said “Dad” on it. And then we thought that might be a good way of telling our fans.  You don’t want to go over the top with it. We wanted it to be organic and real, and that’s how it was.

    KS: (and just so you know, they were not drinking the sodas…just using them as props)

    KS: I think it was really cool that you wanted to share this with your fans.  Some people in the business like to keep their private lives very private, but you guys shared this with all those that love ya’ll.

    KT:  Because the fans are a huge part in our being where we are, we’ve grown with our fans, and we now know what our fans want from us and yes that’s the music, but we also are one of a few married couples doing this so they want to know what’s going on with us as much as a couple as they want to know what’s going on with our music.

    KS:  Yes, it’s a connection, the personal relationship we have with a musician, knowing them not only as a performer but on a personal level that forms that connection and following.  They like your music, but also as individuals.  So thank you for sharing an insight into your personal lives as well as professional lives.

    KT:  Thank you.IMG_2433 KS:  Now you spend a lot of time on the road touring, do you plan on taking the little one with ya and what are you most excited about having him out on the road with ya?

    KT:  Yes, I think just discovering the whole thing as it unfolds as it will be a totally new experience for us.  We have no idea what to expect, this little one will be extremely well traveled.

    KS:  Yes, he will have a jetset life?  Will you be decking the tour bus out for him?

    KT: Yes, we’ve been talking about that. We’re taking all the advice in and deciding for ourselves what’s best for our situation.  I don’t know, I’m just really excited about the whole experience and meeting him.  Our whole lives have been music, and we just got to a point where we knew we didn’t want music to rule every aspect of our lives.  We love it, but we also didn’t want to miss out on kids and family and that whole aspect of our lives.  We didn’t want to turn 60 or 70 years old and regret not having children and a family. Those are the things, those life decisions, that when you get out of your 20’s you kinda start looking at things a little bit different. And thank God for it as we are so excited about the whole deal, it’s going to be a really cool process.

    KS:  I love it!  There is nothing like it. In fact when I was pregnant I found myself singing to my son all the time before he was born.  Do you find yourselves doing that yet?

    KT:  Yes, and in fact we have started dabbling in writing some nursery rhyme stuff, and it’s really been interesting to see how we’ve changed as far as we’ve never had these emotions or influences before where we’re simplifying our lyrics and talking to him as though he’s already here with us. It’s a whole different thing, but it’s so very cool.IMG_1653 KS:  Cravings.  I would be remiss to not ask Shawna what she’s been craving.  And as far as that goes, the husband ends up going through this pregnancy thing as well, are you craving anything?

    KT: She’s craving sleep. Haha.  She went through the whole pickle thing in the beginning, but it wasn’t crazy combination things, it was just pickles but then she didn’t want meat she wanted only carbs, which we’ve heard is pretty common among new moms.  We’ve been really lucky, she hasn’t been sick, she hasn’t had any complications at all so we’re really thankful for that as that would make traveling almost impossible.

    KS:  Now you guys happen to be working on a third album.  What can your fans expect from this next album?IMG_2049 copy

    KT:  The only way I can describe it is, it’s pure Thompson Square.  Whatever you think Thompson Square is, that’s what this one is going to be.  And then there will be some surprises along the way too.  We took a little shot in the dark with Trans Am and that’s a huge part of who we are, that rock style, the edge, and it really connected with our fans, but not in every way we needed it to, to sustain itself.  That song really didn’t work the way we wanted it to and the way a lot of our fans wanted it to, but you live and you learn.  You try things and sometimes they fail, and sometimes you win.  So we’re kinda at that stage right now where we’re going back into the studio.  We’ve cut about 6 or 7 things that we really love. And we’re getting back to the woodshed, as they say, and we’ve cut some amazing stuff.  Sometimes you don’t loose site of who you are as an artist or a person, but sometimes you want to expose a bit too much, too soon.  As an artist you want to grow, you want to do things different, you want to experiment, and you want to do all these things and a lot of times that’s just for you. Your fans grow with you and they love you for what you’ve done and who you are, but as artists we can get away from that.  If it was up to us, from album to album they would be vastly different. That’s been the demise of some artists,s but it’s also been hugely successful for some artists. For us, I think Trans Am was so different from what we’ve done in the past so it was a little bit shocking for everybody, and I’m not sure everybody even knew it was us. Shawna didn’t have a huge presence not that record, and you can analyze it to death…

    KS:  If I could interject here…I think artists are progressive. Used to be years ago a label would sign an artist and then nurture them through several albums to get the sound they would be known for.  Today it’s not the same and so I give you credit for being true to who you are and what you want to sound like.  Not all labels are receptive to that.

    KT:  We are blessed as artists and fortunate to have a label that doesn’t push us in one direction. They pretty much let us do what we want.  Perhaps that’s because they haven’t had another married couple duo so they don’t have any benchmarks to look at and say, “hey that worked for them so it will for you”.  It’s kinda unchartered territory. So we are very thankful.  Ya know, every song can’t be a hit, and until you get to the level where everything you put out charts and is a hit… and we all want to get to that place.

    KS:  Do you write your own music.IMG_1515 KT:  Yes we write almost all of it. We’re just going to keep putting our heart into it, and releasing songs we believe in and we’re just going to keep doing our thing.

    KS: So covering the Taste of Country Music Festival is where I first saw you both for the first time and you blew my socks off.  Talk to me a little about that last set where you joined the legendary Hank Williams Jr. on the stage.

    KT:  I can’t express what big fans we are of Hank Williams Jr. and what a big deal that was for us. We actually do one of his songs just about every night in our show. But yeah, that was a huge deal for us.  He asked us to come join him and hang out on his bus and visit a little bit and get to know him. That was a big deal.  I don’t consider him a peer, I consider myself his student. He’s definitely done just about everything a person can dream of in their career.  So yeah, we were really proud of that.

    KS:  I think the lineup that day was the perfect combination as well.  We had you guys, with Tyler Farr, and Hank Williams Jr. Yeah, that was the best.  Now if you were asked to do a CMT Crossroads with anyone…who would you choose to collaborate with?

    KT: I would lean towards the Boss and the E Street Band.  We’re both huge Springsteen fans. But that list is huge.  It could be Foo Fighters, Black Keys, Tom Petty, Springsteen, I mean Double Trouble would be amazing.(Stevie Ray Vaughns Band)  there are countless people as we are huge music fans. We are definitely students of music so we have a list that would go on and on in that regard.

    KS: Well heck if that ever happens, let me know and NYS Music will be there to cover for you.

    KT:  Absolutely.

    KS: Thank you so much Keifer for taking the time to talk with us and we can’t wait to welcome you back to NY.

    As I ended the interview and then covered the show the following evening at Kegs Canalside, I noted the chemistry of this couple was absolutely electric.  Their mutual respect for each other’s talents musically and as husband and wife, gives a whole new level to their music and stage presence.  I feel that this part of them that they share with their audience opens them up and gives them a vulnerability that many artists don’t have.  The fact that they continue to experiment musically and develop their sound as it moves them, is just another testament to me that they are the cutting edge of country music today. NYS Music is excited to welcome with Keifer and Shawna their new addition to the group, and can’t wait to hear the new album once it’s been released.   DSC_0421 copy

  • The Bog Brothers w/ Ericka Longo at Funk ‘n Waffles Downtown Syracuse

    On January 13, Funk’n Waffles welcomed The Bog Brothers with special guest, Ericka Longo.  With Mike Gridley on lead vocals, mandolin, and banjo he brings a charisma to the stage.  Joined by Marc Odin on the guitar, Scott Wilson on the debro, and Steve Buck on bass and vocals, this quartet brings an eclectic mix of music ranging from roots, to folk, to Americana.  Joined this evening by special guests, Mike Lounsbery, who added some great energy to the stage with harmonica, percussion, and vocals; and  Ericka Longo who brought it all together with the violin, adding a beautiful presence to the stage.

    The Bog Brothers’ intimate, fun nature surely created an energetic atmosphere for all to enjoy, bringing not only their love for music to the stage, but also sharing many smiles and laughs in between sets with close friends and family who filled the dance floor.

     

  • Trivium Destroys A Sold Out Lost Horizon

    On Saturday, January 16th, Trivium finally returned to Syracuse for the first time in what seemed like ages. Touring behind their latest album Silence In The Snow, Trivium are showing no signs of slowing down after releasing their 7th album. Even though Trivium decided to release Silence In The Snow without any of their trademark screaming, the album is still doing incredibly well. With the increase in radio play and demands, it’s no wonder why the guys in Trivium sold out The Lost Horizon in advance.

    Prior to Trivium kicking off their winter tour, they went through yet another drummer change. With the announcement of Paul Wandtke taking over as the new drummer, Trivium fans were left asking questions about the new guy. When looking to replace the previous drummer due to creative differences, bassist Paolo Gregoletto and singer Matt Heafy looked to none other than John Petrucci of Dream Theater. Petrucci then brought Dream Theater’s drummer Mike Mangini into the conversation to get some ideas. Mangini recommended Paul who actually studied under him at Berklee. Making his debut at Knotfest in Mexico in early December, Wandtke quickly meshed with the band and has made quite the impact.

    Trivium took the stage at the Lost Horizon after two local bands got the crowd warmed up and ready to go. The night opened up with “Silence In The Snow”, the title track of their latest album. Right off the bat, vocalist/guitar player Matt Heafy experienced issues with his microphone which was echoing every word he sung. After a quick look over to his tech and a laugh the issue was quickly fixed and the night was perfect from that point on. The best thing about seeing a Trivium headlining set is that they’re going deep into their 7 album catalog. The set included 3 songs off their album Ascendancy which were “Like Light to the Flies”, “Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr” and “Rain”. Fans responded to Trivium’s choice of songs with nothing but pure energy and madness. Fans who were looking to enjoy the show casually weren’t found on the lower floor because it was a whirlpool of bodies crashing into each other. Those who were trying to stand off to the side were even seeing the side effects of the mosh pits brought upon by songs like “Rain,, “Insurrection” and “Becoming the Dragon.”

    Throughout the night Matt Heafy addressed the crowd, demanding them to be loud and rude. Heafy didn’t want any silence in the venue, even while he was speaking himself. Paolo Gregoletto was busy throughout the evening keeping the bass riffs going, singing backup vocals and getting up close and person with the crowd. With the barrier only a mere foot away, Paolo, Matt and lead guitar player Corey Beaulieu all took turns leaning into the crowd. Being so close to the crowd helped the band absorb the energy from the fans easily, especially those in the first few rows who could reach out and touch them. The new drummer Paul Wandtke was an absolute animal behind the drum kit. For being the new face in the band, Paul seems to fit in perfectly. The 14 song set seemed easy for Paul who nailed all the parts he needed to while adding his own personal touch in just the right places. Hopefully for Trivium and their fans, this is the last drummer that Trivium will ever need.

    After ending the show with “Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr” and “In Waves”, Trivium left their fans wanting even more. Hopefully with the response that Trivium got on Saturday night, they realized that they need to come play in Syracuse more often. For fans looking to catch Trivium a few more times this year, they can hit up almost any of the major festivals in May such as Carolina Rebellion and New York’s very own Rock N’ Derby. For all Trivium news including tour dates and music, visit their website at here.

    Setlist: Silence in the Snow, Into the Mouth of Hell We Match, Strife, Rain, Tread the Floods, Built to Fall, Like Light to the Flies, Insurrection, Dead and Gone, Becoming the Dragon, Down from the Sky, Until the World Goes Cold, Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr, In Waves

  • Local Talents Unite to Fund the Bern at the Palace Theater

    A cavalcade of vehicles armed with Bernie Sanders political stickers barricaded the streets surrounding the Palace Theater in Syracuse on Friday, January 8. Bernie supporters flocked to the 1920’s era theater for a diverse assortment of musicians who volunteered their time and talents to bring awareness to Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign and to Fund the Bern. Presented by Funk ‘N Waffles, the event was initially slated to be held at the downtown location before widespread interest garnered the need for a larger event space. With a more suitable venue in place, Sophistafunk, Joe Driscoll, Root SHOCK, The Fat Peace, Subsoil, Charley Orlando and Castle Creek were among the large assembly of local talent who performed for the roughly 700 attendees who coalesced at the Eastwood locale.Small Merkley

    With the iconic fluorescent sign beckoning onlookers from the James Street sidewalk, spectators filtered through glass doors and down a carpeted entryway. A gaggle of smiley volunteers donning outfits littered with political pins greeted passersby asking them to sign the petition to get Bernie on the ballot in NY state. Just beyond the congregation of friendly volunteers, the corridor opened into a lobby bustling with jubilant activity as guests happily sipped on adult beverages and talked politics.Castle Creek

    The theater room seats were amply filled with Bernie devotees as Chris Merkley sweetly grazed a slide guitar, serenaded the attentive audience from a dimly lit stage, soft spotlight outlining his seated figure. Merkley exuded a city-meets-country vibe sporting a hip purple beanie and dishing out a satiating serving of country blues. By the end of his set, a few brave souls had ventured to the open space between seating and stage, dance moves demonstrating their satisfaction.

    Castle Creek, named one of New York State Music’s “Bands on the Rise” filled the theater with blues-infused fire, drum beats furnished by Sophistafunk’s Emanuel Washington. Kim Monroe asserted robust lead vocals, piping through a petite frame as she strummed away at her electric guitar, while Chris Eves (guitar/vocals) tactfully interjected attention-grabbing guitar work. Among the sparse dancers at the family friendly event, a young woman clothed in fashionable Sunday school attire merrily spun in circles, jostling a preschooler in her arms who giggled in delight.

    Orlando and Merkley

    Charley Orlando, a familiar face to frequenters of Funk ‘N Waffles Downtown, wielded harmonica and guitar, inviting a number of musical guests including Merkley and Eves to play alongside. Orlando’s song choices seemed to consciously reflect the themes of the event with lines like, “I try to listen more than speak,” which could reflect Sanders’ more diplomatic demeanor in contrast to Republican candidate Donald Trump’s “carnival barker” disposition.

    Subsoil

    As Rochester-based Subsoil began their set later in the evening, the bohemian hip-hop group featuring Mooney Faugh and Laz Green on the mic invigorated the room with dancing and excitement as theater goers abandoned their seats, forming a mob at the foot of the stage. Trailing their performance, environmental activist Renee Vogelsang briefly brought attention to current environmental struggles, championing Sanders’ support of many of these efforts. Reggae collective The Fat Peace followed, infusing some funk into the ongoing dance party, keeping the crowd on its toes when the drummer mysteriously disappeared. The remaining band members resigned to gawking awkwardly at the abandoned drum kit and speculating the drummer’s whereabouts until his much anticipated return. Directly after their set, the projection screen behind the stage displayed a video of Bernie Sanders addressing a Muslim student’s concerns regarding racism in America. The room filled with cheering and applause as the video ended, before reggae group Root SHOCK immediately took the stage, sustaining the audience’s animation and radiating energy with a snappy, high-powered performance. Jessica Brown seared ear drums with a spicy heat that seduced a crowd, amorously applauding her howling mid-song vocals. Joe Driscoll followed, revving up the crowd with catchy beats and praises for Sanders.

    The Fat Peace

    Sophistafunk rounded out the musical marathon with an overall well-polished performance despite a few brief moments of disorienting beats and the unsettling sound of popping cables.  Crowd undeterred, dancing raged on until nearly 1 a.m. as performers from earlier in the night including Joe Driscoll and members of Castle Creek joined Sophistafunk to bid the crowd farewell.

    End of Night

  • Syracuse ‘Fund the Bern’ Concert Raises $16,000

    On Jan. 8, more than 700 people packed the Palace Theatre in Syracuse to “Fund the Bern.” Local music venue Funk ‘N Waffles hosted the benefit concert to support presidential candidate Bernie Sanders—and it made more than $16,000 in one night.

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    Photo by Carol Thoryk O’Leary

    Syracuse musicians Joe Driscoll and Charley Orlando organized the grassroots event to raise awareness about Sanders’ platform and registering to vote

    The Friday night show featured guest speakers and musicians from the Syracuse and Central New York community like Colleen Kattau, Jane Zell, Irv Lyons Jr., Grupo Pagan, Dave Risen, Root SHOCK, the Fat Peace, Subsoil, Castle Creek, Mage IX, Chris Merkley and Sophistafunk. Popular Syracuse food trucks PB&J’s Lunch Box, LLC and The Chicken Bandit were on hand to provide food.

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    On the event’s Facebook page, Driscoll shared a lengthy thank you letter, recounting the evening’s success:

    “There are win-win situations, and then there’s whatever last night was—win-win times twelve, such good vibes, so many great performances, great food and tons of new volunteers recruited for the [Bernie] Sanders’ campaign… We raised awareness, we raised massive funds, we raised the roof and we raised some spirits. Most importantly, the sense of community in the room was so strong; it blew me away. And I haven’t danced and smiled that much in a while.”

    Driscoll also reported that the volunteer group is planning to hold another concert at the historic Palace on James Street in Syracuse in April to continue raising funds for Sanders’ campaign, and he encouraged interested people to stay tuned via Facebook.

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    Photo by Dave Frisina

    Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern

  • Bryan McPherson and Friends at Gorham Brothers Music

    There’s no better way to round out the holidays then with a good live music show. I was lucky enough to spend my evening on Tuesday December 29th at Gorham Brothers music in Syracuse listening to Bryan McPherson and three amazing musicians.

    chris besaw Gazza

    Syracuse local, Dave Mallon, started out the evening with his witty blend of folk story telling. Despite battling a cold, Dave maintained his humor during his set and delivered an engaging performance. Up next was the Mighty Judge Gazza. Gazza generates a sound like no other in part due to that fact that he designs his own guitars from cigar boxes. You would be amazed by the sound he can produce from these guitars and they look awesome! He has a deep growly voice that is perfect for making you feel the blues or for rocking out.

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    Headliner Bryan McPherson made his second appearance at Gorham Brothers. A native of Dorchester Massachusetts, Bryan is making his way up the East Coast and into Canada before heading back West on the current leg of his tour. Bryan keeps busy. In addition to a hectic tour schedule, he recently released a video for “Born on a Highway” off his latest album Wedgewood. Check it out here.

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    Bryan played a very powerful yet melancholy set. He always pours his heart and soul into his performances; he engages the audience with sometimes serious but often outrageous story telling in between songs and occasionally abandons the microphone to walk through the crowd. One of my favorite highlights from the evening was his cover that he stated he had been “working on for the last ten years” of the legendary Townes Van Zandt’s, “Poncho and Lefty.” Other highlights included “Poor Boy,” an incredibly moving version of “Bullets and Blues,” and of course one of my all-time favorites “Dangerous Friends.” The evening ended with Bryan and several friends heading to local restaurant Beer Belly Deli where Bryan would try salt potatoes for the first time. If you haven’t listened to Bryan McPherson, I urge you to check out his music.

  • State Fair Grandstand to Be Imploded Saturday

    The concert era of he New York State Fair Grandstand may have gone out with a whimper this summer, but Saturday it will go out with a bang. Literally. The New York State Fair Twitter feed posted the following Thursday:

    The 38-year-old grandstand at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes, just outside of Syracuse, is scheduled to be imploded Saturday as the first stage of upcoming renovations to the fairgrounds. The final act will be the sound of dynamite, provided by Tonawanda-based firm Total Wrecking & Environmental.

    The public is invited to witness the demolition, scheduled for 1:20 p.m. Saturday, from the brown parking lot, located across State Fair Boulevard. The lot will open at 9:30 a.m. with an area cordoned off for best viewing of the grandstand.

    According to the Auburn Citizen, the demolition of the grandstand will make way for, “A new 110,000-square-foot expo center, an equestrian facility, 400-space RV park and Chevy Court improvements.” The RV park will replace the grandstand and all future fair concerts will be moved to the Lakeview Amphitheater, which was christened in September by country star Miranda Lambert.

    Since opening in 1978, the grandstand has hosted such musical legends as Frank Sinatra, B.B. King, Tina Turner, Rush, Aerosmith, Frank Zappa, the Allman Brothers Band and the Beach Boys.

  • Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot Rock The Showroom at Turning Stone

    Every once in a while I come across performers that truly knock my socks off. You know the feeling; when you leave a show shaking your head and wondering what rock you’ve been hiding under. Today I want to introduce you to my latest ‘where in the world have I been’ band; Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot.

    Mike DelGuidice - K Stockbridge -DSC_1117 copy

    Hailing from the Big Apple, Mike & The Big Shot are not just your every day normal cover band.  Oh no.  These guys are truly unique. All you need to do is close your eyes, and you would swear you are at a Billy Joel show.  They are amazing.  How do they do it?  Well, maybe because those on stage are the actual Billy Joel band, or perhaps because some of them have been part of the Broadway hit, “Movin’ Out” for years. Their timing, their sound, and their show is spectacular and definitely a must see in my opinion if you are a Billy Joel fan.

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    This star studded musical group is stacked. Mike DelGuidice is a multi-talented musician who plays numerous instruments and has a voice that will blow your socks off. Mike has been in the music business and covering Billy Joel songs for more than 27 years, and in 2013, after filling in for sound checks with Billy Joel, his dreams came true when he was invited to became the newest member of Billy Joel’s band. In an article from the New York Times, Billy Joel himself …”had a hard time convincing himself it wasn’t him. It’s uncanny” he said.Mike DelGuidice - K Stockbridge -2016-01-02_0003

    Mike is surrounded by a star studded band that includes Tommy Byrnes, Billy Joel’s guitarist and musical director now for more than 21 years. Tommy rocks the stage and shreds like no other. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including another of my favorites, Brian Setzer. John Scarpulla, Berklee School of Music graduate, joins them on stage playing saxophone and fills the stage with his energy, talent, and charisma. Nick Dimichino, bassist for The Big Shot, lays down the beat for the team with his quiet demeanor and strong bass that is the foundation for the groove.  Special guest Wade Preston sat in at keyboards/synthesizer and absolutely rocked Billy Joel’s “Angry Young Man” which resulted in a spectacular jaw dropping piece. Rounding out the band at this performance was Chuck Burgi, Billy Joel’s long time drummer/percussionist who definitely rocked the stage and brought his a game. Together these men are like a well oiled machine.

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    With a huge catalog of songs to choose from, Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot belted out fan favorites and rocked the crowd from the moment the lights went up. A return act at Turning Stone Casino, I can absolutely see why these guys are a crowd favorite, and I urge you to definitely check these guys out next time they are playing in your area. You can thank me later.

    Set List: Miami, Pressure, Say Goodbye to Hollywood, Movin Out, NY State of Mind, Innocent man, This is the Time, Fantasy, My life , Keepin the faith, We Didn’t Start The Fire, Goodnight Saigon, Always a Woman, Zeppelin , Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Big shot, Still Rock and Roll, Only the Good Die Young, Piano man. Encore: You May Be Right
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  • NYS Music Presents Wednesdays at Funk n Waffles Downtown

    Winter is upon us in New York and if you’re in Syracuse, you’ll need to find some place to warm up. May we suggest some Funk n Waffles? NYS Music presents bands from around New York State, every Wednesday throughout January.

    January 6 – Faces of the Damned, Wagner 3000, Pale Green Stars

    Faces of Damned grew out of years of late night shows with founders Anthony DiRosa and Andres Echenique. Anthony was the lead singer/guitarist for the punk and horror punk bands Plan 607 and Dead Holiday. Andres was bass player for Crankdaddy, a pop punk band. These bands were a key part of the punk scene in Syracuse in the early 2000s.

    Wagner 3000 is an alternative to the alternative bands. From Syracuse, Wagner 3000 performs music that simultaneously showcases a previously unseen musical spectacle among the widest range of captivating songs found in a show today. Mingling with vast aspects of influence From Bowie, UFO, AC/DC, NIN, Nirvana, King Crimson, and the ever so enchanting carnival music (and many other sources). Wagner has the capability to tingle all your moods and senses.

    Pale Green Stars has just been mistaken for one of those cow-punk power trios you might find rocking a stage behind chicken wire at some wayward Texas roadhouse. Pale Green Stars is letting its New York grown cow-punk steer deep into the heart of Texarkana as they redefine gut-bucket twang with a punkadelic cutting edge that’s as sharp as a barbershop straight razor. (Jeff Herrell – South Bend Tribune)

    January 13 – The Bog Brothers

    The Bog Brothers were formed by a group of like-minded musicians in the Central New York area who share a love of playing Americana music and having a good time doing it. Mike Gridley (aka “Griz”) leads the group, playing mandolin, banjo and providing lead vocals. He is joined by Marc Odin on guitar and his longtime musical accomplice Steve Buck on bass and vocals. Mike Lounsbery adds harmonica, percussion and vocals, West Coast resident Taylor Bucci provides drums and vocals (when schedule permits), and Scott Wilson rounds out the group on dobro.

    January 20 – Caleb Liber & Judge Gazza

    Caleb Liber (Telegraph Hill Acoustic) will bring his acoustic guitar along with a wide range of musical styles including indie rock, post rock, post hardcore, metal, punk, post punk, grunge, electronica, acoustic and folk.
    Judge Gazza is a retro swampy blues musician originating from Syracuse New York. He brings his growling vocals, raw barebones Peavey powered slide guitar and pounding Converse Chuck Taylor hill stomp rhythmic beats to the back corners and sidewalks outside punk rock shows and the campfires of metal band summer festivals all over Central and Western New York. Judge Gazza’s first EP, It’s All Fun & Games, was released June 28th 2015 on cassette tape via LRS Records of Syracuse NY.

    January 27 – RUHA with special guest Corey Paige

    RUHA is the brain child of long time touring musician Charley Orlando. This time around RUHA is Brian Lauri on Keys and Vocals filling in the space between Charley’s acoustic guitar and vocals. The duo is massive sounding and unique for 2 people.

    Corey Paige is a SAMMY Award winning singer-songwriter from Syracuse, NY. His influences include Elliott Smith, Radiohead, Elvis Costello, and Soul Coughing. After five studio albums and more than a decade as frontman for rock band Candid, he’s currently working on new material for his first solo album.

    Doors open at 7pm each night with music starting at 8pm. Enjoy a variety of bands that call New York State home every Wednesday night at Funk n Waffles, and some great food too!

  • Best of NYS Music 2015: Staff Picks for Bands on the Rise

    While we said fare thee well to our NYS Music staff picks for the best albums, festivals, venues and shows of 2015, we welcome the new music experiences that 2016 has in store, and with a new year, comes new talent on the rise.

    Every year we shine a light on the music scene’s rising newcomers currently flying under the radar — but not for long. Here we note the five bands that the NYSMusic team has pegged as the emerging artists to keep an eye on in the New Year.

    Some of the groups have already toured the globe, shared the stage with notable acts and appeared on national television, while others are still in heavy rotation at their local venues and surrounding regions. But you can be sure to expect new records, show announcements and other surprises from our 2015 bands on the rise.

    1. THE BLIND OWL BAND

    FROM: Saranac Lake, NY
    ALBUM: This Train We Ride is Made of Wood and Steel (2013)
    WHY WE DIG THEM: Formed in 2010 after meeting at Paul Smith’s College, the Blind Owl Bandhas become a household name in the jam circuit after putting on impromptu lot shows during Phish runs at SPAC, followed by heavy touring throughout the northeast and having now appeared at more than 25 festivals, including the Peach Music Festival Backwoods Pondfest and Winter Carnival. Coining their style as Adirondack freight train string music, the North Country bearded quartet—Arthur Buezo (guitar, vocals), Christian Cardiello (double bass, fretless bass), James Ford (banjo, vocals) and Eric Munley (mandolin, vocals)—released their debut 15-track album Rabble Rousing in 2012 and have since shared the stage with Trampled by Turtles, Railroad Earth, Hot Day at the Zoo and Yonder Mountain String Band. Their raw, contemporary bluegrass style throws the genre’s traditional rules to the wind characterizing” their sound as if they stood on top of their mountain reaching out their beat up instruments grabbing various concepts of music, holding it captive ultimately for a presentation unique to the scene,” described Tabitha Clancy, and according to Laura Carbone, experienced live, they move, twist and turn, fingers a flying, bass a spinning and the audience pressing closer to the stage, dancing and feeling the joy of what is The Blind Owl Band. Hoot!

    2. CASTLE CREEK

    FROM: Syracuse, NY
    ALBUM: The Only Life (2014)
    WHY WE DIG THEM: Winner of the 2015 SAMMY Award for best blues recording, the Central New York-based band Castle Creek, comprised of Kim Monroe (vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass) and Chris Eves (vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums), debuted their first full-length—and self-produced/engineered—album in 2014. Since then the alternative blues rock duo has extensively toured regionally and nationally from Maine to Texas to California and played at international festivals in Ireland and Japan. Most recently Castle Creek performed as guest vocalists with the Zac Brown Band for three east coast shows during their “Jekyll and Hyde” tour, landed a main stage spot at the winter NAMM show in Anaheim, toured with Tony Lucca from season two of The Voice and last March Phish drummer Jon Fishman sat in with the group for a surprise four-song jam at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse. After seeing the band open for Tyler Farr, Kathy Stockbridge recalled how the duo’s vocals complement rather than overshadow each other, noting that “they both display such very strong vocals and instrumentation. The fact that they can play and sing the same instruments simultaneously without becoming one sound and over powering the other is what makes their sound so unique, so soulful, so bluesy.” Castle Creek has also opened for artists like Cabinet, Johnny Lang, Floodwood and John Popper and the Duskray Troubadours. Up next the band will release an EP recorded at Abbey Road Studios while touring abroad.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyURLYctKaA

    3. FUNKTIONAL FLOW

    FROM: Buffalo, NY
    ALBUM: Let It Settle (2015)
    WHY WE DIG THEM: Founded in 2010, Buffalo-based funk, rock, reggae quintet Funktional Flow has risen in the music community’s ranks in the past few years, playing at Night Lights Music Festival and Buffalove Music Festival and sharing the stage with the likes of Warren Haynes, Railroad Earth, New Riders of the Purple Sage and notable local groups Twiddle and Aqueous. Comprised of Jeffrey Kuebler (guitar, vocals), Ben Whelan (bass), Joey Lewis (guitar, vocals), Jim Edgar (drums) and Matthew Lester (keys, saxophone, vocals), Funktional Flow released their self-titled album in 2011 and recorded their third studio effort Time Will Tell at Sonic Farm Studios this fall. The band recently gave fans a sneak listen of the album’s first single “Back Door” from the forthcoming 12-track record to be debuted in March 2016. While the band did face a departure of members this year, it surely did not stop the group from evolving into a tighter sound with two new bandmates in tow. And after witnessing this seamlessness at Buffalove 2015, Jen Foster and Thomas Sgroi noted that Funktional Flow “definitely earned their three sets, and stood on par with the headliners.”

    4. VULFPECK

    vulfpeck

    FROM: Ann Arbor, MI
    ALBUM: Thrill of the Arts (2015)
    WHY WE DIG THEM: It’s been a big year for Los Angeles funk group Vulfpeck. Since arriving on the scene in 2011, the band has released four EPs and made international news in 2014 after sneaking the silent album Sleepify on Spotify to fund an admission-free mini tour; they raised $20,000 in two months. The four-man rhythm section formed at the University of Michigan—Jack Stratton (keyboards, drums, guitar), Theo Katzman (guitar, drums, vocals), Woody Goss (keyboards) and Joe Dart (bass)—self-produced their first full-length release Thrill of the Arts through a 59-day Kickstarter campaign in October, and the album landed a number 16 spot on the R&B Albums chart and earned a review in the Wall Street Journal. The multi-instrumental quartet made their Brooklyn Bowl debut this fall with two nights of sold-out crowds. Pete Mason recalled the band’s showmanship, noting that the way the band was “moving around on stage and switching instruments, with two keyboardists at times, added a degree of difficulty not seen by many acts.” From a YouTube video to the Big What Festival in North Carolina to appearing on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Vulfpeck is proving that independent musicians in the 21st century can provide much more than studio session backtracks.