NYS Music is once again proud to host Friday nights at Funk N Waffles in August. A stellar lineup of music is on tap all month long, with local and regional bands highlighting the month.
8/5 Mosaic Foundation w/special guest boogie low
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.
8/12 The Honey Smugglers w/special guest Chris James and Mama G ft. Spittin’ Sirens
The Honey Smugglers, from Rochester, NY, describe their music as “folkrock, jamgrass and acoustic Americana…melted in a pot of honey.” The five members played their first show as a full band in late 2014 and quickly generated a buzz around the Western NY music scene with their energetic live performances. Their fast pickin’, stompin’ rhythms and wild improvisations are sure to get a crowd moving it’s feet, but its the unique instrumentation and catchy vocal harmonies, that make their shows memorable. Look for The Honey Smugglers at clubs and festivals around the Northeast in 2016 as they tour in support of their second, full-length studio album, “When the Fun Begun”.
Chris James and Mama G are a “string pickin, harmony singin, high energy, positive vibe”. The american duo play a multitude of genres in a beat you can dance to.
Voted “Best New Band” in Chicago Reader’s 2016 poll, ESSO (El Sonido Sonic Octopus) performs funky Afro-Latino and roots rock inspired dance music. The ethnically diverse crew of musicians establish driving polyrhythmic grooves, combining biting twang guitar with the strength of brass horns, coro group singing, and urban poetry in an eclectic mix of raw energetic sounds. All members bring a vital contribution to the band’s unique “afrojam funkbeat” style. Inspired by Chicago’s soulful blues, jazzy house, and global fusion heavyweights, the group deliver their performances with purpose and direction; unifying through music, dance and collaboration.
Vocalist/songwriter/harmonica icon Curtis Salgado sings and plays with soulful authority and is the winner of three awards at the 2013 Blues Music Awards, including the coveted B.B. King Entertainer of the Year!
No Lou, no Mick … No Foreigner? NO WAY! Despite the fact that original Foreigner founding member and guitarist Mick Jones was not on stage last Tuesday, July 26, at the Turning Stone Event Center was not indicative of Foreigner’s inability to turn heads, wow the audience and put on a huge rock show at its sold out shows wherever it is on tour.
The band performs all the classic and top Foreigner hits flawlessly, never missing a beat, a lick or even a second of doubt. The seasoned band, most who have been with this current version of Foreigner for the greater part of the last decade play the music as it was most likely heard in 1983. Close your eyes and you would swear this is the original Foreigner. For all intents and purposes, it really is Foreigner with Jones still performing when he is able. Jones, who has been hit or miss as of late due to speculated health issues was surely missed at the Turning Stone show, however the band which he cherry picked to become the new generation of Foreigner, picks up in his absence in superb form. Especially Bruce Watson, who is handling Jones amazing and timeless guitar work on all the Foreigner classics from “Hot Blooded” to “Feel’s Like the First Time,” “Dirty White Boy” and more.
Foreigner, one of the world’s best selling bands of all time with worldwide sales exceeding 80 million records, formed in New York City in 1976 by veteran English musician Mick Jones and American vocalist Lou Gramm. The band’s debut album, Foreigner was released in 1977 and featured the mega-hits “Cold as Ice,” “Feel’s Like the First Time” and “Long, Long Way From Home.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of Foreigner and the band has currently been promoting the iconic success of the band with Foreigner40 merchandise from t-shirts to guitar picks and highlighting the milestone at every show. Jones has recently discussed, in a 2016 interview, a possible 40th anniversary reunion tour, featuring the Head Games era lineup. If a 40th Anniversary reunion tour becomes a reality and, “… hopefully feasible and possible to pull it off next year,” as Jones relates, It may include a line-up of original members including Lou Gramm, Ian McDonald, Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliot and Rick Wills.
At just a little after 8:00 p.m. with the Turning Stone Casino Event Center totally blacked out, the pre-show recorded music stopped and gave way to Foreigner’s dramatic opening score as drummer Chris Frazier entered stage left and greeted the exuberant crowd with a wave of his sticks before sitting on his drum throne. At the same time, entering from stage right was Foreigner’s multi-talented keyboardist Michael Bluestein who also gave the crowd a well received greeting gesture before settling down behind his rig. As the opening score continued to build, the other members of Foreigner walked on stage including Jeff Pilson, Bruce Watson and Thom Gimbel. Then in an instant the house lights went up illuminating the band as lead singer Kelly Hansen ran out on stage and the band immediately broke into their first number, “Double Vision”. The large crowd at Turning Stone was now on their feet screaming and singing along and did not have time to catch their breath before Foreigner went right into their second song, “Head Games”. At 55 years of age, Hansen shows know signs of getting too old to rock as he has the stage energy and moves that keeps the fans engaged and entertained at the same time. Hansen performs and sings all the classic Foreigner songs effortlessly, all while running, jumping, leg kicks and mike stand twirling like a twenty something year old warped tour rocker. He shows know signs of letting up and seems to perform each show like it was his first.
Foreigner continued throughout the night with Hansen engaging in the crowd to interact and engaged with the band and each other. Next on the set the multi-talented Thom Gimbel, who plays guitar, sax, flute, and backing vocals, moved in place behind a diamond plated piano case as Hanson reminded the crowd of this next song being heard “Maybe in their late twenties” and chuckled as he introduced one of the top hits of the 1977 album, “Cold As Ice.” As expected, as soon as Gimbel hit those unmistakable first notes of the hit song, the crowd at Turning Stone went absolutely wild. There was no letting up from the hit parade as Hansen talked briefly to the crowd telling them to grab their partner, lover or just find someone in the crowd to hold on to as he announced Foreigner’s 1981 mega-hit power ballad “Waiting for a Girl Like You” featuring the talented Bluestein on keys. Despite this being the digital cell phone era, there were actually a few old school lighters in the air for this one.
Foreigner had the audience highly engaged and up on their feet for the entire set. Kelly Hansen urged the crowd to move up to the front of the stage where there was no barricade. It was elbow to elbow in front of the stage and Hansen, the energetic crowd pleaser made the fans feel a part of the show by high fiving them, running out into the crowd during “Head Games” interacting with fans as he circled the floor before jumping back up on stage. In fact, all band members were certainly into the performance and not lacking for energy. One highlight of the show was an acoustic version of “Say You Will”. Hansen shared this was the idea of bassist Jeff Pilson who arranged the song acoustically which ultimately led to their successful unplugged album Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged. Again, with much reverence for the Foreigner classics, Hansen announced the next song in their set, the mega 1977 hit that launched Foreigner into the big-time “Feels Like the First Time”. And again, as expected the crowd was enthralled in the moment, with most of them bodies deep in front of the stage waving and extending their hands in the air hoping to grab a high five or catch a guitar pick from one of the band members.
The hits kept coming all night including “Urgent” from the 1981 number one album Foreigner 4, Then Bluestein and Frazier got the already pumped crowd even more riled up with an amazing keyboard/synth solo followed by a killer Chris Frazier drum solo. At times Frazier would take a drink from his bottled water then dump the rest on his floor tom and thrash it while the water lit by an underneath spot illuminated the splashing liquid. “Juke Box Hero” and “Long, Long Way from Home” followed.
The kids backstage could probably barely contain their excitement and anticipation to join Foreigner onstage next to perform their number one and biggest hit to date, “I Want to Know What Love Is” from 1984’s Agent Provocateur album. One by one the students from the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School Choir made its way to the riser between keyboardist, Bluestein and drummer, Frazier as the intro to the number one song began. Foreigner has been inviting local high school and singing groups onstage to accompany them with this song for the last several years and it never gets old. This gesture continues to remain a very noble and gracious act on the band’s part. It is humbling to witness and very entertaining.
Foreigner completed its summer 2016 tour at the end of July. The band then departs for a European tour the first two weeks of August before returning to the states to finish up its regular show. A much anticipated acoustic tour begins in the fall of 2016 beginning in October running through the end of November 2016. Whether you’re an old fan or a newcomer to Foreigner, the band is timeless and the current line-up features hand picked top notch musicians that perform all the Foreigner hits with flawless sound, energy, and passion check out the upcoming tour dates, news and more at their website.
Foreigner’s Current Line-up: Mick Jones – Founding Member, Guitarist Kelly Hansen – Lead Vocals Bruce Watson – Guitar Thom Gimbel – Guitar, Sax, Flute, Keys Jeff Pilson – Bass Guitar Michael Bluestein – Keys Chris Frazier – Drums
Set List: 1. Double Vision 2. Head Games 3. Cold As Ice 4. Waiting for a Girl Like You 5. Dirty White Boy 6. Say You Will 7. Feels Like The First Time 8. Urgent 9. Keyboard Solo 10. Drum Solo 11. Juke Box Hero 12. Long Long Way From Home 13. I Want to Know What Love Is (w/VVS School Choir) 14. Hot Blooded
Nothing beats a hot summer day like great live music, friends, a beautiful city, and beer. Cold, fresh-brewed beer at that. Utica, NY was certainly hoppin’ as Saranac Brewery hosted Slightly Stoopid, SOJA, and Zion I, The Grouch, & Eligh on July 22 in the outdoor courtyard.
Zion I, The Grouch and Eligh kicked off the summer evening in the brewery district with their bright harmonies, feel-good rhythms, and conscious hip-hop lyrics. Zion I is swiftly attracting fans on this tour promoting his new LP due out in September, titled The Labyrinth.
Humid air from the blistering sun didn’t seem to phase anyone in the audience as the cool, crisp ales flowed from the kegs and moistened the lips of the awaiting patrons. Following a brief refreshment break, SOJA danced onto the stage with instruments in hand and crushed a 45 minute set of their smile-inspiring original reggae-rock music, which included some dread swinging and tasty drum-line solos.
Front man Jacob Hemphill continuously gave props to Utica for their unmatched energy, in between songs from the Virginia-based groups’ most recent Grammy-nominated album, Amid the Noise and Haste. Before exiting the stage, Hemphill again gave praise to the tour headliners for their generosity as well as the crowd and Saranac Brewery, wishing everyone to “Thanks and Have a great … everything!”
Before Slightly Stoopid‘s set, Saranac’s own Fred Matt embraced the stage and took to the microphone to give a slurred thanks to all in attendance and took a traditional selfie, while holding up a fresh brew, stacked with a couple thousand excited fans behind him.
Moments later, a rumbling Star Wars Imperial March pumped from the PA speakers grabbing the crowds attention, making way for another Return of the Red Eye Tour performance. The group kicked into gear with “Champion of the Charles,” as Miles Doughty yelled out “It feels good to be back, Utica!” while fist-pumping his chest. After a few songs, Doughty and Kyle McDonald switched up instruments allowing McDonald to sing a few tunes including “Officer” and “Just Thinking” with special guests The Grouch and Eligh, before beautifully singing “The Prophet.”
Taking turns singing and switching guitars seemed to be of second nature to McDonald and Doughty as they each continuously electrified the audience with energy and inspiration. “Too Little Too Late” provided some fast-paced dancing for fans with it’s up-beat Ska rhythms and horn-play. Doughty playfully asked “Where’s all the good Utica chronic” before hammering out “Rolling Stone” and “Ain’t Got a Lot of Money.” Hard work and extensive touring was surely paying off for the west-coast group as the audience cheered and sang along through a set ending “Anywhere I Go.”
Returning for a solid 4-song encore, the group emerged amongst a dimly-lit stage to “Cantina Song,” further augmenting their semi Star Wars themed tour. While having much appreciation for the Grateful Dead, yet not being a “jam band,” Slightly Stoopid played a rather enjoyable take on “Franklin’s Tower,” sprinkled with some light piano work by Paul Wolstencroft. The group ended the night by staffing every inch of the stage with the help from SOJA on the Dennis Brown tune, “If This World Were Mine.”
Set: Imperial March (Star Wars), Champion of the Charles, Til it Gets Wet, Somebody, Up On a Plane, Hold It Down, Officer, Just Thinking (w/s/g Grouch & Eligh), The Prophet, This Version, Prayer For You, No One Stops Us Now, Collie Man, Too Little Too Late, Del Roy → 2 AM, Serious Man, Closer To the Sun, Stones 1, Bandoz, Ain’t Got A Lot Of Money, Don’t Stop, Don’t Care, Anywhere I Go
Encore: Cantina Song (Stare Wars), Franklin’s Tower, Train, Express Yourself, If This World (w/s/g SOJA)
Slipknot and Marilyn Manson made a stop on their joint tour at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY on July 23. The tour features an aggressive schedule and will include stops in more than 30 cities across North America. Of Mice & Men joined as special guests.
First up was Southern California quintet Of Mice & Men lead by front man Austin Carlile. You can always tell when a band wants to be somewhere and really wants to play, when they hit the stage exactly on time and rip through as many songs as possible. That was the impression I got from Of Mice & Men and I can appreciate their effort and enthusiasm. Of Mice & Men tore through eight songs in thirty minutes that included booming vocals that alternated between screams and harmonic melodies, metal solos complete with whipping long hair and some seriously hard drum beats. Highlights of their set included “Public Service Announcement,” “Never Giving Up,” “You Make Me Sick” and “Pain” off of their upcoming release Cold World due out September 9.
After some uncertainty and much debate from fans as to whether or not Marilyn Manson would be healthy enough to play, the band took the stage. Manson previously cancelled his July 21 performance in Quebec City at the last minute due to illness. Manson started in with the theatrics immediately, throwing bags full of blue and red colored chalk into the crowd who responded by picking up the bags and throwing them in the air so that others could share in the fun. Manson’s set was full of oddities, including stained glass images of Manson in a Jesus-like pose at either end of the stage, a variety of microphones including one with a knife and one with brass knuckles, a Marilyn Manson $666 bill as the backdrop, a burning bible and even stilts.
The crowd filled in quickly as the first notes of “Angel With the Scabbed Wings” hit the air. Manson didn’t waste any time and jumped into the crowd to interact with the fans during the second song “Disposable Teens.” There was a bit of flopping around the stage, throwing of a few microphones and some of the singing was incomprehensible at times but the worst part of the set was two very lengthy delays, one 15 minute delay where Manson left the stage after the fourth song “mOBSCENE” and another lengthy delay before the final song of the evening “The Beautiful People.” I am guessing that the delays are due to Manson’s illness and that hopefully once he is feeling better, he will resume a full length performance. Despite the short set, Manson did a great job of engaging the fans. He performed the entirety of the Eurythmics’ cover “Sweet Dreams” perched above Paul Wiley (guitar) and Twiggy Ramirez (bass) on stilts. For the encore, Manson brought two female fans up on stage to help sing “The Beautiful People” while he ran through the crowd all the way to the sound board and shot off a cannon filled with Manson’s $666 bills.
Set list: Angel with Scabbed Wings, Disposable Teens, No Reflection, mOBSCENE, The Dope Show, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (Eurythmics cover), Antichrist Superstar
Encore: The Beautiful People
It was time for the final band of the evening. The crowd filled in when Manson hit the stage but it seemed much denser as Slipknot took the stage. A video of burning mannequins began playing in the background as the band members creeped onto the stage donned in their trademark masks and tore right into “The Negative One” off of their most recent release .5: The Gray Chapter.
Slipknot’s stage setup is intense. The band has three percussionists, one was set up center stage on risers, the other two were on either side of the stage with their equipment on hydraulic risers that moved up and down and spun around through the entire set. While the center percussionist played a traditional drum kit, the other two were playing on hollowed out kegs that appeared to be homemade drums. The band’s total of nine members come together to create an impressive sound. The band is known for their wild stage antics but fans were to expect things to be toned down a bit in light of lead singer Corey Taylor’s recent surgery. Taylor paused at one point to address his recent spine surgery, “I had surgery recently on my spine, who the f*** has to just have spine surgery for no reason?” He promised that the band was still going to deliver and they certainly did.
Slipknot played a selection of songs from their catalog including hits from their self-titled debut and their 2001 release, Iowa. Taylor asked the fans, “Who wants to go back to 2001 with me right now? Who wants to hear some songs off Iowa?” The band played “Distasterpiece,” “The Heretic Anthem” and later in the set “Left Behind” all tracks from Iowa.
Corey Taylor engaged the fans throughout often referring to them as “family” and requesting the lights go up so he could see their faces. The band played an extensive 18 song set. Fan favorites included “Psychosocial,” “Wait and Bleed,” “Duality” and “Spit It Out.” Taylor ended the evening by stating “I sincerely hope you have had as much fun as we have.”
Set list: The Negative One, Distasterpiece, Eyeless, Skeptic, Before I Forget, Killpop, Dead Memories, The Heretic Anthem, Psychosocial, Pulse of the Maggots, Left Behind, The Devil in I, Wait and Bleed, (sic)
Zac Brown Band brought a diverse mix of traditional mainstream country, bluegrass, gospel and even rock ‘n’ roll to create an unpredictable evening of music for an enthusiastic crowd at the Lakeview Amphitheater on Thursday July 21. The eight-piece group transitioned seamlessly from one music style to another while incorporating a unique array of sounds including a three man horn line, pizzicato violin interludes, Latin percussion and powerful backup vocalists.
The group kicked off their set with “Homegrown” followed by “Knee Deep” and “Whiskey’s Gone” before getting the crowed all revved up with the well-known “S.O.B.” (Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats cover). Brown was engaging and endearing throughout. He paused before playing “Tomorrow Never Comes” to invite the fans to “Forget whatever bull**** happened to you this week, this month or this year or whatever and just get lost in the music.” He took a moment to promote his new line of red wine and to let folks know it was being sold at the venue. The band also appeared to have a blast catapulting merchandise into the crowd using a hand-held cannon and giant slingshots.
The band took a short break midway through their set before coming back to delight fans with their notable covers of the Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and John Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane.” Both were interesting choices for a country band but they performed them well and the crowd responded by dancing and singing along. They ended their set with fan favorite hit “Chicken Fried” before coming back onstage to perform a two song encore that included “Let’s Go Crazy” (Prince Cover) and “Beautiful Drug.”
Zac Brown Band proved that they are much more than a mainstream country act. The show was well worth long waits in traffic both getting to and leaving the venue. Hopefully, the venue’s powers that be will continue to work to improve the traffic situation before next season.
Set list: Homegrown, Knee Deep, Whiskey’s Gone, S.O.B. (Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats), Goodbye in Her Eyes, As She’s Walking Away, Tomorrow Never Comes, Colder Weather, Sweet Annie, It’s Not Ok, I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter), Baba O’Riley (The Who), Toes, Loving You Easy, Jack & Diane (John Mellencamp), Keep Me in Mind, Castaway, Chicken Fried
They high-stepped into the Saranac Brewery and bid us all a fond goodnight, but in the middle, Dark Star Orchestra took the near capacity crowd on a mind bending, psychedelic journey through the middle 1970s.
One of the most fun aspects of attending a DSO is trying to figure out what Grateful Dead setlist they are recreating. Opening the show with a fast “Bertha” made it immediately feel like a 1970s show to me, but because the band has played it for their entire career, it didn’t help much in determining a year. “Me and My Uncle,” “Loser” and “Black Throated Wind” confirmed that it was a show somewhere between 1970 and 1979, which, again, doesn’t do much in helping me decide.
It was the following, stand alone “Scarlet Begonias,” complete with a harmonious and ferocious solo by Jeff Mattson, that gave away the show either being an original Dark Star Orchestra setlist, or coming from a show prior to March 18, 1977, when the first ever “Scarlet Begonias”>”Fire on the Mountain” was performed at the Winterland Arena.
A song mainly performed by Jerry Garcia Band, “It Must Have Been the Roses” preceded “Jack Straw,” “Tennessee Jed” and “Mexicali Blues.” “Deal” then featured fun interplay between keyboardist Rob Barraco and Mattson, and really gave the show a 1973/74 feel. Rhythm guitarist Rob Eaton was visibly impressed with how the band was performing, smiling often and seeming more animated than usual.
“Big River” and “Brown Eyed Women” were short and succinct, before the highlight of the show, “Playin’ in the Band” kicked into another realm. During the lengthy jam, I mentioned how I was confident this was a 1974 show, when an older gentleman informed me that DSO was recreating a Dead show from May 14, 1974 in Montana.
“US Blues,” “El Paso” and “Row Jimmy” were executed impeccably to open the second frame. “Weather Report Suite” then bled seamlessly into “Let it Grow,” before the opening lines to the 1960s psychedelic masterpiece “Dark Star” were played. Being the band’s namesake, DSO brought us on a journey from 1967 up until 1974, with elements of the grungy, late 1960s Dead feel, up to the mid-1970s, more mild tempo style and everything in between. It was the highlight of the entire show.
Garcia ballad “China Doll” gave the crowd a breather before “Promised Land,” “Not Fade Away” and “Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad” literally rocked the set to a close. If there was a single person not dancing like a maniac, I surely did not witness that, and the set concluded with the utmost energy.
Already prepared for the “One More Saturday Night” encore, I snagged one last $5 Saranac Legacy IPA (seriously, though, where else can you get a beer that delicious at a concert these days for $5? Most Bud Lights at other places cost more than $10 …) and took my space back for one final boogie.
DSO, almost 20 years into a pretty successful career, is showing no signs of slowing down whatsoever. In a recent interview with NYSMusic, Barraco said the band plans to cut back on the number of shows per year to focus on new family members, and put the emphasis on bigger events. A stop at the Saranac Brewery seems to be an annual thing for the band, and I can’t think of a better place to spend a summer night grooving to my favorite music ever made.
This weekend, moe. returns to Utica, NY for another glorious two-night stay at Saranac Brewery and prepare to bring Hoppy Hour Hero to the masses. The Utica staple will welcome Ryan Montbleau supporting on Friday, July 29 and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong opening on Saturday, July 30.
As fans already know, Saranac will be serving up some of their moe.st special brew, Hoppy Hour Hero, for the double event along with many other summer favorites. Fans can also stay tuned for a special taping of “Vinnie’s Kitchen” featuring a recipe that includes the band’s namesake beer, which will be taped at the Brewery with some lucky contest winners. Gates open at 5 p.m. both days.
The Buffalo-based jammers have been taking a short break to prep for this weekend as well as select Summer appearances and their Fall tour which includes a Red Rocks performance paired with Gov’t Mule, a Pink Floyd theme late-night set at The Peach Fest, and another 2-night run at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo.
The 2016 Vans Warped Tour made its first appearance in Syracuse at the New York State Fairgrounds on Thursday July 7. Despite the extreme heat, the punk rock music festival drew a large crowd. The fairgrounds was an ideal setting for the expansive set up that included seven stages, vendors, local food trucks, an adult size slip and slide and the air conditioned “chill out” truck that offered fans free energy drinks and some relief from the burning heat of the sun.
Warped Tour is celebrating its 22nd birthday this year and the impressive lineup included Warped Tour veterans Less Than Jake, Yellowcard, New Found Glory and Sum 41. The lineup also included popular metal acts Motionless in White, White Chapel and Every Time I Die. There were also a few Upstate New York bands, including Syracuse’s own One Last Shot and State Champs from Albany.
The Vans Warped Tour offered a perfect blend of veteran acts, rising stars, local favorites, punk rock and metal. The mix of offerings attracted a broad spectrum of fans of all ages and music preferences making for a one of a kind experience.
Check out the photo gallery for captured moments and memories from the day.
Alice in Chains brought a perfect blend of classic and new hits to a near capacity crowd at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort on Friday July 22. Alice in Chains, who recently opened a few of the Guns N Roses reunion shows, is currently headlining a North American Tour that is scheduled through early October.
Alice in Chains, despite the passing of lead singer Layne Staley in 2002, has been forging ahead with William Duvall as their full time lead singer and has been touring since 2006. The new line-up has since released Black Gives Way to Blue in 2009 and The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here in 2013. Alice in Chains is beginning work on their next studio album with a TBD release date. This is my third time seeing Alice in Chains with DuVall and if you haven’t seen them yet, you are missing out.
Alice in Chains opened with “Hollow,” followed by “Them Bones” and “Dam That River.” William DuVall and Jerry Cantrell flawlessly traded off vocals reinforcing that authentic Alice in Chains sound. The band continued with more hits, “Check My Brain,” “Angry Chair,” and “Man in the Box.” Bass player Mike Inez attempted to get the crowd revved up by playing at the edge of the stage and motioning for the audience to cheer. Cantrell worked to engage the audience as well by yelling come on and pumping his hands in the air. The crowd fell a bit flat despite the best efforts of the band members to get them pumped. Cantrell took the time to thank fans who were engaged by flipping a guitar pick to them between songs.
Drummer Sean Kinney took a short break from pummeling his drum kit to joke around with the band and the fans by making a circle with one hand and poking a finger through it with the other to indicate the band was about to play “Down in a Hole.” Kinney in addition to being an amazing drummer, clearly has a sense of humor and finds creative ways to interact with the fans from behind his drum kit.
The evening continued with “We Die Young,” “Got Me Wrong,” and “It Ain’t Like That” before the band took a short break. The encore included some of my favorites with a powerful version of “Rooster,” “No Excuses” and an in your face “Would?” Alice in Chains bid the crowd goodnight; Cantrell, DuVall and Inez tossed out handfuls of guitar picks as Sean Kinney handed out a few drum sticks to select fans he had engaged with throughout the set. Alice in Chains created a memorable night of music from Cantrell’s haunting guitar riffs to DuVall’s perfectly sung harmonies, Inez’s energy and smile intermingled with Kinney’s constant backbeat; these guys know how to get it done.
Set list: Hollow, Them Bones, Dam That River, Again, Check My Brain, Nutshell, Angry Chair, Man in the Box, Your Decision, Down in a Hole, Stone, Last of My Kind, We Die Young, Got Me Wrong, It Ain’t Like That
Frogfest 28, one of Central New York’s longest running festivals, has once again gone down in the books as a huge success.
Held at the Utica/Rome Speedway this year in Vernon, NY, the fun filled lineup welcomed local Beadle Brothers, together with national artists Lindsay Ell, Eric Paslay, and Montgomery Gentry who brought the party and did not disappoint the packed crowd. With blue skies and sunshine, Frogfest 28 was one epic day with a rodeo, a habitat for humanity build, good eats, and of course, great music. Check out NYS Music’s highlight gallery of the days events, and mark your calendars for next years.
Setlist Montgomery Gentry – All Night Long, Lonely and Gone, Hell Yeah, Couldn’t Change Me, Ever Stop Loving Me, Back When I Knew It All, Lucky Man, Something To be Proud Of, Roll With Me, Daddy Won’t Sell the Farm, Hillbilly Shoes, Speed, Some People Change, She Don’t Tell Me To, Where I Come From, One In Every Crowd. Encore: My Town, Gone/Hillbilly Reprise
One of the most fun aspects of attending a DSO is trying to figure out what Grateful Dead setlist they are recreating. Opening the show with a fast “Bertha” made it immediately feel like a 1970s show to me, but because the band has played it for their entire career, it didn’t help much in determining a year. “Me and My Uncle,” “Loser” and “Black Throated Wind” confirmed that it was a show somewhere between 1970 and 1979, which, again, doesn’t do much in helping me decide.
As fans already know, Saranac will be serving up some of their 
