NYS Music 20​16

Category: North Country

  • 2016 March Madness – Elite Eight

    We are into the fourth round of NYS Music’s March Madness 2016 and our field has been whittled down to just 8 bands from across New York State! This friendly tournament style competition runs through the month of March.  Our goal is to bring new bands that you might not know about, but should, to your attention.

    The last round was the closest ever with the widest spread being only 43% to 56% and a few races were separated by only 1 or 2%.  Let’s hope this round proves to be equally as exciting.

    We hit every corner of New York State from Long Island to Buffalo, The Catskills to the North Country and all points in between. NYS Music March Madness is a great way to discover a new and upcoming band and also to show your support and love for bands you see often. Established bands who have gained a larger audience are not included in this year’s March Madness. Instead, the bands who are on the cusp of greatness are the stars of this year’s tournament. There was only room for 64 but we made the tough choices and put in a wide variety for fans to choose from, there truly is something for everyone.

    The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, Buffalo Iron Works, Funk n Waffles and The Waterhole each sponsored a regional bracket this year. And this round those brackets will each have their winner as we enter into the Final Four next week.  These venues represent the best of what New York State has to offer and they celebrate music by allowing local and touring bands to perform for growing scenes across the state.

    The Iron Works region finals are:

    Blind Owl Band (jamgrass) vs Sly Fox and the Hustlers (blues funk rock)

    Funk n Waffles final matchups are:

    Waydown Wailers (roots rock) vs Folk Faces (folk jazz)

    The Hollow Bar and Kitchen region has:

    Sprocket (jam) vs Northern Faces (indie)

    The Waterhole region finals give us:

    Chris James & Mama G (Ameribeat) vs Big Mean Sound Machine (Afrobeat/dance)

    Round 4, or the Elite Eight, voting begins at 12 noon EST on Friday, March 18 and closes at midnight on Sunday, March 20. Final Four voting begins at 12 noon on Tuesday, March 18 for the regional champions. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

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  • The Slam Allen Band Featured in PB&J Series in Plattsburgh

    Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) is bringing yet another award-winning blues performer to the North Country. On Saturday, March 19, PB&J will feature The Slam Allen Band, a 2016 Blues Music Awards Nominee for Best New CD by a New Artist. Slam has spent nine years as a bandleader, lead vocalist and lead guitarist with blues legend James Cotton and is also a New York State Blues Hall of Fame Master Musician Inductee.

    All proceeds from PB&J shows go to the 30 City Foundation to fund artists and bring new performers to Plattsburgh. Tickets can be purchased online at Plattsburghbluesandjazz.com and in person at the Champlain Wine Company located at 30 City Hall Place. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Doors open at 8 pm. Show starts at 9 pm.

  • North Country’s Beloved Waterhole to Reopen

    Saranac Lake’s go-to spot for fresh music and cocktails is set to reopen in grand fashion. The Waterhole will reopen its doors and dance floor to host a grand opening party on April 1. It will be Lucid‘s last show at the ‘hole, one of the band’s home venues, and new owner Eric Munley’s band the Blind Owl Band will play in support.

    There will also be two shows prior to the grand opening, with the Honey Smugglers on March 25 and Still Hand String Band on March 31. Munley posted on Facebook that he expects the bar to officially open on March 22.

    lcarbone - blind owl band
    The Blind Owl Band

    After decades of hosting bands and serving drinks, the Waterhole ceased operations in August 2015. With a hope to continue building a fan base in the Adirondacks for touring bands, former booking agent and local musician Eric Munley and girlfriend Kiki Sarko took over the business and have quickly turned things around. Just in time for Saranac Lake’s Winter Carnival in February, the Waterhole temporarily opened to host a packed weekend of music, including bands such as Swampcandy, Thunder Body, Funknut, Pained Sol and the Blind Owl Band.

    With more and more closings of small, locally owned music venues, comes fresh faces and fresh perspective. Munley’s decision to continue the tradition is praised by people both in and out of the Adirondacks. Bands and fans in the Northeast are thankful that another piece of music history isn’t left to close its doors and collect dust. Since the 1990s, national acts such as Soulive, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, moe. and the Del McCoury Band have graced the Waterhole’s stage, among countless others in the 20 years the venue has been hosting music.

    If you’re looking to celebrate with the rest of Saranac Lake’s inhabitants, the Waterhole will open their doors at 9 p.m. on April 1.  Tickets are $10 at the door and music begins at 10 p.m. This is a show not to miss and a fantastic excuse to celebrate. Long live the Waterhole!

  • The Sweet Sixteen of NYS Music 2016 March Madness

    We are into Round 3 of NYS Music’s March Madness and our field is down to 16 bands from across New York State! This friendly tournament style competition runs throughout the month of March, bringing new bands you should know about to your attention.

    These are bands you might not know about, but should know about. Recommended for inclusion in our field of 64 by the NYS Music staff, we hit every corner of New York State from Long Island to Buffalo, The Catskills to the North Country and all points in between. NYS Music March Madness is a great way to discover a new and upcoming band and also to show your support and love for bands you see often. Established bands who have gained a massive audience are not included in this year’s March Madness. Instead, the bands who are on the cusp of greatness are the stars of this year’s tournament. There was only room for 64 but we made some great choices and picked a wide array of genres to offer you competition.

    We’d like to thank The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, Buffalo Iron Works, Funk n Waffles and The Waterhole for each sponsoring a regional bracket this year. These venues represent the best of what New York State has to offer and they all celebrate music by allowing local and touring bands to perform for growing scenes across the state.

    Third round matchups in the Iron Works region include:

    Stellar Young (Indie) vs Blind Owl Band (jamgrass)
    Sophistafunk (funk hip/hop) vs Sly Fox and the Hustlers (blues funk rock)

    Funk n Waffles third round matchups are:

    Waydown Wailers (roots rock) vs Subsoil (psychedelic hip hop)
    Folk Faces (folk jazz) vs Annie In the Water (acoustic rock)

    The Hollow Bar and Kitchen region has:

    Sprocket (jam) vs Let’s Be Leonard (jam)
    Mister F (prog jam rock) vs Northern Faces (indie)

    The Waterhole region brings together these matchups:

    Super Killer Robots (rock) vs Chris James & Mama G (Ameribeat)
    Big Mean Sound Machine (Afrobeat/dance) vs Formula 5 (funk jam)

    Round 3 voting begins at 12 noon EST on Tuesday, March 15 and closes at midnight on Thursday, March 17. Round 4 voting begins at 12 noon on Friday, March 18 for the remaining 8 teams. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

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  • NYS Music 2016 March Madness, Round 2

    We are into Round 2 of NYS Music March Madness and our field is down to 32 bands from across New York State! This friendly tournament style competition throughout the month of March, bringing new bands you should know about to your attention.

    These are bands you might not know about, but should know about. Recommended for inclusion in our field of 64 by the NYS Music staff, we hit every corner of New York State, from Long Island to Buffalo, The Catskills to the North Country and all points in between, NYS Music March Madness is a great way to discover a new and upcoming band and show your support and love for bands you see often. Established bands who have gained a massive audience are not included in this year’s competition, instead the bands who are on the cusp of greatness are the stars of this year’s March Madness. There was only room for 64 but we made some great choices and picked a wide array of genres to bring to you this year.

    We’d like to thank The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, Buffalo Iron Works, Funk n Waffles and The Waterhole for sponsoring a regional bracket this year. These venues represent the best of what New York State has to offer and celebrate music while inviting local and touring bands to perform for growing local scenes across the state.

    Second round matchups in the Iron Works region include:

    Stellar Young (Indie) vs Funktional Flow (funk n jam)
    Blind Owl Band (jamgrass) vs King Buffalo (stoner/psych rock)
    Sophistafunk (funk hip/hop) vs Lucky Jukebox Brigade (Indie pop punk)
    Sly Fox and the Hustlers (blues funk rock) vs North and South Dakotas (bluegrass/folk/y’allternative)

    Funk n Waffles second round matchups are:

    Waydown Wailers (roots rock) vs Last Daze (alt)
    Castle Creek (blues rock) vs Subsoil (psychedelic hip hop)
    Folk Faces (folk jazz) vs Dirty Smile (rock)
    Bump (rock) vs Annie In the Water (acoustic rock)

    The Hollow Bar and Kitchen region has:

    Sprocket (jam) vs Second Trip (rock)
    After Earth (metal) vs Let’s Be Leonard (jam)
    Mister F (prog jam rock) vs Funknut (funk/soul)
    Northern Faces (indie) vs Linear North (garage rock)

    The Waterhole region brings together these matchups:

    Root Shock (roots reggae) vs Super Killer Robots (rock)
    Chris James & Mama G (Ameribeat) vs Unknown Woodsman (funklove)
    Space Carnival (slippery disco) vs Big Mean Sound Machine (Afrobeat/dance)
    The Lawn Sausages (garagepunkschlockglam) vs Formula 5 (funk jam)

    Second Round voting begins at 12 noon EST on Friday, March 11, and closes at midnight on Sunday, March 13. The Third Round begins at 12 noon on Tuesday, March 15 with the remaining 16 teams. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • NYS Music March Madness 2016, Round 1

    It’s March and that means March Madness at NYS Music! We bring together 64 bands from across New York State for a friendly tournament style competition throughout the month of March, bringing new bands to our audience’s attention.

    These are bands you might not know about, but should know about. Recommended for inclusion in our field of 64 by the NYS Music staff, we hit every corner of New York State, from Long Island to Buffalo, The Catskills to the North Country and all points in between, NYS Music March Madness is a great way to discover a new and upcoming band and show your support and love for bands you see often. Established bands who have gained a massive audience are not included in this year’s competition, instead the bands who are on the cusp of greatness are the stars of this year’s March Madness. There was only room for 64 but we made some great choices and picked a wide array of genres to bring to you this year.

    We’d like to thank The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, Buffalo Iron Works, Funk n Waffles and The Waterhole for sponsoring a regional bracket this year. These venues represent the best of what New York State has to offer and celebrate music while inviting local and touring bands to perform for growing local scenes across the state.

    First round matchups in the Iron Works region include:

    Stellar Young (Indie) vs Melia (alt rock)
    Funktional Flow (funk n jam) vs Candy Ambulance (alt grunge rock)
    Pizza Party (‘Cuse rock) vs Blind Owl Band (jamgrass)
    King Buffalo (stoner/psych rock) vs Dragnfly (rock)
    Sophistafunk (funk hip/hop) vs Honey Smugglers (bluegrass/folk)
    Lucky Jukebox Brigade (Indie pop punk) vs Los Blancos (American roots)
    Teddy Midnight (electro dance funk) vs Sly Fox and the Hustlers (blues funk rock)
    Glen Street (alt hard rock) vs North and South Dakotas (bluegrass/folk/y’allternative)

    Funk n Waffles first round matchups are:

    Waydown Wailers (roots rock) vs I’m From the Gov’t and I’m Here to Help (metal)
    Last Daze (alt) vs Twin Lions (modern rock)
    Castle Creek (blues rock) vs Let Go Daylight stoner rock)
    The Other Brothers (soul funk) vs Subsoil (psychedelic hip hop)
    Pale Green Stars (rock/blues/alt-country) vs Folk Faces (folk jazz)
    Phineas and the Lonely Leaves (indie) vs Dirty Smile (rock)
    Bump (rock) vs Ire Clad (heavy metal)
    Annie In the Water (acoustic rock) vs Oogee Wawa (alt/reggae)

    The Hollow Bar and Kitchen region has:

    Sprocket (jam) vs Tim Britt (acoustic blues/disco)
    The Sea The Sea (indie folk pop) vs Second Trip (rock)
    After Earth (metal) vs Ampevene (prog rock)
    Let’s Be Leonard (jam) vs The Alaskan (heavy)
    Breaking Solace (hard rock) vs Mister F (prog jam rock)
    Spectacular Average Boys (folk) vs Funknut (funk/soul)
    AjamajA (prog jam) vs Northern Faces (indie)
    Linear North (garage rock) vs Murder In Rue Morgue (indie metal)

    And The Waterhole region brings together these matchups:

    Root Shock (roots reggae) vs Lord Electro (electro/house)
    Jeremiah’s Razor (metal) vs Super Killer Robots (rock)
    Chris James & Mama G (Ameribeat) vs Gowanus (experiemental rock)
    Unknown Woodsman (funklove) vs Animal (metalcore)
    Imperial Brown (jam rock) vs Space Carnival (slippery disco)
    Danielle Ronder & Tomorrow People (soul) vs Big Mean Sound Machine (Afrobeat/dance)
    The Lawn Sausages (garagepunkschlockglam) vs Crows Cage (hard rock)
    Formula 5 (funk jam) vs Crackin’ Foxy (swing)

    First Round voting begins at 12 noon EST on Tuesday, March 8, and closes at midnight on Thursday, March 10. Second Round begins at 12 noon on Friday, March 11 with the remaining 32 teams. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • PB&J Bringing Biscuit Miller and the Mix to Plattsburgh

    A welcome addition to the North Country music scene, Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) is a new live music series featuring top blues and jazz performers. On Sunday, March 6, PB&J will feature Biscuit Miller and the Mix. Biscuit was recently honored as Bass Player of the Year at the Blues Music awards.

    Biscuit has a heavy touring schedule of more than 250 appearances in the U.S. and abroad. “Biscuit and the Mix put out one of the best performances on the national blues scene. They’ll have the crowd up and dancing like it’s a Saturday night in Memphis!” says Laura Carbone, a music photographer from Plattsburgh who recruits the acts from around the U.S. and Canada.

    The show on Sunday, March 6 will be held at The Champlain Wine Company. Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. All event proceeds from PB&J shows go to the 30 City Foundation to fund the artists and to bring new performers to Plattsburgh. Tickets can be purchased online at Plattsburghbluesandjazz.com and in person at the Champlain Wine Company located at 30 City Hall Place.

    PB&J was launched on February 12 with a performance by Swampcandy, an Americana blues duo out of Maryland and winners of Best Emerging Artist at Floydfest. Upcoming shows include:

    Saturday, March 19: The Slam Allen Band

    Sunday, April 3: JP Soars and the Redhots

    Tuesday, April 12: John Nemeth

  • Hearing Aide: Trinity Park Radio “TPR Comes Alive”

    TPR, short for Trinity Park Radio, just released a live album playfully titled TPR Comes Alive. Many nuances throughout this album make it an unique adventure from Cleveland to Chicago (more on that later), and these fun loving college guys have etched themselves a niche in the live music scene. Some live albums overshadow the band with long drawn out jams, and don’t highlight the personality of the band and focus on their ability. TPR connects with their audience in a more intimate way, making them feel as if they are part of the show. By recording in a cozy setting, the listener feels like they’re one of the people in the crowd.

    Right off the bat, “King of the Park” hits you in the face with pure adrenaline charged rock and roll while “Cleveland Gary” shows a different side of the band – a softer, more emotional side. “You’re on Fire” is a catchy little number with a fun repeating title phrase which speeds up to astronomical speeds, bringing out a silliness from the band members as they get increasingly excited and deliver that energy through the speakers.  TPR also put a hip spin on a grade school classic, the famous “Stop Drop and Roll.” These lads added rock ‘ n before the roll and all are left singing along. That wasn’t the only point in the album where the lyrics were ironic, the title “I Love Dick’s….Sporting Goods”, is another perfect example.

    The album closes out with “Carl Winslow,” yes, that Carl Winslow, the Chicago mailman from the ABC hit “Family Matters.” It’s a delightfully hokey song telling stories of Steve Urkel and others cast members, but the music itself is the most catchy part, although you may find yourself confused by the band saying Carl Winslow, as the music doesn’t fit the character at all – a middle class, mid-America man – does not translate to hard kicking guitar riffs and slamming drums.  Again, this fits the over riding motif of the album, with the titles and the lyrics making the listener believe they are going to hear one thing, but the music delivering another.

    Listening to TPR Comes Alive, the amount of effort put in becomes clear straight away. You can tell they don’t take themselves too seriously, but they are far from a joke. TPR is having fun toeing that line, and if they stay they the course it can only mean a bright future for these guys from Upstate New York.

    Key Tracks: Cleveland Gary, King of the Park, You’re on Fire

  • Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz Brings New Meaning to PB&J

    Plattsburgh residents can rejoice in drawing clever new meaning from the acronym PB&J. Starting Feb. 12, prominent music photographer Laura Carbone, in partnership with 30 City Foundation and Shen Marketing Solutions, will spotlight award-winning musical talent with Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz.

    PB&JThe music series will supply a rich diversity of blues and jazz styles, ranging from southern bayou roots to funk-infused soul. Those looking to diversify their musical interests or support time-tested favorites have a sparkling opportunity to witness world-class entertainment in a small city nestled in northern New York between Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

    Performances will transpire every three to four weeks, with artists scheduled through mid-April. Those already booked for PB&J’s inaugural year include Swampcandy, Biscuit Miller and the Mix, the Slam Allen Band, JP Soars and the Redhots and John Nemeth. Tickets range between $12 and $15, with proceeds circulating right back into the musical flow to fund artists and to continue drawing inspiring talent to the Plattsburgh area.

    The series promises to add extra flair to the Plattsburgh music scene, providing reliable, top-notch entertainment for locals, but also a worthy reason for out-of-towners to make Plattsburgh their next day-trip destination. Most shows will take place at Champlain Wine Company located at 30 City Hall Place. Tickets can be purchased through 30City, their online music and arts forum.

  • Blind Owl Band Roars Through The ‘Cuse

    The Blind Owl Band rode their roaring four-stringed freight train right through the Westcott Theater in Syracuse on Feb. 6, and with a full house of faithful fans, they surely got the dance floor heated. The bearded band responsible for breaking in your dancing shoes consists of Arthur Buezo (guitar, vocals), Christian Cardiello, (double bass, fretless bass), James Ford, (banjo, vocals) and Eric Munley (mandolin, vocals).

    The band strummed their instruments so effortlessly, there were times I wondered if their swift fingers even touched the strings. They most definitely live up to their name the “Blind” Owl Band, if they were blindfolded I have no doubt their manic, musical mastery would be no different, as the dance floor was moving all night.

    If you missed this furious fleet of string masters, you can catch them in their hometown of Saranac Lake at the Waterhole on Feb. 13, the Hanger in Troy, NY, on Feb. 18 and at Nectar’s in Burlington, VT, on Feb. 19 with Bella’s Bartok.