NYS Music 20​16

Category: Regions

  • Spring Fling Rock AF 2016 to come to Western New York

    Buffalo and Rochester have been announced as two of the 15 cities on the Spring Fling Rock AF 2016 Tour.

    The tour package will hit the Main Street Armory in Rochester on March 26 and roll through the Queen City on March 28. First Niagara Center will be hosting the event in Buffalo. Cage the Elephant, Silversun Pickups, Foals and Bear Hands are slated to perform on the multi-city run.

    Spring Fling Rock AFTickets for both venues go on sale to the general public on Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. and range from $33 to $43. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or through the venue box offices.  Pre-sales for fan clubs members for both of the bands and various radio stations sponsoring the event begin as early as Wednesday, Jan 13.

    The tour features Grammy-nominated Kentucky based rock band Cage the Elephant, Alt rock veterans Silversun Pick-ups, up and coming UK indie rock band Foals and the Brooklyn based band Bear Hands.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBeohY2O2PA

    With packaged tours becoming more of a rarity, the bands are all eager to hit the road together. Cage the Elephant front man Matt Shultz had this to say:

    “There’s a real sense of camaraderie and a shared philosophy amongst all of us on this tour. We come from all over the world, but we share a love of music and being on the road. These shows will celebrate that spirit.”

    The tour kicks off March 11 in Fresno, California. In addition to two other California dates Spring Fling Rock AF Tour will also make stops in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Maine before wrapping up on April 1 in Portland, Maine.

    Spring Fling Rock AF 2016 Tour:

    03/11 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center
    03/12 – Sacramento, CA – Sleep Train Arena
    03/13 – Bakersfield, CA – Radobank Arena
    03/16 – El Paso, TX – Don Haskins Center
    03/18 – Tulsa, OK – Cox Business Center
    03/19 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center
    03/20 – Johnson City, TN – Freedom Hall Civic Center
    03/22 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Coliseum
    03/23 – Norfolk, VA – Constant Convocation Center
    03/25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center
    03/26 – Rochester, NY – Main Street Armory
    03/28 – Buffalo, NY – First Niagara Center
    03/30 – Hartford, CT – XL Center
    03/31 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
    04/01 – Providence, RI – Dunkin Donuts Center

  • Rubblebucket Brings New Songs in the New Year to Water Street Music Hall

    In what has become a bit of a tradition, afrobeat-dance-pop partiers Rubblebucket once again worked Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall into their New Year’s weekend plans this year. Though their visit is never quite held on New Year’s Eve, they’re always sure to carry over some antics with them.

    Rubblebucket-WaterStreet-10216-2

    The stage was dressed with a painted and black-lit backdrop that was hit with various animations throughout the night, including jellyfish, clouds, hyperspace-esque bursts etc. The band continued their strong touring behind their latest album Survival Sounds. The show opened with “Shake Me Around” and “Sound of Erasing” and the rest of the set was peppered with more Survival Songs tracks. Past hits from Omega La La “Silly Fathers” and “Came Out of a Lady” (hilariously available now as a onesie) aren’t ready to leave the rotation though. Most exciting though, the band continued it’s slow and subtle evolution showcasing two brand new songs that will hopefully find their way into stores on a new album sometime in 2016.

    First up was “Donna,” a song about imaginary lovers unrelated to the Richie Valens classic and just a smidge more upbeat. It featured Kalmia Traver back on the sax, something that has grown rarer, and Alex Toth making use of a megaphone. Later in the set, the band emerged with another new one, “Party Like Your Heart Hurts.” An apt title for a song by a band who brings a party every night and oozes love for their music, audience and life in general. With an undercurrent of electronics bubbling up, this one is immediately infectious and the crowd spent no time acclimating to the groove. It was as if they’d heard it a 100 times. Check out videos of both songs below.

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z6utKdEqXM[/embedyt]

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6BURv6gqy0[/embedyt]

    After an hour long set that featured a tutu worn by multiple members of the band, confetti cannons, full-crowd jump-alongs, a horn march through the crowd, and Kalmia Traver riding through the crowd in an inflatable raft (impressively while still holding mic and singing), the audience wasn’t ready to quit this not-quite New Year’s Eve celebration. Rabidly chanting “One more song!” as loud as you will ever hear, when the band came back Alex Toth asked, “Is it OK if we play 2 songs?”

    So two songs they played, the first a cover of Fugazi’s “Waiting Room” (video below) which brought a much harder edge to the mix. It served as a dynamic contrast to their usual bright sound and was a great addition to the repertoire. The night closed with “Save Charlie” and a huge balloon drop, including a massive blue octopus that snaked through the crowd. Rubblebucket continually out-Rubblebucket’s themselves over the New Year’s holiday, and Rochester happily hosted the party once again.

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d2A1FIi2Z4[/embedyt]

  • 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.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’569′]

    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.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’570′]

    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.

  • The Disco Biscuits 2016 New Years Eve Run: Keeping Everyone On Their Toes

    Fresh off of Holidaze in the Dominican Republic, the Disco Biscuits returned to New York City for their 2016 New Years Eve run at The Playstation Theater.

    Disco.Biscuits.Playstation.NYERun.2

    You could tell that the band was excited for the run, as they had many tricks up their sleeves. They started the run off in style with a setlist constructed by two fans, Sean Gruchik wrote the first set, and Rich Steele the second. The second set featured a brilliant “Basis for a Day”/”Spacebirdmatingcall” pairing that took up most of the set and let everyone know that they hadn’t missed a beat since Holidaze.

    New Years Eve featured a “Hot Air Balloon” countdown, along with a mix of some old and new sounds. After “Helicopters” > “Feeling Twisted” > “Pimp Blue Rikkis”, the band ended the set with a “Spaga” that included a “Final Countdown” by Europe intro. The Biscuits went all out for the third set which was almost entirely improv. The band played along as the 1982 Disney film Tron was projected onto a see through screen before dropping back into “Helicopters.” The set was incredible and was up there among the best things the Biscuits have done production-wise.

    Disco.Biscuits.Playstation.NYERun.22

    The show on the 1st was a wheel show, the second if it’s kind, which featured a wheel with songs and a few prizes. Fans, friends and even a band member spun it throughout the night to determine the set list. When it was spun while they weren’t in the middle of a jam, they fell back into the same “Mario Star Jam” which they played at the last wheel show in 2007, which gave you the feeling like you were watching some demented T.V. game show. The wheel added a few interesting kinks to the show as the band had to work their way through some uncommon segues and also had to play some rarities. No time for New Years hangover rust, the band stepped up to the challenge and delivered.

    After the “Voices Insane” opener, the band played a robot porn soundtrack of “Moshi Fameus” > “Orch Theme” before the wheel delivered a one-two punch of “Mindless Dribble” and “Spraypaint Victory” to end the Set.

    Showing their drummer Allen some love after 10 years with the band, they let him spin the wheel to open the second set. Coincidentally, it landed on “Floes,” a song penned by their previous drummer Sammy. That led into the highlight of the night, “Lunar Pursuit” > “Sweating Bullets.” Everyone was completely locked in but Allen and Barber really played off each other well for the segment, which was a nice reminder of just how far the two have come along in the last 10 the years since Allen joined.

    Disco.Biscuits.Playstation.NYERun.20

    Next up was the rarity, “The Unspoken Rhyme,” which the band had not played since 2001. The next person to spin cheated and stopped the wheel on “Munchkin Invasion” but the band decided to mess with her a bit, playing a rare standalone Waves instead, which wasn’t inverted, dyslexic, or chopped up like usual. The band then gave her what she wanted and played a “Munchkin Invasion” encore.

    The last night of the run brought the heat and the horns. The Philly Stray Horns came out for the first set along with some Blues Brothers impersonators who sat in for some fun covers of
    “Soul Man” and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love”. The Biscuits finished up their run doing what they do best. The last set was heavy on the improv, starting off with an almost hour long version of “I-Man” before slipping into “Svenghali” > “Astronaut” > “Reactor.”

    The Disco Biscuits next run will be at the Fillmore in Philadelphia at the end of February, their first time playing the new venue. Tickets are on sale now.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’571′]

  • Second Annual Winter Warm Up at The Linda Announced

    Four regional bands will play the second annual Winter Warm Up at The Linda in Albany to benefit WAMC, Northeast Public Radio, on Saturday, Jan. 16.

    Bryan Thomas, KoriSoron, SubSlab and The North & South Dakotas are contributing their performances to benefit the area’s non-profit NPR affiliate, at WAMC’s performing arts studio, The Linda. Beer, wine and pub fare will be available for purchase at the benefit.

    Albany’s own Bryan Thomas will bring his self-described soul rock that promises to get everyone dancing. Schenectady’s acoustic trio KoriSoron will enchant the audience with their global tradition-influenced rock and progressive music. SubSlab will supply their female-led rock-n-roll. And The North & South Dakotas bring their old-timey Appalachian-style music, with elements of bluegrass, folk and honky-tonk.

    WAMC/Northeast Public Radio is a regional non-profit radio network that serves parts of New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It is affiliated with National Public Radio and Public Radio International. The Linda is a multipurpose performance space run by WAMC that hosts concerts, lectures, debates and films among other events, many of which are broadcast over WAMC’s radio stations.

    The Jan. 16 show will take place at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 with all proceeds supporting WAMC.

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hJRAd_0mtY[/embedyt]

  • Ha Ha the Moose Bring Late Night Shenanigans to Irving Plaza

    If you love watching your favorite musicians become a band of late night time traveling trash talkers donning capes and Mexican wrestling masks, you may have already seen Ha Ha the Moose. For those unfamiliar with the genre, the band consists of moe.’s Rob Derhak – Dr Guano (bass, vox), Jim Loughlin – Sludge (drums, vox), and Chuck Garvey – Jeff VonKickass (guitar, vox) and prides itself on being anything but a great show.

    Ha Ha the Moose
    Ha Ha the Moose

    However, it always is and the joke was not lost on fans when last Saturday Ha Ha the Moose performed at Irving Plaza following moe.’s New Years Eve in Albany and offered up as a late night option during Phish’s 4 night run in NYC.

    As with most HHTM shows they begin with booing from the crowd and insults tossed from the stage and in this instance went right into a ripping’ “Awesome Gary” to start the show followed by a longer than normal “Mr. Her,” a song about a transvestite that they dedicated to Caitlyn Jenner, for whom 2015 truly was her year. The boys also debuted two new songs this year: “Courtesy Flush,” a ripper about coming back through time to warn mankind the dangers when one does not have the courtesy to flush. Chuck’s sweet guitar arrangement alongside Rob’s powerful message has turned this tune into a beautiful reminder to always be considerate of others.

    Ha Ha the Moose
    Ha Ha the Moose

    With no setbreak the boys kept it going with “The 10 Things Vin’s Most Likely to Say,” “(Ha Ha the) Moose Theme,” and “Thirsty Carbunkle,” an instrumental that gives a nod to garage rock and makes you feel like you’re on nothing less than a heavy metal surf adventure. The second new song of the year, “F*** me, F*** you,” was dedicated to the fans and is probably the most exciting new tune from HHTM. This song featured not only hilarious lyrics, but some very heavy bass lines not recognized by the normal moe. trained ear. This song is a rager and while HHTM sticks to similar setlists each show, they are making time to introduce new material showing they like what they’re doing and hopefully continue to do it!

    Ha Ha the Moose
    Ha Ha the Moose

    The Moose proved there isn’t much one wouldn’t do at 3 am in NYC in the name of freedom, closing out the show with, “20lbs.,” “Devil Toad,” and “Redneck Trilogy.” There’s a saying when a Ha Ha show is announced that “the moose is loose”. Seeing Jim, Chuck, and Rob explore their musical boundaries all while keeping a casual atmosphere of belligerent antics, one can see the definition gets left open to their interpretation and for the fans, all for their benefit!

    Review by Mary O’Hara

  • moe. Reprises Star Wars Theme for New Year’s Day

    File this under: moe.wars – A New Hope. moe. promised its fans a heavy dose of Star Wars for New Year’s Day and didn’t disappoint.

    Opening with the “Star Wars Overture” while images of Imperial Walkers, X-Wing Fighters, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers flashed across the video screen, those in attendance who regretted not hitting up the Philadelphia Halloween show were given a treat.

    moe star wars
    A nice, relaxing version of “Recreational Chemistry” followed. The accompanying light show enhanced the cool vibe of the song, inducing shouts of approval from the crowd, many donning Star Wars apparel. The 30-ish minute jam was enhanced by the stellar light show, provided by Preston Hoffman and Justin Casey of Pulse Lighting. Guitarist Al Schnier shone throughout this version of “Rec Chem,” shredding only as Schnier does.

    The brilliance in moe.’s work is the diverse styles it employs. In any given song, the band can meander among spacey jams, reggae themes and straight-up riff rock. The fact that each band member writes and sings invites the diversity as they incorporate their own likes into the repertoire.

    A true example of this diversity was exhibited as the spacey funk of “Recreational Chemistry” began to fade out and the Calexico-styled Chuck Garvey song “Shoot First” began. Each song is well-loved in the moe. canon yet they could not be more different. However, each still contains a distinct moe. vibe. Speaking of vibes, Jim Loughlin’s mallets add a terrific vibe to this Garvey classic.

    moe star warsA quick return to Star Wars brought the lively “Cantina Theme” Garvey employed some dexterous finger-picking, while Derkak employed some effects pedals to mimic the familiar theme from Star Wars – A New Hope. Loughlin’s malletkat added to the feel of the song, giving the feel of being in the cantina itself.

    The percussive “Spine of a Dog” segued into that song about a pig, “Buster,” keeping feet moving in the aisles and stage front. Schnier broke out his double-neck for the first set closer, “Buster” and abused it justly.

    A quick look at the early New Year’s Day setlist showed a high prevalence towards tracks from the “Smash Hits” release from a few years ago, not that anyone was complaining. But first, a quick step back into the Imperial realm.

    Long used as introduction music to the most badass of sports teams, “The Imperial March” from Star Wars is one of those themes known to almost all. moe. introduced the second set, stepping over to the dark side with a version of the march that would have made the Dark Lord himself proud. Again, the laser show and video images encapsulated the night’s theme to a tee and Loughlin’s mallets proved to be the game winner in this take.

    A calm run through of “Captain America” followed, with Garvey lighting up the Palace with his fretwork skills on his solo yet again. The man was on point the entire run.

    moe star warsSchnier’s coming-of-age song, “Mexico” came next. The teases into it from “Captain America” had the crowd warming up its vocal chords, ready to join in at the first word. This one turned into a chill-inducing, whole-crowd sing along. Garvey’s solo take during this song had Rob Derhak sitting back smiling with pride in his bandmates. While “Mexico” isn’t one of the big jam vehicles die-hards yearn for, as witnessed Friday night at the Palace, it is certainly a crowd-pleaser, and one that deserves a spot among the great narrative songs.

    “So Long” slowed things down with a tribal, almost “The End” meets “Three Days” feel to great effect. The entire run had been so high-energy that the slowed down vibe here was a welcome relief for the audience to just sit back and sway.

    The bass influenced What Happened to the LA LAs track, “Paper Dragon,” picked up the pace again with wah-wah pedals wailing and Derhak, Garvey and Schnier riffing away.

    Another smooth take on Garvey’s “Bullet” (familiarly known to moe.rons as “Assfinger”) moved smoothly into a solid Derhak bass solo, that thundered along for nearly five minutes before segueing into a particularly ferocious finale of the unfinished “Meat” from the previous night.

    The final set of the first show of moe.’s 26th year came to an end with a rousing disco version of the Meco classic entitled “Disco Wars.” Schnier took a spot on his keyboard for this one, teasing a little bit of Van Halen’s “Jump” before going full disco. Check out the video below:

    A round of Al.nouncements was followed by an encore of “Letter Home” and “Okayalright,” both tributes to their roots in this area and fitting for the place the band has called home for the past two New Years.

    moe. has done something rare in the music industry. It has survived over 25 years with much of the original lineup in tact and continuing to push boundaries. This New Year’s run and the entire year have shown that this is a band that isn’t resting on past successes and is willing to push to the next level. This run of shows is sure to be one talked about by fans for years to come and for good reason.

    Setlist:

    Set 1: Star Wars Overture> Recreational Chemistry, Shoot First, Cantina Band, Spine Of A Dog> Buster
    Set 2: The Imperial March, Captain America> Mexico, So Long, Paper Dragon, Bullet> Meat*, Disco Wars
    Encore: Letter Home, Okayalright
    *finished from 12/31 moe star wars

  • Blast From the Past: YMSB Rings in New Year With Nostalgic Covers

    They didn’t have 3-D projections, laser lights or massive stage props, but Yonder Mountain String Band (YMSB) brought plenty of energy, heart and even a little Motown soul to the Boulder Theater during their four-night residency in Colorado to celebrate the New Year. In addition to guest performers each night, the local bluegrass favorites picked and jammed through cover songs from different decades each night.

    Thursday night, mandolin impresario Sam Bush joined the band in covering a number of 1960’s classics like The Rolling Stones’ tune “Jumping Jack Flash.” But it was fiddler Allie Kral’s soaring vocals that provided the first night’s highlights by belting out Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.”

    New Year’s Eve highlighted 70’s classics like the Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street” and a percussion-led version of David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust.”

    Local fans went foot-stomping mad on Friday night when dobro master Jerry Douglas joined Yonder for a night of 80’s-themed tunes, including Black Sabbath’s “Crazy Train” and the Cyndi Lauper favorite, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Along with his trademark improvisational stylings, Douglas sported 80’s spirit by donning an oversized black wig.

    Saturday night’s YMSB set was boosted by the presence of jazz guitarist Stanley Jordon. With dazzling and introspective fret work, he lent an introspective flair to 90’s-themed music that included old Yonder standards like “Hole” and covers like Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon.” Yonder Mountain String Band’s sound is as polished and vibrant as ever in its history even when the band reaches back into history to celebrate the future.

  • Wooden Wisdom Plans All Night Affair at Verboten

    This Friday at Verboten in Brooklyn, the electronic duo of Elijah Wood and Zach Cowie, aka Wooden Wisdom take the stage with a stellar lineup of DJs in tow. Wood and Cowie’s project demonstrates stylistic range, but still maintains a distinct harmonic impression that’s unique to Wooden Wisdom alone. Known for spinning vinyl that ranges in style and sound from African funk and acid rock to bass driven funky 70’s classics, they weave a range of artists and beats into smooth, energetic, sophisticated mixes.

    wooden wisdom
    Wood and Cowie’s music bears a certain reflection to it’s stylistic influences, which are American DJs and producers with deep footprints in the hiphop and electronic music scenes. Wood recently did an interview with promoter Harrison Waxenberg, who also produces for Brooklyn based electronic duo Horizon Wireless. When asked about his musical influences, Wood said “The DJs that inspired me to want to spin records would probably have to be Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow.”

    Other performers include Ben Silver from Chicago based live production act Orchard Lounge, Callie Reiff, Philadelphia based producers Wyllys and Risky Disko, Business Casual Disco, Tucci, and many more.

    The event is an all night affair, filled with music from talented DJs and producers from throughout the country. Wooden Wisdom will perform in the early hours after midnight with the first act of the evening starting at 10 pm, and music ending at 6 am.

    Tickets for Wooden Wisdom at Verboten are still available online for $40. Verboten is located at 54 N. 11th Street in Brooklyn, New York. The show is 21+.

  • 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.