NYS Music 20​16

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  • Holy Ghost Tent Revival Converts Listeners to Fans

    It was only appropriate that a group named Holy Ghost Tent Revival, from Asheville, North Carolina, played at a converted church, and converted listeners into new fans. Named after a roadside advertisement in their home state, they kicked off the fall schedule at the Kirkland Art Center on September 8th. The six-piece band showed tremendous versatility, with four different members playing keyboards at various times during their two-set performance.

    brian-cornish-holy-ghost-tent-revival-18Stephen Murray handled most of the lead vocals and rhythm guitar, but also played trumpet, and switched to the bass guitar when Kevin Williams played piano. Murray sat at the keys himself to close the first set with a stunning cover of George Harrison’s “Isn’t It a Pity,” performed with remarkable grace. Ross Montsinger on drums and Kevin Williams on bass handled the bottom end, with Williams lending backup vocals on most songs. Williams’ lead vocals and song styles while playing keys had an early Elton John feel to them. The majority of the band’s selections were in the roots rock/Americana realm accented by the wonderful punch of Charlie Humphrey on trumpet and the trombone of Hank Widmer, who both also played keyboards.

    brian-cornish-holy-ghost-tent-revival-07Widmer added clarinet on some of the evening’s quieter pieces. Rounding out the sextet was Matt Martin leading the way on guitar, sales pitch chants (“Pay what you want. Pay what you can.”) entertaining gesticulations, and fashion sense. How many ascots have you ever seen on stage?

    The intimate venue may have had a bit of a reduced crowd on a Thursday night, but those in attendance were very appreciative of the energetic appeal of this group, and glad to have the opportunity to support live music. Holy Ghost Tent Revival’s most recent release, the EP Summer Jelly, is available on a pay what you want, pay what you can basis. The remainder of KAC’s fall performance schedule, and other events, may be found at Kirkland Art Center’s website.

    brian-cornish-holy-ghost-tent-revival-04Partial setlist: Who Knew, Long Road, Right State of Mind, Sun/Shadow, Walking Over My Grave, Isn’t It a Pity?, Trouble with the Truth, Smoke Myself to Death, Long Night, Broken Spirit, The End to, Thought About

  • Runaway Gin: A Tribute to Phish Announces Fall and Winter Tour Dates

    Charleston, SC favorites Runaway Gin: A Tribute to Phish kicked off their fall and winter tour dates with the Phall Grand Ball, featuring special guest Holly Bowling. The opener was Friday at the Charleston Music Hall, followed by Saturday’s performance at the Music Farm in Columbia, SC. Next weekend the tour continues with stops at the 1904 Music Hall in Jacksonville, FL on Friday (9/16) and Saturday (9/17) in Tampa, FL for a headlining slot at WMNF 88.5’s Groovefest @ Skipper’s. The quartet returns to Charleston on Friday (10/14) to play the Ophishal Tour Opener Afterparty at the Pour House, which also plays host to the band’s regular Sunday residency.

    Runaway Gin datesNovember will see the band take a southern swing, featuring a debut at the Zydeco (11/11) in Birmingham, AL and shows in Oxford, MS (11/12), Greenville, SC (11/17), before venturing north for a Saturday night show at the Highline Ballroom in New York (11/19) and a Sunday gig at Gypsy Sally’s in Washington, DC (11/20).

    The tour promises to finish strong with a two-night run at the Rabbit Hole in Charlotte, NC (12/16-17), a three-set New Year’s Eve performance at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta, GA, and a debut show at the Exit/In in Nashville, TN (1/7) to conclude the tour.

    Visit Runaway Gin’s website and FB page for further details and check them out covering Phish’s “You Enjoy Myself” right here.

    Fall and Winter Tour Dates:

    Sept. 9 – the Phall Grand Ball at the Charleston Music Hall w/Holly Bowling – Charleston, SC
    Sept. 10 – the Phall Grand Ball at the Columbia Music Farm w/Holly Bowling – Columbia, SC
    Sept. 16 – 1904 Music Hall – Jacksonville, FL
    Sept. 17 – WMNF 88.5 Groovefest – Skipper’s Smokehouse -Tampa,  FL
    Oct. 1 – the Calico Room – Wilmington, NC
    Oct. 14 – the Ophishal Phish Tour Opener Afterparty – the Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC
    Nov. 11 – the Zydeco – Birmingham, AL
    Nov. 12 – Proud Larry’s – Oxford, MS
    Nov.17 – Gottrocks – Greenville, SC
    Nov. 18 – the Pour House Music Hall – Raleigh, NC
    Nov. 19 – the Highline Ballroom – New York, NY
    Nov. 20 – Gypsy Sally’s – Washington, DC
    Dec. 9 – Barrelhouse South – Savannah, GA
    Dec. 16-17 – the Rabbit Hole – Charlotte, NC
    Dec. 31 – 3 Sets – Smith’s Olde Bar – Atlanta, GA
    Jan. 6 – the Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC
    Jan. 7 – the Exit/In – Nashville, TN

  • Hearing Aide: Tender Glue “Steady Light”

    0007865279_10Tom Gluewicki is the one-man force behind the Brooklyn based music project, Tender Glue. His debut EP, Wait For Steady Light, came out in September 2015 and now, one year later, after acquiring more live performance, song writing and recording experience, Tender Glue is set to release its anticipated follow up album, fittingly entitled, Steady Light.

    Tender Glue is known for his acoustic, indie-rock style meshed with a post-punk stripped down sound, all of which comes across in Steady Light. “West” the first single, is a slow, guitar-driven ballad that evokes Gluewicki’s heart felt intentionality, pouring through his music. Each guitar chord seems to drag, emphasizing his clear emotion and meaningfulness, and right when the listener would expect the track to come to a close, a beautiful moment of clarity opens up with the freeing simplicity of Gluewicki’s airy guitar work. This sort of nifty composure is heard throughout much of Steady Light and it appears that Gluewicki’s knack for not only song structure but skill in both the acoustic and electric guitar world has significantly improved over the year. It’s heard elsewhere in his music too with “Hope Street,” where acoustic chords are contrasted by the eerie drone of electric rambling. With its moments of dismay this song can definitely come across as somber, and maybe a little too dreary at points, but this also seems to be a part of what Tender Glue strives for in his music. It’s the longing for something that might no longer be there. Or it’s leaving a place you’ve come to know well, as with “Goodbye Bushwick,” yet recognizing to always carry home. Whatever it is, Gluewicki is quick to transmit that emotion into music.

    Tender Glue’s somber, acoustically spacious and slight 90s grunge influence is what makes this one-man band such an honest delight to dive into. Steady Light is sure to be a must-listen throughout the upcoming autumn nights and straight through into the winter. And be sure to look out for Tender Glue’s album release show set for August 26th at City Reliquary in Brooklyn.

    Key Tracks: West, Goodbye Bushwick, Hope Street

  • Dopapod Reunites with Former Drummer

    Berklee-born, Brooklyn-based improv specialists Dopapod are going with the Fro. The band announced a reunion with drummer Neal “Fro” Evans Wednesday. Evans stepped away from the band in 2013 for personal reasons and was replaced by Scotty Zwang.

    dopapod-matt-balch-web500

    Speaking to Evans’ homecoming, a statement released by the band said, “As we count our blessings for every moment we’ve experienced while surrounded by a wonderfully supportive family of fans, we’ve also found ourselves recounting the original chemistry that undeniably forged the path that we’re grateful to be walking.”

    Zwang appears to be exiting the band under cordial circumstances and is working on other projects.

    Evans’ first shows back behind the kit will be at the Resonance Festival in Thornville, OH and Catskill Chill festival in Lakewood, PA at the end of September.

    Dopapod recently announced an extensive fall tour with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.The tour kicks off in Jacksonville, FL on Oct. 5 and includes several New York stops throughout the trek. The Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, Syracuse’s Westcott Theater and Buffalo Iron Works will all get an upstate taste of the “DopaPong” fall tour, while Irving Plaza is paid a visit later in the tour.

    Dopapod/Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Fall Tour:

    Oct. 5 – Jacksonville, FL – 1904 Music Hall
    Oct. 6 – Gainesville, FL – High Dive
    Oct. 7 – St. Petersburg, FL – The State Theatre
    Oct. 8 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
    Oct. 9 – Orlando, FL – Venue 578
    Oct. 11 – Macon GA – Cox Capitol Theatre
    Oct. 12 – Columbia, SC – Music Farm
    Oct. 13 – Richmond, VA – The National* w/ The New Deal
    Oct. 14 – Darlington, MD – Luna Light Festival
    Oct. 26 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Putnam Den
    Oct. 27 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
    Oct. 28 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground* w/ West End Blend
    Oct. 29 – Northampton, MA – Pearl Street
    Nov. 2 – Syracuse, NY – Westcott Theater
    Nov. 3 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works
    Nov. 4 – TBA
    Nov. 5 – Morgantown, WV -Mainstage*
    Nov. 10 – State College, PA – The State Theatre
    Nov. 11 – Charlottesville, VA – The Jefferson Theater
    Nov. 12 – TBA
    Nov. 17 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
    Nov. 18 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
    Nov. 30 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
    Dec. 1 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
    Dec. 2 – Charleston, SC – The Pourhouse
    Dec, 3 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
    Dec. 6 – Chattanooga, TN – Revelry Room
    Dec. 7 – Nashville, TN – Exit / In
    Dec. 8 – St. Louis, MO – Ready Room
    Dec. 9 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s
    Dec. 10 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
    Dec. 11 – Champaign, IL – The Accord
    Dec. 14 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Blind Pig
    Dec. 15 – Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Brewery
    Dec. 16 – Milwaukee, WI – The Miramar Theatre
    Dec. 17 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre

    Check out the full  GoFro view of Evans performing at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston back in February 2013 for a glimpse of what will come with his re-entry.

    https://youtu.be/pjOTDAoeGdo

  • Time to Get Your Celtic On at the Syracuse Irish Festival 2016

    Attention anyone who wants to have a good time, put aside the fact that you have never been to a Celtic music festival and not sure if it’s your cup of tea.  Do you like music, dancing, good food, beer?  Yeah, I had you at beer.  It’s time to get your Celtic on this Friday Sept. 9 and Saturday Sept. 10, as we once again gather for the 2016 Syracuse Irish Festival at Clinton Square in Syracuse.  This year’s lineup is a spectacular mix of old and new and acts featuring a diverse lineup on two stages.  Combine this with Celtic wares, family activities, delicacies, and libations, it’s sure to be a good time for all.

    Crowd favorites, Searson return this year. It’s like welcoming home family as Erin, Colleen, Danno, and Fraser take to the Ommegang Stage Saturday evening.  Also returning this year are The Elders, Kansas City’s very own superstars, a band who Central New York has adopted as their own personal band.  This dynamic group is bound to set the stage on fire once again and get the crowd on their feet singing and dancing both Friday and Saturday nights.

    For those smart enough to arrive early both days, they will be treated to the trio of The Moxie Strings, The Flyin Column, The Public House, The Blarney Rebel Band, and Attractive Nuisance, among others. This mix of both traditional and contemporary Celtic music is sure to entertain those attending and garner them some new “likes” and “follows” on social media accounts.

    There are many new acts to look forward to this year.  The promo shot of The Led Farmers is more than enough to hook the casual observer as their set should prove to be just as fun as their photo.  Playing both evenings on both stages, this quartet from Dublin, Ireland are a must-see as they are introduced to Central NY.

    Don’t want to miss the football games, no worries.  Join The Town Pants on Friday night at the Irish Tailgate Party. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the pub area, attendees will find multi-tasking to be a joy. The Syracuse-Louisville game will be broadcast on the big screen in the pub area Friday night.

    NYS Music is honered to be a parter for this year’s Syracuse Irish Festival, bringing our readers highlights from the stage and crowds.  We hope to see you all there.  Please take the time to stop me, I’m the blonde with the camera, as I make my way around the crowd.  Say hi and insist I get your photo to prove that you were hanging with the cool crowd at this weekend’s event.

    FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

    DSC_8664 copyFRIDAY SEPT. 9 – OMMEGANG STAGE

    5:00 p.m.    Attractive Nuisance
    6:00 p.m.    The Town Pants
    7:30 p.m.    Butler-Sheehan Academy
    7:50 p.m.    The Flyin Column
    8:30 p.m.    Rince Na Sonas School of     Irish Dance
    8:50 p.m.    The Moxie Strings
    9:30 p.m.    Johnston School of Irish Dance
    9:50 p.m.   The Elders

    FRIDAY SEPT. 9 – LEMOYNE PUB STAGE
    12:00 p.m.  Quigsy and the Bird
    1:20 p.m.    An Ceol
    2:40 p.m.    Home Slice
    4:00 p.m.    The Public House
    5:10 p.m.     Butler-Sheehan Academy of Irish Dance
    5:30 p.m.    The Flyin Column
    6:30 p.m.    Rince Na Sonas School of Irish Dance
    6:50 p.m.    The Led Farmers
    8:10 p.m.    Johnston School of Irish Dance
    8:30 p.m.    The Causeway Giants

    SATURDAY SEPT. 10 – OMMEGANG STAGE
    11:00 a.m.    Irish Mass
    12:20 p.m.   Blarney Rebel Band
    1:30 p.m.     Dance School (TBA)
    1:50 p.m.     Moxie Strings
    3:00 p.m.    The Public House
    4:20 p.m.    Drumcliffe Arts
    4:40 p.m.    The Led Farmers
    6:00 p.m.    Roisin School of Irish Dance
    6:20 p.m.    Moxie Strings
    7:30 p.m.    Francis Academy of Irish Dance
    8:00 p.m.    The Elders
    9:25 p.m.    McDonald School of Irish Dance
    9:45 p.m.    Searson

    SATURDAY SEPT. 10, 2016 – LEMOYNE PUB STAGE
    12:00 p.m.   Harrington School of Irish Dance
    12:20 p.m.    Irish Dance Lessons for Adults
    1:30 p.m.     Deirdre McCarthy
    2:30 p.m.    Kilgore McTrouts
    3:30 p.m.    Syracuse Irish Session
    4:30 p.m.    Roisin School of Irish Dance
    4:50 p.m.    Kitty Hoynes Irish Session
    5:50 p.m.    Drumcliffe Arts
    6:10 p.m.    Blaithin Loughran & Her Family
    7:00 p.m.    McDonald School of Irish Dance
    7:20 p.m.    Joe Devoli & Bob Halligan
    8:20 p.m.    Francis Academy of Irish Dance
    8:40 p.m.    Billy Delaney & The Celtic All Stars

  • Teddy Midnight Releases Debut LP, Music Video for Lead Single

    Teddy Midnight, an electro-dance-funk jamband hailing from Brooklyn, released a debut LP Wednesday titled Velvet Blue, now available on Soundcloud. The group also premiered a music video Tuesday for their lead single “Turkish Silva” on Youtube.

    TeddyMidnight5

    The quartet includes Wiley Griffin (guitar), Sean McAuley (vocals/keys/percussion), Adam Magnan (drums/sampler), and Sean Silva (bass/synth).

    Velvet Blue features eight tracks that encompass Teddy Midnight’s artful blend of electronic beats, mixed with jamband improvisation. Their sound has been compared to the likes of New Deal, STS9, Lotus and Dopapod.

    The music video for “Turkish Silva” is a depiction of “the tribulations of sex, romance, and partying on the notoriously super-dramatic BK dating/Tinder scene,” according to a press release. “I wanted to capture a couple of concepts that I observed about the nature of life and love in our youth. One of them was the vulnerability we all experience in our relationships,” Wiley Griffin was quoted about the inspiration for the video. The video was produced by Sobokeh Exports and directed by Wiley Griffin and Kristina Rusch.

    There will be a record release party on Oct. 1 to celebrate Velvet Blue, at BRYAC in Bridgeport, CT.

    Teddy Midnight has shared stages with Kung Fu, Twiddle, Formula 5 and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and has played sold out shows at such NYC venues as Irving Plaza, Brooklyn Bowl, Grammercy Theatre, and Bowery Ballroom. On the horizon for the band are festivals such as Great North this weekend, and Luna Light Music Festival in October.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIAK6xqRpzM

  • American Music at the Earlville Opera House, from Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones

    Dave Alvin and his brother Phil have been checking things out ever since they snuck into legendary clubs and theaters as under-aged teenagers to see and hear the artists that provided them with a musical education. In doing so, it is evident that they formed an appreciation for those artists and edifices that have stood the test of time. So it was no surprise to see Dave strolling down the sidewalk of Earlville, checking out the storefronts and old buildings prior to Friday night’s performance of Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with the Guilty Ones at the Earlville Opera House on September 2.

    Dave AlvinTheir appreciation for those venerable artists was also evident in the choice of songs performed that evening. Bill Broonzy and Big Joe Turner, featured songwriters on their two most recent releases, Common Ground and Lost Time from Yep Roc Records, were highlighted in multiple selections. Even one of Dave Alvin’s own songs honored a singer whose star shone brightly but briefly for only twenty-five years, and whose gunshot death by his own hand has been the subject of rumors and wild conjecture that only grew as decades passed. Those elements provided the basis for “Johnny Ace is Dead,” one of several stand out numbers in a rambunctious two hour performance. This song showcased Dave Alvin‘s songwriting, story telling, singing, and guitar.

    Dave’s brother Phil Alvin, now back recording and performing after serious health issues in recent years, is a tremendous vocalist. Phil’s singing on Turner’s “Cherry Red Blues” displayed both the power and nuance for which he is known. He also added his skills on harmonica and acoustic guitar to various songs.

    The not-so-secret weapon in the Guilty Ones, the Alvins’ backing band, is the incredible Lisa Pankratz behind the drums. I’ve heard it said that for drummers, songs are like children. Some you can trust on their own, and just remain in the background keeping an eye on things. Others need to be nudged along to find their way forward. Still others might require a kick in the ass. Pankratz performs those tasks as well as any I’ve ever seen. Rounding out the Guilty Ones are Brad Fordham on bass and vocals, and Chris Miller on guitar.

    The Alvins also drew upon their days as founding members of prominent Los Angeles band The Blasters with crowd favorites “Border Radio” and “American Music” as well as two of their encores, “King of California” and “Marie, Marie.” For a toe-tapping, hip-shaking good time, go see Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones.

    Special guest performer Sarah Borges opened the show with a solo acoustic set of primarily songs off her recent CD, Good and Dirty. Included was an exceptional cover of “Stop and Think It Over” (No, not the Perry Como song.) She had an easy rapport with the audience, and told hilarious stories of life on the road playing music. The Boston based musician is a name you should remember to check out, as Dave and Phil Alvin did.

    All photos were taken at the historic Earlville Opera House, now celebrating its 45th anniversary season.

    Setlist: All by Myself, I Feel So Good, World’s in a Bad Condition, Mister Kicks, Cherry Red Blues, Hide and Seek, Southern Flood Blues, Border Radio, Johnny Ace is Dead, Truckin’ Little Woman, What’s Up with Your Brother?, Dry River, American Music

    Encore: King of California, Marie, Marie, Turn on Your Love Light

  • Counting Crows Leave It All on Stage at Lakeview Amphitheater

    As The Counting Crows continue to make their way across the nation on their Summer 2016 tour, it astonishes me how they find it in themselves each and every night to give so much to each audience. As Adam Duritz and the Counting Crows came to the Lakeview Amphitheater stage at the Syracuse, NY performance, they began with the Himalayan’s song, “Round Here.”

    This emotional testimony of life as it unfolds and those left behind, reaches down deep and moves those who hear it each every time.  Right off the bat I was transfixed.  The emotion that this band puts into every song, whether it’s “Round Here,” “Mr. Jones,” “A Long December,” or “Palisades Park,” has to be exhausting to them, as it physically moves those who witness it. Seeing this band for the first time, I was beyond impressed by the dynamics these guys have on stage together.  They are a well oiled machine.  They silently cue each other and meld together in unison as they demonstrate their musical prowess. To say I was moved by this performance seems lame, but they definitely left it all up on that stage and left a lasting impression on this journalist.

    Opening acts on this evening couldn’t have been more diverse, however surprisingly cohesive at the same time.  Arriving in the nick of time to see newcomer K. Phillips, I was extremely surprised and impressed by the talent and stage presence he has.  With a much loved piano, this young man’s music infuses a southern country twang into a rock and roll mix that makes you move inside and out.  Welcoming us to the pit as we took photos, this young man’s stage presence captures your attention immediately and his music and bandmates reel you in like a fish on a line. Mark my words here…this is an artist on the rise.

    With a quick set change out came Rob Thomas and his crew.  With a full band including some dynamic back up singers, he exploded onto the stage like a firecracker.  His energy infused set had the crowd up on their feet singing and dancing along immediately.  With a mix of new and old music, his set expended a physical energy both on stage and off.

    This three act mix brought a smorgasbord of sounds and feelings to all who witness this tour.  Somewhat an unlikely pairing, their musical flavors infused perfectly.  As K. Phillips got the groove going with this his southern sounds and charms, Rob Thomas then comes out and amps the crowd up physically.  By the time The Counting Crows expend their emotional energy on stage, they leave the audience soulfully satisfied and spent by the end of the night.

    Counting Crows Setlist: Round Here, Dislocation, Mr. Jones, Colorblind, Four White Stallions, Omaha, Cover Up the Sun, Anna Begins, Miami, Goodnight Elisabeth / Pale Blue Eyes, The Ballad of El Goodo (Big Star cover), Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell cover), Earthquake Driver, A Long December, Hanginaround, Palisades Park, and Rain King / Thunder Road

    Rob Thomas Setlist: …Something to Be, Mockingbird, Her Diamonds, Give Me the Meltdown, Getting Late / That’s All Right, Lonely No More, Fire on the Mountain, Let’s Dance (David Bowie cover), 3 A.M. (Matchbox Twenty song), Someday, Bent (Matchbox Twenty song), Pieces, Streetcorner Symphony, Smooth (Santana cover), This Is How a Heart Breaks, Pieces, and Streetcorner Symphony

  • Blink-182 Paves the Way for Next Generation of Punk at SPAC

    Blink-182 proved to everyone attending their summer tour last night in Saratoga Springs at SPAC that they are more than just “crappy punk rock.”

    With over 20 years of experience under their belt, it is not shocking that they spent their entire summer touring across North America in stadiums and amphitheaters.

    Blink-182 came to an almost entirely sold-out Saratoga Performing Arts Center on September 4. With A Day To Remember and All Time Low by their side, Blink-182 gave a performance that could only be described as breathtaking.

    Although the tour is split between openers All Time Low and All-American Rejects, All Time Low gave their final performance on Blink-182’s tour this night. Sharing the special moment with Saratoga, All Time Low gave what could be their best performance of the tour.

    Unfortunately for All Time Low fans, despite how preeminent their performance was, frontman Alex Gaskarth felt that the crowd in Saratoga Springs performance for them was not up to par. When Gaskarth asked fans to sing along, “Heyo”, with the band, little show attendees sang along with them. To his disappointment, Gaskarth said, “Wow, that is the worst that has been the whole tour.”

    A Day To Remember, who just released their newest album Bad Vibrations this week, gave the energetic and overly fun performance all fans hope for at any A Day To Remember concert.

    With confetti cannons, toilet paper and shirts being flung from a t-shirt cannon, A Day To Remember have mastered the art of making fans jump and scream through the duration of their performance.

    With years of performing and now six full-length albums to work with, A Day To Remember found a perfect setlist to show off all types of their sound with a blend of songs like, “2nd Sucks,” and “If It Means A Lot To You” in their setlist.

    Blink-182 played in Saratoga for the first time since the Honda Civic Tour in 2011. With fans waiting in line for hours and driving from all parts of New York to be there, the response from Blink-182 fans was incredible.

    Blink-182 is one of the most influential punk rock bands in my generation. Even All Time Low would stop every night to thank Blink-182 for bringing them on the road. Growing up listening to Blink-182, All Time Low are a first hand example of how inspiring of a band Blink-182 is for their genre.

    With the new presence of Matt Skiba on vocals and guitar as the replacement for longtime member Tom Delonge, it is hard to say which version of Blink-182 is better live. What can be said, is that Blink-182 put on a performance last night that fans will remember for years to come. Some songs off of their set like, “Reckless Abandon” and “I Miss You,” were stellar performances by Skiba to match Delonge’s vocals.

    Blending songs like one of their earlier hits “Carousel,” to newer songs like “San Diego,” into the setlist made it so that fans of Blink-182 from any era would be able to enjoy a nearly flawless performance.

    From an almost perfect setlist to little to no vocal or instrumental issues, Blink-182 put on a performance that left fans in awe. From the lawn seats to the pit, fans joined from all areas of Saratoga Springs to sing along to as many Blink-182 songs as they knew.

    Leaving the venue, all you could see was the sweat running down people’s faces, and smiles stretched across the faces of Blink-182 fans of all ages.

  • Kinky Boots – Don’t Miss this Must-See Musical

    Central New York theater-goers are in for a spectacular treat. Kinky Boots is a wonderful Broadway experience with performances at the Stanley Theater in Utica on September 6-8, 2016. This upbeat and popular musical won the coveted Tony Award in 2013 for Best Musical.

    kinky bootsKicking off this three day extravaganza, patrons who take in the first night of the event will help to raise money for the Q Center, a safe haven for the LGBTQ community, providing case management, after school hours, education awards, leadership and advocacy training.

    Kinky Boots is an uplifting story inspired by true events written in a book by Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. It is a story that conveys a valuable message about friendship and acceptance. The main character is Charlie Price. His family run shoe factory is going bust and he comes up with an idea to make and sell thigh high red boots. Together with a drag queen named Lola, they conceive a plan to make these ladies’ shoes marketed for men that are referred to as “kinky boots.” In the process, these two men from very different backgrounds forge a strong friendship.

    Tony and Grammy award winning pop star, Cyndi Lauper, wrote the show’s music, winning her best original score at the 2013 Tony Awards.  Lauper is most famous for the ’80’s hit “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and brings that same energetic style of music to this production. Many shows have the audience dancing in the aisles.

    So, pull on your boots and head to the Stanley Theatre this week. This production has proven to have plenty of humor and entertainment for everyone.