NYS Music 20​16

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  • DATSIK Brought The Heat On A Cold April Night In Buffalo

    DATSIK had a sold out show at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo was a huge party. It was an unusually cold early April night here in the Queen city but that didn’t stop people from dressing for the occasion. DATSIK really brought the heat with his Spring Loaded Tour.

    datsik buffaloIt was high energy from start to finish. OOKAY and DREZO really set the tone for the evening. By the Time DATSIK took the stage the night was in full bloom. The lazer light show was pretty epic. Especially in a venue like the Town Ballroom. DATSIK had 100% of the crowds attention. The crowd couldn’t wait for the next beat to drop. The bass was so loud that it actually caused my camera to power off more than once.

    DATSIK’s love for his fans is apparent through his music and his actions. A handful of time bottles of water were passed out to people in the first few rows. He expressed his message of gratitude and love for the fans a few times throughout the night. DATSIK is a class act. He put on an amazing show for everyone’s ears and eyes.

    It was an eventful night to say the least. On top of the beach balls and pool noodles being thrown around the crowd, DATSIK went crowd surfing on an inflatable raft. He lost his hat doing so. When he made his way back on stage he asked the crowd for it back. The hat hit the stage less than 10 seconds later. A fan in the crowd was granted permission to take control of the microphone for a minute. He proposed to his girlfriend. Thankfully she said yes, that would have been a little awkward if she didn’t.

    The crowd was rowdy but respectful for the most part. Security at the Town Ballroom did their job and were nice about doing so. Ill be completely honest. EDM is not my first choice to see live. With that being said, I’m glad I chose to cover this show. It was a lot of fun on my end. I’m sure fans got their moneys worth at DATSIK’s Spring Loaded Tour stop in Buffalo.

  • Rochester’s Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad Returning To Buffalo

    Since forming in 2001, Rochester’s  Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (GPGDS) has been a steady force in the reggae and jam scene. The five piece band includes James Searl on bass and vocals, Chris O’Brian on drums and vocals, Dylan Savage on guitar and vocals, Dan Keller on guitar and vocals and Tony Gallicchi on keys.

    GPGDS notes some of its musical influences as Burning Spear, Sublime, Phish and Bob Marley and the Wailers. The band has been playing at least 100 shows a year recently and have toured through many countries. They have played at music festivals like the Peach, All Good, Mountain Jam and Gathering Of The Vibes. Their current Where There’s Smoke Tour rolls into Buffalo this Saturday April 16 at the Tralf Music Hall.

    Their latest album was released May 15 last year. It has a heavy bluegrass and country influence and features G. Love and his harmonica on the track “Humbolt County Gold.” It’s a welcome change hearing the addition of a banjo on a few tracks. Bright Days goes a long way to show how far the band has come and breaks down any barriers labeling the band in just the jam or reggae genres.

    Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s unique sounds and melodies will surely have your feet moving from the first beat. If any of their previous performances at the Tralf Music Hall are evidence of what is to come on April 16, you are not going to want to miss this show. Doors at 8:00 P.M.  The show begins around 9:00 P.M.

    If unable to catch GPGDS in Buffalo, the band is taking part in the MOVE Music Festival in Albany April 23.

  • The Budos Band Strikes at Brooklyn Bowl

    Slated for two nights at Brooklyn Bowl, the 9-piece Staten Island based Budos Band played to a small but excited crowd on Friday, April 1. Initially known for their instrumental funk and soul sound, The Budos Band has evolved into a darker and more psychedelic rock band. 

    This was evidenced on Friday night throughout their frenetic performance.  Drum, bass guitar, and percussion beats were deep and the organ bellowed. The horn section blared a noisy sound while lead guitarist Thomas Brenneck chaotically worked his way around the stage with his guitar in perpetual motion; at one point he even wedged the head of his guitar between two amps to distort its sound.

    Budos Band

    The Budos Band is certainly unique – soulful afro-beats shaken and stirred with psychedelic hard rock. I had expected to experience a relaxed show with funky beats, but instead was greeted with an unconventional loud, frenzied night of music.  The new sound of The Budos Band is upon us. Their fifth album, Burnt Offering, was recorded in Brooklyn and released in 2014 on Daptone Records. 

    Budos Band

    The Budos Band:
    Jared Tankel – baritone saxophone
    Thomas Brenneck – electric guitar
    John Carbonella Jr. – congas, drums
    Mike Deller – organ
    Daniel Foder – bass guitar
    Andrew Greene – trumpet
    Rob Lombardo – bongos, congas
    Brian Profilio – drums
    Dame Rodriguez – percussion

  • Hearing Aide: The New Mastersounds ‘The Nashville Session’

    In the last five years, funk has made a resurgence to the music scene in seemingly endless variations. There is the explosivity of Lettuce, the grooves of the Motet, and the thrill of Turkuaz – all of which boast impressive brass sections. Then there is The New Mastersounds who, without horns, are providing a sophisticated and perhaps jazzier version to the beloved genre for a new generation of funk feigns.

    With 16 years under their belt, the British four piece has released nine studio albums, two live albums, one remix album and three compilations released in the U.K., United States and Japan. On April 22, they will release The Nashville Session, recorded at Welcome to 1979 studio right in music city.

    Mastersounds-Nashville-Sessions-Cover-ARt

    The album contains 10 tracks from throughout their catalog. There are no overdubs or guest collaborations, leaving the listener with The New Mastersounds in their purest form. It’s an ideal introduction to the band for anyone who recognizes their name but has yet to dive in.

    After recording to one-inch tape and then mixed down to quarter-inch stereo tape, the album was then cut directly to vinyl lacquer. They have released 1,000 limited edition vinyls before the digital version becomes available on May 27.

    NewMastersounds

    There is a certain level of clarity you get on each instrument that you don’t necessarily hear on their studio albums. Most notably each note of that quintessential funky bass line is crystal throughout each track. Like staring at a top spin on a flat table, Pete Shand lays down the foundation for what is a reliably fast paced and mesmerizing experience.

    New MasterSounds-0234Eddie Roberts brings audible precision to the guitar, a clear indication of their jazz influence. On several occasions, the listener may become hypnotized by the steady rhythm only to be jolted back to reality by the pure skill of his craft.

    “Burnt Back,” is bursting with mood-lifting energy and includes the only noticeable lyric on the entire album – a faint “woo!” during an appropriate pause. Though it’s not clear whether this originated from the band or one of the handful of guests having the pleasure to witness the recording.

    “Drop it Down” is probably the most unique of all the tracks. It begins with a stagnated and heavy bass that hops throughout the intro. It begins dark and mysterious before swirling back to a smooth groove.

    During “The Minx,’ Roberts delivers the familiar “bow chicka bow wow” modulation like the “Shack” theme song. It pairs nicely with his own style, often referred to as “roughneck.”

    The only song not their own is the last track, James Brown’s “In the Middle.” Roberts provides a stellar take on jazz guitarist Grant Green’s arrangement. The finished product is fast and sassy. Dance to this in front of the mirror and watch yo sly self start to move to the perfected rhythm and groove!

    The Nashville Session should be listened to in its entirety. While some could say all their songs sound similar, this consistency will make for a fun Friday night happy-hour in a dimly lit bar, while suitable for a sophisticated yet cheerful dinner party at home.

    New MasterSounds-0245

  • New York Minute: Charley Orlando Shares Vision for the Syracuse Music Scene

    OrlandoOn any given afternoon in Syracuse, it is highly probable Charley Orlando will be spotted leaping nimbly to the stage to adjust sound equipment, prepping for the evening show. The sprightly Funk ‘N’ Waffles talent buyer keeps busy between selecting acts for the downtown Syracuse and university locations. He has become the gatekeeper for a flourishing downtown venue that stands as a go-to destination for music lovers thirsting for a dose of live music.

    Aside from his technical dexterity, Orlando is also skilled in the art of compromise, acting as chief liaison between musicians and venues. With decades of experience performing in his own bands and booking acts for other venues, Orlando can empathize with the needs and desires of both parties to cultivate exciting show lineups. Behind every jaw dropping drum solo, contemplative guitar riff and danceworthy jam is a man devoted to elevating the Syracuse music scene.

    On a Wednesday afternoon, Orlando took a quick break from his frenzied activity to kick back and discuss his key role at Funk ‘N’ Waffles. Manifesting a calm and collected presence, Orlando’s demeanor in conversation curiously juxtaposed the preceding flourish of activity. He instead channeled energy into exuberant responses, offering a sincerity through dialogue layered with gracious and friendly expression:

    Ally Dean: You are the talent buyer for Funk ‘N’ Waffles. What has been your mission since the onset of your role with this venue?

    Charley Orlando: To create a mid sized music venue for touring and local acts. To concentrate on a music community and grow it to a healthy point where musicians and venues all work together to prop up the music scene in CNY. Also the venue is designed to do all kinds of events besides music so we love doing community oriented events.

    AD: What are your future goals for the venue?

    CO: To keep growing the scene and the venue. To bring in bigger and bigger acts to a small intimate venue. To just be the best this place can be.

    AD: Funk is a pretty sought after venue in Syracuse so you have plenty of acts soliciting a spot on the stage (I remember you quoted a staggering number of emails since December…) Are there bands on your radar that you have reached out to hoping to bring to the venue in the near future?

    CO: We do get an enormous amount of inquiries (22,000+ emails since December of 2014). Really every band is on my radar. I am always looking for the next unique band. There is a lot of “same” going on out there so when I come across something that turns my head I go right for it. There are a number of great bands I have reached out to that will blow the walls off Funk … but I keep them close to my chest until it’s solid. Takes a bit to really dial in a top notch show.

    AD: Are there aspects of Funk you would like to see changed, either with the physical venue or with the process for getting bands there?

    CO: Funk is ever-evolving and that’s why I love it here. Sam Levey and Adam Gold and I work really well together and are always a step ahead of where we need to be. Kind of a dream team for me. The ideas are always flying and stuff gets done fast when we decide to move forward. Really we all want the same thing: the best venue in CNY.

    AD: Pearly Baker’s Best and RUHA are your two current musical endeavors; what are your intentions with those projects?

    CO: To have fun playing music. Pearly is a Grateful Dead Tribute Band so it’s pretty easy to get the right gigs and the band is sooooooo good! Everyone really knows The Dead and have seen them play (w/ Jerry Garcia) many times so we have close ties to the music. RUHA is a very unique original project that mixes acoustic guitar, organ, piano and ableton live triggers to fill it out. Great for festivals! Plus I love playing solo and do that quite a bit.

    AD: Aaaand to keep things fun … are you feelin’ the Bern?

    CO: Maximum Bern! Very into the message! It speaks to me … LOVE! Huh what a concept! April 15 Fuel the Bern’ is at the Palace Theater in Syracuse and April 16 Berning Man is at Anthology in Rochester. Two very important events for people that want change to come about!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fiel8ObUkHM

  • Hearing Aide: Telegram ‘Operator’

    CeLGXekWIAAXZZ3In an indeterminate attempt to coerce fans of psychedelic rock to see the horizons of modern-aged punk, the band Telegraph sits on a wobbly fence of musical identity. In a first attempt at studio success, Telegram releases their first album, entitled Operator.

    While some could identify the Psycadelic Furs-inspired vocal intonation of lead singer Matt Saunders combined with the garage-band instrument distortion (featuring Oli Paget-Moon on bass and Matt Wood on lead guitar) as being true to their proto-punk origins, it’s this mix of old and new that throws off the ears of the listeners. Sometimes, punk rockers just want their punk rock without extra fluff, and adding progressive guitar riffs and odd vocal voicings jumble our sense of clarity throughout many of the songs on the album, leaving us unsatisfied with the final result.

    That being said, this is a band that probably blows the roof off live. What makes punk rock so enticing is it’s simplistic, aggressive, garage-band nature, and sometimes that doesn’t come across in digital recording the way it should. Small mixing flaws like making the harmony louder than the melody, EQing the bejesus out of the frontman’s takes, and jumbling the lyrics in clouds of noise don’t necessarily reflect poorly on the band, but rather on what the band is meant to do, aka perform. Their recent visit to SXSW proved to be successful, playing a great show at the Javelina Bar and skyrocketing what was previously their curious visitors into super fans.

    The 3rd track on the album, cleverly named “Inside Outside,” embodies the inner arguments of the brain in determining musical authenticity (along with the lyrics, of course). The groove that rings throughout this track, along with the 4th track of the album, entitled “Godiva’s Here,” is the sole responsibility of drummer Jordan Cook, who takes over an otherwise lagging unison of melody to a create a diverse rhythmic structure.

    While songs such as “Aeons” and “Follow” were pre-released as singles on various music platforms, they don’t stand alone amongst the vast mounds of record submissions from punk rockstar hopefuls. They wish to embody organized chaos as a writing style, but we’re having a hard time following along. They try to engage prime and rusty punk rock with progressive interludes, but they’re not unified in their own sound. The saving grace of the album is their Floyd-influenced tune “Telegramme,” and their traditional closet-sized venue crowd favorite “Taffy Come Home.” These songs contrast in style, but equally identify the pre-developed intentions of this newly formed ensemble. What this band needs is time, and we’re more than willing to see where they will end up with a speech specialist, a little bit of fame, and the same aggression and confusion they throw at us in Operator. Until then, we’ll enjoy the wild ride of an album that put Telegram on the map for SXSW, and by default, everyone.

    These guys are too hip for a website, so we’ll be tracking their changes via their Facebook page.

    Key Tracks: Inside Outside, Taffy Come Home, Telegramme

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vIAQy_6zMs[/embedyt]

  • A Look At Lucid: Last Show Before Hiatus, The Strand Theater April 16th

    Lucid, for those of you who don’t already know-is one of the North country’s well-known and hardest working bands, originating from Plattsburgh and the Adirondacks and playing a hiatus show at The Strand Theater. Lucid’s sound is vast, but is known to be termed as “Wood Rock”. In all of the years of live music that I have experienced thus far, Lucid is the one band that has continuously stood out as one who has maintained a unique, lustrous sound that touches the depths of the senses in their own, powerful way.

    lucid strand theaterThe complexity of this group consists of Kevin Sabourin on guitar & lead vocals, Lowell Wurster on percussion, harp & lead vocals, Jamie Armstrong on saxophones & vocals, Chris Shacklett on bass & vocals, Andy Deller on keys & vocals, Meadow Eliz on vocals and Josh West on drums & vocals. One of my personal favorite dynamics of Lucid, is the variety of vocal expressions that exist within their music. Their sound is reflective of such a broad spectrum of genres, ranging from blues, funk, hip-hop and reggae-to folk, rock and country.

    They have released four albums since the beginning of their formation, the first album being ‘Miles Deep’ released in 2004. Lucid spent many years heavily touring, playing countless live shows up until the release of their second album, ‘Dewdmanwah’ in 2009. Then came ‘Home Is Where We Wanna Grow’ in 2013, and ‘Dirt’ in 2015. The release of ‘Bonsai Zen’ will be the marking of a very special moment for many, including all of their long time followers & friends.

    Lucid has been the host band at Backwoods Pondfest – a two-day music festival at Twin Ponds Resort Campsite in Peru, NY since 2007. After the third year, ‘Backwood Promotions’ formed, which consists of Lowell Wurster, Katie Bazzano and Chris Boire. This has given Lucid the opportunity to play alongside such renowned acts as Chali 2na, Break Science, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Bernie Worrell, Particle and more. Lucid got to share their stage with local and regional favorites such as Twiddle, Mister F, Sophistafunk, The Blind Owl Band, and Spiritual Rez.

    Lucid has been together since 2003, putting them at thirteen beautiful years of creating together. Their music has touched the lives of many, including myself. I was introduced to their music 10 years ago, at the age of 16-my uncle hand delivered me a copy of ‘Dewdmanwah’ and I couldn’t stop listening. All it took was this one encounter, for the doorway into the live music world to open up for me on a personal level. It was at this time that I decided that I wanted to photograph live music. This choice was directly intertwined with all of the many ways that their music made me feel. I have been fully walking that path and hold much gratitude for the impact that Lucid has had in my story. I can only imagine all of the imprints, paths and doorways that they have created for others. In speaking with Lowell Wurster, I gained some insight upon his reflection of their need to take a hiatus:

    “We’ve been on the road for 13 years, we just need to step back and take a breath for ourselves and our families. We want to spend time with loved ones and take some time to do us. Whatever that may be”.

    “For 13 years we have all been totally focused on one thing. We have all passed up different life opportunities and given everything we had to our music. We aren’t breaking up. We are still Lucid, we love each other and are brothers. We get along great. We fight like brothers, we love like brothers. We have no idea what the future holds. We could take a break for a year, or 2 or 10…and want to come back. Or we may move on and discover other life paths. We don’t know, we have no idea. But for me, I’m excited to see what the future holds. We are all going to continue playing music, we can’t stop. It’s a huge part of who we all are. For all of us, since birth music has helped define and create our personalities-whether it’s with each other or with others, we will keep playing. If it’s immediate or takes some time we will always play music”.

    “We know it’s a bit unconventional to have a CD release on the same date as our last show. But we really wanted to get this music into the world…to get it to our fans. And we still have a lot of music-I think we may get back in the studio in the next year and do another album. We have so much music that we want to record and put into the universe“.
    It’s clear that these guys have been dedicated on many levels and so much has come to fruition because of that. The drive-the obvious love that they have all put into the creation of what we know as Lucid-has allowed for years of transformation, growth and open flow of creative energy to course through their lives in great abundance. Lucid’s music will live on, and the future of their creation together will remain to be seen. They will be hosting an album release party for ‘Bonsai Zen’, as the last show before their hiatus from playing live. This show will be held at The Strand Theater in their hometown of Plattsburgh, NY on April 16th, 2016. The Strand Theater was built in 1924 at the end of the Vaudeville Era, and after years of crumbling into the ground closed down. It has been newly renovated and just recently reopened with nearly 6 million dollars in grants for restoration. It has state of the art lights and sound-not to mention the beauty of the structure itself-providing for an all-encompassing sensual experience. If you have a chance, you should be sure to catch this evening of music!
    You can find Lucid’s music on Spotify, CD Baby and Bandcamp. Learn more about their journey here: www.rulucid.com

  • Luke Bryan Hit the Lights at the Carrier Dome

    The Carrier Dome in Syracuse held it’s largest country music concert to date with Luke Bryan and his Kill The Lights Tour, featuring Grammy award-winning performers Little Big Town and rising star Dustin Lynch this past Saturday night. Fans from all across the country traveled to the Salt City to attend the event and indulge in some of country’s most popular music. As the chilled spring evening got underway, the halls and seats began to fill with enthusiastic concert-goers dressed to the nines in jeans, boots, plaid shirts,  cowboy hats, and ball caps.

    luke bryan carrier dome With no time to spare, the house lights dropped as the sound system started thumping, synchronizing with blue pulsating stage lights. Dustin Lynch and his band invaded the stage for their brief set and kicked off the night with “To the Sky,” from his latest release Where It’s At. Strapped with his Taylor acoustic and cowboy hat, the Nashville-born singer warmed up the eager crowd with more of his hits including “Cowboys & Angels,” “Mind Reader,” and topped off with “Hell of a Night.” Bearing a smile the entire time on stage, Lynch frequently thanked the audience for helping him feel welcome to their town.

    Four-part vocal group Little Big Town, began their set with an a cappella version of Dolly Parton‘s “Jolene,” giving nod to the accomplished female singer. The full band joined in with “Little White Church,” an upbeat single led by elemental vocalist Karen Fairchild, who donned a Ramones tee and sparkling silver coat. Their hip-swinging summer anthem “Pontoon,” allowed the energy to settle a bit before building up again with their latest title track “Pain Killer.” Kim Schlapman took to the catwalk with her flashy gold dress while she led vocals on “Sober.” The memorable moments of their set were embellished by crowd participation in Fleetwood Mac‘s “The Chain,” the disco ball lighting during “Girl Crush,” and the unified whistling of “Day Drinking” before ending with the classic homage to their hometowns, “Boondocks.”

    luke bryan carrier dome After an extended intermission, the house lights dropped one final time and the audience erupted as green lasers beamed through the hazy interior. The host and star of the evening, Luke Bryan, kicked off his set with “Rain is a Good Thing” as he appeared at the top the LED-lit steps and danced his way the down to the stage with a video montage of stormy landscapes in the background. Bryan took his “signature” pelvis-shaking moves down the catwalk to heat up the crowd during “Kick the Dust Up.”  Bryan and his band continued to shake the sold-out Carrier Dome with more of his hits including “Crash My Party,” “Play It Again,” and “Roller Coaster,” before rising up through the catwalk with Karen (Little Big Town) for a intimate vocal duet on “Home Alone Tonight.”

    Sparing little time, Fairchild and Bryan hustled back to the stage to welcome the remaining members of Little Big Town for a mash-up of Ed Sheerans‘ “Thinking Out Loud” and Marvin Gayes‘ “Let’s Get It On,” all while toasting each other with celebratory shots of liquor.  Luke stepped up his game with having tour opener Dustin Lynch join him for a rockin’ rendition of Brooks & Dunn‘s “Play Something Country.”  Moments after, the 2016 CMA Entertainer of the Year directed the crew to turn the stage lights out and asked the audience to light up the dome with their cell phones, displaying a beautiful  fluorescent glow upon the dome’s white canopy.  Luke delicately sang “Drink A Beer,” while strumming his acoustic at the edge of the catwalk and asked the crowd, “If any of you out there have lost a loved one that you used to drink a beer with, lets take a sip right now and think of them,” while holding his Miller Lite can up high.

    With the recent passing of country legend, Merle Haggard, Bryan wouldn’t let the evening go by without paying tribute to him with his 1982 classic “Big City.”  As the historical evening started to wrap up, the country star busted out a few more popular hits like “All My Friends Say,” “That’s My Kind of Night,” and  “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” before ending with “I Don’t Want This Night to End.”  Bryan recognized and thanked Syracuse consistently throughout his performance, for making this night so special to him and his band.

    Luke Bryan Setlist: Rain Is a Good Thing, Kick the Dust Up, Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye, Move, I See You, Crash My Party, Play It Again, Roller Coaster, Strip it Down, Home Alone Tonight, Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran)/Let’s Get it On (Marvin Gaye), Play Something Country (Brooks and Dunn), Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day, Drink a Beer, We Rode in Trucks, Big City (Merle Haggard), Drunk on You, All My Friends Say, That’s My Kind of Night

    Encore: Country Girl (Shake it For Me), I Don’t Want This Night to End/Can’t Feel my Face (The Weeknd)

    luke bryan carrier dome Little Big Town Set:

    Jolene (Dolly Parton), Little White Church, Pontoon, Front Porch Thing, Pain Killer, Sober, Pavement Ends, Tornado, Stay All Night, Save Your Sin, The Chain (Fleetwood Mac), Day Drinking, Girl Crush, Boondocks

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’736′]

    Dustin Lynch Set:

    To the Sky, Halo, Cowboys and Angels, Where it’s at, Small Town Boy Like Me, Mind Reader, Hell of a Night

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’737′]

  • Beartooth Embarks on Gigantic Tour

    Hardcore rockers Beartooth announced a massive spring and summer tour itinerary, which includes four New York stops. The tour begins April 23 in Iowa City with Long Island metalcore band Stray from the Path supporting. The final date of the U.S. leg of the tour is at the Rock ‘n Derby Festival in Schaghticoke, NY, near Albany.

    Beartooth members Caleb Shomo, Taylor Lumley, Kamron Bradbury, Oshie Bichar and Brandon Mullins, cite inflences as diverse as Nine Inch Nails and the Ramones. The group has released two albums and all signs point to another one on the way. The band is currently touring in support of a reissued edition of its Disgusting album.

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    Photo credit to Matthew DeFeo

    Beartooth 2016 Tour Dates:

    April 23 – Gabes – Iowa City, IA

    April 24 – Jackpot – Lawrence, KS

    April 25 – Marquis Theater – Denver, CO

    April 26 – Top Deck – Farmington, NM

    April 28 – House of Rock – Corpus Christi, TX

    April 29 – Dirty Dog Bar – Austin, TX

    May 1 – Welcome to Rockville – Jacksonville, FL (festival date includes ZZ Top, Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Lamb of God, Five Finger Death Punch)

    May 3 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA

    May 4 – Greene Street – Greensboro, NC

    May 5 – Sound Stage – Baltimore, MD

    May 6 – Webster Underground – Hartford, CT

    May 7 – Emporium – Patchogue, NY

    May 8 – Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY 

    May 10 – Stache – Grand Rapids, MI

    May 11 – Agora Ballroom – Cleveland, OH

    May 13 – Slowdown – Omaha, NE

    May 14 – House Cafe – DeKalb, IL

    May 15 – Northern Invasion – Somerset, WI

    May 17 – Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY 

    May 18 – Port City Music Hall – Portland, ME

    May 19 – Chameleon Club – Lancaster, PA

    May 20 – The Met – Pawtucket, RI

    May 21 – Rock n’ Derby – Schaghticoke, NY (festival date)

  • Rock legends, The Cult “Hustle and Strut” at Upstate Concert Hall

    Rock legends, The Cult, ventured into Clifton Park’s Upstate Concert Hall on Saturday April 2, 2016 to a mixed macho crowd of mid 40-somethings. Formed in 1983, the British rockers gained a solid following due to songs like “She Sells Sanctuary” and “Fire Woman”. Thirty-three years later the bands latest release, “Hidden City:, the last in a trilogy of tightly woven albums features hard hitting and catchy tracks like,”GOAT” and Dark Energy”. What continues the bands long standing success and popularity are lead singer, Ian Astbury and Gretsch guitar toting god Billy Duffy. The two are also often credited as the two major songwriting talents for the band who have ten full length studio releases.
    The band led off with the 1987’s “Wild Flower” from the mega popular, Rick Rubin produced album, “Electric”. Throughout the 15 song set list Astbury projected a re-invented energy that seemed to be missing from parts of the “Electric” anniversary tour a few  years prior.  Fingers, sporting fresh tape from previous nights dominance of the tambourine resulting in numerous cuts only adds fuel to the passion that has always been the music of The Cult. Perhaps the catchiest new tune of the night is “GOAT” which means “Greatest of All Time”. A song that more than fitting for one of the worlds most talented lead guitarist, Duffy

    Opening up for The Cult was Holy White Hounds out of Des Moines, Iowa. Obvious fans of The Cult, frontman Brenton Dean duly noted how excited the foursome continues to be each evening to be opening for the band. The bands super short 7-song set list was a tad too brief to gain any real connection with the crowd but Dean kept his humor and energy in tact as well as his rapport with long time friend and bass player Ambrose Lupercal. The bands debut album, “Sparkle Sparkle” is scheduled to be released on May 6th with a return to Upstate Concert Hall on May 7th.

    The Cult – April 2, 2016 – Upstate Concert Hall, Clifton Park, NY – Setlist

    Wild Flower, Dark Energy, Rain, Hinterland, Rise, Gone, Lil’ Devil, Birds of Paradise, Deeply Ordered Chaos, Sweet Soul Sister, Fire Woman, Phoenix, She Sells Sanctuary, GOAT, Love Removal Machine