Tag: oneonta

  • Experience ‘The Last Waltz Live’ with Rev Tour Band and Friends in Oneonta

    The Oneonta Theatre is fortunate to be the next stop on the Rev Tour Band’s northeast tour performing “The Last Waltz Live,” a re-creation of The Band’s concert film. On May 21, join fellow fans of The Band for an evening that has lived on in our memories for so long, and — thanks to bands like Rev Tour Band — will continue to do so for decades to come.

    The Rev Tour Band, founded by frontman Tor Krautter in 1996, has been extensively touring the East Coast since its inception, but more recently, they have come to focus on delivering audiences a live rendition of The Band’s The Last Waltz, a movie that recorded a special moment in rock history, as the iconic group’s final concert. During the concert, which was filmed by Martin Scorsese at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom, numerous special guests joined The Band on stage, including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Eric Clapton, to name just a few. On Rev Tour Band’s “The Last Waltz Live” tour, the roles of these special musical guests are performed by musicians from the local scene, making each show a unique experience as the band travels from city to city. During Rev Tour’s stop in our neck of the woods this weekend, guest performers will include none other than the legendary Darcy Gibson, Ned Brower, Steve Dillon, Randy Miratello and John Scarpulla, among many other equally as legendary local characters.

    On top of the magical night of music you will surely be treated to, you will at the same time be supporting a good cause: the St. James Food Pantry. This worthy organization, through its “The Lord’s Table” program, offers a free hot meal every weeknight for those in need. All concert attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation of any size (specific needs at the moment include peanut butter, juice, crackers and rice).

    For those looking to reminisce and re-live an incredible moment in rock history, come on out to the Oneonta Theatre this Saturday night. The show will start at 8 p.m., but doors will open at 7 p.m., so be sure to get there early to grab yourself a drink and settle into a good spot for what’s sure to be a fun musical adventure.

  • Big Mean Sound Machine Shakes B-Side Ballroom

    On March 11, Big Mean Sound Machine blew multiple minds away on a groovy Friday night at B-Side Ballroom in Oneonta, NY. A collection of nine talented souls graced the little nook of a stage that night, and gave it their all. It was evident that this group loves what they do, and are extremely cheerful about it. Throughout the night, they brought funkadelic afro-dance madness, with hints of worldly, succulent, jammy beats full of jazz and wonder. It can really get the best of someone in the best possible way, and I know it got the best of me.

    big mean sound machine B-Side BallroomHaving been the first time seeing Big Mean perform, my breath journeyed its way up through my esophagus and exited only to create electrical gasps. Smiles filled the air as each musical build up was brought to the attention of the B-Side audience; it was impossible to look away. It channeled energies and was not only mesmerizing, but jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring.

    To put the night into perspective, envision a tiny stage within a restaurant/bar, packed with assorted instruments and intense skill. Everyone was hanging out at first, but the next thing you know, the floor was filled with dedicated dancers who yearned to experience the largest and meanest sounds that this machine created. ‘Twas a machine indeed, and it lit up the floor and crowd, as if fanciful fireworks were exploding into thin air.

    The show commenced, and the performers wooed the audience with a song called “Whoa Gosh,” one of many various fresh tracks from Big Mean’s most recent album, Contraband (2014). The Ithaca, NY, band has the power to gather the vibes that instruments generate and transform sound waves into jiggy, psychedelic beauty. With their unique sense of musical style, Big Mean raises the bar with their originality and feel-good atmosphere.

    Angelo Peters rocked out on the bass, whileto his right Bobby Spellman owned the trumpet. Andrew Klein beat the drums to death, as Lucas Ashby brought the congas to life. Dan Barker and Ray McNamara created rhythm and movement with every jam from their guitars. Rob Tate hit up the audience with some electric rhythms, as Tyler Burchfield soothed souls with his baritone saxophone and Alicia Aubin danced the night away with her trombone.

    big mean sound machine B-Side BallroomThe fans handled every sound the band threw at them; the rhythms made each soul move and each body shake that night, bringing a sense of euphoria and enlightenment. Throughout the show, Big Mean rocked the stage with even more hits from their newest album, some of which included “In the Name of What,” “Contraband,” “Sweet Tooth” and “Wolfpack.” They also threw in “Marauders,” a classic from 2012, that brought a different sense of style and flair to the set.

    Big Mean Sound Machine is more than just a group; they are a beautiful arrangement and outstanding collective that brings life to every stage they perform on. Their jiggy style makes you want to move all night and it will resonate with you, as it is quite contagious my friends.

    big mean sound machine B-Side Ballroom