Tag: woodstock

  • Hearing Aide: Pete Pidgeon and Arcoda ‘All the Little Things’

    Pete Pidgeon and Arcoda’s latest album All the Little Things, recorded at Applehead Studios in Woodstock, NY, is one of the most diverse albums to hit the record stores in some time. Covering styles ranging from ‘80s rock, to bluegrass, to jazz, to Broadway musical, to Bing Crosby/Frank Sinatra era music, listening to this album is a bit like listening to a playlist on shuffle. Able to switch effectively from its dreamy start with “I Stayed Home,” to the big band brass sounds on “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You,” to the traditional folk style of “But It Don’t Worry Me,” the band showcases its brilliant versatility.

    Made up of a core group of extremely talented and hard-working Colorado-based musicians, including Pete Pidgeon himself on lead vocals and guitar, Glenn Patcha on a variety of keyboards and the accordion, Justin Guip on drums, Catherine Popper on upright and electric bass, these musicians are brilliant enough to have been able to attract and collaborate with some pretty impressive guests on their latest effort. In fact, on the album’s third track “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You,” none other than Levon Helm is featured during one of his last studio performances! (You have to be darn good to be able to put that on your resumé!) On the tracks featuring guest musicians, the band really allowed the influences from their guests’ respective bands to come through, with “Tonight I’ll Be Staying With You” sounding particularly reminiscent of The Band, “The Ways We Change” featuring a more twangy sound most likely influenced by Chris Pandolfi of The Infamous Stringdusters, and the funkier style present on “The Wind and the Lover” in great part due to the help of Ryan Zoidis from Lettuce.

    Pete Pidgeon has an amazing vocal range, both in terms of notes he can hit and styles he covers. His voice sounds like a cross between Ryan Adams, Jackie Greene, and Toy Caldwell, lead singer of Marshall Tucker Band, if you can imagine that.  Joined by his bandmates’ singing on several of the tunes, as well as guest female vocalist Sarah Perrotta (who hails from right here in the Hudson Valley), the harmonies are uncomplicated yet gorgeous. Glenn Patcha deserves a round of applause for the incredible range of sounds and styles that come out of his keyboards, taking the listener on a musical journey effectively changing the mood from song to song during its constant changes of style, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band to build upon. To top it all off, Pete Pidgeon and Arcoda were joined by the incredible brass sounds of The Two Dolla Crack Horns.

    On Pete Pidgeon and Arcoda’s latest album All the Little Things, no two songs sounded at all the same, yet they all seemed to fit together extremely well. It will appeal to people from across the musical spectrum, and give listeners the chance to effortlessly give other genres a chance. And you wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to hear Levon Helm during one of his last studio performances now, would you?!

    Key Tracks: Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You, But It Don’t Worry Me, Wasted Child

  • In Memoriam: Elliot Tiber, Playwright with Key Role in Woodstock

    Woodstock as we know it may not have happened if it were not for Elliot Tiber.

    In July 1969, Michael Lang and Artie Kornfeld of Woodstock Ventures found themselves without a venue for a music festival. Described in detail in Robert Stephen Spitz’s “Barefoot in Babylon,” the town of Wallkill had just revoked their permit, and Lang and Kornfeld turned to Sullivan County for an alternate location. Elliot Tiber happened upon the news that they were in search of a location, and while the backyard of the family’s El Monaco Hotel in White Lake, NY would not suffice, the farmland belonging to his friend Max Yasgur was available.

    More importantly, Tiber was the President of the local Chamber of Commerce, and had a permit in hand for an arts festival that summer, an annual event held at the motel. But Woodstock would be well beyond what Tiber could have expected when he first met Michael Lang.

    Elliot Tiber passed away on August 3 in Boca Raton, FL from complications from a stroke. He was 81.

    elliot tiberBorn in Bensonhurst on April 15, 1935, Tiber was a graduate of Hunter College, attended the Pratt Institute and taught creative writing at New School University, fine art at Hunter College, and art design history at the New York Institute of Technology.

    A gay rights activist and playwright, Tiber wrote the screenplay for the 1976 film “Rue Haute”, which was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film (Belguim) at the Oscars the next year. He was a critical component to the original Woodstock, sharing his life story, and detailed recollection of August, 1969 in Taking Woodstock, later a 2009 movie of the same name by Ang Lee. Tiber wrote also wrote two memoirs, Knock on Woodstock and After Woodstock.

    His book Taking Woodstock is part journey through growing up in Brooklyn during the school year and heading to White Lake to the El Monaco Hotel his family ran in the summer. This was following the heyday of the Catskills, and business was far from optimal. Back at home, Elliot came of age during the Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village, leading him to come out while at the center of the largest music gathering in history at that point.

    elliot tiberTiber told Publishers Weekly in 2011 “Coming out in the summer of 1969 was the most dangerous yet liberating thing that ever happened to me.”

    The second half of “Taking Woodstock” focuses on Elliot and the small arts festivals he held in town each summer, and as head of the local Chamber of Commerce, he held a permit that Woodstock Ventures would later use to shift their festival from the planned location in Wallkill, NY to Bethel, NY.

    Michael Lang said to the New York Times: “Elliot was part of the magic of Woodstock. Without his phone call bringing me to Bethel, Woodstock might never have happened, and for that I am eternally grateful.”

    Mr. Tiber told The Miami Herald “When I talk about Woodstock, or when I talk to my friends, it’s like time hasn’t passed … Then yesterday I got out of the shower and thought, ‘My God, I look like my mother.’”

  • Family of Woodstock Announces Bob Dylan 75th Birthday Celebration

    With the exception of perhaps the Band, no other musical act is as synonymous with Woodstock as the legendary Bob Dylan. It is only fitting that a celebration of his 75 years on Earth be celebrated with music in the iconic town.

    dylan2016-2

    On Sunday, May 29, Family of Woodstock presents the eighth annual Bob Dylan Birthday Celebration at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock. The event includes esteemed folk guitarist Happy Traum, who played with Dylan in his Woodstock days of the late ’60s and early ’70s. John Sebastian, Arlen Roth and Larry Campbell also join the list of musicians who’ve played with Dylan in the past who will celebrate him at this birthday celebration.

    Other noteworthy musicians on the bill include blues guitarist Bill Sims Jr., Kate Pierson of the B-52s, up-and-coming harpist Mikaela Davis and Jared Samuel of the Invisible Familiars.

    Local guests include NeeNee Rushie (The Big Takeover) and Kenny Siegel and Blueberry of Johnny Society. Returning guests include Eric Redd, Doug Yoe and Carme Senski, Marc Black, Jules Shear and Robert Burke Warren.

    In addition to the music, there will also be a raffle of two classic Elliott Landy Dylan portraits. Proceeds of the event go to Family of Woodstock’s 24-hour hotline and the John Herald Fund, which helps local musicians with small financial needs. The event is sponsored by Radio Woodstock – 100.1 and the Bearsville Theater Complex.

    Seats are available for $45 and standing room tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased via radiowoodstock.com/concerts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show is at 8:30 p.m. The event also includes a special champagne reception for $100 and $65 Golden Circle ticket holders at 6:30 p.m.

    Lineup includes:

    Happy Traum
    Connor Kennedy & Minstrel-
    Larry Campbell
    John Sebastian
    Kate Pierson
    Jules Shear
    Arlen Roth
    Doug Yoel & Carmen Senski
    Marc Black
    Robert Burke Warren
    Eric Redd
    Bill Simms, Jr.
    NeeNee Rushie (The Big Takeover)
    Jay Collins
    Jared Samuel (Invisible Familiars)
    Brian Hollander
    Kenny Siegel & Blueberry (Johnny Society) –
    Mikaela Davis

  • Catskill Rock: A New Bash at Bearsville Theater

    Catskill Rock! Have you heard of it yet? If not, get ready! A hot new music event has been announced to take place at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock on June 17.

    The popular theater has teamed up with the “mad geniuses” at the White Dove Rockotel to present the first-ever evening of art and entertainment titled Catskill Rock. Sponsored by the Chatham Brewery, this event will not be without cold, tasty refreshments and will feature plenty of arts and music from local bands Burnell Pines and the Grape and the Grain.

    The show is set to kick off at 8 p.m. and tickets are currently only $10.

    Catskill Rock 2016 - Web Flyer - Bearsville Theater

    Burnell Pines is a bearded young artist with an old soul and guitar strapped to his back. Found meandering back roads of the Catskill mountains and creating music while visiting friends and other musicians alike. His latest album, Til the Day I Die, features the help of many great musicians like acclaimed keyboardist Marco Benevento, Rachael Yamagata, and drummers Joe Magistro (The Black Crowes) and Robert Burke (Toshi Reagon).

    The Grape and the Grain is a four-piece rock group from Kingston. A reformation of itself from 2015 which includes three other original members, the band is setting forth a new beginning and already making strides. Their latest EP release is a collection of alternate versions of some of the original songs, titled At Home.

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

  • Santana Smooths Over the Event Center at Turning Stone

    Rated as one of the top guitarists in the world, Carlos Santana is a household name and his music and performances have been celebrated since the late 60’s. When Santana hits the road, he nearly sells out every show and they’re worth every penny. The 2016 Luminosity Tour brought the group to the Turning Stone Casino Event Center on April 7th for an Evening With Santana, in support of their new album, Santana IV, which is due out on April 15.  The 11-piece ensemble entertained almost 5,000 people in the venue and what a mighty fine evening it was.

    santana turning stoneThe show kicked off with a brief Woodstock video montage while the band danced their way onto the stage. Each member took their position as Carlos strapped on his most popular custom PRS guitar (Santana I) and hit the proverbial gas pedal of Latin Rock. The rhythmic booty-shaker, “Soul Sacrifice” brought the audience to their feet and set an amazing energy to the room. The feel-good vibe stayed all throughout the performance as Santana played a number of hits including “Maria Maria,” “Evil Ways,” “Black Magic Woman,” “Smooth” and a new single from their upcoming release titled “Love Makes the World Go Round.”

    The Luminosity Tour will bring Santana all around the world this summer as the group travels across North America and then heads over seas to Europe before settling back in San Francisco in September.

    Set: Woodstock Intro, Soul Sacrifice, Saideira, Love Make the World Go Round, Freedom in Your Mind, Maria Maria, Foo Foo, Europa, Corazon Espiando (Benny & Cindy Solo), Jingo, Evil Ways/A Love Supreme, Everybody’s Everything, Se a Cabo, Sacalo, Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen, Oye Como Va

    Encore: Smooth, Toussaint L’Overture

    santana turning stone

  • Bearsville Theater Announces Spring Schedule

    It’s no surprise that the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock released an exciting schedule for the spring.

    This unique venue draws a variety of world-class artists throughout the year. This April and May will feature familiar names from several genres including folk, jam bands, reggae, funk and DJ sets.

    Bearsville Theater sits in a wooded area about one minute outside of Woodstock. Guests can enjoy the Bear Café next door while checking out the Sawkill Creek. Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST FM also shares the property. Fans of the venue return time and again for both the music and the incredible atmosphere.

    Next week features rising stars Pink Talking Fish on April 7 followed by a funky treat a few days later on April 10: Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett of Little Feat with special guest the New Orleans Suspects featuring members of Neville Bros., Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Radiators, James Brown and the Meter Men.

    Grateful Dead fans can get their fix on April 15 with the Garcia Project and April 16 with Skeleton Keys featuring Todd Stoops of RAQ (formerly Kung Fu) and Alex Mazur of Gratefully Yours.

    Folk group Elephant Revival from Colorado will play on April 30 and rising jam band stars Formula 5 take the stage on May 13.

    A full schedule is available below. Please visit www.bearsvilletheater.com for details and tickets.

    April 1 – The Mountain Goats

    April 7 – Pink Talking Fish

    April 10 – Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett of Little Feat with special guest the New Orleans Suspects featuring members of Neville Bros., Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Radiators, James Brown, and The Meter Men

    April 15 – The Garcia Project

    April 16 – Skeleton Keys with Todd Stoops (Kung Fu) & Alex Mazur (Gratefully Yours)

    April 23 – Ladies Night with DJ Lady Miss Kier of Deee-Lite and DJ Lady Verse

    April 30 – Elephant Revival

    May 6 –  Feast of Friends (Doors Tribute)

    May 7 – Tangoman & The Latin All Star World Beat Dance Band

    May 13 –  Formula 5 with Hayley Jane and Justin Hancock of Hayley Jane and the Primates

    May 14 – Gary Nest Pine (former lead singer of The Wailers) & The Big Takeover

  • Breaking News: 50th Anniversary Woodstock Festival Being Planned

    Michael Lang, best known as co-creator of the most famous music festival in history, is at it again with plans for a 50th anniversary Woodstock music festival.

    50th Anniversary Woodstock Festival The original Woodstock took place in 1969 in Bethel and became one of the most famous music festivals of all time. There have been two other Woodstock anniversary festivals in the past, Woodstock ’94 in Saugerties and Woodstock ’99, held in Rome, N.Y., which came to a rather disastrous end with rioting, fires and police lines.

    Since then, promoters have taken a break from using a festival to commemorate the most epic of all festivals, though the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts regularly hosts concerts at its amphitheater on the original festival grounds.

    Lang told the Poughkeepsie Journal that with all the attention music festivals are seeing these days, it seems time for a Woodstock anniversary. He said there is a possibility of not only a U.S. event but one overseas as well, and he would like to see something done on an annual basis that uses the Woodstock name after the 50th anniversary. This is not the first time Lang has alluded to a 50th anniversary concert.

    There are no details yet on locations or bands but stay tuned to see updates as they become available. Stay tuned for more info on the 50th Anniversary Woodstock Festival.

  • Hearing Aide: Professor Louie & the Crowmatix’s ‘Music From Hurley Mountain’

    Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, hailing from the musical history-rich Woodstock, NY, treats listeners to music and history on their latest album Music From Hurley Mountain, spinning tales of their home and surroundings, clueing listeners in to the rich history and lovely scenery we have right here in our backyard. A “super band” in a sense, with musicians in the band having played with such musical powerhouses as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Joe Jackson, and Levon Helm, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix are no slouches themselves. Covering a wide range of musical genres – perhaps leaning most heavily toward folk, zydeco, and gospel – listeners can expect to at times be knocked off their feet with the incredible instrumental collaborations and vocal harmonies, and at other times be glued to their seats just listening to all the local history that has seemed to seep its way into all of the band’s tunes. Song names such as “Hurley Mountain Road” and “Ulster Outcry” will garner reminiscent feelings from locals, and those who are unfamiliar with this region will be drawn to it after learning about all the Catskills and Hudson Valley have to offer.

    Recording engineer and producer Aaron “Professor Louie” Hurwitz on vocals, keyboards and accordion, is joined by his songwriting partner vocalist/pianist/percussionist Miss Marie, drummer Gary Burke, guitarist/vocalist John Platania, and bassist/vocalist Frank Campbell, collectively making up the Crowmatix. To listen to this band’s latest album is to go on a musical journey that takes the listener from an Irish pub on “Four Farms,” to the Mississipi bayou on “Crop Dustin’ Blues,” to a spirited church service on “Hurley Mountain Road.”

    This album has a particularly distinctive beginning, middle, and end. Starting off the album is the 36-second “Golden Morning,” beginning with a trilling accordion sound, which puts the listener right there at an outdoor café in Paris sipping coffee. Progressing through some more spiritual sounding and bluesy tunes, including “Ashton” and “Crop Dustin’ Blues,” the band chose to include “John’s Tractor,” which is essentially just a 30-second recording of a tractor, smack dab in the middle of the album. Given the band’s locale, this could actually be viewed as auspicious timing, as it is quite possible that this is a sound that the band might have had to contend with during the recording of its album in the agricultural surroundings. The album ends with “Goodnight Hurley Moon,” a jazzy/bluesy tune with a French flair featuring the accordion playing major chords juxtaposed against a backdrop of the other instruments playing in a minor key, giving the song a sort of melancholy feel while still remaining positive, a very effective song to end on because it kind of makes you feel like you want to start the whole album over again!

    A folk band in the truest sense of the word, this group would fit in well at festivals like Clearwater and Falcon Ridge. Frequently touring throughout Upstate New York, including upcoming shows at Inquiring Minds Bookstore in Saugerties on January 15, and the Orpheum Film and Performing Arts Center in Tannersville on January 16, there is no excuse not to check out these guys. And for those of you looking for a taste of true Catskill Mountain folk music, you’ll definitely want to pick up a copy of Professor Louie & The Crowmatix’s latest album Music From Hurley Mountain, due out on January 15.

    Key Tracks: Hurley Mountain Road, Ashton, Four Farmers