Lopez, 22 years old from West Virginia, was named best new artist by Rolling Stone Magazine at Americana Fest in 2015 and was a finalist on American Idol in 2013.
Christian Lopez Band shows are legendary because of high energy and a range of music which includes a mix of music from his debut album Onward, material from a forthcoming new album and covers of fun material. The band performs an amazing cover of the Bill Withers tune “Use Me Up,” The Beatles song “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” and Levon Helm’s “Hurricane” which he performed with Levon’s daughter Amy Helm on the 2017 Cayamo Cruise.
Because the Boilermaker Road Race is on Sunday morning, the show starts early at 5 PM.
Tickets are just $20 and include food and beverages. This is an all-ages show.
Voices of Angels was a fitting title for the Celtic Woman tour that recently stopped in Syracuse at the Oncenter on June 21.
The three angelic vocalists on the tour were Susan McFadden, Mairéad Carlin, and Eabha McMahon, and together with the multi talented newcomer Tara McNeill on violin and harp, they melodically painted a picture of their homeland. This production once again outdid themselves putting together a show that highlighted the amazing harmonies of Celtic Woman and the phenomenal musicianship of the band and choir. Playing many crowd favorites, their mix of traditional and popular music brought the crowd to their feet.
They now are winding down and heading home from their North American tour which included 90 cities and 94 performances. I would like to leave you with one of my favorite numbers from the show, a sean dos song, “Sadhbh ní Bhruinneallaigh.” Eabha McMahon’s performance of the this traditional tune brings you to the musical experience of the Irish culture in its truest form, the trad session.
Setlist: Mo Ghile Mear, My Heart Will Go On, Dúlman, Isle of Hope, Amazing Grace, Across the World, As She Moved Through the Fair, The Kesh Inn, Danny Boy, Nil Sén La, Téir Abhaile Riú, Orinoco Flow, For the Love of a Princess, Ave Maria, Walk Beside Me, Óro Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile, Percussion Solo, The Voice, Sean Nos Song, Westering Home, Time to Say Goodbye, You Raise me Up and Parting Glass
Standing out in a crowd of thousands is what each country music artist hopes for as they head to Nashville to pursue their dreams. Keeping a pulse on the music scene, Rolling Stone magazine often features the newest up and coming country artists making waves in music city. These artists stand out in the crowd of thousands and it’s generally a uniqueness in their sounds and character that catches the eyes of the media world. Stephanie Quayle is one of May’s featured artists that shines like a star among the night time honky tonks and pubs on music row.
With the release of “Drinking With Dolly” last year, it was no surprise this tried and true country gal would soon achieve her dreams and the country music world would take notice.
Raised in Montana on her family’s bison farm, Stephanie shares how she often listened to country music’s legends on the AM radio in the barn while doing chores. At the age four she began piano lessons, and at fifteen bought her first guitar. It was immediately after that she took to performing and knew this was what she was meant to do.
Splitting her time these days with her husband between her homes and farms in Montana, North Carolina, and Nashville. Stephanie finds time to do it all. A huge philanthropist, she advocates for St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Operation Smile and the local food bank raising funds and awareness for those in need. Recently signed as the ambassador for Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply, you can see that she is country through and through.
Her recent release of “Winnebago,” a fun loving tune, takes the listener across the nation both through the lyrics as well as this summer as she hits the road on the 2017 Winnebago Tour with KOA Campgrounds.
Making two stops along the way in New York, you can catch her perform in New York City at the Rockwood Music Hall, as well as at the Staller Center for the Arts at SUNY Stony Brook. Don’t miss your chance to meet this multi talented young lady as she becomes a household name and her music hits the airwaves this summer.
Several years ago I had an opportunity to see a local young man open for Parmalee at Toby Keith’s. Impressed by his talent, I made a point to speak to him that evening as I noted something unique about him. Fast forward two years later and color me pleasantly surprised to have his new EP Where Would I Be come across my desk to be reviewed. After listening to it, once again I noted that unique quality in his work that makes him stand out amongst the crowd. Kolby Oakley, a 22 year old country musician, hails from a musical family.
Although he is young in years, his experience is that of years of musical influences. His father, Steve Oakley, sings, his mother, Kim Oakley, plays bass, and his uncle Craig Oakley, is well known for performing with both The Beach Boys, and Bob Hope. Playing alongside his folks throughout the years on drums, he taught himself the guitar, and after loosing his great Grandmother in 2007, he began writing his own work. A wonderful musician, it’s his writing that stands out to me. Kolby has a gift of story telling. His descriptive lyrics place you in a frame of mind of the characters he sings of and transports you to the moments in which they reflect. This was evident as I began to listen to his four-song EP that is being released this week.
The title track, “Where Would I Be,” paints a story of those influences throughout the years that shaped the person he sings of. This upbeat song, gives thanks to those moments and the reflective journey taken to arrive at the destination of today. The next track, “First Kiss,” slows down the tempo, but not the momentum of this EP. Kolby’s knack of writing mimics that of a novel writer, giving your senses the touch, taste, smell, and flavor of the moment, making this track somewhat sensual. My favorite track however is the third, “Keeps Me Coming Back.” Perhaps it’s the fun Caribbean flare of toes in the sand, sun on your shoulders, beer in your hand that come across and pulls me in on this number. The final track, “Counting On,” is my next favorite. The consistency in his writing once again draws you in and takes you on a journey of heartbreak, loss, and coping. It floors me that at only 22 years of age, this young man, has the soul of a seasoned country musician.
I highly recommend catching Kolby Oakley this weekend at his EP release party, in Binghamton at Touch of Texas. Doors open at 6pm and tickets can be purchased both online and at the door.
Sometimes some of the most unusual pairings become the sweetest combinations. That is exactly what happens when you combine Grammy award winners Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs. Ten years ago the two came together by happenstance and after discovering how appealing this union was, their marriage of sounds continues to please all that have the opportunity to hear it.
Collaborating on a combined album ten years ago fittingly named, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsbythey debunked all nay sayers who insisted the piano and bluegrass combo didn’t gel. With breakneck upbeat tempos on piano, Hornsby keeps the fire going as Skaggs shreds the mandolin and guitar with lightning speed. Finishing up their spring tour at the Turning Stone Showroom on Sunday, March 5, Skaggs, Hornsby and their band Kentucky Thunder wowed the crowds from start to finish.
Kentucky Thunder, Skaggs’ tour band, includes Paul Brewster (tenor vocals, rhythm guitar), Scott Mulvahill (bass, bass vocals), Russ Carson (banjo), Jake Workman (lead guitar), Mike Barnett (fiddle) and Dennis Parker (baritone vocals, guitar). With front men Skaggs and Hornsby leading the surge, the sound explosion rocks the crowd each and every time they hit the stage. The songs chosen for the setlist showcased the skills and talents of each and every one of them. This group performance had the feeling of a mountainous jam session despite the bright lights of the Showroom. The packed crowd couldn’t contain themselves as they clapped and moved in their seats with each tune all night long.
As the show ended and the crowds dispersed, those who stuck around had the ultimate pleasure of meeting the legendary Ricky Skaggs. Hornsby who unfortunately had a flight to catch couldn’t stay, but Skaggs took the time to sign and take photographs with each and every fan. I couldn’t help but fangirl over this legend. Growing up outside of Nashville, the music of the Opry and the stars that shine brightly on that stage become part of your culture. They are family, and Ricky Skaggs is a patriarch to that family. To meet this legend was huge. It was the grace and humility demonstrated by Ricky Skaggs that evening that proved that country music is more than just music, it’s the common thread that unifies us. In this chaotic life we lead, to stop and enjoy music as we did this evening is what it’s all about.
Setlist: How Mt. Girls, Toy Heart, Bluegrass Breakdown, Darlin Corey, The Way It Is, Spoon, Ceili, I’m A People, Blue Night, Columbus Stockade, 20/20 Vision, Sally Jo/Maggie, Uncle Pen, Rawhide. Encore: Heard My Mother
Frigid cold temperatures never hinder the die hard in Syracuse when it comes to their Irish traditions. Pushing through the cold and bitter day, warm smiles lined the streets March 11, welcoming the parade marchers and cheering them on with warm hearts and perhaps, just perhaps, libations to keep the edge off. Although only one third of the normal turn out attended the parade, it’s final destination at the end of the day was a fully packed ballroom at the beautifully restored Marriott Downtown where they welcomed The High Kings.
With a few more days remaining on the U.S. leg of their Grace and Glory Tour, the High Kings ramped up an already festive crowd with traditional Irish tunes. Playing all of the crowd favorites together with some new tunes from their latest Grace and Glory album, it didn’t take long to incite the crowd to clapping, singing, and dancing along. Their interactions with the crowd extended to the dance floor from which they invited a local musician who happened to bring his fiddle to join in on ‘Whiskey In The Jar.’
These multi talented musicians (Darren Holden, Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, and Martin Furey) have racked up an extensive resume on their own, but it’s the harmony of the four together that makes these gentlemen magical. Their traditional folk sound depicts stories of their culture and emotions of generations that have persevered. Their harmonies blend beautifully to transport you to the lands they sing of.
With two stops in New York still on the schedule, the folks in New York City know how special these gentlemen are and have sold out that show, so don’t miss your chance and get your tickets to their final NY performance at The Egg this week in Albany. You will not be disappointed as you celebrate your St. Patrick’s Day festivities kicking off the week with The High Kings.
Remaining U.S. Tour Dates: March 12 – City Winery – New York, NY United States SOLD OUT March 14 – The Egg – Albany, NY
March 15 – Live at the Kate – Old Saybrook, CT SOLD OUT
March 16 – Municipal Auditorium – Morganton, NC
March 17 – Music Box Supper Club – Cleveland, OH SOLD OUT
March 18 – Kirtland Center for Performing Arts – Roscommon, MI
March 19 – City Winery – Chicago, IL SOLD OUT
On a frigid Saturday night in the early part of March, many brave New Yorkers left their cozy warm homes and made their way to the Homer Center for the Arts to see a band called Scythian. Known to many bluegrass, Americana, and Celtic fans, this high intensity band had yet to cross my path. I was anxious to see what they were all about.
Currently based out of the Washington, DC area, they personally describe their style as Celtic, gypsy, Americana, and punk; and I believe that’s a pretty accurate description of their eclectic sound. With a history of eastern European ancestry, bluegrass influences of their region, and love of Celtic music, the blend is seamless and energy highly intense. With fiddle, accordion, bass, penny whistle, percussion and guitar to name a few of the instruments to accompany, they quickly escalated the heat in the room. It took them no time at all to get the crowd to their feet in the beautiful venue that once was a church. Dancing in the isles outside the pews and in the balconies, the packed crowd stomped and clapped and danced the night away.
With brothers Alex and Dan Fedoryka, Nolan Ladewski, newcomer Fritz McGirr, and Thomas Pillon filling in for sister Larissa Fedoryka, this band demonstrated their multiple musical skills, charming personalities, and energetic stage presence throughout the entire evening. All night long I couldn’t tell who was having more fun, the band or the audience.
With a six-year absence from the area, Scythian was warmly welcomed back to New York on one of the coldest nights around, and I personally hope their return is much sooner as they now are one of my favorite live bands to see. Scythian, where have you been all my life?
Set 1: Lagan Love, Scratchbox Reel, My Son John, Wisemaid Set, Paint This Town, Gypsy Fiddle, Hey Mama Ya, Go Lovely Rose, Drums of Belfast, Jump at the Sun, Road to Galway, New York Girls
Set 2: Far Away, New Reel, I Will Go, Stop the Show, End of the Street, Leaving of Liverpool, The Ocean, Danny Boy, Same Old Man, Plackets, Girl Named You, Caeli, Dance All Night, Those Were the Days
Gary Allan isn’t your typical mainstream country musician. Allan’s roots are firmly planted in a classic country soil, and the southern California and Bakersfield influence is apparent in his music and compositions.
Performing to a sold out crowd at The Turning Stone Casino, Allan’s abilities to seamlessly switch gears on stage from an upbeat tempo to ballad is effortless. Backed by one of the most talented bands I’ve seen recently, the setlist showcased their skills perfectly. Between Allan’s ruggedly sexy voice and the band’s ability to lull you in with each tune, you fall in love with this show a little more as each song is performed.
Playing popular hits such as “Song About Rain,” “Airplanes,” “Do You Wish It Was Me,” and “Best I Ever Had,” although comfortable and welcoming, it wasn’t the popular songs that struck a chord in me. It was the classic sound, the Bakersfield rockabilly, and rock-based tunes that made me sit up and take notice of this ensemble. Songs like “Guys Like Me” with a heavy slide guitar, and “Man of Me” that featured piano, fiddle, slide guitar, and heavy percussion and guitar blew me away. While “Half of My Mistake” and “Smoke Rings In the Dark” showcased a definite southern California sound with a little Tex-Mex/Bakersfield sound mixed within.
In a generation of new country sounds, it was refreshing to hear a classic country sound like “Nothing On But the Radio” and “It Would Be You.” His new music on Set You Free truly stands out to me. The honesty of the lyrics, the deliverance of the emotions with songs like “It Ain’t The Whiskey,” and the super sultry sexy “Sand in My Soul” truly draws you in and makes you fall in love with this album.
Further reflecting his classic country sound were covers such as “Her Man,” by Waylon Jennings, and “Fast As You,” a Dwight Yoakum favorite, highlighted the smoldering country and Bakersfield sounds that are slowly making their way back in to mainstream country today.
Allan is true class and classic at the same time. With songs like “Learning How to Bend,” he demonstrates his talent in songwriting and performance. He has a way of drawing you in to his songs where they become your life. That’s a gift. Perhaps it’s because of the honesty in his music. He doesn’t march to the beat of popular tides, he’s true to his roots and to his sound. You feel his music because he feels his music.
The stand out performance of the evening was “Get Off on the Pain.” The honesty in which Allan delivers this song cranks it up to over drive and he leaves it all on stage with that number.
Closing out the show with “Drinking Dark Whiskey,” this Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson number, once again highlighted Allan’s classic country sound and the tide that country music is to turning to today. With a new album on the horizon, it is my prediction we have yet to see the best of Gary Allan. This ever evolving musician has just begun to make his mark on the country music stage.
Setlist: Tough All Over, Radio, Man to Man, Guys Like Me, Do you Wish It Was Me, Smoke Rings, Sand in my Soul, It Ain’t the Whiskey, Half of My Mistakes, Her Man (Waylon Jennings cover)It Would Be you, Get Off on the Pain, Song About Rain, Airplanes, Learning How to Bend, Life Ain’t Always Beatuitful, Best I Ever Had, Man of Me, Right Where I Need to Be.
Encore: Every Storm, Fast As You (Dwight Yokam cover), Drinking Dark Whiskey (Chris Stapleton/Mike Henderson cover)
If you have never been to a house concert, you definitely must go at least one time. This past weekend, Syracuse Fleet Feet owners Ed and Ellen Griffin opened their home to folk rock artist Adam Ezra as he makes his trek across the country on his “Get Folked” tour. The concept for this tour began last year as a way to raise money to give his band a month off from their extremely busy schedules. It was well received as fans graciously opened their homes to Adam and locals flocked in to these sell out shows.
The concept for a house show is not one that’s new at all. In fact, as Adam pointed out, this was how artists first began to play for audiences centuries ago. The acoustic show is up close and personal, like a family gathering of sorts. Sharing stories behind the music, Adam narrates how these concepts for the songs came about, giving audience members even more substance to the already thought provoking music and an insight to his personal life.
Adam’s songwriting ability is phenomenal. His story telling abilities are of the highest caliber. As I sat there listening to his music, it reminded me of the feeling I get when listening to Jackson Brown’s music, one of my all time favorite song writers. Although similar, it’s unique. It inflicts his wit, his insight and his soul into tunes that are diverse and not repetitive in the least, bringing awareness to relevant topics and situations. His talents have been recognized by those in the industry as well. He recently took a trek to Nashville to collaborate with Grammy Award winning artist John Oates on a series of songs for movies. Singing some of those tunes as well as many from his extensive catalog of music, attendees were treated to songs they requests and a few new ones as well that have yet to be recorded.
Adam’s philosophy of music is refreshing. He believes that music is created to be shared. Found on the merch table along with his latest CDs and t-shirts, is an “I Love You” box . He encourages all to help themselves to his music and if they wish they can throw some love into the box. Whether it’s $20, $10, or a million, he won’t price his work as he writes it to share with others. In fact, Adam and his band currently have a Pledgemusic campaign underway to produce and share an album with and by his fans. This campaign is unique as the packages created are to help create a fan produced album to give away to all. Listing all possible tracks, fans will choose all songs to be included. Take a peek as Adam explains more about the campaign below.
The “Get Folked” tour is well under way so take a peek at the schedule on Adam’s page to see if they will be coming to a town close by, and don’t hesitate to see if tickets are still available as many are already sold out.
Setlist: Basement Song, Chelsea You’re Alright, You Speak Girl, Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper cover), I Believe, The Toast, Steal Your Daughter, All I Am, Chasin, Thunder Road (Bruce Springsteen cover), Cover Man, Hippie Girl, Sprig, Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover), The Devil Came Up to Boston, Let It Be (Beatles cover)
With a few more days remaining on the U.S. leg of their 
