The lineup for this year’s KettleFest includes Anastazja, Some Ska Band, Ruckus Juice Jug Stompers and String Chickens. The one day celebration of sustainable farming takes place in on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Kettle Ridge Farm in Victor, NY. In addition to music, there will be workshops, children’s events, crafts from local artisans, and a wide selection of food and beverages.
Admission is $6, and children under 13 are free. Kettleridge Farm is located at 515 Log Cabin Road in Victor, NY. For more information, visit the Kettlefest website.
Music Schedule:
Main Stage:
– 10:15 a.m. – Anastazja
– 12:15 p.m. – Some Ska Band
– 2:15 p.m. – Ruckus Juice Jug Stompers
Grant Hart, drummer and one third of the highly influential St. Paul, MN band Hüsker Dü has succumbed to cancer at the age of 56, according to Variety. The announcement was made through an uncaptioned photo of Hart on Hüsker Dü’s Facebook page posted around 2 a.m. Thursday.
Hart met singer/guitarist Bob Mould and bassist Greg Norton in 1978 at the Cheapo Records where Hart worked. As Hart remarked in a July 2000 interview with The Onion, it wasn’t so much what the three had in common that brought Hüsker Dü together as a band, but their differences. Hart was a champion of the local scene while Mould was a fan of the punk being made on the East Coast and largely unavailable in the midwest.
The band’s hardcore sound evolved into a more melodic style, earning them airplay on college radio stations around the country. Hüsker Dü’s first release, the single “Statues” was released in 1981 on the band’s own label Reflex Records. Hart’s songwriting contributions were a stark contrast to Mould’s more bitter lyrical style, offering ranging subjects in songs like “Diane” and “It’s Not Funny Anymore,” his contributions to the band’s EP Metal Circus.
Minutemen and fIREHOSE bassist Mike Watt offered his condolences in a Facebook post early Thursday:
Hüsker Dü’s breakthrough came on the seminal double album Zen Arcade, released in 1984. That same year Watt’s Minutemen also released their high watermark Double Nickels on the Dime, both on Greg Ginn’s SST label. The two bands toured together often in the early years and formed a bond in the process.
Hart was the subject of the 2013 documentary Every Everything: The Music, Life and Times of Grant Hart. The film gives a unique inside view of Hart the man and Hart the musician from his youth up to the recording of his final studio album The Argument, a concept album based on John Milton’s Paradise Lost.
Hüsker Dü proved to be a huge influence on what would become the alternative scene of the early 1990s with bands such as the Pixies and Nirvana citing them as an influence. Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic once said,”What Nirvana did was nothing new; Hüsker Dü did it before us.” Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters has cited Hart as a huge early influence on his style of play.
The band was one of the first of the early ’80s punk/hardcore scene to score a major label record deal, signing with Warner Brothers for 1986’s Candy Apple Grey. However, it wasn’t long before tensions between Mould and Hart would lead to the dissolution of the band on the tour for its final album together, the 1987 double album Warehouse: Songs and Stories.
The acrimony continued until just recently when the two performed on stage together at a July show in Minneapolis that also included fellow Minnesotans Babes in Toyland and Soul Asylum. At the end of a set that saw Hart perform several both solo and Hüsker Dü works, Hart signed off simply, “We’ll see you a bit further down the trail.”
Mould paid tribute to his bandmate in a Facebook post early Thursday, saying:
We stopped working together in January 1988. We went on to solo careers, fronting our own bands, finding different ways to tell our individual stories. We stayed in contact over the next 29 years — sometimes peaceful, sometimes difficult, sometimes through go-betweens. For better or worse, that’s how it was, and occasionally that’s what it is when two people care deeply about everything they built together.
The tragic news of Grant’s passing was not unexpected to me. My deepest condolences and thoughts to Grant’s family, friends, and fans around the world.
Grant Hart was a gifted visual artist, a wonderful story teller, and a frighteningly talented musician. Everyone touched by his spirit will always remember.
Godspeed, Grant. I miss you. Be with the angels.
Just last week, it was announced that a new Hüsker Dü box set entitled Savage Young Dü will be released in November. The three-disc box includes 69 tracks recorded during the band’s pre-SST days from 1979-1983 including all of their 7″ singles, a remastered version of their second album Everything Falls Apart and an alternate recording of the debut, Land Speed Record. Also included in the set is a booklet chronicling the band’s early years.
In a 2009 interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Hart offered the following on his legacy:
A long time ago, I started looking at my permanent record — the history of me after I’m gone. Even to speak of it reeks of egotism run wild. But I think when all is said and done, the work that I produced in this lifetime will more than repay the world for any inconvenience I’ve caused it.
When we hear the name Berklee College of Music, it’s natural to think of the great musicians who attended this institution such as John Mayer, Donald Fagen (Steely Dan) and Annie Clark (St. Vincent) to name a few. This impressive school has fostered the talent of a countless number of artists and bands and continues to do so with the members of the up-and-coming New England band, The Penthouse with their new album Overnight.
This indie rock group consists of Eric Derwall on the drums, Kyle Raney on the bass, Jacob Arias on guitar and Patrick James as the front man. Although their band is based in Boston, they are making a name for themselves through live music performances in major cities such as New York and Boston.
The band’s latest releases “City Lights” and “Another Day” perfectly embody what it means to be ‘indie rock.’ Every track makes you both want to move but also listen closely to the story being told through the lyrics. “Best Friend” for example is a relatable track about falling in love with your best friend that also makes you want to dance to its fast-paced and foot-tapping beat.
The band member’s varying musical backgrounds make the instrumental portions of their music even richer in songs like “Everytime” and “Clear As Day (feat. Noah Jackson)” as each instrumental solo is just as strong as the next. This new rising band welcomes you to The Penthouse as stated on their SoundCloud page so don’t miss a chance to listen to their new music!
These are values that Teenage Halloween embraces, as they deliver upbeat numbers about self-acceptance and empowerment served youthful exuberance and a twist of whimsical irony. Just this week they announced a new release, entitled Eternal Roast.
In Rochester, Teenage Halloween will be sharing the stage at Vineyard Community Space with their tour mates from New Jersey, Secret Mountain, and local bands Full Body (celebrating their new release), as well as Taking Meds and California Cousins (on the final night of their East Coast tour). Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show ends by 10 p.m. The suggested minimum donation is $7.
In Albany, Teenage Halloween and Secret Mountain will be joined by local bands Jouska, Hate Club, and i feel okay. The show runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. Entry is $5.
Members of Teenage Halloween hail from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The entire octet was in the studio to record the latest release: Luke Henderiks on vocals and guitar, Brandon Hakim on Saxophone, Kevin Sabik on trumpet, Lynn Tuimil on bass, Brian DeSeno on drums, Danni Ciminnisi on keyboards & vocals, Eli Frank on lead guitar & Connor Egan on trombone.
Eternal Roast is the follow-up to Teenage Halloween’s 2015 EP It Was Weird But It Worked, and will be available on Oct. 20 in a variety of formats (including vinyl). The limited-edition cassette is now available for pre-order on ‘Get Better Records.’
Opening the evening at Darien Lake Amphitheater for the Grammy award winning Green Day, was the British punk rockers Catfish and the Bottlemen. New to some, however highly popular with the younger crowd in attendance, these four young musicians filled the amphitheater with smoke and energy setting the scene for the crowd, who already was primed, to see their favorites, Green Day.
Oakland based punk and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Green Day, graced western New York’s Darien Lake Amphitheater, Saturday, August 20 with the summer stretch of the Rev-Rad Tour.
Band members Billie Joe Armstrong (lead vocals and guitar), Mike Dirnt (bassist), and Tre’ Cool (drummer) were joined by Jason White (guitar) and Jason Freese (keyboards, accordion, and saxophone). While Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” played, the audience sang along in unison; you could feel the excitement and energy through the venue.
Green Day immediately had fans screaming and to their feet as they took the stage with “Know Your Enemy” and “Bang Bang” leading straight into “Holiday” and his decree about Nazis, racism, and sexism and his dislike of Donald Trump. He was then quoted as saying “This night isn’t going to be about politics, just fun,” and it was clear to all present that he got the message across that maybe the best medicine against hatred is joy and unity.
Armstrong is indeed quite the showman, to him there was no barrier between the rock legends and the simple fan. He invited one teenage girl on stage to sing “Know Your Enemy” sending her back to her spot with a swan dive into the crowd. He soon thereafter invited an 11 year old boy on stage to sing the lyrics to “Longview,” and immediately followed that performance with a 15-year-old girl as she played guitar on Operation Ivy’s “Knowledge,” giving her the instrument to keep as she exited.
Green Day did not disappoint fans reaching far back into their catalog with Kerplunk, playing “2000 Light Years Away,” right up to ending the two and half hour setlist with songs from their newest album Revolution Radio, playing “Still Breathing” and “Forever Now.” The group then returned on stage for an encore of “American Idiot,” and “Jesus of Suburbia” off their concept album and highly acclaimed “Punk Rock Opera” American Idiot.
Ending this incredible evening Armstrong played an acoustic version of “21 Guns” then right into “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” and yes Billie Joe this audience indeed had the time of their lives.
What do you do when college isn’t everything you thought it would be? For four friends, the answer was to put the band back together. Gary Sheedy, Steven Browne, Charles Campanella, and John Perdue had been playing together since middle school, but called it quits when they accepted offers to different universities. A couple years later, they were back at it, writing songs long-distance by phone and internet throughout the 2016-17 school year, this time under the name Previous Love.
Produced by Jay Zubricky (Every Time I Die, Cute Is What We Aim For) at GCR Studios in their hometown of Buffalo, the self-titled EP Previous Love captures coming-of-age disillusionment by combining lyrics reflecting internal monologue, swimmy shoegaze contemplativeness, and crashing rock. The sonic effect brings listeners along for a ride through the emotional roller coaster of growing up: the heartbreaks, the feeling of being adrift, and the yearning for purpose and meaning.
The opening track “Dead Ends” is particularly heavy-hearted. Gossamer reverb-laden guitar strumming creates an ambient background as vocalist Sheedy questions his faith in religion, mankind, and himself. “The older I get, the more I know that I don’t know anything at all. It’s all dead ends,” he laments. The tension builds, climaxing in an angst-ridden frenzy.
This emotionally-charged first track then gives way to some lighter melodies. While “Pinwheel” is about the frustration of feeling stuck in place, the tune is a bop. The contrast between the instrumentation and the lyrics creates balance, while the driving drum beat gives the sense of moving forward and pushing through the hard times. “Caffeine” is another notable track. With a strong hook and a jangly sound, the song is the musical equivalent of a shot of espresso.
Listeners will find it easy to pick out old-school new wave and grunge influences, the dreamy sounds of The Cure and The Jesus and Mary Chain and the raw, raucous energy of Nirvana. Compared to Buffalo-area contemporaries, Previous Love lies on the spectrum between ambient pop artists Humble Braggers and alt rockers Head North.
While the collection of songs on Previous Love are a reflection on growing pains, there’s also a vein of hopefulness, and an anticipation that great things lie ahead.
Previous Love is available to stream on Spotify and purchase on Bandcamp.
Rochester’s Druse is taking to the road. They’ll be co-headlining a fall tour with Charleston’s Innerout. The East Coast tour includes shows in Rochester at The Bug Jaron September 28 and The Well in Brooklyn on September 30. This North & South pairing of bands highlights each of their unique talents on the cutting edge of post-hardcore indie rock.
Delightfully eclectic, to confine Druse to the label of post-hardcore screamo would be a disservice. They defy convention, incorporating elements of melodic metalcore, dreamy shoegaze, and lo-fi grunge to create a sound that has crowds swaying in a trance one moment and moshing the next. Last year’s EP The Way We Ache is their most intricately composed work to date. Emotionally charged lyrics explore the role of pain as part of what it means to be human, and how it ultimately brings us closer to each other.
Innerout from South Carolina self-identifies as pedalcore, a label that describes the blending of pedal-gazing with post-hardcore. Their sound is tinged with bits of southern flair. Case in point: the country-inspired intro on “Fair Play,” the lead track on their latest release, Say, followed by the echoes of southern rock in the fluidity of some of the guitar riffs throughout the rest of the EP.
Both bands challenge post-hardcore stereotypes – not content with what it is, but re-imagining what it can be.
Tour dates:
Sept. 19 – Baltimore, MD – The Raven Inn (Druse only)
Sept. 19 – Wilmington, NC – Randal 9000 (Innerout only)
Sept. 20 – Richmond, VA – TBA
Sept. 21 – Charleston, SC – TBA
Sept. 22 – Orlando, FL – Uncle Lou’s
Sept. 23 – Gainsville, FL – Hardback Cafe
Sept. 24 – Atlanta, GA – TBA
Sept. 25 – Louisville, KY – Spinelli’s Downtown
Sept. 26 – Columbus, OH – Middle Earth
Sept. 27 – Cleveland, OH – Mahalls Locker Room Sept. 28 – Rochester, NY – The Bug Jar
Sept. 29 – Boston, MA – TBA September 30 – Brooklyn, NY – The Well
Oct. 1 – Philadelphia, PA – TBA
Bluesy hard rock is alive and well. Right in our very backyard in Glens Falls resides Joe Mansman And The Midnight Revival Band. Their latest album Bastard dropped on July 14. If you’re a fan of the New Orleans blues rock or LA-style rock and roll, this album is sure to please your ear drums.
Bastard is an easy listen, not too short, not too long and perfect for the commute to work. I highly recommend the slower tracks such as “Den Of Thieves” and “Nobody’s Sun” simply for the bluesy style. The piano/keyboards add more depth to the album, however, the other upbeat rocky tracks are well done, very comparable to Theory Of A Deadman or Wolfmother. Very much worth a listen and keep an eye out for this Joe Mansman And The Midnight Revival Band.
Key Tracks: Den Of Thieves, Nobody’s Sun, Cut Out My Tongue
For those still intrigued by the recent solar eclipse, there’s another way to take in the once-in-a-lifetime event. A custom music soundtrack, synced to the eclipse itself by Emmit Fenn. Inaugural TH3RD BRAIN Accelerator class graduate, Fenn, released a soundtrack centered around the recent solar eclipse event that took place on Aug. 21, titled ECLIPSE EP. Fenn’s Prologue EP, is also available.
TH3RD BRAIN is a company that collaborates with artists, to refine their strategy, helping promote the unique vision that each artist has. Some of their clients include Krewella, Gallant, New Yorker and America’s Got Talent season 11 winner Grace VanderWaal, Pegboard Nerds, and Lauren Duski. EDM artist Deadmau5, co-signed the EP’s lead single “Drive,” after the track was recently synced to the Netflix show Sense8.
Emmit Fenn , along with award-winning short film producer Patrick Jean, who inspired the hit movie Pixels with one of his works, collaborated on the venture. Fenn commented on his reasons for doing the EP/video, stating:
This is the first time in 99 years that the solar eclipse has passed directly over the U.S., so it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. There’s this beautiful mystery and awe around [the eclipse] that is super unique, and it really inspired me to create something different.
Marketing and design agency Active Theory, help create the experimental audio/visual experience for each song. Other clients Active Theory have under their umbrella include Google, Spotify, and Hennessy. Active Theory has won multiple awards for its design work from FWA, CSSDesignAwards, and Awwwards.
The 2017 NYS Fair opened its gates Wednesday, August 23, and aside from the food, music, especially local, is arguably the biggest attraction at the New York State Fair. The main stage acts at Lakeview Amphitheater and Chevy Court draw the most attention, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a plethora of acts across the fairgrounds. From the various pavilions to the bars that set up camp at the fair, there is music of all types to be found.
The Empire Experience Stage features live performances three times a day, free with fair admission. The complete 13 day schedule can be found here.
Among the acts performing at the Empire Experience Stage are several tribute bands (Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffet, Rush, David Bowie, AC/DC, the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and Sublime); Latin music featuring Edgar Pagan’s Grupo Pagan, Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra, Orquesta La Muralla, Afrikan2 and BombaRoc along with local polka legends, Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame honorees and SAMMY Hall of Fame inductees, Fritz’s Polka Band.
Aug. 28-31 features several original local acts presented by local rock station 95X. Oneonta’s Baked Potatoes kicks off the series Aug. 28 at 4 p.m., followed by Utica-area act Our Common Roots at 6:30 p.m. The Black River closes out the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Other artists included in the local showcase at the Empire Experience Stage include Oswego’s Ethernauts (Aug. 29 at 4 p.m.) along with Syracuse’s Professional Victims (Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m.), Spring Street Family Band (Aug. 29 at 8:30 p.m.), Ahnest! (Aug. 30 at 4 p.m.), Townhouse Warrior (Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m.), Toronto’s Bleeker (Aug. 30 at 8:30 p.m.), Mattydale Music Collective (Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m.), Stacy White Suite (Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m.) and Barroom Philosophers (Aug. 31 at 8:30 p.m.). Barroom Philosophers will also be performing at the West End Bar & Grille at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 3. SAMMY Award recipients, Americana band the Ripcords will also be performing the Empire Experience Stage (Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.).
In addition to the Empire Experience, there are several other stages to take in live music. The Pan-African Village is a cooperative effort between the NAACP and the New York State Fair. The village highlights New York’s African-American heritage and features vendors and performers with African and Caribbean roots. Performances are held several times per day throughout the fair’s run. Featured performers at the Pan-African stage include SAMMY Award Winner Bobby Green (Aug. 25 at 8 p.m), Matte Mase (Aug. 26 at 3:30 p.m.), Tanksley with two performances (Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. and Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.), Modern Mudd (Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.), Five to Life (Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.), Steve Wolf performing twice (Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 31 at 6 p.m.), Colleen Kattau & Dos XX (Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.), Soft Spoken (Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.), Hev’n Ayn and Friends (Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.), Afrikan2 (Sept. 3 at 2 p.m.), and the Brownskin Band (Sept. 4. at 6 p.m.).
Some CNY favorites will take to the Dairyland Stage, appropriately located in the Dairy Building. Artists performing at this mini-stage-in-the-round include Just Joe on Aug. 31 (11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.). Joe will also be performing at the Courtside Grill Aug. 23-27 for two sets each day (12-1:30 p.m and 3:30-5 p.m.) Castle Creek for three half-hour sets on Sept. 2 (11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.) and Max Scialdone on Sept. 4 (11 a.m., 2 p.m and 5 p.m.).
Several bars take up residency during the fair and many also offer live music. The West End Bar & Grille is a NYS Fair institution. The bar is located just inside of gate six on the west side of the fairgrounds and offers live music every night of the fair. Solvay’s own Rhythm Method brings its blend of metal and classic rock to the West Side twice during the fair (Aug. 24 and Sept. 2, both shows begin at 7:30 p.m.). They will also perform at Bosco’s on Restaurant Row Aug. 28 and 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Syracuse R&B and soul group the Horndogs bring their horn-driven funk to the West Side on Aug. 25 and alt-country musician Steve Cali performs a Sunday set on Aug. 27. Other bands performing the West End include 3 Inch Fury, Brass, Inc., the PEP Band and Kat Tale. All shows at the West End begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Empire Room, one of the fair’s air conditioned venues, will host live music twice per day over the course of the fair’s thirteen day run. Utica-based harmonica player, Matt Lomeo will perform three days with a different partner joining him each day. On Aug. 24, Lomeo will be joined by guitarist Brian Mulkerne. On Aug. 27 Syracuse-based guitarist and leader of Morris and the Hepcats, Morris Tarbell joins Lomeo. Finally, on Aug. 29, Lomeo is accompanied by celebrated jazz saxophonist and pianist, Monk Rowe. All of Lomeo’s appearances at the Empire Room are 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Chris Eves will make two appearances at the Empire Room, one as a solo act on Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. and the other with his band, the New Normal for a Party on the Patio Aug. 27, also at 3 p.m.
Verona-based Opus Black String Quartet brings its unique take on classical meets contemporary to the Empire Room Patio Aug. 30 from 3-7 p.m.
Syracuse legend and SAMMY Hall of Fame inductee, Joe Whiting brings his exciting act to the Empire Room twice. On Aug. 31, Whiting will be joined by guitarist Loren Barrigar at 3 p.m. and hosts a Party on the Patio Sept. 2 at 3 p.m.
The Suds Factory Courtside Grille is yet another spot to catch some hot local talent throughout the fair’s run. Just Joe makes several appearances Aug. 25-27. Utica-area southern rock band the Swamp Drivers, renowned for their arsenal of homemade instruments, perform at the Grille Aug. 25-26. High energy Syracuse hard rock and metal aficionados, Scars n’ Stripes hit the Grille for two sets on Aug. 24 (6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.).
Boonville native Shawn “Big Sexy” Smith, a 2013 contestant on NBC’s The Voice brings his talents to the Grille for two sets Aug. 28 (3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.). Syracuse-area classic rock and blues band The Barndogs perform Aug. 28, 29 and Sept. 3 from 6-11 p.m. and Brian McArdell and Mark Westers perform acoustic classic rock Aug. 30 (12:30 and 3:30 p.m.).
Prior to and following Brett Michaels’ free show at Chevy Court, attendees can take in LaFayette country rockers Country Swagg. The band performs Aug. 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. and again following Michaels’ set. Syracuse funksters Skunk City close out the fair at the Grille Sept. 4 with two sets (4:30 and 9 p.m.). A regular at Funk n’ Waffles Downtown, this eclectic collective is sure to end the 2017 NYS Fair with a groove. For Courtside Grille set times for all of the above musicians and many others click here.
Finally, Bosco’s at the Fair and Shamrock’s host Syracuse-area country workhorses the TJ Sacco Band with both solo and full band performances. Sacco performs solo sets at Shamrock’s Aug. 24, 28, 29 and 30. He’ll be joined at Shamrock’s by the full band on Aug. 26, 27 and Sept. 2 and 3. All performances at Shamrock’s are at 5 p.m. Bosco’s will host the band Aug. 25 (7 p.m.) and Sacco solo Aug. 31 (7 p.m.). Solvay’s eight-piece funk outfit In Too Deep drops the beats at Bosco’s Sept. 2 at 6 p.m.
Bottom line: One can attend the NYS Fair each of its 13 days and spend the entire day taking in nothing but spectacular live local music. Check a few of them out and let them know you appreciate their efforts. They’ll remember it and when they hit the big stage you can brag that you saw them when. Remember, every band was local once.
Admission is $6, and children under 13 are free. Kettleridge Farm is located at 515 Log Cabin Road in Victor, NY. For more information, visit the Kettlefest website.
When we hear the name 
These are values that Teenage Halloween embraces, as they deliver upbeat numbers about self-acceptance and empowerment served youthful exuberance and a twist of whimsical irony. Just this week they announced a new release, entitled Eternal Roast.
Bastard is an easy listen, not too short, not too long and perfect for the commute to work. I highly recommend the slower tracks such as “Den Of Thieves” and “Nobody’s Sun” simply for the bluesy style. The piano/keyboards add more depth to the album, however, the other upbeat rocky tracks are well done, very comparable to Theory Of A Deadman or Wolfmother. Very much worth a listen and keep an eye out for this Joe Mansman And The Midnight Revival Band.