In anticipation for her upcoming album release, Albany-based singer-songwriter Sydney Worthley has dropped the title track of her new album exclusively this week, entitled “Strong.”
For anyone who has ever seen the decline of a loved one, through various hospital visits and treatments, this song hits right at home. Despite the morbid picture the lyrics paint for us, Worthley reminds us to hold on to our loved ones and keep going.
This title track will be one of the many pop-infused trials Sydney brings us on Strong, which will be released on September 9. This album features 14 tracks, each song with its own unique style and intent. She has a creative mind for vocalization and harmonizing, which renders her identity to fit a folk or Americana sphere. Her ease of shifting in and out of her head voice could be comparable to Joni Mitchell, with a songwriting technique similar to that of early Taylor Swift. Despite the multiple genres Sydney toys with in Strong, it’s in this soft, vulnerable space where we hope to see future works of Sydney Worthley, which will allow her vocal technique, and her story, to shine through.
In anticipation for the upcoming album release, head over to her Twitter and Facebook for updates on releases and performances, and check out Sydney’s newly-released title track below.
Have you had a taste of what Josh Casano can cook?
Standing in front of an audience, the man loops an elaborate arrangement of ingredients, all with the use of his voice, his guitar and a delay unit at his feet.
The chef-turned-musician ran a few kitchens in his time before the life changing events of meeting his wife, Sarah, and the eventual discussion of starting a family. Suddenly, aspirations of becoming the next Ric Orlando reduced over the flame of wanting to be a family man.
On his Facebook page, the music man’s vita reads: Husband, Father, Brother, Friend, Musician. Like a recipe, he starts with the base of the dish, and along the way, adds the spice. What’s first is vital: Being the husband, the father. And, what’s added next is the flourish that makes Casano’s life unique. His own. What’s missing from the list is his former life as a chef, and a clearer definition of his present day job as a high school music teacher. All those details are found further down his page.
“I know a lot of people who are head chefs, executive chefs, especially those who have started their own businesses. When you do it in the very beginning, it is really hard to be away from the business,” said Casano. “So, I went back to school to teach.”
The 39-year-old Casano got a late start to his current career path, which involves folding musical compositions into the minds of young students by day, splashed with stealing hours away to earn his master’s degree at the University at Albany, and a sprinkle of a few live gigs throughout the Capital District. Casano can still cook up a good meal at home, but he said he walked away from the culinary arts because — would you believe it? — the hours would be more demanding on him. The prospect of trying to start up a restaurant included hours of investing in the kitchen, taking him away from a family life he and his wife had only discussed. Today, the Casano start-up has flourished into a marriage with two kids and a home in Latham.
Casano enrolled into the College of Saint Rose’s prestigious music program. There, he quickly earned his bachelor’s degree to teach. Last year was his first, full year as a music teacher at Schenectady Public Schools. Though he’s just getting started with a career in music, music has been with him since his parents pushed the piano on him in elementary school. When he protested and asked to play drums instead, they bought him a trumpet.
“[Drums] were too loud,” said Casano. “They were aware of practice pads. My father thought to play drums I had to have a kit.” So, the trumpet stayed with Casano throughout his high school career. Once he started learning music on his own, “I started kicking myself for not paying attention to those piano lessons.”
Though Casano is often playing covers at his live shows, he is trained and practiced as a classical guitar player and songwriter, writing both the music and lyrics. Pay attention, and you may recognize a few of his songs as they have played on both 102.7 WEQX and 97.7 WEXT. The pressure of playing solo acts in front of an audience is akin to running a kitchen, said Casano. In both cases, he said, you’re “in the weeds” and focused on your task besides the commotion surrounding him.
“It’s nerve-wracking,” said Casano, about looping at live shows. “It was awful [starting out]. I’d practice a whole movement, get confident, and get up on stage to play it, ‘Oh, man. Please don’t screw this up.’ … You just learn to go with it. I’ve done theatre. I’ve performed in orchestra and band. You make a mistake, you just keep going. You just play it off like you meant it and keep going, and no one’s the wiser.”
You can find Casano playing Friday, Aug. 25 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, at 5 p.m. and at the Dana Park Concert Series in Albany, on Monday, Aug 28, at 5:30 p.m.
This article was originally published by The Spot 518 and is the property of Spotlight Newspapers in Albany, N.Y., and appears as a special to NYS Music. TheSpot518 and NYS Music work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene in the Capital District and New York state, respectively. For more, visit TheSpot518.com.
Three festival weekends each summer, Sterling Stage Kampitheater (‘The Pines’) returns to Sterling, NY for four days and nights of music, dancing and art. This year’s Sterling Stage Folkfest and Sterling Stage Ameribeat have passed us by, however, Sterling Stage Last Daze of Summer 2017 is just around the corner.
Take a glance below and click the play button. You’ll find a Rochester Groovecast podcast episode. This episode is a preview of the upcoming Sterling Stage Last Daze of Summer Festival. During the episode, you’ll listen to The Werks, The Blind Owl Band, Root Shock, The Honey Smugglers, Creamery Station, Los Blancos, Electric Mud, Personal Blend, Boogie Low, Subsoil, and Chris James & Mama G. All of these bands will be at this year’s Sterling Stage Last Daze of Summer. If you scroll even farther down, you’ll find a detailed episode timestamp. Get your tickets here!
Episode Timestamp:
00:00: The Werks- Into The Moss
03:41: Episode Introduction
07:21: The Werks– Magic
13:24: The Blind Owl Band- Map With Roads
18:03: The Blind Owl Band- Sailor Song
23:44: Root Shock- Freedom
27:55: Root Shock- Sage
33:55: The Honey Smugglers- Nasty Old Man
37:49: The Honey Smugglers- Should Have Been A Farmer
45:49: Creamery Station- Back To You
49:03: Creamery Station- Wash Away
53:56: Los Blancos- Backbeat Rhythm
59:26: Los Blancos-Get Along
1:04:45: Electric Mud- Cover of Eddies Gospel Groove By Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters
1:10:55: Electric Mud- Cover of T-Bone Boogie By T-Bone Walker
1:14:31: Personal Blend- Judgement
1:18:10: Personal Blend- Wiseman
1:23:15: Boogie Low- Mckenna
1:28:38: Boogie Low- Miss Bliss
1:34:00: Subsoil- Joe Rogan
1:37:39: Subsoil- On The Bus
1:41:49: Closing Comments
1:43:48: Chris James & Mama G- Thank You For The Diamonds
1:48:22: Chris James & Mama G- Further
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.
At times, the music industry can seem like a viciously preposterous environment, kind of like a Sharknado movie sequel only with amplified instruments and egos, laptop computers and seven-dollar plastic water bottles sucked into a funnel cloud with the slimy sharks. But every now and then, a musician emerges from an overseas humanitarian mission or a music promoter decides to plant trees for each ticket sold to an event, or a festival books performers based on integrity as well as talent and name recognition. And in the state of Colorado all of those can be found in the confines of one event, the Arise Music Festival, held last weekend August 4-6 at the scenic Sunrise Ranch near Loveland.
“It’s not called the Wake Up Festival for a reason,” piped up festival co-founder Paul Bassis. “We want to bring in as many people and performers who are already awake.” Organizers and staffers of the Arise fest set an intention of blending entertainment with community activism, consciousness-raising workshops and thoughtful environmental stewardship in a way that they hope separates their event from the rest. The festival’s moving opening ceremony featuring Native American dances, African drumming and prayers offered an immediate and rousing example of that intention.
And the Arise message seems to be getting out to the public. Last weekend’s event sold out for the first time in their brief five year history. One music group, Rising Appalachia, split a European tour in half just so they would be able to make a return appearance to Arise this year. Alan Bartram, the stand-up bass player for bluegrass music favorites the Travelin’ McCourys, was impressed with the number of workshops offered over the weekend. “There was even a workshop on how to hula hoop with your elbow,” he commented with a baffled expression.
Though the festival’s rust-colored mountain valley was raked by a daily series of rain and windstorms, the spirits of brightly colored festifarians remained buoyed by a wide ranging lineup that included EDM favorites like Tipper and rap musicians like Brother Ali. Fans of folk and bluegrass flocked to sets from Ani Difranco, Rising Appalachia and the frenetically improvisational Jeff Austin Band. Austin’s band joined with the McCourys for a spirited bluegrass tribute set to the Grateful Dead as well. The performance talent wasn’t limited to the musician sets either. Acrobatic acts like Fractal Tribe and Lunar Fire combined grace, athleticism and captivating aerials along with live music and fire performances throughout the weekend.
The Arise festival sets a unique tone and atmosphere that is both fulfilling and fun. And its participants long for what surely will be a whirlwind of a sequel next year.
ARISE Music Festival was held at Sunrise Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, on a jovial weekend August 4-6, surrounded by rock formations, pleasant lakes, and mysterious meadows. This land was indeed filled with love, so its name holds true to its essence. It was a glorious gathering of all walks of life – an open, family friendly, health conscious like-minded atmosphere where one can simply be whoever they please. Acceptance was a big feature of the time that was had and the energies that flooded the air proved this to be true. People united and rejoiced in ways the whole world could learn from.
Despite the waves of torrential downpour fluctuating all weekend, flooding and destroying the temporary homes of many, everyone at ARISE seemed to shine through the rain and it only made people dance even harder to the grooves of mother earth, especially when a calm, strong, and bright double rainbow appeared at the end of a fierce shower on the third day. This experience was an evolution of mankind, uniting positivity and kindness throughout each moment.
Food vendors provided healthy and nutritional options for all types of eaters, as well as the festival’s own farmer’s market. As you entered from the main camping ground through giant neon totem poles, there was eye candy everywhere; each white tent displayed an extensive collection of interesting goods to be sold, not to mention countless painters, sculptors, and artists of all kinds.
Temptations with zero expectations. Hammocks galore! There were yoga workshops and practices, domes to climb, beaded huts, teepees, and much, much more. This interactive experience gave one the liberty to wander to different areas such as the “Wisdom Village,” “Children’s Village,” and “Solutions Village”, which all co-created a friendly habitat for the weekend in its own worldly bubble. As a good-vibe-only festival, people could be found at any of the stages, including Big Sunrise Dome, StarWater, Scene Magazine, Green Tree, and main headliners at the Eagle stage.
Sound mimicked the rhythm of body movements and the full moon and clear night on the final evening of the journey fabricated unparalleled liveliness. For anyone interested in participating in a relaxing care-free time with no service whatsoever, ARISE should be on the top of your list, where you can freely admire the sun and moon rise and set over this magical land while opening your mind to stellar soundwaves.
The Chenango Blues Fest will celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary on Aug. 18 and 19 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich, New York headlined by the North Mississippi Allstars with John Medeski. The event kicks off with a free show on Friday night beginning at 6:00 p.m., with stylish showman Reverend Shawn Amos.
Following Amos will be 2017 International Blues Competition Best Band Winners, Dawn Tyler Watson & the Ben Racine Band. Headlining the opening night will be twenty-time Blues Music Award nominee Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials. Lil’ Ed Williams continues the lineage of such Chicago slide guitar masters as Hound Dog Taylor, Elmore James, and Williams’ uncle, J.B. Hutto. The fan favorite, fez-wearing, toe-walking showman is not to be missed.
Saturday’s ticketed event ($25 advance, $35 day of show) has a jaw-dropping amount of talented musicians. Acts will alternate between the main infield stage and the tent stage.
Main Stage:
11:30 – Gracie Curran & the High Falutin’ Band
1:45 – Muddy Magnolias
4:00 – Mannish Boys Allstars
6:30 .- Tommy Castro & the Painkillers w/s/g Magic Dick
9:00 – North Mississippi Allstars w/s/g John Medeski
Gracie Curran, Muddy Magnolias, and the Ghost Town Blues Band all continue to confirm the Chenango Blues Festival’s ability to identify and feature emerging artists that captivate audiences and quickly become fan favorites, as the GTBB demonstrates with their third Norwich appearance since 2015. Alvin Youngblood Hart’s powerful vocals will kick things off on the tent stage, where he will be followed by Jason Ricci and JJ Appleton. Ricci is one of the most talented and creative harmonica players playing anywhere. Blues harp fans will come from far and wide to hear him. He teamed with Appleton on the 2015 acoustic blues release, Dirty Memory.
The Mannish Boys Allstars is a dream team of veteran award-winning bluesmen including lead vocalist and front man extraordinaire Sugaray Rayford, guitar wizard Kid Ramos, Anthony Geraci on keyboards, and the rhythm section of Willie J. Campbell and Jimi Bott.
Tommy Castro & the Painkillers will add harmonica ace Magic Dick Salwitz, known best for his work with J. Geils Band, to their lineup.
Closing out the tent stage will be 2017 BMA Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year winner Victor Wainwright, appearing with his eight-piece project, Victor Wainright and the Wildroots. This band won the 2016 BMA Band of the Year Award. This group is a full-blown aural onslaught replete with piano, organ, guitar, bass, drums, horns, harmonica, and backup vocals.
Headlining the main stage for the second time are the North Mississippi Allstars. The duo of brothers Luther (guitar, vocals) and Cody Dickinson (drums, piano, synth bass, vocals) are steeped in the traditions of Mississippi hill country blues music and will be complemented by in-demand keyboard virtuoso John Medeski. Expect the unexpected with this collaboration.
More details on the 25th Chenango Blues Fest can be found here.
The masterminds at Goldenvoice have brought us innovative music festival experiences all over the country, from Firefly to Hangout Music Fest (not to mention Coachella). They graze the east coast next weekend on Randall’s Island to present their newest endeavor, Panorama Music Festival, for its second year.
Despite its sophomore residency, Panorama has added some big names to its roster, including Frank Ocean, Solange, Tame Impala, Alt-J, Nine Inch Nails, and A Tribe Called Quest. Spanning over the last weekend in July, Panorama already crosses off some musical bucket list items, but what’s even more impressive is their unique and extensive series of lesser-known artists on the rise. With such a wide range of audiences, there’s a setlist to watch for everyone. If it gets too overwhelming to choose who to see at Panorama this year, we’re here to give you some guidance. Here are 10 acts to see, from the celebrities to the rising stars, in no particular order.
1) Spoon
Triumphing off their latest release entitled Hot Thoughts, Austin indie-rock band Spoon makes their Panorama debut this year. They’ll be playing on the Pavilion Stage Friday night, featuring the music of their newer, Hot Thoughts as well as their memorable 2000s indie punk classics that have gained them their remarkable fanbase. With their chart successes, television appearances, and tours spanning across continents, these gentlemen have certainly earned the right to be listed under Friday night’s headliners.
Friday Night, Pavilion Stage, 5:45pm
2) HONNE
Super Recordings have served as a launching point for electropop British artists like AlunaGeorge, but have recently brought a modern twist to velvety jazz with electronic duo HONNE. With a career only dating back to 2014, this two-man band has developed a blissful soul influence, while remaining true to their Honne, or “real intention” in Japanese. Despite their relatively short career, they’ve already had chart success with their latest release, Gone Are the Days, and are sure to bring some smooth vibes to the Panorama Stage on Friday afternoon.
Friday afternoon, Panorama Stage, 2:30pm
3) Nine Inch Nails
There is not a band on this earth with more depth, chaos, vulnerability, and ambiguity than the industrial rock gods of Nine Inch Nails. Their long career has exposed their audiences to the most honest and wildest emotional journey. More recently, they have shifted the instrumental focus of their new music to appeal to a new generation. “Less Than,” their most recent single, brings us into a transient space shuttle through time, with the same accountability and menacing vocal timbre that attracts all those who listen. As headliners, surely they’ll have time to throw in some songs from their With Teeth album, for some of their more loyal fans.
Sunday Night, Panorama Stage, 9:20pm
4) Jagwar Ma
With such a wide array of talent gracing the Panorama fest, it’s always important to keep people dancing and smiling, and there’s no better remedy for the blues than Australian band Jagwar Ma. This band has a plethora of dance tunes, influenced by psychedelic rock and electro pop. Their first single, “Come Save Me” dates back to 2011, and they’ve been trailing the way for indie rock ever since, with a recent release of their second album Every Now & Then. They’ll play the main stage Saturday afternoon, and surely it’ll be the best chance for Panorama attendees to get their dance on.
Saturday afternoon, Panorama Stage, 4:45pm
5) A Tribe Called Quest
This group needs absolutely no introduction. With their ability to constantly reshape the hip hop genre, these legends will perform at Panorama as means to inspire a new generation as the group departs from the music world. Beyond their 15-year legacy, A Tribe Called Quest lost their bandmate and rap pioneer Phife Dawg to diabetes back in March 2016. Appropriately titled We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service, Tribe’s latest and final album pays homage to their beloved brother in music, as well as the highs and lows of their long, influential careers in alternative trip hop music. This is the kind of performance that will bring the funk, and then bring on the tears as we bid farewell to one of the greatest hip hop bands to ever grace this country.
Sunday night, Panorama Stage, 7:30pm
6) Tame Impala
The Australian psychedelic pop/rock band Tame Impala is rolling past their 10-year anniversary in 2017. Tame Impala draws on the sounds and colors of early Pink Floyd and psychedelic rock of the 1960s focusing on the guitar and synth effects of the time. Their latest album Currents was released in 2015 charting at number one in their home country and charting well in several other countries including the US. Tame Impala’s sound delivers a genuine fresh take on psychedelic rock.
Saturday Night, Panorama Stage, 9:20pm
7) Foxygen
The California-based duo has consistently put out recordings uniquely their own since their second album We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic in 2013. Their latest album Hang was released January 2017 and marks a turn in their journey of experimenting with sounds and rock composition styles. The album carries a string of a sense of chaos seen in previous Foxygen albums but hones in on a crisper energetic sound.
Friday Afternoon, Pavilion Stage, 3:20pm
8) Angel Olsen Olsen is an indie folk singer-songwriter who broke into a solo career following work as a touring musician with Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Her style is synonymous with her voice, recognizable riding ahead of the generally upbeat sound of the music. Olsen’s latest album My Women was released following the two singles “Intern” and “Shut Up Kiss Me” to well-deserved critical acclaim. Olsen also appeared on the 2015 Grateful Dead tribute album Day of the Dead with her version of “Attics of My Life.”
Sunday Afternoon, Pavilion Stage, 4:20pm
9) Glass Animals
Representing England’s indie rock presence at Panorama is Glass Animals. Formed in 2010 with its members still attending university, the band has made a home in major festivals appearing at Coachella, Bestival, Bonnaroo, and Glastonbury among others. Their sophomore album released August 2016, How To Be A Human Being, continues beyond the sounds of their debut album ZABA to explore the stories of life while weaving in and out of musical themes.
Friday Night, Pavilion Stage, 8:40pm
10) Nicolas Jaar
Composer and electronic music artist Nicolas Jaar is appearing at one of his hometown’s biggest music festivals of the year. Born and raised in NYC, Jaar creates compositions that ebb and flow in energy with a semi-improvised feel. His second album Sirens was released only last year but he has a strong resume of live improvised and experimental performances. His songs interlace grooves to dance to with ambiance to get lost with in the trance. Jaar’s skill with improvisation and composition make his live show a must-see.
The fourth annual Jeezum Crow Fest at Jay Peak Ski Resort began with a rainy and windy start on Friday, July 14, though many locals and out-of-towners braved the elements for a night of great music at the Stateside Amphitheater. Though construction prevented as many vendors from setting up shop as in previous years, there were still a few staples of the community, such as Miso Hungry, an authentic ramen shop and a tie-dye stand, where children were taught how to make their own tie-dye shirts. The rainstorms were scattered, with blue sky peaking through the clouds fairly often.
Friday’s music kicked off with the return of The Mallett Brothers Band, who performed in the Foeger Ballroom last winter. The Brothers brought their blend of folk, rock and Americana to an eager crowd, successfully melding several genres into their sound, a snug fit for Jay Peak, whose locals exhibit a propensity for the folkier side of music. They were followed shortly after by a local favorite, one of Vermont’s hardest working musicians, Seth Yacavone of Morrisville, Vermont. Better known for his work with Dead Sessions, an extremely active Grateful Dead cover band, Seth Yacavone and his power trio played a set full of originals, showcasing his incredible chops on the guitar, as well as an affinity for the edgier side of rock music. They performed several cuts from their latest album, entitled Shovel Down, artfully creating a sound that drew influence from both funk and hair metal, bringing some much needed energy to the mountain.
Friday night’s headliner, Pink Talking Fish, did not disappoint the growing crowd, with their expertly interwoven sets that featured the timeless music of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish. Right out of the gates, they got the crowd moving with Phish’s “Possum” which flowed seamlessly into “Breathe” by Pink Floyd into the dark and funky “Slippery People” by Talking Heads. Pink Talking Fish’s true merit lies in their ability to integrate riffs and progressions from each band and incorporate them into their jams, playing each song faithfully to the source material, but still managing to find inventive new ways to tweak the music and keep it interesting for the audience. A blend of hits and obscure gems were played, with the band diving into some deep Pink Floyd cuts as well as the rare Phish tune “Colonel Forbin’s Ascent.” This reporter may have had to wipe a tear or two from his eye when Floyd’s “Fearless” was played, and the whole crowd sang along while the band encored with a mash-up of “Tennessee Jed” and “Ocelot” that concluded with the iconic “Bathtub Gin” riff. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the late-night act, the Balkun Brothers were unable to perform in the Bullwheel Bar, but attendees took to the parking lot and partied the night away regardless.
Festivities began again at noon on Saturday with Lionize, who had been added to the bill relatively late. Though many Jeezum Crow attendees were still sleeping off the previous night’s shenanigans, Lionize performed energetically for a small crowd in the bright sun, which starkly contrasted Friday’s gray skies. More concert-goers began to trickle in as Rick Redington & the Luv (another Vermont local and staple of Franklin County and the Northeast Kingdom) took the stage, delivering a mellow and enjoyable set. Soule Monde followed next, and truly blew the minds of the audience with their ability to sound like a full orchestra, despite just being a drummer and an organ player. Their flavor of heavy jazz-funk with just a little bit of rock impressed existing fans and newbies alike, as the duo displayed some impressive musical ability. Soule Monde is comprised of Russ Lawton and Ray Paczkowski of Trey Anastasio Band fame. Eric Gales Band performed after that, bringing some heavy funk to an already-energetic crowd. He closed his set out with an instrumental, psychedelic version of “Don’t Fear The Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult. The Infamous Stringdusters took the stage afterwards, bringing the predominantly Vermont-based crowd their daily dose of traditional bluegrass, with a modern twist. Full of explosive energy, the Charlottesville, Virginia-based outfit plucked and crooned for nearly two hours, and even invited Todd Park Mohr, Big Head Todd of Big Head Todd and the Monsters, to perform a song.
Big Head Todd took to the stage for an impressive set that blended their older tunes with several new tracks from their last album, released in 2014. A bluesy, rocking set that incorporated southern rock and country as well, Todd Park Mohr showed Jay Peak his guitar-playing skill as well as his fantastic, Stevie Ray Vaughn-esque voice, which was well-suited to the older crowd. Jeezum Crow collectively swooned during their rendition of their original song, “Bittersweet,” and sang along and swayed with a soaring encore of the classic rock hit, “Hey Joe.” Big Head Todd and the Monsters formed in the early eighties, saw some fame in the mid-to-late nineties, and are seeing a resurgence now with the release of the album Black Beehive and an extensive tour.
After the Monsters played their closing notes on the main stage, festival-goers were delighted to see Burlington-based band Barika, whose sound almost defies description. Incorporating a sitar-like West African instrument called a N’Goni, Barika played their late-night set in the intimate Bullwheel Bar, the perfect closer to the weekend. Their highly-danceable sound is made unique by the West African influence of Craig Myers, who has performed with Mike Gordon of Phish and Burlington greats Rubblebucket. Their music, which would already be an exciting blend of styles ranging from reggae to funk to afro-beat, is bolstered by the use of the N’Goni, which is best described in appearance and tone, as a cross between a banjo and a sitar. They also incorporate drums, bass, guitar, keys, trombone, and baritone into their multi-faceted sound. They ended their set close to 2am, and then took to the parking lot to mingle with a very satisfied group of concert-goers.
Though the absence of Dark Star Orchestra for the first time since the festival’s induction and nasty weather on Friday may have hurt attendance somewhat, Jeezum Crow managed to assemble a very eclectic group of musicians and bands, for a weekend that truly unites the many communities that border Jay Peak Resort. Visitors new to Jay Peak and families that have lived on or near the mountain for years enjoyed one of Jay Peak’s biggest musical attractions.
As a convoy of tour buses pulled in and parked along the water’s edge at the Lakeview Amphitheater for the fourth show in as many days, they prepared to unload and set up for the final performances of the weekend. A night of Country, Americana and Rock was on tap as the Outlaw Music Festival had arrived in Syracuse and Lakeview was ready to rock the crowd. The top outlaw was the one and only, legendary Mr. Willie Nelson.
Bringing a few of his closest outlaw friends along, the crowd met Nashville newcomer Margo Price as well as rock stars Sheryl Crow and My Morning Jacket. This balmy day was lining up to be one epic sunny Sunday that was soon would become a highlight of this gal’s summer. As the gates opened at 3 pm, the winding line that had extended clear out to the bus drop off area quickly moved this eclectic mix of concertgoers into the venue to find the perfect spot on the lawn or their seats under the pavilion area.
Beginning the evening was Margo Price. This Nashville newcomer was dressed like a true country legend herself in sequins and fringe. As she began to sing, her truly twangy, country voice dazzled the crowd with a classic country style. A bit of a cross between Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood, it took no time at all to win over the audience and set the stage for those to follow.
Next up was Sheryl Crow. A petite firecracker of a woman, this larger than life musician owned the stage and the audience from the get go. Singing and playing both new music and crowd favorites, she amazed with her unbound energy and talent. Sharing stories about her children, it was obvious that motherhood suits her and completes her life as they ride around this summer on tour with her.
As the sun began to set on Onondaga Lake, My Morning Jacket took the stage. A new band to some and an old favorite to others, I have to admit I was categorized into the first of the two groups and was curious. From the moment Jim James began to sing and the band began to play, I was hooked. Was it the mysterious look he conveyed with his Johnny Cash suit and Ray-Bans, or was it the sultry tonality of his voice that hooked me? A mix of the two, I do believe. Their style and sound is not anything I’m accustomed to, as it doesn’t fit neatly into one genre. This rainbow of tunes melded together to create truly unique music that pulls you in like a Pied Piper. Shooting the first three songs of a set, a photographer generally goes to town to get as many photos during that time frame in order to optimize the chances of capturing a new and unique photo. For me, something different occurred. I found myself lowering my camera throughout the allotted time and capturing the sounds of the moment versus the sights of the moment. Perhaps MMJ was considered a new band to me originally, but I definitely left considering them an old favorite.
Finally, the main outlaw that everyone was there to see was taking the festival stage at Lakeview. Arriving to a standing ovation, it was beautiful to see how Willie is so loved by young and old. This man’s music spans generations and represents special moments in so many lives over the decades, including mine. Living in the moment must be a way of life for Willie; he just celebrated his 84th birthday this year. Taking the stage is a family affair as he was joined by his son, little sister and friends and band mates for years. He did not skip a beat and his playing skills were beyond impressive. As he strummed tune after tune on the beat up autographed guitar he’s had forever, you could only wish this well worn and loved instrument could tell us the stories it’s witnessed over the years!
Throughout the night, Willie played hit song after song. Whether it was hits of his own or covers from others, the crowd could not get enough. Included in this set was Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia On My Mind,” Willie’s tunes “Whiskey River,” “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” and, of course, the crowd’s favorite tune that he wrote together with Merle Haggard,”It’s All Going to Pot.” It was easy to sing along with Willie to songs such as Toby Keith’s “Beer For My Horses” or Hank Williams’ “Hey Good Looking,” “Jambalaya” and “Move It On Over.” Patiently awaiting and hoping to hear my favorite, Willie didn’t disappoint as he played Brenda Lee’s “Always On My Mind.” Speaking for most, I can remember times associated with these songs and I took this trip back together with Willie as he performed them all.
Closing out the weekend of Outlaw Festival events at the Lakeview Amphitheater, it was a definitely a treat to check off a bucket list item in seeing Willie Nelson in person. Add the opportunity to see all three opening acts along side Willie and, yes, I definitely felt like I won a musical lottery.
For anyone who has ever seen the decline of a loved one, through various hospital visits and treatments, this song hits right at home. Despite the morbid picture the lyrics paint for us, Worthley reminds us to hold on to our loved ones and keep going.
The chef-turned-musician ran a few kitchens in his time before the life changing events of meeting his wife, Sarah, and the eventual discussion of starting a family. Suddenly, aspirations of becoming the next Ric Orlando reduced over the flame of wanting to be a family man.
The weekend consisted of countless extraordinary artists including performances by 
Saturday’s ticketed event ($25 advance, $35 day of show) has a jaw-dropping amount of talented musicians. Acts will alternate between the main infield stage and the tent stage.
Despite its sophomore residency, Panorama has added some big names to its roster, including Frank Ocean, Solange, Tame Impala, Alt-J, Nine Inch Nails, and A Tribe Called Quest. Spanning over the last weekend in July, Panorama already crosses off some musical bucket list items, but what’s even more impressive is their unique and extensive series of lesser-known artists on the rise. With such a wide range of audiences, there’s a setlist to watch for everyone. If it gets too overwhelming to choose who to see at Panorama this year, we’re here to give you some guidance. Here are 10 acts to see, from the celebrities to the rising stars, in no particular order. 
Friday night’s headliner, 
Festivities began again at noon on Saturday with 
Big Head Todd
After the Monsters played their closing notes on the main stage, festival-goers were delighted to see Burlington-based band 
Though the absence of Dark Star Orchestra for the first time since the festival’s induction and nasty weather on Friday may have hurt attendance somewhat, Jeezum Crow managed to assemble a very eclectic group of musicians and bands, for a weekend that truly unites the many communities that border Jay Peak Resort. Visitors new to Jay Peak and families that have lived on or near the mountain for years enjoyed one of Jay Peak’s biggest musical attractions.
Bringing a few of his closest outlaw friends along, the crowd met Nashville newcomer