NYS Music 20​17

Category: Festival News

  • Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival Returns This Weekend Following 2016 Hiatus

    The Clearwater Festival, more formally known as Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival, is returning this weekend on June 17 and 18 to Croton Point Park in the lower Hudson Valley.

    Founded by the late Pete Seeger, the festival took a brief one-year hiatus in 2016 while the organization focused on fundraising efforts for repairs to sloop Clearwater. As they promised, the festival is back and this year features familiar faces and venerable musicians in the lineup.

    At the top of the bill are Arlo Guthrie, Lake Street Dive, Joan Osborne, Tommy Emmanuel, Los Lobos, Josh Ritter, Lucky Chops and many Clearwater favorites including Toshi Reagon & Big Lovely, Guy Davis, Tom Chapin, and many others. Check out the full list and stage schedule of performers here.

    Matt Turk

    Aside from a full lineup of music going from 11am until just after sunset the Clearwater Festival features many other attractions. Ranging from family activities, an artisanal farm & food market, craft fair to non-profit advocacy and more, the festival is well-rounded for an enriching experience that goes beyond the great lineup of music.

    Kim and Reggie Harris

    The festival site at Croton Point Park is a short shuttle ride or nice walk from the Croton-Harmon Metro North/Amtrak station. Single-day and two-day passes for the festival are available here along with options for camping at Croton Point Park. Special rail fair/festival admission packages are available for those traveling via Metro North.

  • Buffalo’s Herd Festival Features More Than 60 Bands

    This weekend, BuffaBLOG presents the fourth annual Herd Festival. The fun starts Thursday, June 15 and runs through Sunday, June 18. More than five dozen local, regional, and national acts will be performing at some of Buffalo’s favorite venues: Mohawk Place, Nietzsche’s, Milkie’s Lounge, DBGB’s, and Dreamland. Cover charges for each venue range from $5-$7. All access passes are available for $20.

    herd music festivalFull Herd Fest Schedule: 

    Thursday
    Mohawk Place | 7pm doors | $7 cover | 18+
    8:15pm Hundred Plus Club
    9pm dreambeaches
    9:45pm Sammus
    10:45pm God Save the Queen
     
    Nietzsche’s | 8pm doors | $5 cover | 21+
    In Collaboration with The Public
    8:30pm Rust Belt Brigade
    9pm Stress Dolls (front room)
    9:15pm Wren Williams & Sons of Luther
    9:45pm Stress Dolls (front room)
    10pm Cannon the Brave
    10:30pm Ryan Howze (front)
    10:45pm Award Show
    11:30pm Ryan Howze (front)
     
    Friday
    Mohawk Place | 5pm doors | FREE! (Happy Hour) | 18+
    6pm Griffin!
    7pm Kerry Key
    7:30pm $7 cover starts
    8pm qwelis
    8:30pm Jack
    9:15pm Big Fred
    10pm Humble Braggers
    10:45pm Nylon Otters
    11:30pm Bold Folly
    12:15am Dean Chatham
    Milkie’s Lounge | 8pm doors | $5 cover | 21+ 
    9pm: K.Rob
    9:45pm Rap & Destroy
    10:30pm Mad Dukez
    11:15pm Short Moscato
    12am MileHighMuzik
     
    Nietzsche’s  | 9pm doors | $5 cover | 21+
    10pm SHEDS
    10:45pm Total Yuppies
    11:30pm Cooler
    12am; Ian McCuen (front)
    12:20am Feverbox
    1am: Late Night Hipster Dance Party with Dance Yourself Clean DJs
     
    DBGB’s | 9pm doors | $5 cover
    10:30pm Matthew Danger Lippman
    11:15pm SMUG
    12am: M.A.G.S.
    Saturday
    Dreamland | 7pm doors | $5 cover | 18+
    8pm coral collapse
    8:45pm Deadwolf
    9:30pm Buffalo Sex Change
    10:15pm Passed Out
    Mohawk Place | 7pm doors | $7 cover | 18+
    8pm Johnny and the Man Kids
    8:45pm The Gennies
    9:30pm Kissing is a Crime
    10:15pm Suburbs
    11pm Gillian
    11:45pm Younger Then
    Milkie’s | 8pm | $5 cover | 21+ 
    8:30pm Small smalls
    9:15pm Dead Lounge
    10pm White Shade
    10:45pm Into the Wake
    11:30pm Filthy Gorgeous
     
    Nietzsche’s | 9pm doors | $5 cover | 21+ 
    9:45pm Telempathy (front)
    10pm New Masons
    10:30pm: Telempathy (front)
    10:45pm Bearhunter
    11:15pm Dogs in Stereo (front)
    11:30pm The Leones
    12am Dogs in Stereo (front)
    12:15am Lesionread Spookyime Jazz Ensemble
    DBGB’s | 9pm doors | $5 cover | 21+ 
    10:30pm The Eaves (formerly Sixties Future)
    11:15pm Ugly Sun
    12am: Made Violent
     
    Sunday
    Mohawk Place | 7pm doors | $5 cover | 18+
    8pm Planet Three
    8:45pm Major Arcana
    9:30pm A Relative Term
    10:15pm The Etchings

  • The NYS Music Guide to the 2017 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival

    Starting June 23, and up until July 1, 2017, Rochester will once again become one of the hottest destinations for live jazz, and music in general. Once a year, for a nine-day stretch, the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Fest brings this medium-sized city wall-to-wall big city talent from across the globe. Headliners at the glorious Eastman Theatre, the Club Series making use of every viable hall in the East End neighborhood, and free shows filling the streets with sound; it’s a music lover’s paradise. With so much to see and hear, and only two eyes and two ears with which to take it all in, decisions must be made. Hit this, not that. But what? Well, that’s why we’re here. Here again we have compiled must-see acts for every type of fan. No matter what tune you’re singing as you stroll down Jazz Street, there’s something for you. Don’t forget to check out our tips for the best way to enjoy your time at the Rochester Jazz Fest.


    “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing”
    Are you more of a traditionalist? You’ll want to be at these sets:

    Miguel Zenon
    Puerto-Rican saxophonist Zenon is a Grammy winner and a Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow. He brings his longtime quartet and the music from his fantastic new release, Tipico, which blends his Latin roots and adventurous hard bop for a sound that can be reminiscent of Horace Silver, with more than a few unexpected turns.
    June 26, Kilbourn Hall    , 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $35 or Club Pass

    Billy Childs Quartet
    Previously seen on a XRIJF stage as the pianist in Chris Botti’s band, Childs brings his own quartet this year, playing from his own impressive songbook. Perhaps he will throw in a Laura Nyro cover or two from his Reimagining Laura Nyro record, but more likely the set will lean heavily on his superb 2017 release, Rebirth.
    June 24, Kilbourn Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $35 or Club Pass

    4 By Monk By 4
    Four piano masters celebrating the works of a trailblazer and legend of jazz, Thelonious Monk. Kenny Barron, Benny Green, George Cables and Cyrus Chestnut will combine forces to do the man justice, playing together in various combinations. This has the all the makings of a special night of music.
    June 29, Lyric Theatre, 4:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass
    June 30, Kilbourn Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $35 or Club Pass

    Also make time for…
    Kendrick Scott Oracle
    June 27, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Hot Club of Cowtown
    June 28, Big Tent, 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.;$30 or Club Pass


    “It don’t mean a thang if it ain’t got that twang”
    In the, well this ain’t jazz category, here are some acts for the lovers of the tried and true roots and Americana tradition.

    The Jerry Douglas Band
    The unquestioned best dobro player around, Douglas might best be known these days for his work in Alison Krauss’ band, but he has been kicking around in the newgrass scene since it’s inception. He’ll be with his new band previewing his new album What If, which is out in mid-August.
    June 24, City of Rochester East Ave and Chestnut Street Stage, 9 p.m.; FREE

    John Paul White
    White found great success as the male half of the much acclaimed folk duo, The Civil Wars. Moving on from that project, White returned to his solo roots, plumbing the depths of Americana for his second solo effort, Buelah, released last year.
    June 25, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    The Dustbowl Revival
    An eight-piece that combines bluegrass, gospel, New Orleans swing and blues, they are no mere string revival band, mixing in some brass to throw it all for a unique loop.
    June 29, Montage Music Hall, 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also make time for…
    Jack Broadbent
    June 25, Montage Music Hall, 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Lera Lynn
    June 26, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30p.m.; $30 or Club Pass


    “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got six strings”
    The festival has an unusually strong slate of guitar slingers this year.

    Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan
    If the Jazz Fest existed for the singular purpose of getting Frisell to Rochester every couple of years it would be well worth it. Your favorite guitar player’s favorite guitar player, he is returning for his seventh festival. Every time he brings a different band and it never disappoints. This year he is presenting a duo set with bassist Thomas Morgan.
    June 25, Kilbourn Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $35 or Club Pass

    Matthew Stevens
    A major contributor to the sound behind Esperanza Spalding’s standout 2016 hit Emily’s D+Evolution, Stevens is out with a stunning brain melter of an album of his own this year, Preverbal. Angular and adventurous, you’re in for a thrilling ride at these sets.
    July 1, Wilder Room    , 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Eric Krasno
    The guitarist for jamband and XRIJF veterans Soulive, Krasno returns for a set with his own band. He has mixed in more rock and blues to the funk and soul, and even added vocals to the repertoire, but there’ll still be plenty of improvisation to go around.
    June 30, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also make time for…
    Charlie Hunter Trio
    June 27, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    International Orange
    July 1, The Little Theatre, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

     
    “It don’t mean a thing if I ain’t moving my thing”
    If you want to move while you listen, these are the acts that will have the crowd out of their chairs and on their feet. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes.

    St. Paul and the Broken Bones
    Paul Janeway, an energetic singer with an electric and unique voice, leads this eight-piece soul band that turns heads wherever they go, wherever they’re heard. The streets will be a sea of dancers when they unleash music from their latest, Sea of Noise.
    June 23, City of Rochester East Ave and Chestnut Street Stage, 9 p.m.; FREE

    The Nth Power
    Soulful groove and dance music from a group borne from a late-night jam session at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, this is a young band quickly making a name for themselves for their electrifying live shows.
    June 23, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Electric Kif
    Another energetic soulful quartet, this Miami band started as a side project for the members but quickly grew into something special and lasting.
    June 28, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also make time for…
    Huntertones
    June 23, Montage Music Hall, 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
    June 24, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass for either venue

    New Breed Brass Band
    June 26, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
    June 27, Montage Music Hall, 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.    ; $30 or Club Pass for either venue


    “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that sing”
    If you want some vocals with your jazz, check out these shows.

    Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
    Scott Bradlee invited different musicians to play today’s popular music in specific classic styles and quickly grew his concept into a YouTube sensation. Be prepared to hear familiar songs as you’ve never heard them before. It makes for a truly unique and exciting live performance like you’ve never seen before. Browse the endless string of videos at his web site and you’ll get the idea fairly quickly.
    June 27, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 8 p.m.; $45 – $85

    Mavis Staples
    One of the few true living legends featured at this year’s festival, Mavis Staples is an American treasure that is still making new and relevant music. If you’re looking for some soul and gospel, accept no substitute.
    June 28, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 8 p.m.; $25 – $65

    Eivor
    As long as you’re in a church, you may as well listen to a voice from the heavens. From Norway’s Faroe Islands, Eivor will do nothing if not mystify you.
    June 24, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also make time for…
    Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People
    June 29, City of Rochester Midtown Stage, 7:00 p.m.; FREE

    Youn Sun Nah
    June 29, Harro East Ballroom, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass


    “It don’t mean a thung if it ain’t fresh and young”
    People have been calling for the death of jazz for decades, but the youth keep reinvigorating the genre. Check out these younger acts to keep hip to what’s new. But if you want to catch the youngest talent, plan to catch some of the school bands gracing the Jazz Street stage throughout the festival.

    Phronesis
    This piano trio is making a very welcome return to the XRIJF lineup. The London Jazz News sums them up nicely: “established as one of the great trios. Three players, moving as one – head, heart and hands.”
    June 29, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Neil Cowley Trio
    Like Phronesis, another brilliant British piano trio making their Jazz Fest return. These guys lean more heavily on the hook-laden melodies, adding a pop and rock sensibility to their compositions.
    June 24, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Donny McCaslin Group
    The band behind David Bowie’s universally-lauded final album, Blackstar, this is jazz highly influenced and informed by that experience.
    July 1, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also make time for…
    Binker and Moses
    June 30, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Jacob Collier
    June 23, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30p.m.; $30 or Club Pass


    “Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah”
    And now for something a little different. When you invite bands from around the world you can get into some interesting and adventurous stuff.

    Shabaka and the Ancestors
    London-ite Shabaka Hutchens put together this ensemble of South African musicians, which recorded one of the most thrilling new records of 2016, The Wisdom of Elders. Spiritual afrocentric jazz that is equal parts soul-stirring and soul-soothing, in the vein of Coltrane or Sun Ra.
    June 25, Harro East Ballroom, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Dakha Brakha
    This Ukrainian quartet plays music from another side of the world. Unusual, both visually and aurally, but quickly familiar and enjoyable, they blend tribal rhythms, chant-like singing and an odd mix of instruments into an infectious melting-pot of sound. This set will have Jazz Street talking.
    June 29, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Dinosaur
    Led by trumpeter Laura Jurd, this young quartet plays creative instrumental music that rests in the crux of jazz, rock, electronic and funk.
    June 26, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also make time for…
    Klabbesbank
    June 28, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Ikonostasis
    June 26, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    See the full lineup and all of the festival details at RochesterJazz.com.

  • Woodhenge Music, Art and Sustainability Festival 2017 Announced

    Off the grid sustainable community, Woodhenge, has announced its first Woodhenge Music, Art, and Sustainability Festival, located in Adams Center near the Adirondacks, the community will host the festival on June 23-25, 2017.

    The three day event features a diverse mix of music genres including rock, jam, jazz, reggae, bluegrass, electronic, and funk, and features over 20 artist including Formula 5, Space Carnival, Root Shock, Intrepid Travelers, Lord Electro, Jiggawaltz and Drumadics.

    Fans will have the privilege to explore each morning the 60+ acres of nature and trails the area has to offer, along with yoga and workshops focused on how to live mortgage free, creating a sustainable lifestyle, optimal nutrition, and how to build with recycled materials. The event itself will be held in a field, between the village’s garden and orchard.

    In 1997, James and Krista Juczak, created the eco/self reliance village known as Woodhenge. The mortgage free community is set in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains along the outskirts of a large forest, complete with a stream and waterfall set between a pond and an orchard. The off the grid solar and wind powered sustainable community practices upcycling, using environmentally friendly materials along with alternative building techniques.

    The village grows and cans most of their own fruits, berries, nuts and vegetables in their community garden and raises their own ducks and honey bees for honey and eggs. The community also hosts several workshops throughout the year on building a tiny house, living off the grid, and renewable energy.

    Known as the “King of Scrounge,” Juczak took 5 years to build his 3000 square foot home, set on 50 acres, out of recycled material including beams salvaged from an old bowling alley, and a two-story concrete column made out of scrapped manholes. Windows, doors, sinks, tubs, and other items were bought cheap, or salvaged for free from renovated buildings. The mortar holding the walls is made from 80% paper sludge waste from a nearby mill. The other 20% is made of masonry cement. Juczak has also buried a 10,000 gallon fuel tank used as a guest home buried into the side of a hill.

    Woodhenge has also hosted other music festivals in the past including Summer Solstice Campout in 2016, and the Halloween Costume Fiesta.

    Fans who purchase full weekend passes to the festival online will save some cash. The online pass costs $50 for all three days, and $60 at the gate on Friday, June 23. Other passes range between $20-$40. Camping is available in the field, and in the forest close by.

  • Mountain of Youth: The 5th Annual Susquehanna Breakdown Recap

    “And they’re off!” On Friday, May 19 the gates lifted in Scranton, Pennsylvania and campers raced to grab the flattest and grassiest space on the The Pavilion Lawn at Montage Mountain.  They were not there for the 142nd Preakness Stakes, which traditionally takes place in Maryland every third Saturday in May, but instead were celebrating a new bluegrass tradition, the 5th annual Susquehanna Breakdown. Some attendees dressed in jockey-like colors and patterns with ridiculous hats and clothing combinations.  Others wore graphic t-shirts splattered with band names like Cabinet, Umphrey’s Mcgee, Greensky Bluegrass and Phish.  By the beginning of the first set at 6:30pm, one thing was clear… everyone was there to place their bets on a winning weekend.

    The Dishonest Fiddlers, orchestrated by founder Dave Brown, are a Scranton local bluegrass act that switches up the bill every time they perform.  The lightweight and easy listening bluegrass invited campers to put down their tent poles and join in the music at the smaller “Breakdown Stage.”  Breakdowners were delighted to discover that Cabinet’s own fiddle player, Todd Kopec, was sitting in during the festival’s opening act.  The Dishonest Fiddler’s performance marked the first of many expected Cabinet sit-ins over the weekend, but that comes as no surprise as the festival is named after one of their songs!  Next up on the bill was the American-festival veteran Keller Williams.  It is hard to think of the word “bluegrass” or just “grass” in general and not think of the pumpkin pie hair-cutted freak bouncing around stage barefoot from instrument to instrument.  Once you have seen one Keller show, you have seen them all, but that doesn’t stop anyone from attending.  Keller Williams got his start in parking lots playing to the energetic crowds that gathered before the main attraction, The Grateful Dead.  For over 20 years, he has been marching to the beat of his own drum, guitar, synth and whatever else he decides to bring on stage.  The completely improvised sets travel through space and time reminiscent of a spun-out music junky that can’t decide which radio station to listen to as they station hop.  Keller closed his roots-filled funky set with a cover of Marian Hill’s “Down,” which lyrically is the most genius song to kick off a festival.  If you hate on modern pop music, give this one a listen.

    As the sun finally disappeared on Day 1 of the festival, the audience was treated to more Keller Williams for the first semi-official Cabinet set of the weekend entitled “Keller & Cabinet.”  Launching into the bluegrass traditional tune, “My Grass Is Blue,” got the fans boppin’ and air pickin’ before a cover of “Float On” by Modest Mouse.  As more and more non-camping 2-day-pass holders made their way into the venue, the atmosphere began to feel less like a backyard BBQ and more like a full-fledged festival.  The communal body heat kept everyone warm as “Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow” served as a reminder that Montage Mountain was home for the next 36 hours.  It wouldn’t be Night 1 of a festival without some minor technical difficulties.  After three minutes of tinkering, the stage was back on track and Cabinet allowed Keller to take the wheel for his originals, “Alligator Alley” and “Sing for My Dinner.”  Before the final track of the collaborative set, Keller commented that he wanted to do a reggae version of the upcoming tune but Cabinet insisted on playing it fast.  Much like Ricky Bobby in Talledega Nights, they wanted to go fast, and fast they went through Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.”  Ironically enough, ambulance lights flickered through the crowd during the Winehouse cover as the first festival attendee maybe had too much too fast. Members of the crowd looked on in hopes that this would be the one and only emergency rescue of the weekend.

    On a brighter note, Cabinet came out swinging for their first major set of the weekend, tackling their catalog of reggae, bluegrass, roots and rock.  “The Smile” breezed into the first slot as the symbolic greeting tune of the evening.  “Hey Baby” gave Mickey Coviello’s guitar and Pappy Biondo’s banjo some focus in the spotlight and afterward they modestly commented it was “groovy as all hell.”  Pappy was once again the center of attention during their rendition of “Diamond Joe.” Building the song up with some fantastic peaks and valleys via JP Biondo’s mandolin and Todd Kopec’s fiddle, the 6-piece band transformed the poetic country tune into a jam-grass meltdown.  The “Diamond Joe” lyrics feature horses, betrayal and payback which are central themes in many old-timey tunes and Cabinet made this timeless piece their own to showcase their talent during this set.  The band mentioned that the crowd size was much larger compared to years past and I took it as a sign of festival growth, strength and some perfect weather.  The friendly fireside vibe of the Cabinet set was not complete without a singalong and “Pine Billy” served as a fitting choice.  The “way up on a mountain” lyrics got extra howls as families and friends belted out “Pine Billy” during the second half the short set.  “Sunday 60 Breakdown” finished off the set and the crowd significantly thinned as their beloved Cabinet went to get some rest before a big Day 2.

    The evening was not over yet as late night funk trio Organ Freeman treated the mountain to an ass shaking dance party.  Drummer Rob Humphreys, organist Trevor Steer and Erik Carlson on guitar answered the age-old question “Won’t you take me to Funkytown?”    For those in attendance looking for poppy instrumental jazz or experimental and danceable funk, they found it right off the bat with “We’re On Our Way.”  The band tested out several new songs during their set and considering most in the audience didn’t know the names to their originals anyway, it was all new and exciting to us.  The first cover came in the form of Stanton Moore Trio’s “Pie Eyed Manc.”  It was clear that Moore’s sound has a strong influence on Organ Freeman as they worked their layered grooves into every jam they went into.  My one critique is that at 1:30 in the morning, instrumental jazz begins to all sound the same.  As many non-campers such as myself began exiting the venue, it was incredible to clearly hear the echoes of funk during the entire walk back to the parking area thanks to mountain’s valley walls, which acted as natural amplifiers.  The successful first night of music was complete and the main attraction was only hours away.  The Breakdowners were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of mandolins played in their heads.

    CABINET FRIDAY NIGHT SETLIST:

    A Smile, Treat Me So Bad, Hey Baby, Diamond Joe, Mysterio, Eleanor, The Dove %, Pine Billy, Sunday 60 Breakdown

    % Brief Power Failure occurred twice during The Dove

    KELLER WILLIAMS SETLIST:

    My Grass is Blue, Float On*, Ripped 6 Pack, Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow, AGWT Reprise (post Power Failure), Alligator Alley, The Tower, Sing For My Dinner, Rehab **
    * Modest Mouse Cover ** Amy Winehouse Cover  (Setlist credit: Rich Stoler)

    ORGAN FREEMAN SETLIST:
    We’re On Our Way, (New Track 1), Only If You Mean It, Putin And I Get Along Fantastic, Life’s A Bench, Reptile Moonshine, Pie Eyed Manc*, Change For A Nickel, The Green Green Grapes, You Said You Quit Drinkin’, (New Track 2), Verve, Byrd vs Fish, (New Track 3), Go By Richard, Not By Dick  ENCORE: Hit The Ground Running, Come out Swinging
    *- Stanton Moore Trio

  • Plentiful Pineapples, Disc Golf and Late Night Sets: Disc Jam 2017 Is Upon Us

    Next week, all walks of festival life will be welcomed into the pineapple ridden, lush meadows of Stephentown, NY–the stomping grounds for Disc Jam 2017, just as it has been for the last two years.

    For the last seven years, jam, electronic and funk fans have flocked to the Northeast to enjoy a smaller-scale celebration of music, and this year it’s from June 8-11 at Gardner’s Farm. That’s not to say it’s small when it comes to heart. Disc Jam has gathered exponentially growing festival goers each year in operation, whether it took place in its starting location of Massachusetts or where it sits now, just 40 minutes from New York’s state capital.

    Nestled in an cozy location just over the border of Massachusetts and its original festival grounds, Disc Jam is easily accessible and hours away from larger cities like Albany, NYC, Hartford, Providence and Boston. The Northeast can effortlessly swarm to a flat, perfectly sized area to catch their favorite musicians across four stages, all while staying in close quarters to camp sites, vendors, artists and the side-by-side main stages. Remaining a tight-knit event with around 4,000 attendees last year, the festival still brings a larger-than-life mentality to the forefront of its stages. Along with booking popular acts in the scene, he crafts unique daily lineups with late night sets, silent discos and mesmerizing moves provided the talented flow tribe, helping you get into a groove of your own.

    This year, be on the lookout for a number of New York groups coming from all corners of the Empire State. By now, we all know not to miss the heavy hitters like Brooklynites Turkuaz, NYC trio Consider the Source and Oyster Bay’s TAUK. Be sure to lend your time to catching Giant Guerilla Dub Squad, Aqueous, Teddy Midnight, The Other Brothers, Chromatropic and Sophistafunk as well as the Capital Region’s own Mister F, Lord Electro, Wild Adriatic and Formula 5, who now comfortably hold their own in the middle of the jam pack. Before you know it, these are the names that could one day headline Disc Jam and your other favorite summer fests–jump in on the early stages of their careers and enjoy the journey from day one.

    Last year’s highlights included a Radiohead set by Consider the Source and fans can expect big talent from the enlightening, NYC based trio again with two sets– one being a two hour acoustic set from 2:00am-4:00am.  SO if you happened to be passed out in your tent, hooping fearlessly into the night or checking out the cows on site, you have a chance to redeem yourself and see the magic that is Consider the Source after hours.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qjdeniyk2U

    Remaining a faithful headliner, Dopapod has topped the bill each year since the fest’s birth. Fans only have one complaint: they’re not playing two sets. Although it’s something they’ve done on past bills, the Boston-born quartet will instead jet over to Colorado for a gig the very next day, which can only lead one to imagine what stops they’ll pull out for Dopafans in Stephentown.

    On the bill for the second time, Pink Talking Fish brings their tantalizing Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish covers to the Disc Jam stage. The multi-talented group has gained such expedient notoriety over the years; they rank among the best cover bands in the scene. In 2016, an impromptu “bachelor party” for keyboardist Richard James broke out with Hayley Jane leading a band of ladies on stage, appropriately dancing to “White Wedding” and circling him with dance moves and leopard print garments. Both James and Hayley Jane, who recently signed on to be managed by PTF’s Eric Gould, will be back this year with their respective bands, ready to surprise audiences with hidden tricks up their sleeves.

    If it’s your first fest of the year, you may want to take this week to dig out and wash your cooler that I can only bet smells like last summer’s festivities. Round up the troops and pre-game with the Spotify playlist below.  Disc Jam starts in one week!

    Check out daily schedules, vendors, parking information and more here.

  • Lockn’ Announces Special Guests and New Layout

    Lockn’ Festival recently announced several special guests making appearances and collaborations, including Bob Weir joining the Avett Brothers and Ann Wilson of Heart joining Gov’t Mule. The 2017 festival will also feature an improved layout, allowing for better sight lines and easier access to food and other amenities from the campsites.

    Attendees at this year’s Lockn’ Festival, now in its fifth year, will notice a change to the layout. The central venue now encompasses both the main stage and the Blue Ridge Bowl, allowing for improved sight lines and easier access to non-stop music throughout the weekend. The new layout allows for easier access to the food, drink, and merchandise vendors, as well as more efficient entrance and exit from the campgrounds.

    In addition to the layout changes, this year’s Lockn’ features an expanded Garcia’s Forest, which will include a full size replica of Terrapin Station. The iconic porch will feature nightly musical performances from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Midnight North and the Nicole Atkins Band. There will be additional morning performances, dubbed “Piano on the Porch,” by Melvin Seals, Holly Bowling, Danny Louis and others.

    The festival lineup includes several high profile collaborations and special guests. The headlining set is a performance by Phil Lesh and Bob Weir with the Terrapin Family Band joined by Nicki Bluhm. They will play the 1977 Grateful Dead album Terrapin Station in its entirety. Weir also joins the Avett Brothers, who make their Lockn’ debut this year. Ann Wilson of Heart teams up with Gov’t Mule. Moonalice will feature special guest Jorma Kaukonen.

    Lockn’ takes place Aug. 24 to 27 in Arrington, Virginia. Tickets for the festival are on sale now.

  • Get Ready for Second Annual IT Fest with Intrepid Travelers!

    Founded on friendship, fun and a sense of freedom. Intrepid Travelers are a quartet based in Buffalo that defines itself through boundless improvisation and eclectic evolution. 2017 has been a huge year for the band. Touring relentlessly around the United States from coast to coast, the fellas in IT have been redefining the limitations of improvisational music, and have their own fest. Be sure to check them out at Summer Camp if you are there this weekend.

    A little bit about IT:   Two days and two nights including Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10. Entrance to the festival will cost you just $20. The festival is held on the beautiful private property of Josh Skowronski in Alden, NY. Enter at the green gate on South Blossom Lea Drive. This is an all weather event. Parking and camping are included upon entry. The Land itself is 14 gorgeous acres with hiking trails and the beautiful Cayuga Creek. There will be an array of food and drink vendors on site. Intrepid Travelers will play three sets over the two days. One on Friday and two on Saturday. Saturday night’s set will feature live painting from various Buffalo artists. Music ends at 10pm each night.

    IT Fest’s mission is to showcase local talent across Western New York. This year will feature fire performer Asha Ashwell on Friday and Saturday night. Saturday morning will feature a yoga class with Ashley Strazzella. Saturday afternoon will also feature a Kan Jam tournament, a hoop class, a workshop on mysticism, spirituality, public health and tarot card readings! Their goal for the weekend is to create a temporary community in which the arts are brought to the forefront in unison with nature. After the music ends each night there will be a massive campfire. Bring your instruments for the campfire jams. More information here.

    I’ll leave you with a message from Josh & Intrepid Travelers:

    “The band and I look forward to having you share in the special event with us. See you at the Land.”

    * Please no fireworks, illegal substances or unauthorized vending*

  • Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals to Host Non-Profits

    The legendary Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals will host a formal non-profits village for the first time since their foundings in the 1950s. Non-profit organizations from Rhode Island and the surrounding states will be part of the “Participation Row” social action village at both festivals.

    The Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival will make it easier for attendees to make a positive impact on the community through Participation Row. Organized by Headcount, Participation Row will feature several non-profit organizations focused on environmental protection, health and civic participation. Each organization will feature a specific action attendees can take to better the world around them and help the festivals make a positive impact on the community. Headcount is currently accepting applications for Participation Row.

    In addition to Participation Row, Headcount, who has had a presence at Newport Folk Festival for nearly a decade, will host a silent auction to benefit the participating organizations.

    The Newport Folk Festival takes place July 28 to 30 at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. Performers include the Fleet Foxes, Wilco, John Prine, Regina Spektor, American Acoustic (Punch Brothers, I’m With Her and Julian Lage), the Drive-By Truckers and Alone & Together (Kevin Morby, Sam Cohen, Eric D. Johnson of the Fruit Bats, Joe Russo and Josh Kaufman). Tickets for the festival are sold out, but the organizers setup an official fan ticket exchange.

    The Newport Jazz Festival takes place Aug. 4 to 6 also at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. The festival features headliners Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Snarky Puppy and The Roots. Other performers include Maceo Parker, the Branford Marsalis Quartet, Rhiannon Giddens, Hudson (Jack DeJohnette, Larry Grenadier, John Medeski and John Scofield), Philadelphia Experiment (Questlove, Christian McBride and Uri Caine), John Medeski on solo piano and D.J. Logic’s Project Logic. Tickets are available now for $170 for a three-day pass or $145 for a two-day Saturday and Sunday pass. Single-day tickets are also available for $65 for Friday and $79 for Saturday or Sunday. The Newport Jazz Festival offers a special student ticket for $20 each day for students ages 16 and older with a valid student ID.

    Headcount is currently accepting applications for Participation Row for both festivals.

  • Summer Camp Music Festival Returns for 17th Installment this weekend

    Music Festival season gets underway across the country in May, and Summer Camp Music Festival has made a mark for being a destination event in the Midwest. Umphrey’s McGee, moe., Trey Anastasio Band, Pretty Lights Live and dozens more can be seen this weekend, May 25-28 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL. New York State artists Aqueous, Break Science, Eric Krasno Band, Escort, Turkuaz, Intrepid Travelers, Wild Adriatic, and of course moe., will perform at the four-day festival, now in its 17th year.

    Summer Camp has a lot going on, making it tough to see it all, but far from overwhelming like mega-concerts and nowhere near the dumpster fire that is/was Fyre Festival. Check out the full schedule here, or create your own on the Summer Camp app (highly recommended).

    Listen to your Counselors!

    You should listen to your counselors. Seriously, these are the pros who know Summer Camp inside and out. They’re the best resource for Scampers of all ages and experience levels. Read the handbook, which covers virtually every detail and question about the festival, and if you still have questions, join the Facebook group where you can find answers to virtually any question that may arise over the weekend.

    When it comes to camping, unless you’re in an RV, NYS Music recommends the field between Sunshine and Camping (Area D in the map above). Why? Because you are proximate to five stages—Sunshine, Starshine, Vibe Tent, Camping and Soulshine Tent (very underrated, even late at night)—and although there is no shade, you’ll love being able to catch a set of music while chilling between sets of music. The Woods are a solid option as well if you have a smaller set up, but fear not—the sprawling area in the woods is one of the coolest areas to walk through at any festival, night or day.

    And while you are at Summer Camp, Make a Difference! there are so many ways to leave Three Sisters Park better than how you found it; clean up trash, cigarette butts, bring a reusable water bottle, recycle your waste and check out the Soulshine Tent to find ways to bring some of that positive energy from Summer Camp back home with you.

    Then, of course, what do you do when you want to relive a little bit of Summer Camp from your youth? You participate in Field Day! Yes, Field Day is an annual tradition at Summer Camp, one that has a rightful place in the history of the festival. Started in 2011, the annual event takes the cake as the most unique and most fun non-musical component of Summer Camp. Sign up online, and the first 100 get a free team bandana on Friday from noon–1 p.m. at the Vibe Tent. Come back Saturday at 3 p.m. and participate in capture the flag, arm wrestling, spelling bee, banana eating contest and much more, with a Champions ceremony at noon Sunday. Field Day is open to all, the smack talk is free and it has become a growing event everyone should check out, whether as spectator or participant.

    The Field Day staff shared a little insight into why you should take part in Field Day:

    The number-one reason why people should sign up is because of the amount of awesome people you’ll meet doing so, especially myself Ashley Pardy. What keeps me coming back is all of the memories, and the Red Team wins. I mean would you leave a team that has won almost every year?” – Ashley Pardy

    “You will meet amazing people, laugh your ass off and drink free beer. Participating in one of the many cool activities at Summer Camp will make your festival experience unique beyond just seeing shows.”
    – Jessica Coughlin

    “Bragging rights.” –  Elizabeth Cox

    What memories of past years keep these wonderful staff keep coming back, year after year?

    I come back year after year because the people are so amazing. Favorite memory is Sheppy nearly getting arrested by some serious looking state troopers for defacing an American flag, while simultaneously being hoisted on our shoulders raising the red flag after yet another contested victory.”
    – Anthony Piccirilli (Shep talked his way out of it and the cop came to our keg party.)

    “Mud Tug-o-War, Drunken Spelling Bees, Sheppy drunken walks with the cup.” – Elizabeth Cox

    “Drunken Spelling Bees.” – Anthony Piccirilli

    And while sunrise kickball isn’t an official activity, it has been the unofficial opening ceremony of the games for six years now. This is one of the highlights of Summer Camp; at 5:30 a.m. come to the Sunshine Stage for a game of kickball with faithful fans led by Ryan Stasik. There will be trampolines, bacon at second base and no apparent rules; it is the most beautiful and absurd shit-show ever witnessed, and one worth staying up for!

    There you have it; NYS Music gives you the ins and outs of Summer Camp 2017. Make sure to follow us all weekend on Twitter and Instagram to live vicariously if you can’t make the trip to the Midwest.